bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Out‐of‐Network Physicians: How Prevalent Are Involuntary Use and Cost Transparency?
Authors: Kyanko Kelly A. , Curry Leslie A. , Busch Susan H. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the proportion of privately insured adults using an out‐of‐network physician, the prevalence of involuntary out‐of‐network use, and whether patients experienced problems with cost transparency using out‐of‐network physicians.Data SourcesNationally representative internet panel survey conducted in February 2011.Study DesignScreener questions identified a sample of 7,812 individuals in private health insurance plans with provider networks who utilized health services within the prior 12 months. Participants reported details of their inpatient and outpatient contacts with out‐of‐network physicians. An inpatient out‐of‐network contact was defined as involuntary if: (1) it was due to a medical emergency; (2) the physician's out‐of‐network status was unknown at the time of the contact; or (3) an attempt was made to find an in‐network physician in the hospital but none was available. Outpatient contacts were only defined as involuntary if the physician's out‐of‐network status was unknown at the time of the contact.Principal FindingsEight percent of respondents used an out‐of‐network physician. Approximately 40 percent of individuals using out‐of‐network physicians experienced involuntary out‐of‐network care. Among out‐of‐network physician contacts, 58 percent of inpatient contacts and 15 percent of outpatient contacts were involuntary. The majority of inpatient involuntary contacts were due to medical emergencies (68 percent). In an additional 31 percent, the physician's out‐of‐network status was unknown at the time of the contact. Half (52 percent) of individuals using out‐of‐network services experienced at least one contact with an out‐of‐network physician where cost was not transparent at the time of care.ConclusionsThe frequency of involuntary out‐of‐network care is not inconsequential. Policy interventions can increase receipt of cost information prior to using out‐of‐network physician services, but they may be less helpful when patients have constrained physician choice due to emergent problems or limited in‐hospital physician networks.
The interplay between diet, urate transporters and the risk for gout and hyperuricemia: current and future directions
Authors: Torralba Karina D. , De Jesus Emerson , Rachabattula Shylaja 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDiet plays a significant role in the development of gout and hyperuricemia. Gout and hyperuricemia have likewise been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological studies have shown that certain foods influence levels of serum uric acid and the risk for development of gout.This article reviews the influence of dietary factors on serum uric acid levels and risk of gout, as well as the role of urate transporters in the development of hyperuricemia and gout.Various epidemiological studies have shown the effects of certain foods on the risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia. Low‐fat dairy products, purine‐rich vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and less sugary fruits, coffee and vitamin C supplements decrease the risk, whereas intake of red meat, fructose‐containing beverages and alcohol increase the risk of gout. There is also an increased although basic understanding of the effects of vitamin C, alcohol and fructose on urate transporters. Certain foods can lead to a decreased or increased risk of development of gout and hyperuricemia. Advances have established the interplay of certain foods on urate transporters and renal handling of urate. More studies, especially prospective ones, are needed to increase our understanding of the roles of foods and urate transporters and other molecular mechanisms on the risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia.
Radiosensitization of esophageal cancer cells ECA109 by knockdown of H2AX
Authors: Shi Hong‐yun , Zhu Shu‐chai 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundGenetic studies on mice have demonstrated that the key regulator of DNA damage in mammalian cells is the histone H2A variant, H2AX. We hypothesize that knockdown of H2AX will cause DNA damage pathway defects and may be able to increase the sensitivity to radiotherapy.MethodsThe formation of foci and the interaction of several important proteins in esophageal cancer ECA109, triggered by irradiation, were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay before and after H2AX silencing. Clone formation assay was employed to detect cell radiosensitivity and cloning formation ability also before and after H2AX silencing. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. We constructed a nude mice esophageal cancer model and detected the above contents in vivo.ResultsH2AX and several proteins could form foci in nuclear triggered by irradiation and establish a relationship in vitro. The foci reduced after H2AX silencing. H2AX silencing could lead to radiosensitization via a colony‐forming test. The apoptosis rate increased and the cell cycle was blocked in G2‐M stage after H2AX silencing in vivo. The tumor volume was decreased in the H2AX silenced group after irradiation, while the tumor only slowed down the growth rate in the control groups.ConclusionsKnockdown of H2AX induced radiosensitization of esophageal cancer ECA109 cells both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms include defective cell cycle checkpoints and abolishment of foci formation for several important mediator and effector proteins in the DNA damage response to irradiation (IR).
Age and gender effects on DNA strand break repair in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Garm Christian , Moreno‐Villanueva Maria , Bürkle Alexander , Petersen Inge , Bohr Vilhelm A. , Christensen Kaare , Stevnsner Tinna 
Published: October 2012

SummaryExogenous and endogenous damage to DNA is constantly challenging the stability of our genome. This DNA damage increase the frequency of errors in DNA replication, thus causing point mutations or chromosomal rearrangements and has been implicated in aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, efficient DNA repair is vital for the maintenance of genome stability. The general notion has been that DNA repair capacity decreases with age although there are conflicting results. Here, we focused on potential age‐associated changes in DNA damage response and the capacities of repairing DNA single‐strand breaks (SSBs) and double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Of these lesions, DSBs are the least frequent but the most dangerous for cells. We have measured the level of endogenous SSBs, SSB repair capacity, γ‐H2AX response, and DSB repair capacity in a study population consisting of 216 individuals from a population‐based sample of twins aged 40–77 years. Age in this range did not seem to have any effect on the SSB parameters. However, γ‐H2AX response and DSB repair capacity decreased with increasing age, although the associations did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for batch effect across multiple experiments. No gender differences were observed for any of the parameters analyzed. Our findings suggest that in PBMCs, the repair of SSBs is maintained until old age, whereas the response to and the repair of DSBs decrease.
Effect of table tilt on ligamentum flavum length measured using ultrasonography in pregnant women*
Authors: Jones A. R. , Carle C. , Columb M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to assess whether applying dorsal table tilt to a seated parturient positioned for neuraxial anaesthesia (i.e. facing laterally with her legs over the side of the table) increased the size of the target area for the neuraxial needle. We performed lumbar ultrasonography on 20 pregnant women with the table level (0°) and tilted 8° and 15° dorsally. For each position, the size of the ‘target area’, defined as the visible length of the ligamentum flavum in the longitudinal paramedian view, and the interlaminar distance, were measured at the L3–4 interspace. There were significant increases in the mean (SD) size of the target area with increasing table tilt (10.7 (1.3) mm at 0°, 11.5 (1.3) mm at 8° and 12.2 (1.7) mm at 15°; p < 0.0001). Interlaminar distances were not significantly increased. These data show that using dorsal table tilt in obstetric patients increases the target area for neuraxial needles. Additional research is required to assess whether this eases the placement of neuraxial needles in clinical practice.
Skills of primary healthcare physicians in paediatric cardiac auscultation
Authors: Germanakis Ioannis , Petridou Eleni Th , Varlamis George , Matsoukis Ioannis L , Papadopoulou‐Legbelou Kiriaki , Kalmanti Maria 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the performance of primary healthcare physicians in paediatric cardiac auscultation and the impact of a multimedia‐based teaching intervention.MethodsA total of 106 primary healthcare physicians (77 paediatricians, 14 general practitioners and 15 medical graduates) attended four paediatric cardiac auscultation teaching courses based on virtual patients' presentation (digital phonocardiography). Their auscultatory performance was documented at the beginning of each course and at the end of two of the courses.ResultsParticipants initially detected 73% of abnormal murmurs and 17% of additional sounds, while 22% of innocent murmurs were interpreted as abnormal. Overall cardiac auscultation performance, assessed by a combined auscultation score, was low and independent of training level (graduates: 39.5/trainees: 42.8/board certified: 42.6, p = 0.89) or specialty (paediatricians: 42.7/general practitioners: 43.1, p = 0.89). Multimedia‐based teaching was associated with a significant improvement in abnormal murmur (92.5%) and additional sound (40%) detection (p < 0.001), while 25% of innocent murmurs were still interpreted as abnormal (p = 0.127).ConclusionClinical skills of primary healthcare physicians in paediatric cardiac auscultation, independent of training level or specialty, still leave potential for improvement. Multimedia‐based teaching interventions represent an effective means of improving paediatric cardiac auscultatory skills.
Lower urinary tract function in childhood; normal development and common functional disturbances
Authors: Nevéus T. , Sillén U. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis review aims to provide researchers and clinicians involved with the adult lower urinary tract with background knowledge regarding the early development of bladder function and its most common disturbances in childhood. Bladder development begins in weeks 4–6 and the detrusor muscle is formed during weeks 9–12 of gestation. Higher CNS centres are involved in micturition at birth, and the infant usually wakes up, at least briefly, to void. Voiding during the first years of life is often incomplete, owing to detrusor‐sphincter dyscoordination, but this disappears when bladder control is attained. Approximately 5–10% of 7‐year‐old children suffer from daytime incontinence and/or nocturnal enuresis, and a few per cent of them will not outgrow it. Daytime incontinence in childhood is usually attributable to detrusor overactivity, although it is unclear to what extent it is the detrusor or the micturition reflex per se that is overactive. Enuresis – nocturnal incontinence – is caused by either nocturnal polyuria and/or nocturnal detrusor overactivity, in both cases combined with high arousal thresholds. Bladder problems in childhood constitute a risk factor for the development or persistence of bladder problems in adulthood.
Protective effects of astaxanthin on capillary regression in atrophied soleus muscle of rats
Authors: Kanazashi M. , Okumura Y. , Al‐Nassan S. , Murakami S. , Kondo H. , Nagatomo F. , Fujita N. , Ishihara A. , Roy R. R. , Fujino H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe capillary regression in skeletal muscles associated with a chronic decrease in activity is related to a dysfunction of endocapillary cells induced by over‐expression of oxidative stress. We hypothesized that treatment with astaxanthin, an antioxidant, would attenuate the oxidative stress induced by decreased skeletal muscle use, and that this attenuation would prevent the associated capillary regression. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant and preventive effects of astaxanthin on capillary regression in the soleus muscle during hindlimb unloading.MethodsTwenty‐four adult male Wistar rats were assigned randomly either to a control, control plus astaxanthin treatment, hindlimb unloaded or hindlimb unloaded plus astaxanthin treatment group for 7 days.ResultsHindlimb unloading resulted in a decrease in mean soleus absolute weight, capillary number, volume and luminal diameter. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the over‐expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1), a decrease in the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, an inhibition of the angiopoietin pathway and an increase of thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), as an anti‐angiogenic factor were showed. Administration of astaxanthin attenuated the changes in SOD‐1 and VEGF, up‐regulated the angiogenic factors and reduced the capillary regression in the soleus of hindlimb unloaded rats. In addition, the VEGF‐to‐TSP1 ratio was higher in the astaxanthin treated groups than in the control and HU groups.ConclusionThese results suggest that astaxanthin may be an effective treatment to counter the detrimental effects of a chronic decrease in skeletal muscle use on the capillary network and associated angiogenic pathways.
Ipsilateral corticospinal responses to ballistic training are similar for various intensities and timings of TMS
Authors: Poh E. , Riek S. , Carroll T. J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimIn previous studies, unilateral ballistic training either increased or decreased corticospinal excitability for the untrained opposite limb. The objective here was to investigate whether these discrepancies can be explained by methodological differences such as the intensity of stimulation assessing excitability or the timing of excitability testing after training.MethodsMotor evoked potentials (MEP) were elicited by stimulating the ipsilateral cortex at high intensity (70% MEPmax) and low intensity (20% MEPmax) at specific time‐points after performance of 300 ballistic movements of the index finger.ResultsBallistic practice significantly facilitated MEP size for high‐intensity stimuli, whereas responses to low‐intensity stimulation were variable. MEP sizes at individual time‐points were not significantly facilitated until 4 min after training, although there was no difference between early and late responses when grouped over multiple time‐points.ConclusionsThe data indicate that previous discrepancies in ipsilateral responses to ballistic training cannot be attributed to specific procedures used to assess corticospinal excitability as there was no tendency towards depression of MEP amplitude at any point post‐exercise for both testing intensities. This suggests that other experimental factors such as locus of attention or availability of visual feedback are more likely to account for the discrepancies.
Social psychology cares about causal conscious thought, not free will per se
Authors: Bargh John A. 
Published: October 2012

The target article is a response to internet blog posts and not to the published record. This distinction matters because while the blog posts debated free will, within the peer‐reviewed, scientific psychological literature the debate has always been over a somewhat different issue: the causal nature of conscious as opposed to automatic cognitive processes on higher mental processes such as judgment, behaviour, and motivation. These are distinct issues because conscious processes can be part of the causal chain even though they themselves are caused; thus, logically, conscious processes can be causal even though free will (the ‘uncaused causer’) does not exist. This debate within psychology over the causal efficacy of conscious processes is now 100 years old (Watson, 1912) and the recent blog exchanges that prompted the target article are better understood within that historical context instead of within the definitional debates within philosophy about the concept of free will.
(S)‐1‐α‐naphthylmethyl‐6,7‐dihydroxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (CKD712), promotes wound closure by producing VEGF through HO‐1 induction in human dermal fibroblasts and mouse skin
Authors: Jang Hwa Jin , Tsoyi Konstantin , Kim Young Min , Park Eun Jung , Park Sang Won , Kim Hye Jung , Lee Jae Heun , Chang Ki Churl 
Published: October 2012

Background and PurposeGiven the importance of VEGF and haem oxygenase (HO)‐1 in wound healing, the present study tested the hypothesis that CKD712, a synthetic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid, activated VEGF production through the induction of HO‐1 in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and in mouse skin to stimulate wound healing.Experimental ApproachUsing HDFs, the effects of CKD712 on the production of VEGF and migration were evaluated. The mechanisms responsible were investigated using various signal inhibitors and small interfering RNA techniques. The ability of CKD712 to promote wound healing was also investigated in full‐thickness skin‐wounded mice.Key ResultsCKD712 treatment of HDFs increased VEGF production and accelerated migration, which was antagonized by anti‐VEGF antibodies. Both an AMPK inhibitor (compound C) anda HO‐1 activity inhibitor (SnPPIX) but not inhibitors of MAPKs, PI3K and PKC reduced the production of VEGF by CKD712. Interestingly, SnPPIX inhibited HO‐1 expression but not p‐AMPK, whereas compound C inhibited both p‐AMPK and HO‐1 induction by CKD712. Moreover, CKD712 decreased HO‐1 expression without affecting the expression of p‐AMPK by siHO‐1 transfection, but it failed to induce HO‐1 in siAMPKα1‐transfected cells, suggesting that AMPK is involved in HO‐1 induction by CKD712 in HDFs. Also, CKD712 shortened the time of wound closure in an SnPPIX‐sensitive manner in a full‐thickness skin‐wounded mouse model.Conclusion and ImplicationsCKD712 accelerated cutaneous wound healing, at least in part, by the production of VEGF through HO‐1 induction in HDFs and mouse skin.
A single nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin‐6 gene is related to plasma adrenomedullin levels
Authors: Wong Hoi Kin , Ong Kwok Leung , Leung Raymond Y. H. , Lam Tai Hing , Thomas Graham Neil , Lam Karen S. L. , Cheung Bernard M. Y. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryObjectiveElevated plasma adrenomedullin (ADM) levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding ADM (ADM) are associated with plasma ADM levels. The presence of a nuclear factor for interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression binding site in the promoter region of the ADM gene suggests a possible relationship between the expression of the ADM and IL‐6. Therefore, we investigated whether plasma ADM levels are related to SNPs in the gene encoding IL‐6 (IL6).MethodsPlasma ADM levels were measured in 476 subjects in the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study‐2 (CRISPS2). The subjects were genotyped for three tagging SNPs in the IL6 gene.ResultsThe minor allele frequencies of the IL6 SNPs rs17147230, rs1800796 and rs2069837 were 41·8%, 20·0% and 15·4%, respectively. The tagging SNP, rs17147230, was associated with plasma ADM levels after adjusting for age and sex (β=−0·096, P = 0·034). The association was significant in women (β=−0·115, P = 0·021) but not in men. Among all subjects, plasma ADM levels decreased with an increasing number of minor alleles of rs17147230 in multivariate analysis (P = 0·034). Compared to subjects with the AA genotype, subjects with the TT genotype had plasma ADM levels 12·8% lower (95% CI: 0·6–23·5%, P = 0·041). Haplotype analysis demonstrated a significant association of the haplotype ACA with plasma ADM levels in women (P < 0·05).ConclusionPlasma ADM levels are related to the SNP rs17147230 in IL6 gene. The effect of the polymorphism on inflammation and cardiovascular disease remains to be determined.
BK virus viremia in a well‐HLA‐matched kidney transplant population mainly on low‐dose cyclosporine‐based immunosuppression
Authors: Helanterä Ilkka , Salmela Kaija , Kyllönen Lauri , Räisänen‐Sokolowski Anne , Auvinen Eeva , Mannonen Laura , Koskinen Petri , Lautenschlager Irmeli 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe incidence and clinical course of polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PyVAN) in our well‐HLA‐matched kidney transplant population mainly on low‐dose cyclosporine‐based triple‐drug immunosuppression has not been described in detail. We aimed to characterize our patients with PyVAN and BK virus (BKV) viremia.Among 166 kidney transplantations between January 2007 and February 2011 followed up at Helsinki University Hospital nephrology clinic, 136 were screened for BKV viremia by quantitative analysis of BKV DNA in plasma. PyVAN was diagnosed by biopsy histopathology and SV40 T‐antigen detection. BKV viremia or PyVAN were treated by reducing immunosuppression.BKV viremia was detected in 12 (9%) patients. PyVAN was diagnosed in six patients (4%). In the six patients with no PyVAN, four had low‐level viremia (<10 000 copies/mL) of short duration (<2 months), one had high‐level viremia, and one had sustained low‐level viremia. After reduction of immunosuppression, all except one patient were able to clear viremia. No grafts were lost due to PyVAN.Even in a low‐risk population, BKV viremia and PyVAN occur, highlighting the importance of monitoring viral loads. Reduction of immunosuppression was successful, and no grafts were lost due to PyVAN.
A Cross‐Cultural Comparison of Population‐Specific Face Shape Preferences (Homo sapiens)
Authors: Danel Dariusz P. , Fedurek Paweł , Coetzee Vinet , Stephen Ian D. , Nowak Natalia , Stirrat Michael , Perrett David I. , Saxton Tamsin K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA substantial number of studies indicate that human facial features such as symmetry and averageness are preferred in human mate choice. Little is known, however, about face preferences in intrapopulation or between‐cultural settings as only a few studies have addressed this topic. One hypothesis is that people prefer faces that resemble faces from their own population as a result of visual adaptation. Here, we present results of an internet‐based experiment in which male and female participants from two European nations, Poland and Scotland, were asked to choose between ‘Polish‐modified’ and ‘Scottish‐modified’ faces (i.e. face portraits modified along one of ten different dimensions to resemble faces of the respective populations) of both sexes while being unaware of the origins of the portraits. The results show that the preferences of Polish judges for Polish‐shaped faces were significantly stronger than the preferences of Scottish judges for the Scottish‐shaped faces. Moreover, both Polish and Scottish judges preferred Polish‐shaped faces to Scottish‐shaped faces. These results suggest that natural visual experience acquired in everyday interpersonal interactions may have limited influence on aesthetic preferences in these particular intrapopulation settings.