bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dedicated ‘cannabis only’ treatment clinics in New South Wales, Australia: Client and treatment characteristics and associations with first‐time treatment seeking
Authors: Copeland Jan , Allsop David 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsOver the past decade, there has been significant investment in dedicated cannabis‐only treatment clinics in New South Wales. This study aims to describe the characteristics of clients and compares first‐time treatment seeking history and treatment completion rates between dedicated and non‐dedicated clinics.Design and MethodsAn observational study of administrative information from 209 012 drug and alcohol treatment episodes from services reporting to the New South Wales Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services Minimum Dataset, July 2003–June 2008.ResultsAcross all episodes, cannabis was the second most prevalent primary drug of concern (17.8%, n = 37 242). The majority of clients primarily seeking treatment for cannabis were male (69.4%, 26 088), with a mean age of 29 years. Counselling was the most common cannabis treatment (34.1%, n = 12 713), with 11.6% (n = 1476) of those receiving counselling having done so at a cannabis clinic. Those treated in cannabis clinics were older (30.12 years vs. 27.95 years; P < 0.0001); had shorter episode durations (10.95 weeks vs. 12.71 weeks; P < 0.0001); and were more likely to be naïve to treatment (53.7% vs. 47.7%; P < 0.0001). Indigenous Australian treatment seekers were more likely to complete cannabis treatment in a dedicated cannabis clinic (49.6%) than in a non‐dedicated clinic (40.5%; P < 0.05).Discussion and ConclusionCannabis clinics have attracted groups traditionally difficult to attract and retain in treatment. As the cohort of daily cannabis users age, it is important that service models are attractive to older clients, new to treatment. Rigorous, prospective research examining client treatment outcomes are now warranted. [Copeland J, Allsop D. Dedicated ‘cannabis only’ treatment clinics in New South Wales, Australia: Client and treatment characteristics and associations with first‐time treatment seeking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:565–71]
Effect of exogenously administered glucagon versus spontaneous endogenous counter‐regulation on glycaemic recovery from insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with a novel glucokinase activator, AZD1656, and metformin
Authors: Krentz A. J. , Morrow L. , Petersson M. , Norjavaara E. , Hompesch M. 
Published: June 2014

AimsTo study the effect of exogenous i.m. glucagon on recovery from controlled insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with the novel glucokinase activator AZD1656, in combination with metformin.MethodsThis was a single‐centre randomized, open, two‐way crossover phase I, automated glucose clamp (Biostator®; Life Science Instruments, Elkhart, MD, USA) study (NCT00817271) in eight patients (seven men and one woman, mean age 58.6 years, body mass index 28.1 kg/m2). All patients received a stable dose of metformin twice daily, ranging from 1000 to 2250 mg. A 2‐day titration phase commenced with 40 mg AZD1656 twice daily, escalating to 80 mg twice daily if tolerated. This was followed by a single dose of 80 or 160 mg AZD1656, administered on days 5 and 8 when metabolic studies were performed. After an overnight fast on days 5 and 8, controlled hypoglycaemia was induced using an exogenous i.v. infusion of insulin. Plasma glucose was lowered in a stepwise fashion over 3 h to attain a target nadir of 2.7 mmol/l. This was sustained for 30 min, at the end of which the hypoglycaemic clamp was released. In random sequence, patients either received an i.m. injection of 1 mg glucagon or were allowed to recover from hypoglycaemia by endogenous counter‐regulation. To avoid prolonged hypoglycaemia, a reverse glucose clamp was applied from 4 to 6 h post‐dose.ResultsThree patients received 40 mg AZD1656 twice daily and five patients 80 mg twice daily. Mean plasma glucose at 20 min after release of the hypoglycaemic clamp was significantly lower (3.1 ± 0.3 mmol/l) for AZD1656 alone than for AZD1656 + glucagon (4.9 ± 0.8 mmol/l; p < 0.001 between the groups). Catecholamine and cortisol responses were similar on the AZD1656 + glucagon and AZD alone study days. Growth hormone response was 18% lower for AZD1656 alone (p = 0.01), consistent with the effect of a pharmacological dose of glucagon on growth hormone secretion. No safety or tolerability concerns were observed during treatment with AZ1656.ConclusionsExogenous glucagon was effective as a rescue treatment for hypoglycaemia induced during treatment with AZD1656, given in combination with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Safety of closed‐loop therapy during reduction or omission of meal boluses in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elleri D. , Maltoni G. , Allen J. M. , Nodale M. , Kumareswaran K. , Leelarathna L. , Thabit H. , Caldwell K. , Wilinska M. E. , Calhoun P. , Kollman C. , Dunger D. B. , Hovorka Roman 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe evaluated the safety and efficacy of closed‐loop therapy with meal announcement during reduction and omission of meal insulin boluses in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).Twelve adolescents with T1D [six male; mean (s.d.) age 15.9 (1.8) years; mean (s.d.) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 77 (27) mmol/mol] were studied in a randomized crossover study comparing closed‐loop therapy with meal announcement with conventional pump therapy over two 24‐h stays at a clinical research facility. Identical meals were given on both occasions. The evening meal insulin bolus was calculated to cover half of the carbohydrate content of the meal and no bolus was delivered for lunch. Plasma glucose levels were in the target range of 3.9–10 mmol/l for a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 74 (55,86)% of the time during closed‐loop therapy with meal announcement and for 62 (49,75)% of the time during conventional therapy (p = 0.26). Median (IQR) time spent with plasma glucose levels > 10 mmol/l [23 (13,39) vs. 27 (10,50)%; p = 0.88] or < 3.9 mmol/l [1(0,4) vs. 5 (1,10)%; p = 0.24] and mean [standard deviation (SD)] glucose levels [8.0 (7.6,9.3) vs. 7.7 (6.6,10.1) mmol/l, p = 0.79] were also similar. In conclusion, these results assist home testing of closed‐loop delivery with meal announcement in adolescents with poorly controlled T1D who miscalculate or miss meal insulin boluses.
Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise
Authors: Kaku K. , Kiyosue A. , Inoue S. , Ueda N. , Tokudome T. , Yang J. , Langkilde A. M. 
Published: June 2014

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the selective sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled by diet and exercise.MethodsPatients received placebo or dapagliflozin (5 or 10 mg) once daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).ResultsPatients (N = 261) had modestly elevated baseline HbA1c (mean ≈ 7.5%) and most had mild or moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate range 43–103 ml/min/1.73 m2). Greater reductions in mean HbA1c level were observed with dapagliflozin (5 mg, −0.41%; 10 mg, −0.45%) than with placebo (−0.06%) at week 24 and these were greater in patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was also significantly reduced with dapagliflozin (5 mg, −8.6 mg/dl; 10 mg, −13.7 mg/dl) compared with placebo (+5.8 mg/dl). Dapagliflozin significantly reduced body weight (5 mg, −2.13 kg; 10 mg, −2.22 kg) compared with placebo (−0.84 kg). Overall, 47.7 and 64.8% of patients with dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg, respectively, and 51.7% with placebo experienced ≥1 adverse event, mostly mild or moderate, and unrelated to study treatment. Two patients on dapagliflozin 10 mg reported hypoglycaemia. Four patients across all groups reported events suggestive of genital infection and four of urinary tract infection. No events of pyelonephritis were reported.ConclusionDapagliflozin (5 and 10 mg) was well tolerated and effective in reducing HbA1c, FPG and body weight over 24 weeks in Japanese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled by diet and exercise.
Saddle fit and management: An investigation of the association with equine thoracolumbar asymmetries, horse and rider health
Authors: Greve L. , Dyson S. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyNo previous studies have investigated interrelationships between saddle fit/management, equine thoracolumbar asymmetries, rider and horse health.ObjectivesTo assess associations between data obtained by clinical assessment and those provided by riders via a questionnaire.Study designClinical assessment of a convenience sample of horses and riders compared with a Web‐based questionnaire survey (n = 205).MethodsHorse thoracolumbar asymmetries at predetermined sites, the presence of lameness (in hand and/or ridden), saddle slip, saddle fit/management and rider straightness were assessed. Kappa statistics were used to assess the relationship between categorical clinical data and questionnaire data from riders. Spearman's correlation was used to investigate associations between outcomes from clinical assessment (horse, saddle and rider data) and information provided by riders.ResultsThere was a 40.5% (205 of 506) questionnaire response rate. Thirty horses (14.6%) had saddle slip, which was significantly associated with hindlimb lameness or gait abnormalities (P<0.001), but only 2 riders had considered a link between saddle slip and lameness. Rider back pain was common (38.5%) and associated with ill‐fitting saddles (P = 0.03) and either a quadrupedally reduced cranial phase of the step or a stiff, stilted canter (P = 0.006). Well‐fitted saddles were associated with frequent saddle fit checks (P = 0.004). Minor thoracolumbar asymmetries (P = 0.04) were negatively associated with ill‐fitting saddles and positively associated with rider skill level (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe interaction between the horse, saddle and rider is complex. Ill‐fitting saddles and a stiff, stilted canter or quadrupedally reduced cranial phase of the step are associated with rider back pain. Equine back pain and minor thoracolumbar asymmetries are associated with ill‐fitting saddles. Saddle fit should be checked more often than once yearly to lower the number of ill‐fitting saddles. Riders, trainers and other professionals involved in equine care and performance need better education to recognise ill‐fitting saddles, lameness, saddle slip and rider crookedness.
Topical application of rapamycin ointment ameliorates Dermatophagoides farina body extract‐induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Yang Fei , Tanaka Mari , Wataya‐Kaneda Mari , Yang Lingli , Nakamura Ayumi , Matsumoto Shoji , Attia Mostafa , Murota Hiroyuki , Katayama Ichiro 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by relapsing eczema and intense prurigo, requires effective and safe pharmacological therapy. Recently, rapamycin, an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor, has been reported to play a critical role in immune responses and has emerged as an effective immunosuppressive drug. In this study, we assessed whether inhibition of mTOR signalling could suppress dermatitis in mice. Rapamycin was topically applied to inflamed skin in a murine AD model that was developed by repeated topical application of Dermatophagoides farina body (Dfb) extract antigen twice weekly for 7 weeks in NC/Nga mice. The efficacy of topical rapamycin treatment was evaluated immunologically and serologically. Topical application of rapamycin reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis, alleviated the increase of serum IgE levels and resulted in a significant reduction in clinical skin condition score and marked improvement of histological findings. In addition, increased mTOR phosphorylation in the lesional skin was observed in our murine AD model. Topical application of rapamycin ointment inhibited Dfb antigen‐induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice, promising a new therapy for atopic dermatitis.
Perturbations in the carbon budget of the tropics
Authors: Grace John , Mitchard Edward , Gloor Emanuel 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe carbon budget of the tropics has been perturbed as a result of human influences. Here, we attempt to construct a ‘bottom‐up’ analysis of the biological components of the budget as they are affected by human activities. There are major uncertainties in the extent and carbon content of different vegetation types, the rates of land‐use change and forest degradation, but recent developments in satellite remote sensing have gone far towards reducing these uncertainties. Stocks of carbon as biomass in tropical forests and woodlands add up to 271 ± 16 Pg with an even greater quantity of carbon as soil organic matter. Carbon loss from deforestation, degradation, harvesting and peat fires is estimated as 2.01 ± 1.1 Pg annum−1; while carbon gain from forest and woodland growth is 1.85 ± 0.09 Pg annum−1. We conclude that tropical lands are on average a small carbon source to the atmosphere, a result that is consistent with the ‘top‐down’ result from measurements in the atmosphere. If they were to be conserved, they would be a substantial carbon sink. Release of carbon as carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning in the tropics is 0.74 Pg annum−1 or 0.57 MgC person−1 annum−1, much lower than the corresponding figures from developed regions of the world.
Introduction to the religious lives of migrant minorities: a transnational and multi‐sited perspective
Authors: VÁSQUEZ MANUEL A. , DEWIND JOSH 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis introduction describes the evolution of the conceptual framework that guided the research and analysis of findings from an international research project bringing a multi‐sited and transnational perspective to the study of the religious lives of migrant minorities. The project began by identifying potential contributions that studies of religion, migration and diversity offered one another. To research these issues, the project members investigated the lives of migrants who identify themselves as Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, who live as minorities within three urban contexts, and whose different national regimes for governing migrant and religious diversity have been shaped historically by the British Empire (London, Johannesburg, Kajang‐Kuala Lumpur). The researchers employed a biographic method of investigation in order to examine how migrants organized their religious lives within individual, familial, communal, urban, national and transnational spheres. To understand the intertwining between migratory and religious aspects of the migrants' lives on each of these levels, the project members focused their analysis of the research findings in relation to three themes: migratory and spiritual journeys, sacred and secular place‐making, and the circulation of people, objects, practices, and faiths. The introduction highlights how each of the articles in this collection both reflect and contribute to this intellectual framing in order to understand the interplay between religion, migration, and diversity.
Acute cellular rejection versus recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: Clinical and pathological features driving a rational diagnostic approach
Authors: de la Peña‐Moral Jesús M. , Pons Jose A. , Tome Santiago , Gude Francisco , Miras Manuel , Bermejo Juan , Ramirez Pablo , Berenguer Marina , Varo Evaristo , Forteza Jeronimo , Parrilla Pascual 
Published: June 2014

AimThe aim of our study was develop and validate an algorithm system based on morphological features for finding the differences between recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) and acute cellular rejection (ACR) in liver biopsies of HCV‐transplanted patients.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty‐eight liver biopsies were analyzed from 121 patients transplanted for HCV. A diagnostic consensus was reached between clinicians and pathologists in 214 biopsies for the diagnosis of recurrent HCV or ACR. A random sample of 114 liver biopsies (derivation cohort) was taken to generate the diagnostic tree and was subsequently evaluated using the validation cohort in 100 liver biopsies by recursive partitioning analysis of morphological variables and time since transplantation.ResultsThe presence of endotheliitis together with a time of less than 6 weeks since LT definitely excluded recurrent HCV. After obtaining the regression tree, diagnostic accuracy was 96% and 93% in the derivation and validation cohort, respectively. Both cases surpassed the pathologist's original diagnosis, which had a diagnostic accuracy of 91% (P < 0.05, for both comparisons).ConclusionA recursive partitioning analysis of the morphological features in liver biopsies from HCV‐transplanted patients may be useful for easily distinguishing between recurrent HCV and ACR.
Rare hemoglobin variants in Tunisian population
Authors: Zorai A. , Moumni I. , Mosbahi I. , Douzi K. , Chaouachi D. , Guemira F. , Abbes S. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryDuring the last 30 years, many studies concerning hemoglobinopathies were realized among Tunisians. More than twenty different thalassemic alleles were detected on the β‐globin gene, and less are affecting the α‐globin genes. Unusual hemoglobin (Hb) variants other than Hb S, Hb C, and Hb O‐arab, which are the most frequent variants in Tunisia, were also detected. Eight Tunisian subjects were studied at phenotypic and molecular levels. Hematological indices and hemoglobin (Hb) pattern were performed by alkaline electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing (IEF),and the Hb fractions were quantitated by cation exchange HPLC. On genomic level, coding regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by a sequencing of the purified PCR products using the dye terminator method. Seven uncommon Hb variants were detected and described for the first time among Tunisians. HbA2‐Tunis [δ46(CD5), Gly → Glu, GGG → GAG] is the newly described δ‐chain variant in our laboratory, and some other variants (Hb Constant Spring, G San Jose, and Hb J‐Bangkok) are very uncommon in the Mediterranean region. We present here an updated review of the Hb variants detected among Tunisians. Twenty‐one rare Hb variants were detected affecting the α1‐, α2‐, δ‐, γ‐, and β‐globin genes, leading in some cases to a severe phenotype especially when the stability is completely altered. The ethnical history of Tunisia could explain this important variability of the observed rare Hb variants.
Imbalance of regulatory T cells and T helper type 17 cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Hao Chunqiu , Zhou Yun , He Yu , Fan Chao , Sun Li , Wei Xin , Wang Linxu , Peng Meijuan , Wang Pingzhong , Lian Jianqi , Jia Zhansheng 
Published: June 2014

SummaryPegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy is known to be effective in suppressing viral replication in 50–60% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) ‐infected patients. However, HCV‐infected patients often exhibit varied responses to therapy. Therefore, the identification of immunological markers associated with the clinical outcomes of antiviral treatment is critical for improvement of therapeutic options. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ratio of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells to interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) ‐producing T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, and its association with clinical outcomes in response to anti‐HCV treatment. In all, 114 patients with HCV infection received pegylated interferon‐α2a and ribavirin therapy for 48 weeks, and the frequency of Treg cells and Th17 cells as well as the levels of secreted cytokines were longitudinally analysed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Treg cell proportions and IL‐10 production were significantly elevated in HCV‐infected patients, especially for HCV genotype 1b. However, the frequency of Th17 cells as well as the secretion of IL‐17, IL‐22 and IL‐23 did not reveal notable difference between HCV infections and healthy individuals. Inhibition of HCV replication was accompanied by a reduction in Treg cells, but little influence on Th17 cells, which led to a significant decrease in Treg : Th17 ratios. Skewed Treg : Th17 ratios existed in chronic hepatitis C. HCV RNA load is closely associated with Treg : Th17 ratios during pegylated interferon‐α2a and ribavirin treatment in HCV‐infected patients. The imbalance of Treg cells to Th17 cells might play an important role in persistent HCV infection.
Textural and Sensory Characteristics of Rice Chiffon Cake Formulated with Sugar Alcohols instead of Sucrose
Authors: Kim Ji‐Na , Park Soojin , Shin Weon‐Sun 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe measured the stability and the sensory and textural properties of rice chiffon cake batter and cake prepared with various sugar alcohols in place of sucrose. Mannitol substitution increased batter stability by 30% that of sugar cake and specific volume, allowing greater air retention than that achieved with other polyols, as well as formation of networks with equal cells. Nevertheless, the 100% sensory score of mannitol‐substituted cake was low because of dryness. In contrast, maltitol, sorbitol and xylitol had no effect on the textural properties of cake batter and baked products. The sweetness and overall acceptability of chiffon cakes prepared with maltitol, sorbitol and xylitol, but not mannitol, were similar to those of sugar‐added rice chiffon cake. In conclusion, maltitol, sorbitol and xylitol can be used to prepare low‐calorie, gluten‐free rice chiffon cake without affecting its quality.Practical ApplicationsPrevious studies have reported rice flour substitutions of 0–100% in products such as sponge cake, yellow layer cake, butter cake and chiffon cake. The use of sugar alcohols (polyols) as bulking agents for low‐calorie baked products has been tested previously. In this study, maltitol, sorbitol and xylitol could replace sucrose in rice chiffon cake with no significant changes in batter stability or baking and sensory properties. However, mannitol had an unfavorable impact on textural and sensory qualities, although it increased batter stability and loaf volume of the baked cake.
Insurance Fraud in the Workplace? Evidence From a Dependent Verification Program
Authors: Geruso Michael , Rosen Harvey S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMany employers have implemented dependent verification (DV) programs, which aim to reduce employee benefits costs by ensuring that ineligible persons are not enrolled in their health insurance plans as dependents. We evaluate a DV program using a panel of health plan enrollment data from a large, single‐site employer. We find that dependents were 2.7 percentage points less likely to be reenrolled in the year that DV was introduced, indicating that this fraction of dependents was ineligibly enrolled prior to the program's introduction. There is some evidence consistent with the notion that these dependents were actually ineligible, rather than merely discouraged from reenrollment by compliance costs. We find no indication that the removal of these ineligible dependents spilled over to affect the enrollment of eligible dependents within the same family.