bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug resistance maps to guide intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in African infants
Authors: NAIDOO INBARANI , ROPER CALLY 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYIntermittent preventive treatment of infants (IPTi) with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended as an additional malaria control intervention in high transmission areas of sub-Saharan Africa, provided its protective efficacy is not compromised by SP resistance. A significant obstacle in implementing SP-IPTi, is in establishing the degree of resistance in an area. Since SP monotherapy is discontinued, no contemporary measures of in vivo efficacy can be made, so the World Health Organisation has recommended a cut-off based upon molecular markers, stating that SP-IPTi should not be implemented when the prevalence of the dhps 540E mutation among infections exceeds 50%. We created a geo-referenced database of SP resistance markers in Africa from published literature. By selecting surveys of malaria infected blood samples conducted since 2004 we have mapped the contemporary prevalence of dhps 540E. Additional maps are freely available in interactive form at http://www.drugresistancemaps.org/ipti/. Eight countries in East Africa are classified as unsuitable for SP-IPTi when data are considered at a national level. Fourteen countries in Central and West Africa were classified as suitable while seven countries had no available contemporary data to guide policy. There are clear deficiencies in molecular surveillance data coverage. We discuss requirements for ongoing surveillance of SP resistance markers in support of the use of SP-IPTi.
Location and progression of cerebral small-vessel disease and atrophy, and depressive symptom profiles: The Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART)-Medea study
Authors: Grool A. M. , van der Graaf Y. , Mali W. P. Th. M. , Witkamp Th. D. , Vincken K. L. , Geerlings M. I. 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundThe ‘vascular depression’ hypothesis states that brain changes located in frontal-subcortical pathways increase vulnerability for specific depressive symptom profiles, but studies examining locations of small-vessel and degenerative changes with individual symptoms are scarce. We examined whether location and progression of white-matter lesions (WMLs), lacunar infarcts and atrophy were associated with motivational and mood symptoms in patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic disease.MethodIn 578 patients [63 (s.d.=8) years] of the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART)-Medea study, volumes of WMLs and atrophy and visually rated infarcts were obtained with 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 3.9 (s.d.=0.4) years' follow-up. Depressive symptoms were assessed with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 at follow-up and categorized into motivational and mood symptoms.ResultsRegression analyses adjusted for age, gender, education, Mini-Mental State Examination, physical functioning, antidepressant use and vascular risk factors showed that location in mainly deep white-matter tracts and progression of WMLs were associated with symptoms of anhedonia, concentration problems, psychomotor retardation and appetite disturbance. Lacunar infarcts in deep white matter were associated with greater motivational [Incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–2.4] and mood (IRR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.6) sumscores, and with symptoms of psychomotor retardation, energy loss and depressed mood; lacunar infarcts in the thalamus were associated with psychomotor retardation only. Cortical atrophy was associated with symptoms of anhedonia and appetite disturbance. Excluding patients with major depression did not materially change the results.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that disruption of frontal-subcortical pathways by small-vessel lesions leads to a symptom profile that is mainly characteristic of motivational problems, also in the absence of major depression.
Emotion recognition and oxytocin in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Averbeck B. B. , Bobin T. , Evans S. , Shergill S. S. 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundStudies have suggested that patients with schizophrenia are impaired at recognizing emotions. Recently, it has been shown that the neuropeptide oxytocin can have beneficial effects on social behaviors.MethodTo examine emotion recognition deficits in patients and see whether oxytocin could improve these deficits, we carried out two experiments. In the first experiment we recruited 30 patients with schizophrenia and 29 age- and IQ-matched control subjects, and gave them an emotion recognition task. Following this, we carried out a second experiment in which we recruited 21 patients with schizophrenia for a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of the effects of oxytocin on the same emotion recognition task.ResultsIn the first experiment we found that patients with schizophrenia had a deficit relative to controls in recognizing emotions. In the second experiment we found that administration of oxytocin improved the ability of patients to recognize emotions. The improvement was consistent and occurred for most emotions, and was present whether patients were identifying morphed or non-morphed faces.ConclusionsThese data add to a growing literature showing beneficial effects of oxytocin on social–behavioral tasks, as well as clinical symptoms.
Evidence that genes for depression impact on the pathway from trauma to psychotic-like symptoms by occasioning emotional dysregulation
Authors: Kramer I. M. A. , Simons C. J. P. , Myin-Germeys I. , Jacobs N. , Derom C. , Thiery E. , van Os J. , Wichers M. 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundGenes for depression may act by making individuals more sensitive to childhood trauma. Given that childhood adversity is a risk factor for adult psychosis and symptoms of depression and psychosis tend to cluster within individuals and families, the aim was to examine whether the association between childhood adversity and psychotic-like symptoms is moderated by genetic liability for depression. A secondary aim was to determine to what degree a depression-related increase in stress sensitivity or depressive symptoms themselves occasioned the moderating effect.MethodFemale twins (n=508) completed both prospective and retrospective questionnaires regarding childhood adversity [the Symptom Checklist-90 – Revised (SCL-90-R) and SCID-I (psychotic symptoms)] and psychotic trait liability [the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE)]. Stress sensitivity was indexed by appraisals of event-related stress and negative affect (NA) in the flow of daily life, assessed with momentary assessment technology for five consecutive days. Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine moderation of childhood adversity by genetic liability for depression in the prediction of follow-up psychotic experiences.ResultsThe effect of childhood adversity was significantly moderated by genetic vulnerability for depression in the model of both follow-up psychotic experiences (SCL-90-R) and follow-up psychotic trait liability (CAPE). The moderation by genetic liability was mediated by depressive experience but not by stress sensitivity.ConclusionsGenetic liability for depression may potentiate the pathway from childhood adversity to psychotic-like symptoms through dysfunctional emotional processing of anomalous experiences associated with childhood trauma.
Violence among female stalkers
Authors: Strand S. , McEwan T. E. 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundFemale stalkers account for 10–25% of all stalking cases, yet little is known about risk factors for female stalking violence. This study identifies risk factors for female stalking violence and contrasts these with risk factors for male stalking violence.MethodSeventy-one female and 479 male stalkers presenting to police in Sweden and a specialist stalking clinic in Australia were investigated. Univariate comparisons of behaviour by gender, and comparisons between violent and non-violent female stalkers, were undertaken. Logistic regression was then used to develop a predictive model for stalking violence based on demographic, offence and clinical characteristics.ResultsRates of violence were not significantly different between genders (31% of males and 23% of females). For both men and women, violence was associated with a combination of a prior intimate relationship with the victim, threats and approach behaviour. This model produced receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with area under the curve (AUC)=0.80 for female stalkers and AUC=0.78 for male stalkers. The most notable gender difference was significantly higher rates of personality disorder among women. High rates of psychotic disorder were found in both genders. Stalking violence was directly related to psychotic symptoms for a small number of women.ConclusionsSimilar risk factors generally predict stalking violence between genders, providing initial support for a similar approach to risk assessment for all stalkers. The most notable gender difference was the prevalence of personality and psychotic disorders among female stalkers, supporting an argument for routine psychiatric assessment of women charged with stalking.
What is the evidence for giving chemoprophylaxis to children or students attending the same preschool, school or college as a case of meningococcal disease?
Authors: HELLENBRAND W. , HANQUET G. , HEUBERGER S. , NIELSEN S. , STEFANOFF P. , STUART J. M. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYWe performed a systematic literature review to assess the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis for contacts of sporadic cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in educational settings. No studies directly compared IMD risk in contacts with/without chemoprophylaxis. However, compared to the background incidence, an elevated IMD risk was identified in settings without a general recommendation for chemoprophylaxis in pre-schools [pooled risk difference (RD) 58·2/105, 95% confidence interval (CI) 27·3–89·0] and primary schools (pooled RD 4·9/105, 95% CI 2·9–6·9) in the ~30 days after contact with a sporadic IMD case, but not in other educational settings. Thus, limited but consistent evidence suggests the risk of IMD in pre-school contacts of sporadic IMD cases is significantly increased above the background risk, but lower than in household contacts (pooled RD for household contacts with no chemoprophylaxisvs. background incidence: 480·1/105, 95% CI 321·5–639·9). We recommend chemoprophylaxis for pre-school contacts depending on an assessment of duration and closeness of contact.
B. anthracisin a wool-processing factory: seroprevalence and occupational risk
Authors: KISSLING E. , WATTIAU P. , CHINA B. , PONCIN M. , FRETIN D. , PIRENNE Y. , HANQUET G. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYIn a Belgian wool-processing factory, living anthrax spores were found in raw goat hair and air dust, but confirmed anthrax cases had never been reported. Anthrax vaccines are not licensed nor recommended in Belgium. We conducted aB. anthracisseroprevalence study to investigate risk factors associated with positive serology and advise on protective measures. Overall 12·1% (8/66) employees were seropositive; 30% of persons processing raw goat hair and 20% of persons sorting raw goat hair were seropositive compared to 3% in less exposed jobs [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 44·4,P=0·001; aPR 14·5,P=0·016, respectively). The number of masks used per day was protective (aPR 0·3,P=0·015). Results suggest a dose–response association for those processing raw goat hair. Host-related factors probably played a role as antibody response varied from person to person within an exposure group. Workers exposed to raw goat hair should be offered higher protection against anthrax and have access to anthrax vaccines.
Masking within and across visual dimensions: Psychophysical evidence for perceptual segregation of color and motion
Authors: CHEADLE SAMUEL W. , ZEKI SEMIR 
Published: August 2011

AbstractVisual masking can result from the interference of perceptual signals. According to the principle of functional specialization, interference should be greatest when signal and mask belong to the same visual attribute (e.g., color or motion) and least when they belong to different ones. We provide evidence to support this view and show that the time course of masking is visual attribute specific. First, we show that a color target is masked most effectively by color (homogeneous target-mask pair) and least effectively by motion (heterogeneous pair) and vice versa for a motion target. Second, we show that the time at which the mask is most effective depends strongly on the target-mask pairing. Heterogeneous masking is strongest when the mask is presented before the target (forward masking) but this is not true of homogeneous masking. This finding supports a delayed cross-feature interaction due to segregated processing sites. Third, lengthening the stimulus onset asynchrony between target and mask leads to a faster improvement in color than in motion detectability, lending support for a faster color processing system and consistent with reports of perceptual asynchrony in vision. In summary, we present three lines of psychophysical evidence, all of which support a segregated neural coding scheme for color and motion in the human brain.
Crucifixes, Margin of Appreciation and Consensus: The Grand Chamber Ruling in Lautsi v Italy
Authors: Ronchi Paolo 
Published: August 2011

In March 2011, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights reversed the decision of the Court's Second Section in Lautsi v Italy. The case clearly demonstrates how controversial the use of religious symbols in the public environment has become. This article sets out the complicated framework of the case, assesses the judgment and concludes that the Grand Chamber's decision is unfortunate and, in many respects, objectionable. It will be shown that this decision has implications regarding the malleable nature of the doctrines of the margin of appreciation and consensus, as well as the development of Strasbourg's application of double standards in its case law regarding the public display of religious symbols.
IN THE TRANSLATOR'S WORKSHOP
Authors: Vagelpohl Uwe 
Published: August 2011

AbstractḤunayn ibn Isḥāq's Arabic translation of Galen's commentary on the HippocraticEpidemicsis an invaluable source for our knowledge of Galenic medicine and its transmission history, not least because much of it is extant only in Arabic. Its importance for the Arabic medical tradition is amply attested in the later medical literature. It also tells us much about the methods and self-image of contemporary translators. Throughout the translation, we find remarks by Ḥunayn discussing the quality of his source text, his own interpretation and also his attempts to reconstruct problematic or damaged passages. Based on an edition of these notes, their analysis and comparison to similar texts and Galen's own thought on editing and interpreting difficult medical texts, this article aims to situate Ḥunayn's methods in the context of the Greek-Arabic translation movement. It argues that his approach differs in important respects from that of preceding Greek-Arabic and Greek-Syriac translators and that he was indebted to Galen not just as a physician, but also as a translator and exegete.
Spatial ecology and habitat selection of Little Owl Athene noctua during the breeding season in Central European farmland
Authors: ŠÁLEK MARTIN , LÖVY MATĚJ 
Published: August 2011

SummaryInformation on habitat requirements and spatial ecology is vital in conservation strategies and management of particular species. Little Owl Athene noctua is a highly threatened owl species whose populations have significantly decreased or are locally extinct in many European countries. In this study we report on spatial ecology and habitat selection of Little Owls during their breeding season in an agricultural landscape and discuss key management actions for its conservation. The mean home range size of radio-tracked Little Owls, determined by the kernel method, was 0.94 ha (SD = 0.95, 0.24–2.72 ha) and 4.30 ha (SD = 3.75, 0.88–11.70 ha) for 50% and 95% home range, respectively. The smallest home ranges were recorded in April–June (incubation and nesting period) with a significant increase in July–August (fledging season). The most important foraging habitat during the entire breeding season was grassland (especially pastures) reaching 90% for all locations. Vegetation height and cover were the main factors determining habitat selection: Little Owls significantly preferred sparse and short sward vegetation patches that enabled hunting of ground-dwelling prey. Conservation efforts for Little Owls should focus on the active management of prey-rich grassland habitats in the vicinity of breeding sites.
Patterns of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity during health transition in Vanuatu
Authors: Dancause Kelsey N , Vilar Miguel , Chan Chim , DeHuff Christa , Wilson Michelle , Soloway Laura E , Tarivonda Len , Regenvanu Ralph , Kaneko Akira , Garruto Ralph M , Lum J Koji 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveRapid economic development and subsequent changes in lifestyle and disease burdens (‘health transition’) is associated with increasing prevalence of obesity among both adults and children. However, because of continued infectious diseases and undernutrition during the early stages of transition, monitoring childhood obesity has not been prioritized in many countries and the scope of the problem is unknown. Therefore we sought to characterize patterns of childhood overweight and obesity in an early transitional area, the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu.DesignWe completed an anthropometric survey among children from three islands with varying levels of economic development, from rural areas (where adult obesity prevalence is low) to urban areas (where adult obesity prevalence is high).SettingThe islands of Ambae (rural), Aneityum (rural with tourism) and Efate (urban).SubjectsBoys and girls (n 513) aged 6–17 years.ResultsHeight-, weight- and BMI-for-age did not vary among islands, and prevalence of overweight/obesity based on BMI was low. However, girls from Aneityum – a rural island where the tourism industry increased rapidly after malaria eradication – had increased central adiposity compared with girls from the other islands. This is contrary to adult patterns, which indicate higher obesity prevalence in urban areas. Multiple factors might contribute, including stunting, biological responses after malaria control, sleeping patterns, diet and physical activity levels.ConclusionsMeasures of central adiposity highlight an emerging obesity risk among girls in Vanuatu. The data highlight the synergistic relationship among infectious diseases, undernutrition and obesity during the early stages of health transition.
Target weight gain for moderately wasted children during supplementation interventions – a population-based approach
Authors: Briend André , Van den Broeck Jan , Fadnes Lars T 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveIn malnourished populations, the weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) distribution is shifted to the left. The aim of nutrition interventions should be to restore a normal WHZ distribution for the whole population. The present paper examines the WHZ change needed by each individual to achieve this objective.DesignWe developed a mathematical model of required individual change in WHZ as a function of characteristics of the initial population to restore a normal distribution. This model was then tested by simulating WHZ change needed to restore a normal WHZ distribution in a test population.SettingA rural area of Democratic Republic of the Congo with a high prevalence of undernutrition.SubjectsChildren under 5 years of age.ResultsTo restore a normal distribution for the whole population, the WHZ of all children should be shifted. The desired WHZ change of each individual should be higher when the individual's initial WHZ is low, when the mean WHZ of the whole population is low and, for the most wasted individual, when the variance of WHZ and WHZ change in the population are high. Using the suggested model in a simulation on the test population resulted in a WHZ distribution close to the growth standard.ConclusionsTo restore a normal WHZ distribution in wasted populations, nutritional programmes should cover the whole population with a higher weight gain in areas where mean WHZ is low.
Fast-food and commercial baked goods consumption and the risk of depression
Authors: Sánchez-Villegas Almudena , Toledo Estefania , de Irala Jokin , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Pla-Vidal Jorge , Martínez-González Miguel A 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveWhereas the relationship between some components of diet, such as n-3 fatty acids and B-vitamins, and depression risk has been extensively studied, the role of fast-food or processed pastries consumption has received little attention.DesignConsumption of fast food (hamburgers, sausages, pizza) and processed pastries (muffins, doughnuts, croissants) was assessed at baseline through a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Participants were classified as incident cases of depression if they reported a physician diagnosis of depression or the use of antidepressant medication in at least one of the follow-up questionnaires. Cox regression models were fit to assess the relationship between consumption of fast food and commercial baked goods and the incidence of depression.SettingThe SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra – University of Navarra Follow-up) Project, Spain.SubjectsParticipants (n 8964) from a Spanish cohort.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 6·2 years, 493 cases of depression were reported. A higher risk of depression was associated with consumption of fast food (fifth (Q5) v. first quintile (Q1): hazard ratio (HR) = 1·36; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·81; P trend = 0·003). The results did not change after adjustment for the consumption of other food items. No linear relationship was found between the consumption of commercial baked goods and depression. Participants belonging to consumption quintiles Q2–Q5 showed an increased risk of depression compared with those belonging to the lowest level of consumption (Q1; HR = 1·38; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·80).ConclusionsFast-food and commercial baked goods consumption may have a detrimental effect on depression risk.