bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment cost development of patients undergoing remission induction chemotherapy: a pharmacoeconomic analysis before and after introduction of posaconazole prophylaxis
Authors: Heimann Sebastian M. , Cornely Oliver A. , Vehreschild Maria J. G .T. , Glossmann Jan , Kochanek Matthias , Kreuzer Karl‐Anton , Hallek Michael , Vehreschild Jörg J. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryPrior clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy and effectiveness of posaconazole in the prophylaxis of invasive fungal diseases in high‐risk patients. Controversy exists about the cost‐effectiveness of this approach. We performed an analysis comparing the direct costs of posaconazole prophylaxis against polyene mouthwash (thrush) prophylaxis in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). Data of AML patients receiving remission‐induction chemotherapy were extracted from the CoCoNut (Cologne Cohort of Neutropenic Patients) database to compare hospital costs of patients before (2003–2005) and after (2006–2008) introduction of posaconazole prophylaxis. Treatment on general ward, intensive care unit (ICU), mechanical ventilation, diagnostic procedures, and all anti‐infectives were calculated. Patient groups were well matched according to age, gender and duration of neutropenia. The mean costs per patient in the posaconazole group (n = 76) and the polyene mouthwash group (n = 81) were €21 040 (95% confidence interval (CI): €18 204–€23 876) and €23 169 (95% CI: €19 402–€26 937) per patient. Antifungal treatment costs were €4580 (95% CI: €3678–€5482) and €4019 (95% CI: €2825–€5214). Duration on the ICU was 2582 (95% CI: 984.1–4181.7) and 5517 (95% CI: 2206–8827.3) min. In our hospital, primary antifungal prophylaxis by posaconazole was cost‐effective. There was a trend towards cost savings, which was primarily caused by a shorter overall length of stay and the less frequent ICU treatment.
A simple novel technique to induce short‐lasting local brain ischaemia in the rat
Authors: Knapp Levente , Gellért Levente , Herédi Judit , Kocsis Kitti , Oláh Gáspár , Fuzik János , Kis Zsolt , Vécsei László , Toldi József , Farkas Tamás 
Published: June 2013

AimsBrain ischaemia models are essential to study the pathomechanisms of stroke. Our aim was to investigate the reliability and reproducibility of our novel focal ischaemia‐reperfusion model.MethodsTo induce a cortical transient ischaemic attack, we lifted the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) with a special hook. The early changes after 2 × 15‐min occlusion were observed in the somatosensory evoked responses (SERs). The histological responses to 2 × 15‐min MCA occlusion and to 30‐, 45‐ or 60‐min ischaemia were examined after a 1‐day survival period by 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and Fluoro Jade C (FJC) staining. Another group, with 30‐min ischaemia, was analysed histologically by FJC, S100 and CD11b labelling after a 5‐day survival period.ResultsThe amplitudes of the SERs decreased immediately at the beginning of the ischaemic period, and remained at a reduced level during the ischaemia. Reperfusion resulted in increasing SER amplitudes, but they never regained the control level. The short‐lasting ischaemia did not lead to brain infarction when evaluated with TTC, but intense labelling was found with FJC. The 30‐min ischaemia did not result in FJC labelling after 1 day, but marked labelling was observed after 5 days with FJC, S100 and CD11b in the cortical area supplied by the MCA.ConclusionsWe present here a novel, readily reproducible method to induce focal brain ischaemia. The ischaemia‐reperfusion results in noteworthy changes in the SERs and the appearance of conventional tissue damage markers. This method involves possibilities for precise blood flow regulation, and the setting of the required level of perfusion.
Contribution of subgenomes to the transcriptome and their intertwined regulation in the allopolyploid Coffea arabica grown at contrasted temperatures
Authors: Combes Marie‐Christine , Dereeper Alexis , Severac Dany , Bertrand Benoît , Lashermes Philippe 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Polyploidy has occurred throughout the evolutionary history of plants and led to diversification and plant ecological adaptation. Functional plasticity of duplicate genes is believed to play a major role in the environmental adaptation of polyploids. In this context, we characterized genome‐wide homoeologous gene expression in Coffea arabica, a recent allopolyploid combining two subgenomes that derive from two closely related diploid species, and investigated its variation in response to changing environment.

The transcriptome of leaves of C. arabica cultivated at different growing temperatures suitable for one or the other parental species was examined using RNA‐sequencing. The relative contribution of homoeologs to gene expression was estimated for 9959 and 10 628 genes in warm and cold conditions, respectively.

Whatever the growing conditions, 65% of the genes showed equivalent levels of homoeologous gene expression. In 92% of the genes, relative homoeologous gene expression varied < 10% between growing temperatures.

The subgenome contributions to the transcriptome appeared to be only marginally altered by the different conditions (involving intertwined regulations of homeologs) suggesting that C. arabica's ability to tolerate a broader range of growing temperatures than its diploid parents does not result from differential use of homoeologs.
Understanding the experience of inpatient rehabilitation: insights into patient‐centred care from patients and family members
Authors: Gill Stephen D. , Dunning Trisha , McKinnon Fiona , Cook Desma , Bourke Jo 
Published: June 2013

The aim of the study was describe the experiences, needs and preferences of recent inpatients of a rehabilitation centre, and the needs of their families. Data were collected in four focus groups, two with patients (n = 13) who had recently completed inpatient rehabilitation following an illness, injury or elective surgery, and two with family members (n = 11). During the focus groups, two researchers facilitated discussion on any topic that participants considered important to the experience of inpatient rehabilitation; participants were encouraged to describe their care, needs and preferences. The focus group discussions were audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim. Field notes were hand recorded. Data were analysed and collated into themes. Six key themes emerged. Participants wanted: interactions with friendly, empathetic staff; regular contact with senior staff and all staff to introduce themselves by name and profession; timely communication of accurate information; and rehabilitation services seven days a week. The physical environment had both positive and negative effects on patient well‐being. Patients with complex or atypical circumstances required special attention to ensure their needs were met. In conclusion, patients and families identified six important issues that need to be considered during inpatient rehabilitation.
Differential Expression of CD30 on CD3 T Lymphocytes in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Cabrera C. M. , Urra J. M. , Carreño A. , Zamorano J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune systemic disease caused as a result of an imbalance of Th1‐/Th2‐type cytokines. The soluble form of CD30 (CD30s) released from peripheral blood cells has been described as a marker of active disease in Th2‐type immune response as in SLE. However, the expression of CD30 on CD3 T lymphocytes from patients with SLE has not been studied yet. Therefore, we have addressed our study to attempt this issue, studying CD30 expression by flow cytometry on CD3 T lymphocytes and CD4/CD8 subsets in samples from SLE patients mainly with lupus nephritis. In parallel, we have determined the production of the cytokines IL‐4 (Th2), IFNγ (Th1), IL‐10 and TGFβ by intracellular staining. Differences between positive CD30 T cells in healthy controls and patients with SLE were found, with a higher percentage of CD30‐expressing T cells in patients with SLE (P = 0.001). In contrast to healthy controls, CD30 was mainly expressed on CD8 T cells from patients with SLE. The intracellular cytokine staining showed that TGFβ is the main cytokine expressed in CD3 T cells from patients with SLE. In addition to this, we have found a positive correlation between CD30‐expressing T cells and IL‐4, IFNγ, and immunosuppressive cytokines (IL‐10 and TGFβ) (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CD30 could play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE and its expression on CD3 T lymphocytes is not restricted only to Th2‐type response.
Identification and characterization of functional centromeres of the common bean
Authors: Iwata Aiko , Tek Ahmet L. , Richard Manon M.S. , Abernathy Brian , Fonsêca Artur , Schmutz Jeremy , Chen Nicolas W.G. , Thareau Vincent , Magdelenat Ghislaine , Li Yupeng , Murata Minoru , Pedrosa‐Harand Andrea , Geffroy Valérie , Nagaki Kiyotaka , Jackson Scott A. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIn higher eukaryotes, centromeres are typically composed of megabase‐sized arrays of satellite repeats that evolve rapidly and homogenize within a species' genome. Despite the importance of centromeres, our knowledge is limited to a few model species. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) centromeric satellite DNA using genomic data, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Two unrelated centromere‐specific satellite repeats, CentPv1 and CentPv2, and the common bean centromere‐specific histone H3 (PvCENH3) were identified. FISH showed that CentPv1 and CentPv2 are predominantly located at subsets of eight and three centromeres, respectively. Immunofluorescence‐ and ChIP‐based assays demonstrated the functional significance of CentPv1 and CentPv2 at centromeres. Genomic analysis revealed several interesting features of CentPv1 and CentPv2: (i) CentPv1 is organized into an higher‐order repeat structure, named Nazca, of 528 bp, whereas CentPv2 is composed of tandemly organized monomers; (ii) CentPv1 and CentPv2 have undergone chromosome‐specific homogenization; and (iii) CentPv1 and CentPv2 are not likely to be commingled in the genome. These findings suggest that two distinct sets of centromere sequences have evolved independently within the common bean genome, and provide insight into centromere satellite evolution.
von Willebrand factor, clotting factors, and clotting inhibitors in apheresis platelet concentrates
Authors: Weiss Dominik R. , Franke D. , Strasser Erwin F. , Ringwald Juergen , Zimmermann Robert , Eckstein Reinhold 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundApheresis platelet concentrates (APCs) are usually stored in citrated plasma at 22°C. The stability of coagulation proteins—von Willebrand factor (vWF), clotting factors (CFs), and their inhibitors—has often been described in association with the storage of thawed plasma. However, fewer data are available regarding changes in APCs.Study Design and MethodsWe measured CF activities and inhibitors in APCs on the day of manufacture (Day 0) and on Days 4, 5, and 7. vWF was determined by measuring vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) and vWF ristocetin cofactor (vWF:RCo) and by multimer analysis.ResultsTwenty‐one PCs obtained by plateletpheresis were studied. Major changes were observed for Factor (F)VIII (37% loss of activity within 4 days), FV (20% within 4 days), and protein S (76% within 4 days). All other CF activities remained higher than 80% over the 7 days. Fibrinogen and the inhibitors antithrombin and protein C remained quite stable. FXI, FXII, and FXIII actually increased during storage (8, 11, and 12% within 4 days). vWF:Ag increased during storage of APCs by 2% per day, with a relative loss of vWF:RCo and high‐molecular‐weight multimers.ConclusionEven after 7 days of storage at 22°C, the hemostatic potential of the plasma content in APCs was roughly preserved. The increase in FXII antigen indicates that this CF may also be stored in platelets; however, this has not yet been described.
A new system for quality control in hematopoietic progenitor cell units before reinfusion in autologous transplant
Authors: Scerpa Maria Cristina , Rossi Cecilia , Daniele Nicola , Lanti Alessandro , Adorno Gaspare , Picardi Alessandra , Arcese William , Amadori Sergio , Isacchi Giancarlo , Zinno Francesco 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundIn our Center, the cell viability, the integrity of the bag, and the clonogenic assay were evaluated before the reinfusion of hematopoietic progenitor cells–apheresis (HPC‐A). This quality control (QC) should be made 14 days before the reinfusion to the patient to have the result of the functional test on the proliferative capacity of hematopoietic progenitors.Study Design and MethodsThis study was designed to assess the potential of an automatic cell counting system (NucleoCounter NC‐3000, ChemoMetec) in our clinical routine as a support of the clonogenic assay and the cytofluorimetric analysis for the QC of the cryopreserved HPC‐A. The cell viability was evaluated by flow cytometry using the modified International Society of Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering protocol. The proliferative potential was assessed by specific clonogenic tests using a commercial medium. Furthermore, we evaluated the cellular functionality with NucleoCounter NC‐3000, by using two protocols: “vitality assay” and “mitochondrial potential assay.”ResultsThe evaluation of the total nucleated cells in preapoptosis measured by 5,5,6,6‐tetrachloro‐1,1,3,3‐tetraethylbenzimidazol‐carbocyanine iodide (JC‐1) assay showed a negative correlation (r = −0.43) with the total number of colonies (colony‐forming unit [CFU]–granulocyte‐macrophage progenitors plus burst‐forming unit–erythroid progenitors plus CFU–granulocyte, erythroid, macrophage, megakaryocyte progenitors) obtained after seeding of 50 × 106/L viable total nucleated cells. We observed a significant difference (p < 0.0001) comparing the median number of colonies (166.70; SD, ±136.36) obtained with a value of JC‐1 less than 30% to the number of colonies (61.75; SD, ±59.76) obtained with a value of JC‐1 more than 30%.ConclusionThe evaluation of cell functionality by the use of the NucleoCounter NC‐3000 is in agreement with results from clonogenic assay and can be considered an effective alternative in the routine laboratory.
The Effects of Globalisation on the US Labour Mark'et: Service Sectors Considered
Authors: Feng Ling , Hu Weijun , Li Zhiyuan 
Published: June 2013

AbstractHow has globalisation affected employment and wages in the United States? Existing studies largely ignore the intersector labour movement between the manufacturing and service sectors by focusing only on the intrasector movement within the manufacturing sector. However, by decomposing the aggregate labour demand in the United States, we find that the intersector movement is more substantial than intrasector movement. Motivated by the decomposition results, this study presents a three‐sector model that includes a manufacturing sector and two service sectors at varying skill intensities. The model shows that offshoring might translate into smaller‐than‐expected wage changes because of the intersector labour movement. In line with the theoretical predictions, two notable empirical results are presented. First, an occupation's exposure to offshoring has non‐significant, albeit negative, effects on wages. Second, the more an occupation is exposed to offshoring, the lower its employment in the manufacturing sector as a share of its total employment. Furthermore, these effects are larger for more routine occupations or those requiring less education.
Commodity Price, Carry Trade, and the Volatility and Liquidity of Asian Currencies
Authors: Gochoco‐Bautista Maria Socorro , Wang Jianxin , Yang Minxian 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study examines how the volatility and liquidity of 10 Asian exchange rates against the US dollar change with volatilities in commodity price and carry trade over the period of January 2000 to June 2010. We find that uncertainties in commodity markets and carry trades are significantly correlated with the volatilities and the bid‐ask spreads of most Asian currencies. The correlation with carry trade is generally stronger and has been rising over the sample period. While high volatilities in carry trade are associated with high volatilities in many Asian currencies, high volatilities in commodity price do not coincide with excessive volatilities in Asian currencies. This suggests that investors and policymakers should be more concerned with the volatility in carry trade.
Investigating China's Disaggregated Processed Exports: Evidence that Both the RMB and Exchange Rates in Supply Chain Countries Matter
Authors: Thorbecke Willem 
Published: June 2013

AbstractChina's trade surplus is entirely in processing trade. Processed exports are final goods produced using parts and components coming from supply chain countries. Many claim that because much of the value added of China's processed exports comes from other countries, the renminbi should not affect China's processed exports. To investigate these issues, this paper disaggregates processed exports into their two main categories, processing with imported materials (PWIM) exports and processing and assembly (PAA) exports. For PWIM exports, much of the value added comes from China while for PAA exports most of the value added comes from supply chain countries. DOLS results indicate that exchange rates in supply chain countries affect both types of exports and that the renminbi significantly affects PWIM exports, but not PAA exports. These results indicate that both the renminbi and exchange rates in supply chain countries matter for processed exports.
An Asian Currency Unit: Simulations for Its Effects on East Asia
Authors: Yeh Kuo‐Chun 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAn Asian currency unit (ACU) is necessary to deepen Asian financial markets and to convert national currencies into a single monetary policy. However, the experiences of the European Currency Unit and the European Exchange Rate Mechanism crisis in 1992–93 have indicated the danger of the so‐called gradual approach. This study evaluates the effects of welfare should the ACU indicator become a long‐term constraint of the People's Republic of China and Japan, the big two in East Asia. Our results indicate that the constraints of countries’ own baskets (e.g. real effective exchange rates) are still better before the launch of a true single currency. That is, pegging to an ACU indicator could hardly be sustained in the long‐run if East Asian countries have not reached a consensus about a regional monetary union.
Generalized separable parameter space techniques for fitting 1K‐5K serial compartment models
Authors: Kadrmas Dan J. , Oktay M. Bugrahan 
Published: June 2013

Purpose:Kinetic modeling is widely used to analyze dynamic imaging data, estimating kinetic parameters that quantify functional or physiologic processesin vivo. Typical kinetic models give rise to nonlinear solution equations in multiple dimensions, presenting a complex fitting environment. This work generalizes previously described separable nonlinear least‐squares techniques for fitting serial compartment models with up to three tissue compartments and five rate parameters.Methods:The approach maximally separates the linear and nonlinear aspects of the modeling equations, using a formulation modified from previous basis function methods to avoid a potential mathematical degeneracy. A fast and robust algorithm for solving the linear subproblem with full user‐defined constraints is also presented. The generalized separable parameter space technique effectively reduces the dimensionality of the nonlinear fitting problem to one dimension for 2K‐3K compartment models, and to two dimensions for 4K‐5K models.Results:Exhaustive search fits, which guarantee identification of the true global minimum fit, required approximately 10 ms for 2K‐3K and 1.1 s for 4K‐5K models, respectively. The technique is also amenable to fast gradient‐descent iterative fitting algorithms, where the reduced dimensionality offers improved convergence properties. The objective function for the separable parameter space nonlinear subproblem was characterized and found to be generally well‐behaved with a well‐defined global minimum. Separable parameter space fits with the Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm required fewer iterations than comparable fits for conventional model formulations, averaging 1 and 7 ms for 2K‐3K and 4K‐5K models, respectively. Sensitivity to initial conditions was likewise reduced.Conclusions:The separable parameter space techniques described herein generalize previously described techniques to encompass 1K‐5K compartment models, enable robust solution of the linear subproblem with full user‐defined constraints, and are amenable to rapid and robust fitting using iterative gradient‐descent type algorithms.
Influence of the Atmospheric Surface Layer on a Turbulent Flow Downstream of a Ship Superstructure
Authors: Luznik Luksa , Brownell Cody J. , Snyder Murray R. , Kang Hyung Suk 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis paper describes a set of turbulence measurements at sea in the area of high flow distortion in the near-wake and recirculation zone behind a ship's superstructure that is similar in geometry to a helicopter hangar/flight deck arrangement found on many modern U.S. Navy ships. The instrumented ship is a 32-m-long training vessel operated by the United States Naval Academy that has been modified by adding a representative flight deck and hangar structure. The flight deck is instrumented with up to seven sonic anemometers/thermometers that are used to obtain simultaneous velocity measurements at various spatial locations on the flight deck, and one sonic anemometer at bow mast is used to characterize inflow atmospheric boundary conditions. Data characterizing wind over the deck at an incoming angle of 0° (head winds) and wind speeds from 2 to 10 m s−1 obtained in the Chesapeake Bay are presented and discussed. Turbulent statistics of inflow conditions are analyzed using the Kaimal universal turbulence spectral model for the atmospheric surface layer and show that for the present dataset this approach eliminates the need to account for platform motion in computing variances and covariances. Conditional sampling of mean flow and turbulence statistics at the flight deck indicate no statistically significant variations between unstable, stable, and neutral atmospheric inflow conditions, and the results agree with the published data for flows over the backward-facing step geometries.