bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant melanoma incidence trends in a Mediterranean population following socioeconomic transition and war: results of age–period–cohort analysis in Croatia, 1989–2013
Authors: Barbaric Jelena , Laversanne Mathieu , Znaor Ariana
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse trends of malignant melanoma incidence in Croatia for men and women of different age groups by birth cohorts and time periods, and to interpret them in the context of national socioeconomic changes over time and the possible implications for future prevention in South-Eastern European postcommunist countries with high mortality rates. We used the Croatian National Cancer Registry data to analyse incidence trends of malignant melanoma of the skin (ICD-9 code 172 and ICD-10 code C43) in men and women aged 25–79 years by age–period–cohort modelling. Over the 25-year period, the incidence was increasing by 5.0% annually in men and 4.6% in women. The age–period model provided the best fit for data in both sexes, with steeply increasing incidence rates, followed by a stabilization after the 2000s. On the cohort scale, incidence rates increased in successive generations of men, whereas in women, the risk of malignant melanoma attenuated in recent cohorts. Even if some progress has been achieved in recent years, the increasing melanoma incidence without concomitant declines in mortality would indicate a need to rekindle prevention efforts in the country taking the specific socioeconomic context into account.
Patient-aligned Care Team Engagement to Connect Veterans Experiencing Homelessness With Appropriate Health Care
Authors: Gundlapalli Adi V. , Redd Andrew , Bolton Daniel , Vanneman Megan E. , Carter Marjorie E. , Johnson Erin , Samore Matthew H. , Fargo Jamison D. , O’Toole Thomas P.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Veterans experiencing homelessness frequently use emergency and urgent care (ED).

Objective:

To examine the effect of a Patient-aligned Care Team (PACT) model tailored to the unique needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness (H-PACT) on frequency and type of ED visits in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical facilities.

Research Design:

During a 12-month period, ED visits for 3981 homeless Veterans enrolled in (1) H-PACT at 20 VHA medical centers (enrolled) were compared with those of (2) 24,363 homeless Veterans not enrolled in H-PACT at the same sites (nonenrolled), and (3) 23,542 homeless Veterans at 12 non-H-PACT sites (usual care) using a difference-in-differences approach.

Measure(s):

The primary outcome was ED and other health care utilization and the secondary outcome was emergent (not preventable/avoidable) ED visits.

Results:

H-PACT enrollees were predominantly white males with a higher baseline Charlson comorbidity index. In comparing H-PACT enrollees with usual care, there was a significant decrease in ED usage among the highest ED utilizers (difference-in-differences, −4.43; P<0.001). The decrease in ED visits were significant though less intense for H-PACT enrollees versus nonenrolled (−0.29, P<0.001). H-PACT enrollees demonstrated a significant increase in the proportion of ED care visits that were not preventable/avoidable in the 6 months after enrollment, but had stable rates of primary care, mental health, social work, and substance abuse visits over the 12 months.

Conclusions:

Primary care treatment engagement can reduce ED visits and increase appropriate use of ED services in VHA for Veterans experiencing homelessness, especially in the highest ED utilizers.
Assessment of Medical-Surgical Patients’ Perception of Hospital Noises and Reported Ability to Rest
Authors: Locke Christine L. , Pope Diana S.
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

The purpose was to determine if an enhanced privacy curtain (1) impacted ability to rest while hospitalized in the acute care setting and (2) improved patient satisfaction associated with environmental noise.

Methods:

The project evaluated a privacy curtain designed to increase speech privacy and intelligibility and reduce reverberation time (echo). The curtain was similar to the existing privacy curtain with 2 exceptions: the curtain panel had pocket inserts that absorbed sound, and curtain panels could be zipped together to reduce sound transmission through gaps. Curtains were evaluated on 2 medical-surgical units. Patients with at least 2 nights’ stay and were alert and oriented without behavioral concerns were asked to complete a 12-item restful environment assessment.

Results:

The project demonstrated some impact on ability to rest. One unit saw an increase in the patient experience sleep measure score and demonstrated a small increase in the patient’s self- reported ability to rest during the day and night when using the enhanced curtain.

Conclusion:

Patients on medical-surgical units were bothered by the noises typically heard in those units. Small improvements in patient experience with the enhanced curtain were outweighed by cost and increased housekeeping and laundry staff workload.
Augmentation of the Nasal Dorsum Using the Multistrip Autologous Cartilage Technique
Authors: Liu Liqiang , Bu Zhaoyun , Fan Jincai , Tian Jia , Gan Cheng , Yang Zengjie , Jiao Hu
Published: August 2017

Nasal augmentation is a popular modern technique requested by many Asian people. There are two kinds of autologous cartilage used to augment the nose at present: carved as a monobloc or diced into pieces. Each approach has its pros and cons. The authors performed their surgical technique on a group of 28 patients. Twenty of these patients had undergone rhinoplasties performed before referral to our hospital; eight of these patients had undergone a primary rhinoplasty. Bilateral conchal, nasal septum, or rib cartilage was harvested; deep temporal fascia or abdominal muscle fascia to be prepared for packing stripped cartilage was also removed at this time. The cartilage was placed on a plastic cutting board and cut into strips with a transverse section of 1 × 1 mm. Then, these strips were packed and covered by fascia to form the grafts. The median follow-up was 23 months (range, 12 to 48 months). Twenty-two patients were satisfied with their augmented noses. Through examinations, biopsies, and magnetic resonance imaging scans, less resorption was observed with the multistrip autologous cartilage technique. Junctional stepoffs, excessive prominence, and slanting grafts occurred in three patients, two of whom had revisions. Using multistrip autologous cartilage grafts is an easier method to perform and could be another alternative technique for augmentative and reconstructive rhinoplasties.
Evaluation of Protraction Face-Mask Therapy on the Craniofacial and Upper Airway Morphology in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Keçik Defne
Published: August 2017

Introduction:

The aim of the authors’ study was to evaluate the effects of protraction face-mask therapy on the craniofacial and upper airway morphology in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Methods:

Twenty-three growing UCLP patients (mean age: 8.3 + 2.4) were enrolled in the study group. Protraction face-mask in combination with Hyrax appliance was applied for the correction of anterior crossbite and maxillary insufficiency. Twenty-six patients with maxillary retrusion (mean age: 8.1 + 2.5) were evaluated as the control group. The pharyngeal airway morphology was assessed via the area measurements of upper airway structures on the lateral cephalometric radiographs.

Results:

The upper airway morphology was similar compared with the control group subjects at the beginning of the treatment. The pharyngeal airway area was increased significantly following the maxillary expansion and protraction. Nasopharyngeal area increased and the oropharyngeal area decreased significantly. There was an increase in the sagittal and vertical dimensions after the protraction therapy.

Conclusion:

The pharyngeal morphology in both UCLP patients and control group patients was similarly improved with the protraction face-mask therapy.
Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of Pediatric Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Heidary Gena
Published: August 2017

The topic of pediatric neurodegenerative disease is broad and ever expanding. Children who suffer from neurodegenerative disease often have concomitant visual dysfunction. Neuro-ophthalmologists may become involved in clinical care to identify corroborating eye findings when a specific condition is suspected, to monitor for disease progression, and in some cases, to assess treatment efficacy. Ophthalmic findings also may be the harbinger of a neurodegenerative process so a keen awareness of the possible manifestations of these conditions is important. The purpose of this review is to highlight common examples of the neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of pediatric neurodegenerative disease using a case-based approach in an effort to provide a framework for approaching these complex patients.
Committed Hemopoietic Progenitors, Not Stem Cells, are the Principal Responders to Hox Gene Transduction
Authors: Lim Harvey , Janmohamed Salima , Benveniste Patricia , Herrington Robert , Barbara Mary , Frelin Catherine , Hyam Deborah , Paige Christopher J. , Zuñiga-Pflücker Juan-Carlos , Stocking Carol , Krosl Jana , Sauvageau Guy , Iscove Norman N
Published: August 2017

As hemopoietic stem cells differentiate, their proliferative lifespan shortens by unknown mechanisms. Homeobox cluster (Hox) genes have been implicated by their enhancement of self-renewal when transduced into hemopoietic cells, but gene deletions have been inconclusive because of functional redundancy. Here we enforced HOXB4 expression in purified precursor stages, and compared responses of early stages expressing the endogenous genes with later stages that did not. Contrary to the prevalent view that transduced Hox genes enhance the self-renewal of hemopoietic stem cells, stem cells or their multipotent progeny expressing the endogenous genes showed little response. Instead, immortalization, extensive self-renewal and acquired reconstituting potential occurred in committed erythroid and myeloid progenitors where the endogenous genes were shutting down. The results change our understanding of the stages affected by exogenous HOX proteins and point to shutdown of the endogenous genes as a principal determinant of the shortened clonal lifespans of committed progenitor cells.
CBF-1 promotes the establishment and maintenance of HIV latency by recruiting Polycomb repressive complexes, PRC1 and PRC2, at HIV LTR
Authors: Zicari Sonia , Farley Kalamo , Sun Lin , Spurr Liam , Dragon Andrea , Bukrinsky Michael , Simon Gary , Chauhan Ashok , Tyagi Mudit
Published: August 2017

The C-promoter binding factor-1 (CBF-1) is a potent and specific inhibitor of the HIV-1 LTR promoter. Here we demonstrate that the knockdown of endogenous CBF-1 in latently infected primary CD4+ T cells, using specific small hairpin RNAs (shRNA), resulted in the reactivation of latent HIV proviruses. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays using latently infected primary T cells and Jurkat T-cell lines demonstrated that CBF-1 induces the establishment and maintenance of HIV latency by recruiting Polycomb Group (PcG/PRC) corepressor complexes or Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1 and PRC2). Knockdown of CBF-1 resulted in the dissociation of PRCs corepressor complexes enhancing the recruitment of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) at HIV LTR. Knockdown of certain components of PRC1 and PRC2 also led to the reactivation of latent proviruses. Similarly, treatment of latently infected primary CD4+ T cells with the EZH2 inhibitor, 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), led to their reactivation.
Synthetic 5’ UTRs can either up- or down-regulate expression upon RBP binding
Authors: Katz Noa , Cohen Roni , Solomon Oz , Kaufmann Beate , Atar Orna , Yakhini Zohar , Goldberg Sarah , Amit Roee
Published: August 2017

The construction of complex gene regulatory networks requires both inhibitory and up-regulatory modules. However, the vast majority of RNA-based regulatory “parts” are inhibitory. Using a synthetic biology approach combined with SHAPE-Seq, we explored the regulatory effect of RBP-RNA interactions in bacterial 5’-UTRs. By positioning a library of RNA hairpins upstream of a reporter gene and co-expressing them with the matching RBP, we observed a set of regulatory responses, including translational stimulation, translational repression, and cooperative behavior. Our combined approach revealed three distinct statesin-vivo: in the absence of RBPs, the RNA molecules can be found either in a molten state that is amenable to translation, or a structured phase that inhibits translation. In the presence of RBPs, the RNA molecules are in a semi-structured phase with partial translational capacity. Our work provides new insight into RBP-based regulation and a blueprint for designing complete gene regulatory circuits at the post-transcriptional level.
Assessing eRNAs associated with a cytokine-sensing mammary super-enhancer
Authors: Wang Chaochen , Kuhns Tyler , Reinbold Christian , Willi Michaela , Hennighausen Lothar
Published: August 2017

Enhancers are transcription factor platforms that also bind RNA polymerase II and generate enhancer RNAs (eRNA). Although eRNAs have been suggested as predictors of enhancer activities and possibly key components facilitating transcription, there is little genetic evidence to support this. We address the biology of eRNAs in vivoand investigate eRNA patterns, expression levels and possible functions within a mammary-specific super-enhancer that is composed of three units with distinct transcriptional capacities. We show that eRNA levels do not correspond with the activities of their respective enhancer units. However, changes in eRNA expression upon deletion of individual enhancer units reflect the change in overall super-enhancer activity. These data provide genetic evidence that eRNA levels are not a reliable readout of individual enhancers, but they predict super-enhancer activity in the absence of constituent elements.
Formulation of reduced sugar herbal ice cream using lemongrass or ginger extract
Authors: Chamchan Rungrat , Sinchaipanit Pornrat , Disnil Sasapin , Jittinandana Sitima , Nitithamyong Anadi , On-nom Nattira
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Ice cream is one of the popular sweet throughout the world. However, it contains high fat and sugar but lacks natural antioxidants. Several herbs in Thailand which are traditionally used as food ingredients show high antioxidant properties such as ginger and lemongrass. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop reduced sugar herbal ice cream using lemongrass and ginger extract.

Design/methodology/approach

Two ice cream formulas were prepared by using the lemongrass or ginger extract at the levels of 10, 15 and 20 percent (w/w), respectively. Moreover, xylitol was added as a substituted sugar at 80, 90 and 100 percent (w/w). Sensory evaluation was conducted by nine-point hedonic scale. Moreover, the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of the final ice cream product were determined by comparing with the control formula.

Findings

Based on the sensory evaluation, the two herbal ice cream formulas (15 percent lemongrass or ginger extract) with 90 percent xylitol replacement have the highest overall acceptability score of 7.28 and 7.44 (like moderately), respectively. The viscosity, overrun value and hardness of the reduced sugar herbal ice cream were not significantly different as compared to control formula (p=0.05). The chemical composition analysis showed that the total sugar of the product decreased by 65 percent. Moreover, antioxidant activities of herbal ice creams were higher than the control formula. The number of total bacteria of reduced sugar herbal ice cream was less than 10 CFU/mL.

Originality/value

The reduced sugar consumption is useful for lowering the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially diabetes mellitus. This paper presented the reduced sugar herbal ice cream formulas with high antioxidant activity. Therefore, these data could be the prototype in order to develop herbal and healthy ice cream product.
Microencapsulation of natural vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) extract in β-cyclodextrin by using kneading method
Authors: Krasaekoopt Wunwisa , Jongyin Ampapan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to encapsulate vanilla extract by using inclusion complex of ß-cyclodextrin and also to investigate the qualities of the encapsulated powder in terms of vanillin content, moisture content, and stability under accelerated condition.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized block and factorial 3×3 experimental designs with three replications were used for the studies of solvent extraction, microencapsulation of natural vanilla extract and stability of microencapsulated vanilla powder.

Findings

Ethanol concentration and ratio of vanilla to ethanol had positive effects on vanillin content. The extraction with 55 percent ethanol and the ratio of vanilla pods to ethanol as 1:4 provided the highest vanillin content of 341.23 mg/100 mL of the extract. The amount of vanilla extract and kneading time gave significant (p<0.05) effect on the microencapsulation efficiency (ME). The greatest ME found was 94.50 percent when 9 percent vanilla extract and 10 min of kneading time were used. The interaction of temperature and water activity gave significant effect on the second-order kinetic reaction of encapsulated vanilla powder (p<0.05).The most suitable condition of storage was 35°C with aw of 0.64, providing the kinetic constant (k) of 0.0024, and correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.92 with thalf-life of 4.54 weeks.

Originality/value

This study provides the most suitable condition for natural vanilla extraction and microencapsulation as well as storage stability for natural vanilla powder production using the third grade vanilla pods grown at Royal Project, Khun Wang Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Analysing the relationship between information-seeking and help-seeking behaviours in a digital library
Authors: Zerehsaz Mohammad
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the help-seeking behaviour of users during their information-seeking in a digital library, studying the kind of help-seeking situations, help requests and using help resources with different interactive levels. For this purpose, users’ help-seeking behaviour (postgraduate students at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad) was investigated based on different stages of Marchionini’s adapted model.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was performed using the mixed method. In total, 38 postgraduate students at Ferdowsi University were selected by Stratified Purposive Sampling method as samples. Selecting a digital library based on considered factors, preparing help resources and designing research scenario were made as the preparation stages of performing the study. The tools used for collecting and analysing data were questionnaires, think aloud protocol and Morae software.

Findings

Some of the considerable results of this research were recording the help-seeking signs in all four main stages of the adapted information-seeking model. However, in the search stage, in which a user enters the search process practically, the need for help-seeking was recorded more than it in other stages. Results also confirmed that most help requests by users were for executive help which were rooted in users’ knowledge shortcomings and their passivity in help-seeking process. Because of the flexibility and speed of providing responses, participants also tended to interact with more interactive and flexible help resources and assessed this interaction more useful.

Originality/value

According to the findings of this research, the adapted information-seeking model used in this study was completed, and a theoretical model for information-seeking in a digital library was suggested. In this model, help-seeking is considered as a supportive and complementary behaviour for information-seeking behaviour which begins in help-seeking situations and continues to solve problems in these situations.
Estimation of P(X<Y) for generalized half logistic distribution based on Type-II censored data
Authors: Roy Soumya , Pradhan Biswabrata , Gijo E.V.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare various methods of estimation of P(X<Y) based on Type-II censored data, where X and Y represent a quality characteristic of interest for two groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper assumes that both X and Y are independently distributed generalized half logistic random variables. The maximum likelihood estimator and the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator of R are obtained based on Type-II censored data. An exact 95 percent maximum likelihood estimate-based confidence interval for R is also provided. Next, various Bayesian point and interval estimators are obtained using both the subjective and non-informative priors. A real life data set is analyzed for illustration.

Findings

The performance of various point and interval estimators is judged through a detailed simulation study. The finite sample properties of the estimators are found to be satisfactory. It is observed that the posterior mean marginally outperform other estimators with respect to the mean squared error even under the non-informative prior.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology can be used for comparing two groups with respect to a suitable quality characteristic of interest. It can also be applied for estimation of the stress-strength reliability, which is of particular interest to the reliability engineers.
Facebook in the low-cost fashion sector: the case of Primark
Authors: Arriaga Josep Lluis Del Olmo , Andreu Domingo David , Berlanga Silvente Vanesa
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the interaction between fashion brands and consumers on social network sites. More precisely, the goal is to assess the relationship that is established between the low-cost fashion company Primark and followers of the brand on the Facebook social network in Spain, and to evaluate the brand’s use of consumer passion through this social network.

Design/methodology/approach

The fieldwork for this research was conducted over September-October 2015, which coincided with the final stages in the sales and the start of the autumn-winter 2015 season. The methodology was based on a daily study of all Primark publications and user interactions with the brand on Facebook.

Findings

The results of this study show that there is some engagement between Facebook users and Primark. However, the company does not respond to this user interaction, thereby missing opportunities in the field of consumer passion.

Originality/value

Until now, research into the interaction of fashion brands with users of the social networks has focused mainly on the luxury sector. This study makes an important contribution to research into the interaction between a low-cost fashion brand and users of social network sites. Primark was chosen as the focus of this case study because the brand has become a model since it broke into the mature Spanish fashion market.
Media and sustainable apparel buying intention
Authors: de Lenne Orpha , Vandenbosch Laura
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Using the theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between different types of media and the intention to buy sustainable apparel and test whether attitudes, social norms, and self-efficacy beliefs may explain these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 681 young adults (18-26 years old).

Findings

Exposure to social media content of sustainable organizations, eco-activists, and sustainable apparel brands, and social media content of fashion bloggers and fast fashion brands predicted respondents’ attitudes, descriptive and subjective norms, and self-efficacy beliefs regarding buying sustainable apparel. In turn, attitudes, descriptive norms, and self-efficacy beliefs predicted the intention to buy sustainable apparel. Fashion magazines predicted the intention through self-efficacy. Specialized magazines did not predict the intention to buy sustainable apparel.

Research limitations/implications

Results should be generalized with caution as the current study relied on a convenience sample of young adults. The cross-sectional study design limits the ability to draw conclusions regarding causality. Actual behavior was not addressed and needs to be included in further research.

Practical implications

The present study hints at the importance of social media to affect young consumers’ intentions to buy sustainable apparel. Sustainable apparel brands should consider attracting more young social media users to their social media pages.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the potential of different media to promote sustainable apparel buying intention.
Corporate social responsibility and behavioral intention: the moderator effect of contextual factors
Authors: Al Jarah Ahmad , Emeagwali Okechukwu Lawrence
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the behavioral intention (BI) of customers (e.g. repurchase/revisit intention, spread word of mouth, loyalty, willingness to pay).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative meta-analysis of 37 articles (n = 34,942) was conducted to determine the effect sizes of the relationship between CSR and BI of the customer. Furthermore, two kinds of contextual factors (environmental context and industry type) have been investigated as potential moderators between CSR and BI.

Findings

Meta-analysis suggests that the positive relationship between CSR and BI is well-established and has a large effect size (r = 0.42). Individually, the repurchase/revisit intention was the most affected by CSR (r = 47) followed by loyalty intention (r = 0.41) where both word of mouth and willingness-to-pay intentions were less affected by CSR (r = 0.38, r = 0.37, respectively). Moreover, the result of meta-regression shows that both environmental context and industry type do not moderate the relationship between CSR and BI.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper comes from presenting a summary of the direction of research on primary relationship between CSR and BI, as no prior meta-analysis on the primary relationship has been conducted till date (to the best of the authors’ knowledge).
Human resources disclosure among companies in Czechia
Authors: Petera Petr , Wagner Jaroslav
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate voluntary human resources disclosure (hereinafter referred to as “HR disclosure”) by the largest companies domiciled in Czechia. The key research questions are: What is the quantity of disclosure on various topics related to HR? Is there a significant difference in the quantity of HR disclosure between companies? Which factors influence the quantity of HR disclosure?

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative content analysis (CA) of annual reports of the 50 largest companies domiciled in Czechia was used. An established coding scheme is used to code annual reports, and subsequently, various statistical methods (descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression) are used to answer the key research questions.

Findings

Primarily, social information is reported (what a company does for its employees) as information on the contribution of employees to the company’s value is rudimentary. Secondly, there is a significant difference in the quantity of HR disclosure between companies. Finally, the findings of the regression analysis confirm the impact of presence on the stock exchange and size and on the quantity of HR disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

The annual reports of 50 companies from one country are analysed. The study provides a basis for further research.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may inspire companies to improve their HR disclosure, while policymakers should consider imposing more concrete demands on HR disclosure.

Originality/value

Quantitative CA research into the HR disclosure of companies domiciled in Czechia is nearly non-existent. This study fills this gap.
Expression of HopAI interferes with MAP kinase signalling in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Xue , Liu Wende , Li Yang , Li Guotian , Xu Jin‐Rong
Published: August 2017

The Pmk1 and Mps1 MAP kinases are essential for appressorium formation and plant infection in Magnaporthe oryzae. However, their exact roles during invasive growth are not clear because pmk1 and mps1 mutants are defective in penetration. To further characterize their functions after penetration, in this study we expressed the Pseudomonas syringae effector HopAI known to inactivate plant MAP kinases in M. oryzae. Constitutive expression of HopAI with the RP27 or TrpC promoter resulted in defects in hyphal growth, conidiation, appressorium penetration and pathogenicity, which is similar to the phenotype of the mps1 mutant. HopAI interacted strongly with Mps1 in vivo and expression of dominant active MKK2 partially suppressed the defects of PRP27‐HopAI transformants, which were significantly reduced in Mps1 phosphorylation. When the infection‐specific MIR1 (Magnaporthe‐infection‐related gene‐1) promoter was used to express HopAI, PMIR1‐HopAI transformants were defective in the spreading of invasive hyphae and elicited strong defense responses in penetrated plant cells. Expression of HopAI in Fusarium graminearum also mainly affected the activation of Mgv1, an Mps1 orthologue. Taken together, our results showed that Mps1 is the major intracellular target of HopAI when it is overexpressed, and MAP kinase signalling is important for cell‐to‐cell movement of invasive hyphae in M. oryzae.
Molecular cloning and expression analysis of the highly conserved eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF‐5A) from Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Bian Dandan , Zhao Xiaoming , Chen Li , Tian Jiwu , Liu Qiuning , Zhou Chunlin , Tang Boping
Published: August 2017

Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF‐5A) is a highly conserved protein found in all eukaryotic organisms that plays a key role in the regulation of many cellular processes including translation elongation, cell proliferation, programmed cell death, mRNA turnover and decay, and abiotic stress responses. In this study, the eIF‐5A gene from the Chinese oak silkworm Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) was characterized. The full‐length ApeIF‐5A cDNA of 1056 bp includes a 5′‐untranslated region (UTR) of 138 bp, a 3′‐UTR of 435 bp, and an open reading frame of 483 bp encoding a polypeptide of 160 amino acids. The deduced ApeIF‐5A protein shares 99 %, 82 %, and 72 % sequence identity with orthologs in Bombyx mori, Drosophila melanogaster and Homo sapiens, indicating high conservation during animal evolution. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR revealed expression in all four developmental stages and in all nine tissues tested, consistent with an important role in development. After challenge with lipopolysaccharide, the expression levels of ApeIF‐5A were markedly upregulated. Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences revealed A. pernyi eIF‐5A was closely related to B. mori eIF‐5A, consistent with traditional classification and other molecular data. The results indicate the potential value of eIF‐5A in phylogenetic analysis.
Genetic diversity of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) populations in the Republic of Korea based on COI sequence
Authors: Park Chang‐Gyu , Lee Sang‐Ku , Park Minju , Lee Wonhoon
Published: August 2017

Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) has caused severe agricultural damage in Asian regions. To clarify genetic relationships among different populations of R. pedestris in Korea, 294 COI sequences were generated from 294 individual samples collected in 42 local regions. In total, 36 haplotypes were detected from the 294 COI sequences, and the genetic distances among the 42 local populations ranged from 0.00 % to 1.50 %. In the AMOVA results, a variability of more than 98 % was observed within populations, and the median joining (MJ) networks revealed that R. pedestris has expanded by crossing the nine geographical groups. Most of the samples shared one haplotype, H2; however, some samples obtained from the same regions displayed slight genetic differences. These results indicate that R. pedestris have undergone a series of genetic variations.
Low age, low birthweight and congenital heart disease are risk factors for intensive care in infants with bronchiolitis
Authors: Mecklin Minna , Heikkilä Paula , Korppi Matti
Published: August 2017

Aim

This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for intensive care and respiratory support in infant bronchiolitis.

Methods

This retrospective descriptive case–control study focused on 105 patients treated in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and 210 controls treated in the emergency department or on the paediatric ward in Tampere University Hospital in Finland between 2000 and 2015. Statistically significant risk factors in nonadjusted analyses were included in the adjusted logistic regression.

Results

The average age‐specific annual incidence of bronchiolitis requiring PICU admission under the age of 12 months was 1.5/1000/year (range 0.18–2.59). Independently, significant risk factors for PICU admission were as follows: being less than two months old with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 11.5, birthweight of <2000 g (aOR of 15.9), congenital heart disease (CHD) (aOR of 15.9), apnoea (aOR of 7.2) and the absence of wheezing (aOR of 2.2). Significant risk factors for needing respiratory support were a birthweight of <2000 g, an age of less than two months and CHD.

Conclusion

Less than 0.1% of infants under the age of 12 months were admitted to the PICU for bronchiolitis. Low age, low birthweight or prematurity and CHD were independently significant risk factors for both intensive care and respiratory support.
Feeding Imprinting: The Extreme Test Case of Premature Infants Born With Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Suberi Moriya , Morag Iris , Strauss Tzipora , Geva Ronny
Published: August 2017

Feeding imprinting, considered a survival‐enabling process, is not well understood. Infants born very preterm, who first feed passively, are an effective model for studying feeding imprinting. Retrospective analysis of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) records of 255 infants (Mgestational age = 29.98 ± 1.64) enabled exploring the notion that direct breastfeeding (DBF) during NICU stay leads to consumption of more mother's milk and earlier NICU discharge. Results showed that DBF before the first bottle feeding is related to shorter transition into oral feeding, a younger age of full oral feeding accomplishment and earlier discharge. Furthermore, the number of DBF meals before first bottle feeding predicts more maternal milk consumption and improved NICU outcomes. Improved performance in response to initial exposure to DBF at the age of budding feeding abilities supports a feeding imprinting hypothesis.
Structural plan similarity based on refinements in the space of partial plans
Authors: Sánchez‐Ruiz Antonio A. , Ontañón Santiago
Published: August 2017

Plan similarity measures play a key role in many areas of artificial intelligence, such as case‐based planning, plan recognition, ambient intelligence, or digital storytelling. In this paper, we present 2 novel structural similarity measures to compare plans based on a search process in the space of partial plans. Partial plans are compact representations of sets of plans with some common structure and can be organized in a lattice so that the most general partial plans are above the most specific ones. To compute our similarity measures, we traverse this space of partial plans from the most general to the most specific using successive refinements. Our first similarity measure is designed for propositional plan formalisms, and the second is designed for classical planning formalisms (including variables and types). We also introduce 2 novel refinement operators used to traverse the space of plans: an ideal downward refinement operator for propositional partial plans and a finite and complete downward refinement operator for classical partial plans. Finally, we evaluate our similarity measures in the context of a nearest neighbor classifier using 2 datasets commonly used in the plan recognition literature (Linux and Monroe), showing good results in both synthetic and real data.
A structural equation model to assess the influence of neuroticism on oral health‐related quality of life in complete denture wearers
Authors: Soeda Hitomi , Sato Yusuke , Yamaga Eijiro , Minakuchi Shunsuke
Published: August 2017

Objective

To investigate the influence of patient neuroticism on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in complete denture wearers.

Background

There are some indicators of complete denture prognosis. The relationship between personality traits, mainly neuroticism and OHRQoL in complete denture wearers remains unclear.

Materials and methods

A total of 199 edentulous patients participated in this study. Neuroticism was investigated using the Japanese version of the modified short form of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (MS‐EPQ). OHRQoL was measured according to the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous subjects (OHIP‐EDENT‐J). Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the relationship between neuroticism and subscales of the OHIP‐EDENT‐J.

Results

The High and Low neuroticism groups fit the same model for the 5 subscales of the OHIP‐EDENT‐J—functional limitation, pain, disability, discomfort and handicap—with different path coefficients. The path from functional limitation to handicap via pain, disability and discomfort was the same as previously reported. However, path coefficients for pain to disability differed significantly between the 2 neuroticism groups. The High neuroticism group had higher estimated path coefficients for Pain compared with those for other subscales than did the Low neuroticism group. This finding indicates that the participants who are high in neuroticism felt pain more strongly, and their disability increased.

Conclusions

Neuroticism may influence OHRQoL in complete denture wearers because of patients' perception of pain.
Sitagliptin‐mediated preservation of endothelial progenitor cell function via augmenting autophagy enhances ischaemic angiogenesis in diabetes
Authors: Dai Xiaozhen , Zeng Jun , Yan Xiaoqing , Lin Qian , Wang Kai , Chen Jing , Shen Feixia , Gu Xuemei , Wang Yuehui , Chen Jun , Pan Kejian , Cai Lu , Wintergerst Kupper A. , Tan Yi
Published: August 2017

Recently, the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor sitagliptin, a major anti‐hyperglycaemic agent, has received substantial attention as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases via enhancing the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). However, the direct effects of sitagliptin on EPC function remain elusive. In this study, we evaluated the proangiogenic effects of sitagliptin on a diabetic hind limb ischaemia (HLI) model in vivo and on EPC culture in vitro. Treatment of db/db mice with sitagliptin (Januvia) after HLI surgery efficiently enhanced ischaemic angiogenesis and blood perfusion, which was accompanied by significant increases in circulating EPC numbers. EPCs derived from the bone marrow of normal mice were treated with high glucose to mimic diabetic hyperglycaemia. We found that high glucose treatment induced EPC apoptosis and tube formation impairment, which were significantly prevented by sitagliptin pretreatment. A mechanistic study found that high glucose treatment of EPCs induced dramatic increases in oxidative stress and apoptosis; pretreatment of EPCs with sitagliptin significantly attenuated high glucose‐induced apoptosis, tube formation impairment and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we found that sitagliptin restored the basal autophagy of EPCs that was impaired by high glucose via activating the AMP‐activated protein kinase/unc‐51‐like autophagy activating kinase 1 signalling pathway, although an autophagy inhibitor abolished the protective effects of sitagliptin on EPCs. Altogether, the results indicate that sitagliptin‐induced preservation of EPC angiogenic function results in an improvement of diabetic ischaemia angiogenesis and blood perfusion, which are most likely mediated by sitagliptin‐induced prevention of EPC apoptosis via augmenting autophagy.
Expression signatures and roles of MicroRNAs in human oesophageal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Kong Xiangyi , Gong Shun , Su Lijuan , Li Chen , Kong Yanguo
Published: August 2017

The most common forms of oesophageal cancers are adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Although the incidence of SCC in the United States tends to be declining, the adenocarcinoma incidence caused by Barrett's oesophagus has been increasing. Oesophageal cancer is regarded as one of the most fatal malignancies with a short prognosis. Systemic manifestations of patients with PCNSL keep backward in spite of recent development of chemoradiotherapy. MicroRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs that can post‐transcriptionally down‐regulate the expression of genes by targeting mRNAs, causing their translational repression as well as degradation. MicroRNAs exert critical functions in many malignancy‐related biological processes, including cell apoptosis, metabolism, proliferation and differentiation. Many deregulated miRNAs have been identified in oesophageal adenocarcinomas, but their biological importance has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we review present evidence regarding the potential applications of oesophageal adenocarcinomas associated microRNAs for prognosis and diagnosis of this lethal disease.
Utilizing Datasets to Advance Perinatal Research
Authors: Phillippi Julia C. , Neal Jeremy L. , Carlson Nicole S. , Biel Frances M. , Snowden Jonathan M. , Tilden Ellen L.
Published: August 2017

Many organizations collect and make available perinatal data for research and quality improvement initiatives. Analysis of existing data and use of retrospective study design has many advantages for perinatal researchers. These advantages include large samples, inclusion of women from diverse groups, data reflective of actual clinical processes and outcomes, and decreased risk of direct maternal and fetal harm. We review 11 publicly available datasets relevant to perinatal research and quality improvement, detail the availability of interactive websites, and discuss strategies to locate additional datasets. While analysis of existing data has limitations, it may provide statistical power to study rare perinatal outcomes, support research applicable to diverse populations, and facilitate timely and ethical well‐woman research immediately relevant to clinical care.
Parent and staff perceptions of parental needs during a child's hospital admission to a paediatric high‐dependency unit: A New Zealand study
Authors: Foster Mandie , Whitehead Lisa
Published: August 2017

Aim

This study aimed to identify parents’ and staff's perceptions of parents’ needs during a paediatric high‐dependency unit admission and the relationships between needs, socio‐demographic and clinical variables and explores if these perceptions have changed.

Methods

This study uses a cross‐sectional descriptive correlational design, and 104 parents whose children received care and 88 staff who worked within a paediatric high‐dependency unit at a tertiary hospital in New Zealand completed the Needs of Parents’ Questionnaire in 2011.

Results

Parents’ and staff's perceptions of the importance of needs were congruent, but differences arose between parents and staff on whether these needs were met. Parents were more likely to rate needs as having been met than staff members. Admission type, age and gender influenced parents’ and staff's perceptions of parents’ needs.

Conclusion

Synergy between parent and staff satisfaction scores will be enhanced when care delivery is more closely aligned to parents’ priorities for care and staff receive feedback on positive health‐care experiences.
An analysis of the effects of intrapartum factors, neonatal characteristics, and skin‐to‐skin contact on early breastfeeding initiation
Authors: Lau Ying , Tha Pyai Htun , Ho‐Lim Sarah Su Tin , Wong Lai Ying , Lim Peng Im , Citra Nurfarah Binte Zaini Mattar , Shorey Shefaly
Published: August 2017

This study aims to determine relationships between intrapartum factors, neonatal characteristics, skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC), and early breastfeeding initiation after spontaneous vaginal and Caesarean section or operative vaginal birth. A total of 915 mother–newborn dyads were considered in a hypothetical model based on integrated concepts of breastfeeding initiation model, infant learning framework, and attachment theory. Multiple‐group path analysis was used to determine whether differences exist between effects of immediate SSC (≤30 min) on early breastfeeding initiation in different modes of birth. SSC, mode of birth, labour duration, and neonatal intensive care unit admission were significantly associated with early breastfeeding initiation, as indicated by the path analysis model, which included all samples. Women with immediate SSC were more likely to initiate early breastfeeding in different modes of birth. In the spontaneous vaginal birth group, women showed a lower likelihood of initiating early breastfeeding when their neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and presented an Apgar score of <7 at 1 min. Multiple‐group analysis showed no significant difference between effects of immediate SSC on early breastfeeding initiation in different modes of birth (critical ratio = −0.309). Results showed that models satisfactorily fitted the data (minimum discrepancy divided by degrees of freedom = 1.466–1.943, goodness of fit index = 0.981–0.986, comparative fit index = 0.947–0.955, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.023–0.032). Our findings emphasize the crucial importance of prioritizing promotion of immediate SSC under different modes of birth.
Molecular detection of Wolbachia pipientis in natural populations of sandfly vectors of Leishmania infantum in endemic areas: first detection in Lutzomyia longipalpis
Authors: DA ROCHA N. O. , LAMBERT S. M. , DIAS‐LIMA A. G. , JULIÃO F. S. , SOUZA B. M. P. S.
Published: August 2017

A polymerase chain reaction‐based method was used to screen sandflies for infection with Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), an intracellular bacterial endosymbiont found in many arthropods and filarial hosts. Positive results were obtained in five of 200 field‐collected sandflies and were confirmed by sequencing. All sandflies were Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) captured in a region endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. This is the first study to identify Wolbachia infection in this Lutzomyia species, which is the main vector of leishmaniasis in the study area. The low infection rate found in this study (2.5%), together with the lack of detection of Wolbachia in previous studies and the diversity found in the sequences analysed, suggests horizontal transmission to these sandflies.