bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are we missing a simple treatment for most adult sleep apnea patients? The avoidance of the supine sleep position
Authors: Oksenberg Arie , Gadoth Natan 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder which has been gradually accepted as an important cause of increased morbidity and mortality. The treatment of moderate–severe OSA has improved dramatically since the introduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices; however, the adherence of patients to CPAP treatment is relatively low. Adherence appears to be even worse in patients with mild or asymptomatic OSA. The failure to identify and treat mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic OSA patients may be costly, as such patients comprise about 20% of the general adult population. OSA patients could be divided into positional and non‐positional patients. Positional patients show most of their breathing abnormalities while sleeping in the supine position. Simply, by sleeping in the lateral postures, they eliminate or reduce significantly the number of apneas and hypopneas. On the contrary, non‐positional patients suffer from breathing abnormalities in the supine and lateral postures, and as a consequence those are the most severe OSA patients for whom CPAP is the treatment of choice. In this paper we intend to argue that positional therapy, i.e. avoidance of the supine posture during sleep, could represent a valuable therapy mainly for mild–moderate OSA. Considering the fact that the vast majority of mild–moderate OSA patients are positional patients (between 65 and 87%), positional therapy may be a simple, cheap and effective solution for them. High‐quality research regarding this issue is needed to evaluate the real effectiveness of this mode of therapy.
Viral determinants predicting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in HIV‐/HBV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Strassl R. , Reiberger T. , Honsig C. , Payer B. A. , Mandorfer M. , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer K. , Rieger A. , Kundi M. , Grundtner P. , Peck‐Radosavljevic M. , Popow‐Kraupp T. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe aim of this retrospective study was the identification of clinically useful viral determinants for the prediction of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and sustained virological response in hepatitis B virus/human immunodeficiency virus (HBV‐/HIV)‐coinfected patients receiving HBV‐active combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Quantification of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA before and after initiation of HBV‐active cART in a cohort of 59 HIV‐/HBV‐coinfected patients was performed. Calculations of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used for the identification of predictors of HBsAg seroclearance for HBeAg‐positive [HBeAg(+); n = 36] and HBeAg‐negative [HBeAg(−);n = 23] patients. HBeAg(+) patients with an HBsAg on‐treatment decline ≥1 log IU/mL per year achieved higher HBsAg loss rates (P = 0.0294), whereas the quantification of HBeAg had no predictive value for HBsAg seroclearance. Among HBeAg(−) patients, a pretreatment baseline cut‐off level of HBsAg ≤100 IU/mL was highly predictive for HBsAg seroclearance. No significant influence of the HBV genotype on HBsAg seroclearance was observed among the entire cohort. Quantitative determination of HBsAg provides a clinically useful viral parameter for the prediction of HBsAg seroclearance both in HBeAg(+) and HBeAg(−) HIV‐/HBV‐coinfected patients receiving HBV‐active cART.
IFNL3 (IL28B) polymorphism does not predict long‐term response to interferon therapy in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Zhang Q. , Lapalus M. , Asselah T. , Laouénan C. , Moucari R. , Martinot‐Peignoux M. , Bieche I. , Estrabaud E. , De Muynck S. , Boyer N. , Bedossa P. , Vidaud M. , Marcellin P. , Lada O. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe impact of IFNL3 (IL28B) polymorphism on response to interferon (IFN) treatment in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is controversial. We aimed to investigate whether IFNL3 polymorphism (rs12979860) influences the long‐term response of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment to conventional IFN. Design: Ninety‐seven HBeAg‐positive patients treated with IFN were evaluated in this study. Associations were investigated between IFNL3 genotypes and (i) HBeAg seroconversion at the end of treatment (EOT), (ii) sustained virological response (SVR) and (iii) HBsAg seroconversion through long‐term follow‐up (LTFU). Patients were followed for a median of 14 years. The majority of patients were infected with HBV genotype A (69.6%) and were Caucasian (77.9%). Ninety‐five patients were genotyped at rs12979860. Similar IFNL3 distribution was observed among the different ethnicities (P = 0.62) or across HBV genotypes A through G (P = 0.70). Thirty‐six patients experienced HBeAg seroconversion at EOT; HBeAg seroconversion rates were 37.0 and 35.5% in patients with CC and CT/TT genotypes, respectively (P = 0.82). Among the 44 patients (45%) who achieved a SVR, SVR rates were 48.9 and 39.6% in patients with CC and CT/TT IL28B genotypes, respectively (P = 0.80). HBsAg seroconversion occurred through LTFU in 28 patients. HBsAg seroconversion rates were 25.5 and 31.2% in patients with CC and CT/TT genotypes, respectively (P = 0.51). No significant relationship between IFNL3 rs12979860 and fibrosis stage was observed (P = 0.85). IFNL3 genotype was neither associated with SVR, nor with HBeAg seroconversion and long‐term HBsAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients responding to IFN therapy.
A Pilot Phase II Study of the Efficacy and Biosafety of Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in Tumor‐Bearing Equidae
Authors: Théon A.P. , Pusterla N. , Magdesian K.G. , Wittenburg L. , Marmulak T. , Wilson W.D. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThe efficacy and biosafety of a previously established tolerable dosage of doxorubicin have not been established in horses.ObjectivesTo provide preliminary evidence of the efficacy of doxorubicin in tumor‐bearing horses, explore drug pharmacokinetics profile, and estimate period of risk of exposure to drug residues.AnimalsTwelve horses with 37 tumors.ProceduresTreatment protocol included 6 treatments at 3‐week intervals. Eight horses were uniformly treated at a dosage of 70 mg/m2 and 4 horses received 4 of 6 treatment cycles at 70 mg/m2. Clinical signs, tumor responses, and toxicoses were evaluated. Drug residue concentrations were quantitated in 3 horses receiving of 65, 70, and 75 mg/m2 by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (plasma, feces) and liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (urine).ResultsThirty tumors, including lymphomas, carcinomas, sarcoids, and melanoma, were evaluated for efficacy. The overall response rate was 47% (95% CI, 28–65%). Doxorubicin was not found to be effective against melanomas. Lymphomas and carcinomas were most responsive. Pooled serum Cmax and half‐life of doxorubicin were 121.3 ng/mL and 12.9 hours, respectively. There were no detectable residues in fecal samples up to 3 weeks after treatment and in plasma and urine after 2 and 3 days, respectively.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThis study provides preliminary evidence that single‐agent doxorubicin at a dosage of 70 mg/m2 has a broad spectrum of activity. The risk of exposure to drug residues in plasma and feces was low. Direct contact with urine‐contaminated wastes should be avoided for 2 days after treatment.
Transesophageal Echocardiography Guided Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion with a Duct Occluder
Authors: Silva J. , Domenech O. , Mavropoulou A. , Oliveira P. , Locatelli C. , Bussadori C. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAngiography and fluoroscopy are the standard methods to guide transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The use of iodinated contrast agents and radiation exposure pose risks of animals and staff.ObjectivesTo assess feasibility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for device size selection and procedure monitoring for PDA occlusion with a duct occluder (DO) without the use of angiography.AnimalsEighty client‐owned dogs with left‐to‐right PDA.MethodsProspective study. Dogs with left‐to‐right PDA undergoing transcatheter occlusion were included. Procedures were performed without angiography and device size selection was based on TEE measurements. Procedures were monitored with simultaneous TEE and fluoroscopy and both methods were compared. Visualization of the ductus and dimensions obtained by TEE and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were compared.ResultsComplete PDA occlusion was achieved in 79/80 cases. TEE was consistently superior to TTE for PDA visualization and the latter showed higher values for ductal dimensions when compared to the former. TEE provided adequate procedure monitoring in 73 cases (91%). Fluoroscopy exposure time (2.77 ± 1.2 minutes (mean, SD)) was lower than previously reported for the same procedure.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTEE is a useful and efficient tool for device size selection and can be used for procedure monitoring in most cases. Fluoroscopy exposure time can be reduced and the use of contrast agents can be avoided. However, fluoroscopy is required in a minority of cases when TEE monitoring is not feasible or incomplete and should be available for this procedure.
Cognitive closure and risk sensitivity in the fear of crime
Authors: Jackson Jonathan 
Published: October 2013

PurposeThis study was designed to answer two questions. First, does the risk sensitivity model of worry about crime replicate in three European countries? Second, can the model be extended to include need for cognitive closure?MethodA national probability survey in Italy, Bulgaria, and Lithuania measured worry about criminal victimization, risk perception, and need for cognitive closure. Additive and interactive relationships between latent constructs were tested using latent moderated structural equation modelling.ResultsFirst, perceived likelihood, control, and consequence were statistically significant additive predictors of worry about crime. Second, the association between subjective probability judgements and worry about crime was stronger among people who associated the uncertain event with serious personal consequences and among people who had a high need for cognitive closure. Third, need for cognitive closure was associated with greater perceived consequences of victimization, but not with different perceptions of the likelihood and controllability of personal victimization.ConclusionsThis study provides empirical support for an extended risk sensitivity model in three European countries. Findings suggest that risk perception involves multiple – and interacting – dimensions that constitute sensitivity to risk, as well as individual differences in knowledge construction, information judgement, and processing. Future work should address (1) whether probability judgements shift psychological distance to uncertain future outcomes, and (2) whether the effect of psychological distance on worry about crime is greater among people who construe the outcome to be severe in consequence and who desire definite knowledge and dislike uncertainty in their lives.
A polymorphism linked to RRAS,SCAF1,IRF3 and BCL2L12 genes is associated with cirrhosis in hepatitis C virus carriers
Authors: Real Luis M. , Caruz Antonio , Rivero‐Juarez Antonio , Soriano Vicente , Neukam Karin , Rivero Antonio , Cifuentes Celia , Mira José A. , Macías Juan , Pineda Juan A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsHost genetic factors could play a primary role in determining risk for cirrhosis development in HCV‐infected patients. The aims of this study were to discover new genetic variants associated with this trait and to replicate some associations formerly reported.MethodsThree hundred and thirty‐seven HCV carriers with available data about liver fibrosis status, who initiated treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, were included. Of them, 77 (22.85%) were cirrhotic. One hundred and forty‐four SNPs from 40 genes related to cholesterol metabolism/transport, sustained viral response to HCV therapy, liver fibrosis, or immune response, were genotyped in all samples. Plink software was used to perform univariate association analyses. The results obtained were adjusted by other parameters related to cirrhosis using multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsOnly the SNP rs12104272, linked to RRAS, SCAF1, IRF3 and BCL2L12 genes, was associated with cirrhosis. It was observed a higher proportion of rs12104272 A allele carriers in the non‐cirrhotic group (60.63%) than in the cirrhotic group (38.15%) (adjusted OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.180‐0.746, P = 0.006). This effect was stronger in the background of rs12979860 CC genotype of IL28B (adjusted OR = 0.069, 95% CI = 0.014–0.349, P = 0.001).ConclusionThe rs12104272 SNP could have clinical value to select those individuals at lower risk for cirrhosis development.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐10 expression is induced during hepatic injury and plays a fundamental role in liver tissue repair
Authors: Garcia‐Irigoyen Oihane , Carotti Simone , Latasa Maria U. , Uriarte Iker , Fernández‐Barrena Maite G. , Elizalde Maria , Urtasun Raquel , Vespasiani‐Gentilucci Umberto , Morini Sergio , Banales Jesús M. , Parks William C. , Rodriguez Jose A. , Orbe Josune , Prieto Jesús , Páramo Jose A. , Berasain Carmen , Ávila Matías A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsUpon tissue injury, the liver mounts a potent reparative and regenerative response. A role for proteases, including serine and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in this process is increasingly recognized. We have evaluated the expression and function of MMP10 (stromelysin‐2) in liver wound healing and regeneration.MethodsThe hepatic expression of MMP10 was examined in two murine models: liver regeneration after two‐thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) and bile duct ligation (BDL). MMP10 was detected in liver tissues by qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The effect of growth factors and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonists on MMP10 expression was studied in cultured parenchymal and biliary epithelial cells and macrophages respectively. The role of MMP10 was evaluated by comparing the response of Mmp10+/+ and Mmp10−/− mice to PH and BDL. The intrahepatic turnover of the extracellular matrix proteins fibrin (ogen) and fibronectin was examined.ResultsMMP10 mRNA was readily induced after PH and BDL. MMP10 protein was detected in hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and macrophages. In cultured liver epithelial cells, MMP10 expression was additively induced by transforming growth factor‐β and epidermal growth factor receptor ligands. TLR4 ligands also stimulated MMP10 expression in macrophages. Lack of MMP10 resulted in increased liver injury upon PH and BDL. Resolution of necrotic areas was impaired, and Mmp10−/− mice showed increased fibrogenesis and defective turnover of fibrin (ogen) and fibronectin.ConclusionsMMP10 expression is induced during mouse liver injury and participates in the hepatic wound healing response. The profibrinolytic activity of MMP10 may be essential in this novel hepatoprotective role.
HBV clinical isolates expressing adefovir resistance mutations show similar tenofovir susceptibilities across genotypes B, C and D
Authors: Liu Yang , Miller Michael D. , Kitrinos Kathryn M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes can influence clinical outcomes as well as response to antiviral therapy. This study evaluated the tenofovir (TFV) susceptibility of HBV genotype B, C and D clinical isolates with adefovir resistance‐associated mutations (ADV‐R).MethodsFull‐length HBV isolates from patients infected with genotype B, C and D virus had rtA181T, rtA181V, rtN236T, rtA181T + rtN236T and rtA181V + rtN236T mutations introduced by site‐directed mutagenesis. Phenotypic analyses were performed in HepG2 cells and susceptibility to TFV and ADV were assessed.ResultsClinical HBV isolates containing rtA181T, rtA181V or rtN236T as single mutants remained sensitive to TFV across genotypes B, C and D. Clinical isolates containing the rtA181T + rtN236T double mutant remained sensitive to TFV in genotype D but exhibited reduced susceptibility to TFV in genotypes B and C. Viruses containing the double mutant rtA181V + rtN236T in genotypes B and D exhibited reduced susceptibility to TFV with EC50 fold changes (FC) of 3.8 and 2.5, respectively, while genotype C viruses containing rtA181V + rtN236T either remained sensitive (FC = 1.3) or exhibited reduced susceptibility to TFV (FC = 2.9) depending on the isolate. All rtA181V + rtN236T isolates conferred reduced susceptibility to ADV (FC values 2.3–4.2).ConclusionsGenotype B, C and D isolates with single ADV resistance mutations remained fully sensitive to TFV, while the double mutants rtA181T + rtN236T and rtA181V + rtN236T exhibited either no change or low‐level reduced susceptibility to TFV across genotypes. These results are consistent with the clinical efficacy observed with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment across all genotypes in vivo and the limited impact of ADV‐R mutations on TDF therapy.
HBsAg quantification for identification of liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers
Authors: Larsson Simon B. , Eilard Anders , Malmström Sebastian , Hannoun Charles , Dhillon Amar P. , Norkrans Gunnar , Lindh Magnus 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsQuantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been proposed as a useful diagnostic marker for clinical staging (identification of inactive carrier state) and prognosis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between HBsAg levels in serum and histological liver damage in patients with chronic infection.MethodsHBsAg levels in serum (by Abbott Architect) were related to HBV DNA, ALT and histological score (n = 160) and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) (n = 84).ResultsHBsAg levels correlated with cccDNA, serum HBV DNA, ALT and high inflammation scores (P < 0.001). Among HBeAg‐negative patients, an HBsAg level below 3.0 log10 IU/ml identified minimal liver damage (normal ALT and mild inflammation) with a predictive value of 92% (alone) or 96% (in combination with HBV DNA <4.0 log10 copies/ml), whereas an HBsAg level above 3.5 log10 IU/ml identified severe inflammation with a predictive value of 16% (alone) or 33% (in combination with HBV DNA >5.0 log10 copies/ml).ConclusionsHBsAg levels reflect clinical stage and liver disease, and a combined quantification of HBsAg and HBV DNA may improve clinical staging.
Interannual variability in the biochemical composition of newly hatched larvae of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla (Decapoda, Majidae)
Authors: Rotllant Guiomar , Simeó Carles G. , Guerao Guillermo , Sastre Marta , Cleary Daniel F. R. , Calado Ricardo , Estévez Alicia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe spider crab Maja brachydactyla is an important commercial species in Europe and supports intensive fisheries in the NE Atlantic. A field survey was performed to assess long‐term and consecutive interannual (2005–2010) variation of the biochemical composition of newly hatched larvae of M. brachydactyla. Larval biochemical profiles differed significantly among years, with pronounced differences being recorded in 2010. Differences among batches of newly hatched larvae were mainly explained by the contribution of triacylglycerols and, to a lesser degree, by protein and lipid content. The use of different nutrition indices is discussed. The biochemical composition of newly hatched larvae from M. brachydactyla was highly variable, even though surveyed broodstock was obtained from the same local population and was always sampled during the same season. The unpredictable biochemical profiles of newly hatched larvae may condition their survival and recruitment. This largely overlooked aspect of larval variability should be considered in future fisheries management strategies and captive production of marine organisms that still rely on wild seeds.
GENERAL INTENSITY SHAPES IN OPTIMAL LIQUIDATION
Authors: Guéant Olivier , Lehalle Charles‐Albert 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe classical literature on optimal liquidation, rooted in Almgren–Chriss models, tackles the optimal liquidation problem using a trade‐off between market impact and price risk. It answers the general question of optimal scheduling but the very question of the actual way to proceed with liquidation is rarely dealt with. Our model, which incorporates both price risk and nonexecution risk, is an attempt to tackle this question using limit orders. The very general framework we propose to model liquidation with limit orders generalizes existing ones in two ways. We consider a risk‐averse agent, whereas the model of Bayraktar and Ludkovski only tackles the case of a risk‐neutral one. We consider very general functional forms for the execution process intensity, whereas Guéant, Lehalle and Fernandez‐Tapia are restricted to exponential intensity. Eventually, we link the execution cost function of Almgren–Chriss models to the intensity function in our model, providing then a way to see Almgren–Chriss models as a limit of ours.
Simple impact crater shape determination from shadows
Authors: Chappelow J. E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCrater depths, often obtained from shadow measurements, have long been used for several purposes in planetary science. However, the usual method for obtaining depth from shadow length suffers from several drawbacks and limitations. Chappelow and Sharpton (2002) introduced a much improved shadow method, which has the advantages of giving some shape information (as well as depth), and is not limited to shadows that cross the crater bottom. However, it is not general, in that it only gives very approximate crater shape information, in terms of three special cases (parabolic, conical, or flat‐floored). Here, I present a completely generalized method, valid for any conic section shaped crater, and give a proof of concept and demonstration of its use, using Linne crater as a test case. In the process, I find that Linne is neither parabolic nor conical, and that it contains approximately 20 m of bottom fill, which forms a flat floor. I also conclude that the long‐used parabolic paradigm for the shapes of simple craters may need to be revised.