bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to dental visits in Belgium: a secondary analysis of the 2004 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Kengne Talla Pascaline , Gagnon Marie‐Pierre , Dramaix Michelle , Leveque Alain 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe study aims to identify barriers to annual dental visits in the Belgian population.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of data collected through the 2004 National Health Interview Survey in Belgium. Only respondents aged 15 years and older with complete information on dental consultations and the independent variables (n = 5940) were considered in this analysis. The associations between the lack of dental visits during the 12 months preceding the survey and covariates of interest were examined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsAlmost one‐half of the respondents (49.7 percent) did not visit a dentist in the 12 months prior to the survey. Region of residence was significantly the common variable for the three age categories. In the 15‐ to 34‐year‐old category, males and two‐person households were significantly less likely to report a dental visit during the 12 months preceding the survey. For the 35‐ to 54‐year‐old category, a low level of education was the covariate associated with the lack of dental visit. In the 55 years or older category, the factors associated with the lack of a dental visit in the 12 months prior to the survey were: male gender, low level of education, low household income, low weekly alcohol consumption, current smoker, and body mass index of ≥25 mg/kg2.ConclusionBarriers to dental visits in Belgium differ among age groups and are linked to personal and environmental factors. The findings confirm the existence of social health inequalities in dental visits among Belgian people.
Cardiovascular variability as a function of sleep–wake behaviour in narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: Silvani Alessandro , Grimaldi Daniela , Barletta Giorgio , Bastianini Stefano , Vandi Stefano , Pierangeli Giulia , Plazzi Giuseppe , Cortelli Pietro 
Published: December 2012

SummaryHypocretin/orexin signalling varies among sleep–wake behaviours, impacts upon cardiovascular autonomic control and is impaired in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC). However, evidence concerning disturbed cardiovascular autonomic control in NC patients is contrasting, and limited mainly to waking behaviour. We thus investigated whether control of cardiovascular variability is altered in NC patients during wakefulness preceding sleep, light (1–2) and deep (3–4) stages of non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Polysomnographic recordings and finger blood pressure measurements were performed on nine drug‐free male NC patients and nine matched healthy control subjects during spontaneous sleep–wake behaviour in a standardized laboratory environment. Indices of autonomic function were computed based on spontaneous fluctuations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart period (HP). During wakefulness before sleep, NC patients showed significant decreases in indices of vagal HP modulation, cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and amplitude of central autonomic (feed‐forward) cardiac control compared with control subjects. During NREM sleep, the negative correlation between HP and subsequent SBP values was greater in NC patients than in control subjects, suggesting a greater contribution of central autonomic commands to cardiac control. Collectively, these results provide preliminary evidence that autonomic control of cardiac variability by baroreflex and central autonomic (feed‐forward) mechanisms is altered in NC patients during spontaneous sleep–wake behaviour, and particularly during wakefulness before sleep.
Precore and core promoter mutants are associated with higher HBeAg seroconversion but low disease remission rates in HBV patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues
Authors: Zoutendijk R. , Sonneveld M. J. , Reijnders J. G. P. , van Vuuren A. J. , Biesta P. , Hansen B. E. , Boonstra A. , Janssen H. L. A. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryHBeAg seroconversion in HBV patients is considered an important event. We determined precore (PC) and base core promoter (BCP) mutations in 137 HBeAg‐positive nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) treated patients by INNO‐LiPA HBV PreCore assay (Innogenetics). The majority of patients with nongenotype A had PC/BCP mutants present at baseline (P = 0.02). During 29 months of therapy, 45 patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion. Probability of HBeAg seroconversion was higher in patients with PC and/or BCP mutants (P = 0.01). After HBeAg seroconversion, patients with BCP mutants had more HBeAg relapse (P = 0.07), and PC mutants less often achieved HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL (P = 0.07).
Antiviral therapy decreases viral reactivation in patients with hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang L. , Li J. , Yan J. , Sun J. , Zhang X. , Wu M. , Yan Y. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis prospective randomized controlled trial investigated whether antiviral therapy decreases the risk of perioperative viral reactivation in patients with hepatitis B virus–induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection were screened. Eighty‐four patients with low viral load were randomly assigned to receive either antiviral treatment with telbivudine or no therapy. The primary outcome was reactivation of viral replication. Secondary outcomes included liver function recovery and postoperative liver insufficiency. A total of 15 patients developed HBV reactivation during the perioperative period, of which 8 (57.1%) were within the first week after hepatectomy. The incidence of viral reactivation during the perioperative period was 2.5% (1/40) in the antiviral‐treated group, compared with 31.8% (14/44) in the control group [HR 0.07 (95%CI 0.01–0.65); P = 0.001]. Liver function recovery was achieved in 82.5% (33/40) patients in the antiviral group on day 30 after hepatectomy, compared with 91.0% (40/44) in the nonantiviral group [HR 1.23 (95%CI 0.98–2.55); P = 0.109]. A total of 7 patients (8.9%) had postoperative liver insufficiency in both groups, but there was no relevant difference between the two groups. Antiviral therapy with telbivudine can significantly decrease the perioperative reactivation of viral replication in patients with hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection. Antiviral therapy is an appropriate option for all patients with viral replication undergoing liver resection. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, number ChiCTR‐TRC‐0900615).
Relationships between Body Condition Score and Plasma Inflammatory Cytokines, Insulin, and Lipids in a Mixed Population of Light‐Breed Horses
Authors: Suagee J.K. , Corl B.A. , Crisman M.V. , Pleasant R.S. , Thatcher C.D. , Geor R.J. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundObesity and hyperinsulinemia increase the risk of laminitis in horses and ponies. In mares, obesity also has been associated with increased circulating concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. The association of other proinflammatory cytokines with body condition score (BCS) and insulin requires further determination.HypothesisPlasma concentrations of TNF, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and serum amyloid A (SAA) will positively correlate with BCS or insulin or both in horses. Furthermore, inflammatory protein concentrations will correlate with age and variables associated with BCS, including plasma insulin, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and leptin concentrations.AnimalsOne hundred and ten mixed light‐breed horses, including mares, geldings, and stallions, aged 4–20 years.MethodsSamples were selected from a larger population of plasma samples previously collected during June–July of 2006. Samples were analyzed for TNF, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and SAA using commercially available ELISAs and simple correlations were used to determine relationships with BCS, insulin, age, and sex.ResultsPlasma TNF (P = .047) and IL‐6 (P = .021) concentrations were higher in females than males, whereas IL‐6 concentrations correlated (P = .001) with age. Plasma SAA concentrations correlated with both insulin (P < .001) and BCS (P = .007).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study provides evidence for factors, including age and sex, that may be associated with plasma concentrations of inflammatory proteins. Concentrations of SAA correlated with BCS and insulin, independent of age or sex. Because BCS and insulin correlate with increased SAA, it is possible that SAA is a component of laminitis pathophysiology.
A robust tool highlights the influence of bird migration on influenza A virus evolution
Authors: Dugan Vivien G. 
Published: December 2012

One of the fundamental unknowns in the field of influenza biology is a panoramic understanding of the role wild birds play in the global maintenance and spread of influenza A viruses. Wild aquatic birds are considered a reservoir host for all lowly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (AIV) and thus serve as a potential source of zoonotic AIV, such as Australasian‐origin H5N1 responsible for morbidity and mortality in both poultry and humans, as well as genes that may contribute to the emergence of pandemic viruses. Years of broad, in‐depth wild bird AIV surveillance have helped to decipher key observations and ideas regarding AIV evolution and viral ecology including the trending of viral lineages, patterns of gene flow within and between migratory flyways and the role of geographic boundaries in shaping viral evolution (Bahl et al. ; Lam et al. ). While these generally ‘virus‐centric’ studies have ultimately advanced our broader understanding of AIV dynamics, recent studies have been more host‐focused, directed at determining the potential impact of host behaviour on AIV, specifically, the influence of bird migration upon AIV maintenance and transmission. A large number of surveillance studies have taken place in Alaska, United States—a region where several global flyways overlap—with the aim of detecting the introduction of novel, Australasian‐origin highly pathogenic H5N1 AIV into North America. By targeting bird species with known migration habits, long‐distance migrators were determined to be involved in the intercontinental movement of individual AIV gene segments, but not entire viruses, between the Australasian and North American flyways (Koehler et al. ; Pearce et al. ). Yet, bird movement is not solely limited to long‐distance migration, and the relationship of resident or nonmigratory and intermediate‐distance migrant populations with AIV ecology has only recently been explored by Hill et al. () in this issue of Molecular Ecology. Applying a uniquely refined, multidimensional approach, Hill et al. validate the innovative use of stable isotope assays for qualifying migration status of wild mallards within the Pacific flyway. The authors reveal that AIV prevalence and diversity did not differ in wintering mallard ducks with different migration strategies, and while migrant mallards do indeed introduce AIV, these viruses do not circulate as the predominant viruses in resident birds. On the other hand, resident mallards from more temperate regions act as reservoirs, possibly contributing to the unseasonal circulation and extended transmission period of AIV. This study highlights the impact of animal behaviour on shaping viral evolution, and the unique observations made will help inform prospective AIV surveillance efforts in wild birds.
Elevated CO2 increases tree‐level intrinsic water use efficiency: insights from carbon and oxygen isotope analyses in tree rings across three forest FACE sites
Authors: Battipaglia Giovanna , Saurer Matthias , Cherubini Paolo , Calfapietra Carlo , McCarthy Heather R. , Norby Richard J. , Francesca Cotrufo M. 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Elevated CO2 increases intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) of forests, but the magnitude of this effect and its interaction with climate is still poorly understood.

We combined tree ring analysis with isotope measurements at three Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE, POP‐EUROFACE, in Italy; Duke FACE in North Carolina and ORNL in Tennessee, USA) sites, to cover the entire life of the trees. We used δ13C to assess carbon isotope discrimination and changes in water‐use efficiency, while direct CO2 effects on stomatal conductance were explored using δ18O as a proxy.

Across all the sites, elevated CO2 increased 13C‐derived water‐use efficiency on average by 73% for Liquidambar styraciflua, 77% for Pinus taeda and 75% for Populus sp., but through different ecophysiological mechanisms.

Our findings provide a robust means of predicting water‐use efficiency responses from a variety of tree species exposed to variable environmental conditions over time, and species‐specific relationships that can help modelling elevated CO2 and climate impacts on forest productivity, carbon and water balances.
Evaluating the potential of a new isotope‐labelled glyco‐ligand for estimating the remnant liver function of schistosoma‐infected mice
Authors: Cheng P.‐C. , Chiang P.‐F. , Lee K.‐M. , Yeh C.‐H. , Hsu K.‐L. , Liu S.‐W. , Shen L.‐H. , Peng C.‐L. , Fan C.‐K. , Luo T.‐Y. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryA new glyco‐derivative compound (OCTAM) was developed and labelled with isotope to form 188Re‐OCTAM as a candidate nuclear medicine imaging agent for testing the liver function. We evaluated the potential of isotope‐labelled OCTAM for estimating the remnant liver function in vitro and in vivo schistosoma‐infected mice. The affinity of OCTAM to liver asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPR) was assessed by competitive inhibition assay in vitro. In vivo assessments were performed to score the remnant liver function in mice at different schistosomal infection stages. OCTAM binds specifically to ASGPR and showed competitive inhibition of anti‐ASGPR antibody binding to hepatocytes, and was higher than that of other galactosyl ligands. Micro‐SPECT/CT images of uninfected mice revealed strong liver uptake. Quantified serial images of mice infected for 9, 12 and 18 weeks showed delayed liver uptake, and the retention of uptake was inversely correlated with stage and grade of schistosoma infection. Pathological and biochemical analysis demonstrated that gradually accumulating liver injury caused by infection significantly influenced uptake of 188Re‐OCTAM. Hepatic ASGPR expression diminished only in the chronic infection stage. This study demonstrated that the isotope‐labelled OCTAM could accumulate in the liver, might have potential as an imaging agent for in vivo hepatic function evaluation of schistosomiasis.
Indications for First Caesarean and Delivery Mode in Subsequent Trial of Labour
Authors: Fagerberg Marie C. , Maršál Karel , Ekström Per , Källén Karin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundA previous caesarean delivery is no longer an indication per se for a subsequent, planned caesarean. We performed this study to identify women suitable for trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC), investigating the association between the indication for the first caesarean and the risk of unplanned caesarean in the second pregnancy.MethodsWe identified women with their first two pregnancies registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Registry 1992–2007. The indications for caesarean in the first pregnancy were determined using a previously published hierarchical system. For each indication group, the rate of caesarean among women with a first caesarean (n = 59 643) and a TOLAC in the second pregnancy was compared with that of primiparae (parity 0) (n = 354 053).ResultsThe TOLAC rate was 69.5%. Among women with TOLAC, the uterine rupture rate was 1.1%. The success rate of TOLAC varied substantially based on the indication for the first caesarean (range 51–83%). Multiple births, breech presentation, and placenta praevia in the first pregnancy were associated with marginally increased odds of unplanned caesarean in the second pregnancy when compared with primiparae (adjusted OR 1.27 [95% CI 1.10, 1.48], 1.42 [1.34, 1.51], and 1.65 [1.17, 2.31]; OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence interval). The indications based on complications during labour/delivery, macrosomia, and maternal diabetes, were associated with substantially increased OR: 3.87 [3.70, 4.06], 4.15 [3.74, 4.61], and 4.62 [3.79, 5.63], respectively.ConclusionsConsidering the indications for caesarean in the first pregnancy before recommending a TOLAC or a planned caesarean in the second pregnancy may help to lower the rate of unplanned caesarean deliveries.
How does noise affect amplitude and latency measurement of event‐related potentials (ERPs)? A methodological critique and simulation study
Authors: Clayson Peter E. , Baldwin Scott A. , Larson Michael J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThere is considerable variability in the quantification of event‐related potential (ERP) amplitudes and latencies. We examined susceptibility of ERP quantification measures to incremental increases in background noise through published ERP data and simulations. Measures included mean amplitude, adaptive mean, peak amplitude, peak latency, and centroid latency. Results indicated mean amplitude was the most robust against increases in background noise. The adaptive mean measure was more biased, but represented an efficient estimator of the true ERP signal particularly for individual‐subject latency variability. Strong evidence is provided against using peak amplitude. For latency measures, the peak latency measure was less biased and less efficient than the centroid latency measurement. Results emphasize the prudence in reporting the number of trials retained for averaging as well as noise estimates for groups and conditions when comparing ERPs.
Australian Trade Policy Strategy Contradictions
Authors: Armstrong Shiro 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAustralia’s Trade Policy Review by the WTO in 2011 was positive about Australia’s openness and its progress in removing residual barriers to trade. But it glosses over the fact that Australia’s current strategy of supporting the multilateral system while signing, negotiating and concluding preferential agreements is not consistent. The paper focuses on the question of Australia’s role in the multilateral system as it prosecutes preferential agreements, and examines ways of multilateralising some of those preferences, especially in a broader regional setting and under the WTO. One priority is to multilateralise the preferences in trade agreements – by reducing the MFN tariffs and extending the preferential access that some investment and services providers enjoy. Another priority is to get domestic regulations and reforms right so that there is no discrimination between foreign and domestic firms, let alone between foreign firms from different countries.
Development of Neuraminidase Subtype-Specific Reference Antisera by Recombinant Protein Expressed in Baculovirus
Authors: Lee Kyu-Jun , Choi Jun-Gu , Kang Hyun-Mi , Kim Kwang-Il , Park Choi-Kyu , Lee Youn-Jeong 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTOutbreaks of avian influenza A virus infection, particularly the H5N1 strains that have affected birds and some humans for the past 15 years, have highlighted the need for increased surveillance and disease control. Such measures require diagnostic tests to detect and characterize the different subtypes of influenza virus. In the current study, a simple method for producing reference avian influenza virus antisera to be used in diagnostic tests was developed. Antisera of nine avian influenza A virus neuraminidases (NA) used for NA subtyping were produced using a recombinant baculovirus. The recombinant NA (rNA) proteins were expressed in Sf9 insect cells and inoculated intramuscularly into specific-pathogen-free chickens with the ISA70 adjuvant. The NA inhibition antibody titers of the rNA antiserum were in the ranges of 5 to 8 and 6 to 9 log2units after the primary and boost immunizations, respectively. The antisera were subtype specific, showing low cross-reactivity against every other NA subtype using the conventional thiobarbituric acid NA inhibition assay. These results suggest that this simple method for producing reference NA antisera without purification may be useful for the diagnosis and surveillance of influenza virus.
First Case of Cerebral Abscess Due to a Novel Nocardia Species in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Flateau C. , Jurado V. , Lemaître N. , Loïez C. , Wallet F. , Saiz-Jimenez C. , Decoene C. , Bergeron E. , Boiron P. , Faure K. , Guery B. , Rodríguez-Nava V. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

We report the first case of cerebral abscess due to a novel species of
Nocardia
in a heart transplant patient and describe the antimicrobial susceptibility of this isolate. As our patient was intolerant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, we also discuss alternative therapeutic options in brain abscess due to
Nocardia
sp.
Comparison of Commercial Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays for Reliable, Early, and Rapid Detection of Heterologous Strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Experimentally Infected or Noninfected Boars by Use of Different Sample Types
Authors: Gerber Priscilla F. , O'Neill Kevin , Owolodun Olajide , Wang Chong , Harmon Karen , Zhang Jianqiang , Halbur Patrick G. , Zhou Lei , Meng Xiang-Jin , Opriessnig Tanja 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThe aims of this study were to compare three commercial porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays for detection of genetically diverse PRRSV isolates in serum, semen, blood swabs, and oral fluids collected from experimentally infected boars and to evaluate the effects of sample pooling. Six groups of three boars negative for PRRSV were each inoculated with one of six PRRSV isolates (sharing 55 to 99% nucleotide sequence identity in ORF5). Samples were collected on days −2, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 postinoculation (p.i.) and tested by one of three commercially available real-time RT-PCR assays (VetMax from Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA [abbreviated AB]; VetAlert from Tetracore, Rockville, MD [TC]; and AcuPig from AnDiaTec GmbH, Kornwestheim, Germany [AD]). At day 1 p.i., all assays detected at least one positive sample in each group. The highest detection rates were on days 3 and 5 p.i. Between days 1 and 7 p.i., serum samples had the highest detection rate (90%) with 100% agreement between tests, followed by blood swabs (kappa value of 0.97) and semen (kappa value of 0.80). Oral fluids had the lowest detection rates (AB, 55%; TC, 41%; AD, 46%) and the highest disagreement between kits (kappa value of 0.63). Pools of five samples did not reduce the detection rates if there was one positive sample with a large amount (cycle threshold, <30) of viral RNA in the pool. Serum and blood swab samples had shorter turnaround times for RNA extraction. The AB assay had a 1.6-times-shorter PCR time. In summary, serum and blood swabs had the best performance with highest detection rates and agreement between assays and the shortest turnaround times.
Dolphin Morbillivirus Infection in a Captive Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Mazzariol Sandro , Peletto Simone , Mondin Alessandra , Centelleghe Cinzia , Di Guardo Giovanni , Di Francesco Cristina Esmeralda , Casalone Cristina , Acutis Pier Luigi 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

During the second morbillivirus epidemic (2007 to 2011) in cetaceans along the Italian coastline, dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) was detected by molecular analyses in a captive harbor seal (
Phoca vitulina
), with pathological findings consistent with morbillivirus infection. This report confirms interspecies DMV transmission from cetaceans to pinnipeds.