bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Cryptococcal Antigen and Outcomes in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Honduras: A Cohort Study
Authors: Zuniga-Moya Julio C , Romero-Reyes Luis Enrique , Saavedra Emilio Barrueto , Montoya Sandra , Varela Diana , Borjas Mitchel , Cerna Alicia , Bejarano Suyapa , Martinez Paola , Lujan Karen , Erazo Karen , Lainez Isis , Pineda Luisamaria , Yanes David , O’Halloran Jane A , Spec Andrej 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Cryptococcal meningitis is a major cause of death among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing of asymptomatic patients is an important public health measure to reduce mortality in high-incidence areas. However, limited data exist on CrAg prevalence in Central America.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study at the 2 largest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics and hospitals in Honduras. Cryptococcal antigen in serum and cerebrospinal fluid was performed in individuals with HIV who had CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 between 2017 and 2018. After CrAg testing, individuals were observed for 12 months to assess mortality using adjusted Cox proportional hazard models.

Results
A total of 220 PWH were tested for CrAg, 12.7% (n = 28) of which tested positive. Cryptococcal antigen prevalence was higher among hospitalized individuals in 40% (n = 10 of 25) of the cases. The proportion (35.8%) of individuals taking antiretroviral therapy was significantly (P &lt; .01) lower among those who tested positive for CrAg. Overall mortality among the cohort was 11.4% (n = 25 of 220) by 12 months. Cryptococcal antigen-positive cases were at a significantly higher risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–6.84) compared with CrAg-negative participants.

Conclusions
Cryptococcal antigen prevalence in Honduras was high among PWH. Moreover, individuals who tested positive for CrAg testing were at a higher risk of death. Systemic CrAg of PWH with a CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 should be routinely performed in Central America.
The Rice Plastidial Phosphorylase Participates Directly in Both Sink and Source Processes
Authors: Koper Kaan , Hwang Seon-Kap , Wood Magnus , Singh Salvinder , Cousins Asaph , Kirchhoff Helmut , Okita Thomas W 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The plastidial starch phosphorylase (Pho1) functions in starch metabolism. A distinctive structural feature of the higher Pho1 is a 50–82-amino-acid long peptide (L50–L82), which is absent in phosphorylases from non-plant organisms. To study the function of the rice Pho1 L80 peptide, we complemented a pho1− rice mutant (BMF136) with the wild-type Pho1 gene or with a Pho1 gene lacking the L80 region (Pho1ΔL80). While expression of Pho1 in BMF136 restored normal wild-type phenotype, the introduction of Pho1ΔL80 enhanced the growth rate and plant productivity above wild-type levels. Mass spectrometry analysis of proteins captured by anti-Pho1 showed the surprising presence of PsaC, the terminal electron acceptor/donor subunit of photosystem I (PSI). This unexpected interaction was substantiated by reciprocal immobilized protein pull-down assays of seedling extracts and supported by the presence of Pho1 on isolated PSI complexes resolved by blue-native gels. Spectrophotometric studies showed that Pho1ΔL80 plants exhibited modified PSI and enhanced CO2 assimilation properties. Collectively, these findings indicate that the higher plant Pho1 has dual roles as a potential modulator of source and sink processes.
Altered retinal oxygen metabolism in patients with combined ocular and central nervous system sarcoidosis
Authors: Kindt Astrid , Byg Keld-Erik , Wied Jimmi , Ellingsen Torkell , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Grauslund Jakob 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate retinal oxygen metabolism by retinal oximetry for ocular and CNS diseases in a cross-sectional study of sarcoidosis.

Methods
Overall 201 eyes from 103 biopsy-verified sarcoidosis patients were included and divided into four groups depending on the organ affection: (i) sarcoidosis without ocular or CNS affection, (ii) ocular sarcoidosis, (iii) CNS sarcoidosis, and (iv) combined ocular and CNS sarcoidosis. Retinal oximetry was obtained and analysed, with the mean retinal arteriolar and venular saturation as well as arteriovenous difference as principal outcomes. Comparison between groups was done in a multi linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, duration of sarcoidosis, best corrected visual acuity and retinal oximetry quality.

Results
Mean (s.d.) age was 50.5 (13.4) (95% CI: 47.9, 53.1) years and 52.2% were males. Eyes of the combined Ocular/CNS group had a higher retinal arteriovenous difference than eyes of the Non-ocular/no-CNS group (42.1% vs 37.7%, P = 0.012) but did not differ between other groups. Eyes in the four groups (Non-ocular/no-CNS, Ocular, CNS and Ocular/CNS) did not differ according to retinal arterial (94.5%, 93.5%, 93.5% and 94.5%, respectively) or venular (57.5%, 56.4%, 55.0% and 52.5%, respectively) oxygen saturation.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that eyes of sarcoidosis patients with combined ocular and CNS affection have an altered oxygen metabolism indicating a subclinical eye affection that is not recognized by conventional screening methods.
Application of the OMERACT synovitis ultrasound scoring system in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a multicenter reliability exercise
Authors: Rossi-Semerano Linda , Breton Sylvain , Semerano Luca , Boubaya Marouane , Ohanyan Haykanush , Bossert Marie , Boiu Sorina , Chatelus Emmanuel , Durand Géraldine , Jean Sylvie , Goumy Laurence , Mathiot Anne , Mouterde Gaël , Nugues Frédérique , Ould Hennia Ahmed , Rey Bénédicte , Von Scheven Annette , Sparsa Laetitia , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie , Jousse-Joulin Sandrine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the reliability of the OMERACT paediatric ultrasound (US) synovitis definitions and scoring system in JIA.MethodsThirteen sonographers analysed 75 images for the presence/absence of elementary lesions (binary scoring) and for grading synovitis, synovial hypertrophy, effusion and Doppler signals. Static US images of the second metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP-II), wrist, elbow, knee and ankle in JIA patients at different ages and different disease stages were collected with standardized scanning by two experienced sonographers. Intra- and inter-reader reliability were analysed with kappa coefficients.ResultsIntra-reader reliability was good for binary scoring (Cohen’s kappa 0.62, range 0.47–0.75), synovitis and synovial hypertrophy; excellent for Doppler signals (quadratic weighted kappa 0.77, 0.66–0.86; 0.76, 0.61–0.84; and 0.87, 0.77–0.94, respectively); and moderate for effusion (0.55, 0.24–0.76). Inter-reader reliability was good for synovitis and synovial hypertrophy (Light’s kappa 0.68, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.75 and 0.63, 0.54–0.71, respectively), excellent for Doppler signals (0.85, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.90), and moderate for binary scoring and effusion (0.48, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.64 and 0.49, 0.40–0.60, respectively). We obtained the best scores for the knee (0.71, 0.54–0.85) except for Doppler signals, with reliability higher for MCP-II. We found a trend toward better results in older children.ConclusionsThis is the first study establishing the reliability of the OMERACT paediatric US synovitis definitions and scoring system in the five most commonly affected joints in JIA. The reliability was good among a large group of sonographers. These results support the applicability of these definitions and scoring system in clinical practice and multicentre studies.
Diagnostic delay in axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Sizheng Steven , Pittam Bradley , Harrison Nicholas L , Ahmed Ashar E , Goodson Nicola J , Hughes David M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Delay to diagnosis in axial SpA (axSpA) is longer than in many other rheumatic diseases. Prolonged delay is associate with poorer outcomes, including functional impairment and quality of life. Our aims were to describe global variation in delay to diagnosis, factors associated with delay, and delay compared with PsA.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science using a predefined protocol. Diagnostic delay was defined as years between the age at symptom onset and at diagnosis. We pooled the mean delay using random effects inverse variance meta-analysis. We examined variations in pooled estimates using prespecified subgroup analyses and sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression.

Results
A total of 64 studies reported the mean diagnostic delay in axSpA patients. The pooled mean delay was 6.7 years (95% CI 6.2, 7.2) with high levels of heterogeneity. Delay to diagnosis did not improve over time when stratifying results by year of publication. Studies from high-income countries (defined by the World Bank) reported longer delays than those from middle-income countries. Factors consistently reported to be associated with longer delays were lower education levels, younger age at symptom onset and absence of extra-articular manifestations (EAMs). The pooled estimate for diagnostic delay from 8 PsA studies was significantly shorter, at 2.6 years (95% CI 1.6, 3.6).

Conclusion
For axSpA patients, delay to diagnosis remains unacceptably prolonged in many parts of the world. Patient factors (e.g. education) and disease presentation (onset age and EAMs) should inform campaigns to improve delay.
Personality Across the Psychosis Continuum: A Fine-Grained Perspective
Authors: Begemann Marieke J H , Boyette Lindy-Lou , Kwast Aimo K , Sommer Iris E C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Personality is associated with the etiology, course, and outcome of psychosis. Yet, more specific knowledge on this association, beyond the global domains of the Five-Factor Model, is scarce. One way to investigate this is to study the personality profile of individuals having frequent psychosis-like experiences (PE), but without clinical psychosis or Cluster A personality disorder and compare them to patients with such symptoms.

Methods
We included 134 individuals with nonclinical PE, 40 psychotic disorder patients, and 126 healthy controls. Participants completed the NEO-PI-R. Domain and facet-level data were compared across groups.

Result
As expected, group differences were significant for Neuroticism, Openness, and Conscientiousness. Facet-level analyses showed intermediate levels of Depression and Anxiety (N) in individuals with nonclinical PE, together with high Fantasy, Aesthetics and Ideas (O) compared to controls. Notably, they displayed high Angry Hostility (N) and Feelings (O), along with low Trust (A) and Gregariousness (E). Patients showed high Vulnerability and Self-Consciousness (N), and low Competence and Self-discipline (C), while both nonclinical groups showed similar levels.

Conclusions
This is the first study to analyze both domain and facet-level data across the psychosis continuum. Our findings show how the facets Hostility and Feelings, low Trust and Gregariousness may be related to general PE proneness, both in nonclinical and clinical individuals alike, while Vulnerability and Self-Consciousness, low Competence, and low Self-discipline may differentiate patients from individuals with nonclinical PE. Current results encourage intervention strategies targeting coping and social skills for youth at risk for psychosis.
Public Nutrition Policies and their Influence on School Feeding: The Spanish Experience in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Trescastro-López Eva María 
Published: November 2020

Summary
This article analyses the influence that public nutrition policies had had on school feeding and their contribution to improving nutritional status and health in Spain in the twentieth century. The study demonstrates the importance of providing continuity to nutrition policies. The problem of undernutrition in the child population in Spain had been overcome by the 1970s; however, in the final decades of the twentieth century and coinciding with the abandonment of food and nutrition education policies and programmes, the current problems of overweight and obesity appeared. Despite initiatives such as the NAOS strategy (nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention) launched by the Spanish Ministry of Health in 2005, further efforts should be made to revive and adapt nutrition policies such as those that once enabled the Spanish population to achieve an optimal nutritional balance.
Altered circadian activity and sleep/wake rhythms in the stable tubule only polypeptide (STOP) null mouse model of schizophrenia
Authors: Deurveilher Samuel , Ko Kristin Robin , Saumure Brock St C , Robertson George S , Rusak Benjamin , Semba Kazue 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSleep and circadian rhythm disruptions commonly occur in individuals with schizophrenia. Stable tubule only polypeptide (STOP) knockout (KO) mice show behavioral impairments resembling symptoms of schizophrenia. We previously reported that STOP KO mice slept less and had more fragmented sleep and waking than wild-type littermates under a light/dark (LD) cycle. Here, we assessed the circadian phenotype of male STOP KO mice by examining wheel-running activity rhythms and EEG/EMG-defined sleep/wake states under both LD and constant darkness (DD) conditions. Wheel-running activity rhythms in KO and wild-type mice were similarly entrained in LD, and had similar free-running periods in DD. The phase delay shift in response to a light pulse given early in the active phase under DD was preserved in KO mice. KO mice had markedly lower activity levels, lower amplitude activity rhythms, less stable activity onsets, and more fragmented activity than wild-type mice in both lighting conditions. KO mice also spent more time awake and less time in rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and non-REMS (NREMS) in both LD and DD conditions, with the decrease in NREMS concentrated in the active phase. KO mice also showed altered EEG features and higher amplitude rhythms in wake and NREMS (but not REMS) amounts in both lighting conditions, with a longer free-running period in DD, compared to wild-type mice. These results indicate that the STOP null mutation in mice altered the regulation of sleep/wake physiology and activity rhythm expression, but did not grossly disrupt circadian mechanisms.
MicroRNA profiling in BEAS-2B cells exposed to alpha radiation reveals potential biomarkers for malignant cellular transformation
Authors: Dang Xuhong , Lin Haipeng , Li Youchen , Guo Xiuli , Yuan Yayi , Zhang Ruifeng , Li Xiaozhen , Chai Dongliang , Zuo Yahui 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The carcinogenicity of radon has been convincingly documented through epidemiological studies of underground miners. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is due to the continuous radioactive decay of this gas and subsequent emission of high-energy alpha decay particles. And the bronchial epithelial cells are the main targets of radon exposure. However, there is a lack of early warning indicators of lung cancer caused by radon in the physical examination of populations involved in occupations with higher exposure to radon. To assess the potential of a molecular-based marker approach for the early detection of human lung cancer induced by radon, human bronchial epithelial cell injury models induced by alpha-particle irradiation were constructed. The results of transwell migration assay, transwell invasion assay, and the expression of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related proteins showed that malignant cell transformation could be triggered by alpha irradiation. Potential microRNAs (miRNAs) (hsa-miR-3907, hsa-miR-6732-3p, hsa-miR-4788, hsa-miR-5001-5p, and hsa-miR-4257) were screened using miRNA chips in cell models. The pathway analyses of miRNAs selected using DIANA-miRPath v3.0 showed that miRNAs involved in malignant cell transformation were associated with cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, and proteoglycans in cancer, among others, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of carcinogenesis. Reverse Transcription Quantitative Real-Time PCR (RT-qPCR) assay showed that five screened miRNAs were up-regulated in five lung cancer tissue samples. In conclusion, the results indicated that hsa-miR-3907, hsa-miR-6732-3p, hsa-miR-4788, hsa-miR-5001-5p, and hsa-miR-4257 may be potential early markers of the malignant transformation of bronchial epithelial cells induced by alpha-particle irradiation.
Identification of early and late flowering time candidate genes in endodormant and ecodormant almond flower buds
Authors: Prudencio Ángela S , Hoeberichts Frank A , Dicenta Federico , Martínez-Gómez Pedro , Sánchez-Pérez Raquel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFlower bud dormancy in temperate fruit tree species, such as almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb], is a survival mechanism that ensures that flowering will occur under suitable weather conditions for successful flower development, pollination and fruit set. Dormancy is divided into three sequential phases: paradormancy, endodormancy and ecodormancy. During the winter, buds need cultivar-specific chilling requirements (CRs) to overcome endodormancy and heat requirements to activate the machinery to flower in the ecodormancy phase. One of the main factors that enables the transition from endodormancy to ecodormancy is transcriptome reprogramming. In this work, we therefore monitored three almond cultivars with different CRs and flowering times by RNA sequencing during the endodormancy release of flower buds and validated the data by quantitative real-time PCR in two consecutive seasons. We were thus able to identify early and late flowering time candidate genes in endodormant and ecodormant almond flower buds associated with metabolic switches, transmembrane transport, cell wall remodeling, phytohormone signaling and pollen development. These candidate genes were indeed involved in the overcoming of the endodormancy in almond. This information may be used for the development of dormancy molecular markers, increasing the efficiency of temperate fruit tree breeding programs in a climate-change context.
Intraspecific plasticity in hydraulic and stomatal regulation under drought is linked to aridity at the seed source in a wild pear species
Authors: Paudel Indira , Gerbi Hadas , Zisovich Annat , Sapir Gal , Klein Tamir 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAdaptations of fruit trees to future climate are a current research priority due to the rapid increase in air temperature and changes in precipitation patterns. This is aimed at securing sustainable food production for our growing populations. Key physiological traits in trees conferring drought tolerance are resistance to embolism and stomatal control over water loss. Recently, we have shown in the field that a native wild pear species performs better under drought than two cultivated pear species. A comparative greenhouse study was conducted to investigate traits associated with drought tolerance in four ecotypes of a wild pear species (Pyrus syriaca Boiss), compared with a wild pear species (Pyrus betulifolia Bunge) commonly used as a pear rootstock. Seed sources were collected from semi-arid, sub-humid and humid sites across northern Israel. Measurements of water relations, leaf physiology, hydraulic conductivity and percent loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) were conducted under standard irrigation, drought and recovery from drought. The four P. syriaca ecotypes maintained significantly higher leaf gas exchange values and water-use efficiency and had lower PLC than the rootstock species under prolonged drought as well as during recovery. Across the four ecotypes, stomatal closure occurred at stem water potential (Ψ) around −3.5 MPa; however, Ψ at 50% PLC ranged from −4.1 MPa in the humid ecotype to −5.2 MPa in one of the semi-arid ecotypes, rendering the latter with a higher hydraulic safety margin (the Ψ difference between stomatal closure and 50% PLC). Divergence of the ecotypes in xylem vulnerability to embolism closely matched the mean annual precipitation at their seed sources. Thus, selection of pear ecotypes from populations in semi-arid sites may be better than the currently used plant material for preparing our cultivated species for hotter and drier future climate.
The Utility of a Screening Neck Computed Tomographic Angiogram in Blunt Trauma Patients Presenting With a Seat Belt Sign in the Absence of Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Jordan Roger Wayne , Breland David M. , Zhang Xu , Friedman Elliott 
Published: November 2020

Objective
Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) of the neck are a common cause for concern after blunt trauma. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate whether patients with a cervical seat belt sign in the absence of associated high-risk injuries or neurological symptoms are at an increased risk for developing a clinically significant vascular injury and therefore require a screening neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA).

Methods
A retrospective review was performed of patients who presented after motor vehicle collision and received a neck CTA for an indication of “seat belt sign.” Imaging was reviewed to determine the vascular injury grade, associated injuries, and, if available, follow-up imaging was reviewed to assess for interval change or resolution. The patients were split into 2 groups. Group 1 included patients without high-risk injuries, and group 2 included patients with high-risk injuries.

Results
In group 1, 6 (2.9%) of 208 patients had BCVI. In group 2, 7 (18.9%) of 37 patients had BCVI. Patients in group 2 were 6.5 times more likely to suffer BCVI compared with group 1 (P < 0.001). No patient in group 1 was ever symptomatic, and only 1 (0.5%) patient underwent interventional treatment.

Conclusions
Patients presenting after blunt trauma with a seat belt sign and no other high-risk injuries as laid out by screening criteria demonstrate a low probability of BCVI and an even lower likelihood of adverse outcome.
Use of Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord and Amniotic Membrane Allograft and Portable Negative Pressure Therapy in Dehisced Giant Omphalocele Repair
Authors: Boyar Vita 
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND:
A giant omphalocele is a rare congenital abdominal wall defect that measures more than 6 to 8 cm in any dimension. The child's abdominal visceral contents as well as the liver which are both covered by the amniotic sac protrude outside the abdomen through the umbilicus. Consequently, closing this defect is extremely challenging due to the risk for wound dehiscence.

CASE:
Baby C, a 1-year-old male infant, developed a dehisced abdominal wound after secondary repair of a giant omphalocele. Escharification of the amniotic sac was achieved with silver products, followed by intra-abdominal tissue expansion and skin closure. A conservative approach was undertaken with the use of cryopreserved human umbilical cord and amniotic membrane allograft in conjunction with portable negative pressure therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case study to evaluate the effect of cryopreserved human umbilical cord and amniotic membrane allograft in a dehisced neonatal abdominal wound due to a giant omphalocele or, in fact, neonatal wounds in general. Our experience with this case suggests that cryopreserved human umbilical cord and amniotic membrane allograft may create a superior healing trajectory and regeneration, avoidance of surgical intervention, and an early hospital discharge. Wound-supporting properties of amniotic allograft, in addition to lack of immunologic reactivity, offer an attractive option for a variety of pediatric and neonatal wounds.