bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus treatment as prevention among injecting drug users: who should we cure first?
Authors: de Vos Anneke S. , Prins Maria , Kretzschmar Mirjam E. E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsTreatment of injecting drug users (IDU) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may prevent onward transmission. Treating individuals who often share injecting equipment is most likely to prevent new infections. However, these high‐risk IDU are also more likely to become re‐infected than low‐risk IDU. We investigated to which group treatment is best targeted.DesignWe modelled the expected benefits per treatment of one chronically HCV‐infected IDU in a population of low‐ and high‐risk IDU. The benefits of treating one low‐ or one high‐risk IDU were compared.MeasurementsBenefits included the probability for the treated IDU to become and remain uninfected, as well as the expected number of prevented infections to others (i.e. we quantified the total expected decrease in chronic infections).FindingsWe found a threshold in HCV‐RNA prevalence above which treating low‐risk IDU, and below which treating high‐risk IDU, resulted in the greatest benefits. This threshold was at 50% of exchanged syringes being HCV contaminated. When 42% of IDU engaged in high‐risk behaviour (borrowing and lending out syringes 7.3 times more frequently than low‐risk IDU), the corresponding threshold of HCV‐RNA prevalence among IDU was at 32%. Larger‐risk heterogeneity led to a lower corresponding threshold among IDU. A combination of HCV treatment and 50% risk reduction was best directed at high‐risk IDU for prevalence among syringes up to 59%. The threshold was marginally sensitive to changes in disease and treatment variables.ConclusionsWhen more than half of all exchanged syringes in a population of injecting drug users (IDU) are contaminated by hepatitis C virus, it is most efficient to treat low‐risk IDU first. Below this threshold, it is most efficient to treat high‐risk IDU first.
Influence of different drugs on HIV risk in people who inject: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tavitian‐Exley Isabel , Vickerman Peter , Bastos Francisco I. , Boily Marie‐Claude 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimsTo assess systematically the risk of HIV acquisition by type of drug injected across different settings.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted. Databases were searched for studies of HIV incidence in people who inject different drugs (PWID). Pooled HIV incidence rate ratio (IRR) was used to compare HIV risk between injecting and not‐injecting a given drug, when possible, or otherwise with those reported not to have injected the substance. Pooled estimates of crude IRR were derived using random‐effects models. Variations in IRR were assessed in subgroup analyses, by drug and geographical region.ResultsOf 5779 studies screened, 15 were included. HIV incidence was reported for people injecting cocaine (eight: North America, Europe), amphetamine‐type stimulants (ATS) (four: Western and Eastern Europe, Asia), heroin (11: all settings), opiate‐stimulants (four: North America, Western and Eastern Europe) and opiates–sedatives (five: Europe, Asia). HIV risk in cocaine injectors was 3.6 times 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.8–4.7, I2 = 0%; n = 4) that of non‐injectors and 3.0 for ATS injectors (95% CI = 2.2–4.1, I2 = 0%; n = 2). Higher sexual risk was reported in cohorts injecting stimulants. Compared to not‐injecting, HIV IRR was 2.8 (95% CI = 1.7–4.7, I2 = 77%; n=6) for all heroin injectors and 3.5 (95% CI = 2.3–5.2, I2 = 40%; n=5) for heroin injectors in Asia and Europe.ConclusionThe risk of HIV acquisition in people who inject drugs appears to vary by drug type but differences are not statistically significant, precluding conclusive grading of risk.
In Vitro Hemodynamic Evaluation of a Novel Pulsatile Extracorporeal Life Support System: Impact of Perfusion Modes and Circuit Components on Energy Loss
Authors: Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Clark Joseph B. , Ündar Akif 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study is to investigate the impact of every component of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuit on hemodynamic energy transmission in terms of energy equivalent pressure (EEP), total hemodynamic energy (THE), and surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) under nonpulsatile and pulsatile modes in a novel ECLS system. The ECLS circuit consisted of i‐cor diagonal pump and console (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany), an iLA membrane ventilator (Xenios AG), an 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula, a 23/25 Fr femoral venous cannula, and 3/8‐in ID arterial and venous tubing. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and human whole blood (hematocrit 33%). All trials were conducted under room temperature at the flow rates of 1–4 L/min (1 L/min increments). The pulsatile flow settings were set at pulsatile frequency of 75 beats per minute and differential speed values of 1000–4000 rpm (1000 rpm increments). Flow and pressure data were collected using a custom‐based data acquisition system. EEP was significantly higher than mean arterial pressure in all experimental conditions under pulsatile flow (P < 0.01). THE was also increased under pulsatile flow compared with the nonpulsatile flow (P < 0.01). Under pulsatile flow conditions, SHE was significantly higher and increased differential rpm resulted in significantly higher SHE (P < 0.01). There was no SHE generated under nonpulsatile flow. Energy loss depending on the circuit components was almost similar in both perfusion modes at all different flow rates. The pressure drops across the oxygenator were 3.8–24.9 mm Hg, and the pressure drops across the arterial cannula were 19.3–172.6 mm Hg at the flow rates of 1–4 L/min. Depending on the pulsatility setting, i‐cor ECLS system generates physiological quality pulsatile flow without increasing the mean circuit pressure. The iLA membrane ventilator is a low‐resistance oxygenator, and allows more hemodynamic energy to be delivered to the patient under pulsatile mode. The 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula has acceptable pressure drops under nonpulsatile and pulsatile modes. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Behavioral profiles in frontal lobe epilepsy: Autobiographic memory versus mood impairment
Authors: Rayner Genevieve , Jackson Graeme D. , Wilson Sarah J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryObjectivesAutobiographic memory encompasses the encoding and retrieval of episodes, people, and places encountered in everyday life. It can be impaired in both epilepsy and frontal lobe damage. Here, we performed an initial investigation of how autobiographic memory is impacted by chronic frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) together with its underlying pathology.MethodWe prospectively studied a series of nine consecutive patients with medically refractory FLE, relative to 24 matched healthy controls. Seven of the nine patients had frontal lobe structural abnormalities. Episodic and semantic autobiographic memory functioning was profiled, and factors associated with impaired autobiographic memory were identified among epileptologic, neuroimaging, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive variables including auditory‐verbal and visual memory, and the executive function of cognitive control.ResultsResults showed that the FLE group experienced significantly higher rates of autobiographic memory and mood disturbance (p < 0.001), with detailed assessment of individual patients revealing two profiles of impairment, primarily characterized by cognitive or mood disturbance. Five of the patients (56%) exhibited significant episodic autobiographic memory deficits, whereas in three of these, knowledge of semantic autobiographic facts was preserved. Four of them also had reduced cognitive control. Mood disorder was largely unrelated to poor autobiographic memory. In contrast, the four cases with preserved autobiographic memory were notable for their past or current depressive symptoms.SignificanceThese findings provide preliminary data that frontal lobe seizure activity with its underlying pathology may selectively disrupt large‐scale cognitive or affective networks, giving rise to different neurobehavioral profiles that may be used to inform clinical management.
“I Do”: Does Marital Status Affect How Much CEOs “Do”?
Authors: Nicolosi Gina , Yore Adam S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper explores whether a CEO's marital status reveals unobservable risk preferences which influence their firm's investment and compensation policies. Using biographical data for CEOs of large domestic companies, we find that corporate deal‐making activity (e.g., mergers, joint ventures, major capital expenditures, etc.) and overall firm riskiness both increase significantly with personal life restructuring (e.g., marriages and divorces). This relation is supported by an instrumental variables analysis and also an investigation surrounding CEO turnover. Finally, the link between a CEO's marital status and preference for option‐based compensation further suggests that personal restructuring may be an indicator of executive risk appetites.
Political Connection and Stock Returns: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Civilize Sireethorn , Wongchoti Udomsak , Young Martin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA stock market should display informational efficiency and, therefore, should appropriately reflect the value of political connections, if any value exists. Using a comprehensive data set that incorporates both obvious and less obvious political connections to firms in Thailand, we provide a longitudinal study which shows that higher realized stock returns are systematically associated with political connectedness. Consistent with the view that such a relationship provides economic rents, this finding is particularly prominent in more regulated industries. The politically connected premium is higher for higher level political connections and when the political bodies hold an equity stake in the firm.
Congenital combined deficiency of coagulation factors VII and X – different genetic mechanisms
Authors: Pavlova A. , Preisler B. , Driesen J. , de Moerloose P. , Zieger B. , Hütker S. , Dengler K. , Harbrecht U. , Oldenburg J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryCombined coagulation factor VII (FVII) and factor X (FX) deficiency (combined FVII/FX deficiency) belongs to the group of bleeding disorders in which both factors show reduced plasma activity. It may arise from coincidental inheritance of separate coagulation factor deficiencies or a common cause as large deletions comprising both gene loci. The F7 and F10 genes are located on the long arm of chromosome 13. Here, we describe 10 cases with combined FVII/FX deficiency representing both genetic mechanisms of occurrence. Genetic analyses included direct sequencing of the F7 and F10 genes and MLPA (multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification) for detection of heterozygous large deletions. In four patients, the combined deficiency was due to a large deletion within the terminal end of chromosome 13. In the remaining six cases the deficiency resulted from coincidental inheritance of different genetic alterations affecting both genes independently. In most cases, the genetic defects were heterozygous, presenting with prolonged PT, normal aPTT and mild or no bleeding symptoms. Only in one case compound heterozygous mutations were detected in the F10, resulting in prolonged aPTT and a more severe bleeding phenotype. To avoid a misdiagnosis of combined FVII/FX deficiency, analyses of single factor activities have to be performed in all cases with prolonged PT even if aPTT is normal. Genetic analyses are substantial for correct prediction of an inheritance pattern and a proper genetic counselling.
Infection with Helicobacter bilis but not Helicobacter hepaticus was Associated with Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Segura‐López Fany K. , Avilés‐Jiménez Francisco , Güitrón‐Cantú Alfredo , Valdéz‐Salazar Hilda A. , León‐Carballo Samuel , Guerrero‐Pérez Leoncio , Fox James G. , Torres Javier 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsThe biliary tract cancer or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represents the sixth leading cause of gastrointestinal tumors in the Western world, and mortality varies across the world, with regions such as Chile, Thailand, Japan, and northeastern India presenting the highest rates. CCA may develop in the bile duct, gallbladder, or ampulla of Vater; and risk factors include obesity, parity, genetic background, geographical and environmental factors. Inflammation induced by bacterial infections might play a role in the pathogenesis of CCA. In this work, we investigated whether there is an association between extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECCA) and infection with S. typhi, H. hepaticus, or H. bilis in a Mexican population.MethodsA total of 194 patients were included and divided into 91 patients with benign biliary pathology (controls) and 103 with ECCA (cases). Tumor samples were taken during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography by biliary brushing, followed by DNA extraction and PCR testing for infections.ResultsWe found that 44/103 cases were positive for H. bilis, compared with 19/91 controls (p = 0.002; OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.49–5.32), and when analyzed by sub‐site, H. bilis infection was significantly more associated with cancer in the common bile duct (p = 0.0005; OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.77–7.17). In contrast, H. hepaticus infection was not different between cases (17/103) and controls (13/91) (p = 0.82; OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.54–2.60). None of the samples were positive for S. typhi infection.ConclusionIn conclusion, infection with H. bilis but neither H. Hepaticus nor S. typhi was significantly associated with ECCA, particularly with tumors located in the common bile duct.
Association between vitamin B12 deficiency and long‐term use of acid‐lowering agents: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jung S. B. , Nagaraja V. , Kapur A. , Eslick G. D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundVitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can result in irreversible structural brain changes if not treated appropriately. Long‐term use of acid‐lowering agents (ALA) has been linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, but results are inconsistent.AimTo evaluate the association between prolonged ALA use and vitamin B12 deficiency by performing a meta‐analysis.MethodsA systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).ResultsOf the articles reviewed, four case–control studies (4254 cases and 19 228 controls) and one observational study met full criteria for analysis. The long‐term ALA use was significantly associated with development of vitamin B12 deficiency (hazard ratio 1.83, 95% CI: 1.36–2.46, P‐value 0.00).ConclusionChronic use of ALA is a risk factor for developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Judicious prescribing of ALA and regular monitoring of vitamin B12 in patients who are inevitably on long‐term ALA therapy are recommended.
Phylogeography of vertebrates on the Sunda Shelf: a multi‐species comparison
Authors: Leonard Jennifer A. , den Tex Robert‐Jan , Hawkins Melissa T. R. , Muñoz‐Fuentes Violeta , Thorington Richard , Maldonado Jesus E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimPleistocene environmental fluctuations had well‐characterized impacts on the patterns of within‐species divergences and diversity in temperate habitats. Here we examine the impact the Pleistocene had on widely distributed forest vertebrates in a tropical system where the distribution of the habitat was affected by those fluctuations.LocationSundaland, tropical Southeast Asia.MethodsWe conducted a comparative phylogeographical analysis of 28 non‐migratory, forest‐dependent vertebrates, for which we constructed rooted, intraspecifc phylogenies based on mitochondrialDNAsequences of individuals from at least the three major landmasses in the area (Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula) and compared them to hypothetical phylogenies based on independent geological data and climate models regarding connections and relationships between the major landmasses of Sundaland. Java was included where possible. We dated the phylogenies to determine whether patterns of differentiation were concordant across species.ResultsIn most species, populations on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra were most closely related, and sister to those from Borneo. The dates of these divergences, however, varied extensively between species. Borneo harbours multiple deeply divergent lineages of many species compared to the diversity within those species. Javan populations of several birds were most divergent relative to those from the rest of the Sunda Shelf.Main conclusionsThese results suggest a dynamic history, including recurrent population extinctions and replacements and a strong priority effect for local populations. The close relationship between populations in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula supports the existence of forest on the exposed shelf during the Pleistocene at many different times, and suggests that proximity was more important than the presence of palaeorivers for dispersal of forest taxa between landmasses.
EDIFICE Melanoma survey: knowledge and attitudes on melanoma prevention and diagnosis
Authors: Saiag P. , Sassolas B. , Mortier L. , Grange F. , Robert C. , Lhomel C. , Lebbé C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma incidence is increasing worldwide thus justifying information campaigns aimed at reducing ultraviolet exposure levels and promoting early diagnosis.ObjectivesWe set out to assess awareness, knowledge and attitudes of the French population with regard to melanoma prevention and early diagnosis, following more than 15 years of nationwide information campaigns.MethodsThe French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE Melanoma, was conducted after the summer (September to October 2011) through structured telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1502 individuals aged ≥18 years, using the quota method. All French regions were represented.ResultsRespondents had heard of sun‐induced skin damage: 92% knew that sun increases melanoma risk. Knowledge of sun‐protection measures was also good: 97% correctly cited at least one method of photoprotection (clothing 80%, sunscreens 69%) and 97% declared that sun exposure should be reduced between 12 pm and 4 pm in France. Knowledge of melanoma was encouraging: 70% of respondents could define the disease accurately and 60% knew the ABCDE rule for early diagnosis. However, self‐tanning and sunbed use were considered by 25% and 13% of respondents, respectively, to provide protection from skin cancer. Although 43% of respondents (58% of high‐risk respondents) declared they had consulted a doctor at least once for a suspect skin lesion, their actual behaviour was less encouraging: 30% declared never or almost never protecting their skin; 25% declared regularly checking their skin for atypical nevi; 12% declared checking the entire skin surface. Declared behaviour was better in fair‐skin responders and those with a history of sunburn or skin cancer.ConclusionsAwareness of melanoma, early‐diagnosis procedures and preventive behaviour has improved in the general French population since 1990. However, despite the good level of information, numerous misconceptions persist. Improved information campaigns in the future may help reduce the ever‐increasing incidence of melanoma in France.
Personal vs. intrinsic melanoma risk awareness: results of the EDIFICE Melanoma survey
Authors: Robert C. , Lebbe C. , Ricard S. , Saiag P. , Grange F. , Mortier L. , Lhomel C. , Sassolas B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe efficiency of skin cancer prevention programmes is strongly correlated with the information dispensed, and with the level of risk awareness, of the overall population on one hand, and on the other, of specific sub‐populations, according to their risk profiles.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this analysis was to establish a correlation between individual perceptions of the risk of developing a melanoma, and the recognized intrinsic risk factors for a given individual. Secondary objectives were to assess factors that are potentially associated with acceptable, high or low perception of melanoma risk.MethodsThe EDIFICE Melanoma survey was conducted in 2011 via telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1502 individuals aged 18 and older in the French population.ResultsAlthough most respondents (73%) had a true estimation of their intrinsic risk for melanoma, those who did not (underestimation, 17%; overestimation, 10%) had an attitude towards environmental risk factors (sun exposure, sun protection, sunbed use) that did not compensate for this misplaced perception.ConclusionsSkin cancer prevention messages need to be reinforced, new methods of evaluating understanding of the messages need to be implemented, and both need to be included into personal risk assessment.
Corneal confocal microscopy detects small fiber damage in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Authors: Schneider Christian , Bucher Franziska , Cursiefen Claus , Fink Gereon R. , Heindl Ludwig M. , Lehmann Helmar C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune‐mediated peripheral neuropathy with multifocal involvement. Reliable biomarkers for diagnosis, disease progression, and treatment response remain to be developed. We assessed the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) as a diagnostic marker for CIDP in 16 patients. CCM parameters including corneal nerve fiber density (NFD), nerve fiber length, number of main nerve trunks, number of nerve branches, nerve tortuosity, and dendritic cell density (DCD) were compared to those from 15 healthy controls and correlated with clinical and electrophysiological findings. CIDP patients had a significantly lower corneal NFD compared to healthy controls. The total nerve fiber length and the number of nerve branches were significantly decreased, whereas nerve tortuosity was increased in patients with CIDP. There was no positive correlation between corneal NFD and clinical or electrophysiological assessments. The average DCD was not significantly different in CIDP patients and controls. CCM measures suggest damage to small sensory afferents in the cornea in CIDP patients. Further studies are needed to compare different neuropathic conditions and to explore longitudinal changes of CCM parameters.
Neurofilament light mutation causes hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with pyramidal signs
Authors: Hashiguchi Akihiro , Higuchi Yujiro , Nomura Miwa , Nakamura Tomonori , Arata Hitoshi , Yuan Junhui , Yoshimura Akiko , Okamoto Yuji , Matsuura Eiji , Takashima Hiroshi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTo identify novel mutations causing hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) with pyramidal signs, a variant of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT), we screened 28 CMT and related genes in four members of an affected Japanese family. Clinical features included weakness of distal lower limb muscles, foot deformity, and mild sensory loss, then late onset of progressive spasticity. Electrophysiological studies revealed widespread neuropathy. Electron microscopic analysis showed abnormal mitochondria and mitochondrial accumulation in the neurons and Schwann cells. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an abnormally thin corpus callosum. In all four, microarrays detected a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.1166A>G (p.Y389C) in the gene encoding the light‐chain neurofilament protein (NEFL), indicating that NEFL mutations can result in a HMSN with pyramidal signs phenotype.