bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low retention of HIV‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in 11 clinical centres in West Africa
Authors: Ekouevi Didier K. , Balestre Eric , Ba‐Gomis Franck‐Olivier , Eholie Serge Paul , Maiga Moussa , Amani‐Bosse Clarisse , Minga Albert , Messou Eugène , Sow Papa Salif , Lewden Charlotte , Traoré Hamar Allassane , Bissagnene Emmanuel , Dabis François ,   for the IeDEA West Africa Collaboration
Published: April 2010

SummaryObjective  To study factors associated with the probability of retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in West Africa.Methods  The International epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) in West Africa is a prospective, operational, observational cohort study based on collaboration between 11 cohorts of HIV‐infected adult patients in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Mali and Senegal. All patients aged 16 and older at ART initiation, with documented gender and date of ART initiation, were included. For those with at least 1 day of follow‐up, Kaplan–Meier method and Weibull regression model were used to estimate the 12‐month probability of retention in care and the associated factors.Results  In this data merger, 14 352 patients (61% female) on ART were included. Median age was 37 (interquartile range (IQR): 31–44 years) and median CD4 count at baseline was 131 cells/mm3 (IQR: 48–221 cells/mm3). The first‐line regimen was NNRTI‐based for 78% of patients, protease inhibitor‐based for 17%, and three NRTIs for 3%. The probability of retention was 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–0.90] at 3 months, 0.84 (95% CI: 0.83–0.85) at 6 months and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.75–0.77) at 12 months. The probability of retention in care was lower in patients with baseline CD4 count <50 cells/mm3 [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.27–1.49; P < 0.0001] (reference CD4 > 200 cells/mm3, in men (aHR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.10–1.24; P = 0.0002), in younger patients (<30 years) (aHR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.19; P = 0.01) and in patients with low haemoglobinaemia <8 g/dl (aHR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.21–1.45; P < 0.0001). Availability of funds for systematic tracing was associated with better retention (aHR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.16–0.55; P = 0.001).Conclusions  Close follow‐up, promoting early access to care and ART and a decentralized system of care may improve the retention in care of HIV‐infected patients on ART.
Situational analysis of varying models of adherence support and loss to follow up rates; findings from 27 treatment facilities in eight resource limited countries
Authors: Etienne M. , Burrows L. , Osotimehin B. , Macharia T. , Hossain B. , Redfield R. R. , Amoroso A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryObjectives  Large‐scale provision of ART in the absence of viral load monitoring, resistance testing, and limited second‐line treatment options places adherence support as a vital therapeutic intervention. We aimed to compare patient loss to follow up rates with the degree of adherence support through a retrospective review of patients enrolled in the AIDSRelief program between August 2004 and June 2005.Methods  Loss to follow up data were analysed and programs were categorised into one of four tiered levels of adherence support models: Tier I, II, III, and IV which increase from lowest to highest support. Bivariate and t‐test analyses were used to test for significant differences between the models.Results  13,391 patients at 27 treatment facilities from six African and two Caribbean countries began antiretroviral therapy within the first year of the AIDSRelief program. The mean loss to follow up within the first year was 7.5%. Eight facilities were Tier I, three (Tier II), nine (Tier III), and seven (Tier IV). Facilities in Tier I had a loss to follow up rate of 14%, Tier II (10%), Tier III (5%), and Tier IV (1%). The proportion of loss to follow up for Tier I and Tier III were significantly different from each other (P < 0.02), as were Tier I and Tier IV (P < 0.006). There were differences between Tier II and Tier IV (P < 0.009) as well as Tier III and Tier IV (P < 0.017).Conclusion  These data strongly support the use of proactive adherence support programs, beyond routine patient counselling and defaulter tracking to support the’public health approach’to ART.
Depressive symptoms and mortality in lung transplant
Authors: Evon Donna M. , Burker Eileen J. , Galanko Joseph A. , Dedert Eric , Egan Thomas M. 
Published: April 2010

Evon DM, Burker EJ, Galanko JA, Dedert E, Egan TM. Depressive symptoms and mortality in lung transplant. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01236.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Objective: To determine whether depressive symptoms predicted survival before and after lung transplantation. We hypothesized that depressive symptoms might predict survival of wait‐listed patients, but would not predict survival post‐transplant.Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal study. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory pre‐transplant. Pre‐transplant survival analyses were conducted (n = 124) based on time from list date, to death, transplant, or censoring, if still alive. Post‐transplant survival analyses were conducted (n = 76) based on time from transplant, to death or censoring. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were utilized.Results: In the unadjusted model, depressive symptoms predicted mortality for candidates awaiting lung transplant (p = 0.02); however, once models were adjusted for demographics and pulmonary status, the relationship between depressive symptoms and mortality rates was attenuated (p > 0.05). Depressive symptoms did not predict survival after lung transplant (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Pre‐transplant depressive symptoms were associated with mortality among lung transplant candidates in an unadjusted model and a model fit with demographics and forced expiratory volume in one second. Depressive symptoms do not exert an independent effect when forced expiratory vital capacity is added. Depressive symptoms do not predict mortality after transplant. Future studies need to determine whether pre‐transplant psychosocial characteristics confer a greater risk for poorer transplant outcomes.
Identification of rice purple acid phosphatases related to posphate starvation signalling
Authors: Zhang Q. , Wang C. , Tian J. , Li K. , Shou H. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurple acid phosphatases (PAPs) are a family of metallo‐phosphoesterases involved in a variety of physiological functions, especially phosphate deficiency adaptations in plants. We identified 26 putative PAP genes by a genome‐wide analysis of rice (Oryza sativa), 24 of which have isolated EST sequences in the dbEST database. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that 25 of these genes possess sets of metal‐ligating residues typical of known PAPs. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 26 rice and 29 Arabidopsis PAPs into three main groups and seven subgroups. We detected transcripts of 21 PAP genes in roots or leaves of rice seedlings. The expression levels of ten PAP genes were up‐regulated by both phosphate deprivation and over‐expression of the transcription factor OsPHR2. These PAP genes all contained one or two OsPHR2 binding elements in their promoter regions, implying that they are directly regulated by OsPHR2. Both acid phosphatase (AP) and surface secretory acid phosphatase (SAP) activity assays showed that the up‐regulation of PAPs by Pi starvation, OsPHR2 over‐expression, PHO2 knockout or OsSPX1 RNA interference led to an increase in AP and SAP activity in rice roots. This study reveals the potential for developing technologies for crop improvement in phosphorus use efficiency.
Antigliadin antibodies in psoriasis
Authors: Sultan Sheikh Javeed , Ahmad Qazi Masood , Sultan Sheikh Tariq 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives:  Although antigliadin antibodies (AGA) are markers of coeliac disease, elevated levels of these antibodies are also seen in many other autoimmune, neurological, haematological, collagen vascular and cutaneous disorders, even in the absence of clinically overt gastrointestinal disease. Several studies have reported an association between psoriasis and AGA, with improvement in severity of psoriasis on a gluten‐free diet. This study aims to determine whether patients with psoriasis in Kashmir have an increased prevalence of elevated AGA.Methods:  A total of 120 patients (all native Kashmiris) with psoriasis and an equal number of age‐ and sex‐matched controls without any personal or family history of autoimmune disorders were included in the study. Both groups were tested for IgA and IgG AGAs using a standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.Results:  No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of AGA among patients with psoriasis (6.67% for IgA and 4.17% for IgG) and control group individuals (7.5% IgA and 5.0% IgG) was observed. The mean AGA levels in the two groups were not statistically different. Furthermore, no significant association between AGA levels and psoriasis severity, joint involvement, age of onset of psoriasis or arthritis was observed.Conclusions:  The results of our study show that AGA are not elevated in psoriasis patients as compared with a healthy population, and there is no association between AGA and psoriasis, its onset, severity and joint symptoms.
Association of retinal vessel calibre with diabetic retinopathy in an urban Australian indigenous population
Authors: Dirani Mohamed , McAuley Annie K , Maple‐Brown Louise , Kawasaki Ryo , McIntosh Rachel L , Harper C Alex , Lamoureux Ecosse L , Tatipata Shaun , Dunbar Terry , O'Dea Kerin , Cunningham Joan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To assess the relationship of retinal vessel diameter and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a subgroup of participants recruited through the Darwin Region Urban Indigenous Diabetes study.Methods:  Participants were examined as part of the Darwin Region Urban Indigenous Diabetes study. All participants with gradable fundus photographs were included in the current analysis. Assessment of retinal vascular diameter, including arteriolar diameter (central retinal arteriolar equivalent) and venular diameter (central retinal venular equivalent), was undertaken using a semi‐automated retinal vascular imaging program. DR was graded according to the modified Early Treatment DR Study scale.Results:  A total of 110 participants, 25 men and 85 women, with a mean age of 50.8 years were included in the analysis. The odds ratio for having DR for each standard deviation increase in central retinal venular equivalent was as high as 1.62 (95% confidence intervals 0.94, 2.80); however, this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.08). Moreover, individuals with severe non‐proliferative DR and proliferative DR were found to have narrower arteriolar diameters compared with those with no DR, but this was not statistically significant (−8.1 µm, 95% confidence intervals, −39.3 µm, 23.1 µm; P = 0.612).Conclusion:  Our data indicate a trend for narrower arteriole diameter and wider venular diameter with DR in this high‐risk ethnic group, which concurs with overall trends seen in non‐indigenous populations.
Climate change scenarios and models yield conflicting predictions about the future risk of an invasive species in North America
Authors: Mika Anna M. , Newman Jonathan A. 
Published: April 2010

The pea leafminer Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is an invasive species in North America and a serious economic pest on a wide variety of crops. We developed a bioclimatic envelope model (BEM) for this species and examined the envelope's potential location in North America under various future climates.
We compared the future bioclimatic envelopes for L. huidobrensis using either simple scenarios comprising uniform changes in temperature/precipitation or climate projections from general circulation models (GCMs). Our simple scenarios were: (i) an increase of 0.1°C per degree in latitude with a 20% increase in summer precipitation and a 20% decrease in winter precipitation and (ii) an overall increase of 3°C everywhere, also with the same changes in precipitation. For GCM‐modelled climate change, we used the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis GCM (CGCM2) and the Hadley Centre climate model (HadCM3), each in combination with two scenarios from the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (A2 and B2).
The BEM results using the simple scenarios were more similar to each other than to the results obtained using GCM projections. The results were also qualitatively different (i.e. spatially different and divergent) depending on which GCM‐scenario combination was used.
This modelling exercise illustrates that: (i) results using first approximation simple climate change scenarios can give predictions very different from those that use GCM‐modelled climate projections (comprising a result that has worrying implications for empirical impact research) and that (ii) different GCM‐models using the same scenario can give very different results (implying strong model dependency in projected biological impacts).
Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of bladder wall thickness: a more reliable approach than transperineal and transabdominal approaches
Authors: Panayi Demetri C. , Khullar Vikram , Fernando Ruwan , Tekkis Paris 
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVES To validate transperineal, transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound (US) techniques to measure bladder wall thickness (BWT).SUBJECTS AND METHODS Women underwent US measurement of BWT at three different anatomical sites: anterior wall, dome and trigone of the bladder by two ‘blinded’ operators using transabdominal, transperineal and transvaginal approaches at separate visits and by a single operator using transabdominal and transperineal techniques. Bland–Altman analysis was used to determine interobserver reliability for all three techniques and intraobserver reliability for transabdominal and transperineal methods.RESULTS In all, 25 women were scanned. The transperineal US had a high interobserver mean difference when measuring the anterior BWT (−0.34) and a high intraobserver mean difference when measuring the anterior (0.54) and dome BWT (0.33). Transabdominal US had a high interobserver mean difference for all measurements of BWT, and a high intraobserver mean difference when measuring the trigonal thickness (0.56). Transvaginal US had a consistent interobserver mean difference for all three measurements. The transperineal and transabominal approaches had the widest intraobserver and interobserver 95% confidence intervals of the mean difference when compared with the transvaginal approach.CONCLUSIONS Transabdominal and transperineal US for measuring BWT did not have good intraobserver and interobserver reliability for measurement of the three anatomical sites to determine mean BWT. Transvaginal US had good interobserver reliability, thus mean BWT is best measured using the transvaginal approach.
Dose‐dependent effects of the once‐daily GLP‐1 receptor agonist lixisenatide in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Ratner R. E. , Rosenstock J. , Boka G. ,   on behalf of the DRI6012 Study Investigators
Published: May 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1024–1032 (2010)AbstractAims  To evaluate the dose–response relationship of lixisenatide (AVE0010), a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist, in metformin‐treated patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, 13 week study of 542 patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7.0 and < 9.0% (≥ 53 and < 75 mmol/mol)] on metformin (≥ 1000 mg/day) treated with subcutaneous lixisenatide doses of 5, 10, 20 or 30 μg once daily or twice daily or placebo. The primary end‐point was change in HbA1c from baseline to 13 weeks in the intent‐to‐treat population.Results  Lixisenatide significantly improved mean HbA1c from a baseline of 7.55% (59.0 mmol/mol); respective mean reductions for 5, 10, 20 and 30 μg doses were 0.47, 0.50, 0.69 and 0.76% (5.1, 5.5, 7.5 and 8.3 mmol/mol), on once‐daily and 0.65, 0.78, 0.75 and 0.87% (7.1, 8.5, 8.2 and 9.5 mmol/mol) on twice‐daily administrations vs. 0.18% (2.0 mmol/mol) with placebo (all P < 0.01 vs. placebo). Target HbA1c < 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) at study end was achieved in 68% of patients receiving 20 and 30 μg once‐daily lixisenatide vs. 32% receiving placebo (P < 0.0001). Dose‐dependent improvements were observed for fasting, postprandial and average self‐monitored seven‐point blood glucose levels. Weight changes ranged from −2.0 to −3.9 kg with lixisenatide vs. −1.9 kg with placebo. The most frequent adverse event was mild‐to‐moderate nausea.Conclusions  Lixisenatide significantly improved glycaemic control in mildly hyperglycaemic patients with Type 2 diabetes on metformin. Dose–response relationships were seen for once‐ and twice‐daily regimens, with similar efficacy levels, with a 20 μg once‐daily dose of lixisenatide demonstrating the best efficacy‐to‐tolerability ratio. This new, once‐daily GLP‐1 receptor agonist shows promise in the management of Type 2 diabetes to be defined further by ongoing long‐term studies.
Dietary glycaemic carbohydrate in relation to the metabolic syndrome in adolescents: comparison of different metabolic syndrome definitions
Authors: O’Sullivan T. A. , Lyons‐Wall P. , Bremner A. P. , Ambrosini G. L. , Huang R. C. , Beilin L. J. , Mori T. A. , Blair E. , Oddy W. H. 
Published: May 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 770–778 (2010)AbstractAims  High dietary glycaemic carbohydrate, as measured by the dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load has been associated with increased risk of the metabolic syndrome in adults, but limited research exists for younger populations. We aimed to evaluate associations between dietary glycaemic carbohydrate and insulin resistance or the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome defined by three different criteria in a population‐based adolescent cohort.Methods  Diet was assessed using 3 day food records in 769 adolescents aged 13–15 years participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The metabolic syndrome was identified using age‐specific adolescent definitions from the International Diabetes Federation, the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and a population‐derived ‘high‐risk’ metabolic cluster algorithm. Presence of a high waist circumference was mandatory only in the International Diabetes Federation definition. Insulin resistance was measured using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR).Results  The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome as defined by the International Diabetes Federation and the Adult Treatment Panel III was 3.6 and 4.0%, respectively; 25.9% of subjects were classified into the high‐risk cluster. Significantly increased odds of International Diabetes Federation‐defined metabolic syndrome were independently associated with a 20 unit glycaemic load increase (odds ratio 2.18; 95% confidence interval 1.26–3.78) and a 30 g carbohydrate increase (odds ratio 3.86; 95% confidence interval 1.80–8.28). No significant associations were observed when using the Adult Treatment Panel III, or the cluster‐defined metabolic syndrome, or with HOMA‐IR.Conclusions  This study supports the concept that high dietary glycaemic carbohydrate is associated with a higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in adolescents. However, relationships vary according to the definition of the metabolic syndrome used, with waist circumference a potentially relevant factor.
Stopping insulin injections following genetic testing in diabetes: impact on identity
Authors: Shepherd M. 
Published: May 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 838–843 (2010)AbstractBackground  Identification of genes causing monogenic diabetes has led to treatment change, from insulin to sulphonylureas for many previously considered insulin dependent. Changing treatment has led to improved glycaemic control and quality of life; however, the impact of a genetic diagnosis and consequent treatment change on identity has not been explored.Methods  This paper examines the experiences of patients and their families using Bury’s theory of biographical disruption in chronic illness to offer insight and comparison with the disruption caused by treatment change following genetic testing. This qualitative study is a longitudinal follow‐up using in‐depth interviews over time. Thirty‐one individuals were interviewed following genetic testing and again 12 months later.Results  Key themes identified were: (i) embodied practices of diabetes; (ii) perceived identity on insulin; (iii) ‘holding on’ to insulin treatment; (iv) challenges and benefits of treatment change; (v) identity reconstruction. Participants were categorized into ‘Transferers’ who successfully transferred to sulphonylureas, ‘Attempters’ who attempted transfer but recommenced insulin and ‘Decliners’ who declined treatment change.Conclusions  Injecting insulin was integral to participant’s lives and fundamental to their identity. Embodied practices of diabetes were deeply embedded in self identity; the possibility of stopping insulin injections was a major challenge contradicting previous beliefs and led to identity reconstruction.
Defining high HIV incidence subgroups of Australian homosexual men: implications for conducting HIV prevention trials in low HIV prevalence settings
Authors: Poynten IM , Jin F , Prestage GP , Kaldor JM , Kippax S , Grulich AE 
Published: April 2010

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess whether subpopulations with sufficiently high HIV incidences for HIV prevention trials can be identified in low HIV incidence settings such as Australia.MethodsIn a community‐based cohort study of HIV‐negative homosexually active men in Sydney, Australia, potential risk factors associated with an annual HIV incidence of ≥2 per 100 person‐years (PY) were identified. A stepwise procedure ranked these factors according to HIV incidence, to create a ‘high‐incidence’ subgroup of participants. Willingness to participate in HIV prevention trials was assessed.ResultsAlthough the incidence in the cohort overall was only 0.78 per 100 PY, nine risk variables were associated with an HIV incidence of 2 per 100 PY or greater. Stepwise inclusion of these variables revealed a ‘high‐incidence’ subgroup of men representing 24% of the total follow‐up time with a combined HIV incidence of 2.71 per 100 PY, who reported at least one of three risk factors in the past 6 months. These men were more willing than others to participate in vaccine and antiretroviral therapy HIV prevention trials.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that it is possible to identify high HIV incidence subpopulations in low‐incidence settings such as Australia, and these men are of above average willingness to participate in HIV prevention trials.