bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A ‘COVID Compass’ for navigating the pandemic
Authors: Oliver Brant J , Schmidt Peter , Tomlin Stephanie , Kraft Sally A , Fisher Elliott , Nelson Eugene C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The greatest challenge confronting political, public health, business, education and social welfare leaders in the COVID pandemic era is to restore the economy, businesses and schools without further risking public health. The ‘COVID Compass’ project aims to provide helpful information to guide local decisions by tracking state and local policies over time and their impact on a balanced set of outcomes—health metrics, economic trends and social hardship indicators.

Methods
We selected a parsimonious set of ‘local level’ health, economic and hardship outcomes and linked them to ‘local level’ actions aimed to decrease COVID-19 health effects and to mitigate hardship for people, businesses and the economy. Data trends will be released frequently (e.g. weekly and monthly) to show changes in health economic and social hardship ‘outcomes’ (based on quantitative data), alongside policy, health care, public health and individual/social ‘actions’ (based on both qualitative and quantitative data).

Results
Work on initial analytic and visualization prototypes of the COVID Compass is currently in progress at national, state and local levels.

Conclusion
Building a national, regional and local integrated database platform that captures upstream policies, actions and behaviors and links them to downstream health, economic and social hardship outcomes will offer a more comprehensive view of the data necessary for decision-makers and citizens to more effectively and intelligently monitor and mitigate harms caused by the pandemic.
The WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and Unilateralism of Special Economic Zones
Authors: Shadikhodjaev Sherzod 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Many governmental incentives unilaterally offered in special economic zones affect competition in international markets and thus fall within the scope of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. Until very recently, products made in such zones could face countervailing duty investigations abroad on a charge of improper subsidization. In 2019, the World Trade Organization issued its first ruling focusing on the legality of certain special economic zone subsidies. In particular, the panel in India—Export Related Measures found fiscal preferences under an Indian scheme to be prohibited export subsidies. This article examines the status of special economic zone incentives under the multilateral subsidy regime, discusses the relevant anti-subsidy practice, and identifies ‘risky’ and ‘safe’ types of support measures that constitute unilateralism of zones in promoting economic activities.
Addressing Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Individuals With Cancer: An Integrative Review and Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Balneaves Lynda G , Watling Cody Z , Hayward Emilie N , Ross Brenda , Taylor-Brown Jill , Porcino Antony , Truant Tracy L O 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common among individuals with cancer, but many choose not to discuss CAM with health-care providers (HCPs). Moreover, there is variability in the provision of evidence-informed decision making about CAM use. A clinical practice guideline was developed to standardize how oncology HCPs address CAM use as well as to inform how individuals with cancer can be supported in making evidence-informed decisions about CAM. An integrative review of the literature, from inception to December 31, 2018, was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and AMED databases. Eligible articles included oncology HCPs’ practice related to discussing, assessing, documenting, providing decision support, or offering information about CAM. Two authors independently searched the literature, and selected articles were summarized. Recommendations for clinical practice were formulated from the appraised evidence and clinical experiences of the research team. An expert panel reviewed the guideline for usability and appropriateness and recommendations were finalized. The majority of the 30 studies eligible for inclusion were either observational or qualitative, with only 3 being reviews and 3 being experimental. From the literature, 7 practice recommendations were formulated for oncology HCPs regarding how to address CAM use by individuals with cancer, including communicating, assessing, educating, decision coaching, documenting, active monitoring, and adverse event reporting. It is imperative for safe and comprehensive care that oncology HCPs address CAM use as part of standard practice. This clinical practice guideline offers directions on how to support evidence-informed decision making about CAM among individuals with cancer.
An unusual presentation of acute abdomen: infarcted peritoneal cyst-a probable asbestos-related benign cystic mesothelioma
Authors: Muralidhar Venkiteswaran 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
This is a report of a rare case of an infarcted pelvic intra-abdominal cyst, having no mesenteric connection presenting as an acute abdomen. The patient had significant asbestos exposure. The cyst was treated successfully by surgical excision. Histopathology showed an infarcted cyst; the lining was destroyed, precluding marker studies. A diagnosis of benign cystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BCPM) was made by excluding other causes of solitary pelvic intra-abdominal cysts. BCPM has been classified as an asbestos-related neoplasm and is usually seen in the pelvis adjunct to the urinary bladder. One-year post-surgery, there was no recurrence. The case report shows that infarcted pelvic mesothelial cysts can present as an acute abdomen and can be treated successfully by total excision with no recurrence.
Laparoscopic trans-cystic common bile duct exploration and treatment of choledocholithiasis in a patient with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after gastrectomy: report of an emergency case
Authors: Giacometti Marco , Battafarano Francesco , Geraci Orazio , Zonta Sandro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We present the case of choledocholithiasis with purulent cholangitis treated with laparoscopic approach in a patient with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy. After cholangiography, the common bile duct was explored with trans-cystic choledochoscopy and the retained stone extracted under direct vision.
Mutation in Arabidopsis β-cyanoalanine synthase overcomes NADPH oxidase action in response to pathogens
Authors: Arenas-Alfonseca Lucía , Gotor Cecilia , Romero Luis C , García Irene 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Plant responses to pathogens comprise a complex process, implying a plethora of signals and reactions. Among them, endogenous production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) has been shown to induce resistance in Arabidopsis to the hemibiotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000. β-cyanoalanine synthase (CAS-C1) is responsible for the detoxification of HCN in Arabidopsis mitochondria. Here, we show that green fluorescent protein-tagged CAS-C1 is transiently reduced in leaves infected with an avirulent strain of Pst during early interactions and increased in leaves infected with a virulent strain of Pst, supporting previous transcriptional data. Genetic crosses show that mutation in CAS-C1 in Arabidopsis resembles the action of the NADPH oxidase RbohD independently of reactive oxygen species production and that the accumulation of salicylic acid is required for HCN-stimulated resistance to Pst. Finally, we show that the cas-c1 mutation acts on the salicylic acid-dependent response to pathogens by mechanisms other than protein ubiquitination or the increase of monomerization and entry to the nucleus of NPR1, the central regulator of the salicylic acid-mediated response. Considering these results, we propose new mechanisms for modulation of the immune response by HCN.
Interleukin-6 and Serum/Fecal Calprotectin as Useful Specific Markers for Monitoring Rheumatic Diseases: A Pilot Study
Authors: Scapaticci Margherita , Bartolini Andrea , Biscaro Marta , Biscaro Renzo , Da Rin Giorgio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
Some conventional laboratory tests are routinely used for the prediction of systemic autoimmune disease activity, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP); however, they can give false-negative results, pointing out the need to identify more specific markers.

Methods
We evaluated biomarkers in 21 Italian patients naïve to treatment with a diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic disease according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Classification Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis during 6 months of therapeutic treatments.

Results
We found a significant difference in interleukin-6 (IL-6), CRP, ESR, platelet count, and fecal calprotectin in diagnosed patients compared with healthy participants and a significant decrease in these values during follow-up, except for IL-6 and platelet count.

Conclusion
We found that CRP, ESR, and fecal calprotectin seemed to be related to autoimmune rheumatic disorders and to be associated with therapy, whereas serum calprotectin and IL-6 did not seem to be associated with disease improvement after the start of treatment, along with leukocyte count and platelet count.
High prevalence of Cryptococcal antigenemia using a finger-prick lateral flow assay in individuals with advanced HIV disease in Santarém Municipality, Brazilian Amazon Basin
Authors: Assy João Guilherme Pontes Lima , Said Renato do Carmo , Pinheiro Olivia Campos , Brandão Alisson dos Santos , Boulware David R , França Francisco Oscar de Siqueira , Vidal José Ernesto 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
There is scarce information about HIV-related cryptococcosis in the Brazilian Amazon basin where laboratory infrastructure is limited. The serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA) has simplified diagnosis of cryptococcosis and is recommended for screening in advanced HIV disease. We evaluated the prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia using finger-prick CrAg LFA in the Brazilian Amazon basin. We enrolled a prospective cohort of outpatients and hospitalized individuals with advanced HIV disease at two centers in Santarém Municipality, Northern Brazil. All individuals were &gt; 18 years old with advanced HIV disease, regardless of antiretroviral therapy (ART) status and with no prior or current history of confirmed cryptococcal meningitis. We tested CrAg LFA on finger-prick whole blood using an exact volume transfer pipette. From August 2018 to October 2019, 104 individuals were enrolled (outpatients 62 [60%] and hospitalized 42 [40%]). Median age was 38 years (interquartile range [IQR] 30–46), and 84 (81%) were male. Sixty-five (63%) individuals were ART-naïve. Prevalence of finger-prick CrAg LFA-positive was 10.6%; 95% CI, 5.4 to 18.1%. Prevalence of finger-prick CrAg LFA-positive among individuals without neurological symptoms was 6.0%; 95% CI, 1.7–14.6%. The number needed to test to detect one CrAg-positive individual was 9.4 persons (95% CI, 5.5–18.5). Prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia using finger-prick whole blood CrAg LFA was high. Point-of-care approach was important for the diagnosis and screening of cryptococcosis in resource-limited settings. Screening and preemptive therapy strategy should be urgently implemented in individuals with advanced HIV disease in the Brazilian Amazon basin.
Blandford–Znajek jets in galaxy formation simulations: method and implementation
Authors: Talbot Rosie Y , Bourne Martin A , Sijacki Debora 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Jets launched by active galactic nuclei (AGN) are believed to play a significant role in shaping the properties of galaxies and provide an energetically viable mechanism through which galaxies can become quenched. Here, we present a novel AGN feedback model, which we have incorporated into the arepo code, that evolves the black hole mass and spin as the accretion flow proceeds through a thin α-disc that we self-consistently couple to a Blandford–Znajek jet. We apply our model to the central region of a typical radio-loud Seyfert galaxy embedded in a hot circumgalactic medium (CGM). We find that jets launched into high-pressure environments thermalize efficiently due to the formation of recollimation shocks and the vigorous instabilities that these shocks excite increase the efficiency of the mixing of CGM and jet material. The beams of more overpressured jets, however, are not as readily disrupted by instabilities so the majority of the momentum flux at the jet base is retained out to the head, where the jet terminates in a reverse shock. All jets entrain a significant amount of cold circumnuclear disc material that, while energetically insignificant, dominates the lobe mass together with the hot, entrained CGM material. The jet power evolves significantly due to effective self-regulation by the black hole, fed by secularly driven, intermittent mass flows. The direction of jets launched directly into the circumnuclear disc changes considerably due to effective Bardeen–Petterson torquing. Interestingly, these jets obliterate the innermost regions of the disc and drive large-scale, multiphase, turbulent, bipolar outflows.
A purine loop and the primer binding site are critical for the selective encapsidation of mouse mammary tumor virus genomic RNA by Pr77Gag
Authors: Chameettachal Akhil , Vivet-Boudou Valérie , Pitchai Fathima Nuzra Nagoor , Pillai Vineeta N , Ali Lizna Mohamed , Krishnan Anjana , Bernacchi Serena , Mustafa Farah , Marquet Roland , Rizvi Tahir A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Retroviral RNA genome (gRNA) harbors cis-acting sequences that facilitate its specific packaging from a pool of other viral and cellular RNAs by binding with high-affinity to the viral Gag protein during virus assembly. However, the molecular intricacies involved during selective gRNA packaging are poorly understood. Binding and footprinting assays on mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) gRNA with purified Pr77Gag along with in cell gRNA packaging study identified two Pr77Gag binding sites constituting critical, non-redundant packaging signals. These included: a purine loop in a bifurcated stem-loop containing the gRNA dimerization initiation site, and the primer binding site (PBS). Despite these sites being present on both unspliced and spliced RNAs, Pr77Gag specifically bound to unspliced RNA, since only that could adopt the native bifurcated stem–loop structure containing looped purines. These results map minimum structural elements required to initiate MMTV gRNA packaging, distinguishing features that are conserved amongst divergent retroviruses from those perhaps unique to MMTV. Unlike purine-rich motifs frequently associated with packaging signals, direct involvement of PBS in gRNA packaging has not been documented in retroviruses. These results enhance our understanding of retroviral gRNA packaging/assembly, making it not only a target for novel therapeutic interventions, but also development of safer gene therapy vectors.
A ribonuclease III involved in virulence of Mucorales fungi has evolved to cut exclusively single-stranded RNA
Authors: Cánovas-Márquez José Tomás , Falk Sebastian , Nicolás Francisco E , Padmanabhan Subramanian , Zapata-Pérez Rubén , Sánchez-Ferrer Álvaro , Navarro Eusebio , Garre Victoriano 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Members of the ribonuclease III (RNase III) family regulate gene expression by processing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). This family includes eukaryotic Dicer and Drosha enzymes that generate small dsRNAs in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. The fungus Mucor lusitanicus, which causes the deadly infection mucormycosis, has a complex RNAi system encompassing a non-canonical RNAi pathway (NCRIP) that regulates virulence by degrading specific mRNAs. In this pathway, Dicer function is replaced by R3B2, an atypical class I RNase III, and small single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) are produced instead of small dsRNA as Dicer-dependent RNAi pathways. Here, we show that R3B2 forms a homodimer that binds to ssRNA and dsRNA molecules, but exclusively cuts ssRNA, in contrast to all known RNase III. The dsRNA cleavage inability stems from its unusual RNase III domain (RIIID) because its replacement by a canonical RIIID allows dsRNA processing. A crystal structure of R3B2 RIIID resembles canonical RIIIDs, despite the low sequence conservation. However, the groove that accommodates dsRNA in canonical RNases III is narrower in the R3B2 homodimer, suggesting that this feature could be responsible for the cleavage specificity for ssRNA. Conservation of this activity in R3B2 proteins from other mucormycosis-causing Mucorales fungi indicates an early evolutionary acquisition.
Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Vertebral Body Endplate Low Back Pain: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Michalik Adam , Conger Aaron , Smuck Matthew , Maus Timothy P , McCormick Zachary L 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRecently, basivertebral nerve (BVN) radiofrequency ablation has been developed for the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) thought to arise from the vertebral body endplates (VEPs). This review describes the relevant neuroanatomy and pathobiology of VEP degeneration and injury, imaging correlates of presumed VEP pain, randomized controlled trials performed, appropriate patient selection, and safety. Anatomic, histological, and clinical evidence supports the concept of the VEP as a source of CLBP and the nociceptive role of the BVN. BVN radiofrequency ablation appears to be an effective treatment for a subset of patients with CLBP and evidence of Modic change types 1 and 2 in the L3 to S1 VEPs who have failed to respond to conservative treatment. However, all studies performed to date have been industry sponsored, and future non–industry-funded trials will be needed to confirm these results.
Quantum Gravity and Mereology: Not So Simple
Authors: Baron Sam , Le Bihan Baptiste 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA number of philosophers have argued in favour of extended simples on the grounds that they are needed by fundamental physics. The arguments typically appeal to theories of quantum gravity. To date, the argument in favour of extended simples has ignored the fact that the very existence of spacetime is put under pressure by quantum gravity. We thus consider the case for extended simples in the context of different views on the existence of spacetime. We show that the case for extended simples based on physics is far more complex than has been previously thought. We present and then map this complexity, in order to present a much more textured picture of the argument for extended simples.
Exposure to mosquito coil and biomass fuel smoke and respiratory health in rural Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Rao Sudha Ramachandra , Chitra Grace A , Elavarasu G , Kamaraj P , Kaliaperumal Kanagasabai , Kaur Prabhdeep 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Mosquito coil smoke, along with biomass fuel smoke, are sources of indoor air pollution. Biomass fuel smoke has been studied as a risk factor for poor respiratory outcomes. However, in an Indian context, few studies examine the effect of mosquito coil exposure on poor respiratory outcomes at the community level.

Objectives
To estimate the prevalence of the biomass fuel and mosquito coil use and to determine the association between the use of bio-mass fuel and mosquito coil and poor respiratory health.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of 4662 individuals (above the age of 30 years) was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire. Trained interviewers collected data on current and past use of biomass fuels and mosquito coils, usage practices and respiratory health. We computed proportions for exposure variables namely biomass fuel, mosquito coil use and other covariates. We conducted univariate analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results
The prevalence of ever use of biomass fuels was high (wood: 97.9%; cow dung cake: 76.0% and crop residue: 54.4%). Current use of wood, cow dung cake and crop residue was prevalent among 75.7, 24.3 and 30.9% respondents, respectively. Almost 70% of respondents had ever used mosquito coils, whereas 54% were current users. Overall, 5.5% respondents had poor respiratory health either due to chronic bronchitis or asthma. In multivariate analysis, use of combination of all three biomass fuel types (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–2.54) and use of mosquito coil more than or equal to 5 days per week (AOR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.04–1.99) were associated with poor respiratory health after adjusting for covariates age, gender, smoking, kitchen type and for each other.

Conclusions
Use of biomass fuels and mosquito coils was high in the study population and was associated with poor respiratory health. Therefore, mosquito coil smoke should also be considered an important source of indoor air pollution, similar to biomass fuel exposure. Community education about these sources of indoor air pollution and increased coverage of cleaner fuels and alternative mosquito control methods should be the way forward in the rural areas.
Forced vital capacity predicts the survival of interstitial lung disease in anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis: a multi-centre cohort study
Authors: Wu Wanlong , Xu Wenwen , Sun Wenjia , Zhang Danting , Zhao Jiangfeng , Luo Qun , Wang Xiaodong , Zhu Feng , Zheng Yu , Xue Yu , Wan Weiguo , Wu Huaxiang , Han Qian , Ye Shuang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) positive DM is a life-threatening disease often complicated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). This study aimed to establish and validate a clinical prediction model for 6-month all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with anti-MDA5 positive DM-ILD.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study using a single-centre derivation cohort and a multicentre validation cohort. Hospitalized DM patients with positive anti-MDA5 antibody and ILD course ≤3 months on admission were included. Patients’ baseline characteristics were described and compared between the deceased and survivors by univariable Cox regression. Optimal cut-off values were defined by the ‘survminer’ R package for significant continuous variables. Independent prognostic factors were determined by the final multivariable Cox regression model chosen by backward stepwise algorithm, which could be reproduced in both cohorts. The Kaplan–Meier survival analyses based on the derived predictor were conducted.

Results
A total of 184 and 81 eligible patients were included with a cumulative 40.8 and 40.7% 6-month mortality in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Based on multivariable Cox regression, the prognostic factor at baseline was identified and validated as three-category forced vital capacity (FVC)%: FVC% ≥50%, FVC% &lt;50%, unable to perform. This significantly distinguishes three risk stages with mortalities of 15.3, 46.8, 97.4% in the derivation cohort, and 14.9, 58.3, 86.4 in the validation cohort, respectively (all P &lt;0.05).

Conclusion
The validated FVC%-based categorical predictor in anti-MDA5 positive DM-ILD is helpful for risk stratification in clinical practice and might facilitate cohort enrichment for future trials.
Recognizing the importance of whistleblowers in healthcare
Authors: O'Neill Nicolle 
Published: March 2021

Abstract:
Healthcare professionals who raise concerns about workplace safety or other problems should be praised as heroes and changemakers. However, some whistleblowers face retaliation for speaking out, and the incidence of retaliation cases against these employees has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article reflects on the role of whistleblowers and their importance to public accountability.