bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep sequencing analysis of variants resistant to the non‐structural 5A inhibitor daclatasvir in patients with genotype 1b hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Miura Mika , Maekawa Shinya , Sato Mitsuaki , Komatsu Nobutoshi , Tatsumi Akihisa , Takano Shinichi , Amemiya Fumitake , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Inoue Taisuke , Sakamoto Minoru , Enomoto Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2014

AimDaclatasvir, a non‐structural (NS)5A replication complex inhibitor, is a potent and promising direct antiviral agent (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV), being most effective in genotype 1b infection. Although it is known that genotype 1b viruses with Y93H and/or L31M/V/F mutations have strong resistance to daclatasvir, it is not known whether there are some clinical background conditions that favor the occurrence of HCV carrying those NS5A mutations.MethodsIn this study, we carried out deep sequencing analysis of stored sera to determine the presence and significance of daclatasvir‐resistant mutants in 110 genotype 1b HCV‐infected patients with no previous daclatasvir treatment.ResultsDeep sequencing analysis revealed that the NS5A L31M/V/F and Y93H mutations were present in 13 (11.8%) and 34 (30.9%) of the 110 patients, respectively, and significantly more frequently than in the control plasmid. Simultaneous L31M/V/F and Y93H mutations were detected in four of the 110 patients (3.6%). When the clinical relevance of NS5A resistance was investigated, Y93H was significantly correlated with the IL28B major (TT) genotype of the host (P = 0.042).ConclusionY93H was detected frequently by deep sequencing in daclatasvir treatment‐naïve patients. Importantly, it seems that the IL28B status of the patients may influence the presence of Y93H mutations, resulting in different treatment responses to daclatasvir.
Increase of fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein fraction at the onset of autoimmune hepatitis and acute liver failure
Authors: Yamagiwa Satoshi , Tamura Yasushi , Takamura Masaaki , Genda Takuya , Ichida Takafumi , Ishikawa Toru , Kamimura Tomoteru , Takahashi Toru , Suda Takeshi , Matsuda Yasunobu , Nomoto Minoru , Aoyagi Yutaka 
Published: February 2014

AimIncreased serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) has been associated with a good prognosis following acute liver failure (ALF), but the levels of the fucosylated fraction of AFP (Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of AFP [AFP‐L3]) following acute liver injury remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance of AFP and AFP‐L3 in patients with acute liver injury.MethodsWe investigated the serum levels of AFP and highly sensitive AFP‐L3% in 27 patients with acute‐onset autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 28 patients with acute hepatitis (AH) and 22 patients with ALF at the onset using a highly sensitive immunoassay (micro‐total analysis system).ResultsThe serum AFP levels were increased in patients with AIH, AH and ALF, but the levels did not significantly differ among them. However, the mean AFP‐L3% level was significantly higher in patients with AIH than in patients with AH (P = 0.0039). Moreover, significantly more patients with AIH demonstrated AFP‐L3 positivity (≥10%) when compared with patients with AH (P = 0.014). Although the percentage of AFP‐L3 positivity increased with AFP levels, at low serum AFP levels (<10 ng/mL), significantly more patients with AIH demonstrated AFP‐L3 positivity than did patients with AH (P = 0.024) or ALF (P = 0.038).ConclusionWe demonstrated for the first time that highly sensitive AFP‐L3% levels were increased at the onset of AIH. The mechanism underlying the increase in AFP‐L3 remains to be elucidated, but this finding may reflect an alteration of the glycosylation such as hyperfucosylation, which can influence the modifications of self‐antigens in hepatocytes.
Splenectomy increases the number of circulating hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in patients with hepatitis C virus‐associated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Masuya Masahiro , Shiraki Katsuya , Sugimoto Kazushi , Yamamoto Norihiko , Yoneda Misao , Kanayama Kazuki , Nishikawa Kenichiro , Ino Kazuko , Tawara Isao , Ohishi Kohshi , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Usui Masanobu , Shiraishi Taizo , Isaji Shuji , Takei Yoshiyuki , Katayama Naoyuki 
Published: February 2014

AimThe spleen is not believed to contribute to hematopoiesis in healthy adults. However, several reports have demonstrated that the spleen in adults contains a large number of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC). Although splenectomy increases platelet and leukocyte counts, the effects of splenectomy on circulating HSC have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the association between the number of circulating HSC and splenectomy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated liver cirrhosis (LC).MethodsIn 48 patients with various stages of HCV‐associated chronic liver disease and seven patients with LC who underwent splenectomy, and 10 healthy volunteers, we determined the numbers of circulating CD34+ cells and colony‐forming unit culture by flow cytometry and methylcellulose culture, respectively. Plasma stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) concentrations were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe numbers of circulating CD34+ cells and colony‐forming unit culture decreased but the plasma SDF‐1α concentration increased with the progression of liver disease. There was an inverse correlation between the number of circulating HSC and the plasma SDF‐1α concentration. The numbers of circulating HSC and platelets were determined before and after splenectomy in seven patients with LC. In these patients, the numbers of circulating HSC and platelets increased significantly after splenectomy and the enhancing effect persisted for a long time.ConclusionOur data suggest that the spleen plays an important role in modulating HSC dynamics in patients with HCV‐associated chronic liver disease. Our results also imply that splenectomy may improve liver function in patients with LC.
Efficacy and safety of once‐daily maraviroc plus ritonavir‐boosted darunavir in pretreated HIV‐infected patients in a real‐life setting
Authors: Macías J , Recio E , Márquez M , García C , Jiménez P , Merino D , Muñoz L , Pasquau J , Ojeda G , Bancalero P , Chueca N , Pineda JA 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesNucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)‐sparing regimens may be needed in patients with NRTI toxicity. Maraviroc (MVC) plus ritonavir‐boosted darunavir (DRV‐r) or atazanavir is associated with slightly lower response rates than triple therapy in drug‐naïve patients. No information is available on these combinations in pretreated patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of MVC plus DRV/r once‐daily (qd) in HIV‐infected pretreated patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study including patients starting MVC 150 mg plus DRV/r 800/100 mg qd, with CCR5 tropism and no resistance mutations for DRV/r, was performed. The primary efficacy endpoint was the achievement of plasma HIV RNA < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL after 48 weeks. The frequency of serious adverse effects was investigated.ResultsSixty patients were recruited to the study, of whom 48 (80%) had HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL at baseline. Reasons for starting MVC plus DRV/r were: adverse effects in 38 individuals (63%), simplification in 15 (25%) and virological failure in seven (12%). The main analysis (intention to treat, noncompleter = failure) showed that 47 patients (78%) achieved HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks (paired comparison with baseline, P = 1.0). On‐treatment analysis showed that 42 (86%) of 49 patients presented HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks (paired comparison with baseline, P = 1.0). Median (interquartile range) CD4 cell counts increased from 491 (301−729) to 561 (367−793) cells/μL at 48 weeks (P = 0.013). Only one patient discontinued therapy because of adverse effects.ConclusionsMost individuals starting MVC plus DRV/r qd because of simplification or adverse effects maintained HIV suppression after 48 weeks of follow‐up.
Rising cost of anticancer drugs in Australia
Authors: Karikios D. J. , Schofield D. , Salkeld G. , Mann K. P. , Trotman J. , Stockler M. R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundAnticancer drugs are often expensive and are contributing to the growing cost of cancer care. Concerns have been raised about the effect rising costs may have on availability of new anticancer drugs.AimThis study aims to determine the recent changes in the costs of anticancer drugs in Australia.MethodsPublicly available expenditure and prices paid by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for anticancer drugs from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed. The measures used to determine changes in cost were total PBS expenditure and average price paid by the PBS per prescription for anticancer drugs and for all PBS listed drugs. An estimated monthly price paid for newly listed anticancer drugs was also calculated.ResultsAnnual PBS expenditure on anticancer drugs rose from A$65 million in 1999–2000 to A$466 million in 2011–2012; an average increase of 19% per annum. The average price paid by the PBS per anticancer drug prescription, adjusted for inflation, increased 133% from A$337 to A$786. The real average annual increase in the price per anticancer drug prescription was more than double that for all other PBS drugs combined (7.6% vs 2.8%, difference 4.8%, 95% confidence interval −0.4% to 10.1%, P = 0.07). The median price for a month's treatment of the new anticancer drugs listed was A$4919 (range A$1003 to A$12 578, 2012 prices).ConclusionsPBS expenditure and the price of anticancer drugs in Australia rose substantially from 2000 to 2012. Dealing with these burgeoning costs will be a major challenge for our health system and for those affected by cancer.
Nurse‐led clinic: effective and efficient delivery of assessment and review of patients with hepatitis B and C
Authors: Biddle M. L. , Adler N. R. , Heath M. , Streat S. , Wardrop M. , Watson J. P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundHepatology and gastroenterology services are increasingly utilising the skills and experience of nurse practitioners and nurse specialists to help meet the increasing demand for healthcare. A new nurse‐led assessment clinic has been established in the liver clinic at Geelong Hospital to utilise the expertise of nurses to assess and triage new patients and streamline their pathway through the healthcare system.AimThe aim of this study is to assess quantitatively the first 2 years of operation of the nurse assessment clinic at Geelong Hospital, and to assess advantages and disadvantages of the nurse‐led clinic.MethodsData were extracted retrospectively from clinical records of new patients at the liver clinic. Quarterly 1‐month periods were recorded over 2 years. Patients were categorised according to the path through which they saw a physician, including missed and rescheduled appointments. The number of appointments, the waiting time from referral to appointments and the number of ‘did‐not‐attend’ occasions were analysed before and after the institution of the nurse‐led assessment clinic. The Mann‐Whitney rank sum test of ordinal data was used to generate median wait times.ResultsThere was shown to be a statistically significant longer waiting time for physician appointment if seen by the nurse first. The difference in waiting time was 10 days. However, there was also a reduction in the number of missed appointments at the subsequent physician clinic. Other advantages have also been identified, including effective triage of patients and organisation of appropriate investigations from the initial nurse assessment.
Complexity is costly: a meta‐analysis of parametric and non‐parametric methods for short‐term population forecasting
Authors: Ward Eric J. , Holmes Eli E. , Thorson James T. , Collen Ben 
Published: February 2014

Short‐term forecasts based on time series of counts or survey data are widely used in population biology to provide advice concerning the management, harvest and conservation of natural populations. A common approach to produce these forecasts uses time‐series models, of different types, fit to time series of counts. Similar time‐series models are used in many other disciplines, however relative to the data available in these other disciplines, population data are often unusually short and noisy and models that perform well for data from other disciplines may not be appropriate for population data. In order to study the performance of time‐series forecasting models for natural animal population data, we assembled 2379 time series of vertebrate population indices from actual surveys. Our data were comprised of three vastly different types: highly variable (marine fish productivity), strongly cyclic (adult salmon counts), and small variance but long‐memory (bird and mammal counts). We tested the predictive performance of 49 different forecasting models grouped into three broad classes: autoregressive time‐series models, non‐linear regression‐type models and non‐parametric time‐series models. Low‐dimensional parametric autoregressive models gave the most accurate forecasts across a wide range of taxa; the most accurate model was one that simply treated the most recent observation as the forecast. More complex parametric and non‐parametric models performed worse, except when applied to highly cyclic species. Across taxa, certain life history characteristics were correlated with lower forecast error; specifically, we found that better forecasts were correlated with attributes of slow growing species: large maximum age and size for fishes and high trophic level for birds.SynthesisEvaluating the data support for multiple plausible models has been an integral focus of many ecological analyses. However, the most commonly used tools to quantify support have weighted models’ hindcasting and forecasting abilities.For many applications, predicting the past may be of little interest. Concentrating only on the future predictive performance of time series models, we performed a forecasting competition among many different kinds of statistical models, applying each to many different kinds of vertebrate time series of population abundance. Low‐dimensional (simple) models performed well overall, but more complex models did slightly better when applied to time series of cyclic species (e.g. salmon).
Effects of perspective taking on courtroom decisions
Authors: Skorinko Jeanine L. , Laurent Sean , Bountress Kaitlin , Nyein Kyi Phyu , Kuckuck Daniel 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFour experiments examined the hypothesis that perspective taking with a defendant would lead to greater empathy, which would mediate lowered perceptions of culpability, with lowered culpability mediating a lower probability of guilt and recidivism. Experiments 1 and 2 established that perspective taking leads to a lower probability of guilty verdicts and recidivism, mediated by a decreased perception of the defendant's culpability. Experiment 2 showed that it does so by increasing empathy. Experiment 3 showed that perspective taking also heightens the perception of culpability through increased empathy for the victim. Experiment 4 showed that decreased culpability is in part driven by leniency, which is also a function of empathy. We tie our findings into other research investigating links between empathy and perspective taking.
The gender role self‐concept of men in female‐dominated occupations: does it depend on how they see their jobs?
Authors: Korek Sabine , Sobiraj Sonja , Weseler Daniela , Rigotti Thomas , Mohr Gisela 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the masculinity of men in female‐dominated occupations. Our assumptions that token status, masculine task redefinition, and job control are related to masculinity were supported by results of segmented and hierarchical regressions with data from 213 men in female‐dominated occupations. A comparison with 98 men from male‐dominated occupations revealed that these results are specific for men in female‐dominated occupations. Moderated regression did not support the assumption that the relation between masculine task redefinition would be stronger under low job control. Instead, the opposite pattern was found. Under high job control, the choice of tasks and their redefinition as masculine may be easier. Job control is discussed as a precondition for redefinition processes.
Sex differences in the attractiveness of hunter‐gatherer and modern risks
Authors: Petraitis John M. , Lampman Claudia B. , Boeckmann Robert J. , Falconer Evan M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWhen compared with other demographics, young males are more likely to take a variety of risks (like skateboarding, using drugs) and use risky behaviors to attract romantic partners. This study extended research on risk by assessing the attractiveness of 101 different kinds of risks performed by males and females. As predicted, factor analysis revealed that the attractiveness of diverse risks clustered around two major dimensions: risks like those faced by hunter‐gatherer humans (e.g., handling fire and dangerous animals) and risks that are uniquely modern (e.g., driving without seat belts). Additionally, results confirmed that modern risks were rated as unattractive for both sexes, whereas hunter‐gatherer risks were rated as especially attractive when performed by males. Discussion focuses on cultural and evolutionary explanations for the link between risk and attractiveness.
Deviance in organizational decision making: using unanimous decision rules to promote the positive effects and alleviate the negative effects of deviance
Authors: Rijnbout Jasmine S. , McKimmie Blake M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWhen deviance occurs during group decision making, it can lead to increased innovation and improved decision outcomes. Group members, however, often rate the group climate as lower for having experienced dissent. The current study used a hidden profile framework to investigate the effects of deviance and decision rule on task outcome and group climate. Results found that working under a unanimous decision rule increases the likelihood of shared information improving the overall decision outcome and also alleviates some of the negative consequences associated with deviance. Results have significant implications for both research on group deviance and the application of deviance techniques within organizational settings.
Enjoyment of sexualization: is it different for men?
Authors: Visser Beth A. , Sultani Farah , Choma Becky L. , Pozzebon Julie A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe elucidated the Enjoyment of Sexualization (ES) construct in a sample of 206 female and 118 male undergraduate students. Our male ES Scale had high reliability, and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a univariate structure was appropriate for both men and women. ES added to the prediction of self‐esteem and number of sexual partners (but not body shame) after controlling for self‐objectification; gender did not moderate these relationships. The relationship between ES and number of sexual partners was moderated by attractiveness such that individuals who believed themselves to be more attractive had more sexual partners at high levels of ES. Furthermore, ES was distinguishable from the conceptually‐related self‐objectification construct with regard to Big Five personality. Finally, results suggested that ES might be less harmful than self‐objectification.
Understanding the power of the picture: the effect of image content on emotional and political responses to terrorism
Authors: Iyer Aarti , Webster Joanna , Hornsey Matthew J. , Vanman Eric J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractViewing images of terrorism can have a powerful impact on individuals' emotional and political responses, yet little is known about the psychological processes underlying these effects. We hypothesized that the content of terrorism images will shape viewers' appraisals of the event, which will elicit specific emotions and political attitudes.British citizens viewed photographs of the 2005London bombings, either focusing on victims or terrorists. Exposure to images of victims increased appraisals of victim suffering, which predicted feelings of sympathy. Exposure to images of terrorists increased appraisals of terrorists as dangerous, which predicted fear; and of the attack as unjust, which predicted anger. Each emotion predicted support for a distinct counterterrorism policy. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Uno, Duo, Trio? Varieties of Trio Presidencies in the Council of Ministers
Authors: Jensen Mads Dagnis , Nedergaard Peter 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe trio Presidency function entails that Member States in groups of three are responsible for drawing up a common programme for the Council for a period of 18 months and for assisting each other. This article contributes new knowledge by focusing on the variation between four different trio Presidencies that have ended their terms since the function was launched in 2007. A typology is developed to classify past and future trio Presidencies. It is shown that there are considerable variation between past trio formations with regard to whether they follow the same objectives (scope) and how much they co‐ordinate to achieve these (depth). The observed variation is linked to the environment in which the trio Presidency operates, the individual trio members' attitude toward European integration, their territorial structuring of the state, their size, the ideology of the government and personality of the involved actors.
Low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations associate with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents independent of adiposity
Authors: Black Lucinda J , Jacoby Peter , She Ping‐Delfos Wendy Chan , Mori Trevor A , Beilin Lawrence J , Olynyk John K , Ayonrinde Oyekoya T , Huang Rae Chi , Holt Patrick G , Hart Prue H , Oddy Wendy H , Adams Leon A 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (s25[OH]D) concentrations are both associated with adiposity and insulin resistance (IR) and thus may be pathogenically linked. We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescents with NAFLD and to investigate the prospective and cross‐sectional associations between s25[OH]D concentrations and NAFLD.MethodsParticipants in the population‐based West Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Cohort had seasonally adjusted s25(OH)D concentrations determined at ages 14 and then 17 years. NAFLD was diagnosed at 17 years using liver ultrasonography. Associations were examined after adjusting for potential confounders. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) are reported per standard deviation in s25(OH)D concentrations.ResultsNAFLD was present in 16% (156/994) of adolescents. The majority of participants with NAFLD had either insufficient (51%) or deficient (17%) vitamin D status. s25(OH)D concentrations at 17 years were inversely associated with risk of NAFLD (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56, 0.97; P = 0.029), after adjusting for sex, race, physical activity, television/computer viewing, body mass index, and IR. The effect of s25(OH)D concentrations at 17 years was minimally affected after further adjusting for s25(OH)D concentrations at 14 years (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56, 1.03; P = 0.072).ConclusionsLower s25(OH)D concentrations are significantly associated with NAFLD, independent of adiposity and IR. Screening for vitamin D deficiency in adolescents at risk of NAFLD is appropriate, and clinical trials investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD may be warranted.