bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal disseminated histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients: A descriptive and comparative study
Authors: Nacher Mathieu , Valdes Audrey , Adenis Antoine , Blaizot Romain , Abboud Philippe , Demar Magalie , Djossou Félix , Epelboin Loïc , Misslin Caroline , Ntab Balthazar , Louvel Dominique , Drak Alsibai Kinan , Couppié Pierre 
Published: January 2021

Disseminated histoplasmosis is one the main AIDS-defining opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients, notably in Latin America. The non-specific and proteiform clinical presentation leads to diagnostic delays that may lead to fatal outcomes. This retrospective multicentric study aimed to describe the frequency and manifestations of gastrointestinal histoplasmosis in French Guiana, and to compare patients with disseminated histoplasmosis with or without gastrointestinal involvement.
Between January 1, 1981 and October 1, 2014 co-infections with HIV and histoplasmosis were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: age >18 years, confirmed HIV infection; first proven episode of histoplasmosis.
Among 349 cases of disseminated histoplasmosis, 245 (70%) had a gastrointestinal presentation. Half of patients with gastrointestinal signs had abdominal pain or diarrhea, mostly watery. Half of patients with abdominal pain had diarrhea (63/124) and half of those with diarrhea (63/123) had abdominal pain. A significant proportion of patients also had hepatomegaly and, to a lesser degree, splenomegaly. After adjusting for potential confounding, the presence of lymphadenopathies >2cm (AOR = 0.2, IC95 = 0.04–0.7, P = 0.01), Haitian origin (AOR = 0.04, IC95 = 0.004–0.4, P = 0.006) were associated with a lower prevalence of gastrointestinal signs and positive gastrointestinal presence of H. capsulatum. Persons with a gastrointestinal H. capsulatum were more likely to have a decreased prothrombin time, lower ferritin, lower liver enzymes, and lower concentrations of LDH than those without gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. They also had a shorter interval between symptoms onset and diagnosis. Patients with a positive gastrointestinal identification of H. capsulatum were less likely to die at 1 month than those without a gastrointestinal presentation (respectively, 4.6% vs 18.5%, P = 0.01).
Subacute or chronic gastrointestinal presentations are very frequent during disseminated histoplasmosis, they seem less severe, and should lead to suspect the diagnosis in endemic areas. There were populational or geographic differences in the frequency of gastrointestinal manifestations that could not be explained.
Surgical debulking of podoconiosis nodules and its impact on quality of life in Ethiopia
Authors: Enbiale Wendemagegn , Verdonck Kristien , Gebeyehu Melesse , van Griensven Johan , de Vries Henry J. C. 
Published: January 2021

Background
In Ethiopia, severe lymphedema and acute dermato-lymphangio-adenitis (ADLA) of the legs as a consequence of podoconiosis affects approximately 1.5 million people. In some this condition may lead to woody-hard fibrotic nodules, which are resistant to conventional treatment. We present a series of patients who underwent surgical nodulectomy in a resource-limited setting and their outcome.

Methods
In two teaching hospitals, we offered surgical nodulectomies under local anaesthesia to patients with persisting significant fibrotic nodules due to podoconiosis. Excisions after nodulectomy were left to heal by secondary intention with compression bandaging. As outcome, we recorded time to re-epithelialization after surgery, change in number of ADLA episodes, change in quality of life measured with the Dermatology Quality of Live Index (DQLI) questionnaire, and recurrence rate one year after surgery.

Results
37nodulectomy operations were performed on 21 patients. All wounds re-reepithelialised within 21 days (range 17–42). 4 patients developed clinically relevant wound infections. The DLQI values were significantly better six months after surgery than before surgery (P<0.0001). Also the number of ADLA episodes per three months was significantly lower six months after surgery than before surgery (P<0.0001).

Conclusion
Nodulectomy in podoconiosis patients leads to a significant improvement in the quality of life with no serious complications, and we recommend this to be a standard procedure in resource-poor settings.
Impact of maternal prenatal stress by glucocorticoids on metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes in their offspring: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Eberle Claudia , Fasig Teresa , Brüseke Franziska , Stichling Stefanie 
Published: January 2021

Background
“Stress” is an emerging problem in our society, health care system as well as patient care, worldwide. Especially by focusing on pre-gestational, gestational but also lactation phases “stress” is to be considered as an own trans-generational risk factor which is associated with adverse metabolic as well cardiovascular outcomes in mothers and their children. Hence, the maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenotrophic (HPA) axis may be stimulated by various “stress” mechanisms as well as risk factors leading to an adverse in utero environment, e.g. by excess exposure of glucocorticoids, contributing to cardio-metabolic disorders in mothers and their offspring.

Objective
To review the evidence of in utero programming by focusing on the impact of maternal “stress”, on adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes on their offspring later in life, by identifying underlying (patho-) physiological mechanisms (1) as well as adverse short and long-term cardio-metabolic outcomes (2).

Methods
We conducted a systematic scoping review to identify publications systematically including reviews, interventional, observational, experimental studies as well as human and animal model studies. MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases and reference lists were searched. Peer-reviewed articles from January 2000 until August 2020 were included.

Results
Overall, n = 2.634 citations were identified, n = 45 eligible studies were included and synthesized according to their key findings. In brief, maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenotrophic (HPA) axis might play a key role modifying in utero milieu leading to cardio-metabolic diseases in the offspring later in life. However, maternal risk factor “stress”, is clearly linked to adverse cardio-metabolic offspring outcomes, postnatally, such as obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus (DM), Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), cardiovascular disease (CD), hypertension, restricted fetal growth as well as reduced birth, adrenal, and pancreas weights.

Conclusions
Women who experienced “stress” as risk factor, as well as their offspring, clearly have a higher risk of adverse short- as well as long-term cardio-metabolic outcomes. Future research work is needed to understand complex transgenerational mechanisms.
Incidence and characterization of acute pulmonary embolism in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: A multicenter Italian experience
Authors: Loffi Marco , Regazzoni Valentina , Toselli Marco , Cereda Alberto , Palmisano Anna , Vignale Davide , Moroni Francesco , Pontone Gianluca , Andreini Daniele , Mancini Elisabetta Maria , Monello Alberto , Iannopollo Gianmarco , Casella Gianni , Monetti Francesco , Monti Lorenzo , Ferrillo Giuseppe , Liccardo Gaetano , Tonet Elisabetta , Zucchetti Ottavio , Cossu Alberto , Dugo Marco , Patelli Gianluigi , Sergio Pietro , Esposito Antonio , Colombo Antonio , Giannini Francesco , Piccolo Raffaele , Danzi Gian Battista 
Published: January 2021

Background and aims
Several studies reported a high incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) among patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but detailed data about clinical characteristics, risk factors of these patients and prognostic role of PE are still lacking. We aim to evaluate the occurrence of pulmonary embolism among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to describe their risk factors, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital clinical outcomes.

Methods
This is a multicenter Italian study including 333 consecutive SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted to seven hospitals from February 22 to May 15, 2020. All the patients underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for PE detection. In particular, CTPA was performed in case of inadequate response to high-flow oxygen therapy (Fi02≥0.4 to maintain Sp02≥92%), elevated D-dimer (>0.5μg/mL), or echocardiographic signs of right ventricular dysfunction. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data were also analyzed.

Results
Among 333 patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and undergoing CTPA, PE was detected in 109 (33%) cases. At CTPA, subsegmental, segmental, lobar and central thrombi were detected in 31 (29%), 50 (46%), 20 (18%) and 8 (7%) cases, respectively. In-hospital death occurred in 29 (27%) patients in the PE-group and in 47 (21%) patients in the non-PE group (p = 0.25). Patients in PE-group had a low rate of traditional risk factors and deep vein thrombosis was detected in 29% of patients undergoing compression ultrasonography. In 71% of cases with documented PE, the thrombotic lesions were located in the correspondence of parenchymal consolidation areas.

Conclusions
Despite a low rate of risk factors for venous thromboembolism, PE is present in about 1 out 3 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia undergoing CTPA for inadequate response to oxygen therapy, elevated D-dimer level, or echocardiographic signs of right ventricular dysfunction. In most of the cases, the thromboses were located distally in the pulmonary tree and were mainly confined within pneumonia areas.
Predictors of death after receiving a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in cyanotic heart children: A competing risk analysis
Authors: Oofuvong Maliwan , Tanasansuttiporn Jutarat , Wasinwong Wirat , Chittithavorn Voravit , Duangpakdee Pongsanae , Jarutach Jirayut , Yunuswangsa Qistina 
Published: January 2021

Objective
To determine risk factors affecting time-to-death ≤90 and >90 days in children who underwent a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (MBTS).

Methods
Data from a retrospective cohort study were obtained from children aged 0–3 years who experienced MBTS between 2005 and 2016. Time-to-death (prior to Glenn/repair), time-to-alive up until December 2017 without repair, and time-to-progression to Glenn/repair following MBTS were presented using competing risks survival analysis. Demographic, surgical and anesthesia-related factors were recorded. Time-to-death ≤90 days and >90 days was analyzed using multivariate time-dependent Cox regression models to identify independent predictors and presented by adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
Of 380 children, 119 died, 122 survived and 139 progressed to Glenn/repair. Time-to-death probability (95% CI) within 90 days was 0.18 (0.14–0.22). Predictors of time-to-death ≤90 days (n = 63) were low weight (<3 kg) (HR 7.6, 95% CI:2.8–20.4), preoperative ventilator support (HR 2.7, 95% CI:1.3–5.6), postoperative shunt thrombosis (HR 5.0, 95% CI:2.4–10.4), bleeding (HR 4.5, 95% CI:2.1–9.4) and renal failure (HR 4.1, 95% CI:1.5–10.9). Predictors of time-to-death >90 days (n = 56) were children diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and single ventricle (compared to tetralogy of fallot) (HR 3.2, 95% CI:1.2–7.7 and HR 3.1, 95% CI:1.3–7.6, respectively), shunt size/weight ratio >1.1 vs <0.65 (HR 6.8, 95% CI:1.4–32.6) and longer duration of mechanical ventilator (HR 1.002, 95% CI:1.001–1.004). Shunt size/weight ratio ≥1.0 (vs <1.0) and ≥0.65 (vs <0.65) were predictors for overall time-to-death in neonates and toddlers, respectively (HR 13.1, 95% CI:2.8–61.4 and HR 7.8, 95% CI:1.7–34.8, respectively).

Conclusions
Perioperative factors were associated with time-to-death ≤90 days, whereas particular cardiac defect, larger shunt size/weight ratio, and longer mechanical ventilation were associated with time-to-death >90 days after receiving MBTS. Larger shunt size/weight ratio should be reevaluated within 90 days to minimize the risk of shunt over flow.
caso ClimAdaPT.Local
Authors: Guerra Joao , Schmidt Luísa , Penha-Lopes Gil 
Published: January 2021

Resumo
Numa época em que as alterações climáticas ganharam relevância e causaram níveis de apreensão social sem precedentes, o objetivo do projeto ClimAdaPT.Local valorizou a integração da dimensão climática nos processos municipais de planeamento. Com base num inquérito por questionário aplicado em três rondas consecutivas, este artigo centra-se nas respostas de um grupo de técnicos municipais que, em conjunto com a equipa promotora do projeto, desenvolveu Estratégias Municipais de Adaptação às Alterações Climáticas. Com foco principal na evolução dos respondentes, no que diz respeito à aquisição de conhecimentos e à mobilização e capacitação ao longo do desenvolvimento do projeto, as principais conclusões serão aqui apresentadas.
Abstract
In an era where climate change gained relevance and caused the highest levels of social awareness, the main objective of ClimAdaPT.Local project valued the integration of the climate dimension in municipal planning processes. Based on a questionnaire survey applied in three consecutive rounds throughout the project, this article focuses on the responses of a group of municipal officers who, together with the ClimAdaPT.Local team, developed Municipal Strategies for Adaptation to Climate Change. With the focus on the respondents' evolution concerning acquisition of knowledge, mobilization and awareness, and capacity building throughout the project, the main conclusions will be presented here.
Springwood Avenue Rising: Race, Leisure, and Decline in the 1970 Asbury Park Uprising
Authors: Ong Vayne 
Published: January 2021

The Paul A. Stellhorn Undergraduate Paper in New Jersey History Award was established in 2004 to honor Paul A. Stellhorn (1947-2001), a distinguished historian and public servant who worked for the New Jersey Historical Commission, the New Jersey Committee (now Council) for the Humanities, and the Newark Public Library. The Stellhorn Awards consist of a framed certificate and a modest cash award, presented at the New Jersey Historical Commission’s Annual Conference. The Award’s sponsors are the New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance; the New Jersey Historical Commission, New Jersey Department of State; Special Collections and University Archives, Rutgers University Libraries; and the New Jersey Caucus, Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference. The Stellhorn Award Committee members are Richard Waldron (chair), Mark Lender, and Peter Mickulas. The advisory committee consists of Ron Becker, Karl Niederer, Elsalyn Palmisano, and Fred Pachman. Click here for more information. The following paper was one of two 2020 winners.
On finitely generated submonoids of virtually free groups
Authors: Silva Pedro V. , Zakharov Alexander 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe prove that it is decidable whether or not a finitely generated submonoid of a virtually free group is graded, introduce a new geometric characterization of graded submonoids in virtually free groups as quasi-geodesic submonoids, and show that their word problem is rational (as a relation).
We also solve the isomorphism problem for this class of monoids, generalizing earlier results for submonoids of free monoids.
We also prove that the classes of graded monoids, regular monoids and Kleene monoids coincide for submonoids of free groups.
Trade and the size distribution of firms: Evidence from the German Empire
Authors: Biermann Marcus 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
What effect did trade have on the size distribution of firms during the first wave of globalization? Three historical datasets from the German Empire between 1875 and 1907 were collected and harmonized to answer this question. This paper combines industry census and bilateral railway trade data from the same industry and region along with industry-level tariff data. The evidence shows that increases in aggregate trade caused the share of firms to shift from smaller to larger firms. Exogenous decreases in tariffs caused an increase in the share of the largest firms. The regional distributive effects of trade on inequality between firms that are discussed in the contemporaneous literature were already present during the first wave globalization.
Genetic variation of microfibril angle and its relationship with solid wood and pulpwood traits in two progeny trials of Eucalyptus nitens in Tasmania
Authors: Rocha-Sepúlveda Manuel F. , Williams Dean , Vega Mario , Harrison Peter A. , Vaillancourt René E. , Potts Brad M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Microfibril angle (MFA) is a key biological trait contributing to wood stiffness, which is a common breeding objective for solid wood products in many tree species. To explore its genetic architecture, area-weighted MFA was measured in two Eucalyptus nitens progeny trials in Tasmania, Australia, with common open-pollinated families. Radial strips were extracted from 823 trees in 131 families and MFA assessed using SilviScan-2®. Heritability, genotype-by-environment interaction and inter-trait genetic correlations were evaluated to examine the genetic variability and stability of MFA and its relationships with other solid wood and pulpwood selection traits. Significant family variation was found for MFA in both trials. There was no significant genotype-by-environment interaction and the across-site narrow-sense heritability was 0.27. MFA was genetically independent of basic density, growth, and tree form. However, MFA was strongly and favourable genetically correlated to acoustic wave velocity in standing trees, modulus of elasticity and kraft pulp yield (KPY). The present study has shown that genetic improvement of E. nitens for pulpwood selection traits is unlikely to have adversely affected MFA, and thus timber stiffness. Rather these results suggest the possibility that selection for increased KPY may have indirectly improved MFA favourably for solid wood products.
Reading Esther as a Postcolonial Feminist Icon for Asian Women in Diaspora
Authors: Hatzaw Ciin Sian Siam 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The book of Esther has been the subject of a wealth of scholarship which has, at times, presented Esther’s character as antifeminist. Through the framework of postcolonial and feminist theory, this article interprets Esther in light of her marginalised identity. Her position as a Jewish woman in diaspora who must hide her ethnicity and assimilate into Persian culture reveals parallels to contemporary Asian women in Western diaspora, due to perpetuated stereotypes of passiveness and submission, and the model minority myth associated with Asian immigration. Esther’s sexualisation reveals further parallels to the fetishisation and sexual exploitation of Asian women. If we read the text in light of her marginalisation, we can highlight the racial and gendered oppression within the existing power structures, as well as the levels of privilege at work within the character dynamics. Esther serves as an example of the potential that lies in recognising positions of privilege, the implications of identity, and understanding different forms of resistance in order to form a liberative theology. This article outlines the position of Asian women and their proximity to whiteness in relation to other BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of colour) communities, revealing unexpected connections to Esther’s character. By situating Esther within intersectional and interdisciplinary theory, her status as a postcolonial feminist icon emerges. Through her story, Asian women in diaspora may find their experiences reflected in the journey to liberation.
Sex-specific differences in HPA axis activity in VLBW preterm newborns
Authors: van Keulen Britt J , Romijn Michelle , van der Voorn Bibian , de Waard Marita , Hartmann Michaela F , van Goudoever Johannes B , Wudy Stefan A , Rotteveel Joost , Finken Martijn J J 
Published: January 2021

Objective
Sex-specific differences in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity might explain why male preterm infants are at higher risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity than their female counterparts. We examined whether male and female preterm infants differed in cortisol production and metabolism at 10 days post-partum.

Design and methods
This prospective study included 36 preterm born infants (18 boys) with a very low birth weight (VLBW) (<1.500 g). At 10 days postnatal age, urine was collected over a 4- to 6-h period. Glucocorticoid metabolites were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Main outcome measures were: (1) cortisol excretion rate, (2) sum of all glucocorticoid metabolites, as an index of corticosteroid excretion rate, and (3) ratio of 11-OH/11-OXO metabolites, as an estimate of 11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11B-HSD) activity. Differences between sexes, including interaction with Score of Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension-II (SNAPPE II), sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), were assessed.

Results
No differences between sexes were found for cortisol excretion rate, corticosteroid excretion rate or 11B-HSD activity. Interaction was observed between: sex and SNAPPE II score on 11B-HSD activity (P = 0.04) and sex and BPD on cortisol excretion rate (P = 0.04).

Conclusion
This study did not provide evidence for sex-specific differences in adrenocortical function in preterm VLBW infants on a group level. However, in an interaction model, sex differences became manifest under stressful circumstances. These patterns might provide clues for the male disadvantage in neonatal mortality and morbidity following preterm birth. However, due to the small sample size, the data should be seen as hypothesis generating.
Assessment of psychological distress in end stage renal disease: is it spirituality related?
Authors: Fradelos Evangelos C , Alikari Victoria , Tsaras Konstantinos , Papathanasiou Ioanna V , Tzavella Foteini , Papagiannis Dimitrios , Zyga Sofia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction. Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are faced with bearing this burden and report poor mental health. Spirituality can be a key factor in managing these problems among HD patients.
Aim. This cross-sectional study aimed at exploring possible factors that are associated with psychological distress among HD patients and testing its relation to spirituality.
Methods. HD patients were recruited from six dialysis units in Greece. Psychological distress was assessed using the scale Symptom Check List 90-R and spirituality using the Facit Sp-12 questionnaire. In addition, a special design questionnaire regarding demographic, social, and clinical characteristic was administrated.
Results. According to the results, factors such age, gender, marital status and area of residence are associated with psychological distress, while dimensions of spirituality such Meaning in Life and Peace can have a positive influence on psychological distress.
Conclusion. This study highlights the vital role of spirituality, which can act as a mechanism for managing stressful situations. In particular, this study highlights the positive effect of the meaning and purpose of life, as well as the role of peace and harmony.