bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndromes: are there differences in outcomes and discontinuation between clopidogrel and ticagrelor?
Authors: Harding Scott A. , Holley Ana , Wilkins Ben , Fairley Sarah , Simmonds Mark , Larsen Peter D.
Published: August 2017

Background/Aim

We studied clinical outcomes and discontinuation rates in a ‘real‐world’ population presenting with myocardial infarction treated with ticagrelor or clopidogrel.

Methods

Between January 2012 and May 2015, 992 patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing invasive management and adequately pre‐treated with dual antiplatelet therapy were prospectively enrolled. Platelet aggregation was measured using the Multiplate analyser. Baseline characteristics, in‐hospital outcomes and 1‐year outcomes were collected.

Results

Patients treated with ticagrelor were younger and less likely to be diabetic, have a previous myocardial infarction or present with a ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (all P < 0.05). Those treated with ticagrelor also had lower CRUSADE (Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines; 20 ± 9.4 vs 23 ± 10.1, P < 0.0001) and GRACE (119 ± 28 vs 126 ± 32, P = 0.002) scores. High platelet reactivity was greatly reduced with ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel (16.1% vs 37.0%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Non‐coronary artery bypass grafting‐related thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major and minor bleeding occurred at similar rates in those treated with ticagrelor and clopidogrel. Rates of drug discontinuation in those treated with ticagrelor and clopidogrel were similar in hospital (20.2% vs 16.2%, P = 0.18) and between discharge and 1 year (29.9% vs 27.9%, P = 0.63). However, discontinuation due to dyspnoea, (3.3% vs 0%, P < 0.0001) and discontinuation due to any possible drug‐related adverse event (9.3% vs 2.2%, P = 0.0001) was more common in those treated with ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel

Conclusion

Ticagrelor is paradoxically being used in lower‐risk patients rather than those most likely to benefit. Ticagrelor was associated with similar rates of bleeding but higher discontinuation rates due to adverse effects compared to clopidogrel.
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF FAMILY WITH HEREDITARY HYPERCHOLESTEROLÆMIC XANTHOMATOSIS
Authors: SCOTT P. J.
Published: August 2017

A study has been made of 79 members comprising three generations of a family affected by hereditary idiopathic hypercholesterolæmia. Eighteen of 64 living members were found to have hypercholesterolæmia, and the distribution suggested a dominant trait type of inheritance. All the lesions traditionally associated with the hypercholesterolæmic state were found in members of this family, but only peripheral skin and tendon xanthomas showed a definite relationship to serum cholesterol level. Arcus senilis and xanthelasma palpebrarum occurred in individuals with normal serum cholesterol levels as well as in hypercholesterolæmic subjects. Three adults with hypercholesterolæmia showed none of the external signs. These lesions developed in no fixed sequence, and time relationships were extremely variable in hypercholesterolæmic individuals as well as in those with normal serum cholesterol levels. It was concluded that the serum cholesterol level might not be the critical factor in the development of these lesions. A high incidence of coronary artery disease correlated well with the hypercholesterolæmic state, but not with external signs. In this family hypercholesterolæmia was not associated with hyperuricæmia.
THE ASSOCIATION OF LUNG CANCER AND TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: CAMPBELL ALASTAIR H.
Published: August 2017

As part of an investigation of the relationship between pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer, 6502 ex‐servicemen with tuberculosis were reviewed during various periods in three Australian States for a total of 25,827 “man‐years”. The number of deaths from various causes was compared with the number of expected deaths calculated from the age‐specific mortality rates of each disease classification in each of the three States.

The tuberculous group had an excess mortality from certain chest conditions (59 actual deaths, 29 expected, P=0.00008), from certain heart diseases (85 observed deaths, 44 expected, P=0.0000r) and from lung cancer (34 actual deaths, 13 expected, P=0.0005). The excess deaths from lung cancer were spread proportionately throughout the usual age groups. In the majority, tuberculosis had been inactive for at least a year prior to the first appearance of the lung cancer.

Fourteen of the 24 patients with lung cancer in Victoria and Queensland had available adequate X‐ray films prior to the development of the lung cancer. The maximum involvement of tuberculosis and the site of the lung cancer were charted according to the lung zones involved. Lung cancer arose more frequently in the 38 involved zones (11 cases) than in the 46 uninvolved zones (3 cases). The difference was significant (0.02 >P>0.01).

After consideration of other likely explanations, it is possible to suggest that pulmonary tuberculosis has a causal effect on lung cancer, and this effect may be through such non‐specific changes as scarring or metaplasia of the bronchial mucosa.
CHANGES IN THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY
Authors: PAUL GEOFFREY , ELDRIDGE FREDERIC
Published: August 2017

This is a study of the electrocardiograms of 23 patients who had undergone open heart surgery— repair of an atrial septal defect in 10, and in 13 closure of a ventricular septal defect, some with and some without an associated pulmonary infundibulectomy.

A variety of supraventricular arrhythmias were noted after the repair of an atrial septal defect. Possible ætiological factors include atrial irritability, pericarditis and electrolyte changes. Arrhythmias noted after the closure of a ventricular septal defect consisted of ventricular fibrillation during or immediately after the operation. This could be more clearly attributed to the direct trauma of surgery or to electrolyte shifts at the time of surgery.

There were decreases in the height of the P waves and a diminution of the P‐R interval after the repair of atrial septal defects. These changes appear to be related to improved atrial conduction and the decreased size of the right atrial chamber. Elimination of the left‐to‐right shunt after operation probably explains these findings.

The proximity of a defect of the ventricular septum to the known anatomical pathway of conduction along the right bundle correlates with the right bundle branch block or delay in the activation of the right ventricle which is noted after the repair of these defects.

This study confirms the association of pulmonary infundibulectomy with the appearance of a type of right bundle branch block. However, this association did not occur when a lateral excision of tissue from the pulmonary outflow tract was performed. This emphasizes the importance of damage to the superiorly located crista supraventricularis in the genesis of right bundle branch block after infundibulectomy.

The occurrence of the major QRS vector change after the completion of the first 0.04 second of the complex suggests that the later portions of the QRS complex are inscribed after a surgically imposed block has been encountered.

The presence of S‐T segment elevation after surgery for both atrial and ventricular septal defect repair probably correlates with the pericardial reaction and inflammation which one might expect. We learn that the electrocardiographic evidence of such change may last from four to at least 14 days after surgery.

The changes noted in the mean T wave vector suggest that the repolarization of the ventricles is altered in a fairly consistent fashion after the repair of an atrial septal defect, and in a varied manner after the repair of a ventricular septal defect. The T wave changes in precordial leads after surgery are probably due to a number of factors, including anoxia and injury.
The open economy trilemma in Latin America: A three‐decade analysis
Authors: de Mendonça Helder Ferreira , da Silva Veiga Igor
Published: August 2017

This study concerns the open economy trilemma in emerging economies, and uses a panel data framework to investigate cross‐dependence among the countries and respective parameters of the 23 countries in Latin America from 1980 to 2010. We examine the impact that trilemma choices impose on economic performance (output volatility and inflation), as well as whether the adoption of inflation targeting influences the results. The findings indicate that promoting exchange rate stability and financial openness are efficient strategies for improving the economic performance of Latin America economies. Furthermore, the adoption of inflation targeting enhances the effects of financial openness on output volatility.
Polymer precursor‐derived HfC–SiC ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic nanocomposites
Authors: Cai Tao , Liu Dan , Qiu WenFeng , Han WeiJian , Zhao Tong
Published: August 2017

Due to poor mechanical properties and antioxidation properties, etc of single phase ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs), the second phase such as SiC was usually introduced for improving those properties. Herein, a novel stratagem for synthesis of binary HfC–SiC ceramics has been presented. A Hf–O–Hf polymer as a HfO2 precursor has been synthesized for preparing soluble HfC–SiC precursors with high solid content and low viscosity solutions without additional organic solvents. The structure of PHO was characterized by FTIR and 1H‐NMR, the crystalline behavior and morphologies of polymer‐derived ceramics were identified by XRD, SEM‐EDS, and TEM. It was shown that PHO firstly transformed into HfO2, and then reacted with in situ carbon derived from DVB and PCS thus producing cubic HfC through carbothermal reduction. In addition, the obtained HfC–SiC nanopowders exhibited spherical morphology with a diameter less than 100 nm, while the Hf, Si, and C are homogeneously distributed.
Impaired erythropoietin synthesis in chronic kidney disease is caused by alterations in extracellular matrix composition
Authors: Olmos Gemma , Muñoz‐Félix José M. , Mora Inés , Müller Anton Gerhard , Ruiz‐Torres Maria Piedad , López‐Novoa José M. , Rodríguez‐Puyol Diego
Published: August 2017

Renal fibrosis and anaemia are two of the most relevant events in chronic kidney disease. Fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the glomeruli and tubular interstitium. Anaemia is the consequence of a decrease in erythropoietin production in fibrotic kidneys. This work analyses the possibility that the accumulation of abnormal collagens in kidney interstitium could be one of the mechanisms responsible for erythropoietin decreased synthesis. In renal interstitial fibroblast grown on collagen I, erythropoietin mRNA expression and HIF‐2α protein decreased, whereas focal adhesion kinase protein (FAK) phosphorylation and proteasome activity increased, compared to cells grown on collagen IV. Proteasome inhibition or FAK inactivation in cells plated on collagen I restored erythropoietin and HIF‐2α expression. FAK inhibition also decreased the collagen I‐dependent proteasome activation. In a model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice, increased collagen I protein content and an almost complete disappearance of erythropoietin mRNA expression were observed in the ureteral ligated kidney with respect to the contralateral control. Interestingly, erythropoietin synthesis was recovered in obstructed mice treated with proteasome inhibitor. These data suggest that reduced kidney erythropoietin synthesis could be caused by the accumulation of abnormal extracellular matrix proteins.
cAMP response element‐binding protein and Yes‐associated protein form a feedback loop that promotes neurite outgrowth
Authors: Chen Lei , Feng Peimin , Peng Anjiao , Qiu Xiangmiao , Zhu Xi , He Shixu , Zhou Dong
Published: August 2017

The cAMP response element‐binding (CREB) protein is a member of the CREB/activating transcription factor family that is activated by various extracellular stimuli. It has been shown that CREB‐dependent transcription stimulation plays a key role in neuronal differentiation and plasticity, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we show that Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is a direct target induced by CREB upon retinoic acid (RA)‐induced neurite outgrowth stimuli in N2a cells. Interestingly, YAP knockout using the CRISPR/Cas9 system inhibits neuronal differentiation and reduced neurite length. We further show that YAP could directly bind to CREB via its N‐terminal region, and loss of YAP results in instability of phosphorylated CREB upon neurite outgrowth stimuli. Transient expression of YAP could largely restore CREB expression and neurite outgrowth in YAP knockout cells. Together, our results suggest that CREB and YAP form a positive feedback loop that is critical to maintain the stability of phosphorylated CREB and promote neurite outgrowth.
Tenascin‐c renders a proangiogenic phenotype in macrophage via annexin II
Authors: Wang Zhiyang , Wei Qi , Han Liang , Cao Keqing , Lan Tianfeng , Xu Zhenjie , Wang Yingjuan , Gao Yuan , Xue Jing , Shan Fei , Feng Jun , Xie Xin
Published: August 2017

Tenascin‐c is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, the expression of which relates to the progression of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and heart failure. Annexin II acts as a cell surface receptor of tenascin‐c. This study aimed to delineate the role of tenascin‐c and annexin II in macrophages presented in atherosclerotic plaque. Animal models with atherosclerotic lesions were established using ApoE‐KO mice fed with high‐cholesterol diet. The expression of tenascin‐c and annexin II in atherosclerotic lesions was determined by qRT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. Raw 264.7 macrophages and human primary macrophages were exposed to 5, 10 and 15 μg/ml tenascin‐c for 12 hrs. Cell migration as well as the proangiogenic ability of macrophages was examined. Additionally, annexin II expression was delineated in raw 264.7 macrophages under normal condition (20% O2) for 12 hrs or hypoxic condition (1% O2) for 6–12 hrs. The expression of tenascin‐c and annexin II was markedly augmented in lesion aorta. Tenascin‐c positively regulated macrophage migration, which was dependent on the expression of annexin II in macrophages. VEGF release from macrophages and endothelial tube induction by macrophage were boosted by tenascin‐c and attenuated by annexin II blocking. Furthermore, tenascin‐c activated Akt/NF‐κB and ERK signalling through annexin II. Lastly, hypoxia conditioning remarkably facilitates annexin II expression in macrophages through hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α but not HIF‐2α. In conclusion, tenascin‐c promoted macrophage migration and VEGF expression through annexin II, the expression of which was modulated by HIF‐1α.
DRMDA: deep representations‐based miRNA–disease association prediction
Authors: Chen Xing , Gong Yao , Zhang De‐Hong , You Zhu‐Hong , Li Zheng‐Wei
Published: August 2017

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are confirmed to be important molecules within many crucial biological processes and therefore related to various complex human diseases. However, previous methods of predicting miRNA–disease associations have their own deficiencies. Under this circumstance, we developed a prediction method called deep representations‐based miRNA–disease association (DRMDA) prediction. The original miRNA–disease association data were extracted from HDMM database. Meanwhile, stacked auto‐encoder, greedy layer‐wise unsupervised pre‐training algorithm and support vector machine were implemented to predict potential associations. We compared DRMDA with five previous classical prediction models (HGIMDA, RLSMDA, HDMP, WBSMDA and RWRMDA) in global leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV), local LOOCV and fivefold cross‐validation, respectively. The AUCs achieved by DRMDA were 0.9177, 08339 and 0.9156 ± 0.0006 in the three tests above, respectively. In further case studies, we predicted the top 50 potential miRNAs for colon neoplasms, lymphoma and prostate neoplasms, and 88%, 90% and 86% of the predicted miRNA can be verified by experimental evidence, respectively. In conclusion, DRMDA is a promising prediction method which could identify potential and novel miRNA–disease associations.
Commentary: Is there a there there in hair? A reflection on child maltreatment and hair cortisol concentrations in White et al. (2017)
Authors: Fisher Philip A.
Published: August 2017

Both chronic and acute stressors have typically been understood to produce elevations in cortisol, as a means to maintaining homeostatic balance. In the past two decades, however, individuals experiencing high levels of chronic early adversity have been shown to manifest an alternate profile involving blunted cortisol levels. In the context of this emerging evidence, a number of questions about diminished cortisol have remained unclear. The study by White et al. (2017) is the first to measure hair cortisol concentrations in the context of adversity, and provides validation for the stability of diminished cortisol in maltreated individuals, the association between neglect and low cortisol, and a mediating role for dysregulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in the association between early maltreatment and behavioral dysregulation.
Retrospective 8‐year analysis of negative pressure wound therapy in dermatosurgery: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Wertenauer A. , Gräber S. , Müller C.S.L.
Published: August 2017

Background

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established treatment modality in dermatologic surgery, but proof of evidence for efficacy is inconclusive.

Purpose

To evaluate patient characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes in a single dermatosurgery centre with NPWT applied over chronic and acute surgical wounds.

Methods

Of all surgical patients between 2008 and 2015, we selected those who were treated and hospitalized due to NPWT for treatment of acute and chronic wounds. The medical records of 188 patients were retrospectively evaluated and statistically calculated.

Results

Method of surgical defect closure depends significantly on localization of the surgical defect, cardiovascular comorbidity and age. Hence, outcome depends significantly on the surgical situation that indexes NPWT, the underlying diagnosis and the vacuum system used, but is not associated with distinct treatment modalities or gender of the patients. Hospitalization significantly depends on the vacuum system used, surgical situation that indexes NPWT and underlying diagnoses.

Conclusion

NPWT has a fixed role in distinct, well‐defined clinical indications in dermatosurgery as the treatment of acute surgical wounds, fixation of skin grafts and treatment of skin substitutes, as well as an important treatment option for refractory, superinfected chronic wounds in dermatologic patients.
Do retail mergers affect competition? Evidence from grocery retailing
Authors: Hosken Daniel S. , Olson Luke M. , Smith Loren K.
Published: August 2017

This study estimates the price effects of horizontal mergers in the U.S. grocery retailing industry. We examine fourteen regions affected by mergers, including mergers in highly concentrated and relatively unconcentrated markets. We identify price effects by comparing markets affected by mergers to unaffected markets using difference‐in‐difference estimation with three different comparison groups, propensity score weights, and by using the synthetic control method. Our results are robust to the choice of control group and estimation technique. We find that mergers in highly concentrated markets are most frequently associated with price increases, and mergers in less concentrated markets are most often associated with price decreases.
Enhanced antioxidant properties of tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) gallotannins by thermal hydrolysis and its synergistic effects with α‐tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, and citric acid on sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil
Authors: Terán‐Hilares Ruly , Chirinos Rosana , Pedreschi Romina , Campos David
Published: August 2017

The antioxidant potential of thermally hydrolyzed tara pod extracts (HTEs) at 121 °C, 103 kPa for different time were tested against sacha inchi oil (SIO) oxidation. The antioxidant efficacy on SIO of 200–400 ppm HTE for 180 min were compared to α‐tocopherol (α‐T), citric acid (CA) and ascorbyl palmitate (AP). Additionally, synergistic or antagonistic effects in binary mixtures of HTE with α‐T or CA or AP were tested. Accelerated storage tests (55 °C for 30 days) were used to evaluate peroxide (PV), p‐anisidine values (p‐AV) and stability of naturally occurring SIO tocopherols and phytosterols. Antioxidant capacity (AC) and the antioxidant efficacy on SIO significantly increased as the HTE hydrolysis degree (HD) increased. The mixture of 400 ppm HTE and 100 ppm AP displayed a synergistic effect and reduced the rate of peroxide formation, p‐AV and better protected SIO tocopherols. HTEs protect oils due to their high AC being an interesting alternative as natural antioxidant.

Practical applications

Tara pods are an important source of gallotannins with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties widely used by the pharmaceutical, chemical, painting, and tannery industries. The partial thermal hydrolysis of gallotannins results in an increment of antioxidant activity determined in vitro by the ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays and to increase the efficacy against oxidation of sacha inchi oil (a food matrix rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids). These results demonstrate that partially hydrolyzed gallotannins with a high antioxidant activity are an important alternative for the functional and nutraceutical industries.
Explaining stability and change. Comparing flood risk governance in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Poland
Authors: Liefferink D. , Wiering M. , Crabbé A. , Hegger D.
Published: August 2017

The closing article of this special issue provides a comparative analysis of flood risk governance (FRG) in four European countries and tries to explain why FRG in the Netherlands and Poland is more stable than in Belgium and France. It examines the role of mechanisms of path dependency and path change. Inspired by the conceptual framework developed in the introductory article, this article provides an overview of dynamics in FRG in the four countries and identifies major trends and tendencies. It discusses forces of stability and change and hypothesizes on how ‘clusters’ of these forces tend to interact. It is found, among other things, that new ideas are often crucial for initiating change and that fixed costs and the sedimented distribution of responsibilities are stabilising factors. Bringing together various existing theories, the article contributes to literature on flood risk management and public policy change.
Physical activity levels and hepatic steatosis: A longitudinal follow‐up study in adults
Authors: Gerage Aline Mendes , Ritti‐Dias Raphael Mendes , Balagopal P Babu , Conceição Raquel Dilguerian de Oliveira , Umpierre Daniel , Santos Raul D , Cucato Gabriel Grizzo , Bittencourt Márcio Sommer
Published: August 2017

Background and Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) on the course of hepatic steatosis (HS) in adults.

Methods

Hepatic steatosis status (ultrasonography) and PA levels were evaluated in 5860 subjects at baseline and after approximately 2.5 years (range: 19–50 months). At follow up, possible exposures to different PA levels were those who remained inactive, became inactive, became active, and remained active. After follow up, subjects were then classified according to the four possible states (outcomes): “remained without HS,” “developed HS” (subjects without HS at baseline), “remained with HS,” or “reverted HS.”

Results

After multivariate adjustments, individuals without HS that became or remained physically active were less likely to develop HS compared with those who remained physically inactive (odds ratio = 0.75, P = 0.04 and 0.75, P = 0.03, respectively). Among those with HS at baseline, becoming and remaining physically active beneficially improved the HS status (odds ratio = 0.64, P = 0.01 and 0.66, P = 0.01, respectively). However, the significance was lost when adjusted for changes in body mass index.

Conclusion

Higher levels of PA were associated with prevention and treatment of HS, with evidence of effect mediation by changes in body mass index.
Aging Research: Collaborations Forge a Promising Future
Authors: Kelley Melinda S. , Bernard Marie A. , Hodes Richard J.
Published: August 2017

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was founded in 1974 to conduct and support research on aging and the health and well‐being of older people. The Institute's interests span the fundamental processes that contribute to aging and their impact on systems; diseases and conditions for which aging is a risk factor; and interventions that may prevent, delay, or treat these conditions or otherwise contribute to an extension of healthy, active years of life. Multiple fruitful research collaborations within and outside the federal government, spanning the breadth of the Institute's research activities, have marked NIA's growth over the past 40 years, as well as its current areas of ongoing research. This article discusses several highlights of these collaborations, including the Health and Retirement Study, geroscience research, falls injury prevention in elderly adults, and implementation of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, from the perspective of past accomplishments and trends for the future.
A Revision of What Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Should Entail: Towards Modeling the Net Impact on Human Well‐Being
Authors: Schaubroeck Thomas , Rugani Benedetto
Published: August 2017

The main goal of a sustainability assessment is to evaluate the impact of systems (e.g., human or natural ones) on areas sought to be protected and maintained over time (e.g., human well‐being, ecosystems, etc.). These are called areas of protection (AoPs). Life cycle sustainability assessment is a type of sustainability assessment that focuses on the impact of industrial production systems on AoPs. To further this field, three conceptual challenges should be tackled: (1) framing which areas should primarily be sustained and hence on which the impact should be assessed, that is, (re)defining of the AoPs; (2) accounting for the interconnectedness among AoPs (e.g., influence of ecosystems on human well‐being); and (3) the assessment of both benefit and damage to the AoPs (e.g., benefit of industrial products and damage of their production). The aim of this study is to provide a first roadmap to address these three issues and to suggest potential solutions. Regarding the first issue, our conclusion is that human well‐being, encompassing health and happiness, is the primary AoP. This is based on the argument that the sustainability concept is inherently anthropocentric. In this regard, other entities such as ecosystems as a whole are sustained in light of human well‐being. The well‐being adjusted life years, interpreted as years of perfect well‐being, is pinpointed as the most promising holistic indicator. To conduct a respective sustainability assessment that tackles the remaining two issues—integrated system modeling of the earth and its support to well‐being—is argued as the most suitable approach.
Characterization of Fusarium spp. associated with pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim Nurul Faziha , Mohd Masratul Hawa , Mohamed Nor Nik Mohd Izham , Zakaria Latiffah
Published: August 2017

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one the important fruit crops planted in Malaysia, and this study was conducted to determine Fusarium spp. associated with diseases of the fruit crop as Fusarium is prevalent in tropical countries. Our objective was to identify and characterize Fusarium spp. associated with pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot mainly found on the fruits and leaves in Peninsular Malaysia. Fusarium isolates (n = 108) associated with pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot were characterized by morphological, molecular and phylogenetic analyses, a mating study and pathogenicity testing. TEF‐1α sequence analysis identified Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium sacchari and Fusarium sp. Mating was successful only between tester strains of F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides. Sexual crosses with standard tester strains showed that 82 isolates of F. proliferatum produced fertile crosses with mating population D (Gibberella intermedia) and three isolates of F. verticillioides were fertile with the tester strain of mating population A (Gibberella moniliformis). All isolates were pathogenic, causing pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates.
Plant growth regulators and signal molecules enhance resistance against bacterial blight disease of pomegranate
Authors: Lalithya Konduvally Annegowda , Manjunatha Girigowda , Raju Besagarahally , Kulkarni Mukund S. , Lokesh Veeresh
Published: August 2017

Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae is a devastating disease causing huge economic losses in major pomegranate growing areas. Thus, this study has been undertaken to assess the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and signal molecules on disease incidence of bacterial blight in addition to its impact on yield and productivity under field condition in disease endemic area. Considering the environmental concern for reduction in synthetics and antibiotics, PGRs offers cost‐effective and an eco‐friendly schedule for management of this disease. Foliar application of ethylene at 200 ppm resulted in significant reduction in disease incidence in leaves (from 33.01% to 4.87%), fruits (from 25.77% to 2.05%) and twigs (from 1.76% and 0.97% to 0%), as compared to untreated plants. Treatment with salicylic acid and paclobutrazol also resulted in reduction of disease incidence. Further, higher accumulation of total phenols and anthocyanin content in rind as well as in arils was observed in ethylene treatment with enhanced fruit yield in pomegranate plants. The enhanced disease tolerance by recording less disease incidence with increased accumulation of defence compounds like phenols and anthocyanins by ethylene, salicylic acid and paclobutrazol treatments resulted in improving fruit yield and quality of pomegranate fruits. Thus, judicious application of PGRs and signal molecules contributed for induction of resistance while improving developmental and reproductive parameters of pomegranate and thus could be a viable option for their synergistic use in pomegranate farming.
Determining the Effectiveness of Visual Input Enhancement Across Multiple Linguistic Cues
Authors: Comeaux Ian , McDonald Janet L.
Published: August 2017

Visual input enhancement (VIE) increases the salience of grammatical forms, potentially facilitating acquisition through attention mechanisms. Native English speakers were exposed to an artificial language containing four linguistic cues (verb agreement, case marking, animacy, word order), with morphological cues either unmarked, marked in the same color, or marked in different colors. Cue validity (how often a cue was present and correct) and dominance were also manipulated. In Experiment 1, where the morphological cues were low in validity but highly dominant, VIE helped participants to acquire and strengthen one morphological cue (case marking) but not the other (verb agreement). In Experiment 2, where animacy was highly dominant, there was no benefit of VIE; indeed, the same color VIE condition impeded the acquisition of the marked cues. Thus, VIE may only be beneficial in certain circumstances and this may depend on the type of cue as well as its validity and dominance.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded Open Materials and Open Data badges. All materials are publicly accessible in the IRIS digital repository at http://www.iris-database.org. All data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/re48w. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Club Classification of US Divorce Rates
Authors: González‐Val Rafael , Marcén Miriam
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we study the evolution of US divorce rates across states, from 1956 to 2014, using a cluster algorithm. This methodology allows us to determine the existence of divorce convergence among the US states. Our findings indicate that there are four patterns of divorce behavior in the US. We explore whether the divorce convergence is due to the liberalization of the divorce laws. Supplementary analysis of the factors related to the club classification reveals that, in the pre‐reform period, geographical variables are important, but in the post‐reform period marital patterns appear to be associated with the club classification.
Determinants of anemia among women and children in Nepal and Pakistan: An analysis of recent national survey data
Authors: Harding Kassandra L. , Aguayo Víctor M. , Namirembe Grace , Webb Patrick
Published: August 2017

Anemia remains one of the most intractable public health challenges in South Asia. This paper analyzes individual‐level and household‐level determinants of anemia among children and women in Nepal and Pakistan. Applying multivariate modified Poisson models to recent national survey data, we find that the prevalence of anemia was significantly higher among women from the poorest households in Pakistan (adjusted prevalence ratio [95% CI]: 1.10 [1.04–1.17]), women lacking sanitation facilities in Nepal (1.22 [1.12–1.33]), and among undernourished women (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) in both countries (Nepal: 1.10 [1.00–1.21] and Pakistan: 1.07 [1.02–1.13]). Similarly, children in both countries were more likely to be anemic if stunted (Nepal: 1.19 [1.09–1.30] and Pakistan: 1.10 [1.07–1.14]) and having an anemic mother (Nepal: 1.31 [1.20–1.42] and Pakistan: 1.21 [1.17–1.26]). Policies and programs need to target vulnerable and hard‐to‐reach subpopulations who continue to bear a disproportionate burden of anemia. Covariates of poverty underpin rates of anemia among children and their mothers, but income growth alone will not suffice to resolve such deeply entrenched problems. Greater understanding of the relative role of various diet, health, sanitation, and educational factors by local context should guide investments to resolve anemia in tandem with stunting and maternal underweight.
Increased myoendothelial feedback is associated with increased connexin37 and IK1 channel expression in mesenteric arteries of diet‐induced hyperhomocysteinemic mice
Authors: Looft‐Wilson Robin C. , Goodell Cara R. , Mutch Christina A. , Mutchler Stephanie M. , Miller Kayla L. , Guraya Monique
Published: August 2017

Objective

Previously, we found that diet‐induced HHcy in mice caused decreased eNOS expression and signaling in mesenteric arteries, but greatly enhanced non‐NOS, non‐prostacyclin‐dependent vasodilation, which involves MEJ communication. To further assess whether HHcy enhances MEJ communication, this study examined endothelium‐dependent attenuation of phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction (myoendothelial feedback) and key molecules involved.

Methods

Myoendothelial feedback was examined in isolated mouse mesenteric arteries, after 6‐weeks diet‐induced HHcy, using pressure myography. Gap junction (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43), NOS (eNOS, nNOS, iNOS), and potassium channel (IK1) protein expression were measured with immunoblots, and connexin mRNAs with real‐time PCR. Contribution of nNOS + iNOS to vasomotor responses was assessed using the drug TRIM.

Results

Myoendothelial feedback was significantly (P < .05) enhanced in HHcy arteries compared to control, coincident with significantly greater Cx37 and IK1 protein and Cx37 mRNA. Cx43 protein, but not mRNA, was significantly less in HHcy, and Cx40 was not different. eNOS protein was significantly less in HHcy. nNOS and iNOS were not different. TRIM had little effect on vasomotor function.

Conclusions

Diet‐induced HHcy enhanced myoendothelial feedback, and increased Cx37 and IK1 expression may contribute. nNOS or iNOS did not upregulate to compensate for decreased eNOS, and they had little involvement in vasomotor function.
Effect of direct cold atmospheric plasma (diCAP) on microcirculation of intact skin in a controlled mechanical environment
Authors: Borchardt Thomas , Ernst Jennifer , Helmke Andreas , Tanyeli Murat , Schilling Arndt F. , Felmerer Gunther , Viöl Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

Objective

The microcirculatory response of intact human skin to exposure with diCAP for different durations with a focus on the effect of implied mechanical pressure during plasma treatment was investigated.

Methods

Local relative hemoglobin, blood flow velocity, tissue oxygen saturation, and blood flow were monitored noninvasively for up to 1 hour in 1‐2 mm depth by optical techniques, as well as temperature, pH values, and moisture before and after skin stimulation. The experimental protocol (N = 10) was set up to differentiate between pressure‐ and plasma‐induced effects.

Results

Significant increases in microcirculation were only observed after plasma stimulation but not after pressure stimulus alone. For a period of 1 h after stimulation, local relative hemoglobin was increased by 5.1% after 270 seconds diCAP treatment. Tissue oxygen saturation increased by up to 9.4%, whereas blood flow was doubled (+106%). Skin pH decreased by 0.3 after 180 seconds and 270 seconds diCAP treatment, whereas skin temperature and moisture were not affected.

Conclusions

diCAP treatment of intact skin notably enhances microcirculation for a therapeutically relevant period. This effect is specific to the plasma treatment and not an effect of the applied pressure. Prolonged treatment durations lead to more pronounced effects.
Aspergillus nidulans BapH is a RAB11 effector that connects membranes in the Spitzenkörper with basal autophagy
Authors: Pinar Mario , Peñalva Miguel A.
Published: August 2017

Using affinity chromatography we identified the Aspergillus nidulans F‐BAR‐and‐PH domain‐containing protein BapH as a RabERAB11 effector. BapH localizes to the Spitzenkörper (SPK) in an F‐actin‐ and Sec7‐dependent manner, becoming cytosolic after inactivation of Trs120 in TRAPPII, the oligomeric GEF for RabERAB11. Therefore, RabERAB11 contributes to the recruitment of BapH to secretory vesicles in vivo. BapH has a close homologue, SlmA, which is related to yeast Slm1p/Slm2p, localizes to eisosomes and does not bind RabERAB11. bapHΔ, slmAΔ and double bapHΔ slmAΔ mutations do not affect growth, although slmAΔ results in myriocin hypersensitivity. Both the PH and the F‐BAR domain in BapH are necessary to recruit the protein to membranes, whereas its C‐terminal moiety negatively regulates localization to the SPK. Strong overexpression of full‐length BapH or of BapH lacking the C‐terminal moiety impairs growth. The tandemly duplicated PHBapH domain is recruited to the plasma membrane in a manner dependent on critical Lys residues in its ‘noncanonical’ lipid binding pocket, suggesting that it binds to biological membranes containing PtdIns(4,5)P2. Ablation of BapH, or deletion of the PH or BAR domains critical for the SPK localization increases autophagy under nitrogen‐replete conditions. Therefore, BapH localizing to SPK vesicles influences basal levels of autophagy.
Foreign Language Learning Motivation in the Japanese Context: Social and Political Influences on Self
Authors: SUGITA McEOWN MAYA , SAWAKI YASUYO , HARADA TETSUO
Published: August 2017

The study focuses on the role of different theories when considered together in a foreign language other than English (LOTE) context. Specifically, the study examines (a) to what extent influential second language (L2) motivational theories, when integrated, explain motivation to learn LOTEs, and (b) how the powerful status of English in Japan affects learners’ self‐ and identity‐related motivation to learn LOTEs. Survey responses of 250 Japanese learners, who simultaneously learned a foreign LOTE and English as a required language, were analyzed using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The results offer insight into how various coexisting social factors are connected to learners’ multiple self‐ and identity‐related orientations, which in turn predict several varied academic consequences (e.g., effort, attitude, and L2 ability). We also confirmed positive and negative interplay of English‐ and LOTE‐related orientations such that the self‐ and identity‐related orientations of the languages will play a competing role (e.g., Csizér & Lukács, 2010). This finding highlights the importance of taking sociopolitical perspectives into consideration in a context where learners learn two languages and one has a specific political presence.
Language Learning Motivation and Language Attitudes in Multilingual Spain From an International Perspective
Authors: LASAGABASTER DAVID
Published: August 2017

In Spain, more than 40 % of the population lives in officially bilingual regions in which the minority language is used as a means of instruction at school and university. In addition, the increasing importance attached to learning English has led to the proliferation of multilingual school programs in which different languages are used to teach content. With this background in mind, this article analyzes students’ motivation to learn Spanish, minority languages (Basque, Catalan, or Galician), and English (as the predominant foreign language). Because the percentage of immigrant students has steadily increased in the last 2 decades, special attention will also be paid to how they react to the multilingualism they have to face in the education system. The review of the literature will critically discuss the impact of global English on motivation to learn the other languages in contact and will examine the adequacy of current research approaches with a view to developing an agenda for needed research.
Propionibacterium acnes‐associated neurosarcoidosis: A case report with review of the literature
Authors: Yang Guang , Eishi Yoshinobu , Raza Anwar , Rojas Heather , Achiriloaie Adina , De Los Reyes Kenneth , Raghavan Ravi
Published: August 2017

A 56‐year‐old woman with a 3‐year history of hydrocephalus and ventriculo‐peritoneal shunt placement, presented with worsening altered level of consciousness for 2 days. Imaging studies showed severe ventriculomegaly involving the lateral and third ventricles with multiple septated cysts noted in the lateral ventricles predominantly near the frontal horns. Histopathologic examination of the excised brain lesion revealed choroid plexus tissue and adjacent cerebral parenchyma with several non‐caseating granulomas. Granulomatous inflammation was also identified in mediastinal lymph nodes. By using specific monoclonal antibodies, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) were detected in non‐caseating granulomas of both the brain and mediastinal lymph nodes. No acid‐fast bacilli or fungal elements were present. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of P. acnes in sarcoid granulomas of cerebral tissue, and it reinforces the possible link between P. acnes and sarcoidosis.
Multiparameter imaging of calcium and abscisic acid and high‐resolution quantitative calcium measurements using R‐GECO1‐mTurquoise in Arabidopsis
Authors: Waadt Rainer , Krebs Melanie , Kudla Jörg , Schumacher Karin
Published: August 2017

Calcium signals occur in specific spatio‐temporal patterns in response to various stimuli and are coordinated with, for example, hormonal signals, for physiological and developmental adaptations. Quantification of calcium together with other signalling molecules is required for correlative analyses and to decipher downstream calcium‐decoding mechanisms.

Simultaneous in vivo imaging of calcium and abscisic acid has been performed here to investigate the interdependence of the respective signalling processes in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Advanced ratiometric genetically encoded calcium indicators have been generated and in vivo calcium calibration protocols were established to determine absolute calcium concentration changes in response to auxin and ATP.

In roots, abscisic acid induced long‐term basal calcium concentration increases, while auxin triggered rapid signals in the elongation zone. The advanced ratiometric calcium indicator R‐GECO1‐mTurquoise exhibited an increased calcium signal resolution compared to commonly used Förster resonance energy transfer‐based indicators. Quantitative calcium measurements in Arabidopsis root tips using R‐GECO1‐mTurquoise revealed detailed maps of absolute calcium concentration changes in response to auxin and ATP.

Calcium calibration protocols using R‐GECO1‐mTurquoise enabled high‐resolution quantitative imaging of resting cytosolic calcium concentrations and their dynamic changes that revealed distinct hormonal and ATP responses in roots.
Structure–function analysis of the Fusarium oxysporum Avr2 effector allows uncoupling of its immune‐suppressing activity from recognition
Authors: Di Xiaotang , Cao Lingxue , Hughes Richard K. , Tintor Nico , Banfield Mark J. , Takken Frank L. W.
Published: August 2017

Plant pathogens employ effector proteins to manipulate their hosts. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), the causal agent of tomato wilt disease, produces effector protein Avr2. Besides being a virulence factor, Avr2 triggers immunity in I‐2 carrying tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Fol strains that evade I‐2 recognition carry point mutations in Avr2 (e.g. Avr2R45H), but retain full virulence.

Here we investigate the virulence function of Avr2 and determine its crystal structure. Transgenic tomato and Arabidopsis expressing either wild‐type ΔspAvr2 (deleted signal‐peptide) or the ΔspAvr2R45H variant become hypersusceptible to fungal, and even bacterial infections, suggesting that Avr2 targets a conserved defense mechanism. Indeed, Avr2 transgenic plants are attenuated in immunity‐related readouts, including flg22‐induced growth inhibition, ROS production and callose deposition.

The crystal structure of Avr2 reveals that the protein shares intriguing structural similarity to ToxA from the wheat pathogen Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis and to TRAF proteins. The I‐2 resistance‐breaking Avr2V41M, Avr2R45H and Avr2R46P variants cluster on a surface‐presented loop. Structure‐guided mutagenesis enabled uncoupling of virulence from I‐2‐mediated recognition.

We conclude that I‐2‐mediated recognition is not based on monitoring Avr2 virulence activity, which includes suppression of immune responses via an evolutionarily conserved effector target, but by recognition of a distinct epitope.
The nuclear pore complex: a strategic platform for regulating cell signaling
Authors: Gu Yangnan
Published: August 2017

Contents

Summary
25

I
Introduction
25

II.
Structural organization of the NPC
26

III.
The role of NPCs in immune signaling
26

IV.
The role of NPCs in hormone signaling
28

V.
Conclusions
29

Acknowledgements
29

References
29

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are fundamental components of the eukaryotic cell. They perforate the nuclear envelope and serve as highly selective transport gates that enable bi‐directional macromolecule exchange between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Recent studies illustrate that the NPC is not a static structural channel but a flexible environment and strategic player during nuclear signaling. The constitutional and conformational dynamics of the NPC allow it to tailor nucleocytoplasmic transport activities and define specific signaling output in response to various cellular and environmental cues. In this Insight, we review the roles of NPC constituents in immune activation and hormone signaling in plants, and discuss the possible role of the NPC as a legitimate platform for regulating cell signaling.