bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on the Efficacy of ADP Receptor Blockers in Patients with Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Pilot Prospective Study
Authors: Samoš Matej , Fedor Marián , Kovář František , Galajda Peter , Bolek Tomáš , Stančiaková Lucia , Fedorová Jana , Staško Ján , Kubisz Peter , Mokáň Marián
Published: July 2016

Background. The aim of this study was to validate the impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on the platelet reactivity in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor blockers.Methods. A pilot prospective study was performed. Totally 67 patients were enrolled. 21 patients had T2D. Among all study population, 33 patients received clopidogrel and 34 patients received prasugrel. The efficacy of ADP receptor blocker therapy had been tested in two time intervals using light transmission aggregometry with specific inducer and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP-P) flow cytometry assay.Results. There were no significant differences in platelet aggregability among T2D and nondiabetic (ND) group. The platelet reactivity index of VASP-P did not differ significantly between T2D and ND group (59.4±30.9% versus60.0±25.2% and33.9±25.3% versus38.6±29.3% in second testing). The number of ADP receptor blocker nonresponders did not differ significantly between T2D and ND patients. The time interval from ADP receptor blocker loading dosing to the blood sampling was similar in T2D and ND patients in both examinations.Conclusion. This prospective study did not confirm the higher platelet reactivity and higher prevalence of ADP receptor blocker nonresponders in T2D acute STEMI patients.
Lack of Association Found betweenHelicobacter pyloriInfection and Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiong Feng , Xiong Man , Ma Zonghui , Huang Senxiong , Li Aimin , Liu Side
Published: July 2016

Aims. The association betweenHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is still controversial. Here we performed a retrospective study to explore this issue.Methods. A total of 502 inpatients with Rome III confirmed IBS-D and knownH. pyloristatus from 8 hospitals were enrolled.H. pylori-positive patients, hospitalized in the recent year, were followed up to evaluate the effects ofH. pylorieradication on IBS-D clinical course.Results. Of the 502 IBS-D patients, 206 wereH. pylori-positive, with an infection rate that has no significant difference with that of the general population in Guangdong province (p=0.348). For patients followed up, no significant differences were noted as to overall symptoms (p=0.562), abdominal pain/discomfort (p=0.777), bloating (p=0.736), stool frequency (p=0.835), or stool characteristics (p=0.928) between theH. pylori-eradicated group and the control group. The results were the same in long-term follow-up patients except the improvement of bloating, which showed that the bloating score in theH. pylori-eradicated group was significantly lower (p=0.047).Conclusions. No significant correlation betweenH. pyloriinfection and IBS-D was noted. Overall, IBS-D patients may not benefit fromH. pylorieradication.
Intestinal Parasite Profile in the Stool of HIV Positive Patients in relation to Immune Status and Comparison of Various Diagnostic Techniques with Special Reference toCryptosporidiumat a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India
Authors: Kaniyarakkal Vishnu , Mundangalam Nizamuddin , Moorkoth Anitha Puduvail , Mathew Sheela
Published: July 2016

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related opportunistic infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in susceptible population. This study aims to negate the paucity of data regarding the relation between CD4 levels, prevalence of enteric parasites, and the outcome of treatment with HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) and Cotrimoxazole in Kerala, India. Multiple stool samples from 200 patients in a cross-sectional study were subjected to microscopy andCryptosporidiumstool antigen ELISA. Parasites were identified in 18 samples (9%).CystoisosporaandCryptosporidiumspp. were seen in 9 cases (4.5%) and 5 cases (2.5%), respectively.Microsporidiumspores andChilomastix mesnilicysts were identified in 1 case each (0.5% each). Seven cases ofCystoisosporadiarrhoea recovered after treatment with Cotrimoxazole. Diarrhoea due toCryptosporidiumspp. in all 5 cases subsided after immune reconstitution with HAART. This study concludes that a positive association was seen between low CD4 count (<200 cells/μL) and overall parasite positivity (Pvalue < 0.01). ELISA is a more sensitive modality for the diagnosis ofCryptosporidiumdiarrhoea.Chilomastix mesnili, generally considered a nonpathogen, may be a cause of diarrhoeal disease in AIDS. Immune reconstitution and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis remain to be the best therapeutic approach in AIDS-related diarrhoea.
Circulating MicroRNAs as Potential Molecular Biomarkers in Pathophysiological Evolution of Pregnancy
Authors: Cretoiu Dragos , Xu Jiahong , Xiao Junjie , Suciu Nicolae , Cretoiu Sanda Maria
Published: July 2016

MicroRNAs represent nonprotein coding small RNA molecules that are very stable to degradation and responsible for gene silencing in most eukaryotic cells. Increased evidence has been accumulating over the years about their potential value as biomarkers for several diseases. MicroRNAs were predicted to be involved in nearly all biological processes from development to oncogenesis. In this review, we address the importance of circulating microRNAs in different conditions associated with pregnancy starting with the implantation period to preeclampsia and we shortly describe the correlation between placental circulating miRNAs and pregnancy status. We also discuss the importance of microRNAs in recurrent abortion and ectopic pregnancy.
Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibers fromGigantochloa scortechiniias a Reinforcement Material
Authors: Saurabh Chaturbhuj K. , Mustapha Asniza , Masri M. Mohd. , Owolabi A. F. , Syakir M. I. , Dungani Rudi , Paridah M. T. , Jawaid M. , Abdul Khalil H. P. S.
Published: July 2016

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were isolated fromGigantochloa scortechiniibamboo fibers using sulphuric acid hydrolysis. This method was compared with pulping and bleaching process for bamboo fiber. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to determine the properties of CNF. Structural analysis by FT-IR showed that lignin and hemicelluloses were effectively removed from pulp, bleached fibers, and CNF. It was found that CNF exhibited uniform and smooth morphological structures, with fiber diameter ranges from 5 to 10 nm. The percentage of crystallinity was significantly increased from raw fibers to cellulose nanofibers, microfibrillated, along with significant improvement in thermal stability. Further, obtained CNF were used as reinforcement material in epoxy based nanocomposites where tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of nanocomposites improved with the addition of CNF loading concentration ranges from 0 to 0.7%.
Bearing-Only Formation Control for Cascade Multirobots
Authors: Han Qing , Yang Hongan , Lang Hao
Published: July 2016

A new formation control method is proposed, which is used to queue multirobots in a single-direction cascade structure. In the cascade formation, each robot is a follower for the previous robot and a leader for the next robot, and the robots in the middle act as both leader and follower. The follower robot can only observe the bearing information of the leader robot. The observability of the cascade leader-follower formation is studied, which shows that the bearing-only observation meets the observability conditions required for the nonlinear system. Based on the bearing-only observations, the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is employed for the state estimation of the leader and the follower robots at all levels, which enables the real-time movement control of the follower robots via the input-output feedback control. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach can efficiently control the formation of multirobots as desired.
Adaptive Cross-Layer Multipath Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Iqbal Zeeshan , Khan S. , Mehmood Amjad , Lloret Jaime , Alrajeh Nabil Ali
Published: July 2016

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are generally created for temporary scenarios. In such scenarios, where nodes are in mobility, efficient routing is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose an adaptive and cross-layer multipath routing protocol for such changing scenarios. Our routing mechanisms operate keeping in view the type of applications. For simple applications, the proposed protocol is inspired from traditional on-demand routing protocols by searching shortest routes from source to destination using default parameters. In case of multimedia applications, the proposed mechanism considers such routes which are capable of providing more data rates having less packet loss ratio. For those applications which need security, the proposed mechanism searches such routes which are more secure in nature as compared to others. Cross-layer methodology is used in proposed routing scheme so as to exchange different parameters across the protocol stack for better decision-making at network layer. Our approach is efficient and fault tolerant in a variety of scenarios that we simulated and tested.
The Economics of Renewable Energy Sources into Electricity Generation in Tanzania
Authors: Kichonge Baraka , Mkilaha Iddi S. N. , John Geoffrey R. , Hameer Sameer
Published: July 2016

The study analyzes the economics of renewable energy sources into electricity generation in Tanzania. Business as usual (BAU) scenario and renewable energy (RE) scenario which enforce a mandatory penetration of renewable energy sources shares into electricity generations were analyzed. The results show total investment cost for the BAU scenario is much lower as compared to RE scenario while operating and maintenance variable costs are higher in BAU scenario. Primary energy supply in BAU scenario is higher tied with less investment costs as compared to RE scenario. Furthermore, the share of renewable energy sources in BAU scenario is insignificant as compared to RE scenario due to mandatory penetration policy imposed. Analysis concludes that there are much higher investments costs in RE scenario accompanied with less operating and variable costs and lower primary energy supply. Sensitivity analysis carried out suggests that regardless of changes in investments cost of coal and CCGT power plants, the penetration of renewable energy technologies was still insignificant. Notwithstanding the weaknesses of renewable energy technologies in terms of the associated higher investments costs, an interesting result is that it is possible to meet future electricity demand based on domestic resources including renewables.
A Misguiding Osteoid Osteoma in the Bicipital Tuberosity of the Radius
Authors: Ditsios Konstantinos , Papadakis Nikolaos , Theodoroudis Ioannis , Kostretzis Lazaros , Konstantinou Panagiotis , Pinto Iosafat , Christodoulou Anastasios
Published: July 2016

Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor that appears most frequently in young patients. It is more common in males and it concerns mostly the long bones of the lower limb. A 20-year-old young woman presented to our outpatient department with pain in her left elbow. The symptoms began four years ago. At first, her symptoms were attributed to ulnar neuritis, confirmed by nerve conduction studies. In the following two years, she had undergone two surgical operations for decompression of the ulnar nerve. As a result, she reported poor results, which forced her to take frequently anti-inflammatory drugs for some years. When the patient presented to us, we planned a three-phase bone scan and an elbow MRI, which revealed the lesion. Based on the image findings of osteoid osteoma, we proceeded to the surgical removal of the tumor. Since then, the patient is pain-free and has a full range of motion of the affected elbow. Osteoid osteoma usually mimics multiple pathologies in the upper limb especially joint disease posing a challenge for the physician. The diagnosis requires high index of suspicion and a prompt diagnostic and surgical management.
Does Frailty Predict Health Care Utilization in Community-Living Older Romanians?
Authors: Olaroiu Marinela , Ghinescu Minerva , Naumov Viorica , Brinza Ileana , den Heuvel Wim van
Published: July 2016

Background. The predictive value of frailty assessment is still debated. We analyzed the predictive value of frailty of independent living elderly. The outcomes variables were visits to the general practitioner, hospital admission, and occurrence of new health problems.Methods. A one-year follow-up study was executed among 215 community-living old Romanians. General practitioners reported the outcome variables of patients, whose frailty was assessed one year before, using the Groningen Frailty Indicator. The predictive validity is analyzed by descriptive and regression analysis.Results. Three-quarters of all participants visited their general practitioner three times more last year and one-third were at least once admitted to a hospital. Patients who scored frail one year before were more often admitted to a hospital. Visits to the general practitioner and occurrence of new health problems were not statistically significant related to frailty scores. The frailty items polypharmacy, social support, and activities in daily living were associated with adverse outcomes.Conclusions. The predictive value of frailty instruments as the Groningen Frailty Indicator is still limited. More research is needed to predict health outcomes, health care utilization, and quality of life of frailty self-assessment instruments. Validation research on frailty in different “environments” is recommended to answer the question to what extent contextual characteristics influence the predictive value.
Homocysteine Levels in Parkinson’s Disease: Is Entacapone Effective?
Authors: Kocer Bilge , Guven Hayat , Comoglu Selim Selcuk
Published: July 2016

Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels may increase in levodopa-treated patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a consequence of levodopa methylation via catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Results from previous studies that assessed the effect of COMT inhibitors on levodopa-induced hyperhomocysteinemia are conflicting. We aimed to evaluate the effects of levodopa and entacapone on plasma Hcy levels. A hundred PD patients were enrolled to the study and divided into three treatment groups (group I: levodopa and/or dopamine agonists; group II: levodopa, entacapone, and/or a dopamine agonist; and group III: dopamine agonist alone). We measured the serum B12, folic acid, and Hcy levels in all patients. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of modified Hoehn and Yahr stages, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale II/III, Standardized Mini-Mental Test scores, and serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Plasma median Hcy levels were found above the normal laboratory values in groups I and II, but they were normal in group III. However, there was no statistically significant difference in plasma Hcy levels between groups. Our results showed that levodopa treatment may cause a slight increase in the Hcy levels in PD compared with dopamine agonists and that COMT inhibitors may not have a significant effect on preventing hyperhomocysteinemia.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Activity of New Benzofuran Substituted Chalcones
Authors: Coşkun Demet , Tekin Suat , Sandal Süleyman , Coşkun Mehmet Fatih
Published: July 2016

Benzofuran derivatives are of great interest in medicinal chemistry and have drawn considerable attention due to their diverse pharmacological profiles including anticancer activity. Similarly, chalcones, which are common substructures of numerous natural products belonging to the flavonoid class, feature strong anticancer properties. A novel series of chalcones, 3-aryl-1-(5-bromo-1-benzofuran-2-yl)-2-propanones propenones (3a–f), were designed, synthesized, and characterized.In vitroantitumor activities of the newly synthesized (3a–f) and previously synthesized (3g–j) chalcone compounds were determined by using human breast (MCF-7) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cell lines. Antitumor properties of all compounds were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell viability assay for the tested chalcone compounds was performed and thelog⁡IC50values of the compounds were calculated after 24-hour treatment. Our results indicate that the tested chalcone compounds show antitumor activity against MCF-7 and PC-3 cell lines (p<0.05).
A Framework and Mathematical Modeling for the Vehicular Delay Tolerant Network Routing
Authors: Nasir Mostofa Kamal , Noor Rafidah Md. , Iftikhar Mohsin , Imran Muhammad , Abdul Wahab Ainuddin Wahid , Jabbarpour Mohammad Reza , Khokhar R. H.
Published: July 2016

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are getting growing interest as they are expected to play crucial role in making safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation networks. Due to unique characteristics such as sparse topology and intermittent connectivity, Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) routing in VANET becomes an inherent choice and is challenging. However, most of the existing DTN protocols do not accurately discover potential neighbors and, hence, appropriate intermediate nodes for packet transmission. Moreover, these protocols cause unnecessary overhead due to excessive beacon messages. To cope with these challenges, this paper presents a novel framework and an Adaptive Geographical DTN Routing (AGDR) for vehicular DTNs. AGDR exploits node position, current direction, speed, and the predicted direction to carefully select an appropriate intermediate node. Direction indicator light is employed to accurately predict the vehicle future direction so that the forwarding node can relay packets to the desired destination. Simulation experiments confirm the performance supremacy of AGDR compared to contemporary schemes in terms of packet delivery ratio, overhead, and end-to-end delay. Simulation results demonstrate that AGDR improves the packet delivery ratio (5–7%), reduces the overhead (1–5%), and decreases the delay (up to 0.02 ms). Therefore, AGDR improves route stability by reducing the frequency of route failures.
Characterization of Reflexivity by Convex Functions
Authors: Luo Zhenghua , Cheng Qingjin
Published: July 2016

A new convexity property of convex functions is introduced. This property provides, in particular, a characterization of the class of reflexive Banach spaces.
Emotion Dysregulation and Inflammation in African-American Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Powers Abigail , Michopoulos Vasiliki , Conneely Karen , Gluck Rachel , Dixon Hayley , Wilson Joseph , Jovanovic Tanja , Pace Thaddeus W. W. , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Ressler Kerry J. , Bradley Bekh , Gillespie Charles F.
Published: July 2016

C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, has been associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotion dysregulation is a transdiagnostic risk factor for many psychological disorders associated with chronic inflammatory state. The objective of this study was to determine whether inflammation is associated with emotion dysregulation in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined associations between trauma exposure, MDD, PTSD, emotion dysregulation, and CRP among 40 African-American women with T2DM recruited from an urban hospital. Emotion dysregulation was measured using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. PTSD and MDD were measured with structured clinical interviews. Child abuse and lifetime trauma load were also assessed. Analyses showed that both emotion dysregulation and current MDD were significantly associated with higher levels of CRP (p<0.01). Current PTSD was not significantly related to CRP. In a regression model, emotion dysregulation was significantly associated with higher CRP (p<0.001) independent of body mass index, trauma exposure, and MDD diagnosis. These findings suggest that emotion dysregulation may be an important risk factor for chronic inflammation beyond already known risk factors among women with T2DM, though a causal relationship cannot be determined from this study.
Analysis of a Priority Queue with Phase-Type Service and Failures
Authors: Dudin Alexander , Dudin Sergei
Published: July 2016

We consider a single server queue with two types of customers. We propose a discipline of flexible priority in access that combines the features of randomization and the threshold type control. We introduce a new class of distributions, phase-type with failures (PHF) distribution, that generalizes the well-known phase-type (PH) distribution to the case when failures can occur during service of a customer. The arrival flow is described by the marked Markovian arrival process. The service time distribution is of PHF type with the parameters depending on the type of a customer. Customers of both types can be impatient. Behavior of the system is described by the multidimensional Markov chain. Problem of existence and computation of the stationary distribution of this Markov chain is discussed in brief as well as the problem of computation of the key performance measures of the system. Numerical examples are presented that give some insight into behavior of the system performance measures under different values of the parameters defining the strategy of customers access to service.
Molecular Pathways: The Balance between Cancer and the Immune System Challenges the Therapeutic Specificity of Targeting Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zeligs Kristen P. , Neuman Monica K. , Annunziata Christina M.
Published: July 2016

The NF-κB signaling pathway is a complex network linking extracellular stimuli to cell survival and proliferation. Cytoplasmic signaling to activate NF-κB can occur as part of the DNA damage response or in response to a large variety of activators, including viruses, inflammation, and cell death. NF-κB transcription factors play a fundamental role in tumorigenesis and are implicated in the origination and propagation of both hematologic and solid tumor types, including melanoma, breast, prostate, ovarian, pancreatic, colon, lung, and thyroid cancers. On the other hand, NF-κB signaling is key to immune function and is likely necessary for antitumor immunity. This presents a dilemma when designing therapeutic approaches to target NF-κB. There is growing interest in identifying novel modulators to inhibit NF-κB activity as impeding different steps of the NF-κB pathway has potential to slow tumor growth, progression, and resistance to chemotherapy. Despite significant advances in our understanding of this pathway, our ability to effectively clinically block key targets for cancer therapy remains limited due to on-target effects in normal tissues. Tumor specificity is critical to developing therapeutic strategies targeting this antiapoptotic signaling pathway to maintain antitumor immune surveillance when applying such therapy to patients. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4302–8. ©2016 AACR.
CHK1 Inhibition Radiosensitizes Head and Neck Cancers to Paclitaxel-Based Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Barker Holly E. , Patel Radhika , McLaughlin Martin , Schick Ulrike , Zaidi Shane , Nutting Christopher M. , Newbold Katie L. , Bhide Shreerang , Harrington Kevin J.
Published: July 2016

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with increasingly more cases arising due to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy is a standard-of-care for locally advanced head and neck cancer but is frequently ineffective. Research into enhancing radiation responses as a means of improving treatment outcomes represents a high priority. Here, we evaluated a CHK1 inhibitor (CCT244747) as a radiosensitiser and investigated whether a mechanistically rational triple combination of radiation/paclitaxel/CHK1 inhibitor delivered according to an optimized schedule would provide added benefit. CCT244747 abrogated radiation-induced G2 arrest in the p53-deficient HNSCC cell lines, HN4 and HN5, causing cells to enter mitosis with unrepaired DNA damage. The addition of paclitaxel further increased cell kill and significantly reduced tumor growth in an HN5 xenograft model. Importantly, a lower dose of paclitaxel could be used when CCT244747 was included, therefore potentially limiting toxicity. Triple therapy reduced the expression of several markers of radioresistance. Moreover, the more radioresistant HN5 cell line exhibited greater radiation-mediated CHK1 activation and was more sensitive to triple therapy than HN4 cells. We analyzed CHK1 expression in a panel of head and neck tumors and observed that primary tumors from HPV+ patients, who went on to recur postradiotherapy, exhibited significantly stronger expression of total, and activated CHK1. CHK1 may serve as a biomarker for identifying tumors likely to recur and, therefore, patients who may benefit from concomitant treatment with a CHK1 inhibitor and paclitaxel during radiotherapy. Clinical translation of this strategy is under development. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2042–54. ©2016 AACR.
Targeting the HER Family with Pan-HER Effectively Overcomes Resistance to Cetuximab
Authors: Iida Mari , Bahrar Harsh , Brand Toni M. , Pearson Hannah E. , Coan John P. , Orbuch Rachel A. , Flanigan Bailey G. , Swick Adam D. , Prabakaran Prashanth J. , Lantto Johan , Horak Ivan D. , Kragh Michael , Salgia Ravi , Kimple Randy J. , Wheeler Deric L.
Published: July 2016

Cetuximab, an antibody against the EGFR, has shown efficacy in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), metastatic colorectal cancer, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the clinical success of cetuximab, many patients do not respond to cetuximab. Furthermore, virtually all patients who do initially respond become refractory, highlighting both intrinsic and acquired resistance to cetuximab as significant clinical problems. To understand mechanistically how cancerous cells acquire resistance, we previously developed models of acquired resistance using the H226 NSCLC and UM-SCC1 HNSCC cell lines. Cetuximab-resistant clones showed a robust upregulation and dependency on the HER family receptors EGFR, HER2, and HER3. Here, we examined pan-HER, a mixture of six antibodies targeting these receptors on cetuximab-resistant clones. In cells exhibiting acquired or intrinsic resistance to cetuximab, pan-HER treatment decreased all three receptors' protein levels and downstream activation of AKT and MAPK. This correlated with decreased cell proliferation in cetuximab-resistant clones. To determine whether pan-HER had a therapeutic benefit in vivo, we established de novo cetuximab-resistant mouse xenografts and treated resistant tumors with pan-HER. This regimen resulted in a superior growth delay of cetuximab-resistant xenografts compared with mice continued on cetuximab. Furthermore, intrinsically cetuximab-resistant HNSCC patient-derived xenograft tumors treated with pan-HER exhibited significant growth delay compared with vehicle/cetuximab controls. These results suggest that targeting multiple HER family receptors simultaneously with pan-HER is a promising treatment strategy for tumors displaying intrinsic or acquired resistance to cetuximab. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2175–86. ©2016 AACR.
Evaluation of the point of care Afinion AS100 analyser in a community setting
Authors: Jain Anjly , Rao Nandini , Sharifi Mahtab , Bhatt Nirav , Patel Payal , Nirmal Divyabala , Persaud Jham Want , Nair Devaki R
Published: July 2016

Background

A ‘one stop shop’ model for multifactorial risk factor management in a culturally sensitive environment may improve cardiovascular disease and diabetes prevention. A full biochemical profile for cardiovascular disease risk assessment includes a lipid profile, glucose, glycated haemoglobin and urine albumin creatinine ratio measurements. This may require the use of more than one point of care testing instrument.

Methods

Individuals who attended a community cardiovascular disease risk screening or an audit programme of the diabetic care pathway in the community were sampled. Bland–Altman and Deming regression plots were used to assess agreement between methods for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin and urine albumin creatinine ratio.

Results

There was good agreement between the Afinion AS100 analyser, Cholestech LDX and the laboratory methods for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides ( n = 232). The Afinion AS100 agreed well with the laboratory method for glycated haemoglobin ( n = 255) and urine albumin creatinine ratio ( n = 176). There was statistically significant bias ( p = 0.03 to <0.0001) for several measurements. However, these were judged not to be clinically relevant. Specifically for the total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values, we obtained good agreement (weighted kappa: 0.91 and 0.94 for the Afinion AS100 vs. Cholestech LDX and Afinion AS100 vs. laboratory method, respectively) for cardiovascular disease risk calculation using QRISK2.

Conclusions

Point of care testing can support a ‘one stop shop’ approach by providing rapid, reliable results. The Afinion AS100 analyser provides a multi-analyte platform and compares well with laboratory-based methods and another well-established point of care testing analyser.
Self-administration of vitamin D supplements in the general public may be associated with high 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations
Authors: Shea Robyn L , Berg Jonathan D
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Our dried blood spot vitamin D testing service enables members of the public to assess their vitamin D status. Vitamin D has become popular with the media and the general public. We noticed that our direct access service had a higher rate of high to toxic 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared with our GP population and we wanted to know why.

Methods

Between January 2013 and September 2015 we contacted all direct access users who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D >220 nmol/L measured using LC/MS/MS. We investigated the amount, type and length of supplementation used and whether or not users were medically supervised.

Results

A total of 372 service users had 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations >220 nmol/L. Of 14,806 direct access samples received, 372 (2.5%) were from users with 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations ranging from 221 to 1235 nmol/L. Only 0.06% of GP patients had results >220 nmol/L over the same time frame. There were 361 direct access users regularly supplementing, taking between 1000 to 120,000 IU/day. Two users took bolus doses of 300,000 and 900,000 IU. Only 23 users taking supplements (6.4%) were under medical supervision. There were 28 users with levels >500 nmol/L, but only one was under medical supervision. The internet was the main source of supplements (74%).

Conclusions

The proportion of high to toxic concentrations of vitamin D was higher in direct access users than in the GP population. Many people were taking more than the Institute of Medicine's recommendation of 10,000 IU/day, yet only a few were being medically supervised. Clinicians should be aware that patients may be self-administering very high concentrations of vitamin D, especially when investigating unexplained hypercalcaemia.
Challenges and Opportunities for School Improvement: Recommendations for Urban School Principals
Authors: Dolph David
Published: July 2016

Insofar as urban school systems that are often identified as ineffective include such a large segment of U.S. P-12 students, it is vital to improve academic success. To provide context, the article first discusses key challenges facing urban schools. Second, the article identifies and briefly reviews a variety of approaches to reform models often employed in efforts to improve student learning in urban schools. Third, the article briefly discusses the importance of principal leadership in relation to school success and an overview of approaches to leadership. Then, the article offers recommendations regarding leadership, instructional leadership, cultural leadership, and change leadership important to urban school reform. The article rounds out with a brief conclusion.
Capital Inflows and Domestic Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adams Samuel , Sakyi Daniel , Opoku Eric Evans Osei
Published: July 2016

The issue of whether capital inflows promote domestic investment has been of major concern especially in developing countries considering their massive dependence on these inflows. To this end, we make a case for 25 sub-Saharan African countries, using foreign direct investment and external debt as proxies for capital inflows, and the pooled mean group estimator over the period 1981–2010. The results reveal that foreign direct investment positively impacts domestic investment, but external debt has a negative impact on domestic investment in the long run. This implies that increase in foreign direct investment and/or reduction in external debt will promote domestic investment in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore measures have to be put in place to attract more foreign direct investment and reduce the inflow of external debt in the region.
Benefits of Imperfect Conflict Resolution Advisory Aids for Future Air Traffic Control
Authors: Trapsilawati Fitri , Wickens Christopher D. , Qu Xingda , Chen Chun-Hsien
Published: July 2016

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the human–automation interaction issues and the interacting factors in the context of conflict detection and resolution advisory (CRA) systems.

Background:

The issues of imperfect automation in air traffic control (ATC) have been well documented in previous studies, particularly in conflict-alerting systems. The extent to which the prior findings can be applied to an integrated conflict detection and resolution system in future ATC remains unknown.

Method:

Twenty-four participants were evenly divided into two groups corresponding to a medium– and a high–traffic density condition, respectively. In each traffic density condition, participants were instructed to perform simulated ATC tasks under four automation conditions, including reliable, unreliable with short time allowance to secondary conflict (TAS), unreliable with long TAS, and manual conditions. Dependent variables accounted for conflict resolution performance, workload, situation awareness, and trust in and dependence on the CRA aid, respectively.

Results:

Imposing the CRA automation did increase performance and reduce workload as compared with manual performance. The CRA aid did not decrease situation awareness. The benefits of the CRA aid were manifest even when it was imperfectly reliable and were apparent across traffic loads. In the unreliable blocks, trust in the CRA aid was degraded but dependence was not influenced, yet the performance was not adversely affected.

Conclusion:

The use of CRA aid would benefit ATC operations across traffic densities.

Application:

CRA aid offers benefits across traffic densities, regardless of its imperfection, as long as its reliability level is set above the threshold of assistance, suggesting its application for future ATC.
Mental health problems of Dutch young adult domestic adoptees compared to non-adopted peers and international adoptees
Authors: Dekker Marielle C , Tieman Wendy , Vinke Anneke G , van der Ende Jan , Verhulst Frank C , Juffer Femmie
Published: July 2016

We examined the mental health problems of Dutch young adult domestic adoptees ( N = 75) relative to Dutch non-adopted peers and Dutch international adoptees. We found small differences in favor of the non-adopted peers ( N = 2021), while a minority of male domestic adoptees were at risk of anxiety/depression problems. Domestic adoptees showed somewhat less problems behavior than international adoptees ( N = 1331). Domestic and international adoptees differed in search status (non-searcher, searcher, reunited), although this could not explain any differences in mental health problems. Social workers and clinicians should support (male) adult adoptees in coping with possible feelings of anxiety and depression. Future studies should pay attention to gender differences in adoptees.
International field placement in social work: Relevant for working in the home country
Authors: Askeland Gurid Aga , Døhlie Elsa , Grosvold Kjersti
Published: July 2016

Our concern in this article is how to transform learning experiences in international field placement into sustainable social work knowledge for future practice. International field placement provides unique experiences that contribute to contextual understanding of social work and prepare students for practice in a multicultural setting. We have used focus group interviews and seen international experiences in light of domestic ones. In analysing the knowledge transformation process of the learning experiences, we use experiential learning theories. We conclude that students’ learning process from experience to theory and from theoretical knowledge to practice would benefit from following a transformation of knowledge cycle through the study programme.
Land Reforms and the Conflicts over the Use of Land: Implication for the Vulnerability of Peasants in Rural China
Authors: Cheng Hongming
Published: July 2016

Statutes and policy documents, as well as open-ended interviews in Zhejiang, China, were used to identify key aspects of rural land law reforms in China to help develop the national economy. It has been observed that despite its positive effect on general rural economic development such development is compromised by extensive corruption that harms peasants’ interests. Peasants face new forms of exploitation by local governments and businesses, as well as environmental damage caused by over-exploitation of land and resources that becomes a serious hurdle for sustainable development in rural areas.
Experimental results of quasi-static testing for calibration and validation of composite progressive damage analysis methods
Authors: Clay Stephen B , Knoth Philip M
Published: July 2016

The Air Force Research Laboratory directed a research program to evaluate nine different composite progressive damage analysis methods under both quasi-static and fatigue loading. This paper describes the coupon tests that were performed at the Air Force Research Laboratory for calibration and validation of the methods under quasi-static conditions. The basic elastic and failure properties of unidirectional IM7/977-3 graphite/epoxy were first determined in order to properly calibrate the models. Validation tests were then performed on unnotched and open-hole coupons with three different laminate stacking sequences under both tension and compression loading conditions. This paper summarizes these experimental results and provides X-ray computed tomography images at subcritical load levels.
Progressive damage simulation of open-hole composite laminates under compression based on different failure criteria
Authors: Zhou Song , Sun Yi , Chen Boyang , Tay Tong-Earn
Published: July 2016

The strength prediction of open-hole fibre-reinforced composite laminate under compression is very important in the design of composite structures. The modelling of fibre, matrix damage and delamination plays an important role in the understanding of the damage mechanics of laminate under open-hole compression. In this article, a progressive damage model for open-hole compression that is based on continuum shell elements and cohesive elements is established to model in-plane damage and delamination, respectively. The damage mechanics of sublaminate-scaled laminates with ply sequence [45/0/−45/90]ms and ply-level-scaled laminates with ply sequence [45n/0n/−45n/90n]s are investigated by our proposed model. The Tsai-Wu and Hoffman failure criteria are employed for the determination of matrix damage initiation. Compared with the experiments, the numerical results using the Tsai-Wu criterion exhibit better accuracy regarding open-hole compression strength prediction and failure modes simulation.
Chlorhexidine Nanocapsule Drug Delivery Approach to the Resin-Dentin Interface
Authors: Priyadarshini B.M. , Selvan S.T. , Lu T.B. , Xie H. , Neo J. , Fawzy A.S.
Published: July 2016

In this study, we are introducing a new drug-delivery approach to demineralized dentin substrates through microsized dentinal tubules in the form of drug-loaded nanocapsules. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is widely used in adhesive dentistry due to its nonspecific matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory effect and antibacterial activities. Poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules (nano-PCL) loaded with CHX were fabricated by interfacial polymer deposition at PCL/CHX ratios of 125:10, 125:25, and 125:50. Unloaded nanocapsules (blank) were fabricated as control. The fabricated nanocapsules were characterized in vitro in terms of particle size, surface charges, particle recovery, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading. Nanocapsule morphology, drug inclusion, structural properties, and crystallinity were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM/TEM), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Initial screening of the antibacterial activities and the cytotoxicity of the nanocapsules were also conducted. Nanocapsules, as carried on ethanol/water solution, were delivered to demineralized dentin specimens connected to an ex vivo model setup simulating the pulpal pressure to study their infiltration, penetration depth, and retention inside the dentinal tubules by SEM/TEM. Nanocapsules were Ag labeled and delivered to demineralized dentin, followed by the application of a 2-step etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive. CHX-release profiles were characterized in vitro and ex vivo up to 25 d. Spherical nanocapsules were fabricated with a CHX core coated with a thin PCL shell. The blank nanocapsules exhibited the largest z-average diameter with negatively charged ζ-potential. With CHX incorporation, the nanocapsule size was decreased with a positive shift in ζ-potential. Nano-PCL/CHX at 125:50 showed the highest drug loading, antibacterial effect, and CHX release both in vitro and ex vivo. SEM and TEM revealed the deep penetration and retention of the CHX-loaded nanocapsules inside dentinal tubules and their ability to be gradually degraded to release CHX in vitro and ex vivo. Ag-labeled nanocapsules revealed the close association and even distribution of nanocapsules throughout the resin tag structure. This study demonstrated the potential of introducing this novel drug-delivery approach to demineralized dentin substrates and the resin-dentin interface with nanosized CHX-loaded nanocapsules through the microsized dentinal tubules.
Quantum Dots as Nonagglomerated Nanofillers for Adhesive Resins
Authors: Garcia I.M. , Leitune V.C.B. , Kist T.L. , Takimi A. , Samuel S.M.W. , Collares F.M.
Published: July 2016

Nanoparticles used in adhesive resins are prone to agglomeration, turning the material susceptible to physical failure. Quantum dots are nonagglomerated inorganic nanoparticles (1 to 10 nm) when in equilibrium. The aim of the present study was to synthesize and characterize zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnOQDs) and to develop and evaluate an adhesive resin with the addition of ZnOQDs. ZnOQDs were formulated by self-organization in chemical reaction with isopropanol and added to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). HEMA containing ZnOQDs was used for the experimental group and neat HEMA for the control group. Mean ZnOQD diameter was evaluated in isopropanol and in HEMA by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The adhesives were evaluated for degree of conversion ( n = 5), softening in solvent ( n = 5), ultimate tensile strength ( n = 5), microtensile bond strength ( n = 20) at 24 h and after 6 mo, SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy; n = 3), and superresolution confocal microscopy ( n = 3). Data of microtensile bond strength after 6 mo and Knoop hardness after solvent immersion were evaluated by paired t test with a 0.05 level of significance. The other data were evaluated by independent t test with a 0.05 level of significance. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy indicated that the mean ZnOQD diameter remained stable in isopropanol and in HEMA (1.19 to 1.24 nm). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the peak corresponding to zinc and oxygen bond (440 cm-1). The experimental group achieved a higher degree of conversion as compared with the control group and presented dentin/adhesive interface stability after 6 mo without altering other properties tested. SEM-EDS indicated 1.54 ± 0.46 wt% of zinc, and the superresolution confocal microscopy indicated nonagglomerated nanoparticles with fluorescence blinking in the polymerized adhesive. The findings of this study showed a possible and reliable method to formulate composites with nonagglomerated nanoscale fillers, shedding light on the nanoparticle agglomeration concern.
Conceptualizing Teacher Identity as a Complex Dynamic System
Authors: Henry Alastair
Published: July 2016

Currently, the inner dynamics of teacher identity transformations remain a “black box.” Conceptualizing preservice teacher identity as a complex dynamic system, and the notion of “being someone who teaches” in dialogical terms as involving shifts between different teacher voices, the study investigates the dynamical processes at play when transitions between identities occur. Using a single-case design, and drawing on intra- and inter-personal data collected across three timescales, the identity transformations of a preservice teacher during a practicum are examined as a process in motion. The study offers a systemic account of the participant’s teacher identity experiences, analyses revealing oscillations between two identity positions and a pattern of multi-stability. It is suggested that complexity approaches can be valuably used in mentoring processes to help students make sense of identity transformations and the conditions under which they occur. In the longer term, support of this kind can have a positive impact on teacher retention.
Local economic development opportunities from NHS spending: Evidence from Wales
Authors: Morgan Kevin , Munday Max , Roberts Annette
Published: July 2016

The article examines the local and regional economic impacts of NHS spending. The research is set in the context of tensions between buying economies, process efficiencies and local economic development impacts of public sector procurement, and contributes to the evidence base on supplier proximity and income retention at the local and regional level. The scale, scope and spatial distribution of NHS spending in a South Wales case are analysed using detailed purchasing information provided by a local health board. The article then uses an economic modelling framework to quantify the supply chain impacts of this spending to determine the full regional economic impacts of operational and capital expenditures. The analysis shows that NHS Wales spending supports significant levels of regional economic activity in terms of output, employment and gross value-added. The article also explores scenarios on the potential economic significance of import substitution of selected purchases. The implications of the changing procurement environment, with new EU directives, and a reorganisation of procurement functions within NHS Wales, are explored, and suggestions are made for further research.