bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity in childhood
Authors: Ernst Manon AB , Gerver Willem JM , Simons Michelle YG , Jansen M W J , Hoeven Mark AHBM van der , Zimmermann Luc JI 
Published: December 2012

The concern about obesity in children has increased worldwide. The question arises, whether this trend to obesity already starts during the prenatal period and to what extent the increase of weight is related to a secular trend in height. For neonatal data, three studies, performed in The Netherlands, with neonatal data of birth weights were compared. For postnatal data, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of two nationwide studies, performed in the Netherlands, were analyzed. No differences between birth weights were found between 1970 and 2007. In postnatal data a trend of increasing weight and BMI in both boys and girls starts from five years onwards. The secular trend in height starts from the age of two and a half years onward in both boys and girls. The increase in weight is more pronounced than the increase in height. No prenatal secular trend could be detected in The Netherlands. Postnatal, the secular trend is obvious for weight, height and BMI. The increase in skewness of the weight distribution may be ascribed to a metabolic disturbance of the population.
Accuracy of Calendar-Based Methods for Assigning Menstrual Cycle Phase in Women
Authors: Wideman Laurie , Montgomery Melissa M. , Levine Beverly J. , Beynnon Bruce D. , Shultz Sandra J. 
Published: December 2012

Background: Sex steroid hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are considered a risk factor for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Objective: To determine whether self-reported menstrual history data can be used to accurately categorize menstrual cycle events using calendar-based counting methods. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Seventy-three women completed a menstrual history questionnaire and submitted to blood sampling for the first 6 days of menses and 8 to 10 days after a positive ovulation test over 2 consecutive months. Frequency counts determined whether appropriate criterion hormone (progesterone) levels were achieved at predefined calendar days. Results: For the criterion of progesterone >2 ng/mL, 18% and 59% of women attained it when counting forward 10 to 14 days after the onset of menses and counting back 12 to 14 days from the end of the cycle, respectively. Most women (76%) attained the criterion for ovulation 1 to 3 days after a positive urinary ovulation test. Regardless of the counting method employed, the criterion of progesterone >4.5 ng/mL for identifying midluteal phase was attained in 67% of cases. Serial blood sampling for 3 to 5 days after the positive urinary ovulation test captured 68% to 81% of the hormone values indicative of ovulation and 58% to 75% indicative of the luteal phase. Conclusion: These data suggest that self-reported menstrual history and calendar-based counting methods should not be used alone if accurate identification of ovulation is essential. A urinary ovulation test and serial blood samples for verification of progesterone postovulation enhance the proper identification of menstrual cycle events. Clinical Relevance: Given the cost of serial blood sampling on numerous days, the use of urinary ovulation kits and strategically selected serial blood sampling could significantly reduce participant burden and provide cost-effective measures for clinical studies related to anterior cruciate ligament injury epidemiology.
Ontogeny of erythroid gene expression
Authors: Kingsley Paul D. , Greenfest-Allen Emily , Frame Jenna M. , Bushnell Timothy P. , Malik Jeffrey , McGrath Kathleen E. , Stoeckert Christian J. , Palis James 
Published: December 2012

Key PointsComparative global gene expression analysis of primary murine primitive, fetal definitive, and adult definitive erythroid precursors. Primitive erythroblasts contain and accumulate high ROS levels and uniquely express the H2O2 transporting aquaporins 3 and 8.
Some new Gronwall-Bellman type nonlinear dynamic inequalities containing integration on infinite intervals on time scales
Authors: Zheng Bin , Feng Qinghua , Meng Fanwei , Zhang Yaoming 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
In this paper, some new Gronwall-Bellman-type nonlinear dynamic inequalities containing integration on infinite intervals on time scales are established, which provides new bounds on unknown functions and can be used as a handy tool in the qualitative analysis of solutions of certain dynamic equations on time scales.

MSC:26E70, 26D15, 26D10.
Innovation in patient-centered care: lessons from a qualitative study of innovative health care organizations in Washington State
Authors: Reed Peter , Conrad Douglas A , Hernandez Susan E , Watts Carolyn , Marcus-Smith Miriam 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Growing interest in the promise of patient-centered care has led to numerous health care innovations, including the patient-centered medical home, shared decision-making, and payment reforms. How best to vet and adopt innovations is an open question. Washington State has been a leader in health care reform and is a rich laboratory for patient-centered innovations. We sought to understand the process of patient-centered care innovation undertaken by innovative health care organizations – from strategic planning to goal selection to implementation to maintenance.

Methods
We conducted key-informant interviews with executives at five health plans, five provider organizations, and ten primary care clinics in Washington State. At least two readers of each interview transcript identified themes inductively; final themes were determined by consensus.

Results
Innovation in patient-centered care was a strategic objective chosen by nearly every organization in this study. However, other goals were paramount: cost containment, quality improvement, and organization survival. Organizations commonly perceived effective chronic disease management and integrated health information technology as key elements for successful patient-centered care innovation. Inertia, resource deficits, fee-for-service payment, and regulatory limits on scope of practice were cited as barriers to innovation, while organization leadership, human capital, and adaptive culture facilitated innovation.

Conclusions
Patient-centered care innovations reflected organizational perspectives: health plans emphasized cost-effectiveness while providers emphasized health care delivery processes. Health plans and providers shared many objectives, yet the two rarely collaborated to achieve them. The process of innovation is heavily dependent on organizational culture and leadership. Policymakers can improve the pace and quality of patient-centered innovation by setting targets and addressing conditions for innovation.
A cognitive-motor intervention using a dance video game to enhance foot placement accuracy and gait under dual task conditions in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pichierri Giuseppe , Murer Kurt , de Bruin Eling D 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Computer-based interventions have demonstrated consistent positive effects on various physical abilities in older adults. This study aims to compare two training groups that achieve similar amounts of strength and balance exercise where one group receives an intervention that includes additional dance video gaming. The aim is to investigate the different effects of the training programs on physical and psychological parameters in older adults.

Methods
Thirty-one participants (mean age ± SD: 86.2 ± 4.6 years), residents of two Swiss hostels for the aged, were randomly assigned to either the dance group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 16). The dance group absolved a twelve-week cognitive-motor exercise program twice weekly that comprised progressive strength and balance training supplemented with additional dance video gaming. The control group performed only the strength and balance exercises during this period. Outcome measures were foot placement accuracy, gait performance under single and dual task conditions, and falls efficacy.

Results
After the intervention between-group comparison revealed significant differences for gait velocity (U = 26, P = .041, r = .45) and for single support time (U = 24, P = .029, r = .48) during the fast walking dual task condition in favor of the dance group. No significant between-group differences were observed either in the foot placement accuracy test or in falls efficacy.

Conclusions
There was a significant interaction in favor of the dance video game group for improvements in step time. Significant improved fast walking performance under dual task conditions (velocity, double support time, step length) was observed for the dance video game group only. These findings suggest that in older adults a cognitive-motor intervention may result in more improved gait under dual task conditions in comparison to a traditional strength and balance exercise program.

Trial registration
This trial has been registered under ISRCTN05350123 (http://www.controlled-trials.com)
The STAR trial protocol: a randomised multi-stage phase II/III study of Sunitinib comparing temporary cessation with allowing continuation, at the time of maximal radiological response, in the first-line treatment of locally advanced/metastatic Renal Cancer
Authors: Collinson Fiona J , Gregory Walter M , McCabe Chris , Howard Helen , Lowe Catherine , Potrata DrBarbara , Tubeuf Sandy , Hanlon Pat , McParland Lucy , Wah T , Selby Peter J , Hewison Jenny , Brown Julia , Brown Janet 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Over recent years a number of novel therapies have shown promise in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Internationally the standard of care of first-line therapy is sunitinib™, after a clear survival benefit was demonstrated over interferon-α. Convention dictates that sunitinib is continued until evidence of disease progression, assuming tolerability, although there is no evidence that this approach is superior to intermittent periods of treatment. The purpose of the STAR trial is to compare the standard treatment strategy (conventional continuation strategy, CCS) with a novel drug free interval strategy (DFIS) which includes planned treatment breaks.

Methods/Design
The STAR trial is an NIHR HTA-funded UK pragmatic randomised phase II/III clinical trial in the first-line treatment of advanced RCC. Participants will be randomised (1:1) to either a sunitinib CCS or a DFIS. The overall aim of the trial is to determine whether a DFIS is non-inferior, in terms of 2-year overall survival (OS) and quality adjusted life years (QALY) (averaged over treatment and follow up), compared to a CCS. The QALY primary endpoint was selected to assess whether any detriment in terms of OS could be balanced with improvements in quality of life (QoL). This is a complex trial with a number of design challenges, and to address these issues a feasibility stage is incorporated into the trial design. Predetermined recruitment (stage A) and efficacy (stage B) intermediary endpoints must be met to allow continuation to the overall phase III trial (stage C). An integral qualitative patient preference and understanding study will occur alongside the feasibility stage to investigate patients’ feelings regarding participation or non-participation in the trial.

Discussion
The optimal duration of continuing sunitinib in advanced RCC is unknown. Novel targeted therapies do not always have the same constraints to treatment duration as standard chemotherapeutic agents and currently there are no randomised data comparing different treatment durations. Incorporating planned treatment breaks has the potential to improve QoL and cost effectiveness, hopefully without significant detriment on OS, as has been demonstrated in other cancer types with other treatments.

Trial Registration
Controlled-trials.com ISRCTN 06473203
Spontaneous malignant glaucoma in a patient with patent peripheral iridotomy
Authors: Premsenthil Mallika , Salowi Mohamad Aziz , Siew Chong Min , ak Gudom Intan , Kah Tan 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
To report a case of spontaneous malignant glaucoma in an Asian female. To propose the term “positive vitreous pressure glaucoma” to reflect the pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis of the condition.

Case presentation
A 56-year old Chinese female was diagnosed of primary angle closure glaucoma and had bilateral laser peripheral iridotomy one year ago. She presented with spontaneous onset of malignant glaucoma involving the left eye. The condition was treated successfully; the final best corrected visual acuity was 0.67 (decimal notation).

Conclusion
This case highlights that acute angle closure attack can occur in an eye with patent peripheral iridotomy. Early recognition and treatment is essential for good visual prognosis.
Estimation of human trunk movements by wearable strain sensors and improvement of sensor’s placement on intelligent biomedical clothes
Authors: Tormene Paolo , Bartolo Michelangelo , De Nunzio Alessandro M , Fecchio Federica , Quaglini Silvana , Tassorelli Cristina , Sandrini Giorgio 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the concept of a wearable device and, specifically: 1) to design and implement analysis procedures to extract clinically relevant information from data recorded using the wearable system; 2) to evaluate the design and placement of the strain sensors.

Methods
Different kinds of trunk movements performed by a healthy subject were acquired as a comprehensive data set of 639 multivariate time series and off-line analyzed. The space of multivariate signals recorded by the strain sensors was reduced by means of Principal Components Analysis, and compared with the univariate angles contemporaneously measured by an inertial sensor.

Results
Very high correlation between the two kinds of signals showed the usefulness of the garment for the quantification of the movements’ range of motion that caused at least one strain sensor to lengthen or shorten accordingly. The repeatability of signals was also studied. The layout of a next garment prototype was designed, with additional strain sensors placed across the front and hips, able to monitor a wider set of trunk motor tasks.

Conclusions
The proposed technologies and methods would offer a low-cost and unobtrusive approach to trunk motor rehabilitation.
Metals and trace element concentrations in breast milk of first time healthy mothers: a biological monitoring study
Authors: Björklund Karin Ljung , Vahter Marie , Palm Brita , Grandér Margaretha , Lignell Sanna , Berglund Marika 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundBreast milk is the best source of nutrition for the newborn infant. However, since all infants cannot be breast-fed, there is a need for background data for setting adequate daily intakes. Previously, concentration data on major essential elements and some toxic elements in breast milk, based on different analytical techniques, have been published. There is no recent study on a large number of metals and trace elements in breast milk, using a sensitive analytical method for determination of low element concentrations.MethodsBreast milk concentrations of 32 metals and elements in early lactation (days 14-21) were determined in a random sample of first time Swedish mothers (n = 60) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS).ResultsThere were small inter-individual concentration variations in the macroelements Ca, K, Mg, P and S, and striking similarities across studies and over time, supporting a tight regulation of these elements in breast milk. Large inter-individual and over time differences were detected for Na concentrations, which may reflect an increase in salt consumption in Swedish women. Large inter-individual differences were also detected for the microelements Co, Cr, Mn and Mo, and the toxic metals As, Cd, Pb, Sb and V. Arsenic and B were positively correlated with fish consumption, indicating influence of maternal intake on breast milk concentrations. Observed differences in breast milk element concentrations across studies and over time could be attributed to the timing of sampling and a general decline over time of lactation (Cu, Fe, Mo, Zn), a possible lack of regulation of certain elements in breast milk (As, B, Co, Mn, Se) and time trends in environmental exposure (Pb), or in some cases to differences in analytical performance (Cr, Fe).ConclusionsThis study provides reliable updated information on a number of metals and elements in breast milk, of which some have not previously been reported.
An analysis of health system resources in relation to pandemic response capacity in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Authors: Hanvoravongchai Piya , Chavez Irwin , Rudge James W , Touch Sok , Putthasri Weerasak , Chau PhamNgoc , Phommasack Bounlay , Singhasivanon Pratap , Coker Richard ,   the AsiaFluCap Project Consortium
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
There is increasing perception that countries cannot work in isolation to militate against the threat of pandemic influenza. In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Asia, high socio-economic diversity and fertile conditions for the emergence and spread of infectious diseases underscore the importance of transnational cooperation. Investigation of healthcare resource distribution and inequalities can help determine the need for, and inform decisions regarding, resource sharing and mobilisation.

Methods
We collected data on healthcare resources deemed important for responding to pandemic influenza through surveys of hospitals and district health offices across four countries of the GMS (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam). Focusing on four key resource types (oseltamivir, hospital beds, ventilators, and health workers), we mapped and analysed resource distributions at province level to identify relative shortages, mismatches, and clustering of resources. We analysed inequalities in resource distribution using the Gini coefficient and Theil index.

Results
Three quarters of the Cambodian population and two thirds of the Laotian population live in relatively underserved provinces (those with resource densities in the lowest quintile across the region) in relation to health workers, ventilators, and hospital beds. More than a quarter of the Thai population is relatively underserved for health workers and oseltamivir. Approximately one fifth of the Vietnamese population is underserved for beds and ventilators. All Cambodian provinces are underserved for at least one resource. In Lao PDR, 11 percent of the population is underserved by all four resource items. Of the four resources, ventilators and oseltamivir were most unequally distributed. Cambodia generally showed higher levels of inequalities in resource distribution compared to other countries. Decomposition of the Theil index suggests that inequalities result principally from differences within, rather than between, countries.

Conclusions
There is considerable heterogeneity in healthcare resource distribution within and across countries of the GMS. Most inequalities result from within countries. Given the inequalities, mismatches, and clustering of resources observed here, resource sharing and mobilization in a pandemic scenario could be crucial for more effective and equitable use of the resources that are available in the GMS.
Current status of health technology reassessment of non-drug technologies: survey and key informant interviews
Authors: Leggett Laura E , Mackean Gail , Noseworthy Tom W , Sutherland Lloyd , Clement Fiona 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Health Technology Reassessment (HTR) is a structured, evidence-based assessment of the clinical, social, ethical and economic effects of a technology currently used in the health care system, to inform optimal use of that technology in comparison to its alternatives. Little is known about current international HTR practices. The objective of this research was to summarize experience-based information gathered from international experts on the development, initiation and implementation of a HTR program.

Methods
A mixed methods approach, using a survey and in-depth interviews, was adopted. The survey covered 8 concepts: prioritization/identification of potentially obsolete technologies; program development; implementation; mitigation; program championing; stakeholder engagement; monitoring; and reinvestment. Members of Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) and the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) formed the sampling frame. Participation was solicited via email and the survey was administered online using SurveyMonkey. Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. To gather more in-depth knowledge, semi-structured interviews were conducted among organizations with active HTR programs. Interview questions were developed using the same 8 concepts. The hour-long interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using constant comparative analysis.

Results
Ninety-five individuals responded to the survey: 49 were not discussing HTR, 21 were beginning to discuss HTR, nine were imminently developing a program, and 16 participants had programs and were completing reassessments. The survey results revealed that methods vary widely and that although HTR is a powerful tool, it is currently not being used to its full potential. Of the 16 with active programs, nine agreed to participate in follow-up interviews. Interview participants identified early and extensive stakeholder engagement as the most important factors for success. A lack of top-down support and financial and human resources are inhibiting program development.

Discussion
HTR is in its infancy. Although HTRs are being conducted, there are no standardized approaches. However, much can be learned from current international work. Future work should focus on developing a comprehensive methodology, reporting the processes of reassessments and sharing successes and challenges in a common platform.
Latitudinal comparison of thermotolerance and HSP70 production in F2 larvae of the Greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus)
Authors: Dunphy Brendon J. , Ragg Norman L. C. , Collings Melanie G. 
Published: December 2012

Summary
We report the first measures of thermotolerance (recorded as percent mortality and induced HSP70 production) for pelagic larvae of three populations of the New Zealand Greenshell (green-lipped) mussel Perna canaliculus. Our goal was to determine whether distinct populations of P. canaliculus were more susceptible to predicted climate change than others, and whether such patterns of susceptibility were either genetically controlled (local adaptation of populations) or simply reflect the acclimatory capacity of this species. F2 larvae from three P. canaliculus populations (D’Urville Island, Banks Peninsula and Stewart Island) were subjected to an acute thermal challenge (3 h exposure to a fixed temperature in the range 20-42°C). No latitudinal patterns in either % mortality or HSP70 protein production were apparent. For all populations LT50 was between 32.9 and 33.9°C, with significant amounts of HSP70 induction only occurring in those individuals that experienced temperatures of 40°C or greater. The data presented therefore do not support the hypothesis that genetic adaptation of P. canaliculus to distinct thermal environments will be reflected by a corresponding difference in acute heat tolerance. In fact, the apparently vulnerable veligers show a surprisingly wide thermal safety margin. To develop a comprehensive understanding of ocean warming upon this species, subsequent studies should consider the impacts of sub-lethal stress upon fitness in addition to chronic thermal challenge and, critically, the response of sedentary juvenile and adult stages.