bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building the bypass—implications of improved access to sexual healthcare: evidence from surveys of patients attending contrasting genitourinary medicine clinics across England in 2004/2005 and 2009
Authors: Mercer Catherine H , Aicken Catherine R H , Estcourt Claudia S , Keane Frances , Brook Gary , Rait Greta , White Peter J , Cassell Jackie A 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine changes in patient routes into genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics since policy changes in England sought to improve access to sexual healthcare.MethodsCross-sectional patient surveys at contrasting GUM clinics in England in 2004/2005 (seven clinics, 4600 patients) and 2009 (four clinics, 1504 patients). Patients completed a short pen-and-paper questionnaire that was then linked to an extract of their clinical data.ResultsSymptoms remained the most common reason patients cited for attending GUM (46% in both surveys), yet the proportion of patients having sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis/es declined between 2004/2005 and 2009: 38%–29% of men and 28%–17% of women. Patients in 2009 waited less time before seeking care: median 7 days (2004/2005) versus 3 days (2009), in line with shorter GUM waiting times (median 7 vs 0 days, respectively). Fewer GUM patients in 2009 first sought care elsewhere (23% vs 39% in 2004/2005), largely from general practice, extending their time to attending GUM by a median of 2 days in 2009 (vs 5 days in 2004/2005). Patients with symptoms in 2009 were less likely than patients in 2004/2005 to report sex since recognising a need to seek care, but this was still reported by 25% of men and 38% of women (vs 44% and 58%, respectively, in 2004/2005).ConclusionsPatient routes to GUM shortened between 2004/2005 and 2009. While GUM patients in 2009 were less likely overall to have STIs diagnosed, perhaps reflecting lower risk behaviour, there remains a substantial proportion of high-risk individuals requiring comprehensive care. Behavioural surveillance across all STI services is therefore essential to monitor and maximise their public health impact.
Hospitalization Costs for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated With Intravenous Thrombolysis in the United States Are Substantially Higher Than Medicare Payments
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Cloft Harry J. 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—
It is important to know the costs for hospitalization for ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis so that comparisons can be made with payments to hospitals.

Methods—
Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated hospitalization costs for patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke in the United States from 2001 to 2008. Cost data were correlated with demographics and clinical outcome.

Results—
Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke was received by 63 472 patients; 24 094 patients were younger than age 65 years and 40 780 patients were 65 years or older. Median hospital costs in 2008 dollars were $14 102 (interquartile range, $9987–$20 819) for patients with good outcome, $18 856 (interquartile range, $13 145–$30 423) for patients with severe disability, and $19 129 (interquartile range, $11 966–$30 781) for patients with in-hospital mortality. Average 2008 Medicare payments were $10 098 for intravenous thrombolysis without complication and $13 835 for intravenous thrombolysis with major complication.

Conclusions—
Hospitalization costs for patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis are substantially higher than Medicare payments.
Stroke Occurrence and Patterns Are Not Influenced by the Degree of Stenosis in Cervical Artery Dissection
Authors: Naggara Olivier , Morel Audrey , Touzé Emmanuel , Raymond Jean , Mas Jean-Louis , Meder Jean-Francois , Oppenheim Catherine 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—
In stroke attributable to spontaneous dissection of the cervical artery, it is unclear whether the occurrence and pattern of stroke depend on the degree of stenosis.

Methods—
In 147 consecutive dissection of the cervical artery patients with (n=88) and without stroke (n=59), we compared the number, volume, and patterns of cerebral diffusion-weighted imaging stroke lesions among patients with <70% stenosis (Group 1), ≥70% stenosis (Group 2), and occlusion (Group 3).

Results—

The presence (26 of 45 in Group 1, 32 of 59 in Group 2, 30 of 43 in Group 3;
P
=0.27) and the number of diffusion-weighted imaging lesions (mean±SD [interquartile range], 3.5±3.9 [1–4] in Group 1; 4.2±4.1 [1–5] in Group 2; 3.3±4.0 [1–3] in Group 3;
P
=0.85) were independent of lumen patency, whereas volume of diffusion-weighted imaging lesions was larger in occlusive dissection of the cervical artery (82±90 mm [17–91] versus 34±54 [2–48];
P
=0.03). There were no differences in the breakdown of diffusion-weighted imaging lesion patterns according to degree of stenosis.

Conclusions—
The occurrence and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion patterns in dissection of the cervical artery patients may not be influenced by the degree of stenosis of the dissected artery. Occlusive dissection of the cervical artery was associated with larger infarcts.
Thinning of the Arterial Media Layer as a Possible Preclinical Stage in HIV Vasculopathy
Authors: Gutierrez Jose , Glenn Melanie , Isaacson Richard S. , Marr Angelica Dawn , Mash Deborah , Petito Carol 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—
The purpose of this study was to determine if postmortem intracranial arteries from donors with HIV without stroke have thinner media layers compared with patients without HIV and without stroke.

Methods—
Cross-sectional cuts from intracranial arteries were stained with van Gieson and hematoxylin and eosin. Arteries were examined for thickness of each arterial layer. Univariable and multivariable models were used for statistical analyses with probability values <0.05 considered significant.

Results—

A total of 18 brains were analyzed, 5 with HIV and 13 without. Fifty-five arteries were collected, 15 from HIV brains and 40 from unaffected controls. In univariable analysis, in arteries from HIV-infected brains, the media to wall thickness ratio was smaller than in donors without HIV (0.496 versus 0.563,
P
=0.017). In multivariable analysis, HIV infection was the only independent predictor of smaller media ratios compared with the same-aged control subjects (
P
=0.049) but not with aged control subjects (
P
=0.081).

Conclusions—
In patients with HIV without clinical stroke, the media arterial layer is thinner than in patients without HIV. This suggests that a thinner media layer might be a preclinical stage in the development of HIV-related vasculopathy.
VWF mutations and new sequence variations identified in healthy controls are more frequent in the African-American population
Authors: Bellissimo Daniel B. , Christopherson Pamela A. , Flood Veronica H. , Gill Joan Cox , Friedman Kenneth D. , Haberichter Sandra L. , Shapiro Amy D. , Abshire Thomas C. , Leissinger Cindy , Hoots W. Keith , Lusher Jeanne M. , Ragni Margaret V. , Montgomery Robert R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDiagnosis and classification of VWD is aided by molecular analysis of the VWF gene. Because VWF polymorphisms have not been fully characterized, we performed VWF laboratory testing and gene sequencing of 184 healthy controls with a negative bleeding history. The controls included 66 (35.9%) African Americans (AAs). We identified 21 new sequence variations, 13 (62%) of which occurred exclusively in AAs and 2 (G967D, T2666M) that were found in 10%-15% of the AA samples, suggesting they are polymorphisms. We identified 14 sequence variations reported previously as VWF mutations, the majority of which were type 1 mutations. These controls had VWF Ag levels within the normal range, suggesting that these sequence variations might not always reduce plasma VWF levels. Eleven mutations were found in AAs, and the frequency of M740I, H817Q, and R2185Q was 15%-18%. Ten AA controls had the 2N mutation H817Q; 1 was homozygous. The average factor VIII level in this group was 99 IU/dL, suggesting that this variation may confer little or no clinical symptoms. This study emphasizes the importance of sequencing healthy controls to understand ethnic-specific sequence variations so that asymptomatic sequence variations are not misidentified as mutations in other ethnic or racial groups.
Emotion Perception and Alexithymia in People With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: One Disorder or Two? A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: McDonald Skye , Rosenfeld Julia , Henry Julie D. , Togher Leanne , Tate Robyn , Bornhofen Cristina 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPrimary objective:Recent research studies attest to the presence of deficits in emotion perception following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Additionally, a growing number of studies report significant levels of alexithymia (disorder of emotional cognition) following TBI. This research aimed to examine the relation between the two, while assessing the influence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Design:Cross-sectional study examining levels of alexithymia, emotion perception disorders and PTSD and their association, in 20 people with severe, chronic TBI and 20 adults without brain injuries.Methods:Participants were assessed on the Toronto Alexithymia — 20 Scale, the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale and on two emotion perception tasks: matching and labelling of photos depicting the 6 basic emotions.Results:The group with TBI were impaired relative to controls when matching facial expressions. Their performance on ‘fear’ was especially poor. Performance on labelling was similar in pattern, although failed to reach significance. There was no association between poor performance on fear, or other negative expressions, and either PTSD or alexithymia symptoms in the TBI group.Conclusions:Alexithymia, as assessed by the TAS-20, taps a constellation of difficulties that do not appear to include difficulties with emotion perception in people with traumatic brain injuries.
Computerised Cognitive Training for Older Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study Using a Randomised Controlled Trial Design
Authors: Finn Maurice , McDonald Skye 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe results of a pilot randomised controlled trial of computerised cognitive training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are reported. Participants (N = 25) were randomised into either the treatment or waitlist training groups. Sixteen participants completed the 30-session computerised cognitive training program using exercises that target a range of cognitive functions including attention, processing speed, visual memory and executive functions. It was hypothesised that participants would improve with practice on the trained tasks, that the benefits of training would generalise to nontrained neuropsychological measures, and that training would result in improved perceptions of memory and memory functioning when compared with waitlist controls. Results indicated that participants were able to improve their performance across a range of tasks with training. There was some evidence of generalisation of training to a measure of visual sustained attention. There were no significant effects of training on self-reported everyday memory functioning or mood. The results are discussed along with suggestions for future research.
National Taiwan University Irritability Scale: Evaluating Irritability in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Yang Chi-Cheng , Huang Sheng-Jean , Lin Wei-Chi , Tsai Yi-Hsin , Hua Mau-Sun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIrritability is not uncommon after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unfortunately, no instruments are available to directly measure this clinical feature. This study thus aimed to develop a specific scale to evaluate the irritability for patients with TBI. A total of 144 participants, which include 80 healthy participants and 64 patients suffering from TBI, were recruited. Irritability was assessed by the National Taiwan University Irritability Scale (NTUIS). Our results showed the NTUIS has good reliability. The factor analysis further revealed 2 different components: annoyance, and verbal aggression. Moreover, both self-reported and family-reported irritability postinjury were significantly higher than the irritability reported by the healthy participants. Indeed patients with TBI have significant problems with irritability after injuries, and thus a more specific assessment tool to carefully evaluate patients' irritability should be used.
Towards Prevention and Early Recognition of Stroke: The Australian Context
Authors: March Evrim G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractStroke is a preventable disease leading to physical, cognitive and emotional disability. Its high prevalence and poor outcome shifts this disease from the clinical, medical realm to a significant public health problem. This article provides an overview of the problem, and the status of stroke prevention in the Australian context. To achieve this, it first examines the recent Australian surveillance data on stroke, identifying the at-risk groups. It then argues for targeted stroke prevention, assesses relevant policies and programs in the international and Australian contexts, and briefly reviews approaches for increased awareness and recognition of stroke symptoms. The article concludes by emphasising the need to account for the at-risk-groups when developing targeted health promotion campaigns for effective prevention of stroke in Australia.
Natural course of untreated microalbuminuria in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and the importance of diabetes duration and immigrant status: longitudinal analysis from the prospective nationwide German and Austrian diabetes survey DPV
Authors: Galler Angela , Haberland Holger , Näke Andrea , Hofer Sabine , Holder Martin , Raile Klemens , Holl Reinhard W , _ _ 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for the development and progression of untreated persistent microalbuminuria in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Design and methodsA total number of 683 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes recruited from the prospective nationwide German and Austrian diabetes survey (DPV) were included in the analysis. Inclusion criteria were onset of type 1 diabetes under the age of 11 years, diabetes duration of more than 1 year and continuous follow-up over 5 years with at least two documented urine analyses per year. Subjects treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were excluded. Risk factors such as sex, body mass index SDS, diabetes duration, HbA1c, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and immigrant status were analysed by logistic regression.ResultsAt baseline (age 10.5±0.1 years, diabetes duration 4.6±2.4 years and HbA1c 7.4±1.1%), 75.6% of children had normoalbuminuria, 15.7% had intermittent microalbuminuria, 8.6% had persistent microalbuminuria and 0.1% had macroalbuminuria. After a follow-up of 5 years, 59.4% of adolescents continued to have normoalbuminuria, 18.4% had progression, 15.2% had regression of microalbuminuria, and in 6.9% of the subjects, microalbuminuria remained unchanged. We found significant associations between persistent microalbuminuria at baseline and during each year of follow-up (P<0.0001). Logistic regression analysis identified diabetes duration and immigrant status as significant factors for microalbuminuria (P=0.009 andP=0.009).ConclusionsThe survey in a real-world setting shows that diabetes duration and immigrant status are risk factors for the development and progression of untreated microalbuminuria in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Ecological impact of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) activity on macroinvertebrate communities in Lithuanian trout streams
Authors: Pliūraitė Virginija , Kesminas Vytautas 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Our study found that beaver activity affects macroinvertebrate assemblages of both beaver ponds and downstream sites. The percentage composition of the invertebrate faunae of beaver ponds was strikingly different from the invertebrate faunae of upstream forested and downstream sites. The number of EPT (ephemeropteran, plecopteran, trichopteran) taxa in the upstream forested sites in all streams was higher than in beaver pond and downstream sites. Statistically significant differences were found in absolute and relative abundances of EPT and Chironomidae between different streams sites. The absolute and relative abundance of pollution-sensitive EPT was significantly higher in forested sites than in beaver pond and downstream sites in all measured streams. Beaver ponds had a significantly higher absolute and relative abundance of Chironomidae compared with upstream forested and downstream sites. We found that Plecoptera and Coleoptera were absent from beaver pond sites. The absolute abundance of Plecoptera was significantly higher in upstream forested sites than in downstream sites in all three streams. Gatherers were the dominant functional feeding group in relative abundance in all three habitat types. The percentage of gatherers was higher in beaver ponds than in forested and downstream sites.
Effectiveness of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae in agar gel formulations against larvae of the Colarado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Hussein Hany , Adel Manal , Gelbič Ivan 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae strain Ustinov Russia was used on potato foliage to control larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Nematodes were applied in formulations of agar at 4%, 2%, 1% and 0.5% concentrations and compared to a control application of nematodes in water for nematode survival. Agar formulation significantly improved efficacy by increasing nematode survival through reduction in desiccation when compared to water-based formulation. More than 70% of infective juvenile nematodes (IJs) died after being incubated in the highest concentration of agar for 12 h, while only 8% mortality was recorded at the 1% concentration. Suspension of nematodes in 1% agar gel was shown to be efficacious in both laboratory and greenhouse tests for extension of the nematodes’ survival. Agar formulation droplets dried slower than control droplets by 127.8 min. Leptinotarsa decemlineata mortality significantly increased when insects were exposed to infective juvenile nematodes for four hours after application. In conclusion, the agar formulation enhanced nematode survival by providing a suitable environment thereby delaying dryingand increasing the possibility for nematodes to invade their host on the foliage.
Optimization and use of a spectrophotometric method for determining polysaccharides in Echinacea purpurea
Authors: Glavač Nina , Košir Iztok , Rode Janko , Kreft Samo 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Echinacea purpurea is one of the most widely used immunostimulant plants. Its main active compounds are polysaccharides, glycoproteins, caffeic acid derivatives, alkamides, and melanins. The article describes an optimized extraction procedure that enables spectrophotometric quantification of polysaccharides from Echinacea purpurea. The extraction procedure can be widely applied as it demonstrated to be useful for determining polysaccharide content in flowers and leaves, in summer and autumn plants, in plants with green and red stem, and in plants from two different plantations. A significantly higher content of polysaccharides in flowers in comparison to leaves, as well as in plants with green stems in comparison to plants with red stems was determined. Statistical differences were absent in plants collected in different seasons and growing at different plantations.
Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on TIMP-1 secretion from mouse melanoma cell
Authors: Kubo Erika , Sato Ayuko , Yoshikawa Noriko , Kagota Satomi , Shinozuka Kazumasa , Nakamura Kazuki 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Cordyceps sinensis is a Chinese medicinal fungus traditionally used in cancer treatments. In a previous study, we investigated the antimetastatic activity of Cordyceps sinensis (WECS) extract using liver metastatic model mice injected with B16-F0 mouse melanoma cells into the spleen. WECS reduced the number of metastatic nodules of B16-F0 cells in the liver of C57BL/6 mice, and significantly prolonged survival of the mice. Furthermore, we examined the effects of WECS on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-accelerated invasion of B16-F0 cells using a chemo-invasion assay in vitro. WECS was shown to significantly reduce HGF-accelerated B16-F0 cell invasion. In the present study, we investigated the effect of WECS on Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 secretion from B16-F0 cells in order to identify clues to the mechanism underlying the anti-invasive action of WECS. As a result, WECS significantly increased the secretion of TIMP-1 from B16-F0 cells. Moreover, we investigated the effect of cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), a component of WECS, on TIMP-1 secretion from B16-F0 cells to potentially identify the pharmacologically active ingredient in WECS extract. Cordycepin was shown to significantly accelerate the release of TIMP-1 from cells. These findings suggest that WECS exerts anti-invasive activity, in part by increasing TIMP-1 secretion from melanoma cells, and that cordycepin potentially functions as the effective component.
Molecular barcoding for central-eastern European Crioceris leaf-beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Kubisz Daniel , Kajtoch Łukasz , Mazur Miłosz , Rizun Volodymyr 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Among Crioceris leaf-beetles, the two most widespread species (Crioceris asparagi and C. duodecimpunctata) are serious invasive plant pests, while another two (C. quatuordecimpunctata and C. quinquepunctata) are rare species restricted to steppe-like habitats in Eurasia. The aim of the research was to check the genetic distinctiveness of these four species and develop barcodes for their molecular identification using the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene and two nuclear markers: Elongation Factor 1-α (EF1-α) and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1). The identification of each species was possible and reliable with the use of COI and ITS1 markers. EF1-α was omitted in analyses due to its high level of heterozygosity (presence of multiple PCR products). C. duodecimpunctata and C. quatuordecimpunctata were shown to be sister taxa, but the similar genetic distances between all of the species indicate that these species originated almost simultaneously from a common ancestor. Identification of two separate clades in populations of C. quatuordecimpunctata suggested that the clades are isolated and can be considered as separate conservation units.