bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Epidemiological Survey of Stroke among Rural Chinese Adults Results from the Liaoning Province
Authors: Sun Zhaoqing , Zheng Liqiang , Detrano Robert , Zhang Xingang , Li Jue , Hu Dayi , Sun Yingxian 
Published: January 2013

Background The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical sub-types, and associated risk factors of stroke among rural Chinese adults. Methods A population-based sample of 38 949 rural Chinese adults, aged ≥35 years and free from stroke at baseline, were followed from 2004–2006 to 2010. Stroke was defined by the World Health Organization diagnosis criteria. Results The age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 person-years of overall, first ever stroke was 601·9 (95% confidence interval, 528·3 to 675·5), and mortality rate was 276·7 (95% confidence interval, 251·6 to 301·9). The age-standardized incidence rate was higher in men (775·9 per 100 000 person-years) than in women (435·6 per 100 000 person-years). Among 858 first ever stroke events, 56·3% were ischemic strokes, 40·6% were hemorrhagic strokes, and 3·1% were undetermined strokes. Hypertension and lipid disorder were common modifiable risk factors in the ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke groups. Conclusions The annual incidence of stroke and resulting mortality has increased at an accelerated rate. Furthermore, the incidence of stroke in rural China was higher than that found in urban China and Western countries. Hypertension and lipid disorder were important modifiable risk factors. The primary sub-type of stroke observed in rural China was ischemic stroke. These findings underscored the need for more aggressive efforts to control the risk factors of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in rural areas.
The Disability Adjusted Life Years Due to Stroke in South Africa in 2008
Authors: Bertram Melanie Y. , Katzenellenbogen Judith , Vos Theo , Bradshaw Debbie , Hofman Karen J. 
Published: January 2013

Background South Africa is experiencing epidemiological transition, with the burden of chronic diseases increasing. Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death in South Africa; however, limited data are available on incidence, prevalence and resulting disability. Quantifying the epidemiological parameters and disease burden is important in the planning of health services. Aims To synthesize the data surrounding stroke in South Africa and calculate disability adjusted life years attributable to stroke in South Africa in 2008. Methods We undertook a systematic review to identify studies on the prevalence and mortality of stroke in South Africa. We used the DisMod program to calculate missing epidemiological parameters, in particular incidence and duration. Using these values, we calculated the burden of disease in years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD) and disability adjusted life years (DALY). Results Data on prevalence and mortality of stroke in South Africa are scarce. We estimate there are 75 000 strokes in South Africa each year, with 25 000 of these fatal within the first month. The burden of disease due to stroke in South Africa was 564 000 DALYs. Of this, 17% is contributed by YLD (14–20% in sensitivity analysis). Conclusions This study provides information on prevalence, incidence and disease burden of stroke at the national level in South Africa. The results of this analysis will enable further work on priority setting and health service planning for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in South Africa.
A Novel Method of Synthesis of Nanostructured Aluminum Nitride Through Sol‐Gel Route by In Situ Generation of Nitrogen
Authors: Ghosh Chaudhuri M. , Basu J. , Das G. C. , Mukherjee S. , Mitra M. K. 
Published: January 2013

Nanostructured Aluminum Nitride (AlN) has been prepared by carbothermal reduction followed by nitridation (CTRN) of alumina gel over a temperature range 1200°C–1350°C and time period of 30 min to 3 h. Before heat treatment the gel is repeatedly evacuated and purged with ammonia. The nanopores of the gel are filled with ammonia which acts as a source of in situ nitrogen at heat‐treatment temperature. Dextrose also decomposes at the reduction temperature and generates ultrafine carbon. The stability diagram of the carbon saturated Al–N–O system is constructed and it shows that extremely low partial pressure of oxygen is required for the stability of AlN. The ultrafine carbon as well as hydrogen from the cracking of ammonia is not sufficient to create the extremely low partial pressure of oxygen required for the stabilization of AlN. So the sample is heat treated in charcoal boat in nitrogen atmosphere to achieve an extremely low partial pressure of oxygen required for the formation of AlN. The material has been characterized through XRD, FESEM, and HRTEM analyses. The spherical particle size of AlN is obtained ∼21 nm.
A Duty to Adopt?
Authors: Friedrich Daniel 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAll over the world millions of children are without parental care. As a consequence they are liable to suffer serious harm. I argue the general duty to assist those in need extends to children without parental care and that some people are under a moral duty to adopt rather than have biological children. I defend this claim against the following objections: (1) intimate decisions are excluded from the duty to assist, (2) adopting children is too costly to be required by morality, (3) the duty to assist is a collective duty, (4) the duty to assist is an imperfect duty, and (5) there are, in fact, very few adoptable children.
After continents divide: comparative phylogeography of reef fishes from theRedSea andIndianOcean
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Berumen Michael L. , Gaither Michelle R. , Rocha Luiz A. , Eble Jeff A. , Choat J. Howard , Craig Matthew T. , Skillings Derek J. , Bowen Brian W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTheRedSea is a biodiversity hotspot characterized by a unique marine fauna and high endemism. This sea began formingc. 24 million years ago with the separation of theAfrican andArabian plates, and has been characterized by periods of desiccation, hypersalinity and intermittent connection to theIndianOcean. We aim to evaluate the impact of these events on the genetic architecture of theRedSea reef fish fauna.LocationRedSea andWesternIndianOcean.MethodsWe surveyed seven reef fish species from theRedSea and adjacentIndianOcean using mitochondrialDNAcytochromecoxidase subunit I and cytochromebsequences. To assess genetic variation and evolutionary connectivity within and between these regions, we estimated haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π), reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among haplotypes, and estimated gene flow and time of population separation usingBayesian coalescent‐based methodology.ResultsOur analyses revealed a range of scenarios from shallow population structure to diagnostic differences that indicate evolutionary partitions and possible cryptic species. Conventional molecular clocks and coalescence analyses indicated time‐frames for divergence between these bodies of water ranging from 830,000 years to contemporary exchange or recent range expansion. Colonization routes were bidirectional, with some species moving from theIndianOcean to theRedSea compared with expansion out of theRedSea for other species.Main conclusionsWe conclude that: (1) at least someRedSea reef fauna survived multiple salinity crises; (2) endemism is higher in theRedSea than previously reported; and (3) theRedSea is an evolutionary incubator, occasionally contributing species to the adjacentIndianOcean. The latter two conclusions – elevated endemism and species export – indicate a need for enhanced conservation priorities for theRedSea.
Tofacitinib (CP‐690,550), an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, improves patient‐reported outcomes in a phase 2b, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis
Authors: Mamolo C. , Harness J. , Tan H. , Menter A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with a significant impact on health–related quality of life (HRQoL). Tofacitinib (CP‐690,550) is a novel, oral Janus kinase inhibitor that is being investigated as a targeted immunomodulator.ObjectiveThis Phase 2b study assessed three tofacitinib dosage regimens vs. placebo to characterize the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with moderate–to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis. We report the patient‐reported outcome (PRO) data.MethodsA total of 197 patients were randomized to tofacitinib 2, 5, 15 mg twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Six PRO questionnaires were completed during the study: Dermatology Life Quality Index, Itch Severity Score (ISS), Short Form‐36 questionnaire, version 2 (SF‐36), Pain/Discomfort Assessment (PDA), Patient Satisfaction with Study Medication (PSSM) item and Patient Global Assessment of psoriasis.ResultsTreatment with tofacitinib resulted in significant, dose‐dependent improvements in several PROs vs. placebo from week 2 onwards. At week 12, least squares mean changes from baseline for Dermatology life quality index, ISS and SF‐36 mental component scores were significantly greater for all active drug arms vs. placebo (P < 0.05), and significantly greater for tofacitinib 5 and 15 mg for SF‐36 physical component scores vs. placebo (P < 0.05). At week 12, all dose groups had significantly greater numbers of patients reporting ‘Clear’ or ‘Almost clear’ on the PtGA vs. placebo.ConclusionIn patients with moderate–to–severe chronic plaque psoriasis, short‐term (12–week) treatment with oral twice‐daily tofacitinib improves HRQoL outcomes and patient assessment of disease severity and symptoms, with an early onset noted.
Cell types and structures involved in tench, Tinca tinca (L.), defence mechanisms against a systemic digenean infection
Authors: Dezfuli B S , Lui A , Pironi F , Manera M , Shinn A P , Lorenzoni M 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHistopathological and ultrastructural investigations were conducted on 36 tench, Tinca tinca (L.), from Lake Trasimeno (Italy). The gills, intestine, liver, spleen, kidney and heart of 21 individuals were found to harbour an extensive infection of larvae of an unidentified digenean trematode. The eyes, gonads, swim bladder and muscles were uninfected. The parasites in each tissue type were embedded in a granulomatous proliferation of tissue, forming a reactive fibroconnective capsule around each larva. Most of the encysted larvae were metacercariae, in a degenerative state, but on occasion some cercariae were found. Many of the granulomas were either necrotic or had a calcified core. Within the granuloma of each, the occurrence of granulocytes, macrophages, rodlet cells and pigment‐bearing macrophage aggregates was observed. Hearts bore the highest parasitic infection. Whilst the presence of metacercariae within the intestine was found positioned between the submucosa and muscle layers, metacercariae in the liver were commonly found encysted on its surface where the hepatocytes in close contact with the granuloma were observed to have electron‐lucent vesicles within their cytoplasm. Metacercariae encysting adjacent to the cartilaginous rods of gill filaments were seen to elicit a proliferation of the cartilage from the perichondrium. Rodlet cells, neutrophils and mast cells were frequently observed in close proximity to, and within, infected gill capillaries. Given the degenerated state of most granulomas, a morphology‐based identification of the enclosed digeneans was not possible.
Sea lice levels on wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., returning to the coast of Ireland
Authors: Jackson D , Kane F , O'Donohoe P , Mc Dermott T , Kelly S , Drumm A , Newell J 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe sea lice population structure, prevalence and intensity of Lepeophtheirus salmonis have been studied over a period extending from 2004 to 2011. Infestation data were collected from the interceptor drift net fishery from 2004 until it was closed in 2006. From 2010, data were collected from the inshore draft net fishery. In all, 34 samples from the drift and draft net fisheries have been analysed to date. Prevalence of infestation with L. salmonis regularly approached 100% in samples of hosts recovered from the offshore drift net fishery. Abundance was variable both within and between years with a maximum mean abundance of 25.8 lice per fish recorded in 2004. The population structure of L. salmonis on hosts recovered in the inshore and estuarine draft net fisheries was different from that observed in the more offshore drift net samples. There is clear evidence of recent infestation with L. salmonis in the draft net samples.
The P2X7 receptor as a route for non‐exocytotic glutamate release: dependence on the carboxyl tail
Authors: Cervetto Chiara , Alloisio Susanna , Frattaroli Daniela , Mazzotta Maria Chiara , Milanese Marco , Gavazzo Paola , Passalacqua Mario , Nobile Mario , Maura Guido , Marcoli Manuela 
Published: January 2013

AbstractP2X7 receptors trigger Ca2+‐dependent exocytotic glutamate release, but also function as a route for non‐exocytotic glutamate release from neurons or astrocytes. To gain an insight into the mechanisms involving the P2X7 receptor as a direct pathway for glutamate release, we compared the behavior of a full‐length rat P2X7 receptor, a truncated rat P2X7 receptor in which the carboxyl tail had been deleted, a rat P2X7 receptor with the 18‐amino acid cysteine‐rich motif of the carboxyl tail deleted, and a rat P2X2 receptor, all of which are expressed in HEK293 cells. We found that the P2X7 receptor function as a route for glutamate release was antagonized in a non‐competitive way by extracellular Mg2+, did not require the recruitment of pore‐forming molecules, and was dependent on the carboxyl tail. Indeed, the truncated P2X7 receptor and the P2X7 receptor with the deleted cysteine‐rich motif both lost their function as a pathway for glutamate release, while still evoking intracellular Ca2+ elevation. No glutamate efflux was observed through the P2X2 receptor. Notably, HEK293 cells (lacking the machinery for Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis), when transfected with P2X7 receptors, appear to be a suitable model for investigating the P2X7 receptor as a route for non‐exocytotic glutamate efflux.
Dietary intervention for oral allergy syndrome as a treatment in orofacial granulomatosis: a new approach?
Authors: Campbell H. , Escudier M. P. , Brostoff J. , Patel P. , Milligan P. , Challacombe S. J. , Sanderson J. D. , Lomer M. C. E. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundOrofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a chronic granulomatous condition of the mouth, face and lips. Recent work demonstrates a high rate of atopy and silver birch sensitisation from skin prick testing (SPT). Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an acute oro‐pharyngealIgEmediated reaction, triggered by foods that cross react with pollens, most commonly silver birch. The aim of this study was to determine if patients withOFGand positiveSPTto commonOASassociated pollens responded to avoidance of cross reactive foods.MethodsPatients withOFGand positiveSPTto silver birch, grass, mugwort, ragweed and latex were required to avoid cross reacting foods, for 6 weeks and, in those who responded, for a total of 12 weeks. All had standardized oral examinations and were given severity scores (SS) at each appointment.ResultsTwenty two of 47 (47%) patients had one or more positiveSPTand 13/22 completed 6 weeks on the diet. No difference was seen inSSbetween weeks 0 (14.62 ± 11.16) and 6 (13.31 ± 10.33;P = 0.656). Six of 14 (43%) had significantly improvedSS(week 0; 19.17 ± 12.95, week 6; 10.83 ± 4.99,P = 0.027). Five completed 12 weeks and no further improvement was seen (week 6; 11 ± 5.57, week 12; 10.4 ± 9.94;P = 0.068). Two patients required no further treatments.ConclusionsOn an intention to treat basis, only 2/14 patients improved and required no further intervention. Whilst this diet cannot be recommended routinely, the improvement seen in some patients raises questions about the role ofOASin patients withOFG.
Significant reduction of serum homocysteine level and oral symptoms after different vitamin‐supplement treatments in patients with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Sun Andy , Lin Hung‐Pin , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Chiang Chun‐Pin 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundSerum homocysteine level is a biomarker of cardiovascular disease.MethodsIn this study, 399 primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients without or with hematinic deficiencies were treated with vitamin BC capsules plus none, one, or two deficient hematinics depending on the corresponding deficiency statuses of the patients. One hundred and seventy‐seven patients showed complete remission of all oral symptoms after treatment. The blood homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and hemoglobin concentrations at baseline and after treatment till all oral symptoms had disappeared in these 177 complete‐response BMS patients were measured and compared by paired t‐test.ResultsFor BMS patients with concomitant deficiencies of vitamin B12 only (n = 48), folic acid only (n = 12), vitamin B12 plus folic acid (n = 9), or vitamin B12 plus iron (n = 15), supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus corresponding deficient hematinics could significantly reduce the abnormally high serum homocysteine levels to normal levels after a mean treatment period of 5.4–8.2 months (all P‐values < 0.01). For BMS patients without definite hematinic deficiencies (n = 62), supplementation with vitamin BC capsules only could also significantly decrease the relatively higher homocysteine levels to significantly lower levels after a mean treatment period of 10.2 months (P < 0.001).ConclusionSpecific supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus none or corresponding deficient vitamin B12 and/or folic acid can reduce the abnormally high serum homocysteine levels to normal levels in BMS patients without or with deficiencies of corresponding hematinics.
Led on the Wrong Track? A Note on the Direction of Technical Change under Environmental Liability Law
Authors: ENDRES ALFRED , FRIEHE TIM 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis note shows that polluters might opt for technical change which is inferior to other innovations from a social standpoint under environmental liability law. Polluters choose what is socially optimal under strict liability. However, we show that it is possible to have not only too little or too much technical change of a given kind but, importantly, also the wrong kind of technical change under negligence.
IL‐28B polymorphisms and the response to antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 2 and 3 varies by ethnicity: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Rangnekar A. S. , Fontana R. J. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryStudies of IL‐28B genotype in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2/3 infection have yielded conflicting results. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to obtain a pooled odds ratio (OR) of the impact of IL‐28B genotype on achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with HCV genotype 2/3 infection treated with pegIFN and ribavirin. A meta‐analysis with a random effects model was performed, and study heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forty‐three percent of the Caucasians (11 studies) and 86% of Asians (five studies) had the favourable IL‐28B genotype. In Caucasians, the pooled OR of SVR with the favourable IL‐28B genotype was 1.36 (95%CI: 0.98–1.88, P = 0.07) in all patients and 1.55 (95%CI: 1.10–2.18, P = 0.01) in patients treated with pegIFN and ribavirin for ≥24 weeks. In Asians, the pooled OR of SVR in patients with the favourable IL‐28B genotype was 1.99 (95%CI: 0.94–4.25, P = 0.07). The favourable IL‐28B genotype was also significantly associated with rapid virologic response (RVR) in both groups (Caucasians: OR: 1.82, 95%CI: 1.12–2.96, P = 0.02; Asians: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.39–4.11, P = 0.002), as well as the likelihood of an SVR in a subgroup of 350 Caucasian patients without an RVR (OR: 3.29, 95%CI: 1.67–6.51, P = 0.001). The favourable IL‐28B genotype is a statistically significant predictor of SVR and RVR in Caucasian patients treated with pegIFN and ribavirin for 24 weeks. In contrast, the favourable IL‐28B genotype is associated with RVR, but not SVR in Asian HCV genotype 2 patients.
Abdominal fat interacts with PNPLA3 I148M, but not with the APOC3 variant in the pathogenesis of liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Zampino R. , Coppola N. , Cirillo G. , Boemio A. , Pisaturo M. , Marrone A. , Macera M. , Sagnelli E. , Perrone L. , Adinolfi L. E. , Miraglia del Giudice E. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) and the apolipoprotein C3 gene (APOC3) have been studied in relation to liver steatosis and liver disease outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PNPLA3 p.I148M and APOC3 rs2854116 and rs2854117 polymorphisms on the clinical and histological presentation of chronic hepatitis C in an Italian population and their relationship with viral and anthropometric parameters. Patients with hepatitis C (n = 166) entered the study receiving a clinical, histological, virological and biochemical evaluation. APOC3 (rs2854116 and rs2854117) and PNPLA3 (p.I148M) variants were genotyped. PNPLA3 polymorphisms were associated with liver steatosis, which was significantly higher in patients with p.148I/M (P = 0.034) and p.148M/M (P = 0.004) variants than those homozygous for the PNPLA3 wild type. Excluding patients with HCV genotype 3, the association with liver steatosis and PNPLA3 variants was more marked (p.148I/I genotype vs p.148I/M, P = 0.02, and vs p.148M/M, P = 0.005). The APOC3 polymorphism was not associated with any of the evaluated parameters. Among the interacting factors, BMI and waist circumference correlated with liver steatosis (P = 0.008 and 0.004, respectively). Relationship between waist circumference and liver steatosis was analysed for the different PNPLA3 genotypes. Homozygous 148M patients showed a stronger correlation between waist circumference and steatosis than those carrying the other genotypes (P = 0.0047). In our hepatitis C‐infected population, the PNPLA3 polymorphism influenced the development of liver steatosis, but not fibrosis progression. APOC3 polymorphisms had no effect on the development of steatosis and no influence on the PNPLA3 polymorphism. The amount of abdominal fat can increase the association of PNPLA3 p.I148M with liver steatosis.
The impact of transposable elements in environmental adaptation
Authors: Casacuberta Elena , González Josefa 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTransposable elements (TEs) play an important role in the responsive capacity of their hosts in the face of environmental challenges. The variety of mechanisms by which TEs influence the capacity of adaptation of the host is as large as the variety of TEs and host genomes. For example, TEs might directly affect the function of individual genes, provide a mechanism for rapidly acquiring new genetic material and disseminate regulatory elements that can lead to the creation of stress‐inducible regulatory networks. In this review, we summarize recent examples that are part of an increasing body of evidence suggesting a significant role of TEs in the host response to an ever‐changing environment, both in prokaryote and in eukaryote organisms. We argue that in the near future, the increasing availability of genome sequences and the development of new tools to discover and analyse TE insertions will further show the relevant role of TEs in environmental adaptation.