bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of occupational exposure and spectrum of contact sensitization in metalworkers with occupational dermatitis: results of a cohort study within the OCCUDERM project
Authors: Schubert S. , Brans R. , Reich A. , Hansen A. , Buhl T. , Skudlik C. , Mempel M. , Schön M.P. , John S.M. , Geier J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundMetalworkers occupationally exposed to metals, tools, metalworking fluids (MWFs), technical oils, gloves, skin care products etc. frequently suffer from occupational dermatitis (OD).ObjectivesTo investigate occupational exposure and to identify relevant occupational sensitizers in metalworkers with OD, and to evaluate suitability of current German patch test recommendations for this occupational group.Patients and methodsAs part of the OCCUDERM project, occupational exposure of 230 metalworkers with suspected OD patch tested in the departments of dermatology in Göttingen and Osnabrück (both Lower Saxony, Germany) in 2012–2017 was recorded by questionnaire. These data, as well as results, of patch testing with standardized allergens and with workplace material were analysed.ResultsMetalworking fluids and skin care products were the most important exposures. Among MWF allergens, most frequently sensitizations to formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, colophony/abietic acid and monoethanolamine were observed. Sensitization to methylisothiazolinone (MI) was frequent, probably as part of the general European epidemic of contact allergy to MI in leave‐on cosmetics. Sensitization to glove ingredients only played a minor role.ConclusionsThe known occupational allergen spectrum could largely be confirmed. In order not to miss relevant sensitizations, patch testing with material from the patients’ workplaces in parallel to baseline and MWF series is recommended. Sensitizations diagnosed could not always be linked to particular occupational exposures.
ERCC2 mutations in two siblings with a severe trichothiodystrophy phenotype
Authors: Leemans G. , De Raeve L. , Keymolen K. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundTrichothiodystrophy (TTD) describes a group of rare genetic disorders of DNA repair, characterized by sulphur‐deficient hair, skin anomalies and systemic complications like preterm delivery, neurological impairment, haematological and ophthalmological abnormalities and life‐threatening infections.ObjectivesThe aim of this case report was to investigate the contribution of the gene mutation to the phenotype.MethodsWe describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of a family with two TTD‐affected siblings who died before the age of 2 years.ResultsThe causal mutated gene is the ERCC2 gene, and one of the identified mutations is the c.2164C>T (p.Arg722Trp) variant. The association of this mutation with a severe TTD phenotype was suggested earlier in literature, and the present family adds further evidence to this hypothesis.ConclusionAccurate identification of the underlying genetic defect can guide the clinical follow‐up and counselling of patients and their families.
Target‐controlled propofol infusion with or without bispectral index monitoring of sedation during advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Lin Yueh‐Juh , Wang Yi‐Chia , Huang Hui‐Hsun , Huang Chi‐Hsiang , Liao Min‐Xiu , Lin Pei‐Lin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground and AimTarget‐controlled infusion (TCI) uses averaged pharmacokinetic datasets derived from population samples to automatically control the infusion rate. Bispectral index (BIS) technology non‐invasively measures levels of consciousness during surgical procedures. We compared the efficacy and safety of propofol TCI with or without BIS monitoring for sedation during advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 200 patients who were premedicated with midazolam 2 mg and alfentanil 0.4 mg before undergoing advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy. The initial target blood concentration of propofol was set at 1.0 μg/mL, and adjustments of 0.2 μg/mL were made as necessary to maintain moderate‐to‐deep sedation. Patients were randomized to either the BIS‐blind group and evaluated for depth of anesthesia by monitoring scores of 1–2 on the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale (n = 100) or to the BIS‐open group and monitored by BIS scores of 60–80 (n = 100). The primary outcome was the total amount of propofol required to maintain anesthesia. Secondary outcomes were sedation‐induced adverse events, recovery, and quality of sedation (endoscopist and patient satisfaction).ResultsThe mean propofol infusion rate was significantly higher in patients not monitored by BIS scores than in those who were (5.44 ± 2.12 vs 4.76 ± 1.84 mg/kg/h; P = 0.016). Levels of satisfaction were higher for endoscopists who used BIS monitoring than in those who did not.ConclusionsMean infusion rates were higher in propofol TCI without BIS monitoring compared with propofol TCI with BIS during advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopists expressed satisfaction with BIS monitoring.
Plagues, Pagans, and Christians: Differential Survival, Social Networks, and the Rise of Christianity
Authors: Everton Sean F. , Schroeder Robert 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn his book, The Rise of Christianity, Rodney Stark argues that the early Christian church indirectly benefitted from the plagues that struck the early Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries of the Common Era. In particular, he argues that the early church's doctrines concerning love, charity, and social service would have led Christians to enjoy higher survival rates than pagans, which would have left the social networks of the former relatively intact, while those of the latter in disarray. Moreover, since recruitment to new religious movements occurs largely through social ties, the probability that an average pagan would have converted to Christianity would have been greater after the plagues than before. In this article, we use computer modeling to test Stark's hypothesis. Not only do we find support for his hypothesis, we also show that higher survival rates for either group not only would have benefitted their respective social networks but also would have benefitted their competitor's social networks, highlighting how network effects often flow in multiple and unexpected ways. We conclude with suggestions for future research, in particular how scholars can build upon our analyses and explore alternative assumptions.
Identification with Religion: Cross‐National Evidence from a Social Psychological Perspective
Authors: Curtis K. Amber , Olson Laura R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhy is religion a more central social identity for some people than for others? Previous studies focus on explaining individual differences in religious affiliation and religiosity, often using the term “identification” in reference to these concepts. Yet, few scholars operationalize—let alone attempt to explain—identification with religion in social psychological terms, i.e., as a construct that captures the subjective psychological centrality of one's religious identity. After underscoring the benefits of exploring religious identification using cross‐national data, we employ an original data set composed of nationally representative surveys in three European countries to model religious identification in two ways: importance (independent strength of attachment) and prominence (prioritization of one's religious identity relative to the others one holds). We document substantial variation in the degree to which individuals define themselves on the basis of their religious identity. We then test predictions drawn from existing theories to model these two measures. Our results extend current understandings of what shapes psychological attachment to religion and raise new questions for future theorization and analysis.
The phosphatase Ptc6 is involved in virulence and MAPK signalling in Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Nunez‐Rodriguez Juan Carlos , Ruiz‐Roldán Carmen , Lemos Pedro , Membrives Sergio , Hera Concepcion 
Published: December 2019

SummaryMitogen‐activated kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways are involved in several important processes related to the development and virulence of Fusarium oxysporum. Reversible phosphorylation of the protein members of these pathways is a major regulator of essential biological processes. Among the phosphatases involved in dephosphorylation of MAPKs, type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) play important roles regulating many developmental strategies and stress responses in yeasts. Nevertheless, the PP2C family is poorly known in filamentous fungi. The F. oxysporum PP2C family includes seven proteins, but only Ptc1 has been studied so far. Here we show the involvement of Ptc6 in the stress response and virulence of F. oxysporum. Expression analysis revealed increased expression of ptc6 in response to cell wall and oxidative stresses. Additionally, targeted inactivation of ptc6 entailed enhanced susceptibility to cell wall stresses caused by Calcofluor White (CFW). We also demonstrate that the lack of Ptc6 deregulates both the Mpk1 phosphorylation induced by CFW and, more importantly, the Fmk1 dephosphorylation induced by pH acidification of the extracellular medium, indicating that Ptc6 is involved in the regulation of these MAPKs. Finally, we showed, for the first time, the involvement of a phosphatase in the invasive growth and virulence of F. oxysporum.
Open‐label pilot study: Non‐invasive vagal nerve stimulation improves symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis
Authors: Gottfried‐Blackmore Andres , Adler Emerald P. , Fernandez‐Becker Nielsen , Clarke John , Habtezion Aida , Nguyen Linda 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundGastroparesis, a chronic motility disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, remains largely unexplained. Medical therapy is limited, reflecting the complex physiology of gastric sensorimotor function. Vagus nerve stimulation is an attractive therapeutic modality for gastroparesis, but prior methods required invasive surgery. In this open‐label pilot study, we aimed to assess the benefit of non‐invasive vagal nerve stimulation in patients with mild to moderate idiopathic gastroparesis.MethodsPatients self‐administered the gammaCore vagal nerve stimulator for 4 weeks. The gastroparesis cardinal symptom index daily diary (GCSI‐dd) was assessed during a two‐week run‐in period, ≥4 weeks of therapy, and 4 weeks after therapy was completed. Gastric emptying and autonomic function testing were also performed. The primary endpoint was an absolute reduction in CGSI‐dd of 0.75 after nVNS.ResultsThere was a total improvement in symptom scores (2.56 ± 0.76 to 1.87 ± 1.05; P = .01), with 6/15 (40%) participants meeting our primary endpoint. Therapy was associated with a reduction in gastric emptying (T1/2 155 vs 129 minutes; P = .053, CI −0.4 to 45). Therapy did not correct autonomic function abnormalities, but was associated with modulation of reflex parasympathetic activity.ConclusionsShort‐term non‐invasive vagal nerve stimulation led to improved cardinal symptoms and accelerated gastric emptying in a subset of patients with idiopathic gastroparesis. Responders had more severe gastric delay at baseline and clinical improvement correlated with duration of therapy, but not with improvements in gastric emptying. Larger randomized sham‐controlled trials of greater duration are needed to confirm the results of this pilot study.
Relationships Between Disc Degeneration and Autophagy Expression in Human Nucleus Pulposus
Authors: Quan Meiling , Hong Myoung‐Wha , Ko Myung‐Sup , Kim Young‐Yul 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesTo elaborate on the relationship between degeneration grade and autophagy expression in human nucleus pulposus obtained from surgical procedures.MethodsFor the 16 patients included in the present study, we determined the Pfirrmann classifications of degenerative lesions by MRI. Western blot analysis, LC3, LAMP2, and p62 protein expressions were quantified in different degeneration grades of disc nucleus pulposus. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to show co‐localization of LC3 and LAMP2, and immunohistochemistry to show LC3 and p62 in the nucleus pulposus.ResultsIn the western blot analysis, LC3‐II was highly expressed in grade III and decreased progressively from grade IV to V. In addition, LC3‐II expression in grade III was significantly higher than in grade II, IV, and V (P < 0.05). LAMP2 expression in grade V was significantly higher than that in grade II, III, and IV (P < 0.05). P62 increased with decreasing autophagy expression up through grade V. In the double staining, the LC3 level was highly expressed in grade III and decreased progressively from grades IV to V, as in the western blot analysis. LAMP2 rose with increasing disc degeneration grade through grade V. In the quantitative analysis of colocalization, grade III is significantly higher than grade II and V (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that LC3 was highly expressed in grade III but weakly expressed in other grades, with few positive areas around the nucleus pulposus. However, p62 increased progressively with increasing disc degeneration grade.ConclusionPfirrmann grade III disc degeneration showed that autophagosomes were formed, which led to the reversible decomposition of degenerative substances. Thus, by analyzing the effect of autophagy on degenerative discs, we showed the possibility of reversing degenerative changes, but only in grades III and lower.
Unique preservation of siliceous dinoflagellate motile cells from the Oligocene fossil Lagerstätte of Sieblos, Germany
Authors: Harding Ian C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe Triassic to Recent fossil record of the dinoflagellates is represented overwhelmingly by geologically resistant, organic‐walled, non‐motile resting cysts; such cysts are formed following the sexual phase in the life cycle. Very few confirmed records exist of the motile stage being preserved in the fossil record. This paper reports the occurrence of two very unusual dinoflagellate taphofacies, one developed in bituminous shales and the other in micrites, from the Oligocene fossil Lagerstätte at Sieblos, Hesse, Germany. A new dinoflagellate taxon, Sieblososphaera martini sp. nov. has been identified through analysis of dissociated skeletal elements in the bituminous shales and external moulds and casts in the micrites. The unique preservation of these fossils confirms them not only as primary biogenically silicified motile thecate cells, but also indicates that there was a much greater range of tabulation present within the subfamily Lithoperidiniaceae than has hitherto been recognized.
Review of empirical and emerging breeding methods and tools for yam (Dioscorea spp.) improvement: Status and prospects
Authors: Darkwa Kwabena , Olasanmi Bunmi , Asiedu Robert , Asfaw Asrat 
Published: December 2019

AbstractYam (Dioscorea spp.) is an important tuber crop with tremendous potential as a functional food in the tropics and subtropics. However, the crop has not shown progressive productivity gain over decades due to various production constraints. This paper reviews the progress achieved in empirical breeding endeavours and the development, status and application of emerging breeding tools and technologies to translate genetic gains in yam improvement. Significant progress has been made in yam genetic improvement over the years which has led to the identification and development of several improved clones and sources of variability for various economically important traits. Substantial efforts have also been made to develop diverse molecular markers, transcriptome and metabolome profiles of crucial traits, trait mapping and generate reference genome sequences of the key species. However, there seems to be a slow translation of research improvements into widespread applications. These advances and the integration of empirical and emerging methods and technologies into the breeding process will enhance yam breeding efforts and ensure the quick delivery of improved varieties that possess superior agronomic and quality traits.
Delineating Genotype × Environment interactions towards durable resistance in mungbean against Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora canescens) using GGE biplot
Authors: Das Arpita , Gupta Sanjeev , Parihar Ashok K. , Singh Deepak , Chand Ramesh , Pratap Aditya , Singha Kansam Dayamoy , Kushwaha Kailash Pati Singh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCercospora leaf spot (Cercospora canescens) is a major fungal disease which impedes mungbean production worldwide. Presence of wider host range with existence of pathogenic variability creates intricacy towards host‐pathogen dynamics. Moreover, environmental factors having crucial role in augmenting severity of this disease further complicate disease management. An attempt has been made for unfolding genotype x environment interactions towards identifying and validating durable resistant genotypes against cercospora leaf spot in multi‐environment testing. Preliminary screening with 246 genotypes under artificial epiphytotic condition was conducted to extract out a subset of 22 mungbean genotypes for further evaluation in field testing across six environments consecutively for two years. GGE biplot analysis detected significant environmental influence towards genotypic response and confirmed the presence of non‐crossover interaction with incoherent genotypic response, thus advocating the urgency for multi‐location testing. GGE biplot aptly identified “LGG 460” and “COGG 912” as “ideal” and “desirable” genotypes, respectively having durable resistance and genetic homeostasis and thus suggested for their utilization in future resistance breeding programme in mungbean against cercospora leaf spot.
The effect of elevated CO2 on the production and respiration of a Sargassum thunbergii community: A mesocosm study
Authors: Punchai Peeraporn , Ishimatsu Atsushi , Nishihara Gregory N. 
Published: December 2019

SUMMARYApproximately one‐third of anthropogenic carbon dioxide is absorbed into the ocean and causes it to become more acidic. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggested that the surface ocean pH, by the year 2100, would drop by a further 0.3 and 0.4 pH units under RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) 6.0 and 8.5 climate scenarios. The macroalgae communities that consisted of Sargassum thunbergii and naturally attached epibionts were exposed to fluctuations of ambient and manipulated pH (0.3–0.4 units below ambient pH). The production and respiration in S. thunbergii communities were calculated from dissolved oxygen time‐series recorded with optical dissolved oxygen sensors. The pH, irradiance, and dissolved oxygen occurred in parallel with diurnal (day/night) patterns. According to net mesocosm production – photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) model, the saturation and compensation PAR, the mean maximum gross mesocosm production (GMP), and daily mesocosm respiration were higher in the CO2 enrichment, than in the ambient condition, while the mean of photosynthetic coefficient was similar. In conclusion, elevated CO2 stimulated oxygen production and consumption of S. thunbergii communities in the mesocosm. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the GMP of the S. thunbergii community to irradiance was reduced, and achieved maximum production rate at higher PAR. These positive responses to CO2 enrichment suggest that S. thunbergii communities may thrive in under high CO2 conditions.
Elder abuse and associated factors in eastern romania
Authors: Alexa Ioana Dana , Ilie Adina Carmen , Pislaru Anca Iuliana , Dronic Aliona , Gavrilovici Ovidiu , Alexa‐Stratulat Teodora , Stefaniu Ramona , Sandu Ioana , Nuta Catalina , Herghelegiu Anna Marie 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundThis article explores elder abuse in a hospitalised population. We wanted to identify details related to psychological and emotional abuse in the older population in our region and to determine the importance of the Elderly Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI©) in comprehensive geriatric assessments.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study conducted between March 2015 and May 2016 included 386 consecutive hospitalised patients over 65 years of age. All patients underwent a geriatric assessment, data were collected about their medical history, and the EASI© was administered to each. The main outcome was identifying the presence, the type of abuse and the factors associated with abuse.ResultsThere were 21.5% of patients who suffered any form of abuse. Women were more frequently abused than men. Emotional abuse was the most common (60.2%) followed by neglect (53%) and physical abuse (22.91%); sexual abuse was absent in our study group. The abused patients had an impaired cognitive function (P = 0.034). They were also malnourished (P ≤ 0.001) and depressed (P = 0.001). The presence of peripheral artery disease, stroke, pneumonia, chronic kidney disease, musculoskeletal diseases and anxiety correlated with the presence of abuse. No statistically significant correlation was found between the degree of independence in instrumental activities of daily living and the presence of abuse (r = 0.105, P = 0.051).ConclusionsEASI is a tool for detecting elder abuse and should be included in the standard geriatric assessment to prevent ageism. The number of abused elderly patients is significant, and the multiple factors associated with abuse are diverse.
Validation of Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate‐II (PACSLAC‐II) in Iranian older adults with dementia living in nursing homes
Authors: Haghi Marjan , Fadayevatan Reza , Alizadeh‐khoei Mahtab , Kaboudi Bijan , Foroughan Mahshid , Mahdavi Behrouz 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundSome dementia patients can self‐report pain although the reports are not valid in severe dementia. Observational scales have been developed for pain assessment in these patients. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate‐II (PACSLAC‐II).MethodsThis validation study was conducted on 138 older adults with dementia suffering from chronic pain who lived in nursing homes. The PACSLAC‐II Persian version was applied through observations during activity and rest. Reliability of the PACSLAC‐II was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha and intra‐class correlation coefficients. Construct validity was determined by confirmatory factor analysis, divergent and convergent validity. The Spearman's rank correlation between PACSLAC‐II scores and Faces Pain Scale was calculated for concurrent validity. Known‐group validity during activity and rest was calculated by Wilcoxon signed ranks test.ResultsCronbach's alpha coefficient for facial expression (0.82), verbalisation (0.72), and body movement (0.84) subscales indicated good internal consistency. The intra‐class correlation coefficients between two raters was 0.76 and in three times evaluation, the value was 0.76. Convergent validity with Iranian Brief Pain Inventory and divergent validity with 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale confirmed the construct validity of PACSLAC‐II. Three factors structure of PACSLAC‐II was approved, and most of the variance was explained by facial expressions. The PACSLAC‐II can discriminate between pain and non‐pain events and has a moderate correlation with Faces Pain Scale (r = 0.33).ConclusionsPACSLAC‐II Persian version is a valid and reliable scale for pain assessment in older adults with dementia.