bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic Cost of the Treatment of Fractures Among Old People
Authors: Diémé Charles Bertin 
Published: May 2014

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the cost of hospital care related to fractures among the elderly patients. Materials and Methods: The aim was to conduct a study over a 12-month period involving patients aged 60 and older with at least 1 musculoskeletal fracture. The population under investigation included 314 patients, mainly female, with 319 fractures. Only 25.47% of the patients had access to government financial assistance. The cost of hospital treatment was assessed on the basis of 3 expense items; the standard currency used was the African Financial Community Franc (CFA franc) and 1 CFA franc equals 656 euros. Expense item No. 1: It related to the cost of diagnostic services that included surgical consultation and x-rays. Expense item No. 3: It is related to the duration of the stay at the hospital. Results: The cost of diagnostic services amounted to 5625 euros. The cost of the second item was put at 43 054 euros: conservative treatment: 43 118 euros; surgical treatment: 41 053 euros. Cost of the hospital stay amounted to 2607 euros. Proximal femur fractures accounted for 43.46% of the overall cost of the care provided. Discussion: Our patients’ medical history is similar to the data provided in developed countries: female predominance; predominance of proximal femoral fractures. The cost of the care provided was boosted by the surgical treatment and proximal femur fractures, whereas the cost of hospital stay was rather insignificant. Medical care is a problem among our patients, as few of them have access to government financial assistance. Conclusion: Among elderly people, fractures will soon become a public health issue in our context.
Development of Physical Performance After Acute Hip Fracture
Authors: Chandrasekaran Davidpremkumar , Andersson Åsa , Hindenborg Maria , Norlin Rolf , Akner Gunnar 
Published: May 2014

Background and aim: Hip fracture is a leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability in older people. The aim of the present study was to prospectively assess the development of physical performance in patients with hip fracture after surgery. Setting: Prospective, observational study in a Swedish university hospital. Methods: Assessment of 102 consecutive patients (65 females), with a mean age of 82 years (range 35-98) without specific inclusion or exclusion criteria. Seven physical functions were assessed using the following 4 measuring methods and 3 rating scales at baseline 7 to 10 days after surgery and follow-up after 4 months (F4): 10-m habitual walking speed (HWS), timed up and go (TUG), 30-second chair stand test (CST), handgrip strength (HGS), Berg balance scale (BBS), functional ambulation category (FAC), and general mobility. Results: The 47% dropout patients were significantly older and more often lived alone or in nursing homes and used indoor walking aids. At baseline, the mean HWS was 0.4/0.5 (females/males) m/s; TUG 53/30 s; CST 4/5 kg, and HGS 17.4/31.2 kg. The medians of BBS and FAC were 20/20 and 4/4, respectively. There were significant mean improvements at F4 for all 4 measured functions, except for HGS in males but for neither of the rating scales. There was a large heterogeneity in all assessed variables, both at baseline and regarding change at 4 months. Therefore, the mean/median results are depicted in figures, showing all individual results at baseline and F4, compared to reference values and discussed in relation to degree of improvement. Conclusion: The observed large heterogeneity at baseline as well as F4 makes it essentially meaningless to report means and median data of functional assessment of patients with hip fracture. There is a strong need for individualization in both health analysis and how the treatment program is targeted, carried through, and evaluated over time in patients with hip fracture.
Modified activin receptor IIB ligand trap mitigates ineffective erythropoiesis and disease complications in murine β-thalassemia
Authors: Suragani Rajasekhar N. V. S. , Cawley Sharon M. , Li Robert , Wallner Samantha , Alexander Mark J. , Mulivor Aaron W. , Gardenghi Sara , Rivella Stefano , Grinberg Asya V. , Pearsall R. Scott , Kumar Ravindra 
Published: May 2014

Key PointsModified ActRIIB ligand trap promotes terminal erythroid differentiation and mitigates ineffective erythropoiesis in murine β-thalassemia. This agent reduces anemia, α-globin aggregates, hemolysis, and disease complications such as iron overload, splenomegaly, and bone defects.
Connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension in Chinese patients
Authors: Hao Yan-Jie , Jiang Xin , Zhou Wei , Wang Yong , Gao Lan , Wang Yu , Li Guang-Tao , Hong Tao , Huo Yong , Jing Zhi-Cheng , Zhang Zhuo-Li 
Published: May 2014

We sought to investigate the characteristics, survival and risk factors for mortality in Chinese patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (APAH) in modern therapy era.129 consecutive adult patients who visited one of three referral centres in China with a diagnosis of CTD-APAH confirmed by right heart catheterisation during the previous 5 years were enrolled. The end-point was all-cause death or data censoring.Systemic lupus erythematosus was the most common underlying CTD (49%) and systemic sclerosis just accounted for 6% in this cohort. The overall survival at 1 and 3 years was 92% and 80%, respectively. Pericardial effusion, a shorter 6-min walk distance, lower mixed venous oxygen saturation, higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lower total cholesterol levels were all associated with a higher risk of death among the study population. Higher PVR and ALP were independent predictors of mortality.In conclusion, unlike in western patients, systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common underlying disease in Chinese patients with CTD-APAH. The survival of Chinese patients with CTD-APAH in the modern treatment era is similar to that in western countries. Elevated PVR and ALP are independent risk factors for poor outcomes.
Exhaled nitric oxide, nitrite/nitrate levels, allergy, rhinitis and asthma in the EGEA study
Authors: Nadif Rachel , Rava Marta , Decoster Brigitte , Huyvaert Hélène , Le Moual Nicole , Bousquet Jean , Siroux Valérie , Varraso Raphaëlle , Pin Isabelle , Zerimech Farid , Matran Régis 
Published: May 2014

Although interest in biomarkers in the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway has recently increased, associations between nitrite (NO2−) and nitrate (NO3−), and asthma, allergic sensitisation and rhinitis remain unclear.The study aimed to evaluate the associations between NO2−/NO3−and exhaled fraction of nitric oxide (FeNO) levels with asthma, allergic sensitisation and rhinitis.Plasma and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) NO2−/NO3−andFeNOlevels were measured in 523 adults of the French Epidemiological study on Genetics and Environment of Asthma. Allergic sensitisation was defined by a positive skin prick test for at least one aeroallergen. Subjects were classified as non-sensitised, sensitised and as having allergic rhinitis.Plasma NO2−/NO3−level was unrelated to any disease phenotypes. EBC NO2−/NO3−level was unrelated to any asthma phenotypes. EBC NO2−/NO3−andFeNOlevels were correlated in sensitised subjects only (r=0.21±0.10, p=0.01). EBC NO2−/NO3−andFeNOlevels were higher in sensitised than in non-sensitised subjects (adjusted geometric mean (95% CI): 2.36 (1.96–2.84)versus1.72 (1.38–2.14) μmol per mg proteins, p=0.008; and 18.3 (16.7–20.0)versus14.8 (13.3–16.5) ppb, p=0.0006, respectively), with gradual relationships from sensitised subjects to those with allergic rhinitis (p<0.0001).Results suggest that EBC NO2−/NO3−andFeNOlevels may be considered as biological markers of intensity of allergic sensitisation and rhinitis.
SuHx rat model: partly reversible pulmonary hypertension and progressive intima obstruction
Authors: de Raaf Michiel Alexander , Schalij Ingrid , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Rol Nina , Happé Chris , de Man Frances S. , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton , Westerhof Nico , Voelkel Norbert F. , Bogaard Harm Jan 
Published: May 2014

The SU5416 combined with hypoxia (SuHx) rat model features angio-obliterative pulmonary hypertension resembling human pulmonary arterial hypertension. Despite increasing use of this model, a comprehensive haemodynamic characterisation in conscious rats has not been reported.We used telemetry to characterise haemodynamic responses in SuHx rats and associated these with serial histology.Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) increased to a mean±sdof 106±7 mmHg in response to SuHx and decreased but remained elevated at 72±8 mmHg upon return to normoxia. Hypoxia-only exposed rats showed a similar initial increase in RVSP, a lower maximum RVSP and near-normalisation of RVSP during subsequent normoxia. Progressive vascular remodelling consisted of a four-fold increase in intima thickness, while only minimal changes in media thickness were found. The circadian range in RVSP provided an accurate longitudinal estimate of vascular remodelling.In conclusion, in SuHx rats, re-exposure to normoxia leads to a partial decrease in pulmonary artery pressure, with persisting hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodelling characterised by progressive intima obstruction.
Resistance to Botrytis cinerea in Solanum lycopersicoides involves widespread transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Smith Jonathon E , Mengesha Bemnet , Tang Hua , Mengiste Tesfaye , Bluhm Burton H 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundTomato (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the world’s most important vegetable crops, is highly susceptible to necrotrophic fungal pathogens such asBotrytis cinereaandAlternaria solani. Improving resistance through conventional breeding has been hampered by a shortage of resistant germplasm and difficulties in introgressing resistance into elite germplasm without linkage drag. The goal of this study was to explore natural variation among wildSolanumspecies to identify new sources of resistance to necrotrophic fungi and dissect mechanisms underlying resistance againstB. cinerea.ResultsAmong eight wild species evaluated for resistance againstB. cinereaandA. solani,S. lycopersicoidesexpressed the highest levels of resistance against both pathogens. Resistance againstB. cinereamanifested as containment of pathogen growth. Through next-generation RNA sequencing andde novoassembly of theS. lycopersicoidestranscriptome, changes in gene expression were analyzed during pathogen infection. In response toB. cinerea,differentially expressed transcripts grouped into four categories: genes whose expression rapidly increased then rapidly decreased, genes whose expression rapidly increased and plateaued, genes whose expression continually increased, and genes with decreased expression. Homology-based searches also identified a limited number of highly expressedB. cinereagenes. Almost immediately after infection byB. cinerea,S. lycopersicoidessuppressed photosynthesis and metabolic processes involved in growth, energy generation, and response to stimuli, and simultaneously induced various defense-related genes, including pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1), a beta-1,3-glucanase (glucanase), and a subtilisin-like protease, indicating a shift in priority towards defense. Moreover, cluster analysis revealed novel, uncharacterized genes that may play roles in defense against necrotrophic fungal pathogens inS. lycopersicoides. The expression of orthologous defense-related genes inS. lycopersicumafter infection withB. cinerearevealed differences in the onset and intensity of induction, thus illuminating a potential mechanism explaining the increased susceptibility. Additionally, metabolic pathway analyses identified putative defense-related categories of secondary metabolites.ConclusionsIn sum, this study provided insight into resistance against necrotrophic fungal pathogens in the Solanaceae, as well as novel sequence resources forS. lycopersicoides.
Fixed point theorems on ordered vector spaces
Authors: Li Jin Lu , Zhang Cong Jun , Chen Qi Qiong 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the concept of ordered metric spaces with respect to some ordered vector spaces, which is an extension of the normal metric spaces. Then we investigate some properties of ordered metric spaces and provide several fixed point theorems. As applications we prove several existence theorems for best ordered approximation.

MSC: 46B42, 47H10, 58J20, 91A06, 91A10.
Assessment of nicotine for second hand smoke exposure in some public places in Romania by UPLC-MS
Authors: Bratan Alina , Mincea Manuela Maria , Lupşa Ioana-Rodica , Pirtea Marilen-Gabriel , Ostafe Vasile 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Air nicotine monitoring is a well-known procedure for estimation of exposure to second hand smoke. Few research studies were realized in Romania to evaluate environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure of humans in different public places. The levels of airborne nicotine from environmental tobacco smoke and urinary cotinine and nicotine levels of some subjects were analyzed. In order to better implement/enforce the European legislation regarding the interdiction of smoking in the public places the national authorities need a rapid and reliable analytical method to quickly asses the state of the pollution with cigarette smoke of these populated areas.

Results
The nicotine concentration in the air from different types of public buildings was determined. The median concentration of nicotine in the air from 32 pubs where the smoking was allowed was 590 ng · L-1, comparing with the pubs where the smoking was not permitted (22 locations) where the median concentration of nicotine was only 32 ng · L-1. Similarly, the median concentration of nicotine in restaurants where the smoking was allowed (23 locations) was 510 ng · L-1, in comparison with the restaurants where the smoking was prohibited (11 places) where the median value was 19 ng · L-1. The lowest concentrations of nicotine were found in high schools (8 locations, median concentration 7.4 ng · L-1), universities (5 locations, 23 ng · L-1) and hospitals (6 locations, 16 ng · L-1).

Conclusions
The method was validated and gave good linearity, precision, accuracy and limit of detection. The buildings included hospitals, high schools, universities, pubs and restaurants. The presence of air nicotine was recorded in all buildings studied. The highest median levels of air nicotine were found in pubs and restaurants. The presence of air nicotine in indoor public buildings indicates weak implementation of the smoke free law in Romania.
Immortalization of human adipose-derived stromal cells: production of cell lines with high growth rate, mesenchymal marker expression and capability to secrete high levels of angiogenic factors
Authors: Balducci Luigi , Blasi Antonella , Saldarelli Marilisa , Soleti Antonio , Pessina Augusto , Bonomi Arianna , Coccè Valentina , Dossena Marta , Tosetti Valentina , Ceserani Valentina , Navone Stefania Elena , Falchetti Maria Laura , Parati Eugenio Agostino , Alessandri Giulio 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs), due to their relative feasibility of isolation and ability to secrete large amounts of angiogenic factors, are being evaluated for regenerative medicine. However, their limited culture life span may represent an obstacle for both preclinical investigation and therapeutic use. To overcome this problem, hASCs immortalization was performed in order to obtain cells with in vitro prolonged life span but still maintain their mesenchymal marker expression and ability to secrete angiogenic factors.

Methods
hASCs were transduced with the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene alone or in combination with either SV-40 or HPV E6/E7 genes. Mesenchymal marker expression on immortalized hASCs lines was confirmed by flow cytometry (FC), differentiation potential was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and ELISA kits were used for evaluation of angiogenic factors. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene transduction was used to obtain fluorescent cells.

Results
We found that hTERT alone failed to immortalize hASCs (hASCs-T), while hTERT/SV40 (hASCs-TS) or hTERT/HPV E6/E7 (hASCs-TE) co-transductions successfully immortalized cells. Both hASCs-TS and hASCs-TE were cultured for up to one year with a population doubling level (PDL) up to 100. Comparative studies between parental not transduced (hASCs-M) and immortalized cell lines showed that both hASCs-TS and hASCs-TE maintained a mesenchymal phenotypic profile, whereas differentiation properties were reduced particularly in hASCs-TS. Interestingly, hASCs-TS and hASCs-TE showed a capability to secrete significant amount of HGF and VEGF. Furthermore, hASCs-TS and hASCs-TE did not show tumorigenic properties in vitr o although some chromosomal aberrations were detected. Finally, hASCs-TS and hASCs-TE lines were stably fluorescent upon transduction with the GFP gene.

Conclusions
Here we demonstrated, for the first time, that hASCs, upon immortalization, maintain a strong capacity to secrete potent angiogenic molecules. By combining hASCs immortalization and their paracrine characteristics, we have developed a “hybridoma-like model” of hASCs that could have potential applications for discovering and producing molecules to use in regenerative medicine (process scale-up).
In addition, due to the versatility of these fluorescent-immortalized cells, they could be employed in in vivo cell-tracking experiments, expanding their potential use in laboratory practice.
Impact of sepsis on CD4 T cell immunity
Authors: Cabrera-Perez Javier , Condotta Stephanie A , Badovinac Vladimir P , Griffith Thomas S 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTSepsis remains the primary cause of death from infection in hospital patients, despite improvements in antibiotics and intensive-care practices. Patients who survive severe sepsis can display suppressed immune function, often manifested as an increased susceptibility to (and mortality from) nosocomial infections. Not only is there a significant reduction in the number of various immune cell populations during sepsis, but there is also decreased function in the remaining lymphocytes. Within the immune system, CD4 T cells are important players in the proper development of numerous cellular and humoral immune responses. Despite sufficient clinical evidence of CD4 T cell loss in septic patients of all ages, the impact of sepsis on CD4 T cell responses is not well understood. Recent findings suggest that CD4 T cell impairment is a multipronged problem that results from initial sepsis-induced cell loss. However, the subsequent lymphopenia-induced numerical recovery of the CD4 T cell compartment leads to intrinsic alterations in phenotype and effector function, reduced repertoire diversity, changes in the composition of naive antigen-specific CD4 T cell pools, and changes in the representation of different CD4 T cell subpopulations (e.g., increases in Treg frequency). This review focuses on sepsis-induced alterations within the CD4 T cell compartment that influence the ability of the immune system to control secondary heterologous infections. The understanding of how sepsis affects CD4 T cells through their numerical loss and recovery, as well as function, is important in the development of future treatments designed to restore CD4 T cells to their presepsis state.
Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin in the Preoperative Multimodality Treatment of Rectal Cancer: Surgical End Points From National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Trial R-04
Authors: O'Connell Michael J. , Colangelo Linda H. , Beart Robert W. , Petrelli Nicholas J. , Allegra Carmen J. , Sharif Saima , Pitot Henry C. , Shields Anthony F. , Landry Jerome C. , Ryan David P. , Parda David S. , Mohiuddin Mohammed , Arora Amit , Evans Lisa S. , Bahary Nathan , Soori Gamini S. , Eakle Janice , Robertson John M. , Moore Dennis F. , Mullane Michael R. , Marchello Benjamin T. , Ward Patrick J. , Wozniak Timothy F. , Roh Mark S. , Yothers Greg , Wolmark Norman 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe optimal chemotherapy regimen administered concurrently with preoperative radiation therapy (RT) for patients with rectal cancer is unknown. National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial R-04 compared four chemotherapy regimens administered concomitantly with RT.Patients and MethodsPatients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer who were undergoing preoperative RT (45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks plus a boost of 5.4 Gy to 10.8 Gy in three to six daily fractions) were randomly assigned to one of the following chemotherapy regimens: continuous intravenous infusional fluorouracil (CVI FU; 225 mg/m2, 5 days per week), with or without intravenous oxaliplatin (50 mg/m2once per week for 5 weeks) or oral capecitabine (825 mg/m2twice per day, 5 days per week), with or without oxaliplatin (50 mg/m2once per week for 5 weeks). Before random assignment, the surgeon indicated whether the patient was eligible for sphincter-sparing surgery based on clinical staging. The surgical end points were complete pathologic response (pCR), sphincter-sparing surgery, and surgical downstaging (conversion to sphincter-sparing surgery).ResultsFrom September 2004 to August 2010, 1,608 patients were randomly assigned. No significant differences in the rates of pCR, sphincter-sparing surgery, or surgical downstaging were identified between the CVI FU and capecitabine regimens or between the two regimens with or without oxaliplatin. Patients treated with oxaliplatin experienced significantly more grade 3 or 4 diarrhea (P < .001).ConclusionAdministering capecitabine with preoperative RT achieved similar rates of pCR, sphincter-sparing surgery, and surgical downstaging compared with CVI FU. Adding oxaliplatin did not improve surgical outcomes but added significant toxicity. The definitive analysis of local tumor control, disease-free survival, and overall survival will be performed when the protocol-specified number of events has occurred.
EphA receptors regulate prostate cancer cell dissemination through Vav2–RhoA mediated cell–cell repulsion
Authors: Batson Jennifer , Maccarthy-Morrogh Lucy , Archer Amy , Tanton Helen , Nobes Catherine D. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Metastatic prostate cancer cells display EphB receptor-mediated attraction when they contact stromal fibroblasts but EphA-driven repulsion when they contact one another. The impact of these ‘social’ interactions between cells during cancer cell invasion and the signalling mechanisms downstream of Eph receptors are unclear. Here we show that EphA receptors regulate prostate cancer cell dissemination in a 2D dispersal assay and in a 3D cancer cell spheroid assay. We show that EphA receptors signal via the exchange factor Vav2 to activate RhoA and that both Vav2 and RhoA are required for prostate cancer cell–cell repulsion. Furthermore, we find that in EphA2/EphA4, Vav2 or RhoA siRNA-treated cells, contact repulsion can be restored by partial microtubule destabilisation. We propose that EphA–Vav2–RhoA-mediated repulsion between contacting cancer cells at the tumour edge could enhance their local invasion away from the primary tumour.