bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reinfection after successful eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriin three different populations in Alaska
Authors: BRUCE M. G. , BRUDEN D. L. , MORRIS J. M. , REASONOVER A. L. , SACCO F. , HURLBURT D. , HENNESSY T. W. , GOVE J. , PARKINSON A. , SAHAGUN G. , DAVIS P. , KLEJKA J. , McMAHON B. J. 
Published: July 2014

SUMMARYWe performed a study to determine rates of reinfection in three groups followed for 2 years after successful treatment: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons living in urban (group 1) and rural (group 2) communities, and urban Alaska non-Native persons (group 3). We enrolled adults diagnosed withH. pyloriinfection based on a positive urea breath test (13C-UBT). After successful treatment was documented at 2 months, we tested each patient by13C-UBT at 4, 6, 12 and 24 months. At each visit, participants were asked about medication use, illnesses and risk factors for reinfection. We followed 229 persons for 2 years or until they became reinfected.H. pylorireinfection occurred in 36 persons; cumulative reinfection rates were 14·5%, 22·1%, and 12·0% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Study participants who became reinfected were more likely to have peptic ulcer disease (P = 0·02), low education level (P = 0·04), or have a higher proportion of household members infected withH. pyloricompared to participants who did not become reinfected (P = 0·03). Among all three groups, reinfection occurred at rates higher than those reported for other US populations (<5% at 2 years); rural AI/AN individuals appear to be at highest risk for reinfection.
Assessing Levels of Hospital Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Adini Bruria , Goldberg Avishay , Laor Danny , Cohen Robert , Zadok Roni , Bar-Dayan Yaron 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroduction:Emergency preparedness can be defined by the preparedness pyramid, which identifies planning, infrastructure, knowledge and capabilities, and training as the major components of maintaining a high level of preparedness.The aim of this article is to review the characteristics of contingency plans for mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) and models for assessing the emergency preparedness of hospitals.Characteristics of Contingency Plans:Emergency preparedness should focus on community preparedness, a personnel augmentation plan, and communications and public policies for funding the emergency preparedness. The capability to cope with a MCI serves as a basis for preparedness for non-conventional events. Coping with chemical casualties necessitates decontamination of casualties, treating victims with acute stress reactions, expanding surge capacities of hospitals, and integrating knowledge through drills. Risk communication also is important.Assessment of Emergency Preparedness:An annual assessment of the emergency plan is required in order to assure emergency preparedness. Preparedness assessments should include: (1) elements of disaster planning; (2) emergency coordination; (3) communication; (4) training; (5) expansion of hospital surge capacity; (6) personnel; (7) availability of equipment; (8) stockpiles of medical supplies; and (9) expansion of laboratory capacities. The assessment program must be based on valid criteria that are measurable, reliable, and enable conclusions to be drawn. There are several assessment tools that can be used, including surveys, parameters, capabilities evaluation, and self-assessment tools.Summary:Healthcare systems are required to prepare an effective response model to cope with MCIs. Planning should be envisioned as a process rather than a production of a tangible product. Assuring emergency preparedness requires a structured methodology that will enable an objective assessment of the level of readiness.
Migrant youth’s emerging dietary patterns in Haiti: the role of peer social engagement
Authors: Heckert Jessica , Boatemaa Sandra , Altman Claire E 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe present study examines whether rural-to-urban migrant youth consume a greater diversity of high-sugar beverages and fried snacks (HSBFS) compared with their peers who remain in rural areas. It also tests whether the association between migration and HSBFS diversity is moderated by migrant youth’s social engagement with their peers.DesignParticipants were recruited in August and September 2011 following the completion of primary school (6th grade) and shortly before many rural youth migrate to urban areas. Participants were re-interviewed six months later. HSBFS diversity was assessed at follow-up; analyses control for baseline and follow-up characteristics.SettingBaseline interviews occurred in rural Southeast Haiti. Follow-up interviews of migrants occurred at urban destinations in Haiti.SubjectsThe sample includes 215 youth (mean age 15·9 years; 43·3 % female; 21·9 % rural-to-urban migrants) who were interviewed at baseline and follow-up.ResultsRural-to-urban migrant youth consumed a greater diversity of HSBFS products at follow-up than their rural counterparts (b=0·70,P≤0·05). Moreover, we found that this relationship varied by level of peer social engagement. Youth who migrated and had a high degree of peer social engagement consumed 2·2 additional types of HSBFS products daily than their counterparts who remained in rural areas and had low peer social engagement.ConclusionsHigher HSBFS diversity among migrant youth is consistent with the patterns proposed by the nutrition transition. Interactions with peers may have an important influence as migrant youth adopt new dietary preferences. Emerging dietary patterns among youth migrants have important implications for health trajectories and the development of degenerative diseases.
Competitive Dynamics on Complex Networks
Authors: Zhao Jiuhua , Liu Qipeng , Wang Xiaofan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe consider a dynamical network model in which two competitors have fixed and different states and each normal agent adjusts its state according to a distributed consensus protocol. The state of each normal agent converges to a steady value which is a convex combination of the competitors' states and is independent of the initial states of agents. This implies that the competition result is fully determined by the network structure and positions of competitors in the network. We compute an Influence Matrix (IM) in which each element characterizing the influence of an agent on another agent in the network. We use the IM to predict the bias of each normal agent and thus predict which competitor will win. Furthermore, we compare the IM criterion with seven node centrality measures to predict the winner. We find that the competitor with higher Katz Centrality in an undirected network or higher PageRank in a directed network is most likely to be the winner. These findings may shed new light on the role of network structure in competition and to what extent could competitors adjust network structure so as to win the competition.
Nutritional consequences of a fast food eating occasion are associated with choice of quick‐service restaurant chain
Authors: Brindal Emily , Wilson Carlene , Mohr Philip , Wittert Gary 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to explore fast food purchasing behaviours and motivations and to assess whether eating at different quick‐service restaurant (QSR) chains affects macronutrient consumption of a fast food eating occasion.MethodsA cross‐sectional computer‐based survey was completed by consumers at a local fair or via an external hyperlink. Consumers were at least 16 years and had purchased items from McDonald's, Hungry Jack's, KFC, Domino's or Red Rooster in Australia within the last 6 months. Custom‐written software captured the items consumed by the respondent, contextual data, reason for consumption and demographic information.ResultsFive hundred twenty‐three adolescents and adults (76.6% female; 81.3% Australian born) completed the survey. They reported commonly purchasing takeaway (69.7%) and from McDonald's (35.5%). Consumption was primarily convenience driven but varied by QSR. General linear models indicated that energy consumed (kJ; M ± SE) from fast food items varied significantly between chains, being higher at Hungry Jack's (4383 ± 138) and KFC (4277 ± 154) compared with Domino's Pizza (2725 ± 239) and McDonald's (3263 ± 124). Total saturated fat, sodium and percentage of energy from fat also varied significantly by QSR chain (all P < 0.001). Total energy consumed on one visit was positively associated with frequency of fast food consumption (P = 0.008). No demographic variable consistently associated with nutritional characteristics of the fast food eaten.ConclusionsThe nutritional implications of fast food consumption are not uniform across different QSR chains. To our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate an association between frequency of fast food consumption and energy intake at a fast food eating occasion.
The Politics of the Weather: The Hudson's Bay Company and the Dobbs Affair
Authors: Vanek Morgan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn 1749 each member of the British Parliament received ‘The Case of the Hudson's Bay Company’, a three‐page defence of the Company's charter and a description of the climatic conditions that make Canada ‘the most inhospitable […] of any in the known Parts of the Globe’. As the Company's first public response to a fifteen‐year campaign against its policy of close secrecy, the pamphlet's attention to ‘Extremes of Cold’ shifted the tone and target of debate about the Company's monopoly – and, as this article demonstrates, it also exposed the political interests involved in producing the ‘facts’ of faraway weather.
5‐HTTLPR Moderates Naltrexone and Psychosocial Treatment Responses in Heavy Drinking Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Chen Andrew C. H. , Davis Christine M. , Kahler Christopher W. , Kuerbis Alexis N. , Covault Jonathan , Kranzler Henry R. , Morgenstern Jon 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundA functional polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene has been widely studied as a risk factor and moderator of treatment for a variety of psychopathologic conditions. To evaluate whether 5‐HTTLPR moderates the effects of treatment to reduce heavy drinking, we studied 112 high‐functioning European‐American men who have sex with men (MSM). Subjects participated in a randomized clinical trial of naltrexone (NTX) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for problem drinking.MethodsSubjects were treated for 12 weeks with 100 mg/d of oral NTX or placebo (PBO). All participants received medical management with adjusted brief behavioral compliance enhancement treatment (BBCET) alone or in combination with modified behavioral self‐control therapy (MBSCT; an amalgam of motivational interviewing and CBT). Participants were genotyped for the tri‐allelic 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism (i.e., low‐activity S′ or high‐activity L′ alleles).ResultsDuring treatment, the number of weekly heavy drinking days (HDD; defined as 5 or more standard drinks per day) was significantly lower in subjects with the L′L′ (N = 26, p = 0.015) or L′S′ (N = 52, p = 0.016) genotype than those with the S′S′ (N = 34) genotype regardless of treatment type. There was a significant interaction of genotype with treatment: For subjects with the S′S′ genotype, the effects of MBSCT or NTX on HDD were significantly greater than the minimal intervention (i.e., BBCET or PBO, p = 0.007 and p = 0.049, respectively). In contrast, for subjects with 1 or 2 L′ alleles, the effects of the more intensive psychosocial treatment (MBSCT) or NTX did not significantly differ from BBCET or PBO.ConclusionsThese preliminary findings support the utility of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism for personalizing treatment selection in problem drinkers.
Effect of yohimbine on reinstatement of operant responding in rats is dependent on cue contingency but not food reward history
Authors: Chen Yu‐Wei , Fiscella Kimberly A. , Bacharach Samuel Z. , Tanda Gianluigi , Shaham Yavin , Calu Donna J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractYohimbine is an alpha‐2 adrenoceptor antagonist that has been used in numerous studies as a pharmacological stressor in rodents, monkeys and humans. Recently, yohimbine has become the most common stress manipulation in studies on reinstatement of drug and food seeking. However, the wide range of conditions under which yohimbine promotes reward seeking is significantly greater than that of stressors like intermittent footshock. Here, we addressed two fundamental questions regarding yohimbine's effect on reinstatement of reward seeking: (1) whether the drug's effect on operant responding is dependent on previous reward history or cue contingency, and (2) whether yohimbine is aversive or rewarding under conditions typically used in reinstatement studies. We also used in vivo microdialysis to determine yohimbine's effect on dopamine levels in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We found that the magnitude of yohimbine‐induced (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg) operant responding during the reinstatement tests was critically dependent on the contingency between lever pressing and discrete tone‐light cue delivery but not the previous history with food reward during training. We also found that yohimbine (2 mg/kg) did not cause conditioned place aversion. Finally, we found that yohimbine modestly increased dopamine levels in mPFC but not NAc. Results suggest that yohimbine's effects on operant responding in reinstatement studies are likely independent of the history of contingent self‐administration of food or drug rewards and may not be related to the commonly assumed stress‐like effects of yohimbine.
Non‐medical determinants of cesarean section in a medically dominated maternity system
Authors: Dweik Diána , Girasek Edmond , Mészáros Gyula , Töreki Annamária , Keresztúri Attila , Pál Attila 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the contribution of non‐medical factors to actual mode of delivery in a setting with high cesarean rates.DesignFollow‐up survey.SettingUniversity department of obstetrics and gynecology.SampleWomen with singleton pregnancies (n = 453) where there was no awareness of medical contradictions to vaginal delivery, attending for routine mid‐pregnancy ultrasound examination in November 2011 to March 2012, and delivering between March and August 2012.MethodsStructured questionnaire completed in gestational weeks 18–22. Information on subsequent delivery was obtained from patient files and through personal contact.Main outcome measuresContribution of childbirth preference, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A score, socio‐demographic characteristics, attitudes toward birth issues and circumstances of pregnancy/delivery to mode of delivery.ResultsThe majority of respondents (410/453; 90.5%) preferred vaginal delivery; nevertheless, one‐third (two‐fifths of nulliparas) had a cesarean delivery. Among nulliparous respondents, a longer perceived interval from decision for pregnancy to conception, lower importance assigned to personal control, and the presence of an obstetrician with power to decide about cesarean delivery, were independent contributors to the binary logistic regression model explaining higher maternal cesarean risks. For parous respondents, corresponding factors were younger maternal age, perceived environmental influence towards cesarean section, the respondent's belief that cesarean is more beneficial than vaginal delivery and an older obstetrician attending the delivery.ConclusionsThe results of this questionnaire survey contribute to the already existing evidence that against the background of high cesarean rates, non‐medical factors, as much related to the obstetricians as to pregnant women's attitudes, play an important role.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of sofosbuvir plus peginterferon/ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection
Authors: Saab S. , Gordon S. C. , Park H. , Sulkowski M. , Ahmed A. , Younossi Z. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundSofosbuvir, an oralNS5B nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).AimTo evaluate the long‐term health economic outcomes of sofosbuvir + pegylated interferon alfa/ribavirin (pegIFN/RBV) compared with current treatments in patients infected withHCVgenotype 1 in theUS.MethodsA decision‐analytic Markov model was developed to estimate health outcomes, number needed to treat and short‐term and long‐term economic outcomes, including incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios and cost per sustained virological response (SVR), for several sofosbuvir–comparator regimen pairings for a cohort of 10 000 patients. It considered three patient cohorts: treatment‐naïve, treatment‐experienced and treatment‐naïve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infected. Subgroup analyses were conducted for treatment‐naïve patients with and without cirrhosis.ResultsReductions in the incidence of new cases of liver‐disease complications with sofosbuvir + pegIFN/RBVcompared with pegIFN/RBV, boceprevir + pegIFN/RBV, telaprevir + pegIFN/RBVand simeprevir + pegIFN/RBVwere 64–82%, 50–68%, 43–58% and 33–56%, respectively. Sofosbuvir + pegIFN/RBVwas typically associated with the lowest 1‐year cost per SVR. When considering the lifetime incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year gained, sofosbuvir + pegIFN/RBVwas the most cost‐effective treatment option assessed. Sofosbuvir + pegIFN/RBVgenerally dominated (less costly and more effective than) boceprevir + pegIFN/RBV, telaprevir + pegIFN/RBVand simeprevir + pegIFN/RBV.ConclusionSofosbuvir + pegIFN/RBVyields more favourable future health and economic outcomes than current treatment regimens for patients across all levels of treatment experience and cirrhosis stage, as well as for individuals with or withoutHIVco‐infection.
Histological recovery and gluten‐free diet adherence: a prospective 1‐year follow‐up study of adult patients with coeliac disease
Authors: Galli G. , Esposito G. , Lahner E. , Pilozzi E. , Corleto V. D. , Di Giulio E. , Aloe Spiriti M. A. , Annibale B. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundAdequate gluten‐free diet (GFD) is the only treatment for coeliac disease (CD). However, no agreement has been reached on either how and when to assess patient adherence toGFDor its effectiveness on villous atrophy.AimTo assess, in a prospective study, patient adherence to and efficacy ofGFDon histological recovery after 1‐year ofGFD.MethodsBetween 2009 and 2012, we enrolled 65 consecutive newly‐diagnosed adult patients (median age 38 years, 18–70) with biopsy‐proven atrophicCD. Patients were re‐evaluated after 1 year ofGFDwith duodenal histology, serological assays, symptoms and a dietary interview based on a validated questionnaire. Complete histological recovery was defined as the absence of villous atrophy and ≤30/100 intraepithelial lymphocytes.ResultsOverall, 81.5% of patients had adequate adherence (ADA) toGFD, whereas 18.5% had an inadequate adherence (IADA); 66% ofADApatients and noIADApatients achieved complete histological recovery (P < 0.00001). AmongADApatients, antibody seroconversion and symptoms were not significantly different between patients who achieved complete histological recovery and those who achieved partial histological recovery withP = 0.309 andP = 0.197, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that Marsh 3C was a risk factor for incomplete histological recovery inADApatients (OR8.74, 95%CI: 1.87–40.83).ConclusionsThis study shows that complete histological recovery after 1‐year ofGFDin adult patients, who are assessed as adherent to theGFD, can be obtained in 66% of patients. Patients with severe histological damage at diagnosis are at risk for incomplete histological recovery 1 year later.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adults: clinical aspects and current management strategies
Authors: Pallayova M. , Taheri S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder whose prevalence is strongly linked to the current epidemic of obesity in many western countries. The prevalence of NAFLD is two to four times higher in populations with pre‐existing metabolic comorbidities than in the general population. The diagnosis of primary NAFLD involves establishing the presence of hepatic steatosis or steatohepatitis by imaging or histology, along with establishing the non‐alcoholic nature of the disease process and excluding competing aetiologies for hepatic steatosis. Among the indirect serum biomarkers, the NAFLD fibrosis score can help to identify patients with NAFLD and with higher likelihood of having fibrosis or cirrhosis. A liver biopsy should be considered in NAFLD patients at increased risk for steatohepatitis/advanced fibrosis and in cases where a liver biopsy is necessary to exclude co‐existing chronic liver diseases and other aetiologies for hepatic steatosis. The treatment and management recommendations for obesity‐associated NAFLD are aimed towards weight reduction. The currently available interventions employed to promote weight loss and improve the metabolic responses in NAFLD include lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery.
Correlates of caring for the drinkers and others among those harmed by another's drinking
Authors: Jiang Heng , Callinan Sarah , Laslett Anne‐Marie , Room Robin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis study identifies the correlates of caring for harmful drinkers and others, and examines how caring for that person impacts on respondents' well‐being and use of services.Design and MethodsThe study utilises the data from the 2008 Australian Alcohol Harm to Others Survey (n = 2649), in which 778 respondents reported they were harmed because of the drinking of someone they knew. Respondents were asked about the person they were most adversely affected by and whether they spent time caring for this person because of their drinking. Logistic regression models are developed to examine which factors were associated with the prevalence of caring for others.ResultsThe study reveals that the respondents who cared for others because of the other's drinking reported lower quality of life than the respondents who did not have to do this. The results of the logistic regression suggest that respondents were more likely to care for the drinker if the drinker drank more (as the usual quantity of alcohol consumed increased), but less likely to care for the drinker if the drinker drank five or more drinks on more than four days per week.Discussion and ConclusionsThe findings of the study suggest that the drinking of family and friends can be a substantial burden for their households, families, friends and others. Policy approaches that reduce the amount of heavy drinking, particularly heavy drinking in a single occasion, are likely to reduce the burden of caring for others because of other's drinking. [Jiang H, Callinan S, Laslett A-M, Room R. Correlates of caring for the drinkers and others among those harmed by another's drinking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:162–169]