bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variabilidade genética e coeficiente de determinação em genótipos de algodoeiro quanto a qualidade da fibra
Authors: Bonifácio D. O. C. , Mundim F. M. , Sousa L. B.
Published: October 2015

O algodão é a mais importante fibra têxtil do mundo e a sua qualidade é o que garante o retorno investido pelo produtor. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a variabilidade genética entre 22 genótipos de algodoeiro de fibra branca do Programa de Melhoramento Genético do Algodoeiro, da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, quanto a qualidade da fibra e determinar o coeficiente de determinação genotípico dos caracteres. O experimento foi realizado na fazenda Capim Branco, em Uberlândia-MG, na safra 2012/2013. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados com três repetições. Avaliou-se 20 genótipos de algodoeiro. Com o auxílio do aparelho High Volume Instrument, determinou-se o índice de consistência a fiação, índice micronaire, maturidade da fibra, comprimento da fibra, uniformidade de comprimento, índice de fibras curtas, resistência, alongamento, reflectância e grau de amarelecimento. As linhagens do Programa de Melhoramento genético do Algodoeiro da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, com exceção da UFUJP13-17 e UFUJP13-20, atendem as exigências da indústria têxtil e apresentam variabilidade suficiente para seguir no processo de melhoramento. A variação entre os genótipos foi em maior parte de natureza genética, com coeficiente de determinação acima de 80%.Genetic variability and coefficient of determination in cotton genotypes as the quality of the fiberAbstract: Cotton is the most important textile fiber in the world and its quality is what ensures the return invested by the producer. The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic variability among 22 genotypes of cotton fiber white of the Program of Genetic Improvement of Cotton, from the Federal University of Uberlandia, as fiber quality and determine the coefficient of determination of genotypic characters. The experiment was carried out on the farm Capim Branco, in Uberlandia, MG, in season 2012/2013. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Evaluated 20 cotton genotypes. With the aid of the appliance High Volume Instrument, it was determined that the index of consistency the wiring, index micronaire, fiber maturity, fiber length, length uniformity index of short fibers, strength, elongation, reflectance and degree of yellowing. The lines of the Program of genetic improvement of cotton from the Federal University of Uberlandia, with the exception of UFUJP13-17 and UFUJP13-20, meet the requirements of the textile industry and feature variability sufficient to follow in the process of improvement. The variation between the genotypes was in most of nature genetics, with coefficient of determination above 80 %.
Correlation of Oxidized-LDL, Resistin and Interleukin-1 Beta in Centrally Obese Men
Authors: Panjaitan Tri Nevita Margareth , Kaniawati Marita , Patellongi Ilhamjaya
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of serious health problems, which increases the risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancers. It is strongly associated with changes in the physiological function of adipose tissue, leading to altered secretion of adipokines and activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. This study was aimed to investigate the correlation of resistin, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in centrally obese men.METHODS: The research was conducted with a crosssectional design involving 68 centrally obese men aged 31 to 60 years old, with waist circumference (WC) >90 cm. All subjects fulfilled the exclusion criteria. Anthropometric parameters, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Serum concentrations of resistin, IL-1β and OxLDL were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: The study results showed there was a significant correlation of WC-OxLDL (r=0.235; p=0.030) and some correlation of WC-resistin (r=0.201; p=0.050). However, we observed no significant correlation of IL-1β-OxLDL (r=0.042; p=0.369), resistin-OxLDL (r=-0.072; p=0.285) and WC-IL-1β (r=-0.042; p= 0.367).CONCLUSION: Our data show a relationship between WC and OxLDL, but the mechanism does not appear to be directly related to resistin or IL-1β.KEYWORDS: resistin, IL-1β, OxLDL, atherosclerosis
Macrophage Polarization in Metabolism and Metabolic Disease
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Obesity is now recognized as the main cause of the worldwide epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Obesity-associated chronic inflammation is a contributing key factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Numbers of studies have clearly demonstrated that the immune system and metabolism are highly integrated.CONTENT: Macrophages are an essential component of innate immunity and play a central role in inflammation and host defense. Moreover, these cells have homeostatic functions beyond defense, including tissue remodeling in ontogenesis and orchestration of metabolic functions. Diversity and plasticity are hallmarks of cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage. In response to interferons (IFNs), toll-like receptor (TLR), or interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 signals, macrophages undergo M1 (classical) or M2 (alternative) activation. Progress has now been made in defining the signaling pathways, transcriptional networks, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying M1, M2 or M2-like polarized activation.SUMMARY: In response to various signals, macrophages may undergo classical M1 activation (stimulated by TLR ligands and IFN-γ) or alternative M2 activation (stimulated by IL-4/IL-13); these states mirror the T helper (Th)1–Th2 polarization of T cells. Pathology is frequently associated with dynamic changes in macrophage activation, with classically activated M1 cells implicate in initiating and sustaining inflammation, meanwhile M2 or M2-like activated cells associated with resolution or smoldering chronic inflammation. Identification of the mechanisms and molecules that are associated with macrophage plasticity and polarized activation provides a basis for macrophage centered diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.KEYWORDS: obesity, adipose tissue, inflammation, macrophage polarization
Pathomechanism of Insulin Resistance in Men with Central Obesity: Correlation of GGT, GPx, hs-CRP and Plasma Total Cysteine
Authors: Ritawaty Ritawaty , Sukmawati Indriyanti Rafi , Patellongi Ilhamjaya , Sandra Ferry
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) was reported recently to be associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and increased amino acid. However, role of GGT in insulin resistance pathomechanism is not exactly known. Therefore correlation of GGT with inflammation, oxidative stress and elevated amino acid, in men with central obesity need to be confirmed.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed. Men with central obesity were recruited and selected. Anthropometric parameters, creatinine, hs-CRP, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, GGT, plasma total cysteine (tCys) and fatty liver were measured. Subjects were then divided in 4 groups based on waist circumference (WC) and fatty liver: Group I: WC ≤100 cm, without fatty liver; Group II: WC ≤100 cm, with fatty liver; Group III: WC >100 cm, without fatty liver; Group IV: WC >100 cm, with fatty liver. All biochemical characteristics in each group were then statistically analyzed.RESULTS: Seventy-two men with central obesity were selected. Numbers of subjects in each group were: Group I: n=33; Group II: n=5; Group III: n=17; Group IV: n=17. We found significant difference of HOMA-IR between Group I and IV, significant correlation between GGT and HOMAIR, and significant negative correlation between tCys with HOMA-IR in Group IV.CONCLUSION: GGT was significantly correlated with HOMA-IR in men with WC >100 cm and fatty liver. Further investigation with more subjects is necessary to determine clear GGT cut-off to distinguish subjects with fatty liver and insulin resistance.KEYWORDS: GGT, hs-CRP, GPx, tCys, HOMA-IR, insulin resistance
Role of 8-isoprostane, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) in Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rositawati Wiwik , Bakri Syakib , Lawrence Gatot Susilo , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification may be an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The pathobiology of vascular calcification in CKD is complex and involves some factors including inflammation, oxidative stress and balancing of calcification regulators. The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between 8-isoprostane with calcification regulators such as matrix gla protein (MGP) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 with vascular calciication in CKD.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 63 subjects undergoing haemodialysis maintenance for more than 3 months. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was measured using a lateral abdominal X-ray for calcification in abdominal aorta, which is related to severity of calcific deposits at lumbar vertebral segment (L)1-L4. Serum levels of 8-isoprostane, MGP and BMP-2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.RESULTS: Results showed that 8-isoprostane levels were correlated with BMP-2 (r=0.266, p=0.018) and MGP levels (r=0.410, p≤0.001). MGP/BMP-2 levels ratio was correlated with AAC score (r=0.279, p=0.013). Subjects were then stratified into 3 groups based on AAC score: 0, 1-6 and ≥7. The highest mean of MGP levels was in AAC score 1-6 group, and the highest mean of 8-isoprostane levels was in AAC score ≥7. In the group of AAC score 0, 8-isoprostane levels were correlated with MGP levels (r=0.499, p=0.001) and MGP/BMP-2 levels ratio (r=0.291, p=0.034). In AAC score 1-6 group, 8-isoprostane levels were correlated with BMP-2 (r=0.661, p=0.005) and MGP levels (r=0.569, p=0.017). In AAC score ≥7 group, MGP levels were positively correlated with AAC score (r=0.608, p=0.041). With multivariate logistic regression analyses, we identified that increased MGP/BMP-2 levels ratio (OR=12.436; 95% CI=1.595-96.971) was an independent predictor in aortic calcification event.CONCLUSION: We concluded that regulators of calcification including calcification inhibitor and promoter related to oxidative stress, were associated with vascular calcification in CKD. MGP levels were increased in the early of calcification and MGP/BMP-2 levels ratio was a strong predictor for vascular calcification in CKD.KEYWORDS: vascular calcification, CKD, oxidative stress, 8-isoprostane, MGP, BMP-2
Conditioned Media of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Secretome Induced Apoptosis and Inhibited Growth of HeLa Cells
Authors: Sandra Ferry , Sudiono Janti , Sidharta Elina Ardiani , Sunata Elisabeth Pricilia , Sungkono Dea Jane , Dirgantara Yanni , Chouw Angliana
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Secreted factors contained in conditioned media (CM) of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) known as secretome, was suspected to have important roles in regulating cells. This study was conducted to investigate the role of CM-hUCB-MSCs-derived secretome in apoptosis and growth of HeLa cells.METHODS: HeLa cells were treated with secretome in various concentrations (0, 0.2, 2 and 20%) for 24 and 48 hours. Trypan blue exclusion assay was performed to detect cell viability. Meanwhile sub-G1 apoptotic assay was performed to detect apoptotic cells. The transition of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (TMP), which occurs in the apoptotic process, was analyzed by mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) assay. Both sub-G1 and ΔΨM assays were performed using FACSCanto flow cytometer. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics to detect significance level at p<0.05.RESULTS: Secretome significantly induced cell death starting at concentration of 0.2% within a 24-hour period (p<0.05). Secretome significantly induced cell death in concentration and time dependent manner (p<0.05). The cell death was then confirmed as apoptosis through sub-G1 analysis. Due to the underlying apoptotic mechanism, we found distinct decrease of TMP, indicating an increase in mitochondrial membrane permeability of HeLa cells. In addition, we found that HeLa cell growth was inhibited partially by secretome.CONCLUSION: Taken together, we conclude that CMhUCB-MSCs-derived secretome significantly induced apoptosis of HeLa cells in a concentration and time dependent manner through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The secretome might also play important role in inhibiting HeLa cell growth.KEYWORDS: umbilical cord blood, mesenchymal stem cell, secretome, apoptosis, growth, cancer
Brown and Beige Fat: Therapeutic Potential in Obesity
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: The epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes presents a serious challenge to scientific and biomedical communities worldwide. There has been an upsurge of interest in the adipocyte coincident with the onset of the obesity epidemic and the realization that adipose tissue plays a major role in the regulation of metabolic function.CONTENT: Adipose tissue, best known for its role in fat storage, can also suppress weight gain and metabolic disease through the action of specialized, heat-producing adipocytes. Brown adipocytes are located in dedicated depots and express constitutively high levels of thermogenic genes, whereas inducible ‘brown-like’ adipocytes, also known as beige cells, develop in white fat in response to various activators. The activities of brown and beige fat cells reduce metabolic disease, including obesity, in mice and correlate with leanness in humans. Many genes and pathways that regulate brown and beige adipocyte biology have now been identified, providing a variety of promising therapeutic targets for metabolic disease.SUMMARY: The complexity of adipose tissue presents numerous challenges but also several opportunities for therapeutic intervention. There is persuasive evidence from animal models that enhancement of the function of brown adipocytes, beige adipocytes or both in humans could be very effective for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Moreover, there are now an extensive variety of factors and pathways that could potentially be targeted for therapeutic effects. In particular, the discoveries of circulating factors, such as irisin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21 and natriuretic peptides, that enhance brown and beige fat function in mice have garnered tremendous interest. Certainly, the next decade will see massive efforts to use beige and brown fat to ameliorate human metabolic disease.KEYWORDS: obesity, white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, beige adipose tissue, adipose organ, thermogenesis, energy expenditure
Resveratrol: A Sirtuin Activator and The Fountain of Youth
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Dewi Nurrani Mustika , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: An organism’s lifespan is inevitably accompanied by the aging process, which involves functional decline, a steady increase of a plethora of chronic diseases, and ultimately death. Thus, it has been an ongoing dream of mankind to improve healthspan and extend life.CONTENT: There are only a few proposed aging interventions: caloric restriction, exercise, and the use of low-molecular-weight compounds, including spermidine, metformin, resveratrol, and rapamycin. Resveratrol, a constituent of red wine, has long been suspected to have cardioprotective effects. Interest in this compound has been renewed in recent years, first from its identification as a chemopreventive agent for skin cancer, and subsequently from reports that it activates sirtuin deacetylases and extends the lifespans of lower organisms. Resveratrol have been shown to prevent and reduce the severity of age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarct, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoarthritis, tumors and metabolic syndrome, along with their ability to extend lifespan.SUMMARY: The purpose of aging research is the identification of interventions that may avoid or ameliorate the ravages of time. In other words, the quest is for healthy aging, where improved longevity is coupled to a corresponding healthspan extension. It is only by extending the healthy human lifespan that we will truly meet the premise of the Roman poet Cicero: “No one is so old as to think that he may not live a year.”KEYWORDS: aging, caloric restriction, mimetic, healthspan, sirtuin activator
Combination of Fibrinogen and High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein Measurements is Potential in Identification of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Sargowo Djanggan , Sandra Ferry
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of cardiovascular diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. Novel biomarkers that can detect accurately acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at early stage, are necessary to improve current strategies and/or to identify subjects who are at risk. Fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) roles in inflammation process could be potential for ACS early detection. This study was conducted to evaluate measurements of fibrinogen and hs-CRP on ACS.METHODS: An analytic observational study with cross sectional approach was conducted on patients with Troponin I positive. After signing informed consent, anamnesis and complete blood count were conducted. Besides that, liver function, renal function, and blood glucose tests were conducted as well. Samples of selected subjects were quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Troponin I, fibrinogen and hs-CRP. Then statistical analyses were performed.RESULTS: There were 76 subjects in each ACS and non-ACS groups. ACS group showed significant higher levels of both fibrinogen and hs-CRP compared to Non-ACS group (p=0.000). Among evaluated risk factors, diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.003) and hypertension (p=0.000) were significantly higher in ACS group than in non-ACS group. Among evaluated clinical factors, blood glucose (p=0.001) and age (p=0.000) were significantly higher in ACS group than in non-ACS group. Combination of fibrinogen and hs-CRP measurements showed the highest sensitivity (75.00%), specificity (80.26%), accuracy (77.63%), positive predictive value (79.19%) and negative predictive value (76.25%).CONCLUSION: Since fibrinogen and hs-CRP were increased in ACS group and combination of fibrinogen and hs-CRP measurements showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, we suggest that combination of fibrinogen and hs-CRP measurements could give added value to identify ACS.KEYWORDS: fibrinogen, hs-CRP, biomarker, ACS, acute coronary syndrome, atherosclerosis, inflammation
The Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Retapamulin as a Treatment Option for Impetigo and Other Uncomplicated Superficial Skin Infections: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Ciulianto Rudy
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: The treatment of impetigo, secondarily infected dermatitis and infected traumatic lesions continue to develop as new generations of drugs are being formulated. Bacteria causing impetigo show growing resistance rates for commonly used antibiotics. Retapamulin being a new drug has been recently approved as topical antibiotic in children and adult. This study aimed to ascertain the efficacy, safety and tolerability of retapamulin as the treatment option for impetigo and other uncomplicated superficial skin infections.METHODS: A search for studies published from 2006-2014 was done in Pubmed, EBSCO, OVID, Science Direct, and Cochrane using the search strategy. The search was limited to studies conducted in human subjects and published in the English language. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of retapamulin as treatment for impetigo and other uncomplicated superficial skin infections in children and adult were included and extracted independently and the qualities of the studies were appraised using critical appraisal tools. Data analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.RESULTS: This study has high heterogeneity and found Retapamulin has no statistically significant difference in the clinical success after seven days and follow up among per-protocol-patients, bacteriogical confirmed patients and intention-to-treat patients with impetigo and other secondary infected traumatic lesions compared to other regimens. However, Retapamulin has beneficial effect in the clinical success, well tolerated and safe for children and adults.CONCLUSION: Retapamulin is comparably effective and safe as a treatment option for impetigo and other uncomplicated superficial skin infections.KEYWORDS: efficacy, safety, tolerability, retapamulin, impetigo, meta-analysis
Heterogeneous Stem Cells in Skin Homeostatis and Wound Repair
Authors: Meilana Anna , Dewi Nurrani Mustika , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: The skin protects mammals from insults, infection and dehydration and enables thermoregulation and sensory perception. Various skin-resident cells carry out these diverse functions. Constant turnover of cells and healing upon injury necessitate multiple reservoirs of stem cells. The skin is a complex organ harboring several distinct populations of stem cells and a rich array of cell types. Advances in genetic and imaging tools have brought new findings about the lineage relationships between skin stem cells and their progeny. Such knowledge may offer novel avenues for therapeutics and regenerative medicine.CONTENT: In the past years, our view of the mechanisms that govern skin homeostasis and regeneration have markedly changed. New populations of stem cells have been identified that behave spatio-temporally differently in healthy tissues and in situations of damage, indicating that a great level of stem cell heterogeneity is present in the skin. There are believed to be distinct populations of stem cells in different locations. The lineages that they feed are normally constrained by signals from their local environment, but they can give rise to all epidermal lineages in response to appropriate stimuli. Given the richness of structures such as blood vessels, subcutaneous fat, innervation and the accumulation of fibroblasts under the upper parts of the rete ridges (in the case of human skin), it is reasonable to speculate that the microenvironment might be essential for interfollicular epidermal homeostasis. The bloodstream is probably the main source of long-range signals reaching the skin, and cues provided by the vascular niche might be essential for skin homeostasis.SUMMARY: A key function of the interfollicular epidermis is to act as a protective interface between the body and the external environment, and it contains several architectural elements that enable it to fulfill this function. All elements of the epidermis play active roles in regulating skin function, which might not have been anticipated from their role in maintaining skin integrity. Skin cell research benefits from the integration of complementary technologies and disciplines. How skin function is regulated and how it may be possible to intervene to treat a variety of skin conditions. Ultimately also impairing the maintenance of self-renewing satellite cells. Therefore, only anti-aging strategies taking both factors, the stem cell niche and the stem cells per se, into consideration may ultimately be successful.KEYWORDS: epidermis, hair follicle, fibroblast, skin stem cells, homeostasis, regeneration
Community Context and Men’s Control-Seeking in Intimate Relationships
Authors: Whitaker M. Pippin
Published: October 2015

This study explores social-ecological influences on men’s control-seeking in intimate relationships with women. Desire for control is central to the battered women’s movement and is incorporated into intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention work. Recent IPV scholarship refocuses on control, but the role of community contexts is underdeveloped. Community contexts have been associated with men’s risk for IPV and evidence supports that social ecology facilitates IPV against women. Given the importance of the social ecology to control in IPV, this study examines community contexts that influence men’s control-seeking of women partners. The sample comprised 2,342 in-state, male undergraduate students who completed a cross-sectional survey at a public university. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical linear modeling. Results support a connection between county contexts and men’s control-seeking toward women partners. Implications for IPV research and practice are discussed.
More Than a Feeling: Public Expectations About Emotional Responses to Criminal Victimization
Authors: Wrede Olof , Ask Karl
Published: October 2015

Crime victims’ emotional display in legal settings has been found to influence credibility judgments. The specific nature of public expectations about crime victims’ emotional responses have, however, not been adequately investigated. In an experimental vignette study, respondents in a community sample (N = 404) estimated the likelihood that female and male victims would experience 7 distinct emotions in response to 5 types of crimes. Across all crime types, female victims were expected to experience significantly more situation-focused (anxiety, fear) and inward-focused (guilt, shame, sadness) emotions, and significantly less other-focused emotions (hatred, anger) than male victims. This calls for an increased focus on distinct emotions in future research on victim’s emotions. Implications for victims in legal and social settings are discussed.
Children’s Everyday Lives Shadowed by Stalking: Postseparation Stalking Narratives of Finnish Children and Women
Authors: Nikupeteri Anna , Laitinen Merja
Published: October 2015

This qualitative study discusses postseparation stalking and its implications in children’s everyday lives. Based on narratives of 13 Finnish children and 20 women, the research fills a gap in the knowledge regarding the psychosocial, emotional, and physical impacts of stalking on children when their mothers are stalked by a former partner. It identifies four forms of impact: (a) an atmosphere of fear and feelings of insecurity; (b) disguised acts of stalking and the father’s performance of care, love, and longing; (c) exploitation of children in stalking; and (d) physical abuse, acts of violence, and threats of death. The findings indicate that stalking severely constrains children’s everyday lives and strengthens, yet often distorts, the mother–child bond. The study concludes that in cases where mothers are stalked, professionals in the social and health services, law enforcement, and criminal justice should view the children, too, as victims and construct supportive social relationships for women and children facing threatening life situations.
Identifying Male Victims of Partner Abuse: A Review and Critique of Screening Instruments
Authors: Chitkara-Barry Anjuli , Chronister Krista M.
Published: October 2015

Accurate identification of partner abuse (PA) victims and perpetrators is essential to secondary prevention of such violence. Important progress has been made regarding identification of female victims of PA but significantly less scholarly attention has been given to screening instruments that capture men’s PA experiences. The purpose of this article is to briefly review the history of PA screening methods/instruments used and to provide an organized critique of screening tools used with men today. A gender-inclusive approach was used to critique 8 PA screening tools along the following themes: theoretical/paradigmatic approach, language, abuse type, severity and frequency, format, and psychometric data. Strengths of the instruments included (a) use of gender-neutral language in item wording, (b) screening for multiple forms of PA, (c) assessment of frequency of violent acts, and (d) collection of psychometric data with men. Recommendations for future practice include a list of questions for clinicians to use when selecting a screening tool. These questions will assist clinicians and scholars to consider the strengths and limitations of each tool and make more informed choices about the instruments they are using to screen men. Future research recommendations included (a) a call to the field to use a gender-inclusive framework in developing PA screening tools, (b) for developers to clearly label and outline theories or paradigms used to develop instruments, and (c) to obtain psychometric data for diverse groups of men, across various settings (e.g., community mental health agencies, private practice, college campuses).
Reducing Dental Plaque and Gingivitis With 0.6% Cortex Ilicis Rotundae Toothpaste: A Randomized, Double‐Masked Clinical Trial
Authors: Liu Hongchun , Yin Wei
Published: October 2015

Background: Cortex Ilicis Rotundae has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Few studies have evaluated the effects of toothpastes containing Cortex Ilicis Rotundae. This study evaluates the antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of a test toothpaste containing 0.6% Cortex Ilicis Rotundae extract in a calcium carbonate base compared with a control toothpaste without any active ingredient.

Methods: One hundred adults with a mean plaque index (PI) ≥1.5 and a mean gingival index (GI) ≥1.0 were enrolled in this randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. They were assigned randomly to use a test toothpaste or a control toothpaste. At baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, they received examinations of oral hard and soft tissues, using Löe‐Silness GI for gingivitis and the Turesky modification of the Quigley‐Hein PI for PI. Adverse events were monitored.

Results: When the study was completed, the test group reported lower mean GI than the control group (1.13 ± 0.22 versus 1.30 ± 0.23; P = 0.001) and lower mean PI than the control group (2.53 ± 0.5 versus 2.93 ± 0.44; P <0.001). Compared to the baseline, the test group had reductions in GI and PI of 14.39% and 17.86%, respectively (both P <0.001); the control group had reductions in GI and PI of 3.7% and 3.93%, respectively (both P <0.001). No adverse events were reported during the course of the study.

Conclusion: The toothpaste containing 0.6% Cortex Ilicis Rotundae was effective in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis after 12 weeks of use compared with a negative control toothpaste.
Data Collection and Harmonization in HIV Research: The Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain Initiative at the National Institute on Drug Abuse
Authors: Chandler Redonna K. , Kahana Shoshana Y. , Fletcher Bennett , Jones Dionne , Finger Matthew S. , Aklin Will M. , Hamill Kathleen , Webb Candace
Published: October 2015

Large-scale, multisite data sets offer the potential for exploring the public health benefits of biomedical interventions. Data harmonization is an emerging strategy to increase the comparability of research data collected across independent studies, enabling research questions to be addressed beyond the capacity of any individual study.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently implemented this novel strategy to prospectively collect and harmonize data across 22 independent research studies developing and empirically testing interventions to effectively deliver an HIV continuum of care to diverse drug-abusing populations.

We describe this data collection and harmonization effort, collectively known as the Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain Data Collection and Harmonization Initiative, which can serve as a model applicable to other research endeavors.
Simulating Dynamic Network Models and Adolescent Smoking: The Impact of Varying Peer Influence and Peer Selection
Authors: Lakon Cynthia M. , Hipp John R. , Wang Cheng , Butts Carter T. , Jose Rupa
Published: October 2015

We used a stochastic actor-based approach to examine the effect of peer influence and peer selection—the propensity to choose friends who are similar—on smoking among adolescents. Data were collected from 1994 to 1996 from 2 schools involved in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, with respectively 2178 and 976 students, and different levels of smoking. Our experimental manipulations of the peer influence and selection parameters in a simulation strategy indicated that stronger peer influence decreased school-level smoking. In contrast to the assumption that a smoker may induce a nonsmoker to begin smoking, adherence to antismoking norms may result in an adolescent nonsmoker inducing a smoker to stop smoking and reduce school-level smoking.
Tobacco Denormalization as a Public Health Strategy: Implications for Sexual and Gender Minorities
Authors: Antin Tamar M. J. , Lipperman-Kreda Sharon , Hunt Geoffrey
Published: October 2015

Although the population-level success of tobacco denormalization is widely accepted, it remains unclear whether these strategies alleviate health inequities for sexual and gender minorities.

The high risk of smoking among sexual and gender minorities together with research that documents a relationship between stigma-related processes and smoking prevalence for these groups raises questions about whether tobacco-related stigma intensifies the disadvantages associated with the stigmas of other social identities.

We have not adequately considered how tobacco-related stigma overlaps with other social identity stigmas. Given concerns about the intensification of inequality, this type of inquiry has important implications for understanding both the effectiveness and limitations of tobacco denormalization strategies for sexual and gender minorities and identifying those tobacco prevention, treatment, and public health policies that work to ameliorate health inequities.
Sustained Benefit Over Four-Year Follow-Up of Michigan’s Project Healthy Schools
Authors: Corriveau Nicole , Eagle Taylor , Jiang Qingmei , Rogers Robert , Gurm Roopa , Aaronson Susan , Mitchell Lindsey , DuRussel-Weston Jean , Kline-Rogers Eva , Eagle Kim A. , Jackson Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2015

Objectives. We determined the sustainability of effects of a school-based intervention to improve health behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors among middle school children.

Methods. We administered a questionnaire and health screenings to 5 schools in Ann Arbor and 2 schools in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We assessed demographics, physiological factors, diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors from 1126 students who received a health curriculum (Project Healthy Schools) in the fall of sixth grade in 2005, 2006, and 2007. We administered the questionnaire and screening again in the spring and each subsequent spring through ninth grade to all available, consenting students.

Results. In the 4 years following the school-based intervention, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides improved, and for most years systolic and diastolic blood pressure improved. Serum glucose and body mass index did not change. Physical activity increased and sedentary behaviors diminished.

Conclusions. Project Healthy Schools is associated with sustainable improvements in both cardiovascular parameters and healthy behaviors.
Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Offenders Following Arrest or Incarceration
Authors: Wiehe Sarah E. , Rosenman Marc B. , Aalsma Matthew C. , Scanlon Michael L. , Fortenberry J. Dennis
Published: October 2015

Objectives. We sought to estimate rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among criminal offenders in the 1 year after arrest or release from incarceration.

Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study of risk of having a positive STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) or incident-positive HIV test in the 1 year following arrest or incarceration in Marion County (Indianapolis), Indiana. Participants were 247 211 individuals with arrest or incarceration in jail, prison, or juvenile detention between 2003 and 2008.

Results. Test positivity rates (per 100 000 and per year) were highest for chlamydia (2968) and gonorrhea (2305), and lower for syphilis (278) and HIV (61). Rates of positive STI and HIV were between 1.5 and 2.8 times higher in female than male participants and between 2.7 and 6.9 times higher for Blacks than Whites. Compared with nonoffenders, offenders had a relative risk of 3.9 for chlamydia, 6.6 for gonorrhea, 3.6 for syphilis, and 4.6 for HIV.

Conclusions. The 1-year period following arrest or release from incarceration represents a high-impact opportunity to reduce STI and HIV infection rates at a population level.
Relation of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence, and Depression to Risk Factors for HIV Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in 6 US Cities
Authors: Williams John K. , Wilton Leo , Magnus Manya , Wang Lei , Wang Jing , Dyer Typhanye Penniman , Koblin Beryl A. , Hucks-Ortiz Christopher , Fields Sheldon D. , Shoptaw Steve , Stephenson Rob , O’Cleirigh Conall , Cummings Vanessa ,   HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 Study Team
Published: October 2015

Objectives. We assessed the relation of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), intimate partner violence (IPV), and depression to HIV sexual risk behaviors among Black men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods. Participants were 1522 Black MSM recruited from 6 US cities between July 2009 and December 2011. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used.

Results. Participants reported sex before age 12 years with someone at least 5 years older (31.1%), unwanted sex when aged 12 to 16 years (30%), IPV (51.8%), and depression (43.8%). Experiencing CSA when aged 12 to 16 years was inversely associated with any receptive condomless anal sex with a male partner (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29, 0.86). Pressured or forced sex was positively associated with any receptive anal sex (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.57, 3.20). Experiencing CSA when younger than 12 years, physical abuse, emotional abuse, having been stalked, and pressured or forced sex were positively associated with having more than 3 male partners in the past 6 months. Among HIV-positive MSM (n = 337), CSA between ages 12 and 16 years was positively associated with having more than 3 male partners in the past 6 months.

Conclusions. Rates of CSA, IPV, and depression were high, but associations with HIV sexual risk outcomes were modest.
E-Cigarette Use Among Never-Smoking California Students
Authors: Bostean Georgiana , Trinidad Dennis R. , McCarthy William J.
Published: October 2015

We determined the extent to which adolescents who have never used tobacco try e-cigarettes. Data on the prevalence and correlates of e-cigarette use among 482 179 California middle and high school students are from the 2013–2014 California Healthy Kids Survey.

Overall, 24.4% had ever used e-cigarettes (13.4% have never used tobacco and 11.0% have used tobacco), and 12.9% were current e-cigarette users (5.9% have never used tobacco). Among those who have never used tobacco, males and older students were more likely to use e-cigarettes than females and younger students. Hispanics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60; confidence interval [CI] = 1.53, 1.67) and those of other races (OR = 1.24; CI = 1.19, 1.29) were more likely than Whites to have ever used e-cigarettes, but only among those who had never used smokeless tobacco and never smoked a whole cigarette.

E-cigarette use is very prevalent among California students who have never smoked tobacco, especially among Hispanic and other race students, males, and older students.
A Semianalytical Model for Production Simulation From Nonplanar Hydraulic-Fracture Geometry in Tight Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Yu Wei , Wu Kan , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: October 2015

Two key technologies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have led to the economic production of unconventional resources such as shale gas and tight oil. In reality, a nonplanar hydraulic-fracture geometry with varying fracture width and fracture permeability is created during the hydraulic-fracturing process. However, it is challenging to simulate well performance from the nonplanar fracture geometry. For the sake of simplicity, the nonplanar fracture geometry is often represented by ideal planar fracture geometry with constant fracture width, which one can easily handle analytically, semianalytically, and numerically. However, such ideal fracture geometry is inadequate to capture the physics of the transient flow behavior of the nonplanar fracture geometry. Although significant efforts were made in recent years to numerically model well performance from the complex fracture geometry, these approaches are still challenging to model the nonplanar fracture geometry with varying width because of a large considerable fracture-gridding issues and an expensive computation cost. In addition, the effect of nonplanar fracture geometry on well productivity and transient flow behavior was not reported in the literature. Hence, a model to handle the nonplanar fracture geometry by considering varying fracture width and fracture permeability is still lacking in the petroleum industry. Zhou et al. (2014) proposed a semianalytical model to handle the complex fracture geometry with constant fracture width. However, the semianalytical model did not consider the effects of stress-dependent fracture conductivity and the nonplanar fracture geometry as well as planar fracture geometry with varying fracture width along the fracture. In this work, we extended the semianalytical model to simulate production from the nonplanar fracture geometry as well as planar fracture geometry with varying width. In addition, the effect of stress-dependent fracture conductivity was implemented in the model. We verified the semianalytical model against a numerical reservoir simulator for single planar fracture with constant width. We performed two case studies. The first case contains a comparison of two planar fractures, one with constant fracture width and another with varying fracture width. In the second study, we compared two fractures with different fracture geometries such as planar fracture geometry and nonplanar fracture geometry, which were generated from the fracture-propagation model. In addition, transient flow regimes were investigated on the basis of a log-log graph of the dimensionless pressure drop and pressure-drop derivative vs. the dimensionless time. This work can provide critical insights into understanding the well performance from tight oil reservoirs with the nonplanar hydraulic-fracture geometry.
Derivation of high-order advection–diffusion schemes
Authors: Tkalich Pavel
Published: October 2015

Using the interpolation polynomial method, major upwind explicit advection–diffusion schemes of up to fifth-order accuracy are rederived and their properties are explored. The trend emerges that the higher the order of accuracy of an advection scheme, the easier is the task of scheme stabilization and wiggling suppression. Thus, for a certain range of the turbulent diffusion coefficient, the stability interval of third- and fifth-order up-upwind explicit schemes can be extended up to three units of the Courant number (0≤c≤3).

Having good phase behavior, advection odd-order schemes are stable within a single computational cell (0≤c≤1). By contrast, even-order schemes are stable within two consecutive grid-cells (0≤c≤2), but exhibit poor dispersive properties. Stemming from the finding that considered higher-order upwind schemes (even, in particular) can be expressed as a linear combination of two lower-order ones (odd in this case), the best qualities of odd- and even-order algorithms can be blended within mixed-order accuracy schemes. To illustrate the idea, a Second-Order Reduced Dispersion (SORD) marching scheme and Fourth-Order Reduced Dispersion (FORD) upwind scheme are developed. Computational tests demonstrate a favorable performance of the schemes. In spite of the previous practice restricting usage of even-order upwind schemes (fourth-order in particular), they exhibit a potential to stand among popular algorithms of computational hydraulics.
A fixed functional set genetic algorithm (FFSGA) approach for function approximation
Authors: Tufail Mohammad , Ormsbee Lindell E.
Published: October 2015

This paper describes a simple mathematical technique that uses a genetic algorithm and least squares optimization to obtain a functional approximation (or computer program) for a given data set. Such an optimal functional form is derived from a pre-defined general functional formulation by selecting optimal coefficients, decision variable functions, and mathematical operators. In the past, functional approximations have routinely been obtained through the use of linear and non-linear regression analysis. More recent methods include the use of genetic algorithms and genetic programming. An example application based on a data set extracted from the commonly used Moody diagram has been used to demonstrate the utility of the proposed method. The purpose of the application was to determine an explicit expression for friction factor and to compare its performance to other available techniques. The example application results in the development of closed form expressions that can be used for evaluating the friction factor for turbulent pipe flow. These expressions compete well in accuracy with other known methods, validating the promise of the proposed method in identifying useful functions for physical processes in a very effective manner. The proposed method is simple to implement and has the ability to generate simple and compact explicit expressions for a given response function.
A Bayesian estimation of parameter-induced uncertainty in a nearshore alongshore current model
Authors: Ruessink B. G.
Published: October 2015

In many process-based models, parameters have to be estimated from data. It is important to obtain not only the optimum value of the parameters, but also to assess the uncertainty in the parameters and, hence, in the models' output. In this paper, the Bayesian Monte Carlo technique known as Generalised Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) is used to evaluate the parameter-induced predictive uncertainty of a three-parameter model that predicts alongshore currents over a nearshore barred profile. GLUE performs a fully random sampling of feasible-parameters space, assigning non-zero likelihoods to those model simulations that outperform a user-defined threshold. Based on data gathered at six cross-shore position across an inner bar at Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands, non-zero likelihoods were found for a rather wide range of parameter values, largely induced by an interdependence between two parameters that affect the width of current jets across the bar. The width of the 95% uncertainty interval was found empirically to increase linearly with the predicted magnitude of the alongshore current, from about 0.02–0.06 m/s when the current magnitude is near zero to about 0.2 m/s when it is near its maximum of about 1.1 m/s. These widths are approximately equal to a rough estimate of the errors in the data. In many cases the 95% uncertainty interval brackets the observations, although there are also various instances where this is not the case and apparently model structural errors dominate over parameter-induced errors. Model non-linearity and parameter interdependence cause the marginal parameter posterior distributions to differ remarkably from those obtained from traditional first-order approximations.