bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Cigarette Use and Nicotine Dependence in the United States: Evidence From the 2001–2002 Wave of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcoholism and Related Conditions
Authors: Goodwin Renee D. , Keyes Katherine M. , Hasin Deborah S. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. We examined the roles of gender and poverty in cigarette use and nicotine dependence among adults in the United States. Methods. Our data were drawn from the 2001–2002 National Epidemiological Survey of Alcoholism and Related Conditions, a nationally representative sample of US adults 18 years and older. Results. The overall rate of cigarette use declined between 1964 and 2002. Nicotine dependence does not appear to have declined overall, and there is evidence that nicotine dependence has increased among women in recent cohorts. The odds of nicotine dependence among cigarette users appear to have increased significantly in recent cohorts. Conclusions. Despite recent declines in cigarette use, the prevalence of nicotine dependence has increased among some groups and has remained steady overall, which may be hampering public health initiatives to reduce cigarette use. Efforts to study or curb cigarette use should therefore take nicotine dependence into account.
Academic Patents and Access to Medicines in Developing Countries
Authors: Sampat Bhaven N. 
Published: November 2008

There is a widespread and growing concern that patents hinder access to life-saving drugs in developing countries. Recent student movements and legislative initiatives emphasize the potential role that research universities in developed countries could have in ameliorating this “access gap.” These efforts are based on the assumption that universities own patents on a substantial number of drugs and that patents on these drugs are currently filed in developing countries. I provide empirical evidence regarding these issues and explore the feasibility and desirability of proposals to change university patenting and licensing practices to promote access to medicines in the developing world.
Substance Abuse and Hospitalization for Mood Disorder Among Medicaid Beneficiaries
Authors: Prince Jonathan D. , Akincigil Ayse , Hoover Donald R. , Walkup James T. , Bilder Scott , Crystal Stephen 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. We compared the influence of substance abuse with that of other comorbidities (e.g., anxiety, HIV) among people with mood disorder (N = 129 524) to explore risk factors for psychiatric hospitalization and early readmission within 3 months of discharge. Methods. After linking Medicaid claims data in 5 states (California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Texas) to community-level information, we used logistic and Cox regression to examine hospitalization risk factors. Results. Twenty-four percent of beneficiaries with mood disorder were hospitalized. Of these, 24% were rehospitalized after discharge. Those with comorbid substance abuse accounted for 36% of all baseline hospitalizations and half of all readmissions. Conclusions. Results highlight the need for increased and sustained funding for the treatment of comorbid substance abuse and mood disorder, and for enhanced partnership between mental health and substance abuse professionals.
Determinants and Policy Implications of Male Circumcision in the United States
Authors: Leibowitz Arleen A. , Desmond Katherine , Belin Thomas 
Published: November 2008

Objective. We sought to determine whether lack of state Medicaid coverage for infant male circumcision correlates with lower circumcision rates. Methods. We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample on 417 282 male newborns to calculate hospital-level circumcision rates. We used weighted multiple regression to correlate hospital circumcision rates with hospital-level predictors and state Medicaid coverage of circumcision. Results. The mean neonatal male circumcision rate was 55.9%. When we controlled for other factors, hospitals in states in which Medicaid covers routine male circumcision had circumcision rates that were 24 percentage points higher than did hospitals in states without such coverage (P < .001). Hospitals serving greater proportions of Hispanic patients had lower circumcision rates; this was not true of hospitals serving more African Americans. Medicaid coverage had a smaller effect on circumcision rates when a hospital had a greater percentage of Hispanic births. Conclusions. Lack of Medicaid coverage for neonatal male circumcision correlated with lower rates of circumcision. Because uncircumcised males face greater risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, lack of Medicaid coverage for circumcision may translate into future health disparities for children born to poor families covered by Medicaid.
Requiring Influenza Vaccination for Health Care Workers
Authors: Anikeeva Olga , Braunack-Mayer Annette , Rogers Wendy 
Published: November 2008

Annual influenza vaccination for health care workers has the potential to benefit health care professionals, their patients, and their families by reducing the transmission of influenza in the health care setting. Furthermore, staff vaccination programs are cost-effective for health care institutions because of reduced staff illness and absenteeism. Despite international recommendations and strong ethical arguments for annual influenza immunization for health care professionals, staff utilization of vaccination remains low. We have analyzed the ethical implications of a variety of efforts to increase vaccination rates, including mandatory influenza vaccination. A program of incentives and sanctions may increase health care worker compliance with fewer ethical impediments than mandatory vaccination.
Overexpression of SIRT1 Protects Pancreatic β-Cells Against Cytokine Toxicity by Suppressing the Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Song Mi-Young , Song Eun-Kyung , Kim Eun-Kyung , Moon Woo Sung , Han Myung-Kwan , Park Jin-Woo , Kwon Kang-Beom , Park Byung-Hyun 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE—SIRT1, a class III histone/protein deacetylase, is known to interfere with the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and thereby has an anti-inflammatory function. Because of the central role of NF-κB in cytokine-mediated pancreatic β-cell damage, we postulated that SIRT1 might work in pancreatic β-cell damage models.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—RINm5F (RIN) cells or isolated rat islets were treated with interleukin-1β and interferon-γ. SIRT1 was activated by resveratrol, a pharmacological activator, or ectopic overexpression. The underlying mechanisms of SIRT1 against cytokine toxicity were further explored.
RESULTS—Treatment of RIN cells with cytokines induced cell damage, and this damage was well correlated with the expression of the inducible form of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and NO production. However, SIRT1 overexpression completely prevented cytokine-mediated cytotoxicity, NO production, and iNOS expression. The molecular mechanism by which SIRT1 inhibits iNOS expression appeared to involve the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway through deacetylation of p65. In addition, SIRT1 activation by either resveratrol or adenoviral-directed overexpression of SIRT1 could prevent cytokine toxicity and maintain normal insulin-secreting responses to glucose in isolated rat islets.
CONCLUSIONS—This study will provide valuable information not only into the mechanisms underlying β-cell destruction but also into the regulation of SIRT1 as a possible target to attenuate cytokine-induced β-cell damage.
Plasma Ceramides Are Elevated in Obese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes and Correlate With the Severity of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Haus Jacob M. , Kashyap Sangeeta R. , Kasumov Takhar , Zhang Renliang , Kelly Karen R. , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Kirwan John P. 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE—To quantitate plasma ceramide subspecies concentrations in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes and relate these plasma levels to the severity of insulin resistance. Ceramides are a putative mediator of insulin resistance and lipotoxicity, and accumulation of ceramides within tissues in obese and diabetic subjects has been well described.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We analyzed fasting plasma ceramide subspecies by quantitative tandem mass spectrometry in 13 obese type 2 diabetic patients and 14 lean healthy control subjects. Results were related to insulin sensitivity measured with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique and with plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, a marker of inflammation. Ceramide species (C18:1, 18:0, 20:0, 24:1, and 24:0) were quantified using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry after separation with high-performance liquid chromatography.
RESULTS—Insulin sensitivity (mg · kg−1 · min−1) was lower in type 2 diabetic patients (4.90 ± 0.3) versus control subjects (9.6 ± 0.4) (P &lt; 0.0001). Type 2 diabetic subjects had higher (P &lt; 0.05) concentrations of C18:0, C20:0, C24:1, and total ceramide. Insulin sensitivity was inversely correlated with C18:0, C20:0, C24:1, C24:0, and total ceramide (all P &lt; 0.01). Plasma TNF-α concentration was increased (P &lt; 0.05) in type 2 diabetic subjects and correlated with increased C18:1 and C18:0 ceramide subspecies.
CONCLUSIONS—Plasma ceramide levels are elevated in type 2 diabetic subjects and may contribute to insulin resistance through activation of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α.
From Trays to Tube Feedings: Overcoming the Challenges of Hospital Nutrition and Glycemic Control
Authors: McKnight Karen A. , Carter Lorri 
Published: November 2008

In Brief
Nutrition is one of the most complex aspects of glycemic control for hospitalized patients. Commonly cited recommendations encourage individualization of the nutrition care plan based on treatment goals and suggest that liberalization of the hospital diet improves nutritional intake. The addition of glycemic control targets complicates the nutrition care process further; indeed, providing appropriate nourishment and achieving glycemic control safely can sometimes seem impossible. But it can be done. This article focuses on some of the problems involved in trying to achieve these dual goals. It includes creative and practical solutions used by clinicians who have faced this challenge and suggests innovative changes that may be considered as part of hospital improvement initiatives to address glycemic control.
Iatrogenic Inpatient Hypoglycemia: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Maynard Gregory A. , Huynh Maggie Patricia , Renvall Marian 
Published: November 2008

In BriefWe performed a 130-patient case-control study to examine the patient and hospital care risk factors for experiencing a hypoglycemic patient-day,comparing these factors to similar control patients who were not experiencing a hypoglycemic patient-day. We also examined adherence to our hypoglycemia management protocols, documentation of the event, and adjustments to medications and nutritional regimens that occurred in response to the hypoglycemic event. The most powerful risk factors for hypoglycemia were unexpected nutritional interruption, prior hypoglycemia during the hospital stay, and asynchrony of nutrition delivery and insulin administration. Adherence to hypoglycemia management and documentation standards was poor. Here, we outline strategies to focus improvement efforts on adherence to hypoglycemia treatment protocols and proactive management of patients with these key hypoglycemia risk factors.
Prognostic value of globus pallidus internus volume in primary dystonia treated by deep brain stimulation
Authors: Vasques Xavier , Cif Laura , Hess Olivier , Gavarini Sophie , Mennessier Gerard , Coubes Philippe 
Published: November 2008

Object
Given that improvement is variable from one patient to another, the authors analyzed the impact of globus pallidus internus (GPi) volume on the result of deep brain stimulation (DBS) by comparing highly and less improved patients with primary dystonodyskinetic syndromes.

Methods
A stereotactic model was developed to visualize and quantify the relationship between the isofield lines generated by the DBS lead and GPi target. The model was used in 30 right-handed selected patients with primary dystonodyskinetic syndromes who had been treated using bilateral stimulation of the sensorimotor GPi. Ten healthy control individuals were also included in the study. First, the authors compared the GPi volumes between patients and healthy controls. Second, the stimulated GPi volumes, that is, the intersection between the volume of each isofield value and the GPi volumes, were compared between less improved and highly improved patients.

Results
Improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale's motor score was rated > 90% in 20 patients (97 ± 4.6%) and < 60% in 10 patients (56.9 ± 6%). The mean volume of the right (461.8 ± 81.8 mm3) and left (406.6 ± 113.2 mm3) GPi in patients showing less response to DBS was significantly smaller than the GPi volume of patients who responded well (right 539.9 ± 86.6 mm3, left 510.6 ± 88.7 mm3) and healthy controls (right 557.8 ± 109.1 mm3, left 525.1 ± 40.8 mm3).

Conclusions
On the left side, the mean stimulated volumes (isofield line range 0.2–1 V/mm) were significantly larger in highly improved than in less improved patients. In this model, the threshold for functional effect was calculated at 0.2 V/mm.
Regeneration of peripheral nerve after transplantation of CD133+ cells derived from human peripheral blood
Authors: Kijima Yasumu , Ishikawa Masakazu , Sunagawa Toru , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi , Kamei Naosuke , Yamada Kiyotaka , Tanaka Nobuhiro , Kawamata Seiichi , Asahara Takayuki , Ochi Mitsuo 
Published: November 2008

Object
Despite intensive efforts in the field of peripheral nerve injury and regeneration, it remains difficult to achieve full functional recovery in humans following extended peripheral nerve lesions. In this study, the authors examined the use of blood-derived CD133+ cells in promoting the repair of peripheral nerve defects.

Methods
The authors transplanted phosphate-buffered saline (control), mononuclear cells, or CD133+ cells embedded in atelocollagen gel into a silicone tube that was used to bridge a 15-mm defect in the sciatic nerve of athymic rats (12 animals in each group). At 8 weeks postsurgery, molecular, histological, and functional evaluations were performed in regenerated tissues.

Results
The authors found that sciatic nerves in which a defect had been made were structurally and functionally regenerated within 8 weeks after CD133+ cell transplantation. From macroscopic evaluation, massive nervelike tissues were confirmed only in rats with CD133+ cell transplantation compared with the other groups. Morphological regeneration in the samples after CD133+ cell transplantation, as assessed using toluidine blue staining, was enhanced significantly in terms of the number of myelinated fibers, axon diameter, myelin thickness, and percentage of neural tissue. Compound muscle action potentials were observed only in CD133+ cell–treated rats. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the transplanted CD133+ cells differentiated into Schwann cells by 8 weeks after transplantation.

Conclusions
The results show that CD133+ cells have potential for enhancement of histological and functional recovery from peripheral nerve injury. This attractive cell source could be purified easily from peripheral blood and could be a feasible autologous candidate for peripheral nerve injuries in the clinical setting.
A Prospective Study Comparing Celecoxib with Naproxen in Children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: FOELDVARI IVAN , SZER ILONA S. , ZEMEL LAWRENCE S. , LOVELL DANIEL J. , GIANNINI EDWARD H. , ROBBINS JEFFERY L. , WEST CHRISTINE R. , STEIDLE GINA , KRISHNASWAMI SRIRAM , BLOOM BRADLEY J. 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of celecoxib and naproxen in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority study, subjects with JRA were randomized to receive a target dose of celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid or 6 mg/kg bid, or a target dose of naproxen 7.5 mg/kg bid for 12 weeks (maximum allowed dose = 600 mg total daily dose). The primary efficacy measure was the percentage of responders at Week 12 attaining the American College of Rheumatology pediatric 30% improvement criterion (ACR Pediatric-30).ResultsBoth celecoxib doses were at least as effective as naproxen at Week 12 [ACR Pediatric-30 treatment differences: celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid – naproxen = 1.36% (95% CI –13.08 to 15.80); celecoxib 6 mg/kg bid – naproxen = 13.02% (95% CI –0.22 to 26.25)]. Celecoxib 6 mg/kg bid had a numerically higher response rate than celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid at all postrandomization visits and a numerically higher response rate than naproxen 7.5 mg/kg bid at Weeks 4, 8, and 12. Improvement in each ACR Pediatric-30 core set measure was comparable to or numerically higher for celecoxib 6 mg/kg bid than naproxen or celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid. Adverse event rates were similar for all treatment groups, except that gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the naproxen group, although the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionCelecoxib 3 mg/kg bid and 6 mg/kg bid were at least as effective as naproxen 7.5 mg/kg bid in treating the signs and symptoms of JRA over 12 weeks. All treatments were generally well tolerated.
Cost-Effectiveness of Sequential Therapy with Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: DAVIES ANDREW , CIFALDI MARY A. , SEGURADO OSCAR G. , WEISMAN MICHAEL H. 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveTo estimate the comparative lifetime cost-effectiveness of sequenced therapy with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists as the initial therapeutic intervention for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsBecause patients with RA switch regimens many times throughout the course of disease, sequenced therapeutic interventions were modeled, continuing until the last effective agent failed or death occurred. The model used published clinical outcomes from short-term, randomized controlled trials. Direct treatment costs and costs of lost productivity were modeled for each of 5 alternative treatment sequences. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios are expressed as quality-adjusted lifeyears (QALY) gained.ResultsTreatment sequences that included TNF antagonists produced a greater number of QALY than conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drug regimens alone. The cost-effectiveness of sequenced therapy initiated with adalimumab plus methotrexate (MTX) extendedly dominated both infliximab-plus-MTX–initiated and etanercept sequences. The cost of adalimumab plus MTX per QALY was US $47,157 excluding productivity losses, and $19,663 including productivity losses. A supplementary sequence that incorporated adalimumab-plus-MTX–initiated first-line therapy followed by another TNF antagonist as second-line therapy was modeled; this sequence resulted in additional QALY gained and extendedly dominated all single-TNF strategies.ConclusionOf the 3 single-TNF antagonist sequences, the adalimumab-plus-MTX–initiated sequence was cost-effective in producing the greatest number of QALY. Multiple TNF strategies, such as the supplementary sequence modeled in this analysis, may be cost-effective in producing even greater health gain.
Demographic and Clinical Factors Associated with Physician Service Use in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: BERNATSKY SASHA , PANOPOLIS PANTELIS , HUDSON MARIE , POPE JANET , LECLERCQ SHARON , ROBINSON DAVID , JONES NIALL , MARKLAND JANET , ABU-HAKIMA MAYSAN , MATHIEU JEAN-PIERRE , DOCHERTY PETER , KHALIDI NADER , SUTTON EVELYN , BARON MURRAY ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: November 2008

Objective.To assess physician service use in a large sample of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to determine factors associated with physician use.Methods.Our sample was a national SSc registry maintaining data on demographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income) and clinical factors (disease onset, organ involvement, etc.). Registry cohort members completed detailed questionnaires, and rheumatologists provided clinical assessments. We examined cross-sectional data from 397 patients who provided information on physician visits in the past 12 months. Patients were classified as high physician-users if they reported more than the median number (6) of physician visits in the past year. In multivariate logistic regressions, we assessed the independent effects of race/ethnicity, education, degree of skin involvement, comorbidity, and SF-36 scores on physician use.Results.On average, subjects reported 3.8 visits per year to specialty physicians (SD 4.2) and 3.5 visits per year to family physicians (SD 4.3). Regression models suggested the following factors as independently associated with number of physician visits: high skin scores, greater comorbidity, and low physical component summary scores on the SF-36.Conclusion.There is evidence of independent relationships between clinical characteristics and physician use by patients with SSc.
Terrorism Risk: Characteristics and Features
Authors: Ayyub Bilal M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This chapter introduces the “Risk Modeling and Vulnerability Assessment” section of the handbook. The concept of risk, defined as the potential loss due to uncertain event, is introduced in this chapter. Risk can be attributed to natural, technological, and intentional human‐caused events. As a multi‐dimensional notion, risk entails the identification of hazards, threats, and scenarios, and the qualification of associated likelihoods and consequences and associated uncertainties, and the population at risk. Consequences might have varying severities that require the use of appropriate valuation and economic analysis methods. Risk taking, as a characteristic of intelligence for living species, helps with decision making. Benefit‐cost analysis methods are also discussed. The chapter defines and discusses terrorism risk and its characteristics and features.
Vulnerability Assessment
Authors: Neale Donald E. , Jackson Elizabeth M. , Coghlan Glenn 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This article provides a general overview of vulnerability assessments, a topic so expansive that a wealth of information detailing its many aspects is publicly available. Numerous books have been written on specific vulnerability assessment methodologies; to consider all methodologies in a single snapshot would be unreasonable. However, understanding the concept of a vulnerability assessment by its focuses can help the reader to understand the systematic approach that all methodologies use. This understanding can enable the reader to adapt the various elements and systematic approach of vulnerability assessments to a particular need.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA)
Authors: Apostolakis George E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article describes the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methodology as applied to technological systems and discusses its possible applicability to terrorism. The principal PRA obejctives are the evaluation of the frequency of occurrence of undesirable system states, the identification of accident sequences leading to these states, the evaluation of their frequencies of occurrence, and the ranking of these sequences according to these frequencies. Systems, structures, and components are also ranked according to their contributions to the frequencies of the undesirable states. These rankings are important inputs to risk management. The application of PRA to terrorism presents several challenges. The identification of terrorist events that may lead to undesirable consequences and the evaluation of their frequencies of occurrence are major challenges. Additionally, the binary logic employed in traditional PRAs is not useful for infrastructures because the analysis must account for the capacity of their nodes and arcs. Illustrative examples are provided.