bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Australia on track to achieve WHO HCV elimination targets following rapid initial DAA treatment uptake: A modelling study
Authors: Kwon Jisoo A. , Dore Gregory J. , Grebely Jason , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Guy Rebecca , Cunningham Evan B. , Power Cherie , Estes Chris , Razavi Homie , Gray Richard T. ,   On behalf of the HCV Estimates and Projections Reference Group
Published: September 2018

SummarySubsidized direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment recently became available to all adults living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia. Based on rapid uptake (32 600 people initiated DAA in 2016), we estimated the impact on HCV epidemiology and mortality in Australia and determined if Australia can meet the WHO HCV elimination targets by 2030. Using a mathematical model, we simulated pessimistic, intermediate and optimistic DAA treatment scenarios in Australia over 2016‐2030. We assumed treatment and testing rates were initially higher for advanced fibrosis and the same across HCV transmission risk level sub‐populations. We also assumed constant testing rates after 2016. We compared the results to the 2015 level and a counterfactual (IFN‐based) scenario. During 2016‐2030, we estimated an intermediate DAA treatment scenario (2016, 32 600 treated; 2017, 21 370 treated; 2018 17 100 treated; 2019 and beyond, 13 680 treated each year) would avert 40 420 new HCV infections, 13 260 liver‐related deaths (15 320 in viraemic; −2060 in cured) and 10 730 HCC cases, equating to a 53%, 63% and 75% reduction, respectively, compared to the IFN‐based scenario. The model also estimated that Australia will meet the WHO targets of incidence and treatment by 2028. Time to a 65% reduction in liver‐related mortality varied considerably between HCV viraemic only cases (2026) and all cases (2047). Based on a feasible DAA treatment scenario incorporating declining uptake, Australia should meet key WHO HCV elimination targets in 10 to15 years. The pre‐DAA escalation in those with advanced liver disease makes the achievement of the liver‐related mortality target difficult.
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and risk of dyslipidaemia: A cohort study
Authors: Joo Eun‐Jeong , Chang Yoosoo , Yeom Joon‐Sup , Cho Yong Kyun , Ryu Seungho 
Published: September 2018

SummaryHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been associated with a decreased prevalence of dyslipidaemia in cross‐sectional studies, but cohort studies are limited. We investigated the longitudinal effects of chronic HBV infection on the development of dyslipidaemia. We performed a cohort study of 62 287 non‐cirrhotic adult men and women free of dyslipidaemia who underwent serologic testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and were followed annually or biennially for an average of 4.46 years. A parametric proportional hazard model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident dyslipidaemia according to HBsAg seropositivity status. We identified 12 331 incident cases of hypercholesterolaemia during 278 004.4 person‐years of follow‐up (incident rate 44.4 per 1000 person‐years). In models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, year of screening exam, smoking status, alcohol intake, regular exercise and education level, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident hypercholesterolaemia, high LDL cholesterolaemia; hypertriglyceridaemia, high non‐HDL cholesterolaemia and low HDL cholesterolaemia comparing HBsAg‐positive to HBsAg‐negative participants was 0.71 (0.64‐0.79), 0.83 (0.78‐0.89), 0.61 (0.54‐0.70), 0.69 (0.63‐0.75) and 1.10 (0.98‐1.24), respectively. An inverse association between HBsAg positivity and incident high apolipoprotein B were also identified, with a corresponding a hazard ratio of 0.63 (0.55‐0.72). In a large cohort of apparently healthy Korean adults, HBsAg seropositivity was associated with lower risk of development of dyslipidaemia, suggesting a role of HBV infection in lipid metabolism.
Heidegger’s Destruktion of Theology: ‘Primordial Faith’ and ‘Recognition’ of the Messiah
Authors: Swazo Norman K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHeidegger’s phenomenology of religious life offers important insights by engaging Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, where he distinguishes ‘Paul the Pharisee’ from ‘Paul the Christian’ in order to explicate the nature of faith in contrast to systematic theology. Neither certitude in God’s existence is primordial to Christian faith, according to Heidegger, nor is rabbinic nor theological disputation concerning God’s existence or God’s nature. Instead, what is essential to Heidegger’s phenomenology of religious life are: (1) faith as lived experience and (2) recognition of ‘the Christ’ (ho christos/ha mašíaḥ). This ‘recognition’, however, requires phenomenological clarification and not philosophy of religion as traditionally construed.
Dialysis catheter management practices in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Smyth Brendan , Kotwal Sradha , Gallagher Martin , Gray Nicholas A , Polkinghorne Kevan ,   on behalf of the REDUCCTION Partnership Project
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTAimDialysis catheter‐associated infections (CAI) are a serious and costly burden on patients and the health‐care system. Many approaches to minimizing catheter use and infection prophylaxis are available and the practice patterns in Australia and New Zealand are not known. We aimed to describe dialysis catheter management practices in dialysis units in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsOnline survey comprising 52 questions, completed by representatives from dialysis units from both countries.ResultsOf 64 contacted units, 48 (75%) responded (Australia 43, New Zealand 5), representing 79% of the dialysis population in both countries. Nephrologists (including trainees) inserted non‐tunnelled catheters at 60% and tunnelled catheters at 31% of units. Prophylactic antibiotics were given with catheter insertion at 21% of units. Heparin was the most common locking solution for both non‐tunnelled (77%) and tunnelled catheters (69%), with antimicrobial locks being predominant only in New Zealand (80%). Eight different combinations of exit site dressing were in use, with an antibiotic patch being most common (35%). All units in New Zealand and 84% of those in Australia undertook CAI surveillance. However, only 51% of those units were able to provide a figure for their most recent rate of catheter‐associated bacteraemia per 1000 catheter days.ConclusionThere is wide variation in current dialysis catheter management practice and CAI surveillance is suboptimal. Increased attention to the scope and quality of CAI surveillance is warranted and further evidence to guide infection prevention is required.
In vivo phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity is controlled by CO2 and O2 mole fractions and represents a major flux at high photorespiration rates
Authors: Abadie Cyril , Tcherkez Guillaume 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Phosphenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC)‐catalysed fixation of bicarbonate to C4 acids is commonly believed to represent a rather small flux in illuminated leaves. In addition, its potential variation with O2 and CO2 is not documented and thus is usually neglected in gas‐exchange studies.

Here, we used quantitative NMR analysis of sunflower leaves labelled with 13CO2 (99% 13C) under controlled conditions and measured the amount of 13C found in the four C‐atom positions in malate, the major product of PEPC activity.

We found that amongst malate 13C‐isotopomers present after labelling, most molecules were labelled at both C‐1 and C‐4, showing the incorporation of 13C at C‐4 by PEPC fixation and subsequent redistribution to C‐1 by fumarase (malate–fumarate equilibrium). In addition, absolute quantification of 13C content showed that PEPC fixation increased at low CO2 or high O2, and represented up to 1.8 μmol m−2 s−1, that is, 40% of net assimilation measured by gas exchange under high O2/CO2 conditions.

Our results show that PEPC fixation represents a quantitatively important CO2‐fixing activity that varies with O2 and/or CO2 mole fraction and this challenges the common interpretation of net assimilation in C3 plants, where PEPC activity is often disregarded or considered to be constant at a very low rate.
Incidence of subclinical atrial fibrillation in a South Asian population
Authors: O'Neill James , Jegodzinski Lina , Tayebjee Muzahir H. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundSouth Asians have a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with Caucasians despite higher rates of conventional risk factors and a higher incidence of stroke. It is not clear whether South Asians truly experience less AF or whether this is due to underdetection of the arrhythmia. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether South Asian patients with pacemakers have a lower incidence of device‐detected subclinical episodes of AF compared with Caucasian controls.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of South Asian and Caucasian patients who underwent pacemaker implantation between 2006 and 2016. Subclinical AF episodes, detected during subsequent device clinic follow‐up visits, were identified and the occurrence of clinical AF, cerebrovascular events, and all‐cause mortality was recorded.ResultsA total of 5 648 patients underwent pacemaker implantation at the Yorkshire Heart Centre, UK, during the study period. Of these, 169 were South Asian and 72 met the eligibility criteria. The cumulative incidence of subclinical AF was significantly lower in South Asians compared with Caucasians (logrank P = 0.002) with an annual event rate of 6.9% versus 13.9%, and South Asian ethnicity was an independent predictor of a lower incidence of subclinical AF (odds ratio = 0.43; 95% confidence interval = 1.01‐5.38).ConclusionsSouth Asians with an implanted pacemaker have a lower rate of subclinical AF compared with Caucasians.
MC1R CpG island regulates MC1R expression and is methylated in a subset of melanoma tumours
Authors: Budden Timothy , Bowden Nikola A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMelanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a G protein‐coupled receptor expressed in melanocytes where it plays an important role in skin pigmentation and in the UV response, and has implications in melanoma development. Here we show that methylation of a CpG island (CGI) within the MC1R gene can control expression of MC1R in melanoma. This CGI overlaps with a potential enhancer region, and is unmethylated in normal melanocytes but highly methylated in other skin cells, suggesting a melanocyte specific function. Analysis showed that MC1R was the only gene significantly differentially expressed by methylation of this region. Within several data sets, this region is methylated in a subset of melanoma tumours (55%–74% of tumours) and results in reduced MC1R expression and significantly longer overall survival.
Combination of Natural Extracts and Photobiomodulation in Keratinocytes Subjected to UVA Radiation
Authors: Silva Elineides Santos , Machado Gabriela Benedito , Lino‐dos‐Santos‐Franco Adriana , Pavani Christiane 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNatural extracts (NE) with antioxidant properties can minimize the effects of photoaging. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has proven to be a useful tool for the modulation of cell metabolism. Here, we investigate the associations of antioxidants with PBM with the aim of promoting skin rejuvenation. We began with standardization of the experimental protocol. Extracts of chamomile, rosemary, blueberry, green tea, figs, pomegranate and nutwood were tested. A custom irradiation system (366 ± 10 nm) was used to simulate sun exposure. A light emitting diode system (640 ± 12.5 nm) was used for PBM. Viability assessments were performed by the (3‐(4,5‐Dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide) MTT assay method. Based on the results, radiant exposure to UVA was defined as 9 and 1 J cm−2 for PBM. Extract concentrations were established on the basis of dark toxicities, which ranged from 0.01% to 0.3%. The data show that PBM is a promising therapy to restore keratinocytes after UVA damage; however, the detailed mechanism and effects require further exploration. Moreover, although the combination of PBM with NE may be a useful strategy, the choice of a NE is challenging, since the working concentration and other properties, such as photosensitivity, may bring about unwanted results.
3D Bioprinting with UVA1 Radiation and Photoinitiator Irgacure 2959: Can the ASTM Standard L929 Cells Predict Human Stem Cell Cytotoxicity?
Authors: Godar Dianne E. , Gurunathan Chandra , Ilev Ilko 
Published: September 2018

Abstract3D bioprinting often involves human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) that are differentiated into the desired cells to replace body parts like ears. Scaffolds of crosslinked hydrogels offer structural support during differentiation. Different photoinitiators are used to make free radicals that photocrosslink these hydrogels; the more penetrating ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) (340–400 nm) wavelengths can be used because Irgacure 2959 only absorbs in the UV (100–400 nm) region. We questioned if the L929 mouse fibroblast cells used in the American Society for Testing Materials standard cytotoxicity assays (F895&F813) can predict the viability of hMSC after exposure to UVA1 radiation alone and in combination with Irgacure 2959 (0.05–0.5% w/v usual range). We exposed both cell types to a high dose of LED UVA1 (370 ± 5 nm; 788 kJ m−2) and side by side to increasing UVA1 doses from a glass‐filtered black light source combined with either 0.05% (w/v) or 0.5% (w/v) of Irgacure 2959 and monitored their viabilities using flow cytometry. We found UVA1 radiation alone killed ~50% of the hMSC cells compared to ~8% of the L929 cells and significantly more hMSC than L929 died after UVA1 with Irgacure 2959. Thus, L929 cannot be used to accurately predict the viability of hMSC after these specific 3D bioprinting conditions.
Frequency of occurrence of polymorphic light eruption in patients treated with photohardening and patients treated with phototherapy for other diseases
Authors: Gruber‐Wackernagel Alexandra , Hofer Angelika , Legat Franz , Wolf Peter 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundMedical phototherapy can lead to the manifestation of polymorphic light eruption (PLE), though little is known about the frequency of such events.AimsThe aim of this Austrian single center study was to retrospectively investigate over a 4‐year time period the frequency of PLE in patients prone to the condition and patients with other diseases under phototherapy (mainly narrow‐band and broad‐band UVB).Materials and MethodsThe data for analysis were obtained from the electronic health and patient record database and patient files of the Photodermatology Unit, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.ResultsPLE occurred in 24.3% (18/74) of PLE patients but only 0.7% (3/421) of psoriasis patients under phototherapy (chi‐square; P < 0.0001). PLE also occurred in 1.2% (3/257) of patients with atopic eczema, 0.8% (1/118) with prurigo, 3.5% (4/115, P = 0.0206) with parapsoriasis en plaques/mycosis fungoides, 7.4% (2/27, P = 0.0013) with granuloma anulare, 14.3% (1/7, P = 0.0002) with scleroderma, and 16.7% (1/6, P < 0.0001 vs. psoriasis) with pityriasis lichenoides chronica or pityriasis lichenoides eruptiva et varioliformis acuta.Discussion and ConclusionThese results are helpful for treatment allocation and risk estimation of PLE occurrence with regard to obtaining informed consent not only from PLE‐prone patients but also from patients with other skin disorders commonly treated by phototherapy.
Generation, characterization, perniciousness, removal and reutilization of solids in aquaculture water: a review from the whole process perspective
Authors: Bao Weijun , Zhu Songming , Jin Guang , Ye Zhangying 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe generation of solids by aquaculture activities has led to many problems in animal welfare, environmental quality, water treatment effects and public health, such as gill and intestinal damage, water eutrophication, system components blockages and antibiotics transfers through the food chain to human; thus, effective solid wastes management is very important. The purpose of this review is to summarize the sources, characterization methods, harmfulness, removal technologies and reutilization of solids in aquaculture water, including (i) different sources of solids, such as uneaten feed, feces and debris; (ii) solids characterization based on the general parameters, particle size distribution and chemical composition; (iii) the toxicity and detriment of solids to cultured species, the environment, aquaculture system components and human health; (iv) Solids removal, effluents solids thickening and source control techniques for better solids management; and (v) various methods for the reutilization of aquacultural solid wastes for resource value‐adding. In addition to these five specific objectives, the merits and drawbacks of each method or technology and future research priorities are discussed. The present review provides an understanding of the role played by solids in aquaculture water and provides guidance for aquacultural solid wastes precision management, aquaculture practices and technological developments. Thus, solids management can be carried out based on this guidance to improve animal welfare and the stability of water treatment systems, reduce harm to the environment and public health, and enable the development of aquaculture in a sustainable way.
Attention as a means of self‐dissolution and reformation
Authors: Carpenter Amber D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBuddhist ethics generally favour attention over action, and mental cultivation as the means of ethical transformation. Buddhaghosa’s treatment ofsamādhi– meditation – in thePath of Purification(Visuddhimagga) exemplifies this view that practices of attention are morally transforming. His detailed discussion of which forms of attentional exercises are transformative to whom reveal that edifying attention is directed to impersonal reality rather than persons – even when the Buddha is our object of attention. In successful meditation, we do not just recognise reality and ourselves as devoid of essence; we experience it as such – and in the experiencing, become so ourselves.
Responsibilities, Caring Practices and Agriculture: Farmers’ Perspectives on Recruitment and Employer–Employee Relationships
Authors: Stenbacka Susanne 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWith Swedish agriculture as its point of departure, this paper seeks to explore farmers’ recruiting practices and employer–employee relationships. Taking on the employer’s role means becoming subject both to formal statutory obligations and to regulations on wages, security and other aspects of working conditions. This article focuses on the more informal aspects of acting as an employer. The results show that recruiting, interacting and engaging with employees involve multiple responsibilities towards individuals and society alike. The practices of care identified are thus both private and public in nature, and exist within a framework of norms and ethical principles, a ‘moral economy’. The farmers’ strategies and decisions are understood as merged into negotiations regarding their identity, tradition, role in society and position in a global industry. Caring practices are embedded in farming practices and the focus on recruitment and employers’ experience adds to a multifaceted understanding of caring practices in which male farmers’ caring practices, too, become visible.
Ferritin testing to characterize and address iron deficiency in young donors
Authors: Vassallo Ralph R. , Bravo Marjorie D. , Kamel Hany 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDIron deficiency is observed in blood donors who meet hemoglobin requirements for donation. Frequent donation results in negative iron balance, and teenage donors may thus be at risk for adverse health consequences.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSBlood Systems implemented ferritin testing on all successful 16‐ to 18‐year‐old (teen) donations. Low ferritin (LF) was defined as less than 20 ng/mL in females and less than 30 ng/mL in males. Donors with LF were deferred from red blood cell (RBC) donations (12 months for females, and 6 for males) and counseled to take low‐dose iron for 60 days. A ferritin value less than 26 ng/mL indicated iron‐deficient erythropoiesis and less than 12 ng/mL absent iron stores.RESULTSOver 16 months, 110,417 teen donations were tested and represented 10.5% of all successful donations. The rate of absent iron stores was 9.0% (1.9% male; 15.9% female) and of iron‐deficient erythropoiesis, 31.9% (12.4% male; 50.6% female). The rate of LF deferrals was 26.9% (16.7% male; 36.6% female). The proportion of LF donors decreased with increasing predonation hemoglobin and rose with increasing RBC donations in the prior 24 months. Seasonality in LF deferrals and the RBC contribution from teen donors was observed.CONCLUSIONSFerritin testing of teen donors identified individuals with LF who might benefit from risk mitigation. LF is more common in teenage female than male donors and those with RBC donations in the prior 24 months. An appreciable number of new/lapsed donors presented with LF, however. These data may be useful in guiding future risk mitigation efforts.
Stability of anti‐A blood group titers among blood group B renal transplant candidates
Authors: Jacob Reuben P. , Dean Christina L. , Krummey Scott M. , Goodman Abigail L. , Roback John D. , Gebel Howard M. , Bray Robert A. , Sullivan Harold C. 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDAs deceased donor kidney allocation is based in part on blood type compatibility, group B candidates are disadvantaged due to their disproportionate representation on the wait list compared to the group B donor pool. To mitigate this discrepancy, group B candidates can receive group A2 or A2B donor kidneys if their anti‐A titers are below a predetermined cutoff. Currently, eligibility is reverified quarterly to UNet based on individual center protocols, which can vary due to a lack of set guidelines for monitoring ABO titers in these patients. Our goal was to assess the stability of anti‐A titers in blood group B renal transplant candidates over time to provide data that could aid in the development of standardized ABO titer protocols.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTiters performed between January 2011 and December 2015 were assessed for 191 group B patients with two or more documented titers.RESULTSFifty patients (26%) were ineligible, as the first titer exceeded the cutoff of 8. Of the remaining 141 patients, 19 (13%) became ineligible as the second titer exceeded 8. Thirty‐nine patients (28%) had no change in titer between samples, while 71 (50%) had a titer change that never exceeded 8. Only 12 patients (8.5% of total) experienced a titer change that affected eligibility after the second test.CONCLUSIONAlthough patients experience some variability in anti‐A titers over time, in most cases, stability did not affect candidate eligibility. Our results indicate that regular testing beyond the second titer may be unnecessary and represent test overutilization.