bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Description, Molecular Analysis of TWIST2 Gene, and Surgical Treatment in a Patient With Barber-Say Syndrome
Authors: Zuazo Francisca , Astiazaran Mirena C. , Rodríguez-Cabrera Lourdes , Garcia-Regil Patricia , Chacon-Camacho Oscar , Tovilla-Canales José L. , Zenteno Juan C.
Published: January 2018

Barber-Say syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by dysmorphic features, mainly of the eyelids and skin. It is caused by heterozygous mutations in gene TWIST2, localized in chromosome 2q37.3. The authors present the case of a pediatric patient with a clinical diagnosis of Barber-Say syndrome with ocular symptoms related to exposure keratitis. Molecular analysis of her DNA revealed a mutation on TWIST2 gene confirming the diagnosis of Barber-Say syndrome. Surgical treatment of the patient’s eyelids resolved her signs and symptoms.
Concussion Symptom Underreporting Among Incoming National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College Athletes
Authors: Conway Fiona N. , Domingues Marianne , Monaco Robert , Lesnewich Laura M. , Ray Anne E. , Alderman Brandon L. , Todaro Sabrina M. , Buckman Jennifer F.
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Accurate diagnosis of sport-related concussions relies heavily on truthful self-reporting of symptom severity. Previous studies have emphasized lack of knowledge as a factor in symptom nondisclosure. This study sought to examine concussion knowledge and the relationship of knowledge to reasons for symptom nondisclosure.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Data were collected during preparticipation athletic evaluations via electronic survey.

Participants:

One hundred fifty-six incoming National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes.

Main Outcome Measures:

Survey items included previous concussion diagnosis, concussion fact and symptom knowledge, reasons and situational contexts for nondisclosure, and stakeholder attitudes.

Results:

Participants, on average, had substantial concussion symptom and fact knowledge. Unexpectedly, participants with higher concussion fact knowledge endorsed more reasons that athletes may hide symptoms. Concussion symptom knowledge was unrelated to reasons for nondisclosure. Athletes believed that symptom reporting was less likely in high-stakes versus low-stakes situations and consistently identified their teammates as holding attitudes that support underreporting and athletic trainers as engaging in behaviors that support player safety.

Conclusions:

Greater concussion knowledge did not reduce the number of reasons that participants viewed as drivers for concussion nondisclosure. In other words, participants understood why athletes choose to hide symptoms even when they also understood the symptoms, risks, sequelae, and consequences of concussion (and potential harm of nondisclosure). Situational contexts and important stakeholder attitudes also appeared to importantly influence symptom disclosure decisions. A multifaceted approach that goes beyond current educational strategies to addresses situational, social, and athletic pressures may be needed to initiate a widespread cultural shift away from concussion nondisclosure.
Is ileocecal valve intubation essential for routine colonoscopic examination?
Authors: Meral Murat , Bengi Göksel , Kayahan Hasan , Akarsu Mesut , Soytürk Müjde , Topalak Ömer , Akpinar Hale , Sağol Özgül
Published: January 2018

Background

In this study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of terminal ileum intubation during routine colonoscopy.

Materials and methods

We routinely performed terminal ileum intubation in all patients who underwent colonoscopy at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital between February 2014 and June 2015. Two gastroenterology fellows performed colonoscopies in the Central Endoscopy Unit. Demographic data of patients, indications of colonoscopies, cecum and ileum intubation rate/time, and endoscopic and histopathologic findings of the terminal ileum were all assessed.

Results

A total of 1310 consecutive patients (726 female and 584 male, median age: 55.79±14.29 years) underwent colonoscopy during this study period. The colonoscopy was successfully completed in 1144 (87.3%) cases. The terminal ileum was successfully intubated in 1032 (90.2%) cases. The mean time taken to reach the ileum from the cecum was 63.08±64.16 s. Endoscopic abnormalities on the terminal ileum were present in 62 (6%) cases, and biopsies were taken from these patients. However, endoscopic abnormalities were found in 7 and 3.3% of patients who were symptomatic and asymptomatic, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (P=0.02). Clinically significant histopathologic findings were observed in 22 cases, and 12 of the 22 cases were diagnosed as having Crohn’s disease.

Conclusion

Terminal ileum intubation is particularly indicated in symptomatic patients. In cases of chronic diarrhea, iron-deficiency anemia, abdominal pain, and suspected inflammatory bowel disease, terminal ileum intubation should be done.
Self-reported Health Status Differs for Amazon’s Mechanical Turk Respondents Compared With Nationally Representative Surveys
Authors: Mortensen Karoline , Alcalá Manuel G. , French Michael T. , Hu Tianyan
Published: January 2018

Background:

Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) platform has become a data source for peer-reviewed academic research publications, with over 24,000 Google Scholar search results. Although well-developed and supportive in other disciplines, the literature in health and medicine comparing results from samples generated on MTurk to gold standard, nationally representative health and medical surveys is beginning to emerge.

Objective:

To compare the demographic, socioeconomic, and self-reported health status variables in an MTurk sample to those from 2 prominent national probability surveys, including the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Research Design:

We analyze weighted and unweighted tabulations of the MTurk, MEPS, and BRFSS. Wald tests identify statistical significance.

Measures:

Demographic, socioeconomic, and health status variables in an adult MTurk sample collected in 2016 (n=1916), the 2015 MEPS household survey component (n=21,210), and the 2015 BRFSS (n=283,502).

Results:

Our findings indicate statistically significant differences in the demographic, socioeconomic, and self-perceived health status tabulations in the MTurk sample relative to the unweighted and weighted MEPS and BRFSS. The MTurk sample is more likely to be female (65.8% in MTurk, 50.9% in MEPS, 50.2% in BRFSS), white (80.1% in MTurk, 76.9% in MEPS, and 73.9% in BRFSS), non-Hispanic (91.1%, 82.4%, and 81.4%, respectively), younger, and less likely to report excellent health status (6.8% in MTurk, 28.3% in MEPS, and 20.2% in BRFSS).

Conclusions:

We find significant differences across variables that warrant hesitation in using MTurk data as a replacement for the gold standard datasets in health services research.
Impact of Integrated Health Care Delivery on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chang Jonathan I. , Huang Brian Z. , Wu Bechien U.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether disparities in pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival are reduced in an integrated health system.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study (2006–2014) among patients with pancreatic cancer from Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Racial ethnic groups included non-Hispanic whites (NHW), non-Hispanic blacks (NHB), Hispanics, and Asians. We used multivariable and Cox regression analyses to evaluate disparities in diagnosis and treatment utilization (oncology care, surgery, time to surgery, chemotherapy) and overall survival, respectively.

Results

Among 2103 patients, 54% were diagnosed with stage IV disease, 80% received oncology consultation, 20% received surgery with mean time to surgery 27 days (standard deviation, 36.8), 50.4% received chemotherapy. Mean overall survival was 8.6 months (standard deviation, 11.5). There were no differences in odds of stage IV diagnosis, oncology consultation, surgery, or time to surgery by racial ethnic group. Asians were more likely to receive chemotherapy (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–2.32) compared to NHW. NHB (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67–0.91) and Asians (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66–1.00) had improved survival compared to NHW.

Conclusions

Minorities were not disadvantaged in pancreatic cancer care. Improved health care coordination may improve current disparities.
Nationwide Trend Analysis of Pediatric Inpatients With Immune Thrombocytopenia in the United States
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Handa Atsuhiko
Published: January 2018

Background:

Several studies have reported the epidemiology of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) among children in the United States and other countries. However, recent trends in ITP among hospitalized children and hospital course remain unknown at a national level in the United States.

Method:

Hospital discharge records of patients with ITP aged 19 years and younger were obtained for the years 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012 using the Kids’ Inpatient Database. Data were weighted to estimate the annual hospitalization rates in the United States with trend analyses. Multivariable regression models were used to ascertain trends of health care utilizations, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

Results:

Total annual hospitalization rates due to ITP ranged from 6.13 per 100,000 children in 2003 to 6.22 per 100,000 children in 2012 (Ptrend=0.86). The lowest proportions of hospitalizations were observed in August. The proportions of inpatients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin increased from 18.5% in 2003 to 39.9% (Ptrend< 0.001), while those examined with bone marrow aspiration decreased from 7.8% in 2003 to 6.5% in 2012 (Ptrend=0.01). Total hospitalization costs and length of stay changed from $6147 and 3.78 days in 2003 to $9328 and 2.55 days in 2012.

Conclusions:

We provided insights of epidemiology of ITP and health care utilizations in the United States. Further studies, including cost-effective analyses, will be required to justify the increasing trends in health care costs and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Vascular Effects of Adrenomedullin and the Anti-Adrenomedullin Antibody Adrecizumab in Sepsis
Authors: Geven Christopher , Bergmann Andreas , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter
Published: January 2018

Sepsis remains a major scientific and medical challenge, for which, apart from significant refinements in supportive therapy, treatment has barely changed over the last few decades. During sepsis, both vascular tone and vascular integrity are compromised, and contribute to the development of shock. The free circulating peptide adrenomedullin (ADM) is involved in the regulation of the endothelial barrier function and tone of blood vessels. Several animal studies have shown that ADM administration improves outcome of sepsis. However, in higher dosages, ADM administration may cause hypotension, limiting its clinical applicability. Moreover, ADM has a very short half-life and easily adheres to surfaces, further hampering its clinical use. The non-neutralizing anti-ADM antibody Adrecizumab (HAM8101) which causes a long-lasting increase of plasma ADM has shown promising results in animal models of systemic inflammation and sepsis; it reduced inflammation, attenuated vascular leakage, and improved hemodynamics, kidney function, and survival. Combined with an excellent safety profile derived from animal and phase I human studies, Adrecizumab represents a promising candidate drug for the adjunctive treatment of sepsis. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the currently available data on the role of adrenomedullin in sepsis and describe its effects on endothelial barrier function and vasodilation. Furthermore, we provide a novel hypothesis concerning the mechanisms of action through which Adrecizumab may exert its beneficial effects in sepsis.
Accurate allele frequencies from ultra-low coverage pool-seq samples in evolve-and-resequence experiments
Authors: Tilk Susanne , Bergland Alan , Goodman Aaron , Schmidt Paul , Petrov Dmitri , Greenblum Sharon
Published: January 2018

Evolve-and-resequence (E+R) experiments leverage next-generation sequencing technology to track the allele frequency dynamics of populations as they evolve. While previous work has shown that adaptive alleles can be detected by comparing frequency trajectories from many replicate populations, this power comes at the expense of high-coverage (>100x) sequencing of many pooled samples, which can be cost-prohibitive. Here, we show that accurate estimates of allele frequencies can be achieved with very shallow sequencing depths (<5x) via inference of known founder haplotypes in small genomic windows. This technique can be used to efficiently estimate frequencies for any number of bi-allelic SNPs in populations of any model organism founded with sequenced homozygous strains. Using both experimentally-pooled and simulated samples of Drosophila melanogaster, we show that haplotype inference can improve allele frequency accuracy by orders of magnitude for up to 50 generations of recombination, and is robust to moderate levels of missing data, as well as different selection regimes. Finally, we show that a simple linear model generated from these simulations can predict the accuracy of haplotype-derived allele frequencies in other model organisms and experimental designs. To make these results broadly accessible for use in E+R experiments, we introduce HAF-pipe, an open-source software tool for calculating haplotype-derived allele frequencies from raw sequencing data. Ultimately, by reducing sequencing costs without sacrificing accuracy, our method facilitates E+R designs with higher replication and resolution, and thereby, increased power to detect adaptive alleles.
Monkey Facial Dynamics in ‘Minimal Interactions’
Authors: Shepherd Stephen V.
Published: January 2018

Increasingly, researchers are interested in studying the neural substrates of monkey social interactions within laboratory settings. However, semi-naturalistic monkey interactions within lab settings have not been well characterized. We here analyze “minimal interactions” between monkeys in the laboratory. Monkeys, like humans, produce a variety of facial expressions when they encounter one another. It has been unclear what specific information they use to guide their behavior. I recorded the facial signals of captive long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) while they visually interacted while seated in primate chairs. I found that the most consistently-evoked expressions were affiliative in character, most notably in the form of reciprocal lipsmacking. Consistent with prior experiments, lipsmacks were most evident when situational and social ambiguity was maximal: that is, in the first sessions, in the first moments of each session, and when interacting with unfamiliar individuals. Unexpectedly, head and eye orientation played dissociable roles in interactive behaviors. Most intriguingly, monkeys’ facial behaviors reflected both received and previously sent signals, suggesting they interpret others’ current signals in light of their own past communications.
Speech intelligibility predicted from neural entrainment of the speech envelope
Authors: Vanthornhout Jonas , Decruy Lien , Wouters Jan , Simon Jonathan Z. , Francart Tom
Published: January 2018

Speech intelligibility is currently measured by scoring how well a person can identify a speech signal. The results of such behavioral measures reflect neural processing of the speech signal, but are also influenced by language processing, motivation and memory. Very often electrophysiological measures of hearing give insight in the neural processing of sound. However, in most methods non-speech stimuli are used, making it hard to relate the results to behavioral measures of speech intelligibility. The use of natural running speech as a stimulus in electrophysiological measures of hearing is a paradigm shift which allows to bridge the gap between behavioral and electrophysiological measures. Here, by decoding the speech envelope from the electroencephalogram, and correlating it with the stimulus envelope, we demonstrate an electrophysiological measure of neural processing of running speech. We show that behaviorally measured speech intelligibility is strongly correlated with our electrophysiological measure. Our results pave the way towards an objective and automatic way of assessing neural processing of speech presented through auditory prostheses, reducing confounds such as attention and cognitive capabilities. We anticipate that our electrophysiological measure will allow better differential diagnosis of the auditory system, and will allow the development of closed-loop auditory prostheses that automatically adapt to individual users.
Comparative Phylogenomic Synteny Network Analysis of Mammalian and Angiosperm Genomes
Authors: Zhao Tao , Schranz M. Eric
Published: January 2018

Background

Synteny analysis is a valuable approach for understanding eukaryotic gene and genome evolution, but still relies largely on pairwise or reference-based comparisons. Network approaches can be utilized to expand large-scale phylogenomic microsynteny studies. There is now a wealth of completed mammalian (animal) and angiosperm (plant) genomes, two very important lineages that have evolved and radiated over the last ~170 million years. Genomic organization and conservation differs greatly between these two groups; however, a systematic and comparative characterization of synteny between the two lineages using the same approaches and metrics has not been undertaken.

Results

We have built complete microsynteny networks for 87 mammalian and 107 angiosperm genomes, which contain 1,464,753 nodes (genes) and 49,426,268 edges (syntenic connections between genes) for mammals, and 2,234,461 nodes and 46,938,272 edges for angiosperms, respectively. Exploiting network statistics, we present the functional characteristics of extremely conserved and diversified gene families. We summarize the features of all syntenic gene clusters and present lineage-wide phylogenetic profiling, revealing intriguing sub-clade lineage-specific clusters. We depict several representative clusters of important developmental genes in humans, such asCENPJ, p53andNFE2. Finally, we present the complete homeobox gene family networks for both mammals (including Hox and ParaHox gene clusters) and angiosperms.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate and quantify overall synteny conservation and diversification properties of all annotated genes for mammals and angiosperms and show that plant genomes are in general more dynamic.
NET-prism enables RNA polymerase-dedicated transcriptional interrogation at nucleotide resolution
Authors: Mylonas Constantine , Tessarz Peter
Published: January 2018

The advent of quantitative approaches that enable interrogation of transcription at single nucleotide resolution has allowed a novel understanding of transcriptional regulation previously undefined. However, little is known, at such high resolution, how transcription factors directly influence RNA Pol II pausing and directionality. To map the impact of transcription/elongation factors on transcription dynamics genome-wide at base pair resolution, we developed an adapted NET-seq protocol called NET-prism (Native Elongating Transcription by Polymerase-Regulated Immunoprecipitants in the Mammalian genome). Application of NET-prism on elongation factors (Spt6, Ssrp1), splicing factors (Sf1), and components of the pre-initiation complex (PIC) (TFIID, and Mediator) reveals their inherent command on transcription dynamics, with regards to directionality and pausing over promoters, splice sites, and enhancers/super-enhancers. NET-prism will be broadly applicable as it exposes transcription factor/Pol II dependent topographic specificity and thus, a new degree of regulatory complexity during gene expression.
Stimulus prediction in the hippocampus
Authors: Kok Peter , Turk-Browne Nicholas B.
Published: January 2018

Perception can be cast as a process of inference, in which bottom-up signals are combined with top-down predictions in sensory systems. However, the source of these top-down predictions, especially when complex and multisensory, remains largely unknown. We hypothesised that the hippocampus — which rapidly learns arbitrary associations and has bidirectional connections with sensory systems — may be involved. We exposed humans to auditory cues predicting visual shapes, while measuring high-resolution fMRI signals in visual cortex and the hippocampus. Using multivariate reconstruction methods, we discovered a dissociation between these regions: representations in visual cortex were dominated by whichever shape was presented, whereas representations in the hippocampus (CA3 and subiculum, but not CA1) reflected only which shape was predicted by the cue. The strength of hippocampal predictions correlated across participants with the amount of expectation-related facilitation in visual cortex. These findings are consistent with the possibility that the hippocampus supplies predictions to sensory systems.
Afadin and RhoA control pancreatic endocrine mass via lumen morphogenesis
Authors: Azizoglu D. Berfin , Braitsch Caitlin , Marciano Denise K. , Cleaver Ondine
Published: January 2018

Proper lumen morphogenesis during pancreas development is critical to endocrine and exocrine cell fate. Recent studies showed that a central network of lumens (termed core), but not the surrounding terminal branches (termed periphery), produces most islet endocrine cells. To date, it remains unclear how pancreatic lumens form and remodel and which aspects of lumen morphogenesis influence cell fate. Importantly, models testing the function of the central lumen network as an endocrine niche are lacking. Here, we identify mechanisms underlying lumen formation and remodeling and show that central lumen network morphogenesis impacts pancreatic endocrine mass. We show that loss of the scaffolding protein Afadin disrupts de novo lumenogenesis and lumen continuity in the tip epithelium. Codepletion of the actomyosin regulator RhoA and Afadin results in defects in the central lumens and arrests lumen remodeling. This arrest leads to prolonged perdurance of the central lumen network over developmental time and expansion of the endocrine progenitor population and, eventually, endocrine mass. Our study uncovers essential roles of Afadin and RhoA in pancreatic central lumen morphogenesis, which subsequently determines endocrine cell mass.
Monoclinic polymorph of chlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)triphenyltin(IV)
Authors: Pouye Serigne Fallou , Cissé Ibrahima , Diop Libasse , Ríos-Merino Francisco Javier , Bernès Sylvain
Published: January 2018

The crystal structure of the title tin complex, [Sn(C6H5)3Cl(C2H6OS)], (I), has been reported with one molecule in the asymmetric unit in an orthorhombic cell [Kumar et al. (2009). Acta Cryst. E65, m1602–m1603]. While using SnPh3Cl as a starting material for a reaction for which the products were recrystallized over a very long time (six months) from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a new polymorph was obtained for (I), with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit of a monoclinic cell. The coordination geometry of the Sn centres remains unchanged, with the Cl− ion and the DMSO molecule in the apical positions and the phenyl C atoms in the equatorial positions of a trigonal bipyramid. The main difference between the polymorphs is the relative orientation of the phenyl rings in the equatorial plane, reflecting a degree of free rotation of these groups about their Sn—C bonds. In the crystal, molecules are linked into [010] chains mediated by weak C—H...O interactions.
A new cadmium coordination polymer based on 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Said Maha , Boughzala Habib
Published: January 2018

A new cadmium coordination polymer, poly[bis(4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazolium) [bis(μ2-4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-κ2
N
1:N
2)tetra-μ2-chlorido-tetrachloridotricadmium(II)] dihydrate], {(C2H5N4)2[Cd3Cl8(C2H4N4)2]·2H2O}
n
, was synthesized by the reaction of 4-amino-4H-1,2,4 triazole with cadmium(II) chloride in aqueous solution. With an unusual architecture, the crystal structure exhibits two distorted octahedral coordinations of CdII joined by edge sharing. The first is composed by four chlorine and two N atoms from the triazole ligands. The second is formed by five Cl atoms and by one N atom from the triazole ligand. The charge of the resulting two-dimensional anionic framework is balanced by the organic triazole cations. The lattice water molecules form a network of hydrogen bonding. N—H...Cl and π–π stacking interactions are also involved in the supramolecular network stability.
4-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-{3-[5-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl}-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)thiazole
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Mohamed Hanan A. , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Hegazy Amany S. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: January 2018

In the title compound, C37H28BrClN8O, the linked chlorophenyl, pyrazolyl and thiazolyl ringss are almost coplanar, with dihedral angles of 0.6 (3)° between the chlorophenyl and pyrazolyl rings and 5.4 (3)° between the pyrazolyl and thiazolyl rings. The dihedral angle between the thiazolyl and bromophenyl rings is 17.5 (2)°. The central pyrazolyl rings subtend a dihedral angle of 67.7 (1)°. In the crystal, π–π and C—H...Br interactions link the molecules to form columns parallel to [010]. The π–π interactions involve partially overlapping nonparallel bromophenyl and tolyl groups.
(Acetamide-κO){2,2′,2′′-boranetriyltris[6-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridazine-3(2H)-thione]-κ4
B,S,S′,S′′}copper(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate chloroform disolvate
Authors: Holler Stefan , Belaj Ferdinand , Mösch-Zanetti Nadia C.
Published: January 2018

In the title solvated complex salt, [Cu(C27H39BN6S3)(C2H5NO)](CF3O3S)·2CHCl3, the CuI atom is coordinated by the three S atoms of the pyridazine-3-thione rings in the equatorial plane [Cu—S = 2.3072 (4)–2.3280 (4) Å] and the B atom of the scorpionate ligand and the O atom of an acetamide ligand as the apices of a trigonal bipyramid [Cu—B = 2.0456 (16) Å and Cu—O = 1.9957 (11) Å]. The amide group of the latter ligand is involved in a bifurcated hydrogen bond to the trifluoromethanesulfonate anion.
3-Butyl-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione
Authors: Guerrab Walid , Mague Joel T. , Akrad Rachida , Ansar Mhammed , Taoufik Jamal , Ramli Youssef
Published: January 2018

In the title compound, C19H20N2O2, the phenyl rings are inclined to the five-membered ring by 58.08 (6) and 66.31 (5)°. In the crystal, pairwise N—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds form chains along the a-axis direction which are connected into layers approximately parallel to [010] by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The layers are connected by C—H...π(ring) interactions.
A modern development of bioactive wound dressing material using Chaetomorpha linum seaweed/cotton blended fabric
Authors: Janarthanan M. , Senthil Kumar M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Medical textiles is a vibrant emerging field in the area of technical textiles and its category is based on its performance and biofunctional properties for hygienic and health care products. Biodegradable fabrics are widely used for medical textiles in recent years. Seaweeds provide a wide range of therapeutic possibilities for human beings both internally and externally due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This present study investigates the development of bioactive gauze fabric from Chaetomorpha linum seaweed/cotton blended fibres and also analysed the characteristics of Chaetomorpha linum seaweed/cotton blended gauze fabric and 100 per cent cotton gauze fabric. The effect of fibres on physical properties of fabric such as tensile strength, air permeability, wickability, water drop test and colour fastness properties were analysed. The antibacterial properties and antioxidant activity were assessed by DPPH radical scavenging, AATCC 100 and EN ISO 20645 test methods.

Findings

The experimental results indicate that the maximum antioxidant activity of 103.28±1.23 per cent inhibition was achieved at minimum concentration (500 µg/ml) of the blended fabric extract, and maximum antibacterial reduction of 95 per cent and zone of inhibition of about 26 mm were achieved in a blended fabric. The tensile strength, percentage of elongation and air permeability were more or less the same in both gauze fabrics. It is also found that Chaetomorpha linum seaweed/cotton blended gauze fabric exhibit better wickability and water absorbency properties than 100 per cent cotton gauze fabric. The colour fastness properties to washing and rubbing showed excellent results in the blended gauze fabric, and it is used for making wound dressing materials.

Originality/value

This bioactive gauze fabric was used for non-implantable materials such as wound healing, face mask, surgical gowns and hygienic textiles in recent years.
The impact of job isolation on new principals’ sense of efficacy, job satisfaction, burnout and persistence
Authors: Bauer Scott C. , Silver Lori
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the model first presented by Federici and Skaalvik (2012) involving the relationships among four attributes of principals’ work: self-efficacy, burnout, job satisfaction, and intention to leave (persistence). The model is then extended to test the role of isolation as a precursor.

Design/methodology/approach

Path analysis is used to test the models, based on responses from an electronic survey of first-year principals in a southeastern US state, using established measures of each construct.

Findings

First, the results show support for the model presented by Federici and Skaalvik, supporting their original hypotheses. Second, the authors show that isolation is an important predictor of all four constructs in the model, and that when included as an antecedent factor, isolation represents the most potent predictor of new principals’ intention to leave.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis involves a sample of new principals from a single setting, thus limiting generalizability. Additionally, the exclusive use of self-reported data in this study raises the possibility that the results are influenced by single-source bias.

Practical implications

The findings showing that isolation is a significant predictor of work outcomes, such as efficacy and satisfaction, and an important predictor of persistence suggest that scholars and practitioners alike need to consider ways to understand and mitigate the sources of isolation experienced by school leaders.

Originality/value

Isolation is largely neglected in empirical studies of principals’ work. This study adds to what is known and raises questions about the study of isolation experienced by school leaders.
Why Has Japan Failed to Escape from Deflation?
Authors: Watanabe Kota , Watanabe Tsutomu
Published: January 2018

Japan has failed to escape from deflation despite an extraordinary monetary policy easing over the past 4 years. Monetary easing undoubtedly stimulated aggregate demand, leading to an improvement in the output gap. However, since the Phillips curve was almost flat, prices have hardly reacted at all. Against this background, the key question is why prices were so sticky. To examine this, we use sectoral price data for Japan and seven other countries including the USA, and use these data to compare the shape of the price change distribution across the eight countries. Our main finding is that Japan differs significantly from the other countries in that the mode of the distribution is very close to zero for Japan, while it is near 2% for other countries. This suggests that while in the USA and other countries the “default” is for firms to raise prices by about 2% each year, in Japan the default is that, as a result of prolonged deflation, firms keep their prices unchanged.
Is Abe's Fiscal Policy Ricardian? What Does the Fiscal Theory of Prices Mean for Japan?
Authors: Doi Takero
Published: January 2018

The second arrow of Abenomics is flexible fiscal policy. However, it does not mean just fiscal stimulus as the Abe administration decided on the fiscal consolidation target of achieving a primary surplus by fiscal year 2020. Improving the primary balance implies making government debt more sustainable. Although the consumption tax rate was raised from 5% to 8% in April 2014, the Abe administration has decided twice to postpone increasing the consumption tax from 8% to 10%. In addition, a fiscal stimulus package was implemented. We use a Fiscal Stance Index to examine fiscal policy from the viewpoint of fiscal sustainability and a Markov switching model to examine fiscal policy from the viewpoint of the fiscal theory of the price level, and find that the Abe's fiscal stance is not Ricardian.
Abenomics and Japan's Trade Policy in a New Era
Authors: Solís Mireya , Urata Shujiro
Published: January 2018

Trade policy, in particular, the Trans‐Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), has been a centerpiece of the Abe administration's economic strategy. The TPP's contributions to Japan's growth strategy include: (i) creating trade and investment opportunities abroad for Japanese companies through ambitious liberalization targets; (ii) advancing domestic reforms – with the largest service and agricultural liberalization commitments to date; and (iii) increasing bargaining leverage in other trade negotiations. But the domestic reform goals of Abenomics in agriculture have come up short due to opposition from domestic lobbies. American trade politics – which culminated in the US withdrawal from the TPP – have upended the goals of trade policy under Abenomics. Japan's best option in this new environment is to deliver on high quality, multi‐party trade agreements: concluding negotiations with Europe; scaling up the ambition of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; and salvaging a TPP 11. The merits of a bilateral free trade agreement with the USA will depend on how the Trump administration operationalizes its America First policy.
Membrane‐active peptide PV3 efficiently eradicates multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mouse model of burn infection
Authors: Memariani Hamed , Shahbazzadeh Delavar , Sabatier Jean‐Marc , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical bactericidal activity of peptide PV3 against a MDR isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mouse model of burn infection. The structural analysis of PV3 by circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated a low peptide helical content in water, whereas a high helical content was observed in the presence of the more hydrophobic 50% (v/v) trifluoroethanol/water buffer. A confocal microscopy analysis indicated that the main action of PV3 occurred at the membrane of bacteria. Peptide PV3 exhibited superior in vitro anti‐Pseudomonas activity and killing kinetics as compared with doripenem. A single dose of the topically applied peptide PV3 (4 × MBC, 120 min) was found to be sufficient to eradicate MDRP. aeruginosa in a bacterially infected mouse burn wound model, whereas doripenem (4 × MBC) failed to eradicate the initial inoculum. This indicates a potent and fast PV3‐associated bactericidal activity, contrary to doripenem. An in‐depth analysis of mouse skin by histopathology revealed that peptide PV3 (4 × MBC) did not induce any topical skin toxicity. Overall, the data strongly suggest that peptide PV3 might be a potent candidate antimicrobial agent active on antibiotic‐resistant isolates of pathogenic bacteria.
Effects of humic acid on pentachlorophenol biodegrading microorganisms elucidated by stable isotope probing and high‐throughput sequencing approaches
Authors: Tong H. , Chen M. J. , Li F. B. , Liu C. S. , Li B. , Qiao J. T.
Published: January 2018

Humic substances (HSs) are ubiquitous in soil and can be reversibly oxidized and reduced by acting as redox mediators. They participate in microbial metabolism and directly affect the biodegradation of organic pollutants. However, the effects of HSs on specific microbial taxa that are responsible for the degradation of organic pollutants remain unclear. In this research, the effects of humic acids (HAs), extracted from three types of soil, forest (CBHA), paddy (PSHA) and peat (YNHA) on the microbial community involved in anaerobic mineralization of pentachlorophenol (PCP) were investigated with high‐throughput sequencing and stable isotope probing (SIP) approaches. The results showed that all HA samples accelerated the biotransformation processes of PCP; the largest rate was obtained with YNHA. Illumina sequencing revealed that Desulfovibrio and Clostridium were the dominant functional bacteria for the dechlorination of PCP. During the subsequent PCP degradation and mineralization processes, HAs affected the diversity and abundance of microbial communities, and several taxa were enriched in the 13C‐heavy fractions compared with 12C‐heavy fractions. In the absence of HA, Methanobacterium and Spartobacteria showed a significant increase in 13C‐heavy fractions. Methanosarcina and OP11 were the dominant PCP degraders in microcosms when amended with CBHA, whereas Burkholderia and Methanobacterium were the key PCP degraders in PSHA‐ and YNHA‐amended experimental microcosms. These results improve our knowledge of the diversity and ubiquitous nature of HS‐utilizing microorganisms involved in PCP degradation, providing scientific support for the development of in situ bioremediation technologies for HS‐rich soil contaminated by PCP.

Highlights

All humic acids facilitated biodegradation of pentachlorophenol.

The greater the carbon content of HA, the greater was the rate of dechlorination.

Clostridium and Desulfovibrio dominated PCP dechlorination.

SIP suggested that Methanobacterium, Methanosaricina, OP11, Spartobactria and Burholderia acquired PCP‐derived carbon.
BRIEFE UND TAGEBUCHBLÄTTER VON GRÄFIN C***: CLOTILDE VON STOCKHAUSEN'S DIARY COMES BACK TO LIGHT
Authors: Sayer John
Published: January 2018

Misconceptions surrounded the missing diary of Clotilde von Stockhausen, admired by Reichskanzler von Bülow but overlooked thereafter, until a copy was identified in 2016 and another later emerged during the Google digitalisation of Austrian National Library nineteenth‐century holdings. The fictions around the diary and von Bülow's interest are now explained and dispelled. The diary is introduced as a fine example of literature in miniature, beautifully written, using images from the natural world, a searching but witty record and exploration of personal feelings and reflections contrasting with outward appearances. What is known of the diary's composition and publication is discussed, and the diary is set against Clotilde's family background and high‐society prominence as an ambassador's wife at critical moments in Paris and Vienna.
Shining LIGHT on the metabolic role of the cytokine TNFSF14 and the implications on hepatic IL‐6 production
Authors: Saunders Bernadette M , Rudnicka Caroline , Filipovska Aleksandra , Davies Stefan , Ward Natalie , Hricova Jana , Schlaich Markus P , Matthews Vance B
Published: January 2018

The cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily member 14, TNFSF14 (or LIGHT), is a controversial player in numerous diseases. We investigated the role of endogenously expressed TNFSF14 in diet‐induced obesity in vivo. Firstly, we studied the effects of Tnfsf14 ablation on the development of obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, steatosis, tissue inflammation, and mitochondrial respiration in the liver. Secondly, we examined the role of TNFSF14 expression in hematopoietic cells on obesity and insulin sensitivity. Male Tnfsf14 knockout (KO) and wild type mice were fed chow or high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and were assessed for weight gain, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hepatosteatosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cytokine expression. Wild‐type mice were also reconstituted with bone marrow cells from Tnfsf14 knockout mice and were fed chow or HFD for 12 weeks. These mice were examined for weight gain and insulin resistance. HFD fed mice had elevated circulating levels of serum TNFSF14. Liver and white adipose tissue are potential sources of this elevated TNFSF14. Tnfsf14 deficient mice displayed increased obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hepatosteatosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction compared to control mice on a HFD. Hepatic cytokine profiling pointed to a potential novel role of decreased IL‐6 in the metabolic disturbances in obesogenic Tnfsf14 knockout mice. Bone marrow cells from Tnfsf14 deficient mice appeared to promote diet‐induced obesity, insulin resistance and reduced FGF21 levels in white adipose tissue and liver. Our novel data suggest that Tnfsf14 ablation exacerbates parameters of the metabolic syndrome under high fat feeding conditions and provides evidence to support the development of TNFSF14 agonists as potential therapeutics in diet‐induced obesity.
LncRNA‐RP11‐714G18.1 suppresses vascular cell migration via directly targeting LRP2BP
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zheng Lei , Xu Bang‐Ming , Tang Wai‐Ho , Ye Zhi‐Dong , Huang Chuan , Ma Xin , Zhao Jing‐Jing , Guo Feng‐Xia , Kang Chun‐Min , Lu Jing‐Bo , Xiu Jian‐Cheng , Li Pan , Xu Yuan‐Jun , Xiao Lei , Wu Qian , Hu Yan‐Wei , Wang Qian
Published: January 2018

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is considered as the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Accumulating evidence supports an important role for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the role of lncRNA in atherosclerosis‐associated vascular dysfunction and the underlying mechanism remain elusive. Here, using microarray analysis, we identified a novel lncRNA RP11‐714G18.1 with significant reduced expression in human advanced atherosclerotic plaque tissues. We demonstrated in both human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) that RP11‐714G18.1 impaired cell migration, reduced the adhesion of ECs to monocytes, suppressed the neoangiogenesis, decreased apoptosis of VSMCs and promoted nitric oxide production. Mechanistically, RP11‐714G18.1 could directly bind to its nearby gene LRP2BP and increased the expression of LRP2BP. Moreover, we showed that RP11‐714G18.1 impaired cell migration through LRP2BP‐mediated downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1 in both ECs and VSMCs. In atherosclerotic patients, the serum levels of LRP2BP were positively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, but negatively correlated with cardiac troponin I. Our study suggests that RP11‐714G18.1 may play an athero‐protective role by inhibiting vascular cell migration via RP11‐714G18.1/LRP2BP/MMP1 signaling pathway, and targeting the pathway may provide new therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis.
Developing a flexible, high‐efficiency Agrobacterium‐mediated sorghum transformation system with broad application
Authors: Che Ping , Anand Ajith , Wu Emily , Sander Jeffry D. , Simon Marissa K. , Zhu Weiwei , Sigmund Amy L. , Zastrow‐Hayes Gina , Miller Michael , Liu Donglong , Lawit Shai J. , Zhao Zuo‐Yu , Albertsen Marc C. , Jones Todd J.
Published: January 2018

Sorghum is the fifth most widely planted cereal crop in the world and is commonly cultivated in arid and semi‐arid regions such as Africa. Despite its importance as a food source, sorghum genetic improvement through transgenic approaches has been limited because of an inefficient transformation system. Here, we report a ternary vector (also known as cohabitating vector) system using a recently described pVIR accessory plasmid that facilitates efficient Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of sorghum. We report regeneration frequencies ranging from 6% to 29% in Tx430 using different selectable markers and single copy, backbone free ‘quality events’ ranging from 45% to 66% of the total events produced. Furthermore, we successfully applied this ternary system to develop transformation protocols for popular but recalcitrant African varieties including Macia, Malisor 84‐7 and Tegemeo. In addition, we report the use of this technology to develop the first stable CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene knockouts in Tx430.
Oxidative stress impairs myocyte autophagy, resulting in myocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Jia‐Pu , Chi Rui‐Fang , Wang Ke , Ma Teng , Guo Xiao‐Fei , Zhang Xiao‐Li , Li Bao , Qin Fu‐Zhong , Han Xue‐Bin , Fan Bian‐Ai
Published: January 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does oxidative stress induce impairment of autophagy that results in myocyte hypertrophy early after pressure overload?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In cultured myocytes, hydrogen peroxide decreased autophagy and increased hypertrophy, and inhibition of autophagy enhanced myocyte hypertrophy. In rats with early myocardial hypertrophy after pressure overload, myocyte autophagy was progressively decreased. The antioxidant N‐acetyl‐cysteine or the superoxide dismutase mimic tempol prevented the decrease of myocyte autophagy and attenuated myocyte hypertrophy early after pressure overload. These findings suggest that oxidative stress impairs myocyte autophagy that results in myocyte hypertrophy.

Insufficient or excessive myocyte autophagy is associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Reactive oxygen species mediate myocyte hypertrophy in vitro and pressure overload‐induced LV hypertrophy in vivo. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress induces an impairment of autophagy that results in myocyte hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes pretreated with the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine were exposed to 10 and 50 μm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 48 h. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) or sham operation. The animals were killed 24, 48 or 72 h after surgery. In a separate group, the AAC and sham‐operated rats randomly received the antioxidant N‐acetyl‐cysteine or the superoxide dismutase mimic tempol for 72 h. In H9C2 cardiomyocytes, H2O2 decreased the ratio of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) II to LC3 I and increased P62 and phosphorylated ERK (p‐ERK) proteins and myocyte surface area. 3‐Methyladenine further increased H2O2‐induced p‐ERK expression. In rats after AAC, the heart to body weight ratio was progressively increased, the LC3 II/I ratio was progressively decreased, p62 and p‐ERK expression was increased, and expression of Beclin1, Atg5 and Atg12 was decreased. N‐Acetyl‐cysteine or tempol prevented the decreases in the LC3 II/I ratio and Beclin1 and Atg5 expression and attenuated the increases in LV wall thickness, myocyte diameter and brain natriuretic peptide expression in AAC rats. In conclusion, oxidative stress decreases Beclin1 and Atg5 expression that results in impairment of autophagy, leading to myocyte hypertrophy. These findings suggest that antioxidants or restoration of autophagy might be of value in the prevention of early myocardial hypertrophy after pressure overload.