bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends in cardiovascular disease risk factors among white, South Asian, Chinese and black groups in Ontario, Canada, 2001 to 2012: a population-based study
Authors: Chiu Maria , Maclagan Laura C , Tu Jack V , Shah Baiju R 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo determine ethnic-specific temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factors in Ontario between 2001 and 2012.DesignA population-based repeated cross-sectional study.SettingOntario, Canada.Participants219 276 participants of the Canadian Community Health Survey (205 326 white, 5620 South Asian, 4368 Chinese and 3962 black) during the period 2001 to 2012.Main outcome measuresAge-standardised ethnic-sex-specific prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors for three time periods: 2001–2004, 2005–2008 and 2009–2012 among Canada's four major ethnic groups: white, South Asian, Chinese and black.ResultsDuring the study period, the prevalence of diabetes increased 2.3-fold (p=0.0001) among South Asian males and 1.9-fold (p=0.02) among black females. The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) increased over time across all ethnic groups, with the largest relative increases observed among males of Chinese (2.1-fold increase, p=0.04) and black (1.7-fold increase, p=0.06) descent. The prevalence of hypertension increased the most among black females. Smoking prevalence decreased by more than 20% among South Asian, Chinese and white females. Overall, South Asian males and black males and females showed the greatest declines in cardiovascular health over the study period.ConclusionsWe observed important ethnic differences in the temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factor profiles in Ontario. Awareness of the direction and magnitude of these risk factor trends may be useful in informing targeted strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases in multiethnic populations.
Contraception use and impact on pregnancy prevention in women participating in an HIV prevention trial in South Africa
Authors: Moodley Jayajothi , Naidoo Sarita , Wand Handan , Ramjee Gita 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundUnplanned pregnancy rates in South Africa are high. Effective use of contraception is therefore an essential public health intervention to prevent unplanned pregnancies. This study describes contraception use and its impact on pregnancy in women participating in HIV prevention research and its implications for public health practice.MethodA secondary analysis of sociodemographic, behavioural, contraception use, and pregnancy incidence data was conducted amongst women participating in the Microbicides Development Programme (MDP) 301 trial conducted in Durban, South Africa. Log-rank tests were carried out to compare the pregnancy incidence between women who reported use of injectable contraceptive methods compared to women using oral contraceptive pills, using condoms and other methods (intrauterine device, traditional methods and natural methods). The effect of types of contraceptives on pregnancy incidence was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.ResultsOf the 2018 women enrolled, injectable contraception was the most commonly used method (52%) compared to pills, condoms for pregnancy prevention and other methods. Injectable contraception use was associated with lower crude pregnancy incidence of 4.4 per 100 woman-years [95% confidence interval (95% CI 3.3–5.9)] compared to women using pills [19.3 per 100 woman-years (95% CI 13.3–28.0)], condoms [19.7 per 100 woman-years (95% CI 16.3–23.6)] and other methods [11.5 per 100 woman-years (95% CI 7.5–17.6)]. This effect remained significant when adjusted for age, level of education, condom use at last sex act [hazard ratio 0.27, (95% CI 0.16–0.47,p<0.001)].ConclusionInjectable contraception offered a high level of protection against pregnancies among women in Durban.Trial registration numberISRCTN64716212.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Safety and Effectiveness of a Contact Force–Sensing Irrigated Catheter for Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Reddy Vivek Y. , Dukkipati Srinivas R. , Neuzil Petr , Natale Andrea , Albenque Jean-Paul , Kautzner Josef , Shah Dipen , Michaud Gregory , Wharton Marcus , Harari David , Mahapatra Srijoy , Lambert Hendrik , Mansour Moussa 
Published: August 2015

Background—
Contact force (CF) is a major determinant of lesion size and transmurality and has the potential to improve efficacy of atrial fibrillation ablation. This study sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter that measures real-time CF in the treatment of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

A total of 300 patients with symptomatic, drug-refractory, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial and randomized to radiofrequency ablation with either a novel CF-sensing catheter or a non-CF catheter (control). The primary effectiveness end point consisted of acute electrical isolation of all pulmonary veins and freedom from recurrent symptomatic atrial arrhythmia off all antiarrhythmic drugs at 12 months. The primary safety end point included device-related serious adverse events. End points were powered to show noninferiority. All pulmonary veins were isolated in both groups. Effectiveness was achieved in 67.8% and 69.4% of subjects in the CF and control arms, respectively (absolute difference, −1.6%; lower limit of 1-sided 95% confidence interval, −10.7%;
P
=0.0073 for noninferiority). When the CF arm was stratified into optimal CF (≥90% ablations with ≥10 g) and nonoptimal CF groups, effectiveness was achieved in 75.9% versus 58.1%, respectively (
P
=0.018). The primary safety end point occurred in 1.97% and 1.40% of CF patients and control subjects, respectively (absolute difference, 0.57%; upper limit of 1-sided 95% confidence interval, 3.61%;
P
=0.0004 for noninferiority).

Conclusions—
The CF ablation catheter met the primary safety and effectiveness end points. Additionally, optimal CF was associated with improved effectiveness.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01278953.
Activation of Dopamine D2 Receptor Suppresses Neuroinflammation Through αB-Crystalline by Inhibition of NF-κB Nuclear Translocation in Experimental ICH Mice Model
Authors: Zhang Yang , Chen Yujie , Wu Jiang , Manaenko Anatol , Yang Peng , Tang Jiping , Fu Weiling , Zhang John H. 
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—
Inflammatory injury plays a critical role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)–induced secondary brain injury. Recently, dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) is identified as an important component controlling innate immunity and inflammatory response in central nervous system, and αB-crystallin (CRYAB) is a potent negative regulator on inflammatory pathways. Here, we sought to investigate the role of DRD2 on neuroinflammation after experimental ICH and the potential mechanism mediated by CRYAB.

Methods—
Two hundred and twenty-four (224) male CD-1 mice were subjected to intrastriatal infusion of bacterial collagenase or autologous blood. Two DRD2 agonists quinpirole and ropinirole were administrated by daily intraperitoneal injection starting at 1 hour after ICH. DRD2 and CRYAB in vivo knockdown was performed 48 hours before ICH insult. Behavioral deficits and brain water content, Western blots, immunofluorescence staining, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay, and proteome cytokine array were evaluated.

Results—
Endogenous DRD2 and CRYAB expressions were increased after ICH. DRD2 knockdown aggravated the neurobehavioral deficits and the pronounced cytokine expressions. DRD2 activation by quinpirole and ropinirole ameliorated neurological outcome, brain edema, interleukin-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression, as well as microglia/macrophages activation, in the perihematomal region. These effects were abolished by pretreatment with CRYAB siRNAs. Quinpirole enhanced cytoplasmic binding activity between CRYAB and NF-κB and decreased nuclear NF-κB expression. Similar therapeutic benefits were observed using autologous blood injection model and intranasal delivery of quinpirole.

Conclusions—
DRD2 may have anti-inflammatory effects after ICH. DRD2 agonists inhibited neuroinflammation and attenuated brain injury after ICH, which is probably mediated by CRYAB and enhanced cytoplasmic binding activity with NF-κB.
Copeptin Levels in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Stroke Mimics
Authors: Wendt Matthias , Ebinger Martin , Kunz Alexander , Rozanski Michal , Waldschmidt Carolin , Weber Joachim E. , Winter Benjamin , Koch Peter M. , Nolte Christian H. , Hertel Sabine , Ziera Tim , Audebert Heinrich J. 
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—
Copeptin levels are increased in patients diagnosed with stroke and other vascular diseases. Copeptin elevation is associated with adverse outcome, predicts re-events in patients with transient ischemic attack and is used in ruling-out acute myocardial infarction. We evaluated whether copeptin can also be used as a diagnostic marker in the prehospital stroke setting.

Methods—
We prospectively examined patients with suspected stroke on the Stroke Emergency Mobile—an ambulance that is equipped with computed tomography and point-of-care laboratory. A blood sample was taken from patients immediately after arrival. We analyzed copeptin levels in patients with final hospital-based diagnosis of stroke or stroke mimics as well as in vascular or nonvascular patients. In addition, we examined the associations of symptom onset with copeptin levels and the prognostic value of copeptin in patients with stroke.

Results—

Blood samples of 561 patients were analyzed. No significant differences were seen neither between cerebrovascular (n=383) and other neurological (stroke mimic; n=90) patients (
P
=0.15) nor between vascular (n=391) and nonvascular patients (n=170;
P
=0.57). We could not detect a relationship between copeptin levels and time from onset to blood draw. Three-month survival status was available in 159 patients with ischemic stroke. Copeptin levels in nonsurviving patients (n=8: median [interquartile range], 27.4 [20.2–54.7] pmol/L) were significantly higher than in surviving patients (n=151: median [interquartile range], 11.7 [5.2–30.9] pmol/L;
P
=0.024).

Conclusions—
In the prehospital setting, copeptin is neither appropriate to discriminate between stroke and stroke mimic patients nor between vascular and nonvascular patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—
URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01382862. The Pre-Hospital Acute Neurological Therapy and Optimization of Medical Care in Stroke Patients study (PHANTOM-S) was registered (NCT01382862). This sub-study was observational and not registered separately, therefore.
Commonly Prescribed Medications Among Patients in Hospice Care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Afrane Mary , Sera Leah , Holmes Holly M. , McPherson Mary L. 
Published: August 2015

Purpose: End-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents health care providers with challenges of providing optimal palliative care for patients who follow a less predictable trajectory. The objectives of this study were to evaluate medications being prescribed to patients with end-stage COPD, compared to recommendations made by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, and to determine which medications were provided by the hospice organization. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our database for medications pertaining to COPD management as stated in the GOLD criteria or those used for symptoms associated with end of life. Results: A total of 745 patients met inclusion criteria, and approximately 63% were prescribed opioids. Prescribing rates for oxygen, short-acting β2-agonists, and short-acting anticholinergics were 37%, 33%, and 31%, respectively. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed at higher rates of 20% and 18% compared to long-acting bronchodilators. Discussion: Medications used for COPD exacerbation management were prescribed at higher rate than those used for maintenance treatment.
Is the Marx Activity Scale Reliable in Patients Younger Than 18 Years?
Authors: Shirazi Cameron P. , Israel Heidi A. , Kaar Scott G. 
Published: August 2015

Background: There is no baseline activity scale yet validated in pediatric patients. The Marx and Tegner scales have been validated in adult patients only. The Tegner scale involves questions not pertinent to children, such as their work activity. The Marx scale is simple, and all its questions can be related to athletic activities. Hypothesis: The Marx scale is reliable for use in a pediatric population. Study Design: Cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Patients younger than 18 years were given the Marx activity scale in clinic and again 3 weeks later. The patients were divided into 3 groups, of at least 50 patients each, based on presenting diagnosis: knee injury, lower extremity (non-knee) injury, and upper extremity injury. Test-retest reliability was determined for the overall scores and the individual questions. Differences in scores were also compared based on age (<14 vs ≥14 years). Results: A total of 162 patients (mean age, 14.4 years; range, 8-17 years) were included. The Marx scale had a high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) overall as well as for each of its 4 questions. Both older and younger patients had ICCs >0.80, though the older group generally had higher scores. The mean score was 13.55 (out of 16), and 50.6% scored the maximum; only 1.9% scored the minimum. Mean scores for the knee, lower extremity, and upper extremity groups were 13.71 (SD, 3.70), 13.22 (SD, 4.18), and 13.68 (SD, 3.33), respectively ( P > 0.05). There also was no difference in total score based on age ( P = 0.88). Conclusion: The Marx activity scale is reliable in patients younger than 18 years with injuries to the knee and lower extremities, though the scale was less reliable in patients younger than 14 years. There is a significant ceiling effect present, which limits its overall usefulness. Clinical Relevance: Although there is no other current substitute, the Marx activity scale is not an ideal measurement of younger patients’ baseline activity levels.
Studies on the effect of phyllanthus emblica extract on the growth of urinary type struvite crystals invitro
Authors: Bindhu B. , Swetha A. S. , Veluraja K. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Struvite also called as infection stones occur in the urinary system of humans particularly the women community. The present work was aimed to grow struvite crystals in-vitro using single diffusion gel growth technique and to understand the effect of phyllanthus emblica on its growth.

Methods
Sodium metasilicate gel of density 1.03 g/cc was used as the medium for growing the struvite crystals; The phyllanthus emblica extract of 5 % M/V concentration was used to understand its effect on struvite crystal crystal nucleation and growth. The well grown crystal samples were characterized by powder XRD, FTIR, UV–vis, Microhardness, SEM and Thermal analysis.

Results
The grown struvite crystals had dendritic morphology in both the control and phyllanthus emblica extract added systems. However, it was observed that the nucleation was controlled in the phyllanthus emblica added system when compared to the control system.

Conclusions
The result showed that phyllanthus emblica reduces nucleation of struvite crystals.
Hepatoprotective effect of oral application of a silymarin extract in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Mahli Abdo , Koch Andreas , Czech Barbara , Peterburs Philipp , Lechner Anja , Haunschild Jutta , Müller Martina , Hellerbrand Claus 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Silymarin derived from the milk thistle plant “Silybum marianum” is composed of four major flavonolignans. Clinical as well as experimental studies indicate hepatoprotective effects of silymarin. However, the underlying mechanisms are only incompletely understood.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of oral administration of a defined silymarin extract in the model of acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver injury.

Methods
A single dose of a silymarin extract (SE; 20 or 100 mg/kg body weight) was given to rats by oral gavage. Subsequently, rats were injected with a single dose of CCl4 (2 ml/kg body weight).

Results
After 24h, analysis of liver to body weight ratio, serum levels of transaminases and histological analysis revealed a marked liver damage which was inhibited by SE in a dose dependent manner. CCl4-induced expressions of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic genes were significantly reduced in SE treated rats. Molecular analysis revealed that SE reduced the expression of the pro-inflammatory chemokine MCP-1, the pro-fibrogenic cytokine TGF-beta as well as collagen I in isolated human hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which are the key effector cells of hepatic fibrosis.

Conclusion
Oral administration of the tested silymarin extract inhibited hepatocellular damage in a model of acute liver injury. Moreover, we newly found that the silymarin extract had direct effects on pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic gene expression in HSCs in vitro. This indicates that direct effects on HSC also contribute to the in vivo hepatoprotective effects of silymarin, and further promote its potential as anti-fibrogenic agent also in chronic liver disease.
Evaluation of a cognitive psychophysiological model for management of tic disorders: an open trial
Authors: O'Connor Kieron , Lavoie Marc , Blanchet Pierre , St-Pierre-Delorme Marie-Ève 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundTic disorders, in particular chronic tic disorder and Tourette syndrome, affect about 1% of the population. The current treatment of choice is pharmacological or behavioural, addressing tics or the premonitory urges preceding tic onset.AimsThe current study reports an open trial evaluating the effectiveness of a cognitive psychophysiological treatment addressing Tourette-specific sensorimotor activation processes rather than the tic.MethodForty-nine people with Tourette syndrome and 36 people with chronic tics completed 10 weeks of individual cognitive psychophysiological therapy. Outcome measures included two tic severity scales and psychosocial measures.ResultsPost-treatment both groups had significantly improved on the tic scales with strong effect sizes across tic locations and complex and simple tics, maintained at 6-month follow-up with further change in perfectionism and self-esteem.ConclusionsThe cognitive psychophysiological approach targeting underlying sensorimotor processes rather than tics in Tourette's and chronic tic disorder reduced symptoms with a large effect size.
Electrical Properties of Mesoporous TiO2 Nanocomposite Thin Films Incorporated with Au Nanoparticles by Simple One-pot Synthesis
Authors: Hong Min-Hee , Park Chang-Sun , Han Wooje , Yoo Byungwook , Park Hyung-Ho 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Low thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity, and high Seebeck coefficient are required for thermoelectric materials. To independently control electrical and thermal conductivity, Au nanoparticles were incorporated into mesoporous TiO2 nanocomposite thin films. With increase of Au nanoparticle concentration and annealing time, ordered pore structure gradually collapsed. As porosity and pore structure changed, the electrical resistivity decreased from 142.9 to 41.6 Ω cm. In this work, Au nanoparticle concentration and annealing conditions were investigated to optimize the thermoelectric properties.
Entre rimas y cantos: los niños como sujetos activos de su educación
Authors: Rojas Amorocho Andrés Alfredo 
Published: August 2015

<p>Este artículo presenta una experiencia de aula, cuyo objetivo fue realizar acciones pedagógicas que permitieran una relación con los niños como sujetos activos de su educación, a la vez que desarrolló<br />una didáctica con base en la educación artística que puede ser aplicada para abordar las ciencias sociales. Las acciones pedagógicas se fundamentan teóricamente en la pedagogía crítica, particularmente<br />en dos conceptos: el de integración, propuesto por Paulo Freire, y en el de la escuela como esfera pública democrática, planteado por Henry Giroux. La metodología le apuesta a un aprendizaje reflexivo que se apoya en los postulados de David Perkins. Para su desarrollo, el docente usó herramientas como el diálogo, la lectura, la escritura, la música, el<br />canto y el dibujo.</p>
Methods of Mutual Comprehension among Various Languages
Authors: Lin Xunzhun , Wang Yongxiang , Li Chun 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The theme of all international congresses of semiotics is “the bridge of various civilizations” and the key problem discussed in the congresses is metalanguage. However, the international problem of international language barriers has not been solved. Based on artificial intelligence, computer science, linguistics, semiotics, and system engineering, this article puts forward the Interlanguage Protocol (ILP) (standard), a global translation network (system and instrument) based on human/machine consensus language and the platform (applied) for global semantic communication and cooperative work, and constitutes Interlanguage system (ILS). Studies show that it is possible for people of different languages to communicate with each other. The Interlanguage system (ILS) may be a bridge of communication between languages (semantic transmission) with no barrier and a method for the problem of metalanguage.
Migratory Signifiers, Encrypted Symbols
Authors: van Mechelen Marga 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this paper I apply the concept of migratory aesthetics to practices of performance and installation art. I begin with two examples of artists-migrants, the Nigerian-British artist Yinka Shonibare and the Vietnamese-American artist Dinkh Q. Lê, and continue with Chinese artists who took the Great Wall of China as the locus but also the main motif of their performances and installations. I selected the work of Concept 21, the Yuanmingyuan group, and Xu Bing. I stress the importance of these art forms in relation to migratory aesthetics. I argue that it is the combination of signifiers inspired by Western art and Chinese iconographies - with sometimes intentionally encrypted symbols - that gives us a better understanding of the mobility and hybridity of aesthetics in times of globalization, which is therefore not restricted to artistic practices of migrants.
New inequalities of Gronwall type for the stochastic differential equations
Authors: Boudref Mohamed-Ahmed , Berboucha Ahmed 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this paper, we establish some new nonlinear integral inequalities of Gronwall type for Itô integrals. These inequalities generalize some inequalities which can be used in applications as handy tools to study the qualitative as well as quantitative properties of solutions of some stochastic differential equations. We will use this inequalities to show the existence and uniqueness of solutions for nonlinear EDS.