bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced susceptibility to Fusarium head blight in Brachypodium distachyon through priming with the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol
Authors: Blümke Antje , Sode Björn , Ellinger Dorothea , Voigt Christian A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe fungal cereal pathogen Fusarium graminearum produces deoxynivalenol (DON) during infection. The mycotoxin DON is associated with Fusarium head blight (FHB), a disease that can cause vast grain losses. Whilst investigating the suitability of Brachypodium distachyon as a model for spreading resistance to F. graminearum, we unexpectedly discovered that DON pretreatment of spikelets could reduce susceptibility to FHB in this model grass. We started to analyse the cell wall changes in spikelets after infection with F. graminearum wild‐type and defined mutants: the DON‐deficient Δtri5 mutant and the DON‐producing lipase disruption mutant Δfgl1, both infecting only directly inoculated florets, and the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase disruption mutant Δgpmk1, with strongly decreased virulence but intact DON production. At 14 days post‐inoculation, the glucose amounts in the non‐cellulosic cell wall fraction were only increased in spikelets infected with the DON‐producing strains wild‐type, Δfgl1 and Δgpmk1. Hence, we tested for DON‐induced cell wall changes in B. distachyon, which were most prominent at DON concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 ppb. To test the involvement of DON in defence priming, we pretreated spikelets with DON at a concentration of 1 ppm prior to F. graminearum wild‐type infection, which significantly reduced FHB disease symptoms. The analysis of cell wall composition and plant defence‐related gene expression after DON pretreatment and fungal infection suggested that DON‐induced priming of the spikelet tissue contributed to the reduced susceptibility to FHB.
Mice with experimental antiphospholipid syndrome display hippocampal dysfunction and a reduction of dendritic complexity in hippocampal CA1 neurones
Authors: Frauenknecht Katrin , Katzav Aviva , Weiss Lavi Ronen , Sabag Avishag , Otten Susanne , Chapman Joab , Sommer Clemens J. 
Published: September 2014

AimsThe antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by high titres of auto‐antibodies (aPL) leading to thrombosis and consequent infarcts. However, many affected patients develop neurological symptoms in the absence of stroke. Similarly, in a mouse model of this disease (eAPS), animals consistently develop behavioural abnormalities despite lack of ischemic brain injury. Therefore, the present study was designed to identify structural alterations of hippocampal neurones underlying the neurological symptoms in eAPS.MethodsAdult female Balb/C mice were subjected to either induction of eAPS by immunization with β2‐Glycoprotein 1 or to a control group. After sixteen weeks animals underwent behavioural and cognitive testing using Staircase test (experiment 1 and 2) and Y‐maze alternation test (experiment 1) and were tested for serum aPL levels (both experiments). Animals of experiment 1 (n = 7/group) were used for hippocampal neurone analysis using Golgi‐Cox staining. Animals of experiment 2 (n = 7/group) were used to analyse molecular markers of total dendritic integrity (MAP2), presynaptic plasticity (synaptobrevin 2/VAMP2) and dendritic spines (synaptopodin) using immunohistochemistry.ResultseAPS mice developed increased aPL titres and presented with abnormal behaviour and impaired short term memory. Further, they revealed a reduction of dendritic complexity of hippocampal CA1 neurones as reflected by decreased dendritic length, arborization and spine density, respectively. Additional decrease of the spine‐associated protein expression of Synaptopodin points to dendritic spines as major targets in the pathological process.ConclusionReduction of hippocampal dendritic complexity may represent the structural basis for the behavioural and cognitive abnormalities of eAPS mice.
Food allergy in South African children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Gray Claudia L. , Levin Michael E. , Zar Heather J. , Potter Paul C. , Khumalo Nonhlanhla P. , Volkwyn Lucia , Fenemore Bartha , du Toit George 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of food allergy in South Africa is unknown, but previously thought to be rare in black South Africans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, IgE‐mediated food allergy in South African children with atopic dermatitis (AD).MethodologyThis was a prospective, observational study in a paediatric university hospital in Cape Town. Children with AD, aged 6 months to 10 yrs, were randomly recruited from the dermatology clinic. They were assessed for sensitization and allergy by questionnaire, skin prick tests, Immuno Solid Phase Allergen Chip (ISAC) test and incremental food challenges.Results100 participants (59 black Africans and 41 of mixed race) were enrolled, median age 42 months. There were high overall rates of food sensitization (66%) and food allergy (40%). Egg (25%) and peanut (24%) were the most common allergies. Black participants had comparable sensitization (69% vs. 61%) but lower allergy rates (34% vs. 46%) than mixed race participants. This was especially evident for peanut allergy (15% Blacks vs. 37% mixed race allergic to peanut, p = 0.01). Early‐onset AD (<6 months), severe eczema, and young age <2 yrs were significant risk factors for food allergy.ConclusionThe prevalence of food allergy is unexpectedly high in South African children with AD, and comparable with food allergy rates in patients with AD in developed countries. There are ethnic differences, with significantly lower peanut allergy rates in Blacks compared to mixed race patients. These results are not generalizable to an unselected South African population, which requires further study.
Risk factors and markers of asthma control differ between asthma subtypes in children
Authors: Nordlund Björn , Melén Erik , Schultz Erica S. , Grönlund Hans , Hedlin Gunilla , Kull Inger 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited understanding about risk factors for asthma, and few studies have presented an overall picture of factors associated with asthma subtypes in schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors and markers of asthma control associated with asthma subtypes up to preadolescence.MethodsA Swedish birth cohort of 3015 children was followed for 12 yr using repeated parental questionnaires. At 8 yr, clinical investigation was performed, specifically evaluating lung function, allergic sensitization (IgE > 0.35 kUA/l), and body mass index (BMI). Children were categorized into three subtypes: transient asthma – asthma at 4 and 8, but not at 12 yr (n = 71), late‐onset asthma – asthma at 12 yr, but not earlier (n = 103), and persistent asthma – asthma at 4, 8 and 12 yr (n = 125).ResultsAt 8 yr of age, high BMI (>85th percentile), sensitization, and rhinitis were significantly associated with late‐onset asthma (p < 0.05). Prominent risk factors at birth associated with persistent, but not late‐onset asthma, were male sex, tobacco exposure and, heredity for atopy (p < 0.05). Children with persistent asthma were also found to have significantly reduced lung function at 8 yr of age, more eczema/rhinitis, and were more atopic than non‐asthmatics (p < 0.05). For persistent asthma, symptoms changed from 8 to 12 yr, with fewer nocturnal symptoms, less healthcare utilization, and less frequent wheeze at 12 yr (p < 0.05).ConclusionRisk factors differ between asthma subtypes and markers of asthma control vary with age up to preadolescence.
Epithelial basement membrane thickening is related to TGF‐Beta 1 expression in children with chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Hoňková Lenka , Uhlík Jiří , Beránková Katarína , Svobodová Tamara , Pohunek Petr 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe complex structural changes of bronchial mucosa, known as remodelling, have been considered unique and typical for asthma. However, similar changes were recently found in other chronic respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to compare basement membrane (BM) thickness and the number of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) positive epithelial cells in children with asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and healthy controls.MethodsA total of 58 children (11.1 ± 3.9 yr, 55% males) were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Endobronchial biopsy was performed in 27 children with asthma, 12 with CF, 12 with PCD and in 7 control patients. We studied the samples using light microscopy to assess BM width, the number of TGF‐β1 positive epithelial cells and their correlation.ResultsWe found increased BM thickness (6.65 ± 1.22 μm vs. 2.93 ± 0.75 μm, p < 0.01) and a higher number of TGF‐β1 positive epithelial cells (61.39 ± 19.03 vs. 21.57 ± 12.58, p < 0.01) in children with chronic respiratory diseases compared to controls. There was no difference in these parameters between asthma, CF and PCD. A positive correlation between BM thickness and the number of TGF‐β1 positive cells was observed in all groups including controls (r = 0.84, p < 0.01).ConclusionsIncreased BM thickness and number of TGF‐β1 positive epithelial cells were found in children with asthma, CF and PCD. The number of TGF‐β1 positive cells correlated positively with the BM thickness in all groups. We suggest that this might be a common generic feature of bronchial remodelling in chronic respiratory diseases.
Cross‐sectional association of dietary patterns with asthma and atopic sensitization in childhood – in a cohort study
Authors: Patel Sumaiya , Custovic Adnan , Smith Jaclyn A. , Simpson Angela , Kerry Gina , Murray Clare S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundMany studies have investigated individual nutrients or foods as risk factors for allergic disease, but few have studied dietary patterns. We aimed to use principal component analysis (PCA) to determine dietary patterns in school age children and examine associations between these dietary patterns and wheeze, asthma and sensitization.MethodsParticipants in a population‐based birth cohort attended review clinics at ages 8 and 11 yr. A validated questionnaire was interviewer‐administered to collect information on parentally reported symptoms and doctor‐diagnosed asthma. Atopic sensitization was ascertained by skin‐prick tests. Current asthma was defined as doctor‐diagnosed asthma and wheezing in the previous 12 months. A validated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire was completed at age 8 yr, and PCA was used to determine dietary patterns.ResultsPrincipal component analysis identified three dietary components, which based on their characteristics we termed as Traditional (mixed meat, fish, fruit and vegetables), Western (predominantly high fat content, processed foods) and Other (predominantly grains and nuts) dietary patterns. High adherence to the Western diet pattern was significantly associated with doctor‐diagnosed asthma and current asthma at age 8 yr [aOR (95% CI): 2.19 (1.20–4.01), p = 0.01; 2.59 (1.15–5.81), p = 0.02; respectively]. A similar association was found for current asthma at age 11 yr [aOR (95% CI): 2.20 (1.07–4.51), p = 0.03]. There was no evidence of an association between dietary patterns and current wheeze and allergic sensitization at either age 8 or 11 yr.ConclusionSchool age children adhering strongly to a Western diet, high in fat and processed foods, had a higher risk of current asthma and doctor‐diagnosed asthma.
Analgesic effect and adverse events of dexmedetomidine as additive for pediatric caudal anesthesia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tong Yao , Ren Hao , Ding Xibing , Jin Shuqing , Chen Zhixia , Li Quan 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundDexmedetomidine has become a popular additive for regional anesthesia. Aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the effect of this additive on the duration of postoperative analgesia and possible adverse events in pediatrics undergoing orchidopexy or lower abdominal surgery.MethodsThe literature databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). Odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the RevMan software, version 5.2, for data synthesis and statistical analysis, which in accordance with the PRISMA statement.ResultsSix RCTs were selected for this meta‐analysis, involving a total of 328 pediatric patients. There was a significant longer duration of caudal analgesia (time to first analgesic requirements) in patients receiving dexmedetomidine with CA compared with CA alone (WMD: −8.21 h; 95% CI: −11.40 to −5.02; P < 0.00001). Side effects in these two groups were comparable (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.51–2.04; P = 0.95). Subgroup analysis indicated there was no significant difference in hemodynamic changes during operation (WMD: 1.78; 95% CI: −3.20 to 6.77; P = 0.48) and the emergence time (time from the end of surgery to opening the eyes on calling) after surgery (WMD: 0.47 min; 95% CI: −5.27 to 6.22; P = 0.87).ConclusionsDexmedetomidine as an additive to local anesthetic provides a significantly longer postoperative analgesia with comparable adverse effects and hemodynamic changes, when compared to local anesthetics alone. There were insufficient data of the effects of different concentrations of dexmedetomidine; further studies are required to explore this issue.
Z‐values of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in Japanese children
Authors: Hashimoto Ikuo , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Kaneda Hisashi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to establish growth‐related standard values and z‐values for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) for Japanese children.MethodWe examined 953 consecutive healthy children and adolescents, ranging from newborn to 22.7 years of age (mean age, 4.4 ± 4.0 years). TAPSE was measured as the longitudinal tricuspid valve annular motion from the apex on M‐mode echocardiography. The right ventricular (RV) stroke volume (RVSV) divided by the body surface area (RVSV/BSA) was used as an independent indicator of body size. RVSV was determined from the recordings of the ejection blood flow velocity and the diameter at the level of the pulmonary orifice in the RV outflow tract.ResultsTAPSE had positive correlations with age and BSA, ranging from 6.0 to 31.4 mm (mean, 19.1 ± 4.4 mm). The z‐values ranged from −3.63 to 3.17. There was no significant difference in TAPSE between the genders (male, 19.0 ± 4.6 mm; female, 19.1 ± 4.2 mm). The z‐values positively correlated with RVSV/BSA.ConclusionsGrowth‐related normal TAPSE was studied in healthy Japanese children to obtain the TAPSE z‐value. TAPSE z‐value is one of the parameters that can be used to assess RV systolic function independent of body size.
Psychosocial difficulties in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Takei Yuko , Ogata Akiko , Ozawa Miwa , Moritake Hiroshi , Hirai Kei , Manabe Atsushi , Suzuki Shin‐ichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundWith a large number of children surviving cancer worldwide, numerous investigations have assessed psychological and social adjustment among childhood cancer survivors. According to these studies, it is unclear whether childhood cancer survivors successfully adjust to daily life after being discharged from hospital, especially for adolescent and young adult survivors who have unique needs and concerns. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors underlying psychosocial difficulties faced by adolescent and young adult survivors in their day‐to‐day lives after being discharged from hospital.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted. Twenty‐five childhood cancer survivors were recruited from two regional cancer institutions in Japan. Content analysis was applied to the responses.ResultsNineteen attributes were extracted and classified into four categories as follows: physical difficulties, interpersonal difficulties, behavioral difficulties, and uncertainty about the future. The attributes indicated by >50% of the participants were “I am worried about not feeling well,” “I have difficulty continuing treatment in daily life,” “I have difficulty moving my body,” “I have to be absent from school or work because of illness,” and “I am left behind academically.”ConclusionsThis study identified important factors of psychosocial day‐to‐day difficulties. Clinically, these results suggest that it is important to watch for these signs and to provide early support to survivors so that their daily life and development are not hindered by the treatment and its side‐effects, and to offer long‐term support focusing on individual patient characteristics such as sex, age, and cancer history.
For fear of popular politics? Public attention and the delegation of authority to the United States executive branch
Authors: Lavertu Stéphane 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLegislators are thought to delegate policymaking authority to administrative actors either to avoid blame for controversial policy or to secure policy outcomes. This study tests these competing perspectives and establishes that public attention to policymaking is a powerful predictor of the extent to which significant United States statutes delegate authority to the executive branch. Consistent with the policy‐concerns perspective, by one calculation statutes dealing with high‐attention issues entail 48 percent fewer delegating provisions than statutes dealing with low‐attention issues – a far stronger relationship than is typically found in the delegation literature. As per the blame‐avoidance perspective, a number of additional analyses yield results consistent with the notion that fears about future public attention motivate statutory delegation if legislative conflict is sufficiently great. Overall, however, the results suggest that conflict typically is not sufficiently great and that legislators are generally more inclined to limit statutory delegation when the public is paying attention.
The Role of Institutions and Capital in Intersectoral Collaboration: Infection and Immunity Research and Development Collaboration in Vancouver
Authors: Lander Bryn 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCollaborations between and within sectors are common and crucial to the creation and transfer of knowledge. It is often unclear who is involved in the collaboration, and with whom and why they are collaborating. I studied reasons for collaboration and how capital and institutions affect collaboration through a mixed methods analysis of infection and immunity research and development collaborations in Vancouver, Canada between individuals affiliated with universities, firms, and health‐care organizations. I found that both capital and institutions were important in collaboration decisions. Collaboration worked as a balancing act between capital and institutions. Potential collaborators needed to offer different capital to the collaboration while supporting the dominant institutions of potential collaborators. Participants' organizational and sectoral affiliations influenced available capital and dominant institutions. These findings help policy makers understand collaboration dynamics between sectors and how translation can occur between universities, firms, and health‐care organizations.
Support for International Collaboration in Research: The Role of the Overseas Offices of Basic Science Funders
Authors: Sergi Brian , Parker Rachel , Zuckerman Brian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe internationalization of science has prompted major science funding agencies to seek to further international cooperation in basic research through the use of outposts based outside of the agency's home country. While these offices are all international in scope, the strategies and utilization of these offices vary. This paper begins by outlining the motivations and theoretical framework for international offices, drawing specifically from a proximity theory of relationships. Subsequently the paper presents a typology of activities that fall under the rubric of international engagement in science. We will then critically examine the international offices of four leading basic research funding agencies and attempt to characterize and describe the distinct models that these agencies employ. Building from the models of organization, the paper closes with a discussion of the impacts of these overseas offices as well as other policy implications from the use of different engagement strategies in fostering international collaboration.
Coordination‐Mix: The Hidden Face ofSTIPolicy
Authors: Magro Edurne , Navarro Mikel , Zabala‐Iturriagagoitia Jon Mikel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis paper sheds light on the policy coordination concept and explores its implications for science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies at the regional level. In particular it analyzes whether systemic and complexSTIpolicies entail a larger and more complex need for coordination. We contribute to the literature by developing a conceptual framework that brings together insights from institutional and public policy theories with concepts fromSTIpolicy and regional innovation systems. This model is evidenced in theBasqueCountry (Spain). The paper introduces the concept of “coordination‐mix,” which is defined as the combination of mechanisms that respond to the coordination failures that are derived from a complex policy setting where multiple instruments from different domains, levels, and actors coexist. It also complements the literature with a third policy dimension, the multi‐layer, which adds to the multi‐level and policy‐mix dimensions already established in theSTIpolicy realm.
When the High Road Becomes the Low Road: The Limits of High‐Technology Competition inFinland
Authors: Ornston Darius 
Published: September 2014

AbstractGlobalization has generated increasing interest in technology‐intensive industries as a way to sustain national economic competitiveness. High‐technology growth is often conceptualized as a “high road” to prosperity, more amenable to private–public, industry–labor, and interfirm cooperation than tax, regulatory, or cost competitive strategies. While specialization in technology‐intensive industries does deliver several benefits, this article usesFinland's successful transformation into a high‐technology economy to highlight the significant economic and political risks associated with this strategy. Economically, movement into electronics exposedFinland to cost competition and disruptive technological innovations. Politically, high‐technology competition weakened the solidaristic ties that characterized postwar capitalism and the coordinating capacities that underpinned economic growth. In short, high‐technology growth exacerbated the problems it was supposed to solve. The article concludes by generalizing the argument to several non‐Nordic states.