bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of confidence regions in the ROC space after the estimation of the optimal Youden index‐based cut‐off point
Authors: Bantis Leonidas E. , Nakas Christos T. , Reiser Benjamin 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAfter establishing the utility of a continuous diagnostic marker investigators will typically address the question of determining a cut‐off point which will be used for diagnostic purposes in clinical decision making. The most commonly used optimality criterion for cut‐off point selection in the context of ROC curve analysis is the maximum of the Youden index. The pair of sensitivity and specificity proportions that correspond to the Youden index‐based cut‐off point characterize the performance of the diagnostic marker. Confidence intervals for sensitivity and specificity are routinely estimated based on the assumption that sensitivity and specificity are independent binomial proportions as they arise from the independent populations of diseased and healthy subjects, respectively. The Youden index‐based cut‐off point is estimated from the data and as such the resulting sensitivity and specificity proportions are in fact correlated. This correlation needs to be taken into account in order to calculate confidence intervals that result in the anticipated coverage. In this article we study parametric and non‐parametric approaches for the construction of confidence intervals for the pair of sensitivity and specificity proportions that correspond to the Youden index‐based optimal cut‐off point. These approaches result in the anticipated coverage under different scenarios for the distributions of the healthy and diseased subjects. We find that a parametric approach based on a Box–Cox transformation to normality often works well. For biomarkers following more complex distributions a non‐parametric procedure using logspline density estimation can be used.
If there is an evolutionary selection pressure for the high frequency ofMBL2polymorphisms, what is it?
Authors: Eisen D P , Osthoff M 
Published: November 2013

SummaryEither immune selection or stochastic processes may have influenced the frequency of highly polymorphic genes such as mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2). This pattern recognition receptor of the innate immune system recognizes and binds to pathogenic microorganisms and apoptotic cells leading to lectin pathway complement killing or clearance. In almost all of a large number of studies in different ethnic groups worldwide there is 20–25% carriage of low MBL2 haplotypes, with 8–10% of each population having no MBL detectable in the blood. The source of this high variability of MBL2 remains cryptic. It arises from six main snps in the prompter and exon regions of the gene that assort into seven common haplotypes under linkage disequilibrium. While global studies of MBL2 show that it is not under immune selection pressure, these results are not the same when the same population genetic tools are used on large national studies. Other analyses point to the silenced MBL1 pseudogene and development of promoter polymorphisms in humans as evidence of selection pressure favouring low-producing haplotypes. While these analyses cannot be reconciled readily, there are two processes by which MBL heterozygosity could have been advantageous in an evolutionary sense; protection against adverse effects of various infectious diseases and lethal manifestations of atherosclerosis – a disease that now seems to have a more ancient history than assumed previously. Ultimately, consideration of the context for possible future therapeutic manipulation of MBL means that this can proceed independently of resolution of the evolutionary forces that have shaped MBL2 polymorphism.
Nicorandil Inhibits Inflammasome Activation and Toll‐Like Receptor‐4 Signal Transduction to Protect against Oxygen–Glucose Deprivation‐Induced Inflammation in BV‐2 Cells
Authors: Zhao An‐Peng , Dong Yin‐Feng , Liu Wei , Gu Jun , Sun Xiu‐Lan 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackground and purposeOur previous studies have demonstrated adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) openers could protect against inflammatory response in brain disease, but little is known about the mechanisms involved in KATP channel openers inhibiting neuroinflammation.Methods and resultsIn the present study, we found that oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) resulted in BV‐2 cells activation, significantly increased tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) levels, accompanied by downregulating Kir6.1 subunit. Pretreatment with nicorandil, a KATP channel opener, could attenuate OGD‐induced BV‐2 cells activation and inhibit pro‐inflammatory factors release. Further study demonstrated that OGD activated Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and NOD‐like receptor pyrin domain containing three inflammasome, thereby increased IL‐1β production. Pretreatment with nicorandil could reverse the two pathways involved in IL‐1β production.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that KATP channel openers could protect against OGD‐induced neuroinflammation via inhibiting inflammasome activation and TLR4 signal transduction.
Smokeless tobacco consumption in the South Asian population of Sydney, Australia: prevalence, correlates and availability
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Shakhawat , Kypri Kypros , Rahman Bayzidur , Milton Abul Hasnat 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAim.The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify correlates of smokeless tobacco consumption among the South Asian residents of Sydney, Australia.Methods.A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a pretested, self‐administered mailed questionnaire among members of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi community associations in Sydney.Results.Of 1600 individuals invited to participate, 419 responded (26%). Prevalence rates of ever consumption, more than 100 times consumption and current consumption were 72.1%, 65.9% and 17.1%, respectively. Men (74.3%) were more likely to ever consume than women (67.6%). Over 96% of consumers reported buying smokeless tobacco products from ethnic shops in Sydney. Current consumption of smokeless tobacco products was associated with country of birth: Indians (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.3–14.5) and Pakistanis (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–6.5) were more likely to be current consumers than Bangladeshis after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. For ever consumption, there was a positive association with age (P for trend = 0.013) and male gender (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–3.1).Conclusions.Given the availability of smokeless tobacco and the high prevalence and potential adverse health consequences of consumption, smokeless tobacco consumption may produce a considerable burden of non‐communicable disease in Australia. Effective control measures are needed, in particular enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the sale of these products. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B, Milton AH. Smokeless tobacco consumption in the South Asian population of Sydney, Australia: prevalence, correlates and availability. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:86–92]
Regaining control: The patient experience of supervised compared with unsupervised consumption in opiate substitution treatment
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Holland Richard , Maskrey Vivienne , Nagar Jessica , Kouimtsidis Christos 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSupervised consumption of opiate substitution treatment is standard practice in the UK yet little is known about the patient experience of this treatment modality. This study aimed to assess the patient experience of receiving supervised compared with unsupervised consumption of methadone or buprenorphine.Design and MethodsA qualitative study utilising a grounded theory approach to analysis. Participants (29) were theoretically sampled from 293 opioid‐dependent patients entering a randomised controlled trial of opiate substitution treatment across four urban and community drug treatment services in England. Multidisciplinary staff were recruited for interviews and focus groups (55).ResultsSupervised consumption was accepted by patients, despite causing practical limitations and raising issues of privacy and stigma. Patients recognised that establishing a daily routine away from illicit drugs was useful early in treatment. However, having flexibility to move away from supervision was important. Unsupervised patients reported that they ultimately preferred this treatment approach and appreciated the trust and sense of reward that unsupervised treatment bought. Clinicians expressed confidence in supervised prescribing and reduced risk for their patients, but also concern that a minority of individuals may remain inappropriately supervised for lengthy time periods.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study provides an important patient perspective and is the first in‐depth qualitative investigation directly comparing supervision with unsupervised treatment to consider both patient and professional perspectives. Overall, our qualitative findings suggest that flexibly timed discontinuation of supervision may have positive benefits. [Notley C, Holland R, Maskrey V, Nagar J, Kouimtsidis C. Regaining control: The patient experience of supervised compared with unsupervised consumption in opiate substitution treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:64–70]
Using literary texts to reveal problematic rules of usage
Authors: Frantzen Diana 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article identifies problematic rules of usage for aspect (preterite/imperfect) in Spanish that are commonly taught in textbooks, citing as evidence examples from Spanish literature. The rules under scrutiny are: (1) the imperfect is used to express emotions in the past, (2) the imperfect is used for descriptions in the past, (3) the preterite and imperfect are associated with certain expressions, and (4) certain verbs “change meaning” in the preterite. Literary works not only provide an authoritative voice to expose these misleading rules but also furnish rich contexts within which to better understand aspect in general.
A Mandarin/English two‐way immersion program: Language proficiency and academic achievement
Authors: Padilla Amado M. , Fan Lorraine , Xu Xiaoqiu , Silva Duarte 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA Mandarin/English two‐way immersion elementary program is described from its inception and implementation through the fifth grade, the culminating year of the program. All students in all grades were assessed on their oral/listening, reading, and writing performance in Mandarin using program‐created assessment measures. Fifth‐grade students also took the Mandarin STAMP 4Se test online to assess their oral and literacy performance. In addition, all second‐ through fifth‐grade students participated in the mandated California Standards Tests for English language arts, writing (fourth grade), math, and science (fifth grade). Results showed that across grades, Mandarin immersion students acquired high‐level performance in oral/listening, reading, and writing in Mandarin. A comparison of Mandarin heritage students with non‐heritage students in the immersion program initially favored heritage students in the acquisition of Mandarin; however, this advantage was not statistically significant in the later grades. On the mandated California standardized tests, the non‐immersion students from the same school in the second and third grades had higher scores on the English language arts and math test, but in the upper grades, Mandarin immersion students scored higher than their non‐immersion peers in these two subject areas.
Interleukin 28B polymorphism predicts interferon plus ribavirin treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus‐related liver cirrhosis: A multicenter retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro , Okanoue Takeshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Izumi Namiki , Toyoda Joji , Tanaka Eiji , Ido Akio , Takehara Tetsuo , Yoshioka Kentaro , Hiasa Yoichi , Nomura Hideyuki , Seike Masataka , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: November 2013

AimThis study evaluated the efficacy of interferon plus ribavirin and examined whether interleukin 28B (IL28B) polymorphism influenced treatment outcome in Japanese patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related liver cirrhosis (LC).MethodsFourteen collaborating centers provided details of 261 patients with HCV‐related LC undergoing treatment with interferon plus ribavirin. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to establish which factors predicted treatment outcome.ResultsEighty‐four patients (32.2%) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). SVR rates were 21.6% (41/190) in patients with HCV genotype 1 with high viral load (G1H) and 60.6% (43/71) in patients with non‐G1H. In patients with non‐G1H, treatment outcome was effective irrespective of IL28B polymorphism. In those with G1H, SVR was achieved in 27.1% of patients with the IL28B rs8099917 TT allele compared with 8.8% of those with the TG/GG alleles (P = 0.004). In patients with G1H having TT allele, treatments longer than 48 weeks achieved significantly higher SVR rates than treatments less than 48 weeks (34.6% vs 16.4%, P = 0.042). In patients with G1H having TG/GG alleles, treatments longer than 72 weeks achieved significantly higher SVR rates than treatments less than 72 weeks (37.5% vs 4.1%, P = 0.010).ConclusionInterferon plus ribavirin treatment in Japanese patients with non‐G1H HCV‐related LC was more effective than those with G1H and not influenced by IL28B polymorphism. In those with G1H, IL28B polymorphism may predict SVR and guide treatment duration: SVR rates were higher in those with the TT allele treated for more than 48 weeks and those with the TG/GG alleles treated for more than 72 weeks.
Periodontal status in the Down's syndrome subjects living in central‐eastern Italy: the effects of place of living
Authors: Zizzi A , Piemontese M , Gesuita R , Nori A , Berlin RS , Rocchetti R , Carle F , Rubini C , Aspriello SD 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the place of living on periodontal status of 62 Down's syndrome (DS) subjects resident at home (DSH) or in specialized institutes (DSI) in central‐eastern Italy.MethodsThe demographic characteristics of the subjects and the periodontal variables were evaluated according to their living conditions. Descriptive analyses were conducted by stratifying subjects into three age groups (0–13; 14–22; >23 years), using medians and 25th–75th percentiles to summarized data. Comparisons between DSH and DSI subjects were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum test. The effect of demographic and clinical variables on periodontal status was evaluated by means of quantile regression analysis.ResultsNo significant differences resulted between DSH and DSI patients, when compared for gender, age and mental retardation. No significant differences were found in the periodontal variables for the subjects with 0–13 years, while DSI subjects between 14 and 22 years of age presented higher levels of plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment loss and a lower number of surviving teeth compared to DSH subjects. When DSI and DSH groups ≥23 years of age were compared, no differences were observed in the periodontal conditions except for PI and the number of surviving teeth. Age, body mass index and severe mental retardation were found to be significant predictors of periodontal conditions.ConclusionsInstitutionalization has a negative effect on surviving teeth number of Down's syndrome subjects. Furthermore, the home care seems to produce benefits on the periodontal conditions of DSH 14–22 years of age.
Distinct cytokines balance the development of regulatory T cells and interleukin‐10‐producing regulatory B cells
Authors: Holan Vladimir , Zajicova Alena , Javorkova Eliska , Trosan Peter , Chudickova Milada , Pavlikova Michaela , Krulova Magdalena 
Published: November 2013

SummaryRegulatory T cells have been well described and the factors regulating their development and function have been identified. Recently, a growing body of evidence has documented the existence of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) ‐producing B cells, which are called regulatory B10 cells. These cells attenuate autoimmune, inflammatory and transplantation reactions, and the main mechanism of their inhibitory action is the production of IL‐10. We show that the production of IL‐10 by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated B cells is significantly enhanced by IL‐12 and interferon‐γ and negatively regulated by IL‐21 and transforming growth factor‐β. In addition, exogenous IL‐10 also inhibits B‐cell proliferation and the expression of the IL‐10 gene in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated B cells. The negative autoregulation of IL‐10 production is supported by the observation that the inclusion of anti‐IL‐10 receptor monoclonal antibody enhances IL‐10 production and the proliferation of activated B cells. The effects of cytokines on IL‐10 production by B10 cells did not correlate with their effects on B‐cell proliferation or on IL‐10 production by T cells or macrophages. The cytokine‐induced changes in IL‐10 production occurred on the level of IL‐10 gene expression, as confirmed by increased or decreased IL‐10 mRNA expression in the presence of a particular cytokine. The regulatory cytokines modulate the number of IL‐10‐producing cells rather than augmenting or decreasing the secretion of IL‐10 on a single‐cell level. Altogether these data show that the production of IL‐10 by B cells is under the strict regulatory control of cytokines and that individual cytokines differentially regulate the development and activity of regulatory T cells and IL‐10‐producing regulatory B cells.
A randomized controlled trial for the use of Thymus Honey in decreasing Salivary Gland Damage following Radioiodine Therapy for Thyroid cancer: research protocol
Authors: Charalambous Andreas , Frangos Savvas , Talias Michalis 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo test the effectiveness of thymus honey as a complementary intervention for decreasing the salivary gland damage due to Radioiodine (131I) therapy.BackgroundRadioiodine is the treatment of choice in people diagnosed with thyroid cancer following total thyroidectomy. Although its value has been acknowledged in eradicating remnant thyroid tissue and treating residual disease in patients with visible, inoperable, iodine‐avid metastases, it has been associated with various salivary gland side effects.DesignThis is a randomized controlled trial with a 2×3 mixed between–within subjects design.MethodsIn total, 120 participants of postsurgical differentiated thyroid cancer, who will be referred to this centre for 131I therapy to ablate the remnant thyroid tissue or to treat metastatic tumour, will be prospectively studied under varying regimens of lemon candy (standard treatment) and thymus honey mouthwashes (experimental intervention). Patients will be randomized in four equally numbered groups based on the assumptions and hypothesis of the study. The recruiting process will be informed by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mixed statistical modelling will be adopted taking into consideration between and within subjects' effects and repeated measures.DiscussionThe recommended intervention protocol is expected to improve the comprehensive management of salivary gland‐related side effects induced by the radioiodine treatment in people diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Through the methodological approach chosen, the ideal intervention protocol in terms of the time to initiate the intervention and the frequency of the intervention to acquire optimal results in minimizing salivary glands damage will be tested.
Upstream Sediment‐Control Dams: Five Decades of Experience in the Rapidly Eroding Dahan River Basin, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Wen , Kondolf G. Mathias 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSedimentation is emerging as a key issue in sustainable reservoir management. One approach to controlling reservoir sedimentation is to trap sediment in hydraulic structures upstream of the reservoir. In the 1,163‐km2 catchment of the Dahan River (Taiwan) over 120 “sabo” dams were built to reduce sediment yield to Shihmen Reservoir. Built in 1963 for water supply, Shihmen has lost over 40% of its 290‐Mm3 storage capacity to sedimentation. Most of these upstream structures were small, but three had capacities >9 Mm3. Field measurements and historical data from the Water Resources Agency show most smaller dams had filled with sediment by 1976. The three largest were full or nearly so by 2007, when one (Barlin Dam) failed, releasing a pulse of 7.5 Mm3, most of its 10.4 Mm3 stored sediment downstream. The Central Range of Taiwan is rapidly eroding (denudation rates 3‐6 mm/yr), so geologically high loads make sediment problems manifest sooner. Even in other environments, however, eventually small dams built upstream of large reservoirs are likely to fill themselves, creating multiple small sediment‐filled reservoirs, some located in sites inaccessible to mechanical removal. Our analysis suggests sabo dams do not offer a long‐term basis for controlling reservoir sedimentation in such a high‐sediment yield environment. Sustainable solutions must somehow pass sediment downstream, as would be accomplished by a sediment bypass around Shihmen Reservoir, as now being studied.
Oral hygiene reinforcement in the simplified periodontal treatment of 1 hour
Authors: Apatzidou Danae A. , Zygogianni Penelope , Sakellari Dimitra , Konstantinidis Antonis 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo compare the clinical and microbiological outcome of the 1‐h ultrasonic debridement of chronic periodontitis patients (CPP) with and without frequent sessions of oral hygiene reinforcement.MethodsClinical measurements and subgingival plaque were collected from 44 CPP at baseline, 3‐ and 6‐months. The control group received a single session of 1‐h full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement, while oral hygiene instructions (OHI) were reiterated over four visits. In the test group, OHI were limited in the 1‐h treatment session. At 3‐months, both groups received additional debridement and OHI. The “Checkerboard” DNA‐DNA hybridization technique quantified Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola in plaque.ResultsAt three months, smaller reductions in plaque and bleeding indices, and in P. gingivalis numbers were noted in the test group, while these differences disappeared at six months. After the 3‐month re‐treatment visit, the test group presented with a greater probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction. Plaque negatively affected PPD in a similar manner after both treatment approaches.ConclusionsLack of oral hygiene reinforcement in the 1‐h full‐mouth debridement resulted in higher plaque and bleeding scores and numbers of P. gingivalis at three months; professional removal of dental biofilm every three months is beneficial in subjects with compromised plaque control.