bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of blood cell-associated angiotensin II type 1 receptors in the cerebral microvascular response to ischemic stroke during angiotensin-induced hypertension
Authors: Nagai Mutsumi , Terao Satoshi , Vital Shantel A , Rodrigues Stephen F , Yilmaz Gokhan , Granger D Neil 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundAngiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers lower the incidence of ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients and attenuate brain inflammation and injury in animal models. Although AT1R on both blood cells (BC) and vascular endothelial cells (EC) can be activated by angiotensin II (Ang II) to elicit inflammation, little is known about the relative contributions of AT1R expressed on BC and EC to the brain injury responses to ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in the setting of angiotensin-induced hypertension.MethodsThe contributions of BC- and EC-associated AT1R to I/R-induced brain inflammation and injury were evaluated using wild type (WT), AT1aR-/-, and bone marrow chimera mice with either a BC+/EC+ (WT→WT) or BC-/EC+ (AT1aR-/-→WT) distribution of AT1aR. The adhesion of leukocytes and platelets in venules, blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and infarct volume were monitored in postischemic brain of normotensive and Ang II-induced hypertensive mice.ResultsThe inflammatory (blood cell adhesion) and injury (BBB permeability, infarct volume) responses were greatly exaggerated in the presence of Ang II-induced hypertension. The Ang II-enhanced responses were significantly blunted in AT1aR-/-mice. A similar level of protection was noted in AT1aR-/-→WT mice for BBB permeability and infarct volume, while less or no protection was evident for leukocyte and platelet adhesion, respectively.ConclusionsBC- and EC-associated AT1aR are both involved in the brain injury responses to ischemic stroke during Ang II-hypertension, with EC AT1aR contributing more to the blood cell recruitment response and BC AT1aR exerting a significant influence on the BBB disruption and tissue necrosis elicited by I/R.
Management of people with acute low-back pain: a survey of Australian chiropractors
Authors: Walker Bruce F , French Simon D , Page Matthew J , O'Connor Denise A , McKenzie Joanne E , Beringer Katherine , Murphy Kerry , Keating Jenny L , Michie Susan , Francis Jill J , Green Sally E 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Chiropractors commonly provide care to people with acute low-back pain (LBP). The aim of this survey was to determine how chiropractors intend to support and manage people with acute LBP and if this management is in accordance with two recommendations from an Australian evidence-based acute LBP guideline. The two recommendations were directed at minimising the use of plain x-ray and encouraging the patient to stay active.

Methods
This is a cross sectional survey of chiropractors in Australia. This paper is part of the ALIGN study in which a targeted implementation strategy was developed to improve the management of acute LBP in a chiropractic setting. This implementation strategy was subsequently tested in a cluster randomised controlled trial. In this survey phase of the ALIGN study we approached a random sample of 880 chiropractors in three States of Australia. The mailed questionnaire consisted of five patient vignettes designed to represent people who would typically present to chiropractors with acute LBP. Four vignettes represented people who, according to the guideline, would not require a plain lumbar x-ray, and one vignette represented a person with a suspected vertebral fracture. Respondents were asked, for each vignette, to indicate which investigation(s) they would order, and which intervention(s) they would recommend or undertake.

Results
Of the 880 chiropractors approached, 137 were deemed ineligible to participate, mostly because they were not currently practising, or mail was returned to sender. We received completed questionnaires from 274 chiropractors (response rate of 37%). Male chiropractors made up 66% of respondents, 75% practised in an urban location and their mean number of years in practice was 15. Across the four vignettes where an x-ray was not indicated 68% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 64%, 71%) of chiropractors responded that they would order or take an x-ray. In addition 51% (95%CI: 47%, 56%) indicated they would give advice to stay active when it was indicated. For the vignette where a fracture was suspected, 95% (95% CI: 91%, 97%) of chiropractors would order an x-ray.

Conclusion
The intention of chiropractors surveyed in this study shows low adherence to two recommendations from an evidence-based guideline for acute LBP. Quality of care for these patients could be improved through effective implementation of evidence-based guidelines. Further research to find cost-effective methods to increase implementation is warranted.
Severe Neutropenia Following a Prolonged Course of Vancomycin That Progressed to Agranulocytosis with Drug Reexposure
Authors: Duff Jennifer M , Moreb Jan S , Muwalla Firas 
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of severe neutropenia after discontinuing prolonged treatment with vancomycin that progressed to agranulocytosis with vancomycin reexposure. CASE SUMMARY: A 78-year-old woman presented with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] 37 cells/μL) and hypocellular bone marrow with absence of myeloid elements 8 weeks after discontinuing a 3-week treatment course of vancomycin 750 mg every 12 hours. Filgrastim 300 μg daily was started for neutropenia and vancomycin 750 mg every 12 hours and aztreonam 1 g every 8 hours were initiated for catheter-related acute thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity. The patient's ANC decreased to 10 cells/μL within 3 days of starting vancomycin. We suspected an autoimmune process, potentially related to vancomycin exposure, and began treatment with methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg daily. The ANC precipitously dropped to 0 cells/μL despite treatment with steroids and an increased filgrastim dose of 480 μg/day. All antibiotics were discontinued on the fifth day of hospitalization. Within 48 hours, her neutrophil count showed recovery (white blood cell count 500 cells/μL; 10% neutrophils). DISCUSSION: Idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis is an uncommon phenomenon but is often associated with serious consequences such as sepsis. We believe this case is unique because of the unusually late neutropenia discovered several weeks after finishing a prolonged course of vancomycin. Furthermore, agranulocytosis developed after unintentional rechallenge with vancomycin. According to the Naranjo probability scale, this case illustrates a probable adverse event caused by vancomycin. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates a serious adverse event potentially associated with vancomycin use, and calls attention to the safety of rechallenging with vancomycin during a possible drug-induced neutropenia.
Thyroid hyperactivity with high thyroglobulin in serum despite sufficient iodine intake in chronic cold adaptation in an Arctic Inuit hunter population
Authors: Andersen Stig , Kleinschmidt Kent , Hvingel Bodil , Laurberg Peter 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveAdult man hosts brown adipose tissue with the capacity to consume energy and dissipate heat. This is essential for non-shivering thermogenesis and its activation depends on sympathetic activity and thyroid hormones. This led us to evaluate the impact of chronic cold exposure on thyroid activity and thyroid hormones in serum in Arctic residents.DesignComparative, population-based study (n=535) performed in Greenland.MethodsHunters were compared with other men, and Inuit in remote settlements in East Greenland with no modern housing facilities were compared with the residents of the capital city in West Greenland and residents of a major town in East Greenland in a cross-sectional study. We used interview-based questionnaires, measured TSH, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroglobulin (TG) antibody and TG (a measure of thyroid activity) in serum, and iodine and creatinine in spot urine samples.ResultsSerum TG was the highest among hunters (P=0.009) and settlement dwellers (P=0.001), who were most markedly exposed to cold, even though they had the highest urinary iodine excretion (hunters,P<0.001; settlement dwellers,P<0.001). Hunters and settlement dwellers also had the lowest fT3(hunters,P<0.001; settlement dwellers,P<0.001) after adjusting for gender, age, smoking habits, alcohol intake and iodine excretion in multivariate linear regression models. TSH was not influenced by measures of cold exposure (hunter,P=0.36; residence,P=0.91).ConclusionsCold exposure influenced thyroid hormones and TG in serum in Arctic populations consistent with consumption of thyroid hormone and higher thyroid hormone turnover. Findings emphasise that changes in thyroid activity are essential in cold adaptation in Arctic residents.
Age dependent changes in arsenic and nicotine induced oxidative stress in male rat
Authors: Jain Anshu , Flora Swaran J. S. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The present study was planned to compare the differential toxicity of arsenic and nicotine among three different age groups of rats. In this study blood and tissue oxidative stress was determined in different age group of rats exposed to arsenic (2 mg/kg, i.p.) and nicotine (6 mg/kg, i.p.) for 2 weeks. Arsenic inhibited blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in all age groups of rats while, a moderate inhibition was noted following nicotine exposure in young and old rats. Arsenic caused an increase in blood reactive oxygen species in young and old rats while glutathione level increased only in young rats unlike nicotine. A significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was noted in liver of young and old rats while, hepatic GSH showed an increase in young and a decrease in old rats. Catalase activity decreased significantly in arsenic exposed young and old rats. At the given dose and duration both toxicants did not induce oxidative stress in rat brain. Blood arsenic concentration increased with age whereas its level brain and liver was independent of age. Conclusively, young and old animals were found to be most sensitive to both toxicants; with arsenic being more toxic than nicotine targeting liver.
Impact of anesthesia on patient and endoscopist satisfaction after colonoscopy — A pilot study
Authors: Szegô Eszter , Iványi Zsolt , László András , Gál János 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Colonoscopy is a standard diagnostic tool for the investigation and surveillance of diseases affecting the colon. The procedure can be uncomfortable and sometimes very painful, resulting in increased cecal intubation time and lower completion rate. However, it seems to be apparent that anesthesia for this procedure increases patient satisfaction; data are lacking about the impact of anesthesia on the technical performance of colonoscopic examination.

Aim
In our observational survey, we studied patients undergoing colonoscopy with or without anesthesia. We compared patient satisfaction, difficulties in endoscopy, and the impact of anesthesia on the examination room occupancy.

Methods
We enrolled 60 patients undergoing elective, outpatient colonoscopy because of various reasons. The patients were able to choose between anesthesia and sedation. Difficulties in colonoscopy were evaluated by the endoscopist's rating and by the time to cecal intubation. We assessed patient satisfaction by a numeric rating scale.

Results
We observed that neither the duration of colonoscopy nor the time spent in the examination room was different in the two groups (p 0.825, 0.998). There was a significant improvement in both patient and endoscopist satisfaction scores in patients undergoing anesthesia (p 0.0007).

Conclusion
We found that during colonoscopy, compared to sedation, anesthesia increases both endoscopist and patient satisfaction without prolonged occupation of the examination room.
New possibilities in the endovascular treatment of supraaortic vessels
Authors: Nemes Balázs 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCerebrovascular disease, including stroke, represents the third-leading cause of death in Hungary and a leading cause of disability among the elderly population. The majority of all strokes are ischemic, mostly secondary to thromboembolic disease of the supraaortic vessels. We investigated new therapeutic methods in the endovascular treatment of these diseases. Surgical revascularization of supraaortic trunk stenosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Balloon angioplasty has become an increasingly accepted treatment of stenoocclusive supraaortic arterial disease. Natural history data and treatment guidelines do not exist for innominate and proximal common carotid artery lesions. We have confirmed in a large series of innominate artery angioplasties that it is a safe and effective procedure with an excellent initial success rate, with a lower complication rate than the surgical option and with a similar long-term patency rate as for surgery.In the largest published study on transfemoral angioplasty of ostial and proximal common carotid artery stenosis we have proved that endovascular treatment has high success rate with low stroke/death rate. Carotid stenting (CAS) is an evolving alternative to surgery in the treatment of patients with carotid stenosis. Stent selection is influenced by several factors, including the carotid anatomy and lesion characteristics. We examined the wall adaptability of a new closed-cell carotid stent (NexStent), which was designed for carotid bifurcation treatment. Data obtained from angiographic and computed tomographic images indicate that the stent provides adequate expansion and adaptation to the carotid bifurcation.There are two types of restenosis after carotid artery interventions: the early restenosis develops mainly within the first 24 months after the revascularization procedure and its pathological background is myointimal hyperplasia; on the other hand late restenosis is rather due to progression of primary atherosclerosis and occurs more than 2 years after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We compared the early restenosis rate in a consecutive series of CAS versus CEA patients at a single cardiovascular institution. The data suggest that the incidence of restenosis after stenting was less common than after surgery.Our results may help vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists to consider risk versus benefit when deciding treatment options for supraaortic arterial stenosis.
The Impact of the Individual Mandate and Internal Revenue Service Form 990 Schedule H on Community Benefits From Nonprofit Hospitals
Authors: Principe Kristine , Adams E. Kathleen , Maynard Jenifer , Becker Edmund R. 
Published: December 2011

In response to a growing concern that nonprofit hospitals are not providing sufficient benefit to their communities in return for their tax-exempt status, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now requires nonprofit hospitals to formally document the extent of their community contributions. While the IRS is increasing financial scrutiny of nonprofit hospitals, many provisions in the recently passed historical health reform legislation will also have a significant impact on the provision of uncompensated care and other community benefits. We argue that health reform does not render the nonprofit organizational form obsolete. Rather, health reform should strengthen the nonprofit hospitals’ ability to fulfill their missions by better targeting subsidies for uncompensated care and potentially increasing subsidized health services provision, many of which affect the public's health.
Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Mechanical Workplace Risk Factors and Low Back Pain
Authors: Griffith Lauren E. , Shannon Harry S. , Wells Richard P. , Walter Stephen D. , Cole Donald C. , Côté Pierre , Frank John , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , Langlois Lacey E. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We used individual participant data from multiple studies to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of mechanical exposures in the workplace and low back pain. Methods. We conducted a systematic literature search and contacted an author of each study to request their individual participant data. Because outcome definitions and exposure measures were not uniform across studies, we conducted 2 substudies: (1) to identify sets of outcome definitions that could be combined in a meta-analysis and (2) to develop methods to translate mechanical exposure onto a common metric. We used generalized estimating equation regression to analyze the data. Results. The odds ratios (ORs) for posture exposures ranged from 1.1 to 2.0. Force exposure ORs ranged from 1.4 to 2.1. The magnitudes of the ORs differed according to the definition of low back pain, and heterogeneity was associated with both study-level and individual-level characteristics. Conclusions. We found small to moderate ORs for the association of mechanical exposures and low back pain, although the relationships were complex. The presence of individual-level OR modifiers in such an area can be best understood by conducting a meta-analysis of individual participant data.
A Smoke-Free Paso del Norte: Impact Over 10 Years on Smoking Prevalence Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Taylor Thom , Cooper Theodore V. , Hernandez Nora , Kelly Michael , Law Jon , Colwell Brian 
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We assessed the impact of a tobacco control initiative over 10 years on cessation and prevention. Methods. We examined 2000–2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System cases of a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) with systematic tobacco control efforts throughout the decade (El Paso, TX) and 2 comparison MSAs similar in size and population with less coordinated tobacco control efforts (Austin-Round Rock, TX and San Antonio, TX). Results. Yearly, El Paso exhibited a 6% increase in the prevalence of former smokers, a 6% decrease in prevalence of daily smokers, and a 7% decrease in the prevalence of established smoking (≥ 100 cigarettes per lifetime and currently smoking); we did not observe similar trends in the comparison MSAs. There was no change in the prevalence of nondaily smokers in any of the MSAs. Conclusions. The coordinated tobacco control activities in El Paso are related to cessation among daily smokers and prevention of established smoking at the population level but have not stimulated cessation among nondaily smokers. Comprehensive tobacco control should focus more on not only daily smokers but also nondaily smokers.
Reduction in Purchases of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among Low-Income Black Adolescents After Exposure to Caloric Information
Authors: Bleich Sara N. , Herring Bradley J. , Flagg Desmond D. , Gary-Webb Tiffany L. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We examined the effect of an intervention to provide caloric information about sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on the number of SSB purchases. Methods. We used a case-crossover design with 4 corner stores located in low-income, predominately Black neighborhoods in Baltimore, Maryland. The intervention randomly posted 1 of 3 signs with the following caloric information: (1) absolute caloric count, (2) percentage of total recommended daily intake, and (3) physical activity equivalent. We collected data for 1600 beverage sales by Black adolescents, aged 12–18 years, including 400 during a baseline period and 400 for each of the 3 caloric condition interventions. Results. Providing Black adolescents with any caloric information significantly reduced the odds of SSB purchases relative to the baseline (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36, 0.89). When examining the 3 caloric conditions separately, the significant effect was observed when caloric information was provided as a physical activity equivalent (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.85). Conclusions. Providing easily understandable caloric information—particularly a physical activity equivalent—may reduce calorie intake from SSBs among low-income, Black adolescents.
Social Norms, Collective Efficacy, and Smoking Cessation in Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Karasek Deborah , Ahern Jennifer , Galea Sandro 
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We examined the separate and combined relations of neighborhood-level social norms and collective efficacy with individuals’ cigarette smoking cessation.Methods. We modeled the hazard of quitting over a 5-year period among 863 smokers who participated in the 2005 New York Social Environment Study.Results. In adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, prohibitive neighborhood smoking norms were significantly associated with higher rates of smoking cessation (second quartile hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59, 2.32; third quartile HR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.17, 4.78; fourth quartile HR = 1.80; 95% CI = 0.85, 3.81). We did not find a significant association between neighborhood collective efficacy and cessation or significant evidence of a joint relation of collective efficacy and smoking norms with cessation.Conclusions. Neighborhood social norms may be more relevant than is collective efficacy to smoking cessation. The normative environment may shape health behavior and should be considered as part of public health intervention efforts.
Longitudinal Associations Between Adolescent Alcohol Use and Adulthood Sexual Risk Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infection in the United States: Assessment of Differences by Race
Authors: Khan Maria R. , Berger Amanda T. , Wells Brooke E. , Cleland Charles M. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We examined race differences in the longitudinal associations between adolescent alcohol use and adulthood sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk in the United States. Methods. We estimated multivariable logistic regression models using Waves I (1994–1995: adolescence) and III (2001–2002: young adulthood) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 10 783) to estimate associations and assess differences between Whites and African Americans. Results. In adjusted analyses, adolescent alcohol indicators predicted adulthood inconsistent condom use for both races but were significantly stronger, more consistent predictors of elevated partnership levels for African Americans than Whites. Among African Americans but not Whites, self-reported STI was predicted by adolescent report of any prior use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 2.17) and past-year history of getting drunk (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.01, 2.32). Among Whites but not African Americans, biologically confirmed STI was predicted by adolescent report of past-year history of getting drunk (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.63) and consistent drinking (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.03, 2.65). Conclusions. African American and White adolescent drinkers are priority populations for STI prevention. Prevention of adolescent alcohol use may contribute to reductions in adulthood STI risk.