bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low irradiance compared with conventional photodynamic therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses
Authors: Gholam Patrick , Bosselmann Ina , Enk Alexander H. , Dick Julika 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective therapy treating photodamaged areas with multiple actinic keratoses (AK). Still pain during therapy is one of the most challenging obstacles for patients. This retrospective study compares pain and efficacy intra‐individual in patients using conventional PDT (c‐PDT) compared to a low irradiance PDT protocol (li‐PDT) with a reduced irradiance to 25% of c‐PDT.MethodsThirty‐one patients were enrolled into this retrospective analysis treated with li‐PDT and c‐PDT on comparable fields of actinic damage on the forehead or the cheek. Pain was scored by the patients using a VAS. Moreover, number and time to therapy interruptions were documented. For effectiveness number and grade of AK were counted before and 4 weeks after PDT.ResultsMaintaining a total light dose of 37 J/cm2, a decrease in irradiation in li‐PDT patients resulted in significant less pain (VAS score 2.8 vs 7.6) and fewer therapy interruptions compared to treatment with c‐ PDT (P < 0.0005). No significant difference in treatment outcome was found (P = 0.068).ConclusionOur data shows that li‐PDT can reduce pain with at least comparable clinical outcome compared to c‐PDT. Therefore, it is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for patients with multiple AK.
Identification and characterization ofXanthomonas albilineanscausing sugarcane leaf scald in China using multilocus sequence analysis
Authors: Ntambo M. S. , Meng J.‐Y. , Rott P. C. , Royer M. , Lin L.‐H. , Zhang H.‐L. , Gao S.‐J. 
Published: October 2018

Xanthomonas albilineansis the causal agent of leaf scald, a disease that can cause considerable damage to sugarcane industries. This study analysed the phylogenetic relationship of 14 samples ofX. albilineansfrom China and 13 reference strains retrieved from the GenBank database by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). To reach this goal, five housekeeping genes ofX. albilineanswere amplified from diseased leaves and sequenced:gyrB,abc,rpoD,atpDandglnA. Based on the concatenated sequence of these genes (4473 nt), the 14 samples ofX. albilineansfrom China had 99.9–100% sequence identity with one another and with five strains of the pathogen from the French West Indies and theUSA(Florida). The 27 samples or strains ofX. albilineanswere distributed in two distinct clades in theMLSA‐based phylogenetic tree. Clade 1 was formed by four strains of the pathogen from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and theUSA. All the other strains from worldwide locations, including the 14 samples from China, were grouped in clade 2. This latter clade included all strains of the pathogen that were associated with outbreaks of leaf scald that have occurred over the last two decades, especially in the Caribbean islands and theUSA. The very low diversity ofX. albilineansin four Chinese provinces suggests recent spread of a single strain (from genetic groupPFGE‐B) of the leaf scald pathogen within China.
Breakthrough percepts of famous faces
Authors: Alsufyani Abdulmajeed , Hajilou Omid , Zoumpoulaki Alexia , Filetti Marco , Alsufyani Hamed , Solomon Christopher J. , Gibson Stuart J. , Alroobaea Roobaea , Bowman Howard 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecently, we showed that presenting salient names (i.e., a participant's first name) on the fringe of awareness (in rapid serial visual presentation, RSVP) breaks through into awareness, resulting in the generation of a P3, which (if concealed information is presented) could be used to differentiate between deceivers and nondeceivers. The aim of the present study was to explore whether face stimuli can be used in an ERP‐based RSVP paradigm to infer recognition of broadly familiar faces. To do this, we explored whether famous faces differentially break into awareness when presented in RSVP and, importantly, whether ERPs can be used to detect these breakthrough events on an individual basis. Our findings provide evidence that famous faces are differentially perceived and processed by participants’ brains as compared to novel (or unfamiliar) faces. EEG data revealed large differences in brain responses between these conditions.
Object reidentification and the epistemic role of attention
Authors: Das Nilanjan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractReidentification scepticism is the view that we cannot knowledgeably reidentify previously perceived objects. Amongst classical Indian philosophers, the Buddhists argued for reidentification scepticism. In this essay, I will discuss two responses to this Buddhist argument. The first response, defended by Vācaspati Miśra (9th century CE), is that our outer senses allow us to knowledgeably reidentify objects. I will claim that this proposal is problematic. The second response, due to Jayanta Bhaṭṭa (9th century CE), is that the manas or the inner sense, functioning as a capacity of attention, helps us knowledgeably reidentify objects. I will explain how this second response answers the Buddhists’ challenge.
Conflict of interest regulation in European parliaments: Studying the evolution of complex regulatory regimes
Authors: Bolleyer Nicole , Smirnova Valeria , Di Mascio Fabrizio , Natalini Alessandro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe growing complexity of parliamentary ethics regulation adopted over the last decades makes the systematic examination of its nature and the rationales underpinning regulatory choices an important endeavor. In this paper we introduce conceptualizations and measurements of conflict of interest (COI) regulation directed toward assuring the impartial and unbiased decisionmaking of national parliamentarians. We distinguish the strictness of rules, the nature of enforcement, sanctions, and transparency requirements as core elements defining COI regimes. Applying our framework to 27 European democracies, we select two cases for in‐depth analysis in which legislators chose very different solutions in response to growing pressures to regulate themselves, to inductively explore the drivers underpinning the choice of COI mechanisms: the United Kingdom, which adopted a highly transparency‐oriented regime, and Belgium, which adopted a highly sanction‐oriented COI regime. Echoing neo‐institutionalist perspectives, the longitudinal analyses indicate how the two democracies’ different institutional environments shape distinct answers to similar functional pressures.
Analyzing Disaster Loss Trends: A Comparison of Normalization Methodologies in South Korea
Authors: Choi Donghyun , Kasdan David Oliver , Yoon D. K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIncreasing concern for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction is driving the need for more accurate and sophisticated tools of analysis to protect populations. Standards of analysis that can normalize measurements under various contexts are particularly valuable in the global arena of disaster management. One concern that may benefit from normalizing is the analysis of disaster loss trends. Previous studies have used a combination of inflation, wealth, and societal factors in their normalization of disaster loss methodologies. This study examines the various normalization methods in previous research and applies a selection of eight formulae to 50 years of disaster data in South Korea. The results show both decreasing and increasing trends in disaster damage losses based on the methods, but there are curious biases under the results that may be artifacts of Korea's unique experiences in economic development. The conclusion discusses how the case of Korea may help to clarify the optimal normalization methodology for other countries.
The ‘China shock,’ exports and U.S. employment: A global input–output analysis
Authors: Feenstra Robert C. , Sasahara Akira 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper quantifies the impact on U.S. employment from imports and exports during 1995–2011, using the World Input–Output Database. We find that the growth in U.S. exports led to increased demand for 2 million jobs in manufacturing, 0.5 million in resource industries, and a remarkable 4.1 million jobs in services, totaling 6.6 million. Two‐thirds of those service sectors jobs are due to the export of services themselves, whereas one‐third is due to the intermediate demand from manufacturing and resource—or merchandise—exports, so the total labor demand gain due to merchandise exports was 3.7 million jobs. In comparison, U.S. merchandise imports from China led to reduced demand of 1.4 million jobs in manufacturing and 0.6 million in services (with small losses in resource industries), with total job losses of 2.0 million. It follows that the expansion in U.S. merchandise exports relative to imports from China over 1995–2011 created net demand for about 1.7 million jobs. Comparing the growth of U.S. merchandise exports to merchandise imports from all countries, we find a fall in net labor demand due to trade, but comparing the growth of total U.S. exports to total imports from all countries, then there is a rise in net labor demand because of the growth in service exports.
Facilitators for maternity waiting home utilisation at Attat Hospital: a mixed‐methods study based on 45 years of experience
Authors: Vermeiden Tienke , Schiffer Rita , Langhorst Jorine , Klappe Neel , Asera Wolde , Getnet Gashaw , Stekelenburg Jelle , van den Akker Thomas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe facilitators for maternity waiting home (MWH) utilisation from the perspectives of MWH users and health staff.MethodsData collection took place over several time frames between March 2014 and January 2018 at Attat Hospital in Ethiopia, using a mixed‐methods design. This included seven in‐depth interviews with staff and users, three focus group discussions with 28 users and attendants, a structured questionnaire among 244 users, a 2‐week observation period and review of annual facility reports. The MWH was built in 1973; consistent records were kept from 1987. Data analysis was done through content analysis, descriptive statistics and data triangulation.ResultsThe MWH at Attat Hospital has become a well‐established intervention for high‐risk pregnant women (1987–2017: from 142 users of 777 total attended births [18.3%] to 571 of 3693 [15.5%]; range 142–832 users). From 2008, utilisation stabilised at on average 662 women annually. Between 2014 and 2017, total attended births doubled following government promotion of facility births; MWH utilisation stayed approximately the same. Perceived high quality of care at the health facility was expressed by users to be an important reason for MWH utilisation (114 of 128 MWH users who had previous experience with maternity services at Attat Hospital rated overall services as good). A strong community public health programme and continuous provision of comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) seemed to have contributed to realising community support for the MWH. The qualitative data also revealed that awareness of pregnancy‐related complications and supportive husbands (203 of 244 supported the MWH stay financially) were key facilitators. Barriers to utilisation existed (no cooking utensils at the MWH [198/244]; attendant being away from work [190/244]), but users considered these necessary to overcome for the perceived benefit: a healthy mother and baby.ConclusionsFacilitators for MWH utilisation according to users and staff were perceived high‐quality EmONC, integrated health services, awareness of pregnancy‐related complications and the husband's support in overcoming barriers. If providing high‐quality EmONC and integrating health services are prioritised, MWHs have the potential to become an accepted intervention in (rural) communities. Only then can MWHs improve access to EmONC.
Seroprevalence of sarcocystosis in the local communities of Pangkor and Tioman Islands using recombinant surface antigens 3 (rSAG3) of Sarcocystis falcatula
Authors: Tengku‐Idris Tengku Idzzan Nadzirah , Fong Mun Yik , Lau Yee Ling 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the seroprevalence of Sarcocystosis in the local communities of Pangkor and Tioman islands, Malaysia, by using antigenic recombinant surface antigens 2 and 3 from Sarcocystis falcatula (rSfSAG2 and rSfSAG3) as the target proteins via Western blot and ELISA assays.MethodsSfSAG2 and SfSAG3 genes were isolated from S. falcatula and expressed in Escherichia coli expression system. A total of 348 serum samples [volunteers from both islands (n = 100), non‐Sarcocystis parasitic infections patients (n = 50) and healthy donors (n = 100)] were collected and tested with purified SfSAGs in Western blot and ELISA assays to measure the seroprevalence of human sarcocystosis.ResultsNone of the sera in this study reacted with rSfSAG2 by Western blot and ELISA. For rSfSAG3, relatively high prevalence of sarcocystosis was observed in Tioman Island (75.5%) than in Pangkor Island (34%) by Western blot. In ELISA, the different prevalence rate was observed between Tioman Island (43.8%) and Pangkor Island (37%). The prevalence rate in other parasitic infections (amoebiasis, cysticercosis, filariasis, malaria, toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis) was 30% by Western blot and 26% by ELISA. Only 8% (by Western blot) and 10% (by ELISA) of healthy donors showed reactivity towards rSfSAG3.ConclusionThis is the first study reporting a seroprevalence of sarcocystosis in Pangkor and Tioman Islands, Malaysia. The combination of Western blot and ELISA is suitable to be used for serodiagnosis of sarcocystosis. With further evaluations, SfSAG3 can potentially be used to confirm infection, asymptomatic screening, surveillance and epidemiological studies.
Transcriptional effects of cadmium on iron homeostasis differ in calamine accessions of Noccaea caerulescens
Authors: Halimaa Pauliina , Blande Daniel , Baltzi Erol , Aarts Mark G. M. , Granlund Lars , Keinänen Markku , Kärenlampi Sirpa O. , Kozhevnikova Anna D. , Peräniemi Sirpa , Schat Henk , Seregin Ilya V. , Tuomainen Marjo , Tervahauta Arja I. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryCalamine accessions of the zinc/cadmium/nickel hyperaccumulator, Noccaea caerulescens, exhibit striking variation in foliar cadmium accumulation in nature. The Ganges accession (GA) from Southern France displays foliar cadmium hyperaccumulation (>1000 μg g−1 DW), whereas the accession La Calamine (LC) from Belgium, with similar local soil metal composition, does not (<100 μg g−1 DW). All calamine accessions are cadmium hypertolerant. To find out the differences between LC and GA in their basic adaptation mechanisms, we bypassed the cadmium excluding phenotype of LC by exposing the plants to 50 μm cadmium in hydroponics, achieving equal cadmium accumulation in the shoots. The iron content increased in the roots of both accessions. GA exhibited significant decreases in manganese and zinc contents in the roots and shoots, approaching those in LC. Altogether 702 genes responded differently to cadmium exposure between the accessions, 157 and 545 in the roots and shoots, respectively. Cadmium‐exposed LC showed a stress response and had decreased levels of a wide range of photosynthesis‐related transcripts. GA showed less changes, mainly exhibiting an iron deficiency‐like response. This included increased expression of genes encoding five iron deficiency‐regulated bHLH transcription factors, ferric reduction oxidase FRO2, iron transporters IRT1 and OPT3, and nicotianamine synthase NAS1, and decreased expression of genes encoding ferritins and NEET (a NEET family iron‐sulfur protein), which is possibly involved in iron transfer, distribution and/or management. The function of the IRT1 gene in the accessions was compared. We conclude that the major difference between the two accessions is in the way they cope with iron under cadmium exposure.
The proof is in the bulb: glycerol influences key stages of lily development
Authors: Lazare Silit , Bechar Daniel , Fernie Alisdair R. , Brotman Yariv , Zaccai Michele 
Published: October 2018

SummaryA bulb is a whole plant condensed into an underground organ. A geophyte's bulb comprises both food reserves and important developmental history that may affect its whole growth. In Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), bulb size is associated with the plant's flowering pathway – vernalization or photoperiod – and also affects sprouting, flower quality and abortion rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for the major physiological differences between large and small bulbs. Lily bulbs start their development from secondary meristems along the stem, with large bulbs being heavier and bear more scales than small ones. Peeling the outer scales of a large bulb converts its physiological responses into those of a small bulb, implying that the physiological discrepancies in plants developing from large or small bulbs are mediated by factors inherent to the bulb. We therefore performed broad analyses of the metabolite composition in the scales of bulbs subjected to temperature regimes affecting further plant development. We found a striking association between the level of glycerol, a primary metabolite mostly synthesized in the outer scales, and a delay in sprouting and flowering time, and reduction in abortion rate. Exogenous glycerol application to the bulbs before planting corroborated these results. Moreover, transcriptome analyses showed that flowering‐promoting gene expression was downregulated in the bulb after glycerol treatment, while potential flowering inhibitor as well as a dormancy‐related gene expressions were upregulated. Based on these studies, we postulate that glycerol is a major factor influencing both vegetative and reproductive development in lily.
Cascadia Rising: thoughts on a Seattle earthquake disaster exercise
Authors: Hess John R. 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDThe Cascadia subduction zone off the US Pacific Northwest coast produces a Force 9 earthquake once every 300 years. Cascadia Rising was a regional disaster drill modeled on such an event. Western Washington State has 5 million people and one Level I trauma center.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe blood response of the trauma center and region were modeled under the conditions laid down in the disaster scenario. The scenario assumed structural damage to the 1931 reinforced concrete building housing the trauma hospital transfusion service with loss of electricity, data services, and water. The regional blood center, in a newer building located six blocks away, suffered less disruption. The regional blood inventory is in a blood component manufacturing facility 18 miles south of downtown.RESULTSAt best and at risk to life, the trauma center could issue universally compatible components at a rate of 60 components/hr from a damaged but still accessible transfusion service. Usable inventory would be expended in 4 hours with no clear mechanism and rules for resupply. The regional center has additional group O red blood cells and AB or A plasma to sustain that rate of usage for several more hours but no protocols for reestablishing communication or “push” resupply. Regional resources will be gone in less than a day.CONCLUSIONSAfter a major Cascadia earthquake, blood resources may fail immediately, but even with luck, local resources used emergently at maximal issue rates will last 4 to 14 hours.© 2018 AABB
Blood transfusions in preterm infants: changes on perfusion index and intermittent hypoxemia
Authors: Ibonia Katrina T. , Bada Henrietta S. , Westgate Philip M. , Gomez‐Pomar Enrique , Bhandary Prasad , Patwardhan Abhijit , Abu Jawdeh Elie G. 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) transfusion decreases intermittent hypoxemia (IH) events beyond the first week of life. This benefit may be related to improved perfusion to the respiratory control network. Perfusion index (PI) is a perfusion measure provided by the pulse oximeter. We hypothesized that the benefit in IH after RBC transfusion is associated with an increase in PI. In addition, we assessed the value of PI and clinical measures in predicting the effect of RBC transfusion on IH.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe prospectively enrolled infants less than 30 weeks' gestation age. PI and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored with high‐resolution pulse oximeters 24 hours before and after RBC transfusion. Data were analyzed at three postnatal periods: Epoch 1, first week of life (1 to 7 days of life); Epoch 2, 2 to 4 weeks of life (8 to 28 days of life); and Epoch 3, 4 to 8 weeks of life.RESULTSA total of 118 transfusions were analyzed. IH measures significantly decreased after transfusion in Epochs 2 and 3. PI significantly increased after transfusion, but it did not correlate with the decrease in IH measures. Mechanical ventilation, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), and IH measures influenced the effects on oxygenation.CONCLUSIONSRBC transfusion improved IH after the first week of life. The benefit in IH did not correlate with PI increase after transfusion. Pretransfusion respiratory support and IH measures predicted the effect of transfusion on oxygenation.
Complications of a severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia crisis: transfusional iron overload and gangrenous cholecystitis
Authors: Menchetti Isabella , Lin Yulia , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine , Goldstein Jenette , Law Calvin , Lazarus Alan , Callum Jeannie L. 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDEvans syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that is defined by the simultaneous or sequential presence of two or more cytopenias without an obvious underlying precipitating cause. Evans syndrome usually follows a chronic relapsing and remitting course and is quite rare, making it difficult to evaluate in clinical studies.CASE REPORTA 66‐year‐old male patient with a 17‐year history of Evans syndrome presented with fulminant autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). He presented with a markedly elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP; 46 mg/L [normal, 0‐5 mg/L]) before onset of a decrease in hemoglobin. He required the transfusion of 20 units of red blood cells while awaiting response to aggressive immunosuppressive therapy including high‐dose corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobin therapy, and rituximab. He achieved a complete hematologic response.RESULTSHis postdischarge course was complicated by acute cholecystitis requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In addition, his transfusional iron overload requiring 16 phlebotomies to reduce his ferritin level from 4933 μg/L to 326 μg/L, with phlebotomies ongoing every 2 weeks to achieve a ferritin level of less than 100 μg/L.CONCLUSIONNeither transfusional iron overload nor acute cholecystitis are well‐recognized complications of a severe episode of AIHA. An elevated CRP has been recently recognized as an important prognostic marker in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura and this case suggests a need to evaluate its utility in AIHA.