bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of influenza vaccination in HIV‐positive patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Anema A , Mills E , Montaner J , Brownstein JS , Cooper C 
Published: September 2010

BackgroundInternational treatment guidelines recommend that HIV‐positive patients be vaccinated for influenza annually. Evidence supporting this recommendation is limited. We assessed the efficacy of influenza vaccines in preventing influenza in HIV‐positive patients through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsWe searched 10 electronic databases independently, in duplicate (from inception to June 2007). We extracted data on study design, population characteristics and outcomes related to influenza symptoms and antibody titres. We pooled data using a random effects model and conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate heterogeneity.ResultsWe included four studies. Three studies were evaluable for meta‐analysis and yielded a pooled relative risk reduction (RRR) of 66% [95% confidence interval (CI) 36–82%; I2=73%]. One case–control study yielded an odds ratio of 1.98 (95% CI 0.75–5.20). When we assessed heterogeneity according to study design, we found that the study of the highest quality, a randomized clinical trial (RCT), yielded the most conservative estimate (RRR 41%; 95% CI 2–64%).InterpretationEvidence supporting influenza vaccination of HIV‐positive individuals is limited, poorly quantified and characterized by substantial methodological shortcomings. A reasonable estimate of influenza vaccination effectiveness in HIV‐positive patients cannot be derived from these data. There is an urgent need for randomized trials to guide policy and clinical practice.
Increased rate of prematurity associated with antenatal antiretroviral therapy in a German/Austrian cohort of HIV‐1‐infected women
Authors: Grosch‐Woerner I , Puch K , Maier RF , Niehues T , Notheis G , Patel D , Casteleyn S , Feiterna‐Sperling C , Groeger S , Zaknun D ,   for the Multicenter Interdisciplinary Study Group Germany/Austria
Published: September 2010

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes after antenatal antiretroviral therapy in a well‐defined prospective cohort of nontransmitting HIV‐infected women.MethodsProspective monitoring of 183 mother–child pairs from 13 centres in Germany and Austria, delivering between 1995 and 2001, was carried out. Following German–Austrian guidelines recommending an elective Caesarean section (CS) at 36 weeks, prematurity was defined as <36 weeks' gestation for these analyses.ResultsOf 183 mother–child pairs, 42% were exposed to antenatal monotherapy and 17% to dual therapy. Of the 75 women exposed to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 21 (28%) received protease inhibitor (PI)‐based HAART and the remaining 54 received nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐based HAART. In multivariable analysis (176 pregnancies), PI‐based HAART exposure during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of premature delivery [adjusted odds ratio 3.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–10.2; P=0.029, compared with monotherapy]. Congenital abnormalities affected 3.3% infants. Perinatally, 18.9% of children (34 of 179) had respiratory problems requiring interventions, which were associated with prematurity but not with type of treatment exposure. From adjusted regression analysis, the mean birth weight z‐score for children exposed to HAART with PI (+0.46; 95% CI 0.01–0.92; P=0.047) or dual therapy (+0.43; 95% CI 0.03–0.82; P=0.034) was slightly but significantly higher than that for those exposed to monotherapy; head circumference was appropriate for gestational age and there were no significant differences between treatment groups.ConclusionsUse of antenatal PI‐based HAART initiated before or during pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of premature delivery at <36 weeks' gestation. The overall crude prematurity rate was 34% (63 of 183; 95% CI 28–42).
Factors predicting the time for CD4 T‐cell count to return to nadir in the course of CD4‐guided therapy interruption in chronic HIV infection*
Authors: Boschi A , Tinelli C , Ortolani P , Arlotti M 
Published: September 2010

ObjectiveOur previous studies on CD4‐guided therapy interruption (TI) showed that the durations of the first and second TIs were similar if antiretroviral therapy (ART) was resumed at a level of the CD4 cell count similar to or higher than the nadir CD4 T‐cell count. Therefore, in a strategy of repeated CD4‐guided TI, it is important to know which factors predict the time for the CD4 T‐cell count to return to nadir (TRN).MethodsFrom a cohort of 125 patients who interrupted ART, 92 patients who reached a CD4 T‐cell count similar to the nadir count were included in the study.ResultsThe median TRN was 12.3 months. In the multivariate analysis, younger age (P=0.011), lower pre‐ART HIV RNA (P=0.022) and female gender (P=0.045) were associated with a longer TRN. After TI there were 11 clinical events in the group of patients whose nadir CD4 count was >200 cells/μL. Most of these events occurred when the TI was prolonged beyond the TRN.ConclusionsThe factors predicting the TRN were age, HIV RNA pre‐ART and gender. Resumption of therapy at a CD4 cell count similar to the nadir CD4 count appears to protect against the development of clinical events. Given the observational nature of this study, no conclusions can be drawn regarding the possible application of TI in clinical practice.
The Chinese path to individualization
Authors: Yan Yunxiang 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis article explores the rise of the individual and the consequential individualization of society which should be viewed as a reflexive part of China's state‐sponsored quest for modernity. It traces the origin of the individualization process to the Maoist era, arguing that some collectivist programmes of social engineering and the socialist path of modernization under Maoism ironically resulted in a partial individualization of Chinese society. Examining profound social changes during the three decades of the post‐Mao reforms, the article reveals a number of similarities with the individualization process in Western Europe but also demonstrates some important differences. In the last section, the theoretical implications of the Chinese case in light of Ulrich Beck's theory of individualization and second modernity are discussed.
Cerebral cortical dynamics and the quality of motor behavior during social evaluative challenge
Authors: Rietschel Jeremy C. , Goodman Ronald N. , King Bradley R. , Lo Li‐Chuan , Contreras‐Vidal Jose L. , Hatfield Bradley D. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTo determine the influence of arousal on cerebral cortical dynamics and motor behavior, 58 channels of EEG were recorded in 13 college‐age men (n=6) and women during an aiming task performed alone and in a social evaluation condition. Moderate arousal, as measured by heart rate, skin conductance, and self‐reported mood, was induced during the social evaluation. In accord with the Yerkes–Dodson Hypothesis, which posits optimal performance during moderate arousal, improved performance (i.e., quality of the aiming trajectories) was observed. During social evaluation, changes in electroencephalogram dynamics included decreased coherence between the motor planning (Fz) and right temporal region (T4), increased coherence in the sensorimotor networks subserving the task, and increased local processing (gamma, 30–44 Hz) in the temporal regions. The results imply that moderate arousal promotes specific alterations in cortical dynamics that facilitate motor performance.
Cognitive control in the intertrial interval: Evidence from EEG alpha power
Authors: Compton Rebecca J. , Arnstein Daniel , Freedman Gili , Dainer‐Best Justin , Liss Alison 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis study used electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum analyses to characterize neural activity during the intertrial interval, a period during which online cognitive adjustments in response to errors or conflict are thought to occur. EEG alpha power was quantified as an inverse index of cerebral activity during the period between each response and the next stimulus in a Stroop task. Alpha power was significantly reduced following error responses compared to correct responses, indicating greater cerebral activity following errors. Reduced alpha power was also observed following Stroop conflict trials compared to no‐conflict trials, suggesting that conflict engages processes of mental adjustment. Finally, hemispheric differences in alpha power during the intertrial interval supported the complementary roles of the left and right hemispheres in behavioral activation and inhibition.
Rethinking Duverger's Law: Predicting the Effective Number of Parties in Plurality and PR Systems – Parties Minus Issues Equals One*
Authors: TAAGEPERA REIN , GROFMAN BERNARD 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTAttempts to predict the number of political parties emerging in democracies have usually been based on one of two seemingly incompatible approaches: (1) the ‘institutional’ approach (e.g., Duverger's Law and Hypothesis) focuses on the nature of the electoral system and also on the number of seats per district; (2) the ‘ideological’ approach stresses the nature and extent of social cleavages. This article attempts a synthesis by showing that election system and cleavage type interact to affect the number of parties, with the former factor determined in part by the latter. Our most striking finding, however, is that the effective number of parties tends to be obtained by adding ‘one’ to the number of issue dimensions. Within this broader framework, Duverger's Law emerges as a special case for polities with a single issue dimension, and Duverger's Hypothesis is replaced by a much more quantitative prediction as to the effective number of parties.
The Voters Decide?: Preferential Voting in European List Systems*
Authors: MARSH MICHAEL 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe electoral law in many European countries permits voters to indicate preferred candidates within a party list rather than to make a choice only between parties. This paper examines briefly the various voting arrangements which allow this and considers in some detail the patterns of their utilization and their possible consequences. Whilst such behaviour can be understood as a form of political participation, it is evident that patterns vary and consequences are uncertain due to the complex interrelationship between the different elements in the electoral situation.
Treatment and diagnosis of a dog with fulminant neurological deterioration due to anatoxin‐a intoxication
Authors: Puschner Birgit , Pratt Chap , Tor Elizabeth R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjective
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To describe the clinical features, treatment, diagnostic work‐up, and outcome of a dog with acute neurologic signs subsequent to algal toxin exposure.Case Summary –A Golden Retriever was presented for evaluation of acute onset of paraparesis after swimming in a man‐made pond in early June and ingesting algae from a nearby bucket. The dog was anxious, had mild ptyalism, and when excited, developed generalized self‐limiting tremors that progressed to generalized fasciculations and lateral recumbency. The dog was treated with activated charcoal and crystalloid fluids. Two hours after the presentation, the dog acutely decompensated and was ultimately euthanized. Gastric contents, bucket contents, pond water, bile, and urine were positive for anatoxin‐a.New or Unique Information Provided
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Anatoxin‐a intoxication is rarely confirmed in dogs but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any dog with acute neurologic signs. We report the first successful detection of anatoxin‐a in urine and bile of a dog exposed to blue green algae. This new test provides an enhanced diagnostic tool in suspect cases and has possible therapeutic implications in dogs.
Inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 prevents adverse effects induced by phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitors in rats
Authors: Peter D , Göggel R , Colbatzky F , Nickolaus P 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPhosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors such as roflumilast are currently being developed as anti‐inflammatory treatments for chronic airway disorders. However, high doses of PDE4 inhibitors have also been linked to several side effects in different animal species, including pro‐inflammatory effects in the rat. Here, we analysed PDE4‐related toxicological findings in a rat model and how these side effects might be therapeutically prevented.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWistar rats were treated orally once daily with 10 mg·kg−1roflumilast for 4 days. Macroscopic changes were monitored throughout the study and further parameters were analysed at the end of the experiment on day 5. In addition, the effects of concomitant treatment with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors were assessed.KEY RESULTSSupratherapeutical treatment with roflumilast induced marked body and spleen weight loss, diarrhea, increased secretory activity of the harderian glands, leukocytosis, increased serum cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 (CINC‐1) levels, and histopathological changes in thymus, spleen, mesentery and mesenteric lymph nodes. All these toxicological findings could be prevented by the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) and non‐selective COX inhibitor, diclofenac, given orally. Similar protective effects could be achieved by the COX‐2 selective inhibitor lumiracoxib, whereas the COX‐1 selective inhibitor SC‐560 was generally not effective.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSTreatment with an NSAID inhibiting COX‐2 prevents the major effects found after subchronic overdosing with the PDE4‐specific inhibitor roflumilast. If this effect translates into humans, such combined treatment may increase the therapeutic window of PDE4 inhibitors, currently under clinical development.
What have positron emission tomography and ‘Zippy’ told us about the neuropharmacology of drug addiction?
Authors: Cumming Paul , Caprioli Daniele , Dalley Jeffrey W 
Published: September 2010

Translational molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and allied technologies offer unrivalled applications in the discovery of biomarkers and aetiological mechanisms relevant to human disease. Foremost among clinical PET findings during the past two decades of addiction research is the seminal discovery of reduced dopamine D2/3receptor expression in the striatum of drug addicts, which could indicate a predisposing factor and/or compensatory reaction to the chronic abuse of stimulant drugs. In parallel, recent years have witnessed significant improvements in the performance of small animal tomographs (microPET) and a refinement of animal models of addiction based on clinically relevant diagnostic criteria. This review surveys the utility of PET in the elucidation of neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying drug addiction. It considers the consequences of chronic drug exposure on regional brain metabolism and neurotransmitter function and identifies those areas where further research is needed, especially concerning the implementation of PET tracers targeting neurotransmitter systems other than dopamine, which increasingly have been implicated in the pathophysiology of drug addiction. In addition, this review considers the causal effects of behavioural traits such as impulsivity and novelty/sensation‐seeking on the emergence of compulsive drug‐taking. Previous research indicates that spontaneously high‐impulsive rats – as exemplified by ‘Zippy’– are pre‐disposed to escalate intravenous cocaine self‐administration, and subsequently to develop compulsive drug taking tendencies that endure despite concurrent adverse consequences of such behaviour, just as in human addiction. The discovery using microPET of pre‐existing differences in dopamine D2/3receptor expression in the striatum of high‐impulsive rats suggests a neural endophenotype that may likewise pre‐dispose to stimulant addiction in humans.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed section on Imaging. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐8BJPhas previously published anImaging in Pharmacologythemed section, edited by A Davenport and C Daly. To view this section visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue‐4
3D Ichnology—recovering digital 3D models of dinosaur footprints
Authors: Remondino Fabio , Rizzi Alessandro , Girardi Stefano , Petti Fabio Massimo , Avanzini Marco 
Published: September 2010

Abstract Ichnology deals with the traces of prehistoric organisms and thus with the study of dinosaur footprints and tracks. This paper reports on a reliable and precise methodology developed to integrate high‐resolution close range photogrammetry and range sensors for 3D surveys of dinosaur footprints. The 3D footprint and track models recovered here yield a great deal of accurate morphological and morphometrical information, providing palaeoichnologists with a simpler and cheaper way to document track fossils and the opportunity to formulate new hypotheses about the dynamics of dinosaur locomotion.
Combination Treatment with Ranitidine Is Highly Eff icient Against Helicobacter pylori Despite Negative Impact of Macrolide Resistance
Authors: Hultén Kristina , Jaup Bernhard , Stenquist Bo , Engstrand Lars 
Published: September 2010

Background.This double‐blind, randomized study evaluated the efficacy of dual and triple therapies including ranitidine for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.Materials and Methods.Dyspeptic patients (n = 105) with a positive rapid urease test formed the intention‐to‐treat population (ITT). All patients were assigned to 14 days treatment with ranitidine 300 mg b.i.d and clarithromycin 750 mg b.i.d. Group A (n = 53) also received a placebo twice daily, while group B (n = 52) received lymecycline 300 mg b.i.d. Treatment with ranitidine, 150 mg b.i.d, was continued for an additional 30 days. H. pylori infection was verified by culture. Twelve weeks after antibiotic treatment, H. pylori status was investigated by culture and 14C‐urea breath test (UBT). The per‐protocol (PP) group consisted of 73 patients (A, n = 38; B, n = 35).Results.Cure rates were 87% (95% C.I. = 72% to 94%) vs. 72% (95% C.I. = 58% to 83%) in the ITT‐group and 89% (95% C.I. = 73% to 97%) vs. 87% (95% C.I. = 72% to 96%) in the PP‐population (culture and UBT) when triple and dual therapies were compared. In all patients who were not cured, clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori was acquired. Side effects were experienced by 54% of patients.Conclusions.The difference in efficacy between the two treatment regimens was not significant. However, the cure rates in this study are comparable to combination treatments with omeprazole. Treatment failures were due to acquired clarithromycin resistance.
The Effect of the cag Pathogenicity Island on Binding of Helicobacter pylori to Gastric Epithelial Cells and the Subsequent Induction of Apoptosis
Authors: Minohara Yutaka , Boyd David K. , Hawkins Hal K. , Ernst Peter B. , Patel Janak , Crowe Sheila E. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori infection leads to gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer, in part due to epithelial damage following bacteria binding to the epithelium. Infection with cag pathogenicity island (PAI) bearing strains of H. pylori is associated with increased gastric inflammation and a higher incidence of gastroduodenal diseases. It is now known that various effector molecules are injected into host epithelial cells via a type IV secretion apparatus, resulting in cytoskeletal changes and chemokine secretion. Whether binding of bacteria and subsequent apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells are altered by cag PAI status was examined in this study.Methods:  AGS, Kato III, and N87 human gastric epithelial cell lines were incubated with cag PAI‐positive or cag PAI‐negative strains of H. pylori in the presence or absence of clarithromycin. Binding was evaluated by flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. Apoptosis was assessed by detection of DNA degradation and ELISA detection of exposed histone residues.Results:  cag PAI‐negative strains bound to gastric epithelial cells to the same extent as cag PAI‐positive strains. Both cag PAI‐positive and cag PAI‐negative strains induced apoptosis. However, cag PAI‐positive strains induced higher levels of DNA degradation. Incubation with clarithromycin inactivated H. pylori but did not affect binding. However, pretreatment with clarithromycin decreased infection‐induced apoptosis.Conclusions:  cag PAI status did not affect binding of bacteria to gastric epithelial cells but cag PAI‐positive H. pylori induced apoptosis more rapidly than cag PAI‐negative mutant strains, suggesting that H. pylori binding and subsequent apoptosis are differentially regulated with regard to bacterial properties.
A Pilot Study Evaluating Sequential Administration of a PPI–Amoxicillin Followed by a PPI–Metronidazole–Tetracycline in Turkey
Authors: Sezgin Orhan , Altınta5 Engin , Nayır Erdinç , Üçbilek Enver 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:  There is no effective regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in our country. It may be due to the increasing prevalence of resistance to antibiotics used for the treatment of H. pylori. Recently, a study from Turkey has revealed that a new treatment scheme consisting of sequential administration of pantoprazole plus amoxicillin for 7 days followed by pantoprazole plus metronidazole, and tetracycline for the remaining 7 days was effective in the first‐line treatment of H. pylori. Therefore, we aimed to confirm efficacy of a new therapy scheme in the first‐line H. pylori eradication.Material and methods:  This is a prospective, open label, single center, pilot study and included 32 patients infected with H. pylori diagnosed by both histologic examinations, rapid urease test and 13C‐urea breath test (UBT). The patients received a 14‐day sequential regimen (pantoprazole 40 mg b.d. plus amoxicillin 1000 mg b.d. for 7 days and pantoprazole 40 mg b.d., metronidazole 500 mg b.d. and tetracycline 500 mg q.d. for the remaining 7 days). Eradication was assessed with 13C‐UBT 4 weeks after completion of the therapy. Intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol eradication rates were determined.Results:  At intention‐to‐treat analysis, the eradication rate was 50% (16/32). For the per protocol analysis, the eradication rate was 57% (16/28). There were no significant adverse effects and treatment compliance was good.Conclusion:  A new therapy consisting of sequentially administered drugs for 14 days yielded unacceptably low eradication rates. This scheme was not efficient for H. pylori eradication in our region. Further investigations are needed to determine the effectiveness of this scheme in other regions of Turkey.