bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The bidirectional tumor - mesenchymal stromal cell interaction promotes the progression of head and neck cancer
Authors: Kansy Benjamin A , Dißmann Philip A , Hemeda Hatim , Bruderek Kirsten , Westerkamp Anna M , Jagalski Vivien , Schuler Patrick , Kansy Katinka , Lang Stephan , Dumitru Claudia A , Brandau Sven
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are an integral cellular component of the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, very little is known about MSC originating from human malignant tissue and modulation of these cells by tumor-derived factors. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize MSC from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to investigate their interaction with tumor cells.

Methods

MSC were isolated from tumor tissues of HNSCC patients during routine oncological surgery. Immunophenotyping, immunofluorescence and in vitro differentiation were performed to determine whether the isolated cells met the consensus criteria for MSC. The cytokine profile of tumor-derived MSC was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activation of MSC by tumor-conditioned media was assessed by measuring cytokine release and expression of CD54. The impact of MSC on tumor growth in vivo was analyzed in a HNSCC xenograft model.

Results

Cells isolated from HNSCC tissue met the consensus criteria for MSC. Tumor-derived MSC constitutively produced high amounts of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α. HNSCC-derived factors activated MSC and enhanced secretion of IL-8 and expression of CD54. Furthermore, MSC provided stromal support for human HNSCC cell lines in vivo and enhanced their growth in a murine xenograft model.

Conclusions

This is the first study to isolate and characterize MSC from malignant tissues of patients with HNSCC. We observed cross-talk of stromal cells and tumor cells resulting in enhanced growth of HNSCC in vivo.
Cranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Current Status of the Initial Paradigm Shifter
Authors: Sheehan Jason P. , Yen Chun-Po , Lee Cheng-Chia , Loeffler Jay S.
Published: August 2014

The concept of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was first described by Lars Leksell in 1951. It was proposed as a noninvasive alternative to open neurosurgical approaches to manage a variety of conditions. In the following decades, SRS emerged as a unique discipline involving a collegial partnership among neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists. SRS relies on the precisely guided delivery of high-dose ionizing radiation to an intracranial target. The focused convergence of multiple beams yields a potent therapeutic effect on the target and a steep dose fall-off to surrounding structures, thereby minimizing the risk of collateral damage. SRS is typically administered in a single session but can be given in as many as five sessions or fractions. By providing an ablative effect noninvasively, SRS has altered the treatment paradigms for benign and malignant intracranial tumors, functional disorders, and vascular malformations. Literature on extensive intracranial radiosurgery has unequivocally demonstrated the favorable benefit-to-risk profile that SRS affords for appropriately selected patients. In a departure from conventional radiotherapeutic strategies, radiosurgical principles have recently been extended to extracranial indications such as lung, spine, and liver tumors. The paradigm shift resulting from radiosurgery continues to alter the landscape of related fields.
Psychosexual Functioning Among Adult Female Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Ford Jennifer S. , Kawashima Toana , Whitton John , Leisenring Wendy , Laverdière Caroline , Stovall Marilyn , Zeltzer Lonnie , Robison Leslie L. , Sklar Charles A.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

Childhood cancer survivors may be at risk for impaired psychosexual functioning as a direct result of their cancer or its treatments, psychosocial difficulties, and/or diminished quality of life.

Patients and Methods

Two thousand one hundred seventy-eight female adult survivors of childhood cancer and 408 female siblings from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) completed a self-report questionnaire about their psychosexual functioning and quality of life. On average, participants were age 29 years (range, 18 to 51 years) at the time of the survey, had been diagnosed with cancer at a median age of 8.5 years (range, 0 to 20) and were most commonly diagnosed with leukemia (33.2%) and Hodgkin lymphoma (15.4%).

Results

Multivariable analyses suggested that after controlling for sociodemographic differences, survivors reported significantly lower sexual functioning (mean difference [MnD], −0.2; P = .01), lower sexual interest (MnD, −0.2; P < .01), lower sexual desire (MnD, −0.3; P < .01), lower sexual arousal (MnD, −0.3; P < .01), lower sexual satisfaction (MnD, −0.2; P = .01), and lower sexual activity (MnD, −0.1; P = .02) compared with siblings. Risk factors for poorer psychosexual functioning among survivors included older age at assessment, ovarian failure at a younger age, treatment with cranial radiation, and cancer diagnosis during adolescence.

Conclusion

Decreased sexual functioning among female survivors of childhood cancers seems to be unrelated to emotional factors and is likely to be an underaddressed issue. Several risk factors among survivors have been identified that assist in defining high-risk subgroups who may benefit from targeted screening and interventions.
Transformation from Multi- to Single-lamellar Vesicle by Addition of a Cationic Lipid to 1,2-Dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Explored with SAXS and TEM
Authors: Kubo Genki , Sakamoto Shunsuke , Fujii Shota , Sanada Yusuke , Yasunaga Takuo , Takahara Atsushi , Sakurai Kazuo
Published: August 2014

1,2-Dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC) is one of the major lipids constituting cellular membranes. When DLPC itself is dispersed in aqueous solutions, multilamellar vesicles are formed, although the cellular membranes are made of single bilayers. We found that the addition of a calix[4]arene derivative (CaL[4]C3) bearing four amine groups as the headgroup to the DLPC multilamellar vesicle induced the structural transformation to a single-lamellar vesicle, by use of small-angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy, indicating that the highly condensed ionic groups of CaL[4]C3 are useful to control membrane morphology.
Longevity of Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks Rhizoprionodon terraenovae and Blacknose Sharks Carcharhinus acronotus in the western North Atlantic Ocean based on tag-recapture data and direct age estimates
Authors: Frazier Bryan S. , Driggers III William B. , Ulrich Glenn F.
Published: August 2014

Longevity of Rhizoprionodon terraenovae and Carcharhinus acronotus in the western North Atlantic Ocean was examined using direct age estimates from vertebral sections and tag-recapture data. Time-at-liberty ranged from 7.7-12.1 years (mean =9.2) for R. terraenovae and 10.9-12.8 years (mean =11.9) for C. acronotus. Maximum estimated longevity was determined to be 19.8 years through tag-recapture data and 18.5 years from direct age estimates for R. terraenovae and 22.8 years through tag-recapture data and 20.5 years through direct age estimates for C. acronotus. These longevity estimates represent a large increase over previous estimates and may have significant effects on analyses that depend on longevity including lifetime fecundity, mortality rates, demographic analyses and stock assessments.
A revised method for measuring distraction by tactile stimulation
Authors: Schechter Jacqueline R. , Greene Deanna J. , Koller Jonathan M. , Black Kevin J.
Published: August 2014

Sensory hypersensitivity (SH) refers to the tendency to attend to subtle stimuli, to persist in attending to them, and to find them noxious. SH is relatively common in several developmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder (TS/CTD). This study was an attempt to quantify the extent to which a mild tactile stimulus distracts one’s attention in TS/CTD. Fourteen adults with TS/CTD and 14 tic-free control subjects completed questionnaires regarding SH and ADHD, and TS/CTD subjects completed self-report measures of current and past tic disorder symptoms and of current obsessions and compulsions. All subjects performed a sustained attention choice reaction time task during alternating blocks in which a mildly annoying stimulus (von Frey hair) was applied to the ankle (“ON”) or was not applied (“OFF”). We present here the clinical and cognitive task data for each subject.
Biology and conservation of elasmobranchs: an introduction to the collection
Authors: Bangley Charles W. , Shiffman D. S.
Published: August 2014

Elasmobranchs, the taxonomic group comprising sharks, skates and rays, play important roles in society and marine ecology but several species in this subclass are under threat.  This collection aims to be an open access hub for articles concerning all areas of elasmobranch biology and conservation. The collection is indefinitely open to further submissions and so will continue to grow as additional articles are added.
Modeling of the influence of TSC in active regions of the elements when designing circuits
Authors: Ачкасов  , Achkasov A. , Зольников  , Zolnikov Konstantin , Смерек  , Smerek V. , Скляр  , Sklyar V.
Published: August 2014

Examines the processes that occur in active regions of the elements of chips, under the influence of heavy charged particles. Defined formulas for estimation of ionization reaction.
Modern aspects of integration of nonresonance differential equations with limited right part functions in problems of electrodynamics and astrophysics
Authors: Котов  , Kotov P.
Published: August 2014

A constructive approach is offered for integration of nonresonance real differential equations with limited functions in the right part considering the famous foundations of differential and integral calculus of measurable function of diagnosable parameters.
Budgeting algoritmization at management of projects at the level of the commercial organization
Authors: Феоктистов  , Feoktistov R. , Лапшина  , Lapshina Marina , Разинкин  , Razinkin K.
Published: August 2014

In article budgeting process is considered as the instrument of financial and resource management by the organization at management of commercial projects which being one of components of system of financial management dictates need of realization of algorithmic approaches at drawing up alternative versions of budgets and carrying out the analysis for various stages of management of projects.
Modelling of the hydrodinamics process «brake-stabilizer»
Authors: Макаров  , Makarov D. , Мануковский  , Manukovskiy Andrey , Макарова  , Makarova Yu.
Published: August 2014

In our work we presented the description of alternative raft control means in the state of «brake-stabilizer». We showed modelling of the hydrodynamic results for the engineered control means. We described characteristics of «brake-stabilizer» braking effort and the slump effect, which depends on towing speed and angle of attack.
Modeling of physical and mechanical properties of wood due to its moisturizing
Authors: Аксомитный  , Aksomitnyy Aleksey , Стородубцева  , Storodubtseva Tamara , Томилин  , Tomilin Andrey
Published: August 2014

This article presents the results you solve the problem of forecasting the physical and mechanical properties of the wood of coniferous and deciduous species tion because of its anisotropy and their variability from changing its moisture.
The wood as a biopolymer composite system
Authors: Трещева  , Treshcheva E. , Стородубцева  , Storodubtseva Tamara , Головатенко  , Golovatenko Yu.
Published: August 2014

This article describes the prospects for application of wood and agricultural waste in the production of various finishing and heat-insulating materials, as well as a composite material with a reinforcing filler – chips.
Lingua-conceptology as a research area: the basic postulates and degree of the level of scrutiny of the problematics
Authors: Чубур  , Chubur T.
Published: August 2014

The basic stages of formation of lingua-conceptology are considered in the article. Such directions in modern linguistics, as lingua-culturology, lingua-cultural conceptology and linguistics conceptology (lingua-conceptology) are differentiated.
Developing eLearning for pressure ulcer prevention and management
Authors: Cameron Rosie , Rodgers Angela , Welsh Lynn , McGown Katrina
Published: August 2014

The impact of pressure ulcers is psychologically, physically and clinically challenging for both patients and NHS staff. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC), in line with the Scottish Best Practice Statement for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers ( Quality Improvement Scotland, 2009 ), and the NHS Health Improvement Scotland (2011) Preventing Pressure Ulcers Change Package, launched an awareness campaign throughout the organisation in April 2012 and has more recently adopted a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to pressure damage. The tissue viability service in NHS GGC recognised that in order to achieve this aim, education of front-line staff is essential. An educational framework for pressure ulcer prevention was developed for all levels of healthcare staff involved in the delivery of patient care. As a means to support the framework, an initiative to develop web-based eLearning modules has been taken forward. This has resulted in the creation of an accessible, cost-effective, stimulating, relevant, and evidence-based education programme designed around the educational needs of all healthcare staff. In conjunction with the organisation's ‘top ten tools’ for pressure ulcer prevention and management, the modular online education programme addresses the aims of quality improvement and zero tolerance by supporting the provision of safe and effective person-centered care.
A vapour-permeable film dressing used on superficial wounds
Authors: Meuleneire Frans
Published: August 2014

Films are an extremely versatile dressing type that can be effectively used in the treatment of many superficial wounds, such as skin grafts, surgical wounds and superficial burns; they provide an optimal moist environment to promote healing, act as a barrier to bacteria, and afford protection from urine and faecal contamination. Unfortunately, many film dressings are difficult to handle and use traditional adhesives, which can cause trauma to the wound and surrounding skin, as well as increased wound pain at dressing removal. Mepitel® Film is a new, easy-to-use wound dressing designed with Safetac® technology that helps to minimise dressing-related trauma and pain and assist undisturbed wound healing. This article presents case studies that examine Mepitel Film's use on a variety of wounds, and reviews the findings of research that was undertaken to evaluate the benefits of using this recently developed dressing.
Pressure ulcer grading and appropriate equipment selection
Authors: Charlton Sarah
Published: August 2014

This article explores the process and rationale for designing a poster to support community nurses in selecting appropriate pressure-relieving equipment based on accurate risk assessment and correct pressure ulcer grading. The project was prompted by the requirement to update community nurses' knowledge and ensure pressure-relieving equipment selection was evidence-based and not reliant on personal preference. The 2012 NHS Midlands and East ‘Stop the pressure’ campaign provided community nurses with a framework for pressure ulcer prevention and management. The attention to support surfaces highlighted the need for appropriate equipment. However the tissue viability team found that the introduction of this pathway alone did not help with the practical issues of appropriate equipment selection. The poster was designed with consideration as to how adults learn, and by looking to the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle. This provided the framework for enabling new ideas and changes to practice to be tested on a small scale before full implementation.
Use of quality indicators to compare point-of-care testing errors in a neonatal unit and errors in a STAT central laboratory
Authors: Cantero Miguel , Redondo Maximino , Martín Eva , Callejón Gonzalo , Hortas María Luisa
Published: August 2014

Point-of-care testing (POCT), like other laboratory tests, can be affected by errors throughout the total testing process. To evaluate quality error rates, the use of quality indicators (QIs) is recommended; however, little information is available on the quality error rate associated with POCT. The objective of this study was to investigate quality error rates related to POCT and compare them with central laboratory (CL) testing.

We studied standardized QIs for POCT in comparison to CL testing. We compared error rates related to requests, collection, and handling of samples and results from external quality assessment program (EQAP) and internal quality control (IQC).

The highest difference between POCT and CL testing was observed for QI related to patient identification, 45.3% vs. 0.02% (p<0.001). Regarding specimen collection and handling, the QI related to samples without results was also higher in POCT than in CL testing, 15.8% vs. 3.3% (p<0.001). For the QI related to insufficient sample volume, we obtained 2.9% vs. 0.9% (p=0.27). Unlike QIs for the preanalytical phase, QIs for the analytical phase had better results in POCT than CL testing. We obtained 8.3% vs. 16.6% (p=0.13) for QI related to unacceptable results in EQAP and 0.8% vs. 22.5% (p<0.001) for QI related to unacceptable results in IQC.

Our results show that the preanalytical phase remains the main problem in POCT like in CL testing and that monitoring of quality indicators is a very valuable tool in reducing errors in POCT.
Delayed diagnosis of trichobezoar in a patient with presumed anorexia nervosa
Authors: Saldanha Nadia E. , Meisel Jonathan A. , Prince Jose M. , Feinstein Ronald , Fisher Martin
Published: August 2014

Anorexia nervosa is a medical and psychological disorder classically seen in young women who present with significant weight loss, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight. A rare diagnosis that is also associated with weight loss is a trichobezoar, a collection of hair or hair-like fibers in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the stomach. In this report, we present the case of a 14.5-year-old girl with weight loss caused by a trichobezoar, initially thought to be due to anorexia nervosa, and we review the details of both disorders.
Ethylation of Ethylbenzene with Ethanol over Mordenite-Based Catalysts: Effects of Acidity, Desilication and Kinetics Analysis
Authors: Hossain Mohammad M. , Osman Mogahid , Al-Khattaf Sulaiman
Published: August 2014

This communication reports the kinetics analysis of ethylation of ethylbenzene (EB) with ethanol over large pore size mordenite catalysts. In this regard, two different catalyst samples are selected with SiO2/Al2O3 = 180 and 21, respectively. The higher acidic sample (SiO2/Al2O3 = 21) is desilicated to study the effects of desilication on the EB ethylation. The EB ethylation experiments are conducted in a fluidized CREC Riser Simulator using equimolar amount of EB and ethanol as feed. Under the studied reaction conditions, diethylbenzene (DEB) is the main product while a small amount of benzene and lighter gases are also produced. In addition to DEB, the higher acidic mordenite sample also produces benzene via dealkylation of EB. On the other hand, the large pore size mordenite sample gives triethylbenzene (TEB) as a secondary alkylation product. The desilicated sample shows slightly higher DEB selectivity but the EB conversion with this sample is low. Power law–based kinetics evaluation also confirms the above observations by showing low activation energy for DEB formation while high activation energies for benzene and TEB formations.
Comparative Study of Removal of Cadmium (II) and Chromium (III) Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Low-Cost Biosorbent
Authors: Sulaymon Abbas H. , Mohammed Ahmed A. , Al-Musawi Tariq J.
Published: August 2014

This study aims to evaluate the ability of abundant low-cost garden grass to remove cadmium and chromium ions from aqueous solutions. Batch biosorption studies were carried out to examine the biosorption capacity, pH value, temperature, agitation speed, and metal ions concentration. The biosorption process revealed that the garden grass was an effective biosorbent of cadmium and chromium. The maximum chromium and cadmium removal rate was 90 and 80% at pH 4, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy analysis showed that the hydroxyl, amine, and carboxyl groups were the major groups responsible for the biosorption process. The maximum biosorption capacity was 18.19 and 19.4 mg/g for cadmium and chromium, respectively. The biosorption isotherm data fitted well the Langmuir model. Kinetic data were adequately fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
A Simple Method for Prediction of Effective Core Area and Index of Refraction of Single-mode Graded Index Fiber in the Low V Region
Authors: Majumdar Angshuman , Das Satabdi , Gangopadhyay Sankar
Published: August 2014

Based on the simple power series formulation of fundamental mode developed by Chebyshev formalism in the low V region, we prescribe analytical expression for effective core area of graded index fiber. Taking step and parabolic index fibers as examples, we estimate the effective core areas as well as effective refractive index for different normalized frequencies (V number) having low values. We also show that our estimations match excellently with the available exact results. The concerned predictions by our method require little computation. Thus, this simple but accurate formalism will be user friendly for the system engineers.
The perception of voice-initiating gestures
Authors: Solé Maria-Josep
Published: August 2014

This study examines how variation in production is perceived and then (re)interpreted by listeners, thus providing the link between phonetic variation and sound change. We investigate whether listeners can detect the nasal leak that may accompany utterance-initial voiced stops in Spanish, and reinterpret it as a nasal segment. Such reinterpretation may account for a number of sound patterns involving emergent nasals adjacent to voiced stops in oral contexts. Oral pressure, nasal/oral airflow, and audio were recorded for utterance-initial /b d p t/ produced by 10 Spanish speakers. Tokens showing different degrees of nasal leak (nasal C, maximum, medium, and no nasal leak) were placed intervocalically, where both /C/ and /NC/ may occur. The stimuli were presented to Spanish listeners for identification as /VNCV/ or /V(C)CV/. Identification results indicate a higher number of VNCV responses with incremental changes in nasal leak in voiced but not voiceless stimuli. Reaction time analysis showed shorter latencies to nasal identification for larger velum leak stimuli. The results suggest that listeners can `hear' the nasal leak and fail to relate it to voicing initiation, interpreting a nasal segment. Thus a gesture aimed at facilitating voicing initiation may be interpreted as a new target goal.
Sound change in an urban setting: Category instability of the palatal fricative in Berlin
Authors: Jannedy Stefanie , Weirich Melanie
Published: August 2014

The differential categorization of identical stimuli depending on the presence of a prime is described as a perceptual divergence effect. We examined whether native listeners of the Berlin vernacular of German categorized identical acoustic stimuli differently in the explicit context of the names of two different districts of Berlin, assuming that listeners infer social information and linguistic stereotypes based on the names of these neighborhoods (Kreuzberg vs. Zehlendorf). All listeners categorized natural acoustic stimuli with synthetic fricatives synthesized along a continuum ranging from /ç/ to /ʃ/ as either
Physical and biological characteristics of nanohydroxyapatite and bioactive glasses used for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Yousefi Azizeh-Mitra , Oudadesse Hassane , Akbarzadeh Rosa , Wers Eric , Lucas-Girot Anita
Published: August 2014

Critical-sized bone defects have, in many cases, posed challenges to the current gold standard treatments. Bioactive glasses are reported to be able to stimulate more bone regeneration than other bioactive ceramics; however, the difficulty in producing porous scaffolds made of bioactive glasses has limited their extensive use in bone regeneration. On the other hand, calcium phosphate ceramics such as synthetic hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate are widely used in the clinic, but they stimulate less bone regeneration. This paper gives an overview of the recent developments in the field of bioactive nanoparticles, with a focus on nanohydroxyapatite and bioactive glasses for bone repair and regeneration. First, a brief overview of the chemical structure and common methods used to produce synthetic nanohydroxyapatite and bioactive glasses has been presented. The main body of the paper covers the physical and biological properties of these biomaterials, as well as their composites with biodegradable polymers used in bone regeneration. A summary of existing challenges and some recommendations for future directions have been brought in the concluding section of this paper.
La formación lingüística de Canarias: sustratos, contactos e historia. Un balance de cinco siglos
Authors: Medina López Javier
Published: August 2014

En este artículo se lleva a cabo un análisis de las principales aportaciones que constituyen la base lingüística del español hablado en las Islas Canarias, una vez que se han cumplido algo más de quinientos años desde el final de la conquista castellana. Se consideran el componente prehispánico, el proceso de castellanización, la presencia portuguesa y las relaciones de ida y vuelta con América. Asimismo, en la segunda parte de este estudio se abordan los hechos del contacto de lenguas y el complejo proceso de la creación del vernáculo o estándar regional, conceptos que se relacionan, entre otros, con las más recientes propuestas de globalización y glocalización lingüísticas.
Transcriptome and Complexity-Reduced, DNA-Based Identification of Intraspecies Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Polyploid Gossypium hirsutum L.
Authors: Zhu Qian-Hao , Spriggs Andrew , Taylor Jennifer M , Llewellyn Danny , Wilson Iain
Published: August 2014

Varietal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the differences within one of the two subgenomes between different tetraploid cotton varieties and have not been practically used in cotton genetics and breeding because they are difficult to identify due to low genetic diversity and very high sequence identity between homeologous genes in cotton. We have used transcriptome and restriction site−associated DNA sequencing to identify varietal SNPs among 18 G. hirsutum varieties based on the rationale that varietal SNPs can be more confidently called when flanked by subgenome-specific SNPs. Using transcriptome data, we successfully identified 37,413 varietal SNPs and, of these, 22,121 did not have an additional varietal SNP within their 20-bp flanking regions so can be used in most SNP genotyping assays. From restriction site−associated DNA sequencing data, we identified an additional 3090 varietal SNPs between two of the varieties. Of the 1583 successful SNP assays achieved using different genotyping platforms, 1363 were verified. Many of the SNPs behaved as dominant markers because of coamplification from homeologous loci, but the number of SNPs acting as codominant markers increased when one or more subgenome-specific SNP(s) were incorporated in their assay primers, giving them greater utility for breeding applications. A G. hirsutum genetic map with 1244 SNP markers was constructed covering 5557.42 centiMorgan and used to map qualitative and quantitative traits. This collection of G. hirsutum varietal SNPs complements existing intra-specific SNPs and provides the cotton community with a valuable marker resource applicable to genetic analyses and breeding programs.
Genetic Regulation ofZfp30, CXCL1, and Neutrophilic Inflammation in Murine Lung
Authors: Rutledge Holly , Aylor David L , Carpenter Danielle E , Peck Bailey C , Chines Peter , Ostrowski Lawrence E , Chesler Elissa J , Churchill Gary A , de Villena Fernando Pardo-Manuel , Kelada Samir N P
Published: August 2014

Allergic asthma is a complex disease characterized in part by granulocytic inflammation of the airways. In addition to eosinophils, neutrophils (PMN) are also present, particularly in cases of severe asthma. We sought to identify the genetic determinants of neutrophilic inflammation in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma. We applied an HDM model of allergic asthma to the eight founder strains of the Collaborative Cross (CC) and 151 incipient lines of the CC (preCC). Lung lavage fluid was analyzed for PMN count and the concentration of CXCL1, a hallmark PMN chemokine. PMN and CXCL1 were strongly correlated in preCC mice. We used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping to identify three variants affecting PMN, one of which colocalized with a QTL for CXCL1 on chromosome (Chr) 7. We used lung eQTL data to implicate a variant in the gene Zfp30 in the CXCL1/PMN response. This genetic variant regulates both CXCL1 and PMN by altering Zfp30 expression, and we model the relationships between the QTL and these three endophenotypes. We show that Zfp30 is expressed in airway epithelia in the normal mouse lung and that altering Zfp30 expression in vitro affects CXCL1 responses to an immune stimulus. Our results provide strong evidence that Zfp30 is a novel regulator of neutrophilic airway inflammation.
Subdural Hemorrhages Associated With Antithrombotic Therapy in Infants With Cerebral Atrophy
Authors: Dang Louis T. , Shavit Jordan A. , Singh Rani K. , Joshi Sucheta M. , Leber Steven M. , Barks John D.E. , Shellhaas Renée A.
Published: August 2014

Low-molecular-weight heparins, such as enoxaparin, are often used to treat thrombosis in infants. We present 4 infants with diffuse brain injury who developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis and were treated with enoxaparin. These infants subsequently developed subdural hemorrhages, and enoxaparin was stopped. In 3 cases, the subdural hemorrhages were found on routine surveillance brain MRI, and in 1 case imaging was urgently obtained because of focal seizures. Two patients needed urgent neurosurgical intervention, and all subdural hemorrhages improved or resolved on follow-up imaging. Each infant developed severe neurologic deficits, probably from the coexisting diffuse brain injury rather than from the subdural hemorrhages themselves. The risk of intracranial hemorrhage from enoxaparin may be accentuated in patients with diffuse brain injury, and careful consideration should be given before treatment in this population.
Neuroinvasive Arboviral Disease in the United States: 2003 to 2012
Authors: Gaensbauer James T. , Lindsey Nicole P. , Messacar Kevin , Staples J. Erin , Fischer Marc
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the epidemiologic and clinical syndromes associated with pediatric neuroinvasive arboviral infections among children in the United States from 2003 through 2012.

METHODS:

We reviewed data reported by state health departments to ArboNET, the national arboviral surveillance system, for 2003 through 2012. Children (<18 years) with neuroinvasive arboviral infections (eg, meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis) were included. Demographic, clinical syndrome, outcome, geographic, and temporal data were analyzed for all cases.

RESULTS:

During the study period, 1217 cases and 22 deaths due to pediatric neuroinvasive arboviral infection were reported from the 48 contiguous states. La Crosse virus (665 cases; 55%) and West Nile virus (505 cases; 41%) were the most common etiologies identified. Although less common, Eastern equine encephalitis virus (30 cases; 2%) resulted in 10 pediatric deaths. La Crosse virus primarily affected younger children, whereas West Nile virus was more common in older children and adolescents. West Nile virus disease cases occurred throughout the country, whereas La Crosse and the other arboviruses were more focally distributed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neuroinvasive arboviral infections were an important cause of pediatric disease from 2003 through 2012. Differences in the epidemiology and clinical disease result from complex interactions among virus, vector, host, and the environment. Decreasing the morbidity and mortality from these agents depends on vector control, personal protection to reduce mosquito and tick bites, and blood donor screening. Effective surveillance is critical to inform clinicians and public health officials about the epidemiologic features of these diseases and to direct prevention efforts.
Impact Locations and Concussion Outcomes in High School Football Player-to-Player Collisions
Authors: Kerr Zachary Y. , Collins Christy L. , Mihalik Jason P. , Marshall Stephen W. , Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND:

Little research has examined concussion outcomes in terms of impact location (ie, the area on the head in which the impact occurred). This study describes the epidemiology of concussions resulting from player-to-player collision in high school football by impact location.

METHODS:

National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study data (2008/2009–2012/2013) were analyzed to calculate rates and describe circumstances of football concussion (eg, symptomology, symptom resolution time, return to play) resulting from player-to-player collisions by impact location (ie, front-, back-, side-, and top-of-the-head).

RESULTS:

Most concussions resulting from player-to-player collisions occurred from front-of-the-head (44.7%) and side-of-the-head (22.3%) impacts. Number of symptoms reported, prevalence of reported symptoms, symptom resolution time, and length of time to return to play were not associated with impact location. However, a larger proportion of football players sustaining concussions from top-of-the-head impacts experienced loss of consciousness (8.0%) than those sustaining concussions from impacts to other areas of the head (3.5%) (injury proportion ratio 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2–4.2; P = .008). Players had their head down at the time of impact in a higher proportion of concussions caused by top-of-the-head impacts (86.4%) than concussions from impacts to other areas of the head (24.0%) (injury proportion ratio 3.6; 95% confidence interval 3.2–4.0; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among high school football players who sustained concussions due to player-to-player collisions, concussion outcomes were generally independent of impact location. Recommended strategies for reducing the proportion of top-of-the-head impacts include improved education regarding tackling with proper “head-up” technique.
Defining and Determining Medical Necessity in Medicaid Managed Care
Authors: Markus Anne Rossier , West Kristina D.
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVES:

In 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a policy statement calling for pediatricians to be informed about the need for specific pediatric medical necessity language because children deserve “the intent embedded in Medicaid.” This study aims to explore the definitions and determinations of medical necessity in Medicaid Managed Care (MMC), document the relevant language used throughout Medicaid, and investigate whether the federal standard of medical necessity for children is replicated in related state documents.

METHODS:

We conducted a desk review of state statutes, model MMC contracts, and 2 provider manuals per state, for 33 states with a full-risk MMC model.

RESULTS:

The federal “to correct and ameliorate” standard was replicated in 100% of state regulations, 72% of MMC model contracts (n = 13 of 18 MMC model contracts available online), and 54% of provider manuals (n = 30 of 56 available and sampled online). Only 9 states had an explicit “preventive” pediatric medical necessity standard in their state regulations that exemplified “the intent imbedded in Medicaid.”

CONCLUSIONS:

The federal medical necessity standard for children is not replicated consistently within MMC programs from the state, to health plans, to network providers. Although the majority of the documents reviewed included the standard, the presence of the standard decreased by almost half between state-level and network-provider-level regulations. Having a single, explicitly defined pediatric medical necessity definition replicated at all levels of the health system would reduce confusion and increase the ability of pediatricians to apply the standard more uniformly.
Spatial time-dependent reliability analysis of corrosion damage to RC structures with climate change
Authors: Peng Lizhengli , Stewart Mark G.
Published: August 2014

The environment around concrete structures may be influenced by a changing climate, especially in the long run, leading to an acceleration of deterioration. Therefore, the safety, serviceability and durability of concrete infrastructure may decline at a faster rate than expected. Carbonation-induced deterioration to concrete structures constructed in Sydney, Australia and Kunming, China under a changing climate is investigated in this paper. Two emissions scenarios are considered – RCP 8.5 and RCP 4.5, representing high and medium greenhouse gas emissions scenarios respectively. The spatial time-dependent reliability analysis includes time-dependent climate scenarios and deterioration processes, as well as a large number of random variables and spatial random fields of material properties and dimensions. The surface of concrete structures is discretised into a large number of elements and the likelihood and extent of corrosion damage is calculated by tracking the evolution of the corrosion process of each element using Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that a changing climate could cause the extent of damage to increase by up to 6% for reinforced concrete infrastructure in Kunming. The findings may be used to assess climate adaptation measures in the design stage, as well as a cost–benefit analysis of climate adaptation measures.
Comparison of TCP and TCP/HA Hybrid Scaffolds for Osteoconductive Activity
Authors: Wongwitwichot P , Kaewsrichan J , Chua K.H , Ruszymah B.H.I
Published: August 2014

Two types of porous ceramic scaffolds were prepared, consisting of β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or the mixed powder of TCP and hydroxyapatite (HA) at a 2:1 mass ratio. A variety of methods have been used to fabricate bone scaffolds, while the sintering approach was adopted in this work. An extremely high temperature was used on sintering that proposed to consolidate the ceramic particles. As revealed by SEM, a well opened pore structure was developed within the scaffolds. The θ-values were measured to be of 73.3° and 6.5° for the composite scaffold and TCP sample, respectively. According to XRD patterns, the existence of grains coalescence and partial bonding between HA and TCP powders was demonstrated. Scaffold mechanical property in the term of flexural strength was also determined. The result showed decreasing of the strength by HA supplement, suggesting the more brittle characteristic of HA in comparison with TCP. By soaking the composite scaffold in PBS for a period of 2 weeks, transformation from particles to flank-like crystalline was clearly observed. Such change was found to be favorable for cell attachment, migration, and growth. By implanting cell-seeded scaffolds into nude mice, an abundant osseous extracellular matrix was identified for the composite implants. In contrast, the matrix was minimally detected in TCP implanted samples. Thus, the composite scaffold was found superior for hard tissue regeneration.
Chronic Kidney Disease, A Herculean Task: Are There Effective Means Of
Engagement In Alleviating The Burden?
Authors: Vijayan Madhusudan , Ravi Rajalakshmi , Abraham Georgi , Ravi Rama , Mathew Milli
Published: August 2014

Non-communicable diseases are on the rise in India, of which chronic kidney disease (CKD) forms a considerable part. Little is known about CKD in India. The CKD registry of India submitted its first report in 2012 attempting to decipher the load of CKD. Only the tip of the iceberg has been explored, because this registry is the data collection from 200 odd nephrologists to whom these patients were referred, which is hospital based. The burden of CKD is felt to be immense and presumed to catapult in the forthcoming years. The available facilities for renal replacement therapy are sparse, confined to urban areas and certain regions of the country. There is an imminent need for focusing on preventive aspect including screening practices and educational measures to alleviate the burden of CKD. Screening of high risk groups with urine dipstick test and serum creatinine estimation and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on this, is currently recommended by international experts, although debate exists as to whether to screen the entire population or only susceptible and older individuals. Educational interventions aimed at creating awareness are warranted owing to the current circumstances. The Government has to put in place decisive measures to control and monitor the disease. Public private partnerships could play a major role in the future. For the control of CKD as a whole in India, participation from professionals industry, philanthropic organizations with active involvement of Government is necessary.
Promoting Quality of Program Delivery via an Internet Message Delivery System
Authors: Bishop Dana C. , Dusenbury Linda , Pankratz Melinda M. , Hansen William B.
Published: August 2014

This article presents results from a study that evaluated an online message system designed to improve the delivery of prevention programs. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 32 agencies and schools that implemented substance use prevention programs and examined differences between the comparison and intervention groups. We also examined the impact of dosage of the message system by comparing results among three groups of teachers: non-users, low users, and high users. Results for norm setting were marginally significant, such that teachers within the agencies assigned to the intervention condition scored higher on their understanding of norm setting at posttest compared to teachers within comparison agencies, after controlling for pretest knowledge scores and demographic items. In the model examining impact of dosage, high users of the intervention scored significantly higher on self-reported understanding of their program, quality of delivery, and program effectiveness compared to non-users. Low users of the intervention reported significantly higher quality of delivery compared to non-users.
Randomized Controlled Evaluation of the Too Good for Drugs Prevention Program: Impact on Adolescents at Different Risk Levels for Drug Use
Authors: Hall Bruce W. , Bacon Tina P. , Ferron John M.
Published: August 2014

Sixth graders participating in the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) prevention program in comparison to 6th graders not participating show different results by student risk level. Sixth graders from 20 middle schools were randomly assigned to receive the intervention and those from 20 paired middle schools assigned to serve as controls ( N = 10,762). Participants were identified as low, moderate, or high risk for drug usage based on their rates of behaviors reported prior to the start of the study. Student behavior outcomes (smoking, alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and marijuana usage) as well as risk and protective (R&P) outcomes were surveyed at three points in time (before, after, and 6 months following treatment). Results show the TGFD to have a suppressive effect on reported drug use behavior and a strengthening effect on R&P outcomes among high risk students following treatment and 6 months later. Some effects were also found for low and moderate risk students. A favorable treatment effect was found on mathematics achievement.
Neoliberal Austerity and Corporate Crime: The Collapse of the Maxima Supermarket in Riga, Latvia
Authors: Woolfson Charles , Juska Arunas
Published: August 2014

The roof collapse of the Maxima supermarket in Riga, Latvia on November 21, 2013 left 54 dead. This analysis identifies the disaster as a “safety crime.” Neoliberal deregulatory measures, intensified by the global economic and financial crisis and a programme of radical austerity, together with corporate and state disregard of public safety and well-being, combined to produce the disaster. The wider context and underlying causes of catastrophic safety failure exemplify the inherently contradictory character of the neoliberal “Baltic model” of austerity, recently much in vogue with international policymakers in both Europe and the United States. The authors conclude that the current renewed drive by the European Commission towards reducing regulation for business, especially in the aftermath of the crisis, further justifies longstanding anti-regulatory preferences of neoliberal domestic elites, with the result that the costs of disregard for public safety are externalized onto the general populace.
Strategies for Managing Work/Life Interaction among Women and Men with Variable and Unpredictable Work Hours in Retail Sales in Québec, Canada
Authors: Messing Karen , Tissot France , Couture Vanessa , Bernstein Stephanie
Published: August 2014

Increasingly, work schedules in retail sales are generated by software that takes into account variations in predicted sales. The resulting variable and unpredictable schedules require employees to be available, unpaid, over extended periods. At the request of a union, we studied schedule preferences in a retail chain in Québec using observations, interviews, and questionnaires. Shift start times had varied on average by four hours over the previous week; 83 percent had worked at least one day the previous weekend. Difficulties with work/life balance were associated with schedules and, among women, with family responsibilities. Most workers wanted: more advance notice; early shifts; regular schedules; two days off in sequence; and weekends off. Choices varied, so software could be adapted to take preferences into account. Also, employers could give better advance notice and establish systems for shift exchanges. Governments could limit store hours and schedule variability while prolonging the minimum sequential duration of leave per week.
Workplace Rights: A Popular Theater Performance
Authors: Becker Meryl , Rabin Richard
Published: August 2014

Theater acting can help build the social skills needed for effective communication at work and in the wider community. The following short play is about workers fighting for their rights at a textile factory in the early 20th century. It was written by an adult education teacher, performed by her students and attended by the school's students and teachers.
It's Not about Energy—It's about Power!
Authors: Blanton Teri
Published: August 2014

Teri Blanton is a former chairperson and current fellow at Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, a statewide organization that works “for a new balance of power and a just society aimed at changing unfair political, economic, and social systems.” In March 2014 she was a keynote speaker addressing the annual conference of the Toxics Action Center in Boston, Massachusetts. We are publishing her speech, presented to the many environmental activists from community- and labor-based organizations that work on state and regional concerns. Ms. Blanton energized the conference with her message of persistent organizing to attain justice against the threats posed to our communities, health, and environment by powerful forces who exploit our lives and labor for their profit and power. She calls upon us to build the power to make the transition to more sustainable and democratic human development.