bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
End of the Spectacular Decrease in Fall-Related Mortality Rate: Men Are Catching Up
Authors: Hartholt Klaas A. , Polinder Suzanne , van Beeck Ed F. , van der Velde Nathalie , van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Patka Peter , van der Cammen Tischa J. M.
Published: March 2012

Objectives. We determined time trends in numbers and rates of fall-related mortality in an aging population, for men and women.

Methods. We performed secular trend analysis of fall-related deaths in the older Dutch population (persons aged 65 years or older) from 1969 to 2008, using the national Official-Cause-of-Death-Statistics.

Results. Between 1969 and 2008, the age-adjusted fall-related mortality rate decreased from 202.1 to 66.7 per 100 000 older persons (decrease of 67%). However, the annual percentage change (change per year) in mortality rates was not constant, and could be divided into 3 phases: (1) a rapid decrease until the mid-1980s (men −4.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −4.9, −3.2; women −6.5%; 95% CI, −7.1, −5.9), (2) flattening of the decrease until the mid-1990s (men −1.4%; 95% CI = −2.4, −0.4; women −2.0%; 95% CI = −3.4, −0.6), and (3) stable mortality rates for women (0.0%; 95% CI = −1.2, 1.3) and rising rates for men (1.9%; 95% CI = 0.6, 3.2) over the last decade.

Conclusions. The spectacular decrease in fall-related mortality ended in the mid-1990s and is currently increasing in older men at similar rates to those seen in women. Because of the aging society, absolute numbers in fall-related deaths are increasing rapidly.
Taking It Like a Man: Masculine Role Norms as Moderators of the Racial Discrimination–Depressive Symptoms Association Among African American Men
Authors: Hammond Wizdom Powell
Published: March 2012

Objectives. I examined the association between everyday racial discrimination and depressive symptoms and explored the moderating role of 2 dimensions of masculine role norms, restrictive emotionality and self-reliance.

Methods. Cross-sectional survey data from 674 African American men aged 18 years and older recruited primarily from barbershops in 4 US regions (2003–2010) were used. Direct and moderated associations were assessed with multivariate linear regression analyses for the overall sample and different age groups. Models were adjusted for recruitment site, sociodemographics, masculine role norms salience, and general social stress.

Results. Everyday racial discrimination was associated with more depressive symptoms across all age groups. Higher restrictive emotionality was associated with more depressive symptoms among men aged 18 to 29 and 30 to 39 years. Self-reliance was associated with fewer depressive symptoms among men aged 18 to 29 years and 40 years and older. The positive association between everyday racial discrimination and depressive symptoms was stronger among men with high restrictive emotionality, but this moderated effect was limited to men older than 30 years.

Conclusions. Interventions designed to reduce African American men’s depression instigated by racism should be life-course specific and address masculine role norms that encourage emotion restriction.
Rapid HIV Testing in Large Urban Jails
Authors: Beckwith Curt G. , Nunn Amy , Baucom Sharon , Getachew Asresahegn , Akinwumi Akin , Herdman Bruce , DiBartolo Phil , Spencer Susan , Brown Devon , Lesansky Henry , Kuo Irene
Published: March 2012

HIV prevalence is higher in jails than in the community, yet many jails do not conduct HIV testing. Jails in Baltimore, Maryland; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the District of Columbia have implemented innovative rapid HIV testing programs. We have summarized the results of these programs, including the numbers of persons tested, rapid and confirmatory HIV test results, and numbers of persons newly diagnosed with HIV. We have described facilitators and challenges of implementation. These programs confirmed that rapid HIV testing in jails was feasible and identified undiagnosed HIV infection. Challenges included limited space to provide confidential rapid HIV testing and rapid turnover of detainees. Implementation required collaboration between local governments, health agencies, and correctional institutions. These programs serve as models for expanding rapid HIV testing in jails.
Perceived Discrimination and Hypertension Among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Sims Mario , Diez-Roux Ana V. , Dudley Amanda , Gebreab Samson , Wyatt Sharon B. , Bruce Marino A. , James Sherman A. , Robinson Jennifer C. , Williams David R. , Taylor Herman A.
Published: March 2012

Objectives. Using Jackson Heart Study data, we examined whether perceived discrimination was associated with prevalent hypertension in African Americans.

Methods. Everyday discrimination, lifetime discrimination, burden of discrimination, and stress from discrimination were examined among 4939 participants aged 35 to 84 years (women = 3123; men = 1816). We estimated prevalence ratios of hypertension by discrimination, and adjusted for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and risk factors.

Results. The prevalence of hypertension was 64.0% in women and 59.7% in men. After adjustment for age, gender, and socioeconomic status, lifetime discrimination and burden of discrimination were associated with greater hypertension prevalence (prevalence ratios for highest vs lowest quartile were 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02, 1.15] and 1.09 [95% CI = 1.02,1.16] for lifetime discrimination and burden of discrimination, respectively). Associations were slightly weakened after adjustment for body mass index and behavioral factors. No associations were observed for everyday discrimination.

Conclusions. Further understanding the role of perceived discrimination in the etiology of hypertension may be beneficial in eliminating hypertension disparities.
Health in Working-Aged Americans: Adults With High School Equivalency Diploma Are Similar to Dropouts, Not High School Graduates
Authors: Zajacova Anna
Published: March 2012

Objectives. We compared health outcomes for adults with the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and regular high school diploma to determine whether GED recipients are equivalent to regular graduates despite research that documents their disadvantages in other outcomes.

Methods. We used 1997 to 2009 National Health Interview Survey cross-sectional data on high school dropouts, graduates, and GED recipients aged 30 to 65 years (n = 76 705). Five general health indicators and 20 health conditions were analyzed using logistic models.

Results. GED recipients had a significantly higher prevalence of every health outcome compared with high school graduates (odds ratios = 1.3–2.7). The GED–high school differences attenuated but remained evident after controlling for health insurance, economic status, and health behaviors. For most conditions, the 95% confidence interval for GED earners overlapped with that for high school dropouts.

Conclusions. The high school equivalency diploma was associated with nonequivalent health: adults with a GED had health comparable to that of high school dropouts, not graduates. GED recipients were at increased risk for many health conditions, and their health should be viewed as distinct from regular graduates. The findings have implications for health and educational policies.
Work Safety Climate, Musculoskeletal Discomfort, Working While Injured, and Depression Among Migrant Farmworkers in North Carolina
Authors: Arcury Thomas A. , O’Hara Heather , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Isom Scott , Chen Haiying , Quandt Sara A.
Published: March 2012

Objectives. This analysis described Latino migrant farmworkers’ work safety climate and its association with musculoskeletal discomfort, working while injured or ill, and depressive symptoms.

Methods. Data were from a cross-sectional survey of 300 farmworkers conducted in North Carolina in 2009. Generalized estimating equations models were used to investigate the association of work safety climate with health and safety outcomes.

Results. Farmworkers perceived their work safety climate to be poor. About 40% had elevated musculoskeletal discomfort, 5.0% had worked at least 1 day while injured or ill, and 27.9% had elevated depressive symptoms. The odds of elevated musculoskeletal discomfort were 12% lower and the odds of working while injured or ill were 15% lower with each 1-unit increase in the work safety climate. Work safety climate was not associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions. Work safety climate was important for agricultural workers. Poor work safety climate was associated with health outcomes (musculoskeletal discomfort) and safety (working while injured or ill). Interventions to improve work safety climate in agriculture are needed, with these interventions being directed to employers and workers.
Modeling the Impact of Social Discrimination and Financial Hardship on the Sexual Risk of HIV Among Latino and Black Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Ayala George , Bingham Trista , Kim Junyeop , Wheeler Darrell P. , Millett Gregorio A.
Published: March 2012

Objectives. We examined the impact of social discrimination and financial hardship on unprotected anal intercourse with a male sex partner of serodiscordant or unknown HIV status in the past 3 months among 1081 Latino and 1154 Black men who have sex with men (MSM; n = 2235) residing in Los Angeles County, California; New York, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Methods. We administered HIV testing and a questionnaire assessing 6 explanatory variables. We combined traditional mediation analysis with the results of a path analysis to simultaneously examine the direct, indirect, and total effects of these variables on the outcome variable.

Results. Bivariate analysis showed that homophobia, racism, financial hardship, and lack of social support were associated with unprotected anal intercourse with a serodiscordant or sero-unknown partner. Path analysis determined that these relations were mediated by participation in risky sexual situations and lack of social support. However, paths between the explanatory variable and 2 mediating variables varied by participants’ serostatus.

Conclusions. Future prevention research and program designs should specifically address the differential impact of social discrimination and financial hardship on lack of social support and risky sexual situations among Latino and Black MSM.
Evaluation of Different Methods for Measuring Field Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity under High and Low Water Table
Authors: Noshadi Masoud , Parvizi Hossein , Sepaskhah Ali Reza
Published: March 2012

In this research, four methods of in situ measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) including the Guelph permeameter (GP), auger hole (AH), original Porchet (OP), and saturated Porchet methods were compared for a silt loam soil. The representative Ks in a drainage system was also determined as a reference value. The mean values of Ks for the GP, AH, OP, SP, and drainage system methods were 1.18, 1.06, 1.85, 1.18, and 1.08 m d−1, respectively. Furthermore, the GP and OP methods had the highest and lowest coefficients of variation at 42.1 and 24.2%, respectively. The difference in Ks values among all methods except SP and GP and the difference in CV values between GP and OP were statistically significant at the 0.01 level of probability. The direct measurement from the drainage system resulted in Ks values of 0.584, 0.915, 1.019, and 0.915 times that of the OP, SP, AH, and GP methods, respectively. The results of the SP, GP, and AH methods were very similar to that obtained from direct measurement of the drainage system. Results showed that the AH and GP methods are the best methods for measuring Ks in the presence and absence of a water table, respectively, with −1.85 and 9.26% difference, respectively, compared with the reference method. Therefore, in regions with a high water table, the AH method is suitable, and for a low water table, the GP method is recommended.
Water Retention in a Coarse Soil Pocket under Wetting and Drainage Cycles
Authors: Sakaki Toshihiro , Limsuwat Anuchit , Cihan Abdullah , Frippiat Christophe C. , Illangasekare Tissa H.
Published: March 2012

In conventional hydrologic, environmental, and engineering problems, soil moisture processes need to be understood at spatial scales ranging from the meter to several kilometers. However, new research issues in vadose zone hydrology have recently raised the need to focus on soil moisture processes at spatial resolutions that are significantly finer than those used in conventional soil physics and unsaturated flow applications. As an example, in the specific problem of the detection of buried objects such as landmines using remote sensing methods, discerning anomalies due to soil moisture from those due to actual threats can only be achieved through a proper understanding of the interplay between soil moisture distribution and heterogeneity at the centimeter scale. In this study, we focused on identifying saturation and capillary pressure dynamics in a 6‐ by 6‐cm pocket of coarse soil embedded in a background fine soil 6 cm below the soil surface and subjected to drainage and wetting. Experimental results showed that water saturation and pressure measurements in the coarse sand pocket revealed a significant coupling of water and air flow, invalidating the assumption used in conventional unsaturated flow modeling studies that the air phase is at atmospheric pressure. The laboratory experiments were simulated numerically using both a single‐phase unsaturated water flow model and a two‐phase flow model. The two‐phase flow approach was able to reproduce the key features of the experimental results, whereas the Richards equation based formulation could not adequately model the local‐scale water retention behavior.
Validation of a Relative Permeability Model for Bioclogging in Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Mostafa M. , Van Geel P.J.
Published: March 2012

Biological clogging of unsaturated soils is an important process that can lead to the development of a biomat and failure of biofilters used to treat various wastewater streams. Several conceptual models have been developed to simulate clogging in saturated soils; however, efforts to develop similar models for unsaturated soils have been limited. Recently, Mostafa and Van Geel proposed three conceptual models to simulate bioclogging in unsaturated systems. These models included the impact of biomass growth on the relative permeability term for unsaturated flow. The models were incorporated into a one‐dimensional unsaturated flow and transport numerical model that simulates biological clogging in which microbial growth was simulated using Monod kinetics. The conceptual models have not been validated with experimental data. In this study, column experiments were conducted to study the clogging process in three different sand soils; filter media sand, concrete sand, and septic bed sand. Monod kinetic parameters were also evaluated in a separate experiment for the same feed solution used in the column study. The aim of this study was to validate the conceptual models proposed by Mostafa and Van Geel. Significant improvements to the flow and transport numerical model were required to accommodate the laboratory conditions. Improvements included implementing a minimum relative permeability of the biomat layer and a more detailed description of the biomass structure, which includes active biomass, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and an inert fraction. Comparisons between experimental data and numerical simulations indicated that the improved conceptual model for relative permeability appears to be appropriate for modeling bioclogging in the experiments considered in this study.
Colloid Release from Soil Aggregates: Application of Laser Diffraction
Authors: Vendelboe A. L. , Moldrup P. , Schjønning P. , Oyedele D. J. , Jin Y. , Scow K. M. , de Jonge L. W.
Published: March 2012

The content of water‐dispersible colloids (WDC) has a major impact on soil functions and structural stability. In addition, the presence of mobile colloids may increase the risk of colloid‐facilitated transport of strongly sorbing environmental contaminants. The WDC content was measured in 39 soils, using laser diffraction, by agitating the samples using a wet‐dispersion unit. This approach eliminated the need for long sedimentation times required by the more classical end‐over‐end shaking approach and provided information about the time‐dependent release of WDC. The total clay content of the soils ranged from 0.1 to 0.44 kg kg−1. The WDC content was measured on air‐dry and moist 1‐ to 2‐mm aggregates. The WDC content at a reference time was highly correlated to the total clay content (r > 0.91, P < 0.001) for all soils. Only for two sites was the WDC content correlated to the content of clay not associated with organic C (r > 0.89, P < 0.001), calculated as a function of total organic C and total clay. The colloid release rates were highly correlated with the total clay content (r > 0.84, P < 0.001). The WDC content in moist aggregates measured using laser diffraction was correlated with the WDC content measured using a more classical end‐over‐end method (r > 0.89, P < 0.05) and in 100‐cm3 undisturbed soil cores (r > 0.89, P < 0.05). The universal correlation between the contents of WDC and total clay could be highly useful in risk assessments of colloids and colloid‐facilitated transport of environmental contaminants.
Beyond Earth: Designing Root Zone Environments for Reduced Gravity Conditions
Authors: Jones Scott B. , Or Dani , Heinse Robert , Tuller Markus
Published: March 2012

Fluid management in plant root zones is critical for long duration space missions including lunar‐ or Martian‐based missions, but key aspects of design and delivery of fluids under these conditions are poorly understood due to limited experimental opportunities. We review theoretical and experimental concepts for advancing understanding of fluid‐porous media interactions to improve design and management of plant‐based life support systems for reduced gravity environments. In situ utilization of native lunar and Martian granular materials for plant‐growth media requires reliable characterization of media physical and hydraulic properties and processes. A key aspect is the enhanced effects of capillarity in reduced gravity resulting in an array of micro‐ and macroscale changes in fluid phase organization relative to conditions on Earth that may affect mass fluxes to plant roots and potentially result in excess water and hypoxia. Increasing the medium particle diameter above 1 mm and narrowing the distribution of particles, and thus pore sizes, may counter reduced gravity effects. Approaches used in previous microgravity systems involving sensor‐based active water management assuming prescribed optimal set points (i.e., water potential) may fail in reduced gravity due to dynamic pore space alterations arising from air‐ or liquid‐phase entrapment and root growth in a restricted volume that may alter the porous medium characteristics on which water management is often based. For example, about a 10% reduction in volumetric pore space was observed following rice (Oryza sativa L.) root growth, which could change a well‐aerated root zone into an anoxic environment if not accounted for. Numerical modeling of plant transpiration and irrigation using volumetrically controlled water content under different gravity environments revealed similar hydraulic responses in fine‐textured porous media typically unsuitable for plant growth in greenhouses. Volumetric water content–based management of plant root environments appears to be a safer approach than other methods discussed here.
Sensor and Numerical Simulator Evaluation for Porous Medium Desiccation and Rewetting at the Intermediate Laboratory Scale
Authors: Oostrom M. , Wietsma T.W. , Strickland C.E. , Freedman V.L. , Truex M.J.
Published: March 2012

Soil desiccation, in conjunction with surface infiltration control, is considered at the Hanford Site as a potential technology to limit the flux of technetium and other contaminants in the vadose zone to the groundwater. An intermediate‐scale experiment was conducted to test the response of a series of instruments to desiccation and subsequent rewetting of porous media. The instruments include thermistors, thermocouple psychrometers, dual‐probe heat pulse sensors, heat dissipation units, and humidity probes. The experiment was simulated with the multifluid flow simulator STOMP, using independently obtained hydraulic and thermal porous medium properties. All instrument types used for this experiment were able to indicate when the desiccation front passed a certain location. In most cases the changes were sharp, indicating rapid changes in moisture content, water potential, or humidity. However, a response to the changing conditions was recorded only when the drying front was very close to a sensor. Of the tested instruments, only the heat dissipation unit and humidity probes were able to detect rewetting. The numerical simulation results reasonably match the experimental data, indicating that the simulator captures the pertinent gas flow and transport processes related to desiccation and rewetting and may be useful in the design and analysis of field tests.
Variable Pore Connectivity Model Linking Gas Diffusivity and Air‐Phase Tortuosity to Soil Matric Potential
Authors: Deepagoda T.K.K. Chamindu , Moldrup Per , Schjønning Per , Kawamoto Ken , Komatsu Toshiko , de Jonge Lis Wollesen
Published: March 2012

Soil‐gas diffusivity (Dp/Do) and its dependency on soil matric potential (ψ) is important when taking regulative measures (based on accurate predictions) for climate gas emissions and also risk‐mitigating measures (based on upper‐limit predictions) of gaseous‐phase contaminant emissions. Useful information on soil functional pore structure, e.g., pore network tortuosity and connectivity, can also be revealed from Dp/Do–ψ relations. Based on Dp/Do measurements in a wide range of soil types across geographically remote vadose zone profiles, this study analyzed pore connectivity for the development of a variable pore connectivity factor, X, as a function of soil matric potential, expressed as pF (=log |−ψ|), for pF values ranging from 1.0 to 3.5. The new model takes the form of X = X* (F/F*)A with F = 1 + pF−1, where X* is the pore network tortuosity at reference F (F*) and A is a model parameter that accounts for water blockage. The X–pF relation can be linked to drained pore size to explain the lower probability of the larger but far fewer air‐filled pores at lower pF effectively interconnecting and promoting gas diffusion. The model with X* = 2 and A = 0.5 proved promising for generalizing Dp/Do predictions across soils of wide geographic contrast and yielded results comparable to those from widely used predictive models. The X–pF model additionally proved valuable for differentiating between soils (providing a unique soil structural fingerprint for each soil layer) and also between the inter‐ and intraaggregate pore regions of aggregated soils. We further suggest that the new model with parameter values of X* = 1.7 and A = 0 may be used for upper limit Dp/Do predictions in risk assessments of, e.g., fluxes of toxic volatile organics from soil to indoor air at polluted soil sites.
A Novel Method to Visualize and Characterize Preferential Flow in Undisturbed Soil Cores by Using Multislice Helical CT
Authors: Sammartino Stéphane , Michel Eric , Capowiez Yvan
Published: March 2012

Our knowledge of preferential flow in heterogeneous unsaturated porous media such as soils is still limited. In this work, we introduced a novel method based on time resolved three‐dimensional images fast acquisitions using a four‐slice helical computed tomography (CT). This method provides new quantitative information on preferential flow processes occurring in an unsaturated undisturbed soil. Twenty‐four three‐dimensional images were acquired every 3 min in transient flow regime and every 5 min in stationary flow regime during a specific simulated rainfall event hold inside the scanner gantry. The macroporosity thresholding was realized according to a linear combination of attenuation coefficients of the main soil phases (“mobile” air or water in macropores and saturated soil matrix) weighted by their volume fractions in voxels. Mobile water contained in the macropores and in the surrounding thinner pores (diffuse macroporosity) was identified using a specific thresholding method based on subtracted images. In spite of the experimental limitations—noise, artifacts, limited spatial and temporal resolutions that are discussed in the paper—the method allows identifying about 65% of the infiltration water present in the core during the rainfall event. Although identifying water films on images is not possible when their volume is lower than the detection threshold, quantitative time‐lapse slice‐averaged information (fraction of active macropores and mean water filling of active macropores) can be obtained. We showed that even during a quite intense rainfall event, macropore flow was localized only into 30% of the macropore network of the soil core; that is, macropores remained mostly unsaturated along the experiment.
Soil Architecture and Physicochemical Functions: An Introduction
Authors: de Jonge L.W. , Moldrup P. , Vendelboe A.L. , Tuller M. , Wildenschild D.
Published: March 2012

Soils function as Earth's life support system, a thin layer full of life covering most of the terrestrial surfaces. Soils form the foundation of society. Norman Borlaug stated in his Nobel laureate lecture that “the first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind.” If we are to provide this component while sustaining environmental quality in the midst of a growing population and rapidly diminishing resources, it is imperative to study and obtain a deeper level of understanding of soil functions using state‐of‐the‐art technologies as well as provide the next generation of environmentalists, soil scientists, and environmental engineers with the best education possible. The 16 papers in this special section on soil architecture and physicochemical functions in the Vadose Zone Journal contribute to these goals by improving and linking measurement, visualization, and modeling of soil structure (architecture) and physical, chemical, and biological processes in different porous media systems and at different scales. Several studies in this special section also outline and discuss emerging and exciting interdisciplinary challenges for the rapidly growing vadose zone research community, including the need for enhanced public awareness of the soil's essential life‐support functions, putting value on soil ecosystem services (“capital of soil”), and design of optimal soil‐based growth media for long‐term missions in space.
Membrane processes application on the Symphytum officinale and Geranium robertianum extracts concentration to obtain high antioxidative activity compounds
Authors: Paun Gabriela , Neagu Elena , Litescu Carmen , Rotinberg Pincu , Radu Lucian
Published: March 2012

The paper reports the successful application of membranes processes to obtain
the good quality extracts with compounds of high antioxidative activity and
therapeutic value. This study provided investigations on the phenolic
compounds from two plant species used in Romanian ethno-medicine and
evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Three extracts prepared
from Geranium robertianum and Symphytum officinale were concentrated by
microfiltration and ultrafiltration. The levels of phenolic compounds and
flavonoids were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy and HPLC. The freeradical
scavenging activity of concentrated extracts was determined by DPPH method.
The preliminary tests of cytotoxic activity for the concentrated extracts
have been carried out on human epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma cell line
(Hep-2p) and normal monkey kidneys cells (RM). The results showed that all
concentrated extracts had a very low cytotoxicity against healthy cells, but
a significant cytotoxic effect on Hep-2p tumor cells. The concentrated
extracts have a high antioxidant activity (% DPPH inhibition > 80%).
Restorative practices and hate crime: Opening up the debate
Authors: Gavrielides Theo
Published: March 2012

Despite recent academic and policy interest worldwide, the concepts of
restorative justice and hate crime are relatively new, and the full extent of
their implications unknown. This paper aims to encourage further dialogue
that will allow a more in-depth understanding of both notions. A review of
international case studies was attempted by looking at examples where
restorative approaches were successfully applied to address hate incidents.
Further research and evaluation is warranted in this grey area before further
policies and legislation are reviewed.
Hate crimes and normative regulation
Authors: Kovacevic Milica
Published: March 2012

This paper is primarily devoted to issues related to the normative regulation
of hate crimes, with special reference to the regulations of the Republic of
Serbia, which are indirectly related to this matter. This kind of crimes are
characterized by prejudices that perpetrators have towards injured parties,
as members of certain, mostly, minority groups, due to which many hate crimes
could be also called crimes of prejudice. In comparative law there are two
different basic directions when it comes to regulating hate crimes:
separation of hate crimes in a separate category on the one hand, and
punishment of perpetrators of criminal acts with the detriment of minority
groups through the usual charges of a given criminal justice system, on the
other. The author finds that, regardless of the formal response forms, real
life suggests that hate crimes can be essentially suppressed only by
promoting values such as equality, respect for diversity and tolerance, and
by continuous education of public about the danger of hate crimes.
Independent Associations of Glucose Status and Arterial Stiffness With Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: van den Hurk Katja , Alssema Marjan , Kamp Otto , Henry Ronald M. , Stehouwer Coen D. , Smulders Yvo M. , Nijpels Giel , Paulus Walter J. , Dekker Jacqueline M.
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

To investigate relative contributions of glucose status and arterial stiffness to markers of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction after 8 years of follow-up.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the population-based prospective Hoorn Study, 394 individuals with preserved LV systolic and diastolic function participated, of whom 87 had impaired glucose metabolism and 128 had type 2 diabetes. Measurements including arterial ultrasound and echocardiography were performed according to standardized protocols.

RESULTS

The presence of type 2 diabetes was associated with more severe LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction 8 years later: LV ejection fraction was 2.98% (95% CI 0.46–5.51) lower, and left atrial (LA) volume index, LV mass index, and tissue Doppler-derived E/e′ were 3.71 mL/m2 (1.20–6.22), 5.86 g/m2.7 (2.94–8.78), and 1.64 units (0.95–2.33) higher, respectively. Furthermore, presence of impaired glucose metabolism or type 2 diabetes was associated with 8-year increases in LV mass index. More arterial stiffness (measured as a lower distensibility) was associated with LV diastolic dysfunction 8 years later: LA volume index, LV mass index, and E/e′ at follow-up were higher. Subsequent adjustments for baseline mean arterial pressure and/or LV diastolic dysfunction did not eliminate these associations. Associations of type 2 diabetes and arterial stiffness with markers of LV diastolic dysfunction were largely independent of each other.

CONCLUSIONS

Both glucose status and arterial distensibility are independently associated with more severe LV diastolic dysfunction 8 years later and with deterioration of LV diastolic dysfunction. Therefore, type 2 diabetes and arterial stiffness may relate to LV diastolic dysfunction through different pathways.
Vitamin D Levels Predict All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Subjects With the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Thomas G. Neil , ó Hartaigh Bríain , Bosch Jos A. , Pilz Stefan , Loerbroks Adrian , Kleber Marcus E. , Fischer Joachim E. , Grammer Tanja B. , Böhm Bernhard O. , März Winfried
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

Optimal vitamin D levels are associated with reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We investigated whether optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) is protective in individuals with the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study is a cohort study of subjects referred for coronary angiography between 1997 and 2000, from which 1,801 with the metabolic syndrome were investigated. Mortality was tracked for a median of 7.7 years. Multivariable survival analysis was used to estimate the association between 25(OH)D levels and mortality.

RESULTS

Most subjects (92%) had suboptimal levels of 25(OH)D (<75 nmol/L), with 22.2% being severely deficient (<25 nmol/L). During follow-up, 462 deaths were recorded, 267 (57.8%) of which were cardiovascular in origin. After full adjustment, including the metabolic syndrome components, those with optimal 25(OH)D levels showed a substantial reduction in all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] 0.25 [95% CI 0.13–0.46]) and cardiovascular disease mortality (0.33 [0.16–0.66]) compared with those with severe vitamin D deficiency. For specific cardiovascular disease mortality, there was a strong reduction for sudden death (0.15 [0.04–0.63]) and congestive heart failure (0.24 [0.06–1.04]), but not for myocardial infarction. The reduction in mortality was dose-dependent for each of these causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal 25(OH)D levels substantially lowered all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. These observations call for interventional studies that test whether vitamin D supplementation provides a useful adjunct in reducing mortality in these subjects.
Changes in Physical Fitness Predict Improvements in Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors Independently of Body Weight Loss in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Participating in the Italian Diabetes and Exercise Study (IDES)
Authors: Balducci Stefano , Zanuso Silvano , Cardelli Patrizia , Salvi Laura , Mazzitelli Giulia , Bazuro Alessandra , Iacobini Carla , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe ,   for the Italian Diabetes Exercise Study (IDES) Investigators
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

Physical fitness is inversely related to mortality in the general population and in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Here, we present data concerning the relationship between changes in physical fitness and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes from the Italian Diabetes and Exercise Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sedentary patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 606) were enrolled in 22 outpatient diabetes clinics and randomized to twice-a-week supervised aerobic and resistance training plus exercise counseling versus counseling alone for 12 months. Baseline to end-of-study changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and flexibility, as assessed by Vo2max estimation, a 5–8 maximal repetition test, and a hip/trunk flexibility test, respectively, were calculated in the whole cohort, and multiple regression analyses were applied to assess the relationship with cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Changes in Vo2max, upper and lower body strength, and flexibility were significantly associated with the variation in the volume of physical activity, HbA1c, BMI, waist circumference, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), coronary heart disease (CHD) risk score, and inversely, HDL cholesterol. Changes in fitness predicted improvements in HbA1c, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, hs-CRP, and CHD risk score, independent of study arm, BMI, and in case of strength, also waist circumference.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity/exercise-induced increases in fitness, particularly muscular, predict improvements in cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes independently of weight loss, thus indicating the need for targeting fitness in these individuals, particularly in subjects who struggle to lose weight.
Exercise Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: van Dijk Jan-Willem , Tummers Kyra , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Hartgens Fred , van Loon Luc J.C.
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

Given the transient nature of exercise-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity, it has been speculated that daily exercise is preferred to maximize the benefits of exercise for glycemic control. The current study investigates the impact of daily exercise versus exercise performed every other day on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty type 2 diabetic patients (age 60 ± 1 years, BMI 30.4 ± 0.7 kg/m2, and HbA1c 7.2 ± 0.2%) participated in a randomized crossover experiment. Subjects were studied on three occasions for 3 days under strict dietary standardization but otherwise free-living conditions. Blood glucose homeostasis was assessed by continuous glucose monitoring over 48 h during which subjects performed no exercise (control) or 60 min of cycling exercise (50% maximal workload capacity) distributed either as a single session performed every other day or as 30 min of exercise performed daily.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >10 mmol/L) was reduced from 7:40 ± 1:00 h:min per day (32 ± 4% of the time) to 5:46 ± 0:58 and 5:51 ± 0:47 h:min per day, representing 24 ± 4 and 24 ± 3% of the time, when exercise was performed either daily or every other day, respectively (P < 0.001 for both treatments). No differences were observed between the impact of daily exercise and exercise performed every other day.

CONCLUSIONS

A short 30-min session of moderate-intensity endurance-type exercise substantially reduces the prevalence of hyperglycemia throughout the subsequent day in type 2 diabetic patients. When total work is being matched, daily exercise does not further improve daily glycemia compared with exercise performed every other day.
Determination of polyolefin additives by reversed-phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Dopico-García M. , Noguerol-Cal Rosalía , Castro-López M. , Cela-Pérez M. , Piñón-Giz Elena , López-Vilariño Jose , González-Rodríguez M.
Published: March 2012

This article examines the contribution of liquid chromatography to the study of polyolefin additives commonly used to obtain improved environmental resistance (antioxidants, ultraviolet light stabilizers, antistatics, and so on) and appearance enhancements (e.g. colorants). Several reversed-phase liquid chromatographic methods are summarized, and a detailed description of different detectors is provided. In addition, ways of applying these methods to analyse food contact materials and plastic toys are emphasized. Finally, the potential use of these methods is addressed which complies with European health safety regulations.
Morphological, structural and optical properties of MoO2 films electrodeposited on SnO2∣glass plate
Authors: Dukstiene Nijole , Sinkeviciute Dovile , Guobiene Asta
Published: March 2012

MoO2 films were prepared by electrodeposition under potential controlled conditions from an aqueous alkaline solution of sodium molybdate. Optical microscopy showed that films of different morphology were deposited. The surface roughness and grain size were determined by atomic force microscopy. The characterization of as-deposited films by X-ray diffraction analysis revealed their amorphous nature. The optical constants of films were derived from transmittance spectra recorded in the 310–1100 nm wavelength range. All films were highly absorptive and showed a direct band to band transition. From the absorption edge data, the values of the optical band gap E g and the Urbach energy E U were determined based on Tauc’s model. The influence of film thickness on the extinction coefficient k, refractive index n, absorption coefficient a and the band gap energy E g was studied.
Unusual reaction of 3,4-bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl)furoxan with ammonia, primary amines and hydrazine
Authors: Astrat’ev Alexander , Dashko Dmitry , Stepanov Andrei
Published: March 2012

The nucleophilic displacement of two nitro groups in 3,4-bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl)furoxan with ammonia, primary aliphatic amines and hydrazine leads to formation of a novel heterocyclic system, 7H-tris[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b:3′,4′-d:3″,4″-f]azepine. The reaction of compound 1 with secondary aliphatic amines proceeds in a typical way for nitrofurazans when the nitro-group in the starting compound is substituted by RR’N-group.
Ionic liquids in microextraction techniques
Authors: Vičkačkaitė Vida , Padarauskas Audrius
Published: March 2012

The tremendous potential of room temperature ionic liquids as an alternative to environmentally harmful ordinary organic solvents is well recognized. Due to their unique properties, such as low volatility, tunable viscosity and miscibility, and electrolytic conductivity, ionic liquids have attracted extensive attention and gained popularity in many areas of analytical chemistry including modern sample preparation techniques. In this review the advantages and limitations of application of ionic liquids as solvents/sorbents for microextraction are critically discussed. Topics covered include solid-phase microextraction, single drop microextraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction. The compatibility of the ionic liquid-based microextraction with different analytical techniques such as gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, electrothermal or flame atomic absorption spectrometry and some others is also discussed. Finally, the main practical applications on this topic are summarized.
Impact of un-polymerized acrylamide monomer residues onto protein identification by MALDI TOF MS
Authors: Talian Ivan , Kováčová Veronika , Petrovič Marián , Sabo Ján
Published: March 2012

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is a powerful tool for protein mixture separation frequently used in proteomic studies. This article describes the problems which can arise during the identification process of separated proteins by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Presence of residual acrylamide monomers in the peptide samples leads to a significant peptide signal suppression. In the case of protein prohibitin, isolated from the MCF 7 breast cancer cell line, the peptide signal suppression was observed in 50% of all detected peptides.
Mercury determination and speciation analysis in surface waters
Authors: Mladenova Elisaveta , Dakova Ivanka , Tsalev Dimiter , Karadjova Irina
Published: March 2012

A sorbent L-cysteine grafted silica gel has been evaluated for separation and enrichment of dissolved inorganic i-Hg(II) and methylmercury CH3Hg(I) from surface waters at sub-µg L−1 concentrations. Chemical parameters for mercury species enrichment and separation have been optimized. Analytical schemes for the determination of Hg species, using selective column solid phase extraction (SPE) with continuous flow chemical vapor generation atomic absorption spectrometry (CF-CVG-AAS) or inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were developed. Possibilities for on-site SPE enrichment were demonstrated as well. The limits of quantification were 1.5 and 5 ng L−1 for dissolved i-Hg(II) and CH3Hg(I) by CF-CVG-AAS and 1 and 2.5 ng L−1 by ICP-MS with relative standard deviations between 7–12% and 7–14%, respectively. The chemically modified SPE sorbent has demonstrated high regeneration ability, chemical and mechanical stability, acceptable capacity and good enrichment factors. Results for total dissolved mercury were in reasonable agreement with those from independent analyses by direct ICP-MS determinations for river waters and for estuarine water certified reference material.
Skew Killing spinors
Authors: Habib Georges , Roth Julien
Published: March 2012

We study the existence of a skew Killing spinor on 2- and 3-dimensional Riemannian spin manifolds. We establish the integrability conditions and prove that these spinor fields correspond to twistor spinors in the two dimensional case while, up to a conformal change of the metric, they correspond to parallel spinors in the three dimensional case.
Stress coping and psychological adaptation in the international students
Authors: Sapranaviciute Laura , Perminas Aidas , Pauziene Neringa
Published: March 2012

International students all over the world meet a lot of stressful situations due to different academic demands, cultural context, language problems and other adaptation difficulties. There is little evidence to explain what stress coping strategies are used by international students to cope with stressful situations and how they are connected to psychological adaptation. So the purpose of this study was to assess associations between psychological adaptation and stress coping strategies in international and domestic students. The study recruited 356 students: 258 host and 98 international students. Stress coping strategies were measured by Coping Orientation of Problem Experience questionnaire. Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. Stress related health complaints were measured using a scale devised by the authors of this study. The study ascertained that in stressful situations international students used different stress coping strategies when compared to domestic students. Moreover, stress coping strategies used by international and domestic students were differently connected to health outcomes. The study pointed out that by researchers and counselors’ special attention should be given to international students.
Trunk, Pelvis, Hip, and Knee Kinematics, Hip Strength, and Gluteal Muscle Activation During a Single-Leg Squat in Males and Females With and Without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Nakagawa Theresa H. , Moriya Érika T.U. , Maciel Carlos D. , SerrãO Fábio V.
Published: March 2012

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design.

Objectives

To determine whether there are any differences between the sexes in trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee kinematics, hip strength, and gluteal muscle activation during the performance of a single-leg squat in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and control participants.

Background

Though there is a greater incidence of PFPS in females, PFPS is also quite common in males. Trunk kinematics may affect hip and knee function; however, there is a lack of studies of the influence of the trunk in individuals with PFPS.

Methods

Eighty subjects were distributed into 4 groups: females with PFPS, female controls, males with PFPS, and male controls. Trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee kinematics and gluteal muscle activation were evaluated during a single-leg squat. Hip abduction and external rotation eccentric strength was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Group differences were assessed using a 2-way multivariate analysis of variance (sex by PFPS status).

Results

Compared to controls, subjects with PFPS had greater ipsilateral trunk lean (mean ± SD, 9.3° ± 5.3° versus 6.7° ± 3.0°; P = .012), contralateral pelvic drop (10.3° ± 4.7° versus 7.4° ± 3.8°; P = .003), hip adduction (14.8° ± 7.8° versus 10.8° ± 5.6°; P<.0001), and knee abduction (9.2° ± 5.0° versus 5.8° ± 3.4°; P<.0001) when performing a single-leg squat. Subjects with PFPS also had 18% less hip abduction and 17% less hip external rotation strength. Compared to female controls, females with PFPS had more hip internal rotation (P<.05) and less muscle activation of the gluteus medius (P = .017) during the single-leg squat.

Conclusion

Despite many similarities in findings for males and females with PFPS, there may be specific sex differences that warrant consideration in future studies and when clinically evaluating and treating females with PFPS. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(6):491–501, Epub 8 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3987