bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasticizers and BPA Residues in Tunisian and Italian Culinary Herbs and Spices
Authors: Di Bella Giuseppa , Ben Mansour Hedi , Ben Tekaya Asma , Beltifa Asma , Potortì Angela Giorgia , Saiya Emanuele , Bartolomeo Giovanni , Dugo Giacomo , Lo Turco Vincenzo
Published: May 2018

In the present study, 18 plasticizers and residues in 10 different Tunisian and Italian culinary herbs and spices (black pepper, mint, caraway, coriander, oregano, rosemary, thyme, fennel, verbena, and laurel) were determined by GC/MS. Di‐methylphthalate, di‐(2‐methylpropyl)adipate, di‐n‐butyladipate, di‐propylphthalate, benzylbenzoate, di‐phenylphthalate, and bisphenol A were lower than their LOQ in all 118 samples. Among the Tunisian samples, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate was found in all types of samples and di‐butylphthalate in 50% of types; all other phthalates were rarely dectected. Among the adipates, only di‐methyladipate was found in 90% of types; di‐ethyladipate was seldom found and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate only in samples of caraway. Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate was found in all types of samples; di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)sebacate was detected rarely but with high values. Among the Sicilian samples, di‐ethylphthalate and di‐(2‐methylpropyl)phthalate were detected only in samples of mint; di‐methyladipate, di‐butylphthalate, and benzylbutylphthalate were identified in oregano and laurel; di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)sebacate only in oregano. In any case, the results suggested that intake of these contaminants through spices and herbs is not a dangerous risk to the consumers. Probably, as already observed for the other food, these contaminants could result from pollution of the environment (air, water, and/or soil) and/or farming methods.

Practical Application

Plasticizers and BPA in Tunisian and Italian spices were determined by GC/MS. Tunisian spices seem to contain more residues than Italian samples. Intake of these contaminants by spices is not a dangerous risk to the consumers. These pollutants could result from environmental pollution or agricultural practices.
Muffins Elaborated with Optimized Monoglycerides Oleogels: From Solid Fat Replacer Obtention to Product Quality Evaluation
Authors: Giacomozzi Anabella S. , Carrín María E. , Palla Camila A.
Published: May 2018

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using oleogels from high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) and monoglycerides as solid fat replacers in a sweet bakery product. Firstly, a methodology to obtain oleogels with desired properties based on mathematical models able to describe relationships between process and product characteristics variables followed by multi‐objective optimization was applied. Later, muffins were prepared with the optimized oleogels and their physicochemical and textural properties were compared with those of muffins formulated using a commercial margarine (Control) or only HOSO. Furthermore, the amount of oil released from muffins over time (1, 7, and 10 days) was measured to evaluate their stability. The replacement of commercial margarine with the optimized oleogels in muffin formulation led to the obtention of products with greater spreadability, higher specific volume, similar hardness values, and a more connected and homogeneous crumb structure. Moreover, these products showed a reduction of oil migration of around 50% in contrast to the Control muffins after 10 days of storage, which indicated that the optimized oleogels can be used satisfactorily to decrease oil loss in this sweet baked product. Fat replacement with the optimized monoglycerides oleogels not only had a positive impact on the quality of the muffins, but also allowed to improve their nutritional profile (without trans fat and low in saturated fat).

Practical Application

The food industry demands new ways to reduce the use of saturated and trans fats in food formulations. To contribute to this search, oleogels from high oleic sunflower oil and saturated monoglycerides were prepared under optimized conditions in order to obtain a product with similar functionality to margarine, and its potential application as a semisolid fat ingredient in muffins was evaluated. Muffins formulated with oleogels showed an improved quality compare with those obtained using a commercial margarine with the added benefit of a healthier nutritional profile.
The Influence of Scalded Flour, Fermentation, and Plants Belonging to Lamiaceae Family on the Wheat Bread Quality and Acrylamide Content
Authors: Bartkiene Elena , Bartkevics Vadims , Krungleviciute Vita , Pugajeva Iveta , Zadeike Daiva , Juodeikiene Grazina , Cizeikiene Dalia
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of additives such as plants belonging to Lamiaceae family (Thymus vulgaris, Carum carvi, Origanum vulgare, Ocimum basilicum, and Coriandrum sativum), scalded flour (SF) or scalded flour fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS135 (SFFLp) on the quality and acrylamide formation in wheat bread. The formation of acrylamide and bread quality significantly depended on the king of plants used and the amount of SF and SFFLp used. The additives of T. vulgaris and SF increased the content of acrylamide by 3.4‐fold in comparison with bread prepared without SF, whereas the addition of SFFLp significantly reduced the content of acrylamide in bread, especially using 5% of SFFLp supplemented with O. vulgare and 15% of SFFLp supplemented with C. sativum (respectively by 40% and 29.4%) therefore could be recommended for safer bread production.

Practical Application

The addition of 5% (from total wheat flour content) of scalded wheat flour fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS135 strain (SFFLp) with Origanum vulgare addition, and 5% or 10% of SFFLp prepared with Ocimum basilicum, and 15% of SFFLp prepared with Coriandrum sativum significantly reduce the content of acrylamide in wheat bread, therefore could be recommended for safer bread production.
High Intensity Ultrasound for Salmonella Enteritidis Inactivation in Culture and Liquid Whole Eggs
Authors: Techathuvanan Chayapa , D'Souza Doris Helen
Published: May 2018

High intensity ultrasound (HIU) continues to be researched as a nonthermal inactivation technology of appeal to food manufacturers. The advantages of HIU include maintenance of product quality, freshness, product homogenization, along with simultaneous inactivation of pathogens. Besides, it is simple, relatively inexpensive, and easily adaptable to most processing environments. This study investigated the effect of HIU for Salmonella Enteritidis inactivation in culture and liquid whole eggs (LWEs) to decrease egg‐associated outbreaks. Overnight S. Enteritidis cultures and spiked LWE (both at 8 log CFU/mL) were treated with 20‐kHz HIU for 0, 1, 5, 10, and 30 min (n = 6) in a temperature‐controlled system, not to exceed 20 °C, and replicated thrice. At each time point, samples were enumerated on XLT4 agar and morphologically analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, with measurements of color and rheological properties. Our results revealed significant reduction of healthy S. Enteritidis cells up to 3.6 log CFU/mL and 2.3 log CFU/25 mL after HIU treatment of merely 10 min of overnight culture and 30 min in LWE, respectively (P < 0.05). After 5 and 10‐min HIU treatment, significant reduction of 1.4‐log CFU/25 mL healthy S. Enteritidis in LWE was obtained (P < 0.05). Even at 1‐min exposure time, HIU showed significant 1.9 log CFU/mL reduction of cultures (P < 0.05); however, no log‐reduction was observed in LWE after 1 min. Scanning electron micrographs showed increased cell structural damage using longer HIU exposure. For product color changes, lower redness and yellowness of LWE were observed visually and instrumentally after 5‐min HIU treatment (P < 0.05). The rheological properties of LWE measured at 0 to 200 s−1 shear rate, showed that shear stress of HIU‐treated LWEs decreased after 5‐min HIU exposure, but increased after 30‐min treatment. This study demonstrated that HIU shows promise for rapid Salmonella control in LWE and other liquid foods, as an alternative inactivation method for use in hurdle approaches.
Randomized controlled trials define shape of dose response for Pollinex Quattro Birch allergoid immunotherapy
Authors: Worm M. , Higenbottam T. , Pfaar O. , Mösges R. , Aberer W. , Gunawardena K. , Wessiepe D. , Lee D. , Kramer M. F. , Skinner M. , Lees B. , Zielen S.
Published: May 2018

Background

The Birch Allergoid, Tyrosine Adsorbate, Monophosphoryl Lipid A (POLLINEX® Quattro Plus 1.0 ml Birch 100%) is an effective, well‐tolerated short course subcutaneous immunotherapy. We performed 2 phase II studies to determine its optimal cumulative dose.

Methods

The studies were conducted in Germany, Austria and Poland (EudraCT numbers: 2012‐004336‐28 PQBirch203 and 2015‐000984‐15 PQBirch204) using a wide range of cumulative doses. In both studies, subjects were administered 6 therapy injections weekly outside the pollen season. Conjunctival Provocation Tests were performed at screening, baseline and 3‐4 weeks after completing treatment, to quantify the reduction in Total Symptom Scores (as the primary endpoint) with each cumulative dose. Multiple Comparison Procedure and Modeling analysis was used to test for the dose response, shape of the curve and estimation of the median effective dose (ED50), a measure of potency.

Results

Statistically significant dose responses (P < .01 & .001) were seen, respectively. The highest cumulative dose in PQBirch204 (27 300 standardized units [SU]) approached a plateau. Potency of the PQBirch was demonstrated by an ED50 2723 SU, just over half the current dose. Prevalence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar for active doses, most being short‐lived and mild. Compliance was over 85% in all groups.

Conclusion

Increasing the cumulative dose of PQBirch 5.5‐fold from 5100 to 27 300 SU achieved an absolute point difference from placebo of 1.91, a relative difference 32.3% and an increase in efficacy of 50%, without compromising safety. The cumulative dose response was confirmed to be curvilinear in shape.
A comparative study of dietary habits and nutritional intakes among Korean adults according to current depression status
Authors: Seo Yuri , Je Youjin
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Data regarding the association between depression and dietary factors in Korean adults are limited. We hypothesized that Korean men and women with depression would have poorer nutritional intakes and different dietary habits than those without depression.

Methods

This study was based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted during 2012 to 2014. Overall, 10 591 subjects (4308 men, 6529 women) aged 19 to 64 years were selected and categorized according to current depression status. Food and nutrient intakes were estimated using semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaires.

Results

Compared with non‐depression, depression was associated with a higher body mass index and likelihood of a separated/divorced/widowed status, in addition to lower physical activity and employment rates. After adjusting for multiple variables, men with depression had lower intakes of rice cakes (P = 0.017) and eggs (P = 0.039) and a higher intake of chocolate (P = 0.040) than their non‐depressed counterparts. Women with depression had a higher intake of carbonated drinks than those without depression (P = 0.015). However, the groups did not differ significantly in terms of nutrient intakes. A multivariable logistic regression analysis of dietary habits showed that depression correlated inversely with eating out (≥1 time/day vs <1 time/month) among men [odds ratio (OR) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10–0.55] and women (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05–0.35) and positively with a lower number of daily meals (<3 vs ≥3) among women (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01–2.11).

Discussion

Current depression status was associated with differences in some specific dietary intakes and habits in a sample of Korean adults.
Cyp2a5 Promoter‐based Gene Reporter Assay: A Novel Design of Cell‐based Bioassay for Toxicity Prediction
Authors: Abu‐Bakar A'edah , Hu Hao , Lang Matti A.
Published: May 2018

The murine cytochrome P450 2a5 (Cyp2a5) gene is regulated by complex interactions of various stress‐activated transcription factors (TFs). Elevated Cyp2a5 transcription under chemical‐induced stress conditions is achieved by interplay between the various TFs – including as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 wild‐type (Nrf2) – at the ‘stress‐responding’ cluster of response elements on the Cyp2a5 promoter, as well as through mRNA stabilization mediated by interaction of the stress‐activated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) with the 3′‐UTR of the CYP2A5 mRNA. We designed a unique toxicity pathway‐based reporter assay to include regulatory regions from both the 5′ and the 3′ untranslated regions of Cyp2a5 in a luciferase reporter plasmid to reflect in vivo responses to chemical insult. Human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells were stably transfected with pGL4.38‐Cyp2a5_Wt3k (wild‐type) or mutant – pGL4.38‐Cyp2a5_StREMut and pGL4.38‐Cyp2a5_XREMut – reporter gene to monitor chemical‐induced cellular response mediated by AhR and Nrf2 signalling. The recombinant cells were treated with representative of AhR agonist, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, brominated flame retardant, fluorosurfactant, aromatic organic compound and metal, to determine the sensitivity of the Cyp2a5 promoter‐based gene reporter assays to chemical insults by measuring the LC50 and EC50 of the respective chemicals. The three assays are sensitive to sublethal cellular responses of chemicals, which is an ideal feature for toxicity pathway‐based bioassay for toxicity prediction. The wild‐type reporter responded well to chemicals that activate crosstalk between the AhR and Nrf2, whilst the mutant reporters effectively gauge cellular response driven by either Nrf2/StRE or AhR/XRE signalling. Thus, the three gene reporter assays could be used tandemly to determine the predominant toxicity pathway of a given compound.
Iatrogenic Botulism Outbreak in Egypt due to a Counterfeit Botulinum Toxin A Preparation – A Descriptive Series of Patient Features and Outcome
Authors: Rashid Eman Abdel Monaem Abdel , El‐Mahdy Nashwa Mohamed , Kharoub Huda Shehata , Gouda Ahmed Salah , ElNabarawy Naglaa Ahmed , Mégarbane Bruno
Published: May 2018

Iatrogenic botulism resulting from the substantial increase in use of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT‐A) treatment is rarely reported. We aimed to describe a large iatrogenic botulism outbreak in Egypt in June–July 2017. Nine patients developed botulism after receiving intramuscular injections of BoNT‐A (dose: 200–300 IU) to treat cerebral palsy (N = 7), spastic dystonia (N = 1) and hyperhidrosis (N = 1). Detailed findings were available in five of nine cases. Patients were admitted to the hospital 5‐10 days after the BoNT‐A injection. Complaints included muscle weakness in the upper and lower limbs (N = 5), dysphagia (N = 5), dizziness (N = 2), dyspnoea (N = 2), dysphonia (N = 2), dysarthria (N = 2), fatigue (N = 1), diplopia (N = 1) and blurred vision (N = 1). Physical examination showed bilateral ptosis (N = 5), diminished gag reflex (N = 2), ophthalmoparesis (N = 1), facial paresis (N = 1) and tongue weakness (N = 1). Diagnosis was based on the patients' history and presentation and did not require any confirmatory test. On hospital admission, patients received supportive care and trivalent botulism type A/B/E antitoxin (250–500 IU) was started. No patient required mechanical ventilation. Immediate reversal of the most severe features was observed while varying degrees of peripheral muscular weakness persisted. Full recovery required 6–12 weeks. Cases were promptly reported to the Egyptian health authorities, and epidemiological investigations revealed that the outbreak was related to a recently imported highly concentrated unlicensed BoNT‐A preparation sold as Neuroxin®. Immediate withdrawal from the market was ordered. In conclusion, iatrogenic botulism outbreak due to counterfeit botulism toxin may result in life‐threatening features. The early administration of botulism antitoxin in addition to supportive care is life‐saving. Clinicians should remain mindful of the risk of systemic botulism with BoNT‐A therapy.
Housing the Contingent Life Course: Domestic Aspiration and Extreme Poverty in Peruvian Shantytowns
Authors: Skrabut Kristin
Published: May 2018

Peru's urban peripheries have long been shaped by the intertwining of urban development policies with Peruvians' domestic aspirations. Since the 1960s, different formulations of progressive and self‐help housing policies have relied on and reproduced a domestic life course model in which Peruvians' inexorable progress through the “domestic cycle” is mirrored in the steady transformation of their precarious, unconsolidated shantytown homes into “noble” (modern; concrete) constructions in fully urbanized neighborhoods. While shantytowns partially reflect this predictable life course temporality, they are also shaped by future imaginings and contingent time. People use shantytowns to fulfill ideals of adulthood, autonomy, and success, but also to hedge their bets, retreating from some relations while striving to forge new ones. Drawing on twenty‐one months of fieldwork in Peruvian shantytowns, this article examines informal urban development from a contingent life course perspective to demonstrate how Peru's urban peripheries are embedded in and shaped by Peruvians' efforts to pursue domestic life projects while managing fluctuating kin relations and preparing for uncertain futures.
Primary cystic duct carcinoma diagnosed by targeted biopsy with digital cholangioscopy
Authors: Miyazawa Masaki , Matsuda Shogo , Fuchizaki Uichiro
Published: May 2018

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Long‐term high‐intensity sound stimulation inhibits h current (Ih) in CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Cunha Alexandra Olimpio Siqueira , Ceballos Cesar Celis , de Deus Junia Lara , Leão Ricardo Maurício
Published: May 2018

Afferent neurotransmission to hippocampal pyramidal cells can lead to long‐term changes to their intrinsic membrane properties and affect many ion currents. One of the most plastic neuronal currents is the hyperpolarization‐activated cationic current (Ih), which changes in CA1 pyramidal cells in response to many types of physiological and pathological processes, including auditory stimulation. Recently, we demonstrated that long‐term potentiation (LTP) in rat hippocampal Schaffer‐CA1 synapses is depressed by high‐intensity sound stimulation. Here, we investigated whether a long‐term high‐intensity sound stimulation could affect intrinsic membrane properties of rat CA1 pyramidal neurons. Our results showed that Ih is depressed by long‐term high‐intensity sound exposure (1 min of 110 dB sound, applied two times per day for 10 days). This resulted in a decreased resting membrane potential, increased membrane input resistance and time constant, and decreased action potential threshold. In addition, CA1 pyramidal neurons from sound‐exposed animals fired more action potentials than neurons from control animals; however, this effect was not caused by a decreased Ih. On the other hand, a single episode (1 min) of 110 dB sound stimulation which also inhibits hippocampal LTP did not affect Ih and firing in pyramidal neurons, suggesting that effects on Ih are long‐term responses to high‐intensity sound exposure. Our results show that prolonged exposure to high‐intensity sound affects intrinsic membrane properties of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, mainly by decreasing the amplitude of Ih.
Methodologies for Investigating and Interpreting Student–Teacher Rating Incongruence in Noncognitive Assessment
Authors: Flake Jessica Kay , Petway Kevin Terrance
Published: May 2018

Numerous studies merely note divergence in students’ and teachers’ ratings of student noncognitive constructs. However, given the increased attention and use of these constructs in educational research and practice, an in‐depth study focused on this issue was needed. Using a variety of quantitative methodologies, we thoroughly investigate student–teacher in congruence with two commonly assessed noncognitive constructs: intrinsic motivation and time management. We present ways to describe, visualize, and predict differences between student and teacher ratings and discuss implications for interpretation. We show how descriptive and predictive analyses that consider the nesting of students within teachers expand our understanding of the incongruence. We demonstrate the importance of considering ancillary variables in predictive analysis, and latent variable methods for comparing measurement models. We found that student and teacher factors exhibited only small‐to‐moderate correlations, reinforcing the need for more measurement research in this area. Further, we report that teachers tended to rate students more favorably than students rate themselves, and teachers’ ratings were more related to student performance. We discuss how these methodologies can be used to better understand the incongruence between students and teachers and how they can be incorporated into construct validation studies.
An Organizational Perspective on Patenting and Partnering: Unpacking Capacities to Manage Participation in Patent Pools
Authors: Azzam Jamal‐Eddine
Published: May 2018

In this research, we investigate how firms manage their participation in patent pools, which are private interorganizational arrangements for sharing patents on a large scale. Drawing on the licensing and open innovation literature, we develop a conceptual framework to analyze the organizational capacities that enable firms to manage their participation in patent pools. We illustrate and enrich this conceptual framework through an in‐depth study of Technicolor. Our findings show that the company develops and leverages its patent portfolio to strengthen its positions both as a licensee and licensor vis‐à‐vis the pools’ members through two articulated capacities: absorptive and desorptive. We also reveal how the company assesses opportunities to join patent pools and continues to integrate more patents. The organizational perspective articulated in this paper enhances the understanding of patent pools and expands the literature on licensing and open innovation.
Comparison of using the crack mouth displacement (CMOD) and load line displacement (LLD) methods in the determination of critical J integral in SENB specimens
Authors: Moore Philippa , Pargeter Alex
Published: May 2018

Various methods for direct and indirect determination of LLD and CMOD were used to determine J from SENB specimens in three different steels. The influence of the displacement measurement on J is discussed, and shows that the values of J using LLD determined from clip gauge methods to the ASTM E1820 or ISO 12135 standards are consistent with values of J determined from CMOD (either directly or using clip gauge methods), as defined in ASTM E1820. From this work it is recommended that standard methods such as ISO 12135 should permit load‐CMOD and load‐LLD as alternative methods to determine J. Methods to determine LLD by corrections to the ram displacement were also shown to be effective in determining J, for applications where the use of clip gauges may be challenging, such as fracture toughness testing in sour environments, dynamic tests, or testing at very high temperature.
Cournot conjectures under price competition
Authors: Delbono Flavio , Lambertini Luca
Published: May 2018

In a homogeneous oligopoly, under standard regularity conditions, we prove that the Cournot–Nash equilibrium emerges under price competition and Cournot conjectures. We illustrate this result also under exogenous product differentiation.
Destination China: International Students in Chengdu
Authors: Lu Zheng , Li Wei , Li Mingming , Chen Yixuan
Published: May 2018

Based on a survey of 355 international students studying at seven universities in Chengdu, China, this article analyses the reasons for their choosing to study in China. The main methods employed are factor analysis and associated nonparametric tests. Results reveal that the quality of Chinese education and Chinese specialities are the most important reasons. In addition, personal referral sources, tuition and living costs, bilateral relations between China and home countries, and policy incentives at the destination, are also important. There are differences between students from developing and developed countries. Students from developing countries placed more emphasis on the quality of Chinese education, suggestions from relatives/friends, and geographic proximity. Those from developed countries referred more frequently to costs and policy incentives. Students who chose courses focusing on Chinese culture, society and language tended to be attracted by human interest, while students who chose courses on other subjects paid more attention to the quality and content of the teaching.
Periodontal regeneration via chemoattractive constructs
Authors: Cai Xinjie , Yang Fang , Walboomers X. Frank , Wang Yining , Jansen John A. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Plachokova Adelina S.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Chemoattractants, such as stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α), can offer an advantage for periodontal regeneration by recruiting the patient’s own stem cells to stimulate self‐repair. We here developed a chemoattractive construct for periodontal regeneration using SDF‐1α and evaluated its efficacy in vivo.

Materials and Methods

SDF‐1α was loaded on gelatin sponge and tested in vitro for SDF‐1α release. Subsequently, SDF‐1α constructs were implanted into rat periodontal defects for 1 and 6 weeks, with unloaded materials and empty defects as controls. The regenerative efficacy was evaluated by micro‐CT, histological and histomorphometrical analyses.

Results

In vitro results showed limited SDF‐1α release up to 35 days. In contrast, SDF‐1α constructs significantly improved periodontal defect regeneration in terms of alveolar bone height, new bone area and functional ligament length. Additionally, SDF‐1α constructs decreased the inflammatory response at Week 6.

Conclusion

Chemoattractive constructs significantly improved periodontal regeneration in terms of alveolar bone height, new bone area and functional ligament length.
PRICE DISCOVERY OF INTERNATIONALLY CROSS‐LISTED STOCKS DURING THE 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: Lockwood Jimmy , Lockwood Larry , Lau Sie Ting
Published: May 2018

Studies of cross‐listings show home markets dominate price discovery and point to informational advantages of local investors. However, we show price discovery gravitates to markets with better order execution quality and find home markets do not dominate price discovery. Instead, price discovery is more evenly split, especially for emerging markets. Order execution quality determines the dominant market as price discovery shifts 22% when order execution advantages reverse between home and foreign markets. Thus, markets with poor execution quality act more as satellite markets, adjust to more liquid markets, and play a diminished role in the pricing of cross‐listed stocks.
Arabidopsis small ubiquitin‐related modifier protease ASP1 positively regulates abscisic acid signaling during early seedling development
Authors: Wang Qiongli , Qu Gao‐Ping , Kong Xiangxiong , Yan Yan , Li Jigang , Jin Jing Bo
Published: May 2018

The small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) modification plays an important role in the regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, but the function of the SUMO protease, in ABA signaling, remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the SUMO protease, ASP1 positively regulates ABA signaling. Mutations in ASP1 resulted in an ABA‐insensitive phenotype, during early seedling development. Wild‐type ASP1 successfully rescued, whereas an ASP1 mutant (C577S), defective in SUMO protease activity, failed to rescue, the ABA‐insensitive phenotype of asp1‐1. Expression of ABI5 and MYB30 target genes was attenuated in asp1‐1 and our genetic analyses revealed that ASP1 may function upstream of ABI5 and MYB30. Interestingly, ASP1 accumulated upon ABA treatment, and ABA‐induced accumulation of ABI5 (a positive regulator of ABA signaling) was abolished, whereas ABA‐induced accumulation of MYB30 (a negative regulator of ABA signaling) was increased in asp1‐1. These findings support the hypothesis that increased levels of ASP1, upon ABA treatment, tilt the balance between ABI5 and MYB30 towards ABI5‐mediated ABA signaling.
Expanding Systems Thinking: Incorporating Tools from Medical Sociology into MFT Education and Research
Authors: Heafner Joy , Mauldin Laura
Published: May 2018

The field of marriage and family therapy has historically focused on dynamics within family systems, and at times the role of social and cultural factors external to the family. To date, however, little scholarship has examined how therapists themselves are embedded within a mental healthcare system. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how structural components of the mental healthcare system shape the practice of therapy. We draw from the field of medical sociology to illustrate how three dominant structures—managed care, diagnosis, and evidence‐based models—are intertwining and mutually reinforcing systems that have significant and long‐term implications for systemic therapists and researchers. We recommend incorporating a sociological understanding of such structures into MFT education and research.
Risk profile of young people admitted to hospital for suicidal behaviour in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Borschmann Rohan , Stark Patrick , Prakash Chidambaram , Sawyer Susan M
Published: May 2018

Aim

Self‐harm and suicidal behaviour is most prevalent during adolescence, but little is known about the risk profile of adolescents admitted to hospital for suicidal behaviour. Young people who self‐harm are at an increased risk of mortality compared to those who do not self‐harm; adolescents admitted to hospital for suicidal behaviour are particularly at risk. The aim of this study was to generate a risk profile of adolescents admitted to hospital with suicidal behaviour.

Methods

We conducted a 12‐month retrospective audit of adolescent admissions to the mental health inpatient unit at a tertiary children's hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Routinely collected data were used to generate a risk profile.

Results

We found that 212 of 271 (78.2%) admissions were due to suicidal behaviour. Of these, 107 (51%) adolescents were diagnosed with one or more mental disorders at discharge, most commonly major depressive disorder. Beyond known distal determinants of health risk, the proximal risk profile of these adolescents included factors relating to gender, substance use, prior mental health diagnoses and prior admission to hospital. Poor sleep was also a risk factor, with 159 (75%) reporting a recent history of sleeping problems.

Conclusions

The very high proportion of admissions to the mental health inpatient unit due to suicidal behaviour reinforces the importance of finding effective methods of identification of the risk processes underpinning suicidal behaviours to reduce the unnecessary waste of young lives by suicide.
Associations of mental health with cardiovascular risk phenotypes and adiposity in adolescence: A cross‐sectional community‐based study
Authors: Lycett Kate , McNamara Clare , Mensah Fiona K , Burgner David , Kerr Jessica A , Muller Josh , Wake Melissa
Published: May 2018

Aim

Cardiovascular disease and mental illness commonly co‐occur in later life, but it is unknown how early these associations arise. We aimed to determine the extent to which: (i) childhood mental health is associated with functional and structural cardiovascular risk phenotypes and adiposity in late childhood/adolescence, and (ii) associations between mental health and cardiovascular phenotypes may be explained by differential body mass index.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study drew on three longitudinal community‐based cohort studies (two enriched for overweight/obesity) in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, with harmonized follow‐up in 2014. Mental health exposures included emotional and behavioural problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) and psychosocial health and general well‐being (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)), which were assessed by self‐ and parent‐proxy report. Cardiovascular risk phenotypes and adiposity measures included mean arterial pressure, pulse wave velocity, carotid artery intima‐media thickness, retinal arterioleto‐venule ratio, waist circumference, % body fat, and BMI z‐score. We used multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex and neighbourhood disadvantage, to examine associations.

Results

Of the 364 participants (mean age 14.7, standard deviation 2.0, years), 30% were overweight and 16% obese. All adiposity indicators were positively associated with higher behavioural/emotional problems and poorer psychosocial health and negatively associated with better ratings of positive general well‐being, as reported by parents and children (all P ≤ 0.03). However, there was little evidence that cardiovascular functional or structural phenotypes varied by mental health.

Conclusions

By late childhood/adolescence, mental health is strongly associated with adiposity but not with cardiovascular structure or function. This suggests that the known relationship between these constructs may not develop until early or mid‐adulthood.
Hepatitis E virus in South America: The current scenario
Authors: Pisano María B. , Martinez‐Wassaf Maribel G. , Mirazo Santiago , Fantilli Anabella , Arbiza Juan , Debes José D. , Ré Viviana E.
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the most frequent causes of acute viral hepatitis of enteric transmission worldwide. In South America the overall epidemiology has been little studied, and the burden of the disease remains largely unknown. A research of all scientific articles about HEV circulation in South America until November 2017 was carried out. Human seroprevalences of HEV varied according to the studied population: blood donors presented prevalence rates ranging from 1.8% to 9.8%, while reports from HIV‐infected individuals, transplant recipients and patients on hemodialysis showed higher prevalence rates. Only 2 cases of chronic hepatitis in solid‐organ transplant patients from Argentina and Brazil have been described. Detection of HEV in the swine population is widely prevalent in the region. Anti‐HEV antibodies have also been recently documented in wild boars from Uruguay. Although scarce, studies focused on environmental and food HEV detection have shown viral presence in these kind of samples, highlighting possible transmission sources of HEV in the continent. HEV genotype 3 was the most frequently detected in the region, with HEV genotype 1 detected only in Venezuela and Uruguay. HEV is widely distributed throughout South America, producing sporadic cases of acute hepatitis, but as a possible agent of chronic hepatitis. Finding the virus in humans, animals, environmental samples and food, show that it can be transmitted through many sources, alerting local governments and health systems to improve diagnosis and for the implementation of preventive measures.
Linking seed germination and plant height: a case study of a wetland community on the eastern Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liu K. , Cao S. , Du G. , Baskin J. M. , Baskin C. C. , Bu H. , Qi W. , Ting L.
Published: May 2018

Seed germination is the earliest trait expressed in a plant's life history, and it can directly affect the expression of post‐germination traits. Plant height is central to plant ecological strategies, because it is a major determinant of the ability of a species to compete for light. Thus, linking seed germination and plant height at the community level is very important to understanding plant fitness and community structure.

Here, we tested storage condition and temperature requirements for germination of 31 species from a wetland plant community on the eastern Tibet Plateau and analysed correlation of germination traits with plant height in relation to storage condition.

Germination percentage was positively related to plant height, and this relationship disappeared when seeds were incubated at a low temperature (i.e. 5 °C) or after they were stored under wet‐cold conditions. The response of seeds to dry+wet–cold storage was negatively related to plant height. Based on the scores of each species on the first two principal components derived fromPCA, species were classified into two categories by hierarchical clustering, and there was a significant difference between germination and plant height of species in these two categories.

These results suggest that the requirements for seed germination together with seasonal change in environmental conditions determine the window for germination and, in turn, plant growth season and resource utilisation and ultimately plant height.
Rare labial ulcer related to the use of all‐trans retinoic acid in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Buligon MP , Mielke JC , Chiesa J , Ferrazzo KL
Published: May 2018

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is the first‐choice therapy for the treatment of this disease, but has been associated with side effects, the most serious of which is retinoic acid syndrome (RAS). RAS is characterized by unexplained fever, dyspnea, pulmonary infiltrate, leukocytosis and nephropathy. Genital ulcers have been described in some cases, but only two cases of oral ulcers related to this syndrome have been described in the literature. This paper describes the third case of oral ulceration related to ATRA in a 32‐year‐old white man with diagnosis of APL. Clinicians should know the side effects of ATRA and identify oral ulcers resulting from this therapy. The prompt identification of these ulcers enables the institution of appropriate treatment and can therefore contribute to continuation of the patient's cancer treatment.
Does general experience affect self‐assessment?
Authors: Rezaiefar Parisa , Forse Kelly , Burns Joseph K , Johnston Sharon , Muggah Elizabeth , Kendall Claire , Archibald Douglas
Published: May 2018

Background

The assessment of clinical competence is critical in medical education. Understanding the effect of general experience on a physician's self‐assessment would help design more effective curricula and evaluations of procedural skills in postgraduate training and continuing professional development (CPD). In this observational study, we assessed the effect of general experience on the correlation between confidence and competence amongst experienced clinicians (ECs) and postgraduate trainees (PGTs) when learning an office‐based procedure in pessary care.

Methods

We recruited 19 first‐year family medicine residents and 18 family medicine faculty members in two outpatient academic clinics. All participants attended a simulation‐based workshop for a routine gynaecological office procedure. We used a confidence survey as a measure of the participants' self‐assessed competence and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to evaluate participants' competence before and after the workshop.

The assessment of clinical competence is critical in medical education

Results

We found no significant correlation between confidence and competence at baseline for either group (EC, r = 0.25, p = 0.35; PGT, r = 0.15, p = 0.60). After the workshop, we observed a statistically significant correlation between confidence and competence for ECs (r = 0.60, p = 0.01), but not for PGTs. The change in this correlation was not statistically significant for either group, however.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that ECs are not any more accurate in the assessment of their competence compared with PGTs. All procedural skills curricula can benefit from OSCE‐format evaluation to better evaluate the improvement in performance of participants.
Fifteen years of HIV and syphilis outcomes among a prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission program in Haiti: from monotherapy to Option B+
Authors: Deschamps Marie Marcelle , Jannat‐Khah Deanna , Rouzier Vanessa , Bonhomme Jerry , Pierrot Julma , Lee Myung Hee , Abrams Elaine , Pape Jean , McNairy Margaret L.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To evaluate mother and infant outcomes in the largest prevention of mother‐to‐child‐transmission (PMTCT) programme in Haiti in order to identify gaps towards elimination of HIV and syphilis.

Methods

Based on retrospective data from HIV+ pregnant women and their infants enrolled in PMTCT care from 1999 to 2014, we assessed maternal enrolment in PMTCT, receipt of antiretrovirals before delivery, maternal retention through delivery as well as infant enrolment in PMTCT, HIV testing and HIV infection. Four PMTCT programme periods were compared: period 1 (1999–2004, mono ARV), period 2 (2005–2009, dual ARV), period 3 (2010–2012, Option B) and period 4 (Oct 2012–2014, Option B+). Kaplan–Meier methods were used to assess retention in PMTCT care.

Results

Among 4665 pregnancies, median age was 27 years and median CD4+ was 494 cells/μl (IQR 328–691). A total of 75% of women received antiretrovirals before delivery, and 73% were retained in care through delivery. Twenty‐two percent of women were lost before delivery, <1% died and 6% had stillbirths or abortions. Ninety‐four percent of infants who were born alive enrolled in PMTCT, of whom 92% had complete HIV testing. One hundred and sixty‐one infants were HIV+, giving a 5.4% HIV transmission rate (9.8%, 4.6%, 5.8% and 3.6% in periods 1–4). Retention among women through 12 months after PMTCT enrolment did not significantly differ across periods. However, among women who received antiretrovirals at the time of enrolment, retention 12 months later was lower in the Option B+ period (83%) than in periods 2 and 3 (94% and 93%) (P < 0.001). Syphilis infection among women decreased from 16% in period 1 to 8% in period 4, whereas syphilis testing of infants increased from 17% to 91%.

Conclusion

Despite dramatic reductions in MTCT in Haiti, interventions are needed to improve retention to achieve MTCT elimination of HIV and syphilis.
Arabidopsis inositol phosphate kinases IPK1 and ITPK1 constitute a metabolic pathway in maintaining phosphate homeostasis
Authors: Kuo Hui‐Fen , Hsu Yu‐Ying , Lin Wei‐Chi , Chen Kai‐Yu , Munnik Teun , Brearley Charles A. , Chiou Tzyy‐Jen
Published: May 2018

Emerging studies have suggested that there is a close link between inositol phosphate (InsP) metabolism and cellular phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in eukaryotes; however, whether a common InsP species is deployed as an evolutionarily conserved metabolic messenger to mediate Pi signaling remains unknown. Here, using genetics and InsP profiling combined with Pi‐starvation response (PSR) analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana, we showed that the kinase activity of inositol pentakisphosphate 2‐kinase (IPK1), an enzyme required for phytate (inositol hexakisphosphate; InsP6) synthesis, is indispensable for maintaining Pi homeostasis under Pi‐replete conditions, and inositol 1,3,4‐trisphosphate 5/6‐kinase 1 (ITPK1) plays an equivalent role. Although both ipk1‐1 and itpk1 mutants exhibited decreased levels of InsP6 and diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP‐InsP5; InsP7), disruption of another ITPK family enzyme, ITPK4, which correspondingly caused depletion of InsP6 and InsP7, did not display similar Pi‐related phenotypes, which precludes these InsP species from being effectors. Notably, the level of d/l‐Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 was concurrently elevated in both ipk1‐1 and itpk1 mutants, which showed a specific correlation with the misregulated Pi phenotypes. However, the level of d/l‐Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 is not responsive to Pi starvation that instead manifests a shoot‐specific increase in the InsP7 level. This study demonstrates a more nuanced picture of the intersection of InsP metabolism and Pi homeostasis and PSRs than has previously been elaborated, and additionally establishes intermediate steps to phytate biosynthesis in plant vegetative tissues.
Four new feather mite species of the genus Amerodectes Valim & Hernandes (Acariformes: Proctophyllodidae) from New World warblers (Passeriformes: Parulidae) in the USA
Authors: Hernandes Fabio A. , Boves Than J. , Matthews Alix E.
Published: May 2018

Four new feather mite species of the genus Amerodectes Valim & Hernandes, 2010 (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) are described from New World warblers (Passeriformes: Parulidae) of USA: Amerodectes ischyros sp. nov. from Setophaga caerulescens (Gmelin, 1789), A. charitomenos sp. nov. from S. dominica (Linnaeus, 1766), A. protonotaria sp. nov. from Protonotaria citrea (Boddaert, 1783), and A. jonesborensis sp. nov. from Parkesia noveboracensis (Gmelin, 1789). Information on the DNA barcode sequence of these four species was also analyzed.
How T
reg
cells stay true
Authors: Williams Erin R.
Published: May 2018

Human T
reg
cells maintain their cellular identity through changes in their protein expression signature.
A Novel Degradation Mechanism for Pyridine Derivatives in Alcaligenes faecalis JQ135
Authors: Qiu Jiguo , Liu Bin , Zhao Lingling , Zhang Yanting , Cheng Dan , Yan Xin , Jiang Jiandong , Hong Qing , He Jian
Published: May 2018

Unlike the benzene ring, the uneven distribution of the electron density of the pyridine ring influences the positional reactivity and interaction with enzymes; e.g., the
ortho
and
para
oxidations are more difficult than the
meta
oxidations. Hydroxylation is an important oxidation process for the pyridine derivative metabolism. In previous reports, the
ortho
hydroxylations of pyridine derivatives were catalyzed by multicomponent molybdenum-containing monooxygenases, while the
meta
hydroxylations were catalyzed by monocomponent FAD-dependent monooxygenases. This study identified the new monocomponent FAD-dependent monooxygenase HpaM that catalyzed the
ortho
decarboxylative hydroxylation of 5HPA. In addition, we found that the
maiA
gene coding for maleic acid
cis-trans
isomerase was pivotal for the metabolism of 5HPA, nicotinic acid, and picolinic acid in
A. faecalis
JQ135. This study provides novel insights into the microbial metabolism of pyridine derivatives.
Manganese Is Essential for PlcP Metallophosphoesterase Activity Involved in Lipid Remodeling in Abundant Marine Heterotrophic Bacteria
Authors: Wei Tao , Quareshy Mussa , Zhang Yu-zhong , Scanlan David J. , Chen Yin
Published: May 2018

Membrane lipids form the structural basis of all cells. In the marine environment, it is well established that phosphorus availability significantly affects lipid composition in cosmopolitan marine bacteria, whereby non-phosphorus-containing lipids are used to replace phospholipids in response to phosphorus stress. Central to this lipid remodeling pathway is a newly identified phospholipase C-type metallophosphoesterase (PlcP). However, little is known about how PlcP activity is regulated. Here, we determined the role of metal ions in regulating PlcP activity and compared PlcP substrate specificities in PlcP enzymes from two model marine bacteria from the marine
Roseobacter
clade and the SAR11 clade. Our data provide new insights into the regulation of lipid remodeling in these marine bacteria.