bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross sectional study on different doses of acenocoumarol with INR in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: E. Keerthi , S. Bhuvaneshwari , Murugesan Periyanarkunan Ramaiya , T. Priyadharshini , P. Sri Subiksha
Published: August 2018

Background: It is of high value to be assess the relationship between doses of Acenocoumarol and the INR values to offer better patient care. Since Acenocoumarol is a commonly used drug with a narrow therapeutic range it is essential to monitor the variations encountered in response to it to avoid drastic complications and to provide better health care. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the INR values with different doses of Acenocoumarol, to compare the association of dose of Acenocoumarol with their respective INR and to find out the occurrence of bleeding with different doses of Acenocoumarol.Methods: The study was conducted in a Tertiary care hospital. 40 patients taking Acenocoumarol were recruited in the study. Relevant details like age, weight, dose of Acenocoumarol, INR and other concomitant drugs were obtained in a prospective manner. Correlation of dose of Acenocoumarol with respective INR was done by simple linear regression.Results: The relationship between dose and INR was analyzed using Simple linear regression and the scatter plot revealed no significant correlation between the dose and INR values. There is a lot of inter-individual variability in the dose response and thereafter the INR values.Conclusions: The dose of Acenocoumarol cannot predict INR values. Patient can ideally be started treatment on a low dose of Acenocoumarol and based on the INR values, dose can be titrated. There is a need for consideration of other factors which influence the dose and INR values.
Assessment of prescribing trends for rational use of drugs
Authors: Rode Sonali B. , Salankar Harsh V. , Mishra Gyaneshwar , Mishra Shashank
Published: August 2018

Background: Nowadays irrational use of drugs is a major problem inspite of extensive programs being carried out on rational use of medicines. Therefore, in present study we evaluated OPD prescriptions for rationality and their adherence to prescription format.Methods: A prospective, observational study was carried out in 511 outdoor patients for a period of three months. Quality of prescription writing was assessed for completeness of information and legibility. Rationality was analyzed using WHO core prescribing indicators.Results: Basic information of patient and name of department were written in all the prescriptions. Diagnosis was mentioned in 76.33% cases. Dosage forms, dose, frequency and duration of treatment were mentioned in 97.26%, 73%, 80.04% and 80.23% of prescriptions respectively. About 73.78% prescriptions were legible. Doctor’s name, signature and registration number were present in 80.82%, 82.97% and 15.66%. Total number of drugs in 511 cases was 1074. Average number of drugs/ prescriptions was 2.1±0.8. Drugs were prescribed by generic name in 25.14% cases; drugs from EDL were 57.36%. Antimicrobial agents, injectable drugs and FDCs were prescribed in 25.83%, 12.13% and 39.14% cases. The most commonly prescribed drugs were analgesics, GIT and cardiovascular drugs.Conclusions:This study shows possible areas of improvement in prescription practice that is generic prescribing, use of essential medicines, restraint in use of irrational fixed dose combinations and better quality of prescribing in terms of inclusiveness of information, legibility and doctor’s details.
Analgesic prescribing trends in musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: A. Siddiqui R. , R. Shende T. , Shekhar Shreya
Published: August 2018

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, backache, tendinitis, cervical spondylitis etc. are very commonly encountered in orthopaedic practice and are generally treated with various analgesic drugs. There are number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiod analgesics and also fixed dose combination (FDC) of analgesics available for the treatment of such disorders with some advantages and disadvantages of these drugs. Since few studies are there on utilization of analgesic drugs in the orthopaedic practice, this study was undertaken to determine the current prescribing trends for these disorders.Methods: It was record based observational study carried out at NKP salve institute of medical sciences, Nagpur. A total of 200 prescriptions of patients reported to orthopaedic outpatient department, with presenting complaints of musculoskeletal disorder and rheumatological conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, backache, tendinitis, cervical spondylitis etc. were noted for the various analgesic drugs prescribed for these disorders.Results: The common age groups encountered for musculoskeletal disorders were between 41-50 years (26%) and 31-40 years (20%) followed by other age groups. The common conditions for which patient attended orthopaedic outpatient department were low backpain in 42 (21%) and osteoarthritis in 41(20.5%) patients followed by others. Aceclofenac and diclofenac were the most commonly prescribed analgesics in 25 (12.5%) and18 (9%) patients followed by other analgesics. Fixed dose combinations of NSAIDS with other NSAIDS or opoid analgesic were also commonly prescribed. Diclofenac + Paracetamol and Tramadol + Paracetamol were most commonly prescribed combinations in 30 (15%) and 19 (9.5%) patients respectively.Conclusions: As monotherapy aceclofenac and diclofenac were the most commonly prescribed NSAIDS for various musculoskeletal disorders. Also, fixed dose combinations of NSAIDS with other NSAIDS or opoid analgesic were also commonly prescribed. Diclofenac + Paracetamol and Tramadol + Paracetamol were the most commonly prescribed FDCs in our study.
Evaluation of prescribing pattern of drugs use in patients of coronary artery disease at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Belhekar Mahesh N. , Patel Tejal C. , Singh Mohit Kumar , Pandit Prasad R. , Bhave Kiran A. , Redkar Neelam N.
Published: August 2018

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause responsible for mortality more in younger age group than in elderly. Studies have reported underuse of four evidence based medicines namely aspirin, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and statins in patients with CAD, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, this study was planned to analyse the prescriptions of patients with CAD to determine the appropriateness of the prescriptions.Methods: After obtaining the Institutional ethics committee permission, a cross sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Total 150 patients were enrolled from the outpatient department, wards and intensive care unit of medicine department. Total 150 patients’ prescriptions presenting with varied category of CAD were screened and analysed.Results: The most common categories of CAD encountered was ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (N=50, 33%) followed by chronic stable angina (N=29, 20%). Among the drugs prescribed, antiplatelet drugs were prescribed to 135 (90%), hypolipidemics to 134 (89%), nitrates to 114 (76%), beta blockers to 97 (65%), ACE inhibitors to 94 (64%), anticoagulants to 60 (40%) and miscellaneous drugs to 52 (35%), patients. Of 68 (45%) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 15 (22%) were prescribed only metoprolol and others were given ACE-I or ARBs.Conclusions: Among four evidence based drugs, use of 3 drugs, antiplatelets, beta blockers and hypolipidemics was apparent in 90% of prescriptions. Use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs was observed in type 2 diabetic patients with CAD, reflecting rational prescribing behavior of clinicians.
Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers in albino rats
Authors: G. H. Shashikala , B. N. Shilpa , Shah Mansi J.
Published: August 2018

Background: Anxiety has become a very important area of research interest in psychopharmacology as it affects one-eighth of the population worldwide. Benzodiazepines are still the most commonly used drugs for anxiety despite a number of side effects.There is a need for newer antianxiety drugs with increased safety and efficacy, hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Nerium oleander flowers.Methods: Aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (NA) was prepared using soxhalet apparatus. A total of 24 Albino rats aged 8-10 weeks of either sex weighing about 100-150g were obtained and divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group I: Normal saline 10mL/kg. Group II: Diazepam 2mg/kg Group III: NA at a dose of 200 mg/kg Group IV: NA at a dose of 400mg/kg. The anxiolytic activity of Aqueous extract of NA was tested by elevated plus maze and digital actophotometer models. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Posthoc Tukey’s test.Results: In EPM model, the NA at 200, 400mg/kg doses showed that the number of entries and time spent in the open arms were increased significantly as compared to the control animals. (p<0.001). In Actophoptometer model, two different doses of NA (200 and 400mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent decrease in the locomotor activity, when compared to the control animals (p<0.001).Conclusions: Both the doses of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (200mg and 400mg/kg) possess anxiolytic activity and could be used as a new approach to treat anxiety.
Observational study of drug use pattern in indoor patients suffering from major depression admitted in psychiatry department of tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Thakare Vaishali , Dubey Lily
Published: August 2018

Background: Mental illness is associated with high levels of health service utilization and associated costs. India is among one of the countries with the highest number of people suffering from depression. The data on antidepressant drug utilization in India is sparse. Hence, we planned to analyse the drug use pattern in patients of major depression as per the WHO recommended indicators of drug use.Methods: This prospective observational study was done to analyze the prescription pattern of hospital psychiatrist in indoor major depression patients. All the patients admitted in psychiatry indoor patient department (I. P. D.) of Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai were included.Results: Data of 97 patients was analysed. 55.67% of the cases were from the age group 31-50 years. Total number of antidepressants prescribed was 102(36.82%). Out of antidepressant agents, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most commonly prescribed drugs 70 (68.62%). The most commonly prescribed antidepressant was Sertraline in 35 (34.3%).Conclusions: The findings of our study were similar to those of other studies conducted to evaluate the use of antidepressants.
A cross sectional observational study to find the difference in occurrence of muscle related adverse effects of statins among geriatric and non-geriatric patients
Authors: Aggarwal Monica , Juneja Shivani , Goyal Muskan , Khurana Tariq
Published: August 2018

Background: Statins are effectively used for the treatment of dyslipidemias in geriatric patients. The geriatric patients are more vulnerable to experience consequences of drug intensification leading to the manifestation of adverse effects, such as muscle related adverse effects (MRAE) with statins use. The main objective was to find the difference in the occurrence of MRAE of statins among geriatric and non-geriatric users.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational comparative study in which MRAE associated with statins and relevant patient information was noted. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels which are considered as a marker for statin induced muscle damage were obtained for all patients. The different parameters were compared among geriatric and non-geriatric statin users.Results: Sixty one patients, 28 geriatric (≥60 years) and 33 non-geriatric (<60 years) statin users were enrolled in this study. Ten (38%) geriatric statin users as compared to 6 (20%) non-geriatric statin users were found to have MRAE (P = 0.207). No significant difference in the occurrence of MRAE among geriatric and non-geriatric statin users was found.Conclusions: The results obtained from the present study suggest that statins are relatively safe, even in older people. There was no evidence to suggest an increased risk of MRAE in geriatric patients receiving statin therapy as compared to non- geriatric patients.
Live poultry vaccines against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses
Authors: Boravleva Elizaveta , Gambaryan Alexandra
Published: August 2018

The widespread circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) and their occasional transmission to humans creates a constant pandemic threat and leads to significant economic losses in the poultry industry. The development of an effective and safe vaccine for the broad protection of poultry from H5N1 HPAIVs remains an important goal. Prevention of the virus transmission between ducks and chickens is important for the efficient control of the spread of avian influenza. The oral administration of live vaccines corresponds to the natural route of infection that leads to virus replication in the intestinal epithelial cells that cause a well-balanced and broad immune response providing protection against the viruses of distant clades. The broad protection is the important advantage of live-attenuated influenza vaccines when compared to inactivated ones. Here, we give an overview of the latest approaches and results in the development of live poultry vaccine candidates against HPAIVs.
Práticas funerárias no baixo rio tapajós, Amazônia
Authors: Fonseca Diego Barros
Published: August 2018

O artigo trata de uma série de urnas e vasilhas relacionadas a práticas de sepultamento provavelmente de indígenas Mundurucu, no baixo rio Tapajós, vindos do sítio arqueológico Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro (N.S.P. Socorro) -  Itaituba, Pará. Avalia-se então as semelhanças com dados etnohistóricos e arqueológicos sobre as práticas funerárias na região, a descrição das escavações em laboratório, apresentando dados e interpretações sobre os vestígios osteológicos encontrados, contribuindo com os debates sobre as práticas funerárias na região Amazônica.
Do Soul Food à Maniçoba: um relato etnográfico sobre a imersão cultural de estudantes afro-americanos na cidade de Belém, Pará
Authors: Navegantes Aline De Souza , Cardoso Luis Fernando Cardoso e
Published: August 2018

O programa Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) envia anualmente dois estudantes pertencentes a grupos minoritários e advindos de universidades do Sul dos Estados Unidos para conduzirem pesquisas na área da saúde em cidades brasileiras. As três duplas de estudantes afro-americanos enviadas à cidade de Belém no período de 2013 a 2015, para realizarem pesquisa no laboratório de Medicina Tropical da Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), são o foco deste relato etnográfico, que pretende investigar seu estranhamento ante a realidade racial brasileira. A metodologia utilizada neste trabalho é de cunho qualitativo e bibliográfico, baseando-se em entrevistas semiestruturadas e em vivências informais com os estudantes afro-americanos, assim como na literatura acerca das questões levantadas em campo. Dessa forma, são investigados os estranhamentos dos estudantes acerca de sua experiência de moradia no perímetro mais caro de Belém, de sua presença no curso mais embranquecido e elitista da UFPA, de suas socializações na cidade e de suas descobertas sobre as origens da culinária tradicional paraense. A discussão etnográfica levantada pelo trabalho examina as diferenças e similitudes existentes entre as relações raciais do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos, países que, apesar de terem sido fundados pelas mãos de negros africanos escravizados, construíram identidades étnicas e nacionais bem distintas.
A relevância do contexto lingüístico na aquisição da fonologia e nos desvios fonológicos do desenvolvimento: o exemplo da palatalização
Authors: Matzenauer-Hernandorena Carmen Lúcia
Published: August 2018

Focusing the palatalization of coronal stops, a study with children acquiring Brazilian Portuguese, in normal and deviant process, makes clear a significant influence of the linguistic context in the behavior of consonantal segments, causing phonetic effects of co-articulation. In the analysis of the data, theoretical model based in constraints, as Optimality Theory, and dynamic model, as Articulatory Phonology, show more consistency in the explanation of context dependent phenomenon, like palatalization, than Autosegmental Theory, that demands a mixed solution, with the use of rules and also the use of output constraints.
Apresentação
Authors: Koch Ingedore Grunfeld Villaça , Morato Edwiges Maria
Published: August 2018

A idéia da elaboração deste número dos Cadernos de Estudos Lingüísticos surgiu por ocasião do II Congresso Internacional da ABRALIN, realizado em Fortaleza, em março de 2001, de cuja programação constavam dois eventos relacionados sobre referenciação, um Simpósio e uma Mesa-redonda. O primeiro desses eventos, intitulado “Referenciação, interação e discurso”, teve a feliz oportunidade de contar com a participação da Profa. Dra. Lorenza Mondada (então vinculada à Universidade de Basiléia, Suíça, e hoje atuando na Universidade de Lyon, França), que se encontrava no Brasil como professora-visitante no IEL, além do Prof. Dr. Luiz Antônio Marcuschi, da UFPE, e das duas organizadoras deste volume. O segundo reuniu três doutorandos do IEL na área de Lingüística Textual, sob a orientação de Ingedore Koch: Graziela Zamponi, Maria Luíza da Cunha Lima e Antônio Carlos Xavier.
As nomeações em diferentes gêneros textuais
Authors: Cavalcante Mônica Magalhães
Published: August 2018

In this paper we analyse, in the light of the relation between formal and semantic-pragmatic criteria, some contexts in which more often occurs the process of nominalization by anpahoric and discursive deictic elements. We aim at relating some subsets of nominalizating expressions to the various functions they can perform in written texts.
Construção da referência e representação lexical: por um tratamento dinâmico da semântica lexical
Authors: Lima Maria Luiza Aragão da Cunha
Published: August 2018

This papers deals with some models of explanation of the lexical semantics offered by recent linguistics and cognitive science. Our aim is to show the inadequacy of the digital computer model when it is confronted to some data. Furthermore, we try to indicate some new avenues for investigation: the dynamical systems hypothesis.
Separation axioms on function spaces defined on bitopological spaces
Authors: Muturi N. E. , Khalagai J. M. , Pokhariyal G. P.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we introduce separation axioms on the function space p− Cω(Y, Z) and study how they relateto separation axioms defined on the spaces (Z, δi) for i = 1, 2, (Z, δ1, δ2), 1 − Cς(Y, Z) and 2 − Cζ(Y, Z). Itis shown that the space p − Cω(Y, Z) is pT◦, pT1, pT2 and pregular, if the spaces (Z, δ1) and (Z, δ2) are bothT0, T1, T2 and regular respectively. The space p − Cω(Y, Z) is also shown to be pT0, pT1, pT2 and pregular,if the space (Z, δ1, δ2) is p − T0, p − T1, p − T2 and p-regular respectively. Finally, the space p − Cω(Y, Z) isshown to be pT0, pT1, pT2 and pregular, if and only if the spaces 1 − Cς(Y, Z) and 2 − Cζ(Y, Z) are both T0,T1, T2, and only if the spaces 1 − Cς(Y, Z) and 2 − Cζ(Y, Z) are both regular respectively.
The effect of a single 30-minute LTE mobile phone-like exposure on thermal pain threshold of young healthy volunteers
Authors: Vecsei Zsuzsana , Thuróczy György , Istvan Hernadi
Published: August 2018

Although the majority of mobile phone (MP) users do not attribute adverse effects on health or well-being to MP-emitted radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs), the exponential increase in the number of RF devices necessitates continuing research aimed at the objective investigation of such concerns. In this work, we investigate the effects of acute exposure from Long Term Evolution (LTE) MP EMFs on thermal pain threshold in healthy young adults. We use a protocol that was validated in a previous study in a capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia model, and was also successfully used to show that exposure from an RF source mimicking a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) MP led to mildly stronger desensitization to repeated noxious thermal stimulation relative to the sham condition. Using the same experimental design, we did not find any effects of LTE exposure on thermal pain threshold. The present results are in accordance with previous evidence suggesting that effects are likely to be placebo/nocebo effects and are unrelated to the brief acute LTE EMF exposure itself. The fact that this is dissimilar to our previous results on UMTS exposure implies that RF modulations might differentially affect pain perception, and points to the necessity of further research in the topic.
Intelligent System for Analysis and Monitoring of Flood Embankments Based on Electrical Impedance Tomography, Machine Learning and Internet of Things
Authors: Rymarczyk Tomasz , Kozłowski Edward , Kłosowski Grzegorz
Published: August 2018

The article presents a non-destructive test system based on electrical impedance tomography for monitoring flood embankments. The technology of cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things with the use of electrical impedance tomography enables real-time monitoring of flood embankments. This solution provides a visual analysis of damage and leaks, which allows for quick and effective intervention and possible prevention of danger. A dedicated solution based on the IT structure, dedicated laboratory models and a dedicated measurement system with various types of sensors and machine learning algorithms for image reconstruction has been developed. The system includes specialized intelligent devices for tomographic measurements. The application contains the analysis of anomalies occurring in the structure of the object as a result of damage or danger and breaking the shaft during the flood. The presented solution enables ongoing monitoring of objects by collecting measurement results, forecasts and simulations. The main advantage of the proposed system is the spatial ability to analyse shafts, high accuracy of imaging and high speed of data processing. The use of tomographic techniques in conjunction with image reconstruction algorithms allow for non-invasive and very accurate spatial assessment of humidity and damages of flood embankments. The presented results show the effectiveness of the presented research.
A MALDI-TOF MS Approach for Mammalian, Human, and Formula Milks’ Profiling
Authors: Di Francesco Laura , Di Girolamo Francesco , Mennini Maurizio , Masotti Andrea , Salvatori Guglielmo , Signore Fabrizio , Pietrantoni Emanuela , Scapaticci Margherita , Lante Isabella , Goffredo Bianca Maria , Mazzina Oscar , Elbousify Ahmed Ibrahim , Roncada Paola , Dotta Andrea , Fiocchi Alessandro , Putignani Lorenza
Published: August 2018

Human milk composition is dynamic and substitute formulae are intended to mimic its protein content. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentiality of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) followed by multivariate data analyses as a tool to analyze peptide profiling of mammalian, human and formula milks. Breast milk samples from women at different lactation stages (2 (n = 5), 30 (n = 6), 60 (n = 5), and 90 (n = 4) days postpartum), and milk from donkeys (n = 4), cows (n = 4), buffaloes (n = 7), goats (n = 4), ewes (n = 5), and camels (n = 2) were collected. Different brands (n = 4) of infant formulae were also analyzed. Protein content (<30 kDa) was analyzed by MS and data were exported for statistical elaborations. Mass spectra for each milk closely clustered together, whereas different milk samples resulted well separated. Human samples formed a cluster in which colostrum constituted a well-defined subcluster. None of the milk formulae correlated with animal or human milk, although specifically characterized and well correlated each other. These findings propose MALDI-TOF MS milk profiling as an analytical tool to discriminate, in a blinded way, different milk types. As each formula has a distinct specificity, shifting a baby from one to another formula implies a specific proteomic exposure. These profiles may assist in milk proteomics for easiness of use and low cost consuming, suggesting that the MALDI-TOF MS pipelines may result useful for milk adulteration assessment but also for the characterization of banked milk specimens in paediatric clinical settings.
Significant Enhancement of Hydrogen-Sensing Properties of ZnO Nanofibers through NiO Loading
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyoung , Kim Jin-Young , Mirzaei Ali , Kim Hyoun Woo , Kim Sang Sub
Published: August 2018

Metal oxide p-n heterojunction nanofibers (NFs) are among the most promising approaches to enhancing the efficiency of gas sensors. In this paper, we report the preparation of a series of p-NiO-loaded n-ZnO NFs, namely (1 − x) ZnO-xNiO (x = 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 wt%), for hydrogen gas sensing experiments. Samples were prepared through the electrospinning technique followed by a calcination process. The sensing experiments showed that the sample with 0.05 wt% NiO loading resulted in the highest sensing performance at an optimal sensing temperature of 200 °C. The sensing mechanism is discussed in detail and contributions of the p-n heterojunctions, metallization of ZnO and catalytic effect of NiO on the sensing enhancements of an optimized gas sensor are analyzed. This study demonstrates the possibility of fabricating high-performance H2 sensors through the optimization of p-type metal oxide loading on the surfaces of n-type metal oxides.
Hydrophilic Astragalin Galactoside Induces T Helper Type 1-Mediated Immune Responses via Dendritic Cells
Authors: Jeon Jae Hyoung , Lee Byung-Cheol , Kim Doman , Cho Daeho , Kim Tae Sung
Published: August 2018

A flavonoid Astragalin (kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, Ast) has several biological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-HIV, and anti-allergic effects. Nonetheless, its insolubility in hydrophilic solvents imposes restrictions on its therapeutic applications. In this study, we investigated the effects of water-soluble astragalin-galactoside (kaempferol-3-O- β-D-isomaltotrioside, Ast-Gal) on dendritic cell (DC) maturation and T helper (Th) cell-mediated immune responses. Ast-Gal significantly increased maturation and activation of DCs through up-regulation of surface markers, such as CD80, CD86, and MHC II in a dose-dependent manner, while Ast had little effects. Also, Ast-Gal-treated DCs markedly secreted immune-stimulating cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12. Importantly, Ast-Gal strongly increased expression of IL-12, a polarizing cytokine of Th1 cells. In a co-culture system of DCs and CD4+ T cells, Ast-Gal-treated DCs preferentially differentiates naïve CD4+ T cells into Th1 cells. The addition of neutralizing IL-12 mAb to cultures of Ast-Gal-treated DCs and CD4+ T cells significantly increased IFN- γ production, thereby indicating that Ast-Gal-stimulated DCs enhance the Th1 response through IL-12 production by DCs. Injection with Ast-Gal-treated DCs in mice increased IFN-γ-secreting Th1 cell population. Collectively, these findings indicate that hydrophilically modified astragalin can enhance Th1-mediated immune responses via DCs, and point to a possible application of water-soluble astragalin-galactoside as an immune adjuvant.
Hiding Stealth Optical CDMA Signals in Public BPSK Channels for Optical Wireless Communication
Authors: Yen Chih-Ta , Huang Jen-Fa , Zhang Wen-Zong
Published: August 2018

A new optical steganography scheme is proposed that transmits a stealth optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) signal through a public binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) channel. Polarization beam splitters and arrayed waveguide gratings are used to implement a spectral-polarization coding (SPC) system with an incoherent optical source. We employ a Walsh–Hadamard code as the signature code of the user who wants to transmit stealth information using the system. A free space optical link applied to this system maintains the polarization states of light during propagation. The secret data is extracted using correlation detection and balanced subtraction in the OCDMA decoder of the intended receiver, and the other signal from the public channel is reduced by the OCDMA decoder. At the demodulator of the public channel, BPSK demodulation eliminates the stealth signal so that the public channel is not affected by the stealth signal. The two signals cannot interfere with each other. The results of this study show that our proposed optical steganography system is highly secure. The stealth signal can be favorably hidden in the public channel when the average source power of the stealth signal, public noise, and public signal are −5, −3, and 0 dBm, respectively.
Effect of Resveratrol on Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats with Angiotensin II-Induced Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lin Yu-Te , Wu Yi-Chung , Sun Gwo-Ching , Ho Chiu-Yi , Wong Tzyy-Yue , Lin Ching-Huang , Chen Hsin-Hung , Yeh Tung-Chen , Li Chia-Jung , Tseng Ching-Jiunn , Cheng Pei-Wen
Published: August 2018

Recent studies have indicated that several anti-hypertensive drugs may delay the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relationships among AD, hypertension, and oxidative stress remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether treatment with resveratrol reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the brain, thereby reducing cognitive impairment in rats with angiotensin II (Ang-II)-induced early AD. Male WKY rats with Ang-II-induced AD were treated with losartan or resveratrol for 2 weeks. Our results revealed that treatment with resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day) decreased blood pressure, increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, and decreased ROS production in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the Ang-II groups. In addition, inhibition of TauT231 phosphorylation in the hippocampus using resveratrol significantly abolished Ang-II-induced expression of Ab precursors, active caspase 3, and glycogen synthase kinase 3b (GSK-3b)Y216 while increasing AktS473 phosphorylation. Notably, resveratrol reversed impairments in hippocampal-dependent contextual memory induced by deleting NADPH oxidase and NOX2. Overall, our results suggest that resveratrol exerts neuroprotective effects against memory impairment and hippocampal damage in a rat model of early stage AD by reducing oxidative stress. These novel findings indicate that resveratrol may represent a pharmacological option for patients with hypertension at a risk of AD during old age.
Understanding the Demographic Predictors and Association of Comorbidities in Hospitalized Children with Conduct Disorder
Authors: Patel Rikinkumar , Amaravadi Neelima , Bhullar Harkeerat , Lekireddy Jay , Win Honey
Published: August 2018

Objective: To determine demographic predictors and comorbidities in hospitalized children with conduct disorder. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2012–2014). All patients were ≤18 years and cases with primary diagnosis of conduct disorder (N = 32345) and a comparison group with another psychiatric diagnosis (N = 410,479) were identified using ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. A logistic regression model was used to generate the Odds Ratio (OR) between both groups. Results: Children <11 years old have five times greater chances of admission for conduct disorder than adolescent (OR 5.339). African American males are more likely to be admitted for conduct disorder. Children with conduct disorder from low-income families have a 1.5 times higher likelihood for inpatient admission compared to high-income families. These children have about eleven times higher odds of comorbid psychosis (OR 11.810) and seven times for depression (OR 7.093) compared to the comparison group. Conclusion: Conduct disorders are more debilitating for children and families than many providers realize. African American male under 11 years is at the highest risk for inpatient management for conduct disorder. These patients have a higher risk of comorbid psychosis and depression which may further deteriorate the severity of illness and require acute inpatient care.
Systemic Factors and Barriers That Hamper Adequate Data Collection on the HIV Epidemic and Its Associated Inequalities in Countries With Long-Term Armed Conflicts: Lessons From Colombia
Authors: Alzate Angel Juan C. , Pericàs Juan M. , Taylor Holly A. , Benach Joan
Published: August 2018

Although advances in treatment and diagnosis have transformed HIV into a chronic disease in high-income countries, a spectrum of structural, political, sociocultural, and health system barriers hamper early diagnosis and timely treatment of HIV in many middle- and low-income countries. In most Latin American countries, in spite of the great improvement in access to antiretroviral therapy, a large proportion of individuals infected with HIV do not know their status.

In Colombia, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS currently estimates a much larger number of HIV cases than the number reported by Colombian authorities. Potential reasons for underdiagnosis and underreporting include sociocultural factors such as social stigma, restrictions in access to health care, a lack of public health research and robust surveillance systems, and the particular recent history and social situation related to the armed conflict the country has suffered through for several decades.

Lessons from Colombia may be helpful in monitoring, understanding, and tackling the HIV epidemic in countries with long-term armed conflicts.
The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS): Overview of Design and Methodology
Authors: Shulman Holly B. , D’Angelo Denise V. , Harrison Leslie , Smith Ruben A. , Warner Lee
Published: August 2018

Data System. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is an ongoing state-based surveillance system of maternal behaviors, attitudes, and experiences before, during, and shortly after pregnancy. PRAMS is conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Reproductive Health in collaboration with state health departments.

Data Collection/Processing. Birth certificate records are used in each participating jurisdiction to select a sample representative of all women who delivered a live-born infant. PRAMS is a mixed-mode mail and telephone survey. Annual state sample sizes range from approximately 1000 to 3000 women. States stratify their sample by characteristics of public health interest such as maternal age, race/ethnicity, geographic area of residence, and infant birth weight.

Data Analysis/Dissemination. States meeting established response rate thresholds are included in multistate analytic data sets available to researchers through a proposal submission process. In addition, estimates from selected indicators are available online.

Public Health Implications. PRAMS provides state-based data for key maternal and child health indicators that can be tracked over time. Stratification by maternal characteristics allows for examinations of disparities over a wide range of health indicators.
Weaponized Health Communication: Twitter Bots and Russian Trolls Amplify the Vaccine Debate
Authors: Broniatowski David A. , Jamison Amelia M. , Qi SiHua , AlKulaib Lulwah , Chen Tao , Benton Adrian , Quinn Sandra C. , Dredze Mark
Published: August 2018

Objectives. To understand how Twitter bots and trolls (“bots”) promote online health content.

Methods. We compared bots’ to average users’ rates of vaccine-relevant messages, which we collected online from July 2014 through September 2017. We estimated the likelihood that users were bots, comparing proportions of polarized and antivaccine tweets across user types. We conducted a content analysis of a Twitter hashtag associated with Russian troll activity.

Results. Compared with average users, Russian trolls (χ2(1) = 102.0; P < .001), sophisticated bots (χ2(1) = 28.6; P < .001), and “content polluters” (χ2(1) = 7.0; P < .001) tweeted about vaccination at higher rates. Whereas content polluters posted more antivaccine content (χ2(1) = 11.18; P < .001), Russian trolls amplified both sides. Unidentifiable accounts were more polarized (χ2(1) = 12.1; P < .001) and antivaccine (χ2(1) = 35.9; P < .001). Analysis of the Russian troll hashtag showed that its messages were more political and divisive.

Conclusions. Whereas bots that spread malware and unsolicited content disseminated antivaccine messages, Russian trolls promoted discord. Accounts masquerading as legitimate users create false equivalency, eroding public consensus on vaccination.

Public Health Implications. Directly confronting vaccine skeptics enables bots to legitimize the vaccine debate. More research is needed to determine how best to combat bot-driven content.
Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Private Insurance Coverage and Treatment of Behavioral Health Conditions in Young Adults
Authors: Olfson Mark , Wall Melanie , Barry Colleen L. , Mauro Christine , Mojtabai Ramin
Published: August 2018

Objectives. To assess changes in private insurance coverage and behavioral treatment of people aged 19 to 25 years and 26 to 35 years following the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) dependent care provision and 2014 insurance reforms.

Methods. We extracted data from the 2008 to 2016 US National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. We used an adjusted difference-in-differences approach to assess effects of age group on change in coverage. Replications in subgroups with serious psychological distress or substance use disorders also assessed change in mental health and substance use treatment.

Results. Between 2008 to 2010 and 2011 to 2013, the increase in coverage of the younger group significantly differed from the decrease in the older group, but the 2 groups did not significantly differ between 2011 to 2013 and 2014 to 2016 (+3.2 percentage points; P < .001; and +3.8 percentage points; P < .001). Similar trends occurred among the distressed subgroups and the younger but not older substance use subgroup who reported no significant coverage changes in either period. A minority in the distressed (31.4%–45.4%) and substance use (5.1%–8.5%) subgroups received treatment.

Conclusions. Although implementation of the ACA provisions coincided with coverage gains for young adults, challenges persist in engaging those with mental health and substance use problems in treatment.
Using Publicly Available Data to Understand the Opioid Overdose Epidemic: Geospatial Distribution of Discarded Needles in Boston, Massachusetts
Authors: Bearnot Benjamin , Pearson John F. , Rodriguez Jorge A.
Published: August 2018

Objectives. To use publicly available, crowdsourced data to understand geospatial trends in discarded needles.

Methods. We completed multiple geospatial analyses of discarded needles reported through the Boston, Massachusetts, 311 service request system.

Results. Between May 2015 and August 2017, 4763 discarded needles were reported. The highest concentration of needles were reported in census block groups in the South End and Roxbury neighborhoods. Cumulatively, 78.3% of the needles were reported within 1 kilometer of methadone clinics, safe needle deposit sites, homeless shelters, or hospitals.

Conclusions. Publicly reported data can help identify hot spots of discarded needles and examine indicators of spatial association. In Boston, the number of discarded needles being reported is rising, with the highest density of needles found in 2 central neighborhoods with several outlying hot spots. Most needles were found near areas associated with social stress and substance use disorder.

Public Health Implications. This analysis represents a novel way of leveraging publicly available information to target community responses to the opioid epidemic. Identifying hot spots of discarded needles may enable public health organizations to target future efforts to encourage safer needle disposal practices and reduce public injection drug use.
Drinking Water Violations and Environmental Justice in the United States, 2011–2015
Authors: McDonald Yolanda J. , Jones Nicole E.
Published: August 2018

Objectives. To assess the extent to which drinking water violations in the United States differed on the basis of county race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status using the primary county served by the community water system (CWS) as the unit of analysis and to determine whether counties with higher proportions of underrepresented groups were disproportionately burdened with repeat violations.

Methods. We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate odds ratios of contextual environmental justice covariates associated with initial and repeat drinking water violations. We obtained violations from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System. Results were nonstratified and stratified on the basis of population size served by the CWS.

Results. Stratified multivariable logistic regression results revealed previously unobservable patterns in nonstratified findings. Minorities face significant challenges, including exposure to poor water quality. The most notable differences in both initial and repeat violations that we observed were among CWSs that serve large populations. Our most consistent finding was the positive association of initial and repeat violations with the proportion of those who were uninsured, irrespective of stratification.

Conclusions. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that counties with higher proportions of minorities, uninsured households, and low-income households have access to safe drinking water, irrespective of the size of population served by the CWS.
Lime or Phosphorus: Which is Best to Limit Broomsedge in Tall Fescue Pastures?
Authors: Blevins Dale G. , Hamilton Elizabeth J. , Remley Melissa A. , Massie Matt D. , Naumann Harley D. , Miles Randall J.
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Broomsedge increases in low‐fertility tall fescue pastures.

Phosphorus fertilization limits broomsedge increase in tall fescue pastures.

Lime application limits broomsedge increase in tall fescue pastures.

Applying recommended rates of lime and phosphorus increases tall fescue and limits broomsedge.

Most Missouri tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.) pastures grow on acidic, low‐phosphorus (P) soils. These conditions favor increases in broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.), a grass that is unpalatable for livestock. Three management strategies, 1) liming, 2) P fertilization, and 3) liming plus P fertilization, were evaluated for limiting broomsedge in tall fescue pastures. An established tall fescue pasture containing broomsedge was selected in southwest Missouri (soil pH 4.6, 6 lb/acre Bray I P). Lime was applied at 0x, 0.5x, 1x, and 2x the soil test recommendation (x = 3.67 ton/acre). Plots were treated with 0 or 50 lb P/acre. Plant counts for tall fescue and broomsedge were estimated over the next 3 years. Without P fertilization, broomsedge doubled over a 3‐year period. Phosphorus fertilization effectively maintained broomsedge at the initial level. The P treatment doubled the tall fescue count in 3 years following treatment, but without P, tall fescue counts remained at the initial level. Broomsedge increased nearly threefold without lime. Tall fescue more than doubled with the two highest lime treatments in 3 years. The 0x lime treatment resulted in no increase in tall fescue. Lime and P combined limited broomsedge increase to the greatest degree and produced the greatest increase in tall fescue. Increased vigor of tall fescue resulting from improved soil fertility likely influenced the increase in tall fescue and limited further encroachment of broomsedge. Applying lime and P could improve pastures by encouraging growth of desirable grasses and discouraging increases in common weeds like broomsedge.
Rice Drain Management to Reduce Seepage Exports in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California
Authors: Bachand Philip A.M. , Bachand Sandra M. , Stern Dylan , Deverel Steven , Horwath William R.
Published: August 2018

Many deltas worldwide face subsidence issues due to increased anthropogenic activity. The Sacramento–San Joaquin delta similarly faces ongoing subsidence, more than 8 m in some areas, that increases levee failure risks and threatens the security of this water source for 25 million California residents and 1.2 million ha of agriculture. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields are an integral part of a proposed new strategy for managing subsidence because they have been shown to stop subsidence and provide an alternative crop for growers. Two important considerations for implementing rice fields are additional water requirement and the effect on water quality from mobilized dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and disinfection byproduct precursors. To understand constituent transport and potential management opportunities for rice farming, a plug flow reactor mass balance model was used to quantify surface and subsurface hydrologic pathways. Management of adjacent drainage ditch water levels under low and high scenarios were tested as a strategy to reduce seepage and water quality loads. Under high drains, groundwater met 10% of evapotranspiration (ET). Low drains resulted in a 100% increase in ET demand, which was met by surface water applied for irrigation. High drains reduced subsurface seepage by 95%. Subsurface DOC, trihalomethane, and total dissolved nitrogen loads were reduced 10‐fold in high drains compared with low drains. Flow rate accounted for 74 to 90% of load variance and was the primary determinant of constituent loads. Thoughtful implementation of rice cultivation, with high water levels in adjacent drains, can be leveraged to reduce irrigation water demand and constituent load outputs.

Core Ideas

High drain reduced subsurface seepage flow losses by >10× compared with low drain.

High drain reduced groundwater seepage by 99% and surface water seepage by 90%.

High drain reduced water quality loads from subsurface sources by 10×.

Flow rate was the primary determinant of loads, accounting for 74–90% of variance.
Investigating the Role of Soil Texture in Petroleum Vapor Intrusion
Authors: Yao Yijun , Mao Fang , Xiao Yuting , Chen Huanyu , Verginelli Iason , Luo Jian
Published: August 2018

In this work we investigate the role of soil texture in petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI) by performing numerical modeling, analytical calculations, and statistical analysis of the USEPA's PVI database. Numerical simulations were conducted for three kinds of soil (sand, sandy loam, and clay), and the results indicate that the maximum attenuations of vapor concentrations from source to indoor air were observed when the clay soil is below the building. In the anaerobic zone, the normalized soil gas concentration profiles were observed to be similar and independent of soil type, whereas in the aerobic zone, a more significant attenuation was observed in finer grained soils. Such a finding is consistent with the statistical results of the USEPA's PVI database, which indicate that in the near‐source zone, the soil gas concentration in coarse‐grained soil tends to be lower than that in fine‐grained soil, possibly caused by a weaker source due to mass loss by volatilization, whereas at a distance away from the source, the measured soil gas concentrations in fine‐grained soils become much lower because of aerobic biodegradation with a shorter diffusive reaction length. Thus, 3 and 5 m are proposed as soil‐type‐dependent vertical screening distances for fine and coarse‐grained soils, respectively. It should be noted that the validity of these screening distances is examined only for relatively homogeneous soils, and they may not be applicable for cases involving layered soil systems, where the availability of O2 in the subfoundation should be evaluated with subslab or multidepth samples to confirm the presence of aerobic biodegradation.

Core Ideas

Soil type determines attenuation caused by biodegradation.

The simulations matched the statistical results.

Soil‐type‐dependent screen distances were proposed.