bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and severity of atherosclerosis in extra cranial carotid arteries in Nigeria: an autopsy study
Authors: Erete Erete I , Ogun Olabiyi G , Oladapo Olulola O , Akang Effiong E U 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
There has been a paucity of autopsy studies on atherosclerotic lesions in Nigerians, the last one conducted at our centre being more than four decades ago. There has also been considerable epidemiological transition. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency, severity, pattern and distribution of atherosclerotic lesions in extra cranial carotid arteries (ECCA) in Nigerians at autopsy.

Methods
ECCA of 30 consecutive Nigerian patients undergoing autopsy at a University teaching hospital were examined using the American Heart Association (AHA) histological grading and classification of atherosclerosis.

Results
Atherosclerotic lesions of ECCA were present in 73.3% of the subjects with the right and the left carotid bifurcations (28.3%) being the most frequently affected sites. Using the AHA classification of atherosclerosis, a total of 176(73.3%) lesions were found in the 240 histological sections of blood vessels examined. Of these, 22.5% were types I, 22.5% were types II, 15.4% were type V, and 7.5% were type III. The VII to type IX lesions were rare. When these atherosclerotic lesions were grouped into mild, moderate and severe, 52.5% were mild lesions (types I-III); 18.3% were moderate lesions (types IV and V); and 2.5% were severe lesions (types VI to IX). The severe lesions were most frequently observed in the left carotid bifurcation (50%) and they first appeared in the age group 45–49 years. Age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were strong risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Conclusions
Compared with four decades ago there has been an apparent increase in severity and extent of ECCA atherosclerosis especially after the age of 45 years in autopsies from our centre. This change in the amount of atherosclerosis over time is possibly due to the epidemiologic transition. This may worsen the rise in stoke incidence within this community and as such, great effort should be made to follow-up and manage CVD risk factors within the community.
SRY mutation analysis by next generation (deep) sequencing in a cohort of chromosomal Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) patients with a mosaic karyotype
Authors: Hersmus Remko , Stoop Hans , Turbitt Erin , Oosterhuis J Wolter , Drop Stenvert LS , Sinclair Andrew H , White Stefan J , Looijenga Leendert HJ 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The presence of the Y-chromosome or Y chromosome-derived material is seen in 4-60% of Turner syndrome patients (Chromosomal Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)). DSD patients with specific Y-chromosomal material in their karyotype, the GonadoBlastoma on the Y-chromosome (GBY) region, have an increased risk of developing type II germ cell tumors/cancer (GCC), most likely related to TSPY. The Sex determining Region on the Y gene (SRY) is located on the short arm of the Y-chromosome and is the crucial switch that initiates testis determination and subsequent male development. Mutations in this gene are responsible for sex reversal in approximately 10-15% of 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis (46,XY DSD) cases. The majority of the mutations described are located in the central HMG domain, which is involved in the binding and bending of the DNA and harbors two nuclear localization signals. SRY mutations have also been found in a small number of patients with a 45,X/46,XY karyotype and might play a role in the maldevelopment of the gonads.

Methods
To thoroughly investigate the presence of possible SRY gene mutations in mosaic DSD patients, we performed next generation (deep) sequencing on the genomic DNA of fourteen independent patients (twelve 45,X/46,XY, one 45,X/46,XX/46,XY, and one 46,XX/46,XY).

Results and conclusions
The results demonstrate that aberrations in SRY are rare in mosaic DSD patients and therefore do not play a significant role in the etiology of the disease.
Frequent alcohol drinking is associated with lower prevalence of self-reported common cold: a retrospective study
Authors: Ouchi Eriko , Niu Kaijun , Kobayashi Yoritoshi , Guan Lei , Momma Haruki , Guo Hui , Chujo Masahiko , Otomo Atsushi , Cui Yufei , Nagatomi Ryoichi 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Alcohol intake has been associated with reduced incidence of common cold symptoms in 2 European studies. However, no study has addressed the association between the frequency of alcohol intake and the incidence of common cold. This study aimed to investigate the association between the amount and frequency of alcohol drinking and the retrospective prevalence of common cold in Japanese men.

Methods
This retrospective study included men who participated in an annual health examination conducted in Sendai, Japan. The frequency of common cold episodes in the previous year was self-reported. The weekly frequency and amount of alcohol consumed, as well as the type of alcoholic drink, were reported by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between the amount and frequency of alcohol intake and the retrospective prevalence of common cold.

Results
Among 899 men, 83.4% of the subjects reported drinking alcohol, and 55.4% of the subjects reported having experienced at least one episode of common cold in the previous year. Compared with non-drinkers, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for having had 1 or more episodes of common cold during the past year across categories of alcohol intake frequency of 3 or less, 4–6, and 7 days/week were 0.827 (0.541–1.266), 0.703 (0.439–1.124), and 0.621 (0.400–0.965), respectively (P for trend = 0.025); the adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for having had of 2 or more episodes of common cold across the same categories were 0.642 (0.395–1.045), 0.557 (0.319–0.973), and 0.461 (0.270–0.787), respectively (P for trend = 0.006). Compared with subjects who consumed 11.5–35.8 g of alcohol per day, the non-drinkers were significantly more likely to experience 2 or more episodes of common cold (OR, 1.843; 95% CI, 1.115–3.047).

Conclusion
The frequency, not the amount, of alcohol intake was significantly related to lower prevalence of self-reported common cold episodes in Japanese men.
Measuring financial protection for health in families with chronic conditions in Rural China
Authors: Jiang Chunhong , Ma Jingdong , Zhang Xiang , Luo Wujin 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundAs the world’s largest developing country, China has entered into the epidemiological phase characterized by high life expectancy and high morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and malignant tumors have become the leading causes of death since the 1990s. Constant payments for maintaining the health status of a family member who has chronic diseases could exhaust household resources, undermining fiscal support for other necessities and eventually resulting in poverty. The purpose of this study is to probe to what degree health expenditure for chronic diseases can impoverish rural families and whether the New Cooperative Medical Scheme can effectively protect families with chronic patients against catastrophic health expenditures.MethodsWe used data from the 4thNational Health Services Survey conducted in July 2008 in China. The rural sample we included in the analysis comprised 39,054 households. We used both households suffering from medical impoverishment and households with catastrophic health expenditures to compare the financial protection for families having a chronic patient with different insurance coverage statuses. We used a logistic regression model to estimate the impact of different benefit packages on health financial protection for families having a chronic patient.ResultsAn additional 10.53% of the families with a chronic patient were impoverished because of healthcare expenditure, which is more than twice the proportion in families without a chronic patient. There is a higher catastrophic health expenditure incidence in the families with a chronic patient. The results of logistic regression show that simply adding extra benefits did not reduce the financial risks.ConclusionsThere is a lack of effective financial protection for healthcare expenditures for families with a chronic patient in rural China, even though there is a high coverage rate with the New Cooperative Medical Schemes. Given the coming universal coverage by the New Cooperative Medical Scheme and the increasing central government funds in the risk pool, effective financial protection for families should be possible through systematic reform of both financing mechanisms and payment methods.
A qualitative study of the aspirations and challenges of low-income mothers in feeding their preschool-aged children
Authors: Herman Allison N , Malhotra Khushi , Wright Gretchen , Fisher Jennifer O , Whitaker Robert C 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of obesity among preschool-aged children has increased, especially among those in low-income households. Two promising behavioral targets for preventing obesity include limiting children’s portion sizes and their intake of foods high in solid fats and/or added sugars, but these approaches have not been studied in low-income preschoolers in the home setting. The purpose of this study was to understand the contextual factors that might influence how low-income mothers felt about addressing these behavioral targets and mothers’ aspirations in feeding their children.

Methods
We recruited 32 English-speaking women in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who were eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and who were the biologic mothers of children 36 to 66 months of age. Each mother participated in 1 of 7 focus groups and completed a brief socio-demographic questionnaire. Focus group questions centered on eating occasions, foods and drinks consumed in the home, and portion sizes. Each focus group lasted 90 minutes and was digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three authors independently identified key themes and supporting quotations. Themes were condensed and modified through discussion among all authors.

Results
Thirty-one mothers identified themselves as black, 15 had a high school education or less, and 22 lived with another adult. Six themes emerged, with three about aspirations mothers held in feeding their children and three about challenges to achieving these aspirations. Mothers’ aspirations were to: 1) prevent hyperactivity and tooth decay by limiting children’s sugar intake, 2) use feeding to teach their children life lessons about limit setting and structure, and 3) be responsive to children during mealtimes to guide decisions about portions. Especially around setting limits with sweets and snacks, mothers faced the challenges of: 1) being nagged by children’s food requests, 2) being undermined by other adults in the family, and 3) having bad memories from childhood that made it hard to deny children’s food requests.

Conclusions
Although the primary aspirations of low-income mothers in feeding their preschool-aged children were not focused on children’s weight, these aspirations were compatible with obesity prevention strategies to limit children’s portion sizes and their intake of solid fats and/or added sugars.
MLPA-conservation mechanism in wireless sensor network environments
Authors: Cheng Sheng-Tzong , Shih Jia-Shing , Chang Tun-Yu , Horng Gwo-Jiun , Chou Chih-Lun 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Transmission using excess power not only shortens the lifetime of sensor nodes, but also introduces interference. Packets should ideally be transmitted with moderate power. This study proposes a multi-level power adjustment (MLPA) mechanism for a wireless sensor network to prolong the lifetime of individual nodes and the overall network. In this study, we constructed an analytical model of the MLPA mechanism with m distinct power levels (m-LPA). For m-LPA, the closed-form expression of the optimal power setting was determined and the mean transmission power was minimized to one-third of the original fixed-transmission power. We found that the average power consumption of our proposed mechanism is 33.93% higher than that of fixed-transmission power. Thus, each node can extend the lifetime by 2.5 times. We have shown the relations between m and density in simulation results. Although the mechanism worked smoothly in this study, the sensors do not need to handle the distance and interference problem.
Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a primary manifestation of gastric carcinoma in a young adult: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Moubax Kim , Wuyts Wim , Vandecaveye Vincent , Prenen Hans 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a manifestation of gastric carcinoma is rare. The presenting symptoms are misleading and nonspecific, often resulting in delayed diagnosis.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 24 year old male with progressive dyspnea. Initial radiologic assessment suggested interstitial lung disease, which was subsequently treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids. However, endoscopy and whole body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a metastatic gastric cancer with the presence of lymphangitic carcinomatosis.

Conclusions
Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis is a rare manifestation of metastatic gastric cancer. Patients present with severe but non-specific respiratory complaints. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by transbronchial biopsy. Prognosis is poor and optimal treatment is not defined. Whole body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a promising imaging tool for the diagnosis of metastatic gastric cancer.
Cardiac valve disease: an unreported feature in Ehlers Danlos syndrome arthrocalasia type?
Authors: Melis Daniela , Cappuccio Gerarda , Ginocchio Virginia Maria , Minopoli Giorgia , Valli Maurizia , Corradi Massimiliano , Andria Generoso 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) athrocalasia type (type VII), is characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility. No heart involvement has been reported. Two forms have been described: type VII A and VII B. The abnormally processed collagen α2(I) and the skipping of the exon 6 in COL1A2 gene are typically detected in EDS type VII B. We describe a seven-year old female, with a phenotype consistent with EDS type VII B and a diagnosis further confirmed by biochemical and molecular analyses. Cardiac ultrasound showed normal data in the first year of life. When she was 5 years old, the patient developed mitral valve regurgitation, and aortic and tricuspidal insufficiency at 7 years of age. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cardiac valvular involvement in EDS VII B. This feature probably has been underreported for the limited follow-up of the patients. Echocardiography might be warranted in the clinical assessment of EDS VII patients.
Male human papillomavirus infection post-kidney transplant: an overlooked disease
Authors: Genzer Oksana , El-Sayegh Suzanne E , Kleiner Morton J , Castellanos Mario R 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
While immunosuppressive regimens improve the overall survival of renal transplant recipients, they also contribute to the long-term complications of post-transplant malignancies. Chronic immune suppression in renal transplant recipients (RTR) increases the risk of viral-associated cancers. In male RTR, human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in the development of penile, anal, oropharyngeal, and non-melanoma skin carcinomas. Despite the significance of this virus in RTR, there is an overall deficiency in the understanding of the natural history of HPV infection in male RTR. In the next 20 years, it is believed that cancers will be the leading cause of death in kidney transplant recipients. HPV-associated carcinomas are of particular interest since they are sexually transmitted and in theory may be preventable diseases. This commentary highlights some of the progress made in understanding how HPV is transmitted amongst couples in the general population. It also summarizes the current knowledge of HPV infection in male RTR and describes the deficiencies in published medical literature.
Cellular damage as induced by high temperature is dependent on rate of temperature change – investigating consequences of ramping rates on molecular and organismal phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen 1830
Authors: Sørensen Jesper G. , Loeschcke Volker , Kristensen Torsten N. 
Published: November 2012

Summary
Ecological relevance and repeatability of results obtained in different laboratories are key issues when assessing thermal tolerance of ectotherms. Traditionally assays have used acute exposures to extreme temperatures. The outcomes of ecologically more relevant ramping experiments, however, are dependent on the rate of temperature change leading to uncertainty of the causal factor for loss of function. Here, we test the physiological consequences of exposing female Drosophila melanogaster to gradually increasing temperatures in so called ramping assays. We exposed flies to ramping at rates of 0.06 and 0.1 °C per minute, respectively. Flies were sampled from the two treatments at 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 °C and tested for heat tolerance and expression levels of the heat shock genes hsp23 and hsp70 as well as Hsp70 protein. Heat shock genes were up-regulated more with a slow as compared to a faster ramping rate and heat knock down tolerance was higher in flies exposed to the faster rate. The fact that slow ramping induces a stronger stress response (Hsp expression) compared to faster ramping suggests that slow ramping induces more heat damage at the cellular level due to longer exposure time. This is supported by the observation that fast ramped flies have higher heat knock down tolerance. Thus, we observed both accumulation of thermal damage on the molecular level and heat hardening on the phenotypic level as a consequence of heat exposure. The balance between these processes is dependent on ramping rate leading to the observed variation in thermal tolerance when using different rates.
Shelter availability, stress level, and digestive performances in the aspic viper
Authors: Bonnet Xavier , Fizesan Alain , Michel Catherine Louise 
Published: November 2012

Summary
The lack of shelter can perturb behaviors, increase stress level, and thus alter physiological performances (e.g. digestive, immune, or reproductive functions). Although intuitive, such potential impacts of lack of shelter remain poorly documented. We manipulated shelter availability, environmental and physiological variables (i.e. access to a heat source, predator attack, feeding status) in a viviparous snake. We assessed sun-basking behavior, digestive performance (i.e., digestive transit time, crude estimate of assimilation, regurgitation rate) and plasma corticosterone levels (a proxy of stress level). Shelter deprivation provoked a strong increase in sun-basking behavior and thus elevated body temperature; even in unfed individuals for which energy savings would have been otherwise beneficial. The lack of heat was detrimental digestive performance (i.e. all the metrics used to assess it). Simulated predator attacks worsened the situation and entailed a further deterioration of digestion. The combination of the lack of shelter with cool ambient temperatures markedly elevated basal corticosterone level and was associated with low digestive performance. This hormonal effect was absent when only one negative factor was involved, suggesting a threshold response. Overall, our results revealed important non-linear cascading impacts of shelter availability on stress-hormone levels, behaviors and physiological performance. These results infer shelter availability is important for laboratory studies, captive husbandry, and possibly conservation plans.
Dietary composition regulatesDrosophilamobility and cardiac physiology
Authors: Bazzell Brian , Ginzberg Sara , Healy Lindsey , Wessells Robert J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe impact of dietary composition on exercise capacity is a subject of intense study in both humans and model organisms. Interactions between diet and genetics are a critical component in optimized dietary design. However, the genetic factors governing exercise response are still not well understood. The recent development of invertebrate models for endurance exercise is likely to facilitate study designs examining the conserved interactions between diet, exercise, and genetics. As a first step, we use the Drosophila model to describe here the effects of varying dietary composition on several physiological indices, including fatigue tolerance and climbing speed, cardiac performance, lipid storage and autophagy. We find that flies of two divergent genetic backgrounds optimize endurance and cardiac performance on relatively balanced low calorie diets. When flies are provided with unbalanced diets, diets higher in sugar than in yeast facilitate greater endurance at the expense of cardiac performance. Importantly, we find that dietary composition has a profound effect on various physiological indices, whereas total caloric intake per se has very little predictive value for performance. We also find that the effects of diet on endurance are completely reversible within 48 hours if flies are switched to a different diet.
Ammonia Chemiresistor Sensor Based on Poly(3-Hexylthiophene) Film Oxidized by Nitrosonium Hexafluorophosphate
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Yong-Qiang , Liu Li-Wei , Pan Ge-Bo 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
An ammonia chemiresistor sensor is demonstrated on the basis of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) film oxidized by nitrosonium hexafluorophosphate. The sensor gave a good response to ammonia, but it was insensitive to a variety of organic vapors. The detection limit was estimated to be ca. 0.22 ppm. The redox reaction between ammonia and bipolarons was attributed to the sensor signals.
Cyber Physical Systems — Convergence of Physical and Information Sciences
Authors: Sztipanovits Janos 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Recent attention to Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) is driven by the need for deeper integration of design disciplines that dominate physical and computational domains. Consequently, heterogeneity is the norm as well as the main challenge in CPS design: components and systems are modeled using multiple physical, logical, functional and non-functional modeling aspects. The scope of relevant design domains includes (1) physical domains, such as structure, mechanical dynamics, thermal, propulsion, fluid, electrical, acoustics, vibration and (2) computational, networking domains, used for implementing system control, sensors, health management, mission management, communication. The need for deep integration of these interrelated facets of CPS opens up a rich research agenda towards establishing a new systems science that is simultaneously physical and computational.
The EIT ICT Labs — Towards a Leading European Innovation Initiative
Authors: Heger Tobias , Bub Udo 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In this introductory article to the EIT ICT Labs we outline its innovation ecosystem and recap the underlying motives for its foundation from the perspectives of industry, academia and society. The EIT ICT Labs are one of the initial Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) that was founded in 2008. It bundles and facilitates the competences and resources of its 65 high profile partners from academia and industry to tackle the grand societal challenges such as ever increasing importance of ICT for various industries, the digitalizing energy environment and advanced mobility systems and the increasingly urbanized society.