bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographics, Socio-Economic Characteristics, and Risk Factor Prevalence in Patients with Non-Cardioembolic Ischaemic Stroke in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The OPTIC Registry
Authors: Abboud Halim , Labreuche Julien , Arauz Antonio , Bryer Alan , Lavados Pablo G , Massaro Ayrton , Collazos Mario Munoz , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Yamout Bassem I , Vicaut Eric , Amarenco Pierre ,   for the OPTIC Registry Investigators
Published: September 2012

Background There is a paucity of data on patients with stroke/transient ischaemic attack in low- and middle-income countries. We sought to describe the characteristics and management of patients with an ischaemic stroke and recent transient ischaemic attack or minor ischaemic strokes in low- or middle-income countries. Methods The Outcomes in Patients with TIA and Cerebrovascular disease registry is an international, prospective study. Patients ≥45 years who required secondary prevention of stroke (either following an acute transient ischaemic attack or minor ischaemic strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale <4) of <24 h duration, or recent (<6 months), stable, first-ever, non-disabling ischaemic stroke) were enrolled in 17 countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The main measures of interest were risk factors, comorbidities, and socio-economic variables. Results Between January 2007 and December 2008, 3635 patients were enrolled in Latin America ( n =1543), the Middle East ( n =1041), North Africa ( n = 834), and South Africa ( n = 217). Of these, 63% had a stable, first-ever ischaemic stroke (median delay from symptom onset to inclusion, 25 days interquartile range, 7–77); 37% had an acute transient ischaemic attack or minor ischaemic stroke (median delay, two-days; interquartile range, 0–6). Prevalence of diabetes was 46% in the Middle East, 29% in Latin America, 35% in South Africa, and 38% in North Africa; 72% had abdominal obesity (range, 65–78%; adjusted P < 0·001); prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 78% (range, 72–84%, P < 0·001). Abnormal ankle brachial index (<0·9) was present in 22%, peripheral artery disease in 7·6%, and coronary artery disease in 13%. Overall, 24% of patients had no health insurance and 27% had a low educational level. Interpretation In this study, patients in low- and middle-income countries had a high burden of modifiable risk factors. High rates of low educational level and lack of health insurance in certain regions are potential obstacles to risk factor control. Funding The Outcomes in Patients with TIA and Cerebrovascular disease registry is supported by Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France.
Using a video assisted teaching program to reduce the severity of urinary incontinence symptoms in women
Authors: Seshan Vidya , Muliira Joshua K , Krishnamurthy Rajalakshmi , Sivaram Vidhya 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTUrinary incontinence (UI) is still a common chronic health problem affecting physical, psychological and social well‐being of women in developing countries. UI is a challenge to women's health because of the number affected and lack of access to affordable care that can cure or relieve associated symptoms especially in resource limited settings. This study explored the prevalence of UI and assessed effectiveness of a Video Assisted Teaching Program for Kegel's Exercises (VATPKE) in reducing severity of UI symptoms among community dwelling women. A survey was used to obtain data from a sample of 598 community dwelling Indian women in Coimbatore district in Tamilnadu State. A pre–posttest design was then used to assess effectiveness of the VATPKE in reducing UI symptom severity in affected women. Data were analysed using a paired samples t‐test. Of the 598 women, 202 (34%) reported having some level of UI and most participants affected were married (78%), less educated (56%), had high BMI (52%) and lower socio‐economic status. Affected women mostly reported the severity level of UI symptoms at pre‐intervention as moderate (78%) or mild (22%).The mean post‐intervention UI symptoms severity score (M = 21·72, SD = 3·99) was lower than pre‐ intervention (M = 29·91, SD = 5·12) and paired t‐test results showed that the difference was highly statistically significant (p < 0·00). The VATPKE used in this study was effective in reducing the severity of self‐reported UI symptoms in community dwelling Indian women.
Suppressed Expression of Autophagosomal Protein LC3 in Cortical Tubers of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Miyahara Hiroaki , Natsumeda Manabu , Shiga Atsushi , Aoki Hiroshi , Toyoshima Yasuko , Zheng Yingjun , Takeuchi Ryoko , Murakami Hiroatsu , Masuda Hiroshi , Kameyama Shigeki , Izumi Tatsuro , Fujii Yukihiko , Takahashi Hitoshi , Kakita Akiyoshi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is characterized by benign tumors and hamartomas, including cortical tubers. Hamartin and tuberin, encoded by the TSC 1 and 2 genes, respectively, constitute a functional complex that negatively regulates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, eventually promoting the induction of autophagy. In the present study, we assessed the induction of autophagy in cortical tubers surgically removed from seven patients with TSC in comparison with five controls of cortical tissue taken from non‐TSC patients with epilepsy. Immunoblotting demonstrated a marked reduction of LC3B‐I and LC3B‐II in tubers relative to the controls. In tubers, strong, diffuse and dot‐like immunoreactivity (IR) for LC3B was observed in dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells, but LC3B‐IR in other neurons with normal morphology was significantly weaker than that in neurons in the controls. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed diffuse distribution of LC3B‐IR within the cytoplasm of balloon cells. The dot‐like pattern may correspond to abnormal aggregation bodies involving LC3. In an autopsy patient with TSC, we observed that LC3B‐IR in neurons located outside of the tubers was preserved. Thus, autophagy is suppressed in tubers presumably through the mTOR pathway, and possibly a pathological autophagy reaction occurs in the dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells.
Modification of Fatty Acid, Essential Oil and Phenolic Contents of Salt‐Treated Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) According to Developmental Stage
Authors: Baâtour O. , Kaddour R. , Tarchoun I. , Nasri N. , Mahmoudi H. , Zaghdoudi M. , Ghaith H. , Marzouk B. , Nasri‐Ayachi Mouhiba Ben , Lachaâl M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  Variation in the composition of Origanum majorana L. essential oil (EO) and fatty acids were studied under salt treatment. Plant material has been harvested at 2 phenological stages: early vegetative stage (EVS) and late vegetative stage (LVS) or prefloral. Our results showed that the application of 75 mM NaCl increased total lipid contents in marjoram shoots and caused great qualitative changes in the fatty acids profiles. NaCl treatment reduced and stimulated the EO yields, respectively, at EVS and LVS and induced quantitative changes in the chemical EO composition in shoots. Phenolic contents were higher during the LVS than EVS in the absence and the presence of salt. Under control conditions, RP‐HPLC analysis of the methanolic extract of marjoram dried shoots showed a predominance of flavonoid during the EVS whereas phenolic acids predominated during the LVS. However, under 75 mM NaCl, we noted a predominance of flavonoid at LVS and constant levels of phenolic and flavonoid classes at the EVS. For control treatment and at both EVS and LVS, the main components identified were respectively rosmarinic acid gallic as phenolic acids and amentoflavone as flavonoid. In the presence of salt and at the EVS, we observed a significant increase in trans‐2 hydrocinnamic, gallic acid and quercetin‐3‐galactoside contents. However, for the LVS, salt induced a stimulation of gallic acid, apigenin, and amentoflavone. Our results showed that LVS had the highest contents of bioactive compounds, and could be considered as the best stage for harvesting marjoram plants.Practical Application:  In this study, the fatty acid composition, essential oil, and phenolic content of Origanum majorana were investigated. This is important for potential application of marjoram as functional food at the late vegetative stage. The richness of O. majorana in volatile and phenolic active compounds known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities could support the utilization of this plant in a large field of application including cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agro alimentary, and biological defense.
Sociological Research on Feminism and the Women’s Movement: Ideology, Identity, and Practice
Authors: Harnois Catherine E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article provides an overview of sociological research on three aspects of feminism: feminism as an ideology; feminism as an identity; and feminism as a practice. I summarize the main contributions of sociological research in each of these areas, and highlight the overarching contributions for understanding contemporary feminism. Three contributions are key. First, sociological research highlights the existence multiple varieties of feminism –“feminisms” as opposed to a singular “feminism.” Second, this research reveals that feminist ideologies, identities, and movements are each dynamic – they have changed historically, and continue to change in response to shifting socio‐political, economic, and technological landscapes. Third, sociological research demonstrates that feminism is alive and well, and in many senses thriving, in the contemporary United States. Though some aspects of feminism are more widespread than others, sociological research challenges the notion that feminism, on the whole, has declined. As an ideology, an identity, and a practice, feminism remains strong in the contemporary United States.
Latin American Identity Politics: Redefining Citizenship
Authors: Warren Sarah D. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIdentity‐based social movements and politics have played an important role in Latin America since the 1970s and continue to do so today. In this essay, I argue that this form of politics – as it has taken shape across Latin America – has been defined by its intersectionality. I trace the ways in which neoliberalism has facilitated a certain kind of identity politics while limiting more radical political claims. I argue that identity politics have contributed to the current “pink tide” sweeping across the continent and are in continual dialogue with these new leftist governments as they redefine what it means to be citizen and what the relationship between state and citizen should be.
Women’s Cultures and Social Movements in Global Contexts
Authors: Hurwitz Heather McKee , Taylor Verta 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article examines the role that women’s cultures and communities have played in political protest and social change. We argue that women’s cultures, which form around the reproductive roles, labor, and emotional expectations placed on women, have been used to express femininity and as cultural resources or “toolkits” to transform male‐dominated spheres of society. We begin by defining women’s cultures, emphasizing that there is no universal women’s culture because the structural arrangements and cultural meanings of gender vary by race, ethnicity, class, nationality, and political context. We then review research that demonstrates the significance of women’s cultures for the collective identities and tactics deployed in social movements and protest, demonstrating how the study of women’s cultures and gender processes in social movements has contributed empirically and theoretically to understanding social movements. We examine women’s cultures and collective identities in communities as wide ranging as self‐help groups, lesbian communities, feminist organizations, and anti‐feminist groups. We then draw on prevailing theories of cultural change in globalization studies (cultural differentialism, cultural convergence, and cultural hybridization) to understand how women’s cultures have contributed to social change. We conclude by identifying future directions for the study of women’s cultures and social movements.
Finite element analysis to compare stress distribution of gold alloy, lithium‐disilicate reinforced glass ceramic and zirconia based fixed partial denture
Authors: Zheng Zhiqiang , Lin Jie , Shinya Akikazu , Matinlinna Jukka P. , Botelho Michael G. , Shinya Akiyoshi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimClinical data indicate that veneer chipping of zirconia core is more likely than with ceramic‐fused‐to‐metal structures. The purposes of this simulation study were to: (a) use two‐dimensional finite element modeling to simulate stresses at the interface of three‐unit posterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made with three different core materials; and (b) to investigate the influence of three different veneer thicknesses on the stress distribution within the veneer–core complex.MethodsA mesio‐distal cross‐section of a three‐unit FPD was digitized and used to create two‐dimensional models of the teeth, supporting bone, different core materials (gold alloy, zirconia and lithia‐disilicate reinforced glass ceramic), and different pontic preparation configurations (occlusal veneer thickness 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm). A simulated 100 N vertical occlusal load was applied to the standardized pontic element. Compression stress and tensile stress values were calculated by finite element analysis along the veneer–core interface and compared.ResultsThe veneer–core interfacial stress of zirconia‐based FPD is greater than that of gold alloy and lithium‐disilicate reinforced glass ceramic core. The veneer–core interface stress value decreased with increasing occlusal veneer thickness.ConclusionsFinite element modeling revealed differences in tensile and compressive stresses between different pontic preparation configurations and core materials. In general, gold alloy and lithium‐disilicate reinforced glass ceramic core provided more even stress distribution at the connector and pontic of fixed partial denture than a zirconia framework.
Effects of a self‐care promoting problem‐based learning programme in people with rheumatic diseases: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Arvidsson Susann , Bergman Stefan , Arvidsson Barbro , Fridlund Bengt , Tingström Pia 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of a self‐care promoting problem‐based learning programme for people with rheumatic diseases in terms of health‐related quality of life, empowerment, and self‐care ability.BackgroundIndividuals with rheumatoid arthritis express a great need for education and support in adapting to the disease, but the average qualities of studies about patient education interventions are not high. There is no evidence of long‐term benefits of patient education.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsA randomized controlled design was selected with test at baseline, 1‐week and 6‐month post‐interventions after completed the 1‐year programme. The tests consisted of validity and reliability tested instruments. The participants were randomly assigned in spring 2009 to either the experimental group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 148). The programme was running alongside the standard care the participants received at a rheumatology unit. Parametric and non‐parametric tests were used in the analyses.ResultsThe participants in the experimental group had statistically significant stronger empowerment after participation in the self‐care promoting problem‐based learning programme compared with the control group, at the 6‐month post‐intervention. Approximately, two‐thirds of the participants in the experimental group stated that they had implemented lifestyle changes due to the programme.ConclusionThe self‐care promoting problem‐based learning programme enabled people with rheumatic diseases to improve their empowerment compared with the control group. It is important to continue to develop problem‐based learning in patient education to find the very best way to use this pedagogical method in rheumatology care.
Transient elastography: a meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy in evaluation of portal hypertension in chronic liver disease
Authors: Shi Ke‐Qing , Fan Yu‐Chen , Pan Zhen‐Zhen , Lin Xian‐Feng , Liu Wen‐Yue , Chen Yong‐Ping , Zheng Ming‐Hua 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesTransient elastography (TE), as a non‐invasive method, has been studied for evaluation of portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) with variable results. We studied the performance of TE for detection of significant portal hypertension, oesophageal varices and large oesophageal varices using meta‐analysis.MethodsPubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and ISI web of Knowledge were searched. The studies published in English relating to the diagnostic value of TE for significant portal hypertension, oesophageal varices and large oesophageal varices in patients with CLD were collected.ResultsA total of 18 studies, which included 3644 patients were analysed. Summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.81–0.95) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.58–0.91) for significant portal hypertension, and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.80–0.92) and 0.53 (95% CI, 0.36–0.69) for oesophageal varices and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.71–0.94) and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.45–0.72) for large oesophageal varices respectively. The HSROCs were 0.93 for significant portal hypertension, 0.84 for oesophageal varices and 0.78 for large oesophageal varices respectively. TE was very informative with 81% probability of correctly detection significant portal hypertension following a ‘positive’ measurement (over the threshold value) and lowering the probability of disease to as low as 11% when ‘negative’ measurement (below the threshold value) when pre‐test probability was 50% whereas, for oesophageal varices or large oesophageal varices, the probability of a correct diagnosis following a ‘positive’ measurement did not exceeded 70%.ConclusionsTE could be used as a good screening tool for significant portal hypertension, but only moderate diagnostic utility for the prediction of oesophageal varices or large oesophageal varices.
Rise and fall of a wolf population: genetic diversity and structure during recovery, rapid expansion and drastic decline
Authors: Jansson E. , Ruokonen M. , Kojola I. , Aspi J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe grey wolves (Canis lupus) of Finland have had a varied history, with a period of rapid population expansion after the mid‐1990s followed by a decline with a current census size of about 140 wolves. Here, we investigate the impact of unstable population size and connectivity on genetic diversity and structure in a long‐term genetic study of 298 Finnish wolves born in 1995–2009 and genotyped for 17 microsatellite loci. During the initial recovery and prior to population expansion, genetic diversity was high (1995–1997: LD‐Ne = 67.2; Ho = 0.749; He = 0.709) despite a small census size and low number of breeders (Nc < 100; Nb < 10) likely reflecting the status of the Russian source population. Surprisingly, observed heterozygosity decreased significantly during the study period (t = −2.643, P = 0.021) despite population expansion, likely a result of an increase in inbreeding (FIS = 0.108 in 2007–2009) owing to a low degree of connectivity with adjacent Russian wolf population (m = 0.016–0.090; FST = 0.086, P < 0.001) and population crash after 2006. However, population growth had a temporary positive impact on Ne and number of family lines. This study shows that even strong population growth alone might not be adequate to retain genetic diversity, especially when accompanied with low amount of subsequent gene flow and population decline.
The fate of duplicated genes in a polyploid plant genome
Authors: Roulin Anne , Auer Paul L. , Libault Marc , Schlueter Jessica , Farmer Andrew , May Greg , Stacey Gary , Doerge Rebecca W. , Jackson Scott A. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryPolyploidy is generally not tolerated in animals, but is widespread in plant genomes and may result in extensive genetic redundancy. The fate of duplicated genes is poorly understood, both functionally and evolutionarily. Soybean (Glycine max L.) has undergone two separate polyploidy events (13 and 59 million years ago) that have resulted in 75% of its genes being present in multiple copies. It therefore constitutes a good model to study the impact of whole‐genome duplication on gene expression. Using RNA‐seq, we tested the functional fate of a set of approximately 18 000 duplicated genes. Across seven tissues tested, approximately 50% of paralogs were differentially expressed and thus had undergone expression sub‐functionalization. Based on gene ontology and expression data, our analysis also revealed that only a small proportion of the duplicated genes have been neo‐functionalized or non‐functionalized. In addition, duplicated genes were often found in collinear blocks, and several blocks of duplicated genes were co‐regulated, suggesting some type of epigenetic or positional regulation. We also found that transcription factors and ribosomal protein genes were differentially expressed in many tissues, suggesting that the main consequence of polyploidy in soybean may be at the regulatory level.
Cross-Site Soil Microbial Communities under Tillage Regimes: Fungistasis and Microbial Biomarkers
Authors: Sipilä Timo P. , Yrjälä Kim , Alakukku Laura , Palojärvi Ansa 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The exploitation of soil ecosystem services by agricultural management strategies requires knowledge of microbial communities in different management regimes. Crop cover by no-till management protects the soil surface, reducing the risk of erosion and nutrient leaching, but might increase straw residue-borne and soilborne plant-pathogenic fungi. A cross-site study of soil microbial communities and
Fusarium
fungistasis was conducted on six long-term agricultural fields with no-till and moldboard-plowed treatments. Microbial communities were studied at the topsoil surface (0 to 5 cm) and bottom (10 to 20 cm) by general bacterial and actinobacterial terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses.
Fusarium culmorum
soil fungistasis describing soil receptivity to plant-pathogenic fungi was explored by using the surface layer method. Soil depth had a significant impact on general bacterial as well as actinobacterial communities and PLFA profiles in no-till treatment, with a clear spatial distinction of communities (
P
< 0.05), whereas the depth-related separation of microbial communities was not observed in plowed fields. The fungal biomass was higher in no-till surface soil than in plowed soil (
P
< 0.07). Soil total microbial biomass and fungal biomass correlated with fungistasis (
P
< 0.02 for the sum of PLFAs;
P
< 0.001 for PLFA 18:2ω6). Our cross-site study demonstrated that agricultural management strategies can have a major impact on soil microbial community structures, indicating that it is possible to influence the soil processes with management decisions. The interactions between plant-pathogenic fungi and soil microbial communities are multifaceted, and a high level of fungistasis could be linked to the high microbial biomass in soil but not to the specific management strategy.