bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission program in Guangdong province from 2007 to 2010
Authors: Li Bing , Zhao Qingguo , Zhang Xiaozhuang , Wu Li , Chen Tingting , Liang Zhijiang , Xu Longchang , Yu Shouyi 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo achieve the goal of United Nations of elimination of new HIV infections, a program of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) was launched in Guangdong province. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the PMTCT program.MethodsThe retrospective cross-section analysis was conducted using the data of case reported cards of HIV positive mothers and their infants from 2007 to 2010 in Guangdong province, and 108 pairs of eligible subjects were obtained. We described the data and compared the rates of MTCT by various PMTCT interventions respectively.ResultsThe overall rate of HIV MTCT was 13.89% (15) among 108 pairs of HIV positive mothers and their infants; 60.19% (65) of the mothers ever received ARVs, 80.56% (87) of infants born to HIV positive mothers ever received ARVs, but 16.67% (18) of the mothers and infants neither received ARVs. Among all the mothers and infants, who both received ARVs, received triple ARVs, mother received ARVs during pregnancy, and both received ARVs and formula feeding showed the lower rates of HIV MTCT, and the rates were 8.06%, 2.50%, 5.77%, and 6.67% respectively. In infants born to HIV positive mother, who received mixed feeding had a higher HIV MTCT up to 60.00%. Delivery mode might not relative to HIV MTCT.ConclusionsThe interventions of PMTCT program in Guangdong could effectively reduce the rate of HIV MTCT, but the effectiveness of the PMTCT program were heavily cut down by the lower availability of the PMTCT interventions.
Vascular complications and changes in body mass index in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with abdominal obesity
Authors: Nagao Hirofumi , Kashine Susumu , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Okada Takuya , Kimura Takekazu , Hirata Ayumu , Fukuda Shiro , Kozawa Junji , Maeda Norikazu , Kitamura Tetsuhiro , Yasuda Tetsuyuki , Okita Kohei , Hibuse Toshiyuki , Tsugawa Mamiko , Imagawa Akihisa , Funahashi Tohru , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Although many Asian type 2 diabetic patients have been considered to be not obese and have low capacity of insulin secretion, the proportion of obese patients with visceral fat accumulation has increased in recent years. We found previously considerable number of Japanese non-obese subjects (body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2) with visceral fat accumulation and multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the difference in clinical features of type 2 diabetic patients with and without visceral fat accumulation, focusing on vascular complications and changes in BMI.

Methods
We enrolled 88 Japanese hospitalized type 2 diabetic patients. Abdominal obesity represented waist circumference (WC) of ≥85 cm for males and ≥90 cm for females (corresponding to visceral fat area of 100 cm2). Subjects were divided into two groups; with or without abdominal obesity.

Results
Hypertension, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases were significantly more in the patients with abdominal obesity. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the non-obese patients (BMI < 25 kg/m2) with abdominal obesity were similar in obese patients (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). The mean BMI of the patients with abdominal obesity was < 25 kg/m2 at 20 years of age, but reached maximum to more than 30 kg/m2 in the course. Furthermore, substantial portion of the type 2 diabetic patients (52% in males and 43% in females) were not obese at 20 year-old (BMI < 25 kg/m2), but developed abdominal obesity by the time of admission.

Conclusion
These results emphasize the need to control multiple risk factors and prevent atherosclerotic disease in patients with abdominal obesity. The significant weight gain after 20 years of age in patients with abdominal obesity stresses the importance of lifestyle modification in younger generation, to prevent potential development of type 2 diabetes and future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Intermedin protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic rats
Authors: Li Hong , Bian Yunfei , Zhang Nana , Guo Jia , Wang Cheng , Lau Wayne Bond , Xiao Chuanshi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Diabetic patients, through incompletely understood mechanisms, endure exacerbated ischemic heart injury compared to non-diabetic patients. Intermedin (IMD) is a novel calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) superfamily member with established cardiovascular protective effects. However, whether IMD protects against diabetic myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury is unknown.

Methods
Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were subjected to MI via left circumflex artery ligation for 30 minutes followed by 2 hours R. IMD was administered formally 10 minutes before R. Outcome measures included left ventricular function, oxidative stress, cellular death, infarct size, and inflammation.

Results
IMD levels were significantly decreased in diabetic rats compared to control animals. After MI/R, diabetic rats manifested elevated intermedin levels, both in plasma (64.95 ± 4.84 pmol/L, p < 0.05) and myocardial tissue (9.8 ± 0.60 pmol/L, p < 0.01) compared to pre-MI control values (43.62 ± 3.47 pmol/L and 4.4 ± 0.41). IMD administration to diabetic rats subjected to MI/R decreased oxidative stress product generation, apoptosis, infarct size, and inflammatory cytokine release (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01).

Conclusions
By reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, IMD may represent a promising novel therapeutic target mitigating diabetic ischemic heart injury.
Effect of green tea on reward learning in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
Authors: Zhang Qiangye , Yang Hongchao , Wang Jian , Li Aiwu , Zhang Wentong , Cui Xinhai , Wang Kelai 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Both clinical and preclinical studies revealed that regular intake of green tea reduced the prevalence of depressive symptoms, as well as produced antidepressant-like effects in rodents. Evidence proposed that disturbed reward learning has been associated with the development of anhedonia, a core symptom of depression. However, the relationship between green tea and reward learning is poorly investigated. Our goal was to test whether chronic treatment with green tea in healthy subjects affects the process of reward learning and subsequently regulates the depressive symptoms.

Methods
Seventy-four healthy subjects participated in a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study with oral administration of green tea or placebo for 5weeks. We used the monetary incentive delay task to evaluate the reward learning by measurement of the response to reward trial or no-reward trial. We compared the reaction time of reward responsiveness between green tea and placebo treatment. Furthermore, we selected Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) and 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) to estimate the depressive symptoms in these two groups.

Results
The results showed chronic treatment of green tea increased reward learning compared with placebo by decreasing the reaction time in monetary incentive delay task. Moreover, participants treated with green tea showed reduced scores measured in MADRS and HRSD-17 compared with participants treated with placebo.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal that chronic green tea increased the reward learning and prevented the depressive symptoms. These results also raised the possibility that supplementary administration of green tea might reverse the development of depression through normalization of the reward function.
On the solutions of two special types of Riccati difference equation via Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Tollu Durhasan T , Yazlik Yasin , Taskara Necati 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the solutions of two special types of the Riccati difference equation

x

n
+
1

=

1

1
+

x
n

and

y

n
+
1

=

1

−
1
+

y
n

such that their solutions are associated with Fibonacci numbers.

MSC: 11B39, 39A10, 39A13.
Post-treatment of secondary wastewater treatment plant effluent using a two-stage fluidized bed bioreactor system
Authors: Safari Golam Hossein , Yetilmezsoy Kaan , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Zarrabi Mansur 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of a two-stage fluidized bed reactor (FBR) system for the post-treatment of secondary wastewater treatment plant effluents (Shahrak Gharb, Tehran, Iran). The proposed treatment scheme was evaluated using pilot-scale reactors (106-L of capacity) filled with PVC as the fluidized bed (first stage) and gravel for the filtration purpose (second stage). Aluminum sulfate (30 mg/L) and chlorine (1 mg/L) were used for the coagulation and disinfection of the effluent, respectively. To monitor the performance of the FBR system, variation of several parameters (biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, total phosphorous, total coliform and fecal coliform) were monitored in the effluent wastewater samples. The results showed that the proposed system could effectively reduce BOD5 and COD below 1.95 and 4.06 mg/L, respectively. Turbidity of the effluent could be achieved below 0.75 NTU, which was lower than those reported for the disinfection purpose. The total phosphorus was reduced to 0.52 mg/L, which was near the present phosphorous standard for the prevention of eutrophication process. Depending on both microorganism concentration and applied surface loading rates (5–10 m/h), about 35 to 75% and 67 to 97% of coliform were removed without and with the chlorine addition, respectively. Findings of this study clearly confirmed the efficiency of the FBR system for the post-treatment of the secondary wastewater treatment plant effluents without any solid problem during the chlorination.
African American Men With Very Low–Risk Prostate Cancer Exhibit Adverse Oncologic Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy: Should Active Surveillance Still Be an Option for Them?
Authors: Sundi Debasish , Ross Ashley E. , Humphreys Elizabeth B. , Han Misop , Partin Alan W. , Carter H. Ballentine , Schaeffer Edward M. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose Active surveillance (AS) is a treatment option for men with very low–risk prostate cancer (PCa); however, favorable outcomes achieved for men in AS are based on cohorts that under-represent African American (AA) men. To explore whether race-based health disparities exist among men with very low–risk PCa, we evaluated oncologic outcomes of AA men with very low–risk PCa who were candidates for AS but elected to undergo radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients and Methods We studied 1,801 men (256 AA, 1,473 white men, and 72 others) who met National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria for very low–risk PCa and underwent RP. Presenting characteristics, pathologic data, and cancer recurrence were compared among the groups. Multivariable modeling was performed to assess the association of race with upgrading and adverse pathologic features. Results AA men with very low–risk PCa had more adverse pathologic features at RP and poorer oncologic outcomes. AA men were more likely to experience disease upgrading at prostatectomy (27.3% v 14.4%; P < .001), positive surgical margins (9.8% v 5.9%; P = .02), and higher Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Post-Surgical scoring system (CAPRA-S) scores. On multivariable analysis, AA race was an independent predictor of adverse pathologic features (odds ratio, [OR], 3.23; P = .03) and pathologic upgrading (OR, 2.26; P = .03). Conclusion AA men with very low–risk PCa who meet criteria for AS but undergo immediate surgery experience significantly higher rates of upgrading and adverse pathology than do white men and men of other races. AA men with very low–risk PCa should be counseled about increased oncologic risk when deciding among their disease management options.
Imatinib for Melanomas Harboring Mutationally Activated or Amplified KIT Arising on Mucosal, Acral, and Chronically Sun-Damaged Skin
Authors: Hodi F. Stephen , Corless Christopher L. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Zhu Meijun , Marino-Enriquez Adrian , Friedlander Philip , Gonzalez Rene , Weber Jeffrey S. , Gajewski Thomas F. , O'Day Steven J. , Kim Kevin B. , Lawrence Donald , Flaherty Keith T. , Luke Jason J. , Collichio Frances A. , Ernstoff Marc S. , Heinrich Michael C. , Beadling Carol , Zukotynski Katherine A. , Yap Jeffrey T. , Van den Abbeele Annick D. , Demetri George D. , Fisher David E. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose Amplifications and mutations in the KIT proto-oncogene in subsets of melanomas provide therapeutic opportunities. Patients and Methods We conducted a multicenter phase II trial of imatinib in metastatic mucosal, acral, or chronically sun-damaged (CSD) melanoma with KIT amplifications and/or mutations. Patients received imatinib 400 mg once per day or 400 mg twice per day if there was no initial response. Dose reductions were permitted for treatment-related toxicities. Additional oncogene mutation screening was performed by mass spectroscopy. Results Twenty-five patients were enrolled (24 evaluable). Eight patients (33%) had tumors with KIT mutations, 11 (46%) with KIT amplifications, and five (21%) with both. Median follow-up was 10.6 months (range, 3.7 to 27.1 months). Best overall response rate (BORR) was 29% (21% excluding nonconfirmed responses) with a two-stage 95% CI of 13% to 51%. BORR was significantly greater than the hypothesized null of 5% and statistically significantly different by mutation status (7 of 13 or 54% KIT mutated v 0% KIT amplified only). There were no statistical differences in rates of progression or survival by mutation status or by melanoma site. The overall disease control rate was 50% but varied significantly by KIT mutation status (77% mutated v 18% amplified). Four patients harbored pretreatment NRAS mutations, and one patient acquired increased KIT amplification after treatment. Conclusion Melanomas that arise on mucosal, acral, or CSD skin should be assessed for KIT mutations. Imatinib can be effective when tumors harbor KIT mutations, but not if KIT is amplified only. NRAS mutations and KIT copy number gain may be mechanisms of therapeutic resistance to imatinib.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Entecavir Prophylaxis for Rituximab-Associated Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients With Lymphoma and Resolved Hepatitis B
Authors: Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hsiao Liang-Tsai , Hong Ying-Chung , Chiou Tzeon-Jye , Yu Yuan-Bin , Gau Jyh-Pyng , Liu Chun-Yu , Yang Muh-Hwa , Tzeng Cheng-Hwai , Lee Pui-Ching , Lin Han-Chieh , Lee Shou-Dong 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe role of antiviral prophylaxis in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation before rituximab-based chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma and resolved hepatitis B is unclear.Patients and MethodsEighty patients with CD20+lymphoma and resolved hepatitis B were randomly assigned to receive either prophylactic entecavir (ETV) before chemotherapy to 3 months after completing chemotherapy (ETV prophylactic group, n = 41) or to receive therapeutic ETV at the time of HBV reactivation and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reverse seroconversion since chemotherapy (control group, n = 39).ResultsFifty-eight patients (72.5%) were positive for hepatitis B surface antibody, and HBV DNA was undetectable in 50 patients (62.5%). During a mean 18-month follow-up period, one patient (2.4%) in the ETV prophylactic group and seven patients (17.9%) in the control group developed HBV reactivation (P = .027). The cumulative HBV reactivation rates at months 6, 12, and 18 after chemotherapy were 8%, 11.2%, and 25.9%, respectively, in the control group, and 0%, 0%, and 4.3% in the ETV prophylactic group (P = .019). Four patients (50%) in the control group had HBsAg reverse seroconversion after HBV reactivation. The cumulative HBsAg reverse seroconversion rates at months 6, 12, and 18 since chemotherapy were 0%, 6.4%, and 16.3% in the control group, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the ETV prophylactic group (P = .032). Patients with detectable or undetectable viral load could develop HBV reactivation and HBsAg reverse seroconversion.ConclusionUndetectable HBV viral load before chemotherapy did not confer reactivation-free status. Antiviral prophylaxis can potentially prevent rituximab-associated HBV reactivation in patients with lymphoma and resolved hepatitis B.
External quality assessment of HbA1c and its effect on comparison between Swedish pediatric diabetes clinics. Experiences from the Swedish pediatric diabetes quality register (Swediabkids) and Equalis
Authors: Lindblad Bengt , Nordin Gunnar 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background: To explore to what extent measurement error can explain the variation of mean patient HbA1c between clinics.

Methods: For each year 2005–2010 data from 5380–6985 children, age <18 years, in 35–43 Swedish pediatric clinics was analyzed. Each year 13,000–19,000 HbA1c analyses were evaluated. Year mean HbA1c for each patient was calculated for HbA1c values when insulin dose was ≥0.5 U/kg. In Sweden HbA1c values were during the study period standardized to the Mono S level, HbA1c(Mono S)%, but are given also in the international unit HbA1c(IFCC), mmol/mol. Performance of locally measured HbA1c is monitored by Equalis through monthly external quality assessment (EQA) schemes.

Results: The yearly mean bias term for each clinic varied from −0.54 to 0.41 HbA1c(Mono S)%. The bias between clinic HbA1c and target value improved during the 6 years and the mean bias was for 79%–88% of clinics within the recommended level ±0.14 HbA1c% the last 2 years. Inter-clinic mean HbA1c had a wide interquartile range, 0.30–0.43 HbA1c(Mono S)% [3.2–4.5 HbA1c(IFCC)mmol/mol].

Conclusions: Regular participation in EQA schemes is necessary when comparing HbA1c values. The measurement error decreased during the 6-year period and explained from 28% to <10% of the inter-clinic variation in year mean clinic HbA1c.
On volumes determined by subsets of Euclidean space
Authors: Greenleaf Allan , Iosevich Alex , Mourgoglou Mihalis 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Given E ⊂ ℝ
d
, define the volume set of E,
𝒱(E) = {det(x
1,x
2,...,xd
) : xj
∈ E}.
In ℝ3, we prove that 𝒱(E) has positive Lebesgue measure if either the Hausdorff dimension of E ⊂ ℝ3 is greater than 13/5, or E is a product set of the form E = B
1×B
2×B
3 with Bj
⊂ ℝ,
dimℋ(Bj
) > 2/3,
j = 1,2,3. We show that the same conclusion holds for 𝒱(E) of Salem subsets E ⊂ ℝ
d
with
dimℋ(E) > d - 1, and give applications to discrete combinatorial geometry.
An Efficient Weakly Supervised Approach for Texture Segmentation via Graph Cuts
Authors: Bhavsar Arnav V. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe propose an approach for texture segmentation based on weak supervised learning. The weak supervision implies that the user marks only a single small patch for each class in the input image. These patches are used for training. We employ the method of graph cuts for the segmentation task. Our work demonstrates that even under such weak training, texture segmentation can be achieved efficiently and with good accuracy via graph cuts. Moreover, our approach uses a simpler feature representation than that in similar contemporary segmentation approaches. We also provide a brief discussion indicating the good performance of our approach. We validate our method on various standard texture mosaics and also on segmentation of natural images with large texture variations.
Twin screw extrusion with Expancel foaming agent
Authors: Sikora Janusz W. , Levytskyi Volodymir , Moravskyi Volodymir , Gerlach Hendrik 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Foam extrusion of polypropylene with a foaming agent, Expancel 950 MB 80 and 950 MB 120, was performed. The process was performed using a co-rotating twin screw extruder, with an 18 mm screw diameter and 24 L/D ratio. Dependences of polymer mass flow rate, extrudate foam rate, and polymer pressure on screw speed and foaming agent amount were determined and relevant conclusions were drawn.
Dissolution/reprecipitation technique for waste polyolefin recycling using new pure and blend organic solvents
Authors: Hadi Arkan J. , Najmuldeen Ghazi Faisal , Yusoh Kamal Bin 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Restoration of waste polymer based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) is studied using the dissolution/reprecipitation method. In this technique, pure turpentine, turpentine/petroleum ether (PetE) and turpentine/benzene as solvents with different fractions and PetE and n-hexane as non-solvents were examined. Commercial polymer products (packaging food, bags, laboratory plastic materials, detergent containers) used as raw materials were optimized with model polymers. Polymer recoveries in every case were <94%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and tensile mechanical properties of the samples before and after recycling were measured. Potential recycling-based degradation of the polymer was further investigated by measuring the thermal properties (melting point and crystallinity), before and after recycling, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The blend solvents were seen as good solvents for all polyolefins used and the dissolution temperature was less than the pure solvent at the same time. High reconditioning was observed in most recycled samples, with no significant difference from the virgin materials. The studied technique seems to be viable for waste polyolefin polymer recycling.
Effectiveness of Monovalent and Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine
Authors: Cortese Margaret M. , Immergluck Lilly Cheng , Held Melissa , Jain Shabnam , Chan Trisha , Grizas Alexandra P. , Khizer Saadia , Barrett Carol , Quaye Osbourne , Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Gautam Rashi , Bowen Michael D. , Moore Jessica , Tate Jacqueline E. , Parashar Umesh D. , Vázquez Marietta 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Previous US evaluations have not assessed monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1, a G1P[8] human rotavirus strain) effectiveness, because of its later introduction (2008). Using case-control methodology, we measured the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the 2-dose RV1 and 3-dose pentavalent vaccine (RV5) series against rotavirus disease resulting in hospital emergency department or inpatient care.

METHODS:
Children were eligible for enrollment if they presented to 1 of 5 hospitals (3 in Georgia, 2 in Connecticut) with diarrhea of ≤10 days’ duration during January through June 2010 or 2011, and were born after RV1 introduction. Stools were collected; immunization records were obtained from providers and state electronic immunization information system (IIS). Case-subjects (children testing rotavirus antigen-positive) were compared with 2 control groups: children testing rotavirus negative and children selected from IIS.

RESULTS:
Overall, 165 rotavirus-case subjects and 428 rotavirus-negative controls were enrolled. Using the rotavirus-negative controls, RV1 VE was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80 to 95) and RV5 VE was 92% (CI 75 to 97) among children aged ≥8 months. The RV1 VE against G2P[4] disease was high (94%, CI 78 to 98), as was that against G1P[8] disease (89%, CI 70 to 96). RV1 effectiveness was sustained among children aged 12 through 23 months (VE 91%; CI 75 to 96). VE point estimates using IIS controls were similar to those using rotavirus-negative controls.

CONCLUSIONS:
RV1 and RV5 were both highly effective against severe rotavirus disease. RV1 conferred sustained protection during the first 2 years of life and demonstrated high effectiveness against G2P[4] (heterotypic) disease.