bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entering the men's domain? Gender and portfolio allocation in European governments
Authors: GODDARD DEE 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhile all government portfolios used to be the purview of men exclusively, more and more women are selected to sit around the cabinet table. But under which circumstances do women get appointed to different ministerial portfolios? This article, proposes a theoretical framework to consider how party leaders’ attitudes and motivations influence the allocation of portfolios to male and female ministers. These propositions are tested empirically by bringing together data on 7,005 cabinet appointments across 29 European countries from the late 1980s until 2014. Considering the key partisan dynamics of the ministerial selection process, it is found that women are significantly less likely to be appointed to the ‘core’ offices of state, and ‘masculine’ and ‘neutral’ policy areas. However, these gender differences are moderated by the ideology of the party that allocates them. Women are more likely to be appointed to ‘masculine’ portfolios when a party's voters have more progressive gender attitudes. This theoretical framework and analysis enhances our understanding of women's access to the government, which has important implications for how ministers are selected, as well as how women are represented in the most powerful policy‐making positions in Europe.
Circular incision and cutting, a novel treatment for patients with esophageal cancer with anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy
Authors: Jie Meng Meng , Hu Chang Jiang , Tang Bo , Xie Xia , Lin Hui , Yu Jing , Yang Shi Ming 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveEndoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is still considered the standard treatment for patients with anastomotic strictures after esophagectomy. However, repeated dilation sessions are often required to maintain the lumen patency. We therefore developed a novel method called circular incision and cutting (CIC) and compared the efficacy of CIC and EBD among patients with anastomotic strictures after esophagectomy or gastrectomy.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 71 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer with anastomotic strictures after esophagectomy or gastrectomy between January 2011 and December 2016 were included. Among them, 22 patients received CIC therapy and 49 were treated with EBD.ResultsThe dysphagia in all patients immediately ameliorated and no serious adverse events requiring further intervention were observed after CIC therapy. Compared with EBD, CIC exhibited a greater score in the difference of dysphagia before and after treatment (1.73 vs 1.16, P = 0.03). Moreover, the interval of restenosis and 6‐month lumen patency in CIC had a better effect than that in EBD (88.07 days vs 62.76 days, P = 0.001; dysphagia score 0.63 vs 1.44, P = 0.007).ConclusionThe CIC method may be an effective and safe option for patients with esophageal cancer with anastomotic strictures after esophagectomy.
Recombined humanized endostatin‐induced suppression of HMGB1 expression inhibits proliferation of NSCLC cancer cells
Authors: Meng Fan‐Jie , Wang Shuo , Yan Yi‐Jie , Wang Chun‐Yang , Guan Zhi‐Yu , Zhang Jun 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundRecombined humanized endostatin (Rh‐endostatin) exhibits a potent anti‐cancer effect involving multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways. HMGB1 is a highly conserved DNA‐binding protein involved in cancer development. The therapeutic effect of Rh‐endostatin on HMGB1 has not been reported, thus we investigate the effect in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.MethodsQuantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the messenger RNA and protein expression of HMGB1 in A549 cancer cells, while enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the release of HMGB1. Western blot was performed to evaluate HMGB1 expression in SK‐MES‐1 and H661 NSCLC cells.ResultsRh‐endostatin inhibited the proliferation of A549 cancer cells and distinctly downregulated the expression and release of HMGB1 in dose and time dependent manners. Rh‐endostatin‐induced HMGB1 downregulation was confirmed in different types of NSCLC cells.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the general phenomenon that Rh‐endostatin can induce HMGB1 suppression in a variety of NSCLC cells. Rh‐endostatin may suppress HMGB1 expression and release in A549 cancer cells, thus inhibiting cell proliferation.
Solitary colorectal liver metastasis after curative intent surgery: prognostic factors affecting outcomes and survival
Authors: Shin Heeji , Kim Chan Wook , Lee Jong Lyul , Yoon Yong Sik , Park In Ja , Lim Seok‐Byung , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Jin Cheon 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the prognostic factors affecting recurrence and survival in patients who underwent curative intent surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) with a single liver metastasis.MethodsBetween January 2006 and August 2012, we retrospectively evaluated 141 patients for CRC with single liver metastasis underwent curative intent surgery for colon and liver simultaneously. Some patients (11.3%) had radiofrequency ablation as an option.ResultsThe 5‐year disease‐free and overall survival (OS) rates were 38.9% and 59.6%, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 77 (54.6%) patients after surgery. Multivariate analysis identified node positivity and no adjuvant chemotherapy as independent risk factors for OS. We analyzed the OS risk factors in 76 recurred patients from the time of recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed the following significant risk factors for OS after recurrence: a high serum carcinoembryonic antigen concentration at the time of recurrence, the treatment type after recurrence (chemotherapy or no treatment) and a left hepatic metastasis.ConclusionPatients who underwent a curative resection for CRC with a single liver metastasis had a relatively favourable prognosis; in these patients, node positivity and no adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS. Furthermore, a high serum carcinoembryonic antigen concentration at the time of recurrence, the treatment type after recurrence (chemotherapy or no treatment) and a left hepatic metastasis may be independent prognostic factors for OS in patients with recurrence. The left hepatic metastasis group tended to have a multiple hepatic relapse more frequently than the right hepatic metastasis group in cases of isolated hepatic relapse.
Real world usability analysis of two augmented reality headsets in visceral surgery
Authors: Moosburner Simon , Remde Christopher , Tang Peter , Queisner Moritz , Haep Nils , Pratschke Johann , Sauer Igor M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecent developments in the field of augmented reality (AR) have enabled new use cases in surgery. Initial set‐up of an appropriate infrastructure for maintaining an AR surgical workflow requires investment in appropriate hardware. We compared the usability of the Microsoft HoloLens and Meta 2 head mounted displays (HMDs). Fifteen medicine students tested each device and were questioned with a variant of the System Usability Scale (SUS). Two surgeons independently tested the devices in an intraoperative setting. In our adapted SUS, ergonomics, ease of use, and visual clarity of the display did not differ significantly between HMD groups. The field of view (FOV) was smaller in the Microsoft HoloLens than the Meta 2 and significantly more study subjects (80% vs. 13.3%; P < 0.001) felt limited through the FOV. Intraoperatively, decreased mobility due to the necessity of an AC adapter and additional computing device for the Meta 2 proved to be limiting. Object stability was rated superior in the Microsoft HoloLens than the Meta 2 by our surgeons and lead to increased use. In summary, after examination of the Meta 2 and the Microsoft HoloLens, we found key advantages in the Microsoft HoloLens which provided palpable benefits in a surgical setting.
IS A SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT OF PPP FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY POSSIBLE? LESSONS FROM SOCIAL IMPACT BONDS
Authors: VECCHI Veronica , CASALINI Francesca 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTSocial Impact Bonds (SIBs) have emerged in recent years as outcome‐based public‐private partnerships (PPP) for the delivery of welfare services, where the payment to the private operator is linked to the achievement of superior social impact. Since the traditional infrastructure‐based PPP approach seems to have failed to achieve higher level of efficiency and, above all, effectiveness, this paper discusses the extent to which the SIB model can represent a reference point to innovate the PPP model by introducing more focus on outcome achievement and social value generation.
Benefit finding in renal transplantation and its association with psychological and clinical correlates: A prospective study
Authors: de Vries Alicia M. , Helgeson Vicki S. , Schulz Torben , Almansa Josué , Westerhuis Ralf , Niesing Jan , Navis Gerjan J. , Schroevers Maya J. , Ranchor Adelita V. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesThe identification of positive psychological changes, including benefit finding (BF), in chronic illness has gained substantial interest. However, less is known about BF in the context of a positive medical intervention. End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) can be regarded as a burdensome condition, but transplantation is expected to restore physical and psychological functioning to a large extent after a period of illness. The aim of this study was to examine (1) changes in BF from pre‐ to 12 months post‐transplantation, (2) the concurrent association of disease‐related characteristics and optimism to BF, and (3) the potential causal relations between BF and distress.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, 319 patients completed questionnaires before, 3 months, 6 months, and/or 12 months post‐transplantation. Multilevel models were used for the analyses. Measures included the Illness Cognitions Questionnaire to measure BF, the Life Orientation Test to measure optimism, and the General Health Questionnaire to measure distress.ResultsBenefit finding increased from pre‐ to post‐transplantation. Fewer symptoms and comorbidities, and more optimism, were related to more BF over all time‐points. The direction of the relation between BF and distress changed over time. Before transplantation, distress predicted an increase in BF, whereas post‐transplantation, distress predicted a decrease in BF. The causal relation between BF and distress post‐transplantation appeared to be reciprocal.ConclusionsA positive medical intervention such as renal transplantation might facilitate the development of BF. This study indicates the need for longitudinal research on the relation between BF and psychological health in the face of positive events.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Benefit finding refers to the identification of positive psychological changes following a negative life event.

Individuals can experience benefit finding following chronic illness.

The positive event of kidney transplantation is associated with improvements in patients’ physical and psychological functioning.

What does this study add?

Benefit finding increases from pre‐ to post‐kidney transplantation.

Fewer symptoms and comorbidities, and higher optimism are related to more benefit finding.

Before transplantation, distress predicts an increase in benefit finding.

After transplantation, there appears to be a reciprocal relation between distress and benefit finding such that distress predicts a decrease in benefit finding and benefit finding predicts a decrease in distress.
Extravascular fibrinogen in the white matter of Alzheimer’s disease and normal aged brains: implications for fibrinogen as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: McAleese Kirsty E. , Graham Sophie , Dey Madhurima , Walker Lauren , Erskine Daniel , Johnson Mary , Johnston Eleanor , Thomas Alan J. , McKeith Ian G. , DeCarli Charles , Attems Johannes 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulates cerebrovascular permeability and leakage of blood‐derived fibrinogen. Dysfunction of the BBB has been associated with cerebral arteriolosclerosis small vessel disease (SVD) and white matter lesions (WML). Furthermore, BBB dysfunction is associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with the presence of CSF plasma proteins suggested to be a potential biomarker of AD. We aimed to determine if extravascular fibrinogen in the white matter was associated with the development of AD hallmark pathologies, i.e., hyperphosphorylated tau (HPτ) and amyloid‐β (Aβ), as well as SVD, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and measures of white matter damage. Using human post‐mortem brains, parietal tissue from 20 AD and 22 non‐demented controls was quantitatively assessed for HPτ, Aβ, white matter damage severity, axonal density, demyelination and the burden of extravascular fibrinogen in both WML and normal appearing white matter (NAWM). SVD severity was determined by calculating sclerotic indices. WML‐ and NAWM fibrinogen burden was not significantly different between AD and controls nor was it associated with the burden of HPτ or Aβ pathology, or any measures of white matter damage. Increasing severity of SVD was associated with and a predictor of both higher WML‐ and NAWM fibrinogen burden (all P < 0.05) in controls only. In cases with minimal SVD NAWM fibrinogen burden was significantly higher in the AD cases (P < 0.05). BBB dysfunction was present in both non‐demented and AD brains and was not associated with the burden of AD‐associated cortical pathologies. BBB dysfunction was strongly associated with SVD but only in the non‐demented controls. In cases with minimal SVD, BBB dysfunction was significantly worse in AD cases possibly indicating the influence of CAA. In conclusion, extravascular fibrinogen is not associated with AD hallmark pathologies but indicates SVD, suggesting that the presence of fibrinogen in the CSF is not a surrogate marker for AD pathology.
Chromium(III), chromium(VI) and cobalt release from leathers produced in Nicaragua
Authors: Hedberg Yolanda S. , Wei Zheng , Moncada Chévez Federico 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundLeather exposure has been associated with chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) contact dermatitis. Cr(VI) in leather is now restricted to <3 mg/kg in the EU. Cr(III) is not restricted.ObjectivesTo analyse 29 differently coloured Cr‐tanned leather samples from two Nicaraguan tanneries, and to compare their release of Cr, Cr(VI) and Co with that of leathers produced in Europe.MethodsCr, Cr(VI) and Co were extracted in phosphate buffer for 3 hours at 25°C according to EN ISO 17075. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and spectrophotometry were used for detection of the metals in phosphate buffer.ResultsThere was no difference in total Cr or Cr(VI) release between European and Nicaraguan leathers. There was no association between Cr(VI) and total Cr release. Co was released primarily from leathers of one tannery. Cr(III) was released in significantly higher amounts than Cr(VI).ConclusionsFuture investigations and regulations should focus on Cr(III) and Co as well as on Cr(VI).
PCSK9 inhibitor therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes
Authors: Monami Matteo , Sesti Giorgio , Mannucci Edoardo 
Published: November 2018

AimsPro‐protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors bring about a wide reduction in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, greater than that of other lipid‐lowering agents. The aim of this metanalysis was assessment of the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on glucose metabolism, LDL cholesterol, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in individuals with and without diabetes.Materials and methodsA Medline and Clinicaltrials.gov search for eligible studies published before 1 December 2017 was performed. All randomized trials comparing PCSK‐9 inhibitors with placebo or active drugs were included. Primary endpoints included (a) incident diabetes, fasting glucose and HbA1c, (b) LDL cholesterol at endpoint in patients with diabetes and in the total sample, and (c) major cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality in individuals with and without diabetes.ResultsA total of 38 trials was identified. The risk of incident diabetes was not increased by PCSK‐9 inhibitors, vs placebo or any comparator. The reduction in LDL cholesterol vs placebo in patients with diabetes was 52.6 [41.3;63.8] mg/dL; the corresponding figure for all patients was 66.9 [62.4;71.3] mg/dL. Meta‐regression analysis showed an inverse correlation between proportion of patients with diabetes and drug effect on LDL cholesterol in trials vs ezetimibe, but not in those vs placebo. In studies reporting data on MACE and mortality separately for individuals with and without diabetes, the effect of PCSK‐9 did not appear to be affected by diabetes.ConclusionPCSK‐9 inhibitors do not affect glucose metabolism. Their efficacy on LDL cholesterol and MACE in patients with diabetes does not seem to be very dissimilar to that observed in non‐diabetic participants.
Can youth at high risk of illness progression be identified by measures of rumination and sleep‐wake disturbance
Authors: Grierson Ashlee B. , Scott Jan , Glozier Nick , Hickie Ian B. , Amminger Paul G. , Killackey Eoin , McGorry Patrick D. , Pantelis Christos , Phillips Lisa , Scott Elizabeth , Yung Alison R. , Purcell Rosemary 
Published: November 2018

AimClinical staging models offer a useful framework for understanding illness trajectories, where individuals are located on a continuum of illness progression from stage 0 (at‐risk but asymptomatic) to stage 4 (end‐stage disease). Importantly, clinical staging allows investigation of risk factors for illness progression with the potential to target trans‐diagnostic mechanisms at an early stage, especially in help‐seeking youth who often present with sub‐threshold syndromes. While depressive symptoms, rumination and sleep‐wake disturbances may worsen syndrome outcomes, the role of these related phenomena has yet to be examined as risk factors for trans‐diagnostic illness progression in at‐risk youth.MethodsThis study is a prospective follow‐up of 248 individuals aged 12 to 25 years presenting to headspace services with sub‐threshold syndromes (stage 1) classified under the clinical staging model to determine transition to threshold syndromes (stage 2). Factor analysis of depression, rumination and sleep‐wake patterns was used to identify key dimensions and any associations between factors and transition to stage 2 at follow‐up.ResultsAt 1 year, 9% of cases met criteria for stage 2 (n = 22). One of three identified factors, namely the factor reflecting the commonalities shared between rumination and sleep‐wake disturbance, significantly differentiated cases that transitioned to stage 2 vs those that did not demonstrate transition. Items loading onto this factor, labelled Anergia, included depression severity and aspects of rumination and sleep‐wake disturbance that were characterized as introceptive.ConclusionsCommon dimensions between rumination and sleep‐wake disturbance present a detectable trans‐diagnostic marker of illness progression in youth, and may represent a target for early intervention.
Seascape genomics of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) along the Atlantic coast of Canada
Authors: Bernatchez Simon , Xuereb Amanda , Laporte Martin , Benestan Laura , Steeves Royce , Laflamme Mark , Bernatchez Louis , Mallet Martin A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInteractions between environmental factors and complex life‐history characteristics of marine organisms produce the genetic diversity and structure observed within species. Our main goal was to test for genetic differentiation among eastern oyster populations from the coastal region of Canadian Maritimes against expected genetic homogeneity caused by historical events, taking into account spatial and environmental (temperature, salinity, turbidity) variation. This was achieved by genotyping 486 individuals originating from 13 locations using RADSeq. A total of 11,321 filtered SNPs were used in a combination of population genomics and environmental association analyses. We revealed significant neutral genetic differentiation (mean FST = 0.009) between sampling locations, and the occurrence of six major genetic clusters within the studied system. Redundancy analyses (RDAs) revealed that spatial and environmental variables explained 3.1% and 4.9% of the neutral genetic variation and 38.6% and 12.2% of the putatively adaptive genetic variation, respectively. These results indicate that these environmental factors play a role in the distribution of both neutral and putatively adaptive genetic diversity in the system. Moreover, polygenic selection was suggested by genotype–environment association analysis and significant correlations between additive polygenic scores and temperature and salinity. We discuss our results in the context of their conservation and management implications for the eastern oyster.
Managing for soil carbon sequestration: Let’s get realistic
Authors: Schlesinger William H. , Amundson Ronald 
Published: November 2018

AbstractImproved soil management is increasingly pursued to ensure food security for the world's rising global population, with the ancillary benefit of storing carbon in soils to lower the threat of climate change. While all increments to soil organic matter are laudable, we suggest caution in ascribing large, potential climate change mitigation to enhanced soil management. We find that the most promising techniques, including applications of biochar and enhanced silicate weathering, collectively are not likely to balance more than 5% of annual emissions of CO2 from fossil fuel combustion.
A proposal for unpacking the politics of knowledge production in disaster reduction education
Authors: Trumble Ruth 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction (2015–2030) states that education is an important way to build resilience of people and communities. Further, reducing inequality should be a goal of disaster risk reduction (DRR) politics. Disaster reduction education (DRE), like the ideas resilience and DRR from which it stems, is not an innocent notion. The production of knowledge and its implementation via DRE are inherently political. With this in mind, I discuss recent work in DRE and suggest that science and technology studies (STS) is a helpful ally in examining the significance of DRE for communities. I first discuss the relationship between resilience, DRR, and DRE. I then review recent case studies from the growing field of scholarship in DRE; each of which brings into question (a) the politics of knowledge production and (b) uneven relationships across scales that shape the ways in which education for disaster risk is implemented. Next, I explore how scholarship from STS is useful to think through ways to further unpack the politics of expertise woven into DRE. I conclude by stating that if we are to consider possibilities for DRE practices that increase equality, we must first explore the power relations that shape DRE. STS engagements with expertise will help in the process.