bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Soil Water Content in a WRF-Noah Downscaling Experiment
Authors: Greve Peter , Warrach-Sagi Kirsten , Wulfmeyer Volker 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSoil water content (SWC) depends on and affects the energy flux partitioning at the land–atmosphere interface. Above all, the latent heat flux is limited by the SWC of the root zone on one hand and radiation on the other. Therefore, SWC is a key variable in the climate system. In this study, the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Noah land surface model (WRF-Noah) system in a climate hindcast simulation from 1990 to 2008 is evaluated with respect to SWC versus two reanalysis datasets for Europe during 2007 and 2008 with in situ soil moisture observations from southern France. When compared with the in situ observations, WRF-Noah generally reproduces the SWC annual cycle while the reanalysis SWCs do not. The biases in areal mean WRF-Noah SWCs relate to biases in precipitation and evapotranspiration in a cropland environment. The spatial patterns and temporal variability of the seasonal mean SWCs from the WRF-Noah simulations and from the two reanalyses correspond well, while absolute values differ significantly, especially at the regional scale.
Influence of professional preparation and class structure on HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention education
Authors: Rhodes Darson L , Jozkowski Kristen N , Hammig Bart J , Ogletree Roberta J , Fogarty Erin C 
Published: June 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if education about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted disease (STD) and pregnancy prevention is dependent on professional preparation and/or class structure. Design: A secondary data analysis of the 2006 School Health Policies and Programmes Study (SHPPS) was conducted. Setting: Data were obtained from the health education classroom level questionnaire of the 2006 SHPPS. Methods: A series of multivariable logistic regression models ( N = 34) were computed to determine if instruction of HIV/STD and/or pregnancy prevention content was dependent on professional preparation and/or class structure. Results: Professionally prepared health educators were found to be significantly more likely than their counterparts to teach about teenage age pregnancy risks, teenage pregnancy impacts, finding information/services related to pregnancy, finding information/services related to HIV, and HIV diagnosis/treatment. These topics and three others (methods of contraception, signs/symptoms of HIV and compassion for persons with HIV/AIDS) were significantly more likely to be taught in health-only classes versus combination classes. Conclusion: Findings from the current study support the need for professionally prepared educators and stand-alone class structure in terms of providing the most effective sexual health education.
Does being overweight impede academic attainment? A systematic review
Authors: Caird Jennifer , Kavanagh Josephine , O’Mara-Eves Alison , Oliver Kathryn , Oliver Sandy , Stansfield Claire , Thomas James 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To examine evidence from studies exploring the relationship between childhood obesity and educational attainment. Design: A systematic review of secondary analyses and observational studies published in English after 1997 examining attainment as measured by grade point average or other validated measure, in children aged 6 to16 years, in high-income countries. Methods: Eleven databases from the fields of public health, education and social science were searched, along with 19 specialist registers and catalogues. Hand searching of relevant journals, contacting of experts and citation searching were undertaken. Two reviewers used standardized tools to independently carry out data extraction and assess the quality of included studies. Evidence was synthesized in a narrative summary. Results: Twenty-nine studies were identified for inclusion. Overall, the evidence suggested that higher weight is weakly associated with lower educational attainment among children and young people. Differences between average attainment of overweight and non-overweight children were marginal, with potentially negligible real-world implications for test scores. Limited evidence suggested that little variation in achievement was explained by weight status alone. Almost half the studies found that other factors, such as socioeconomic status, may better explain much of the negative association between obesity and attainment. Conclusion: Theoretical and methodological inconsistencies were evident both within and between many of the studies. As such, the results of the included studies must be interpreted with caution. If the negative association between obesity and attainment is accepted, it still remains doubtful whether obesity is exerting a socially important effect upon educational attainment.
Using the Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation to Review the Effects of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose on Glycemic Control for Non–Insulin-Treated Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Breland Jessica Y. , McAndrew Lisa M. , Burns Edith , Leventhal Elaine A. , Leventhal Howard 
Published: June 2013

Purpose This systematic review examined the relationship between self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM) served as a theoretical framework for examining how, when (mediators), and for whom (moderators) SMBG improved glycemic control. Data Sources Five databases were searched: Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature. Study Selection Included studies had cross-sectional, longitudinal, or randomized controlled trial designs; were published between 2007 and 2011; and included patients with type 2 diabetes at least some of whom were not taking insulin; 1318 studies were screened, 119 were reviewed in detail, and 26 were included. Data Extraction Data were collected on the relationship between SMBG and glycemic control, study design, mediators, moderators, participant characteristics, the CSM, and limitations. Data Synthesis Twenty-six studies met criteria for inclusion: 11 cross-sectional, 4 longitudinal, and 11 randomized controlled trials. The results of the cross-sectional studies were inconclusive. Results from the longitudinal studies and randomized control trials suggested that SMBG may improve glycemic control. The few studies investigating mediators or moderators reported mixed results. Few studies effectively measured the CSM. Conclusion Data suggested that SMBG may help improve glycemic control. Future trials must be designed to test hypotheses and improve our understanding of when, how, and for whom SMBG can enhance glycemic control. Rigorously controlled repetitions of current 2-arm trials will yield little new knowledge of theoretical or practical value.
Evaluation of a Community Health Worker Pilot Intervention to Improve Diabetes Management in Bangladeshi Immigrants With Type 2 Diabetes in New York City
Authors: Islam Nadia S. , Wyatt Laura C. , Patel Shilpa D. , Shapiro Ephraim , Tandon S. Darius , Mukherji B. Runi , Tanner Michael , Rey Mariano J. , Trinh-Shevrin Chau 
Published: June 2013

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the impact and feasibility of a pilot Community Health Worker (CHW) intervention to improve diabetes management among Bangladeshi-American individuals with type 2 diabetes living in New York City. Methods Participants were recruited at clinic- and community-based venues. The intervention consisted of 6 monthly, CHW-facilitated group sessions on topics related to management of diabetes. Surveys were collected at baseline and follow-up time points. Study outcomes included clinical, behavioral, and satisfaction measures for participants, as well as qualitative measures from CHWs. Results Improvements were seen in diabetes knowledge, exercise and diet to control diabetes, frequency of checking feet, medication compliance, and self-efficacy of health and physical activity from baseline to 12 months. Additionally, there were decreases in A1C, weight, and body mass index. Program evaluation revealed a high acceptability of the intervention, and qualitative findings indicated that CHWs helped overcome barriers and facilitated program outcomes through communal concordance, trust, and leadership. Conclusions The intervention demonstrated high acceptability and suggested efficacy in improving diabetes management outcomes among Bangladeshi immigrants in an urban setting. The US Bangladeshi population will continue to increase, and given the high rates of diabetes, as well as linguistic and economic barriers faced by this community, effective and culturally tailored health interventions are needed to overcome barriers and provide support for diabetes management.
Incidence of Postoperative Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Infections
Authors: Maletis Gregory B. , Inacio Maria C.S. , Reynolds Sarah , Desmond Jamie L. , Maletis Michela M. , Funahashi Tadashi T. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Infections after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can be devastating. Hamstring tendon autografts may be more susceptible to infections than other graft types. Purpose: To determine the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in a large sample of patients who underwent ACLR and to evaluate the risk of superficial and deep SSIs associated with grafts used for ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: All primary ACLRs performed between February 2005 and September 2010 registered in the Kaiser Permanente ACLR registry were included in the study. The graft types evaluated included the bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft, hamstring tendon autograft, and allograft (all types). The main end point of the study, SSIs (deep and superficial), was prospectively ascertained using an electronic screening algorithm and adjudicated by the principal investigator. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the cohort, and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the likelihood of an infection. Results: There were 10,626 cases that fit the study criteria. The overall cohort was 64% male, mean age was 29 ± 11 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27 ± 5 kg/m2. The overall incidence of SSIs was 0.48% (n = 51), with 17 (0.16%) superficial infections and 34 (0.32%) deep infections. Hamstring tendon autografts (n = 20; 0.61%) had the highest incidence of deep SSIs of the graft types (BPTB autograft, n = 2 [0.07%]; allograft, n = 12 [0.27%]; P < .001). After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, the likelihood of a patient with a hamstring autograft having a deep SSI was 8.24 times higher (95% CI, 1.91-35.55; P = .005) than someone receiving a BPTB autograft. The risk of infections in allografts was not statistically significantly higher than BPTB autografts. Conclusion: The overall SSI rate after ACLR was 0.48%. Deep SSIs were identified in 0.32% of the ACLR cases and superficial SSIs in 0.16%. An 8.2-times higher risk of SSIs was observed in hamstring tendon autografts compared with BPTB autografts. No difference in SSI incidence was identified between allografts and BPTB autografts. Surgeons should bear in mind that although the overall infection rates after ACLR are low, there is an increased risk of deep infections with hamstring tendon autografts.
Measuring North Carolina Pharmacists’ Support for Expanded Authority to Administer Human Papillomavirus Vaccines
Authors: Richman Alice R. , Swanson Ryan S. , Branham Ashley R. , Partridge Brittney N. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose: To assess North Carolina pharmacists’ level of support for expanded authority to administer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to identify concerns/benefits about expanded authority and to understand what factors predict support for expanded authority. Method: A 16-item electronic survey was e-mailed to all the pharmacists registered with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (n = 9502) between January and February 2011 (1600 pharmacists responded). The survey assessed HPV knowledge, level of support for expanded authority, and comfort level of HPV vaccine administration. Results: Many (64%) pharmacists were supportive of a rule change/legislation that would authorize pharmacists to administer HPV vaccines. Younger pharmacists were more supportive of expansion when compared to older pharmacists ( r = −.138, P < .001). Pharmacists with higher knowledge scores were more supportive of expansion ( r = .223, P < .001). Reporting a higher level of comfort in administering HPV vaccines at their pharmacy was significantly and positively correlated with higher level of support for expansion ( r = .624, P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, HPV knowledge, comfort level in administering vaccine, patient age, and type of pharmacy were all predictive of higher level of support for expanded authority where employed. Conclusion: A large proportion of pharmacists were supportive of an expanded role in providing HPV vaccines. Exploring alternate delivery mechanisms like this one is advantageous.
Templates of patient brochures for the preparation, administration and safe-handling of oral chemotherapy
Authors: Siden Rivka , Kem Ravie , Ostrenga Andrew , Nicksy Darcy , Bernhardt Brooke , Bartholomew Joy 
Published: June 2013

Purpose The increased use of oral chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer introduces new challenges for patients and caregivers. Among them are the ability to swallow oral solid dosage forms, the proper administration of the agents and the safe-handling of chemotherapeutic drugs in the home. Since these drugs are hazardous, proper preparation, administration, and disposition introduces a variety of safety issues. The increased toxicity of these drugs coupled with complicated dosing regimens and the occasional need to dilute the drug or measure a liquid dosage form require careful instruction of the patient and/or caregivers. The purpose of this project was to create templates for writing patient instruction brochures. Methods A group of clinicians specializing in oncology from several institutions in the United States and Canada met through a series of conference calls. The group included pharmacists with a specialty in pediatric oncology, investigational drug pharmacists, and an oncology nurse practitioner. National guidelines and practices at each institution were used for the creation of templates to be used in developing templates for medication and formulation-specific instruction brochures. Results The group developed six templates. The templates ranged in scope from instructions on the administration of intact tablets or capsules to directions on opening capsules or crushing tablets and mixing the content with foods or liquids. Thirty-three drug-specific brochures were developed using the templates. Conclusion Templates of patient brochures and drug-specific brochures on the safe handling of chemotherapy in the home can be created using a collaborative, multi-institutional approach.
The CYP11B2 −344C/T variant is associated with ischemic stroke risk: An updated meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Yang 
Published: June 2013

Introduction: The CYP11B2 gene has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the association of the CYP11B2 −344C/T variant with ischemic stroke. Methods: Published literature from PubMed and Embase were retrieved. Pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated using a fixed- or random-effects model. A total of seven studies (2765 stroke cases and 3118 controls) for the CYP11B2 −344C/T variant were included in the meta-analysis. Results: The meta-analysis indicated that the CYP11B2 −344C/T variant was significantly associated with ischemic stroke under a homogeneous co-dominant model (TT vs. CC: odds ratio=2.04, 95% confidence interval=1.21–3.45), dominant model (TT+TC vs. CC: odds ratio=1.67, 95% confidence interval=1.09–2.57) and recessive model (TT vs. TC+CC: odds ratio=1.56, 95% confidence interval=1.18–2.05) but not under a heterogeneous co-dominant model (TC vs. CC: odds ratio=1.43, 95% confidence interval=0.98–2.07). Further subgroup analysis showed that the CYP11B2 −344C/T variant was significantly associated with ischemic stroke in East Asian and South Asian populations, but not in a Caucasian population. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis supported the positive association of the CYP11B2 −344C/T variant with ischemic stroke. Further large-scale studies considering gene–gene/gene–environment interactions should be conducted to investigate the association.
Genetic variation in polyploid forage grass: Assessing the molecular genetic variability in the Paspalumgenus
Authors: Cidade Fernanda W , Vigna Bianca BZ , de Souza Francisco HD , Valls José Francisco M , Dall’Agnol Miguel , Zucchi Maria I , de Souza-Chies Tatiana T , Souza Anete P 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background

Paspalum (Poaceae) is an important genus of the tribe Paniceae, which includes several species of economic importance for foraging, turf and ornamental purposes, and has a complex taxonomical classification. Because of the widespread interest in several species of this genus, many accessions have been conserved in germplasm banks and distributed throughout various countries around the world, mainly for the purposes of cultivar development and cytogenetic studies. Correct identification of germplasms and quantification of their variability are necessary for the proper development of conservation and breeding programs. Evaluation of microsatellite markers in different species of Paspalum conserved in a germplasm bank allowed assessment of the genetic differences among them and assisted in their proper botanical classification.

Results
Seventeen new polymorphic microsatellites were developed for Paspalum atratum Swallen and Paspalum notatum Flüggé, twelve of which were transferred to 35 Paspalum species and used to evaluate their variability. Variable degrees of polymorphism were observed within the species. Based on distance-based methods and a Bayesian clustering approach, the accessions were divided into three main species groups, two of which corresponded to the previously described Plicatula and Notata Paspalum groups. In more accurate analyses of P. notatum accessions, the genetic variation that was evaluated used thirty simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and revealed seven distinct genetic groups and a correspondence of these groups to the three botanical varieties of the species (P. notatum var. notatum, P. notatum var. saurae and P. notatum var. latiflorum).

Conclusions
The molecular genetic approach employed in this study was able to distinguish many of the different taxa examined, except for species that belong to the Plicatula group, which has historically been recognized as a highly complex group. Our molecular genetic approach represents a valuable tool for species identification in the initial assessment of germplasm as well as for characterization, conservation and successful species hybridization.
Teng-Long-Bu-Zhong-Tang, a Chinese herbal formula, enhances anticancer effects of 5 - Fluorouracil in CT26 colon carcinoma
Authors: Deng Shan , Hu Bing , An Hong-Mei , Du Qin , Xu Ling , Shen Ke-Ping , Shi Xiu-Feng , Wei Meng-Meng , Wu Yang 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has played a positive role in colorectal cancer treatment. There is a great need to establish effective herbal formula for colorectal cancer treatment. Based on TCM principles and clinical practices, we have established an eight herbs composed formula for colorectal cancer treatment, which is Teng-Long-Bu-Zhong-Tang (TLBZT). We have demonstrated the anticancer effects of TLBZT against colorectal carcinoma in vitro. In present study, we evaluated the anticancer potential of TLBZT, used alone or in combination with low dose of 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu), in CT26 colon carcinoma in vivo.

Methods
CT26 colon carcinoma was established in BALB/c mice and treated with TLBZT, 5-Fu, or TLBZT plus 5-Fu. The tumor volumes were observed. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Caspases activities were detected by colorimetric assay. Cell senescence was indentified by senescence β-galactosidase staining. Gene expression and angiogenesis was observed by immunohistochemistry or western blot.

Results
TLBZT significantly inhibited CT26 colon carcinoma growth. TLBZT elicited apoptosis in CT26 colon carcinoma, accompanied by Caspase-3, 8, and 9 activation and PARP cleavage, and downregulation of XIAP and Survivin. TLBZT also induced cell senescence in CT26 colon carcinoma, with concomitant upregulation of p16 and p21 and downregulation of RB phosphorylation. In addition, angiogenesis and VEGF expression in CT26 colon carcinoma was significantly inhibited by TLBZT treatment. Furthermore, TLBZT significantly enhanced anticancer effects of 5-Fu in CT26 colon carcinoma.

Conclusions
TLBZT exhibited significantly anticancer effect, and enhanced the effects of 5-Fu in CT26 colon carcinoma, which may correlate with induction of apoptosis and cell senescence, and angiogenesis inhibition. The present study provides new insight into TCM approaches for colon cancer treatment that are worth of further study.
Metabolic syndrome and abdominal fat are associated with inflammation, but not with clinical outcomes, in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Huang Jenq-Wen , Yang Chung-Yi , Wu Hon-Yen , Liu Kao-Lang , Su Chi-Ting , Wu Cho-Kai , Lee Jen-Kuang , Chiang Chih-Kang , Cheng Hui-Teng , Lien Yu-Chung , Hung Kuan-Yu 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
In the general population, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is correlated with visceral fat and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, little is known about the significance of abdominal fat and its association with inflammation and medication use in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We investigated the relationship of visceral fat area (VFA) with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and medication use in PD patients and followed their clinical outcomes.

Methods
In a prospective study from February 2009 to February 2012, we assessed diabetes mellitus (DM) status, clinical and PD-associated characteristics, medication use, CRP levels, components of MetS, and VFA in 183 PD patients. These patients were categorized into 3 groups based on MetS and DM status: non-MetS (group 1, n = 73), MetS (group 2, n = 65), and DM (group 3, n = 45). VFA was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and corrected for body mass index (BMI).

Results
Patients in group 1 had smaller VFAs than patients in groups 2 and 3 (3.2 ± 1.8, 4.6 ± 1.9, and 4.9 ± 2.0 cm2/[kg/m2], respectively, P < 0.05) and lower CRP levels (0.97 ± 2.31, 1.27 ± 2.57, and 1.11 ± 1.35 mg/dL, respectively, P < 0.05). VFA increased with the number of criteria met for MetS. After adjusting for age, body weight, and sex, CRP and albumin levels functioned as independent positive predictors of VFA; on other hand, the use of renin-angiotensin system blockers was inversely correlated with VFA in PD patients without DM. In the survival analysis, DM patients (group 3) had the poorest survival among the 3 groups, but no significant differences were found between groups 1 and 2.

Conclusion
This study showed that VFA and MetS are associated with CRP levels but cannot predict survival in PD patients without DM. The complex relationship of nutritional parameters to VFA and MetS may explain these results. The type of antihypertensive medication used was also associated with the VFA. The mechanisms behind these findings warrant further investigation.