bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy favors circulating IL‐21–secreting TFH‐like cell recovery in ARV‐treated HIV‐1–infected women
Authors: Kasahara Taissa M. , Monteiro Clarice , Hygino Joana , Cafasso Marcos O. S. D. , Oyamada Hugo A. A. , Andrade Regis M. , Ferreira Orlando , Leite Simone , Silva Vander G. , Gupta Sudhir , Bento Cleonice A. M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractProblemPregnancy appears to favor maternal antibody production. In contrast, by damaging follicular helper T cells (TFH), HIV‐1 infection compromises protective humoural immune response. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency of different TFH‐like cells in HIV‐infected pregnant women (PW) before and after antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.Method of studyPeripheral blood mononuclear cells, CD4+ T and B cells, were obtained from asymptomatic HIV‐1–infected non‐PW and PW just before and after ARV therapy. In some experiments, healthy HIV‐1–negative PW were also tested. The frequency of different TFH‐like cell subsets was determined by flow cytometry. The plasma titers of IgG anti‐tetanus toxoid (TT), anti‐HBsAg, and anti‐gp41 were determined by ELISA. The in vitro production of total IgG, IL‐21, and hormones (estrogen and progesterone) was quantified also by ELISA.ResultsOur results demonstrate that antiretroviral (ARV) therapy was more efficient in elevating the percentage of circulating IL‐21–secreting TFH cells in HIV‐1–infected pregnant women (PW) than in non‐pregnant patients (nPW). Moreover, in co‐culture systems, CD4+ T cells from ART‐treated PW were more efficient in assisting B cells to produce IgG production. The in vivo anti‐HBsAg IgG titers after ARV therapy were also significantly higher in PW, and their levels were directly associated with both IL‐21+TFH frequency and plasma concentration of estrogen.ConclusionIn summary, our results suggest that pregnancy favors the recovery of TFH‐like cells after ARV therapy in HIV‐1–infected women, which could help these mothers to protect their newborns from infectious diseases by transferring IgG across the placenta.
Interpellating the state
Authors: KURTOVIĆ LARISA 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTNo longer the sole purview of comedians, satire is increasingly used by activists as a tool of political intervention. During a protest campaign in postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina, activists used the satirical frame of a fake confession as a form of an “inverse interpellation” to provoke a response from the disinterested and dysfunctional postwar state authorities. This unusual series of events involved an unpopular prime minister, incriminating graffiti, and citizens who were hailing the police in an ironic key, showing how some forms of leftist political activism may be based on a desire to restore, rather than oppose, an overarching governing authority. [interpellation, satire, activism, postsocialism, the state, Bosnia and Herzegovina]
Suspected hereditary cervicothoracic vertebral subluxation with cervical myopathy in Poll Merino sheep
Authors: Cronin N , Loukopoulos P , Brown D , O'Rourke BA , Morrice G , Windsor PA 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundCervicothoracic vertebral subluxation in sheep presents as a postural and locomotor disorder, and has been described in several breeds in Australia and overseas. Cervical myopathy may also be present in these cases.Case reportA New South Wales sheep producer reported a postural and locomotor disorder with a low prevalence in his Poll Merino stud flock, affecting neonate, weaner and adult sheep. Animals with postural abnormalities, variable degrees of ataxia and proprioceptive deficits involving both fore and hind limbs were described. Abnormalities of the cervicothoracic vertebral column were identified grossly during necropsy, with misalignment and consequent narrowing of the posterior cervical spinal canal. Lesions ranging from pallor (cellular degeneration) to white streaky lesions with pinpoint haemorrhage (necrosis) were identified in the cervicothoracic paravertebral musculature of affected animals. Boney abnormalities were further characterised by imaging studies. Pedigree analysis of the very extensive breeding and disease incident records available for this flock suggested that the disease was inherited. A similar case recognised in a separate New South Wales Poll Merino flock is also described.ConclusionThis report describes an entity of cervicothoracic vertebral subluxation in two Poll Merino sheep flocks, with cervical myopathy also identified in one, with preliminary evidence in the primary case that there is likely to be a hereditary basis. The two cases outlined in this report resemble the findings of several historical investigations into ovine flock postural disorders in Australia and beyond.
Understanding volume–outcome relationships in nephrectomy and cystectomy for cancer: evidence from the UK Getting it Right First Time programme
Authors: Gray William K. , Day Jamie , Briggs Tim W. R. , Harrison Simon 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate volume–outcome relationships in nephrectomy and cystectomy for cancer.Materials and MethodsData were extracted from the UK Hospital Episodes Statistics database, which records data on all National Health Service (NHS) hospital admissions in the England. Data were included for a 5‐year period (April 2013–March 2018 inclusive) and data on emergency and paediatric admissions were excluded. Data were extracted on the NHS trust and surgeon undertaking the procedure, the surgical technique used (open, laparoscopic or robot‐assisted) and length of hospital stay during the procedure. This dataset was supplemented by data on mortality from the UK Office for National Statistics. A number of volume thresholds and volume measures were investigated. Multilevel modelling was used to adjust for hierarchy and confounding factors.ResultsData were available for 18 107 nephrectomy and 6762 cystectomy procedures for cancer. There was little evidence of trust or surgeon volume influencing readmission rates or mortality. There was some evidence of shorter length of hospital stay for high‐volume surgeons, although the volume measure and threshold used were important.ConclusionsWe found little evidence that further centralization of nephrectomy or cystectomy for cancer surgery will improve the patient outcomes investigated. It may be that length of stay can be optimized though training and support for lower‐volume centres, rather than further centralization.
Assessment of a soil fertility index using visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy in the rice paddy region of southern China
Authors: Yang Meihua , Mouazen Abdul , Zhao Xiaomin , Guo Xi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe soil fertility index (SFI) is an indicator that is commonly used to evaluate the soil fertility in the rice paddy regions of China. However, calculating an SFI requires the laboratory measurement of multiple soil properties, which adds to the costs and complexity of conventional methods. Visible and near‐infrared (vis–NIR, 400–2,500 nm) spectra might offer opportunities to cost‐effectively and rapidly assess soil properties and the SFI. In this study, we evaluated soil fertility properties and their derived SFIs for paddy fields in southern China using vis–NIR spectra with the partial least‐squares regression model. The results showed very good prediction accuracy of vis–NIR spectroscopy for soil organic matter, clay and sand contents, with the former two having an apparent spectral response in the near‐infrared range. A good predictive ability was obtained for total nitrogen, silt, available nitrogen and total potassium. In contrast, the prediction accuracy was only moderate for cation exchange capacity and available phosphorus, and it was poor for the pH, total phosphorus and available potassium without apparent spectral responses. A bootstrapped partial least squares regression model predicted the SFI directly from the vis–NIR spectra accurately (R2 of 0.80 and ratio of performance to interquartile range of 3.12), whereas SFI computed from vis–NIR estimates of the individual indicators was less accurate. This shows that vis–NIR spectroscopy can improve the efficiency of soil fertility assessments within the cultivated paddy rice regions of southern China.Highlights
Soil fertility index (SFI) can be predicted directly with spectroscopy.
Prediction accuracy of vis–NIR spectroscopy was good for SOM, TN and clay.
SFI estimated directly from vis–NIR spectra was superior to SFI calculated from predicted individual indicator.
Successful prediction of SFI from vis–NIR spectra can be attributed to the high significance of SOM and TN.
Weight reduction and possible implications for the rehabilitation of horses with ambulatory difficulties
Authors: Steinke S. L. , Carmalt J. L. , Montgomery J. B. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryEquine musculoskeletal injuries, or other causes of reduced movement, can have a poor prognosis partially due to the secondary complications that may develop during recovery or rehabilitation. These can include supporting limb laminitis due to excessive weightbearing on healthy limbs and also problems associated with ventilation or perfusion due to prolonged recumbency. The risk of these complications is reported to increase with increasing body weight. While many methods have been attempted to reduce load and prevent complications, there is no current standard practice when managing horses with ambulatory difficulties. One critical consideration with load reduction devices is maintaining sufficient mobility to allow for blood flow and the prevention of muscle wasting. One of the most challenging obstacles with any weight reduction method or device is preventing pressure sores/ulcers or other tissue trauma because load is redistributed away from the limbs and onto regions of the body unaccustomed to weightbearing. Reported methods to aid in recovery and rehabilitation include rescue slings, forced recumbency, flotation tanks, water treadmills and aquatic therapy. While these methods have been successful in some horses, significant complications have also been reported. If too much weight is removed, muscle wasting or osteopenia occurs; conversely, if insufficient weight is lifted blood flow is hindered. The optimal load reduction is not known because each individual horse will have different requirements depending on the severity of the injury. The goal would be to restore normal weight distribution on the noninjured limbs, while supporting the weight that would normally be placed on the injured limb.
The neurogenetics of sexually dimorphic behaviors from a postdevelopmental perspective
Authors: Leitner Nicole , Ben‐Shahar Yehuda 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMost sexually reproducing animal species are characterized by two morphologically and behaviorally distinct sexes. The genetic, molecular and cellular processes that produce sexual dimorphisms are phylogenetically diverse, though in most cases they are thought to occur early in development. In some species, however, sexual dimorphisms are manifested after development is complete, suggesting the intriguing hypothesis that sex, more generally, might be considered a continuous trait that is influenced by both developmental and postdevelopmental processes. Here, we explore how biological sex is defined at the genetic, neuronal and behavioral levels, its effects on neuronal development and function, and how it might lead to sexually dimorphic behavioral traits in health and disease. We also propose a unifying framework for understanding neuronal and behavioral sexual dimorphisms in the context of both developmental and postdevelopmental, physiological timescales. Together, these two temporally separate processes might drive sex‐specific neuronal functions in sexually mature adults, particularly as it pertains to behavior in health and disease.
Factors associated with changes of care needs level in disabled older adults receiving home medical care: Prospective observational study by Osaka Home Care Registry (OHCARE)
Authors: Yamamoto Mariko , Kabayama Mai , Koujiya Eriko , Huang Ya , Akiyama Masako , Higami Yoko , Kodama Kana , Nakamura Toshinori , Hirotani Atsushi , Fukuda Toshio , Tamatani Michio , Okuda Yoshinari , Ikushima Masashi , Baba Yoshichika , Nagano Masahiro , Rakugi Hiromi , Kamide Kei 
Published: November 2019

AimTo clarify factors associated with changes in care needs level and mortality among disabled older people receiving home medical care over a period of 2.5 years.MethodsThe study included 179 participants, aged ≥65 years, receiving home medical care, who consented to join the Osaka Home Care Registry study. The main outcome was changes in the care needs level of participants eligible for the long‐term care insurance system. We investigated the association of changes in care needs level with basic characteristics and care‐receiving status.ResultsAt the 2.5‐year follow up, 20.0% of participants showed deteriorated levels, and 41.8% of participants died. In multiple logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.21; P = 0.051) and bone joint diseases (OR 0.34, CI 0.09–1.22; P = 0.098) were possible risks associated with deterioration of the care needs level. Male sex (OR 3.28, CI 0.91–11.74; P = 0.068) was a possible risk factor for mortality, and lower serum albumin (OR 0.22, CI 0.07–0.73) was a significant risk factor for mortality.ConclusionsWe clarified the different factors associated with deterioration of the care needs level and mortality among disabled older people. Old age and bone joint diseases might be predictive factors for the further deterioration of independence of physical activity, and a low serum albumin level is considered to be strongly associated with increased mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1198–1205.
Sources and uses of knowledge in a dynamic network technology
Authors: Bostian Moriah , Daraio Cinzia , Grosskopf Shawna , Ruocco Giancarlo , Weber William L. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe estimate a dynamic network technology where new knowledge in the form of publications in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is an intermediate product. Knowledge is produced in the first stage of production and is used in the second stage of production to produce a final output of real consumption, which equals gross domestic product minus investment spending on physical capital minus research and development expenditures. Knowledge also spills over between producers as it becomes disseminated. The two stages of production are linked between periods as investments in research capital and physical capital enhance future production possibilities. Our model combines several theories of production: dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) and two‐stage network DEA. Using pooled data on 53 countries during 1999–2012, the model estimates indicate that dynamic efficiency averages about 70%. Countries could increase final consumption by about 25% via greater technical efficiency in production and by another 5% via an optimal intertemporal reallocation of investment spending.
Democracy and Collective Identity in the EU and the USA
Authors: McNamara Kathleen R. , Musgrave Paul 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCore state powers continue moving to the centre of the European polity, yet a sense of collective identity among EU citizens remains fragile. We argue that participatory democracy at the European level is a missing element that might create a more robust collective identity in Europe. We examine the history of polity formation in the early American case to probe the link between collective identity and practices of democratic participation, focusing on contestation about the 1789 US Constitution and the creation of pan‐US political parties in the early 19th century. Everyday democratic practices helped both to represent and to constitute the nationalization of politics in the early USA, as it moved from being a de facto international organization to a unified polity. This suggests that practices of democracy may likewise help to generate a more robust collective political identity in the EU. The historical record makes clear, however, that these processes are often exclusionary, uncertain, and far from unidirectional.
Don't Mention the War! Second World War Remembrance and Support for European Cooperation
Authors: De Vries Catherine E. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe notion that through increased state cooperation and dependency, national divisions can be overcome and peace can be secured, is at the core of European integration. Political elites often refer to the devastations of the Second World War (WWII) as a way to convey the added value of European cooperation today. Do references to the devastations of WWII enhance public support for European cooperation today? By presenting evidence from survey experiments conducted in the six largest member states (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the Great Britain) in July 2017, this study suggest that they do, albeit only when it comes to financial assistance for other member states in dire economic need. References to the devastations of WWII do not make respondents more willing to support free movement of people or the establishment of a European army. These findings suggest that reminding people of the devastations of WWII triggers a largely transactional response among the public: a willingness to provide financial support, but nothing more. This evidence suggests that securing public support for free movement of people or European security cooperation through historical rhetoric might be difficult to achieve.
Participation of Implementing Agencies in European Administrative Networks
Authors: Polman Daniel 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEuropean administrative networks are an important part of the functioning of the EU, mainly because of their role in bridging the gap between policy implementation knowledge and the policy‐making activities of the European Commission. However, the extent to which implementing agencies actually participate in these networks, and which conditions explain network participation, have not yet been investigated. This article fills this gap by studying the conditions under which implementing agencies are expected to make more use of European administrative networks. Therefore, we turn to the participation of domestic implementing agencies in an administrative network during the common agricultural policy's post‐2013 reform. Relying on a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, this case indicates that longer EU membership, in combination with a large staff and domestic implementation issues, contributes to more active participation of implementing agencies in administrative networks.
Practising Populism: How Right‐wing Populists Negotiate Political Competence
Authors: Futák‐Campbell Beatrix , Schwieter Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis article introduces a new way to consider right‐wing populism in Western Europe through practice theory. While historically, right‐wing populist parties have not been seen as one homogenous movement, their populist practices constitute a transnational challenge to the European political establishment. Building on practice theory, we contribute to the question of how these parties negotiate political competence through transnational practices on three levels: claiming competence by establishing a domain, community building and practising competence. These levels are explored through three sites of populist practices: Russia, the European Parliament and rallies by the Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the Occident (Pegida). Among these sites we consider the French Front National, the Dutch Partij van de Vrijheid, the Austrian Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs and the German Alternative für Deutschland. We argue that in order to understand contemporary right‐wing populism better we ought to not only to consider what it is, but how it is practised.
Nomogram for prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Min Byung‐Hoon , Yang Jung Wook , Min Yang Won , Baek Sun‐Young , Kim Seonwoo , Kim Hong Kwan , Choi Yong Soo , Shim Young Mog , Choi Yoon‐La , Zo Jae Ill 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackground and AimKnowledge of lymph node metastasis (LNM) status is crucial to determine whether patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) can be cured with endoscopic resection alone, without the need for additional esophagectomy. The present study aimed to identify predictive factors and develop a prediction model for LNM in patients with superficial ESCC.MethodsClinicopathologic data from 501 patients with superficial ESCC treated with radical esophagectomy were reviewed. Stepwise logistic regression analysis determined the predictors of LNM. Using these predictors, a nomogram for predicting the risk of LNM was constructed and internally validated using a bootstrap resampling method.ResultsLNM rates of tumors invading the lamina propria, muscularis mucosa, and SM1 layers were 3.7%, 15.5%, and 40.7%, respectively. Deep tumor invasion depth, moderately or poorly differentiated histology, and lymphovascular invasion were independent predictors of LNM. ESCC with muscularis mucosa and SM1 invasion had odds ratios of 3.635 and 11.834, respectively, compared with that for ESCC confined to the lamina propria. Large tumor size (>2.0 cm) and presence of tumor budding showed borderline significance for LNM prediction. These five variables were incorporated into a nomogram. A constructed nomogram showed good calibration and good discrimination with an area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (area under the curve [AUC]) of 0.812. After bootstrapping, AUC was 0.811.ConclusionsWe developed a nomogram that can facilitate individualized prediction of risk of LNM in patients with superficial ESCC. This model can aid in decision‐making for the need for additional esophagectomy after endoscopic resection for superficial ESCC.
Complex Patients and Quality of Care in Medicare Advantage
Authors: DuGoff Eva H. , Boyd Cynthia , Anderson Gerard 
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVESNew federal policies aim to focus Medicare Advantage (MA) plans on the needs of individuals with complex health conditions. Our objective was to examine enrollment patterns of MA beneficiaries with complex needs and the association of enrollment patterns with MA plan performance.DESIGNCross‐sectional study.SETTINGThe 2015 Medicare Health Outcome Survey baseline survey.PARTICIPANTSA total of 273 336 MA beneficiaries enrolled in 467 MA plans who lived in the community.MEASUREMENTSComplex patients included individuals 65 years and older with multiple self‐reported chronic conditions and functional limitations and all patients with disabilities younger than 65 years. Outcomes included 27 performance measures reported under the 5‐Star Part C Star Rating. Linear probability regression was used to examine the association of concentration of complex patients and performance measures.RESULTSMost complex patients were enrolled in general MA plans. Concentration of complex patients ranged from 25.9% in MA contracts in the lowest quintile to 68.9% in the top quintile. MA contract performance scores generally decreased as the concentration of complex patients increased. After adjusting for contract and enrollee characteristics, MA contracts with more complex patients performed less well on half of the Part C performance measures including patient experience, preventive care, and chronic care measures.CONCLUSIONMA contracts with a high concentration of complex patients have lower performance scores on more than half of Part C measures. Further study is needed to understand whether these performance measures are capturing the delivery of poor care, deficiencies in the health plan's care systems, or whether some measures may not be appropriate for complex patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:395–402, 2020