bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition Management of Infants With Surgical Short Bowel Syndrome and Intestinal Failure
Authors: Cole Conrad R. , Kocoshis Samuel A.
Published: June 2013

Appropriate nutrition recommendations are important for the successful management of the infant with an injured gastrointestinal tract postsurgery who is at risk for intestinal failure. Management strategies that can be used to augment successful adaptation and prevent liver disease are summarized in this review. These include appropriate postoperative fluid and electrolyte management, modification of parenteral nutrition to minimize intestinal failure–associated liver disease, early and aggressive enteral feeding advancement, the use of hormonal and trophic agents, prevention of central line–associated bloodstream infections using ethanol lock, appropriate treatment, and prevention of pathologic small bowel bacterial overgrowth.
Genome-wide association study for birth weight in Nellore cattle points to previously described orthologous genes affecting human and bovine height
Authors: Utsunomiya Yuri T , do Carmo Adriana S , Carvalheiro Roberto , Neves Haroldo HR , Matos Márcia C , Zavarez Ludmilla B , Pérez O’Brien Ana M , Sölkner Johann , McEwan John C , Cole John B , Van Tassell Curtis P , Schenkel Flávio S , da Silva Marcos VGB , Porto Neto Laercio R , Sonstegard Tad S , Garcia José F
Published: June 2013

Background

Birth weight (BW) is an economically important trait in beef cattle, and is associated with growth- and stature-related traits and calving difficulty. One region of the cattle genome, located on Bos primigenius taurus chromosome 14 (BTA14), has been previously shown to be associated with stature by multiple independent studies, and contains orthologous genes affecting human height. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for BW in Brazilian Nellore cattle (Bos primigenius indicus) was performed using estimated breeding values (EBVs) of 654 progeny-tested bulls genotyped for over 777,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Results

The most significant SNP (rs133012258, PGC = 1.34 × 10-9), located at BTA14:25376827, explained 4.62% of the variance in BW EBVs. The surrounding 1 Mb region presented high identity with human, pig and mouse autosomes 8, 4 and 4, respectively, and contains the orthologous height genes PLAG1, CHCHD7, MOS, RPS20, LYN, RDHE2 (SDR16C5) and PENK. The region also overlapped 28 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) previously reported in literature by linkage mapping studies in cattle, including QTLs for birth weight, mature height, carcass weight, stature, pre-weaning average daily gain, calving ease, and gestation length.

Conclusions

This study presents the first GWAS applying a high-density SNP panel to identify putative chromosome regions affecting birth weight in Nellore cattle. These results suggest that the QTLs on BTA14 associated with body size in taurine cattle (Bos primigenius taurus) also affect birth weight and size in zebu cattle (Bos primigenius indicus).
Mitochondria-targeted vitamin E analogs inhibit breast cancer cell energy metabolism and promote cell death
Authors: Cheng Gang , Zielonka Jacek , McAllister Donna M , Mackinnon A Craig , Joseph Joy , Dwinell Michael B , Kalyanaraman Balaraman
Published: June 2013

Background

Recent research has revealed that targeting mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism is a promising chemotherapeutic strategy. Key to successful implementation of this chemotherapeutic strategy is the use of new and improved mitochondria-targeted cationic agents that selectively inhibit energy metabolism in breast cancer cells, while exerting little or no long-term cytotoxic effect in normal cells.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and alterations in bioenergetic metabolism induced by mitochondria-targeted vitamin E analog (Mito-chromanol, Mito-ChM) and its acetylated ester analog (Mito-ChMAc). Assays of cell death, colony formation, mitochondrial bioenergetic function, intracellular ATP levels, intracellular and tissue concentrations of tested compounds, and in vivo tumor growth were performed.

Results

Both Mito-ChM and Mito-ChMAc selectively depleted intracellular ATP and caused prolonged inhibition of ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate in breast cancer cells, but not in non-cancerous cells. These effects were significantly augmented by inhibition of glycolysis. Mito-ChM and Mito-ChMAc exhibited anti-proliferative effects and cytotoxicity in several breast cancer cells with different genetic background. Furthermore, Mito-ChM selectively accumulated in tumor tissue and inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model of human breast cancer.

Conclusions

We conclude that mitochondria-targeted small molecular weight chromanols exhibit selective anti-proliferative effects and cytotoxicity in multiple breast cancer cells, and that esterification of the hydroxyl group in mito-chromanols is not a critical requirement for its anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effect.
Malaria and protective behaviours: is there a malaria trap?
Authors: Berthélemy Jean-Claude , Thuilliez Josselin , Doumbo Ogobara , Gaudart Jean
Published: June 2013

Background

In spite of massive efforts to generalize efficient prevention, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITN) or long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), malaria remains prevalent in many countries and ITN/LLINs are still only used to a limited extent.

Methods

This study proposes a new model for malaria economic analysis by combining economic epidemiology tools with the literature on poverty traps. A theoretical model of rational protective behaviour in response to malaria is designed, which includes endogenous externalities and disease characteristics. Survey data available for Uganda provide empirical support to the theory of prevalence-elastic protection behaviours, once endogeneity issues related to epidemiology and poverty are solved.

Results

Two important conclusions emerge from the model. First, agents increase their protective behaviour when malaria is more prevalent in a society. This is consistent with the literature on "prevalence-elastic behaviour". Second, a ‘malaria trap’ defined as the result of malaria reinforcing poverty while poverty reduces the ability to deal with malaria can theoretically exist and the conditions of existence of the malaria trap are identified.

Conclusions

These results suggest the possible existence of malaria traps, which provides policy implications. Notably, providing ITN/LLINs at subsidized prices is not sufficient. To be efficient an ITN/LLINs dissemination campaigns should include incentive of the very poor for using ITN/LLINs.
Complementary serum proteomic analysis of autoimmune hepatitis in mice and patients
Authors: Li Hongbin , Li Guoshun , Zhao Xinyu , Wu Yongkang , Ma Wen , Liu Yuling , Gong Fengming , Liang Shufang
Published: June 2013

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease caused by inflammation of the liver. The etiology of AIH remains elusive, and there are no reliable serum biomarkers.

Methods

In order to identify candidate biomarkers, 2-DE analysis of serum proteins was performed using a mouse model of AIH induced by treatment with concanavalin A (ConA). To enrich samples for low abundance molecules a commercial albumin removal reagent was used. In an independent analysis, candidate biomarkers were identified in AIH patient’s serum by a targeted iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) identification. Candidates were validated in independent cohorts of ConA treated mice and AIH patients by ELISA (enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay).

Results

Nine proteins were differentially expressed in AIH mice treated with con-A. Two of these, the third component of complement (C3) and alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) were also up-regulated in AIH patient’s sera by a targeted iTRAQ identification. In separate validation studies, serum C3 and A2M levels were increased in mice with ConA treatment after 20-40 h and in 34 AIH patients in a subgroup analysis, females with AIH aged 20–50 years old displayed the largest increases in serum A2M level. Biological network analysis implements the complement cascade and protease inhibitors in the pathogenesis of AIH.

Conclusion

The serum proteins C3 and A2M are increased both in a mouse model and in patients with AIH by both 2-DE and iTRAQ methods. This integrated serum proteomics investigation should be applicable for translational researchers to study other medical conditions.
Treatment with bexarotene, a compound that increases apolipoprotein-E, provides no cognitive benefit in mutant APP/PS1 mice
Authors: LaClair Katherine D , Manaye Kebreten F , Lee Dexter L , Allard Joanne S , Savonenko Alena V , Troncoso Juan C , Wong Philip C
Published: June 2013

Background

Though the precise cause(s) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain unknown, there is strong evidence that decreased clearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) from the brain can contribute to the disease. Therapeutic strategies to promote natural Aβ clearance mechanisms, such as the protein apolipoprotein-E (APOE), hold promise for the treatment of AD. The amount of APOE in the brain is regulated by nuclear receptors including retinoid X receptors (RXRs). Drugs that activate RXRs, including bexarotene, can increase APOE and ABCA1 production, and have been shown to decrease the Aβ burden and improve cognition in mouse models of Aβ amyloidosis. Although recent bexarotene studies failed to replicate the rapid clearance of Aβ from brains, behavioral and cognitive effects of this compound remain controversial.

Findings

In efforts to clarify these behavioral findings, mutant APP/PS1 mice were acutely dosed with bexarotene. While ABCA1 was upregulated in mutant APP/PS1 mice treated with bexarotene, this drug failed to attenuate Aβ plaques or cognitive deficits in these mice.

Conclusions

We recommend rigorous preclinical study to evaluate the mechanism and utility of such a compound for AD therapy.
Adverse drug reactions reported by consumers for nervous system medications in Europe 2007 to 2011
Authors: Aagaard Lise , Hansen Ebba Holme
Published: June 2013

Background

Reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) has traditionally been the sole province of healthcare professionals. In the European Union, more countries have allowed consumers to report ADRs directly to the regulatory agencies. The aim of this study was to characterize ADRs reported by European consumer for nervous system medications.

Methods

ADRs reported by consumers for nervous system medications (ATC group N) from 2007 to 2011 and located in the European ADR database, EudraVigilance, were analysed. Data were categorized with respect to age and sex, category and seriousness of reported ADRs and medications. The unit of analysis was one ADR.

Results

We located 4766 ADRs reported for nervous system medications, and one half of these were serious including 19 deaths. Less than 5% of ADRs were reported in children. Totally, 58% of ADRs were reported for women, 42% for men. The majority of reported ADRs were of the types “nervous system disorders” (18% of total ADRs) followed by “psychiatric disorders” (18% of total ADRs) and “general disorders” (15% of total ADRs) which also were the system organ classes in which the majority of serious ADRs were found. ADR reports encompassed medicines from the therapeutic groups: antiepileptics (ATC group N03) (36% of total ADRs), parasympathomimetics (ATC group N07) (22% of total ADRs) and antidepressants ATC group N06A (9% of total ADRs). Antiepileptics were the therapeutic group with the highest share of serious ADRs (60%) followed by antidepressants (15%). Many serious ADRs were reported for pregabalin and varenicline.

Conclusions

The majority of ADRs from nervous system mediations reported by consumers that were identified from the EudraVigilance database were serious. The value of consumer reports in pharmacovigilance still remains unclarified.
High-precision vision-based mobile augmented reality system for context-aware architectural, engineering, construction and facility management (AEC/FM) applications
Authors: Bae Hyojoon , Golparvar-Fard Mani , White Jules
Published: June 2013

Background

Many context-aware techniques have been proposed to deliver cyber-information, such as project specifications or drawings, to on-site users by intelligently interpreting their environment. However, these techniques primarily rely on RF-based location tracking technologies (e.g., GPS or WLAN), which typically do not provide sufficient precision in congested construction sites or require additional hardware and custom mobile devices.

Method

This paper presents a new vision-based mobile augmented reality system that allows field personnel to query and access 3D cyber-information on-site by using photographs taken from standard mobile devices. The system does not require any location tracking modules, external hardware attachments, and/or optical fiducial markers for localizing a user’s position. Rather, the user’s location and orientation are purely derived by comparing images from the user’s mobile device to a 3D point cloud model generated from a set of pre-collected site photographs.

Results

The experimental results show that 1) the underlying 3D reconstruction module of the system generates complete 3D point cloud models of target scene, and is up to 35 times faster than other state-of-the-art Structure-from-Motion (SfM) algorithms, 2) the localization time takes at most few seconds in actual construction site.

Conclusion

The localization speed and empirical accuracy of the system provides the ability to use the system on real-world construction sites. Using an actual construction case study, the perceived benefits and limitations of the proposed method for on-site context-aware applications are discussed in detail.
SIRIUS, Seismic Risk Indicator in Urban Space
Authors: de Sá Francisco Mota , Oliveira Carlos Sousa , Ferreira Mónica Amaral
Published: June 2013

Despite numerous research efforts in recent years, seismic risk continues to be difficult to perceive and communicate. Although researchers have access to sophisticated tools that can quantify seismic risk, such groups as public authorities, land use and urban planners, stakeholders, end-users, and citizens should also be able to access simple seismic risk information. Thus, SIRIUS was built and mapped into a scale following the Weber and Fechner perception law, with impacts described in a simple yet meaningful language while capturing the two most fundamental dimensions that explain risk variability along the urban space: the reliability deficit and human concentration. With SIRIUS, at-risk places and the reasons why seismic risk is a concern are easy to identify and communicate. To illustrate the potential of this robust indicator, an application of SIRIUS to the city of Lisbon is presented.
Syndecan 4 interacts genetically with Vangl2 to regulate neural tube closure and planar cell polarity
Authors: Escobedo Noelia , Contreras Osvaldo , Muñoz Rosana , Farías Marjorie , Carrasco Héctor , Hill Charlotte , Tran Uyen , Pryor Sophie E. , Wessely Oliver , Copp Andrew J. , Larraín Juan
Published: June 2013

Syndecan 4 (Sdc4) is a cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) that regulates gastrulation, neural tube closure and directed neural crest migration in Xenopus development. To determine whether Sdc4 participates in Wnt/PCP signaling during mouse development, we evaluated a possible interaction between a null mutation of Sdc4 and the loop-tail allele of Vangl2. Sdc4 is expressed in multiple tissues, but particularly in the non-neural ectoderm, hindgut and otic vesicles. Sdc4;Vangl2Lp compound mutant mice have defective spinal neural tube closure, disrupted orientation of the stereocilia bundles in the cochlea and delayed wound healing, demonstrating a strong genetic interaction. In Xenopus, co-injection of suboptimal amounts of Sdc4 and Vangl2 morpholinos resulted in a significantly greater proportion of embryos with defective neural tube closure than each individual morpholino alone. To probe the mechanism of this interaction, we overexpressed or knocked down Vangl2 function in HEK293 cells. The Sdc4 and Vangl2 proteins colocalize, and Vangl2, particularly the Vangl2Lp mutant form, diminishes Sdc4 protein levels. Conversely, Vangl2 knockdown enhances Sdc4 protein levels. Overall HSPG steady-state levels were regulated by Vangl2, suggesting a molecular mechanism for the genetic interaction in which Vangl2Lp/+ enhances the Sdc4-null phenotype. This could be mediated via heparan sulfate residues, as Vangl2Lp/+ embryos fail to initiate neural tube closure and develop craniorachischisis (usually seen only in Vangl2Lp/Lp) when cultured in the presence of chlorate, a sulfation inhibitor. These results demonstrate that Sdc4 can participate in the Wnt/PCP pathway, unveiling its importance during neural tube closure in mammalian embryos.
Tubulogenesis in a simple cell cord requires the formation of bi-apical cells through two discrete Par domains
Authors: Denker Elsa , Bočina Ivana , Jiang Di
Published: June 2013

Apico-basal polarization is a crucial step in the de novo formation of biological tubes. In Ciona notochord, tubulogenesis occurs in a single file of cells in the absence of cell proliferation. This configuration presents a unique challenge for the formation of a continuous lumen. Here, we show that this geometric configuration is associated with a novel polarization strategy: the generation of bipolar epithelial cells possessing two apical/luminal domains instead of one, as in the conventional epithelium. At the molecular level, cells establish two discrete Par3/Par6/aPKC patches, and form two sets of tight junctions, in opposite points of the cells. The key molecule controlling the formation of both domains is Par3. Changing the position of the cells within the organ fundamentally changes their polarity and the number of apical domains they develop. These results reveal a new mechanism for tubulogenesis from the simplest cell arrangement, which occurs in other developmental contexts, including vertebrate vascular anastomosis.
RNA-directed DNA methylation regulates parental genomic imprinting at several loci in Arabidopsis
Authors: Vu Thiet Minh , Nakamura Miyuki , Calarco Joseph P. , Susaki Daichi , Lim Pei Qi , Kinoshita Tetsu , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Martienssen Robert A. , Berger Frédéric
Published: June 2013

In mammals and plants, parental genomic imprinting restricts the expression of specific loci to one parental allele. Imprinting in mammals relies on sex-dependent de novo deposition of DNA methylation during gametogenesis but a comparable mechanism was not shown in plants. Rather, paternal silencing by the maintenance DNA methyltransferase 1 (MET1) and maternal activation by the DNA demethylase DEMETER (DME) cause maternal expression. However, genome-wide studies suggested other DNA methylation-dependent imprinting mechanisms. Here, we show that de novo RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) regulates imprinting at specific loci expressed in endosperm. RdDM in somatic tissues is required to silence expression of the paternal allele. By contrast, the repression of RdDM in female gametes participates with or without DME requirement in the activation of the maternal allele. The contrasted activity of DNA methylation between male and female gametes appears sufficient to prime imprinted maternal expression. After fertilization, MET1 maintains differential expression between the parental alleles. RdDM depends on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The involvement of RdDM in imprinting supports the idea that sources of siRNAs such as transposons and de novo DNA methylation were recruited in a convergent manner in plants and mammals in the evolutionary process leading to selection of imprinted loci.
A practical approach to rabbit nutrition
Authors: Bose Hannah
Published: June 2013

The nutritional requirements of pet rabbits warrant analysis due to the close association between inappropriate diet and disease. With the multitude of choice of rabbit dry foods available, it is useful to know the difference between them and the current recommendations. In this article, nine rabbit foods available in the UK are presented in terms of their nutritional analysis, with a discussion of the fibre, protein, calcium and phosphorus components. The feeds produced by Burgess Pet Care and Supreme Pet Foods are the veterinary diets named and analysed.
Interaction of DNA Bases with Gold Substrates
Authors: Rosa Marta , Sun Wenming , Felice Rosa Di
Published: June 2013

The interaction of molecules with inorganic substrates is a crucial issue forapplications in molecular electronics. It influences important factors suchas the immobilization efficiency and the charge injection through the inter-face. Moreover, mechanical aspects connected to the unfolding of biologicalmolecules are important.We hereby present recent efforts in our group to tackle these problems,based on density functional theory calculations. In particular, we discussour results on the adsorption of cytosine on Au(111) and on the interactionof guanine, in its natural and size-expanded forms, with small Au clusters.We find that cytosine binds to the Au(111) surface with a mechanism thatinvolves charge sharing, intermediate between chemisorption and physisorp-tion. The investigation of small complexes between guanine and gold clustersreveals the formation of hydrogen bonds: these configurations with unusualbonds are relevant at the corners of nanoparticles, while they can probably beneglected when DNA binds on flat extended metal surfaces.
Formation of Dimers Composed of a Single Short dsDNA Connecting Two Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Dachlika Haya , Stern Avigail , Rotem Dvir , Porath Danny
Published: June 2013

We report synthesis of dimers composed of a single short double-stranded(ds)DNA molecule connecting two gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Such struc-tures may be useful for electrical transport measurements through dsDNAmolecules and for other research purposes. When the DNA molecules areshort with respect to the size of the GNP, gel electrophoresis cannot separ-ate GNPs with different numbers of DNA molecules attached to them. Wepresent two methods to separate GNPs connected to single short thiolatedsingle-stranded (ss)DNA. The separation is performed by hybridizing theDNA/GNP conjugates with long, partially complementary, ssDNA or withcomplementary ssDNA connected to GNPs of smaller size. The separatedGNPs with a single short ssDNA were used to form dimers consisting ofGNPs connected by a single short dsDNA molecule.
Increasing Water Stewardship Responsibility: Water Protection Obligations and the Watershed Management Policy Affecting Farmers in Lucerne, Switzerland
Authors: Shepheard Mark , Norer Roland
Published: June 2013

Water policy reform in Switzerland has sought to create a watershed management framework to increase personal responsibility for sustainable water management, while simultaneously incorporating all relevant interests and addressing conflicts between them. These watershed reforms are occurring in parallel with a legal regime that has grappled with implementing farmer liability for harm to water resources. A statutory duty of care is viewed as a fundamental element of defining the stewardship responsibilities of farmers. This draws on the role of a duty in increasing personal responsibility through liability. To this end, we have examined the duty of care for water in Swiss Federal law and the body of law and policy associated with its application agriculture in the Canton of Lucerne. This analysis should contribute to an evolving body of knowledge about liability for damage to natural resources and, in particular, developing knowledge about the conception of environmental harm, and effective alignment of farmers' resource stewardship responsibilities with social expectations of environmental protection.
Beyond marginalization: Kungfu Kindergarten as a ‘glocal’ response to Kungfu Panda
Authors: Chen Luying
Published: June 2013

This article discusses how the Hong Kong animated film Mai Dou xiang dangdang/McDull: Kungfu Kindergarten (Xie 2009, hereafter Kungfu Kindergarten) responds both to Dreamwork’s film Kungfu Panda (Stevenson and Osborne 2008) and mainland Chinese receptions of Kungfu Panda. Whereas
the latter demonstrate how globalization coopts the local into its powerful discourse to create various national or nationalist responses, Kungfu Kindergarten constitutes a ‘glocal’ reaction. It forms a counter discourse to the discourse of magic in Kungfu Panda, thereby reviving
the Daoist discourse of ziran, defined by the Daoist master in the film as ‘self, unpretentious, and undistorted.’ Instead of returning Daoism to the Chinese national(ist) discourse, however, the film further redefines ziran as a transnational feminine discourse. Situated within
the context of China’s response to Western modernity and post-colonial Hong Kong’s relationship to mainland China and the West, the film articulates a Hong Kong voice which offers China an exit out of marginalization and self-marginalization since the Opium War.
Usefulness of EGI EEG system in brain computer interface research
Authors: Wójcik Grzegorz M. , Mikołajewska Emilia , Mikołajewski Dariusz , Wierzgała Piotr , Gajos Anna , Smolira Marcin
Published: June 2013

Despite the quick development of medicine and associated medical technology, there are still many patients with very severe neurological deficits who need far more sophisticated solutions, such as brain computer interfaces (BCIs). Our research aims at becoming familiar with BCI technology and the assessment of the possibilities of selected subjects in the area of P300-based BCI. An indirect aim is a discussion on the procedures of patient preparation for BCI installation, possible threats and limitations. Our research presents one of the possible efforts towards better documentation of investigating neural correlates of brain processing.
Imaging of the heart with phonocardiography
Authors: Sochocka Anna , Kawa Tomasz , Kopański Konrad , Kujdowicz Monika , Lasko Paweł , Micek Stanisław , Płaneta Roman , Smoleń Magda , Sosin Zbigniew , Sobczyk Dorota
Published: June 2013

This paper focuses on techniques of phonocardiographic image registration. Simultaneous measurements of sound wave amplitudes from above the chest of a healthy person were performed by means of piezoelectric microphones. The location of the source of sound waves can be determined by implementing the size of the amplitudes. Sound source changes its position in time and moves the wheel tracks covering the entire heart or accumulate in some places. A comparison of the results of heart auscultation with an image received by echocardiography was possible due to the fact that the collected phonocardiographic measurements and echocardiographic examination were obtained with ECG sampling. The occurrence of the specific events from the heart auscultation was attributed to their genesis mechanism.
Structural role of exons in hemoglobin
Authors: Piwowar Monika , Banach Mateusz , Konieczny Leszek , Chomilier Jacques , Roterman Irena
Published: June 2013

The role of exons can be studied on many levels, one of which pertains to protein structure. It is a well-known fact that secondary structural motifs do not directly correspond to exons: helices, β-sheets and loops have all been identified as encoded by more than one exon. The relation between exon fragments and their involvement in shaping the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a protein body is subject to ongoing studies. In particular, the role of exons in stabilizing tertiary structures can be related to the structure of the hydrophobic core of the protein. Participation of specific polypeptide fragments (single exons) in hydrophobic stabilization reveals the role played by each fragment. In the course of the presented research, exons in selected proteins have been identified on the basis of GenBank files, imported from the nucleotide database at the National Center of Biotechnology Information. Amino acid sequences representing each exon were subsequently traced to parts of 3D structural forms. The participation of each exon fragment in shaping the hydrophobic core of the protein was measured using divergence entropy calculations. It was found that each protein contains at least one exon which encodes a structural fragment in accordance with the theoretical hydrophobic core model. This implies that the likely role of at least one exon in each protein is to generate a hydrophobic core which is, in turn, responsible for tertiary structural stabilization.
Time-frequency analysis of accelerometry data for seizure detection
Authors: Korohoda Przemysław , Kołodziej Jacek , Stępień Jacek
Published: June 2013

This article presents an algorithm based on a short-time Fourier transform for reliable detection of epileptic seizures measured with three-dimensional (3D) accelerometry. The objective of the described work is to provide basic technical information to create useful alarm models for epileptic seizure detection using a mobile phone. The presented material is based on experimental measurements. Finally, the possibility of increasing smartphone detection capability by attaching a triaxial piezoelectric accelerometer to the patient’s wrist is suggested.
Assessment of thermal diffusion in the natural biological environment
Authors: Sypka Przemysław , Korohoda Przemysław , Kucza Jarosław
Published: June 2013

In this article, the application of the Ångström method in estimating the thermal diffusion parameter in an example of natural biological environment is described. The present study is based on measurements performed in forest soils. The main advantage of the suggested procedure is that it does not need the collection of samples of the soil for a later study in the laboratory. Collecting such data is typically very laborious and requires the preservation of the natural content and structure of all elements of the soil profile in the samples, such as organic components, soil parts, or rocks. The harmonic time runs necessary to implement the Ångström method were computed with the short-time Fourier transform. The obtained results, compared with reference values taken from literature, confirm the accuracy of the proposed methodology.
Impact of Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting on the Symptoms of Reflux in Oronasal Fistulas: A Patient-Related Outcome Study
Authors: Pepper Hannah B. , Revington Peter J. , Deacon Scott , Thomas Steve
Published: June 2013

Objective

To establish for the first time the prevalence of fistula symptoms and the effectiveness of secondary alveolar bone grafting to treat these symptoms in a single surgeon cohort in Bristol, United Kingdom.

Design

Direct questioning of 233 consecutive patients with cleft before and after secondary alveolar bone grafting as to the presence of fistula symptoms.

Setting

Southwest and South Wales Cleft Centre, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.

Participants

Consecutive patients with cleft who were being treated for secondary alveolar bone grafting.

Outcome Measure

Patients reporting presence of fistula symptoms. Data collection on cleft type (unilateral, bilateral), date of birth, and age at secondary alveolar bone grafting.

Results

Of the 167 unilateral patients with cleft lip and palate and 66 patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 45% had symptoms of a fistula before alveolar bone grafting and 10% had symptoms of a fistula after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences between the presence of symptoms before or after secondary alveolar bone grafting between cleft types or by age at secondary alveolar bone grafting.

Conclusion

This is the first study examining the rates of fistula symptoms before and after secondary alveolar bone grafting in the United Kingdom. This study used the patient-centered outcome of the presence of symptoms as a way of measuring the presence of fistulas in this group. Secondary alveolar bone grafting reduces the incidence of symptomatic fistula in this setting.
Data envelopment analysis in target setting of water utilities
Authors: Mugisha Silver
Published: June 2013

Past studies have linked goal difficulty, participation and acceptability to goal commitment and performance outcomes. This study pinpoints another frequently forgotten but important issue – the impact on implied technical efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs) involved in the goal setting process. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique is used to derive targets and technical efficiencies of 19 sub-utilities of the Uganda National Water and Sewerage Corporation and the DEA targets are compared with negotiated targets. Technical efficiencies for the two scenarios are also contrasted. The results indicate that, even if a goal setting process has incorporated tenets of participation, acceptability and goal difficulty, it may not necessarily guarantee improved technical efficiency of all DMUs.
Eliminating Malaria in the American South: An Analysis of the Decline of Malaria in 1930s Alabama
Authors: Sledge Daniel , Mohler George
Published: June 2013

Until the 1930s, malaria was endemic throughout large swaths of the American South. We used a Poisson mixture model to analyze the decline of malaria at the county level in Alabama (an archetypical Deep South cotton state) during the 1930s. Employing a novel data set, we argue that, contrary to a leading theory, the decline of malaria in the American South was not caused by population movement away from malarial areas or the decline of Southern tenant farming. We elaborate and provide evidence for an alternate explanation that emphasizes the role of targeted New Deal–era public health interventions and the development of local-level public health infrastructure. We show that, rather than disappearing as a consequence of social change or economic improvements, malaria was eliminated in the Southern United States in the face of economic dislocation and widespread and deep-seated poverty.
Measles Vaccination Before the Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine
Authors: Hendriks Jan , Blume Stuart
Published: June 2013

At the beginning of the 1960s, it was clear that a vaccine against measles would soon be available. Although measles was (and remains) a killer disease in the developing world, in the United States and Western Europe this was no longer so. Many parents and many medical practitioners considered measles an inevitable stage of a child’s development. Debating the desirability of measles immunization, public health experts reasoned differently. In the United States, introduction of the vaccine fit well with Kennedy’s and Johnson’s administrations’ political commitments. European policymakers proceeded cautiously, concerned about the acceptability of existing vaccination programs. In Sweden and the Netherlands, recent experience in controlling polio led researchers to prefer an inactivated virus vaccine. Although in the early 1970s attempts to develop a sufficiently potent inactivated vaccine were abandoned, we have argued that the debates and initiatives of the time during the vaccine’s early history merit reflection in today’s era of standardization and global markets.
Smoking and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Younger, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults
Authors: Tolstrup Janne S. , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A. , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Spiegelman Donna , Heitmann Berit L. , Bälter Katarina , Goldbourt Uri , Hallmans Göran , Knekt Paul , Liu Simin , Pereira Mark , Stevens June , Virtamo Jarmo , Feskanich Diane
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We investigated associations of smoking and coronary heart disease (CHD) by age.

Methods. Data came from the Pooling Project on Diet and Coronary Heart Disease (8 prospective studies, 1974–1996; n = 192 067 women and 74 720 men, aged 40–89 years).

Results. During follow-up, 4326 cases of CHD were reported. Relative to never smokers, CHD risk among current smokers was highest in the youngest and lowest in the oldest participants. For example, among women aged 40 to 49 years the hazard ratio was 8.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.0, 14) and 3.1 (95% CI = 2.0, 4.9) among those aged 70 years or older. The largest absolute risk differences between current smokers and never smokers were observed among the oldest participants. Finally, the majority of CHD cases among smokers were attributable to smoking. For example, attributable proportions of CHD by age group were 88% (40-49 years), 81% (50-59 years), 71% for (60-69 years), and 68% (≥ 70 years) among women who smoked.

Conclusions. Among smokers, the majority of CHD cases are attributable to smoking in all age groups. Smoking prevention is important, irrespective of age.
Correlates of HIV Infection Among Transfemales, San Francisco, 2010: Results From a Respondent-Driven Sampling Study
Authors: Rapues Jenna , Wilson Erin C. , Packer Tracey , Colfax Grant N. , Raymond H. Fisher
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We evaluated the use of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) among a high-risk population of transfemales. We also obtained up-to-date epidemiological data on HIV infection and related correlates among this population.

Methods. We evaluated the utility of RDS in recruiting a sample of 314 transfemales in San Francisco, California, from August to December 2010 by examining patterns of recruitment and assessing network sizes and equilibrium. We used RDS weights to conduct bivariate and multivariate analyses of correlates of HIV infection.

Results. The sample had moderate homophily and reached equilibrium at the eighth wave of recruitment. Weighted HIV prevalence among transfemales was 39.5%. Being a transfemale of color, using injection drugs, and having low educational attainment were independently associated with HIV infection and having a high number of sexual partners and identifying as female were not.

Conclusions. RDS performed well and allowed for analyses that are generalizable to the population from which the sample was drawn. Transfemales in San Francisco are disproportionately affected by HIV compared with all other groups except men who have sex with men who also inject drugs.
Health Disparities Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults: Results From a Population-Based Study
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen I. , Kim Hyun-Jun , Barkan Susan E. , Muraco Anna , Hoy-Ellis Charles P.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We investigated health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults aged 50 years and older.

Methods. We analyzed data from the 2003–2010 Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 96 992) on health outcomes, chronic conditions, access to care, behaviors, and screening by gender and sexual orientation with adjusted logistic regressions.

Results. LGB older adults had higher risk of disability, poor mental health, smoking, and excessive drinking than did heterosexuals. Lesbians and bisexual women had higher risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity, and gay and bisexual men had higher risk of poor physical health and living alone than did heterosexuals. Lesbians reported a higher rate of excessive drinking than did bisexual women; bisexual men reported a higher rate of diabetes and a lower rate of being tested for HIV than did gay men.

Conclusions. Tailored interventions are needed to address the health disparities and unique health needs of LGB older adults. Research across the life course is needed to better understand health disparities by sexual orientation and age, and to assess subgroup differences within these communities.
Facilitators and Barriers to Discussing HIV Prevention With Adolescents: Perspectives of HIV-Infected Parents
Authors: Edwards Laura L. , Reis Janet S. , Weber Kathleen M.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We examined HIV-infected parents’ conversations about HIV prevention with their uninfected children, including what facilitated or hindered communication.

Methods. Parents with HIV/AIDS (n = 90) who had children aged 10 to 18 years were recruited for a mixed method study from 2009 to 2010. Interviews assessed facilitators and barriers to discussing HIV prevention. A questionnaire identified the frequency and content of conversations, parental confidence level, and perceived importance of discussing preventive topics.

Results. Eighty-one percent of parents reported “sometimes” or “often” communicating about HIV prevention. A subset of parents found these conversations difficult; 44% indicated their desire for support. Facilitators to communication included utilizing support, focusing on the benefits of talking, and having a previous relationship with one’s child. Barriers to discussions included fear of negative consequences, living in denial, and lacking a parental role model who discussed safer sex. Parents varied as to how they believed their HIV status affected communication. Those who did not disclose their HIV status to their children reported less frequent communication; self-efficacy partially mediated this relationship.

Conclusions. Findings highlighted the need for communication skills training that support HIV-infected parents in their efforts to discuss HIV-related information with adolescents.
Criminalization of HIV Transmission and Exposure: Research and Policy Agenda
Authors: Lazzarini Zita , Galletly Carol L. , Mykhalovskiy Eric , Harsono Dini , O’Keefe Elaine , Singer Merrill , Levine Robert J.
Published: June 2013

More than half of US jurisdictions have laws criminalizing knowing exposure to or transmission of HIV, yet little evidence supports these laws’ effectiveness in reducing HIV incidence. These laws may undermine prevention efforts outlined in the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy, in which the United States has invested substantial federal funds.

Future research should include studies of (1) the impact of US HIV exposure laws on public health systems and practices; (2) enforcement of these laws, including arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and sentencing; (3) alternatives to HIV exposure laws; and (4) direct and opportunity costs of enforcement.

Policy efforts to mitigate potential negative impacts of these laws could include developing prosecutorial guidelines, modernized statutes, and model public health policies and protocols.
Mortality From a Tornado Outbreak, Alabama, April 27, 2011
Authors: Chiu Cindy H. , Schnall Amy H. , Mertzlufft Caitlin E. , Noe Rebecca S. , Wolkin Amy F. , Spears Jeanne , Casey-Lockyer Mary , Vagi Sara J.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We describe the demographics of the decedents from the tornado outbreak in Alabama on April 27, 2011; examine the circumstances of death surrounding these fatalities; and identify measures to prevent future tornado-related fatalities.

Methods. We collected information about the decedents from death certificates, disaster-related mortality surveillance, and interview data collected by American Red Cross volunteers from the decedent’s families. We describe demographic characteristics, circumstances and causes of death, and sheltering behaviors before death.

Results. Of the 247 fatalities, females and older adults were at highest risk for tornado-related deaths. Most deaths were directly related to the tornadoes, on scene, and trauma-related. The majority of the deceased were indoors in single-family homes. Word of mouth was the most common warning mechanism.

Conclusions. This tornado event was the third deadliest in recent US history. Our findings support the need for local community shelters, enhanced messaging to inform the public of shelter locations, and encouragement of word-of-mouth warnings and personal and family preparedness planning, with a special focus on assisting vulnerable individuals in taking shelter.
Relations of Depressive Symptoms and Antidepressant Use to Body Mass Index and Selected Biomarkers for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ma Yunsheng , Balasubramanian Raji , Pagoto Sherry L. , Schneider Kristin L. , Hébert James R. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Goveas Joseph S. , Culver Annie L. , Olendzki Barbara C. , Beck James , Smoller Jordan W. , Sepavich Deidre M. , Ockene Judith K. , Uebelacker Lisa , Zorn Martha , Liu Simin
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We investigated whether depressive symptoms and antidepressant use are associated with biomarkers for glucose dysregulation and inflammation, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.

Methods. Postmenopausal women were recruited into the Women’s Health Initiative from 1993 to 1998, and data were collected at regular intervals through 2005. We used multiple linear regression models to examine whether depressive symptoms and antidepressant use are associated with BMI, waist circumference, and biomarkers.

Results. Analysis of data from 71 809 women who completed all relevant baseline and year 3 assessments showed that both elevated depressive symptoms and antidepressant use were significantly associated with higher BMI and waist circumference. Among 1950 women, elevated depressive symptoms were significantly associated with increased insulin levels and measures of insulin resistance. Analyses of baseline data from 2242 women showed that both elevated depressive symptoms and antidepressant use were associated with higher C-reactive protein levels.

Conclusions. Monitoring body habitus and other biomarkers among women with elevated depression symptoms or taking antidepressant medication may be prudent to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Improving Utility of Evidence Synthesis for Healthy Public Policy: the Three Rs (Relevance, Rigor, and Readability [and Resources])
Authors: Thomson Hilary
Published: June 2013

Systematic reviews have the potential to promote knowledge exchange between researchers and decision-makers. Review planning requires engagement with evidence users to ensure preparation of relevant reviews, and well-conducted reviews should provide accessible and reliable synthesis to support decision-making. Yet, systematic reviews are not routinely referred to by decision-makers, and innovative approaches to improve the utility of reviews is needed. Evidence synthesis for healthy public policy is typically complex and methodologically challenging. Although not lessening the value of reviews, these challenges can be overwhelming and threaten their utility. Using the interrelated principles of relevance, rigor, and readability, and in light of available resources, this article considers how utility of evidence synthesis for healthy public policy might be improved.
Subject Body Mass Index Affects Doppler Waveform in Celiac Artery by Duplex Ultrasound
Authors: Asbeutah Akram M , Bakir Yousif Y , Swamy Nayanatara , Absuetah Abdul Aziz A , Abu-Asi Muna A , Sharma Prem
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on peak systolic velocity (PSV) recording in the celiac artery (CA).

Subjects & Methods:

Forty male participants were entered prospectively into the study. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their body mass index. Group A included subjects with BMI ≤25 Kg/m2 and those in group B with BMI >25 Kg/m2. The diameter and PSV at the origin of CA of subjects in both groups were recorded while the subject positioned in supine and during expiration phase and fasted for 4 hours using duplex ultrasound. Both groups were matched for age and sex. Independent Student’s t-test was used to test if there is any statistical significance between diameter and PSV in both groups.

Results:

Group A’s, average age (year, ±SD) was 29.35±1.35 and average BMI (Kg/m2, ±SD) was 23.1±1.60. Group B’s, average age was 30±2.1 and their average BMI was 31±5.1. The average diameter (cm, ±SD) of CA in group A was 0.66±0.076 and in group B was 0.80±0.066. However, the average PSV (cm/s, ±SD) was 117±28.1 in group A and 102±12.4 in group B. Independent student t-test showed statistical significance between both groups for the diameter (p=0.005) and just reached statistical significance for PSV (p=0.049).

Conclusion:

Subjects with higher BMI showed reduced PSV due to a larger CA diameter and probably due to more fatty tissue accumulation around the CA origin.