bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reinfection with hepatitis C virus following sustained virological response in injection drug users
Authors: Grebely Jason , Knight Elizabeth , Ngai Tyler , Genoway Krista A , Raffa Jesse D , Storms Michelle , Gallagher Lesley , Krajden Mel , Dore Gregory J , Duncan Fiona , Conway Brian 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim: Despite that 60–90% of injection drug users (IDUs) are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, IDUs are often denied therapy based on concerns of reinfection following treatment. However, there are little data in this regard. We evaluated HCV re‐infection following sustained virologic response (SVR) among HCV‐infected IDUs having received HCV treatment in a multidisciplinary program.Methods: Following treatment, participants were encouraged to return at follow‐up intervals of 1 year and illicit drug use histories were obtained. In those with SVR, HCV RNA testing by PCR was performed to determine if relapse or reinfection occurred.Results: Among 58 receiving HCV treatment between January 2002 and December 2006, 60% (35 of 58) achieved an SVR. Patients were followed for a median of 2.0 years following SVR (range, 0.4–5.0 years), with ongoing illicit and injection drug use reported in 54% (19 of 35) and 46% (16 of 35). Of the 35 with SVR, 28 remained HCV RNA negative during follow‐up (80%), with four lost to follow‐up and one dying of hepatocellular carcinoma and two cases of reinfection were observed (2 of 35). The rates of reinfection were 3.2 per 100 p‐y (95% CI:0.4, 11.5) overall and 5.3 per 100 p‐y (95% CI:0.6, 19.0) among those reporting injecting following SVR (n = 16). One of two participants with HCV re‐infection spontaneously cleared virus following reinfection.Conclusion: The rate of reinfection following treatment for HCV infection among current and former IDUs engaged in a multidisciplinary program is low.
Significance of H63D homozygosity in a Basque population with hemochromatosis
Authors: Castiella Agustin , Zapata Eva , De Juan Maria Dolores , Otazua Pedro , Fernandez Javier , Zubiaurre Leire , Arriola Jose A. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  The significance of H63D homozygosity remains uncertain, although it is associated with a tendency for patients to develop iron overload.Aims:  To study the prevalence of homozygotic H63D mutation in patients with phenotypic hemochromatosis (PH) and to compare the results with those of the general population and with patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) in the Basque Country, Spain. A secondary aim was to evaluate the differences in phenotypic expression and liver injury according to different genotypes in the PH cohort.Methods:  Mutations of the HFE gene were obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty consecutive patients diagnosed with PH, 116 controls and 54 patients with PCT were included in the study. We performed liver biopsies, measured liver iron concentration (LIC), by atomic spectrophotometry, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation, and compared the histology according to the genotype.Results:  The H63D homozygote mutation was identified in 7.76% of the control group, in 7.50% of the PH group, and in 11.11% of patients with PCT (P > 0.05). The C282Y/C282Y mutation was present in 50% of patients with PH, and LIC was identified in 15/20. The LIC in C282Y/C282Y patients was higher than in H63D/H63D patients (P = 0.26), while H63D homozygosis caused greater iron overload in PH patients than other genotypes. All the C282Y/C282Y genotype patients had elevated serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. The H63D homozygotes had high ferritin, but two out of three had normal transferrin saturation. Six of the eight patients with high‐grade fibrosis and genetic study results were found to be C282Y/C282Y.Conclusions:  The prevalence of H63D mutation in patients with PH in our region does not differ from that of the general Basque population.
Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in Chinese patients with severe coronary artery disease
Authors: Poon Jensen T. C. , Cheng Stephen W. K. , Wong Joyce S. W. , Ting Albert C. W. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  The Asian population is believed to have lower incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and hence, the benefit of screening is uncertain. The size of native aorta in Asians, which shall affect the definition of AAA, has also never been reported. Our study investigated the prevalence of AAA and the infra‐renal aortic diameter (AD) in Chinese patients with severe coronary artery disease.Methods:  This is a prospective observational study of infra‐renal aortic size for patients who had coronary artery bypass surgery by ultrasound. The patients' demographics, important co‐morbidities and maximum AD were recorded.Results:  The study included 624 consecutive Chinese patients (mean age = 63.2 years). The mean maximum infra‐renal AD was 17.5 mm for men and 14.8 mm for women. The presence of AAA was defined as maximum AD greater than 30 mm. The result was also compared with an alternate definition that defines AAA as maximum AD of greater than 1.5 times of the group's mean. Eleven patients had an AD greater than 30 mm, and the prevalence of AAA was only 1.8%. With AAA defined as maximum AD of 1.5 times greater than the group's mean, 19 patients had AAA. The prevalence of AAA in this high‐risk group would become 3% overall.Conclusion:  The prevalence of AAA in Chinese patients was low, and the result did not support routine screening. The smaller mean infra‐renal AD in Chinese merits validation by large‐scale study and consideration when deciding threshold for small AAA repair in our locality.
Is there a need for routine follow‐up after primary total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Hacking Craig , Weinrauch Patrick , Whitehouse Sarah L. , Crawford Ross W. , Donnelly William J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  The objective of routine outpatient assessment of well‐functioning patients after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is to detect asymptomatic failure of prostheses to guide recommendations for early intervention. We have observed that the revision of THAs in asymptomatic patients is highly uncommon. We therefore question the need for routine follow‐up of patients after THA.Methods:  A prospective analysis of an orthopaedic database identified 158 patients who received 177 revision THAs over a four‐year period. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Patient demographics, primary and revision surgery parameters and follow‐up information were recorded and cross‐referenced with Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry data.Results:  One hundred ten THAs in 104 patients (average age 70.4 (SD 9.8 years)). There were 70 (63.6%) in total, 13 (11.8%) femoral and 27 (24.5%) acetabular revisions. The indications for revision were aseptic loosening (70%), dislocation (8.2%), peri‐prosthetic fracture (7.3%), osteolysis (6.4%) and infection (4.5%). Only four (3.6%) were asymptomatic revisions. A mean of 5.3 (SD 5.2 and 1.9 (SD 5.3)) follow‐up appointments were required before revision in patients with and without symptoms, respectively. The average time from the primary to revision surgery was 11.8 (SD 7.23) years.Conclusions:  We conclude that patients with prostheses with excellent long‐term clinical results as validated by joint registries, routine follow‐up of asymptomatic THA should be questioned and requires further investigation. Based on the work of this study, the current practice of routine follow‐up of asymptomatic THA may be excessively costly and unnecessary, and a less resource‐intensive review method may be more appropriate.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy – outcomes from an Australian institution
Authors: Kwok Kelvin H.K. , Rizk Joseph , Coleman Maxwell , Fenton‐Lee Douglas 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  Operative morbidity and mortality rates have improved markedly since the first single‐stage pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was performed by A. O. Whipple in 1940. There is a lack of published data regarding outcomes of PD from Australian centres. The aim of this study was primarily to establish post‐operative morbidity and mortality rates of an Australian unit, and secondly, to investigate the value of preoperative investigation with endoscopic ultrasound and laparoscopy upon tumour stage and survival following PD.Method:  A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing PD at St Vincent's Hospital from 1990 to 2006. Data were collected with particular reference to preoperative investigations, including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and staging laparoscopy, and post‐operative complications. Patient survival was determined from the hospital and consultant surgeons' records and telephone interviews with the patients' general practitioners.Results:  Eighty‐one patients underwent PD, of which 58 were Whipple's procedures and 23 were pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomies (PPPD). Twenty‐six patients had EUS, and 22 had a staging laparoscopy before PD. The post‐operative morbidity rate was 55% and included intra‐abdominal collections (17%), major haemorrhage (10.7%), pancreatic anastomotic leakage (9%) and delayed gastric emptying (22%). The operative (30‐day) mortality rate was 1.6%. There was no survival advantage in the EUS or the laparoscopy group.Conclusion:  EUS and laparoscopy are useful modalities in the preoperative investigation and staging of patients being considered for PD. PD is a safe procedure with acceptable complication rates when carried out in a specialist unit experienced in this operation.
Medullary thyroid carcinoma presenting with an initial CEA elevation
Authors: Abraham Deepak , Delbridge Leigh , Clifton‐Bligh Roderick , Clifton‐Bligh Phillip , Grodski Simon , Robinson Bruce G. , Messina Marinella , Sidhu Stan 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumour marker commonly associated with gastrointestinal malignancy. Patients presenting with an elevated CEA will therefore often undergo extensive investigations in order to elucidate an underlying gastrointestinal malignancy that may not be clinically apparent. However the GI tract is not the only source of CEA elevation.Methods:  We present a series of patients presenting with raised CEA levels that were initially investigated for a gastrointestinal cause, but after work up were detected to have medullary thyroid cancer.Results:  Four patients with raised CEA were evaluated for a gastrointestinal cause for the elevation. We discuss the non gastrointestinal causes for an elevated CEA.Conclusion:  The paper highlights that in patients presenting with an elevated CEA, in whom a gastrointestinal cause has been ruled out, a tumour of neuroendocrine origin needs to be considered as a cause for the elevated CEA.
Are invaders different? A conceptual framework of comparative approaches for assessing determinants of invasiveness
Authors: Van Kleunen Mark , Dawson Wayne , Schlaepfer Daniel , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Fischer Markus 
Published: June 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 947–958AbstractWhat determines invasiveness of alien organisms is among the most interesting and urgent questions in ecology. In attempts to answer this question, researchers compare invasive alien species either to native species or to non‐invasive alien species, and this is done in either the introduced or native ranges. However, inferences that can be drawn from these comparisons differ considerably, and failure to recognize this could hamper the search for determinants of invasiveness. To increase awareness about this issue, we present a framework of the various comparisons that can be used to test for determinants of invasiveness, and the specific questions each comparison can address. Moreover, we discuss how different comparisons complement each other, and therefore should be used in concert. For progress in invasion biology, it is crucial to realize that different comparisons address different biological questions and that some questions can only be answered unambiguously by combining them.
An integrative approach to understanding microbial diversity: from intracellular mechanisms to community structure
Authors: Gudelj Ivana , Weitz Joshua S. , Ferenci Tom , Claire Horner‐Devine M. , Marx Christopher J. , Meyer Justin R. , Forde Samantha E. 
Published: June 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1073–1084AbstractTrade‐offs have been put forward as essential to the generation and maintenance of diversity. However, variation in trade‐offs is often determined at the molecular level, outside the scope of conventional ecological inquiry. In this study, we propose that understanding the intracellular basis for trade‐offs in microbial systems can aid in predicting and interpreting patterns of diversity. First, we show how laboratory experiments and mathematical models have unveiled the hidden intracellular mechanisms underlying trade‐offs key to microbial diversity: (i) metabolic and regulatory trade‐offs in bacteria and yeast; (ii) life‐history trade‐offs in bacterial viruses. Next, we examine recent studies of marine microbes that have taken steps toward reconciling the molecular and the ecological views of trade‐offs, despite the challenges in doing so in natural settings. Finally, we suggest avenues for research where mathematical modelling, experiments and studies of natural microbial communities provide a unique opportunity to integrate studies of diversity across multiple scales.
Opposing effects of competitive exclusion on the phylogenetic structure of communities
Authors: Mayfield Margaret M. , Levine Jonathan M. 
Published: June 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1085–1093AbstractThough many processes are involved in determining which species coexist and assemble into communities, competition is among the best studied. One hypothesis about competition’s contribution to community assembly is that more closely related species are less likely to coexist. Though empirical evidence for this hypothesis is mixed, it remains a common assumption in certain phylogenetic approaches for inferring the effects of environmental filtering and competitive exclusion. Here, we relate modern coexistence theory to phylogenetic community assembly approaches to refine expectations for how species relatedness influences the outcome of competition. We argue that two types of species differences determine competitive exclusion with opposing effects on relatedness patterns. Importantly, this means that competition can sometimes eliminate more different and less related taxa, even when the traits underlying the relevant species differences are phylogenetically conserved. Our argument leads to a reinterpretation of the assembly processes inferred from community phylogenetic structure.
The potential distribution of an invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis and its threat to cotton in Asia
Authors: Wang Yanping , Watson Gillian W. , Zhang Runzhi 
Published: June 2010

In recent years, an invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) has attacked cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Pakistan and India, causing severe economic losses. This polyphagous pest was probably introduced accidentally from North America. Infestations have broken out suddenly and spread rapidly.
Seasonal and annual population growth data of P. solenopsis from nine locations in its native range in the U.S.A., and the distribution of the mealybug worldwide, were analyzed using the CLIMEX model. This indicated that tropical regions worldwide were highly suitable for P. solenopsis.
Its potential distribution was limited by cold in high latitudes and altitudes, and dryness in northern Africa, inland Australia and parts of the Middle East. CLIMEX was used to predict where P. solenopsis might establish, and to estimate the potential threat to cotton yield in Asia. The key limiting factors were low precipitation as well as minimum temperatures in northern areas.
When irrigation was factored into the simulation, the potential distribution of P. solenopsis expanded dramatically, indicating that P. solenopsis presents a great economic threat to cotton in Asia and other parts of the world.
Addition of insulin lispro protamine suspension or insulin glargine to oral type 2 diabetes regimens: a randomized trial
Authors: Strojek K. , Shi C. , Carey M. A. , Jacober S. J. 
Published: June 2010

Aims: The addition of basal insulin to existing oral therapy can help patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) achieve glycaemic targets. This study compares the efficacy and safety of insulin lispro protamine suspension (ILPS) and insulin glargine in insulin‐naive patients with T2D and inadequate control on oral antihyperglycaemic medication (OAM). Materials and Methods: An open‐label, randomized, multicentre, multinational 24‐week study of 471 patients receiving ≥2 OAMs for ≥3 months with a body mass index between 25 and 45 kg/m2 and HbA1c 7.5–10.0% was conducted. ILPS was injected once or twice daily vs. glargine injected once daily plus prestudy OAMs. Primary objective compared the HbA1c change from baseline. Results: HbA1c change from baseline to endpoint was similar in both groups [−1.46% (ILPS) and −1.41% (glargine)]. Least‐squares mean difference (95% CI) for HbA1c (−0.05 [−0.21, 0.11]%), glycaemic variability (0.06 [−0.06, 0.19] mmol/l) and weight change (−0.01 [−0.61, 0.59] kg) showed non‐inferiority (margins of 0.4%, 0.8 mmol/l and 1.5 kg, respectively). Percentages of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% were 43.8% ILPS and 41.2% glargine. Mean daily insulin dose was 0.39 vs. 0.35 U/kg (p = 0.02) and weight gain was 1.04 vs. 1.07 kg for ILPS vs. glargine (p = 0.98). Overall hypoglycaemia (episodes/patient/year) was similar for ILPS and glargine (24.2 ± 28.8 vs. 23.0 ± 30.9); nocturnal (6.1 ± 10.6 vs. 4.1 ± 9.4, p < 0.001) rates were higher for ILPS. Severe hypoglycaemia was higher for ILPS vs. glargine (n = 9 vs. n = 2; p = 0.04). Conclusions: At endpoint, ILPS was non‐inferior to glargine in HbA1c change from baseline, but associated with increased risk of hypoglycaemia.
Expression of human β‐defensin‐2 in the prostate
Authors: Kim Hae Jong , Jung Ja Rang , Kim Hea Jin , Lee Shin Young , Chang In Ho , Lee Tae Jin , Kim Wonyong , Myung Soon Chul 
Published: June 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? We found the expression of human β‐defensin‐2 (HBD‐2) in the prostate for the first time and LPS, a gram negative bacterial component, upregulated HBD‐2 in prostate epithelial cells.We are looking for other antimicrobial peptides expressed in the prostate besides human β‐defensin‐2.Also, we are studying the relationship between antimicrobial peptides and the development or progression of prostate diseases.OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and regulation of human β‐defensin‐2 (HBD‐2) in the prostate.PATIENTS AND METHODSNormal human prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE‐1), human prostate cancer cell lines (DU‐145, PC‐3), and paraffin‐embedded prostate tissue from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were analysed by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemical staining. HBD‐2 expression was also analysed by RT‐PCR and ELISA in RWPE‐1 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation was assessed by IκBα immunoblotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).RESULTSBPH tissue and all of the tested prostate cell lines other than PC‐3 constitutively express HBD‐2 mRNA. HBD‐2 protein was strongly detected in prostate gland tissue surrounded by inflammatory cells including macrophages. Exposure to LPS induced HBD‐2 upregulation and NF‐κB activation, as assessed by IκBα phosphorylation and degradation in RWPE‐1 cells. Bay11‐7082, an NF‐κB inhibitor prevented LPS‐induced HBD‐2 production in RWPE‐1 cells.CONCLUSIONSProstate epithelial cells may constitutively express HBD‐2, and its expression was upregulated by LPS. Our data indicate that HBD‐2 may be an important immunomodulatory factor in prostate function. Expression of HBD‐2 in normal prostates and the potential role of HBD‐2 in prostatitis and BPH should be addressed in the future.
Climate and the inter‐annual variability of fire in southern Africa: a meta‐analysis using long‐term field data and satellite‐derived burnt area data
Authors: Archibald S. , Nickless A. , Govender N. , Scholes R. J. , Lehsten V. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTAim  This study investigates inter‐annual variability in burnt area in southern Africa and the extent to which climate is responsible for this variation. We compare data from long‐term field sites across the region with remotely sensed burnt area data to test whether it is possible to develop a general model.Location  Africa south of the equator.Methods  Linear mixed effects models were used to determine the effect of rainfall, seasonality and fire weather in driving variation in fire extent between years, and to test whether the effect of these variables changes across the subcontinent and in areas more and less impacted by human activities.Results  A simple model including rainfall and seasonality explained 40% of the variance in burnt area between years across 10 different protected areas on the subcontinent, but this model, when applied regionally, indicated that climate had less impact on year‐to‐year variation in burnt area than would be expected. It was possible to demonstrate that the relative importance of rainfall and seasonality changed as one moved from dry to wetter systems, but most noticeable was the reduction in climatically driven variability of fire outside protected areas. Inter‐annual variability is associated with the occurrence of large fires, and large fires are only found in areas with low human impact.Main conclusions  This research gives the first data‐driven analysis of fire–climate interactions in southern Africa. The regional analysis shows that human impact on fire regimes is substantial and acts to limit the effect of climate in driving variation between years. This is in contrast to patterns in protected areas, where variation in accumulated rainfall and the length of the dry season influence the annual area burnt. Global models which assume strong links between fire and climate need to be re‐assessed in systems with high human impact.
Modern sedentary activities promote overconsumption of food in our current obesogenic environment
Authors: Chaput J.‐P. , Klingenberg L. , Astrup A. , Sjödin A. M. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryAchieving body‐weight stability is certainly challenging in today's obesogenic environment. Every day we are surrounded and affected by stimuli that act on our behaviour. A common feature of these stimuli is that they increase our comfort and well‐being, but unfortunately they promote a positive caloric balance. Intriguingly, the preponderance of sedentary lifestyles is not only a matter of the amount of calories expended. A careful examination of modern sedentary activities reveals that they also promote overconsumption of food. This is particularly the case with television viewing, video game playing, cognitive working, music listening and short sleeping. Moreover, the increased food intake in the absence of hunger observed with the practice of these modern‐life activities emphasizes that the hedonic value of food intake plays an important role. These observations suggest that our quest for reward and pleasure is not fine tuned to our biology, and the development of coping strategies is needed.
THE GENDER GAP IN PRIVATE PENSIONS
Authors: Bardasi Elena , Jenkins Stephen P. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTIn many western countries, older women receive considerably less private pension income than older men on average. We analyse this differential in Britain, examining differences between the sexes both in private pension coverage and in pension income conditional on receipt. Using regression‐based decompositions, we show that both gender gaps are associated mainly with differences in returns to personal characteristics rather than with differences in personal characteristics per se.