bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Children's Obesogenic Behaviors During Summer Versus School: A Within‐Person Comparison
Authors: Brazendale Keith , Beets Michael W. , Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle M. , Kaczynski Andrew T. , Pate Russell R. , Weaver Robert G. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDEvidence consistently shows children in the United States gain 3 to 5 times more weight during summer vacation (∼2.5 months) compared to the 9‐month school year. The purpose of this study is to examine within‐child differences in 4 obesogenic behaviors (physical activity [PA], sedentary/screen‐time, diet, and sleep) during school versus summer.METHODSWe used a repeated‐measures within‐subjects design. Children (N = 30 mean age = 8.2 years; 57% female; 37% overweight/obese; 100% African American) wore accelerometers on the nondominant wrist for 24 hr/d over 9 consecutive days during school and summer of 2016 to capture PA, sedentary time, and sleep. Parents completed a daily diary to report bed/wake times, diet, and screen‐time of their child each day. Mixed‐effect models compared summer and school behaviors.RESULTSChildren spent more time sedentary (69% vs 67% of wake wear time), less time in light PA (25% vs 23% of wake wear time), had higher screen‐time (242 vs 123 minutes/day), slept longer (428 vs 413 minutes/night), and consumed more sugar‐based foods (6 days vs 2.5 days/week) and fruit (7 days vs 4.7 days/week) during summer compared to school (p < .05).CONCLUSIONInitial evidence suggests children are displaying multiple unfavorable obesogenic behaviors during summer compared to school that may contribute to accelerated weight gain during summer.
Interactive effects of climate and topography on soil salinity and vegetation zonation in North‐African continental saline depressions
Authors: Chaieb Ghassen , Abdelly Chedly , Michalet Richard 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuestionsComplex distal factors such as climate and topography can interact to drive direct proximal ecological gradients and vegetation zonation in geographical and ecological space, in particular salinity and soil moisture in arid climates. We pose the following questions: (a) Does increasing climate aridity alter direct water and salinity gradients along topography gradients in saline depressions in arid climates? (b) Do these effects of increasing climate aridity in turn alter vegetation life‐form zonation? (c) Does increasing climate aridity alter community composition along the zonation?Study siteContinental saline depressions of the Mediterranean arid climate of central and southern Tunisia.MethodsWe sampled vegetation structure, diversity, and composition and environmental variables at five positions along the topography gradient of continental saline depressions in wet and dry conditions.ResultsClimate aridity altered salinity gradients and vegetation structure but not diversity and community composition. Salinity increased with increasing aridity at the lowest positions of the depressions but decreased with increasing aridity at their highest positions. Total vegetation cover and relative abundance of therophytes decreased, whereas relative abundance of chamaephytes increased with increasing climate aridity at the upper habitats.ConclusionsEcological factors acting at a regional scale can alter the spatial variation of other ecological factors acting at smaller spatial scales, ultimately explaining vegetation zonation in continental saline depressions. Salinity collapses with increasing aridity.
Elevated serum levels of procollagen C‐proteinase enhancer‐1 in patients with chronic kidney disease is associated with a declining glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Özkan Gülsüm , Güzel Savaş , Atar Reşit V , Fidan Çiğdem , Kara Sonat P , Ulusoy Şükrü 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundProcollagen C‐proteinase enhancer‐1 (PCPE‐1) is a 55 kDa glycoprotein, which increases the activity of procollagen C‐proteinases that break down C‐terminal propeptides. Studies have shown that PCPE‐1 is involved in the fibrotic process that occurs in various tissues and organs. Our review of the literature revealed no data concerning the relation between PCPE‐1 and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to determine PCPE‐1 levels in CKD.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐one CKD patients and 34 healthy controls were included in our study. Demographic data were recorded, and routine biochemical tests were performed. Blood specimens were collected for PCPE‐1 investigation. Demographic data, biochemical test results and PCPE‐1 levels were compared between the control and patient groups. Parameters affecting PCPE‐1 levels in our patient group were assessed.ResultsProcollagen C‐proteinase enhancer‐1 levels were significantly higher in our patient group compared to the control group. Parameters affecting PCPE‐1 elevation in the patient group were identified as systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, haemoglobin, intact parathormone levels, glomerular filtration rate and body mass index.ConclusionWe determined high PCPE‐1 levels in CKD patients. PCPE‐1 levels being negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate suggests that PCPE‐1 may be associated with progression in CKD patients.
Muscarinic m2 receptor‐mediated actin polymerization via PI3 kinase γ and integrin‐linked kinase in gastric smooth muscle
Authors: Mahavadi Sunila , Grider John R. , Murthy Karnam S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundActin polymerization plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction. Integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) was shown to mediate actin polymerization in airway smooth muscle. The role of ILK in actin polymerization in response to m2 receptor activation was not in gastric smooth muscle.MethodsPhosphorylation of paxillin, neuronal Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein (N‐WASp), and association of paxillin with GEF proteins (Cool2/αPix [Cool2/PAK‐interacting exchange factor alpha], Cool1/βPix [Cool1/PAK‐interacting exchange factor beta], and DOCK 180 [Dedicator of cytokinesis]) and N‐WASp with Arp2/3 complex were measured by western blot. Activation of Cdc42 was determined using an antibody for activated Cdc42. Actin polymerization was measured as an increase in F‐actin/G‐actin ratio.ResultsPhosphorylation of paxillin, an association of paxillin with GEF proteins, Cdc42 activity, and actin polymerization were increased in response to m2 receptor activation in gastric smooth muscle cells. The increases in paxillin phosphorylation, Cdc42 activity, and actin polymerization were inhibited by a PI3Kγ inhibitor (AS‐605240), ILK siRNA, and ILK dominant negative mutant (ILK [R211]). Increase in actin polymerization was also inhibited by Cdc42 dominant negative mutant (Cdc42 [T17N]). Increases in the association of paxillin with GEF proteins, phosphorylation of N‐WASp and its association with Arp2/3 complex were inhibited by ILK (R211).ConclusionIn gastric smooth muscle cells, activation of PI3Kγ by muscarinic m2 receptors causes ILK‐dependent phosphorylation of paxillin, an association of paxillin with Cdc42 GEF proteins and activation of Cdc42, which, in turn, causes phosphorylation of N‐WASp and its association with Arp2/3 complex leading to actin polymerization.
The E domain of CRR2 participates in sequence‐specific recognition of RNA in plastids
Authors: Ruwe Hannes , Gutmann Bernard , Schmitz‐Linneweber Christian , Small Ian , Kindgren Peter 
Published: November 2018

Summary

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are modular RNA‐binding proteins involved in different aspects of RNA metabolism in organelles. PPR proteins of the PLS subclass often contain C‐terminal domains that are important for their function, but the role of one of these domains, the E domain, is far from resolved. Here, we elucidate the role of the E domain in CRR2 in plastids.

We identified a surprisingly large number of small RNAs that represent in vivo footprints of the Arabidopsis PLS‐class PPR protein CRR2. An unexpectedly strong base conservation was found in the nucleotides aligned to the E domain. We used both in vitro and in vivo experiments to reveal the role of the E domain of CRR2.

The E domain of CRR2 can be predictably altered to prefer different nucleotides in its RNA ligand, and position 5 of the E1‐motif is biologically important for the PPR–RNA interaction. The ‘code’ of the E domain PPR motifs is different from that of P‐ and S‐motifs.

The findings presented here show that the E domain of CRR2 is involved in sequence‐specific interaction with its RNA ligand and have implications for our ability to predict RNA targets for PLS‐PPRs and their use as biotechnological tools to manipulate specific RNAs in vivo.
Quantitative resistance to clubroot infection mediated by transgenerational epigenetic variation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liégard Benjamin , Baillet Victoire , Etcheverry Mathilde , Joseph Evens , Lariagon Christine , Lemoine Jocelyne , Evrard Aurélie , Colot Vincent , Gravot Antoine , Manzanares‐Dauleux Maria J. , Jubault Mélanie 
Published: November 2018

Summary

Quantitative disease resistance, often influenced by environmental factors, is thought to be the result of DNA sequence variants segregating at multiple loci. However, heritable differences in DNA methylation, so‐called transgenerational epigenetic variants, also could contribute to quantitative traits. Here, we tested this possibility using the well‐characterized quantitative resistance of Arabidopsis to clubroot, a Brassica major disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae.

For that, we used the epigenetic recombinant inbred lines (epiRIL) derived from the cross ddm1‐2 × Col‐0, which show extensive epigenetic variation but limited DNA sequence variation. Quantitative loci under epigenetic control (QTLepi) mapping was carried out on 123 epiRIL infected with P. brassicae and using various disease‐related traits.

EpiRIL displayed a wide range of continuous phenotypic responses. Twenty QTLepi were detected across the five chromosomes, with a bona fide epigenetic origin for 16 of them. The effect of five QTLepi was dependent on temperature conditions. Six QTLepi co‐localized with previously identified clubroot resistance genes and QTL in Arabidopsis.

Co‐localization of clubroot resistance QTLepi with previously detected DNA‐based QTL reveals a complex model in which a combination of allelic and epiallelic variations interacts with the environment to lead to variation in clubroot quantitative resistance.
Uncertainties and limitations of using carbon‐13 and oxygen‐18 leaf isotope exchange to estimate the temperature response of mesophyll CO2 conductance in C3 plants
Authors: Sonawane Balasaheb V. , Cousins Asaph B. 
Published: November 2018

Summary

The internal CO2 gradient imposed by mesophyll conductance (gm) reduces substrate availability for C3 photosynthesis. With several assumptions, estimates of gm can be made from coupled leaf gas exchange with isoflux analysis of carbon ∆13C‐gm and oxygen in CO2, coupled with transpired water (H2O) ∆18O‐gm to partition gm into its biochemical and anatomical components. However, these assumptions require validation under changing leaf temperatures.

To test these assumptions, we measured and modeled the temperature response (15–40°C) of ∆13C‐gm and ∆18O‐gm along with leaf biochemistry in the C3 grass Panicum bisulcatum, which has naturally low carbonic anhydrase activity.

Our study suggests that assumptions regarding the extent of isotopic equilibrium (θ) between CO2 and H2O at the site of exchange, and that the isotopic composition of the H2O at the sites of evaporation () and at the site of exchange () are similar, may lead to errors in estimating the ∆18O‐gm temperature response. The input parameters for ∆13C‐gm appear to be less sensitive to temperature. However, this needs to be tested in species with diverse carbonic anhydrase activity.

Additional information on the temperature dependency of cytosolic and chloroplastic pH may clarify uncertainties used for ∆18O‐gm under changing leaf temperatures.
Eligibility for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators in the adult congenital heart disease population
Authors: Garside Hannah , Leyva Francisco , Hudsmith Lucy , Marshall Howard , de Bono Joseph 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) have an increased risk of arrhythmic and sudden cardiac death. The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) provides a potentially safer alternative to transvenous ICDs in ACHD. Suitability for S‐ICD depends on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG), which is often abnormal in ACHD patients. This study investigates the proportion of ACHD patients who meet the screening criteria for S‐ICD implantation.MethodsA standard screening ECG was performed in 102 patients with complex ACHD (Tetralogy of Fallot, Fontan circulation, and transposition of the great arteries). This process was repeated postexercise for patients who also had an exercise test.ResultsThree quarters (75.4%) of ACHD patients meet screening criteria for an S‐ICD with at least one suitable vector. The most common number of acceptable vectors in the eligible group was two (35% of total population). In only 12% of total population, all three vectors were suitable while only one vector was suitable in 28% of total population. The primary vector (equivalent of ECG lead III) was the most common suitable vector, found in 62% of participants who had appropriate sensing vectors. Twenty‐five (24.5%) patients failed to meet the S‐ICD screening criteria. Of these, 14 had repaired tetralogy of Fallot. A total of 92% of patients with a Fontan circulation met ECG screening criteria. Of those who had the protocol repeated following their cardiopulmonary exercise test (n = 14), only one additional patient failed to meet the eligibility criteria.ConclusionsA quarter of ACHD patients do not meet the eligibility criteria for the S‐ICD. However, more than 90% of patients with a Fontan circulation are suitable for an S‐ICD.
Healthy hearts in pediatric heart transplant patients with an exercise and diet intervention via live video conferencing—Design and rationale
Authors: Chen Angela C. , Rosenthal David N. , Couch Sarah C. , Berry Samuel , Stauffer Katie J. , Brabender Jerrid , McDonald Nancy , Lee Donna , Barkoff Lynsey , Nourse Susan E. , Kazmucha Jeffrey , Wang C. Jason , Olson Inger , Selamet Tierney Elif Seda 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPediatric heart transplant (PedHtx) patients have increased cardiovascular risk profiles that affect their long‐term outcomes and quality of life. We designed a 12‐ to 16‐week diet and exercise intervention delivered via live video conferencing to improve cardiovascular health. Our methodology and baseline assessment of the first 13 enrolled patients are reported.MethodsInclusion criteria are as follows: (a) 8‐19 years old; (b) heart transplant >12 months; (c) ability to fast overnight; (d) cardiac clearance by cardiologist; and (e) presence of an adult at home during exercise sessions for patients <14 years old. Exclusion criteria are as follows: (a) acute illness; (b) latex allergy; (c) transplant rejection <3 months ago; and (d) multi‐organ transplantation. The intervention consists of one diet and three exercise sessions weekly via live video conferencing. Study visits are conducted at baseline, intervention completion, and end of maintenance period.ResultsA total of 13 participants (15.2 [2.3] years) have been enrolled. Median percent‐predicted VO2 max was 56.8 [20.7]% (10 patients <70%). Ten patients had abnormal endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index <1.9; 1.4 [0.325]) and 11 patients had stiff arteries (pulse wave velocity ≧5.5 m/s for 15‐19 years, ≧4.5 m/s for 8‐14 years; 5.6 [0.7] m/s). Patients had suboptimal diets (saturated fat: 22.7 [23.8] g/d, sodium: 2771 [1557] mg/d) and were sedentary at a median of 67.5 [13.8]% of their time.ConclusionsBaseline assessment confirms that PedHtx patients have abnormal cardiac, vascular, and functional health indices, poor dietary habits, and are sedentary. These results support the rationale to test the feasibility and impact of a non‐pharmacologic lifestyle intervention in this patient population.
Prevalence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in cognitively impaired elderly residents of long‐term care facilities in East Asia: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Makimoto Kiyoko , Kang Younhee , Kobayashi Sayuri , Liao Xiao‐yan , Panuthai Sirirat , Sung Huei‐chuan , Suzuki Mizue , Terada Saya , Yamakawa Miyae 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in cognitively impaired elderly residents of long‐term care facilities in East Asia and to explore the factors associated with these patterns.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional survey of BPSD in cognitively impaired elderly residents of long‐term care facilities in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Thailand.The Mini‐Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Nursing Home version (NPI‐NH), were used to assess cognitive status, dementia severity, and BPSD, respectively. NPI‐NH subscale severity scores were multiplied by frequency scores to obtain the subscale scores and aggregated into two groups based on score (clinically insignificant = 1– 3; clinically significant ≥4).ResultsData from 662 people were analyzed. Median age, median Mini‐Mental State Examination scores, and median CDR scores differed significantly among the seven study sites. The prevalence of BPSD varied from 64% in Taiwan to 100% in dementia care units in Japan, and the median total NPI‐NH scores ranged from 2 in Taiwan to 14 in dementia care units in Japan. After stratification of the sample by dementia severity and clinical significance of NPI‐NH scores, differences in the prevalence of clinically significant BPSD were mostly observed among facilities dedicated to dementia patients in the CDR 1 group. In the CDR 3 group, the prevalence of some clinically significant BPSD, such as apathy, was high even among study sites with low median total NPI‐NH scores.ConclusionsOur findings may suggest referral and selection biases in the study sites. Future prospective studies are needed to address the impact of environmental and care factors on the occurrence of BPSD in Asian countries.
Toddler risk and protective characteristics: Common and unique genetic and environmental influences
Authors: Rea‐Sandin Gianna , Clifford Sierra , Valiente Carlos , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe goal of this study was to disentangle the common and unique genetic and environmental influences on social–emotional competence, problem behavior, physiological dysregulation, and negative emotionality (NE) in toddlers. The sample consisted of 243 twin pairs (mean age =31.94 months) rated by primary caregivers (>95% mothers) on the Children's Behavior Questionnaire and the Infant‐Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment. A multivariate Cholesky Decomposition revealed three shared environmental factors, with one set of environmental influences common to competence, problem behavior, and physiological dysregulation, a second common to problem behavior and physiological dysregulation, and a third common to physiological dysregulation and NE. Also, there were two additive genetic factors, with one explaining variance in competence, NE, and a small amount of variance in problem behavior, and a second explaining variance in problem behavior and NE. Given the common shared environmental factors across outcomes, these results suggest that toddlerhood could be a particularly important time to intervene, as interventions could simultaneously improve competencies and reduce problem behaviors. This study also highlights the need for genetically informed research to examine the etiology of multiple outcomes and address overlap.
Seeking and avoiding intergroup contact: Future frontiers of research on building social integration
Authors: Paolini Stefania , Harwood Jake , Hewstone Miles , Neumann David L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOver 60 years of research and comprehensive reviews now support Gordon Allport's contact hypothesis that face‐to‐face interactions between members of opposing groups should be promoted to lessen prejudice and improve intergroup relations. Society however does not yet enjoy the full prejudice‐reducing benefits of intergroup contact because opportunities for contact are often not taken up, and segregation persists in the face of diversity. In this article, we review recent investigations on the social psychology of individuals' seeking and avoiding intergroup contact and set the stage for new research in this area. We call for a new generation of research on intergroup contact that addresses a novel and critical research question: What personal, situational, and wider social factors move individuals towards or away from engaging in intergroup contact? This research can help us design intervention strategies to ensure that opportunities for, and benefits of, intergroup contact are fully enjoyed by individuals and groups in increasingly diverse societies.
Histone acetyltransferase GCN5 contributes to cell wall integrity and salt stress tolerance by altering the expression of cellulose synthesis genes
Authors: Zheng Mei , Liu Xingbei , Lin Jingchen , Liu Xinye , Wang Zhouying , Xin Mingming , Yao Yingyin , Peng Huiru , Zhou Dao‐Xiu , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Hu Zhaorong 
Published: November 2018

SummaryExcess soluble salts in soil are harmful to the growth and development of most plants. Evidence is emerging that the plant cell wall is involved in sensing and responding to salt stress, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We reveal that the histone acetyltransferase General control non‐repressed protein 5 (GCN5) is required for the maintenance of cell wall integrity and salt stress tolerance. The levels of GCN5 mRNA are increased in response to salt stress. The gcn5 mutants exhibited severe growth inhibition and defects in cell wall integrity under salt stress conditions. Combining RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we identified the chitinase‐like gene CTL1, polygalacturonase involved in expansion‐3 (PGX3) and MYB domain protein‐54 (MYB54) as direct targets of GCN5. Acetylation of H3K9 and H3K14 mediated by GCN5 is associated with activation of CTL1, PGX3 and MYB54 under salt stress. Moreover, constitutive expression of CTL1 in the gcn5 mutant restores salt tolerance and cell wall integrity. In addition, the expression of the wheat TaGCN5 gene in Arabidopsis gcn5 mutant plants complemented the salt tolerance and cell wall integrity phenotypes, suggesting that GCN5‐mediated salt tolerance is conserved between Arabidopsis and wheat. Taken together, our data indicate that GCN5 plays a key role in the preservation of salt tolerance via versatile regulation in plants.