bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of uniformity in the investigation and management of suspected β‐lactam allergy in children
Authors: Melanie Foong Ru Xin , Logan Kirsty , Perkin Michael Richard , du Toit George 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundBeta‐lactam allergy is commonly suspected in childhood with health implications for the individual and wider public. Diagnostic modalities include skin prick tests (SPT), specific immunoglobulin‐E (sp‐IgE) tests, intradermal tests (IDT) and drug provocation challenges (DPC). The aim of this research was to establish whether variation exists around the world in the investigation and management of beta‐lactam allergy.MethodsAnonymized electronic questionnaire surveys were distributed over 3 months through International Allergy Societies for completion by clinicians who investigate drug allergy in children.ResultsEighty‐one clinicians, practising in 16 countries, completed the questionnaire. There is variability in the selection of diagnostic tests used by clinicians around the world and poor agreement on positive cut‐off values (sp‐IgE, SPT and IDT) and practical techniques used to measure SPT or IDT wheal diameters. DPC were considered the gold standard investigation with 94% of respondents undertaking DPC over the last 12 months; 64% of respondents considered DPC extremely useful for both exclusion and confirmation of beta‐lactam allergy. However, there is a lack of consensus on when and how DPC should be performed. Overall, DPC are safe – only 3% of our respondents had patients who required intramuscular adrenaline and none had patients requiring admission to intensive care.ConclusionsThere is lack of consistency amongst clinicians in different countries in the diagnosis and management of suspected beta‐lactam allergy. The development of a standardized approach is a priority.
Erythropoietin diminishes isoflurane‐induced apoptosis in rat frontal cortex
Authors: Ocmen Elvan , Derbent Abdurrahim , Micilli Serap C. , Cankurt Ulker , Aksu Ilkay , Dayi Ayfer , Yilmaz Osman , Gokmen Necati 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundDuring the brain growth spurt, anesthetic drugs can cause cellular and behavioral changes in the developing brain. The aim of this study was to determine the neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin after isoflurane anesthesia in rat pups.MethodsA total of 42, 7‐day‐old Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Control group (GC; n = 14): Rats breathed 100% oxygen for 6 h; Isoflurane group (GI; n = 14): Rats were exposed to 1.5% isoflurane in 100% oxygen for 6 h; Isoflurane + erythropoietin group (GIE; n = 14): 1000 IU·kg−1 (intraperitoneal; IP) Erythropoietin was administered after isoflurane anesthesia. Each group was divided into two groups for pathology and learning and memory tests. Silver, caspase‐3, and fluoro‐jade C staining were used for detecting apoptotic cells in frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala. Morris water maze was used to evaluate learning and memory.ResultsThere was a significant increase in apoptotic cell count after isoflurane anesthesia in the frontal cortex when compared with control group (29.0 ± 9.27 vs 3.28 ± 0.75 [P = 0.002], 20.85 ± 10.94 vs 2.0 ± 0.81 [P = 0.002] and 24.57 ± 10.4 vs 5.14 ± 0.69 [P = 0.024] with silver, caspase‐3, and fluoro‐jade C staining, respectively). The apoptotic cell count in the frontal cortex was significantly higher in GIE than GC with caspase‐3 staining (9.14 ± 3.13 vs 2.0 ± 0.81, P = 0.002). The apoptotic cell count in GIE was significantly reduced in the frontal cortex when compared with GI (4.0 ± 0.81 vs 29.0 ± 9.27 [P = 0.002], 9.14 ± 3.13 vs 20.85 ± 10.94 [P = 0.04] and 4.0 ± 1.63 vs 24.57 ± 10.4 [P = 0.012] with silver, caspase‐3, and fluoro‐jade C staining, respectively).ConclusionsA total of 1000 IU·kg−1 IP erythropoietin diminished isoflurane‐induced neuroapoptosis. Further experimental studies have to be planned to reveal the optimal dose and timing of erythropoietin before adaptation to clinical practice.
Lignocaine topicalization of the pediatric airway
Authors: Roberts Mari H. , Gildersleve Christopher D. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe application of topical laryngeal lignocaine is a technique used frequently in pediatric anesthesia. It is often used to facilitate open airway procedures, tracheal intubation, or to reduce the incidence of perioperative adverse respiratory events such as coughing and laryngospasm. A number of studies have shown that applying topical lignocaine to the larynx reduces perioperative respiratory adverse events, while others have shown an increased incidence of respiratory complications with lignocaine administration. There is a lack of evidence on the effect of topical lignocaine on the sensitivity of upper airway reflexes and swallowing, the duration of time that airway reflexes are obtunded, and the optimum and safe maximum dose of lignocaine when used by this route. We review the current literature relating to the use of lignocaine to topicalize the pediatric airway. This review concentrates on the indications for use, the maximum safe dose, the effect on swallowing, and risk of aspiration and the complications of the technique.
The Arabidopsis trichome is an active mechanosensory switch
Authors: Zhou Li Hong , Liu Shao Bao , Wang Peng Fei , Lu Tian Jian , Xu Feng , Genin Guy M. , Pickard Barbara G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTrichomes (‘hair cells’) on Arabidopsis thaliana stem and leaf surfaces provide a range of benefits arising from their shape and disposition. These include tempting herbivores to sample constitutive toxins before they reach the bulk of the tissue. We asked whether, in addition, small mechanical disturbances such as an insect can make elicit signals that might help the plant respond to herbivory. We imaged, pressed and brushed trichomes in several ways, most notably with confocal microscopy of trichomes transgenically provided with apoplastic pH reporter apo‐pHusion and cytosolic Ca2+ reporter cameleon. In parallel, we modelled trichome wall mechanics with finite element analysis. The stimulated trichome focuses force on a pliant zone and the adjoining podium of the stalk. A buckling instability can further focus force on a skirt of cells surrounding the podium, eliciting oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ and shifts in apoplastic pH. These observations represent active physiological response. Modelling establishes that the effectiveness of force focusing and buckling is due to the peculiar tapering wall structure of the trichome. Hypothetically, these active mechanosensing functions enhance toxin synthesis above constitutive levels, probably via a priming process, thus minimizing the costly accumulation of toxins in the absence of herbivore attack but assuring rapid build‐up when needed.
Development and field testing of Teen Pocket PATH®, a mobile health application to improve medication adherence in adolescent solid organ recipients
Authors: Shellmer Diana A. , Dew Mary Amanda , Mazariegos George , DeVito Dabbs Annette 
Published: February 2016

AbstractApplying principles of user‐centered design, we iteratively developed and tested the prototype of TPP, an mHealth application to promote medication adherence and enhance communication about medication management between adolescents and primary caregivers. A purposive sample of seven adolescent solid organ transplant recipients who were ≥one yr post‐transplant and their primary caregivers participated. Participants completed up to three face‐to‐face laboratory usability sessions, a 6‐week field test, and a debriefing session. Primary caregivers participated in an additional usability telephone session. Participants completed usability and satisfaction measures. Sample included liver (n = 4), heart (n = 2), and lung (n = 1) recipients aged 11–18 yr (57% were female, 86% were Caucasian), and nine primary caregivers aged 42–61 yr (88.9% were parents, 88% were female, 88% were Caucasian). Ninety percent of the adolescents endorsed the graphs or logs of missed/late medication dosing as useful and 100% endorsed the remaining features (e.g., medication list, dose time reminders/warnings) as useful. All adolescents expressed interest in using TPP for monitoring medications and satisfaction with the automatic messaging between adolescent and caregiver versions of the application. Adolescents unanimously found TPP easy to use. TPP shows promise as an mHealth adherence tool.
Genetic population structure and fungicide resistance of Botrytis cinerea in pear orchards in the Western Cape of South Africa
Authors: Wessels B. A. , Linde C. C. , Fourie P. H. , Mostert L. 
Published: February 2016

Botrytis cinerea isolates from pear blossoms (Pyrus communis) in South Africa were collected from four orchards in two production areas in the Western Cape. The cryptic species status based on vegetative‐incompatibility alleles of the Bc‐hch gene indicated that all the isolates belonged to B. cinerea. A microsatellite analysis of B. cinerea populations was performed to assess the genetic population structure. Total gene diversity (H) was high, with a mean of 0.69 across all populations. Some genotype flow was evident between orchards as indicated by the spread of microsatellite multilocus genotypes, in agreement with the moderate, but significant population differentiation among orchards (mean φPT = 0.118, P = 0.001). Index of association analyses (IA and r̅d) suggest that the populations reproduce mostly asexually, even though mating type distribution did not differ significantly from a 1:1 ratio, suggesting frequency‐dependent selection. Isolates resistant to benomyl were evident in one orchard only. This orchard was also significantly differentiated from all other populations, suggesting infrequent localized selection for benomyl resistance. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the dangers of a mixed reproduction system, and stress the importance of regularly monitoring fungicide resistance levels towards developing more efficient management practices.
What Exactly Have We Learned from Decades of Applying “Business Solutions” to Public Organizations?
Authors: Emmert Mark 
Published: February 2016

Editor's Note: The Perspectives in this issue are from prominent higher education leaders with roots in public administration and public policy. I asked the contributors to reflect upon experiences or principles grounded in our field that they have found meaningful during the course of their careers. My thanks to Rebecca Blank, Michael Crow, Mark Emmert and Kenneth Ruscio for their thoughtful and stimulating essays.JLP
The Terrorist Age‐Crime Curve: An Analysis of American Islamist Terrorist Offenders and Age‐Specific Propensity for Participation in Violent and Nonviolent Incidents
Authors: Klausen Jytte , Morrill Tyler , Libretti Rosanne 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThis study examines the age‐crime relationship among terrorist offenders.MethodThis study relies on a data set of over 600 American terrorism offenders inspired by one of three Islamist groups: Hamas, Hezbollah, or Al Qaeda.ResultsWe find that the pattern of violent Islamist crime in the United States departs from the standard age‐crime curve in significant ways. Violent action among terrorist offenders peaks at a later age and occurs across a broader age range than is the case for ordinary violent crimes.
Enough with the Stereotypes: Representations of Women in Terrorist Organizations*
Authors: Cruise Rebecca S. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThe ways in which women terrorists are represented by the media and studied by law enforcement and academic institutes is the subject of this essay.MethodThe author reviews academic studies, government and nonprofit agency studies, and media characterizations.ResultsThis review illustrates a disconnect between women's roles and the way their actions are represented by the media and studied by academics and law enforcement agencies.
Placing Terrorism in an Academic and Personal Context: A Case Study of the Oklahoma City Bombing*
Authors: Sloan Stephen 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThis article reviews the academic research context for terrorism studies before and after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995, from the perspective of a long‐time specialist in the study of terrorism.MethodThe article combines a personal narrative and an analysis of the broader academic context.ResultsThis first‐hand account details the ways in which research on terrorism emerged in the 1970s in Oklahoma and was shaped by the bombing and its aftermath. Recounting how early research on terrorism was conducted before the widespread use of computers as well as breakthroughs in training tactics provides an understanding of the ways in which the field has evolved.
Rebuilding Oklahoma City: The Development of Automobile Alley in the Wake of the Bombing*
Authors: Frantz Ronald H. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThis essay examines the connection between Oklahoma City's current revitalization and the community work conducted after the 1995 bombing, which damaged 324 buildings and caused $652 million of damage.MethodTeam leader and architect Ron Frantz recounts his experience working on the reconstruction of North Broadway Avenue, now known as Automobile Alley. He reflects on how the process of reconstruction offered a means to commemorate those lost and those forever changed.ResultsTwenty years ago, Automobile Alley was dilapidated and desolate; today it is one of the most lively and active urban areas in Oklahoma City. The street is lined with distinctive neon signs and home to an array of early 20th‐century car dealerships that now house chic restaurants, coffee shops, and more.ConclusionThe story of Automobile Alley is a great case study of how one community responded to unprecedented acts, extensive damage, and horrifying deaths by working together, offering their talents, and committing to the rebuilding of their damaged downtown.
Commemorating Disaster and Disobedience: National Park Service Initiatives in the 21st Century*
Authors: Doss Erika 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThis essay explores the ways in which memorial culture reflects contemporary attitudes about the United States and its history.MethodAn examination of the role of the U.S. National Park Service, which manages and maintains many American memorials, illustrates the evolving relationship between official memory and history. Memorials to dissent and disaster are considered as part of an emerging trend in American memorial culture in which trauma, conflict, and loss are commemorated.ResultsAmerican memorial culture is increasingly driven by ethical imperatives to remember those believed to be forgotten or ignored in history.
On the Edge of Memory: Uneasy Legacies of Dissent, Terror, and Violence in the American Landscape
Authors: Foote Kenneth 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThe Oklahoma City bombing of 1995 has had a major impact on public memory and commemoration in the United States. My aim here is to set this bombing in the broader context of how other events of violence and terror have been remembered.MethodThat many of the examples I mention are now largely forgotten speaks to their equivocal meanings and their relatively faint imprint on the American landscape. Using a comparative case‐study methodology, I examine the tension that often arises between remembering and forgetting these events because honoring the victims necessarily calls attention to the killer and the killer's motives.ResultsTensions over the meaning of violence tend to be particularly acute when the killer's motives involve unpopular or unpalatable causes or particularly brutal crimes. In these cases, communities may try to distance themselves as far as possible from the killer and the crime.ConclusionI argue that such efforts, successful or not, lead to a certain forgetfulness about the roles violence, terror, and political dissent play in American society.
An efficient virus‐induced gene silencing vector for maize functional genomics research
Authors: Wang Rong , Yang Xinxin , Wang Nian , Liu Xuedong , Nelson Richard S. , Li Weimin , Fan Zaifeng , Zhou Tao 
Published: February 2016

SummaryMaize is a major crop whose rich genetic diversity provides an advanced resource for genetic research. However, a tool for rapid transient gene function analysis in maize that may be utilized in most maize cultivars has been lacking, resulting in reliance on time‐consuming stable transformation and mutation studies to obtain answers. We developed an efficient virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector for maize based on a naturally maize‐infecting cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) strain, ZMBJ‐CMV. An infectious clone of ZMBJ‐CMV was constructed, and a vascular puncture inoculation method utilizing Agrobacterium was optimized to improve its utility for CMV infection of maize. ZMBJ‐CMV was then modified to function as a VIGS vector. The ZMBJ‐CMV vector induced mild to moderate symptoms in many maize lines, making it useful for gene function studies in critically important maize cultivars, such as the sequenced reference inbred line B73. Using this CMV VIGS system, expression of two endogenous genes, ZmPDS and ZmIspH, was found to be decreased by 75% and 78%, respectively, compared with non‐silenced tissue. Inserts with lengths of 100–300 bp produced the most complete transcriptional and visual silencing phenotypes. Moreover, genes related to autophagy, ZmATG3 and ZmATG8a, were also silenced, and it was found that they function in leaf starch degradation. These results indicate that our ZMBJ‐CMV VIGS vector provides a tool for rapid and efficient gene function studies in maize.
Mitochondrial damage‐associated molecular patterns as potential proinflammatory mediators in post–platelet transfusion adverse effects
Authors: Yasui Kazuta , Matsuyama Nobuki , Kuroishi Ayumu , Tani Yoshihiko , Furuta Rika A. , Hirayama Fumiya 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUNDPlatelet concentrates (PCs) are the most common blood components eliciting nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (NHTRs), such as allergic transfusion reactions and febrile reactions. However, the precise mechanisms of NHTRs in PC transfusion remain largely unknown. Previous studies reported that mitochondria‐derived damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) could be important mediators of innate cell inflammation. Platelets (PLTs) represent a major reservoir of mitochondria in the blood circulation. The aim of this study was to determine the possible involvement of mitochondrial DAMPs in NHTRs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe amount of mitochondrial DAMPs was determined as an index of total copy numbers of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), including mtDNA itself and free mitochondria, using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. To examine whether neutrophils, monocytes, and basophils were activated by mitochondrial DAMPs in vitro, an in vitro whole blood cell culture assay was performed.RESULTSIn blood components associated with NHTRs, the mean total mtDNA concentration was highest in PCs followed in order by fresh‐frozen plasma and red blood cells. The amount of mtDNA in NHTR PCs was higher than that in control PCs without NHTRs. The mitochondrial DAMPs present in NHTR PCs was high enough to activate neutrophils, monocytes, and basophils, when costimulated with N‐formyl‐l‐methionyl‐l‐leucyl‐l‐phenylalanine or HLA antibodies.CONCLUSIONPLT‐derived mitochondrial DAMPs are candidate risk factors for the onset of NHTRs.
Time‐related changes in equine neutrophils after experimental endotoxemia: myeloperoxidase staining, size, and numbers
Authors: Lilliehöök Inger , Tvedten Harold W. , Bröjer Johan , Edner Anna , Nostell Katarina 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophil myeloperoxidase content is determined by the Advia 2120 hematology system by staining characteristics. Changes in myeloperoxidase staining are shown by location of neutrophils on Advia peroxidase dot plots and as myeloperoxidase index (MPXI). Significant changes in MPXI have been reported during severe inflammation in horses, dogs, and people but conclusions were inconsistent.ObjectivesInfusion of endotoxin was used to initiate an inflammatory stimulus under controlled conditions and over a longer time period than in previous studies to document kinetics of changes in neutrophil numbers, morphology, and myeloperoxidase staining. Identification of consistent time‐related changes may allow better interpretation of changes in neutrophil characteristics during inflammation.MaterialsFive Standardbred trotting horses received an intravenous infusion over a 6‐hour period with Escherichia coli endotoxin. Neutrophil count, MPXI, neutrophil characteristics in Advia 2120 Perox dot plots and neutrophil morphology in blood smears were monitored with repeated sampling for up to 10 days.ResultsEndotoxin infusion immediately caused severe neutropenia which converted to neutrophilia 14 hours after start of endotoxin infusion. Neutrophilia was still present 78 hours after start of infusion. Large “giant” neutrophils first appeared in blood smears and Advia Perox dot plots after 36–48 hours. A marked and consistent decrease in MPXI was seen in all horses 6 days (150 hours) after endotoxin exposure.ConclusionsEndotoxemia caused prominent, time‐related changes in equine neutrophil characteristics including emergence of giant neutrophils and markedly decreased MPXI several days after endotoxin infusion.
Alterations due to dilution and anticoagulant effects in hematologic analysis of rodent blood samples on the Sysmex XT‐2000iV
Authors: Moorhead Kaitlin A. , Discipulo Marielle L. , Hu Jing , Moorhead Roberta C. , Johns Jennifer L. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundClinical pathology of rodents is hindered by sample volume limitations. A single whole heparinized blood sample is often submitted for hematologic and clinical chemistry analysis in exploratory research settings, and sample dilution may be required. Published information on the potential impact of sample dilution and heparin use on hematology variables in rodents is sparse.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of sample dilution and of anticoagulant on hematologic analysis of mouse and rat blood samples on the Sysmex XT‐2000iV.MethodsMice and rats were obtained from various ends of study research projects, and whole blood was collected via terminal cardiocentesis in lithium heparin, and additionally in EDTA when paired samples were obtained from rats. Hematology analytes were measured on the Sysmex XT‐2000iV straight and diluted from ×2 to ×5.ResultsSignificant differences between heparinized samples analyzed straight vs diluted were found for MCV and MCHC, with a bias for several additional variables. Significant differences between paired heparinized and EDTA‐anticoagulated samples at each dilution point were found for most variables, with the largest differences found in platelet count. Evidence of platelet clumping presumably due to heparin exposure was noted in numerous samples.ConclusionsDilution‐induced changes occur in some hematologic variables and may render dilution unacceptable in the exploratory research environment. Many variables, most notably platelet count, differ based on the anticoagulant used, and values from heparinized vs EDTA‐anticoagulated samples should not be directly compared.