bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stone Image Classification Based on Overlapped 5-bit T-Patterns occurrence on 5-by-5 Sub Images
Authors: Vijay Kumar Palnati , Kumar Pullela S V V S R , Madhuri Nakkella , Devi M Uma
Published: June 2016

Texture classification is widely used in understanding the visual patterns and has wide range of applications. The present paper derived a novel approach to classify the stone textures based on the patterns occurrence on each sub window. The present approach identifies overlapped nine 5 bit T-patterns (O5TP) on each 5×5 sub window stone image. Based the number of occurrence of T-patterns count the present paper classify the stone images into any of the four classes i.e. brick, granite, marble and mosaic stone images.  The novelty of the present approach is that no standard classification algorithm is used for the classification of stone images. The proposed method is experimented on Mayang texture images, Brodatz textures, Paul Bourke color images, VisTex database, Google color stone texture images and also original photo images taken by digital camera. The outcome of the results indicates that the proposed approach percentage of grouping performance is higher to that of many existing approaches.
Design and analysis of Micro-Cantilever based Biosensor for Swine flu Detection
Authors: Jithendra Prasad M.G.G. , Syed Shameem
Published: June 2016

Swine flu which comes under the category of influenza is caused by N1H1 virus. This Disease in 2009 was termed as pandemic by WHO (World Health Organisation). It was fast spreading almost all over the world then. It is same as normal Flu and can be prevented by flu shots/vaccines. The real importance of the disease is because , it may cause serious health conditions like Pneumonia, Respiratory asthma, bronchitis different types of mucus line cancers ,unlike normal flu. Sometimes human life can be endangered by post effects of Swine flu. According to a study Infant mortality is because due to lack of detection of diseases. Thus Detection of Swine flu virus, which is cause for infant mortality is important. This can be done using the most trusted form by using MEMS. In this paper the Micro-Cantilever is used as the sensing unit. Using COMSOL 4.3b, we designed rectangular cantilever and also a rectangle with a hole punched forming SCR (Stress Concentration Region) concept, analysed and optimized.
Performance Analysis of Digital Modulation for Coherent Detection of OFDM Scheme on Radio over Fiber System
Authors: Khair Fauza , Hario P Fakhriy , Mustika I Wayan , Setiyanto Budi
Published: June 2016

Radio over fiber (RoF) system with the coherent detection offers high linearity for the transparent transport of high-frequency microwave signals, and better receiver sensitivity compared with intensity-modulated direct detection systems. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of digital modulation for coherent detection of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme on RoF system at 10 Gbps up to 100 km fiber length. The results show that coherent detection of OFDM-RoF system with 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) has the value of  bit error rate (BER) and the symbol error rate (SER) is very low and its constellation is better compared with other modulation formats (4-QAM, quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 8-PSK and 16-PSK), which BER 16-QAM is 0.053 and SER is 15.7%. The results also show that BER value of 4-QAM and QPSK relatively similar to fiber length variations. In general, an increasing value of the BER and SER for each modulation format are almost equal to the fiber length of 60-70 km (Region I and II). However, there is a significant increase in the value of BER in fiber length of 80-100 km (Region III. A and III. B) for the modulation of 4-QAM, QPSK, 8-PSK, and 16-PSK.
Dithering Analysis in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing-Radio over Fiber Link
Authors: Hario P Fakhriy , Susanto Adhi , Mustika I Wayan , M Idrus Sevia , Hadi P Sholeh
Published: June 2016

Nonlinearity is one major problem broadband communication faced on utilizing the high capacity of optical fibers. That is due to scattering  phenomenon, which results in the deviations of wavelengths and energies. The dithering method is applied in the attempt to reduce those scatterings. In this paper, we propose the performance of a dithering technique based new system OFDM-RoF using two modulator scheme and coherent detection to alleviate the characteristics nonlinearity applied on the system. The dithering technique inputs signal externally to the signal processing systems to eliminate the effects of nonlinearity. Here, we report the performance of a dithering technique based on the OFDM-RoF, the results our experiment showed that the applied dithering with 16 QAM modulation can make the system more reliable and increases  the power level 1.55% with 193.1 THz, 2% with  100 THz and 1.99% ~ 200 THz, the best condition are with fd < fc. However, all condition close proximity in the parameters OLP (optical launch power), BER and SER measurement. The result demonstrated a high efficiency and good power in which the OLP operated 6.396 dBm / 4.361 E-3 W~fd 200 THz, 3.578 dBm / 2.279 E-3 W~fd 193.1 THz and 6.420 dBm / 4.3384 E-3 W~100 THz. The best BER value is achieved at 0.33 and SER 0.78 at 5 km~fd 100 THz, 0.33 and 0.768 for 10 km~fd 193.1 THz, 0.478 and 0.92 for 50 km~fd 193.1 THz.
Formação da enfermeira e os cuidados ante a tuberculose e doenças nervosas e mentais (década de 1920)
Authors: Freire Mary Ann Menezes , Faber Carolina De Oliveira , Guimarães Flávia Ramos Fernandes , Amorim Wellington Mendonça de
Published: June 2016

Neste estudo analisam-se as recomendações do Relatório Goldmark para o ajuste na formação das(os) enfermeiras(os) em duas áreas: a tuberculose e as doenças nervosas e mentais. O método usado foi a pesquisa histórica, embasada na análise documental. Os resultados mostraram que as Escolas e Cursos de Enfermagem, à época, atenderam mais as exigências de suas instituições, mantenedoras e formadoras, do que procuraram seguir as orientações do Relatório, no sentido de contemplar, nos seus currículos, matérias específicas para a tuberculose e doenças mentais. Conclui-se que o Relatório Goldmark identificou a resistência das enfermeiras em lidar com esse tema. No entanto, deixou recomendações que tiveram impacto na formação dessas no transcorrer do século XX.
Relação de percepção de risco e consumo de álcool por adolescentes
Authors: Mendez-Ruiz Martha Dalila , Alonso-Castillo María Teresa de Jesús , Alonso-Castillo María Magdalena , Uribe-Alvarado J. Isaac , Armendáriz-García Nora Angélica
Published: June 2016

O propósito do estudo foi conhecer a relação entre percepção de risco e o consumo de álcool por adolescentes do ensino médio. O estudo foi descritivo, correlacional. A amostragem foi probabilística, estratificada por semestre com distribuição proporcional ao tamanho de cada estrato, com uma amostra de 345 adolescentes. Utilizou-se uma ficha de identificação, um questionário de percepção de risco sobre o consumo de álcool e o instrumento AUDIT. De acordo com os resultados, identificou-se uma relação negativa significativa entre o índice de percepção de risco e o índice AUDIT (rs= -.418, p=.001). Conclui-se que quanto maior for a percepção de risco, menor será o consumo de álcool por parte dos adolescentes.
Consulta de enfermagem em saúde mental na atenção primária em saúde
Authors: Bolsoni Eduarda Berckenbrock , Heusy Isabella Paola Meirstelin , Silva Zenandia Feliciano da , Padilha Maria Itayra , Rodrigues Jeferson
Published: June 2016

O objetivo, nesta pesquisa, foi compreender a importância da consulta de enfermagem em saúde mental na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Utilizou-se abordagem qualitativa do tipo descritiva, cujos participantes foram sete enfermeiros que compõem a Equipe de Estratégia de Saúde da Família, vinculados a um Centro de Saúde. Os dados foram obtidos por entrevista e grupo de discussão. Todos os enfermeiros consideraram a consulta de enfermagem em saúde mental importante por ser uma estratégia de acompanhamento, pelo fortalecimento do vínculo com o paciente na longitudinalidade do cuidado, por ampliar a participação do enfermeiro perante as discussões de caso com a equipe multiprofissional e contribuir para a resolutividade dos casos de saúde mental.
ADAM10-Dependent Signaling Through Notch1 and Notch4 Controls Development of Organ-Specific Vascular Beds
Authors: Alabi Rolake O. , Glomski Krzysztof , Haxaire Coline , Weskamp Gisela , Monette Sébastien , Blobel Carl P.
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Endothelial Notch signaling is critical for early vascular development and survival. Yet, previously described mice lacking endothelial a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10), a key regulator of Notch signaling, survived into adulthood with organ-specific vascular defects. These findings raised questions about whether these vascular defects were related to Notch signaling or other functions of ADAM10.

Objective:

The aims of the study are to determine whether compensatory or redundant functions of ADAM17 in Notch signaling can explain the survival of
Adam10
ΔEC mice, explore the contribution of different
Tie2-Cre
transgenes to the differences in survival, and establish whether the
Adam10
ΔEC vascular phenotypes can be recapitulated by inactivation of Notch receptors in endothelial cells.

Methods and Results:

Mice lacking ADAM10 and ADAM17 in endothelial cells (
Adam10/Adam17
ΔEC), which survived postnatally with organ-specific vascular defects, resembled
Adam10
ΔEC mice. In contrast,
Adam10
ΔEC mice generated with the
Tie2Cre
transgene previously used to inactivate endothelial Notch (
Adam10
ΔEC
Flv
) died by E10.5. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that Cre-mediated recombination occurs earlier in
Adam10
ΔEC
Flv
mice than in the previously described
Adam10
ΔEC mice. Finally, mice lacking endothelial Notch1 (
Notch1
ΔEC) share some organ-specific vascular defects with
Adam10
ΔEC mice, whereas
Notch4
−/−
mice lacking endothelial Notch1 (
Notch1
ΔEC
/Notch4
−/−
) had defects in all vascular beds affected in
Adam10
ΔEC mice.

Conclusions:

Our results argue against a major role for ADAM17 in endothelial Notch signaling and clarify the difference in phenotypes of previously described mice lacking ADAM10 or Notch in endothelial cells. Most notably, these findings uncover new roles for Notch signaling in the development of organ-specific vascular beds.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid Is Synthesized and Released by the Endothelium
Authors: Sen Suvajit , Roy Sohini , Bandyopadhyay Gautam , Scott Bari , Xiao Daliao , Ramadoss Sivakumar , Mahata Sushil K. , Chaudhuri Gautam
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, is found in the systemic circulation of humans at a concentration between 0.5 and 3 μmol/L. However, the potential source of circulating GABA and its significance on the vascular system remains unknown. We hypothesized that endothelial cells (ECs) may synthesize and release GABA to modulate some functions in the EC and after its release into the circulation.

Objective:

To assess whether GABA is synthesized and released by the EC and its potential functions.

Methods and Results:

Utilizing the human umbilical vein ECs and aortic ECs, we demonstrated for the first time that ECs synthesize and release GABA from [1-
14
C]glutamate. Localization of GABA and the presence of the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase in EC were confirmed by immunostaining and immunoblot analysis, respectively. The presence of GABA was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry in the EC lining the human coronary vessel. EC-derived GABA regulated the key mechanisms of ATP synthesis, fatty acid, and pyruvate oxidation in EC. GABA protected EC by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species generation and prevented monocyte adhesion by attenuating vascular cell adhesion molecule -1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expressions. GABA had no relaxing effect on rat aortic rings. GABA exhibited a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure. However, the fall in BP was abolished after pretreatment with pentolinium.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate novel potential functions of endothelium-derived GABA.
Prehypertension During Normotensive Pregnancy and Postpartum Clustering of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Lei Qiong , Zhou Xin , Zhou Yu-Heng , Mai Cai-Yuan , Hou Ming-Min , Lv Li-Juan , Duan Dong-Mei , Wen Ji-Ying , Lin Xiao-Hong , Wang Peizhong P. , Ling Xuefeng B. , Li Yu-Ming , Niu Jian-Min
Published: June 2016

The nonstratification of blood pressure (BP) levels may underestimate future cardiovascular risk in pregnant women who present with BP levels in the range of prehypertension (120–139/80–89 mm Hg). We prospectively evaluated the relationship between multiple antepartum BP measurements (from 11
+0
to 13
+6
weeks’ gestation to term) and the occurrence of postpartum metabolic syndrome in 507 normotensive pregnant women after a live birth. By using latent class growth modeling, we identified the following 3 distinctive diastolic BP (DBP) trajectory groups: the low-J-shaped group (34.2%; DBP from 62.5±5.8 to 65.0±6.8 mm Hg), the moderate-U-shaped group (52.6%; DBP from 71.0±5.9 to 69.8±6.2 mm Hg), and the elevated-J-shaped group (13.2%; DBP from 76.2±6.7 to 81.8±4.8 mm Hg). Notably, the elevated-J-shaped trajectory group had mean DBP and systolic BP levels within the range of prehypertension from 37
+0
and 26
+0
weeks of pregnancy, respectively. Among the 309 women who completed the ≈1.6 years of postpartum follow-up, the women in the elevated-J-shaped group had greater odds of developing postpartum metabolic syndrome (adjusted odds ratio, 6.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.79–23.92;
P
=0.004) than the low-J-shaped group. Moreover, a parsimonious model incorporating DBP (membership in the elevated-J-shaped group but not in the DBP prehypertension group as identified by a single measurement) and elevated levels of fasting glucose (>4.99 mmol/L) and triglycerides (>3.14 mmol/L) at term was developed, with good discrimination and calibration for postpartum metabolic syndrome (
c
-statistic, 0.764; 95% confidence interval, 0.674–0.855;
P
<0.001). Therefore, prehypertension identified by DBP trajectories throughout pregnancy is an independent risk factor for predicting postpartum metabolic syndrome in normotensive pregnant women.
Predicting Outcomes Over Time in Patients With Heart Failure, Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction, or Both Following Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lopes Renato D. , Pieper Karen S. , Stevens Susanna R. , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Leimberger Jeffrey D. , Velazquez Eric J.
Published: June 2016

Background

Most studies of risk assessment or stratification in patients with myocardial infarction (
MI
) have been static and fail to account for the evolving nature of clinical events and care processes. We sought to identify predictors of mortality, cardiovascular death or nonfatal
MI
, and cardiovascular death or nonfatal heart failure (HF) over time in patients with
HF
, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or both post‐
MI
.

Methods and Results

Using data from the VALsartan In Acute myocardial iNfarcTion (VALIANT) trial, we developed models to estimate the association between patient characteristics and the likelihood of experiencing an event from the time of a follow‐up visit until the next visit. The intervals are: hospital arrival to discharge or 14 days, whichever occurs first; hospital discharge to 30 days; 30 days to 6 months; and 6 months to 3 years. Models were also developed to predict the entire 3‐year follow‐up period using baseline information. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was used throughout with Wald chi‐squares as the comparator of strength for each predictor. For the baseline model of overall mortality, the 3 strongest predictors were age (adjusted hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.35; 95%
CI
, 1.28–1.42;
P
<0.0001), baseline heart rate (adjusted
HR
, 1.17; 95%
CI
, 1.14–1.21;
P
<0.0001), and creatinine clearance (≤100 mL/min; adjusted
HR
, 0.86; 95%
CI
, 0.84–0.89;
P
<0.0001). According to the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) indices, the updated model had significant improvement over the model with baseline covariates only in all follow‐up periods and with all outcomes.

Conclusions

Patient information assessed closest to the time of the outcome was more valuable in predicting death when compared with information obtained at the time of the index hospitalization. Using updated patient information improves prognosis over using only the information available at the time of the index event.
Cystatin C Predicts Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Twins
Authors: Arpegård Johannes , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Chen Xu , Ridefelt Peter , Pedersen Nancy L. , De Faire Ulf , Svensson Per
Published: June 2016

Background

Cystatin C is associated with both renal function and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
ASCVD
). We have previously shown a genetic correlation between cystatin C and prevalent
ASCVD
. The objective of this article is to study whether variation in cystatin C or creatinine predicts incident
ASCVD
when controlled for genetic factors.

Methods and Results

The predictive value of cystatin C and creatinine for incident
ASCVD
was studied in 11 402 Swedish twins, free of
CVD
at baseline, in an adjusted Cox‐regression model during a median follow‐up of 71 months. Twin pairs discordant for incident stroke, myocardial infarction and
ASCVD
during follow‐up were identified and within‐pair comparisons regarding cystatin C and creatinine levels were performed. We also investigated whether contact frequency and degree of shared environment influences were associated with similarity in cystatin C levels. In univariate analysis, cystatin C predicted incident
ASCVD
hazard ratio 1.57, 95%
CI
1.47–1.67. When adjusted for traditional Framingham risk factors as covariates, cystatin C remained a predictor of incident stroke hazard ratio 1.45, 95%
CI
(1.25–1.70),
ASCVD
hazard ratio 1.26, 95%
CI
(1.13–1.41), and myocardial infarction hazard ratio 1.16, 95%
CI
(1.01–1.33). In twins discordant for incident stroke, cystatin C at baseline was higher in the twin who experienced a stroke compared to the healthy co‐twin (1.11±0.3 mg/L versus 1.06±0.3 mg/L), whereas creatinine was lower in the twin who developed
CVD
compared to their healthy co‐twins (76.1±16.9 μmol/L versus 79.4±20.3 μmol/L).

Conclusions

Variation in cystatin C relates to incident
ASCVD
and to stroke when adjusted for genetic confounding. In identical twins, cystatin C may be a sensitive marker of early hypertensive end‐organ damage and small‐vessel disease, whereas creatinine level may reflect nutritional status. The findings in disease‐discordant monozygotic twins indicate that unique, possibly preventable, environmental factors are important.
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Risk of Stroke and Cardiac Events in Heart Failure
Authors: Di Tullio Marco R. , Qian Min , Thompson John L.P. , Labovitz Arthur J. , Mann Douglas L. , Sacco Ralph L. , Pullicino Patrick M. , Freudenberger Ronald S. , Teerlink John R. , Graham Susan , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Levin Bruce , Mohr J.P. , Buchsbaum Richard , Estol Conrado J. , Lok Dirk J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D. , Homma Shunichi
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose—

In heart failure (HF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is inversely associated with mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. Its relationship with stroke is controversial, as is the effect of antithrombotic treatment. We studied the relationship of LVEF with stroke and cardiovascular events in patients with HF and the effect of different antithrombotic treatments.

Methods—

In the Warfarin Versus Aspirin in Reduced Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial, 2305 patients with systolic HF (LVEF≤35%) and sinus rhythm were randomized to warfarin or aspirin and followed for 3.5±1.8 years. Although no differences between treatments were observed on primary outcome (death, stroke, or intracerebral hemorrhage), warfarin decreased the stroke risk. The present report compares the incidence of stroke and cardiovascular events across different LVEF and treatment subgroups.

Results—

Baseline LVEF was inversely and linearly associated with primary outcome, mortality and its components (sudden and cardiovascular death), and HF hospitalization, but not myocardial infarction. A relationship with stroke was only observed for LVEF of <15% (incidence rates: 2.04 versus 0.95/100 patient-years;
P
=0.009), which more than doubled the adjusted stroke risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.125; 95% CI, 1.182–3.818;
P
=0.012). In warfarin-treated patients, each 5% LVEF decrement significantly increased the stroke risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.346; 95% CI, 1.044–1.737;
P
=0.022;
P
value for interaction=0.04).

Conclusions—

In patients with systolic HF and sinus rhythm, LVEF is inversely associated with death and its components, whereas an association with stroke exists for very low LVEF values. An interaction with warfarin treatment on stroke risk may exist.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00041938.
The identity of Paradiopatra bihanica (Annelida: Onuphidae) and reinstatement of P. calliopae
Authors: PAXTON HANNELORE , ARIAS ANDRÉS
Published: June 2016

Examination of the holotype of Paradiopatra bihanica (Intes & LeLoeuff, 1975) indicated that the identity of this species had been incorrectly represented in recent papers and that the ensuing synonymisation of P. calliopae Arvanitidis & Koukouras, 1997 was unwarranted. This led us to researching the history of the holotype and its representation in the literature to reinstate P. calliopae as the correct name for this very common Mediterranean and eastern North Atlantic species (Martínez & Adarraga 2001; Arias & Paxton 2015; Santelli et al. 2015).
On the Prepuna biogeographic province: A nomenclatural clarification
Authors: MORRONE JUAN J. , EZCURRA CECILIA
Published: June 2016

The nomenclatural status of the Prepuna province sensu Cabrera (1951) and sensu Morrone (1999) is clarified. The Prepuna province sensu Cabrera (1951) is demoted to a district of the Monte province, stat. nov. The valid name of the Prepuna province sensu Morrone (1999) is Cuyan High Andean province Cabrera, 1971, stat. nov. Diagnoses of these areas are provided and their endemic taxa are listed.
A review of genus Nysius Dallas in Argentina (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Orsillidae)
Authors: PALL JOSÉ LUIS , KIHN ROMINA GISELA , DIEZ FERNANDO
Published: June 2016

The orsillid genus Nysius Dallas is a complex and large genus with more than 100 described species worldwide, and includes many species of agricultural importance, one such example is N. simulans (Stål) from Argentina. Three species of Nysius are found in this country: N. simulans (Stål), N. irroratus (Spinola) and N. puberulus Berg. The material available for the present study, consisting of over 610 specimens, was collected by sweep-net, G-Vac and light trap in the provinces of Chubut (42° to 46°S; 63.5° to 72° W), La Pampa (35º to 39º south; 63º to 68º West), Neuquén (36° to 41° S; 68° to 71°W) and Río Negro (37° to 42°S; 62° to 71°W), in the central region of Argentina, during the years 2010–2014. Although the species N. simulans is frequently recorded as a pest of soybean crop, there exist no detailed description but only a brief general diagnosis. In the present contribution, therefore, we provide a detailed redescription as well as an updated distribution of N. simulans and N. irroratus, and a key for species of genus Nysius present in Argentina.
A taxonomic review of the genus Dolichomitus Smith (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from South Korea with descriptions of two new species
Authors: CHOI JIN-KYUNG , KOLAROV JANKO , JEONG JONG-CHUL , LEE JONG-WOOK
Published: June 2016

Nineteen species of the genus Dolichomitus Smith (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) are recognized from South Korea, including 15 newly recorded species as well as two species new to science, Dolichomitus koreanus sp. nov., and D. rufinus sp. nov., A key to the species of the genus Dolichomitus in South Korea is provided, together with diagnostic illustrations.
Rediscovery of the holotype of Tetragonopterus vittatus Castelnau 1855, a senior synonym of Moenkhausia doceana (Steindachner 1887) (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: SILVA PRISCILLA CAROLINE , MALABARBA LUIZ ROBERTO
Published: June 2016

The description of Tetragonopterus vittatus presented by Francis L. Castelnau (1855) was very concise and apparently based on a single specimen (not explicitly stated in the text, but deducible according to the single counts for the meristic data presented in the description). The type locality is recorded simply as "Bahia", with no specification of the drainage or nearby city. The existence of type specimens has been considered unknown (Lima et al., 2003; Eschmeyer & Fricke, 2015; Lucena & Soares, 2016), and have not been mentioned in published catalogues for type specimens of MNHN (e.g. Bertin, 1948).
A new species of Rotigonalia (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Peru with a key to males of the genus
Authors: LEAL AFONSO HENRIQUE , MEJDALANI GABRIEL , CREÃO-DUARTE ANTONIO J.
Published: June 2016

Rotigonalia regina sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on a male specimen from Pasco, Peru. The holotype of R. regina is rather large in comparison with other specimens of the genus, but the inflated clypeus and the shape of the paraphyses support its inclusion in Rotigonalia Young, 1977. A key to males of the five known species of Rotigonalia is given.
Intensity and Pattern of Border Trade in India’s Northeast
Authors: Guha Pradyut , Mohapatra Rangalal
Published: June 2016

Besides Look East policy, various regional and subregional initiatives by Indian government are expected to help the promotion of trade for strategically located northeastern states. However, the pattern of formal trade with the bordering nations has not been observed to be favourable for all the states of India’s northeast. An attempt has been made in this study to examine the land custom station-wise and northeastern state-wise pattern and volume of trade with the bordering nations.
Biomedical nemesis? Critical deliberations with regard to health and social care integration for social work with older people
Authors: Carey Malcolm
Published: June 2016

This article questions ongoing moves towards integration into health care for social work with older people in the United Kingdom. While potentially constructing clearer pathways to support, integration risks reducing welfare provisions for a traditional low priority user group, while further extending the principles of privatisation. Integration models also understate the ideological impact of biomedical perspectives within health and social care domains, conflate roles and undermine the potential positive role of ‘holistic’ multi-agency care. Constructive social work for older people is likely to further dilute within aggressive integrated models of welfare, which will be detrimental for meeting many of the complex needs of ageing populations.
Social workers in the Revolution: Social work’s political agency and intervention in the Portuguese democratic transition (1974–1976)
Authors: Silva Pedro G
Published: June 2016

A period of profound social and political changes, the democratic transition that followed the 1974 military coup in Portugal had an enormous impact on social work. The Revolution set the ideal conditions for social workers to perform alternative forms of intervention, moving away from the assistance-focused practices characteristic of the former authoritarian rule. Incited by the new progressive political agenda, social workers stood at the forefront of the Revolution, working alongside grass-roots mobilisations and experimental participative projects, overtly assuming political stands. This article analyses the agency of social workers in the various political and social fronts during the democratic transition.
A Critical Assessment of Officially Reported Chagas Disease Surveillance Data in Mexico
Authors: Shelly Ellen M. , Acuna-Soto Rodolfo , Ernst Kacey C. , Sterling Charles R. , Brown Heidi E.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Chagas disease, a disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, disproportionately affects poor people throughout Latin America. In Mexico, assessments of officially reported burden have not been previously reported. To evaluate discontinuity between surveillance data and data from other sources, we used data from the Mexican Ministry of Health to describe the distribution of reported Chagas disease over time in Mexico and compare it with estimates from the literature.

Methods.

We summarized age and sex differences for Chagas cases and mortality for 1995–2013 and 1982–2010, respectively. We examined the spatial distribution of Chagas disease over time with respect to disease burden. We further compared officially reported figures with estimates from the literature.

Results.

Among 6,494 officially reported cases, rates of Chagas disease were highest in adults aged 25–44 years (47.3%). Mortality was highest in adults aged ≥45 years (423/495, 85.5%). The data indicated increasing temporal trends for incidence and mortality. The greatest burden occurred in southern states, with increasing spatial distribution over time. Fewer than 900 cases and 40 deaths were officially reported annually, in contrast to estimates from the literature of approximately 69,000 new cases and 25,000 deaths annually.

Conclusion.

While increasing trends in officially reported data have been observed, large discrepancies in case estimates compromise our understanding of Chagas disease epidemiology. Reported cases based on current practices are not enough to correctly assess the Chagas disease burden and spatial distribution in Mexico. Understanding the true epidemiology of this disease will lead to more focused and successful control and prevention strategies to decrease disease burden.
HIV Testing in Publicly Funded Settings, National Health Interview Survey, 2003–2010
Authors: Tan Cheryl , Van Handel Michelle , Johnson Christopher , Dietz Patricia
Published: June 2016

Objective.

We determined whether or not HIV testing in publicly funded settings in the United States increased after 2006, when CDC recommended expanded HIV screening in health-care settings for all people aged 13–64 years.

Methods.

We analyzed 2003–2010 National Health Interview Survey data to estimate annual national percentages of people aged 18–64 years who were tested for HIV in the previous 12 months. Estimates were calculated by setting (publicly funded, yes/other) and stratified by sex. Test settings were categorized as publicly funded based on the contribution of public funds for HIV testing. We used logistic regression modeling to assess statistical significance in linear trends for 2003–2006 and 2006–2010, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and health insurance coverage. Using model parameters for survey year, we calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in HIV testing as the difference in the model-predicted testing prevalence between baseline and first post-baseline years, divided by baseline prevalence.

Results.

During 2006–2010, the percentage of women tested for HIV in publicly funded settings increased significantly from 1.9% in 2006 to 2.4% in 2010 (EAPC=6.9%, p=0.008) and the percentage tested in other settings remained fairly stable, from 9.7% in 2006 to 9.6% in 2010 (EAPC=–0.5%, p=0.708). During the same period, the percentage of men tested for HIV in publicly funded settings increased, but not significantly, from 1.5% in 2006 to 1.9% in 2010 (EAPC=5.3%, p=0.110) and the percentage tested in other settings decreased significantly from 7.5% in 2006 to 6.2% in 2010 (EAPC=–4.4%, p=0.001).

Conclusion.

Although HIV testing in publicly funded settings increased among women during 2006–2010, testing rates remained low, and no similar increase occurred among men. As such, all test settings should increase HIV screening, particularly for men.
Prevalence of Diabetes and Health-Related Quality of Life among Rural-to-Urban Nong Zhuan Fei Migrants in an Urban Area of Northern China, 2013
Authors: Yan Shuang , Hong Xincai , Yu Haiqiao , Yang Zhen , Liu Siying , Quan Wei , Xu Jiankai , Zhu Liying , Cheng Weilun , Xiao Hong , Kitzman-Ulrich Heather , DeHaven Mark J.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

In China's Nong Zhuan Fei (NZF) communities, farmers living in rural villages are uprooted and moved into newly constructed urban apartments when the government purchases their land for residential and commercial development. With their relocation from a traditional rural setting to a modern urban setting, residents of NZF communities face lifestyle-based risk factors for diabetes and other chronic diseases. We reported estimates of diabetes prevalence, risk factors, and health-related quality of life among adult Chinese NZF rural-to-urban migrants.

Methods.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study through a U.S. China partnership with an NZF community of 3,184 residents. Health and disease history, risk factors, and sociodemographic information were collected by questionnaire. Participants completed a 24-hour diet recall, three-day physical activity recall, a health-related quality of life Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey, the Beck Depression Inventory, and fasting blood glucose tests.

Results.

We gathered complete data from 1,150 of 1,772 eligible participants. The prevalence of diabetes was 11.6% (95% confidence interval 9.8, 13.6). Diabetes risk increased significantly with age, income, obesity, and hypertension. Based on SF-36 scores, residents aged ≥60 years with diabetes reported significantly greater physical (47.7 v. 70.2, p=0.001) and emotional (76.9 vs. 89.7, p=0.006) limitations, more bodily pain (79.7 vs. 84.9, p=0.021), and worse overall physical health (67.6 vs. 76.0, p=0.015) than those without diabetes.

Conclusion.

The Chinese government hopes to integrate an additional 250 million people into city living by 2025. As the NZF population increases, so may the prevalence of diabetes associated with the change from a rural to an urban lifestyle. Action is needed now by public health professionals to prevent a possible diabetes crisis in NZF communities in the future.
Sharing Overdose Data across State Agencies to Inform Public Health Strategies: A Case Study
Authors: Cherico-Hsii Sara , Bankoski Andrea , Singal Pooja , Horon Isabelle , Beane Eric , Casey Meghan , Rebbert-Franklin Kathleen , Sharfstein Joshua
Published: June 2016

Data sharing and analysis are important components of coordinated and cost-effective public health strategies. However, legal and policy barriers have made data from different agencies difficult to share and analyze for policy development. To address a rise in overdose deaths, Maryland used an innovative and focused approach to bring together data on overdose decedents across multiple agencies. The effort was focused on developing discrete intervention points based on information yielded on decedents' lives, such as vulnerability upon release from incarceration. Key aspects of this approach included gubernatorial leadership, a unified commitment to data sharing across agencies with memoranda of understanding, and designation of a data management team. Preliminary results have yielded valuable insights and have helped inform policy. This process of navigating legal and privacy concerns in data sharing across multiple agencies may be applied to a variety of public health problems challenging health departments across the country.
Sociodemographic Differences among U.S. Children and Adults Exposed to Secondhand Smoke at Home: National Health Interview Surveys 2000 and 2010
Authors: Yao Tingting , Sung Hai-Yen , Wang Yingning , Lightwood James , Max Wendy
Published: June 2016

Objective.

We examined the levels and change in prevalence of self-reported secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at home, and analyzed sociodemographic differences in exposure among children (aged 0–17 years) and nonsmoking adults (aged ≥18 years) in the United States in 2000 and 2010.

Methods.

We included 18,731 children and 44,049 adults from the 2000 and 2010 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Supplements. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine the factors associated with exposure.

Results.

The prevalence of self-reported SHS exposure declined from 2,627 of 10,636 (24.7%) to 663 of 8,095 (8.2%) for children and from 2,863 of 23,665 (12.1%) to 897 of 20,384 (4.4%) for adults from 2000 to 2010. SHS exposure declined for all population subgroups between the two years, but differences were found. Compared with 2000, children aged 12–17 years in 2010 were no longer more likely than children aged 0–5 years to be exposed to SHS. Non-Hispanic black children and adults were more likely than non-Hispanic white children and adults to be exposed to SHS in 2010. In 2010, no differences were found for children whose parents had a higher level of education, and no differences were observed for children or adults with high family income vs. other levels of family income. Children living in the Midwest and South had higher levels of SHS exposure than children in other regions in 2010.

Conclusions.

Self-reported SHS exposure at home declined for all population subgroups from 2000 to 2010, but socioeconomic differences existed for some subgroups in both years. Current tobacco control policies need to be improved to reach all population subgroups so that SHS exposure can be further reduced, especially among vulnerable populations.
Performance of Self-Report to Establish Cancer Diagnoses in Disaster Responders and Survivors, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, 2001–2007
Authors: Li Jiehui , Cone James E. , Alt Abigail K. , Wu David R. , Liff Jonathan M. , Farfel Mark R. , Stellman Steven D.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Large-scale disasters may disrupt health surveillance systems, depriving health officials and researchers of timely and accurate information needed to assess disaster-related health effects and leading to use of less reliable self-reports of health outcomes. In particular, ascertainment of cancer in a population is ordinarily obtained through linkage of self-reported data with regional cancer registries, but exclusive reliance on these sources following a disaster may result in lengthy delays or loss of critical data. To assess the impact of such reliance, we validated self-reported cancer in a cohort of 59,340 responders and survivors of the World Trade Center disaster against data from 11 state cancer registries (SCRs).

Methods.

We focused on residents of the 11 states with SCRs and on cancers diagnosed from September 11, 2001, to the date of their last survey participation. Medical records were also sought in a subset of 595 self-reported cancer patients who were not recorded in an SCR.

Results.

Overall sensitivity and specificity of self-reported cancer were 83.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81.9, 85.9) and 98.5% (95% CI 98.4, 98.6), respectively. Site-specific sensitivities were highest for pancreatic (90.9%) and testicular (82.4%) cancers and multiple myeloma (84.6%). Compared with enrollees with true-positive reports, enrollees with false-negative reports were more likely to be non-Hispanic black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2, 2.9) or Asian (aOR=2.2, 95% CI 1.2, 4.1). Among the 595 cases not recorded in an SCR, 13 of 62 (21%) cases confirmed through medical records were reportable to SCRs.

Conclusion.

Self-report of cancer had relatively high sensitivity among adults exposed to the World Trade Center disaster, suggesting that self-reports of other disaster-related conditions less amenable to external validation may also be reasonably valid.
The Impact of Benzodiazepine Use on Mortality among Polysubstance Users in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Walton Geoffrey R.T. , Hayashi Kanna , Bach Paxton , Dong Huiru , Kerr Thomas , Ahamad Keith , Milloy MJ , Montaner Julio , Wood Evan
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Illicit drug use is a well-established risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the impact of benzodiazepine use on mortality among populations of polysubstance users. This study aimed to identify the effect of benzodiazepine use on mortality among a prospective cohort of people in Canada who inject drugs (PWID).

Methods.

A cohort of PWID in Vancouver, Canada, was prospectively followed from May 1996 through November 2013. Data on participants were linked to the provincial vital statistics registry to ascertain mortality rates and causes of death. Multivariable extended Cox regression with time-dependent variables was used to investigate the relationship between benzodiazepine use and time to all-cause mortality.

Results.

During the study period, 2,802 participants were followed for a median of 67 months (interquartile range: 25–107). In total, 527 (18.8%) participants died, for an incidence density of mortality of 2.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7, 3.2) deaths per 100 person-years. After adjusting for HIV infection and other potential confounders, benzodiazepine use was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.86, 95% CI 1.38, 2.51) and had a higher risk for mortality than all other traditional substances of abuse among this population. Results were consistent when non-overdose mortality was considered.

Conclusion.

In this setting, benzodiazepine use was more strongly associated with mortality than any other substance of abuse. Greater recognition of the safety concerns related to benzodiazepines and strategies to prevent diversion to illicit use are needed.
Routine HIV Screening in an Urban Community Health Center: Results from a Geographically Focused Implementation Science Program
Authors: Nunn Amy , Towey Caitlin , Chan Philip A. , Parker Sharon , Nichols Emily , Oleskey Patrick , Yolken Annajane , Harvey Julia , Banerjee Geetanjoli , Stopka Thomas , Trooskin Stacey
Published: June 2016

Objective.

CDC has recommended routine HIV screening since 2006. However, few community health centers (CHCs) routinely offer HIV screening. Research is needed to understand how to implement routine HIV screening programs, particularly in medically underserved neighborhoods with high rates of HIV infection. A routine HIV screening program was implemented and evaluated in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, neighborhood with high rates of HIV infection.

Methods.

Implementation science is the study of methods to promote the integration of research findings and evidence into health-care policy and practice. Using an implementation science approach, the results of the program were evaluated by measuring acceptability, adoption, and penetration of routine HIV screening.

Results.

A total of 5,878 individuals were screened during the program. HIV screening was highly accepted among clinic patients. In an initial needs assessment of 516 patients, 362 (70.2%) patients reported that they would accept testing if offered. Routine screening policies were adopted clinic-wide. Staff trainings, new electronic medical records that prompted staff members to offer screening and evaluate screening rates, and other continuing quality-improvement policies helped promote screenings. HIV screening offer rates improved from an estimated 5.0% of eligible patients at baseline in March 2012 to an estimated 59.3% of eligible patients in December 2014. However, only 5,878 of 13,827 (42.5%) patients who were offered screening accepted it, culminating in a 25.2% overall screening rate. Seventeen of the 5,878 patients tested positive, for a seropositivity rate of 0.3%.

Conclusion.

Routine HIV screening at CHCs in neighborhoods with high rates of HIV infection is feasible. Routine screening is an important tool to improve HIV care continuum outcomes and to address racial and geographic disparities in HIV infection.
How Compliance Measures, Behavior Modification, and Continuous Quality Improvement Led to Routine HIV Screening in an Emergency Department in Brooklyn, New York
Authors: Isaac Jermel Kyri , Sanchez Travis H. , Brown Emily H. , Thompson Gina , Sanchez Christina , Fils-Aime Stephany , Maria Jose
Published: June 2016

Objective.

New York State adopted a new HIV testing law in 2010 requiring medical providers to offer an HIV test to all eligible patients aged 13–64 years during emergency room or ambulatory care visits. Since then, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (WHMC) in Brooklyn, New York, began implementing routine HIV screening organization-wide using a compliance, behavior-modification, and continuous quality-improvement process.

Methods.

WHMC first implemented HIV screening in the emergency department (ED) and evaluated progress with the following monthly indicators: HIV tests offered, HIV tests accepted, HIV tests ordered (starting in December 2013), HIV tests administered, positive HIV tests, and linkage to HIV care. Compliance with the delivery of HIV testing was determined by the proportion of patients who, after accepting a test, received one.

Results.

During August 2013 through July 2014, of 57,852 eligible patients seen in the WHMC ED, a total of 31,423 (54.3%) were offered an HIV test. Of those, 8,229 (26.2%) patients accepted a test. Of those, 6,114 (74.3%) underwent a test. A total of 26 of the 6,114 patients tested (0.4%) had a positive test, and 24 of the 26 HIV-positive patients were linked to HIV medical care. By July 2014, the monthly proportion of patients offered a test was 62%; the proportion of those offered a test who had a test ordered was 98%, and the proportion of those with a test ordered who were tested was 81%. Testing compliance increased substantially at the WHMC ED, from 77% in December 2013 to >98% in July 2014.

Conclusion.

Using compliance-monitoring, behavior-modification, and continuous quality-improvement processes produced substantial increases in offers and HIV test completion. WHMC is replicating this approach across departments, and other hospitals implementing routine HIV screening programs should consider this approach as well.
Evolution and Escalation of an Emergency Department Routine, Opt-out HIV Screening and Linkage-to-Care Program
Authors: Galbraith James W. , Willig James H. , Rodgers Joel B. , Donnelly John P. , Westfall Andrew O. , Ross-Davis Kelly L. , Heath Sonya L.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended emergency department (ED) opt-out HIV screening since 2006. Routine screening can prove challenging due to the ED's complexity and competing priorities. This study examined the implementation and evolution of a routine, integrated, opt-out HIV screening program at an urban academic ED in Alabama since August 2011.

Methods.

ED routine, opt-out HIV screening was implemented as a standard of care in September 2011. To describe the outcomes and escalation of the screening program, data analyses were performed from three separate data queries: ( 1) encounter-level HIV screening questionnaire and test results from September 21, 2011, through December 31, 2013; ( 2) test-level, fourth-generation HIV results from July 9 through December 31, 2013; and ( 3) daily HIV testing rates and trends from September 9, 2011, through June 30, 2014.

Results.

Of the 46,385 HIV screening tests performed, 252 (0.5%) were confirmed to be positive. Acute HIV infection accounted for 11.8% of all HIV patients identified using the fourth-generation HIV screening assay. Seventy-six percent of confirmed HIV-positive patients had successful linkage to care. Implementation of fourth-generation HIV instrument-based testing resulted in a 15.0% decline in weekly HIV testing rates. Displacement of nursing provider HIV test offers from triage to the bedside resulted in a 31.6% decline in weekly HIV testing rates.

Conclusion.

This program demonstrated the capacity for high-volume, routine, opt-out HIV screening. Evolving ED challenges require program monitoring and adaptation to sustain scalable HIV screening in EDs.