bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dual regulatory role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate receptor protein in various virulence traits of Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Kim Young Ran , Lee Shee Eun , Kim Boa , Choy Hyon , Rhee Joon Haeng 
Published: April 2013

AbstractVibrio vulnificus causes fatal septicemia in susceptible subjects after the ingestion of raw seafood. In the present study, the roles of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) in V. vulnificus pathogenesis were investigated. A mutation in the V. vulnificus crp gene resulted in a significant down‐regulation of various virulence phenotypes, except for RtxA1‐mediated cytoskeletal rearrangement. Bacterial growth was impeded by the crp mutation. In addition, colony morphology was converted from opaque to translucent type by this mutation, which implies a decrease in capsule production. The crp mutant also showed significant decrease in motility and adhesion to host cells. V. vulnificus CRP positively regulated production of hemolysin and protease at transcriptional level. All these changes in the crp mutant were fully complemented in trans by a plasmid harboring the wild‐type gene. In contrast, CRP negatively regulated the expression of RtxA1. The crp mutant caused the cytoskeletal rearrangement in HeLa cells, which is a hallmark activity of RtxA1 toxin. Taken together, CRP seems to play a dual regulatory role in various virulence traits of V. vulnificus.
GB virus C infection in Indonesian HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Anggorowati Nungki , Yano Yoshihiko , Subronto Yanri Wijayanti , Utsumi Takako , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Mulya Deshinta Putri , Rinonce Hanggoro Tri , Widasari Dewiyani Indah , Lusida Maria Inge , Soetjipto   , Hayashi Yoshitake 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGB virus C (GBV‐C), a human virus of the Flaviviridae family that is structurally and epidemiologically closest to hepatitis C virus (HCV), has been reported to confer beneficial outcomes in HIV‐positive patients. However, the prevalence of GBV‐C in HIV‐positive individuals in Indonesia is unknown. Since GBV‐C is more prevalent in anti‐HCV positive patients than in anti‐HCV negative subjects, transmission of GBV‐C and HCV could be by the same method. This study examined the prevalence and molecular characteristics of GBV‐C infection in HIV patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The prevalence of GBV‐C among HIV patients (n = 125, median age 31 years) based on the 5′UTR region was 111/125 (88.8%), including 39/48 (81.3%) and 72/77 (93.5%) HIV‐infected patients with and without HCV infection, respectively. GBV‐C isolates were of genotype 2a, 3 and 6 in 58.3%, 12.6% and 28.4% of patients, respectively. Patients with genotype 3 were significantly younger than those with genotypes 2a or 6 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). Genotypes 3 and 6 were significantly associated with injection drug use (P = 0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively) and HCV co‐infection (P < 0.001 for both genotypes), indicating a shared transmission route with HCV. In conclusion, the prevalence of GBV‐C among HIV‐positive patients in Indonesia is high, and three genotypes were detected, namely genotype 2a, 3 and 6.
Evaluating eutrophication management scenarios in the Baltic Sea using species distribution modelling
Authors: Bergström Ulf , Sundblad Göran , Downie Anna‐Leena , Snickars Martin , Boström Christoffer , Lindegarth Mats 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Eutrophication is severely affecting species distributions and ecosystem functioning in coastal areas. Targets for eutrophication reduction have been set in the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) using Secchi depth, a measure of water transparency, as the main status indicator. Despite the high economic costs involved, the potential effects of this political decision on key species and habitats have not been assessed.

In a case study including species central to coastal ecosystem functioning, we modelled the effects of changing Secchi depth on the distribution of bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus and eelgrass Zostera marina vegetation as well as recruitment areas of the main predatory fish species, perch Perca fluviatilis and pikeperch Sander lucioperca. Specifically, we explored the effects of changing Secchi depth on species distributions under a set of scenarios based on the BSAP, using three fundamentally different modelling techniques: maximum entropy, generalized additive and random forest modelling.

Improved Secchi depth (reduced eutrophication) was predicted to cause a substantial increase in the distribution of bladderwrack, while the distribution of eelgrass remained largely unaffected. For the fish, a large increase in perch recruitment areas was predicted and a concurrent decrease in recruitment areas of pikeperch. These changes are likely to have effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The three modelling methods exposed differences in the quantitative predictions for species with a weaker coupling to Secchi depth. Qualitatively, however, the results were consistent for all species.

Synthesis and applications. We show how ecological effects of environmental policies can be evaluated in an explicit spatial context using species distribution modelling. The model‐specific responses to changes in eutrophication status emphasize the importance of using ensemble modelling for exploring how species distributions may respond to alternative management regimes. A pronounced difference in response between species suggests that eutrophication mitigation will have consequences for ecosystem functioning, and thus ecosystem goods and services, by inducing changes in the simple food webs of the Baltic Sea. These model predictions form a basis for spatially explicit cost‐benefit estimates under different scenarios, providing valuable information for both decision‐makers and the wider society.
Foreign Policy Convergence in Pacific Asia: The Evidence from Voting in the UN General Assembly
Authors: Ferdinand Peter 
Published: April 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract Research Highlights Comparative assessment of three indexes of voting cohesion Demonstrates the strong shared orientation towards global affairs among states in the Pacific Asian region, especially ASEAN and China, which is greater than that of the EU Shows the widespread reluctance of most Pacific Asian states publicly to criticize human rights abuses Shows the estrangement of the US from the foreign policy orientations of Pacific Asian states, even Japan and South Korea This article aims to do three things: (i) compare three different indexes for assessing the voting cohesion of regional groups of states in the UN General Assembly; (ii) use these indexes to assess the foreign policy convergence of states in Pacific Asia on global issues between 1974 and 2008; (iii) compare the extent of that convergence with the European Union (EU). All three indexes show a high degree of convergence in the voting records of states in Pacific Asia, but particularly in ASEAN, which is higher than in the EU. The most frequent cause of divergence since the end of the Cold War has been the reluctance of most states in the region, apart from Japan and South Korea, publicly to criticize the human rights records of other states. Although there are variations, the results also reveal the divergence in voting between states throughout the region and the US.
Additional Reduction in Serum Phosphorus Levels by Pulverized Lanthanum Carbonate Chewable in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yamashita Tetsuri , Ogawa Tetsuya , Takahashi Masaki , Mitsuhashi Tetsuya , Shizuku Junichi , Takahashi Naoshi , Ohba Takashi , Miyajima Sayako , Kabaya Takashi , Otsuka Kuniaki , Nitta Kosaku 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLanthanum carbonate (LC) is one of the relatively new phosphate binders. The general LC dosage form is a chewable pharmaceutical preparation. This investigation was targeted to subjects who do not chew LC chewable preparations adequately, for the purpose of studying the clinical efficacy of changing to pulverized prescriptions, such as changes in serum phosphorus levels (P levels). The study took place at Minamisenju Hospital in October 2011, with 41 subjects on maintenance hemodialysis. We pulverized all of the LC chewable medicines of the LC insufficient mastication group (non‐chewing: NC group, n = 18) using a crusher, and changed them to pulverized prescriptions. The testing period was set at 10 weeks. In the NC group, there was a significant lowering of P levels from 5.86 ± 1.31 mg/dL before pulverization of the LC chewable preparation (week 0) to 5.38 ± 1.26 mg/dL after 2 weeks of administration of the pulverized medication (P = 0.0310), 5.20 ± 1.25 mg/dL after 4 weeks (P = 0.0077), and 5.12 ± 1.34 mg/dL after 6 weeks (P = 0.0167). P levels in other patients than NC group showed no significant change. In this study, the P levels in the NC group was lowered significantly by changing the LC chewable to the pulverized prescription, and the residual LC images on the abdominal X‐rays disappeared to the point where they could barely be confirmed.
Effects of Switching From Calcium Carbonate to Lanthanum Carbonate on Bone Mineral Metabolism in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Manabe Rie , Fukami Kei , Ando Ryotaro , Sakai Kazuko , Kusumoto Takuo , Hazama Takuma , Adachi Takeki , Kaida Yusuke , Nakayama Yosuke , Ueda Seiji , Kohno Keisuke , Wada Yoshifumi , Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Okuda Seiya 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPhosphate binders are useful for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study was performed to examine the effects of switching from calcium carbonate (CC) to lanthanum carbonate (LC) on bone mineral metabolism and inflammatory markers in HD patients. We conducted 29 stable HD patients receiving CC, which was replaced by LC and followed‐up for 12 weeks. Patients underwent determinants of blood chemistries such as serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D status, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) mRNA levels in whole blood cells were evaluated by real‐time PCR just before and after the treatment with LC. Corrected levels were significantly reduced, but serum phosphorus levels (P levels) were unchanged after LC treatment. Switching to LC increased whole‐PTH, osteocalcin, 1,25(OH)2D3 levels and 1,25(OH)2D3/25(OH)D3 ratio. 1,25(OH)2D3/25(OH)D3 ratio was negatively correlated with HD duration. Furthermore, whole blood cell IL‐6 mRNA levels were significantly reduced by LC treatment. We provided that the switching from CC to LC improved Ca overload and ameliorated vitamin D and inflammatory status in HD patients. These observations suggest that LC may play a protective role for the progression of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in these patients.
Three‐Year Follow‐up of Lanthanum Carbonate Therapy in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuhisa , Matsuda Etsuko , Sekino Makoto , Hasegawa Yukiko , Kamo Yoshie , Kikuchi Natsue , Sekino Hiroshi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFor 3 years following the start of lanthanum carbonate therapy, effects on other pharmaceutical treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride (SH), calcium carbonate (CC), and vitamin D, and those on clinical condition were examined. Dialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia (89 cases; average age 55.2 years; dialysis history of 10 years; 50 male and 39 female), who agreed to start lanthanum carbonate (LC) administration, were observed for a mean period of 32.6 ± 6.2 months. Mean daily dosages of CC and SH before starting LC were 2.68 g and 0.73 g; mean daily dosage amounts of LC, CC, and SH at the time of final evaluation were 0.87 g, 2.30 g, and 0.99 g, respectively. After the application of LC, serum phosphate as well as serum calcium controls were significantly improved, and the amounts of active vitamin D agents applied was significantly increased. In conclusion, LC is useful in managing serum phosphorus levels (P levels), and little incidence of hypercalcemia suggests favorable concomitant use with active vitamin D agents in LC therapy.
Open Innovation: A Case‐study of the Hungarian Wine Sector
Authors: Dries Liesbeth , Pascucci Stefano , Török Áron , Tóth József 
Published: April 2013

summaryOpen Innovation: A Case‐study of the Hungarian Wine SectorAn effective innovation system is crucial for food companies to counteract international competitive pressure. An important issue is whether it is more effective to innovate by sharing ideas and resources with other companies, or to innovate in‐house. The question is how to arrange external ties without compromising unique knowledge and assets. This is particularly controversial in the wine sector, where innovative marketing strategies have to be combined with ‘exclusive’ and ‘secret’ recipes. We use primary data on the Hungarian wine industry. We find that Hungarian wine companies are actively using ‘open sources’ in their innovation processes, even more than commonly acknowledged in the literature and the policy debate. Furthermore, we find that both regional and company‐specific factors affect the openness of innovation processes. Our findings point to the importance of the flow of new ideas that comes from global trends and from dealing with foreign companies and stakeholders. This result is supportive of internationalisation strategies at both company and sector level. Furthermore, our findings are supportive of policies oriented towards the creation of business parks and rural clusters, where farmers, processors and tech‐companies can establish networks to create new products and/or processing technologies.
Prospective single‐arm study of intraoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: Tan Jennifer , Heriot Alexander G , Mackay Jack , Van Dyk Sylvia , Bressel Mathias AB , Fox Chris D , Hui Andrew C , Lynch A Craig , Leong Trevor , Ngan Samuel Y 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionThis study aims to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) using high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancers. Despite preoperative chemoradiation, patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancers undergoing surgery remain at high risk of local recurrence. Intensification of radiation with IORT may improve local control.MethodsThis is a prospective non‐randomised study. Eligible patients were those with T4 rectal cancer or pelvic recurrence, deemed suitable for radical surgery but at high risk of positive resection margins, without evidence of metastasis. Chemoradiation was followed by radical surgery. Ten gray (Gy) was delivered to tumour bed via an IORT applicator at time of surgery.ResultsThere were 15% primary and 85% recurrent cancers. The 71% received preoperative chemoradiation. R0, R1 and R2 resections were 70%, 22% and 7%, respectively. IORT was successfully delivered in 27 of 30 registered patients (90% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 73–98) ) at a median reported time of 12 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) = 10–16) after chemoradiation. Mean IORT procedure and delivery times were 63 minutes (range 22–105 minutes). Ten patients (37% (95% CI = 19–58) ) experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicities (three wound, four abscesses, three soft tissue, three bowel obstructions, three ureteric obstructions and two sensory neuropathies). Local recurrence‐free, failure‐free and overall survival rates at 2.5 years were 68% (95% CI = 52–89), 37% (95% CI = 23–61) and 82% (95% CI = 68–98), respectively.ConclusionThe addition of IORT to radical surgery for T4 or recurrent rectal cancer is feasible. It can be delivered safely with low morbidity and good tumour outcomes.
Pharmacological management of unipolar depression
Authors: Malhi G. S. , Hitching R. , Berk M. , Boyce P. , Porter R. , Fritz K. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo be used in conjunction with ‘Psychological management of unipolar depression’ [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):24–37] and ‘Lifestyle management of unipolar depression’ [Berk et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):38–54]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for the use of pharmacological treatments in depression derived from a literature review.MethodUsing our previous Clinical Practice Guidelines [Malhi et al. Clinical practice recommendations for bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2009;119(Suppl. 439):27–46] as a foundation, these clinician guidelines target key practical considerations when prescribing pharmacotherapy. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using electronic database searches (PubMed, MEDLINE), and the findings have been synthesized and integrated alongside clinical experience.ResultsThe pharmacotherapy of depression is an iterative process that often results in partial and non‐response. Beyond the initiation of antidepressants, the options within widely used strategies, such as combining agents and switching between agents, are difficult to proscribe because of the paucity of pertinent research. However, there is some evidence for second‐line strategies, and a non‐prescriptive algorithm can be derived that is based broadly on principles rather than specific steps.ConclusionDepression is by its very nature a heterogeneous illness that is consequently difficult to treat. Invariably, situation‐specific factors often play a significant role and must be considered, especially in the case of partial and non‐response. Consulting with colleagues and trialling alternate treatment paradigms are essential strategies in the management of depression.
Training general practitioners in remote Western Australia in a method of screening and brief intervention for harmful alcohol use: A pilot study
Authors: Brennan Catherine , Newton Melanie , Wood Fiona , Schug Stephan A. , Allsop Steve , Browne Allyson L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveHigh levels of alcohol‐related harm are a salient feature of many rural communities in Australia. General practitioners (GPs) are uniquely placed to identify and treat patients with harmful alcohol use in remote settings, yet corresponding opportunities for education in effective brief psychological interventions for harmful alcohol use are limited. This study piloted a training model for alcohol screening and brief intervention for GPs working in Kalgoorlie‐Boulder, a remote Western Australian community facing significant alcohol‐related problems.DesignObservational pilot study.SettingPrimary care.Main outcome measure(s)Perceived role in responding to harmful alcohol use, and confidence and knowledge of alcohol screening and brief intervention; satisfaction with a short training session focused on alcohol screening and brief intervention; and impact of training on implementation of screening and brief intervention for harmful alcohol use.ResultsFifty per cent of GPs took up the training opportunity. GPs recognised their professional responsibility for conducting brief intervention but reported comparatively lower confidence and skills in implementing screening and intervention prior to training. The training improved knowledge and confidence in conducting alcohol screening and brief intervention. All GPs increased their frequency of alcohol screening, and 88% of GPs reported increasing the frequency of brief intervention at 6 months.ConclusionsPreliminary findings suggest that among participating GPs, subsequent compliance with identification and management of harmful alcohol use was improved. Further work examining methods to improve rural and remote GP participation in alcohol‐related harm prevention training is required, as the potential impact on communities with disproportionately high alcohol‐related difficulties is significant.
Attracting psychologists to practice in rural Australia: The role of work values and perceptions of the rural work environment
Authors: Conomos Alexis M. , Griffin Barbara , Baunin Nadia 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether psychologists' career/work values and perceptions of the rural work environment influence their intentions or choice to practise in a rural location beyond the effect of rural background.DesignOnline, cross‐sectional survey assessed rural background, work values and perceptions of the reinforcers available in rural and urban work environments.ParticipantsOne hundred and eighty‐nine first year psychology students (78.8% women) and 124 registered psychologists (84.7% women).Main Outcome MeasureStudents' intention to practise in a rural location and psychologists' choice of practice location.ResultsRural environments were seen as offering psychologists less opportunity than urban environments to fulfil their need for lifestyle, prestige, management and scholarly pursuits, but more opportunity for service and autonomy. Practitioners and students who placed less value on prestige were more likely to have worked in a rural area or be intending to do so. High value of service was also a predictor of rural intentions. Perceptions that rural work environments offered opportunities for scholarly pursuits increased the odds that a psychologist had spent time practising in a rural area. Person–environment fit was not significant.ConclusionsRecruitment and retention strategies to address the shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas need to consider perceptions of the work environment and how to fulfil practitioners' work values.
Fear of childbirth in expectant fathers, subsequent childbirth experience and impact of antenatal education: subanalysis of results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bergström Malin , Rudman Ann , Waldenström Ulla , Kieler Helle 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo explore if antenatal fear of childbirth in men affects their experience of the birth event and if this experience is associated with type of childbirth preparation.DesignData from a randomized controlled multicenter trial on antenatal education.Setting15 antenatal clinics in Sweden between January 2006 and May 2007.Sample762 men, of whom 83 (10.9%) suffered from fear of childbirth. Of these 83 men, 39 were randomized to psychoprophylaxis childbirth preparation where men were trained to coach their partners during labor and 44 to standard care antenatal preparation for childbirth and parenthood without such training.MethodsExperience of childbirth was compared between men with and without fear of childbirth regardless of randomization, and between fearful men in the randomized groups. Analyses by logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic variables.Main outcome measuresSelf‐reported data on experience of childbirth including an adapted version of the Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire (W‐DEQ B).ResultsMen with antenatal fear of childbirth more often experienced childbirth as frightening than men without fear: adjusted odds ratio 4.68, 95% confidence interval 2.67–8.20. Men with antenatal fear in the psychoprophylaxis group rated childbirth as frightening less often than those in standard care: adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.95.ConclusionsMen who suffer from antenatal fear of childbirth are at higher risk of experiencing childbirth as frightening. Childbirth preparation including training as a coach may help fearful men to a more positive childbirth experience. Additional studies are needed to support this conclusion.