bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative analysis of a consensus process to develop quality indicators of injury care
Authors: Bobrovitz Niklas , Parrilla Julia S , Santana Maria , Straus Sharon E , Stelfox Henry T 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Consensus methodologies are often used to create evidence-based measures of healthcare quality because they incorporate both available evidence and expert opinion to fill gaps in the knowledge base. However, there are limited studies of the key domains that are considered during panel discussion when developing quality indicators.

Methods
We performed a qualitative content analysis of the discussions from a two-day international workshop of injury control and quality-of-care experts (19 panel members) convened to create a standardized set of quality indicators for injury care. The workshop utilized a modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness method. Workshop proceedings were recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used constant comparative analysis to analyze the transcripts of the workshop to identify key themes.

Results
We identified four themes in the selection, development, and implementation of standardized quality indicators: specifying a clear purpose and goal(s) for the indicators to ensure relevant data elements were included, and that indicators could be used for system-wide benchmarking and improving patient outcomes; incorporating evidence, expertise, and patient perspectives to identify important clinical problems and potential measurement challenges; considering context and variations between centers in the health system that could influence either the relevance or application of an indicator; and contemplating data collection and management issues, including availability of existing data sources, quality of data, timeliness of data abstraction, and the potential role for primary data collection.

Conclusion
Our study provides a description of the key themes of discussion among a panel of clinical, managerial, and data experts developing quality indicators. Consideration of these themes could help shape deliberation of future panels convened to develop quality indicators.
Neonatal dexamethasone treatment exacerbates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury
Authors: Chang Kan-Hsun , Yeh Che-Ming , Yeh Chia-Yu , Huang Chiung-Chun , Hsu Kuei-Sen 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) is commonly used to prevent chronic lung disease in prematurely born infants. Treatment regimens usually consist of high doses of DEX for several weeks, notably during a critical period of brain development. Therefore, there is some concern about adverse effects of this clinical practice on fetal brain development. In this study, using a clinically relevant rat model, we examined the impact of neonatal DEX treatment on subsequent brain injury due to an episode of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI).

Results
We found that a 3-day tapering course (0.5, 0.3 and 0.1 mg/kg) of DEX treatment in rat pups on postnatal days 1–3 (P1-3) exacerbated HI-induced brain injury on P7 by a glucocorticoid receptor-mediated mechanism. The aggravating effect of neonatal DEX treatment on HI-induced brain injury was correlated with decreased glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1)-mediated glutamate reuptake. The expression levels of mRNA and protein of GLT-1 were significantly reduced by neonatal DEX treatment. We also found that the administration of β-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone increased GLT-1 protein expression and significantly reduced HI-induced brain injury in neonatal DEX-treated rats.

Conclusions
These results suggest that early DEX exposure may lead the neonatal brain to be more vulnerable to subsequent HI injury, which can be ameliorated by administrating ceftriaxone.
Decrease expression of microRNA-20a promotes cancer cell proliferation and predicts poor survival of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fan Ming-Qi , Huang Chi-Bing , Gu Yan , Xiao Ya , Sheng Jin-Xin , Zhong Lin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Growing evidences indicate microRNAs play important roles in cancer development, progression, metastasis and may constitute robust biomarkers for cancer prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical and functional association of microRNA-20a (miR-20a) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
MiR-20a was detected using Taqman real-time polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional regression analyses were utilized to determine the association of miR-20a with survival of patients. The potential functions of miR-20a on proliferation were evaluated by proliferation and flow cytometry analysis. The direct target gene of miR-20a was also identified by luciferase reporter assays.

Results
MiR-20a was lower in primary HCC than normal liver, and were further decreased in those with post-liver transplantation (LT) HCC recurrence compared with those with non-recurrence (p = 0.001). Patients with lower miR-20a expression had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS, Log rank p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, Log rank p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lower miR-20a was an independent predictor of poor prognosis. MiR-20a restoration could suppress HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells proliferation and induce cell cycle G1 arrest and apoptosis. Subsequent investigations revealed that miR-20a directly targeted myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl-1) and reduced the endogenous protein level of Mcl-1 in HCC cells.

Conclusions
MiR-20a is decreased in HCCs and correlates with HCC recurrence and prognosis. Down-regulation of miR-20a increases the proliferation abilities of HCC cells. Our findings suggest miR-20a may represent a novel potential therapeutic target and biomarker for survival of HCC patients.
Whole-genome sequencing in an autism multiplex family
Authors: Shi Lingling , Zhang Xu , Golhar Ryan , Otieno Frederick G , He Mingze , Hou Cuiping , Kim Cecilia , Keating Brendan , Lyon Gholson J , Wang Kai , Hakonarson Hakon 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a group of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders that affect 1 in 88 children in the US. Previous exome sequencing studies on family trios have implicated a role for rare, de-novo mutations in the pathogenesis of autism.

Methods
To examine the utility of whole-genome sequencing to identify inherited disease candidate variants and genes, we sequenced two probands from a large pedigree, including two parents and eight children. We evaluated multiple analytical strategies to identify a prioritized list of candidate genes.

Results
By assuming a recessive model of inheritance, we identified seven candidate genes shared by the two probands. We also evaluated a different analytical strategy that does not require the assumption of disease model, and identified a list of 59 candidate variants that may increase susceptibility to autism. Manual examination of this list identified ANK3 as the most likely candidate gene. Finally, we identified 33 prioritized non-coding variants such as those near SMG6 and COQ5, based on evolutionary constraint and experimental evidence from ENCODE. Although we were unable to confirm rigorously whether any of these genes indeed contribute to the disease, our analysis provides a prioritized shortlist for further validation studies.

Conclusions
Our study represents one of the first whole-genome sequencing studies in autism leveraging a large family-based pedigree. These results provide for a discussion on the relative merits of finding de-novo mutations in sporadic cases versus finding inherited mutations in large pedigrees, in the context of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases.
Oxidative stress-induced Notch1 signaling promotes cardiogenic gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Boopathy Archana V , Pendergrass Karl D , Che Pao Lin , Yoon Young-Sup , Davis Michael E 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Administration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after myocardial infarction (MI) results in modest functional improvements. However; the effect of microenvironment changes after MI, such as elevated levels of oxidative stress on cardiogenic gene expression of MSCs, remains unclear.

Methods
MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of adult rats and treated for 1 week with H2O2 (0.1 to 100 μM) or 48 hours with glucose oxidase (GOX; 0 to 5 mU/ml) to mimic long-term pulsed or short-term continuous levels of H2O2, respectively.

Results
In 100 μM H2O2 or 5 mU/ml GOX-treated MSCs, mRNA expression of selected endothelial genes (Flt1, vWF, PECAM1), and early cardiac marker (nkx2-5, αMHC) increased significantly, whereas early smooth muscle markers (smooth muscle α-actin and sm22α) and fibroblast marker vimentin decreased, as measured with real-time PCR. Interestingly, mRNA expression and activity of the cell-surface receptor Notch1 were significantly increased, as were its downstream targets, Hes5 and Hey1. Co-treatment of MSCs with 100 μM H2O2 and a γ-secretase inhibitor that prevents Notch signaling abrogated the increase in cardiac and endothelial genes, while augmenting the decrease in smooth muscle markers. Further, on GOX treatment, a significant increase in Wnt11, a downstream target of Notch1, was observed. Similar results were obtained with adult rat cardiac-derived progenitor cells.

Conclusions
These data suggest that H2O2- or GOX-mediated oxidative stress upregulates Notch1 signaling, which promotes cardiogenic gene expression in adult stem/progenitor cells, possibly involving Wnt11. Modulating the balance between Notch activation and H2O2-mediated oxidative stress may lead to improved adult stem cell-based therapies for cardiac repair and regeneration.
Development of a Reference Material for the Calibration of Cement Paste Rheometers
Authors: Ferraris Chiara F. , Li Zhuguo , Zhang Min-Hong , Stutzman Paul 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Rheometers for measuring the properties of fluids are usually calibrated using a standard reference oil. However, a rheometer used for concrete cannot be calibrated using an oil, because of the unusual geometry and size. It would be advantageous to have a granular reference material. A material that can simulate a Bingham fluid, such as cement paste, was developed in this study as a mixture of corn syrup, water, and fine limestone. This reference material will form the basis of future mortar and concrete reference materials containing fine and coarse aggregates. This paper illustrates the various aspects of the development and shows data obtained using various geometries of rheometers.
Enzyme-based Biohybrid Foams Designed for Biodiesel Production and Continuous Flow Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Brun Nicolas , Deleuze Hervé , Backov Rénal 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe one pot-synthesis and use of monolithic biohybrid foams in a continuous flow device reported inhere presents the advantages of covalent stabilization of the enzymes, together with a low steric hindrance between proteins and substrates, an optimized mass transport due to the interconnected macroporous network and a rather simplicity in regard of the column in-situ synthetic path. Those features, concerning transesterification (biodiesel production) enzyme- based catalyzed reaction, provide high enzymatic activity addressed with bio-hybrid catalysts bearing unprecedented endurance of continuous catalysis for a two months period of time.
Irradiation Induced Effects at Interfaces in a Nanocrystalline Ceria Thin Film on a Si Substrate
Authors: Edmondson Philip D , Young Neil P , Parish Chad M , Namavar Fereydoon , Weber William J , Zhang Yanwen 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThin films of nanocrystalline ceria on a Si substrate have been irradiated with 3 MeV Au+ ions to fluences of up to 1x1016 ions cm-2, at temperatures ranging between 160 to 400 K. During the irradiation, a band of contrast is observed to form at the thin film/substrate interface. Analysis by scanning transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive and electron energy loss spectroscopy techniques revealed that this band of contrast was a cerium silicate amorphous phase, with an approximate Ce:Si:O ratio of 1:1:3.
The Health Benefits of Hispanic Communities for Non-Hispanic Mothers and Infants: Another Hispanic Paradox
Authors: Shaw Richard J. , Pickett Kate E. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives. In the United States, Hispanic mothers have birth outcomes comparable to those of White mothers despite lower socioeconomic status. The contextual effects of Hispanic neighborhoods may partially explain this “Hispanic paradox.” We investigated whether this benefit extends to other ethnic groups. Methods. We used multilevel logistic regression to investigate whether the county-level percentage of Hispanic residents is associated with infant mortality, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and smoking during pregnancy in 581 151 Black and 2 274 247 White non-Hispanic mothers from the US Linked Birth and Infant Death Data Set, 2000. Results. For White and Black mothers, relative to living in counties with 0.00%–0.99% of Hispanic residents, living in counties with 50.00% or more of Hispanic residents was associated with an 80.00% reduction in the odds of smoking, an infant mortality reduction of approximately one third, and a modest reduction in the risks of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Conclusions. The health benefits of living in Hispanic areas appear to bridge ethnic divides, resulting in better birth outcomes even for those of non-Hispanic origin.
Behavioral and Socioemotional Outcomes Through Age 5 Years of the Legacy for Children Public Health Approach to Improving Developmental Outcomes Among Children Born Into Poverty
Authors: Kaminski Jennifer W. , Perou Ruth , Visser Susanna N. , Scott Keith G. , Beckwith Leila , Howard Judy , Smith D. Camille , Danielson Melissa L. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives. We evaluated Legacy for Children, a public health strategy to improve child health and development among low-income families. Methods. Mothers were recruited prenatally or at the birth of a child to participate in Legacy parenting groups for 3 to 5 years. A set of 2 randomized trials in Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, between 2001 and 2009 assessed 574 mother-child pairs when the children were 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months old. Intent-to-treat analyses from 12 to 60 months compared groups on child behavioral and socioemotional outcomes. Results. Children of mothers in the intervention group were at lower risk for behavioral concerns at 24 months and socioemotional problems at 48 months in Miami, and lower risk for hyperactive behavior at 60 months in Los Angeles. Longitudinal analyses indicated that children of intervention mothers in Miami were at lower risk for behavior problems from 24 to 60 months of age. Conclusions. Randomized controlled trials documented effectiveness of the Legacy model over time while allowing for implementation adaptations by 2 different sites. Broadly disseminable, parent-focused prevention models such as Legacy have potential for public health impact. These investments in prevention might reduce the need for later intervention strategies.
Healthy People 2010 Leading Health Indicators: How Children With Special Health Care Needs Fared
Authors: Ghandour Reem M. , Grason Holly A. , Schempf Ashley H. , Strickland Bonnie B. , Kogan Michael D. , Jones Jessica R. , Nichols Debra 
Published: April 2013

Objectives. We compared estimates for children with and without special health care needs (SHCN) at 2 time periods for national health objectives related to the Healthy People 2010 leading health indicators (LHIs). Methods. Data were from the 2003 and 2007 National Surveys of Children’s Health. Seven survey items were relevant to the LHIs and available in both survey years: physical activity, obesity, household tobacco use, current insurance, personal health care provider, past-month depressive symptoms, and past-year emergency department visits. Results. In 2003 and 2007, children with SHCN fared worse than those without SHCN with respect to physical activity, obesity, household tobacco exposure, depressive symptomology, and emergency department visits, but fared better on current insurance and having a personal health care provider. Physical activity and access to a personal health care provider increased for all children, whereas the absolute disparity in personal provider access decreased 4.9%. Conclusions. Significant disparities exist for key population health indicators between children with and without SHCN. Analyses illustrated how population-based initiatives could be used to frame health challenges among vulnerable populations.
News Coverage of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes: Pro- and Antitax Arguments in Public Discourse
Authors: Niederdeppe Jeff , Gollust Sarah E. , Jarlenski Marian P. , Nathanson Ashley M. , Barry Colleen L. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives. We examined news coverage of public debates about large taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to illuminate how the news media frames the debate and to inform future efforts to promote obesity-related public policy. Methods. We conducted a quantitative content analysis in which we assessed how frequently 30 arguments supporting or opposing SSB taxes appeared in national news media and in news outlets serving jurisdictions where SSB taxes were proposed between January 2009 and June 2011. Results. News coverage included more discrete protax than antitax arguments on average. Supportive arguments about the health consequences and financial benefits of SSB taxes appeared most often. The most frequent opposing arguments focused on how SSB taxes would hurt the economy and how they constituted inappropriate governmental intrusion. Conclusions. News outlets that covered the debate on SSB taxes in their jurisdictions framed the issue in largely favorable ways. However, because these proposals have not gained passage, it is critical for SSB tax advocates to reach audiences not yet persuaded about the merits of this obesity prevention policy.
School-Based Obesity Policy, Social Capital, and Gender Differences in Weight Control Behaviors
Authors: Zhu Ling , Thomas Breanca 
Published: April 2013

Objectives. We examined the associations among school-based obesity policies, social capital, and adolescents’ self-reported weight control behaviors, focusing on how the collective roles of community and adopted policies affect gender groups differently. Methods. We estimated state-level ecologic models using 1-way random effects seemingly unrelated regressions derived from panel data for 43 states from 1991 to 2009, which we obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. We used multiplicative interaction terms to assess how social capital moderates the effects of school-based obesity policies. Results. School-based obesity policies in active communities were mixed in improving weight control behaviors. They increased both healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors among boys but did not increase healthy weight control behaviors among girls. Conclusions. Social capital is an important contextual factor that conditions policy effectiveness in large contexts. Heterogeneous behavioral responses are associated with both school-based obesity policies and social capital. Building social capital and developing policy programs to balance outcomes for both gender groups may be challenging in managing childhood obesity.
The Effect of Unexpected Bereavement on Mortality in Older Couples
Authors: Shah Sunil M. , Carey Iain M. , Harris Tess , DeWilde Stephen , Victor Christina R. , Cook Derek G. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives. We sought to determine whether unexpected bereavement has a greater impact on mortality in the surviving partner than death of a partner with preexisting chronic disease or disability. Methods. In a UK primary care database (The Health Improvement Network), we identified 171 720 couples aged 60 years and older. We compared the rise in mortality in the first year after bereavement in those whose partner died without recorded chronic disease (unexpected bereavement) to those whose deceased partner had a diagnosis of chronic disease (known morbidity). Results. For unexpected bereavement (13.4% of all bereavements), the adjusted hazard ratio for death in the first year after bereavement was 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.39, 1.86) compared with 1.21 (95% CI = 1.14, 1.30) where the partner had known morbidity. Differences between bereaved groups were significant (P = .001) and present for both men and women. Conclusions. Unexpected bereavement has a greater relative mortality impact than bereavement preceded by chronic disease. Our findings highlight the potential value of preparing individuals for the death of a spouse with known morbidity and providing extra support after bereavement for those experiencing sudden unexpected bereavement.
Socioeconomic Position and Factors Associated With Use of a Nonsupine Infant Sleep Position: Findings From the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey
Authors: Smylie Janet , Fell Deshayne B. , Chalmers Beverley , Sauve Reg , Royle Catherine , Allan Billie , O’Campo Patricia ,   for the Maternity Experiences Study Group of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System
Published: April 2013

Objectives. With a focus on socioeconomic position, we examined the association between maternal education and nonsupine infant sleep position, and examined patterns of effect modification with additional sociodemographic, maternal, infant, and health services predictors. Methods. Data were from the Maternity Experiences Survey, a national population-based sample of 76 178 new Canadian mothers (unweighted n = 6421) aged 15 years or older interviewed in 2006–2007. Using logistic regression, we developed multivariate models for 3 maternal education strata. Results. Level of maternal education was significantly and inversely related to nonsupine infant sleep position. Stratified analyses revealed different predictive factors for nonsupine infant sleep position across strata of maternal education. Postpartum home visits were not associated with use of this sleep position among new mothers with less than high school completion. Adequacy of postpartum information regarding sudden infant death syndrome was not associated with nonsupine infant sleep position in any of the educational strata. Conclusions. These findings suggest a need to revisit Back to Sleep health promotion strategies and to ensure that these interventions are tailored to match the information needs of all families, including mothers with lower levels of formal education.