bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors responsible for incomplete linkage to care after HIV diagnosis: preliminary results from the Test and Keep in Care (TAK) project
Authors: Ankiersztejn‐Bartczak M , Firląg‐Burkacka E , Czeszko‐Paprocka H , Kubicka J , Cybula A , Horban A , Kowalska JD 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesLinkage to care after HIV diagnosis remains underinvestigated in Europe, yet delays in linkage to care are an important obstacle to controlling the HIV epidemic. The Test and Keep in Care (TAK) project aims to determine the prevalence of HIV‐positive persons who are lost or late to care and factors associated with this.MethodsData from community‐based voluntary counselling and testing that occurred in 2010–2011 were linked with data from HIV clinics using unique test numbers. Persons not registered in HIV clinics were considered lost to care (LTC). For statistical analysis, nonparametric tests were used for comparison, and a multivariable logistic regression model was developed that included all variables with P < 0.1 from the univariable models.ResultsA total of 110 persons were diagnosed as HIV‐positive: 91% lived in central Poland, 5% were female and 71% were men who have sex with men (MSM). Forty‐seven (42%) persons were LTC, seven of whom did not collect their enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test result. Of those who registered, 75% registered within 1 month from HIV diagnosis, and 54% were late presenters. LTC individuals were more likely to have heterosexual or bisexual orientation, to have > 20 sexual partners, to not be in a relationship with an HIV‐positive partner, to not use condoms, and to be taking their first HIV test. In a logistic regression model, after adjusting for these factors, using condoms in a stable relationship decreased the odds of LTC by 72% (odds ratio 0.28; confidence interval 0.11−0.67).ConclusionsIntegration into care after HIV diagnosis requires improvement. Our results suggest that broadening awareness and counselling about sexual risks may have a positive impact.
Evaluation of treatment outcomes for patients on first‐line regimens in US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) clinics in Uganda: predictors of virological and immunological response from RV288 analyses
Authors: Crawford KW , Wakabi S , Magala F , Kibuuka H , Liu M , Hamm TE 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesViral load (VL) monitoring is recommended, but seldom performed, in resource‐constrained countries. RV288 is a US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) basic programme evaluation to determine the proportion of patients on treatment who are virologically suppressed and to identify predictors of virological suppression and recovery of CD4 cell count. Analyses from Uganda are presented here.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional, observational study, patients on first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) (efavirenz or nevirapine + zidovudine/lamivudine) from Kayunga District Hospital and Kagulamira Health Center were randomly selected for a study visit that included determination of viral load (HIV‐1 RNA), CD4 cell count and clinical chemistry tests. Subjects were recruited by time on treatment: 6–12, 13–24 or > 24 months. Logistic regression modelling identified predictors of virological suppression. Linear regression modelling identified predictors of CD4 cell count recovery on ART.ResultsWe found that 85.2% of 325 subjects were virologically suppressed (viral load < 47 HIV‐1 RNA copies/ml). There was no difference in the proportion of virologically suppressed subjects by time on treatment, yet CD4 counts were higher in each successive stratum. Women had higher median CD4 counts than men overall (406 vs. 294 cells/μL, respectively; P < 0.0001) and in each time‐on‐treatment stratum. In a multivariate logistic regression model, predictors of virological suppression included efavirenz use [odds ratio (OR) 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–1.02; P = 0.057], lower cost of clinic visits (OR 0.815; 95% CI 0.66–1.00; P = 0.05), improvement in CD4 percentage (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.014–1.107; P = 0.009), and care at Kayunga vs. Kangulamira (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23–0.92; P = 0.035). In a multivariate linear regression model of covariates associated with CD4 count recovery, time on highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) (P < 0.0001), patient satisfaction with care (P = 0.038), improvements in total lymphocyte count (P < 0.0001) and haemoglobin concentration (P = 0.05) were positively associated, whereas age at start of ART (P = 0.0045) was negatively associated with this outcome.ConclusionsHigh virological suppression rates are achievable on first‐line ART in Uganda. The odds of virological suppression were positively associated with efavirenz use and improvements in CD4 cell percentage and total lymphocyte count and negatively associated with the cost of travel to the clinic. CD4 cell reconstitution was positively associated with CD4 count at study visit, time on ART, satisfaction with care at clinic, haemoglobin concentration and total lymphocyte count and negatively associated with age.
Complement factor C5a induces atherosclerotic plaque disruptions
Authors: Wezel Anouk , de Vries Margreet R. , Lagraauw H. Maxime , Foks Amanda C. , Kuiper Johan , Quax Paul H.A. , Bot Ilze 
Published: August 2014

AbstractComplement factor C5a and its receptor C5aR are expressed in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques; however, a causal relation between C5a and plaque rupture has not been established yet. Accelerated atherosclerosis was induced by placing vein grafts in male apoE−/− mice. After 24 days, when advanced plaques had developed, C5a or PBS was applied locally at the lesion site in a pluronic gel. Three days later mice were killed to examine the acute effect of C5a on late stage atherosclerosis. A significant increase in C5aR in the plaque was detectable in mice treated with C5a. Lesion size and plaque morphology did not differ between treatment groups, but interestingly, local treatment with C5a resulted in a striking increase in the amount of plaque disruptions with concomitant intraplaque haemorrhage. To identify the potential underlying mechanisms, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were treated in vitro with C5a. Both cell types revealed a marked increase in apoptosis after stimulation with C5a, which may contribute to lesion instability in vivo. Indeed, apoptosis within the plaque was seen to be significantly increased after C5a treatment. We here demonstrate a causal role for C5a in atherosclerotic plaque disruptions, probably by inducing apoptosis. Therefore, intervention in complement factor C5a signalling may be a promising target in the prevention of acute atherosclerotic complications.
Explaining Interest Group Interactions with Party Group Members in the European Parliament: Dominant Party Groups and Coalition Formation
Authors: Marshall David 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article develops and tests a theory of party group lobbying that demonstrates how the European Parliament's decision‐making process shapes interest group interactions with legislators. Interest group behaviour is highly conditional on two motivations: lobby powerful MEPs, and lobby friendly MEPs. Friendliness is based on ideology, with power shaped by institutional rules and seat share. These goals can mutually reinforce each other. However, because these two motivations exist, and because political power is not fully predictable, there are strong incentives for interest groups to lobby party groups that are non‐natural allies to ensure that their policy information reaches the winning side. But, when interest groups engage in this behaviour, they retain their preference to lobby the friendliest members. The analysis is carried out on nine policy‐related categories of interest group, with MEP data from three parliaments in the period 1999–2011, combined with information on the parliamentary role of 724 respondents.
Association Between Mental Health Disorders and Sexual Dysfunction in Patients Suffering from Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Anyfanti Panagiota , Pyrpasopoulou Athina , Triantafyllou Areti , Triantafyllou Georgios , Gavriilaki Eleni , Chatzimichailidou Sofia , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Petidis Konstantinos , Aslanidis Spyros , Douma Stella 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual functioning may be notoriously affected in patients suffering from rheumatic diseases, yet the extent to which physical and/or psychological factors contribute to sexual dysfunction in this particular group of patients remains underinvestigated.

Aim
This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating whether an association exists between psychological status (anxiety, depression) and sexual dysfunction, independently of other physical factors, in patients with rheumatic disorders.

Methods
A total of 509 consecutive rheumatologic patients, aged 54.7 ± 14.2 years, 423 female and 86 male, were studied. Female and male sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, respectively. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to detect presence of anxiety and depression, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual dysfunction affected 69.9%, anxiety 37.5%, and depression 22% of our patients.

Results
A strong and negative correlation was found between anxiety and both FSFI (r = −0.169, P &lt; 0.001) and IIEF score (r = −0.304, P = 0.004). Similarly, depressive symptomatology was strongly and negatively correlated with both FSFI (r = −0.178, P &lt; 0.001) and IIEF score (r = −0.222, P = 0.04). In the logistic regression analysis, apart from increasing age and female sex, depression (P = 0.027) and anxiety (P = 0.049) were identified as the only predictors of sexual dysfunction, even after adjustment for a variety of physical factors.

Conclusions
Mental distress and sexual dysfunction are extremely common in rheumatologic patients. Sexual dysfunction is significantly associated with anxiety and depression in both men and women and may be independently predicted by their presence in this group of patients. Physicians dealing with rheumatologic patients should be aware of these results and incorporate screening and treatment of the above comorbidities in the global assessment of their patients, in order to alleviate the disease-emerging mental and physical burden and improve their quality of life.
Prevalence and Predictors of Genito-Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy and Postpartum: The Prospective Impact of Fear Avoidance
Authors: Glowacka Maria , Rosen Natalie , Chorney Jill , Snelgrove−Clarke Erna , George Ronald B. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Introduction
There is limited knowledge regarding the symptom profile of genito-pelvic pain in pregnancy and postpartum, and potential psychosocial predictors of this pain. Prior studies have reported a positive association between prepregnancy pain and postpartum genito-pelvic pain. Greater fear avoidance has been associated with increased genital pain intensity in women, unrelated to childbirth. This relationship has not been examined prospectively in a postpartum population.

Aims
The study aims were to examine the symptom profile of genito-pelvic pain during pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum, and the impact of prepregnancy nongenito-pelvic pain and fear avoidance in pregnancy on genito-pelvic pain at 3 months postpartum.

Methods
First-time expectant mothers (N = 150) completed measures of fear avoidance (pain-related anxiety, catastrophizing, hypervigilance to pain), prepregnancy nongenito-pelvic pain, childbirth-related risk factors (e.g., episiotomy), and breastfeeding.

Main Outcome Measures
Those reporting genito-pelvic pain in pregnancy and/or at 3 months postpartum answered questions about the onset (prepregnancy, during pregnancy, postpartum) and location (genital, pelvic, or both) of the pain and rated the intensity and unpleasantness of the pain on numerical rating scales.

Results
Of 150 women, 49% reported genito-pelvic pain in pregnancy. The pain resolved for 59% of women, persisted for 41%, and 7% of women reported a new onset of genito-pelvic pain after childbirth. Prepregnancy nongenito-pelvic pain was associated with an increased likelihood of postpartum onset of genito-pelvic pain. Greater pain-related anxiety was associated with greater average genito-pelvic pain intensity at 3 months postpartum.

Conclusions
Results suggest that about half of women may develop genito-pelvic pain during pregnancy, which will persist for about a third, and a subset will develop this pain after childbirth. Prior recurrent nongenito-pelvic pain may enhance the risk of developing genito-pelvic pain postpartum, while greater pain-related anxiety in pregnancy may increase the risk for greater intensity of postpartum genito-pelvic pain.
The fantastic future of food – celebrating 50 years of food science and technology
Authors: Poole J. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe Institute of Food Science and Technology is this year celebrating 50 years since its formation. But we are not planning a year of retrospection – far from it. The main focus for the Institute's celebrations is very much on the future, hence the main theme for our 50th Jubilee year; ‘The Fantastic Future of Food’. Food science and technology can provide solutions to many of the current big challenges such as food safety, sustainability, waste reduction and, of course, some aspects of nutritional health. The Institute is therefore using its 50th Jubilee to raise the profile of its activities and also launch a number of key projects which it believes will have a significant impact on some of the key issues facing the food sector. The first of these will be its Register of Food Safety Professionals which will provide independent professional accreditation at all levels for those engaged in food safety roles.
Twenty years of research in the Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, 1994–2014
Authors: Mathers J. C. , Hill T. R. , Foster E. , Adamson A. J. , Valentine R. , Rugg‐Gunn A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe Human Nutrition Research Centre (HNRC) in Newcastle University was established in 1994 as a multidisciplinary, cross‐faculty research centre under the direction of Professors John Mathers and Andrew Rugg‐Gunn. The remit of the centre was to undertake research into the links between nutrition and health and, in particular, on interventions that could reduce the risk of common non‐communicable diseases and so improve public health. Although that remains the central goal, we have expanded our research approaches to take advantage of emerging technologies such as those in nutrigenomics and have major interests in interactions between nutrition and the genome. Innovative methodology is central to advances in all sciences and we have undertaken research on new tools for the measurement of dietary intake that are appropriate for different population groups to span all life stages. In 2008, we were re‐designated as a University Research Centre. This article has been written to outline the work that the centre has undertaken to celebrate 20 years of nutrition research in the HNRC.
Acute kidney injury after snakebite accident treated in a Brazilian tertiary care centre
Authors: Albuquerque Polianna L. M. M. , Silva Junior Geraldo B. , Jacinto Camilla N. , Lima Julianna B. , Lima Caroline B. , Amaral Yago S. , Veras Maria do Socorro B. , Mota Rosa M. S. , Daher Elizabeth F. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimAcute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in cases of envenomation by venomous snakes. The present study was carried out to investigate the clinical and laboratory manifestations in accidents with venomous snakes and the risk factors associated with AKI in these accidents.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out with patients victims of snakebite admitted to a reference centre. AKI was defined according to the RIFLE and AKIN criteria.ResultsA total of 276 patients were included, of which 230 (83.7%) were males. AKI was observed in 42 cases (15.2%). The mean genus involved in the accidents was Bothrops (82.2%). Mean age of patients with AKI was higher than in patients without AKI (43 ± 20 vs. 34 ± 21 years, P = 0.015). The time elapsed between the accident and medical care was higher in the AKI group (25 ± 28 vs. 14 ± 16h, P = 0.034), as well as the time elapsed between the accident and the administration of antivenom (30.7 ± 27 vs. 15 ± 16 h, P = 0.01). Haemodialysis was required in 30% of cases and complete renal function recovery was observed in 54.8% of cases at hospital discharge. There were four deaths, none of which had AKI. Factors associated with AKI were haemorrhagic abnormalities (P = 0.036, OR = 6.718, 95% CI: 1.067–25.661) and longer length of hospital stay (P = 0.004, OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.165–2.088).ConclusionAcute kidney injury is an important complication of snakebite accidents, showing low mortality, but high morbidity, which can lead to partial renal function recovery.
Comparison of phloem and xylem hydraulic architecture inPicea abiesstems
Authors: Jyske Tuula , Hölttä Teemu 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe hydraulic properties of xylem and phloem differ but the magnitude and functional consequences of the differences are not well understood.Phloem and xylem functional areas, hydraulic conduit diameters and conduit frequency along the stems ofPicea abiestrees were measured and expressed as allometric functions of stem diameter and distance from stem apex. Conductivities of phloem and xylem were estimated from these scaling relations.Compared with xylem, phloem conduits were smaller and occupied a slightly larger fraction of conducting tissue area. Ten times more xylem than phloem was annually produced along the stem. Scaling of the conduit diameters and cross‐sectional areas with stem diameter were very similar in phloem and xylem. Phloem and xylem conduits scaled also similarly with distance from stem apex; widening downwards from the tree top, and reaching a plateau near the base of the living crown.Phloem conductivity was estimated to scale similarly to the conductivity of the outermost xylem ring, with the ratio of phloem to xylem conductivity beingc. 2%. However, xylem conductivity was estimated to increase more than phloem conductivity with increasing tree dimensions as a result of accumulation of xylem sapwood. Phloem partly compensated for its smaller conducting area and narrower conduits by having a slightly higher conduit frequency.
On selection for flowering time plasticity in response to density
Authors: Vermeulen Peter J. 
Published: August 2014

Summary

Different genotypes often exhibit opposite plastic responses in the timing of the onset of flowering with increasing plant density. In experimental studies, selection for accelerated flowering is generally found. By contrast, game theoretical studies predict that there should be selection for delayed flowering when competition increases.

Combining different optimality criteria, the conditions under which accelerated or delayed flowering in response to density would be selected for are analysed with a logistic growth simulation model.

To maximize seed production at the whole‐stand level (simple optimization), selection should lead to accelerated flowering at high plant density, unless very short growing seasons select for similar onset of flowering at all densities. By contrast, selection of relative individual fitness will lead to delayed flowering when season length is long and/or growth rates are high.

These different results give a potential explanation for the observed differences in direction of the plastic responses within and between species, including homeostasis, as a result of the effect of the variation in season length on the benefits of delayed flowering. This suggests that limited plasticity can evolve without the costs and limits that are currently thought to constrain the evolution of plasticity.
An exploration of compassion focused therapy following acquired brain injury
Authors: Ashworth Fiona , Clarke Alexis , Jones Lisa , Jennings Caroline , Longworth Catherine 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundPeople with acquired brain injuries (ABI) frequently experience psychological difficulties such as anxiety and depression, which may be underpinned and maintained by high self‐criticism and shame alongside an inability to self‐soothe. Compassionate focused therapy (CFT) was developed to address shame and self‐criticism and foster the ability to self‐soothe.ObjectivesThis is a naturalistic evaluation with the aim of assessing the feasibility, safety, and potential value of CFT for ABI patients with emotional difficulties receiving neuropsychological rehabilitation.MethodsThis study employed a mixed methods design combining self‐report measures and qualitative interviews. Twelve patients received a combination of CFT group and individual intervention. Self‐report measures of self‐criticism, self‐reassurance, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were collected pre and post programme and analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank test (N = 12; five female, seven males). Follow‐up data were analysed in the same manner (N = 9). Interviews were conducted with six patients and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsCFT was associated with significant reductions in measures of self‐criticism, anxiety, and depression and an increase in the ability to reassure the self. No adverse effects were reported. Three superordinate themes emerged from the interviews: psychological difficulties; developing trust and finding safeness; and a new approach.ConclusionsThis study suggests that CFT is well accepted in ABI survivors within the context of neuropsychological rehabilitation. Furthermore, the results indicate that further research into CFT for psychological problems after ABI is needed and that there may be key aspects, which are specific to CFT intervention, which could reduce psychological difficulties after ABI.Practitioner points

CFT appears to be a feasible intervention for psychological problems after ABI.

CFT was associated with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression and associated self‐criticism, as well as enhanced self‐reassurance for ABI survivors.

These ABI survivors reported that CFT provided them with tools to manage continued psychological difficulties.
Effects of Active Video Games on Energy Expenditure in Adults: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Dutta Nirjhar , Pereira Mark A. 
Published: August 2014

Background:The objective of this study was to estimate the mean difference in energy expenditure (EE) in healthy adults between playing active video games (AVGs) compared with traditional video games (TVGs) or rest.Methods:A systematic search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, and Academic Search Premier between 1998 and April 2012 for relevant keywords, yielding 15 studies. EE and heart rate (HR) data were extracted, and random effects meta-analysis was performed.Results:EE during AVG play was 1.81 (95% CI, 1.29–2.34; I2 = 94.2%) kcal/kg/hr higher, or about 108 kcal higher per hour for a 60-kg person, compared with TVG play. Mean HR was 21 (95% CI, 13.7–28.3; I2 = 93.4%) beats higher per minute during AVG play compared with TVG play. There was wide variation in the EE and HR estimates across studies because different games were evaluated. Overall metabolic equivalent associated with AVG play was 2.62 (95% CI, 2.25–3.00; I2 = 99.2%), equivalent to a light activity level. Most studies had low risk of bias due to proper study design and use of indirect calorimetry to measure EE.Conclusion:AVGs may be used to replace sedentary screen time (eg, television watching or TVG play) with light activity in healthy adults.