bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alleviation of hepatic fibrosis and autophagy via inhibition of transforming growth factor‐β1/Smads pathway through shikonin
Authors: Liu Tong , Xu Ling , Wang Chengfen , Chen Kan , Xia Yujing , Li Jingjing , Li Sainan , Wu Liwei , Feng Jiao , Xu Shizan , Wang Wenwen , Lu Xiya , Fan Xiaoming , Mo Wenhui , Zhou Yingqun , Zhao Yan , Guo Chuanyong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and AimLiver fibrosis is a worldwide clinical challenge during the progression of chronic liver disease to liver cirrhosis. Shikonin is extracted from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and wound‐healing properties. The study aims to investigate the protective effect of shikonin on liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism.MethodsTwo liver fibrosis models were established in male C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 or bile duct ligation. Shikonin was administered orally three times weekly at a dose of 2.5 or 5 mg/kg. Protein and mRNA expressions were assayed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsShikonin significantly inhibited activation of hepatic stellate cells and extracellular matrix formation by downregulating the transforming growth factor‐β1 expression and maintaining the normal balance between metalloproteinase‐2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1. Shikonin also decreased hepatic stellate cell energy production by inhibiting autophagy.ConclusionsThe results confirmed that shikonin attenuated liver fibrosis by downregulating the transforming growth factor‐β1/Smads pathway and inhibiting autophagy.
Correlates of Private Secondary Schools Meeting Physical Education Guidelines
Authors: Kahan David , McKenzie Thomas L. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDAlthough there are over 26,000 private schools in the United States, little is known about the relationship of their characteristics to mandated and recommended time allocations for physical education (PE).METHODSPrivate secondary schools (N = 450; grades 6‐12) in California completed a 15‐item questionnaire related to school characteristics and PE policies and practices. Using correlational analysis and predictive modeling, we assessed the associations and influences of various factors relative to the schools meeting state (California) and national professional time targets for PE.RESULTSWhereas most schools fell short of meeting PE weekly time recommendations, 5 of 10 tested variables were significantly associated with schools meeting PE minutes/week targets: school enrollment, school level, having a fitness testing policy, PE class size, and not permitting exemptions for PE. Large schools and those serving high school students provided more PE and were more likely to meet PE time allocation standards. Having policies for PE minutes/week and no exemptions for PE were significantly associated with a school having all its PE classes taught by a specialist.CONCLUSIONSPrivate secondary schools should consider the adoption of professional guidelines related to PE time allocations, class size, conducting physical fitness testing, employing PE specialists, and not permitting exemptions for PE.
Collaboration Challenges and Opportunities: A Survey of School Foodservice Directors and Community Health Coalition Members
Authors: Mansfield Jennifer L. , Savaiano Dennis A. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe Healthy, Huger‐Free Kids Act (HHFKA) presents challenges for foodservice directors (FSDs) in sourcing and preparing foods that meet nutrition standards. Concurrently, community health coalition members (CHCs) are engaging schools through community and school nutrition initiatives. We hypothesized significant differences in perceptions between FSDs and CHCs related to implementation of HHFKA such that FSDs would perceive greater foodservice challenges, while CHCs would be more supportive of community nutrition initiatives.METHODSA perceptions survey was administered by email to 528 FSDs and 334 CHCs during summer 2016. Experience, education level, urban/rural differences, school demographics, and involvement between FSDs and CHCs were compared.RESULTSOverall, 132 FSDs and 80 CHCs responded (29.5% FSDs, 24.7% CHCs). Overall perception of HHFKA foodservice challenge ranged between neutral (eg, neither challenging nor unchallenging) to somewhat challenging, and did not differ between groups. CHCs were significantly more supportive of community nutrition initiatives, while FSDs responded neutrally.CONCLUSIONSFSDs awareness of CHCs desire for collaboration may increase FSDs support for broader school nutrition initiatives such as school gardens, farm to school, and student/community engagement. There is great potential for integrating student and community health programs through partnerships.
What's Physical Activity Got to Do With It? Social Trends in Less Active Students at Recess
Authors: Woods Amelia Mays , McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Kern Ben D. , Graber Kim C. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPublic health concerns regarding childhood obesity and sedentary behavior make investigations of children's physical activity (PA) promotion crucial. School recess, a highly discretional time, plays a central role in shaping children's activity preferences.METHODSParticipants included 40 children (30 girls, 10 boys) from fourth and fifth grades, categorized as low active during recess (<26% moderate‐to‐vigorous PA [MVPA]). PA was measured via accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X+) and activity choice gauged through a self‐report measure over a 3‐day period. To assess attitudes and perceptions of recess, individual interviews were conducted. Accelerometer data were analyzed into minutes and percentage of MVPA; interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed utilizing open and axial coding.RESULTSParticipants were active for 18% of recess, choosing activities that were primarily individual‐based. Interview data showed low active children attribute recess enjoyment to social interaction and time away from schoolwork as well as an intention to avoid other children who were unkind and/or caused social conflict.CONCLUSIONSThis study supports the importance of gaining a child's perspective of their own behavior, particularly those children classified as less active. Findings add a unique contribution to school health research through an innovative, child‐centered approach to explore perceptions of PA.
Academic‐Related Factors and Emotional Eating in Adolescents
Authors: Chamberlin Ashley , Nguyen‐Rodriguez Selena , Gray Virginia B. , Reiboldt Wendy , Peterson Caitlin , Spruijt‐Metz Donna 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDExisting literature indicates a relationship between stress and emotional eating in adults, yet limited research has examined the impact of school‐related stress on emotional eating in adolescents. This study investigated the influence of academic factors on emotional eating among minority adolescents.METHODSA survey was implemented among a sample of minority adolescents (N = 666) to investigate the relationship between emotional eating and 3 academic factors: academic self‐esteem, grade point average (GPA), and academic worries. Forced‐entry multiple linear regressions were used to test for relationships.RESULTSFindings indicate that GPA, academic self‐esteem, and academic worries were related to emotional eating scores in adolescents. There were no significant differences in academic factors between emotional eaters and nonemotional eaters.CONCLUSIONSAdditional research is needed to further elucidate the complex interaction between emotional eating behavior and academics.
Archaic lineages broaden our view on the history of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fulgione Andrea , Hancock Angela M. 
Published: June 2018

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
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II.
Origin of the A. thaliana species
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III.
The classic model of the history of A. thaliana
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IV.
New genomic data from outside Eurasia challenge our view of A. thaliana history
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V.
Conclusions
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Acknowledgements
1197

References
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SummaryNatural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana has contributed to discoveries in diverse areas of plant biology. While A. thaliana has typically been considered a weed associated primarily with human‐mediated environments, including agricultural and urban sites and railways, it has recently been shown that it is also native in remote natural areas, including high altitude sites in Eurasia and Africa, from the Atlas mountains in Morocco to the afro‐alpine regions in Eastern and South Africa to Yunnan in China, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. This finding suggests that while A. thaliana has been extensively studied in Europe and Western Asia there are still many open questions about its population history, genotype–phenotype relationships and mechanisms of adaptation.
Perspectives of regional paleoclimate modeling
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Gómez‐Navarro Juan J. , Pinto Joaquim G. , Raible Christoph C. , Wagner Sebastian , Zorita Eduardo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRegional climate modeling bridges the gap between the coarse resolution of current global climate models and the regional‐to‐local scales, where the impacts of climate change are of primary interest. Here, we present a review of the added value of the regional climate modeling approach within the scope of paleoclimate research and discuss the current major challenges and perspectives. Two time periods serve as an example: the Holocene, including the Last Millennium, and the Last Glacial Maximum. Reviewing the existing literature reveals the benefits of regional paleo climate modeling, particularly over areas with complex terrain. However, this depends largely on the variable of interest, as the added value of regional modeling arises from a more realistic representation of physical processes and climate feedbacks compared to global climate models, and this affects different climate variables in various ways. In particular, hydrological processes have been shown to be better represented in regional models, and they can deliver more realistic meteorological data to drive ice sheet and glacier modeling. Thus, regional climate models provide a clear benefit to answer fundamental paleoclimate research questions and may be key to advance a meaningful joint interpretation of climate model and proxy data.
Harvesting surface vegetation does not impede self‐recovery of Sphagnum peatlands
Authors: Guêné‐Nanchen Mélina , Hugron Sandrine , Rochefort Line 
Published: June 2018

Ecosystem restoration frequently involves the reintroduction of plant material in the degraded ecosystem. When there are no plant nurseries or seeds available on the market, the plant material has to be harvested in the wild, in a “donor ecosystem.” A comprehensive assessment of donor ecosystem recovery is lacking, especially for Sphagnum‐dominated donor peatlands, where all top vegetation is harvested mechanically with different practices. We aimed to evaluate (1) the regeneration of vegetation, especially of Sphagnum mosses, to determine which harvesting practices are best to enhance recovery and (2) the influence of the site hydrological conditions and meteorological variables of the first complete growing season postharvesting on peat moss regeneration. Twenty‐five donor sites covering a 17‐year chronosequence (harvested 1–17 years ago) were inventoried along with 15 associated natural reference sites located in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Alberta, Canada. All donor sites aged 10 years or more were dominated by Sphagnum mosses, though plant composition varied between donor and their associated reference sites because of the wetter conditions at harvested donor sites. Harvesting practices strongly influenced donor site recovery, showing that the skills of the practitioner are an essential ingredient. Harvesting practices minimizing donor site disturbances are recommended, such as the choice of the adequate donor site (localization, hydrologic conditions, vegetation), the use of less disruptive methods, and harvesting when the soil is deeply frozen. This study demonstrated that harvesting surface plant material for peatland restoration is not detrimental towards the recovery of near‐natural peatland ecosystems.
Multi‐proxy constraints on the significance of covariant δ13C values in carbonate and organic carbon during the early Mississippian
Authors: Oehlert Amanda M. , Swart Peter K. , Eberli Gregor P. , Evans Samantha , Frank Tracy D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the covariation between carbonate and organic δ13C values in a proximal to distal transect of four outcrops in the Madison Limestone in the Western United States Rockies, combined with δ34S values of carbonate associated sulphate, the concentration of acid‐insoluble material and measurements of total organic carbon. These new geochemical datasets not only allow for an evaluation of carbon isotope covariance during one of the largest perturbations to the global carbon cycle over the past 550 Myr, but also constrain the cause of the excursion in carbonate δ13C values. The results support the hypothesis that a period of anoxia did not play a role in generating the positive carbonate δ13C values, but rather favour interpretations by previous workers that the proliferation of land plants destabilized the Carboniferous carbon cycle, setting the stage for a significant change in the carbonate δ13C values of contemporaneous marine carbonates. These results also demonstrate that one of the largest perturbations to the global carbon cycle did not produce synchronous variations in carbonate and organic δ13C values, emphasizing the importance of local depositional controls on carbon isotope covariance in the geological record in both modern and ancient environments.
Mobile phone interventions for tuberculosis should ensure access to mobile phones to enhance equity – a prospective, observational cohort study in Peruvian shantytowns
Authors: Saunders Matthew J. , Wingfield Tom , Tovar Marco A. , Herlihy Niamh , Rocha Claudio , Zevallos Karine , Montoya Rosario , Ramos Eric , Datta Sumona , Evans Carlton A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesMobile phone interventions have been advocated for tuberculosis care, but little is known about access of target populations to mobile phones. We studied mobile phone access among patients with tuberculosis, focusing on vulnerable patients and patients who later had adverse treatment outcomes.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study in Callao, Peru, we recruited and interviewed 2584 patients with tuberculosis between 2007 and 2013 and followed them until 2016 for adverse treatment outcomes using national treatment registers. Subsequently, we recruited a further 622 patients between 2016 and 2017. Data were analysed using logistic regression and by calculating relative risks (RR).ResultsBetween 2007 and 2013, the proportion of the general population of Peru without mobile phone access averaged 7.8% but for patients with tuberculosis was 18% (P < 0.001). Patients without access were more likely to hold a lower socioeconomic position, suffer from food insecurity and be older than 50 years (all P < 0.01). Compared to patients with mobile phone access, patients without access at recruitment were more likely to subsequently have incomplete treatment (20% vs. 13%, RR = 1.5; P = 0.001) or an adverse treatment outcome (29% vs. 23% RR = 1.3; P = 0.006). Between 2016 and 2017, the proportion of patients without access dropped to 8.9% overall, but remained the same (18%) as in 2012 among the poorest third.ConclusionAccess to mobile phones among patients with tuberculosis is insufficient, and rarest in patients who are poorer and later have adverse treatment outcomes. Thus, mobile phone interventions to improve tuberculosis care may be least accessed by the priority populations for whom they are intended. Such interventions should ensure access to mobile phones to enhance equity.
NtTPN1: a RPP8‐like R gene required for Potato virus Y‐induced veinal necrosis in tobacco
Authors: Michel Vincent , Julio Emilie , Candresse Thierry , Cotucheau Julien , Decorps Christophe , Volpatti Roxane , Moury Benoît , Glais Laurent , Dorlhac de Borne François , Decroocq Véronique , German‐Retana Sylvie 
Published: June 2018

SummaryPotato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most damaging viruses of tobacco. In particular, aggressive necrotic strains (PVYN) lead to considerable losses in yield. The main source of resistance against PVY is linked to the va locus. However, va‐overcoming PVY isolates inducing necrotic symptoms were observed in several countries. In this context, it is important to find va‐independent protection strategies. In a previous study, the phenotyping of 162 tobacco varieties revealed 10 accessions that do not carry the va allele and do not exhibit typical PVYN‐induced veinal necrosis. Despite the absence of necrotic symptoms, normal viral accumulation in these plants suggests a va‐independent mechanism of tolerance to PVYN‐induced systemic veinal necrosis. Fine mapping of the genetic determinant(s) was performed in a segregating F2 population. The tolerance trait is inherited as a single recessive gene, and allelism tests demonstrated that eight of the 10 tolerant varieties carry the same determinant. Anchoring the linkage map to the tobacco genome physical map allowed the identification of a RPP8‐like R gene, called NtTPN1 (for Nicotiana tabacum Tolerance to PVY‐induced Necrosis1), with the same single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the eight tolerant accessions. Functional assays using homozygous NtTPN1 EMS mutants confirmed the role of NtTPN1 in the tolerance phenotype. PVYN‐induced systemic veinal necrosis in tobacco likely represents an inefficient defense response with hypersensitive response‐like characteristics. The identification of NtTPN1 opens breeding options to minimize the impact of emerging and so far uncontrolled va‐breaking necrotic PVY isolates.
From coping to carrying on: A pragmatic laughter between life and death
Authors: Emmerson Phil 
Published: June 2018

This paper explores the relational geographies of laughter, life and death within nursing care homes. Death is often seen as the ultimate Other: sitting in opposition to life, at the limits of what is knowable, and therefore as something that is impossible to fully engage with. In nursing care homes, however, death remains a relatively banal element of ordinary life, and like many other aspects of nursing care home life, is often accompanied by bursts of laughter. Where most scholars position the relation between laughter and death in terms of coping – laughter as a means of pushing away emotions during encounters with death – this paper offers an alternative and more affirmative account of laughter and death. Through drawing on seven months of ethnographic engagement with two nursing care homes in the UK, the paper argues that laughter occurs, not as a means of coping, but rather as a “carrying on”: a taking of our emotions forward with us and folding them into our sense of self rather than pushing them away. Further to this, I argue that this mode of enfolding affectivities is suggestive of a wider form of pragmatic micropolitics in care homes, whereby carers often work towards an “as well as possible” rather than grand, idealistic political visions. In concluding, I therefore propose pragmatics as a new framework through which geographers might further engage with the politics of care.
Analytical variability of estimated platelet counts on canine blood smears
Authors: Paltrinieri Saverio , Paciletti Veronica , Zambarbieri Jari 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe analytical variability of estimated platelet counts in dogs has not been reported.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of analytical imprecision of platelet estimates and the possible impact of this imprecision on clinical decisions.MethodsThree independent observers counted the number of platelets in 3 different areas (LE = lateral edge; CM = central monolayer; FE = feathered edge) of 30 canine blood smears with different instrumental platelet counts. The coefficient of variation (CV) for each observer was calculated in different areas of each smear (intra‐observer variability), among different regions of each smear (inter‐area variability), and among different observers in each area (inter‐observer variability). The influence of these variabilities on the classification of platelet estimates as adequate, increased, or decreased was also assessed.ResultsThe CVs recorded in the different areas by each observer ranged from 8% to 88% and were negatively correlated (P < .001, r = −.65) with the mean number of platelets per field. The mean platelet number was significantly lower in the FE and significantly higher in the CM compared with the LE, but the magnitude of this difference varied with the operators. The concordance among operators regarding platelet estimates was fair (k = 0.36) to substantial (k = 0.71) depending on the area. The overall inter‐area concordance was moderate (k = 0.59).ConclusionsPlatelet estimates suffer from high variability that could lead to patient misclassification. Therefore, guidelines to standardize the platelet estimate are needed.
Membrane rafts–redox signalling pathway contributes to renal fibrosis via modulation of the renal tubular epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Han Wei‐Qing , Xu Lian , Tang Xiao‐Feng , Chen Wen‐Dong , Wu Yong‐Jie , Gao Ping‐Jin 
Published: June 2018

Key points
Membrane rafts (MRs)–redox signalling pathway is activated in response to transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) stimulation in renal tubular cells.
This pathway contributes to TGF‐1β‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular cells.
The the MRs–redox signalling pathway is activated in renal tubular cells isolated from angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced hypertensive rats.
Inhibition of this pathway attenuated renal inflammation and fibrosis in AngII‐induced hypertension.
AbstractThe membrane rafts (MRs)–redox pathway is characterized by NADPH oxidase subunit clustering and activation through lysosome fusion, V‐type proton ATPase subunit E2 (encoded by the Atp6v1e2 gene) translocation and sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1, encoded by the SMPD1 gene) activation. In the present study, we hypothesized that the MRs–redox‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in renal inflammation and fibrosis by promoting renal tubular epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Results show that transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) acutely induced MR formation and ROS production in NRK‐52E cells, a rat renal tubular cell line. In addition, transfection of Atp6v1e2 small hairpin RNAs (shRNA) and SMPD1 shRNA attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced changes in EMT markers, including E‐cadherin, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and fibroblast‐specific protein‐1 (FSP‐1) in NRK‐52E cells. Moreover, Erk1/2 activation may be a downstream regulator of the MRs–redox‐derived ROS, because both shRNAs significantly inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Further in vivo study shows that the renal tubular the MRs–redox signalling pathway was activated in angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced hypertension, as indicated by the increased NADPH oxidase subunit Nox4 fraction in the MR domain, SMPD1 activation and increased ROS content in isolated renal tubular cells. Finally, renal transfection of Atp6v1e2 shRNA and SMPD1 shRNA significantly prevented renal fibrosis and inflammation, as indicated by the decrease of α‐SMA, fibronectin, collagen I, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in kidneys from AngII‐infused rats. It was concluded that the the MRs–redox signalling pathway is involved in TGF‐β1‐induced renal tubular EMT and renal inflammation/fibrosis in AngII‐induced hypertension.