bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SHOULD CHRONIC HEPATITIS B BE TREATED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE?
Authors: Hulstaert Frank , Schwierz Christoph , Nevens Frederik , Thiry Nancy , Gamil Mohamed , Colle Isabelle , Van de Sande Stefaan , Horsmans Yves 
Published: January 2013

Objectives: We studied the cost-effectiveness of tenofovir and entecavir in e antigen positive (CHBe+) and negative (CHBe-) chronic hepatitis B.Methods: Using a multicenter survey including 544 patients we measured patient quality of life and attributable costs by clinical disease stage. Natural disease progression was studied in 278 patients in a single center. A Markov model was constructed to follow hypothetical cohorts of treated and untreated 40-year-old CHBe+ and CHBe- patients and 50-year-old patients with compensated cirrhosis.Results: We did not find an improvement in quality of life when viral load was reduced under treatment. Transition rates to liver cirrhosis were found to be age-dependent. Assuming equal effectiveness, tenofovir dominates the entecavir strategy because of its lower price in Belgium. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of tenofovir after 20 years is more favorable for treating Caucasian cirrhotic patients (mean ICER €29,000/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]) compared with treating non-cirrhotic patients (mean ICER €110,000 and 131,000/QALY for CHB e+ and e-, respectively). Within the non-cirrhotic patients the ICER decreases with increasing cohort starting age from 30 to 50 years.Conclusions: Results of long-term models for tenofovir or entecavir treatment of CHB need to be interpreted with caution as long-term trials with hard end points are lacking. Especially the effect on HCC remains highly uncertain. Based on cost-effectiveness considerations such antiviral treatment should be targeted at patients with cirrhosis or at risk of rapid progression to this disease stage.
AUTOMATED SCREENING AUDIOMETRY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: EXPLORING UHEAR™ AND ITS USE IN A RESOURCE-STRICKEN DEVELOPING COUNTRY
Authors: Khoza-Shangase Katijah , Kassner Lisa 
Published: January 2013

Background: The current study aimed to determine the accuracy of UHear™, a downloadable audiometer on to an iPod Touch©, when compared with conventional audiometry.Methods: Participants were enrolled primary school scholars. A total number of eighty-six participants (172 ears) were included. Of these eighty-six participants, forty-four were female and forty-two were male; with the age ranging from 8 years to 10 years (mean age, 9.0 years). Each participant underwent two audiological screening evaluations; one by means of conventional audiometry and the other by means of UHear™. Otoscopy and tympanometry was performed on each participant to determine status of their outer and middle ear before each participant undergoing pure tone air conduction screening by means of conventional audiometer and UHear™. The lowest audible hearing thresholds from each participant were obtained at conventional frequencies.Results: Using the Paired t-test, it was determined that there was a significant statistical difference between hearing screening thresholds obtained from conventional audiometry and UHear™. The screening thresholds obtained from UHear™ were significantly elevated (worse) in comparison to conventional audiometry. The difference in thresholds may be attributed to differences in transducers used, ambient noise levels and lack of calibration of UHear™.Conclusion: The UHear™ is not as accurate as conventional audiometry in determining hearing thresholds during screening of school-aged children. Caution needs to be exercised when using such measures and research evidence needs to be established before they can be endorsed and used with the general public.
Descriptive epidemiology of rotavirus infection in a community in North India
Authors: CHANDOLA T. R. , TANEJA S. , GOYAL N. , RATHORE S. S. , APPAIAHGARI M. B. , MISHRA A. , SINGH S. , VRATI S. , BHANDARI N. 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYIn India, rotavirus infections cause the death of 98621 children each year. In urban neighbourhoods in Delhi, children were followed up for 1 year to estimate the incidence of rotavirus gastroenteritis and common genotypes. Infants aged ⩽1 week were enrolled in cohort 1 and infants aged 12 months (up to +14 days) in cohort 2. Fourteen percent (30/210) gastroenteritis episodes were positive for rotavirus. Incidence rates of rotavirus gastroenteritis episodes in the first and second year were 0·18 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·10–0·27] and 0·14 (95% CI 0·07–0·21) episodes/child-year, respectively. The incidence rate of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in the first year of life was 0·05 (95% CI 0·01–0·10) episodes/child-year. There were no cases in the second year. The common genotypes detected were G1P[8] (27%) and G9P[4] (23%). That severe rotavirus gastroenteritis is common in the first year of life is relevant for planning efficacy trials.
Decision Making after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Temporal Discounting Paradigm
Authors: Wood Rodger Ll. , McHugh Louise 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA temporal discounting paradigm was used to examine decision making for hypothetical monetary reward following traumatic brain injury (TBI). A case-control design compared individuals following moderate or severe TBI with a healthy control group matched for age and gender. The impact of intelligence, impulsivity, and mood on temporal discounting performance was examined. A within-subjects design for the TBI group determined the influence of a range of neuropsychological tests on temporal discounting performance. Both patients and controls demonstrated temporal discounting. However, the TBI group discounted more than controls, suggesting that their decision making was more impulsive, consistent with ratings on the impulsiveness questionnaire. Discounting performance was independent of neuropsychological measures of intelligence, memory, and executive function. There was no relationship between temporal discounting and ratings of everyday executive function made by patients' relatives. Low mood did not account for discounting performance. The results of this study suggest that temporal discounting may be a useful neuropsychological paradigm to assess decision making linked to monetary reward following TBI. Performance was relatively independent of intelligence, memory and standard tests of executive ability and may therefore assist when assessing a patient's mental capacity to manage their financial affairs. (JINS, 2013,19, 1–8)
Verbal and Visuospatial Span in Logopenic Progressive Aphasia and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Foxe David G. , Irish Muireann , Hodges John R. , Piguet Olivier 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLogopenic progressive aphasia (LPA) is a form of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) characterized by hesitant speech with marked impairment in naming and repetition. LPA is associated with brain atrophy in the left temporal and inferior parietal cortices and is predominantly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. In contrast to LPA, “typical” AD is commonly associated with episodic memory disturbance and bilateral medial temporal lobe atrophy. Recent evidence suggests verbal short-term memory is more impaired than visuospatial short-term memory in LPA. This study investigated verbal and visuospatial short-term memory in 12 LPA and 12 AD patients matched for disease severity, and in 12 age- and education-matched healthy controls. Overall, both patient groups showed significantly reduced verbal and visuospatial spans compared with controls. In addition, LPA patients performed significantly worse than AD patients on both forward and backward conditions of the Digit Span task. In contrast, no difference was present between patient groups on either version of the Spatial Span task. Importantly, LPA patients showed better visuospatial than verbal span whereas AD patients and controls did not differ across modality. This study demonstrates the specificity of the short-term memory disturbance in LPA, which arises from a breakdown of the phonological system. (JINS, 2012, 19, 1–7)
Controversies in the Satisfaction of Surgeons and Orthodontists on Facial Aesthetics after Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Faverani Leonardo , Ramalho-Ferreira Gabriel , Jardim Ellen , Goiato Marcelo , Pereira Flavia , Pastori Claudio , Junior Idelmo Garcia 
Published: January 2013

Aim Acceptable facial aesthetics is a common desire among patients presenting with dentofacial deformities planning to undergo orthognathic surgeries. Thus, professionals must be alert to their patients’ complaints as well as their desires regarding facial morphology, because this is quite subjective and personal. This research aimed at evaluating the different views of orthodontists and oral maxillofacial surgeons regarding the facial analysis of patients who undergo orthognathic surgery. Methods Thirty individuals were selected with a minimum postoperative period of 6 months and photographed in the frontal and profile norm. Facial morphology characteristics were recorded to observe the agreement of the assessments of four professionals (two orthodontists and two surgeons). Results A significant agreement was seen between the orthodontists regarding the nasolabial angle (80%). In the frontal analysis, the agreement percentage (60%) between orthodontists and surgeons was considerable regarding facial asymmetry assessment. Conclusions Professionals must keep alert to facial analysis, especially in terms of tegumental harmony, for the orthognathic surgery to reestablish, satisfactorily, the facial aesthetics in all parameters set.
Economic Values and Regional Economic Impacts of Recreational Fisheries in Mississippi Reservoirs
Authors: Hutt Clifford P. , Hunt Kevin M. , Steffen Susan F. , Grado Stephen C. , Miranda L. E. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This study estimated the economic benefit of recreational fisheries on two trophy crappie Pomoxis spp. fisheries in Mississippi. We accomplished this by estimating economic impacts of angler expenditures and angler willingness-to-pay for fishing trips above current expenditures. Anglers spent 91,811 activity days on Sardis Reservoir in 2006 and 46,036 on Grenada Reservoir in 2007. The total economic impacts to the state were estimated at US$5.83 million on Sardis Reservoir and $2.15 million on Grenada Reservoir, supporting 75 and 51 full- and part-time jobs, respectively. Total consumer surplus was $5.57 million and $4.46 million on Sardis and Grenada reservoirs, respectively. Last, we used a model that predicted the effect of average spring water levels on total angling effort to estimate resulting changes in economic benefits. Spring angling effort and associated economic benefits peaked at intermediate water levels and declined at both low and high water levels. Future changes in precipitation patterns in the southeastern United States may require altering reservoir guide curves to maximize economic benefits associated with reservoir fisheries.
Received June 25, 2012; accepted October 3, 2012
Influences of Artificial Reefs on Juvenile Red Snapper along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Authors: Brandt Jason R. , Jackson Donald C. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus represent one of the more economically important fisheries in the northern Gulf of Mexico; as such, Red Snapper abundance has decreased dramatically in the past two decades. The use of artificial reefs could aid in the rehabilitation of Red Snapper stocks by providing refuge for juveniles and a place of foraging and recruitment. A study was initiated to determine the effectiveness of different artificial reef distribution patterns in attracting and sustaining juvenile Red Snapper in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fish traps (0.97 m long; 0.64 m high; funnel mouth size = 175×115 mm) were used to collect Red Snapper (&lt;406 mm TL) that were associated with pyramid-shaped artificial reef structures (3.7-m triangular base; 2.4-m height; 3.2 metric tons) to evaluate two reef distribution designs: (1) five closely spaced pyramid units (“clumped” pattern) and (2) five closely spaced pyramids plus two sets of two pyramids at 30.5, 61.0, or 91.5 m from the five pyramids (“outlier” pattern). In 26 sampling trips, 927 Red Snapper were captured. Catch per unit effort (number of fish/trap soak-hour) did not differ significantly among artificial reef patterns (P = 0.396). Red Snapper TLs differed significantly among patterns (P = 0.005), with the largest mean TL (235 mm; SE = 5.14) occurring at the outlier pattern with 61.0-m spacing. Results from this study indicate that reef spacing and horizontal extension are important factors to consider when designing an artificial reef program, especially those that target juvenile Red Snapper.
Received February 2, 2012; accepted September 26, 2012
OsTZF1, a CCCH-Tandem Zinc Finger Protein, Confers Delayed Senescence and Stress Tolerance in Rice by Regulating Stress-Related Genes
Authors: Jan Asad , Maruyama Kyonoshin , Todaka Daisuke , Kidokoro Satoshi , Abo Mitsuru , Yoshimura Etsuro , Shinozaki Kazuo , Nakashima Kazuo , Yamaguchi-Shinozaki Kazuko 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
OsTZF1 is a member of the CCCH-type zinc finger gene family in rice (Oryza sativa). Expression of OsTZF1 was induced by drought, high-salt stress, and hydrogen peroxide. OsTZF1 gene expression was also induced by abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid. Histochemical activity of β-glucuronidase in transgenic rice plants containing the promoter of OsTZF1 fused with β-glucuronidase was observed in callus, coleoptile, young leaf, and panicle tissues. Upon stress, OsTZF1-green fluorescent protein localization was observed in the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic foci. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsTZF1 driven by a maize (Zea mays) ubiquitin promoter (Ubi:OsTZF1- OX [for overexpression]) exhibited delayed seed germination, growth retardation at the seedling stage, and delayed leaf senescence. RNA interference (RNAi) knocked-down plants (OsTZF1-RNAi) showed early seed germination, enhanced seedling growth, and early leaf senescence compared with controls. Ubi:OsTZF1- OX plants showed improved tolerance to high-salt and drought stresses and vice versa for OsTZF1- RNAi plants. Microarray analysis revealed that genes related to stress, reactive oxygen species homeostasis, and metal homeostasis were regulated in the Ubi:OsTZF1- OX plants. RNA-binding assays indicated that OsTZF1 binds to U-rich regions in the 3′ untranslated region of messenger RNAs, suggesting that OsTZF1 might be associated with RNA metabolism of stress-responsive genes. OsTZF1 may serve as a useful biotechnological tool for the improvement of stress tolerance in various plants through the control of RNA metabolism of stress-responsive genes.
Control of Root Meristem Size by DA1-RELATED PROTEIN2 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Peng Yuancheng , Ma Wenying , Chen Liangliang , Yang Lei , Li Shengjun , Zhao Hongtao , Zhao Yankun , Jin Weihuan , Li Na , Bevan Michael W. , Li Xia , Tong Yiping , Li Yunhai 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe control of organ growth by coordinating cell proliferation and differentiation is a fundamental developmental process. In plants, postembryonic root growth is sustained by the root meristem. For maintenance of root meristem size, the rate of cell differentiation must equal the rate of cell division. Cytokinin and auxin interact to affect the cell proliferation and differentiation balance and thus control root meristem size. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms that determine root meristem size still remain largely unknown. Here, we report that da1-related protein2 (dar2) mutants produce small root meristems due to decreased cell division and early cell differentiation in the root meristem of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). dar2 mutants also exhibit reduced stem cell niche activity in the root meristem. DAR2 encodes a Lin-11, Isl-1, and Mec-3 domain-containing protein and shows an expression peak in the border between the transition zone and the elongation zone. Genetic analyses show that DAR2 functions downstream of cytokinin and SHORT HYPOCOTYL2 to maintain normal auxin distribution by influencing auxin transport. Further results indicate that DAR2 acts through the PLETHORA pathway to influence root stem cell niche activity and therefore control root meristem size. Collectively, our findings identify the role of DAR2 in root meristem size control and provide a novel link between several key regulators influencing root meristem size.
Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in combination with high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation in post‐traumatic ARDS
Authors: GOTHNER M. , BUCHWALD D. , SCHLEBES A. , STRAUCH J. T. , SCHILDHAUER T. A. , SWOL J. 
Published: January 2013

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life‐threatening complications in trauma patients. Despite the implantation of a veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv ECMO), sufficient oxygenation (arterial SaO2 > 90%) is not always achieved. The additive use of high‐frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV) and ECMO in the critical phase after trauma could prevent the occurrence of life‐threatening hypoxaemia and multi‐organ failure.We report on a 26‐year‐old female (Injury Severity Score 29) who had multiple injuries as follows: an unstable pelvic fracture, a blunt abdominal trauma, a blunt trauma of the left thigh, and a thoracic injury. Three days after admission, the patient developed fulminant ARDS (Murray lung injury score of 11 and Horovitz‐ Index <80 mmHg), and vv ECMO therapy was initiated. The Horovitz‐ Index was <80 mm Hg, and the lung compliance was minimal. With HFOV, almost complete recruitment of the lung was achieved, and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was significantly reduced. The pelvic fracture was treated non‐operatively. The HFOV was terminated after 3 days, and the ECMO was stopped after 19 days.
Tobacco dependence diagnosis and treatment in Veterans Health Administration residential substance use disorder treatment programs
Authors: Gifford Elizabeth V. , Tavakoli Sara , Wang Ruey , Hagedorn Hildi J. , Hamlett‐Berry Kim W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsTo explore tobacco dependence (TD) diagnosis and treatment utilization, and identify predictors of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among veterans with substance use disorders (SUDs) enrolled in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SUD residential treatment programs (SRTPs).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingVHA SRTPs, which treat veterans with SUD and multiple severe psychosocial deficits, from 1 October 2009 to 31 September 2010.ParticipantsIdentified tobacco users among veterans with SUD treated in SRTPs during fiscal year 2010 (FY10).MeasurementsRates of documented TD diagnosis and pharmacotherapy were assessed nationally, regionally and by facility. Patient‐level predictors of NRT were examined using a mixed‐effects logistic regression model with facility as a random effect.FindingsA total of 12 097 of the 15 320 veterans in SRTPs in FY10 (79%) were identified as probable tobacco users. Among these, 33% had a documented TD diagnosis, 34% were treated with pharmacotherapy and only 11% were both diagnosed and treated for TD while in SRTP. NRT was more common among patients with a current documented TD diagnosis, recent history of TD treatment, comorbid mental health disorder, age 55 years or younger and identified as white.ConclusionsMost veterans in Veterans Health Administration substance use disorders residential treatment programs appear to use tobacco, yet only one in 10 receives a documented ICD‐9 TD diagnosis and pharmacotherapy while in a substance use disorders residential treatment program.
Low incidence of hepatitis C virus among prisoners in Scotland
Authors: Taylor Avril , Munro Alison , Allen Elizabeth , Dunleavy Karen , Cameron Sheila , Miller Laura , Hickman Matthew 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsTo estimate hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence and HCV risk among Scottish prisoners.DesignNational sero‐behavioural survey; dried blood spots were collected in order to identify recent HCV infections (i.e. HCV antibody‐negative and HCV polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐positive).SettingAll 14 closed prisons in Scotland.ParticipantsA total of 5187 prisoners responded to the survey (79% of available prisoners on survey days) comprising 5076 individuals (after removing incomplete returns and participants surveyed in more than one prison); 95% men, 32% (1625) reported an injecting history (PWID) and median sentence of 9.5 months. HCV antibody samples were available for 4904 participants; there was sufficient sera for HCV PCR for 2446 prisoners who had been in prison for at least 75 days.MeasurementsThe estimate of in‐prison recent infections is based on prisoners incarcerated for a sufficient period, i.e. at least 75 days, so that recent infections could be attributed to prison.FindingsOverall HCV prevalence was 19%; 53% among people who reported an injecting history and 3% among other prisoners. Three recent infections probably acquired in prison were detected. None of the cases reported injecting during their current sentence or any other potential exposure. Estimated incidence was 0.6–0.9% overall and 3.0–4.3% among PWID (assuming all infections acquired through injecting). Fifty‐seven per cent (929) of PWID were receiving opiate substitution treatment (OST) at the time of the survey. Of all prisoners, 2.5% and 8% of PWID reported injecting during their current period of incarceration.ConclusionThe low incidence of HCV infections in Scottish prisons is due most probably to the low occurrence of in‐prison injecting and high coverage of OST. Low HCV risk can be achieved in prisons without necessarily introducing needle exchange programmes, but close monitoring of risk behaviours is essential. If risk increases, provision of needle exchange should be considered.
Extended‐release methylphenidate for treatment of amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Miles S. Wayne , Sheridan Janie , Russell Bruce , Kydd Rob , Wheeler Amanda , Walters Carina , Gamble Greg , Hardley Peta , Jensen Maree , Kuoppasalmi Kimmo , Tuomola Pekka , Föhr Jaana , Kuikanmäki Outi , Vorma Helena , Salokangas Raimo , Mikkonen Antti , Kallio Mika , Kauhanen Jussi , Kiviniemi Vesa , Tiihonen Jari 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsTo assess the efficacy of methylphenidate as a substitution therapy for amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence in Finland and New Zealand.DesignParallel‐group, double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled trial.SettingOut‐patient care.ParticipantsAmphetamine‐/methamphetamine‐dependent, aged 16–65 years.MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was presence/absence of amphetamine/methamphetamine in urine samples collected twice weekly. Secondary measures included treatment adherence, alterations in craving scores and self‐reported use. Primary analysis was by intention‐to‐treat (ITT). The study drug, methylphenidate (as Concerta®), was up‐titrated over 2 weeks to a maximum dose of 54 mg daily and continued for a further 20 weeks. Doses were given under daily supervision at the clinics.FindingsSeventy‐nine participants were randomized (40 methylphenidate; 39 placebo); 76 received allocated treatment and 27 completed the trial. ITT analysis (n = 78) showed no statistically significant difference in the percentage of positive urines between the methylphenidate and placebo arms (odds ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.08). However, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the active and placebo arms in retention, the placebo arm displaying a significantly lower retention from 6 weeks that persisted until the end of the trial.ConclusionsThe trial failed to replicate earlier findings suggesting that methylphenidate was superior to placebo. The low retention rate confounded the ability to draw firm conclusions about efficacy. The higher retention rate was observed in the methylphenidate arm. Any replication of this work would need to consider alternatives to the rigid clinic attendance criteria, and consider an increased dose.