bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem Drinking by Race and Nativity: What Is Learned from Social Structural and Mental Health‐Related Data of US‐Born and Immigrant Respondents?
Authors: Lo Celia C. , Howell Rebecca J. , Cheng Tyrone C.
Published: September 2015

Background and Objectives: Although heavy drinking is considered a health risk, research demonstrates that some adults turn to alcohol in an effort to manage disabling stress or mental health problems. Race and nativity may be associated with such decisions to “self‐medicate” with alcohol. This study identified and compared links between problem drinking and social structural and mental health‐related factors for four race‐nativity groups.

Methods: Using data from the 2009 National Health Interview Survey, the final sample comprised 7,905 US‐born Whites, 390 foreign‐born Whites, 2,110 US‐born Blacks, and 193 foreign‐born Blacks. Investigated were the social structural variables of demographic factors (age, gender), socioeconomic status (employment, income, education), and social integration factors (family size, living with a partner). Mental health‐related variables included chronic mental illness and access to and use of mental health services.

Results: Overall, both types of variables were found to be associated with large‐quantity drinking and frequent binging, with the strength of association varying—for some factors—by race and/or nativity. Further, the findings indicated that, in the presence of chronic mental illness, both US‐ and foreign‐born Black Americans engaged in relatively frequent binge‐drinking when health‐care variables were controlled.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance: These results underscore the need for mental health professionals to identify co‐occurring mental illness and alcohol abuse among Black clients and, where it is found, to seek the root causes of the persistent stress that tends to accompany this co‐occurrence. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S77–S87)
Attitudes Toward Methamphetamine Use and HIV Risk Behavior in Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Benotsch Eric G. , Lance Shannon Perschbacher , Nettles Christopher D. , Koester Stephen
Published: September 2015

Background and Objectives: Methamphetamine use has been strongly associated with high‐risk sexual behaviors, and its use has been increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although the behavioral implications of methamphetamine use and sexual risk have been broadly examined, fewer studies have examined attitudes about methamphetamine use.

Methods: This study investigates the relationship between personal beliefs regarding methamphetamine use, patterns of use, and sexual risk behaviors within a sample of MSM attending a gay pride event (N= 342).

Results: A minority of MSM reported lifetime (27%) or recent (7%) methamphetamine use. Only a minority of MSM who had used methamphetamine believed that it enhanced sexual pleasure (32%) or incorporated methamphetamine use into their sexual activity (31%). Individuals who used methamphetamine during sexual activity were more likely to be recent users of the drug and more likely to engage in high‐risk behaviors. A significant minority of participants endorsed items assessing the disinhibiting effects of methamphetamine including being less likely to use a condom (35%) and less selective in their choice of partners (26%).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance: Results suggest that prevention efforts may benefit from targeting the minority of methamphetamine users who perceive methamphetamine as enhancing sexual activity and use it for this purpose. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S35–S42)
Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among Alcohol‐Using Methadone Maintained Adults
Authors: Nyamathi Adeline , Albarrán Cynthia R. , Branson Catherine , Marfisee Mary , Khalilifard Farinaz , Leake Barbara
Published: September 2015

Background: Alcohol‐using clients are considered at great risk for hepatitis and ongoing liver damage. This study explores the correlates of depression among a sample of methadone maintained treatment (MMT) adults in the Los Angeles area, and is part of a larger study on hepatitis health promotion among MMT clients who use alcohol.

Objectives: We sought to determine correlates of depressive symptoms among moderate and heavy alcohol‐using adults enrolled in methadone maintenance.

Methods: A cross‐sectional correlation study was conducted of baseline data from a randomized control trial of adults (N= 189) receiving MMT in Los Angeles. Depressive symptoms were measured with the 10‐item short‐form CES‐D.

Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that pain and social support were key correlates of depressive symptoms. More pain was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms (p= .001), while more social support was related to lower depressive symptom severity (p= .001). Having been in sufficiently poor health that a blood transfusion, clotting factors, or an organ transplant was necessary was associated with greater depressive symptomatology, as was having injected drugs in the past month (p= .024).

Conclusions: The findings from this investigation can aid clinicians in selecting clients to monitor for early signs of depression and encourage early treatment for opioid users with comorbidities.

Scientific Significance: The use of an interdisciplinary team to care for MMT clients, routinely screen for depressive symptoms, and emphasize adequate pain control is indicated. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S49–S55)
An Expanded Self‐Medication Hypothesis Based on Cognitive‐Behavioral Determinants for Heroin Abusers in Taiwan: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Sam Lee Kun‐Hua , Bowen Sarah , Oei Tian P. S. , Yen Cheng‐Fang
Published: September 2015

Background: This study proposed and examined an expanded self‐medication hypothesis (eSMH) model based on cognitive behavioral determinants, including the direct effects of negative emotional states, positive outcome expectancies and refusal self‐efficacy on heroin use, and the mediating roles of positive outcome expectancies and refusal self‐efficacy between negative emotional states and heroin use.

Methods: A total of 360 male heroin abusers were recruited from a drug abuse treatment center in Taiwan. Participants were asked to complete a set of questionnaires on frequency of heroin use, anxious/depressive mood, positive outcome expectancies, and refusal self‐efficacy. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the eSMH model.

Results: Results showed that the eSMH model displayed proper goodness‐of‐fit. Positive outcome expectancies and negative emotional status were significant predictors of heroin use, whereas refusal self‐efficacy was not a significant predictor. Additionally, positive self‐efficacy was a mediator between negative emotional status and heroin use.

Conclusion: Results support a reduced eSMH model and suggest a significant role of positive self‐efficacy in the relationship between negative affective states and heroin use. This relationship should be examined in the longitudinal study, and should be given clinical consideration in treatment of individuals struggling with heroin abuse and negative affective states. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S43–S48)
Prevalence and predictors for clinical attachment loss in adolescents in Latin America: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Morales Alicia , Carvajal Paola , Romanelli Hugo , Gómez Mariel , Loha Cristina , Esper María E. , Musso Graciela , Ardila Carlos M. , Duque Andrés , Medina Marco , Bueno Luis , Andrade Ernesto , Mendoza Carolina , Gamonal Jorge
Published: September 2015

Aim

To describe the prevalence, severity and extension of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and to study the predictors in 15‐ to 19‐year‐old adolescents from high schools in the Latin America.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional, epidemiological study was performed. The sample included 1070 high school adolescents 15–19 years of age from Santiago de Chile (Chile), Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza (Argentina), Montevideo (Uruguay), Quito (Ecuador) and Medellín (Colombia). Calibrated examiners performed full mouth, six sites per tooth clinical examination.

Results

There was a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of CAL ≥3 mm in ≥1 site was 32.6%, probing pocket depth ≥4 mm was 59.3% and bleeding on probing (BoP) ≥25% was 28.6%. The logistic regression analysis adjusted for cities revealed that smoking (OR = 1.6), attending public school (OR = 2.3) and having a BoP ≥25% (OR = 4.2) were positively associated with CAL ≥3 mm in ≥ 1 site.

Conclusion

Clinical attachment loss was prevalent in Latin America adolescents and it is associated with smoking, attendance public school and BoP.
Moving across Status Lines: Low Concern for the Ingroup and Group Identification
Authors: Kulich Clara , Lorenzi‐Cioldi Fabio , Iacoviello Vincenzo
Published: September 2015

This research examines individuals’ concern for the ingroup when they move from a socially disadvantaged inherited background (in terms of gender, ethnicity, and nationality) to a higher social standing through individual achievement. Studies 1–2 show that the status inconsistency between the disadvantaged and the achieved groups undermines concern for the disadvantaged ingroup. Studies 3–4 demonstrate that this lower concern for the ingroup is concomitant with maintaining the identification with the low‐status ingroup and the increase of the identification with the achieved group. These findings suggest that low concern for the ingroup is not explained by a decrease in identification with the disadvantaged, but rather by an increase in identification with the high‐status group.
The Collective Value of “Me” (and its Limitations): Towards a More Nuanced Understanding of Individual and Collective Coping with Prejudice
Authors: Becker Julia C. , Barreto Manuela , Kahn Kimberly B. , de Oliveira Laux Stephanie H.
Published: September 2015

Within the social identity tradition, individual and collective responses to social disadvantage are typically seen as mutually exclusive. This study (N = 120) provides a more nuanced understanding of individual and collective responses to social disadvantage by examining the ways in which women anticipate responding to “daily sexism.” We test how responses are independently related to ingroup identification, disidentification, and perceived ingroup homogeneity. Results show that women favor confronting sexism over inaction, even if that involves disparaging the ingroup. Specifically, women expect to engage in both individual and collective strategies in response to a sexist statement. Identification with women was positively associated with both collective and individual (nongroup disparaging) responses, but only collective responses related to broader intentions to engage in collective action for social change. Finally, perceived group homogeneity uniquely increased agreement with the sexist statement, endorsement of inaction, and group‐disparaging responses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Escherichia coli O121:H19 infection identified on microagglutination assay and PCR
Authors: Sakai Tomoyuki , Sawai Toshihiro , Shimizu Yasuyo , Morimune Takao , Okuda Yusuke , Maruo Yoshihiro , Iyoda Sunao , Takeuchi Yoshihiro
Published: September 2015

Non‐O157 Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are increasingly recognized as foodborne pathogens that trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The detection and isolation of these strains is important, but distinguishing their bacteriological profiles is difficult. A 2‐year‐old girl developed HUS with mild renal involvement 22 days after consuming barbecued meat. Clinical and laboratory findings gradually improved without specific treatment. Because neither enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) nor Shiga toxins were detected in stool cultures in a clinical laboratory and the patient tested negative for circulating antibodies to O157 lipopolysaccharide, the case was initially diagnosed as probable atypical HUS. Subsequent serodiagnostic microagglutination assay and polymerase chain reaction‐based molecular testing, however, indicated the presence of the EHEC O121:H19 strain with stx2. Thus, to correctly diagnose and treat HUS, a system for detecting non‐O157 STEC in a clinical setting is urgently needed.
Abscisic acid‐induced gene expression in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha is mediated by evolutionarily conserved promoter elements
Authors: Ghosh Totan K. , Kaneko Midori , Akter Khaleda , Murai Shuhei , Komatsu Kenji , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Yamato Katsuyuki T. , Kohchi Takayuki , Takezawa Daisuke
Published: September 2015

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone widely distributed among members of the land plant lineage (Embryophyta), regulating dormancy, stomata closure and tolerance to environmental stresses. In angiosperms (Magnoliophyta), ABA‐induced gene expression is mediated by promoter elements such as the G‐box‐like ACGT‐core motifs recognized by bZIP transcription factors. In contrast, the mode of regulation by ABA of gene expression in liverworts (Marchantiophyta), representing one of the earliest diverging land plant groups, has not been elucidated. In this study, we used promoters of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha dehydrin and the wheat Em genes fused to the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene to investigate ABA‐induced gene expression in liverworts. Transient assays of cultured cells of Marchantia indicated that ACGT‐core motifs proximal to the transcription initiation site play a role in the ABA‐induced gene expression. The RY sequence recognized by B3 transcriptional regulators was also shown to be responsible for the ABA‐induced gene expression. In transgenic Marchantia plants, ABA treatment elicited an increase in GUS expression in young gemmalings, which was abolished by simultaneous disruption of the ACGT‐core and RY elements. ABA‐induced GUS expression was less obvious in mature thalli than in young gemmalings, associated with reductions in sensitivity to exogenous ABA during gametophyte growth. In contrast, lunularic acid, which had been suggested to function as an ABA‐like substance, had no effect on GUS expression. The results demonstrate the presence of ABA‐specific response mechanisms mediated by conserved cis‐regulatory elements in liverworts, implying that the mechanisms had been acquired in the common ancestors of embryophytes.
Treasures in Earthen Vessels in Dostoevsky's The Idiot
Authors: WOODSON LISA
Published: September 2015

This article examines Dostoevsky's perplexing novel The Idiot through the lens of its biblical subtext of treasures contained in earthen vessels (from Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians). Images of fragile earthen vessels–porcelain teacups, clay pots, and especially the Chinese vase Myshkin breaks–occur throughout the novel, always linked to the fragility of human life. C. G. C. Turner first identified these images as references to 2 Corinthians 4:7 (Dostoevsky Studies [1985]), but assumed these references were either unconscious or did not refer to the the larger context of the Corinthian letters; since then, scholarship on The Idiot has ignored both the image of earthen vessels in the novel and its biblical origin. This article returns to the biblical subtext, examining Dostoevsky's image of fragile earthen vessels in the context of Paul's larger theological argument about the mystery of redemptive suffering that unfolds on an invisible, eternal plane rather than a visible, temporal one. Identifying several additional references to Paul's Corinthian letters in The Idiot, this article argues that Dostoevsky purposefully embedded Paul's argument about redemptive suffering in the novel as a subtle counter to the explicit and pervasive tragedy in the novel. Contrasting eternal and temporal viewpoints, Dostoevsky rests his novel on the hinge of faith, forcing his readers to interpret the novel and its theology rather than offering a comparatively simplistic resolution, as found in the end of Crime and Punishment. The Idiot thus marks a major artistic and theological step in Dostoevsky's development as a writer.
An Inexpiable Debt: Stalinist Cinema, Biopolitics, and the Discourse of Happiness
Authors: TOROPOVA ANNA
Published: September 2015

This article excavates the coentanglement of happiness and duty in Stalinist discourse by examining Soviet films of the 1930s and 1940s, including Dziga Vertov's Three Songs of Lenin (1934) and Mikhail Kalatozov's Valerii Chkalov (1941). As happiness was brought firmly into the political domain in the 1930s, cinema celebrated Stalin's dictum that “life has become more joyful” at the same time it espoused dutiful service to the state. The merging of self‐realization and self‐sacrifice at the heart of this on‐screen conception of “happiness,” I argue, bore witness to a new biopolitical modality of power which legitimized citizens’ right to a happy and prosperous life at the same time as it produced a “being‐in‐debt.” With recourse to Jacques Lacan's theories on the synergy of discourse and jouissance, this article explores how the emergence of a new form of governmentality in the Stalin era was rooted in the configuration of a new libidinal economy.
Health trends in a geriatric and special needs clinic patient population
Authors: Lee Katherine J. , Ettinger Ronald L. , Cowen Howard J. , Caplan Daniel J.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To quantify differences and recent changes in health status among patients attending the Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry (GSND) and Family Dentistry (FAMD) clinics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

Methods

A total of 388 randomly selected records from patients attending the GSND or FAMD clinics from 1996–2000 or from 2006–2010 were reviewed. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by multivariable logistic regression analyses to compare characteristics of patients across clinics.

Results

Between the two GSND cohorts, the mean number of medications reported increased from 4.0 to 6.5 (p < 0.001).  Within both cohorts, mental health conditions were significantly more prevalent among patients attending the GSND than FAMD clinic (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Within cohorts, patients seen in the GSND clinic tended to have more medical problems than patients attending the FAMD clinic, particularly mental health conditions; and medication use was more common in the recent cohort in both GSND and FAMD clinics.
Endorse or Not to Endorse: Understanding the Determinants of Newspapers’ Likelihood of Making Political Recommendations
Authors: de Leon Fernanda Leite Lopez
Published: September 2015

This article investigates the determinants of newspapers’ provision for political opinion. I empirically examine the role of newspapers’ political preferences and market competition on newspapers’ decision to make endorsements. Regression results suggest that market competition turns newspapers more likely to make endorsements. Results from a simple model show that newspapers’ ideology determine their endorsements, making partisan papers more likely to make political recommendations and endorse challengers than non‐partisan newspapers.
Soil organic carbon stock variability in the Northern Gangetic Plains of India: interaction between agro‐ecological characteristics and cropping systems
Authors: Singh V. K. , Rani M. , Dwivedi B. S. , Singh S. K. , Gupta V. K. , Majumdar K. , Mishra R. P.
Published: September 2015

Soil organic carbon (SOC) content and its spatial distribution in the Northern Gangetic Plain (NGP) Zone of India were determined to establish the cause–effect relationship between agro‐ecological characteristics, prevailing crop management practices andSOCstock. Area Spread Index (ASI) approach was used to collect soil samples from theNGPareas supporting predominant cropping systems. Exponential ordinary kriging was found most suitable geo‐statistical model for developingSOCsurface maps of theNGP. Predicted surface maps indicated that 43.7% area ofNGPhad 0.5–0.6%SOC, while the rest of the area was equally distributed with high (0.61–0.75%) and low (< 0.5%)SOCcontent levels. Averaged across cropping systems, maximumSOCcontent was recorded in Bhabar and Tarai Zone (BTZ), followed by Central Plain Zone (CPZ), Mid‐Western Plain Zone (MWPZ), Western Plain Zone (WPZ) and South‐Western Plain Zone (SWPZ) of theNGP. TheSOCstock was above the optimum threshold (> 12.5 Mg/ha) in 97.8, 57.6 and 46.4% areas ofBTZ,CPZandMWPZ, respectively. Only 9.8 and 0.4% area ofWPZandSWPZ, respectively, hadSOCstock above the threshold value. The variation inSOCstock was attributed largely to carbon addition through recycling of organic sources, cropping systems, tillage intensity, crop or residue cover and land‐use efficiency, nutrient‐use pattern, soil texture and prevailing ecosystem. Adoption of conservation agriculture, balanced use of nutrients, inclusion of legumes in cropping systems and agro‐forestry were suggested for enhancingSOCstock in the region.
Incidence and risk factors for hemorrhagic cystitis in unmanipulated haploidentical transplant recipients
Authors: Ruggeri A. , Roth‐Guepin G. , Battipaglia G. , Mamez A.‐C. , Malard F. , Gomez A. , Brissot E. , Belhocine R. , Vekhoff A. , Lapusan S. , Isnard F. , Legrand O. , Gozlan J. , Boutolleau D. , Ledraa T. , Labopin M. , Rubio M.‐T. , Mohty M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a common complication after hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) associated with intensity of the conditioning regimen, cyclophosphamide (Cy) therapy, and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection.

Methods

We analyzed 33 consecutive haploidentical (haplo) HSCT recipients transplanted for hematologic diseases. Eleven patients had a previous transplant. Median follow‐up was 11 months. Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine + mycophenolate mofetil and post‐HSCT Cy.

Results

Thirty‐two of 33 patients achieved neutrophil recovery. Cumulative incidence (CI) of platelet recovery was 65%. CI grade II–IV acute GVHD was 44%. Twenty patients developed HC in a median time of 38 days. CI of HC at day 180 was 62%. BKPyV was positive in blood and urine of 91% of patients at HC onset. HC resolved in 18/20 patients. Factors associated with HC were previous transplant (P = 0.01) and occurrence of cytomegalovirus reactivation before HC (P = 0.05). Grade II–IV acute GVHD was not associated with HC (P = 0.62). CI of day 180 viral infections was 73%. Two‐year overall survival (OS) was 50%; HC did not impact OS (P = 0.29).

Conclusion

The incidence of HC after haplo with post‐HSCT Cy is high and is associated with morbidity, especially in high‐risk patients such as those with a previous transplant history and with impaired immune reconstitution.
Occurrence of adverse events caused by valganciclovir as pre‐emptive therapy for cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is reduced by low‐dose administration
Authors: Takahata M. , Hashino S. , Nishio M. , Sugita J. , Shigematsu A. , Onozawa M. , Fujimoto K. , Endo T. , Kondo T. , Tanaka J. , Imamura M. , Teshima T.
Published: September 2015

Background

Pre‐emptive therapy with valganciclovir (VGCV) has become the standard therapy for preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The effectiveness of low‐dose VGCV (900 mg per day) has been shown to be equal to that of standard‐dose VGCV (900 mg twice daily); however, individualized optimal dosing and toxicity of VGCV have not been reported.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the optimal dose of VGCV as pre‐emptive therapy for preventing CMV infection by comparing the frequency of adverse events (AEs) and clinical efficacy in a low‐dose VGCV group with those in a standard‐dose VGCV group. Thirty‐eight patients who were administered VGCV because of CMV antigenemia after HSCT were analyzed.

Results

Neutropenia (standard‐dose group: 33%, low‐dose group: 15%, P = 0.26) and thrombocytopenia (standard‐dose group: 39%, low‐dose group: 15%, P = 0.14) were frequent AEs of VGCV, and a significantly higher frequency of overall AEs was detected in the standard‐dose group than in the low‐dose group (P < 0.01). In comparison of dosage based on weight, dosage of VGCV >27 mg/kg was closely related to onset of AEs (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Low‐dose VGCV was not inferior in clinical efficacy, including clearance rate of CMV antigenemia and incidence of consequent CMV disease, to standard‐dose VGCV as was previously reported. Initial low‐dose VGCV for pre‐emptive CMV therapy markedly reduces hematologic toxicity and has clinical efficacy equivalent to that of standard‐dose VGCV. It is therefore reasonable for patients, except for noticeably overweight patients, to be given initial low‐dose VGCV.
The work of waste: inside India's infra‐economy
Authors: Gidwani Vinay
Published: September 2015

My essay focuses on the marginalised people whose livelihoods depend on gathering, sorting, transporting and selling garbage in India's huge informal economy, livelihoods now challenged as municipal governments contract the recycling of waste to corporations. The evolving, bumpy geography of the waste economy creates permanent border areas of primitive accumulation and both devalorised and valorised people and places. I make a case for understanding informal sector activities, such as the work of transforming the city's detritus, as part of a vast infra‐economy and the varied forms of labour performed within heterogeneous value chains of waste transformation as infrastructural labour that produces what Marx called capital's ‘general’ and ‘external’ conditions of production. Through close examination of the spatiotemporal lattice of informal municipal solid waste recycling, I demonstrate how these economies are at once highly organised and brittle, with each node in their value chains subject to disruption by state and market forces. While relative opacity, labour intensity of tasks and dependence on embodied knowledge (metis), indeed a ‘bodily’ feel for space, give informal economies the capacity to resist external efforts to transform, subsume or eradicate them; lack of social security and employment protections also means that workers and micro‐enterprise owners within them inhabit the thin line between survival and failure, rendering them vulnerable to economic and political fluctuations. The upshot is that the labour of waste and other informal sector workers is critical for maintaining the quality of life desired by the well off in cities of the global South, but fails to get the recognition it deserves. Waste workers are poorly compensated, regularly stigmatised and frequently invisible in policy decisions. This is an enduring inequity that demands urgent correction.
Two decades of risk factors and transfusion‐transmissible infections in Dutch blood donors
Authors: Slot Ed , Janssen Mart P. , Marijt‐van der Kreek Tanneke , Zaaijer Hans L. , van de Laar Thijs J.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Risk behavior–based donor selection procedures are widely used to mitigate the risk of transfusion‐transmissible infections (TTIs), but their effectiveness is disputed in countries with low residual risks of TTIs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In 1995 to 2014, Dutch blood donors infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV), or syphilis were interviewed by trained medical counselors to identify risk factors associated with TTIs. Trends in the prevalence and incidence of TTIs were analyzed using binomial regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 972 new donors and 381 repeat donors had TTIs. New donors had higher rates of TTIs compared to repeat donors. Although the HBV and HCV prevalence gradually decreased over time, the incidence of all five TTIs remained stable during the past two decades. In new donors the TTIs had the following risk profiles: “blood‐blood contact” for HCV, “unprotected sex” for HIV and syphilis, and “country of birth” for HBV and HTLV. In infected repeat donors, sexual risk factors predominated for all TTIs. At posttest counseling, 28% of infected repeat donors admitted to risk factors leading to permanent donor exclusion if revealed during the donor selection procedure (predominantly male‐to‐male sex and recent diagnosis of syphilis).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence and incidence of TTIs among Dutch blood donors are six‐ to 60‐fold lower than in the general Dutch population, illustrating the effectiveness of donor selection procedures. However, at least a quarter of infected donors appeared noncompliant to the donor health questionnaire (DHQ), suggesting that DHQs, or the way donor questioning is implemented, can be improved.
Development and Aerothermal Investigation of Integrated Combustor Vane Concept
Authors: Jacobi Simon , Rosic Budimir
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the development and aerothermal investigation of the integrated combustor vane concept for power generation gas turbines with individual can combustors. In this novel concept, first introduced in 2010, the conventional nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) are removed and flow turning is achieved by vanes that extend the combustor walls. The concept was developed using the in-house computational fluid dyanamics (CFD) code TBLOCK. Aerothermal experiments were conducted using a modular high-speed linear cascade, designed to model the flow at the combustor–vane interface. The facility is comprised of two can combustor transition ducts and either four conventional vanes (CVs) or two integrated vanes (IVs). The experimental study validates the linear CFD simulations of the IV development. Annular full-stage CFD simulations, used to evaluate aerodynamics, heat transfer, and stage efficiency, confirm the trends of the linear numerical and experimental results, and thus demonstrate the concept's potential for real gas turbine applications. Results show a reduction of the total pressure loss coefficient at the exit of the stator vanes by more than 25% due to a reduction in profile and endwall loss. Combined with an improved rotor performance demonstrated by unsteady stage simulations, these aerodynamic benefits result in a gain in stage efficiency of above 1%. A distinct reduction in heat transfer coefficient (HTC) levels on vane surfaces, on the order of 25–50%, and endwalls is observed and attributed to an altered state of boundary layer (BL) thickness. The development of IV's endwall- and leading edge (LE)-cooling geometry shows a superior surface coverage of cooling effectiveness, and the cooling requirements for the first vane are expected to be halved. Moreover, by halving the number of vanes, simplifying the design and eliminating the need for vane LE film cooling, manufacturing and development costs can be significantly reduced.
Prototype Angle-Domain Repetitive Control-Affine Parameterization Approach
Authors: Li Perry Y.
Published: September 2015

Angle-domain repetitive disturbances refer to disturbances that are periodic in a generic angle variable which is monotonically increasing with time but not uniformly. This paper extends the classical prototype repetitive control methodology for time periodic disturbances to this situation. Instead of using an internal model approach to derive the control, an affine parameterization approach is adopted which reduces the control design methodology to one of estimating and canceling the disturbance. While the resulting control architectures are similar to the classical time-domain periodic case, the stability conditions are different and depend on the choice of signal norm. This necessitates an alternate compensator design approach for the nonminimum phase terms. Robust stability is also considered in the L2 setting and an affine Q-filter concept is introduced to achieve robust stability.
Age and hearing loss and the use of acoustic cues in fricative categorization
Authors: Scharenborg Odette , Weber Andrea , Janse Esther
Published: September 2015

This study examined the use of fricative noise information and coarticulatory cues for categorization of word-final fricatives [s] and [f] by younger and older Dutch listeners alike. Particularly, the effect of information loss in the higher frequencies on the use of these two cues for fricative categorization was investigated. If information in the higher frequencies is less strongly available, fricative identification may be impaired or listeners may learn to focus more on coarticulatory information. The present study investigates this second possibility. Phonetic categorization results showed that both younger and older Dutch listeners use the primary cue fricative noise and the secondary cue coarticulatory information to distinguish word-final [f] from [s]. Individual hearing sensitivity in the older listeners modified the use of fricative noise information, but did not modify the use of coarticulatory information. When high-frequency information was filtered out from the speech signal, fricative noise could no longer be used by the younger and older adults. Crucially, they also did not learn to rely more on coarticulatory information as a compensatory cue for fricative categorization. This suggests that listeners do not readily show compensatory use of this secondary cue to fricative identity when fricative categorization becomes difficult.
Clinical Significance and Characterization of Streptococcus tigurinus Isolates in an Adult Population
Authors: Bourassa Lori , Clarridge J. E.
Published: September 2015

Streptococcus tigurinus
is a newly described member of the
Streptococcus mitis
group. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing viridans group streptococci (VGS) by phenotype, analysis of 16S rRNA sequences is necessary for the accurate identification of most species. Through a laboratory policy of analyzing all clinically significant isolates from the VGS group by16S rRNA gene sequencing, we identified 14
S. tigurinus
isolates from 11 patients. The Vitek 2 system most commonly gave an excellent rating to an incorrect identification (e.g.,
Streptococcus mitis
), as did matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) (e.g.,
Streptococcus oralis
).
S. tigurinus
strains were recovered from numerous body sites, including the blood, peritoneal fluid, bone, synovial fluid, a perianal abscess, and an arm wound. Retrospective chart review indicated that most isolates were clinically significant, with bacteremia (
n
= 5), soft tissue infections (
n
= 3) osteomyelitis (
n
= 2), infected joint prosthesis (
n
= 2), and peritonitis (
n
= 2) being the most common, thus expanding the spectrum of disease associated with
S. tigurinus
.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Rapid Antigen Detection Tests for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chartrand Caroline , Tremblay Nicolas , Renaud Christian , Papenburg Jesse
Published: September 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) are extensively used in clinical laboratories. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of RADTs for diagnosis of RSV infection and to determine factors associated with accuracy estimates. We searched EMBASE and PubMed for diagnostic-accuracy studies of commercialized RSV RADTs. Studies reporting sensitivity and specificity data compared to a reference standard (reverse transcriptase PCR [RT-PCR], immunofluorescence, or viral culture) were considered. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics, diagnostic-accuracy estimates, and study quality. Accuracy estimates were pooled using bivariate random-effects regression models. Heterogeneity was investigated with prespecified subgroup analyses. Seventy-one articles met inclusion criteria. Overall, RSV RADT pooled sensitivity and specificity were 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76% to 83%) and 97% (95% CI, 96% to 98%), respectively. Positive- and negative-likelihood ratios were 25.5 (95% CI, 18.3 to 35.5) and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.24), respectively. Sensitivity was higher in children (81% [95% CI, 78%, 84%]) than in adults (29% [95% CI, 11% to 48%]). Because of this disparity, further subgroup analyses were restricted to pediatric data (63 studies). Test sensitivity was poorest using RT-PCR as a reference standard and highest using immunofluorescence (74% versus 88%;
P
< 0.001). Industry-sponsored studies reported significantly higher sensitivity (87% versus 78%;
P
= 0.01). Our results suggest that the poor sensitivity of RSV RADTs in adults may preclude their use in this population. Furthermore, industry-sponsored studies and those that did not use RT-PCR as a reference standard likely overestimated test sensitivity.
Molecular Testing for Plasmodium falciparum by Use of Serum or Plasma and Comparison with Microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Testing in Febrile Nigerian Patients
Authors: Waggoner Jesse J. , Okangba Chika , Mohamed-Hadley Alisha , Lefterova Martina I. , Banaei Niaz , Oyibo Wellington , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: September 2015

Plasmodium
nucleic acids have been detected in serum and plasma, but there is little published data describing the diagnostic performance of malaria nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) using these specimen types. Previously, our group described a multiplex NAAT for the detection of dengue virus,
Leptospira
, and
Plasmodium
species with a callout for
P. falciparum
(the DLM assay) that demonstrated sensitive detection of
P. falciparum
from plasma samples during initial evaluation. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of
P. falciparum
detection in febrile Nigerian patients using the DLM assay, microscopy, and a rapid diagnostic test (BinaxNOW Malaria). Assay performances were compared using a composite reference, which was considered positive if malaria was detected by two or more methods. Serum (
n
= 182) or plasma (
n
= 148) from 317 patients was tested; the average sample volume was 70 μl (range, 5 to 300 μl). The sensitivity and specificity of the DLM assay were 97.1% and 93.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of the malaria rapid diagnostic test (98.1%) was similar to that of the DLM assay, and both proved significantly more sensitive than microscopy (79%;
P
< 0.0001). When analysis was limited to samples with ≥75 μl of serum or plasma, the sensitivity of the DLM assay improved to 99% and specificity was 97.5%. For
P. falciparum
cases, cycle threshold values in the DLM assay correlated with the parasite density detected by microscopy (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient,
P
< 0.0001). In conclusion, malaria detection using the DLM assay on serum or plasma is more sensitive than and equal in specificity to microscopy in patients with
P. falciparum
malaria.
Usefulness of Adjunctive Fecal Calprotectin and Serum Procalcitonin in Individuals Positive for Clostridium difficile Toxin Gene by PCR Assay
Authors: Popiel Kristin Y. , Gheorghe Romina , Eastmond Jennifer , Miller Mark A.
Published: September 2015

In 54/64 subjects with nosocomial diarrhea, fecal calprotectin levels correlated with the results of stool samples tested for
Clostridium difficile
toxin gene by PCR. Fecal calprotectin levels can be used as an adjunctive measure to PCR to support the diagnosis of
C. difficile
infection.
Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Containing the F Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Confers Protection without Pulmonary Disease by Modulating Specific Subsets of Dendritic Cells and Effector T Cells
Authors: Kim Ki-Hye , Lee Young-Tae , Hwang Hye Suk , Kwon Young-Man , Kim Min-Chul , Ko Eun-Ju , Lee Jong Seok , Lee Youri , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: September 2015

There is no licensed vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) since the failure of formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) due to its vaccine-enhanced disease. We investigated immune correlates conferring protection without causing disease after intranasal immunization with virus-like particle vaccine containing the RSV fusion protein (F VLP) in comparison to FI-RSV and live RSV. Upon RSV challenge, FI-RSV immune mice showed severe weight loss, eosinophilia, and histopathology, and RSV reinfection also caused substantial RSV disease despite their viral clearance. In contrast, F VLP immune mice showed least weight loss and no sign of histopathology and eosinophilia. High levels of interleukin-4-positive (IL-4
+
) and tumor necrosis factor alpha-positive (TNF-α
+
) CD4
+
T cells were found in FI-RSV immune mice, whereas gamma interferon-positive (IFN-γ
+
) and TNF-α
+
CD4
+
T cells were predominantly detected in live RSV-infected mice. More importantly, in contrast to FI-RSV and live RSV that induced higher levels of CD11b
+
dendritic cells, F VLP immunization induced CD8α
+
and CD103
+
dendritic cells, as well as F-specific IFN-γ
+
and TNF-α
+
CD8
+
T cells. These results suggest that F VLP can induce protection without causing pulmonary RSV disease by inducing RSV neutralizing antibodies, as well as modulating specific subsets of dendritic cells and CD8 T cell immunity.

IMPORTANCE
It has been a difficult challenge to develop an effective and safe vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of respiratory disease. Immune correlates conferring protection but preventing vaccine-enhanced disease remain poorly understood. RSV F virus-like particle (VLP) would be an efficient vaccine platform conferring protection. Here, we investigated the protective immune correlates without causing disease after intranasal immunization with RSV F VLP in comparison to FI-RSV and live RSV. In addition to inducing RSV neutralizing antibodies responsible for clearing lung viral loads, we show that modulation of specific subsets of dendritic cells and CD8 T cells producing T helper type 1 cytokines are important immune correlates conferring protection but not causing vaccine-enhanced disease.
Palliative care conundrums in an Ebola treatment centre
Authors: Dhillon Paul , McCarthy Sinead , Gibbs Michael , Sue Kyle
Published: September 2015

We describe the treatment course and last days of a 33-year-old man from Western Africa who died from Ebola-related complications. Specifically, the issues around declaring a patient palliative in a low resource environment while dealing with a largely unknown entity, Ebola viral disease, make this an important discussion-stimulating case. The patient presented as a confirmed Ebola-positive case from a peripheral holding centre and then proceeded to deteriorate under our care. Significant neurological decline was noted and the prognosis was felt to be grim by certain providers. Other providers disagreed and a number of treatment algorithms were started and stopped during the patient's last days. He succumbed to Ebola complications after 17 days under our care.
Delayed full-thickness macular hole closure without vitreomacular traction release following ocriplasmin injection
Authors: Abou ltaif Sleiman , Herbert Luke
Published: September 2015

We report a case of a 77-year-old Caucasian woman, treated with ocriplasmin injection for vitreomacular traction (VMT) and full-thickness macular hole (FTMH), who had a persistence outer retinal defect on her 28-day review, without VMT resolution, then presented 3 months later with complete macular hole closure, with persistence of vitreomacular adhesion. This case raises the question on the validity of the 28-day fixed date to assess final outcome of ocriplasmin injection for FTMH associated with VMT, and sheds new lights on the behaviour of the posterior hyaloid in cases of vitreolysis by a chemical agent such as ocriplasmin.
Prevalence and sociodemographic risk factors of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis: a national multicentre STI survey in New Caledonia, 2012
Authors: Corsenac Philippe , Noël Martine , Rouchon Bernard , Hoy Damian , Roth Adam
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To estimate prevalence and identify sociodemographic risk factors forNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG),Chlamydia trachomatis(CT) andTreponema palliduminfections in New Caledonia.

Method

A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken using a three-stage random sampling of general practice surgeries and public dispensaries. Participants were included through opportunistic screening and using a systematic step for selection. The study sample was weighted to the general population aged 18–49 years. Prevalence and risk factors were calculated by logistic regression.

Results

CT was the most common sexually transmitted infection, with a prevalence of 9% (95% CI 6.6% to %11.4), followed by NG 3.5% (95% CI 1.9% to 5.1%), previous or latent syphilis 3% (95% CI 1.7% to 4.3%), NG and CT co-infection 2.1% (95% CI 0.8% to 3.3%) and active syphilis 0.4% (95% CI 0.0% to 0.9%). Being from a young age group (18–25 years), being single, having a low level of education and province of residence were all associated with higher prevalence of all three STIs. Being of Melanesian origin was associated with higher prevalence of both CT and NG. There was a significant interaction between ethnic group and province of residence for prevalence of CT.Female gender was associated with higher prevalence of CT.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CT was similar to estimates from other healthcare-based surveys from the Pacific, but higher for NG and lower for active syphilis infection. All sexually transmitted infections estimates were much higher than those found in population-based surveys from Europe and the USA. The sociodemographic risk factors identified in this study will help guide targeted prevention and control strategies in New Caledonia.
Reasons for non-participation in the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme: a qualitative study
Authors: Bradley Declan T , Treanor Charlene , McMullan Colin , Owen Tracy , Graham Adele , Anderson Diane
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To identify the reasons why some people do not participate in bowel cancer screening so that steps can be taken to improve informed decision-making.

Design

Qualitative study, using focus groups with thematic analysis of data to identify, analyse and report patterns. Transcripts were repeatedly read and inductively coded using a phenomenological perspective, and organised into key themes.

Setting

Belfast and Armagh, two areas of Northern Ireland with relatively low uptake of bowel cancer screening.

Participants

Ten women and 18 men in three single-gender focus groups (two male and one female), each with 9–10 participants. Study participants were recruited by convenience sampling from the general public and were eligible for, but had not taken part in, the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Results

Key themes identified were fear of cancer; the test procedure; social norms; past experience of cancer and screening; lack of knowledge or understanding about bowel cancer screening; and resulting behaviour towards the test. Fear about receiving bad news and reluctance to conduct the test themselves were reactions that participants seemed willing to overcome after taking part in open discussion about the test.

Conclusions

We identified barriers to participation in bowel cancer screening and used these insights to develop new materials to support delivery of the programme. Some of the issues raised have been identified in other UK settings, suggesting that knowledge about barriers, and strategies to improve uptake, may be generalisable.