bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Illness, medical expenditure and household consumption: observations from Taiwan
Authors: Fang Kuangnan , Ma Chi , Jiang Yefei , Ye Linglong , Shia Benchang , Ma Shuangge 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Illness conditions lead to medical expenditure. Even with various types of medical insurance, there can still be considerable out-of-pocket costs. Medical expenditure can affect other categories of household consumptions. The goal of this study is to provide an updated empirical description of the distributions of illness conditions and medical expenditure and their associations with other categories of household consumptions.

Methods
A phone-call survey was conducted in June and July of 2012. The study was approved by ethics review committees at Xiamen University and FuJen Catholic University. Data was collected using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Survey System (CATSS). “Household” was the unit for data collection and analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, examining the distributions of illness conditions and the associations of illness and medical expenditure with other household consumptions.

Results
The presence of chronic disease and inpatient treatment was not significantly associated with household characteristics. The level of per capita medical expenditure was significantly associated with household size, income, and household head occupation. The presence of chronic disease was significantly associated with levels of education, insurance and durable goods consumption. After adjusting for confounders, the associations with education and durable goods consumption remained significant. The presence of inpatient treatment was not associated with consumption levels. In the univariate analysis, medical expenditure was significantly associated with all other consumption categories. After adjusting for confounding effects, the associations between medical expenditure and the actual amount of entertainment expenses and percentages of basic consumption, savings, and insurance (as of total consumption) remained significant.

Conclusion
This study provided an updated description of the distributions of illness conditions and medical expenditure in Taiwan. The findings were mostly positive in that illness and medical expenditure were not observed to be significantly associated with other consumption categories. This observation differed from those made in some other Asian countries and could be explained by the higher economic status and universal basic health insurance coverage of Taiwan.
Use of a colorimetric (DELI) test for the evaluation of chemoresistance of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax to commonly used anti-plasmodial drugs in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Pratt-Riccio Lilian R , Chehuan Yonne F , Siqueira Maria José , das Graças Alecrim Maria , Bianco-Junior Cesare , Druilhe Pierre , Brasseur Philippe , de Fátima Ferreira-da-Cruz Maria , Carvalho Leonardo JM , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio T 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax resistance to available anti-malarial drugs represents a major drawback in the control of malaria and its associated morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemoresistance profile of P. falciparum and P. vivax to commonly used anti-plasmodial drugs in a malaria-endemic area in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods
The study was carried out in Manaus (Amazonas state), in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 88 P. falciparum and 178 P. vivax isolates was collected from 2004 to 2007. The sensitivity of P. falciparum isolates was determined to chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine and artesunate and the sensitivity of P. vivax isolates was determined to chloroquine and mefloquine, by using the colorimetric DELI test.

Results
As expected, a high prevalence of P. falciparum isolates resistant to chloroquine (78.1%) was observed. The prevalence of isolates with profile of resistance or decreased sensitivity for quinine, mefloquine and artesunate was 12.7, 21.2 and 11.7%, respectively. In the case of P. vivax, the prevalence of isolates with profile of resistance for chloroquine and mefloquine was 9.8 and 28%, respectively. No differences in the frequencies of isolates with profile of resistance or geometric mean IC50s were seen when comparing the data obtained in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, for all tested anti-malarials.

Conclusions
The great majority of P. falciparum isolates in the Brazilian malaria-endemic area remain resistant to chloroquine, and the decreased sensitivity to quinine, mefloquine and artesunate observed in 10–20% of the isolates must be taken with concern, especially for artesunate. Plasmodium vivax isolates also showed a significant proportion of isolates with decreased sensitivity to chloroquine (first-line drug) and mainly to mefloquine. The data presented here also confirm the usefulness of the DELI test to generate results able to impact on public health policies.
Osteosarcoma metastasis causing ileo-ileal intussusception
Authors: Abbo Olivier , Pinnagoda Kalitha , Micol Lionel A , Beck-Popovic Maya , Joseph Jean-Marc 
Published: August 2013

AbstractOsteosarcoma metastasis causing intussusception is a very rare entity, with a pejorative prognosis. Based on a case, we performed a literature review in order to better assess this situation. We conclude that, in patients with a history of osteosarcoma lung metastasis, echographic and/or computed tomography scan evidence of a small bowel obstruction with intussusception should lead to an open surgical procedure if the laparoscopic approach does not allow to accurately explore and resect the lesion, in order to prevent misdiagnosis and to avoid further delay in the management.
Regulation of the SNARE-interacting protein Munc18c tyrosine phosphorylation in adipocytes by protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B
Authors: Bakke Jesse , Bettaieb Ahmed , Nagata Naoto , Matsuo Kosuke , Haj Fawaz G 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a physiological regulator of insulin signaling and adiposity and is a drug target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. The molecular mechanisms underlying PTP1B metabolic actions require additional investigation.

Results
Herein, we identify Munc18c as a novel PTP1B substrate in adipocytes and in vivo. We demonstrate nutritional regulation of Munc18c in adipose tissue revealing decreased expression upon high fat feeding. In addition, PTP1B deficiency leads to elevated Munc18c tyrosine phosphorylation and dissociation from syntaxin4. At the molecular level, we identify Munc18c Tyr218/219 and Tyr521 as key residues that mediate Munc18c interaction with PTP1B. Further, we uncover an essential role of Munc18c total tyrosine phosphorylation in general, and Tyr218/219 and Tyr521 in particular, in regulating its interactions and glucose uptake in adipocytes.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our findings identify PTP1B as the first known tyrosine phosphatase for Munc18c and a regulator of its phosphorylation and function in adipocytes.
Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma by fibroblast activation protein-specific re-directed T cells
Authors: Schuberth Petra C , Hagedorn Christian , Jensen Shawn M , Gulati Pratiksha , van den Broek Maries , Mischo Axel , Soltermann Alex , Jüngel Astrid , Marroquin Belaunzaran Osiris , Stahel Rolf , Renner Christoph , Petrausch Ulf 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable malignant disease, which results from chronic exposition to asbestos in at least 70% of the cases. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is predominantly expressed on the surface of reactive tumor-associated fibroblasts as well as on particular cancer types. Because of its expression on the cell surface, FAP is an attractive target for adoptive T cell therapy. T cells can be re-directed by retroviral transfer of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and therefore represent a therapeutic strategy of adoptive immunotherapy.

Methods
To evaluate FAP expression immunohistochemistry was performed in tumor tissue from MPM patients. CD8+ human T cells were retrovirally transduced with an anti-FAP-F19-∆CD28/CD3ζ-CAR. T cell function was evaluated in vitro by cytokine release and cytotoxicity assays. In vivo function was tested with an intraperitoneal xenograft tumor model in immunodeficient mice.

Results
FAP was found to be expressed in all subtypes of MPM. Additionally, FAP expression was evaluated in healthy adult tissue samples and was only detected in specific areas in the pancreas, the placenta and very weakly for cervix and uterus. Expression of the anti-FAP-F19-∆CD28/CD3ζ-CAR in CD8+ T cells resulted in antigen-specific IFNγ release. Additionally, FAP-specific re-directed T cells lysed FAP positive mesothelioma cells and inflammatory fibroblasts in an antigen-specific manner in vitro. Furthermore, FAP-specific re-directed T cells inhibited the growth of FAP positive human tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity of mice and significantly prolonged survival of mice.

Conclusion
FAP re-directed CD8+ T cells showed antigen-specific functionality in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, FAP expression was verified in all MPM histotypes. Therefore, our data support performing a phase I clinical trial in which MPM patients are treated with adoptively transferred FAP-specific re-directed T cells.
New iterative scheme with strict pseudo-contractions and multivalued nonexpansive mappings for fixed point problems and variational inequality problems
Authors: Vahidi J , Latif A , Eslamian M 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce an iterative scheme for finding a common element of the sets of fixed points for multivalued nonexpansive mappings, strict pseudo-contractive mappings and the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem for a pseudomonotone, Lipschitz-type continuous bifunctions. We prove the strong convergence of the sequence, generated by the proposed scheme, to the solution of the variational inequality. Our results generalize and improve some known results.

MSC:47H10, 65K10, 65K15, 90C25.
The Vertebrate Trait Ontology: a controlled vocabulary for the annotation of trait data across species
Authors: Park Carissa A , Bello Susan M , Smith Cynthia L , Hu Zhi-Liang , Munzenmaier Diane H , Nigam Rajni , Smith Jennifer R , Shimoyama Mary , Eppig Janan T , Reecy James M 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The use of ontologies to standardize biological data and facilitate comparisons among datasets has steadily grown as the complexity and amount of available data have increased. Despite the numerous ontologies available, one area currently lacking a robust ontology is the description of vertebrate traits. A trait is defined as any measurable or observable characteristic pertaining to an organism or any of its substructures. While there are several ontologies to describe entities and processes in phenotypes, diseases, and clinical measurements, one has not been developed for vertebrate traits; the Vertebrate Trait Ontology (VT) was created to fill this void.

Description
Significant inconsistencies in trait nomenclature exist in the literature, and additional difficulties arise when trait data are compared across species. The VT is a unified trait vocabulary created to aid in the transfer of data within and between species and to facilitate investigation of the genetic basis of traits. Trait information provides a valuable link between the measurements that are used to assess the trait, the phenotypes related to the traits, and the diseases associated with one or more phenotypes. Because multiple clinical and morphological measurements are often used to assess a single trait, and a single measurement can be used to assess multiple physiological processes, providing investigators with standardized annotations for trait data will allow them to investigate connections among these data types.

Conclusions
The annotation of genomic data with ontology terms provides unique opportunities for data mining and analysis. Links between data in disparate databases can be identified and explored, a strategy that is particularly useful for cross-species comparisons or in situations involving inconsistent terminology. The VT provides a common basis for the description of traits in multiple vertebrate species. It is being used in the Rat Genome Database and Animal QTL Database for annotation of QTL data for rat, cattle, chicken, swine, sheep, and rainbow trout, and in the Mouse Phenome Database to annotate strain characterization data. In these databases, data are also cross-referenced to applicable terms from other ontologies, providing additional avenues for data mining and analysis. The ontology is available at http://bioportal.bioontology.org/ontologies/50138.
Reducing TDP-43 aggregation does not prevent its cytotoxicity
Authors: Liu Rui , Yang Guang , Nonaka Takashi , Arai Tetsuaki , Jia William , Cynader Max S 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a protein that is involved in the pathology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD). In patients with these neurodegenerative diseases, TDP-43 does not remain in its normal nuclear location, but instead forms insoluble aggregates in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of affected neurons.

Results
We used high density peptide array analysis to identify regions in TDP-43 that are bound by TDP-43 itself and designed candidate peptides that might be able to reduce TDP-43 aggregation. We found that two of the synthetic peptides identified with this approach could effectively inhibit the formation of TDP-43 protein aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner in HeLa cells in which a mutated human TDP-43 gene was overexpressed. However, despite reducing aggregation, these peptides did not reduce or prevent cell death. Similar results were observed in HeLa cells treated with arsenite. Again we found reduced aggregation, in this case of wild type TDP-43, but no difference in cell death.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that TDP-43 aggregation is associated with the cell death process rather than being a direct cause.
Anxiety and mortality risk in community-dwelling elderly people
Authors: Carrière Isabelle , Ryan Joanne , Norton Joanna , Scali Jacqueline , Stewart Robert , Ritchie Karen , Ancelin Marie Laure 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundThere are conflicting data on the role of anxiety in predicting mortality.AimsTo evaluate the 10-year mortality risk associated with anxiety in community-dwelling elderly people.MethodUsing data from 718 men and 1046 women aged 65 years and over, gender-stratified associations of anxiety symptoms (Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, third tertile) and current DSM-IV anxiety disorder including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and phobia with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were determined.ResultsIn women, mortality risk was increased for anxiety disorder and GAD in multivariate Cox models (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53, 95% Cl 1.02-2.27 and HR = 2.04, 95% Cl 1.08-3.86 respectively), whereas for phobia it was nearly significant (HR= 1.52, 95% Cl 0.94-2.47). Anxiety trait symptoms became non-significant as a result of the confounding effect of depressive symptoms. Anxiety disorder was associated with cardiovascular mortality in univariate analysis (HR = 2.42, 95% Cl 1.16-5.07). No significant associations were found in men.ConclusionsOur study suggests a gender-specific association of anxiety and mortality.
A Density Functional Analysis on Formation of Rubidium and Cesium Atomic Clusters in the Highest Spin State
Authors: Liu Xuan , Ito Haruhiko , Torikai Eiko 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
We select a couple of density functional formalisms suitable for the computation of the highest spin clusters composed of a small number of heavy alkali-metal atoms such as Rb and Cs. Using B3P86 and PW91PW91 density functional methods with Lanl2dz basis set, we analyze the geometry, the binding energy, and the bond length of Rbn and Csn with n = 2–14 in the highest spin state. The exchange energy of the highest spin clusters increases the binding energy with the number of the constituent atoms.
Conjugated Polyfluorene-based Reversible Fluorescent Sensor for Cu(II) and Cyanide Ions in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Chakraborty Chanchal , Singh Pradeep , Maji Samir K , Malik Sudip 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A blue emissive polyfluorene bearing sulfate functionality in the side chain (PFS), as a sensory polymer to selectively report the presence of Cu2+ (detection limit down to 2.5 µM) based on the fluorescence “turn-off.” Surprisingly, the quenched luminescence of PFS by Cu2+ could be turned on after the addition of CN− (detection limit down to 6 µM), making PFS a sensitive, selective, and reversible cyanide probe.
Anti-rhesus D prophylaxis in pregnant women is based on sialylated IgG antibodies
Authors: Winkler André , Berger Markus , Ehlers Marc 
Published: August 2013

Red blood cells (RBCs) from a rhesus D (RhD)-positive fetus that reach the bloodstream of an RhD-negative pregnant woman during birth can induce a pathogenic antibody (Ab) response against the RhD-positive RBCs, leading to fetal hemolytic disease in subsequent pregnancies. To prevent a pathogenic immune reaction, the RhD-negative mother receives serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) containing polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs that is purified from healthy RhD-negative men immunized with RhD-positive RBCs. However, the protective mechanism of these polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs is unclear. It has become increasingly clear that the effector function of IgG Abs is regulated by the glycan pattern linked to the Fc region of IgG Abs. Non-fucosylated (afucosylated) IgG Abs have a higher affinity for activating Fc gamma receptors, and thus induce a stronger Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) reaction than do fucosylated IgG Abs. Agalactosylated and asialylated, autoantigen-specific serum IgG Abs correlate with pro-inflammatory immune responses and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, galactosylated and sialylated IgG Abs are immunosuppressive and inhibit in form of immune complexes (ICs) dendritic cell (DC) maturation and pro-inflammatory T and B cell immune responses in an antigen-specific manner. However, the galactosylation and sialylation levels of the protective polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs are unknown. Here, we purified RhD-specific IgG Abs from the approved commercial product Rhophylac® (CSL Behring) and found that these RhD-specific IgG Abs were even more galactosylated and sialylated than the total Rhophylac® IgG Abs. This result suggests that these galactosylated and sialylated polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs are immunosuppressive and induce tolerance against RhD, which would be in strong contrast to a low fucosylated, low galactosylated and low sialylated monoclonal RhD-specific IgG Ab developed to prevent fetal hemolytic disease that has recently passed a clinical phase II study.
Social Intervention for Adolescents With Autism and Significant Intellectual Disability: Initial Efficacy of Reciprocal Imitation Training
Authors: Ingersoll Brooke , Walton Katherine , Carlsen Danielle , Hamlin Theresa 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIndividuals with autism have difficulty with social skills across the lifespan. Few social interventions have been examined for older individuals with autism who also have significant intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous research suggests that reciprocal imitation training (RIT) improves imitation and social engagement in young children with autism. This study used a multiple-baseline design to examine whether RIT could improve social behaviors in four adolescents with autism and significant ID. All adolescents improved their spontaneous imitation and two improved their joint engagement. In addition, two adolescents decreased their rate of self-stimulatory behaviors over the course of treatment. Overall, these results suggest that RIT may be effective at improving social interaction and decreasing self-stimulatory behavior in adolescents with autism and significant ID.
Relationship Characteristics and Feelings About Pregnancy Among Black and Puerto Rican Young Adults
Authors: Carter Marion , Kraft Joan M. , Hock‐Long Linda , Hatfield‐Timajchy Kendra 
Published: August 2013

ContextUnintended pregnancy is common among black and Hispanic young adults in the United States. How pregnancy intentions form and change is poorly understood, although research indicates that intentions and attitudes are dependent on partners’ views and other relationship factors, and are different by gender.MethodsA sample of black and Puerto Rican men and women aged 18–25 from low‐income neighborhoods in two cities were surveyed in 2007–2008. Using data on 520 serious and casual sexual relationships reported by 460 respondents, generalized ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify individual‐ and relationship‐level correlates of how respondents would feel if they became involved in a pregnancy with a particular partner.ResultsAbout one‐quarter of respondents reported each of four possibilities of how they would feel about a pregnancy with a particular partner—very upset, a little upset, a little pleased and very pleased. In 45% of relationships, respondents believed that their partners would be very pleased about a pregnancy, whereas they themselves would be very pleased in only one‐quarter of cases. Overall, women were less likely to feel positive about a pregnancy than were men (odds ratio, 0.3). Respondents’ positive feelings about their relationships were associated with a strong tendency toward more positive feelings about a pregnancy (2.1), as was a measure of how positive respondents thought their partners would feel (1.5–2.6). The latter association was particularly strong among women (1.7).ConclusionsRelationship characteristics were associated with feelings about pregnancy for both genders. Future research should utilize a more comprehensive framework for conceptualizing and examining sexual relationships.
SAA1 genetic polymorphisms are associated with plasma glucose concentration in non-diabetic subjects
Authors: Xie Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong , Yang Yi-Ning , Li Xiao-Mei , Zheng Ying-Ying , Fu Zhen-Yan , Ma Xiang , Liu Fen , Huang Ying , Chen Bang-Dang 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background: Serum amyloid A (SAA) was reported to be associated with insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the association of SAA genetic polymorphisms with plasma glucose levels in non-diabetic subjects.

Methods: All participants (n=1220) were selected from subjects participating in the Cardiovascular Risk Survey (CRS) study. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2229338, rs12218, rs4638289, rs7131332 and rs11603089) of SAA gene were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.

Results: In the present study, we found rs2229338, rs4638289 and rs12218 were significantly associated with plasma glucose levels in a dominate model, recessive model or additive model before and after multivariate adjustment (all p<0.05). These associations were not found in rs7131332 and rs11603089 before and after adjustment of key co-variants.

Conclusions: The genetic polymorphisms of SAA1 were associated with plasma glucose levels in non-diabetic subjects.