bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SRPK1 gene silencing promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and vascular remodeling via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in a rat model of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Li Xin‐Guo , Wang Yi‐Bao
Published: August 2018

Objective

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a life threatening cerebrovascular disease characterized by phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and loss of vessel cells. In addition to environmental factors, genetic factors have been proposed to be a critical factor in the onset and progression of IA. The present study investigates the effects of serine‐arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) on VSMC proliferation and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro, as well as its role in vascular remodeling in vivo through PI3 K/Akt signaling in IA.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes related to IA were initially identified using microarray analysis. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to determine SRPK1 expression in the vascular walls in IA and normal cerebral vascular walls. TUNEL staining were applied to observe cell apoptosis patterns of VSMCs. VSMC proliferation and apoptosis in vitro were detected by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry. The expressions of SRPK1, PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway‐ and apoptosis‐related genes were evaluated by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis.

Results

Microarray data of GSE36791 and GSE54083 were analyzed to determine the selection of SRPK1 gene. The vascular walls in IA rat models produced high levels of SRPK1 expression and an activated PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. VSMCs treated with siRNA‐SRPK1 exhibited enhanced cell proliferation, repressed cell apoptosis, and increased vascular remodeling, all of which suggest the inhibition of the PI3 K/AKT pathway. Notably, PI3 K/AKT pathway reversed the effect of SRPK1 silencing.

Conclusion

Our results show that siRNA‐mediated silencing of SRPK1 gene inhibits VSMC apoptosis, and increases VSMCs proliferation and vascular remodeling in IA via the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. Our findings provide a novel intervention target for the molecular treatment of IA.
Plexiform fibromyxoma of the stomach: Fine needle aspiration cytology and histological correlation
Authors: Jang Kyu Yun , Park Ho Sung , Kim Kyoung Min , Lee Ho , Kim Chan Young
Published: August 2018

Plexiform fibromyxoma is a very rare and recently described benign mesenchymal tumor that occurs specifically in the stomach. It is characterized by a multinodular plexiform involvement of gastric wall of bland spindle cells in myxoid and/or fibromyxoid stroma. Here we present the cytological features of gastric plexiform fibromyxoma and discuss the differential diagnoses of this tumor.
Multicenter feasibility study of bowel preparation with castor oil for colon capsule endoscopy
Authors: Ohmiya Naoki , Hotta Naoki , Mitsufuji Shoji , Nakamura Masanao , Omori Takafumi , Maeda Kohei , Okuda Kotaro , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Tajiri Hisao
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim

Extensive use of laxatives and incomplete excretion rates are problematic for colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of castor oil as a booster.

Methods

At four Japanese hospitals, 319 examinees undergoing CCE were enrolled retrospectively. Before and after the introduction of castor oil, other preparation reagents were unchanged.

Results

Of 319 examinees who underwent CCE, 152 and 167 examinees took regimens with castor oil (between November 2013 and June 2016) and without castor oil (between October 2015 and September 2017), respectively. Capsule excretion rates within its battery life in the groups with and without castor oil were 97% and 81%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that ages younger than 65 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.00; P = 0.0048), male gender (adjusted OR, 3.20; P = 0.0051), and use of castor oil (adjusted OR, 6.29; P = 0.0003) were predictors of capsule excretion within its battery life. Small bowel transit time was shorter and total volume of lavage and fluid intake was lower with castor oil than without (P = 0.0154 and 0.0013, respectively). Overall adequate cleansing level ratios with and without castor oil were 74% and 83%, respectively (P = 0.0713). Per‐examinee sensitivity for polyps ≥6 mm with and without castor oil was 83% and 85%, respectively, with specificities of 80% and 78%, respectively.

Conclusion

Bowel preparation with castor oil was effective for improving capsule excretion rate and reducing liquid loading.
Language matters: a UK perspective
Authors: Lloyd C. E. , Wilson A. , Holt R. I. G. , Whicher C. , Kar P. ,   the Language Matters Group
Published: August 2018

Aim

To review the existing evidence regarding the use of language in clinical encounters.

Background

Awareness of the importance of language in clinical encounters is mostly lacking or located within broader discussions on communication.

Methods

A scoping study was conducted to review existing research that could increase our understanding of the role language plays as well as identify gaps in knowledge and inform the development of a position statement on language in diabetes care.

Results

Evidence shows that, although carefully chosen language can have a positive effect, there is a potential negative impact of language on people's experiences of diabetes care. The use of stigmatizing and discriminatory words during communication between healthcare practitioners and people with diabetes can lead to disengagement with health services as well as sub‐optimal diabetes self‐management. Clinical encounters can be compromised where language barriers exist or where there is limited understanding of cultural differences that may have an impact on diabetes self‐management. What little empirical evidence there is shows that training can improve language and communication skills.

Conclusion

This review raises a number of questions that are being addressed by the NHS England Language Matters Group, which has developed a set of recommendations to support the use of appropriate language in clinical encounters.
The impact of food order on postprandial glycaemic excursions in prediabetes
Authors: Shukla Alpana P. , Dickison Morgan , Coughlin Natasha , Karan Ampadi , Mauer Elizabeth , Truong Wanda , Casper Anthony , Emiliano Ana B. , Kumar Rekha B. , Saunders Katherine H. , Igel Leon I. , Aronne Louis J.
Published: August 2018

Data suggest that nutrient order during a meal significantly impacts postprandial glucose and insulin excursions in type 2 diabetes, while its effects in prediabetes have not been reported. Fifteen participants with prediabetes consumed the same meal on 3 days in random order: carbohydrate first, followed 10 minutes later by protein and vegetables (CF); protein and vegetables first, followed 10 minutes later by carbohydrate (PVF); or vegetables first followed by protein and carbohydrate (VF). Blood was sampled for glucose and insulin measurements at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes. Incremental glucose peaks were similarly attenuated by >40% in the PVF and VF meal conditions compared with CF. The incremental area under the curve for glucose was 38.8% lower following the PVF meal order, compared with CF, and postprandial insulin excursions were significantly lower in the VF meal condition compared with CF. The CF meal pattern showed marked glycaemic variability whereas glucose levels were stable in the PVF and VF meal conditions. Food order presents a novel, simple behavioural strategy to reduce glycaemic excursions in prediabetes.
Sex differences in the effect of cannabinoid type 1 receptor deletion on locus coeruleus‐norepinephrine neurons and corticotropin releasing factor‐mediated responses
Authors: Wyrofsky Ryan R. , Reyes Beverly A. S. , Yu Daohai , Kirby Lynn G. , Van Bockstaele Elisabeth J.
Published: August 2018

Cannabinoids are capable of modulating mood, arousal, cognition and behavior, in part via their effects on the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). Dysregulation of LC signaling and norepinephrine (NE) efflux in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) can lead to the development of psychiatric disorders, and CB1r deletion results in alterations of α2‐ and β1‐adrenoceptors in the mPFC, suggestive of increased LC activity. To determine how CB1r deletion alters LC signaling, whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology was conducted in LC‐NE neurons of male and female wild type (WT) and CB1r‐knock out (KO) mice. CB1r deletion caused a significant increase in LC‐NE excitability and input resistance in male but not female mice when compared to WT. CB1r deletion also caused adaptations in several indices of noradrenergic function. CB1r/CB2r‐KO male mice had a significant increase in cortical NE levels and tyrosine hydroxylase and CRF levels in the LC compared to WT males. CB1r/CB2r‐KO female mice showed a significant increase in LC α2‐AR levels compared to WT females. To further probe actions of the endocannabinoid system as an anti‐stress neuromediator, the effect of CB1r deletion on CRF‐induced responses in the LC was investigated. The increase in LC‐NE excitability observed in male and female WT mice following CRF (300 nM) bath application was not observed in CB1r‐KO mice. These results indicate that cellular adaptations following CB1r deletion cause a disruption in LC‐NE signaling in males but not females, suggesting underlying sex differences in compensatory mechanisms in KO mice as well as basal endocannabinoid regulation of LC‐NE activity.
Ten years of forest restoration in the Upwey Corridor, Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Authors: Incoll Bill , Maisey Alex , Adam Jenny
Published: August 2018

The Upwey Corridor Biodiversity Project has seen substantial investment by agencies and in‐kind voluntary work by the community over a ten year period. Comparison of Habitat Hectare scores prior to the project and after ten years showed that significant improvement in ecological condition of weed‐degraded areas is possible given adequate investment, appropriate re‐treatment and continuous management.
Lamotrigine pharmacokinetics following oral and stable‐labeled intravenous administration in young and elderly adult epilepsy patients: Effect of age
Authors: Polepally Akshanth R. , Brundage Richard C. , Remmel Rory P. , Leppik Ilo E. , Pennell Page B. , White James R. , Ramsay R. Eugene , Kistner Brett M. , Birnbaum Angela K.
Published: August 2018

Objective

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of age on pharmacokinetic parameters of lamotrigine (LTG) and estimate parameter variability.

Methods

Patients (>18 years old) who were already on a steady‐state dose of LTG therapy with no interacting comedications were enrolled. Patients with significant cardiac disease, severe kidney dysfunction, or moderate‐to‐severe liver dysfunction were excluded. Fifty milligrams of a stable‐labeled intravenous LTG formulation (SL‐LTG) replaced 50 mg of a patient's normal daily oral LTG dose. Thirteen blood samples were collected in each person over 96 hours. SL‐LTG and unlabeled LTG concentrations were measured simultaneously by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Concentration‐time data were analyzed by nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling (NONMEM version 7.3).

Results

Twenty‐eight patients representing 16 young (18‐48 years old) and 12 elderly (63‐87 years old) patients were included, yielding 382 unlabeled and 351 SL‐LTG concentrations. A two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination adequately described the plasma concentration‐time data. Bioavailability of oral LTG was approximately 74% and did not differ by age. LTG clearance was 27.2% lower in elderly than in young patients (1.80 L/h for a 70‐kg patient).

Significance

Although LTG bioavailability was not affected by age, LTG clearance was 27.2% lower in elderly versus young patients of comparable body weight, possibly indicating lower dosages being needed in this population.
Dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation and cell fusion: in vivo reprogramming strategies for regenerative medicine
Authors: Pesaresi Martina , Sebastian‐Perez Ruben , Cosma Maria Pia
Published: August 2018

Regenerative capacities vary enormously across the animal kingdom. In contrast to most cold‐blooded vertebrates, mammals, including humans, have very limited regenerative capacity when it comes to repairing damaged or degenerating tissues. Here, we review the main mechanisms of tissue regeneration, underlying the importance of cell dedifferentiation and reprogramming. We discuss the significance of cell fate and identity changes in the context of regenerative medicine, with a particular focus on strategies aiming at the promotion of the body's self‐repairing mechanisms. We also introduce some of the most recent advances that have resulted in complete reprogramming of cell identity in vivo. Lastly, we discuss the main challenges that need to be addressed in the near future to develop in vivo reprogramming approaches with therapeutic potential.
A Local Indicator of Multivariate Spatial Association: Extending Geary's c
Authors: Anselin Luc
Published: August 2018

This paper extends the application of the Local Geary c statistic to a multivariate context. The statistic is conceptualized as a weighted distance in multivariate attribute space between an observation and its geographical neighbors. Inference is based on a conditional permutation approach. The interpretation of significant univariate Local Geary statistics is clarified and the differences with a multivariate case outlined. An empirical illustration uses Guerry's classic data on moral statistics in 1830s France.
Obtaining hydroxyapatite from the exoskeleton and spines of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Authors: Mancilla‐Sanchez Egar , Gómez‐Gutiérrez Claudia M. , Guerra‐Rivas Graciela , Soto‐Robles Carlos A. , Vilchis‐Nestor Alfredo R. , Vargas Eunice , Luque Priscy A.
Published: August 2018

We present a simple, quick, and viable way to produce hydroxyapatite (HA) from a waste by‐product of the sea food industry, this was achieved by submitting the exoskeleton of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus through a chemical reaction with H3PO4 at 3 different times (3, 18, and 36 hours) with constant stirring at 35‐40°C. The characterization of the materials was made by several techniques (FTIR, XRD, SEM‐EDS, and TEM).The FTIR results confirmed the presence of the HA characteristic functional groups OH, PO4, and CO3, the XRD characterization showed that the synthesis of calcium phosphates such as brushite and HA was achieved by confirming the presence of its characteristic peaks, also the EDS analysis confirmed the expected HA Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.67. This work shows that we can take advantage from raw materials derived from processing sea food by giving it an added value for the biomedical industry.
Improving the thermal stability of anisyl alcohol by β‐galactosidase enzymatic glycosylation
Authors: Lin Shu‐Ling , Wei Tao , Lin Shuoxin , Chen Shu , Guo Li‐Qiong , Lin Jun‐Fang , Yun Fan
Published: August 2018

Anisyl alcohol is an important spice in flavouring industries. However, its volatility makes it easy to degrade in high‐temperature pretreatment, thus limiting its wider application in tobacco industry and food reheating. To develop thermal stable flavour of this spice, a novel flavour precursor anisalcohol‐β‐galactoside was synthesised by glycosylation reaction, using anisyl alcohol and D‐lactose as substrates and recombinant β‐galactosidase as catalyst. The thermal decomposition process was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TG curves revealed the maximum weight loss of anisyl alcohol reached 75% between 90 and 190 °C, while that of anisicohol‐β‐galactosidase was only 54% between 240 and 360 °C, which was an even higher range of temperature. The optimisation in thermal behaviour of anisicohol‐β‐galactosidase made it prospectively available in high‐temperature pretreatment and provided a new method for thermal stability improvement of other similar spices.
Consolidation and characterization of highly dense single‐phase Ta–Hf–C solid solution ceramics
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Song , Li Wei
Published: August 2018

Herein, Ta–Hf–C solid solution ceramics were consolidated from nano‐scale Ta–Hf–C solid solution powders for the first time. Four different compositions (4TaC–1HfC, 1TaC–1HfC, 1TaC–3HfC, and 1TaC–4HfC) were prepared by hot‐pressed sintering at 2100°C, 70 MPa pressure and a holding time of 30 minutes. The densification, formation of single‐phase solid solution and mechanical properties of the samples were systemically investigated. Relative density >95% was achieved for all four compositions with some improvement when TaC content was increased. And the formation of single‐phase Ta–Hf–C solid solution was strongly demonstrated by phase analysis and crystal measurement using XRD and TEM. A significant improvement of hardness up to ~30 GPa was achieved, which was much higher than that of pure TaC (18.9 GPa) and HfC (22.1 GPa), due to the high densification and solid solution strengthening mechanism.
In situ single‐step reduction and silicidation of MoO3 to form MoSi2
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Kaur Taranpreet , Pandey Om Prakash
Published: August 2018

Nanocrystalline molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) is synthesized in a specially designed autoclave at 900°C. The XRD results revealed that the formation of MoSi2 is favorable with the blend of MoO3, Si, and Mg powders. The HR‐TEM and SAED patterns confirm the formation of MoSi2 phase. The structural parameters (crystallite size, strain, stress, and deformation energy density) are calculated using the Williamson‐Hall (W‐H) analysis. The formation mechanism involved in the synthesis of MoSi2 is proposed. The nonisothermal oxidation kinetics (~1200°C) of MoSi2 phase is examined through the thermal analysis techniques. The activation energy is determined by the Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunsose isoconversional kinetic model. Finally, the reaction mechanism involved during the oxidation of MoSi2 phase is identified using the integral master‐plots method.
The role of K63‐linked polyubiquitination in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Yan Kaowen , Ponnusamy Murugavel , Xin Ying , Wang Qi , Li Peifeng , Wang Kun
Published: August 2018

Ubiquitination, also known as ubiquitylation, is a vital post‐translational modification of proteins that play a crucial role in the multiple biological processes including cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis. K63‐linked ubiquitination is one of the vital post‐translational modifications of proteins that are involved in the activation of protein kinases and protein trafficking during cell survival and proliferation. It also contributes to the development of various disorders including cancer, neurodegeneration and cardiac hypertrophy. In this review, we summarize the role of K63‐linked ubiquitination signalling in protein kinase activation and its implications in cardiac hypertrophy. We have also provided our perspectives on therapeutically targeting K63‐linked ubiquitination in downstream effector molecules of growth factor receptors for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
A polymorphism rs3746444 within the pre‐miR‐499 alters the maturation of miR‐499‐5p and its antiapoptotic function
Authors: Ding Wei , Li Mengyang , Sun Teng , Han Di , Guo Xiaoci , Chen Xiao , Wan Qinggong , Zhang Xuejuan , Wang Jianxun
Published: August 2018

microRNAs (miRNAs) are non‐coding RNAs that function as post‐transcriptional regulators of cardiac development and cardiovascular diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes are a novel class of genetic variations in the human genome that confer the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we identified a polymorphism A→G (rs3746444) in miR‐499 precursor (pre‐miR‐499) that affects the maturation of miR‐499‐5p and alters its antiapoptotic function by converting stable A‐U base pair to wobble G‐U base pair in pre‐miR‐499 secondary structure. Furthermore, our results showed that the concentrations of plasma miR‐499‐5p could be correlated with myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure (HF) patients in comparison with control subjects and polymorphism rs3746444 in miR‐499 could influence its abundance in plasma. Finally, our results also showed that the variant of polymorphism in miR‐499 influenced the severity of the myocardial infarction significantly. This is the first report to highlight the biological significance of this polymorphism on the maturation of miR‐499‐5p and its antiapoptotic role during MI. These findings may pave a way to better understand the individual variability based on miRNA SNPs in heart diseases and may contribute to better treatment for disease severity on a personalized level.
Grab my tail: evolution of dazzle stripes and colourful tails in lizards
Authors: Murali Gopal , Merilaita Sami , Kodandaramaiah Ullasa
Published: August 2018

Understanding the functions of animal coloration has been a long‐standing question in evolutionary biology. For example, the widespread occurrence of striking longitudinal stripes and colourful tails in lizards begs for an explanation. Experiments have suggested that colourful tails can deflect attacks towards the tail (the ‘deflection’ hypothesis), which is sacrificable in most lizards, thereby increasing the chance of escape. Studies also suggest that in moving lizards, longitudinal body stripes can redirect predators’ strikes towards the tail through the ‘motion dazzle’ effect. Despite these experimental studies, the ecological factors associated with the evolution of such striking colorations remain unexplored. Here, we investigated whether predictions from motion dazzle and attack deflection could explain the widespread occurrence of these striking marks using comparative methods and information on eco‐physiological variables (caudal autotomy, diel activity, microhabitat and body temperature) potentially linked to their functioning. We found both longitudinal stripes and colourful tails are associated with diurnal activity and with the ability to lose the tail. Compared to stripeless species, striped species are more likely to be ground‐dwelling and have higher body temperature, emphasizing the connection of stripes to mobility and rapid escape strategy. Colourful tails and stripes have evolved multiple times in a correlated fashion, suggesting that their functions may be linked. Overall, our results together with previous experimental studies support the notion that stripes and colourful tails in lizards may have protective functions based on deflective and motion dazzle effects.
Reproductive Coercion and Women's Health
Authors: Fay Kathryn , Yee Lynn
Published: August 2018

Given the epidemic proportion of those affected, the impact of gender‐based violence looms large in the study of women's health. One increasingly recognized facet of such violence is reproductive coercion, defined as behavior that interferes with autonomous decision‐making in areas of reproductive health. Although the body of literature illustrating the pathology of reproductive coercion is limited, growing data on harms to reproductive choice, health outcomes, and future pregnancies are a sobering appeal for greater publicity and information. This review explores existing knowledge regarding reproductive coercion, highlights areas of future study, and underscores how women's health care providers can better serve this population.
Spinalization and locomotor training differentially affect muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 2 abutting on α‐motoneurons innervating the ankle extensor and flexor muscles
Authors: Więckowska Angelika , Gajewska‐Woźniak Olga , Głowacka Anna , Ji Benjun , Grycz Kamil , Czarkowska‐Bauch Julita , Skup Małgorzata
Published: August 2018

Complete thoracic spinal cord transection (SCT) impairs excitatory cholinergic inputs to ankle extensor (soleus; Sol) but not to flexor (tibialis anterior; TA) α‐motoneurons (MNs) modifiable by locomotor training applied post‐transection. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Sol and TA MNs adapt to changes in cholinergic environment by differential regulation of their muscarinic receptors M2 (M2R). We examined Chrm2 (M2R gene) transcript level, high‐affinity 3‐quinuclidinyl benzilate‐3H ([3H]QNB) ligand binding, distribution and density of M2R immunolabeling in lumbar (L) segments in intact and SCT rats, with or without inclusion of 5‐week treadmill locomotor training. We show that at the second week after SCT the levels of Chrm2 transcript are reduced in the L3–6 segments, with [3H]QNB binding decreased selectively in the L5–6 segments, where ankle extensor MNs are predominantly located. At 5 weeks after SCT, [3H]QNB binding differences between the L3–4 and L5–6 segments are maintained, accompanied by higher density of M2R immunolabeling in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm of TA than Sol MNs and by enriched synaptic versus extrasynaptic M2R pools (52% TA vs. 25% Sol MNs). Training normalized M2R in TA MNs, improved locomotion, and reduced frequency of clonic episodes. Our findings indicate higher sensitivity of TA than Sol MNs to cholinergic signaling after SCT, which might shorten flexor twitches duration and contribute to generation of clonic movements. Synaptic enrichment in M2R density may reflect a compensatory mechanism activated in TA and Sol MNs to different extent in response to reduced strength of cholinergic signaling to each MN pool.

Open Practices

Open Science: This manuscript was awarded with the Open Materials Badge.

For more information see: https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/

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Partner Characteristics and Perceptions of Responsibility for Housework and Child Care
Authors: Doan Long , Quadlin Natasha
Published: August 2018

Objective: This study examines how partner characteristics (i.e., relative income, gender, gender expression) causally affect perceptions of responsibility for housework and child care in heterosexual and same‐sex couples.

Background: Although past research has frequently investigated how couples divide chores and child‐care tasks, few studies have examined Americans' normative beliefs about the division of household labor. This is an important oversight because partner characteristics are often correlated within individuals (e.g., heterosexual women are disproportionately lower earning), thus blurring how each characteristic causes a partner to be seen as responsible for tasks.

Method: The authors conducted a nationally representative survey experiment (N = 1,025). Respondents were randomly assigned to a vignette condition describing either a heterosexual or same‐sex couple. After viewing the vignette, respondents were asked to assign chores and child‐care tasks based on partners' relative income, gender, and gender expression.

Results: In same‐sex couples, partners' gender expression had moderate effects on respondents' chore and child‐care assignments. In heterosexual couples, however, the respondents relied overwhelmingly on gender differences to determine who should be doing household tasks. Relative income had little effect across sexual orientation groups, aside from dictating which partner should exit the workforce to become a stay‐at‐home parent.

Conclusion: Gender is the primary factor that drives Americans' normative beliefs about housework and child care.
Can the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 18 months predict child behaviour at 7 years?
Authors: Gould Jacqueline F , Hunt Emily , Roberts Rachel M , Louise Jennie , Collins Carmel T , Makrides Maria
Published: August 2018

Aim

Infants born preterm (<37 weeks' gestation) are at risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes; hence, many neonatal centres routinely follow up infants using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), although the predictive validity of the BSID for children born preterm is questionable. Our objective is to evaluate the predictive capacity of the BSID for behavioural functioning at school age of children born preterm.

Methods

Children (n = 657 children born <33 weeks' gestation) were enrolled at birth from five neonatal centres around Australia. A psychologist assessed child development at 18 months using the BSID‐II. When children were 7 years (corrected age) of age, parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the Conners 3rd Edition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Index. We explored associations between BSID‐II at 18 months and behaviour scores at 7 years and examined the interaction effect of the use of an allied health service between the BSID‐II and behaviour assessments.

Results

For every one‐point increase on the BSID‐II Mental Development Index, behaviour scores decreased by 0.07 points for the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Total Difficulties (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.10, −0.03), 0.12 points for the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Global Executive Composite (95% CI −0.21, −0.04) and 0.16 points for the Conners 3rd Edition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Index (95% CI −0.26, −0.05).

Conclusion

The BSID‐II at 18 months was weakly associated with parent‐reported behaviour at 7 years in children born preterm.
Language Learning Great and Small: Environmental Support Structures and Learning Opportunities in a Sociocognitive Approach to Second Language Acquisition/Teaching
Authors: ATKINSON DWIGHT , CHURCHILL ETON , NISHINO TAKAKO , OKADA HANAKO
Published: August 2018

Sociocognitive theory views learning, including second language acquisition, as the progressive alignment of individuals vis‐à‐vis their ecosocial environments. In this article we first update sociocognitive theory in light of recent evolutionary/ecological research on learning/teaching: (a) Humans are evolutionarily adapted to adapt to myriad environments, placing a premium on adaptive learning, (b) human adaptation is effected substantially through niche construction—engineering environments to make them more adaptive, and then transmitting the results culturally, placing a premium on adaptive teaching, (c) both human learning and teaching are innate/instinctive, and co‐evolved, and (d) there are many kinds of ‘teachers’ in the world. Second, we briefly review 3 approaches to second language acquisition/teaching (SLA/T) vis‐à‐vis sociocognitive theory: van Lier's ecological‐semiotic approach, Schumann's interactional instinct, and conversation analysis. Third, we apply our theoretical perspective exploratorily to videotaped data of a Japanese learner/user of English as a lingua franca who is baking pastries with a Finnish friend. Our analysis includes 5 widely studied ‘units of participation’: activity types, routines, co‐constructed tellings, repetition, and assessments. Analysis suggests that these constitute powerful environmental support structures yielding rich learning opportunities for SLA/T in moment‐to‐moment interaction. Fourth and finally, we discuss our results vis‐à‐vis our theoretical approach. We conclude by suggesting how our expanded view of teaching/learning might broaden SLA/T's ‘pedagogical imagination.’
The pediatric version of the eating assessment tool‐10 has discriminant ability to detect aspiration in children with neurological impairments
Authors: Serel Arslan Selen , Kılınç Hasan Erkan , Yaşaroğlu Ömer Faruk , Demir Numan , Karaduman Aynur Ayşe
Published: August 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the ability of the Pediatric version of the Eating Assessment Tool‐10 (PEDI‐EAT‐10) to detect aspiration in children with neurological impairments.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty‐four children were included. Swallowing function was imaged with videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). The penetration and aspiration scale (PAS) was used to determine the penetration and aspiration severity. Parents completed the PEDI‐EAT‐10, which is a 10 item, reliable, and valid dysphagia symptom specific outcome instrument.

Key Results

The mean age of children was 59.91 ± 55.33 months (min = 18, max = 315), of which 52.8% were male. The mean PEDI‐EAT‐10 of children with airway aspiration (PAS > 5) was 22.32 ± 10.73 (min = 0, max = 40) and the mean PEDI‐EAT‐10 of children who did not have aspiration (PAS < 6) was 12.35 ± 8.64 (min = 0, max = 40). A linear correlation was found between PEDI‐EAT‐10 and PAS scores of children (r = 0.41, P < 0.001). The sensitivity of a PEDI‐EAT‐10 score greater than 12 in predicting aspiration was 77% and the specificity was 54%. A PEDI‐EAT‐10 score greater than 12 has a positive predictive value of 69% and a negative predictive value of 64%.

Conclusions and Inferences

The PEDI‐EAT‐10 could be used to detect unsafe airway issues to identify and refer children for further instrumental swallowing evaluation.
A tomato B‐box protein SlBBX20 modulates carotenoid biosynthesis by directly activating PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1, and is targeted for 26S proteasome‐mediated degradation
Authors: Xiong Cheng , Luo Dan , Lin Aihua , Zhang Chunli , Shan Libo , He Ping , Li Bo , Zhang Qiaomei , Hua Bin , Yuan Zilv , Li Hanxia , Zhang Junhong , Yang Changxian , Lu Yongen , Ye Zhibiao , Wang Taotao
Published: August 2018

Carotenoids play important roles in many biological processes, such as light harvesting, photoprotection and visual attraction in plants. However, the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis is still not fully understood.

Here, we demonstrate that SlBBX20, a B‐box (BBX) zinc‐finger transcription factor, is a positive regulator of carotenoid accumulation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Overexpression of SlBBX20 leads to dark green fruits and leaves and higher levels of carotenoids relative to the wild‐type. Interactions between SlBBX20 and DE‐ETIOLATED 1 (SlDET1) lead to the ubiquitination and 26S proteasome‐mediated degradation of SlBBX20. Moreover, deficiencies in the components of the CUL4‐DDB1‐DET1 complex enhanced the stability of the SlBBX20 protein. Thus, we conclude that SlBBX20 is a substrate of the CUL4‐DDB1‐DET1 E3 ligase.

SlBBX20 can activate the expression of PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1, encoding a key enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis, by directly binding to a G‐box motif in its promoter, which results in the elevated levels of carotenoids in SlBBX20 overexpression lines.

We identified a key regulator of carotenoid biosynthesis and demonstrated that the stability of SlBBX20 is regulated by ubiquitination. These findings provide us a new target for the genetic improvement of the nutritional quality of tomato fruit.
Wnt signaling in bone, kidney, intestine, and adipose tissue and interorgan interaction in aging
Authors: Chen Di , Xie Rong , Shu Bing , Landay Alan L. , Wei Changli , Reiser Jochen , Spagnoli Anna , Torquati Alfonso , Forsyth Christopher B. , Keshavarzian Ali , Sumner D. Rick
Published: August 2018

Over the last two decades, it has become increasingly apparent that Wnt signaling plays a critical role in development and adult tissue homeostasis in multiple organs and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. In particular, a crucial role for Wnt signaling in bone development and bone tissue homeostasis has been well recognized. Numerous genome‐wide association studies confirmed the importance of Wnt signaling in controlling bone mass. Moreover, ample evidence suggests that Wnt signaling is essential for kidney, intestine, and adipose tissue development and homeostasis. Recent emerging evidence demonstrates that Wnt signaling may play a fundamental role in the aging process of those organs. New discoveries show that bone is not only the major reservoir for calcium and phosphate storage, but also the largest organ with multiple functions, including mineral and energy metabolism. The interactions among bone, kidney, intestine, and adipose tissue are controlled and regulated by several endocrine signals, including FGF23, klotho, sclerostin, osteocalcin, vitamin D, and leptin. Since the aging process is characterized by structural and functional decline in almost all tissues and organs, understanding the Wnt signaling–related interactions among bone, kidney, intestine, and adipose tissue in aging may shed light on the pathogenesis of age‐related diseases.
The impact of oil prices on stock prices and other macroeconomic variables in India: pre‐ and post‐2008 crises
Authors: Gupta Vishruti , Sharma Pooja
Published: August 2018

This paper attempts to explore the impact of oil prices on stock prices, exchange rates, and inflation rates in the Indian economy for the time period May 1996 to April 2017. This relationship will be investigated for pre‐ and post‐2008 crises, with an aim to explore the linkages between oil prices and stock prices. The financial crisis of 2008 affected the Indian economy through the external sector, while the rise in interest rates owing to pressure on domestic liquidity eventually affected exchange rates. The study concluded that there exists a structural break in the year 2008 and that there is a long‐term relationship between the concerned macroeconomic variables.

Finally, the theoretical hypothesis that oil prices affect stock prices has been confirmed by considering India as a case study. The study concluds that there exists a structural break in 2008 crises.
Tetracycline Removal Under Solar Illumination Over Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 Heterojunction Photocatalysts
Authors: Le Shukun , Li Wenjing , Li Yue , Borjigin Burenbayaer , Li Guangshe , Wang Xiaojing
Published: August 2018

Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 (mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride) heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared by anchoring tiny Ag3VO4 particles on the nanosheet of mpg‐C3N4. The prepared Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 heterojunctions were used to remove tetracycline (TC), a kind of antibiotics widely released into the aquatic environment under solar irradiation. Compared with pure mpg‐C3N4 and Ag3VO4, Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 displayed much higher photocatalytic activity (83.2% removal rate within 90 min under visible‐light irradiation). Importantly, no apparent deactivation was observed for Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4‐40 after five cycles, inferring a good reusability. As confirmed by photocurrent measurement and photoluminescence spectra, the excellent photocatalytic property of Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 was credit to the electron–hole separation enhancement at the formed heterojunction of two semiconductors. In addition, a possible mechanism and intermediate products for the Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 photocatalysts toward the photodegradation of TC in aqueous solution under artificial sunlight radiation were proposed based on the scavengers trapping test, ESR spectra and a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometer (MS) analysis. This investigation provides a low cost, green and easily practical approach to remove the antibiotics in the aquatic environment.
Chiral Inductions in Excited State Reactions: Photodimerization of Alkyl 2‐Naphthoates as a Model
Authors: Tung Chen‐Ho , Chen Bin , Feng Ke , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: August 2018

Enantioselectivity in organic transformations continues to be a topic major interest in organic photochemistry. In the last decade, synergistic combination of photocatalysis and organocatalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy to gain enantioselectivity in photochemical reactions, and remarkable achievements have been obtained. In this strategy, the asymmetric induction is provided in ground state. In contrast, in the conventional enantioselective photochemistry, the chiral induction is controlled in electronic excited state, and to achieve high stereoselectivity is still a formidable challenge. Because the reactions of excited states often yield strained products with unique structures in single step that are difficult to form by thermal reactions, the development of new strategies attempted to achieve enantioselectivity in excited state reactions is still highly desired. Since the short excited state lifetime and low activation energy for reaction in excited state leave little room for manipulating the chiral induction, in order to gain enantioselectivity the substrate molecule has to already reside in a chiral environment during the excitation step. Chiral auxiliaries and chiral supramolecular hosts can provide such environments. In this presentation, we summarize the studies employing chiral auxiliary and chiral microreactor approaches to achieve high asymmetric inductions in excited state reactions performed in our laboratory. We chose the photodimerization of alkyl 2‐naphthoates as a reaction model to give deeper insights into the basic factors controlling chiral induction in excited state.
Responses of leaf C:N:P stoichiometry to water supply in the desert shrub Zygophyllum xanthoxylum
Authors: Niu D. , Zhang C. , Ma P. , Fu H. , Elser J. J.
Published: August 2018

Based on the elemental composition of major biochemical molecules associated with different biological functions, the ‘growth rate hypothesis’ proposed that organisms with a higher growth rate would be coupled to lower C:N, especially lower C:P and N:P ratios. However, the applicability of the growth rate hypothesis for plants is unclear, especially for shrubs growing under different water supply.

We performed an experiment with eight soil moisture levels (soil water content: 4%, 6%, 8%, 13%, 18%, 23%, 26% and 28%) to evaluate the effects of water availability on leaf C:N:P stoichiometry in the shrub Zygophyllum xanthoxylum.

We found that leaves grew slowly and favored accumulation of P over C and N under both high and low water supply. Thus, leaf C:P and N:P ratios were unimodally related to soil water content, in parallel with individual leaf area and mass. As a result, there were significant positive correlations between leaf C:P and N:P with leaf growth (u).

Our result that slower‐growing leaves had lower C:P and N:P ratios does not support the growth rate hypothesis, which predicted a negative association of N:P ratio with growth rate, but it is consistent with recent theoretical derivations of growth–stoichiometry relations in plants, where N:P ratio is predicted to increase with increasing growth for very low growth rates, suggesting leaf growth limitation by C and N rather than P for drought and water saturation.
Task‐free auditory EEG paradigm for probing multiple levels of speech processing in the brain
Authors: Gansonre Christelle , Højlund Andreas , Leminen Alina , Bailey Christopher , Shtyrov Yury
Published: August 2018

While previous studies on language processing highlighted several ERP components in relation to specific stages of sound and speech processing, no study has yet combined them to obtain a comprehensive picture of language abilities in a single session. Here, we propose a novel task‐free paradigm aimed at assessing multiple levels of speech processing by combining various speech and nonspeech sounds in an adaptation of a multifeature passive oddball design. We recorded EEG in healthy adult participants, who were presented with these sounds in the absence of sound‐directed attention while being engaged in a primary visual task. This produced a range of responses indexing various levels of sound processing and language comprehension: (a) P1‐N1 complex, indexing obligatory auditory processing; (b) P3‐like dynamics associated with involuntary attention allocation for unusual sounds; (c) enhanced responses for native speech (as opposed to nonnative phonemes) from ∼50 ms from phoneme onset, indicating phonological processing; (d) amplitude advantage for familiar real words as opposed to meaningless pseudowords, indexing automatic lexical access; (e) topographic distribution differences in the cortical activation of action verbs versus concrete nouns, likely linked with the processing of lexical semantics. These multiple indices of speech‐sound processing were acquired in a single attention‐free setup that does not require any task or subject cooperation; subject to future research, the present protocol may potentially be developed into a useful tool for assessing the status of auditory and linguistic functions in uncooperative or unresponsive participants, including a range of clinical or developmental populations.
Resveratrol promotes in vitro activation of ovine primordial follicles by reducing DNA damage and enhancing granulosa cell proliferation via phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathway
Authors: Bezerra Maria Éllida S. , Gouveia Bruna B. , Barberino Ricássio S. , Menezes Vanúzia G. , Macedo Taís J. S. , Cavalcante Agnes Y. P. , Monte Alane P. O. , Santos Jamile M. S. , Matos Maria Helena T.
Published: August 2018

Contents

We aimed to study the effects of resveratrol on the morphology, DNA fragmentation, follicular activation and cell proliferation after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue, and to verify if PI3K pathway is involved in resveratrol action in the sheep ovary. Ovaries were collected and divided into fragments. One fragment was fixed for histology (fresh control). The remaining fragments were cultured for 7 days in control medium (α‐MEM+) alone or with resveratrol (2, 10 or 30 µM). After culture, ovarian tissue was destined to morphological analysis. TUNEL and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) analyses were performed in the fresh control, α‐MEM+ and 2 µM resveratrol. Inhibition of PI3K activity was performed through pre‐treatment with LY294002. The percentage of normal follicles was similar between α‐MEM+ and 2 µM resveratrol, and higher than those in other resveratrol treatments. An increase in follicular activation was observed in all treatments compared to fresh control. DNA fragmentation decreased in tissues cultured in 2 µM resveratrol compared to α‐MEM+. Moreover, PCNA‐positive cells were higher in 2 µM resveratrol than in α‐MEM+. LY294002 inhibited follicular activation stimulated by α‐MEM+ and 2 µM resveratrol. In conclusion, 2 µM resveratrol promotes primordial follicle activation compared to the fresh control by reducing DNA fragmentation and stimulating granulosa cell proliferation through activation of the PI3K pathway.
Second‐Best Road Taxes in Polycentric Networks with Distorted Labor Markets*
Authors: Tikoudis Ioannis
Published: August 2018

This paper examines the interaction of road taxes with spatially invariant labor taxation in a polycentric network. It derives analytical expressions for the network counterparts of the traditional double‐dividend effects (i.e., Pigouvian, tax‐interaction, and revenue‐recycling effects), and computes them under different policy regimes. The analysis reveals a series of conditions under which a system of cordons around the major nodes of a network might be more efficient than marginal external cost pricing. With a high elasticity of labor supply and limited public transport coverage, it is shown that the Pigouvian tax rule might reduce welfare even when the generated revenue is used to finance labor tax cuts.
An experiment on the impact of coaches’ and athlete leaders’ competence support on athletes’ motivation and performance
Authors: Mertens Niels , Boen Filip , Vande Broek Gert , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Fransen Katrien
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Grounded in the Cognitive Evaluation Theory, the present experiment aimed to compare the relative impact of competence support provided by coaches versus athlete leaders on players’ competence satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and performance.

Methods

We recruited 18 existing competitive male basketball teams (ie, 126 players) to participate in the experiment. Each team was randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) the coach provided competence support (ie, by encouraging, providing positive feedback, and expressing team confidence); (b) the athlete leader provided competence support; or (c) neither the coach, nor the athlete leader provided competence support (ie, control condition).

Results

Teams in which the athlete leader provided competence support reported higher levels of competence satisfaction and intrinsic motivation than teams in the control condition, a difference that did not emerge when the coach provided competence support. Furthermore, teams in which either the coach or the athlete leader supported team members’ competence performed better compared to teams in the control group.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of providing competence support to enhance team performance. Given athlete leaders’ unique impact on teammates’ competence satisfaction and motivation, instructing athlete leaders how to provide competence support constitutes an important motivational pathway for coaches to optimize team functioning.