bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bridging Disparity: A Multidisciplinary Approach for Influenza Vaccination in an American Indian Community
Authors: Traeger Marc , Thompson Alette , Dickson Elizabeth , Provencio Augustine 
Published: March 2006

Objectives. The Whiteriver Service Unit (WRSU) used proven effective methods to conduct an influenza vaccination campaign during the 2002–2003 influenza season to bridge the vaccination gap between American Indians and Alaska Natives and the US population as a whole. Methods. In our vaccination program, we used a multidisciplinary approach that included staff and community education, standing orders, vaccination of hospitalized patients, and employee, outpatient, community, and home vaccinations without financial barriers. Results. WRSU influenza vaccination coverage rates among persons aged 65 years and older, those aged 50 to 64 years, and those with diabetes were 71.8%, 49.6%, and 70.2%, respectively, during the 2002–2003 influenza season. We administered most vaccinations to persons aged 65 years and older through the outpatient clinics (63.6%) and public health nurses (30.0%). The WRSU employee influenza vaccination rate was 72.8%. Conclusions. We achieved influenza vaccination rates in targeted groups of an American Indian population that are comparable to or higher than rates in other US populations. Our system may be a useful model for other facilities attempting to bridge disparity for influenza vaccination.
Maternal Risk Profiles and the Primary Cesarean Rate in the United States, 1991–2002
Authors: Declercq Eugene , Menacker Fay , MacDorman Marian 
Published: March 2006

Objectives. We examined factors contributing to shifts in primary cesarean rates in the United States between 1991 and 2002. Methods. US national birth certificate data were used to assess changes in primary cesarean rates stratified according to maternal age, parity, and race/ethnicity. Trends in the occurrence of medical risk factors or complications of labor or delivery listed on birth certificates and the corresponding primary cesarean rates for such conditions were examined. Results. More than half (53%) of the recent increase in overall cesarean rates resulted from rising primary cesarean rates. There was a steady decrease in the primary cesarean rate from 1991 to 1996, followed by a rapid increase from 1996 to 2002. In 2002, more than one fourth of first-time mothers delivered their infants via cesarean. Changing primary cesarean rates were not related to general shifts in mothers’ medical risk profiles. However, rates for virtually every condition listed on birth certificates shifted in the same pattern as with the overall rates. Conclusions. Our results showed that shifts in primary cesarean rates during the study period were not related to shifts in maternal risk profiles.
Antismoking Advertisements for Youths: An Independent Evaluation of Health, Counter-Industry, and Industry Approaches
Authors: Pechmann Cornelia , Reibling Ellen T. 
Published: March 2006

Objectives. We used a validated copy test method to examine the effectiveness of 8 types of antismoking advertisements representing health, counterindustry, and industry approaches. We tested the hypothesis that health ads about tobacco victims can lower most adolescents’ intent to smoke if the ads elicit disgust and anti-industry feelings rather than fear. We hypothesized null effects for adolescents with conduct disorder because of their abnormally low empathy. Methods. Ninth-grade students from 8 California public schools (n=1725) were randomly assigned to view 1 of 9 videotapes containing a TV show with ads that included either a set of antismoking ads or a set of control ads. Participants completed baseline measures assessing personality traits and postexposure measures assessing smoking intent, feelings, beliefs, and ad evaluations. Results. Ads focusing on young victims suffering from serious tobacco-related diseases elicited disgust, enhanced anti-industry motivation, and reduced intent to smoke among all but conduct-disordered adolescents. Counterindustry and industry ads did not significantly lower smoking intention. Conclusions. Sponsors of tobacco use prevention ad campaigns should consider using ads showing tobacco-related disease and suffering, not just counterindustry ads. Ads should be copy tested before airing.
Perceived Neighborhood Problems and Quality of Life, Physical Functioning, and Depressive Symptoms Among Adults With Asthma
Authors: Yen Irene H. , Yelin Edward H. , Katz Patricia , Eisner Mark D. , Blanc Paul D. 
Published: March 2006

Objectives. We investigated associations between perceived neighborhood problems and quality of life (QOL), physical functioning, and depressive symptoms among adults with asthma. Methods. Using cross-sectional data from adults with asthma in northern California (n=435), we examined associations between 5 types of perceived neighborhood problems (traffic, noise, trash, smells, and fires) and asthma-specific QOL (Marks instrument), physical functioning (Short Form-12 physical component summary), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression). We used multivariate regression analysis. Results. When asthma severity and sociodemographics were taken into account, people reporting a score of 8 or higher on a scale of 0 to 25 for serious problems (the top quartile of seriousness) in their neighborhoods had significantly poorer QOL scores (mean difference=5.91; standard error [SE]=1.63), poorer physical functioning (mean difference=−3.04; SE=1.27), and almost a fivefold increase in depressive symptoms (odds ratio=4.79; 95% confidence interval=2.41, 9.52). Conclusions. A high level of perceived neighborhood problems was associated with poorer QOL, poorer physical functioning, and increased depressive symptoms among people with asthma when disease severity and sociodemographic factors were taken into account.
The Mortality Divide in India: The Differential Contributions of Gender, Caste, and Standard of Living Across the Life Course
Authors: Subramanian S.V. , Nandy Shailen , Irving Michelle , Gordon Dave , Lambert Helen , Davey Smith George 
Published: March 2006

Objectives. We investigated the contributions of gender, caste, and standard of living to inequalities in mortality across the life course in India. Methods. We conducted a multilevel cross-sectional analysis of individual mortality, using the 1998–1999 Indian National Family Health Survey data for 529321 individuals from 26 states. Results. Substantial mortality differentials were observed between the lowest and highest standard-of-living quintiles across all age groups, ranging from an odds ratio (OR) of 4.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]=2.98, 7.13) in the age group 2 to 5 years to an OR of 1.97 (95% CI=1.68, 2.32) in the age group 45 to 64 years. Excess mortality for girls was evident only for the age group 2 to 5 years (OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.13, 1.58). Substantial caste differentials were observed at the beginning and end stages of life. Area variation in mortality is partially a result of the compositional effects of household standard of living and caste. Conclusions. The mortality burden, across the life course in India, falls disproportionately on economically disadvantaged and lower-caste groups. Residual state-level variation in mortality suggests an underlying ecology to the mortality divide in India.
Research Recruitment Through US Central Cancer Registries: Balancing Privacy and Scientific Issues
Authors: Beskow Laura M. , Sandler Robert S. , Weinberger Morris 
Published: March 2006

Cancer registries are a valuable resource for recruiting participants for public health–oriented research, although such recruitment raises potentially competing concerns about patient privacy and participant accrual. We surveyed US central cancer registries about their policies for research contact with patients, and results showed substantial variation. The strategy used most frequently (37.5% of those that allowed patient contact), which was among the least restrictive, was for investigators to notify patients’ physicians and then contact patients with an opt-out approach. The most restrictive strategy was for registry staff to obtain physician permission and contact patients with an opt-in approach. Population-based studies enhance cancer control efforts, and registry policies can affect researchers’ ability to conduct such studies. Further discussion about balanced recruitment approaches that protect patient privacy and encourage beneficial research is needed.
Paternal Age as a Risk Factor for Low Birthweight
Authors: Reichman Nancy E. , Teitler Julien O. 
Published: March 2006

Objectives. We examined associations between paternal age and low birth-weight in the US urban population. Methods. Using a population-based sample of 4621 births, we used multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate associations between paternal age and low birthweight, controlling for maternal age, other demographic factors, and the child’s gender. Results. When the child’s gender and the mother’s race/ethnicity, birthplace, parity, marital status, and health insurance type were controlled, teenaged fathers were 20% less likely and fathers older than 34 years were 90% more likely than fathers aged 20 to 34 years to have low-birthweight babies. The associations were significant when maternal age was also controlled. No racial/ethnic differences in associations between paternal age and low birthweight were found. Conclusions. We identified paternal age as an independent risk factor for low birthweight in the US urban population, suggesting that more attention needs to be paid to paternal influences on birth outcomes and to the interactive effects of urban environments and individual risk factors on health.
Synthesis of New 3‐(Substituted Phenacyl)‐5‐[3′‐(4H‐4‐oxo‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐yl)‐benzylidene]‐2,4‐thiazolidinediones and their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Tuncbilek Meral , Altanlar Nurten 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSynthesis of 3‐(3‐nitrophenacyl)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione 2g and 3‐(substituted phenacyl)‐5‐[3′‐(4H‐4‐oxo‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐yl)‐benzylidene]‐2,4‐thiazolidinediones 4a–g are reported in this paper. These compounds 4a–g were prepared from 3′‐flavone carboxaldehyde and 3‐substituted phenacyl‐2,4‐thiazolidinediones using Knoevenagel reaction. The structures of all compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, mass spectral data, and elemental analyses. The molecules 4a–g were evaluated for in‐vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis. Compounds 4c and 4f showed better inhibitory activity when compared to fluconazole against Candida krusei and Candida glabrata.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Heteroaryldiamides and Heteroaryldiamines as Cytotoxic Agents, Apoptosis Inducers and Caspase‐3 Activators
Authors: Echeverría Mikel , Mendívil Beatriz , Cordeu Lucía , Cubedo Elena , García‐Foncillas Jesús , Font María , Sanmartín Carmen , Palop Juan Antonio 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe work described here involved the synthesis and biological evaluation of new heteroaryldiamides and heteroaryldiamines. A new general model in which the structures can be adjusted has been applied in this study. Three different structural units can be distinguished: a central nucleus and two symmetric terminal units. The central element is either an aliphatic chain of varying length and flexibility, piperazine, or a polyamine nucleus. However, the terminal units are pyridine, quinoline, indole, benzene or pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine with different substituents. The antitumoural activities of the compounds were evaluated in vitro by examining their cytotoxic effects against human breast, colon, and bladder cancer cell lines. Compounds that showed cytotoxic activity were subjected to both apoptosis and caspase‐3 assays. With regard to selectivity, the cytotoxicity was also determined in cell cultures of two nontumoural lines. The most promising compounds are 4c, 5c and 7, which are amino‐pyridinium, quinolyl‐N‐oxide, and pyridyl derivatives, respectively, and these reveal a significant in vitro cytotoxicity in at least two of the three cell lines tested. These compounds induced apoptosis and also produced a rapid dose‐dependent increase in the caspase‐3 level in HT‐29 cells. Other encouraging profiles were found, such as those presented by 1k and 8d, which are cytotoxic and apoptotic but do not provoke an increase in the level of caspase‐3, or those presented by 2f, 3c and 4a, which are slightly cytotoxic but do not show any other significant activity. The different types of behaviour of each compound are not necessarily parallel in the three cell lines tested.
Muscarinic Allosteric Modulators: Atypical Structure‐Activity‐Relationships in Bispyridinium‐type Compounds
Authors: Sürig Ulf , Gaal Klaudia , Kostenis Evi , Tränkle Christian , Mohr Klaus , Holzgrabe Ulrike 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAllosteric modulators of receptor binding are known for a variety of membrane receptors. In case of muscarinic receptors, a considerable number of structurally divergent modulators have been described. For the M2 receptor subtype which has a high sensitivity to allosteric modulation most of the allosteric agents bind to the common allosteric binding site of the receptor protein. In this study, a series of DUO compounds characterized by a bispyridinium middle chain and lateral benzyloximeether moieties of a systematically varied substitution pattern has been evaluated with regard to their allosteric potency to affect M2 receptors, whose orthosteric site was blocked by [3H]N‐methylscopolamine. The variations in potency were found to be surprisingly small and the structure‐activity relationships of the DUO compounds diverged from those of correspondingly substituted hexamethonio‐type allosteric modulators. One has to conclude that DUO compounds bind in an “atypical” manner which is in agreement with recently reported side‐directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling studies.
Efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate in early rheumatoid arthritis are associated with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in genes coding for folate pathway enzymes
Authors: Wessels Judith A. M. , de Vries‐Bouwstra Jeska K. , Heijmans Bas T. , Slagboom P. Eline , Goekoop‐Ruiterman Yvonne P. M. , Allaart Cornelia F. , Kerstens Pit J. S. M. , van Zeben Derkjen , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo determine associations of methotrexate (MTX) efficacy and toxicity with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes coding for folate pathway enzymes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsPatients (n = 205) with active RA received MTX at an initial dosage of 7.5 mg/week, which was increased to 15 mg/week and combined with folic acid (1 mg/day) after 4 weeks. If the Disease Activity Score in 44 joints (DAS44) was >2.4 at 3 months, MTX was increased to 25 mg/week. MTX efficacy was evaluated at 3 and 6 months and compared for genotypes in 3 analyses: patients with and without good response (DAS44 ≤2.4), patients with and without good improvement (ΔDAS44 >1.2), and patients with and without moderate improvement (ΔDAS44 >0.6). The association between MTX‐related adverse drug events (ADEs) and genotype was evaluated by comparing genotypes between patients with and without ADEs, specifically pneumonitis, gastrointestinal ADEs, skin and mucosal ADEs, and elevated liver enzyme levels. The following SNPs were analyzed: methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) −473G>A, DHFR 35289G>A, and reduced folate carrier 80G>A. In case of significant differences, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.ResultsAt 6 months, MTHFR 1298AA was associated with good improvement relative to 1298C (OR 2.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.18–4.41), which increased with increased copies of the MTHFR 677CC haplotype. In contrast, MTHFR 1298C allele carriers developed more ADEs (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.32–4.72).ConclusionPatients with MTHFR 1298AA and MTHFR 677CC showed greater clinical improvement with MTX, whereas only the MTHFR 1298C allele was associated with toxicity. In the future, MTHFR genotypes may help determine which patients will benefit most from MTX treatment.
Activation of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α pathway potentiates interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist production in cytokine‐treated chondrocytes
Authors: François Mathias , Richette Pascal , Tsagris Lydia , Fitting Catherine , Lemay Cedric , Benallaoua Mourad , Tahiri Khadija , Corvol Marie‐Therese 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα) agonists protect chondrocytes against the effects of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β).MethodsPPARα expression and function in cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes were studied by Northern blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and transient expression of a luciferase reporter construct bearing the human IL‐1 receptor antagonist (Il‐1Ra) gene promoter. Chondrocytes were incubated in vitro with IL‐1β alone or in combination with CloFibrate (CloF) or other PPAR ligands. Proteoglycans were evaluated by 35S‐sulfate incorporation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels were assessed by zymography and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and MMP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured by Northern blotting and real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. IL‐1β and IL‐1Ra soluble contents were measured by ELISA.ResultsCloF counteracted IL‐1β–induced 35S‐proteoglycan degradation, gelatinolytic activity, and MMP‐1, ‐3, and ‐13 mRNA expression. CloF also maximized IL‐1β–induced endogenous production of soluble IL‐1Ra (sIL‐1Ra). This stimulating effect on IL‐1Ra gene expression was shown, by transient expression assay, to be transcriptional. Inhibition of sIL‐1Ra expression by a specific small interfering RNA suppressed the effect of CloF on IL‐1β–induced MMP expression. The stimulatory effect of CloF was enhanced by cotransfection with wild‐type PPARα and abolished by a dominant‐negative PPARα mutant. Fenofibrate and WY‐14643 displayed a similar stimulating effect on the IL‐1Ra promoter, while rosiglitazone did not. Two PPAR response elements, an NF‐κB–binding site, and a CCAAT/enhancer binding protein–binding site were identified in the IL‐1Ra promoter. All 4 sites were necessary for mediation of the effects of CloF.ConclusionOur findings support the notion that there is a PPARα‐dependent mechanism that inhibits IL‐1β function in chondrocytes, which operates via an increase in sIL‐1Ra production.
High‐resolution multipinhole single‐photon–emission computed tomography in experimental and human arthritis
Authors: Ostendorf B. , Scherer A. , Wirrwar A. , Hoppin J. W. , Lackas C. , Schramm N. U. , Cohnen M. , Mödder U. , van den Berg W. B. , Müller H. W. , Schneider M. , Joosten L. A. B. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo image inflammatory arthritic lesions in experimental arthritis and in patients with arthritis, using a newly developed high‐resolution multipinhole single‐photon–emission computed tomography (MPH‐SPECT) technique.MethodsSix interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist–deficient mice with arthritis of the front and back paws and 2 control BALB/c mice were imaged with MPH‐SPECT and scored macroscopically for arthritis. SPECT imaging was performed with a conventional gamma camera upgraded with a pyramidal lead collimator affixed with MPH apertures. All images were reconstructed, and uptake in the paws was quantified in counts/weight and injected activity. To transfer the imaging technique to humans we examined the clinically dominant hand of 6 individuals (3 with established rheumatoid arthritis [RA], 1 with early RA, 1 with osteoarthritis, and 1 healthy control).ResultsMPH‐SPECT images were high‐resolution 3‐dimensional tomographic images, which allowed exact localization and quantifiable observation of increased bone metabolism. MPH‐SPECT counts of inflamed joints in mice correlated with macroscopic scoring and histologic joint analysis postmortem. In humans, MPH‐SPECT images depicted a detailed visualization of tracer accumulation in bony structures of hand and finger joints, and were also capable of imaging increased bone metabolism that had appeared normal with other imaging modalities, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging.ConclusionThe MPH‐SPECT technique represents a new diagnostic tool in the detection of bone pathology in small‐animal arthritis research. Compared with macroscopic scoring, this new method provides a more objective and higher‐precision quantifiable measurement of bone reaction, allowing visualization of inflammatory processes of the whole skeleton in vivo. These results suggest that MPH‐SPECT may be useful as a diagnostic instrument for monitoring experimental arthritis, with further potential for use in human studies of RA.
Identification and characterization of an Xp22.33;Yp11.2 translocation causing a triplication of several genes of the pseudoautosomal region 1 in an XX male patient with severe systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chagnon Pierre , Schneider Rayfel , Hébert Josée , Fortin Paul R. , Provost Sylvie , Belisle Claude , Gingras Marianne , Bolduc Véronique , Perreault Claude , Silverman Earl , Busque Lambert 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe X;Y translocation break point sequence in an XX male patient with prepubertal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was characterized with the intention of identifying a predisposing gene(s) for SLE. Spectral karyotyping of the patient's metaphase chromosomes showed normal autosomes and 2 X chromosomes, one of which displayed a small portion of the Y chromosome. Using a Y chromosome polymerase chain reaction (PCR) walking strategy and inverse PCR, we found that the abnormal recombination occurred between retroviral long terminal repeats located at Xp22.33 (position 0.95 Mb; inside the pseudoautosomal regions) and Yp11.2 (4.20 Mb) downstream of the sex‐determining region Y (SRY) gene. The complete DNA sequence of the break point was determined, revealing a partial duplication of the pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1) in the derivative X chromosome and causing a partial trisomy of the 12 known genes located between the interleukin‐3 receptor α (IL3RA; position 1.1 Mb on the X and Y chromosomes) and CD99 (position 2.2 Mb) genes inclusively. All other X chromosome genes were present as 2 copies. Real‐time quantitative PCR confirmed the presence of 3 copies of each of the 12 genes in the patient's genomic DNA. We also found that RNA for 1 of the candidate genes was indeed overexpressed in the patient's blood as compared with normal subjects. Taken together, the uniqueness of the translocation, the rarity of severe prepubertal SLE in males, and the presence of SLE in some patients with Klinefelter's syndrome (who have a triplication of the 2 PAR regions) point to a possible relationship between the partial triplication of the PAR1 region and the development of SLE.