bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excessive daytime sleepiness is related to subjective memory impairment in late life: a cross‐sectional community‐based study
Authors: Okamura Tsuyoshi , Ura Chiaki , Miyamae Fumiko , Sugiyama Mika , Niikawa Hirotoshi , Ito Kae , Awata Shuichi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine whether daytime sleepiness is related to subjective memory impairment among community‐dwelling elderly people, after adjustment for psychosocial variables.MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed to all 5199 elderly residents living in one area of Tokyo. The questionnaires collected information about sociodemographic variables, subjective memory impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness, which was measured by the Japanese version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Information was also collected on sleep hygiene, health‐related variables, and psychosocial variables, including perceived social support, social withdrawal, and work status.ResultsOf the 4783 questionnaires that were returned (92.0%), 4185 participants were included in the analysis (valid response rate: 80.5%), after the exclusion of questionnaires with missing data. The average score on the Japanese version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale was 5.0 ± 3.9 for men and 4.5 ± 3.7 for women. The frequency of excessive daytime sleepiness was 8.3% for men, 5.8% for women, and 7.0% in total. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression revealed the odds ratio of excessive daytime sleepiness as a predictor of subjective memory impairment was 6.06 (95% confidence interval; 3.06–12.03).ConclusionsElderly people who complain of daytime sleepiness are potential candidates for interventions related to dementia care after careful consideration of other possible causes of sleepiness.
Influence of Staining Method on the Values of Avian Sperm Head Morphometric Variables
Authors: Villaverde‐Morcillo S , Esteso MC , Castaño C , Toledano Díaz A , López‐Sebastián A , Campo JL , Santiago‐Moreno J 
Published: July 2015

ContentsComputer‐assisted systems for the assessment of sperm morphometry (ASMA systems) have been used successfully with several mammalian species. Unfortunately, they have so far been of little use for assessing bird semen, a consequence of the filiform shape of avian spermatozoa. This study compares two staining techniques (Hemacolor® and aniline blue staining) for the morphometric analysis of rooster and red‐legged partridge spermatozoa as part of a computer‐assisted light microscopy method. For both species, Hemacolor® staining provided a significantly higher percentage of measurable cells (93.7 ± 11.7% in roosters and 71.9 ± 15.3% in red‐legged partridges). Hemacolor® also showed greater repeatability (lower coefficients of variation) for length and area in roosters' sperm and for width in the case of red‐legged partridge's sperm. In the roosters, the Hemacolor® technique returned significantly (p < 0.05) larger sperm head width and area values than did the aniline blue technique, while the latter resulted in greater sperm head length values (p < 0.05). In the red‐legged partridge, no differences were seen in the results for sperm head width and area provided by the two techniques, but aniline blue staining was associated with longer length measurements. In conclusion, the morphometric values recorded differed depending on the staining method and species. However, the Hemacolor® technique might be deemed the more appropriate for computerized sperm assessment systems as it provides larger percentages of measureable cells and shows greater repeatability.
Institutions and Cultural Heterogeneity as Determinants of National Income: A Random‐coefficients Stochastic Frontier Model
Authors: del Pilar Baquero Forero Maria , Ida Takanori , Kuroda Toshifumi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPrevious research on total factor productivity (TFP) shows that cross‐country differences in income cannot be fully explained by stocks of capital (K), labor (L) and human capital (E). In addition, the omission of major production inputs or the use of proxies to estimate unobservable inputs leads to biased estimation results. This study addresses the above issues by employing a novel econometric approach and provides empirical evidence that a fixed production input, and therefore a country's income, is positively correlated with the existence of British‐style institutions and negatively correlated with cultural heterogeneity and Spanish‐style institutions. Our methodology is twofold. First, using data for 62 countries from 1980 to 2004, we regressed a random‐coefficients stochastic production frontier that allows estimating a fixed unobservable production input without using proxies. Second, the estimated fixed production input is shown to be related to colonial institutions and cultural heterogeneity by means of ordinary least squares and feasible generalized least squares regressions.
Promoting Trade Liberalization: Theoretical Analysis of Foreign Aid as Prize
Authors: Nanivazo Malokele , Lahiri Sajal 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe investigate whether foreign aid can be used to induce trade policy reforms. We develop a two‐period political economic model where promise of aid in period 2 depends on chosen tariff in period 1. We consider three scenarios depending on whether the donor is passive/active and whether the two governments move simultaneously or sequentially. We find a sufficient condition for unconditional aid to increase the level of optimal tariff, and the possibility of unconditional aid increasing optimal tariff decreases when the donor is active rather than passive.
Convergence in a Dynamic Heckscher–Ohlin Model with Land
Authors: Guillo Maria Dolores , Perez‐Sebastian Fidel 
Published: July 2015

AbstractConvergence among nations that share the same preferences and technologies is a key result of the closed‐economy neoclassical growth framework that has received substantial support in the data. However, Heckscher–Ohlin versions of the two‐sector neoclassical growth model predict that nations that differ in their capital–labor ratios may not converge to the same steady state, even if they are identical in all other aspects. This is a puzzling result that warns us about potential dangers of international trade. In this paper we show that when land, an input in fixed supply, is introduced into the model, international trade in goods no longer limits the capacity of poor nations to catch up with the advanced world.
Exchange Rate Policy inChina after the Financial Crisis: Evidence from Time‐varying Exchange Rate Basket
Authors: Fidrmuc Jarko , Siddiqui Martin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe analyze the period of a managed floating exchange rate policy inChina betweenJune 2010 andNovember 2014. We estimate a time‐varying structure of a hypothetical currency basket using the Kalman filter. We show that the exchange rate policy continues to focus on theUSdollar. However, its weight has been gradually declining, while this decline has moderated in 2014. The euro played some role before summer 2011, but became negligible after the outbreak of theEuropean sovereign debt crisis. Finally, the Thai baht has positive implicit weights.
Exchange Rate Exposure of Chinese Firms at the Industry and Firm Level
Authors: Tang Bo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study investigates the exchange rate exposure of Chinese firms at the industry and firm level based on the conventional capital asset pricing model (CAPM) framework. At the industry level, the dynamic conditional correlation MGARCH (DCC MGARCH) estimates demonstrate that the market model and three‐factor model are appropriate for exposure measurements, and industry returns are more likely to be exposed to unanticipated changes in the real exchange rate and the trade‐weighted effective exchange rate, particularly for manufacturing industries. At the firm level, although the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) estimates vary across markets, it is apparent that there is a relationship between firm size and exposure effects, which also show that lagged exchange rate changes have significant exposure effects on firm returns. This study finally suggests that non‐financial firms should set up special commissions to hedge currency risks of their future cash flows.
Anti‐A and anti‐B hemagglutinin depletion during Cohn purification process of 5% immunoglobulin
Authors: Salvatore Alfonso , Esin Semih , Batoni Giovanna , Ascione Ester , Farina Claudio , Nardini Claudia 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDPolyvalent immunoglobulin G (IgG) products obtained by fractionation of human plasma are widely used to treat a broad range of conditions, including immunodeficiency syndromes and autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. For high‐quality products and to minimize adverse events related to the use of intravenous IgG (IVIG) it is very important to perform detailed analyses of their components. One of these components, that in rare cases can cause severe hemolytic conditions, is the amount of hemagglutinins, natural antibodies that bind A and/or B (anti‐A or ‐B) antigens present in red blood cells (RBCs).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTo characterize different IgG batches and to monitor the efficacy of the production procedure in the hemagglutinin reduction, a direct agglutination test (DAT) and a new flow cytometry (FC)‐based assay were used for measuring the activity and the content of hemagglutinins in IgG samples obtained at different stages of the purification process.RESULTSA total of 113 batches of 5% IVIG, produced in 2013 by Kedrion Biopharma, were analyzed for the ability to agglutinate RBCs by DAT. All batches tested were within the limits set by the European Pharmacopoeia. Three batches of 5% IVIG were analyzed for their hemagglutinin levels. The finished products and the production intermediates were evaluated by the DAT and the FC assay. A significant decrease of anti‐A and anti‐B titer after the Fraction (F)III precipitation was observed in all batches tested and an evaluation of the results obtained by the two methods was performed.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that the hemagglutinin titer, accurately measured in a high number of 5% IVIG batches, is within the allowed limits for the DAT method. The specific production process employed, in particular the FIII precipitation step, successfully removes IgM and significantly reduces IgG class hemagglutinins.
Hemolytic events associated with intravenous immune globulin therapy: a qualitative analysis of 263 cases reported to four manufacturers between 2003 and 2012
Authors: Berg Roger , Shebl Amgad , Kimber Mary Clare , Abraham Maria , Schreiber George B. 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDObjectives of this study were to identify possible patient and product risk factors for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)‐associated hemolysis, a recognized side effect of IG therapy; analyze IVIG indications; and examine dose levels (g/kg body weight) and total IVIG dose administered.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSReports of IVIG‐associated hemolysis for 10 years (2003‐2012) for four participating IG manufacturers were identified using a uniform case definition (Standardized MedDRA Query “Hemolytic disorders,” Broad Scope, Version 16.0) and analyzed.RESULTSIVIG‐associated hemolysis appears to occur predominantly at dose levels exceeding 0.5 g/kg, with 72% of cases with known dose information having dose levels between 1 and 2.5, and can affect patients at any age, without a clear gender preference. No association was found between hemagglutinin exposure and development of hemolysis, nor between dose levels and odds of receiving a transfusion to treat hemolysis. Patients with blood group AB may be at higher risk of hemolysis than those with group A or B.CONCLUSIONData examined confirm that IVIG‐associated hemolysis predominantly occurs following infusion of high IVIG doses, and can affect patients at every age of both genders. While presence of hemagglutinins appears to play a major role in pathogenesis of hemolytic disorders, high hemagglutinin titers of IVIG products themselves seem to be of less relevance, indicating that the pathomechanism of IVIG‐associated hemolysis may be related to the presence, but not the absolute amount, of hemagglutinins. Patients with hemolysis had additional hemolytic risks such as multiple comorbidities and medication use. IG‐treated patients with multiple risks should be closely monitored for hemolysis.
Is “milk crust” a transient form of golden retriever ichthyosis?
Authors: Roethig Anja , Schildt Kirsti J. M. , Welle Monika M. , Wildermuth Brett E. , Neiger Reto , Thom Nina 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundA recessive inherited form of lamellar ichthyosis is well recognized in golden retrievers. In this breed, young puppies demonstrate a self‐limiting scaling disorder which is commonly recognized by breeders, who use the term “milk crust” to describe this syndrome.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine whether “milk crust” is a new keratinization disorder or a self‐limiting form of golden retriever ichthyosis.AnimalsA total of 179 golden retriever dogs (21 dams and 158 puppies) were examined.MethodsDermatological examination and assessment of the patatin‐like phospholipase‐1 (PNPLA1) genotype by PCR testing of buccal mucosal swabs. Skin biopsies from one affected puppy were evaluated for histopathological abnormalities.ResultsForty‐five of 158 (28%) puppies exhibited scaling at 8 weeks of age; 113 of 158 (72%) were dermatologically normal. Of 144 analysed samples, 40 of 144 (28%) puppies demonstrated a homozygous mutation of the PNPLA1 genotype [of which, 36 of 40 (90%) had signs of scaling], 77 of 144 (53%) demonstrated a heterozygous mutation and 27 of 144 (19%) were a normal wild‐type. In six of 17 (35%) dams, a homozygous mutation of the PNPLA1 genotype was found, eight of 17 (47%) demonstrated a heterozygous mutation and three of 17 (18%) were normal wild‐type. Dams with a homozygous mutation were clinically unaffected. A 1 year follow‐up revealed that 23 of 28 (82%) puppies affected with this syndrome failed to develop typical signs of ichthyosis. In five of 28 (18%) dogs there was persistence of mild scaling.Conclusions and clinical importanceWe hypothesize that the clinical syndrome termed “milk crust” could represent a transient form of golden retriever ichthyosis. Remission is not fully linked to PNPLA1 genotype, suggesting that unknown factors may contribute to the clinical disease.
Owner assessment of pruritus and gastrointestinal signs in apparently healthy dogs with no history of cutaneous or noncutaneous disease
Authors: Stetina Kacie M. , Marks Stanley L. , Griffin Craig E. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundDetermining the cause of pruritus relies on establishing the pattern of abnormal pruritus. The presence of gastrointestinal (GI) disease has also been helpful in determining the cause of pruritus. No study has systematically evaluated typicalGIsigns and pruritic behaviours in apparently healthy dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate owners’ perceptions of pruritus andGIsigns in apparently healthy dogs, and determine if age, breed, activity, diet or supplements affected these signs.AnimalsThree hundred and fourteen apparently healthy dogs ≥12 months old with an unremarkable physical examination and no history of pruritus, otitis, skin/hair disease, metabolic orGIdisease were enrolled.MethodsThirty one veterinarians enrolled dogs after establishing their pruritus visual analog scale (PVAS) score and faecal consistency score (FCS); owners completed a comprehensive online survey regardingGIsigns, possible pruritic behaviours, ear cleaning and sneezing.ResultsAPVASscore of ≤1.9 was recorded in 87.6% of dogs and theFCSwas 2–3 in 94.9% of dogs.PVASwas positively correlated with paw licking/chewing, facial/muzzle rubbing, head shaking and sneezing. Scooting was positively correlated with sneezing. Over 96% of dogs had 1–3 bowel movements (BM) per day. Age was positively correlated with facial/muzzle rubbing, sneezing, coprophagia and borborygmi. The number of walks/day was positively correlated with paw licking/chewing, head shaking, sneezing, number ofBM/day, coprophagia,belching, flatulence and borborygmi.Conclusion and clinical importanceA standard method of asking relevant questions was developed and the frequency ofGIsigns and many behaviours that may indicate pruritus in apparently healthy dogs was established.
A preliminary survey of the histopathological features of skin from the planum nasale and adjacent skin of dogs unaffected by dermatological or respiratory disease
Authors: Hutt John H. C. , Dunn Karen A. , Scase Tim J. , Shipstone Michael A. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThere is a general belief that immune system cells are present in larger numbers in the planum nasale and adjacent haired skin than in other locations in the dog. However, little published information about the normal histological appearance of the skin of this area exists.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim was to obtain information about the normal histological appearance of canine skin for specific anatomical regions of the planum nasale and the haired skin adjacent to the planum nasale.AnimalsSamples from three sites were obtained from the planum nasale and adjacent haired skin of 25 dogs of varying age, breed and sex, with no evidence of dermatological or respiratory disease.MethodsSamples were analysed to determine and quantify the immune system cells present in the samples. Slides were stained with haematoxylin and eosin or toluidine blue; immunohistochemical stains for CD3 and CD79a were applied.ResultsImmune system cells, including lymphocytes and plasma cells, were either very rare or present in low numbers. The majority of lymphocytes were of T‐cell origin, with only infrequent B cells identified. Samples contained numerous melanophages, consistent with pigmentary incontinence, regardless of the presence or absence of inflammatory cells. Mast cells and plasma cells were present in low numbers.ConclusionsInflammatory change noted in diagnostic biopsies from this area from dogs with clinical disease is likely to be of pathological significance. However, pigmentary incontinence appears to be common at this site in clinically normal dogs without significant inflammatory cell infiltration and is therefore not necessarily of pathological significance when seen in isolation in this location.
Community-Acquired Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy Caused by KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Khatri Asma , Naeger Murphy Nina , Wiest Peter , Osborn Melissa , Garber Kathleen , Hecker Michelle , Hurless Kelly , Rudin Susan D. , Jacobs Michael R. , Kalayjian Robert C. , Salata Robert A. , van Duin David , Perez Federico , Bonomo Robert A. , Paterson David L. , Harris Patrick N. A. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) usually infect patients with significant comorbidities and health care exposures. We present a case of a pregnant woman who developed community-acquired pyelonephritis caused by KPC-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Despite antibiotic treatment, she experienced spontaneous prolonged rupture of membranes, with eventual delivery of a healthy infant. This report demonstrates the challenge that CRE may pose to the effective treatment of common infections in obstetric patients, with potentially harmful consequences to maternal and neonatal health.
Contact Lens-Related Infectious Keratitis with White Plaque Formation Caused by Corynebacterium propinquum
Authors: Todokoro Daisuke , Eguchi Hiroshi , Yamada Norihiro , Sodeyama Hirotake , Hosoya Ryuichi , Kishi Shoji 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTWe report the first case ofCorynebacterium propinquumkeratitis in the compromised cornea of a diabetic patient wearing therapeutic contact lenses. The strain was identified to the species level based on sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and RNA polymerase β-subunit-encoding gene (rpoB). Ophthalmologists should be aware of nondiphtherial corynebacterial infection of compromised corneas.
Comparison of Automated Quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR and Direct Fluorescent-Antibody Detection for Routine Rabies Diagnosis in the United States
Authors: Dupuis Michelle , Brunt Scott , Appler Kim , Davis April , Rudd Robert 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
Rabies virus found worldwide and prevalent throughout the United States continues to be a public health concern.
Direct-fluorescent antibody (DFA) detection remains the gold standard for rabies virus diagnostics. Assessing the utility of a high-throughput molecular platform such as the QIAsymphony SP/AS, in conjunction with quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), to augment or potentially replace the DFA test, was the focus of this project. Here we describe a triplex qRT-PCR assay, including assembly and evaluation for sensitivity, specificity, and ability to detect variants. Additionally, we compared the qRT-PCR assay to the gold standard direct fluorescent-antibody test. More than 1,000 specimens submitted for routine rabies diagnosis were tested to directly compare the two methods. All results were in agreement between the two methods, with one additional specimen detected by qRT-PCR below the limits of the DFA sensitivity. With the proper continued validation for variant detection, molecular methods have a place in routine rabies diagnostics within the United States.
Latent Expression of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Encoded Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I TAP Inhibitor,
BNLF2a
, in EBV-Positive Gastric Carcinomas
Authors: Strong Michael J. , Laskow Thomas , Nakhoul Hani , Blanchard Eugene , Liu Yaozhong , Wang Xia , Baddoo Melody , Lin Zhen , Yin Qinyan , Flemington Erik K. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
BNLF2a
gene product provides immune evasion properties to infected cells through inhibition of transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-mediated transport of antigen peptides. Although
BNLF2a
is considered to be a lytic gene, we demonstrate that it is expressed in nearly half of the EBV-associated gastric carcinomas analyzed. Further, we show that
BNLF2a
expression is dissociated from lytic gene expression.
BNLF2a
is therefore expressed in this latency setting, potentially helping protect the infected tumor cells from immunosurveillance.