bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of triple‐drug therapy with nitazoxanide, high‐dose ribavirin and peginterferon‐α‐2a in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Basu P. Patrick , Rayapudi Krishna , Shah Niraj James , Krishnaswamy Nithya , Brown Robert S. 
Published: December 2012

AimThe historical standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) was peginterferon (PEG IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy, yielding sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 38–52% in HCV genotype 1 patients. This study evaluated a novel three‐drug regimen of nitazoxanide and high‐dose ribavirin as lead‐in therapy, followed by PEG IFN‐α‐2a in triple therapy.MethodsA prospective, open‐label pilot study was conducted in treatment‐naive patients with HCV genotype 1. Patients received nitazoxanide 500 mg twice a day for 2 weeks, then nitazoxanide plus ribavirin 1400 mg/day for 2 weeks, then nitazoxanide plus ribavirin plus PEG IFN‐α‐2a 180 μg weekly for 12 weeks, followed by ribavirin plus PEG IFN‐α‐2a for 12 weeks (48 weeks if HCV RNA negative after week 24). Primary outcome was SVR. Other outcomes included very rapid virological response (VRVR), rapid virological response (RVR), early virological response (EVR), end‐of‐treatment response (ETR), and safety and tolerability.ResultsThirty‐three patients with a mean age of 46 years, detectable HCV RNA (64% with <600 000 IU/mL), and METAVIR fibrosis scores (F1:F2:F3) of 15%:49%:36% were enrolled. Outcomes were as follows: SVR, 67% (22/33); VRVR, 39% (13/33); RVR, 48% (16/33); EVR, 70% (23/33); and ETR, 67% (22/33). Most patients required at least one growth factor. Two patients discontinued because of adverse events.ConclusionThis three‐drug regimen was effective in achieving SVR in patients with HCV genotype 1. No patients relapsed, and the toxicity profile was favorable. Further studies on the role of nitazoxanide in the treatment of chronic HCV are warranted.
Effects of IL‐28B gene polymorphism on response to peginterferon plus ribavirin combination therapy for genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Shimoyama Yu , Nozaki Akito , Morimoto Manabu , Moriya Satoshi , Kondo Masaaki , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Numata Kazushi , Miyajima Eiji , Oba Mari S. , Taguri Masataka , Morita Satoshi , Maeda Shin , Tanaka Katsuaki 
Published: December 2012

AimInterleukin (IL)‐28B gene polymorphism is closely linked with treatment response to peginterferon plus ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C virus genotype 1. However, few studies have reported its effects on therapy for genotype 2. We aimed to examine the effects of IL‐28B gene polymorphism on treatment response in hepatitis C virus genotype 2 patients.MethodsIn a retrospective study of 101 patients infected with either genotype 2a (n = 65) or 2b (n = 36) and treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin, we investigated predictive factors for a sustained virological response (SVR), including genetic variations near the IL‐28B gene (rs8099917, rs11881222 and rs8103142) and clinical variables such as age, sex, body mass index, stage of fibrosis and drug adherence.ResultsUltra‐rapid virological response, rapid virological response (RVR), end‐of‐treatment response, SVR and relapse rates were 22.2%, 61.4%, 95.0%, 87.1% and 7.9%, respectively. In univariate analysis, RVR and IL‐28B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) (rs8099917, rs11881222 and rs8103142) were significantly associated with SVR. In subgroup analysis, IL‐28B SNP were significantly associated with SVR in genotype 2a patients but not in genotype 2b patients. In multiple logistic regression analysis, RVR and IL‐28B SNP (rs8099917) were independently associated with SVR. Furthermore, IL‐28B SNP was significantly associated with relapse but RVR was not.ConclusionIn genotype 2 patients treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin combination therapy, IL‐28B gene polymorphism was a significant independent predictor of SVR as well as RVR. IL‐28B major allele may favor reduced relapse rates in patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C.
Multiple ancient horizontal gene transfers and duplications in lepidopteran species
Authors: Sun B. F. , Xiao J. H. , He S. M. , Liu L. , Murphy R. W. , Huang D. W. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractEukaryotic horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events are increasingly being discovered yet few reports have summarized multiple occurrences in a wide range of species. We systematically investigated HGT events in the order Lepidoptera by employing a series of filters. Bombyx mori, Danaus plexippus and Heliconius melpomene had 13, 12 and 12 HGTs, respectively, from bacteria and fungi. These HGTs contributed a total of 64 predicted genes: 22 to B. mori, 22 to D. plexippus and 20 to H. melpomene. Several new genes were generated by post‐transfer duplications. Post‐transfer duplication of a suite of functional HGTs has rarely been reported in higher organisms. The distributional patterns of paralogues for certain genes differed in the three species, indicating potential independent duplication or loss events. All of these HGTs had homologues expressed in some other lepidopterans, indicating ancient transfer events. Most HGTs were involved in the metabolism of sugar and amino acids. These HGTs appeared to have experienced amelioration, purifying selection and accelerated evolution to adapt to the background genome of the recipient. The discovery of ancient, massive HGTs and duplications in lepidopterans and their adaptive evolution provides further insights into the evolutionary significance of the events from donors to multicellular host recipients.
Should clinicians use average or peak scores on a dynamic risk‐assessment measure to most accurately predict inpatient aggression?
Authors: Chu Chi Meng , Thomas Stuart D. M. , Daffern Michael , Ogloff James R. P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractRecent advancements in risk assessment have led to the development of dynamic risk‐assessment measures that are predictive of inpatient aggression in the short term. However, there are several areas within this field that warrant further empirical investigation, including whether the average, maximum, or most recent risk state assessment is the most valid for predicting subsequent aggression in the medium term. This prospective study compared the predictive validity of three indices (i.e. mean score, peak score, and most recent single time‐point rating) of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) for inpatient aggression. Daily risk ratings were completed for 60 psychiatric inpatients (from the acute wards of a forensic psychiatric hospital) for up to 6 months; a total of 1054 DASA ratings were obtained. Results showed that mean and peak scores on the DASA were better predictors of interpersonal violence, verbal threat, and any inpatient aggression than the DASA single time‐point most recent ratings. Overall, the results support the use of the prior week's mean and peak scores to aid the prediction of inpatient aggression within inpatient forensic psychiatric settings in the short to medium term. These results also have practical implications for clinicians considering risk‐management strategies and the scoring of clinically‐relevant items on risk‐assessment measures.
Creative writing in recovery from severe mental illness
Authors: King Robert , Neilsen Philip , White Emma 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThere is evidence that creative writing forms an important part of the recovery experience of people affected by severe mental illness. In this paper, we consider theoretical models that explain how creative writing might contribute to recovery, and we discuss the potential for creative writing in psychosocial rehabilitation. We argue that the rehabilitation benefits of creative writing might be optimized through focus on process and technique in writing, rather than content, and that consequently, the involvement of professional writers might be important. We describe a pilot workshop that deployed these principles and was well‐received by participants. Finally, we make recommendations regarding the role of creative writing in psychosocial rehabilitation for people recovering from severe mental illness and suggest that the development of an evidence base regarding the effectiveness of creative writing is a priority.
Do Financial Reforms Improve the Performance of Financial Holding Companies? The Case of Taiwan
Authors: Kao Meng‐Chun , Lin Chien‐Ting , Xu Lei 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe examine the performance of financial holding companies (FHCs) in Taiwan after the financial reform that removes the separation of banking, securities, insurance, and other financial services. Using data envelopment analysis, we find that FHCs fail to improve technical efficiencies in the post‐reform era. They also do not outperform independent commercial banks after the financial reform. Lower technical efficiency caused by excess operating expenses appears to be the primary source of inefficiency. While scale efficiency may improve as FHCs grow larger, the benefits are marginal and insufficient to offset the potential costs of organizational diseconomies. Our findings suggest that increasing the size and scope of financial activities alone do not necessarily improve the performance of financial firms.
A Biomechanical Study of Laparoscopic 4S‐Modified Roeder and Weston Knot Strength in 3–0 Polyglactin 910 and 3–0 Polydioxanone
Authors: Fugazzi Russell W. , Fransson Boel A. , Curran Katie M. , Davis Howard M. , Gay John M. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo (1) evaluate biomechanical strength of 4 different laparoscopic knots using 2 suture types, and (2) evaluate carotid artery ligature bursting pressure of 2 knots using a single suture type.Study DesignBiomechanical materials testing.Sample PopulationSuture material (3–0 polydioxanone, 3–0 polyglactin 910).MethodsFour knot types were tested: 4S‐modified Roeder (4SMR) Weston plus 3 square throws (W3S); Weston plus 3 granny throws (W3G); and a 4 square throw knot as a control (control); 24 specimens of each knot type were tied with 3–0 polyglactin 910 and 24 of 3 knot types (4SMR, W3S, control) were tied with 3–0 polydioxanone. Suture loop constructs were tested to 3 mm displacement failure and ultimate failure. Carotid artery ligation bursting pressure was tested using 10 samples each of 4SMR and W3S knots with 3–0 polyglactin 910.ResultsThe W3S, W3G, and controls were similar. The 4SMR was similar to W3S using 3–0 PDS but the 4SMR had lower load to failure and greater elongation than the Weston using 3–0 polyglactin 910. The 4SMR had a higher slippage rate with 3–0 polyglactin 910. All ligatures withstood supraphysiologic pressures.ConclusionsSurgeons using 3–0 polyglactin 910 should consider using the Weston knot with added throws during laparoscopic procedures.
Proceedings of the July 2011 Traceability Research Summit
Authors: Newsome Rosetta L. , Bhatt Tejas , McEntire Jennifer C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAt a discussion‐based forum of 50 leaders in the area of food product tracing, participants recognized the need for the development of a common vision for a simple, low cost and implementable traceability approach. A key theme that emerged during the day's discussions revolved around not reinventing the wheel: there are many efforts underway, including numerous pilots, and these efforts should be collaborative. The group sought more information on current initiatives and felt that learning from the experiences of others could help form a realistic vision for the future.Although any forthcoming actions from the US FDA are unknown, industry fully expects that improvements in product tracing will be necessary, and expects that industry itself (through the “demand” side) will enact requirements that may surpass regulatory mandates. A chief concern is uniform adoption, which will require outreach to and support from the global community as well as small firms that may lack the resources and education to keep up.Ultimately, an approach that is global, economical, scalable, and inclusive of firms of all sizes who handles all types of food products, will have the greatest likelihood of success. While the ability to rapidly link products across the supply chain serves as an ideal goal, there are still substantial concerns to be addressed, particularly regarding confidentiality of data, and who will have access to what information under what circumstances, which was woven into virtually every discussion topic. Who will spearhead the development of the visions is a question, but there was general agreement that a joint partnership which includes all stakeholders is a necessity.
Variations in tobacco control in National Dental PBRN practices: the role of patient and practice factors
Authors: Ray Midge N. , Allison Jeroan J. , Coley Heather L. , Williams Jessica H. , Kohler Connie , Gilbert Gregg H. , Richman Joshua S. , Kiefe Catarina I. , Sadasivam Rajani S. , Houston Thomas K. ,   for The National DPBRN Collaborative Group
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTWe engaged dental practices enrolled in The National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network to quantify tobacco screening (ASK) and advising (ADVISE); and to identify patient and practice ­characteristics associated with tobacco control. Dental practices (N = 190) distributed patient surveys that measured ASK and ADVISE. Twenty‐nine percent of patients were ASKED about tobacco use during visit, 20% were identified as tobacco users, and 41% reported being ADVISED. Accounting for clustering of patients within practices, younger age and male gender were positively associated with ASK and ADVISE. Adjusting for patient age and gender, a higher proportion of non‐whites in the practice, preventive services and proportion on public assistance were positively associated with ASK. Proportion of tobacco users in the practice and offering other preventive services were more strongly associated with ASK and ADVISE than other practice characteristics. Understanding variations in performance is an important step toward designing strategies for improving tobacco control in dentistry.
Geographical distribution of cytotypes in the Chrysanthemum indicum complex as evidenced by ploidy level and genome‐size variation
Authors: LI Jing , WAN Qian , ABBOTT Richard J. , RAO Guang‐Yuan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA detailed knowledge of the geographical distribution of cytotypes within and between species comprising a polyploid complex is critical to our understanding of the history and evolution of such complexes. In the present study we examined the geographical distributions of cytotypes within six tentatively delimited species comprising the Chrysanthemum indicum complex in China. We determined the ploidy of 188 individuals sampled from 47 populations, based on DNA content using flow cytometry. In addition, chromosome counts were made on samples of each taxon. We confirmed that all samples of C. rhombifolium and C. lavandulifolium were diploid (2n = 18), those of C. hypargyrum and C. potentilloides were tetraploid (2n = 36), and those of C. vestitum were hexaploid (2n = 54). In contrast, we confirmed that C. indicum contained both diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. We found that in addition to marked differences in genome size between ploidy levels, there was a variation in genome size between species of the same ploidy level. Although the diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid taxa of the complex, as well as the diploid form of C. indicum, occurred only in central and northern China, the tetraploid form of C. indicum was widespread both north and south of the Yangtze River. We suggest that the tetraploid form of C. indicum may have expanded its range southward during recent Quaternary glacial periods when forests retreated in south China as conditions became drier.
Genetic associations between somatic cell score and pathogen‐specific subclinical mastitis in Norwegian Red cows
Authors: Haugaard K. , Heringstad B. , Whist A. C. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to estimate heritabilities of and genetic correlations between pathogen‐specific subclinical mastitis (SCM) traits and lactation mean somatic cell score (LSCS) in Norwegian Red cattle. Based on data from 130 733 first‐lactation cows four binary pathogen‐specific SCM traits, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and coagulase‐negative staphylococci SCM, were analysed together with unspecific SCM and LSCS using a multivariate sire model with threshold models for binary traits and a linear model for LSCS. Posterior means (SD) of heritabilities were 0.17 (0.01) for LSCS, 0.11 (0.01) for liability to unspecific SCM and ranged from 0.04 (Staph. aureus) to 0.14 (Strep. dysgalactiae) for liability to pathogen‐specific SCM. Genetic correlations were positive and moderate to high, ranging from 0.37 to 0.98. All genetic correlations except the one between LSCS and unspecific SCM were lower than 1, indicating that SCM caused by different pathogens can be considered as partly different traits.
Peripheral Polyneuropathy and Female Sexual Dysfunction—Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy as an Example Besides Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Oliveira-e-Silva Tania , Campos Pinheiro Luis , Rocha Mendes Jorge , Barroso Eduardo , Monteiro Pereira Nuno 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in peripheral polyneuropathies besides diabetes mellitus is still a poorly studied subject. Little is known about sexual function in women with amyloidosis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, or porphyria. Even for the world's most common peripheral polyneuropathies such as diabetes mellitus, knowledge and consensus are still lacking. Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is the most common cause of genetic systemic amyloidosis, with neurological clinical manifestations similar to diabetes mellitus. Until today, no study on the sexual function of these young female patients has been published.

Aim
To evaluate FSD in female FAP patients and to compare the results with those of healthy, non-FAP females.

Methods
A questionnaire-based, observational study comprising 94 nonmenopausal women with a sexual partner (51 FAP and 43 non-FAP as the control group) was conducted. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)—Portuguese-validated version was used to assess FSD.

Main Outcome Measures
Total and subscales scores of the FSFI.

Results
FSD was reported by 42% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 28.3–55.7) of FAP patients compared to 12% of healthy controls. Of all the FAP patients, 39.2% reported problems with desire (95% CI 25.6–52.4), 72.5% reported problems with arousal (95% CI 60.2–84.8), 68% reported lubrication problems (95% CI 55.1–80.9), 62% reported orgasm problems (95% CI 48.5–75.5), 39.2% experienced pain (95% CI, 25.8–52.6), and 49% experienced sexual dissatisfaction (95% CI, 35.3–62.7).
Even after multiple logistic regression analysis, FAP is associated with sexual dysfunction in women (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.2–15.5, P &lt; 0.03), and the affected domains are desire (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.3–19.7, P &lt; 0.02), arousal (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.5–14.1, P &lt; 0.007), orgasm (OR 5, 95% CI 1.6–16, P &lt; 0.007), and sexual satisfaction (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.4–16.9, P &lt; 0.02). Only the use of medication with potential for sexual dysfunction was found as a significant predictor of orgasm disorder (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1–15.6, P &lt; 0.03), as did age for sexual dissatisfaction (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2, P &lt; 0.04).

Conclusions
FAP as a peripheral polyneuropathy results in FSD, presenting a risk factor four times greater and related to disease severity in terms of desire, arousal, and orgasm disorders, as well as sexual dissatisfaction.
Descriptive analysis of Iranian adolescents' stages of change for physical activity behavior
Authors: Sanaeinasab Hormoz , Saffari Mohsen , Nazeri Mojtaba , Karimi Zarchi Aliakbar , Cardinal Bradley J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTo better understand prevalence of physical inactivity among Iranian adolescents, their physical activity behavior across the hypothesized stages of change derived from the transtheoretical model was investigated in this study. This was a cross‐sectional study involving 1551 adolescents, 12–14 years of age (941 boys and 610 girls). Participants were selected through a multistage sampling method. The child/adolescent activity log, physical activity calendar, and stage of change scale were used for collecting data. Data were analyzed using χ2 and F‐tests. Depending on how physical activity was assessed, the prevalence of physical inactivity ranged from 77.4% to 87.1%. Analyses revealed sex and stages of change differences between those who achieved and those who did not achieve the recommended levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity physical activity. Girls were less active than boys. The distribution observed across the stages of change supports the need to improve the physical activity of Iranian youth, especially among girls. For interventions to be most effective, they will need to be tailored to the sex of the participants, as well as their specific stage of readiness to change.
Using family history and health risk behaviors to determine predictors of depressive symptoms in Central American immigrant mothers
Authors: Maradiegue Ann H. , Lyon Debra E. , Meyers Melanie F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this study, depressive symptomatology in Central American immigrant mothers with adolescent daughters living in the USA was explored. Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Short Scale, the Family History Scale, an Acculturation Scale, and the core section of the Youth Conduct Disorder scale from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 101 Central American mothers were analyzed to identify predictors of depressive symptoms. Over one‐third of the participants had depressive symptoms. There were no significant findings for acculturation as a predictor of depressive symptoms. Predictors that related to depressive symptomatology were a positive family history of depression, marital status (divorced), and having a daughter engaged in health risk behaviors. Clinicians working with mothers from Central America should consider risk of depression, whether there is a family history of depression; and additional stresses, such as the health risk behaviors of adolescents. Unprecedented levels of immigration around the world underscore the importance of meeting the healthcare needs of culturally‐diverse groups.