bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of privatisation on union membership and density: A Western Australian case study
Authors: Oliver Bobbie 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFalling membership numbers and declining union density are issues of concern for many Australian unions. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that between 2005 and 2008, trade union membership declined from 22.4% to 18.9% of the workforce. Studies and statistics consistently show that union membership and density are lowest in Western Australia, despite trend reversals elsewhere. Using the Western Australian branches of two ‘blue-collar’ unions – the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, Western Australian Branch and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, covering a range of transport, metal working, printing and manufacturing trades – as examples, this article examines whether privatisation has contributed significantly to falling trade union density and membership in this state. These unions represented large public sector workforces. In order to test the hypothesis that privatisation has adversely affected union membership and density, the article examines three areas: changing policies in the Australian Labor Party, the breaking down of union culture and changes in trade training, and concludes that privatisation is a significant factor in the recent decline of these two unions.
Economic Burden of Foot and Ankle Surgery in the US Medicare Population
Authors: Belatti Daniel A. , Phisitkul Phinit 
Published: January 2014

Background: Musculoskeletal diseases affecting the foot and ankle are common and can result in debilitating pain and chronic disability. The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic burden associated with operative interventions targeting these afflictions in the Medicare population. Methods: Procedure incidence was determined using data from Medicare Part B National Summary Data Files (for 2000-2011). Health care and productivity costs were estimated for each year using an incidence-based cost model, using demographic information from 10 633 patient encounters at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics over the period January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010. Results: The estimated economic burden of foot and ankle surgery in the Medicare population was $11 billion in 2011, up 38.2% since 2000. Direct health care costs were responsible for only 11% of this total, while indirect productivity costs contributed the remainder. Procedures targeting the foot accounted for over two-thirds of total economic burden, or $7.6 billion. Treatments for fracture and dislocation contributed the most to overall economic burden (31.0% of total), followed by reconstructive procedures (30.7%) and amputations (13.3%). Conclusion: Even in an older population, considerable productivity losses are associated with foot and ankle surgery. An increasing share of the population older than 65 expects to be fit to work, making disability in older Americans more monetarily important. At the same time, trends in chronic disease mean that the incidence of foot and ankle problems is likely to increase in the Medicare population. Level of Evidence: Level III, economic analysis.
SET-NUP214 is a recurrent γδ lineage-specific fusion transcript associated with corticosteroid/chemotherapy resistance in adult T-ALL
Authors: Ben Abdelali Raouf , Roggy Anne , Leguay Thibaut , Cieslak Agata , Renneville Aline , Touzart Aurore , Banos Anne , Randriamalala Edouard , Caillot Denis , Lioure Bruno , Devidas Alain , Mossafa Hossein , Preudhomme Claude , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé , Macintyre Elizabeth , Asnafi Vahid 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
SET-NUP214 is a recurrent (6%) γδ lineage-specific fusion transcript in adult T-ALL. SET-NUP214 is strongly associated with corticosteroid and chemotherapy resistance but does not negatively influence clinical outcome.
The Rbf1, Hfl1 and Dbp4 of Candida albicans regulate common as well as transcription factor-specific mitochondrial and other cell activities
Authors: Khamooshi Kasra , Sikorski Patricia , Sun Nuo , Calderone Richard , Li Dongmei 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Our interest in Candida albicans mitochondria began with the identification of GOA1. We demonstrated its role in cell energy production, cross-talk among mitochondria and peroxisomes, non-glucose energy metabolism, maintenance of stationary phase growth, and prevention of premature apoptosis. Its absence results in avirulence. However, what regulated transcription of GOA1 was unknown.

Results
To identify transcriptional regulators (TRs) of GOA1, we screened a C. albicans TF knockout library (TRKO) and identified Rbf1p, Hfl1p, and Dpb4p as positive TRs of GOA1. The phenotypes of each mutant (reduced respiration, inability to grow on glycerol, reduced ETC CI and CIV activities) are reasonable evidence for their required roles especially in mitochondrial functions. While the integration of mitochondria with cell metabolic activities is presumed to occur, there is minimal information on this subject at the genome level. Therefore, microarray analysis was used to provide this information for each TR mutant. Transcriptional profiles of Rbf1p and Hfl1p are more similar than that of Dpn4p. Our data demonstrate common and also gene-specific regulatory functions for each TR. We establish their roles in carbon metabolism, stress adaptation, cell wall synthesis, transporter efflux, peroxisomal metabolism, phospholipid synthesis, rRNA processing, and nuclear/mtDNA replication.

Conclusions
The TRs regulate a number of common genes but each also regulates specific gene transcription. These data for the first time create a genome roadmap that can be used to integrate mitochondria with other cell processes. Of interest, the TRs are fungal-specific, warranting consideration as antifungal drug targets.
External validation of the CURSI criteria (confusion, urea, respiratory rate and shock index) in adults hospitalised for community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Nüllmann Harald , Pflug Marc Andre , Wesemann Thomas , Heppner Hans-Jürgen , Pientka Ludger , Thiem Ulrich 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
For patients hospitalised due to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), mortality risk is usually estimated with prognostic scores such as CRB-65 or CURB-65. For elderly patients, a new score referred to as CURSI has been proposed which uses shock index (SI) instead of the blood pressure (B) and age (65) criteria. The new score has not been externally validated to date.

Methods
We used data from a hospital-based CAP registry to compare the ability of CURSI, CURB-65 and CRB-65 to predict mortality at day 30 after hospital admission. Patients were stratified by score points as well as score-point-based risk categories, and mortality for each group was assessed. To compare test performance, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the areas under the curve (AUROC) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
We analysed 553 inpatients (45% females, median age 78 years) hospitalised between 2005 and 2009 for CAP. Overall, mortality at day 30 was 11% (59/553). The study sample was characterised by advanced comorbidity (chronic heart failure: 22%, chronic kidney failure: 27%) and functional impairment (nursing home residency: 26%, dementia: 31%). All risk scores were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. The AUROC values with 95% CI using score points for risk prediction were as follows: 0.63 [0.56-0.71] for CRB-65, 0.68 [0.61-0.75] for CURB-65 and 0.68 [0.61-0.75] for CURSI. The CURSI-defined low-risk group (0 or 1 score point) had a higher mortality (8%) than the low-risk groups defined by CURB-65 and CRB-65 (4% and 3%, respectively). Lowering the cut-off for the CURSI-defined low-risk group (0 point only) would lower the mortality to 4%, making it comparable to the CURB-65-defined low-risk group.

Conclusions
In our study, the CURSI-defined low-risk group had a higher 30-day mortality than the low-risk groups defined by CURB-65 and CRB-65. Lowering the cut-off value for the CURSI low-risk group would result in a mortality comparable to the CURB-65-defined low risk group. Even then, however, CURSI does not perform better than the established risk scores.
The epidemiological impact of childhood influenza vaccination using live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) in Germany: predictions of a simulation study
Authors: Rose Markus A , Damm Oliver , Greiner Wolfgang , Knuf Markus , Wutzler Peter , Liese Johannes G , Krüger Hagen , Wahn Ulrich , Schaberg Tom , Schwehm Markus , Kochmann Thomas F , Eichner Martin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Routine annual influenza vaccination is primarily recommended for all persons aged 60 and above and for people with underlying chronic conditions in Germany. Other countries have already adopted additional childhood influenza immunisation programmes. The objective of this study is to determine the potential epidemiological impact of implementing paediatric influenza vaccination using intranasally administered live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) in Germany.

Methods
A deterministic age-structured model is used to simulate the population-level impact of different vaccination strategies on the transmission dynamics of seasonal influenza in Germany. In our base-case analysis, we estimate the effects of adding a LAIV-based immunisation programme targeting children 2 to 17 years of age to the existing influenza vaccination policy. The data used in the model is based on published evidence complemented by expert opinion.

Results
In our model, additional vaccination of children 2 to 17 years of age with LAIV leads to the prevention of 23.9 million influenza infections and nearly 16 million symptomatic influenza cases within 10 years. This reduction in burden of disease is not restricted to children. About one third of all adult cases can indirectly be prevented by LAIV immunisation of children.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that vaccinating children 2–17 years of age is likely associated with a significant reduction in the burden of paediatric influenza. Furthermore, annual routine childhood vaccination against seasonal influenza is expected to decrease the incidence of influenza among adults and older people due to indirect effects of herd protection. In summary, our model provides data supporting the introduction of a paediatric influenza immunisation programme in Germany.
PMA synergistically enhances apicularen A-induced cytotoxicity by disrupting microtubule networks in HeLa cells
Authors: Seo Kang-Sik , Kim Jong-Seok , Park Ji-Hoon , Song Kyoung-Sub , Yun Eun-Jin , Park Jong-Il , Kweon Gi Ryang , Yoon Wan-Hee , Lim Kyu , Hwang Byung-Doo 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Combination therapy is key to improving cancer treatment efficacy. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a well-known PKC activator, increases the cytotoxicity of several anticancer drugs. Apicularen A induces cytotoxicity in tumor cells through disrupting microtubule networks by tubulin down-regulation. In this study, we examined whether PMA increases apicularen A-induced cytotoxicity in HeLa cells.

Methods
Cell viability was examined by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium (MTT) assays. To investigate apoptotic potential of apicularen A, DNA fragmentation assays were performed followed by extracting genomic DNA, and caspase-3 activity assays were performed by fluorescence assays using fluorogenic substrate. The cell cycle distribution induced by combination with PMA and apicularen A was examined by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide (PI). The expression levels of target proteins were measured by Western blotting analysis using specific antibodies, and α-tubulin mRNA levels were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To examine the effect of combination of PMA and apicularen A on the microtubule architecture, α-tubulin protein and nuclei were visualized by immunofluorescence staining using an anti-α-tubulin antibody and PI, respectively.

Results
We found that apicularen A induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cells. PMA synergistically increased cytotoxicity and apoptotic sub-G1 population induced by apicularen A. These effects were completely blocked by the PKC inhibitors Ro31-8220 and Go6983, while caspase inhibition by Z-VAD-fmk did not prevent cytotoxicity. RNA interference using siRNA against PKCα, but not PKCβ and PKCγ, inhibited cytotoxicity induced by combination PMA and apicularen A. PMA increased the apicularen A-induced disruption of microtubule networks by further decreasing α- and β-tubulin protein levels in a PKC-dependent manner.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the synergy between PMA and apicularen A is involved by PKCα activation and microtubule disruption, and that may inform the development of novel approaches to treat cancer.
Adiponectin, chemerin, cytokines, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 are released from human adipose tissue in a depot-dependent manner: an in vitro system including human serum albumin
Authors: Svensson Henrik , Odén Birgitta , Edén Staffan , Lönn Malin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundAdipose tissue (AT) contributes to metabolic dysfunction through imbalanced production of adipokines, including cytokines. Visceral AT in particular is associated with metabolic disorders, indicating a specific secretory status. The relative significance of different human AT depots in adipokine release is not fully known. Further, previous in vitro systems usually included medium containing bovine serum albumin (BSA), which may induce cytokine release. Our aim was to compare release of a number of adipokines/cytokines – all implicated in insulin resistance – from human subcutaneous and visceral AT in a short-term incubation system minimizing cytokine induction and including repeated measurements during 24 h. A prerequisite was to evaluate a potential alternative to BSA in the incubation medium.MethodsSubcutaneous and/or visceral AT from 17 patients (age 20–68 years; BMI 22.6–56.7 kg/m2) undergoing elective surgery was incubated for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h in medium with or without 1% BSA or human serum albumin (HSA). Medium concentrations of adiponectin, chemerin, nine cytokines, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), and omentin were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay or ELISA. Adipocyte size, AT macrophage density, and medium concentrations of endotoxin were determined.ResultsCytokine release was induced by BSA but not by HSA. In evaluation of the final incubation protocol including 1% HSA, and as expected, adiponectin release was higher from subcutaneous biopsies of nonobese than of obese subjects and inversely associated with adipocyte size; omentin was released almost exclusively from visceral AT. Exploratory incubations revealed more abundant release of chemerin, cytokines (except IL-6), and DPP4 from the visceral depot, while adiponectin release was higher from subcutaneous than visceral AT. Release was linear for a maximum of 2–6 h. Macrophage density was higher in visceral than subcutaneous AT. Levels of endotoxin in the medium were negligible.ConclusionsAdiponectin, chemerin, many cytokines, and DPP4 are released from human AT in a depot-dependent manner. These results highlight functional differences between visceral and subcutaneous AT, and a mechanistic link between regional fat accumulation and metabolic disorders. Supplementation of human AT incubation medium with HSA rather than BSA is recommended to minimize induction of cytokine release.
The potential use of chickpeas in development of infant follow-on formula
Authors: Malunga Lovemore Nkhata , Bar-El Shimrit Dadon , Zinal Eli , Berkovich Zipi , Abbo Shahal , Reifen Ram 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundUndernutrition during childhood is a common disorder in the developing countries, however most research has focussed much on its treatment rather than its prevention.ObjectiveWe investigated the potential of using chickpeas in infant follow-on formula production against the requirements of WHO/FAO on complementary foods and EU regulations on follow-on formula.MethodsChickpeas were germinated for 72 hours followed by boiling, drying and dehulling in order to minimise associated anti-nutrition factors. Saccharifying enzymes were used to hydrolyse starch to maltose and the resulting flours were analysed for their protein content and amino acid profile.ResultsThe protein content (percentage) increased from 16.66 ± 0.35 and 20.24 ± 0.50 to 20.00 ± 0.15 and 21.98 ± 0.80 for the processed desi and kabuli cultivar compared to raw chickpeas, respectively (P < 0.05). There was insignificant change (P = 0.05) in amino acid profile following processing and the resulting flour was found to meet the amino acid requirements of WHO/FAO protein reference for 0–24 month’s children.ConclusionThe designed chickpea based infant follow-on formula meets the WHO/FAO requirements on complementary foods and also the EU regulations on follow-on formula with minimal addition of oils, minerals and vitamins. It uses chickpea as a common source of carbohydrate and protein hence making it more economical and affordable for the developing countries without compromising the nutrition quality.
Clustered precursors in bone marrow sections predict early relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia within hematologic remission
Authors: Yu Yehua , Wu Zhentian , Zhang Jing , Zhai Yuanmei , Yuan Yinghua , Liu Sihong , Wang Hui , Shi Jun 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Bone marrow (BM) aspiration is largely used for relapse assessment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It remains unclear what roles that BM trephine biopsy plays on relapse assessment.

Methods
Bone marrow (BM) sections during complete remission (CR) from 60 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients were retrospectively analyzed. Computer image processing technology was performed for detection of the distance between precursors and endosteum, and density of precursors was also calculated under light microscopic image. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the immunophenotype of clustered precursors.

Results
Except for single and double precursors, there existed clustered precursors of 3-5 cells during CR. Here, we demonstrated that clustered precursors, but not single and double precursors, were useful in risk factor of relapse. Area under the receiving operator curve (ROC) was of 0.007 (CI 95%, from 0.572 to 0.851). Using a standard cut-off value of >4.0/mm2 for cluster density, early relapse was detected with a sensitivity of 51.5% and a specificity of 85.7%.
Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that clustered precursor is an independent risk factor for early relapse (Adjusted HR: 0.325, 95% CI: 0.156-0.679, p = 0.003).

Conclusions
Cumulatively, clustered precursors in BM sections during CR may serve as an independent risk factor of early relapse and poor outcome for AML patients in cluster density > 4.0/mm2 in sections. Early aggressive interventions are needed to prevent hematologic relapse.
The phosphorylation of HIV-1 Gag by atypical protein kinase C facilitates viral infectivity by promoting Vpr incorporation into virions
Authors: Kudoh Ayumi , Takahama Shoukichi , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Ode Hirotaka , Yokoyama Masaru , Okayama Akiko , Ishikawa Akiyo , Miyakawa Kei , Matsunaga Satoko , Kimura Hirokazu , Sugiura Wataru , Sato Hironori , Hirano Hisashi , Ohno Shigeo , Yamamoto Naoki , Ryo Akihide 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag is the main structural protein that mediates the assembly and release of virus-like particles (VLPs) from an infected cell membrane. The Gag C-terminal p6 domain contains short sequence motifs that facilitate virus release from the plasma membrane and mediate incorporation of the viral Vpr protein. Gag p6 has also been found to be phosphorylated during HIV-1 infection and this event may affect virus replication. However, the kinase that directs the phosphorylation of Gag p6 toward virus replication remains to be identified. In our present study, we identified this kinase using a proteomic approach and further delineate its role in HIV-1 replication.

Results
A proteomic approach was designed to systematically identify human protein kinases that potently interact with HIV-1 Gag and successfully identified 22 candidates. Among this panel, atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) was found to phosphorylate HIV-1 Gag p6. Subsequent LC-MS/MS and immunoblotting analysis with a phospho-specific antibody confirmed both in vitro and in vivo that aPKC phosphorylates HIV-1 Gag at Ser487. Computer-assisted structural modeling and a subsequent cell-based assay revealed that this phosphorylation event is necessary for the interaction between Gag and Vpr and results in the incorporation of Vpr into virions. Moreover, the inhibition of aPKC activity reduced the Vpr levels in virions and impaired HIV-1 infectivity of human primary macrophages.

Conclusion
Our current results indicate for the first time that HIV-1 Gag phosphorylation on Ser487 is mediated by aPKC and that this kinase may regulate the incorporation of Vpr into HIV-1 virions and thereby supports virus infectivity. Furthermore, aPKC inhibition efficiently suppresses HIV-1 infectivity in macrophages. aPKC may therefore be an intriguing therapeutic target for HIV-1 infection.
Interface evaluation of experimental dental adhesives with nanostructured hydroxyapatite incorporation
Authors: Provenzi Camila , Leitune Vicente CB , Collares Fabricio M , Trommer Rafael , Bergmann Carlos P , Samuel Susana MW 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesive interface with dentin of an experimental adhesive resin with nanostructured hydroxyapatite addition. The organic phase of the adhesive resin was produced by mixing 50 wt.% Bis-GMA, 25 wt.% TEGDMA and 25 wt.% HEMA. CQ and EDAB were added at 1 mol% to all groups, according to the monomer moles. HAnano was added at the following two concentrations: 0 and 2 wt%. One commercial adhesive system was used as control. Nine lower incisor bovine teeth were used to produce interfaces of adhesive resin and dentin. Tooth slices were analysed using the following micro-Raman parameters: a 100 mW diode laser with 785 nm wavelength and spectral resolution of ~ 3–5 cm-1. One-dimensional mapping was performed over a 150 μm line across the adhesive-dentine interface at 1 μm intervals using a computerized XYZ stage. These areas covered the composite resin, adhesive layer, hybrid layer, partially demineralised and un-affected dentine and were visualised and focused at x500 magnification. Raman analysis showed the penetration of experimental and commercial adhesive systems into dentin. HAnano was observed into the hybrid layer. Based on results of the present study, is possible to observe resin and nanostructured hydroxyapatite penetration at the hybrid layer.