bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C on the quality of life: a perspective
Authors: Dusheiko Geoffrey 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInstruments to assess the impact of hepatitis C virus infection on health and measurements of reported outcomes in patients (health‐related quality of life [HRQOL]) are not frequently used to assign priority for treatment. Several systematic reviews have been performed that provide a comprehensive analysis to help understand patient reported outcomes (PROs) with direct acting antiviral treatment. Clinical trials with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) provide an important opportunity to assess PROs without interferon or ribavirin. Significant improvement in quality of life parameters have been noted with DAA therapy. The results show improvement in HRQOL indices when interferon‐free and particularly interferon and ribavirin‐free treatments are compared to interferon and ribavirin treatment. Improvements in HRQOL indices are an encouraging aspect of the cure of chronic hepatitis C. It is unclear whether these measurable HRQOL improvements can be translated into a net benefit improvement in work productivity and a social dimension that is significant enough to convince payers of the added value of early and more widespread treatment.
Hepatitis C: efficacy and safety in real life
Authors: Flisiak Robert , Pogorzelska Joanna , Flisiak‐Jackiewicz Marta 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInterferon‐free combinations were registered in 2014 and 2015 for the treatment of chronic HCV infection. As a result, real‐world experience has been gathered in the last year and this paper presents data available in September 2016. Real‐world studies on the efficacy of the ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF)±ribavirin (RBV) regimen showed a sustained virologic response (SVR) rate of between 91% and 98%. The SVR rate in the 13858 patients included in this paper was 94%, and 92% in the 3506 patients with cirrhosis. In a number of recently published real‐world studies evaluating ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r)±dasabuvir (DSV)±RBV, the SVR rate was between 92% and 100%. The SVR rate of the 4260 patients included in the studies in this paper was 97% and the rate was the same in the 1647 patients with cirrhosis. Recently, data evaluating SOF/simeprevir±RBV showed an SVR rate >90%, while in combination with daclatasvir this rate reached approximately 95%. The safety data available for LDV/SOF±RBV and OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV show that discontinuation due to adverse events was necessary in no more than 3% of patients and the frequency of serious adverse events was between 0 and 11%, in particular in real‐world studies. Because of the similar efficacy and safety, real‐world data support the use of either the LDV/SOF±RBV or OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV regimen in patients with genotypes 1 or 4. There is still not enough real‐world data in patients with genotype 3 and other genotypes.
Pathology of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Bedossa Pierre 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a spectrum of lesions ranging from steatosis (Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver or NAFL) to a complex pattern with hepatocellular injury and inflammation (non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis; NASH) in the absence of alcohol intake. However, it is increasingly clear that intermediate patterns may exist. The histopathological evaluation of liver biopsy samples is central in the diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH in the absence of sufficiently accurate non‐invasive tests because a precise definition of each group is a key issue. When at least 5% of hepatocytes display steatosis, patients can be defined as having NAFLD in an appropriate clinical context. When, in addition, lobular inflammation and liver cell clarification/ballooning are present, then the lesion is usually defined as NASH. Evaluation of the stage of fibrosis is even more fundamental than necroinflammation since it is the main prognostic factor of this disease. Semi‐quantitative histological scoring systems have been proposed for NAFLD, but they are not useful in clinical practice and each has certain limitations. For comprehensive purposes, we suggest describing histopathological lesions in NAFLD using the SAF (Steatosis, Activity, Fibrosis) score which assesses separately the grade of steatosis (S, from S0 to S3), the grade of activity (A from A0 to A4 by adding grades of ballooning and lobular inflammation, both from 0 to 2) and the stage of fibrosis (F from F0 to F4).
The future of liver transplantation for viral hepatitis
Authors: Durand François , Francoz Claire 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients, transplantation can be justified by decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or both. During the last decade, HCV infection accounted for about 30% of the indications for transplantation in Europe and North America. Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) are highly effective at curing HCV, even in patients with end‐stage cirrhosis. In the future, the incidence of HCV‐related decompensated cirrhosis will continue to decrease. The incidence of HCC will also decrease, but a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis will still be at risk of developing HCC even after HCV has been cured. They will continue to represent potential candidates for transplantation. Overall, HCV will account for a significantly lower proportion of indications for transplantation in the future. However, generalization of DAAs is unlikely to affect the total transplantation volume as the gap between donors and potential recipients markedly exceeds 30%. In addition, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a rapidly growing indication for transplantation. The high barrier to resistance nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) have been used for several years to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Decompensated HBV cirrhosis now represents a very uncommon indication for transplantation. HCC remains the leading indication in HBV‐infected patients awaiting transplantation. NUCs plus anti‐HBs immune globulins or NUCs alone are highly effective at preventing post‐transplant HBV recurrence. However, continuous prophylaxis is still needed as extrahepatic HBV particles persist with a potential for recurrence. Post‐transplant immunosuppression facilitates recurrence. In the future, an important challenge will be to cure HBV by eliminating residual HBV particles
Metaphysical Causation
Authors: Wilson Alastair 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThere is a systematic and suggestive analogy between grounding and causation. In my view, this analogy is no coincidence. Grounding and causation are alike because grounding is a type of causation: metaphysical causation. In this paper I defend the identification of grounding with metaphysical causation, drawing on the causation literature to explore systematic connections between grounding and metaphysical dependence counterfactuals, and I outline a non‐reductive counterfactual theory of grounding along interventionist lines.
Chimpanzee mind reading: Don't stop believing
Authors: Andrews Kristin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSince the question “Do chimpanzees have a theory of mind?” was raised in 1978, scientists have attempted to answer it, and philosophers have attempted to clarify what the question means and whether it has been, or could be, answered. Mindreading (a term used mostly by philosophers) or theory of mind (a term preferred by scientists) refers to the ability to attribute mental states to other individuals. Some versions of the question focus on whether chimpanzees engage in belief reasoning or can think about false belief, and chimpanzees have been given nonverbal versions of the false belief moved‐object task (also known as the Sally–Anne task). Other versions of the question focus on whether chimpanzees understand what others can see, and chimpanzees can pass those tests. From this data, some claim that chimpanzees know something about perceptions, but nothing about belief. Others claim that chimpanzees do not understand belief or perceptions, because the data fails to overcome the “logical problem,” and permits an alternative, non‐mentalistic interpretation. I will argue that neither view is warranted. Belief reasoning in chimpanzees has focused on examining false belief in a moved object scenario, but has largely ignored other functions of belief. The first part of the paper is an argument for how to best understand belief reasoning and offers suggestion for future investigation. The second part of the paper addresses and diffuses the “logical problem.” I conclude that chimpanzees may reason about belief, but that there is already compelling evidence that they reason about perceptions.
The Metaphysics of Identity: Is Identity Fundamental?
Authors: Shumener Erica 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIdentity and distinctness facts are ones like “The Eiffel Tower is identical to the Eiffel Tower,” and “The Eiffel Tower is distinct from the Louvre.” This paper concerns one question in the metaphysics of identity: Are identity and distinctness facts metaphysically fundamental or are they nonfundamental? I provide an overview of answers to this question.
The Role of SNAP in Home Food Availability and Dietary Intake among WIC Participants Facing Unstable Housing
Authors: Bruening Meg , McClain Darya , Moramarco Michael , Reifsnider Elizabeth 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveLittle nutrition research has been conducted among families with unstable housing. The objective of this study was to examine the role of food stamps (i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; SNAP) in home food availability and dietary intake among WIC families who experienced unstable housing.Design and SampleCross‐sectional study among vulnerable families. Low‐income, multiethnic families with children participating in WIC (n = 54).MeasuresDietary intake was assessed with 24‐hr recalls. Home food availability was assessed with an adapted home food inventory for low‐income, multiethnic families. Validation results from adapted home food inventory for these families are also reported.ResultsSNAP households had more foods than non‐SNAP households; few significant associations were observed between food availability and child dietary intake.ConclusionsWith few exceptions, the home food environment was not related to children's dietary intake among these vulnerable families. More research is needed on food access for families facing unstable housing.
Unresolved questions in nudging research: Putting the psychology back in nudging
Authors: Marchiori David R. , Adriaanse Marieke A. , De Ridder Denise T.D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNudging interventions are broadly defined as a rearrangement of a choice context that gently suggests a specific choice. Their increasing popularity has attracted attention and discussion from researchers, policy makers, and practitioners alike. After some applications to domains such as health, environmental issues, and retirement savings, the next step in nudging is to understand the psychological boundary conditions when applied to varied domains of daily life. It is yet unclear for example to what extent nudging interventions can be transparent without losing effectiveness, or how permanent the effects are. These unresolved questions may have contributed to heated political and scientific discussions, on for example the ethics of using nudges in the public health domain, due to the missing scientific evidence. Indeed, this popularity may have led to forget how nudging harnesses insights from decades of research in psychology to change people's behavior. The aim of this paper is to shift the focus back to the psychological premises nudges were built upon. It summarizes several outstanding questions that future research in the psychology of nudging should address. Advancing research in nudging will help to improve our understanding of applied nudging interventions and provide clarity to debates such as ethical appropriateness, effectiveness, and public approval.
Hitchhikers at the dinner table: a revisionary study of a group of ant parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae) specializing in the use of extrafloral nectaries for host access
Authors: HERREID JUDITH S. , HERATY JOHN M. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract.Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are nectar‐secreting glands found on plants independent of their flowers. EFNs are diverse in form, present on a wide variety of plants, and their secretions are known to recruit ants. However, much less information has been published on insects with known EFN associations other than ants. Two distinct species groups of Orasema Cameron (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae) deposit their eggs close to the EFNs of their plant hosts. The simulatrix group comprises six species found in deserts and xeric shrublands of the southwestern United States and Mexico. This species group is revised, retaining O. aureoviridis, O. beameri and O. simulatrix as valid species, and describing O. cancellata sp.n., O. difrancoae sp.n. and O. zahni sp.n. The wayqecha group is from Peru and Colombia and includes the newly described O. wayqecha sp.n. and O. quadrimaculata sp.n. Members of the simulatrix group oviposit near EFNs of Chilopsis linearis Cav. (Bignoniaceae), Prosopis glandulosa Torr. (Fabaceae), Prosopis velutina Wooton (Fabaceae) and Populus angustifolia James (Salicaceae), whereas Orasema wayqecha oviposit on leaves of two species in the family Primulaceae. Monophyly of the two species groups is proposed based on a molecular analysis of ribosomal (28S and 18S) and mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) DNA, morphological features of the adults and planidia larvae, and their shared behavioural association with EFNs. Adults of both species groups have an expanded postgena that encloses the mouthparts, but are otherwise morphologically divergent. The planidia of both groups also share several features, including long cerci that may facilitate their movements within EFNs. Oviposition near EFNs is proposed as a means of increasing encounter rates of the first‐instar larvae with their myrmicine ant host; however, it remains unclear whether the planidia are transported directly by the foraging workers of their host Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) or indirectly with the help of an intermediate host.This published work has been registered in ZooBank,
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EA112E3D-52BE-45D1-B03B-8764E8C94BE0.
Look Before You Leap: Reconsidering Contemplative Pedagogy
Authors: Fisher Kathleen M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a critique of a set of teaching strategies known as “contemplative pedagogy.” Using practices such as meditation, attentive listening, and reflective reading, contemplative inquiry focuses on direct first‐person experience as an essential means of knowing that has historically been overshadowed and dismissed by an emphasis on analytical reasoning. In this essay, I examine four problematic claims that appear frequently in descriptions of contemplative pedagogy: (1) undergraduate students have a kind of spiritual hunger; (2) pedagogies focused on cognitive skills teach students only what, not how, to think; (3) self‐knowledge fosters empathy; and (4) education needs a new epistemology centered on spiritual and emotional, rather than intellectual, experience. I argue that these claims underestimate the diversity of undergraduate students, the complexity of what it means to think and know, the capacity for self‐knowledge to become self‐absorption, and the dangers of transgressing the boundaries between intellectual, psychological, and religious experiences. [See as well “Response to Kathleen Fisher's ‘Look Before You Leap,’” by Andrew O. Fort and Louis Komjathy, published in this issue of the journal.]
Geometric quality assessment of trajectory‐generated VGI road networks based on the symmetric arc similarity
Authors: Lyu Haiyang , Sheng Yehua , Guo Ningning , Huang Baoqun , Zhang Siyang 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAs large amounts of trajectories from a wide variety of Volunteered Geographic Information (referred to as VGI) contributors pour into the spatial database, the geometric qualities of the VGI road networks generated from these trajectories are different from the ground truth road dataset and so need to be differently assessed. To address this issue, an assessment approach based on symmetric arc similarity is proposed, and the geometric quality of a VGI road network is assessed by its conformity with the corresponding ground truth road network, the results being visualized as hierarchical thematic maps. To compute the conformity, the geometric similarity between the VGI road arc and the corresponding ground truth road arc, which is selected by the adaptive searching distance, is measured based on the symmetric arc similarity method; the geometric quality is assessed based on an assessment matrix. Also, the symmetric arc similarity method is independent of directions and with a feature of shift‐independence, which is applicable to assess the geometric qualities of different VGI road networks and makes the assessment result consistent with the actual situation of the real world. The robustness and scalability of the approach are examined using VGI road networks from different sources.
Donating blood on a regular basis appears to reduce blood pressure, but appearances can be deceiving
Authors: France Christopher R. , France Janis L. , Himawan Lina K. , Kessler Debra A. , Rebosa Mark , Shaz Beth H. 
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUNDPrevious studies have reported a relationship between blood donation and decreased risk for cardiovascular events, and it has been proposed that this may be due to a lowering of blood pressure among hypertensive individuals who donate on a regular basis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWith the use of a retrospective longitudinal analysis, predonation blood pressure readings were examined across consecutive whole blood donations for New York Blood Center donors. With blood pressure levels recorded at the first, second, third, and fourth donations, the sample was divided into three subgroups including high (≥140 mmHg), intermediate (>100 and <40 mmHg), and low (≤100 mmHg) systolic blood pressure (SBP). In addition, a computational approach was used to estimate regression to the mean effects for donors with high SBP or high diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at their first, second, or third donation.RESULTSVisual examination of SBP and DBP patterns across donations revealed that, on average, donors with extreme values at one donation had relatively normal values at the other donations. Further, comparison of computed expected versus observed blood pressure decreases supported the notion of a subsequent regression to the mean among donors with elevated SBP or DBP at Donation 1, 2, or 3.CONCLUSIONAmong individuals who are hypertensive at initial donation, reductions in blood pressure at subsequent donations appear to result from regression to the mean as opposed to a salutary physiologic process.
Applying the One Health Concept to Mycobacterial Research – Overcoming Parochialism
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu S. , Plain K. M. , de Silva K. , Marais B. J. , Whittington R. J. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryMycobacterial infections remain a public health problem. Historically important, globally ubiquitous and with a wide host range, we are still struggling to control mycobacterial infections in humans and animals. While previous reviews have focused on individual mycobacterial infections in either humans or animals, a comprehensive review of the zoonotic aspect of mycobacteria in the context of the One Health initiative is lacking. With the purpose of providing a concise and comprehensive resource, we have collated literature to address the zoonotic potential of different mycobacterial species and elaborate on the necessity for an inter‐sectorial approach to attain a new vision to combat mycobacterial infections.
Effectiveness of robotic assisted rehabilitation for mobility and functional ability in adult stroke patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Lo Kenneth , Stephenson Matthew , Lockwood Craig 
Published: January 2017

Review question/objective:
The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of robotic assistive devices in the rehabilitation of adult stroke patients for recovery of impairments in the upper and lower limbs. The secondary objective is to investigate the sustainability of treatment effects associated with use of robotic devices.
The specific review question to be addressed is: can robotic assistive devices help adult stroke patients regain motor movement of their upper and lower limbs?
Physical impairments and activity limitations experienced by people with tuberculosis: a scoping review protocol
Authors: van Aswegen Helena , Roos Ronel 
Published: January 2017

Review objective/question:
The objective of this review is to examine and map the range of physical impairments and activity limitations experienced by people infected with tuberculosis (TB). The levels of evidence that are currently available on this topic will also be reported. More specifically, the review questions are: What types of physical impairments and activity limitations have been reported for people infected with TB? What types of rehabilitation strategies are used for people with TB infection to address physical impairments and activity limitations?
Findings from this scoping review may inform a systematic review to explore the effectiveness of rehabilitation strategies used to address physical impairments and activity limitations in people with TB infection.
The effect of moisturizers or creams on scars: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Klotz Tanja , Munn Zachary , Aromataris Edoardo , Greenwood John 
Published: January 2017

Review question/objective:
The objectives of the review are to identify the effect of any moisturizers or creams (medicated or unmedicated) on immature scars (linear, keloid or hypertrophic) on any persons of any age. Effects will be assessed by changes in scar activity, changes in the final appearance/cosmesis of the scar, improvements in patient reported features of scars (e.g. itch, tightness, range of movement) and/or by altering measurable features of the scar such as vascularity, color, height, length, pliability and/or transepidermal water loss.
Specifically the review question is: are moisturizers or creams effective in modifying immature scars?