bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protecting patients with cardiovascular diseases from catastrophic health expenditure and impoverishment by health finance reform
Authors: Sun Jing , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Fan Yancun , McNeil Edward 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the incidences of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment, the risk protection offered by two health financial reforms and to explore factors associated with CHE and impoverishment among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in rural Inner Mongolia, China.MethodsCross‐sectional study conducted in 2014 in rural Inner Mongolia, China. Patients with CVDs aged over 18 years residing in the sample areas for at least one year were eligible. The definitions of CHE and impoverishment recommended by WHO were adopted. The protection of CHE and impoverishment was compared between the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) alone and NCMS plus National Essential Medicines Scheme (NEMS) using the percentage change of incidences for CHE and impoverishment. Logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with CHE and impoverishment.ResultsThe incidences of CHE and impoverishment under NCMS plus NEMS were 11.26% and 3.30%, respectively, which were lower than those under NCMS alone. The rates of protection were higher among households with patients with CVDs covered by NCMS plus NEMS (25.68% and 34.65%, respectively). NCMS plus NEMS could protect the poor households more from CHE but not impoverishment. NCMS plus NEMS protected more than one‐fourth of households from CHE and more than one‐third from impoverishment.ConclusionNCMS plus NEMS was more effective at protecting households with patients with CVDs from CHE and impoverishment than NCMS alone. An integration of NCMS with NEMS should be expanded. However, further strategies to minimise catastrophic health expenditure after this health finance reform are still needed.
Dengue in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, 2010–2012
Authors: Branco Mário S. D. , Sousa Denise M. C. , Sousa Daíse M. C. , Monteiro Joelma D. , Costa Diego M. P. , Almeida Junior Renato F. , Lima Tábata L. C. , Farias Kleber J. S. , Medeiros Ralfo C. , Queiroz Maria Goretti L. , Gil Laura H. V. G. , Fernandes José V. , Nogueira Rita M. R. , Araújo Josélio M. G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo present results of virological surveillance and epidemiological aspects of dengue in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.MethodsA total of 1581 cases, reported from 2010 to 2012 at various health centres in the state, were analysed by viral isolation and/or RT‐PCR for viral detection and typing. To identify whether different genotypes were circulating in the state during this period, sequencing of the complete E gene for DENV (1485 bp in length) was performed directly from patient serum samples.ResultsAll four serotypes of dengue virus circulated in Rio Grande do Norte, with the introduction of DENV‐4 in the state in 2011. In 2012, DENV‐4 represented 100% of positive confirmed cases. 53.97% of cases occurred in Natal. Case numbers peaked in April (21%) and May (23%). Genetic characterisation of circulating strains confirmed the circulation of genotypes V, south‐east Asian/American and II, respectively, for DENV‐1, DENV‐2 and DENV‐4.ConclusionsThis work furthers a better understanding of dengue viruses in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Strengthening control efforts in the region is important considering the impact of dengue.
Tuberculin reaction and BCG scar: association with infant mortality
Authors: Timmermann Clara Amalie Gade , Biering‐Sørensen Sofie , Aaby Peter , Fisker Ane Bærent , Monteiro Ivan , Rodrigues Amabelia , Benn Christine Stabell , Ravn Henrik 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that having a scar and a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) response after vaccination with Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is associated with reduced infant mortality.MethodsWe studied cohorts of 2709 normal‐birthweight (NBW) and 1102 low‐birthweight (LBW) infants in Guinea‐Bissau. Children were enrolled in randomised trials between year 2002 and 2008 and received BCG vaccination at birth. BCG scars and TST responses were assessed at 2 and 6 months of age. The infants were followed for mortality to 12 months of age, and survival was analysed using Cox regression.ResultsAt age 2 months, 88% of NBW children and 91% of LBW children had a BCG scar, and 36% and 17% had a TST response, respectively. The LBW infants had nearly twofold higher mortality (4.5%) than the NBW infants (2.8%) between 2 and 12 months of age. In the LBW cohort, the adjusted mortality rate ratio (MRR) comparing children with a BCG scar with those without was 0.42 (95% CI = 0.19; 0.93). There was a similar tendency for TST positivity: MRR = 0.47 (95% CI = 0.14; 1.54). For LBW children who had both a positive TST reaction and a scar, the MRR was 0.22 (95% CI = 0.05; 0.87). For NBW children, a scar and a positive TST were associated with 20% reductions in mortality, which did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionWe confirmed previous observations that having a scar and a TST response after BCG vaccination is associated with lower mortality risk. The possibility of revaccinating scar‐negative children should be considered.
Multimorbidity among registered immigrants in Norway: the role of reason for migration and length of stay
Authors: Diaz Esperanza , Kumar Bernadette N. , Gimeno‐Feliu Luis‐Andrés , Calderón‐Larrañaga Amaia , Poblador‐Pou Beatriz , Prados‐Torres Alexandra 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesInternational migration is rapidly increasing worldwide. However, the health status of migrants differs across groups. Information regarding health at arrival and subsequent periodic follow‐up in the host country is necessary to develop equitable health care to immigrants. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the length of stay in Norway and other sociodemographic variables on the prevalence of multimorbidity across immigrant groups (refugees, labour immigrants, family reunification immigrants and education immigrants).MethodsThis is a register‐based study merging data from the National Population Register and the Norwegian Health Economics Administration database. Sociodemographic variables and multimorbidity across the immigrant groups were compared using Persons’ chi‐square test and anova as appropriate. Several binary logistic regression models were conducted.ResultsMultimorbidity was significantly lower among labour immigrants (OR (95% CI) 0.23 (0.21–0.26) and 0.45 (0.40–0.50) for men and women, respectively) and education immigrants (OR (95% CI) 0.40 (0.32–0.50) and 0.38 (0.33–0.43)) and higher among refugees (OR (95% CI) 1.67 (1.57–1.78) and 1.83 (1.75–1.92)), compared to family reunification immigrants. For all groups, multimorbidity doubled after a five‐year stay in Norway. Effect modifications between multimorbidity and sociodemographic characteristics across the different reasons for migration were observed.ConclusionsMultimorbidity was highest among refugees at arrival but increased rapidly among labour immigrants, especially females. Health providers need to ensure tailor‐made preventive and management strategies that take into account pre‐migration and post‐migration experiences for immigrants in order to address their needs.
Prevalence of malaria across Papua New Guinea after initial roll‐out of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets
Authors: Hetzel Manuel W. , Morris Hector , Tarongka Nandao , Barnadas Céline , Pulford Justin , Makita Leo , Siba Peter M. , Mueller Ivo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the population prevalence of malaria in villages across Papua New Guinea (PNG) following the first roll‐out of free long‐lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN).MethodsBetween October 2008 and August 2009, a household survey was conducted in 49 random villages in districts covered by the LLIN distribution campaign. The survey extended to 19 villages in sentinel sites that had not yet been covered by the campaign. In each village, 30 households were randomly sampled, household heads were interviewed and capillary blood samples were collected from all consenting household members for microscopic diagnosis of malaria.ResultsMalaria prevalence ranged from 0% to 49.7% with a weighted average of 12.1% (95% CI 9.5, 15.3) in the national sample. More people were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (7.0%; 95% CI 5.4, 9.1) than with P. vivax (3.8%; 95% CI 2.4, 5.7) or P. malariae (0.3%; 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Parasitaemia was strongly age‐dependent with a P. falciparum peak at age 5–9 years and a P. vivax peak at age 1–4 years, yet with differences between geographical regions. Individual LLIN use and high community coverage were associated with reduced odds of infection (OR = 0.64 and 0.07, respectively; both P < 0.001). Splenomegaly in children and anaemia were common morbidities attributable to malaria.ConclusionsMalaria prevalence across PNG is again at levels comparable to the 1970s. The strong association of LLIN use with reduced parasitaemia supports efforts to achieve and maintain high country‐wide coverage. P. vivax infections will require special targeted approaches across PNG.
Diversity and population structure of northern switchgrass as revealed through exome capture sequencing
Authors: Evans Joseph , Crisovan Emily , Barry Kerrie , Daum Chris , Jenkins Jerry , Kunde‐Ramamoorthy Govindarajan , Nandety Aruna , Ngan Chew Yee , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Wei Chia‐Lin , Schmutz Jeremy , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Casler Michael D. , Buell Carol Robin 
Published: October 2015

SummaryPanicum virgatum L. (switchgrass) is a polyploid, perennial grass species that is native to North America, and is being developed as a future biofuel feedstock crop. Switchgrass is present primarily in two ecotypes: a northern upland ecotype, composed of tetraploid and octoploid accessions, and a southern lowland ecotype, composed of primarily tetraploid accessions. We employed high‐coverage exome capture sequencing (~2.4 Tb) to genotype 537 individuals from 45 upland and 21 lowland populations. From these data, we identified ~27 million single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which 1 590 653 high‐confidence SNPs were used in downstream analyses of diversity within and between the populations. From the 66 populations, we identified five primary population groups within the upland and lowland ecotypes, a result that was further supported through genetic distance analysis. We identified conserved, ecotype‐restricted, non‐synonymous SNPs that are predicted to affect the protein function of CONSTANS (CO) and EARLY HEADING DATE 1 (EHD1), key genes involved in flowering, which may contribute to the phenotypic differences between the two ecotypes. We also identified, relative to the near‐reference Kanlow population, 17 228 genes present in more copies than in the reference genome (up‐CNVs), 112 630 genes present in fewer copies than in the reference genome (down‐CNVs) and 14 430 presence/absence variants (PAVs), affecting a total of 9979 genes, including two upland‐specific CNV clusters. In total, 45 719 genes were affected by an SNP, CNV, or PAV across the panel, providing a firm foundation to identify functional variation associated with phenotypic traits of interest for biofuel feedstock production.
Diversification of sterol methyltransferase enzymes in plants and a role for β‐sitosterol in oriented cell plate formation and polarized growth
Authors: Nakamoto Masatoshi , Schmit Anne‐Catherine , Heintz Dimitri , Schaller Hubert , Ohta Daisaku 
Published: October 2015

SummaryPhytosterols are classified into C24‐ethylsterols and C24‐methylsterols according to the different C24‐alkylation levels conferred by two types of sterol methyltransferases (SMTs). The first type of SMT (SMT1) is widely conserved, whereas the second type (SMT2) has diverged in charophytes and land plants. The Arabidopsis smt2 smt3 mutant is defective in the SMT2 step, leading to deficiency in C24‐ethylsterols while the C24‐methylsterol pathway is unchanged. smt2 smt3 plants exhibit severe dwarfism and abnormal development throughout their life cycle, with irregular cell division followed by collapsed cell files. Preprophase bands are occasionally formed in perpendicular directions in adjacent cells, and abnormal phragmoplasts with mislocalized KNOLLE syntaxin and tubulin are observed. Defects in auxin‐dependent processes are exemplified by mislocalizations of the PIN2 auxin efflux carrier due to disrupted cell division and failure to distribute PIN2 asymmetrically after cytokinesis. Although endocytosis of PIN2–GFP from the plasma membrane (PM) is apparently unaffected in smt2 smt3, strong inhibition of the endocytic recycling is associated with a remarkable reduction in the level of PIN2–GFP on the PM. Aberrant localization of the cytoplasmic linker associated protein (CLASP) and microtubules is implicated in the disrupted endocytic recycling in smt2 smt3. Exogenous C24‐ethylsterols partially recover lateral root development and auxin distribution in smt2 smt3 roots. These results indicate that C24‐ethylsterols play a crucial role in division plane determination, directional auxin transport, and polar growth. It is proposed that the divergence of SMT2 genes together with the ability to produce C24‐ethylsterols were critical events to achieve polarized growth in the plant lineage.
Reflections on a policy denouement: the politics of mainstreaming zero‐carbon housing
Authors: Walker Gordon , Karvonen Andrew , Guy Simon 
Published: October 2015

We reflect on the decision to abandon the mainstreaming of zero‐carbon house building in England, in the context of our paper (Walker et al. 2015) that took this long‐standing policy commitment as its case study. We consider this denouement as further evidence of how the exigencies of capital accumulation resist moves towards low‐carbon transition. We reflect on what it reveals about the relation between politics and governance, the grounding and locating of carbon responsibilities and the necessary role of the state in enabling the everyday reproduction of low‐carbon living.
Vancomycin-Variable Enterococcal Bacteremia
Authors: Downing M. A. , Xiong J. , Eshaghi A. , McGeer A. , Patel S. N. , Johnstone J. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Vancomycin-variable enterococcus (VVE) is an emerging pathogen. VVE isolates initially appear phenotypically susceptible to vancomycin but possesses the
vanA
gene and can develop
in vitro
and
in vivo
resistance to vancomycin. We report a case of VVE bacteremia and describe how VVE poses diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.
Differential Inhibition of Macrophage Activation by Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus and Pichinde Virus Is Mediated by the Z Protein N-Terminal Domain
Authors: Xing Junji , Chai Zheng , Ly Hinh , Liang Yuying 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
Several arenavirus pathogens, such as Lassa and Junin viruses, inhibit macrophage activation, the molecular mechanism of which is unclear. We show that lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can also inhibit macrophage activation, in contrast to Pichinde and Tacaribe viruses, which are not known to naturally cause human diseases. Using a recombinant Pichinde virus system, we show that the LCMV Z N-terminal domain (NTD) mediates the inhibition of macrophage activation and immune functions.
AP-2 Is the Crucial Clathrin Adaptor Protein for CD4 Downmodulation by HIV-1 Nef in Infected Primary CD4
+
T Cells
Authors: Gondim Marcos Vinicius , Wiltzer-Bach Linda , Maurer Brigitte , Banning Carina , Arganaraz Enrique , Schindler Michael 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

HIV-1 Nef-mediated CD4 downmodulation involves various host factors. We investigated the importance of AP-1, AP-2, AP-3, V1H-ATPase, β-COP, and ACOT8 for CD4 downmodulation in HIV-1-infected short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-expressing CD4
+
T cells and characterized direct interaction with Nef by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Binding of lentiviral Nefs to CD4 and AP-2 was conserved, and only AP-2 knockdown impaired Nef-mediated CD4 downmodulation from primary T cells. Altogether, among the factors tested, AP-2 is the most important player for Nef-mediated CD4 downmodulation.
The Emergence of 2-Oxoglutarate as a Master Regulator Metabolite
Authors: Huergo Luciano F. , Dixon Ray 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARY

The metabolite 2-oxoglutarate (also known as α-ketoglutarate, 2-ketoglutaric acid, or oxoglutaric acid) lies at the intersection between the carbon and nitrogen metabolic pathways. This compound is a key intermediate of one of the most fundamental biochemical pathways in carbon metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In addition, 2-oxoglutarate also acts as the major carbon skeleton for nitrogen-assimilatory reactions. Experimental data support the conclusion that intracellular levels of 2-oxoglutarate fluctuate according to nitrogen and carbon availability. This review summarizes how nature has capitalized on the ability of 2-oxoglutarate to reflect cellular nutritional status through evolution of a variety of 2-oxoglutarate-sensing regulatory proteins. The number of metabolic pathways known to be regulated by 2-oxoglutarate levels has increased significantly in recent years. The signaling properties of 2-oxoglutarate are highlighted by the fact that this metabolite regulates the synthesis of the well-established master signaling molecule, cyclic AMP (cAMP), in
Escherichia coli
.
Process evaluation of the impact and acceptability of a polypill for prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wood Frances , Salam Abdul , Singh Kavita , Day Sophie , Jan Stephen , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Rodgers Anthony , Patel Anushka , Thom Simon , Ward Helen 
Published: October 2015

ImportanceThe Use of a Multidrug Pill In Reducing cardiovascular Events (UMPIRE) trial has shown improved adherence with the use of a polypill strategy when compared with usual medications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. To advance from efficacy to impact, we need a better understanding of why and how such a strategy might be deployed in complex health systems.ObjectiveTo understand, from the perspective of UMPIRE trial participants and professionals, how and why a polypill strategy improves adherence compared with usual care, why improvement is greater in some subgroups, and to explore the acceptability of a polypill strategy among trial participants and healthcare professionals.Design, setting and participantsA preplanned process evaluation, based on qualitative interviews, was conducted with a subsample of 102 trial participants and 41 healthcare professionals at the end of the UMPIRE trial in India and Europe.ResultsMost patients contrasted the simplicity of the polypill with usual medications that they found complex and, for many in India, expensive. Patients with low baseline adherence struggled most with complex medication lists, and those without established disease described less motivation to adhere when compared with people who had already been diagnosed with CVD; people in the latter group had already undertaken self-directed measures to adhere to CVD preventive medicines prior to entering the trial. Taking medication was one of many adaptations described by patients; these included dietary changes, stopping smoking and maintaining exercise. Most patients liked the polypill strategy, although some participants and health professionals were concerned that it would provide less tailored therapy for individual needs.ConclusionsAdherence to treatment lists with multiple medications is complex and influenced by several factors. Simplifying medication by using a once-daily polypill is one approach to CVD prevention that may enhance adherence. Prescribers should also consider the wide variety of adjustments that individuals need to make to cope with daily medication.
Providing immediate neonatal care and resuscitation at birth beside the mother: clinicians’ views, a qualitative study
Authors: Yoxall Charles W , Ayers Susan , Sawyer Alexandra , Bertullies Sophia , Thomas Margaret , D Weeks Andrew , Duley Lelia 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to assess clinicians’ views and experiences of providing immediate neonatal care at birth beside the mother, and of using a mobile trolley designed to facilitate this bedside care.DesignQualitative interview study with semistructured interviews.ResultsThe results were analysed using thematic analysis.SettingA large UK maternity unit.ParticipantsClinicians (n=20) from a range of disciplines who were present when the trolley was used to provide neonatal care at birth at the bedside. Five clinicians provided/observed advanced resuscitation by the bedside.ResultsFive themes were identified: (1) Parents’ involvement, which included ‘Contact and involvement’, ‘Positive emotions for parents’ and ‘Staff communication’; (2) Reservations about neonatal care at birth beside the mother, which included ‘Impact on clinicians’ and ‘Impact on parents’; (3) Practical challenges in providing neonatal care at the bedside, which included ‘Cord length’ and ‘Caesarean section’; (4) Comparison of the trolley with usual resuscitation equipment and (5) Training and integration of bedside care into clinical routine, which included ‘Teething problems’ and ‘Training’.ConclusionsOverall, most clinicians were positive about providing immediate neonatal care at the maternal bedside, particularly in terms of the clinicians’ perceptions of the parents’ experience. Clinicians also perceived that their close proximity to parents improved communication. However, there was some concern about performing more intensive interventions in front of parents. Providing immediate neonatal care and resuscitation at the bedside requires staff training and support.
Clinical value of lncRNA MALAT1 as a prognostic marker in human cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Xiaoling , Xu Guoxiong 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundMetastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is found to be overexpressed and associated with clinicopathological features in patients with cancer.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical value of MALAT1 as a prognostic marker in human cancers by a comprehensive meta-analysis of published studies.Data sourcesThe data on the prognostic impact of MALAT1 in cancer were collected from 11 September 2003 to 10 July 2015.Setting and participantsFourteen eligible studies with a total of 1373 patients conducted in 3 countries (9 in China, 3 in Japan and 2 in Germany) were matched to our inclusion criteria.Outcome measuresPooled HRs with 95% CIs were calculated to estimate the strength of the link between MALAT1 and clinical prognoses. The combined HRs heterogeneity was tested using a χ2-based Cochran Q test and Higgins I2statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot with Egger's bias indicator test.ResultsA significant association between MALAT1 overexpression and poor overall survival (OS) (HR=1.95; 95% CI 1.57 to 2.41) was observed. Residence region (Germany and China), cancer type (respiratory, digestive or other system disease), sample size and paper quality did not alter the predictive value of MALAT1 on OS in investigated cancers. MALAT1 expression was an independent prognostic marker for OS in patients with cancer using univariate and multivariate analyses. Subgroup analysis showed that the elevated MALAT1 appeared to be a powerful prognostic marker for patients with respiratory, digestive and other system cancers. A similar effect was also seen in different regions. Furthermore, the overexpression of MALAT1 was associated with disease-free, recurrence-free and progression-free survivals.ConclusionsMALAT1 may potentially be used as a new prognostic marker to predict poorer survival of patients with cancer. More clinical studies on the different types of human cancer not yet investigated need to be conducted.