bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of longitudinal health‐related quality‐of‐life change in children with asthma from low‐income families: a report from the PROMIS® Pediatric Asthma Study
Authors: Li Z. , Leite W. L. , Thompson L. A. , Gross H. E. , Shenkman E. A. , Reeve B. B. , DeWalt D. A. , Huang I.‐C. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBackgroundHow the longitudinal asthma control status and other socio‐demographic factors influence the changes of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among asthmatic children, especially from low‐income families, has not been fully investigated.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the trajectories of asthma‐specific HRQOL over 15 months and examine the effect of asthma control status on HRQOL by taking socio‐demographic factors into consideration.MethodsA total of 229 dyads of asthmatic children and their parents enroled in public insurance programs were recruited for assessing asthma control status and HRQOL over four time points of assessment. Asthma control status was measured using the Asthma Control and Communication Instrument, and asthma‐specific HRQOL was assessed using the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System's Pediatric Asthma Impact Scale. Latent growth models (LGMs) were applied to examine the trajectory of HRQOL and the factors contributing to the changes of HRQOL.ResultsUnconditional LGM revealed that HRQOL was improved over time. Conditional LGM suggested that accounting for asthma control and participants' socio‐demographic factors, the variation in the initial level of HRQOL was significant, yet the rate of change was not. Conditional LGM also revealed that poorly controlled asthma status was associated with poor HRQOL at each time point (P's < 0.05). Lower parental education was associated with lower baseline HRQOL (P < 0.05). Hispanic children had a larger increase in HRQOL over time (P < 0.01) than non‐Hispanic White children.ConclusionsVulnerable socio‐demographic characteristics and poorly controlled asthma status affect HRQOL in children. This finding encourages interventions to improve asthma control status and HRQOL in minority children.
Abnormal vocal cord movement in patients with and without airway obstruction and asthma symptoms
Authors: Low K. , Ruane L. , Uddin N. , Finlay P. , Lau K. K. , Hamza K. , Holmes P. W. , Hamilton G. , Bardin P. G. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBackgroundAbnormal vocal cord movements can cause laryngeal extrathoracic airway obstruction (often called vocal cord dysfunction – VCD) leading to asthma‐like symptoms. These aberrant movements are characteristically present during inspiration and termed paradoxical vocal cord movement (PVCM). We have reported PVCM in up to 40% of severe asthmatics, but it is not known if PVCM is detectable in all patients with asthma‐like symptoms and if the condition is more often associated with abnormal lung function.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that PVCM is frequently associated with asthma symptoms accompanied by airflow limitation. Studies examined whether PVCM is solely linked to experiencing asthma symptoms, or if PVCM is related to airflow limitation and/or other disease characteristics.MethodsPatients with asthma symptoms were recruited from general practice and severe asthma clinics (n = 155). Pulmonary function measurements were conducted, asthma control and Nijmegen (dysfunctional breathing) questionnaires were administered and skin prick testing was carried out. PVCM was quantified using dynamic 320‐slice computerized tomography of the larynx. Groups were divided into patients with FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted or FEV1 < 80% predicted and FEV1/FVC < 0.7. ATS/ERS definitions of severity were also applied and evaluated. Detection of PVCM in the groups was compared and analyses performed to identify features associated with PVCM.ResultsOverall (n = 155), PVCM was detected in 42 cases (27.1%). Patients with FEV1 < 80% predicted had PVCM more often (25/68, 36.8%) than individuals with normal spirometry (17/87, 19.5%; P = 0.016). PVCM was associated with older age (P = 0.003) and with Nijmegen scores > 20 (P = 0.04). Patients with FEV1 < 80% predicted plus Nijmegen scores > 20 were more likely to have PVCM (OR = 9.3, P = 0.02).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceParadoxical vocal cord movement is more often associated with asthma symptoms accompanied by airflow limitation and dysfunctional breathing. Further studies are needed to determine whether PVCM is induced by dysfunctional breathing practices and/or airway obstruction. How PVCM links with symptomatic asthma and VCD also requires evaluation.
Disease biology and histopathology of bronze leaf disease: a threat to cultivated aspens, white poplars and their hybrids
Authors: Ostry M. E. , Moore M. J. , Jacobs J. J. , Smith J. A. , Anderson N. A. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBronze leaf disease (BLD) of species and hybrids of aspens, grey and white poplars (Genus Populus, section Populus) is a systemic disease incited by the fungus Apioplagiostoma populi (E.K. Cash & A.M. Waterman) M.E. Barr that results in a characteristic bronze to dark brown pigmentation of infected leaves in late summer and early fall. Branches on affected trees die over a period of several years, disfiguring trees and eventually leading to mortality of susceptible trees planted in landscapes. In this study, we describe the histopathology of the disease and fungus development relative to external symptoms on affected trees. A. populi hyphae were observed in leaf vessels, lateral veins and xylem vessels of stems and roots of affected trees. Hyphae were also observed in veins and vessels of asymptomatic leaves. Xylem vessels of growth rings on dead branches were completely occluded with A. populi near the vascular cambium and together with the ray parenchyma were stained a bronze colour. Evidence of putative toxin damage to mesophyll cells, not colonized by hyphae, was observed and may contribute to the characteristic tissue staining observed. The development of the fungus was consistent with previous reports, but in this study, we report additional details including perithecial development and ascospore release from predominantly abaxial leaf surfaces. We also report for the first time the isolation and growth of the pathogen in pure culture and systemic infection of roots.
Thermocline deepening boosts ecosystem metabolism: evidence from a large‐scale lake enclosure experiment simulating a summer storm
Authors: Giling Darren P. , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Berger Stella A. , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Kirillin Georgiy , Penske Armin , Lentz Maren , Casper Peter , Sareyka Jörg , Gessner Mark O. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractExtreme weather events can pervasively influence ecosystems. Observations in lakes indicate that severe storms in particular can have pronounced ecosystem‐scale consequences, but the underlying mechanisms have not been rigorously assessed in experiments. One major effect of storms on lakes is the redistribution of mineral resources and plankton communities as a result of abrupt thermocline deepening. We aimed at elucidating the importance of this effect by mimicking in replicated large enclosures (each 9 m in diameter, ca. 20 m deep, ca. 1300 m3 in volume) a mixing event caused by a severe natural storm that was previously observed in a deep clear‐water lake. Metabolic rates were derived from diel changes in vertical profiles of dissolved oxygen concentrations using a Bayesian modelling approach, based on high‐frequency measurements. Experimental thermocline deepening stimulated daily gross primary production (GPP) in surface waters by an average of 63% for >4 weeks even though thermal stratification re‐established within 5 days. Ecosystem respiration (ER) was tightly coupled to GPP, exceeding that in control enclosures by 53% over the same period. As GPP responded more strongly than ER, net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of the entire water column was also increased. These protracted increases in ecosystem metabolism and autotrophy were driven by a proliferation of inedible filamentous cyanobacteria released from light and nutrient limitation after they were entrained from below the thermocline into the surface water. Thus, thermocline deepening by a single severe storm can induce prolonged responses of lake ecosystem metabolism independent of other storm‐induced effects, such as inputs of terrestrial materials by increased catchment run‐off. This highlights that future shifts in frequency, severity or timing of storms are an important component of climate change, whose impacts on lake thermal structure will superimpose upon climate trends to influence algal dynamics and organic matter cycling in clear‐water lakes.
4‐n‐butylresorcinol enhances proteolytic degradation of tyrosinase in B16F10 melanoma cells
Authors: Lee S.‐J. , Son Y. H. , Lee K. B. , Lee J.‐H. , Kim H.‐J. , Jeong E. M. , Park S. C. , Kim I.‐G. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjective4‐n‐butylresorcinol is a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase and has been used as an antimelanogenic agent. However, its inhibition mechanism in intact cells is not fully understood. To elucidate the cellular mechanism, we compared in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of 4‐n‐butylresorcinol on tyrosinase activity.MethodsB16F10 melanoma cells were cultured in media containing α‐MSH in the presence or absence of 4‐n‐butylresorcinol. Tyrosinase mRNA levels, protein levels and activity in B16F10 cells were compared by real‐time PCR, immunostaining combined with western blot and colorimetric analysis, respectively. Melanin concentration was measured by colorimetry both in the cells and in the media. Tyrosinase glycosylation and proteolytic degradation were analysed by immunoblotting after cells were treated with Endo H/PNGase F and E64/proteasome inhibitors, respectively.Results4‐n‐butylresorcinol inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis more effectively in intact cells than in cell lysates. Western blotting and real‐time RT‐PCR showed that 4‐n‐butylresorcinol reduced protein levels, but not mRNA levels, of tyrosinase in B16F10 cells. 4‐n‐butylresorcinol showed no effect on the processing of tyrosinase glycosylation or on trafficking to melanosomes. However, treatment of B16F10 cells with E64 or proteasome inhibitor abrogated the 4‐n‐butylresorcinol‐induced decrease of tyrosinase. Moreover, 4‐n‐butylresorcinol activated p38 MAPK, resulting in increased ubiquitination of tyrosinase.Conclusion4‐n‐butylresorcinol inhibits melanogenesis by enhancing proteolytic degradation of tyrosinase as well as competitive binding to tyrosinase. These findings will help to develop new, effective and safe chemicals for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.
[18F]JNJ42259152 binding to phosphodiesterase 10A, a key regulator of medium spiny neuron excitability, is altered in the presence of cyclic AMP
Authors: Ooms Maarten , Attili Bala , Celen Sofie , Koole Michel , Verbruggen Alfons , Van Laere Koen , Bormans Guy 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPhosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is a key regulator of medium spiny neuron excitability. Therefore, it plays an important role in the regulation of motor, reward, and cognitive processes. Despite the interest in PDE10A as a drug and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging target, little is known about the regulation of PDE10A enzymatic activity. This study aimed to further investigate the role of cAMP in the regulation of PDE10A activity and PDE10A PET imaging. Using [18F]JNJ42259152 as radioligand, we investigated alterations in PDE10A binding secondary to changes in cAMP levels. An in vitro striatum homogenate binding assay was developed to determine KD and Bmax of [18F]JNJ42259152. Homogenate binding was assessed after addition of increasing concentrations of exogenous cAMP (1, 10, and 100 μM). Rats were treated using JNJ49137530 and rolipram to induce in vivo alterations of cAMP. The effect of the induced cAMP alterations on PDE10A binding was assessed by comparing [18F]JNJ42259152 microPET studies after treatment to microPET studies acquired at baseline conditions prior to treatment. In vitro binding affinity of [18F]JNJ42259152 was higher in the presence of cAMP compared to baseline conditions (KD = 3.17 ± 0.91 nM with 10 μM cAMP vs. KD = 6.62 ± 0.7 nM at baseline). Inhibition of PDE4 using rolipram significantly increased [18F]JNJ42259152 binding (BPND = 2.61 ± 0.50 vs. 1.91 ± 0.36 at baseline). Administration of the PDE2 inhibitor JNJ49137530 significantly increased PDE10A binding potential (BPND = 2.74 ± 0.22 vs. 2.05 ± 0.16 at baseline). Our data indicate an important role for cAMP in the regulation of PDE10A activity. Additionally, our data show a profound interaction between several PDEs in striatum.
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In vitro complement activation, adherence to red blood cells and induction of mononuclear cell cytokine production by four strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans with different fimbriation and expression of leukotoxin
Authors: Damgaard C. , Reinholdt J. , Palarasah Y. , Enevold C. , Nielsen C. , Brimnes M. K. , Holmstrup P. , Nielsen C. H. 
Published: September 2016

Background and ObjectiveThe periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans has been proposed as pro‐atherogenic, and complement‐mediated adherence to red blood cells (RBCs) may facilitate its systemic spread. We investigated the ability of four strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans with differential expression of leukotoxin A (LtxA) and fimbriae to activate complement, adhere to RBCs and elicit cytokine responses by mononuclear cells (MNCs).Material and MethodsAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype b strains HK 921, HK 1651, HK 2092 and HK 2108 were fluorescence‐labeled, incubated with human whole blood cells in the presence of autologous serum, and assessed for RBC adherence by flow cytometry and for capacity to induce cytokine production by cytometric bead array analysis. The levels of IgG to A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b were quantified by ELISA, as was consumption of complement.ResultsThe JP2 clone variants HK 1651 and, to a lesser extent, HK 2092, consumed complement efficiently, while HK 2108 (= strain Y4) consumed complement poorly. Nonetheless, the four tested strains adhered equally well to RBCs in the presence of autologous serum, without causing RBC lysis. The JP2 clone variant HK 2092, selectively lacking LtxA production, induced higher production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 by MNCs than did the other three strains, while the four strains induced similar production of IL‐12p70. RBCs facilitated the HK 2092‐induced production of TNF‐α and IL‐1β, and IL‐6 was enhanced by RBCs, and this facilitation could be counteracted by blockade of complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18).ConclusionOur data suggest that the JP2 clone of A. actinomycetemcomitans, most closely resembled by the variant HK 1651, activates complement well, while strain Y4, represented by HK 2108, activates complement poorly. However, all strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans adhere to RBCs and, when capable of producing LtxA, prevent production of inflammatory cytokines by MNCs. This “immunologically silent” immune adherence may facilitate systemic spread and atherogenesis.
Commodifying Indigeneity: How the Humanization of Birth Reinforces Racialized Inequality in Mexico
Authors: Vega Rosalynn Adeline 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis article examines the humanized birth movement in Mexico and analyzes how the remaking of tradition—the return to traditional birthing arts (home birth, midwife‐assisted birth, natural birth)—inadvertently reinscribes racial hierarchies. The great irony of the humanized birth movement lies in parents’ perspective of themselves as critics of late capitalism. All the while, their very rejection of consumerism bolsters ongoing commodification of indigenous culture and collapses indigeneity, nature, and tradition onto one another. While the movement is quickly spreading across Mexico, indigenous women and their traditional midwives are largely excluded from the emerging humanized birth community. Through ethnographic examples, the article suggests that indigenous individuals are agentive actors who appropriate cards in decks stacked against them. Examples of resistance emerge within a context of power and political economy that often capitalizes on images of indigeneity while obscuring the lives, experiences, and opinions of indigenous people.
Microinfarcts in an older population‐representative brain donor cohort (MRC CFAS): Prevalence, relation to dementia and mobility, and implications for the evaluation of cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Ince P. G. , Minett T. , Forster G. , Brayne C. , Wharton S. B. ,   the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Neuropathology Study
Published: September 2016

IntroductionMicroinfarcts, small ischaemic foci common in ageing brain, are associated with dementia and gait dysfunction. We determined their relationship with dementia, mobility and cerebrovascular disease in an older population‐representative brain donor cohort. These data on microinfarcts were evaluated in relation to pathological assessments of clinically significant cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).MethodsMicroinfarcts were assessed in the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (n = 331). Nine brain areas were staged according to the number of areas affected.Results36% of brains showed at least 1 microinfarct. Higher cortical microinfarct stage was associated with dementia at death (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.02; 1.96, P = 0.038), whilst cortical and subcortical microinfarct stages were associated with impaired mobility (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05–1.74; P 0.018) and falls (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.11–3.43; P = 0.02). Adding data on microinfarcts to a definition of SVD, based on white matter lesions (WMLs), lacunes and significant arteriosclerosis, were assessed by comparing area under ROC curve (AUC) with and without microinfarcts. SVD was significantly related to dementia status with or without inclusion of microinfarcts. Modelling potential pathological definitions of SVD to predict dementia or impaired mobility indicated optimal prediction using combined assessment of WMLs, lacunes and microinfarcts.ConclusionCortical (dementia) and subcortical microinfarcts (impaired mobility) are related to diverse clinical outcomes. Optimal pathological assessment of significant SVD in brain ageing is achieved based on WMLs, lacunes and microinfarcts and may not require subjective assessment of the extent and severity of arteriosclerosis.
When more is better: how data sharing would accelerate genomic selection of crop plants
Authors: Spindel Jennifer E. , McCouch Susan R. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryGenomic selection is proving an effective new strategy for increasing breeding efficiency in a wide variety of cereal species – the staple crops that feed the world. A preponderance of studies, reviewed here, has confirmed that the more correlated phenotypic and environmental data that are used to feed genomics‐assisted breeding models, the better the prediction accuracies of the models and the more useful the breeding outcomes. We argue that based on these empirical results, new alliances to share data across genomic selection breeding programs are critical to the rapid development and deployment of new crop varieties.
Application of an epitope‐based allocation system in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Kausman Joshua Y. , Walker Amanda M. , Cantwell Linda S. , Quinlan Catherine , Sypek Matthew P. , Ierino Francesco L. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDonor–recipient HLA mismatch remains a leading cause for sensitization and graft loss in kidney transplantation. HLA compatibility at an epitope level is emerging as an improved method of matching compared with current HLA antigen allocation. A novel epitope‐based allocation approach to prospectively exclude donors with high‐level mismatches was implemented for pediatric KTRs on the DD waiting list. Nineteen consecutive transplants were followed for 12 months, including eight DD KTRs listed with eplet exclusions, as well as three DD KTRs and eight LD KTRs without exclusions. KTRs with eplet exclusions had estimated GFR of 78.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, no episodes of rejection, and time to transplant 6.55 months. HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐DR antigen mismatches were similar between all groups. KTRs with exclusions had significantly lower class II eplet mismatches (20.4) than the contemporary DD KTRs without exclusions (63.7) and DD KTRs transplanted in the preceding decade (46.9). dnDSAs were identified in two of eight DD KTRs with exclusions, two of three DD KTRs without exclusions and five of eight LD KTRs. Epitope‐based allocation achieved timely access to transplantation, low class II eplet mismatches, and low rates of dnDSAs in the first year. This strategy requires longer follow‐up and larger numbers, but has the potential to reduce anti‐HLA sensitization and improve both graft survival and opportunities for future retransplantation.
The role of hemiparasitic plants: influencing tallgrass prairie quality, diversity, and structure
Authors: DiGiovanni Jane P. , Wysocki William P. , Burke Sean V. , Duvall Melvin R. , Barber Nicholas A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWood betony, Orobanchaceae (Pedicularis canadensis) and bastard toadflax, Santalaceae (Comandra umbellata) are two root‐hemiparasitic plant species found in tallgrass prairie communities. Natural resource managers are interested in utilizing these species as “pseudograzers” in grasslands to reduce competitively dominant grasses and thereby increase ecological diversity and quality in prairie restorations and urban plantings. We performed an observational field study at 5 tallgrass prairie sites to investigate the association of hemiparasite abundance with metrics of phylogenetic and ecological diversity, as well as floristic quality. Although no reduction in C4 grasses was detected, there was a significant association between hemiparasite abundance and increased floristic quality at all 5 sites. Hemiparasite abundance and species richness were positively correlated at one restoration site. In a greenhouse mesocosm experiment, we investigated response to parasitism by P. canadensis in 6 species representing different plant functional groups of the tallgrass prairie. The annual legume partridge pea, Fabaceae (Chamaecrista fasciculata) had the greatest significant dry biomass reduction among 6 host species, but the C4 grass big bluestem, Poaceae (Andropogon gerardii) had significantly greater aboveground biomass when grown with the hemiparasite. Overall, host species biomass as a total community was significantly reduced in mesocosms, consistent with other investigations that demonstrate influence on community structure by hemiparasitic plant species. Although hemiparasites were not acting as pseudograzers, they have the potential to influence community structure in grassland restorations and remnants.