bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species ofAstyanax(Characiformes: Characidae) from Costa Rica and Panama, with a key to the lower Central American species of the genus
Authors: Angulo A. , Santos A. C. , López M. , Langeani F. , Mcmahan C. D.
Published: April 2018

Astyanax anai, a new species of characid fish, is described from the Sixaola River basin, eastern Costa Rica–western Panama, Central America. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: premaxillary teeth 4–5 at the inner series and 4–6 at the outer series; maxillary teeth tricuspid, 2–4; predorsal scale series irregular and incomplete, with an unscaled space behind tip of supraoccipital process and 12–14 scales; lateral line scales 34–39; humeral region with a conspicuous black and rounded to horizontally ovate spot and two diffuse brown and vertically elongate bars (the first through the rounded to horizontally ovate spot, the second 2–4 scales behind the first); body depth 36·6–42·3% of standard length (LS); midlateral stripe formed by a series of 10–14 anteriorly‐directed dermal herringbone, or chevron‐shaped, marks, most apparent in juveniles and in preserved specimens, extending above the lateral line from the black humeral spot or just behind it (from the second vertical bar) to the caudal peduncle; scale rows from lateral line to base of first dorsal‐fin ray 8–9; scale rows from lateral line to base of pelvic fin 7–8; pre‐anal distance 53·9–61·9% ofLS; total anal‐fin elements 29–33; caudal spot elongated, rhomboid or rectangular, with its anterior margin surpassing the middle of the caudal peduncle, usually reaching the anal‐fin insertion, posteriorly covering 4–7 principal caudal‐fin rays and not extending onto the ventral and dorsal margins of the caudal peduncle, covering 3–5 horizontal scale rows. In order to test the phylogenetic relationships of the new taxon in relation to the other North and Central American species of the genus, a new phylogenetic hypothesis based on a reanalysis of the morphological matrix by Schmitter‐Soto (2016) is proposed. A key to the lower Central American (southern Nicaragua to eastern Panama) species ofAstyanaxis also provided.
Overaccumulation, Interest, and Prices
Authors: GUNN CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: April 2018

I use a financial accelerator model to study interest and prices under boom–busts driven by changes in expectations about total factor productivity (TFP) and credit. I show that inflation falls in the boom phase of the TFP episode and then recovers during the bust, yet rises in the boom phase of the credit episode and then falls during the bust. Furthermore, for both episodes, the overaccumulation of debt relative to capital during the boom is critical for the busts since it implies a fall in credit worthiness. Finally, I show that stricter inflation targeting reduces inefficiencies in all instances but the boom phase of the TFP episode.
Gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone and its mammalian orthologue RFamide‐related peptide‐3: Discovery and functional implications for reproduction and stress
Authors: Kriegsfeld L. J. , Jennings K. J. , Bentley G. E. , Tsutsui K.
Published: April 2018

At the turn of the millennium, a neuropeptide with pronounced inhibitory actions on avian pituitary gonadotrophin secretion was identified and named gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Across bird species, GnIH acts at the level of the pituitary and the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal system to inhibit reproduction. Subsequent to this initial discovery, orthologues of GnIH have been identified and characterised across a broad range of species. In many vertebrates, the actions of GnIH and its orthologues serve functional roles analogous to those seen in birds. In other cases, GnIH and its orthologues exhibit more diverse actions dependent on sex, species, season and reproductive condition. The present review highlights the discovery and functional implications of GnIH across species, focusing on research domains in which the significance of this neuropeptide has been explored most.
Atmospheric skin aging—Contributors and inhibitors
Authors: McDaniel David , Farris Patricia , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: April 2018

Cutaneous aging is a complex biological process consisting of 2 elements: intrinsic aging, which is primarily determined by genetics, and extrinsic aging, which is largely caused by atmospheric factors, such as exposure to sunlight and air pollution, and lifestyle choices, such as diet and smoking. The role of the solar spectrum, comprised of ultraviolet light, specifically UVB (290‐320 nm) and UVA (320‐400) in causing skin damage, including skin cancers, has been well documented. In recent years, the contribution of visible light (400‐700 nm) and infrared radiation (above 800 nm) in causing skin damage, similar to the photodamage caused by UV light, is also being elucidated. In addition, other atmospheric factors such as air pollution (smog, ozone, particulate matter, etc.) have been implicated in premature skin aging. The skin damage caused by environmental exposure is largely attributable to a complex cascade of reactions inside the skin initiated by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes oxidative damage to cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These damaged skin cells initiate inflammatory responses leading to the eventual damage manifested in chronically exposed skin. Novel therapeutic strategies to combat ROS species generation are being developed to prevent the skin damage caused by atmospheric factors. In addition to protecting skin from solar radiation using sunscreens, other approaches using topically applied ingredients, particularly antioxidants that penetrate the skin and protect the skin from within, have also been well documented. This review summarizes current knowledge of atmospheric aggressors, including UVA, UVB, visible light, infrared radiation (IR), and ozone on skin damage, and proposes new avenues for future research in the prevention and treatment of premature skin aging caused by such atmospheric factors. New therapeutic modalities currently being developed are also discussed.
Behaviors of active sunbeds users and their knowledge on the potential health risks; results of cross‐sectional study in Poland
Authors: Gajda Maksymilian , Kamińska‐Winciorek Grażyna , Wydmański Jerzy , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Kowalska Małgorzata
Published: April 2018

Background

Current literature review indicates that there is an increase in risk of skin melanoma due to the use of sunbeds.

Aims

To assess behaviors and opinions about health risk related to tanning.

Methods

From March 2012 to June of the same year, nonrepresentative cross‐sectional study was conducted online concerning knowledge and behaviors during tanning. Data from 4919 people (80% of women, median age 25 years [IQR: 20‐36]) were analyzed statistically with R software (level of significance at α = .05). We used the authors “active users of sunbeds” (AUS) criterion, denoting person using it ≥2 times per year with an average sessions lasting ≥5 minutes (cutoff values above 1 quartile). The reference was those not meeting above criteria.

Results

A total of 926 persons (18.8%) stated that they use sunbeds, while 680 (13.8%) met the criterion of AUS. Within the AUS group, the median number of visits in the tanning beds rooms was 10 (IQR: 5‐15) per year, with single session lasting 9 (IQR: 7‐10) minutes. The majority (83.5%) of AUS tanned naked indoors, with only 47.4% to have used safety glasses. These individuals were significantly more likely to be women, better educated, and were considered outdoor tanners. AUS were less aware of the risks associated with sunburns, with equal use of sunscreen and reapplication more frequently (as non‐AUS).

Conclusions

The level of knowledge in the field of prevention of melanoma was similar in both groups; however, AUS group more frequently took risky behaviors related to sun exposure.
Searching for unknown transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis viruses: a binational cohort study of 1.5 million transfused patients
Authors: Edgren G. , Hjalgrim H. , Rostgaard K. , Dahl V. , Titlestad K. , Erikstrup C. , Wikman A. , Norda R. , Majeed A. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS‐III)
Published: April 2018

Background

Both hepatitis B and C viruses were transmitted through blood transfusion before implementation of donor screening. The existence of additional, yet unknown transfusion transmittable agents causing liver disease could have important public health implications.

Methods

Analyses were based on the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions (SCANDAT2) database. Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of developing chronic liver disease in recipients of blood from donors who later developed any chronic liver disease compared to recipients who received blood transfusion from healthy donors. We also studied whether the risk of liver disease was increased in patients who received units from ‘high‐risk’ donors, defined as donors who had a higher than expected occurrence of liver disease amongst their previous recipients. All analyses were stratified before and after 1992 to account for the effect of screening for hepatitis C virus.

Results

A total of 1 482 922 transfused patients were included in the analyses. Analyses showed evidence of transfusion transmission of liver diseases before, but not after the implementation of hepatitis C virus screening in 1992, with HRs for any liver disease of 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30–1.46] and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.91–1.07), before and after 1992, respectively. Similarly, blood components from ‘high‐risk’ donors conferred increased risks before, but not after 1992.

Conclusions

Our data provide no evidence for transfusion transmission of agents causing liver disease after the implementation of screening for hepatitis B and C, and suggest that if such transmission does occur, it is rare.
Assessing School Wellness Policies and Identifying Priorities for Action: Results of a Bi‐State Evaluation
Authors: Harvey Susan P. , Markenson Deborah , Gibson Cheryl A.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a complex health problem affecting more than one‐third of school‐aged youth. The increasing obesity rates in Kansas and Missouri has been particularly concerning, with efforts being made to improve student health through the implementation of school wellness policies (SWPs). The primary purpose of this study was to conduct a rigorous assessment of SWPs in the bi‐state region.

METHODS

SWPs were collected from 46 school districts. The Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT) was used to assess comprehensiveness and strength. Additionally, focus group discussions and an online survey were conducted with school personnel to identify barriers and supports needed.

RESULTS

Assessment of the SWPs indicated that most school districts failed to provide strong and specific language. Due to these deficiencies, districts reported lack of enforcement of policies. Several barriers to implementing the policies were reported by school personnel; supports needed for effective implementation were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

To promote a healthful school environment, significant improvements are warranted in the strength and comprehensiveness of the SWPs. The focus group discussions provided insight as to where we need to bridge the gap between the current state of policies and the desired beneficial practices to support a healthy school environment.
Later Start, Longer Sleep: Implications of Middle School Start Times
Authors: Temkin Deborah A. , Princiotta Daniel , Ryberg Renee , Lewin Daniel S.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Although adolescents generally get less than the recommended 9 hours of sleep per night, research and effort to delay school start times have generally focused on high schools. This study assesses the relation between school start times and sleep in middle school students while accounting for potentially confounding demographic variables.

METHODS

Seventh and eighth grade students attending 8 late starting schools (∼8:00 am, n = 630) and 3 early starting schools (∼7:23 am, n = 343) from a diverse suburban school district completed online surveys about their sleep behaviors. Doubly robust inverse probability of treatment weighted regression estimates of the effects of later school start time on student bedtimes, sleep duration, and daytime sleepiness were generated.

RESULTS

Attending a school starting 37 minutes later was associated with an average of 17 additional minutes of sleep per weeknight, despite an average bedtime 15 minutes later. Students attending late starting schools were less sleepy than their counterparts in early starting schools, and more likely to be wide awake.

CONCLUSIONS

Later school start times were significantly associated with improved sleep outcomes for early adolescents, providing support for the movement to delay school start times for middle schools.
Marginalized Individuals and Extremism: The Role of Ostracism in Openness to Extreme Groups
Authors: Hales Andrew H. , Williams Kipling D.
Published: April 2018

Does the experience of being socially ostracized increase interest in extreme groups? Drawing from the temporal need‐threat model of ostracism, and uncertainty‐identity theory, we conducted two experiments testing the hypothesis that compared to included individuals, ostracized individuals will show greater interest in extreme groups. In Study 1, following a recruitment attempt, ostracized participants expressed greater willingness to attend a meeting of an activist campus organization advocating reducing tuition. In Study 2, ostracized participants expressed greater openness towards gang membership. These findings emphasize the importance of leaders creating environments that minimize feelings of social exclusion, and suggest that approaches to international policy that exclude/marginalize (i.e., refusing to meet for negotiations) may produce greater extremity.
A ventilated newborn with respiratory distress, abdominal distension and scrotal swelling
Authors: Sinopidis Xenophon , Fouzas Sotirios , Dimitriou Gabriel , Karatza Ageliki
Published: April 2018

See Answer
Specific bioactive collagen peptides (PETAGILE®) as supplement for horses with osteoarthritis: A two‐centred study
Authors: Dobenecker B. , Reese S. , Jahn W. , Schunck M. , Hugenberg J. , Louton H. , Oesser S.
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP), here administered orally as PETAGILE®, on horses with mild to moderate, naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Data from a two‐centred pilot study were used for the meta‐analysis.

Thirty‐eight privately owned horses of various breeds were available. In one centre, 18 of these patients (6 ± 3 years; 519 ± 100 kg BW) received either 25 g (n = 6) or 50 g (n = 12) BCP/day orally for 12 weeks. In the second centre, 20 horses (18 ± 4 years; 413 ± 94 kg BW) received either a placebo (control; n = 10) or 25 g BCP/day. The attending veterinarians performed an orthopaedic examination including flexion tests and evaluated the degree of lameness, rotation pain, step length and arc of foot flight during trot (8 parameters) at the beginning and after 6 and 12 weeks. The horse owners answered a weekly questionnaire about their perception of lameness, mobility and the horses’ willingness to run. In the 50 g BCP group, in six of eight parameters, a strong effect (Cohen's r > .5) was detected with two parameters (lameness and flexion pain) significantly improved already after 6 weeks. In the 25 g BCP group, a moderate effect (Cohen's r = .3–0.5) was seen in six parameters, with three parameters improved already after 6 weeks. The owners reported a strong effect for mobility and willingness to run (Cohen's r = .69 and .62, respectively) and a moderate effect (Cohen's r = .49 and 0.41) for the development of lameness in the 50 g and 25 g BCP group in comparison with the placebo treatment. This study revealed promising effects of the safe oral‐specific BCP supplementation on symptoms of osteoarthritis in horses already after 3 months. The higher dosage of 50 g BCP/day had superior impact. Further long‐term investigations on specific BCP efficacy in horses with osteoarthritis, preferably in blinded and placebo‐controlled studies, should be performed to confirm these first positive results.
Sleep‐deprivation and autobiographical memory: evidence from sleep‐deprived nurses
Authors: Zare Khormizi Hasan , Salehinejad Mohammad Ali , Nitsche Michael A. , Nejati Vahid
Published: April 2018

Negative effects of sleep deprivation on different types of memory are well documented, but the specific effects on autobiographical memory performance are not well studied. In this study, we investigated performance on the autobiographical memory test in a group of sleep‐deprived and well‐rested nurses. One‐hundred participants divided into sleep‐deprived (N = 50, 25 females) and well‐rested (N = 50, 25 females) groups took part in the study. The sleep‐deprived group included night‐shift nurses with 8–12 hr sleep deprivation, while the well‐rested group had the usual night sleep before performance assessment. All participants were matched for gender, age, education and employment status. They completed depression and anxiety inventories, and underwent the autobiographical memory test, which included 18 cue words with positive, negative and neutral valence. The sleep‐deprived group scored significantly higher in depression scores. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) results showed that sleep‐deprived participants had a significantly poorer autobiographical memory compared with the well‐rested group. Additionally, specific memories were significantly declined in the sleep‐deprived group. This group remembered significantly less positive and more negative memories. Findings implicate that sleep deprivation has detrimental effects on autobiographical memory specificity and valence, and is associated with mood dysregulation.
Serum hepatitis B surface antigen correlates with fibrosis and necroinflammation: A multicentre perspective in China
Authors: Zhang P. , Du HB. , Tong GD. , Li XK. , Sun XH. , Chi XL. , Xing YF. , Zhou ZH. , Li Q. , Chen B. , Wang H. , Wang L. , Jin H. , Mao DW. , Wang XB. , Wu QK. , Li FP. , Hu XY. , Lu BJ. , Yang ZY. , Zhang MX. , Shi WB. , He Q. , Li Y. , Jiang KP. , Xue JD. , Li XD. , Jiang JM. , Lu W. , Tian GJ. , Hu ZB. , Guo JC. , Li CZ. , Deng X. , Luo XL. , Li FY. , Zhang XW. , Zheng YJ. , Zhao G. , Wang LC. , Wu JH. , Guo H. , Mi YQ. , Gong ZJ. , Wang CB. , Jiang F. , Guo P. , Yang XZ. , Shi WQ. , Yang HZ. , Zhou Y. , Sun NN. , Jiao YT. , Gao YQ. , Zhou DQ. , Ye YA.
Published: April 2018

The kinetics of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been studied, but the factors affecting them remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the factors affecting HBsAg titres, using data from multicentre, large‐sized clinical trials in China. The baseline data of 1795 patients in 3 multicentre trials were studied, and the patients were classified into 3 groups: hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic HBV infection (n = 588), HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B (n = 596), and HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (n = 611). HBsAg titres in the different phases were compared, and multiple linear progression analyses were performed to investigate the implicated factors. HBsAg titres varied significantly in different phases (P = .000), with the highest (4.60 log10 IU/mL [10%‐90% confidence interval: 3.52 log10 IU/mL‐4.99 log10 IU/mL]) in patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic HBV infection. In all phases, age and HBV DNA were correlated with serum HBsAg level. In HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients, a negative correlation between HBsAg titres and fibrosis stage was observed. Alanine amonitransferase or necroinflammatory activity was also correlated with HBsAg titres in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients. In conclusion, decreased HBsAg titres may be associated with advancing fibrosis in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients or increased necroinflammation in those with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B. Our findings may help clinicians better understand the kinetics of HBsAg and provide useful insights into the management of this disease.
Feasibility of reaching world health organization targets for hepatitis C and the cost‐effectiveness of alternative strategies
Authors: Wisløff T. , White R. , Dalgard O. , Amundsen E. J. , Meijerink H. , Kløvstad H.
Published: April 2018

New drugs for treating hepatitis C have considerably increased the probability of being cured. Treatment uptake, however, is still low. The objectives of this study were to analyse the impact of initiatives that may increase the proportion of infected people on treatment and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of new infection among people who inject drugs. A compartmental model for Norway was used to simulate hepatitis C and related complications. We analysed 2 different screening initiatives aimed to increase the proportion of infected people on treatment. Interventions aiming at reducing the hepatitis C incidence analysed were opioid substitution therapy (OST), a clean needle and syringe programme and a combination of both. The most cost‐effective strategy for increasing hepatitis C treatment uptake was screening by general practitioners while simultaneously allowing for all infected people to be treated. We estimated that this intervention reduces the incidence of hepatitis C by 2030 by 63% compared with the current incidence. The 2 harm reduction strategies both reduced the incidence of hepatitis C by about 70%. Combining an increase in the current clean needles and syringe programme with OST was clearly the most cost‐effective option. This strategy would reduce the incidence of hepatitis C by 80% compared with the current incidence by 2030. Thus, interventions to reduce the burden and spread of hepatitis C are cost‐effective. Reaching the WHO target of a 90% reduction in hepatitis C incidence by 2030 may be difficult without combining different initiatives.
The historians, the literary critics, and the Victorian settler empire
Authors: Steer Philip
Published: April 2018

Victorian literary criticism is yet to fully engage with the new historiography of the 19th‐century settler empire. That body of work has focused attention on a vast transnational network of population, capital, and information exchange, and attending to the centrality of shared ideas of British identity has revealed a uniquely close relationship between cultural and economic forms of imperialism. Significant methodological challenges confront any attempt to seriously consider the literary bonds between Britain and its settler colonies, including issues of form, scale, aesthetics, and politics. However, continued failure to grapple with that difficult critical task risks perpetuating a form of silent approval that so often surrounded the culture of the settler empire in the Victorian era.
Hepatitis A Virus in men who have sex with men: Need for awareness and vaccination
Authors: Puoti Massimo , Rossotti Roberto , Merli Marco
Published: April 2018

See Articles on Pages 588 and 594
Role of a cascade of reservoirs in regulating downstream transport of sediment, carbon and nutrients: Case study of tropical arid climate Tana River Basin
Authors: Okuku Eric O. , Tole Mwakio , Bouillon Steven
Published: April 2018

Mass balances for dissolved and particulate organic C (DOC and POC), particulate nitrogen (PN) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved and dissolved Si (DSi) were estimated by considering the annual fluxes in and out of three cascading reservoirs (Masinga, Kamburu and Gitaru) on the Tana River, Kenya. Flux data were obtained through biweekly sampling of the main inflows and outflows of the three reservoirs between May 2011 and May 2013. The degree of retention of particulate and dissolved materials generally was higher in Masinga Reservoir, compared to Kamburu and Gitaru reservoirs, which could be attributable to the much higher water retention time (i.e., 163, 19 and 3 days for Masinga, Kamburu and Gitaru, respectively, in 2012; 136, 14 and 2 days for Masinga, Kamburu and Gitaru reservoirs, respectively, in 2013). It was also observed the two smaller reservoirs (Kamburu and Gitaru) did not always act as net sinks of materials, but occasionally were a net source of materials transported downstream. The role of reservoirs in material retention was also found to exhibit interannual variability, likely controlled by the total annual water discharge into the reservoirs.
Severely inadequate micronutrient intake among children 9–24 months in Nepal—The MAL‐ED birth cohort study
Authors: Morseth Marianne S. , Torheim Liv Elin , Chandyo Ram K. , Ulak Manjeswori , Shrestha Sanjaya K. , Shrestha Binob , Pripp Are Hugo , Henjum Sigrun
Published: April 2018

Prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies is high among infants and children in low‐ and middle income countries, but knowledge about nutrient adequacy across the complementary feeding period is limited. We investigated probability of adequacy (PA) of breast milk and complementary food combined and nutrient density adequacy (NDA) of complementary food and tracking of NDA over time among 229 children from 9–24 months of age in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Monthly, 24 h dietary recalls (16 in total) were performed and subgrouped into four 4‐month time periods. Ten micronutrients (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and zinc) were assessed. Nutrient density was defined as the amount of a nutrient in a child's complementary food per 100 kcal, whereas NDA was the nutrient density as percentage of the context specific desired nutrient density. Tracking of NDA was investigated using generalized estimating equations models. PA for B vitamins (except riboflavin), vitamin A, calcium, iron, and zinc (low absorption group) was very low (0% to 8%) at all time slots. Median (IQR) mean PA (of all 10 micronutrients) increased from 11% (9, 15) in the second to 21% (10, 35) in the last time slot. Median value for mean nutrient density adequacy of all micronutrients varied between 42% and 52%. Finally, tracking of NDA was low (correlation <0.30) or moderate (0.30–0.60) indicating poor association between the first and subsequent measurements of NDA. These findings raise grave concerns about micronutrient adequacy among young children in Nepal. Urgent interventions are needed.
GNAT toxins of bacterial toxin–antitoxin systems: acetylation of charged tRNAs to inhibit translation
Authors: Yeo Chew Chieng
Published: April 2018

GCN5‐related N‐acetyltransferase (GNAT) is a huge superfamily of proteins spanning the prokaryotic and eukaryotic domains of life. GNAT proteins usually transfer an acetyl group from acetyl‐CoA to a wide variety of substrates ranging from aminoglycoside antibiotics to large macromolecules. Type II toxin–antitoxin (TA) modules are typically bicistronic and widespread in bacterial and archael genomes with diverse cellular functions. Recently, a novel family of type II TA toxins was described, which presents a GNAT‐fold and functions by acetylating charged tRNA thereby precluding translation. These GNAT toxins are usually associated with a corresponding ribbon‐helix‐helix‐fold (RHH) antitoxin. In this issue, Qian et al. describes a unique GNAT‐RHH TA system, designated KacAT, from a multidrug resistant strain of the pathogen, Klebsiella pneumoniae. As most type II TA loci, kacAT is transcriptionally autoregulated with the KacAT complex binding to the operator site via the N‐terminus region of KacA to repress kacAT transcription. The crystal structure of the KacT toxin is also presented giving a structural basis for KacT toxicity. These findings expand our knowledge on this newly discovered family of TA toxins and the potential role that they may play in antibiotic tolerance and persistence of bacterial pathogens.
Amomum cristatissimum (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae), a new species with echinate fruits from central Vietnam
Authors: Lý Ngọc‐Sâm , Leong-Škorničková Jana
Published: April 2018

Amomum cristatissimum N.S. Lý & Škorničk., a new species from Quảng Ngãi Province in central Vietnam with echinate fruits and large yellow flowers is described and illustrated. Its affinities to other species with similar fruits are discussed, and details on distribution, ecology, phenology and preliminary conservation assessment are provided.
Esophageal provocation tests: Are they useful to improve diagnostic yield of high resolution manometry?
Authors: Carlson D. A. , Roman S.
Published: April 2018

High resolution manometry (HRM) is the gold standard to diagnose esophageal motility disorders but has some limitations. The inclusion of provocative tests might enhance the diagnostic yield of HRM. These tests are easy to perform and to add to the regular manometry protocol. Multiple rapid swallows (MRS; 5 2‐mL swallows) is useful to assess the contractile reserve and deglutitive inhibition. The optimal number of MRS to perform might be 3 as suggested by Mauro et al. in this issue of Neurogastroenterology & Motility. The absence of contractile reserve might be associated with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease and with an increased risk of post fundoplication dysphagia. Single viscous and solid swallows might enhance the detection of esophageal motility disorders but are not significantly associated with symptom occurrence. Test meal has the advantage to represent a real‐life scenario and is promising to depict significant motility findings responsible for esophageal symptoms. Post‐prandial recording might also be of interest to diagnose rumination and belching disorders. The best indication of rapid drink challenge test (free drinking of 200 mL) is currently the diagnosis of esophago‐gastric junction obstruction. Finally, abdominal compression might be an option to evaluate response of esophageal peristalsis in a context of outflow resistance as proposed by Brink et al. in this issue. These provocative maneuvers appear to provide a complementary role in the evaluation of esophageal motility but require prospective studies to determine the validity of the findings and whether they will lead to changes in clinical practice.
Blowing the dog whistle
Authors: Rich Patrick J.
Published: April 2018

This article is a Commentary on Cui et al., 218: 710–723.
The ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Laccaria bicolor releases a secreted β‐1,4 endoglucanase that plays a key role in symbiosis development
Authors: Zhang Feng , Anasontzis George E. , Labourel Aurore , Champion Charlotte , Haon Mireille , Kemppainen Minna , Commun Carine , Deveau Aurélie , Pardo Alejandro , Veneault‐Fourrey Claire , Kohler Annegret , Rosso Marie‐Noëlle , Henrissat Bernard , Berrin Jean‐Guy , Martin Francis
Published: April 2018

In ectomycorrhiza, root ingress and colonization of the apoplast by colonizing hyphae is thought to rely mainly on the mechanical force that results from hyphal tip growth, but this could be enhanced by secretion of cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes, which have not yet been identified. The sole cellulose‐binding module (CBM1) encoded in the genome of the ectomycorrhizal Laccaria bicolor is linked to a glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH5) endoglucanase, LbGH5‐CBM1.

Here, we characterize LbGH5‐CBM1 gene expression and the biochemical properties of its protein product. We also immunolocalized LbGH5‐CBM1 by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy in poplar ectomycorrhiza.

We show that LbGH5‐CBM1 expression is substantially induced in ectomycorrhiza, and RNAi mutants with a decreased LbGH5‐CBM1 expression have a lower ability to form ectomycorrhiza, suggesting a key role in symbiosis. Recombinant LbGH5‐CBM1 displays its highest activity towards cellulose and galactomannans, but no activity toward L. bicolor cell walls. In situ localization of LbGH5‐CBM1 in ectomycorrhiza reveals that the endoglucanase accumulates at the periphery of hyphae forming the Hartig net and the mantle.

Our data suggest that the symbiosis‐induced endoglucanase LbGH5‐CBM1 is an enzymatic effector involved in cell wall remodeling during formation of the Hartig net and is an important determinant for successful symbiotic colonization.
Biological and Biomechanical Evaluation of Autologous Tendon Combined with Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System Artificial Ligament in a Rabbit Model of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Wang Xin‐min , Ji Gang , Wang Xiao‐meng , Kang Hui‐jun , Wang Fei
Published: April 2018

Objective

To compare the biomechanical and histological changes in a rabbit model after reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with solely autologous tendon and with autologous tendon combined with the ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) artificial ligament.

Methods

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed in 72 knees from 36 healthy New Zealand white rabbits (bodyweight, 2500–3000 g). The Achilles tendons were harvested bilaterally. The left ACL were reconstructed solely with autografts (autologous tendon group), while the right ACL were reconstructed with autografts combined with LARS ligaments (combined ligaments group). The gross observation, histological determination, and the tension failure loads in both groups were evaluated at 12 weeks (n = 18) and 24 weeks (n = 18) postoperatively.

Results

Gross examination of the knee joints showed that all combined ligaments were obviously covered by a connective tissue layer at 12 weeks, and were completely covered at 24 weeks. Fibrous tissue ingrowth was observed between fascicles and individual fibers in the bone–artificial ligament interface at both time points; this fibrovascular tissue layer localized at the bone–artificial ligament interface tended to be denser in specimens obtained at 24 weeks compared with those obtained at 12 weeks. The tension failure loads of the knees were similar in the autologous tendon group and the combined ligaments group at 12 weeks (144.15 ± 3.92 N vs. 140.88 ± 2.75 N; P > 0.05), and at 24 weeks (184.15 ± 1.96 N vs. 180.88 ± 3.21 N; P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Reconstructing the ACL in rabbits using autologous tendon combined with the LARS artificial ligament results in satisfactory biointegration, with no obvious immunological rejection between the autologous tendon and the artificial ligament, and is, therefore, a promising ACL reconstruction method.
Fecal microbiome signatures are different in food‐allergic children compared to siblings and healthy children
Authors: Kourosh Atoosa , Luna Ruth A. , Balderas Miriam , Nance Christina , Anagnostou Aikaterini , Devaraj Sridevi , Davis Carla M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Intestinal microbes have been shown to influence predisposition to atopic disease, including food allergy. The intestinal microbiome of food‐allergic children may differ in significant ways from genetically similar non‐allergic children and age‐matched controls. The aim was to characterize fecal microbiomes to identify taxa that may influence the expression of food allergy.

Methods

Stool samples were collected from children with IgE‐mediated food allergies, siblings without food allergy, and non‐allergic controls. Stool microbiome characterization was performed via next‐generation sequencing (Illumina) of the V1V3 and V4 variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial diversity, evenness, richness, and relative abundance of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were evaluated using QIIME. ANOVA and Welch's t test were utilized to compare groups.

Results

Sixty‐eight children were included: food‐allergic (n = 22), non‐food‐allergic siblings (n = 25), and controls (n = 21). When comparing fecal microbial communities across groups, differences were noted in Rikenellaceae (P = .035), Actinomycetaceae (P = .043), and Pasteurellaceae (P = .018), and nine other distinct OTUs. Food‐allergic subjects had enrichment for specific microbes within the Clostridia class and Firmicutes phylum (Oscillobacter valericigenes, Lachnoclostridium bolteae, Faecalibacterium sp.) compared to siblings and controls. Identification of Clostridium sp. OTUs revealed differences in specific Clostridia drive the separation of the allergic from the siblings and controls. Alistipes sp. were enriched in non‐allergic siblings.

Conclusions

Comparisons in the fecal microbiome of food‐allergic children, siblings, and healthy children point to key differences in microbiome signatures, suggesting the role of both genetic and environmental contributors in the manifestation of food‐allergic disease.
Quantitative trait locus analysis of seed germination, seedling vigour and seedling‐regulated hormones in Brassica napus
Authors: Nguyen Tung C. T. , Abrams Suzanne R. , Friedt Wolfgang , Snowdon Rod J.
Published: April 2018

Good germination and seedling vigour are major breeding targets in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus), because seedling vigour and prewinter crop establishment are closely associated with postwinter growth and yield. Here, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to germination, seedling vigour and seedling‐regulated hormones in a doubled haploid (DH) mapping population from a cross between winter oilseed rape parents with high vigour (Express 617) and low vigour (1012‐98). By phenotyping in a climate‐controlled glasshouse, we identified a total of 13 QTL on nine chromosomes for germination and seedling‐related traits at 7 and 14 days after sowing (DAS), explaining up to 11.2% of the phenotypic variation for seedling vigour. Forty‐seven metabolic QTL on 15 chromosomes were identified for auxin, abscisic acid (ABA) and dihydrophaseic acid (DPA) at 5 and 12 DAS, explaining up to 49.4% of phenotypic variation in seedling hormone composition. Multitrait QTL hot spots contribute to our understanding of the genetics and metabolomics of germination and seeding vigour in B. napus, and represent potential targets to breed high‐vigour cultivars.
Adverse events reported to the Food and Drug Administration from 2004 to 2016 for cosmetics and personal care products marketed to newborns and infants
Authors: Cornell Erika , Kwa Michael , Paller Amy S. , Xu Shuai
Published: April 2018

Background/Objectives

Despite their ubiquitous use and several recent health controversies involving cosmetics and personal care products for children, the Food and Drug Administration has little oversight of these products and relies on consumer‐submitted adverse event reports. We assessed the recently released Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Adverse Event Reporting System database for adverse event reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for baby personal care products and to determine whether useful insights can be derived.

Methods

We extracted the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Adverse Event Reporting System data file from 2004 to 2016 and examined the subset classified according to the Food and Drug Administration–designated product class as a baby product. Events were manually categorized into product type and symptom type to assess for trends.

Results

Only 166 total adverse events were reported to the Food and Drug Administration for baby products from 2004 to 2016. The majority of reports indicated rash or other skin reaction; 46% of reported events led to a health care visit.

Conclusion

Pediatric dermatologists should consider submitting cosmetics and personal care product adverse event reports and encouraging consumers to do so likewise in situations in which a product adversely affects a child's health.
Skin barrier in the neonate
Authors: Taïeb Alain
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this review is to focus on determinants of skin barrier function in neonates at molecular and cellular levels. The skin barrier is critical in terms of water and gas exchanges during fetal life and undergoes rapid changes at birth, followed by a progressive maturation. Consequences of skin barrier disruption can be extremely detrimental or lethal, as shown in severe genetic epidermal defects. In this context, the fine‐tuned rapid adaptation from a liquid to a gaseous milieu is not fully understood. The stratum corneum provides an air‐liquid barrier, tight junctions in the granular layer provide a liquid‐liquid barrier, aquaporins represent a plumbing system for water‐glycerol as well as gas exchanges, and Langerhans cells are central to the immunological barrier. Acid mantle formation is essential for appropriate interaction between the skin and microbial symbionts. Temperature and pH regulate the key enzyme activities responsible for the integrity of the stratum corneum. Skin barrier permeability can be assessed noninvasively and simply with miniaturized devices measuring transepidermal water loss, where water flow is faster in cases of a damaged or functionally premature barrier. New avenues for therapeutic skin barrier research in neonates include a better delineation of the maturation of aquaporins in water balance and gas exchanges from fetal to neonatal life and a better understanding of the role of vernix caseosa, in particular, for the implantation of a healthy microbiote. Practical applications should be derived for caring for infant skin, particularly in fragile zones, such as the diaper area.
Case study: Behavior changes in the family‐focused obesity prevention HOME Plus program
Authors: Myers Michelle L. , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Friend Sarah E. , Horning Melissa L. , Flattum Colleen F.
Published: April 2018

Objective

The purpose of this case study is to describe two successful HOME Plus participants and highlight how an intervention with individual and group components can help families make lifestyle changes that result in improvements in child weight status.

Design

One hundred and sixty families participated in the HOME Plus study, and were randomized to either a control or intervention group.

Sample

Two successful HOME Plus participants were chosen because of their healthful changes in weight status and behavior and high engagement in the program.

Measurements

Data were collected at baseline and postintervention, 1 year later. Data included height, weight, home food inventory, dietary recalls, and psychosocial surveys.

Intervention

Families in the intervention group participated in cooking and nutrition education sessions, goal‐setting activities, and motivational interviewing telephone calls to promote behavioral goals associated with meal planning, family meal frequency, and healthfulness of meals and snacks.

Results

Analysis of the families' behaviors showed that Oliver (fictitious name) experienced changes in nutritional knowledge and cooking skill development while Sophia's (fictitious name) changes were associated with healthful food availability and increased family meal frequency.

Conclusion

These cases show that offering a multicomponent, family‐focused program allows participants to select behavior strategies to fit their unique family needs.
Financing Flood Losses: A Discussion of the National Flood Insurance Program
Authors: Kousky Carolyn
Published: April 2018

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), housed in the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has been providing flood insurance to households and businesses for almost 50 years. To inform the policy discussion leading up to reauthorization, this article analyzes five aspects of the NFIP: (1) risk modeling and risk communication, (2) the roles of the public and private sector, (3) take‐up rates, (4) incentives for risk reduction, and (5) rate setting and the financing of catastrophic flood events. Suggestions for reform are discussed.
DO PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS PROMOTE REGIONAL GROWTH? EVIDENCE FROM AN EMERGING ECONOMY
Authors: Arora Rashmi Umesh , Wondemu Kifle
Published: April 2018

A large literature exists on the relationship between financial development and economic growth. However, the role of government and public banks in building this relationship has remained contentious. In a sub‐national level analysis in the Indian context, we raise the question: What is the relative impact of public banks in economic growth in the lagging regions vis‐à‐vis leading regions? Do they matter more than private and foreign banks? To address these problems, we apply a dynamic generalized method of moments panel estimation to an unbalanced panel dataset drawn from 25 Indian states covering the period 1996/97 to 2008/09. Although our study focuses on the Indian context, it is relevant to developing countries for two main reasons: government ownership of banks is prevalent in developing countries; and in many large countries with a federation set‐up inter‐state differences may exist with multiple ownership of the financial sector.
The Motivations for Food Exchanges in the Lives of Rural Older Adults
Authors: Cohen Adrienne L.
Published: April 2018

Growing older in rural areas can be challenging since access to support from others can be difficult. I conducted an exploratory descriptive study, framed by exchange theory, in rural Appalachian North Carolina in the United States over the course of a year with 16 rural elders with physical limitations and 8 of their supporters to determine how and why they constructed their networks of support. I conducted a total of 50 interviews. Through the analysis of interview data a theme regarding the important role of the exchange of food emerged. For this group of rural elders, food is both given to and received from others. The giving of food to others helps to rebalance exchanges where elders are receiving a good deal of support. In addition, food is exchanged for reasons that move well beyond nutritional needs. Food is used to initiate and support social exchanges, as expressions of kindness and neighborliness, and as a way to share abundance. Results expand on our understanding of the role of food exchanges in the lives of rural elders and expand exchange theory to include the motivations behind exchanges as an additional component of the theory.
Women's desistance from crime: A review of theory and the role higher education can play
Authors: Brown Marilyn , Bloom Barbara E.
Published: April 2018

The emergent field of desistance research originated among scholars who were interested in the persistence or termination of crime among young men. From a focus on the structured effects of age‐graded events such as employment and marriage on desistance, the field has now broadened its interest into desistance as an interplay among identity, cognitive factors, and sociogenic factors. Mirroring the growth in theories about women's pathways to offending, the field of desistance has taken on a greater focus on gender as a determinant of crime termination. The discussion of women's desistance presented here provides the basis for a recommendation that higher education may play a pivotal role in enhancing women's successful reintegration into society after prison.
Simple ways to interpret effects in modeling ordinal categorical data
Authors: Agresti Alan , Tarantola Claudia
Published: April 2018

We survey effect measures for models for ordinal categorical data that can be simpler to interpret than the model parameters. For describing the effect of an explanatory variable while adjusting for other explanatory variables, we present probability‐based measures, including a measure of relative size and partial effect measures based on instantaneous rates of change. We also discuss summary measures of predictive power that are analogs ofR‐squared and multiple correlation for quantitative response variables. We illustrate the measures for an example and provideRcode for implementing them.