bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rate of intersexual interactions affects injury likelihood in Tasmanian devil contact networks
Authors: Hamilton David G , Jones Menna E , Cameron Elissa Z , McCallum Hamish , Storfer Andrew , Hohenlohe Paul A , Hamede Rodrigo K 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Identifying the types of contacts that result in disease transmission is important for accurately modeling and predicting transmission dynamics and disease spread in wild populations. We investigated contacts within a population of adult Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) over a 6-month period and tested whether individual-level contact patterns were correlated with accumulation of bite wounds. Bite wounds are important in the spread of devil facial tumor disease, a clonal cancer cell line transmitted through direct inoculation of tumor cells when susceptible and infected individuals bite each other. We used multimodel inference and network autocorrelation models to investigate the effects of individual-level contact patterns, identities of interacting partners, and position within the social network on the propensity to be involved in bite-inducing contacts. We found that males were more likely to receive potentially disease-transmitting bite wounds than females, particularly during the mating season when males spend extended periods mate-guarding females. The number of bite wounds individuals received during the mating season was unrelated to any of the network metrics examined. Our approach illustrates the necessity for understanding which contact types spread disease in different systems to assist the management of this and other infectious wildlife diseases.
Not Achieving Sustained Viral Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus After Treatment Leads to Worsening Patient-reported Outcomes
Authors: Younossi Zobair M , Stepanova Maria , Jacobson Ira , Muir Andrew J , Pol Stanislas , Zeuzem Stefan , Younes Ziad , Herring Robert , Lawitz Eric , Younossi Issah , Racila Andrei 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
The causative relationship between the clearance of infections and long-term, health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) improvements in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been generally accepted. The aim of this study was to assess long-term HRQL trends in HCV patients who did not achieve sustained virologic responses (SVRs) after treatment with direct-acting antivirals.

Methods
HCV patients who completed treatment in clinical trials and did not achieve SVRs were enrolled in a long-term registry (#NCT01457768). HRQL scores were prospectively collected using the short form–36 instrument (8 HRQL domains and 2 summary scores).

Results
There were 242 patients included: they had a median age of 54 years (standard deviation ± 8 years), 85% were male, and 38% had cirrhosis. Before treatment, patients’ HRQL scores were similar to the general population norms (all 1-sided P &gt; 0.05), but were followed by significant decreases by the end of treatment (−3.4 to −6.2 points; P &lt; .05 for 5/8 HRQL domains and mental summary). By the time subjects entered the registry, all but 1 of the mean HRQL scores had returned to their pretreatment levels (P &gt; .05). During subsequent periods in the registry, patients experienced further HRQL decrements: up to −9.2 points (P &lt; .05 for all HRQL domains) at Week 24 and up to −8.3 points (P &lt; .05 for 5/8 HRQL domains) at Week 48. Although these HRQL decrements were observed regardless of cirrhosis status, they were more pronounced in patients with cirrhosis (P &lt; .05 for 3/8 HRQL domains).

Conclusions
Patients who did not achieve an SVR after treatment experienced worsening HRQL scores in long-term follow-ups. Retreatment of these patients will be important not only to improve their clinical outcomes, but also their quality of life.
Genetic Network Analysis to Assess the Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Seeking Partners on the Internet
Authors: Martin Thomas C S , Chaillon Antoine , Graves Susannah K , Lin Timothy , Gianella Sara , Smith Davey M , Little Susan J , Hoenigl Martin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Online partner seeking (OPS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with increased risk behavior including frequency of unprotected anal intercourse, number of partners, and incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the impact on transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is uncertain.

Methods
MSM diagnosed with acute and early HIV infection were recruited from the Primary Infection Resource Consortium. HIV transmission events in the year following infection were inferred using estimated date of infection combined with genetic network analysis with linked sequences defined as ≤0.015 sequences/site difference in the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) pol coding region. Participants completed a detailed baseline questionnaire including reported methods of meeting sexual partners, including OPS, in the prior 3 months, and regression was performed with inferred transmission as the outcome.

Results
From 147 MSM who completed the questionnaire, there were an associated 20 inferred HIV transmissions. No association with OPS was found (odds ratio, 0.64 [95% confidence interval, .24–1.69]; P = .37), though individuals who reported OPS were more likely to have reported a greater number of partners (P = .003) and prior STIs (P = .002). Geospatial analysis did not indicate that OPS was associated with increased geographical reach of the user (P = .68).

Conclusions
Individuals reporting OPS did not have increased odds of inferred HIV-1 transmission in the year following infection using genetic linkage analysis despite apparently increased risk behavior. OPS also did not increase the geographic distance between genetically clustered HIV infections, suggesting that individuals mainly use the internet to meet partners in their local region.
Contribution of Genetic Background and Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti–human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Drugs (D:A:D) Clinical Risk Score to Chronic Kidney Disease in Swiss HIV-infected Persons With Normal Baseline Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Dietrich Léna G , Barceló Catalina , Thorball Christian W , Ryom Lene , Burkhalter Felix , Hasse Barbara , Furrer Hansjakob , Weisser Maja , Steffen Ana , Bernasconi Enos , Cavassini Matthias , de Seigneux Sophie , Csajka Chantal , Fellay Jacques , Ledergerber Bruno , Tarr Philip E 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the relative contribution of genetic background, clinical risk factors, and antiretrovirals to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown.

Methods
We applied a case-control design and performed genome-wide genotyping in white Swiss HIV Cohort participants with normal baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR &gt;90 mL/minute/1.73 m2). Univariable and multivariable CKD odds ratios (ORs) were calculated based on the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) score, which summarizes clinical CKD risk factors, and a polygenic risk score that summarizes genetic information from 86 613 single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Results
We included 743 cases with confirmed eGFR drop to &lt;60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (n = 144) or ≥25% eGFR drop to &lt;90 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (n = 599), and 322 controls (eGFR drop &lt;15%). Polygenic risk score and D:A:D score contributed to CKD. In multivariable analysis, CKD ORs were 2.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55–2.97) in participants in the fourth (most unfavorable) vs first (most favorable) genetic score quartile; 1.94 (95% CI, 1.37–2.65) in the fourth vs first D:A:D score quartile; and 2.98 (95% CI, 2.02–4.66), 1.70 (95% CI, 1.29–2.29), and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.45–2.40), per 5 years of exposure to atazanavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, respectively. Participants in the first genetic score quartile had no increased CKD risk, even if they were in the fourth D:A:D score quartile.

Conclusions
Genetic score increased CKD risk similar to clinical D:A:D score and potentially nephrotoxic antiretrovirals. Irrespective of D:A:D score, individuals with the most favorable genetic background may be protected against CKD.
Mechanical and clinical evaluation of the effect of microscrew on root proximity and cortical bone thickness
Authors: Tsatalis Andrea E , Watanabe Keiichiro , Mitchell Bobby , Kim Do-Gyoon , Lee Damian J , Zheng Fengyuan , Kyung Hee-Moon , Deguchi Toru 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackground/ObjectivesPrimary stability is required for successful use of microscrew. This study investigated correlations among biomechanical, morphological, and clinical values in relationship to root contact and different placement locations.Materials/MethodsThirty-three microscrews were placed between the molars (n = 18) or in the body of the mandible (n = 15) in three pigs. Insertion torque, Periotest, resonance frequency analysis (RFA), and static and dynamic stiffness were measured. Cone beam computed tomography was performed before and after the insertion of microscrews. Interproximal microscrews were divided into root contacted microscrews (n = 9) and non-root contact microscrews (n = 9). Factorial analysis of variance was conducted, with significance set at P &lt; 0.05.ResultsA significant difference was observed between bodily and root contacted microscrews in Periotest, RFA, static and dynamic stiffness, Tanδ, and bone density (RFA, P = 0.045; all others, P &lt; 0.001). A significant difference was observed between bodily and non-root contact microscrews in Periotest, RFA, and bone density (RFA, P = 0.025; all others, P &lt; 0.001). A significant difference was observed in static (P = 0.01) and dynamic (P = 0.038) stiffness between microscrews with and without contact. Dynamic stiffness (P = 0.02) and Tanδ (P = 0.03) showed significant correlations with Periotest results only in bodily microscrews.LimitationsSince a pig bone was used, some differences in the quality and quantity of the bone might be observed between humans.Conclusions/ImplicationsStiffness values distinguished between microscrews with and without contact. Periotest and RFA results indicated that bodily microscrews were more stable than interproximal microscrews. Periotest and RFA may be useful with large, microscrews and/or in thick cortical bone, but further investigation is required to determine the stability of interproximal microscrews.
A Dictator’s Gift: Dominant party regimes and health expenditures
Authors: Yan Huang-Ting , Lin Yu-Chun 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
A country’s health expenditure significantly improves its population health status. This study aims to examine the determinants of health expenditure in dictatorships.

Methods
We designed a mixed methods research approach. First, we used panel data from 1995 to 2014 covering 99 countries (n = 1488). Fixed effects regression models were fitted to determine how different types of authoritarianism relate to health expenditure. Second, we chose Ivory Coast to apply the synthetic control methods for a case study. We constructed a synthetic Ivory Coast, combining other dominant party regimes to resemble the values of health expenditure predictors for Ivory Coast prior to a regime change from a dominant party system to personalist dictatorships in 2000.

Results
We found that dominant party autocracies, compared with non-dominant party regimes, increased health expenditure (% of GDP) (1.36 percentage point increase, CI = 0.59–2.12). The marginal effect, however, decreased when an autocrat in this type of regime held elections (0.86 percentage point decrease, CI = 0.20–1.52). Furthermore, we found the difference in health expenditure between the actual Ivory Coast and its synthetic version starts to grow following the regime change in 2000 (in 2000, actual: 6.00%, synthetic: 6.04%; in 2001, actual: 4.85%, synthetic: 5.99%), suggesting a pronounced negative effect of the government transition on Ivory Coast health expenditure.

Conclusion
The findings suggest that different forms of dictatorship are associated with varying levels of health expenditure. Where dictatorships rely on popular support, as is the case with dominant party dictatorships, health expenditure is generally greater.
Medical schools, primary care and family medicine: clerkship directors’ perceptions of the current environment
Authors: Porter Maribeth , Fe Agana Denny , Hatch Robert , Datta Susmita , Carek Peter J 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
The culture at a medical school and the positive experiences in primary care clerkships influence student specialty choice. This choice is significant if the demand for primary care physicians is to be met. The aim of this study was to examine family medicine clerkship directors’ perceptions of the medical school environment.

Methods
Data were collected as part of the 2015 Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance Family Medicine Clerkship Director survey. Questions asked included how clerkship directors perceived the environment of their medical school towards family medicine, has the environment towards family medicine changed between 2010 and 2015, do they take action to influence student attitudes towards family medicine and whether faculty members in other departments make negative comments about family medicine.

Results
The response rate was 79.4%. While most respondents indicated the environment of their medical school has become more positive towards family medicine, a majority of clerkship directors perceived the environment to be either very much against, slightly against or indifferent towards family medicine. Nearly one-half (41.4%) of the clerkship directors were notified more than once a year that a faculty member of another department made a negative comment about family medicine. Results varied among regions of the USA and between schools located in the USA and Canada.

Conclusion
Family medicine clerkship directors often perceived negativity towards family medicine, a finding that may limit the effectiveness of academic health centres in their mission to better serve their community and profession.
Discriminating Between Models of Ambiguity Attitude: a Qualitative Test
Authors: Cubitt Robin , van de Kuilen Gijs , Mukerji Sujoy 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDuring recent decades, many new models have emerged in pure and applied economic theory according to which agents’ choices may be sensitive to ambiguity in the uncertainty that faces them. The exchange between Epstein (2010) and Klibanoff et al. (2012) identified a notable behavioral issue that distinguishes sharply between two classes of models of ambiguity sensitivity that are importantly different. The two classes are exemplified by the α-maxmin expected utility (MEU) model and the smooth ambiguity model, respectively; and the issue is whether or not a desire to hedge independently resolving ambiguities contributes to an ambiguity-averse agent's preference for a randomized act. Building on this insight, we implement an experiment whose design provides a qualitative test that discriminates between the two classes of models. Among subjects identified as ambiguity sensitive, we find greater support for the class exemplified by the smooth ambiguity model; the relative support is stronger among subjects identified as ambiguity averse. This finding has implications for applications that rely on specific models of ambiguity preference.
Risk Factors Analysis for Human Cytomegalovirus Viremia in Donor+/Recipient+ Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yang Rong , Zhang Runan , Zhang Yanyue , Huang Yaping , Liang Hanying , Gui Genyong , Gong Shengnan , Wang Huiqi , Xu Min , Fan Jun 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT

Objective
To assess the rate of, and risk factors for, human cytomegalovirus viremia (HCMV) in donor+/recipient+ (HCMV serostatus matched) hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients.

Methods
HCMV DNA from 144 donor+/recipient+ HSCT recipients was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results
The cumulative incidence of HCMV viremia was 69.4% (100/144) during the 48 weeks after HSCT. In a multivariate analysis, acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was discovered to be a risk factor for the occurrence of HCMV viremia (P = .006). The cumulative incidence of HCMV viremia and increasing DNA loads were significantly associated with aGVHD occurrence (P = .001 for each). The occurrence of late-term HCMV viremia was associated with aGVHD (P = .001) and a higher DNA load during the first 12 weeks after HSCT (P = .04).

Conclusions
aGVHD is a risk factor for HCMV viremia. Recipients with aGVHD who have a high HCMV DNA load should be strictly monitored to prevent HCMV activation.
Current knowledge on the etiology and epidemiology of Scopulariopsis infections
Authors: Pérez-Cantero Alba , Guarro Josep 
Published: April 2019

AbstractScopulariopsis is a common fungus in the environment, characterized by its intrinsic resistance to the available antifungal drugs. Around 70 cases of infection by this fungus have been described in the literature. Pulmonary and disseminated infections are the most common and their treatment is difficult; therefore, very diverse approaches have been taken, with varied results. A successful outcome has been reported in only a few cases, generally attributed to a multitreatment strategy combining medical and surgical procedures that ultimately led to the resection of the infected tissue if possible, identification of the mould, and an aggressive long-term antifungal therapy. Although most of the infections are caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, a few other species have also been linked to these cases, although molecular evidence has not been proven for all of them. On this basis, more knowledge on the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these unusual infections would improve their management. This review aims to compile the current data on Scopulariopsis infections.
Update on testing the isotropy of the properties of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Řípa Jakub , Shafieloo Arman 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Previously, we proposed a novel method to inspect the isotropy of the properties of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), such as their duration, fluences and peak fluxes at various energy bands and different time-scales, complementary to existing studies of the spatial distribution of GRBs by other authors. The method was then applied to the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) Burst Catalog containing 1591 GRBs. Except for one particular direction where we noticed some hints of violation from statistical isotropy, the rest of the data showed consistency with isotropy. In this work, we apply our method, with some minor modifications, to the updated Fermi GBM data sample containing 2266 GRBs, which is thus ∼40  per cent larger. We also test two other major GRB catalogues: the Burst And Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) Current GRB Catalog of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), containing ∼2000 bursts, and the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) GRB Catalog, containing ∼1200 bursts. The new results using the updated data are consistent with our previous findings and we find no statistically significant anisotropic feature in the observed properties of these samples of all GRBs.
6.7 GHz variability characteristics of new periodic methanol maser sources
Authors: Olech M , Szymczak M , Wolak P , Sarniak R , Bartkiewicz A 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
Discovery of periodic maser emission was an unexpected result from monitoring observations of methanol transitions in high-mass young stellar objects. We report on the detection of five new periodic sources from a monitoring program with the Torun 32 m telescope. Variability with a period of 149 to 540 d and different patterns from sinusoidal-like to intermittent was displayed. Three-dimensional structure of G59.633−0.192 determined from the time delays of burst peaks of the spectral features and high angular resolution map implies that the emission traces a disc. For this source the 6.7 GHz light curve followed the infrared variability supporting a radiative scheme of pumping. An unusual time delay of ∼80 d occurred in G30.400−0.296 could not be explained by the light travel time and may suggest a strong differentiation of physical conditions and excitation in this deeply embedded source. Our observations suggest the intermittent variability may present a simple response of maser medium to the underlying variability induced by the accretion luminosity while other variability patterns may reflect more complex changes in the physical conditions.
Relationship Between Nicotine Intake and Reward Function in Rats With Intermittent Short Versus Long Access to Nicotine
Authors: Geste Jean R , Levin Brandon , Wilks Isaac , Pompilus Marjory , Zhang Xiping , Esser Karyn A , Febo Marcelo , O’Dell Laura , Bruijnzeel Adriaan W 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Tobacco use improves mood states and smoking cessation leads to anhedonia, which contributes to relapse. Animal studies have shown that noncontingent nicotine administration enhances brain reward function and leads to dependence. However, little is known about the effects of nicotine self-administration on the state of the reward system.

Methods
To investigate the relationship between nicotine self-administration and reward function, rats were prepared with intracranial self-stimulation electrodes and intravenous catheters. The rats were trained on the intracranial self-stimulation procedure and allowed to self-administer 0.03 mg/kg/infusion of nicotine. All rats self-administered nicotine daily for 10 days (1 hour/day) and were then switched to an intermittent short access (ShA, 1 hour/day) or long access (LgA, 23 hour/day) schedule (2 days/week, 5 weeks).

Results
During the first 10 daily, 1-hour sessions, nicotine self-administration decreased the reward thresholds, which indicates that nicotine potentiates reward function. After switching to the intermittent LgA or ShA schedule, nicotine intake was lower in the ShA rats than the LgA rats. The LgA rats increased their nicotine intake over time and they gradually consumed a higher percentage of their nicotine during the light phase. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine induced a larger increase in reward thresholds (ie, anhedonia) in the LgA rats than the ShA rats. In the LgA rats, nAChR blockade with mecamylamine decreased nicotine intake for 2 hours and this was followed by a rebound increase in nicotine intake.

Conclusions
A brief period of nicotine self-administration enhances reward function and a high level of nicotine intake leads to dependence.

Implications
These animal studies indicate that there is a strong relationship between the level of nicotine intake and brain reward function. A high level of nicotine intake was more rewarding than a low level of nicotine intake and nicotine dependence was observed after long, but not short, access to nicotine. This powerful combination of nicotine reward and withdrawal makes it difficult to quit smoking. Blockade of nAChRs temporarily decreased nicotine intake, but this was followed by a large rebound increase in nicotine intake. Therefore, nAChR blockade might not decrease the use of combustible cigarettes or electronic cigarettes.