bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population-based prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia in male injection drug users in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Tun W , Vu L , Adebajo S B , Abiodun L , Sheehy M , Karlyn A , Njab J , Ahonsi B , Issa B K , Idogho O 
Published: July 2013

Summary There is little research on injecting drug use in Nigeria. We investigated the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among male injection drug users (IDUs) in Lagos. Male IDUs ( N = 328) were recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Participants completed an interview about their sexual and injecting risk behaviours and were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBV), hepatitis C antibody (HCV), HIV and syphilis, as well as genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections. Three-quarters of IDUs (74%) reported injecting drugs in the past one month although most did not share needles (92%) and the majority obtained sterile needles from pharmacists (87%). Estimated HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia prevalences were 7.8%, 7.7%, 0.9%, 1.9%, 0.0%, and 3.7%, respectively. The burden of HIV is presently low among IDUs in Lagos. Changes in accessibility to sterile needles at pharmacists would likely have a deleterious effect on IDUs' health. HBV vaccination and HCV prevention programmes for IDUs are urgently needed.
Factors associated with asymptomatic non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis in heterosexual men: findings from a case-control study
Authors: Saunders J M , Mercer C H , Sutcliffe L J , Cassell J A , Estcourt C S 
Published: July 2013

Summary The significance of asymptomatic non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU) is unclear. Organisms associated with NCNGU, e.g. Mycoplasma genitalium, for which there is no widely available test, are linked to reproductive sequelae in women but UK guidance no longer recommends urethral smear microscopy to screen for asymptomatic NCNGU. This case-control study of heterosexual male genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic attenders aimed to identify clinical, demographic and sexual behaviour factors associated with asymptomatic NCNGU so that we could determine whether the presence or absence of symptoms provides a rational basis for deciding to whom we should offer microscopy and whom we should treat. Men with asymptomatic NCNGU were very similar to men with symptomatic NCNGU, except for more consistent condom use. Asymptomatic and symptomatic NCNGU could be different ends of the same clinical syndrome. Until the microbiological basis of NCNGU is understood, we recommend treatment of men with NCNGU irrespective of symptoms.
A glimmer of hope? Evaluation of time for non-genitourinary medicine physicians to diagnose HIV infection in patients presenting with HIV-related illness
Authors: Clarke E , Drew O , Sundaram S , Baker A , Whale J , Rowen D , Patel R 
Published: July 2013

Summary A study conducted in 2002–2003 at three UK south coast hospitals measuring the length of time for non-genitourinary medicine physicians to diagnose HIV when patients presented with an HIV-related illness, found a median time to diagnosis of four days with 70% of diagnoses being made within seven days. This retrospective cohort study of all patients newly diagnosed with HIV between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011 was conducted at the same three hospitals. Thirty-seven patients were newly diagnosed with HIV in non-genitourinary (GU) medicine inpatient and outpatient settings (24 men, 13 women), with a mean age of 43 years. The median time to diagnosis was one day (interquartile range of 0–4 days), with 81% of diagnoses made within seven days of first presentation. Late diagnosis of HIV remains a significant challenge, but delayed diagnosis in a patient admitted with an HIV-related illness is reducing in this setting.
Effectiveness of screening for amblyopia and other eye disorders in a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: de Koning Harry J. , Groenewoud Johanna H. , Lantau V. Kathleen , Tjiam A.M. , Hoogeveen W. Christina , de Faber Jan Tjeerd H.N. , Juttmann Rikard E. , Simonsz Huibert J. 
Published: July 2013

Objective To establish whether the current vision screening practice in the Netherlands is effective in preventing permanent visual loss and to estimate the sensitivity of the programme. Settings In the Netherlands, all children are invited for preverbal (1, 3, 6–9 and 14–24 months) and preschool (36, 45, and 60–72 months) vision screening. Screening attendance is high, but the effectiveness in reducing amblyopia is unknown. Methods In a 7-year cohort study, 4624 children born in the city of Rotterdam between 16 September 1996 and 15 May 1997 were followed through all routine vision screening examinations. At age seven, visual acuity (VA) of children still living in Rotterdam was assessed by study orthoptists. In case of VA > 0.1 logMAR in one or both eyes, two or more logMAR lines of interocular difference or eye disorders like strabismus, children underwent a more intensive eye examination. Results Attendance at the 9-month screening was 89%, decreasing to about 75% at later examinations. Of preverbal tests, 2.5% were positive, and of preschool tests, 10%. In total, 19% of children had a positive vision screening test at least once. Amblyopia prevalence was 3.4%. Sensitivity of the vision screening programme was 73% and specificity 83%. At age seven, 0.7–1.2% (confirmed vs final exam) of the children had a VA > 0.3 logMAR in the worse eye compared with 2–3.9% (in literature) reported prevalence in non-screening situations. Children who were less frequently screened had a higher chance of poor vision (>0.3 logMAR) at age seven. Conclusion The Dutch child vision screening programme may reduce the risk of persistent amblyopia (VA > 0.3 logMAR) at age seven by more than half.
Optimisation of prescription in patients with long-term treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Maiocchi Licia , Bernardi Elsa 
Published: July 2013

Objective: The aim of this clinical review was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the practice of antipsychotic poly-pharmacy (AP) in the long-term management of hospitalised patients with insufficient response to antipsychotic monotherapy. Method: The databases Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and Scopus were searched. Studies were required to include inpatients with long-term, treatment-resistant schizophrenia on maintenance AP. The search was restricted to systematic review studies. Results: The review yielded four studies of interest that showed no categorical advantage for maintenance AP for the population of interest. However, clozapine combination faired marginally well. Particular weaknesses of the present literature are low number of participants, and inadequate monitoring of potential adverse effects. The evidence on the risks and benefits of maintenance AP is not generally considered adequate to warrant a recommendation for its use in routine clinical practice in psychiatry. Conclusions: This review provides a synthesis of the evidence on the maintenance use of AP for hospitalised patients with long-term, treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The results show both no support for AP with some marginal benefit for clozapine combination therapy, and methodological weaknesses of the included studies. These findings have clinical implications for treatment decisions and suggest that sufficiently powered studies are needed.
The role of trainees as clinical teachers of medical students in psychiatry
Authors: Hickie Catherine , Nash Louise , Kelly Brian 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To consider the role of specialty trainees as clinical teachers of medical students in psychiatry. Method: We discuss the role of specialty trainees as teachers and approaches to improving their skills and capacity, giving examples from the local and international literature and our own experience as psychiatry medical educators. Results: Good clinical teaching is crucial for medical students’ learning but sharp increases in numbers combined with economic and workforce pressures have stretched capacity. Specialty trainees do much of the medical student teaching during their clinical placements but infrequently receive instruction on how to teach. The two common approaches to increasing capacity are, first, establishing education rotations for individual trainees and, second, providing workshops to improve trainees’ confidence and skill. Psychiatry trainees surveyed in New South Wales welcomed the role of teacher and the opportunity to improve their teaching capacity. Further support from supervisors, health services and medical schools is needed to assist trainees in their teaching role. Conclusion: The role that trainees play as clinical teachers should be acknowledged and supported. Further development of research and scholarship in medical education is needed to determine how best to teach trainees to teach.
Vibration analysis of a Timoshenko beam on a moving base
Authors: Vakil M , Sharbati E , Vakil A , Heidari F , Fotouhi R 
Published: July 2013

In this paper free vibration of a Timoshenko beam with a tip payload, which is mounted on a cart (referred to as TBC) is studied. The cart (base) can only have lateral displacement and the tip payload has both mass and mass moment of inertia. The center of mass of the payload does not coincide with the point where the beam connects to the payload. Therefore, the tip of the beam is exposed to an extra bending moment due to the inertial force of the payload. By employing Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations of motion and the associated boundary conditions for the TBC are first derived and then transferred into dimensionless forms. By using these governing equations and their associated boundary conditions, the closed-form frequency equation (characteristic equation) of the TBC is derived. This closed-form frequency equation is validated both analytically and numerically. The closed-form expressions for the mode shapes of the TBC and their orthogonality are also presented. By using the closed-form characteristic equation, a sensitivity study is performed and the changes in the natural frequencies versus changes in the physical parameters are investigated. The results presented in this paper are valuable for precise dynamic modeling and model-based control of flexible mobile manipulators; a flexible mobile manipulator is a flexible link manipulator with a moving base.
Changes in daily cognition and behavior of Alzheimer’s patients over time: A three-year evaluation using a daily cognition and behavior for Alzheimer’s disease scale
Authors: Suzuki Chieko , Yokote Yoshie , Takahashi Toru 
Published: July 2013

Background In Japan, the number of older people with dementia was 2.26 million as of 2010, and Alzheimer’s disease accounted for the greatest morbidity rate among older people with dementia. Objective The purposes of this longitudinal study were to assess whether the Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer’s Disease scale might help observe changes in daily cognition and behavior among Alzheimer’s disease patients and to determine whether the scale could be used by non-professional caregivers. Methods Data obtained from 111 rater-patient pairs were analysed. The scores for Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer’s Disease used by staff members were compared with those for two other scales designed for professional use. Comparisons were made using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results The scores for Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer’s Disease indicated a declining pattern similar to those for the other scales. There was no significant difference in scores by rater occupations. Conclusion Findings suggest Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer’s Disease might help observe changes in daily cognition and behavior among Alzheimer’s disease patients, and that Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer’s Disease can be used by non-professional caregivers.
Footwear Recommendations and Patterns Among Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Authors: Farber Daniel C. , Knutsen Elisa J. 
Published: July 2013

Background. Foot and ankle surgeons are in a unique position to educate patients about the importance of proper footwear. Neither their recommendations regarding shoe selection nor their own footwear patterns have previously been reported. Methods. A total of 866 members of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) were asked to complete a survey via the Internet. Topics included specific shoe brands recommended to patients, how attributes of footwear are communicated, and respondents’ footwear habits. Results. In all, 276 (32%) surgeons responded, and 64% recommended New Balance athletic shoes to patients; 26% did not recommend specific brands. It was found that 50% wear New Balance athletic shoes; 25% wear Nike. Rockport (27%) and SAS (27%) were the most recommended dress shoes. In all, 76% are familiar with AOFAS guidelines for proper shoe fit, but only 56% educated their patients about the guidelines; 43% do not consider what patients might think of their shoes when selecting what to wear in the clinical setting. Conclusions. Despite the multitude of different brands, several were commonly recommended. Respondents seem to be aware of the impact of their own shoe selection on patients’ perspectives of footwear, but many do not consider themselves role models for proper footwear. Level of Evidence: Internet survey
The Association of Cytopenias and Weight Loss with Hepatitis C Virus Virologic Response in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients Treated with PEG-IFN and RBV
Authors: Slim Jihad , Mildvan Donna , Han Jian , Korner Eli 
Published: July 2013

Background: Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin (RBV)-related cytopenias have been associated with improved virological outcomes among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-monoinfected patients. This analysis evaluated PEG-IFN/RBV-related cytopenias with virological responses among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Methods: Pooled data from PARADIGM and AIDS Pegasys Ribavirin International CO-infection Trial (APRICOT) trials of HIV/HCV-infected patients treated with PEG-IFN/RBV. Virologic response was categorized as HCV RNA detectable (end of treatment nonresponders [ET-NR]) or nondetectable (end of treatment responders [ETR]). Declines in hemoglobin (Hgb), platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and weight between the groups were compared via analysis of covariance and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Results: A total of 474 patients, 291 ET-NR and 183 ETR (67 relapsers, 116 with sustained virologic response), 81% male, 52% Caucasian, 88% noncirrhotic, and 67% nondetectable HIV. The ETR experienced greater Hgb declines (≥3.0 g/dL) from baseline (73.8% versus 55.0%; P < .0001), neutrophils ≤1 and ≤ 0.5 × 109/L (66.1% versus 56.4%; P = .0334 and 42.6% versus 33.3%; P = .0312, respectively), and lymphocytes ≤1.5 and ≤0.5 × 109/L (99.5% versus 87.6%; P < .0001 and 24.6% versus 14.9%; P =.0079, respectively). Conclusions: The HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with ETR experienced greater declines in Hgb, neutrophils, and lymphocytes than the ET-NR patients.
Novel members of the AGAMOUS LIKE 6 subfamily of MIKCC-type MADS-box genes in soybean
Authors: Wong Chui E , Singh Mohan B , Bhalla Prem L 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The classical (C) MIKC-type MADS-box transcription factors comprise one gene family that plays diverse roles in the flowering process ranging from floral initiation to the development of floral organs. Despite their importance in regulating developmental processes that impact crop yield, they remain largely unexplored in the major legume oilseed crop, soybean.

Results
We identified 57 MIKCc-type transcription factors from soybean and determined the in silico gene expression profiles of the soybean MIKCc-type genes across different tissues. Our study implicates three MIKCc-type transcription factors as novel members of the AGAMOUS LIKE 6 (AGL6) subfamily of the MIKCC-type MADS-box genes, and we named this sister clade PsMADS3. While similar genes were identified in other legume species, poplar and grape, no such gene is represented in Arabidopsis thaliana or rice. RT-PCR analysis on these three soybean PsMADS3 genes during early floral initiation processes revealed their temporal expression similar to that of APETALA1, a gene known to function as a floral meristem identity gene. However, RNA in situ hybridisation showed that their spatial expression patterns are markedly different from those of APETALA1.

Conclusion
Legume flower development system differs from that in the model plant, Arabidopsis. There is an overlap in the initiation of different floral whorls in soybean, and inflorescent meristems can revert to leaf production depending on the environmental conditions. MIKCC-type MADS-box genes have been shown to play key regulatory roles in different stages of flower development. We identified members of the PsMADS3 sub-clade in legumes that show differential spatial expression during floral initiation, indicating their potential novel roles in the floral initiation process. The results from this study will contribute to a better understanding of legume-specific floral developmental processes.
Argan oil prevents prothrombotic complications by lowering lipid levels and platelet aggregation, enhancing oxidative status in dyslipidemic patients from the area of Rabat (Morocco)
Authors: Haimeur Adil , Messaouri Hafida , Ulmann Lionel , Mimouni Virginie , Masrar Azelarab , Chraibi Abdelmjid , Tremblin Gérard , Meskini Nadia 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
It is now established that patients with hyperlipidemia have a high risk of atherosclerosis and thrombotic complications, which are two important events responsible for the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease. In the context of managing dyslipidemia by means of dietary advice based on the consumption of argan oil, we wanted to investigate the effect of virgin argan oil on plasma lipids, and for the first time, on the platelet hyperactivation and oxidative status associated with dyslipidemia. This study concerns patients recruited in the area of Rabat in Morocco.

Methods
39 dyslipidemic (79% women) patients were recruited for our study in the area of Rabat in Morocco. They were randomly assigned to the two following groups: the argan group, in which the subjects consumed 25 mL/day of argan oil at breakfast for 3 weeks, and the control group in which argan oil was replaced by butter.

Results
After a 3-week consumption period, blood total cholesterol was significantly lower in the argan oil group, as was LDL cholesterol (23.8% and 25.6% lower, respectively). However, the HDL cholesterol level had increased by 26% at the end of the intervention period compared to baseline. Interestingly, in the argan oil group thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was lower, and oxidative status was enhanced as a result of lower platelet MDA and higher GPx activity, respectively.

Conclusions
In conclusion, our results, even if it is not representative of the Moroccan population, show that argan oil can prevent the prothrombotic complications associated with dyslipidemia, which are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Assessment of plaque evolution in coronary bifurcations located beyond everolimus eluting scaffolds: serial intravascular ultrasound virtual histology study
Authors: Lee Il Soo , Bourantas Christos V , Muramatsu Takashi , Gogas Bill D , Heo Jung Ho , Diletti Roberto , Farooq Vasim , Zhang Yaojun , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W , Garcia-Garcia Hector M 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the atherosclerotic evolution in coronary bifurcations located proximally and distally to a bioresorbable scaffold.

Methods
Thirty bifurcations located >5 mm beyond the scaffolded segment, being investigated with serial intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) examinations, at baseline and 2-years, in patients enrolled in the ABSORB cohort B1 study were included in this analysis. In each bifurcation, the frames portraying the proximal rim, in-bifurcation, and distal rim of the ostium of the side branch were analyzed. The geometric parameters and plaque types were evaluated at baseline and 2-years follow-up.

Results
There were no significant differences in the geometrical parameters such as lumen, vessel and plaque areas as well as in the composition of the atheroma between baseline and 2-years follow-up.
When we separately examined the bifurcations located proximally and distally to the scaffolded segment, no changes were found at the distal bifurcations, while at the proximal bifurcations there was a statistical significant decrease in the plaque burden (36.67 ± 13.33% at baseline vs. 35.06 ± 13.20% at 2 years follow-up, p = 0.04).
Ten necrotic core rich plaques were found at baseline, of which 2 regressed to either fibrotic plaque or to intimal thickening at 2 years follow-up. The other 8 did not change. Disease progression was noted in 3 plaques (1 adaptive intimal thickening, 1 fibrotic and 1 fibrocalcific plaque) that evolved to necrotic rich plaques.

Conclusions
Plaque regression was noted at the bifurcations located proximally to the bioresorbable scaffold but not at these located distally. Additional studies are required to confirm this finding and examine further the effect of drug elution on atherosclerotic evolution.
Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography for the preoperative evaluation of coronary artery disease in lung cancer patients
Authors: Watanabe Fumiaki , Hataji Osamu , Ito Kentaro , D’Alessandro-Gabazza Corina N. , Naito Masahiro , Morooka Hideo , Gabazza Esteban C. , Mizutani Yukio , Ohi Maki , Takao Motoshi , Shimpo Hideto , Yada Isao 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The number of elderly patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer is increasing. In this study, we assessed the usefulness of three-dimensional computed tomographicangiography (3D-CTA) for the detection of coronary disease in the elderly before surgical intervention for lung cancer.

Methods
One hundred twenty patients admitted to our institution for lung cancer resection were enrolled in the study. 3D-CTA was performed in all 120 patients.

Results
Seventy-one patients had normal findings, and forty-nine patients showed coronary stenosis on 3D-CTA examination. Among the latter 49 patients, 24 with slight stenosis underwent lung tumor resection, 23 had coronary angiography for severe stenosis before lung surgery and 2 were not eligible for lung resection because of very severe coronary stenosis. The diagnostic value of 3D-CTA was better than conventional CT.

Conclusions
This study suggests the usefulness of 3D-CTA for the preoperative diagnosis of coronary ischemic disease in elderly lung cancer patients.