bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microcirculatory changes in the liver of patients with refractory ascites and their relationship with diabetes and alcohol
Authors: Elkrief Laure , Buyse Sophie , Panhard Xavière , Baudry Clotilde , Gault Nathalie , Moreau Richard , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel , Belghiti Jacques , Durand François , Bedossa Pierre , Paradis Valérie , Valla Dominique 
Published: November 2020

Objectives
The determinants of refractory ascites have not been fully characterized. The aims of this study were to assess liver histopathological alterations associated with refractory ascites and their relationship with comorbidities.

Methods
Consecutive patients with cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation were retrospectively included. Patients’ characteristics at the time of listing were analysed. The native livers were reviewed and lesions associated with refractory ascites were examined.

Results
Out of the 89 patients included, 30 had refractory ascites and 59 did not (including 35 without ascites and 24 with diuretic-sensitive ascites). Patients with and without refractory ascites had a similar amount of fibrous tissue and features of fatty liver disease. By contrast, microvascular changes, namely sinusoidal dilatation (P < 0.001), diffuse perisinusoidal fibrosis (P = 0.001), hepatic venous thromboses (P = 0.004) and vascular proliferation (P = 0.01) were more frequently observed in the livers of patients with refractory ascites. Diabetes (57% vs. 31%, P = 0.02) and alcohol as a causal factor for cirrhosis (80% vs. 42%, P = 0.001) were more frequent in patients with refractory ascites than in those without. By multivariate analysis, refractory ascites was independently associated with diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, CI) 6.15 (1.47–25.71); P = 0.01], alcohol as a causal factor for cirrhosis [OR (95% CI) 4.63 (1.07–20.02); P = 0.04], higher Model For End Stage Liver Diseases [OR (95% CI) 1.21 (1.05–1.38); P = 0.008] and lower serum sodium [OR (95% CI) 0.87 (0.78–0.98); P = 0.03].

Conclusion
Liver microcirculatory changes are associated with refractory ascites. Diabetes and alcohol may explain refractory ascites by causing microangiopathy.
Racial Differences in the Cesarean Section Rates Among Women Veterans Using Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care
Authors: Mattocks Kristin M. , Kroll-Desrosiers Aimee , Kinney Rebecca , Bastian Lori A. , Bean-Mayberry Bevanne , Goldstein Karen M. , Shivakumar Geetha , Copeland Laurel 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality remain a pressing public health problem. Variations in cesarean section (C-section) rates among racial and ethnic groups have been well documented, though reasons for these variations remain unknown. In the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), nearly half of all women Veterans are of reproductive age and >40% of these women are racial and ethnic minorities. Because the VA does not provide obstetrical services, all obstetrical care is provided by community obstetrical providers under the auspices of the VA Community Care Network. However, little is known regarding the rates and correlates of C-sections among women Veterans receiving community obstetrical care.

Objective:
To examine predictors of C-section deliveries among a cohort of racially diverse pregnant Veterans enrolled in VA care at 15 VA medical facilities nationwide.

Research Design:
Cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal, prospective, multisite, observational cohort study of pregnant, and postpartum Veterans receiving community-based obstetrical care.

Results:
Overall, 659 Veterans delivered babies during the study period, and 35% of the deliveries were C-sections. Predictors of C-section receipt included being a woman of color [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–2.60], having an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥10 (AOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.11–2.65), having a higher body mass indexes (AOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04–1.11), and women who were older (AOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.13). There was a substantial racial variation in C-section rates across our 15 study sites, with C-section rates meeting or exceeding 50% for WOC in 8 study sites.

Conclusions:
There is substantial racial and geographic variation in C-section rates among pregnant Veterans receiving obstetrical care through VA community care providers. Future research should carefully examine variations in C-sections by the hospital, and which providers and hospitals are included in VA contracts. There should also be an increased focus on the types of providers women Veterans have access to for obstetrical care paid for by the VA and the quality of care delivered by those providers.
Increased pain sensitivity and pain-related anxiety in individuals with autism
Authors: Failla Michelle D. , Gerdes Madison B. , Williams Zachary J. , Moore David J. , Cascio Carissa J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction:
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit differences in pain responsivity. This altered responsivity could be related to ASD-related social communication difficulties, sensory differences, or altered processing of pain stimuli. Previous neuroimaging work suggests altered pain evaluation could contribute to pain-related anxiety in ASD.

Objectives:
We hypothesized that individuals with ASD would report increased pain sensitivity and endorse more pain-related anxiety, compared to typically developing controls.

Methods:
We recruited 43 adults (ASD, n = 24; typically developing, n = 19) for 3 heat pain tasks (applied to the calf). We measured heat pain thresholds using a method of limits approach, a pain-rating curve (7 temperatures between 40 and 48°C, 5 seconds, 5 trials each), and a sustained heat pain task with alternating low (42°C) and high (46°C) temperatures (21 seconds, 6 trials each). Individual differences in pain-related anxiety, fear of pain, situational pain catastrophizing, depressive symptoms, and autism-related social communication were assessed by self-report.

Results:
There were no group differences in pain thresholds. For suprathreshold tasks, mean pain ratings were higher in ASD across both the pain-rating curve and the sustained heat pain tasks, but responses in the ASD group were more varied. Pain anxiety (PASS-Total) and pain-related fear (FOP-III-Total) were higher in the ASD group and were positively associated with pain ratings.

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that both sensory and cognitive experiences of pain are heightened and interact reciprocally in adults with ASD. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of pain-related anxiety on treatment-seeking and pain behaviors, given higher levels of pain-related anxiety in ASD.
Identification of Patient Characteristics Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Outcome in Kidney Transplant Patients Using Serological Screening
Authors: Willicombe Michelle , Gleeson Sarah , Clarke Candice , Dor Frank , Prendecki Maria , Lightstone Liz , Lucisano Gaetano , McAdoo Stephen , Thomas David ,   on behalf of the ICHNT Renal COVID Group
Published: November 2020

Background.
From population studies, solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of mortality from RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 infection. The risk factors associated with infection acquisition and mortality in transplant recipients using serological data have not been reported.

Methods.
From 1725 maintenance transplant recipients, 855 consecutive patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Serological screening utilized assays to detect both the N protein and receptor binding domain antibodies. Thirty-three of 855 (3.9%) of the screened patients had prior infection confirmed with RT-PCR. Twenty-one additional patients from our 1725 maintenance cohort with RT-PCR confirmed infection were included in our analysis.

Results.
Eighty-nine of 855 (10.4%) patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Fifty-nine of 89 (66.3%) cases were patients newly identified as exposed, while 30/89 (33.7%) seropositive patients had previous infection confirmed by RT-PCR. A diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (RT-PCR or Ab+) was associated with being from a noncaucasoid background, P = 0.015; having a diagnosis of diabetes, P = 0.028 and a history of allograft rejection, P < 0.01. Compared with the RT-PCR+ cohort, patients with serological-proven infection alone were more likely to be receiving tacrolimus monotherapy, P < 0.01, and less likely to have a diagnosis of diabetes, P = 0.012. Seventeen of 113 (15.0%) of all patients with infection (RT-PCR and Ab+) died. Risk factors associated with survival were older age, odds ratio (OR): 1.07 (1.00–1.13), P = 0.041; receiving prednisolone, OR: 5.98 (1.65–21.60), P < 0.01 and the absence of diabetes, OR: 0.27 (0.07–0.99), P = 0.047.

Conclusions.
This study identifies risk factors and outcome for COVID-19 infection incorporating data on serologically defined infection and highlights the important contribution of immunosuppression regimen on outcomes.
Rotational dynamics in motor cortex are consistent with a feedback controller
Authors: Kalidindi Hari Teja , Cross Kevin P. , Lillicrap Timothy P. , Omrani Mohsen , Falotico Egidio , Sabes Philip N. , Scott Stephen H. 
Published: November 2020

SummaryRecent studies hypothesize that motor cortical (MC) dynamics are generated largely through its recurrent connections based on observations that MC activity exhibits rotational structure. However, behavioural and neurophysiological studies suggest that MC behaves like a feedback controller where continuous sensory feedback and interactions with other brain areas contribute substantially to MC processing. We investigated these apparently conflicting theories by building recurrent neural networks that controlled a model arm and received sensory feedback about the limb. Networks were trained to counteract perturbations to the limb and to reach towards spatial targets. Network activities and sensory feedback signals to the network exhibited rotational structure even when the recurrent connections were removed. Furthermore, neural recordings in monkeys performing similar tasks also exhibited rotational structure not only in MC but also in somatosensory cortex. Our results argue that rotational structure may reflect dynamics throughout voluntary motor circuits involved in online control of motor actions.HighlightsNeural networks with sensory feedback generate rotational dynamics during simulated posture and reaching tasksRotational dynamics are observed even without recurrent connections in the networkSimilar dynamics are observed not only in motor cortex, but also in somatosensory cortex of non-huma n primates as well as sensory feedback signalsResults highlight rotational dynamics may reflect internal dynamics, external inputs or any combination of the two.
Biofilm Derived Oxylipin Mediated Autoimmune Response in Breast Implant Subjects
Authors: Khan Imran , Minto Robert E. , Kelley-Patteson Christine , Van Natta Bruce W. , Neumann Colby R. , Suh Lily J. , Singh Kanhaiya , Lester Mary , VonDerHaar R Jason , Gordillo Gayle M. , Hassanein Aladdin H. , Sen Chandan K. , Kadin Marshall E. , Sinha Mithun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOver 10 million women worldwide have breast implants for breast cancer/prophylactic reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation. In recent years, a number of patients have described a constellation of symptoms that are believed to be related to their breast implants. This constellation of symptoms has been named Breast Implant Illness (BII). The symptoms described include chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain and a host of other manifestations often associated with autoimmune illnesses. In this work, we report that bacterial biofilm is associated with BII. We postulate that the pathogenesis of BII is mediated via a host-pathogen interaction whereby the biofilm bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis interacts with breast lipids to form the oxylipin 10-HOME. The oxylipin 10-HOME was found to activate CD4+ T cells to Th1 subtype. An increased abundance of CD4+Th1 was observed in the breast tissue of BII subjects. The identification of a mechanism of immune activation associated with BII via a biofilm enabled pathway provides insight into the pathogenesis for implant-associated autoimmune symptoms.
PSO-based group-oriented crow search algorithm (PGCSA)
Authors: Das Sudeepa , Sahu Tirath Prasad , Janghel Rekh Ram 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to modify the crow search algorithm (CSA) to enhance both exploration and exploitation capability by including two novel approaches. The positions of the crows are updated in two approaches based on awareness probability (AP). With AP, the position of a crow is updated by considering its velocity, calculated in a similar fashion to particle swarm optimization (PSO) to enhance the exploiting capability. Without AP, the crows are subdivided into groups by considering their weights, and the crows are updated by conceding leaders of the groups distributed over the search space to enhance the exploring capability. The performance of the proposed PSO-based group-oriented CSA (PGCSA) is realized by exploring the solution of benchmark equations. Further, the proposed PGCSA algorithm is validated over recently published algorithms by solving engineering problems.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, two novel approaches are implemented in two phases of CSA (with and without AP), which have been entitled the PGCSA algorithm to solve engineering benchmark problems.

Findings
The proposed algorithm is applied with two types of problems such as eight benchmark equations without constraint and six engineering problems.

Originality/value
The PGCSA algorithm is proposed with superior competence to solve engineering problems. The proposed algorithm is substantiated hypothetically by using a paired t-test.
The just economic system: a model and its simulations
Authors: Saribas Hakan , Yumuşak İbrahim Güran 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
Macro models are being developed in Islamic economics literature. These models, in general, follow the program of Islamization of knowledge and combine the genuine characteristics of Islamic economics with the tools of mainstream economics. The founding leader of Millî Görüs movement in Turkey, Necmettin Erbakan, and a group of Islamic intellectuals, had developed an economic program known as the just system. This paper aims to attempt to model the just economic system (the JES) with appropriate econometric techniques.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper models the macroeconomics of the JES with linear equations and conducts a series of simulations to identify its outputs. Based on the closed economy assumption, this paper describes the production function with a government share, defines a charitable foundation sector, exclude the speculation motive in money demand. Savings are transferred into investments without interest. This paper also develops an econometric simultaneous-equation model of the JES.

Findings
According to the results obtained from the selected simulation scenarios, this paper concludes that the macroeconomic JES works well and produces desirable outputs as it was stated in the original program.

Research limitations/implications
In future studies, the econometric estimations of the JES can be made. By adding more equations to the simple model, a medium or large scale JES macroeconomic model can be developed.

Practical implications
The JES can now be a source of economic policy designs.

Social implications
The model can be used to address socioeconomic objectives.

Originality/value
It is the only Islamic economic model that has been ever developed in Turkey. The notion of the JES has not been subjected to enough economic analysis and as far as it is known, it has not yet been modeled and simulated.
The exchange and use of cultural and social capital among community health workers in the United States
Authors: Saint Onge Jarron M. , Brooks Joanna Veazey 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCommunity health care workers (CHWs), lay community members with basic health care training, have been charged with providing appropriate care for vulnerable populations, addressing social determinants and improving population health. Frequently, CHWs lack the economic or cultural capital to accomplish these goals. Through analysis of 17 semi‐structured interviews with CHWs and supervisors at a CHW programme in the United States, we draw on Bourdieu's theory of practice to examine how the exchange of cultural and social capital impact CHW effectiveness. We found that CHWs’ reliance on bonding capital was perceived to effectively build social networks and mutual trust among marginalised communities. But, over‐reliance on embodied cultural capital and bonding capital reduced integration into the health care field; limited access to bridging capital; and limited social standing. We highlight how the exchange of cultural to bonding and bridging capital presented structural limitations. Overall, the demonstrated tension demarcates and reinforces longstanding divisions between social issues and health care issues. Future efforts should focus on promoting the unique skills of CHWs within health care settings to avoid compromising CHWs’ ability to advance population health.
‘Handwriting is often the Index of the Mind’: Mapping Scientific Networks through the Collections of John Nichols and His Family of Printers, Antiquaries and Autograph Hunters
Authors: Pooley Julian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Nichols family was at the centre of an international network of intellectual exchange. As editors of the Gentleman's Magazine and as printers for learned societies, their printing shop was a clearing‐house for the scientific and antiquarian news that fed this scholarly community. Their archive charts the relationship between John Nichols and the botanists who contributed to his county history of Leicestershire, but it also formed the core of collections of autograph letters formed by his descendants. Now catalogued for the first time, these collections provide an insight into the friendships between antiquaries and scientists throughout the Age of Enlightenment.
Bricks and Antiquarianism: Masonry and Historical Method in the Historical Sciences
Authors: Ksiazkiewicz Allison 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe role of sentiment in narratives generated by antiquarians, dilettanti and geologists in late eighteenth‐century Britain features as a significant force in the development of the historical sciences. During the fieldwork for and subsequent publication of The Geography and Antiquities of Ithaca (1807), by Sir William Gell (1777‐1836), and A Description of the Principal Picturesque Beauties, Antiquities and Geological Phenomena of the Isle of Wight (1816), by his colleague Sir Henry Charles Englefield (c.1752‐1822), the role of association and sentiment makes visible the ruins of everyday‐type architectures and geological processes, and demonstrates tensions between human‐made and natural artefacts.
Trade associations and collusion among many agents: evidence from physicians
Authors: Alé‐Chilet Jorge , Atal Juan Pablo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe study a recent case where most gynecologists in one city formed a trade association to bargain for better rates with insurance companies. After unsuccessful negotiations, the physicians jointly terminated their insurer contracts and set a minimum price. We find that subsequent realized prices coincided with Nash‐Bertrand prices, and that the minimum price was barely binding. We show that these actions ensured the association's stability and increased profits. Our findings shed light on the role of trade association in collusion among a large number of heterogeneous agents, and provide insights for the antitrust analysis of trade associations.
Sexual educational needs of Jordanian women after giving birth
Authors: Alnuaimi Karimeh , Almalik Mona 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundPregnancy and birth entail many bodily changes, including changes in sexual activity. The postpartum period is a time of considerable recovery and adaptation for women, yet women do not always receive adequate information, especially in countries where such topics may be considered taboo. The purpose of this project was to explore the sexual educational needs of Jordanian women after giving birth.MethodsA qualitative, phenomenological approach was used. A purposive sample of 25 women were recruited from two health care centers. Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted in person in Arabic between August and November 2015. Transcripts were independently analyzed and coded by each researcher.ResultsTwo major themes with six subthemes emerged. Theme 1, sexual education, included discussions about the women's needs for scientific information and the husband's involvement, and their psychological needs. Theme 2, professional approaches, involved discussions about the most appropriate person to deliver education, preferred place and time for education, and effective educational approaches to be used.DiscussionCongruent with previous studies, findings indicated that issues related to sexuality are often ignored in this population.ConclusionsJordanian women have many unmet educational needs with respect to sexuality after giving birth. More efforts are needed from health care professionals and other stakeholders to help improve Jordanian women's sexual health education after giving birth. These should include greater access to classes, websites with scientific information, and informational handouts that target husbands, and postpartum women themselves.
Direct inhibitory effect on viral entry of influenza A and SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses by azithromycin
Authors: Du Xiaohong , Zuo Xiangyang , Meng Fang , Han Chenfeng , Ouyang Wei , Han Yu , Gu Yayun , Zhao Xin , Xu Feng , Qin Frank Xiaofeng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesUsing strategy of drug repurposing, antiviral agents against influenza A virus (IAV) and newly emerging SARS‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2, also as 2019‐nCoV) could be quickly screened out.Materials and MethodsA previously reported engineered replication‐competent PR8 strain carrying luciferase reporter gene (IAV‐luc) and multiple pseudotyped IAV and SARS‐CoV‐2 virus was used. To specifically evaluate the pH change of vesicles containing IAV, we constructed an A549 cell line with endosomal and lysosomal expression of pHluorin2.ResultsHere, we identified azithromycin (AZ) as an effective inhibitor against multiple IAV and SARS‐CoV‐2 strains. We found that AZ treatment could potently inhibit IAV infection in vitro. Moreover, using pseudotyped virus model, AZ could also markedly block the entry of SARS‐CoV‐2 in HEK293T‐ACE2 and Caco2 cells. Mechanistic studies further revealed that such effect was independent of interferon signalling. AZ treatment neither impaired the binding and internalization of IAV virions, nor the viral replication, but rather inhibited the fusion between viral and vacuolar membranes. Using a NPC1‐pHluorin2 reporter cell line, we confirmed that AZ treatment could alkalize the vesicles containing IAV virions, thereby preventing pH‐dependent membrane fusion.ConclusionsOverall, our findings demonstrate that AZ can exert broad‐spectrum antiviral effects against IAV and SARS‐CoV‐2, and could be served as a potential clinical anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 drug in emergency as well as a promising lead compound for the development of next‐generation anti‐IAV drugs.