bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
POVERTY, SEXUAL EXPERIENCE AND HIV VULNERABILITY RISKS: EVIDENCE FROM ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Authors: SORI ASSEFA TOLERA 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis study explores the relationship between poverty and vulnerability to HIV infection in Ethiopia using primary (quantitative and qualitative) and secondary data from two sub-cities of Addis Ababa. The data show that sexual experience is influenced by diverse factors such as age, gender, economic status and education level. Household economic status and migration explain the nature of sexual experience and level of vulnerability to HIV infection. Poor uneducated women in poor neighbourhoods are more likely to engage in risky sexual encounters despite awareness about the risk of HIV infection as they operate in an environment that provides the ‘path of least resistance’ (Lindegger & Wood, 1995, p. 7). This article argues that poverty provides a situation where early sexual initiation, ‘transactional sex’ and an inability to negotiate for safer sex are associated with low income, lack of education and increased vulnerability to HIV infection. This vulnerability is simultaneously contested and accepted as a commitment to even sacrifice one's life for the sake of one's loved ones. As a modest contribution to the ‘structural violence’ approach, which emphasizes social inequalities based on gender, class, ethnicity and race and inequalities in terms of exposure to risk and access to health care (Massé, 2007), this article challenges the ‘African promiscuity’ discourse, which ‘does not permit policymakers to think beyond sex’ (Stillwaggon, 2006, p. 156), and encourages researchers and policymakers to ask the right questions to understand the complexity of HIV/AIDS and seek solutions to the pandemic.
Estimating the prevalence of activeHelicobacter pyloriinfection in a rural community with global positioning system technology-assisted sampling
Authors: MELIUS E. J. , DAVIS S. I. , REDD J. T. , LEWIN M. , HERLIHY R. , HENDERSON A. , SOBEL J. , GOLD B. , CHEEK J. E. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYWe investigated a possible outbreak ofH. pyloriin a rural Northern Plains community. In a cross-sectional survey, we randomly sampled 244 households from a geocoded emergency medical system database. We used a complex survey design and global positioning system units to locate houses and randomly selected one eligible household member to administer a questionnaire and a13C-urea breath test for activeH. pyloriinfection (n = 166). In weighted analyses, activeH. pyloriinfection was detected in 55·0% of the sample. Factors associated with infection on multivariate analysis included using a public drinking-water supply [odds ratio (OR) 12·2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·9–50·7] and current cigarette smoking (OR 4·1, 95% CI 1·7–9·6). People who lived in houses with more rooms, a possible indicator of decreased crowding in the home, were less likely to have activeH. pyloriinfections (OR 0·7, 95% CI 0·5–0·9 for each additional room).
Unhealthy behaviour is contagious: an invitation to exploit models for infectious diseases
Authors: BLOK D. J. , VAN EMPELEN P. , VAN LENTHE F. J. , RICHARDUS J. H. , DE VLAS S. J. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYWe argue that the spread of unhealthy behaviour shows marked similarities with infectious diseases. It is therefore interesting and challenging to use infectious disease methodologies for studying the spread and control of unhealthy behaviour. This would be a great addition to current methods, because it allows taking into account the dynamics of individual interactions and the social environment at large. In particular, the application of individual-based modelling holds great promise to address some major public health questions.
Germination ecology of the perennial Centaurium somedanum, a specialist species of mountain springs
Authors: Fernández-Pascual Eduardo , Jiménez-Alfaro Borja , García-Torrico Ana I. , Pérez-García Félix , Díaz Tomás E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractTo improve understanding of how a rare endemic species of Centaurium adapts to a specialized ecological niche, we studied the germination ecology of the mountain spring specialist, C. somedanum, a perennial species restricted to an unusual habitat for this genus. We conducted laboratory experiments with fresh seeds collected from two populations for three consecutive years, to investigate: (1) the effect of temperature and light on germination; (2) the existence of seed dormancy; and (3) inter-population and inter-annual variation in germinability. Germination occurred only in the light and at relatively low temperatures (15–22°C) with no differences between constant and alternating regimes, and a significant decrease at high temperatures (25°C and 30°C). We found non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy and variation in seed germinability depending on the year of seed collection. C. somedanum diverged from the common germination characteristics of the genus in: (1) its germination at lower temperatures, which contrasts with what is generally expected in wetland species but could be adaptive in the spring habitat; and (2) its morphophysiological dormancy, which we report here for the first time in the genus and which could be an adaptation to its mountain habitat.
Rapid Urbanization and the Growing Threat of Violence and Conflict: A 21st Century Crisis
Authors: Patel Ronak B. , Burkle Frederick M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAs the global population is concentrated into complex environments, rapid urbanization increases the threat of conflict and insecurity. Many fast-growing cities create conditions of significant disparities in standards of living, which set up a natural environment for conflict over resources. As urban slums become a haven for criminal elements, youth gangs, and the arms trade, they also create insecurity for much of the population. Specific populations, such as women, migrants, and refugees, bear the brunt of this lack of security, with significant impacts on their livelihoods, health, and access to basic services. This lack of security and violence also has great costs to the general population, both economic and social. Cities have increasingly become the battlefield of recent conflicts as they serve as the seats of power and gateways to resources. International agencies, non-governmental organizations, and policy-makers must act to stem this tide of growing urban insecurity. Protecting urban populations and preventing future conflict will require better urban planning, investment in livelihood programs for youth, cooperation with local communities, enhanced policing, and strengthening the capacity of judicial systems.Patel RB, Burkle FM Jr. Rapid urbanization and the growing threat of violence and conflict: a 21st century crisis. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-4.
Value Generation and Health Reform in Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Munk Marc-David 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAmerican Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies largely have been untouched by the dramatic health care reform efforts underway, although change seems imminent. Clarifying the role of the modern EMS system, and the yardsticks used to evaluate its performance, will be a challenge.This paper introduces the concept of value (or outcomes to cost ratio) in EMS, and offers value assessment as a means by which reform decisions can be framed. The best reform decisions are those that optimize both costs and outcomes. This includes: (1) attention to the patient experience; (2) disallowing the provision of unhelpful, harmful or disproven prehospital care; and (3) expanding patient dispositions beyond Emergency Departments. Costs of care will need to be tracked carefully and acknowledged. Value generation should serve as the goal of ongoing EMS reform efforts.Munk MD. Value generation and health reform in emergency medical services. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-4.
Brown Trout Spawning Migration in Fragmented Central European Headwaters: Effect of Isolation by Artificial Obstacles and the Moon Phase
Authors: Slavík Ondřej , Horký Pavel , Randák Tomáš , Balvín Pavel , Bílý Michal 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe spawning migrations of 123 brown troutSalmo truttawere studied in six highland streams in the Elbe River catchment area, Czech Republic, in central Europe. Trout were observed by using radiotelemetry from August to November in headwater stretches isolated by artificial obstacles without fish ladders. The length of isolated headwater stretches ranged between 5.7 and 16.1 km. Migration distance per day and total migration length over the study period (total migration) were analyzed. In total, 1,957 individual fish positions were recorded. In general, the brown trout spawning migration reflected the seasonality with respect to temperature. Migration distance per day was low in August, reached a maximum in October, and then decreased in November. In isolated headwaters, trout adapted their migrations to the length of available free migration stretches, as both migration descriptors (migration distance per day and total migration) increased according to this variable. Moon phase appeared to be the key factor that influenced the timing of brown trout migration activity on a daily basis. High migration distance per day occurred during the eclipse of the moon, whereas the lowest migration distance per day occurred during the full moon. Furthermore, migration distance per day decreased with increasing river slope. The other variables tested (sex and physicochemical parameters, such as flow, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) did not affect brown trout migration activity. The results indicated that despite the restrictions of upstream migrations by lateral obstacles without fish ladders, brown trout migration activity in artificially isolated headwaters with pristine morphology is preserved. Furthermore, the analyses revealed a significant impact of the moon phase on brown trout migration that has not been previously described for this species. Although the observed migration occurred over a short period of time, brown trout did not adopt sedentary behavior, as has been described in the river stretches upstream from natural obstacles, such as waterfalls.
Encomium on Helen as Advertisement: Political Life According to Gorgias the Barbarian
Authors: Pfau Michael William 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In this paper I develop a speculative reading of Gorgias's Encomium on Helen that begins from several common assumptions about the work—especially its status as a “pretext” for Gorgias's hidden purposes and its character as a sort of advertisement. Beginning from these common assumptions I propose that the Encomium is appropriately read as an allegorical representation of Athenian political life. By way of this allegory Gorgias was able to advertise his conception of persuasion despite its highly controversial political implications. I refer to Gorgias as a “barbarian” due to the fundamental incompatibility of the model of political persuasion implicit in the Encomium with democratic Athenian political culture.
In silico identification software (ISIS): a machine learning approach to tandem mass spectral identification of lipids
Authors: Kangas Lars J. , Metz Thomas O. , Isaac Giorgis , Schrom Brian T. , Ginovska-Pangovska Bojana , Wang Luning , Tan Li , Lewis Robert R. , Miller John H. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Motivation: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has gained importance in the life sciences, yet it is not supported by software tools for high throughput identification of metabolites based on their fragmentation spectra. An algorithm (ISIS: in silico identification software) and its implementation are presented and show great promise in generating in silico spectra of lipids for the purpose of structural identification. Instead of using chemical reaction rate equations or rules-based fragmentation libraries, the algorithm uses machine learning to find accurate bond cleavage rates in a mass spectrometer employing collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry.
Results: A preliminary test of the algorithm with 45 lipids from a subset of lipid classes shows both high sensitivity and specificity.
Contact: lars.kangas@pnnl.gov
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Identifying mechanistic similarities in drug responses
Authors: Zhao Chen , Hua Jianping , Bittner Michael L. , Ivanov Ivan , Dougherty and Edward R. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Motivation: In early drug development, it would be beneficial to be able to identify those dynamic patterns of gene response that indicate that drugs targeting a particular gene will be likely or not to elicit the desired response. One approach would be to quantitate the degree of similarity between the responses that cells show when exposed to drugs, so that consistencies in the regulation of cellular response processes that produce success or failure can be more readily identified.
Results: We track drug response using fluorescent proteins as transcription activity reporters. Our basic assumption is that drugs inducing very similar alteration in transcriptional regulation will produce similar temporal trajectories on many of the reporter proteins and hence be identified as having similarities in their mechanisms of action (MOA). The main body of this work is devoted to characterizing similarity in temporal trajectories/signals. To do so, we must first identify the key points that determine mechanistic similarity between two drug responses. Directly comparing points on the two signals is unrealistic, as it cannot handle delays and speed variations on the time axis. Hence, to capture the similarities between reporter responses, we develop an alignment algorithm that is robust to noise, time delays and is able to find all the contiguous parts of signals centered about a core alignment (reflecting a core mechanism in drug response). Applying the proposed algorithm to a range of real drug experiments shows that the result agrees well with the prior drug MOA knowledge.
Availability: The R code for the RLCSS algorithm is available at http://gsp.tamu.edu/Publications/supplementary/zhao12a.
Contact: edward@ece.tamu.edu
Fast computation for genome-wide association studies using boosted one-step statistics
Authors: Voorman Arend , Rice Ken , Lumley Thomas 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMotivation: Statistical analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) require fitting large numbers of very similar regression models, each with low statistical power. Taking advantage of repeated observations or correlated phenotypes can increase this statistical power, but fitting the more complicated models required can make computation impractical.Results: In this article, we present simple methods that capitalize on the structure inherent in GWAS studies to dramatically speed up computation for a wide variety of problems, with a special focus on methods for correlated phenotypes.Availability: The R package ‘boss’ is available on the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) at http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/boss/Contact: voorma@u.washington.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Randomised clinical trial: esomeprazole for the prevention of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐related peptic ulcers in Japanese patients
Authors: Sugano K. , Kinoshita Y. , Miwa H. , Takeuchi T. ,   on behalf of the Esomeprazole NSAID Preventive Study Group
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe use of proton pump inhibitors for prevention of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐induced gastrointestinal adverse events is well documented. However, data regarding the efficacy and safety of this approach in Japan are scarce.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of esomeprazole in preventing NSAID‐induced peptic ulcers in Japanese at‐risk patients.MethodsMale and female Japanese adult patients (aged ≥20 years) with endoscopically confirmed history of peptic ulcers who required long‐term oral NSAID therapy for a chronic inflammatory condition were randomised to 24 weeks' treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg once daily or matching placebo. The primary end point was the Kaplan–Meier estimated proportion of ulcer‐free patients.ResultsOverall, 343 patients were randomised to treatment (esomeprazole, n = 175; placebo, n = 168). The Kaplan–Meier estimated ulcer‐free rate over the 24‐week treatment period was significantly higher (log‐rank P < 0.001) in esomeprazole‐treated patients (96.0%; 95% CI 92.8, 99.1) than in placebo recipients (64.4%; 95% CI 56.8, 71.9). Esomeprazole was effective at preventing peptic ulcers in both Helicobacter pylori‐positive and ‐negative patients (96.3% vs. 95.5% of patients ulcer‐free, respectively); however, in the placebo group, the proportion of ulcer‐free patients at 24 weeks was markedly lower among H. pylori‐positive than ‐negative patients (59.7% vs. 69.9%). The NSAID type did not seem to affect the estimated ulcer‐free rate with esomeprazole. Treatment with esomeprazole was well tolerated.ConclusionEsomeprazole 20 mg once daily is effective and safe in preventing ulcer recurrence in Japanese patients with a definite history of peptic ulcers who were taking an NSAID (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00542789).
Soluble CD163, a marker of Kupffer cell activation, is related to portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Grønbæk H. , Sandahl T. D. , Mortensen C. , Vilstrup H. , Møller H. J. , Møller S. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundActivation of Kupffer cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension by release of vasoconstrictive substances and fibrosis due to co‐activation of hepatic stellate cells.AimTo study soluble plasma (s) CD163, a specific marker of activated macrophages, as a biomarker for portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.MethodsWe measured sCD163 concentration and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) by liver vein catheterisation in 81 cirrhosis patients (Child–Pugh CP‐A: n = 26, CP‐B: n = 29, CP‐C: n = 26) and 22 healthy subjects. We also measured their cardiac output (CO), cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Liver status was examined by Child–Pugh and MELD‐score.ResultsIn cirrhosis, sCD163 concentration was nearly three times higher than in controls (4.7 ± 2.5 vs. 1.6 ± 0.5 mg/L, P < 0.001). sCD163 was also higher, as measured in steps by CP‐score (P < 0.001). The HVPG rose steeply to an asymptote of 22 mmHg with sCD163 up to about 5 mg/L and not to higher values with higher sCD163. In a multivariate analysis, sCD163 was the only independent predictor of the HVPG but did not predict any of the systemic circulatory findings. sCD163 > 3.95 mg/L (upper normal limit) predicted HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg with a positive predictive value of 0.99.ConclusionsCirculating sCD163 originating from activated Kupffer cells is increased in cirrhosis with increasing Child–Pugh score and with increasing HVPG, and it is an independent predictor for HVPG. These findings support a primary role of macrophage activation in portal hypertension, and may indicate a target for biological intervention.
High‐dose, ten‐day esomeprazole, amoxicillin and metronidazole triple therapy achieves high Helicobacter pylori eradication rates
Authors: Sánchez‐Delgado J. , García‐Iglesias P. , Castro‐Fernández M. , Bory F. , Barenys M. , Bujanda L. , Lisozain J. , Calvo M. M. , Torra S. , Gisbert J. P. , Calvet X. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundStrong acid inhibition using esomeprazole increases cure rates with triple therapy and 10‐day treatments are more effective than 7‐day ones. The combination of amoxicillin plus metronidazole at full doses, and using a physiologically‐correct schedule three times a day, and has been shown to overcome metronidazole resistance and to achieve good eradication rates.AimsTo assess the eradication rate of a new first‐line treatment regimen associating strong acid inhibition, amoxicillin and metronidazole and to evaluate tolerance.MethodsPatients from eight hospitals were included. Helicobacter pylori status was assessed by at least one of the following: histology, culture, rapid urease test or urea breath test (UBT). Ten‐day treatment was prescribed comprising esomeprazole 40 mg twice a day plus amoxicillin 1 g and metronidazol 500 mg both three times a day. Helicobacter pylori cure was assessed by UBT.ResultsA hundred and thirty‐six patients were enrolled. Mean age was 52.6 ± 16 years and 59.6% of patients were men. Main indications for treatment were: uninvestigated dyspepsia (13.6%); functional dyspepsia (18.2%); gastric ulcer (21.8%); and duodenal ulcer (39.8%). Helicobacter pylori eradication was achieved in 112 of the 127 patients who returned for follow‐up. Eradication rates were 82.4% (95% CI: 74.7–88.1) by intention‐to‐treat analysis and 88.2% (95% CI: 81.2–92.8) by per protocol. Treatment was well tolerated and no major side effects were reported. Nine patients complained of mild side effects.ConclusionsCure rates of the combination of esomeprazole, amoxicillin and metronidazole are high and the treatment was well tolerated. This pilot study warrants the comparison of this schedule with current standards.
Non‐synonymous SNPs in MC1R gene are associated with the extended black variant in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Yu Wenhua , Wang Cui , Xin Qingwu , Li Shijun , Feng Yanping , Peng Xiuli , Gong Yanzhang 
Published: May 2012

SummaryIn this study, we performed a sequence characterization of the duck melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) (MC1R) gene to analyze the relationship between MC1R polymorphism and the extended black variant in domestic ducks based on the extended black (E) and non‐extended black (e+) allele hypothesis of the duck MC1R gene. Both c.52G>A and c.376G>A substitutions are highly associated with the duck extended black variant (P < 0.01), but the novel c.52G>A substitution is more of a fit for the allele hypothesis of the duck MC1R gene.
Lisinopril pharmacokinetics and erythropoietin requirement in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Winnicki Wolfgang , Prehslauer Anna , Kletzmayr Josef , Herkner Harald , Sunder‐Plassmann Gere , Brunner Martin , Hörl Walter H. , Sengoelge Guerkan 
Published: May 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (10): 1087–1093AbstractBackground  There is ongoing controversy whether angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I) contribute to anaemia by causing hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA). However, it is unknown whether or not plasma levels or area under the curve (AUC) of ACE‐I are associated with responsiveness to ESA therapy.Materials and methods  We examined the association between lisinopril AUC, lisinopril plasma levels and ESA requirements that was assessed using an ESA index [(ESA IU/week/body weight kg)/(haemoglobin g/dL)]. After screening 184 haemodialysis patients, 14 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, mainly long‐term use of oral lisinopril in the upper end of dosage range for this population with stable haemoglobin levels and intravenous ESA therapy. Lisinopril plasma levels were measured at eight different time points (predialysis, immediate post‐dialysis and hourly for 6 h thereafter; AUC1), and the seven post‐dialysis lisinopril plasma levels were used for calculation of AUC2.Results  The mean ESA index of all patients was 27·90 ± 25·84 (IU/week/kg)/(g/dL). Average lisinopril AUC1 was 1212·48 ± 1209·75 [mg*h/L], whereas AUC2 averaged 947·67 ± 977·07 [mg*h/L]. Two patients (14%) had no detectable lisinopril plasma levels, indicating their noncompliance. There was no association between ESA index and AUC or plasma levels of lisinopril at any time point for all 14 or for the 12 compliant patients.Conclusions  Our study shows that long‐term, high‐dose lisinopril therapy has no effect on ESA responsiveness. Thus, avoidance or a dose reduction of ACE‐I in dialysis patients will not necessarily lead to reduced ESA requirements and costs.