bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two waist circumference measurement protocols: the SEARCH for diabetes in youth study
Authors: Pettitt D. J. , Talton J. W. , Liese A. D. , Liu L. L. , Crimmins N. , West N. A. , D' Agostino R. B. , Kahn H. S. ,   the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundReports comparing waist circumference (WC) measurements from young populations are scarce.ObjectivesWe compared two protocols for measuring waist circumference in a sample of youth with diabetes.MethodsParticipants were enrolled in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study (SEARCH). WC was measured at least twice by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) protocol and twice by the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. Method‐specific averages were used in these analyses.ResultsAmong 6248 participants, the mean NHANES WC (76.3 cm) was greater than the mean WHO WC (71.9 cm). Discrepancies between protocols were greater for females than males, among older participants, and in those with higher body mass index (BMI). In both sexes and four age strata, the WCs using either method were highly correlated with BMI z‐score. The within‐method differences between the first and second measurements were similar for the two methods.ConclusionsThese analyses do not provide evidence that one of these two methods is more reproducible or is a better indicator of obesity as defined by BMI z‐scores.
Increased Toll‐like receptor (TLR) mRNA expression in monocytes is a feature of metabolic syndrome in adolescents
Authors: Hardy O. T. , Kim A. , Ciccarelli C. , Hayman L. L. , Wiecha J. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is diagnosed frequently in some but not all overweight adolescents. Chronic inflammation, as seen in obesity, is strongly associated with MetSyn.ObjectivesThe aim of this pilot study was to assess the correlation between activation of the innate immune system and MetSyn, independent of body mass index (BMI), in a young population.MethodsWe quantitatively measured both systemic pro‐inflammatory cytokines and gene expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and downstream cytokines in circulating monocytes obtained from nine adolescents with metabolic syndrome (Overwt‐MetSyn) and eight BMI‐matched controls (Overwt‐Healthy).ResultsThe Overwt‐MetSyn group demonstrated a significant elevation in expression of TLR2, TLR4, tumour necrosis factor‐a (TNF a) and interleukin‐6 (IL6) in peripheral monocytes, and increased circulating levels of TNF a and IL6 when compared with the Overwt‐Healthy group. TLR2 (r = 0.78, P < 0.001), TLR4 (r = 0.57, P < 0.01) and TNF a (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) gene expression positively correlated with serum levels of TNF a.ConclusionsOur study suggests that activation of the innate immune pathway via TLRs may be partially responsible for the increased systemic inflammation seen in adolescents with MetSyn.
Using marketing research concepts to investigate specialty selection by medical students
Authors: Weissman Charles , Schroeder Josh , Elchalal Uriel , Weiss Yoram , Tandeter Howard , Zisk‐Rony Rachel Y 
Published: September 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 974–982Objectives  This study was intended to examine whether a marketing research approach improves understanding of medical specialty selection by medical students. This approach likens students to consumers who are deciding whether or not to purchase a product (specialty). This approach proposes that when consumers’ criteria match their perceptions of a product’s features, the likelihood that they will purchase it (select the specialty) increases. This study examines whether exploring students’ selection criteria and perceptions of various specialties provides additional insights into the selection process.Methods  Using a consumer behaviour model as a framework, a questionnaire was designed and administered to Year 6 (final‐year) students in 2008 and 2009 to elicit information on their knowledge about and interests in various specialties, the criteria they used in specialty selection, and their perceptions of six specialties.Results  A total of 132 (67%) questionnaires were returned. In many instances, consistency between selection criteria and perceptions of a specialty was accompanied by interest in pursuing the specialty. Exceptions were noted and pointed to areas requiring additional research. For example, although > 70% of female students replied that the affordance of a controllable lifestyle was an important selection criterion, many were interested in obstetrics and gynaecology despite the fact that it was not perceived as providing a controllable lifestyle. Minimal overlap among students reporting interest in primary specialties that possess similar characteristics (e.g. paediatrics and family medicine) demonstrated the need to target marketing (recruitment) efforts for each specialty individually.Conclusions  Using marketing research concepts to examine medical specialty selection may precipitate a conceptual shift among health care leaders which acknowledges that, to attract students, specialties must meet students’ selection criteria. Moreover, if consumers (students) deem a product (specialty) unattractive, it may need to be examined further to improve its appeal.
Reporting of incorrect cause-of-death causal sequence on death certificates in the USA: using hypertension and diabetes as an educational illustration
Authors: Cheng Tain-Junn , Lin Ching-Yih , Lu Tsung-Hsueh , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Little is known about the extent of reporting an incorrect cause-of-death (COD) causal sequence on death certificates.

Objective
To determine the frequency of incorrect reporting of hypertension as cause of diabetes on death certificates in the USA.

Methods
Multiple-cause mortality files were used to identify death certificates which mentioned both hypertension and diabetes in the USA from 1985 to 2005. The frequency of reporting hypertension on the line below diabetes in part I of the death certificate was calculated.

Results
The percentage of cases in which both hypertension and diabetes were included in part I of the death certificate, in which hypertension was reported on the line below diabetes on the death certificate—that is, suggesting that hypertension was a cause of diabetes—increased from 15.5% in 1985 to 36.1% in 2000 and 38.2% in 2005.

Conclusions
The frequency of reporting of an incorrect COD causal sequence on death certificates in the USA has increased. Education, training and questioning the opinions of certifying physicians are needed to improve the quality of reporting of COD statements.
From global geology to hydrocarbon exploration: Ediacaran-Early Cambrian petroleum plays of India, Pakistan and Oman
Authors: Cozzi Andrea , Rea Giuseppe , Craig Jonathan 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The vast amount of new lithostratigraphic, chemostratigraphic and geochronologic data from the Huqf Supergroup (Sultanate of Oman) has established it as the Cryogenian (850–635 Ma) and Ediacaran (635–542 Ma) reference section for the Neoproterozoic of the Middle East Region. A direct litho- and chemostratigraphic comparison of the Huqf Supergroup of Oman with the supposed time-equivalent succession of the Marwar Supergroup in western Rajasthan (India) reveals remarkable affinities in facies evolution and chemostratigraphic signature through time. Ara Group equivalent strata are also found in the Salt Range Formation of Pakistan, which shows an almost identical repetition of evaporites and carbonates with six to seven basin refreshening–desiccation cycles, comparing well with the A0–A6 Ara Group stratigraphy of the South Oman Salt Basin. These similarities bring out a consistent picture of a cratonic setting for the Marwar Supergroup of West Rajasthan, changing into a more open marine setting towards Pakistan until Oman, suggesting an assembly of Oman–Pakistan and India ‘terrains’ prior to being accreted to the Arabian shield sometime after 650 Ma. From a petroleum exploration perspective, key success factors when pursuing the Late Neoproterozoic plays in the Salt Basins of India, Pakistan and Oman are source rock maturity, charge preservation and seal integrity.
The absence of depressive symptoms is not the presence of wellness: Validation of the Clinical Positive Affect Scale
Authors: Nierenberg Andrew A , Bentley Kate H , Farabaugh Amy H , Fava Maurizio , Deckersbach Thilo 
Published: September 2012

Objective: Many patients with depression respond or remit with current treatments, but often experience persistent distress, in part because they perceive that they have not returned to their normal or premorbid state. Some continue to have a lack of subjective psychological well-being and positive affect following treatment. It would be useful to measure these deficits and explore whether interventions can improve them. Currently, no clinically useful scale has been developed to measure positive affect. To fill this gap, we developed the Clinical Positive Affect Scale (CPAS). Method: The purpose of this study is to describe the development and validation of the CPAS, a 16-item self-report measurement of self-perceived affective and cognitive correlates of positive affect, in a sample of 300 college students. Results: A principal component analysis with varimax rotation showed one major factor of positive affect, with all items revealing high loadings (≥ 0.65) on the single factor. The CPAS also demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.97) and strong part-whole correlations. Finally, the CPAS revealed some degree of divergent validity through moderately strong negative correlations with validated measures of depression, anxiety and drug abuse. Conclusions: This study supports the validity of the CPAS, which may help clinicians and researchers to assess patients’ current self-perceived levels of hedonic capacity and enthusiasm for life.
Clinical Consensus Statement
Authors: Mitchell Ron B. , Hussey Heather M. , Setzen Gavin , Jacobs Ian N. , Nussenbaum Brian , Dawson Cindy , Brown Calvin A. , Brandt Cheryl , Deakins Kathleen , Hartnick Christopher , Merati Albert 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveThis clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to improve care for pediatric and adult patients with a tracheostomy tube. Approaches to tracheostomy care are currently inconsistent among clinicians and between different institutions. The goal is to reduce variations in practice when managing patients with a tracheostomy to minimize complications.MethodsA formal literature search was conducted to identify evidence gaps and refine the scope of this consensus statement. The modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion and facilitate a consensus position. Panel members were asked to complete 2 scale‐based surveys addressing different aspects of pediatric and adult tracheostomy care. Each survey was followed by a conference call during which results were presented and statements discussed.ResultsThe panel achieved consensus on 77 statements; another 39 were dropped because of lack of consensus. Consensus was reached on statements that address initial tracheostomy tube change, management of emergencies and complications, prerequisites for decannulation, management of tube cuffs and communication devices, and specific patient and caregiver education needs.ConclusionThe consensus panel agreed on statements that address the continuum of care, from initial tube management to complications in children and adults with a tracheostomy. The panel also highlighted areas where consensus could not be reached and where more research is needed. This consensus statement should be used by physicians, nurses, and other stakeholders caring for patients with a tracheostomy.
Comparison of the radioisotope cisternography findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leakage focusing on chronological changes
Authors: Sakurai Keita , Nishio Minoru , Yamada Kazuo , Shimohira Masashi , Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Matsukawa Noriyuki , Oguri Takuya , Ueki Yoshino , Tohyama Junko , Yamawaki Takemori , Shibamoto Yuta 
Published: September 2012

Background: Radioisotope cisternography (RICG) is useful for detecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) patients. However, RICG can cause iatrogenic CSF leakage (ICSFL) due to a lumbar puncture. Objectives: To compare the RICG findings of SIH and ICSFL. Methods: The presence of direct findings suggesting CSF leakage and indirect findings including early visualization of the bladder and absence of radioactivity over the brain convexities were evaluated in seven SIH and six ICSFL patients. Radioisotope clearance was assessed semi-quantitatively. Results: In contrast to the variety of anatomical levels at which direct findings were detected in the SIH patients, the ICSFL patients only displayed direct findings at the lumbosacral level. None of the ICSFL patients displayed direct findings at 1 hour after the tracer injection. Although early visualization of the bladder was depicted in all patients, no activity was visualized over the brain convexities in the SIH patients. In the semi-quantitative analysis, the tracer retention index at 24 hours was lower in the SIH patients than the ICSFL patients. Conclusions: The early appearance of direct findings above the lumbosacral level, the absence of radioactivity over the brain convexities and a low tracer retention index are suggestive of SIH.
Transient visual disturbances in adolescents: Migrainous feature or headache-accompanied phenomenon?
Authors: Liu Hung-Yu , Fuh Jong-Ling , Lu Shiang-Ru , Chen Shih-Pin , Chou Chi-Hsiang , Wang Yen-Feng , Wang Shuu-Jiun 
Published: September 2012

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, characteristics and clinical correlates of transient visual disturbances (TVDs) in adolescents with headaches. Methods: We surveyed headache-related TVDs in the past three months in two middle schools. All the ninth-grade students filled-in the questionnaires including demographics, a validated headache questionnaire, and visual phenomenon questions embedding the Visual Aura Rating Scale (VARS). TVDs were defined as transient visual phenomena corresponding to a headache attack, but not visual aura, i.e. VARS <four. Results: Six hundred and sixty-three adolescents (341 boys and 322 girls; mean age 15.1 ± 0.3 years old) participated in this study. In subjects reporting at least one headache during the past three months ( N = 371), 33.4% reported TVDs, which accounted for 18.7% in total participants. TVDs were described mainly as flickering lights or scotoma, movable, monochromatic, occurring over bilateral visual fields, developing and lasting <30 seconds, and experienced during the headache phase. Subjects with migraines reported a higher frequency of TVDs than those with non-migraine headaches (67.1% vs. 31.2%, p < 0.001). TVDs were independently associated with photophobia (OR = 12.6, p < 0.001) and pulsatile headache (OR = 2.1, p = 0.012). Conclusions: The major features of TVDs were distinguishable from visual aura. TVDs were common in adolescents with headaches, especially in migraineurs.
Notes on a Crisis
Authors: Antonio de Paula João , E. A. da Gama Cerqueira Hugo , Mendes Cunha Alexandre , Suprinyak Carlos Eduardo , Gomes de Deus Leonardo , Albuquerque Eduardo da Motta e 
Published: September 2012

This paper presents Notebook B113, one of Marx’s unpublished manuscripts, and suggests its importance for highlighting the monetary and financial issues which Marx was investigating after 1867. The contents of this notebook reveal a systematic effort to investigate new features of financial markets and institutions which were spreading throughout Europe during the 1860’s, and which were put in sharp evidence by the events that surrounded the Overend, Gurney crisis in England, in 1866. Besides offering valuable clues with respect to Marx’s method of investigation and composition, the relevance of the themes comprised in the notebook for the analysis developed in part five of Capital’s volume III suggests that these manuscript excerpts and notes were part of the preparatory material for a future revision of that book, which Marx was never able to carry through. JEL Classification: B14; B31
Neuropsychological and Neuroimaging Markers in Early Versus Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kaiser Natalie C. , Melrose Rebecca J. , Liu Collin , Sultzer David L. , Jimenez Elvira , Su Michael , Monserratt Lorena , Mendez Mario F. 
Published: September 2012

Background: Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) has been overshadowed by the more common late-onset AD (LOAD). Yet, the literature indicates EOAD may have less hippocampal-memory presentations and more focal neocortical localization early in the disease. Objective: To evaluate these proposed differences between these 2 forms of AD and to explore what they inform about differences in AD pathophysiology. Methods: In all, 21 patients with EOAD and 24 patients with LOAD matched for disease progression and severity were compared on neurocognitive measures and resting state fluorodeoxy-glucose positron–emission tomography (FDG-PET). Results: Patients with EOAD had worse executive functions with greater hypometabolism in the parietal regions; whereas patients with LOAD had worse confrontation naming and verbal recognition memory with greater hypometabolism in inferior frontotemporal regions. Conclusions: In addition to highlighting significant differences between EOAD and LOAD, these results reveal dissociation between executive deficits in AD and frontal hypometabolism, suggesting early disturbances of the parietal–frontal network in EOAD.
Minihepcidins prevent iron overload in a hepcidin-deficient mouse model of severe hemochromatosis
Authors: Ramos Emilio , Ruchala Piotr , Goodnough Julia B. , Kautz Léon , Preza Gloria C. , Nemeth Elizabeta , Ganz Tomas 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The deficiency of hepcidin, the hormone that controls iron absorption and its tissue distribution, is the cause of iron overload in nearly all forms of hereditary hemochromatosis and in untransfused iron-loading anemias. In a recent study, we reported the development of minihepcidins, small drug-like hepcidin agonists. Here we explore the feasibility of using minihepcidins for the prevention and treatment of iron overload in hepcidin-deficient mice. An optimized minihepcidin (PR65) was developed that had superior potency and duration of action compared with natural hepcidin or other minihepcidins, and favorable cost of synthesis. PR65 was administered by subcutaneous injection daily for 2 weeks to iron-depleted or iron-loaded hepcidin knockout mice. PR65 administration to iron-depleted mice prevented liver iron loading, decreased heart iron levels, and caused the expected iron retention in the spleen and duodenum. At high doses, PR65 treatment also caused anemia because of profound iron restriction. PR65 administration to hepcidin knockout mice with pre-existing iron overload had a more moderate effect and caused partial redistribution of iron from the liver to the spleen. Our study demonstrates that minihepcidins could be beneficial in iron overload disorders either used alone for prevention or possibly as adjunctive therapy with phlebotomy or chelation.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) efficacy for colorectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF): a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Higurashi Takuma , Hosono Kunihiro , Endo Hiroki , Takahashi Hirokazu , Iida Hiroshi , Uchiyama Takashi , Ezuka Akiko , Uchiyama Shiori , Yamada Eiji , Ohkubo Hidenori , Sakai Eiji , Maeda Shin , Morita Satoshi , Natsumeda Yutaka , Nagase Hajime , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly occurring neoplasms and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and new preventive strategies are needed to lower the burden of this disease. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is widely used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease, has recently been suggested to have a suppressive effect on tumorigenesis and cancer cell growth. In CRC chemoprevention trials, in general, the incidence of polyps or of the cancer itself is set as the study endpoint. Although the incidence rate of CRC would be the most reliable endpoint, use of this endpoint would be unsuitable for chemoprevention trials, because of the relatively low occurrence rate of CRC in the general population and the long-term observation period that it would necessitate. Moreover, there is an ethical problem in conducting long-term trials to determine whether a test drug might be effective or harmful. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF), defined as lesions containing crypts that are larger in diameter and stain more darkly with methylene blue than normal crypts, are considered as a reliable surrogate biomarker of CRC. Thus, we devised a prospective randomized controlled trial as a preliminary study prior to a CRC chemoprevention trial to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of EPA against colorectal ACF formation and the safety of this drug, in patients scheduled for polypectomy.

Methods
This study is a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial to be conducted in patients with both colorectal ACF and colorectal polyps scheduled for polypectomy. Eligible patients shall be recruited for the study and the number of ACF in the rectum counted at the baseline colonoscopy. Then, the participants shall be allocated randomly to either one of two groups, the EPA group and the placebo group. Patients in the EPA group shall receive oral 900-mg EPA capsules thrice daily (total daily dose, 2.7 g per day), and those in the placebo group shall receive oral placebo capsules thrice daily. After one month’s treatment with EPA/placebo, colonoscopic examination and polypectomy will be performed to evaluate the formation of ACF, and the cell-proliferative activity and cell-apoptotic activity in normal colorectal mucosa and colorectal polyps.

Discussion
This is the first study proposed to explore the effect of EPA against colorectal ACF formation in humans.
This trial has been registered in the University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000008172.