bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limited predictive power of hospitalization variables for long‐term cognitive prognosis in adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: de Oliveira Thais Maria Emília Rodrigues , Cavallazzi Gisele , Formolo Douglas Afonso , de Castro Lucas D'Ávila , Schmoeller Roseli , Guarnieri Ricardo , Schwarzbold Marcelo Liborio , Diaz Alexandre Paim , Hohl Alexandre , Prediger Rui D. S. , Mader Maria Joana , Linhares Marcelo Neves , Staniloiu Angelica , Markowitsch Hans J. , Walz Roger 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a main cause of mortality and morbidity. Association studies between hospitalization variables and cognitive impairment after TBI are frequently retrospective, including non‐consecutive patients showing variable degrees of TBI severity, and poor management of missing (drop out) cases.MethodsWe assessed prospectively the demographic and hospitalization variables of 234 consecutive patients with severe TBI (admission Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤8) and determined their independent association with cognitive performance in a representative sample (n = 46) of surviving patients (n = 172) evaluated 3 (±1.8) years after hospitalization.ResultsIn all, 85% of patients were male and the mean age was 34 (SD ±13) years. The education level was 9 (±4.7) years. As expected, education and age showed a moderately to strong linear relationship with the cognitive performance in 14 of 15 neuropsychological tests (R coefficient = 0.6–0.8). The cognitive test scores were not independently associated with gender, admission GCS, associated trauma, and Marshal CT classification. Admission‐elevated blood glucose levels and the presence of sub‐arachnoid haemorrhage were independently associated with lower scores on Rey Auditory Verbal Learning retention and Logical Memory‐I tests, respectively.ConclusionsAfter correction for education and age distribution, the variables that are commonly associated with mortality or Glasgow Outcome Scale including admission pupils' examination, Marshal CT Classification, GCS, and serum glucose showed a limited predictive power for long‐term cognitive prognosis. Identification of clinical, radiological, and laboratory variables as well as new biomarkers independently associated with cognitive outcome remains an important challenge for further work involving severe TBI patients.
A mutated glucagon-like peptide-1 with improved glucose-lowering activity in diabetic mice
Authors: Gao Mingming , Tong Yue , Gao Xiangdong , Yao Wenbing 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to characterize the conformation and potency of a mutated glucagon-like peptide-1 (mGLP-1), and evaluate its glucose-lowering activity in diabetic mice.

Methods
Spectroscopy techniques were employed to characterize the conformation of mGLP-1. Glucose tolerance test was performed to determine the potency of mGLP-1 in vivo. A mouse model in which diabetes was induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin was established to evaluate the glucose-lowering activity of mGLP-1.

Key findings
Compared with native GLP-1, mGLP-1 had a similar conformation and an enhanced potency in vivo. In diabetic mice, mGLP-1 displayed a significantly improved glucose-lowering activity as judged by fasting glucose and insulin, oral glucose tolerance test, beta cell function analysis and histochemical analysis.

Conclusions
Collectively, mGLP-1 possesses an improved glucose-lowering activity in vivo and therefore can be recognized as a potential candidate for the future development of anti-diabetic drugs.
Maternal mental health and infant dietary patterns in a statewide sample ofMarylandWICparticipants
Authors: Hurley Kristen M. , Black Maureen M. , Merry Brian C. , Caulfield Laura E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe study's objective was to examine the relation between maternal mental health and infant dietary intake. A cross‐sectional, population‐based telephone survey was employed within a statewide sample ofMarylandSpecialSupplementalNutritionProgram forWomen,Infants andChildren participants. A 24‐h diet recall was performed using theUnitedStatesDepartment ofAgricultureAutomatedMultiple‐PassMethod. Analyses presented were based on 689 mother–infant pairs. Overall, 36.5% of mothers reported introducing solids to their infants early (<4 months of age), and 40% reported adding cereal to their infant's bottle. Among 0–6‐month‐old infants, higher infant energy intake was associated with symptoms of maternal stress [β = 0.02; confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.04], depression (β = 0.04;CI: 0.01, 0.06) and overall maternal psychological distress (β = 0.02;CI: 0.003, 0.03). With early introduction of solids in the model, the significant associations between infant energy intake and maternal stress and maternal psychological distress became marginal (P‘s = 0.06–0.10). The association between infant energy intake and maternal depression remained significant (β = 0.03;CI: 0.01, 0.06). Among 4–6‐month‐old infants, intakes of breads and cereals were higher among mothers who reported more symptoms of stress (β = 0.12;CI: 0.04, 0.23), depression (β = 0.19;CI: 0.03, 0.34), anxiety (β = 0.15;CI: 0.02, 0.27) and overall psychological distress (β = 0.04;CI: 0.01, 0.07). Among 7–12‐month‐old infants, dietary intake was not related to mental health symptoms. Findings suggest poorer infant feeding practices and higher infant dietary intake during the first 6 months of age in the context of maternal mental health symptoms. Further research is needed to evaluate these effects on child dietary habits and growth patterns over time.
Specialized functions of the PP2A subfamily II catalytic subunits PP2A‐C3 and PP2A‐C4 in the distribution of auxin fluxes and development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ballesteros Isabel , Domínguez Teresa , Sauer Michael , Paredes Pilar , Duprat Anne , Rojo Enrique , Sanmartín Maite , Sánchez‐Serrano Jose J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryProtein phosphorylation is a key molecular switch used to transmit information in biological signalling networks. The output of these signalling circuits is governed by the counteracting activities of protein kinases and phosphatases that determine the direction of the switch. Whereas many kinases have been functionally characterized, it has been difficult to ascribe precise cellular roles to plant phosphatases, which are encoded by enlarged gene families that may provide a high degree of genetic redundancy. In this work we have analysed the role in planta of catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a family encoded by five genes in Arabidopsis. Our results indicate that the two members of subfamily II, PP2A‐C3 and PP2A‐C4, have redundant functions in controlling embryo patterning and root development, processes that depend on auxin fluxes. Moreover, polarity of the auxin efflux carrier PIN1 and auxin distribution, determined with the DR5pro:GFP proxy, are affected by mutations in PP2A‐C3 and PP2A‐C4. Previous characterization of mutants in putative PP2A regulatory subunits had established a link between this class of phosphatases and PIN dephosphorylation and subcellular distribution. Building on those findings, the results presented here suggest that PP2A‐C3 and PP2A‐C4 catalyse this reaction and contribute critically to the establishment of auxin gradients for proper plant development.
Limited Activity of Miltefosine in Murine Models of Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis and Disseminated Cryptococcosis
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Najvar Laura K. , Bocanegra Rosie , Kirkpatrick William R. , Sorrell Tania C. , Patterson Thomas F. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Miltefosine is an alkyl phosphocholine with good oral bioavailability and
in vitro
activity against
Cryptococcus
species that has gained interest as an additional agent for cryptococcal infections. Our objective was to further evaluate the
in vivo
efficacy of miltefosine in experimental
in vivo
models of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and disseminated cryptococcosis. Mice were infected intracranially or intravenously with either
C. neoformans
USC1597 or H99. Miltefosine treatment (1.8 to 45 mg/kg of body weight orally once daily) began at either 1 h or 1 day postinoculation. Fluconazole (10 mg/kg orally twice daily) or amphotericin B deoxycholate (3 mg/kg intraperitoneally once daily) served as positive controls. In our standard models, miltefosine did not result in significant improvements in survival or reductions in fungal burden against either
C. neoformans
isolate. There was a trend toward improved survival with miltefosine at 7.2 mg/kg against disseminated cryptococcosis with the H99 strain but only at a low infecting inoculum. In contrast, both fluconazole and amphotericin B significantly improved survival in mice with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and disseminated cryptococcosis due to USC1597. Amphotericin B also improved survival against both cryptococcal infections caused by H99. Combination therapy with miltefosine demonstrated neither synergy nor antagonism in both models. These results demonstrate limited efficacy of miltefosine and suggest caution with the potential use of this agent for the treatment of
C. neoformans
infections.
Anthelmintic Avermectins Kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Including Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Strains
Authors: Lim Leah E. , Vilchèze Catherine , Ng Carol , Jacobs William R. , Ramón-García Santiago , Thompson Charles J. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Avermectins are a family of macrolides known for their anthelmintic activities and traditionally believed to be inactive against all bacteria. Here we report that members of the family, ivermectin, selamectin, and moxidectin, are bactericidal against mycobacterial species, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant clinical strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Avermectins are approved for clinical and veterinary uses and have documented pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. We suggest that avermectins could be repurposed for tuberculosis treatment.
Comparing the validity of the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) in the assessment of wrist flexor spasticity in patients with stroke: protocol for a neurophysiological study
Authors: Abolhasani Hamid , Ansari Noureddin Nakhostin , Naghdi Soofia , Mansouri Korosh , Ghotbi Nastaran , Hasson Scott 
Published: November 2012

IntroductionReliable and valid tools must be used to assess spasticity in clinical practise and research settings. There is a paucity of literature regarding the validity of the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). No study, to date, has been performed to compare the validity of the MMAS and the MTS. This neurophysiological study protocol will compare the validity of the MMAS and the MTS in the assessment of poststroke wrist flexor spasticity.Methods and analysisThirty-two patients with stroke from the University Rehabilitation clinics will be recruited to participate in this cross-sectional, non-interventional study. All measurements will be taken in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Shafa University Hospital in Tehran, Iran. First, wrist flexor spasticity will be assessed clinically using the MMAS and MTS. The tests will be applied randomly. For the MTS, the components of R1, R2, R2−R1 and quality of muscle reaction will be measured. Second, neurophysiological measures of H-reflex latency, Hmax/Mmaxratio, Hslpand Hslp/Mslpratio will be collected from the affected side. The results will be analysed using Spearman's ρ test or Pearson's correlation test to determine the validity of the MMAS and the MTS as well as to compare the validity between the MMAS and the MTS.Ethics and disseminationThe Research Council, School of Rehabilitation and the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) approved the study protocol. The study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and presented at international congresses.
Life event stress and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): associations with mental well-being and quality of life in a population-based study
Authors: Lu Yanxia , Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Gwee Xinyi , Feng Liang , Feng Lei , Kua Ee Heok , Kumar Rajeev , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate whether life event stress was associated with greater psychological distress and poorer quality of life in older individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in comparison with their counterparts without COPD.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsA population-based sample (N=497) of individuals aged 65 and above with COPD (postbronchodilatation FEV1/FVC<0.70, N=136) and without COPD (N=277).MeasurementsWe measured life event stress, depressive symptoms (GDS, Geriatric Depression Scale), cognitive symptoms and function (CFQ, Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and MMSE, Mini-Mental State Examination), and physical and mental health functional status (SF36-PCS, Physical Health Component Summary and SF36-MCS, Mental Health Component Summary) in participants with and without COPD.ResultsIn two-way analysis of variance controlling for potential confounders, life event stress was associated with significant main effects of worse GDS (p<0.001), SF36-PCS (p=0.008) and SF36-MCS scores (p<0.001), and with significant interaction effects on GDS score (p<0.001), SF36-PCS (p=0.045) and SF36-MCS (p=0.034) in participants with COPD, more than in non-COPD participants. The main effect of COPD was found for postbronchodilator FEV1 (p<0.001) and cognitive symptoms (p=0.02).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that life event stress was associated with more depressive symptoms and worse quality of life in individuals with COPD, much more than in those without COPD. Further studies should explore the role of cognitive appraisal of stress, coping resources and psycho-social support in this relationship.
The PREVENT study: a prospective cohort study to identify mid-life biomarkers of late-onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ritchie Craig W , Ritchie Karen 
Published: November 2012

IntroductionEpidemiological studies indicate that significant decreases in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be obtained by targeting multiple middle-age risk factors. However, as dementia is unlikely to be diagnosed for decades, short-term outcome measures are required. AD biomarker changes precede clinical symptoms by many years, but their sensitivity to mid-life change remains unknown.Methods and analysisPREVENT is a prospective cohort study examining biomarker status at mid-life in at least 150 individuals genetically at high, medium or low risk of late-onset AD. Participants are children of individuals with or without a diagnosed AD allocated to high, medium and low-risk groups according to parental clinical status and ApoE genotype. The biomarkers examined over 2 years are plasma and CSF Aβ42 amyloid, Tau and pTau, proinflammatory cytokines, acute-phase proteins, medial temporal-lobe atrophy, white matter lesion volume, cognitive performance related to transentorhinal and hippocampal functioning and hypothalamic−pituitary−adrenal and sympathetic axes regulation.Ethics and disseminationDetected pathologies are communicated to the participant's general practitioner with their permission. Risk status by genotype would not be revealed. The results of the study would be published in peer-reviewed journals and validated biomarkers used to construct a randomised controlled intervention study.
Eliciting symptoms interpreted as normal by patients with early-stage lung cancer: could GP elicitation of normalised symptoms reduce delay in diagnosis? Cross-sectional interview study
Authors: Brindle Lucy , Pope Catherine , Corner Jessica , Leydon Geraldine , Banerjee Anindo 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate why symptoms indicative of early-stage lung cancer (LC) were not presented to general practitioners (GPs) and how early symptoms might be better elicited within primary care.Design, setting and participantsA qualitative cross-sectional interview study about symptoms and help-seeking in 20 patients from three south England counties, awaiting resection of LC (suspected or histologically confirmed). Analysis drew on principles of discourse analysis and constant comparison to identify processes involved in interpretation and communication about symptoms, and explain non-presentation.ResultsMost participants experienced health changes possibly indicative of LC which had not been presented during GP consultations. Symptoms that were episodic, or potentially caused by ageing or lifestyle, were frequently not presented to GPs. In interviews, open questions about health changes/symptoms in general did not elicit these symptoms; they only emerged in response to closed questions detailing specific changes in health. Questions using disease-related labels, for example, pain or breathlessness, were less likely to elicit symptoms than questions that used non-disease terminology, such as aches, discomfort or ‘getting out of breath’. Most participants described themselves as feeling well and were reluctant to associate potentially explained, non-specific or episodic symptoms with LC, even after diagnosis.ConclusionsPatients with early LC are unlikely to present symptoms possibly indicative of LC that they associate with normal processes, when attending primary care before diagnosis. Faced with patients at high LC risk, GPs will need to actively elicit potential LC symptoms not presented by the patient. Closed questions using non-disease terminology might better elicit normalised symptoms.
Updates to the Spectrum/Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) model to estimate HIV trends for adults and children
Authors: Stover John , Brown Tim , Marston Milly 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundThe Spectrum and Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) programs are used to estimate key HIV indicators based on HIV surveillance and surveys, programme statistics and epidemic patterns. These indicators include the number of people living with HIV, new infections, AIDS deaths, AIDS orphans, the number of adults and children needing treatment, the need for preventing mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and the impact of antiretroviral treatment on survival.MethodsThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Reference Group on Estimates, Models and Projections regularly reviews new data and information needs and recommends updates to the methodology and assumptions used in Spectrum. The latest updates described here were used in the 2011 round of global estimates.ResultsSpectrum and EPP have now been combined into one software package to enhance ease of use and ensure consistent data and assumptions for the curve fitting and indicator estimations. Major enhancements to the methods include a new adult model that tracks the HIV+ population by CD4 count; new patterns describing child survival by time of infection (perinatally, <6 months, 7–12 months and 12+ months after birth); a more detailed estimate of mother-to-child transmission that includes differential transmission rates by CD4 count of the mother, the effects of incident infections and new prophylaxis options; and new procedures to estimate uncertainty ranges around regional estimates.ConclusionsThe revised model and software facilitate the preparation of new HIV estimates and use new data to address emerging needs for better information on need for treatment among adults and children.
Focusing the HIV response through estimating the major modes of HIV transmission: a multi-country analysis
Authors: Gouws Eleanor , Cuchi Paloma 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveAn increasing number of countries have been estimating the distribution of new adult HIV infections by modes of transmission (MOT) to help prioritise prevention efforts. We compare results from studies conducted between 2008 and 2012 and discuss their use for planning and responding to the HIV epidemic.MethodsThe UNAIDS recommended MOT model helps countries to estimate the proportion of new HIV infections that occur through key transmission modes including sex work, injecting drug use (IDU), men having sex with men (MSM), multiple sexual partnerships, stable relationships and medical interventions. The model typically forms part of a country-led process that includes a comprehensive review of epidemiological data. Recent revisions to the model are described.ResultsModelling results from 25 countries show large variation between and within regions. In sub-Saharan Africa, new infections occur largely in the general heterosexual population because of multiple partnerships or in stable discordant relationships, while sex work contributes significantly to new infections in West Africa. IDU and sex work are the main contributors to new infections in the Middle East and North Africa, with MSM the main contributor in Latin America. Patterns vary substantially between countries in Eastern Europe and Asia in terms of the relative contribution of sex work, MSM, IDU and spousal transmission.ConclusionsThe MOT modelling results, comprehensive review and critical assessment of data in a country can contribute to a more strategically focused HIV response. To strengthen this type of research, improved epidemiological and behavioural data by risk population are needed.
Trends in HIV prevalence among young people in generalised epidemics: implications for monitoring the HIV epidemic
Authors: Mahy Mary , Garcia-Calleja Jesus Maria , Marsh Kimberly Anne 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundCountries measure trends in HIV incidence to assess the impact of HIV prevention and treatment programmes. Most countries have approximated trends in HIV incidence through modelled estimates or through trends in HIV prevalence among young people (aged 15–24 years) assuming they have recently become sexually active and have thus only been recently exposed to HIV.MethodsTrends in HIV incidence are described and results are compared using three proxy measures of incidence: HIV prevalence among young women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) in 22 countries; HIV prevalence among young male and female nationally representative household survey respondents in 14 countries; and modelled estimates of adult (ages 15–49 years) HIV incidence in 26 countries. The significance of changes in prevalence among ANC attendees and young survey respondents is tested.ResultsAmong 26 countries, 25 had evidence of some decline in HIV incidence and 15 showed statistically significant declines in either ANC data or survey data. Only in Mozambique did the direction of the trend in young ANC attendees differ from modelled adult incidence, and in Mali and Zambia trends among young men differed from trends in adult incidence. The magnitude of change differed by method.ConclusionsTrends in HIV prevalence among young people show encouraging declines. Changes in fertility patterns, HIV-infected children surviving to adulthood, and participation bias could affect future proxy measures of incidence trends.