bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Social Isolation in Greek Adolescents with Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis Treated with Botulinum Toxin Type A: A Case Series
Authors: Kouris Anargyros , Armyra Kalliopi , Stefanaki Christina , Christodoulou Christos , Karimali Polixeni , Kontochristopoulos George 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPrimary hyperhidrosis, although extensively documented in adults, typically has onset that dates back to early childhood. It is an unpleasant and socially disabling problem for the affected child, but little attention has been paid to the disease in adolescents. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in adolescents with primary palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis and to determine its effect on quality of life and social isolation. Thirty‐five individuals (17 girls, 18 boys) with moderate to severe palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis were treated with BTXA (onabotulinum). Patients were examined at baseline and 6 months after treatment. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) was used to evaluate disease severity and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was used to assess quality of life. The University of California at Los Angeles loneliness scale (UCLA version 3) was used to assess personal perception of loneliness and social isolation. The median age of the participants was 14 years, and 48.6% were female. Twenty‐one had palmar hyperhidrosis, and 14 had axillary hyperhidrosis. Total CDLQI and social isolation scores decreased significantly after treatment with BTXA (both p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between pre‐ and post‐treatment levels of severity of hyperhidrosis. No statistically significant difference was documented for CDLQI and UCLA scores between boys and girls. Treatment of hyperhidrosis with BTXA resulted in improvement in quality of life, social skills, and activities.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis Abscesses Complicating Molluscum Contagiosum in Two Children
Authors: Lacour Marc , Posfay‐Barbe Klara Maria , La Scala Giorgio Carlo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe report the occurrence of Staphylococcus lugdunensis abscesses in two girls with molluscum contagiosum who both required surgical intervention under general anaesthesia. S. lugdunensis is a coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus recently recognized as an emerging human pathogen. Because of its ubiquitous nature and the high prevalence of molluscum contagiosum in children, it is likely that this as yet unreported association may be underestimated, thus raising the question as to whether bacterial culture of superinfected mollusca should be obtained more often.
Evaluation of Subclinical Endometritis and Consequences on Fertility in Piedmontese Beef Cows
Authors: Ricci A , Gallo S , Molinaro F , Dondo A , Zoppi S , Vincenti L 
Published: December 2014

ContentsSubclinical endometritis (SEM) is poorly investigated in beef cows, as stated in the literature. This project aims to evaluate the rate and the consequences of SEM in Piedmontese cows, with a focus on bacteriological findings and fertility parameters. Uterine cytology was performed for 97 subjects; a total of 31% of the cows were diagnosed as being positive for SEM and as having an 8% neutrophil (PMN) presence on the slide, which is considered as the best cut‐off to diagnose the pathology. Only 13% of the cows positive for SEM were pregnant within 130 dpp and generally showed increases of 40 days in the partum to conception interval compared with the negative cows (142 vs 182, p = 0.01). Cows positive for both bacteriology and cytology showed a lower fertility than cows with only inflammation or only a bacterial presence (p = 0.0004). Bacterial isolation detected different species, but no difference in regard to the impact of these bacteria on SEM was shown. Parity, presence of calves, hygiene condition, age and number of service did not affect whether a cow was positive for subclinical endometritis (p < 0.05). The housing system (free stalls vs tie stalls) used seems to affect the SEM rate in Piedmontese cows; cows bred in tie stalls were more likely to be positive for SEM (OR = 2.2; p = 0.04). In conclusion, cytology seems to be a good technique for the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in beef cows, and as in dairy cows, subclinical endometritis has a detrimental effect on fertility, causing an increase in partum to conception and a decrease in the rate of cows who become pregnant within 130 dpp, particularly for those cows housed in a tie stall.
Analysis of the CYC/TB1 class of TCP transcription factors in basal angiosperms and magnoliids
Authors: Horn Stefanie , Pabón‐Mora Natalia , Theuß Vanessa S. , Busch Andrea , Zachgo Sabine 
Published: December 2014

SummaryFlower monosymmetry contributes to specialized interactions between plants and their insect pollinators. In the magnoliids, flower monosymmetry is exhibited only in the Aristolochiaceae (Piperales). Aristolochia flowers develop a calyx‐derived monosymmetric perianth that enhances pollination success by a flytrap mechanism. Aristolochia arborea forms additionally a special perianth outgrowth that mimics a mushroom to attract flies, the mushroom mimicry structure (MMS). In core eudicots, members of the CYC2 clade of TCP transcription factors are key regulators of corolla monosymmetry establishment. The CYC2 clade arose via core eudicot‐specific duplications from ancestral CYC/TB1 genes. CYC/TB1 genes are also thought to affect monosymmetry formation in early diverging eudicot and monocot species. Here, we demonstrate that CYC/TB1 genes, named CYC‐like genes (CYCL) are present in basal angiosperms and magnoliids. Expression analyses in A. arborea indicate that CYCL genes participate in perianth and MMS differentiation processes and do not support a CYCL gene function in initial flower monosymmetry formation. Heterologous CYCL and CYC2 gene overexpression studies in Arabidopsis show that Aristolochia CYCL proteins only perform a CYC2‐like function when the CYCL TCP domain is replaced by a CYC2 domain. Comparative TCP domain analyses revealed that an LxxLL motif, known to mediate protein–protein interactions, evolved in the second helix of the TCP domain in the CYC2 lineage and contributes to CYC2‐related functions. Our data imply that divergent evolution of the CYC/TB1 lineages caused significant changes in their coding regions, which together with cis‐regulatory changes established the key CYC2 function in regulating eudicot flower monosymmetry.
Susceptibility toVerticillium longisporumis linked to monoterpene production byTPS23/27 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Roos Jonas , Bejai Sarosh , Mozūraitis Raimondas , Dixelius Christina 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe fungusVerticillium longisporumis a soil‐borne plant pathogen of increasing economic importance, and information on plant responses to it is limited. To identify the genes and components involved in the early stages of infection, transcripts in roots ofV. longisporum‐challenged Arabidopsis Col‐0 and the susceptibleNON‐RACE SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE1(ndr1‐1) mutant were compared usingATH1 gene chips. The analysis revealed altered transcript levels of several terpene biosynthesis genes, including the monoterpene synthaseTPS23/27. When transgenic35S:TPS23/27andTPS23/27‐amiRNAplants were monitored the over‐expresser line showed enhanced fungal colonization whereas the silenced genotype was indistinguishable from Col‐0. Transcript analysis of terpene biosynthesis genes suggested that only theTPS23/27pathway is affected in the two transgenic genotypes. To confirm changes in monoterpene production, emitted volatiles were determined using solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Levels of all identified TPS23/27 monoterpene products were significantly altered in the transgenic plants. A stimulatory effect on conidial germination and hyphal growth ofV. longisporumwas also seen in co‐cultivation with35S:TPS23/27plants and upon exposure to 1,8‐cineole, the main product ofTPS23/27. Methyl jasmonate treatments ofmyc2‐1andmyc2‐2mutants and analysis ofTPS23/27:uidAin themyc2‐2background suggested a dependence on jasmonic acid mediated by the transcription factorMYC2. Taken together, our results show thatTPS23/27‐produced monoterpenes stimulate germination and subsequent invasion ofV. longisporumin Arabidopsis roots.
Accumulation of the NON‐YELLOW COLORING 1 protein of the chlorophyll cycle requires chlorophyll b in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Jia Ting , Ito Hisashi , Hu Xueyun , Tanaka Ayumi 
Published: December 2014

SummaryChlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are interconverted in the chlorophyll cycle. The initial step in the conversion of chlorophyll b to chlorophyll a is catalyzed by the chlorophyll b reductases NON‐YELLOW COLORING 1 (NYC1) and NYC1‐like (NOL), which convert chlorophyll b to 7‐hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a. This step is also the first stage in the degradation of the light‐harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein complex (LHC). In this study, we examined the effect of chlorophyll b on the level of NYC1. NYC1 mRNA and NYC1 protein were in low abundance in green leaves, but their levels increased in response to dark‐induced senescence. When the level of chlorophyll b was enhanced by the introduction of a truncated chlorophyllide a oxygenase gene and the leaves were incubated in the dark, the amount of NYC1 was greatly increased compared with that of the wild type; however, the amount of NYC1 mRNA was the same as in the wild type. In contrast, NYC1 did not accumulate in the mutant without chlorophyll b, even though the NYC1 mRNA level was high after incubation in the dark. Quantification of the LHC protein showed no strong correlation between the levels of NYC1 and LHC proteins. However, the level of chlorophyll fluorescence of the dark adapted plant (Fo) was closely related to the accumulation of NYC1, suggesting that the NYC1 level is related to the energetically uncoupled LHC. These results and previous reports on the degradation of chlorophyllide a oxygenase suggest that the a feedforward and feedback network is included in chlorophyll cycle.
Development, validation and genetic analysis of a large soybean SNP genotyping array
Authors: Lee Yun‐Gyeong , Jeong Namhee , Kim Ji Hong , Lee Kwanghee , Kim Kil Hyun , Pirani Ali , Ha Bo‐Keun , Kang Sung‐Taeg , Park Beom‐Seok , Moon Jung‐Kyung , Kim Namshin , Jeong Soon‐Chun 
Published: December 2014

SummaryCultivated soybean (Glycine max) suffers from a narrow germplasm relative to other crop species, probably because of under‐use of wild soybean (Glycine soja) as a breeding resource. Use of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array is a promising method for dissecting cultivated and wild germplasms to identify important adaptive genes through high‐density genetic mapping and genome‐wide association studies. Here we describe a large soybean SNP array for use in diversity analyses, linkage mapping and genome‐wide association analyses. More than four million high‐quality SNPs identified from high‐depth genome re‐sequencing of 16 soybean accessions and low‐depth genome re‐sequencing of 31 soybean accessions were used to select 180 961 SNPs for creation of the Axiom® SoyaSNP array. Validation analysis for a set of 222 diverse soybean lines showed that 170 223 markers were of good quality for genotyping. Phylogenetic and allele frequency analyses of the validation set data indicated that accessions showing an intermediate morphology between cultivated and wild soybeans collected in Korea were natural hybrids. More than 90 unanchored scaffolds in the current soybean reference sequence were assigned to chromosomes using this array. Finally, dense average spacing and preferential distribution of the SNPs in gene‐rich chromosomal regions suggest that this array may be suitable for genome‐wide association studies of soybean germplasm. Taken together, these results suggest that use of this array may be a powerful method for soybean genetic analyses relating to many aspects of soybean breeding.
Do leukoreduction filters passively reduce the transmission risk of human granulocytic anaplasmosis?
Authors: Proctor Melanie C. , Leiby David A. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundHuman granulocytic anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, poses an increasing public health risk in the United States. Since 2000, case reports have increased annually; 2782 cases were reported in 2013. Despite the increasing frequency of clinical cases, only eight cases of transfusion‐transmitted anaplasmosis (TTA) have been reported. We investigated if current leukoreduction practices impact transfusion risk.Study Design and MethodsWhole blood units (WBUs) with integral red blood cell (RBC) leukoreduction filters were collected and spiked with A. phagocytophilum–infected HL‐60 cells equivalent to 0.01, 1, or 5% of total neutrophils. After 24 hours at 4°C WBUs were processed into plasma and RBCs, the latter subsequently leukoreduced (LR RBCs). To evaluate the removal of A. phagocytophilum by filtration, pre‐ and postfiltration samples were compared by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsCompared to Day 0 or Day 1 positive controls, LR RBCs demonstrated reduced levels of A. phagocytophilum by culture and PCR. At 0.01% infection levels LR RBCs yielded no positive cultures and a log reduction of 2.5 by PCR. Similarly, at 1 and 5% infections levels, LR RBCs produced only 44% (4/9) and 56% (5/9) positive cultures, respectively. PCR results were comparable, 3.0 log reduction for 1% and 3.3 log reduction for 5% infection levels.ConclusionsThe recent increase in TTA suggests that A. phagocytophilum may represent an emerging blood safety issue. However, the current study indicates that the widespread practice of leukoreduction might passively reduce, but not eliminate, TTA risk. In the absence of viable testing or pathogen inactivation and/or reduction options, leukoreduction may offer some protection from transmission risk.
Validity of aqueocentesis as a component of anterior uveitis investigation in dogs and cats
Authors: Linn‐Pearl Rose N. , Powell Roger M. , Newman Hayley A. , Gould David J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe aqueocentesis cytopathology results from dogs and cats presenting for uveitis investigation and to determine whether this is a useful and safe procedure.Animal StudiedDogs and cats presenting for investigation of anterior uveitis (April 2008–December 2013).ProceduresAqueous was collected via limbal entry under sedation/general anesthesia, for cytopathology and occasionally bacterial culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Further workup included blood testing (hematology, biochemistry, and serology), diagnostic imaging, nonocular cytopathology, and available histopathology.ResultsFifty‐six dogs and 39 cats were included in the study. An aqueous cytopathologic diagnosis of lymphoma (or discrete cell neoplasia) was made in six dogs and seven cats, and a diagnosis of large cell carcinoma made in one dog. This diagnosis of lymphoma was confirmed by ocular histopathology in two dogs and one cat; nonocular cytopathology corroborated lymphoma in another three dogs and five cats. Lymphoma was not evident on aqueous cytopathology but confirmed on nonocular histopathology in two dogs and by cytopathology in one cat. Additionally, aqueous cytopathology in three cats suggested, but was not considered diagnostic of, lymphoma; one of these cats had a confirmatory diagnosis of lymphoma on subsequent clinical investigation. Aqueous humor cytopathology alone was not diagnostic in non‐neoplastic anterior uveitis cases, but supplemented the clinical picture with other systemic diagnostic tests. No clinically important complications were reported in association with aqueocentesis.ConclusionsAqueocentesis is performed readily with minimal risk. The results were primarily useful in aiding a diagnosis of lymphoma in both dogs and cats.
Impact of increasing sample volume from 4 ml to 8 ml on bacterial detection rates in apheresis platelets: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Bruhn R. , Custer B. , Vanderpool S. , Townsend M. , Kamel H. , Tomasulo P. 
Published: December 2014

Some blood centres have increased sample volume of in‐process cultures to improve detection of bacterial contamination when screening apheresis platelet units. We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate extant published North American data comparing apheresis platelet bacterial contamination rates from 4 ml and 8 ml sample volume. Pooled results indicate an 8 ml sample volume yields higher true‐positive rates than 4 ml resulting in a significant increase in the detection rate and interdiction of contaminated units, which should contribute to reduced risk of adverse transfusion outcomes.
Presence of medication taken by blood donors in plasma for transfusion
Authors: van Tilborgh‐de Jong A. J. W. , Wiersum‐Osselton J. C. , Touw D. J. , Schipperus M. R. 
Published: December 2014

Background and ObjectivesThe TRIP national hemovigilance and biovigilance office receives reports on side‐effects and incidents associated with transfusion of labile blood products. Anaphylactic reactions accounted for the largest number of serious transfusion reactions in the period 2008–2012. In most cases, no cause is found for these reactions. TRIP data show that anaphylactic reactions occur relatively frequently with transfusion of plasma or platelet concentrates. Data from blood services show that 10% or more of plasma donors regularly use medication which is permitted under donation guidelines. It is conceivable that medication taken by the donor in plasma for transfusion could cause an anaphylactic transfusion reaction in the recipient. This exploratory study investigated the presence of drugs or drug metabolites in donor plasma.Materials and MethodsSamples (5 ml) were taken from thawed, quarantine fresh frozen plasma units (FFP) which had to be rejected for transfusion because of leaks or length of time after thawing. The samples were analysed for approximately 1000 drugs and drug metabolites using a toxicological screening method.ResultsEighty‐seven samples were analysed. Toxicological screening was positive in fourteen samples (16%). In eleven samples, one substance was found, and in three samples, the presence of two or three drugs was detected.ConclusionAfter freezing, storage and thawing of fresh FFP, it is possible to detect medication taken by the donor. Further investigation is recommended to analyse whether donors' medication in plasma can be implicated in some cases of allergic or anaphylactic reactions in transfusion recipients.
Riboflavin and amotosalen photochemical treatments of platelet concentrates reduce thrombus formation kinetics in vitro
Authors: Van Aelst B. , Feys H. B. , Devloo R. , Vanhoorelbeke K. , Vandekerckhove P. , Compernolle V. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundPhotochemical treatment (PCT) of platelet concentrates using photosensitizers and ultraviolet light illumination reduces the proliferation potential of pathogens by damaging biomolecules.Materials and MethodsThe impact of riboflavin (RF‐PRT)‐ and amotosalen (AS‐PCT)‐based pathogen inactivation on platelets was studied using microfluidic flow chambers on immobilized collagen using standard platelet concentrates prepared from buffy coats in additive solution. Flow cytometry, metabolic parameters and light transmission aggregometry with thrombin‐related peptide, collagen and ristocetin were determined concurrently.ResultsBoth PCTs significantly decreased the platelet surface coverage kinetics in flow chambers over the course of the 7‐day study. Platelet aggregation was affected following RF‐PRT in response to all agonists, while AS‐PCT mainly impacted low‐dose ristocetin agglutination. RF‐PRT induces premature platelet activation because integrin αIIbβ3 was spontaneously activated, and α‐degranulation, phosphatidylserine/‐ethanolamine exposure and anaerobic metabolism significantly increased following treatment, which was not the case for AS‐PCT. On the other hand, AS‐PCT significantly diminished thrombus growth onto von Willebrand factor under shear flow. This defect was caused by fewer integrin αIIbβ3 interactions, not by defective GPIbα‐VWF binding as shown by adhesion experiments in the presence of tirofiban. Moreover, integrin αIIbβ3 activation was also affected following the activation of platelets via GPVI‐FcγRIIa or PAR1. Finally, amotosalen illumination as such is sufficient to induce platelet damage, with no additional measurable effect of the chemical adsorption step. Gamma irradiation caused no significant difference compared to controls on any time‐point or for any parameter.ConclusionBoth PCTs significantly reduce thrombus formation rate but by different biochemical mechanisms.
Experience From Burning Highly Aromatic Fuels in GT35, 17 MW, Gas Turbine
Authors: Nilsson Nils G. 
Published: December 2014

The aromatic hydrocarbon content in a gas turbine fuel has a great influence during combustion. The aromatic hydrocarbon content governs the hydrogen content and has an indirect effect on fuel burning characteristics like the luminometer No and the smoke point.
ABB Stal got an oportunity to sell a standard GT35 gasturbine set for electrical generation to a refinery in Thailand, provided the customers prefered fuel, a naphtha containing up to 75 vol% aromatics, could be used.
A theoretical “state of the art” study indicated that 75 vol% aromatics certainly was in the unexperienced area.
Most gas turbine fuel specifications set an upper limit for the aromatic content at 30–35% for industrial GT and at 20–25% for aero engines. Higher values could result in smoke formation during combustion.
This paper describes a full scale test with the ABB GT35 standard industrial gas generator operating on a liquid fuel containing up to 75% aromatic hydrocarbon content. The measurements of CO, UHC, NOx and the smoke number, in Bacharach, taken from the exhaust during the test, will be presented as well as the influence of the combustion on the combustor wall temperature. The effect of the unique standard design on the GT35 air and fuel mixing of the primary combustor section (patented 1965) will be discussed to show how a very complete combustion was obtained also with a 75% aromatic content in the fuel.
After the test that showed that GT35 was able to burn 75% aromatics whitout smoke formation - the set was sold and delivered.
Coupled Soot Formation and Radiation in a Laminar Diffusion Flame
Authors: Chan S. H. , Lei Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2014

The effect of soot formation on a flamelet structure and radiation in a laminar methane flamelet is presented in this paper. A new kinetics mechanism, GRI-Mech2.1, for methane combustion is used. TDMA computer code is used to solve the coupled mass conservation, momentum, energy, species, and soot transport equations to determine the properties of the flamelet. The flamelet structure and soot concentration profiles are presented over the entire range of mixture fraction. The soot enhancement by preheating is examined. Effects of soot formation and gaseous species on flame radiation are also investigated.
The calculations show that the methane/air flamelet is a light sooting flame, and that the soot formation does not have a profound effect on flame radiation and flamelet structure. It is shown that preheating the combustion air can lead to a great enhancement in soot formation but not in flame radiation. While the soot formation contributes to larger Planck mean absorption coefficient for emission, the emission lowers the flame temperature. These opposing effects dampen the effectiveness of soot formation on flame radiation enhancement in methane/air flames.