bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and incidence ofTrichomonas vaginalisinfections in women participating in a clinical trial in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Naidoo Sarita , Wand Handan 
Published: April 2013

Background and objectivesTrichomonas vaginalisis known to be the most common, curable, sexually transmitted infection among sexually active women and may be associated with the acquisition and transmission of HIV. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the prevalence and incidence ofT vaginalisand assess risk factors associated withT vaginalisinfection in a cohort of women participating in a clinical trial.MethodsWe analysed data from women participating in a phase III vaginal diaphragm trial conducted in two communities in Durban, South Africa from 2003 to 2006. A total of 3492 women were screened and 1485 women meeting the respective study eligibility criteria were enrolled.T vaginalisinfection was determined at the initial screening visit and at quarterly visits among the enrolled women. Sexual behaviour and sociodemographic data were collected as per the study protocol. Combined data were analysed using STATA V.10.0.ResultsAt baseline, prevalence of infection was 6.5%. The overall incident rate was estimated to be 8.6/100 women-years. PrevalentT vaginalisinfection was associated with having a concurrent chlamydial infection and incident infections were associated with increased number of sex partners.ConclusionsT vaginalisinfection was found to be relatively high among this cohort of women. Given the association of this infection with HIV, there is an evident need forT vaginalisscreening and treatment in populations at risk for both infections.
Trends and associations ofTrichomonas vaginalisinfection in men and women with genital discharge syndromes in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Lewis David A , Marsh Kimberly , Radebe Frans , Maseko Venessa , Hughes Gwenda 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo better understand the epidemiology ofTrichomonas vaginalisinfection, we investigated the association betweenT vaginalisand demographic, clinical, microbiological and behavioural characteristics of patients presenting with genital discharges to a primary healthcare clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa.MethodsDuring six annual surveys (2007–2012), 1218 cases of male urethral discharge syndrome and 1232 cases of vaginal discharge syndrome were consecutively recruited. Diagnostic methods included nucleic acid amplification (Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis,T vaginalisandMycoplasma genitalium), microscopy (bacterial vaginosis andCandida) and serology (Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and HIV). Logistic regression analyses and χ2tests were used to identify predictors ofT vaginalisinfection.ResultsThe prevalence ofT vaginalisdecreased from 2007 to 2012 (men from 13.4% to 4.8%; women from 33.8 to 23.1%). Overall, 74 (6.1%) men and 291 (23.6%) women wereT vaginalispositive, with the highest prevalence in those aged ≥40 years (men 13.6%; women 30.9%).T vaginalisinfection occurred more often in pregnant women (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.67; 95% CI 1.29 to 5.54) and in women with serological evidence ofT pallidum(aOR 1.63; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.45) or HSV-2 infections (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.64).T vaginalisinfection occurred less often in men with coexistent gonorrhoea (aOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.57) and in women with either bacterial vaginosis (aOR 0.60; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.82) orCandidamorphotypes (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.86).ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence ofT vaginalisinfection has decreased over time, it remains an important cause of genital discharge in South Africa, particularly in older patients and pregnant women.
PEAKS IN THE CMBR POWER SPECTRUM II: PHYSICAL INTERPRETATION FOR ANY COSMOLOGICAL SCENARIO
Authors: LÓPEZ-CORREDOIRA MARTÍN 
Published: April 2013

In a previous paper (part I), the mathematical properties of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) power spectrum which presents oscillations were discussed. Here, we discuss the physical interpretation: a power spectrum with oscillations is a rather normal characteristic expected from any fluid with clouds of overdensities that emit/absorb radiation or interact gravitationally with the photons, and with a finite range of sizes and distances for those clouds. The standard cosmological interpretation of "acoustic" peaks is just a particular case; peaks in the power spectrum might be generated in scenarios within some alternative cosmological model that have nothing to do with oscillations due to gravitational compression in a fluid. We also calculate the angular correlation function of the anisotropies from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP)-7 yr and ACT data, in an attempt to derive the minimum number of parameters a polynomial function should have to fit it: a set of polynomial functions with a total of ≈ 6 free parameters, apart from the amplitude, is enough to reproduce the first two peaks. However, the standard model with six tunable free parameters also reproduces higher-order peaks, giving the standard model a higher confidence. At present, while no simple function with six free parameters is found to give a fit as good as the one given by the standard cosmological model, we may consider the predictive power of the standard model beyond an instrumentalist approach (such as the Ptolemaic astronomy model of the orbits of the planets).
A Method for Retrieving Mean Horizontal Wind Profiles from Single-Doppler Radar Observations Contaminated by Aliasing
Authors: Gao Jidong , Droegemeier Kelvin K. , Gong Jiandong , Xu Qin 
Published: April 2013

The velocity–azimuth display (VAD) technique was designed to estimate the areal mean vertical profile of the horizontal wind above a ground-based Doppler radar. The method uses radial velocity observations under the assumption of a linear wind field, though it encounters difficulty when the observations are contaminated by velocity ambiguities, large noise, and when viable data exist only over a restricted azimuthal range. The method suggested in this paper uses gradients of radial velocity, rather than only the velocity itself, to derive wind profiles and thus is termed the gradient velocity–azimuth display (GVAD) technique.
Both the VAD and GVAD methods are tested first on simulated data to examine their sensitivity to different type of errors in radial velocity. The retrieved mean wind profiles are shown to be insensitive to random errors in radial velocity, even at large amplitude. However, the VAD method is very sensitive to systematic errors caused by velocity ambiguities. The experiments indicate that if only 3% of a full-volume scan of radial wind data is contaminated by aliasing errors, the relative rms error in the mean wind profile retrieved by VAD can reach 50%. In contrast, GVAD is very robust to such errors.
Application of GVAD to Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data collected during the 3 May 1999 tornado outbreak show that it has the ability to obtain accurate wind profiles even when the observations contain large errors caused by velocity ambiguities and random noise.
Improving end-of-life care in nursing homes: Implementation and evaluation of an intervention to sustain quality of care
Authors: Finucane Anne M , Stevenson Barbara , Moyes Rhona , Oxenham David , Murray Scott A 
Published: April 2013

Background: Internationally, policy calls for care homes to provide reliably good end-of-life care. We undertook a 20-month project to sustain palliative care improvements achieved by a previous intervention. Aim: To sustain a high standard of palliative care in seven UK nursing care homes using a lower level of support than employed during the original project and to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. Design: Two palliative care nurse specialists each spent one day per week providing support and training to seven care homes in Scotland, United Kingdom; after death audit data were collected each month and analysed. Results: During the sustainability project, 132 residents died. In comparison with the initial intervention, there were increases in (a) the proportion of deceased residents with an anticipatory care plan in place (b) the proportion of those with Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation documentation in place and (c) the proportion of those who were on the Liverpool Care Pathway when they died. Furthermore, there was a reduction in inappropriate hospital deaths of frail and elderly residents with dementia. However, overall hospital deaths increased. Conclusions: A lower level of nursing support managed to sustain and build on the initial outcomes. However, despite increased adoption of key end-of-life care tools, hospital deaths were higher during the sustainability project. While good support from palliative care nurse specialists and GPs can help ensure that key processes remain in place, stable management and key champions are vital to ensure that a palliative care approach becomes embedded within the culture of the care home.
Early application of an intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction scheduled for elective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Li Zhijuan , Dong Pingshuan , Liu Xiaomin , Yang Xuming , Wang Ke , Li Zhiguo , Zhao Yuwei , Jin Guoqing , Li Zhuanzen , Li Chunyan 
Published: April 2013

Objective This study evaluated the effect of early application of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), scheduled for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Patients who had experienced STEMI for 12–72 h received (IABP group) or did not receive (control group) IABP counterpulsation for 3–5 days before PCI. Results One hundred patients were included. Frequencies of infarct-related artery thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow rate classes 0, I and II in the IABP group (11.5, 1.9 and 7.7%, respectively) were significantly lower than in the control group (29.1, 14.6 and 22.9%, respectively) before PCI. After PCI, the frequency of TIMI class III flow rate in the IABP group (96.2%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (81.3%). Four weeks after PCI, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly higher, and the incidence of major cardiac events was significantly lower, in the IABP group compared with the control group. Conclusions Early use of IABP counterpulsation in STEMI patients scheduled for PCI was effective, with a favourable safety profile. IABP counterpulsation reduced the incidence of major adverse cardiac events and improved LVEF. However, IABP devices must be used at an early stage, to obtain optimal results.
TCR triggering modulates the responsiveness and homeostatic proliferation of CD4+ thymic emigrants to IL-7 therapy
Authors: Hennion-Tscheltzoff Olga , Leboeuf Dominique , Gauthier Simon-David , Dupuis Martine , Assouline Brigitte , Grégoire Anne , Thiant Stéphanie , Guimond Martin 
Published: April 2013

Key PointsTCR stimulation increases IL-7 responsiveness. CD4+SPT proliferate more to IL-7 therapy.
Phase 2 study of azacytidine plus sorafenib in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and FLT-3 internal tandem duplication mutation
Authors: Ravandi Farhad , Alattar Mona Lisa , Grunwald Michael R. , Rudek Michelle A. , Rajkhowa Trivikram , Richie Mary Ann , Pierce Sherry , Daver Naval , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Faderl Stefan , Nazha Aziz , Konopleva Marina , Borthakur Gautam , Burger Jan , Kadia Tapan , Dellasala Sara , Andreeff Michael , Cortes Jorge , Kantarjian Hagop , Levis Mark 
Published: April 2013

Key Points
Azacytidine and sorafenib are effective in patients with relapsed and refractory FLT3-mutated AML.
Evolutionary history of black grouse major histocompatibility complex class IIB genes revealed through single locus sequence-based genotyping
Authors: Strand Tanja , Wang Biao , Meyer-Lucht Yvonne , Höglund Jacob 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Gene duplications are frequently observed in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of many species, and as a consequence loci belonging to the same MHC class are often too similar to tell apart. In birds, single locus genotyping of MHC genes has proven difficult due to concerted evolution homogenizing sequences at different loci. But studies on evolutionary history, mode of selection and heterozygosity correlations on the MHC cannot be performed before it is possible to analyse duplicated genes separately. In this study we investigate the architecture and evolution of the MHC class IIB genes in black grouse. We developed a sequence-based genotyping method for separate amplification of the two black grouse MHC class IIB genes BLB1 and BLB2. Based on this approach we are able to study differences in structure and selection between the two genes in black grouse and relate these results to the chicken MHC structure and organization.

Results
Sequences were obtained from 12 individuals and separated into alleles using the software PHASE. We compared nucleotide diversity measures and employed selection tests for BLB1 and BLB2 to explore their modes of selection. Both BLB1 and BLB2 are transcribed and display classic characteristics of balancing selection as predicted for expressed MHC class IIB genes. We found evidence for both intra- and interlocus recombination or gene conversion, as well as indication for positive but differential selection at both loci. Moreover, the two loci appear to be linked. Phylogenetic analyses revealed orthology of the black grouse MHC class IIB genes to the respective BLB loci in chicken.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the duplication of the BLB gene occurred before the species divergence into black grouse, chicken and pheasant. Further, we conclude that BLB1 and BLB2 in black grouse are subjected to homogenizing concerted evolution due to interlocus genetic exchange after species divergence. The loci are in linkage disequilibrium, which is in line with the theory of tightly coevolving genes within the MHC under the minimal essential MHC hypothesis. Our results support the conclusion that MHC form and function in birds derived from studies on the domesticated chicken are not artefacts of the domestication process.
Effects of musical training and event probabilities on encoding of complex tone patterns
Authors: Kuchenbuch Anja , Paraskevopoulos Evangelos , Herholz Sibylle C , Pantev Christo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The human auditory cortex automatically encodes acoustic input from the environment and differentiates regular sound patterns from deviant ones in order to identify important, irregular events. The Mismatch Negativity (MMN) response is a neuronal marker for the detection of sounds that are unexpected, based on the encoded regularities. It is also elicited by violations of more complex regularities and musical expertise has been shown to have an effect on the processing of complex regularities. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we investigated the MMN response to salient or less salient deviants by varying the standard probability (70%, 50% and 35%) of a pattern oddball paradigm. To study the effects of musical expertise in the encoding of the patterns, we compared the responses of a group of non-musicians to those of musicians.

Results
We observed significant MMN in all conditions, including the least salient condition (35% standards), in response to violations of the predominant tone pattern for both groups. The amplitude of MMN from the right hemisphere was influenced by the standard probability. This effect was modulated by long-term musical training: standard probability changes influenced MMN amplitude in the group of non-musicians only.

Conclusion
This study indicates that pattern violations are detected automatically, even if they are of very low salience, both in non-musicians and musicians, with salience having a stronger impact on processing in the right hemisphere of non-musicians. Long-term musical training influences this encoding, in that non-musicians benefit to a greater extent from a good signal-to-noise ratio (i.e. high probability of the standard pattern), while musicians are less dependent on the salience of an acoustic environment.
Chronic diarrhea as the presenting feature of primary systemic AL amyloidosis: serendipity or delayed diagnosis?
Authors: Wang Chen , Li Yue , Jin Yali , Zhou Weixun , Zhu Yanlin , Yao Fang , Qian Jiaming 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Chronic diarrhea in adults is a common symptom with a wide range of underlying etiologies. Although various strategies have been proposed for evaluation, there are still cases with undetermined origins even after extensive workup. Amyloidosis with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is one of the causes that should be considered in adult patients with chronic diarrhea. We report a case of primary systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, presenting initially as chronic diarrhea and weight loss.

Case presentation
A 43-year-old man with chronic diarrhea and weight loss was referred to our hospital. Prior to his presentation, extensive evaluation including an exploratory laparotomy was carried out and did not yield any valuable findings. An echocardiography performed after repeated episodes of orthostatic hypotension revealed infiltrative cardiomyopathy. Moreover, biopsies of the terminal ileum revealed amyloid deposition confirmed by Congo Red staining. Finally, a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis was made after hematological workup. Anti-plasma cell therapy did ameliorate his GI symptoms.

Conclusion
Although amyloidosis with GI involvement is a rare cause of chronic diarrhea, it should be considered especially in patients with intestinal malabsorption and extra-GI manifestations, such as orthostatic hypotension. The delayed diagnosis in the present case highlights the importance of recognizing clinical “red flags” not seemingly related to one another, and underscores the need to get intestinal biopsies even with normal endoscopic appearance of the mucosa.
Association of urinary monomethylated arsenic concentration and risk of hypertension: a cross-sectional study from arsenic contaminated areas in northwestern China
Authors: Li Xin , Li Bing , Xi Shuhua , Zheng Quanmei , Wang Da , Sun Guifan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Although some studies mainly from Taiwan, Bangladesh and the United States, have suggested a consistent dose–response increase in the prevalence of hypertension with increasing arsenic exposure, the association between chronic environmental arsenic exposure and the risk of hypertension is still inconclusive. Most of the studies discussed the association from the point of view of arsenic concentration in drinking water or cumulative arsenic exposure (CAE), few involved arsenic speciation into the discussion. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the potential association between environmental arsenic exposure through drinking water and the prevalence of hypertension by analyzing not only CAE but also urinary arsenic speciation, and provided data on arsenic exposure and hypertension from mainland of China.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in one of the arsenic contaminated areas in the northwest of China. Among a total of 1005 residents who voluntarily participated in the study, 604 of eligible subjects were confirmed and interviewed door to door. Standing height, body weight, and blood pressure were measured. First void urine was collected and measured for the concentration of urinary arsenic speciation. CAE was calculated in a subpopulation of 360 subjects with detailed water consumption history. The association between urinary arsenic speciation, CAE and the risk of hypertension were analyzed by multiple logistic regressions.

Results
We found that the levels of urinary arsenic species of inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylated arsenic (MMA), dimethylated arsenic (DMA) and total arsenic (tAs) were significantly correlated with systolic or pulse blood pressure. A positive relationship was found between the highest tertile of CAE and hypertension in a dose-dependent manner. Subjects with higher concentration of urinary MMA or lower percentage of DMA tended to be liable to suffer from hypertension. A significant increasing trend of the risk of hypertension with increasing tertiles of MMA concentration was also observed in the logistic regression models both before and after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions
Our findings suggested that arsenic exposure, especially high level of CAE, was positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension, and that higher concentration of urinary MMA might be related to the increased susceptibility to hypertension.
Galerkin method applied to telegraph integro-differential equation with a weighted integral condition
Authors: Guezane-Lakoud A , Bendjazia N , Khaldi R 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this work, we study a telegraph integro-differential equation with a weighted integral condition. By means of the Galerkin method, we establish the existence and uniqueness of a generalized solution.

MSC:35L05, 35L20, 35L99.
Physical comorbidities in men with mood and anxiety disorders: a population-based study
Authors: Sanna Livia , Stuart Amanda L , Pasco Julie A , Kotowicz Mark A , Berk Michael , Girardi Paolo , Brennan Sharon L , Williams Lana J 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe mind-body nexus has been a topic of growing interest. Further data are however required to understand the specific relationship between mood and anxiety disorders and individual physical health conditions, and to verify whether these psychiatric disorders are linked to overall medical burden.MethodsThis study examined data collected from 942 men, 20 to 97 years old, participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. A lifetime history of mood and anxiety disorders was identified using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Research Version, Non-patient edition (SCID-I/NP). The presence of medical conditions (lifetime) was self-reported and confirmed by medical records, medication use or clinical data. Anthropometric measurements and socioeconomic status (SES) were determined and information on medication use and lifestyle was obtained via questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to test the associations.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, socioeconomic status, and health risk factors (body mass index, physical activity and smoking), mood disorders were associated with gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), recurrent headaches, blackouts and/or epilepsy, liver disorders and pulmonary disease in older people, whilst anxiety disorders were significantly associated with thyroid, GORD and other gastrointestinal disorders, and psoriasis. Increased odds of high medical burden were associated with both mood and anxiety disorders.ConclusionsOur study provides further population-based evidence supporting the link between mental and physical illness in men. Understanding these associations is not only necessary for individual management, but also to inform the delivery of health promotion messages and health care.