bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Directly observed therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in current and former injection drug users
Authors: Grebely Jason , Raffa Jesse D , Meagher Caite , Duncan Fiona , Genoway Krista A , Khara Milan , McLean Mark , Mead Annabel , Viljoen Mark , DeVlaming Stanley , Fraser Chris , Conway Brian 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim: There are few studies investigating the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in current and former drug users. With this in mind, we sought to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of interferon alpha‐2b (IFN α‐2b) or pegylated‐interferon alpha‐2b (PEG‐IFN α‐2b) and ribavirin (RBV) in injection drug users (IDU) enrolled in a directly observed therapy (DOT) program, as measured by sustained virologic response (SVR).Methods: Viremic HCV‐infected IDU, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >1.5× upper limit of normal (ULN) were offered 24–48 week (based on HCV genotype) therapy with RBV (800–1200 mg/day, based on weight) along with IFN α‐2b (3 million IU thrice weekly) replaced by PEG‐IFN α‐2b (1.5 ìg/kg once weekly) as it became available. All injections were directly observed. The primary endpoint was SVR.Results: Overall, 40 patients (33 males) received IFN α‐2b (12) or PEG‐IFN α‐2b (28), 55% with HCV genotypes 2 or 3. Only 14 discontinued therapy, 5 due to toxicity, 6 due to illicit drug use and 3 did not achieve an early virologic response. In an intent‐to‐treat analysis, the overall SVR was 55% (22/40), 64% (14/22) in subjects with genotypes 2/3. There was no significant difference in response rates among those with >6 (50%) or ≤6 months (64%) drug abstinence (P = 0.51) or among those with (53%) and without (57%) intercurrent drug use (P = 0.99); however, frequent users (n = 9) had a decreased SVR (22%) when compared with occasional users (n = 10, 80%,P = 0.12).Conclusion: Treatment of HCV in current and former IDU within a multidisciplinary DOT program can be successfully undertaken, resulting in SVR similar to those in randomized controlled trials.
Comparison of low‐dose pegylated interferon versus standard high‐dose pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C with genotype 3: An Indian experience
Authors: Sood Ajit , Midha Vandana , Hissar Syed , Kumar Manoj , Suneetha Pothakamuri V , Bansal Manu , Sood Nina , Sakhuja Puja , Sarin Shiv K 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Aims:  In chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with genotype 3, therapy with pegylated interferon (peg‐IFN) alfa‐2b in a dose of 1.5 μg/kg/week and ribavirin (800–1000 mg/day) is recommended for 24 weeks. Reduced doses of peg‐IFN may increase compliance and decrease cost and adverse events. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of two different regimens of peg‐IFN alfa‐2b, in combination with ribavirin, in genotype 3 patients.Methods:  A total of 103 liver biopsy–proven chronic HCV patients with genotype 3, having alanine aminotransferase levels >1.2 × ULN and positive HCV‐RNA were randomized into two groups: group I (n = 76; age, 43.1 ± 11.4 years; male/female, 67/9) received peg‐IFN 1.0 μg/kg/week + ribavirin 10.6 mg/kg/day, while group II (n = 27; age, 37.3 ± 11.6 years; male/female, 21/6) received peg‐IFN 1.5 μg/kg/week + ribavirin 10.6 mg/kg/day. Patients in both groups were treated for 24 weeks. End of treatment viral response (ETVR) and sustained viral response (SVR) after a 6‐month follow‐up period were assessed.Results:  In both groups I and II, one patient was lost to follow‐up, while one patient in group II withdrew due to side‐effects. ETVR was seen in 72/76 (94.7%) of patients in the low dose group and 24/27 (88.9%) of patients in the high dose group (P = 0.375). SVR was seen in 60/76 (78.9%) of patients in the low dose group and 25/27 (92.6%) of patients in the high dose group (P = 0.145). Age (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.263; P = 0.008) and fibrosis (correlation coefficient, 0.263; P = 0.008) showed a significant correlation with the SVR.Conclusion:  In patients with genotype 3, peg‐IFN at 1.0 μg/kg/week with ribavirin is as effective as peg‐IFN at 1.5 μg/kg/week with ribavirin.
Comparison of an inflammation‐based prognostic score (GPS) with performance status (ECOG‐ps) in patients receiving palliative chemotherapy for gastroesophageal cancer
Authors: Crumley Andrew B C , Stuart Robert C , McKernan Margaret , McDonald Alexander C , McMillan Donald C 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to compare an inflammation‐based prognostic score (Glasgow Prognostic Score, GPS) with performance status (ECOG‐ps) in patients receiving platinum‐based chemotherapy for palliation of gastroesophageal cancer.Methods:  Sixty‐five patients presenting with gastroesophageal carcinoma to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow between January 1999 and December 2005 and who received palliative chemotherapy or chemo‐radiotherapy were studied. ECOG‐ps, C‐reactive protein, and albumin were recorded at diagnosis. Patients with both an elevated C‐reactive protein (>10 mg/L) and hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/L) were allocated a GPS of 2. Patients in whom only one of these biochemical abnormalities was present were allocated a GPS of 1 and patients with a normal C‐reactive protein and albumin were allocated a score of 0. Toxicity was recorded using the Common Toxicity Criteria.Results:  The minimum follow up was 14 months. During the follow‐up period, 59 (91%) of the patients died. On univariate and multivariate survival analysis, only the GPS (hazard ratios 1.65, 95% CI 1.10–2.47, P < 0.05) was a significant independent predictor of cancer survival. In addition, in comparison with patients with GPS of 0, those patients with a GPS of 1 or 2 required more frequent chemotherapy dose reduction (P < 0.05), were less likely to exhibit a clinical response to treatment (P < 0.05), and had shorter survival (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by the GPS, appears to be superior to the subjective assessment of performance status (ECOG‐ps) in predicting the response to platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer.
Leadership and Writing: How Principals' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Interventions Affect Writing Instruction in Elementary and Secondary Schools
Authors: McGhee Marla W. , Lew Chulsub 
Published: July 2007

Purpose: This study explored the perceptions of teachers regarding principal support for and understanding of effective writing instruction and whether certain areas of knowledge influence principals' actions and interventions. Research Design: Researchers surveyed teacher participants using the Principal's Support for Writing Instrument and also asked whether their principal was trained in writing as a process. The sample (N = 169) included elementary and secondary rural, urban, and suburban teachers. Findings: An exploratory principle-axis factor analysis with a promax rotation was conducted to determine the underlying structure of the 13 survey items. Results of the factor analysis yielded a two-factor correlated solution. The first factor accounted for 55.79% of the variance and the second for 6.94%. The two-factor correlated structure was confirmed using structural equation modeling. Most fit statistics were observed to be good. Using the subscales as observed variables, a path analysis was conducted using the theoretical latent variables generated in the confirmatory factor analysis to explore the potential causal relationship. The effect of Belief on Intervention was .72. Knowledge explained approximately 57% of the variance of Intervention. Conclusions: There is clear indication that principals who have strong knowledge of and belief in effective writing practices act in ways that help teachers do their best work. Those high in knowledge and belief were likewise high in quality actions and interventions. These results hold promise for school leaders and those shaping preservice and professional development opportunities for current and future practitioners.
The Biomechanical Effects of Dynamic External Rotation on Rotator Cuff Repair Compared to Testing with the Humerus Fixed
Authors: Park Maxwell C. , Jun Bong J. , Park Chong J. , Ahmad Christopher S. , ElAttrache Neal S. , Lee Thay Q. 
Published: July 2007

Background Biomechanical testing without humeral motion is a standard method for evaluating rotator cuff repair constructs. This cannot elucidate the effects of dynamic external rotation on the repair, which is a common postoperative motion. Hypothesis Biomechanical properties and gap formation of rotator cuff repairs will be different when dynamic external rotation is allowed to occur during loading. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods In 6 matched pairs of human cadaveric shoulders, a commonly used single-row rotator cuff repair was performed. In 6 shoulders, a materials testing machine and a custom testing apparatus that permits cyclic rotation (0°-30°) were employed (group 1). In contralateral shoulders, the apparatus was fixed to prevent humeral rotation (group 2). All repairs were cyclically loaded from 0 to 60 N at a displacement rate of 1 mm/s for 30 cycles. The constructs were then loaded to failure. Repair strength, gap formation, and strain were compared between groups. Results Cyclic loading revealed no difference in linear stiffness between testing conditions. Hysteresis was significantly greater when dynamic external rotation was allowed to occur. With load to failure, there were no differences in yield or ultimate load. Anterior tendon gap formation was greater at end rotation (30° of humeral external rotation) and at yield load, and strain on the posterior tendon was less with dynamic external rotation. With dynamic external rotation, gap formation and tendon strain were significantly greater in the anterior region of the supraspinatus tendon compared with the posterior region. Discussion External rotation using postoperative physiologic loads affects gap formation and tendon strain between anterior and posterior supraspinatus tendon regions. Previous testing models without humeral rotation may underestimate gap formation and anterior tendon strain and overestimate posterior tendon strain. Clinical Relevance Understanding regional differences with respect to these variables, depending on quality of repair, may provide the surgeon a framework from which to prescribe guidelines for postoperative rehabilitation.
Polymorphism and epitope sharing between the alleles of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum among Indian isolates
Authors: Mamillapalli Anitha , Sunil Sujatha , Diwan Suraksha S , Sharma Surya K , Tyagi Prajesh K , Adak Tridibes , Joshi Hema , Malhotra Pawan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe C-terminal region of merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) is one of the leading candidates for vaccination against the erythrocytic stages of malaria. However, a major concern in the development of MSP-1 based malaria vaccine is the polymorphism observed in different geographicalPlasmodium falciparumisolates. To explore whether the sequence heterogeneity of PfMSP-1 leads to variation in naturally acquired anti-MSP-119antibodies, the present study was undertaken to study PfMSP-119sequence polymorphism in malaria-endemic villages in eastern India and also carried out a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using three PfMSP-119variant forms.MethodsThe sequence variations in the C-terminal region of PfMSP-119were determined in a malaria endemic region. Three PfMSP-119variants were produced inEscherichia coli(PfMSP119QKNG-L, PfMSP119EKNG-L and PfMSP119ETSR-F) and an immunodepletion assay was carried out using the corresponding patients' sera.ResultsResults revealed predominance of PfMAD20 allele among Indian field isolates. Seven PfMSP-119variant forms were isolated in a singe geographical location. Three of PfMSP-119variant forms when expressed inE. colishowed presence of cross-reaction as well as variant specific antibodies in malaria infected patient sera.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates the existence of allele specific antibodies inP. falciparum-infected patient sera, however their role in protection requires further investigation. These results thereby, suggest the importance of a multi-allelic PfMSP-119based vaccine for an effective malaria control.
Critical thermal maxima in knockdown-selectedDrosophila: are thermal endpoints correlated?
Authors: Folk Donna G. , Hoekstra Luke A. , Gilchrist George W. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYTo explore the correlation of traits linked to thermotolerance, we compared three thermal endpoints (knockdown temperature and two critical thermal maxima) among replicate populations of Drosophila melanogasterselected for high, or low, knockdown temperature. The high knockdown flies maintain normal posture and locomotor ability within a knockdown column at temperatures ⩾40°C, whereas the low knockdown flies fall out of the column at much cooler temperatures (∼35°C, on average). The critical thermal maximum (CTmax) for respiratory control in the selected knockdown populations was determined by analyzing CO2output of individuals during exposure to a temperature ramp (from 30°C to&gt;45°C) and was indicated by an abrupt alteration in the pattern of CO2 release. The CTmax for locomotor function was determined by monitoring activity (concurrent with CO2analysis) during the temperature ramp and was marked by the abrupt cessation of activity. We hypothesized that selection for high knockdown temperature may cause an upward shift in CTmax, whereas selection for low knockdown may lower CTmax. Correlations among the three thermal endpoints varied between the high and low knockdown flies. Finally, we compared metabolic profiles, as well as Q10 values, among the high and low knockdown males and females during the temperature ramp.
Growth in the slow lane: protein metabolism in the Antarctic limpetNacella concinna(Strebel 1908)
Authors: Fraser Keiron P. P. , Clarke Andrew , Peck Lloyd S. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYGrowth rates in Antarctic ectotherms are generally considered to be low in comparison to temperate and tropical species. Food consumption plays a major role in determining animal growth rates, but once food is ingested soft tissue growth rates are largely determined by the protein synthesis retention efficiency (PSRE), a measure of the efficiency with which proteins are synthesised and retained as protein growth. The effect of water temperatures on the PSRE of polar organisms has not previously been investigated, and it is possible that reduced PSRE at polar water temperatures may at least partially explain low growth rates in Antarctic organisms. We also currently lack any information on the potential effects of predicted increases in seawater temperatures on protein metabolism in Antarctic ectotherms. We have measured seasonal protein synthesis, degradation and growth rates in free-ranging Antarctic limpets (Nacella concinna), together with protein synthesis rates at temperatures ranging between –1.5°C and 6.0°C. PSRE were not significantly different in summer (15.69±4.41%) or winter(20.59±4.45%), but values were considerably lower than those previously reported in temperate and tropical species. A meta-analysis of published ectotherm PSRE suggested there was a positive relationship with temperature(y=449.9–114.9x, r2=28.8%, P&lt;0.05). In turn, this suggests that temperature may be an important factor in determining ectotherm growth efficiency via an influence on PSRE. Maximal fractional and absolute protein synthesis rates occurred at ∼1°C in N. concinna, the approximate summer water temperature at the study site, and protein synthesis rates decreased above this temperature. In the absence of adaptation, predicted increases in Antarctic water temperatures would result in reduced, rather than increased,rates of protein synthesis and, in turn, possibly growth.
Adaptational responses of the human Achilles tendon by modulation of the applied cyclic strain magnitude
Authors: Arampatzis Adamantios , Karamanidis Kiros , Albracht Kirsten 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYTendons are able to remodel their mechanical and morphological properties in response to mechanical loading. However, there is little information about the effects of controlled modulation in cyclic strain magnitude applied to the tendon on the adaptation of tendon's properties in vivo. The present study investigated whether the magnitude of the mechanical load induced as cyclic strain applied to the Achilles tendon may have a threshold in order to trigger adaptation effects on tendon mechanical and morphological properties. Twenty-one adults (experimental group, N=11; control group, N=10) participated in the study. The participants of the experimental group exercised one leg at low-magnitude tendon strain (2.85±0.99%) and the other leg at high-magnitude tendon strain (4.55±1.38%) of similar frequency and volume. After 14 weeks of exercise intervention we found a decrease in strain at a given tendon force, an increase in tendon-aponeurosis stiffness and tendon elastic modulus and a region-specific hypertrophy of the Achilles tendon only in the leg exercised at high strain magnitude. These findings provide evidence of the existence of a threshold or set-point at the applied strain magnitude at which the transduction of the mechanical stimulus may influence the tensional homeostasis of the tendons. The results further show that the mechanical load exerted on the Achilles tendon during the low-strain-magnitude exercise is not a sufficient stimulus for triggering further adaptation effects on the Achilles tendon than the stimulus provided by the mechanical load applied during daily activities.
Vitamin C Deficiency and Scurvy Are Not Only a Dietary Problem but Are Codetermined by the Haptoglobin Polymorphism
Authors: Delanghe Joris R , Langlois Michel R , De Buyzere Marc L , Torck Mathieu A 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is prone to oxidation in vivo. The human plasma protein haptoglobin (Hp) shows a genetic polymorphism with 3 major phenotypes (Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1, and Hp 2-2) that show important functional differences. Despite an adequate nutritional supply, in Hp 2-2 individuals (most common among Asian populations) vitamin C is markedly lower in concentration and particularly prone to oxidation in vivo. Therefore, susceptibility to subclinical and clinical vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) is partly genetically determined. The genetic advantage of the Hp1 allele as a vitamin C stabilizing factor helps to elucidate the direction and successes of long-distance sea crossing human migrations in history. Clinical trials demonstrated Hp phenotype–related effects of antioxidant treatment. Because vitamin C is a first line antioxidant, Hp polymorphism and its effects on vitamin C have major clinical consequences; a marked difference in genetic susceptibility toward atherosclerosis between Hp phenotypes is attributable to variation in LDL oxidation. The classical view of vitamin C and scurvy being a pure nutritional condition needs to be updated. These findings should foster research investigating the role of Hp polymorphism in human disease, and in vitamin C deficiency and atherosclerosis in particular.
Coolant Development in Asia
Authors: Egawa Hiroshi , Mori Yasuaki , Abel Michael L. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Historically speaking, there have always been three major regions, North America, Europe, and Asia, where antifreeze/coolant developments take place independently. These developments were based on the perceived needs of the engine manufacturers, influenced by governmental/regulatory authorities, and heavily influenced by the requirements geography placed upon automobile manufacturers [1–3]. In the early days of ethylene glycol based engine coolants, simple inhibitor systems based on borates, phosphates, etc., and utilizing a soft metal inhibitor were sufficient to satisfy the needs of a cast iron engine and copper brass radiator. With the advent of aluminum engines and their rapid usage growth throughout the 1980s and 1990s, engine manufacturers of the regions began to place more stringent requirements on the anticorrosion performance of the OEM coolants. Based on the specific strategies utilized by the cooling system component manufacturers, divergent requirements began to be placed upon the coolant makeup. This paper will speak generally to the regional history of coolant trends and specifically on the activity for coolant development in Asia.
Paving Design: Is Rigid-Fix External Stone Paving the Way to Go?
Authors: Hensel Hans-Dieter 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Recent investigations into a number of paving failures in Australia have shown that very little is understood about the many aspects intrinsic to rigid-fix (stuck down) paving. This paper examines and documents some of the factors that can determine the success or failure of paving (assuming a high standard of workmanship). Additionally, it has become clear that most engineers who investigate paving failures fail to fully understand the complexities and interplay of the many factors. Such lack of knowledge leads to poor design, poor supervision, and ultimately poor performance. There are basically three types of paving systems—adhesive/mortar fix, sand-bedded, and setts/cobblestones in a soft mortar. All three systems are being used in Australia but there is undoubtedly an overriding rigid-fixing mentality. By fixing stone to a solid concrete base so that it cannot move is probably seen by most engineers and architects as the most straight-forward and most controllable solution. However, on analysis, it is a system that is subject to numerous potential lines of failure. Not only is there the nature of the stone itself such as the mineral composition, strengths, thermal characteristics, and porosity, but also the environment into which it is placed, the types of loading it is subject to, and how it is fixed. Stability of the base (including shrinkage), expansion/construction joints, size, thickness and shape of the pavers, the laying pattern, type of adhesive, thermal conditions at the time of fixing, influence of salts and water, and sealing, all play a significant role in determining the success or otherwise of rigid-fix paving.
Prediction of Strontium Sulfate Scale Formation in Oilfield Environment
Authors: Ezuber Hosni M. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
An easy and reliable method for predicting a scale tendency of strontium sulfate as a function of several variables including sodium chloride brine composition, temperature, and pressure effect is developed. The effect of the amount of sulfate tied up as [MgSO40] on SrSO4 solubility is also considered. The magnesium sulfate dissociation constants and strontium sulfate experimental solubility data is fitted in mathematical equations. These equations can be easily used to determine SrSO4 scaling tendency in environments common to oil field brines. The reliability and key features of the prediction method are illustrated in the text with oilfield well cases. Results obtained using the present model are in good agreement with field observation. The method presented in this study is easy to use, reliable, and can be applied to any producing wells where SrSO4 occurs.