bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excess Infant Mortality Among Native Hawaiians: Identifying Determinants for Preventive Action
Authors: Hirai Ashley H. , Hayes Donald K. , Taualii Maile M. , Singh Gopal K. , Fuddy, ACSW Loretta J. 
Published: September 2013

Objectives. We identified potential determinants and cause-specific sources of excess infant mortality among Native Hawaiians. Methods. We compared infant mortality rates among Native Hawaiians and Whites by using data from the 2002 to 2009 Hawai’i State Linked Birth/Infant Death Cohort File. We evaluated the components of excess infant mortality by age and underlying cause of death as well as maternal sociodemographic, behavioral, and chronic condition disparities. Results. The Native Hawaiian infant mortality rate was more than twice that for Whites (7.9 vs 3.5/1000 live births). Excess Native Hawaiian infant mortality was equally apportioned to neonatal and postneonatal deaths. Preterm-related causes of death accounted for 43.9% of the infant mortality disparity, followed by sudden unexpected infant death (21.6%) and injury (5.6%). In multivariable models, maternal educational inequality accounted for the largest portion of the neonatal mortality disparity (20.9%); younger maternal age (12.2%) and smoking (9.5%) were the only significant contributors to the postneonatal mortality disparity. Conclusions. Addressing educational inequalities, promoting safe sleep practices, and reducing smoking among Native Hawaiian mothers would help to eliminate excess infant mortality.
Effects of a Tobacco Control Intervention for Teachers in India: Results of the Bihar School Teachers Study
Authors: Sorensen Glorian , Pednekar Mangesh S. , Sinha Dhirendra N. , Stoddard Anne M. , Nagler Eve , Aghi Mira B. , Lando Harry A. , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Pawar Pratibha , Gupta Prakash C. 
Published: September 2013

Objectives. We assessed a school-based intervention designed to promote tobacco control among teachers in the Indian state of Bihar. Methods. We used a cluster-randomized design to test the intervention, which comprised educational efforts, tobacco control policies, and cessation support and was tailored to the local social context. In 2009 to 2011, we randomly selected 72 schools from participating school districts and randomly assigned them in blocks (rural or urban) to intervention or delayed-intervention control conditions. Results. Immediately after the intervention, the 30-day quit rate was 50% in the intervention and 15% in the control group (P = .001). At the 9-month postintervention survey, the adjusted 6-month quit rate was 19% in the intervention and 7% in the control group (P = .06). Among teachers employed for the entire academic year of the intervention, the adjusted 6-month abstinence rates were 20% and 5%, respectively, for the intervention and control groups (P = .04). Conclusions. These findings demonstrate the potent impact of an intervention that took advantage of social resources among teachers, who can serve as role models for tobacco control in their communities.
Overcoming Legal Liability Concerns for School-Based Physical Activity Promotion
Authors: Zimmerman Sara , Kramer Karen , Trowbridge Matthew J. 
Published: September 2013

Schools have been identified as a priority environment for physical activity promotion as a component of efforts to help prevent childhood obesity. A variety of school-based environmental and programmatic strategies have been proven effective in promoting physical activity both on-site and in the surrounding community. However, many schools are deterred by fears of increased risk of legal liability for personal injuries. We examine 3 school-based strategies for promoting physical activity—Safe Routes to School programs, joint use agreements, and playground enhancement—from a tort liability perspective, and describe how schools can substantially minimize any associated liability risk through injury prevention and other strategies. We also recommend approaches to help schools overcome their liability concerns and adopt these critically needed healthy school policies.
Attitudes Toward Mental Illness in Adults by Mental Illness–Related Factors and Chronic Disease Status: 2007 and 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Kobau Rosemarie , Zack Matthew M. 
Published: September 2013

Objectives. We examined how attitudes toward mental illness treatment and its course differ by serious psychological distress, mental illness treatment, chronic disease, and sociodemographic factors using representative state-based data. Methods. Using data from jurisdictions supporting the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System’s Mental Illness and Stigma Module (35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico), we compared adjusted proportions of adults agreeing that “Treatment can help people with mental illness lead normal lives” (treatment effectiveness) and that “People are generally caring and sympathetic to people with mental illness” (supportive environment), by demographic characteristics, serious psychological distress, chronic disease status, and mental illness treatment. Results. Attitudes regarding treatment effectiveness and a supportive environment for people with mental illness varied within and between groups. Most adults receiving mental illness treatment agreed that treatment is effective. Fewer adults with serious psychological distress than those without such distress agreed that treatment is effective. Fewer of those receiving treatment, those with psychological distress, and those with chronic disease perceived the environment as supportive. Conclusions. These data can be used to target interventions for population subgroups with less favorable attitudes and for surveillance.
Linking Research to Global Health Equity: The Contribution of Product Development Partnerships to Access to Medicines and Research Capacity Building
Authors: Pratt Bridget , Loff Bebe 
Published: September 2013

Certain product development partnerships (PDPs) recognize that to promote the reduction of global health disparities they must create access to their products and strengthen research capacity in developing countries. We evaluated the contribution of 3 PDPs—Medicines for Malaria Venture, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, and Institute for One World Health—according to Frost and Reich’s access framework. We also evaluated PDPs’ capacity building in low- and middle-income countries at the individual, institutional, and system levels. We found that these PDPs advance public health by ensuring their products’ registration, distribution, and adoption into national treatment policies in disease-endemic countries. Nonetheless, ensuring broad, equitable access for these populations—high distribution coverage; affordability, particularly for the poor; and adoption at provider and end-user levels—remains a challenge.
Reduction in Male Suicide Mortality Following the 2006 Russian Alcohol Policy: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Pridemore William Alex , Chamlin Mitchell B. , Andreev Evgeny 
Published: September 2013

Objectives. We took advantage of a natural experiment to assess the impact on suicide mortality of a suite of Russian alcohol policies.Methods. We obtained suicide counts from anonymous death records collected by the Russian Federal State Statistics Service. We used autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) interrupted time series techniques to model the effect of the alcohol policy (implemented in January 2006) on monthly male and female suicide counts between January 2000 and December 2010.Results. Monthly male and female suicide counts decreased during the period under study. Although the ARIMA analysis showed no impact of the policy on female suicide mortality, the results revealed an immediate and permanent reduction of about 9% in male suicides (Ln ω0 = −0.096; P = .01).Conclusions. Despite a recent decrease in mortality, rates of alcohol consumption and suicide in Russia remain among the highest in the world. Our analysis revealed that the 2006 alcohol policy in Russia led to a 9% reduction in male suicide mortality, meaning the policy was responsible for saving 4000 male lives annually that would otherwise have been lost to suicide. Together with recent similar findings elsewhere, our results suggest an important role for public health and other population level interventions, including alcohol policy, in reducing alcohol-related harm.
Hepatic Insulin Clearance Is Closely Related to Metabolic Syndrome Components
Authors: Pivovarova Olga , Bernigau Wolfgang , Bobbert Thomas , Isken Frank , Möhlig Matthias , Spranger Joachim , Weickert Martin O. , Osterhoff Martin , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H. , Rudovich Natalia 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
Insulin clearance is decreased in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for unknown reasons. Subjects with metabolic syndrome are hyperinsulinemic and have an increased risk of T2DM. We aimed to investigate the relationship between hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) and different components of metabolic syndrome and tested the hypothesis that HIC may predict the risk of metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Individuals without diabetes from the Metabolic Syndrome Berlin Brandenburg (MeSyBePo) study (800 subjects with the baseline examination and 189 subjects from the MeSyBePo recall study) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with assessment of insulin secretion (insulin secretion rate [ISR]) and insulin sensitivity. Two indices of HIC were calculated.

RESULTS
Both HIC indices showed lower values in subjects with metabolic syndrome (P &lt; 0.001) at baseline. HIC indices correlate inversely with waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and OGTT-derived insulin secretion index. During a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 0.9 years, 47 individuals developed metabolic syndrome and 33 subjects progressed to impaired glucose metabolism. Both indices of HIC showed a trend of an association with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (HICC-peptide odds ratio 1.13 [95% CI 0.97–1.31], P = 0.12, and HICISR 1.38 [0.88–2.17], P = 0.16) and impaired glucose metabolism (HICC-peptide 1.12 [0.92–1.36], P = 0.26, and HICISR 1.31 [0.74–2.33] P = 0.36), although point estimates reached no statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS
HIC was associated with different components of metabolic syndrome and markers of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Decreased HIC may represent a novel pathophysiological mechanism of the metabolic syndrome, which may be used additionally for early identification of high-risk subjects.
Linagliptin Lowers Albuminuria on Top of Recommended Standard Treatment in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Groop Per-Henrik , Cooper Mark E. , Perkovic Vlado , Emser Angela , Woerle Hans-Juergen , von Eynatten Maximilian 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
Preclinical data suggest that linagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, may lower urinary albumin excretion. The ability of linagliptin to lower albuminuria on top of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition in humans was analyzed by pooling data from four similarly designed, 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trials.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A pooled analysis of four completed studies identified 217 subjects with type 2 diabetes and prevalent albuminuria (defined as a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio [UACR] of 30−3,000 mg/g creatinine) while receiving stable doses of RAAS inhibitors. Participants were randomized to either linagliptin 5 mg/day (n = 162) or placebo (n= 55). The primary end point was the percentage change in geometric mean UACR from baseline to week 24.

RESULTS
UACR at week 24 was reduced by 32% (95% CI −42 to −21; P &lt; 0.05) with linagliptin compared with 6% (95% CI −27 to +23) with placebo, with a between-group difference of 28% (95% CI −47 to −2; P = 0.0357). The between-group difference in the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 was −0.61% (−6.7 mmol/mol) in favor of linagliptin (95% CI −0.88 to −0.34% [−9.6 to −3.7 mmol/mol]; P &lt; 0.0001). The albuminuria-lowering effect of linagliptin, however, was not influenced by race or HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP) values at baseline or after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS
Linagliptin administered in addition to stable RAAS inhibitors led to a significant reduction in albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal dysfunction. This observation was independent of changes in glucose level or SBP. Further research to prospectively investigate the renal effects of linagliptin is underway.
Risk for End-Stage Renal Disease Over 25 Years in the Population-Based WESDR Cohort
Authors: LeCaire Tamara J. , Klein Barbara E.K. , Howard Kerri P. , Lee Kristine E. , Klein Ronald 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
In the population-based Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR) cohort, we sought to examine whether a decline in the prevalence and incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was evident with increasing calendar year of type 1 diabetes diagnosis among people followed for 25 years. Factors associated with the hazard of incident ESRD that may mediate a decline were also investigated.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Participants were examined at baseline in 1980 (n = 996) and at 4–25 years of follow-up. ESRD was defined by self-reported renal transplant or dialysis. Cumulative incidence with competing risk of death was determined. Incident ESRD was modeled by period of diagnosis, adjusting for other known risk factors using discrete time hazard models.

RESULTS
When diabetes was diagnosed during 1970–1980, the unadjusted cumulative incidence of ESRD at 25 years was 9.3%. The unadjusted hazard of ESRD was reduced by 70% (P &lt; 0.001), compared with those diagnosed with diabetes in 1922–1969; however, the association was attenuated by glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, and antihypertensive use (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89 [95% CI 0.55–1.45]). HbA1c, age, and male sex remained associated with ESRD hazard after adjustment for kidney function and proliferative retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS
A lower incidence of ESRD among those more recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was explained by improvements in glycemic and blood pressure control over the last several decades. Intensive diabetes management, especially for glycemic control, remains important even in long-standing diabetes as it may delay the development of ESRD.
Is Neighborhood Green Space Associated With a Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes? Evidence From 267,072 Australians
Authors: Astell-Burt Thomas , Feng Xiaoqi , Kolt Gregory S. 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
Lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are best positioned for success if participants live in supportive neighborhood environments. Deprived neighborhoods increase T2DM risk. Parks and other “green spaces” promote active lifestyles and therefore may reduce T2DM risk. We investigated association between neighborhood green space and the risk of T2DM in a large group of adult Australians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Multilevel logit regression was used to fit associations between medically diagnosed T2DM and green space exposure among 267,072 participants in the 45 and Up Study. Green space data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and exposure was calculated using a 1-km buffer from a participant’s place of residence. Odds ratios (ORs) were controlled for measures of demographic, cultural, health, diet, active lifestyles, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood circumstances.

RESULTS
The rate of T2DM was 9.1% among participants in neighborhoods with 0–20% green space, but this rate dropped to approximately 8% for participants with over 40% green space within their residential neighborhoods. The risk of T2DM was significantly lower in greener neighborhoods, controlling for demographic and cultural factors, especially among participants residing in neighborhoods with 41–60% green space land use (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.83–0.92). This association was consistent after controlling for other explanatory variables and did not vary according to neighborhood circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS
People in greener surroundings have a lower risk of T2DM. Planning, promoting, and maintaining local green spaces is important in multisector initiatives for addressing the T2DM epidemic.
Islet Transplantation Stabilizes Hemostatic Abnormalities and Cerebral Metabolism in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: D’Addio Francesca , Maffi Paola , Vezzulli Paolo , Vergani Andrea , Mello Alessandra , Bassi Roberto , Nano Rita , Falautano Monica , Coppi Elisabetta , Finzi Giovanna , D’Angelo Armando , Fermo Isabella , Pellegatta Fabio , La Rosa Stefano , Magnani Giuseppe , Piemonti Lorenzo , Falini Andrea , Folli Franco , Secchi Antonio , Fiorina Paolo 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
Islets after kidney transplantation have been shown to positively affect the quality of life of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) by reducing the burden of diabetes complications, but fewer data are available for islet transplantation alone (ITA). The aim of this study was to assess whether ITA has a positive impact on hemostatic and cerebral abnormalities in individuals with T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Prothrombotic factors, platelet function/ultrastructure, and cerebral morphology, metabolism, and function have been investigated over a 15-month follow-up period using ELISA/electron microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and neuropsychological evaluation (Profile of Mood States test and paced auditory serial addition test) in 22 individuals with T1D who underwent ITA (n = 12) or remained on the waiting list (n = 10). Patients were homogeneous with regard to metabolic criteria, hemostatic parameters, and cerebral morphology/metabolism/function at the time of enrollment on the waiting list.

RESULTS
At the 15-month follow-up, the group undergoing ITA, but not individuals with T1D who remained on the waiting list, showed 1) improved glucose metabolism; 2) near-normal platelet activation and prothrombotic factor levels; 3) near-normal cerebral metabolism and function; and 4) a near-normal neuropsychological test.

CONCLUSIONS
ITA, despite immunosuppressive therapy, is associated with a near-normalization of hemostatic and cerebral abnormalities.
Towards dynamical network biomarkers in neuromodulation of episodic migraine
Authors: Dahlem Markus , Rode Sebastian , May Arne , Fujiwara Naoya , Hirata Yoshito , Aihara Kazuyuki , Kurths Jürgen 
Published: September 2013

AbstractComputational methods have complemented experimental and clinical neurosciences and led to improvements in our understanding of the nervous systems in health and disease. In parallel, neuromodulation in form of electric and magnetic stimulation is gaining increasing acceptance in chronic and intractable diseases. In this paper, we firstly explore the relevant state of the art in fusion of both developments towards translational computational neuroscience. Then, we propose a strategy to employ the new theoretical concept of dynamical network biomarkers (DNB) in episodic manifestations of chronic disorders. In particular, as a first example, we introduce the use of computational models in migraine and illustrate on the basis of this example the potential of DNB as early-warning signals for neuromodulation in episodic migraine.
microRNA s (9, 138, 181A, 221, and 222) and mesial temporal lobe epilepsy in developing brains
Authors: Ashhab Muhammad , Omran Ahmed , Gan Na , Kong Huimin , Peng Jing , Yin Fei 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground: Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted much attention as novel players in the pathogenesis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) in mature and developing brains. This study aimed to investigate the expression dynamics of miR-9, miR-138, miR-181a, miR-221, and miR-222 in the hippocampus of an immature rat model during the three stages of MTLE development and in children with MTLE. Methodology: qPCR was used to measure expression levels during the three stages of MTLE development (2 h, 3, and 8 weeks after induction of lithium-pilocarpine status epilepticus, representing the acute, latent, and chronic stages, respectively. Expression levels were also measured in hippocampi obtained from children with MTLE and normal controls. Results: In the rat model, miR-9 was significantly upregulated during the acute and chronic stages relative to controls, but not during the latent stage. MiR-138, miR-221 and miR-222 were all downregulated during all three stages of MTLE development. MiR-181a was downregulated during the acute stage, upregulated during the chronic stage, and unaltered during the latent stage. In children, miR-9 and miR-181a were upregulated, while miR-138, miR-221, and miR-222 were downregulated. Conclusion: Modulation of these miRNAs may be a new strategy in designing antiepileptic and anticonvulsant therapies for the developing brain.
Human T Cells Engineered To Express a Programmed Death 1/28 Costimulatory Retargeting Molecule Display Enhanced Antitumor Activity
Authors: Ankri Chen , Shamalov Katerina , Horovitz-Fried Miryam , Mauer Shmuel , Cohen Cyrille J. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells genetically modified to express cancer-specific receptors can mediate impressive tumor regression in terminally ill patients. However, T cell function and persistence over time could be hampered by the activation of inhibitory costimulatory pathways, such as programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed death ligand 1, leading to T cell exhaustion and providing tumor cells with an escape mechanism from immunosurveillance. In addition, the lack of positive costimulation at the tumor site can further dampen T cell response. Thus, as T cell genetic engineering has become clinically relevant, we aimed at enhancing T cell antitumor activity by genetically diverting T cell–negative costimulatory signals into positive ones using chimeric costimulatory retargeting molecules and which are composed of the PD1 extracellular domain fused to the signaling domains of positive costimulatory molecules such as CD28 and 4-1BB. After characterizing the optimal PD1 chimera, we designed and optimized a tripartite retroviral vector that enables the simultaneous expression of this chimeric molecule in conjunction with a cancer-specific TCR. Human T cells, transduced to express a PD1/28 chimeric molecule, exhibited enhanced cytokine secretion and upregulation of activation markers upon coculture with tumor cells. These engineered cells also proliferated better compared with control cells. Finally, we tested the function of these cells in two xenograft models of human melanoma tumors and show that PD1/28-engineered human T cells demonstrated superior antitumor function. Overall, we propose that engineering T cells with a costimulatory retargeting molecule can enhance their function, which bears important implications for the improvement of T cell immunotherapy.