bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Mixture Distributions for Modeling Multisource Extreme Rainfalls*
Authors: Shin Ju-Young , Lee Taesam , Ouarda Taha B. M. J.
Published: August 2015

Frequency analysis has been widely applied to investigate the behavior and characteristics of hydrometeorological variables. Hydrometeorological variables occasionally show mixture distributions when multiple generating phenomena cause the extreme events to occur. In such cases, a mixture distribution should be applied. Past studies on mixture distributions assumed that they are drawn from the same probability density functions. In fact, many hydrometeorological variables can consist of different types of probability density functions. Research on heterogeneous mixture distributions can lead to improvements in understanding the behavior and characteristics of hydrometeorological variables and in the capacity to model them properly. In the present study heterogeneous mixture distributions are developed to model extreme hydrometeorological events. To fit heterogeneous mixture distributions, the authors present an extension of the metaheuristic maximum likelihood approach. The performance of the parameter estimation method employed was verified through simulation tests. The fits of nonmixture, homogeneous mixture, and heterogeneous mixture distributions were evaluated through the application to a real-world case study of the extreme rainfall events of South Korea. Results indicate that the heterogeneous mixture distribution is a good alternative when sources possessing dissimilar statistical characteristics influence extreme hydrometeorological variables.
Forecast Comparison Based on Random Walks
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Tippett Michael K.
Published: August 2015

This paper proposes a procedure based on random walks for testing and visualizing differences in forecast skill. The test is formally equivalent to the sign test and has numerous attractive statistical properties, including being independent of distributional assumptions about the forecast errors and being applicable to a wide class of measures of forecast quality. While the test is best suited for independent outcomes, it provides useful information even when serial correlation exists. The procedure is applied to deterministic ENSO forecasts from the North American Multimodel Ensemble and yields several revealing results, including 1) the Canadian models are the most skillful dynamical models, even when compared to the multimodel mean; 2) a regression model is significantly more skillful than all but one dynamical model (to which it is equally skillful); and 3) in some cases, there are significant differences in skill between ensemble members from the same model, potentially reflecting differences in initialization. The method requires only a few years of data to detect significant differences in the skill of models with known errors/biases, suggesting that the procedure may be useful for model development and monitoring of real-time forecasts.
Constraints on public sector bargaining in Canada
Authors: Rose Joseph B
Published: August 2015

This article examines public sector bargaining in Canada during the consolidation period (1998–2013). The period was associated with economic turbulence (sustained economic growth followed by the global economic crisis), support for neoliberal policies across the entire political spectrum (the adoption of free market policies and austerity budgets) and extensive litigation challenging the constitutionality of legislation restricting collective bargaining rights. To assess the impact of these environmental pressures on relative bargaining power, the study examined selected collective bargaining indicators – union membership, wage settlements and strike activity. Our results indicate that the relative bargaining power of public sector unions was eroded during this period. The article concludes that a period of highly constrained public sector collective bargaining will continue in the future.
North Indian Classical Vocal Music for the Classroom
Authors: Arya Divya D.
Published: August 2015

This article offers information that will allow music educators to incorporate North Indian classical vocal music into a multicultural music education curriculum. Obstacles to teaching North Indian classical vocal music are acknowledged, including lack of familiarity with the cultural/structural elements and challenges in teaching ear training and improvisation. Potential solutions to these challenges and practical lesson plans are provided. Classroom ideas include activities and projects to familiarize students with Indian culture and audiovisual performances to teach the structural elements. Lesson plans also encompass techniques used by traditional Indian teachers for ear training, such as aural imitation and improvisation, hand movements, and starting with simple improvisation and gradually progressing to greater complexity while setting guidelines.
Tracking Student Achievement in Music Performance
Authors: Wesolowski Brian C.
Published: August 2015

Student achievement growth data are increasingly used for assessing teacher effectiveness and tracking student achievement in the classroom. Guided by the student learning objective (SLO) framework, music teachers are now responsible for collecting, tracking, and reporting student growth data. Often, the reported data do not accurately reflect the true teaching and learning that occurs in music classrooms due to insufficient teacher training and/or the use of district-suggested SLOs that do not fit the parameters of music teaching. This article discusses the development of objectives, benchmarks, and learning targets that are meaningful to music performance and satisfy state and district requirements. Several methods are provided to accurately and efficiently track and report student growth data.
Appraising the appraisal process
Authors: Williams Brian N , Christensen Robert K , LePere-Schloop Megan , Silk P Daniel
Published: August 2015

While research shows that performance appraisals are important both as management tools and for their ability to shape organisational commitment and performance, researchers have also noted a ‘pervasive dissatisfaction’ (Coutts and Schneider, 2004: 68) with appraisals in policing. The standardisation of performance appraisal systems across local government departments in the United States may contribute to this dissatisfaction. Standardised forms may be difficult to adapt to diverse officer positions, and to the overall goals of police departments and agencies. This paper uses appraiser and appraisee survey data from a police department in a mid-sized southern city in the United States to examine whether standardised performance appraisal systems in local government meet the needs of local police departments and agencies. Findings suggest that it is important to tailor appraisal forms and systems by including officers and managers in the development of job-specific rubrics and training modules.
Nonlocal Total-Variation–Based Speckle Filtering for Ultrasound Images
Authors: Wen Tiexiang , Gu Jia , Li Ling , Qin Wenjian , Wang Lei , Xie Yaoqin
Published: August 2015

Ultrasound is one of the most important medical imaging modalities for its real-time and portable imaging advantages. However, the contrast resolution and important details are degraded by the speckle in ultrasound images. Many speckle filtering methods have been developed, but they are suffered from several limitations, difficult to reach a balance between speckle reduction and edge preservation. In this paper, an adaptation of the nonlocal total variation (NLTV) filter is proposed for speckle reduction in ultrasound images. The speckle is modeled via a signal-dependent noise distribution for the log-compressed ultrasound images. Instead of the Euclidian distance, the statistical Pearson distance is introduced in this study for the similarity calculation between image patches via the Bayesian framework. And the Split-Bregman fast algorithm is used to solve the adapted NLTV despeckling functional. Experimental results on synthetic and clinical ultrasound images and comparisons with some classical and recent algorithms are used to demonstrate its improvements in both speckle noise reduction and tissue boundary preservation for ultrasound images.
Effects of modified sit-to-stand training on balance control in hemiplegic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Meng , Chen Jin , Fan Wenxiang , Mu Jingsong , Zhang Jinlong , Wang Li , Zhuang Jianhai , Ni Chaomin
Published: August 2015

Objective:

To explore the effectiveness of modified sit-to-stand training on balance function in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Rehabilitation medical centre.

Participants:

A total of 50 hemiplegic patients with stroke were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups ( n = 25 for each group).

Interventions:

Patients in the control group received the sit-to-stand training with symmetrical foot position, while patients in the experimental group were given the modified sit-to-stand training in which the paretic foot placed posterior. Subjects in both groups received 30 minutes of sit-to-stand training, five times a week, for four weeks.

Main outcome measures:

The time and weight-bearing distribution during sit-to-stand movement, the centre of pressure sway length during quiet standing, the centre of pressure sway areas during dynamic standing and Berg Balance Scale were assessed before and after completing the four-week sit-to-stand training.

Results:

Our data showed significant improvements in standing balance and the sit-to-stand movement for two groups in the post-training compared with the pre-training. After training, the rise time shortened more significantly in the experimental group (mean change, 0.90 ±0.25 seconds) than the control group (mean change, 0.42 ±0.18 seconds). Weight-bearing asymmetry showed significantly greater improvement in the experimental group (mean change, 0.17 ±0.10) than in the control group (mean change, 0.06 ±0.05). Centre of pressure sway length was significantly smaller in the experimental group (mean change, 27.85 ±10.58 cm) than in the control group (mean change, 21.95 ±8.19 cm). Centre of pressure sway areas was significantly larger in the experimental group (mean change, 84.24 ±26.48 cm2) than in the control group (mean change, 67.74 ±22.84 cm2) ( P = 0.027). The Berg Balance Scale was significantly higher in the experiment group (mean change, 8.4 ±3.1) than the control group (mean change, 5.8±2.8).

Conclusions:

A modified sit-to-stand training improves the balance function in hemiplegic stroke patients.
On the Disunity of Mankind
Authors: Brown Chris
Published: August 2015

Martin Wight’s fragmentary comments entitled ‘The Disunity of Mankind’ are by no means a major work, but they are interesting in the context of contemporary cosmopolitanism and in terms of helping us to assess the substantive content of Wight’s approach to International Relations.
Relationship Between Glenoid Defects and Hill-Sachs Lesions in Shoulders With Traumatic Anterior Instability
Authors: Nakagawa Shigeto , Ozaki Ritsuro , Take Yasuhiro , Iuchi Ryo , Mae Tatsuo
Published: August 2015

Background:

While the combination of a glenoid defect and a Hill-Sachs lesion in a shoulder with anterior instability has recently been termed a bipolar lesion, their relationship is unclear.

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship of the glenoid defect and Hill-Sachs lesion and the factors that influence the occurrence of these lesions as well as the recurrence of instability.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The prevalence and size of both lesions were evaluated retrospectively by computed tomography scanning in 153 shoulders before arthroscopic Bankart repair. First, the relationship of lesion prevalence and size was investigated. Then, factors influencing the occurrence of bipolar lesions were assessed. Finally, the influence of these lesions on recurrence of instability was investigated in 103 shoulders followed for a minimum of 2 years.

Results:

Bipolar lesions, isolated glenoid defects/isolated Hill-Sachs lesions, and no lesion were detected in 86, 45, and 22 shoulders (56.2%, 29.4%, and 14.4%), respectively. As the glenoid defect became larger, the Hill-Sachs lesion also increased in size. However, the size of these lesions showed a weak correlation, and large Hill-Sachs lesions did not always coexist with large glenoid defects. The prevalence of bipolar lesions was 33.3% in shoulders with primary instability and 61.8% in shoulders with recurrent instability. In relation to the total events of dislocations/subluxations, the prevalence was 44.2% in shoulders with 1 to 5 events, 69.0% in shoulders with 6 to 10 events, and 82.8% in shoulders with ≥11 events. Regarding the type of sport, the prevalence was 58.9% in athletes playing collision sports, 53.3% in athletes playing contact sports, and 29.4% in athletes playing overhead sports. Postoperative recurrence of instability was 0% in shoulders without lesions, 0% with isolated Hill-Sachs lesions, 8.3% with isolated glenoid defects, and 29.4% with bipolar lesions. The presence of a bipolar lesion significantly influenced the recurrence rate, but lesion size did not.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of bipolar lesions was approximately 60%. As glenoid defects became larger, Hill-Sachs lesions also enlarged, but there was no strong correlation. Bipolar lesions were frequent in patients with recurrent instability, patients with repetitive dislocation/subluxation, and those playing collision/contact sports. Instability showed a high recurrence rate in shoulders with bipolar lesions.
The Impact of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes on WHO-Recommended Breastfeeding Practices
Authors: Piwoz Ellen G. , Huffman Sandra L.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Suboptimal breastfeeding results in 800 000 child deaths annually. There are multiple causes of suboptimal breastfeeding, including marketing of breast-milk substitutes.

Objectives:

To describe sales and marketing of breast-milk substitutes and their influence on World Health Organization-recommended breastfeeding behaviors, focusing on low- and middle-income countries.

Methods:

Literature review.

Results:

Global sales of breast-milk substitutes reached US$40 billion in 2013. Growth in sales exceeds 10% annually in many low- and middle-income countries, while it is close to stagnant in high-income countries. Breast-milk substitutes are marketed directly to consumers via mass media and print advertisements and indirectly via incentives, free supplies, and promotions to and through health workers and facilities, retailers, and policy makers. Internet marketing via company web sites and social media is on the rise. Marketing influences social norms by making formula use seem to be extensive, modern, and comparable to or better than breast milk. Clear evidence of a negative impact is found when breast-milk substitutes are provided for free in maternity facilities and when they are promoted by health workers and in the media. Influences through other channels are plausible, but rigorous studies are lacking. It was not possible with the data available to quantify the impact of marketing relative to other factors on suboptimal breastfeeding behaviors. Marketing remains widespread even in countries that have adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to restrict such activities.

Conclusion:

Adoption of stricter regulatory frameworks coupled with independent, quantitative monitoring and compliance enforcement are needed to counter the impacts of formula marketing globally.
CHO expressed recombinant human lactoferrin as an adjuvant for BCG
Authors: Hwang Shen-An , Kruzel Marian L , Actor Jeffrey K
Published: August 2015

Lactoferrin (LF), an iron binding protein with immune modulatory activities, has adjuvant activity to enhance vaccine efficacy. Tuberculosis (TB) is a pulmonary disease caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Progressive TB disease is clinically defined by damaging pulmonary pathology, a result of inflammation due to immune reactivity. The current vaccine for TB, an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG), has only limited efficacy to prevent adult pulmonary TB. This study examines a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) expressed recombinant human LF (rHLF) to boost efficacy of the BCG vaccine and delay early pathology post infectious challenge. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with BCG, or BCG admixed with either rHLF or bovine LF (bLF; internal control), or remained unvaccinated. Mice were then aerosol challenged with Erdman MTB. All vaccinated mice demonstrated decreased organ bacterial load up to 19 weeks post infection compared with non-vaccinated controls. Furthermore, mice receiving bLF or rHLF supplemented BCG vaccines showed a modest decrease in lung pathology developed over time, compared to the BCG vaccine alone. While mice vaccinated with BCG/rHLF demonstrated increased general lung inflammation at day 7, it occurred without noticeable increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. At later times, decreased pathology in the rHLF groups correlated with decreased inflammatory cytokines. Splenic recall to BCG antigens showed BCG/rHLF vaccination increased production of IFN-γ, IL-6, and GM-CSF compared to naïve, BCG, and BCG/bLF groups. Analysis of T cell stimulating functions of bone marrow derived macrophages and dendritic cells treated with BCG/bLF or BCG/rHLF showed decreases in IL-10 production when co-cultured with sensitized CD4 and CD8 T cells, compared to those cultured with macrophages/dendritic cells treated with BCG without LF. These results indicate that addition of rHLF to the BCG vaccine can modulate development of host pathology early post infectious challenge, most likely through host immune regulation affecting hypersensitive responses.
Treating Tics and Tourette’s Disorder in School Settings
Authors: Sulkowski Michael L. , McGuire Joseph F. , Tesoro Andrew
Published: August 2015

Children with Tourette’s Disorder (TD) and other forms of tic disorders display a range of academic and psychosocial impairments that place them at risk for experiencing long-term negative life outcomes. Fortunately, effective treatments and interventions such as habit reversal training (HRT) have been developed and implemented in clinical settings to help these children. However, relatively few youth with tics and related sequelae receive effective treatments for their symptoms, often because of various treatment barriers (e.g., travel difficulties, limitations in trained practitioners). To overcome some of these barriers, educators and school-based mental health practitioners can provide a range of academic, social-emotional, and mental health supports to address the needs of youth with tics in school settings. In support of this notion, this article discusses various ways that members of school communities can help support the academic and social-emotional success of students with tics and related impairments.
Lukashenka and His Voters
Authors: McAllister Ian , White Stephen
Published: August 2015

Various explanations have been offered for the commanding electoral support that has been enjoyed by the Belarusian president Alyaksandr Lukashenka since his original election in 1994. On the evidence of the authors’ surveys, in particular post-election opinion surveys conducted in 2006 and 2011, there is an association between social structural variables and electoral support, and between perceptions of government economic performance and electoral support, but both largely disappear when appropriate controls are introduced. It is personal approval of Lukashenka on the part of voters, over and above these other circumstances, that makes by far the largest contribution.
Effect of tapered roller bearing supports on the dynamic behaviour of hypoid gear pair differentials
Authors: Mohammadpour Mahdi , Johns-Rahnejat Patricia M , Theodossiades Stephanos , Rahnejat Homer
Published: August 2015

Noise and vibration refinement and energy efficiency are the key drivers in powertrain development. The final drive (the differential) is a source of vibration concern and also contributes to the powertrain inefficiency. To optimise differential characteristics for the key objectives of refinement and efficiency, detailed models of the gear interactions as well as the support bearing dynamics are required. This study reports the integrated lubricated bearing and gear contacts with an eight-degree-of-freedom dynamic analysis (a tribo-dynamic model). Non-Newtonian shear behaviour of thin lubricant-film conjunctions is taken into account in the integrated tribo-dynamic analysis, which has not hitherto been reported in the literature. The results show that the transmitted vibration spectra from the system onto the differential casing are dominated by the bearing frequencies rather than by those due to the meshing of gears. It is also shown that a sufficiently high bearing preload improves the vibration refinement but can lead to a marginally reduced transmission efficiency.
How to take non-knowledge seriously, or “the unexpected virtue of ignorance”
Authors: Nielsen Kristian H. , Sørensen Mads P.
Published: August 2015

This commentary argues that we need to take ignorance and non-knowledge seriously in the fields of science communication and public understanding of science. As much as we want ignorance to disappear, it seems that it is here to stay—in the sciences and in the rest of society. Drawing on the vast but scattered literature on ignorance and non-knowledge, we suggest that paying closer attention to these phenomena could be beneficial for science communicators. Despite the fact that ignorance and non-knowledge, just like knowledge, today are highly politicized fields, they may also open up for new lines of inquiry and may be key to more pluralistic and equal democratic deliberation about science and technology.
Quality of Governance, Corruption and Absolute Child Poverty in India
Authors: Daoud Adel
Published: August 2015

Mundle, Chakraborty, Chowdhury and Sikdar (2012) developed the first quality of governance (QoG) measures to assess the performance of India’s states. The present article builds on Mundle et al.’s (2012) framework by analyzing the relationship between their QoG measures and absolute child poverty in India. The empirical analysis also includes corruption indicators from Transparency International to test the relative importance of corruption and governance for combating child poverty. I combine macro (states) and micro data (children) with multilevel statistical models to achieve this task. A key finding is that governance has more explanatory power than corruption. Further, among Mundleetal.’s six measures, the BORDA measure performs consistently better and explains about 60 per cent of the between-states variation: one unit improvement in BORDA yields about 1 per cent decrease in absolute child poverty. The sensitivity of this inference is tested with regards to severe education, shelter and food deprivation.
No Female Disadvantage in Anthropometric Status among Children in India
Authors: Corsi Daniel J. , Gaffey Michelle F. , Bassani Diego G. , Subramanian S.V.
Published: August 2015

Female disadvantage in child mortality, intra-household allocation of food and coverage of health interventions has been shown to exist in India. At the same time, there has been limited examination of female disadvantage in nutritional status. Using measures of anthropometry and anthropometric failure, we study female disadvantage in child nutritional status from the data collected from the Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS) undertaken in 1992–1993 and 2005–2006. Height and/or weight measurements were available on 70,148 children aged 0–47 months in both survey periods. Child anthropometry (height/length-for-age [HAZ], weight-for-age [WAZ], weight-for-height/length [WHZ]) and anthropometric failure (defined according to the 2006 WHO growth standards as stunting, wasting and underweight) were analysed using linear and logistic regression models. In pooled regression models, boys were more likely to have lower anthropometric scores and higher rates of anthropometric failure. Across survey periods, the change in anthropometric status was greater for boys compared to girls for WAZ/underweight and WHZ/wasting, but was similar for HAZ/stunting. Boy–girl differences in anthropometry (with boys doing worse) were greater at less than 24 months of age and narrowed over time particularly in the 0–5 and 6–11 month age groups, resulting in no gender differences in anthropometric status. Declines in anthropometric status in HAZ/stunting and WAZ/underweight were found among third or higher birth order boys and girls, especially within families with two preceding children of the same sex but also in households with preceding children of mixed genders, suggesting a birth order effect as opposed to a birth order and gender effect. In 1992–1993 and 2005–2006, levels of anthropometric failure were higher among boys compared to girls in a majority of states. Although girls had lower levels of anthropometric failure, the magnitude of the between survey period decline was higher in girls in fewer states compared to boys (5/20, 7/25 and 10/20 states for stunting, underweight and wasting, respectively).

 In summary, in the most recently available data, using measures of anthropometric status, we did not find consistent evidence for female disadvantage in nutritional status among girls in India.
Utilization of Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, Kerala
Authors: Philip Neena Elezebeth , Kannan Srinivasan , Sarma Sankara P.
Published: August 2015

We aimed to compare the sociodemographics, health care utilization pattern, and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses of 149 insured and 147 uninsured below-poverty-line households insured under the Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, Kerala, through a comparative cross-sectional study. Family size more than 4 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13-4.82), family member with chronic disease (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.18-3.57), high socioeconomic status (OR = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.74-5.03), and an employed household head (OR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.44-5.02) were significantly associated with insured households. Insured households had higher inpatient service utilization (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.05-2.34). Only 40% of inpatient service utilization among the insured was covered by insurance. The mean OOP expenses for inpatient services among insured (INR 448.95) was higher than among uninsured households (INR 159.93); P = .003. These findings show that urgent attention of the government is required to redesign and closely monitor the scheme.
Clinical efficacy and safety following dose tapering of ciclosporin in cats with hypersensitivity dermatitis
Authors: Roberts Elizabeth S , Tapp Tiffany , Trimmer Ann , Roycroft Linda , King Stephen
Published: August 2015

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of reducing ciclosporin (CsA) dosing frequency from daily to every other day (EOD) or twice a week (TW) according to clinical response in cats with hypersensitivity dermatitis (HD) and treated with CsA.

Methods

One hundred and ninety-one cats with HD were given 7 mg/kg CsA daily for at least 4 weeks. Depending on clinical response, the dosing frequency was tapered from daily to EOD over the next 4 weeks and further to TW for an additional 4 weeks. Safety was evaluated through physical examinations, clinical pathology and the monitoring of adverse events (AEs).

Results

The majority of cats were able to have their dose of CsA tapered to either EOD (15.5%) or TW (62.9%) according to the clinical response. Observed AEs were most frequently mild and self-limiting vomiting and diarrhea. A higher percentage of AEs occurred with daily administration (73%) compared with other dosing regimens (27%).

Conclusions and relevance

Following 4 weeks of daily dosing at 7 mg/kg, CsA may be tapered to EOD or TW while maintaining the desired therapeutic response in cats with HD. Additionally, CsA appears to be well tolerated with fewer AEs at EOD or TW dosing. Establishing the lowest effective dosing frequency of CsA improves the drug’s safety profile.
Split liver transplantation: Papering over the cracks of the organ shortage
Authors: Moorlock Greg , Neuberger James , Draper Heather
Published: August 2015

Splitting livers allows two people (usually an adult and a child) to receive a liver transplant from one donated adult liver, but the risks to the adult recipient are greater than if they had received the equivalent whole liver. It has been suggested, therefore, that splitting livers harms adult recipients. Without liver splitting, however, there would be few livers available for children, and paediatric waiting time and waiting list mortality would significantly increase. In this paper, we argue that although splitting livers makes adults worse off, this should be considered sub-optimal benefit rather than harm. We explore justifications for sub-optimally benefitting adults in this way and consider alternatives to the current approach. We argue that splitting livers masks the more fundamental problem of low paediatric donation rates and that increasing the number of paediatric donations would improve the situation for both adult and paediatric liver patients.
Functional Changes of Dendritic Cells in C6 Glioma-Bearing Rats That Underwent Combined Argon-Helium Cryotherapy and IL-12 Treatment
Authors: Li Ming , Cui Yao , Li Xiqing , Guo Yanwu , Wang Bin , Zhang Jiadong , Xu Jian , Han Shuangyin , Shi Xiwen
Published: August 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore changes in tumor tissues of glioma-bearing rats that underwent argon–helium cryoablation as well as changes in antitumor immunity before and after combined interleukin 12 treatment.

Methods:

Two hundred sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, intravenous injection interleukin-12 group, cryotherapy group, and cryotherapy + intravenous injection group. C6 glioma cells proliferated in vitro were implanted subcutaneously on the backs of rats to establish C6 glioma-bearing animal models. Each group underwent the corresponding treatments, and morphological changes in tumor tissues were examined using hematoxylin–eosin staining. CD11c staining was examined using immunohistochemistry, and differences in dendritic cells and T-cell subsets before and after treatment were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Results:

The control group showed no statistical changes in terms of tumor tissue morphology and cellular immunity, cryotherapy group, and cryotherapy + intravenous injection group, among which the count for the cryotherapy + intravenous injection group was significantly higher than those of all other groups. In the argon-helium cryotherapy group, tumor cells were damaged and dendritic cell markers were positive. The number of CD11c+ and CD86+ cells increased significantly after the operation as did the cytokine interferon-γ level ( P < .01), suggesting a shift toward Th1-type immunity.

Conclusion:

Combined treatment of argon–helium cryoablation and interleukin 12 for gliomas not only effectively injured tumor tissues but also boosted immune function and increased antitumor ability. Therefore, this approach is a promising treatment measure for brain gliomas.
Predictors of Outcomes in Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis Treated Initially With Conservative (Nonsurgical) Medical Management
Authors: Zeun Paul , Gooday Catherine , Nunney Ian , Dhatariya Ketan
Published: August 2015

The optimal way to manage diabetic foot osteomyelitis remains uncertain, with debate in the literature as to whether it should be managed conservatively (ie, nonsurgically) or surgically. We aimed to identify clinical variables that influence outcomes of nonsurgical management in diabetic foot osteomyelitis. We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients with diabetes presenting to a tertiary center between 2007 and 2011 with foot osteomyelitis initially treated with nonsurgical management. Remission was defined as wound healing with no clinical or radiological signs of osteomyelitis at the initial or contiguous sites 12 months after clinical and/or radiological resolution. Nine demographic and clinical variables including osteomyelitis site and presence of foot pulses were analyzed. We identified 100 cases, of which 85 fulfilled the criteria for analysis. After a 12-month follow-up period, 54 (63.5%) had achieved remission with nonsurgical management alone with a median (interquartile range) duration of antibiotic treatment of 10.8 (10.1) weeks. Of these, 14 (26%) were admitted for intravenous antibiotics. The absence of pedal pulses in the affected foot (n = 34) was associated with a significantly longer duration of antibiotic therapy to achieve remission, 8.7 (7.1) versus 15.9 (13.3) weeks ( P = .003). Osteomyelitis affecting the metatarsal was more likely to be amputated than other sites of the foot ( P = .016). In line with previous data, we have shown that almost two thirds of patients presenting with osteomyelitis healed without undergoing surgical bone resection.
Protecting Breastfeeding in West and Central Africa: Over 25 years of Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
Authors: Sokol Ellen , Clark David , Aguayo Victor M.
Published: August 2015

Background

In 1981 the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes out of concern that inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitutes was contributing to the alarming decline in breastfeeding worldwide and the increase in child malnutrition and mortality, particularly in developing countries.

Objective

To document progress, challenges, and lessons learned in the implementation of the International Code in West and Central Africa.

Methods

Data were obtained by literature review and interviews with key informants.

Results

Twelve of the 24 countries have laws, decrees, or regulations that implement all or most of the provisions of the Code, 6 countries have a draft law or decree that is awaiting government approval or have a government committee that is studying how best to implement the Code, 3 countries have a legal instrument that enacts a few provisions of the Code, and 3 countries have not taken any action to implement the Code. International declarations and initiatives for child nutrition and survival have provided impetus for national implementation of the Code. National action to regulate the marketing of breastmilk substitutes needs to be linked to national priorities for nutrition and child survival. A clearly defined scope is essential for effective implementation of national legislation. Leadership and support by health professionals is essential to endorse and enforce national legislation. Training on Code implementation is instrumental for national action; national implementation of the Code requires provisions and capacity to monitor and enforce the legislative framework and needs to be part of a multipronged strategy to advance national child nutrition and survival goals.

Conclusions

Nations in West and Central Africa have made important progress in implementing the International Code. More than 25 years after its adoption by the WHA, the Code remains as important as ever for child survival and development in West and Central Africa.
Iodine Deficiency in 2007: Global Progress since 2003
Authors: de Benoist Bruno , McLean Erin , Andersson Maria , Rogers Lisa
Published: August 2015

Background

Iodine deficiency is a global public health problem, and estimates of the extent of the problem were last produced in 2003.

Objectives

To provide updated global estimates of the magnitude of iodine deficiency in 2007, to assess progress since 2003, and to provide information on gaps in the data available.

Methods

Recently published, nationally representative data on urinary iodine (UI) in school-age children collected between 1997 and 2006 were used to update country estimates of iodine nutrition. These estimates, alongside the 2003 estimates for the remaining countries without new data, were used to generate updated global and regional estimates of iodine nutrition. The median UI was used to classify countries according to the public health significance of their iodine nutrition status. Progress was measured by comparing current prevalence figures with those from 2003. The data available for pregnant women by year of survey were also assessed.

Results

New UI data in school-age children were available for 41 countries, representing 45.4% of the world's school-age children. These data, along with previous country estimates for 89 countries, are the basis for the estimates and represent 91.1% of this population group. An estimated 31.5% of school-age children (266 million) have insufficient iodine intake. In the general population, 2 billion people have insufficient iodine intake. The number of countries where iodine deficiency is a public health problem is 47. Progress has been made: 12 countries have progressed to optimal iodine status, and the percentage of school-age children at risk of iodine deficiency has decreased by 5%. However, iodine intake is more than adequate, or even excessive, in 34 countries: an increase from 27 in 2003. There are insufficient data to estimate the global prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnant women.

Conclusions

Global progress in controlling iodine deficiency has been made since 2003, but efforts need to be accelerated in order to eliminate this debilitating health issue that affects almost one in three individuals globally. Surveillance systems need to be strengthened to monitor both low and excessive intakes of iodine.
Quality Criteria for Micronutrient Powder Products: Report of a Meeting Organized by the World Food Programme and Sprinkles Global Health Initiative
Authors: de Pee Saskia , Kraemer Klaus , van den Briel Tina , Boy Erick , Grasset Christopher , Moench-Pfanner Regina , Zlotkin Stanley , Bloem Martin W.
Published: August 2015

Distribution of micronutrient powder (MNP), also known as Sprinkles™, is becoming a preferred strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. In response, different formulations are being developed, different producers manufacture MNP, and several organizations coordinate distribution. However, as yet, the supply of MNP as well as experience with large-scale MNP programs is limited. To facilitate expansion of MNP use such that acceptability and compliance are high and effectiveness maintained, product quality, of both powder and packaging, good advocacy among decision makers, and providing good information to the target population are crucial. A meeting was organized in Toronto by the Sprinkles Global Health Initiative and the World Food Programme to review and reach consensus on quality criteria for composition, manufacturing, packaging, and labeling of MNP, propose guidelines for wide-scale production, and discuss MNP program experience. It was recognized that the durability of some of the more sensitive micronutrients in their powdered form in the harsh climatic conditions of many countries has implications for formulation, packaging, storage, and handling of the MNP product. A question-and-answer manual would greatly facilitate program design and implementation. It was agreed to form an interim Technical Advisory Group to prepare for formation of a Technical Advisory Group with agreed-upon tasks and responsibilities. The MNP manufacturing manual of the Sprinkles Global Health Initiative can continue to be used, with reference to the recommendations from the Toronto Meeting outlined in this paper. Meanwhile, the Sprinkles Global Health Initiative will not place any encumbrances on production using its manual; however, the brand name Sprinkles™ will stay protected under various trademark laws.
Priming Race
Authors: Pietraszewski David
Published: August 2015

Recent research shows that racial categorization can be reduced by contexts in which race does not predict how people interact and get along—a manipulation with little to no effect on sex and age. This suggests that our minds attend to race as an implicit cue to how people are likely to get along. However, the underlying mechanism of how these contexts reduce race is not yet known. Is race not encoded? Or, is race encoded, but then inhibited? The present study arbitrates between these possibilities. Results demonstrate that the reduction in racial categorization is happening at recall. Participants are still encoding targets’ race, but this information is locked away or inhibited. This clarifies how the mind switches away from previously relevant, but now irrelevant, social cues: it does not immediately abandon them, rather, it encodes them but inhibits their use.
Microbubbles shunting via a patent foramen ovale impair endothelial function
Authors: Fok Henry , Jiang Benyu , Chowienczyk Phil , Clapp Brian
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Exposure to intravascular microbubbles after diving and during medical procedures alters endothelial function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a patent foramen ovale altered forearm endothelial function by facilitating microbubbles transfer.

Design

Patients attended on two separate visits, at least seven days apart receiving agitated saline or no active intervention in random order. On both days, flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was measured using vascular ultrasound. On the intervention visit, agitated saline was injected and the passage of microbubbles into the arterial circulation was confirmed by echocardiography. Serial flow-mediated dilatation measurements were made after agitated saline and at the same time points after no intervention.

Setting

St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

Participants

Patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO+n = 14, 9 male, mean ± SD age 42.2 ± 10.5 years) and patients without a patent foramen ovale (PFO− n = 10, 7 male, mean ± SD age 49.4 ± 18.4 years) were recruited.

Main outcome measures

Change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation.

Results

In patent foramen ovale + patients, flow-mediated dilatation did not change significantly on the control day but after agitated saline reduced by 2.3 ± 0.3%, 20 minutes after bubble injection ( P < 0.005 vs. corresponding change in flow-mediated dilatation during control study). There was no significant change in flow-mediated dilatation for patent foramen ovale− patients at either visit.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the presence of a patent foramen ovale facilitated impairment of endothelial function acutely by the transfer of microbubbles into the arterial circulation. As a patent foramen ovale is a common condition, this may be relevant to microbubbles exposure in medical procedures and in decompression illness.
Daytime Sleepiness in Men During Early Fatherhood
Authors: Mellor Gary , Van Vorst Stephen
Published: August 2015

This study measured the daytime sleepiness (DS) and work safety of fathers during the first 12 weeks of their babies’ lives (i.e., early fatherhood). A questionnaire was developed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Safety Behaviour at Work Scale, a self-reported sleep history, and a work-related incident history. Of the 221 participants, the vast majority reported they experienced less than 6 hours of interrupted sleep per night during the 12 weeks of the study, and an increasing frequency and severity of DS. The study also revealed an inverse correlation between ESS and Safety Behaviour at Work scores; fathers were 14% more likely to report a near-miss accident at work at 12 weeks. This study posits that antenatal classes and assessment of fathers’ sleepiness at work by occupational health practitioners could assist fathers in reducing daytime sleepiness and mitigating the risk of workplace incidents.
Assessment of HIV Knowledge in Correctional Facility Health Care Workers
Authors: Hoang Holly L. , Khan Muhammad Naeem , Berger Sara , Moreau Danusia , Nickel Pamela , Woods Dan , Jaipaul Joy , Pyne Diane , Moreland Barbara , Singh Ameeta , Ahmed Rabia
Published: August 2015

HIV rates are disproportionately higher in the incarcerated compared to the general population. Unfortunately, HIV sero-positive inmates report perceived discrimination and missed antiretroviral doses. Correctional facility nursing competency in HIV management may mitigate these concerns. Using validated knowledge instruments, the authors measured baseline HIV knowledge in correctional facility nurses from 3 correctional facilities in Alberta, Canada, and quantified changes after a targeted educational workshop. Basic HIV knowledge increased significantly, whereas perceived need for further HIV education significantly decreased postintervention. This study demonstrates that correctional facility nurses may not receive ideal HIV education during employment and that targeted HIV workshops can significantly increase knowledge and confidence when caring for affected individuals.
New crystal-chemical data for marécottite
Authors: Plášil J. , Škoda R.
Published: August 2015

Marécottite, ideally Mg3[(UO2)4O3(OH)(SO4)2]2(H2O)28, a triclinic, Mg-dominant member of the zippeite group, was described originally from a small uranium deposit at La Creusaz in Wallis (Switzerland). It has recently been found at Jáchymov (Czech Republic), where it forms exceptional crystals, up to 0.3 mm across. According to an electron microprobe study of these crystals, marécottite from Jáchymov is chemically similar to the material from the La Creusaz deposit. However, the Jáchymov crystals exhibit more cation substitution (Zn2+and Mn2+for Mg2+). The chemical composition of marécottite from Jáchymov corresponds to the empirical formula [(Na0.05K0.07)Σ0.12(Mg1.83Zn0.41Mn0.41Cu0.15Ni0.08)Σ2.88Al0.07]Σ3.07(UO2)8[(SO4)3.77(SiO4)0.21]Σ3.98O6(OH)1.84·28H2O (the mean of four representative spots; calculated on the basis of eight U atoms and 28 H2O per formula unit and 1.84 OH for charge balance). According to single-crystal X-ray diffraction, marécottite from Jáchymov is triclinic,P1,a= 10.8084(2),b= 11.2519(3),c= 13.8465(3) Å, α = 66.222(2), β = 72.424(2), γ = 70.014(2)o,V= 1421.57(6) Å3 andZ= 1. The crystal structure was refined from a highly redundant dataset (30,491 collected reflections) toR1= 0.0367 for all 7042 unique reflections. The refined structure confirms the previously determined structure for the crystal from the La Creusaz deposit. An extensive network of hydrogen bonds is an important feature that keeps the whole structure together, but the positions of H atoms had not been determined previously. The H-bond scheme proposed based on a detailed bond-valence analysis and the role of different types of molecular H2O in the structure is discussed.
Impaired platelet activation and cAMP homeostasis in MRP4-deficient mice
Authors: Decouture Benoit , Dreano Elise , Belleville-Rolland Tiphaine , Kuci Orjeta , Dizier Blandine , Bazaa Amine , Coqueran Bérard , Lompre Anne-Marie , Denis Cécile V. , Hulot Jean-Sébastien , Bachelot-Loza Christilla , Gaussem Pascale
Published: August 2015

Key Points

In vivo and in vitro thrombus formation is altered in MRP4-deficient mice. MRP4 modulates the cAMP–protein kinase A platelet signaling pathway.