bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of Brief Screening Instrument for Adolescent Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Use
Authors: Kelly Sharon M. , Gryczynski Jan , Mitchell Shannon Gwin , Kirk Arethusa , O’Grady Kevin E. , Schwartz Robert P.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism developed an alcohol screening instrument for youth based on epidemiologic data. This study examines the concurrent validity of this instrument, expanded to include tobacco and drugs, among pediatric patients, as well as the acceptability of its self-administration on an iPad.

METHODS:

Five hundred and twenty-five patients (54.5% female; 92.8% African American) aged 12 to 17 completed the Brief Screener for Tobacco, Alcohol, and other Drugs (BSTAD) via interviewer-administration or self-administration using an iPad. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition substance use disorders (SUDs) were identified using a modified Composite International Diagnostic Interview-2 Substance Abuse Module. Receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivities, and specificities were obtained to determine optimal cut points on the BSTAD in relation to SUDs.

RESULTS:

One hundred fifty-nine (30.3%) adolescents reported past-year use of ≥1 substances on the BSTAD: 113 (21.5%) used alcohol, 84 (16.0%) used marijuana, and 50 (9.5%) used tobacco. Optimal cut points for past-year frequency of use items on the BSTAD to identify SUDs were ≥6 days of tobacco use (sensitivity = 0.95; specificity = 0.97); ≥2 days of alcohol use (sensitivity = 0.96; specificity = 0.85); and ≥2 days of marijuana use (sensitivity = 0.80; specificity = 0.93). iPad self-administration was preferred over interviewer administration (z = 5.8; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The BSTAD is a promising screening tool for identifying problematic tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use in pediatric settings. Even low frequency of substance use among adolescents may indicate need for intervention.
Sleep in Healthy Black and White Adolescents
Authors: Matthews Karen A. , Hall Martica , Dahl Ronald E.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Inadequate sleep among adolescents has negative consequences for self-regulation, emotional well-being, and risk behaviors. Using multiple assessment methods, we evaluated the adequacy of sleep among healthy adolescents from a lower socioeconomic community and expected differences by race.

METHODS:

A total of 250 healthy high school students enrolled in public school (mean age: 15.7 years; 57% black, 54% female) from families of low to middle class according to the Hollingshead scale participated in weeklong assessments of sleep duration and fragmentation, assessed by using actigraphy; sleep duration and perceived quality, assessed by using daily diaries; and daytime sleepiness and sleep delay, assessed by using a questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Students slept during the school week a mean ± SD of 6.0 ± 0.9 hours per night according to actigraphy and 6.8 ± 1.1 hours according to daily diary, and during the weekend, a mean of 7.4 ± 1.2 and 8.7 ± 1.4 hours, respectively. Black participants and male participants slept less and had more fragmented sleep; female participants reported poorer quality of sleep in their daily diaries and more daytime sleepiness. The results remained significant after adjustments for age, physical activity, smoking status, and percentile BMI.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most students slept less than the 8 to 9 hours suggested by the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black male participants had the least amount of sleep, which may play a role in the substantial risks experienced by this demographic group. Our findings are consistent with recommendations that pediatricians should routinely screen their adolescent patients about their sleep, especially those from at-risk subgroups.
Effectiveness of Trivalent Flu Vaccine in Healthy Young Children
Authors: Blyth Christopher C. , Jacoby Peter , Effler Paul V. , Kelly Heath , Smith David W. , Robins Christine , Willis Gabriela A. , Levy Avram , Keil Anthony D. , Richmond Peter C.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND:

There are few studies evaluating the effectiveness of trivalent influenza vaccination (TIV) in young children, particularly in children <2 years. The Western Australian Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Study commenced in 2008 to evaluate a program providing TIV to children aged 6 to 59 months.

METHODS:

An observational study enrolling children with influenza-like illness presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital was conducted (2008–2012). Vaccination status was determined by parental questionnaire and confirmed via the national immunization register and/or vaccine providers. Respiratory virus polymerase chain reaction and culture were performed on nasopharyngeal samples. The test-negative design was used to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) by using 2 control groups: all influenza test-negative subjects and other-virus-detected (OVD) subjects. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated from models with season, month of disease onset, age, gender, indigenous status, prematurity, and comorbidities as covariates. Subjects enrolled in 2009 were excluded from VE calculations.

RESULTS:

Of 2001 children enrolled, influenza was identified in 389 (20.4%) children. Another respiratory virus was identified in 1134 (59.6%) children. Overall, 295 of 1903 (15.5%) children were fully vaccinated and 161 of 1903 (8.4%) children were partially vaccinated. Vaccine uptake was significantly lower in 2010–2012 after increased febrile adverse events observed in 2010. Using test-negative controls, VE was 64.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.7%–81.2%). No difference in VE was observed with OVD controls (65.8%; 95% CI: 32.1%–82.8%). The VE for children <2 years was 85.8% (95% CI: 37.9%–96.7%).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study reveals the effectiveness of TIV in young children over 4 seasons by using test-negative and OVD controls. TIV was effective in children aged <2 years. Despite demonstrated vaccine effectiveness, uptake of TIV remains suboptimal.
Behavior, Development, and Predation of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Fed Transgenic and Conventional Cotton Cultivars
Authors: Jesus Flávio G De , Junior Arlindo L Boiça , Alves Gleina C S , Zanuncio José C
Published: April 2014

The association of insect-resistant plants with biological control is important in integrated management to reduce the density of pests below the economic injury level. The behavior, development, and predation of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were studied with the prey Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) fed on the leaves of the cotton cultivars ‘NuOpal’ (transgenic), ‘DeltaOpal,’ ‘FMX910,’ ‘FMX993,’ or ‘FMX996′ (conventional). The attraction of P. nigrispinus to S. frugiperda larvae fed on different cotton cultivars was similar. The predation of nymphs and adults, and the life cycle of the P. nigrispinus predator were higher for S. frugiperda larvae fed on the NuOpal; however, the total viability of P. nigrispinus was lower when predating on S. frugiperda fed the NuOpal. S. frugiperda acquires toxins from transgenic cotton, which can affect its natural predator P. nigrispinus.
Nesting Biology of the Leafcutting BeeMegachile minutissima(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Central Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqarni Abdulaziz S , Hannan Mohammed A , Gonzalez Victor H , Engel Michael S
Published: April 2014

The leafcutting bee Megachile (Eutricharaea) minutissima Radoszkowski is a widely distributed species in the Middle East and a promising pollinator of alfalfa. We provide information on the nest architecture, foraging behavior, phenology, and host plants of a wild population of M. minutissima studied between March 2010 and September 2012 in Amariah, a typical desert in central Saudi Arabia. Bees nested in preexisting cavities in the sandy, dry, and loose soil, and built between 2 and 14 leaf-lined brood cells per nest. Females built and provisioned 1–2 cells per day, each consisting of a large oval piece from which the cell cup was made and a small semiround piece that was used as cell cap; however, occasionally small oval pieces were also used in the latter. Cells were built from leaves of Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), a locally abundant plant. Both sexes were captured from March to October at flowers of 11 species (10 families), indicating some degree of polylecty as well as either bivoltinism or multivoltinism. We also provide comparative taxonomie comments that will assist bee researchers to easily recognize this species.
Stylet Bundle Morphology and Trophically Related Enzymes of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)
Authors: Oten Kelly L F , Cohen Allen C , Hain Fred P
Published: April 2014

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is a pest of eastern and Carolina hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière and Tsuga caroliniana Engelmann, respectively) in the eastern United States and has already caused catastrophic changes to eastern forests. As one of the significant exotic forest pests, it is imperative that the basic biology of hemlock woolly adelgid be understood for use in novel and improved management techniques. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and enzyme assays were used to elucidate the feeding biology of hemlock woolly adelgid and are discussed in the context of the pest—plant interactions and the implications for host plant resistance. Morphological characters indicate that hemlock woolly adelgids may use labial sensilla and neural canals within the mandibular stylets to guide their stylets through close-range host acceptance processes. Stylet bundle insertion is likely assisted by external sheath material that secures the stylet bundle to the plant surface and mandibular dentitions that may assist entry into or within plant tissues. In addition, results support the theory that extra-oral digestion is likely used by hemlock woolly adelgid, suggested by both a narrow food canal and the presence of four trophically related enzymes (a trypsin-like enzyme, an amylase-like enzyme, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase). The presence of these enzymes also has implications for causing a systemic response in host trees.
All-Cause, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Mortality in Western Alaska Native People: Western Alaska Tribal Collaborative for Health (WATCH)
Authors: Howard Barbara V. , Metzger Jesse S. , Koller Kathryn R. , Jolly Stacey E. , Asay Elvin D. , Wang Hong , Wolfe Abbie W. , Hopkins Scarlett E. , Kaufmann Cristiane , Raymer Terry W. , Trimble Brian , Provost Ellen M. , Ebbesson Sven O. E. , Austin Melissa A. , Howard William James , Umans Jason G. , Boyer Bert B.
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We determined all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in western Alaska Native people and examined agreement between death certificate information and adjudicated cause of deaths.

Methods. Data from 4 cohort studies were consolidated. Death certificates and medical records were reviewed and adjudicated according to standard criteria. We compared adjudicated CVD and cancer deaths with death certificates by calculating sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and κ statistics.

Results. Men (n = 2116) and women (n = 2453), aged 18 to 95 years, were followed an average of 6.7 years. The major cause of death in men was trauma (25%), followed by CVD (19%) and cancer (13%). The major cause of death in women was CVD (24%), followed by cancer (19%) and trauma (8%). Stroke rates in both genders were higher than those of US Whites. Only 56% of deaths classified as CVD by death certificate were classified as CVD by standard criteria; discordance was higher among men (55%) than women (32%; κs = 0.4 and 0.7).

Conclusions. We found lower rates for coronary heart disease death but high rates of stroke mortality. Death certificates overestimated CVD mortality; concordance between the 2 methods is better for cancer mortality. The results point to the importance of cohort studies in this population in providing data to assist in health care planning.
Period Life Tables for the Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native Population, 2007–2009
Authors: Arias Elizabeth , Xu Jiaquan , Jim Melissa A.
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We estimated complete period life tables for the non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population residing in Contract Health Service Delivery Area (CHSDA) counties for the period 2007–2009.

Methods. We used National Vital Statistics System mortality data files for years 2007–2009 corrected for AI/AN misclassification on death certificates, midyear 2008 revised census bridged race intercensal population estimates, and National Vital Statistics System birth data for years 2006–2009. We used the same methodology as that used to estimate official US annual life tables, with some minor modifications.

Results. For the period 2007–2009, the non-Hispanic AI/AN population in CHSDA counties had the lowest life expectancy at birth (71.1 years) of any racial/ethnic group for which official US life tables are estimated. By comparison, in 2008, life expectancy at birth was 73.9 years for the non-Hispanic Black population, 78.4 years for the non-Hispanic White population, and 80.8 years for the Hispanic population.

Conclusions. The life tables showed a clear mortality disadvantage for the non-Hispanic AI/AN population in CHSDA counties relative to other national populations. The findings suggested that further research is necessary to explore the causes behind these disadvantages.
American Indian Health Policy: Historical Trends and Contemporary Issues
Authors: Warne Donald , Frizzell Linda Bane
Published: April 2014

The United States has a trust responsibility to provide services to American Indians and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons. However, a long-standing history of underfunding of the Indian Health Service (IHS) has led to significant challenges in providing services.

Twentieth century laws, including the Snyder Act, Transfer Act, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) have had an effect on the way health services are provided. IHCIA was reauthorized as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Several provisions in ACA allow for potential improvements in access to services for AI/AN populations and are described herein.

Although policy developments have been promising, IHS underfunding must be resolved to ensure improved AI/AN health.
Historical Trends and Regional Differences in All-Cause and Amenable Mortality Among American Indians and Alaska Natives Since 1950
Authors: Kunitz Stephen J. , Veazie Mark , Henderson Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2014

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) death rates declined over most of the 20th century, even before the Public Health Service became responsible for health care in 1956. Since then, rates have declined further, although they have stagnated since the 1980s. These overall patterns obscure substantial regional differences. Most significant, rates in the Northern and Southern Plains have declined far less since 1949 to 1953 than those in the East, Southwest, or Pacific Coast. Data for Alaska are not available for the earlier period, so its trajectory of mortality cannot be ascertained. Socioeconomic measures do not adequately explain the differences and rates of change, but migration, changes in self-identification as an AI/AN person, interracial marriage, and variations in health care effectiveness all appear to be implicated.
Methods for Improving the Quality and Completeness of Mortality Data for American Indians and Alaska Natives
Authors: Espey David K. , Jim Melissa A. , Richards Thomas B. , Begay Crystal , Haverkamp Don , Roberts Diana
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We describe methods used to mitigate the effect of race misclassification in mortality records and the data sets used to improve mortality estimates for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs).

Methods. We linked US National Death Index (NDI) records with Indian Health Service (IHS) registration records to identify AI/AN deaths misclassified as non-AI/AN deaths. Analyses excluded decedents of Hispanic origin and focused on Contract Health Service Delivery Area (CHSDA) counties. We compared death rates for AI/AN persons and Whites across 6 US regions.

Results. IHS registration records merged to 176 137 NDI records. Misclassification of AI/AN race in mortality data ranged from 6.3% in the Southwest to 35.6% in the Southern Plains. From 1999 to 2009, the all-cause death rate in CHSDA counties for AI/AN persons varied by geographic region and was 46% greater than that for Whites. Analyses for CHSDA counties resulted in higher death rates for AI/AN persons than in all counties combined.

Conclusions. Improving race classification among AI/AN decedents strengthens AI/AN mortality data, and analyzing deaths by geographic region can aid in planning, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to reduce health disparities in this population.
Infectious Disease Mortality Among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 1999–2009
Authors: Cheek James E. , Holman Robert C. , Redd John T. , Haberling Dana , Hennessy Thomas W.
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We described death rates and leading causes of death caused by infectious diseases (IDs) in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons.

Methods. We analyzed national mortality data, adjusted for AI/AN race by linkage with Indian Health Service registration records, for all US counties and Contract Health Service Delivery Area (CHSDA) counties. The average annual 1999 to 2009 ID death rates per 100 000 persons for AI/AN persons were compared with corresponding rates for Whites.

Results. The ID death rate in AI/AN populations was significantly higher than that of Whites. A reported 8429 ID deaths (rate 86.2) in CHSDA counties occurred among AI/AN persons; the rate was significantly higher than the rate in Whites (44.0; rate ratio [RR] = 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.91, 2.00). The rates for the top 10 ID underlying causes of death were significantly higher for AI/AN persons than those for Whites. Lower respiratory tract infection and septicemia were the top-ranked causes. The greatest relative rate disparity was for tuberculosis (RR = 13.51; 95% CI = 11.36, 15.93).

Conclusions. Health equity might be furthered by expansion of interventions to reduce IDs among AI/AN communities.
Adapting to the Effects of Climate Change on Inuit Health
Authors: Ford James D. , Willox Ashlee Cunsolo , Chatwood Susan , Furgal Christopher , Harper Sherilee , Mauro Ian , Pearce Tristan
Published: April 2014

Climate change will have far-reaching implications for Inuit health. Focusing on adaptation offers a proactive approach for managing climate-related health risks—one that views Inuit populations as active agents in planning and responding at household, community, and regional levels.

Adaptation can direct attention to the root causes of climate vulnerability and emphasize the importance of traditional knowledge regarding environmental change and adaptive strategies. An evidence base on adaptation options and processes for Inuit regions is currently lacking, however, thus constraining climate policy development.

In this article, we tackled this deficit, drawing upon our understanding of the determinants of health vulnerability to climate change in Canada to propose key considerations for adaptation decision-making in an Inuit context.
Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality Among American Indian and Alaska Native People, 1990–2009
Authors: Groom Amy V. , Hennessy Thomas W. , Singleton Rosalyn J. , Butler Jay C. , Holve Stephen , Cheek James E.
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We compared pneumonia and influenza death rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people with rates among Whites and examined geographic differences in pneumonia and influenza death rates for AI/AN persons.

Methods. We adjusted National Vital Statistics Surveillance mortality data for racial misclassification of AI/AN people through linkages with Indian Health Service (IHS) registration records. Pneumonia and influenza deaths were defined as those who died from 1990 through 1998 and 1999 through 2009 according to codes for pneumonia and influenza from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revision, respectively. We limited the analysis to IHS Contract Health Service Delivery Area counties, and compared pneumonia and influenza death rates between AI/ANs and Whites by calculating rate ratios for the 2 periods.

Results. Compared with Whites, the pneumonia and influenza death rate for AI/AN persons in both periods was significantly higher. AI/AN populations in the Alaska, Northern Plains, and Southwest regions had rates more than 2 times higher than those of Whites. The pneumonia and influenza death rate for AI/AN populations decreased from 39.6 in 1999 to 2003 to 33.9 in 2004 to 2009.

Conclusions. Although progress has been made in reducing pneumonia and influenza mortality, disparities between AI/AN persons and Whites persist. Strategies to improve vaccination coverage and address risk factors that contribute to pneumonia and influenza mortality are needed.
Community-Based Surveillance and Case Management for Suicide Prevention: An American Indian Tribally Initiated System
Authors: Cwik Mary F. , Barlow Allison , Goklish Novalene , Larzelere-Hinton Francene , Tingey Lauren , Craig Mariddie , Lupe Ronnie , Walkup John
Published: April 2014

The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention highlights the importance of improving the timeliness, usefulness, and quality of national suicide surveillance systems, and expanding local capacity to collect relevant data. This article describes the background, methods, process data, and implications from the first-of-its-kind community-based surveillance system for suicidal and self-injurious behavior developed by the White Mountain Apache Tribe with assistance from Johns Hopkins University. The system enables local, detailed, and real-time data collection beyond clinical settings, with in-person follow-up to facilitate connections to care. Total reporting and the proportion of individuals seeking treatment have increased over time, suggesting that this innovative surveillance system is feasible, useful, and serves as a model for other communities and the field of suicide prevention.
Suicide Mortality Among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 1999–2009
Authors: Herne Mose A. , Bartholomew Michael L. , Weahkee Rose L.
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We assessed national and regional suicide mortality for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons.

Methods. We used 1999 to 2009 death certificate data linked with Indian Health Service (IHS) patient registration data to examine death rates from suicide in AI/AN and White persons. Analysis focused primarily on residents of IHS Contract Health Service Delivery Area counties; Hispanics were excluded. We used age-adjusted death rates per 100 000 population and stratified our analyses by age and IHS region.

Results. Death rates from suicide were approximately 50% higher among AI/AN persons (21.2) than Whites (14.2). By region, rates for AI/AN people were highest in Alaska (rates = 65.4 and 19.3, for males and females, respectively) and in the Northern Plains (rates = 41.6 and 11.9 for males and females, respectively). Disparities between AI/AN and White rates were also highest in these regions.

Conclusions. A coordinated, multidisciplinary effort involving federal, state, local, and tribal health officials is needed to address this important public health issue.
A Combination Method for Electrocardiogram Rejection from Surface Electromyogram
Authors: Abbaspour Sara , Fallah Ali
Published: April 2014

The electrocardiogram signal which represents the electrical activity of the heart provides interference in the
recording of the electromyogram signal, when the electromyogram signal is recorded from muscles close to the heart.
Therefore, due to impurities, electromyogram signals recorded from this area cannot be used. In this paper, a new method
was developed using a combination of artificial neural network and wavelet transform approaches, to eliminate the electrocardiogram
artifact from electromyogram signals and improve results. For this purpose, contaminated signal is initially
cleaned using the neural network. With this process, a large amount of noise can be removed. However, low-frequency
noise components remain in the signal that can be removed using wavelet. Finally, the result of the proposed method is
compared with other methods that were used in different papers to remove electrocardiogram from electromyogram. In
this paper in order to compare methods, qualitative and quantitative criteria such as signal to noise ratio, relative error,
power spectrum density and coherence have been investigated for evaluation and comparison. The results of signal to
noise ratio and relative error are equal to 15.6015 and 0.0139, respectively.
Characterization of Hybrid Bioactive Glass-polyvinyl Alcohol Scaffolds Containing a PTHrP-derived Pentapeptide as Implants for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Coletta D.J. , Lozano D. , Rocha-Oliveira A.A. , Mortarino P. , Bumaguin G.E. , Vitelli E. , Vena R. , Missana L. , Jammal M. V. , Portal-Núñez S. , Pereira M. , Esbrit P. , Feldman S.
Published: April 2014

Hybrid foam (BG-PVA) with 50 % Bioactive glass (BG) and 50 % polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was prepared by sol-gel process to produce scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The pore structure of hydrated foams was evaluated by 3-D confocal microscopy, confirming 70% porosity and interconnected macroporous network. In this study, we assessed the putative advantage of coating with osteostatin pentapeptide into BG-PVA hybrid scaffolds to improve their bioactivity. In vitro cell culture experiments were performed using mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell line. The exposure to osteostatin loaded-BG-PVA scaffolds increase cell proliferation in contrast with the unloaded scaffolds. An in vivo study was selected to implant BG-PVA scaffolds, non-coated (Group A) or coated (Group B) with osteostatin into non critical bone defect at rabbit femur. Both groups showed new compact bone formation on implant surface, with lamellae disposed around a haversian canal forming osteons-like structure. We observed signs of inflammation around the implanted unloaded scaffold at one month, but resolved at 3 months. This early inflammation did not occur in Group B; supporting the notion that osteostatin may act as anti-inflammatory inhibitor. On the other hand, Group B showed increased bone formation, as depicted by many new trabeculae partly mineralized in the implant regenerating area, incipient at 1 month and more evident at 3 months after implantation. PVA/BG hybrid scaffolds present a porous structure suitable to support osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Our in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that osteostatin coating improves the osteogenic features of these scaffolds
MicroRNA-149 Inhibits PARP-2 and Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis via SIRT-1/PGC-1α Network in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Mohamed Junaith S. , Hajira Ameena , Pardo Patricia S. , Boriek Aladin M.
Published: April 2014

High-fat diet (HFD) plays a central role in the initiation of mitochondrial dysfunction that significantly contributes to skeletal muscle metabolic disorders in obesity. However, the mechanism by which HFD weakens skeletal muscle metabolism by altering mitochondrial function and biogenesis is unknown. Given the emerging roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism, we sought to determine whether activation of a specific miRNA pathway would rescue the HFD-induced mitochondrial dysfunction via the sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1)/ peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway, a pathway that governs genes necessary for mitochondrial function. We here report that miR-149 strongly controls SIRT-1 expression and activity. Interestingly, miR-149 inhibits poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 (PARP-2) and so increased cellular NAD+ levels and SIRT-1 activity that subsequently increases mitochondrial function and biogenesis via PGC-1α activation. In addition, skeletal muscles from HFD-fed obese mice exhibit low levels of miR-149 and high levels of PARP-2, and they show reduced mitochondrial function and biogenesis due to a decreased activation of the SIRT-1/PGC-1α pathway, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction in the skeletal muscle of obese mice may be because of, at least in part, miR-149 dysregulation. Overall, miR-149 may be therapeutically useful for treating HFD-induced skeletal muscle metabolic disorders in such pathophysiological conditions as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Overnight Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Young People With Type 1 Diabetes: A Free-Living, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hovorka Roman , Elleri Daniela , Thabit Hood , Allen Janet M. , Leelarathna Lalantha , El-Khairi Ranna , Kumareswaran Kavita , Caldwell Karen , Calhoun Peter , Kollman Craig , Murphy Helen R. , Acerini Carlo L. , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Nodale Marianna , Dunger David B.
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate feasibility, safety, and efficacy of overnight closed-loop insulin delivery in free-living youth with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Overnight closed loop was evaluated at home by 16 pump-treated adolescents with type 1 diabetes aged 12–18 years. Over a 3-week period, overnight insulin delivery was directed by a closed-loop system, and on another 3-week period sensor-augmented therapy was applied. The order of interventions was random. The primary end point was time when adjusted sensor glucose was between 3.9 and 8.0 mmol/L from 2300 to 0700 h.

RESULTS

Closed loop was constantly applied over at least 4 h on 269 nights (80%); sensor data were collected over at least 4 h on 282 control nights (84%). Closed loop increased time spent with glucose in target by a median 15% (interquartile range −9 to 43; P < 0.001). Mean overnight glucose was reduced by a mean 14 (SD 58) mg/dL (P < 0.001). Time when glucose was <70 mg/dL was low in both groups, but nights with glucose <63 mg/dL for at least 20 min were less frequent during closed loop (10 vs. 17%; P = 0.01). Despite lower total daily insulin doses by a median 2.3 (interquartile range −4.7 to 9.3) units (P = 0.009), overall 24-h glucose was reduced by a mean 9 (SD 41) mg/dL (P = 0.006) during closed loop.

CONCLUSIONS

Unsupervised home use of overnight closed loop in adolescents with type 1 diabetes is safe and feasible. Glucose control was improved during the day and night with fewer episodes of nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Electro-osmotically actuated oscillatory flow of a physiological fluid on a porous microchannel subject to an external AC electric field having dissimilar frequencies
Authors: Misra Jagadis , Chandra Sukumar
Published: April 2014

Electro-osmotic flow of a physiological fluid with prominent micropolar characteristics, flowing over a microchannel has been analyzed for a situation, where the system is subject to the action of an external AC electric field. In order to account for the rotation of the micro-particles suspended in the physiological fluid, the fluid has been treated as a micropolar fluid. The microchannel is considered to be bounded by two porous plates executing oscillatory motion. Such motion of the plates will normally induce oscillatory flow of the fluid. The governing equations of the fluid include a second-order partial differential equation depicting Gauss’s law of electrical charge distributions and two other partial differential equations of second order that arise out of the laws of conservation of linear and angular momenta. These equations have been solved under the sole influence of electrokinetic forces, by using appropriate boundary conditions. This enabled us to determine explicit analytical expressions for the electro-osmotic velocity of the fluid and the microrotation of the suspended micro-particles. These expressions have been used to obtain numerical estimates of important physical variables associated with the oscillatory electro-osmotic flow of a blood sample inside a micro-bio-fluidic device. The numerical results presented in graphical form clearly indicate that the formation of an electrical double layer near the vicinity of the wall causes linear momentum to reduce. In contrast, the angular momentum increases with the enhancement of microrotation of the suspended microparticles. The study will find important applications in the validation of results of further experimental and numerical models pertaining to flow in micro-bio-fluidic devices. It will also be useful in the improvement of the design and construction of various micro-bio-fluidic devices.
Do you care to manage your waste: It’s high time to voice towards a sustainable waste management system worldwide
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Rakwal Randeep , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i2.10206 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.8(2): 2014; i
Molecular Identification Virulence Genes Of Escherichia coli Isolated From Bovine Clinical Mastitis
Authors: Moradli Gholam Ali , Salehii Tagi Zahraei , Jamshidian Mahmod , Mosakhani Farhad
Published: April 2014

The aims of this study were molecular identification some of virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolated from milk of bovines with clinical mastitis. (n = 60) E. coli isolates from acute clinical mastitis were examined for detect the presence of the genes encodingshigatoxin1 (stx1), intimin (eaeA), cytotoxicnecrotizingfactor 2 (cnf2), aerobactin (iucD) and P fimberiae (pap). The majors finding in the PCR assays were: 8 isolates (13.33%) had at least one virulence gene, None of isolates contained the genes for stx1, eaeA , the most common gene in the examined isolate was iucD which was positive in 6 isolates (10%). One isolate (1.66%) was positive for both iucD and pap genes and one isolate (1.66%) for cnf2 gene. In this study similar to previous investigations indicated that prevalence virulence genes in E. coli isolated of bovine mastitis is deferent. The results of this investigate similar to previous studies indicated none of the potential virulence genes or specific pathotype was observed in E. coli isolates from bovine clinical mastitis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i2.10219   International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.8(2): 2014; 1-3
Child Labor issues in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Sunil Kumar
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.10270
Work related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders among child workers in the brick kilns of Nepal
Authors: Joshi Sunil Kumar , Dahal Pranab , Poudel Agya , Sherpa Helen
Published: April 2014

Brick manufacturing is a labor intensive informal industry using child workers as the major work force in Nepal. Workers are required to use physical strength, carry heavy loads and remain in a squatted posture for longer periods doing repetitive tasks posing threats to musculoskeletal system. This study involved cross sectional study of children aged 17 years and below. The study respondent included 101 cases and 64 controls in Bhaktapur and 97 cases and 43 controls in Sarlahi. Lack of adequate physical infrastructures, poor working conditions with non existent safety procedures have posed risk to physical, metal and overall well being of children. The study identifies work related physical       ailments and discomforts dominate brick industries of Nepal. The  musculoskeletal disorder related pain and discomfort was experienced by 73 per cent of working  children in Bhaktapur and 58 per cent in Sarlahi. The odds ratio suggests that working children were 8 times more likely to experience trouble or body pain compared to non-working children. This study finds that presence of inferior physical environment, working conditions and practices has contributed to musculoskeletal injuries and problems exposing working children to risks and hazards. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.10271
Exploratory Study on Safety Climate in Malaysian Automotive Manufacturing
Authors: Rahlin Nor Azma , Omar Nik Wan , Muda Abd Aziz , Endut Azizah
Published: April 2014

Safety climate scrutiny has been given attention by the organization in increasing productivity and efficiency in the workplace. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between safety climate construct factors and safety climate. Safety climate measurement as developed by Vinodkumar and Bashi was used and distributed to the selected respondents in the national automotive manufacturing plant. Internal consistency of six safety construct factors and correlation between safety construct factors and safety climate were validated using reliability analysis and Pearson correlation, respectively. The survey instrument scores had acceptable overall internal consistency (a = 0.913). The correlation analysis indicated that only two factors in safety construct factors have significant with safety climate. Both factors are enforcement of regulation and procedure of safety and safeness of work environment. The finding of this study provides a useful framework for the organization in practicing safety climate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.6101
Assessment of Dental caries status, Periodontal health and oral hygiene practices among two Populations of Moradabad city, India
Authors: Tirth Amit , Yadav Vipul , Tangade Pradeep S , Ravishankar TL , Chaudhary Sunil , Mathur Anmol
Published: April 2014

Background: Ever since the beginning of the universe mankind had struggled constantly for their livelihood, Moradabad is branded as the “Brass city” of India, which comprises of a large number of populations working in different industries. Objective: To assess and compare the oral health status of workers employed in brass industries with non industrial workers of Moradabad city. Material and Methods: A total of 500 workers from each group aged 30-50 with 5 years working experience were selected through random sampling. Type III examination was performed by recording who oral health assessment form. To compare the proportion chi-square test was used. Mean values were compared using students t-test. SPSS version 15.0 was used for statistical analyses. Results: The prevalence of dental caries as Mean DMFT score was significantly higher in Non Industrial Group i.e. 3.57±2.74 while it was 2.88±2.14 in brass workers. Periodontal diseases were higher among production workers that belong to brass industries. The prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions was significantly higher among Production Workers. Bleeding was more pronounced in general population but calculus and pockets were seen more in brass workers. The requirement of prosthetic status was also more prevalent among industry subjects.  Conclusion: The Oral health status of Brass Industry Workers was relatively poor with poor periodontal health when compared to General Population. Further studies of oral occupational disease should be conducted in order to check or confirm previous reports and to discover possible manifestations arising in new industries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.6312
Work-Related Stress and Substance Use as Risk Factors for Chronic Disease Among Three-Wheel Drivers in Galle, Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kirkorowicz JM , Sapukotana P , De Silva PV , Noda M , De Oliveira JS , Østbye T
Published: April 2014

Background: Motor three-wheel drivers provide an important means of transportation in Sri Lanka, comprising 15% of motorized road vehicles. Although three-wheel driving is a widespread occupation for Sri Lankan men, little is known about their general health or risk factors.Objectives: This paper investigates chronic illnesses and risk factors for such illnesses in a sample of 33 three-wheel drivers in Galle, Sri Lanka.Methods: A qualitative investigation was conducted between June and August 2012. 20 three-wheel drivers participated in 60-minute semi-structured interviews, and 13 participated in semi- structured focus groups related to their work-related health concerns.Results: Illness reported included musculoskeletal pain, hypercholesteremia, hypertension, and diabetes. Participants identified work-related stress and substance abuse as risk factors.Conclusions: Participants described a cycle of work related stress, substance use, and chronic illness. Community-based education on the risks of substance use and alternative means of coping may be an effective  intervention for these workers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.7662
Magnitude and Characteristics of Occupational injury in Kombolcha textile factory, North East Ethiopia
Authors: Yessuf Serkalem S , Moges Haimanot Gebrehiwot , Ahmed Ansha N
Published: April 2014

Background: Working environment is one of the factors which can determine public health conditions as many workers spend a large portion of their time at work.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and characteristics of occupational injury among workers in Kombolcha textile factory, North East Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April1-15, 2013 among 455 randomly selected workers after stratification by working departments. A structured questionnaire based interview, review of records of injury report and walk through survey using work environment observation checklist were used to support the self-reported information. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis using SPSS version 20.Results: The overall occupational injury prevalence rate was 36.9%. Puncture, abrasion/laceration, fracture, cut and back pain were the most common types of injury. Most of the sources of injury were due to machinery, lifting heavy objects, splinters, fall and hand tools.Conclusion: The magnitude of occupational injury at Kombolcha textile industry showed a high prevalence that indicates the need to work on integrated injury prevention by mainstreaming occupational health and safety procedures in all working  departments of the factory. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.8381
Les pronoms objets directs de la 3e personne et leur apport aux indices du genre grammatical dans le discours oral des enseignants en immersion
Authors: Poirier James , Lyster Roy
Published: April 2014

Résumé:

La présente étude examine la fréquence et la répartition des pronoms objets directs de la 3e personne (le, la, les, l’) ainsi que leur propension à indiquer le genre grammatical dans deux corpus oraux, l’un de 37,7 heures et l’autre de 33 heures. Le corpus principal provient du discours de six enseignants de six classes d’immersion différentes dans la région de Montréal alors que le corpus secondaire utilisé de façon complémentaire a été tiré de dialogues familiaux. Dans les deux contextes, la répartition des pronoms se lit comme suit en ordre décroissant : le > l’ > les > la. Par rapport à tous les pronoms clitiques objets directs à la 3e personne, 71 % de ceux utilisés par les enseignants et 54 % de ceux utilisés par les parents ne portent aucun indice du genre grammatical. Les résultats laissent entendre un lien possible entre le discours des enseignants et les difficultés qu’éprouvent les élèves en immersion à utiliser correctement le genre grammatical. En guise de conclusion, nous proposons des techniques pédagogiques centrées sur la forme qui mettraient l’accent sur le lien entre le genre grammatical et certaines terminaisons nominales.
Mathematics in Motion: A Comparative Analysis of the Stage Works of Schlemmer and Kandinsky at the Bauhaus
Authors: Sutil Nicolas Salazar
Published: April 2014

This essay looks at the seminal work of Bauhaus practitioners Wassily Kandinksy and Oskar Schlemmer in terms of their multidisciplinary approach to the performing arts, and the dance in particular. Whilst their contribution has been widely recognized in terms of a cross-pollination of ideas from the fine arts to the performing arts, this essay also addresses the influence that compositional methods, based on techniques derived from figural drawing, as well as the study of form and geometry, might have had in their choreographic practice. I argue that despite stylistic similarities, these works present a divergent approach to the question of a geometrized motion design, which Schlemmer called ‘mathematics in motion’. I discuss the concept of ‘abstract dance’ promoted by Kandinsky, in terms of a visualistic method, where movement is rendered both as a succession of still images and as an imaginary process. Schlemmer, on the other hand, promoted a synthesis of abstract and physical, as part of a model for live performance known as ‘balletic mathematics’. I expand on this distinction in terms of a differential sense schematic approach to movement, one being visual, the other proprioceptive. Landmark works produced by these artists during the Bauhaus years (1922–1933) are called upon as case studies, including Kandinsky's Dance Curves (after Gret Palucca), and Schlemmer's renowned Stäbetanz.
Scotland's Heritage Investments in India: Acts of Cultural Diplomacy and Identity Building
Authors: Clarke Amy
Published: April 2014

Since 2008 the Scottish government and heritage authorities have been engaged in several projects and partnerships in India aimed at conserving colonial-era heritage and providing assistance to Indian authorities in the preservation of Indian heritage. These projects range from the recording and rejuvenation of the Scottish Cemetery in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) to the documentation of Rani Ki Vav, a significant Hindu stepwell, as part of the ‘Scottish 10’ project. These investments are notable for two reasons: typically, international involvement in a country's heritage would come in the form of a non-state actor such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) rather than another nation-state. Furthermore, as many of the sites in India of interest to the Scots were established during the colonial period and exist as a direct result of British rule, the Scottish involvement in their preservation runs the risk of attracting claims of cultural colonialism. These challenges have been effectively neutralised through the selection of projects that emphasise the positive contributions made by Scots in India, and through the positioning of these projects as acts of altruism and of the celebration of shared collective histories. This article will discuss the motives behind Scottish investment in heritage sites in India, demonstrating both the way that heritage can be engaged with at a bi-lateral level as an act of cultural diplomacy as well as the way heritage can be used to promote the perception of a specific version of national identity.
Mechanisms of Activation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Monomers or Dimers
Authors: Maruyama Ichiro
Published: April 2014

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play essential roles in cellular processes, including metabolism, cell-cycle control, survival, proliferation, motility and differentiation. RTKs are all synthesized as single-pass transmembrane proteins and bind polypeptide ligands, mainly growth factors. It has long been thought that all RTKs, except for the insulin receptor (IR) family, are activated by ligand-induced dimerization of the receptors. An increasing number of diverse studies, however, indicate that RTKs, previously thought to exist as monomers, are present as pre-formed, yet inactive, dimers prior to ligand binding. The non-covalently associated dimeric structures are reminiscent of those of the IR family, which has a disulfide-linked dimeric structure. Furthermore, recent progress in structural studies has provided insight into the underpinnings of conformational changes during the activation of RTKs. In this review, I discuss two mutually exclusive models for the mechanisms of activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, the neurotrophin receptor and IR families, based on these new insights.