bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene cloning of ZmMYB59 transcription factor in maize and its expression during seed germination in response to deep‐sowing and exogenous hormones
Authors: Du Longgang , Jiang Hongye , Zhao Guangwu , Ren Jingyu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDiscovering the key genes responsible for deep‐sowing germination is very meaningful to cultivate maize varieties with strong germination ability in soil. In this study, ZmMYB59 gene whose functions remain unknown was successfully cloned. Subcellular localization showed that ZmMYB59 was localized in the nucleus. By analysing cis‐acting elements of its promoter sequence, many elements of MYB binding domain responsive to hormones (particularly gibberellin, GA) were found. On this basis, ZmMYB59 expression in different sowing depths, germination stages, tissues and treatments was analysed by real‐time PCR. ZmMYB59 expression levels in embryos or seedlings were significantly decreased with the increase in sowing depth at 2 days or 4 days after sowing (DAS). Further analysis showed that its expression in mesocotyls was also significantly downregulated with the increase in sowing depth at both 6 DAS and 8 DAS. Similarly, seed soaking with 10‐5 M GA3 inhibited ZmMYB59 expression in mesocotyls at 3 DAS. These results suggest that ZmMYB59 may play a negative regulatory role in seed germination in deep soil and the regulation is involved in GA signalling pathway.
Considerations in surgical management of a Buschke–Lowenstein tumor in Netherton syndrome: A case report
Authors: Ashton Rosalind , Moledina Jamil , Sivakumar Branavan , Mellerio Jemima E. , Martinez Anna E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNetherton syndrome is an autosomal recessive ichthyosis caused by mutations in SPINK5, with the classic triad of linearis circumflexa, trichorrhexis invaginata, and atopy. There are few reports of surgical management in individuals with Netherton syndrome and clinicians may be reluctant to operate for fear of wound‐healing complications. This report describes a pediatric case of a Buschke–Lowenstein tumor of the natal cleft in a patient with Netherton syndrome that had failed to respond to medical management. We reviewed the literature for previous cases of surgery in individuals with Netherton syndrome using MEDLINE and PubMed searches. Our patient underwent surgery to remove the lesion without complication. Using conventional dressings and topical negative‐pressure therapy, the wound was managed and healed within a reasonable time frame despite the underlying skin condition. This case indicates that surgery and topical negative‐pressure therapy is a safe and reasonable treatment for individuals with Netherton syndrome.
Infantile hemangiomas with conjunctival involvement: An underreported occurrence
Authors: Theiler Martin , Baselga Eulalia , Gerth‐Kahlert Christina , Mathes Erin F. , Schwieger‐Briel Agnes , Chaloupka Karla , Weibel Lisa , Frieden Ilona J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesInfantile hemangiomas (IHs) involving the conjunctiva are only anecdotally reported in the literature and little is known about their clinical course. In a retrospective case series we aimed to better delineate the clinical presentation, complications, and response to treatment of this uncommon subtype of IH. A classification of conjunctival IH is proposed.MethodsMedical charts at three academic pediatric dermatology institutions were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected on the clinical characteristics, ophthalmologic findings, treatments, and outcomes of 22 individuals with conjunctival IH.ResultsGrowth characteristics of conjunctival IH closely mirrored those of their cutaneous counterparts. Ophthalmologic abnormalities were associated with the IH in six individuals (27%); in three, they were considered severe. Seventeen subjects (77%) required treatment, most commonly because of risk of ocular compromise. All treated individuals responded favorably to topical timolol or systemic propranolol.ConclusionConjunctival IH have clinical characteristics similar to those of cutaneous IH and respond readily to beta‐blocker treatment. Ocular complications may occur in a minority of individuals receiving treatment.
Extracellular Matrix Containing in vitro Three‐dimensional Tumor Models in Photodynamic Therapy‐related Research
Authors: Čunderlíková Beata 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) tumor models have been intensively evaluated for their use in cancer research, and there is a strong rationale behind using 3D cell cultures in photodynamic therapy (PDT)‐related experimentation. In this contribution, it is explained why 3D cell cultures containing extracellular matrix (ECM) are preferred for this purpose. Results of experimental studies utilizing ECM‐containing 3D cellular models in PDT research are summarized. Finally, the design of in vitro 3D models that would provide clinically relevant information is discussed.
Mediatory Versus Legalistic Discourse in Chinese Courts
Authors: He Xin , Li Luoyun , Feng Yuqing 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDrawing from detailed courtroom discourses on divorce cases in China, this article provides a micro‐level comparison between two styles of case handling: mediatory and legalistic. The two styles differ in discourse multiplicity, discourse interchange, interruption, and dispute processing. It finds that in terms of dispute resolution, the mediatory style seems to fare better than the legalistic style. One major reason for the difference is that the legalistic style tends to suppress rather than uncover what truly matters for the litigants. The mediatory style also seems to better fit the cultural expectation of suburban and rural China. The findings compel reconsideration of the extent to which rule formalism in transitional China should be promoted.
Prevalence and factors associated with age-related macular degeneration in a southwestern island population of Japan: the Kumejima Study
Authors: Obata Ryo , Yanagi Yasuo , Inoue Tatsuya , Yasuda Miho , Oshima Yuji , Sawaguchi Shoichi , Iwase Aiko , Araie Makoto 
Published: November 2017

AimsTo evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a rural population of southwestern Japan.MethodsThis population-based cross-sectional study of all residents aged 40 years or older was conducted on the island of Kumejima, Okinawa, Japan. Of 4632 eligible residents, 3762 completed a comprehensive questionnaire and underwent ocular examination (participant rate, 81.2%). A non-mydriatic fundus photograph was used to grade AMD lesions according to the Wisconsin protocol. Prevalence of AMD was calculated and factors associated with AMD were identified by logistic regression.ResultsOf 3068 subjects with gradable photographs, 469 had early AMD and 4 had late AMD. Age-adjusted prevalence was 13.4% for any AMD, 13.3% for early AMD and 0.09% for late AMD. In multivariate analysis, any AMD was positively associated with age (OR 1.04 per year, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.05), male sex (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.75) and history of cataract surgery (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.82) and was negatively associated with longer axial length (OR 0.85 per millimetre, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96). Early AMD similarly showed significant associations with these same factors.ConclusionsPrevalence of early or late AMD in a southwestern island population of Japan was 13.4% or 0.09%. Our data suggest relatively high prevalence for early AMD and low prevalence for late AMD in this sample of rural Japanese population. Significant factors associated with any or early AMD were mostly similar to that of previous studies.
Ocular findings in Loeys-Dietz syndrome
Authors: Busch Catharina , Voitl Robert , Goergen Barbara , Zemojtel Tomasz , Gehle Petra , Salchow Daniel J 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundLoeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), an autosomal-dominant connective tissue disorder, is characterised by systemic manifestations including arterial aneurysm and craniofacial dysmorphologies. Although ocular involvement in LDS has been reported, detailed information on those manifestations is lacking.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients with diagnosed LDS and comparison with age-matched control patients.ResultsMean age was 37.8±14.6 years (patients with LDS) and 38.4±13.5 years (controls). Patients with LDS less frequently had iris transillumination, cataract and glaucoma compared with controls. Scleral and retinal vascular abnormalities were not found in any of the LDS eyes. Ectopia lentis was found in one patient with LDS. The eyes of patients with LDS tended to be more myopic (spherical equivalent, −2.47±2.70 dioptres (dpt) vs −1.30±2.96dpt (controls); P=0.08) and longer (24.6±1.7mm vs 24.1±1.5mm (controls); P=0.10). Central corneal thickness was significantly reduced in LDS eyes (521±48µm vs 542±37µm (controls); P=0.02). Corneal curvature (43.06±1.90dpt (LDS) versus 43.00±1.37dpt (controls); P=0.72) and interpupillary distance (65.0±6.0mm (LDS) vs 64.3±4.8mm (controls); P=0.66) did not differ significantly between both groups. Visual acuity was similar between both groups (0.03±0.09logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for LDS eyes and 0.05±0.17logMAR for control eyes, P=0.47).ConclusionsOcular features of LDS include decreased central corneal thickness and mild myopia. Ectopia lentis may be slightly more common than in controls but appears less common than in Marfan syndrome. Hypertelorism, scleral and retinal vascular abnormalities were not features of LDS.
Comparison of Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial: a protocol for the pragmatic randomised study of appendicitis treatment
Authors: Davidson Giana H , Flum David R , Talan David A , Kessler Larry G , Lavallee Danielle C , Bizzell Bonnie J , Farjah Farhood , Stewart Skye D , Krishnadasan Anusha , Carney Erin E , Wolff Erika M , Comstock Bryan A , Monsell Sarah E , Heagerty Patrick J , Ehlers Annie P , DeUgarte Daniel A , Kaji Amy H , Evans Heather L , Yu Julianna T , Mandell Katherine A , Doten Ian C , Clive Kevin S , McGrane Karen M , Tudor Brandon C , Foster Careen S , Saltzman Darin J , Thirlby Richard C , Lange Erin O , Sabbatini Amber K , Moran Gregory J 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionSeveral European studies suggest that some patients with appendicitis can be treated safely with antibiotics. A portion of patients eventually undergo appendectomy within a year, with 10%–15% failing to respond in the initial period and a similar additional proportion with suspected recurrent episodes requiring appendectomy. Nearly all patients with appendicitis in the USA are still treated with surgery. A rigorous comparative effectiveness trial in the USA that is sufficiently large and pragmatic to incorporate usual variations in care and measures the patient experience is needed to determine whether antibiotics are as good as appendectomy.ObjectivesThe Comparing Outcomes of Antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial for acute appendicitis aims to determine whether the antibiotic treatment strategy is non-inferior to appendectomy.Methods/AnalysisCODA is a randomised, pragmatic non-inferiority trial that aims to recruit 1552 English-speaking and Spanish-speaking adults with imaging-confirmed appendicitis. Participants are randomised to appendectomy or 10 days of antibiotics (including an option for complete outpatient therapy). A total of 500 patients who decline randomisation but consent to follow-up will be included in a parallel observational cohort. The primary analytic outcome is quality of life (measured by the EuroQol five dimension index) at 4 weeks. Clinical adverse events, rate of eventual appendectomy, decisional regret, return to work/school, work productivity and healthcare utilisation will be compared. Planned exploratory analyses will identify subpopulations that may have a differential risk of eventual appendectomy in the antibiotic treatment arm.Ethics and disseminationThis trial was approved by the University of Washington’s Human Subjects Division. Results from this trial will be presented in international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT02800785.
Knowledge, attitudes and intention regarding mHealth in generation Y: evidence from a population based cross sectional study in Chakaria, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M Shafiqur , Hanifi Syed , Khatun Fatema , Iqbal Mohammad , Rasheed Sabrina , Ahmed Tanvir , Hoque Shahidul , Sharmin Tamanna , Khan Nazib-Uz Zaman , Mahmood Shehrin Shaila , Bhuiya Abbas 
Published: November 2017

Background and objectivesmHealth offers a new opportunity to ensure access to qualified healthcare providers. Therefore, to better understand its potential in Bangladesh, it is important to understand how young people use mobile phones for healthcare. Here we examine the knowledge, attitudes and intentions to use mHealth services among young population.DesignPopulation based cross sectional household survey.Setting and participantsA total of 4909 respondents, aged 18 years and above, under the Chakaria Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) area, were interviewed during the period November 2012 to April 2013.MethodsParticipants younger than 30 years of age were defined as young (or generation Y). To examine the level of knowledge about and intention towards mHealth services in generation Y compared with their older counterparts, the percentage of the respective outcome measure from a 2×2 contingency table and adjusted odds ratio (aOR), which controls for potential confounders such as mobile ownership, sex, education, occupation and socioeconomic status, were estimated. The aOR was estimated using both the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel approach and multivariable logistic regression models controlling for confounders.ResultsGeneration Y had significantly greater access to mobile phones (50%vs40%) and better knowledge about its use for healthcare (37.8%vs27.5%;aOR 1.6 (95% CI1.3 to 2.0)). Furthermore, the level of knowledge about two existing mHealth services in generation Y was significantly higher compared with their older counterparts, with aOR values of 3.2 (95% CI 2.6 to 5.5) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.8), respectively. Similarly, generation Y showed significantly greater intention towards future use of mHealth services compared with their older counterparts (aOR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4)). The observed associations were not modified by sociodemographic factors.ConclusionThere is a greater potential for mHealth services in the future among young people compared with older age groups. However, given the low overall use of mHealth, appropriate policy measures need to be formulated to enhance availability, access, utilisation and effectiveness of mHealth services.
Preventing type 2 diabetes: systematic review of studies of cost-effectiveness of lifestyle programmes and metformin, with and without screening, for pre-diabetes
Authors: Roberts Samantha , Barry Eleanor , Craig Dawn , Airoldi Mara , Bevan Gwyn , Greenhalgh Trisha 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveExplore the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and metformin in reducing subsequent incidence of type 2 diabetes, both alone and in combination with a screening programme to identify high-risk individuals.DesignSystematic review of economic evaluations.Data sources and eligibility criteriaDatabase searches (Embase, Medline, PreMedline, NHS EED) and citation tracking identified economic evaluations of lifestyle interventions or metformin alone or in combination with screening programmes in people at high risk of developing diabetes. The International Society for Pharmaco-economics and Outcomes Research’s Questionnaire to Assess Relevance and Credibility of Modelling Studies for Informing Healthcare Decision Making was used to assess study quality.Results27 studies were included; all had evaluated lifestyle interventions and 12 also evaluated metformin. Primary studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity in definitions of pre-diabetes and intensity and duration of lifestyle programmes. Lifestyle programmes and metformin appeared to be cost effective in preventing diabetes in high-risk individuals (median incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of £7490/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and £8428/QALY, respectively) but economic estimates varied widely between studies. Intervention-only programmes were in general more cost effective than programmes that also included a screening component. The longer the period evaluated, the more cost-effective interventions appeared. In the few studies that evaluated other economic considerations, budget impact of prevention programmes was moderate (0.13%–0.2% of total healthcare budget), financial payoffs were delayed (by 9–14 years) and impact on incident cases of diabetes was limited (0.1%–1.6% reduction). There was insufficient evidence to answer the question of (1) whether lifestyle programmes are more cost effective than metformin or (2) whether low-intensity lifestyle interventions are more cost effective than the more intensive lifestyle programmes that were tested in trials.ConclusionsThe economics of preventing diabetes are complex. There is some evidence that diabetes prevention programmes are cost effective, but the evidence base to date provides few clear answers regarding design of prevention programmes because of differences in denominator populations, definitions, interventions and modelling assumptions.
Impact of informal caregiving on older adults’ physical and mental health in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional, secondary analysis based on the WHO’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE)
Authors: Lambert Sylvie D , Bowe Steven J , Livingston Patricia M , Heckel Leila , Cook Selina , Kowal Paul , Orellana Liliana 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesA high proportion of care stemming from chronic disease or disability in low-income and middle-income countries is provided by informal caregivers. The goal of this study was to determine the level of burden experienced by these caregivers, explore associated factors and assess whether caregivers’ and non-caregivers’ health differed.Design and settingThis cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data on caregivers’ burden, health and health risk factors in Ghana, India and the Russian Federation collected as part of the WHO’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1.ParticipantsCaregivers in Ghana (n=143), India (n=490) and Russia (n=270) completed the measures.Outcome measuresFactors associated (ie, demographics and caregiving profile variables) with burden were explored among caregivers. Then, quality of life (QOL), perceived stress, depression, self-rated health (SRH) and health risk factors were compared between caregivers and matched non-caregivers (1:2).ResultsThe largest caregiving subgroups were spouses and adult children. Caregivers mostly cared for one person and provided financial, social/emotional and/or physical support, but received little support themselves. Burden level ranged from 17.37 to 20.03. Variables associated with burden were mostly country-specific; however, some commonality for wealth, type of care and caregiving duration was noted. Caregivers with a moderate or high level of burden reported lower QOL and higher perceived stress than those experiencing low burden. Caregivers reported lower QOL and SRH than non-caregivers.ConclusionGiven the lack of support received and consequences of the burden endured by caregivers, policy and programme initiatives are needed to ensure that caregivers in low- and middle-income countries can fulfil their role without compromising their own health.
AreIL18RAPgene polymorphisms associated with body mass regulation? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Martínez-Barquero Vanesa , Marco Griselda de , Martínez-Hervas Sergio , Adam-Felici Victoria , Pérez-Soriano Cristina , Gonzalez-Albert Verónica , Rojo Gemma , Ascaso Juan Francisco , Real José Tomás , Garcia-Garcia Ana Barbara , Martín-Escudero Juan Carlos , Cortes Raquel , Chaves Felipe Javier 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the association betweenIL18RAPand body mass index (BMI) and obesity and to verify the effect of a polymorphism in the microRNA136 (MIR136)IL18RAPbinding region.DesignWe analysed samples from two Spanish cross-sectional studies, VALCAR (Spanish Mediterranean coast) and Hortega (Spanish centre). These studies aimed at analysing cardiovascular risk and development of cardiovascular disease in the general population. Both populations correspond to regions with different characteristics.SettingFiveIL18RAPsingle nucleotide polymorphisms were selected using the SYSNPs web tool and analysed by oligonucleotide ligation assay (SNPlex). For the MIR136 functional study, cells were transfected with plasmids containing different rs7559479 polymorphism alleles and analysed by luciferase reporter assays.Participants1970 individuals (Caucasian, both genders): VALCAR (468) and Hortega (1502).Resultsrs2293225, rs2272127 and rs7559479 showed the following associations: rs7559479 G allele correlated with a higher obesity risk (P=0.01; OR=1.82; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.87 for the VALCAR group; P=0.033; OR=1.35; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.79 for the Hortega population) and higher body mass index (BMI) values (P=0.0045; P=0.1 for VALCAR and Hortega, respectively); a significant association with obesity (P=0.0024, OR=1.44, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.82) and increased BMI values (P=0.008) was found when considering both populations together. rs2293225 T allele was associated with lower obesity risk (P=0.036; OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.96) and lower BMI values (P=0.0038; OR=1.41) while the rs2272127 G allele was associated with lower obesity risk (P=0.028; OR=0.66; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.97) only in the VALCAR population. A reporter assay showed that the presence of the A allele in rs7559479 was associated with increased MIR136 binding toIL18RAP.ConclusionsOur results suggest that polymorphisms inIL18RAPinfluence susceptibility to obesity. We demonstrated that the A allele in rs7559479 increases MIR136 binding, which regulates IL-18 system activity.