bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From ozone depletion to agriculture: understanding the role of UV radiation in sustainable crop production
Authors: Wargent Jason J. , Jordan Brian R. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryLargely because of concerns regarding global climate change, there is a burgeoning interest in the application of fundamental scientific knowledge in order to better exploit environmental cues in the achievement of desirable endpoints in crop production. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an energetic driver of a diverse range of plant responses and, despite historical concerns regarding the damaging consequences of UV‐B radiation for global plant productivity as related to stratospheric ozone depletion, current developments representative of a range of organizational scales suggest that key plant responses to UV‐B radiation may be exploitable in the context of a sustainable contribution towards the strengthening of global crop production, including alterations in secondary metabolism, enhanced photoprotection, up‐regulation of the antioxidative response and modified resistance to pest and disease attack. Here, we discuss the prospect of this paradigm shift in photobiology, and consider the linkages between fundamental plant biology and crop‐level outcomes that can be applied to the plant UV‐B response, in addition to the consequences for related biota and many other facets of agro‐ecosystem processes.

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
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II.
UV radiation can drive beneficial endpoints in crop production
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III.
UV influences a wide range of agro‐ecosystem interactions with plants and other biota
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IV.
UV interacts with many abiotic processes within a global agro‐environment
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V.
Conclusion: can we exploit UV photomorphogenesis in agriculture?
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Acknowledgements
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References
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Clinical Manifestations of Pediatric Psoriasis: Results of a Multicenter Study in the United States
Authors: Mercy Katherine , Kwasny Mary , Cordoro Kelly M. , Menter Alan , Tom Wynnis L. , Korman Neil , Belazarian Leah , Armstrong April W. , Levy Moise L. , Paller Amy S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe clinical features of pediatric psoriasis warrant further attention. A national study was conducted to determine the prevalence of scalp and nail involvement and a history of guttate psoriasis at onset according to age, sex, and disease severity. One hundred eighty‐one children ages 5 to 17 years with plaque psoriasis were enrolled in a multicenter, cross‐sectional study. Subjects and guardians were asked about a history of scalp and nail involvement and whether the initial presentation was guttate. Peak psoriasis severity was assessed and defined historically as mild psoriasis (MP) or severe psoriasis (SP) according to the Physician's Global Assessment and body surface area measures. One hundred forty‐three (79.0%) subjects reported a history of scalp involvement, and 71 (39.2%) described a history of nail involvement. Boys were less likely than girls to report a history of scalp involvement (odds ratio [OR] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19–0.84) but more likely to have had nail involvement (OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.62–5.60). Scalp and nail involvement was not related to psoriasis severity. In contrast, subjects with SP (35.9%) more often reported a history of guttate lesions than did those with MP (21.8%) (p = .02). Antecedent streptococcal infection was more common in children with guttate than those with plaque psoriasis at onset (p = .02) but did not correlate with severity. Sex‐related differences in scalp and nail involvement suggest koebnerization. Preceding streptococcal infection predicts guttate morphology but not severity, and initial guttate morphology is associated with eventual greater severity of disease. More aggressive monitoring and management should be considered for guttate psoriasis, given its later association with more severe disease.
Diagnostic accuracy of urine‐based kits for detection of Helicobacter pylori antibody in children
Authors: Okuda Masumi , Kamiya Shigeru , Booka Mina , Kikuchi Shogo , Osaki Takako , Hiwatani Tomoko , Maekawa Kohei , Fukuda Yoshihiro 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundRapid urine‐HpAb is reported to be a reliable test of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults, but there are no data on the application of the test in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a urine‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (urine‐HpELISA) and immunochromatography (rapid urine‐HpAb) kit for anti‐H. pylori immunoglobulin G antibody in children. We compared its sensitivity and specificity in reference to the 13C‐urea‐breath test (UBT) and H. pylori stool antigen test (HpSA).MethodsIn total, 101 Japanese children without significant upper‐abdominal symptoms were included (mean age, 7.1 years; range 2–15 years). Their sensitivity and specificity were evaluated in reference to the UBT and HpSA.ResultsThirty‐seven children were judged H. pylori‐positive and 64 negative by the UBT and HpSA. No discrepancy in the results was observed between UBT and HpSA. Urine‐HpELISA showed 91.9% sensitivity and 96.9% specificity with an accuracy of 95.0%. Rapid urine‐HpAb showed 78.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity with an accuracy of 92.1%. Seven false negative results for rapid urine‐HpAb were from children aged younger than 10 years, and their antibody titers of urine‐HpELISA were lower than true positives.ConclusionsFor the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in Japanese children, both tests are non‐invasive, inexpensive, reliable and easy‐to‐perform methods giving satisfactory accuracy, although the sensitivity of the rapid urine‐HpAb kit was inferior to that of the urine‐HpELISA kit, especially in children aged younger than 10 years, showing relatively low titer of H. pylori antibody.
Virtual Worlds for Photogrammetric Image‐Based Simulation and Learning
Authors: Piatti Eduardo J. , Lerma José L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSimulation is a common activity in many fields and pursuits, not only for teaching but also for learning, training, monitoring, research and entertainment, among others. This paper presents the criteria used to develop virtual scenarios for photogrammetric simulation based on both synthetic objects and synthetic images. The workflow used to generate three‐dimensional (3D) virtual worlds is presented together with the subsequent reconstruction of the metric perspective images (synthetic scenes) emulating any type of frame camera in any kind of terrestrial or aerial set‐up, the latter with an aeroplane, helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A simulator can be used to create 3D virtual worlds in order to improve an understanding of mission planning, generate synthetic image sequences with suitable overlaps, as well as optimising image data acquisition before undertaking expensive photogrammetric surveys in the field.
Preventable maternal mortality in Morocco: the role of hospitals
Authors: Abouchadi Saloua , Alaoui Abdelali Belghiti , Meski Fatima Zahra , Bezad Rachid , De Brouwere Vincent 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveIn 2009, the Ministry of Health of Morocco launched a national confidential enquiry around maternal deaths based on the newly implemented routine maternal death surveillance system (MDSS). The objective of this paper is to show the importance of substandard care among the factors associated with maternal deaths.MethodsThe Moroccan National Expert Committee (NEC) organised an audit of maternal deaths identified by the MDSS to determine the medical cause, the preventability of the deaths and the type of substandard care involved.ResultsThree hundred and three cases of maternal deaths were analysed for the year 2009. Direct causes accounted for 80.8%. 75.9% were considered avoidable by the NEC. The three main factors were insufficient follow‐up of care in 45.6% of cases, inadequate treatment in 43.9% and delay in seeking care in 41.3%. The auditors found that 54.3% of all maternal deaths could have been avoided if appropriate action had been taken at the health facilities.ConclusionThe audit of maternal deaths in Morocco enabled a better understanding of the circumstances contributing to maternal deaths and pinpointed that more than half of maternal deaths were associated with substandard care in hospitals.
A chemical complementation approach reveals genes and interactions of flavonoids with other pathways
Authors: Pourcel Lucille , Irani Niloufer G. , Koo Abraham J. K. , Bohorquez‐Restrepo Andres , Howe Gregg A. , Grotewold Erich 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIn addition to the classical functions of flavonoids in the response to biotic/abiotic stress conditions, these phenolic compounds have been implicated in the modulation of various developmental processes. These findings suggest that flavonoids are more integral components of the plant signaling machinery than traditionally recognized. To understand how flux through the flavonoid pathway affects plant cellular processes, we used wild‐type and chalcone isomerase mutant (transparent testa 5, tt5) seedlings grown under anthocyanin inductive conditions, in the presence or absence of the flavonoid intermediate naringenin, the product of the chalcone isomerase enzyme. Because flavonoid biosynthetic genes are expressed under anthocyanin inductive conditions regardless of whether anthocyanins are formed or not, this system provides an excellent opportunity to specifically investigate the molecular changes associated with increased flux through the flavonoid pathway. By assessing genome‐wide mRNA accumulation changes in naringenin‐treated and untreated tt5 and wild‐type seedlings, we identified a flavonoid‐responsive gene set associated with cellular trafficking, stress responses and cellular signaling. Jasmonate biosynthetic genes were highly represented among the signaling pathways induced by increased flux through the flavonoid pathway. In contrast to studies showing a role for flavonoids in the control of auxin transport, no effect on auxin‐responsive genes was observed. Taken together, our data suggest that Arabidopsis can sense flavonoids as a signal for multiple fundamental cellular processes.
Infectivity of blood products from donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Allain Jean‐Pierre , Mihaljevic Ivanka , Gonzalez‐Fraile Maria Isabel , Gubbe Knut , Holm‐Harritshøj Lene , Garcia Jose Maria , Brojer Ewa , Erikstrup Christian , Saniewski Mona , Wernish Lorenz , Bianco Lydia , Ullum Henrik , Candotti Daniel , Lelie Nico , Gerlich Wolfram H. , Chudy Michael 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundOccult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is identified in 1:1000 to 1:50,000 European blood donations. This study intended to determine the infectivity of blood products from OBI donors.Study Design and MethodsRecipients of previous donations from OBI donors were investigated through lookback (systematic retrieval of recipients) or traceback (triggered by clinical cases). Serologic and genomic studies were undertaken on consenting donors and recipients. Multiple variables potentially affecting infectivity were examined.ResultsA total of 45 of 105 (42.9%) donor‐recipients pairs carried antibodies to HBV core (anti‐HBc) as evidence of previous HBV infection. Subtracting 15% of anti‐HBc population background, the adjusted transmission rate was 28%. Anti‐HBc prevalence increased to 28 of 44 (63.8%) in unvaccinated recipients receiving anti‐HBs–negative OBI blood products. In contrast, four of 26 (15.4%) recipients of anti‐HBs–positive products were anti‐HBc positive. Transmission with anti‐HBs–negative products depended on volume of plasma transfused (85%‐100% with 200 mL of fresh frozen plasma [FFP], 51% with 50 mL in platelet concentrates [PCs], and 24% with 20 mL in red blood cells [RBCs], p < 0.0001 FFP vs. RBCs). The 50% minimum infectious dose of OBI HBV DNA was estimated at 1049 (117‐3441) copies. Donor and recipient strains sequence homology of at least 99% confirmed transfusion‐transmitted infection in 10 cases and excluded it in one case.ConclusionBlood products from donors with OBI carry a high risk of HBV transmission by transfusion. This risk is dependent on presence of anti‐HBs and viral dose. This may justify safety measures such as anti‐HBc and HBV nucleic acid test screening depending on epidemiology.
Development of a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for sensitive detection and quantitation of Babesia microti infection
Authors: Bloch Evan M. , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Krause Peter J. , Telford Sam R. , Montalvo Lani , Chafets Daniel , Usmani‐Brown Sahar , Lepore Timothy J. , Busch Michael P. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundBabesia microti, the most frequently implicated pathogen in transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis, is widely endemic in the Northeast and upper Midwestern United States. High seroprevalence in endemic areas limits antibody‐based donor screening. A high‐performance molecular test is needed to identify donors in the preseroconversion window phase as well as to discriminate past serologic exposure with parasite clearance from continued parasitemia.Study Design and MethodsFrozen Babesia‐spiked whole blood was microcentrifuged, and the supernatant transferred and microcentrifuged again to concentrate the parasite. The DNA was extracted and amplified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Babesia‐specific primers. The assay was employed in three series of experiments: 1) a validation and optimization spiking experiment, 2) a blinded serial dilution probit analysis to determine the limit of detection, and 3) evaluation of two blinded panels of clinical samples from possible babesiosis cases.ResultsAt a decreasing inoculum of 445, 44.5, and 4.45 copies/mL, the assay had positive rates of 100, 97.5, and 81%, respectively. The blinded probit analysis demonstrated a detection rate of 95 and 50% at 12.92 and 1.52 parasites/2 mL of whole blood, respectively. Evaluation of clinical samples showed 13 of 21 samples to be positive, with a range of 85 to 4.8 million parasites/mL. There were no positives detected among 48 healthy donorsConclusionWe have developed a highly sensitive and specific, quantitative real‐time PCR‐based assay for detection of B. microti that could have a useful role in blood screening. It can also be employed broadly to understand Babesia epidemiology, disease pathogenesis, and host immunology.
Noninvasive pH monitoring of platelet concentrates: a large field test
Authors: Gkoumassi Effimia , Klein‐Bosgoed Christa , Dijkstra‐Tiekstra Margriet J. , de Korte Dirk , de Wildt‐Eggen Janny 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundDeveloping new quality control methods for platelet concentrates (PCs) can contribute to increasing transfusion safety and efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate in a large field test the quality of expired PCs and whether 100% noninvasive pH monitoring can be used to predict PC quality.Study Design and MethodsThe pH of 13,693 PCs produced for transfusion was monitored daily using Blood Storage, Inc.'s pH sterile, automated fluoroscopic evaluation technology. Upon indication of compromised quality or expiration, PCs were returned and in vitro tests were performed.ResultsA total of 998 PCs were returned, of which 962 outdated, 26 had a positive BacT/ALERT reaction, seven had aggregates, one was without swirl, one had low pH, and one had high pH. BacT/ALERT was faster in identifying bacterial contamination than pH measurements. The pH at the end of the storage period was significantly lower than at the beginning. In vitro tests indicated that while the PC quality was acceptable upon expiration, it rapidly declined after expiration.ConclusionIn this setting where the vast majority of PCs were of good quality and within acceptable pH limits, daily, noninvasive routine pH measurement has limited added value in identifying quality‐compromised PCs.
Combining serology and molecular typing of weak D role in improving D typing strategy in Egypt
Authors: Abdelrazik Abeer Mohamed , Elshafie Shahira Morsy , Ezzat Ahmed Ghada M. , Abdelaziz Hossam M. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundRh discrepancies are a problem during routine testing because of partial and weak D phenotypes. Some blood units with weak and partial D expression may escape detection by serology. Limitations of serology can be overcome by molecular typing. The objective of study was to compare currently used serologic methods with molecular analysis to determine the potential application of molecular methods to improve D typing strategies and to estimate the frequency of weak D types among the Arab population.Study Design and MethodsFifty blood donor and patient samples with discrepant results of D phenotyping were subjected to routine serology to define the D phenotype including monoclonal anti‐D immunoglobulin M and indirect antiglobulin test. Commercially available panels of monoclonal anti‐D were used for identification of partial D and weak D phenotypes. Genomic DNA was evaluated using allele‐specific amplification polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers to define weak D type.ResultsMolecular typing confirmed most of the serology results; three samples that were not clear‐cut serologically were identified by molecular typing, two samples as weak D Type 4.2 (DAR), and one sample as weak D Type 4.0. Another two samples identified by serologic panel as weak D were unresolved by molecular typing. A sample with partial D Type II by serology revealed a Weak D Type 4.0 by molecular typing. Results interestingly showed the high frequency of weak D Type 4.2 (DAR) in Egypt.ConclusionRHD molecular typing can solve discrepancies during routine testing due to partial and weak D phenotypes for better transfusion outcome.
Estimating the Effects of Kyoto on Bilateral Trade Flows Using Matching Econometrics
Authors: Aichele Rahel , Felbermayr Gabriel 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMany Kyoto countries fear a loss of competitiveness due to unilateral climate policy efforts; policymakers therefore call for carbon‐related border tax adjustments. With this paper we attempt to estimate the treatment effect of Kyoto commitment on bilateral export flows using regression‐adjusted differences‐in‐differences matching techniques. The gravity and international environmental agreement formation literatures provide guidelines for the choice of matching variables. We find that Kyoto countries' exports are reduced by 13 to 14 per cent due to Kyoto commitment. Trade effects are largest in energy‐intensive, homogeneous industries such as iron and steel, non‐ferrous metals, organic and inorganic chemicals but also in machinery and equipment.
Process evaluation of a tailored multifaceted feedback program to improve the quality of intensive care by using quality indicators
Authors: de Vos Maartje L G , van der Veer Sabine N , Graafmans Wilco C , de Keizer Nicolette F , Jager Kitty J , Westert Gert P , van der Voort Peter H J 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundIn multisite trials evaluating a complex quality improvement (QI) strategy the ‘same’ intervention may be implemented and adopted in different ways. Therefore, in this study we investigated the exposure to and experiences with a multifaceted intervention aimed at improving the quality of intensive care, and explore potential explanations for why the intervention was effective or not.MethodsWe conducted a process evaluation investigating the effect of a multifaceted improvement intervention including establishment of a local multidisciplinary QI team, educational outreach visits and periodical indicator feedback on performance measures such as intensive care unit length of stay, mechanical ventilation duration and glucose regulation. Data were collected among participants receiving the intervention. We used standardised forms to record time investment and a questionnaire and focus group to collect data on perceived barriers and satisfaction.ResultsThe monthly time invested per QI team member ranged from 0.6 to 8.1 h. Persistent problems were: not sharing feedback with other staff; lack of normative standards and benchmarks; inadequate case-mix adjustment; lack of knowledge on how to apply the intervention for QI; and insufficient allocated time and staff. The intervention effectively targeted the lack of trust in data quality, and was reported to motivate participants to use indicators for QI activities.ConclusionsTime and resource constraints, difficulties to translate feedback into effective actions and insufficient involvement of other staff members hampered the impact of the intervention. However, our study suggests that a multifaceted feedback program stimulates clinicians to use indicators as input for QI, and is a promising first step to integrating systematic QI in daily care.
Can palliative care reduce futile treatment? A systematic review
Authors: Harris Iain , Murray Scott A 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundPalliative care interventions have the potential to lower health service costs by reducing the intensity of treatments intended to have curative effect while concentrating on quality of life and, in due course, quality of death. A patient receiving treatment inspired by curative intent during the end stage of their life is potentially exposed to medical futility.AimTo conduct a systematic review of the evidence for palliative interventions reducing health service costs without impacting on quality of care.MethodAn electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and CINAHL databases, augmented by hand-searching techniques, was performed. Only research where palliative care was the intervention or observation, and cost, together with either quality of life or patient satisfaction with care were outcome measures, was included in results.ResultsOf 1964 sources identified, only 12 measured both cost and an appropriate quality outcome. Evidence supported existing research that palliative care interventions generally reduce health service costs. Evidence of concurrent improvement in quality-of-life outcomes was limited; little available evidence derives from randomised trial designs. Small sample sizes and disparate outcome measures hamper statistical assessments.ConclusionsEvidence that palliative interventions cut costs, without reducing quality of life, by minimising futile medical acts is limited. Further research, including both observational studies and controlled trials, should be conducted to collect empirical data in this field. Future research should examine palliative interventions earlier in chronic progressive illness, and incorporate standardised outcome measures to allow meta-analysis.