bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medicaid, Hospital Financial Stress, and the Incidence of Adverse Medical Events for Children
Authors: Smith Richard B. , Dynan Linda , Fairbrother Gerry , Chabi Glen , Simpson Lisa 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the association between Medicaid‐induced financial stress of a hospital and the probability of an adverse medical event for a pediatric discharge.Data SourcesSecondary data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and the American Hospital Association's Annual Survey of Hospitals. Study examines 985,896 pediatric discharges (children age 0–17), from 1,050 community hospitals in 26 states (representing 63 percent of the U.S. Medicaid population) between 2005 and 2007.Study DesignWe estimate the probability of an adverse event, controlling for patient, hospital, and state characteristics, using an aggregated, composite measure to overcome rarity of individual events.Principal FindingsChildren in hospitals with relatively high proportions of pediatric discharges that are more reliant on Medicaid reimbursement are more likely than children in other hospitals (odds ratio = 1.62) to experience an adverse event. Medicaid pediatric inpatients are more likely than privately insured patients (odds ratio = 1.10) to experience an adverse event.ConclusionsHospital reliance on comparatively low Medicaid reimbursement may contribute to the problem of adverse medical events for hospitalized children. Policies to reduce adverse events should account for differences in underlying, contributing factors of these events.
Curcumin inhibits gene expression of receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE) in hepatic stellate cells in vitro by elevating PPARγ activity and attenuating oxidative stress
Authors: Lin Jianguo , Tang Youcai , Kang Qiaohua , Feng Yunfeng , Chen Anping 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, which facilitates the formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs). Type 2 diabetes mellitus is commonly accompanied by non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, which could lead to hepatic fibrosis. Receptor for AGEs (RAGE) mediates effects of AGEs and is associated with increased oxidative stress, cell growth and inflammation. The phytochemical curcumin inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major effectors during hepatic fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of curcumin in the elimination of the stimulating effects of AGEs on the activation of HSCs. We hypothesize that curcumin eliminates the effects of AGEs by suppressing gene expression of RAGE.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Gene promoter activities were evaluated by transient transfection assays. The expression of rage was silenced by short hairpin RNA. Gene expression was analysed by real‐time PCR and Western blots. Oxidative stress was evaluated.KEY RESULTS AGEs induced rage expression in cultured HSCs, which played a critical role in the AGEs‐induced activation of HSCs. Curcumin at 20 µM eliminated the AGE effects, which required the activation of PPARγ. In addition, curcumin attenuated AGEs‐induced oxidative stress in HSCs by elevating the activity of glutamate‐cysteine ligase and by stimulating de novo synthesis of glutathione, leading to the suppression of gene expression of RAGE.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Curcumin suppressed gene expression of RAGE by elevating the activity of PPARγ and attenuating oxidative stress, leading to the elimination of the AGE effects on the activation of HSCs.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Stefanska, pp. 2209–2211 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.01959.x
Effect of Plasma Exchange on Hepatocyte Oxidative Stress, Mitochondria Function, and Apoptosis in Patients With Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
Authors: Tang Wanxin , Huang Zhongying , Wang Yufang , Bo Hong , Fu Ping 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAcute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is an uncommon but clinically severe hepatopathy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis may be its key pathogenesis. Traditional therapy is inadequate for patients with severe conditions so the application of plasma exchange (PE) has been attempted. The present study aims to determine whether or not PE can lessen injuries to hepatocytes by ameliorating ROS and mitochondrial functions. Thirteen patients with AFLP were included in the experimental group, while fifteen patients made up the case‐control group. PE was applied to patients in the PE group once a day for 1–3 days. Cultured hepatocytes were treated with serum or replacement fluid from patients and controls, respectively. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase‐3, caspase‐9, and apoptosis of hepatocytes were measured. The clinical details and prognoses were also assessed. Patients in the experimental group had shorter durations of hepatic function recovery, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospitalization than those in the case‐control group, although both groups showed the same mortality. PE could induce the production of SOD, inhibit the production of malondialdehyde, and recover MMP. The upregulation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 expression, as well as increase in apoptosis rate in the AFLP group, could be inhibited by PE. Moreover, PE also appeared to have a dose‐dependent effect. PE protects hepatocytes by reducing damage to the mitochondria caused by oxidative stress; thus, it could be beneficial in the treatment of patients with severe AFLP and induce liver function recovery.
Update on Small‐Diameter Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Leads Performance
Authors: VAN REES JOHANNES B. , VAN WELSENES GUIDO H. , BORLEFFS C. JAN WILLEM , THIJSSEN JOEP , VAN DER VELDE ENNO T. , VAN DER WALL ERNST E. , VAN ERVEN LIESELOT , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. 
Published: February 2012

Background:

The performance of small diameter implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads is questionable. However, data on performance during long‐term follow‐up are scarce. The aim of this study is to provide an update for the lead failure and cardiac perforation rate of Medtronic's Sprint Fidelis ICD lead (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) and St. Jude Medical's Riata ICD lead (St. Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA).
Methods:

Since 1996, all ICD system implantations at the Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands, are registered. For this study, data up to February 2011 on 396 Sprint Fidelis leads (follow‐up 3.4 ± 1.5 years), 165 8‐French (F) Riata leads (follow‐up 4.6 ± 2.6 years), and 30 7‐F Riata leads (follow‐up 2.9 ± 1.3 years) were compared with a benchmark cohort of 1,602 ICD leads (follow‐up 3.4 ± 2.7 years) and assessed for the occurrence of lead failure and cardiac perforation.
Results:

During follow‐up, the yearly lead failure rate of the Sprint Fidelis lead, 7‐F Riata lead, 8‐F Riata lead, and the benchmark cohort was 3.54%, 2.28%, 0.78%, and 1.14%, respectively. In comparison to the benchmark cohort, the adjusted hazard ratio of lead failure was 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4–5.7, P < 0.001) for the Sprint Fidelis lead and 4.2 (95% CI 1.0–18.0, P < 0.05) for the 7‐F Riata lead. One cardiac perforation was observed (3.3%) in the 7‐F Riata group versus none in the 8‐F Riata and Sprint Fidelis lead population.
Conclusion:

The current update demonstrates that the risk of lead failure during long‐term follow‐up is significantly increased for both the Sprint Fidelis and the 7‐F Riata lead in comparison to the benchmark cohort. Only one cardiac perforation occurred.
(PACE 2012; 35:652–658)
Repeat Percutaneous Epicardial Mapping and Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia: Safety and Outcome
Authors: TSCHABRUNN CORY M. , HAQQANI HARIS M. , ZADO ERICA S. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: February 2012

Safety and Efficacy of Repeat Epicardial Access.Introduction: Epicardial mapping and ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) has been increasingly performed. Occasionally additional ablation is necessary, requiring repeat percutaneous access to the pericardial space.Methods and Results: We studied 30 consecutive patients who required a repeat epicardial procedure. We specifically examined the success and safety of repeat percutaneous pericardial access as well as the ability to map and ablate epicardial VT targets. Percutaneous pericardial access at a median of 110 days after the last procedure was successful in all 30 patients. Significant adhesions interfering with catheter mapping were encountered in 7 patients (23%); 6 had received intrapericardial triamcinolone acetate (IPTA) with prior procedures. Using blunt dissection with a deflected ablation catheter and a steerable sheath, adhesions were divided allowing for complete catheter mapping in 5 patients with areas of dense adherence compartmentalizing the pericardium in 1 patient and precluding ablation over previously targeted ablation site in the second. Targeted VT noninducibility was achieved in 27 (90%) patients including 7 patients with adhesions. No direct complications related to pericardial access or adhesions disruption occurred. One periprocedural death occurred from refractory cardiogenic shock in patient with LV ejection fraction of 10%. Another patient developed asymptomatic positive Haemophilus influenzae pericardial fluid cultures identified at second procedure, which was successfully treated.Conclusions: Repeat access can be obtained after prior epicardial ablation. Adhesions from prior procedures may limit mapping, but can usually be disrupted mechanically and allow for ablation of recurrent VT. IPTA may not completely prevent adhesions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 744‐749, July 2012)
Factors associated with complications and conversion to laparotomy in women undergoing laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: SONG TAEJONG , KIM TAE‐JOONG , KANG HEESEOK , LEE YOO‐YOUNG , CHOI CHEL HUN , LEE JEONG‐WON , KIM BYOUNG‐GIE , BAE DUK‐SOO 
Published: February 2012

Abstract Objective. To identify risk factors for complications and conversion to laparotomy in women undergoing laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Tertiary referral hospital. Population. All 2012 consecutive women who underwent LAVH for non‐malignant diseases in a single institution. Methods. Retrospective study. Main outcome measures. Operative complications and conversion to laparotomy. Results. Most of the LAVHs were successful, but conversion to laparotomy was required in 97 women (4.8%) because of pelvic adhesion (n= 71), large uterine size (n= 18) or bowel injury (n= 8). There were 45 women (2.2%) with complications (bladder injury, 26; bowel injury, 9; vascular injury, 9; and ureteral injury, 1). A history of previous cesarean section (twice or more) was a significant risk factor for complications [odds ratio (OR) 3.38]. A body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (OR 2.98), history of previous myomectomy (OR 6.19) and uterine weight ≥500 g (OR 3.24) independently influenced the risk of conversion to laparotomy. Conclusions. Risk factors identified in this study include a history of previous cesarean section (twice or more) and myomectomy, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and uterine weight ≥500 g. The findings may be useful in counseling women preoperatively about the potential complications of LAVH.
Review article: Management of cyanide poisoning
Authors: Reade Michael C , Davies Suzanne R , Morley Peter T , Dennett Jennifer , Jacobs Ian C ,   the Australian Resuscitation Council
Published: February 2012

AbstractCyanide poisoning is uncommon, but generates interest because of the presumed utility of an antidote immediately available in those areas with a high risk of cyanide exposure. As part of its regular review of guidelines, the Australian Resuscitation Council conducted a systematic review of the human evidence for the use of various proposed cyanide antidotes, and a narrative review of the relevant pharmacological and animal studies. There have been no relevant comparative or placebo‐controlled human trials. Nine case series were identified. Treatment with hydroxocobalamin was reported in a total of 361 cases. No serious adverse effects of hydroxocobalamin were reported, and many patients with otherwise presumably fatal poisoning survived. Sodium thiosulphate use was reported in two case series, similarly with no adverse effects. Treatment with a combination of sodium nitrite, amyl nitrite and sodium thiosulphate was reported in 74 patients, with results indistinguishable from those of hydroxocobalamin and sodium thiosulphate. No case series using dicobalt edetate or 4‐dimethylaminophenol were identified, but successful use in single cases has been reported. Hydroxocobalamin and sodium thiosulphate differ from alternatives in having negligible adverse effects, and on the basis of current evidence are the antidotes of choice. The indications for the use of an antidote, the requirements for supportive care and a recommended approach for workplaces where there is a risk of cyanide poisoning are presented.
Towards Safer and More Predictable Drug Treatment – Reflections from Studies of the First BCPT Prize Awardee
Authors: Neuvonen Pertti J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis MiniReview is a personal recollection of selected research topics, which the author in collaboration with colleagues has studied, aiming to improve the predictability of drug therapy. In early studies, we found bi‐ and trivalent cations to reduce the absorption of various tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones. Certain antacids elevated the bioavailability of some non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and sulphonylureas. Various brands of phenytoin tablets revealed great differences in their bioavailability, causing clinical consequences. Numerous factors affecting the antidotal effect of activated charcoal were also studied, with charcoal compared to other gastrointestinal decontamination methods, including ipecac and gastric lavage. Effect of age and diseases on the pharmacokinetics of drugs was a research topic. Acute sotalol intoxications revealed its QT‐prolonging properties, and even small mixed overdoses of moclobemide with serotonergic drugs proved fatal. Itraconazole and other potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 could drastically increase exposure to drugs like midazolam, triazolam, buspirone, lovastatin, simvastatin and oxycodone, whereas rifampicin greatly reduced their plasma concentrations. A change from potent inhibition to induction caused a 400‐fold change in the exposure to oral midazolam. CYP2C8 was revealed to be crucial in the metabolism and interactions of several drugs. Many interactions affecting statins are CYP3A4‐mediated, but transporters are important in certain interactions. Tizanidine is very susceptible to CYP1A2 inhibition. Fruit juices such as grapefruit juice can raise or lower exposure to different drugs. Both drug interactions and pharmacogenetics can modify the activity of cell membrane transporters and cause variability in the pharmacokinetics of and response to their substrate drugs.
Identification and Validation of a Major Quantitative Trait Locus for Slow‐rusting Resistance to Stripe Rust in WheatF
Authors: Cao Xiaohua , Zhou Jianghong , Gong Xiaoping , Zhao Guangyao , Jia Jizeng , Qi Xiaoquan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractStripe (yellow) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Eriks (Pst), is one of the most important wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases and causes significant yield losses. A recombinant inbred (RI) population derived from a cross between Yanzhan 1 and Xichang 76‐9 cultivars was evaluated for resistance to wheat stripe rust strain CYR32 at both the seedling and adult plant stages. Four resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected in this population, in which the major one, designated as Yrq1, was mapped on chromosome 2DS. The strategy of using the Brachypodium distachyon genome, wheat expressed sequence tags and a draft DNA sequences (scaffolds) of the D‐genome (Aegilops tauschii Coss.) for the development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was successfully used to identify 147 SSRs in hexaploid wheat. Of the 19 polymorphic SSRs in the RI population, 17 SSRs were mapped in the homeologous group 2 chromosomes near Yrq1 region and eight SSRs were genetically mapped in the 2.7 cM region of Yrq1, providing abundant DNA markers for fine‐mapping of Yrq1 and marker‐assisted selection in wheat breeding program. The effectiveness of Yrq1 was validated in an independent population, indicating that this resistance QTL can be successfully transferred into a susceptible cultivar for improvement of stripe rust resistance.
Identification and Fine Mapping of rhm1 Locus for Resistance to Southern Corn Leaf Blight in MaizeF
Authors: Zhao Yuanzeng , Lu Xiaomin , Liu Chaoxian , Guan Haiying , Zhang Mei , Li Zhongfeng , Cai Hongwei , Lai Jinsheng 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
rhm1 is a major recessive disease resistance locus for Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB). To further narrow down its genetic position, F2 population and BC1F1 population derived from the cross between resistant (H95rhm) and susceptible parents (H95) of maize (Zea mays) were constructed. Using newly developed markers, rhm1 was initially delimited within an interval of 2.5 Mb, and then finally mapped to a 8.56 kb interval between InDel marker IDP961–503 and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker A194149–1. Three polymorphic markers IDP961–504, IDP B2–3 and A194149–2 were shown to be co‐segregated with the rhm1 locus. Sequence analysis of the 8.56 kb DNA fragment revealed that it contained only one putative gene with a predicted amino acid sequence identical to lysine histidine transporter 1 (LHT1). Comparative sequence analysis indicated that the LHT1 in H95rhm harbors a 354 bp insertion in its third exon as compared with that of susceptible alleles in B73, H95 and Mo17. The 354 bp insertion resulted in a truncation of the predicted protein of candidate resistance allele (LHT1‐H95rhm). Our results strongly suggest LHT1 as the candidate gene for rhm1 against SCLB. The tightly linked molecular markers developed in this study can be directly used for molecular breeding of resistance to Southern corn leaf blight in maize.
The Cross‐Pressures of Religion and Contact with Gays and Lesbians, and Their Impact on Same‐Sex Marriage Opinion
Authors: BRAMLETT BRITTANY H. 
Published: February 2012

This article examines the influence of two cross‐pressures, religion and contact with gay individuals in the United States, on same‐sex marriage opinion. Close relationships with gays and lesbians may influence people of varying faiths differently or not at all. Results indicate that despite religious teachings against homosexuality, people of most religious traditions are more likely to support same‐sex marriage when they have a close relationship with a gay individual. The effects are the greatest for black Protestants and Latino Catholics. However, white Protestants with close relationships with gay people are just as opposed to same‐sex marriage as those without similar contact.Este artículo examina la influencia de dos opiniones incompatibles, la religión y el contacto con personas homosexuales en la opinión sobre los matrimonios del mismo sexo en los estados unidos. El contacto cercano con gays o lesbianas puede influenciar la opinión de personas creyentes en cierto grado o nada en lo absoluto. Los resultados muestran que a pesar de las escrituras religiosas en contra de la homosexualidad, las personas pertenecientes a la mayoría de las tradiciones religiosas son más probables de apoyar matrimonios del mismo sexo cuando éstas tienen una relación cercana con un individuo gay. Los efectos son mayores en afroamericanos protestantes y católicos latinoamericanos. Sin embargo, estadounidenses blancos protestantes relacionados con personas gay se oponen a los matrimonios del mismo sexo tanto como aquellos que no tienen un contacto similar.Related Articles:“Changing Public Opinion on Same‐Sex Marriage,” (2011, free): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00092.x/full“The Impact of Contact with Gay and Lesbian Couples,” (2009): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00160.x/abstract“Limitations of the Contact Hypothesis,” (2010) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00262.x/abstract
Maximizing Journal Article Citation Online: Readers, Robots, and Research Visibility
Authors: NORMAN EMMA R. 
Published: February 2012

Online peer‐reviewed academic journals bring much‐touted benefits to authors. They can enhance an article's visibility, link one's research rapidly to the appropriate web of key literature, and bring it to the attention of more scholars who will use it, thus boosting the chances of maximized citation hits. Yet writing an article for online distribution in a way that takes advantage of these benefits is different from preparing one for print journals in some small, but important, respects. To be cited, articles have to be both visible in an electronic environment and perceptively relevant to their key audience from the outset. After introducing the first online‐only issue of Politics & Policy (a print‐driven journal for 40 years), the editor covers some techniques authors should consider when submitting to online journals, from writing a search engine‐friendly title and abstract to tips on how authors can maximize visibility once an article is published.Related Article:“Teaching the Net Generation,” (2011): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00287.x/abstractRelated Media: Podcast (Bowling 2009): http://wileyblackwellexchanges.com/2011/11/19/publishing‐workshop‐the‐online‐author's‐survival‐guide/Podcast (London School of Economics 2011b): http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/podcasts/Video clip (Roy 2011): http://www.ted.com/talks/deb_roy_the_birth_of_a_word.html