bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Levelling Up of Constituent Power in the European Union
Authors: Patberg Markus 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this article, I elaborate a conceptual innovation that underlies, if only in nascent form, Jürgen Habermas's notion of pouvoir constituant mixte and could significantly advance research on the democratic legitimacy of EU constitutional politics: the levelling up of constituent power. According to this idea, state‐level pouvoirs constituants may issue an authorization for constitutional decision‐making at the supra‐state level and thereby bring about a new constituent power whose composition can take a variety of forms. This conceptual framework paves the way for a systematic analysis of the EU's pouvoir constituant and its relation to the demoi of the member states. At the same time, it renders it an open normative question of who should be in charge of EU constitutional politics.
Serum microRNA profiles as diagnostic biomarkers for HBV‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Hao‐Tu , Liu Rong‐Bin , Liang Ya‐Yong , Hasan Abdulbaqi M. E. , Wang Hai‐Yun , Shao Qiong , Zhang Zi‐Chen , Wang Jing , He Cai‐Yun , Wang Fang , Shao Jian‐Yong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsThe discovery of effective and reliable biomarkers to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an early stage may improve the survival of HCC. The aim of this study was to establish serum microRNA (miRNA) profiles as diagnostic biomarkers for HBV‐positive HCC.MethodsWe used deep sequencing to screen serum miRNAs in a discovery cohort (n=100). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were then applied to evaluate the expression of selected miRNAs. A diagnostic 2‐miRNA panel was established by a logistic regression model using a training cohort (n=182). The predicted probability of being detected as HCC was used to construct the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to assess the diagnostic performance of the selected miRNA panel.ResultsThe predicted probability of being detected as HCC by the 2‐miRNA panel was calculated by: logit P=−2.988 + 1.299 × miR‐27b‐3p + 1.245 × miR‐192‐5p. These results were further confirmed in a validation cohort (n=246).The miRNA panel provided a high diagnostic accuracy of HCC (AUC=0.842, P<.0001 for training set; AUC=0.836, P<.0001 for validation set respectively). In addition, the miRNA panel showed better prediction of HCC diagnosis than did alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP). The miRNA panel also differentiated HCC from healthy (AUC=0.823, P<.0001), and cirrhosis patients (AUC=0.859, P<.0001) respectively.ConclusionsDifferentially expressed serum miRNAs may have considerable clinical value in HCC diagnosis, and be particularly helpful for AFP‐negative HCC.
A meta‐analysis of single HCV‐untreated arm of studies evaluating outcomes after curative treatments of HCV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cabibbo Giuseppe , Petta Salvatore , Barbàra Marco , Missale Gabriele , Virdone Roberto , Caturelli Eugenio , Piscaglia Fabio , Morisco Filomena , Colecchia Antonio , Farinati Fabio , Giannini Edoardo , Trevisani Franco , Craxì Antonio , Colombo Massimo , Cammà Calogero ,   the ITA.LI.CA study group
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsDetermining risk for recurrence or survival after curative resection or ablation in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important for stratifying patients according to expected outcomes in future studies of adjuvant therapy in the era of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). The aims of this meta‐analysis were to estimate the recurrence and survival probabilities of HCV‐related early HCC following complete response after potentially curative treatment and to identify predictors of recurrence and survival.MethodsStudies reporting time‐dependent outcomes (HCC recurrence or death) after potentially curative treatment of HCV‐related early HCC were identified in MEDLINE through May 2016. Data on patient populations and outcomes were extracted from each study by three independent observers and combined using a distribution‐free summary survival curve. Primary outcomes were actuarial probabilities of recurrence and survival.ResultsEleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates of actuarial recurrence rates were 7.4% at 6 months and 47.0% at 2 years. Pooled estimates of actuarial survival rates were 79.8% at 3 years and 58.6% at 5 years. Heterogeneity among studies was highly significant for all outcomes. By univariate meta‐regression analyses, lower serum albumin, randomized controlled trial study design and follow‐up were independently associated with higher recurrence risk, whereas tumour size and alpha‐foetoprotein levels were associated with higher mortality.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis showed that recurrence risk and survival are extremely variable in patients with successfully treated HCV‐related HCC, providing a useful benchmark for indirect comparisons of the benefits of DAAs and for a correct design of randomized controlled trials in the adjuvant setting.
Differential profit rates in long period analysis: The nonlinear case
Authors: D'Agata Antonio 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this note, we generalize the long‐period linear model with differential profit rates due to “idiosyncratic” factors considered by classical economists and developed in D'Agata and Mori. More specifically, we remove the assumption of linear evaluation functions and the assumption that in the economy there are as many producers as industries.
Effect of mitochondrial uncoupling and glycolysis inhibition on ram sperm functionality
Authors: Losano JDA , Angrimani DSR , Dalmazzo A , Rui BR , Brito MM , Mendes CM , Kawai GKV , Vannucchi CI , Assumpção MEOA , Barnabe VH , Nichi M 
Published: January 2017

ContentsStudies have demonstrated the importance of mitochondria to sperm functionality, as the main source of ATP for cellular homoeostasis and motility. However, the role of mitochondria on sperm metabolism is still controversial. Studies indicate that, for some species, glycolysis may be the main mechanism for sperm energy production. For ram sperm, such pathway is not clear. Thus, we evaluated ram sperm in response to mitochondrial uncoupling and glycolysis inhibition aiming to assess the importance of each pathway for sperm functionality. Statistical analysis was performed by the SAS System for Windows, using the General Linear Model Procedure. Data were tested for residue normality and variance homogeneity. A p < .05 was considered significant. Groups treated with the mitochondrial uncoupler Carbonyl cyanide 3 chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) showed a decrease in the percentage of cells with low mitochondrial activity and high mitochondrial membrane potential. We also observed that the highest CCCP concentration promotes a decrease in sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Regardless the lack of effect of CCCP on total motility, this substance induced significant alterations on sperm kinetics. Besides the interference of CCCP on spermatic movement patterns, it was also possible to observe such an effect in samples treated with the inhibitor of glycolysis (2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose, DOG). Furthermore, treatment with DOG also led to a dose‐dependent increase in sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Based on our results, we suggest that the glycolysis appears to be as important as oxidative phosphorylation for ovine sperm kinetics as this mechanism is capable of maintaining full motility when most of the cells have a low mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, we found that changes in the glycolytic pathway trough glycolysis inhibition are likely involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and sperm oxidative unbalance.
Short communication: Progressive motility of frozen–thawed canine semen is highest five minutes after thawing
Authors: Karger S , Geiser B , Grau M , Heuwieser W , Arlt SP 
Published: January 2017

ContentsProgressive motility is usually estimated by visual inspection using a light contrast microscope at X 100 immediately after semen collection or immediately after thawing frozen semen. Standard operating procedures have never been established for this test. The objective of this experiment was to examine time‐dependent changes of motility after thawing cryopreserved canine semen. Semen of 35 dogs was collected, and volume, concentration, progressive motility, morphology, membrane integrity and HOS test were evaluated. For cryopreservation, CaniPRO® Freeze A&B was used. Semen was thawed and diluted using CaniPRO® culture medium. After thawing, semen was evaluated as before. In addition, every sample was evaluated for progressively motile sperm cells 0, 5, 20 and 60 min after thawing. Progressive semen motility was significantly highest five minutes after thawing.
Effect of sperm pretreatment with glutathione and membrane destabilizing agents lysolecithin and Triton X‐100, on the efficiency of bovine intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Zambrano F , Aguila L , Arias ME , Sanchez R , Felmer R 
Published: January 2017

ContentsIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproduction tool with several applications. Its effectiveness in bovines is lower than that in other species, mainly because of difficulties in the decondensation of the sperm nucleus after injection, and the presence of the acrosome and the plasma membrane which remain intact in this procedure. In this study, we assessed the effect of lysolecithin (LL) and Triton X‐100 (TX), in combination with glutathione (GSH) as sperm pretreatments prior to ICSI. The GSH‐LL and GSH‐TX groups showed 0% of spermatozoa with intact membrane (SYBR 14+/PI), in comparison with the control (63.3%) and GSH (65.7%) groups. The proportions of spermatozoa with damaged acrosome membrane in the GSH‐LL, GSH‐TX, GSH and control groups were 46%, 35.9%, 10.5% and 7.5%, respectively. Sperm chromatin decondensation analysis showed that the groups incubated for 3 hr with GSH presented greater decondensation (p < .05). Although fertilization was improved in all treatment groups evaluated, no differences were observed in the cleavage rate 72 hr after activation in the GSH (73.7%), GSH‐LL (80.2%) and GSH‐TX (77.8%) groups compared to the control (66.3%), neither in the blastocyst rate on day 8 (24.0%, 26.2%, 27.1% and 28.4% for the control, GSH, GSH‐LL and GSH‐TX groups, respectively). No differences were also observed in the total number of cells in all groups. In conclusion, although these sperm treatments promoted nuclear decondensation and induced plasma membrane disruption, these effects were not sufficient to improve bovine embryonic development after ICSI.
A Solution to the Missing Globalization Puzzle by Non‐CES Preferences
Authors: Yilmazkuday Hakan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOne channel of welfare‐improving globalization is through the increasing integration of trade. Although this is attributed to decreasing effects of distance across countries, the workhorse models of gravity fail to capture it, the so‐called “missing globalization” or “distance puzzle.” This paper shows that this puzzle may be due to the restricting assumption of constant elasticity of substitution (CES) preferences working behind the gravity models. We test the validity of this assumption for different trade intervals and show that it is violated as a result of the distance elasticity of trade decreasing with the amount of trade. Accordingly, we consider a type of non‐CES utility function, namely constant absolute risk version (CARA), and analytically show that the negative relation between trade and distance elasticity of trade is captured by CARA preferences. We estimate the gravity equation implied by CARA preferences, empirically confirm the endogenous relation between trade and distance elasticity of trade, and show that the distance puzzle is solved under CARA preferences. According to the data set used, CARA preferences are also econometrically selected over CES preferences based on their goodness of fit.
Exploring the impact of diagenesis on (isotope) geochemical and microstructural alteration features in biogenic aragonite
Authors: Ritter Ann‐Christine , Mavromatis Vasileios , Dietzel Martin , Kwiecien Ola , Wiethoff Felix , Griesshaber Erika , Casella Laura A. , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Koelen Jennifer , Neuser Rolf D. , Leis Albrecht , Buhl Dieter , Niedermayr Andrea , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M. , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Immenhauser Adrian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFor the Quaternary and Neogene, aragonitic biogenic and abiogenic carbonates are frequently exploited as archives of their environment. Conversely, pre‐Neogene aragonite is often diagenetically altered and calcite archives are studied instead. Nevertheless, the exact sequence of diagenetic processes and products is difficult to disclose from naturally altered material. Here, experiments were performed to understand biogenic aragonite alteration processes and products. Shell subsamples of the bivalve Arctica islandica were exposed to hydrothermal alteration. Thermal boundary conditions were set at 100°C, 175°C and 200°C. These comparably high temperatures were chosen to shorten experimental durations. Subsamples were exposed to different 18O‐depleted fluids for durations between two and twenty weeks. Alteration was documented using X‐ray diffraction, cathodoluminescence, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, as well as conventional and clumped isotope analyses. Experiments performed at 100°C show redistribution and darkening of organic matter, but lack evidence for diagenetic alteration, except in Δ47 which show the effects of annealing processes. At 175°C, valves undergo significant aragonite to calcite transformation and neomorphism. The δ18O signature supports transformation via dissolution and reprecipitation, but isotopic exchange is limited by fluid migration through the subsamples. Individual growth increments in these subsamples exhibit bright orange luminescence. At 200°C, valves are fully transformed to calcite and exhibit purple‐blue luminescence with orange bands. The δ18O and Δ47 signatures reveal exchange with the aqueous fluid, whereas δ13C remains unaltered in all experiments, indicating a carbonate‐buffered system. Clumped isotope temperatures in high‐temperature experiments show compositions in broad agreement with the measured temperature. Experimentally induced alteration patterns are comparable with individual features present in Pleistocene shells. This study represents a significant step towards sequential analysis of diagenetic features in biogenic aragonites and sheds light on reaction times and threshold limits. The limitations of a study restricted to a single test organism are acknowledged and call for refined follow‐up experiments.
Successful treatment of donor‐derived hepatitis C viral infection in three transplant recipients from a donor at increased risk for bloodborne pathogens
Authors: Shah Ashesh P. , Cameron Andrew , Singh Pooja , Frank Adam M. , Fenkel Jonathan M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe report here the successful treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmitted from a nucleic acid testing (NAT)‐negative donor to three HCV‐negative recipients—two renal transplants and one liver. Both renal recipients underwent standard deceased‐donor renal transplantation with immediate graft function. The liver recipient underwent standard orthotopic liver transplantation and recovered uneventfully. The donor was a 39‐year‐old woman with a terminal serum creatinine of 0.7 mg/dL. She was high risk for bloodborne pathogens, based upon a history of sexual contact with an HCV‐infected male partner. Recipient 1 was a 45‐year‐old man with a history of end‐stage renal disease from systemic lupus erythematosus. Recipient 2 was a 62‐year‐old woman with a history of end‐stage renal disease caused by hypertension and insulin‐dependent diabetes. Recipient 3 was a 42‐year‐old man with acute liver failure from acetaminophen ingestion. All recipients became HCV polymerase chain reaction positive on post‐transplant follow‐up. Both kidney recipients were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir combination therapy for 12 weeks without side effects or rejection episodes. Recipient 3 was treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin for 12 weeks without side effects. All patients achieved a sustained viral response at 12 weeks and are considered cured of HCV. The kidney recipients maintained good allograft function with a serum creatinine of 1.4 mg/dL and 1.0 mg/dL, respectively. Both renal recipients maintained normal liver function post treatment and did not develop any evidence of fibrosis. The liver recipient's liver function tests returned to normal without further incident. This case report provides evidence for the successful treatment of donor‐derived HCV in transplant recipients.
Measuring shear-wave speed with point shear-wave elastography and MR elastography: a phantom study
Authors: Kishimoto Riwa , Suga Mikio , Koyama Atsuhisa , Omatsu Tokuhiko , Tachibana Yasuhiko , Ebner Daniel K , Obata Takayuki 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo compare shear-wave speed (SWS) measured by ultrasound-based point shear-wave elastography (pSWE) and MR elastography (MRE) on phantoms with a known shear modulus, and to assess method validity and variability.Methods5 homogeneous phantoms of different stiffnesses were made. Shear modulus was measured by a rheometer, and this value was used as the standard. 10 SWS measurements were obtained at 4 different depths with 1.0–4.5 MHz convex (4C1) and 4.0–9.0 MHz linear (9L4) transducers using pSWE. MRE was carried out once per phantom, and SWSs at 5 different depths were obtained. These SWSs were then compared with those from a rheometer using linear regression analyses.ResultsSWSs obtained with both pSWE as well as MRE had a strong correlation with those obtained by a rheometer (R2>0.97). The relative difference in SWS between the procedures was from −25.2% to 25.6% for all phantoms, and from −8.1% to 6.9% when the softest and hardest phantoms were excluded. Depth dependency was noted in the 9L4 transducer of pSWE and MRE.ConclusionsSWSs from pSWE and MRE showed a good correlation with a rheometer-determined SWS. Although based on phantom studies, SWSs obtained with these methods are not always equivalent, the measurement can be thought of as reliable and these SWSs were reasonably close to each other for the middle range of stiffness within the measurable range.
Risk and severity of herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving different immunosuppressive medications: a case–control study in Asia
Authors: Liao Tsai-Ling , Chen Yi-Ming , Liu Hung-Jen , Chen Der-Yuan 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveIncreasing evidence indicates that the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Little is known about the epidemiology of HZ in patients with RA in Asia. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors and outcomes of HZ among patients with RA.DesignA case–control study.SettingA medical centre in Asia.ParticipantsA total of 9025 newly diagnosed and eligible patients with RA (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 714.0) during the period 2001–2014. Among them, 275 (3.05%) were newly diagnosed with HZ (ICD-9-CM code 053.0) after the RA identification. As the control group, patients with RA without HZ were matched for age, gender and RA disease duration at the time of HZ infection with the RA-HZ case group at a ratio of 4:1, and a total of 1100 control subjects were selected.Outcome measuresWe estimated ORs using conditional logistic regression to investigate the risk and severity of HZ among patients with RA receiving different immunosuppressive medications.ResultsExposure to corticosteroids (≥10 mg/day adjusted OR (aOR)=2.30, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.22, p=0.01), anti-tumour necrosis factor biologicals (aOR=2.07, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.19, p=0.001) and conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (methotrexate (aOR=1.98, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.76, p<0.001) and hydroxychloroquine (aOR=1.95, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.73, p<0.001)) was associated with an increased HZ risk in patients with RA. The association between the use of corticosteroids and HZ risk was dose-dependent (ptrend<0.001). Time-to-HZ diagnosis among patients with RA receiving biological medications was significantly shorter than that in patients not receiving biological medications. A higher proportion of severe HZ and ophthalmic involvement was found in patients with RA receiving biologicals.ConclusionsThere was an increased risk of HZ in patients with RA taking specific immunosuppressive medication. Biologicals used were associated with severe HZ occurrence. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor and prevent severe HZ complications during specific immunosuppressive therapy.
Non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in patients with early arthritis: a systematic literature review informing the 2016 update of EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis
Authors: DAIEN Claire Immediato , HUA Charlotte , COMBE Bernard , LANDEWE Robert 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo perform a systematic literature review (SLR) on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, in order to inform the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of early arthritis (EA).MethodsThe expert committee defined research questions concerning non-pharmacological interventions, patient information and education, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, glucocorticoid (GC) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) use, as well as on disease monitoring. The SLR included articles published after the last EULAR SLR until November 2015 found in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases and abstracts from the 2014 and 2015 American College of Rheumatology and EULAR conferences.ResultsExercise programmes may improve pain and physical function in patients with EA. Patients with EA treated within the first 3 months of symptoms have better clinical and radiological outcomes than those treated beyond 3 months. The clinical and radiological efficacy of GCs is confirmed, with similar efficacy of oral and parenteral administrations. Long-term data raise concerns regarding cardiovascular safety when using GCs. Step-up DMARD therapy is as effective as intensive DMARD therapy ‘ab initio’ for the long-term outcome of EA. Short-term superiority of intensive therapy with bDMARDs is not maintained on withdrawal of bDMARD. Patients with early psoriatic arthritis have better skin and joint outcomes when tight control is used compared to standard care.ConclusionsThe findings confirm the beneficial effect of exercise programmes and the importance of early drug therapy and tight control. They support the use of methotrexate and GCs as first-line drugs, although the long-term use of GCs raises safety concerns.