bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Scoring Algorithm for Determination of the Risk of Tuberculosis in HIV-Infected Adults: A Cohort Study Performed at Ethiopian Health Centers
Authors: Balcha T. T. , Skogmar S. , Sturegård E. , Schön T. , Winqvist N. , Reepalu A. , Jemal Z. H. , Tibesso G. , Björk J. , Björkman P. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Background.  The World Health Organization (WHO) tuberculosis (TB) symptom screening instrument (WHO-TB) can ide.jpegy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals at low risk of tuberculosis (TB); however, many patients report WHO-TB symptoms and require further TB investigations. We hypothesized that further clinical scoring could classify subjects with a positive WHO-TB screening result (WHO-TB+) for the likelihood of TB.
Methods.  HIV-infected adults eligible to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) were recruited and prospectively followed at 5 Ethiopian health centers. Irrespective of symptoms, all participants underwent sputum bacteriological testing for TB. Symptoms, physical findings, hemoglobin, and CD4 cell count results were compared between subjects with and those without bacteriologically confirmed TB. Variables associated with TB in WHO-TB+ individuals were used to construct a scoring algorithm with multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results.  Among 812 participants, 137 (16.9%) had TB. One hundred fifty-nine persons (20%) had a negative WHO-TB screen, 10 of whom had TB (negative predictive value [NPV], 94% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 90%–97.5%]). For WHO-TB+ subjects, the following variables were independently associated with TB, and were assigned 1 point each in the clinical scoring algorithm: cough, Karnofsky score ≤80, mid-upper arm circumference &lt;20 cm, lymphadenopathy, and hemoglobin &lt;10 g/dL. Among subjects with 0–1 points, 20 of 255 had TB (NPV, 92% [95% CI, 89%–95%]), vs 19 of 34 participants with ≥4 points (positive predictive value, 56% [95% CI, 39%–73%]). The use of WHO-TB alone ide.jpegied 159 of 784 (20%) with a low risk of TB, vs 414 of 784 (53%) using WHO-TB followed by clinical scoring (P&lt; .001). The difference in proportions of confirmed TB in these subsets was nonsignificant (6.3% vs 7.2%; P= .69).
Conclusions.  Clinical scoring can further classify HIV-infected adults with positive WHO-TB screen to assess the risk of TB, and would reduce the number of patients in need of further TB investigations before starting ART.
Clinical Trials Registration.  NCT01433796.
Hospitalization for Toxicity in Patients Treated With Rituximab
Authors: Ninan Mary J. , Liu Yang , Kuo Yong-Fang , Goodwin James S. 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:
To estimate the rates of hospitalizations in patients within 12 months after the first rituximab administration.

Methods:
Patients who received rituximab between 2001 and 2008 for either benign or malignant conditions were identified from Texas Medicare files. The hospitalization rates for these patients with any diagnoses that might represent toxicity were then compared in the 12 months before and after the first infusion of rituximab. Dose-response analyses were performed on the basis of the number of doses received in the 8 weeks after initiating rituximab and also using the cumulative number of doses as a time-dependent covariate.

Results:
In all, 2623 patients received rituximab as a single agent for malignant indications and 1124 received it for benign indications. Overall inpatient admission rates did not differ significantly between the 12 months before and after rituximab initiation in patients with benign or malignant conditions. Those with malignant conditions had higher rates of hospitalizations for cardiovascular, infectious, pulmonary, and neurological diagnoses after rituximab initiation. In those with nonmalignant conditions, the only increase was in hospitalizations for infections. Neither group of patients showed any clear dose-response relationships with any toxicity.

Conclusions:
The increased hospitalizations for potential toxicities seen in patients with malignant disease were presumably because of the underlying disease process and not rituximab. Rituximab does not appear to be associated with hospitalizations for serious toxicity within 12 months after the first infusion, with the possible exception of infection.
Pepper Mitochondrial FORMATE DEHYDROGENASE1 Regulates Cell Death and Defense Responses against Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Choi Du Seok , Kim Nak Hyun , Hwang Byung Kook 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Formate dehydrogenase (FDH; EC 1.2.1.2) is an NAD-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide. Here, we report the identification and characterization of pepper (Capsicum annuum) mitochondrial FDH1 as a positive regulator of cell death and defense responses. Transient expression of FDH1 caused hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell death in pepper and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The D-isomer-specific 2-hydroxyacid dehydrogenase signatures of FDH1 were required for the induction of HR-like cell death and FDH activity. FDH1 contained a mitochondrial targeting sequence at the N-terminal region; however, mitochondrial localization of FDH1 was not essential for the induction of HR-like cell death and FDH activity. FDH1 silencing in pepper significantly attenuated the cell death response and salicylic acid levels but stimulated growth of Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria. By contrast, transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) overexpressing FDH1 exhibited greater resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato in a salicylic acid-dependent manner. Arabidopsis transfer DNA insertion mutant analysis indicated that AtFDH1 expression is required for basal defense and resistance gene-mediated resistance to P. syringae pv tomato infection. Taken together, these data suggest that FDH1 has an important role in HR-like cell death and defense responses to bacterial pathogens.
Influence of tungsten carbide nanoparticles on corrosion resistance properties of electroless nickel–phosphorus coatings
Authors: Zhao Chunmei , Yao Yingwu 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to report a study of the influence of tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticles on corrosion resistance properties of electroless nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P) coatings in NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach
– The morphology of Ni–P–WC nanocomposite coatings was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The anodic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and weight loss measurements were used to study the corrosion resistance properties of Ni–P–WC nanocomposite coatings in NaCl solution.

Findings
– The WC nanoparticles content in the coatings increased with the increase of its concentration in the bath, and the WC nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in Ni–P alloy matrix. The results showed that the incorporation of WC nanoparticles elevated the corrosion resistance properties of Ni–P alloy matrix.

Originality/value
– This study shows that the corrosion resistance was improved by the addition of WC nanoparticles to the Ni–P alloy matrix.
Corrosion inhibition of some azole derivatives on carbon steel in hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Markhali B.P. , Naderi R. , Sayebani M. , Mahdavian M. 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is investigate the inhibition efficiency of three similar bi-cyclic organic compounds, namely, benzimidazole (BI), benzotriazole (BTAH) and benzothiazole (BTH) on carbon steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Organic inhibitors are widely used to protect metals in acidic media. Among abundant suggestions for acid corrosion inhibitors, azole compounds have gained attention.

Design/methodology/approach
– The inhibition efficiency of the three organic compounds was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Findings
– Superiorities of BTH and BTAH corrosion inhibitors were shown by EIS data and polarization curves. Moreover, the results revealed that BTAH and BTH can function as effective mixed-type adsorptive inhibitors, whereas no inhibition behavior was observed for BI. Both BTAH and BTH obeyed Longmuir adsorption isotherm. The results obtained from this isotherm showed that both inhibitors adsorbed on the specimen surface physically and chemically. The difference in inhibition efficiencies of BTAH, BTH and BI was related to the presence of nitrogen and sulfur hetero atoms on their molecular structures.

Originality/value
– This study evaluated inhibition efficiency of BI, BTAH and BTH using electrochemical methods. In addition, the study attempted to find inhibition mechanism of the inhibitors and to find modes of adsorption of the inhibitors, correlating effects of heteroatoms and inhibition efficiency.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 86
Authors: McGrath Mike 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature concerning interlending and document supply.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study included the review of over 130 journals and related material.

Findings
– The race to build and deliver a system for dealing with the vast increase in OA-deposited manuscripts in the USA continues. Public access to publishers’ e-content is being made available in UK public libraries as part of the Finch report agreement. More developments in Patron-Driven Acquisition are described and much else.

Originality/value
– Represents a useful resource for librarians and others concerned with interlending and document supply and such related matters as resource sharing and open access.
Assessing the effectiveness of a national resource sharing system
Authors: Mangiaracina Silvana , Cocever Cristina , Chiandoni Marco , Arabito Stefania 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to report on the surveys, carried out during 2011 and 2013, regarding the functionality of and possible improvements to Italy’s nationwide resource sharing service NILDE (Network for Inter-Library Document Exchange).

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodology comprises both an analysis of quantitative data about ILL transactions initiated during a 2011 study and a qualitative assessment of the system based on information obtained from the surveys and a SWOT analysis. This proved to be an effective methodology, and a new survey was launched in 2013 to verify whether the choices made and the projects undertaken were in line with user expectations.

Findings
– The results turned out to be particularly interesting and a source of hints for planning future improvements.

Originality/value
– Italian studies for assessing user satisfaction of library services, based on user surveys, often relate to a single library or a single University. The NILDE survey was delivered nationwide to all the registered users of NILDE. This is the most extensive survey for the number of libraries and the various types of end users involved.
Primary biliary cirrhosis–autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome: Simplified criteria may be effective in the diagnosis in Chinese patients
Authors: Liu Fang , Pan Zhen Guo , Ye Jin , Xu Dong , Guo Hui , Li Gang Ping , Xu Ke Shu , Hou Xiao Hua , Song Yu Hu 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the Paris criteria, the revised diagnostic criteria and the simplified diagnostic scoring system in the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)–autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap syndrome in Chinese patients.MethodsMedical records of the patients who were diagnosed with PBC at the Union Hospital and Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, Hubei Province, China) from 2003 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The overlap syndrome was diagnosed based on the Paris criteria, the revised criteria and the simplified criteria, respectively. Patients' clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results and histological findings were collected. The sensitivity and specificity of the three criteria for diagnosing PBC–AIH overlap syndrome were calculated.ResultsPBC–AIH overlap syndrome was diagnosed in 2, 13 and 10 patients with PBC based on the Paris, the revised and the simplified criteria, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the simplified criteria in diagnosing the overlap syndrome was 90.0% and 98.2%, which were the highest among the three criteria, followed by the revised criteria. The Paris criteria showed a high specificity (100%) but a relatively low sensitivity (20.0%). In addition, some patients who did not fulfil the Paris criteria still benefited from the immunosuppressive agents.ConclusionsFor Chinese patients with the PBC–AIH overlap syndrome, the simplified criteria appear to be the most efficacious compared with the Paris criteria and the revised criteria. Further studies should be performed to confirm these observations with respect to long‐term outcomes and therapeutic implications.
Role of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration in the early management of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Komatsu Shohei , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Iwasaki Takeshi , Toyokawa Akihiro , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Tsuchida Shinobu , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Takebe Atsushi , Wakahara Tomoyuki , Watanabe Akihiko , Sugahara Atsushi , Mukai Hidekazu 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveEarly cholecystectomy is currently the gold standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, the acceptability and safety of this strategy remain in dispute. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA) in the early management of AC in a single center.MethodsA total of 147 consecutive patients who were treated with PTGBA for AC from 2008 to 2012 were included in the study. The therapeutic outcomes and adverse events were evaluated.ResultsA single PTGBA was adequate for 96 (65.3%) patients with AC. Of the remaining 51 patients, 43 (29.3%) showed an improvement after repeated PTGBA and/or percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), while semi‐emergency cholecystectomy was needed in eight patients. Although five patients experienced adverse events (intra‐abdominal hemorrhage in two, bile leakage in two and gallbladder hemorrhage in one), no patient died of treatment‐related complications. Subsequently, 87 (59.2%) patients underwent cholecystectomy after PTGBA (a single PTGBA in 48 and repeated PTGBA and/or PTGBD in 39 patients). No significant differences were observed in the conversion rate from laparoscopic surgery to open cholecystectomy, operative time or intraoperative hemorrhage volume between the two groups.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated the safety and acceptability of treatment with PTGBA for AC at our center. This elective treatment strategy may be a useful alternative option in the treatment of AC.
Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Authors: Burt Ian , Gunz Sally , McCutcheon John 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMany businesses operate legally while pushing the ethical values of society. This case follows the actions of a manager who uses particular metrics to improve his business at the cost of increasing the community's ethical concerns. The objectives of the case are to have students recognize ethical concerns arising from the metrics, assess how these impact business strategy, propose improvements while understanding the ethically sensitive environment in which the business operates, and devise an effective approach to persuade others to implement proposed changes. This case demonstrates to students the complexity of many ethical issues in business and challenges them to consider the interaction between ethical boundaries and a profitable corporate strategy. It highlights the importance of ensuring that both qualitative—here, ethical—and quantitative considerations are incorporated in any management accounting decision‐making tool.
Placental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio in relation to Apgar score at birth: a population study of 522 360 singleton pregnancies
Authors: Eskild Anne , Haavaldsen Camilla , Vatten Lars J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo study whether placental weight or placental weight to birthweight ratio are associated with Apgar score in the newborn 5 min after birth.DesignPopulation‐based registry study.SettingThe Medical Birth Registry of Norway.PopulationAll singleton live births during the period 1999–2008, a total of 522 360 births.MethodsThe placental weight to birthweight ratios were divided into quartiles within 2‐week intervals of gestational age at birth, hence 25% of the pregnancies were within each group. We studied the proportion of pregnancies in the highest quartile of placental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio according to Apgar score 5 min after birth, and estimated the odds ratio for Apgar score ≤7 if the placental weight to birthweight ratio was in the highest quartile, and used the lowest quartile as reference.Main outcome measureApgar score in the newborn 5 min after birth.ResultsIn births after pregnancy week 29, and at every 2‐week gestational age interval, the mean placental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio were higher in newborn with Apgar score ≤7 than in infants with Apgar >7. The crude odds ratio of Apgar score ≤7 was 1.65 (95% CI 1.57–1.74), comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of placental weight to birthweight ratio. Adjustments for gestational age, birthweight, infant sex, maternal age, preeclampsia, diabetes and congenital malformations did not alter the odds ratio significantly.ConclusionsPlacental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio were higher in pregnancies with infant Apgar score ≤7 compared with Apgar score >7.
Beef quality traits of heifer in comparison with steer, bull and cow at various feeding environments
Authors: Venkata Reddy Bandugula , Sivakumar Allur S. , Jeong Dawoon W. , Woo Yang‐Byung , Park Sang‐June , Lee So‐Young , Byun Ji‐Yeon , Kim Chang‐Ho , Cho Soo‐Hyun , Hwang Inho 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe present review has been focused largely on the sex type differences in beef quality among heifers, cows, steers and bulls in various feeding environments. Genetic groups, feeding systems and gender are the major factors that change carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of cattle. Studies identified that heifer beef has super characteristics in eating quality and a better healthy composition in fatty acids than steer, cow and bull. Diet influences the variation of fatty acid profile; particularly the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) interacts with breed and sex. Animals finished in pasture systems were reported to show better ratios of PUFA/ saturated fatty acids and n‐6/n‐3. Carcasses of roughage‐fed beef are lighter and have less marbling and lower quality grades but have higher cutability than carcasses of grain‐fed bulls. Heifers and cows are reported to deposit more fat than steers and bulls. Among males, lower production of testosterone by steers favors more fat thickness compared with bulls. Marbling greatly varies among cattle belonging to different sexes, and particularly, females have genetic makeup that efficiently controls deposition. The current review identified that heifers can be a premium beef brand, while steer beef currently take a large part of market share across the world.
Trans‐Pacific variation in outcomes for men treated with primary androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer
Authors: Cooperberg Matthew R. , Hinotsu Shiro , Namiki Mikio , Carroll Peter R. , Akaza Hideyuki 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesTo compare directly survival outcomes of primary androgen‐deprivation therapy (PADT) in Japan, where this treatment is endorsed by guidelines, with outcomes in the USA, where it is not.Patients and MethodsData were compared between men receiving PADT in the USA Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) registry and the Japanese Cancer of the Prostate (J‐CaP) registry database. Competing risks regression was used to assess prostate cancer‐specific mortality (CSM), adjusting for age, Japan Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (J‐CAPRA) score, diagnosis year, and treatment type [combined androgen blockade (CAB) vs castration monotherapy], comorbidity, and practice type.ResultsMen on PADT in J‐CaP (13 880 men) were older than those in CaPSURE (1633 men), and had higher‐risk disease (mean J‐CAPRA score 3.8 vs 2.1, P < 0.001). They more often received CAB: 66.9% vs 46.4% (P < 0.001). Despite different risk profiles between the cohorts, CSM was similar on univariate analysis (log‐rank P = 0.88). On multivariable regression, the subhazard ratio for CSM was 0.52 for J‐CaP vs CaPSURE (95% confidence interval 0.40–0.68).ConclusionsMen on PADT in Japan have less than half the adjusted CSM than those in the USA. These findings support both existing guidelines endorsing PADT in Asia and discouraging its use in the West. Elucidating the reasons behind these substantial differences, which probably include both genetic and dietary/environmental factors, may help explain the varying epidemiology of prostate cancer on either side of the Pacific.
Projected effects of the Panama Canal expansion on shipping traffic and biological invasions
Authors: Muirhead Jim R. , Minton Mark S. , Miller Whitman A. , Ruiz Gregory M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe Panama Canal expansion, scheduled for completion in 2015, is expected to have major effects on commercial shipping and port operations throughout the world, with potential consequences for the transfer and establishment of non‐indigenous species that remain largely unexplored. We developed a series of scenario‐based models to examine how shipping traffic patterns may change after expansion and consider possible implications for species transfers and invasion dynamics in the USA.LocationCoastal USA, excluding Alaska and HawaiiMethodsUsing a Monte Carlo simulation approach, we predicted changes in discharged ballast water, wetted surface area of ship hulls and frequency of ship arrivals modelled under scenarios that are based on (1) current shipping patterns from the western Pacific Rim to the USA, (2) estimates of fleet expansion and (3) diversion of traffic away from the US West Coast through the Panama Canal.ResultsDuring the 5‐year period following canal expansion (2015–2019), our models estimated that the Gulf and East coasts would receive 78% and 99% median increases in total ballast discharge and 172% and 182% increases in total wetted surface area, respectively. For the West Coast, our models estimated 9.6% median decreases in both total ballast discharge and wetted surface area. We further predict that many ports in the Gulf and East coasts will receive up to three times the current number of arrivals and increased ballast water discharge, from this region after expansion.Main conclusionsOur scenario‐based analysis provides a first estimate for increases in frequency, magnitude and spatial distribution of exposure that the Gulf and East coasts will experience due to ships and ballast arriving from the western Pacific, following the canal expansion. If organisms transported via ballast water or ship hulls are able to survive transit of the canal, the predictions suggest increased likelihood of introduction along these coasts by species originating in the western Pacific.