bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered fMRI resting‐state connectivity in individuals with fibromyalgia on acute pain stimulation
Authors: Ichesco E. , Puiu T. , Hampson J.P. , Kairys A.E. , Clauw D.J. , Harte S.E. , Peltier S.J. , Harris R.E. , Schmidt‐Wilcke T. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundFibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain condition, with patients commonly reporting other symptoms such as sleep difficulties, memory complaints and fatigue. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fibromyalgia has allowed for the detection of neural abnormalities, with alterations in brain activation elicited by experimental pain and alterations in resting state connectivity related to clinical pain.MethodsIn this study, we sought to monitor state changes in resting brain connectivity following experimental pressure pain in fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls. Twelve fibromyalgia patients and 15 healthy controls were studied by applying discrete pressure stimuli to the thumbnail bed during MRI. Resting‐state functional MRI scanning was performed before and immediately following experimental pressure pain. We investigated changes in functional connectivity to the thalamus and the insular cortex.ResultsAcute pressure pain increased insula connectivity to the anterior cingulate and the hippocampus. Additionally, we observed increased thalamic connectivity to the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex, a known part of the default mode network, in patients but not in controls. This connectivity was correlated with changes in clinical pain.ConclusionsThese data reporting changes in resting‐state brain activity following a noxious stimulus suggest that the acute painful stimuli may contribute to the alteration of the neural signature of chronic pain.What does this study/add?In this study acute pain application shows an echo in functional connectivity and clinical pain changes in chronic pain.
Individual and joint effects of risk factors for onset widespread pain and obesity – a population‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Magnusson K. , Hagen K.B. , Natvig B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundWidespread musculoskeletal pain (WSP) and obesity frequently co‐occur and may have shared risk factors. We aimed to investigate whether four dichotomized risk factors individually or jointly increase the risk for the onset of WSP and onset of obesity.MethodsPersons aged 34–76 years in 2004 living in Ullensaker municipality, Norway, responded to questionnaires in 2004 and 2010 (n = 1553). Using causal interaction analyses, we examined whether baseline obesity and WSP, poor sleep quality, mental distress and poor physical fitness jointly increased the risk of new onset WSP (≥3 pain sites leading to disability the last year) and new onset obesity (self‐reported BMI ≥30 kg/m2) in persons without WSP (n = 1270) or without obesity (n = 1300) at baseline respectively.ResultsThe mean (SD) age was 51 (12.1) years and 56% were female. The incidence of WSP and obesity were 9.1% and 5.4%. Mental distress and poor sleep quality individually and jointly with poor physical fitness increased WSP onset risk (relative excess risk due to interaction [RERI] = 1.90, 95% CI, 0.39–3.42 and RERI = 1.43, 95% CI, 0.10–2.76). Poor physical fitness individually increased the risk for new onset obesity, and baseline WSP and poor sleep quality jointly (RERI = 1.87, 95% CI, 0.49–3.24). The presence of more risk factors was dose‐dependently associated with onset WSP and to a lesser extent with onset obesity.ConclusionThe onset of WSP and the onset of obesity were results of joint effects of exposures. Poor physical fitness was a key covariate in increasing the risk for both conditions.What does this study add?In a general population, the new onset of widespread pain and new onset of obesity were results of joint effects of risk factors and particularly poor physical fitness.The study may aid in the identification of patients at risk of future disability.
Causal effects of threat and challenge appraisals on coping and pain perception
Authors: Wang Y. , Jackson T. , Cai L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have found appraisals of pain as a source of potential threat or tissue damage influence pain perception and coping. Conversely, causal effects of challenge appraisals reflecting potential future benefits of bearing pain have received little attention. This experiment was designed to elucidate effects of appraising laboratory pain as a source of potential threat and challenge on pain perception and coping.MethodsBefore engaging in a cold pressor test (CPT), young adult women (N = 112) and men (N = 49) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a higher threat group in which participants read an orienting passage describing symptoms and consequences of frostbite (pain as a signal for nociception), a lower threat group in which participants read about CPT safety (pain independent of nociception) or a challenge appraisal group in which participants read a passage describing how persistence in the face of discomfort predicts future life success and satisfaction.ResultsThe higher threat group had lower pain tolerance and catastrophized more during the task than lower threat and challenge appraisal groups. Conversely, the challenge appraisal group reported using more cognitive strategies (ignoring, diverting attention, coping self‐statements) in managing pain than either threat group. Structural equation modelling indicated paths of subjective threat and challenge appraisals with pain tolerance were fully mediated by individual differences in reported cognitive coping and/or pain catastrophizing.ConclusionsFindings underscore causal effects of pain appraisals on coping responses and pain perception.What does this study add?Effects of challenge appraisals of pain as a source of potential future growth or development have not been considered in experimental pain research.Causal effects of primary appraisals of laboratory pain as a source of potential threat and challenge were elucidated in relation to pain perception and coping.
Development of a Biosensor Based on Phosphotriesterase and n‐Channel ISFET for Detection of Pesticides
Authors: Andrianova M. S. , Gubanova O. V. , Komarova N. V. , Kuznetsov E. V. , Kuznetsov A. E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA biosensor for the direct determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) is described. It utilizes an ion‐selective field‐effect transistor and phosphotriesterase enzyme (PTE), which provides cleavage of OPs. The sensitivity of the biosensor was increased after PTE immobilization on the surface of the transistor. Packaging of the integrated circuit and creation of a microfluidic system for analyte delivery stabilized the signal. This system was able to detect 0.1 µM paraoxon and 0.5 µM parathion and methyl parathion and was stable for at least 1 month (PBS, 1°), and could thus provide the basis for a portable device for analyzing OPs in water.
A Thermally Stable, Combustion‐Resistant, and Highly Ion‐Conductive Separator for Lithium‐Ion Batteries Based on Electrospun Fiber Mats of Crosslinked Polybenzoxazine
Authors: Li Hsieh‐Yu , Li Guo‐An , Lee Yun‐Yang , Tuan Hsing‐Yu , Liu Ying‐Ling 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPorous and thermally stable membranes are attractive materials as separators in lithium‐ion batteries. This work reports a new class of high‐performance separators for Li‐ion batteries based on a crosslinked polybenzoxazine electrospun fiber mat (CR‐PBz‐FbM). The CR‐PBz‐FbM separator shows a high ion conductivity of 2.92 mS cm−1 (5.2 times the value recorded for Celgard 2300), a low MacMullin number of 3.35, ultrahigh electrolyte uptake (≈825 %), and near‐zero shrinkage at 150 °C. Consequently, the CR‐PBz‐FbM separator shows a high C‐rate capacity and good cycle retention in the half‐cell test. At a C‐rate of 2.0, the CR‐PBz‐FbM‐based Li‐ion cell only exhibits a capacity loss of 16 % compared to a 40 % capacity loss found with the cell based on Celgard 2300. The results demonstrate that CR‐PBz‐FbM is an inexpensive, non‐shutdown‐type, thermally stable, and highly ion‐conductive separator for Li‐ion batteries.
Characterization of partially purified milk‐clotting enzyme from sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds
Authors: Nasr Assia I. A. M. , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Hamid Omer I. A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study was aimed to extract milk‐clotting enzyme from sunflower seeds and to determine its potentiality for manufacturing white soft cheese from cows and goats milk. The seeds were blended and extracted using two types of buffers and milk‐clotting and proteolytic activities were evaluated. The enzyme was partially purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation techniques. Results indicated that sunflower seeds extracted with 5% NaCl in 50 mmol/L acetate buffer, pH 5.0, had the highest milk‐clotting activity (MCA) and lowest coagulation time compared to that extracted with only acetate buffer (pH 5.0). Ammonium sulfate at 30–50% saturation purified the enzyme to 4.3 folds with MCA of 241.0 U/mL and final enzyme yield of 10.9%. The partially purified enzyme was characterized by SDS–PAGE that showed two bands with molecular weight of 120 and 62 kDa. When compared with other plant enzymes, the partially purified sunflower enzyme was found to have higher milk‐clotting activity and lower proteolytic activity. Also, both milk sources and enzyme types significantly affected the cheese yield and curd formation time. The cheese made from cow milk using sunflower enzyme had higher yield compared to that obtained using commercial rennet, whereas the opposite was observed when using goat milk.
CDS Inferred Stock Volatility
Authors: Guo Biao 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBoth CDS and out‐of‐money put option can protect investors against downside risk, so they are related while not being mutually replaceable. This study provides a straightforward linkage between corporate CDS and equity option by inferring stock volatility from CDS spread and, thus, enables a direct analogy with the implied volatility from option price. I find CDS inferred volatility (CIV) and option implied volatility (OIV) are complementary, both containing some information that is not captured by the other. CIV dominates OIV in forecasting stock future realized volatility. Moreover, a trading strategy based on the CIV–OIV mean reverting spreads generates significant risk‐adjusted return. These findings complement existing empirical evidence on cross‐market analysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:745–757, 2016
Parameterising User Uptake in Economic Evaluations: The role of discrete choice experiments
Authors: Terris‐Prestholt Fern , Quaife Matthew , Vickerman Peter 
Published: January 2016

AbstractModel‐based economic evaluations of new interventions have shown that user behaviour (uptake) is a critical driver of overall impact achieved. However, early economic evaluations, prior to introduction, often rely on assumed levels of uptake based on expert opinion or uptake of similar interventions. In addition to the likely uncertainty surrounding these uptake assumptions, they also do not allow for uptake to be a function of product, intervention, or user characteristics.This letter proposes using uptake projections from discrete choice experiments (DCE) to better parameterize uptake and substitution in cost‐effectiveness models. A simple impact model is developed and illustrated using an example from the HIV prevention field in South Africa. Comparison between the conventional approach and the DCE‐based approach shows that, in our example, DCE‐based impact predictions varied by up to 50% from conventional estimates and provided far more nuanced projections. In the absence of observed uptake data and to model the effect of variations in intervention characteristics, DCE‐based uptake predictions are likely to greatly improve models parameterizing uptake solely based on expert opinion. This is particularly important for global and national level decision making around introducing new and probably more expensive interventions, particularly where resources are most constrained.
Development of a Health Screening Package Under the Universal Health Coverage: The Role of Health Technology Assessment
Authors: Teerawattananon Yot , Kingkaew Pritaporn , Koopitakkajorn Tanunya , Youngkong Sitaporn , Tritasavit Nattha , Srisuwan Patsri , Tantivess Sripen 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study reports the systematic development of a population‐based health screening package for all Thai people under the universal health coverage (UHC). To determine major disease areas and health problems for which health screening could mitigate health burden, a consultation process was conducted in a systematic, participatory, and evidence‐based manner that involved 41 stakeholders in a half‐day workshop. Twelve diseases/health problems were identified during the discussion. Subsequently, health technology assessments, including systematic review and meta‐analysis of health benefits as well as economic evaluations and budget impact analyses of corresponding population‐based screening interventions, were completed. The results led to advice against elements of current clinical practice, such as annual chest X‐rays and particular blood tests (e.g. kidney function test), and indicated that the introduction of certain new population‐based health screening programs, such as for chronic hepatitis B, would provide substantial health and economic benefits to the Thais. The final results were presented to a wide group of stakeholders, including decision‐makers at the Ministry of Public Health and the public health insurance schemes, to verify and validate the findings and policy recommendations. The package has been endorsed by the Thai UHC Benefit Package Committee for implementation in fiscal year 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Health Economics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Methodological Issues to Consider When Collecting Data to Estimate Poverty Impact in Economic Evaluations in Low‐income and Middle‐income Countries
Authors: Sweeney Sedona , Vassall Anna , Foster Nicola , Simms Victoria , Ilboudo Patrick , Kimaro Godfather , Mudzengi Don , Guinness Lorna 
Published: January 2016

AbstractOut‐of‐pocket spending is increasingly recognized as an important barrier to accessing health care, particularly in low‐income and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where a large portion of health expenditure comes from out‐of‐pocket payments. Emerging universal healthcare policies prioritize reduction of poverty impact such as catastrophic and impoverishing healthcare expenditure. Poverty impact is therefore increasingly evaluated alongside and within economic evaluations to estimate the impact of specific health interventions on poverty. However, data collection for these metrics can be challenging in intervention‐based contexts in LMICs because of study design and practical limitations. Using a set of case studies, this letter identifies methodological challenges in collecting patient cost data in LMIC contexts. These components are presented in a framework to encourage researchers to consider the implications of differing approaches in data collection and to report their approach in a standardized and transparent way. © 2016 The Authors. Health Economics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Skeletal Mineralization Deficits and Impaired Biogenesis and Function of Chondrocyte-Derived Matrix Vesicles in Phospho1–/– and Phospho1/Pit1 Double-Knockout Mice
Authors: Yadav Manisha C , Bottini Massimo , Cory Esther , Bhattacharya Kunal , Kuss Pia , Narisawa Sonoko , Sah Robert L , Beck Laurent , Fadeel Bengt , Farquharson Colin , Millán José Luis 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

We have previously shown that ablation of either the Phospho1 or Alpl gene, encoding PHOSPHO1 and tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) respectively, lead to hyperosteoidosis, but that their chondrocyte-derived and osteoblast-derived matrix vesicles (MVs) are able to initiate mineralization. In contrast, the double ablation of Phospho1 and Alpl completely abolish initiation and progression of skeletal mineralization. We argued that MVs initiate mineralization by a dual mechanism: PHOSPHO1-mediated intravesicular generation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and phosphate transporter-mediated influx of Pi. To test this hypothesis, we generated mice with col2a1-driven Cre-mediated ablation of Slc20a1, hereafter referred to as Pit1, alone or in combination with a Phospho1 gene deletion. Pit1col2/col2 mice did not show any major phenotypic abnormalities, whereas severe skeletal deformities were observed in the [Phospho1–/–; Pit1col2/col2] double knockout mice that were more pronounced than those observed in the Phospho1–/– mice. Histological analysis of [Phospho1–/–; Pit1col2/col2] bones showed growth plate abnormalities with a shorter hypertrophic chondrocyte zone and extensive hyperosteoidosis. The [Phospho1–/–; Pit1col2/col2] skeleton displayed significant decreases in BV/TV%, trabecular number, and bone mineral density, as well as decreased stiffness, decreased strength, and increased postyield deflection compared to Phospho1–/– mice. Using atomic force microscopy we found that ∼80% of [Phospho1–/–; Pit1col2/col2] MVs were devoid of mineral in comparison to ∼50% for the Phospho1–/– MVs and ∼25% for the WT and Pit1col2/col2 MVs. We also found a significant decrease in the number of MVs produced by both Phospho1–/– and [Phospho1–/–; Pit1col2/col2] chondrocytes. These data support the involvement of phosphate transporter 1, hereafter referred to as PiT-1, in the initiation of skeletal mineralization and provide compelling evidence that PHOSPHO1 function is involved in MV biogenesis. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
IRS-1 Functions as a Molecular Scaffold to Coordinate IGF-I/IGFBP-2 Signaling During Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Xi Gang , Shen Xinchun , Rosen Clifford J , Clemmons David R 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) function coordinately to stimulate AKT and osteoblast differentiation. IGFBP-2 binding to receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase β (RPTPβ) stimulates polymerization and inactivation of phosphatase activity. Because phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is the primary target of RPTPβ, this leads to enhanced PTEN tyrosine phosphorylation and inactivation. However RPTPβ inactivation also requires IGF-I receptor activation. The current studies were undertaken to determine the mechanism by which IGF-I mediates changes in RPTPβ function in osteoblasts. IGFBP-2/IGF-I stimulated vimentin binding to RPTPβ and this was required for RPTPβ polymerization. Vimentin serine phosphorylation mediated its binding to RPTPβ and PKCζ was identified as the kinase that phosphorylated vimentin. To determine the mechanism underlying IGF-I stimulation of PKCζ-mediated vimentin phosphorylation, we focused on insulin receptor substrate–1 (IRS-1). IGF-I stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation and recruitment of PKCζ and vimentin to phospho-IRS-1. IRS-1 immunoprecipitates containing PKCζ and vimentin were used to confirm that activated PKCζ directly phosphorylated vimentin. PKCζ does not contain a SH-2 domain that is required to bind to phospho-IRS-1. To determine the mechanism of PKCζ recruitment we analyzed the role of p62 (a PKCζ binding protein) that contains a SH2 domain. Exposure to differentiation medium plus IGF-I stimulated PKCζ/p62 association. Subsequent analysis showed the p62/PKCζ complex was co-recruited to IRS-1. Peptides that disrupted p62/PKCζ or p62/IRS-1 inhibited IGF-I/IGFBP-2 stimulated PKCζ activation, vimentin phosphorylation, PTEN tyrosine phosphorylation, AKT activation, and osteoblast differentiation. The importance of these signaling events for differentiation was confirmed in primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts. These results demonstrate the cooperative interaction between RPTPβ and the IGF-I receptor leading to a coordinated series of signaling events that are required for osteoblast differentiation. Our findings emphasize the important role IRS-1 plays in modulating these signaling events and confirm its essential role in facilitating osteoblast differentiation. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Transcription Factors and Medium Suitable for Initiating the Differentiation of Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to the Hepatocyte Lineage
Authors: Tomizawa Minoru , Shinozaki Fuminobu , Motoyoshi Yasufumi , Sugiyama Takao , Yamamoto Shigenori , Ishige Naoki 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTTranscription factors and culture media were investigated to determine the condition to initiate the differentiation of human‐induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells most efficiently. The expression of genes in human adult liver was compared with that in 201B7 cells (iPS cells) using cDNA microarray analysis. Episomal plasmids expressing transcription factors were constructed. 201B7 cells were transfected with the episomal plasmids and cultured in ReproFF (feeder‐free media maintaining pluripotency), Leibovitz‐15 (L15), William's E (WE), or Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/Nutrient F‐12 Ham (DF12) for 7 days. RNA was isolated and subjected to real‐time quantitative PCR to analyze the expression of alpha‐feto protein (AFP) and albumin. cDNA microarray analysis revealed 16 transcription factors that were upregulated in human adult liver relative to that in 201B7 cells. Episomal plasmids expressing these 16 genes were transfected into 201B7 cells. CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein alpha (CEBPA), CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein beta (CEBPB), forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), and forkhead box A3 (FOXA3) up‐regulated AFP and down‐regulated Nanog. These four genes were further analyzed. The expression of AFP and albumin was the highest in 201B7 cells transfected with the combination of CEBPA, CEBPB, FOXA1, and FOXA3 and cultured in WE. The combination of CEBPA, CEBPB, FOXA1, and FOXA3 was suitable for 201B7 cells to initiate differentiation to the hepatocyte lineage and WE was the most suitable medium for culture after transfection. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2001–2009, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CJD and Scrapie Require Agent‐Associated Nucleic Acids for Infection
Authors: Botsios Sotirios , Manuelidis Laura 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTUnlike Alzheimer's and most other neurodegenerative diseases, Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) are all caused by actively replicating infectious particles of viral size and density. Different strain‐specific TSE agents cause CJD, kuru, scrapie and BSE, and all behave as latent viruses that evade adaptive immune responses and can persist for years in lymphoreticular tissues. A foreign viral structure with a nucleic acid genome best explains these TSE strains and their endemic and epidemic spread in susceptible species. Nevertheless, it is widely believed that host prion protein (PrP), without any genetic material, encodes all these strains. We developed rapid infectivity assays that allowed us to reproducibly isolate infectious particles where >85% of the starting titer separated from the majority of host components, including PrP. Remarkably, digestion of all forms of PrP did not reduce brain particle titers. To ask if TSE agents, as other viruses, require nucleic acids, we exposed high titer FU‐CJD and 22L scrapie particles to potent nucleases. Both agent‐strains were propagated in GT1 neuronal cells to avoid interference by complex degenerative brain changes that can impede nuclease digestions. After exposure to nucleases that are active in sarkosyl, infectivity of both agents was reproducibly reduced by ≥99%. No gold‐stained host proteins or any form of PrP were visibly altered by these nucleases. In contrast, co‐purifying protected mitochondrial DNA and circular SPHINX DNAs were destroyed. These findings demonstrate that TSE agents require protected genetic material to infect their hosts, and should reopen investigation of essential agent nucleic acids. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1947–1958, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.