bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphogranuloma venereum: a retrospective analysis of an emerging sexually transmitted disease in a Lisbon Tertiary Center
Authors: Neves J.M. , Ramos Pinheiro R. , Côrte‐Real R. , Borrego M.J. , Rodrigues A. , Fernandes C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexual transmitted infection (STI), currently endemic within the population of men who have sex with men (MSM) of Western Countries. L2B variant has been reported as the predominant strain in the current LGV epidemics, although a shift towards L2‐434 has been observed in some European countries.ObjectivesTo evaluate and characterize the population with LGV infection diagnosed in Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all LGV diagnoses between 2016 and 2019 was performed. The diagnosis was established through ompA‐genotyping of samples yielding a positive result to Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). All considered samples were retrieved from the clinician activity, through swabbing and urine analysis and CT infection diagnosis was obtained using real‐time PCR.ResultsDuring the period studied 16 279 CT diagnostics tests were employed, with a striking increase from 2016 (n = 467) to 2019 (n = 9362). A total of 1602 diagnoses of CT were established, from which 168 (10.5%) corresponded to LGV, with both infections showing a rising evolution, between 2016 and 2019, of 2.9 and 2.7 times, respectively. The majority of the LGV strains were genotyped as L2/434 (67.3%; n = 113). LGV predominantly affected MSM and men who have sex with men and women (97.0%; n = 163). Anorectal infection was the most prevalent one (90.5%; n = 152), being proctitis the main clinical presentation (76.2%; n = 128). Absence of symptoms was reported in almost 15% of the cases (n = 24). The presence of concomitant infection with human immunodeficiency virus was dominant (73.2%; n = 123) and the prevalence of one or more STI co‐infections was about 60.1% (n = 99).ConclusionsAn increasing evolution of CT and LGV testing and diagnosing was observable throughout the studied period. Characteristics of the population are similar with those described within LGV epidemics. In accordance with recent European studies, predominance towards L2 genotype was identified.
Coexistence of bullous pemphigoid with neuropsychiatric comorbidities is associated with anti‐BP230 seropositivity
Authors: Ständer S. , Hammers C.M. , Vorobyev A. , Schmidt E. , Hundt J.E. , Sadik C.D. , Lange T. , Zillikens D. , Ludwig R.J. , Kridin K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile clustering of bullous pemphigoid (BP) with neuropsychiatric diseases is well‐established, the clinical and immunological profile of BP patients with this comorbidity remains to be decisively determined.ObjectivesTo evaluate the burden of neurological and psychiatric comorbidities among patients with BP and to elucidate the clinical, immunological and immunopathological features of patients with BP and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study encompassing patients diagnosed with BP throughout the years 2009–2020 in a specialized tertiary referral centre. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of neuropsychiatric conditions among patients with BP.ResultsThe study included 273 patients with BP, of whom 123 (45.1%) presented with comorbid neuropsychiatric disease. Compared to the remaining patients with BP (n = 150), those with pre‐existing neuropsychiatric diseases demonstrated older mean [standard deviation (SD)] age [81.7 (9.1) vs. 76.9 (10.1); P < 0.001], female preponderance (65.0% vs. 49.3%; P = 0.009), higher seropositivity rate of anti‐BP230 (67.7% vs. 36.5%; P = 0.006) and higher levels of anti‐BP180 NC16A IgG [651.3 (1279.6) vs. 370.4 (818.6) U/mL; P = 0.039]. In multivariate analysis, anti‐BP230 seropositivity was independently associated with coexistence of BP with neuropsychiatric conditions [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 3.43; 95% CI, 1.24–9.52; P = 0.018]. In a sensitivity analysis confined to patients with neurological diseases (n = 103), older age [82.1 (8.4) vs. 77.2 (10.3); P < 0.001] and increased anti‐BP230 seropositivity (68.0% vs. 39.7%; P = 0.018) were identified.ConclusionsThe coexistence of BP with neuropsychiatric diseases is independently associated with the generation of anti‐BP230 antibodies.
Comparative analysis of the superoxide dismutase gene family in Cetartiodactyla
Authors: Tian Ran , Geng Yuepan , Guo Han , Yang Chen , Seim Inge , Yang Guang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCetacea, whales, dolphins and porpoises form an order of mammals adapted to aquatic life. Their transition to an aquatic habitat resulted in exceptional protection against cellular insults, including oxidative and osmotic stress. Here, we considered the structure and molecular evolution of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene family, which encodes essential enzymes in the mammalian antioxidant system, in the superorder Cetartiodactyla. To this end, we juxtaposed cetaceans and their closest extant relatives (order Artiodactyla). We identified 94 genes in 23 species, of which 70 are bona fide intact genes. Although the SOD gene family is conserved in Cetartiodactyla, lineage‐specific gene duplications and deletions were observed. Phylogenetic analyses show that the SOD2 subfamily diverged from a clade containing SOD1 and SOD3, suggesting that cytoplasmic, extracellular and mitochondrial SODs have started down independent evolutionary paths. Specific‐amino acid changes (e.g. K130N in SOD2) that may enhance ROS elimination were identified in cetaceans. In silico analysis suggests that the core transcription factor repertoire of cetartiodactyl SOD genes may include Sp1, NF‐κB, Nrf2 and AHR. Putative transcription factors binding sites responding to hypoxia were (e.g. Suppressor of Hairless; Su(H)) found in the cetacean SOD1 gene. We found significant evidence for positive selection in cetaceans using codon models. Cetaceans with different diving abilities also show divergent evolution of SOD1 and SOD2. Our genome‐wide analysis of SOD genes helps clarify their relationship and evolutionary trajectory and identify putative functional changes in cetaceans.
Efficacy and safety of peginterferon alpha monotherapy in Chinese inactive chronic hepatitis B virus carriers
Authors: Wu Fengping , Lu Rui , Liu Yixin , Wang Yikai , Tian Yan , Li Yaping , Li Mei , Wang Wenjun , Zhang Xin , Jia Xiaoli , Dang Shuangsuo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground & AimsThe effectiveness and safety of peginterferon alpha (peg‐IFN‐α) monotherapy in inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers (IHCs) have not been fully evaluated.MethodsThis observational study prospectively enrolled 298 IHCs in China from 2015 to 2019. Participants were given the right to choose to either receive peg‐IFN‐α monotherapy (treatment group, n = 142) or be monitored without treatment (control group, n = 156) according to their wishes. The scheduled treatment duration was 48 weeks. All participants were followed up to 72 weeks. The main efficacy endpoint was hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance at 72 weeks.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between both groups. At 72 weeks, intention‐to‐treat analysis showed that the rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion of the treatment group were 47.9% (68/142) and 36.6% (52/142), respectively, which were significantly higher than the HBsAg clearance rate of 1.9% (3/156) and the seroconversion rate of 0.6% (1/156) in the control group (both P < .001). Baseline HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL, lower HBsAg levels at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks, alanine aminotransferase elevation at 12 weeks, and greater HBsAg reduction from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks were independent predictors of HBsAg clearance. Generally, the therapy was well tolerated. Only five participants discontinued therapy as a result of peg‐IFNα‐related adverse events.ConclusionsPeg‐IFN‐α monotherapy results in high rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion and the treatment is safe for IHCs.
Definite and indeterminate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis share similar clinical features and prognosis: A longitudinal study of 1893 biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease subjects
Authors: Ampuero Javier , Aller Rocío , Gallego‐Durán Rocío , Crespo Javier , Abad Javier , González‐Rodríguez Águeda , Gómez‐Camarero Judith , Caballería Joan , Lo Iacono Oreste , Ibañez Luis , García‐Samaniego Javier , Martín‐Mateos Rosa , Francés Rubén , Fernández‐Rodríguez Conrado , Diago Moisés , Soriano Germán , Andrade Raúl J. , Latorre Raquel , Jorquera Francisco , Morillas Rosa M. , Escudero Desam , Estévez Pamela , Hernández‐Guerra Manuel , Augustín Salvador , Pareja‐Megia María Jesús , Banales Jesús M. , Aspichueta Patricia , Benlloch Salvador , Rosales José Miguel , Salmerón Javier , Turnes Juan , Romero‐Gómez Manuel ,   HEPAmet Registry
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and AimHistological score systems may not fully capture the essential nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) features, which is one of the leading causes of screening failure in clinical trials. We assessed the NASH distribution and its components across the fibrosis stages and their impact on the prognosis and their relationship with the concept of metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).MethodsSpanish multicenter study including 1893 biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients from HEPAmet registry. NASH was diagnosed by NAS score ≥4 (including steatosis, ballooning and lobular inflammation) and fibrosis by Kleiner score. The presence of MAFLD was determined. Progression to cirrhosis, first episode of decompensated cirrhosis and death were collected during the follow‐up (4.7 ± 3.8 years).ResultsFibrosis was F0 34.3% (649/1893), F1 27% (511/1893), F2 16.5% (312/1893), F3 15% (284/1893) and F4 7.2% (137/1893). NASH diagnosis 51.9% (982/1893), and its individual components (severe steatosis, ballooning and lobular inflammation), increased from F0 (33.6%) to F2 (68.6%), and decreased significantly in F4 patients (51.8%) (P = .0001). More than 70% of non‐NASH patients showed some inflammatory activity (ballooning or lobular inflammation), showing a similar MAFLD rate than NASH (96.2% [945/982] vs. 95.2% [535/562]) and significantly higher than nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) subjects (89.1% [311/349]) (P < .0001). Progression to cirrhosis was similar between NASH (9.5% [51/539]) and indeterminate NASH (7.9% [25/316]), and higher than steatosis (5% [14/263]) (logRank 8.417; P = .015). Death and decompensated cirrhosis were similar between these.ConclusionsThe prevalence of steatohepatitis decreased in advanced liver disease. However, most of these patients showed some inflammatory activity histologically and had metabolic disturbances. These findings should be considered in clinical trials whose main aim is to prevent cirrhosis progression and complications, liver transplant and death.
Incidence and mortality of COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mitaka Hayato , Kuno Toshiki , Takagi Hisato , Patrawalla Paru 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCOVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported worldwide. However, basic epidemiological characteristics have not been well established. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to determine the incidence and mortality of CAPA in critically ill patients with COVID‐19 to improve guidance on surveillance and prognostication. Observational studies reporting COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis were searched with PubMed and Embase databases, followed by an additional manual search in April 2021. We performed a one‐group meta‐analysis on the incidence and mortality of CAPA using a random‐effect model. We identified 28 observational studies with a total of 3148 patients to be included in the meta‐analysis. Among the 28 studies, 23 were conducted in Europe, two in Mexico and one each in China, Pakistan and the United States. Routine screening for secondary fungal infection was employed in 13 studies. The modified AspICU algorithm was utilised in 15 studies and was the most commonly used case definition and diagnostic algorithm for pulmonary aspergillosis. The incidence and mortality of CAPA in the ICU were estimated to be 10.2% (95% CI, 8.0–12.5; I2 = 82.0%) and 54.9% (95% CI, 45.6–64.2; I2 = 62.7%), respectively. In conclusion, our estimates may be utilised as a basis for surveillance of CAPA and prognostication in the ICU. Large, prospective cohort studies based on the new case definitions of CAPA are warranted to validate our estimates.
Respiratory syncytial virus and airway microbiota – A complex interplay and its reflection on morbidity
Authors: Rossi Giovanni A. , Ballarini Stefania , Silvestri Michela , Sacco Oliviero , Colin Andrew A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe immunopathology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection varies considerably, severe disease occurring only in a minority of the affected children. The variability of the clinical presentation is in part explained by viral and environmental factors but, in infants and young children, disease severity is certainly linked to the physiologic immaturity of the innate and adaptive immune system. There is evidence that the maturation of the host immune response is positively influenced by the composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiome that, promoting an efficient reaction, can counteract the predisposition to develop viral respiratory infections and lower the risk of disease severity. However, interaction between the nasopharyngeal microbiota and respiratory viruses can be bidirectional since microbial dysbiosis may also represent a reflection of the disease‐induced alterations of the local milieu. Moreover, viruses like RSV can also increase the virulence of potential pathogens in nasopharynx, a main reservoir of bacteria, and therefore promote their spread to the lower airways causing superinfection. Moreover, if negative changes in microbial community composition in early life may constitute a heightened risk toward severe RSV respiratory infection, on the contrary specific groups of microorganisms seem to be associated with protection. A better understanding into the potential negative and positive role of the different nasopharyngeal bacterial species on RSV infection may improve primary prevention and possibly care of this highly contagious disorder.
Metal‐Catalyzed Hydride Transfer from Alcohols to Photoexcited Dipyridophenazine†
Authors: Aslan Joseph M. , Reardon Melissa M. , Alatrash Nagham , Nastasi Francesco , MacDonnell Frederick M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDipyridophenazine (dppz) is known to react with alcohols upon photoexcitation into an n‐π* transition at 378 nm to yield dihydrodipyridophenazine (dppzH2). This process occurs via H‐atom abstraction from alcohols and subsequent disproportionation of the dppzH• radical species, to the final product. This reaction shows a primary kinetic isotope effect (KIE = 4.9) in methanol/perdeuteromethanol solvents, consistent with H‐atom transfer processes. Addition of excess Zn(II) ions to the dppz solution not only accelerates the rate of photoreduction, but also lowers the KIE to 1.7, indicating a change in reaction mechanism. We postulate that the coordination of the alcoholic solvent to Zn(II) activates the alcohol α C‐H bonds toward hydride transfer processes which would be consistent with the lowered KIE and faster overall reduction of the aromatic ligand. Interestingly, this appears to be an intramolecular process in which the Zn(II) is coordinated to both the dppz ligand and the reactive alcohol, as a sharp inflection in the overall rate increase is observed at a Zn:dppz ratio of 2:1. At this ratio, the dominant dppz species involves a Zn(II) bound to one dppz and several solvent molecules (methanol and water).
Severe leg swelling following removal of a temporary femoral venous hemodialysis catheter
Authors: Gunawardena Thilina , Subramaniyam Prasath , Cassim Rezni , Wijeyaratne Mandika 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTemporary central venous catheters are commonly used for patients who require emergency hemodialysis (HD). An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare complication of this procedure. In this case report, we present a patient who was diagnosed with an iatrogenic femoral AVF after cannulation of the right femoral vein with a temporary HD catheter.
The Morphosyntax of Magahi Addressee Agreement
Authors: Alok Deepak 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article analyzes addressee agreement (allocutive agreement) in Magahi, an Eastern Indo‐Aryan language. Magahi finite verbs encode the honorificity (social status) of the addressee, in addition to encoding the person and honorificity of the subject. Magahi addressee agreement is special in two respects. First, it is associated with finiteness: it is available in all finite clauses, main and embedded. Second, addressee agreement and subject honorification combine features for spellout, indicating that heads involved in both phenomena are syntactically adjacent. I claim that the covert syntactically expressed representation of the addressee, which undergoes addressee agreement, is relatively low in the clause structure: it is a coordinate of FinP, the layer just above TP. I further propose that the functional head associated with Magahi addressee agreement is the Fin head. The proposal diverges from previous analyses, in which the locus of addressee agreement is the highest projection of a clause (Speech Act Phrase or Context Phrase), found primarily in root clauses. This study implies that the addressee is syntactically present in every finite clause. Crosslinguistic differences (e.g., root–embedded asymmetries) depend on what syntactic category acts as a probe in a language.
Bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) heterozygote advantage against the outcome of bovine leukemia virus infection
Authors: Lo Chieh‐Wen , Takeshima Shin‐nosuke , Wada Satoshi , Matsumoto Yasunobu , Aida Yoko 
Published: April 2021

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes enzootic bovine leucosis. Host genetic heterozygosity at the major histocompatibility complex can enhance the ability to combat infectious diseases. However, heterozygote advantage is loci specific and depends on disease type. Bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA)‐DRB3 polymorphisms are related with BLV‐infection outcome; however, whether BoLA‐DRB3 heterozygotes have an advantage against BLV‐induced lymphoma and proviral load (PVL) remains unclear. By analyzing 1567 BLV‐infected individuals, we found that BoLA‐DRB3 heterozygous status was significantly associated with lymphoma resistance irrespective of cattle breeds (p < 0.0001). Similarly, decreased PVL was observed in BoLA‐DRB3 heterozygotes (p = 0.0407 for Holstein cows; p = 0.0889 for Japanese Black cattle). Our report provides first evidence of BoLA‐DRB3 heterozygote advantage against BLV infection outcome.
Clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID‐19 following hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy
Authors: Camargo Jose F. , Mendoza Maria A. , Lin Rick , Moroz Ilona V. , Anderson Anthony D. , Morris Michelle I. , Natori Yoichiro , Natori Akina , Raja Mohammed , Lekakis Lazaros , Beitinjaneh Amer , Jimenez Antonio , Goodman Mark , Wang Trent , Komanduri Krishna V. , Pereira Denise 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundOne year into the pandemic, published data on hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) remain limited.MethodsSingle‐center retrospective cohort study of adult HCT recipients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection.ResultsTwenty‐eight consecutive transplantation and cellular therapy patients (autologous, n = 12; allogeneic, n = 15; chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy [CAR‐T], n = 1) with COVID‐19 were identified. The median age was 57 years. The median time from HCT to COVID‐19 diagnosis was 656 days (interquartile range [IQR], 33‐1274). Patients were followed for a median of 59 days (IQR, 40‐88). Among assessable patients (n = 19), 10 (53%) had documented virological clearance; median time to clearance was 34 days (range, 21‐56). Out of 28, 12 (43%), 6 (21%), and 10 (36%) patients had mild, moderate, and severe/critical disease, respectively. Overall mortality was 25%, nearly identical for autologous and allogeneic HCT, and exclusively seen in hospitalized patients, older than 50 years of age with severe COVID‐19. None of the patients with mild (n = 12) or moderate (n = 6) COVID‐19 died whereas 7/10 patients (70%) with severe/critical COVID‐19 died (P = .0001). Patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 within 12 months of HCT exhibited higher mortality (57% vs 14%; P = .04). All‐cause 30‐day mortality (n = 4) was 14%. A higher proportion of patients who died within 30 days of COVID‐19 diagnosis (3/4) were receiving ≥2 immunosuppressants, compared with patients who survived beyond 30 days after COVID‐19 diagnosis (2/24; 75% vs. 8%; P = .01).ConclusionsMortality in COVID‐19 HCT patients is higher than that of the age‐comparable general population and largely dependent on age, disease severity, timing from HCT, and intensity of immunosuppression.
Logarithmic corrections to Newtonian gravity and large scale structure
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , Faizal Mir , Hameeda Mir , Pourhassan Behnam , Salzano Vincenzo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEffects from nonstandard corrections to Newtonian gravity, at large scale, can be investigated using the cosmological structure formation. In particular, it is possible to show if and how a logarithmic correction (as that induced from nonlocal gravity) modifies the clustering properties of galaxies and of clusters of galaxies. The thermodynamics of such systems can be used to obtain important information about the effects of such modification on clustering. We will compare its effects with observational data and it will be demonstrated that the observations seem to point to a characteristic scale where such a logarithmic correction might be in play at galactic scales. However, at larger scales such statistical inferences are much weaker, so that a fully reliable statistical evidence for this kind of corrections cannot be stated without further investigations and the use of more varied and precise cosmological and astrophysical probes.
Electron bunchers for industrial RF linear accelerators: theory and design guide
Authors: Kutsaev Sergey V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe acceleration of electrons in resonant linear accelerators (linacs) typically consists of three main stages: (1) emission of the electrons from the cathode and their pre-acceleration with a DC field to the energy of tens of keV; (2) grouping the DC electron beam into bunches and their synchronization with the correct phase of high-frequency electromagnetic fields, and (3) accelerating the bunches of relativistic electrons to the required energies. Although many books describe the theoretical and practical aspects of electron linac design, most of them concentrate on beam physics in either the gun stage or in the relativistic regime, while leaving the description of the bunching process rather general. The physics of non-relativistic motion is described in the literature on ion accelerators, but in practice, it cannot be scaled to electron machines due to the significantly different particle mass and acceleration rate, beam velocity change, and frequencies. In this tutorial review paper, we will fill this gap with a detailed description of the bunching process and provide practical advice on the design of bunching sections in industrial-grade electron linacs.