bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nursing home care under Medicaid managed long‐term services and supports
Authors: Potter Andrew J. , Bowblis John R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo measure the impact of Medicaid managed long‐term services and supports (MLTSS) on nursing home (NH) quality and rebalancing.Data sources/study settingThis study analyzes secondary data from annual NH recertification surveys and the minimum dataset (MDS) in three states that implemented MLTSS: Massachusetts (2001–2007), Kansas and Ohio (2011–2017).Study designWe utilized a difference‐in‐difference approach comparing NHs in border counties of states that implemented MLTSS with a control group of NHs in neighboring border counties in states that did not implement MLTSS. Sensitivity analyses included a triple‐difference model (stratified by Medicaid payer mix) and a within‐state comparison. We examined changes in six NH‐level outcomes (percentage of low‐care NH residents, facility occupancy, and four NH quality measures) after MLTSS implementation.Data collection/extraction methodsFor each state, all freestanding NHs in border counties were included, as were NHs in neighboring counties located in other states. Information on low‐care residents was aggregated to the NH level from MDS data, then combined with Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) and Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) data.Principal findingsMLTSS had no statistically significant effects on NH quality outcomes in Massachusetts or Kansas. In Ohio, MLTSS led to an increase of 0.21 nursing hours per resident day [95% CI: 0.03, 0.40], and a decrease of 1.47 deficiencies [95% CI: −2.52, −0.42] and 9.38 deficiency points [95% CI: −18.53, −0.24] per certification survey. After MLTSS, occupancy decreased by 1.52 percentage points [95% CI: −2.92, −0.12] in Massachusetts, but increased by 3.17 percentage points [95% CI: 0.36, 5.99] in Ohio. We found no effect on low‐care residents in any state. Findings were moderately sensitive to the choice of comparator group.ConclusionThe study provides little evidence that MLTSS reduces quality of care, occupancy, or the percentage of low‐care residents in NHs.
Agent‐based models reveal limits of mark–release–recapture estimates for the rare butterfly, Bhutanitis thaidina (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Li Yuanheng , Jain Anuj , Pierce Naomi E. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInsect diversity and abundance are in drastic decline worldwide, but quantifying insect populations to better conserve them is a difficult task. Mark‐release‐recapture (MRR) is widely used as an ecological indicator for insect populations, but the accuracy of MRR estimates can vary with factors such as spatial scale, sampling effort and models of inference. We conducted a 3‐year MRR study of B. thaidina in Yanzigou valley, Mt. Gongga but failed to obtain sufficient data for a robust population estimate. This prompted us to integrate B. thaidina life history information to parameterize agent‐based models and evaluate the conditions under which successful MRR studies could be conducted. We evaluated: (1) the performance of MRR models under different landscape types, and (2) the influence of experimental design on the accuracy and variance of MRR‐based estimates. Our simulations revealed systematic underestimates of true population parameters by MRR models when sampling effort was insufficient. In a total of 2772 simulations, subjective decisions in sampling protocol (e.g., frequency, number of sampling locations, use of spatially explicit models, type of estimands) accounted for nearly half of the variation in estimates. We conclude that MRR‐based estimates could be improved with the addition of more field‐specific parameters.
Efficacy and biosafety assessment of neuropeptide CAPA analogues against the peach‐potato aphid (Myzus persicae)
Authors: Shi Yan , Nachman Ronald J. , Gui Shun‐Hua , Piot Niels , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Zabrocki Janusz , Dow Julian A. T. , Davies Shireen‐A. , Smagghe Guy 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInsect CAPA neuropeptidesare considered to affect water and ion balance by mediating the physiological metabolism activities of the Malpighian tubules. In previous studies, the CAPA‐PK analogue 1895 (2Abf‐Suc‐FGPRLamide) was reported to decrease aphid fitness when administered through microinjection or via topical application. However, a further statistically significant decrease in the fitness of aphids and an increased mortality could not be established with pairwise combinations of 1895 with other CAPA analogue. In this study, we assessed the topical application of new combinations of 1895 with five CAPA‐PVK analogues on the fitness of aphids. We found that 1895 and CAPA‐PVK analogue 2315 (ASG‐[β3L]‐VAFPRVamide) was statistically the most effective combination to control the peach potato aphid Myzus persicae nymphs via topical application, leading to 72% mortality. Additionally, the combination (1895+2315) was evaluated against a selection of beneficial insects, that is, a pollinator (Bombus terrestris) and three natural enemies (Chrysoperla carnea, Nasonia vitripennis, and Adalia bipunctata). We found no significant influence on food intake, weight increase, and survival for the pollinator and the three representative natural enemies. These results could facilitate to further establish and generate CAPA analogues as alternatives to broad spectrum and less friendly insecticides.
Water Supply Planning Considering Uncertainties in Future Water Demand and Climate: A Case Study in an Illinois Watershed
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Getahun Elias , Mu Mengfei , Chandrasekaran Sangeetha 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEnsuring an adequate, reliable, clean, and affordable water supply for citizens and industries requires informed, long‐range water supply planning, which is critically important for water security. A balance between water supply and demand must be considered for a long‐term plan. However, water demand projections are often highly uncertain. Climate change could impact the hydrologic processes, and consequently, threaten water supply. Thus, understanding the uncertainties in future water demand and climate is critical for developing a sound water supply plan. In Illinois, regional water supply planning attempts to explore the impacts of future water demand and climate on water supply using scenario analyses and hydrologic modeling. This study is aimed at developing a water supply planning framework that considers both future water demand and climate change impacts. This framework is based on the Soil and Water Assessment Tool to simulate the watershed hydrology and conduct scenario analyses that consider the uncertainties in both future water demand and climate as well as their impacts on water supply. The framework was applied to water supply planning efforts in the Kankakee River watershed. The Kankakee River watershed model was calibrated and validated to observed streamflow records at four long‐term United States Geological Survey streamflow gages. Because of the many model parameters involved, the calibration process was automated and was followed by a manual refinement, resulting in good model performance. Long‐range water demand projections were prepared by the Illinois State Water Survey. Six future water demand scenarios were established based on a suite of assumptions. Climate scenarios were obtained from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Projection Phase 5 datasets. Three representative concentration pathways (RCPs), RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, are used in the study. The scenario simulation results demonstrated that climate change appears to have a greater impact on water availability in the study area than water demand. The framework developed in this study can also be used to explore the impacts of uncertainties of water demand and climate on water supply and can be extended to other regions and watersheds.
Good glycemic control at puberty in boys with type 1 diabetes is important for final height
Authors: Shpitzer Hana , Lazar Liora , Shalitin Shlomit , Phillip Moshe , de Vries Liat 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPoor glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may hinder sexual development and the associated growth spurt. This study aims to identify factors that may affect the timing of puberty, total pubertal growth (TPG), and final height (F‐Ht) in boys with T1D.MethodsThis was a retrospective longitudinal study of 68 boys diagnosed with T1D during 1996 to 2009, who were prepubertal at diagnosis and had completed puberty at the time of data collection. Data were accessed regarding anthropometric measurements, Tanner stage, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels from diagnosis to F‐Ht. F‐Ht was compared to parental height and Israeli National Health Survey data.ResultsThe mean F‐Ht standard deviation score (F‐Ht‐SDS) was lower than the mean Ht‐SDS at diagnosis (P < .006) but similar to the mean target height SDS (P = .3) and to values from the national survey (P = .12). Mean HbA1c levels in the year preceding pubertal onset were associated with the age at onset of puberty (R = 0.33, P = .009) and inversely with TPG (R = −0.3, P = .03). Mean HbA1c levels during puberty were inversely associated with TPG (R = −0.26, P = .035) and F‐Ht (R = −0.28, P = .02). Boys who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis were shorter than those who did not throughout the follow‐up.ConclusionsWe found associations of age of pubertal onset, pubertal growth spurt, and F‐Ht with target height and glycemic control before and during puberty. Targeted interventions to achieve optimal metabolic control during these time periods are needed for normal, timely puberty and for achieving optimal adult height within the genetic target height.
Price formation within Egypt's wheat tender market: Implications for Black Sea exporters
Authors: Heigermoser Maximilian , Götz Linde , Svanidze Miranda 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBlack Sea wheat exporters, led by Russia, dominate Egypt's wheat imports via a tender system. The tenders are managed by the GASC and their outcomes are communicated worldwide by financial news agencies. Building on a transaction‐specific dataset on GASC tenders (2011 ‐ 2019), results of our cointegration analysis find wheat export markets of Russia, France and the USA highly integrated with the GASC tender price. Estimates from the multivariate VECM indicate strong price interdependencies between the GASC tender price and Russian and French export prices, indicating fierce competition in the GASC tender market. Despite the high market share of wheat exporters in the Black Sea region and Russia in particular, tests on weak exogeneity suggest a leading role of the French wheat export price. We further find that leadership of US wheat prices is weak in the GASC tender market.
Dual‐hormone artificial pancreas for management of type 1 diabetes: Recent progress and future directions
Authors: Infante Marco , Baidal David A. , Rickels Michael R. , Fabbri Andrea , Skyler Jay S. , Alejandro Rodolfo , Ricordi Camillo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOver the last few years, technological advances have led to tremendous improvement in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Artificial pancreas systems have been shown to improve glucose control compared with conventional insulin pump therapy. However, clinically significant hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes still occur with the artificial pancreas. Postprandial glucose excursions and exercise‐induced hypoglycemia represent major hurdles in improving glucose control and glucose variability in many patients with T1D. In this regard, dual‐hormone artificial pancreas systems delivering other hormones in addition to insulin (glucagon or amylin) may better reproduce the physiology of the endocrine pancreas and have been suggested as an alternative tool to overcome these limitations in clinical practice. In addition, novel ultra‐rapid‐acting insulin analogs with a more physiological time–action profile are currently under investigation for use in artificial pancreas devices, aiming to address the unmet need for further improvements in postprandial glucose control. This review article aims to discuss the current progress and future outlook in the development of novel ultra‐rapid insulin analogs and dual‐hormone closed‐loop systems, which offer the next steps to fully closing the loop in the artificial pancreas.
Qualitative study to support the content validity of the immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) Life Quality Index (ILQI)
Authors: Cooper Nichola , Cuker Adam , Bonner Nicola , Ghanima Waleed , Provan Drew , Morgan Mervyn , Taylor Barbara , D’Alessio Denise , Arnold Donald , Viana Ricardo 
Published: July 2021

SummaryImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired immune‐mediated disorder. Bleeding is the primary symptom that presents in varying severities. ITP has a negative impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The ITP Life Quality Index (ILQI) was developed as a 10‐item patient‐reported outcome measure to assess impact on HRQoL in ITP. The objective of the present study was to confirm the content validity of the ILQI with a qualitative interview study in the UK involving 15 adult participants with ITP. Combined concept elicitation (CE) and cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews were conducted to explore the symptoms and impacts associated with ITP and confirm content validity of the draft ILQI. The CE phase elicited 14 ITP symptom concepts, including: bruising (all 15 patients, 100%), fatigue (14, 93·3%) and bleeding gums/blood blisters (13, 86·7%). Impacts included decreased ability to participate in sport (all 15 patients, 100%) and anxiety (12, 80%). The CD phase resulted in an adjustment to the ILQI recall period from 1 week to ‘the past month’. Updates were made to improve relevance and response options. The qualitative interviews support the content validity of the ILQI and confirm that the concepts assessed are relevant and consistently understood and interpreted by adult patients with ITP.
Inhibition of HSP90 S‐nitrosylation alleviates cardiac fibrosis via TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiyue , Zhang Yihua , Miao Qing , Shi Zhiguang , Hu Lulu , Liu Shangmin , Gao Jie , Zhao Shuang , Chen Hongshan , Huang Zhengrong , Han Yi , Ji Yong , Xie Liping 
Published: July 2021

Background and PurposeEffective anti‐fibrotic therapeutic solutions are unavailable so far. The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) exerts deleterious effects in some fibrotic diseases. S‐nitrosylation (SNO) of HSP90 affects its own function. However, little is known about its role in pathological stress. Here, we investigated the effect of SNO‐HSP90 on cardiac fibrosis.Experimental ApproachSNO‐HSP90 level was measured by biotin‐switch. SNO sites were identified through mass spectrometry. S‐nitrosylation site‐mutated plasmids or adeno‐associated virus, gene deletion, and pharmacological antagonists were used to identify the contribution of SNO‐HSP90 to myocardial fibrosis.Key ResultsSNO‐HSP90 level was positively correlated with fibrosis marker expression in hearts from patients and significantly higher in fibrotic hearts from spontaneously hypertensive rats and mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction, as well as in angiotensin II‐ or isoprenaline‐treated neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. S‐nitrosylated site of HSP90 at cysteine 589 was identified. Inhibition of SNO‐HSP90 by Cys589 mutation reduced fibrosis in angiotensin II‐ or isoprenaline‐treated cardiac fibroblasts. Administration of recombinant adeno‐associated virus of Cys589 mutation improved heart function and alleviated fibrosis in transverse aortic constriction mice. Mechanistically, SNO‐HSP90 stimulated binding of TGFβ receptor 2 to HSP90, in response to fibrotic stimuli, followed by increased phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD3. Additionally, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) deficiency or the iNOS inhibitor, 1400W, reduced SNO‐HSP90 levels and activation of the TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway.Conclusions and ImplicationsGenetic or pharmacological inhibition of SNO‐HSP90 mitigates fibrosis through blocking the TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway, providing a potential therapy for cardiac remodelling.
Integrative genome‐wide analyses reveal the transcriptional aberrations in Japanese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Takemoto Akira , Tanimoto Kousuke , Mori Seiichi , Inoue Jun , Fujiwara Naoto , Noda Tetsuo , Inazawa Johji 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant disease. At present, the genomic profiles of ESCC are known to a considerable extent, and DNA methylation and gene expression profiles have been mainly used for the classification of ESCC subtypes, but integrative genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic analyses remain insufficient. Therefore, we performed integrative analyses using whole‐exome sequencing, DNA methylation, and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analyses of Japanese patients with ESCC. In cancer‐related genes, such as NOTCH family genes, RTK/PI3K pathway genes, and NFE2L2 pathway genes, variants and copy number amplification were detected frequently. Japanese ESCC cases were clustered into two mutational signatures: an APOBEC‐associated signature and an age‐related signature. In imprinted genes, DNA methylation was aberrant in gene promoter regions and correlated well with gene expression profiles. Nonsynonymous single‐nucleotide variants and allelic expression imbalance were detected frequently in FAT family genes. Our integrative genome‐wide analyses, including DNA methylation and allele‐specific gene expression profiles, revealed altered gene regulation of imprinted genes and FAT family genes in ESCC.
Unified Shape and SVBRDF Recovery using Differentiable Monte Carlo Rendering
Authors: Luan Fujun , Zhao Shuang , Bala Kavita , Dong Zhao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReconstructing the shape and appearance of real‐world objects using measured 2D images has been a long‐standing inverse rendering problem. In this paper, we introduce a new analysis‐by‐synthesis technique capable of producing high‐quality reconstructions through robust coarse‐to‐fine optimization and physics‐based differentiable rendering.Unlike most previous methods that handle geometry and reflectance largely separately, our method unifies the optimization of both by leveraging image gradients with respect to both object reflectance and geometry. To obtain physically accurate gradient estimates, we develop a new GPU‐based Monte Carlo differentiable renderer leveraging recent advances in differentiable rendering theory to offer unbiased gradients while enjoying better performance than existing tools like PyTorch3D [RRN*20] and redner [LADL18]. To further improve robustness, we utilize several shape and material priors as well as a coarse‐to‐fine optimization strategy to reconstruct geometry. Using both synthetic and real input images, we demonstrate that our technique can produce reconstructions with higher quality than previous methods.
Exploring the moral experiences of Anishinaabeg children in Rapid Lake, Quebec
Authors: George Suzanne , Carnevale Franco A. , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Whiteduck Shirley , Whiteduck Georgina , Vignola Serge 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study was developed to guard against the imposition of settler‐based colonial ethnocentric conceptions of moral development by exploring the everyday moral experiences of children in an Anishinaabeg community. A focused ethnography of 33 children over 3.5 months was conducted, which included participant observation, group activities and individual and group interviews. Drawing on their unique cultural and social background, children showed they had rich moral understandings and acted as moral agents in matters that affected them. These results help advance our understanding of what is morally significant to Anishinaabeg children in their daily experiences, in line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
A pilot study of an intensified ganciclovir dosing strategy for treatment of cytomegalovirus disease in kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients
Authors: Jorgenson Margaret R. , Descourouez Jillian L. , Leverson Glen E. , Saddler Christopher M. , Smith Jeannina A. , Garg Neetika , Parajuli Sandesh , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Odorico Jon S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractProblemMathematical modeling suggests aggressive ganciclovir dosing in the first week of cytomegalovirus disease (CMV) treatment may improve response. This has not been evaluated clinically.MethodsAdult kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients admitted with CMV (4/29/19–7/15/20) received IV ganciclovir(10 mg/kg Q12 h × 7 days) with step‐down to standard‐of‐care (SOC) dosing thereafter (5 mg/kg Q12). A SOC cohort admitted before implementation of the dosing strategy (10/20/16–3/2/19) served as a comparator. Primary objective: rate of viral clearance (delta log CMV) at therapy day 7. Secondary objective: safety/short term efficacy.ResultsFifty‐four patients met inclusion criteria; 22 high‐dose, 32 SOC. Demographics were similar with the exception of more women (45.4% vs. 15.6%,P = .03) and higher presenting viral‐load in the high‐dose group (log 6.0±.7 vs. log 5.2±1.2, P = .02). High‐dose resulted in significantly greater response to therapy at day 7 (log ‐.92±.51 vs. log ‐.56±.79, P = .04). Change in WBC at day 7 was not different (‐.49±1.92 vs. ‐.45±5.1, P = .97). Short‐term clinical outcomes were similar between groups including mean hospital length‐of‐stay (P = .52), readmission rates (30 d: P = .38; 90 d: P = .5) and achievement of CMV viral‐load less‐than‐lower‐limit‐of‐quantification by day 90 (73% vs. 84%, P = .06). Rejection after CMV as well as graft/patient survival were similar between groups (P = .56, P > .99, P > .99).ConclusionA high‐dose IV ganciclovir strategy results in improved viral clearance kinetics without safety concerns and similar short term clinical outcomes.
Mechanisms driving component Allee effects during invasions: using a biological control agent as model invader
Authors: Williams Hester E. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Liebhold Andrew M. , Ward Darren F. 
Published: July 2021

1. A demographic Allee effect refers to increasing per capita population growth with increasing abundance. It arises from component Allee effects, which exist when some component of individual fitness has a positive relationship with density. Newly arrived populations tend to be small, and their establishment success is influenced by various factors, including demographic Allee effects. Identifying mechanisms driving the Allee effect is of relevance for understanding establishment failure, developing strategies for improving biological control and conservation, and for managing biological invasions.2. We utilised an invasive plant biocontrol agent, Neolema ogloblini, as model to study Allee effects experienced by invading populations. We investigated mating failure and predator satiation as two component Allee effects that could potentially drive a demographic Allee effect in N. ogloblini populations.3. We released unmated adults onto isolated host patches using five release sizes and evaluated the mating status of females after 3 weeks in the field. The probability of being mated increased as number of males recovered increased, suggesting the presence of a mating‐failure component Allee effect in very small populations of N. ogloblini. Exclosures were used to evaluate survival of immatures of N. ogloblini developing in small group sizes, either in the presence or absence of generalist predators. Results revealed high levels of predation, but a positive relationship between larval survival and group size in the presence of generalist predators could not be verified.4. Our study identified relevant life‐history traits contributing to establishment failure in N. ogloblini and demonstrates the value of biocontrol agents as models to study mechanisms of species invasion.