bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antihypertensive drugs and risk of venous thromboembolism: results from the EDITH case–control study
Authors: Belattar F.Z. , Delluc A. , Le Gal G. , Leroyer C. , Mottier D. , Oger E. , Lacut K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPrevious studies evaluating the association between arterial blood pressure and venous thromboembolism (VTE) reported conflicting results. The relationship between antihypertensive therapy and VTE has never been specifically evaluated. This report from a hospital‐based case–control study included 785 cases with confirmed unprovoked VTE and their 785 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Cases and controls were asked for drug exposure in a one‐to‐one standardized interview using the same questionnaire. Drug exposure was defined as current use of drugs at admission with onset at least 1 week ago. Three hundred and eighty‐four out of 785 cases (48.9%) and 379 out 785 controls (48.3%) reported that they were currently using at least one antihypertensive drug. Among all antihypertensive therapies, only angiotensin II receptor blockers were significantly associated with a reduced risk for VTE: adjusted conditional odds ratio (OR) 0.45 (95% CI, 0.29–0.70). In this hospital‐based case–control study, a preventive role for angiotensin II receptor blockers as regards VTE risk was suggested. More studies are needed in order to further elucidate the biological mechanisms involved.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness at the Local Level: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Savoia Elena , Rodday Angie Mae , Stoto Michael A. 
Published: August 2009

Objective. To study the relationship between elements of public health infrastructure and local public health emergency preparedness (PHEP).Data Sources/Study Setting. National Association of County and City Health Officials 2005 National Profile of Local Health Departments (LHDs).Study Design. Cross‐sectional.Principal Findings. LHDs serving larger populations are more likely to have staff, capacities, and activities in place for an emergency. Adjusting for population size, the presence of a local board of health and the LHDs' experience in organizing PHEP coalitions were associated with better outcomes.Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that more research should be conducted to investigate the benefit of merging small health departments into coalitions to overcome the inverse relationship between preparedness and population size of the jurisdiction served by the LHD.
Public Health Systems: A Social Networks Perspective
Authors: Wholey Douglas R. , Gregg Walter , Moscovice Ira 
Published: August 2009

Objective. To examine the relationship between public health system network density and organizational centrality in public health systems and public health governance, community size, and health status in three public health domains.Data Sources/Study Setting. During the fall and the winter of 2007–2008, primary data were collected on the organization and composition of eight rural public health systems.Study Design. Multivariate analysis and network graphical tools are used in a case comparative design to examine public health system network density and organizational centrality in the domains of adolescent health, senior health, and preparedness. Differences associated with public health governance (centralized, decentralized), urbanization (micropolitan, noncore), health status, public health domain, and collaboration area are described.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Site visit interviews with key informants from local organizations and a web‐based survey administered to local stakeholders.Principal Findings. Governance, urbanization, public health domain, and health status are associated with public health system network structures. The centrality of local health departments (LHDs) varies across public health domains and urbanization. Collaboration is greater in assessment, assurance, and advocacy than in seeking funding.Conclusions. If public health system organization is causally related to improved health status, studying individual system components such as LHDs will prove insufficient for studying the impact of public health systems.
Introducing Quality Improvement Methods into Local Public Health Departments: Structured Evaluation of a Statewide Pilot Project
Authors: Riley William , Parsons Helen , McCoy Kim , Burns Debra , Anderson Donna , Lee Suhna , Sainfort François 
Published: August 2009

Objective. To test the feasibility and assess the preliminary impact of a unique statewide quality improvement (QI) training program designed for public health departments.Data Sources/Study Setting. One hundred and ninety‐five public health employees/managers from 38 local health departments throughout Minnesota were selected to participate in a newly developed QI training program and 65 of those engaged in and completed eight expert‐supported QI projects over a period of 10 months from June 2007 through March 2008.Study Design. As part of the Minnesota Quality Improvement Initiative, a structured distance education QI training program was designed and deployed in a first large‐scale pilot. To evaluate the preliminary impact of the program, a mixed‐method evaluation design was used based on four dimensions: learner reaction, knowledge, intention to apply, and preliminary outcomes.Data. Subjective ratings of three dimensions of training quality were collected from participants after each of the scheduled learning sessions. Pre‐ and post‐QI project surveys were administered to collect participant reactions, knowledge, future intention to apply learning, and perceived outcomes. Monthly and final QI project reports were collected to further inform success and preliminary outcomes of the projects.Principal Findings. The participants reported (1) high levels of satisfaction with the training sessions, (2) increased perception of the relevance of the QI techniques, (3) increased perceived knowledge of all specific QI methods and techniques, (4) increased confidence in applying QI techniques on future projects, (5) increased intention to apply techniques on future QI projects, and (6) high perceived success of, and satisfaction with, the projects. Finally, preliminary outcomes data show moderate to large improvements in quality and/or efficiency for six out of eight projects.Conclusions. QI methods and techniques can be successfully implemented in local public health agencies on a statewide basis using the collaborative model through distance training and expert facilitation. This unique training can improve both core and support processes and lead to favorable staff reactions, increased knowledge, and improved health outcomes. The program can be further improved and deployed and holds great promise to facilitate the successful dissemination of proven QI methods throughout local public health departments.
Toward Standardized, Comparable Public Health Systems Data: A Taxonomic Description of Essential Public Health Work
Authors: Merrill Jacqueline , Keeling Jonathan , Gebbie Kristine 
Published: August 2009

Objective.To identify taxonomy of task, knowledge, and resources for documenting the work performed in local health departments (LHDs).Data Sources.Secondary data were collected from documents describing public health (PH) practice produced by organizations representing the PH community.Study Design.A multistep consensus‐based method was used that included literature review, data extraction, expert opinion, focus group review, and pilot testing.Data Extraction Methods.Terms and concepts were manually extracted from documents, consolidated, and evaluated for scope and sufficiency by researchers. An expert panel determined suitability of terms and a hierarchy for classifying them. This work was validated by practitioners and results pilot tested in two LHDs.Principal Findings.The finalized taxonomy was applied to compare a national sample of 11 LHDs. Data were obtained from 1,064 of 1,267 (84 percent) of employees. Frequencies of tasks, knowledge, and resources constitute a profile of PH work. About 70 percent of the correlations between LHD pairs on tasks and knowledge were high (>0.7), suggesting between‐department commonalities. On resources only 16 percent of correlations between LHD pairs were high, suggesting a source of performance variability.Conclusions.A taxonomy of PH work serves as a tool for comparative research and a framework for further development.
Testing Large Business's Commitment to Democracy: Business Organizations and the Secular–Muslim Conflict in Turkey
Authors: Yavuz Devrim 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article argues that the Turkish economic elite – represented by the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TÜSİAD) – has preserved its liberal democratic stance despite tensions between the religious Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the secularist establishment. Although secular itself, large business maintained a moderate position in the conflict and has continued to push for democratization thanks, in part, to organizational factors that ensure consistency in the larger goals of the association. The article thus claims that studying business as organization rather than business as capital can help the comparative literature understand how entrepreneurs' commitment to democracy under capitalism can become long term.
Assessing Socioeconomic Metabolism Through Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Weinzettel Jan , Kovanda Jan 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThis article applies a combined input−output and life cycle inventory (LCI) method to the calculation of emissions and material requirements of the Czech economy in 2003. The main focus is on materials and emissions embodied in the international trade of the Czech Republic. Emissions and material extraction avoided due to imports are calculated according to an input−output approach that assumes the same production technology for imports as for domestic production. Because not all products are provided by the domestic economy, the LCI data are incorporated into the monetary input−output model.The results show that incorporating the LCI data into an input−output model is reasonable. The emissions embodied in the international trade of the Czech Republic are comparable to the domestic emissions. We compare the economy‐wide material flow indicators, such as direct material input, domestic material consumption, and physical trade balance, to their raw material equivalents. The results of our calculation show that the Czech Republic exerts environmental pressure on the environment in other countries through international trade.We argue that raw material equivalents should be used to express the flows across national boundaries. Furthermore, we recommend a raw material consumption indicator for international comparisons.
A Classroom Simulation to Teach Economic Input−Output Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Hawkins Troy R. , Matthews Deanna H. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryLife cycle assessment (LCA) methods and tools are increasingly being taught in university courses. Students are learning the concepts and applications of process‐based LCA, input−output‐based LCA, and hybrid methods. Here, we describe a classroom simulation to introduce students to an economic input−output life cycle assessment (EIO‐LCA) method. The simulation uses a simplified four‐industry economy with eight transactions among the industries. Production functions for the transactions and waste generation amounts are provided for each industry. Students represent an industry and receive and issue purchase orders for materials to simulate the actual purchases of materials within the economy. Students then compare the simulation to mathematical representations of the model. Finally, students view an online EIO‐LCA tool (http://www.eiolca.net) and use the tool to compare different products. The simulation has been used successfully with a wide range of students to facilitate conceptual understanding of one EIO‐LCA method.
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria: diagnostic tests, advantages, & limitations
Authors: Madkaikar Manisha , Gupta Maya , Jijina Farah , Ghosh Kanjaksha 
Published: August 2009

AbstractParoxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired clonal disorder of haematopoietic stem cells. The molecular defect in PNH is mutation in the phosphotidylinositol glycan complementation class A (PIGA gene) causing defect in glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored proteins (Cell, 73, 1993, 703). The deficiency of these GPI‐anchored proteins on the membranes of haematopoietic cells lead to the various clinical manifestations of PNH. Clinically PNH is classified into classic PNH, PNH in the setting of another specified bone marrow disorder and sub clinical PNH. Size of the PNH clone differs in these different subtypes. The management of PNH has been revolutionized by the advent of monoclonal antibody, eculizumab. Thus, today it is important to have sensitive tests to diagnose and monitor the clone size in patients of PNH. Before 1990, diagnosis of PNH was made using complement based tests. However in the last decade, flowcytometry has become the gold standard diagnostic test as it has increased sensitivity to detect small clones, ability to measure clone size and is not affected by blood transfusions. This review is aimed to focus mainly on the different methods available for the detection of PNH clone and the recent advances and recommendations for the flowcytometric diagnosis of PNH.
Decreased drug-cue-induced attentional bias in individuals with treated and untreated drug dependence
Authors: Gardini Simona , Caffarra Paolo , Venneri Annalena 
Published: August 2009

Objective:The present study investigated the attentional bias induced by drug-related stimuli in active abusers; abstinent abusers on opioid substitution therapy; and abstinent drug-dependent patients in recovery on a community-based non-pharmacological therapy programme. Drug-dependent groups included both cocaine and heroin abusers.Methods:Classical and emotional Stroop tasks were used to test all drug-dependent patients and controls with no history of addiction. Response times were recorded. An interference effect was obtained by comparing the congruent and incongruent conditions in the classical Stroop version. An attentional bias towards drug cues was derived by comparing latencies in the neutral and emotional conditions of the emotional Stroop.Results:No between-group differences were found in the classical Stroop. In the emotional Stroop, active drug-dependent patients showed higher attentional bias (i.e. longer response times to drug-related words) than any of the other three groups.Conclusion:The attentional bias induced by drug cues in patients with addiction disorder might change depending on the patients' clinical status. All treated patients, whether on opioid substitution therapy or on community therapy, showed less attentional bias towards drug-related stimuli than active drug users, although the observed smaller bias was most likely induced by therapy acting through different mechanisms. Although drug-cues response is influenced by other multiple variables, e.g. motivation, craving, classical conditioning and substance availability, these data lend support to the hypothesis that treatment might contribute to decrease the attentional bias towards drug cues, which seems to play a critical role in achieving a positive outcome in the treatment of addiction.
Psychological factors, immune function and recovery from major surgery
Authors: Vollmer-Conna Ute , Bird Kevin D. , Yeo Bryan W , Truskett Philip G. , Westbrook Reginald F. , Wakefield Denis 
Published: August 2009

Objective:This study used a prospective design and the technique of structural modelling to examine the complex interrelations between psychological factors, immune status and complications after major surgery.Methods:Twenty-nine women scheduled for elective cholecystectomy were studied prospectively. Information regarding medical history, health practices, life stressors, and coping strategies was obtained two weeks prior to admission. At this initial meeting, as well as three days after surgery, and at one month follow-up immunological tests were performed and the level of psychological distress was assessed. The study additionally included measures of post-operative complications, and infections and negative effect during follow-up.Results:Pre-operative immune status emerged as a key variable exerting strong effects on subsequent immune function and, thereby producing significant, indirect effects on every recovery variable. Pre-operative distress was directly linked to increased mood disturbance at follow-up. Moreover, distress significantly influenced immune function both before and after surgery, which mediated a significant impact on most recovery variables. Active coping behaviour directly increased the risk of a complicated recovery.Conclusions:The study demonstrated that distress-induced changes in immune functioning have clinical relevance. Overall, the present findings suggest that recovery from surgery is facilitated in patients with a well-functioning immune system, a low-level of pre-operative distress and a passive coping disposition.
Lack of association between BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphism and late-onset depression in a Chinese Han population
Authors: You Jiayong , Yuan Yonggui , Shi Yanyan , Zhang Zhijun , Zhang Xiangrong , Li Hailin 
Published: August 2009

Background:Val66Met polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene has been suggested to be associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). There were a few reports of the relationship between the variant and late-onset depression (LOD) in Chinese Han population.Objective:To investigate the relationship among BDNF Val66Met gene variants, BDNF plasma level and LOD.Methods:Chinese Han patients with LOD (n = 99) and control subjects (n = 110) were assessed for BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphism. BDNF plasma level was tested only in LOD.Results:There were no significant differences in genotypes and allele frequencies between cases and controls (p = 0.744 and p = 0.845, respectively). Plasma BDNF level also did not show significant differences in three genotypes in LOD (p = 0.860).Conclusion:The Val66Met polymorphism in BDNF gene may not confer susceptibility to LOD in Chinese Han population.
CNC‐Milled Titanium Frameworks Supported by Implants in the Edentulous Jaw: A 10‐Year Comparative Clinical Study
Authors: Örtorp Anders , Jemt Torsten 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: No long‐term clinical studies covering more than 5 years are available on Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) milled titanium frameworks.Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic performance of implant‐supported prostheses provided with CNC titanium frameworks in the edentulous jaw with prostheses with cast gold‐alloy frameworks during the first 10 years of function.Material and Methods: Altogether, 126 edentulous patients were by random provided with 67 prostheses with titanium frameworks (test) in 23 maxillas and 44 mandibles, and with 62 prostheses with gold‐alloy castings (control) in 31 maxillas and 31 mandibles. Clinical and radiographic 10‐year data were collected for the groups and statistically compared on patient level.Results: The 10‐year prosthesis and implant cumulative survival rate was 95.6% compared with 98.3%, and 95.0% compared with 97.9% for test and control groups, respectively (p > .05). No implants were lost after 5 years of follow‐up. Smokers lost more implants than nonsmokers after 5 years of follow‐up (p < .01). Mean marginal bone loss in the test group was 0.7 mm (SD 0.61) and 0.7 mm (SD 0.85) in the maxilla and mandible, with similar pattern in the control group (p > .05), respectively. One prosthesis was lost in each group due to loss of implants, and one prosthesis failed due to framework fracture in the test group. Two metal fractures were registered in each group. More appointments of maintenance were needed for the prostheses in the maxilla compared with those in the mandible (p < .001).Conclusion: The frequency of complications was low with similar clinical and radiological performance for both groups during 10 years. CNC‐milled titanium frameworks are a viable alternative to gold‐alloy castings for restoring patients with implant‐supported prostheses in the edentulous jaw.
Exploring Perceptions of a Learning Organization by RNs and Relationship to EBP Beliefs and Implementation in the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Estrada Nicolette 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT Background/Rationale: Health care professionals are expected to provide patient care based on best evidence. The context of the acute care setting presents a challenging environment for registered nurses (RNs) to utilize research and implement best evidence in practice. No organizational infrastructure has been identified that offers acute care RNs the support needed for evidence‐based practice (EBP). The value of “learning organizations” has long been understood by corporate leaders. Potentially, the dimensions of a “learning organization” may offer a supportive EBP infrastructure for acute care RNs. Research Questions: (1) What is the relationship of the characteristics of the learning organization to registered nurses’ beliefs regarding EBP? (2) Is there an impact of EBP beliefs on RNs’ implementation of EBP? Methods: A descriptive, survey design study was conducted. Three established questionnaires were distributed to 1,750 RNs employed within six acute care hospitals. Results/Findings: There were 594 questionnaires returned for a response rate of 34%. RNs rated their organizations in the mid‐range on the dimensions of learning organization. Perceptions of the learning organization were found to be significant, although relatively small, predictors explaining 6% of knowledge beliefs, 11% of value beliefs, and 14% of resource beliefs. EBP beliefs explained 23% of EBP implementation reported by RNs. Discussion: The study results indicate relationships between RNs’ reported perception of a learning organization and EBP beliefs, and between EBP beliefs and implementation. However, findings were mixed. Overall, nurses rated their organizations the lowest in the dimensions of “promote inquiry and dialogue” and “empower people toward a collective vision.” Leaders have an opportunity to offer a more supportive infrastructure through improving their organization in these two areas. RN beliefs explained 23% of EBP implementation in this study with a residual 77% yet to be identified. Implications: Acute care hospitals were perceived mid‐range on learning organization dimensions by RNs, indicating an opportune area for leaders to strengthen their organizational infrastructure.