bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive liver fibrosis assessment correlates with collagen and elastic fiber quantity in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Yasui Yutaka , Abe Tokiya , Kurosaki Masayuki , Matsunaga Kotaro , Higuchi Mayu , Tamaki Nobuharu , Watakabe Keiya , Okada Mao , Wang Wan , Shimizu Takao , Takaura Kenta , Masugi Yohei , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Takahashi Yuka , Itakura Jun , Sakurai Urara , Hashiguchi Akinori , Sakamoto Michiie , Izumi Namiki 
Published: November 2018

AimElastic fiber deposition is a cause of irreversibility of liver fibrosis. However, to date, its relevance to clinical features has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to clarify the correlation between non‐invasive markers of fibrosis and fiber quantity, including elastic fiber, obtained from computational analysis.MethodsThis retrospective study included 270 patients evaluated by non‐invasive liver fibrosis assessment prior to liver biopsy. Of these patients, 95 underwent magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and 244 were assessed with Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP). Using whole‐slide imaging of Elastica van Gieson‐stained liver biopsy sections, the quantity of collagen, elastin, and total fiber (elastin + collagen) was determined.ResultsThe total fiber quantity showed significant linear correlation with fibrosis stage F0–F4. Collagen fiber quantity increased from stage F0 to F4, whereas elastic fiber quantity increased significantly only from stage F2 to F3. Spearman's rank correlation test revealed that non‐invasive liver fibrosis assessment significantly correlates with each fiber quantity, including correlation between total fiber quantity and the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index (r = 0.361, P < 0.001), WFA+‐M2BP values (r = 0.404, P < 0.001), and liver stiffness value by MRE (r = 0.615, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed that the area under ROC for predicting higher elastic fiber (>3.6%) is 0.731 by FIB‐4 index, 0.716 by WFA+‐M2BP, and 0.822 by liver stiffness by MRE.ConclusionLiver fibrosis correlates with fiber quantity through non‐invasive assessment regardless of fiber type, including elastic fiber. Moreover, MRE is useful for predicting high amounts of elastic fiber.
The Nigerian health information system policy review of 2014 : the need, content, expectations and progress
Authors: Meribole Emmanuel C. , Makinde Olusesan Ayodeji , Oyemakinde Akin , Oyediran Kolawole Azeez , Atobatele Akinyemi , Fadeyibi Fadeke A. , Azeez Aderemi , Ogbokor Duke , Adebayo Olufunso , Adebayo Wura , Abatta Emmanuel , Adoghe Anthony , Adebayo Samuel Bolaji , Mahmoud Zainab , Ashefor Greg , Adebayo Samson Babatunde , Yisa Ibrahim Ozovehe , Balogun Adeleke , Chukwujekwu Ogochukwu , Dalhatu Ibrahim , Jahun Ibrahim , Bamidele Samson , Johnson Dorcas O. , Ibrahim Mukhtar , Akpan Frank , Aiyenigba Bolatito , Omaha Ogbonnaya Igwe , Terpase Aluka , Ottih Chibuzo , Adelakin Olugbemiga , Mullen Stephanie , Orobaton Nosakhare 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundNigeria's national health information system (HIS) data sources are grouped into institutional and population based data that traverse many government institutions. Communication and collaboration between these institutions are limited, fraught with fragmentation and challenges national HIS functionality.ObjectivesThe objective of this paper was to share insights from and the implications of a recent review of Nigeria's HIS policy in 2014 that resulted in its substantial revision. We also highlight some subsequent enactments.Review process and outcomesIn 2013, Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health launched an inter‐ministerial and multi‐departmental review of the National Health Management Information System policy of 2006. The review was guided by World Health Organization's ‘Framework and Standards for Country Health Information Systems’. The key finding was a lack of governance mechanisms in the execution of the policy, including an absent data management governance process. The review also found a multiplicity of duplicative, parallel reporting tools and platforms.ConclusionRecommendations for HIS Policy revisions were proposed to and implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The revised HIS policy now provides for a strong framework for the leadership and governance of the HIS with early results.
Success and survival of post‐restorations: six‐year results of a prospective observational practice‐based clinical study
Authors: Kramer E. J. , Meyer‐Lueckel H. , Wolf T. G. , Schwendicke F. , Naumann M. , Wierichs R. J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimThis prospective, noninterventional, multi‐centre, practice‐based study aimed to evaluate the longevity of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) restored with posts and to analyse factors influencing the success and survival of endodontic posts.MethodologyEight general dental practitioners each placed up to 27 endodontic posts without any restriction to size and material. Teeth were restricted to incisors, canines and premolars. Multi‐level Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between clinical factors and time until failure.ResultsA total of 195 endodontic posts were followed‐up for up to 6.5 years in 195 patients. Of these, 140 posts were judged as successful [mean success time: 59 (55–63) months]; the mean annual failure rate was 8.6%. This decreased to 4.4% when excluding recementations. 152 posts survived [mean survival time: 64 (60–67) months]. Recemented restorations had an eight times higher failure rate compared with new restorations. Furthermore, restorations with glass fibre post had a significantly lower success rate compared with titanium posts.ConclusionRelatively low success and survival rates occurred for restorations with posts after root canal treatment in a private practice setting after a follow‐up of up to 6.5 years. Recemented crowns had a high risk of failure.
Composition of gut microbiota and its association with body mass index and lifestyle factors in a cohort of 7–18 years old children from the American Gut Project
Authors: Bai J. , Hu Y. , Bruner D. W. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe association between the gut microbiota and obesity in young children and adolescents is not fully studied.ObjectivesThis study investigated the associations between the gut microbiota and body mass index (BMI) level (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) and lifestyles (diet type and exercise frequency), controlling for demographic and clinical factors among children aged 7–18 years.MethodsA cohort study was conducted on 267 children aged 7–18 years from the American Gut Project. 16S rRNA sequences were analysed by QIIME 2™. Composition of gut microbiota and its associations with BMI level, weight change and lifestyles were analysed using linear decomposition model.ResultsSignificant factors affecting the gut microbiota were BMI level (p = 0.009), exercise frequency (p = 0.003) and diet type (p = 0.01), controlling for age, sex and use of antibiotics and probiotics. More bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were associated with BMI level (120 OTUs) and diet type (122 OTUs) than exercise frequency (67 OTUs). Actinobacteria phylum had significantly depleted OTUs for BMI level, diet type and exercise frequency; Proteobacteria phylum had significantly enriched OTUs for higher BMI level and Firmicutes phylum had significantly enriched OTUs for more frequent exercise.ConclusionsSignificant associations were found between the gut microbiota composition and BMI level and lifestyles controlling for demographic and clinical factors in children aged 7–18 years.
Interleukin‐1β influences functional regeneration following nerve injury in mice through nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Ruoyu , Chen Bi , Jia Xiang , Qiu Yu , Liu Mengyu , Huang Chengsheng , Feng Jie , Wu Qingkai 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThis study focuses on investigating the role of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in functional regeneration following nerve injury in mice. A microarray‐based mRNA profiling study was used to analyze the expression level of IL‐1β in peripheral nerve regeneration. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were applied to assess the IL‐1β expressions of C57BL/6J‐crush and C57BL/6J‐crush+IL‐1β mice at different post‐injury time‐points after the standard sciatic nerve crush injury. The outcomes of nerve regeneration were evaluated by behavioral tests. IL‐1β was found to be up‐regulated in peripheral nerve regeneration and significantly raised on the 3rd day and returned to normal levels on the 14th day after nerve injury. Compared with C57BL/6J‐crush+IL‐1β mice, the nerve regeneration of C57BL/6J‐crush mice was worse after nerve crush injury. IL‐1β increased mechanical sensitivity and stimulated amplitude. IL‐1β could benefit the recovery of sciatic nerve crush injury by facilitating nerve regeneration.
Process evaluation of a cluster‐randomised controlled trial of multi‐component weight management programme in adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity
Authors: Harris L. , Hankey C. , Jones N. , Murray H. , Pert C. , Tobin J. , Boyle S. , Shearer R. , Melville C. A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundProviding effective weight management to adults with intellectual disabilities is necessary to challenge the high rates of obesity. The aim of this process evaluation was to explore the feasibility of conducting a full‐scale clinical trial of the TAKE 5 multi‐component weight management programme.MethodsThe study was a 12‐month pilot cluster‐randomised controlled trial. Adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity were randomised to either TAKE 5, which included an energy deficit diet (EDD) or Waist Winners Too, based on health education principles. A mixed‐methods process evaluation was conducted focussing on the reach, recruitment, fidelity, implementation, dose (delivered/received) and context.ResultsThe study successfully recruited adults with intellectual disabilities. Both weight management programmes were delivered with high fidelity and implemented as intended. Only one weight management programme, TAKE 5, demonstrated potential efficacy in reducing body weight and body composition. The effectiveness was largely attributed to the EDD and social support from carers.ConclusionsThe extensive process evaluation illustrated that a full‐scale trial of a multi‐component programme including an EDD is feasible and an acceptable approach to weight management for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity.
Open Source 3D‐printed focussing mechanism for cellphone‐based cellular microscopy
Authors: JAWALE Y.K. , RAPOL U. , ATHALE C.A. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe need to improve access to microscopes in low‐resource and educational settings coupled with the global proliferation of camera‐enabled cellphones has recently led to an explosion in new developments in portable, low‐cost microscopy. The availability of accurate ball lenses has resulted in many variants of van Leeuwenhoek‐like microscopes. Combined with cellphones, they have the potential for use as portable microscopes in education and clinics. The need for reproducibility in such applications implies that control over focus is critical. Here, we describe a 3D‐printed focussing mechanism based on a rack and pinion mechanism, coupled to a ball lens‐ based microscope. We quantify the time‐stability of the focussing mechanism through an edge‐based contrast measure used in autofocus cameras and apply it to ‘thin smear’ blood sample infected with Plasmodium as well as onion skin cells. We show that stability of the z‐focus is in the micrometre range. This development could, we believe, serve to further enhance the utility of a low‐cost and robust microscope and encourage further developments in field microscopes based on the Open Source principle.Lay DescriptionThe wide spread of cellphones with cameras makes them an attractive platform for digital microscopy. Such microscopes could help improve microscope access in clinics and classrooms in the form of ‘field microscopes’, if they could be adapted for imaging cells. We integrate a 3D printed focussing mechanism made with recyclable plastic with ball‐lens microscope of the Leeuwenhoek type. We demonstrate how the device can help stabilise to a focal plane for acquiring movies of a thin‐smear of blood infected with Plasmodium and onion skin cells using a cellphone. The stability of focus is expectedly less precise as compared to research‐grade microscopes, but is of the range of a few micrometers. We believe, the focussing device demonstrates it is possible to obtain reliable and reproducible images of typical samples used in clinics and classrooms. By making the design files of this device open‐source we believe it could serve as a small step in improved, affordable and accurate ‘field microscopes’.
Fascia thickness, aging and flexibility: is there an association?
Authors: Wilke Jan , Macchi Veronica , De Caro Raffaele , Stecco Carla 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe morphology of the connective tissue may play an important role in locomotor mechanics. Recent research has revealed an association between increased fascia thickness and reduced joint flexibility in patients with chronic pain. The present study aimed to examine the relationship of both factors in healthy individuals, additionally testing the hypothesis that older subjects display a higher fascia thickness. Young (n = 18, 22 ± 1 years) and old (n = 17, 69 ± 4 years) healthy females were recruited for a quasi‐experimental, cross‐sectional trial. All participants underwent standardized ultrasound‐based thickness measurements of the deep fasciae of the trunk and lower limb. Flexibility was assessed using sit and reach testing (hamstring extensibility) and the Schober test (lumbar flexion and extension). Systematic between‐group differences of fascia thickness and variable associations (i.e. fascia thickness and flexibility) were detected using non‐parametric data analyses. Young adults exhibited higher fascia thickness of the anterior and posterior lower leg, anterior thigh and abdominal wall (+12.3–25.8%, P < 0.05). Conversely, older participants showed higher thickness in the lumbar spine (+40.0–76.7%, P < 0.05). Correlations of both body mass and fascia thickness (τ = 0.45–0.75, P < 0.05), as well as flexibility and fascia thickness (τ = 0.38–0.42, P < 0.05) were found. Age‐related changes in fascia thickness may be a contributing factor of restrictions in joint range of motion. Further study delineating the cause–effect triangle of body mass index, flexibility and fascia thickness is necessary.
'You cannot get enough of them!’ The rise (and fall) of complementary therapies in British nursing practice in the 1980s and 1990s
Authors: Gowing Christine , Gale Nicola 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the emerging use of complementary therapies in British nursing practice at the end of the twentieth century. Many nurses turned to complementary therapies as a means to provide a closer therapeutic relationship with their patients and this paper will establish how nurses were informed and empowered. The paper places complementary practices in the context of nursing developments in the closing decades of the twentieth century and concludes that the extent of the supporting networks that encouraged nurses to incorporate these therapies into their work was more significant than has been previously recognised and exemplifies a distinct period in the history of modern nursing.
The PKCβ-p66shc-NADPH oxidase pathway plays a crucial role in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Cheng Yu-Si , Chao Jie , Chen Chen , Lv Lin-Li , Han Yu-Chen , Liu Bi-Cheng 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). p66shc is closely related to oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanism of its involvement in diabetic nephropathy is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of the p66shc-related pathway in diabetic nephropathy.

Methods
In an in-vivo experiment, rats were injected with streptozotocin to induce early diabetic nephropathy. The treatment groups were an aminoguanidine group and an enzastaurin group. In an in-vitro experiment, human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were cultured and incubated with high glucose.

Key findings
Upregulated protein expression of p66shc and p-p66shc was found in vivo and in vitro when cells were stimulated by high levels of glucose; this effect was accompanied by enhanced oxidative stress and damaged renal function, both of which were alleviated by p66shc siRNA. p66shc regulated NADPH oxidase, further promoting activation of oxidative stress. As an inhibitor of PKCβ, enzastaurin reduced the abnormal expression of p66shc and NADPH oxidase and alleviated renal injury.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated enzastaurin alleviated diabetic renal injury via modulation of the PKCβ-p66shc-NADPH oxidase pathway, which provided a new perspective for the treatment of early DN.
The α2A‐adrenoceptor subtype plays a key role in the analgesic and sedative effects of xylazine
Authors: Kitano Taisuke , Kobayashi Takeshi , Yamaguchi Soichiro , Otsuguro Ken‐ichi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractXylazine, the classical α2‐adrenoceptor (α2‐AR) agonist, is still used as an analgesic and sedative in veterinary medicine, despite its low potency and affinity for α2‐ARs. Previous pharmacological studies suggested that the α2A‐AR subtype plays a role in mediating the clinical effects of xylazine; however, these studies were hampered by the poor subtype‐selectivity of the antagonists used and a lack of knowledge of their bioavailability in vivo. Here, we attempted to elucidate the role of the α2A‐AR subtype in mediating the clinical effects of xylazine by comparing the analgesic and sedative effects of this drug in wild‐type mice with those in α2A‐AR functional knockout mice using the hot‐plate and open field tests, respectively. Hippocampal noradrenaline turnover in both mice was also measured to evaluate the contribution of α2A‐AR subtype to the inhibitory effect of xylazine on presynaptic noradrenaline release. In wild‐type mice, xylazine (10 or 30 mg/kg) increased the hot‐plate latency. Furthermore, xylazine (3 or 10 mg/kg) inhibited the open field locomotor activity and decreased hippocampal noradrenaline turnover. By contrast, all of these effects were abolished in α2A‐AR functional knockout mice. These results indicate that the α2A‐AR subtype is mainly responsible for the clinical effects of xylazine.
Geometric morphometrics reveal interspecific and sexual differences in bill morphology in four sympatric planktivorous petrels
Authors: Trallero L. , Farré M. , Phillips R. A. , Navarro J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractVariation in morphological structures may indicate the existence of ecological differences between species or sexes. In birds, the bill is one of the structures most affected by selection pressures because it is directly involved with several biological functions, particularly the acquisition of food. In this study, we combined geometric morphometrics and comparisons of linear measurements to assess the presence of sexual dimorphism and differences in bill shape and size of four species of abundant zooplanktivorous seabirds that coexist during their breeding season in Southern Ocean ecosystems [blue petrel (Halobaena caerulea), Antarctic prion (Pachyptila desolata), common diving petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) and South Georgia diving petrel (P. georgicus)]. The results showed that bills of Antarctic prion and blue petrel differed noticeably in size and shape from those of the two diving petrels, whereas those of common diving and South Georgian diving petrels overlapped in bill shape. These differences may be due to diet segregation or factors such as diving strategy, vocalizations or olfactory development. In addition, there was sexual dimorphism in bill shape or size in all four species. However, we could not directly attribute these differences to selection pressures because of the lack of studies comparing feeding ecology between sexes in these seabirds. These results reveal relationships between the bill shape and key factors of the ecology of these species, and demonstrate the usefulness of geometric morphometrics for detecting interspecific and sexual differences in species of otherwise sexually monomorphic petrels.
Flower‐visitor communities of an arcto‐alpine plant—Global patterns in species richness, phylogenetic diversity and ecological functioning
Authors: Tiusanen Mikko , Huotari Tea , Hebert Paul D. N. , Andersson Tommi , Asmus Ashley , Bêty Joël , Davis Emma , Gale Jennifer , Hardwick Bess , Hik David , Körner Christian , Lanctot Richard B. , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Partanen Rauni , Reischke Karissa , Saalfeld Sarah T. , Senez‐Gagnon Fanny , Smith Paul A. , Šulavík Ján , Syvänperä Ilkka , Urbanowicz Christine , Williams Sian , Woodard Paul , Zaika Yulia , Roslin Tomas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPollination is an ecosystem function of global importance. Yet, who visits the flower of specific plants, how the composition of these visitors varies in space and time and how such variation translates into pollination services are hard to establish. The use of DNA barcodes allows us to address ecological patterns involving thousands of taxa that are difficult to identify. To clarify the regional variation in the visitor community of a widespread flower resource, we compared the composition of the arthropod community visiting species in the genus Dryas (mountain avens, family Rosaceae), throughout Arctic and high‐alpine areas. At each of 15 sites, we sampled Dryas visitors with 100 sticky flower mimics and identified specimens to Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) using a partial sequence of the mitochondrial COI gene. As a measure of ecosystem functioning, we quantified variation in the seed set of Dryas. To test for an association between phylogenetic and functional diversity, we characterized the structure of local visitor communities with both taxonomic and phylogenetic descriptors. In total, we detected 1,360 different BINs, dominated by Diptera and Hymenoptera. The richness of visitors at each site appeared to be driven by local temperature and precipitation. Phylogeographic structure seemed reflective of geological history and mirrored trans‐Arctic patterns detected in plants. Seed set success varied widely among sites, with little variation attributable to pollinator species richness. This pattern suggests idiosyncratic associations, with function dominated by few and potentially different taxa at each site. Taken together, our findings illustrate the role of post‐glacial history in the assembly of flower‐visitor communities in the Arctic and offer insights for understanding how diversity translates into ecosystem functioning.