bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Light‐driven photosensitizer uptake increases Candida albicans photodynamic inactivation
Authors: Romano Renan A. , Pratavieira Sebastião , Silva Ana P. da , Kurachi Cristina , Guimarães Francisco E. G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPhotodynamic Inactivation (PDI) is based on the use of a photosensitizer (PS) and light that results mainly in the production of reactive oxygen species, aiming to produce microorganism cell death. PS incubation time and light dose are key protocol parameters that influence PDI response; the correct choice of them can increase the efficiency of inactivation. The results of this study show that a minor change in the PDI protocol, namely light‐driven incubation leads to a higher photosensitizer and more uniform cell uptake inside the irradiated zone. Furthermore, as the uptake increases, the damage caused by PDI also increases. The proposed light‐driven incubation prior to the inactivation illumination dose has advantages when compared to the traditional PDI treatments since it can be more selective and effective. Using a violet light as pre‐illumination (light‐driven incubation) source and a red‐light system as PDI source, it was possible to demonstrate that when compared to the traditional protocol of dark incubation, the pre‐illuminated cell culture showed an inactivation increase of 7 log units. These in vitro results performed in Candida albicans cells may result in the introduction of a new protocol for PDI.
Low‐level light emitting diode therapy promotes long–term functional recovery after experimental stroke in mice
Authors: Lee Hae In , Lee Sae‐Won , Kim Nam Gyun , Park Kyoung‐Jun , Choi Byung Tae , Shin Yong‐Il , Shin Hwa Kyoung 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the effects of low‐level light emitting diode therapy (LED‐T) on the long‐term functional outcomes after cerebral ischemia, and the optimal timing of LED‐T initiation for achieving suitable functional recovery. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in mice via photothrombosis. These mice were assigned to a sham‐operated (control), ischemic (vehicle), or LED‐T group [initiation immediately (acute), 4 days (subacute) or 10 days (delayed) after ischemia, followed by once‐daily treatment for 7 days]. Behavioral outcomes were assessed 21 and 28 days post‐ischemia, and histopathological analysis was performed 28 days post‐ischemia. The acute and subacute LED‐T groups showed a significant improvement in motor function up to 28 days post‐ischemia, although no brain atrophy recovery was noted. We observed proliferating cells (BrdU+) in the ischemic brain, and significant increases in BrdU+/GFAP+, BrdU+/DCX+, BrdU+/NeuN+, and CD31+ cells in the subacute LED‐T group. However, the BrdU+/Iba‐1+ cell count was reduced in the subacute LED‐T group. Furthermore, the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was significantly upregulated in the subacute LED‐T group. We concluded that LED‐T administered during the subacute stage had a positive impact on the long‐term functional outcome, probably via neuron and astrocyte proliferation, blood vessel reconstruction, and increased BDNF expression. Picture: The rotarod test for motor coordination showed that acute and subacute LED‐T improves long‐term functional recovery after cerebral ischemia.
Association of the rs1760944 polymorphism in the APEX1 base excision repair gene with risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a population from an endemic area in South China
Authors: Lu Zhifang , Li Sisi , Ning Sisi , Yao Mengwei , Zhou Xunzhao , Wu Yuan , Zhong Changtao , Yan Kui , Wei Zhengbo , Xie Ying 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundApurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APEX1) plays a central role in the repair of oxidative DNA lesions via base excision repair, and polymorphism in the APEX1 gene may affect susceptibility to carcinogenesis.MethodsHere, we assessed possible relationships between single‐nucleotide polymorphism at APEX1 rs1760944 and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in 477 NPC patients and 558 healthy controls from Guangxi province, which is the second largest NPC endemic area in South China.ResultsGenotype frequencies in controls were in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. Logistic regression analysis identified the genotypes GT or GG as associated with significantly lower risk than the genotype TT (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.745, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.573‐0.970). This apparent protective effect of GT/GG was even greater among those with no smoking history (adjusted OR 0.679, 95%CI 0.494‐0.934).ConclusionOur results suggest that APEX1 rs1760944 polymorphism may correlate with NPC susceptibility in a population from an endemic area in South China.
UriSed 3 and UX‐2000 automated urine sediment analyzers vs manual microscopic method: A comparative performance analysis
Authors: Laiwejpithaya Sathima , Wongkrajang Preechaya , Reesukumal Kanit , Bucha Chonticha , Meepanya Suriya , Pattanavin Chanutchaya , Khejonnit Varanya , Chuntarut Achara 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundFully automated urine analyzers now play an important role in routine urinalysis in most laboratories. The recently introduced UriSed 3 has a new automated digital imaging urine sediment analyzer with a phase contrast feature. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the UriSed 3 and UX‐2000 automated urine sediment analyzers with each other and with the results of the manual microscopic method.MethodsTwo hundred seventy‐seven (277) samples of leftover fresh urine from our hospital's central laboratory were evaluated by two automated urine sediment analyzers—UriSed 3 and UX‐2000. The results of urine sediment analysis were compared between the two automated analyzers and against the results of the manual microscopic method.ResultsBoth devices demonstrated excellent agreement for quantitative measurement of red blood cells and white blood cells. UX‐2000 had a lower coefficient correlation and demonstrated slightly lower agreement for squamous epithelial cells. Regarding semiquantitative analysis, both machines demonstrated very good concordance, with all applicable rates within one grade difference of the other machine. UriSed 3 had higher sensitivity for small round cells, while UX‐2000 showed greater sensitivity for detecting bacteria and hyaline casts. UriSed 3 demonstrated slightly better specificity, especially in the detection of hyaline and pathological casts.ConclusionsBoth instruments had nearly similar performance for red blood cells and white blood cells measurement. UriSed 3 was more reliable for measuring squamous epithelial cells and small round cells, while the UX‐2000 was more accurate for detecting bacteria and hyaline casts.
A case of adult‐onset periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome in Japan
Authors: Yasuura Shusuke , Harada Yukinori 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAdult‐onset periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is rare. We report the case of a 23‐year‐old woman with PFAPA syndrome in Japan. Her symptoms lasted for approximately 5 days in each period regardless of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug or antibiotic treatment. She was diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome based on her periodic self‐limiting symptoms and no evidence of other febrile diseases. Following cimetidine therapy, her periodic symptoms diminished. PFAPA syndrome should be considered in patients presenting with periodic fever and upper respiratory symptoms regardless of their age or ethnicity.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and voriconazole therapy in lung transplant recipients: a case series
Authors: Neoh Chin Fen , Snell Gregory I. , Levvey Bronwyn , Morrissey Catherine Orla , Slavin Monica A. , Stewart Kay , Kong David C. M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundProlonged voriconazole therapy may be associated with skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in lung transplant (LTx) patients. This is of concern given the frequent use of voriconazole in the LTx setting. The impact of voriconazole therapy on the risk of developing skin SCC in an Australian LTx cohort with additional risk due to high levels of sun exposure remains unclear.AimThis study described the extent and outcomes of new or recurrent skin SCC among LTx patients receiving voriconazole.MethodsThe present retrospective cohort study was undertaken at The Alfred Hospital, Australia. Adult LTx recipients with skin SCC who had received voriconazole between 1 July 2003 and 30 June 2010 were included. Medical records and histopathology reports were reviewed. Demographics, clinical characteristics, voriconazole exposure (dose and duration), potential risk factors for skin SCC and manifestations of the skin SCC were recorded. The Naranjo algorithm was used to determine the likelihood of skin SCC being due to voriconazole exposure.ResultsOf the 102 LTx patients receiving voriconazole, 14 (13.7%) had at least one episode of skin SCC: seven (Group 1) had skin SCC during or after voriconazole exposure; three (Group 2) had skin SCC before commencing voriconazole therapy, which recurred or worsened subsequently; three (Group 3) had a history of skin SCC prior to voriconazole being prescribed but no skin SCC was noted during or after voriconazole exposure; and one (Group 4) had multiple skin SCCs before LTx and voriconazole use, and developed further skin SCC post voriconazole. The median (interquartile range) of voriconazole exposure in Group 1, 2 and 3 patients was 119 days (79.5, 693), 1127 days (665.5, 1129) and 173 days (135.5, 341), respectively. The Naranjo score indicated a probable association between voriconazole use and skin SCC in three patients and a possible relationship in eight.ConclusionsProlonged voriconazole exposure may contribute to the development, recurrence and progression of skin SCC in LTx patients.
Surgical Apgar score (SAS) predicts perioperative morbidity, mortality, and length of stay in patients undergoing esophagectomy at a high‐volume center
Authors: Giugliano Danica N. , Morgan Andrew , Palazzo Francesco , Leiby Benjamin E. , Evans Nathaniel R. , Rosato Ernest L. , Berger Adam C. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundEsophagectomy carries considerable morbidity. Many studies have evaluated factors to predict patients at risk. This study aimed to determine whether the surgical Apgar score (SAS) predicts complications and length of stay (LOS) for patients undergoing esophagectomy.Study DesignWe evaluated 212 patients undergoing esophagectomy. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien‐Dindo scale and the SAS was determined. Association of SAS with incidence of complications was evaluated using the Cochran‐Armitage trend test between grouped SAS scores (0‐2, 3‐4, 5‐6, 7‐8, 9‐10) and each of the outcomes. Correlation of SAS with LOS was evaluated using competing risks proportional hazards regression.ResultsThe average patient age was 63.5 years (range 31‐86), and the average blood loss was 284 mL (range 50‐4000). The median LOS was 10 days. There was a significant association between SAS and grade 2 or higher (P = 0.0002) and grade 3 or higher (P < 0.0001) complications. The perioperative mortality rate was 5.2% (n = 11) with lower SAS being associated with greater mortality. LOS was also associated with SAS (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsWe demonstrate that SAS is a significant predictor of complications and LOS for patients undergoing esophagectomy. SAS should be used to identify lower risk patients to prioritize use of critical care beds and hospital resources.
Wie viel Wasser enthält eine Tablette?
Authors: Winder Lisa , Kuhli Maren , Hofmann Julian , Fleck Christian , Urbanetz Nora Anne 
Published: May 2017

AbstractZur Qualitätssicherung in der Pharmaproduktion gehört die Bestimmung des Wassergehalts in Tabletten. Eine Alternative zur Karl‐Fischer‐Titration bietet der Phosphorpentoxidsensor.
The effects of Pilates method on pelvic floor muscle strength in patients with post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gomes Cíntia S. , Pedriali Fabiana R. , Urbano Mariana R. , Moreira Eliane H. , Averbeck Marcio A. , Almeida Silvio Henrique M. 
Published: May 2017

AimsTo assess the effects of a Pilates exercise program compared to conventional pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) protocol on pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in patients with post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence.MethodsPatients were randomized into three treatment groups (G1: Pilates, G2: electrical stimulation combined with PFMT, and G3: control group). Duration of therapy was 10 weeks. Baseline assessment included the 24 h pad‐test and the ICI‐Q questionnaire. PFMS was measured using a manometric perineometry device at baseline and 4 months after radical prostatectomy (RP). The level of significance was P < 0.05.ResultsOne hundred twenty three patients were randomized and 104 patients completed the study protocol (G1: n = 34; G2: n = 35; G3: n = 35). Post‐treatment assessment showed statistically significant improvements in maximum strength in G2, increased endurance in G1 and G2, and increment of muscle power in all three groups (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the mean changes of maximum strength, endurance, and muscle power between groups after treatment (P > 0.05). G1 and G2 achieved a higher number of fully continent patients than G3 (P < 0.05). At the end of treatment, 59% of patients in G1, 54% in G2, and 26% in G3 were continent (no pads/day).ConclusionsImprovements in PFMS parameters were distinct among active treatment groups versus controls, but did not predict recovery of urinary continence at final assessment. The Pilates method promoted similar outcomes in the proportion of fully continent patients when compared to conventional PFMT 4 months after RP.
LOFAR – ein Supercomputer wird zum Radioteleskop
Authors: Hoeft Matthias 
Published: May 2017

ZusammenfassungDas Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) ist ein neuartiges Radioteleskop, das es erstmals erlaubt, den Himmel im Bereich langwelliger Radiostrahlung mit hoher Empfindlichkeit und Auflösung zu kartieren. LOFAR beruht vollständig auf digitaler Elektronik: Signale der Antennen werden digitalisiert, an den Stationen komprimiert, über Breitband‐Internetverbindungen übertragen und von zentralen Supercomputern verarbeitet. Himmelsdurchmusterungen mit LOFAR bieten vollkommen neue Einblicke in die Entwicklung von Radiogalaxien, die Sternentstehungsgeschichte des Universums und erlauben es, rätselhafte Synchrotronemission in Galaxienhaufen aufzuspüren. Die Technologieentwicklung von LOFAR hilft auch, den Weg für ein weitaus größeres Radioteleskop zu ebnen. Dieses Square Kilometre Array (SKA) planen Astronomen für die kommende Dekade.
Remotely sensed forest habitat structures improve regional species conservation
Authors: Rechsteiner Christian , Zellweger Florian , Gerber Anatole , Breiner Frank T. , Bollmann Kurt 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecent studies show that light detection and ranging (LiDAR) derived habitat variables significantly increase the performance and accuracy of species distribution models (SDMs). In particular, the structure of complex habitats such as forest can be accurately parametrized by an area‐wide, LiDAR‐based vegetation profile. However, evidence of specific applications of such models in real‐world conservation management still remains sparse. Here, we developed a resource selection SDM for hazel grouse (Bonasa bonasia L.) in a Swiss nature park with the aim to map habitat suitability and to inform the park management about habitat improvement measures. We used remote sensing, particularly LiDAR to derive ecologically relevant forest vegetation characteristics at the local scale and used them as predictors in an ensemble SDM approach. The predicted habitat suitability was mainly affected by local, fine grained vegetation structure. Average vegetation height, shrub density and canopy height variation contributed most to the habitat quality for hazel grouse. This clearly shows how LiDAR provides the means to develop ecologically interpretable predictor variables of forest habitat structure and that these predictors can be used to reliably map local‐scale habitat quality, indicated by high model performance scores (median AUC of 0.918). This improves spatial conservation planning, and at the same time, provides meaningful information to derive habitat improvement measures that can be implemented in the field by foresters. Hazel grouse occurrence in the park is restricted to a few highly suitable, disjunct habitat patches. Therefore, conservation management should increase the connectivity of suitable habitat with the aim to stimulate an increase and better exchange of individuals in the regional hazel grouse population. Habitat improvements can be achieved by forestry measures that regularly integrate early successional forest stages into production forests. They should contain stands with a shrub density of around 30% as well as heterogeneous stands in terms of vegetation height.
Photovoltaikkraftwerk am Pitztaler Gletscher
Authors: Klaus Johannes , Weißhaupt Reinhold 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDie höchstgelegene Photovoltaikanlage Europas befindet sich auf einer Seehöhe von ca. 3 000 m, mitten im Skigebiet am Pitztaler Gletscher und versorgt an Ort und Stelle die Einrichtungen der Pitztaler Gletscherbahnen mit Strom. Zur Aufnahme der 3 504 PV‐Module wurde ein Stahl‐Tragsystem aus 80 Stützböcken und 73 Stahlfachwerken mit einer Spannweite von je 20 m entwickelt. Im felsigen und unzugänglichen Gelände waren für die Umsetzung dieses Systems insgesamt 188 kleinflächige Einzelfundamente mit Mikrobohrpfählen zu errichten. Die gesamte Ausführungs‐ und Werkplanung der Gründung und der Stahlkonstruktion wurde auf Grundlage aktueller Luftbilddaten (3D‐Laserscan) durchgeführt. Die Stahlkonstruktionsteile konnten nur über den bestehenden und extrem steilen Notweg, der teilweise über den Pitztaler Gletscher führt und Steigungen bis zu 30 % aufweist, zur Einbaustelle gebracht werden. Beton, Kleinteile und PV‐Module mussten in unzähligen Fahrten mit der Gletscherbahn nach oben transportiert werden. Die Modultische wurden im Baufeld vormontiert, noch am Boden mit den PV‐Modulen bestückt und mit einem geländegängigen Mobilkran millimetergenau versetzt. Das Gesamtprojekt wurde inkl. der Detailplanungen in einem Zeitraum von nur acht Monaten (Februar bis September 2015) umgesetzt.
Developing a Culture of Readers: Complementary Materials That Engage
Authors: Sailors Misty , Kaambankadzanja Davie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany professionals, including members of the International Literacy Association, are concerned with the lack of reading materials in classrooms across the world. In this paper, the authors present the creation of high‐quality, locally produced, complementary reading materials in Malawi, where there are very few children's books and few opportunities to read extended texts. The authors describe their approach to the creation of those materials, using engagement as their theoretical frame. Because many teachers in countries such as Malawi (and in many schools in the United States) often receive books that are culturally and linguistically inappropriate, the authors argue for the importance of local reading materials that take engagement into consideration as teachers make decisions about the reading materials they use in their classrooms.
Public Sector Economics
Authors: Bailey Stephen J. 
Published: May 2017

Public Sector Economics provides a comprehensive, wide-ranging treatment of the subject, dealing with theory, policy and practice with the broad context of political economy and gives a more general integration of them than is found in most other texts. It recognises that students invariably study other subjects simultaneously with economics and so attempts to provide more of a multi-disciplinary approach than is usuallly the case. The book reflects the changing nature of ‘public’ in recognising that a textbook in this area has to be made less technical and mechanistic and more appreciative of political economy.
This second edition has retained the structure of the first edition, all chapters having been updated and expanded in terms of coverage of theory, policy and practice. The 1997 Labour Government’s policies and initiatives have been fully incorporated in Parts II and III.
Tenancy, Marriage, and the Boll Weevil Infestation, 1892–1930
Authors: Bloome Deirdre , Feigenbaum James , Muller Christopher 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the early twentieth century, the cotton-growing regions of the U.S. South were dominated by families of tenant farmers. Tenant farming created opportunities and incentives for prospective tenants to marry at young ages. These opportunities and incentives especially affected African Americans, who had few alternatives to working as tenants. Using complete-count Census of Population data from 1900–1930 and Census of Agriculture data from 1889–1929, we find that increases in tenancy over time increased the prevalence of marriage among young African Americans. We then study how marriage was affected by one of the most notorious disruptions to southern agriculture at the turn of the century: the boll weevil infestation of 1892–1922. Using historical Department of Agriculture maps, we show that the boll weevil’s arrival reduced the share of farms worked by tenants as well as the share of African Americans who married at young ages. When the boll weevil infestation altered African Americans’ opportunities and incentives to marry, the share of African Americans who married young fell accordingly. Our results provide new evidence about the effect of economic and political institutions on demographic transformations.
EXPLORING THE EXISTENCE OF GRADER BIAS IN BEEF GRADING
Authors: JANG JU WON , ISHDORJ ARIUN , ANDERSON DAVID P. , PUREVJAV TSENGEG , DAHLKE GARLAND 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) beef grading system plays an important role in marketing and promoting beef. USDA graders inspect beef carcasses and determine a quality grade within a few seconds. Although the graders are well trained, the nature of this grading process may lead to grading errors. Significant differences in the USDA graders’ “called” and “camera-graded” quality grades were observed, as well as variations in quality grades across seasons and years. Under grid pricing, producers gained financially from grades called by USDA graders rather than grades measured by cameras.
Scholarly productivity and professional advancement of junior researchers receiving KL2, K23, or K08 awards at a large public research institution
Authors: Amory John K. , Louden Diana K. N. , McKinney Christy , Rich Joanne , Long-Genovese Stacy , Disis Mary L. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundHow the productivity and careers of KL2 scholars compare with scholars receiving individual K-awards is unknown.MethodsThe productivity of KL2 scholars (n=21) at our institution was compared with that of K08 (n=34) and K23 (n=26) scholars.ResultsKL2 and K23 scholars had greater productivity than K08 scholars (p=0.01). Professional advancement was similar among groups.ConclusionAt our institution, scholarly productivity and professional advancement did not differ by type of K-award.