bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of hepatitis B virus reactivation on the recurrence of HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection in patients with low viral load
Authors: Sohn W. , Paik Y.‐H. , Cho J. Y. , Ahn J. Ma , Choi G. S. , Kim J. M. , Kwon C. H. , Joh J. W. , Sinn D. H. , Gwak G.‐Y. , Choi M. S. , Lee J. H. , Koh K. C. , Paik S. W. , Yoo B. C. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryIt is unclear whether the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) influences the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of HBV reactivation on the recurrence of hepatitis B‐related HCC after curative resection in patients with low viral load (HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL). We retrospectively analysed a total of 130 patients who underwent curative resection for HBV‐related early stage HCC (single nodule; <5 cm/two or three nodules; <3 cm) with pre‐operative HBV DNA levels <2000 IU/mL with serial HBV DNA tests. The predictive factors including HBV reactivation for the recurrence of HBV‐related HCC after curative resection were investigated. Fifty‐three patients (41%) had HBV reactivation after resection among 130 patients. HBV reactivation was observed in 22 of 53 patients with undetectable baseline HBV DNA and in 31 of 77 patients with detectable baseline HBV DNA. Cumulative recurrence rates after resection at 1, 2 and 3 years were 17.0%, 23.3% and 31.4%, respectively. The multivariable analysis demonstrated that the risk factors for the recurrence were the presence of microvascular invasion (hazard ratio (HR) 2.62, P = 0.003), multinodularity (HR 4.61, P = 0.005), HBV reactivation after resection (HR 2.03, P = 0.032) and HBeAg positivity (HR 2.06, P = 0.044). HBV reactivation after curative resection is associated with the recurrence of HBV‐related HCC in patients with low viral load.
Prevalence and risk factors for dysphagia: a USA community study
Authors: Cho S. Y. , Choung R. S. , Saito Y. A. , Schleck C. D. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Locke G. R. , Talley N. J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundDysphagia is considered an alarm symptom but detailed population‐based data on dysphagia are lacking. We aimed to estimate in a representative USA Caucasian population, the prevalence of dysphagia and potential risk factors.MethodsA modified version of the previously validated Bowel Disease Questionnaire was mailed to a population‐based cohort (n = 7640) of Olmsted County, MN. Dysphagia was measured by one validated question ‘In the last year, how often have you had difficulty swallowing (a feeling that food sticks in your throat or chest)?’ The medical records were reviewed for organic causes of dysphagia. The associations of reported frequency of dysphagia with potential risk factors were assessed using logistic regression models.Key ResultsThe sex‐specific, age‐adjusted (US White 2000) prevalence for dysphagia experienced at least weekly was 3.0% (95% CI: 2.2, 3.7) in females and 3.0% (95% CI: 2.0, 4.0) in males. Those with frequent heartburn (OR = 5.9 [4.0, 8.6]) and acid regurgitation (OR = 10.6 [6.8, 16.6]) were significantly more likely to report frequent dysphagia. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was significantly associated with frequent (3.1, 95% CI 2.2, 4.4) and infrequent dysphagia (1.5, 955 CI 1.3, 1.8). Gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) was the most common diagnosis in those reporting dysphagia on the medical record; other organic explanations were rare and only found in the frequent dysphagia group.Conclusions & InferencesFrequent dysphagia is not rare in the community (3%), occurs in both women and men across all adult age groups, and is most likely to indicate underlying GERD.
Critical success factors in awareness of and choice towards low vision rehabilitation
Authors: Fraser Sarah A. , Johnson Aaron P. , Wittich Walter , Overbury Olga 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPurposeThe goal of the current study was to examine the critical factors indicative of an individual's choice to access low vision rehabilitation services.MethodsSeven hundred and forty‐nine visually impaired individuals, from the Montreal Barriers Study, completed a structured interview and questionnaires (on visual function, coping, depression, satisfaction with life). Seventy‐five factors from the interview and questionnaires were entered into a data‐driven Classification and Regression Tree Analysis in order to determine the best predictors of awareness group: positive personal choice (I knew and I went), negative personal choice (I knew and did not go), and lack of information (Nobody told me, and I did not know).ResultsHaving a response of moderate to no difficulty on item 6 (reading signs) of the Visual Function Index 14 (VF‐14) indicated that the person had made a positive personal choice to seek rehabilitation, whereas reporting a great deal of difficulty on this item was associated with a lack of information on low vision rehabilitation. In addition to this factor, symptom duration of under nine years, moderate difficulty or less on item 5 (seeing steps or curbs) of the VF‐14, and an indication of little difficulty or less on item 3 (reading large print) of the VF‐14 further identified those who were more likely to have made a positive personal choice. Individuals in the lack of information group also reported greater difficulty on items 3 and 5 of the VF‐14 and were more likely to be male.ConclusionsThe duration‐of‐symptoms factor suggests that, even in the positive choice group, it may be best to offer rehabilitation services early. Being male and responding moderate difficulty or greater to the VF‐14 questions about far, medium‐distance and near situations involving vision was associated with individuals that lack information. Consequently, these individuals may need additional education about the benefits of low vision services in order to make a positive personal choice.
Infection of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices: Detection with Sonication, Swab Cultures, and Blood Cultures
Authors: ROHACEK MARTIN , ERNE PAUL , KOBZA RICHARD , PFYFFER GABY E. , FREI RENO , WEISSER MAJA 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe number of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is increasing. The purpose of this study was to compare three methods (sonication, swab cultures, and blood cultures) to detect bacteria in infections of CIEDs.MethodsPatients with pocket infection of CIEDs and/or CIED‐associated infective endocarditis were prospectively included. Generators and leads were sonicated together. Swab cultures of the generator pocket and blood cultures were performed.ResultsBetween January 2009 and September 2012, 18 patients with a CIED infection were recorded, including two definite and four possible CIED‐IEs. In 17 patients, blood cultures were performed and the device was analyzed by sonication. A swab culture from the device pocket was performed in 16 cases. Ten (59%) patients received antibiotic therapy before the device was removed. In 15 of 16 cases (94%), bacteria were detected by sonication, while bacteria were detected in only nine (56%) and seven (41%) cases by swab—and blood cultures, respectively. In four cases (24%), sonication was the only method that detected bacteria. The following bacteria were detected by sonication: methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA; n = 6), coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS; n = 3), Propionibacterium acnes (n = 2), Staphylococcus lugdunensis (n = 1), MSSA/Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 1),Bacillus cereus (n = 1), MSSA/P. acnes (n = 1), andP. acnes/CNS (n = 1). All positive swab cultures and all positive blood cultures but one grew the same bacteria as sonication fluid cultures.ConclusionSonication can be more sensitive than swab cultures or blood cultures in detecting bacteria in infections of CIEDs.
Changing patterns of antigen exposure and their impact on the prevalence of allergy
Authors: Chang Tse Wen 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIndustrial development has advanced at a varying pace in different parts of the world over the past 200 years. Inhabitants of the most industrially advanced regions have experienced major changes in patterns of antigen exposure to infectious agents and to environmental biologic substances. This article analyzes the major factors that affect the amounts and variety of antigens to which the immune system of a young child is exposed. Depending on individual living environments and lifestyles, the types of antigen exposure of young children are graded into five patterns: ‘primitive’, ‘pre‐modern’, ‘early modern’, ‘modern’, and ‘ultramodern’. These patterns represent increasing deviation from the pattern of human immune system exposure to antigens prior to the industrial revolution. This article further discusses how such changes in antigen exposure have affected the immunologic system, especially with regard to the development of total IgE and allergic response‐relevant antigen‐specific IgE, and how the patterns of antigen exposure are related to the propensity to develop allergy.
Value of serum cystatin C in estimating renal function in children with non‐renal solid organ transplantation
Authors: Gowrishankar Manjula , VanderPluym Christina , Robert Cheri , Bamforth Fiona , Gilmour Susan , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractChildren with non‐renal solid organ transplants are surviving longer, but outcome is complicated by CKD. Accurate and frequent renal function monitoring is imperative to recognize and institute measures early to reverse, prevent, or arrest progression. This study of 59 children determined the accuracy (P30), bias, sensitivity and specificity between measured renal function by NM‐GFR, and estimated GFR by three formulas: Filler (serum cystatin C), mSchwartz (serum creatinine), and CKiD (serum cystatin C, creatinine, urea, and height). Mean GFR by all formulas differed significantly from NM‐GFR. Filler and mSchwartz formulas significantly increased the proportion of patients with GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stage 1) while decreasing those with GFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stage 2). All formulas overestimated GFR. CKiD showed the highest P30 and lowest bias (79.7%; 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) followed by Filler (67.7%; 19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) and Schwartz (57.6%; 26.8 mL/min/1.73 m2) for all GFR values. All formulas performed best with GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, but CKiD was the only formula to achieve 91.1% accuracy. All formulas showed high sensitivities, but low specificities at NM‐GFR cutoff at 90. Thus, GFR estimated by CKiD followed by Filler formula is an adequate method to monitor renal function closely and frequently in these children.
Colour
Authors: Gow Laura 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe view that physical objects do not, in fact, possess colour properties is certainly the dominant position amongst scientists working on colour vision. It is also a reasonably popular view amongst philosophers. However, the recent philosophical debate about the metaphysical status of colour properties seems to have taken a more realist turn. In this article, I review the main philosophical views – eliminativism, physicalism, dispositionalism and primitivism – and describe the problems they face. I also examine how these views have been classified and suggest that there may be less disparity between some of these positions than previously thought.
Prioritarianism
Authors: Weber Michael 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPrioritarianism can usefully be seen as a corrective to both egalitarianism and utilitarianism. It allegedly corrects for egalitarianism insofar as it tends toward equality but seems immune to the Leveling Down Objection. It allegedly corrects for utilitarianism insofar as it emphasizes improving peoples' lives but is distribution‐sensitive, favoring benefiting those who are worse off over those who are better off, other things equal. The best way to understand the view and assess its prospects is to see whether on closer examination it can indeed avoid the pitfalls of the two more traditional views it might replace. What emerges from such a closer examination is that prioritarianism must be very carefully specified to avoid the Leveling Down Objection. More significantly, to clearly avoid problems associated with utilitarianism, prioritarianism must be formulated in deontic rather than telic terms. It is not clear, however, that such a deontic prioritarianism has any advantages over deontic egalitarianism.
Development of Effective Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention in Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Authors: Lambert W. Clark , Lambert Muriel W. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractXeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare, recessively transmitted genetic disease characterized by increasingly marked dyspigmentation and xerosis (dryness) of sun‐exposed tissues, especially skin. Skin cancers characteristically develop in sun‐exposed sites at very much earlier ages than in the general population; these are often multiple and hundreds or even thousands may develop. Eight complementation groups have been identified. Seven groups, XP‐A…G, are associated with defective genes encoding proteins involved in the nucleotide excision DNA repair (NER) pathway that recognizes and excises mutagenic changes induced in DNA by sunlight; the eighth group, XP‐V, is associated with defective translesion synthesis (TLS) bypassing such alterations. The dyspigmentation, xerosis and eventually carcinogenesis in XP patients appear to be due to their cells’ failure to respond properly to these mutagenic DNA alterations, leading to mutations in skin cells. A subset of cases, especially those in some complementation groups, may develop neurological degeneration, which may be severe. However, in most XP patients, in the past the multiple skin cancers have led to death at an early age due to either metastases or sepsis. Using either topical 5‐fluorouracil or imiquimod, we have developed a protocol that effectively prevents most skin cancer development in XP patients.
Psoriasis and daily low‐emission phototherapy: effects on disease and vitamin D level
Authors: Franken Sylvie Mireille , Witte Birgit , Pavel Stan , Rustemeyer Thomas 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground/PurposeHospital‐based phototherapy is a widely accepted treatment modality in psoriasis patients. It, however, requires several hospital visits weekly, interfering with (school)work. Home ultraviolet (UV) treatment has been proven effective before but is only available in certain countries, and safety aspects play a part in reluctancy to prescribe this treatment. Patients, however, are usually keen on the use of phototherapy as it is effective and gives them the possibility of reducing the amount of topical treatment needed. In this study, we assess the effectivity of a low‐emission UV device used daily.MethodsSixty‐two patients were treated for 6 months either with daily low‐emission UV treatment and mometasone ointment 0.1% or with mometasone ointment 0.1% alone. Psoriasis severity scores, quality of life, vitamin D level, and blood pressure were monitored every 2 months during the study.ResultsPatients treated with daily low‐emission UV treatment showed a significant improvement in psoriasis severity, quality of life, amount of steroid ointment used, and vitamin D levels.ConclusionDaily low‐emission UV therapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis patients, diminishing the amount of steroid ointment needed and improving disease activity, quality of life, and vitamin D scores. Further investigation, however, is necessary.
Differential effects of type and quantity of leaf damage on growth, reproduction and defence of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.)
Authors: Blue E. , Kay J. , Younginger B.S. , Ballhorn D. J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractFolivores are major plant antagonists in most terrestrial ecosystems. However, the quantitative effects of leaf area loss on multiple interacting plant traits are still little understood. We sought to contribute to filling this lack of understanding by applying different types of leaf area removal (complete leaflets versus leaflet parts) and degrees of leaf damage (0, 33 and 66%) to lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) plants. We quantified various growth and fitness parameters including above‐ and belowground biomass as well as the production of reproductive structures (fruits, seeds). In addition, we measured plant cyanogenic potential (HCNp; direct chemical defence) and production of extrafloral nectar (EFN; indirect defence). Leaf damage reduced above‐ and belowground biomass production in general, but neither variation in quantity nor type of damage resulted in different biomass. Similarly, the number of fruits and seeds was significantly reduced in all damaged plants without significant differences between treatment groups. Seed mass, however, was affected by both type and quantity of leaf damage. Leaf area loss had no impact on HCNp, whereas production of EFN decreased with increasing damage. While EFN production was quantitatively affected by leaf area removal, the type of damage had no effect. Our study provides a thorough analysis of the quantitative and qualitative effects of defoliation on multiple productivity‐related and defensive plant traits and shows strong differences in plant response depending on trait. Quantifying such plant responses is vital to our understanding of the impact of herbivory on plant fitness and productivity in natural and agricultural ecosystems.
The Psychology of Quick and Slow Answers: Issue Importance in the 2011 Swiss Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Marquis Lionel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAttitude importance is a key variable in most models seeking to explain evaluations of political parties and leaders. Unlike attitudes on less central issues, attitudes about aspects of politics which citizens deem personally important are expected to influence their political judgments. In this article, we propose to conceptualize the importance of attitudes as their accessibility in memory and measure it by the time survey respondents take to answer an attitude question. We apply this framework to the way in which issue attitudes (opinions on Europe, immigration, etc.) influence party evaluations in the context of the 2011 Swiss parliamentary elections. As expected, quicker responses tend to be associated with stronger relationships between issue opinions and party evaluations. Promises and limits of this approach to conceptualizing attitude importance are discussed.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clostridium botulinum Group II (Nonproteolytic) Type B Strains (DB-2 and KAPB-3)
Authors: Petronella Nicholas , Kenwell Robyn , Pagotto Franco , Pightling Arthur W. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Clostridium botulinum
is important for food safety and studies of neurotoxins associated with human botulism. We present the draft genome sequences of two strains belonging to group II type B: one collected from Pacific Ocean sediments (DB-2) and another obtained during a botulism outbreak (KAPB-3).
Draft Genome Sequence of Lysinimicrobium mangrovi NBRC 105856
T
, Isolated from the Rhizosphere of a Mangrove
Authors: Hamada Moriyuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Oguchi Akio , Fujita Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the only species of the genus
Lysinimicrobium
,
Lysinimicrobium mangrovi
NBRC 105856
T
, isolated from the rhizosphere of a mangrove. The first genomic sequence of this genus and species presented here will facilitate taxonomical, ecological, and functional studies of this rare actinobacterial group.
Metagenomics of the Mucosal Microbiota of European Eels
Authors: Carda-Diéguez Miguel , Ghai Rohit , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco , Amaro Carmen 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT
European eels are an economically important and threatened species that are prone to rapid collapse in farm conditions. Using metagenomics, we show that the eel mucosal microbiota has specific features distinguishing it from the surrounding aquatic community. This is a first step in dissecting the resident microbiota of this critical barrier that may have implications for maintenance of healthy eel populations.
Genomic Sequence of the Yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus CCT 7735 (UFV-3), a Highly Lactose-Fermenting Yeast Isolated from the Brazilian Dairy Industry
Authors: Silveira Wendel B. , Diniz Raphael H. S. , Cerdán M. Esperanza , González-Siso María I. , Souza Robson de A , Vidigal Pedro M. P. , Brustolini Otávio J. B. , de Almeida Prata Emille R. B. , Medeiros Alexsandra C. , Paiva Lílian C. , Nascimento Moysés , Ferreira Éder G. , dos Santos Valdilene C. , Bragança Caio R. S. , Fernandes Tatiana A. R. , Colombo Lívia T. , Passos Flávia M. L. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Kluyveromyces marxianus
CCT 7735 (UFV-3), including the eight chromosomes and the mitochondrial genomic sequences.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Emerging Genotype of Tobacco Streak Virus in the United States
Authors: Padmanabhan Chellappan , Gao Shan , Li Rugang , Zhang Shouan , Fei Zhangjun , Ling Kai-Shu 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete genome sequence of an emerging genotype of tobacco streak virus (TSV) infecting zucchini squash in Florida (TSV_FL13-07), obtained using deep sequencing of short RNAs (sRNAs) and validation by Sanger sequencing. TSV_FL13-07 shares only <90% sequence identity in all three genomic RNAs to several known U.S. isolates.
Genome Sequence of Borrelia crocidurae Strain 03-02, a Clinical Isolate from Senegal
Authors: Fotso Fotso Aurélien , Mediannikov Oleg , Padmanabhan Roshan , Robert Catherine , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

The draft genome sequence of
Borrelia crocidurae
strain 03-02, a blood isolate from a febrile Senegalese patient, comprises a 920,021-bp linear chromosome (27.7% G+C content), 32 tRNAs, 818 open reading frames, and one cluster of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Its genotype differs from that of the Achema reference strain.
Evaluating the Auto-MODS Assay, a Novel Tool for Tuberculosis Diagnosis for Use in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Wang Linwei , Mohammad Sohaib H. , Chaiyasirinroje Boonchai , Li Qiaozhi , Rienthong Somsak , Rienthong Dhanida , Nedsuwan Supalert , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Yasui Yutaka 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT
There is an urgent need for simple, rapid, and affordable diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) to combat the great burden of the disease in developing countries. The microscopic observation drug susceptibility assay (MODS) is a promising tool to fill this need, but it is not widely used due to concerns regarding its biosafety and efficiency. This study evaluated the automated MODS (Auto-MODS), which operates on principles similar to those of MODS but with several key modifications, making it an appealing alternative to MODS in resource-limited settings. In the operational setting of Chiang Rai, Thailand, we compared the performance of Auto-MODS with the gold standard liquid culture method in Thailand, mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 plus the SD Bioline TB Ag MPT64 test, in terms of accuracy and efficiency in differentiating TB and non-TB samples as well as distinguishing TB and multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB samples. Sputum samples from clinically diagnosed TB and non-TB subjects across 17 hospitals in Chiang Rai were consecutively collected from May 2011 to September 2012. A total of 360 samples were available for evaluation, of which 221 (61.4%) were positive and 139 (38.6%) were negative for mycobacterial cultures according to MGIT 960. Of the 221 true-positive samples, Auto-MODS identified 212 as positive and 9 as negative (sensitivity, 95.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 92.4% to 98.1%). Of the 139 true-negative samples, Auto-MODS identified 135 as negative and 4 as positive (specificity, 97.1%; 95% CI, 92.8% to 99.2%). The median time to culture positivity was 10 days, with an interquartile range of 8 to 13 days for Auto-MODS. Auto-MODS is an effective and cost-sensitive alternative diagnostic tool for TB diagnosis in resource-limited settings.