bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) regulates T cell responses in a murine model of food allergy
Authors: Kim Y S , Kim M N , Lee K E , Hong J Y , Oh M S , Kim S Y , Kim K W , Sohn M H 
Published: January 2018

Summary
Food allergy is a major public health problem. Studies have shown that long-term interactions between activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, and CD6, a co-stimulatory molecule, influence immune responses. However, there are currently no studies on the functions of ALCAM in food allergy. Therefore, we aimed to identify the functions of ALCAM in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy using ALCAM-deficient mice. Wild-type (WT) and ALCAM-deficient (ALCAM–/–) mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and with orally fed OVA. The mice were killed, and parameters related to food allergy and T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses were analysed. ALCAM serum levels increased and mRNA expression decreased in OVA-challenged WT mice. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, Th2 cytokine mRNA and histological injuries were higher in OVA-challenged WT mice than in control mice, and these were attenuated in ALCAM–/– mice. T cell proliferation of total cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells and activated T cells in immune tissues were diminished in OVA-challenged ALCAM–/– mice. Proliferation of co-cultured T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) was decreased by the anti-CD6 antibody. In addition, WT mice sensitized by adoptive transfer of OVA-pulsed ALCAM–/– BM-derived DCs showed reduced immune responses. Lastly, serum ALCAM levels were higher in children with food allergy than in control subjects. In this study, serum levels of ALCAM were elevated in food allergy-induced WT mice and children with food allergy. Moreover, immune responses and T cell activation were attenuated in OVA-challenged ALCAM–/– mice. These results indicate that ALCAM regulates food allergy by affecting T cell activation.
Implementing legislative strengthening programmes: Who is in control?
Authors: Guinn David E. , Straussman Jeffrey D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOver the last few decades, international development (also known as Official Development Assistance (ODA)) has been under attack for its lack of effectiveness. Critiques reflect two conceptual challenges, the nature of expert knowledge and the centrality of local ownership of development initiatives, bounded by the practical constraint of how politically controlled resources from bilateral and international donors will be used. This article examines five implementation strategies, including their strengths and weaknesses, keyed to the level of control asserted by the donor agency. We illustrate our argument through a review of legislative strengthening projects, most of which were funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID) in the case of one of the models.
What does scalp electroencephalogram coherence tell us about long‐range cortical networks?
Authors: Snyder Adam C. , Issar Deepa , Smith Matthew A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLong‐range interactions between cortical areas are undoubtedly a key to the computational power of the brain. For healthy human subjects, the premier method for measuring brain activity on fast timescales is electroencephalography (EEG), and coherence between EEG signals is often used to assay functional connectivity between different brain regions. However, the nature of the underlying brain activity that is reflected in EEG coherence is currently the realm of speculation, because seldom have EEG signals been recorded simultaneously with intracranial recordings near cell bodies in multiple brain areas. Here, we take the early steps towards narrowing this gap in our understanding of EEG coherence by measuring local field potentials with microelectrode arrays in two brain areas (extrastriate visual area V4 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) simultaneously with EEG at the nearby scalp in rhesus macaque monkeys. Although we found inter‐area coherence at both scales of measurement, we did not find that scalp‐level coherence was reliably related to coherence between brain areas measured intracranially on a trial‐to‐trial basis, despite that scalp‐level EEG was related to other important features of neural oscillations, such as trial‐to‐trial variability in overall amplitudes. This suggests that caution must be exercised when interpreting EEG coherence effects, and new theories devised about what aspects of neural activity long‐range coherence in the EEG reflects.
Choosing among alternative refuges: Distances and directions
Authors: Cooper William E. , Samia Diogo S. M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany prey flee to refuges to escape from approaching predators, but little is known about how they select one among many refuges available. The problem of choice among alternative refuges has not been modeled previously, but a recent model that predicts flight initiation distance (FID = predator–prey distance when escape starts) for a prey fleeing to a refuge provides a basis for predicting which refuge should be chosen. Because fleeing is costly, prey should choose to flee to the refuge permitting the shortest FID. The model predicts that the more distant of two refuges can be favored if it is not too far and if the prey's trajectory to the farther refuge is more away from the predator than the direction to the nearer refuge. The difference in predicted FID between the farther and nearer refuges increases curvilinearly as the interpath angle for the farther refuge increases. The difference in predicted FID between the farther and nearer refuges increases linearly as the distance to the farther refuge increases. An isocline describing where nearer and farther refuges are equally favored shows a negative curvilinear relationship between interpath angle and prey distance to the farther refuge. In the region below the isocline, the farther refuge is favored, whereas above the isocline the prey should flee to the nearer refuge.
Performance measurement systems in public service networks. The what, who, and how of control
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Arnaboldi Michela 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study explores the concept of a network Performance Measurement System (PMS) and how it helps in terms of what is being controlled in the network, which exerts control and how this control is achieved. In analyzing PMSs, the distinction was made between their hierarchical and their socializing components. An exploratory case study was carried out on a public service network in charge of a local public transport. Findings from the case study are used to reach a preliminary conceptualization whereby network PMSs are systems consisting of three main building blocks activated on demand by three main network actors and where there is coexistence and blending between hierarchical and socializing practices.
Drug‐induced aseptic meningitis: a mini‐review
Authors: Yelehe‐Okouma Melissa , Czmil‐Garon Julie , Pape Elise , Petitpain Nadine , Gillet Pierre 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAseptic meningitis associates a typical clinical picture of meningitis with the absence of bacterial or fungal material in the cerebrospinal fluid. Drug‐induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) may be due to two mechanisms: (i) a direct meningeal irritation caused by the intrathecal administration of drugs and (ii) an immunologic hypersensitivity reaction to a systemic administration. If the direct meningeal irritation allows a rather easy recognition, the immunologic hypersensitivity reaction is a source of challenging diagnostics. DIAM linked to a systemic treatment exerts typically an early onset, usually within a week. This period can be shortened to a few hours in case of drug rechallenge. The fast and spontaneous regression of clinical symptoms is usual after stopping the suspected drug. Apart from these chronological aspects, no specific clinical or biological parameters are pathognomonic. CSF analysis usually shows pleiocytosis. The proteinorachia is increased while glycorachia remains normal. Underlying pathologies can stimulate the occurrence of DIAM. Thus, systemic lupus erythematosus appears to promote DIAM during NSAID therapy, especially ibuprofen‐based one. Similarly, some patients with chronic migraine are prone to intravenous immunoglobulin‐induced aseptic meningitis. DIAM will be mainly evoked on chronological criteria such as rapid occurrence after initiation, rapid regression after discontinuation, and recurrence after rechallenge of the suspected drug. When occurring, positive rechallenge may be very useful in the absence of initial diagnosis. Finally, DIAM remains a diagnosis of elimination. It should be suggested only after all infectious causes have been ruled out.
Seed longevity and seedling emergence rate of Urochloa decumbens as influenced by sowing depth in a Cerrado soil
Authors: Dantas‐Junior A. B. , Musso C. , Miranda H. S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUrochloa decumbens (Signal grass) is an African grass species that is widely used in Brazil for pasture formation, and it has a high potential for invading natural areas. This study evaluated the longevity of U. decumbens seeds in the soil seed bank and the emergence rates of seedlings from different depths. In the greenhouse (natural light; ~25°C), seeds were sown at depths of 0, 1, 2 or 3 cm, in trays filled with sterile soil, to assess seedling emergence. Seeds sowed on the soil surface began to germinate 3 days after sowing. Seeds sowed at depths of 2 and 3 cm germinated 5 days after sowing. No seedlings emerged after 15 days. The seedling emergence rate was 74 ± 7% with no significant difference between sowing depths. In the field, seed longevity was evaluated by burying 60 replicates of 100 seeds at a soil depth of 2–3 cm, in a Cerrado area in the IBGE Ecological Reserve, Brasília. From September 2016 to April 2017, five samples were retrieved monthly to assess seed viability. In September, the viability was 68%, declining to 3% in October; by February, viable seeds were no longer recorded. As U. decumbens flowers in several episodes throughout the year, a soil survey may result in a misleading interpretation of the formation of a permanent soil seed bank.
Effect of Heterogeneous Sediment Distributions on Hyporheic Flow in Physical and Numerical Models
Authors: Stonedahl Susa H. , Sawyer Audrey H. , Stonedahl Forrest , Reiter Caleb , Gibson Caleb 
Published: January 2018

AbstractVariations in permeability have been found to significantly affect the flow of water though hyporheic systems, especially in regions with discontinuous transitions between distinct streambed lithologies. In this study, we probabilistically arranged two sediments (sand and sandy gravel) in a grid framework and imposed a single hyporheic flow cell across the grid to investigate how discontinuous permeability fields influence volumetric flow and residence time distributions. We used both a physical system and computer simulations to model flow through this sediment grid. A solution of blue dye and salt was pumped into the system and used to detect flow. We recorded the dye location using time‐lapse photography and measured the electrolytic conductivity levels as the water exited the system as a proxy for salt concentration. We also used a computer simulation to calculate dye‐fronts, residence times, and exiting salt concentrations for the modeled system. Comparison between simulations and physical measurements yielded strong agreement. In further simulations with 300 different grids, we found a strong correlation between volumetric flow rate and the placement of high permeability grid cells in regions of high hydraulic head gradients. One implication is that small anomalies in streambed permeability have a disproportionately large influence on hyporheic flows when located near steep head gradients such as steps. We also used moving averages with varying window sizes to investigate the effect of the abruptness of transitions between sediment types. We found that smoother permeability fields increased the volumetric flow rate and decreased the median residence times.
Association between bacteria occurring in the apical canal system and expression of bone‐resorbing mediators and matrix metalloproteinases in apical periodontitis
Authors: Takahama A. , Rôças I. N. , Faustino I. S. P. , Alves F. R. F. , Azevedo R. S. , Gomes C. C. , Araújo‐Filho W. R. , Siqueira J. F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the association between the presence of selected bacterial species/groups in the apical root canal and expression of mediators of soft and bone tissue destruction in apical periodontitis lesions. Relationships between bacteria and some other features of apical periodontitis were also investigated.MethodologySeventeen freshly extracted teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis were included. The apical root segment was sectioned and cryopulverized; DNA was extracted and evaluated for the presence of 9 bacterial species/groups using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Lesions were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, which targeted matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and ‐9 (MMP‐9), receptor activator of NFκB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Associations of the target bacteria with expression of these mediators, presence of symptoms, lesion size and histopathological diagnosis were evaluated. Data were analysed using the chi‐square, Fisher's exact, Mann–Whitney and Pearson tests. P values lower than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsAll pulverized apical root samples were positive for bacteria. The most prevalent taxa were Actinobacteria (53%), Streptococcus species (35%), Fusobacterium species and Parvimonas micra (18%). The target mediators exhibited a high mean expression in the lesions (MMP‐2: 82%; MMP‐9: 73%; RANK: 78%; RANKL; 81%; OPG; 83%). Mean RANKL:OPG ratio was significantly higher in granulomas than cysts (P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney test). Actinobacteria were associated with granulomas, higher MMP‐2 expression, lower OPG expression, and higher RANKL:OPG ratio (P < 0.05 for all, Fisher's exact test or Mann–Whitney test). No other significant associations were found.ConclusionActinobacteria may play an important role in the active phase of soft and bone tissue destruction in apical periodontitis.
Differences in root canal system configuration in human permanent teeth within different age groups
Authors: Martins J. N. R. , Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Marques D. , Francisco H. , Caramês J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo analyse the differences in root canal system configuration in patients belonging to different age groups using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology.MethodologyCBCT examinations from a pre‐existing database were accessed. Patients were divided according to age groups: ‘≤20 years’, ‘21–40 years’, ‘41–60 years’ and ‘≥61 years’. Each group included tooth data regarding their root canal system configurations according to the Vertucci classification and its supplementary configurations. Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement was calculated to evaluate observer reliability.ResultsOverall 12 325 teeth from 670 patients were included. Most of the root groups had higher or equal prevalence of Vertucci type I configurations in the younger groups whilst presenting a greater tendency for multiple root canal system configurations in older patients, mainly Vertucci type II in both maxillary and mandibular second premolars and in the distal root of the mandibular first molar. The Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement was 89.4 ± 1.8%.ConclusionClinicians should be aware that the root canal system configuration changes over a lifetime. In this study, the most affected teeth were the second premolars and the distal root of mandibular first molars.
The outcome of patients with severe and severe‐complicated Clostridium difficile infection treated with tigecycline combination therapy: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Bishop Emma J. , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Metcalfe Julie , Marshall Catherine , Botha John , Kelley Peter G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundTigecycline is a third‐line therapy for severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Australasian guidelines. Differences in strain types make it difficult to extrapolate international tigecycline efficacy data with combination or monotherapy to Australian practice, where experience is limited.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects associated with tigecycline combination therapy for severe and severe‐complicated CDI in an Australian healthcare setting.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study at a metropolitan university‐affiliated hospital. All patients between February 2013 and October 2016 treated with adjunctive intravenous tigecycline for >48 h for severe or severe‐complicated CDI were included. Tigecycline was given in addition to oral vancomycin ± intravenous metronidazole. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at 30 days from start of tigecycline combination therapy. Secondary outcomes included clinical cure, colectomy, adverse events and recurrence rates.ResultsThirteen patients with median age of 61 years had severe (n = 9) or severe‐complicated (n = 4) CDI at tigecycline commencement. In 92% of patients, tigecycline started within 48 h after in‐hospital CDI treatment, for median duration of 9 days. All‐cause mortality at 30 days was 8% with no mortality in severe CDI and 25% (1/4) in patients with severe‐complicated fulminant CDI, comparing favourably with historical rates of 9–38% and 30–80% in similar respective groups. Clinical cure was achieved in 77% of cases. There were no colectomies and one attributable tigecycline adverse reaction.ConclusionsTigecycline appears safe and effective as a part of combination therapy in severe CDI, and may be given earlier and for shorter durations than in current guidelines.
Plasticity effect of rider–horse interaction on genetic evaluations for Show Jumping discipline in sport horses
Authors: Bartolomé E. , Menéndez‐Buxadera A. , Molina A. , Valera M. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryTo obtain a sport horse that excels in the highest levels of competition, breeders must take into account certain genetic and environmental factors that could influence the sport horse's performance, such as the rider–horse interaction (RHI). The main aim of this study was to describe this interaction in a genetic model by modelling it in relation to the horse's age. A total of 31,129 sport results from Spanish Sport Horses were used from a total of 1,101 animals evaluated, and these were grouped in three age levels and had been ridden by 606 different riders. Only riders who had ridden more than one horse (and vice‐versa) were considered for the analyses. Five linear models with different random effects were analysed according to the covariates, the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the RHI and the relevant residual random effects. The model of best fit was then selected for the genetic evaluation of the animal. In general, models including the RHI effect (M2, M4 and M5) fitted better than the other models, and the best fit was obtained for M4 (with heterogeneous residual variance). The genetic variance increased constantly with age, whereas heritability showed a response on three intervals. This study revealed the varied evolution of the RHI with age, showing the different “plastic abilities” of this relationship.
Wild‐type p53 enhances endothelial barrier function by mediating RAC1 signalling and RhoA inhibition
Authors: Barabutis Nektarios , Dimitropoulou Christiana , Gregory Betsy , Catravas John D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInflammation is the major cause of endothelial barrier hyper‐permeability, associated with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study reports that p53 “orchestrates” the defence of vascular endothelium against LPS, by mediating the opposing actions of Rac1 and RhoA in pulmonary tissues. Human lung microvascular endothelial cells treated with HSP90 inhibitors activated both Rac1‐ and P21‐activated kinase, which is an essential element of vascular barrier function. 17AAG increased the phosphorylation of both LIMK and cofilin, in contrast to LPS which counteracted those effects. Mouse lung microvascular endothelial cells exposed to LPS exhibited decreased expression of phospho‐cofilin. 17AAG treatment resulted in reduced levels of active cofilin. Silencing of cofilin pyridoxal phosphate phosphatase (PDXP) blocked the LPS‐induced hyper‐permeability, and P53 inhibition reversed the 17AAG‐induced PDXP down‐regulation. P190RHOGAP suppression enhanced the LPS‐triggered barrier dysfunction in endothelial monolayers. 17AAG treatment resulted in P190RHOGAP induction and blocked the LPS‐induced pMLC2 up‐regulation in wild‐type mice. Pulmonary endothelial cells from “super p53” mice, which carry additional p53‐tg alleles, exhibited a lower response to LPS than the controls. Collectively, our findings help elucidate the mechanisms by which p53 operates to enhance barrier function.
Is frequency of family meals associated with fruit and vegetable intake among preschoolers? A logistic regression analysis
Authors: Caldwell A. R. , Terhorst L. , Skidmore E. R. , Bendixen R. M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to examine the associations between frequency of family meals and low fruit and vegetable intake in preschool children. Promoting healthy nutrition early in life is recommended for combating childhood obesity. Frequency of family meals is associated with fruit and vegetable intake in school‐age children and adolescents; the relationship in young children is less clear.MethodsWe completed a secondary analysis using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Birth Cohort. Participants included children, born in the year 2001, to mothers who were >15 years old (n = 8 950). Data were extracted from structured parent interviews during the year prior to kindergarten. We used hierarchical logistic regression to describe the relationships between frequency of family meals and low fruit and vegetable intake.ResultsFrequency of family meals was associated with low fruit and vegetable intake. The odds of low fruit and vegetable intake were greater for preschoolers who shared less than three evening family meals per week (odds ratio = 1.5, β = 0.376, P < 0.001) than preschoolers who shared the evening meal with family every night.ConclusionsFruit and vegetable intake is related to frequency of family meals in preschool‐age children. Educating parents about the potential benefits of frequent shared meals may lead to a higher fruit and vegetable consumption among preschoolers. Future studies should address other factors that likely contribute to eating patterns during the preschool years.