bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children <5 years of age in Greece: hospital-based prospective surveillance (2008–2010)
Authors: Konstantopoulos Andreas , Tragiannidis Athanasios , Fouzas Sotirios , Kavaliotis Ioannis , Tsiatsou Olga , Michailidou Elisa , Spanaki Ariana , Mantagos Stefanos , Kafetzis Dimitris , Papaevangelou Vana , Gopala Kusuma , Holl Katsiaryna 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesThis study describes the epidemiology of rotavirus (RV) gastroenteritis (GE) disease following the introduction of RV vaccination in Greece in 2006.DesignA prospective hospital-based surveillance.SettingA multicentre study was conducted at six hospitals in Greece between July 2008 and March 2010. The hospitals selected served 70% of the paediatric population in Greece.ParticipantsChildren aged <5 years who visited the emergency rooms (ERs) or hospitalised with acute GE or acquired acute GE 48 h after hospitalisation and with a confirmed RV-positive stool test were enrolled.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe occurrence of RVGE among all acute GE ER visits and hospitalisations and the occurrence of nosocomial RVGE are reported with 95% exact CI. Age-specific proportions of RVGE, seasonality and prevalence of RV genotypes were estimated. Incidence rates of nosocomial acute GE and RVGE are expressed in terms of 1000 children-years with 95% exact Poisson CI. Median duration of hospitalisation and prolongation of hospitalisation due to nosocomial RVGE were reported.ResultsRVGE proportions were 10.7% (95% CI 5.5% to 18.3%) and 23.8% (95% CI 20.0% to 28.0%) of acute GE ER visits and hospitalisations, respectively; and 21.6% (95% CI 9.8% to 38.2%) of nosocomial acute GE cases. The majority of RVGE cases occurred in children aged <24 months (53%). RV infection peaked between December and May (31.4%). The most common RV genotypes were G4 (59.6%) and P[8] (75.2%). The median duration of RVGE hospitalisation was 4 days (range 1–10 days). Incidence of nosocomial RVGE was 0.3 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.7)/1000 children-years. The median prolongation of hospitalisation due to nosocomial RVGE was 5 days (range 4–7 days).ConclusionsOur analysis report low proportions of RVGE among acute GE cases in Greece which may be attributable to available RV vaccination in Greece. Future impact/effectiveness studies are necessary to confirm this finding.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT00751686.
Polytobacco use and multiple-product smoking among a random community sample of African-American adults
Authors: Corral Irma , Landrine Hope , Simms Denise Adams , Bess Jukelia J 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesLittle is known about polytobacco use among African-American adults. This study is the first to explore this among a random, statewide, community sample of African-American adults.SettingCommunity-based sampling obtained a random, household-probability sample of African-American adults from California, surveyed door to door in randomly selected census tracts statewide.ParticipantsParticipants were a statewide, random-household sample of N=2118 African-American adults from California who completed a survey on past 30-day smoking of cigarettes, blunts, bidis, kreteks, cigarillos, marijuana and cigars.ResultsAlmost half (49.3%) of the African-American cigarette-smokers and 14.9% of the cigarette non-smokers had smoked at least one non-cigarette product in the past 30 days. Smokers had a substantial prevalence of smoking cigarillos (28.7%) and blunts (27.7%). Logistic regressions revealed that the odds of smoking most of the non-cigarette products were higher for cigarette smokers and men, inversely related to age, and unrelated to socioeconomic status. However, smoking of blunts, bidis and kreteks was not predicted by cigarette smoking.ConclusionsSmoking of cigarillos (eg,Phillies,Black & Mild) and blunts may be prevalent among African-American cigarette-smokers and non-smokers alike, but such products are not examined in most population-level smoking research. Smoking of these products should be included in surveillance studies, in cancer prevention programmes and in healthcare provider-assessment of smoking, and addressed in smoking cessation programmes as well.
Maternal post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and alcohol dependence and child behaviour outcomes in mother–child dyads infected with HIV: a longitudinal study
Authors: Nöthling Jani , Martin Cherie L , Laughton Barbara , Cotton Mark F , Seedat Soraya 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesHIV and psychiatric disorders are prevalent and often concurrent. Childbearing women are at an increased risk for both HIV and psychiatric disorders, specifically depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Poor mental health in the peripartum period has adverse effects on infant development and behaviour. Few studies have investigated the relationship between maternal PTSD and child behaviour outcomes in an HIV vertically infected sample. The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal postpartum trauma exposure and PTSD were risk factors for child behaviour problems. In addition, maternal depression, alcohol abuse and functional disability were explored as cofactors.SettingThe study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa.Participants70 mother–child dyads infected with HIV were selected from a group of participants recruited from community health centres.DesignThe study followed a longitudinal design. Five measures were used to assess maternal trauma exposure, PTSD, depression, alcohol abuse and functional disability at 12 months postpartum: Life Events Checklist (LEC), Harvard Trauma Scale (HTS), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) Scale and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Child behaviour was assessed at 42 months with the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL).ResultsThe rate of maternal disorder was high with 50% scoring above the cut-off for depression, 22.9% for PTSD and 7% for alcohol abuse. Half of the children scored within the clinical range for problematic behaviour. Children of mothers with depression were significantly more likely to display total behaviour problems than children of mothers without depression. Maternal PTSD had the greatest explanatory power for child behaviour problems, although it did not significantly predict child outcomes.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of identifying and managing maternal PTSD and depression in mothers of children infected with HIV. The relationship between maternal PTSD and child behaviour warrants further investigation.
Medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards contraceptive use and counselling: a cross-sectional survey in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Hogmark Sara , Klingberg-Allvin Marie , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Ohlsson Hannes , Essén Birgitta 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards contraceptive use and counselling among medical students in Maharashtra, India.SettingConsiderable global maternal mortality and morbidity could be avoided through the use of effective contraception. In India, contraception services are frequently unavailable or there are obstacles to obtaining modern, reversible contraceptives.ParticipantsA cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 1996 medical students in their fifth year of study at 27 medical colleges in the state of Maharashtra, India. Descriptive and analytical statistics interpreted the survey instrument and significant results were presented with 95% CI.ResultsRespondents expressed a desire to provide contraceptive services. A few students had experienced training in abortion care. There were misconceptions about modern contraceptive methods and the impact of sex education. Attitudes towards contraception were mainly positive, premarital counselling was supported and the influence of traditional values and negative provider attitudes on services was recognised. Gender, area of upbringing and type of medical college did not change the results.ConclusionsDespite mostly positive attitudes towards modern contraceptives, sex education and family planning counselling, medical students in Maharashtra have misconceptions about modern methods of contraception. Preservice and in-service training in contraceptive counselling should be implemented in order to increase women's access to evidence-based maternal healthcare services.
High curvature of the internal carotid artery is associated with the presence of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Lauric Alexandra , Safain Mina G , Hippelheuser James , Malek Adel M 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveAneurysm formation in locations not involving vascular bifurcations has not been thoroughly analyzed. This study evaluated the relationship between the degree of vessel curvature and the presence of intracranial sidewall aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA).MethodsCatheter-based 3D-rotational angiographic volumes and demographic data were available for 130 ICAs. Mean and peak curvatures were evaluated for the intracranial ICA (50 mm caudal from ICA bifurcation) and for its distal segment (from ICA bifurcation to carotid siphon). Four ICA groups, statistically matched for age, were identified: non-aneurysmal women (n=33) and men (n=25), aneurysmal women (n=58) and men (n=14). Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to evaluate statistical performance.ResultsAneurysmal ICAs had significantly higher mean curvatures than non-aneurysmal ICAs in both the intracranial (p<0.001) and the distal ICA (p<0.001) for both genders. Peak curvature was significantly higher in aneurysmal versus non-aneurysmal men (p=0.008) but not in aneurysmal versus non-aneurysmal women (p=0.12). Mean curvature in non-aneurysmal ICAs was lower in men than in women but higher in aneurysmal ICAs in men than in women. In multivariate analysis, curvature was highly correlated with aneurysm presence but was independent of age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking status.ConclusionsThe presence of a sidewall aneurysm on the ICA is associated with high curvature in both genders. High curvature of the intracranial ICA, as well as of the distal segment, may indicate a higher risk for aneurysm formation. Non-aneurysmal ICAs are less curved in men than in women, which may explain the gender predisposition to aneurysm formation.
Evaluation of patients’ attitudes towards stroke prevention and bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Regpala Steffi , Lacombe Shawn , Sharma Mukul , Gibbens Sabra , Ball David , Francis Kori , LaHaye Stephen 
Published: December 2013

SummaryPatient’s values and preferences regarding the relative importance of preventing strokes and avoiding bleeding are now recognised to be of great importance in deciding on therapy for the prevention of stroke due to atrial fibrillation (SPAF). We used an iPad questionnaire to determine the minimal clinically important difference (Treatment Threshold) and the maximum number of major bleeding events that a patient would be willing to endure in order to prevent one stroke (Bleeding Ratio) for the initiation of antithrombotic therapy in 172 hospital in-patients with documented non-valvular atrial fibrillation in whom anticoagulant therapy was being considered. Patients expressed strong opinions regarding SPAF. We found that 12% of patients were “medication averse” and were not willing to consider antithrombotic therapy; even if it was 100% effective in preventing strokes. Of those patients who were willing to consider antithrombotic therapy, 42% were identified as “risk averse” and 15% were “risk tolerant”. Patients required at least a 0.8% (NNT=125) annual absolute risk reduction and 15% relative risk reduction in the risk of stroke in order to agree to initiate antithrombotic therapy, and patients were willing to endure 4.4 major bleeds in order to prevent one stroke. In conclusion, there was a substantial amount of inter-patient variability, and often extreme differences in opinion regarding tolerance of bleeding risk in the context of stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. These findings highlight the importance of considering patient preferences when deciding on SPAF therapy.
Tissue factor/factor VIIa induces cell survival and gene transcription by transactivation of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor
Authors: Åberg Mikael , Eriksson Oskar , Mokhtari Dariush , Siegbahn Agneta 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is known to promote survival and has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disease states, including cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Recently, we showed that binding of coagulation factor VIIa (FVIIa) to its receptor tissue factor (TF) protects cancer cells from TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. Here we present evidence that this biological function of TF/FVIIa is dependent on the IGF-1R. IGF-1R inhibitors AG1024 and PPP as well as siRNA-mediated downregulation of IGF-1R, abolished the TF/FVIIa-mediated protection against TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Moreover, FVIIa rapidly induced a time- and concentration-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the IGF-1R in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and in primary human monocytes, an event that was accompanied by IGF-1R chromatin binding and gene transcription. We hereby present novel evidence of a cross-talk between the coagulation and IGF-1R signalling systems, and propose that the IGF-1R is a key player in mediating TF/FVIIa-induced cell survival.
Fractalkine promotes platelet activation and vascular dysfunction in congestive heart failure
Authors: Hildemann Steven K. , Schulz Christian , Fraccarollo Daniela , Schöpp Corinna , Flierl Ulrike , Wissel Kerstin , Pelisek Jaroslav , Massberg Steffen , Bauersachs Johann , Schäfer Andreas 
Published: December 2013

SummaryEndothelial dysfunction and enhanced platelet reactivity in congestive heart failure (CHF) contribute to poor prognosis. CHF patients display an impaired responsiveness to clopidogrel. Fractalkine activates platelets and elevated plasma levels of this chemokine are a feature of CHF. We here addressed the interrelation of fractalkine, platelet reactivity and clopidogrel efficacy in humans and rats with CHF. Fractalkine serum levels determined by ELISA were increased in CHF patients (CHF: 1548 ± 650 pg/ml; Control: 968 ± 575 pg/ml, p<0.01) and following CHF induction in rats (CHF: 1509 ± 753 pg/ ml; Sham: 1181 ± 275 pg/ml, p<0.05). Expression of fractalkine and its receptor CX3CR1 was enhanced in aortas of CHF rats as determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and molecular analysis. Fractalkine significantly aggravated endothelial dysfunction and augmented P-selectin expression on platelets from CHF rats. Platelet surface expression of CX3CR1 was increased in CHF rats, who displayed an impaired response to clopidogrel (platelet reactivity to ADP: CHF 30 ± 22%; Sham: 8 ± 5%, p<0.05). Similarly in humans with CHF, elevated fractalkine levels were accompanied by reduced clopidogrel responsiveness. Patients with high on-clopidogrel treatment platelet P2Y12 reactivity displayed higher fractalkine levels (1525 ± 487 pg/ml) than those with sufficient clopidogrel response (684 ± 315 pg/ml, p<0.01). In conclusion, in CHF fractalkine was increased on the endothelium and in blood serum, and platelet surface- expression of CX3CR1 was enhanced. Fractalkine diminished endothelial function beyond the impairment already observed in CHF and was associated with a reduced responsiveness to the platelet inhibitor clopidogrel. These findings may indicate a novel pathophysiological mechanism contributing to impaired clopidogrel responsiveness in CHF.
Thrombin-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength: Relation to high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity, genotype, and post-percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes
Authors: Jeong Young-Hoon , Bliden Kevin P. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Tantry Udaya S. , Gurbel Paul A. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe relationship between thrombin-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength (MATHROMBIN), genotype and high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of MATHROMBIN measured by thrombelastography on HPR and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-treated patients during aspirin and clopidogrel therapy. MATHROMBIN, platelet aggregation, genotype, and two-year MACE were assessed in 197 PCI-treated patients. HPR was defined as 5 µM ADP-induced PR46% measured by conventional aggregometry. Both high MATHROMBIN ( 68 mm) and CYP2C19*2 allele carriage were independently associated with ADP-induced platelet aggregation ([uni03B2] coefficient: 8.3% and 12.0%, respectively). The combination of CYP2C19*2 allele carriage and high MATHROMBIN increased the predictive value for the risk of HPR (odds ratio: 13.89; 95% confidence interval: 3.41 to 55.56; p < 0.001). MACE occurred in 25 patients (12.7%). HPR and high MATHROMBIN were both associated with MACE (hazard ratio: 3.09 and 2.24, respectively), and patients with both HPR and high MATHROMBIN showed an increased risk for MACE (adjusted hazard ratio: 5.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.85 to 16.67; p = 0.002). In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that high platelet-fibrin clot strength is an independent determinant of HPR in PCI-treated patients. Combining the measurements of platelet aggregation and platelet-fibrin clot strength may enhance post-PCI risk stratification and deserves further study.
Factor XIIa inhibition by Infestin-4: in vitro mode of action and in vivo antithrombotic benefit
Authors: Xu Yiming , Cai Tian-Quan , Castriota Gino , Zhou Yuchen , Hoos Lizbeth , Jochnowitz Nina , Loewrigkeit Christopher , Cook John A. , Wickham Alexandra , Metzger Joseph M. , Ogletree Martin L. , Seiffert Dietmar A. , Chen Zhu 
Published: December 2013

SummaryCoagulation factor XII (FXII) plays a central role in initiating the intrinsic cascade of blood coagulation. Purified recombinant Human Albumin- tagged Infestin-4 (rHA-Infestin-4) is a recently described FXIIa inhibitor that displayed strong anticoagulant activity without compromising haemostasis in several animal models. We pursued detailed in vitro characterisation of rHA-Infestin-4 and demonstrated that it is a competitive inhibitor of FXIIa with slow on and off rate constants for binding (kon
=5x105 M-1s-1, koff
=6x10–4 s-1), it can block FXIIa activation of its physiological substrates (plasma prekallikrein and FXI), and it can inhibit ellagic acid-triggered thrombin generation in plasma. Potency and selectivity profiling in enzyme assays suggest that rHAInfestin- 4 is indeed highly potent on FXIIa (IC50=0.3 ± 0.06, 1.5 ± 0.06, 1.2 ± 0.09 nM, for human, rat, and rabbit FXIIa, respectively) with at least >100-fold selectivity against factors IIa, Xa, IXa, XIa, VIIa, and plasma kallikrein in all three species. rHA-Infestin-4 dose-dependently and markedly reduced clot weight in the arteriovenous shunt thrombosis model in rats and rabbits, accompanied with minimal increase in cuticle bleeding times in either species. rHA-Infestin-4 treatment at 5 mg/kg in rabbit resulted in a 13% reduction in ex vivo FXa activity, demonstrating a modest off-target effect. In summary, our findings confirmed and extended previous reports that inhibition of FXIIa by rHA-Infestin-4 can produce strong antithrombotic efficacy while preserving haemostasis. Our comprehensive selectivity profiling, mode of action, and kinetic studies of rHA-Infestin-4 reveal limitations of this molecule and offer new perspectives on any potential effort of discovering novel FXIIa inhibitors.
Estructuras focalizadoras em español y portugués
Authors: Sedano Mercedes 
Published: December 2013

El presente trabajo, que se basa em la metodología y resultados de Sedano (1994), está destinado a analizar la variación en las cláusulas seudohendidas (SH) y las clásulas com verbo ser focalizador (SF) encontradas en obras literarias del español y del portugués con el fin de observar el comportamiento de las mencionadas estructuras en ambas lenguas. Los resultados indican que, mientras en el español escrito sólo aparecen cláusulas SH, en el portugués escrito se registran tanto SH como SF; el análisis de esta lengua indica que las SH se emplean mayoritariamente para focalizar frases nominales en tanto que las SF se usan sobre todo para focalizar preposicionales. El que los resultados del portugués coincidan com los obtenidos por Sedano (1994) en un corpus del español hablado de Caracas confirma la existencia de razones comunicativo-funcionales que condicionan la selección de cada estructura dependiendo de la categoría gramatical que se desea focalizar.
Investigating Hector Convective Development and Microphysical Structure Using High-Resolution Model Simulations, Ground-Based Radar Data, and TRMM Satellite Data
Authors: Gentile Sabrina , Ferretti Rossella , Marzano Frank Silvio 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
One event of a tropical thunderstorm typically observed in northern Australia, known as Hector, is investigated using high-resolution model output from the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) observations from a ground-based weather radar located in Berrimah (Australia) and data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. The analysis is carried out by tracking the full life cycle of Hector from prestorm stage to the decaying stage. In both the prestorm stage, characterized by nonprecipitating cells, and the triggering stage, when the Hector storm is effectively initiated, an analysis is performed with the aid of high-spatial-and-temporal-resolution MM5 output and the Berrimah ground-based radar imagery. During the mature (“old”) stage of Hector, considering the conceptual model for tropical convection suggested by R. Houze, TRMM Microwave Imager satellite-based data were added to ground-based radar data to analyze the storm vertical structure (dynamics, thermodynamics, and hydrometeor contents). Model evaluation with respect to observations (radar reflectivity and TRMM data) suggests that MM5 performed fairly well in reproducing the dynamics of Hector, providing support to the assertion that the strength of convection, in terms of vertical velocity, largely contributes to the vertical distribution of hydrometeors. Moreover, the stages of the storm and its vertical structure display good agreement with Houze’s aforementioned conceptual model. Finally, it was found that the most important triggering mechanisms for this Hector event are topography, the sea breeze, and a gust front produced by previous convection.