bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Combining Common Data Elements Across Studies to Test a Hypothesis
Authors: Corwin Elizabeth J. , Moore Shirley M. , Plotsky Andrea , Heitkemper Margaret M. , Dorsey Susan G. , Waldrop‐Valverde Drenna , Bailey Donald E. , Docherty Sharron L. , Whitney Joanne D. , Musil Carol M. , Dougherty Cynthia M. , McCloskey Donna J. , Austin Joan K. , Grady Patricia A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe the outcomes of a collaborative initiative to share data across five schools of nursing in order to evaluate the feasibility of collecting common data elements (CDEs) and developing a common data repository to test hypotheses of interest to nursing scientists. This initiative extended work already completed by the National Institute of Nursing Research CDE Working Group that successfully identified CDEs related to symptoms and self‐management, with the goal of supporting more complex, reproducible, and patient‐focused research.DesignTwo exemplars describing the group's efforts are presented. The first highlights a pilot study wherein data sets from various studies by the represented schools were collected retrospectively, and merging of the CDEs was attempted. The second exemplar describes the methods and results of an initiative at one school that utilized a prospective design for the collection and merging of CDEs.MethodsMethods for identifying a common symptom to be studied across schools and for collecting the data dictionaries for the related data elements are presented for the first exemplar. The processes for defining and comparing the concepts and acceptable values, and for evaluating the potential to combine and compare the data elements are also described. Presented next are the steps undertaken in the second exemplar to prospectively identify CDEs and establish the data dictionaries. Methods for common measurement and analysis strategies are included.FindingsFindings from the first exemplar indicated that without plans in place a priori to ensure the ability to combine and compare data from disparate sources, doing so retrospectively may not be possible, and as a result hypothesis testing across studies may be prohibited. Findings from the second exemplar, however, indicated that a plan developed prospectively to combine and compare data sets is feasible and conducive to merged hypothesis testing.ConclusionsAlthough challenges exist in combining CDEs across studies into a common data repository, a prospective, well‐designed protocol for identifying, coding, and comparing CDEs is feasible and supports the development of a common data repository and the testing of important hypotheses to advance nursing science.Clinical RelevanceIncorporating CDEs across studies will increase sample size and improve data validity, reliability, transparency, and reproducibility, all of which will increase the scientific rigor of the study and the likelihood of impacting clinical practice and patient care.
Dermal morphological changes following salicylic acid peeling and microdermabrasion
Authors: Abdel‐Motaleb Amira A , Abu‐Dief Eman E , Hussein Mahmoud RA 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundMicrodermabrasion and chemical peeling are popular, inexpensive, and safe methods for treatment of some skin disorders and to rejuvenate skin.ObjectivesTo study the alterations of the dermal connective tissue following salicylic acid peeling and microdermabrasion.MethodsTwenty patients were participated in our study. All participants underwent facial salicylic acid 30% peel or microdermabrasion (10 cases in each group) weekly for 6 weeks. Punch biopsies were obtained from the clinically normal skin of the right postauricular region 1 week before treatment (control group). Other punch skin biopsies were obtained 1 week after the end of the treatments from the left postauricular area. This region was treated in a similar way to the adjacent lesional skin (treated group). We used routine histological techniques (H&E stain), special stains (Masson trichrome and orcein stains), and image analyzer to study the alterations of the dermal connective tissues.ResultsOur study demonstrates variations in the morphological changes between the control and the treated groups, and between chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Both salicylic acid 30% and microdermabrasion were associated with thickened epidermal layer, shallow dermal papillae, dense collagen, and elastic fibers. There was a significant increase among those treated sites vs control regarding epidermal thickness and collagen thickness. Also, there was a highly statistically significant increase among those treated with salicylic acid vs microdermabrasion regarding the epidermal, collagen, and elastin thickness.ConclusionsBoth methods stimulate the repair process. The mechanisms underlying these variations are open for further investigations.
The evaluation of physical activity for community‐dwelling patients with hypertension
Authors: Ma Chunhua 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the proportion of Chinese patients with hypertension who meet the Chinese Hypertension Management Guideline recommendations for weekly physical activity and to determine possible associated factors that impact meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.BackgroundAccurate evaluation of physical activity levels for hypertensive patients is important to determine patients' health outcomes and intervention measures. However, most of the evidence on the prevalence of physical activity comes from developed countries; therefore, studies from developing countries are needed.DesignAcross‐sectional design was adopted for the study.MethodsThe participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method from three healthcare community centres in Guangzhou, southern China. The data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Ordinal logistic regression was used to test factors associated with meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy‐six (58.6%) hypertensive patients in our study did insufficient physical activity (<150 min/week). One hundred thirty‐four (31.3%) patients achieved the weekly physical activity recommendation (≥150 min/week), and 52 (10.1%) met the recommendation for physical activity for additional health benefits (≥300 min/week). In the adjusted ordinal logistic regression analyses, patients over 60 years of age (OR = 1.35, p < .001), who were unemployed (OR = 1.24, p = .036), had lower blood pressure levels (OR = 0.88, p = .019) and no hypertension‐related complications (OR = 1.18, p = .021), and regarded self‐rated health as good or excellent (OR = 2.37, p = .018), had a higher likelihood of meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.ConclusionsOur results showed that the number of Chinese hypertensive patients meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation is suboptimal. Age, employment status, blood pressure, self‐rated health and complications related to hypertension were associated with meeting the weekly physical activity recommendation.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings implied that hypertensive patients who did insufficient physical activity were subgroups that needed specific instructions in physical activity and motivation to take part in physical activity. Nurses should consider providing counselling and supervision to these patients.
Design Characteristics of Spiral Aerator
Authors: Roy Subha M. , Moulick Sanjib , Mal Bimal C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this study, the performance of a spiral aerator, a modified design of the paddlewheel aerator, was evaluated to determine its applicability in aquaculture ponds. The aeration characteristics of the spiral aerator were determined by conducting aeration experiments in a cement concrete tank of dimension 5 × 5 × 1.5 m. Nondimensional numbers related to oxygen transfer (E) and power consumption (Ne) were proposed and expressed as functions of geometric (number of handles per shaft, n) and dynamic (Froude and Reynolds number) parameters. Simulation equations for oxygen transfer and power consumption based on the Froude criterion were developed. The maximum brake power standard aeration efficiency was achieved at n = 13. Finally, an economic analysis was performed assuming a typical Indian major carp culture pond to determine the optimum rotational speed of the aerator at different pond volumes and dissolved oxygen concentration present in the pond at which the aeration cost is minimized. The results showed that the least aeration cost is achievable when rotational speed of the spiral aerator is only 70 rpm for pond volumes up to 700 m3 and from 120 to 220 rpm for pond volumes exceeding 700 m3.
Deformities in newly hatched embryos of Eurasian perch populations originating from two different rearing systems
Authors: Alix M. , Zarski D. , Chardard D. , Fontaine P. , Schaerlinger B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDuring the teleost ontogenesis, biotic and abiotic factors influence organs deformations. Despite of an important literature, the potential causes of deformities in fish are still poorly understood. Cultured fish in artificial conditions exhibit higher incidence of developmental impairments compared to wild ones. This study aims at describing exhaustively the deformity categories of newly hatched embryos of Eurasian perch and investigating at once all biotic and abiotic factors of two extremely different rearing systems [recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) vs. ponds] on their occurrence. The description and clustering of deformities according to the organs involved allowed not only to show that skeletal, cardiac and yolk anomalies are the most common ones, but also to highlight new functions undergoing developmental failure (locomotive, digestive and excretory systems). In total, 10 categories of abnormalities have been described. In addition, our data show a relationship between the cardiac and yolk deformities suggesting common causes. In a second part, we compared the incidence of deformities in the progeny of two distinct populations of fish, reared under extremely various conditions (RAS vs. pond). The total deformity rates did not differ between the groups but the nature of deformities was surprisingly different as the RAS reared fish (RRF) originating from fisheries presented a higher variety of deformity categories than the fish originating from Lorraine ponds (LPRF). Indeed, cardiac, yolk and skeletal axis deformities were more frequent in RRF embryos, whereas mouth abnormalities were preferentially represented in LPRF embryos. These findings may help understanding the potential causes of these developmental impairments in cultured animals and may lead to the improvement of husbandry conditions.
Consequences of sex‐specific sociability for thermoregulation in male vervet monkeys during winter
Authors: Henzi S. P. , Hetem R. , Fuller A. , Maloney S. , Young C. , Mitchell D. , Barrett L. , McFarland R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhile most primates are tropical animals, a number of species experience markedly cold winters. In a high latitude arid environment, wild female vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) that are socially integrated experience reduced cold stress. Here, we ask whether sociability is similarly salient for male vervet monkeys, who reside in non‐natal groups as adults and who must, therefore, develop social relationships on arrival. We use body temperature and social data from 15 free‐ranging male vervet monkeys to determine whether the number of grooming partners is as important for males during winter and whether the length of residency is positively associated with body temperature. We also assess whether larger body size and higher dominance rank mitigate the need for social partnerships. Like females, male vervets respond to lower 24 h ambient temperatures and winter's progression by decreasing minimum and mean 24 h body temperatures and by regulating their temperatures less precisely. Male rank had no effect, while larger body size was associated primarily with reduced temperature fluctuations. Males with more social partners sustained higher minimum and mean body temperatures but, unexpectedly, regulated their temperatures less tightly. Further analysis revealed that higher minimum and mean temperatures were best accounted for by the number of female partners, while increased temperature fluctuation was driven by the number of male partners. As winter and the mating season overlap, we interpret this as indicating that a need to sustain male associations incurs physiological stress that is reflected as a thermoregulatory cost. Lastly, we show that longer residency is associated with higher minimum body temperatures and lower temperature fluctuations independently of social affiliation.
Serum ferritin concentration predicts hepatic fibrosis better than hepatic iron concentration in human HFE‐Haemochromatosis
Authors: Wood Marnie J. , Crawford Darrell H. G. , Wockner Leesa F. , Powell Lawrie W. , Ramm Grant A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsFerritin is purported to have proinflammatory and profibrogenic effects on hepatic stellate cells. Thus, rather than acting as a passive indicator of hepatic iron concentration (HIC) in haemochromatosis, ferritin may directly influence fibrosis. This study evaluated whether serum ferritin is a better predictor of hepatic fibrosis compared to variables previously associated with increased fibrosis risk in haemochromatosis.MethodsWe identified 291 C282Y HFE‐homozygous patients who had undergone liver biopsy for histological fibrosis staging and measurement of HIC. Ordinal logistic regression determined the best model for fibrosis stage not including serum ferritin. Then, serum ferritin was introduced into this model to assess whether the predictive power of the model was significantly increased and to evaluate the effect on other predictors of fibrosis.ResultsOrdinal logistic regression analyses without serum ferritin demonstrated that log HIC (OR 2.89; P < .001), male gender (OR 2.93; P = .005), alcohol consumption (g/day) (OR 1.01; P = .004), steatosis (OR 2.86; P = .01), arthritis (OR 2.46; P = .01) predicted increasing fibrosis stage (n=217). Addition of serum ferritin in multivariate analysis substantially improved the predictive power of the model (χ2 = 37.15; P < .01) and was highly predictive of fibrosis stage (OR 5.44; P < .001). Inclusion of serum ferritin in this model rendered the effects of HIC, gender, alcohol and steatosis to non‐significance.ConclusionsIn haemochromatosis, serum ferritin is a better predictor of fibrosis stage than HIC, gender, steatosis and alcohol. These data support a hypothesis that ferritin may play a role in fibrosis rather than simply acting as a passive indicator of iron storage.
Impact of family history of metabolic traits on severity of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis related cirrhosis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bhadoria Ajeet S. , Kedarisetty Chandan K. , Bihari Chhagan , Kumar Guresh , Jindal Ankur , Bhardwaj Ankit , Shasthry Varsha , Vyas Tanmay , Benjamin Jaya , Sharma Shvetank , Sharma Manoj K. , Sarin Shiv K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsFamilial aggregation of metabolic traits with fatty liver disease is well documented. However, there is scarcity of data regarding such association with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)‐related cirrhosis. This study was aimed to explore the association of family history of metabolic traits with severity of cirrhosis.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, all consecutive patients with NASH‐related cirrhosis presenting to our tertiary care centre were included. Family history, personal history, demographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements and laboratory data were recorded.ResultsOf the 1133 cirrhotics (68.1% males, age 51.4±10.9 years); 779 (68.8%) had family history for metabolic traits. These patients had lower age at diagnosis (45.4±10.6 vs 49.6±11.2 years), higher Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score (7.8±1.9 vs 6.6±1.5), higher model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score (12.9±6.1 vs 10.9±4.1) and more incidence of decompensation in the form of ascites (46.3% vs 25.7%), jaundice (12.1% vs 6.2%) and hepatic encephalopathy (26.1% vs 11.0%). Patients with family and personal history of metabolic traits, had an increased risk of an early diagnosis of cirrhosis at<45 years of age (OR: 3.1, 95% CI 2.1‐4.4), CTP≥10 (OR: 4.6, 95% CI 2.3‐9.1), MELD>15 (OR: 6.6, 95% CI 3.8‐11.5) with ≥1 features of decompensation (OR: 4.2, 95% CI 2.9‐6.1). Family history of diabetes alone, also had higher risk of cirrhosis with MELD>15 (OR: 4.3, 95% CI 2.4‐5.3, P<.001).ConclusionFamily and personal history of metabolic traits are associated with early age at diagnosis of cirrhosis with more severity and decompensation and so, has a prognostic importance in NASH‐related cirrhotics.
Co‐occurrence and hybridization of anther‐smut pathogens specialized on Dianthus hosts
Authors: Petit Elsa , Silver Casey , Cornille Amandine , Gladieux Pierre , Rosenthal Lisa , Bruns Emily , Yee Sarah , Antonovics Janis , Giraud Tatiana , Hood Michael E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHost specialization has important consequences for the diversification and ecological interactions of obligate pathogens. The anther‐smut disease of natural plant populations, caused by Microbotryum fungi, has been characterized by specialized host–pathogen interactions, which contribute in part to the isolation among these numerous fungal species. This study investigated the molecular variation of Microbotryum pathogens within the geographic and host‐specific distributions on wild Dianthus species in southern European Alps. In contrast to prior studies on this pathogen genus, a range of overlapping host specificities was observed for four delineated Microbotryum lineages on Dianthus hosts, and their frequent co‐occurrence within single‐host populations was quantified at local and regional scales. In addition to potential consequences for direct pathogen competition, the sympatry of Microbotryum lineages led to hybridization between them in many populations, and these admixed genotypes suffered significant meiotic sterility. Therefore, this investigation of the anther‐smut fungi reveals how variation in the degrees of host specificity can have major implications for ecological interactions and genetic integrity of differentiated pathogen lineages.
Genetic and genomic evidence of niche partitioning and adaptive radiation in mountain pine beetle fungal symbionts
Authors: Ojeda Alayon Dario I. , Tsui Clement K. M. , Feau Nicolas , Capron Arnaud , Dhillon Braham , Zhang Yiyuan , Massoumi Alamouti Sepideh , Boone Celia K. , Carroll Allan L. , Cooke Janice E. K. , Roe Amanda D. , Sperling Felix A. H. , Hamelin Richard C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBark beetles form multipartite symbiotic associations with blue stain fungi (Ophiostomatales, Ascomycota). These fungal symbionts play an important role during the beetle's life cycle by providing nutritional supplementation, overcoming tree defences and modifying host tissues to favour brood development. The maintenance of stable multipartite symbioses with seemingly less competitive symbionts in similar habitats is of fundamental interest to ecology and evolution. We tested the hypothesis that the coexistence of three fungal species associated with the mountain pine beetle is the result of niche partitioning and adaptive radiation using SNP genotyping coupled with genotype–environment association analysis and phenotypic characterization of growth rate under different temperatures. We found that genetic variation and population structure within each species is best explained by distinct spatial and environmental variables. We observed both common (temperature seasonality and the host species) and distinct (drought, cold stress, precipitation) environmental and spatial factors that shaped the genomes of these fungi resulting in contrasting outcomes. Phenotypic intraspecific variations in Grosmannia clavigera and Leptographium longiclavatum, together with high heritability, suggest potential for adaptive selection in these species. By contrast, Ophiostoma montium displayed narrower intraspecific variation but greater tolerance to extreme high temperatures. Our study highlights unique phenotypic and genotypic characteristics in these symbionts that are consistent with our hypothesis. By maintaining this multipartite relationship, the bark beetles have a greater likelihood of obtaining the benefits afforded by the fungi and reduce the risk of being left aposymbiotic. Complementarity among species could facilitate colonization of new habitats and survival under adverse conditions.
The pro‐inflammatory cytokineTNF‐α inhibits lymphatic pumping via activation of theNF‐κB‐iNOSsignaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yingxuan , Rehal Sonia , Roizes Simon , Zhu Hai‐Lei , Cole William C. , von der Weid Pierre‐Yves 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveMesenteric lymphatic vessel pumping, important to propel lymph and immune cells from the intestinal interstitium to the mesenteric lymph nodes, is compromised during intestinal inflammation. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the pro‐inflammatory cytokineTNF‐α, is a significant contributor to the inflammation‐induced lymphatic contractile dysfunction, and to determine its mode of action.MethodsContractile parameters were obtained from isolated rat mesenteric lymphatic vessels mounted on a pressure myograph after 24‐hours incubation with or withoutTNF‐α. Various inhibitors were administered, and quantitative real‐timePCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence confocal imaging were applied to characterize the mechanisms involved inTNF‐α actions.ResultsVessel contraction frequency was significantly decreased afterTNF‐α treatment and could be restored by selective inhibition ofNF‐кB,iNOS, guanylate cyclase, andATP‐sensitive K+channels. We further demonstrated thatNF‐кB inhibition also suppressed the significant increase iniNOS mRNAobserved inTNF‐α‐treated lymphatic vessels and thatTNF‐α treatment favored the nuclear translocation of the p65NF‐κB subunit.ConclusionsThese findings suggest thatTNF‐α decreases mesenteric lymphatic contractility by activating theNF‐κB‐iNOSsignaling pathway. This mechanism could contribute to the alteration of lymphatic pumping reported in intestinal inflammation.
Experimental study on 1,25(OH)2D3 amelioration of oral lichen planus through regulating NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Du J , Li R , Yu F , Yang F , Wang J , Chen Q , Wang X , Zhao B , Zhang F 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the protective function of vitamin D (VD)/vitamin D receptor (VDR) on the development of oral lichen planus (OLP) and elaborate the underling mechanism of it.MethodsH&E staining, myeloid peroxidase (MPO) assays, quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, and Elisa were used to test the human biopsies and serum. QPCR, Western blotting, Elisa, and siRNA transfection were also performed in LPS‐induced keratinocytes to observe the functions of vitamin D and VDR.ResultsThe lack of VDR in the diseased biopsies from OLP patients was associated with activated helper T‐cell type 1 (Th1)‐driven inflammatory response. Importantly, the status of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D of OLP patients was reduced consistently. In a cultured cell model, 1,25(OH)2D3 could downregulate excessive production of pro‐inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in keratinocyte HaCat cells. Mechanistically, even though LPS‐induced cytokines in keratinocytes were inhibited both by nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) inhibitor and by activator protein 1 (AP‐1) inhibitor, VDR‐dependent 1,25(OH)2D3 blocked the activation of phosphorylated‐NF‐κB p65 rather than c‐Jun/c‐Fos in the presence of LPS stimulation.ConclusionThese results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 plays an anti‐inflammatory role in OLP by mediating NF‐κB signaling pathway but not AP‐1 signaling pathway with a VDR‐dependent manner, predicting vitamin D supplement may be a potential strategy for the OLP management.