bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluctuating Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Vilen Suvi-Tuuli , Salo Tuula , Sorsa Timo , Nyberg Pia
Published: January 2013

One hallmark of cancer is the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is caused by proteinases. In oral cancers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP‐9, are associated with this degradation. MMPs break down the ECM allowing cancer to spread; they also release various factors from their cryptic sites, including cytokines. These factors modulate cell behavior and enhance cancer progression by regulating angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and invasion. The development of early metastases is typical for oral cancer, and increased MMP‐9 expression is associated with a poor disease prognosis. However, many studies fail to relate MMP‐9 expression with metastasis formation. Contrary to earlier models, recent studies show that MMP‐9 plays a protective role in oral cancers. Therefore, the role of MMP‐9 is complicated and may fluctuate throughout the different types and stages of oral cancers.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer and Risk of Second Primary Malignancies
Authors: Wallner Lauren P. , Wang Renyi , Jacobsen Steven J. , Haque Reina
Published: January 2013

Background: While androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for prostate cancer, little is known regarding its long-term health effects, particularly as it relates to the development of second primary malignancies. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the association between ADT use and second primary malignancies among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.

Methods: We assessed whether use of ADT (specifically, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) was associated with the development of second primary malignancies in a retrospective cohort of 24,038 men ages more than 18 years who were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 1998 and 2007, and followed through 2009. We used proportional hazards regression to estimate the risk of developing a second primary cancer among men who were treated with ADT compared with men who were not.

Results: Men who were treated with ADT were not more likely to develop any second primary malignancy compared with those who were not treated with ADT after adjustment for age, race, date of diagnosis, utilization, clinical stage, Gleason score, and radiation therapy [HR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98–1.22)]. Radiotherapy, diabetes, and obesity did not modify the association between ADT use and second primary cancer risk.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that among men with localized prostate cancer, ADT is not associated with an increased risk of second primary malignancies.

Impact: When evaluating the risks and benefits of using ADT as a treatment for localized prostate cancer, considering the risk of second primary malignancies may not be clinically important. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(2); 313–6. ©2013 AACR.
Impact of Preoperative Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction on Long-Term Survival After Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Goldberg Joshua B. , DeSimone Joseph P. , Kramer Robert S. , DiScipio Anthony W. , Russo Louis , Dacey Lawrence J. , Leavitt Bruce J. , Helm Robert E. , Baribeau Yvon R. , Sardella Gerald , Clough Robert A. , Surgenor Stephen D. , Sorensen Meredith J. , Ross Cathy S. , Olmstead Elaine M. , MacKenzie Todd A. , Malenka David J. , Likosky Donald S. ,   for the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group
Published: January 2013

Background—

The survival of patients who undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis with reduced preoperative ejection fractions (EFs) is not well described in the literature.

Methods and Results—

Patients undergoing AVR for severe aortic stenosis were analyzed using the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group surgical registry. Patients were stratified by preoperative EF (≥50%, 40%–49%, and <40%) and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. Crude and adjusted survival across strata of EF was estimated for patients up to 8 years beyond their index admission. A total of 5277 patients underwent AVR for severe aortic stenosis between 1992 and 2008. There were 727 (14%) patients with preoperative EF <40%. Preoperative EF had minimal effect on postoperative morbidity. There was no difference in 30-day mortality across EF strata among the isolated AVR cohort. Preserved EF conferred 30-day survival benefit among the AVR+coronary artery bypass grafting population (EF≥50%, 96%; EF<40%, 91%;
P
=0.003). Patients with preserved EF had significantly improved 6-month and 8-year survival compared with their reduced EF counterparts.

Conclusions—

Survival after AVR or AVR+coronary artery bypass grafting was most favorable among patients with preoperative preserved EF. However, patients with mild to moderately depressed EF experienced a substantial survival benefit compared with the natural history of medically treated patients. Furthermore, minor reductions of EF carried equivalent increased risk to those with more compromised function suggesting patients are best served when an AVR is performed before even minor reductions in myocardial function.
Meer over Anthony Jansz. van der Croos
Authors: Belonje J.
Published: January 2013

More about Anthony Jansz. van der Croos
Taxonomy and song of the cicada Ayesha serva (Walker, 1850) from the coasts of northern Sundaland
Authors: Duffels Hans , Trilar Tomi
Published: January 2013

The genus Ayesha belongs to the tribe Dundubiini and is distinguished from other genera of the tribe by the spatulate and strongly overlapping male opercula. The synonymy of three species, Cosmopsaltria vomerigera Breddin, 1901, Dundubia lelita Kirkaldy, 1902 and Cicada elopurina Distant, 1888, which are treated as junior synonyms of A. serva (Walker, 1850) in the literature, is confirmed. Two other species, A. spathulata Stål, 1870 and A. operculissima Stål, 1870, are synonymized here with A. serva, so that Ayesha now becomes a monotypic genus. Ayesha serva is redescribed and recorded from Greater Natuna Island, the northern parts of Borneo and Sulawesi and the southern Philippines; the species is mainly found in trees on the beach, in mangroves and other coastal forests. The broad band long lasting monotonous calling song has a very simple and constant pattern. It consists of a fast repetition of many echemes of duration from 41.7 to 79.0 ms, which are composed of 8 to 19 pulses with a repetition rate of 240 pulses per second.
Resilience Strategies of African American Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Singh Anneliese A. , Garnett Ashlee , Williams Dara
Published: January 2013

This qualitative study explores the daily lived experiences of African American women ( N = 10) who have survived child sexual abuse. The researchers used a phenomenological research tradition and a feminist framework for the study. Using semistructured interviews and integrating methods of trustworthiness, the researchers identified six themes in the data: (a) understanding traumatic symptoms, (b) externalizing racist and sexist stereotypes of African American women, (c) negotiating family relationships and accessing community support, (d) transforming religion and spirituality into sources of healing, (e) reclaiming sexuality, and (f) integrating multiple identities as a survivor. Implications for future research, practice, and advocacy with African American women survivors of child sexual abuse are described.
Young students’ knowledge and perception of health and fitness: A study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Shu Mei , Zou Jin Liang , Gifford Mervyn , Dalal Koustuv
Published: January 2013

Objective:

This study investigated how young urban students conceptualize health and fitness and tried to identify their sources of information about health-related issues. The findings are intended to help make suggestions for policy makers to design and develop effective health-education strategies.

Methods:

Focus group discussions (FGDs) of 20 groups, each comprised of eight 10th-grade students, were carried out. In total 160 students participated in the FGDs.

Results:

Young students’ knowledge and perceptions about health and fitness had certain limitations, although most of the students emphasized the importance of good health and felt that they knew the meaning of health and fitness. They were most concerned with physical health and failed to consider other aspects of health such as mental/psychological, behavioural and social aspects. This represents a lack of awareness of contemporary conceptions of health and illness.

Conclusion:

These findings are important when considering the design of effective high school health education strategies that meet state content standards and for influencing students to continue participating in health-promoting activities.
Women’s reported health behaviours before and during pregnancy: A retrospective study
Authors: Smedley Jenna , Jancey Jonine M , Dhaliwal Satvinder , Zhao Yun , Monteiro Sarojini MDR , Howat Peter
Published: January 2013

Objective:

This study aimed to determine women’s reported health behaviours (physical activity, diet, weight management) before and during pregnancy, and to identify sources of health information.

Design:

Retrospective study incorporating quantitative (a self-completed survey) and qualitative (one-on-one interviews) methods.

Methodology:

Participants were women aged 18 or over; had no pre-existing medical condition that might be exacerbated during pregnancy (e.g. diabetes, heart condition); and had given birth in the last 12 months. Nineteen women agreed to one-on-one interviews and 100 women agreed to complete a mailed questionnaire. Qualitative data and quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive qualitative methodology and by using McNemar’s test for correlated proportions, respectively.

Results:

Participants reported a significant reduction in their level of physical activity during pregnancy; a significant increase in consumption of fruit, vegetables and fibre, and a decrease in fast food consumption (all p < 0.05). Medical practitioners are the preferred source of health information but seem to provide insufficient information about health behaviours during pregnancy in relation to physical activity, diet and weight management.

Conclusion:

Women reported eating a healthier diet and reducing their level of physical activity during the antenatal period, compared to pre-pregnancy. There is a need to improve the provision of health information on physical activity, diet and weight management in the antenatal period.
Physical and mechanical properties of wood plastic composites polystyrene-white oak wood flour
Authors: Flores-Hernández MA , González I Reyes , Lomelí-Ramírez MG , Fuentes-Talavera FJ , Silva-Guzmán JA , Cerpa-Gallegos MA , García-Enríquez S
Published: January 2013

This study examines the effect of particle size and wood flour content on the properties of polystyrene filled with white oak flour. Wood-plastic ratios 10:90, 30:70 and 50:50% (wt/wt) and particle size 40, 50, 65 and 100 mesh were used. Tensile, bending and impact bending strength as well as the melt flow index were evaluated. Additionally, composite density and water absorption capacity were also tested. Scanning electronic microscopy revealed good adhesion between wood particles and polystyrene. Results show that mechanical properties are strongly influenced by wood flour content and particle size. A reduction in tensile module, elongation and deflection were observed, however, the bending module was increased. Impact strength increased with particle size and content. Melt flow index values are reduced with the increasing amount of filler content while water absorption increases with the amount of wood particles.
Synthesis and characterization of amorphous and impermeable poly(ethylene-co-1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposite via in situ polymerization
Authors: Shirali Hadi , Rafizadeh Mehdi , Taromi Faramarz Afshar
Published: January 2013

Random poly(ethylene-co-1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene-co-1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ polymerization of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, and aminosilane-modified Cloisite30B. An amorphous copolyester was produced with incorporating 30 mol% of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol in glycol part. Samples were characterized using Fourier transform spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Intrinsic viscosities of samples were in the 0.51–0.55 dL/g range. A commercial organoclay was modified prior to add into the reactor. 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra were applied to determine cis: trans isomer ratio of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol in polymer chains, Molar ratio of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol: ethylene glycol in polymer chains, degree of randomness, mean length of sequences, Mn, and Mark–Houwinks equation parameters. X-ray diffraction results of nanocomposites, including 0.5 and 1 wt% of organoclay, showed no peak in small angles, hence, modified organoclay presented exfoliated structure in polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed that all samples were amorphous. Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide diffusion rates in samples were investigated. Nanocomposite, including 3 wt% of organoclay, has about 60% less permeability in comparison to neat copolyester.
Oral Epithelial Cell Responses to Multispecies Microbial Biofilms
Authors: Peyyala R. , Kirakodu S.S. , Novak K.F. , Ebersole J.L
Published: January 2013

This report describes the use of a novel model of multispecies biofilms to stimulate profiles of cytokines/chemokines from oral epithelial cells that contribute to local inflammation in the periodontium. Streptococcus gordonii (Sg) /S. oralis (So) /S. sanguinis (Ss) and Sg/ Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) /Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) biofilms elicited significantly elevated levels of IL-1α and showed synergistic stimulatory activity compared with an additive effect of the 3 individual bacteria. Only the Sg/ Actinomyces naeslundii (An)/Fn multispecies biofilms elicited IL-6 levels above those of control. IL-8 was a primary response to the Sg/An/Fn biofilms, albeit the level was not enhanced compared with a predicted composite level from the monospecies challenges. These results represent some of the first data documenting alterations in profiles of oral epithelial cell responses to multispecies biofilms.
Genetic Sensitivity to Peer Behaviors
Authors: Daw Jonathan , Shanahan Michael , Harris Kathleen Mullan , Smolen Andrew , Haberstick Brett , Boardman Jason D.
Published: January 2013

We investigate whether the serotonin transporter–linked polymorphic region ( 5HTTLPR), a gene associated with environmental sensitivity, moderates the association between smoking and drinking patterns at adolescents’ schools and their corresponding risk for smoking and drinking themselves. Drawing on the school-based design of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health in conjunction with molecular genetic data for roughly 15,000 respondents (including over 2,000 sibling pairs), we show that adolescents smoke more cigarettes and consume more alcohol when attending schools with elevated rates of tobacco and alcohol use. More important, an individual’s susceptibility to school-level patterns of smoking or drinking is conditional on the number of short alleles he or she has in 5HTTLPR. Overall, the findings demonstrate the utility of the differential susceptibility framework for medical sociology by suggesting that health behaviors reflect interactions between genetic factors and the prevalence of these behaviors in a person’s context.
A comparative study of the effects of cotton fiber length parameters on modeling yarn properties
Authors: Cai Yiyun , Cui Xiaoliang , Rodgers James , Thibodeaux Devron , Martin Vikki , Watson Mike , Pang Su-Seng
Published: January 2013

Fiber length is one of the key properties of cotton and has important influences on yarn production and yarn quality. Various parameters have been developed to characterize cotton fiber length in the past decades. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of these parameters and their combinations on yarn properties. Linear regression models with different numbers of fiber length parameters and their combinations were developed for predicting ring and open-end (OE) spun yarns’ properties. The R2 and Mallows’ Cp plots of the models were compared for model selections. The results indicate that, for predicting a yarn property, a model usually involves more than three length parameters to achieve better prediction when considering the R2 and Cp values. This may be because only one single length parameter cannot sufficiently represent fiber length characteristics. The results also show that the variations in fiber length distributions play important roles in predicting yarn properties, such as strength and irregularity. The best prediction models for the properties of different yarns (ring, OE) include different combinations of length parameters. Not all yarn properties can be well predicted by linear regression models with length parameters: other fiber properties (strength, micronaire, etc.) need to be included to further improve the models.
Improvement in yarn hairiness by the siro-jet spinning method
Authors: Yilmaz Demet , Usal Mustafa Reşit
Published: January 2013

Hairiness affects the post-spinning processes and fabric appearance. In order to reduce the yarn hairiness, the present work attempted to design and develop an air nozzle that can be easily attached on to the sirospun spinning system. The system, based on a nozzle attachment to the sirospun spinning system, is named the siro-jet. In our previous studies, the nozzle was used in ring and compact spinning processes and the changes in yarn properties were analyzed. In this study, various nozzles having different injector angles, main hole diameters, injector diameters, number of injectors, nozzle shapes and injector positions were used and siro-jet yarns were produced at different air pressure levels. At the end of the experiments, it was determined that there is an optimum value for each nozzle parameter, and that the number of injectors and injector position play the most important roles in reducing yarn hairiness, whereas nozzle shape shows the weakest effect. On the other hand, the findings showed that it is possible to get lower hairiness values by different modifications on the same nozzle design. Considering the hairiness results, a constant was defined indicating the relationship between nozzle structural parameters and hairiness of the yarns to ease the nozzle design efforts. Depending on nozzle type, the siro-jet spinning system truly improves the yarn hairiness by 40–75%. In the literature, many researchers used an air nozzle in the spinning and also the winding processes. However, the combination of the air nozzle and sirospun spinning system in this manner is still not a common application.
Preparation and characterization of poly(lactic acid)/elastomer blends prepared by melt blending technique
Authors: Kaavessina Mujtahid , Ali Ilias , Elleithy Rabeh , Al-Zahrani Saeed M.
Published: January 2013

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and biodegradable elastomer were melt blended and molded in an injection molding machine. The crystallinity, viscoelasticity, thermal and mechanical properties of the molded blend and annealed blend samples were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to evaluate the crystallinity and thermal property of all the samples. It was found that the melting temperature decreased as the amount of elastomer increased. Additionally, the presence of elastomer tended to increase the crystallinity of PLA at 10 and 20 wt%. The injection molding led to the diminishing of neat PLA crystallinity to be 20.79%; however, annealing could recover it to be 29.94%. This result was supported by x-ray diffraction and dynamic mechanical analysis tests. The complex viscosity and storage modulus of PLA melt decreased upon addition of elastomer. The elongation at break increased as the content of elastomer increased. However, the Young’s modulus and tensile strength decreased severely due to the addition of elastomer.
Thai and Korean Students’ perceptions about the roles and functions of school psychologists
Authors: Tangdhanakanond Kamonwan , Lee Dong Hun
Published: January 2013

The purpose of the present study was to compare Thai and Korean college students on their perceptions of the roles and functions of school psychologists. One hundred and ninety-three Thai college students and 238 Korean counterparts participated in this study. Students rated the importance of various roles/functions of a school psychologist and specified who should assume those roles/functions in the absence of a school psychologist. Results indicated that Thai education students rated the roles/functions of counselling students, intervention, consultation with teachers, and consultation with parents, significantly higher ( p < 0.01) than their Korean counterparts. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups on the assessment role ( p > 0.05). Thai students expected their relatives and school personnel and other related people outside of the schools to fill in the vacuum of a school psychologist significantly ( p < 0.01) more than their Korean counterparts did in all roles and functions.
Effects on coping skills and anxiety of a universal school-based mental health intervention delivered in Scottish primary schools
Authors: Collins Sabrina , Woolfson Lisa Marks , Durkin Kevin
Published: January 2013

Anxiety disorders are common in children and may signal risk of depression, social, or academic difficulties. This study evaluated the effects of a universal mental health promotion intervention delivered in primary schools. Three hundred and seventeen 9- to 10-year-olds were randomly allocated by class group to intervention conditions (psychologist-led or teacher-led), or a comparison condition. Coping and anxiety were measured pre- and post-intervention and at six-month follow-up. Significant anxiety reduction and improved coping were found post-intervention and at follow-up. There were no significant differences between the teacher- and psychologist-led intervention groups. Results indicated that a universal school programme delivered by teachers can have positive effects on anxiety and coping.
Implementation of the Social Decision-Making Skills Curriculum on primary students (Grades 1–3) in Lebanon
Authors: Hassan Karma El , Mouganie Zeina
Published: January 2013

This study investigated the effect of the Social Decision-Making Skills Curriculum (SDSC) on the emotional intelligence and the prosocial behaviors of primary students in Grades 1–3, in a private school in Lebanon. Students were trained in social problem-solving and social decision-making skills through the implementation of the SDSC. Participants were 80 students (29 students, experimental group; 51 controls). The SDSC was implemented in classrooms to students in the experimental group. A rating scale from this curriculum was used to determine the students’ profile in social decision-making and social-problem-solving skills. Subjects’ ‘emotional intelligence’ was assessed using the Bar-On Emotional Inventory: Youth Version. Following nine weeks of training in the SDSC, ANCOVA results showed that there were significant differences in the emotional intelligence and prosocial skills of children in the experimental group, as compared to those in the control group. Results are discussed and implications and future recommendations presented
Is party type relevant to an explanation of policy congruence? Catchall versus ideological parties in the Portuguese case
Authors: Belchior Ana Maria , Freire André
Published: January 2013

Most research on policy congruence has failed to provide an explanation for it. Party characteristics are acknowledged to be relevant, but the literature has not achieved a consensus as to their effective importance. Nor has there thus far been an analysis of the implications for results of using different methods to assess congruence. The present article seeks to test the importance of party type (catchall versus ideological) for an explanation of levels of intra-party congruence, with a control using the main congruence-assessment methods. The article focuses on the Portuguese party system and makes use of a set of 19 policy issues across two dimensions: socioeconomic left–right and libertarian–authoritarian (plus left–right self-placement), which introduces additional controls of the assessment of party-type relevance. As far as we know, such an in-depth analysis of party-type congruence has not been done before. Findings support the notion that Portuguese catchall parties tend to display higher levels of MP–voter congruence than ideological parties, but the type of policy issue is also relevant: levels of congruence diverge across parties depending on the issue at stake. These results were supported by the different methods used.
Whither Fictive Kin? Or, What’s in a Name?
Authors: Nelson Margaret K.
Published: January 2013

Drawing on a survey of more than 600 articles that use the term fictive kin, I demonstrate that this term is used predominantly in reference to African Americans and a variety of marginal people and only rarely is used in conjunction with a mainstream White population. After presenting data on the use of the term, I discuss the implications of these findings. I explore as well two rhetorical shifts in language—the introduction of the notion of families of choice and the recent introduction of the concept of voluntary kin.
Burning the Candle at Both Ends
Authors: DeMaris Alfred
Published: January 2013

This study examines several aspects of the association between engaging in extramarital sex and the disruption of one’s marriage. Panel data on 1,621 respondents followed from 1980 to 2000 in the Marital Instability Over the Life Course survey were used to answer these questions. Interval-censored Cox regression analysis revealed several noteworthy findings. As previously found in earlier analyses with these data, reports of problems due to extramarital involvement were strongly related to marital disruption, even holding constant the quality of the marriage. Although men were about three times more likely to be the cheating spouse, there was no difference in the effect of an affair on the marriage according to gender of the cheater. Approximately 40% of the effect of extramarital sex on disruption was accounted for by the mediating factors of marital quality, tolerance of divorce, and wife’s employment. Two moderators of infidelity’s positive effect on disruption were found: The effect was substantially stronger for very religious couples but weaker when the wife was in the labor force.
Dexmedetomidine as a Primary Sedative Agent after Single‐Stage Airway Reconstruction
Authors: McCormick Michael E. , Johnson Yewande J. , Pena Maria , Wratney Angela T. , Pestieau Sophie R. , Zalzal George H. , Preciado Diego A.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To examine the outcomes of children receiving dexmedetomidine after single‐stage airway reconstruction.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Of 61 eligible patients, 50 children undergoing single‐stage airway reconstruction were included in the study. Thirty children received dexmedetomidine (Dex) as a primary sedative agent, and 20 received a more traditional sedation protocol (no Dex). Primary outcomes included complications, intubation lengths, and lengths of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)/hospital admission. Secondary analysis incorporating polypharmacy and age was performed using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

Median age was 18.0 months. Age, sex, and weight were similar between the groups. Intubation length was equal in the 2 groups, and there were no statistical differences between lengths of PICU or hospital stay after extubation. Similarly, overall and individual complications were all similar, and there was no difference between the 2 groups in the amount of polypharmacy administered. On multivariate analysis, polypharmacy and younger age were independently correlated with an increase in overall complications, and polypharmacy alone was correlated with an increased length of stay after extubation.

Conclusion

The use of dexmedetomidine as a primary sedation agent after single‐stage airway surgery does not appear to improve outcomes or decrease the need for additional pharmacologic agents. Polypharmacy was associated with an increase in overall complications and an increased length of stay after extubation. Although success can be expected in greater than 90% of these surgical patients, the optimal postoperative sedation management remains challenging.
Disease‐Specific Self‐Efficacy in Spasmodic Dysphonia Patients
Authors: Hu Amanda , Isetti Derek , Hillel Allen D. , Waugh Patricia , Comstock Bryan , Meyer Tanya K.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Self‐efficacy (SE) is an optimistic self‐belief that one can perform a novel task. This concept involves empowerment, self‐esteem, and adaptation to a stressful situation. SE is a strong predictor of health behaviors. Our objectives were to study SE in spasmodic dysphonia (SD) and to develop a disease‐specific SE‐SD scale.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Academic hospital.

Subject and Methods

Disease‐specific SE‐SD items were developed with laryngologists, speech pathologists, and SD patients. These items, General SE Scale, Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10), Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were administered to SD patients who presented for botulinum toxin injections.

Results

One hundred forty‐five SD patients (mean age 59.5 ± 13.6 years) had a general SE score (Cronbach’s α = 0.894) of 33.4 ± 5.2 out of 40. This was negatively correlated with HADS‐A (r = −0.42, P < 0.001) and HADS‐D (r = −0.42, P <. 001), but not correlated with VHI‐10 (r = −0.098, P =. 243) and CAPE‐V (r = −0.047, P =. 57). Factor analysis selected 8 items from the general SE scale and 5 disease‐specific SE‐SD items to generate a 13‐item disease‐specific SE‐SD scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.907). Disease‐specific SE‐SD score was 42.1 ± 6.9 out of 52 and was negatively correlated with VHI‐10 (r = −0.19, P =. 005), HADS‐A (r = −0.43, P <. 001), and HADS‐D (r = −0.57, P <. 001), but not correlated with CAPE‐V (r = −0.024, P =. 60).

Conclusion

SD patients established on botulinum toxin injections have high degrees of general and disease‐specific SE. Patients with higher SE‐SD demonstrate lower vocal handicap and lower levels of anxiety and depression. A 13‐item disease‐specific SE‐SD scale has been developed.
Monarchy and Nation in Italy at the End of the Nineteenth Century: A Unique Form of Politicization?
Authors: Brice Catherine
Published: January 2013

This article argues that in Italy, at the end of the nineteenth century, monarchy played a strong role in the process of politicization. As the first institution of the nation, the monarchy, though theoretically super partes, was able not only to gather the political forces of the elite, but also of populations which as yet had no vote at the national level. These liberal-monarchical organizations were not classical political parties, but a network of associations acting in the political field as well as in charity, education, leisure and participation in national festivities. This rather informal way of ‘making politics’ must be taken into account in order to understand better the peculiar track followed by Italy at the end of the nineteenth century, and more generally, politicization before the era of mass parties.
Juniperus communis Linn oil decreases oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzymes in the heart of rats administered a diet rich in cholesterol
Authors: Gumral Nurhan , Kumbul Duygu Doguc , Aylak Firdevs , Saygin Mustafa , Savik Emin
Published: January 2013

It has been asserted that consumption of dietary cholesterol (Chol) raises atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and that Chol causes an increase in free radical production. Hypercholesterolemic diet has also been reported to cause changes in the antioxidant system. In our study, different doses of Juniperus communis Linn (JCL) oil, a tree species growing in Mediterranean and Isparta regions and having aromatic characteristics, were administered to rats; and the levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay (TBARS) were examined in the heart tissue of rats. In this study, 35 Wistar Albino male adult rats weighing approximately 250–300 g were used. The rats were divided into five groups of seven each. The control group was administered normal pellet chow, and the Chol group was administered pellet chow including 2% Chol, while 50 JCL, 100 JCL, and 200 JCL groups were administered 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg JCL oil dissolved in 0.5% sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, respectively, in addition to the pellet chow containing 2% Chol, by gavage. After 30 days, the experiment was terminated and the antioxidant enzyme activities were examined in the heart tissue of rats. While consumption of dietary Chol decreases the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT in heart tissue of rats (not significant), administeration of 200 mg/kg JCL oil in addition to Chol led to a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Administering Chol led to a significant increase in TBARS level. Administering 100 and 200 mg/kg JCL oil together with Chol prevented significantly the increase in lipid peroxides. As a result of the study, JCL oil showed oxidant–antioxidant effect in the heart tissue of rats.
Occupational hazards control of hazardous substances in clean room of semiconductor manufacturing plant using CFD analysis
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Zhou Ya-Fei
Published: January 2013

The manufacturing processes in chip industries are complex, and many kinds of raw materials and solvents of different nature are used, most of which are highly toxic and dangerous. During the machine preventive maintenance period, these toxic and harmful substances will escape from the sealed reaction chamber to the clean workshop environment and endanger the health of the workers on-site, resulting in occupational diseases. From the perspective of prevention, the spread and prediction of hydrochloric acid (HCl) that escaped from the metal-etching chamber during maintenance were studied in this article. The computational fluid dynamics technology was used for a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the indoor air velocity field and the HCl concentration field, and the simulation results were then compared with the on-site monitoring data to verify the correctness and feasibility. The occupational hazards and control measures were analyzed based on the numerical simulation, and the optimal control measure was obtained. In this article, using the method of ambient air to analyze the occupational exposure can provide a new idea to the field of occupational health research in the integrated circuit industry and had theoretical and practical significance.
Agreement between chest radiography and high-resolution computed tomography in diagnosing dust-related interstitial lung fibrosis
Authors: Tiwari Rajnarayan R.
Published: January 2013

Although it has been suggested that high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans can be obtained when plain radiographs are equivocal for the presence of interstitial lung fibrosis (ILF) caused by inhalation of dust, such as silica, asbestos fibres, etc., the specificity of the findings remains in question. The present study was carried out to compare the relative efficacy of chest radiography by conventional method and HRCT in evaluating ILF which included 22 workers exposed to fibrogenic dust, who were subjected to clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, posteroanterior chest radiography and HRCT. In the six subjects who had findings suggestive of ILF on HRCT, four had normal chest x-ray (CXR) while one each has been diagnosed as having tuberculosis and ILF on CXR. The agreement analysis between HRCT and CXR suggests that there was a poor agreement between HRCT and CXR (kappa = 0.34).
Serum mineral status of long-term cigarette smokers
Authors: Meral Ismail , Akdemir Fazile Nur Ekinci
Published: January 2013

This study was carried out to investigate comparatively some serum mineral levels of cigarette smokers. A total of 25 nonsmokers (control group) and 50 long-term cigarette smokers (smoking for at least 15 years; smoker group) were participated in the study. Subjects were between 25 and 40 years old. Control and smoker groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index status. The blood samples were taken from smokers and nonsmokers after 12 h of fasting period. The levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), sodium (Na) and phosphorus (P) were measured by autoanalyzer using commercial kits. Student’s t test was used to compare the control and smoker groups, and p < 0.05 indicated a significant difference. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to demonstrate the relationship among parameters in smoker and control groups. Although there was no statistical difference ( p > 0.05) between the groups regarding the levels of K, P, Mg, Na, Cl, Zn, Fe, Ca and Cu, some positive correlations were observed in controls but not in smokers. Therefore, it was concluded that smoking does not affect the serum mineral levels. However, it may negatively affect some important positive correlations among minerals observed in healthy individuals.
Assessment of genotoxic potential of two mycotoxins in the wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gürbüzel Mehmet , Uysal Handan , Kızılet Halit
Published: January 2013

Mycotoxins, the toxic products of molds, exposure causes serious adverse health problems in human, animals, and crops. Determining the potential genotoxic effects of these substances is, therefore, of great importance. We have evaluated the genotoxic toxicity of two trichothecenes – diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and T-2 toxin – using the wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster. The SMART is based on the principle that the loss of heterozygosis of recessive markers located on the left arm of chromosome 3 – multiple wing hairs ( mwh) at the map position 0.3 and flare-3 ( flr3) at the map position 38.8 – may occur through various mechanisms such as mitotic recombination, mutation, deletion, half-translocation, chromosome loss, and nondisjunction. Both the mycotoxins were administered to third instar larvae (72 ± 4 h old) at concentrations ranging from 5 to 40 μM. Based on our results, DAS and T-2 toxins does not exert genotoxic effects up to a concentration of 40 μM.
Mental Health in Schools
Authors: Specht Jacqueline A.
Published: January 2013

Students who are excluded from the daily life of schools are at risk for mental illness. This is especially true for children with disabilities as they are marginalized by assumptions and beliefs about what they cannot do at school as opposed to what they can do. This article presents research literature on belonging, inclusion, and social and emotional learning as a backdrop to the call to school psychologists to reinvent their roles. Although this call has been issued, the practice of assessment for special education placement remains one of the top job demands. Rather than categorizing and labelling, psychologists can be a key supporter of classroom teachers in promoting successful academic, social, and emotional strategies to assist teachers in inclusive classrooms.
Intrathecal Synthesis of Oligoclonal Bands in Rapid-Onset Obesity With Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation Syndrome
Authors: Sartori Stefano , Priante Elena , Pettenazzo Andrea , Marson Piero , Suppiej Agnese , Benini Franca , Perilongo Giorgio , Toldo Irene
Published: January 2013

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation syndrome (ROHHADS) is a rare, but potentially lethal, pediatric disorder. To date, nearly 80 patients have been reported in the literature; however, the etiopathogenesis is still unclear and debated. Both genetic and paraneoplastic or immune-mediated causes have been supposed to be involved in this syndrome. Nonetheless, at this time, a diagnostic biomarker is not available and diagnosis is based exclusively on clinical criteria. Aiming to establish the immune-mediated pathogenesis, we report 2 children with a clinical picture consistent with ROHHADS and whose cerebrospinal fluid analysis disclosed an intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal bands. Even if many aspects remain to be explained, this finding suggests that ROHHADS could share similar pathogenetic mechanisms with other immune-mediated central nervous system disorders, and even more important, it might pave the way to a therapeutic chance for these patients by means of immunotherapy.
In vivo study of a biodegradable orthopedic screw (MgYREZr-alloy) in a rabbit model for up to 12 months
Authors: Waizy Hazibullah , Diekmann Julia , Weizbauer Andreas , Reifenrath Janin , Bartsch Ivonne , Neubert Volkmar , Schavan Robert , Windhagen Henning
Published: January 2013

Biodegradable magnesium-based implants are currently being developed for use in orthopedic applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute, subacute, and chronic local effects on bone tissue as well as the systemic reactions to a magnesium-based (MgYREZr-alloy) screw containing rare earth elements. The upper part of the screw was implanted into the marrow cavity of the left femora of 15 adult rabbits (New Zealand White), and animals were euthanized 1 week, 12 weeks, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Blood samples were analyzed at set times, and radiographic examinations were performed to evaluate gas formation. There were no significant increased changes in blood values compared to normal levels. Histological examination revealed moderate bone formation with direct implant contact without a fibrous capsule. Histopathological evaluation of lung, liver, intestine, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen tissue samples showed no abnormalities. In summary, our data indicate that these magnesium-based screws containing rare earth elements have good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity without acute, subacute, or chronic toxicity.
Synthesis and water state characterization of polysodium acrylate/cellulose microfibril hydrogels
Authors: Anbudayanidhi S , Nayak Sanjay K , Mohanty Smita
Published: January 2013

The structure of polysodium acrylate (PSA) hydrogel was modified using N, N-methylenebisacrylamide and cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) as a cross-linker and filler, respectively. CMF was obtained from banana fiber by acid hydrolysis process. The resulting structure and morphology of CMF and PSA/CMF hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy. From the FTIR and XRD spectra, the formation of CMF from banana fiber is confirmed. Differential scanning calorimetric study was carried out on the swollen PSA/CMF hydrogels to determine the state and quantification of water present inside the hydrogels. The mechanical characterization of PSA/CMF hydrogels was studied in brief by dynamic mechanical analysis technique.
An experimental investigation for the improvement of attainable surface roughness during hard turning process
Authors: Rashid Waleed B , Goel Saurav , Luo Xichun , Ritchie James M
Published: January 2013

In this article, an experimental investigation was carried out to improve the machined surface roughness attainable during hard turning. An American Iron and steel institute (AISI) 4340 hard steel workpiece (hardened up to 69 Rockwell C Scale Hardness (HRC)) was machined on a Mori-Seiki SL-25Y (4-axis) Computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathe. Prior to machining, defects were generated on the surface of the workpiece in the form of holes. It was recognized that these pre-machined holes provided intermittent relaxation to the cutting tool and resulted in a lower temperature in the cutting zone, lower average cutting forces and a better quality of machined surface over conventional hard turning. Using the new method, termed ‘surface defect machining’, an improved average surface roughness (Ra) of 0.227 µm was obtained compared to an average value of 0.452 µm using conventional hard turning.
State-of-the-art research in machinability of hardened steels
Authors: Suresh R , Basavarajappa S , Gaitonde Vinayak N , Samuel GL , Davim J Paulo
Published: January 2013

The hardened steel materials have great demand for the manufacturing of automotive, aircraft and machine tool components due to their better strength, wear resistance and high thermal stability. The hard machining offers many potential benefits compared to grinding, which remains the standard finishing process for critical hardened surfaces. To enhance the implementation of this technology, questions about the ability of this process to produce surfaces that meet the surface finish and integrity requirements must be answered and it must be justified economically. With the development of harder work materials, the tool material technology is advancing at a faster rate so as to enable machining of these materials by higher material removal rate with reliability of performance. This review article presents an overview of the previous research on machining of hard steel materials. It mainly focuses on the influence of extrinsic factors on machinability of hardened steels, such as variation of cutting forces, chip morphology, tool wear and resulting surface integrity in the machined surface.
Do Local and Global Perceptual Biases Tell Us Anything About Local and Global Selective Attention?
Authors: Caparos Serge , Linnell Karina J. , Bremner Andrew J. , de Fockert Jan W. , Davidoff Jules
Published: January 2013

Local, as opposed to global, perceptual bias has been linked to a lesser ability to attend globally. We examined this proposed link in Himba observers, members of a remote Namibian population who have demonstrated a strong local bias compared with British observers. If local perceptual bias is related to a lesser ability to attend globally, Himba observers, relative to British observers, should be less distracted by global information when performing a local-selection task but more distracted by local information when performing a global-selection task. However, Himba observers performed better than British observers did on both a local-selection task and a global-selection task (both of which used local/global hierarchical figures as stimuli), which suggests that they possessed greater control over attentional selection in response to task demands. We conclude that local and global perceptual biases must be distinguished from local and global selective attention.