bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of smoking and quitting on household expenditure patterns and medical care costs in China
Authors: Xin Y , Qian J , Xu L , Tang S , Gao J , Critchley J A 
Published: January 2009

Background:Smoking remains very common in Chinese men, and the economic burden caused by cigarette consumption on smokers and their families may be substantial. Using a large nationally representative household survey, the third National Health Services Survey (NHSS, 2003), we estimated the economic impact of smoking on households.Methods:Smoking status of all household members (over 15 years) was collected by interview for the NHSS, and households classified into one of seven categories based on their smoking status. Information on household income and expenditure, and use of health services was also obtained. We assessed both the “direct” costs (reducing funds available for spending on other commodities such as food, education, medical care, etc, using a fractional logit model), and “indirect costs” (increasing medical expenditures, using a log-linear model).Results:Every five packets of cigarettes consumed per capita per month reduces household spending on other commodities, most notably on education (by about 17 yuan per capita per annum) and medical care (11 yuan). The effects are greatest among low-income rural households. Households with quitters spend substantially more on medical care than never-smoking households (64 yuan for households with two or more quitters).Conclusions:If a household member smokes, there is less money available for commodities such as education and medical care. Medical care expenditure is substantially higher among households with quitters, as ill-health is the main reason for quitting smoking in China. Smoking impoverishes a substantial number of poorer rural households.
ADAPTIVE FILTERING ALGORITHMS ENHANCE THE ACCURACY OF LOW-COST INERTIAL/MAGNETIC SENSING IN PEDESTRIAN NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
Authors: SABATINI ANGELO MARIA 
Published: January 2009

The availability of inexpensive, miniaturized sensors and the development of efficient and accurate filtering algorithms are important elements in order that pedestrian navigation system (PNS) will become an enabling technology for monitoring unconstrained daily living activities of human subjects. In this paper, we develop and test a computational method that estimates the path traveled by a walker from in-shoe mounted tri-axis inertial and magnetic sensors. The interest for inertial and magnetic sensors stems from their low cost, suitable form factors, small power consumption, which may give rise to self-contained, portable PNS whose hindrance to walking is limited. An important element in our approach is represented by an extended Kalman filter (EKF), whose aim is to estimate the body part orientation and to perform the in-line calibration of the tri-axis magnetometer. Two validation tests are applied to either acceleration or magnetic vector measurements, in order to adapt the measurement noise covariance matrix against the effects of body motion and external magnetic fields on the sensed gravity and earth's magnetic fields involved in orientation determination. Additionally, some biomechanical facts about how humans normally move are exploited to enhance the positioning performance of the developed method.
Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on fatigue, functional status and health perceptions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Theander Kersti , Jakobsson Per , Jörgensen Nils , Unosson Mitra 
Published: January 2009

Objective: To test the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on fatigue, functional status and health perceptions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Pulmonary outpatient department. Subjects: Thirty patients randomly assigned to a rehabilitation (3 men, 9 women, mean age 66 (±2) years) or a control group (10 men, 4 women, mean age 64 (±2) years). Interventions: The patients in the rehabilitation group participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme comprising exercise training twice weekly, for a 12-week period, nutritional and self-care advice, and education about disease and energy conservation strategies. Main measures: Fatigue, functional limitations due to fatigue, functional performance and satisfaction, six-minute walking distance, hand grip strength and health perception were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: At baseline there were no significant differences between the groups, except for gender. The six-minute walking distance was 312.6 (±79.3) m for the rehabilitation group and 360.3 (±84.7) m for the control group. After 12 weeks, the rehabilitation group improved their walking distance by 40.6 (±27.2) m (P<0.05). The rehabilitation group improved in performance (from 4.8 (±2.0) to 6.0 (±1.5) scores, P<0.01) and satisfaction (from 4.6 (±2.2) to 6.0 (±2.1) scores, P<0.001) with regard to own selected daily activities. No statistically significant differences were seen between the changes within the rehabilitation group and changes within the control group at the 12-week follow-up. Conclusions: Although the pulmonary rehabilitation programme had an immediate effect, it was not sustained.
Risk factors for falls in stroke patients during inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Czernuszenko Anna , Czlonkowska Anna 
Published: January 2009

Objectives: To assess the incidence and circumstances of falls among stroke patients in a rehabilitation ward, the frequency of fall-related fractures, the relationship between falls and rehabilitation outcomes, and risk factors for falls. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Neurological rehabilitation ward. Patients: In total 1155 patients (56% men; mean age 61.5 ± 14.3 years) admitted to the neurological rehabilitation ward after a stroke. Median (interquartile range) time since stroke onset was 36.5 (68) days. Main measures: Patients' falls were registered during hospitalization (1—74 days) and variables relating to the type and symptoms of stroke, current medications, neurological deficit (Scandinavian Stroke Scale) and disability (Barthel Index) were collected from medical records. Results: A total of 252 falls were recorded for 189 (16.3%) patients and 45 patients experienced 108 repeated falls. The incidence rate for falls was 7.6/1000 patient-days (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.6—8.5). Most patients fell while being transferred (33.9%) and while seated (21.5%), and 1.2% of falls resulted in fractures (n = 3). Increased risk of both first and multiple falls was strongly associated with initial Barthel score below 15 (hazard ratio (HR) 5.2 and 4.5, respectively) and time since stroke onset ≥12 weeks (HR 2.3 and 2.3, respectively). First falls were significantly associated with visuo-spatial neglect (HR 1.5). Repeated falls were related to age greater than 65 years (HR 1.4). Conclusions: Patients with severe stroke-related disability in the early period after stroke are prone to falls during rehabilitation. Multiple falls are most frequent in patients over 65 years of age.
Japanese University Leaders' Perceptions of Internationalization
Authors: Yonezawa Akiyoshi , Akiba Hiroko , Hirouchi Daisuke 
Published: January 2009

To promote sustainable development within the global knowledge-based society, the Japanese government is urging the nation's higher education institutions to internationalize. Although a select number of Japanese universities are highly regarded in world university rankings, many observers argue that the majority of Japanese higher education institutions are not sufficiently internationalized compared with those of other industrialized countries. However, the dynamics and structure of internationalization is highly diverse, and well considered policy initiatives are required to guide and foster the process in respective institutions. Based on a comprehensive survey of reviews of internationalization in Japanese universities, this article examines the perceptions of Japanese university leaders in terms of the extent to which they reflect an “international” character. The present context and possible roles of government and institutions for internationalization in Japanese higher education are also explored.
A simplified, robust, and streamlined procedure for the production of C. eleganstransgenes via recombineering
Authors: Zhang Yue , Nash Lindsey , Fisher Alfred L 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful system to study biologic questions ranging from development to aging. The generation of transgenic animals is an important experimental tool and allows use of GFP fusion proteins to study the expression of genes of interest or generation of epitope tagged versions of specific genes. Transgenes are often generated by placing a promoter upstream of a reporter gene or cDNA. This often produces a representative expression pattern, but important exceptions have been observed. To better capture the genuine expression pattern and timing, several investigators have modified large pieces of DNA carried by BACs or fosmids for use in the construction of transgenic animals via recombineering. However, these techniques are not in widespread use despite the advantages when compared to traditional approaches. Additionally, some groups have encountered problems with employing these techniques. Hence, we sought identify ways to improve the simplicity and reliability of the procedure.

Results
We describe here several important modifications we have made to existing protocols to make the procedure simpler and more robust. Among these are the use of galK gene as a selection marker for both the positive and negative selection steps in recombineering, the use of R6K based plasmids which eliminate the need for extensive PCR product purification, a means to integrate the unc-119 marker on to the fosmid backbone, and placement of homology arms to commonly used GFP and TAP fusion genes flanking the galK cassette which reduces the cost of oligos by 50%.

Conclusion
We have made several significant changes that allow the production of C. elegans transgenes from a commercially available fosmid library in a robust and streamlined manner. These changes make the technique more attractive especially to small academic labs unfamiliar with recombineering.
Medicago truncatula and Glomus intraradices gene expression in cortical cells harboring arbuscules in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Gomez S Karen , Javot Hélène , Deewatthanawong Prasit , Torres-Jerez Ivone , Tang Yuhong , Blancaflor Elison B , Udvardi Michael K , Harrison Maria J 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Most vascular flowering plants have the capacity to form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The symbiosis develops in the roots where AM fungi colonize the root cortex and form arbuscules within the cortical cells. Arbuscules are enveloped in a novel plant membrane and their establishment requires the coordinated cellular activities of both symbiotic partners. The arbuscule-cortical cell interface is the primary functional interface of the symbiosis and is of central importance in nutrient exchange. To determine the molecular events the underlie arbuscule development and function, it is first necessary to identify genes that may play a role in this process. Toward this goal we used the Affymetrix GeneChip® Medicago Genome Array to document the M. truncatula transcript profiles associated with AM symbiosis, and then developed laser microdissection (LM) of M. truncatula root cortical cells to enable analyses of gene expression in individual cell types by RT-PCR.

Results
This approach led to the identification of novel M. truncatula and G. intraradices genes expressed in colonized cortical cells and in arbuscules. Within the arbuscule, expression of genes associated with the urea cycle, amino acid biosynthesis and cellular autophagy was detected. Analysis of gene expression in the colonized cortical cell revealed up-regulation of a lysine motif (LysM)-receptor like kinase, members of the GRAS transcription factor family and a symbiosis-specific ammonium transporter that is a likely candidate for mediating ammonium transport in the AM symbiosis.

Conclusion
Transcript profiling using the Affymetrix GeneChip® Medicago Genome Array provided new insights into gene expression in M. truncatula roots during AM symbiosis and revealed the existence of several G. intraradices genes on the M. truncatula GeneChip®. A laser microdissection protocol that incorporates low-melting temperature Steedman's wax, was developed to enable laser microdissection of M. truncatula root cortical cells. LM coupled with RT-PCR provided spatial gene expression information for both symbionts and expanded current information available for gene expression in cortical cells containing arbuscules.
Differential effectiveness of Serratia plymuthica IC1270-induced systemic resistance against hemibiotrophic and necrotrophic leaf pathogens in rice
Authors: De Vleesschauwer David , Chernin Leonid , Höfte Monica M 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundInduced resistance is a state of enhanced defensive capacity developed by a plant reacting to specific biotic or chemical stimuli. Over the years, several forms of induced resistance have been characterized, including systemic acquired resistance, which is induced upon localized infection by an avirulent necrotizing pathogen, and induced systemic resistance (ISR), which is elicited by selected strains of nonpathogenic rhizobacteria. However, contrary to the relative wealth of information on inducible defense responses in dicotyledoneous plants, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying induced resistance phenomena in cereal crops is still in its infancy. Using a combined cytomolecular and pharmacological approach, we analyzed the host defense mechanisms associated with the establishment of ISR in rice by the rhizobacteriumSerratia plymuthicaIC1270.ResultsIn a standardized soil-based assay, root treatment with IC1270 rendered foliar tissues more resistant to the hemibiotrophic pathogenMagnaporthe oryzae, causal agent of the devastating rice blast disease. Analysis of the cytological and biochemical alterations associated with restriction of fungal growth in IC1270-induced plants revealed that IC1270 primes rice for enhanced attacker-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autofluorescent phenolic compounds in and near epidermal cells displaying dense cytoplasmic granulation. Similar, yet more abundant, phenotypes of hypersensitively dying cells in the vicinity of fungal hyphae were evident in a gene-for-gene interaction with an avirulentM. oryzaestrain, suggesting that IC1270-inducible ISR and R protein conditioned effector-triggered immunity (ETI) target similar defense mechanisms. Yet, this IC1270-inducible ISR response seems to act as a double-edged sword within the rice defense network as induced plants displayed an increased vulnerability to the necrotrophic pathogensRhizoctonia solaniandCochliobolus miyabeanus. Artificial enhancement of ROS levels in inoculated leaves faithfully mimicked the opposite effects of IC1270 bacteria on aforementioned pathogens, suggesting a central role for oxidative events in the IC1270-induced resistance mechanism.ConclusionBesides identifying ROS as modulators of antagonistic defense mechanisms in rice, this work reveals the mechanistic similarities betweenS. plymuthica-mediated ISR and R protein-dictated ETI and underscores the importance of using appropriate innate defense mechanisms when breeding for broad-spectrum rice disease resistance.
Capillary hemangioma of cauda equina: a case report
Authors: Miri Seyed M , Habibi Zohreh , Hashemi Mohammad , Meybodi Ali T , Tabatabai Seyed Ali F 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Capillary hemangiomas of spinal nerve root, mostly affecting the cauda equina, are extremely rare.

Case presentation
A 20-year old man was presented with back pain, radiculopathy, and urogenital symptoms. Magnetic resonance images revealed an intradural extramedullary mass, isointense in T1-weighted and hyperintense in T2-weighted images, with noticeable post injection enhancement. The clinical and radiological findings simulated neurinoma.
However, a pinkish lesion was removed surgically and histopathological examination revealed lobules of capillary vessels separated by fibrous tissue, suggesting capillary hemangioma.

Conclusion
Although rare and sometimes indistinguishable from more common lesion, capillary hemangioma should be in differential diagnosis of any enhancing intradural extramedullary mass at the level of cauda equina or conus medullaris.
Cisplatin and Etoposide in Childhood Germ Cell Tumor: Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society Protocol GCT-91
Authors: Lopes Luiz Fernando , Macedo Carla Renata Pacheco , Pontes Elitânia Marinho , dos Santos Aguiar Simone , Mastellaro Maria José , Melaragno Renato , Vianna Sonia Maria Rossi , Lopes Paula Azevedo Allemand , Mendonça Nubia , de Assis Almeida Maria Teresa , Sonaglio Viviane , Ribeiro Karina B. , Santana Victor M. , Schneider Dominik T. , de Camargo Beatriz 
Published: January 2009

Purpose In 1988, we formed a consortium of Brazilian institutions to develop uniform standards for the diagnostic assessment and multidisciplinary treatment of children and adolescents with germ cell tumors. We also implemented the first childhood Brazilian germ cell tumor protocol, GCT-91, evaluating two-agent chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide (PE). We now report on the clinical characteristics and survival of children and adolescents with germ cell tumors treated on this protocol. Patients and Methods From May 1991 to April 2000, 115 patients (106 assessable patients) were enrolled onto the Brazilian protocol with a diagnosis of germ cell tumor. Results Patients were treated with surgery only (n = 35) and chemotherapy (n = 71). Important prognostic factors included stage (P = .025), surgical procedure at diagnosis according to resectability (P < .032), and abnormal lactate dehydrogenase value at diagnosis (P < .001). Conclusion The improvement in survival by the introduction of a standard protocol is an important achievement. This is of particular importance for smaller institutions with previous limited experience in the treatment of childhood germ cell tumors. In addition, the results of a two-agent regimen with PE were favorable (5-year overall survival rate is 83.3% for patients in the high-risk group [n = 36] who received PE v 58.8% for patients in the high-risk patients group who received PE plus ifosfamide, vinblastine, and bleomycin [n = 17; P = .017]). Thus for selected patients, complex three-agent regimens may not be necessary to achieve long-term survival, even for some patients with advanced disease.
Prevention, Screening, and Surveillance Care for Breast Cancer Survivors Compared With Controls: Changes from 1998 to 2002
Authors: Snyder Claire F. , Frick Kevin D. , Kantsiper Melinda E. , Peairs Kimberly S. , Herbert Robert J. , Blackford Amanda L. , Wolff Antonio C. , Earle Craig C. 
Published: January 2009

Purpose To examine how care for breast cancer survivors compares with controls. Patients and Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database, we examined five cohorts of stages 1 to 3 breast cancer survivors diagnosed from 1998 to 2002. For each survivor cohort (defined by diagnosis year), we calculated the number of visits to oncology specialists, primary care providers (PCPs), and other physicians and the percentage who received influenza vaccination, cholesterol screening, colorectal cancer screening, bone densitometry, and mammography during survivorship year 1 (days 366 to 730 postdiagnosis). We compared survivors' care to that of five cohorts of screening controls who were matched to survivors on age, ethnicity, sex, and region and who had a mammogram in the survivor's year of diagnosis and to that of five cohorts of comorbidity controls who were matched on age, ethnicity, sex, region, and comorbidity. We examined whether survivors' care was associated with the mix of physician specialties that were visited. Results A total of 23,731 survivors were matched with 23,731 screening controls and 23,396 comorbidity controls. There was no difference in trends over time in PCP visits between survivors and either control group. The survivors' rate of increase in other physician visits was greater than screening controls (P = .002) but was no different from comorbidity controls. Survivors were less likely to receive preventive care than screening controls but were more likely than comorbidity controls. Trends over time in survivors' care tended to be better than screening controls but were no different than comorbidity controls. Survivors who visited both a PCP and oncology specialist were most likely to receive recommended care. Conclusion Involvement by both PCPs and oncology specialists can facilitate appropriate care for survivors.
Providing Research Results to Participants: Attitudes and Needs of Adolescents and Parents of Children With Cancer
Authors: Fernandez Conrad Vincent , Gao Jun , Strahlendorf Caron , Moghrabi Albert , Pentz Rebecca Davis , Barfield Raymond Carlton , Baker Justin Nathaniel , Santor Darcy , Weijer Charles , Kodish Eric 
Published: January 2009

Purpose There is an increasing demand for researchers to provide research results to participants. Our aim was to define an appropriate process for this, based on needs and attitudes of participants. Methods A multicenter survey in five sites in the United States and Canada was offered to parents of children with cancer and adolescents with cancer. Respondents indicated their preferred mode of communication of research results with respect to implications; timing, provider, and content of the results; reasons for and against providing results; and barriers to providing results. Results Four hundred nine parents (including 19 of deceased children) and 86 adolescents responded. Most parents (n = 385; 94.2%) felt that they had a strong right to research results. For positive results, most wanted a letter or e-mail summary (n = 238; 58.2%) or a phone call followed by a letter (n = 100; 24.4%). If the results were negative, phone call (n = 136; 33.3%) or personal visits (n = 150; 36.7%) were preferred. Parents wanted the summary to include long-term sequelae and suggestions for participants (n = 341; 83.4%), effect on future treatments (n = 341; 83.4%), and subsequent research steps (n = 284; 69.5%). Understanding the researcher was a main concern about receiving results (n = 145; 35.5%). Parents felt that results provide information to support quality of life (n = 315; 77%) and raise public awareness of research (n = 282; 68.9%). Adolescents identified similar preferences. Conclusion Parents of children with cancer and adolescents with cancer feel strongly that they have a right to be offered research results and have specific preferences of how and what information should be communicated.