bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paracoccidioidomycosis due to P lutzii: The importance of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in the symptomatic and asymptomatic phases in severe cases
Authors: Nery Andreia Ferreira , de Camargo Zoilo Pires , Rodrigues Anderson Messias , Portela Tiago Ferreira , Hoffmann‐Santos Hugo Dias , Dambros Pedro Vitor Krüger , de Souza Jânio Felipe Ribeiro , Garcia Alexandre Carvalho , Santos Carolina Araújo Damasio , Hagen Ferry , Hahn Rosane Christine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPCM is a neglected systemic mycosis endemic in Brazil. The middle‐west region of Brazil has shown the highest number of PCM by Paracoccidioides lutzii (P lutzii) cases. Differentiating cases of severe PCM from non‐severe ones should be a concern at the bedside. Diagnosis of severe PCM by P lutzii is based on the subjectivity of clinical manifestations, which can result in a delay in starting its treatment and, consequently evolution to severe sequelae. There is not laboratory biomarker available to support the early diagnosis of severe PCM that is feasible for all the realities that coexist in Brazil.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of laboratory biomarkers as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the diagnosis of severe PCM.Patients/MethodsESR, CRP and NLR were analysed for 44 patients with PCM by P lutzii and a Receiver Operation Characteristic (ROC) curve were generated to identify the NLR cut‐off point and point out the presence of severe PCM.ResultsSixteen (36.4%) had severe PCM and 28 (63.6%) had non‐severe PCM. The mean NLR was higher and statistically significant among patients with severe PCM than among those with non‐severe PCM. The area under the ROC curve was 0.859 for the diagnosis of severe PCM. The cut‐off point for NLR for the diagnosis of severe PCM was 3.318 (sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 77%).ConclusionsAccording to results, it is plausible to conclude that NLR represents a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of severe PCM.
Thecaphora dahuangis, a new species causing leaf smut disease of the traditional medicinal plant dahuang (Rheum palmatum) in China
Authors: Piątek Marcin , Lutz Matthias , Wang Yan , Wang Shengrong , Kellner Ronny 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) is an important crop that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The main cultivation areas are the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Qinhai, Tibet, and Sichuan. Various fungal diseases threaten Chinese rhubarb, the most common of which is leaf smut. In literature, the causal agent of this disease is described as Thecaphora schwarzmaniana. We present morphological data and molecular phylogenetic data of two rDNA loci (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 and 28S D1‐D2) that justify the classification of the causal agent as a distinct species. Here we describe the new species Thecaphora dahuangis for the leaf smut pathogen of Chinese rhubarb.
Should We Change the Way We Think About Market Performance When It Comes to Quasi‐Markets? A New Framework for Evaluating Public Service Markets
Authors: Dickinson Helen , Carey Gemma , Malbon Eleanor , Gilchrist David , Chand Satish , Kavanagh Anne , Alexander Damon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Markets are increasingly used by governments to deliver social services, underpinned by the belief that they can drive efficiency and quality. These ‘quasi‐markets' require on‐going management to ensure they meet policy goals, and address issues of market inequity. This has seen debates emerge around ‘market stewardship' and ‘market shaping’ that center on how best to manage markets toward optimal policy outcomes. At present, there is a significant gap in both literature and practice with regard to what types of actions are most effective for market stewardship. In this article, we outline a framework that helps diagnose different quasi‐market problems. We delineate two dimensions of public service quasi‐markets—sufficiency and diversity—using the example of a disability personalization market to show how this framework can unpack different types of quasi‐market states. Lastly, we outline the types of interventions that might be adopted to help deal with ineffective quasi‐markets.
Evidence for Practice

Market mechanisms are increasing being used by governments around the world to drive innovation and efficacies.
Increasingly it is being recognized that these markets need intervention in order to meet policy goals.
This paper provides a framework for conceptualizing types of market problems, and offers solutions for the scenarios outlined.
Cryopreservation of llama semen using a combination of permeable cryoprotectants
Authors: Fumuso Fernanda Gabriela , Bertuzzi Mariana Lucía , Velásquez González Nicolás , Miragaya Marcelo H. , Carretero Maria Ignacia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSemen cryopreservation is not available for massive use in South American Camelids (SACs) due to the lack of an efficient protocol and the low pregnancy rates obtained with artificial insemination (AI). The use of a single cryoprotectant (CP) is commonly used in SACs frozen semen. The objective of the study was to evaluate the combined cryoprotective capacity of two permeable CPs at different stages of the cryopreservation protocol in llama semen. Sixteen ejaculates from 4 llama males were analysed, and sperm quality was assayed in raw semen, at 5°C, after equilibration of samples with the CPs and when samples were thawed. The following CPs and combination were used: 6% glycerol (GL), 6% dimethylformamide (DMF) and the combination of both CPs: 3% GL and 3% DMF. A Kruskal–Wallis test and an experimental factorial design, considering one factor with four levels (raw semen, 6% GL, 6% DMF and GL/DMF), were used. Total sperm motility and live sperm with intact acrosomes remained unchanged after equilibration of samples (p > .05). A significant decrease in the percentage of functional membrane, motile and live sperm with intact acrosomes was observed when samples were thawed (GL, DMF and GL/DMF). Nevertheless, the cryopreservation protocols used preserved sperm DNA quality; thus, sperm chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were unaffected (p > .05) when GL, DMF and GL/DMF were used. To conclude, no superiority was found between the use of a single or a combination of permeable cryoprotectants to freeze llama semen.
Reduced exercise tolerance in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The contribution of combined abnormalities of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and ventilatory efficiency
Authors: Phillips Devin B. , James Matthew D. , Elbehairy Amany F. , Milne Kathryn M. , Vincent Sandra G. , Domnik Nicolle J. , de‐Torres Juan P. , Neder J. Alberto , O'Donnell Denis E. ,   The Canadian Respiratory Research Network (CRRN)
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe combination of both reduced resting diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and ventilatory efficiency (increased ventilatory requirement for CO2 clearance [V˙E/V˙CO2]) has been linked to exertional dyspnoea and exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The current study examined if low resting DLCO and higher exercise ventilatory requirements were associated with earlier critical dynamic mechanical constraints, dyspnoea and exercise limitation in patients with mild COPD.MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, we compared V˙E/V˙CO2, dynamic inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), dyspnoea and exercise capacity in groups of patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage 1 COPD with (1) a resting DLCO at or greater than the lower limit of normal (≥LLN; Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations [n = 44]) or (2) below the <LLN (n = 33), and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (n = 81).ResultsSpirometry and resting lung volumes were similar in the two COPD groups. During exercise, V˙E/V˙CO2 (nadir and slope) was consistently higher in the DLCO < LLN compared with the other groups (all p < 0.05). The DLCO < LLN group had lower IRV and greater dyspnoea intensity at standardized submaximal work rates and lower peak work rate and oxygen uptake than the other two groups (all p < 0.05).ConclusionReduced exercise capacity in patients with DLCO < LLN was related to higher ventilatory requirements, a faster rate of decline in dynamic IRV and greater dyspnoea during exercise. These simple measurements should be considered for the clinical evaluation of unexplained exercise intolerance in individuals with ostensibly mild COPD.
Structural and functional changes in COPD: What we have learned from imaging
Authors: Benlala Ilyes , Laurent François , Dournes Gael 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease involving different components of the lung to varying extents. Developments in medical imaging and image analysis techniques provide new insights in the assessment of the structural and functional changes of the disease. This article reviews the leading imaging techniques: CT and MRI of the lung in research settings and clinical routine. Both visual and quantitative methods are reviewed, emphasizing their relevance to patient phenotyping and outcome prediction.
Analytical construction of soliton families in one‐ and two‐dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equations with nonparity‐time‐symmetric complex potentials
Authors: Yang Jianke 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe existence of soliton families in nonparity‐time‐symmetric complex potentials remains poorly understood, especially in two spatial dimensions. In this article, we analytically investigate the bifurcation of soliton families from linear modes in one‐ and two‐dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equations with localized Wadati‐type nonparity‐time‐symmetric complex potentials. By utilizing the conservation law of the underlying non‐Hamiltonian wave system, we convert the complex soliton equation into a new real system. For this new real system, we perturbatively construct a continuous family of low‐amplitude solitons bifurcating from a linear eigenmode to all orders of the small soliton amplitude. Hence, the emergence of soliton families in these nonparity‐time‐symmetric complex potentials is analytically explained. We also compare these analytically constructed soliton solutions with high‐accuracy numerical solutions in both one and two dimensions, and the asymptotic accuracy of these perturbation solutions is confirmed.
The consequences of non‐standard working and marital biographies for old age income in Europe: Contrasting the individual and the household perspective
Authors: Möhring Katja 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe article addresses the question of how individuals with non‐standard work or family histories fare under different national pension systems in terms of their individual and household income in old age. It provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship of life course with later life individual and household income, and thereby goes beyond previous research that either focuses on one or the other. Life history data for 12 European countries of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) are used to examine old age individual and household income of individuals (a) with non‐standard working histories (e.g., non‐standard employment or unemployment), (b) with family instabilities (e.g., divorce or single parenthood). The results show that non‐employment and low‐status employment are old age income risks for both genders. Having children represents a burden for household income and for women's individual income only if associated with employment interruptions. Cross‐national variation is stronger for the relationship of old age income with the employment history than with the fertility history. Especially Beveridge‐plus countries that provide unconditional basic pension schemes mitigate previous life course inequality.
Quantifying dynamic range in red blood cell energetics: Evidence of progressive energy failure during storage
Authors: Rogers Stephen C. , Ge Xia , Brummet Mary , Lin Xue , Timm David D. , d'Avignon Andre , Garbow Joel R. , Kao Jeff , Prakash Jaya , Issaian Aaron , Eisenmesser Elan Z. , Reisz Julie A. , D'Alessandro Angelo , Doctor Allan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundDuring storage, red blood cells (RBCs) undergo significant biochemical and morphologic changes, referred to collectively as the “storage lesion”. It was hypothesized that these defects may arise from disrupted oxygen‐based regulation of RBC energy metabolism, with resultant depowering of intrinsic antioxidant systems.Study Design and MethodsAs a function of storage duration, the dynamic range in RBC metabolic response to three models of biochemical oxidant stress (methylene blue, hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, and diamide) was assessed, comparing glycolytic flux by NMR and UHPLC–MS methodologies. Blood was processed/stored under standard conditions (AS‐1 additive solution) with leukoreduction. Over a 6‐week period, RBC metabolic and antioxidant status were assessed at baseline and following exposure to the three biochemical oxidant models. Comparison was made of glycolytic flux (1H‐NMR tracking of [2‐13C]‐glucose and metabolomic phenotyping with [1,2,3‐13C3] glucose), reducing equivalent (NADPH/NADP+) recycling, and thiol‐based (GSH/GSSG) antioxidant status.ResultsAs a function of storage duration, we observed the following: (1) a reduction in baseline hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP) flux, the sole pathway responsible for the regeneration of the essential reducing equivalent NADPH; with (2) diminished stress‐based dynamic range in both overall glycolytic as well as proportional HMP flux. In addition, progressive with storage duration, RBCs showed (3) constraint in reducing equivalent (NADPH) recycling capacity, (4) loss of thiol based (GSH) recycling capacity, and (5) dysregulation of metabolon assembly at the cytoplasmic domain of Band 3 membrane protein (cdB3).ConclusionBlood storage disturbs normal RBC metabolic control, depowering antioxidant capacity and enhancing vulnerability to oxidative injury.
Exponential increase in neutralizing and spike specific antibodies following vaccination of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors
Authors: Vickers Molly A. , Sariol Alan , Leon Judith , Ehlers Alexandra , Locher Aaron V. , Dubay Kerry A. , Collins Laura , Voss Dena , Odle Abby E. , Holida Myrl , Merrill Anna E. , Perlman Stanley , Knudson C. Michael 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundWith the recent approval of COVID‐19 vaccines, recovered COVID‐19 subjects who are vaccinated may be ideal candidates to donate COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP).Case SeriesEleven recovered COVID‐19 patients were screened to donate CCP. All had molecularly confirmed COVID‐19, and all but one were antibody positive by chemiluminescence immunoassay (DiaSorin) prior to vaccination. All were tested again for antibodies 11–21 days after they were vaccinated (Pfizer/Moderna). All showed dramatic increases (~50‐fold) in spike‐specific antibody levels and had at least a 20‐fold increase in the IC50 neutralizing antibody titer based on plaque reduction neutralization testing (PRNT). The spike‐specific antibody levels following vaccination were significantly higher than those seen in any non‐vaccinated COVID‐19 subjects tested to date at our facility.ConclusionSpike‐specific and neutralizing antibodies demonstrated dramatic increases following a single vaccination after COVID‐19 infection, which significantly exceeded values seen with COVID‐19 infection alone. Recovered COVID‐19 subjects who are vaccinated may make ideal candidates for CCP donation.
The skin microbiota in equine pastern dermatitis: a case‐control study of horses in Switzerland
Authors: Kaiser‐Thom Sarah , Hilty Markus , Axiak Shannon , Gerber Vinzenz 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundEquine pastern dermatitis (EPD), a multifactorial syndrome, manifests as skin lesions of variable severity in the pastern area. Despite the widespread use of antibacterial therapy for treating this condition, little is known about the contributing bacteria.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the bacterial skin microbiota in EPD‐affected and unaffected (control) pasterns.AnimalsCase‐control study with 80 client‐owned horses; each with at least one EPD‐affected and one control pastern.Methods and materialsHorses were grouped by the form of EPD (mild, exudative or proliferative), the assigned severity grade and type of pretreatment (disinfectant, topical antibacterial or no antibacterial pretreatment). Skin swabs were obtained, and the microbiota composition was compared between the groups.ResultsBacterial alpha diversity was reduced in affected pasterns (P < 0.001) and this reduction was significantly associated with the EPD forms (P < 0.001), and not with the type of pretreatment (P > 0.14). Analyses of beta‐diversity confirmed a disordering of the skin microbiota (P = 0.004) in affected versus control pasterns, that was particularly profound in more severe lesions. The type of pretreatment was not significantly associated with this disordering. Four differentially abundant families were detected, of which Staphylococcaceae was the most distinct. The relative abundance of staphylococci was significantly increased in affected pasterns (P = 0.011), particularly in those that had received antibacterial treatment previously.Conclusions and clinical relevanceChanges in the microbiota are associated with the EPD form or severity of lesions. The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of EPD as well as the propriety and consequences of antibacterial treatment should therefore be further investigated.
Hydrothermal recycling of sedimentary ammonium into oceanic crust and the Archean ocean at 3.24 Ga
Authors: Stüeken E.E. , Boocock T.J. , Robinson A. , Mikhail S. , Johnson B.W. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The Archean ocean supported a diverse microbial ecosystem, yet studies suggest that seawater was largely depleted in many essential nutrients, including fixed nitrogen. This depletion was in part a consequence of inefficient nutrient recycling under anoxic conditions. Here, we show how hydrothermal fluids acted as a recycling mechanism for ammonium (NH4+) in the Archean ocean. We present elemental and stable isotope data for carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur from shales and hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks from the 3.24 Ga Panorama district in Western Australia. This suite documents the transfer of NH4+ from organic-rich sedimentary rocks into underlying sericitized dacite, similar to what is seen in hydrothermal systems today. On modern Earth, hydrothermal fluids that circulate through sediment packages are enriched in NH4+ to millimolar concentrations because they efficiently recycle organic-bound N. Our data show that a similar hydrothermal recycling process dates back to at least 3.24 Ga, and it may have resulted in localized centers of enhanced biological productivity around hydrothermal vents. Last, our data provide evidence that altered oceanic crust at 3.24 Ga was enriched in nitrogen, and, when subducted, it satisfies the elemental and isotopic source requirements for a low-N, but 15N-enriched, deep mantle nitrogen reservoir as sampled by mantle plumes.
Complexes Based on Poly(styrenesulfonic acid) and Poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Vetosheva P. I. , Bodaev V. O. , Pyshkina O. A. , Litmanovich E. A. , Sergeev V. G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractComplexation in aqueous salt-free semidilute solutions of poly(styrenesulfonic acid) and poly(ethylene oxide) leading to the formation of soluble poly(styrenesulfonic acid)–poly(ethylene oxide) complexes is studied. It is shown that the interaction of the components in such complexes significantly weakens with an increase in temperature, as well as with a decrease in the poly(ethylene oxide) chain length. Using viscometry and light scattering, it is demonstrated that, in dilute aqueous and aqueous-saline solutions, no complexes are formed between poly(styrenesulfonic acid) and poly(ethylene oxide) and the system is a compatible mixture of the polymers in a common solvent.
Predicting need for hospital admission in patients with traumatic brain injury or skull fractures identified on CT imaging: a machine learning approach
Authors: Marincowitz Carl , Paton Lewis , Lecky Fiona , Tiffin Paul 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundPatients with mild traumatic brain injury on CT scan are routinely admitted for inpatient observation. Only a small proportion of patients require clinical intervention. We recently developed a decision rule using traditional statistical techniques that found neurologically intact patients with isolated simple skull fractures or single bleeds <5 mm with no preinjury antiplatelet or anticoagulant use may be safely discharged from the emergency department. The decision rule achieved a sensitivity of 99.5% (95% CI 98.1% to 99.9%) and specificity of 7.4% (95% CI 6.0% to 9.1%) to clinical deterioration. We aimed to transparently report a machine learning approach to assess if predictive accuracy could be improved.MethodsWe used data from the same retrospective cohort of 1699 initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 13–15 patients with injuries identified by CT who presented to three English Major Trauma Centres between 2010 and 2017 as in our original study. We assessed the ability of machine learning to predict the same composite outcome measure of deterioration (indicating need for hospital admission). Predictive models were built using gradient boosted decision trees which consisted of an ensemble of decision trees to optimise model performance.ResultsThe final algorithm reported a mean positive predictive value of 29%, mean negative predictive value of 94%, mean area under the curve (C-statistic) of 0.75, mean sensitivity of 99% and mean specificity of 7%. As with logistic regression, GCS, severity and number of brain injuries were found to be important predictors of deterioration.ConclusionWe found no clear advantages over the traditional prediction methods, although the models were, effectively, developed using a smaller data set, due to the need to divide it into training, calibration and validation sets. Future research should focus on developing models that provide clear advantages over existing classical techniques in predicting outcomes in this population.
Evaluation of the impact of the voluntary safety standard for liquid laundry packets on the rate of child exposures reported to Poison Control Centers in the US
Authors: Rodgers Gregory B 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the voluntary safety standard for liquid laundry packets on the rate of child exposures reported to Poison Control Centers in the US.MethodsThe analysis was based on an interrupted time series design. The voluntary safety standard for laundry packets was published at the end of 2015. Data on reported liquid laundry packet exposures involving children under age 6 years were collected for the July 2012 through December 2017 study period. A negative binomial multiple regression model for rate data was used to quantify the impact of the voluntary standard on (1) the rate of total reported exposures and (2) the rate of reported exposures that were medically treated. The analysis controlled for laundry packet sales, time trends and seasonal variations in reported exposures.ResultsThe voluntary safety standard was associated with a 28.6% reduction in the rate of total reported exposures and a 36.8% reduction in the rate of medically treated exposures. The analysis also provides some evidence that these estimated reductions may underestimate overall reductions in the rate of reported exposures if pre-standard packaging improvements and possible caregiver behavioural responses to laundry packet hazard warnings are considered.ConclusionsThe analysis suggests that the requirements of the voluntary standard have effectively reduced the rate of injury involving liquid laundry packets.