bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SCN1Bβ mutations that affect their association with Kv4.3 underlie early repolarization syndrome
Authors: Yao Hao , Fan Jun , Cheng Yun‐Jiu , Chen Xu‐Miao , Ji Cheng‐Cheng , Liu Li‐Juan , Zheng Zi‐Heng , Wu Su‐Hua
Published: August 2018

Background

Abnormal cardiac ion channels current, including transient outward potassium current (Ito), is associated with early repolarization syndrome (ERS). Previous studies showed that mutations in SCN1Bβ both to increase the Ito current and to decrease the sodium current. Yet its role in ERS remains unknown.

Objective

To determine the role of mutations in the SCN1Bβ subunits in ERS.

Methods

We screened for mutations in the SCN1B genes from four families with ERS. Wild‐type and mutant SCN1Bβ genes were co‐expressed with wild‐type KCND3 in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). Whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique and co‐immunoprecipitation were used to study the electrophysiological properties and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results

S248R and R250T mutations in SCN1Bβ were detected in 4 families’ probands. Neither S248R nor R250T mutation had significant influence on the sodium channel current density (INa) when co‐expressed with SCN5A/WT. Co‐expression of KCND3/WT and SCN1Bβ/S248R or SCN1Bβ/R250T increased the transient outward potassium current Ito by 27.44% and 199.89%, respectively (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) when compared with SCN1Bβ/WT. Electrophysiological properties showed that S248R and R250T mutations decreased the steady‐state inactivation and recovery from inactivation of Ito channel. Co‐immunoprecipitation study demonstrated an increased association between SCN1Bβ mutations and Kv4.3 compared with SCN1Bβ/WT (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The S248R and R250T mutations of SCN1Bβ gene caused gain‐of‐function of Ito by associated with Kv4.3, which maybe underlie the ERS phenotype of the probands.
Polydatin suppresses nucleus pulposus cell senescence, promotes matrix homeostasis and attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration in rats
Authors: Wang Jianle , Huang Chongan , Lin Zongze , Pan Xiangxiang , Chen Jiaoxiang , Zheng Gang , Tian Naifeng , Yan Yingzhao , Zhang Zengjie , Hu Jianing , Cheng Pu , Wang Xiangyang , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: August 2018

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is one of the major causes of low back pain. Polydatin (PD) has been shown to exert multiple pharmacological effects on different diseases; here, we test the therapeutic potential of PD for IVDD. In in‐vitro experiments, we confirmed PD is nontoxic to nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) under the concentration of 400 μmol/L. Furthermore, PD was able to decrease the level of senescence in TNF‐α‐treated NPCs, as indicated by β‐gal staining as well as senescence markers p53 and p16 expression. In the aspect of extracellular matrix (ECM), PD not only reduced metalloproteinase 3 (MMP‐3), metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) and a disintegrin‐like and metalloproteinase thrombospondin type 1 motif 4 (ADAMTS‐4) expression, but also increased aggrecan and collagen II levels. Mitochondrion is closely related to cellular senescence and ECM homeostasis; mechanistically, we found PD may rescue TNF‐α‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction, and it may also promote Nrf2 expression and activity. Silencing Nrf2 partly abolished the protective effects of PD on mitochondrial homeostasis, senescence and ECM homeostasis in TNF‐α‐treated NPCs. Correspondingly, PD ameliorated IVDD in rat model by promoting Nrf2 activity, preserving ECM and inhibiting senescence in nucleus pulposus cells. To sum up, our study suggests that PD exerts protective effects in NPCs against IVDD and reveals the underlying mechanism of PD on Nrf2 activation in NPCs.
Effects of thick‐layer drying on the bioactive compounds of acerola residues
Authors: Silva Diogo I. S. , Silva Neiton C. , Mendes Lorena G. , Barrozo Marcos A. S.
Published: August 2018

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) is a fruit rich in antioxidants and vitamins, whose processing generates large quantities of residues. This waste is potentially useful due to the presence of important bioactive compounds, but its high moisture level makes it difficult to use. This work evaluates the impact of dehydration in a thick‐layer dryer on the bioactive compounds of acerola residues. The compounds analyzed before and after dehydration were: total phenolics, total flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. The presence of important compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries was found using nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The effects of operating variables on the bioactive compounds were quantified. The heterogeneity of the material as a function of the axial bed position was also investigated.

Practical applications

The acerola is increasingly used in the form of juice, jelly and compote owing to its high levels of ascorbic acid and other important bioactive compounds. The wastes from acerola processing can contain higher amounts of phenolic and other bioactive compounds than the edible fleshy parts. In this study, the effect of convective thick‐layer drying on the main bioactive compounds (phenolics, flavonoids and ascorbic acid) of the acerola residues was investigated. The analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) also allowed the identification the presence of important compounds in dehydrated acerola residues, such as phytosterols, malic and linoleic acids. Results show that these residues are a potentially useful resource to be explored and that the dehydration of acerola residues in a thick‐layer fixed‐bed dryer is an interesting alternative for the possible reuse of this material if performed under adequate operating conditions.
Association between HLA‐DQA1/DRB1 polymorphism and development of hepatocellular carcinoma during entecavir treatment
Authors: Kozuka Ritsuzo , Enomoto Masaru , Sato‐Matsubara Misako , Yoshida Kanako , Motoyama Hiroyuki , Hagihara Atsushi , Fujii Hideki , Uchida‐Kobayashi Sawako , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Tamori Akihiro , Kawada Norifumi , Murakami Yoshiki
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims

It remains unclear whether there is an association between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during entecavir (ETV) treatment in nucleos(t)ide analog‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. We investigated the risk factors for HCC, especially host factors, during ETV treatment.

Methods

A total of 127 Japanese patients undergoing ETV treatment were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses for clinical factors, hepatic fibrosis markers, and SNPs associated with HCC development were analyzed.

Results

A total of 10 patients developed HCC during the follow‐up period (median duration, 3.3 years). The 3‐, 5‐, and 7‐year cumulative rates of HCC development were 4.8%, 10.6%, and 13.6%, respectively. Liver fibrosis (cirrhosis; P = 0.0005), age (≥ 49 years; P = 0.0048), platelet count (≤ 115 × 10/mm3; P = 0.0007), α‐fetoprotein (≥ 8.0 ng/mL; P = 0.030), type IV collagen (≥ 200 ng/mL; P = 0.043), fibrosis‐4 index (≥ 4.14; P = 0.0006), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQA1/DRB1‐SNP (AA genotype; P = 0.0092) were significantly associated with HCC development according to the log‐rank test. In multivariate analysis, AA genotype in the HLA‐DQA1/DRB1 gene (P = 0.013; hazard ratio 4.907; 95% confidence interval 1.407–17.113) and cirrhosis (P = 0.019; hazard ratio 4.789; 95% confidence interval 1.296–17.689) were significantly associated with HCC development.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that patients with AA genotype in the HLA‐DQA1/DRB1 gene or cirrhosis should be carefully followed up as a population potentially at higher risk of HCC during ETV treatment.
Patient and Caregiver Perspectives on Managing Multiple Health Conditions
Authors: Riffin Catherine , Van Ness Peter H. , Iannone Lynne , Fried Terri
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To explore patient and caregiver experiences, preferences, and attitudes toward the provision and receipt of caregiving assistance with medical tasks.

Design

Qualitative study consisting of in‐depth interviews with 20 patient–caregiver dyads.

Setting

Community and academic‐affiliated primary care clinics.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 or older with 2 or more health conditions and their family caregivers (n=20 patient–caregiver dyads).

Measurements

Open‐ended questions were asked about the tasks that the patient and caregiver performed to manage the patient's health conditions; questions were designed to elicit participant reactions and attitudes toward the help they provided or received. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Participant preferences and attitudes toward the receipt and provision of disease management tasks were highly personal. Participant responses clustered into 2 caregiving typologies: supportive caregiving relationships and conflicted caregiving relationships. Supportive relationships were characterized by patient–caregiver agreement about caregiver level of involvement, agreement about one another's competency to perform disease‐related tasks, mutual understanding, collaborative decision‐making and disease management, and use of family and formal caregiving. Conflicted relationships were characterized by disagreement about caregiver level of involvement, disagreement about one another's competency to perform disease management tasks, underappreciation of one another's experiences, disagreement over decision‐making and disease management, and use of formal caregiving.

Conclusions

The views that patient–caregiver dyads expressed in this study illustrate the varied preferences and attitudes toward caregiving assistance with multiple health conditions. These findings support a dyadic approach to evaluating and addressing patient and caregiver needs and attitudes toward provision of assistance.
Initiating joint attention use in infants at high‐risk for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Brewe A. M. , Reisinger D. L. , Adlof S. M. , Roberts J. E.
Published: August 2018

Background

Impairment in initiating joint attention (IJA) is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, although it is unclear when impairments arise. Due to the early development of IJA use and late diagnosis of ASD, groups at high‐risk of ASD, such as infants with an older sibling with ASD (ASIBs) and infants with fragile X syndrome (FXS), provide opportunities to study early IJA behaviours for children who are later diagnosed with ASD. This study analysed these two groups to determine if IJA use differed compared with typically developing (TD) peers at 12 months and whether IJA was associated with later ASD outcomes.

Method

An experimental attention task was used to analyse IJA gaze shifts and gestures in the high‐risk groups. Clinical best estimate diagnoses were given to each participant to compare IJA behaviours to ASD severity.

Results

No differences in the frequency of IJA gaze shifts and gestures were found between 12‐month‐old ASIBs and TD controls, but infants with FXS demonstrated a significantly reduced range of IJA gaze shifts relative to TD controls. Additionally, ASD outcomes at 24 months were related to IJA use for infants with FXS at 12 months, but not infant ASIBs, although these findings were explained by differences in nonverbal cognitive development.

Conclusions

Although previous studies have reported delays in IJA use in children with FXS and ASIBs at ages 21 and 14 months, respectively, our results suggest IJA behaviours for these high‐risk groups are not distinct from TD children at 12 months. When differences were found at 12 months, they were explained by nonverbal cognitive development, particularly for infants with FXS. Differences in IJA use at 12 months in this study were too small to serve as a potential indicator of later ASD.
Left inferior frontal cortex can compensate the inhibitory functions of right inferior frontal cortex and pre‐supplementary motor area
Authors: Gavazzi Gioele , Lenge Matteo , Bartolini Emanuele , Bianchi Andrea , Agovi Herdis , Mugnai Francesca , Guerrini Renzo , Giordano Flavio , Viggiano Maria Pia , Mascalchi Mario
Published: August 2018

Right‐IFG and pre‐SMA are associated with inhibitory responses. We used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to explore whether the contralateral homotopic regions can functionally replace them. An adolescent, with an extensive traumatic lesion of the right cerebral hemisphere having occurred 5 years earlier, performed a motor response inhibition task (Go/Nogo), which was properly accomplished and associated to activations in the left‐IFC, precuneus and occipital cortex. Such functional remodelling is in line with the theory of ‘near equipotentiality’ of the cerebral hemispheres.
A biomarker of collagen type I degradation is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with atherosclerosis
Authors: Holm Nielsen S. , Tengryd C. , Edsfeldt A. , Brix S. , Genovese F. , Bengtsson E. , Karsdal M. , Leeming D. J. , Nilsson J. , Goncalves I.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Atherosclerosis is characterized by accumulation of lipids, cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the arterial wall. Collagen type I (COL1), a component of the arterial ECM, is cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and known to be remodelled in atherosclerosis. We explored whether the MMP‐mediated COL1 biomarker, C1M, was associated with cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality and all‐cause mortality in a large prospective cohort of patients with known atherosclerosis.

Methods

Serum from 787 patients who underwent a carotid endarterectomy was included. Circulating levels of C1M were measured in serum. A total of 473 patients were followed for 6 years after surgery. Associations between C1M and incidence of cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality and all‐cause mortality were assessed by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 101 (21.4%) patients suffered from nonfatal cardiovascular events during the follow‐up period, and 64 (13.5%) patients died. Of these, 39 (60.9%) died from cardiovascular diseases. Patients with C1M levels above the median were significantly associated with cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality and all‐cause mortality (P < 0.001, P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). C1M was included in the final model for prediction of cardiovascular events (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.40–3.32, P = 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.07–4.51, P = 0.031) and all‐cause mortality (HR 2.98 95% CI 1.67–5.33, P = < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with atherosclerotic carotid lesions, high levels of C1M predicted cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality and all‐cause mortality. These findings emphasize the importance of remodelling mechanisms in atherosclerosis that are now becoming more and more explored.
Changes in leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence on soybean plants supplied with silicon and infected by Cercospora sojina
Authors: Nascimento Kelly Juliane Telles , Debona Daniel , Rezende Danielle , DaMatta Fábio Murilo , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: August 2018

Frogeye spot, caused by Cercospora sojina, is one of the major diseases causing yield losses in soybean. Considering the potential of silicon (Si) to attenuate the physiological impairments imposed by pathogens infection, this study investigated its effect on leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence parameters as well as on the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrate pools on soybean plants from cultivars Bossier and Conquista (susceptible and resistant to frogeye spot, respectively) grown in hydroponic culture containing 0 or 2 mM Si (−Si and +Si plants, respectively) that were noninoculated or inoculated with C. sojina. Plants from cultivar Bossier were more susceptible to frogeye spot compared to cultivar Conquista regardless of Si supply. Frogeye spot severity increased by Si supply regardless of the cultivar. There were no changes in the physiological parameters for noninoculated +Si plants. Even though the susceptibility of plants from cultivar Bossier to frogeye spot increased by Si supply, they showed lower values for the leaf gas exchange parameters, photochemical efficiency and concentration of photosynthetic pigments. The impairments imposed by C. sojina infection on the physiology of plants from cultivar Conquista were governed chiefly by reductions in stomatal conductance regardless of Si supply. The increase in hexose concentration for inoculated plants of the two cultivars was associated with their resistance to frogeye spot. Considering that the increased susceptibility of +Si plants from cultivar Conquista did not result in physiological impairments, it is plausible to rule out that the lower photosynthetic efficiency of plants from cultivar Bossier occurred due to a sharp reduction in the photosynthetically active leaf tissue.
The Impact of Rurality on Likelihood of Drunk Driving and Riding With a Driver Under the Influence Among High School Students
Authors: Smalley K. Bryant , Warren Jacob C. , Tarasenko Yelena N. , Barefoot K. Nikki
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the importance of rural location in the likelihood of adolescent drunk driving and riding in a vehicle with a driver under the influence while controlling for a variety of student‐, school‐, and county‐level factors.

Methods

Data from the 2013 Georgia Student Health Survey (GSHS) II (a statewide assessment of student health in public school students in Georgia) were analyzed using multilevel binary regressions to examine rural‐urban differences in prevalence of driving under the influence (11th and 12th graders only; n = 114,907) and riding with a driver under the influence (9th‐12th graders; n = 258,610), controlling for school‐level race, gender, and income, in addition to county‐level education level, unemployment, alcohol use, and smoking.

Findings

Across geographies, students were twice as likely to report riding with a driver under the influence (10.32%) as driving under the influence (4.16%). While both outcomes were more likely among rural adolescents in unadjusted analyses, in adjusted analyses, rural adolescents were not significantly more likely to drive under the influence (ORadj = 1.19; P = .055), but they were significantly more likely to ride with a driver under the influence (ORadj = 1.18; P = .002).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that riding with a driver under the influence rather than driving under the influence may be a more pressing public health issue for adolescents in rural areas. Future research focused on the formative work necessary to build novel, culturally tailored interventions should be conducted to minimize the associated substantial burden of motor vehicle deaths within rural adolescents.
Effect of injection site on alfaxalone‐induced sedation in ball pythons (Python regius)
Authors: Yaw T. J. , Mans C. , Johnson S. M. , Doss G. A. , Sladky K. K.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of alfaxalone in ball pythons following subcutaneous administration in the cranial versus caudal third of the body.

Materials and Methods

In a prospective, randomised, blinded, complete crossover study, eight ball pythons (
Python regius
) received alfaxalone in the cranial or caudal third of the body. Sedative and cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded.

Results

Administration of alfaxalone in the cranial third of the body resulted in significantly deeper and longer sedation compared with administration in the caudal third of the body. Righting reflex was lost in five of eight snakes following cranial injection compared with one of eight snakes after caudal injection. Jaw tone was lost in all snakes following cranial injection and intubation was successfully performed in seven. In contrast, snakes did not lose jaw tone and intubation was not possible following caudal injection. Heart rate and respiratory rate were significantly decreased following administration of alfaxalone in the cranial third of the body.

Clinical Significance

Administration of drugs that undergo hepatic metabolism or excretion should not be performed in the caudal third of the body in snakes, because it can result in significantly reduced drug efficacy. A hepatic first‐pass effect is assumed to be the most likely underlying cause for the observed effect because part of the venous return from the caudal body flows directly to the liver.
Genetic risk factors for schizophrenia associate with sleep spindle activity in healthy adolescents
Authors: Merikanto Ilona , Utge Siddheshwar , Lahti Jari , Kuula Liisa , Makkonen Tommi , Lahti‐Pulkkinen Marius , Heinonen Kati , Räikkönen Katri , Andersson Sture , Strandberg Timo , Pesonen Anu‐Katriina
Published: August 2018

Schizophrenia has been associated with disturbed sleep, even before the onset of the disorder, and also in non‐schizophrenic first‐order relatives. This may point to an underlying genetic influence. Here we examine whether weighted polygenic risk scores (PRS) for schizophrenia are associated with sleep spindle activity in healthy adolescents. Our sample comes from a community‐based cohort of 157 non‐schizophrenic adolescents (57% girls) having both genetic data and an overnight sleep EEG measurement available. Based on a recent genome‐wide association study, we calculated PRS for schizophrenia across the whole genome. We also calculated PRS for the CACNA1l gene region, which has been associated with both schizophrenia and sleep spindle formation. We performed an overnight sleep EEG at the homes of the participants. Stage two sleep spindles were detected using an automated algorithm. Sleep spindle amplitude, duration, intensity and density were measured separately for central and frontal derivations and for fast (13–16 Hz) and slow (10–13 Hz) spindles. PRS for schizophrenia was associated with higher fast spindle amplitude (p = 0.04), density (p = 0.006) and intensity (p = 0.04) at the central derivation, and PRS in the CACNA1l region associated with higher slow spindle amplitude (p = 0.01), duration (p = 0.03) and intensity (p = 0.002) at the central derivation. A positive association between genetic variants for schizophrenia and sleep spindle activity among healthy adolescents supports a view that sleep spindles and schizophrenia share similar genetic pathways. This study suggests that altered sleep spindle activity might serve as an endophenotype of schizophrenia.
Accessing health care: Experiences of South Asian ethnic minority women in Hong Kong
Authors: Vandan Nimisha , Wong Janet Y‐H , Fong Daniel Y‐T
Published: August 2018

The aim of the present qualitative study was to understand the experiences of South Asian ethnic minority women in accessing health‐care services in Hong Kong, a Chinese‐oriented society. Levesque's framework (2013) was adopted to conduct and analyze focus group discussions among 30 South Asian women aged between 21 and 72 years, who came from India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The overarching theme was identified as disengagement between South Asian women and the health‐care system, with the following five themes: attitude and awareness, sociocultural factors, time constraints, financial burdens, and inadequate interaction. These were linked to barriers affecting South Asian women's ability to access health care, the common challenges encountered being those related to language, culture, and communication. Lengthy waiting periods discourage these women from seeking health care in Hong Kong. Enhancing accessibility to appropriate health‐care‐related information and culturally‐informed patient–provider interaction can improve knowledge, trust, and satisfaction among these women, thereby enhancing their engagement with the health‐care system.
Defining metabolically healthy obesity in children: a scoping review
Authors: Damanhoury S. , Newton A. S. , Rashid M. , Hartling L. , Byrne J. L. S. , Ball G. D. C.
Published: August 2018

We conducted a scoping review to identify definitions of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), describe gaps in the literature, and establish a universal definition of MHO in children. We searched electronic databases from January 1980 to June 2017 and grey literature. Experimental, quasi‐experimental, or observational studies were eligible for inclusion if they (i) included a definition of MHO that identified risk factors, cut‐off values, and the number of criteria used to define MHO, and (ii) classified 2–18 year olds as overweight or obese. Two reviewers independently screened 1,711 papers for relevance and quality; we extracted data from 39 individual reports that met inclusion criteria. Most (31/39; 79%) definitions of MHO included an absence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Heterogeneity across MHO definitions, obesity criteria, and sample sizes/characteristics resulted in variable prevalence estimates (3–80%). Finally, we convened an international panel of 46 experts to complete a 4‐round Delphi process to generate a consensus‐based definition of MHO. Based on consensus (≥ 80% agreement), our definition of MHO included: high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol > 40 mg/dl (or > 1.03 mmol/l), triglycerides ≤ 150 mg/dl (or ≤ 1.7 mmol/l), systolic and diastolic blood pressure ≤ 90th percentile, and a measure of glycemia. This definition of MHO holds potential universal value to enable comparisons between studies and inform clinical decision‐making for children with obesity.
Genetics, genomics and breeding of groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.)
Authors: Desmae Haile , Janila Pasupuleti , Okori Patrick , Pandey Manish K. , Motagi Babu N. , Monyo Emmanuel , Mponda Omari , Okello David , Sako Dramane , Echeckwu Candidus , Oteng‐Frimpong Richard , Miningou Amos , Ojiewo Chris , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: August 2018

Groundnut is an important food and oil crop in the semiarid tropics, contributing to household food consumption and cash income. In Asia and Africa, yields are low attributed to various production constraints. This review paper highlights advances in genetics, genomics and breeding to improve the productivity of groundnut. Genetic studies concerning inheritance, genetic variability and heritability, combining ability and trait correlations have provided a better understanding of the crop's genetics to develop appropriate breeding strategies for target traits. Several improved lines and sources of variability have been identified or developed for various economically important traits through conventional breeding. Significant advances have also been made in groundnut genomics including genome sequencing, marker development and genetic and trait mapping. These advances have led to a better understanding of the groundnut genome, discovery of genes/variants for traits of interest and integration of marker‐assisted breeding for selected traits. The integration of genomic tools into the breeding process accompanied with increased precision of yield trialing and phenotyping will increase the efficiency and enhance the genetic gain for release of improved groundnut varieties.
Apigenin produced by maize flavone synthase I and II protects plants against UV‐B‐induced damage
Authors: Righini Silvana , Rodriguez Eduardo José , Berosich Carla , Grotewold Erich , Casati Paula , Falcone Ferreyra María Lorena
Published: August 2018

Flavones, one of the largest groups of flavonoids, have beneficial effects on human health and are considered of high nutritional value. Previously, we demonstrated that maize type I flavone synthase (ZmFNSI) is one of the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of O‐glycosyl flavones in floral tissues. However, in related species such as rice and sorghum, type II FNS enzymes also contribute to flavone biosynthesis. In this work, we provide evidence that maize has both one FNSI and one FNSII flavone synthases. Arabidopsis transgenic plants expressing each FNS enzyme were generated to validate the role of flavones in protecting plants against UV‐B radiation. Here, we demostrate that ZmCYP93G7 (FNSII) has flavone synthase activity and is able to complement the Arabidopsis dmr6 mutant, restoring the susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae. ZmFNSII expression is controlled by the C1/PL1 + R/B anthocyanin transcriptional complexes, and both ZmFNSI and ZmFNSII are regulated by UV‐B. Arabidopsis transgenic plants expressing ZmFNSI or ZmFNSII that accumulate apigenin exhibit less UV‐B‐induced damage than wild‐type plants. Together, we show that maize has two FNS‐type enzymes that participate in the synthesis of apigenin, conferring protection against UV‐B radiation.
A glycoform of the secreted purple acid phosphatase AtPAP26 co‐purifies with a mannose‐binding lectin (AtGAL1) upregulated by phosphate‐starved Arabidopsis
Authors: Ghahremani Mina , Tran Hue , Biglou Sanaz G. , O'Gallagher Bryden , She Yi‐Min , Plaxton William C.
Published: August 2018

The purple acid phosphatase AtPAP26 plays a central role in Pi‐scavenging by Pi‐starved (−Pi) Arabidopsis. Mass spectrometry (MS) of AtPAP26‐S1 and AtPAP26‐S2 glycoforms secreted by −Pi suspension cells demonstrated that N‐glycans at Asn365 and Asn422 were modified in AtPAP26‐S2 to form high‐mannose glycans. A 55‐kDa protein that co‐purified with AtPAP26‐S2 was identified as a Galanthus nivalis agglutinin‐related and apple domain lectin‐1 (AtGAL1; At1g78850). MS revealed that AtGAL1 was bisphosphorylated at Tyr38 and Thr39 and glycosylated at four conserved Asn residues. When AtGAL was incubated in the presence of a thiol‐reducing reagent prior to immunoblotting, its cross‐reactivity with anti‐AtGAL1‐IgG was markedly attenuated (consistent with three predicted disulfide bonds in AtGAL1's apple domain). Secreted AtGAL1 polypeptides were upregulated to a far greater extent than AtGAL1 transcripts during Pi deprivation, indicating posttranscriptional control of AtGAL1 expression. Growth of a −Pi atgal1 mutant was unaffected, possibly due to compensation by AtGAL1's closest paralog, AtGAL2 (At1g78860). Nevertheless, AtGAL1's induction by numerous stresses combined with the broad distribution of AtGAL1‐like lectins in diverse species implies an important function for AtGAL1 orthologs within the plant kingdom. We hypothesize that binding of AtPAP26‐S2's high‐mannose glycans by AtGAL1 enhances AtPAP26 function to facilitate Pi‐scavenging by −Pi Arabidopsis.
Exploring the protein–protein interaction landscape in plants
Authors: Struk Sylwia , Jacobs Anse , Sánchez Martín‐Fontecha Elena , Gevaert Kris , Cubas Pilar , Goormachtig Sofie
Published: August 2018

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) represent an essential aspect of plant systems biology. Identification of key protein players and their interaction networks provide crucial insights into the regulation of plant developmental processes and into interactions of plants with their environment. Despite the great advance in the methods for the discovery and validation of PPIs, still several challenges remain. First, the PPI networks are usually highly dynamic, and the in vivo interactions are often transient and difficult to detect. Therefore, the properties of the PPIs under study need to be considered to select the most suitable technique, because each has its own advantages and limitations. Second, besides knowledge on the interacting partners of a protein of interest, characteristics of the interaction, such as the spatial or temporal dynamics, are highly important. Hence, multiple approaches have to be combined to obtain a comprehensive view on the PPI network present in a cell. Here, we present the progress in commonly used methods to detect and validate PPIs in plants with a special emphasis on the PPI features assessed in each approach and how they were or can be used for the study of plant interactions with their environment.
Contact hypersensitivity in adolescents
Authors: Pap Eszter Barbara , Temesvári Erzsébet , Németh Ilona , Sárdy Miklós , Pónyai Györgyi
Published: August 2018

Background

Contact hypersensitivity is common in adolescents, but data in the literature are limited. Adolescents often use cosmetics, wear jewelry, and obtain tattoos, which can be sources of allergens.

Methods

This was a retrospective, noninterventional cohort study of 100 adolescents (aged 13‐18; 74 girls, 26 boys) who were consecutively patch tested.

Results

We detected contact hypersensitivity in 51 of the 100 patch‐tested patients (51%): 52.7% of the girls and 46.2% of the boys were sensitized. The most common allergens were nickel (17%), thimerosal (12%), para‐phenylenediamine (8%), cobalt (7%), and fragrance mix I (6%). Thirteen percent of the reactions did not appear until the seventh day. The majority of clinical lesions affected the hands and face. The most common contact allergens were mercury derivatives, lanolin, and para‐phenylenediamine in boys and nickel, thimerosal, para‐phenylenediamine, cobalt, and fragrance mix I in girls. Of the 47 adolescents with atopic dermatitis 51.1% had contact hypersensitivity. In this group, skin care product ingredients were the typical allergens (25.5%). The most common contact allergens of those with atopic dermatitis were nickel (12.8%), lanolin (10.6%), and thimerosal (8.5%).

Conclusion

Contact hypersensitivity is common in adolescents. For patients with therapy‐resistant skin lesions affecting the face and hands, patch testing with an evaluation for 7 days is recommended. Our results provide the first data on frequency of contact hypersensitivity in this age group in Hungary. Metals, fragrances, mercuric derivatives, dyeing materials, and skin care products were the most common allergens.
Head‐and‐neck dermatitis: Diagnostic difficulties and management pearls
Authors: Maarouf Melody , Saberian Chantal , Lio Peter A. , Shi Vivian Y.
Published: August 2018

Head‐and‐neck dermatitis is a variant of atopic dermatitis (AD) often seen in children and is challenging to diagnose, as it frequently overlaps with other eczematous dermatoses. Successful head‐and‐neck dermatitis (HND) treatment requires identification of common triggers and clinical mimickers, such as airborne dermatitis, periorificial dermatitis, and steroid‐induced rosacea. Head‐and‐neck involvement negatively impacts quality of life and is often harder to treat than other body parts, as long‐term topical corticosteroid use carries higher risks for skin atrophy on the face. Heating and flushing associated with HND further exacerbate the itch‐and‐scratch‐cycle and disrupt sleep. We aim to address diagnostic gaps, identify clinical mimickers, and share clinical pearls in managing HND, including cooling pillows, thermal water sprays, rice starch paper facial masks, and tips to minimize food and saliva‐induced facial irritation.
Hymenal polyps in two infants
Authors: Frikha Fatma , Boudaya Sonia , Sellami Khadija , Bahloul Emna , Turki Hamida
Published: August 2018

Pathological conditions of the hymen are rare in everyday medical practice. Hymenal polyps are polypoid formations originating from the hymenal rim and are benign and disappear spontaneously within a few weeks of onset. We report two cases of hymenal polyps in two infants.
The Evil Demon Inside
Authors: Silins Nicholas
Published: August 2018

This paper examines how new evil demon problems could arise for our access to the internal world of our own minds. I start by arguing that the internalist/externalist debate in epistemology has been widely misconstrued—we need to reconfigure the debate in order to see how it can arise about our access to the internal world. I then argue for the coherence of scenarios of radical deception about our own minds, and I use them to defend a properly formulated internalist view about our access to our minds. The overarching lesson is that general epistemology and the specialized epistemology of introspection need to talk—each has much to learn from each other.
Complaining about rivals: Indifference, cooperation, and competition in the governance of advertising
Authors: Cluley Robert
Published: August 2018

What should rivals do when they see competitors breaking agreed rules within systems of self‐regulation? This study investigates compliant behavior among British advertisers to empirically answer this question. It analyses five years of complaints (n= 146,062) and adjudications (n= 4,832) published by the self‐regulatory body for the British advertising industry. The majority of firms adopt a strategy of indifference and rarely regulate their rivals. Highly engaged firms either adopt an angelic strategy as they use their resources to complain about their rivals; a deviant strategy as they are subject to a large number of complaints; or a predatory strategy as they attack their rivals through advertising regulation. This illustrates a unique form of regulatory capture in which a regulatory system becomes an arena of competition for some actors while continuing as a governance mechanism for others.
Business interests in salmon aquaculture certification: Competition or collective action?
Authors: Vormedal Irja , Gulbrandsen Lars H.
Published: August 2018

Research recognizes that strategic business interests can provide an important driver of private regulation, even in the absence of significant societal pressure and non‐governmental organization‐constructed demand. This article examines a range of competition and collective action‐related interests that can motivate firms to promote and adopt certification schemes. We pay particular attention to the hitherto underexplored collective action interest to safeguard common‐pool resources, upon which an industry may depend to sustain yields. Based on a case study of salmon aquaculture certification, the article argues that while the corporate motives repertoire includes strengthening competitiveness and industry reputation, safeguarding shared waters for culturing salmon is key to explaining industry commitment to and adoption of private regulation in this sector.
An Insurance Model for Risk Management of Process Facilities
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Javad , Khan Faisal , Ahmed Salim
Published: August 2018

Most existing risk management models for process industries do not consider the effect of insurance coverage, which results in an overestimation of overall risk. A model is presented in this article to study the effect of insurance coverage of health, safety, environmental, and business risks. The effect of insurance recovery is modeled through the application of adjustment factors by considering the stochastic factors affecting insurance recovery. The insurance contract's conditions, deductibles, and policy limits are considered in developing the insurance recovery adjustment factors. Copula functions and Monte Carlo simulations are used to develop the distribution of the aggregate loss by considering the dependence among loss classes. A case study is used to demonstrate both the practical application of the proposed insurance model to improve management decisions, and the mitigating effect of insurance to minimize the residual risk.
Has the Exchange Rate Pass‐Through changed in South Africa?
Authors: Kabundi Alain , Mbelu Asi
Published: August 2018

This paper uses the two‐stage exchange rate pass‐through (ERPT) framework instead of the direct pass‐through (PT) from the exchange rate to consumer inflation to assess the variation in the ERPT for South Africa from 1994 to 2014. The paper uses rolling‐window estimation to examine the possibility of change in the ERPT over time. In addition, it investigates the asymmetric behaviour of the ERPT over the business cycle. The results indicate that the ERPT for South Africa is complete in the first stage but incomplete in the second stage. It implies that retailers do not pass all the cost to consumers. The first‐stage ERPT has declined slightly since the Global Financial Crisis. Weak domestic demand and possibly the concentration of firms in the manufacturing sector are the main forces behind this low PT. Moreover, there is evidence of asymmetry in the first‐stage ERPT in that it tends to rise in the upturn phase of the economy compared to the downturn. The second‐stage ERPT shows a considerable decline since the adoption of the inflation‐targeting regime. Similar to the first‐stage case, the PT is muted in the downturn but rises in the expansionary phase by about 10%.
(Re)theorizing hybridity for the study of identity and difference
Authors: Balaram Arita
Published: August 2018

This paper revisits the construct of hybridity as conceptualized in postcolonial theory and its application within and beyond the field of critical social psychology. Hybridity emerged in postcolonial theory as an alternative to racial/racist purisms, questioning “natural” and complete definitions of identity and instead suggesting movement and mediation as central to identity‐making. The objectives of this paper are twofold: First, I trace the genealogy of hybridity discourse from its origins as a critique of cultural imperialism, to its explicit and implicit invocations serving projects of assimilation and nation‐building. Second, building on the work of critical race scholars, critical social psychologists, and Caribbean feminist scholars who emphasize the role of power in the production of difference, I anchor my analysis of the malleability of hybridity in traveling notions of Indo‐Caribbean identity from the Caribbean region to the U.S. More broadly, I illuminate the tensions involved in reclaiming multiple notions of origin and organizing transnational commitments.
Choosing between random effects models in meta‐analysis: Units of analysis and the generalizability of obtained results
Authors: Hall Judith A. , Rosenthal Robert
Published: August 2018

In meta‐analysis, the choice between different models is recognized as important and as requiring empirical and theoretical justification. However, researchers are often unclear on how to make this choice. Each kind of model makes assumptions and brings implications regarding the generalizations that can be made from the data. The present article summarizes standard understandings of fixed versus random model concepts with special focus on a choice not often discussed: that between a weighted random effects model and an unweighted random effects model. The weighted effects approach is currently predominant as a random effects model, while the unweighted model, although once prevalent, is rarely used anymore. The present article revives the unweighted model as a legitimate, practical, and sometimes preferable alternative. The unweighted effects model allows the fullest generalization to future and unretrieved studies and is easiest to implement, although it is generally the most conservative and therefore typically has the least statistical power.

Short description: This article summarizes the meaning and usage of fixed versus random effects models in meta‐analysis and brings attention to a type of random effects model (unweighted effects) that is less often used but that offers full generalization to future studies and is also easier to implement.
A novel HLA‐B variant, HLA‐B*14:02:16, discovered by amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Balz Vera , Fischer Johannes , Krause Stefan , Enczmann Juergen
Published: August 2018

HLA‐B*14:02:16 differs from B*14:02:01:01 by a synonymous nucleotide substitution in codon 141.
What drives the public opinion on asylum policy in the Netherlands?
Authors: Bolt Gideon , Wetsteijn Eva
Published: August 2018

Among the citizens of Western Europe, Dutch residents appear to be the least supportive of a generous judgement of asylum applications. In line with the perceived ethnic threat theory, people with a higher level of education advocate a more generous judgement of asylum applications than people with a low level of education. Surprisingly, income has the opposite effect. The effect of the (perceived) presence of out‐groups members on the attitudes towards asylum seekers appears to vary between different scale levels. Those with a higher level of education estimate the size of the immigrant groups at the national level, the less support they express for a generous judgement of asylum applications. At the neighbourhood level, more interethnic exposure leads to more support for a generous judgement of asylum applications. This may indicate that the ethnic competition theory works at a macro level, while at the neighbourhood level the contact hypothesis applies.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients: a descriptive analysis for the Swiss Transplant Cohort
Authors: Neofytos Dionysios , Hirzel Cedric , Boely Elsa , Lecompte Thanh , Khanna Nina , Mueller Nicolas J. , Boggian Katia , Cusini Alexia , Manuel Oriol , van Delden Christian ,   Swiss Transplant Cohort Study
Published: August 2018

Background

Descriptive data on Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) in the era of routine Pneumocystis‐prophylaxis are lacking.

Methods

All adult SOTr between 2008 and 2016 were included. PJP was diagnosed based on consensus guidelines. Early‐onset PJP was defined as PJP within the first‐year‐post‐transplant.

Results

41/2842 SOTr (1.4%) developed PJP (incidence rate: 0.01/1000 person‐days) at a mean of 493‐days post‐transplant: 21 (51.2%) early vs 20 (48.8%) late‐onset PJP. 2465 (86.7%) SOTr received Pneumocystis‐prophylaxis for a mean 316 days. PJP incidence was 0.001% and 0.003% (log‐rank < 0.001) in SOTr with and without Pneumocystis‐prophylaxis, respectively. PJP was an early event in 10/12 (83.3%) SOTr who did not receive Pneumocystis‐prophylaxis and developed PJP, compared to those patients who received prophylaxis (11/29, 37.9%; P‐value: 0.008). Among late‐onset PJP patients, most cases (13/20, 65%) were observed during the 2nd year post‐transplant. Age ≥65 years (OR: 2.4, P‐value: 0.03) and CMV infection during the first 6 months post‐SOT (OR: 2.5, P‐value: 0.006) were significant PJP predictors, while Pneumocystis‐prophylaxis was protective for PJP (OR: 0.3, P‐value: 0.006) in the overall population. Most patients (35, 85.4%) were treated with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole for a mean 20.6 days. 1‐year mortality was 14.6%.

Conclusions

In the Pneumocystis‐prophylaxis‐era, PJP remains a rare post‐transplant complication. Most cases occurred post‐PJP‐prophylaxis‐discontinuation, particularly during the second‐year‐post‐transplant. Additional research may help identify indications for Pneumocystis‐prophylaxis prolongation.
Gynaecological disease in the developing world: a silent pandemic
Authors: Wijeratne Dileep , Fiander Alison
Published: August 2018

Key content

Gynaecological conditions are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the greatest burden of disease borne by women in low‐resource countries (LRCs).

Approximately 4.5% of the overall global disease burden can be attributed to gynaecological disease, which exceeds that of other major global health priorities such as malaria (1.04%), tuberculosis (1.9%), ischaemic heart disease (2.2%) and maternal conditions (3.5%).

There is a health workforce crisis in most LRCs, leaving few specialists or other healthcare cadres to manage gynaecological conditions.

Many LRCs could prevent or treat a broad spectrum of gynaecological disease using cheap and widely available drugs and resources.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' Essential Gynaecology Skills (EGS) course is a novel teaching programme that provides training in evidence‐based, patient‐centred gynaecological care to improve quality of care and better use the scarce resources that are available in LRCs.

Learning objectives

To understand the burden and distribution of key gynaecological conditions that contribute to the large disease burden in LRCs.

To understand some of the barriers that prevent gynaecological conditions being treated as global health priorities.

Ethical issues

The inequitable burden of gynaecological disease borne by women in LRCs is related to widespread structural barriers, including gender inequality, sociocultural stigma and restrictive laws.