bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond “Saddle Bag” Sustainability for Business Education
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Hart Stuart L.
Published: February 2014

Revisiting the historical evolution of the corporation helps explain how the challenge of sustainability has been addressed in business education. Business schools emerged toward the end of the 19th century after U.S. Supreme Court judgments absolved corporate directors from the duty of adhering to social missions embodied in their limited liability charters. This coincided with the rise of neoclassical economics that placed shareholdersabove other stakeholders. As evolving societal demands have forced businesses to consider business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability in their performance, and as AACSB has added these learning objectives, business schools have reactively responded by adding new courses to their existing curricula. However, these “saddle-bag” approaches do not integrate the topics into the core functional areas of business. Only recently have a few business schools boldly overcome organizational inertia to develop curricula that lead practice by embedding sustainability into the core to educate managers who can rise to the demands of the global sustainability challenges facing the world in the 21st century.
Walking the Eco-Talk Movement
Authors: Collins Denis , Gannon Amy
Published: February 2014

Management scholars can have a major impact on advancing environmental sustainability by focusing on their own home institutions. A “four-type” sustainability action model is presented to foster thinking about how professors can engage and empower students, faculty, and staff to be active environmental change agents on their own campuses and local community. Faculty can assign sustainability class projects, integrate sustainability throughout the Business School’s core curriculum, participate on a campus sustainability committee, and conduct research on sustainability in higher education that flows out of these activities. Some examples of these different types of efforts are offered based on experiences at Edgewood College, a small U.S. Midwestern college. A coordinated effort among faculty engaged in similar activities on other campuses would dramatically advance environmental sustainability.
Turning points and the ‘everyday’: Exploring agency and violence in intimate relationships
Authors: Samelius Lotta , Thapar-Björkert Suruchi , Binswanger Christa
Published: February 2014

In this article the authors1 approach material and symbolic violence through transdisciplinary readings of theoretical debates, fiction and empirical narratives. They make use of the concept of turning points which disrupt dichotomous and static categorizations of victim and survivor, and their association with passivity and agency respectively. In situations of violence, turning points represent temporality instead of timelessness, dialogism instead of monologism, multilayering rather than any fixed identity. The authors draw on the theorists Bakhtin and Certeau, whose work highlights the significance of meaning-making between self and other. They analyse empirical and fictional narratives to understand the creation of dialogic spaces, a space that both subordinates and subverts. Pointing to the procedural nature of turning points within the everyday, the authors argue that women, despite the pain and trauma, are neither just a victim nor just a survivor in a violent relationship.
Assessment of recurrent mesenteric ischemia after stenting with a pressure wire
Authors: Margiotta Alyssa , Gray Bruce H
Published: February 2014

Chronic mesenteric artery ischemia can be difficult to evaluate after stent placement. This case describes the use of a pressure wire to demonstrate the hemodynamic significance of in-stent restenosis. Papaverine was used to vasodilate the mesenteric bed, mimicking the post-prandial state. The study (arteriography with pressure wire) and retreatment (covered balloon-expandable stent) was driven by recurrent symptoms avoiding unnecessary ancillary testing.
Taste diaspora: The aesthetic and material practice of belonging
Authors: Savaş Özlem
Published: February 2014

A particular ‘Turkish taste in Vienna’, which has been formed through experiences of migration from Turkey and resettlement in Vienna, serves as a significant aesthetic and social medium for constituting a collective sense of belonging. This article explores how Turkish people in Vienna constitute, perform and enunciate belongings through practices and discourses around travelling forms and spaces of material culture. Underpinned by an ethnography founded on a repertoire of Turkish objects in Vienna, this article addresses the relational constitution of a particular taste and a diasporic belonging within a specific context of displacement and relocation of both people and material objects. ‘Taste diaspora’ refers to a certain diasporic sphere that is formed through a collective taste in material objects and enunciated in the aesthetics of the everyday.
Drug-refractory aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums in autism spectrum disorders: A chart review study
Authors: Adler Benjamin A , Wink Logan K , Early Maureen , Shaffer Rebecca , Minshawi Noha , McDougle Christopher J , Erickson Craig A
Published: February 2014

Aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums are impairing symptoms frequently experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Despite US Food and Drug Administration approval of two atypical antipsychotics targeting these symptoms in youth with autistic disorder, they remain frequently drug refractory. We define drug-refractory aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums in people with autism spectrum disorders as behavioral symptoms requiring medication adjustment despite previous trials of risperidone and aripiprazole or previous trials of three psychotropic drugs targeting the symptom cluster, one of which was risperidone or aripiprazole. We reviewed the medical records of individuals of all ages referred to our clinic for autism spectrum disorder diagnostic evaluation, as well as pharmacotherapy follow-up notes for all people meeting autism spectrum disorder criteria, for drug-refractory symptoms. Among 250 consecutively referred individuals, 135 met autism spectrum disorder and enrollment criteria, and 53 of these individuals met drug-refractory symptom criteria. Factors associated with drug-refractory symptoms included age 12 years or older (p < 0.0001), diagnosis of autistic disorder (p = 0.0139), and presence of intellectual disability (p = 0.0273). This pilot report underscores the significance of drug-refractory aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums; suggests the need for future study clarifying factors related to symptom development; and identifies the need for focused treatment study of this impairing symptom domain.
A Regional Public Health Field Placement Program
Authors: McCormick Lisa C. , Hites Lisle , Jenkins Crystal , Chauvin Sheila W. , Rucks Andrew C. , Ginter Peter M.
Published: February 2014

Beginning in 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, made provisions in its Public Health Training Center cooperative agreements for field placements. This article describes best practices and lessons learned establishing and managing the South Central Public Health Partnership’s Interns and Mentors Program for ACTion (IMPACT) Field Placement Program, which was initially funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Centers for Public Health Preparedness Cooperative agreement in 2002. The IMPACT program is based on a six-step process that has been developed and refined over its 10-year history: (a) identifying field placement opportunities, (b) marketing field experience opportunities to students, (c) selecting students seeking field experience opportunities, (d) placing students with practice partners, students with practice partners, (e) evaluating student progress toward field experience objectives, and (f) evaluating the program. This article describes the program’s structure and processes, delineates the roles of its academic and practice partners, discusses evidence of its effectiveness, and describes lessons learned from its decade-long history. Hopefully, this information will facilitate the establishment, management and evaluation of internship and field placement programs in other Public Health Training Centers and academic public health programs.
Public Health Training Center Evaluation
Authors: Freedman Ariela M. , Simmons Sheena , Lloyd Laura M. , Redd Tara R. , Alperin Melissa (Moose) , Salek Sahar S. , Swier Lori , Miner Kathleen R.
Published: February 2014

The nation’s 37 public health training centers (PHTCs) provide competency-based trainings and practice-based opportunities to advance the current and future public health workforces. The Emory PHTC, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has developed a comprehensive evaluation plan to address the many evaluation-related questions that must be answered to inform decisions that improve practice. This plan, based on the center’s logic model, includes formative assessment, outcome evaluation, process evaluation, and programmatic evaluation. Rigorous evaluation has been used to (a) assess what is working, what is not working, and why; (b) guide decision making about program improvement; and (c) ensure efficient use of resources, such as time and money. This article describes how the Emory PHTC uses its logic model to guide development of a comprehensive evaluation plan and to create specific data collection tools. It also explains the process used to analyze data and make decisions to maximize effectiveness and ensure the best use of resources. Simply conducting trainings and providing opportunities for real-world application are not enough; it is critical to assess whether or not these educational opportunities are, in fact, educating.
The Public Health Leadership Certificate
Authors: Matson Christine C. , Lake Jeffrey L. , Bradshaw R. Dana , Matson David O.
Published: February 2014

This article describes a public health leadership certificate curriculum developed by the Commonwealth Public Health Training Center for employees in public health and medical trainees in primary care to share didactic and experiential learning. As part of the program, trainees are involved in improving the health of their communities and thus gain a blended perspective on the effectiveness of interprofessional teams in improving population health. The certificate curriculum includes eight one-credit-hour didactic courses offered through an MPH program and a two-credit-hour, community-based participatory research project conducted by teams of trainees under the mentorship of health district directors. Fiscal sustainability is achieved by sharing didactic courses with MPH degree students, thereby enabling trainees to take advantage of a reduced, continuing education tuition rate. Public health employee and primary care trainees jointly learn knowledge and skills required for community health improvement in interprofessional teams and gain an integrated perspective through opportunities to question assumptions and broaden disciplinary approaches. At the same time, the required community projects have benefited public health in Virginia.
Examining the Intersection Between Suicidal Behaviors and Intimate Partner Violence Among a Sample of Males Receiving Services From the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Cerulli Catherine , Stephens Brady , Bossarte Robert
Published: February 2014

Veterans comprise 10% of the population, and suicide among Veterans has garnered national media and policy attention. Existing research suggests that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a risk factor for suicidal behaviors among some high-risk populations. This report offers a new perspective: the intersection between Veterans’ suicidal thoughts and IPV, both victimization and perpetration. The data were obtained from a northeast telephone survey of Veterans ( n = 296) using Veterans Health Administration services and yielded a 27% participation rate. Findings suggest male Veterans who are IPV involved have increased odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Cell Therapy in Joint Disorders
Authors: Counsel Peter D. , Bates Daniel , Boyd Richard , Connell David A.
Published: February 2014

Context:

Articular cartilage possesses poor natural healing mechanisms, and a variety of non-cell-based and cell-based treatments aim to promote regeneration of hyaline cartilage.

Data Sources:

A review of the literature to December 2013 using PubMed with search criteria including the keywords stem cell, cell therapy, cell transplantation, cartilage, chondral, and chondrogenic.

Study Selection:

Forty-five articles were identified that employed local mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for joint disorders in humans. Nine comparative studies were identified, consisting of 3 randomized trials, 5 cohort studies, and 1 case-control study.

Study Type:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Studies were assessed for stem cell source, method of implantation, comparison groups, and concurrent surgical techniques.

Results:

Two studies comparing MSC treatment to autologous chondrocyte implantation found similar efficacy. Three studies reported clinical benefits with intra-articular MSC injection over non-MSC controls for cases undergoing debridement with or without marrow stimulation, although a randomized study found no significant clinical difference at 2-year follow-up but reported better 18-month magnetic resonance imaging and histologic scores in the MSC group. No human studies have compared intra-articular MSC therapy to non-MSC techniques for osteoarthritis in the absence of surgery.

Conclusion:

Mesenchymal stem cell–based therapies appear safe and effective for joint disorders in large animal preclinical models. Evidence for use in humans, particularly, comparison with more established treatments such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and microfracture, is limited.
Changes in Landing Mechanics in Patients Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction When Wearing an Extension Constraint Knee Brace
Authors: Butler Robert J. , Dai Boyi , Garrett William E. , Queen Robin M.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is associated with a high incidence of second tears (graft tears and contralateral ACL tears). These secondary tears have been attributed to asymmetrical lower extremity mechanics. Knee bracing is one potential intervention that can be used during rehabilitation that has the potential to normalize lower extremity asymmetry; however, little is known about the effect of bracing on movement asymmetry in patients following ACL reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

Wearing a knee brace would increase knee joint flexion and joint symmetry. It was also expected that the joint mechanics would become more symmetrical in the braced condition.

Objective:

To examine how knee bracing affects knee joint function and symmetry over the course of rehabilitation in patients 6 months following ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Twenty-three adolescent patients rehabilitating from ACL reconstruction surgery were recruited for the study. The subjects all underwent a motion analysis assessment during a stop-jump activity with and without a functional knee brace on the surgical side that resisted extension for 6 months following the ACL reconstruction surgery. Statistical analysis utilized a 2 × 2 (limb × brace) analysis of variance with a significant alpha level of 0.05.

Results:

Subjects had increased knee flexion on the surgical side when they were braced. The brace condition increased knee flexion velocity, decreased the initial knee flexion angle, and increased the ground reaction force and knee extension moment on both limbs. Side-to-side asymmetry was present across conditions for the vertical ground reaction force and knee extension moment.

Conclusion:

Wearing a knee brace appears to increase lower extremity compliance and promotes normalized loading on the surgical side.

Clinical Relevance:

Knee extension constraint bracing in postoperative ACL patients may improve symmetry of lower extremity mechanics, which is potentially beneficial in progressing rehabilitation and reducing the incidence of second ACL tears.
The Prevalence of Radiographic Criteria of Femoral Acetabular Impingement in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty Surgery
Authors: LaFrance Russell , Williams Richard , Madsen Wes , Maloney Michael , Drinkwater Christopher , Giordano Brian
Published: February 2014

Background:

Pistol grip deformity of the proximal femur has been reported as a potential cause of hip pain and early-onset arthritis. The exact incidence of patients with osteoarthritis resulting from femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between radiographic markers of FAI in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs of patients undergoing hip arthroplasty by a single surgeon over a 2-year period. The patients were divided by age, those younger than 65 years and (group A) and those 65 years and older (group B). The radiographs were evaluated for morphology consistent with FAI including an α angle >55°, crossover sign, coxa profunda, acetabular protrusio, and ischial spine sign. Three independent reviewers evaluated all the radiographs. The incidence of CAM, Pincer, and mixed deformities were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

A total of 255 patients with 258 hip arthroplasties were included in this analysis. Group A was found to have a greater number of patients with CAM morphology. Linear regression analysis revealed that the α angle was greater in younger patients.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing hip arthroplasty exhibit a high incidence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with FAI. The CAM-type morphology occurs more frequently in younger patients with advanced arthritis requiring hip arthroplasty. This morphology is thought to cause a delaminating injury to the cartilage of the acetabulum. This study supports the notion that CAM-type morphology is a risk factor for early development of degenerative arthritis of the hip.
Between Inhale and Exhale
Authors: Dai Chia-Liang , Sharma Manoj
Published: February 2014

The current study provided a review of evidence-based yoga interventions’ impact on smoking cessation. The researchers reviewed articles obtained from MEDLINE (PubMed), EBSCOHOST, PROQUEST, MEDINDIA, CINAHL, Alt HealthWatch, and AMED databases. Inclusion criteria were as follows: ( a) study published between 2004 and 2013, ( b) study published in English language, ( c) study used yoga-based interventions, ( d) study involved smokers with varying level of smoking, ( e) study used any quantitative design, and ( f) study had physiological and/or psychological outcomes. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Designs were 2 pre–post tests and 8 randomized controlled trials. Majority of the interventions were able to enhance quitting smoking rates in the participants under study. Yoga-based interventions hold promise for smoking cessation. Some of the limitations include short follow-up measurements and short duration of intervention.
Preservice Classroom Teachers’ Preconceived Attitudes, Confidence, Beliefs, and Self-Efficacy Toward Integrating Music in the Elementary Curriculum
Authors: Battersby Sharyn L. , Cave Agnes
Published: February 2014

Preservice elementary education majors are required at many colleges and universities to take a course in music methods to become certified in their field. These courses are offered because they are a valuable component of a well-rounded liberal arts education and helps preservice educators to teach students in a well-rounded fashion. They are considered useful and necessary for all beginning general education teachers. However, not all preservice teachers recognize the importance or value of a methods class because of their less than favorable experiences in their elementary music classes and low self-efficacy to teach music effectively. Helping elementary education majors to see the value of integrating music in their curriculum—and that they are more than capable of doing so if they focus on their attributes and maintain a positive attitude with regard to their ability—may contribute to their success in the methods class and in their future classrooms.
The Effects of Vocal Register Use and Age on the Perceived Vocal Health of Male Elementary Music Teachers
Authors: Fisher Ryan A. , Scott Julie K.
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of vocal register use and age on the perceived vocal health of male elementary music teachers. Participants ( N = 160) consisted of male elementary music teachers from two neighboring states in the south-central region of the United States. Participants responded to various demographic questions and completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index–10. To examine the possible effects of vocal register use and age on the participants’ vocal health, a two-way, between-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. Vocal register use and age served as the independent variables with the Singing Voice Handicap Index–10 as the dependent variable. Results from the ANOVA revealed no main effect for vocal register use, F(2,147) = 2.20, p = .89, η2 = .03, or age, F(3,147) = 0.98, p = .41, η2 = .02. No statistically significant interaction was found.
Characterisation of periodic variation in torque occurred in friction stir welding process
Authors: Xiong J. T. , Zhang X. C. , Li P. , Qian J. W. , Li J. L. , Zhang F. S. , Dong H. B.
Published: February 2014

Friction stir welding was physically simulated to study torque variation by a rotational friction process under constant axial pressing speed. The results indicated that the torque accurately reproduce the same periodic characteristics as the friction stir welding torque, i.e. the torque cycle is equal to the time of one tool rotation. The periodic variation intensity of torque, which was obtained at a constant rotational speed ω and a constant axial pressing speed v, was characterised by non-dimensional amplitude of the torque Γ*. Moreover, a semianalytical model, which describes Γ* as a function of ω2 /v in Arrhenius form, was established. In this model, Γ* exponentially increases with ω2/ v, and low ω2/ v suppresses the variation intensity of torque.
Weldability and weld performance of candidate austenitic alloys for advanced ultrasupercritical fossil power plants
Authors: Siefert J. A. , David S. A.
Published: February 2014

Advanced ultrasupercritical steam conditions of up to 760°C and 34·5 MPa have been investigated in various programmes around the world over the last two decades. To date, much progress has been made, and three candidate materials, namely ferritic, austenitic and nickel base superalloys, have been investigated for high temperature strength, corrosion resistance and weldability. In an earlier published paper, welding and weldability of ferritic alloys were discussed. This paper considers the unique weldability characteristics for utilisation of austenitic stainless steels in future advanced ultrasupercritical fossil power plant designs and covers topics such as fundamentals of austenitic stainless steel welds, including weldability, filler metals and dissimilar metal welds, and discusses the prognosis for this class of materials for advanced ultrasupercritical fossil fired power plants.
A brief response to ‘Intermittent plastic flow of single crystals: central problems in plasticity: A review’, by M. Niewczas
Authors: Brown L. M.
Published: February 2014

Issues raised by Niewczas are addressed.
SRF is required for neutrophil migration in response to inflammation
Authors: Taylor Ashley , Tang Wenwen , Bruscia Emanuela M. , Zhang Ping-Xia , Lin Aiping , Gaines Peter , Wu Dianqing , Halene Stephanie
Published: February 2014

Key Points

SRF is essential for neutrophil migration in part by regulation of integrin homeostasis. Several genes located on chromosome 5q are part of the SRF signaling pathway implicating dysfunction of SRF in myelodysplasia.
Factors associated with severe maternal morbidity and near miss in the São FranciscoValley, Brazil: a retrospective, cohort study
Authors: Pacheco Alvaro José Correia , Katz Leila , Souza Alex Sandro Rolland , de Amorim Melania Maria Ramos
Published: February 2014

Background

Maternal mortality remains a major public health issue worldwide, with persistent high rates prevailing principally in underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for severe maternal morbidity and near miss (SMM/NM) in pregnant and postpartum women at the maternity ward of the Dom Malan Hospital, Petrolina, in northeastern Brazil.

Methods

A retrospective, cohort study was conducted to evaluate the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of the women. Patients who remained hospitalized at the end of the study period were excluded. Risk ratios (RR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated as a measure of relative risk. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression was also performed. Two-tailed p-values were used for all the tests and the significance level adopted was 5%.

Results

A total of 2,291 pregnant or postpartum women receiving care between May and August, 2011 were included. The frequencies of severe maternal morbidity and near miss were 17.5% and 1.0%, respectively. Following multivariate analysis, the factors that remained significantly associated with an increased risk of SMM/NM were a Cesarean section in the current pregnancy (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 2.0 – 3.3), clinical comorbidities (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.5 – 4.4), having attended fewer than six prenatal visits (OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.69) and the presence of the third delay (i.e. delay in receiving care at the health facility) (OR: 13.3; 95% CI: 6.7 – 26.4).

Conclusions

The risk of SMM/NM was greater in women who had been submitted to a Cesarean section in the current pregnancy, in the presence of clinical comorbidities, fewer prenatal visits and when the third delay was present. All these factors could be minimized by initiating a broad debate on healthcare policies, introducing preventive measures and improving the training of the professionals and services providing obstetric care.
Hit the mark with diffusion-weighted imaging: metastases of rhabdomyosarcoma to the extraocular eye muscles
Authors: Hassold Nicole , Warmuth-Metz Monika , Winkler Beate , Kreissl Michael C , Ernestus Karen , Beer Meinrad , Neubauer Henning
Published: February 2014

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most frequent malignant intraorbital tumour in paediatric patients. Differentiation of tumour recurrence or metastases from post-therapeutic signal alteration can be challenging, using standard MR imaging techniques. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is increasingly considered a helpful supplementary imaging tool for differentiation of orbital masses.

Case presentation

We report on a 15-year-old female adolescent of Caucasian ethnicity who developed isolated bilateral thickening of extraocular eye muscles about two years after successful multimodal treatment of orbital alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Intramuscular restricted diffusion was the first diagnostic indicator suggestive of metastatic disease to the eye muscles. DWI subsequently showed signal changes consistent with tumour progression, complete remission under chemoradiotherapy and tumour recurrence.

Conclusions

Restricted diffusivity is a strong early indicator of malignancy in orbital tumours. DWI can be the key to correct diagnosis in unusual tumour manifestations and can provide additional diagnostic information beyond standard MRI and PET/CT. Diffusion-weighted MRI is useful for monitoring therapy response and for detecting tumour recurrence.
Patterns and determinants of COPD-related healthcare utilization by severity of airway obstruction in Korea
Authors: Chung Kyungsoo , Kim Kyungjoo , Jung Jiye , Oh Kyungwon , Oh Yeonmok , Kim Sekyu , Kim Jinhee , Kim Youngsam
Published: February 2014

Background

We investigated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to analyze patterns and identify determinants of healthcare use, according to the severity of airflow obstruction. We used retrospective cohort data from a combination of the 4thKorea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) and Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) claims.

Methods

Demographic and medical claims data were retrospectively analyzed from the 4thKNHANES along with NHI claims. Eligible patients were aged ≥40 years, who underwent complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and had at least one inpatient or outpatient claim coded as COPD between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010.

Results

Among 6,663 eligible participants, 897 (13.5%) had airway obstruction. Self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD comprised only 3%, and there were 870 undiagnosed COPD patients (97%). Self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma made up 3.7%. Of the 897 respondents, 244 (27.2%) used COPD-related healthcare services. The frequency of healthcare visits increased with increasing severity of airway obstruction. After a 3-year follow-up period, 646 (74.2% of those initially undiagnosed) remained undiagnosed and only 224 (25.8%) were diagnosed and treated for COPD. Only 27.5% of the 244 participants with airway obstruction who used COPD-related healthcare underwent PFTs during the study period. The percentage of prescribed medications associated with COPD increased in accordance with the severity of the COPD. Inhaled long-acting anticholinergics were prescribed for 10.9% of patients with moderate airway obstruction and for 52.4% of patients with severe obstruction. Inhaled long-acting β-agonists combined with corticosteroids were prescribed for 50% of patients with severe airway obstruction. Conversely, 44.6% of healthcare users were prescribed oral theophylline for COPD treatment, and 21.7% were also prescribed an oral corticosteroid. The determinants of COPD-associated healthcare use in respondents with obstructive lung disease were advanced age, severe airflow limitation, presence of comorbidities, and self-reported physician diagnosis of COPD.

Conclusions

This study ascertained marked underdiagnosed COPD. Although the percentage of prescribed medication used to treat COPD increased with the severity of the COPD, medications primarily prescribed such as oral theophylline or oral corticosteroids are inappropriate for first-line COPD treatment.
An explanatory analysis of economic and health inequality changes among Mexican indigenous people, 2000-2010
Authors: Servan-Mori Edson , Torres-Pereda Pilar , Orozco Emanuel , Sosa-Rubí Sandra G
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Mexico faces important problems concerning income and health inequity. Mexico’s national public agenda prioritizes remedying current inequities between its indigenous and non-indigenous population groups. This study explores the changes in social inequalities among Mexico’s indigenous and non-indigenous populations for the time period 2000 to 2010 using routinely collected poverty, welfare and health indicator data.

Methods

We described changes in socioeconomic indicators (housing condition), poverty (Foster-Greer-Thorbecke and Sen-Shorrocks-Sen indexes), health indicators (childhood stunting and infant mortality) using diverse sources of nationally representative data.

Results

This analysis provides consistent evidence of disparities in the Mexican indigenous population regarding both basic and crucial developmental indicators. Although developmental indicators have improved among the indigenous population, when we compare indigenous and non-indigenous people, the gap in socio-economic and developmental indicators persists.

Conclusions

Despite a decade of efforts to promote public programs, poverty persists and is a particular burden for indigenous populations within Mexican society. In light of the results, it would be advisable to review public policy and to specifically target future policy to the needs of the indigenous population.
Neoadjuvant sirolimus for a large hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa)
Authors: Bergamo Francesca , Maruzzo Marco , Basso Umberto , Montesco Maria Cristina , Zagonel Vittorina , Gringeri Enrico , Cillo Umberto
Published: February 2014

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare soft-tissue tumors with an extremely heterogeneous clinical behavior. They may arise in different organs and may behave indolently or sometimes metastasize with different grades of biological aggressiveness. We report the case of a young woman with a primary inoperable PEComa of the liver with malignant histological features. Since the mTOR pathway is often altered in PEComas and responses have been reported with mTOR-inhibitors such as sirolimus or temsirolimus, we decided to start a neoadjuvant treatment with sirolimus. The patient tolerated the treatment fairly well and after 8 months a favorable tumor shrinkage was obtained. The patient then stopped sirolimus and 2 weeks later underwent partial liver resection, with complete clinical recovery and normal liver function. The histological report confirmed a malignant PEComa with vascular invasion and negative margins. Then 6 additional months of post-operative sirolimus treatment were administered, followed by regular radiological follow-up. For patients with a large and histologically aggressive PEComa, we think that neoadjuvant treatment with mTOR-inhibitor sirolimus may be considered to facilitate surgery and allow early control of a potentially metastatic disease. For selected high-risk patients, the option of adjuvant treatment may be discussed.
DNA-templated synthesis of PtAu bimetallic nanoparticle/graphene nanocomposites and their application in glucose biosensor
Authors: Leng Jing , Wang Wen-Min , Lu Li-Min , Bai Ling , Qiu Xin-Lan
Published: February 2014

In this paper, single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) is demonstrated to functionalize graphene (GR) and to further guide the growth of PtAu bimetallic nanoparticles (PtAuNPs) on GR with high densities and dispersion. The obtained nanocomposites (PtAuNPs/ss-DNA/GR) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and electrochemical techniques. Then, an enzyme nanoassembly was prepared by self-assembling glucose oxidase (GOD) on PtAuNP/ss-DNA/GR nanocomposites (GOD/PtAuNPs/ss-DNA/GR). The nanocomposites provided a suitable microenvironment for GOD to retain its biological activity. The direct and reversible electron transfer process between the active site of GOD and the modified electrode was realized without any extra electron mediator. Thus, the prepared GOD/PtAuNP/ss-DNA/GR electrode was proposed as a biosensor for the quantification of glucose. The effects of pH, applied potential, and temperature on the performance of the biosensor were discussed in detail and were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor showed a linearity with glucose concentration in the range of 1.0 to 1,800 μM with a detection limit of 0.3 μM (S/N = 3). The results demonstrate that the developed approach provides a promising strategy to improve the sensitivity and enzyme activity of electrochemical biosensors.
Computational prediction of the human-microbial oral interactome
Authors: Coelho Edgar D , Arrais Joel P , Matos Sérgio , Pereira Carlos , Rosa Nuno , Correia Maria José , Barros Marlene , Oliveira José Luís
Published: February 2014

Background

The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem where human chemical compounds coexist with a particular microbiota. However, shifts in the normal composition of this microbiota may result in the onset of oral ailments, such as periodontitis and dental caries. In addition, it is known that the microbial colonization of the oral cavity is mediated by protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between the host and microorganisms. Nevertheless, this kind of PPIs is still largely undisclosed. To elucidate these interactions, we have created a computational prediction method that allows us to obtain a first model of the Human-Microbial oral interactome.

Results

We collected high-quality experimental PPIs from five major human databases. The obtained PPIs were used to create our positive dataset and, indirectly, our negative dataset. The positive and negative datasets were merged and used for training and validation of a naïve Bayes classifier. For the final prediction model, we used an ensemble methodology combining five distinct PPI prediction techniques, namely: literature mining, primary protein sequences, orthologous profiles, biological process similarity, and domain interactions. Performance evaluation of our method revealed an area under the ROC-curve (AUC) value greater than 0.926, supporting our primary hypothesis, as no single set of features reached an AUC greater than 0.877. After subjecting our dataset to the prediction model, the classified result was filtered for very high confidence PPIs (probability ≥ 1-10−7), leading to a set of 46,579 PPIs to be further explored.

Conclusions

We believe this dataset holds not only important pathways involved in the onset of infectious oral diseases, but also potential drug-targets and biomarkers. The dataset used for training and validation, the predictions obtained and the network final network are available athttp://bioinformatics.ua.pt/software/oralint.
Differential enrichment of regulatory motifs in the composite network of protein-protein and gene regulatory interactions
Authors: Hegde Shubhada R , Pal Khushbu , Mande Shekhar C
Published: February 2014

Background

An important aspect of molecular interactions is the dynamics associated with growth conditions. Intuitively, not all possible interactions take place together all the time in a cell as only a subset of genes is expressed based on environmental conditions.

Results

Large scale gene expression data of Escherichia coli was analyzed to understand the dynamics exhibited at expression level. A large compendium of gene expression datasets, which covers about 466 growth conditions, was used for the analysis. Using gene expression data, genes of E. coli were profiled into three classes: Widely expressed, Conditionally expressed and Rarely expressed. Further, dynamics associated with molecular interactions were analysed by studying changing importance of motifs in the composite networks across growth conditions.

Conclusions

Our analysis of large scale gene expression data suggests conditional expression of genes which brings about befitting responses for a given growth environment. We observe a range of importance for network motifs across conditions which can be correlated with a specific function. Our study therefore suggests rewiring of molecular interactions driven by gene expression changes depending on the conditional needs.
Bis maltolato oxovanadium (BMOV) and ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury in rats
Authors: Almac Emre , Bezemer Rick , Kandil Asli , Aksu Ugur , Milstein Dan MJ , Bakker Jan , Demirci-Tansel Cihan , Ince Can
Published: February 2014

Background

The aim of the present study was to test the potential protective effects of the organic vanadium salt bis (maltolato) oxovanadium (BMOV; 15 mg/kg) in the context of renal ischemia/reperfusion (30 min of ischemia) and its effects on renal oxygenation and renal function in the acute phase of reperfusion (up to 90 min post-ischemia).

Methods

Ischemia was established in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated male Wistar rats by renal artery clamping. Renal microvascular and venous oxygenation were measured using phosphorimetry. Creatinine clearance rate, sodium reabsorption, and renal oxygen handling efficiency were considered markers for renal function.

Results

The main findings were that BMOV did not affect the systemic and renal hemodynamic and oxygenation variables and partially protected renal sodium reabsorption.

Conclusions

Pretreatment with the organic vanadium compound BMOV did not protect the kidney from I/R injury.
Genome sequencing of the high oil crop sesame provides insight into oil biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Linhai , Yu Sheng , Tong Chaobo , Zhao Yingzhong , Liu Yan , Song Chi , Zhang Yanxin , Zhang Xudong , Wang Ying , Hua Wei , Li Donghua , Li Dan , Li Fang , Yu Jingyin , Xu Chunyan , Han Xuelian , Huang Shunmou , Tai Shuaishuai , Wang Junyi , Xu Xun , Li Yingrui , Liu Shengyi , Varshney Rajeev K , Wang Jun , Zhang Xiurong
Published: February 2014

Background

Sesame, Sesamum indicum L., is considered the queen of oilseeds for its high oil content and quality, and is grown widely in tropical and subtropical areas as an important source of oil and protein. However, the molecular biology of sesame is largely unexplored.

Results

Here, we report a high-quality genome sequence of sesame assembled de novo with a contig N50 of 52.2 kb and a scaffold N50 of 2.1 Mb, containing an estimated 27,148 genes. The results reveal novel, independent whole genome duplication and the absence of the Toll/interleukin-1 receptor domain in resistance genes. Candidate genes and oil biosynthetic pathways contributing to high oil content were discovered by comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses. These revealed the expansion of type 1 lipid transfer genes by tandem duplication, the contraction of lipid degradation genes, and the differential expression of essential genes in the triacylglycerol biosynthesis pathway, particularly in the early stage of seed development. Resequencing data in 29 sesame accessions from 12 countries suggested that the high genetic diversity of lipid-related genes might be associated with the wide variation in oil content. Additionally, the results shed light on the pivotal stage of seed development, oil accumulation and potential key genes for sesamin production, an important pharmacological constituent of sesame.

Conclusions

As an important species from the order Lamiales and a high oil crop, the sesame genome will facilitate future research on the evolution of eudicots, as well as the study of lipid biosynthesis and potential genetic improvement of sesame.
Identification of somatic mutations in EGFR/KRAS/ALK-negative lung adenocarcinoma in never-smokers
Authors: Ahn Jin Woo , Kim Han Sang , Yoon Jung-Ki , Jang Hoon , Han Soo Min , Eun Sungho , Shim Hyo Sup , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kim Dae Joon , Lee Jin Gu , Lee Chang Young , Bae Mi Kyung , Chung Kyung Young , Jung Ji Ye , Kim Eun Young , Kim Se Kyu , Chang Joon , Kim Hye Ryun , Kim Joo Hang , Lee Min Goo , Cho Byoung Chul , Lee Ji Hyun , Bang Duhee
Published: February 2014

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma is a highly heterogeneous disease with various etiologies, prognoses, and responses to therapy. Although genome-scale characterization of lung adenocarcinoma has been performed, a comprehensive somatic mutation analysis of EGFR/KRAS/ALK-negative lung adenocarcinoma in never-smokers has not been conducted.

Methods

We analyzed whole exome sequencing data from 16 EGFR/KRAS/ALK-negative lung adenocarcinomas and additional 54 tumors in two expansion cohort sets. Candidate loci were validated by target capture and Sanger sequencing. Gene set analysis was performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

Results

We identified 27 genes potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. These included targetable genes involved in PI3K/mTOR signaling (TSC1, PIK3CA, AKT2) and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling (ERBB4) and genes not previously highlighted in lung adenocarcinomas, such as SETD2 and PBRM1 (chromatin remodeling), CHEK2 and CDC27 (cell cycle), CUL3 and SOD2 (oxidative stress), and CSMD3 and TFG (immune response). In the expansion cohort (N = 70), TP53 was the most frequently altered gene (11%), followed by SETD2 (6%), CSMD3 (6%), ERBB2 (6%), and CDH10 (4%). In pathway analysis, the majority of altered genes were involved in cell cycle/DNA repair (P <0.001) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase signaling (P <0.001).

Conclusions

The genomic makeup of EGFR/KRAS/ALK-negative lung adenocarcinomas in never-smokers is remarkably diverse. Genes involved in cell cycle regulation/DNA repair are implicated in tumorigenesis and represent potential therapeutic targets.
Rock-physics modeling guided by depositional and burial history in low-to-intermediate-porosity sandstones
Authors: Avseth Per , Johansen Tor Arne , Bakhorji Aiman , Mustafa Husam M.
Published: February 2014

We present a new rock-physics modeling approach to describe the elastic properties of low-to-intermediate-porosity sandstones that incorporates the depositional and burial history of the rock. The studied rocks have been exposed to complex burial and diagenetic history and show great variability in rock texture and reservoir properties. Our approach combines granular medium contact theory with inclusion-based models to build rock-physics templates that take into account the complex burial history of the rock. These models are used to describe well log data from tight gas sandstone reservoirs in Saudi Arabia, and successfully explain the pore fluid, rock porosity, and pore shape trends in these complex reservoirs.
Probabilistic approach to rock physics modeling
Authors: Grana Dario
Published: February 2014

Rock physics modeling aims to provide a link between rock properties, such as porosity, lithology, and fluid saturation, and elastic attributes, such as velocities or impedances. These models are then used in quantitative seismic interpretation and reservoir characterization. However, most of the geophysical measurements are uncertain; therefore, rock physics equations must be combined with mathematical tools to account for the uncertainty in the data. We combined probability theory with rock physics modeling to make predictions of elastic properties using probability distributions rather than definite values. The method provided analytical solutions of rock physics models in which the input is a random variable whose exact value is unknown but whose probability distribution is known. The probability distribution derived with this approach can be used to quantify the uncertainty in rock physics model predictions and in rock property estimation from seismic attributes. Examples of fluid substitution and rock physics modeling were studied to illustrate the application of the method.