bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin pH varies among bat species and seasons and between wild and captive bats
Authors: Vanderwolf Karen J , Kyle Christopher J , Faure Paul A , McAlpine Donald F , Davy Christina M 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSkin is a key aspect of the immune system in the defence against pathogens. Skin pH regulates the activity of enzymes produced both by hosts and by microbes on host skin, thus implicating pH in disease susceptibility. Skin pH varies inter- and intra-specifically and is influenced by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic variables. Increased skin alkalinity is associated with a predisposition to cutaneous infections in humans and dogs, and inter-specific and inter-individual variation in skin pH is implicated in differential susceptibility to some skin diseases. The cutaneous pH of bats has not been characterized but is postulated to play a role in susceptibility to white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal infection that has decimated several Nearctic bat species. We used non-invasive probes to measure the pH of bat flight membranes in five species with differing susceptibility to WNS. Skin pH ranged from 4.67 to 8.59 and varied among bat species, geographic locations, body parts, age classes, sexes and seasons. Wild Eptesicus fuscus were consistently more acidic than wild Myotis lucifugus, Myotis leibii and Perimyotis subflavus. Juvenile bats had more acidic skin than adults during maternity season but did not differ during swarming. Male M. lucifugus were more acidic than females during maternity season, yet this trend reversed during swarming. Bat skin was more acidic in summer compared to winter, a pattern also reported in humans. Skin pH was more acidic in captive than wild E. fuscus, suggesting environmental impacts on skin pH. The pH of roosting substrates affects skin pH in captive bats and may partially explain seasonal patterns in wild bats that use different roost types across seasons. Future research on the influence of pH on microbial pathogenic factors and skin barrier function may provide valuable insights on new therapeutic targets for treating bat skin conditions.
American Lyric, American Surveillance, and Claudia Rankine’sCitizen
Authors: Finberg Keegan Cook 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis essay contends that Claudia Rankine’s Citizen: An American Lyric (2014) invites an overdue conversation between recent scholarship in lyric theory and writing on racial surveillance, including material on bias in artificial intelligence and disciplinary policing strategies. I argue that Citizen manipulates received structures of the lyric as both a racial and a carceral apparatus and compares those structures to contemporary forms of racial surveillance. Through the revelation of similarity in lyric and surveillance structures, Citizen illustrates a method of reading that exploits lyric history and form to suggest a reorientation of surveillance and a way of coping with its effects. I argue that this new American lyric is invested in participating in public life.
Long term trends in natriuretic peptide testing for heart failure in UK primary care: a cohort study
Authors: Roalfe Andrea K , Lay-Flurrie Sarah L , Ordóñez-Mena José M , Goyder Clare R , Jones Nicholas R , Hobbs F D Richard , Taylor Clare J 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Aims
Heart failure (HF) is a malignant condition with poor outcomes and is often diagnosed on emergency hospital admission. Natriuretic peptide (NP) testing in primary care is recommended in international guidelines to facilitate timely diagnosis. We aimed to report contemporary trends in NP testing and subsequent HF diagnosis rates over time.

Methods and results
Cohort study using linked primary and secondary care data of adult (≥45 years) patients in England 2004–18 (n = 7 212 013, 48% male) to report trends in NP testing (over time, by age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status) and HF diagnosis rates. NP test rates increased from 0.25 per 1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23–0.26] in 2004 to 16.88 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 16.73–17.03) in 2018, with a significant upward trend in 2010 following publication of national HF guidance. Women and different ethnic groups had similar test rates, and there was more NP testing in older and more socially deprived groups as expected. The HF detection rate was constant over the study period (around 10%) and the proportion of patients without NP testing prior to diagnosis remained high [99.6% (n = 13 484) in 2004 vs. 76.7% (n = 12 978) in 2017].

Conclusion
NP testing in primary care has increased over time, with no evidence of significant inequalities, but most patients with HF still do not have an NP test recorded prior to diagnosis. More NP testing in primary care may be needed to prevent hospitalization and facilitate HF diagnosis at an earlier, more treatable stage.
Efficacy of a short course of lung ultrasound for primary care physicians in the assessment of COVID-19-positive patients
Authors: Raiteri Alberto , Muratori Luca , Faggiano Chiara , Alvisi Margherita , Serio Ilaria , Piscaglia Fabio 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Lung ultrasound (LUS) has become the first diagnostic imaging approach to assess lung involvement in COVID-19. While LUS proved to be safe, reliable, and accurate, not many primary care physicians (PCP) are capable to employ this instrument in the first evaluation of COVID-19 outpatients. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a brief training program in LUS for PCP.

Methods
Italian local authorities promoted a training program in LUS for PCP engaged in COVID-19 outpatients’ evaluation. The course took place in a COVID-19 unit and included a hands-on practice on real COVID-19 patients. We conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results of the training program.

Results
A total of 32 PCP completed the training. About 100% of participants reported an increase in competence and confidence in the use of LUS after the training. Self-reported confidence in detecting major COVID-19 LUS abnormalities was high (B-lines 8/10, pleural abnormalities 6.5/10). B-lines were accurately identified with a reliability of 81%, with a sensitivity of 96%, and a negative predictive value of 98%. Trainees were some less accurate in detecting pleural abnormalities (reliability 63%) but with a high specificity (99%).

Conclusions
This study showed that a short training program, but comprising a hands-on practice, is capable to bring even almost novices to achieve a high overall accuracy and reliability in detecting lung involvement in COVID-19. This may result in a significant improvement of the performances of PCP involved in the first evaluation of COVID-19 cases in primary care facilities.
Building on open economy politics to understand the stalled EU–India trade negotiations
Authors: Curran Louise , Nadvi Khalid , Khorana Sangeeta 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Global trade governance is increasingly characterized by a growing fragility in multilateral institutions and a preference for bilateral negotiations. The literature on such negotiations focuses primarily on successful agreements. Academic research on unsuccessful or stalled bilateral talks is limited, although better understanding of such outcomes may provide lessons for future negotiations. This article contributes to such understanding by proposing a revised open economy politics (OEP) framework, adapted to ‘second generation’ OEP analysis. Our framework highlights the multidirectional linkages between the trinity of interests, institutions and international interactions within trade negotiations, while adding the role of power and ideas to the analysis. We leverage our revised framework to explore why the European Union–India Free Trade Agreement (EUIFTA) negotiations stalled, thus providing insights as negotiators seek to revive them. Drawing on 45 semi-structured interviews conducted over a seven-year period in the EU and India, we examine what impact these different factors had on the progress of talks. Our results suggest that our revised OEP approach provides a multi-layered and integrated framework which enables us to better understand negotiating outcomes. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the shifting balance between emerging economies and developed economies as a result of the geopolitical (power) shifts and ideational change will affect future trade negotiations.
Rigidity of Compact Fuchsian Manifolds with Convex Boundary
Authors: Prosanov Roman 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A compact Fuchsian manifold with boundary is a hyperbolic 3-manifold homeomorphic to $S_g \times [0; 1]$ such that the boundary component $S_g \times \{ 0\}$ is geodesic. We prove that a compact Fuchsian manifold with convex boundary is uniquely determined by the induced path metric on $S_g \times \{1\}$. We do not put further restrictions on the boundary except convexity.
An Equivariant Atiyah–Patodi–Singer Index Theorem for Proper Actions I: The Index Formula
Authors: Hochs Peter , Wang Bai-Ling , Wang Hang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractConsider a proper, isometric action by a unimodular locally compact group $G$ on a Riemannian manifold $M$ with boundary, such that $M/G$ is compact. For an equivariant, elliptic operator $D$ on $M$, and an element $g \in G$, we define a numerical index ${\operatorname {index}}_g(D)$, in terms of a parametrix for $D$ and a trace associated to $g$. We prove an equivariant Atiyah–Patodi–Singer index theorem for this index. We first state general analytic conditions under which this theorem holds, and then show that these conditions are satisfied if $g=e$ is the identity element; if $G$ is a finitely generated, discrete group, and the conjugacy class of $g$ has polynomial growth; and if $G$ is a connected, linear, real semisimple Lie group, and $g$ is a semisimple element. In the classical case, where $M$ is compact and $G$ is trivial, our arguments reduce to a relatively short and simple proof of the original Atiyah–Patodi–Singer index theorem. In part II of this series, we prove that, under certain conditions, ${\operatorname {index}}_g(D)$ can be recovered from a $K$-theoretic index of $D$ via a trace defined by the orbital integral over the conjugacy class of $g$.
Bicarbonate modulates delafloxacin activity against MDRStaphylococcus aureusandPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Holland Mische , Bjanes Elisabet , Nizet Victor , Dillon Nicholas 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the utility of recently approved delafloxacin and other fluoroquinolones against leading MDR bacterial pathogens under physiologically relevant conditions.MethodsMIC and MBC assays were conducted for MDR strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the standard antibiotic susceptibility testing medium CAMHB, amended Roswell-Park Memorial Institute tissue culture medium (RPMI+) or 20% fresh human whole blood. In vivo correlation of in vitro findings was performed in a murine P. aeruginosa pneumonia model. Mechanistic bases for the findings were explored by altering media conditions and with established fluoroquinolone accumulation assays.ResultsFluoroquinolone MICs were increased in RPMI+ compared with CAMHB for all four MDR pathogens. Specifically, delafloxacin MICs were increased 32-fold versus MDR S. aureus and 8-fold versus MDR P. aeruginosa. MBC assays in 20% human whole blood and a murine MDR P. aeruginosa pneumonia model both confirmed that delafloxacin activity was reduced under physiological conditions. Bicarbonate (HCO3−), a key component of host physiology found in RPMI+ but absent from CAMHB, dictated delafloxacin susceptibility in CAMHB and RPMI+ by impairing its intracellular accumulation.ConclusionsStandard in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing conditions overpredicted the effectiveness of delafloxacin against MDR pathogens by failing to capture the role of the biological buffer HCO3− to impair delafloxacin accumulation. This work showcases limitations of our current antibiotic susceptibility testing paradigm and highlights the importance of understanding host microenvironmental conditions that impact true clinical efficacy.
Comparison of clinical features and outcomes of patients with leiomyosarcoma of bone and soft tissue: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Zhang Liuzhe , Hirai Toshihide , Tsuda Yusuke , Ikegami Masachika , Tanaka Sakae 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background
Leiomyosarcoma commonly occurs in soft tissue but rarely in the bone. Whether leiomyosarcoma of bone and soft tissue have similar clinical characteristics and outcomes remains unknown.

Methods
This retrospective analysis was based on data from the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry in Japan. Patients with leiomyosarcoma of bone and soft tissue were enrolled. Overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the Cox regression model was used to identify the prognostic factors.

Results
A total of 888 patients (60 leiomyosarcoma of bone and 828 leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue) were included in the study. Clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups, except for younger age in leiomyosarcoma of bone than in leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue (median 56 years vs. 66 years, P &lt; 0.0001). To evaluate the prognostic factors and efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy, data of localized and locally curative cases were extracted (total 572: 33 leiomyosarcoma of bone and 539 leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue). The 5-year overall survival rates of leiomyosarcoma of bone and soft tissue patients were similar (63.8% vs. 75.2%, P = 0.43); the 5-year distant metastasis-free survival tended to be worse in leiomyosarcoma of bone than in leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue (37.4% vs. 57.9%, P = 0.28). Larger tumor size (≥5 cm) and older age (≥65 years) correlated with poor overall survival in leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy tended to prolong the overall survival of both leiomyosarcoma of bone (P = 0.11) and leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue patients with tumor size &gt;10 cm (P = 0.06).

Conclusions
The clinical characteristics and outcomes of leiomyosarcoma of bone and soft tissue patients were similar. In localized cases, adjuvant chemotherapy may improve the survival of leiomyosarcoma of bone and soft tissue patients with large-size tumor.
May 3, 2005—An Epiphany
Authors: McQuellon Richard P. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Nell describes a very disruptive, boundary-violating visit from a nurse caregiver who interrupted a visit from a dear friend. She had a helpful discussion with the hospice chaplain, who tells her of God’s promise: You will not be alone at the end. It greatly comforts her. Being homebound has increased her sense of isolation and fear that she will die alone. She is managing her physical symptoms (i.e., shortness of breath and pain) as her body deteriorates. The tasks of daily living such as eating and toileting now take much of her time. I want to be useful to her since I have accompanied others on this road and seen bad deaths unfold as the body deteriorates. I want to help Nell avoid a painful death. She begins our conversation by describing the relief she experiences at night in dreams where she does not feel trapped in her bed. I am delighted to hear of her dream travels and to learn that our meetings are a welcome distraction from the fear that accompanies the slow deterioration of her body. I’m pleased that even when the topic is mortality, our conversations can be healing and surprised she describes them as fun.
Epidemiological Principles
Authors: Vaughan J Patrick , Victora Cesar , R Chowdhury A Mushtaque 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This chapter reviews the basic epidemiological concepts and principles that are relevant for all primary health care workers. It describes patterns of disease frequency in populations and quantifies diseases, disability, and deaths with the use of health indicators. It measures causes and risk factors that influence disease frequency and the use of epidemiology in improving the effectiveness of health interventions in health services and public health programmes. Epidemiology is also essential for local health planning, management, and evaluation of these services at the district level.
Reporting and Surveillance Systems
Authors: Vaughan J Patrick , Victora Cesar , R Chowdhury A Mushtaque 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Routine health information and surveillance systems collect and report information from the peripheral health facilities to the local district headquarters. Data are collected and recorded when people visit health facilities and later analysed and communicated to the Ministry of Health and other organizations. Data can also be collected using qualitative methods and surveys. District staff should know how to analyse and produce reliable local information. The Ministry of Health or national statistics bureau is usually responsible for collating this information for the whole country. A check list for reporting local health information is included.
Epidemiology and Health Planning
Authors: Vaughan J Patrick , Victora Cesar , R Chowdhury A Mushtaque 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This chapter focuses on how local health teams can use epidemiology to help plan for health priorities and identify high-risk groups and to tackle inequalities. Using a systems approach epidemiology can help to strengthen primary health care and improve the delivery of district health services and programmes. These need to be delivered so people have high levels of access to high-quality services and programmes that also achieve high levels of population coverage.
ABC of Common Definitions and Terms
Authors: Vaughan J Patrick , Victora Cesar , R Chowdhury A Mushtaque 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The definitions given in this chapter are valid for this publication but different definitions may be used in other contexts. They are based mainly on A Dictionary of Epidemiology (6th edn), edited for the International Epidemiological Association by Miquel Porta and published by Oxford University Press (2014).
Human Rights Act 1998 (European Convention on Human Rights)
Authors: Smajdor Anna , Herring Jonathan , Wheeler Robert 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This chapter covers the Human Rights Act 1998 (European Convention on Human Rights) and includes topics on The Right to Protection from Torture, The Right to Life, Prohibition of slavery and forced labour, Right to liberty and security, Right to a Fair Trial, The Right Not to Suffer Punishment without Legal Authorisation, Right to respect for private and family life, The Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion, The Right to Freedom of Expression, The Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association, The Right to Marry, and The Right to Protection from Discrimination.
Factors associated with Pneumocystis colonization and circulating genotypes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute exacerbation or at stable state and their homes
Authors: Gantois Nausicaa , Lesaffre Aymerick , Durand-Joly Isabelle , Bautin Nathalie , Le Rouzic Olivier , Nseir Saad , Reboux Gabriel , Scherer Emeline , Aliouat El Moukhtar , Fry Stéphanie , Gosset Philippe , Fréalle Emilie 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization is frequent during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and patients constitute potential contributors to its interhuman circulation. However, the existence of an environmental reservoir cannot be excluded. We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with Pneumocystis colonization during COPD, and studied circulation between patients and their domestic environment. Pneumocystis molecular detection and mtLSU genotyping were performed in oro-pharyngeal washes (OPW) sampled in 58 patients with COPD acute exacerbation, and in indoor dust, sampled in patients’ homes using electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs). Lung and systemic inflammation was assessed. Pneumocystis carriage was evaluated in 28 patients after 18 months at stable state. Pneumocystis was detected in 11/58 OPWs during exacerbation (19.0%). Colonized patients presented a significantly lower body mass index, and higher serum IL-17 and CD62P. One patient presented positive detection of typable isolates in both OPW and EDC, with both isolates harboring mtLSU genotype 3. Pneumocystis genotype 1 was further detected in EDCs from three non-colonized patients and one colonized patient with non-typable isolate. Genotypes 1 and 2 were predominant in clinical isolates (both 42%), with genotype 3 representing 16% of isolates. Pneumocystis was detected in 3/28 patients at stable state (10.7%). These data suggest that Pneumocystis colonization could be facilitated by a lower BMI and be related to acute alteration of lung function during COPD exacerbation. It also suggests Th17 pathway and platelet activation could be involved in the anti-Pneumocystis response during colonization. Last, Pneumocystis detection in EDCs supports its potential persistence in indoor dust.

Lay Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients tend to be more frequently colonized by Pneumocystis during exacerbation (19.0%) than at stable state (10.7%). Factors associated with colonization include lower BMI, higher IL-17, and CD62P. Pneumocystis detection in patients’ dwellings suggests potential persistence in indoor dust.
A black hole detected in the young massive LMC cluster NGC 1850
Authors: Saracino S , Kamann S , Guarcello M G , Usher C , Bastian N , Cabrera-Ziri I , Gieles M , Dreizler S , Da Costa G S , Husser T-O , Hénault-Brunet V 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT
We report on the detection of a black hole (NGC 1850 BH1) in the ∼100-Myr-old massive cluster NGC 1850 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is in a binary system with a main-sequence turn-off star (4.9 ± 0.4 M⊙), which is starting to fill its Roche lobe and is becoming distorted. Using 17 epochs of Very Large Telescope/Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer observations, we detected radial velocity variations exceeding 300 km s−1 associated with the target star, linked to the ellipsoidal variations measured by the fourth phase of the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment in the optical bands. Under the assumption of a semidetached system, the simultaneous modelling of radial velocity and light curves constrains the orbital inclination of the binary to 38° ± 2°, resulting in a true mass of the unseen companion of $11.1_{-2.4}^{+2.1}\,{\rm M}_{\odot }$. This represents the first direct dynamical detection of a black hole in a young massive cluster, opening up the possibility of studying the initial mass function and the early dynamical evolution of such compact objects in high-density environments.