bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeated exposure rather than the total volume of transfused components may influence the incidence of allergic transfusion reactions
Authors: Kato Hidefumi , Nakayama Takayuki , Uruma Motoaki , Okuyama Yoshiki , Handa Makoto , Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Shimodaira Shigetaka , Takamoto Shigeru 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDThe plasma fraction of blood components has an essential role in the etiology of allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs). The difference of incidences of ATRs between fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) and platelet concentrates (PCs), in which plasma is the main component, is not clearly understood. This study compares the frequency of ATRs to FFP versus PCs on both first and subsequent (nonfirst) transfusions and considers the factors influencing the risk of ATRs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSFive hospitals agreed to systematically collect and share 2 years of data (January 2010 through December 2011). This was a retrospective observational analysis of data including the number of transfusion episodes and ATRs for FFP and PCs on first‐transfusion patients (without transfusion history) and previously transfused patients.RESULTSThe incidence of ATRs to PCs (2.51%) was significantly higher than to FFP (1.68%) on subsequent transfusions (p < 0.001). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the incidences of ATRs to FFP (2.67%) and PCs (2.82%) on first transfusions. This discrepancy was most pronounced among males: FFP versus PCs on first transfusions, 2.02% versus 2.60% (p = 0.30); and on subsequent transfusions, 1.58% versus 2.46% (p = 0.0007). Among females, FFP versus PCs on first transfusions was 3.59% versus 3.13% (p = 0.61) and on subsequent transfusions was 1.87% versus 2.61% (p = 0.029).CONCLUSIONRepeated exposure rather than the total volume of transfused components may influence the incidence of ATRs.
The usefulness of a classification and regression tree algorithm for detecting perioperative transfusion‐related pulmonary complications
Authors: Kim Kyu Nam , Kim Dong Won , Jeong Mi Ae 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDTransfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) are leading causes of transfusion‐related mortality. An electronic medical record–based screening classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm was previously developed for predicting transfusion‐related pulmonary complications. In the Republic of Korea, TRALI is not sufficiently recognized and an accurate TRALI incidence has not been reported. Therefore, we carried out this study to assess the incidence of TRALI and to determine whether the CART algorithm can be applied to our hospital data.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective analysis of all patients who received any type of transfusion during anesthesia was performed. After the patients were diagnosed by the relevant diagnostic criteria, they were reclassified by the CART algorithm. The validity of the algorithm was evaluated with sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and misclassification rate.RESULTSAmong 1948 patients who had received 11,269 units of transfusion, 26 TRALI and 20 TACO cases were identified. The incidence of TRALI among the transfused patients was 1.33% and per unit of transfused blood product was 0.23%. The sensitivity and specificity of the TRALI algorithm were estimated to be 73.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53.9%‐86.3%) and 57.0% (95% CI, 52.5%‐61.4%). For TACO, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.0% (95% CI, 69.9%‐97.2%) and 56.0% (95% CI, 51.6%‐60.4%), respectively.CONCLUSIONSLow specificity of the CART algorithm adopted previously indicated its limited diagnostic value in the Republic of Korea. A new algorithm is needed to facilitate the detection of transfusion‐related complications.
Association of ABO blood group with P‐selectin levels in Chinese Han healthy volunteers
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhuo Xiaofu , Lin Yisheng , Huang Wenhua , Xiao Jingrong , Zeng Jia , Jiang Li , Chen Cen , Lin Haijuan , Dettke Markus 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDRecent genome‐wide association studies in Caucasians suggested that an association exists between the ABO gene locus and soluble levels of P‐selectin (sP‐selectin). However, it is unclear if the relationship corresponds to the phenotypic expression of ABO groups or is present in different ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to verify this observation at both genotypic and phenotypic levels in a healthy Chinese population.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe ABO blood groups were determined by both phenotypes and genotypes in 440 healthy Chinese Han volunteers, while P‐selectin levels were evaluated for sP‐selectin and total platelet P‐selectin (pP‐selectin).RESULTSABO phenotyping and quantitative analysis of individual sP‐selectin plasma levels were combined to demonstrate that individuals phenotypically expressing the A antigen have approximately 20% lower sP‐selectin plasma levels than those carrying the B or O phenotype (p < 0.0001), but that no difference exists between A and AB and between B and O phenotypes. Genotyping data revealed that the presence of the A gene could be attributed to the observed difference in phenotype comparison, with no difference between A/A, A/B, and A/O genotypes. There were also no associations between ABO blood groups, either phenotypes or genotypes, and pP‐selectin levels.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated an association between sP‐selectin levels and ABO groups in a Chinese Han population, implicating its generalizability to other ethnic groups. This finding will improve the understanding of the mechanism of ABO blood group–associated diseases.
Does Religious Similarity Matter in International Trade in Services?
Authors: Lee Chong Wha , Park Soonchan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractImpacts of religion on trade in services were examined using gravity models with two estimation methods: Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood (PPML), to correct for heteroscedasticity and bias due to the exclusion of zero trade flow, and standard Heckman correction to compensate for sample selection bias. We found that religious similarity contributes to increased international trade in services by establishing ‘trust‐related institutions’. Second, religious pluralism (variety) fosters trade even more than religious similarity, suggesting that in facilitating trade, religious openness matters more than religious similarity. Third, a strong dominant religion discourages trade in services, whereas the presence of religious minorities encourages trade in services. A highly significant inverse Mill's ratio (IMR) result indicated the presence of sample selection bias, indicating that controls are necessary to prevent estimation bias. This study concluded that religion is an important determining factor for trade in services, positively affecting interpersonal trust and thereby reducing institutional distance between countries.
Modes of Foreign Direct Investment and Patterns of Trade: An Alternative Empirical Approach
Authors: Park Innwon , Park Soonchan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractModes of FDI can be clarified by analysing the changing patterns of trade among host, home and third countries. However, most empirical experiments of foreign direct investment (FDI) determinants have been confined to general characteristics of host countries and multinational enterprises' outward investment activities. This may not clearly characterise the specific characteristics of inward FDI in regard to the host country. Thus, we introduce an alternative approach to clarify modes of FDI by investigating the link between patterns of trade and inward FDI. To empirically test whether our approach is applicable, we choose China during the period 1998–2007. We construct a modified gravity equation of bilateral trade while considering spatially lagged interdependence between host, home and third countries. The problem of endogeneity is controlled by applying the system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation technique. Our findings are consistent with results in existing studies on modes of outward FDI to China and prove that our approach in dealing with the link between patterns of trade and inward FDI has wide applicability to all modes of FDI. We discover there is strong evidence for statistically significant complementarity between bilateral trade and inward FDI within the aggregate trade data. As we decompose the aggregate trade data into final and intermediate goods, we find the motivation concerning export‐platform and complex vertical FDI is very significant. In addition, as we separate the bilateral partners into developing partners and developed partners, we find both bilateral and multilateral linkages are much stronger with developing partners.
Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) – a review and proposed strategies toward a better understanding of pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and therapy
Authors: Komáromy András M. , Abrams Kenneth L. , Heckenlively John R. , Lundy Steven K. , Maggs David J. , Leeth Caroline M. , MohanKumar Puliyur S. , Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Serreze David V. , van der Woerdt Alexandra 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is one of the leading causes of currently incurable canine vision loss diagnosed by veterinary ophthalmologists. The disease is characterized by acute onset of blindness due to loss of photoreceptor function, extinguished electroretinogram with an initially normal appearing ocular fundus, and mydriatic pupils which are slowly responsive to bright white light, unresponsive to red, but responsive to blue light stimulation. In addition to blindness, the majority of affected dogs also show systemic abnormalities suggestive of hyperadrenocorticism, such as polyphagia with resulting obesity, polyuria, polydipsia, and a subclinical hepatopathy. The pathogenesis ofSARDSis unknown, but neuroendocrine and autoimmune mechanisms have been suggested. Therapies that target these disease pathways have been proposed to reverse or prevent further vision loss inSARDS‐affected dogs, but these treatments are controversial. InNovember 2014, theAmericanCollege ofVeterinaryOphthalmologists'Vision forAnimalsFoundation organized and funded aThinkTank to review the current knowledge and recently proposed ideas about disease mechanisms and treatment ofSARDS. These panel discussions resulted in recommendations for future research strategies toward a better understanding of pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and potential therapy for this condition.
Retrospective evaluation of corneal reconstruction usingACell Vet™alone in dogs and cats: 82 cases
Authors: Chow Derek W.Y. , Westermeyer Hans D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo retrospectively evaluate the complications, graft clarity, and outcomes associated with the use of commercially available porcine urinary bladder submucosa (ACell Vet™) alone for corneal reconstruction in dogs and cats.ProceduresDogs or cats receiving anACell Vet™graft for corneal reconstruction due to severe ulcerative keratitis or after a keratectomy to remove a corneal sequestrum were included. All received a single layer ofACell Vet™, bandage contact lens, and temporary tarsorrhaphy. Bandage contact lens and temporary tarsorrhaphy were removed after graft vascularization or epithelialization. Topical steroids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus were started after epithelialization. Based on their last examination, outcomes were categorized into five groups based on the presence of corneal vessels, appearance of the scar, and the ability to visualize the posterior and/or the anterior segment through the grafted area.ResultsThere were 82 eyes included in the study, with 68 eyes with sufficient follow‐up time for final assessment. Scarring was minimal in 47 eyes, moderate but not enough to obscure visualization of the posterior segment in 12, and severe in nine. There were five eyes that developed phthisis bulbi, glaucoma or were enucleated and nine that were lost to follow up. Graft dehiscence occurred in 19 eyes. Twelve healed without additional surgical intervention while three required a second graft, two became phthisical, and two were enucleated.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceCorneal reconstruction withACellVet™alone is a viable alternative and results in minimal scarring and complications in cats. In dogs, scarring is more pronounced than in cats and graft dehiscence rate is higher compared to conventional techniques.
Comparison of neutralization profiles for anti‐HCV reactive donor samples with or without detectable HCV RNA
Authors: Kuroishi A. , Yasui K. , Matsukura H. , Tani Y. , Furuta R. A. 
Published: June 2015

Background and ObjectivesAt Japanese Red Cross (JRC) Blood Centers, all donated blood is screened for hepatitis C virus (HCV) by serological and nucleic acid amplification testing. Donor plasma that tested reactive for anti‐HCV by serological test is disqualified even if the donor tests negative for HCV RNA. These test results reflect both true‐positive results because of past HCV infection and false‐positive results because the cross‐reactivity of plasma IgG, which current testing methods are unable to distinguish. To characterize these antibody test results, we examined the neutralizing activity of these plasma samples.Material and MethodsDonor plasma samples that tested reactive for anti‐HCV by serological test but negative for HCV RNA (n = 43) were analysed for determining their neutralizing activities measured by the inhibition of the cellular entry of pseudoparticles harbouring HCV envelope glycoproteins (HCVpp).ResultsStrong and broad neutralizing activities against HCVpp entry similar to the samples that tested reactive for anti‐HCV serological test and positive for HCV RNA (considered to be derived from individuals with chronic HCV infection) were observed in three of 43 plasma samples from donors who tested anti‐HCV reactive but HCV RNA negative.ConclusionBy examining the neutralizing activities of plasma samples, we identified individuals with a past HCV infection from those in whom we were unable to confirm HCV infection according to the current testing algorithms of JRC, which do not perform anti‐HCV confirmatory tests.
Coral Mucus Is a Hot Spot for Viral Infections
Authors: Nguyen-Kim Hanh , Bettarel Yvan , Bouvier Thierry , Bouvier Corinne , Doan-Nhu Hai , Nguyen-Ngoc Lam , Nguyen-Thanh Thuy , Tran-Quang Huy , Brune Justine 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

There is increasing suspicion that viral communities play a pivotal role in maintaining coral health, yet their main ecological traits still remain poorly characterized. In this study, we examined the seasonal distribution and reproduction pathways of viruses inhabiting the mucus of the scleractinians
Fungia repanda
and
Acropora formosa
collected in Nha Trang Bay (Vietnam) during an 11-month survey. The strong coupling between epibiotic viral and bacterial abundance suggested that phages are dominant among coral-associated viral communities. Mucosal viruses also exhibited significant differences in their main features between the two coral species and were also remarkably contrasted with their planktonic counterparts. For example, their abundance (inferred from epifluorescence counts), lytic production rates (KCN incubations), and the proportion of lysogenic cells (mitomycin C inductions) were, respectively, 2.6-, 9.5-, and 2.2-fold higher in mucus than in the surrounding water. Both lytic and lysogenic indicators were tightly coupled with temperature and salinity, suggesting that the life strategy of viral epibionts is strongly dependent upon environmental circumstances. Finally, our results suggest that coral mucus may represent a highly favorable habitat for viral proliferation, promoting the development of both temperate and virulent phages. Here, we discuss how such an optimized viral arsenal could be crucial for coral viability by presumably forging complex links with both symbiotic and adjacent nonsymbiotic microorganisms.
Genetic Analysis of the Aspergillus flavus Vegetative Compatibility Group to Which a Biological Control Agent That Limits Aflatoxin Contamination in U.S. Crops Belongs
Authors: Grubisha Lisa C. , Cotty Peter J. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTSome filamentous fungi inAspergillussectionFlaviproduce carcinogenic secondary compounds called aflatoxins. Aflatoxin contamination is routinely managed in commercial agriculture with strains ofAspergillus flavusthat do not produce aflatoxins. These non-aflatoxin-producing strains competitively exclude aflatoxin producers and reshape fungal communities so that strains with the aflatoxin-producing phenotype are less frequent. This study evaluated the genetic variation within naturally occurring atoxigenicA. flavusstrains from the endemic vegetative compatibility group (VCG) YV36. AF36 is a strain of VCG YV36 and was the first fungus used in agriculture for aflatoxin management. Genetic analyses based on mating-type loci, 21 microsatellite loci, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in theaflCgene were applied to a set of 237 YV36 isolates collected from 1990 through 2005 from desert legumes and untreated fields and from fields previously treated with AF36 across the southern United States. One haplotype dominated across time and space. No recombination with strains belonging to VCGs other than YV36 was detected. All YV36 isolates carried the SNP inaflCthat prevents aflatoxin biosynthesis and themat1-2idiomorph at the mating-type locus. These results suggest that VCG YV36 has a clonal population structure maintained across both time and space. These results demonstrate the genetic stability of atoxigenic strains belonging to a broadly distributed endemic VCG in both untreated populations and populations where the short-term frequency of VCG YV36 has increased due to applications of a strain used to competitively exclude aflatoxin producers. This work supports the hypothesis that strains of this VCG are not involved in routine genetic exchange with aflatoxin-producing strains.
A Putative Type III Secretion System Effector Encoded by the
MA20_12780
Gene in Bradyrhizobium japonicum Is-34 Causes Incompatibility with
Rj
4
Genotype Soybeans
Authors: Tsurumaru Hirohito , Hashimoto Syougo , Okizaki Kouhei , Kanesaki Yu , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Yamakawa Takeo 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

The nodulation of
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
Is-34 is restricted by
Rj
4
genotype soybeans (
Glycine max
). To identify the genes responsible for this incompatibility, Tn
5
mutants of
B. japonicum
Is-34 that were able to overcome this nodulation restriction were obtained. Analysis of the Tn
5
mutants revealed that Tn
5
was inserted into a region containing the
MA20_12780
gene. In addition, direct disruption of this gene using marker exchange overcame the nodulation restriction by
Rj
4
genotype soybeans. The
MA20_12780
gene has a
tts
box motif in its upstream region, indicating a possibility that this gene encodes a type III secretion system (T3SS) effector protein. Bioinformatic characterization revealed that the MA20_12780 protein contains the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protease domain of the C48 peptidase (ubiquitin-like protease 1 [Ulp1]) family. The results of the present study indicate that a putative T3SS effector encoded by the
MA20_12780
gene causes the incompatibility with
Rj
4
genotype soybeans, and they suggest the possibility that the nodulation restriction of
B. japonicum
Is-34 may be due to
Rj
4
genotype soybeans recognizing the putative T3SS effector (MA20_12780 protein) as a virulence factor.
Indirect Immunodetection of Fungal Fragments by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Afanou Komlavi Anani , Straumfors Anne , Skogstad Asbjørn , Nayak Ajay P. , Skaar Ida , Hjeljord Linda , Tronsmo Arne , Eduard Wijnand , Green Brett James 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Submicronic fungal fragments have been observed in
in vitro
aerosolization experiments. The occurrence of these particles has therefore been suggested to contribute to respiratory health problems observed in mold-contaminated indoor environments. However, the role of submicronic fragments in exacerbating adverse health effects has remained unclear due to limitations associated with detection methods. In the present study, we report the development of an indirect immunodetection assay that utilizes chicken polyclonal antibodies developed against spores from
Aspergillus versicolor
and high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Immunolabeling was performed with
A. versicolor
fragments immobilized and fixed onto poly-
l
-lysine-coated polycarbonate filters. Ninety percent of submicronic fragments and 1- to 2-μm fragments, compared to 100% of >2-μm fragments generated from pure freeze-dried mycelial fragments of
A. versicolor
, were positively labeled. In proof-of-concept experiments, air samples collected from moldy indoor environments were evaluated using the immunolabeling technique. Our results indicated that 13% of the total collected particles were derived from fungi. This fraction comprises 79% of the fragments that were detected by immunolabeling and 21% of the spore particles that were morphologically identified. The methods reported in this study enable the enumeration of fungal particles, including submicronic fragments, in a complex heterogeneous environmental sample.
Spatial Variation and Survival of Salmonella enterica Subspecies in a Population of Australian Sleepy Lizards (Tiliqua rugosa)
Authors: Parsons Sandra K. , Bull C. Michael , Gordon David M. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

The life cycles of many enteric bacterial species require a transition between two very distinct environments. Their primary habitat is the gastrointestinal tract of the host, while their secondary habitat, during transmission from one host to another, consists of environments external to the host, such as soil, water, and sediments. Consequently, both host and environmental factors shape the genetic structure of enteric bacterial populations. This study examined the distribution of four
Salmonella enterica
subspecies in a population of sleepy lizards,
Tiliqua rugosa
, in a semiarid region of South Australia. The lizards living within the 1,920-m by 720-m study site were radio tracked, and their enteric bacteria were sampled at regular intervals throughout their active seasons in the years 2001, 2002, and 2006. Four of the six subspecies of
S. enterica
were present in this population and were nonrandomly distributed among the lizards. In particular,
S. enterica
subsp.
diarizonae
was restricted to lizards living in the most shaded parts of the study site with an overstorey of
Casuarina
trees. Experiments undertaken to investigate the survival of
S. enterica
cells under seminatural conditions revealed that cell survival decreased with increased exposure to elevated temperatures and UV light. Among the three
S. enterica
subspecies tested,
S. enterica
subsp.
diarizonae
consistently had an average expected life span that was shorter than that observed for the other two subspecies. There was no indication in the data that there was any competitive dominance hierarchy among the
S. enterica
subspecies within individual hosts. Thus, the nonrandom distribution of
S. enterica
subspecies in this population of lizards appears to be driven by their different survival characteristics in the external environment.