bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The specificity of Babesia-tick vector interactions: recent advances and pitfalls in molecular and field studies
Authors: Bajer Anna , Dwużnik-Szarek Dorota 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites of great medical and veterinary importance, especially in the northern Hemisphere. Ticks are known vectors of Babesia spp., although some Babesia-tick interactions have not been fully elucidated.

Methods
The present review was performed to investigate the specificity of Babesia-tick species interactions that have been identified using molecular techniques in studies conducted in the last 20 years under field conditions. We aimed to indicate the main vectors of important Babesia species based on published research papers (n = 129) and molecular data derived from the GenBank database.

Results
Repeated observations of certain Babesia species in specific species and genera of ticks in numerous independent studies, carried out in different areas and years, have been considered epidemiological evidence of established Babesia-tick interactions. The best studied species of ticks are Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes scapularis (103 reports, i.e. 80% of total reports). Eco-epidemiological studies have confirmed a specific relationship between Babesia microti and Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and Ixodes scapularis and also between Babesia canis and D. reticulatus. Additionally, four Babesia species (and one genotype), which have different deer species as reservoir hosts, displayed specificity to the I. ricinus complex. Eco-epidemiological studies do not support interactions between a high number of Babesia spp. and I. ricinus or D. reticulatus. Interestingly, pioneering studies on other species and genera of ticks have revealed the existence of likely new Babesia species, which need more scientific attention. Finally, we discuss the detection of Babesia spp. in feeding ticks and critically evaluate the data on the role of the latter as vectors.

Conclusions
Epidemiological data have confirmed the specificity of certain Babesia-tick vector interactions. The massive amount of data that has been thus far collected for the most common tick species needs to be complemented by more intensive studies on Babesia infections in underrepresented tick species.

Graphical abstract
A novel patient-reported outcome instrument assessing the symptoms of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, the PNH-SQ
Authors: Daly R. Paola , Jalbert Jessica J. , Keith Shannon , Symonds Tara , Shammo Jamile 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) used to measure symptoms of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in trials do not measure PNH symptoms comprehensively and do not assess daily fluctuations in symptoms. Following a literature review and consultation with a PNH expert, we drafted the PNH Symptom Questionnaire (PNH-SQ) and a patient-centric conceptual model of PNH symptoms and impacts. We then interviewed 15 patients with PNH to assess comprehensiveness of symptom capture from the patient perspective and to cognitively debrief the PNH-SQ. Patient interview data were also used to finalize the PNH conceptual model.

Results
Participants mentioned 27 signs or symptoms of PNH spontaneously or after being probed; 93% reported experiencing ≥ 1 PNH symptom. Concept saturation was reached for all PNH symptoms. Further, interviews confirmed the instrument captured the most common PNH symptoms, including fatigue (87%), abdominal pain (60%), and difficulty swallowing (47%), with fatigue ranked as the most bothersome symptom. The interviews demonstrated that participants understood the items of the PNH-SQ (90–100%); considered the symptoms relevant (> 50– > 90%); the recall period appropriate (> 80–100%); and the response options suitable (> 80–100%). Participants also suggested changes regarding item redundancy and relevance; this feedback was used to finalize the instrument.

Conclusions
The finalized PNH-SQ assesses the presence and severity of 10 symptoms—abdominal pain, chest discomfort, difficulty sleeping, difficulty swallowing, difficulty thinking clearly, fatigue, headache, muscle weakness, pain in the legs or back, and shortness of breath—over 24 h. The PNH-SQ is a content-valid questionnaire suitable for assessing daily symptom presence and severity in PNH clinical trials.
Adult onset Still’s disease in a patient with scleroderma: case report
Authors: Brow Jeffrey D. , Zhu Daisy , Drevlow Barbara E. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Scleroderma and adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) are both uncommon autoimmune disorders. These two disorders have rarely been documented to occur simultaneously. In fact, after a thorough literature review, we discovered only one prior case report in a pregnant individual. Here, we describe the first documented case of scleroderma and AOSD in a postmenopausal patient.

Case presentation
The patient is a 61-year-old Caucasian female with a past medical history significant for peptic ulcer disease, mitral valve prolapse, chronic idiopathic pancreatitis, and limited cutaneous scleroderma with sclerodactyly, Raynaud’s, and calcinosis. She was sent to the emergency room by her primary care physician due to one-week history of intermittent spiking fevers (Tmax 101°F), sore throat, myalgias, arthralgias, and non-pruritic bilateral lower extremity rash. Diagnostic evaluation in the hospital included complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, respiratory viral panel, antinuclear antibody panel, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging with computerized tomography. Our patient fulfilled Yamaguchi Criteria for AOSD and all other possible etiologies were ruled out. She was treated with a steroid taper and methotrexate was initiated on post-discharge day number fourteen. Clinical and biochemical resolution was obtained at three months.

Conclusions
In this report, we describe the first ever documented case of scleroderma and AOSD in a postmenopausal patient. The clinical presentation, diagnostic work up, and management discussed herein may serve as a framework for which rheumatologists and other physicians may draw upon in similar future encounters.
Low pathogenic avian influenza virus infection retards colon microbiota diversification in two different chicken lines
Authors: Chrzastek Klaudia , Leng Joy , Zakaria Mohammad Khalid , Bialy Dagmara , La Ragione Roberto , Shelton Holly 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
A commensal microbiota regulates and is in turn regulated by viruses during host infection which can influence virus infectivity. In this study, analysis of colon microbiota population changes following a low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (AIV) of the H9N2 subtype infection of two different chicken breeds was conducted.

Methods
Colon samples were taken from control and infected groups at various timepoints post infection. 16S rRNA sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform was performed on the samples and the data mapped to operational taxonomic units of bacterial using a QIIME based pipeline. Microbial community structure was then analysed in each sample by number of observed species and phylogenetic diversity of the population.

Results
We found reduced microbiota alpha diversity in the acute period of AIV infection (day 2–3) in both Rhode Island Red and VALO chicken lines. From day 4 post infection a gradual increase in diversity of the colon microbiota was observed, but the diversity did not reach the same level as in uninfected chickens by day 10 post infection, suggesting that AIV infection retards the natural accumulation of colon microbiota diversity, which may further influence chicken health following recovery from infection. Beta diversity analysis indicated a bacterial species diversity difference between the chicken lines during and following acute influenza infection but at phylum and bacterial order level the colon microbiota dysbiosis was similar in the two different chicken breeds.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that H9N2 influenza A virus impacts the chicken colon microbiota in a predictable way that could be targeted via intervention to protect or mitigate disease.
Relationship between early physical activity after total knee arthroplasty and postoperative physical function: are these related?
Authors: Takamura Daisuke , Iwata Kentaro , Sueyoshi Tatsuya , Yasuda Tadashi , Moriyama Hideki 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Physical activity is associated with physical function; however, the relationship between early physical activity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and postoperative physical function remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of early physical activity after TKA with postoperative physical function.

Methods
Timed Up and Go test (TUG) of 47 patients was assessed preoperatively and at 10 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Physical activity from the second to the ninth day after TKA was measured with accelerometer, and the correlation with pre- and postoperative physical function was evaluated . A multiple linear regression was used to predict TUG at 6 months after TKA.

Results
Postoperative physical activity correlated with preoperative TUG (ρ = −0.485, p < 0.001), TUG at 10 days (ρ = −0.675, p < 0.001), 3 months (ρ = −0.441, p < 0.01), and 6 months (ρ = −0.368, p < 0.05) after surgery. Multiple linear regression indicated that only the preoperative TUG was associated with TUG at 6 months. Postoperative physical activity was not an independent factor predicting TUG at 6 months after TKA.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that patients with better physical function have higher physical activity in the early postoperative period, whereas it does not affect physical function at 6 months after TKA. In the early postoperative period, increasing physical activity may not always be necessary to improve postoperative physical function. We also confirmed that preoperative physical function affects postoperative physical function. These findings may be beneficial in improving rehabilitation programs in the early postoperative period.
Advances in the molecular understanding of G protein-coupled receptors and their future therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Obot Daniel N. , Udom Godswill J. , Udoh Anwanabasi E. , Onyeukwu Nkechi J. , Olusola Ayobami J. , Udoh Ikanke M. , Umana Israel K. , Yemitan Omoniyi K. , Okokon Jude E. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Understanding the mechanisms, activated and inhibited pathways as well as other molecular targets involved in existing and emerging disease conditions provides useful insights into their proper diagnosis and treatment and aids drug discovery, development and production. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most important classes of targets for small-molecule drug discovery. Of all drug targets, GPCRs are the most studied, undoubtedly because of their pharmacological tractability and role in the pathophysiology as well as the pathogenesis of human diseases.

Main body of the abstract
GPCRs are regarded as the largest target class of the “druggable genome” representing approximately 19% of the currently available drug targets. They have long played a prominent role in drug discovery, such that as of this writing, 481 drugs (about 34% of all FDA-approved drugs) act on GPCRs. More than 320 therapeutic agents are currently under clinical trials, of which a significant percentage targets novel GPCRs. GPCRs are implicated in a wide variety of diseases including CNS disorders, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, as well as metabolic disease and cancer. The non-olfactory human GPCRs yet to be clinically explored or tried are endowed with perhaps a huge untapped potential drug discovery especially in the field of immunology and genetics.

Short conclusion
This review discusses the recent advances in the molecular pharmacology and future opportunities for targeting GPCRs with a view to drug development.
Physician Influence on Variation in Receipt of Aggressive End-of-Life Care Among Women Dying of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Mullins Megan A. , Uppal Shitanshu , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Cote Michele L. , Clarke Philippa , Wallner Lauren P. 
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE:
End-of-life care for women with ovarian cancer is persistently aggressive, but factors associated with overuse are not well understood. We evaluated physician-level variation in receipt of aggressive end-of-life care and examined physician-level factors contributing to this variation in the SEER-Medicare data set.

METHODS:
Medicare beneficiaries with ovarian cancer who died between 2000 and 2016 were included if they were diagnosed after age 66 years, had complete Medicare coverage between diagnosis and death, and had outpatient physician evaluation and management for their ovarian cancer. Using multilevel logistic regression, we examined physician variation in no hospice enrollment, late hospice enrollment (≤ 3 days), > 1 emergency department visit, an intensive care unit stay, terminal hospitalization, > 1 hospitalization, receiving a life-extending or invasive procedure, and chemotherapy (in the last 2 weeks).

RESULTS:

In this sample of 6,288 women, 51% of women received at least one form of aggressive end-of-life care. Most common were no hospice enrollment (28.9%), an intensive care unit stay (18.6%), and receipt of an invasive procedure (20.7%). For not enrolling in hospice, 9.9% of variation was accounted for by physician clustering (
P
< .01). Chemotherapy had the highest physician variation (12.4%), with no meaningful portion of the variation explained by physician specialty, volume, region, or patient characteristics.

CONCLUSION:
In this study, a meaningful amount of variation in aggressive end-of-life care among women dying of ovarian cancer was at the physician level, suggesting that efforts to improve the quality of this care should include interventions aimed at physician practices and decision making in end-of-life care.
No Magic for Market Entry in the Field: Evidence from Taxi Markets
Authors: Xia Xiaoyu , Chong Juin Kuan 
Published: September 2021

We study taxi markets in Singapore to understand market entry in the field. Although market-entry games in the laboratory consistently produce equilibrium outcomes, we show that a lack of market knowledge hinders the markets from consistently reaching equilibrium in the field. In Singapore, a small, 720-square-kilometre island city that can be divided into 29 taxi markets, full equilibrium is elusive: 68% of the market-entry decisions made by the 2,728 taxi drivers in our data could be improved. Using three months of earnings and detailed movement data from these taxi drivers, we find an average 20% gap in marginal wage rates across markets. We use dynamic programming to derive the optimal solution for more than 3 million search decisions and find that only 32% of the searches ended in an optimal market. Finally, we find that market knowledge developed in a given month explains an additional 3% variation of the earning losses in the 2.6 million decisions for the subsequent two months, an improvement in model fit of 74%, whereas strategic thinking and minimization risk have no impact on earning loss. This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.
Modifiable risk factors, symptoms, wellbeing and treatment expectations in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lachonius Maria , Widell Charlotte , Bergfeldt Lennart , Odell Annika 
Published: September 2021

Background/AimsAtrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, which increases the risk for stroke and heart failure, and commonly impairs quality of life. Increasing evidence has shown the causative role of several risk factors and suggested that aggressive lifestyle interventions might reduce atrial fibrillation incidence and effects. The size of the problem and how to provide optimal multidisciplinary management is less well known. This study aimed screened patients with atrial fibrillation for potentially modifiable risk factors and describe patients' symptom burden, wellbeing and treatment expectations.MethodsThe atrial fibrillation risk profile, symptom burden, wellbeing and expectations of future treatment were studied in 352 patients. Various questionnaires and instruments were used, in addition to medical history assessment.ResultsIn total, 69% of patients had 1–5 possibly modifiable risk factors for atrial fibrillation: 50% were overweight/obese, 39% had a blood pressure of >140/90 mmHg, 28% had symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea and 25% reported no physical exercise. Most patients had high expectations for their upcoming atrial fibrillation treatment, but men expected full recovery more often than women. Worries about future health and reduced survival were present in approximately 28% of patients.ConclusionsMost patients with paroxysmal/persistent atrial fibrillation had potentially modifiable risk factors for atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular events suitable for lifestyle interventions. Several patients experienced limitations in daily life, anxiety related to atrial fibrillation, and worry about their future health and survival. The results of this study might help identify relevant components for risk management and plan an individualised programme for atrial fibrillation patients.
Depressive symptoms in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease: frequency and associated factors
Authors: Gomes da Costa Layla Vieira , Trippo Karen Valadares , Duarte Gabriel Pereira , Cruz Alessandra Oliveira , Filho Jamary Oliveira , Ferraz Daniel Dominguez 
Published: September 2021

Background/aims Emotional health is an important factor in clinical and functional manifestations of Parkinson's disease. The aim of this study was to correlate clinical features with depressive symptoms in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. The Geriatric Depression Scale 15 was used to evaluate depressive symptoms, the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale was used to describe the symptom progression of Parkinson's disease and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39 to assess the quality of life. The Pearson correlation and the chi-square test were used. Significance level was set at 5%. Results A total of 81 individuals participated and 48 (60.8%) presented with depressive symptoms. Participants in the moderate stage of Parkinson's disease and women presented a higher frequency of depressive symptoms. Cognition, communication and mobility presented the highest correlation with depressive symptoms. Conclusions The participants presented a high frequency of depressive symptoms that is correlated with a decrease in mobility, communication and cognitive functions. It is recommended that the rehabilitation of elderly people with Parkinson's disease should be performed by a multidisciplinary team, whose objectives are to improve mobility, cognition and communication, which can help reduce depressive symptoms and depression in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.
Does body condition scoring portray an accurate representation of a horse's condition when compared to other morphological techniques?
Authors: Turner Alicia , Chapman Stella 
Published: September 2021

Background: The assessment of a horse's condition is generally carried out using body condition scoring, cresty neck scoring or weigh taping. Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of body condition scoring in comparison to other commonly used morphological condition assessment techniques. Methods: A recognised and well-established body condition scale adapted from Henneke et al (1983) was used, and the subsequent scores from this were compared to cresty neck scores, rump width measurements and belly and heart girth measurements. The study was carried out using seven horses and seven volunteers, who assessed each horse identifying any differences or similarities in each assessor's condition assessment. Results: The rump width measurements were the most accurately assessed condition assessment; however, using rump width measurements alone, a whole-body condition assessment cannot be made. Conclusion: It is therefore recommended that it should be combined with other condition assessments to create a whole-body assessment, with detailed localised adiposity information.
Heartwood and Sapwood Variation and Development in Chenshan Red-Heart Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook)
Authors: Kang Huiling , Wen Xuding , Deng Xiangwen , Chen Liang , Xiao Fuming 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Chenshan red-heart Chinese fir is a provenance of Cunninghamia lanceolata, with high-value red heartwood, which is widely used in high-quality furniture and construction. Yet, there is still little information on heartwood development of this tree for high-value decorative timber, which is essential to improve one's plantation management strategy. Here, we investigated the horizontal and vertical variation of heartwood and sapwood and simulated heartwood formation process using stem analysis method. We selected 15 sample trees from five plots of 20 m × 30 m in Chenshan red-heart Chinese fir plantations (9, 15, 26, 29, and 34 years old, respectively). The results showed that Chenshan red-heart Chinese fir stems began to form heartwood when the xylem diameter reached 4 to 8 cm. The heartwood diameter and area, as well as the sapwood area, all increased in the different-aged Chenshan red-heart Chinese firs with increasing xylem diameter and decreased with increasing tree height. As tree height increased, the red heartwood formation rate declined at all ages. Relationship analysis showed that xylem diameter was the most important factor influencing heartwood formation. Red heartwood rate at breast height could be modeled by logistic models. We concluded that heartwood formation began at about 7 years old, and the formation rate increased until peaking at 60 percent at 40 years old. In conclusion, it will be imperative to prolong the Chenshan red-heart Chinese fir rotation period from the currently common 25 years to about 40 years to achieve the maximum sustainable yield of high-value decorative timber.
High-throughput lensless whole slide imaging via continuous height-varying modulation of a tilted sensor
Authors: Jiang Shaowei , Guo Chengfei , Hu Patrick , Hu Derek , Song Pengming , Wang Tianbo , Bian Zichao , Zhang Zibang , Zheng Guoan 
Published: September 2021

We report a new, to the best of our knowledge, lensless microscopy configuration by integrating the concepts of transverse translational ptychography and defocus multi-height phase retrieval. In this approach, we place a tilted image sensor under the specimen for introducing linearly increasing phase modulation along one lateral direction. Similar to the operation of ptychography, we laterally translate the specimen and acquire the diffraction images for reconstruction. Since the axial distance between the specimen and the sensor varies at different lateral positions, laterally translating the specimen effectively introduces defocus multi-height measurements while eliminating axial scanning. Lateral translation further introduces sub-pixel shift for pixel super-resolution imaging and naturally expands the field of view for rapid whole slide imaging. We show that the equivalent height variation can be precisely estimated from the lateral shift of the specimen, thereby addressing the challenge of precise axial positioning in conventional multi-height phase retrieval. Using a sensor with 1.67 µm pixel size, our low-cost and field-portable prototype can resolve the 690 nm linewidth on the resolution target. We show that a whole slide image of a blood smear with a

120

m
m

2

field of view can be acquired in 18 s. We also demonstrate accurate automatic white blood cell counting from the recovered image. The reported approach may provide a turnkey solution for addressing point-of-care and telemedicine-related challenges.