bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One‐year extended, monthly vaccination prophylaxis combined with hepatitis B immune globulin for hepatitis B after liver transplantation
Authors: Togashi Junichi , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Kaneko Junichi , Tamura Sumihito , Tanaka Tomohiro , Arita Junichi , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe feasibility of vaccination in liver transplant recipients is highly controversial, and the present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a 1‐year extended, monthly vaccine prophylaxis protocol of a second‐generation recombinant vaccine for transplant recipients.MethodsThe recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (10 µg) was administrated s.c. every month for 12 months as the vaccination protocol to 39 liver transplant recipients in stable condition, including those with hepatitis B‐related chronic liver disease (n = 30), those with acute hepatitis B liver failure (hepatitis B surface antibody [HBsAb], n = 4), and those with hepatitis B core antibody positive grafts (n = 5). A fixed dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) was administrated during the study based on the monoprophylaxis approach, and the increase in the hepatitis B surface antibody titer was measured to evaluate the efficacy of the vaccination.ResultsThe vaccination protocol was initiated a mean of 54 months (range, 13–124) after liver transplantation, and all patients tolerated the vaccination well without adverse effects. The overall hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence rate was 5% (2/39) based on hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, and 2% (1/39) based on HBV DNA detectability. Six (15%) patients showed a good response to vaccination with an increase in the HBsAb titer greater than 100 IU/L at the end of vaccination, but only three (8%) maintained an adequate HBsAb level to spare HBIG during the 2‐year observation period.ConclusionWhile a few patients demonstrated an adequate response to vaccination, the clinical indication for the HBV vaccination for liver transplant recipients is currently minimal.
Effect of xanthan gum on processing and cooking quality of nontraditional pasta
Authors: Sandhu Gurleen K. , Simsek Senay , Manthey Frank A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe physicochemical properties of three different commercial sources of xanthan gum (XG) were determined, and its subsequent effect on the processing and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients was characterised. Commercial durum flour was fortified with nontraditional ingredients (soya flour or oat flour, 10% w/w) and XG (2% w/w). Protein content, ash content, bulk density, water‐holding capacity and total glucose content significantly varied among XG samples from different vendors. Xanthan gum increased dough strength of durum flour and the extent of strengthening varied with vendor of XG. For example, time‐to‐peak ranged from 2.75 to 4.25 min; peak width from 2.5 to 3.75 BU; and end width from 2 to 3 BU depending on the vendor of XG. Processing properties differed depending on commercial source. Commercial XG that had the finest particle size required the lowest mechanical energy (range 253–270 J s−1) and had the greatest extrusion rate (range 3.38–3.65 g s−1), both of which resulted in the lowest specific mechanical energy (range 69–79 J g−1) required to extrude spaghetti samples.
Age‐ and gender‐specific effects on VDR gene polymorphisms and risk of the development of multiple sclerosis in Tunisians: a preliminary study
Authors: Ben‐Selma W. , Ben‐Fredj N. , Chebel S. , Frih‐Ayed M. , Aouni M. , Boukadida J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, evidence remains conflicting. In this report, we investigated the association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) TaqI and ApaI of VDR gene and risk development of MS. TaqI and ApaI SNPs were detected by PCR‐RFLP from the DNA of 60 Tunisian patients with MS and 114 healthy controls. Our results show a significant difference of the allelic frequency distribution between the case and control groups for TaqI SNP (P = 0.01), but genotype frequencies were not significantly different (P = 0.07 and 0.23). When adjusting frequency distribution of different alleles and genotypes by age, we found that the difference between the T allele frequencies of this SNP in the group of patients age [15˗24] in comparison with the control group of the same age group was statistically significant (P = 0.026). Moreover, frequency of the T allele was significantly higher in male patients compared with controls of the same sex (P = 0.017). However, neither the genotype nor the allele frequency distribution was significantly different between the MS and control populations for the ApaI SNP. Our preliminary results indicate that VDR gene polymorphism could be associated with susceptibility to MS. The role of VDR gene polymorphism should be further studied in other large populations, and the distribution of other polymorphism, such as FokI and BsmI, should be also analysed to confirm another susceptibility polymorphisms gene for MS and to obtain more adequate strategies for treatment of MS.
A Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalyst of NASICON Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Yuting , Li Yuze , Huang Yanlin , Chen Cuili , Cai Peiqing , Seo Hyo Jin 
Published: April 2015

A visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst based on the well‐known cathode material of NASICON‐type Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 was prepared by a modified Pechini method. The sample was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and UV‐vis absorption spectrum. The average size of Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 particle is below 50 nm. NASICON nanoparticles Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 has an efficient absorption in the UV‐visible light wavelength region with a direct allowed electronic transition of 2.07 eV. The photocatalytic properties of Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 were evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 has an efficient photocatalytic activity and could be a potential photocatalyst driven by visible‐light. The photocatalytic activity was discussed on the optical absorption and special hexagonal tunnel structure connected by optical active centers of MoO4 and NiO6 and its good conductivity.
The genetic diversity and structure of 18 sheep breeds exposed to isolation and selection
Authors: Ćurković M. , Ramljak J. , Ivanković S. , Mioč B. , Ivanković A. , Pavić V. , Brka M. , Veit‐Kensch C. , Medugorac I. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe phylogenetic layout of the genotyped (30 microsatellite) 18 sheep breeds in this study demands and provides the opportunity to evaluate both neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity in a naturally and artificially selected and subdivided sheep population. Seven Pramenka strains from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia characterized by a very low intensity of artificial selection, preserved the highest neutral genetic variability. Eight central and north‐western European breeds under considerable artificial isolation and selection preserved the lowest genetic variability. Only combinations of various phylogenetic parameters offer a reasonable explanation for underlying evolutionary forces working in the investigated island and mainland sheep breeds under variable natural and artificial selection. More than 60% of total genetic, diversity was allocated to virtually unselected Pramenka strains, and an additional 25% to native moderately selected Graue Gehoernte Heidschnucke and intensively selected Ostfriesische Milchschafe. Some economically very important breeds and strains did not contribute to a pool with maximal genetic diversity, while they play an important role in the cultural heritage of respective countries.
Internalising symptoms and body dissatisfaction: untangling temporal precedence using cross‐lagged models in two cohorts
Authors: Patalay Praveetha , Sharpe Helen , Wolpert Miranda 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundCross‐sectional studies demonstrate that body dissatisfaction and internalising symptoms are correlated and are both overrepresented in girls compared to boys. However, it is not clear whether body dissatisfaction typically precedes internalising symptoms or vice versa. Existing literature provides theoretical and empirical support for both possibilities, but is limited in two ways: (a) no study has simultaneously tested the two temporal hypotheses within the same model, and (b) the studies focus almost exclusively on early adolescents resulting in little being known about development from preadolescence and across puberty.MethodsThis study used data from 5485 primary school students (49.1% girls, aged 8–9 years at baseline) and 5981 secondary school students (53.9% girls, aged 11–12 years at baseline). Self‐reports of internalising symptoms and body dissatisfaction were collected over three consecutive years at 1‐year intervals. Cross‐lagged models were estimated in the two cohorts, for boys and girls separately, to examine the temporal associations between these two domains across the three measurement points.ResultsIn the younger cohort, internalising symptoms predicted body dissatisfaction 1‐year later for both boys and girls, whereas there was no evidence for the reverse being true. In the older cohort, internalising symptoms predicted later body dissatisfaction for boys. However, in girls, body dissatisfaction predicted later internalising symptoms.ConclusionsIn preadolescents, internalising symptoms drive later body dissatisfaction regardless of gender, suggesting body dissatisfaction is a specific manifestation of a tendency towards negative affect. From age 11, girls develop a distinct risk profile whereby body dissatisfaction drives later internalising symptoms. Preventative interventions in this field would benefit from adopting a developmentally sensitive approach that takes into account gender differences in risk pathways.
Public reporting influences antibiotic and injection prescription in primary care: a segmented regression analysis
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Zhang Xinping , Wan Jie 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesInappropriate use and overuse of antibiotics and injections are serious threats to the global population, particularly in developing countries. In recent decades, public reporting of health care performance (PRHCP) has been an instrument to improve the quality of care. However, existing evidence shows a mixed effect of PRHCP. This study evaluated the effect of PRHCP on physicians' prescribing practices in a sample of primary care institutions in China. Segmented regression analysis was used to produce convincing evidence for health policy and reform.MethodsThe PRHCP intervention was implemented in Qian City that started on 1 October 2013. Performance data on prescription statistics were disclosed to patients and health workers monthly in 10 primary care institutions. A total of 326 655 valid outpatient prescriptions were collected. Monthly effective prescriptions were calculated as analytical units in the research (1st to 31st every month). This study involved multiple assessments of outcomes 13 months before and 11 months after PRHCP intervention (a total of 24 data points).ResultsSegmented regression models showed downward trends from baseline on antibiotics (coefficient = −0.64, P = 0.004), combined use of antibiotics (coefficient = −0.41, P < 0.001) and injections (coefficient = −0.5957, P = 0.001) after PRHCP intervention. The average expenditure of patients slightly increased monthly before the intervention (coefficient = 0.8643, P < 0.001); PRHCP intervention also led to a temporary increase in average expenditure of patients (coefficient = 2.20, P = 0.307) but slowed down the ascending trend (coefficient = −0.45, P = 0.033). The prescription rate of antibiotics and injections after intervention (about 50%) remained high.ConclusionsPRHCP showed positive effects on physicians' prescribing behaviour, considering the downward trends on the use of antibiotics and injections and average expenditure through the intervention. However, the effect was not immediately observed; a lag time existed before public reporting intervention worked.
Correlation of Brain Atrophy, Disability, and Spinal Cord Atrophy in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Paz Soldán M. Mateo , Raman Mekala R. , Gamez Jeffrey D. , Lohrey Anne K. , Chen Yi , Pirko Istvan , Johnson Aaron J. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDisability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains incompletely understood. Unlike lesional measures, central nervous system atrophy has a strong correlation with disability. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection in SJL/J mice is an established model of progressive MS. We utilized in vivo MRI to quantify brain and spinal cord atrophy in this model and analyzed the temporal relationship between atrophy and disability.METHODSInfected and control mice were followed for 12 months. Disability was assessed periodically using rotarod assay. Volumetric MRI datasets were acquired at 7 Tesla. Ventricular volume and C4‐5 spinal cord cross‐sectional area measurements were performed using Analyze 10.RESULTSAt 3 months, brain atrophy reached statistical significance (P = .005). In contrast, disability did not differ until 4 months post‐infection (P = .0005). Cord atrophy reached significance by 9 months (P = 0.009). By 12 months, brain atrophy resulted in 111.8% increased ventricular volume (P = .00003), while spinal cord cross‐sectional area was 25.6% reduced (P = .001) among cases.CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that significant brain atrophy precedes and predicts the development of disability, while spinal cord atrophy occurs late and correlates with severe disability. The observed temporal relationship establishes a framework for mechanisms of disability progression and enables further investigations of their underlying substrate.
Melatonin modulates the fetal cardiovascular defense response to acute hypoxia
Authors: Thakor Avnesh S. , Allison Beth J. , Niu Youguo , Botting Kimberley J. , Serón‐Ferré Maria , Herrera Emilio A. , Giussani Dino A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractExperimental studies in animal models supporting protective effects on the fetus of melatonin in adverse pregnancy have prompted clinical trials in human pregnancy complicated by fetal growth restriction. However, the effects of melatonin on the fetal defense to acute hypoxia, such as that which may occur during labor, remain unknown. This translational study tested the hypothesis, in vivo, that melatonin modulates the fetal cardiometabolic defense responses to acute hypoxia in chronically instrumented late gestation fetal sheep via alterations in fetal nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Under anesthesia, 6 fetal sheep at 0.85 gestation were instrumented with vascular catheters and a Transonic flow probe around a femoral artery. Five days later, fetuses were exposed to acute hypoxia with or without melatonin treatment. Fetal blood was taken to determine blood gas and metabolic status and plasma catecholamine concentrations. Hypoxia during melatonin treatment was repeated during in vivo NO blockade with the NO clamp. This technique permits blockade of de novo synthesis of NO while compensating for the tonic production of the gas, thereby maintaining basal cardiovascular function. Melatonin suppressed the redistribution of blood flow away from peripheral circulations and the glycemic and plasma catecholamine responses to acute hypoxia. These are important components of the fetal brain sparing response to acute hypoxia. The effects of melatonin involved NO‐dependent mechanisms as the responses were reverted by fetal treatment with the NO clamp. Melatonin modulates the in vivo fetal cardiometabolic responses to acute hypoxia by increasing NO bioavailability.
Quality of Life and Psychological Adjustment of Women Living with 46,XY Differences of Sex Development
Authors: D'Alberton Franco , Assante Maria Teresa , Foresti Maura , Balsamo Antonio , Bertelloni Silvano , Dati Eleonora , Nardi Laura , Bacchi Maria Letizia , Mazzanti Laura 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
Progressive care improvement for differences of sex development (DSD), regarding diagnosis communication, psychological, medical and surgical management has been claimed.

Aim of the study
To assess clinical management, quality of life (QoL) and the general psychosocial adjustment of individuals with 46,XY DSD. Some differences related to age at diagnosis are investigated.

Design
Cross-sectional study using standardized questionnaires.

Population
Forty-three Caucasian females with 46,XY DSD (self declared diagnoses: complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, n = 34; complete gonadal dysgenesis, n = 1; 5α-reductase deficiency, n = 4; Leydig cell hypoplasia, n = 1; unknown diagnosis, n = 3; age years: 31.5 ± 9.6 [range 18–57 years]).

Setting
University Hospitals.

Methods
Subjects were required to fill in questionnaires (ABCL, WHOQOL, dedicated 17-item questionnaire). Academic and socioeconomic data were compared with those of the Italian population. QoL and psychological data were compared with those of a comparison group (46,XX healthy females: n = 43; age, years: 34.5 ± 9.7, range 22–51years).

Results
Present sample of women living with 46,XY DSD were well adapted and were higher achievers than controls, both in educational and professional life. They showed good QoL, but they appeared less satisfied in psychological and social areas. They had borderline mean scores and statistically higher scores than the comparison group for depression, anxiety, internalizing and externalizing problems. Younger persons living with a 46,XY DSD showed better psychosocial adjustment than older ones. Younger women showed lower age at diagnosis communication. Psychological support was more often proposed at the time of diagnosis communication to younger individuals, and they undertook it more frequently than older ones.

Conclusions
Italian people living with 46,XY DSD were well adapted and successful; they reported a good QoL but showed higher degree of psychological distress than the comparison group. Lower psychological distress in younger women could indicate some positive effects of changes in management.
Increase in nonhepatic diagnoses among persons with hepatitis C hospitalized for any cause, United States, 2004–2011
Authors: Tong X. , Spradling P. R. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAlthough persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may experience nonhepatic illnesses, little is known about the frequency of and trends in such conditions in a population‐based sample of HCV‐infected persons. Using hospitalization data collected during 2004–2011 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, we examined trends in comorbidities among all hospitalizations that included either a principal or secondary HCV diagnostic code (i.e., HCV was not necessarily the cause for hospitalization). We also compared comorbidities among all persons aged 45–64 years hospitalized with and without principal or secondary HCV diagnostic codes. The estimated number of hospitalizations among persons with HCV infection increased from 850 490 in 2004–2005 to 1 178 633 in 2010–2011; mean age at hospitalization was 50 years in 2004–2005 and 52.5 years in 2010–2011. There were significant increases in the prevalence of most medical and psychiatric comorbidities; the largest were for lipid disorders, chronic kidney disease and obesity. Among HCV‐infected aged 45–64 persons hospitalized for any cause, the prevalence of alcohol /substance abuse, mental disorders, chronic kidney disease, pneumonia, hepatitis B virus infection and HIV infection were significantly higher than those aged 45–64 persons hospitalized without HCV infection (P < 0.001 for all). The prevalence of cryoglobulinaemia, vasculitis, nephrotic syndrome or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and porphyria cutanea tarda among hospitalizations with HCV infection was consistently low during the study period (i.e., <0.5%). The increase we observed in nonhepatic comorbidities associated with a high risk of HCV‐related complications has important implications for the current HCV treatment recommendations in a greatly expanded treatment population.
Nanoemulsion formulation of florfenicol improves bioavailability in pigs
Authors: Zhang Q. , Tang S.‐S. , Qian M.‐Y. , Wei L. , Zhou D. , Zhang Z.‐J. , He J.‐K. , Zhang Q.‐J. , Zhu P. , Xiao X.‐L. 
Published: April 2015

Nanotechnology applications in medicine have seen a tremendous growth in the past decade and are being employed to enhance the stability and bioavailability of lipophilic substances, such as florfenicol. This study aimed to examine the pharmacokinetic properties of the formulated oil‐in‐water florfenicol‐loaded nanoemulsion (FF‐NE). FF‐NE and florfenicol control (Nuflor®) were administered to the pigs at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Nanoemulsion formulation of florfenicol was highly influenced in vivo plasma profile. The in vivo absorption study in pigs indicated that Cmax (14.54 μg/mL) was significantly higher in FF‐NE, 3.42 times higher than the marketed formulation. In comparison with the control group, the relative bioavailability of formulated nanoemulsion was up to 134.5%. Assessment of bioequivalence using log‐transformed data showed that the 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) of Cmax and AUC0–∞ were 2.48–4.60 and 1.21–1.72, respectively.
Synthesis of refractory metal nuggets and constraints on the thermal histories of nugget‐bearing Ca, Al‐rich inclusions
Authors: Schwander D. , Buhre S. , Schönhense G. , Ott U. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTiny refractory metal nuggets are mainly observed inside Ca, Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) from chondritic meteorites and are commonly assumed to be condensates from a solar composition gas. However, recent detailed studies of metal nugget compositions and their comparison with predictions from condensation show that the observed abundance patterns are extremely difficult to achieve in this way. As a test for the proposed alternative, precipitation from a silicate liquid, we conducted melting experiments, in which nine different refractory metals (nugget components) were equilibrated with each other along with a CAI‐like liquid at reducing conditions. When quenched, minerals similar to those in CAIs formed from such liquids including refractory metal nuggets exhibiting compositions and appearances similar to those of the meteoritic nuggets. The run products and their comparison with a meteoritic nugget‐bearing CAI is evidence for formation of refractory metal nuggets during cooling of Ca, Al‐rich liquids at rates about 1000°/40 s (in the interval from 1900 to 900 °C). To achieve the formation of refractory metal nuggets and the textures observed in the host inclusions, during cooling the rate probably changed. Refractory metal nuggets apparently formed during quenching before spinel crystallized.