bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐6 trans‐signalling induces vascular endothelial growth factor synthesis partly via Janus kinases‐STAT3 pathway in human mesothelial cells
Authors: Yang Xiaoxiao , Lin Aiwu , Jiang Na , Yan Hao , Ni Zhaohui , Qian Jiaqi , Fang Wei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimsInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a vital inflammatory factor in the peritoneal cavity of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Because intraperitoneal inflammation is closely associated with angiogenesis, we sought to explore the effect of IL‐6 on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis and its transduction pathway in mesothelial cells.MethodsHuman mesothelial cells (Met‐5A) were incubated with different concentrations of glucose and mannitol, and the effect of glucose and mannitol on the expression of IL‐6 was determined. Then, the cells were stimulated by IL‐6 with or without two soluble receptors of IL‐6 (sIL‐6R or sgp130), and VEGF synthesis was detected. Finally, the cells were incubated with IL‐6/sIL‐6R combined with or without the inhibitor of Janus kinases (JAK) AG490. The phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its intracellular translocation were examined.Results1. High glucose and mannitol could upregulate IL‐6 mRNA expression and IL‐6 secretion in mesothelial cells significantly, and there was no difference of its effect between high glucose and mannitol. 2. Met‐5A was a cell line with a single IL‐6 receptor. The IL‐6/sIL‐6R complex induced VEGF synthesis of mesothelial cells, which was alleviated by sgp130 or AG490. IL‐6 trans‐signalling could induce the phosphorylation of STAT3, which is recruited to the cellular nucleus of Met‐5A cells.ConclusionThe present study might provide evidence that high glucose upregulates IL‐6 synthesis in Met‐5A cells, to some extent, depending on its osmolality and that IL‐6 trans‐signalling could induce VEGF synthesis partly dependent on the JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Bloating is associated with worse quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and treatment responsiveness among patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation
Authors: Neri L. , Iovino P. ,   the Laxative Inadequate Relief Survey (LIRS) Group
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe management of bloating is unclear and its relationship with patients' well‐being and treatment satisfaction independent of other abdominal symptoms is uncharacterized. We evaluated the association of bloating with patient‐reported outcomes.MethodsThirty‐nine centers for functional gastrointestinal disorders joined the laxative inadequate relief survey. We enrolled 2203 consecutive outpatients with functional constipation (FC) or constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐C) in two cross‐sectional waves. Both wave 1 and 2 included the SF‐12, the patient assessment of constipation‐symptoms (PAC‐SYM), and the treatment satisfaction questionnaire for medication (TSQM‐2). Wave 2 only included a global rating of change (GRC) scale to assess patients' assessment of efficacy concerning treatment switches occurred in the 3 months prior to the interview. Bloating in the abdomen was defined on the basis of PAC‐SYM item 3.Key ResultsThe average age was 50.1 years (SD, 16.7) and 82.1% of patients were women. The prevalence of bloating was 91.6% (n = 1970). Bloating was associated with SF‐12 Physical Composite Score (p < 0.01), SF‐12 Mental Composite Score (p < 0.01), GRC (p < 0.01), Satisfaction with treatment effectiveness (p < 0.01), convenience of administration (p < 0.01), and side effects (p < 0.01) after adjustment for possible confounders.Conclusions & InferencesOur data suggest that patients regard bloating as a key element in assessing clinical changes and treatments' efficacy as this symptom exerts a strong influence on patient‐reported outcomes independent of possible confounders and other symptoms of constipation. Our data provide the rationale to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of new treatments specifically addressing this important, yet disregarded, patients' complain.
Proteomic alteration of a thermo‐sensitive male sterility SP2S in rapeseed (Brassica napus) in response to mild temperature stress
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Liu Zhiquan , Liu Xiqiong , Dong Jungang , Pang Honghxi , Yu Chengyu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe conducted a proteomic comparison between thermo‐sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) SP2S and its near‐isogenic line SP2F grown at 22°C. The proteomes at microsporocyte meiosis and uninucleate microspore stages were profiled using 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Twenty‐five well‐reproducible spots (10 spots at microsporocyte meiosis stage and 15 spots at uninucleate microspore stage) containing 28 proteins were successfully identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. An elongation factor EF‐2 at microsporocyte stage and 4 proteins (aconitate hydratase, triosephosphate isomerase, serine/arginine‐rich mRNA splicing factor and glutathione S‐transferase) at uninucleate microspore stage accumulated in SP2S, but more proteins were lost or reduced, including those associated with amino acid metabolism, photosynthesis, synthesis and degradation of protein, lipid metabolism, cytoskeleton, RNA modification, oxidoreductase and defence response. The dramatic decrease of tubulin, actin and Translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) crucial for microtubule and cell division and three enzymes for amino acid metabolite at early stage indicated a serious defect on the cytokinesis. They were important clues for us to search the TGMS genes and its interacting genes.
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Pediatric Psoriasis: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Klufas Daniel M. , Wald Jenna M. , Strober Bruce E. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis has an estimated prevalence of 0.5% to 2.0% in children. There is a paucity of data regarding the management and safety of treatments currently available for children with moderate to severe psoriasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment response and safety of systemic therapies used to manage moderate to severe pediatric psoriasis in a single referral center. Despite a small sample size, it was hypothesized that multiple therapeutics used for adult psoriasis would have a similar side‐effect profile and positive disease response when used in a pediatric population.MethodsA retrospective case series evaluated 51 children with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with systemic therapies for adverse event occurrence and for disease response using a 5‐point Physician Global Assessment scale.ResultsFifty‐one patients, some of whom used multiple treatment options, produced 80 treatment data points. Adverse events were reported in 29 of these 80 treatments, with most being minor, subjective side effects. Overall, the most commonly reported side effect was fatigue, which was reported in 7.5% of treatments. Because of the small sample size, the data collected are limited and may not represent a comprehensive safety profile, nor do they allow comparison of efficacy between therapies. This case series found that biologic and immunomodulating therapies provide well‐tolerated treatments with positive disease response for moderate to severe pediatric psoriasis.ConclusionAlthough sample size and study design limit the data from this study, the study provides some guidance where little exists and helps to support the use of these treatments in this setting.
Decentralization, District Chief Executives, and District Assemblies in Ghana's Fourth Republic
Authors: Debrah Emmanuel 
Published: February 2016

The article shows how District Chief Executives (DCEs) exert extraordinary influence on Ghana's decentralization. Analyzing data from Afrobarometer surveys and 100 interviews, the article establishes that DCEs’ position is very complex, involving the exercise of political and administrative functions aimed to influence grassroots support for the president. While politicization allowed the DCEs to perform their assigned functions, it polarized the district assemblies with assembly members divided in support of or against their policies/activities. It further led to conflict and tension between the DCEs, administrators, and Members of Parliament, which proved counterproductive to rural development. Subnational leaders who owe their position to political appointment lack autonomy to pursue grassroots preference. Yet with constitutional reforms that ensure direct election of DCEs, and the creation of a local supervisory body with review and veto powers over DCE policy and administration, responsiveness, and accountability to the people can be encouraged. This, in turn, can foster cooperation/positive interaction among the varying actors and perspectives for effective decentralization.Related Articles

Mohammed, Abdulai Kuyini. 2013. “” Politics & Policy 41 (): 117‐152. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12003/abstract

Beal, Amanda L., and
Leah Graham. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 311‐345. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12077/abstract

Danso, Alex. 1991. “.” Southeastern Political Review 19 (): 117‐144. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.1991.tb00052.x/abstract
Related Media

Zakaria, Hamza Bukari. 2013. “.” Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance 13/14 (November).
EU Trade Policy Responses to the Proliferation of Preferential Trade Agreements in Latin America and East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Sahakyan Davit 
Published: February 2016

The fivefold increase of the number of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) during the last quarter century has been largely explained by the discriminative nature of such agreements, which has triggered “competitive liberalization” and PTA formation among nonmembers through a domino effect. Based on the author's interviews with European Union (EU) trade officials and policy makers at the European Commission, this article evaluates EU trade policy developments during the last quarter century and lays out EU policy responses to the proliferation of PTAs in Latin America and East and Southeast Asia. The article concludes that the EU has adopted “defensive” and “proactive” trade policy responses in Latin America and East and Southeast Asia, thus augmenting the discriminative pressures and reinforcing the discrimination‐fueled proliferation of PTAs.Related Articles

Gruber, Lloyd. 2013. “.” Politics & Policy 41 (): 723‐764. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.biblio.unitn.it/doi/10.1111/polp.12034/abstract

Collins, Stephen. 2010. “.” Politics & Policy 38 (): 737‐764. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2010.00256.x/abstract

Kirshner, Orin. 2009. “.” Politics & Policy 37 (): 151‐176. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00165.x/abstract
Related Media
. 2015. “Ink FTA with EU to Offset Adverse Impact of TPP on Textiles: Assocham.” The Economic Times. October 20. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/49467316.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Miller, Nick. 2015. “Australia‐Europe Free Trade Agreement Talks Could Start within Months.” The Sydney Morning Herald. October 15. http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australiaeurope-free-trade-agreement-talks-could-start-within-months-20151014-gk9ch3.html#ixzz3pNxhixcG
Determinants of Growth in Fast‐Developing Countries: Evidence from Bundling and Unbundling Institutions
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. 
Published: February 2016

This study assesses growth determinants in the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey nations the period 2001‐11. Particular emphasis is laid on the bundling and unbundling of ten governance dynamics. Contemporary and noncontemporary fixed‐ and random‐effects regressions are employed. The following are some findings. First, governance is more positively significant in noncontemporary specifications as opposed to contemporary regressions. Second, there is some interesting evidence on the heterogeneity of political governance as a driver. Political governance and its constituents (political stability and voice and accountability) are significantly positive in gross domestic product (GDP) growth but insignificant in real GDP output regressions. Third, the other governance dynamics are more significant determinants of real GDP output, as opposed to GDP growth. Accordingly, they are insignificant in contemporary regressions and negatively significant in noncontemporary regressions for GDP growth. Fourth, the constituents of economic governance have the highest magnitude in the positive effects of governance dynamics on real GDP output.Related Articles

Jakubow, Alexander. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 3‐36. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12057/abstract

Beal, Amanda L., and
Leah Graham. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 311‐345. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12077/abstract

Fails, Matthew D. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 369‐399. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12078/abstract
Related Media

Siddiquia, Danish A., and
Qazi M. Ahmedb. 2013. Structural Change and Economic Dynamics 24: 18‐33. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0954349X12000902

Peev, Evgeni, and
Dennis C. Mueller. 2013. “.” Kyklos 65 (): 371‐407. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-6435.2012.00543.x/abstract
Canine and feline retinal lymphoma: a retrospective review of 12 cases
Authors: Malmberg Jennifer L. , Garcia Teresa , Dubielzig Richard R. , Ehrhart E. J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis retrospective study identified 12 cases (6 canine and 6 feline) of ocular lymphoma with extensive retinal involvement and relative sparing of other ocular tissues. Our objectives were to describe the morphologic and immunohistochemical features of retinal lymphoma, assess the degree of correlation to the human counterpart, assign subtypes based on the veterinary‐adapted WHO classification system, and promote accurate reporting of retinal involvement in cases of intraocular lymphoma. Our findings suggest that a distinct retinal tropism is quite rare, representing approximately 1% of all cases of canine and feline ocular lymphoma. No breed or sex predispositions were identified. The mean age of the affected animal was 7 years (range 4–10) and 11 years (range 6–19) for dogs and cats, respectively. Nine cases (5 canine and 4 feline) were classified as diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype. The remaining cases were classified as peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL).
Draft Genome Sequence of the Radioresistant Bacterium Deinococcus grandis, Isolated from Freshwater Fish in Japan
Authors: Satoh Katsuya , Onodera Takefumi , Omoso Kota , Takeda-Yano Kiyoko , Katayama Takeshi , Oono Yutaka , Narumi Issay 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Deinococcus grandis
is a radioresistant bacterium isolated from freshwater fish in Japan. Here we reported the draft genome sequence of
D. grandis
(4.1 Mb), which will be useful for elucidating the common principles of radioresistance in
Deinococcus
species through the comparative analysis of genomic sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Hymenobacter
sp. Strain AT01-02, Isolated from a Surface Soil Sample in the Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Holm Hansen Anders Cai , Paulino-Lima Ivan Glaucio , Fujishima Kosuke , Rothschild Lynn Justine , Jensen Peter Ruhdal 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the 5.09-Mb draft genome sequence of
Hymenobacter
sp. strain AT01-02, which was isolated from a surface soil sample in the Atacama Desert, Chile. The isolate is extremely resistant to UV-C radiation and is able to accumulate high intracellular levels of Mn/Fe.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Interactive Moderate Thermophiles,
Paenibacillus napthalenovorans
32O-Y and
Paenibacillus
sp. 32O-W
Authors: Butler Robert R. , Wang Jia , Stark Benjamin C. , Pombert Jean-François 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms with the capability to desulfurize petroleum are in high demand with escalating restrictions currently placed on fuel purity. Thermophilic desulfurizers are particularly valuable in high-temperature industrial applications. We report the whole-genome sequences of
Paenibacillus napthalenovorans
32O-Y and
Paenibacillus
sp. 32O-W, which can and cannot, respectively, metabolize dibenzothiophene.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Vibrio
sp. Strain Evh12, a Bacterium Retrieved from the Gorgonian Coral
Eunicella verrucosa
Authors: Franco Telma , Califano Gianmaria , Gonçalves Ana C. S. , Cúcio Catarina , Costa Rodrigo 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

To shed light on the associations established between
Vibrio
species and soft corals in coastal ecosystems, we report here the draft genome sequence of
Vibrio
sp. strain Evh12, a bacterium that has been isolated from the gorgonian coral
Eunicella verrucosa
and that shows antagonistic activity against
Escherichia coli
.
The impact of clinical maturity on competency in evidence-based medicine: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Ilic Dragan , Diug Basia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo identify whether the clinical maturity of medical trainees impacts upon the level of trainee competency in evidence-based medicine (EBM).Materials and methodsUndergraduate and graduate-entry medical trainees entering their first year of training in the clinical environment were recruited for this study. Competency in EBM was measured using a psychometrically validated instrument. EBM competency scores were analysed using Student's t tests, in order to differentiate between undergraduate and graduate-entry trainee performance. Ten focus group discussions were conducted with undergraduate and graduate-entry trainees. Audio transcripts were thematically analysed.ResultsData on a total of 885 medical trainees were collected over a 5-year period. Undergraduate trainees had significantly higher EBM competency scores during years in which the programme was presented in a didactic format (mean difference (MD)=1.24 (95% CI)CI 0.21 to 2.26; 1.78 (0.39 to 3.17); 2.13 (1.16 to 3.09)). Graduate trainee EBM competency scores increased when a blended learning approach to EBM was adopted, demonstrating no significant difference in EBM competency scores between undergraduate and graduate cohorts (−0.27 (−1.38 to 0.85); −0.39 (−1.57 to 0.79). Qualitative findings indicated that differences in learning and teaching preference among undergraduate and graduate-entry trainees influenced the level of competency obtained in EBM.ConclusionsClinical maturity is the only one factor that may influence medical trainees' competency in EBM. Other predictors of EBM competency may include previous training and exposure to epidemiology, biostatistics and information literacy. While graduate-entry medical students may have more ‘life’ experience, or maturity, it does not necessarily translate into clinical maturity and integration into the clinical environment.
Clinical Effectiveness of Hydralazine–Isosorbide Dinitrate Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: Findings From the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Khazanie Prateeti , Liang Li , Curtis Lesley H. , Butler Javed , Eapen Zubin J. , Heidenreich Paul A. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Peterson Eric D. , Yancy Clyde W. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Hernandez Adrian F. 
Published: February 2016

Background—
In clinical trials, hydralazine–isosorbide dinitrate (H-ISDN) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction reduced morbidity and mortality among black patients and patients with intolerance to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. The effectiveness of H-ISDN in clinical practice is unknown.

Methods and Results—
Using data from a clinical registry linked with Medicare claims, we examined the use and outcomes of H-ISDN between 2005 and 2011 among older patients hospitalized with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. We adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics using Cox proportional hazards models and inverse probability weighting. Among 4663 eligible patients, 22.7% of black patients and 18.2% of patients not on an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker were newly prescribed H-ISDN therapy at discharge. By 3 years, the cumulative incidence rates of mortality and readmission were similar between treated and untreated patients. After multivariable adjustment, 3-year outcomes remained similar for mortality [black patients: hazard ratio (HR), 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–1.13; other patients: HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79–1.09], all-cause readmission (black patients: HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.84–1.13; other patients: HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90–1.17), and cardiovascular readmission (black patients: HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.82–1.19; other patients: HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.81–1.09). A post hoc analysis of Medicare Part D data revealed low postdischarge adherence to therapy.

Conclusions—
Guideline-recommended initiation of H-ISDN therapy at hospital discharge was uncommon, and adherence was low. For both black patients and patients of other races, there were no differences in outcomes between those treated and untreated at discharge.
The Effects of Greek Society and Culture on Ayvalık Architecture: Architectural Typology and Vernacular Settlement
Authors: Asımgil Bedriye 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAyvalık town is a traditional and urban formation that is of the outcome of centuries of optimization of material use, construction techniques and climate considerations, that the traces of the Greek architecture is seen. In this study, traditional building designs having various typology is evaluated. It is concerned with the layout of the buildings (orientation, climate, aspect ratio). This study is concerned with the layout of the buildings, such as building orientation, climate, aspect ratio, the proximity of houses (site planning), the air movement, the size-position of building openings, and the building facade (walls, construction materials, thickness, roof construction detailing).This paper evaluates specific vernacular dwelling types and their response to climate, based on passive design principles that could be adapted to current architectural practice in the area, in order to optimize the relationship between site, building and climate, in Ayvalık.
Regulatory approaches to managing skilled migration: Indonesian nurses in Japan
Authors: Ford Michele , Kawashima Kumiko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article examines the Japan–Indonesia Economic Partnership Agreement, an agreement that has allowed Japan to supplement its local healthcare workforce while continuing to sidestep the thorny issue of labour and immigration policy reform and Indonesia to increase its skilled workers’ access to the Japanese labour market at a time when it was making a concerted effort to reorient migrant labour flows away from informal sector occupations. Despite the programme’s many problems, it has contributed to the use of trade agreements as a mechanism for regulating labour migration, and so to the normalisation of migrant labour as a tradable commodity rather than a discrete area of policy-making, with all the attendant risks that normalisation brings.