bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients with HCV and F1 and F2 fibrosis stage: treat now or wait?
Authors: Shiffman Mitchell L. , Benhamou Yves 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe current standard of care (SOC) for patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 is a combination of either boceprevir or telaprevir with peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV). Although it is effective in a high percentage of patients, this treatment is associated with significant adverse events (AEs). The next generation of protease inhibitors, simeprevir and faldaprevir, will also be used with PEG‐IFN/RBV. Interferon‐free therapy with sofosbuvir appears promising and on the horizon for patients with genotypes 2 and 3, but may still be many years away for patients with HCV genotype 1. The factors which should be considered when deciding whether to treat a patient with HCV and mild fibrosis with the current SOC now, or to delay treatment until less toxic and/or more effective therapy is available is discussed.
Interferon free therapy with direct acting antivirals for HCV
Authors: Asselah Tarik , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe current treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 chronic infection is the addition of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) with a protease inhibitor (telaprevir or boceprevir) to the pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) regimen. Major progress has been made in the past few years: numerous ongoing trials with different compounds, increasing sustained virological response (SVR) rates with oral regimens and shortened treatment duration. Combinations of antivirals with additive potency that lack cross‐resistance and with a good safety profile may provide new regimens in the future to make HCV the first chronic viral infection to be eradicated worldwide with a finite duration of combination DAA therapy without IFN.
Mixing of vineyard and oak‐tree ecotypes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in North American vineyards
Authors: Hyma Katie E. , Fay Justin C. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHumans have had a significant impact on the distribution and abundance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae through its widespread use in beer, bread and wine production. Yet, similar to other Saccharomyces species, S. cerevisiae has also been isolated from habitats unrelated to fermentations. Strains of S. cerevisiae isolated from grapes, wine must and vineyards worldwide are genetically differentiated from strains isolated from oak‐tree bark, exudate and associated soil in North America. However, the causes and consequences of this differentiation have not yet been resolved. Historical differentiation of these two groups may have been influenced by geographic, ecological or human‐associated barriers to gene flow. Here, we make use of the relatively recent establishment of vineyards across North America to identify and characterize any active barriers to gene flow between these two groups. We examined S. cerevisiae strains isolated from grapes and oak trees within three North American vineyards and compared them to those isolated from oak trees outside of vineyards. Within vineyards, we found evidence of migration between grapes and oak trees and potential gene flow between the divergent oak‐tree and vineyard groups. Yet, we found no vineyard genotypes on oak trees outside of vineyards. In contrast, Saccharomyces paradoxus isolated from the same sources showed population structure characterized by isolation by distance. The apparent absence of ecological or genetic barriers between sympatric vineyard and oak‐tree populations of S. cerevisiae implies that vineyards play an important role in the mixing between these two groups.
Gender behaviors as predictors of peer acceptance and victimization
Authors: KREIGER TYSON C. , KOCHENDERFER‐LADD BECKY 
Published: January 2013

AbstractChildren's peer relationships are important to their socioemotional and cognitive development; thus, understanding the determinants of such relationships is of ongoing interest. It was hypothesized that gender behaviors and affiliations would predict peer acceptance and victimization. Path analyses using data from 192 fourth graders showed that for both genders, engaging in feminine activities predicted less peer‐reported acceptance and greater victimization, and engaging in masculine activities predicted greater peer acceptance. Affiliating with male peers was associated with greater peer‐reported acceptance for both genders, and greater self‐reported peer acceptance for boys. Indirect effects showed that the link between gender behaviors and victimization is mediated by peer acceptance. These findings support the contention that gender behaviors relate to the quality of children's relationships.
Comparative study of systemic psoralen and ultraviolet A and narrowband ultraviolet B in treatment of chronic urticaria
Authors: Khafagy Naziha Hafez , Salem Samar Abdallah M. , Ghaly Enas Guirguis 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundPrevious success rates of psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) and narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB) in the treatment of chronic urticaria are reported in few studies with no previous reports on the comparable efficacy of both modalities in the disease.AimWe aimed to compare the efficacy of PUVA versus NB‐UVB in the treatment of chronic urticaria.MethodsTwenty‐four patients with chronic urticaria were included and divided into two groups: 12 patients subjected to PUVA and 12 subjected to NB‐UVB. They were compared according to the urticaria Total Severity Score (TSS) before and after treatment, cumulative dose, and side effects.ResultsThere was a statistically significant decrease in urticaria TSS in both the NB‐UVB‐ and PUVA‐treated groups after than before treatment (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between both groups regarding the percentage of improved patients and the mean decrease of urticaria TSS (P > 0.05). Gastrointestinal upset was reported at a significantly higher percentage in the PUVA‐treated group than in the NB‐UVB‐treated group.ConclusionBoth NB‐UVB and PUVA show comparable efficacy in the treatment of chronic urticaria with minimal reversible side effects.
Second‐degree burns caused by exposure to sunbed with displaced filter in the facial tanner: a report of two cases
Authors: Faurschou Annesofie , Heydenreich Jakob , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: January 2013

SummarySunbed exposure frequently leads to erythema of the skin but second‐degree burns are unusual. We report two patients who experienced second‐degree burns due to partial displacement of the filter in the facial tanner of a sunbed. This is a severe fault and calls for increased safety regulations.
Evaluation of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in vitiligo patients with and without autoimmune diseases
Authors: Saleh Hanan M. A. , Abdel Fattah Nermeen S. A. , Hamza Heba‐Tullah M. M. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundVitiligo is an autoimmune depigmentation disorder, commonly associated with systemic autoimmune diseases. Deficient serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels have been noted in some patients with autoimmune diseases.AimTo evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels in vitiligo patients with and without systemic autoimmune diseases.MethodsA case‐control study was conducted on 40 vitiligo patients (20 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and 20 patients without autoimmune diseases) and 40 age‐, gender‐ and skin phototype‐matched healthy controls. Serum 25(OH)D was measured in all subjects, divided into: normal or sufficient (≥ 30 ng/ml), insufficient (< 30–> 20 ng/ml) and deficient (≤ 20 ng/ml) levels.ResultsOne patient with vitiligo (2.5%) versus 33 healthy controls (82.5%) have sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels while 39 patients (97.5%) versus 5 controls (12.5%) have deficient 25(OH)D levels with significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels in patients compared to controls (P‐value < 0.001). The other 2 healthy controls have insufficient 25(OH)D levels. Patients with vitiligo and autoimmune diseases have lower serum 25(OH)D levels than vitiligo patients without autoimmune diseases but with no significant difference. No significant correlations existed between age of the patients, duration of vitiligo, duration of associated autoimmune diseases, affected body surface area and serum 25(OH)D levels of patients.ConclusionDeficient serum 25(OH)D levels are present in vitiligo patients with and without systemic autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, screening for vitamin D deficiency seems of value in vitiligo patients for the possibility of vitamin D supplementation.
Photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kim Andrew , Chong Benjamin F. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundUltraviolet radiation (UVR) is a well‐known exacerbating factor for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), with photosensitivity comprising one of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, discerning true photosensitivity in this population is difficult due to the broad language utilized by the ACR and the delayed‐onset nature of photosensitive lupus lesions.AimsThe objective of this report is to provide a review of photosensitivity, photoprovocation, and phototherapy in the context of CLE patients.MethodsA literature review in PubMed was conducted using the terms ‘ultraviolet light,’ ‘lupus erythematosus,’ ‘photoprovocation,’ or ‘photosensitivity.’ResultsSelf‐patient reporting of photosensitivity and the broad definition of photosensitivity have led to the wide range of photosensitivity rates in CLE patients. Photoprovocation testing provides a more objective method to measure photosensitivity, but even these trials demonstrate significant differences due to protocol variations. Despite UVR's deleterious effect on lupus patients, ultraviolet A (UVA)‐1 may have therapeutic benefits as shown by observations on murine models and human lupus subjects.ConclusionsAccurately discerning photosensitivity has diagnostic implications for SLE and provides motivation for greater patient adherence to photoprotective methods.
Persistent polymorphous light eruption after ultraviolet A1 phototherapy
Authors: AlJasser Mohammed I. , Lui Harvey , Ball Nigel J. , Kalia Sunil 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPolymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common photodermatosis and is characterized by the development of a pruritic skin eruption within a few hours to days after sun or artificial light exposure. The eruption usually takes up to two weeks to resolve in the absence of further ultraviolet radiation. PMLE has been reported as a side effect of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) therapy but characteristics of the eruption, especially the duration until resolution after treatment, has not been described. A 37‐year‐old female developed an unusually persistent PMLE that lasted for 5 weeks after completion of UVA1 phototherapy.
An International Delphi Study of the Causes of Death and the Criteria Used to Assign Cause of Death in Bovine Perinatal Mortality
Authors: Mee JF , Sanchez‐Miguel C , Doherty M 
Published: January 2013

ContentsThe objective of the present study was to elicit opinion from two groups of veterinarians [subject matter experts and non‐subject matter experts] about the causes of bovine perinatal mortality and the criteria used to assign such causes. The subject matter experts were selected on the basis of their scientific publications or experience of working in a veterinary diagnostic or research laboratory in the area of bovine perinatal mortality. The non‐subject matter experts were self‐selected as cattle veterinarians without particular expertise in bovine perinatology. A total of 74 veterinarians (46 subject matter experts and 28 non‐subject matter experts) from 23 countries responded. The study was conducted using Delphi methodology over seven rounds. Respondents were asked to agree the causes of bovine perinatal mortality and for each cause to agree the supporting diagnostic criteria. There was a close agreement between groups on 16 causes of death apart from intra‐uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and micronutrient imbalances which were accepted by fewer subject matter experts. There was inter‐group consensus on the criteria to diagnose accidents, congenital defects, dystocia, hyperthermia, infections, premature placental separation, prematurity and prolonged calving. There was inter‐group consensus on the criteria to diagnose anoxia, apart from gingival cyanosis; on haemorrhage, apart from haemorrhagic anaemia; on IUGR, apart from organ weights; and on iodine imbalance, apart from goitre and thyroid iodine content. The results from this study highlighted the current lack of standardization of the criteria used to define the cause of death for bovine perinatal mortality and the need for such standardization.
Pentraxin‐3: A novel biomarker for discriminating parapneumonic from other exudative effusions
Authors: Ozsu Savas , Abul Yasin , Mentese Ahmet , Bektas Hayriye , Uzun Aysegul , Ozlu Tevfik , Porcel José M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivePentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3) is a relatively new marker of inflammation that has not been previously tested in pleural effusions. We aimed to assess whether PTX‐3 is an accurate biomarker of parapneumonic effusions (PPE) and whether it discriminates complicated (CPPE)from non‐complicated PPE.MethodsThe concentrations of pleural fluid PTX‐3 were measured by a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in a prospective cohort of 84 patients with pleural effusions, including 24 PPE, 40 malignant, and 20 miscellaneous exudative effusions. The area under the curve quantified the overall diagnostic accuracy of the test. A multivariate logistic regression analysis selected pleural fluid biochemistries predictive of PPE.ResultsMedian pleural fluid PTX‐3 levels were higher in PPE than in both malignant effusions and other exudates (32.4 ng/mL vs 6.7 ng/mL, and 8.5 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). PTX‐3 > 12 ng/mL yielded 88% sensitivity, 73% specificity, likelihood ratio positive 3.3 and likelihood ratio negative 0.17 for diagnosing PPE, with an area under the curve of 0.855 (95% CI: 0.769–0.941). In the multivariate analysis, pleural PTX‐3 levels remained associated with increased diagnostic odds for PPE (odds ratio 17.7, 95% confidence interval: 3.7–85.1, P < 0.001). There was a non‐significant trend towards higher pleural PTX‐3 levels in CPPE as compared with non‐complicated.ConclusionsHigh concentrations of PTX‐3 in pleural effusions are very sensitive to differentiate PPE from non‐PPE. However, they do not seem to differentiate uncomplicated‐complicated from CPPE differentiation.
Asymmetric and Time‐Varying Causality between Inflation and Inflation Uncertainty in G‐7 Countries
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Ozdemir Zeynel Abidin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe useGranger causality tests within a conditionalGaussianMarkov switching vector autoregressive (MS‐VAR) model using monthly data forG‐7 countries covering the period 1959:12–2008:10 to examine the relationship between inflation and inflation‐uncertainty. TheMS‐VARmodel allows us to model parameter time‐variation so as to reflect changes in Granger causality, assuming that these changes are stochastic and governed by an unobservableMarkov chain. Inflation uncertainty is measured as the conditional variance generated by a Fractionally Integrated Smooth Transition Autoregressive Moving Average‐Asymmetric PowerARCH(FISTARMA‐APARCH) model. The distinguishing feature of our approach from the previous studies is the determination of the sign of theGranger causality relationship between inflation and its uncertainty over time. First, using a rollingVARmodel, we show that the relationship between inflation and inflation uncertainty is time varying with frequent breaks. Second, using theMS‐VARmodel, we obtain strong evidence in favour of theHolland's ‘stabilizing Fed hypothesis’ forCanada,France,Germany,Japan,UnitedKingdom, and theUnitedStates. We also find evidence in favour of theFriedman hypothesis forCanada and theUnitedStates.
The Capstone Experience for the Religious Studies Major
Authors: Upson‐Saia Kristi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this essay is to offer a survey of religious studies capstones from twenty‐nine U.S. colleges and universities, to identify the most common frustrations about the capstone, and to observe how departments resolve such frustrations. I conclude that the most successful capstones – in terms of students' performance and faculty satisfaction – are those that are carefully linked to their department's major curriculum, pedagogies, and staffing, that set out to achieve a reasonable set of objectives, and that are aligned with their institutional mission, culture, and expectations for assessment. Yet, I argue that it is becoming increasingly difficult to design our capstone experiences according to the above principles because of the proliferation of departmental and institutional pressures we presently face. Finally, I offer some guidelines by which we might devise or revise our capstones to alleviate some of the most common pressures.
The Contemplative Bow in Teaching and Learning Pastoral Care
Authors: Koppel Michael S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis article elucidates theoretical underpinnings for the use of one's self in the pastoral theological classroom. The contemplative bow is developed as a capacious metaphor to describe appropriate self use and its necessary importance in the teaching and learning of pastoral arts in a theological curriculum. Central to the argument is the assumption that effective teaching and learning in pastoral care emerges from awareness and knowledge of self as well as letting go of self in beneficial service with others. Analytical engagement of educational, theological, and psychological theory informs practice for the professional school classroom.
Insertion of the dorsal oblique muscle in the dog: an anatomic basis for ventral strabismus associated with oculomotor nerve dysfunction
Authors: O'Neill Jeremy J. , Kent Marc , Glass Eric N. , Platt Simon R. , de Lahunta Alexander 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the insertion of the dorsal oblique (DO) muscle in relationship to the equator of the globe in dogs.ProcedureThe study was conducted on 10 fresh cadaver eyes from five dogs, which were euthanized for disease processes unrelated to ocular disease. A manual vernier caliper was used to determine the calculated measurements.ResultsThe median anterior‐to‐posterior diameter of the globe was 21 mm. The median length from the vertex of the anterior pole to the anterior point of insertion of theDOtendon was 11.5 mm. The median length from the posterior pole to the posterior point of insertion of theDOtendon was 10 mm. The width of tendon of insertion of theDOtendon was 3.25 mm.ConclusionsIn disorders involving the oculomotor nerve or the oculomotor nerve nucleus in the mesencephalon, the resultant strabismus is directed ventrolaterally. Based on the insertion of the superior oblique muscle in humans, we hypothesized that theDOmuscle would likely explain the ventral deviation in disorders of the oculomotor nerve or its nucleus. In this study, the point of the insertion of theDOmuscle tendon was posterior to the equator. Based on this anatomic location, unopposed function of theDOmuscle would be expected to result in ventral deviation of the globe.
Evaluation of CHROMagar STEC and STEC O104 Chromogenic Agar Media for Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Stool Specimens
Authors: Gouali Malika , Ruckly Corinne , Carle Isabelle , Lejay-Collin Monique , Weill François-Xavier 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

The performance of CHROMagar STEC and CHROMagar STEC O104 (CHROMagar Microbiology, Paris, France) media for the detection of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) was assessed with 329 stool specimens collected over 14 months from patients with suspected STEC infections (June 2011 to August 2012). The CHROMagar STEC medium, after an enrichment broth step, allowed the recovery of the STEC strain from 32 of the 39 (82.1%) Shiga toxin-positive stool specimens, whereas the standard procedure involving Drigalski agar allowed the recovery of only three additional STEC strains. The isolates that grew on CHROMagar STEC medium belonged to 15 serotypes, including the prevalent non-sorbitol-fermenting (NSF) O157:H7, O26:H11, and O104:H4 serotypes. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the CHROMagar STEC medium were between 89.1% and 91.4%, 83.7% and 86.7%, 40% and 51.3%, and 98% and 98.8%, respectively, depending on whether or not
stx
-negative
eae
-positive
E. coli
was considered atypical enteropathogenic
E. coli
(EPEC) or STEC that had lost Shiga toxin genes during infection. In conclusion, the good performance of CHROMagar STEC agar medium, in particular, the high negative predictive value, and its capacity to identify NSF O157:H7 as well as common non-O157 STEC may be useful for clinical bacteriology, public health, and reference laboratories; it could be used in addition to a method targeting Shiga toxins (detection of
stx
genes by PCR, immunodetection of Shiga toxins in stool specimens, or Vero cell cytotoxicity assay) as an alternative to O157 culture medium. This combined approach should allow rapid visualization of both putative O157 and non-O157 STEC colonies for subsequent characterization, essential for real-time surveillance of STEC infections and investigations of outbreaks.
Association of Neurotropic Viruses in HIV-Infected Individuals Who Died of Secondary Complications of Tuberculosis, Cryptococcosis, or Toxoplasmosis in South India
Authors: Kannangai Rajesh , Sachithanandham Jaiprasath , Mahadevan Anita , Abraham Asha Mary , Sridharan Gopalan , Desai Anita , Ravi Vasanthapuram , Shankar Susarla Krishna 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

The frequencies of 10 opportunistic DNA viruses were determined by multiplex real-time PCR in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue of HIV-infected individuals. In the CSF, viruses were detectable in 45/55 cases: JC virus (JCV) in 62%, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 44%, cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 25%, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in 3.6%, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in 1.8%, and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in 1.8% of cases. A single virus was detectable in 20 cases, 19 cases had coinfection with two viruses, and 6 cases were positive for three viruses. JCV was detectable in the CSF of 62% of cases and in 42% of brain tissues, with higher loads in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (
P
< 0.05).
Influenza A (H15N4) Virus Isolation in Western Siberia, Russia
Authors: Sivay Mariya V. , Baranovich Tatiana , Marchenko Vasiliy Y. , Sharshov Kirill A. , Govorkova Elena A. , Shestopalov Aleksander M. , Webby Richard J. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The rarely identified influenza A viruses of the H15 hemagglutinin subtype have been isolated exclusively in Australia. Here we report the isolation of an H15N4 influenza A virus (A/teal/Chany/7119/2008) in Western Siberia, Russia. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the internal genes of the A/teal/Chany/7119/2008 strain belong to the Eurasian clade and that the H15 and N4 genes were introduced into the gene pool of circulating endemic avian influenza viruses through reassortment events.