bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of cancer cells in gastric lavage of gastric cancer patients as an indicator of advanced disease, predictor of tumour aggressive phenotype and independent prognostic factor for poor survival: The endoluminal metastatic pathway of gastric cancer and GL0/GL1 classification
Authors: Virgilio E. , Giarnieri E. , Giovagnoli M. R. , Montagnini M. , Proietti A. , D'Urso R. , Nigri G. , Mercantini P. , Ramacciato G. , Cavallini M. , Balducci G. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveAs of 2017, the pathobiology of gastric cancer (GC) is far from fully understood; consequently, new methods of basic and advanced research have been proposed and tested. The presence (GL1) vs absence (GL0) of malignant cells exfoliated in gastric lavage (GL) of GC patients was formerly evaluated with diagnostic intent but not for staging or prognostic assessment. We investigated this hitherto unreported application of cytopathology.MethodsGL was preoperatively and prospectively collected from 80 GC patients and cytologically analysed. The results were compared with the classic clinicopathological features of GC and related to survival. The prognostic value of GL1 was assessed through univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsGL1 was detected in 36 samples (45%) and correlated with advanced tumour depth (T3‐T4), lymphatic metastasis (N+), distant metastasis (M1) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI1; P=.0317, .0024, .003 and .0028, respectively). Overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter for GL1 (23 months) vs GL0 patients (42 months; P=.005) and GL1 vs GL0 T1 subjects (12.6 vs 47.8 months, P=.0029). Univariate analysis revealed that GL1, N+, M1, LVI1 and advanced stage were significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis assessed GL1 as the only independent prognostic factor for worse OS and progression‐free survival (P=.0013 and .0107).ConclusionsIn the present study, GL1 was correlated with advanced disease, aggressive tumour behaviour and poor prognosis. Although additional studies are needed to confirm these findings, the GL0/GL1 classification can be applied to GC patients to achieve higher accuracy in staging, prognostic stratification and treatment selection.
Off‐label prescriptions and decisions on reimbursement requests in Germany – a retrospective analysis
Authors: Seidenschnur Karin Ellen Katharina , Dressler Corinna , Weller Karsten , Nast Alexander , Werner Ricardo Niklas 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackground and objectives“Off‐label use” is defined as the prescription of pharmaceutical products outside their approved indications. Rare diseases frequently lack “on‐label” treatment options. In order to avoid reimbursement claims following the prescription of off‐label drugs, physicians in Germany can – on a case‐by‐case basis – file an application for cost coverage with the competent health insurance prior to treatment initiation.Patients and methodsWe conducted a chart review for cost coverage requests submitted by two outpatient clinics at a university‐affiliated dermatology department between 2010 and 2012 (clinic for autoimmune diseases and urticaria clinic). Insurance providers, acceptance rates, reasons for rejection, and processing times were analyzed.ResultsThe analysis showed that 56.8 % of applications for off‐label use (n = 44) were approved during the first round. The rate increased to 75.0 % when including approvals granted after up to two rejections. The time between initial application and the response of health insurers was 49 days (median). In case of cost coverage approval, treatments were initiated 92 days (median) after the initial request.ConclusionsThe present case series shows that, in the majority of cases, health insurers in Germany have agreed to reimburse the costs of proposed off‐label therapies. A prospective study is required in order to evaluate whether current changes to legal regulations (GKV‐Versorgungsstrukturgesetz, Patientenrechtegesetz) adequately address the problems identified.
High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes in the EXAMINE (Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes with Alogliptin versus Standard of Care) trial
Authors: Hwang You‐Cheol , Morrow David A. , Cannon Christopher P. , Liu Yuyin , Bergenstal Richard , Heller Simon , Mehta Cyrus , Cushman William , Bakris George L. , Zannad Faiez , White William B. 
Published: October 2017

AimsWe sought to assess the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by utilizing high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) level and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) in patients with type 2 diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome.Materials and methodsStudy participants enrolled in the EXAMINE trial (Clinical trials registration number: NCT00968708) and were stratified by baseline hsCRP levels (<1, 1‐3 and >3 mg/L). They were also sub‐divided into 4 groups according to baseline hsCRP (≤3 or >3 mg/L) and achieved LDL‐C (<70 or ≥70 mg/dL) levels. Among 5380 patients, the MACE rate, a composite of cardiovascular death, non‐fatal acute myocardial infarction and non‐fatal stroke, was evaluated during the 30 months of follow‐up.ResultsCumulative incidence of MACE was 11.5% (119 events), 14.6% (209 events) and 18.4% (287 events) in patients with hsCRP levels of <1, 1 to 3 and >3 mg/L, respectively (P < .001). In patients with hsCRP >3 mg/L, the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.42 (1.13, 1.78; P = .002) for MACE compared with patients with hsCRP <1 mg/L. MACE cumulative incidences were 11.0% (128 events), 14.4% (100 events), 15.6% (194 events) and 21.3% (182 events) in patients with low LDL‐C and low hsCRP, low LDL‐C and high hsCRP, high LDL‐C and low hsCRP, and high LDL‐C and high hsCRP levels, respectively (P < .001).ConclusionsLevels of hsCRP were associated with recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome, and this association appears to be independent of and additive to the achieved LDL‐C level.
Quantitative losses vs. qualitative stability of ectomycorrhizal community responses to 3 years of experimental summer drought in a beech–spruce forest
Authors: Nickel Uwe T. , Weikl Fabian , Kerner René , Schäfer Cynthia , Kallenbach Christian , Munch Jean C. , Pritsch Karin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractForest ecosystems in central Europe are predicted to face an increasing frequency and severity of summer droughts because of global climate change. European beech and Norway spruce often coexist in these forests with mostly positive effects on their growth. However, their different below‐ground responses to drought may lead to differences in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal community composition and functions which we examined at the individual root and ecosystem levels. We installed retractable roofs over plots in Kranzberg Forest (11°39′42″E, 48°25′12″N; 490 m a.s.l.) to impose repeated summer drought conditions and assigned zones within each plot where trees neighboured the same or different species to study mixed species effects. We found that ECM fungal community composition changed and the numbers of vital mycorrhizae decreased for both tree species over 3 drought years (2014–2016), with the ECM fungal community diversity of beech exhibiting a faster and of spruce a stronger decline. Mixed stands had a positive effect on the ECM fungal community diversity of both tree species after the third drought year. Ectomycorrhizae with long rhizomorphs increased in both species under drought, indicating long‐distance water transport. However, there was a progressive decline in the number of vital fine roots during the experiment, resulting in a strong reduction in enzyme activity per unit volume of soil. Hydrolytic enzyme activities of the surviving ectomycorrhizae were stable or stimulated upon drought, but there was a large decline in ECM fungal species with laccase activity, indicating a decreased potential to exploit nutrients bound to phenolic compounds. Thus, the ectomycorrhizae responded to repeated drought by maintaining or increasing their functionality at the individual root level, but were unable to compensate for quantitative losses at the ecosystem level. These findings demonstrate a strong below‐ground impact of recurrent drought events in forests.
Voting here and there: political integration and transnational political engagement among immigrants in Europe
Authors: CHAUDHARY ALI R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this article, I examine voting patterns in origin and receiving country national elections among immigrants in Europe. The existing scholarship on transnational political engagement offers two competing interpretations of the relationship between immigrant integration and transnational engagement, which I classify as theresocializationandcomplementarityperspectives. The resocialization perspective assumes that transnational political engagement gradually declines as immigrants become socialized into the new receiving society. Conversely, the complementarity perspective assumes that immigrant integration increases transnational political engagement. I test these competing perspectives with survey data collected between 2004 and 2008 for 12 different immigrant groups residing in seven European cities. The analysis examines how immigrant political and civic participation in receiving countries affect their proclivities to vote in homeland elections. I also analyse the effects of receiving and origin country contexts on immigrant voting behaviour in homeland elections. While my findings support both the resocialization and complementarity perspectives, they also highlight the ways in which a set of origin‐country contexts shape immigrant propensities to engage in transnational electoral politics. I observe a degree of complementarity among immigrants with resources who are motivated and eligible to participate in both receiving and origin‐country elections.
Sent home: mapping the absent child into migration through polymedia
Authors: MCKAY DEIRDRE 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMigrants and their transnational families document their children and child‐rearing practices on social networking sites (SNS) to enhance their social mobility. In this article, I identify a new group of migrant children, namely those sent home to their parents’ countries of origin for an imagined ‘good childhood‘. I demonstrate that polymedia – SNS and other platforms – sustain these children and create new norms of publicness and visibility in transnational parenting. Exploring how families document child‐raising across international boundaries, I show how the trajectories of parenting relationships remain open ended. I counter the predominant focus on transnational parenting as a kind of abandonment attached to left‐behind children. Instead, I refocus the research on the opportunities polymedia give families to create and sustain intimacies, thus making the trajectories of migrant families and children increasingly dynamic. Polymedia create important shifts in global migration – a transformation that requires changes in the way scholars approach transnational families and long‐distance parenting.
Affects of unease: mother–infant separation among professional Indonesian women working in Singapore
Authors: BUTT LESLIE 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe extent of systemic forms of mother–child separation has received insufficient attention in research on migrant families. In this article, I explore the little‐studied phenomenon of mother–infant separation among professional women migrants. I draw from in‐depth interviews with Indonesian professional women working in Singapore who have lived apart from their infant children to pursue work and education. Narratives of separation illustrate a complex transnational network of care built around an availability of support offered by spouses or extended kin. Women experience unease about separation, which emerges in how they talk about their absent infants. Mothers articulate ambivalence about the potential cost of their decisions, positing infants as able to pass judgement on them, with potential rejection and disengagement causing them potent concerns. The unease of these mothers moderates claims that transnational separation is readily managed and highlights the ambiguity embedded in an increasingly common form of transnational mother–child separation.
Low dialysate potassium concentration is associated with prolonged recovery time
Authors: Harford Antonia , Gul Ambreen , Cumber Serena , Paine Susan , Schrader Ronald , Trujillo Nicole , Zager Philip 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Modifiable hemodialysis treatment parameters may impact patient reported outcomes, including recovery time. Answers to the recovery question may predict the impact of treatment parameters on clinical outcomes and health related quality of life. However, the reliability of answers to the recovery question after consecutive and nonconsecutive dialysis treatments in diverse populations has not been established.Objective: To assess the reliability of this instrument and to determine if recovery time was associated with modifiable dialysis parameters, we conducted a quality assurance project in which we asked, “How long did it take you to recover from your last dialysis session?” after consecutive and nonconsecutive treatments.Methods: We asked patients the recovery question ≤ seven times. We computed polychoric correlations to assess within patient correlations. We used random intercept ordinal logistic regression models to test for associations of recovery time with patient variables.Results: We obtained answers to the recovery question in association with 1572 treatments in 364 patients. Recovery time was <2 hours in 52.1%; 2 to 7 hours in 20.9%; and >7 hours in 27.0% of treatments. Polychoric correlations demonstrated highly reliable responses within individual patients between consecutive and nonconsecutive treatments. Prolonged recovery was associated with a dialysate potassium of 1 vs. 2 mEq/L (odds ratio [OR] 2.25 {95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–3.55}) and 1 vs. 3 mEq/L (OR 1.88 [95% CI 1.06–3.33]); vintage >6 months (OR 2.43 [95% CI 1.42–4.16]), body mass index >35 kg/m2 (OR 1.94 [95% CI 1.18–3.20]), post‐dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) <115 mmHg (OR 1.57 [95% CI 1.04–2.37]) and intradialytic cramps (OR 1.76 [95% CI 1.09–2.86]). There were no associations with gender, race, age, ESRD etiology, intradialytic SBP <90 mmHg, serum sodium or potassium, dialysate sodium, bicarbonate or temperature, blood flow rate, or ultrafiltration rate.Conclusions: Responses to the recovery question were reliable and low dialysate potassium was associated with prolonged recovery.
Evaluation of carotenoid biosynthesis, accumulation and antioxidant activities in sweetcorn (Zea mays L.) during kernel development
Authors: Liu Haiying , Mao Jihua , Yan Shijuan , Yu Yongtao , Xie Lihua , Hu Jian Guang , Li Tong , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood , Guo Xinbo , Liu Rui Hai 
Published: October 2017

SummaryTo have a better understanding of regulatory mechanism of carotenoid accumulation in sweetcorn (Zea mays L.), we analysed carotenoid profiles, expression patterns of carotenogenic genes and antioxidant activities in two genotypes of sweetcorn during kernel development. The results suggested that the expression of carotenogenic genes played an essential role in carotenoid accumulation and higher expression levels of carotenogenic genes obviously led to higher levels of total carotenoids. It was found that the expression of upstream genes (ZmPDS, ZmZDS and ZmCRTISO) had major influence on the content of total carotenoid during kernel development. The accumulation of lycopene was closely related to the coordination of upstream and downstream genes. The expression of ZmHYD and ZmZEP was influential on zeaxanthin accumulation, which was also influenced by the rate of ZmCHYB/ZmCHYE. Expression levels of ZmCHYE were still stable in order for α‐xanthophylls largely accumulated during kernel development. Lutein, zeaxanthin, α‐cryptoxanthin and β‐cryptoxanthin constituted the predominant carotenoids in sweetcorn. Two essential stages for carotenoid accumulation were found in sweetcorn during kernel development.
Characterisation of low‐digestible starch fractions isolated from amylosucrase‐modified waxy corn starch
Authors: Yoo Hyeon Jeong , Kim Ha Ram , Choi Seung Jun , Park Cheon‐Seok , Moon Tae Wha 
Published: October 2017

SummaryAmylosucrase (AS) modification of starch increases the slowly digestible (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) fractions. However, the characteristics and formation mechanism of each fraction of AS‐modified starch have not been determined yet. Therefore, this study isolated SDS and/or RS from AS‐modified waxy corn starches and investigated their structural characteristics. The amount of SDS+RS and RS had a positive correlation with the proportion of the medium length (13–24 of degree of polymerisation) branched chains of amylopectin. The relative crystallinity increased in the order of AS‐modified starch < SDS+RS < RS, while maintaining the B‐type crystalline structure. The thermal transition temperature ranges of the isolated fractions were also higher than those of undigested starches. The medium branched chains of amylopectin were presumably the clincher for the SDS and/or RS formation in AS‐modified starches. The principal causes of SDS and RS formation were the chain length elongation and the subsequent retrogradation‐like process, respectively.
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people's experiences of nursing health care: An emancipatory nursing practice integrative review
Authors: Nhamo‐Murire Mercy , Macleod Catriona Ida 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimTo review current research on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals' experience of nursing services from an emancipatory nursing practice framework.BackgroundAs LGB issues are marginalized in health care, it is important to understand LGB individuals' experiences of nursing.DesignAn integrative literature review using critical analysis based on an emancipatory nursing practice framework was conducted.Data sourcesA search of all English nursing journals in the World of Science database was conducted.Review methodsEstablished methods were used to search, identify, and appraise articles meeting the criteria of examining LGB individuals' experiences of nursing services, published in the years 2009 to 2015. Sixteen articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified independently by the two authors. Data were analysed using descriptive and critical phases of enquiry.ResultsResults show a nexus of experiences of exclusion and oppressive social norms. Our analytical framework highlighted absences in nursing practice. No research indicates that LGB people experience nurses as advocates or participatory health care processes.ConclusionStandards, training, and systems need to be devised that ensure inclusionary nursing practices, that encourage nurses to act as advocates for LGB health care justice, and that allow LGB individual to participate in the development of health care policies and procedures.
Oxygen diffusion mechanisms during high‐temperature oxidation of ZrB2‐SiC
Authors: Cissel Kathleen S. , Opila Elizabeth 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOxygen diffusion mechanisms during oxidation of ZrB2‐30 vol% SiC were explored at temperatures of 1500°C and 1650°C using an 18O tracer technique. Double oxidation experiments in 16O2 and 18O2 were performed using a modified resistive heating system. A combination of scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry was used to characterize the borosilicate and ZrO2 oxidation products. Oxygen exchange with the borosilicate network was observed to occur quickly at the oxygen‐borosilicate surface at both 1500°C and 1650°C, while evidence of oxygen permeation was only observed at 1650°C for short time (<1 min) exposures. At longer times, >5‐9 min, complete oxygen exchange throughout both the borosilicate glass and ZrO2 was observed at both temperatures preventing identification of the oxygen transport mechanisms, but demonstrating that oxygen transport is rapid in both oxide phases.
Transparent glass ceramics containing Lu6O5F8:Tb3+ nano‐crystals: Enhanced photoluminescence and X‐ray excited luminescence
Authors: Cao JiangKun , Chen WeiPing , Xu DengKe , Li XiaoMan , Wei RongFei , Chen LiPing , Sun XinYuan , Guo Hai 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe development of scintillators is of fundamental and industrial meaning for their diverse applications. Despite the great advance in scintillating mono‐crystals, challenge remains to search for novel scintillating materials with low cost, large volume, and high efficiency. Here, Tb3+‐doped glass ceramics (GC) with crystallized Lu6O5F8 nano‐crystals were prepared and characterized as potential X‐ray scintillators. Their structural, optical, and luminescent properties were explored systematically. After thermal treatment, X‐ray excited luminescence (XEL) intensity from Lu6O5F8:Tb3+ GC is greatly increased and the relative intensity is about 64% of commercial BGO scintillator, benefiting from preferential enrichment of Tb3+ ions into Lu6O5F8 nano‐crystals with low phonon energy. Moreover, unusual decay behaviors of Tb3+ emissions in GC sample are observed and discussed. Our results indicate that rare earth doped GC may offer a novel platform for designing and fabricating new scintillating materials in the future.
Second‐generation cryoballoon ablation for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation: Three‐year outcome and predictors of recurrence after a single procedure
Authors: Akkaya Ersan , Berkowitsch Alexander , Zaltsberg Sergej , Greiss Harald , Hamm Christian W. , Sperzel Johannes , Neumann Thomas , Kuniss Malte 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionData on long‐term outcomes of cryoballoon (CB) ablation for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) are sparse. Here, we report the first 3‐year follow‐up results and predictors of success for catheter ablation using the second‐generation CB in patients with persistent AF.Methods and resultsFor this prospective observational study, we enrolled 101 patients ablated with the second‐generation CB at our institution. The endpoint was the first documented recurrence (> 30 seconds) of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia after a 3‐month blanking period. Follow‐up data were collected during outpatient clinic visits and included Holter‐ECG recordings. The impact of several variables on recurrence was evaluated by means of univariate and multivariate analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression models.After a median follow‐up of 37 (31 of 42) months, recurrence was documented in 30 patients (29.7%). The median procedure and fluoroscopy times were 120 (102 of 147) and 20 (16 of 27) minutes, respectively. Phrenic nerve palsy occurred in 2.0% of the patients. Among the 30 patients who experienced recurrence, 16 underwent repeat ablation in radiofrequency technique. Cox regression analysis showed that left atrial area > 21 cm2 and AF history duration > 2 years independently predicted recurrence.ConclusionsSinus rhythm was maintained in a substantial proportion of patients even 3 years after CB ablation. Patients with a nonenlarged left atrium and short AF history had the best outcome.