bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyrophosphate‐fructose 6‐phosphate 1‐phosphotransferase (PFP1) regulates starch biosynthesis and seed development via heterotetramer formation in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Chen Chen , He Bingshu , Liu Xingxun , Ma Xiaoding , Liu Yujie , Yao Hong‐Yan , Zhang Peng , Yin Junliang , Wei Xin , Koh Hee‐Jong , Yang Chen , Xue Hong‐Wei , Fang Zhengwu , Qiao Yongli 
Published: May 2019

SummaryPyrophosphate‐fructose 6‐phosphate 1‐phosphotransferase (PFP1) reversibly converts fructose 6‐phosphate and pyrophosphate to fructose 1, 6‐bisphosphate and orthophosphate during glycolysis, and has diverse functions in plants. However, mechanisms underlying the regulation of starch metabolism by PFP1 remain elusive. This study addressed the function of PFP1 in rice floury endosperm and defective grain filling. Compared with the wild type, pfp1‐3 exhibited remarkably low grain weight and starch content, significantly increased protein and lipid content, and altered starch physicochemical properties and changes in embryo development. Map‐based cloning revealed that pfp1‐3 is a novel allele and encodes the regulatory β‐subunit of PFP1 (PFP1β). Measurement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) showed that mutation of PFP1β markedly decreased its enzyme activity. PFP1β and three of four putative catalytic α‐subunits of PFP1, PFP1α1, PFP1α2, and PFP1α4, interacted with each other to form a heterotetramer. Additionally, PFP1β, PFP1α1 and PFP1α2 also formed homodimers. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that mutation of PFP1β significantly altered expression of many essential enzymes in starch biosynthesis pathways. Concentrations of multiple lipid and glycolytic intermediates and trehalose metabolites were elevated in pfp1‐3 endosperm, indicating that PFP1 modulates endosperm metabolism, potentially through reversible adjustments to metabolic fluxes. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into seed endosperm development and starch biosynthesis and will help in the breeding of rice cultivars with higher grain yield and quality.
A fine‐scale genetic linkage map reveals genomic regions associated with economic traits in walnut (Juglans regia)
Authors: Aradhya Mallikarjuna K. , Velasco Dianne , Wang Ji‐Rui , Ramasamy Ramesh , You Frank M. , Leslie Chuck , Dandekar Abhaya , Luo Ming‐Cheng , Dvorak Jan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA genetic linkage map of walnut containing 2,220 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 16 linkage groups (LGs) was constructed using an F1 mapping population from a cross between “Chandler” and “Idaho,” two contrasting heterozygous parents. Five quantitative yield traits, lateral fruitfulness, harvest date and three nut traits (shell thickness, nut weight and kernel fill) were then mapped on to linkage groups. A significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) in LG 11 with negative additive effects suggested heterozygote superiority in the expression of lateral bearing. A set of three QTLs explaining ~10% of the variation in harvest date was located in LG 1. Shell thickness, nut weight and kernel fill were under the control of two to three linked pleiotropic QTLs in LG 1 segregating from “Idaho.” The marginal positive additive effects of QTLs for harvest date, shell thickness and nut weight and small negative additive effects for kernel fill suggested that the QTLs had a marginal effect on the expression of these traits.
Ethosuximide‐induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms with mediastinal lymphadenopathy
Authors: Werbel Tyler , Castrovinci Philip , Contestable James 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLymphadenopathy is a common sign for drug reaction and eosinophilia with systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, but hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy may be underreported. We describe a 7‐year‐old boy who started taking ethosuximide for absence seizures and presented with diffuse rash, fever, elevated transaminases, facial swelling, and hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. His mediastinal lymphadenopathy was concerning for lymphoma, which led to more invasive testing to rule out malignancy. This report highlights an unusual and likely underreported presenting sign of DRESS syndrome in children.
Temporal dynamic modulation of acute stress on error processing in healthy males
Authors: Hu Na , Hu Xueping , Xu Zhenzhen , Li Qing , Long Quanshan , Gu Yan , Chen Antao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractError processing is critical for adaptive behaviors. Acute stress has been found to influence error processing. However, the neural dynamic correlates underlying this modulation remain elusive. To address this issue, we recruited 39 healthy male participants, who performed a two‐session task before and after an acute stress test while their behavioral and EEG data were recorded. The participants were randomly exposed to either a stress condition (Maastricht Acute Stress Test) or a control condition. The stress test consisted of several hand immersion tasks (ice‐cold water, 2°C) and mental arithmetic tasks. A color‐word Stroop task was used to investigate the stress effect on error responses. Based on the level of stress‐induced cortisol, the participants in the stress group were further classified as low (N = 13) or high (N = 13) cortisol responders. The results indicated that only in the high cortisol responders, the error‐related negativity (ERN) amplitude was reduced after acute stress. In addition, the ∆ERN in the high cortisol responders was significantly smaller than that in the low cortisol responders. These results suggest that acute stress impairs error detection. However, the error positivity amplitudes increased in the stress group compared to the control group, indicating that acute stress leads to greater error assessment. Taken together, these results suggest that acute stress impairs error detection, which is modulated by individuals’ response level following acute stress, and leads to more emotional and/or motivational responses to the error signal once the error is consciously realized.
Differential effects of instructed and objective feedback reliability on feedback‐related brain activity
Authors: Di Gregorio Francesco , Ernst Benjamin , Steinhauser Marco 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFeedback reliability refers to the probability that the same decision leads to the same positive or negative feedback in the future. Previous research has shown that unreliable feedback is associated with attenuated feedback‐related brain activity in ERPs, represented by a reduced fronto‐central valence effect (feedback‐related negativity or reward positivity) and a reduced feedback‐related P3. Here, we asked whether these effects reflect top‐down mechanisms or whether they can be explained by implicit feedback‐outcome contingency learning. In two experiments, participants performed a trial‐and‐error learning task while subjective or objective feedback reliability was varied across blocks. In Experiment 1, we manipulated instructed feedback reliability while holding objective feedback reliability constant. Low instructed feedback reliability led to an attenuation of the fronto‐central valence effect and the P3. In Experiment 2, we manipulated objective feedback reliability while holding instructed feedback reliability constant. Here, no modulation of feedback‐related brain activity was observed. These results suggest that effects of feedback reliability are driven by top‐down mechanisms based on explicit knowledge. Specifically, effects on the fronto‐central valence effect could indicate a devaluation of unreliable feedback or a bias on the generation or utilization of reward prediction errors.
Mesopotamian astrology
Authors: Monroe M. Willis 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDivination in the Ancient Near East took many forms. One of the most important practices, however, was astrology—the art of observing the sky and weather for signs. The first written evidence for this began in the late third millennium BCE, but it probably existed even earlier. Throughout the early and middle centuries of the second millennium BCE, there are glimpses of astrology preserved in letters and other texts. It was not until the end of the second millennium that the practice began to be codified and written down in standard works. During the Neo‐Assyrian period (911–609 BCE) astrology gained a new level of importance in the royal court with scholars (employed by the court) constantly watching the sky and writing to the king. Finally, during the latter half of the first millennium BCE (the Neo‐Babylonian, Achaemenid, and Hellenistic periods), astrology underwent a period of innovation alongside the continued use of standard practices. Throughout its history, Mesopotamian astrology functioned together with other forms of divination. The examination of an animal's liver, for example, was often used to check the results of an astrological observation. Astrology was one of many ways the messages of the gods could be decoded in the Ancient Near East. It developed a complicated series of texts and skilled practitioners and had a great impact on the fate of its adherents.
Assessment of nurses’ competence to care for sexually assaulted trans persons: a survey of Ontario’s Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres
Authors: Du Mont Janice , Kosa Sarah Daisy , Solomon Shirley , Macdonald Sheila 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveOur primary objective was to examine the perceived level of competence and need for additional training among nurses engaged in the care of sexually assaulted trans persons. Among these nurses, a secondary objective was to examine the impact of prior trans-specific training on their perceived level of competence.SettingAn online survey was distributed to nurses working within 35 hospital-based violence treatment centres in Ontario, Canada.Respondents95 nurses completed the survey.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe perceived level of competence and need for additional training overall and on 31 specific items associated with initial assessment, medical care, forensic examination and discharge and referral, as well as sociodemographic, work experience and prior training information, was collected and summarised using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsAlmost three-quarters (73.1%) of nurses indicated that they had little or no expertise in caring for trans clients who have been sexually assaulted and 95.7% strongly agreed/agreed that they would benefit from (additional) training. The mean level of competence was 4.00 or greater (strongly agreed/agreed with the statement) for just 9 out of the 31 competencies related to caring for trans clients. Having undergone prior trans-specific training (61.3%) was associated with greater perceived competence in initial assessment (p=0.004) and medical care (p<0.001).ConclusionIt is of key importance that nurses demonstrate knowledge of and respond competently to the complex and diverse needs of trans survivors of sexual assault. The nurses surveyed overwhelmingly identified a need for additional training to care for sexually assaulted trans clients. It appears that additional training would be beneficial, as prior trans-specific training was associated with higher perceived competence in delivering certain aspects of care.
Transepithelial versus epithelium-off corneal collagen cross-linking for corneal ectasia: protocol for a systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Nath Siddharth , Shen Carl , Koziarz Alex , Banfield Laura , Fava Mark A , Hodge William G 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionCorneal ectasias are progressive, degenerative ocular diseases defined by abnormal structural changes in the cornea, leading to distortion of vision and substantial reduction in quality of life. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) increases the biomechanical rigidity of the cornea and has been shown to halt ectatic processes. The established CXL protocol requires removal of the corneal epithelium. However, some surgeons have proposed transepithelial approaches to enhance patient recovery and minimise adverse events. Whether novel transepithelial approaches are as effective in arresting ectasia as the established epithelium-off protocol remains unclear. This study will systematically review the evidence on transepithelial CXL approaches and compare it to the epithelium-off protocol.Methods and analysisWe will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing transepithelial and epithelium-off CXL for any corneal ectasia. We will search 16 electronic databases including MEDLINE and Embase, as well as the grey literature. Two reviewers will independently screen search results to identify eligible studies, complete data abstraction and conduct quality assessment. We will assess the quality of individual RCTs using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Our primary outcome will be the change in maximal keratometry at 12 months after treatment, and we will examine 11 additional outcomes. We will summarise our analyses by measures of association (relative risk or odds ratio) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean differences with 95% CIs for continuous outcomes. Prespecified subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore heterogeneity. The overall quality of evidence will be rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for this systematic review as it draws from previously published data. Results of the study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication and discussed at conferences and seminars.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018102069
Pilot evaluation of the Sleep Ninja: a smartphone application for adolescent insomnia symptoms
Authors: Werner-Seidler Aliza , Wong Quincy , Johnston Lara , O’Dea Bridianne , Torok Michelle , Christensen Helen 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a recently developed smartphone application, Sleep Ninja, for adolescent sleep difficulties.SettingThe study was conducted online with Australian individuals recruited through the community.ParticipantsParticipants were 50 young people aged 12–16 years with sleep difficulties.DesignA single-arm pre–post design was used to evaluate feasibility, acceptability and sleep and mental health variables at baseline and postintervention.InterventionCognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia informed the development of the Sleep Ninja. The core strategies covered by the app are psychoeducation, stimulus control, sleep hygiene and sleep-related cognitive therapy. It includes six training sessions (lessons), a sleep tracking function, recommended bedtimes based on sleep guidelines, reminders to start a wind-down routine each night, a series of sleep tips and general information about sleep. Users progress through each training session and conclude the 6-week programme with a black belt in sleep.Outcome measuresFeasibility was evaluated based on consent rates, adherence and attrition, acceptability was assessed using questionnaires and a poststudy interview, and sleep, depression and anxiety variables were assessed at baseline and postintervention.ResultsData indicated that the Sleep Ninja is a feasible intervention and is acceptable to young people. Findings showed that there were significant improvements on sleep variables including insomnia (within-group effect size d=−0.90), sleep quality (d=−0.46), depression (d=−0.36) and anxiety (d=−0.41).ConclusionsThe Sleep Ninja is a promising intervention that could assist adolescents who experience sleep difficulties. A follow-up randomised controlled trial is now warranted.Trial registration numberACTRN12617000141347
End-stage renal disease—financial costs and years of life lost in Panama: a cost-analysis study
Authors: Moreno Velásquez Ilais , Tribaldos Causadias Maribel , Valdés Régulo , Gómez Beatriz , Motta Jorge , Cuero César , Herrera-Ballesteros Víctor 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesCentral America is a region with an elevated burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the cost of treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains an understudied area. This study aimed to investigate the direct costs associated with haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in public and private institutions in Panama in 2015, to perform a 5-year budget impact analysis and to calculate the years of life lost (YLL) due to CKD.DesignA retrospective cost-analysis study using hospital costs and registry-based data.SettingData on direct costs were derived from the public and private sectors from two institutions from Panama. Data on CKD-related mortality were obtained from the National Mortality Registry.MethodsA budget impact analysis was performed from the payer perspective, and five scenarios were estimated, with the assumption that the mix of dialysis modality use shifts towards a greater use of PD over time. The YLL due to CKD was calculated using data recorded between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. The linear method was utilised for the analyses with the population aged 20–77 years old.ResultsIn 2015, the total costs for dialysis in the public sector ranged from ~US$7.9  million (PD) to US$62  million (HD). The estimated costs were higher in the scenario in which a decrease in PD was assumed. The average annual loss due to CKD was 25 501 808.40 US$-YLL.ConclusionESRD represents a major challenge for Panama. Our results suggest that an increased use of PD might provide an opportunity to substantially lower overall ESRD treatment costs.
Four delays of child mortality in Rwanda: a mixed methods analysis of verbal social autopsies
Authors: Roder-DeWan Sanam , Gupta Neil , Kagabo Daniel M , Habumugisha Lameck , Nahimana Evrard , Mugeni Catherine , Bucyana Tatien , Hirschhorn Lisa R 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesWe sought to understand healthcare-seeking patterns and delays in obtaining effective treatment for rural Rwandan children aged 1–5 years by analysing verbal and social autopsies (VSA). Factors in the home, related to transport and to quality of care in the formal health sector (FHS) were thought to contribute to delays.DesignWe collected quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional data using the validated 2012 WHO VSA tool. Descriptive statistics were performed. We inductively and deductively coded narratives using the three delays model, conducted thematic content analysis and used convergent mixed methods to synthesise findings.SettingThe study took place in the catchment areas of two rural district hospitals in Rwanda—Kirehe and Southern Kayonza. Participants were caregivers of children aged 1–5 years who died in our study area between March 2013 and February 2014.ResultsWe analysed 77 VSAs. Although 74% of children (n=57) had contact with the FHS before dying, most (59%, n=45) died at home. Many caregivers (44%, n=34) considered using traditional medicine and 23 (33%) actually did. Qualitative themes reflected difficulty recognising the need for care, the importance of traditional medicine, especially for ‘poisoning’ and poor perceived quality of care. We identified an additional delay—phase IV—which occurred after leaving formal healthcare facilities. These delays were associated with caregiver dissatisfaction or inability to adhere to care plans.ConclusionDelays in deciding to seek care (phase I) and receiving quality care in FHS (phase III) dominated these narratives; delays in reaching a facility (phase II) were rarely discussed. An unwillingness or inability toadhere to treatment plans after leaving facilities (phase IV) were an important additional delay. Improving quality of care, especially provider capacity to communicate danger signs/treatment plans and promote adherence in the presence of alternative explanatory models informed by traditional medicine, could help prevent childhood deaths.
Cash transfer programmes in lower-income and middle-income countries: understanding pathways to nutritional change—a realist review protocol
Authors: Floate Hilary J , Marks Geoffrey C , Durham Jo 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionChild malnutrition continues to be a significant global public health concern. Nutrition-related interventions have changed and diversified over the last two decades, with increasing emphasis on nutrition-sensitive programmes that address underlying determinants of child malnutrition. Cash transfer programmes (CTPs) are used with increasing popularity in lower-income and middle-income countries to improve both food/nutrition insecurity and resilience. Available studies, however, provide mixed findings on the outcomes of CTPs for child nutritional status. This review is the first stage of a research project to develop evidence-informed theories of how CTPs affect child malnutrition. These will be empirically tested in the field and contribute to a better understanding of how, why, for whom and in what circumstances CTPs can be implemented to optimise impacts on child nutritional status.Methods and analysisThis realist review is informed by available standards for realist reviews and follows a five-step process. In step 1, an initial scoping of literature identified potential contextual factors and underlying mechanisms that influence nutritional outcomes, and potential theories developed to address our research question. In step 2, a systematic literature search using multiple databases will be undertaken with papers screened using defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. In step 3, included studies will be appraised, data extracted into a bespoke data extraction tool and used to test and further refine our explanatory framework. The fourth step will synthesise, using a mix of inductive and deductive analytical processes to identify patterns, link chains of inference and tracking and linking of articles. The final step involves dissemination of a preliminary theory for feedback prior to empirically testing it in Kenya and Ethiopia where large-scale CTPs are being implemented.Ethics and disseminationThis review will not involve primary data collection. Findings will be presented in accordance with Realist and Meta-Narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards guidelines and published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberCRD42018110735.
Rifled carotid: Internal carotid artery thrombosis from prolonged carrying of a military rifle
Authors: Ahmad Faiz MH , Nanda S K , R S , Grewal D S 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundTraumatic carotid artery thrombosis is uncommon and it usually results from penetrating injuries and less commonly secondary to blunt trauma. It can lead to delayed clinical presentation, which leads to delay in the diagnosis. Soldiers in combat scenario also can present with such an illness, which results from varied modes of injuries. Our case illustrates an unusual cause of carotid thrombosis.Case presentationOur patient is a 37-year-old soldier who developed neck pain and headache following a 5 km training run with rifle on the shoulder and subsequently developed left upper limb weakness and evaluation revealed extracranial right internal carotid thrombosis. He was managed with anticoagulants and antiplatelets with complete resolution of the thrombosis and complete recovery of the weakness.ConclusionBlunt trauma to the neck in the form of carrying a rifle for a prolonged duration can result in injury to the carotid vessels leading to delayed neurological presentation. Educating the troops regarding such a mode of illness will prevent such a catastrophic nature of vascular injury resulting in ischaemic stroke.