bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Headphone use and pedestrian injury and death in the United States: 2004–2011
Authors: Lichenstein Richard , Smith Daniel Clarence , Ambrose Jordan Lynne , Moody Laurel Anne 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe association between distraction caused by cell phone use while driving and driver/passenger fatalities has been documented, but the safety risks associated with headphone use by pedestrians remains unknown.ObjectiveTo identify and describe pedestrian–vehicle crashes in which the pedestrian was using headphones.MethodsA retrospective case series was conducted by searching the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Google News Archives and Westlaw Campus Research databases for reports published between 2004 and 2011 of pedestrian injuries or fatalities from crashes involving trains or motor vehicles. Cases involving headphones were extracted and summarised. The likelihood of headphone involvement was graded on a three-tier scale based on the information found in the article or report.ResultsThere were 116 reports of death or injury of pedestrians wearing headphones. The majority of victims were male (68%) and under the age of 30 (67%). The majority of vehicles involved in the crashes were trains (55%), and 89% of cases occurred in urban counties. 74% of case reports stated that the victim was wearing headphones at the time of the crash. Many cases (29%) mentioned that a warning was sounded before the crash.ConclusionsThe use of headphones with handheld devices may pose a safety risk to pedestrians, especially in environments with moving vehicles. Further research is needed to determine if and how headphone use compromises pedestrian safety.
Using a simulated patient to assess referral for abortion services in the USA: Table 1
Authors: Dodge Laura E , Haider Sadia , Hacker Michele R 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundWomen seeking abortion services need to access services in a timely fashion. Quick and appropriate referrals to abortion providers are critical to this process.MethodsThe objective of this study was to determine the quality and quantity of referrals for abortion services from reproductive health care facilities that do not provide abortion services. USA states were ranked by restrictiveness of abortion, and a simulated patient made calls to the five most and six least restrictive states. Referrals were considered direct if the name or telephone number of a facility that provided abortion services was given; indirect when Planned Parenthood was suggested without additional details; and inappropriate if the referral did not provide abortion services.ResultsOf 142 calls, 77 (52.4%) were made to least restrictive states and 62 (45.8%) were made to most restrictive states. Among all calls, even after prompting staff members for a referral, 45.8% resulted in a direct referral, 19.0% resulted in an indirect referral, 8.5% resulted in an inappropriate referral and 26.8% resulted in no referral. Facilities in least restrictive states were significantly more likely to provide unprompted direct referrals (p=0.006) and significantly less likely to provide no referral (p<0.001) than facilities in most restrictive states, though these differences disappeared after prompting the staff member to provide a referral.ConclusionsA simulated patient received a direct referral for abortion services less than half the time, even after prompting a staff member to provide one. All facilities providing women's health care should have appropriate referrals readily available for patients seeking abortion services.
ICT pollution and liability
Authors: Magnusson Christer 
Published: January 2012

To a large extent liability for ICT perils is still a grey area, even though an increasing number of information security researchers adopt economic approaches to highlight market mechanisms and externalities. That is why this article focuses on the need for increased awareness of externalities and liability among ICT professionals and their customers. This is critical to achieve in order to promote appropriate ICT technologies and services with comprehensible privacy and security protection.
What is needed is a better understanding of the consequences of externalities from ICT perils. This would benefit customers and increase trust in ICT products and services which in turn may even increase suppliers' profit margin; customers would be prepared to buy more services and products if contracts and service level agreements would accept more liability. Moreover, suppliers could sell guaranties and insurances on top of their products and services. The result would be a win-win situation and would benefit society at large.
Efficacy of continuous follow-up for preventing the involuntary readmission of psychiatric patients in Japan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Abo Mitsuru , Kumakura Emi , Kubota Noriko , Nagano Misako 
Published: January 2012

Background: Providing aftercare to psychiatric inpatients is important for preventing frequent readmissions; however, the lack of social resources is a problem in Japan. The prefectural Tama-Fuchu Public Health Centre has attempted to establish a new continuous follow-up system for all discharged psychiatric patients in order to reduce the frequency of readmissions. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of this system. Methods: The subjects of the present study were 200 psychiatric inpatients from the Tokyo catchment area. The continuous follow-up system was applied to 130 subjects for one year in addition to conventional standard care (the intervention group). Seventy subjects received conventional care alone (the comparison group). The incident rate ratios (IRR) of total and involuntary readmission to hospital were compared by survival analysis. Results: During the observation period, there were 41 readmissions and 29 involuntary readmissions in 49,731 person-days. The patients subjected to continuous follow-up showed a trend towards a lower overall risk of readmission (IRR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.29–1.10, p = .057) and a significantly reduced risk of involuntary admission (IRR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.22–0.96, p = .047). Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence that providing continuous follow-up examinations as aftercare for discharged psychiatric patients significantly reduces the incidence of involuntary readmission.
Ways Forward towards a Socially Just and Humane World
Authors: Fyfe Brenda 
Published: January 2012

The article begins with a brief chronicle of the development of the internationally acclaimed preschools and infant toddler centres of Reggio Emilia, Italy. This school system and Reggio Children (an international organization, that conducts and disseminates research, offers travelling exhibits and organises conferences for thousands of international visitors each year), have propelled an international dialogue and exchange that highlights what its founder, Loris Malaguzzi, wished to promote: the rights of young children, their families and communities to high quality schools that are places of education, culture, relationship, citizenship and participatory democracy. The fundamental principles of this educational approach are identified, elaborated and illustrated through examples from the Reggio Emilia schools and a public school in the United States that has been inspired by this approach. The Reggio movement across the world continuously searches for ways forward toward a socially just and humane world.
A new model for breaking bad news to people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Tuffrey-Wijne Irene 
Published: January 2012

Objectives: To develop a model for breaking bad news that meets the needs of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Design: A two-phase qualitative study featuring: (I) focus group meetings, on-line focus groups and one-to-one interviews; (II) structured feedback from participants and other stakeholders. Setting: Participants were drawn from National Health Service hospitals, Primary Care Trusts, independent organisations and on-line forums across England. Participants: 109 participants were purposively selected: 21 people with mild/moderate IDs, 28 family carers, 26 ID professionals and 34 general health professionals. Outcome measure: Feedback on a preliminary model for breaking bad news to people with IDs was collected from 60 participants and other stakeholders to assess relevance and acceptability, before the model was finalised. Results: Breaking bad news is best seen as a process, not an event or a linear series of events. Bad news situations usually constitute a wide range of discrete items or chunks of information. ‘Building a foundation of knowledge’ is central to the model. Information needs to be broken down into singular chunks of knowledge that can be added over time to people’s existing framework of knowledge. Three other aspects should be considered at all times: capacity, people and support. Conclusions: Patients who have IDs do not easily process verbal information in a clinical setting. The new model for breaking bad news to people with IDs needs to be tested in practice using robust outcome measures. The model’s relevance to wider patient groups should also be evaluated.
Association analysis of STX1A gene variants in common forms of migraine
Authors: Tropeano Maria , Wöber-Bingöl Çiçek , Karwautz Andreas , Wagner Gudrun , Vassos Evangelos , Campos-de-Sousa Sara , Graggaber Andrea , Zesch Heidi E , Kienbacher Christian , Natriashvili Sofia , Kanbur Incifer , Wöber Christian , Collier David A 
Published: January 2012

Objectives: To examine the association of genetic variants in the syntaxin 1A gene (STX1A) with common forms of migraine, and perform a combined analysis of the data from the current study and previously published reports. Methods: We investigated the parent-to-offspring transmission of rs6951030, rs4363087 and rs2293489 in 191 family trios, each with a proband with childhood-onset migraine, and performed a case-control analysis between the probands and 223 unrelated controls. In addition, we performed a combined data analysis with an overall sample of 567 migraine patients and 720 unrelated controls and performed a migraine-specific gene-network analysis. Results: The transmission disequilibrium test revealed significant transmission distortion of rs4363087 in migraine overall (OR = 1.56, p = 0.006; p = 0.01 after correction for multiple testing) and migraine without aura (OR = 1.58, p = 0.01; corrected p = 0.04). Two-marker haplotype analysis revealed transmission distortion of A-G (rs6951030-rs4363087; OR = 1.47, p = 0.01) and A-C (rs4363087-rs2293489; OR = 0.66, p = 0.01). Combined analysis showed significant association of rs941298 with migraine overall (OR = 1.28, p = 0.004) and migraine without aura (OR = 1.3, p = 0.008). Network analysis identified 24 genes relating STX1A to other migraine candidate genes, including KCNK18 (TRESK channel) involved in the cytoplasmatic calcium signalling together with syntaxin 1A. Conclusion: Our results provide support for the hypothesis that STX1A represents a susceptibility gene for migraine.
The significance of serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and hyaluronic acid in hepatocellular carcinoma of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients
Authors: Sadik N A H , Ahmed A , Ahmed S 
Published: January 2012

It is well established that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in a multistep process, from chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis to HCC. Adipose tissue is not simply an energy storage organ but also a secretory organ, producing a variety of bioactive molecules known as adipokines, including adiponectin and leptin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an extracellular matrix protein, often associated with a variety of human cancers. Our retrospective study determines serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and HA in HCC of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients and compares these levels to patients with cirrhosis and normal subjects. Noncirrhotic HCC ( n = 19), cirrhotic HCC ( n = 50), cirrhosis ( n = 36) patients and twenty one age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched normal healthy controls were subjected in the present study. Serum adiponectin, leptin, and HA levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Levels of serum adiponectin were significantly higher in the cirrhosis and cirrhotic HCC groups than in the normal subjects, whereas serum HA levels were found to significantly increase in all three patients groups. The elevation of serum leptin in our HCC patients, regardless of being cirrhotic or noncirrhotic, but not in the patients with cirrhosis, may shed some light on the significance of serum leptin level in HCC. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the prognostic value of serum leptin level in HCC.
Serotonin syndrome following overdose of a non-prescription slimming product containing sibutramine: A case report
Authors: Lam PK , Leung KS , Wong TW , Lee HHC , Tang MHY , Mak TWL 
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Non-prescription slimming products are popular and can be easily purchased from the Internet. However, adulteration of these products with undeclared substances including prescription drugs is not uncommon. We report a case of serotonin syndrome after an overdose of a non-prescription product containing sibutramine. Case report: A 21-year-old woman presented with somnolence, sinus tachycardia, generalised increase in tone, hyper-reflexia and clonus more prominent in the lower limbs after an intentional overdose of a non-prescription slimming product obtained from the Internet. The product was later found to contain sibutramine and other substances such as animal thyroid tissues, caffeine and phenolphthalein. Quantitative analysis of patient’s serum on presentation revealed a sibutramine concentration of 112 ng/mL, which far exceeded the reported peak serum concentration after a single oral dose of 15 mg (the maximum daily recommended dose). No other culpable agent was identified. The overall clinical presentation was compatible with serotonin syndrome associated with sibutramine overdose. The patient made a full recovery after supportive management. Discussion and conclusion: This case highlighted the health threat posed by non-prescription slimming products sold over the Internet. Sibutramine overdose can result in serotonin syndrome, as in overdose of other serotonergic agents. Early recognition and timely supportive treatment are essential to ensure a good clinical outcome.
Levosimendan infusion improves cardiac output but not blood pressure in a rodent model of severe metoprolol toxicity
Authors: Kalam Y , Graudins A 
Published: January 2012

Levosimendan (Levo) is an inodilator improving cardiac output (CO) and reducing afterload in heart failure. Previously, we reported that Levo improved CO but not blood pressure (BP) in a rodent model of verapamil poisoning. We theorised that Levo-induced vasodilation should not influence BP to a similar degree in metoprolol poisoning. Aim: To assess the effect of Levo on haemodynamics in a rodent model of metoprolol poisoning. Method: Anaesthetized male Wistar rats were infused metoprolol continuously. When the BP dropped to 50% of baseline (time 0) rats received 1 of the 4 treatments: (a) control (0.9% saline bolus + infusion); (b) Levo-l (Levo 36 μm/kg loading dose followed by 0.6 μm/kg/min); (c) Levo-I (Levo infusion only at 0.6 μm/kg/min); and (d) Epi (epinephrine 0.5 μm/kg/min). All groups received comparable fluid volumes. Haemodynamics were recorded every 10 min for 70 min. CO, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) of each group were compared to the control. Results: All groups had comparable baseline and time 0 HR, MAP and CO. Levo-L and Levo-I rats showed significantly greater CO at t = 10 min ( p > 0.02 and p > 0.04, respectively). CO was higher at all other time points for both Levo groups. This was not statistically significant. Levo did not improve MAP compared to control. Adrenaline increased MAP but not CO compared to control and Levo groups. Conclusion: Levo did not improve MAP but moderately improved CO compared to control in this model of metoprolol poisoning. The response was similar to that reported previously in verapamil-poisoned rats. The improvement in MAP seen with epinephrine was most likely vasoconstriction mediated.
8-Oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine as a biomarker of DNA damage by mobile phone radiation
Authors: Khalil AM , Gagaa MH , Alshamali AM 
Published: January 2012

We examined the effect of exposure to mobile phone 1800 MHz radio frequency radiation (RFR) upon the urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), one major form of oxidative DNA damage, in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four rats were used in three independent experiments (RFR exposed and control, 12 rats, each). The animals were exposed to RFR for 2 h from Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) signal generator with whole-body-specific absorption rate of 1.0 W/kg. Urine samples were collected from the rat while housed in a metabolic cage during the exposure period over a 4-h period at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 h from the beginning of exposure. In the control group, the signal generator was left in the turn-off position. The creatinine-standardized concentrations of 8-oxodG were measured. With the exception of the urine collected in the last half an hour of exposure, significant elevations were noticed in the levels of 8-oxodG in urine samples from rats exposed to RFR when compared to control animals. Significant differences were seen overall across time points of urine collection with a maximum at 1 h after exposure, suggesting repair of the DNA lesions leading to 8-oxodG formation.
Ischemic preconditioning reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress and upregulates hypoxia inducible factor-1α in ischemic kidney: the role of nitric oxide
Authors: Mahfoudh-Boussaid Asma , Zaouali Mohamed Amine , Hadj-Ayed Kaouther , Miled Abdel-Hédi , Saidane-Mosbahi Dalila , Rosello-Catafau Joan , Abdennebi Hassen Ben 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Although recent studies indicate that renal ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protects the kidney from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, the precise protective mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, we investigated whether early IPC could upregulate hypoxia inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression and could reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress after renal I/R and whether pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production would abolish these protective effects.

Methods
Kidneys of Wistar rats were subjected to 60 min of warm ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion (I/R group), or to 2 preceding cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion (IPC group), or to intravenously injection of NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME, 5 mg/kg) 5 min before IPC (L-NAME+IPC group). The results of these experimental groups were compared to those of a sham-operated group. Sodium reabsorption rate, creatinine clearance, plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, tissues concentrations of malonedialdehyde (MDA), HIF-1α and nitrite/nitrate were determined. In addition, Western blot analyses were performed to identify the amounts of Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and ER stress parameters.

Results
IPC decreased cytolysis, lipid peroxidation and improved renal function. Parallely, IPC enhanced Akt phosphorylation, eNOS, nitrite/nitrate and HIF-1α levels as compared to I/R group. Moreover, our results showed that IPC increased the relative amounts of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and decreased those of RNA activated protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and TNF-receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) as judged to I/R group. However, pre treatment with L-NAME abolished these beneficial effects of IPC against renal I/R insults.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that early IPC protects kidney against renal I/R injury via reducing oxidative and ER stresses. These effects are associated with phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS activation and NO production contributing thus to HIF-1α stabilization. The beneficial impact of IPC was abolished when NO production is inhibited before IPC application.
Diagnosis of osteoporosis from dental panoramic radiographs using the support vector machine method in a computer-aided system
Authors: Kavitha M S , Asano Akira , Taguchi Akira , Kurita Takio , Sanada Mitsuhiro 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundEarly diagnosis of osteoporosis can potentially decrease the risk of fractures and improve the quality of life. Detection of thin inferior cortices of the mandible on dental panoramic radiographs could be useful for identifying postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) or osteoporosis. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of using kernel-based support vector machine (SVM) learning regarding the cortical width of the mandible on dental panoramic radiographs to identify postmenopausal women with low BMD.MethodsWe employed our newly adopted SVM method for continuous measurement of the cortical width of the mandible on dental panoramic radiographs to identify women with low BMD or osteoporosis. The original X-ray image was enhanced, cortical boundaries were determined, distances among the upper and lower boundaries were evaluated and discrimination was performed by a radial basis function. We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of this newly developed method for identifying women with low BMD (BMD T-score of -1.0 or less) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in 100 postmenopausal women (≥50 years old) with no previous diagnosis of osteoporosis. Sixty women were used for system training, and 40 were used in testing.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity using RBF kernel-SVM method for identifying women with low BMD were 90.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 85.3-96.5] and 83.8% (95% CI, 76.6-91.0), respectively at the lumbar spine and 90.0% (95% CI, 84.1-95.9) and 69.1% (95% CI, 60.1-78.6), respectively at the femoral neck. The sensitivity and specificity for identifying women with low BMD at either the lumbar spine or femoral neck were 90.6% (95% CI, 92.0-100) and 80.9% (95% CI, 71.0-86.9), respectively.ConclusionOur results suggest that the newly developed system with the SVM method would be useful for identifying postmenopausal women with low skeletal BMD.