bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to antiretroviral treatment initiation in rural KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Plazy M , Newell M‐L , Orne‐Gliemann J , Naidu K , Dabis F , Dray‐Spira R 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesAlthough antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been freely available since 2004 in South Africa, not all those who are eligible initiate ART. We aimed to investigate individual and household characteristics as barriers to ART initiation in men and women in rural KwaZulu‐Natal.MethodsAdults ≥ 16 years old living within a sociodemographic surveillance area (DSA) who accessed the local HIV programme between 2007 and 2011 were included in the study. Individual and household factors associated with ART initiation within 3 months of becoming eligible for ART were investigated using multivariable logistic regression stratified by sex and after exclusion of individuals who died before initiating ART.ResultsOf the 797 men and 1598 women initially included, 8% and 5.5%, respectively, died before ART initiation and were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 733 men and 1510 women, 68.2% and 60.2%, respectively, initiated ART ≤ 3 months after becoming eligible (P = 0.34 after adjustment for CD4 cell count). In men, factors associated with a higher ART initiation rate were being a member of a household located < 2 km from the nearest HIV clinic and being resident in the DSA at the time of ART eligibility. In women, ART initiation was more likely in those who were not pregnant, in members of a household where at least one person was on ART and in those with a high wealth index.ConclusionsIn this rural South African setting, barriers to ART initiation differed for men and women. Supportive individual‐ and household‐level interventions should be developed to guarantee rapid ART initiation taking account gender specificities.
New approach for a reliable in vitro sun protection factor method Part I: Principle and mathematical aspects
Authors: Miksa S. , Lutz D. , Guy C. 
Published: April 2015

SynopsisObjectiveDevelopment of an international harmonized in vitro method for sun protection factor (SPF) assessment is currently in progress because of the lack of both reproducibility and accuracy in the current methodology. The aim of this article was to focus on the principle and mathematical aspects (Part I) of a new approach for a reproducible and correlated in vitro test method to obtain results similar to the in vivo SPF for labelling purposes.MethodsThe currently used in vitro test is based on the spectroradiometric measurement of the residual ultraviolet (UV) transmitted through a thin layer of sunscreen spread on a substrate. To reach the goals of reproducibility and accuracy, the specifications of the key parameters and different steps of the procedure are clearly described in this study.ResultsOnce reproducibility is obtained with an ad hoc procedure, the accuracy of the SPF values for a large number of products can be demonstrated with the prerequisite of a single UV irradiation dose and a multisubstrate solution. Using a total of 27 samples, the mean coefficient of variation was found to be <10% and the coefficient of correlation with the SPF clinical value reached approximately 0.81.ConclusionThe first part of the article revealed a relevant tool for the in vitro SPF assessment that can be closely correlated to the in vivo SPF for labelling purposes. The second part study will focus on the practical aspects and implementation (Part II) achieved using the present method, will validate the robustness of the models and demonstrate the need to have different product categories to reach a reliable in vitro SPF method adaptable for all products available in the market.
Analyzing Chinese older people's quality of life through their use of the internet
Authors: Fowler Jie G. , Gentry James W. , Reisenwitz Timothy H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe purpose of the research is to explore the well‐being/QOL of the ageing population in China. Specifically, the study investigates the experience/meaning of ageing and the strategies that consumers deploy to cope with ageing issues through internet communication. The results show that older people have found creative ways to cope with ageing by recalling the frugal experiences in the past, and purchasing small items as emotion enhancers. The findings also indicate that older Chinese bloggers have limited acquisition desire, do not wish to be a burden on their children, and worry greatly about their future financial status, especially given concerns about the healthcare system.
Intention to use physical and psychological community care services: a comparison between young‐old and older consumers in Korea
Authors: Hwang Hyesun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine older peoples' intention to use community care services, based on official data from Statistics Korea. This study attempted to compare the intention to use community care services by young‐old consumers (60–64 years) and older consumers (65 years and over) according to three factors of a behavioral model for health services: predisposing, enabling and need. The older consumer group had more need for overall community care services and experienced more health problems. A reverse pattern appeared in the mean difference of intention score for physical and psychological services. The groups that have a greater need for physical services are regarded as vulnerable groups: they are older with a lower education level, lower income, lower social status and more health problems. They have no other choice for meeting their physical health needs than to depend on the social care system. The vulnerable groups may also have mental health problems, but it seems that they do not have enough resources and cannot afford the care. The intention to use physical community care services was much higher for older consumers who have physical health problems. Conversely, the intention to use psychological community care services was much lower for the older consumer group if they have physical problems.
Burden of Stroke in Italy: An Economic Model Highlights Savings Arising from Reduced Disability following Thrombolysis
Authors: Chiumente M. , Gianino M. M. , Minniti D. , Mattei T. J. , Spass B. , Kamal K. M. , Zimmerman D. E. , Muca A. , Luda E. 
Published: April 2015

Background The consequences of stroke must be assessed not only in terms of incidence and mortality rates, but also in terms of disability, which may persist long after the acute phase. Thrombolysis, if timely administered, can effectively reduce post-stroke disability. Aims The economic model presented herein aims to evaluate, in eligible patients, the effects of alteplase on post-stroke disability and related costs over three-years. Methods The economic analysis was developed on the basis of four key components: clinical outcomes from international trials, economic consequences extracted from cost of illness studies, regulatory data from national and international agencies, and national epidemiological data. A population-level model estimated the difference in disability costs between patients treated with standard care versus those receiving thrombolytic therapy within 4×5 h of acute ischemic stroke. The analysis covered 36 months from discharge. Results Reduced costs related to post-stroke disability were observed in treated patients compared with those receiving standard care (control). The overall savings were ¢2330×15 per average patient: ¢1445×81 during the first 18 months, ¢362×25 between 18 and 24 months, and ¢522×09 in the 24–36 months period. The overall savings on 3174 Italian treated patients in 2013 were ¢7 395 907 over three-years. Conclusion Our study reveals that performing thrombolytic therapy in eligible patients improves economic outcomes compared with patients receiving standard care. This model is useful for decision makers, both within and outside of the Italian national context, as a tool to assess the cost-effectiveness of thrombolysis in both short- and long-term period.
TALOS: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Test the Effects of Citalopram in Patients with Acute Stroke
Authors: Kraglund Kristian Lundsgaard , Mortensen Janne Kaergaard , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Andersen Grethe 
Published: April 2015

Rationale Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) are effective in the treatment of post-stroke depression and may have potential neuroprotective and vascular effects. Data from registry studies have further indicated a protective effect against recurrent ischemic events, but also an increased risk of bleeding in patients with ischemic stroke. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of SSRI treatment after acute ischemic stroke. Aims and design TALOS is an investigator-initiated, national multicenter randomized- and placebo-controlled, double-blind trial testing citalopram in acute ischemic stroke. We hypothesize that citalopram treatment initiated in the acute phase after ischemic stroke will improve outcome assessed by the modified Rankin Score (mRS) and reduce the risk of death from vascular causes, transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke and myocardial infarction. Study outcomes There are two co-primary effect variables: (i) Functional status at six-months, measured by the modified Rankin Scale, and (ii) Vascular death, TIA/stroke and myocardial infarction. Secondary effect variables include: (i) Single primary outcomes; (ii) The Barthel Index; (iii) Mini Mental State Examination at six-months; (iv) Final infarct size (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Discussion SSRI treatment is well tolerated and overall beneficial in the wake of stroke; it may also be neuroprotective and prevent new vascular events.
Reliability of Oscillometric Blood Pressure Monitoring in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Admitted for Electric Cardioversion
Authors: Maselli Monica , Giantin Valter , Corrado Domenico , Franchin Alessandro , Attanasio Francesca , Pengo Valentina , Tramontano Alessandra , De Toni Pietro , Perissinotto Egle , Manzato Enzo 
Published: April 2015

The reliability of automated oscillometric blood pressure (BP) monitors in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been poorly investigated, only comparing different patients with AF and sinus rhythm (SR), and is a method influenced by individual characteristics. This study compared the reliability of the oscillometric device A&D TM‐2430 (A&D Company, Tokyo, Japan) with that of a mercury sphygmomanometer in AF patients whose SR was restored after electric cardioversion (ECV). Three consecutive BP measurements were obtained on the day before and about 30 days after ECV in stable treatment conditions. Of the 100 patients studied, 63 reported an SR at follow‐up, with a significant increase in systolic BP and a significant decrease in diastolic BP according to both devices. There were no significant differences between the systolic and diastolic biases before and after ECV using Bland Altman analysis (P > .05 each). The oscillometric device analyzed, using three repeated measurements, is reliable in measuring BP in AF patients.
Multiscale tomographic analysis of heterogeneous cast Al‐Si‐X alloys
Authors: ASGHAR Z. , REQUENA G. , SKET F. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe three‐dimensional microstructure of cast AlSi12Ni and AlSi10Cu5Ni2 alloys is investigated by laboratory X‐ray computed tomography, synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography, light optical tomography and synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography with submicrometre resolution. The results obtained with each technique are correlated with the size of the scanned volumes and resolved microstructural features. Laboratory X‐ray computed tomography is sufficient to resolve highly absorbing aluminides but eutectic and primary Si remain unrevealed. Synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography at ID15/ESRF gives better spatial resolution and reveals primary Si in addition to aluminides. Synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography at ID19/ESRF reveals all the phases ≥ ∼1 μm in volumes about 80 times smaller than laboratory X‐ray computed tomography. The volumes investigated by light optical tomography and submicrometre synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography are much smaller than laboratory X‐ray computed tomography but both techniques provide local chemical information on the types of aluminides. The complementary techniques applied enable a full three‐dimensional characterization of the microstructure of the alloys at length scales ranging over six orders of magnitude.
Clustered nuclei splitting via curvature information and gray‐scale distance transform
Authors: ZHANG CHAO , SUN CHANGMING , SU RAN , PHAM TUAN D. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryClusters or clumps of cells or nuclei are frequently observed in two dimensional images of thick tissue sections. Correct and accurate segmentation of overlapping cells and nuclei is important for many biological and biomedical applications. Many existing algorithms split clumps through the binarization of the input images; therefore, the intensity information of the original image is lost during this process. In this paper, we present a curvature information, gray scale distance transform, and shortest path splitting line‐based algorithm which can make full use of the concavity and image intensity information to find out markers, each of which represents an individual object, and detect accurate splitting lines between objects using shortest path and junction adjustment. The proposed algorithm is tested on both synthetic and real nuclei images. Experiment results show that the performance of the proposed method is better than that of marker‐controlled watershed method and ellipse fitting method.
Understanding the Effects of Establishing Various Cutoff Criteria in the Definition of Men with Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Rowland David L. , Kolba Tiffany N. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Over the past decade, professional organizations and consensus groups have offered a variety of definitions for premature ejaculation (PE), all generally including a set of common concepts but all varying in specific language and operationalization. Clearly articulated definitions of such conditions are important because they not only affect prevalence rates but also diagnostic inclusion—who is deemed to have the condition and therefore who might be eligible for treatment.

Aim
The current study had two goals: (i) to examine the effects on prevalence rates of moving the cutoff points from more stringent to less stringent for each of three PE criteria—ejaculatory latency, distress, and ejaculating before desired; and (ii) to explore in detail the relationships among the three criteria.

Methods
Using an Internet-based sample of 1,183 men, we examined the responses of 374 with PE-type symptoms based on consensus definitions, and determined the effect of decreasing restrictions on the cutoff criteria. In addition, we calculated both correlations and concordance rates among criteria.

Results
Numeric and graphic depiction of the effects of moving the cutoff point for each of the three criteria is provided in the URL “PE Prevalence©,” a dynamic tool developed specifically for this study (https://sites.google.com/a/valpo.edu/PEprevalence/). In addition, statistical relationships among the PE criteria suggest sufficient independence to warrant inclusion of all three in a diagnostic procedure as well as to consider a 2-minute ejaculatory latency as the threshold for a PE diagnosis.

Conclusions
Based on our data, clinicians should approach the 1-minute ejaculatory latency time (ELT) criterion with flexibility, considering ELTs up to 2 minutes for a PE diagnosis. At the same time, frequency of occurrence of either ejaculating before desired or of distress about the condition, as long as they reach at least 50% of the time, had only minor impact on PE diagnostic inclusion.
Free Thyroxine Concentrations by Equilibrium Dialysis and Chemiluminescent Immunoassays in 13 Hypothyroid Dogs Positive for Thyroglobulin Antibody
Authors: Randolph J.F. , Lamb S.V. , Cheraskin J.L. , Schanbacher B.J. , Salerno V.J. , Mack K.M. , Scarlett J.M. , Place N.J. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo determine if concentrations of free thyroxine (FT4) measured by semi‐automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) correspond toFT4 determined by equilibrium dialysis (ED) in hypothyroid dogs positive for thyroglobulin antibody (TGA).AnimalsThirteenTGA‐positive dogs classified as hypothyroid based on subnormalFT4 concentrations byED.MethodsQualitative assessment of canineTGAwas performed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum total thyroxine and total triiodothyronine concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. SerumFT4 concentration was determined byED, and also by semi‐automatedCLIAfor humanFT4 (FT4h) and veterinaryFT4 (FT4v). Canine thyroid stimulating hormone concentration was measured by semi‐automatedCLIA.ResultsEach dog's comprehensive thyroid profile supported a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. For detection of hypothyroidism, sensitivities ofCLIAforFT4h andFT4v were 62% (95%CI, 32–85%) and 75% (95%CI, 36–96%), respectively, compared toFT4 byED. Five of 13 (38%) dogs hadFT4h and 2 of 8 (25%) dogs hadFT4v concentrations byCLIAthat were increased or within the reference range. Percentage of false‐negative test results forFT4 byCLIAcompared toEDwas significantly (P < .0001 forFT4h andP < .001forFT4v) higher than the hypothesized false‐negative rate of 0%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCaution should be exercised in screening dogs for hypothyroidism usingFT4 measured byCLIAalone. Some (25–38%)TGA‐positive hypothyroid dogs hadFT4 concentrations determined byCLIAthat did not support a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
Critical roles of arginine in growth and biofilm development by Streptococcus gordonii
Authors: Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Robinson Jill C. , Samarian Derek S. , Kolderman Ethan , Yassin Sufian A. , Bettampadi Deepti , Bashton Matthew , Rickard Alexander H. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryStreptococcus gordonii is an oral commensal and an early coloniser of dental plaque. In vitro, S. gordonii is conditionally auxotrophic for arginine in monoculture but biosynthesises arginine when coaggregated with Actinomyces oris. Here, we investigated the arginine‐responsive regulatory network of S. gordonii and the basis for conditional arginine auxotrophy. ArcB, the catabolic ornithine carbamoyltransferase involved in arginine degradation, was also essential for arginine biosynthesis. However, arcB was poorly expressed following arginine depletion, indicating that arcB levels may limit S. gordonii arginine biosynthesis. Arginine metabolism gene expression was tightly co‐ordinated by three ArgR/AhrC family regulators, encoded by argR, ahrC and arcR genes. Microarray analysis revealed that > 450 genes were regulated in response to rapid shifts in arginine concentration, including many genes involved in adhesion and biofilm formation. In a microfluidic salivary biofilm model, low concentrations of arginine promoted S. gordonii growth, whereas high concentrations (> 5 mM arginine) resulted in dramatic reductions in biofilm biomass and changes to biofilm architecture. Collectively, these data indicate that arginine metabolism is tightly regulated in S. gordonii and that arginine is critical for gene regulation, cellular growth and biofilm formation. Manipulating exogenous arginine concentrations may be an attractive approach for oral biofilm control.
Relationship between vascular function indexes, renal arteriolosclerosis, and renal clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Namikoshi Tamehachi , Fujimoto Sohachi , Yorimitsu Daisuke , Ihoriya Chieko , Fujimoto Yasuo , Komai Norio , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimHypertension contributes critically to the development of renal arteriolosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the impact of vascular function indexes including central blood pressure on renal arteriolosclerosis has not been investigated. We determined whether vascular function indexes were related to renal arteriolosclerosis and renal clinical outcomes in CKD.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was implemented in our hospital. Subjects were in‐patients with CKD aged ≥20 years who underwent a renal biopsy. Vascular function indexes included central systolic blood pressure (SBP), cardio–ankle vascular index (CAVI), and renal resistive index. Central SBP was measured non‐invasively using an automated device. Arteriolosclerosis was assessed histologically. Renal clinical outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate using serum creatinine (eGFRcreat) or cystatin C (eGFRcys), and the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio.ResultsAmong vascular function indexes, central SBP was weakly correlated with renal arteriolosclerosis (n = 55). Renal arteriolosclerosis was increased in hypertensive or hyperuricaemic patients, and negatively correlated with serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and eGFRcys, which were independent risk factors for renal arteriolosclerosis in a stepwise multivariate regression analysis. Of the vascular function indexes, CAVI showed the strongest correlation with all renal clinical outcomes. Central SBP was correlated with only urinary albumin–creatinine ratio, while renal resistive index was correlated with eGFRcreat and urinary albumin–creatinine ratio.ConclusionDecreased serum HDL cholesterol was independently and most closely associated with renal arteriolosclerosis. Of the vascular function indexes, CAVI had the greatest impact on renal clinical outcomes, although it was not associated with renal arteriolosclerosis.
Oakleaf: an S locus‐linked mutation of Primula vulgaris that affects leaf and flower development
Authors: Cocker Jonathan M. , Webster Margaret A. , Li Jinhong , Wright Jonathan , Kaithakottil Gemy , Swarbreck David , Gilmartin Philip M. 
Published: April 2015

Summary

In Primula vulgaris outcrossing is promoted through reciprocal herkogamy with insect‐mediated cross‐pollination between pin and thrum form flowers. Development of heteromorphic flowers is coordinated by genes at the S locus. To underpin construction of a genetic map facilitating isolation of these S locus genes, we have characterised Oakleaf, a novel S locus‐linked mutant phenotype.

We combine phenotypic observation of flower and leaf development, with classical genetic analysis and next‐generation sequencing to address the molecular basis of Oakleaf.

Oakleaf is a dominant mutation that affects both leaf and flower development; plants produce distinctive lobed leaves, with occasional ectopic meristems on the veins. This phenotype is reminiscent of overexpression of Class I KNOX‐homeodomain transcription factors. We describe the structure and expression of all eight P. vulgaris PvKNOX genes in both wild‐type and Oakleaf plants, and present comparative transcriptome analysis of leaves and flowers from Oakleaf and wild‐type plants.

Oakleaf provides a new phenotypic marker for genetic analysis of the Primula S locus. We show that none of the Class I PvKNOX genes are strongly upregulated in Oakleaf leaves and flowers, and identify cohorts of 507 upregulated and 314 downregulated genes in the Oakleaf mutant.