bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal near miss and death among women with severe hypertensive disorders: a Brazilian multicenter surveillance study
Authors: Zanette Elvira , Parpinelli Mary Angela , Surita Fernanda Garanhani , Costa Maria Laura , Haddad Samira Maerrawi , Sousa Maria Helena , e Silva Joao Luiz Pinto , Souza Joao Paulo , Cecatti Jose Guilherme ,   The Brazilian Network for Surveillance of Severe Maternal Morbidity Group
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Hypertensive disorders represent the major cause of maternal morbidity in middle income countries. The main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with severe maternal outcomes in women with severe hypertensive disorders.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study, including 6706 women with severe hypertensive disorder from 27 maternity hospitals in Brazil. A prospective surveillance of severe maternal morbidity with data collected from medical charts and entered into OpenClinica®, an online system, over a one-year period (2009 to 2010). Women with severe preeclampsia, severe hypertension, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome were included in the study. They were grouped according to outcome in near miss, maternal death and potentially life-threatening condition. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for cluster effect for maternal and perinatal variables and delays in receiving obstetric care were calculated as risk estimates of maternal complications having a severe maternal outcome (near miss or death). Poisson multiple regression analysis was also performed.

Results
Severe hypertensive disorders were the main cause of severe maternal morbidity (6706/9555); the prevalence of near miss was 4.2 cases per 1000 live births, there were 8.3 cases of Near Miss to 1 Maternal Death and the mortality index was 10.7% (case fatality). Early onset of the disease and postpartum hemorrhage were independent variables associated with severe maternal outcomes, in addition to acute pulmonary edema, previous heart disease and delays in receiving secondary and tertiary care.

Conclusions
In women with severe hypertensive disorders, the current study identified situations independently associated with a severe maternal outcome, which could be modified by interventions in obstetric care and in the healthcare system. Furthermore, the study showed the feasibility of a hospital system for surveillance of severe maternal morbidity.
Telomeres, oxidative stress and inflammatory factors: partners in cellular senescence?
Authors: Correia-Melo Clara , Hewitt Graeme , Passos João F 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Senescence, the state of irreversible cell-cycle arrest, plays paradoxical albeit important roles in vivo: it protects organisms against cancer but also contributes to age-related loss of tissue function. The DNA damage response (DDR) has a central role in cellular senescence. Not only does it contribute to the irreversible loss of replicative capacity but also to the production and secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and bioactive peptides collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Both ROS and the SASP have been shown to impact on senescence in an autocrine as well as paracrine fashion; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this review we describe our current understanding of cellular senescence, examine in detail the intricate pathways linking the DDR, ROS and SASP, and evaluate their impact on the stability of the senescent phenotype.
Prevalence and severity of anemia among school children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Selomon , Mossie Andualem , Hamza Leja 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Anemia is a major health problem worldwide. Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. Children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups to anemia. The aim of the present study was to determine the magnitude of anemia among school children.

Methods
A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in January 2011 on 423 children, aged 6–14 years, selected through systematic random sampling method. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Capillary blood was taken from the fingertip of each child and hemoglobin was measured using HaemoCue digital photometer. All the necessary safety measures were taken during blood collection. Anthropometric indicators were measured using WHO’s guideline. Data analysis was made using SPSS Version 16.0 for Windows. The association between predictors and outcome variables were measured by a stepwise logistic regression model. Ethical permission was obtained; consent of the parents/guardian was taken and confidentiality was maintained.

Result
A total of 404 children were studied. The mean age was 10.21(SD ± 1.89) years. The proportion of females was 217(53.7%). The mean hemoglobin level for both sexes was 11.59(SD ± 1.97 g/dl). The current prevalence of anemia was 152(37.6%), out of which, 73(18.1%) had mild while 79(19.6%) of them had moderate anemia. The prevalence of anemia among the age group of 6–11 years was 118(40.5%) while the prevalence among the group of 12–14 years old children was 34(30.1%). Among the selected variables in the logistic regression analysis, low family income [OR = 4.925, 95% CI(1.063,22.820)], mothers’ education [OR = 4.621, 95% CI(1.383,15.439)], intake of plant food [OR = 3.847, 95% CI(2.068, 7.157)] and intake of animal food [OR = 2.37, 95% CI(1.040,5.402)] were significantly and independently associated with anemia.

Conclusion
Anemia is a moderate public health problem in the study area. Family income, educational status of parents and inadequate plant and animal food intake are the predictors of anemia. Improving the economic status of the family, women education and health education about balanced animal and plant food consumption are recommended strategies to reduce the burden of anemia.
A hybrid MCDA-LCA approach for assessing carbon foot-prints and environmental impacts of China’s paper producing industry and printing services
Authors: Yue Wencong , Cai Yanpeng , Rong Qiangqiang , Cao Lei , Wang Xumei 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Labeling of carbon foot-prints (CFPs) for products and services is regarded as a convenient and effective method for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a useful tool for examine CFP of relevant products and services. However, the corresponding standards for CFP of products and services can hardly be satisfactorily adopted. Also, most of the previous studies were based on an individual indicator, which can hardly reflect multiple dimensions of sustainable implications of products and services.

Results
Thus, in this research, a hybrid life cycle analysis (LCA) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method was proposed for helping evaluate CFP of products and services under multiple environmental indicators. The results indicated: (a) Air pollution caused by coal consumption was the primary environmental impact in China’s paper-production industry, and (b) in printing industry, air pollution caused by VOC was the primary environmental impact in China. At the same time, CFP of 1,000 kg copying paper was 1,415.39 kg CO2e based on LCI data of a paper factory in China. CFP of printing services was varied from each printing activity.

Conclusions
When purchasing copying paper, consumers should pay attention on coal consumption of the product. In printing industry, VOC of printing services should be taken serious consideration in China.
Smoking in combination with antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides is associated with persistently high levels of survivin in early rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Svensson Björn , Hafström Ingiäld , Erlandsson Malin C , Forslind Kristina , Bokarewa Maria I 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
High levels of the oncoprotein survivin may be detected in the majority of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Survivin is a sensitive predictor of joint damage and persistent disease activity. Survivin-positive patients are often poor responders to antirheumatic and biological treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of survivin status and its significance for clinical and immunological assessment of RA patients.

Methods
Survivin levels were measured in 339 patients from the Better Anti-Rheumatic FarmacOTherapy (BARFOT) cohort of early RA at baseline and after 24 months. The association of survivin status with joint damage (total Sharp-van der Heijde score), disease activity (Disease Activity Score based on evaluation of 28 joints (DAS28)), functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)), and pain perception (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) was calculated in the groups positive and negative for survivin on both occasions, and for the positive-negative and negative-positive groups.

Results
In 268 patients (79%) the levels of survivin were similar at baseline and after 24 months, 15% converted from survivin-positive to survivin-negative, and 5% from survivin-negative to survivin-positive. A combination of smoking and antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (aCCP) predicted persistently (baseline and 24 months) high levels of survivin (odds ratio 4.36 (95% CI: 2.64 to 7.20), P < 0.001), positive predictive value 0.66 and specificity 0.83). The independent nature of survivin and aCCP was demonstrated by statistical and laboratory analysis. Survivin positivity on both test occasions was associated with the progression of joint damage, significantly higher DAS28 and lower rate of remission at 24 and 60 months compared to negative-negative patients. Survivin status was less associated with changes in HAQ and VAS.

Conclusions
Survivin is a relevant and reproducible marker of severe RA. Persistently high levels of survivin were associated with smoking and the presence of aCCP and/or RF antibodies and predicted persistent disease activity and joint damage.
Minireview: More Than Just a Hammer: Ligand “Bias” and Pharmaceutical Discovery
Authors: Luttrell Louis M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractConventional orthosteric drug development programs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have focused on the concepts of agonism and antagonism, in which receptor structure determines the nature of the downstream signal and ligand efficacy determines its intensity. Over the past decade, the emerging paradigms of “pluridimensional efficacy” and “functional selectivity” have revealed that GPCR signaling is not monolithic, and that ligand structure can “bias” signal output by stabilizing active receptor states in different proportions than the native ligand. Biased ligands are novel pharmacologic entities that possess the unique ability to qualitatively change GPCR signaling, in effect creating “new receptors” with distinct efficacy profiles driven by ligand structure. The promise of biased agonism lies in this ability to engender “mixed” effects not attainable using conventional agonists or antagonists, promoting therapeutically beneficial signals while antagonizing deleterious ones. Indeed, arrestin pathway-selective agonists for the type 1 parathyroid hormone and angiotensin AT1 receptors, and G protein pathway-selective agonists for the GPR109A nicotinic acid and μ-opioid receptors, have demonstrated unique, and potentially therapeutic, efficacy in cell-based assays and preclinical animal models. Conversely, activating GPCRs in “unnatural” ways may lead to downstream biological consequences that cannot be predicted from prior knowledge of the actions of the native ligand, especially in the case of ligands that selectively activate as-yet poorly characterized G protein-independent signaling networks mediated via arrestins. Although much needs to be done to realize the clinical potential of functional selectivity, biased GPCR ligands nonetheless appear to be important new additions to the pharmacologic toolbox.
Trajectory of the Brazilian Semiconductor Industry and Supply Chain: Economic, Governmental, and Technological Perspectives
Authors: Bortolaso Ingridi Vargas , Balestrin Alsones , Teixeira Rafael , Faccin Kadigia 
Published: January 2014

This paper explores the semiconductor industry and its supply chain characteristics in order to aid understanding of its overall trajectory. How can a country like Brazil produce such an insignificant amount of semiconductor components? What has led the country to this situation? The objectives of this paper are twofold: first, to describe the semiconductor supply chain in order to understand its majors elements; and second, to delineate the trajectory of this industry. More specifically, we draw on evolutionary theory to analyze three macro trajectories: economic, governmental and technological. We collected archival data about these macro drivers and conducted interviews with professors and professionals in the semiconductor field. The results show four major events in the trajectory of the Brazilian semiconductor industry: (i) investment in microelectronic laboratories; (ii) a policy of market protection; (iii) a policy of market openness to product imports: and (iv) public policies to help the development of semiconductor companies through incentives. DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n2p20-39URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n2p20-39
Selecting Maritime Disaster Response Capabilities
Authors: Apte Aruna , Yoho Keenan D , Greenfield Cullen M , Ingram Cameron A 
Published: January 2014

Using a structured, qualitative evaluation schema complemented by expert rating, we evaluate the capabilities and utility of ships in the United States Navy and United States Military Sealift inventory. We find that there are specific types of vessels with significant disaster response utility and recommend a flotilla type that would be best suited for these types of operations. Utilizing an exploratory framework that evaluates three diverse disaster cases, we scale the utility of each vessel using subject matter experts. This work should be of interest to national policy-makers as well as international governing bodies and leaders of naval institutions for its recommendations on the type of ships most useful for contributing to effective disaster response. The capabilities identified in this research are found in various naval and maritime organizations throughout the world, and this work can help assist those organizations identify the types of capabilities that are most useful in the event of a disaster. DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n2p40-58URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n2p40-58
Biobehavioral Indicators of Social Fear in Young Children With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Tonnsen Bridgette L. , Shinkareva Svetlana V. , Deal Sara C. , Hatton Deborah D. , Roberts Jane E. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Anxiety is among the most impairing conditions associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and is putatively linked to atypical physiological arousal. However, few studies have examined this association in young children with FXS. The authors examined whether patterns of arousal and behavior during an experimental stranger approach paradigm differ between a cross-sectional sample of 21 young children with FXS and 19 controls (12–58 months old). Groups did not differ in mean levels of behavioral fear. Unlike the control group, however, the FXS group demonstrated increased facial fear at older ages, as well as age-dependent changes in associations between heart activity and distress vocalizations. These findings may inform theoretical models of anxiety etiology in FXS and early detection efforts.
Sequential Analysis of Autonomic Arousal and Self-Injurious Behavior
Authors: Hoch John , Symons Frank , Sng Sylvia 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
There have been limited direct tests of the hypothesis that self-injurious behavior (SIB) regulates arousal. In this study, two autonomic biomarkers for physiological arousal (heart rate [HR] and the high-frequency [HF] component of heart rate variability [HRV]) were investigated in relation to SIB for 3 participants with intellectual disabilities. Second-by-second correlations were examined using time series statistical models. The probabilities of HR changes preceding or following SIB were derived using sequential analyses and compared using resampling procedures. Significant correlations and sequential dependencies were found between SIB and arousal parameters. Combining within-subject statistical methods with single-subject experimental designs may provide a replicable methodology for use across larger samples to examine relationships between SIB and arousal in real-world settings.
A Multimethod Assessment of Anxiety and Problem Behavior in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Moskowitz Lauren J. , Mulder Emile , Walsh Caitlin E. , McLaughlin Darlene Magito , Zarcone Jennifer R. , Proudfit Greg Hajcak , Carr Edward G. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Despite the increased risk for anxiety disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), there is a lack of research on the assessment and treatment of anxiety in this population, particularly for those with an intellectual disability (ID). The present study evaluated a multimethod strategy for the assessment of anxiety and problem behavior in three children with ASD and ID. Anxiety was operationally defined using: (1) behavioral data from anxious behaviors, (2) affective/contextual data from parent-report and observer ratings of overall anxiety, and (3) physiological data (heart rate [HR] and respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]). A functional assessment of problem behavior during high- and low-anxiety conditions was conducted. Higher levels of problem behavior and HR and lower RSA were found in the high-anxiety than in the low-anxiety conditions.
Associations Between Life Contexts and Early Sexual Initiation Among Young Women in France
Authors: Jovic Sonia , Delpierre Cyrille , Ehlinger Virginie , Sentenac Mariane , Young Honor , Arnaud Catherine , Godeau Emmanuelle 
Published: January 2014

CONTEXTEarly sexual initiation (before age 16) has been linked to an increased risk of teenage pregnancy and STDs. Most research on correlates of early sexual initiation is from the United States; no similar work has been conducted in France, where the sociocultural environment differs.METHODSCross‐sectional data from the 2010 Health Behaviour in School‐Aged Children survey were used to examine the relationships of personal, family, peer, school and neighborhood characteristics with early sexual initiation among 1,094 French females in grades 8–10. Two‐level logistic regressions were used to identify associations.RESULTSTwenty‐five percent of respondents had had sex before age 16. Early sexual initiation was primarily ‐associated with individual‐level characteristics. Young women had an elevated likelihood of having initiated sex early if they went out after school at least four times a week (odds ratio, 2.0), had repeated a grade (1.8), lived with a single parent or in a stepfamily (1.8 and 1.5, respectively), perceived a low level of parental monitoring (1.6) or had two or more male friends (2.8). At the environmental level, respondents who attended school in areas with a high proportion of residents who were foreigners had a reduced likelihood of having initiated sex early (0.5–0.6).CONCLUSIONSAlthough early sexual initiation in France was essentially linked to individual‐level variables, further research is needed to understand its relationship with neighborhood characteristics. Such studies should include additional environmental variables, test new hypotheses and employ a longitudinal approach.
Thromboembolic complications of thyroid storm
Authors: Min T , Benjamin S , Cozma L 
Published: January 2014

Summary
Thyroid storm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential. Atrial fibrillation can occur in up to 40% of patients with thyroid storm. Studies have shown that hyperthyroidism increases the risk of thromboembolic events. There is no consensus with regard to the initiation of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in severe thyrotoxicosis. Anticoagulation is not routinely initiated if the risk is low on a CHADS2 score; however, this should be considered in patients with thyroid storm or severe thyrotoxicosis with impending storm irrespective of the CHADS2 risk, as it appears to increase the risk of thromboembolic episodes. Herein, we describe a case of thyroid storm complicated by massive pulmonary embolism.

Learning points

Diagnosis of thyroid storm is based on clinical findings. Early recognition and prompt treatment could lead to a favourable outcome.

Hypercoagulable state is a recognised complication of thyrotoxicosis.

Atrial fibrillation is strongly associated with hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm.

Anticoagulation should be considered for patients with severe thyrotoxicosis and atrial fibrillation irrespective of the CHADS2 score.

Patients with severe thyrotoxicosis and clinical evidence of thrombosis should be immediately anticoagulated until hyperthyroidism is under control.
A Heavy Burden: The Cardiovascular Health Consequences of Having a Family Member Incarcerated
Authors: Lee Hedwig , Wildeman Christopher , Wang Emily A. , Matusko Niki , Jackson James S. 
Published: January 2014

Objectives. We examined the association of family member incarceration with cardiovascular risk factors and disease by gender. Methods. We used a sample of 5470 adults aged 18 years and older in the National Survey of American Life, a 2001–2003 nationally representative cross-sectional survey of Blacks and Whites living in the United States, to examine 5 self-reported health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart attack or stroke, obesity, and fair or poor health). Results. Family member incarceration was associated with increased likelihood of poor health across all 5 conditions for women but not for men. In adjusted models, women with family members who were currently incarcerated had 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03, 2.00), 2.53 (95% CI = 1.80, 3.55), and 1.93 (95% CI = 1.45, 2.58) times the odds of being obese, having had a heart attack or stroke, and being in fair or poor health, respectively. Conclusions. Family member incarceration has profound implications for women’s cardiovascular health and should be considered a unique risk factor that contributes to racial disparities in health.
Underreporting Work Absences for Nontraumatic Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders to Workers’ Compensation: Results of a 2007–2008 Survey of the Québec Working Population
Authors: Stock Susan , Nicolakakis Nektaria , Raïq Hicham , Messing Karen , Lippel Katherine , Turcot Alice 
Published: January 2014

Objectives. We examined underestimation of nontraumatic work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) stemming from underreporting to workers’ compensation (WC). Methods. In data from the 2007 to 2008 Québec Survey on Working and Employment Conditions and Occupational Health and Safety we estimated, among nonmanagement salaried employees (NMSEs) (1) the prevalence of WMSDs and resulting work absence, (2) the proportion with WMSD-associated work absence who filed a WC claim, and (3) among those who did not file a claim, the proportion who received no replacement income. We modeled factors associated with not filing with multivariate logistic regression. Results. Eighteen percent of NMSEs reported a WMSD, among whom 22.3% were absent from work. More than 80% of those absent did not file a WC claim, and 31.4% had no replacement income. Factors associated with not filing were higher personal income, higher seniority, shorter work absence, and not being unionized. Conclusions. The high level of WMSD underreporting highlights the limits of WC data for surveillance and prevention. Without WC benefits, injured workers may have reduced job protection and access to rehabilitation.