bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection
Authors: Grippen Goddard Amanda , Bathla Girish , Petts Jennifer , Ballas Zuhair K. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
A 64-year-old white female presented with 4 years of episodic, productive cough, fevers, chills, night sweats, and weight loss. Over this period, she had documented recurrent Mycobacterium avium complex in the bronchiolar lavage and sputum despite taking antibiotics for 2 years. Result of extensive immune evaluation including genetic testing was negative. Physical examination revealed dentures covered in a gray film. Cultures taken from the dentures grew Mycobacterium avium complex. The patient's symptoms, inflammatory markers, and chest imaging significantly improved after removing the dentures. Additionally, the sputum cultures became negative. Biofilms are known to be detrimental to public health via colonization of medical devices or naturally occurring reservoirs in the human body. This case highlights important clinical points: the necessity of taking a thorough history and physical examination, considering dentures as foreign bodies, especially if pulmonary infections recur, and the difficulty of treating biofilms short of removing the reservoir.
Osteomyelitis and Hip Abscess Caused by Gardnerella vaginalis
Authors: Shah Niel Nitin , Nanjappa Sowmya , Greene John N. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) is a facultative anaerobic gram-variable pleomorphic rod most commonly associated with infection of the genital tract in women, especially bacterial vaginosis, but recognition of extravaginal G. vaginalis infection is becoming more frequent. We report a case of osteomyelitis hip abscess caused by G. vaginalis in a young female patient with a history of left hip Ewing sarcoma treated with surgical resection, chemotherapy, and hardware placement. We discuss previously reported cases of osteoarticular infections due to G. vaginalis in the medical literature and management of our unique case despite the lack of antimicrobial susceptibility for G. vaginalis.
Clostridium cadaveris Septic Arthritis After Total Right Hip Arthroplasty in an Immunocompetent Host
Authors: McKenzie Paula , Cuevas Jose , Sotello David , Fuhrmann Kristen , Winn Richard , Brindley George 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
An elderly woman underwent an uncomplicated right hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) in 2005 and returned 5 years later with cellulitis of the right hip. Treatment with oral antibiotics was initiated. Septic arthritis of the right hip joint was diagnosed ultimately, and she had surgical removal (explant) of the right hip prosthesis in 2011. Recurrent right hip infections ensued on several occasions with multiple antibiotic courses over the next 4 years. Although she had intermittent infections with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, she had consistent and persistent isolation of Clostridium cadaveris from the hip beginning in 2013. After prolonged surgical interventions and several courses of antibiotics, C. cadaveris was eradicated; she has undergone implantation for a second stage implant (total hip arthroplasty) of the affected hip and remains stable to date.
Approach to Management of Coccidioidomycosis in Patients Receiving Inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: Blair Janis E. , Wack Elizabeth E. , Mertz Lester E. , Galgiani John N. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFIs) have revolutionized the treatment for patients with a variety of inflammatory illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory diseases, and have improved the outcomes and quality of life for such patients. Endemic fungal infections, such as coccidioidomycosis, are observed to occur in persons who are treated with these agents and who live in the Coccidioides-endemic area with similar frequency as persons in the general, healthy public but with an increased likelihood of symptomatic infection and extrapulmonary dissemination. Because the control of coccidioidal infections requires the formation and maintenance of granuloma, it is not unexpected that TNFIs, which inhibit granuloma formation, seem to increase the risk of clinical disease. No guidelines exist to address the prevention and management of disease in patients whose treatment course with TNFIs is complicated by subclinical or clinical coccidioidal infection. Therefore, we reviewed the available medical literature and offer suggestions to the approach and treatment of patients with various forms of coccidioidomycosis before and during therapy with TNFIs.
Antiretroviral Drug Use in a Cross-Sectional Population Survey in Africa: NIMH Project Accept (HPTN 043)
Authors: Fogel Jessica M. , Clarke William , Kulich Michal , Piwowar-Manning Estelle , Breaud Autumn , Olson Matthew T. , Marzinke Mark A. , Laeyendecker Oliver , Fiamma Agnès , Donnell Deborah , Mbwambo Jessie K. K. , Richter Linda , Gray Glenda , Sweat Michael , Coates Thomas J. , Eshleman Susan H. 
Published: November 2016

Background:Antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment benefits the treated individual and can prevent HIV transmission. We assessed ARV drug use in a community-randomized trial that evaluated the impact of behavioral interventions on HIV incidence.Methods:Samples were collected in a cross-sectional survey after a 3-year intervention period. ARV drug testing was performed using samples from HIV-infected adults at 4 study sites (Zimbabwe; Tanzania; KwaZulu-Natal and Soweto, South Africa; survey period 2009–2011) using an assay that detects 20 ARV drugs (6 nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 3 nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and 9 protease inhibitors; maraviroc; raltegravir).Results:ARV drugs were detected in 2011 (27.4%) of 7347 samples; 88.1% had 1 nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors ± 1–2 nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. ARV drug detection was associated with sex (women>men), pregnancy, older age (>24 years), and study site (P< 0.0001 for all 4 variables). ARV drugs were also more frequently detected in adults who were widowed (P= 0.006) or unemployed (P= 0.02). ARV drug use was more frequent in intervention versus control communities early in the survey (P= 0.01), with a significant increase in control (P= 0.004) but not in intervention communities during the survey period. In KwaZulu-Natal, a 1% increase in ARV drug use was associated with a 0.14% absolute decrease in HIV incidence (P= 0.018).Conclusions:This study used an objective, biomedical approach to assess ARV drug use on a population level. This analysis identified factors associated with ARV drug use and provided information on ARV drug use over time. ARV drug use was associated with lower HIV incidence at 1 study site.
Elevated Markers of Vascular Remodeling and Arterial Stiffness Are Associated With Neurocognitive Function in Older HIV+ Adults on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Montoya Jessica L. , Iudicello Jennifer , Fazeli Pariya L. , Hong Suzi , Potter Michael , Ellis Ronald J. , Grant Igor , Letendre Scott L. , Moore David J. ,   the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) Group
Published: November 2016

Background:
HIV is associated with elevated markers of vascular remodeling that may contribute to arterial fibrosis and stiffening and changes in pulse pressure (PP). These changes may, in turn, deleteriously affect autoregulation of cerebral blood flow and neurocognitive function.

Methods:
To evaluate these mechanisms, we studied markers of vascular remodeling, PP, and neurocognitive function among older (≥50 years of age) HIV-infected (HIV+, n = 72) and HIV-seronegative (HIV−, n = 36) adults. Participants completed standardized neurobehavioral and neuromedical assessments. Neurocognitive functioning was evaluated using a well-validated comprehensive battery. Three plasma biomarkers of vascular remodeling (ie, angiopoietin 2, Tie-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF) were collected.

Results:
HIV+ and HIV− participants had similar levels of plasma angiopoietin 2 (P = 0.48), Tie-2 (P = 0.27), VEGF (P = 0.18), and PP (P = 0.98). In a multivariable regression model, HIV interacted with Tie-2 (β = 0.41, P < 0.01) and VEGF (β = −0.43, P = 0.01) on neurocognitive function, such that lower Tie-2 and higher VEGF values were associated with worse neurocognitive function for HIV+ participants. Greater Tie-2 values were associated with increased PP (r = 0.31, P < 0.01). In turn, PP demonstrated a quadratic association with neurocognitive function (β = −0.33, P = 0.01), such that lower and higher, relative to mean sample, PP values were associated with worse neurocognitive function.

Conclusions:
These findings indicate that vascular remodeling and altered cerebral blood flow autoregulation contribute to neurocognitive function. Furthermore, HIV moderates the association between vascular remodeling and neurocognitive function but not the association between PP and neurocognitive function.
Complete avian malaria parasite genomes reveal features associated with lineage specific evolution in birds and mammals
Authors: Böhme Ulrike , Otto Thomas D. , Cotton James , Steinbiss Sascha , Sanders Mandy , Oyola Samuel O. , Nicot Antoine , Gandon Sylvain , Patra Kailash P. , Herd Colin , Bushell Ellen , Modrzynska Katarzyna K. , Billker Oliver , Vinetz Joseph M. , Rivero Ana , Newbold Chris I. , Berriman Matthew 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAvian malaria parasites are prevalent around the world, and infect a wide diversity of bird species. Here we report the sequencing and analysis of high quality draft genome sequences for two avian malaria species,Plasmodium relictumandPlasmodium gallinaceum. We identify 50 genes that are specific to avian malaria, located in an otherwise conserved core of the genome that shares gene synteny with all other sequenced malaria genomes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the avian malaria species form an outgroup to the mammalianPlasmodiumspecies and using amino acid divergence between species, we estimate the avian and mammalian-infective lineages diverged in the order of 10 million years ago. Consistent with their phylogenetic position, we identify orthologs of genes that had previously appeared to be restricted to the clades of parasites containingP. falciparumandP. vivax- the species with the greatest impact on human health. From these orthologs, we explore differential diversifying selection across the genus and show that the avian lineage is remarkable in the extent to which invasion related genes are evolving. The subtelomeres of theP. relictumandP. gallinaceumgenomes contain several novel gene families, including an expandedsurfmultigene family. We also identify an expansion of reticulocyte binding protein homologs inP. relictumand within these proteins, we detect distinct regions that are specific to non-human primate, humans, rodent and avian hosts. For the first time in thePlasmodiumlineage we find evidence of transposable elements, including several hundred fragments of LTR-retrotransposons in both species and an apparently complete LTR-retrotransposon in the genome ofP. gallinaceum.
Synthetic hypermutation: gene-drug mutation rate synergy reveals a translesion synthesis mechanism
Authors: Segovia Romulo , Shen Yaoqing , Lujan Scott A. , Jones Steven , Stirling Peter C. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTGene-gene or gene-drug interactions are typically quantified using fitness as readout because the data is continuous and easily measured in high-throughput. However, to what extent fitness captures the range of other phenotypes that show synergistic effects is usually unknown. UsingSaccharomyces cerevisiae, and focusing on a matrix of DNA repair mutants and genotoxic drugs, we quantify 76 gene-drug interactions based on both mutation rate and fitness and find that these parameters are not necessarily overlapping. Independent of fitness defects we identified six cases of synthetic hypermutation, where the combined effect of the drug and mutant on mutation rate was greater than predicted. One example occurred when yeast lackingRAD1were exposed to cisplatin and we characterized this interaction using whole-genome sequencing. Our sequencing results indicate mutagenesis by cisplatin inrad1Δ cells appeared to depend almost entirely on interstrand crosslinks at GpCpN motifs. Interestingly, our data suggests that the 3’ base in these motifs templates the addition of the mutated base. This result differs from cisplatin mutation signatures in XPF-deficientC. elegansand supports a model in which translesion synthesis polymerases perform a slippage and realignment extension across from the damaged base. Accordingly, DNA polymerase ζ activity was essential for mutagenesis in cisplatin treatedrad1Δ cells. Together these data reveal the potential to gain new mechanistic insights from non-fitness measures of gene-drug interactions and extend the use of mutation accumulation and whole-genome sequencing analysis to define DNA repair mechanisms.
Decomposition of agricultural productivity growth in Africa
Authors: Mohamed Abdinur Ali , Rangkakulnuwat Poomthan , Paweenawat Sasiwimon Warunsiri 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to decompose total factor productivity (TFP) changes of the agriculture sector in ten African countries.

Design/methodology/approach
A fixed-effects estimation is applied to estimate the translog production function.

Findings
The study results are consistent with previous studies, indicating low TFP. Furthermore, of the TFP components, only technical change (TC) is positive. This study proposes that credit be made available to farmers in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Furthermore, agricultural development programs should be implemented in South Africa and Senegal to improve TFP in these countries.

Originality/value
This study measures the following TFP components for the African agriculture sector: TC, technical efficiency, and scale effects.
Determinants of portfolio equity flows to Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Osei-Assibey Eric , Adu Seth Obeng 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of portfolio equity flows to the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region over the period 1996-2010.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a sample of 14 SSA countries to estimate the baseline regression through employing the system generalized methods of moment dynamic panel estimation framework. To check the robustness of the estimation results, the study further analyses the data set using the random effects-generalized least squares (EGLS) estimator. The Random effects-generalized least squares estimator is also referred to a the Estimated Generalized least Squares (EGLS) estimator.FindingsThe paper finds a significant positive relationship between financial development and portfolio equity flows. Furthermore, while the study surprisingly finds trade openness to have a significant negative relationship, political stability is found to have a significant positive relationship with portfolio equity. To check for the robustness of these results, the authors further analyse the data set using the random EGLS estimator. The result of the EGLS estimator confirms that there is a robust positive relationship between financial development and portfolio equity flows to SSA. However, the results suggest that neither trade openness nor political stability is a robust determinant of portfolio equity flows to the sub-region.Practical implicationsPolicy measures should aim at enhancing financial sector development, political stability and rule of law. A transparent judicial system that enhances rule of law and deepens democratic governance in countries in the sub-region is critical, but even more critical is deepening the financial sector, given the important role financial development plays in portfolio equity flows as suggested by the findings. A range of measures and appropriate policy responses are therefore needed for countries that have to manage macroeconomic and financial stability risks to deepen the financial sector.Originality/valueMost studies on private capital flows to SSA have focussed on foreign direct investment flows with no or scanty evidence on the drivers of portfolio equity flows. This study fills this gap in the literature.
A spatio-temporal analysis of non-farm enterprise performance in Uganda: 2010-2012
Authors: Owoo Nkechi Srodah 
Published: November 2016

PurposeRecent research into enterprise performance has focussed on the importance of firm proximity to total productivity. Using spatial correlation of firm performance as a proxy for knowledge transfers and diffusion, the purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence for these spatial effects in non-farm enterprise performance in Uganda, across space and time.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses data from the geo-referenced Uganda National Panel Survey from 2010 to 2012, and employs explicit spatial techniques in the analysis of rural non-farm enterprise performance. Spatial autocorrelation of firm performance are used as proxies for knowledge transfers and information flows among enterprises across space and over time.FindingsThe study finds evidence of spatial spillover effects across space and time in Uganda. This implies that, as existing studies of developed countries have found, social infrastructure and firm proximity contribute significantly to the performance of rural economies, through information exchange and knowledge transfers.Practical implicationsGiven the communal nature of rural households in the African setting, knowledge exchange and transfers among neighbouring firms should be encouraged as studies have found they have strong effects on business performance. Additionally, business “leaders” could also be useful in disseminating useful new technologies and applications to neighbouring enterprises in order to boost performance and productivity.Social implicationsThere should be better targeting of policy interventions to clusters of particularly needy enterprises.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first time that spatio-temporal effects of business performance have been explored. While spatial analyses of business performance have been carried out in developed countries, studies using explicit spatial techniques in the developing country setting have been conspicuously absent.
Double-sided moral hazard, information screening and the optimal contract
Authors: Xue Jin , Fei Yiwen 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
In the practice of venture capital investment, the venture capital will not only claim the share of the enterprise’s future output, but also a certain amount of fixed income. The purpose of this paper is to examine the optimal contract which blends the variable ownership income and the fixed income theoretically so as to provide a keen insight into the venture capital practice.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper establishes an extended principal-agent model and researches on the design of optimal contract dominated by venture capital with double-sided moral hazard and information screening.

Findings
By establishing theoretical models, the main findings are: first, high-quality enterprise tends to relinquish less ownership but give more fixed return to the venture capital as compensation in order to obtain the venture capital financing; second, low-quality enterprise is willing to relinquish more ownership but give less fixed return to the venture capital for financing; third, due to the existence of double-sided moral hazard, neither of the venture capital and the enterprise will exert their best effort.

Originality/value
This paper furthers the application of principal-agent model in the field of venture capital investment and researches on the optimal contract, considering double-sided moral hazard and adverse selection at the same time originally.
Securitization of longevity risk – survivor swap perspective
Authors: Zou Xiaopeng , Ye Zihan , Zhang Qiuzi 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a clear path to securitize the longevity risk with two distinct swaps in order to inspire a new Chinese life market.

Design/methodology/approach
Studies on longevity risk securitization consist of three aspects, respectively, instrument design, pricing methodology and mortality projection. The swaps designed are referenced, respectively, to vanilla and complex survivor swaps (Dowd et al., 2006; Lin and Cox, 2005). Methods applied are RHH model and Gompertz law for mortality projection, as well as two-factor Wang transformation for pricing.

Findings
This paper figures out the market price of risk in Chinese annuity market, checks for the sensitivity of the price to parameters and tests the hedging effects by Monte Carlo simulation.

Originality/value
Based on the theoretical and numerical results, this paper suggests an effective way to possibly witness the birth of New Life Market in China.
Crop‐dominated landscapes have higher vector‐borne plant virus prevalence
Authors: Claflin Suzi B. , Jones Laura E. , Thaler Jennifer S. , Power Alison G. 
Published: November 2016

Summary

Landscape composition affects local arthropod biodiversity, including herbivorous insects and their predators, yet to date landscape effects on insect‐vectored plant diseases have received little attention. Here, we examine how landscape composition affects the prevalence of a viral pathogen in host plants, and the role the arthropod vector assemblage plays in mediating landscape effects.

We measured the effect of landscape composition (measured as percentage of cropland and unmanaged land) on the plant virus Potato virus Y (PVY), its aphid vectors, and their coccinellid predators during the 2012 and 2013 field seasons at 19–21 farms.

In both years, we found a positive relationship between final virus prevalence and percentage of cropland within 500, 1000 and 1500 m surrounding study sites. Percentage of cropland also had a significant negative effect on aphid species richness, and the aphid community composition in turn affected PVY prevalence. By contrast, landscape composition had no measurable effect on coccinellid abundance or species richness in this study.

Synthesis and applications. Our work demonstrates that landscape composition plays an important role in vector‐borne pathogen spread, and that pathogen spread appears to be mediated by the effects of the landscape on the insect vector community. The small spatial scale (≤1500 m) of the effects seen in our study indicates that on‐farm management practices have the potential to reduce virus prevalence on small‐scale farms. Farmers may be able to reduce Potato virus Y prevalence by on‐farm diversification, by isolating potato fields from other agricultural crops, and by not using saved potato seed.