bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent incremental health care reforms in the US: a way forward or false promise?
Authors: Waddan Alex , Jaenicke Douglas 
Published: March 2006

English
US health care is well known for its high cost and high levels of uninsurance. Following the political failure of the Clinton health care reform plan many commentators suggested that incremental reform was the way to remedy these problems. To be transformative, however, incrementalism must entail more than the claim that incremental reforms are politically viable; rather, such reforms must represent a coherent strategy. To evaluate the prescription of incrementalism, this article assesses a range of recent incremental health care reforms. It concludes that these did not constitute a coordinated and consistent strategy, leaving the case for incrementalism unproven.
Factor VII Gene Haplotypes and Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Funk Marion , Endler Georg , Lalouschek Wolfgang , Hsieh Kety , Schillinger Martin , Lang Wilfried , Mannhalter Christine 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Background: Coagulation factor VII (FVII) plays an important role in the activation of blood coagulation and clot formation. Recent studies have provided evidence for an association between common polymorphic markers in the FVII gene and plasma FVII concentrations. The 353R&gt;Q sequence variation, and 3 common sequence variations in the promoter of the FVII gene—the 10-bp insertion/deletion at position −323 and the −401G&gt;T and −402G&gt;A sequence variations—are well-known determinants of circulating FVII concentrations.
Methods: To clarify the role of these sequence variations in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, we performed a case–control study with 242 patients with ischemic stroke before the age of 60 years and 239 healthy controls.
Results: The −323 insertion/deletion and the 353R&gt;Q and −401G&gt;T sequence variations were in strong linkage disequilibrium, and the resulting haplotypes occurred with equal frequencies in patients and controls. The variant form of FVII (−402G&gt;A) occurred only in combination with the common (wild-type) sequences at all other loci. This haplotype was more frequent in patients than in healthy controls (28% vs 22%). The difference in the prevalence of carriers of this haplotype among patients and controls was statistically significant (P = 0.03; odds ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.6).
Conclusion: According to our results, the FVII −402A allele seems to increase the risk of early ischemic cerebrovascular events, whereas the 353R&gt;Q, G−401T, and −323ins/del sequence variations, which are in close linkage disequilibrium, apparently do not influence the risk of stroke.
Relationship of Adiponectin with Markers of Systemic Inflammation, Atherogenic Dyslipidemia, and Heart Failure in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: von Eynatten Maximilian , Hamann Andreas , Twardella Dorothee , Nawroth Peter P , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Background: Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, appears to be a modulator of lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation and is present in particularly low concentrations in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the clinical importance of adiponectin in individuals at markedly high risk for future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been fully elucidated. We examined the associations between serum adiponectin and several biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease and heart failure in a large high-risk population comprising patients with prevalent CHD.
Methods: We measured fasting adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and markers of lipoprotein metabolism in 1174 patients with CHD.
Results: After adjustment for age and sex, adiponectin was associated with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C; r = 0.25; P &lt;0.0001), NT-proBNP (r = 0.17; P &lt;0.0001), and plasma triglyceride (r = −0.21; P &lt;0.0001) concentrations. There was, however, no statistically significant association between adiponectin and markers of systemic inflammation. In partial correlation analyses further adjusted for body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking status, presence of diabetes and/or hypertension, lipid-lowering drug therapy, and fasting plasma glucose, adiponectin remained significantly associated with HDL-C (r = 0.21; P &lt;0.0001), NT-proBNP (r = 0.15; P &lt;0.0001), and plasma triglycerides (r = −0.16; P &lt;0.0001).
Conclusions: Serum adiponectin is associated with the presence of atherogenic dyslipidemia and with NT-proBNP concentration but not with markers of systemic inflammation in patients with manifest CHD. Thus, atherogenic dyslipidemia may link adiponectin with the progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, serum adiponectin may be related to BNP in patients with CHD.
Simultaneous Determination of 7 N-Acetyltransferase-2 Single-Nucleotide Variations by Allele-Specific Primer Extension Assay
Authors: Zhu Yusheng , Hein David W , Doll Mark A , Reynolds Kristen K , Abudu Ntei , Valdes Roland , Linder Mark W 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground: Genotyping of N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) is useful in predicting the risk for toxicity of NAT2 substrates. Current methods cannot detect the 7 most important single-nucleotide variations in NAT2 simultaneously in 1 tube.Methods: We developed an assay that uses allele-specific primer extension (ASPE) and microsphere hybridization for the simultaneous detection of 7 single-nucleotide variations in NAT2. Using 12 samples previously genotyped by a TaqMan-based assay for method development and as positive controls, we amplified the genetic locus of NAT2 comprising the single-nucleotide variations of interest by PCR and then performed ASPE with allele-specific primers and biotinylated dCTP followed by bead hybridization and streptavidin–R-phycoerythrin binding. Genotypes were determined according to the allele-specific fluorescent signal ratios.Results: The mean (SD) allelic ratios for homozygous common, heterozygous variant, and homozygous variant NAT2 genotypes were 0.0394 (0.0113) (n = 80), 0.4372 (0.0270) (n = 148), and 0.9331 (0.0127) (n = 325). The assay had 100% (95% confidence interval, 99%–100%) within-run reproducibility for 12 samples repeated 6 times and 100% (98%–100%) between-run reproducibility for a 5-sample subset run on 6 different days. NAT2 genotypes of 30 blinded samples determined by this assay were 100% (98%–100%) concordant with results obtained using the TaqMan method.Conclusions: The developed assay can simultaneously determine single-nucleotide variations in NAT2. The assay demonstrates no overlap in allele-specific signal ratios between homozygous common, heterozygous, and homozygous variant and shows agreement with a reference method and reproducibility of genotype identification.
Reference Limits for Erythema‐effective UV Doses
Authors: Gambichler T. , Moussa G. , Tomi N. S. , Paech V. , Altmeyer P. , Kreuter A. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTDiagnostic phototesting, including the determination of the minimal erythema dose (MED), is a useful procedure to detect abnormal sensitivity to UV radiation. We aimed to estimate the reference limits (RLs) of the MED in a reasonably large reference sample of white individuals. Skin phototypes and MED values for broadband UVB and for UVA were determined in 461 white subjects. When appropriate, the 95% reference intervals, including the 0.025 fractile and 0.975 fractile, were computed for the MED‐UVB reference values (by means of parametric methods) and the MED‐UVA reference values (by means of nonparametric methods). MED data were also converted to standard erythema doses (SEDs). As described elsewhere we observed a considerable overlap of MED values for all skin phototypes and confirmed that age and sex do not substantially influence the MED. The lower RLs observed for MED‐UVB were 33 mJ cm−2 (0.5 SEDs) and for MED‐UVA 12.6 mJ cm−2 (1.2 SEDs). The MED and SED findings from this investigation may serve as reference data for white individuals and give support to the clinician in differentiating between normal and pathologically abnormal photosensitivity. Although the MED data given here are limited to the phototest device used in the present study, the SED results establish comparability between our data and phototest results obtained from laboratories using different UV sources.
Binding of Warfarin Influences the Acid‐Base Equilibrium of H242 in Sudlow Site I of Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Perry Jennifer L. , Goldsmith Michael R. , Williams T. Richard , Radack Kyle P. , Christensen Trine , Gorham Justin , Pasquinelli Melissa A. , Toone Eric J. , Beratan David N. , Simon John D. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTSudlow Site I of human serum albumin (HSA) is located in subdomain IIA of the protein and serves as a binding cavity for a variety of ligands. In this study, the binding of warfarin (W) is examined using computational techniques and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The structure of the docked warfarin anion (W−) to Site I is similar to that revealed by X‐ray crystallography, with a calculated binding constant of 5.8 × 105M−1. ITC experiments (pH 7.13 and I = 0.1) carried out in three different buffers (MOPs, phosphate and Tris) reveal binding of W− is accompanied by uptake of 0.30 ± 0.02 protons from the solvent. This measurement suggests that the binding of W− is stabilized by an ion‐pair interaction between protonated H242 and the phenoxide group of W−.
Accuracy of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot’s Interpretation of Clinical Ophthalmic Images
Authors: Mihalache Andrew , Huang Ryan S. , Popovic Marko M. , Patil Nikhil S. , Pandya Bhadra U. , Shor Reut , Pereira Austin , Kwok Jason M. , Yan Peng , Wong David T. , Kertes Peter J. , Muni Rajeev H. 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceOphthalmology is reliant on effective interpretation of multimodal imaging to ensure diagnostic accuracy. The new ability of ChatGPT-4 (OpenAI) to interpret ophthalmic images has not yet been explored.ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of the novel release of an artificial intelligence chatbot that is capable of processing imaging data.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study used a publicly available dataset of ophthalmic cases from OCTCases, a medical education platform based out of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto, with accompanying clinical multimodal imaging and multiple-choice questions. Across 137 available cases, 136 contained multiple-choice questions (99%).ExposuresThe chatbot answered questions requiring multimodal input from October 16 to October 23, 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the accuracy of the chatbot in answering multiple-choice questions pertaining to image recognition in ophthalmic cases, measured as the proportion of correct responses. χ2 Tests were conducted to compare the proportion of correct responses across different ophthalmic subspecialties.ResultsA total of 429 multiple-choice questions from 136 ophthalmic cases and 448 images were included in the analysis. The chatbot answered 299 of multiple-choice questions correctly across all cases (70%). The chatbot’s performance was better on retina questions than neuro-ophthalmology questions (77% vs 58%; difference = 18%; 95% CI, 7.5%-29.4%; χ21 = 11.4; P &amp;lt; .001). The chatbot achieved a better performance on nonimage–based questions compared with image-based questions (82% vs 65%; difference = 17%; 95% CI, 7.8%-25.1%; χ21 = 12.2; P &amp;lt; .001).The chatbot performed best on questions in the retina category (77% correct) and poorest in the neuro-ophthalmology category (58% correct). The chatbot demonstrated intermediate performance on questions from the ocular oncology (72% correct), pediatric ophthalmology (68% correct), uveitis (67% correct), and glaucoma (61% correct) categories.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, the recent version of the chatbot accurately responded to approximately two-thirds of multiple-choice questions pertaining to ophthalmic cases based on imaging interpretation. The multimodal chatbot performed better on questions that did not rely on the interpretation of imaging modalities. As the use of multimodal chatbots becomes increasingly widespread, it is imperative to stress their appropriate integration within medical contexts.
Multi‐Factor Modulated Organic Bulk Heterojunction Synaptic Transistor Enabled by Ligand Engineering for Centrosymmetric In‐Sensor Computing
Authors: Li Enlong , Wang Xiumei , Yu Xipeng , Yu Rengjian , Li Wenwu , Guo Tailiang , Chu Junhao , Chen Huipeng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEfficient in‐sensor computing necessitates linear, bidirectional, and centrosymmetric photoresponse weight updates; however, the realization of these attributes poses a persistent challenge, with most photosensor devices achieving linear analog weight updates while falling short of accomplishing bidirectional and centrosymmetric characteristics. Here, the development of a quantum dot (QD)–based bulk heterojunction synaptic transistor (QBST) with multi‐factor modulation through surface ligand engineering of blend QDs is reported. By controlling the charge transmission between QDs and the semiconductor, the QBST device enables tunable fading memory, which transforms linear weight updates in short‐chain devices into linear, bidirectional, and unprecedented centrosymmetric optical synaptic responses in long‐chain devices. Moreover, through the synergy of chemical and electric factors, the convolutional kernel of QBSTs‐based convolutional neural network realizes enhanced recognition for complex noisy fashion‐costume images, achieving an impressive 90.3% accuracy in the long‐chain device, highlighting the efficiency of centrosymmetric weight updates. The results demonstrate that surface ligand engineering offers a promising approach for customizable synaptic modulation, facilitating energy‐ and time‐efficient in‐sensor computing.
Polymer Hydrogel‐Based Multifunctional Theranostics for Managing Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Gong Xia , Yang Jian , Zheng Ying , Chen Shuijin , Duan Hong , Gao Jie , Haick Hossam , Yi Changqing , Jiang Lelun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChronic, non‐healing wounds pose significant challenges for public health, particularly in the context of diabetes, and carry significant economic consequences. This article introduces a new solution in the form of a wireless theranostic patch, developed to meet the critical need for real‐time monitoring and targeted treatments to facilitate optimal healing. The patch incorporates advanced materials that are both multifunctional and electro‐responsive, leveraging a sophisticated blend of smart hydrogels and wearable bioelectronics to support diabetic wound management with unparalleled efficacy. With electro‐responsive multifunctional polymer hydrogels at its core, the patch delivers a stretchable, antimicrobial, and moist environment for the wound, with added benefits such as conductivity and visibility. The materials also allow for continuous and autonomous monitoring of glucose and pH levels, providing precise and personalized treatments like insulin delivery via iontophoresis and electrical stimulation. Animal models have demonstrated that this integrated system is highly adaptable, effectively promoting wound closure and healing. Overall, the wireless theranostic system offers an exciting prospect for personalized healthcare solutions, adopting a patient‐centric approach that prioritizes real‐time, targeted care for chronic wounds. Its incorporation of advanced materials and electro‐controlled treatments paves the way for new and innovative approaches to wound management.
Achieving Bright and Long‐Lived Aqueous Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence of Carbon Nitrogen Dots Through In Situ Host–Guest Binding
Authors: Li Jie , Zhou Heng , Jin Shan , Xu Bin , Teng Qian , Li Chenhao , Li Jinsui , Li Qijun , Gao Zhenhua , Zhu Chaofeng , Wang Zifei , Su Wen , Yuan Fanglong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe development of bright and long‐lived aqueous room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials holds paramount importance in broadening the application scope of RTP material system. However, the conventional RTP materials usually exhibit low efficiency and short lifetime in aqueous solution. Herein, an in situ host–guest strategy is proposed to achieve cyanuric acid (CA)‐derived phosphorescent carbon nitrogen dots (CNDs) composite (CNDs@CA) that demonstrates a significant enhancement of both quantum yield (QY) and lifetime mediated by water. Detailed investigations reveal that the robust hydrogen bonding networks between CNDs@CA and water effectively stabilize triplet excitons and suppress nonradiative decays, as well as facilitate efficient energy transfer from CA to CNDs, thereby prolonging the lifetime and enhancing the efficiency of RTP. The phosphorescent QY and lifetime of CNDs@CA can be increased to 26.89% (3.9‐fold increase) and 951.25 ms (5.5‐fold increase), respectively, with the incorporation of 50 wt% water under ambient conditions. Even in fully aqueous environments (with up to 400 wt% water added), CNDs@CA exhibits persistent water‐boosted RTP properties, demonstrating exceptional stability. The robust water‐boosted RTP property of CNDs@CA in aqueous solutions presents significant potential for high signal‐to‐noise ratio afterglow bioimaging as well as advanced information encryption.
Winter cover cropping to improve soil health in semiarid, irrigated cropping systems of Central Oregon
Authors: Sullivan Clare S. , Kleber Markus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA 1‐year experiment was conducted in Madras, OR, to examine the ability of winter cover crops (CCs) to improve physical, chemical, and biological soil properties over a bare fallow control. Competition for water is frequently seen as an obstacle to cover cropping in semiarid, irrigated systems. Benefits from CCs need to be demonstrated and quantified in regions such as Central Oregon's high desert for growers to make cost/benefit analysis decisions. To support such decisions, the effect of eight winter CC treatments (two brassicas, four legumes, two cereal mixtures) on five agronomic parameters and 39 soil health indicators (0–5 cm) were measured in the spring of 2019 after 8 months of CC growth. We identified four soil indicator response patterns in reference to the fallow: (i) steady improvement over fallow across all CCs (16 indicators, with hairy vetch and turnip being most efficient); (ii) marked improvement over fallow but somewhat constant response among CCs (organic C and N, surface hardness); (iii) negligible change from fallow; and (iv) varied response to CCs including both a deterioration and an improvement of soil health. Overall, 13 soil health indicators and five agronomic parameters responded significantly to CC treatment. CCs generated a stronger response of soil chemical and biological parameters than physical (average 82%, 79%, and 18% improvement over fallow, respectively). Hairy vetch had the greatest positive impact on soil biological and chemical properties but the lowest average impact on physical indicators. Winter CCs do offer soil health benefits in Central Oregon but should not be viewed as a short‐term fix to physical soil deficiencies. Our study provides strong evidence for the general ability of CCs to improve soil health in water‐limited systems. It also demonstrates the need for further studies focused on multiyear rotations, especially related to the improvement of soil physical properties such as soil moisture availability.
Sophorolipid‐mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial starch nanocomposite films
Authors: Silveira Victória Akemi Itakura , Filipe Giovanna Amaral , Bigotto Briani Gisele , Gonçalves Marcelly Chue , Baldo Cristiani , Mali Suzana , Kobayashi Renata Katsuko Takayama , Nakazato Gerson , Bidóia Danielle Lazarin , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Celligoi Maria Antonia Pedrine Colabone 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles with sophorolipids (AgNP‐SL) and develop starch nanocomposite films with improved properties to be explored in food packaging applications. AgNP‐SL were spherical and highly stable, with an average size of 61.46 nm. They also demonstrated potent antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, revealing its promising application for antimicrobial packaging. The addition of AgNP‐SL into films resulted in color changes, which could contribute to a better UV‐barrier capacity. Nanoparticles and tartaric acid incorporation resulted in a heterogeneous matrix, suggesting chemical interactions between the compounds and the biopolymer. The nanocomposite films presented thermal stability, enhanced flexibility, and antimicrobial action against E. coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, and S. aureus. The combination of AgNP‐SL and tartaric acid resulted in pronounced bactericidal properties. The results demonstrate the great potential of these nanocomposite films as an effective packaging material against foodborne pathogens.
Updated overall survival and circulating tumor DNA analysis of ensartinib for crizotinib‐refractory ALK‐positive NSCLC from a phase II study
Authors: Zheng Jing , Wang Tao , Yang Yunpeng , Huang Jie , Feng Jifeng , Zhuang Wu , Chen Jianhua , Zhao Jun , Zhong Wei , Zhao Yanqiu , Zhang Yiping , Song Yong , Hu Yi , Yu Zhuang , Gong Youling , Chen Yuan , Ye Feng , Zhang Shucai , Cao Lejie , Fan Yun , Wu Gang , Guo Yubiao , Zhou Chengzhi , Ma Kewei , Fang Jian , Feng Weineng , Liu Yunpeng , Zheng Zhendong , Li Gaofeng , Wang Huijie , Cang Shundong , Wu Ning , Song Wei , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhao Shijun , Ding Lieming , Selvaggi Giovanni , Wang Yang , Xiao Shanshan , Wang Qian , Shen Zhilin , Zhou Jianya , Zhou Jianying , Zhang Li 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe initial phase II stuty (NCT03215693) demonstrated that ensartinib has shown clinical activity in patients with advanced crizotinib‐refractory, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we reported the updated data on overall survival (OS) and molecular profiling from the initial phase II study.MethodsIn this study, 180 patients received 225 mg of ensartinib orally once daily until disease progression, death or withdrawal. OS was estimated by Kaplan‒Meier methods with two‐sided 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Next‐generation sequencing was employed to explore prognostic biomarkers based on plasma samples collected at baseline and after initiating ensartinib. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was detected to dynamically monitor the genomic alternations during treatment and indicate the existence of molecular residual disease, facilitating improvement of clinical management.ResultsAt the data cut‐off date (August 31, 2022), with a median follow‐up time of 53.2 months, 97 of 180 (53.9%) patients had died. The median OS was 42.8 months (95% CI: 29.3‐53.2 months). A total of 333 plasma samples from 168 patients were included for ctDNA analysis. An inferior OS correlated significantly with baseline ALK or tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutation. In addition, patients with concurrent TP53 mutations had shorter OS than those without concurrent TP53 mutations. High ctDNA levels evaluated by variant allele frequency (VAF) and haploid genome equivalents per milliliter of plasma (hGE/mL) at baseline were associated with poor OS. Additionally, patients with ctDNA clearance at 6 weeks and slow ascent growth had dramatically longer OS than those with ctDNA residual and fast ascent growth, respectively. Furthermore, patients who had a lower tumor burden, as evaluated by the diameter of target lesions, had a longer OS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis further uncovered the independent prognostic values of bone metastases, higher hGE, and elevated ALK mutation abundance at 6 weeks.ConclusionEnsartinib led to a favorable OS in patients with advanced, crizotinib‐resistant, and ALK‐positive NSCLC. Quantification of ctDNA levels also provided valuable prognostic information for risk stratification.