bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality Assessment of Published Health Economic Analyses from South America
Authors: Machado Márcio , Iskedjian Michael , Einarson Thomas R 
Published: May 2006

Background: Health economic analyses have become important to healthcare systems worldwide. No studies have previously examined South America's contribution in this area. Objective: To survey the literature with the purpose of reviewing, quantifying, and assessing the quality of published South American health economic analyses. Methods: A search of MEDLINE (1990–December 2004), EMBASE (1990–December 2004), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1990–December 2004), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saûde (1982–December 2004), and Sistema de Informacion Esencial en Terapéutica y Salud (1980–December 2004) was completed using the key words cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-utility analysis (CUA), cost-minimization analysis (CMA), and cost-benefit analysis (CBA); abbreviations CEA, CUA, CMA, and CBA; and all South American country names. Papers were categorized by type and country by 2 independent reviewers. Quality was assessed using a 12 item checklist, characterizing scores as 4 (good), 3 (acceptable), 2 (poor), 1 (unable to judge), and 0 (unacceptable). To be included in our investigation, studies needed to have simultaneously examined costs and outcomes. Results: We retrieved 25 articles; one duplicate article was rejected, leaving 24 (CEA = 15, CBA = 6, CMA = 3; Brazil = 9, Argentina = 5, Colombia = 3, Chile = 2, Ecuador = 2, 1 each from Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela). Variability between raters was less than 0.5 point on overall scores (OS) and less than 1 point on all individual items. Mean OS was 2.6 (SD 1.0, range 1.4–3.8). CBAs scored highest (OS 2.8, SD 0.8), CEAs next (OS 2.7, SD 0.7), and CMAs lowest (OS 2.0, SD 0.5). When scored by type of question, definition of study aim scored highest (OS 3.0, SD 0.8), while ethical issues scored lowest (OS 1.5, SD 0.9). By country, Peru scored highest (mean OS 3.8) and Uruguay had the lowest scores (mean OS 2.2). A nonsignificant time trend was noted for OS (R2 = 0.12; p = 0.104). Conclusions: Quality scores of health economic analyses articles published in South America were rated poor to acceptable and lower than previous research from other countries. Thus, efforts are needed to improve the reporting quality of these analyses in South America. Future research should examine the region's level of expertise and educational opportunities for those in the field of health economics.
Association of Cigarette Smoking With HIV Prognosis Among Women in the HAART Era: A Report From the Women’s Interagency HIV Study
Authors: Feldman Joseph G. , Minkoff Howard , Schneider Michael F. , Gange Stephen J. , Cohen Mardge , Watts D. Heather , Gandhi Monica , Mocharnuk Robert S. , Anastos Kathryn 
Published: May 2006

Objective. We assessed the association of cigarette smoking with the effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among low-income women. Methods. Data were analyzed from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, a multisite longitudinal study up to 7.9 years for 924 women representing 72% of all women who initiated HAART between July 1, 1995, and September 30, 2003. Results. When Cox’s regression was used after control for age, race, hepatitis C infection, illicit drug use, previous antiretroviral therapy, and previous AIDS, smokers on HAART had poorer viral responses (hazard ratio [HR]=0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.67, 0.93) and poorer immunologic response (HR=0.85; 95% CI=0.73, 0.99). A greater risk of virologic rebound (HR=1.39; 95% CI=1.06, 1.69) and more frequent immunologic failure (HR=1.52; 95% CI=1.18, 1.96) were also observed among smokers. There was a higher risk of death (HR=1.53; 95% CI=1.08, 2.19) and a higher risk of developing AIDS (HR=1.36; 95% CI=1.07, 1.72) but no significant difference between smokers and nonsmokers in the risk of death due to AIDS. Conclusions. Some of the benefits provided by HAART are negated in cigarette smokers.
Sexual Orientation, Sexual Abuse, and HIV-Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Saewyc Elizabeth , Skay Carol , Richens Kimberly , Reis Elizabeth , Poon Colleen , Murphy Aileen 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. We explored HIV risk behaviors, sexual orientation, and sexual abuse among 5 school-based cohorts in Seattle, Wash (SEA95 and SEA99:N=7477 and N=6590), and British Columbia (BC92, BC98, and BC03 [weighted]: N=239975, N=281576, and N=265132). Methods. An HIV risk scale of 7 items assessed risky sexual behaviors and injection drug use. Self-identified sexual orientation included heterosexual, bisexual, gay/lesbian, and, in British Columbia only, mostly heterosexual. Analyses of covariance were conducted separately by gender and were adjusted for age and sexual abuse when comparing means. Results. Gay/lesbian and bisexual adolescents had higher mean age-adjusted risk scores compared with heterosexual and mostly heterosexual adolescents. After we controlled for sexual abuse history, mean scores were 2 to 4 times higher among abused students than among nonabused students in each sexual orientation group. Age/abuse-adjusted models better explained the variance in risk scores (R2=0.10–0.31), but sexual orientation remained an independent predictor. Conclusion. Sexual minority adolescents who attended school reported higher HIV risk behaviors, and higher prevalence of sexual victimization may partially explain these risks.
Physical and Sexual Violence During Pregnancy and After Delivery: A Prospective Multistate Study of Women With or at Risk for HIV Infection
Authors: Koenig Linda J. , Whitaker Daniel J. , Royce Rachel A. , Wilson Tracey E. , Ethier Kathleen , Fernandez M. Isabel 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. We sought to describe and compare prevalence rates of and risk factors for violence against women during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods. Physical and sexual violence and violence risk factors were assessed during late pregnancy and 6 months postpartum in a prospective study of pregnant women with (n=336) and without (n=298) HIV in 4 US states. Results. Overall, 10.6% of women reported having experienced violence, 8.9% during pregnancy and 4.9% after delivery. Of these women, 61.7% were abused only during their pregnancy, 21.7% were repeatedly abused, and 16.7% were abused only after their delivery. Sexual violence rarely occurred in the absence of physical violence. The strongest predictor of violence was engaging in bartered sex (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=5.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] =2.0, 15.4). Other predictors included frequent changes in residence (adjusted OR=1.57; 95% CI=1.1, 2.2), financial support from family or partners (adjusted OR=0.42; 95% CI=0.2, 0.8), and HIV diagnosis during current pregnancy (adjusted OR=0.30; 95% CI=0.1, 0.7). Conclusions. Women more commonly experienced violence during than after their pregnancy, but violence was best predicted by socioeconomic and behavioral indicators whose influence did not vary over time.
Assessing the Impact of Federal HIV Prevention Spending on HIV Testing and Awareness
Authors: Linas Benjamin P. , Zheng Hui , Losina Elena , Walensky Rochelle P. , Freedberg Kenneth A. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. The United States allocates more than $900 million annually for the prevention of HIV infection. We assessed the impact of this funding on HIV testing and knowledge. Methods. We linked data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System with tracking of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV prevention funding. We developed and validated regression models of the relation between HIV prevention funding to a respondent’s state and the odds that the respondent (1) had been tested for HIV, and (2) was aware of methods to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT). Results. The odds of having been tested for HIV increased with increased CDC funding to states (P=.009), as did awareness of prevention of MTCT (P=.002). We estimate that CDC HIV prevention funds led to 12.8 million more people being tested for HIV between 1998 and 2003 than would have been tested had all states received funds equal to the lowest quintile of funding. Conclusions. Federal HIV prevention funds independently correlate with increased HIV testing and knowledge of prevention of MTCT. Proposed reductions in HIV prevention spending would likely have adverse public health consequences.
Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes in the chromosome 12Q24.31 region points to P2RX7 as a susceptibility gene to bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Barden Nicholas , Harvey Mario , Gagné Bernard , Shink Eric , Tremblay Monique , Raymond Catherine , Labbé Michel , Villeneuve André , Rochette Denis , Bordeleau Lise , Stadler Herbert , Holsboer Florian , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPrevious results from our genetic analyses using pedigrees from a French Canadian population suggested that the interval delimited by markers on chromosome 12, D12S86 and D12S378, was the most probable genomic region to contain a susceptibility gene for affective disorders. Association studies with microsatellite markers using a case/control sample from the same population (n = 427) revealed significant allelic associations between the bipolar phenotype and marker NBG6. Since this marker is located in intron 9 of the P2RX7 gene, we analyzed the surrounding genomic region for the presence of polymorphisms in regulatory, coding and intron/exon junction sequences. Twenty four (24) SNPs were genotyped in a case/control sample and 12 SNPs in all pedigrees used for linkage analysis. Allelic, genotypic or family‐based association studies suggest the presence of two susceptibility loci, the P2RX7 and CaMKK2 genes. The strongest association was observed in bipolar families at the non‐synonymous SNP P2RX7‐E13A (rs2230912, P‐value = 0.000708), which results from an over‐transmission of the mutant G‐allele to affected offspring. This Gln460Arg polymorphism occurs at an amino acid that is conserved between humans and rodents and is located in the C‐terminal domain of the P2X7 receptor, known to be essential for normal P2RX7 function. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐Coupling Reactions on Azoles with Two and More Heteroatoms
Authors: Schnürch Michael , Flasik Radoslav , Khan Ather Farooq , Spina Markus , Mihovilovic Marko D. , Stanetty Peter 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRecent progress in the field of transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions on various azole systems is summarized. Most important C–C‐ and C–X‐bond formation methodologies (Negishi, Suzuki–Miyaura, Stille, Kumada–Corriu–Tamao, Hiyama, Sonogashira, Heck, C–H activation) are reviewed and discussed for the imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, isoxazole, and isothiazole system, as well as for azoles with more than two heteroatoms. This review covers the literature that appeared in the past ten years up to the end of 2005 with corresponding azoles used either as metal organyl or halide (including triflates and some other less frequently applied leaving groups); literature describing azole structures only as ligands was not included.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
DNA damage, oxidative mutagen sensitivity, and repair of oxidative DNA damage in nonmelanoma skin cancer patients
Authors: Bendesky Andrés , Michel Alejandra , Sordo Monserrat , Calderón‐Aranda Emma S. , Acosta‐Saavedra Leonor C. , Salazar Ana M. , Podoswa Nancy , Ostrosky‐Wegman Patricia 
Published: May 2006

AbstractNonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequent type of cancer in humans. Exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for NMSC, and oxidative DNA damage, caused either by UV radiation itself or by other agents, may be involved in its induction. Increased sensitivity to oxidative damage and an altered DNA repair capacity (DRC) increase the risk of many types of cancer; however, sensitivity to oxidizing agents has not been evaluated for NMSC, and results regarding DRC in NMSC are inconclusive. In the present study, we evaluated DNA damage and repair in leukocytes from 41 NMSC patients and 45 controls. The Comet assay was used to measure basal and H2O2‐induced DNA damage, as well as the DRC, while the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay was used to measure the basal level of chromosome damage. Although basal DNA damage was higher for the controls than for the patients, this finding was mainly due to sampling more controls in the summer, which was associated with longer comet tails. In contrast, H2O2‐induced DNA damage was significantly higher in cases than in controls, and this parameter was not influenced by the season of the year. The DRC for the H2O2‐induced damage was similar for cases and controls and unrelated to seasonality. Finally, the frequency of binucleated lymphocytes with micronuclei was similar for cases and controls. The results of this study indicate that NMSC patients are distinguished from controls by an increased sensitivity to oxidative DNA damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of bankfull discharge magnitude and frequency: comparison of methods on 16 gravel‐bed river reaches
Authors: Navratil O. , Albert M‐B. , Hérouin E. , Gresillon J‐M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBankfull discharge is identified as an important parameter for studying river morphology, sediment motion, flood dynamics and their ecological impacts. In practice, the determination of this discharge and its hydrological characteristics is not easy, and a choice has to be made between several existing methods. To evaluate the impact of the choice of methods, five bankfull elevation definitions and four hydrological characterizations (determination of duration and frequency of exceedance applied to instantaneous or mean daily data) were compared on 16 gravel‐bed river reaches located in France (the catchment sizes vary from 10 km2 to 1700 km2). The consistency of bankfull discharge estimated at reach scale and the hydraulic significance of the five elevation definitions were examined. The morphological definitions (Bank Inflection, Top of Bank) were found more relevant than the definitions based on a geometric criterion. The duration of exceedance was preferred to recurrence intervals (partial duration series approach) because it is not limited by the independency of flood events, especially for low discharges like those associated with the Bank Inflection definition. On average, the impacts of the choice of methods were very important for the bankfull discharge magnitude (factor of 1·6 between Bank Inflection and Top of Bank) and duration of exceedance or frequency (respectively a factor 1·8 and 1·9 between mean daily and instantaneous discharge data). The choice of one combination of methods rather than another can significantly modify the conclusions of a comparative analysis in terms of bankfull discharge magnitude and its hydrological characteristics, so that one must be cautious when comparing results from different studies that use different methods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled release of fibroblast growth factor‐2 from an injectable 6‐O‐desulfated heparin hydrogel and subsequent effect on in vivo vascularization
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Ishihara Masayuki , Obara Kiyohaya , Masuoka Kazunori , Ishizuka Takamitsu , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Takase Bonpei , Matsui Takemi , Hattori Hidemi , Sato Tomoya , Kariya Yutaka , Maehara Tadaaki 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe prepared a 6‐O‐desulfated (DS‐) heparin (Hep) hydrogel as an excellent carrier for the controlled release of Hep‐binding growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2. This material, which is partially derived from photoreactive groups, such as cinnamate, is easily crosslinked upon ultraviolet light (UV)‐irradiation, resulting in a water‐insoluble, viscous, and injectable hydrogel. In the present study, we examined the capacity of 6‐O‐DS‐Hep hydrogel to immobilize FGF‐2, as well as the controlled release of FGF‐2 molecules from this hydrogel in vitro and in vivo. Only 10% of FGF‐2 was gradually released from the FGF‐2‐containing 6‐O‐DS‐Hep hydrogel (photocrosslinked 6‐O‐DS‐Hep (4%; w/w) hydrogel containing 50 μg/mL FGF‐2) into PBS (phosphate‐buffered saline) within first 7 days. The 6‐O‐DS‐Hep hydrogel in vitro maintained the original form through 1 weeks incubation in PBS, but it was gradually fragmented and could not maintain the original form by 2–3 week‐washing. When the FGF‐2‐containing 6‐O‐DS‐Hep hydrogel was subcutaneously injected into the back of rats, significant neovascularization and fibrous tissue formation were induced near the injected site from day 3 after the injection. And, the hydrogel had been biodegraded and completely disappeared from the injected sites in vivo within about 15–20 days after the injection. These findings indicate a controlled release of biologically active FGF‐2 molecules together with fragmentation and biodegradation of 6‐O‐DS‐Hep hydrogel and the subsequent induction of neovascularization in vivo. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Preparation and characterization of novel hybrid of chitosan‐g‐lactic acid and montmorillonite
Authors: Depan Dilip , Kumar Annamalai Pratheep , Singh Raj Pal 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe utilization of biopolymers and the development of organic–inorganic hybrids are ever increasing interest of material science researchers around the globe for various applications. The present attempt is intended to prepare nanocomposites of lactic acid grafted chitosan and layered silicates. Nanocomposites were prepared by dissolving chitosan and dispersing sodium montmorillonite in aqueous solution of L‐lactic acid with subsequent heating and film casting. They were characterized by conventional techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The results from polar optical and transmission electron microscopic measurements are also discussed. Sorption behavior of samples has been followed by measuring swelling degree and contact angle. The films have shown enhanced hydrophilicity when compared with polylactic acid (PLA). Issues on the interactions of polycationic chitosan with clay are also discussed. It is observed that nanocomposites are exhibiting better thermal and physical properties than neat chitosan‐g‐LA and PLA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
A framework for assessing the solutions in chromatographic process design and operation for large‐scale manufacture
Authors: Joseph John R , Sinclair Andrew , Titchener‐Hooker Nigel J , Zhou Yuhong 
Published: May 2006

AbstractChromatographic separation of biopharmaceuticals is complex and tools for the prediction of performance and the trade‐offs necessary for efficient operation are limited and time‐consuming. This complexity is due to the large number of possible column aspect ratios that satisfy process and economic needs. This paper demonstrates a framework for the design and analysis of chromatographic steps. The functionalities are illustrated by application to a Protein A separation where the effects of column diameter, bed length and linear flow rate on cost of goods (COG/g) and productivity (g h−1) are investigated so as to identify the optimal operating strategy. Results are presented as a series of ‘windows of operation’ to address key design and operating decisions. The tool allows the designer to customise limiting constraints based on product‐ and process‐specific knowledge. Results indicate the significant impact on COG/g of column oversizing and how this can be balanced by increased levels of productivity. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Tuberculous abscess of the thyroid gland: A report of two cases
Authors: Kang Mandeep , Ojili Vijayanadh , Khandelwal Niranjan , Bhansali Anil 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTuberculosis of the thyroid gland is very rare, with an acute abscess formation being the least common form of presentation. We report the sono‐graphic features of two cases of tuberculous thyroid abscess that were confirmed via ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:254–257, 2006
Transcranial Doppler monitoring after embolization of an unruptured left paraclinoid aneurysm led to detection of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Marchese Enrico , Albanese Alessio , Sabatino Giovanni , Ciampini Alessandro 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA 46‐year‐old man who presented with an unruptured left paraclinoid aneurysm was treated via endovascular embolization using Guglielmi detachable coils, obtaining its complete exclusion. Within 5 hours, the patient developed a transient mild headache and moderate speech difficulty. CT scans revealed a left temporal ischemic area. Continuous transcranial Doppler monitoring was initiated. Eighteen hours after embolization, the patient developed a mild headache associated with a transient decrease in consciousness, while the diastolic blood flow velocity decreased and the pulsatility index increased in the left middle cerebral artery. These changes prompted us to perform CT, which revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiograms demonstrated partial revascularization of the newly embolized aneurysm. The patient underwent a second embolization procedure with additional coils for complete exclusion of the aneurysm. His postoperative course was uneventful, with no additional neurological deficits. Although TCD monitoring is not recommended as a routine procedure in such cases, and experimental studies are needed to evaluate the possible risk of rebleeding in this specific setting, it could be used to detect the hemodynamic consequences of an acute increase in intracranial pressure, as in patients at risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage after endovascular treatment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:250–253, 2006
Characteristics and OSL minimum ages of relict fluvial deposits near Sossus Vlei, Tsauchab River, Namibia, and a regional climate record for the last 30 ka
Authors: Brook George A. , Srivastava Pradeep , Marais Eugene 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe present end‐point of the Tsauchab River is at Sossus Vlei, 30 km into the Namib Sand Sea. Interdune deposits in three depressions west and southwest of the vlei include channel and interdune lithofacies associations but no deposits typical of river end‐points or of groundwater seepage into interdune areas. The two lithofacies associations show that the Tsauchab River extended further into the sand sea in the past. It had a well‐developed channel and a higher flow than today that caused flooding of adjacent interdune areas.OSL 4‐mm aliquot minimum ages indicate that the Tsauchab River reached 2–3 km beyond its present end‐point at ca. 25 ka and ca. 9–7 ka, and that the river was more active from 0.9–0.3 ka. The eastward migration of the river end‐point since ca. 7 ka suggests a reduction in flood magnitude accompanied by the gradual invasion of the Sossus Vlei area by dunes. The regional data indicate an additional wet interval at ca. 15 ka that is so far not recorded in the Sossus area. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.