bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When politics prevails: Parties, elections and loyalty in the European Parliament
Authors: KOOP CHRISTEL , REH CHRISTINE , BRESSANELLI EDOARDO 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn many political systems, legislators serve multiple principals who compete for their loyalty in legislative votes. This article explores the political conditions under which legislators choose between their competing principals in multilevel systems, with a focus on how election proximity shapes legislative behaviour across democratic arenas. Empirically, the effect of electoral cycles on national party delegations’ ‘collective disloyalty’ with their political groups in the European Parliament (EP) is analysed. It is argued that election proximity changes the time horizons, political incentives and risk perceptions of both delegations and their principals, ‘punctuating’ cost‐benefit calculations around defection as well as around controlling, sanctioning and accommodating. Under the shadow of elections, national delegations’ collective disloyalty with their transnational groups should, therefore, increase. Using a new dataset with roll‐call votes cast under legislative codecision by delegations between July 1999 and July 2014, the article shows that the proximity of planned national and European elections drives up disloyalty in the EP, particularly by delegations from member states with party‐centred electoral rules. The results also support a ‘politicisation’ effect: overall, delegations become more loyal over time, but the impact of election proximity as a driver of disloyalty is strongest in the latest parliament analysed (i.e., 2009–2014). Furthermore, disloyalty is more likely in votes on contested and salient legislation, and under conditions of Euroscepticism; by contrast, disloyalty is less likely in votes on codification files, when a delegation holds the rapporteurship and when the national party participates in government. The analysis sheds new light on electoral politics as a determinant of legislative choice under competing principals, and on the conditions under which politics ‘travels’ across democratic arenas in the European Union's multilevel polity.
Gene expression differs in codominant prairie grasses under drought
Authors: Hoffman Ava M. , Smith Melinda D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGrasslands of the central United States are expected to experience severe droughts and other climate extremes in the future, yet we know little about how these grasses will respond in terms of gene expression. We compared gene expression in Andropogon gerardii and Sorghastrum nutans, two closely related codominant C4 grasses responsible for the majority of ecosystem function, using RNA‐seq. We compared Trinity assemblies within each species to determine annotated functions of transcripts responding to drought. Subsequently, we compared homologous annotated gene‐groups across the two species using cross‐species meta‐level analysis and functional clustering based on key terms. The majority of variation was found between species, as opposed to between drought and watered treatments. However, there is evidence for differential responses; Andropogon allocated gene expression differently compared to Sorghastrum, suggesting Andropogon focuses on stress alleviation (such as oxygen radical scavenging) rather than prevention. In contrast, Sorghastrum may employ a drought avoidance strategy by modulating osmotic response, especially with hormonal regulation. We found Sorghastrum tended to be more sensitive within 10 key gene‐groups related to stress, abscisic acid and trichomes, suggesting gene expression may mechanistically parallel sensitivity at the physiological level. Our findings corroborate phenotypic and physiological differences in the field and may help explain the phenotypic mechanisms of these two species in the tallgrass prairie community under future drought scenarios.
Role of microRNA‐155 in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Su Lin‐Chong , Huang An‐Fang , Jia Hong , Liu Yi , Xu Wang‐Dong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered class of post‐transcriptional regulators that induce target messenger RNA degradation or translation inhibition. miRNA‐155 (miR‐155) is an important regulator of immune cells both in humans and mice, by which these cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent findings showed that expression of miR‐155 was elevated in RA patients and arthritis models. Moreover, miR‐155 overexpression or knockdown performed significantly in the development of arthritis. This review summarizes the recent findings with respect to miR‐155 in immune responses and the underlying mechanisms responsible for miR‐155‐related autoimmune arthritis. Hopefully the information obtained will benefit the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Acute effect of a resistance exercise session on markers of cartilage breakdown and inflammation in women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pereira Nunes Pinto Ana Carolina , Natour Jamil , de Moura Castro Charlles Heldan , Eloi Marina , Lombardi Junior Império 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo assess the acute effect of resistance exercise (RE) on circulating biomarkers of cartilage breakdown and inflammation in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThirty‐four volunteers (17 with and 17 without RA), participated in a 25 min RE session (knee extension, knee flexion, hip abduction and hip adduction) with one set of 12 repetitions at 50% of one repetition maximum (1RM) and one set of eight repetitions at 75% of 1RM. Blood samples were collected 30 and 5 min before, immediately after and 1, 2 and 24 h after the session. We used analysis of variance for repeated‐measures with Bonferroni adjustments to assess differences between groups over time.ResultsIn both groups we found significant changes in interleukin (IL)‐1 beta (P = 0.045), IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) (P < 0.001), IL‐10 (P = 0.004), IL‐6 (P < 0.001) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) P < 0.001) in response to exercise, but no changes in tumor necrosis factor–alpha and C‐reactive protein levels. We found no differences in the responses of the two groups to the session, except for COMP levels, which are more sensitive to exercise and rest effects in RA patients.ConclusionWomen with and without RA have similar changes in response to a RE session in levels of inflammation biomarkers, but not of cartilage breakdown. IL‐10 and IL‐1ra increased after the RE session, indicating that RE may have an acute anti‐inflammatory effect. Additional studies are necessary to clarify if repeated RE sessions can have long‐term anti‐inflammatory effects and the possible clinical repercussions of this cartilage breakdown characteristic in response to exercise in RA patients.
Risk of coronary artery lesions in young infants with Kawasaki disease: need for a new diagnostic method
Authors: Satoh Kaoru , Wakejima Yoko , Gau Maki , Kiguchi Tomoyuki , Matsuda Nozomi , Takasawa Reiko , Takasawa Kei , Nishioka Masato , Shimohira Masayuki 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo examine clinical characteristics of Kawasaki disease (KD) in infants younger than 3 months of age and to develop a method for detecting KD in febrile infants.MethodIn a case‐control study, we retrospectively collected clinical and laboratory data from 24 KD infants younger than 3 months of age out of 410 KD patients. We then compared younger infants with both older patients and febrile infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and urinary tract infections (UTI).ResultsThe frequency of incomplete KD was higher in the younger group than in the control group (79% vs. 36%, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, before treatment, the incidence of coronary artery lesions (CAL) was significantly higher in the younger group (29% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.0001), resulting in a higher incidence of coronary artery sequelae (21% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.0023). Our results revealed that the serum N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) level of KD patients was higher than that of RSV and UTI patients (3110 ± 2076 vs. 698 ± 436, P = 0.0001; and 971 ± 589 pg/mL, P = 0.0002, respectively). Thus, NT‐proBNP might be suitable as a diagnostic marker of KD in young infants (P = 0.0005, criterion values: 1555 pg/mL [sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 85%]).ConclusionKawasaki disease infants younger than 3 months of age appear to be at higher risk for incomplete KD and early‐onset CAL prior to the appearance of coronary artery sequelae. We suggest performing an echocardiogram and evaluating NT‐proBNP in young infants with fever that has lasted longer than 2 days, regardless of the presence or absence of manifestations associated with KD.
Platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio predicts the prognosis of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer treated with surgery and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Toda Michihito , Tsukioka Takuma , Izumi Nobuhiro , Komatsu Hiroaki , Okada Satoshi , Hara Kantaro , Miyamoto Hikaru , Ito Ryuichi , Shibata Toshihiko , Nishiyama Noritoshi 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundMarkers of preoperative tumor immunity, such as platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have been reported to be prognostic factors for patients with various cancers. However, the relationship between PLR and the prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy as a multidisciplinary treatment is unknown.MethodsWe enrolled 327 NSCLC patients treated surgically with or without adjuvant chemotherapy (78 and 249 patients, respectively) at our hospital from 2008 to 2012. Patients had no preoperative hematological disease or infection. Preoperative PLR and clinicopathologic characteristics were recorded and their potential associations and prognostic values were assessed by Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression. The optimal cut‐off value for high and low PLR was calculated from receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThe five‐year overall survival rates for patients with low and high PLR were 78% and 57% (P < 0.01) for all patients, and 69% and 37% (P < 0.01) for patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. Similarly, the five‐year disease‐free survival rates for patients with low and high PLR were 66% and 62% (P = 0.03) for all patients, and 47% and 14% (P < 0.01) for patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression indicated that high PLR was an independent prognostic factor for both overall and disease‐free survival in the adjuvant chemotherapy group.ConclusionElevated PLR predicts poor prognosis in surgically treated NSCLC patients, especially those who receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
A Concept Analysis of Traditional Korean (Hanbang) Nursing
Authors: Kang Youngmi , Hwang Won Ju , Choi JiSun 
Published: November 2017

PURPOSEThe purpose of this concept analysis was to clarify the meaning and the attributes of traditional Korean (Hanbang) nursing.
DATA SOURCEData sources include Academic Search Complete, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, EBSCOhost, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Research Information Sharing Service.DATA SYNTHESISWe used Walker and Avant's method to analyze the concept of Hanbang nursing.CONCLUSIONSBy exploring its common use in the literature, a comprehensive definition of the concept of Hanbang nursing was developed.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICEThe results of analyzing the current concept of Hanbang nursing will help provide a better understanding of it and contribute to expanding nursing knowledge and developing of a valid and reliable measurement.
Threshold cointegration and spatial price transmission when expectations matter
Authors: Lence Sergio H. , Moschini GianCarlo , Santeramo Fabio Gaetano 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe examine the performance of the threshold cointegration approach, specifically Band‐TVECM, to price transmission analysis in an explicit context where trade decisions are made based on expectation of final prices, because trade takes time. We find that, following a standard inference strategy, a large portion of three‐regime cases are not identified as such. Results show that transfer costs are systematically underestimated, particularly in three‐regime models. The speed of price transmission is also biased in three‐regime models. Furthermore, inferences about occurrence of trade are poor, with estimated models suggesting far lower market integration than is true in the data‐generating process.
Predictors of care for patients with cancer of unknown primary site in three Australian hospitals
Authors: Tan Simon Y. S. , O’Neill Siobhan , Goldstein David , Ward Robyn L. , Daniels Benjamin , Vajdic Claire M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimCancer of unknown primary site (CUP) is a medically challenging malignancy with a poor prognosis. We describe an incident tertiary CUP patient cohort and identify factors predictive of specific types of health care.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 217 patients diagnosed with CUP (2006–2011) in three public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. We systematically abstracted data and performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors predictive of tumor biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care.ResultsThe median age at CUP diagnosis was 75 years (range 23–98) and 52% were male. The most common mode of presentation was emergency department admission (57%). Serum tumor markers were performed in 42%, fine needle aspiration alone in 15% and core biopsy in 52%. Younger age, health service referral, oncologist review and a family history of cancer predicted receipt of a biopsy (77%). Cancer‐related surgery (17%) was more likely in younger patients, those presenting with pain, and those with single lymph node metastases. Younger age and good performance score predicted receipt of chemotherapy (22%). The location of metastases predicted receipt of radiotherapy (28%). Older age, emergency presentation, poor performance score and no oncology review predicted receipt of palliative care only (52%); 77% were referred for palliative care during hospitalization.ConclusionThe determinants of care were generally consistent with international CUP clinical guidelines. Areas of future research include potential underinvestigation and undertreatment of older patients, overuse of certain low‐value diagnostic tests, suboptimal use of immunohistochemistry and mammography and underreferral to palliative care.
Ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer and retinal nerve fibre layer changes within the macula in retinitis pigmentosa: a spectral domain optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Yoon Chang Ki , Yu Hyeong Gon 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate how macular ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thicknesses within the macula change with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) severity.MethodsSpectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) was used to examine 177 patients with RP and 177 normal controls. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) line scan was used to grade RP severity. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was categorized as more advanced if there was no identifiable inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) band (NISE) and as less advanced if an ISe band could be identified and peripheral loss of ISe was apparent (IISE). Ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and RNFL thicknesses were manually measured on OCT images and analysed. Pearson's correlation analyses were used to examine correlations between GCIPL thickness, RNFL thickness, visual acuity (VA) and visual field extent in patients and controls.ResultsGanglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) was significantly thicker in IISE than in control eyes (p < 0.001), but significantly thinner in NISE than in IISE eyes (p < 0.001) in both horizontal and vertical OCT scans. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) was significantly thicker in eyes with IISE and NISE than in control eyes in both horizontal and vertical meridians (all p < 0.001). Ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness showed a weak positive correlation with vision, and RNFL thickness showed a weak negative correlation with vision and visual field extent.ConclusionBased on these results, the inner retina, including the GCIPL and RNFL, maintains its gross integrity longer than the photoreceptor layer in RP. Additionally, thickening of the inner retina may have some functional implications in patients with RP.
Fundus autofluorescence imaging in hereditary retinal diseases
Authors: Pichi Francesco , Abboud Emad B. , Ghazi Nicola G. , Khan Arif O. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a non‐invasive retinal imaging modality used in clinical practice to non‐invasively map changes at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/photoreceptor complex and alterations of macular pigment distribution. This imaging method is based on the visualization of intrinsic fluorophores and may be easily and rapidly used in routine patient care. Excessive accumulation of lipofuscin granules in the lysosomal compartment of RPE cells represents a common downstream pathogenic pathway in various hereditary and complex retinal diseases. The clinical applications of FAF continue to expand. It is now an essential tool for evaluating macular dystrophies and various hereditary retinal disorders. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) may detect abnormalities beyond those detected on funduscopic examination, fluorescein angiography (FA) or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging is particularly helpful for differential diagnosis, detection and extent delineation of involved retinal areas, genotype‐phenotype correlations and monitoring of changes overtime. Given its ease of use, non‐invasive nature and value in characterizing retinal disease, FAF enjoys increasing clinical relevance. This review summarizes basic principles and FAF findings in various hereditary retinal diseases.
Letter: rifaximin is more than helping hepatic encephalopathy—it also saves lives
Authors: Wang Y.‐L. , He H.‐J. , Xiao X.‐X. , Lin Y. , Wang B.‐Q. , Zhu S.‐L. , Yang G.‐S. , Huang S.‐S. , Yang Q.‐G. 
Published: November 2017

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Kang et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14275.
Randomised clinical study: the effects of oral taurine 6g/day vs placebo on portal hypertension
Authors: Schwarzer R. , Kivaranovic D. , Mandorfer M. , Paternostro R. , Wolrab D. , Heinisch B. , Reiberger T. , Ferlitsch M. , Gerner C. , Trauner M. , Peck‐Radosavljevic M. , Ferlitsch A. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe amino sulphonic acid taurine reduces oxidative endoplasmatic reticulum stress and inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation, which might lead to reduction of portal pressure in cirrhosis.AimTo assess the haemodynamic effects of taurine supplementation in patients with cirrhosis and varices.MethodsPatients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥12 mm Hg were included in this prospective proof of concept study. Concomitant nonselective beta‐blockers therapy was not allowed. Patients received either 4 weeks of oral taurine (6 g/day), or placebo, prior to evaluation of HVPG response.ResultsThirty patients were screened and 22 included in the efficacy analysis (12 taurine/10 placebo; 64% male, mean age: 52 ± 11 years, Child A: 9%, B:64%, C:27%, ascites:68%).In the taurine group, mean HVPG dropped from 20 mm Hg (±4) at baseline to 18 mm Hg (±4) on day 28 (mean relative change: −12%, P = .0093). In the placebo group, mean HVPG increased from 20 mm Hg (±5) at baseline to 21 mm Hg (±5) on day 28 (mean relative change:+2%, P = .4945). Taurine had no significant effects on systemic haemodynamics. Seven of 12 patients (58%) on taurine achieved a HVPG response >10%, compared to none in the placebo group (P = .0053). In a multivariate linear model, HVPG reduction was significantly larger in the taurine group compared to placebo group (P = .0091 and P = .0109 for absolute and relative change respectively). Treatment‐related adverse events included gastrointestinal discomfort and fatigue, and were usually mild and comparable between treatment groups.ConclusionTaurine is safe and may reduce portal pressure in cirrhotic patients. More studies on the underlying mechanisms of action and long‐term effects of taurine supplementation are warranted.
Proton pump inhibitors are associated with accelerated development of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: results from ERCHIVES
Authors: Li D. K. , Yan P. , Abou‐Samra A‐B. , Chung R. T. , Butt A. A. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundProton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Their safety in cirrhosis has recently been questioned, but their overall effect on disease progression in noncirrhotic patients with chronic liver disease remains unclear.AimTo determine the impact of proton pump inhibitors on the progression of liver disease in noncirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.MethodsUsing the electronically retrieved cohort of HCV‐infected veterans (ERCHIVES) database, we identified all subjects who received HCV treatment and all incident cases of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Proton pump inhibitor use was measured using cumulative defined daily dose. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed after adjusting univariate predictors of cirrhosis and various indications for proton pump inhibitor use.ResultsAmong 11 526 eligible individuals, we found that exposure to proton pump inhibitors was independently associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: [1.17, 1.49]). This association remained robust to sensitivity analysis in which only patients who achieved sustained virologic response were analysed as well as analysis excluding those with alcohol abuse/dependence. Proton pump inhibitor exposure was also independently associated with an increased risk of hepatic decompensation (HR: 3.79 [2.58, 5.57]) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR: 2.01 [1.50, 2.70]).ConclusionsIn patients with chronic HCV infection, increasing proton pump inhibitor use is associated with a dose‐dependent risk of progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis, as well as an increased risk of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma.