bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Men’s sheds: the perceived health and wellbeing benefits
Authors: Crabtree Lois , Tinker Anthea , Glaser Karen
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore older men’s perceptions of the health and wellbeing benefits of participating in men’s sheds.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative semi-structured interviews with eight men aged 65 and over from men’s sheds in London. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed by hand, and analysis was conducted through coding of the transcripts.

Findings

The results of this study suggested that men’s sheds improved older men’s perceived level of social interaction, men’s outlook, led to self-reported improvements in depression, and all perceived themselves to be fitter since joining. Despite the research being conducted in an urban area, it highlighted the lack of prior community engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size used in the research was small and may not be representative of other men’s sheds in different areas, therefore further research with a larger sample should be conducted.

Practical implications

A health policy dedicated to males which includes the promotion and funding of men’s sheds, such as in Ireland, should be considered by the government. In addition, clinical commissioning groups should recognise men’s sheds as a non-clinical alternative for their patients through social prescribing in general practice. Finally, in order to achieve the World Health Organisation initiative of creating “age friendly cities” community groups such as men’s sheds need to be promoted and further utilised.

Originality/value

There has been little research in the UK.
The Rise of Digital Justice: Courtroom Technology, Public Participation and Access to Justice
Authors: Donoghue Jane
Published: November 2017

This article addresses a little discussed yet fundamentally important aspect of legal technological transformation: the rise of digital justice in the courtroom. Against the backdrop of the government's current programme of digital court modernisation in England and Wales, it examines the implications of advances in courtroom technology for fair and equitable public participation, and access to justice. The article contends that legal reforms have omitted any detailed consideration of the type and quality of citizen participation in newly digitised court processes which have fundamental implications for the legitimacy and substantive outcomes of court‐based processes; and for enhancing democratic procedure through improved access to justice. It is argued that although digital court tools and systems offer great promise for enhancing efficiency, participation and accessibility, they simultaneously have the potential to amplify the scope for injustice, and to attenuate central principles of the legal system, including somewhat paradoxically, access to justice.
Taking Life and Liberty Seriously: Reconsidering Criminal Liability Under Article 2 of the ECHR
Authors: Mavronicola Natasa
Published: November 2017

What is the relationship between the right to life and criminal liability, and what should it be, given the significance we rightly attribute both to human life and to human freedom? This article explores the circumstances in which the European Court of Human Rights imposes a positive obligation to criminalise and pursue criminal forms of redress, and concludes that the Court's doctrine carries the potential of both coercive overreach and dilution of the right to life itself. These problems are compounded by opacity in the Court's doctrine. I propose a way forward that takes both the right to life and human freedom seriously.
Why Is the Equal Merit Principle (Almost) Straightforwardly Wrong?
Authors: Gyorfi Tamas
Published: November 2017

This article challenges the ‘Equal Merit Principle’, introduced to the judicial appointment process by the Crime and Courts Act 2013. The author argues that this principle does not take diversity seriously enough and none of its possible justifications stand up to close scrutiny. The author also claims that the doctrine that judges should be appointed solely on the basis of merit is either wrong, for the very same reasons as the Equal Merit Principle, or rather uninformative because it fails to give sufficient guidance to those who select judges.
The Governance of Blockchain Financial Networks
Authors: Paech Philipp
Published: November 2017

Since the emergence of the virtual currency Bitcoin in 2009, a new, Internet‐based way of recording entitlements and enforcing rights has increasingly captured the interest of businesses and governments. The technology is commonly called ‘blockchain’ and is often associated with a closely related phenomenon, the ‘smart contract’. The market is now exploring ways of using these concepts for financial assets, such as securities, fiat money and derivative contracts. This article develops a conceptual framework for the governance of blockchain‐based networks in financial markets. It constructs a vision of how financial regulation and private law should set the boundaries of this new technology in order to protect market participants and societies at large, while at the same time allowing the necessary room for innovation.
The Conservative Project to ‘Break the Link between British Courts and Strasbourg’: Rhetoric or Reality?
Authors: Fenwick Helen , Masterman Roger
Published: November 2017

The Conservative party has repeatedly pledged to replace the HRA with a British Bill of Rights, with the aim of ‘breaking the link’ between domestic courts and Strasbourg. This article examines the implications of this proposal, the nature of the current relationship with the European Court, and the extent to which the link has already been weakened. It considers the bases of the Conservative proposal, and the options available in breaking that link in a Bill of Rights, taking account of the potential introduction of limitation clauses and the possibility of according Strasbourg judgments against the UK an advisory status only. Finally, taking account of the European Court's recent movement towards ‘enhanced’ subsidiarity, it will examine the consequences for the protection of human rights of reliance on a Bill of Rights intended to be interpreted and applied independently of Strasbourg influence.
Out of Many, One? Strasbourg's Ibrahim Decision on Article 6
Authors: Goss Ryan
Published: November 2017

This case comment considers the European Court of Human Rights decision of Ibrahim v United Kingdom on 13 September 2016. Relying on Salduz v Turkey, the applicants claimed, largely unsuccessfully, that denial of access to a lawyer during police questioning, and subsequent admission into evidence of statements made in the course of that questioning, violated fair trial rights protected by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The comment suggests that the decision's unusually emphatic statements about Article 6's ‘internal structure’ have consequences for assessing violations in future applications. Further, the decision creates greater room for public interest balancing in Article 6 cases. The decision may thus undermine the Article 6 guarantees.
Creating an Environment for Economic Growth: Creativity, Entrepreneurship or Human Capital?
Authors: Faggian Alessandra , Partridge Mark , Malecki Edward J.
Published: November 2017

Scholars and policymakers interested in the growth and prosperity of regions have long recognized that talent and knowledge are fundamental. Yet the question is what types of talent are needed in a growing twenty‐first‐century economy: human capital, creativity and innovation, or entrepreneurship? The latter we define broadly to include any type of risk taking, and not only radical innovation. The literature does not clearly point to one factor as being the most essential. This study assesses this question separately for rural and urban United States (US) counties. We find that human capital––measured by educational attainment––is considerably more conducive to employment growth than the share of creative occupations. Likewise, the share of small and medium businesses is also very conducive to local growth, although this does not apply to the self‐employment share. Rural and urban areas experience similar patterns, although the magnitude thereof tends to be larger for urban counties, whereas high‐technology employment share has had a positive effect in rural areas. Policy conclusions suggest that enhancing small business development and increasing educational attainment are the two strategies that are most likely to succeed.
Patient‐Centered Medical Home Implementation and Improved Chronic Disease Quality: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Rosland Ann‐Marie , Wong Edwin , Maciejewski Matthew , Zulman Donna , Piegari Rebecca , Fihn Stephan , Nelson Karin
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine associations between clinics’ extent of patient‐centered medical home (PCMH) implementation and improvements in chronic illness care quality.

Data Source

Data from 808 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) primary care clinics nationwide implementing the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) PCMH initiative, begun in 2010.

Design

Clinic‐level longitudinal observational study of clinics that received training and resources to implement PACT. Clinics varied in the extent they had PACT components in place by 2012.

Data Collection

Clinical care quality measures reflecting intermediate outcomes and care processes related to coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, and hypertension care were collected by manual chart review at each VHA facility from 2009 to 2013.

Findings

In adjusted models containing 808 clinics, the 77 clinics with the most PACT components in place had significantly larger improvements in five of seven chronic disease intermediate outcome measures (e.g., BP < 160/100 in diabetes), ranging from 1.3 percent to 5.2 percent of the patient population meeting measures, and two of eight process measures (HbA1c measurement, LDL measurement in CAD) than the 69 clinics with the least PACT components. Clinics with moderate levels of PACT components showed few significantly larger improvements than the lowest PACT clinics.

Conclusions

Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics with the most PCMH components in place in 2012 had greater improvements in several chronic disease quality measures in 2009–2013 than the lowest PCMH clinics.
Achieving SDG 6: water resources sustainability in Caribbean Small Island Developing States through improved water governance
Authors: Mycoo Michelle A.
Published: November 2017

Scientific findings confirm that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean are experiencing droughts and sea level rises that are contributing to saline intrusion of underground aquifers and surface water sources. This paper, using Trinidad as a case study, analyses water governance challenges in meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which addresses the sustainability of water resources. Interviews were conducted with professionals from multi‐disciplinary backgrounds. Also, data provided by the water agency were analysed to evaluate water governance practices. The main contribution of this paper is the generation of a blend of policies, good practices and tools to confront growing threats to water security and to attain sustainable development in Caribbean SIDS in an era of climate change and increasing non‐climatic stressors. The paper concludes that economic, environmental and human resources, reformed administrative and legislative systems, and technological tools are fundamental to achieving good water governance. Moreover, an array of complementary policies and technologies is needed to resolve water governance issues. However, political will to implement sustainable water resources management is the greatest challenge in attaining SDG 6.
Standing out from the crowd: Spotting your targets in a mixed plankton sample
Authors: Harada Alice E. , Burton Ronald S.
Published: November 2017

The diversity of marine organisms is staggering, and this fact is readily appreciated by microscopic examination of the contents of a plankton net after a short tow across the ocean surface. Although this diversity is beautiful, it can present a significant problem for those seeking to extract information about a single species of interest. Enumeration of the eggs and larvae of a specific target species can provide a quantitative window into reproductive dynamics that are of great use for fisheries stock assessment and management. But how do you efficiently sort through the mass of plankton and identify target species’ eggs and larvae that may be morphologically indistinguishable from those of a number of other local species? In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Oxley et al. () describe an innovative in situ hybridization (ISH) approach that successfully solves this important problem and opens an exciting new avenue to ichthyoplankton analysis that may be widely adopted by both fish ecologists and fisheries managers.
History of the worldwide emergence of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Burns Jane C.
Published: November 2017

Dr. Kawasaki saw his first case of the disease that would come to bear his name in 1961. His meticulous description of the clinical syndrome persists as the case definition to the present day. This review chronicles the emergence and recognition of Kawasaki disease in Asia and Western countries and articulates the old disease/new disease controversy.
The genetics of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Onouchi Yoshihiro
Published: November 2017

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a complex disorder which affects genetically susceptible infants and children. Several susceptibility genes (e.g., ITPKC, CASP3, CD40 and ORAI) and chromosomal regions have been identified through genome‐wide association and genome‐wide linkage studies to have association with KD. Knowledge of susceptibility genes involved in the pathogenesis of KD may provide new insights into diagnosis and treatment of this condition. However, there is much that we still do not know about the genetic basis of KD.
The Rediscovery of Indigenous Thought in the Modern Legal System: The Case of the Great Apes
Authors: Fraundorfer Markus
Published: November 2017

In times of human‐inflicted ecological crises and the mass extinction of countless species, it becomes ever more urgent to redefine how we perceive ourselves and our relationship with the planet's ecosystems and other species. Indigenous cosmologies harbour perspectives fundamentally different from those of modern political and philosophical thought and might serve as guideposts for alternative visions. By looking at the on‐going legal developments in the worldwide struggle for legal personhood for the great apes, this article argues that we are witnessing an unintended (but welcome) introduction of several aspects of indigenous cosmologies to modern political and legal thought. The animal rights movement has achieved a historic breakthrough when in 2016 an Argentine judge recognised the female chimpanzee Cecilia as a legal person. The article briefly summarises how over the last few decades scholars and animal rights movements have gradually questioned the main tenets of the human‐animal divide. Thereafter, the article introduces what Brazilian anthropologist Eduardo Viveiros de Castro calls Amerindian perspectivism: a concept based on a distributive, situational and perspectivist relationship between humans and animals common in Amerindian cultures. Then, the article shows that the on‐going redefinition of great apes as legal persons is reminiscent of key tenets of Amerindian perspectivism.
Do Securities Class Actions Deter Misreporting?
Authors: Hopkins Justin
Published: November 2017

This paper investigates whether a U.S. circuit court ruling that made it easier for public corporations to defend against security class actions led to more misreporting. In a difference‐in‐differences framework, I find an increase in restatements for firms affected by the ruling relative to unaffected firms. Furthermore, within affected firms, these results are concentrated among those that experienced the lowest abnormal returns in response to the ruling, the firms most likely to face meritorious litigation, and among those firms that saw decreases (increases) in dedicated (transient) institutional ownership after the ruling. Inferences are similar examining cross‐sectional tests in a levels framework. These results suggest that the threat of shareholder litigation can discipline managerial reporting practices and deter misreporting. As such, this evidence informs the debate about the role of securities class actions in regulating securities markets.
A transcriptome‐based analytical workflow for identifying loci for species diagnosis: a case study with Bactrocera fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Krosch Matt N , Schutze Mark K , Strutt Francesca , Clarke Anthony R , Cameron Stephen L
Published: November 2017

Development of novel molecular methods for accurate and economical identification of species has become critical both for pure biological research and for a wide range of applied areas. The most widely used current molecular diagnostic tool, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI), the so‐called DNA barcode, has been highly criticised and is known to be ineffective at distinguishing species in many groups. Alternative markers are needed to circumvent these issues and provide diagnosticians with a greater range of tools for making accurate identifications. To address this, we describe here a novel analytical workflow for diagnostic marker development that utilises near‐genomic‐scale data to search for potential informative loci. The workflow takes advantage of orthologous gene databases, in combination with tests of phylogenetic resolution, and benchmarking of nucleotide variation against COI, to determine putative loci that might outperform COI. We use transcriptomes of 14 tephritid fruit flies and especially the taxonomically complex genus Bactrocera, as a case study. Of 1646 orthologues searched, our workflow retained a total of five loci following our conservative filtering strategy. One locus, POP4, had strong potential as a novel diagnostic marker for Bactrocera fruit flies. POP4 discriminates most species in the training set of taxa, but like COI fails to separate the sibling species Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera neohumeralis. Further validation of this potential new marker against a broader taxonomic sample is ongoing. We advocate that this simple and efficient workflow is, with minor modification, customisable for diagnostic development in almost any taxonomic group.
Categorization of the pelvic limb standing posture in nine breeds of dogs
Authors: Sabanci S. S. , Ocal M. K.
Published: November 2017

The objective of the study was to categorize objectively nine breeds of healthy dogs according to pelvic limb standing posture. A total of 135 dogs from different breeds were used and the standing angles of the hip, stifle, and tarsal joints, together with the percentages of the greater trochanter, patella and tuber calcanei heights, with respect to crista iliaca height, were used as discriminant variables for the categorization of pelvic limb posture. All included breeds were allocated to three groups of the standing pelvic limb posture. The best discriminant variables between the three groups were the percentage of patellar height, and the standing angles of the stifle and tarsal joints. German shepherds, Anatolian shepherds, golden retrievers, Rottweilers, Belgian Malinois and Dobermann pinschers were well separated between 89% and 100% success rate for the categorization. The minimal success rate was determined in Berner sennenhunds as the ratio of 75%. It was also determined that Dobermann pinschers had the straightest pelvic limbs, while German shepherds had the most angulated pelvic limbs. Further studies are required to document the impact of postural differences in active and passive structure diseases of the locomotor system of the pelvic limb among dog breeds.
Deletion of the EGF receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells prevents chronic angiotensin II‐induced arterial wall stiffening and media thickening
Authors: Schreier B. , Hünerberg M. , Mildenberger S. , Rabe S. , Bethmann D. , Wickenhauser C. , Gekle M.
Published: November 2017

Aim

In vivo vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) EGF receptor (EGFR) contributes to acute angiotensin II (AII) effects on vascular tone and blood pressure. The ubiquitously expressed EGFR has been implicated in vascular remodelling preceding end‐organ damage by pharmacological inhibition, and AII signalling in cultured vascular cells is partly EGFR‐dependent. However, the role of VSMC‐EGFR in vivo during AII‐induced pathophysiological processes is not known.

Methods

This study assesses the in vivo relevance of VSMC‐EGFR during chronic AII challenge without further stressors, using a mouse model with inducible, VSMC‐specific EGFR knock out (VSMC‐EGFR‐KO). In these mice functional and structural vascular, renal and cardiac effects or biomarkers were investigated in vivo and ex vivo.

Results

Vascular smooth muscle cell‐EGFR‐KO prevented AII‐induced media hypertrophy of mesenteric arteries, renal arterioles and the aorta, VSMC ERK1/2‐phosphorylation as well as the impairment of vascular compliance. Furthermore, induction of vascular fibrosis, creatinineamia, renal interstitial fibrosis as well as the increase in fractional water excretion was prevented. AII‐induced increase in systolic blood pressure was mitigated. By contrast, endothelial dysfunction, induction of vascular inflammatory marker mRNA and albuminuria were not inhibited. Cardiac and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were also not prevented by VSMC‐EGFR‐KO.

Conclusion

Vascular smooth muscle cell‐EGFRs are relevant for pathological AII action in vivo. Our data show in vivo and ex vivo the necessity of VSMC‐EGFR for AII‐induced structural and functional vascular remodelling, not including endothelial dysfunction. Hereby, VSMC‐EGFR gains importance for complete AII‐induced renal end‐organ damage succeeding vascular remodelling.
Impact of heat shock protein 60KD in combination with outer membrane proteins on immune response against Brucella melitensis
Authors: Abbassi‐Daloii Tooba , Yousefi Soheil , Sekhavati Mohammad Hadi , Tahmoorespur Mojtaba
Published: November 2017

Brucellosis caused by the bacterium Brucella affects various domestic and wild species. The outer membrane proteins 25 and 31 play key roles on stimulation of cell‐mediated immune response against Brucella. GroEL as one of the major Brucella antigens stimulates the immune system and increases intracellular survival of bacteria. In the present study, we assumed injection of GroEL in combination with OMP25 and OMP31 would offer higher immunity levels. So, the impact of GroEL with different concentrations of recombinant outer membrane proteins emulsified in Chitosan Nanoparticles on immune responses was evaluated in mice model. Results showed both univalent (except rGroEL) and divalent immunized groups induced higher IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐4 titers in comparison to negative control groups. While GroEL showed negative effect on TNF‐α titer, there were positive increase trends in IFN‐γ in some treatments. Analysis of humoral antibody response revealed both univalent and divalent immunized groups induced higher IgG2a titer than IgG1 titer, indicating strong bent of Th1 immune response. Also, results showed GroEL can have positive impact on lymphocyte proliferation response. Overall, mice immunization using individual OMP25 or OMP31 demonstrated more effective cell‐mediated immunity, although some combinations of rGroEL and rOMP31 vaccines were more efficient than other divalent ones.
Fibrin thrombi in deceased donor kidneys: Prevalence and influence on graft function and graft survival in transplanted patients
Authors: Hansen Ditte , Rørvig Sara , Andersen Claus B. , Sørensen Søren S.
Published: November 2017

Fibrin thrombi (FT) are occasionally found in the pre‐implantation biopsy of kidneys from deceased donors. The aim of this study was to monitor the prevalence and answer the question whether FT has any impact on future graft function in a Danish patient cohort. We looked for FT in all donor kidney biopsies taken at the time of renal transplantation in a Danish transplantation unit during a 10‐year period. Every recipient transplanted with a FT donor kidney (n = 15) were matched with up to five control recipients (n = 69), and graft function and graft survival were assessed. FT was present in 3% of the transplanted donor kidneys. Graft function was reduced in the FT group 6 months after transplantation (median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 29 mL/min vs 46 mL/min; p = 0.017), but at 12 months, an apparent difference did not reach statistical significance. More patients were on dialysis in the FT group after 12 months compared with the control group (27% vs 6%; p = 0.049). In conclusion, FT in donor kidney biopsies at time of transplantation is a risk factor for the development of reduced renal function during the first year of transplantation.
The value of microscopic‐observation drug susceptibility assay in the diagnosis of tuberculosis and detection of multidrug resistance
Authors: Sertel Şelale Denİz , Uzun Meltem
Published: November 2017

Inexpensive, rapid, and reliable tests for detecting the presence and drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are urgently needed to control the transmission of tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to assess the accuracy and speed of the microscopic‐observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay in the identification of MTBC and detection of multidrug resistance. Sputum samples from patients suspected to have tuberculosis were simultaneously tested with MODS and conventional culture [Löwenstein‐Jensen (LJ) culture, BACTEC MGIT™ 960 (MGIT) system], and drug susceptibility testing (MGIT system) methods. A total of 331 sputum samples were analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity of MODS assay for detection of MTBC strains were 96% and 98.8%, respectively. MODS assay detected multidrug resistant MTBC isolates with 92.3% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. Median time to culture positivity was similar for MGIT (8 days) and MODS culture (8 days), but was significantly longer with LJ culture (20 days) (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Median time to availability of the susceptibility results was significantly (p < 0.0001) shorter with MODS assay (8 days) than MGIT system (20 days). In conclusion, MODS is an inexpensive and rapid test with good performance characteristics for direct diagnosis of tuberculosis and detection of multidrug resistance.
Napsin A and WT 1 are useful immunohistochemical markers for differentiating clear cell carcinoma ovary from high‐grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Rekhi Bharat , Deodhar Kedar K. , Menon Santosh , Maheshwari Amita , Bajpai Jyoti , Ghosh Jaya , Shylasree Surappa Thumkur , Gupta Sudeep
Published: November 2017

Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the ovary is an uncommon, but an aggressive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), which has overlapping histopathologic features with other ovarian tumours. Lately, Napsin A has been identified as its useful diagnostic immunohistochemical (IHC) marker. Fifty‐eight prospectively diagnosed ovarian CCCs, 53 high‐grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs), 16 endometrioid adenocarcinomas (EMACs), six mixed carcinomas, containing components of CCC and EMAC, seven metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas and six ovarian yolk sac tumours (YSTs) were tested for Napsin A immunostaining. Fifty ovarian CCCs, 50 HGSCs, seven ovarian EMACs and five mixed carcinomas were tested for WT1 immunostaining. Napsin A was positively expressed in all 58 (100%) CCCs; was focally positive in 1 of 6 YSTs; in 1/16 EMACs and in six cases of mixed carcinomas, while it was negative in all 53 HGSCs and in seven metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas. Other IHC markers expressed in cases of CCC ovary were CK7 (31/31) (100%), WT1 (0/50), p53 (20/26, ‘wild type’), ER (4/31, focal) (12.9%), PAX8 (14/14) (100%), glypican‐3 (4/10, focal) (44.4%), p16INK4 (5/5, focal) and CK20 (0/5). Various IHC markers expressed in HGSCs were WT1 (48/50) (96%), p53 (31/31, mostly ‘mutation type’), CK7 (9/9) (100%) ER (13/16, variable) (81.2%) and PAX8 (14/14) (100%). IHC markers expressed in EMACs were ER (15/16) (93.7%), CK7 (2/2) (100%) and WT1 (0/7). IHC markers expressed in mixed carcinomas were CK7 (2/2) (100%), WT1 (0/2), focal Napsin A (6/6) and focal ER (5/6). The sensitivity and specificity of Napsin A for the diagnosis of CCC ovary was 100% and 90.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of WT1 for diagnosis of HGSC ovary was found to be 96% and 100%, respectively. Napsin A and WT1 are highly sensitive and specific IHC markers for diagnosing ovarian CCCs and HGSCs, respectively, and in differentiating these tumours from their mimics. Napsin A is useful in identification of component of CCC in certain EMACs.
Relationship between hepatic progenitor cells and stellate cells in chronic hepatitis C genotype 4
Authors: Helal Thanaa El Sayed Ahmed , Ehsan Nermine Ahmed , Radwan Nehal Ahmed , Abdelsameea Eman
Published: November 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a major health problem in many areas of the world, especially Egypt. Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been implicated in fibrosis progression in chronic HCV. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of HPCs and HSCs in chronic HCV infection and the relationship between both cell types. This retrospective study was conducted on 100 chronic HCV patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed on liver tissue sections for cytokeratin 19 (progenitor cell markers), smooth muscle actin (stellate cell markers), matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐ß). The necroinflammatory activity was significantly related to the number of isolated HPCs and TGF‐ß expression (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001 respectively). Advanced stages of fibrosis showed significantly increase number of HPCs (p = 0.001), higher ratio of HSCs (p = 0.004), more expression of TGF‐ß (p = 0.001) and MMP‐9 (p = 0.001). There was a significant direct correlation between immunoexpression of HPCs and HSCs for isolated cells (r = 0.569, p = 0.001) and ductular reaction (r = 0.519, p = 0.001). Hepatic progenitor cells and stellate cells play a significant role in the development and progression of fibrosis in chronic HCV. More interestingly, the significant direct correlation between HPCs and HSCs suggests a synergistic interrelation.
Development of furnished cages re‐using conventional cages for laying hens: Behaviour, physical condition and productivity
Authors: Shimmura Tsuyoshi , Maekawa Naoko , Hirahara Satoshi , Tanaka Toshio , Appleby Michael C.
Published: November 2017

Furnished cages for laying hens have advantages in allowing normal behaviors and maintaining productivity. As the cost of introduction is a barrier for farms, we developed furnished cages that re‐use conventional cages. To determine the minimum and functional cage design, we compared six designs, combinations of two floor designs (artificial turf or wire cage floor) and three screening designs in the integrated area (no screening, one entrance side or four sides). In total, 144 hens were used, and we measured behavior, physical condition and productivity. Comparing the floors, the percentages of hens performing dust‐bathing and laying eggs in the integrated area were higher in cages with turf than wire floor (P < 0.05 for both). Comparing the screening, dust‐bathing, litter‐exploring and active behavior tended to be more frequent in cages with the integrated area screened on one side than four sides. Feather damage was lower in cages with the integrated area screened on one side than with no screening (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the cage design with an integrated area with artificial turf floor, screened on one side, was effective for furnished cages that re‐use conventional cages.
Measuring automatic value orientations: The Achievement–Benevolence Implicit Association Test
Authors: Dentale Francesco , Vecchione Michele , Gebauer Jochen E. , Barbaranelli Claudio
Published: November 2017

The construct and criterion validity of an Implicit Association Test designed to rate the importance ascribed to Achievement–Benevolence oriented goals (AB‐IAT) according to Schwartz's model were investigated. In a first study (N = 113), the AB‐IAT and three other value‐IATs (Power–Universalism, Security–Self‐direction, and Tradition–Stimulation) were administered along with the corresponding self‐report scales. The AB‐IAT showed the following: (1) an adequate internal consistency; (2) a small correlation and a different pattern of means with respect to the corresponding self‐report scale; (3) a pattern of correlations with the other value‐IATs that is consistent with Schwartz's model. In a second study (N = 99), results showed that (1) in contrast to self‐report measures of values, the AB‐IAT appeared unrelated to social desirability; (2) the AB‐IAT was significantly correlated with an actual behaviour expressing Benevolence values; (3) in accordance with a double dissociation pattern of prediction, implicit and explicit values are best predictors of actual and self‐rated behaviours, respectively. Overall, results of the studies support the construct and criterion validity of the AB‐IAT. Moreover, they provide a first support for the generalizability of Schwartz's model in the realm of implicit social cognition, and for the applicability of dual‐process models in value research.
Multiple role of 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase: antioxidative function, H2S and polysulfide production and possible SOx production
Authors: Nagahara Noriyuki
Published: November 2017

Rat 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) is a 32 808 Da simple protein. Cys247 is a catalytic site, and Cys154 and Cys263 are on the enzyme surface. MPST is found in all tissues, particularly in the kidneys, although the localization of its activity differs in each tissue. In this review, four functions of MPST are reviewed: (i) antioxidative function: Cys247 is redox‐sensitive and serves as a redox‐sensing switch. It is oxidized to cysteine sulfenate, which has a low redox potential, upon which the enzyme is inactivated. Then, reduced thioredoxin (Trx) with a reducing system (Trx reductase and NADPH) reduces the sulfenate to restore activity; meanwhile, Cys154 and Cys263 form an intermolecular disulfide bond, which serves as another redox‐sensing switch. Consequently, Trx specifically cleaves the intermolecular disulfide bond by converting it from the inactive form (dimer) to the active form (monomer). (ii) Hydrogen sulfide and polysulfide production: hydrogen sulfide is produced via reduction of the persulfurated sulfur‐acceptor substrate by reduced Trx or Trx with a reducing system; as an alternative process, stable polysulfurated or persulfurated Cys247 as a reaction intermediate is reduced by Trx with a reducing system to release hydrogen sulfide and polysulfides. (iii) Possible sulfur oxide production: sulfur oxides (SO, SO2 and SO3) can be produced in the redox cycle of sulfane sulfur formed at the catalytic site Cys247 (Cys–SO−, Cys–SO2− and Cys–SO3−) as reaction intermediates and released by reduced Trx or Trx with a reducing system. (iv) Possible anxiolytic‐like effects: MPST‐knockout mice exhibited anxiolytic‐like effects.
Identification of de novo germline mutations and causal genes for sporadic diseases using trio‐based whole‐exome/genome sequencing
Authors: Jin Zi‐Bing , Li Zhongshan , Liu Zhenwei , Jiang Yi , Cai Xue‐Bi , Wu Jinyu
Published: November 2017

Whole‐genome or whole‐exome sequencing (WGS/WES) of the affected proband together with normal parents (trio) is commonly adopted to identify de novo germline mutations (DNMs) underlying sporadic cases of various genetic disorders. However, our current knowledge of the occurrence and functional effects of DNMs remains limited and accurately identifying the disease‐causing DNM from a group of irrelevant DNMs is complicated. Herein, we provide a general‐purpose discussion of important issues related to pathogenic gene identification based on trio‐based WGS/WES data. Specifically, the relevance of DNMs to human sporadic diseases, current knowledge of DNM biogenesis mechanisms, and common strategies or software tools used for DNM detection are reviewed, followed by a discussion of pathogenic gene prioritization. In addition, several key factors that may affect DNM identification accuracy and causal gene prioritization are reviewed. Based on recent major advances, this review both sheds light on how trio‐based WGS/WES technologies can play a significant role in the identification of DNMs and causal genes for sporadic diseases, and also discusses existing challenges.
The state of European research in tropical biology
Authors: Cayuela Luis , Granzow‐de la Cerda Íñigo , Méndez Marcos
Published: November 2017

Research institutions from the Global North have made significant contributions to the knowledge of tropical ecosystems, but contributions have varied greatly between countries. We show that European nations that share a language, cultural affinity, and/or retain social and political ties with tropical countries (e.g., those with an overseas history) make larger contributions to tropical biological research than countries without these ties. However, exceptions to this pattern demonstrate how science policy agendas can skew the capacity of countries to conduct biological research in the tropics. We conclude that some countries could make a far more important contribution to tropical biological knowledge, but for this to materialize, greater commitment by a country's scientific community is needed, along with better financial and intellectual support from its public administrations.
Promoting Resilience Among African American Girls: Racial Identity as a Protective Factor
Authors: Butler‐Barnes Sheretta T. , Leath Seanna , Williams Amber , Byrd Christy , Carter Rona , Chavous Tabbye M.
Published: November 2017

This study examines school climate, racial identity beliefs, and achievement motivation beliefs within a cultural‐ecological and risk and resilience framework. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of 733 (Mage = 14.49) African American adolescent girls. A linear mixed effects model was used to determine if racial identity dimensions moderated the relationship between school climate and achievement motivation beliefs across four waves. Results revealed that racial identity (private regard and racial centrality) and ideology (nationalist) beliefs were associated with higher achievement motivation beliefs over time, while racial centrality and private regard, and a sense of belonging served as protective factors. The findings contribute to the importance of racial identity beliefs and increase the visibility of African American girls.
Giant taxon‐character matrices II: a response to Laing et al. (2017)
Authors: Simões Tiago R. , Caldwell Michael W. , Palci Alessandro , Nydam Randall L.
Published: November 2017

The trend towards big data analyses in evolutionary biology has been observed in phylogenetics via the assembly of giant datasets composed of genomic and phenotypic data. We recently (Simões et al., 2017. Giant taxon‐character matrices: Quality of character constructions remains critical regardless of size. Cladistics 33, 198–219) presented a critique of the phylogenetic character concepts used in current morphological datasets, with the caution that giant datasets did not obviate the empirical requirement of rigor in character construction. Laing et al. (2017. Giant taxon‐character matrices: The future of morphological systematics. Cladistics, https://doi.org/10.1111/cla.12197) have since argued that we had ‘suggested’ that large datasets inherently contain flawed characters, and that we had presented a substandard methodology of phylogenetic analysis. Laing et al. concluded by discussing their approach to phylogenetic signal, total evidence and the inevitability of large datasets. We here reply to Laing et al. by reviewing what we actually wrote regarding dataset size, characters and methodology. We show that Laing et al.'s. central premise is unsupported, thus characterizing a Straw Man argument, and deeply misrepresents our original study. In part two, we discuss total evidence and phylogenetic signal issues raised by Laing et al. that are of major consequence to the appropriate construction of large morphological datasets.
Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance from animal manures to soil: a review
Authors: Xie W.‐Y. , Shen Q. , Zhao F. J.
Published: November 2017

The overuse of veterinary antibiotics in animal production and the subsequent land applications of manures contribute to the elevated antibiotic resistance in the soil environment. To minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance, it is important to understand the fate of antibiotics and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from animal production systems to soil. In this paper, we review recent studies on veterinary antibiotic use, the concentrations of antibiotics and the abundance and diversity of AGRs in animal manures and in soil that receives manures or manure composts. The mechanisms of ARG dissemination in the environment are also discussed. Although we focus on China where around 3 billion tons of animal manures are produced and more than 84 000 tons of antibiotics are consumed annually in animal production industries, the problem is worldwide. Approximately 58% of the veterinary antibiotics consumed are excreted into the environment, more than half of which end up in the soil. The abundance of ARGs in manures can reach up to 10−1 of the 16S rRNA genes. Applications of manures or manure composts can enrich soil ARGs in at least three ways: (i) by the direct introduction of manure‐derived ARGs, (ii) by elevating the intrinsic soil ARGs and (iii) by imposing a selection of ARGs with the antibiotics in the manures. We also discuss the need for more stringent regulations on the use of veterinary antibiotics and future research directions on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and resistance management.

Highlights

Soil is a natural reservoir of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).

Manure applications introduce antibiotics and enrich soil ARGs through different mechanisms.

Horizontal gene transfer plays an important role in the spread of ARGs from manures.

More stringent regulations are needed to reduce the spread of ARG from animal sources.
6 Hz corneal kindling in mice triggers neurobehavioral comorbidities accompanied by relevant changes in c‐Fos immunoreactivity throughout the brain
Authors: Albertini Giulia , Walrave Laura , Demuyser Thomas , Massie Ann , De Bundel Dimitri , Smolders Ilse
Published: November 2017

Objective

Besides seizures, patients with epilepsy are affected by a variety of cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities that further impair their quality of life. The present study provides an in‐depth characterization of the behavioral alterations induced by 6 Hz corneal kindling. Furthermore, we correlate these behavioral changes to alterations in c‐Fos protein expression throughout the brain following kindling.

Methods

Adolescent male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were kindled via repetitive subconvulsive 6 Hz corneal stimulations until they reached the fully kindled state (defined as 10 consecutive generalized seizures). Afterwards we performed an elaborate battery of behavioral tests and we evaluated c‐Fos expression throughout the brain using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Fully kindled mice display an abnormal behavioral phenotype, characterized by basal and amphetamine‐induced hyperlocomotion, anhedonia, social withdrawal, and deficits in short‐ and long‐term memory. Moreover, 6 Hz corneal kindling enhances c‐Fos immunoreactivity in the visual, parahippocampal, and motor cortices and the limbic system, whereas c‐Fos+ cells are decreased in the orbital cortex of fully kindled mice.

Significance

The behavioral outcomes of 6 Hz corneal kindling cluster into 3 main categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms are accompanied by c‐Fos activation in relevant brain regions once the fully kindled state is established. Based on the face validity of this model, we speculate that 6 Hz corneal kindling can be used to model not only pharmacoresistant limbic seizures, but also several neurobehavioral comorbidities that affect patients with epilepsy.
Biochars from local agricultural waste residues contribute to soil quality and plant growth in a Cerrado region (Brazil) Arenosol
Authors: Speratti Alicia B. , Johnson Mark S. , Sousa Heiriane Martins , Dalmagro Higo J. , Couto Eduardo Guimarães
Published: November 2017

Arenosols (sandy soils) in the Cerrado region of Mato Grosso, Brazil, are increasingly used for maize production, the second most important crop in the region after soybean. Yet, these soils are typically nutrient poor with low soil water retention, requiring high fertilizer inputs that are often lost in surface runoff or leached. The addition of biochar, a more recalcitrant organic amendment, may therefore be beneficial in Cerrado Arenosols, contributing to sustainable crop production in the region. To examine biochar contribution to soil nutrient levels and maize growth in a Cerrado Arenosol, we conducted a greenhouse experiment using biochars made from local agricultural waste feedstocks. These were cotton husks, swine manure, eucalyptus sawmill residue, and sugarcane filtercake, pyrolyzed at 400 °C, and applied to soil at five rates: 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight. Maize plants were grown under unstressed conditions (e.g., no nutrient or water limitations) to highlight any possible negative effects of the biochars. After 42 days, soils were analyzed for nutrient levels, and plant physical and physiological measurements were taken. Filtercake biochar had the highest plant biomass and physiological properties (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen use efficiency), while cotton biochar had the lowest. Importantly, maize biomass decreased with increasing application rates of cotton and swine manure biochars, while biomass did not vary in response to biochar application rate for filtercake and eucalyptus biochars. In this study, we found that while each biochar exhibited potential for improving chemical and physical properties of Cerrado Arenosols, filtercake biochar stood out as most promising. Biochar application rate was identified a key factor in ensuring crop productivity. Transforming these agricultural residues readily available in the region into more stable biochar can thus contribute to sustainable crop management and soil conservation, providing an alternative form of waste disposal for these residual materials.