bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Effects of Chewing Ability and Dietary Diversity on Medical Service Use and Expenditures
Authors: Lo Yuan‐Ting C. , Wahlqvist Mark L. , Chang Yu‐Hung , Lee Meei‐Shyuan 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo examine whether chewing ability affects healthcare use and expenditure and whether improving dietary quality alleviates any such effects.DesignProspective cohort.SettingThe Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999–2000), a nationwide community‐based survey of people aged 65 and older.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older (N = 1,793; 903 men, 890 women).MeasurementsChewing ability (satisfactory or unsatisfactory) was assessed using a questionnaire, and dietary quality was assessed using a 24‐hour dietary recall as a dietary diversity score. Data on annual medical use and expenditures from the interview date until December 31, 2006, were collected from National Health Insurance claims. Generalized linear models were used to assess the associations between chewing ability, dietary quality, and annual medical usage or expenditure.ResultsAfter 8 years of follow‐up, older adults with unsatisfactory chewing ability had considerably higher emergency, hospitalization, and total medical expenditures. Older adults with unsatisfactory chewing ability and a poor diet used fewer annual preventive care and dental services than those with satisfactory chewing ability but had longer hospital stays and higher expenditures. After adjusting for covariates, unsatisfactory chewing ability resulted in significantly longer hospital stays in participants with a poor diet (β = 2.34, 95% confidence interval = 2.02–2.71, P < .001).ConclusionUnsatisfactory chewing ability and a less‐diverse diet together are associated with longer hospital stays and higher medical expenditures.
Dopaminergic neuron‐specific deletion of p53 gene is neuroprotective in an experimental Parkinson's disease model
Authors: Qi Xin , Davis Brandon , Chiang Yung‐Hsiao , Filichia Emily , Barnett Austin , Greig Nigel H. , Hoffer Barry , Luo Yu 
Published: June 2016

Abstractp53, a stress response gene, is involved in diverse cell death pathways and its activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether the neuronal p53 protein plays a direct role in regulating dopaminergic (DA) neuronal cell death is unknown. In this study, in contrast to the global inhibition of p53 function by pharmacological inhibitors and in traditional p53 knock‐out (KO) mice, we examined the effect of DA specific p53 gene deletion in DAT‐p53KO mice. These DAT‐p53KO mice did not exhibit apparent changes in the general structure and neuronal density of DA neurons during late development and in aging. However, in DA‐p53KO mice treated with the neurotoxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), we found that the induction of Bax and p53 up‐regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) mRNA and protein levels by MPTP were diminished in both striatum and substantia nigra of these mice. Notably, deletion of the p53 gene in DA neurons significantly reduced dopaminergic neuronal loss in substantia nigra, dopaminergic neuronal terminal loss at striatum and, additionally, decreased motor deficits in mice challenged with MPTP. In contrast, there was no difference in astrogliosis between WT and DAT‐p53KO mice in response to MPTP treatment. These findings demonstrate a specific contribution of p53 activation in DA neuronal cell death by MPTP challenge. Our results further support the role of programmed cell death mediated by p53 in this animal model of PD and identify Bax, BAD and PUMA genes as downstream targets of p53 in modulating DA neuronal death in the in vivo MPTP‐induced PD model.
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We deleted p53 gene in dopaminergic neurons in late developmental stages and found that DA specific p53 deletion is protective in acute MPTP animal model possibly through blocking MPTP‐induced BAX and PUMA up‐regulation. Astrocyte activation measured by GFAP positive cells and GFAP gene up‐regulation in the striatum shows no difference between wt and DA‐p53 ko mice.
Post‐translational protein arginylation in the normal nervous system and in neurodegeneration
Authors: Galiano Mauricio R. , Goitea Victor E. , Hallak Marta E. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPost‐translational arginylation of proteins is an important regulator of many physiological pathways in cells. This modification was originally noted in protein degradation during neurodegenerative processes, with an apparently different physiological relevance between central and peripheral nervous system. Subsequent studies have identified a steadily increasing number of proteins and proteolysis‐derived polypeptides as arginyltransferase (ATE1) substrates, including β‐amyloid, α‐synuclein, and TDP43 proteolytic fragments. Arginylation is involved in signaling processes of proteins and polypeptides that are further ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome. In addition, it is also implicated in autophagy/lysosomal degradation pathway. Recent studies using mutant mouse strains deficient in ATE1 indicate additional roles of this modification in neuronal physiology. As ATE1 is capable of modifying proteins either at the N‐terminus or middle‐chain acidic residues, determining which proteins function are modulated by arginylation represents a big challenge. Here, we review studies addressing various roles of ATE1 activity in nervous system function, and suggest future research directions that will clarify the role of post‐translational protein arginylation in brain development and various neurological disorders.
imageArginyltransferase (ATE1), the enzyme responsible for post‐translational arginylation, modulates the functions of a wide variety of proteins and polypeptides, and is also involved in the main degradation pathways of intracellular proteins. Regulatory roles of ATE1 have been well defined for certain organs. However, its roles in nervous system development and neurodegenerative processes remain largely unknown, and present exciting opportunities for future research, as discussed in this review.
Flight feather attachment in rock pigeons (Columba livia): covert feathers and smooth muscle coordinate a morphing wing
Authors: Hieronymus Tobin L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMechanisms for passively coordinating forelimb movements and flight feather abduction and adduction have been described separately from both in vivo and ex vivo studies. Skeletal coordination has been identified as a way for birds to simplify the neuromotor task of controlling flight stroke, but an understanding of the relationship between skeletal coordination and the coordination of the aerodynamic control surface (the flight feathers) has been slow to materialize. This break between the biomechanical and aerodynamic approaches – between skeletal kinematics and airfoil shape – has hindered the study of dynamic flight behaviors. Here I use dissection and histology to identify previously overlooked interconnections between musculoskeletal elements and flight feathers. Many of these structures are well‐placed to directly link elements of the passive musculoskeletal coordination system with flight feather movements. Small bundles of smooth muscle form prominent connections between upper forearm coverts (deck feathers) and the ulna, as well as the majority of interconnections between major flight feathers of the hand. Abundant smooth muscle may play a role in efficient maintenance of folded wing posture, and may also provide an autonomically regulated means of tuning wing shape and aeroelastic behavior in flight. The pattern of muscular and ligamentous linkages of flight feathers to underlying muscle and bone may provide predictable passive guidance for the shape of the airfoil during flight stroke. The structures described here provide an anatomical touchstone for in vivo experimental tests of wing surface coordination in an extensively researched avian model species.
Income Patterns of Households Including Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities According to Poverty Dynamics
Authors: Park Eun‐Young , Nam Su‐Jung , Park Seung Hee 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this longitudinal study was to closely examine the economic status of households that include individuals with intellectual disabilities in South Korea as well as the factors contributing to their poverty dynamics. The 2008 and 2012 panel data from the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled were used to determine the income movement, poverty dynamics, and income patterns of families in the sustained nonpoverty and sustained poverty groups. Data from 87 households that include individuals with intellectual disabilities was used for analysis. Income mobility was assessed using a transition matrix between 2008 and 2012, and poverty and nonpoverty were determined based on the absolute poverty standard. Poverty dynamics were classified by the changes in poverty status in 2008 and 2012, including sustained poverty, sustained nonpoverty, poverty exit, and poverty entry. Income patterns were composed of earned income, social insurance, property income, and transfer income. The results showed that 66.7% of the households including individuals with intellectual disabilities showed no movement in income distribution and 82.8% of these families stayed in the lowest income distribution for both periods. The demographic characteristics of education level, multiple disabilities, and change in the number of employed members of the household were related to poverty dynamics. The ratio of earned income in the sustained nonpoverty group was significantly higher than that of the sustained poverty group, whereas the public transfer income ratio was significantly higher than in the sustained‐poverty group in 2008 and 2012. To reduce the prevalence and severity of poverty among households with individuals with intellectual disabilities, opportunities and quality of employment need to be secured, not only for individuals with intellectual disabilities, but also for their supporting family members.
What do we know about Hawaiian ferns and lycophytes?
Authors: Ranker Tom A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe Hawaiian Islands are home to one of the most distinctive fern and lycophyte floras in the world. Of the 144 native fern species, 76% are endemic and, including subspecies and varieties, 84% of the 167 native fern taxa are endemic. There are 15 native lycophyte species, 47% of which are endemic, and 16 taxa, 50% of which are endemic. I review here most of the available literature on Hawaiian ferns and lycophytes. Few species of ferns or lycophytes have been studied in any kind of detail and, for most, we only know basic classification and general ecological information. Although the total number of studies reviewed here is not large, research has been conducted on a wide range of topics including systematics, floristics, dispersal, phylogeny, biogeography, ecology, form and function, population genetics, microevolution, fern‐animal and fern‐fungi associations, reproductive biology, demography, ethnobotany, and conservation.
Association of 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding with higher fat‐free mass in infants in a low‐resource setting with high HIV prevalence in South Africa
Authors: Mulol Helen , Coutsoudis Anna 
Published: June 2016

AbstractExclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for optimal health and growth of infants, but it is not a common practice in South Africa. A breastfeeding counselling programme was run to inform, encourage and support mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants for 6 months, and mother–infant pairs were invited to participate in a research project to determine breast milk intake volumes using the dose‐to‐mother deuterium dilution stable isotope technique. This technique yields objective measurements of breast milk intake volumes and also enables determination of exclusivity of breastfeeding, which is most frequently determined by maternal recall and can be subject to bias. Exclusivity of breastfeeding at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months following birth of the infants was correlated with infant fat‐free mass at 12 months, which was determined by the dose‐to‐infant deuterium dilution stable isotope technique. Results showed that infants who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months had a higher per cent fat‐free mass at 12 months compared with infants who were not exclusively breastfed for 6 months (P < 0.05). This objective determination of both breastfeeding patterns and infant body composition gives weight to the WHO recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months as it demonstrated adequate fat‐free mass in infants at 12 months, even in an area with high HIV prevalence. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Efficacy and Safety of Once‐Daily Extended‐Release (ER) Hydrocodone in Individuals Previously Receiving ER Morphine for Chronic Pain
Authors: Broglio Kathleen , Pergolizzi Joseph , Kowalski Maribeth , Lynch Shau Yu , He Ellie , Wen Warren 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectivesThis post hoc analysis examined the effectiveness and safety of hydrocodone bitartrate (HYD) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic pain who were previously taking extended‐release morphine (morphine ER) for pain management.Study DesignThe primary analysis was an open‐label, 12‐month study.SettingThe study was conducted in 88 sites in the United States.MethodsThe study was approved by an institutional review board. Eligible patients were enrolled and titrated to a once‐daily dose of HYD 20, 40, 60, 80, or 120 mg for a 45‐day period. The subgroup of patients in this report was using morphine ER prior to study entry. After achieving a stable HYD daily dose, patients entered a 12‐month maintenance period during which additional dose adjustment could be made and nonopioid or short‐acting opioid medications could be received. Average pain over the last 24 hours was recorded daily (on a scale of 0 to 10) Patients completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) short form, which assessed pain severity and the interference of pain in daily life, every 4 weeks during the maintenance period. Safety was assessed routinely.ResultsOf the 26 patients who switched from morphine ER to HYD, 19 entered the maintenance period. At study entry, mean “average pain over the last 24 hours” was scored as 5.21. This was reduced to 3.90 by the time patients entered the maintenance phase; this level of pain control was maintained over the 12‐month period, with 16 patients requiring no further HYD dose adjustment. BPI scores decreased for both pain severity and pain interference during the maintenance period. HYD was well tolerated.ConclusionsThe results of this subgroup analysis suggest that rotation from morphine ER to once‐daily HYD in patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic pain maintains or improves pain relief and does not increase safety concerns.
Diagnosis and treatment of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Sakashita Kazuo , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Koike Kenichi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractJuvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorder that occurs during infancy and early childhood; this disorder is characterized by hypersensitivity of the myeloid progenitor cells to granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor in vitro. JMML usually involves somatic and/or germline mutations in the genes of the RAS pathway, including PTPN11, NRAS, KRAS, NF1, and CBL, in the leukemic cells. Almost all patients with JMML experience an aggressive clinical course, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment. A certain proportion of patients with somatic NRAS and germline mutations in CBL, however, have spontaneous resolution. A suitable treatment after diagnosis and conditioning regimen prior to HSCT are yet to be determined, but several clinical trials have been initiated throughout the world to develop suitable pre‐ or post‐allogeneic HSCT treatments and new targeted therapies that are less toxic, to improve patient outcome.
Reduced Levels of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in UVB‐Irradiated Corneal Epithelium
Authors: Ardan Taras , Němcová Lucie , Bohuslavová Božena , Klezlová Adéla , Popelka Štěpán , Studenovská Hana , Hrnčiarová Eva , Čejková Jitka , Motlík Jan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are the major endogenous regulators of metalloproteinase activity in tissues. TIMPs are able to inhibit activity of all known matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and thus participate in controlling extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. We showed previously elevated expressions of MMPs in the rabbit corneal epithelium upon UVB exposure and suggested that these enzymes might be involved in corneal destruction caused by excessive proteolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate TIMPs in the corneal epithelium after UV irradiation using immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. We found that as compared to control rabbit corneas where relatively high levels of TIMPs were present in the epithelium, repeated irradiation of the cornea with UVB rays (not with UVA rays of similar doses) significantly decreased TIMPs in corneal epithelial cells. The results of this study point to the suggestion that the decrease in TIMPs in the corneal epithelium after UVB irradiation contributes to increased proteolytic activity of MMPs in UVB‐irradiated corneal epithelium found previously.
South American fish for continental aquaculture
Authors: Valladão Gustavo Moraes Ramos , Gallani Sílvia Umeda , Pilarski Fabiana 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe South American continent is known for its high production and exports in fisheries and aquaculture, but has not reached its full potential in fish farming. The latest data on fish production in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela were explored in this review. Aspects of biology, production, market and health of the species most produced in South America are described in detail. These species include the round fish (Colossomaspp.,Piaractusspp. and hybrids) and catfish (Pseudoplatystomaspp. and hybrids), in addition to the promising pirarucuArapaima gigas, yellowtail tetraAstyanax altiparanaeand silver catfishRhamdia quelen. Among the countries mentioned, Chile and Brazil are two of the largest intensive fish producers in the world. Chile relies primarily on marine fish, whereas Brazil is prominent for continental production. Special emphasis is given to the black pacuColossoma macropomumbecause it is a commonly farmed fish in South American countries and offers several desirable productive characteristics (domesticated, omnivorous and easy to reproduce). Furthermore, this fish has the greatest potential to compete economically with tilapia production in South America. The production of native fish is currently overtaking the production of exotic species in some countries, which is considered a milestone for South American aquaculture. Regarding diseases, the main pathogens are similar to those observed throughout the world, such asIchthyophthirius multifiliis, different species of monogeneans and trichodinids, and the bacteriaAeromonas hydrophila. Local pathogens, such as the parasitesPerulernaea gamitanaeandGoezia spinulosa, are also concerning.
Aetiology of bronchiectasis in adults: A systematic literature review
Authors: Gao Yong‐hua , Guan Wei‐jie , Liu Shao‐xia , Wang Lei , Cui Juan‐juan , Chen Rong‐chang , Zhang Guo‐jun 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWhile identifying the underlying aetiology is a key part of bronchiectasis management, the prevalence and impact of identifying the aetiologies on clinical management remain unclear. We aimed to determine the etiological spectrum of bronchiectasis, and how often etiological assessment could lead to the changes in patients' management. A comprehensive search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE for observational studies published before October 2015 reporting aetiologies in adults with bronchiectasis. Of the 8216 citations identified, 56 studies including 8608 adults with bronchiectasis were relevant for this systematic review. The crude prevalence for the identified aetiologies ranged from 18% to 95%, which possibly resulted from the differences in the geographic regions and diagnostic workup. Post‐infective (29.9%), immunodeficiency (5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.9%), connective tissue disease (3.8%), ciliary dysfunction (2.5%), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (2.6%) were the most common aetiologies. In 1577 patients (18.3%), identifying the aetiologies led to changes in patient's management. Aetiologies varied considerably among different geographic regions (P < 0.001). Intensive investigations of these aetiologies might help change patient's management and therefore should be incorporated into routine clinical practice.
China's Gains from WTO Accession: Imports vs Exports
Authors: Lai Ting‐Wei , Riezman Raymond , Wang Ping 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe examine the gains from Chinese accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). We provide a new quantitative welfare measure by dividing the manufacturing sector into import and export sub‐sectors. We then evaluate how the increased openness caused by China's accession to the WTO effects the importing and exporting sectors. We find surprisingly that the gains to the import sector are larger than the gains to the export sector. Moreover, the size and the dynamic pattern of such gains are different across sectors. Overall, sectors with larger intermediate input shares from import‐competing industries and with domestic demands less sensitive to changes in trade costs have higher welfare gains from trade liberalization.
Where do Trypanosoma cruzi go? The distribution of parasites in blood components from fractionated infected whole blood
Authors: Cancino‐Faure Beatriz , Fisa Roser , Riera Cristina , Girona‐Llobera Enrique , Jimenez‐Marco Teresa 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUNDPlatelets (PLTs) are the blood component most frequently involved in Trypanosoma cruzi transfusion transmission cases reported in the literature, although whole blood (WB) and red blood cells (RBCs) have also been incriminated. However, there is little knowledge of the parasite distribution among blood components.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe aim of this study was to investigate in which blood component T. cruzi parasites concentrate the most, after fractionating artificially T. cruzi‐infected WB. The T. cruzi parasite load was studied by a specific quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in WB, buffy coat (BC), PLT concentrates, RBCs before and after leukoreduction, and plasma (PL).RESULTSThe parasite load in WB experimentally infected with 1.5 × 106 parasites (2.78 × 103 parasite equivalents/mL) was unevenly distributed among the separated blood components. The highest level was found in the BC (6.94 × 103 parasite equivalents/mL) and RBCs before leukoreduction by filtration (2.51 × 103 parasite equivalents/mL), after which RBCs presented a 99.9% reduction in parasite levels. Both PL and PLTs, partially leukoreduced by centrifugation but nonfiltered, had low parasite levels, the lowest concentration being in PL.CONCLUSIONSThe highest parasite concentration was detected in the BC, followed by RBCs before leukoreduction. There is a notable risk of transfusion‐transmitted Chagas disease associated with nonleukoreduced RBCs. Leukoreduction may be an effective prevention strategy for transfusion‐transmitted T. cruzi infection, especially in endemic countries and in nonendemic countries with a high rate of immigration from Latin America.