bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing HIV and AIDS treatment safety and health‐related quality of life among cohort of Malaysian patients: a discussion on methodological approach
Authors: Syed Imran Ahmed , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar , Hassali Mohammad Azmi , Lee Christopher K. C. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundHealth‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is increasingly recognized as an important outcome and as a complement to traditional biological end points of diseases such as mortality. Unless there is a complete cure available for HIV/AIDS, development and implementation of a reliable and valid cross cultural quality of life measure is necessary to assess not only the physical and medical needs of HIV/AIDS people, but their psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual areas of life.MethodsA qualitative exploration of HIV/AIDS patients' understanding, perceptions and expectations will be carried out with the help of semi structured interview guide by in depth interviews, while quantitative assessment of patient reported adverse drug reactions and their impact on health related quality of life will be carried out by using data collection tool comprising patient demographics, SF‐12, Naranjo scale, and a clinical data sheet.Results/OutcomesThe findings may serve as baseline QOL data of people living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia and also a source data to aid construction of management plan to improve HIV/AIDS patients' QOL. It will also provide basic information about HIV/AIDS patients' perceptions, expectations and believes towards HIV/AIDS and its treatment which may help in designing strategies to enhance patients' awareness which in turn can help in addressing issues related to compliance and adherence.
Lymphoma and Epstein−Barr virus DNA in blood during interleukin‐2 therapy in antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐1‐infected patients: a substudy of the ANRS 119 trial
Authors: de Lastours V , LeGoff J , Brière J , Agbalika F , Boulet T , Lévy Y , Simon F , Aboulker J‐P , Molina J‐M 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesInterleukin‐2 (IL‐2) therapy increased CD4 cell counts and delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in HIV‐infected patients in the Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS) 119 trial. However, four cases of lymphoma were reported. Epstein−Barr virus (EBV) replication is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma in immunocompromised patients. We assessed whether IL‐2 had an impact on EBV replication and the development of lymphoma.MethodsA total of 130 ART‐naïve patients were randomized to receive IL‐2 therapy (n = 66) or no treatment (n = 64). Clinical data for patients with lymphomas were reviewed and tumours assessed for evidence of EBV infection and CD25 (the IL‐2 receptor) expression. EBV DNA levels were measured in whole blood and plasma in both arms using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), up to 48 weeks after baseline (BL).ResultsFour lymphomas occurred, a median of 61 weeks [range 40−94 weeks] after randomization at a median CD4 cell count of 396 cells/μL (IQR 234–536 cells/μL). In the IL‐2 arm, two patients developed EBV‐positive Hodgkin's lymphoma, and one developed EBV‐negative Burkitt‐type lymphoma. One patient in the control group developed EBV‐positive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. CD25 was negative in all cases. Among the 41 of 55 (control arm) and 44 of 58 (IL‐2 arm) patients with detectable EBV DNA in whole blood at both BL and week 48, the median change in EBV DNA between BL and week 48 was +0.04 log10 copies/ml in both arms (P = 0.7). In plasma, EBV was detected at least once in 22 of 52 controls and 21 of 54 IL‐2‐treated patients (P = 0.8).ConclusionsIL‐2 therapy had no significant effect on EBV replication over 48 weeks in these ART‐naïve patients. The occurrence of lymphomas did not seem to be associated with IL‐2 therapy.
Compliance with national guidelines for HIV treatment and its association with mortality and treatment outcome: a study in a Spanish cohort
Authors: Suárez‐García I , Sobrino‐Vegas P , Tejada A , Viciana P , Ribas MA , Iribarren JA , Díaz Menéndez M , Rivero M , Arazo P , del Amo J , Moreno S ,   the Cohort of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (CoRIS) study group
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the adequacy of initial antiretroviral therapy (ART), in terms of its timing and the choice of regimens, according to the Spanish national treatment guidelines [Spanish AIDS Study Group−National Plan for AIDS (GeSIDA‐PNS) Guidelines] for treatment‐naïve HIV‐infected patients.MethodsA prospective cohort study of HIV‐positive ART‐naïve subjects attending 27 centres in Spain from 2004 to 2010 was carried out. Regimens were classified as recommended, alternative or nonrecommended according to the guidelines. Delayed start of treatment was defined as starting treatment later than 12 months after the patient had fulfilled the treatment criteria. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 6225 ART‐naïve patients were included in the study. Of 4516 patients who started treatment, 91.5% started with a recommended or alternative treatment. The use of a nonrecommended treatment was associated with a CD4 count > 500 cells/μL [odds ratio (OR) 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–3.59], hepatitis B (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.50–3.33), treatment in a hospital with < 500 beds, and starting treatment in the years 2004–2006. Fourteen per cent of the patients had a delayed initiation of treatment. Delayed initiation of treatment was more likely in injecting drug users, patients with hepatitis C, patients with higher CD4 counts and during the years 2004–2006, and it was less likely in patients with viral loads > 5 log HIV‐1 RNA copies/ml. The use of a nonrecommended regimen was significantly associated with mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.61; 95% CI 1.03–2.52; P = 0.035] and lack of virological response.ConclusionsCompliance with the recommendations of Spanish national guidelines was high with respect to the timing and choice of initial ART. The use of nonrecommended regimens was associated with a lack of virological response and higher mortality.
Influence of the Foaming Agent on the Particle Size and Microwave Absorption Properties of Hollow Ceramic Microspheres
Authors: Xudong Cai , Jianjiang Wang , Runxiu Yang , Chao Xiong , Hongfei Lou 
Published: September 2013

In this study, based on self‐reactive quenching technique, hollow ceramic microspheres (HCMs) containing barium ferrites were synthesized using Al+Fe2O3+BaO2+sucrose+ epoxy resin as the reactive system and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the foaming agent. The influence of PEG on the particle size and microwave absorption properties of HCMs is investigated using SEM, XRD, laser particle size analyzer and vector network analyzer. Preliminary results show that the average particle size increases initially from 28 μm to 53 μm after adding PEG, as well as the particle distribution gets narrower and the surface takes on classical hexagonal crystals. BaFe2O4, the intermediate phase of M‐type barium ferrites (BaFe12O19), can be seen in XRD. The microwave absorption properties are improved greatly in the frequency range of 8–18 GHz. And the minimum reflection loss can reach −10 dB.
Tracking Labor Demand with Online Job Postings: The Case of Health IT Workers and the HITECH Act
Authors: Schwartz Aaron , Magoulas Roger , Buntin Melinda 
Published: September 2013

Growth in the health information technology (health IT) workforce will be necessary for the widespread adoption of electronic health records called for by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. However, the health IT workforce is difficult to track using existing sources of data. We introduce a novel method for measuring labor demand in markets not defined by standard industrial or occupational codes. Drawing from 84 million online help wanted postings, we create a dataset of 434,000 health IT–related job listings from 2007 to 2011 whose descriptions contain key phrases such as “electronic health record” or “clinical informatics.” We find that health IT–related job postings have grown substantially over time, tripling as a share of healthcare job postings since 2007. Trend‐break and difference‐in‐difference analyses suggest that health IT–related job postings accelerated following HITECH. According to our preferred specification, the legislation was associated with an 86 percent increase in monthly postings, or 162,000 additional postings overall.
Predicting complex acute wound healing in patients from a wound expertise centre registry: a prognostic study
Authors: Ubbink Dirk T , Lindeboom Robert , Eskes Anne M , Brull Huub , Legemate Dink A , Vermeulen Hester 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIt is important for caregivers and patients to know which wounds are at risk of prolonged wound healing to enable timely communication and treatment. Available prognostic models predict wound healing in chronic ulcers, but not in acute wounds, that is, originating after trauma or surgery. We developed a model to detect which factors can predict (prolonged) healing of complex acute wounds in patients treated in a large wound expertise centre (WEC). Using Cox and linear regression analyses, we determined which patient‐ and wound‐related characteristics best predict time to complete wound healing and derived a prediction formula to estimate how long this may take. We selected 563 patients with acute wounds, documented in the WEC registry between 2007 and 2012. Wounds had existed for a median of 19 days (range 6–46 days). The majority of these were located on the leg (52%). Five significant independent predictors of prolonged wound healing were identified: wound location on the trunk [hazard ratio (HR) 0·565, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·405–0·788; P = 0·001], wound infection (HR 0·728, 95% CI 0·534–0·991; P = 0·044), wound size (HR 0·993, 95% CI 0·988–0·997; P = 0·001), wound duration (HR 0·998, 95% CI 0·996–0·999; P = 0·005) and patient's age (HR 1·009, 95% CI 1·001–1·018; P = 0·020), but not diabetes. Awareness of the five factors predicting the healing of complex acute wounds, particularly wound infection and location on the trunk, may help caregivers to predict wound healing time and to detect, refer and focus on patients who need additional attention.
EMPLOYEE‐FRIENDLY ACQUIRERS AND ACQUISITION PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ertugrul Mine 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this article I investigate the relation between the employee‐friendly practices of the acquiring firm and the acquisition performance. I find a positive relation between employee friendliness of the acquirer and acquisition performance. Employee friendliness of the acquirer is also positively linked to acquisition completion probabilities and completion speeds. The effect of employee‐friendly policies on performance is stronger for human‐capital‐intensive firms. The positive relation between employee friendliness and acquisition performance is robust to an alternative measure of employee friendliness and endogeneity corrections. The results reflect the importance of human capital and employee‐related policies for the long‐term success of an acquisition.
Blending student technology experiences in formal and informal learning
Authors: Lai K.‐W. , Khaddage F. , Knezek Gerald 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this article, we discuss the importance of recognizing students' technology‐enhanced informal learning experiences and develop pedagogies to connect students' formal and informal learning experiences, in order to meet the demands of the knowledge society. The Mobile‐Blended Collaborative Learning model is proposed as a framework to bridge the gap between formal and informal learning and blend them together to form a portable, flexible, collaborative and creative learning environment. Using this model, three categories of mobile application tools, namely tools for collaboration, tools for coordination and tools for communication, have been identified as pertinent in blending formal and informal learning, and they can be connected seamlessly to provide an effective learning mechanism to support the learning process.
Optimizing Small‐Scale Production of Fresh Wine Yeast Biomass
Authors: Úbeda Juan , Barrajón Nuria , Briones Ana 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe present study sought to optimize fresh wine yeast biomass production in an aerated fermenter fed with different volumes of concentrated grape must. Variables most likely to influence the process were tested at high and low levels, in a total of 13 fermentation runs. The production process was scaled up to pilot plant level, and the yeasts thus obtained were inoculated into wine fermentation tanks in a winery to evaluate their implantation during alcoholic fermentation.The best fermentation conditions were those used for batches carried out at 34C, 15°Brix and initial inoculum of 5.0 × 107 cells/mL; in these cases, cells displayed high protein and phosphorus content, a good P2O5/N ratio and appreciable accumulation of intracellular trehalose, indicating that the process was not too much stressful. Generally, biomass exhibited adequate vitality throughout storage (80%). The yeast produced retained a high degree of vitality and viability after 2 weeks of refrigeration; for this, seasonal production could, to some extent, be matched to the needs of the winery.Small‐scale laboratory production of fresh yeast biomass could help small wineries enhance the concept of terroir. This study confirmed that small amounts of fresh biomass can be sufficient as inoculum in winemaking.Practical ApplicationsThis research is related to small‐scale production of grade yeast using concentrated grape must. It has important practical applications, useful in small wine cellars.At the beginning of the vintage, the oenologist could produce their own selected yeasts and used them in wine‐making process, as biomass showed a high vitality/viability degree after 2 weeks of storage at 4C. Moreover, biomass is easier to use in small wineries, so it ensures uniform dispersal, and in the conditions studied, the biomass obtained is sufficient to inoculate tanks with an inoculum of 106 cells/mL.
Absence of the right wing of the ilium generated a compensatory scoliosis in rhesus monkey in captivity: diagnostic imaging and its alteration on the SEPNT
Authors: Solís‐Chávez Salvador A. , Ibáñez‐Contreras Alejandra , Reyes‐Pantoja Sergio A. , Perdigón‐Castañeda Gerardo , Hernández‐Godínez Braulio 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundCongenital scoliosis (CS) is defined as lateral curvatures of the spine provoked by the anomalous development of the vertebral bodies. It is associated with neuromuscular anomalies, which can be genetic, caused by the compensation of discrepancies in the length of the extremities or intrarachidian anomalies.MethodsThis study was carried out in 2‐year‐old female, showed alterations in the gait, mainly in the hind limbs, a clumsy gait and a slight claudication in the right hindlimb. To perform the imaging study were: X‐Ray projections and Computerized Axial Tomography, neurophysiological evaluation was performed by means somatosensory‐evoked potentials of the tibial nerve (SEPTN).ResultsThe results showed an enlargement of the latencies from the L5 to the cortex, mainly in the left afference, correlated with the imaging studies.ConclusionsThere is no doubt that the concurrent use of different diagnostic tools complements knowledge regarding the physiopathogenesis of these osteopathologies.
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Neoplasia in 53 Dogs (1990–2010): Distribution, Clinicopathologic Characteristics, and Clinical Behavior
Authors: Pancotto T.E. , Rossmeisl J.H. , Zimmerman K. , Robertson J.L. , Werre S.R. 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundIntramedullary neoplasms of the canine spinal cord are infrequently reported.ObjectiveTo describe distribution, clinicopathologic characteristics, radiographic findings, and clinical features of canine intramedullary spinal tumors.MethodsRetrospective series of histologically confirmed canine intramedullary spinal tumors. Contingency tables were generated for categorical variables (breed, sex, treatment, pain, chief complaint, localization, histology, imaging, and site). Associations were assessed by Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum test, t‐test, and one‐way ANOVA.ResultsIntramedullary spinal cord tumors comprised 16% (53/331) of all tumors of the spinal cord. Primary tumors were diagnosed in 66% (35/53) of cases, with neuroepithelial‐origin tumors comprising 51% (18/35) of all primary neoplasms. Intraparenchymal metastases of transitional cell carcinoma and hemangiosarcoma accounted for 66% (6/18 each) of all secondary tumors. Primary tumors were more likely to affect younger dogs. Dogs with intramedullary metastases were most commonly presented for primary myelopathic signs (8/18, 44%). The majority of all tumors (52.8%) occurred in the T3‐L3 spinal cord segments. All dogs with cervical neurolocalization had primary tumors. Dogs with metastatic lesions had a shorter duration of clinical signs before presentation, but there was no difference in survival time between dogs with primary as compared with secondary tumors.ConclusionsIntramedullary spinal cord tumors are uncommon. Primary intramedullary spinal cord tumors are more common than secondary intramedullary spinal cord tumors and tend to occur in the cervical spinal cord of younger dogs. Intramedullary metastases occur in older dogs, are rarely asymptomatic, and neurologic dysfunction is a common clinical presentation. Dogs with primary tumors may have a protracted clinical course compared with those with intramedullary metastases.
Cytotoxicity and mycotoxin production of shellfish-derived Penicillium spp., a risk for shellfish consumers
Authors: Geiger M. , Guitton Y. , Vansteelandt M. , Kerzaon I. , Blanchet E. , Robiou du Pont T. , Frisvad J.C. , Hess P. , Pouchus Y.F. , Grovel O. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In order to assess the putative toxigenic risk associated with the presence of fungal strains in shellfish-farming areas, Penicillium strains were isolated from bivalve molluscs and from the surrounding environment, and the influence of the sample origin on the cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated. Extracts obtained from shellfish-derived Penicillia exhibited higher cytotoxicity than the others. Ten of these strains were grown on various media including a medium based on mussel extract (Mytilus edulis), mussel flesh-based medium (MES), to study the influence of the mussel flesh on the production of cytotoxic compounds. The MES host-derived medium was created substituting the yeast extract of YES medium by an aqueous extract of mussel tissues, with other constituent identical to YES medium. When shellfish-derived strains of fungi were grown on MES medium, extracts were found to be more cytotoxic than on the YES medium for some of the strains. HPLC-UV/DAD-MS/MS dereplication of extracts from Penicillium marinum and P. restrictum strains grown on MES medium showed the enhancement of the production of some cytotoxic compounds. The mycotoxin patulin was detected in some P. antarcticum extracts, and its presence seemed to be related to their cytotoxicity. Thus, the enhancement of the toxicity of extracts obtained from shellfish-derived Penicillium strains grown on a host-derived medium, and the production of metabolites such as patulin suggests that a survey of mycotoxins in edible shellfish should be considered.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Penicillium strains isolated from bivalve molluscs produce extracts exhibiting a higher cytotoxicity than extracts from Penicillium strains isolated from the surrounding marine environment. The use of a mussel-based medium for cultures of some shellfish-derived strains enhances the cytotoxicity of extracts when compared with classical media. The production of cytotoxic compounds and of the mycotoxin patulin on such a host-derived medium highlights a potential health risk for shellfish consumers.
Patterns of selection and allele diversity of class I and class II major histocompatibility loci across the species range of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: McClelland Erin K. , Ming Tobi J. , Tabata Amy , Kaukinen Karia H. , Beacham Terry D. , Withler Ruth E. , Miller Kristina M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC), an important component of the vertebrate immune system, provides an important suite of genes to examine the role of genetic diversity at non‐neutral loci for population persistence. We contrasted patterns of diversity at the two classical MHC loci in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), MHC class I (UBA) and MHC class II (DAB), and neutral microsatellite loci across 70 populations spanning the species range from Washington State to Japan. There was no correlation in allelic richness or heterozygosity between MHC loci or between MHC loci and microsatellites. The two unlinked MHC loci may be responding to different selective pressures; the distribution of FST values for the two loci was uncorrelated, and evidence for both balancing and directional selection on alleles and lineages of DAB and UBA was observed in populations throughout the species range but rarely on both loci within a population. These results suggest that fluctuating selection has resulted in the divergence of MHC loci in contemporary populations.
Genetic analysis reveals diverse kin‐directed routes to helping in the rifleman Acanthisitta chloris
Authors: Preston Stephanie A. J. , Briskie James V. , Burke Terry , Hatchwell Ben J. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe social organization of cooperatively breeding species is extremely variable, with diverse social group composition and patterns of relatedness. Species that exhibit alternative routes to helping within the same population are potentially useful systems to investigate the causes and fitness consequences of diverse evolutionary pathways to cooperative behaviour. In this study, we use microsatellite markers and field observations to describe helping behaviour and patterns of relatedness in the unusual cooperative breeding system of the rifleman Acanthisitta chloris. First, we show that rifleman helpers consist of a remarkably diverse demographic, including males and females, who may be adult or juvenile, failed breeders or nonbreeders, or even successful breeders that simultaneously feed their own brood. Adult helpers mostly helped at first‐brood nests, while first‐brood juveniles assisted their parents at second broods. Second, we show that rifleman pairs are strictly sexually monogamous, and helpers did not gain any current reproductive success through helping. Third, genotyping showed that contrary to previous assumptions, helpers were closely related to the recipients of their care and preferentially directed care towards relatives over contemporaneous nests of nonrelatives. Finally, we show that variation in helper provisioning effort was attributed to age: juvenile helpers provisioned less than adults and were less responsive to the demands of a growing brood. Overall, our results show that the diverse routes to helping in this unusual species are driven by the common theme of kinship between helper and recipients, resulting in a previously underestimated potential for helpers to gain indirect fitness benefits.