bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in a rural district of Beijing, China: a population-based survey of 58,308 residents
Authors: He Liu , Tang Xun , Song Yan , Li Na , Li Jingrong , Zhang Zongxin , Liu Jianjiang , Yu Liping , Xu Haitao , Zhang Jianguo , Hu Yonghua 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global disease burden. Although stroke was thought to be more prevalent than coronary heart disease (CHD) in Chinese, the epidemic pattern might have been changed in some rural areas nowadays. This study was to estimate up-to-date prevalence of CVD and its risk factors in rural communities of Fangshan District, Beijing, China.

Methods
A cross-sectional population survey was carried out by stratified cluster sampling. A total of 58,308 rural residents aged over 40 years were surveyed by face-to-face interview and physical examination during 2008 and 2010. The standardized prevalence was calculated according to adult sample data of China's 5th Population Census in 2000, and the adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) was calculated for the association of CHD/stroke with its cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate logistic regression models.

Results
Age- and sex-standardized prevalence was 5.6% for CHD (5.2% in males and 5.9% in females), higher than the counterpart of 3.7% (4.7% in males and 2.6% in females) for stroke. Compared with previous studies, higher prevalence of 7.7%, 47.2%, 53.3% in males and 8.2%, 44.8%, 60.7% in females for diabetes, hypertension and overweight/obesity were presented accordingly. Moreover, adjusted POR (95% confidence interval) of diabetes, obesity, stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension for CHD as 2.51 (2.29 to 2.75), 1.53 (1.38 to 1.70), 1.13 (1.02 to 1.26) and 1.35 (1.20 to 1.52), and for stroke as 2.24 (1.98 to 2.52), 1.25 (1.09 to 1.44), 1.44 (1.25 to 1.66) and 1.70 (1.46 to 1.98) were shown respectively in the multivariate logistic regression models.

Conclusions
High prevalence of CVD and probably changed epidemic pattern in rural communities of Beijing, together with the prevalent cardiovascular risk factors and population aging, might cause public health challenges in rural Chinese population.
Genotypes and serotype distribution of macrolide resistant invasive and non- invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Lebanon
Authors: Taha Nedal , Araj George F , Wakim Rima H , Kanj Souha S , Kanafani Zeina A , Sabra Ahmad , Khairallah Marie-Therese , Nassar Farah J , Shehab Marwa , Baroud Maysa , Dbaibo Ghassan , Matar Ghassan M 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis study determined macrolide resistance genotypes in clinical isolates ofStreptococcus pneumoniaefrom multiple medical centers in Lebanon and assessed the serotype distribution in relation to these mechanism(s) of resistance and the source of isolate recovery.MethodsForty four macrolide resistant and 21 macrolide susceptibleS. pneumoniaeclinical isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility according to CLSI guidelines (2008) and underwent molecular characterization. Serotyping of these isolates was performed by Multiplex PCR-based serotype deduction using CDC protocols. PCR amplification of macrolide resistanterm(encoding methylase) andmef(encoding macrolide efflux pump protein) genes was carried out.ResultsAmong 44 isolates resistant to erythromycin, 35 were resistant to penicillin and 18 to ceftriaxone. Examination of 44 macrolide resistant isolates by PCR showed that 16 isolates harbored theerm(B) gene, 8 isolates harbored themefgene, and 14 isolates harbored both theerm(B) andmefgenes. There was no amplification by PCR of theerm(B) ormefgenes in 6 isolates. Seven different capsular serotypes 2, 9V/9A,12F, 14,19A, 19F, and 23, were detected by multiplex PCR serotype deduction in 35 of 44 macrolide resistant isolates, with 19F being the most prevalent serotype. With the exception of serotype 2, all serotypes were invasive. Isolates belonging to the invasive serotypes 14 and 19F harbored botherm(B) andmefgenes. Nine of the 44 macrolide resistant isolates were non-serotypable by our protocols.ConclusionMacrolide resistance inS. pneumoniaein Lebanon is mainly through target site modification but is also mediated through efflux pumps, with serotype 19F having dual resistance and being the most prevalent and invasive.
Prolonged oral cannabinoid administration prevents neuroinflammation, lowers β-amyloid levels and improves cognitive performance in Tg APP 2576 mice
Authors: Martín-Moreno Ana María , Brera Begoña , Spuch Carlos , Carro Eva , García-García Luis , Delgado Mercedes , Pozo Miguel A , Innamorato Nadia G , Cuadrado Antonio , de Ceballos María L 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain shows an ongoing inflammatory condition and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories diminish the risk of suffering the neurologic disease. Cannabinoids are neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents with therapeutic potential.

Methods
We have studied the effects of prolonged oral administration of transgenic amyloid precursor protein (APP) mice with two pharmacologically different cannabinoids (WIN 55,212-2 and JWH-133, 0.2 mg/kg/day in the drinking water during 4 months) on inflammatory and cognitive parameters, and on 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18FDG) uptake by positron emission tomography (PET).

Results
Novel object recognition was significantly reduced in 11 month old Tg APP mice and 4 month administration of JWH was able to normalize this cognitive deficit, although WIN was ineffective. Wild type mice cognitive performance was unaltered by cannabinoid administration. Tg APP mice showed decreased 18FDG uptake in hippocampus and cortical regions, which was counteracted by oral JWH treatment. Hippocampal GFAP immunoreactivity and cortical protein expression was unaffected by genotype or treatment. In contrast, the density of Iba1 positive microglia was increased in Tg APP mice, and normalized following JWH chronic treatment. Both cannabinoids were effective at reducing the enhancement of COX-2 protein levels and TNF-α mRNA expression found in the AD model. Increased cortical β-amyloid (Aβ) levels were significantly reduced in the mouse model by both cannabinoids. Noteworthy both cannabinoids enhanced Aβ transport across choroid plexus cells in vitro.

Conclusions
In summary we have shown that chronically administered cannabinoid showed marked beneficial effects concomitant with inflammation reduction and increased Aβ clearance.
Listening to the patient as a possible route to cost-effective rehabilitation: a case report
Authors: Grandi Attilia , Mazzola Marcella , Angelini Lucia , Chiappedi Matteo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Adolescents with cerebral palsy often do not need a specific rehabilitative treatment; however, when specific needs are expressed, clinicians should listen and try to answer them.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 17-year-old Italian male patient with hemiplegia who had received standard physiotherapy and, ultimately, after a period of adapted physical activity performed in a group, was under consideration for discharge. However, due to unsatisfactory hand control, he asked for help to reach a personal goal, the ability to drive a motorbike, without surgery. Functional taping showed efficacy, but was neither cost-effective nor practical for the patient and his family; by contrast, a dynamic orthosis associated with training in a real-life environment was instead successful.

Conclusion
The present case underlines the importance of considering solutions involving the motivation and compliance of the patient in order to improve his activity and participation.
Molecular epidemiology of livestock rabies viruses isolated in the northeastern Brazilian states of Paraíba and Pernambuco from 2003 - 2009
Authors: Mochizuki Nobuyuki , Kawasaki Hiroyuki , Silva Maria LCR , Afonso José AB , Itou Takuya , Ito Fumio H , Sakai Takeo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Limited or no epidemiological information has been reported for rabies viruses (RABVs) isolated from livestock in the northeastern Brazilian states of Paraíba (PB) and Pernambuco (PE). The aim of this study was to clarify the molecular epidemiology of RABVs circulating in livestock, especially cattle, in these areas between 2003 and 2009.

Findings
Phylogenetic analysis based on 890 nt of the nucleoprotein (N) gene revealed that the 52 livestock-derived RABV isolates characterized here belonged to a single lineage. These isolates clustered with a vampire bat-related RABV lineage previously identified in other states in Brazil; within PB and PE, this lineage was divided between the previously characterized main lineage and a novel sub-lineage.

Conclusions
The occurrences of livestock rabies in PB and PE originated from vampire bat RABVs, and the causative RABV lineage has been circulating in this area of northeastern Brazil for at least 7 years. This distribution pattern may correlate to that of a vampire bat population isolated by geographic barriers.
Quality of life is impaired in association with the need for prolonged postoperative therapy by somatostatin analogs in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Postma Mark R , Netea-Maier Romana T , van den Berg Gerrit , Homan Jens , Sluiter Wim J , Wagenmakers Margreet A , van den Bergh Alfons C M , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H R , Hermus Ad R M M , van Beek André P 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSTA) after initial pituitary surgery on long-term health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in relation to disease control in patients with acromegaly.DesignThis is a cross-sectional study in two tertiary referral centers in The Netherlands.Patients and methodsOne hundred and eight patients with acromegaly, in whom transsphenoidal (n=101, 94%) or transcranial (n=7, 6%) surgery was performed. Subsequently, 46 (43%) received additional radiotherapy and 41 (38%) were on postoperative treatment with SSTA because of persistent or recurrent disease at the time of study. All subjects filled in standardized questionnaires measuring HR-QoL. Disease control at the time of study was assessed by local IGF1 SDS.ResultsIGF1 SDS were slightly higher in patients treated with SSTA in comparison with patients without use of SSTA (0.85±1.52 vs 0.25±1.21, P=0.026), but the percentage of patients with insufficient control (IGF1 SDS >2) was not different (17 vs 9%, P=0.208). Patients using SSTA reported poorer scores on most subscales of the RAND-36 and the acromegaly QoL and on all subscales of the multidimensional fatigue inventory-20. A subgroup analysis in patients with similar IGF1 levels (SSTA+, n=26, IGF1 SDS 0.44±0.72 vs SSTA−, n=44, IGF1 SDS 0.41±0.65) revealed worse scores on physical functioning, physical fatigue, reduced activity, vitality, and general health perception across all HR-QoL questionnaires in patients treated with SSTA.ConclusionQoL is impaired in association with the need for prolonged postoperative therapy by SSTA in patients with acromegaly despite similar IGF1 levels.
Comparison of the US and Australian Cystic Fibrosis Registries: The Impact of Newborn Screening
Authors: Martin Bradley , Schechter Michael S. , Jaffe Adam , Cooper Peter , Bell Scott C. , Ranganathan Sarath 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
National data registries for cystic fibrosis (CF) enable comparison of health statistics between countries. We examined the US and Australian CF data registries to compare demographics, clinical practice and outcome measures.

METHODS:
We compared the 2003 US and Australian registries. Differences in pulmonary and growth outcomes were assessed by creating models controlling for differences in age, gender, genotype, and diagnosis after newborn screening.

RESULTS:
Data on 12 994 US and 1220 Australian patients aged ≤18 years were analyzed. A significant difference was noted in the proportion who had been diagnosed after newborn screening (Australian 65.8% vs United States 7.2%; P &lt; .001). Australian children had significantly greater mean height percentile (41.0 vs 32.6; P &lt; .001) and weight percentile (43.5 vs 36.1; P = .028) than US children. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted adjusted for age, gender, and genotype was similar in the 2 countries (P = .80). Patients diagnosed after newborn screening had higher mean FEV1 (5.3 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6–7.0]) percent predicted and BMI (0.26 [95% CI: 0.09–0.43]). Mean FEV1 of Australian patients diagnosed after newborn screening was lower by 5.2 (95% CI: 2.8–7.6) percent predicted compared with US children.

CONCLUSIONS:
Children diagnosed with CF after newborn screening benefited from better lung function and BMI than those diagnosed clinically. The benefit of newborn screening on lung function was significantly less in Australian children compared with US children. Statistical comparisons between CF registries are feasible and can contribute to benchmarking and improvements in care.
Cardiac Screening Prior to Stimulant Treatment of ADHD: A Survey of US-Based Pediatricians
Authors: Leslie Laurel K. , Rodday Angie Mae , Saunders Tully S. , Cohen Joshua T. , Wong John B. , Parsons Susan K. 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVES:
To determine pediatricians’ attitudes, barriers, and practices regarding cardiac screening before initiating treatment with stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

METHODS:
A survey of 1600 randomly selected, practicing US pediatricians with American Academy of Pediatrics membership was conducted. Multivariate models were created for 3 screening practices: (1) performing an in-depth cardiac history and physical (H & P) examination, (2) discussing potential stimulant-related cardiac risks, and (3) ordering an electrocardiogram (ECG).

RESULTS:
Of 817 respondents (51%), 525 (64%) met eligibility criteria. Regarding attitudes, pediatricians agreed that both the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) (24%) and legal liability (30%) were sufficiently high to warrant cardiac assessment; 75% agreed that physicians were responsible for informing families about SCD risk. When identifying cardiac disorders, few (18%) recognized performing an in-depth cardiac H & P as a barrier; in contrast, 71% recognized interpreting a pediatric ECG as a barrier. When asked about cardiac screening practices before initiating stimulant treatment for a recent patient, 93% completed a routine H & P, 48% completed an in-depth cardiac H & P, and 15% ordered an ECG. Almost half (46%) reported discussing stimulant-related cardiac risks. Multivariate modeling indicated that ≥1 of these screening practices were associated with physicians’ attitudes about SCD risk, legal liability, their responsibility to inform about risk, their ability to perform an in-depth cardiac H & P, and family concerns about risk.

CONCLUSIONS:
Variable pediatrician attitudes and cardiac screening practices reflect the limited evidence base and conflicting guidelines regarding cardiac screening. Barriers to identifying cardiac disorders influence practice.
Late Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Patients With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Muta Hiromi , Ishii Masahiro , Yashiro Mayumi , Uehara Ritei , Nakamura Yosikazu 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment of Kawasaki disease ≥10 days after illness onset.METHODS:We selected patients initially treated with IVIG on days 11 to 20 in the database of the 20th nationwide survey in Japan. We then selected pair-matched control subjects of the same gender and age, who were initially treated with IVIG on days 4 to 8 with the same dose at the same institutions. We compared the proportions of additional treatments and coronary artery lesions (CALs) between the groups. We also compared fractional changes in various laboratory data before and after IVIG. Fractional change was defined as follows: (Y − X)/X, in which X represents the data before treatment and Y the data after treatment.RESULTS:One hundred fifty patients (75 pairs) were studied. The proportion of patients who received additional treatments among those given initial IVIG after days 10 was slightly lower than those treated earlier (12% vs 16%). The fractional changes in the white blood cell count, % neutrophils, and C-reactive protein were similar. Among all patients, the proportions of CALs during the convalescent phase were significantly higher in the late than in the early group (27% vs 1%). Among patients who had not developed CALs before initial treatment, the proportions with CALs during the acute phase were similar (8% vs 8%).CONCLUSIONS:IVIG treatment ≥10 days after illness onset achieves resolution of inflammation but was found to be insufficient for preventing CALs.
Genetic Causes of Macroglossia: Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Prada Carlos E. , Zarate Yuri A. , Hopkin Robert J. 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:
Evaluate the contribution of standard diagnostic tests for macroglossia when clinical features are not suggestive of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS).

METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of data from clinical, laboratory, and imaging information from children with macroglossia seen at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center between 1997 and 2010 was performed.

RESULTS:
One hundred thirty-five children with macroglossia were identified. Macroglossia was the main reason for consultation in 84 children. Patients were classified on initial examination as isolated macroglossia (n = 24), provisional BWS (n = 36), and syndromic (n = 24). A final diagnosis was reached in 74 patients, and in 10 patients the reason for macroglossia remained undetermined. Among the elucidated cases, BWS was the most common cause of macroglossia (39/84). Six of the 24 patients in the isolated macroglossia group had an abnormal molecular test for BWS (P = .006). Thirteen diagnostic conditions were confirmed in this study, and 42% of the population had a specific diagnosis that was not BWS (35/84).

CONCLUSIONS:
These results can be used to improve our strategy in the evaluation of macroglossia. Distinction between isolated macroglossia and BWS may be difficult when only taking into account clinical features. These findings suggest that all patients with apparently isolated macroglossia have at least initial evaluation with abdominal ultrasounds and molecular studies for BWS before a final diagnosis is given. BWS was the most common cause of macroglossia even in the absence of additional clinical findings.
Strain Analysis of Copper Films During Wet-Chemical Deposition.
Authors: Brüning Ralf , Perry Laura K. , Muir Bruce , Abuzir Alaaedeen , Bamberg Simon , Friz Wolfgang , Dambrowsky Nina , Brüning Frank 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTElectroless (chemical) copper deposition, followed by electrolytic (galvanic) copper deposition, is used to construct electrical interconnects for electronic components on insulating substrate materials. As smooth substrates, such as glass or flexible materials like polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate, are used increasingly, achieving the required level of adhesion becomes more difficult. The film strain is one key variable that influences film adhesion. Standard X-ray diffraction based strain analysis was adapted for in situ strain monitoring during and after wet-chemical copper deposition. The results show that adding nickel suppresses an initial compressive strain that frequently appears in Ni-free baths. Adding ruthenium complexes to a standardized electroless copper formulation gradually shifts the strain from tensile to compressive. Spontaneous recrystallization at room temperature was monitored in detail for films obtained by direct current galvanic copper plating.
Investors' Perceptions of Audit Quality: Effects of Regulatory Change
Authors: Smith Jason L. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARY
In an experiment using M.B.A. students as proxies for individual investors, I examine the effects of two important regulatory changes on investors' perceptions of audit quality. The first change examined is from a bottom-up coverage-based approach for auditing internal controls to a more top-down risk-based approach. The second change is litigation reform further limiting auditor liability exposure following an alleged audit failure. I find that investors perceive a reduction in audit quality following each of the two regulatory changes. These observed effects are mediated by a perceived focus on efficiency for the new auditing standard and by a perceived change in the auditor's economic incentives following the proposed litigation reform. I also find that investors believe the perceived reduction in audit quality will lead management to invest fewer resources in internal controls.
Data Availability:  Contact the author.
Empowerment Through Knowledge of Accounting and Related Disciplines: Participatory Action Research in an African Village
Authors: Chung Janne O. Y. , Windsor Carolyn A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
Accounting scholars are challenged to discover ways to facilitate a broader engagement with the oppressed and poor toward a more just and fair world. This paper reports an interaction between an accounting educator and disadvantaged Kenyan villagers in an exploratory attempt to expand the reach of critical accounting research from the confines of academia to practice. In Africa, the end of colonialism left widespread poverty that was exacerbated by illiteracy and ignorance. At the same time, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) required newly independent African states to implement neo-liberal-inspired policies that weakened state social governance. This, in turn, led to the growth of religious and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose policies aimed to fill the gaps in government social services that alleviate inequities. Ignorance enslaves, but knowledge—including knowledge of accounting and financial systems—will empower the poor to evaluate the motives, desirability, and achievements of governmental and NGO services and programs introduced to ease poverty. The specific aim of this modest, grassroots intervention was to share financial knowledge with members of a church in Bungoma, a poor region in Northwestern Kenya. This participatory action research (PAR) intervention was carefully implemented to respect the values and culture of the village participants, and avoided Western values and praxis to maintain the villagers' status quo. Instead, the accounting educator introduced empathetic learning by relating accounting principles to the Christian values of the villagers. The paper concludes with a discussion on the outcomes and limitations of this intervention.
Unleashing the Technical Core: Institutional Theory and the Aftermath of Arthur Andersen
Authors: Sellers R. Drew , Fogarty Timothy J. , Parker Larry M. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
This paper uses the template of institutional theory to explore the impact of organizational de-legitimation on its technical core. To operationalize this, social network theory is used to guide an exploratory study of the diaspora of Andersen employees. The results suggest an unusually high degree of entrepreneurial activity is unleashed once the confining legitimacy of the organizational structure is dissolved. It also shows that the value of social capital possessed by Andersen professionals changed in character and possibly increased in value. The paper offers contributions to institutional theory and the practice of modern accounting.