bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Dissemination of Potentially Better Practices for the Provision of Family-Centered Care in Neonatology: The Family-Centered Care Map
Authors: Dunn Michael S. , Reilly Maureen C. , Johnston Anne M. , Hoopes Robert D. , Abraham Marie R.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. Family-centered care has become integral to the provision of quality neonatal intensive care. However, practices that reflect the core principles of family-centered care have not been described fully in the literature or implemented and evaluated consistently within newborn intensive care. The objective of this study was to create a family-centered care map that enhances the ability of the health care team to work with families to coordinate and deliver care in a holistic manner to meet the developmental, physical, and psychosocial needs of NICU patients and their families.

METHODS. Potentially better practices were developed for sequential clinical phases by using standardized methods. These included focus groups with families, brainstorming sessions with staff, literature review, and input from established family advisory groups and family-centered care experts. Potentially better practices then were integrated into the family-centered care map that was configured in a Web-based format. Overall utility will be evaluated by determining the effect of the family-centered care map on length of stay, parental satisfaction, and family-centered care beliefs and practices among NICU staff.

RESULTS. Sixty-three potentially better practices were identified for 7 clinical phases and 3 variations that were believed to characterize the clinical course of a typical NICU patient. A prototype of the Web-based family-centered care map that illustrates the clinical phases with links to the related potentially better practices, operational processes, and case studies was created. Baseline data from a care provider survey, from a family satisfaction survey, and on length of stay have been collected.

CONCLUSIONS. Quality improvement methods and collaboration among 3 centers led to the development of an innovative Web-based resource to assist individual care providers and family advisors to provide comprehensive family-centered care to infants and families. Implementation of the family-centered care map has potential to affect positively the quality of newborn intensive care and lead to improved long-term outcomes.
Evaluation and Development of Potentially Better Practices to Improve the Discharge Process in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sims Debra C. , Jacob Jack , Mills Marla M. , Fett Patricia A. , Novak Gayle
Published: November 2006

Objective. Our goal was to identify potentially better practices that create a successful discharge planning process that spans the entire newborn intensive care stay to the next level of care by embedding the discharge planning into all aspects of patient care and communication.

Methods. Potentially better practices were developed through recommendations from a content expert and a literature review. Internal benchmarking, self-assessment tools, monthly conference calls, the Neonatal Intensive Care Quality Improvement Collaborative 2002 listserv, parent feedback, and semiannual conferences were used to finalize recommendations and implement practices.

Results. Potentially better practices included (1) create an easy-to-use/easy-to-access discharge planning tool kit, (2) restructure written and oral communication tools and processes to reflect plans for the day, the stay, and the way to discharge, (3) maximize the impact and use of caregiver educational tools, and update materials and delivery systems for caregiver education, (4) use continuous quality improvement tools and processes to ensure parent/caregiver and staff satisfaction, and (5) analyze and enhance transfers into and interactions with the community.

Conclusion. The potentially better practices are recommendations that are designed to integrate organizational, clinical, and operational processes to ensure optimal discharge planning from admission through follow-up in the community.
Overcoming Barriers to Oxygen Saturation Targeting
Authors: Ford Susannah P. , Leick-Rude Mary Kay , Meinert Kerri A. , Anderson Betsi , Sheehan Michael B. , Haney Barbara M. , Leeks Sherri R. , Simon Stephen D. , Jackson Jodi K.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. To reduce hyperoxia in very low birth weight infants who receive supplemental oxygen, the Children’s Mercy Hospital neonatal respiratory quality improvement committee introduced the potentially better practice of oxygen saturation targeting and identified strategies to overcome barriers to implementation of this practice.

METHODS. Using rapid-cycle quality improvement projects, this center adapted an oxygen saturation targeting protocol and tracked hourly oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry in very low birth weight infants who received supplemental oxygen.

RESULTS. The percentage of time in the range of 90% to 94% of oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry increased from 20% to an average of 35% after implementation of the protocol. The percentage of time with oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry >98% dropped from 30% to an average of 5% to 10%.

CONCLUSIONS. A well-planned strategy for implementing oxygen saturation targeting can result in a sustained change in clinical practice as well as change in the culture of the NICU regarding the use of oxygen.
Recent Trends in Waist Circumference and Waist-Height Ratio Among US Children and Adolescents
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Ford Earl S. , Mokdad Ali H. , Cook Stephen
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES. Abdominal obesity may be a better predictor than overall obesity for the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Waist circumference and waist-height ratio are 2 simple, yet effective, surrogate measures of abdominal obesity. We sought to examine the recent trends in mean waist circumference and waist-height ratio and prevalence of abdominal obesity among children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years in the United States.

METHODS. Representative samples of the civilian, noninstitutionalized US population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted during 4 time periods, 1988–1994 (ie, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III), 1999–2000, 2001–2002, and 2003–2004, were examined to estimate the mean waist circumference and waist-height ratio of boys and girls in 4 different age groups. Data from the 3 most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were combined to establish a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 category.

RESULTS. Categorized by age group, the unadjusted mean waist circumference for boys increased between National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 from 50.7 cm (aged 2–5 years), 61.9 cm (aged 6–11 years), 76.8 cm (aged 12–17 years), and 81.3 cm (aged 18–19 years) to 51.9, 64.5, 79.8, and 86.6 cm, respectively. During the same time periods and within the same age groups, the unadjusted mean waist circumference for girls increased from 51.0, 61.7, 75.0, and 77.7 cm to 51.8, 64.7, 78.9, and 83.9 cm, respectively. The relative change in waist-height ratio was similar to waist circumference at each age group for both boys and girls. Using the 90th percentile values of waist circumference for gender and age, the prevalence of abdominal obesity increased by 65.4% (from 10.5% to 17.4%) and 69.4% (from 10.5% to 17.8%) for boys and girls, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS. Mean waist circumference and waist-height ratio and the prevalence of abdominal obesity among US children and adolescents greatly increased between 1988–1994 and 1999–2004.
Fruit Juice Intake Predicts Increased Adiposity Gain in Children From Low-Income Families: Weight Status-by-Environment Interaction
Authors: Faith Myles S. , Dennison Barbara A. , Edmunds Lynn S. , Stratton Howard H.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to test the hypothesis that increased fruit juice intake and parental restriction of children's eating are associated with increased adiposity gain and whether exposure to nutritional counseling predicted reduced adiposity gain among children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. A sample of parents or guardians of children aged 1 to 4 years who attended 1 of 49 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children agencies in New York State were surveyed in 1999 or 2000 (N = 2801). The survey addressed children's dietary intake, parental feeding practices, and parental exposure to nutritional counseling messages to increase fruit, vegetable, and low-fat milk intakes. Each child's height and weight were measured approximately every 6 months for up to 48 months. A prospective cohort design was used in which survey variables were the predictors and the outcome was change in children's adiposity, defined as change in age- and gender-standardized BMI per month (ie, BMI z-score slope).

RESULTS. Controlling for gender and ethnicity, the relationship between juice intake and adiposity gain depended on children's initial overweight status. Among children who were initially either at risk for overweight or overweight, increased fruit juice intake was associated with excess adiposity gain, whereas parental offerings of whole fruits were associated with reduced adiposity gain. Each additional daily serving of fruit juice was associated with an excess adiposity gain of 0.009 SD per month. Feeding restriction was greater among parents whose children were initially at risk for overweight or overweight compared with those at a healthy weight. Parental exposure to nutritional messages was not associated with reduced child adiposity gain.

CONCLUSION. This study supports the Institute of Medicine recommendations to reduce fruit juice intake as a strategy for overweight prevention in high-risk children.
Counseling About Firearms: Proposed Legislation Is a Threat to Physicians and Their Patients
Authors: Vernick Jon S. , Teret Stephen P. , Smith Gary A. , Webster Daniel W.
Published: November 2006

In early 2006, 2 separate but virtually identical bills were introduced in the Virginia and West Virginia legislatures that would have profoundly affected the relationship between a physician and his or her patients. Each bill would have prohibited a physician from asking a patient if he or she owned firearms for the purpose of counseling that patient about ways to reduce risks associated with firearms. Penalties for violation of the bills included revocation of a physician's license to practice. The Virginia bill was initially approved by its state House of Delegates by a vote of 88 to 11. It was ultimately defeated in a Virginia Senate committee. The West Virginia bill did not receive a vote during the 2006 legislative session. Although neither bill became law this year, this type of bill is likely to reappear in future legislative sessions.

The Virginia and West Virginia bills were contrary to the best-practices recommendations of medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Anticipatory guidance regarding firearms can indeed reduce risks to patients. Yet, the bills would have preferred the judgment of legislators over physicians regarding this aspect of the practice of medicine. In addition, the 2 bills raise legal issues regarding both medical malpractice and the First Amendment protection of the freedom of speech.

The Virginia and West Virginia bills would have treated risks associated with firearms differently from other hazards and interfered with a physician's ability to protect his or her patients. The Virginia bill was defeated, in part, through the efforts of physicians to educate legislators. However, physicians must remain prepared to respond to similar state legislative initiatives in the future.
Exercise Therapy as a Treatment for Psychopathologic Conditions in Obese and Morbidly Obese Adolescents: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Daley Amanda J. , Copeland Robert J. , Wright Neil P. , Roalfe Andrea , Wales Jerry K. H.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. We conducted a proof-of-concept, randomized, controlled trial to investigate the effects of a supervised exercise therapy intervention on psychopathologic outcomes in obese adolescents.

METHODS. The participant sample consisted of 81 adolescents (age: 11–16 years) who had been referred to a children's hospital for evaluation of obesity or who responded to a community advertisement. Participants were assigned randomly to exercise therapy, an equal-contact exercise placebo intervention, or usual care. Intervention participants attended 3 one-on-one sessions per week for 8 weeks and then completed a home program for another 6 weeks. Outcomes included self-perceptions (self-esteem), depression, affect, physical activity, aerobic fitness, and BMI.

RESULTS. A total of 18 of 81 participants were categorized as morbidly obese (BMI SD score: >3.5; adult equivalent BMI: ≥40). At baseline, 30.3% of participants had a Children's Depression Inventory score of ≥13, and 27% reported recent suicidal ideation. Repeated-measures mixed analysis of covariance (controlling for baseline scores) revealed significant changes in physical self-worth, associated measures of self-esteem, and physical activity over time, consistently favoring exercise therapy. There were no significant changes in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS. Findings confirmed psychopathologic conditions as a serious health concern in obese and morbidly obese adolescents. Our study is the first randomized, controlled trial to demonstrate that a brief supervised exercise therapy intervention has the potential to improve psychopathologic outcomes significantly and to increase physical activity in obese adolescents, relative to usual care.
Cost-Outcome Analysis of Booster Seats for Auto Occupants Aged 4 to 7 Years
Authors: Miller Ted R. , Zaloshnja Eduard , Hendrie Delia
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to analyze the societal return on investment in booster seats and in laws requiring their use in the United States. Booster seats reduce crash-related injury. Their use is mandatory for vehicle occupants aged 4 to 7 years in most of the United States. This study estimates the injury cost savings attributable to booster seat use.

METHODS. Seat cost came from pricing on the Web and at retailers. Costs of passing and enforcing a legal mandate were estimated as a percentage of the costs of seat use. Injury risk when belted absent a seat was computed from national probability samples of crashes in the last years before booster seats entered into general use (1993–1999). Published estimates were used of the percentage of reduction in injuries achieved with booster seats, the mix of diagnoses reduced, and injury cost by diagnosis. The computations used a 3% discount rate. We studied the net cost per quality-adjusted life year saved, benefit-cost ratio, and net savings per seat.

RESULTS. A booster seat costs $30 plus $167 for maintenance and time spent on installation and use. This investment saves $1854 per seat, a return on investment of 9.4 to 1. Even lower bound estimates in sensitivity analysis indicated that society would benefit from the use of booster seats. Seat laws offer a return of 8.6 to 1.

CONCLUSIONS. Belt-positioning booster seats offer a sound return on investment. Booster seat use laws should be passed, publicized, and enforced nationwide.
Should Our Well-Child Care System Be Redesigned? A National Survey of Pediatricians
Authors: Coker Tumaini , Casalino Lawrence P. , Alexander G. Caleb , Lantos John
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to examine pediatricians' views about whether and how well-child care for children 0 to 5 years of age should be changed.

METHODS. A mail survey of a national random sample of 1000 general pediatricians was performed with a survey instrument that examined pediatricians' attitudes and behaviors toward our current way and an ideal way of providing well-child care. Results were analyzed for the following 3 major domains of change in well-child care: provider type, visit format, and visit location.

RESULTS. Sixty percent (n = 502) of eligible subjects responded to the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) rated the current US system as excellent or good in providing well-child care. Most pediatricians (85%–91%) reported that they are currently the main providers of anticipatory guidance, developmental screening, and psychosocial screening. However, a majority (54%–60%) reported that, in an ideal system that maximized the effectiveness and efficiency of care, nonphysicians would provide these services. Fewer pediatricians (24%) reported that ideally nonphysicians should provide the physical examination. The majority of respondents (79%–93%) reported that at least some anticipatory guidance, minor acute care, and chronic care services could be conducted through telephone or e-mail communication, and 55% stated that at least some well-child care services should be provided in alternative locations, such as day care centers. In multivariate analysis, support for these changes was distributed widely across pediatricians with varying personal and practice characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS. Although most pediatricians are generally satisfied with our current way of providing well-child care, a majority think that a system that is less reliant on physicians and face-to-face office visits would be a more effective and efficient way to provide care.
Environmental, Social, and Personal Correlates of Having Ever Had Sexual Intercourse Among American Indian Youths
Authors: Hellerstedt Wendy L. , Peterson-Hickey Melanie , Rhodes Kristine L. , Garwick Ann
Published: November 2006

Objectives. We examined the correlates of having ever had sexual intercourse among American Indians aged 13 to 18 years in Minnesota.

Methods. To assess key environmental, social, and individual correlates of sexual experience, we analyzed data from 4135 American Indian youths who participated in the 1998 and 2001 Minnesota Student Surveys.

Results. Forty-two percent of those aged 13 to 15 years and 69% of those aged 16 to 18 years reported that they had ever had sexual intercourse. Correlates of sexual experience varied by age and gender. School connections had the strongest negative associations with sexual experience in young girls, and living with a father had negative associations with sexual experience for younger, but not older, youths. Sexual experience was most strongly and positively associated with risk behaviors such as substance use, violence exposure, and violence perpetuation.

Conclusions. The strongest correlates of sexual experience for American Indian youths were high-risk behaviors and exposure to violence. Future work is needed to develop and employ measures that reflect youth assets and that specifically reflect the experiences of American Indian youths.
Effect of Cross-Level Interaction Between Individual and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status on Adult Mortality Rates
Authors: Winkleby Marilyn , Cubbin Catherine , Ahn David
Published: November 2006

Objective. We examined whether the influence of neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) on mortality differed by individual-level SES.

Methods. We used a population-based, mortality follow-up study of 4476 women and 3721 men, who were predominately non-HIspanic White and aged 25–74 years at baseline, from 82 neighborhoods in 4 California cities. Participants were surveyed between 1979 and 1990, and were followed until December 31, 2002 (1148 deaths; mean follow-up time 17.4 years). Neighborhood SES was defined by 5 census variables and was divided into 3 levels. Individual SES was defined by a composite of educational level and household income and was divided into tertiles.

Results. Death rates among women of low SES were highest in high-SES neighborhoods (1907/100000 person-years), lower in moderate-SES neighborhoods (1323), and lowest in low-SES neighborhoods (1128). Similar to women, rates among men of low SES were 1928, 1646, and 1590 in high-, moderate-, and low-SES neighborhoods, respectively. Differences were not explained by individual-level baseline risk factors.

Conclusion. The disparities in mortality by neighborhood of residence among women and men of low SES demonstrate that they do not benefit from the higher quality of resources and knowledge generally associated with neighborhoods that have higher SES.
Addressing Health Care Disparities and Increasing Workforce Diversity: The Next Step for the Dental, Medical, and Public Health Professions
Authors: Mitchell Dennis A. , Lassiter Shana L.
Published: November 2006

The racial/ethnic composition of our nation is projected to change drastically in the coming decades. It is therefore important that the health professions improve their efforts to provide culturally competent care to all patients.

We reviewed literature concerning health care disparities and workforce diversity issues—particularly within the oral health field—and provide a synthesis of recommendations to address these issues.

This review is highly relevant to both the medical and public health professions, because they are facing similar disparity and workforce issues. In addition, the recent establishment of relationships between oral health and certain systemic health conditions will elevate oral health promotion and disease prevention as important points of intervention in the quest to improve our nation’s public health.
Use of a GnRH Agonist and hCG to Obtain an Index of Testosterone Secretory Capacity in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Allen Camryn D. , McKinnon Allan J. , Lisle Allan T. , D'Occhio Michael J. , Johnston Stephen D.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: Testosterone secretion in mammals typically occurs in random pulses such that a single blood sample provides limited information on reproductive endocrine status. However, it has been shown in several species that an index of the prevailing testosterone biosynthetic capacity of the testes can be obtained by measuring the increase in circulating testosterone after injection of a GnRH agonist or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Hence, the aims of the present study were to examine fluctuations in testosterone secretion in the koala (n = 6) over a 24‐hour period and then characterise testosterone secretion after injection of the GnRH agonist buserelin (4 μg) or hCG (1000 IU). The latter was used to establish an index of the prevailing testosterone biosynthetic capacity of the koala testis. Individual koalas showed major changes in blood testosterone concentrations over 24 hours, but there was no apparent diurnal pattern of testosterone secretion (P > .05). Injection of buserelin and hCG resulted in an increase (P < .05) in blood testosterone concentration. After injection of exogenous hormone, near maximal concentrations of testosterone occurred at around 60 minutes. There was a tendency for plasma testosterone to decline after 90 minutes with buserelin, but concentrations remained close to the upper limit for 240 minutes with hCG. There were strong positive correlations between the average testosterone concentration over 24 hours and the maximum observed testosterone concentration after stimulation with GnRH and hCG (GnRH, r = .772; P = .07 and hCG, r = 1.0; P < .01). The findings in the present study confirmed that individual male koalas can show large fluctuations in blood testosterone concentrations over time and that a GnRH agonist and hCG can be used in the koala to obtain an index of the prevailing steroidogenic capacity of the testes.
No Association of Androgen Receptor GGN Repeat Length Polymorphism With Infertility in Indian Men
Authors: Rajender Singh , Rajani Vutukuri , Gupta Nalini J. , Chakravarty Baidyanath , Singh Lalji , Thangaraj Kumarasamy
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: Androgens, acting through the androgen receptor (AR), play a role in secondary sexual differentiation from the prenatal stage to adulthood, including spermatogenesis. The AR gene has 2 polymorphic trinucleotide repeats (CAG and GGN) in exon 1. The CAG repeat length polymorphism has been well studied in a variety of medical conditions, including male infertility. Many of these studies have shown an association of the expanded CAG repeats with male infertility, although this is not true for all populations. The GGN repeat, in contrast, has been less thoroughly studied. Thus far, only 4 reports worldwide have analyzed the GGN repeat, alone or in combination with the CAG repeat, in male infertility cases. No such study has been undertaken on infertile Indian men. Therefore, we have analyzed AR‐GGN repeats in a total of 595 Indian males, including 277 azoospemric, 97 oligozoospermic, and 21 oligoteratozoospermic cases, along with 200 normozoospermic controls. The analysis revealed no difference in the mean number or the range of the repeat between cases (mean = 21.51 repeats, range 15–26 repeats) and controls (mean 21.58 repeats, range 15–26 repeats). Furthermore, no difference was observed when azoospermic (mean = 21.53 repeats, range 15–26 repeats), oligozoospermic (mean = 21.46 repeats, range 15–26 repeats), and oligoteratozoospermic cases (mean = 21.48, range 19–26 repeats) were compared individually with the controls.
‘Stop Thinking of Culture as Geography’: Early Childhood Educators' Conceptions of Sociocultural Theory as an Informant to Curriculum
Authors: Edwards Suzy
Published: November 2006

The discourse and concepts associated with sociocultural theory have become increasingly important in discussion associated with early childhood education and curriculum at a theoretical level since the early 1990s. However, the extent to which such ideas have been adopted and understood by early childhood educators at the level of practice remains unclear. This study reports the findings from an investigation aimed at examining the understandings of sociocultural theory held by a group of early childhood educators and assistants without previous in-depth exposure to the discourse and concepts of sociocultural theory. The findings suggested that the educators initially interpreted sociocultural theory in multicultural terms. As opportunity to explore their ideas continued, this understanding shifted to one in which the educators saw sociocultural theory as related to the children they taught within their educational contexts. Questions were raised by the educators regarding the extent to which sociocultural theory challenged their existing sense of self as teachers.
Seen but Not Heard: Young Children, Improvised Singing and Educational Practice
Authors: Young Susan
Published: November 2006

In this article the author suggests that the persistence of a ‘performance model’ of early childhood music education has detracted attention from children's spontaneous musical activity. The article focuses on one dimension of children's spontaneous musicality: improvised singing. Descriptions of short episodes taken from two periods of observation, the first in a day-care setting among two- and three-year-olds and the second in a nursery among three-year-olds, provide examples of different kinds of improvised singing and how they are integrated into physical movement, and play with objects and malleable substances such as sand and water. The descriptions move into detailed discussion which draws attention to the way in which, as they play, the children's singing represents one mode blended among many and gives insight into time-based processes. The author goes on to suggest that these time-based processes support ways of engaging, either with material things or in interacting with others. The article contains a number of propositions for the benefits which might accrue from a reconsideration of singing in early childhood education.
Leadership, Power and Democracy in and around Schools
Authors: Kofod Klaus Kasper
Published: November 2006

The purpose of this article is to examine the connection between school democracy and a strong principalship. The point of departure is taken as the Danish Folkeskole, the aim being to extract some general trends from this Danish case. It is shown how international trends have influenced the Danish situation, making it possible to speak of a convergence between British and Scandinavian development. The issue of school democracy has changed so that the influence of some parts of the so-called small democracy have been diminished to the advantage of the so-called big democracy. The strengthening of principalship has, however, not led to the diminishing of the small democracy. It is, on the contrary, argued that a strong principalship may enhance the possibilities of a well-functioning local democracy in the school.
Establishment of optimal conditions for long-term culture of erythrocytic stages of Theileria uilenbergi
Authors: Miranda Joana P. G. , Nascimento Elisabete M. , Cruz Helder J. , Yin Hong , Zweygarth Erich , Oliva Abel G.
Published: November 2006

Objective—To establish optimal conditions for long-term culture of the erythrocytic stage of Theileria uilenbergi.

Sample Population—Red blood cells from 3 splenectomized sheep experimentally infected with a blood stabilate of T uilenbergi.

Procedures—Cultures of T uilenbergi were initiated by use of blood from experimentally infected sheep collected when parasites were detected in Giemsa-stained thin blood smears. Different culture conditions were tested to optimize in vitro growth of the organisms. Subcultures were performed at a ratio of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 when the percentage of parasitized erythrocytes (PPE) was at least 1% or when the initial PPE was doubled.

Results—The optimal culture medium was HL-1 medium (a complete chemically defined medium) supplemented with 20% sheep serum and 0.75% chemically defined lipids. Optimal culture conditions included incubation in a humidified 2% O2, 5% CO2, and 93% N2 atmosphere at 37°C. Cultures of the merozoite stage of the parasite were continuously propagated in vitro for > 1 year. The PPE reached values of up to 3%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Optimization of culture conditions to reach a high PPE seems worthwhile. The continuous propagation of T uilenbergi in culture allows the production of parasite material without infecting animals and provides a continuous laboratory source of parasites for further studies.
Evaluation of a model for Escherichia coli O157:H7 colonization in streptomycin-treated adult cattle
Authors: Snider Timothy A. , Fabich Andrew J. , Washburn Kevin E. , Sims Will P. , Blair Jeffrey L. , Cohen Paul S. , Conway Tyrrell , Clinkenbeard Kenneth D.
Published: November 2006

Objective—To develop a repeatable model for studying colonization with streptomycin-resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 in adult cattle.

Animals—5 adult mixed-breed beef cattle.

Procedures—Cattle were surgically cannulated in the duodenum, treated daily with streptomycin (33 mg/kg) via the duodenal cannula prior to and during experimental colonizations, and colonized with 1010 CFUs of streptomycin-resistant E coli O157:H7 via the duodenal cannula. Colonization of rectal mucus and shedding in feces were monitored. Antimicrobials were administered to eliminate the colonizing strain so that 5 repeated colonization experiments could be performed. A comprehensive analysis of colonization was performed at necropsy.

Results—Streptomycin treatment resulted in improved experimental colonization variables, compared with untreated controls, during initiation (days 2 to 6) and early maintenance (days 7 to 12) of colonization. Elimination of the colonizing strain followed by 5 repeated colonizations in the same animals indicated the repeatability of the protocol. Positive results of bacteriologic culture of feces 7 and 12 days after colonization were obtained in 100% and 84% of samples, respectively, across all animals and trials. At necropsy, highest magnitude recovery was in terminal rectal mucus.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The model was highly repeatable and novel with respect to streptomycin treatment, use of duodenal cannulas, and repeated colonizations of the same animals. Its use in adult cattle, from which most bovine-derived food originates, is critical to the study of preharvest food safety. The findings have implications for understanding intermittency of shedding in the field and for proposed vaccine-based interventions.
Socioeconomic Diversity in Admissions to MD-PhD Programs, 2014-2019
Authors: Nguyen Mytien , Cavazos Jose E. , Venkataraman Shruthi , Fancher Tonya L. , Chaudhry Sarwat I. , Desai Mayur M. , Boatright Dowin
Published: March 2024

This cohort study of applicants to US MD-PhD programs examines the association of application outcomes with family income.
Charge Transfer Dynamics in Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Heterostructures—Insights by Vibrational‐Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy
Authors: De Ratnadip , Calvet Neus A. , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Organic‐inorganic heterostructures play a pivotal role in modern electronic and optoelectronic applications including photodetectors and field effect transistors, as well as in solar energy conversion such as photoelectrodes of dye‐sensitized solar cells, photoelectrochemical cells, and in organic photovoltaics. To a large extent, performance of such devices is controlled by charge transfer dynamics at and across (inner) interfaces, e.g., between a wide band gap semiconductor and molecular sensitizers and/or catalysts. Hence, a detailed understanding of the structure‐dynamics‐function relationship of such functional interfaces is necessary to rationalize possible performance limitations of these materials and devices on a molecular level. Vibrational sum‐frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy, as an interface‐sensitive spectroscopic technique, allows to obtain chemically specific information from interfaces and combines such chemical insights with ultrafast time resolution, when integrated as a spectroscopic probe into a pump‐probe scheme. Thus, this minireview discusses the advantages and potential of VSFG spectroscopy for investigating interfacial charge transfer dynamics and structural changes at inner interfaces. A critical perspective of the unique spectroscopic view of otherwise inaccessible interfaces is presented, which we hope opens new opportunities for an improved understanding of function‐determining processes in complex materials, and brings together communities who are devoted to designing materials and devices with spectroscopists.
Anatomy of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lefevre Etienne , Dupont Sophie , Liguoro Dominique , Chasseloup Fanny , Kamenicky Peter , Roblot Paul
Published: March 2024

The existence, composition, and continuity of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (MWCS) have been extensively studied and debated. However, the precise nature of this membrane remains unknown. Understanding the anatomical characteristics of the MWCS is crucial, notably in relation to pituitary adenomas, which often invade the cavernous sinus. Indeed, surgical treatment of those tumors is frequently incomplete because of such invasion. The anatomical and molecular basis of the peculiar and often lateralized tropism of adenomatous cells to the cavernous sinus is not yet understood and it has been suggested repeatedly that the MWCS is physiologically frail. During the past three decades, there have been several conflicting accounts of the existence, composition, and continuity of this medial wall, but methodological differences and varying definitions could have contributed to the current lack of consensus regarding it. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize previously published data concerning the existence, anatomy, composition, and continuity of the MWCS.
All rescue medications are needed in fentanyl era
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2024

Stories of overdose deaths greatly outnumber stories of withdrawal precipitated by the use of rescue medications such as naloxone. In fact, the illicit fentanyl supply is so strong that the standard dose of intranasal naloxone — 4 milligrams — is no longer enough in most cases, unless there is oxygen supplementation (see FDA urges higher naloxone doses in fentanyl era, CPU March 2024; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cpu30843). Most reversals of overdose require at least two doses and waiting in between those doses can be fatal. Brain damage from oxygen loss can also occur. Yet the harm reduction community continues to fret about naloxone and other rescue medications causing precipitated withdrawal.
Self‐harming individuals admitted to hospital are high risk for psychosis
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2024

That there is a strong relationship between psychosis and self‐harm is not in question. However, most of the research conducted has been on individuals already diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. So researchers wanted to look at whether self‐harm can be a marker for future psychosis.
Examining associations between disordered eating and harmful substance use in a nationally representative sample of US veterans
Authors: Chen Yiyang , Christensen Pacella Kara A. , Forbush Kelsie T. , Thomeczek Marianna L. , Negi Sonakshi , Doan Alesha E. , Wendler Alicia M. , Morgan R. William , Rasheed Samiya I. , Johnson‐Munguia Sarah , Sharma Anjali R.
Published: March 2024

Objective

The association between eating disorders (EDs) and harmful substance use (substance use that causes psychosocial impairment) is well recognized in the literature, and military veterans may be at heightened risk for both issues due to deployment‐related stressors. However, little is known about which ED‐related symptoms are associated with harmful substance use in veterans, and whether gender plays a differential role in this relationship. Our aims were to: (1) examine gender differences in ED‐related symptoms; and (2) examine whether ED‐related symptoms differentially predict harmful substance use in US veteran men and women who had recently separated from service.

Method

This study was based on a nationally representative four‐wave longitudinal sample of post‐9/11 veterans (N = 835; 61.2% female). Longitudinal mixed modeling was used to test whether specific ED‐related behaviors at baseline predicted harmful substance use at follow‐ups.

Results

We replicated gendered patterns of ED‐related symptoms observed in civilian populations, wherein men had higher weight‐and‐body‐related concerns (including excessive exercise and muscle building) and negative attitude toward obesity, and women had higher bulimic and restricting symptoms. For women, alcohol, drug, and marijuana problems were predicted by higher bulimic symptoms, whereas for men, these problems were predicted by higher restricting symptoms.

Conclusion

Gender played a differential role in the relationship between EDs and harmful substance use. Bulimic symptoms were the most robust predictor for harmful substance use among veteran women, whereas restricting was the most robust predictor for harmful substance use among veteran men.

Public Significance

The current study found that veteran women had higher bulimic symptoms (characterized by binge eating and purging) and restricting than veteran men. In women, bulimic symptoms predicted future harmful use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. In contrast, veteran men had higher weight‐and‐body‐related concerns (characterized by excessive exercise and muscle building) than veteran women. In men, restricting symptoms predicted future harmful use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
Early Triassic (Griesbachian) spheroids in Beibei, Chongqing, Southwestern China: Characteristics, cause and implications for palaeo‐oceanic conditions
Authors: Duan Xiong , Yuan Dongxun , Qiao Dan , Shi Zhiqiang
Published: March 2024

Following the latest Permian mass extinction (LPME), abundant unusual sedimentary features and fabrics were widely distributed in Early Triassic carbonate platforms. As a unique type of carbonate grain, spheroids from the Lower Triassic are infrequently reported, yet differ significantly from giant ooids and oncoids. Griesbachian micritic spheroids are well preserved in the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation at the Baimiaozi (BMZ) outcrop in Beibei, Chongqing, southwestern China. These spheroids (diameter: 3.9–10.8 mm) were in a marl layer interbedded with massive oolites. They were deposited in the wave troughs of ripple marks comprising micritic clots, sparry calcite, clay minerals, organic matter and pyrite. A microbial spheroid origin is implied based on the coccoidal microbes (coccoid‐like microspherules and bacterial clump‐like microspherules), numerous pyrite framboids (indications suggest the presence of many sulphate‐reducing bacteria and the high iron content in seawater can promote nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria proliferation) and microbial‐derived microspherules. The dark‐coloured matrix between the spheroids primarily included microcrystalline calcite, clay minerals, organic matter and metazoan fossils. The spherical and ellipsoidal shapes of the spheroids suggested rapid accretion and lithification. As a unique carbonate depositional mode, Greisbachian spheroids may have been recorded for a palaeo‐ocean with dysoxic and calcium carbonate supersaturation shortly after the LPME.
Unleashing circular economy potential in agriculture: Integrating social impact assessment with the ReSOLVE framework as a tool for sustainable development
Authors: Payne Aubin , Kwofie Ebenezer Miezah
Published: March 2024

The circular economy concept has grown in popularity in recent decades as a potential method to offset the waste produced by the linear economy model. In this study, the authors proposed an update to the ReSOLVE framework that includes social impacts and uses decision variables based on the ECOGRAI methodology to facilitate a system‐wide analysis to support sustainable decision‐making. After the updated framework was outlined, it was employed in a theoretical case study to evaluate the current state of the poultry industry and determine hotspots where circular economy metrics could be implemented to benefit affected stakeholders. While the poultry sector was used as a case study, the proposed framework can be applied with modified indicators in other agricultural sectors. This work demonstrated that decision makers can improve the agriculture sector's high social and environmental impact by applying a framework that integrates ReSOLVE circular economy principles and social impact assessment methods.
Austausch von Auflagerkonsolen für eine Kranbahn mit schwerem Kranbetrieb
Authors: Sdorra Armin , Dreiling Alexander , Kretzschmar Peter , Dürr André , Rieche Marco , Wunderlich Martin
Published: March 2024

Viele Kranbahnen in Deutschland stammen aus den 1960er‐ und 1970er‐Jahren und sind damit in die Jahre gekommen. Gerade bei Kranbahnen mit schwerem Kranbetrieb ist die Regelnutzungsdauer oftmals überschritten. Um einen sicheren Weiterbetrieb aufgrund der Ermüdungsbeanspruchung zu gewährleisten, werden die Kranbahnträger daher heutzutage häufig nachbewertet und insbesondere bei schwerem Kranbetrieb ausgetauscht. Im Rahmen der Nachbewertung der Bestandskonstruktion sind aber nicht nur die Kranbahnträger betroffen, sondern auch deren Auflagerkonstruktion. Meistens handelt es sich dabei um Konsolen, die an der Hallenstütze auskragend angebracht oder in die Hallenstütze integriert sind. Die Konsolen werden nur durch den Kranbahnträger belastet und erfahren somit eine ähnlich hohe Ermüdungsbeanspruchung wie die Kranbahnträger. Das heißt, mit dem Austausch der Kranbahnträger müssen auch die Konsolen entsprechend ertüchtigt oder ausgetauscht werden. In dem vorliegenden Beitrag wird anhand eines Beispiels auf die Randbedingungen und die Schwierigkeiten beim Austausch von Auflagerkonsolen für eine Kranbahn im schweren Kranbetrieb eingegangen.
Effects of using ZSM‐5 and a rock‐reforming mineral as catalysts on liquid fraction collected from polypropylene pyrolysis
Authors: Linh Nguyen Thi Truc , Tuan Phan Dinh
Published: March 2024

In this study, a rock‐reforming mineral and zeolite ZSM‐5 were used as catalysts in the pyrolysis of polypropylene (PP) to get liquid products. The structures of catalysts were investigated via XRD and FTIR techniques. The liquid fractions collected from the non‐catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis processes were indicated via GCMS measurement. The results show the rock‐forming mineral has the typical pattern of SiO2 quartz, KAlSi3O8 microcline, and H2KAl3(SiO4)3 muscovite phases, while the zeolite ZSM‐5 has the typical pattern of H0.32Al0.32Si95.68O192 hydrogen aluminum silicate phase. The major products from PP pyrolysis without catalyst was 2,4‐ dimethyl‐1‐heptene (trimer), around 46.43 wt.% and the percentage of branched‐chain alkenes of 90.22 wt.% is significantly high. Whereas, the liquid products, which were formed from the catalytic pyrolysis using the rock‐reforming mineral and ZSM‐5 as catalysts, contain the significantly reduced portions of alkenes.
Study of antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of exopolysaccharide and extracts from caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis cultured in olive oil‐supplemented broth
Authors: Hang Le Thi Thuy , Duy Bui Lap , Chau Ha Bao , Hiep Dinh Minh , Thang Nguyen Tien
Published: March 2024

Natural remedies that can simultaneously inhibit α‐glucosidase and antioxidants have been becoming effective measures to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis) ‐ “Dong trung ha thao”, is a valuable medicinal mushroom containing many natural compounds such as cordycepin, d‐mannitol, polysaccharides with many important biological activities. O. sinensis has been used to treat a variety of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or to restore anti‐aging health. In this study, O. sinensis was cultured in 5 % olive oil‐supplemented broth to collect biomass and post‐culture medium. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) was then obtained from the medium and the mushroom biomass was fractionated with 96 % ethanol, 70 % ethanol, 50 % ethanol, and water. Finally, in vitro antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of EPS and fractions were evaluated. The results revealed that the 70 % ethanol extract presented the greatest α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity (14.07±0.25 %). The supplement of olive oil helped improve the antioxidant capacity of EPS compared to the control (without supplement). The present study results have established the basis for conducting further experiments to enhance the antioxidant activity and α‐glucosidase inhibition on O. sinensis and clinical applications.
Comparing sustainable methods for synthesis of natural benzaldehyde from trans‐cinnamaldehyde: Experimental analysis
Authors: Dung Nguyen Trung , Ha Cao Hong , Meyer Xuan‐Mi , Meyer Michel , Blanco Jean‐Francois , Cognet Patrick
Published: March 2024

Natural benzaldehyde is an aromatic flavor compound. Compared to the chemical synthesis route, the natural benzaldehyde that is produced from natural source such as cassia oil is very expensive. To overcome the problem, many researchers have reported and proposed different processes such as ozonization process, near‐critical water hydrolysis process, toxic phase transfer, or surfactants catalytic process. This paper presents a comparison of three green chemical routes using aqueous systems: (H2O/OH‐), (H2O/OH‐/H2O2), (H2O, cellulose‐based heterogeneous catalyst/OH‐), applied to this transformation. First experimental results show remarkable conversion for the first and third systems. Best yields are obtained using the first simple route with, for example, a nearly 80 % conversion together with a 43 % selectivity.