bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Minority Health Disparities in Adult Men and Women in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2010
Authors: Operario Don , Gamarel Kristi E. , Grin Benjamin M. , Lee Ji Hyun , Kahler Christopher W. , Marshall Brandon D. L. , van den Berg Jacob J. , Zaller Nickolas D.
Published: August 2015

Objectives. We used nationally representative data to investigate health disparities associated with sexual minority status among adults in the United States.

Methods. We analyzed data from 11 114 adults who participated in the 2001 to 2010 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using multiple logistic regressions, we examined the prevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, cigarette smoking, and alcohol and illicit drug use in sexual minorities and heterosexual adults.

Results. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, sexual minority men had greater odds of mental health problems, testing positive for HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 and self-reported gonorrhea and chlamydia. Sexual minority women had greater odds of mental health problems, testing positive for hepatitis C, smoking, heavy drinking, and illicit drug use.

Conclusions. Numerous health disparities continue to face sexual minority men and women in the United States. Notably, health disparities persisted beyond the role of sociodemographic factors, including access to insurance and primary care, suggesting that further research is warranted to identify the determinants of health inequity for sexual minorities.
Demographic and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Psychological Distress and Resilience Among Transgender Individuals
Authors: Bariola Emily , Lyons Anthony , Leonard William , Pitts Marian , Badcock Paul , Couch Murray
Published: August 2015

Objectives. We examined the independent demographic and psychosocial factors associated with psychological distress and resilience among transgender men and women.

Methods. Our data came from an online survey involving a national Australian sample of 169 transgender men and women in 2011. Survey questions assessed demographics; sources of support; contact with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peers; and experiences of victimization. We assessed the outcomes with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and the Brief Resilience Scale.

Results. In all, 46.0% of the sample reported high or very high levels of psychological distress. Multivariable regression analyses identified considerably different independent factors for psychological distress and resilience. Younger age, feeling unable to turn to family for support, and victimization experiences were associated with greater psychological distress, whereas higher income, identifying as heterosexual, and having frequent contact with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peers were associated with greater resilience.

Conclusions. With different factors identified for psychological distress and resilience, these findings may help inform the development of tailored mental health interventions and resilience-building programs for this vulnerable population.
How Stigma Surrounding the Use of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Undermines Prevention and Pleasure: A Call to Destigmatize “Truvada Whores”
Authors: Calabrese Sarah K. , Underhill Kristen
Published: August 2015

Antiretroviral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP; emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [Truvada]) prevents HIV without penalizing sexual pleasure, and may even enhance pleasure (e.g., by reducing HIV-related anxiety). However, concern about sexual risk behavior increasing with PrEP use (risk compensation) and corresponding stereotypes of promiscuity may undermine PrEP’s preventive potential.

In this commentary, we review literature on sexual behavior change accompanying PrEP use, discuss risk compensation concerns and the “Truvada whore” stereotype as PrEP barriers, question the appropriateness of restricting PrEP access because of risk compensation, and consider sexual pleasure as a benefit of PrEP, an acceptable motive for seeking PrEP, and a core element of health.

It is essential for science to trump stereotypes and sex-negative messaging in guiding decision-making affecting PrEP access and uptake.
Water Management for Enhanced Oil Recovery Projects
Authors: Whitfield Stephen
Published: August 2015

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a process operators use to help maximize the value of their existing assets. Effective water management is critical to the process, as injection water must be treated and waste water must be handled and disposed, or recycled for further use. This feature examines the challenges in water management that companies face with EOR, as well as the technologies being developed to help tackle them.
The Savvy Separator Series: Part 2 The Effect of Inlet Geometries on Flow Distribution
Authors: Chin Robert
Published: August 2015

The SPE Separations Technology Technical Section's series of articles on separator design, lessons learned, and solutions for separation problems continues with an article that highlights how inlet geometries may cause poor flow distribution. Maldistribution and jetting may lead to a loss of retention time, foaming, re-entrainment, and high-velocity hot spots on demisting devices, causing carry-over. Poor flow distribution can lead to separation problems and a loss of separation efficiency.
Correlates of Loitering at a Methadone Clinic,
Authors: Cernovsky Zack , Bureau Yves , Chiu Simon , Sadek Gamal
Published: August 2015

An eight-item questionnaire was administered to 55 patients of a Canadian methadone clinic (34 men, 21 women) to self-rate their desire to relax in or around the clinic, chat with peers, enjoy the sense of community with fellow addicts, and rate the relative importance they may attribute to this part of their daily routine. Total score for loitering tendency was significantly correlated to scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test ( r=.39) and on the Drug Abuse Screening Test ( r=.29) but not to results of urine tests for cocaine, opiates, and benzodiazepines, or to the psychopathology scales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, or to age or sex. The loitering may express an unmet need for peer support.
Assessment of a Long-Term Developmental Relationship-Based Approach in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Di Renzo Magda , Di Castelbianco Federico Bianchi , Petrillo Massimiliano , Racinaro Lidia , Rea Monica
Published: August 2015

90 Italian children (72 boys, 18 girls) with a diagnosis of infantile autism (age range = 2.5–16.5 yr.) were assessed with a non-verbal intelligence test (Leiter–R). The test was repeated 3 times in four years. The measures used were IQ and Fluid Reasoning (FR), as evaluation of inductive and deductive reasoning, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), indicative of the severity of autistic symptoms at the beginning and at the end of therapy. The increase in the average IQ and FR scores at retests demonstrates the effectiveness of a treatment that emphasizes the centrality of the relationship-based approach. Moreover, the FR score at intake was predictive of a significant decrease of ADOS scores after four years of treatment, and of the increase in IQ observed in later evaluations. The data support the hypothesis that a relationship-based intervention allows cognitive improvement regardless of the autism severity expressed in the ADOS score.
On the Optimality of Answer-Copying Indices
Authors: Romero Mauricio , Riascos Álvaro , Jara Diego
Published: August 2015

Multiple-choice exams are frequently used as an efficient and objective method to assess learning, but they are more vulnerable to answer copying than tests based on open questions. Several statistical tests (known as indices in the literature) have been proposed to detect cheating; however, to the best of our knowledge, they all lack mathematical support that guarantees optimality in any sense. We partially fill this void by deriving the uniformly most powerful (UMP) test under the assumption that the response distribution is known. In practice, however, we must estimate a behavioral model that yields a response distribution for each question. As an application, we calculate the empirical type I and type II error rates for several indices that assume different behavioral models using simulations based on real data from 12 nationwide multiple-choice exams taken by fifth and ninth graders in Colombia. We find that the most powerful index among those studied, subject to the restriction of preserving the type I error, is one based on the work of Wollack and is superior to the index developed by Wesolowsky.
Estimation of Bulk Melt-Temperature from In-Mold Thermal Sensors for Injection Molding, Part A: Method
Authors: Johnston S. P. , Mendible G. A. , Gao R. X. , Kazmer D. O.
Published: August 2015

To improve part quality and consistency injection molders strive to control the temperature of the molten plastic during cavity filling. In-mold temperature sensors can effectively measure the temperature of the mold surface that contacts the melt; however, they do not provide a measure of the bulk melt temperature. An analysis was developed to use data from in-mold thermocouples to predict the plastic's bulk melt temperature. This analysis integrates the heat flux through the mold steel to calculate the bulk melt temperature. A mold instrumented with an in-mold thermocouple and an IR temperature sensor was used to validate the predictions. The effects of changing barrel temperature, coolant temperature, injection velocity, and cooling time were studied using a 21 run DOE. Validation was performed by comparing bulk temperature data from the IR temperature sensor with temperature predictions derived from the in-mold temperature sensor. Trends in the melt temperature were consistently predicted, however, the magnitudes were low due to residual heat remaining in the part at the end of the molding cycle. The analysis was more sensitive to process changes than raw data from the in-mold temperature sensor, thereby improving process observability.
Lithium Ion Conduction in PVdC-co-AN Based Polymer Blend Electrolytes Doped with Different Lithium Salts
Authors: Subbu C. , Rajendran S. , Kesavan K. , Mathew C. M.
Published: August 2015

Polymer electrolytes prepared by the complexation of lithium salts with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(vinylidene chloride-co-acrylonitrile) (PVdC-co-AN) will be of great use as separators in lithium polymer batteries. The amorphous nature of the blend electrolyte shows that the conductivity increases by the addition of lithium salts. The presence of C≡N and C=N in PVdC-co-AN are confirmed from the Fourier transform infrared studies. Among the various lithium salts studied, lithium trifluoro methane sulfonoimide [LiN(CF3SO2)2] based electrolyte exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of the order of 0.265 × 10−5Scm−1at room temperature. The sample having a maximum ionic conductivity PEO(80 wt%)/PVdC-co-AN(20 wt%)/LiN(CF3SO2)2(8 wt%) is supported by the lower optical band gap in UV-Visible analysis and low intensity in luminescence studies. Two and three dimensional topographic images of the above sample reveal the presence of micropores. Thermal stability of the prepared electrolytes is studied by thermo gravimetric/differential thermal analysis. Using differential scanning calorimetric analysis, the minimum glass transition temperature (30°C) is observed for the sample doped with LiN(CF3SO2)2. The cyclic voltammetric studies reveal the strong capacitive behavior of the prepared polymer electrolytes. The electrochemical stability windows for the prepared samples are observed using linear sweep voltammetry.
Development of Antimicrobial Poly(∊-caprolactone)/Poly(lactic acid)/Silver Exchanged Montmorillonite Nanoblend Films with Silver Ion Release Property for Active Packaging Use
Authors: Benhacine F. , Hadj-Hamou A. S. , Habi A. , Grohens Y.
Published: August 2015

Biodegradable PCL/PLA/Ag-MMT nanoblends with a strong antibacterial activity and a silver ion release property were successfully prepared by melt blending process for active packaging use. The presence of silver exchanged montmorillonite and its interaction with PCL/PLA matrix was evidenced by ATR/FTIR. The morphology was investigated by both XRD and TEM analyses. It was suggested the formation of mainly exfoliated structures with a random dispersion of spherical silver nanoparticles within their composite matrices. The thermal and mechanical properties of these nanomaterials were thoroughly investigated and compared to those of the unfilled blends. The potential of the silver ion release from the PCL/PLA/Ag-MMT film was estimated after immersion in water for several periods of time. The results showed an increase of the amount of silver ions released with growing immersion time of PCL/PLA/Ag-MMT nanoblends. Due to the presence of silver nanoparticles in their matrices, PCL/PLA/Ag-MMT nanoblends showed a total bacteria growth inhibition.
Rôle de la planification stratégique dans l’évolution des entreprises sociales
Authors: Lallemand-Stempak Nathalie
Published: August 2015

Si la littérature s’est largement intéressée à la conformation des entreprises sociales aux contraintes de marché, elle a peu documenté les mécanismes à travers lesquels ces organisations s’efforcent en même temps de préserver leur identité. Cet article explore le cas d’un projet d’entreprise élaboré entre 2007 et 2009 au sein d’une mutuelle d’assurance française. En analysant les dynamiques qui sous-tendent ce dispositif, les tensions qui s’y font jour et la manière dont ces dernières sont gérées, l’article montre dans quelle mesure les équilibres trouvés pour permettre à l’organisation d’évoluer en maintenant son modèle sont généralement précaires.
La performance des groupes de travail
Authors: Belmondo Cécile , Deltour François , Sargis-Roussel Caroline
Published: August 2015

Cet article étudie la dynamique de fonctionnement des équipes de travail en analysant leurs processus de routinisation. L’étude de la nature et de l’intensité des relations entre les membres de l’équipe permet de mettre en relation les concepts de routine et de capital social. Le modèle théorique proposé soutient que le capital social existant entre les membres d’une équipe facilite l’émergence des routines de travail et que le capital social et les routines ont des effets ambivalents sur la performance de l’équipe de travail.
Les mécanismes à l’origine de la reconstruction de la légitimité
Authors: Michel Sophie
Published: August 2015

La survie est une problématique majeure des entreprises dont la légitimité est remise en cause. Ce fut le cas pour les grossistes en fruits et légumes qui ont connu une grave crise dans les années 1990. L’analyse de la survie du grossiste « Orchade », met à jour deux mécanismes : le bricolage et les stratégies du leader institutionnel qui permettent de décrire la légitimation au sein de l’organisation alors que peu d’études néo-institutionnelles portent sur ce processus dans une situation de crise.
Le déclin des écosystèmes d‘affaires
Authors: Tellier Albéric
Published: August 2015

L’objectif de cet article est de contribuer à une meilleure compréhension de la dynamique des écosystèmes d’affaires (ESA), et notamment de mieux cerner les mécanismes qui conduisent à leur déclin. Nous avons réalisé une étude historique sur l’ESA des Flippers qui, après avoir connu un fort développement pendant près de soixante ans sous l’impulsion de trois firmes de Chicago, a quasiment disparu. L’analyse permet de mettre en évidence deux facteurs explicatifs du déclin : l’incapacité des keystones à changer de modèle économique et leur forte dépendance vis-à-vis des dominators.
Identité professionnelle du pharmacien et design organisationnel de la pharmacie
Authors: Reyes Grégory
Published: August 2015

Ce travail étudie la relation entre une pratique créatrice d’identité professionnelle pour le propriétaire dirigeant et le design organisationnel de sa TPE. L’analyse porte sur le cas du pharmacien d’officine, avec sa double identité professionnelle et la tension des rôles que cela peut générer. Le cadre théorique mobilisé correspond aux travaux sur l’identité professionnelle et l’hybridation des rôles. L’objectif est de comprendre comment un groupe professionnel répond, de manière différenciée, à de nouvelles contraintes qui s’imposent à lui.
Optical Fiber Pumped High Repetition Rate and High Power Nd:YVO4 Picosecond Regenerative Amplifier
Authors: Bai Zhen-Ao , Fan Zhong-Wei , Bai Zhen-Xu , Lian Fu-Qiang , Kang Zhi-Jun , Lin Wei-Ran
Published: August 2015

We report a stable optical fiber pumped Nd:YVO4 all solid state regenerative amplifier with all fiber picosecond laser as seed source. 888 nm Yb optical fiber lasers was chosen as pump source to reduce quantum defect for improved thermal performance. At the repetition rate of 99.6 kHz, maximum power of 19.63 W with 36 ps pulse duration were achieved when seeded by a 150 mW picosecond oscillator. The wavelength delivered was 1064.07 nm with spectral width of 0.14 nm.
Exploration of Optimal Agricultural Practices and Seedling Types for Establishing Poplar Plantations
Authors: Böhlenius Henrik , Övergaard Rolf
Published: August 2015

Controlling competing vegetation during early growth is one of the most important practices for the successful establishment of poplar plantations. Today, most poplar plantations in temperate regions are established on abandoned marginal agricultural land where competing vegetation is usually present during the first years after planting. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine how the growth of two kinds of poplar planting materials, un-rooted cuttings and bare-rooted seedlings was influenced by different vegetation control and soil preparation practices. Across treatments, un-rooted cuttings grew more rapidly than the bare-rooted seedlings. Our results also show that mulching with a degradable carpet or permanent polyethylene plastic increased seedling growth to a similar extent and more strongly in the cases of no treatment (in control plots). In addition, the results suggest that soil preparation in the mulched area favored seedling growth, but this effect was restricted to the first year after planting. These findings indicate that optimal practices for establishing poplar plantations on former agricultural land include planting un-rooted cuttings in prepared soil and mulching.
A Probit Model for the State of the Greek GDP Growth
Authors: Degiannakis Stavros
Published: August 2015

The paper provides probability estimates of the state of the GDP growth. A regime-switching model defines the probability of the Greek GDP being in boom or recession. Then probit models extract the predictive information of a set of explanatory (economic and financial) variables regarding the state of the GDP growth. A contemporaneous, as well as a lagged, relationship between the explanatory variables and the state of the GDP growth is conducted. The mean absolute distance (MAD) between the probability of not being in recession and the probability estimated by the probit model is the function that evaluates the performance of the models. The probit model with the industrial production index and the realized volatility as the explanatory variables has the lowest MAD value of 6.43% (7.94%) in the contemporaneous (lagged) relationship.
Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Tolerance to Environmental Constraints in Grain and Forage Legumes
Authors: Bargaz Adnane , Zaman-Allah Mainassara , Farissi Mohamed , Lazali Mohamed , Drevon Jean-Jacques , Maougal Rim , Georg Carlsson
Published: August 2015

Despite the agronomical and environmental advantages of the cultivation of legumes, their production is limited by various environmental constraints such as water or nutrient limitation, frost or heat stress and soil salinity, which may be the result of pedoclimatic conditions, intensive use of agricultural lands, decline in soil fertility and environmental degradation. The development of more sustainable agroecosystems that are resilient to environmental constraints will therefore require better understanding of the key mechanisms underlying plant tolerance to abiotic constraints. This review provides highlights of legume tolerance to abiotic constraints with a focus on soil nutrient deficiencies, drought, and salinity. More specifically, recent advances in the physiological and molecular levels of the adaptation of grain and forage legumes to abiotic constraints are discussed. Such adaptation involves complex multigene controlled-traits which also involve multiple sub-traits that are likely regulated under the control of a number of candidate genes. This multi-genetic control of tolerance traits might also be multifunctional, with extended action in response to a number of abiotic constraints. Thus, concrete efforts are required to breed for multifunctional candidate genes in order to boost plant stability under various abiotic constraints.
Influence of Solid Drug Delivery System Formulation on Poorly Water-Soluble Drug Dissolution and Permeability
Authors: Krstić Marko , Popović Miljana , Dobričić Vladimir , Ibrić Svetlana
Published: August 2015

The majority of drugs have a low dissolution rate, which is a limiting step for their absorption. In this manuscript, solid dispersions (SD), solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SMEDDS) and solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDS) were evaluated as potential formulation strategies to increase the dissolution rate of carbamazepine. Influence of increased dissolution rate on permeability of carbamazepine was evaluated using PAMPA test. In S-SMEDDS and S-SNEDDS formulations, the ratio of liquid SMEDDS/SNEDDS and solid carrier (Neusilin® UFL2) was varied, and carbamazepine content was constant. In SD formulations, the ratio of carbamazepine and Neusilin® UFL2, was varied. Formulations that showed the best dissolution rate of carbamazepine (SD_1:6, SMEDDS_1:1, SNEDDS_1:6) were mutually compared, characterization of these formulations was performed by DSC, PXRD and FT-IR analyses, and a PAMPA test was done. All formulations have shown a significant increase in dissolution rate compared to pure carbamazepine and immediate-release carbamazepine tablets. Formulation S-SMEDDS_1:1 showed the fastest release rate and permeability of carbamazepine. DSC, PXRD and FT-IR analyses confirmed that in S-SMEDDS and S-SNEDDS carbamazepine remained in polymorph form III, and that it was converted to an amorphous state in SD formulations. All formulations showed increased permeability of carbamazepine, compared to pure carbamazepine.
Synthesis, Structural Studies and Molecular Modelling of a Novel Imidazoline Derivative with Antifungal Activity
Authors: Wróbel Tomasz , Kosikowska Urszula , Kaczor Agnieszka , Andrzejczuk Sylwia , Karczmarzyk Zbigniew , Wysocki Waldemar , Urbańczyk-Lipkowska Zofia , Morawiak Maja , Matosiuk Dariusz
Published: August 2015

Six novel imidazoline derivatives were synthesized and tested in antifungal assays. One of the compounds, N-cyclohexyl-2-imino-3-(4-nitrophenyl)imidazolidine-1-carboxamide showed moderate activity against several clinical strains of Candida albicans. Its structure was solved by X-ray crystallography and its mode of action was deduced using molecular modelling. It was found to be similar to that of fluconazole. The potential for further optimization including SAR of the compound is briefly discussed.
Antigen-Antibody Affinity for Dry Eye Biomarkers by Label Free Biosensing. Comparison with the ELISA Technique
Authors: Laguna Maríafe , Holgado Miguel , Hernandez Ana , Santamaría Beatriz , Lavín Alvaro , Soria Javier , Suarez Tatiana , Bardina Carlota , Jara Mónica , Sanza Francisco , Casquel Rafael
Published: August 2015

The specificity and affinity of antibody-antigen interactions is a fundamental way to achieve reliable biosensing responses. Different proteins involved with dry eye dysfunction: ANXA1, ANXA11, CST4, PRDX5, PLAA and S100A6; were validated as biomarkers. In this work several antibodies were tested for ANXA1, ANXA11 and PRDX5 to select the best candidates for each biomarker. The results were obtained by using Biophotonic Sensing Cells (BICELLs) as an efficient methodology for label-free biosensing and compared with the Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.
An Efficient VLSI Architecture for Multi-Channel Spike Sorting Using a Generalized Hebbian Algorithm
Authors: Chen Ying-Lun , Hwang Wen-Jyi , Ke Chi-En
Published: August 2015

A novel VLSI architecture for multi-channel online spike sorting is presented in this paper. In the architecture, the spike detection is based on nonlinear energy operator (NEO), and the feature extraction is carried out by the generalized Hebbian algorithm (GHA). To lower the power consumption and area costs of the circuits, all of the channels share the same core for spike detection and feature extraction operations. Each channel has dedicated buffers for storing the detected spikes and the principal components of that channel. The proposed circuit also contains a clock gating system supplying the clock to only the buffers of channels currently using the computation core to further reduce the power consumption. The architecture has been implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with 90-nm technology. Comparisons to the existing works show that the proposed architecture has lower power consumption and hardware area costs for real-time multi-channel spike detection and feature extraction.
Specificity of induced defenses, growth, and reproduction in lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) in response to multispecies herbivory
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Hernández‐Cumplido Johnattan , Cuny Maximilien A. C. , Glauser Gaetan , Benrey Betty
Published: August 2015

• Premise of the study: Following herbivore attack, plants can either reduce damage by inducing defenses or mitigate herbivory effects through compensatory growth and reproduction. It is increasingly recognized that such induced defenses in plants are herbivore‐specific, but less is known about the specificity of compensatory responses. Damage by multiple herbivores may also lead to synergistic effects on induction and plant fitness that differ from those caused by a single herbivore species. Although largely unstudied, the order of arrival and damage by different herbivore species might also play an important role in the impacts of herbivory on plants.

• Methods: We investigated the specificity of defense induction (phenolics) and effects on growth (number of stems and leaves) and reproduction (number of seeds, seed mass, and germination rate) from feeding by two generalist leaf‐chewing herbivores (Spodoptera eridania and Diabrotica balteata) on Phaseolus lunatus plants and evaluated whether simultaneous attack by both herbivores and their order of arrival influenced such dynamics.

• Key results: Herbivory increased levels of leaf phenolics, but such effects were not herbivore‐specific. In contrast, herbivory enhanced seed germination in an herbivore‐specific manner. For all variables measured, the combined effects of both herbivore species did not differ from their individual effects. Finally, the order of herbivore arrival did not influence defense induction, plant growth, or seed number but did influence seed mass and germination.

• Conclusions: Overall, this study highlights novel aspects of the specificity of plant responses induced by damage from multiple species of herbivores and uniquely associates such effects with plant lifetime fitness.
Anatomical Double-Bundle Coracoclavicular Reconstruction in Chronic Acromioclavicular Dislocation
Authors: Lee Sang Ki , Song Dae Geon , Choy Won Sik
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of anatomical double-bundle coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction using the coracoacromial (CA) ligament and the conjoined tendon for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. A retrospective evaluation was performed on 18 patients who underwent an anatomical CC reconstruction using the CA ligament and the conjoined tendon for chronic AC joint dislocation. Patients were treated surgically between April 2007 and January 2012. Mean follow-up was 35.3 months (range, 24–49 months). All patients were evaluated for functional outcomes using the modified University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale for chronic AC injury and the Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score. Range of motion and shoulder and elbow strength were also measured. Plain radiographs were taken to evaluate reduction status and CC distance. Mean modified UCLA shoulder rating scale at final follow-up was 18.1 points (range, 13–20 points). No significant difference in mean Constant-Murley scores existed between the injured and contralateral shoulders (
P
=.26). At final follow-up, 15 (83.3%) patients had well-maintained reduction and 2 (11.1%) patients had a partial loss of reduction. One other patient had a complete loss of reduction due to a postoperative fall. The CC distance was not significantly different between the injured and contralateral shoulders in the immediate postoperative period (
P
=.46) or at final follow-up (
P
=.14). One superficial wound infection occurred and was treated with routine wound care. An anatomical double-bundle CC reconstruction using the CA ligament and the conjoined tendon for the treatment of chronic AC joint dislocation is a reliable surgical method with good results. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(8):e655–e662.]
Pitching Speed and Glenohumeral Adaptation in High School Pitchers
Authors: Keller Robert A. , Marshall Nathan E. , Mehran Nima , Moutzouros Vasilios
Published: August 2015

Glenohumeral internal rotational deficit and increased glenohumeral external rotation are common findings in baseball pitchers. To the authors’ knowledge, no study has focused on the adaptation of glenohumeral internal rotational deficit and increased glenohumeral external rotation in relation to pitching speed. This study evaluated changes in range of motion in the throwing shoulder in high school pitchers to determine whether changes in internal and external rotation directly correlate with pitch velocity. The shoulders of 22 high school varsity pitchers were evaluated. Standard goniometric technique was used to measure passive external and internal glenohumeral range of motion in both arms. Measurements were evaluated for statistically significant differences in range of motion. Demographic features, including height, weight, and age, were assessed. Fifteen consecutive in-game pitch speeds were recorded, and the fastest pitch was used for evaluation. Pitch speeds were correlated to the player’s glenohumeral internal rotational deficit, increased glenohumeral external rotation, and physical demographics. Average age was 16.9 years. Average external rotation of the throwing arm was significantly greater than that of the nonthrowing arm (143.00° vs 130.32°,
P
=.005). Average internal rotation of the throwing arm was significantly less than that of the nonthrowing arm (49.50° vs 65.90°,
P
=.006). Both shoulders had similar total arc of motion (throwing shoulder, 192.54; nonthrowing shoulder, 196.23;
P
=.822). Average maximum velocity was 77.7 mph (maximum, 88 mph; minimum, 66 mph). Maximum pitch velocity did not correlate with changes in glenohumeral internal rotational deficit (
P
=.683) or increased glenohumeral external rotation (
P
=.241). There was also no evidence of correlation between pitch velocity and player age, height, weight, or dominant hand. The stress of pitching creates adaptations to the throwing shoulder, even in young athletes. There appears to be no significant correlation with a pitcher’s maximum velocity and the amount of adaptation in shoulder range of motion. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(8):e668–e672.]
Binge Eating Disorder and Youth
Authors: Lipsky Rachele K. , McGuinness Teena M.
Published: August 2015

Children and adolescents who eat unusually large amounts of food, feel guilty about it, and try to hide their overeating may be struggling with binge eating disorder (BED), a condition associated with suicidal ideation and other eating disorders. Although BED is new to the fifth edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
, the syndrome is becoming increasingly recognized. The study of BED in children and adolescents is in its natal phase, but the importance of recognition and possible treatment strategies are discussed in the current article along with psychiatric nursing implications. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
53
(8), 18–22.]
Transmembrane TNF–TNFR2 Impairs Th17 Differentiation by Promoting Il2 Expression
Authors: Miller Patrick G. , Bonn Michael B. , McKarns Susan C.
Published: August 2015

The double-edged sword nature by which IL-2 regulates autoimmunity and the unpredictable outcomes of anti-TNF therapy in autoimmunity highlight the importance for understanding how TNF regulates IL-2. Transmembrane TNF (tmTNF) preferentially binds TNFR2, whereas soluble TNF (sTNF) binds TNFR1. We previously showed reduced IL-2 production in TNFR1−/− TNFR2−/− CD4+ T cells. In this study, we generated TNFR1−/−, TNFR2−/−, or TNFR1−/− TNFR2−/− 5C.C7 TCR Il2-GFP mice and report that CD4+ T cell–intrinsic tmTNF/TNFR2 stimulates Il2 promoter activity and Il2 mRNA stability. We further used tmTNF Foxp3 gfp reporter mice and pharmacological TNF blockade in wild-type mice to report a tmTNF/TNFR2 interaction for Il2 expression. IL-17 is critical for host defense, but its overabundance promotes autoimmunity. IL-2 represses Th17 differentiation, but the role for TNFR2 in this process is not well understood. We report elevated expression of TNFR2 under Th17-polarization conditions. Genetic loss-of-function experimental models, as well as selective TNF blockade by etanercept and XPro1595 in wild-type mice, demonstrate that impaired tmTNF/TNFR2, but not sTNF/TNFR1, promotes Th17 differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Under Th17-polarizing conditions, elevated IL-17 production by TNFR2-knockout CD4+ T cells was associated with increased STAT3 activity and decreased STAT5 activity. Increased IL-17 production in TNFR2-knockout T cells was prevented by adding exogenous IL-2. We conclude that CD4+ T cell–intrinsic tmTNF/TNFR2 promotes IL-2 production that inhibits the generation of Th17 cells in a Foxp3-independent manner. Moreover, under Th17-polarizing conditions, selective blockade of CD4+ T cell–intrinsic TNFR2 appears to be sufficient to promote Th17 differentiation.
Inhibition of B Lymphopoiesis by Adipocytes and IL-1–Producing Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Kennedy Domenick E. , Knight Katherine L.
Published: August 2015

B lymphopoiesis declines with age, and this decline correlates with increased adipose tissue in the bone marrow (BM). Also, adipocyte-derived factors are known to inhibit B lymphopoiesis. Using cocultures of mouse BM cells with OP9 stromal cells, we found that adipocyte-conditioned medium induces the generation of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells, which inhibit B cell development in vitro. Adipocyte-conditioned medium–induced CD11b+Gr1+ cells express Arg1 (arginase) and Nos2 (inducible NO synthase) and suppress CD4+ T cell proliferation, indicating that these cells are myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Blocking arginase and inducible NO synthase did not restore B lymphopoiesis, indicating that inhibition is not mediated by these molecules. Transwell and conditioned-medium experiments showed that MDSCs inhibit B lymphopoiesis via soluble factors, and by cytokine array we identified IL-1 as an important factor. Addition of anti–IL-1 Abs restored B lymphopoiesis in BM cultures containing MDSCs, showing that MDSC inhibition of B lymphopoiesis is mediated by IL-1. By treating hematopoietic precursors with IL-1, we found that multipotent progenitors are targets of IL-1. This study uncovers a novel function for MDSCs to inhibit B lymphopoiesis through IL-1. We suggest that inflammaging contributes to a decline of B lymphopoiesis in aged individuals, and furthermore, that MDSCs and IL-1 provide therapeutic targets for restoration of B lymphopoiesis in aged and obese individuals.
Multiple Hepcidins in a Teleost Fish, Dicentrarchus labrax: Different Hepcidins for Different Roles
Authors: Neves João V. , Caldas Carolina , Vieira Inês , Ramos Miguel F. , Rodrigues Pedro N. S.
Published: August 2015

Teleost fish rely heavily on their innate immunity for an adequate response against pathogens and environmental challenges, with the production of antimicrobial peptides being one of their first lines of defense. Among those is hepcidin, a small cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide that is also the key regulator of iron metabolism. Although most mammals possess a single hepcidin gene, with a dual role in both iron metabolism regulation and antimicrobial response, many teleost fish present multiple copies of hepcidin, most likely because of genome duplications and positive Darwinian selection, suggesting that different hepcidins may perform different functions. To study the roles of hepcidin in teleost fish, we have isolated and characterized several genes in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and evaluated variations in their expression levels in response to different experimental conditions. Although several hepcidin genes were found, after phylogenetic analysis they could be clustered in two groups: hamp1-like, with a single isoform similar to mammalian hepcidins, and hamp2-like, with several isoforms. Under experimental conditions, hamp1 was upregulated in response to iron overload and infection and downregulated during anemia and hypoxic conditions. Hamp2 did not respond to either iron overload or anemia but was highly upregulated during infection and hypoxia. In addition, Hamp2 synthetic peptides exhibited a clear antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains in vitro. In conclusion, teleost fish that present two hepcidin types show a degree of subfunctionalization of its functions, with hamp1 more involved in the regulation of iron metabolism and hamp2 mostly performing an antimicrobial role.
Comparison of two culture techniques used to detect environmental contamination with Salmonella enterica in a large-animal hospital
Authors: Lyle Catriona H. , Annandale Cornelius H. , Gouws Johan , Morley Paul S.
Published: August 2015

Salmonellosis is a common healthcare-associated infection in large-animal hospitals, and surveillance for Salmonella is an integral part of comprehensive infection control programmes in populations at risk. The present study compares the effectiveness of two culture techniques for recovery of Salmonella from environmental samples obtained in a large-animal referral veterinary hospital during a Salmonella outbreak. Environmental samples were collected using household cleaning cloths that were incubated overnight in buffered peptone water (BPW). Aliquots of BPW were then processed using two different selective enrichment and culture techniques. In the first technique (TBG-RV-XLT4) samples were incubated at 43 °C in tetrathionate broth and then Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth before plating on XLT4 agar. The second technique (SEL-XLD) involved incubation at 37 °C in selenite broth before plating on XLD agar. Salmonella was recovered from 49.7% (73/147) of samples using the TBG-RV-XLT4 technique, but only 10.2% (15/147) of samples using the SEL-XLD method. Fourteen samples (9.5%) were culture-positive using both methods, and 73 (49.7%) were culture-negative using both techniques. There were discordant results for 60 samples, including 59 that were only culture-positive using the TBG-RV-XLT4 method, and one sample that was only culturepositive using the SEL-XLD method. Salmonella was much more likely to be recovered using the TBG-RV-XLT4 method, and there appeared to be five times more false-negative results using the SEL-XLD technique. Environmental contamination with Salmonella may be underestimated by certain culture techniques, which may impair efforts to control spread in veterinary hospitals.
Imaging characteristics of supratentorial ependymomas: Study on a large single institutional cohort with histopathological correlation
Authors: Mangalore Sandhya , Aryan Saritha , Prasad Chandrajit , Santosh Vani
Published: August 2015

Background: Supratentorial ependymoma (STE) is a tumor whose unique clinical and imaging characteristics have not been studied. Histopathologically, they resemble ependymoma elsewhere. We retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings with clinicopathological correlation in a large number of patients with STE to identify these characteristics. Materials and Methods: Computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance images (MRI), pathology reports, and clinical information from 41 patients with pathology-confirmed STE from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. CT and MRI findings including location, size, signal intensity, hemorrhage, and enhancement pattern were tabulated and described separately in intraventricular and intraparenchymal forms. Results: STE was more common in pediatric age group and intraparenchymal was more common than intraventricular form. The most common presentation was features of raised intracranial tension. There were equal numbers of Grade II and Grade III tumors. The imaging characteristics in adult and pediatric age group were similar. The tumor was large and had both solid and cystic components. Advanced imaging such as diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopy were suggestive of high-grade tumor. Only differentiating factor between Grade II and Grade III was the presence of calcification. 1234 rule and periwinkle sign which we have described in this article may help characterize this tumor on imaging. Conclusion: This series expands the clinical and imaging spectrum of STE and identifies characteristics that should suggest consideration of this uncommon diagnosis.
Extracranial to intracranial by-pass anastomosis: Review of our preliminary experience from a low volume center in Egypt
Authors: Biswas Arundhati , Samadoni A , Elbassiouny Ahmed , Sobh Khaled , Hegazy Ahmed
Published: August 2015

Background: Cerebral revascularization is a useful microsurgical technique for the treatment of steno-occlusive intracranial ischemic disease, complex intracranial aneurysms that require deliberate occlusion of a parent artery and invasive skull base tumors. We describe our preliminary experience with extracranial-to-intracranial by-passes at a low volume center; and discuss clinical indications and microsurgical techniques, challenges in comparison to large advanced referral centers. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with hemodynamic ischemia or complex aneurysms or skull base tumors were operated at Cairo University Hospitals in the period between May 2009 and June 2014. All patients operated by a low flow by-pass were operated through a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis. All patients chosen for a high flow by-pass were operated using a radial artery graft interposed between the MCAs distally and the common or the external carotid artery proximally. Patency was confirmed at the end of surgery using appearance on the table and confirmed after surgery by transcranial color-coded duplex or computed tomography angiography. All patient data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed at the end of surgery. Results: Nineteen patients (70.4%) were operated upon for flow augmentation and eight patients (29.6%) were operated upon for flow replacement. A total of 30 anastomoses were performed. All except one were patent which gives a patency rate of 96.3%. There was one death in the present series resulting from a hyperperfusion syndrome. 89.5% of patients with hemodynamic ischemia stopped having symptoms after surgery. All but one patient operated for hemodynamic ischemia showed a considerable cognitive improvement after surgery. None of the patients operated upon for flow replacement showed improvement of oculomotor nerve function in spite of adequate intraoperative decompression. All patients treated for flow replacement showed the absence of recurrence on follow-up. Conclusion: Our initial results for both low and high flow by-pass procedures in our low volume center indicate that such complex surgical procedures are possible with results comparable to those obtained in other larger referral centers throughout the world. This procedure not only represents a more definitive treatment when compared to other endovascular or radiation treatments but is also much less costly when compared to other treatment modalities.
Incidental frontal lobe mixed density epidermoid tumor in a patient of head injury: A rare case report
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Mittal Radheyshyam , Gandhi Ashok , Sharma Achal , Gandhi Sapna
Published: August 2015

The incidence of the epidermoid tumor is approximately 0.2-1.8% of all intracranial tumors. Epidermoid tumors are typically intradural, but extra-axial in location and only rarely found within the brain substance. We are reporting the first case of incidental mixed density frontal epidermoid tumor in a patient of head injury. Difficulty in the preoperative diagnosis and uncommon presentation of the intracranial epidermoid tumor prompted us to report this case.
O ensino médio brasileiro em questão: integração curricular e formação de professores
Authors: Rocha Helenice Aparecida Bastos , Magalhães Marcelo de Souza
Published: August 2015

Este artigo analisa as proposições de reformulação do ensino médio no Brasil, abordando a proposta de integração curricular como uma questão para a implantação de um novo ensino médio. A integração curricular vem sendo perseguida desde os primeiros documentos de organização do ensino médio produzidos na década de 1990 entre diretrizes, pareceres e a própria Lei de Diretrizes e Bases, até chegar às novas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Ensino Médio de 2012. O texto esquadrinha o percurso de construção da integração curricular como uma meta e as principais noções que a sustentam. Compreende-se que a integração curricular pretendida, bem como seus alicerces, requerem algumas condições que propiciam mudanças na formação inicial e continuada de professores, entre elas alterações estruturais nos tempos e espaços da escola e do professor, bem como uma reflexão consistente e crítica sobre esse conjunto de ideias no âmbito das instituições formadoras de professores, proporcionando o estabelecimento de novos cursos para essa formação
Em busca da articulação entre compreensão empática, sensibilidade e dimensão dialógica: contribuições para o ensino da história no ensino médio brasileiro
Authors: Gatti Júnior Décio
Published: August 2015

Este artigo traz uma reflexão em torno da articulação entre compreensão empática, sensibilidade e dimensão dialógica, com desdobramentos que poderiam contribuir para mudanças na concepção e nas práticas do ensino escolar da disciplina de História, em especial, no Ensino Médio. Nesta reflexão, buscou-se abordar os caminhos que poderiam contribuir para a superação das dificuldades tradicionalmente encontradas para atender duas dentre as quatro finalidades propostas para o Ensino Médio Brasileiro e que estão dispostas na Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional, de 1996, a saber: preparação para o exercício da cidadania e para o desenvolvimento pessoal. A partir desta problemática, procurou-se efetivar uma pesquisa bibliográfica que localizasse autores e textos que poderiam dar suporte ao enfrentamento da referida questão. Conclui-se que há necessidade de oportunizar a compreensão empática da historicidade expressa na vida, por meio da introdução nas práticas de sala de aula da ideia de sensibilidade tomada como o estabelecimento de uma dimensão dialógica da vivência comunicativa que permita a percepção de diferenças e de semelhanças entre os sujeitos da conversação em torno da compreensão do mundo histórico.