bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vergence/accommodative therapy for symptomatic convergence insufficiency in children: Time course of improvements in convergence function
Authors: Jenewein Erin C. , Cotter Susan , Roberts Tawna , Kulp Marjean , Mitchell G. Lynn , Jones‐Jordan Lisa A. , Chen Angela M. , Hopkins Kristine , Huang Kristine , Amster Deborah , Fecho Gregory , Tyler Julie , Meiyeppen Shivakhaami , Scheiman Mitchell ,   The Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial – Attention and Reading Trial (CITT‐ART) Investigator Group
Published: October 2022

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the time course of improvements in clinical convergence measures for children with symptomatic convergence insufficiency treated with office‐based vergence/accommodative therapy.MethodsWe evaluated convergence measures from 205, 9‐ to 14‐year‐old children with symptomatic convergence insufficiency randomised to office‐based vergence/accommodative therapy in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial – Attention and Reading Trial (CITT‐ART). Near‐point of convergence (NPC) and near‐positive fusional vergence (PFV) were measured at baseline and after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of therapy; mean change in NPC and PFV between these time points were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance. Rates of change in NPC and PFV from: (1) baseline to 4 weeks and (2) 4–16 weeks were calculated. For each time point, the proportion of participants to first meet the normal criterion for NPC (<6 cm), PFV blur (break if no blur; >15Δ and >2 times the exodeviation) and convergence composite (NPC and PFV both normal) were calculated.ResultsThe greatest change in NPC and PFV (7.6 cm and 12.7 Δ) and the fastest rate of improvement in NPC and PFV (1.9 cm/week and 3.2 Δ/week, respectively) were both found during the first 4 weeks of therapy, with both slowing over the subsequent 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of therapy, the NPC, PFV and convergence composite were normal in 93.2%, 91.7% and 87.8% of participants, respectively, and normalised with another 4 weeks of therapy in 4.4%, 2.0% and 4.4% of participants, respectively.ConclusionAlthough the greatest improvements in NPC and PFV occurred in the first 4 weeks of therapy, most participants had weekly improvements over the subsequent 12 weeks of treatment. While most children with convergence insufficiency obtained normal convergence following 12 weeks of therapy, an additional 4 weeks of vergence/accommodative therapy may be beneficial for some participants.
From prediction to decision: Optimizing long‐term care placements among older delayed discharge patients
Authors: Chuang Ya‐Tang , Zargoush Manaf , Ghazalbash Somayeh , Samiedaluie Saied , Kuluski Kerry , Guilcher Sara 
Published: October 2022

This study examines long‐term care (LTC) discharge planning among older delayed discharge patients. While awaiting placements in alternate care such as LTC, these patients occupy hospital beds despite not requiring an intensive level of care. This study proposes a novel discharge decision model based on the Markov decision process (MDP) framework, which incorporates predictions regarding the patients' health trajectory and the associated hospital costs. Our machine learning (ML)‐based predictive analytics allow for considering heterogeneous health transitions, hence personalized decision making, leading to valuable information for reducing hospital costs. We also develop data‐driven cost functions using patient characteristics to estimate the person‐level costs associated with the decisions in the optimization model, that is, whether or not to discharge a patient to LTC. The data analyses and cost estimations are based on large historical data collected over 13 years in Ontario, Canada. To solve the resulting high‐dimensional MDP models, we develop an index policy, where each patient's index value is calculated using their health complexity (comorbidity), sex, age, and acute length of stay in the hospital. Using extensive numerical experiments, we illustrate the superior performance of the proposed index policy against some benchmarking policies and demonstrate the significance of predictive information in optimizing discharge decisions. Our results also indicate that the value of predictive information increases with LTC bed availability and decreases with hospital capacity. We also demonstrate that with the anticipated exacerbating mismatch between supply and demand, targeted prediction‐driven discharge policies, such as the proposed index policy, become even more critical.
New insight into morphological and genetic diversity of Phlyctema vagabunda and Neofabraea kienholzii causing bull's eye rot on apple and pear
Authors: Neri Fiorella , Crucitti Dalila , Negrini Francesca , Pacifico Davide , Ceredi Gianni , Carimi Francesco , Lolas Mauricio A. , Collina Marina , Baraldi Elena 
Published: October 2022

AbstractFungi of genera Phlyctema and Neofabraea are the causal agents of bull's eye rot, a major postharvest disease of pome fruits. To investigate their morphological and genetic diversity, isolates obtained in Italy and Chile from decayed fruit and rainwater between 2014 and 2019 were grown on two agar media, inoculated onto four fruit cultivars and compared using four marker genes. Consistent intra‐ and interspecies phenotypic differences were recorded among isolates identified as P. vagabunda (two main morphotypes, PvM‐I and PvM‐II, were distinguished) and N. kienholzii. In particular, the Chilean isolates belonging to PvM‐I showed low sporulation in vitro, while isolates belonging to PvM‐II showed the most abundant sporulation and also formed conidiomata deep within fruit tissue. Host cultivar influenced the disease incidence in unwounded, inoculated fruit. Cripps Pink and Golden Delicious apples favoured the formation of P. vagabunda conidiomata and macroconidia, while Granny Smith apples and/or Kaiser pears restricted sporulation of some isolates of PvM‐I. Mycelial cords of P. vagabunda and N. kienholzii were consistently recorded in inoculated fruit, suggesting their possible involvement as a source of inoculum. Propagules of P. vagabunda were present in rainwater collected from apple plants from September to October in Italy. According to sequence analysis of ITS, EF‐1α, TUB2 and ACT1 regions of the fungi, 12 distinct sequence types were identified, three of which were characteristic of isolates from the Southern Hemisphere. The condensed maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic tree separated the 50 P. vagabunda isolates into six phylogroups, suggesting a correlation with their geographical distribution.
Plagiodera versicolora feeding induces systemic and sexually differential defense responses in poplars
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Zeng Yi , Yang Le , Li Menghan , Fu Mingyue , Zhang Sheng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDioecious plants have evolved effective defense strategies to deal with various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known regarding sexual differences in their defense against herbivores. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of systemic defense responses in male and female Populus cathayana attacked by Plagiodera versicolora Laicharting. The results revealed that P. cathayana exhibits sexually differential responses to a defoliator. The percentage of damaged leaf area was greater in males than in females. Furthermore, the observed saccharide changes imply that males and females exhibit different response times to defoliators. The contents of flavonoids and anthocyanins were significantly increased in both sexes but were higher in females. Specifically, the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway plays an important role. Expression of pest‐related genes further revealed that hormones induce changes in downstream genes and metabolites, and upregulation of JA ZIM‐domain (JAZ) and CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1 (COI1) was more significant in females. In the undamaged adjacent leaves, metabolite and gene changes displayed similar patterns to the damaged local leaves, but levels of JA, JAZ1, and COI1 were higher in females. Therefore, our data confirmed that plants initiate the JA pathway to defend against herbivores, that there is systematic signal transduction, and that this ability is stronger in females than in males. This study provides new insights into the resistance of dioecious plants to herbivory and adds a new theoretical basis for the systemic signal transduction of plants in response to biotic stress.
The vacuolar transporterLaMTP8.1 detoxifies manganese in leaves ofLupinus albus
Authors: Olt Philipp , Alejandro‐Martinez Santiago , Fermum Johann , Ramos Edith , Peiter Edgar , Ludewig Uwe 
Published: October 2022

AbstractManganese (Mn) is an essential microelement, but overaccumulation is harmful to many plant species. Most plants have similar minimal Mn requirements, but the tolerance to elevated Mn varies considerably. Mobilization of phosphate (P) by plant roots leads to increased Mn uptake, and shoot Mn levels have been reported to serve as an indicator for P mobilization efficiency in the presence of P deficiency. White lupin (Lupinus albusL.) mobilizes P and Mn with outstanding efficiency due to the formation of determinate cluster roots that release carboxylates. The high Mn tolerance ofL.albusgoes along with shoot Mn accumulation, but the molecular basis of this detoxification mechanism has been unknown. In this study, we identify LaMTP8.1 as the transporter mediating vacuolar sequestration of Mn in the shoot of white lupin. The function of Mn transport was demonstrated by yeast complementation analysis, in which LaMTP8.1 detoxified Mn inpmr1∆ mutant cells upon elevated Mn supply. In addition, LaMTP8.1 also functioned as an iron (Fe) transporter in yeast assays. The expression ofLaMTP8.1was particularly high in old leaves under high Mn stress. However, low P availability per se did not result in transcriptional upregulation ofLaMTP8.1. Moreover,LaMTP8.1expression was strongly upregulated under Fe deficiency, where it was accompanied by Mn accumulation, indicating a role in the interaction of these micronutrients inL.albus. In conclusion, the tonoplast‐localized Mn transporter LaMTP8.1 mediates Mn detoxification in leaf vacuoles, providing a mechanistic explanation for the high Mn accumulation and Mn tolerance in this species.
Promotion of physical activity after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation: A randomized control trial
Authors: Valeiro Beatriz , Rodríguez Esther , Pérez Paula , Gómez Alba , Mayer Ana Isabel , Pasarín Alejandro , Ibañez Jordi , Ferrer Jaume , Ramon Maria Antonia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePhysical activity worsens during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and notably after hospitalizations. Pedometer‐based interventions are useful to increase physical activity in stable patients with COPD. However, there is little information concerning the implementation of such programs following severe exacerbation. This study assessed the efficacy of a physical activity program after hospitalization for a COPD exacerbation.MethodsWe performed a prospective, 12‐week, parallel group, assessor‐blinded, randomized control trial in COPD patients hospitalized for an exacerbation. After discharge, physical activity and other secondary variables were assessed. Patients were allocated (1:1) to a physical activity promotion program (intervention group, IG) or usual care (control group, CG). Based on a motivational interview and accelerometer physical activity assessment, a patient‐tailored, pedometer‐based, progressive and target‐driven program was designed. Linear mixed effect models were used to analyse between‐group differences.ResultsForty‐six out of 61 patients recruited were randomized and 43 (IG = 20, CG = 23) completed the study. In‐hospital and baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. After 12 weeks of intervention, the mean steps difference between groups was 2093 steps/day, p = 0.018, 95% CI 376–4012, favouring the IG. Only the IG significantly increased the number of steps/day compared to baseline (mean difference [95% CI] 2932 [1069–4795] steps; p = 0.004). There were no other between‐group differences.ConclusionAfter hospitalization for a COPD exacerbation, a patient‐tailored physical activity program based on a motivational interview and the use of pedometers, with progressive and customized targets, improved the number of steps/day.
Equal opportunity and poverty reduction: How should aid be allocated?
Authors: Guillaumont Patrick , Nguyen‐Van Phu , Pham Thi Kim Cuong , Wagner Laurent 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis paper analyzes a model of aid allocation equalizing the opportunity between recipient countries to reach a common poverty reduction goal. We propose a fair and efficient aid allocation based on a multicriteria principle. The model considers structural handicaps in recipient countries in terms of lack of human capital and economic vulnerability, their initial poverty, and the natural gap between the growth rate required to reach a development goal and the observed one. We show that our proposed aid allocation favors poor and vulnerable countries with our multicriteria principle. It substantially differs from the observed allocation. Analyses also shed light on the impact of the donors' aversion to the low natural growth gap in recipient countries on the optimal aid allocation and the marginal efficiency of aid.
Clinical course of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and recovery in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Trindade Anil J. , Chapin Kaitlyn C. , Gannon Whitney D. , Hoy Haley , Demarest Caitlin T. , Lambright Eric S. , McPherson Katie A. , Norfolk Stephanie G. , Robbins Ivan M. , Bacchetta Matthew , Erasmus David B. , Shaver Ciara M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundReports on outcomes following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in lung transplant recipients remain limited.MethodsWe performed a single‐center, observational study of outcomes in lung transplant recipients diagnosed with SARS‐CoV‐2 between 5/1/2020 and 3/15/2022 that were followed for a median of 123 days. We analyzed changes in spirometry, acute lung allograft dysfunction (ALAD) incidence, hospitalization, mechanical ventilation needs, secondary infection, and survival.ResultsIn our cohort of 336 patients, 103 developed coronavirus disease (COVID) (27 pre‐Delta, 20 Delta, and 56 Omicron‐era). Twenty‐five patients (24%) required hospitalization and 10 patients ultimately died (10%). Among 85 survivors who completed ambulatory spirometry, COVID‐19 did not alter change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) or forced vital capacity (FVC) over time compared to the preceding 6 months. The pre‐COVID FEV1change was −0.05 ml/day (IQR −0.50 to 0.60) compared to −0.20 ml/day (IQR −1.40 to 0.70) post‐COVID (p = .16). The pre‐COVID change in FVC was 0.20 ml/day (IQR −0.60 to 0.70) compared to 0.05 ml/day (IQR −1.00 to 1.10) post‐COVID (p = .76). Although the cohort overall had stable lung function, 33 patients (39%) developed ALAD or accelerated chronic lung allograft dysfunction (FEV1decline >10% from pre‐COVID baseline). Nine patients (35%) with ALAD recovered lung function. Within 3 months of acute COVID infection, 18 patients (17%) developed secondary infections, the majority being bacterial pneumonia. Finally, vaccination with at least two doses of mRNA vaccine was not associated with improved outcomes.ConclusionsThis study describes the natural history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in a large cohort of lung transplant recipients. Although one third of patients develop ALAD requiring augmented immunosuppression, infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 is not associated with worsening lung function.image
Beyond compliance: Good citizenship during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Clarke Nick , Barnett Clive 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn the UK, discussion of good citizenship during the COVID‐19 pandemic largely focused on compliance and non‐compliance with government rules. In this paper, we offer an alternative point of focus. Pandemic governance proceeded not only through rules/morality, but also through freedom/ethics. Good citizenship, therefore, involved practical reasoning in response to situations. We demonstrate this using diaries and other forms of writing collected by Mass Observation during the first six months of the pandemic. Responses to government rules and guidance varied by situation. Many people found governance through freedom/ethics confusing and burdensome. Faced with ethical dilemmas, they managed risks and responsibilities by deliberating, weighing justifications, and sometimes falling back on rules of thumb or heuristics. Discussion of good citizenship during future emergencies would benefit from a greater focus on situations, dilemmas, and justifications.
A large cohort study of the effects of Lewis, ABO, 13 other blood groups, and secretor status on COVID‐19 susceptibility, severity, and long COVID‐19
Authors: Moslemi Camous , Sækmose Susanne , Larsen Rune , Brodersen Thorsten , Didriksen Maria , Hjalgrim Henrik , Banasik Karina , Nielsen Kaspar R. , Bruun Mie T. , Dowsett Joseph , Kasperen Kathrine A. , Mikkelsen Susan , Hansen Thomas F. , Ullum Henrik , Erikstrup Christian , Olsson Martin L. , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Pedersen Ole B. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have reported Blood type O to confer a lower risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, while secretor status and other blood groups have been suspected to have a similar effect as well.Study design and methodsTo determine whether any other blood groups influence testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2, COVID‐19 severity, or prolonged COVID‐19, we used a large cohort of 650,156 Danish blood donors with varying available data for secretor status and blood groups ABO, Rh, Colton, Duffy, Diego, Dombrock, Kell, Kidd, Knops, Lewis, Lutheran, MNS, P1PK, Vel, and Yt.Of these, 36,068 tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 whereas 614,088 tested negative between 2020‐02‐17 and 2021‐08‐04. Associations between infection and blood groups were assessed using logistic regression models with sex and age as covariates.ResultsThe Lewis blood group antigen Lea displayed strongly reduced SARS‐CoV‐2 susceptibility OR 0.85 CI[0.79–0.93] p < .001. Compared to blood type O, the blood types B, A, and AB were found more susceptible toward infection with ORs 1.1 CI[1.06–1.14] p < .001, 1.17 CI[1.14–1.2] p < .001, and 1.2 CI[1.14–1.26] p < .001, respectively. No susceptibility associations were found for the other 13 blood groups investigated. There was no association between any blood groups and COVID‐19 hospitalization or long COVID‐19. No secretor status associations were found.DiscussionThis study uncovers a new association to reduced SARS‐CoV‐2 susceptibility for Lewis type Lea and confirms the previous link to blood group O. The new association to Lea could be explained by a link between mucosal microbiome and SARS‐CoV‐2.
“My Life Sucks Right Now”: Student-Athletes’ Pandemic-Related Experiences With Screen Time and Mental Health
Authors: Camiré Martin , Sabourin Camille , Gladstone Martin Eden , Martin Laura , Lowe Nicolas 
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic, and associated stay-at-home orders, instigated far-reaching disturbances in the lives of student-athletes, which included school closures and sport cancellations. The purpose of the study was to examine first-hand student-athletes’ pandemic-related experiences with screen time and mental health. A total of 22 Canadian high school student-athletes were individually interviewed in 2021. Interviews occurred online via videoconferencing and were subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis, which led to the creation of three themes: (a) pandemic life is a major grind, (b) screen time during COVID times: I feel guilty, but what else can I do? and (c) mental health during COVID times: mostly pain, but there is a silver lining. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for research and practice as it pertains to formulating endemic initiatives best supporting the many student-athletes confronting the psychosocial aftereffects of having lived through a global pandemic.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to and utilisation of services for sexual and reproductive health: a scoping review
Authors: VanBenschoten Hannah , Kuganantham Hamsadvani , Larsson Elin C , Endler Margit , Thorson Anna , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Hanson Claudia , Ganatra Bela , Ali Moazzam , Cleeve Amanda 
Published: October 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted health systems globally and widened preexisting disparities. We conducted a scoping review on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and girls’ access to and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for contraception, abortion, gender-based and intimate partner violence (GBV/IPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).MethodsWe systematically searched peer reviewed literature and quantitative reports, published between December 2019 and July 2021, focused on women and girls’ (15–49 years old) access to and utilisation of selected SRH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included studies were grouped based on setting, SRH service area, study design, population and reported impact. Qualitative data were coded, organised thematically and grouped by major findings.ResultsWe included 83 of 3067 identified studies and found that access to contraception, in-person safe abortion services, in-person services for GBV/IPV and STI/HIV testing, prevention and treatment decreased. The geographical distribution of this body of research was uneven and significantly less representative of countries where COVID-19 restrictions were very strict. Access was limited by demand and supply side barriers including transportation disruptions, financial hardships, limited resources and legal restrictions. Few studies focused on marginalised groups with distinct SRH needs.ConclusionReports indicated negative impacts on access to and utilisation of SRH services globally, especially for marginalised populations during the pandemic. Our findings call for strengthening of health systems preparedness and resilience to safeguard global access to essential SRH services in ongoing and future emergencies.