bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migrant pathways to community mental health centres in Italy
Authors: Tarricone Ilaria , Stivanello Elisa , Ferrari Silvia , Colombini Niccolò , Bolla Emilio , Braca Mauro , Giubbarelli Cinzia , Costantini Chiara , Cazzamalli Sara , Mimmi Stefano , Tedesco Dario , Menchetti Marco , Rigatelli Marco , Maso Elisa , Balestrieri Matteo , Vender Simone , Berardi Domenico
Published: August 2011

Background:

Many studies indicate that migrants in western countries have limited access to and low utilization of community mental health centres (CMHCs) despite the high prevalence of mental disorders.

Aims:

We aimed to compare migrant pathways to care across four CMHCs located in different Italian provinces and to identify pathway to care predictors.

Methods:

Migrants attending the four CMHCs between 1 July 1999 and 31 December 2007 were included in the study. Data were gathered retrospectively from clinical data sets and chart review.

Results:

Five hundred and eleven (511) migrants attended the four CMHCs, 61% were referred by GPs or other health services and 39% followed non-medical pathways to care (self-referral or through social and voluntary organizations), with important site variations. Younger age and being married were predictors of medical pathways to care; lacking a residence permit and having a diagnosis of substance abuse were related to non-medical pathways.

Conclusions:

Pathways to CMHCs are complex and influenced by many factors. Non-medical pathways to care seem to be frequent among migrants in Italy. More attention should be paid to developing psychiatric consultation liaison models that also encompass the social services and voluntary organizations.
Counselling and psychotherapy services in more developed and developing regions in China: A comparative investigation of practitioners and current service delivery
Authors: Qian Mingyi , Chen Ruiyun , Chen Hong , Hu Sherlyn , Zhong Jie , Yao Ping , Yi Chunli
Published: August 2011

Background:

Counselling and psychotherapy services have taken off with uneven speed across China since the 1980s after several years of stagnation. Researchers have attributed socioeconomic development (or the lack thereof) and regional differences as main barriers to the development in this field. However, little is known today about the status of counselling and psychotherapy services across China.

Aims:

To investigate and compare the current situation of practitioners and service delivery of counselling and psychotherapy in more developed and developing regions across China.

Method:

Convenience sampling methods from counselling and psychological services organizations in 29 Chinese provinces, municipalities or autonomous regions were used to recruit 1,543 participants to take part in the investigation by completing a 93-item self-designed questionnaire.

Results:

Organizations in developing and more developed regions in China varied in their current practices and employment situation of their practitioners, and in the quality of service delivery. However, counselling and psychotherapy offered at universities in both types of regions are of similar quality.

Conclusion:

In China, the level of socioeconomic development significantly influences the development of professional counselling and psychotherapy services. Important progress is evident in the field; however, the lack of systematic training and the scarcity of professional practitioners remain a challenge.
Psychological well-being and risk perceptions of mothers in Kyiv, Ukraine, 19 years after the Chornobyl disaster
Authors: Adams Richard E. , Guey Lin T. , Gluzman Semyon F. , Bromet Evelyn J.
Published: August 2011

Background: The Chornobyl nuclear power plant explosion in April 1986 was one of the worst ecological disasters of the 20th century. As with most disasters, its long-term mental health consequences have not been examined.

Aims: This study describes the psychological well-being and risk perceptions of exposed women 19–20 years later and the risk factors associated with mental health.

Methods: We assessed Chornobyl-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive episode (MDE) and overall distress among three groups of women in Kyiv, Ukraine ( N = 797): mothers of small children evacuated to Kyiv in 1986 from the contaminated area near the plant (evacuees); mothers of their children’s classmates (neighbourhood controls); and population-based controls from Kyiv. Risk perceptions and epidemiologic correlates were also obtained.

Results: Evacuees reported poorer well-being and more negative risk perceptions than controls. Group differences in psychological well-being remained after adjustment for epidemiologic risk factors but became non-significant when Chornobyl risk perceptions were added to the models.

Conclusions: The relatively poorer psychological well-being among evacuees is largely explained by their continued concerns about the physical health risks stemming from the accident. We suggest that this is due to the long-term, non-resolvable nature of health fears associated with exposure.
Application of natural fiber composites to musical instrument top plates
Authors: Phillips Steven , Lessard Larry
Published: August 2011

A flax-reinforced sandwich structure suitable for replacing wood in the top plates of string musical instruments was developed. The mechanical properties of Sitka spruce, the most widely used wood species for this application, were taken as a benchmark when the new materials were developed. The materials were characterized by static and dynamic methods to determine the dynamic Young’s modulus, shear modulus, internal friction, and static mechanical properties. Based on the material characterization, a hand lay-up process with a two-part closed mold and internal pressure bladder was developed and six prototype ukuleles were manufactured. The results show that the flax-reinforced sandwich structure can successfully act as a top plate and that an efficient manufacturing process can be developed to produce monocoque string musical instruments out of composite materials.
Thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of a polymer composite cured at different isothermal cure temperatures
Authors: Alavi-Soltani S. , Sabzevari S. , Koushyar H. , Minaie B.
Published: August 2011

Thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of a commercial carbon fiber epoxy prepreg, Cycom 977-2 UD, were obtained for isothermal cure temperatures ranging from 149°C to 182°C. For each cure profile, an encapsulated-sample rheometer (ESR) was used to measure the storage modulus. Each ESR cure profile was followed by the glass transition temperature ( Tg) test. The degree of cure ( α) during cure and the heat of reaction of the prepreg were obtained using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Combined loading compression (CLC) and short-beam shear (SBS) tests were performed to obtain compressive properties and SBS strength, respectively. It was observed that the compressive properties did not vary significantly for the studied isothermal cure temperatures; likewise, the compressive failure mode was the same for all the CLC specimens. However, the SBS strength for the specimens cured at 149°C was approximately 10% less than that of those cured at isothermal cure temperatures ranging from 160°C to 182°C. Further, the failure mode of the SBS specimens cured at 149°C was also different from other specimens. The storage modulus of the ESR sample cured at 149°C also showed a 10% decrease compared to other ESR samples. The SBS strength exhibited a good correlation with the storage modulus and a weak correlation with Tg and α.
Economic Consequences of Equity Compensation Disclosure
Authors: Bertomeu Jeremy
Published: August 2011

The primary role of equity compensation is to provide incentives to an effort-averse agent. Here, the author shows that the chosen level of equity incentives, when publicly disclosed, will also convey information about future earnings, causing two-way linkages between incentive compensation, and financial reporting. If (a) market prices respond more (less) to information, (b) the manager is more (less) risk averse, or (c) earnings are more (less) noisy, then the firm’s owners choose more pronounced (muted) incentives, in turn leading to greater (lower) future earnings. The model explains observed spurious correlations between firm performance and executive compensation, and it provides several new predictions linking managerial, earnings, and market determinants to optimal equity holdings.
The Therapeutic Use of Vaptans for the Treatment of Dilutional Hyponatremia
Authors: Cassagnol Manouchkathe , Shogbon Angela O. , Saad Maha
Published: August 2011

Hyponatremia is a very common electrolyte abnormality. Dilutional hyponatremia is very difficult to treat effectively due to the complications of conventional treatment. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) plays an integral role in circulatory and water homeostasis. AVP is a hormone released in response to increases in plasma tonicity or decreases in plasma volume in an attempt to maintain the plasma osmolality between 284 and 295 mOsm/L. AVP receptor antagonists or “vaptans” are a new class of drugs that allow for the safe and efficacious treatment of dilutional hyponatremia. Conivaptan, a mixed V1a/V2 receptor antagonist, and tolvaptan, a selective V2 receptor antagonist, are the only 2 vaptans approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Effects of erdosteine on cyclosporin-A-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Tutanc M , Arica V , Yılmaz N , Nacar A , Zararsiz I , Basarslan F , Tutanc OD , Nacar E
Published: August 2011

Aim: In cyclosporin-A (CsA)-induced toxicity, oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential responsible mechanism. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the protective role of erdosteine against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in terms of tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters and light microscopy in rats. Materials and methods: Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into four groups. Group 1 rats treated with sodium chloride served as the control, group 2 rats were treated with CsA, group 3 with CsA plus erdosteine, and group 4 with erdosteine alone. Animals were killed and blood samples were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB) levels. Kidney sections were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, as well as for histopathological changes. Results: In the CsA group, MDA, GSH-Px, BUN, and Cr levels were increased. The TP and ALB levels were decreased. These changes had been improved by erdosteine administration. Other biochemical parameters did not show any significant change. Conclusion: These results indicate that erdosteine produces a protective mechanism against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and suggest a role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis.
Fibromyalgia in primary antiphospholipid (Hughes) syndrome
Authors: Costa SP , Lage LV , da Mota LM Henrique , de Carvalho JF
Published: August 2011

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome that can be associated with several rheumatic diseases. However, no study has evaluated its frequency in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency of FM in PAPS patients compared with healthy controls, to determine the possible associations between FM and PAPS features, and also to evaluate quality of life and depression in these patients. This case–control study included 30 PAPS patients (by the Sapporo criteria) and 40 healthy subjects. Demographic and clinical data, drug use, and antiphospholipid antibodies were analyzed. FM was diagnosed based on international criteria (ACR). Questionnaires on quality of life, including the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), were also applied. PAPS patients and controls were similar in mean age as well as in distributions of gender and Caucasian race. Mean disease duration was 5.4 ± 4.2 years. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia was made in five (16.7%) PAPS patients and no controls ( p = 0.012). PAPS patients had more diffuse pain (53% vs. 0%, respectively, p < 0.0001), ≥11 tender points (23% vs. 5%, respectively, p = 0.032), and a greater total number (175 vs. 57, respectively, p < 0.0001) as well as median number of tender points per patient than controls (5 [0–18] vs. 0 [0–11], respectively, p < 0.0001). PAPS patients had lower values in all dimensions of the SF-36, as well as higher FIQ scores, higher BDI scores, more depression diagnoses according to BDI results, and increased VAS in comparison with controls. Analysis of PAPS patients with FM compared with those subjects without FM revealed no significant differences regarding demographic features or thrombotic or clinical events; however, PAPS patients who also had FM had lower values in SF-36 dimensions as well as higher FIQ (82.6 ± 9.6 vs. 33.6 ± 29.8, respectively, p < 0.0001) and VAS scores (6.6 ± 2.97 vs. 3.25 ± 3.11, respectively, p = 0.03). BDI scores, in contrast, were similar in both groups. In conclusion, one-fifth of PAPS patients had fibromyalgia and a low quality of life when compared with healthy subjects.
Predictors of mortality and end stage renal disease in Saudi patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Durahim H Al , Ghamdi G Al , Seraya A Al , Alkhiari R , Sayyari A Al
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presentation and factors affecting outcome over a 9-year period in 99 consecutive Saudi patients with biopsy proven lupus nephritis (LN), 35.5% of whom had nephrotic range proteinuria, 46.8% had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 65.5% had histological class IV. The female:male ratio was 3.7:1. During the observation period, there were significant rises in eGFR ( p = 0.005), C4 ( p = 0.000) and significant decrease in 24-h urine protein ( p = 0.028). No correlation was found between final eGFR and baseline 24-h protein, anti-DNA, C3 or C4. Female patients had a significantly higher rise in eGFR ( p = 0.05).During follow-up (FU), 28.2% required dialysis. The survival rates at 5, 10 and 15 years were 92%, 77% and 77% respectively. Baseline C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower in the patients who died ( p = 0.0001 and 0.02 respectively). Those who required dialysis were more likely to die ( p < 0.000) (risk ratio = 4.46; 95% confidence interval 2.8–7.2). Hypertension at presentation was associated with lower baseline eGFR ( p = 0.01) and final eGFR ( p = 0.002) but did not affect the baseline proteinuria. Baseline eGFR of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at presentation was associated with lower eGFR at end of FU ( p = 0.000), higher activity score ( p = 0.0001) and chronicity scores ( p = 0.017).
Concurrent Gastric MALT and Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Oka Kuniyuki , Nagayama Reizo , Yonekawa Nobuo , Nihei Takeshi , Sando Norimasa , Yatabe Yasushi , Mori Naoyoshi
Published: August 2011

This report describes a 60-year-old man with concurrent gastric extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) and classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). Atypical, medium-sized, lymphoid cells proliferated in the mucosa to muscular layer of the stomach showing a lymphoepithelial lesion; admixed with Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells and an inflammatory cell background. MALT lymphoma cells expressed CD20, CD79a, PAX5, and BOB.1, and HRS cells expressed CD30, CD15, Epstein–Barr virus–encoded RNA, and EBV-latent membrane protein 1. Only CHL invaded into the regional lymph nodes. Two possibilities of transformation of MALT lymphoma into CHL and de novo CHL within MALT lymphoma are discussed.
Commentary on Selected Aspects of Cardioprotection
Authors: Jennings Robert B.
Published: August 2011

Three aspects of cardioprotection are discussed in this article. The first is myocyte death as a function of the duration and severity of ischemia in experimental acute myocardial infarction in the dog heart. The short period of time during which reperfusion with arterial blood will salvage myocytes is demonstrated along with data showing that this period diminishes significantly if collateral flow is very low or absent. The second topic is a discussion of potential mechanisms underlying postconditioning. It begins with a review of the changes that lead to irreversible injury during acute ischemia in the dog heart along with a discussion of the genesis of contraction band necrosis and no reflow when myocardium is salvaged by unrestricted reperfusion with arterial blood in order to provide a basis to discuss the potential mechanisms underlying postconditioning, a situation in which reflow is intermittent and restricted. Postconditioning is reported to achieve greater myocyte salvage than unrestricted reflow. Potential explanations for this beneficial effect include: first, sufficient sarcolemmal repair occurring during the intermittent reflow (reoxygenation) to prevent cell death by explosive cell swelling, and second, prevention of the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, thereby preventing mitochondrial failure and cell death in the reperfused tissue. Since there is no way available to identify and specifically study the myocytes that would have died if not protected by postconditioning, direct demonstration of mechanisms is difficult or impossible. Finally, the third topic in this commentary is an analysis of the obstacles faced by investigators using small rodent hearts to establish cardioprotective mechanisms. Such studies provide valid data but the relationship of the changes and the proposed mechanisms underlying these changes are not necessarily directly transferable to ischemic large animal hearts including the heart of man.
Adaptive notch filter applied to acceleration harmonic cancellation of electro-hydraulic servo system
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Di Duotao , Han Junwei
Published: August 2011

The acceleration output of an electro-hydraulic servo system corresponding to a sinusoidal input contains higher harmonics besides the fundamental input, because of complex nonlinearities occurring in the system. This causes harmonic distortion of the acceleration signal. The method for harmonic elimination based on adaptive notch filter is proposed here. The task is accomplished by generating a reference signal with a frequency that should be eliminated from the output. The reference input is filtered in such a way that it closely matches the harmonic. The filtered reference signal is added to the fundamental signal such that the output harmonic is cancelled leaving the desired signal alone. The weights of the adaptive filter are adjusted by the error between the input and the feedback acceleration to eliminate acceleration harmonic, creating an adaptive notch filter. The above concept is used as a basis for the development of an acceleration harmonic cancellation algorithm. Results of simulation and experiment on an electro-hydraulic servo shaking table demonstrate the efficiency and validity of the proposed control scheme.
Targeting surface nucleolin with multivalent HB-19 and related Nucant pseudopeptides results in distinct inhibitory mechanisms depending on the malignant tumor cell type
Authors: Krust Bernard , El Khoury Diala , Nondier Isabelle , Soundaramourty Calaiselvy , Hovanessian Ara G
Published: August 2011

Background

Nucleolin expressed at the cell surface is a binding protein for a variety of ligands implicated in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. By using a specific antagonist that binds the C-terminal RGG domain of nucleolin, the HB-19 pseudopeptide, we recently reported that targeting surface nucleolin with HB-19 suppresses progression of established human breast tumor cells in the athymic nude mice, and delays development of spontaneous melanoma in the RET transgenic mice.

Methods

By the capacity of HB-19 to bind stably surface nucleolin, we purified and identified nucleolin partners at the cell surface. HB-19 and related multivalent Nucant pseudopeptides, that present pentavalently or hexavalently the tripeptide Lysψ(CH2N)-Pro-Arg, were then used to show that targeting surface nucleolin results in distinct inhibitory mechanisms on breast, prostate, colon carcinoma and leukemia cells.

Results

Surface nucleolin exists in a 500-kDa protein complex including several other proteins, which we identified by microsequencing as two Wnt related proteins, Ku86 autoantigen, signal recognition particle subunits SRP68/72, the receptor for complement component gC1q-R, and ribosomal proteins S4/S6. Interestingly, some of the surface-nucleolin associated proteins are implicated in cell signaling, tumor cell adhesion, migration, invasion, cell death, autoimmunity, and bacterial infections. Surface nucleolin in the 500-kDa complex is highly stable. Surface nucleolin antagonists, HB-19 and related multivalent Nucant pseudopeptides, exert distinct inhibitory mechanisms depending on the malignant tumor cell type. For example, in epithelial tumor cells they inhibit cell adhesion or spreading and induce reversion of the malignant phenotype (BMC cancer 2010, 10:325) while in leukemia cells they trigger a rapid cell death associated with DNA fragmentation. The fact that these pseudopeptides do not cause cell death in epithelial tumor cells indicates that cell death in leukemia cells is triggered by a specific signaling mechanism, rather than nonspecific cellular injury.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that targeting surface nucleolin could change the organization of the 500-kDa complex to interfere with the proper functioning of surface nucleolin and the associated proteins, and thus lead to distinct inhibitory mechanisms. Consequently, HB-19 and related Nucant pseudopeptides provide novel therapeutic opportunities in treatment of a wide variety of cancers and related malignancies.
Can changes in health related quality of life scores predict survival in stages III and IV colorectal cancer?
Authors: Braun Donald P , Gupta Digant , Grutsch James F , Staren Edgar D
Published: August 2011

Background

Several studies have demonstrated the predictive significance on survival of baseline quality of life (QoL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) with little information on the impact of changes in QoL scores on prognosis in CRC. We investigated whether changes in QoL during treatment could predict survival in CRC.

Methods

We evaluated 396 stages III-IV CRC patients available for a minimum follow-up of 3 months. QoL was evaluated at baseline and after 3 months of treatment using EORTC QLQ-C30. Cox regression evaluated the prognostic significance of baseline, 3-month and changes in QoL scores after adjusting for age, gender and stage at diagnosis.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, every 10-point increase in both baseline appetite loss and global QoL score was associated with a 7% increased risk of death with HR = 1.07 (95% CI, 1.01-1.14; P = 0.02) and (HR = 0.93 (95% CI, 0.87-0.98; P = 0.01) respectively. A lower risk of death was associated with a 10-point improvement in physical function at 3 months (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78-0.94; P = 0.001). Surprisingly, a higher risk of death was associated with a 10-point improvement in social function at 3 months (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence to indicate that CRC patients whose physical function improves within 3 months of treatment have a significantly increased probability of survival. These findings should be used in clinical practice to systematically address QoL-related problems of CRC patients throughout their treatment course.
A Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Expansile Cervical Laminoplasty and Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion for Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Manzano Glen R. , Casella Gizelda , Wang Michael Y. , Vanni Steven , Levi Allan D.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

Controversy exists as to the best posterior operative procedure to treat multilevel compressive cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine clinical, radiological, and patient satisfaction outcomes between expansile cervical laminoplasty (ECL) and cervical laminectomy and fusion (CLF).

METHODS:

We performed a prospective, randomized study of ECL vs CLF in patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy. End points included the Short Form-36, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score, Nurick score, and radiographic measures.

RESULTS:

A survey of academic North American spine surgeons (n = 30) demonstrated that CLF is the most commonly used (70%) posterior procedure to treat multilevel spondylotic cervical myelopathy. A total of 16 patients were randomized: 7 to CLF and 9 to ECL. Both groups showed improvements in their Nurick grade and Japanese Orthopedic Association score postoperatively, but only the improvement in the Nurick grade for the ECL group was statistically significant (P < .05). The cervical range of motion between C2 and C7 was reduced by 75% in the CLF group and by only 20% in the ECL group in a comparison of preoperative and postoperative range of motion. The overall increase in canal area was significantly (P < .001) greater in the CLF group, but there was a suggestion that the adjacent level was more narrowed in the CLF group in as little as 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:

In many respects, ECL compares favorably to CLF. Although the patient numbers were small, there were significant improvements in pain measures in the ECL group while still maintaining range of motion. Restoration of spinal canal area was superior in the CLF group.
Complex interactions between cis-regulatory modules in native conformation are critical for Drosophila snail expression
Authors: Dunipace Leslie , Ozdemir Anil , Stathopoulos Angelike
Published: August 2011

It has been shown in several organisms that multiple cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) of a gene locus can be active concurrently to support similar spatiotemporal expression. To understand the functional importance of such seemingly redundant CRMs, we examined two CRMs from the Drosophila snail gene locus, which are both active in the ventral region of pre-gastrulation embryos. By performing a deletion series in a ∼25 kb DNA rescue construct using BAC recombineering and site-directed transgenesis, we demonstrate that the two CRMs are not redundant. The distal CRM is absolutely required for viability, whereas the proximal CRM is required only under extreme conditions such as high temperature. Consistent with their distinct requirements, the CRMs support distinct expression patterns: the proximal CRM exhibits an expanded expression domain relative to endogenous snail, whereas the distal CRM exhibits almost complete overlap with snail except at the anterior-most pole. We further show that the distal CRM normally limits the increased expression domain of the proximal CRM and that the proximal CRM serves as a `damper' for the expression levels driven by the distal CRM. Thus, the two CRMs interact in cis in a non-additive fashion and these interactions may be important for fine-tuning the domains and levels of gene expression.
Comparison of serum cortisol measurement by immunoassay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in patients receiving the 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor metyrapone
Authors: Monaghan Phillip J , Owen Laura J , Trainer Peter J , Brabant Georg , Keevil Brian G , Darby Denise
Published: August 2011

Background

The accurate measurement of cortisol by immunoassay is compromised by the potential for cross-reactivity of reagent antibodies with structurally related steroids present in serum. This susceptibility is potentiated when normal steroid metabolism is altered pharmaceutically by antisteroidogenic drugs utilized in the management of Cushing's syndrome to moderate cortisol production. The clinical implications of falsely elevated cortisol results include over-treatment and unrecognized hypoadrenalism. To investigate the effect of the 11 β-hydroxylase inhibitor metyrapone on serum cortisol assay, a comparison of measurement by immunoassay versus liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was conducted.

Methods

Cortisol was measured in serum from three patient groups: (1) patients receiving metyrapone ( n = 112 samples from 10 patients); (2) control group of patients diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome currently receiving no treatment ( n = 31); and (3) control group of patients with no adrenal pathology and not receiving medication known to interfere in cortisol immunoassay ( n = 67).

Results

Bland–Altman plots showed agreement between methods for the control group (bias = 1.1% [−4.3 nmol/L]) and Cushing's control group (bias = 1.3% [−3.7 nmol/L]). This was in stark contrast to the metyrapone therapy group (bias = 23% [59 nmol/L]). The difference between LC-MS/MS versus immunoassay in the metyrapone therapy group positively correlated with metyrapone dose and serum 11-deoxycortisol concentration (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.47, 95% CI 0.32–0.61; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

These data show that liability of immunoassay measurement of serum cortisol to interference in patients receiving metyrapone may lead to erroneous clinical decisions concerning dose titration.
Creating Social Contagion Through Viral Product Design: A Randomized Trial of Peer Influence in Networks
Authors: Aral Sinan , Walker Dylan
Published: August 2011

We examine how firms can create word-of-mouth peer influence and social contagion by designing viral features into their products and marketing campaigns. To econometrically identify the effectiveness of different viral features in creating social contagion, we designed and conducted a randomized field experiment involving the 1.4 million friends of 9,687 experimental users on Facebook.com. We find that viral features generate econometrically identifiable peer influence and social contagion effects. More surprisingly, we find that passive-broadcast viral features generate a 246% increase in peer influence and social contagion, whereas adding active-personalized viral features generate only an additional 98% increase. Although active-personalized viral messages are more effective in encouraging adoption per message and are correlated with more user engagement and sustained product use, passive-broadcast messaging is used more often, generating more total peer adoption in the network. Our work provides a model for how randomized trials can identify peer influence in social networks.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.
The Number of Solutions of λ(x) = n
Authors: Ford Kevin , Luca Florian
Published: August 2011

We study the question of whether for each
Fatores de risco e de proteção para câncer de mama: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Inumaru Lívia Emi , Silveira Érika Aparecida da , Naves Maria Margareth Veloso
Published: August 2011

O objetivo desta revisão foi investigar alguns fatores de risco e de proteção para câncer de mama e analisar se as evidências científicas estabelecidas pelo World Cancer Research Fund e American Institute for Cancer Research e publicadas em 2007 foram confirmadas por estudos mais recentes. Em maio de 2010 foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de estudos coorte e caso-controle publicados entre 2007 e 2010, nas bases PubMed, LILACS e SciELO. Foram selecionados 27 artigos, sendo 13 caso-controles e 14 coortes. As práticas de lactação e de atividade física constituem fatores de proteção para o câncer de mama, e o consumo de bebida alcoólica, fator de risco. Observa-se relação diretamente proporcional entre o aumento da circunferência da cintura, do peso ao longo da vida adulta e da estatura, e risco de câncer de mama na pós-menopausa. A associação entre gordura corporal e câncer de mama é contraditória, na pré- e na pós-menopausa. Até o presente momento, é possível inferir que a melhor forma de prevenção do câncer de mama é a amamentação e a adoção de um estilo de vida saudável.
O fisioterapeuta como profissional de suporte à parturiente
Authors: Bavaresco Gabriela Zanella , Souza Renata Stefânia Olah de , Almeica Berta , Sabatino José Hugo , Dias Mirella
Published: August 2011

O controle da dor no trabalho de parto e no parto, assim como a prevenção do sofrimento são alguns dos objetivos da equipe obstétrica, a qual deve trabalhar para garantir à mulher um parto seguro e satisfatório. Há diversos recursos que podem ser utilizados pelo fisioterapeuta enquanto membro da equipe obstétrica para proporcionar confiança, conforto e alívio da dor à parturiente durante o trabalho de parto. O suporte fisioterapêutico inclui banhos, crioterapia, massagens, técnicas respiratórias, deambulação, posições verticais e a neuroeletroestimulação transcutânea (TENS). Através da pesquisa bibliográfica realizada concluiu-se que a TENS para analgesia ainda aparece com resultados inconclusivos. Todavia, todos os outros recursos aparecem na literatura como vantajosos e que devem ser estimulados durante o período de dilatação e expulsão. O fisioterapeuta mostrou-se útil no acompanhamento da mulher durante o processo parturitivo, ajudando na redução da percepção dolorosa e na diminuição do tempo de trabalho de parto.
Prevalência da síndrome metabólica e seus fatores associados em área rural de Minas Gerais (MG, Brasil)
Authors: Pimenta Adriano Marçal , Gazzinelli Andréa , Velásquez-Meléndez Gustavo
Published: August 2011

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica (SM) e seus fatores associados em área rural de Minas Gerais. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de base populacional, conduzido nas comunidades rurais de Virgem das Graças e Caju, Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais. Foram coletas informações sobre características demográficas, do estilo de vida, antropométricas, bioquímicas e hemodinâmicas de 534 participantes adultos. A SM foi definida segundo critérios estabelecidos pela National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III. Associações independentes entre as covariáveis e a SM foram avaliadas usando-se a regressão multivariada de Poisson com variâncias robustas. O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido em 5,0%. RESULTADOS: A SM estava presente em 14,9% dos participantes. O sexo feminino, a obesidade, a inflamação crônica subclínica, a resistência à insulina, a idade e o consumo moderado de bebida alcoólica permaneceram independentemente associados à SM. CONCLUSÕES: Na população rural estudada, a SM era problema de Saúde Pública, associada a fatores modificáveis. Portanto, medidas preventivas primárias poderiam ser usadas para diminuir a prevalência deste agravo e o seu impacto na saúde das pessoas.
Experimental study of a shallow strip footing on geogrid-reinforced sand bed above a void
Authors: Moghaddas Tafreshi S.N. , Khalaj O. , Halvaee M.
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT: Underground voids located in the failure zone of a structure's footing decrease the bearing capacity and increase the settlement of the footing. This paper presents results from laboratory-model tests of strip footings supported by reinforced sand beds above a continuous void to investigate the potential benefits of using a replaced reinforced sand layer to bridge the void. The parameters studied in this testing programme include the relative density of the replaced sand, the void embedment depth and the number of reinforcement layers below the footing base. The results demonstrate that the bearing pressure and footing settlement significantly improved as the three parameters above were increased due to arching of the soil mass overlying the void. With unreinforced sand, the undesirable structural effects of the void can be eliminated only by using sand with a relative density of 72% for a void embedded at a depth of around 3.5–4 times the void's diameter (D). The effects of voids embedded at depths of 3D and 2D can be mitigated using four layers of reinforcement at relative densities of 57 and 72%, respectively.
Urine nitrification and sewer discharge to realize in-sewer denitrification to simplify sewage treatment in Hong Kong
Authors: Jiang F. , Chen Y. , Mackey H. R. , Chen G. H. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M.
Published: August 2011

The chemically enhanced primary treatment works in Hong Kong will be upgraded for biological nitrogen removal. This study proposed a novel approach to waive the upgrading by urine source-separation, onsite nitrification and discharge of nitrified urine into sewers to achieve in-sewer denitrification. Human urine was collected and a lab-scale experiment for full urine nitrification was conducted. The results showed that full nitrification was achieved with alkaline addition. Simulation of nitrified urine discharge into an 8-km pressure main in Hong Kong was conducted with a quasi-2D dynamic sewer model developed from a previously calibrated sewer biofilm model. It was assumed that 70% of the residents' urine was collected and fully nitrified on-site. The simulation results revealed that the proposed approach is effective in removal of nitrogen within the sewer, which decreases ammonia-N at the sewer outlet to a level required for secondary effluent discharge in Hong Kong.
Mullite ceramic membranes for industrial oily wastewater treatment: experimental and neural network modeling
Authors: Shokrkar H. , Salahi A. , Kasiri N. , Mohammadi T.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, results of an experimental and modeling of separation of oil from industrial oily wastewaters (desalter unit effluent of Seraje, Ghom gas wells, Iran) with mullite ceramic membranes are presented. Mullite microfiltration symmetric membranes were synthesized from kaolin clay and α-alumina powder. The results show that the mullite ceramic membrane has a high total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand rejection (94 and 89%, respectively), a low fouling resistance (30%) and a high final permeation flux (75 L/m2 h). Also, an artificial neural network, a predictive tool for tracking the inputs and outputs of a non-linear problem, is used to model the permeation flux decline during microfiltration of oily wastewater. The aim was to predict the permeation flux as a function of feed temperature, trans-membrane pressure, cross-flow velocity, oil concentration and filtration time, using a feed-forward neural network. Finally the structure of hidden layers and nodes in each layer with minimum error were reported leading to a 4–15 structure which demonstrated good agreement with the experimental measurements with an average error of less than 2%.
Adsorption characteristics of methylene blue onto agricultural wastes lotus leaf in bath and column modes
Authors: Han Xiuli , Wang Wei , Ma Xiaojian
Published: August 2011

The adsorption potential of lotus leaf to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution was investigated in batch and ﬁxed-bed column experiments. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Koble–Corrigan isotherm models were employed to discuss the adsorption behavior. The results of analysis indicated that the equilibrium data were perfectly represented by Temkin isotherm and the Langmuir saturation adsorption capacity of lotus leaf was found to be 239.6 mg g−1 at 303 K. In ﬁxed-bed column experiments, the effects of flow rate, influent concentration and bed height on the breakthrough characteristics of adsorption were discussed. The Thomas and the bed-depth/service time (BDST) models were applied to the column experimental data to determine the characteristic parameters of the column adsorption. The two models were found to be suitable to describe the dynamic behavior of MB adsorbed onto the lotus leaf powder column.
Process-based modelling of phosphorus removal in a novel constructed wetland system using dewatered alum-sludge as substrate
Authors: Kumar J. L. G. , Zhao Y. Q. , Babatunde A. O.
Published: August 2011

A process-based model that can evaluate the transport and the fate of phosphorus (P) in agricultural wastewater was developed for a novel 4-stage dewatered alum sludge cakes (DASC) based constructed wetlands (CWs) system using STELLA software (version 9.1.4). The model considered adsorption, plant and microbial uptakes as the major forms of P involved in the transformation chains. The results were obtained by experimental procedure through laboratory measurement, from literature and/or calibration. The observed effluent P concentration in the CWs ranged from 3.62 to 8.50 mg/L (stage 1), 2.00 to 4.45 mg/L (stage 2), 1.39 to 3.76 mg/L (stage 3) and 0.52 to 2.36 mg/L (stage 4), whereas the simulated values ranged from 2.12 to 10.99 mg/L (stage 1), 1.32 to 5.65 mg/L (stage 2), 0.84 to 3.64 mg/L (stage 3) and 0.53 to 2.25 mg/L (stage 4), respectively. The simulated and observed values of P removal in the CWs system were in good agreement. A mass balance analysis was performed for all the major processes which resulted in a major pathway of P removal through adsorption (64–75%, 58–66%, 57–63% and 49–58%) followed by plant uptake (7–11%, 8–14%, 14–17% and 9–19%) and microbial uptake (3–7%, 3–5%, 9–12% and 7–12%) for stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4, respectively. Thus the mathematical model developed in this study could be used to explain the removal processes and simulate the fate of P in the DASC-based CWs system.
Highlights of a Symposium, Malaria: Where are we Today, Where are we
Going?
Authors: Wieten Rosanne W. , Vugt Michèle van , Leth Frank van , Grobusch Martin P.
Published: August 2011

Malaria continues to pose a major public health threat in endemic areas. However, times are changing, and
many investments have been made in recent years into funding of malaria research, the development of more and
improved control tools, and applying those to the field. Consequently, there is a renewed interest in going as far as
considering the prospects of malaria elimination on a global scale. This goal cannot be reached without optimising and
combining biotechnical, economical and social anthropological aspects. A symposium held on 25 January 2011 in
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, organised by the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, the Center for
Infection and Immunity Amsterdam and the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, focused on
malaria and the malERA eradication program, summarizing the state of the art in malaria control and beyond, and offering
insight into the various possible ways forward. This manuscript summarizes the information presented and the ensuing
discussions.
Registration of Soybean Germplasm Line LG00‐6313
Authors: Nelson R. L. , Johnson E.O.C.
Published: August 2011

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm line LG00‐6313 (Reg. No. GP‐375, PI 660990) was developed and released by the USDA‐ARS and the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, Urbana, IL. LG00‐6313 is the progeny of an F5 plant from the cross PI 574480B × PI 574477. Both parents are Chinese cultivars that are not in the ancestry of any released germplasm or cultivar in the United States. LG00‐6313 is classified as early maturity group IV. In cooperative tests at 4 locations with private industry, 7 locations in the USDA Uniform Soybean Tests–Northern States, Preliminary Test IV (2002), and 15 locations in the Uniform Test IV (2003), LG00‐6313 yielded 110, 102, and 99% of the highest yielding check in each test. LG00‐6313 is known to be susceptible to races 4 and 7 of Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann). LG00‐6313 can be used as a parent for soybean breeding programs to provide new genetic diversity to improve the yield of U.S. cultivars.
Registration of Spring‐ and Winter‐Habit Wheat Lines Derived from Elite Cultivars of the Alternate Growth Habit
Authors: Blake N. K. , Lanning S. P. , Berg J. E. , Bruckner P. L. , Sherman J. D. , Talbert L. E.
Published: August 2011

The winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines NB474‐23 (‘NuSky’/6*‘McNeal’) (Reg. No. GP‐866, PI 660648) and NB475‐12 (‘Paul’/6*McNeal) (Reg. No. GP‐867, PI 660649) were developed by backcrossing the winter allele vrn‐A1 into the hard red spring wheat variety McNeal. Both lines are winter habit, although their winter survival is lower than that of the winter wheat cultivars. The spring wheat lines NB481‐23‐1 (‘Choteau’/6*‘Yellowstone’) (Reg. No. GP‐868, PI 660650) and NB489‐54‐1 (‘Reeder’/6*NuSky) (Reg. No. GP‐869, PI 660651) were developed by backcrossing the spring allele Vrn‐A1 into the winter wheat cultivars Yellowstone and NuSky, respectively. Spring wheat lines NB085WS03686 (Choteau/6*Paul) (Reg. No. GP‐870,PI 660652) and NB085WS03690 (Choteau/6*Paul) (Reg. No. GP‐865, PI 660647) were developed by backcrossing the spring allele at Vrn‐A1 into the winter wheat cultivar Paul. Although these four lines are all spring habit, their heading date is delayed relative to that of the spring wheat cultivars. All six lines will provide spring wheat and winter wheat breeding programs with access to genes from elite cultivars possessing the alternate growth habit.
Registration of ‘Vision 40’ Wheat
Authors: Hall M. D. , Griffey C. A. , Green A. , Liu S. , Gundrum P. , Berger G. , Brooks W. S. , Thomason W. E. , Hokanson E. G. , Behl H. D. , Pitman R. M. , Dunaway D. W. , Vaughn M. E. , Lewis T. , Custis J. T. , Seabourn B. , Chen R. , Fountain M. , Marshall D. , Beahm B. R. , Whitt D. L. , Lin C. J. , Mennel D. L.
Published: August 2011

The potential exists to develop and market hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the eastern United States, where a majority of the mills, bakeries, and consumers reside. The primary objective of this study was to develop adapted and competitive hard winter wheat cultivars possessing high‐value traits that offer the potential for new and expanded markets and greater profitability to wheat producers in the eastern United States. ‘Vision 40’ (Reg. No. CV‐1063, PI 661154) hard red winter (HRW) wheat was derived from the cross 92PIN#109/92PAN1#33 and released by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station in March 2010. Vision 40 was developed with a modified bulk‐breeding method and was tested as VA06HRW‐66 in replicated yield trials in Virginia (2007–2009) and in the eastern region (2008– 2009). Vision 40 is a high‐yielding, winter hardy, awned, semidwarf (Rht2) having mid‐ to late‐season spike emergence and moderate resistance to diseases prevalent in the mid‐Atlantic area with the exception of Fusarium head blight [caused by Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe)]. Vision 40 was the fourth highest yielding HRW wheat entry when averaged over 2 yr of the Uniform Bread Wheat Nursery grown at 11 test sites in 10 states in 2008 and 12 test sites in 9 states in 2009. In comparison with the hard wheat cultivar ‘Lakin’ (PI 617032), Vision 40 has acceptable end‐use quality on the basis of flour yield (70.2 versus 70.3 g 100 g−1), flour protein (9.5 versus 9.5 g 100 g−1), flour water absorption (58.5 versus 59.1 g 100 g−1), dough mixing tolerance (1.7 versus 2.3), pup‐loaf volume (823 versus 803 cm3), and crumb grain scores (3.6 versus 3.7).
Isolation, characterization, and cross‐species amplification of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Pilosocereus machrisii (Cactaceae)
Authors: Perez Manolo F. , Téo Mariana F. , Zappi Daniela C. , Taylor Nigel P. , Moraes Evandro M.
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in Pilosocereus machrisii, a columnar cactus with a patchy distribution in eastern tropical South America, to assess its genetic diversity and population structure.

•Methods and Results: Eleven microsatellite markers were developed, of which one was monomorphic among 51 individuals from two populations. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus ranged from two to eight, and the total number of alleles was 57. From the 11 isolated loci, nine were successfully amplified in the other four Pilosocereus species.

•Conclusions: The results showed that these markers will be useful for studies of genetic diversity, patterns of gene flow, and population genetic structure in P. machrisii, as well as across other congeneric species.