bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disclosing conflicts of interest in German publications concerning health services research
Authors: Schneider Nils , Lingner Heidrun , Schwartz Friedrich W 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Background
The influence of the pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders on medical science has been increasingly criticised. When dealing with conflicts of interest in scientific publications it is important to ensure the best possible transparency. The objective of this work is to examine the disclosure practice of financial and non-financial conflicts of interest in German language publications concerning health services research for the first time.

Methods
We performed a systematic literature search in the PubMed data base using the MeSH term "health services research". The review was conducted on July 10, 2006, setting the limits "dates: published in the last 2 years" and "languages: German" (only articles with abstracts). 124 articles in 31 magazines were found. In the magazines the instructions for authors were examined as to whether a statement on conflicts of interest is expected – and if, in which form. Regarding the articles in the journals which require a statement, we examined whether the statement is explicitly published. The results are descriptively represented.

Results
13 magazines (42%) do not require any statement on conflicts of interest, whereas 18 journals (58%) expect a statement. Two of these 18 magazines refer explicitly to the uniform requirements of the International Committee of the Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE); the remaining 16 magazines give differently accentuated instructions on how to disclose conflicts of interest, whereby the focus is primarily on financial issues. A statement on conflicts of interest is explicitly published in 11 of the 71 articles (15%) which are found in the magazines that require a statement with the submission of a manuscript. Related to the total number of included articles, this means that the reader explicitly receives information on potential conflicts of interest in 9% of the cases (11 of 124 articles). Statements of others that are involved in the publication process (reviewers, editors) are not available in any of the articles examined.

Conclusion
A better sensitization for possible conflicts of interest in German publications concerning health services research is necessary. We suggest tightening the criteria for disclosure in the instructions for authors in the scientific journals. Among other things the equivalent consideration of financial and non-financial conflicts of interest as well as the obligatory publication of the statements should be part of good practice.
Mortality and nutrition surveys by Non-Governmental organisations. Perspectives from the CE-DAT database
Authors: Degomme Olivier , Guha-Sapir Debarati 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this paper we explore the strengths and gaps among NGO surveys based on an analysis of the records held in the CE-DAT database at CRED. We conclude by recommending the priority areas for strengthening NGO capacity to undertake surveys and ways to improve data quality in general.
Methods for health surveys in difficult settings: charting progress, moving forward
Authors: Bostoen Kristof , Bilukha Oleg O , Fenn Bridget , Morgan Oliver W , Tam Clarence C , ter Veen Annemarie , Checchi Francesco 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHealth surveys are a very important component of the epidemiology toolbox, and play a critical role in gauging population health, especially in developing countries. Research on health survey methods, however, is sparse. In particular, current sampling methods are not well adapted for certain 'difficult' settings, such as emergencies, remote regions without easily available sampling frames, hidden and vulnerable population groups, urban slums and populations living under strong political pressure. This special issue of Emerging Themes in Epidemiology is entirely devoted to survey methods in such settings, and builds upon a successful conference in London highlighting problems with current approaches and possible ways forward. Greater investment in research on health survey methods is needed and will have beneficial effects for populations in need.
Assessing household wealth in health studies in developing countries: a comparison of participatory wealth ranking and survey techniques from rural South Africa
Authors: Hargreaves James R , Morison Linda A , Gear John SS , Kim Julia C , Makhubele Mzamani B , Porter John DH , Watts Charlotte , Pronyk Paul M 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Background
Accurate tools for assessing household wealth are essential for many health studies in developing countries. Household survey and participatory wealth ranking (PWR) are two approaches to generate data for this purpose.

Methods
A household survey and PWR were conducted among eight villages in rural South Africa. We developed three indicators of household wealth using the data. One indicator used PWR data only, one used principal components analysis to combine data from the survey, while the final indicator used survey data combined in a manner informed by the PWR. We assessed internal consistency of the indices and assessed their level of agreement in ranking household wealth.

Results
Food security, asset ownership, housing quality and employment were important indicators of household wealth. PWR, consisting of three independent rankings of 9671 households, showed a high level of internal consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.81, 95% CI 0.79–0.82). Data on 1429 households were available from all three techniques. There was moderate agreement in ranking households into wealth tertiles between the two indicators based on survey data (spearman rho = 0.69, kappa = 0.43), but only limited agreement between these techniques and the PWR data (spearman rho = 0.38 and 0.31, kappa = 0.20 and 0.17).

Conclusion
Both PWR and household survey can provide a rapid assessment of household wealth. Each technique had strengths and weaknesses. Reasons for differences might include data inaccuracies or limitations in the methods by which information was weighted. Alternatively, the techniques may measure different things. More research is needed to increase the validity of measures of socioeconomic position used in health studies in developing countries.
Wanted: studies on mortality estimation methods for humanitarian emergencies, suggestions for future research
Authors:   Working Group for Mortality Estimation in Emergencies
Published: June 2007

AbstractMeasuring rates and circumstances of population mortality (in particular crude and under-5 year mortality rates) is essential to evidence-based humanitarian relief interventions. Because prospective vital event registration is absent or deteriorates in nearly all crisis-affected populations, retrospective household surveys are often used to estimate and describe patterns of mortality. Originally designed for measuring vaccination coverage, the two-stage cluster survey methodology is frequently employed to measure mortality retrospectively due to limited time and resources during humanitarian emergencies. The method tends to be followed without considering alternatives, and there is a need for expert advice to guide health workers measuring mortality in the field.In a workshop in France in June 2006, we deliberated the problems inherent in this method when applied to measure outcomes other than vaccine coverage and acute malnutrition (specifically, mortality), and considered recommendations for improvement. Here we describe these recommendations and outline outstanding issues in three main problem areas in emergency mortality assessment discussed during the workshop: sampling, household data collection issues, and cause of death ascertainment. We urge greater research on these issues. As humanitarian emergencies become ever more complex, all agencies should benefit from the most recently tried and tested survey tools.
Allelic and genotypic associations of DRD2 Taq I A polymorphism with heroin dependence in Spanish subjects: a case control study
Authors: Perez de los Cobos Jose , Baiget Montserrat , Trujols Joan , Sinol Nuria , Volpini Victor , Banuls Enrique , Calafell Francesc , Luquero Elena , del Rio Elisabeth , Alvarez Enric 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Conflicting associations with heroin dependence have been found involving the A1 allele of dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) Taq I A polymorphism.

Methods
We compared two samples of unrelated Spanish individuals, all of European origin: 281 methadone-maintained heroin-dependent patients (207 males and 74 females) who frequently used non-opioid substances, and 145 control subjects (98 males and 47 females).

Results
The A1-A1 genotype was detected in 7.1% of patients and 1.4% of controls (P = 0.011, odds ratio = 5.48, 95% CI 1.26–23.78). Although the A1 allele was not associated with heroin dependence in the entire sample, the frequency of A1 allele was higher in male patients than in male controls (24.4% vs. 16.3%, P = 0.024, odds ratio = 1.65, 95% CI 1.07–2.57). A logistic regression analysis showed an interaction between DRD2 alleles and gender (odds ratio = 1.77, 95% CI 1.15–2.70).

Conclusion
Our results indicate that, in Spanish individuals, genotypes of the DRD2 Taq I A polymorphism contribute to variations in the risk of heroin dependence, while single alleles contribute only in males.
Preferential chemotaxis of activated human CD4+ T cells by extracellular cyclophilin A
Authors: Damsker Jesse M , Bukrinsky Michael I , Constant Stephanie L 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe recruitment and trafficking of leukocytes are essential aspects of the inflammatory process. Although chemokines are thought to be the main regulators of cell trafficking, extracellular cyclophilins have been shown recently to have potent chemoattracting properties for human leukocytes. Cyclophilins are secreted by a variety of cell types and are detected at high levels in tissues with ongoing inflammation. CD147 has been identified as the main signaling receptor for cyclophilin A (CypA) on human leukocytes. It is interesting that the expression of CD147 is elevated on leukocytes from inflamed tissue, suggesting a correlation among the presence of extracellular cyclophilins, CD147 expression, and inflammatory responses. Thus, cyclophilin-CD147 interactions may contribute directly to the recruitment of leukocytes into inflamed tissues. In the current studies, we show that activatd human T lymphocytes express elevated levels of CD147, compared with resting T cells and that these activated T cells migrate more readily to CypA than resting cells. Furthermore, we show that unlike resting CD4+ T cells, the cyclophilin-mediated migration of activated T cells does not require interaction with heparan sulfate receptors but instead, is dependent on CD147 interaction alone. Such findings suggest that cyclophilin-CD147 interactions will be most potent when leukocytes are in an activated state, for example, during inflammatory responses. Thus, targeting cyclophilin-CD147 interactions may provide a novel approach for alleviating tissue inflammation.
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent proinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of the glycoinositolphospholipid (GIPL) fromTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Medeiros Monica M , Peixoto Jaqueline R , Oliveira Ana-Carolina , Cardilo-Reis Larissa , Koatz Vera L G , Van Kaer Luc , Previato José O , Mendonça-Previato Lúcia , Nobrega Alberto , Bellio Maria 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe have demonstrated recently that the glycoinositolphospholipid (GIPL) molecule from the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi is a TLR4 agonist with proinflammatory effects. Here, we show that GIPL-induced neutrophil recruitment into the peritoneal cavity is mediated by at least two pathways: one, where IL-1β acts downstream of TNF-α, and a second, which is IL-1β- and TNFRI-independent. Moreover, NKT cells participate in this proinflammatory cascade, as in GIPL-treated CD1d−/− mice, TNF-α and MIP-2 levels are reduced significantly. As a consequence of this inflammatory response, spleen and lymph nodes of GIPL-treated mice have an increase in the percentage of T and B cells expressing the CD69 activation marker. Cell-transfer experiments demonstrate that T and B cell activation by GIPL is an indirect effect, which relies on the expression of TLR4 by other cell types. Moreover, although signaling through TNFRI contributes to the activation of B and γδ+ T cells, it is not required for increasing CD69 expression on αβ+ T lymphocytes. It is interesting that T cells are also functionally affected by GIPL treatment, as spleen cells from GIPL-injected mice show enhanced production of IL-4 following in vitro stimulation by anti-CD3. Together, these results contribute to the understanding of the inflammatory properties of the GIPL molecule, pointing to its potential role as a parasite-derived modulator of the immune response during T. cruzi infection.
Families' Health-Related Social Problems and Missed Referral Opportunities
Authors: Fleegler Eric W. , Lieu Tracy A. , Wise Paul H. , Muret-Wagstaff Sharon 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to characterize (1) families' cumulative burden of health-related social problems regarding access to health care, housing, food security, income security, and intimate partner violence; (2) families' experiences regarding screening and referral for social problems; and (3) parental acceptability of screening and referral.METHODS. We surveyed 205 parents of children who were 0 to 6 years of age and attended 2 urban pediatric clinics for a well-child visit using a self-administered, computer-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included previously validated questions about health-related social problems and new questions about screening and referral in the past 12 months.RESULTS. A total of 205 (79%) of 260 eligible families participated. Eighty-two percent of families reported ≥1 health-related social problem; 54% experienced problems in ≥2 social domains. Families experienced similar types and frequencies of problems despite demographic differences between clinics. One third of families reported no screening in any domain in the previous 12 months. Of 205 families, 143 (70%) identified at least 1 need for a referral; 101 (49%) expressed ≥1 unmet referral need. Of families who reported receiving referrals, 115 referrals were received by 79 families; of the referrals made, 63% (73 of 115) led to contact with the referral agency, and 82% (60 of 73) of the referral agencies were considered helpful. A computer-based system in a pediatrician's office for future screening and referral for health-related social problems was deemed acceptable by 92% of parents.CONCLUSIONS. Urban children and families reported a significant burden of health-related social problems yet infrequent pediatric screening or referral for these problems. Of families who reported receiving referrals, a majority contacted the recommended agencies and found them helpful. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of using a computer-based questionnaire to identify health-related social problems in a routine outpatient clinic setting.
Laboratory Values for Children With Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mack David R. , Langton Christine , Markowitz James , LeLeiko Neal , Griffiths Anne , Bousvaros Athos , Evans Jonathan , Kugathasan Subra , Otley Anthony , Pfefferkorn Mariann , Rosh Joel , Mezoff Adam , Moyer Susan , Oliva-Hemker Maria , Rothbaum Robert , Wyllie Robert , delRosario J. Fernando , Keljo David , Lerer Trudy , Hyams Jeffrey ,   for the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Collaborative Research Group
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to determine how often common laboratory tests yield normal results at the time of diagnosis for children with inflammatory bowel disease.
METHODS. Data were obtained from a registry of children with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease who were enrolled prospectively in 18 US/Canadian centers. Laboratory values investigated included hemoglobin level, platelet count, albumin level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Disease severity was categorized by physician global assessment.
RESULTS. A total of 526 children (mean age: 11.6 years; 58% male; 392 with Crohn disease and 134 with ulcerative colitis) were studied. All 4 values were normal for 21% of patients with mild Crohn disease and 54% with mild ulcerative colitis. In contrast, only 3.8% of children with moderate/severe Crohn disease and 4.3% with moderate/severe ulcerative colitis had normal results for all 4 tests. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was least likely to be normal; overall, 26% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease had a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate, including 18% with moderate/severe disease. Hemoglobin levels were normal for 32%, platelet counts for 50%, and albumin levels for 60%. There was no clear association between Crohn disease location and either severity or number of normal laboratory values. In contrast, there were direct correlations between ulcerative colitis disease severity and both the extent of bowel inflammation and the number of abnormal laboratory tests.
CONCLUSION. The presence of normal screening laboratory studies should not dissuade clinicians from considering a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.
The Host Hospital 24-Hour Underreferral Rate: An Automated Measure of Call-Center Safety
Authors: Hirsh Daniel A. , Simon Harold K. , Massey Robert , Thornton Lisa , Simon Joseph E. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. The goals were to (1) define and illustrate an automated method of monitoring the safety of telephone triage, (2) demonstrate that this method approximates reasonably a more-global safety measure, and (3) describe the month-to-month variability of this automated measure for the call center studied.METHODS. From October 2005 through March 2006, hospitalizations at a tertiary care pediatric hospital after calls to its call center were matched with their respective call-center dispositions. The host hospital 24-hour underreferral rate was defined as the percentage of total admissions to the study institution within 24 hours after a call to the call center for treatment of the same illness or injury that had been assigned a nonurgent disposition by the call center. A convenience sample of call-center calls was surveyed for admissions to other facilities. This sample was then combined with admissions to the pediatric hospital to estimate a true 24-hour underreferral rate. Underreferrals were subjected to clinical and statistical analyses.RESULTS. The host hospital 24-hour underreferral rate was 5.2%. The estimated true 24-hour underreferral rate was 5.95% ± 2.75%. Diagnoses frequently associated with underreferral were gastroenteritis, croup, asthma, and bronchiolitis. Underreferred patients admitted to the study institution were hospitalized for an average of 1.6 ± 1.1 days, compared with 2.8 ± 3.1 days for patients referred by the call center to a higher level of care. The monthly SD of the host hospital 24-hour underreferral rate was 1.56%.CONCLUSIONS. For the call center studied, the host hospital 24-hour underreferral rate could be determined easily and objectively and approximated reasonably the true 24-hour underreferral rate. The month-to-month variability of the host hospital 24-hour underreferral rate was sufficiently small to allow for meaningful internal trending analyses.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy Decreases the Risk of Cerebral Palsy in Preterm Infants With Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Authors: Tanaka Yuko , Hayashi Tomoshige , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Sumi Kiyoaki , Fujimura Masanori 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE. The aim was to determine whether inhaled nitric oxide therapy improves neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants with preterm persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
METHODS. We conducted a historical cohort study to compare the 3-year incidence of cerebral palsy in preterm singleton infants (&lt;34 gestational weeks) with hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn who received inhaled nitric oxide (16 patients) or 100% oxygen (15 patients) therapy. All neonates had clinical and echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension without structural heart disease.
RESULTS. The incidence of cerebral palsy among patients treated with inhaled nitric oxide was 12.5%, whereas that among patients treated with 100% oxygen was 46.7%. After adjustment for maternal fever (≥38°C) during delivery, birth weight, Apgar score at 5 minutes, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and surfactant therapy, inhaled nitric oxide therapy, compared with 100% oxygen therapy, was associated with a decreased risk of cerebral palsy in preterm infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
CONCLUSION. Inhaled nitric oxide therapy decreases the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
Differences in Severity-Adjusted Pediatric Hospitalization Rates Are Associated With Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Chamberlain James M. , Joseph Jill G. , Patel Kantilal M. , Pollack Murray M. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE. Racial/ethnic disparities in health care delivery have been well described, but little is known about such disparities for children who seek emergency care. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that severity-adjusted emergency department pediatric admission rates are associated with race/ethnicity.
METHODS. Secondary analyses were conducted of an established database of 16 emergency departments that participated in a national study to validate the Pediatric Risk of Admission II score, which is used to measure severity of illness. Patients were randomly selected by the coordinating center from daily emergency department visit logs. Crude and severity-adjusted admission rates were compared among the 3 most common races/ethnicities: white, black, and Hispanic. Adjusted admission rates were calculated by using the standardized admission ratio, which was calculated by dividing the observed admissions by the predicted admissions, when predicted was calculated from the Pediatric Risk of Admission II score.
RESULTS. After exclusion of 3 sites that recorded race/ethnicity in &lt;10% of patients, there were 13 sites with 8952 patients in the 3 major race/ethnicity groups. Black and Hispanic patients were similar to each other and different from white patients; therefore, these 2 groups were combined for analyses. Both crude (8.2% vs 5.3%) and severity-adjusted (standardized admission ratio: 1.71 vs 1.1) admission rates were higher in white than in nonwhite patients. Standardized admission ratios were close to 1.0 in both race/ethnicity groups in the higher quintiles of illness severity. In contrast, white patients were admitted at 1.5 to 2 times the expected rate in the lowest 2 quintiles of severity.
CONCLUSIONS. There are differences in both crude and adjusted admission rates between white and black/Hispanic patients. The results are more consistent with high rates of discretionary admissions for white patients with low illness severity than with underadmitting severely ill black or Hispanic patients.