bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life among patients with symptomatic carotid disease
Authors: Vlajinac Hristina , Marinkovic Jelena , Maksimovic Milos , Kocev Nikola , Vasiljevic Nadja , Backovic Dusan , Radak Djordje
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with symptomatic carotid disease (amaurosis fugax, transient ischaemic attack, stroke); to compare it with that of the general population; to explore whether HRQoL depends on the severity of the disease and to investigate the possible association between some demographic and clinical characteristics of patients and HRQoL.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 175 patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease who were referred for endarterectomy between January 2011 and December 2011. HRQoL was measured using Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36).

Results

In comparison to both referent populations, patients with carotid disease had significantly lower mean SF-36 scores for role-physical (41.6 vs. 61.5 and 67.8), social functioning (65.4 vs. 73.8 and 80.0), role-emotional (48.2 vs. 68.6 and 80.5) and mental health (51.5 vs. 61.9 and 66.0). The SF-36 scores were significantly lower in female patients with carotid disease than in men (for role-physical 32.3 vs. 46.5; for bodily pain 57.0 vs. 73.0; for general health 55.6 vs. 61.5; for vitality 55.4 vs. 60.1; for social functioning 57.1 vs. 69.8 and for role-emotional 37.2 vs. 54.1). Significantly lower SF-36 scores were also found in patient with comorbidity (for physical functioning 68.1 vs. 77.7; for role-physical 35.1 vs. 52.3; for bodily pain 62.6 vs. 75.4; for general health 56.8 vs. 63.8; for social functioning 61.9 vs. 71.0, for role-emotional 41.6 vs. 59.1and for mental health 52.5 vs 49.8). In a multivariable analysis, education, occupation, body mass index, metabolic syndrome and severity of the disease had a weak influence on patients' HRQoL, while age, marital status, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and the degree of carotid stenosis had no effect on patients' HRQoL. The SF-36 scores did not substantially change after adjustment for confounding variables.

Conclusions

Patients with symptomatic carotid disease had poorer HRQoL, especially its mental components, than the general population. The severity of the disease was significantly associated only with the SF-36 role-physical subscale. HRQoL in patients with symptomatic carotid disease was poorer in women than in men, and was not affected by age and other demographic and clinical characteristics of patients.
Complex gynaecological and urological problems in adolescents: challenges and transition
Authors: Creighton Sarah M , Wood Dan
Published: October 2012

The diagnosis and early management of genitourinary disorders in children is challenging for the child, parents and carers. There have been enormous developments in paediatric care medically and surgically and as a result many patients with complex anomalies reach adult life and have a normal desire for a good quality of life. Adolescence changes the challenges faced as anatomical growth may alter the surgical outcomes both functionally and cosmetically. Emotional and psychological development also creates important challenges that all those involved have to face. These patients need expert care and advice throughout adolescence and into adult life. This should be delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes urology, gynaecology, nephrology, endocrinology and psychology. This creates a safe clinical and supportive environment for patients and their families.
Sexually transmitted infection testing and self-reported diagnoses among a community sample of men who have sex with men, in Scotland
Authors: McDaid Lisa M , Li Jessica , Knussen Christina , Flowers Paul
Published: October 2012

Introduction

To examine sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and self-reported diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM), in Scotland.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey of seven Glasgow gay bars in July 2010 (n=822, 62% response rate); 693 are included in the analyses.

Results

81.8% reported ever having had an STI test; 37.4% had tested in the previous 6 months; 13.2% reported having an STI in the previous 12 months. The adjusted odds of having ever tested were significantly higher for men who had 6+ sexual partners in the previous 12 months (adjusted OR=2.66), a maximum sexual health knowledge score (2.23), and had talked to an outreach worker/participated in counselling (1.96), and lower for men reporting any high-risk unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the previous 12 months (0.51). Adjusted odds of recent testing were higher for men who had 6+ sexual partners (2.10), talked to an outreach worker/participated in counselling (1.66), maximum sexual health knowledge (1.59), and higher condom use knowledge (1.04), and lower for men aged ≥25 years (0.46). Adjusted odds of having had an STI in the previous 12 months were higher for men who had 6+ sexual partners (3.96) and any high-risk UAI in the previous 12 months (2.24) and lower for men aged ≥25 years (0.57).

Conclusions

STI testing rates were relatively high, yet still below the minimum recommended for MSM at high risk. Consideration should be given to initiating recall systems for men who test positive for STIs, and to developing behavioural interventions which seek to address STI transmission.
MODIFIED ALGINATE/CHITOSAN HOLLOW MICROFIBER AS A BIOCOMPATIBLE FRAME FOR BLOOD VESSEL RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: ZHANG XULANG , QIN JIANHUA
Published: October 2012

We presented a new approach to produce Chitosan–Glutaraldehyde–Chitosan–Alginate (CGCA) hollow fiber with the capability of cell capture and adhesion for vascular tissue engineering. The CGCA hollow fiber was generated by sacrificing the inner part of alginate/chitosan (A/C) solid fiber using sodium citrate, followed by glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking chitosan to form stable imine bonds on the fiber surface. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were captured by the CGCA hollow fiber surface and adhesive as layer pattern with good viability and normal morphology. This strategy facilitated the lumen structure formation with good biocompatibility by biomaterials modification, providing a promising and facile technique for blood vessel regeneration in vitro and in vivo.
Th17 Mediated Alloreactivity Is Facilitated by the Pre-Transplant Microbial Burden of the Recipient
Authors: Klimczak Aleksandra , Lange Andrzej
Published: October 2012

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a major complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and severity of aGvHD is associated with biological and genetic factors related to donors and recipients. Studies on inflammatory pathways involved in aGvHD have shown a significant impact of the gut microflora on aGvHD development giving increasing evidence in the understanding of the response of innate and adaptive immunity to microbial products. Cytokine deregulation may increase or reduce the risk of aGvHD. Damage of tissues affected by aGvHD reflects the immunological cascade of events in this disease.
Recent Indonesian Economic Development and the Urgent Need to Remove Key Growth Obstacles
Authors: Patunru Arianto A. , Tarsidin
Published: October 2012

Turbulence has been the hallmark of the course of Indonesian economic growth. Indonesia was dubbed a “chronic drop-out” in economic performance in 1968, but it then immediately embarked on a growth spurt. Just as accolades to Indonesia's economic pragmatism and economic orthodoxy were reaching a new height, Indonesia's economy shattered during the Asian financial crisis of 1997–99. Indonesia has once again risen phoenix-like from that disaster, and the bounce back has been resilient in the face of the 2008 global financial crisis. Despite the commendable progress, however, its growth seems to be hindered. Indonesia must now tackle the two most important constraints to its continued high growth: logistics and infrastructure.
Moderate Dose Inhaled Corticosteroid-Induced Symptomatic Adrenal Suppression
Authors: Schwartz Richard H. , Neacsu Otilia , Ascher David P. , Alpan Oral
Published: October 2012

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are drugs of choice for persistent asthma. Less than 500 µg/d of fluticasone are believed to be safe. We found 92 cases of adrenal suppression in PubMed; among these cases there were 13 children who took 500 µg/d or less of fluticasone. Adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed in a 7-year-old boy on 460 µg ICS for 16 months, with a diagnosis of chronic persistent asthma. A random cortisol was nondetectable as was an early morning cortisol. ICS have greatly improved the day-to-day lives of children with chronic persistent asthma. Parents of children younger than 12 years, who use at least 400 µg of inhaled fluticasone (or bioequivalent), must be given oral and written instructions about warning symptoms of hypocortisolism. Major stress such as surgery, gastrointestinal, bronchopulmonary, or other systemic infections, and heat stress may mandate a written plan of action for use by hospital physicians.
Trajectories of Crime and Familial Characteristics
Authors: Yonai Shachar , Levine Stephen Z. , Glicksohn Joseph
Published: October 2012

The present study primarily aims to empirically identify offender trajectory groups and their associated first-, second-, and third-degree familial characteristics. Data were extracted on all first and subsequent juvenile offenders ( n = 18,915) with criminal convictions ( n = 90,393) from 1996 to 2008 recorded in the National Crime Registry of the State of Israel. Semiparametric group-based modeling identified low-rate (76.88%), late-peak adolescence (3.85%), middle-peak adolescence (10.22%), early-peak adolescence (3.22%), and chronic (5.83%) offender trajectories. Compared with low-rate offenders, chronic offenders had significantly more nonviolent offenses and first-degree imprisoned relatives who were imprisoned during childhood and adolescence. In conclusion, parental imprisonment appears to act as a parent–child separation mechanism that modestly increases the likelihood of chronic offending.
International service and public health learning objectives for medical students
Authors: Block Robert C , Duron Vincent , Creigh Peter , McIntosh Scott
Published: October 2012

Objective:

We aimed to improve the education of medical students involved in a longitudinal perinatal health improvement project in Gowa, Malawi.

Design:

We conducted qualitative interviews with students who participated in the project, reviewed their quantitative reports, and assessed the application of methodologies consonant with the learning objectives of a novel community health improvement course within their experience.

Setting:

The Gowa Health Promotions Project, designed to improve perinatal care for women and their families within the Gowa Health Clinic, used community participatory research strategies.

Method:

Medical students partnered with clinic workers and the local residents evaluated and revised an existing perinatal educational programme. Qualitative and quantitative health and programme data were collected, and programme revisions were implemented. The value of the student experiences as a public health educational tool was evaluated by the authors.

Results:

Project sustainability was enhanced by a fellowship and planning for sequential students. The community health course structure and goals enhanced learning in the project. Engagement of investigators as early as possible in an international public health enhancement project improves student learning and ongoing commitment.

Conclusion:

Service learning objectives aimed at providing valuable medical learning to student learners immersed in other cultures are consistent with evidence-based learning objectives in the field of public health. Proactively structuring this experience to explicate these goals can enhance student learning. This dual strategy may improve the sustainability of international health programmes by educating medical students while leading them into careers where these skills will be leveraged.
A cross-lagged longitudinal study of relations between academic achievement and Korean adolescent delinquency
Authors: Lee Julie
Published: October 2012

Objective:

Previous studies have shown that academic achievement has a significant effect on juvenile delinquency, with the reverse reported as well. This study, therefore, examined the reciprocal causal relationships between academic achievement and juvenile delinquency.

Methods:

The participants were 3449 Korean adolescents (mean age 13.2 years, standard deviation (SD)=0.4 at Time 1) from the Korea Youth Panel Survey. They were followed from the 8th to the 11th grade. A cross-lagged autoregressive model with four-year longitudinal data was used for the analysis.

Results:

For all grades (Time 1 through Time 4), juvenile delinquency was negatively affected by low academic achievement, while no effects of delinquency on academic achievement were indicated.

Conclusion:

There was a significant prediction from academic achievement for juvenile delinquency, rather than reciprocal influences between academic achievement and juvenile delinquency among Korean adolescents, which is different from Western counterparts. This study contributes to theoretical understanding of relations between academic achievement and delinquency in diverse cultural settings and interventions to promote optimal social health.
Factors influencing teachers’ views of health and health education: A study in 15 countries
Authors: Jourdan D , Pironom J , Berger D , Carvalho GS
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To analyse teachers’ health views in order to obtain general trends in factors influencing health and health education and to fit them into the negative–positive model of health proposed by Downie and collaborators.

Method:

This large international study involved 15 countries from Western and Eastern Europe, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and South America, with high socioeconomic and cultural diversity. The questionnaire constructed and validated by the European FP6 project BIOHEAD-CITIZEN was applied in each country to a balanced sample of pre-service teachers (Pre) and in-service teachers (In) of primary schools (P) and secondary schools, teaching biology (B) or national language (L).

Results:

Women, older persons, those having longer higher university education, primary school teachers (compared to secondary teachers) and language teachers (compared to biology teachers) have a more positive view of health. The major difference was found between countries, rather than religion, where five groups emerged from cluster analysis.

Conclusion:

The study does not lead to a comprehensive view of factors influencing teachers’ perceptions of health but results showed that there is a variety of variables associated with health and health education views. These findings can contribute to facilitate developing appropriate specific health education teachers’ training courses.
Estimating a Dose–Response Relationship Between Time Served in Prison and Recidivism
Authors: Meade Benjamin , Steiner Benjamin , Makarios Matthew , Travis Lawrence
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

Estimate the dose–response relationship between time served in prison and offenders’ odds of recidivism.

Methods:

Using a large, representative sample of adult offenders released from prison under postrelease supervision in the state of Ohio, we examine the relationship between the length of time these offenders served in prison and their odds of recidivism during the year following their release. Multivariate logistic regression and analyses involving propensity score matching for ordered doses are both used to estimate the time served–recidivism relationship.

Results:

Analyses of these data revealed that offenders confined for longer periods of time had lower odds of recidivism, but these odds were only substantively lower for those offenders who served the longest periods of time in prison. Findings suggest the inverse effect of time served was not realized until after offenders have been confined for at least five years.

Conclusion:

Study findings indicate that the specific deterrent effect of prison sentences may be limited, and sentences less than five years may be reduced in order to save costs without a substantial threat to public safety.
Worlds apart: The WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture and the right to food in developing countries
Authors: Hawkes Shona , Plahe Jagjit Kaur
Published: October 2012

This article explores the implications of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Agriculture for the right to food in the global South. In a context in which a worldwide backlash has developed against the World Trade Organization (WTO), the politics of the Doha Round negotiations are analyzed from a food rights perspective. It is argued that since 2004 attention in the WTO has shifted from overarching human rights concerns toward a focus on technical detail constraining developing countries from acting to respect, protect, and fulfill the right to food.
Veteran Status, Extramarital Sex, and Divorce
Authors: London Andrew S. , Allen Elizabeth , Wilmoth Janet M.
Published: October 2012

Despite perceptions that infidelity is common among military and veteran populations, there is relatively little evidence documenting the prevalence of extramarital sex among persons with a history of military service or its consequences for marital stability. Using data from the 1992 National Health and Social Life Survey, we estimate multivariate logistic regression models to examine the associations between veteran status, extramarital sex, and divorce among ever-married persons aged 18 to 60 years. We also conduct supplemental analyses of gender differences. We find that 32.17% of veterans report extramarital sexual relationships, which is twice the rate among nonveterans in this sample. Controlling for sociodemographic and early-life factors, veterans are significantly more likely than nonveterans to report extramarital sex and to have ever divorced, whereas extramarital sex has a strong, independent association with divorce. We conclude that veteran status is strongly associated with extramarital sex and divorce, at least among men; extramarital sex and divorce might also be elevated among female veterans, but research that uses larger, representative samples of female veterans is needed to confirm those associations. The higher rates of infidelity among veterans may be related to selection factors; military experiences, such as deployment; or postmilitary factors. The current research provides a foundation for further research that aims to explicate the mechanisms underlying this association.
Fathering to Ensure Child’s Success
Authors: Sriram Rajalakshmi , Sandhu Gurprit Kaur
Published: October 2012

In a globalizing urban India, middle-class parents are extremely anxious about their child’s success and future in a competitive world. In this context, the present article attempts to capture middle-class educated Indian fathers’ thoughts, feelings, and contributions in ensuring children’s success, through primary research conducted in the city of Baroda in western India using qualitative and quantitative methods. Descriptive data and fathers’ voices highlight their notions of achievement, the nature and extent of their involvement in different areas of their children’s lives, namely, providing, guiding and mentoring, practical and emotional support, communication, education, and extracurricular activities. Fathers’ vision of a successful child, nature of involvement and their reasoning are in consonance with their desire for involvement in promoting the child’s cognitive and social competence, and passing on sanskar, a unique aspect of Hindu culture.
Father Involvement Among Malay Muslims in Malaysia
Authors: Juhari Rumaya , Yaacob Siti Nor , Talib Mansor Abu
Published: October 2012

This article reports on findings from a study of 989 fathers of school-going children aged 10 through 16 from intact families in rural and urban areas in Selangor, Malaysia. The study aims to explore the factors that affect father involvement among Malay Muslims. Results indicate that fathers’ education, marital quality, and number of children are significantly related to their involvement in children’s lives. Fathers’ perceptions of their own fathers’ involvement when they were young is also positively associated with their involvement with children, supporting the concept of intergenerational fathering in social learning theory. Muslim fathers see financial provisioning, moral teaching, praying, reciting the Quran, and fasting together with children as their religious duties that God entrusts to them to fulfill both world and after-life purposes. However, they cite lack of time and a common wish to be more involved in their children’s life.
The Language of Extraversion
Authors: Beukeboom Camiel J. , Tanis Martin , Vermeulen Ivar E.
Published: October 2012

To understand the impact of personality, one needs to know how personality differences manifest themselves in language use. The present study investigates the link between extraversion and language abstraction. Participants’ spontaneous verbal utterances in face-to-face interactions were analyzed for language abstraction by applying the linguistic category model, which distinguishes predicate types that convey information in concrete or interpretative manner. We also applied the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) program to relate several word categories to extraversion and language abstraction. Results show significant positive correlations between extraversion and both language abstraction and self-reported level of interpretation. Language abstraction was also linked to LIWC variables (e.g., articles, numbers) previously shown to be related to extraversion. The findings suggest that the verbal style of extraverts is characterized by a higher level of abstract interpretation, whereas introverts tend to stick to concrete facts.
A Bias-Corrected Net Reclassification Improvement for Clinical Subgroups
Authors: Paynter Nina P. , Cook Nancy R.
Published: October 2012

Background. Comparing prediction models using reclassification within subgroups at intermediate risk is often of clinical interest. Objective. To demonstrate a method for obtaining an unbiased estimate for the Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) evaluated only on a subset, the clinical NRI. Study Design and Setting. We derived the expected value of the clinical NRI under the null hypothesis using the same principles as the overall NRI. We then conducted a simulation study based on a logistic model with a known predictor and a potential predictor, varying the effects of the known and potential predictors to test the performance of our bias-corrected clinical NRI measure. Finally, data from the Women’s Health Study, a prospective cohort of 24 171 female health professionals, were used as an example of the proposed method. Results. Our bias-corrected estimate is shown to have a mean of zero in the null case under a range of simulated parameters and, unlike the naïve estimate, to be unbiased. We also provide 2 methods for obtaining a variance estimate, both with reasonable type 1 errors. Conclusion. Our proposed method is an improvement over currently used methods of calculating the clinical NRI and is recommended to reduce overly optimistic results.
Serum bile acid as a screening tool in workers occupationally exposed to mixtures of organic solvents
Authors: Hady Hala Mostafa El , Metwally Fateheya , Gendy Mahmoud Fawzy El , Elserougy Safaa , Helmy Mona Adel
Published: October 2012

The aim of the present study was to find out the potential impact of occupational exposure to mixtures of organic solvents on liver function tests. Serum bile acid (BA) was evaluated as a marker of early hepatic derangement and compared to routine liver function tests. The study included two comparable groups: 57 male workers exposed to organic solvents from a paints factory and 59 administrative male controls. Occupational and medical data and serum analysis for liver function parameters (BAs, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin) were obtained. Bile acids showed significantly elevated mean levels in the exposed workers compared to the controls (50.2 ± 47.9 and 5.4 ± 2.7 µmol/L, respectively, p < 0.01). Bile acids were elevated in almost all exposed workers (87.7%) but in none of the controls. Bile acids had significant positive correlation with duration of exposure to organic solvents and lifetime hydrocarbon exposure score (HES) ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). All other liver function tests exhibited normal mean levels and did not show statistically significant differences between both groups. The performance of BA versus combined liver enzymes is evaluated using receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve and likelihood ratios. The area under the curve was significantly high (0.687 > 0.5, p = 0.012) and had optimal decision level (8 µmol/L). Serum BA can be recommended as a screening test for exposure to organic solvents. It can be suggested for follow-up every 1–2 years or accordingly.
Effect of coriander on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Moustafa Abdel Halim A , Ali Ehab Mostafa M , Moselhey Said S , Tousson Ehab , El-Said Karim S
Published: October 2012

Thioacetamide (TAA) is a potent hepatotoxin that causes centrilobulal necrosis and nephrotoxic damage following acute administration. Prolonged exposure to TAA can result in bile duct proliferation and liver cirrhosis histologically similar to that caused due to viral hepatitis infection. Coriander in food increases the antioxidant content, acting as a natural antioxidant and inhibiting undesirable oxidation processes. The present study investigated the antioxidant activity of Coriandrum sativum on TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in the male rats. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated in the coriander leaves and seeds. Forty-eight adult male rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control), group II (TAA injected rats), group III (TAA injected rats fed coriander leaves) and group IV (TAA injected rats fed coriander seeds). The results revealed that serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were significantly increased in the groups II, III and IV as compared to the normal control. Oxidative stress in the group II was manifested by a significant rise in nitric oxide (NO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels and myloperoxidase (MPO) activities in the liver tissues as compared with the control group. Rats fed with coriander leaves and seeds showed a decrease in the serum ALT, AST and ALP activities and in the liver NO and TBARS levels as compared to the group II. Histopathological study revealed that coriander feeding attenuated TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in the rats. In conclusion, coriander leaves attenuate hepatotoxicity induced by TAA more than that of seeds due to the higher content of phenolic compounds and antioxidants in the leaves of coriander. Liver of rats intoxicated with TAA exhibited advanced cirrhosis in the form of macronodular and micronodular structure surrounded by fibrous tissue. Treatment with coriander leaves and seeds helps in improving the adverse effect of TAA-induced hepatotoxicity; also the histological study confirms this finding.
Second-hand tobacco smoke and children
Authors: Al-Sayed Eman M , Ibrahim Khadiga Salah
Published: October 2012

Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals with hazardous adverse effects on almost every organ in the body of smokers as well as of nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). There has been increasing interest in the effects of passive smoking on the health of children. In order to detect the magnitude of passive smoking in children, parental questionnaires, measuring nicotine and cotinine body levels, and evaluating expired carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations, have been used. Passive smoking causes respiratory illness, asthma, poor growth, neurological disorders, and coronary heart diseases. Herein, we focused on the deleterious influences of passive smoking on immunity and liver. Besides, its effects on the concentrations of various biomarker levels related to the oxidant/antioxidant status were considered. Understanding these effects may help clinicians to counsel parents on smoking cessation and smoke exposure elimination. It may also help to develop interventions to improve the health of children. This review potentially demonstrated some nutraceuticals with a promising role in the prevention of smoking-related diseases.
Effect of pesticide exposure on platelet indices in farm workers
Authors: Varol Ercan , Ogut Serdal , Gultekin Fatih
Published: October 2012

We aimed to assess the effect of exposure to pesticide on platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in farm workers. The study group consisted of 40 farm workers (4 females, 36 males; mean age 42.6 ± 9.8 years). An age-, gender- and body mass index–matched control group was composed of 38 healthy volunteers (8 females, 30 males; mean age 46.1±8.9 years). Platelet indices were assessed in farm workers exposed to pesticides. MPV values were significantly lower in farm workers than in those of controls (6.3 ± 1.1 vs. 7.6 ± 0.7 fL, respectively; p < 0.001). Platelet count was significantly lower in farm workers than those of controls (155.7 ± 35.7 vs. 271.3 ± 96.2 × 109/L, respectively; p < 0.001). PDW was significantly lower in farm workers than in those of controls (8.9% ± 2.0% vs. 15.8% ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). We have found that MPV and other platelet indices were significantly lower in farm workers exposed to pesticides than those of controls. Our findings suggest that MPV may be a sensitive indicator of a pesticide-exposure effect.
Nystagmus
Authors: Moizé Violeta , Ibarzabal Ainitze , Sanchez Dalmau Bernardo , Flores Lilliam , Andreu Alba , Lacy Antonio , Vidal Josep
Published: October 2012

Wernicke encephalopathy—a debilitating acute or subacute neurological disorder—is caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). It is characterized by a classical clinical triad of symptoms: ocular impairment, cerebellar dysfunction, and confusion. Although bariatric surgery can certainly improve the overall health of an obese individual, it can also make him or her more susceptible to serious nutrition deficiencies. Following surgery, inadequate caloric intake, rapid and excessive weight loss, food intolerance, lack of adherence to nutrition supplementation, and/or the onset of prolonged vomiting can lead to severe nutrition deficiencies. It is generally believed that the more malabsorptive the surgery proves, the more likely is it that such a deficiency will occur. The case presented here shows that after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a patient may also develop dangerous nutrition deficits that can negatively affect his or her life. In this particular case, a patient presented with a severe vitamin B1 deficiency following SG for morbid obesity. Although patients may exhibit pathophysiologies similar to Wernicke encephalopathy after this surgery, only 2 cases of severe vitamin B1 deficiency following sleeve gastrectomy have been reported. The grave consequences of thiamine deficiency observed in this patient underscore the importance of supplementation after SG.
Anthropometric Measures of Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat Are Important in the Determination of Metabolic Dysregulation in Boys and Girls at Risk for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Mager Diana R. , Yap Jason , Rodriguez‐Dimitrescu Carla , Mazurak Vera , Ball Geoff , Gilmour Susan
Published: October 2012

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing at alarming rates in obese children. The study aim was to describe body composition/somatotype and its interrelationships to biomarkers of liver disease, insulin resistance, and lipid and cytokine expression in youth with NAFLD. Methods: Somatotype and body composition of children (7–18 years) diagnosed with NAFLD (n= 18) were compared with obese (n = 11) and lean children (n = 17). Anthropometric variables assessed included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHTR), and multiple skinfold thicknesses. Fat mass (FM) and somatotype analysis were measured using validated methodologies. Fasting liver biochemistries (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], γ‐glutamyltransferase [GGT]), insulin, glucose, leptin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor–α, interleukin (IL) factors 6/10, apolipoproteins B‐100/B‐48 and C‐III, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)/low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Results: BMI z score, WC, FM, and somatotype did not differ between NAFLD and obese groups; however, lean children were lighter/leaner across all anthropometric measures (P < .001). Children with NAFLD had a higher sum‐of‐trunk to sum‐of‐extremity ratio (1.6 ± 0.4) than did obese (1.3 ± 0.2) and lean (1.1 ± 0.5) children (P < .001). Markers of central visceral (WC/WHTR) and subcutaneous fat (subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac skinfolds) were associated with elevated plasma concentrations of insulin, HOMA‐IR, ALT, GGT, and AST and lower HDL cholesterol and IL‐10 (P < .001). Conclusion: Comprehensive assessment of body composition, including measurement of surrogate markers of subcutaneous and visceral fat, provides information regarding metabolic dysregulation and liver disease risk in obese children with NAFLD.
Revisiting WalMart’s Impact on Iowa Small-Town Retail
Authors: Artz Georgeanne M. , Stone Kenneth E.
Published: October 2012

Ken Stone conducted the first study of WalMart stores’ economic impact in Iowa in 1988. Since then, research on WalMart’s impacts has exploded. Recent studies employ sophisticated statistical techniques to more accurately measure the size and direction of effects. Many reach conclusions similar to Stone’s original work. This article updates the original Stone study with additional years of data. It draws on recent methodological advances to help account for the effects of WalMart’s strategic location decisions on estimated retail sales in Iowa. As is consistent with previous studies, we find that WalMart’s entry into smaller trade centers in Iowa had a big initial impact on host-town retail sales, with some categories experiencing significant increases while others saw declines in sales per capita. WalMart’s presence helped stabilize or even expand the local retail sector of most rural Iowa host communities. To conclude, we discuss policy implications for local economic development officials.
Synthesis and properties of epoxy resin-based acrylated poly (ester-amide)s/silane tailored organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Dave Pragnesh N. , Patel Nikul N.
Published: October 2012

Epoxy resin-based unsaturated poly(ester-amide) (UPEA) resins can be prepared by many methods, but in this study, these resins were prepared by the reported method and further acrylation was carried out using acryloyl chloride. Organo-montmorillonite was treated with 3-amino-propyltrimethoxysilane. Nanocomposites composed of UPEA matrix and organically modified clay filler were prepared by hand lay-up. The flexural property of the nanocomposites were determined, and it was found that adding only 3% w/w organically modified clay improved the flexural modulus of UPEA by 35%. Nanocomposites were characterized by x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy.
High performance new heteroaromatic poly(thiourea-imide-ester)s
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Zulfiqar Sonia , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas
Published: October 2012

A new dihydroxy monomer, 1-(2-hydroxypyridin-3-yl)-3-(2-(2-hydroxypyridin-3-yl)-1,3-dioxo-isoindoline-5-carbonyl)thiourea, with preformed trimellitic anhydride chloride-derived imide ring, pyridine and C=S moieties was synthesized. This compound was exploited to prepare three heteroaromatic poly(thiourea-imide-ester)s (PTIEs) by polycondensation with various diacid chlorides. Structural analysis of polymers was carried out by Fourier transformation infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. PTIEs were readily soluble in polar solvents such as N, N-dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and N-methylpyrrolidone. Inherent viscosity and gel permeation chromatography measurements revealed high molar mass (140 × 102 to 101 × 102). One of the polymers showed crystalline behavior according to x-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were adopted for the thermal analysis of the polymers. Novel aromatic PTIEs possess high weight loss temperature ( T10) in the range 524–536°C and glass transition temperature of about 223–230°C.
Phenylethynyl-endcapped polymerizable monomer reactants poly(amic ester) resins for high impact-toughened carbon fiber composites
Authors: Liu Biao , Ji Mian , Lin Fan , Yang Shiyong
Published: October 2012

Toughened polymerizable monomer reactants (PMR) poly(amic ester) matrix resins were prepared by the reaction of the diesters of aromatic dianhydrides (3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and/or 2,3′,3,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride) and aromatic diamines (the mixture of 3,4′-oxydianiline and 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene) in the presence of monoester of 4-phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride as the end-capping agent using ethanol as solvent. The PMR matrix resins owned the characteristic of high resin concentration and low viscosity, suitable for impregnating carbon fibers (Cfs) to give high-quality Cf prepreg. The B-staged imide oligomers prepared by thermal baking of the PMR matrix resins at the temperature of ≤240°C showed good meltability at elevated temperatures. The polyimide (PI) neat resins prepared by thermally curing the B-staged oligoimide resins at 370°C showed good combined thermal and mechanical properties. The Cf/PI composite (T300/PI) showed high impact toughness, with compression strength after impact of as high as 260 MPa. Unidirectional laminates had high mechanical properties at room temperature and high strength retention at 250°C, with 97.4% for flexural modulus, 53.3% for flexural strength, and 48.8% for interlaminar shear strength, demonstrating that the high impact-toughened Cf/PI composite could be long-term served at a temperature as high as 250°C.
Simulation research on distribution method of axial piston pump utilizing pressure equalization mechanism
Authors: Xu Bing , Zhang Junhui , Yang Huayong
Published: October 2012

Noise reduction in axial piston pumps has been attempted by many researchers with different design approaches and techniques. However, most traditional structures on valve plate for noise reduction are at the cost of efficiency to different extent. In this article, a new distribution method with pressure equalization mechanism composed of check valve and pressure recuperation chamber is discussed. A simulation model for the analysis of noise excitation sources is developed, and is verified by comparison of flow ripple between simulation and experiment. The working principle of pressure equalization mechanism is analyzed in detail. Compared with reference commercial axial piston pump, the simulation results indicate that the flow ripple and the torque pulsation are sharply reduced with the pressure equalization mechanism. Moreover, the volumetric efficiency of axial piston pump is also improved. The power of variable-displacement control mechanism will be reduced and the control accuracy can be improved easily due to the swash-plate torque reduction. The analysis shows that the check-valve frequency and the pressure recuperation chamber volume are vital for the pressure equalization mechanism. The optimal pressure recuperation chamber volume is about three times the size of the minimum piston chamber dead volume. The optimal maximum displacement of check valve is about 1 mm. The pressure equalization mechanism is promising in the design of high-performance axial piston pump with low noise emission.
Non-probabilistic wear reliability analysis of swash-plate/slipper of water hydraulic piston motor based on convex model
Authors: Yang Lijie , Nie Songlin , Zhang Anqing
Published: October 2012

Water hydraulic piston motor is one of the important transmission components in a water hydraulic system. For lack of enough experimental information to analyze the reliability in water hydraulic motor design, the convex model is chosen as wear reliability model for hydraulic friction pairs, which is more economical and reasonable than the interval model. The non-probabilistic reliability index based on the convex model is established using first-order Taylor series expansion, and the non-probabilistic reliability model of wear reliability analysis for the friction pair of swash-plate/slipper in water hydraulic piston motor is introduced based on the convex model. For the non-probabilistic reliability model, only the bounds on uncertain parameters are needed, instead of probabilistic density distribution or statistical quantities. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the validity and feasibility of the presented method.
Semi-analytical treatments of conjugate heat transfer
Authors: Hajmohammadi Mohammad Reza , Nourazar Seyed Salman , Manesh Ali Habibi
Published: October 2012

A new algorithm is proposed based on semi-analytical methods to solve the conjugate heat transfer problems. In this respect, a problem of conjugate forced-convective flow over a heat-conducting plate is modeled and the integro-differential equation occurring in the problem is solved by two lately-proposed approaches, Adomian decomposition method and differential transform method. The solution of the governing integro-differential equation for temperature distribution of the plate is handled more easily and accurately by implementing Adomian decomposition method/differential transform method rather than other traditional methods such as perturbation method. A numerical approach is also performed via finite volume method to examine the validity of the results for temperature distribution of the plate obtained by Adomian decomposition method/differential transform method. It is shown that the expressions for the temperature distribution in the plate obtained from the two methods, Adomian decomposition method and differential transform method, are the same and show closer agreement to the results calculated from numerical work in comparison with the expression obtained by perturbation method existed in the literature.
Randomized multi-objective optimal design of a novel deployable truss
Authors: Huang Hailin , Li Bing , Deng Zongquan , Liu Rongqiang
Published: October 2012

In this article, a novel deployable mechanism that can be depaloyed from a bundle compact configuration onto a large volume double-layer truss structure is proposed. The mechanism is constructed by a set of Myard linkages through specially designed mechanical connections, so that the whole assembled mechanism has single degree of freedom. The model of the multi-objective design for the proposed deployable mechanism is developed. In the optimal design of this mechanism, many design objectives have to be taken into consideration, such as weight, stiffness, packaging/expansion ratio and natural frequency, etc. Many of these design objectives have no explicit analytical expression and may be contradicted with each other. A randomized multi-objective search algorithm is proposed for solving this multi-objective design problem, by using the algorithm, the set of Pareto optimal solutions can be obtained, and the relationship between different objectives is figured out, so that the designers can choose the compromise solutions intuitively. The physical prototype is also fabricated based on the optimized parameters, the stiffness and natural frequency experiments are conducted to evaluate the design. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed mechanism offers an attractive combination of performance characteristics for both stiffness and natural frequency.
Prevalence of standing plantar pressure distribution variation in north Asian Indian patients with diabetes mellitus: A study to understand ulcer formation
Authors: Periyasamy R , Anand S , Ammini AC
Published: October 2012

Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder of metabolism. Foot problems are common in diabetes and altered plantar pressures distribution may lead to ulceration in people with Diabetes Mellitus. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate standing plantar pressure distribution variations in north Asian Indian diabetes mellitus subjects and its association with duration of diabetes. Thirty three subjects with age range from 40 to 75 years are recruited from AIIMS Endocrinology & metabolism lab Delhi, India and divided into three groups: 11 control subjects (non-diabetic), 11 diabetic subjects without neuropathy (DNN) and 11 diabetic subjects with neuropathy (DN). Neuropathy status was assessed by measuring loss of protective sensation to 10gm Semen’s Weinstein monofilament. Plantar pressure distributions parameter-Power ratio (PR) was measured during barefoot standing using portable PedoPowerGraph and results are analyzed using one way analysis of variance to detect significant difference between the groups. We found significant ( p<0.05; p<0.01) difference in PR value between DN and CG groups in fore foot and hind foot but no significant ( p>0.05) difference in PR value was found between DNN and CG groups in the foot. As compared to DNN, DN group have maximum PR variations in the fore foot. Plantar pressure distribution parameter-PR was higher with longer duration of diabetes among type 2 diabetes subjects. In this study we conclude that plantar pressure distribution parameter-PR was able to distinguish the DN groups from the CG group in hind and fore foot during standing. Increased forefoot PR value is prevalent in the diabetic neuropathic subjects and may be responsible for the occurrence of foot sole ulcers but additional prospective studies are needed. In the future we will investigate the plantar pressure distribution parameter-PR variations in diabetes with obese and osteoarthritis subject.
Nephritogenic-antinephritogenic antibody network in lupus glomerulonephritis
Authors: Doria A , Gatto M
Published: October 2012

Lupus glomerulonephritis (LGN) is one of the most threatening manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a major predictor of poor prognosis. The mechanisms leading to kidney inflammation are not completely clear; however, autoantibodies seem to play a pivotal role.

Apoptosis dysregulation in SLE is likely to trigger generation of autoantibodies, the released nucleosomes being the driving autoantigen for further epitope amplification and selection of DNA or nucleosome-specific B cells. Growing evidence supports a multistep path to LGN involving initial autoantibody binding to chromatin fragments in the mesangial matrix, where they can induce mesangial inflammation leading to a shut-down of the renal DNase gene, generation and deposition of secondary necrotic chromatin on the glomerular basement membrane favouring antibody binding, complement activation and development of membrano-proliferative glomerular lesions.

Anti-DNA IgG antibodies display the major pathogenetic potential in LGN initiation; however, other isotypes (IgA or IgE) as well as autoantibodies targeting other molecules (e.g. anti-C1q, anti-C reactive protein) can perpetuate renal injury. Conversely, protective autoantibodies are also likely in SLE which can contain renal damage targeting either DNA (i.e. IgM anti-DNA) or other molecules (e.g. pentraxin 3). Thus, lupus nephritogenic-antinephritogenic antibodies orchestrate the balance between harm and defence of renal tissue.