bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UK stroke incidence, mortality and cardiovascular risk management 1999–2008: time-trend analysis from the General Practice Research Database
Authors: Lee Sally , Shafe Anna C E , Cowie Martin R 
Published: October 2011

ObjectivesStroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate secular trends in stroke across the UK.DesignThis study aimed to investigate recent trends in the epidemiology of stroke in the UK. The study was a time-trend analysis from 1999 to 2008 within the UK General Practice Research Database. Outcome measures were incidence and prevalence of stroke, stroke mortality, rate of secondary cardiovascular events, and prescribing of pharmacological therapy for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.ResultsThe study cohort included 32 151 patients with a first stroke. Stroke incidence fell by 30%, from 1.48/1000 person-years in 1999 to 1.04/1000 person-years in 2008 (p<0.001). Stroke prevalence increased by 12.5%, from 6.40/1000 in 1999 to 7.20/1000 in 2008 (p<0.001). 56-day mortality after first stroke reduced from 21% in 1999 to 12% in 2008 (p<0.0001). Prescribing of drugs to control cardiovascular risk factors increased consistently over the study period, particularly for lipid lowering agents and antihypertensive agents. In patients with atrial fibrillation, use of anticoagulants prior to first stroke did not increase with increasing stroke risk.ConclusionStroke incidence in the UK has decreased and survival after stroke has improved in the past 10 years. Improved drug treatment in primary care is likely to be a major contributor to this, with better control of risk factors both before and after incident stroke. There is, however, scope for further improvement in risk factor reduction in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation.
Analysis of maxillofacial injuries caused by the 2010 Yushu earthquake in China
Authors: Guo Lijuan , Guo Weihua , Li Rui , Sheng Lei , Yang Bo , Tang Wei , Liu Lei , Jing Wei , Wang Hang , Tian Weidong 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundThe condition of maxillofacial injuries after a major earthquake is not well understood because of limited data. The purpose of this study was to describe the maxillofacial injuries caused by the 2010 Yushu earthquake in China.MethodsA total of 126 patients treated for seismic-related injuries at hospitals in the Chengdu area were investigated. Of the 126 patients, 46 (36.5%) had maxillofacial injuries. Gender, age, nationality and injury condition were recorded by talking with the patients and their families. The data were analysed using Microsoft Access 2003 and SPSS software programs.ResultsFor the 46 patients, the female to male ratio was 1.3:1 and the mean age was 36.7 years. Most patients (41, 89.1%) were Tibetan. The most frequent cause of maxillofacial injury was pressing/burying (34 patients, 73.9%). All patients with maxillofacial injuries sustained soft-tissue injuries, 13.0% had facial fractures and 4.3% had dentoalveolar injuries. The soft-tissue injuries were largely combined injuries; 84.8% were bruises and 80.4% were lacerations. The most common injury site was the zygomatic region (54.3%), followed by the forehead (43.5%) and the orbital region (34.8%). Of the six facial fractures, four involved nasal–orbital–ethmoidal region fractures. Most of the maxillofacial injuries (78.3%) were associated with other injuries, of which extremity injuries (55.6%) were the most common.ConclusionAn analysis of the maxillofacial injuries sustained during the Yushu earthquake revealed some of the features of seismic-related maxillofacial injuries. The results from this study may help physicians provide better medical services during future disasters.
Factors associated with bone turnover and speed of sound in early and late-pubertal females
Authors: Klentrou Panagiota , Ludwa Izabella A. , Falk Bareket 
Published: October 2011

This cross-sectional study examines whether maturity, body composition, physical activity, dietary intake, and hormonal concentrations are related to markers of bone turnover and tibial speed of sound (tSOS) in premenarcheal (n = 20, 10.1 ± 1.1 years) and postmenarcheal girls (n = 28, aged 15.0 ± 1.4 years). Somatic maturity was evaluated using years from age of peak height velocity (aPHV). Daily dietary intake was assessed with a 24-h recall interview, and moderate to very vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometry. Plasma levels of 25-OH vitamin D, serum levels of insulin-like growth-factor 1 (IGF-1) and leptin, and serum levels of bone turnover markers including osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and cross-linked N-teleopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) were measured using ELISA. OC, BAP, and NTX were significantly higher while IGF-1 and tSOS were lower in the premenarcheal group. The premenarcheal girls were more active and had higher daily energy intake relative to their body mass but there were no group differences in body mass index percentile. Maturity predicted 40%–57% of the variance in bone turnover markers. Additionally, daily energy intake was a significant predictor of OC, especially in the postmenarcheal group. IGF-1 and MVPA were significant predictors of BAP in the group as a whole. However, examined separately, IGF-1 was a predictor of BAP in the premenarcheal group while MVPA was a predictor in the postmenarcheal group. Adiposity and leptin were both negative predictors of tSOS, with leptin being specifically predictive in the postmenarcheal group. In conclusion, while maturity was the strongest predictor of bone markers and tSOS, dietary intake, physical activity, body composition, and hormonal factors further contribute to the variance in bone turnover and bone SOS in young Caucasian females. Further, the predicting factors of bone turnover and tSOS were different within each maturity group.
Minocycline-Induced Attenuation of Iron Overload and Brain Injury After Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhao Fan , Hua Ya , He Yangdong , Keep Richard F. , Xi Guohua 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—
Brain iron overload plays a detrimental role in brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A recent study found that minocycline acts as an iron chelator and reduces iron-induced neuronal death in vitro. The present study investigated if minocycline reduces iron overload after ICH and iron-induced brain injury in vivo.

Methods—
This study was divided into 4 parts: (1) rats with different sizes of ICH were euthanized 3 days later for serum total iron and brain edema determination; (2) rats had an ICH treated with minocycline or vehicle. Serum iron, brain iron, and brain iron handling proteins were measured; (3) rats had an intracaudate injection of saline, iron, iron+minocycline, or iron+macrophage/microglia inhibitory factor and were used for brain edema and neuronal death measurements; and (4) rats had an intracaudate injection of iron and were treated with minocycline. The brains were used for edema measurement.

Results—
After ICH, serum total iron and brain nonheme iron increased and these changes were reduced by minocycline treatment. Minocycline also reduced ICH-induced upregulation of brain iron handling proteins and neuronal death. Intracaudate injection of iron caused brain edema, blood–brain barrier leakage, and brain cell death, all of which were significantly reduced by coinjection with minocycline.

Conclusions—
The current study found that minocycline reduces iron overload after ICH and iron-induced brain injury. It is also well known minocycline is an inhibitor of microglial activation. Minocycline may be very useful for patients with ICH because both iron accumulation and microglia activation contribute to brain damage after ICH.
Probabilistic Forecast Guidance for Severe Thunderstorms Based on the Identification of Extreme Phenomena in Convection-Allowing Model Forecasts
Authors: Sobash Ryan A. , Kain John S. , Bright David R. , Dean Andrew R. , Coniglio Michael C. , Weiss Steven J. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
With the advent of convection-allowing NWP models (CAMs) comes the potential for new forms of forecast guidance. While CAMs lack the required resolution to simulate many severe phenomena associated with convection (e.g., large hail, downburst winds, and tornadoes), they can still provide unique guidance for the occurrence of these phenomena if “extreme” patterns of behavior in simulated storms are strongly correlated with observed severe phenomena. This concept is explored using output from a series of CAM forecasts generated on a daily basis during the spring of 2008. This output is mined for the presence of extreme values of updraft helicity (UH), a diagnostic field used to identify supercellular storms. Extreme values of the UH field are flagged as simulated “surrogate” severe weather reports and the spatial correspondence between these surrogate reports and actual observed severe reports is determined. In addition, probabilistic forecasts [surrogate severe probabilistic forecasts (SSPFs)] are created from each field’s simulated surrogate severe reports using a Gaussian smoother. The simulated surrogate reports are capable of reproducing the seasonal climatology observed within the field of actual reports. The SSPFs created from the surrogates are verified using ROC curves and reliability diagrams and the sensitivity of the verification metrics to the smoothing parameter in the Gaussian distribution is tested. The SSPFs produce reliable forecast probabilities with minimal calibration. These results demonstrate that a relatively straightforward postprocessing procedure, which focuses on the characteristics of explicitly predicted convective entities, can provide reliable severe weather forecast guidance. It is anticipated that this technique will be even more valuable when implemented within a convection-allowing ensemble forecasting system.
Lessons from the 2004 Asian tsunami: Epidemiological and nosological debates in the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder in non-Western post-disaster communities
Authors: Rajkumar A. P. , Mohan T. S. P. , Tharyan P. 
Published: October 2011

Background: The nosological validity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains controversial in non-Western communities. After natural disasters, epidemiological studies often overlook these conceptual debates and assess post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) by short screening instruments. Such PTSS estimates are reported as inflated prevalence rates of PTSD in post-disaster settings. Aims: To discuss the prevalence and determinants of PTSS within the context of pertinent epidemiological and nosological debates. Methods: We assessed PTSS and grief symptoms of 643 survivors from five Indian villages struck by the Asian tsunami using the Impact of Events Scale – Revised and Complicated Grief Assessment Scale. We adopted a case control design and employed complex sample multiple logistic regression statistics to study the determinants of PTSS. Results: The prevalence of PTSS was 15.1% (95% CI 12.3%–17.9%). PTSS was significantly associated with traumatic grief, female gender, physical injury, death of children and financial losses, but not with functional disability ( p = .91). Conclusions: Although PTSS were common in this population, elevating them to a psychiatric construct of PTSD is questionable, when functional impairment and avoidance behaviours were absent. Grief reactions, socio-economic burden, and poor support systems contribute towards PTSS. We highlight the important issues regarding the nosological validity and epidemiology of PTSD in non-Western communities.
Tumour necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schürks Markus , Rist Pamela M , Zee Robert YL , Chasman Daniel I , Kurth Tobias 
Published: October 2011

Background: Data on the association between TNFα and TNFβ gene polymorphisms and migraine are conflicting. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published until January 2011. We used data from published papers and as provided after contact with the authors. We calculated study specific odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) assuming additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models as well as pooled effect estimates. Results: Among the ten studies identified, the best evidence is available for the TNFα −308G>A and TNFβ 252A > G polymorphisms indicating no overall association with migraine. Subgroup analyses suggested that the A allele of the TNFα −308G > A variant more than doubles the risk for migraine among populations with a heterogeneous ethnic background, which was driven by associations for migraine without aura (additive model: pooled OR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.86–4.43). Further, the risk for migraine with aura was increased among Asian populations (additive model: pooled OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.07–2.71). Both observed effects were stronger among females than males. Conclusions: Our results indicate no overall association between TNFα and TNFβ gene variants and migraine. However, associations differed among specific populations. Our findings need to be treated with caution and further targeted research is warranted to evaluate population-specific effects including population stratification.
Comparison of All-Inside Meniscal Repair Devices With Matched Inside-Out Suture Repair
Authors: Rosso Claudio , Kovtun Konstantin , Dow William , McKenzie Brett , Nazarian Ara , DeAngelis Joseph P. , Ramappa Arun J. 
Published: October 2011

Background: All-inside meniscal repairs are performed with increasing frequency because of the availability of newly developed devices. A comparison of their biomechanical characteristics may aid physicians in selecting a method of meniscal repair. Hypothesis: All-inside meniscal repairs will be superior to their inside-out controls in response to cyclic loading and load-to-failure testing. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixty-six bucket-handle tears in matched porcine menisci were repaired using the Ultra FasT-Fix, Meniscal Cinch, Ultrabraid No. 0, and FiberWire 2-0 sutures. Initial displacement, cyclic loading (100, 300, and 500 cycles), and load-to-failure testing were performed. The displacement, response to cyclic loading, and mode of failure were recorded. The stiffness was calculated. Results: The Meniscal Cinch demonstrated a significantly higher initial displacement than the other methods tested ( P = .04). No significant difference was found among the methods in response to cyclic loading. The inside-out FiberWire repair demonstrated the highest load to failure (120.8 ± 23.5 N) and was significantly higher than both the Meniscal Cinch (64.8 ± 24.1 N, P < .001) and the Ultra FasT-Fix (88.3 ± 14.3 N, P = .002). It was not significantly higher than the inside-out Ultrabraid suture repair (98.8 ± 29.2 N). The inside-out FiberWire repair had the highest stiffness (28.7 ± 7.8 N/mm). It was significantly higher than the Meniscal Cinch (18.0 ± 8.8 N/mm, P = .01). The most common mode of failure in all methods was suture failure. Conclusion: An inside-out suture repair affords surgeons the best overall biomechanical characteristics of the devices tested (initial displacement, response to cyclic loading, and load to failure). For an all-inside repair, the Ultra FasT-Fix reproduces the characteristics of its matched inside-out suture repair more closely than the Meniscal Cinch. Clinical Relevance: Inside-out sutures and all-inside devices have similar responses to cyclic loading.
Prior surgical intervention and tumor size impact clinical outcome after precision radiotherapy for the treatment of optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM)
Authors: Adeberg Sebastian , Welzel Thomas , Rieken Stefan , Debus Jürgen , Combs Stephanie E 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Purpose
We analyzed our long-term experience with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in patients with meningioma of the optic nerve sheath (ONSM).

Patients and Methods
Between January 1991 and January 2010, 40 patients with ONSM were treated using FSRT. Of these, 19 patients received radiotherapy as primary treatment, and 21 patients were treated after surgical resection. The median target volume was 9.2 ml, median total dose was 54 Gy in median single fractions of 1,8 Gy.

Results
Local progression-free survival was 100%. Median survival after FSRT was 60 months (range 4-228 months). In all patients overall toleration of FSRT was very good. Acute toxicity was mild. Prior to RT, 29 patients complained about any kind of visual impairment including visual field deficits, diplopia or amaurosis. Prior surgical resection was identified as a negative prognostic factor for visual outcome, whereas patients with larger tumor volumes demonstrated a higher number of patients with improvement of pre-existing visual deficits.

Conclusion
Long-term outcome after FSRT for ONSM shows improved vision in patients not treated surgically prior to RT; moreover, the best improvement of visual deficits are observed in patients with larger target volumes. The absence of tumor recurrences supports that FSRT is a strong alternative to surgical resection especially in small tumors without extensive compression of normal tissue structures
History of Medicine student selected components at UK medical schools: a questionnaire-based study
Authors: Metcalfe Neil H , Brown Andrew K 
Published: October 2011

Objectives To determine the current status of History of Medicine student selected components (SSC) at UK medical schools. This includes the frequency, methods of delivery, assessment, and evaluation of such courses. Design An 18-item questionnaire was created, piloted, and then sent electronically in January 2010 to participants pertaining to their History of Medicine SSC provision as of 1 January 2010. Initial non-responders were re-sent the questionnaire in February 2010. Setting All UK medical schools. Participants The History of Medicine SSC lead or overall SSC lead at each UK medical school were contacted to ascertain their History of Medicine SSC provision. Main outcome measures Percentages of History of Medicine SSCs for each objective characteristic were obtained as well as general descriptive data. Results Fifteen of the 32 medical schools in the UK offer a History of Medicine SSC. Eleven medical schools (offering a total of 12 SSCs) completed the questionnaire (response rate 73.3%). Eight different teaching methods are used within the SSCs. Medical professionals most frequently deliver the teaching, which most frequently covers the 20th and 21st centuries. Four assessment methods are used among the SSCs, the most common being a group presentation. Questionnaires are the most frequent method of evaluation. There are several factors limiting the provision of some current SSCs, most commonly a lack of staff, teaching facilities, and available time within the curriculum. Conclusion History of Medicine is being delivered more frequently in UK medical schools than when previously researched 40 years ago. However, the subject is still offered in a minority of the medical schools. This study offers useful information to consider for the development of current and potential new History of Medicine SSCs.
In Situ Matric Suction and Moisture Content Measurements in Expansive Clay during Seasonal Fluctuations
Authors: Puppala Anand J. , Manosuthkij Thammanoon , Nazarian Soheil , Hoyos Laureano R. , Chittoori Bhaskar 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
In the design of flexible pavements using the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG), water flow analyses are used to predict changes in the mechanical behavior of unsaturated subgrade soils. However, the water flow analyses in the MEPDG are not well validated using field measurements of moisture content and matric suction with time. A research study was initiated to measure the variation in matric suction and moisture content in an expansive soil during seasonal fluctuations. Specifically, a thermal conductivity-based suction sensor was fully evaluated and calibrated in the laboratory and was later installed with moisture sensors at different sites in Texas. This paper presents a summary of field measurements of matric suctions and moisture contents from a site in Houston. Comparisons of field measurements of matric suctions are compared with those interpreted from the soil water characteristic curve using field moisture content measurements, and a decent match was obtained up to matric suctions close to 800 kPa.
Impaired Expression of the Inducible cAMP Early Repressor Accounts for Sustained Adipose CREB Activity in Obesity
Authors: Favre Dimitri , Le Gouill Eric , Fahmi Denis , Verdumo Chantal , Chinetti-Gbaguidi Giulia , Staels Bart , Caiazzo Robert , Pattou François , Lê Kim-Anne , Tappy Luc , Regazzi Romano , Giusti Vittorio , Vollenweider Peter , Waeber Gérard , Abderrahmani Amar 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
Increase in adipose cAMP-responsive element\x{2013}binding protein (CREB) activity promotes adipocyte dysfunction and systemic insulin resistance in obese mice. This is achieved by increasing the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). In this study, we investigated whether impaired expression of the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), a transcriptional antagonist of CREB, is responsible for the increased CREB activity in adipocytes of obese mice and humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Total RNA and nuclear proteins were prepared from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of human nonobese or obese subjects and white adipose tissue (WAT) of C57Bl6-Rj mice that were fed with normal or high-fat diet for 16 weeks. The expression of genes was monitored by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and electromobility shift assays. RNA interference was used to silence the expression of Icer.

RESULTS
The expression of Icer/ICER was reduced in VAT and WAT of obese humans and mice, respectively. Diminution of Icer/ICER was restricted to adipocytes and was accompanied by a rise of Atf3/ATF3 and diminution of Adipoq/ADIPOQ and Glut4/GLUT4. Silencing the expression of Icer in 3T3-L1 adipocytes mimicked the results observed in human and mice cells and hampered glucose uptake, thus confirming the requirement of Icer for appropriate adipocyte function.

CONCLUSIONS
Impaired expression of ICER contributes to elevation in CREB target genes and, therefore, to the development of insulin resistance in obesity.
Low Water Intake and Risk for New-Onset Hyperglycemia
Authors: Roussel Ronan , Fezeu Léopold , Bouby Nadine , Balkau Beverley , Lantieri Olivier , Alhenc-Gelas François , Marre Michel , Bankir Lise ,   for the D.E.S.I.R. Study Group
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
Water intake alters vasopressin secretion. Recent findings reveal an independent association between plasma copeptin, a surrogate for vasopressin, and risk of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Participants were 3,615 middle-aged men and women, with normal baseline fasting glycemia (FG), who were recruited in a 9-year follow-up study. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for the incidence of hyperglycemia (FG ≥6.1 mmol/L or treatment for diabetes) were calculated according to daily water intake classes based on a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS
During follow-up, there were 565 incident cases of hyperglycemia. After adjustment for confounding factors, ORs (95% CIs) for hyperglycemia associated with classes of water intake (&lt;0.5 L, n = 677; 0.5 to &lt;1.0 L, n = 1,754; and &gt;1.0 L, n = 1,184) were 1.00, 0.68 (0.52–0.89), and 0.79 (0.59–1.05), respectively (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported water intake was inversely and independently associated with the risk of developing hyperglycemia.