bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling petroleum future price volatility: analysing asymmetry and persistency of shocks
Authors: Alom Fardous , Ward Bert D. , Hu Baiding 
Published: February 2012

AbstractUnderstanding the nature of volatility in commodity prices warrants adequate attention because such volatility is likely to lead to increased production, search and opportunity costs, as well as accelerate uncertainty and risk, contributing to a slowdown of economic activities. This study examines the asymmetry and persistency in the volatility of a set of petroleum future price returns—namely crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, natural gas and propane—within the framework of a set of non‐linear generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH)‐type models. Specifically, we employ threshold GARCH, exponential GARCH, asymmetric power ARCH and component GARCH models using daily data over the period 1995–2010. The study reveals the following: over the full sample period of 1995–2010, all future price returns show persistent and asymmetric effects of shocks to the volatility but the level of persistency and degree of asymmetry differ product to product; over the subsample 1995–2001, persistency and asymmetry are evident for all series with the exception of gasoline future price returns; the recent subsample of 2002–2010 shows mixed evidence and all series show persistent effects of shocks to the volatility while asymmetry is supported in crude oil and propane only; the study also concludes that based on forecasting performance, no single model can be recommended but different models should be used based on the time periods involved and the nature of petroleum products. These findings also imply that in the presence of asymmetric and persistent volatility, policy measures should be taken to accommodate long lasting effects of shocks to the volatility. And since negative effects of shocks are not fully compensated by positive shocks, counter‐cyclical policies should be taken to counter the pessimistic and optimistic overreactions of businesses to ensure a stable business environment.
ORGANISING CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND RENAL DISEASE
Authors: Dean John 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYDiabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two of the commonest long‐term conditions. One‐fifth of patients with diabetes will have CKD, and diabetes is the commonest cause of advanced kidney disease. For most patients these comorbidities will be managed in primary care with the focus on cardiovascular prevention. Many patients with more advanced disease and complications require joint care from multidisciplinary specialist teams in diabetes and renal disease to ensure that care is consistent and coordinated. Models of joint speciality care, include joint registry management, parallel clinics, shared consulting and case discussion, but require more evaluation than has currently been performed. These underpin more informal interactions between the specialist teams. A local model of care for diabetes and renal disease that incorporates the roles of primary care, members of multidisciplinary teams and speciality care should be agreed, resourced appropriately and its effectiveness monitored.
PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH CKD
Authors: Hamilton Catherine A. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYEffective and appropriate control of blood glucose can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic complications and all‐cause mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and recent years have seen a number of new anti‐diabetic medications marketed. However, approximately 30% of patients with diabetes mellitus develop progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) limiting the selection of agents that can safely be used. Whilst older agents such as metformin and the sulphonylureas remain the mainstay of initial treatment, the elimination and adverse effects profile of a number of these drugs can be a concern in patients with CKD. Additionally, use of the newer agents is often limited by a lack of long‐term safety data, particularly in this patient group. Treatment guidelines for anti‐diabetic therapy rarely consider safe and efficacious management of those patients with CKD.
ANAEMIA, DIABETES AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Authors: Stevens P. E. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYAnaemia is a common finding in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease and failure of the kidney to produce erythro‐poietin in response to a falling haemoglobin concentration is a key component, correlating with the degree of albuminuria, renal dysfunction and iron deficiency. Anaemia in diabetes is associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including increased risk of all cause and cardiovascular mortality. Whether or not anaemia is a marker or mediator of adverse outcome still remains to be completely resolved. Treatment of anaemia in diabetes has quality of life benefits and reduces transfusion requirements. Correction of anaemia to normal haemoglobin concentrations is associated with significant adverse cardiovascular outcomes and is not recommended, escalating doses of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents should be avoided. The treatment of anaemia in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease should begin with optimisation of iron stores. An aspirational haemoglobin concentration range of 10–12 g/dl with anaemia management, balances proven benefits of anaemia treatment with potential cardiovascular risk.
Therapeutic ultrasound versus sham ultrasound for the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double‐blind controlled clinical study
Authors: Ulus Yasemin , Tander Berna , Akyol Yesim , Durmus Dilek , Buyukakıncak Ozlem , Gul Ulku , Canturk Ferhan , Bilgici Ayhan , Kuru Omer 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this trial was to evaluate the short‐term effectiveness of ultrasound (US) therapy on pain, physical function, ambulation activity, disability and psychological status in patients with knee OA.MethodsForty‐two inpatients with bilateral knee OA were randomized by an independent researcher not involved in the data assessment, to receive either therapeutic continuous US (group 1) or sham US (group 2). A 1‐MHz US head was used, set to an intensity of 1 W/cm2 for 10 min. All patients received 20 min of hot packs, 10 min of interferential current, and 15 min of quadriceps isometric exercise of both knees. Patients in each group received treatments five times weekly for 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the treatment sessions. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 50‐m walking speed, Lequesne index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsThe patients with knee OA had significant improvements in pain, stiffness, functional activity, walking time, disability, depression and anxiety scores with therapeutic US and sham US (P < 0.05). The improvement in pain VAS scores, WOMAC scores, Lequesne index and HADS scores were not significantly different in patients treated with US and sham US (P > 0.05). No side‐effects were reported during or after the US treatment periods.ConclusionUS therapy is safe but use of US in addition to conventional physical therapy programs seems to have no further significant effect in people with knee OA.
Jejunal myxoma as a cause for jejunoileo‐caecal intussusception in a horse
Authors: Zauscher J. M. , Plog S. , Höppner S. , Lischer C. J. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryA 17‐year‐old gelding was presented with mild to moderate signs of colic. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an intussusception of ileum and jejunum into the caecum. The starting point of the intussusception was an intramural mass in the jejunum. Half a metre of jejunum was resected and the horse recovered without complications. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a myxoma with no myogenic or neurogenic origin.
Exploring service users perceptions of recovery from psychosis: A Q‐methodological approach
Authors: Wood Lisa , Price Jason , Morrision Anthony , Haddock Gillian 
Published: February 2012

Objective. Recovery from psychosis has been greatly studied, especially in relation to outcome. However, it is still a poorly defined concept and there has been minimal impact of service user definitions of recovery. It is a term that is being increasingly used in relation to mental health policies and guidelines; hence it is important to ensure that recovery is well defined and guided by service users’ experience of recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine what factors are important to service users in recovery from psychosis.Design. A Q‐method approach was adopted to allow a wide qualitative exploration of recovery.Method. An opportunity sample (N= 40) was recruited, aged between 18 and 65, who experienced symptoms of psychosis for at least 1 year within mental health services in the North West of England.Results. Analysis revealed four distinct perspectives in relation to recovery from psychosis. The first placed importance on collaborative support and understanding, the second on emotional change through social and medical support, the third group emphasized regaining functional and occupational goals, and the last group identified self‐focused recovery as being important factors.Conclusions. Although recovery from psychosis may have common elements, there are a number of idiosyncratic perspectives that should be taken into account when conceptualizing recovery and this should be reflected in service provision.Practitioner Points• This paper provides insight into the idiosyncratic nature of recovery and provides clarity to the current understanding of the concept.• It outlines distinct recovery styles and explores their clinical implications.
HCO3−‐independent conductance with a mutant Na+/HCO3− cotransporter (SLC4A4) in a case of proximal renal tubular acidosis with hypokalaemic paralysis
Authors: Parker Mark D. , Qin Xue , Williamson Rosalind C. , Toye Ashley M. , Boron Walter F. 
Published: February 2012

Key points
A mutant electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 (A799V) is associated with an inability of the kidney to regulate blood pH as well as weakness of muscles.
In the present study we employ biotinylation and electrophysiology on Xenopus oocytes as well as confocal microscopy on non‐polarized MDCK cells. We study A799V, plus three laboratory‐generated mutants A799G, A799I and A799S.
A799V and A799I show increased intracellular retention in MDCK cells. All four mutants exhibit a reduced per‐molecule Na+/HCO3− cotransport activity in oocytes. These observations probably underlie the inability of A799V to regulate blood pH.
A799V and A799I exhibit a novel, DIDS‐stimulated, HCO3−‐independent conductance – the first example in an electrogenic NBC. This observation could underlie the contribution of A799V towards muscle weakness.
A799G and A799S exhibit unusual outward rectification. A799G is unusually insensitive to DIDS and tenidap. Thus Alanine‐799 is a critical determinant of correct NBCe1 function.
Contribution of IncFII and Broad-Host IncA/C and IncN Plasmids to the Local Expansion and Diversification of Phylogroup B2 Escherichia coli ST131 Clones Carrying
bla
CTX-M-15
and
qnrS1
Genes
Authors: Novais Ângela , Viana Diana , Baquero Fernando , Martínez-Botas Javier , Cantón Rafael , Coque Teresa M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The recent increase of CTX-M-15-producing
Escherichia coli
isolates in our institution was caused by diverse clonal backgrounds, including mainly B2 sequence type 131 (ST131) clones presenting variable virulence profiles but also A
1
(ST617, ST410), B1, and D
1
(ST405) clones. Besides IncFII-pC15-1a, we detected multidrug-resistant IncA/C
2
and IncN plasmids carrying
bla
CTX-M-15
and/or
qnrS1
. Our study highlights the diversification of highly transmissible resistant and virulent clones and the recombinogenic potential of broad-host plasmids contributing to the expansion of genetic regions coding for multidrug resistance to other bacterial lineages.
Fitness Cost and Interference of Arm/Rmt Aminoglycoside Resistance with the RsmF Housekeeping Methyltransferases
Authors: Gutierrez Belen , Escudero Jose A. , San Millan Alvaro , Hidalgo Laura , Carrilero Laura , Ovejero Cristina M. , Santos-Lopez Alfonso , Thomas-Lopez Daniel , Gonzalez-Zorn Bruno 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Arm/Rmt methyltransferases have emerged recently in pathogenic bacteria as enzymes that confer high-level resistance to 4,6-disubstituted aminoglycosides through methylation of the G1405 residue in the 16S rRNA (like ArmA and RmtA to -E). In prokaryotes, nucleotide methylations are the most common type of rRNA modification, and they are introduced posttranscriptionally by a variety of site-specific housekeeping enzymes to optimize ribosomal function. Here we show that while the aminoglycoside resistance methyltransferase RmtC methylates G1405, it impedes methylation of the housekeeping methyltransferase RsmF at position C1407, a nucleotide that, like G1405, forms part of the aminoglycoside binding pocket of the 16S rRNA. To understand the origin and consequences of this phenomenon, we constructed a series of in-frame knockout and knock-in mutants of
Escherichia coli
, corresponding to the genotypes
rsmF
+
, Δ
rsmF
,
rsmF
+
rmtC
+
, and Δ
rsmF rmtC
+
. When analyzed for the antimicrobial resistance pattern, the Δ
rsmF
bacteria had a decreased susceptibility to aminoglycosides, including 4,6- and 4,5-deoxystreptamine aminoglycosides, showing that the housekeeping methylation at C1407 is involved in intrinsic aminoglycoside susceptibility in
E. coli
. Competition experiments between the isogenic
E. coli
strains showed that, contrary to expectation, acquisition of
rmtC
does not entail a fitness cost for the bacterium. Finally, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry allowed us to determine that RmtC methylates the G1405 residue not only in presence but also in the absence of aminoglycoside antibiotics. Thus, the coupling between housekeeping and acquired methyltransferases subverts the methylation architecture of the 16S rRNA but elicits Arm/Rmt methyltransferases to be selected and retained, posing an important threat to the usefulness of aminoglycosides worldwide.
Artemisinin-Naphthoquine Combination Therapy for Uncomplicated Pediatric Malaria: a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Batty Kevin T. , Salman Sam , Moore Brioni R. , Benjamin John , Lee Sook Ting , Page-Sharp Madhu , Pitus Nolene , Ilett Kenneth F. , Mueller Ivo , Hombhanje Francis W. , Siba Peter , Davis Timothy M. E. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Artemisinin-naphthoquine (ART-NQ) is a coformulated antimalarial therapy marketed as a single-dose treatment in Papua New Guinea and other tropical countries. To build on limited knowledge of the pharmacokinetic properties of the components, especially the tetra-aminoquinoline NQ, we studied ART-NQ disposition in Papua New Guinea children aged 5 to 12 years with uncomplicated malaria, comparing a single dose (15 and 6 mg/kg of body weight) administered with water (group 1;
n
= 13), a single dose (22 and 9 mg/kg) with milk (group 2) (
n
= 17), and two daily doses of 22 and 9 mg/kg with water (group 3;
n
= 16). The plasma NQ concentration was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the plasma ART concentration was assayed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Population-based multicompartment pharmacokinetic models for NQ and ART were developed. NQ disposition was best characterized by a three-compartment model with a mean absorption half-life (
t
1/2
) of 1.0 h and predicted median maximum plasma concentrations that ranged as high as 57 μg/liter after the second dose in group 3. The mean NQ elimination
t
1/2
was 22.8 days; clearance relative to bioavailability (CL/
F
) was 1.1 liters/h/kg; and volume at steady state relative to bioavailability (
V
ss
/
F
) was 710 liters/kg. Administration of NQ with fat (8.5 g; 615 kJ) versus water was associated with 25% increased bioavailability. ART disposition was best characterized by a two-compartment model with a mean CL/
F
(4.1 liters/h/kg) and
V
/
F
(21 liters/kg) similar to those of previous studies. There was a 77% reduction in the bioavailability of the second ART dose (group 3). NQ has pharmacokinetic properties that confirm its potential as an artemisinin partner drug for treatment of uncomplicated pediatric malaria.
DegP Is Involved in Cpx-Mediated Posttranscriptional Regulation of the Type III Secretion Apparatus in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: MacRitchie Dawn M. , Acosta Nicole , Raivio Tracy L. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The Cpx envelope stress response facilitates adaptation to envelope stresses that lead to the misfolding of periplasmic proteins. Cpx-mediated adaptation involves elevated expression of periplasmic proteases and chaperones. Previously, we demonstrated that induction of the Cpx envelope stress response in enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) also results in inhibition of type III secretion (T3S) and that this is correlated with downregulated transcription of the relevant genes. Here, we investigated whether the Cpx stress response might also exert posttranscriptional effects on the T3S apparatus. We show that DsbA is required for T3S, while removal of transcription factor CpxR or the Cpx-regulated folding factor CpxP or PpiA has minimal effects. Conversely, the entire T3S complex is removed from the envelope when the Cpx response is activated. Overexpression of the chaperone/protease DegP mimics the Cpx-dependent inhibition of the T3S complex at a posttranscriptional level, and mutation of
degP
partly abrogates the ability of the Cpx response to inhibit the T3S complex and motility. We present data that suggest that both the protease and chaperone activities of DegP are likely important for the impact on T3S. Altogether, our data indicate that DegP is normally a part of the Cpx-mediated inhibition of virulence determinant expression in EPEC and that additional factors are involved.
HIV incidence and prevalence among cohorts of women with higher risk behaviour in Bloemfontein and Rustenburg, South Africa: a prospective study
Authors: Feldblum Paul J , Latka Mary H , Lombaard Johann , Chetty Candice , Chen Pai-Lien , Sexton Connie , Fischer Shelly 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to measure HIV incidence in two prospective cohorts of HIV-negative women. Secondary objectives included measuring pregnancy rates and participant retention rates.DesignCross-sectional HIV screening of women selected for higher risk behaviours, with a subsequent prospective study of uninfected women, followed monthly for up to 6 months.SettingClinics established for research purposes in Bloemfontein and Rustenburg, South Africa.ParticipantsThe authors enrolled women 18–35 years old and presumed at higher risk of sexual acquisition of HIV as indicated by self-reported sexual behaviour or recent sexually transmitted infection symptoms. In Bloemfontein, 1364 women were screened, 1154 were eligible for HIV testing and 1145 agreed to be tested. The prospective study enrolled 401 HIV-negative women. In Rustenburg, 946 women were screened, 540 were eligible and underwent HIV testing and 223 HIV-negative women entered the prospective study.Primary and secondary outcomesBaseline prevalences of HIV infection and HIV incidence rates in the prospective cohorts, according to a double rapid test algorithm with a third rapid test for discrepant or indeterminate results. Pregnancy prevalences and pregnancy incidence rate in Bloemfontein. Participant retention rates in the prospective cohort until the study end.ResultsIn Bloemfontein, 1145 women were tested, 391 entered follow-up and 92.3% of participants completed six study visits. In Rustenburg, 540 women were tested, 194 entered follow-up and retention up to the point of early study termination was 88.6%. Overall HIV prevalence was 21.2% (95% CI 18.9% to 23.6%) in Bloemfontein and 23.5% (95% CI 19.9% to 27.1%) in Rustenburg. Overall HIV incidence was 5.5/100 person-years (95% CI 2.5 to 10.4) in Bloemfontein and 3.0/100 person-years (95% CI 0.4 to 10.8) in Rustenburg. Cross-sectional pregnancy prevalences were 6.5% in Bloemfontein and 8.6% in Rustenburg.ConclusionsThe authors observed substantial HIV incidence rates in both cohorts. Vigorous prevention efforts are needed in these smaller cities.
Adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chacko Liza , Ford Nathan , Sbaiti Mariam , Siddiqui Ruby 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo assess adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for the prevention of HIV infection in victims of sexual assault.MethodsThe authors carried out a systematic review, random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies reporting adherence to PEP among victims of sexual violence. Seven electronic databases were searched. Our primary outcome was adherence; secondary outcomes included defaulting, refusal and side effects.Results2159 titles were screened, and 24 studies matching the inclusion criteria were taken through to analysis. The overall proportion of patients adhering to PEP (23 cohort studies, 2166 patients) was 40.3% (95% CI 32.5% to 48.1%), and the overall proportion of patients defaulting from care (18 cohorts, 1972 patients) was 41.2% (95% CI 31.1% to 51.4%). Adherence appeared to be higher in developing countries compared with developed countries.ConclusionsAdherence to PEP is poor in all settings. Interventions are needed to support adherence.
Geographical association between the genotype of bovine tuberculosis in found dead badgers and in cattle herds
Authors: Goodchild A. V. , Watkins G. H. , Sayers A. R. , Jones J. R. , Clifton‐Hadley R. S. 
Published: February 2012

In a survey, 457 badgers that had been found dead in Wales were postmortem‐examined, and samples were examined by histology and by extended culture (for up to 12 weeks). Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from 55 badgers (12.0 per cent), and the histology typical of M bovis infection was seen in a further six (1.3 per cent). The prevalence in badgers in each of 10 geographical areas varied between 0 and 26 per cent (P<0.001), and was associated with the incidence of confirmed M bovis infection in cattle herds in the same areas (P<0.01). In northern Wales, bTB was rare in both hosts. An infected badger was 12.3 times more likely to be within 5 km of a confirmed cattle bTB breakdown than an uninfected badger. The M bovis isolates from badgers belonged to one of four genotypes defined by spoligotype and variable number tandem repeat type. These genotypes were also found in 290 concurrent confirmed herd breakdowns, and tended to be similar to the genotypes in badgers in the same geographical areas. When badgers and cattle no more than 30 km apart were compared, the genotype diversity was greater in cattle than in badgers (P=0.016), suggesting that the movement of cattle plays a greater part in the spatial distribution of M bovis than the movement of badgers.