bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public pension reform and the 49th parallel: Lessons from Canada for the U.S.
Authors: Lipshitz Clive , Walter Ingo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPublic employee pension systems around the world show remarkable diversity in design and execution. Among these, the U.S. defined benefit public pension system has drawn increased attention because of questions about the long‐term sustainability of many of the underlying pension funds – as well as concerns of equity between pension plan members, retirees, taxpayers, bondholders, and users of public services. The Covid‐19 pandemic introduced new fissures in state and local government finances, heightening the need to bolster long‐term public pension fund robustness. As an alternative model, the Canadian public pension system is widely respected. This was not foreordained. The authors trace difficult decisions undertaken in Canada in the 1980s and 1990s along with essential descriptive features of the Canadian Model. Using a novel primary dataset, the authors benchmark the 25 largest U.S. plans against their ten largest Canadian peers, exploring key issues in a paired analysis. The authors extract fundamental lessons from the Canadian experience, proposing a roadmap for reform of the U.S. public pension system. They argue that long‐term pension sustainability, once politically prioritized, must be built on equity and discipline in plan design, funding, and amortization of existing deficits. They emphasize the importance of legal framework, particularly joint sponsorship, alongside enhanced governance and unified legislation. They also draw lessons from the Canadian experience with respect to enhanced investment organizations and investment strategies.
Liquid‐based cytological and immunohistochemical study of nasopharyngeal swab from persons under investigation for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Parada David , Peña Karla B , Gumà Josep , Guilarte Carmen , Riu Francesc 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionWe describe cytologic and immunohistologic findings in virus transport medium on cases under investigation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.MethodsCytologic findings in cases under investigation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection from one hundred consecutive nasopharyngeal swab were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry and SARSCoV‐2 RT‐PCR determination were performed to detect virus.ResultsNo viral inclusions were noted in squamous cells obtained from virus transport medium. Immunohistochemical study with monoclonal antibody against SARS‐CoV‐2 viral nucleoprotein showed positivity in squamous cells. No positivity was present in others cellular components.ConclusionsSARS‐CoV‐2 predominantly localizes squamous cells in cytology samples of patients with RT‐PCR positive determination of SARSCoV‐2. The results of the current study support the notion that the nasopharyngeal region is the anatomical station that SARS‐CoV‐2 infects first, and the infection can lead to the migration of the virus into the lower airways.
Family caregivers' experiences of interaction with people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Yang Lili , Ye Huiling , Sun Qiuhua 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimThis study aimed to explore the experiences of family caregivers interacting with people with dementia.BackgroundA majority of people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia live at home with family caregivers. This interaction creates positive experiences and challenges for these caregivers.DesignDescriptive phenomenological qualitative inquiry guided this study.MethodsThis qualitative study involved semi‐structured interviews with the caregivers of people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia (n = 10). Data were collected from June to September 2018, and then data were thematically analysed.ResultsSix categories of themes were identified from the interviews: (1) unexpected things often happen; (2) positive coping strategies; (3) sense of accomplishment because people with dementia actively participate in activities; (4) sense of frustration because of the reluctance of people with dementia to participate in activities; (5) hope for the happiness of people with dementia; and (6) want to have their own life.ConclusionsThis study reveals that caregivers could positively interact with people with dementia through creating opportunities and arranging meaningful activities. Future research should focus on family management and training on how to help caregivers interact effectively with people with dementia.
On Equal Citizenship and Public Reason: Reply to Critics
Authors: Hartley Christie , Watson Lori 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn writing Equal Citizenship and Public Reason, we aimed to show that political liberalism is a feminist liberalism. To that end, we develop and defend a particular understanding of the commitments of political liberalism. Then, we argue that certain laws and policies are needed to protect and secure the interests of persons as free and equal citizens. We focus on the laws and policies that we think are necessary for gender justice. In particular, we apply our view to the contexts of prostitution law, family and marriage law, state support for caregivers, and religious exemptions from generally applicable laws. In this article, we consider some of the challenges made by the thoughtful critics who are part of this symposium. In particular, we address: why the collective enterprise view of liberal democracy requires shared reasons for the justification of certain laws and policies; how we understand substantive equality and why our understanding of substantive equality does not commit us to a comprehensive doctrine; how we avoid defending a particular political conception of justice in showing that political liberalism is a feminist liberalism; and how it is that, given justice pluralism, public reasons can provide stability for the right reasons.
Meta‐analysis of changes in the levels of catecholamines and blood pressure with continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Green Mackenzie , Ken‐Dror Gie , Fluck David , Sada Charif , Sharma Pankaj , Fry Christopher H. , Han Thang S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStress from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) stimulates catecholamine release consequently exacerbating hypertension. However, different studies have shown a conflicting impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in patients with OSA on catecholamine levels and blood pressure. We aimed to examine changes to catecholamine levels and blood pressure in response to CPAP treatment. We conducted a meta‐analysis of data published up to May 2020. The quality of the studies was evaluated using standard tools for assessing the risk of bias. Meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan (v5.3) and expressed in standardized mean difference (SMD) for catecholamines and mean difference (MD) for systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A total of 38 studies met our search criteria; they consisted of 14 randomized control trials (RCT) totaling 576 participants and 24 prospective cohort studies (PCS) of 547 participants. Mean age ranged between 41 and 62 year and body mass index between 27.2 and 35.1 kg/m2. CPAP treatment reduced 24‐hour urinary noradrenaline levels both in RCT (SMD = −1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.63 to − 0.56) and in PCS (SMD = 0.38 (CI: 0.24 to 0.53). SBP was also reduced by CPAP treatment in RCT (4.8 mmHg; CI: 2.0‐7.7) and in PCS (7.5 mmHg; CI: 3.3‐11.7). DBP was similarly reduced (3.0 mmHg; CI: 1.4‐4.6) and in PCS (5.1 mmHg; CI: 2.3‐8.0). In conclusion, CPAP treatment in patients with OSA reduces catecholamine levels and blood pressure. This suggests that sympathetic activity plays an intermediary role in hypertension associated with OSA‐related stress.
Mobility Device Use and Mobility Disability in U.S. Medicare Beneficiaries With and Without Cancer History
Authors: Bluethmann Shirley M. , Flores Eileen , Campbell Grace , Klepin Heidi D. 
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESTo examine the prevalence of mobility device use in U.S. community‐dwelling older adults including older adults with cancer history (“survivors”) and to estimate mobility disability noting variation by cancer history, cancer site, and other factors to improve early detection of mobility limitations.DESIGNCross‐sectional analysis from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study.SETTINGIn‐person interviews in the homes of study participants.PARTICIPANTSNationally representative sample of community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries, aged 65 and older (n = 6,080 including 1,203 survivors).MEASUREMENTSParticipants were asked about cancer history, pain that limited activity, mobility device use (eg, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters), history of falls, and medical conditions plus they were assessed for approximate mobility disability using a 3‐m gait speed test. The results were scored on a scale of 0 to 4 (0 = lowest, 4 = highest) using criteria from the National Institute on Aging.RESULTSA total of 19% of older adults and 23% of survivors reported using one or more mobility device, most commonly a single‐point cane. Approximately 10% of breast, 6% of prostate, and 3% of colorectal cancer survivors reported using two or more devices in the past month. Survivors had lower mean gait speed scores (2.27) than adults without cancer history (2.39). In regression models, survivors were 18% less likely than adults without cancer history to score high on the gait speed test (odds ratio = .82; P < .05). Prior mobility device use, history of multiple falls, unhealthy weight, Black race, multimorbidity, and pain that limited activity were associated with lower gait speed scores in all participants (all P < .05).CONCLUSIONA greater proportion of older survivors used mobility devices than adults without cancer history. Mobility device use varied by cancer site and was highest in survivors of breast, colorectal, and gynecological cancer. Survivors were also more likely to show signs of mobility disability, based on gait speed, compared with adults without cancer history. These indications, although modest, suggest that older survivors may require special attention to functional changes in survivorship.
Evaluation of intralesional Candida antigen in diabetic patients with multiple warts
Authors: Marei Ayman , Alakad Rania , Wahid Reham M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of warts in diabetic patients with ablative modalities poses a significant risk owing to increased possibility of secondary infection, slow healing, and recurrence. Intralesional immunotherapy has gained popularity in the treatment of warts due to its proven efficacy and good tolerability compared with destructive methods.AimTo evaluate the intralesional Candida antigen injection for the treatment of multiple warts in diabetic patients.Patients/MethodsFifty diabetic patients with multiple genital/nongenital warts were divided into two groups. The first group (30 patients) received intralesional Candida antigen, and the second group (20 patients) had intralesional saline as control. The treatments were injected into the largest wart every 2 weeks until complete clearance of warts or for a maximum of five sessions.ResultsComplete clearance of warts was observed in 80% of the diabetic patients in the Candida antigen group compared with 15% in the control group (P < .001). Side effects to Candida antigen included pain during injection in all patients, flu‐like symptoms, and localized reaction at the injection site in few patients.ConclusionIntralesional Candida antigen injection can be a promising effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of warts in diabetic patients.
Phylogenomics enables biogeographic analysis and a new subtribal classification of Andropogoneae (Poaceae—Panicoideae)
Authors: Welker Cassiano A. D. , McKain Michael R. , Estep Matt C. , Pasquet Rémy S. , Chipabika Gilson , Pallangyo Beatrice , Kellogg Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe grass tribe Andropogoneae (Poaceae—Panicoideae) includes several important crops such as maize, sugarcane, and sorghum, and dominates the tropical grasslands of the world. We present here a plastome phylogeny of the tribe with the largest sample of genera to date (about 73%), including 65 newly assembled plastomes, together with a broad biogeographic analysis of Andropogoneae. Major relationships found in previous phylogenetic studies were confirmed here, with most nodes having higher resolution and support, including those of the backbone of the tree, which had been a major problem in previous phylogenies of the tribe. Our dated tree suggests that Andropogoneae diverged from Arundinelleae in the Early Miocene, while the “core Andropogoneae” clade originated in the Late Miocene. The tribe originated in East Asia, but intercontinental dispersal has been common, with many independent dispersal events to Africa and the New World. Based on the plastome phylogeny, we propose here a new classification of Andropogoneae as most of its previously accepted subtribes are not monophyletic. Our classification comprises 14 subtribes, 92 genera, and ∼1224 species. About 90% of the Andropogoneae species could be assigned to a subtribe, which represents a major step toward clarification of the taxonomy of the tribe. The remaining taxa were placed incertae sedis pending additional molecular data. The new subtribes Chrysopogoninae and Rhytachninae are described herein. Our plastome trees also indicate that several Andropogoneae genera are para‐ or polyphyletic and require additional studies to define their circumscriptions.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in diffuse large B‐cell Lymphoma treated with R‐CHOP
Authors: Lee Ji Yun , Kang Minsu , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Ji‐Won , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Jin Won , Kim Yu Jung , Song Kyoung‐Ho , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin , Lee Keun‐Wook , Kim Jee Hyun , Bang Soo‐Mee , Lee Jong‐Seok , Lee Jeong‐Ok 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of and risk factors for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) infection in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R‐CHOP).MethodsThe medical records of 739 DLBCL patients who received R‐CHOP between May 2004 and January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received primary PCP prophylaxis (prophylaxis group) and those who did not (control group). The incidence rate of PCP in each group was calculated, and risk factors for PCP were evaluated in the control group.ResultsBaseline characteristics were significantly different between the two groups. Compared to the 602 patients who did not receive prophylaxis, the prophylaxis group (n = 137) had poor prognostic factors of older age, high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, advanced Ann Arbour stage, and high International Prognostic Index (IPI) risk scores. None of the patients receiving PCP prophylaxis developed PCP, while the incidence of PCP in the control group was 8.1% (definite cases 5.5% and probable cases 2.7%). Out of the 49 patients who developed PCP, 10 patients (20.4%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and the PCP‐related death rate was 16.3% (8/49).ConclusionThis study showed that PCP prophylaxis is highly effective against PCP infection and may help guide prevention of PCP during R‐CHOP treatment in DLBCL patients.
Genetics of autoimmunity in plants: an evolutionary genetics perspective
Authors: Wan Wei‐Lin , Kim Sang‐Tae , Castel Baptiste , Charoennit Nuri , Chae Eunyoung 
Published: September 2020

SummaryAutoimmunity in plants has been found in numerous hybrids as a form of hybrid necrosis and mutant panels. Uncontrolled cell death is a main cellular outcome of autoimmunity, which negatively impacts growth. Its occurrence highlights the vulnerable nature of the plant immune system. Genetic investigation of autoimmunity in hybrid plants revealed that extreme variation in the immune receptor repertoire is a major contributor, reflecting an evolutionary conundrum that plants face in nature. In this review, we discuss natural variation in the plant immune system and its contribution to fitness. The value of autoimmunity genetics lies in its ability to identify combinations of a natural immune receptor and its partner that are predisposed to triggering autoimmunity. The network of immune components for autoimmunity becomes instrumental in revealing mechanistic details of how immune receptors recognize cellular invasion and activate signaling. The list of autoimmunity‐risk variants also allows us to infer evolutionary processes contributing to their maintenance in the natural population. Our approach to autoimmunity, which integrates mechanistic understanding and evolutionary genetics, has the potential to serve as a prognosis tool to optimize immunity in crops.
Coleorhiza‐enforced seed dormancy: a novel mechanism to control germination in grasses
Authors: Holloway Thomas , Steinbrecher Tina , Pérez Marta , Seville Anne , Stock David , Nakabayashi Kazumi , Leubner‐Metzger Gerhard 
Published: September 2020

Summary

How the biophysical properties of overlaying tissues control growth, such as the embryonic root (radicle) during seed germination, is a fundamental question. In eudicot seeds the endosperm surrounding the radicle confers coat dormancy and controls germination responses through modulation of its cell wall mechanical properties. Far less is known for grass caryopses that differ in tissue morphology. Here we report that the coleorhiza, a sheath‐like organ that surrounds the radicle in grass embryos, performs the same role in the grass weed Avena fatua (common wild oat).

We combined innovative biomechanical techniques, tissue ablation, microscopy, tissue‐specific gene and enzyme activity expression with the analysis of hormones and oligosaccharides.

The combined experimental work demonstrates that in grass caryopses the coleorhiza indeed controls germination for which we provide direct biomechanical evidence. We show that the coleorhiza becomes reinforced during dormancy maintenance and weakened during germination. Xyloglucan endotransglycosylases/hydrolases may have a role in coleorhiza reinforcement through cell wall remodelling to confer coat dormancy.

The control of germination by coleorhiza‐enforced dormancy in grasses is an example of the convergent evolution of mechanical restraint by overlaying tissues.
Dynamic voltage threshold adjusted substrate modification technique for complex atypical atrial flutters with varying circuits
Authors: Methachittiphan Nilubon , Akoum Nazem , Gopinathannair Rakesh , Boyle Patrick M , Sridhar Arun R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundAtypical atrial flutter (AFL) is common in patients with postsurgical atrial scar, with macro‐ or microscopic channels in the scar acting as substrate for reentry. Heterogeneous atrial scarring can cause varying flutter circuits, which makes mapping and ablation challenging, and recurrences common.AimWe hypothesize that dynamically adjusting voltage thresholds can identify heterogeneous atrial scarring, which can then be effectively homogenized to eliminate atypical AFLs.MethodsWe studied consecutive patients who presented to Electrophysiology laboratory for atypical AFL ablation with history of atriotomy and included the patients with multiple, varying flutter circuits during mapping in our study. We excluded patients with stable flutter circuit that was sustained and could be localized using traditional entrainment and activation mapping strategy.In the included patients, we performed detailed high‐density voltage map of the atrium of interest. We adjusted voltage thresholds as needed to identify heterogeneity and channels in the scarred regions. A thorough scar homogenization was performed with irrigated smart‐touch ablation catheter. Re‐inducibility of tachycardia, and immediate and long‐term outcomes were studied.ResultsOf five studied cases, one was female; age 66 ± 10 years. All five had prior surgical substrate. All the patients had multiple flutter morphologies, which varied as we mapped the AFL. After scar homogenization, tachycardia was not inducible in any patient. No recurrence of flutter was noted during a mean follow‐up duration of 450 ± 27 days.ConclusionHigh‐density voltage mapping and homogenization of the scar can be an effective strategy in eliminating complex scar‐mediated atypical AFL with multiple circuits.
Clinical features in 305 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A single center Turkish Study
Authors: Ozdel Semanur , Baglan Esra , Cakıcı Evrim Kargın , Yazılıtas Fatma , Yücel Hüsniye , Senel Saliha , Bulbul Mehmet 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatologic disease of childhood. The various subtypes of JIA differ in clinical features and treatments. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of JIA subtypes, patient demographic and clinical features, as well as the rates of macrophage activation syndrome, uveitis, and remission in Turkish JIA patients treated at a single center, and to compare the findings to those in the literature.MethodsThe files of all JIA patients treated at our pediatric rheumatology department between January 2017 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from the patients’ files and the hospital database.ResultsThe study included 305 patients (180 females) with a mean age at onset of 7.83 ± 4.62 years. Among all the JIA subtypes, the most frequent was oligoarthritis (41.6%), followed by enthesitis‐related arthritis (29.2%), rheumatoid factor (RF)‐negative polyarthritis (13.4%), systemic arthritis (9.5%), RF‐positive polyarthritis (2.6%), psoriatic arthritis (2.0%), and undifferentiated arthritis (1.6%). At the time of data collection, 278 patients (91.0%) were in remission, whereas 27 patients (9.0%) had active disease. Macrophage activation syndrome developed in 12 of the 29 (41.0%) systemic arthritis. Uveitis was noted in 32 (10.0%) patients. Biological agents were administered in 142 of the patients.ConclusionsThe available data indicate that JIA as a whole is a heterogeneous disease with significant variability in course and long‐term outcome. As such, each patient should be evaluated according to his / her disease subtype.
In vitro Studies of Antitumor Effect, Toxicity/Cytotoxicity and Skin Permeation/Retention of a Green Fluorescence Pyrene‐based Dye for PDT Application
Authors: de França Bruna Martins , Ghasemishahrestani Zeinab , de Souza Gabriel Ferreira Motta , da Silva Renata Nascimento , Queiroz Daniela Dias , Pierre Maria Bernadete Riemma , Pereira Marcos Dias , Forero Josué Sebastián Bello , Corrêa Rodrigo José 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPhotosensitizers (PS) are compounds that can generate reactive oxygen species under irradiation of appropriate light and are widely used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Currently, topical PDT is an effective treatment for several skin diseases, including bacterial infections, fungal mycoses and psoriasis. In addition, PDT is also used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer and can be a potential tool for melanoma, associated with other treatments. In this work, we evaluated the antitumor photoactivity of a new pyrene‐based PS (TPPy) by using the murine melanoma cell line (B16F10). The in vitro permeation/retention tests in porcine ear skin were also performed in order to evaluate the potential application of the PS for topical use in skin cancer. Moreover, to determine the toxicity in vivo, we used the Galleria mellonella as an alternative animal model of study. The results showed that TPPy is a promising PS for application in PDT, with potential antitumor photoactivity (IC50 6.5 μmol L‐1), absence of toxicity in the G. mellonella model at higher concentration (70.0 mmol L−1) and the accumulation tendency in the epidermis plus dermis sites (165.20 ± 4.12 ng cm−2).