bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic drug monitoring of atazanavir/ritonavir in pregnancy
Authors: Else LJ , Jackson V , Brennan M , Back DJ , Khoo SH , Coulter‐Smith S , Lambert JS 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesPregnant women experience physiological changes during pregnancy that can have a significant impact on antiretroviral pharmacokinetics. Ensuring optimal plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals is essential for maternal health and to minimize the risk of vertical transmission. Here we describe atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) plasma concentrations in a cohort of pregnant women undergoing routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).MethodsPregnant HIV‐positive women received ATV/r as part of their routine pre‐natal care. Demographic and clinical data were collected. ATV plasma concentrations ([ATV]) were determined in the first (T1), second (T2) and third (T3) trimesters and at postpartum (PP) using liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).ResultsFrom January 2007, 44 women (37 black African) were enrolled in the study. All received ATV/r at a dose of 300/100 mg once a day. Twenty‐four had received antiretroviral therapy (ART) prior to pregnancy, and 20 initiated ATV/r in pregnancy. At the time nearest to delivery, 36 patients had undetectable plasma viral loads. [ATV] values were determined in 11 (T1), 25 (T2), 34 (T3) and 28 (PP) patients. [ATV] at 24 hours post‐dose (C24) values significantly lower at T2/T3 relative to PP.ConclusionsThis study was carried out in one of the larger cohorts of women undergoing TDM for ATV in pregnancy. Lower [ATV] values were seen in T2/T3 compared with T1/PP. However, [ATV] were not associated with a lack of virologic suppression at delivery. Nonetheless, careful monitoring of women in pregnancy is required, and dose adjustment of ATV to 400 mg may be an option.
Phylogeography and Pleistocene refugia of the Little Owl Athene noctua inferred from mtDNA sequence data
Authors: Pellegrino Irene , Negri Alessandro , Cucco Marco , Mucci Nadia , Pavia Marco , Šálek Martin , Boano Giovanni , Randi Ettore 
Published: May 2014

Pleistocene glaciations greatly affected the distribution of genetic diversity in animal populations. The Little Owl is widely distributed in temperate regions and could have survived the last glaciations in southern refugia. To describe the phylogeographical structure of European populations, we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and control region (CR1) in 326 individuals sampled from 22 locations. Phylogenetic analyses of COI identified two deeply divergent clades: a western haplogroup distributed in western and northwestern Europe, and an eastern haplogroup distributed in southeastern Europe. Faster evolving CR1 sequences supported the divergence between these two main clades, and identified three subgroups within the eastern clade: Balkan, southern Italian and Sardinian. Divergence times estimated from COI with fossil calibrations indicate that the western and eastern haplogroups split 2.01–1.71 Mya. Slightly different times for splits were found using the standard 2% rate and 7.3% mtDNA neutral substitution rate. CR1 sequences dated the origin of endemic Sardinian haplotypes at 1.04–0.26 Mya and the split between southern Italian and Balkan haplogroups at 0.72–0.21 Mya, coincident with the onset of two Pleistocene glaciations. Admixture of mtDNA haplotypes was detected in northern Italy and in central Europe. These findings support a model of southern Mediterranean and Balkan refugia, with postglacial expansion and secondary contacts for Little Owl populations. Central and northern Europe was predominantly recolonized by Little Owls from Iberia, whereas expansion out of the Balkans was more limited. Northward expansion of the Italian haplogroup was probably prevented by the Alps, and the Sardinian haplotypes remained confined to the island. Results showed a clear genetic pattern differentiating putative subspecies. Genetic distances between haplogroups were comparable with those recorded between different avian species.
Enterobacter gergoviae adaptation to preservatives commonly used in cosmetic industry
Authors: Périamé M. , Pagès J.‐M. , Davin‐Regli A. 
Published: May 2014

SynopsisObjectiveThe aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding regarding the origin of recurrent contamination by Enterobacter gergoviae in diverse cosmetic formula. We studied 65 isolates collected from various sources (clinical, food, cosmetics).MethodsRAPD analysis using AP12H, REP and ERIC‐PCR was carried out for epidemiological typing. Evaluation of susceptibility to preservatives currently used in cosmetics for a representative panel of collection strains was measured. Preservative efficacy was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs).ResultsEighty per cent of isolates was unrelated. E. gergoviae showed significant levels of resistance to preservatives. MBC was higher than maximum permitted concentrations imposed by European Commission (EC). Association of preservatives showed in rare case additive effects, and no synergic effects were observed.ConclusionMost of the cosmetic formulations are contaminated with unrelated E. gergoviae strains. Maximum allowed concentrations for sodium benzoate are inefficient to limit proliferation and control adaptability to this bacterium in cosmetic products. Efflux mechanisms should be involved in methylisothiazolinone–chloromethylisothiazolinone and triclosan adaptation.
Modified anterior approach to the bladder neck: Simple and reproducible procedure for anterior bladder neck transection during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shimbo Masaki , Hattori Kazunori , Endo Fumiyasu , Matsushita Kazuhito , Iwabuchi Toshihisa , Tobisu Kenichi , Muraishi Osamu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTo evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of a simple technique for identifying the initial cutting point of the bladder neck during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. To precisely identify the prostatovesical junction, we first pulled the anterior bladder wall in an upward direction with the second arm to identify the precise location of the prostatovesical junction where anterior bladder neck dissection is initiated. After one experienced surgeon had established this technique, three surgeons who were less experienced in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy utilized this method for 50 consecutive robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy cases. The pathological results and the time required to transect the anterior bladder wall were evaluated. There were no cases of positive resection margin on the site of bladder neck. The mean resection time was not significantly different when comparing less experienced surgeons with the experienced surgeon (P = 0.29). In conclusion, this method is a simple and reproducible way to identify the bladder neck during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. This technique is also useful (for laparoscopic or open radical prostatectomy) even in difficult scenarios, such as post‐transurethral resection of prostate cases.
Predictors of short‐term overactive bladder symptom improvement after transurethral resection of prostate in men with benign prostatic obstruction
Authors: Zhao Yao‐Rui , Liu Wen‐Zhan , Guralnick Michael , Niu Wen‐Jie , Wang Yong , Sun Guang , Xu Yong 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation of preoperative overactive bladder symptoms and urodynamic parameters to the improvement of overactive bladder symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out in 128 patients with urodynamically proven benign prostatic obstruction that underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. All patients had preoperative urgency symptoms. The patients were divided into groups according to overactive bladder symptom severity and preoperative urodynamic parameters (presence and type of detrusor overactivity, degree of obstruction, bladder contractility). The 3‐month postoperative changes in overactive bladder symptoms were then compared between the groups.ResultsOverall, there was a statistically significant improvement in mean overactive bladder symptoms score from 9.6 to 2.7 (P < 0.001). However, patients with preoperative mild overactive bladder symptoms had significantly lower postoperative overactive bladder symptoms scores than those with moderate or severe symptoms (P < 0.05). Patients with preoperative terminal detrusor overactivity had significantly higher overactive bladder symptoms scores compared with patients with phasic and no detrusor overactivity (P < 0.05), and were more likely to have persistent urge incontinence. Preoperative detrusor contractility and severity of obstruction did not affect postoperative overactive bladder symptom improvement.ConclusionsMost patients with benign prostatic obstruction and overactive bladder symptoms experience an improvement in their symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate. The presence of preoperative terminal detrusor overactivity might be negatively associated with this improvement. The preoperative severity of overactive bladder symptoms, detrusor contractility and degree of bladder outlet obstruction do not appear to have an effect.
Impact of obesity on the predictive accuracy of prostate‐specific antigen density and prostate‐specific antigen in native Korean men undergoing prostate biopsy
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Doo Seung Whan , Yang Won Jae , Lee Kwang Woo , Lee Chang Ho , Song Yun Seob , Jeon Yoon Su , Kim Min Eui , Kwon Soon‐Sun 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of obesity on the biopsy detection of prostate cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data of 1182 consecutive Korean patients (≥50 years) with serum prostate‐specific antigen levels of 3–10 ng/mL who underwent initial extended 12‐cores biopsy from September 2009 to March 2013. Patients who took medications that were likely to influence the prostate‐specific antigen level were excluded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for prostate‐specific antigen and prostate‐specific antigen density predicting cancer status among non‐obese and obese men.ResultsA total of 1062 patients (mean age 67.1 years) were enrolled in the analysis. A total of 230 men (21.7%) had a positive biopsy. In the overall study sample, the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of serum prostate‐specific antigen for predicting prostate cancer on biopsy were 0.584 and 0.633 for non‐obese and obese men, respectively (P = 0.234). However, the area under the curve for prostate‐specific antigen density in predicting cancer status showed a significant difference (non‐obese 0.696, obese 0.784; P = 0.017).ConclusionsThere seems to be a significant difference in the ability of prostate‐specific antigen density to predict biopsy results between non‐obese and obese men. Obesity positively influenced the overall ability of prostate‐specific antigen density to predict prostate cancer.
Evaluation of intra‐ and extra‐epithelial secretory IgA in chlamydial infections
Authors: Armitage Charles W. , O'Meara Connor P. , Harvie Marina C. G. , Timms Peter , Wijburg Odilia L. , Beagley Kenneth W. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryImmunoglobulin A is an important mucosal antibody that can neutralize mucosal pathogens by either preventing attachment to epithelia (immune exclusion) or alternatively inhibit intra‐epithelial replication following transcytosis by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). Chlamydia trachomatis is a major human pathogen that initially targets the endocervical or urethral epithelium in women and men, respectively. As both tissues contain abundant secretory IgA (SIgA) we assessed the protection afforded by IgA targeting different chlamydial antigens expressed during the extra‐ and intra‐epithelial stages of infection. We developed an in vitro model using polarizing cells expressing the murine pIgR together with antigen‐specific mouse IgA, and an in vivo model using pIgR−/− mice. Secretory IgA targeting the extra‐epithelial chlamydial antigen, the major outer membrane protein, significantly reduced infection in vitro by 24% and in vivo by 44%. Conversely, pIgR‐mediated delivery of IgA targeting the intra‐epithelial inclusion membrane protein A bound to the inclusion but did not reduce infection in vitro or in vivo. Similarly, intra‐epithelial IgA targeting the secreted protease Chlamydia protease‐like activity factor also failed to reduce infection. Together, these data suggest the importance of pIgR‐mediated delivery of IgA targeting extra‐epithelial, but not intra‐epithelial, chlamydial antigens for protection against a genital tract infection.
Characterizing wild bird contact and seropositivity to highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Alaskan residents
Authors: Reed Carrie , Bruden Dana , Byrd Kathy K. , Veguilla Vic , Bruce Michael , Hurlburt Debby , Wang David , Holiday Crystal , Hancock Kathy , Ortiz Justin R. , Klejka Joe , Katz Jacqueline M. , Uyeki Timothy M. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundHighly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have infected poultry and wild birds on three continents with more than 600 reported human cases (59% mortality) since 2003. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza A viruses, and migratory birds have been documented with HPAI H5N1 virus infection. Since 2005, clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have spread from Asia to many countries.ObjectivesWe conducted a cross‐sectional seroepidemiological survey in Anchorage and western Alaska to identify possible behaviors associated with migratory bird exposure and measure seropositivity to HPAI H5N1.MethodsWe enrolled rural subsistence bird hunters and their families, urban sport hunters, wildlife biologists, and a comparison group without bird contact. We interviewed participants regarding their exposures to wild birds and collected blood to perform serologic testing for antibodies against a clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 virus strain.ResultsHunters and wildlife biologists reported exposures to wild migratory birds that may confer risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses, although none of the 916 participants had evidence of seropositivity to HPAI H5N1.ConclusionsWe characterized wild bird contact among Alaskans and behaviors that may influence risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses. Such knowledge can inform surveillance and risk communication surrounding HPAI H5N1 and other influenza viruses in a population with exposure to wild birds at a crossroads of intercontinental migratory flyways.
‘This child is a planned baby’: skilled migrant fathers and reproductive decision‐making
Authors: De Souza Ruth Noreen Argie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThis study analyses discourses that migrant fathers in New Zealand draw on to explain their decision to have a child.BackgroundLittle is known about migrant men's reproductive decisions in the context of contemporary/active fatherhood.DesignA discourse analytic research study.MethodsQualitative research was conducted in 2009 where Chinese and Indian migrant men took part in focus groups.Results/FindingsFathers drew on two key discourses to understand how they became fathers. The first was fatherhood as a financial decision and the second was fatherhood as a natural process. These two discourses are not always congruent.ConclusionUnderstanding the discourses that shape men's decisions to have a child, will enhance nurses' capacity to provide appropriate care and support for migrant families.
The Influence of Particle Size Distribution on Sunflower Tahini Rheology and Structure
Authors: Muresan Vlad , Danthine Sabine , Racolta Emil , Muste Sevastita , Blecker Christophe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDifferent particle size sunflower tahini prototypes were obtained by controlling the milling process of roasted sunflower kernels. Not only the physicochemical properties of these samples but also of an industrial reference were compared and discussed in order to understand tahini behavior and structure. Granulometry was determined by a laser‐scattering analyzer and revealed for all studied samples, trimodal particle size distributions. Histogram modes, as well as cumulative volume percentages (CVPs) of small‐ and middle‐class populations, increased with the number of passes through colloidal mill, while for large particle size population, both the modes and CVPs decreased. Pseudoplastic behavior was observed for all sunflower tahini prototypes and reference, irrespective of studied temperature and particle size. However, the value of consistency coefficient ranged from 3,049 to 6.6 Pa·sn being strong dependent on particle size and temperature while flow behavior indexes between 0.53 and 0.87. Time‐dependent rheological analysis revealed higher thixotropic degree of coarser sunflower tahini samples. Studied samples had rheological properties characteristic for a viscoelastic material, the response in the dynamic frequency sweep being typical for weak gels. The finest sunflower tahini prototype showed the lowest Krieger–Dougherty estimated volume fraction (0.48), while the coarsest sample the highest (0.69), sunflower tahini reference being placed in a median position with a volume fraction of 0.56. By combining all those data, a schematic structure of sunflower tahini was proposed for the first time.Practical ApplicationsIn the production of tahini in Eastern Europe, sesame seeds have been totally replaced by sunflower seeds due to the high availability of sunflower in this region and the comparable taste of the final product. The fundamental understanding of structure and rheology is an essential step in analyzing tahini behavior during processing and storage or when included in new food formulations. The tahini model structure proposed for the first time in this manuscript is an essential tool for food engineers when improving the stability and texture of tahini or related products (e.g., halva, hummus) as well as when designing new tahini formulations. The obtained results will contribute to quality improvements of tahini‐derived products as well as to a superior valorization of sunflower kernels by replacing sesame seeds in tahini production, being of interest also for similar products such as sesame tahini, peanut butter or hazelnut paste.
UV‐C Irradiation of Freshly Squeezed Grape Juice and Modeling Inactivation Kinetics
Authors: Unluturk Sevcan , Atilgan Mehmet R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUV inactivation kinetics of freshly squeezed turbid white grape juice (FSTGJ) treated with an annular flow UV reactor by applying UV dosages ranging from 0 to 116.7 J/mL, at three different flow rates (0.90, 1.75 and 3.70 mL/s), were modeled by using log‐linear, Weibull, Hom and modified Chick–Watson models. FSTGJ was circulated five times in the UV system, i.e., UV exposure time was 20.33 min during processing. The populations of Escherichia coli K‐12, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and foodborne yeasts were reduced by 3.759, 4.133 and 1.604 log cfu/mL, respectively, after exposure to UV dosage of 116.7 J/mL at the lowest flow rate. The inactivation kinetics of foodborne yeasts were best described by the modified Chick–Watson model, with the least root mean squared error (RMSE = 0.001, R2 = 0.999). Besides, the inactivation kinetics of E. coli K‐12 and LAB were best fitted by Weibull model (R2 = 0.999). Additionally, when the UV exposure time was increased up to 32.5 min (i.e., eight cycles), UV‐C treatment of FSTGJ resulted in 5.341 log cfu/mL reduction in E. coli K‐12, which meets the Food and Drug Administration requirement of a 5 log reduction of microorganisms in fruit juices.Practical ApplicationsConsumer demand for high‐quality fruit juice with fresh‐like characteristics has markedly expanded in recent years. UV‐C irradiation is a nonthermal method and allows the processing of fruit juices with a minimal or no changes in flavor, essential nutrients and vitamins. Although thermal pasteurization is the most convenient way of increasing the shelf life of fruit juices, it causes a “cook taste” in grape juice. So, in this study, the application of UV‐C irradiation to process grape juice was investigated. The shape of the microbial inactivation curve is sigmoidal in UV treatment. Therefore, different kinetic models (e.g., log‐linear, Weibull, Hom and modified Chick–Watson) are applied to describe the inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli K‐12, lactic acid bacteria and foodborne yeasts. Kinetic parameters (e.g., k and D) and models can be used for the development of UV‐C irradiation process to ensure microbial safety in juice products.
Herbal tea extracts inhibit Cytochrome P450 3A4 in vitro
Authors: Dufay Sophie , Worsley Alan , Monteillier Aymeric , Avanzi Charlotte , Sy Jaclyn , Ng Ting Fat , Garcia Jean-Michel , Lam Man-Fai , Vanhoutte Paul , Wong Ian C K 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Objectives
Ciclosporin and sirolimus, two immunosuppressive agents with narrow therapeutic windows, are mainly metabolized by Cytochrome 3A4 (CYP3A4). A clinical case of toxic blood levels of these drugs after the consumption of a ‘24-flavours’ tea was reported. This study aims to identify the causative ingredients of the 24-flavour herbal tea in the inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism.

Methods
Two commercially available 24-flavour tea products purchased in Hong Kong and the six plant constituents were tested for their CYP3A4 inhibitory effects utilizing an in-vitro fluorometric assay.

Key findings
Of the commercially available teas available in Hong Kong, the most potent inhibitory effect was observed with the tea consumed in the initial clinical case. Of the six universal constituents, chrysanthemum exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect, with an IC50 of 95.7 μg/ml. Dandelion, liquorice and bishop's weed have IC50 of 140.6, 148.4 and 185.5 μg/ml, respectively. Field mint and Japanese honeysuckle have weaker inhibitory effect on CYP3A4 with IC50 of 1153.3 and 1466.3 μg/ml.

Conclusions
This study confirms the possible implication of herbal tea constituents in the inhibition of ciclosporin and sirolimus’ CYP3A4 metabolism. Combined usage of herbal teas with drug should be closely monitored.