bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic analysis between entecavir and lamivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Kenneth KC , Wu David Bin Chia , Chow Pui Yu , Lee Vivian Wing Yan , Li Hong 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Tremendous healthcare resources have been spent on the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and its related complications. Therefore, a proper evaluation of the cost‐effectiveness of pharmacotherapy is vital in aid of decision‐making. The aim of the present study was to examine the long‐term economic and clinical influence if lamivudine was replaced by entecavir in a group of CHB patients.Methods:  A recently published decision analytic model was adapted to study the cost‐effectiveness of 2 years of treatment of entecavir in a hypothetical cohort of 1000 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative CHB patients from a public hospital perspective. Compensated cirrhosis (CC) and de‐compensated cirrhosis (DC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) events were projected to 10 years. Hong Kong‐specific health care costs were used. Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) were calculated using the utility values obtained from a local study.Results:  In the base case analysis, compared with lamivudine, the use of entecavir was expected to reduce the incidences of CC, DC and HCC by 41.8%, 57.1% and 49.3%, respectively, and lead to a saving of $US 1.17 million in medical cost. The overall disease management cost for entecavir, which was 67.7% higher than lamivudine for 2 years treatment was reduced to 17.2% after projecting 2‐year treatment duration to 10 years. The incremental cost per QALY gained for entecavir compared with lamivudine was $US 13 759.Conclusions:  Based on the recommended cost‐effectiveness threshold of the World Health Organization, entecavir is considered cost‐effective compared with lamivudine in treating CHB in Hong Kong when long term medical consequences were considered.
Oncological outcomes of the prostate cancer patients registered in 2004: Report from the Cancer Registration Committee of the JUA
Authors: Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Miki Tsuneharu , Kubota Yoshinobu , Takahashi Satoru , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Mikami Kazuya , Homma Yukio 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  In 2001, the Cancer Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association initiated a data collection of prostate cancer patients into a computer‐based database. The aim of the present study is to report the clinical and pathological characteristics and outcomes of prostate cancer patients diagnosed in 2004 in Japan.Methods:  Overall, 11 385 patients from 239 institutions were registered into the database. After excluding 1105 patients because of insufficient data, duplication or insufficient follow up, 10 280 patients were eligible for the analysis. Most of them (10 198, 99.2%) were Japanese and 1195 (11.6%) had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The mean and median follow up was 53.2 months and 61.5 months, respectively.Results:  The 5‐year overall and prostate cancer‐specific survival rate was 89.7% and 94.8%, respectively. The 5‐year prostate cancer‐specific survival rate of M0 and M1 disease was 98.4% and 61.1%, respectively. For 8424 cases of organ‐confined or regional disease, Japanese urologists used as the initial treatment hormone ablation therapy alone (3360, 39.9%), radical prostatectomy (3140, 38.1%), radiation therapy (1530, 18.2%) and watchful waiting (394, 4.7%) including active surveillance or palliative observation.Conclusions:  This is the first large population report of survival data in Japanese prostate cancer patients. In Japan, the disease population, survival period with metastatic disease and ratio of patients having hormone ablation therapy differ from those in Western countries.
The use of alprazolam by people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: HORYNIAK DANIELLE , REDDEL SIOBHAN , QUINN BRENDAN , DIETZE PAUL 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. In Australia, people who inject drugs (PWID) commonly report the use of benzodiazepines (BZDs). This paper explores the emerging use of alprazolam among PWID in Melbourne, Australia.Design and Methods. This study reports on 3 years of data collected through the Victorian Illicit Drug Reporting System (2008–2010). Structured interviews were conducted with 451 PWID and analysed using odds ratios and χ2‐tests for trends over time.Results. While the proportion of PWID reporting recent BZD use remained stable over time, the proportion reporting alprazolam to be their most commonly used BZD fluctuated, peaking in 2009. Alprazolam users were significantly more likely to report using illicit BZDs and to report recent BZD injection compared with users of other BZDs. Alprazolam use was associated with the sale of drugs for cash, but not with other criminal activities.Discussion and Conclusion. The fluctuations in alprazolam use over time may be reflective of medical practitioners ceasing to prescribe alprazolam in response to reports of associated harms; however, this may in turn be driving the illicit alprazolam market. While the data do not indicate a clear association between alprazolam use and harms, considering the potential severity of associated harms and the association between alprazolam use and anterograde amnesia, patterns of alprazolam use among PWID should be closely monitored. Potential changes to prescribing practice should consider unintended consequences, such as replacement with other BZD types, or illicitly obtained BZDs.[Horyniak D, Reddel S, Quinn B, Dietze P. The use of alprazolam by people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:585–590]
The S100B protein in biological fluids: more than a lifelong biomarker of brain distress
Authors: Michetti Fabrizio , Corvino Valentina , Geloso Maria Concetta , Lattanzi Wanda , Bernardini Camilla , Serpero Laura , Gazzolo Diego 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 644–659.AbstractS100B is a calcium‐binding protein concentrated in glial cells, although it has also been detected in definite extra‐neural cell types. Its biological role is still debated. When secreted, S100B is believed to have paracrine/autocrine trophic effects at physiological concentrations, but toxic effects at higher concentrations. Elevated S100B levels in biological fluids (CSF, blood, urine, saliva, amniotic fluid) are thus regarded as a biomarker of pathological conditions, including perinatal brain distress, acute brain injury, brain tumors, neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric disorders. In the majority of these conditions, high S100B levels offer an indicator of cell damage when standard diagnostic procedures are still silent. The key question remains as to whether S100B is merely leaked from injured cells or is released in concomitance with both physiological and pathological conditions, participating at high concentrations in the events leading to cell injury. In this respect, S100B levels in biological fluids have been shown to increase in physiological conditions characterized by stressful physical and mental activity, suggesting that it may be physiologically regulated and raised during conditions of stress, with a putatively active role. This possibility makes this protein a candidate not only for a biomarker but also for a potential therapeutic target.
Regulation of the inflammatory response of vascular endothelial cells by EPAC1
Authors: Parnell Euan , Smith Brian O , Palmer Timothy M , Terrin Anna , Zaccolo Manuela , Yarwood Stephen J 
Published: December 2011

Life‐threatening diseases of the cardiovascular system, like atherosclerosis, are exacerbated by unwanted inflammation within the structures of large blood vessels. This inflammation involves increased permeability of the vascular endothelial cells (VECs) that form the lining of blood vessels, leading to exaggerated extravasation of blood components and accumulation of fluid in the extravascular space. This results in tissue dysfunction and increased secretion of chemokines that attract leukocytes and monocytes to the inflamed endothelium. Cyclic AMP is synthesized in VECs in response to endogenous Gs‐coupled receptors and is known to limit cytokine action and reduce endothelial hyperpermeability induced by multiple pro‐inflammatory stimuli. The mechanisms underlying this anti‐inflammatory action of cyclic AMP are now being elucidated and it is becoming clear that the cyclic AMP sensor, exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (EPAC1), appears to play a key role in suppressing unwanted inflammation. EPAC1 mediates at least three anti‐inflammatory pathways in VECs by down‐regulating inflammatory signalling through the induction of the suppressors of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS‐3) gene, limiting integrin‐dependent vascular permeability and enhancing endothelial barrier function through the stabilization of VE‐cadherin junctions. Given that manipulation of cellular cyclic AMP levels currently forms the basis of many effective pharmaceuticals and that EPAC1 is involved in multiple anti‐inflammatory protective processes in VECs, does this make EPAC1 an attractive target for the development of activators capable of eliciting a coordinated programme of ‘protection’ against the development of endothelial dysfunction? Here we discuss whether EPAC1 represents an attractive therapeutic target for limiting endothelial dysfunction associated with cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Novel cAMP Signalling Paradigms. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue‐2
Measuring Individual Preferences for Rural Multifunctionality: The Importance of Demographic and Residential Heterogeneity
Authors: Gómez‐Limón José A. , Vera‐Toscano Esperanza , Rico‐González Margarita 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe propose an approach to conceptualise ‘rural multifunctionality’ and further investigate peoples’ preferences for it. We use an opinion survey concerning individual preferences for several functions that rural spaces should provide. We use the analytical hierarchy process approach to assess the relative importance of each function. The results show how the social weightings of these functions are balanced, confirming that society demands truly multifunctional rural territories. Nonetheless, differences are found in individual preferences. We explore the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of these individual preferences, paying particular attention to the importance of heterogeneity using seemingly unrelated regressions. In short, results from this research could be employed as a useful informative element for the future development of public policies related to rural spaces.
An updated analysis of hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes based on the complete coding region
Authors: Nakano Tatsunori , Lau Gillian M. G. , Lau Grace M. L. , Sugiyama Masaya , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomic database is expanding rapidly.AimsThere is a need to provide an updated phylogenetic tree analysis based on the complete coding region of HCV.MethodsAll available HCV complete genome sequences in the HCV databases available through October 2010 were analyzed.ResultsThe assignment of all known complete sequences up‐to‐date confirmed the previous six major genotypes and one new sequence, which have been provisionally assigned as subtype 7a. New recombinant forms of HCV, although uncommon, have been detected and were found to have different crossover points.ConclusionThis updated analysis based on the complete region of HCV confirmed the validity of the previously assigned genotypes/subtypes and provided an up‐to‐date reference for future basic research and clinical studies.
Clinical score for the outcome of external cephalic version: A two‐phase prospective study
Authors: BURGOS Jorge , COBOS Patricia , RODRIGUEZ Leire , PIJOÁN José Ignacio , FERNÁNDEZ‐LLEBREZ Luis , MARTÍNEZ‐ASTORQUIZA Txantón , MELCHOR Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To design a score based on clinical parameters to predict the outcome of external cephalic versions (ECVs) at term.
Materials and Methods:  A two‐phase study was conducted (analysis/design and prospective validation) regarding 1000 versions performed between March 2002 and November 2010. The variables considered in the score were selected based on the results of multiple logistic regression models and multiple correspondence analyses published by our group. The predictive capacity was estimated through the area under the ROC curve.
Results:  The success rates for ECV in phases 1 and 2 were 52.2 and 51.2%, respectively, making the overall success rate 51.7%. The score was designed with the variables parity, placental location, breech variety and amount of amniotic fluid giving a value for each one. A clinical recommendation, based on the result of the score, was the estimated success rate with the 95% confidence interval. The predictive capacity of the score for the outcome of ECV at term was 70.1% (95% CI 66.9–73.4).
Conclusions:  A score composed of four easily measurable variables enabled us to predict the outcome of ECV at term.
An Obituary for GFR as the Main Marker for Kidney Function?
Authors: Vanholder Raymond , Eloot Sunny , Schepers Eva , Neirynck Nathalie , Glorieux Griet , Massy Ziad 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis publication comments on the recently published findings of a study by Eloot et al. (cJASN, 6: 1266–1273, 2011) that evaluated the correlation between several formulae for calculating estimated GFR (eGFR) and different low molecular weight uremic toxins; eGFRs were based on serum creatinine (SCrea), cystatin C (Cys C), or a combination of both. Unexpectedly, the correlations for the different solutes were highly inconsistent, irrespective of the eGFR formula. On the other hand, the different eGFR formulae gave consistent results per solute. Correlation coefficients for some solutes were low (hippuric acid, p‐cresylsulfate, indole acetic acid, uric acid, asymmetric dimethylarginine) to nonsignificant (carboxy‐methyl‐propyl‐furanpropionic acid). These data point to the fact that eGFR is a deceiving predictor of uremic solute concentration and their biological action; this inconsistency is very likely the result of the impact of other factors affecting concentration, such as tubular secretion, generation by intestinal flora and metabolism.
Early Growth Response‐1 Contributes to Steatosis Development After Acute Ethanol Administration
Authors: Donohue Terrence M. , Osna Natalia A. , Trambly Casey S. , Whitaker Nash P. , Thomes Paul G. , Todero Sandra L. , Davis John S. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Previous work demonstrated that the transcription factor, early growth response‐1 (Egr‐1), participates in the development of steatosis (fatty liver) after chronic ethanol (EtOH) administration. Here, we determined the extent to which Egr‐1 is involved in fatty liver development in mice subjected to acute EtOH administration.Methods:  In acute studies, we treated both wild‐type and Egr‐1 null mice with either EtOH or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) by gastric intubation. At various times after treatment, we harvested sera and livers and quantified endotoxin, indices of liver injury, steatosis, and hepatic Egr‐1 content. In chronic studies, groups of mice were fed liquid diets containing either EtOH or isocaloric maltose‐dextrin for 7 to 8 weeks.Results:  Compared with controls, acute EtOH‐treated mice showed a rapid, transient elevation in serum endotoxin beginning 30 minutes after treatment. One hour postgavage, livers from EtOH‐treated mice exhibited a robust elevation of both Egr‐1 mRNA and protein. By 3 hours postgavage, liver triglyceride increased in EtOH‐treated mice as did lipid peroxidation. Acute EtOH treatment of Egr‐1‐null mice showed no Egr‐1 expression, but these animals still developed elevated triglycerides, although significantly lower than EtOH‐fed wild‐type littermates. Despite showing decreased fatty liver, EtOH‐treated Egr‐1 null mice exhibited greater liver injury. After chronic EtOH feeding, steatosis and liver enlargement were clearly evident, but there was no indication of elevated endotoxin. Egr‐1 levels in EtOH‐fed mice were equal to those of pair‐fed controls.Conclusions:  Acute EtOH administration induced the synthesis of Egr‐1 in mouse liver. However, despite its robust increase, the transcription factor had a smaller, albeit significant, function in steatosis development after acute EtOH treatment. We propose that the rise in Egr‐1 after acute EtOH is an hepatoprotective adaptation to acute liver injury from binge drinking that is triggered by EtOH metabolism and elevated levels of endotoxin.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Circulating Stress‐Related Proteins and Chronic Ethanol Self‐Administration in Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Helms Christa M. , Messaoudi Ilhem , Jeng Sophia , Freeman Willard M. , Vrana Kent E. , Grant Kathleen A. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Alcoholics have alterations in endocrine and immune functions and increased susceptibility to stress‐related disorders. A longitudinal analysis of chronic ethanol intake on homeostatic mechanisms is, however, incompletely characterized in primates.Methods:  Plasma proteins (n = 60; Luminex) and hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH]; cortisol) were repeatedly measured in adult male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis, n = 10) during a 32‐month experimental protocol at baseline, during induction of water and ethanol (4% w/v in water) self‐administration, after 4 months, and after 12 months of 22‐hour daily concurrent access to ethanol and water.Results:  Significant changes were observed in ACTH, cortisol, and 45/60 plasma proteins: a majority (28/45) were suppressed as a function of ethanol self‐administration, 8 proteins were elevated, and 9 showed biphasic changes. Cortisol and ACTH were greatest during induction, and correlations between these hormones and plasma proteins varied across the experiment. Pathway analyses implicated nuclear factor κ‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) as possible mediators of ethanol‐induced effects on immune‐related proteins in primates.Conclusions:  Chronic ethanol consumption in primates leads to an allostatic state of physiological compromise with respect to circulating immune‐ and stress‐related proteins in NF‐κB‐ and STAT/JAK‐related pathways in correlation with altered endocrine activity.
The Persistence of Neighboring as a Determinant of Community Attachment: A Community Field Perspective*
Authors: Sundblad Daniel R. , Sapp Stephen G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe examined the community field perspective as a complement to the linear‐development and systemic models of community attachment, wherein community attachment is defined as a social bond to the community of place. We empirically evaluated indicators of the actor's interaction within the social field, such as the perceived quality of neighboring and density of friendships, using social survey and census data from 99 communities in 1994 and 2004 and evaluated as well the percentage change in these indicators from 1994 to 2004. Results show that the community field perspective can complement previous approaches by highlighting the importance of perceived neighboring and friendship density and the persistence of perceived neighboring over time. We suggest implications for community development efforts aimed at enhancing community attachment.
Gender differences in facial skin dielectric constant measured at 300 MHz
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Bernal Maria , Carson Sophia 
Published: December 2011

Background/purposeSkin tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements at 300 MHz provide non‐invasive data on free and bound tissue water. TDC‐data is available for some body sites, but most is for female forearm. Contrastingly, there are no data on face‐skin or comparative data between genders. Our goals were to obtain facial‐TDC reference values and determine if TDC‐values differ between genders.MethodsTDC was measured at forehead, cheek, and forearm in 60 young adults (30 men) to a 1.5‐mm depth. Measured TDC‐values were compared with TDC‐values calculated using skin‐thickness data.ResultsMeasured TDC‐values ranged from 39.6 ± 2.9 at male‐forehead to 28.2 ± 2.4 at female forearm and were significantly different (P < 0.001) among each site in the order forehead > cheek >forearm. Male TDC‐values were greater than female TDC‐values (P < 0.01) with differences from 5.6% at forehead to 11.3% at forearm. Calculated TDC‐values incorporating site and gender skin‐thickness differences yielded TDC‐values at the most 3% different from measured values.ConclusionGender differences should be considered in clinical studies in which men and women are included in a common study population with respect to experimental design and data interpretation. This is especially true if absolute TDC‐values are of interest rather than changes in TDC‐values on the same subject subsequent secondary to an intervention.
Surgical Reconstruction of Peri‐Implant Bone Defects with Prehydrated and Collagenated Porcine Bone and Collagen Barriers: Case Presentations
Authors: Slotte Christer , Lindfors Ninita , Nannmark Ulf 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: Surgical reconstruction of peri‐implant defects is challenging and unpredictable due to, for example, the extent of the bone defect or the osteogenic potential of adjunctive materials used.Purpose: To study the healing capacity of a new bone xenograft material in the treatment of peri‐implant defects.Material and Methods: In three cases with advanced peri‐implant defects, flap surgery was performed. After thorough debridement including cleaning of the exposed implant surface, prehydrated and collagenated porcine bone (PCPB) particles were placed into the defect. A bioresorbable collagen barrier was adapted and placed over the defect and the flaps were relocated. After 6 and 12 months of healing, clinical and radiographic examinations were done. In one case, the surgical procedure was repeated 6 months postoperatively. One year after the second surgery, a bone biopsy was harvested and analyzed with histology.Results: All defects healed uneventfully. At 6 months, probing depths were reduced by 3–4 mm with no bleeding on probing or pus formation. At 12 months, healthy peri‐implant conditions were found. Intra‐oral radiographs showed gain of the marginal bone level by 2–4 mm. In the case where reconstructive surgery was repeated, histology showed osteoconductive properties as bone formation with typical osteoblastic seams was observed directly on the surface of the grafted particles.Conclusion: The presented cases show that PCPB have favorable properties enhancing bone regeneration in peri‐implant bone defects.
A‐ and B‐Site Modified Perovskite Nanosheets and Their Integrations into High‐k Dielectric Thin Films
Authors: Osada Minoru , Sasaki Takayoshi 
Published: December 2011

We investigated dielectric properties of perovskite nanosheets with different compositions (Ca2−xSrxNb3−yTayO10) to study the influence of A‐ and B‐site modifications on dielectric properties. Langmuir–Blodgett deposition was employed to fabricate multilayer nanofilms of perovskite nanosheets. In these nanosheets, the A‐site modification by Sr2+ ions causes the increase in εr value, whereas the B‐site modification with Ta5+ ions improves leakage current characteristics and reduces permittivity value. The optimized property (εr = 240) is obtained for Sr2Nb3O10 nanosheet. We also discuss high‐κ properties of Ca2−xSrxNb3−yTayO10 nanosheets by detailed investigations on first‐principles calculations and interfacial structures.