bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of valganciclovir therapy on severe IRIS-Kaposi Sarcoma mortality: an open-label, parallel, randomized controlled-trial
Authors: Volkow Patricia , Galán Leslie Chávez , Ramón-Luing Lucero , Cruz-Velazquez Judith , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia , Sada-Ovalle Isabel , Pérez-Padilla Rogelio , Beda Islas-Muñoz 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionHigh HHV-8 viral load (VL) in Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) has been associated with severe Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (S-IRIS-KS), which can occur after initiating cART, and is linked with high mortality particularly in patients with pulmonary involvement. We investigate if valganciclovir initiated before cART decreases HHV-8 VL and assess if it reduces the incidence of S-IRIS-KS and its attributable mortality.MethodsOpen-label parallel-group randomized clinical trial in AIDS cART naïve patients with disseminated KS (DKS) as defined by at least two of the following: pulmonary, lymph-node or gastrointestinal involvement, lymphedema, or ≥30 skin lesions. In the experimental group (EG), patients were randomized to valganciclovir 900 mg BID four weeks before cART and continued until week-48; in the control group (CG), cART was initiated on week-0. Non-severe-IRIS-KS was defined as: increase in number of lesions plus ≥one log10 HIV-VL decrease or ≥50 cells/mm3 increase or ≥2-fold rise in baseline CD4+cells. S-IRIS-KS was defined as abrupt clinical worsening of KS lesions and/or fever after ruling out another infection following cART initiation, and at least three of the following: thrombocytopenia, anemia, hyponatremia, or hypoalbuminemia.Results40 patients were randomized and 37 completed the study. In the ITT analysis, the overall mortality did not differ between groups. In the per-protocol analyses, the difference showed a trend for higher S-IRIS-KS mortality in the CG 3/19 (15.7%), compared to EG 0/18 (p=0.07). The incidence of S-IRIS KS was significantly lower in the EG; two patients, one each had S-IRIS-KS episode (0.038 per 100 patient-days) compared to CG group, four patients developed 12 S-IRIS-KS episodes (0.21 per 100 patient-days); incidence rate of 0.09 (95% CI 0.02-0.5 p=0.006). Mortality in patients with pulmonary KS was significantly lower in EG, 3/4 in CG vs 0/5 in EG. S-IRIS-KS was associated with higher HHV-8-VL; IL6 and CRP; valganciclovir was protective. Of survivors at week 48, 82% achieved >80% remission. No difference was found between groups in the number of non-S-IRIS-KS events.ConclusionsValganciclovir significantly reduced the episodes of S-IRIS-KS although attributable KS mortality was lower in the EG the difference was not significant (p=0.07). Mortality was significantly lower in EG patients with pulmonary KS.NIH Clinical Trails ID NCT03296553.
Race/ethnicity in relation to incident primary open-angle glaucoma characterized by autonomously determined visual field loss patterns
Authors: Kang Jae H. , Wang Mengyu , Frueh Lisa , Rosner Bernard , Wiggs Janey L. , Elze Tobias , Pasquale Louis R. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTPurposeWe used an autonomous algorithm to classify incident visual field (VF) loss patterns in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Subsequently, we compared racial differences in the risk of these regional VF loss patterns.Design/ParticipantsParticipants (n=209,036) from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) (follow-up: 1980-2018); NHS2 (1989-2019); and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS; 1986-2018), aged ≥40 years and free of glaucoma.MethodsDemographics, medical and lifestyle information was assessed on biennial questionnaires. Incident POAG cases (n=1946) with reproducible Humphrey VF loss were confirmed with medical records. The total deviation information of the earliest reliable VF for each eye with POAG (n=2564) was extracted, and a statistical learning method was used to identified optimal solutions for regional vision loss patterns. Each POAG eye was assigned the VF pattern (“archetype”) based on the highest weighting coefficient.Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for POAG of various archetypes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using per-eye Cox proportional hazards models. Covariates included cohort, age, glaucoma family history, socioeconomic status, lifestyle parameters, number of eye exams during follow-up, and medical conditions. False discovery rate (FDR) was used for multiple comparisons.Main outcome measuresPOAG based on VF patterns.ResultsMean age was 58 years; 1.3% were Black, 1.2% were Asian, 1.1% were Hispanic-White and 96.4% were non-Hispanic White. We identified 14 archetypes: 1 representing no VF loss, 9 of early loss and 4 of advanced loss patterns. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks were at significantly higher risk of POAG with early VF loss archetypes collectively (Blacks: HR=1.96, 95% CI=1.46, 2.63) and at even higher risk for POAG with advanced loss archetypes collectively (Blacks: HR=6.07, 95% CI=3.61, 10.21; p=0.0002 for the two estimates being different); no differences were observed for Asians or Hispanic Whites. For individual VF archetypes, Hispanic-Whites had FDR-significant higher risks of POAG of archetypes showing early paracentral defects and advanced superior loss while Blacks had FDR-significant higher risks of all advanced loss archetypes and 3 early loss patterns, including early paracentral defects.ConclusionAmong health professionals, compared to non-Hispanic-Whites, Blacks and Hispanic-Whites had higher risks of incident POAG with central and advanced VF loss.
In silico modeling and interactive profiling of BPH resistant R genes with elicitor molecules of rice planthoppers
Authors: Premachandran Krishnamanikumar , Srinivasan Thanga Suja 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBrown planthopper resistant NBS-LRR specific R genes (Bph9, Bph14, Bph18, Bph26) have been reported in rice. BPH specific R genes were clustered with other R genes of rice on chromosome 12 (Bph9, Bph18, Bph26) and 3 (Bph14). Motif analysis of BPH specific R genes showed the predominant motifs as CC, NBS and LRR regions. Bph9, Bph18 and Bph26 R genes exhibited high degree of sequence similarity in their CC and NBS region and are considered as functional alleles of BPH resistance at chromosome 12. LRR region of BPH genes were interacting with the elicitor molecules of planthoppers and are the potential lignad binding site. Bph14 exhibited more number of LRR repeats and were interacting efficiently with all the tested salivary elictor molecules of planthoppers. Bph18 with no LRR region exhibited reduced interaction efficiency with the tested elicitor molecules of planthoppers. Our in silico studies confirms that Bph14 R gene resistance protein to be a promising candidate for providing broad spectrum resistance against planthoppers of rice. The study further provides new avenues to investigate the mechanism of receptor-ligand recognition and signaling mechanism against rice planthoppers.
Virtual reality intervention alleviates dyspnea in patients recovering from COVID pneumonia
Authors: Sophie Betka , Alan Kannape Oliver , Jemina Fasola , Florian Lance , Sylvain Cardin , Aline Schmid , Thomas Similowski , Marina Soccal Paola , Bruno Herbelin , Dan Adler , Olaf Blanke 
Published: October 2021

SummaryBackgroundImmersive virtual reality (iVR)-based digital therapeutics (DTx) are gaining clinical attention in the field of pain management. Based on known analogies between pain and dyspnea, we investigated the effects of visual-respiratory feedback, on persistent dyspnea in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia.MethodsWe performed a controlled, randomized, single-blind, cross-over clinical study to evaluate an iVR-based intervention to alleviate dyspnea in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Included patients reported persistent dyspnea (≥5 on a 10-point scale) and preserved cognitive function (MoCA>24). Assignment was random and concealed. Patients received synchronous (intervention) or asynchronous (control) feedback of their breathing, embodied via a gender-matched virtual body. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires and breathing recordings. COVVR is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04844567).FindingsStudy enrollment was open between November 2020 and April 2021. Twenty-six patients were enrolled (27% women; age: median=55, interquartile range (IQR)=18). Data were available for 24 of 26 patients. The median (IQR) rating on a 7-point Likert-scale of breathing comfort improved from 1(2) at baseline, to 2(1) for synchronous feedback, but remained unchanged at 1(1.5) for asynchronous feedback (p<0.05) between iVR conditions). Moreover, 91.2% of all patients were satisfied with the intervention (p<0.0001) and 66.7% perceived it as beneficial for their breathing (p<0.05). No adverse events were reported.InterpretationBased on these findings, our iVR-based DTx presents a feasible and safe respiratory rehabilitation tool that improves breathing comfort in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection presenting with persistent dyspnea. Future research should investigate the DTx’s generalizability to persistent dyspnea with other etiologies and its potential for preventing chronification.FundingMarie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019 894111/ RESPVR), Bertarelli Foundation
Fungal auxin is a quorum-based modulator of blast disease severity
Authors: Dong Lihong , Shen Qing , Chen Cheng-yen , Shen Lizheng , Yang Fan , Naqvi Naweed I. , Deng Yi Zhen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAuxin is an important phytohormone regulating plant growth and development, and can also be produced by microbial pathogens including the rice-blast fungusMagnaporthe oryzae. However, the detailed biosynthesis pathway, biological function(s), and cellular distribution of such fungal auxin inM. oryzaeremain largely unknown. Here, we report a sequential accumulation of intrinsic auxin in the three conidial cells, the infection structure (appressorium), and the invasive hyphae inM. oryzae. Such fungus-derived auxin was also secreted out and perceived by the host plants. A mitochondria-associated Indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase, Ipd1, is essential for auxin/Indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis inM. oryzae. Theipd1Δ was defective in pathogenicity whereas overexpression ofIPD1led to enhanced virulence in rice. Chemical inhibition of fungal IAA biosynthesis, or its increase via external supplementation decreased or increased the severity of blast disease, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the IAA produced and secreted byM. oryzaegoverned the incidence and severity of blast disease in a quorum-dependent manner. Appressorium formation, conidial cell death critical for appressorium function, and the transcription of infection-related genes,MPG1andINV1, directly correlated with cell density and/or IAA levels within the conidial population at the early stages of pathogenic development. Overall, our study revealed that the severity of blast disease is regulated via quorum sensing with intrinsic IAA serving as an associated signal transducer in rice blast.
Excessive inflammatory and metabolic responses to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with a distinct gut microbiota composition
Authors: Albrich Werner C. , Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Ahearn-Ford Sinead , Mikaeloff Flora , Lunjani Nonhlanhla , Forde Brian , Suh Noémie , Kleger Gian-Reto , Pietsch Urs , Frischknecht Manuel , Garzoni Christian , Forlenza Rossella , Horgan Mary , Sadlier Corinna , Negro Tommaso Rochat , Pugin Jérôme , Wozniak Hannah , Cerny Andreas , Neogi Ujjwal , O’Toole Paul W. , O’Mahony Liam 
Published: October 2021

AbstractProtection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and associated clinical sequelae requires well-coordinated metabolic and immune responses that limit viral spread and promote recovery of damaged systems. In order to understand potential mechanisms and interactions that influence coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, we performed a multi-omics analysis on hospitalised COVID-19 patients and compared those with the most severe outcome (i.e. death) to those with severe non-fatal disease, or mild/moderate disease, that recovered. A distinct subset of 8 cytokines and 140 metabolites in sera identified those with a fatal outcome to infection. In addition, elevated levels of multiple pathobionts and lower levels of protective or anti-inflammatory microbes were observed in the faecal microbiome of those with the poorest clinical outcomes. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified modules that associated severity-associated cytokines with tryptophan metabolism, coagulation-linked fibrinopeptides, and bile acids with multiple pathobionts. In contrast, less severe clinical outcomes associated with clusters of anti-inflammatory microbes such asBifidobacteriumorRuminococcus, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and IL-17A. Our study uncovered distinct mechanistic modules that link host and microbiome processes with fatal outcomes to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These features may be useful to identify at risk individuals, but also highlight a role for the microbiome in modifying hyperinflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents.
Vulnerable workers and the demise of adult education in England
Authors: Wallis Emma , Nacua Lizel , Winterton Jonathan 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis paper reviews changing government policy on adult education in England over the past 20 years and the funding regimes affecting adult and community learning and union-led learning, which play a major role in learning opportunities for socially excluded adults.Design/methodology/approachA review and analysis of extant literature, informed by previous involvement in the sector and ongoing collaborations.FindingsTwo decades ago, adult education in England provided a variety of learning opportunities for people who either had limited qualifications or who needed to reskill for whatever reason. Access to those opportunities has been reduced just when it is most needed.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a review and viewpoint paper based on experience in England, the limitations of which are discussed in the concluding section. Notwithstanding the institutional specificities of adult education in England, many of the implications are generic and have wider relevance beyond this country context.Practical implicationsEconomic recovery post-coronavirus (COVID) and Brexit will require more access to adult education so people can prepare for labour market re-integration. The practical implication of extending provision in adult education to support labour market integration of vulnerable workers is relevant to most countries.Originality/valueThis paper takes a holistic view of adult education, with particular attention to adult and community learning and union-led learning.
Efficacy of empiric antibiotic management of septic olecranon bursitis without bursal aspiration in emergency department patients
Authors: Beyde Adrian , Thomas Alexa L. , Colbenson Kristina M. , Sandefur Benjamin J. , Kisirwan Imtithal , Mullan Aidan F. , O’Driscoll Shawn W. , Campbell Ronna L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesMany guidelines for septic olecranon bursitis recommend aspiration of the bursa prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy despite the absence of robust clinical data to support this practice and known risk of aspiration complications. Our objective was to describe outcomes associated with empiric antibiotic therapy without bursal aspiration among emergency department (ED) patients with suspected septic olecranon bursitis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients presenting to an academic ED from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2018, with olecranon bursitis. The health record was reviewed to assess patient characteristics and outcomes within 6 months of the ED visit. Olecranon bursitis was considered “suspected septic” if the patient was treated with antibiotics. The primary outcome of interest was complicated versus uncomplicated bursitis resolution. Uncomplicated resolution was defined as bursitis resolution without subsequent bursal aspiration, surgery, or hospitalization.ResultsDuring the study period, 264 ED patients were evaluated for 266 cases of olecranon bursitis. The median age was 57 years and 85% were men. Four (1.5%) patients had bursal aspiration during their ED visit, 39 (14.7%) were admitted to the hospital, 76 (28.6%) were dismissed without antibiotic therapy, and 147 (55.3%) were dismissed with empiric antibiotic therapy for suspected septic olecranon bursitis. Among these 147 patients, 134 had follow‐up available including 118 (88.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 81.1%–92.8%) with an uncomplicated resolution, eight (6.0%, 95% CI = 2.8%–11.8%) who underwent subsequent bursal aspiration, and nine (6.7%, 95% CI = 3.3%–12.7%) who were subsequently admitted for inpatient antibiotics.ConclusionsEighty‐eight percent of ED patients with suspected septic olecranon bursitis treated with empiric antibiotics without aspiration had resolution without need for subsequent bursal aspiration, hospitalization, or surgery. Our findings suggest that empiric antibiotics without bursal aspiration may be a reasonable initial approach to ED management of select patients with suspected septic olecranon bursitis.
Do disease epidemics force economic activity underground? International evidence
Authors: Berdiev Aziz N. , Goel Rajeev K. , Saunoris James W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article studies the impact of disease epidemics on the worldwide prevalence of the shadow or the underground economy. The informal sector has low entry barriers and provides an easy short‐term option for the supply of goods and services during epidemics when traditional supply lines are cut or strained. Furthermore, the enforcement resources might be directed elsewhere during epidemics, lowering the expected costs of shadow operations. Using data for over 125 nations, we find that the incidence of epidemics positively and significantly contributes to the spread of the underground sector. These findings withstand a series of robustness checks.
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and local institutions in Ghana’s mining communities: Challenges in understanding barriers to accountability
Authors: Dashwood Hevina S. , Idemudia Uwafiokun , Puplampu Bill Buenar , Webb Kernaghan 
Published: October 2021

SummaryMotivationThe Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard that promotes transparency and accountability in resource‐rich countries to improve governance of the extractive sector. Despite improvements in the subnational disclosure of royalty payments, a significant problem is the failure of these efforts to improve accountability and benefits to mining communities.PurposeThe article asks how institutions of local governance affect national efforts to improve accountability to mining communities in Ghana on the use of mineral revenues for development. It contributes to the broader theoretical literature on EITI by clarifying what outcomes, if any, can be directly attributed to the disclosure of royalty payments.Methods and approachThis qualitative study employs a case‐study analysis of EITI adoption in Ghana, one of the first countries to join the initiative. The article contextualizes local governance institutions and dynamics in relation to the royalty disbursement process. It draws on original field research to analyse their role in impeding the expected benefits of royalty disbursements to mining‐affected communities.FindingsThe research identifies deficiencies in local governance structures and processes as they relate to the use of mineral royalties, but also instances of variation in how officials react to EITI. The range of individual actors, institutions, and complex processes on which the subnational disbursement of royalties depends, makes it problematic to attribute the absence of improvements directly to Ghana's EITI. The findings demonstrate that EITI's role in participating countries is best understood as facilitative and indirect when addressing development outcomes for mining communities.Policy implicationsDisclosure of royalty payments to local governments is unlikely on its own to result in improved development outcomes for local communities, even when the national government is committed to the goal. There is a need for policy interventions aimed at specific communities to ensure royalty payments reach the intended beneficiaries. These interventions should be tailored to the differences in national governance dynamics in countries participating in EITI, paying attention to contestation over the distribution and expenditure of royalties that disclosure helps bring to light.
Effects of mucilage concentration at different water contents on mechanical stability and elasticity in a loamy and a sandy soil
Authors: Rosskopf Ulla , Uteau Daniel , Peth Stephan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMucilage released by plant roots affects hydrological and mechanical properties of the rhizosphere. The aim of this study was to disentangle the effects of the factors mucilage and soil moisture on a range of soil mechanical parameters in a sand and a loam. Both substrates were homogenised and filled into cylinders at bulk densities (ρb) of 1.26 and 1.47 g cm−3 for loam and sand, respectively. Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) mucilage concentrations of 0, 0.02, 0.2 and 2 g dry mucilage kg−1 dry soil were tested at four different gravimetric water contents in loam (θg = 0.34, 0.19, 0.14 and 0.09 g g−1) and three in sand (θg = 0.20, 0.06 and 0.04 g g−1). To quantify the influence of water content on the effect of mucilage on mechanical soil properties, two sets of samples were prepared, one for a micro penetrometer test, the other to measure bulk soil properties. Penetration tests were performed at 120 mm h−1 using a universal testing machine with a high‐precision sensor equipped with a penetrometer conus resembling a root. Mechanical energies were determined by calculating the area of the time–force curves. The energy required for a root to grow in a loam at permanent wilting point was decreased from 0.31 J in the control to 0.26 J in the 2 g kg−1 mucilage treatment, whereas it increased from 0.05 J in the control to 0.08 J at the highest water content. Pre‐compression stress (σpc), compression index (Cc), swelling index (Cs) and elasticity index were determined with a confined uniaxial compression test. σpc was increased by addition of mucilage in both substrates whereas the response on compressibility and elasticity was specific to substrate and water content. Here mucilage had a stronger impact on sand—the substrate with lower initial compressibility and elasticity. We conclude that the effect of mucilage on soil mechanical properties and subsequently on plant growth depends on the combined response of substrate and water content.Highlights
The influence of soil moisture on the mechanical effects of mucilage concentration was examined.
Mucilage decreased the energy required for root growth in a loam at the permanent wilting point.
Higher mucilage concentrations increased compressibility and elasticity in sand.
Effect of mucilage on mechanical parameters depends on interaction between substrate and moisture.