bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A four-country survey of public attitudes towards restricting healthcare costs by limiting the use of high-cost medical interventions
Authors: Blendon Robert J , Benson John M , Botta Michael D , Zeldow Deborah , Kim Minah Kang 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo discern how the public in four countries, each with unique health systems and cultures, feels about efforts to restrain healthcare costs by limiting the use of high-cost prescription drugs and medical/surgical treatments.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingAdult populations in Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA.Participants2517 adults in the four countries. A questionnaire survey conducted by telephone (landline and cell) with randomly selected adults in each of the four countries.Main outcome measuresSupport for different rationales for not providing/paying for high-cost prescription drugs/medical or surgical treatments, measured in the aggregate and using four case examples derived from actual decisions. Measures of public attitudes about specific policies involving comparative effectiveness and cost-benefit decision making.ResultsThe survey finds support among publics in four countries for decisions that limit the use of high-cost prescription drugs/treatments when some other drug/treatment is available that works equally well but costs less. The survey finds little public support, either in individual case examples or when asked in the aggregate, for decisions in which prescription drugs/treatments are denied on the basis of cost or various definitions of benefits. The main results are based on majorities of the public in each country supporting or opposing each measure.ConclusionsThe survey findings indicate that the public distinguishes in practice between the concepts of comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness analysis. This suggests that public authorities engaged in decision-making activities will find much more public support if they are dealing with the first type of decision than with the second.
Housing Finance Reform: Should There Be a Government Guarantee?
Authors: Green Richard K. 
Published: May 2012

In 2007 and 2008, the mortgage market failed. It failed in a number of dimensions: Default rates rose to their highest levels since the great depression, and mortgage liquidity ground to a halt. This failure has produced recriminations: Blame has been laid at the feet of borrowers, brokers, lenders, investment banks, investors and government and quasi-government entities that guaranteed mortgages. These recent events have produced an important debate: Whether the U.S. mortgage market requires a federal guarantee in order to best serve consumers, investors and markets. My view is that such a guarantee is necessary. I will divide my argument into four areas: (1) I will argue that the United States has had a history of providing guarantees, either implicit or explicit, regardless of its professed position on the matter. This phenomenon goes back to the origins of the republic. It is in the best interest of the country to acknowledge the existence of such guarantees, and to price them appropriately before, rather than after, they become necessary. (2) I will argue that in times of economic stress, such as now, the absence of government guarantees would lead to an absence of mortgages. (3) I will argue that a purely "private" market would likely not provide a 30 year fixed rate pre-payable mortgage. I think that this is no longer a particularly controversial statement; what is more controversial is whether such a mortgage is necessary — I will argue that it is. (4) I will argue that in the absence of a federal guarantee, the price and quantity of mortgages will vary across geography. In particular, rural areas will have less access to mortgage credit that urban areas, central cities will have less access than suburbs. Condominiums already are treated less favorably than detached houses, and this difference is likely to get larger in the absence of a guarantee.
SIRT3 Is a Mitochondrial Tumor Suppressor: A Scientific Tale That Connects Aberrant Cellular ROS, the Warburg Effect, and Carcinogenesis
Authors: Haigis Marcia C. , Deng Chu-Xia , Finley Lydia W.S. , Kim Hyun-Seok , Gius David 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Tumors exhibit metabolic reprogramming characterized by increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the preferential use of glucose, which is known as the Warburg effect. However, the mechanisms by which these processes are linked remain largely elusive. Murine tumors lacking Sirt3 exhibit abnormally high levels of ROS that directly induce genomic instability and increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein levels. The subsequent transcription of HIFα-dependent target genes results in cellular metabolic reprogramming and increased cellular glucose consumption. In addition, agents that scavenge ROS or reverse the Warburg effect prevent the transformation and malignant phenotype observed in cells lacking Sirt3. Thus, mice lacking Sirt3 provide a model that mechanistically connects aberrant ROS, the Warburg effect, and carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2468–72. ©2012 AACR.
Loss of Cell-Surface Laminin Anchoring Promotes Tumor Growth and Is Associated with Poor Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Akhavan Armin , Griffith Obi L. , Soroceanu Liliana , Leonoudakis Dmitri , Luciani-Torres Maria Gloria , Daemen Anneleen , Gray Joe W. , Muschler John L. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Perturbations in the composition and assembly of extracellular matrices (ECM) contribute to progression of numerous diseases, including cancers. Anchoring of laminins at the cell surface enables assembly and signaling of many ECMs, but the possible contributions of altered laminin anchoring to cancer progression remain undetermined. In this study, we investigated the prominence and origins of defective laminin anchoring in cancer cells and its association with cancer subtypes and clinical outcomes. We found loss of laminin anchoring to be widespread in cancer cells. Perturbation of laminin anchoring originated from several distinct defects, which all led to dysfunctional glycosylation of the ECM receptor dystroglycan. In aggressive breast and brain cancers, defective laminin anchoring was often due to suppressed expression of the glycosyltransferase LARGE. Reduced expression of LARGE characterized a broad array of human tumors in which it was associated with aggressive cancer subtypes and poor clinical outcomes. Notably, this defect robustly predicted poor survival in patients with brain cancers. Restoring LARGE expression repaired anchoring of exogenous and endogenous laminin and modulated cell proliferation and tumor growth. Together, our findings suggest that defects in laminin anchoring occur commonly in cancer cells, are characteristic of aggressive cancer subtypes, and are important drivers of disease progression. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2578–88. ©2012 AACR.
Pulmonary Venous Anatomy Imaging With Low-Dose, Prospectively ECG-Triggered, High-Pitch 128-Slice Dual-Source Computed Tomography
Authors: Thai Wai-ee , Wai Bryan , Lin Kaity , Cheng Teresa , Heist E. Kevin , Hoffmann Udo , Singh Jagmeet P. , Truong Quynh A. 
Published: May 2012

Background—
The efforts to reduce radiation from cardiac computed tomography (CT) are essential. Using a prospectively triggered, high-pitch dual-source CT protocol, we aim to determine the radiation dose and image quality in patients undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) imaging.

Methods and Results—

In 94 patients (61±9 years; 71% male) who underwent 128-slice dual-source CT (pitch 3.4), radiation dose and image quality were assessed and compared between 69 patients with sinus rhythm and 25 patients with atrial fibrillation. Radiation dose was compared in a subset of 19 patients with prior retrospective or prospectively triggered CT PV scans without high pitch. In a subset of 18 patients with prior magnetic resonance imaging for PV assessment, PV anatomy and scan duration were compared with high-pitch CT. Using the high-pitch protocol, total effective radiation dose was 1.4 (1.3, 1.9) mSv, with no difference between sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation (1.4 versus 1.5 mSv;
P
=0.22). No high-pitch CT scans were nondiagnostic or had poor image quality. Radiation dose was reduced with high-pitch (1.6 mSv) compared with standard protocols (19.3 mSv;
P
<0.0001). This radiation dose reduction was seen with sinus rhythm (1.5 versus 16.7 mSv;
P
<0.0001) but was more profound with atrial fibrillation (1.9 versus 27.7 mSv;
P
=0.039). There was excellent agreement of PV anatomy (κ 0.84;
P
<0.0001) and a shorter CT scan duration (6 minutes) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (41 minutes;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—
Using a high-pitch dual-source CT protocol, PV imaging can be performed with minimal radiation dose, short scan acquisition, and excellent image quality in patients with sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation. This protocol highlights the success of new cardiac CT technology to minimize radiation exposure, giving clinicians a new low-dose imaging alternative to assess PV anatomy.
Protective effect of Urtica dioica on liver damage induced by biliary obstruction in rats
Authors: Oguz Serhat , Kanter Mehmet , Erboga Mustafa , Ibis Cem 
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Urtica dioica (UD) against liver damage in the common bile duct-ligated rats. A total of 24 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups, namely, control, bile duct ligation (BDL) and BDL + received UD groups, containing eight animals in each group. The rats in UD-treated groups were given UD oils (2 ml/kg) once a day intraperitoneally for 2 weeks starting 3 days prior to BDL operation. The change demonstrating the bile duct proliferation and fibrosis in expanded portal tracts includes the extension of proliferated bile ducts into the lobules; inflammatory cell infiltration into the widened portal areas were observed in BDL group. Treatment of BDL with UD attenuated alterations in liver histology. The α-smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin-positive ductular proliferation and the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling in the BDL were observed to be reduced with the UD treatment. The data indicate that UD attenuates BDL-induced cholestatic liver injury, bile duct proliferation and fibrosis.
Protective role of melatonin supplementation against nicotine-induced liver damage in mouse
Authors: Mercan Sevcan , Eren Banu 
Published: May 2012

The present study was carried out to determine histopathological effects of nicotine, one of the most significant components of tobacco, on mouse liver and ameliorative effect of melatonin on liver damage. A total of 140 mature Swiss Albino mice ( Mus musculus) were divided into four experimental groups: control group, nicotine group, melatonin group and nicotine + melatonin group. Each group was further subdivided into seven groups (five mice each) according to the time of killing (12 h and days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 after drug administration). In nicotine and nicotine + melatonin groups, 3 mg/kg of nicotine was injected intraperitoneally every day until killing. The nicotine + melatonin group was additionally injected with 10 mg/kg of melatonin after 30 min of nicotine injection. The melatonin group was injected only with 10 mg/kg of melatonin every day until killing. All the treatments were given 2 h before sunset, when melatonin receptors were active. After the last injection, five mice from each group were killed at 12th hour and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21; the livers were removed for histopathological processing by light microscopy. The histopathological results revealed time-dependent degeneration in the livers of mice in nicotine group. Regenerative changes in the nicotine and melatonin groups were observed when compared with nicotine groups.
Are You Baby-Friendly? Knowledge Deficit among US Maternity Staff
Authors: Sadacharan Radha , Santana Stephanie , Sanchez Emily , Matlak Stephanie , Grossman Xena , Makrigiorgos Gregory , Merewood Anne 
Published: May 2012

Background: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative began in 1991. In 2010, approximately 3% of United States (US) hospitals were Baby-Friendly certified. When collecting data for related studies, we noted that many maternity staff erroneously claimed their hospital was Baby-Friendly.™ Objective: To determine whether maternity staff in US hospitals could accurately describe their institution’s status with regard to Baby-Friendly certification. Methods: In 2010-2011, we called all maternity hospitals in the US and asked to be connected to the maternity service. We then asked the person answering the maternity service phone: “Is your hospital a Baby-Friendly hospital?” and recorded the position of the respondent. Results: We called 2974 hospitals, and received answers on Baby-Friendly status from 2851. According to the Baby-Friendly USA Website ( http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org ), 3% (75/2851) of these hospitals were Baby-Friendly. However, staff at 62% (1780/2851) stated their hospital was Baby-Friendly. Staff at 15% (424/2851) did not know what the caller meant by “Baby-Friendly hospital.” Accuracy of knowledge varied dependent on the respondent’s job title ( P < .001). International Board Certified Lactation Consultants were most likely to be accurate, with 89% answering correctly. There was a strong positive correlation between the proportion of Baby-Friendly hospitals and the proportion of correct responses by state ( r = 0.62, P < .001). Conclusion: Although the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was established over 20 years ago, most US maternity staff responding to a telephone survey either incorrectly believed their hospital to be Baby-Friendly certified or were unaware of the meaning of “Baby-Friendly hospital.”
Bendability optimization of flexible optical nanoelectronics via neutral axis engineering
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Kwon Jang-Yeon , Yoon Daesung , Cho Handong , You Jinho , Kang Yong Tae , Choi Dukhyun , Hwang Woonbong 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The enhancement of bendability of flexible nanoelectronics is critically important to realize future portable and wearable nanoelectronics for personal and military purposes. Because there is an enormous variety of materials and structures that are used for flexible nanoelectronic devices, a governing design rule for optimizing the bendability of these nanodevices is required. In this article, we suggest a design rule to optimize the bendability of flexible nanoelectronics through neutral axis (NA) engineering. In flexible optical nanoelectronics, transparent electrodes such as indium tin oxide (ITO) are usually the most fragile under an external load because of their brittleness. Therefore, we representatively focus on the bendability of ITO which has been widely used as transparent electrodes, and the NA is controlled by employing a buffer layer on the ITO layer. First, we independently investigate the effect of the thickness and elastic modulus of a buffer layer on the bendability of an ITO film. Then, we develop a design rule for the bendability optimization of flexible optical nanoelectronics. Because NA is determined by considering both the thickness and elastic modulus of a buffer layer, the design rule is conceived to be applicable regardless of the material and thickness that are used for the buffer layer. Finally, our design rule is applied to optimize the bendability of an organic solar cell, which allows the bending radius to reach about 1 mm. Our design rule is thus expected to provide a great strategy to enhance the bending performance of a variety of flexible nanoelectronics.
Prognostic factors in canine appendicular osteosarcoma – a meta-analysis
Authors: Boerman Ilse , Selvarajah Gayathri T , Nielen Mirjam , Kirpensteijn Jolle 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundAppendicular osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary canine bone tumor. When treated by amputation or tumor removal alone, median survival times (MST) do not exceed 5 months, with the majority of dogs suffering from metastatic disease. This period can be extended with adequate local intervention and adjuvant chemotherapy, which has become common practice. Several prognostic factors have been reported in many different studies, e.g. age, breed, weight, sex, neuter status, location of tumor, serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), infection, percentage of bone length affected, histological grade or histological subtype of tumor. Most of these factors are, however, only reported as confounding factors in larger studies. Insight in truly significant prognostic factors at time of diagnosis may contribute to tailoring adjuvant therapy for individual dogs suffering from osteosarcoma. The objective of this study was to systematically review the prognostic factors that are described for canine appendicular osteosarcoma and validate their scientific importance.ResultsA literature review was performed on selected studies and eligible data were extracted. Meta-analyses were done for two of the three selected possible prognostic factors (SALP and location), looking at both survival time (ST) and disease free interval (DFI). The third factor (age) was studied in a qualitative manner. Both elevated SALP level and the (proximal) humerus as location of the primary tumor are significant negative prognostic factors for both ST and DFI in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. Increasing age was associated with shorter ST and DFI, however, was not statistically significant because information of this factor was available in only a limited number of papers.ConclusionsElevated SALP and proximal humeral location are significant negative prognosticators for canine osteosarcoma.
A mutation in KIF7 is responsible for the autosomal recessive syndrome of macrocephaly, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and distinctive facial appearance
Authors: Ali Bassam R , Silhavy Jennifer L , Akawi Nadia A , Gleeson Joseph G , Al-Gazali Lihadh 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
We previously reported the existence of a unique autosomal recessive syndrome consisting of macrocephaly, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and distinctive facial appearance mapping to chromosome 15q26.

Methods
In this manuscript, we have used whole exome sequencing on two affected members of a consanguineous family with this condition and carried out detailed bioinformatics analysis to elucidate the causative mutation.

Results
Our analysis resulted in the identification of a homozygous p.N1060S missense mutation in a highly conserved residue in KIF7, a regulator of Hedgehog signaling that has been recently found to be causing Joubert syndrome, fetal hydrolethalus and acrocallosal syndromes. The phenotype in our patients partially overlaps with the phenotypes associated with those syndromes but they also exhibit some distinctive features including multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.

Conclusions
We report the first missense homozygous disease-causing mutation in KIF7 and expand the clinical spectrum associated with mutations in this gene to include multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. The missense nature of the mutation might account for the unique presentation in our patients.
Validation and characterization of Citrus sinensis microRNAs and their target genes
Authors: Song Changnian , Yu Mingliang , Han Jian , Wang Chen , Liu Hong , Zhang Yanping , Fang Jinggui 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs play vital role in plant growth and development by changeable expression of their target genes with most plant microRNAs having perfect or near-perfect complementarities with their target genes but miRNAs in Citrus sinensis (csi-miRNAs) and their function have not been widely studied.

Findings
In this study, 15 potential microRNAs in Citrus sinensis (csi-miRNAs) were identified and bioinformatically validated using miR-RACE, a newly developed method for determination of miRNAs prediction computationally. The expression of these fifteen C. sinensis miRNAs can be detected in leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of C. sinensis by QRT-PCR with some of them showed tissue-specific expression. Six potential target genes were identified for six csi-miRNAs and also experimentally verified by Poly (A) polymerase -mediated 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (PPM-RACE) and RNA ligase-mediated 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM-RACE) which mapped the cleavage site of target mRNAs and detected expression patterns of cleaved fragments that indicate the regulatory function of the miRNAs on their target genes.

Conclusions
Our results confirm that small RNA-mediated regulation whereby all csi-miRNAs regulate their target genes by degradation.
Development of a method for the measurement of primary cilia length in 3D
Authors: Saggese Taryn , Young Alistair A , Huang Chaobo , Braeckmans Kevin , McGlashan Susan R 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundPrimary cilia length is an important measure of cell and tissue function. While accurate length measurements can be calculated from cells in 2D culture, measurements in tissue or 3D culture are inherently difficult due to optical distortions. This study uses a novel combination of image processing techniques to rectify optical distortions and accurately measure cilia length from 3D images.MethodsPoint spread functions and experimental resolutions were calculated from subresolution microspheres embedded in 3D agarose gels for both wide-field fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopes. The degree of axial smearing and spherical aberration was calculated fromxy:xzdiameter ratios of 3D image data sets of 4 μm microspheres that had undergone deconvolution and/or Gaussian blurring. Custom-made 18 and 50 μm fluorescent microfibers were also used as calibration objects to test the suitability of processed image sets for 3D skeletonization. Microfiber length in 2D was first measured to establish an original population mean. Fibers were then embedded in 3D agarose gels to act as ciliary models. 3D image sets of microfibers underwent deconvolution and Gaussian blurring. Length measurements within 1 standard deviation of the original 2D population mean were deemed accurate. Finally, the combined method of deconvolution, Gaussian blurring and skeletonization was compared to previously published methods using images of immunofluorescently labeled renal and chondrocyte primary cilia.ResultsDeconvolution significantly improved contrast and resolution but did not restore thexy:xzdiameter ratio (0.80). Only the additional step of Gaussian blurring equalizedxyandxzresolutions and yielded a diameter ratio of 1.02. Following image processing, skeletonization successfully estimated microfiber boundaries and allowed reliable and repeatable measurement of fiber lengths in 3D. We also found that the previously published method of calculating length from 2D maximum projection images significantly underestimated ciliary length.ConclusionsThis study used commercial and public domain image processing software to rectify a long-standing problem of 3D microscopy. We have shown that a combination of deconvolution and Gaussian blurring rectifies optical distortions inherent in 3D images and allows accurate skeletonization and length measurement of microfibers and primary cilia that are bent or curved in 3D space.