bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection following cytotoxic lymphoma therapy in an anti‐HBc negative patient
Authors: Feeney Susan A. , McCaughey Conall , Watt Alison P. , Agnaf Moulod R. El , McDougall Neil , Wend Ulrike C. , Gerlich Wolfram H. , Coyle Peter V. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractScreening hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV core antibody (anti‐HBc) is recommended prior to cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy. This case describes an anti‐HBc negative, DNA positive occult HBV infection in a 71‐year‐old Caucasian male following rituximab‐based treatment for follicular lymphoma. Pre‐screening serology indicated negative HBsAg and anti‐HBc. However, following sequential treatment cycles the patient developed weak HBsAg with a low HBV DNA load (<1,000 IU/ml), but remained anti‐HBc negative. The DNA load peaked 5 months later (>1 × 106 IU/ml) and he was subsequently treated with Tenofovir. Currently the patient remains anti‐HBc negative, and is anti‐HBe negative, anti‐HBs negative, HBeAg positive. No clinical or biochemical evidence of hepatitis has occurred. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified the HBV genosubtype as D4, most probably acquired some years ago during a stay in Papua New Guinea, in spite of prior hepatitis B vaccination. Four amino acid substitutions were detected within the HBsAg loop yet none in the core protein. This case questions the dependability of anti‐HBc testing and highlights the role of HBV DNA testing prior to and throughout cytotoxic or immunosuppressive regimes. As this case exemplifies, vaccination protects against clinical infection but may not exclude seronegative occult infection with the possibility of reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 85:597–601, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PEG‐Modified Macroporous Poly(Glycidyl Methacrylate) and Poly(2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Microspheres to Reduce Non‐Specific Protein Adsorption
Authors: Hlídková Helena , Horák Daniel , Proks Vladimír , Kučerová Zdenka , Pekárek Michal , Kučka Jan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTo minimize non‐specific protein adsorption on macroporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) microspheres containing amino and/or carboxyl groups, the microspheres are coated with α,ω‐bis‐carboxy poly(ethylene glycol) and amino‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐propylene glycol) or α‐methoxy‐ω‐amino poly(ethylene glycol). Adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA), γ‐globulin, 125I‐BSA, pepsin, and chymotrypsin on neat and PEGylated microspheres is determined by UV–VIS spectroscopy of supernatants and eluates or by measurement of radioactivity in an ionization chamber. Neat and PEGylated microspheres adsorb 0.8–70% and 0.02–44% of protein, respectively. magnified image
Analysis of the surgical learning curve using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method
Authors: Maguire Turlough , Mayne Christopher J. , Terry Tim , Tincello Douglas G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsThe concept of the “learning curve” is a term that has become increasingly prevalent in medical literature. Using a unique Female Urology fellowship program running over the last 3 years, we set out to better define the learning process for mid‐urethral slings.MethodsWe examined surgical outcomes for six urology trainees who participated in the 6‐month program from 2006 to 2011. We identified all retropubic mid‐urethral sling procedures they had performed. Demographics included age, BMI, and smoking status. Outcomes focused on complication rates, as well as a subjective patient assessment. Analysis was by the cumulative sum method.ResultsSix trainees performed 187 retropubic slings during their fellowships. Mean age was 54 (SD ± 12.7), mean BMI was 29.5 (SD ± 5.5). One hundred sixty‐five (88%) patients only underwent a mid‐urethral tape with 22 (12%) undergoing a concomitant procedure. There were 5 cases of bladder perforation, 1 case of urethral injury, 25 cases of voiding dysfunction, and 8 cases of mesh exposure. One hundred sixty‐seven out of 180 patients reported a cure or improvement. All complications occurred in the first 4 months of training. CUSUM analysis of voiding dysfunction showed that four out of six trainees did not reach the expected incidence of voiding dysfunction within the completed fellowship. Bladder perforation showed a similar trend.ConclusionCUSUM analysis is an underused tool for the analysis of surgical competence. The learning curve for retropubic sling surgery is variable and may be longer than is often acknowledged. We suggest the focus of surgical training should move away from absolute numbers to look at training in an individualized manner. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 964–967, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imbalance of desmoplastic stromal cell numbers drives aggressive cancer processes
Authors: Kadaba Raghu , Birke Hanna , Wang Jun , Hooper Steven , Andl Claudia D , Di Maggio Francesco , Soylu Erdinc , Ghallab Mohammed , Bor Daniel , Froeling Fieke EM , Bhattacharya Satyajit , Rustgi Anil K , Sahai Erik , Chelala Claude , Sasieni Peter , Kocher Hemant M 
Published: January 2013

AbstractEpithelial tissues have sparse stroma, in contrast to their corresponding tumours. The effect of cancer cells on stromal cells is well recognized. Increasingly, stromal components, such as endothelial and immune cells, are considered indispensable for cancer progression. The role of desmoplastic stroma, in contrast, is poorly understood. Targeting such cellular components within the tumour is attractive. Recent evidence strongly points towards a dynamic stromal cell participation in cancer progression that impacts patient prognosis. The role of specific desmoplastic stromal cells, such as stellate cells and myofibroblasts in pancreatic, oesophageal and skin cancers, was studied in bio‐engineered, physiomimetic organotypic cultures and by regression analysis. For pancreatic cancer, the maximal effect on increasing cancer cell proliferation and invasion, as well as decreasing cancer cell apoptosis, occurs when stromal (pancreatic stellate cells) cells constitute the majority of the cellular population (maximal effect at a stromal cell proportion of 0.66–0.83), accompanied by change in expression of key molecules such as E‐cadherin andβ‐catenin. Gene‐expression microarrays, across three tumour types, indicate that stromal cells consistently and significantly alter global cancer cell functions such as cell cycle, cell–cell signalling, cell movement, cell death and inflammatory response. However, these changes are mediated through cancer type‐specific alteration of expression, with very few common targets across tumour types. As highlighted by thesein vitrodata, the reciprocal relationship of E‐cadherin and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) expression in cancer cells could be shown,in vivo, to be dependent on the stromal content of human pancreatic cancer. These studies demonstrate that context‐specific cancer–stroma crosstalk requires to be precisely defined for effective therapeutic targeting. These data may be relevant to non‐malignant processes where epithelial cells interact with stromal cells, such as chronic inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Efficacy of Oral Nucleoside or Nucleotide Analog Monotherapy Used in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Mixed‐Treatment Comparison Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wiens Astrid , Lenzi Luana , Venson Rafael , Correr Cassyano J. , Rotta Inajara , Pedroso Maria L. , Pontarolo Roberto 
Published: January 2013

Study ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of nucleoside or nucleotide analog monotherapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis virus B (HBV) with adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, lamivudine, telbivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.DesignMixed‐treatment comparison meta‐analysis of nine randomized controlled clinical trials.PatientsA total of 3972 adults with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B.Measurements and Main ResultsA systematic review was conducted to search for randomized clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of nucleoside or nucleotide analogs used as monotherapy. The evaluated outcomes were reduction of HBV DNA levels, normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels, and seroconversion of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). A mixed‐treatment comparison was conducted to compare the odds ratios among the treatments and to rank the therapies to determine the optimal treatment option. Tenofovir had the best results among the nucleoside or nucleotide analogs for the three evaluated efficacy outcomes in both HBeAg‐positive and ‐negative patients.ConclusionTenofovir has the highest probability of reducing HBV DNA, normalizing alanine aminotransferase levels and inducing HBeAg seroconversion after 1 year of treatment. An efficacy comparison of therapies is an important tool to guide clinicians in selecting the optimal treatment option.
Investigation of the impact of the rear‐dielectric/silver back reflector design on the optical performance of thin‐film silicon solar cells by means of detached reflectors
Authors: Moulin Etienne , Paetzold Ulrich Wilhelm , Bittkau Karsten , Owen Jorj , Kirchhoff Joachim , Bauer Andreas , Carius Reinhard 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThin‐film silicon solar cells often rely on a metal back reflector separated from the silicon layers by a thin rear dielectric as a back reflector (BR) design. In this work, we aim to obtain a better insight into the influence of the rear‐dielectric/Ag BR design on the optical performance of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si:H) solar cells. To allow the application of a large variety of rear dielectrics combined with Ag BRs of diverse topographies, the solar cell is equipped with a local electrical contact scheme that enables the use of non‐conductive rear dielectrics such as air or transparent liquids of various refractive indices n. With this approach, detached Ag BRs having the desire surface texture can be placed behind the same solar cell, yielding a direct and precise evaluation of their impact on the optical cell performance. The experiments show that both the external quantum efficiency and the device absorptance are improved with decreasing n and increasing roughness of the BR. Calculations of the angular intensity distribution of the scattered light in the µc‐Si:H are presented. They allow for establishing a consistent picture of the light trapping in the solar cell. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly near‐infrared emissive boron di(iso)indomethene‐based polymer: Drastic change from deep‐red to near‐infrared emission via quantitative polymer reaction
Authors: Yoshii Ryousuke , Nagai Atsushi , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIt is challenging to realize the near‐infrared (NIR) emission with large brightness and sharp spectra from the conjugated polymers. In this study, we demonstrate the strategy for receiving strong and pure NIR emission from polymeric materials using organoboron complexes and the modification after polymerization. A series of NIR emissive conjugated polymers with boron di(iso)indomethenes (BODINs) and fluorene or bithiophene were synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. The obtained polymers exhibited high emissions in the range from deep‐red to NIR region (quantum yields: ϕPL = 0.40–0.79, full width at half maximum height: Δλ1/2 = 660–940 cm−1, emission maxima: λPL = 686–714 nm). Next, the demethylation of the BODIN‐based polymer with o‐methoxyphenyl groups was carried out. The transformation of the polymer structure quantitatively proceeded via efficient intramolecular crosslinking through the intermediary of the boron atom. Finally, the resulting polymer showed both drastically larger red‐shifted and sharper photoluminescence spectrum than that of the parent polymer with deep‐red emission (ϕPL = 0.37, Δλ1/2 = 460 cm−1, λPL = 758 nm). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Understanding the basis of a class of paradoxical mutations in AraC through simulations
Authors: Damjanovic Ana , Miller Benjamin T. , Schleif Robert 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMost mutations at position 15 in the N‐terminal arm of the regulatory protein AraC leave the protein incapable of responding to arabinose and inducing the proteins required for arabinose catabolism. Mutations at other positions of the arm do not have this behavior. Simple energetic analysis of the interactions between the arm and bound arabinose do not explain the uninducibility of AraC with mutations at position 15. Extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, carried out largely on the Open Science Grid, were done of the wild‐type protein with and without bound arabinose and of all possible mutations at position 15, many of which were constructed and measured for this work. Good correlation was found for deviation of arm position during the simulations and inducibility as measured in vivo of the same mutant proteins. Analysis of the MD trajectories revealed that preservation of the shape of the arm is critical to inducibility. To maintain the correct shape of the arm, the strengths of three interactions observed to be strong in simulations of the wild‐type AraC protein need to be preserved. These interactions are between arabinose and residue 15, arabinose and residues 8–9, and residue 13 and residue 15. The latter interaction is notable because residues L9, Y13, F15, W95, and Y97 form a hydrophobic cluster which needs to be preserved for retention of the correct shape. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Authenticated RFID security mechanism based on chaotic maps
Authors: Cheng Zi‐Yao , Liu Yun , Chang Chin‐Chen , Chang Shih‐Chang 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTRadio frequency identification (RFID) systems rely on the significant technology of remote, automatic identification with small, low‐cost RF elements to complete RF communications securely among all entities. This technology must ensure that secret information or data communicated via radio transmission are not vulnerable to intentional interception, modification for tracing the individual tag holder, or the attachment of any item. With the increase in the number of applications of RFID systems, security and privacy problems have become the focus of significant concern. In this paper, we propose an authenticated RFID security mechanism based on chaotic maps that guarantees a mutually authenticated process and uses a simple and robust chaotic cryptosystem to implement a practical RFID mechanism. The security of the transmitted information and the privacy of personal information or data were our main concerns in the proposed scheme. Also, we have provided detailed information concerning authentication proof and security aspects of our new design. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking moral emotion attributions with behavior: Why “(un)happy victimizers” and “(un)happy moralists” act the way they feel
Authors: Krettenauer Tobias 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis article addresses the question of why the emotions children and adolescents anticipate in the context of hypothetical scenarios have been repeatedly found to predict actual (im)moral behavior. It argues that a common motivational account of this relationship is insufficient. Instead, three links are proposed that connect cognitive representations of emotional experiences related to future (im)moral actions with decision making and action. Accordingly, it is argued that moral emotion attributions can represent a dominant desire (link 1), outcome expectancies (link 2), or an emotional response to anticipated (in)consistencies of the self (link 3). These three links exemplify different forms of moral agency that emerge in the course of children's and adolescents' development.
Mindfulness for adolescents: A promising approach to supporting emotion regulation and preventing risky behavior
Authors: Broderick Patricia C. , Jennings Patricia A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis article reviews the contextual and neuropsychological challenges of the adolescent period with particular attention to the role that universal prevention can play in moderating the harmful effects of stress. The centrality of emotion regulation skills to long‐term health and wellness suggests their importance in prevention and intervention efforts for youth. Mindfulness has been shown to be an effective means of reducing stress and improving emotion balance in research with adults, although research on mindfulness with adolescents is limited. The authors present available data and describe one potentially effective program for adolescent mindfulness: Learning to BREATHE.
Environment‐mediated morph‐linked immune and life‐history responses in the aposematic wood tiger moth
Authors: Nokelainen Ossi , Lindstedt Carita , Mappes Johanna 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Warning signals are expected to evolve towards conspicuousness and monomorphism, and thereby hamper the evolution of multiple colour morphs. Here, we test fitness responses to different rearing densities to explain colour polymorphism in aposematic wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis) males.

We used larval lines sired by white or yellow adult males selected for small or large melanization patterns of coloration. We reared these selected lines either solitarily (favourable conditions) or in aggregations (challenged conditions), and followed their performance to adult stage. We tested whether differences in larval density affected life‐history traits, adult melanin expression, adult morph (white or yellow) survival and immunological responses.

We found that the aggregated environment increased mortality of larvae, but decreased larval developmental time and pupa weight. Adult wing melanin pigmentation was dependent on larval melanin expression but not rearing density. We also confirmed that adult wing coloration had a genetic basis (h2 = 0·42) and was not influenced by larval growth density. Adult yellow males survived better from aggregations in comparison with white males, which may be related to differences in immune defence. White males had better encapsulation ability, whereas yellow males had increased lytic activity of haemolymph in the aggregations.

Our main results highlight, that morph‐linked immune responses mediated by differential growth density may facilitate the maintenance of colour polymorphism in aposematic species. In nature, risk of diseases and parasites vary spatially and temporally. Therefore, both yellow and white adult morphs can be maintained due to their differential investment in immune defence in heterogeneous environments.
A spider web strategy of type IV pili‐mediated migration to build a fibre‐like Psl polysaccharide matrix in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Parsek Matthew R. , Wozniak Daniel J. , Ma Luyan Z. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBacterial motilities participate in biofilm development. However, it is unknown how/if bacterial motility affects formation of the biofilm matrix. Psl polysaccharide is a key biofilm matrix component of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we report that type IV pili (T4P)‐mediated bacterial migration leads to the formation of a fibre‐like Psl matrix. Deletion of T4P in wild type and flagella‐deficient strains results in loss of the Psl‐fibres and reduction of biofilm biomass in flow cell biofilms as well as pellicles at air‐liquid interface. Bacteria lacking T4P‐driven twitching motility including those that still express surface T4P are unable to form the Psl‐fibres. Formation of a Psl‐fibre matrix is critical for efficient biofilm formation, yet does not require flagella and polysaccharide Pel or alginate. The Psl‐fibres are likely formed by Psl released from bacteria during T4P‐mediated migration, a strategy similar to spider web formation. Starvation can couple Psl release and T4P‐driven twitching motility. Furthermore, a radial‐pattern Psl‐fibre matrix is present in the middle of biofilms, a nutrient‐deprived region. These imply a plausible model for how bacteria respond to nutrient‐limited local environment to build a polysaccharide‐fibre matrix by T4P‐dependent bacterial migration strategy. This strategy may have general significance for bacterial survival in natural and clinical settings.
Post‐Acute Care and ACOs — Who Will Be Accountable?
Authors: McWilliams J. Michael , Chernew Michael E. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Landon Bruce E. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo determine how the inclusion of post‐acute evaluation and management (E&M) services as primary care affects assignment of Medicare beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs).Data SourcesMedicare claims for a random 5 percent sample of 2009 Medicare beneficiaries linked to American Medical Association Group Practice data identifying provider groups sufficiently large to be eligible for ACO program participation.Study DesignWe calculated the fraction of community‐dwelling beneficiaries whose assignment shifted, as a consequence of including post‐acute E&M services, from the group providing their outpatient primary care to a different group providing their inpatient post‐acute care.Principal FindingsAssignment shifts occurred for 27.6 percent of 25,992 community‐dwelling beneficiaries with at least one post‐acute skilled nursing facility stay, and they were more common for those incurring higher Medicare spending. Those whose assignment shifted constituted only 1.3 percent of all community‐dwelling beneficiaries cared for by large ACO‐eligible organizations (n = 535,138), but they accounted for 8.4 percent of total Medicare spending for this population.ConclusionsUnder current Medicare assignment rules, ACOs may not be accountable for an influential group of post‐acute patients, suggesting missed opportunities to improve care coordination and reduce inappropriate readmissions.
Comparative efficacy and tolerability of anti‐epileptic drugs for refractory focal epilepsy: systematic review and network meta‐analysis reveals the need for long term comparator trials
Authors: Bodalia Pritesh N. , Grosso Anthony M. , Sofat Reecha , MacAllister Raymond J. , Smeeth Liam , Dhillon Soraya , Casas Juan‐Pablo , Wonderling David , Hingorani Aroon D. 
Published: January 2013

AimsTo evaluate the comparative efficacy (50% reduction in seizure frequency) and tolerability (premature withdrawal due to adverse events) of anti‐epileptic drugs (AEDs) for refractory epilepsy.MethodsWe searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library 2009, issue 2) including Epilepsy Group's specialized register, MEDLINE (1950 to March 2009), EMBASE (1980 to March 2009), and Current Contents Connect (1998 to March 2009) to conduct a systematic review of published studies, developed a treatment network and undertook a network meta‐analysis.ResultsForty‐three eligible trials with 6346 patients and 12 interventions, including placebo, contributed to the analysis. Only three direct drug comparator trials were identified, the remaining 40 trials being placebo‐controlled. Conventional random‐effects meta‐analysis indicated all drugs were superior in efficacy to placebo (overall odds ratio (OR] 3.78, 95% CI 3.14, 4.55) but did not permit firm distinction between drugs on the basis of the efficacy or tolerability. A Bayesian network meta‐analysis prioritized oxcarbazepine, topiramate and pregabalin on the basis of short term efficacy. However, sodium valproate, levetiracetam, gabapentin and vigabatrin were prioritized on the basis of short‐term efficacy and tolerability, with the caveat that vigabatrin is recognized as being associated with serious visual disturbance with chronic use.ConclusionOf the wide range of AEDs licensed for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, sodium valproate, levetiracetam and gabapentin demonstrated the best balance of efficacy and tolerability. Until regulators mandate greater use of active comparator trials with longer term follow‐up, network meta‐analysis provides the only available means to quantify these clinically important parameters.