bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Impact of Risk Factors on Stroke Occurrence Among Men Versus Women in West Africa
Authors: Akpalu Albert , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Ovbiagele Bruce , Sarfo Fred , Iheonye Henry , Akinyemi Rufus , Akpa Onoja , Tiwari Hemant K. , Arnett Donna , Wahab Kolawole , Lackland Daniel , Abiodun Adeoye , Ogbole Godwin , Jenkins Carolyn , Arulogun Oyedunni , Akpalu Josephine , Obiako Reginald , Olowoyo Paul , Fawale Michael , Komolafe Morenikeji , Osaigbovo Godwin , Obiabo Yahaya , Chukwuonye Innocent , Owolabi Lukman , Adebayo Philip , Sunmonu Taofiki , Owolabi Mayowa ,   on behalf of SIREN Team as part of H3Africa Consortium
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose—
The interplay between sex and the dominant risk factors for stroke occurrence in sub-Saharan Africa has not been clearly delineated. We compared the effect sizes of risk factors of stroke by sex among West Africans.

Methods—
SIREN study (Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Networks) is a case-control study conducted at 15 sites in Ghana and Nigeria. Cases were adults aged >18 years with computerized tomography/magnetic resonance imaging confirmed stroke, and controls were age- and sex-matched stroke-free adults. Comprehensive evaluation for vascular, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors was performed using validated tools. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and reported risk factor specific and composite population attributable risks with 95% CIs.

Results—
Of the 2118 stroke cases, 1193 (56.3%) were males. The mean±SD age of males was 58.1±13.2 versus 60.15±14.53 years among females. Shared modifiable risk factors for stroke with adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) among females versus males, respectively, were hypertension [29.95 (12.49–71.77) versus 16.1 0(9.19–28.19)], dyslipidemia [2.08 (1.42–3.06) versus 1.83 (1.29–2.59)], diabetes mellitus [3.18 (2.11–4.78) versus 2.19 (1.53–3.15)], stress [2.34 (1.48–3.67) versus 1.61 (1.07–2.43)], and low consumption of green leafy vegetables [2.92 (1.89–4.50) versus 2.00 (1.33–3.00)]. However, salt intake and income were significantly different between males and females. Six modifiable factors had a combined population attributable risk of 99.1% (98.3%–99.6%) among females with 9 factors accounting for 97.2% (94.9%–98.7%) among males. Hemorrhagic stroke was more common among males (36.0%) than among females (27.6%), but stroke was less severe among males than females.

Conclusions—
Overall, risk factors for stroke occurrence are commonly shared by both sexes in West Africa favoring concerted interventions for stroke prevention in the region.
Y KUŞAĞI PERSPEKTİFİNDEN MUHASEBE MESLEĞİ: İKTİSADİ VE İDARİ BİLİMLER FAKÜLTESİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNE YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: AKBAŞ Halil Emre , BOZKURT Serdar , DEMİRHAN Ayşe , YAZICI Kübra 
Published: March 2019

Muhasebe mesleğinin yalnızca kayıt
tutmaktan ibaret olmadığının anlaşılması ile muhasebenin önemi gittikçe
artmıştır. Günümüzde muhasebe çıktıları
işletme sahiplerinin, yöneticilerinin ve paydaşların kararlarını etkileyen en
önemli unsurlardan biridir. Bu alanda çalışanların genellikle İktisadi ve İdari
Bilimler Fakültesi mezunu olduğu düşünüldüğünde öğrenimine devam etmekte olan Y
kuşağındaki lisans öğrencilerinin gelecekte bu meslekte yer almaları
muhtemeldir. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın temel amacı, Y kuşağında yer alan lisans
öğrencilerinin muhasebe mesleğine yönelik algılarının incelenmesidir. Ayrıca
öğrencilerin demografik özelliklerine göre muhasebe mesleği algılarının farklı
olup olmadığının incelenmesi de araştırmanın alt amacını oluşturmaktadır. Bu
doğrultuda, bir devlet üniversitesinde İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesinde
okuyan ve Y kuşağında yer alan 125 öğrenci ile anket çalışması
gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda; öğrencilerin muhasebe mesleği
algısının cinsiyete göre farklılık gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. Ancak muhasebe
meslek algısının öğrencilerin bölümüne, bulundukları sınıfa ve muhasebe
alanında çalışma durumuna göre farklılık göstermediği tespit edilmiştir.
Profile of transcultural patients in a regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in Gippsland, Australia: The need for a multidimensional understanding of the complexities
Authors: Basu Soumya , Isaacs Anton N 
Published: March 2019

Background: Several childhood stressors related to immigration have been documented, and it is important for clinicians to understand and address the various factors that may lead to or act as maintaining factors of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Aims: To describe the cultural profile of transcultural patients presenting to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in regional Victoria and identify the most common disorders and psychosocial stressors they presented with. Method: Descriptive analysis was applied to 101 case records of patients with a transcultural background who attended the CAMHS of Latrobe Regional Hospital in Gippsland Victoria from 2013 to 2017. The Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire was retrospectively applied to capture psychosocial stressors such as ‘bullying’, ‘racism’ and ‘family conflict’, sexual abuse, physical violence, parents with mental illness and parental substance use. Results: Almost 60% of patients were male and over 46% Aboriginal. Those from a non-Aboriginal background belonged to 19 different cultural entities, the most common of which was a mixed Asian and European heritage. The most common diagnoses were disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (38.6%), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (32.7%) and developmental trauma disorder (26.7%). The most common psychosocial stressors were conflict and death in the family (44.6%), domestic violence (41.6%) and emotional abuse (34.7%). ‘Parent in jail’ and ‘domestic violence’ were associated with having an Aboriginal background ( p < .005). ‘Cultural differences with parent’ was associated with a non-Aboriginal background ( p < .005). Conclusion: This study provides a snapshot of challenges faced by children from different cultural backgrounds while adjusting in a rural area in Australia. A broad-based formulation and cultural awareness by clinicians can enable a better understanding of the complexities, guide management plans and inform public health policies for primary prevention and early intervention.
The Effects of IMF Loan Condition Compliance on GDP Growth
Authors: Hackler Lauren , Hefner Frank , Witte Mark D. 
Published: March 2019

Since beginning operations in 1947, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has evolved from its original purpose of overseeing the world’s monetary system to becoming a loan administrator for member nations facing extreme economic crises. Today, the IMF provides conditional lending programs to catalyze economic recovery and growth in recipient countries. Critics of these programs cite various reasons for conditional loan program failures, naming the borrowing countries, creditor countries, and/or the IMF itself as responsible. Using data from 8,377 loan conditions associated with 93 countries’ IMF loan arrangements from 2000 to 2014, this article studies the effects of complying with individual conditions on the borrowing countries’ real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate. Our results suggest that real GDP growth rates are directly affected by meeting the compliance standards of select loan conditions. JEL Classifications: 019, F35
Strength and Temporal Variance of the Default Mode Network to Investigate Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Service Members with Psychological Trauma
Authors: Dretsch Michael N , Rangaprakash D , Katz Jeffrey S , Daniel Thomas A , Goodman Adam M , Denney Thomas S , Deshpande Gopikrishna 
Published: March 2019

Background: There is a significant number of military personnel with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who suffer from comorbid posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS). Although there is evidence of disruptions of the default mode network (DMN) associated with PTS and mTBI, previous studies have only studied static connectivity while ignoring temporal variability of connectivity. Objective: To assess DMN disrupted or dysregulated neurocircuitry, cognitive functioning, and psychological health of active-duty military with mTBI and PTS. Method: U.S. Army soldiers with PTS (n = 14), mTBI + PTS (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 21) voluntarily completed a cognitive and symptom battery. In addition, participants had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess both static functional connectivity (SFC) and variance of dynamic functional connectivity (vDFC) of the DMN. Results: Both the PTS and mTBI + PTS groups had significant symptoms, but only the comorbid group had significant decrements in cognitive functioning. Both groups showed less stable and disrupted neural signatures of the DMN, mainly constituting the cingulate-frontal-temporal-parietal attention network. Specifically, the PTS group showed a combination of both reduced contralateral strength and reduced unilateral variability of frontal- cingulate- temporal connectivities, as well as increased variability of frontal- parietal connectivities. The mTBI + PTS group had fewer abnormal connectives than the PTS group, all of which included reduced strength of frontal- temporal regions and reduced variability frontal- cingulate- temporal regions. Greater SFC and vDFC connectivity of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) ↔ precuneus was associated with higher cognitive scores and lower symptom scores. Conclusions: Findings suggest that individuals with PTS and mTBI + PTS have a propensity for accentuated generation of thoughts, feelings, sensations, and/or images while in a resting state. Compared with controls, only the PTS group was associated with accentuated variability of the frontal- parietal attention network. While there were no significant differences in DMN connectivity strength between the mTBI + PTS and PTS groups, variability of connectivity was able to distinguish them.
Impairment of Cyclo-oxygenase-2 Function Results in Abnormal Growth Plate Development and Bone Microarchitecture but Does Not Affect Longitudinal Growth of the Long Bones in Skeletally Immature Mice
Authors: Caron Marjolein M. J. , Castermans Tessy M. R. , van Rietbergen Bert , Haartmans Mirella J. J. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Witlox Adhiambo M. A. , Welting Tim J. M. 
Published: March 2019

Objective Despite the general awareness that cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is crucial for endochondral ossification, the role of COX-2 in skeletal development is largely unknown. We hypothesized that inhibition or genetic loss of COX-2 leads to impaired growth plate development and consequently impaired postnatal development of the long bones. Design Skeletally immature (5 weeks old) B6;129S-Ptgs2tm1Jed/J wildtype mice were treated for 10 weeks with celecoxib (daily oral administration 10 mg/kg) or placebo and compared with B6;129S-Ptgs2tm1Jed/J homozygous knockout mice ( n = 12 per group). Results Fifteen weeks postnatally, no significant difference in growth plate (zone) thickness was found between groups. However, significantly higher proteoglycan content and lower expression levels of collagen type II and X staining in the growth plates of celecoxib-treated mice, and to a lesser extent in COX-2 knockout mice. In addition, a significantly decreased cell number and cell size were observed in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plates of both experimental groups. Micro–computed tomography analysis of the subchondral bone region directly beneath the growth plate showed significantly higher bone density and trabecular thickness, following celecoxib treatment. Despite the detected differences in growth plate extracellular matrix composition and subchondral bone morphology, no difference was found in the length of the tibia in celecoxib-treated mice or COX-2 knockout mice. Conclusions Genetic loss of COX-2 or treatment with celecoxib did not result in detectable differences in gross murine formation of the tibia or femur. However, there were notable phenotypic features detected in the maturation of the growth plate (hypertrophic zone and subchondral bone) as a result of the celecoxib treatment.
An observational study of antibiotic prescription in management of urinary tract infection in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Bagheri Fariborz , Al Baha Ziad GM , Panackal Arun , Abraham Mathew 
Published: March 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe antibiotic prescription for management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in daily clinical practice in the Arabian Gulf and to compare prescription patterns with the recommendations of different recent guidelines. Method: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional, observational study evaluating antibiotic prescription in the management of UTIs in five countries from the Arabian Gulf. Randomly selected physicians who routinely treat patients with UTIs enrolled consecutively adult patients prescribed an antibiotic for treatment or prophylaxis of a UTI. Data were collected on UTI symptoms, antibiotic prescription, co-medications and relevant diagnostic laboratory tests. Results: Fifty physicians enrolled 522 eligible patients. The reason for antibiotic prescription was treatment of a UTI in 502 patients, and prophylaxis in 20 patients. The most frequent types of UTI documented were cystitis (301 cases) and urethritis (143 patients). Overall, the most frequently prescribed antibiotics for treatment of active UTIs were levofloxacin (344 patients; 68.7%), ciprofloxacin (69 patients; 13.8%) and ceftriaxone (34 patients; 6.8%). The pattern of antibiotic prescription was essentially similar irrespective of the indication. Only six patients with uncomplicated acute cystitis received the treatment recommended as first choice in the European Association of Urology or Infectious Diseases Society of America and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease guidelines (nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Conclusions: We observed pronounced divergence from international practice guidelines for the use of antibiotics for the treatment or prophylaxis of UTIs in the Arabian Gulf, even though most participating physicians, and essentially all urologists, claimed to be familiar with them. In this context, the development and diffusion of regional practice guidelines may be particularly useful. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
Lobbying and Bribery
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amrita Kamalini , Mukherjee Vivekananda 
Published: March 2019

This paper explores the relation between lobbying and bribery by constructing a theoretical model. It asks whether ease of lobbying reduces bribery. The answer as it appears is ambiguous. It derives the condition for which lobbying and bribery are substitutes and complements of each other. It also shows that under certain conditions, ease of lobbying may reduce social welfare. JEL Classification: D72, D73, H23, I31, P18
Dampness, mould, onset and remission of adult respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis
Authors: Wang Juan , Pindus Mihkel , Janson Christer , Sigsgaard Torben , Kim Jeong-Lim , Holm Mathias , Sommar Johan , Orru Hans , Gislason Thorarinn , Johannessen Ane , Bertelsen Randi J. , Norbäck Dan 
Published: March 2019

Study questionIs dampness and indoor mould associated with onset and remission of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis among adults?Materials and methodsAssociations between dampness, mould and mould odour at home and at work and respiratory health were investigated in a cohort of 11 506 adults from Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Estonia. They answered a questionnaire at baseline and 10 years later, with questions on respiratory health, home and work environment.ResultsBaseline water damage, floor dampness, mould and mould odour at home were associated with onset of respiratory symptoms and asthma (OR 1.23–2.24). Dampness at home during follow-up was associated with onset of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis (OR 1.21–1.52). Dampness at work during follow-up was associated with onset of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis (OR 1.31–1.50). Combined dampness at home and at work increased the risk of onset of respiratory symptoms and rhinitis. Dampness and mould at home and at work decreased remission of respiratory symptoms and rhinitis.The answer to the questionDampness and mould at home and at work can increase onset of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis, and decrease remission.
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema characteristics in a Greek cohort
Authors: Malli Foteini , Papakosta Despoina , Antoniou Katerina , Dimadi Maria , Polychronopoulos Vlassis , Malagari Katerina , Oikonomou Anastasia , Bouros Demosthenes E. , Daniil Zoe 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundCombined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) has recently received great attention, with studies suggesting that it presents a distinct clinical entity while others have challenged this hypothesis. This nationwide study aimed to describe a large cohort of Greek CPFE patients and to examine potential prognostic factors for survival.MethodsThis retrospective study included 97 patients with CPFE. Demographic and clinical data, pulmonary function tests, echocardiography results and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis were recorded.ResultsMost patients were male (94.8%) and 92% were current or ex-smokers. Spirometry results were abnormal (forced vital capacity (FVC) 72.9±19.9% pred and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/FVC 82.9±9.7%) with reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (42.3±17.4% pred). Mean systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was 41.9±19.7 mmHg and pulmonary hypertension was present in 58.8% of patients. Mean 6-min walk distance was 335.4±159.4 m. Mean emphysema score was 14.23±8.69% and mean interstitial lung disease (ILD) extent was 39.58±19.82%. Mean survival was 84 months (95% CI 72–96 months). Patients withDLCO≥39% pred had better survival than patients withDLCO<39% pred (p=0.031). Patients with ILD extent ≥30% had worse survival than patients with ILD extent <30% (p=0.037).ConclusionsOur results indicate that CPFE patients have preserved lung volumes associated with disproportionately reducedDLCO, while reducedDLCOand increased ILD extent was associated with worse prognosis.
Highlights from the ERS International Congress 2018: Assembly 13 – Pulmonary Vascular Diseases
Authors: Ramjug Sheila , Adão Rui , Lewis Robert , Coste Florence , de Man Frances , Jimenez David , Sitbon Olivier , Delcroix Marion , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton 
Published: March 2019

The 2018 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Paris, France, highlighted the subject of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). 2018 was an exciting year for the PVD community as it was the first ERS International Congress since the formation of Assembly 13, which is dedicated to PVD, pulmonary embolism and the right ventricle.This article aims to summarise the high-quality studies presented at the 2018 Congress into four subject areas: the use of risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension, the molecular mechanisms and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH), understanding and improving the right ventricle in PH, and finally, advances in the field of acute pulmonary embolus.
Dermal tissue remodeling and non-osmotic sodium storage in kidney patients
Authors: Hijmans Ryanne S. , van Londen Marco , Sarpong Kwaku A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Navis Gerjan J. , Storteboom Twan T. R. , de Jong Wilhelmina H. A. , Pol Robert A. , van den Born Jacob 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundExcess dietary sodium is not only excreted by the kidneys, but can also be stored by non-osmotic binding with glycosaminoglycans in dermal connective tissue. Such storage has been associated with dermal inflammation and lymphangiogenesis. We aim to investigate if skin storage of sodium is increased in kidney patients and if this storage is associated with clinical parameters of sodium homeostasis and dermal tissue remodeling.MethodsAbdominal skin tissue of 12 kidney patients (5 on hemodialysis) and 12 healthy kidney donors was obtained during surgery. Skin biopsies were processed for dermal sodium measurement by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and evaluated for CD68+macrophages, CD3+T-cells, collagen I, podoplanin + lymph vessels, and glycosaminoglycans by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsDermal sodium content of kidney patients did not differ from healthy individuals, but was inversely associated with plasma sodium values (p < 0.05). Compared to controls, kidney patients showed dermal tissue remodeling by increased CD68+macrophages, CD3+T-cells and Collagen I expression (all p < 0.05). Also, both N- and O-sulfation of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans were increased (all p < 0.05), most outspoken in hemodialysis patients. Plasma and urinary sodium associates with dermal lymph vessel number (both p < 0.05), whereas loss of eGFR, proteinuria and high systolic blood pressure associated with dermal macrophage density (all p < 0.05).ConclusionKidney patients did not show increased skin sodium storage compared to healthy individuals. Results do indicate that kidney failure associates with dermal inflammation, whereas increased sodium excretion and plasma sodium associate with dermal lymph vessel formation and loss of dermal sodium storage capacity.Trial registrationThe cohort is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT (September 6, 2017). NCT, NCT03272841. Registered 6 September 2017—Retrospectively registered,https://clinicaltrials.gov
Fecal metatranscriptomics of macaques with idiopathic chronic diarrhea reveals altered mucin degradation and fucose utilization
Authors: Westreich Samuel T. , Ardeshir Amir , Alkan Zeynep , Kable Mary E. , Korf Ian , Lemay Danielle G. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic chronic diarrhea (ICD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among juvenile rhesus macaques. Characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon and repeated bouts of diarrhea, ICD is largely unresponsive to medical interventions, including corticosteroid, antiparasitic, and antibiotic treatments. Although ICD is accompanied by large disruptions in the composition of the commensal gut microbiome, no single pathogen has been concretely identified as responsible for the onset and continuation of the disease.

Results
Fecal samples were collected from 12 ICD-diagnosed macaques and 12 age- and sex-matched controls. RNA was extracted for metatranscriptomic analysis of organisms and functional annotations associated with the gut microbiome. Bacterial, fungal, archaeal, protozoan, and macaque (host) transcripts were simultaneously assessed. ICD-afflicted animals were characterized by increased expression of host-derived genes involved in inflammation and increased transcripts from bacterial pathogens such as Campylobacter and Helicobacter and the protozoan Trichomonas. Transcripts associated with known mucin-degrading organisms and mucin-degrading enzymes were elevated in the fecal microbiomes of ICD-afflicted animals. Assessment of colon sections using immunohistochemistry and of the host transcriptome suggests differential fucosylation of mucins between control and ICD-afflicted animals. Interrogation of the metatranscriptome for fucose utilization genes reveals possible mechanisms by which opportunists persist in ICD. Bacteroides sp. potentially cross-fed fucose to Haemophilus whereas Campylobacter expressed a mucosa-associated transcriptome with increased expression of adherence genes.

Conclusions
The simultaneous profiling of bacterial, fungal, archaeal, protozoan, and macaque transcripts from stool samples reveals that ICD of rhesus macaques is associated with increased gene expression by pathogens, increased mucin degradation, and altered fucose utilization. The data suggest that the ICD-afflicted host produces fucosylated mucins that are leveraged by potentially pathogenic microbes as a carbon source or as adhesion sites.