bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humoral response and evolution of Echinococcus infection in experimentally infected sheep
Authors: Lamberti Roberto , Cavagion Laura , Gatti Antonio , Calvo Claudio , Gino Lilia , Puches Veronica Véspoli , Alvarez Angela Rosa , Alvarez Emiliano , Cachau Mariela García , Morete Mariela , Larrieu Edmundo
Published: July 2014

There is little information on the humoral response of sheep experimentally infected with Echinococcus granulosus. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate this response and measure its evolution. Doses of 10, 100, 1000 and 10000 E. granulosus eggs were prepared and inoculated via intraruminal puncture. Blood samples were obtained before inoculation and every 48 h after inoculation, until they became seropositive. Thereafter, they were taken monthly for the first year and then every three months until 1700 days of observation had been completed. An ELISA test, with total hydatid fluid antigen, was used for immunodiagnosis. The average optical density of the 12 inoculated sheep was found to be above the mean cutoff value 10 days after inoculation, went on increasing until 180 days after inoculation and remained above the cutoff level until the end of the observation period. This confirms that the antibody response of sheep to E. granulosus infection occurs before production of hydatid fluid and that activation, mobilization and establishment of oncospheres in the tissues generates a persistent response from the host's immune system.
Antifungal activity of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in Stomoxys calcitranslarvae
Authors: Moraes Ana Paula Rodrigues , Videira Sandy Sampaio , Bittencourt Vânia Rita Elias Pinheiro , Bittencourt Avelino José
Published: July 2014

The microbiota present in Stomoxys calcitrans larvae may assist their survival in contaminated environments through production of inhibitory substances. Bacteriological identification methods, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to detect a bacterium naturally present in mucus and maceratedS. calcitrans larvae. The antifungal activity was determined based on the results from disk diffusion tests on an artificial solid medium. The bacterium was identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and presented antifungal activity againstBeauveria bassiana sensu lato isolates CG 138, CG 228 and ESALQ 986. This result suggests that the larval microbiota is a factor that can compromise the use of B. bassiana s.l. fungus for biological control of S. calcitrans larvae.
Rhipicephalus(Boophilus) microplus resistant to acaricides and ivermectin in cattle farms of Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-Vivas Róger Iván , Pérez-Cogollo Luis Carlos , Rosado-Aguilar José Alberto , Ojeda-Chi Melina Maribel , Trinidad-Martinez Iris , Miller Robert John , Li Andrew Yongsheng , de León Adalberto Pérez , Guerrero Félix , Klafke Guilherme
Published: July 2014

Ticks and the diseases they transmit cause great economic losses to livestock in tropical countries. Non-chemical control alternatives include the use of resistant cattle breeds, biological control and vaccines. However, the most widely used method is the application of different chemical classes of acaricides and macrocyclic lactones. Populations of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, resistant to organophosphates (OP), synthetic pyrethroids (SP), amitraz and fipronil have been reported in Mexico. Macrocyclic lactones are the most sold antiparasitic drug in the Mexican veterinary market. Ivermectin-resistant populations of R. (B.) microplus have been reported in Brazil, Uruguay and especially in Mexico (Veracruz and Yucatan). Although ivermectin resistance levels in R. (B.) microplus from Mexico were generally low in most cases, some field populations of R. (B.) microplus exhibited high levels of ivermectin resistance. The CHPAT population showed a resistance ratio of 10.23 and 79.6 at lethal concentration of 50% and 99%, respectively. Many field populations of R. (B.) microplus are resistant to multiple classes of antiparasitic drugs, including organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, coumaphos and diazinon), pyrethroids (flumethrin, deltamethrin and cypermethrin), amitraz and ivermectin. This paper reports the current status of the resistance of R. (B.) microplus to acaricides, especially ivermectin, in Mexican cattle.
Parasite community of Pagrus pagrus(Sparidae) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: evidence of temporal stability
Authors: Soares Iris Aparecida , Vieira Fabiano Matos , Luque José Luis
Published: July 2014

One hundred specimens of Pagrus pagrus were necropsied for parasitological study between January and February 2012. These data were compared with data from 90 specimens that had been examined in the year 2000. The fish were collected from Cabo Frio (21-23 ° S, 41-45 ° W), in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the current study a total of 19 parasite species were collected. Sixteen of these were collected in the samples of both 2012 and 2000, thus totaling 25 parasite species in the two studies. All the results were similar to those of the previous study with regard to: dominance of anisakid nematode larvae; correlation between abundance of parasites and host body size; absence of correlations between the size of parasite infrapopulations and host sex; and scarcity of interspecific associations. The only difference between the studies was in the abundance values for Anisakidae, which could be correlated with the seasonal factor of the collection period, which was concentrated in the summer. This is also the period of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) phenomenon, during which there is greater host reproductive activity. Therefore, significant stability of the metazoan community structure of P. pagrus was shown.
Histopathologic aspects in Plagioscion squamosissimus (HECKEL, 1940) induced by Neoechinorhynchus veropesoi, metacestodes and anisakidae juveniles
Authors: Melo Francisco Tiago de Vasconcelos , Rodrigues Rogério Antonio Ribeiro , Giese Elane Guerreiro , Gardner Scott Lyell , Santos Jeannie Nascimento dos
Published: July 2014

Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel 1840), a fish endemic to the Amazon Basin and commonly known as the “silver croaker”, plays an important role in the ecology and economy of Pará State, Brazil. Knowledge of host-parasite relationships is important to understanding the role of parasites in the control of natural host populations. This work describes histopathological aspects caused by several common intestinal parasites found during a helminthological survey of fish in northern Brazil. We observed a high prevalence of helminth infection, especially by J3 nematode juveniles of the family Anisakidae and metacestodes of the family Protocephalidae (both with 100% prevalence). An external capsule surrounded each juvenile with numerous juveniles inside sac-like structures formed of connective tissue. Inflammation was observed to be caused by infection of metacestodes, reaching the intestinal muscularis mucosa. Neoechinorhynchus veropesoi (38% prevalence) was found in the small intestine of P. squamosissimus, invading the mucosa, submucosa, and internal muscularis of the intestine causing intense inflammation. Histopathology of host-parasite relationships in fish has been rare, and the pathology of parasites in P. squamosissimus is described herein.
A Survey of Weeds and Herbicides in Georgia Pecan
Authors: Grey Timothy L. , Turpin Fred S. , Wells Lenny , Webster Theodore M.
Published: July 2014

A survey was conducted in 2012 in Georgia to determine the most troublesome weeds in pecan orchards and document common herbicide weed control practices. Weed control practices and infestations in pecan were divided between winter and summer seasons. The most troublesome pecan winter weed species were wild radish and Italian ryegrass, whereas the most troublesome summer season weeds were Palmer amaranth and bermudagrass. Other weeds included crabgrass species, bahiagrass, Florida pusley, purslane species, morningglory species, curly dock, and cutleaf evening-primrose. The most widely used POST herbicide in both the winter and summer season was glyphosate. The most commonly used year-round herbicides with soil persistence were pendimethalin, diuron, flumioxazin, halosulfuron, simazine, indaziflam, and oryzalin. Use of multiple herbicides, PRE- and POST-contact and soil-persistent, with various herbicide mechanisms of action, have benefited pecan producers by providing year-round weed control, despite herbicide-resistant weeds being widely established in this region.
Influence of welding and heat treatment on microstructure, properties and fracture behaviour of a wrought aluminium alloy
Authors: Hilty Eric B. , Menzemer Craig C. , Manigandan Kannan , Srivatsan Tirumalai S.
Published: July 2014

Welding of aluminium alloy, belonging to the 6XXX series, exerts an adverse influence on its strength. The loss of strength immediately adjacent to the welds can have an influence on overall behaviour of the structure or component. In this study, the technique of gas metal arc welding was used. The filler material used was a silicon-containing aluminium alloy. Subsequent to welding, the alloy (6061-T4) was subjected to post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 185°C for 6 h. Both the as-welded and artificially aged extrusions of aluminium alloy 6061 were examined for both microstructural development and resultant influence on mechanical properties. Light optical microscopy was used to characterise the microstructure of the starting material. The PWHT had a marginal influence on both the presence and distribution of second-phase particles in the microstructure. The temperature and time of heat treatment should result in the precipitation and presence of very fine precipitate particles in the microstructure. Tensile tests revealed the welded aluminium alloy to have lower strength, both yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, when compared to the as-provided un-welded counterpart. The influence of PWHT on strength, ductility and fracture properties of the alloy, in comparison with the as-provided material, is presented and discussed.
Unaccompanied Evacuation and Adult Mortality: Evaluating the Finnish Policy of Evacuating Children to Foster Care During World War II
Authors: Santavirta Torsten
Published: July 2014

Objectives. I examined associations between evacuation of Finnish children to temporary foster care in Sweden during World War II and all-cause mortality between ages 38 and 78 years.

Methods. I used a Cox proportional hazards model to estimate mortality risk according to whether the individual was evacuated during childhood or not. I used within-sibling analysis to control for all unobserved socioeconomic and genetic characteristics shared among siblings. Individual-level data for Finnish cohorts born in 1933 to 1944 were derived from wartime government records, Finnish census data from 1950 and 1970, and death cause registry from 1971 to 2011.

Results. I found no statistically significant association between evacuation and all-cause mortality when all exposed individuals were included in the analysis. However, subgroup analysis showed that men evacuated before age 4 years had a 1.31 higher mortality risk (95% confidence interval = 1.01, 1.69) than their nonevacuated counterparts.

Conclusions. In the aggregate, individuals do not have elevated mortality risk as a consequence of foster care during early childhood owing to the onset of sudden external shocks (e.g., wars).
Maternal Depression as a Risk Factor for Family Homelessness
Authors: Curtis Marah A. , Corman Hope , Noonan Kelly , Reichman Nancy E.
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We estimated the effects of maternal depression during the postpartum year, which is often an unexpected event, on subsequent homelessness and risk of homelessness in a national sample of urban, mostly low-income mothers.

Methods. We used logistic regression models to estimate associations between maternal depression during the postpartum year and both homelessness and risk of homelessness 2 to 3 years later, controlling for maternal and family history of depression, prenatal housing problems, and other covariates. Risk factors for homelessness included experiencing evictions or frequent moves and moving in with family or friends and not paying rent.

Results. We found robust associations between maternal depression during the postpartum year and subsequent homelessness and risk of homelessness, even among mothers who had no history of mental illness, whose own mothers did not have a history of depressive symptoms, and who had no previous housing problems.

Conclusions. This study provides robust evidence that maternal mental illness places families with young children at risk for homelessness, contributes to the scant literature elucidating directional and causal links between mental illness and homelessness, and contributes to a stagnant but important literature on family homelessness.
The Impact of Public Housing on Social Networks: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Pollack Craig E , Green Harold D. , Kennedy David P. , Griffin Beth Ann , Kennedy-Hendricks Alene , Burkhauser Susan , Schwartz Heather
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We assessed whether 2 types of public housing—scattered among market-rate housing developments or clustered in small public housing projects—were associated with the perceived health and health behaviors of residents’ social networks.

Methods. Leveraging a natural experiment in Montgomery County, Maryland, in which residents were randomly assigned to different types of public housing, we surveyed 453 heads of household in 2011. We asked residents about their own health as well as the perceived health of their network members, including their neighbors.

Results. Residents in scattered-site public housing perceived that their neighbors were more likely to exercise than residents of clustered public housing (24.7% of network members vs 14.0%; P < .001). There were no significant differences in the proportion of network members who were perceived to have major health problems, depressed mood, poor diet, or obesity. Having more network members who smoked was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of smoking.

Conclusions. Different types of public housing have a modest impact on the health composition of one’s social network, suggesting the importance of housing policy for health.
Recent Violence in a Community-Based Sample of Homeless and Unstably Housed Women With High Levels of Psychiatric Comorbidity
Authors: Riley Elise D. , Cohen Jennifer , Knight Kelly R. , Decker Alyson , Marson Kara , Shumway Martha
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We determined associations between co-occurring psychiatric conditions and violence against homeless and unstably housed women.

Methods. Between 2008 and 2010, we interviewed homeless and unstably housed women recruited from community venues about violence, socioeconomic factors, and psychiatric conditions. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine independent correlates of violence.

Results. Among 291 women, 97% screened positive for 1 or more psychiatric conditions. Types of violence perpetrated by primary partners and persons who were not primary partners (non–primary partners) included emotional violence (24% vs 50%; P < .01), physical violence (11% vs 19%; P < .01), and sexual violence (7% vs 22%; P < .01). The odds of primary partner and non–primary partner violence increased with each additional psychiatric diagnosis and decreasing levels of social isolation.

Conclusions. All types of violence were more commonly perpetrated by non–primary partners, suggesting that an exclusive focus on domestic violence screening in health care or social service settings will miss most of the violence in this population. Contrary to some previous studies, the odds of violence decreased as social isolation increased, suggesting that social isolation may be protective in homeless and unstably housed communities with high levels of comorbidity and limited options.
Role of Health Insurance on the Survival of Infants With Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Kucik James E. , Cassell Cynthia H. , Alverson Clinton J. , Donohue Pamela , Tanner Jean Paul , Minkovitz Cynthia S. , Correia Jane , Burke Thomas , Kirby Russell S.
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We examined the association between health insurance and survival of infants with congenital heart defects (CHDs), and whether medical insurance type contributed to racial/ethnic disparities in survival.

Methods. We conducted a population-based, retrospective study on a cohort of Florida resident infants born with CHDs between 1998 and 2007. We estimated neonatal, post-neonatal, and infant survival probabilities and adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for individual characteristics.

Results. Uninsured infants with critical CHDs had 3 times the mortality risk (AHR = 3.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.3, 6.9) than that in privately insured infants. Publicly insured infants had a 30% reduced mortality risk than that of privately insured infants during the neonatal period, but had a 30% increased risk in the post-neonatal period. Adjusting for insurance type reduced the Black–White disparity in mortality risk by 50%.

Conclusions. Racial/ethnic disparities in survival were attenuated significantly, but not eliminated, by adjusting for payer status.
Trends in Mental Health Services Utilization and Stigma in US Soldiers From 2002 to 2011
Authors: Quartana Phillip J. , Wilk Joshua E. , Thomas Jeffrey L. , Bray Robert M. , Rae Olmsted Kristine L. , Brown Janice M. , Williams Jason , Kim Paul Y. , Clarke-Walper Kristina , Hoge Charles W.
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We characterized trends in mental health services utilization and stigma over the course of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars among active-component US soldiers.

Methods. We evaluated trends in mental health services utilization and stigma using US Army data from the Health-Related Behavior (HRB) surveys from 2002, 2005, and 2008 (n = 12 835) and the Land Combat Study (LCS) surveys administered to soldiers annually from 2003 to 2009 and again in 2011 (n = 22 627).

Results. HRB and LCS data suggested increased mental health services utilization and decreased stigma in US soldiers between 2002 and 2011. These trends were evident in soldiers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), or PTSD and MDD. Despite the improving trends, more than half of soldiers with mental health problems did not report seeking care.

Conclusions. Mental health services utilization increased and stigma decreased over the course of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although promising, these findings indicate that a significant proportion of US soldiers meeting criteria for PTSD or MDD do not utilize mental health services, and stigma remains a pervasive problem requiring further attention.
Medicaid Enrollment Gap Length and Number of Medicaid Enrollment Periods Among US Children
Authors: Simon Alan E. , Schoendorf Kenneth C.
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We examined gap length, characteristics associated with gap length, and number of enrollment periods among Medicaid-enrolled children in the United States.

Methods. We linked the 2004 National Health Interview Survey to Medicaid Analytic eXtract files for 1999 through 2008. We examined linkage-eligible children aged 5 to 13 years in the 2004 National Health Interview Survey who disenrolled from Medicaid. We generated Kaplan-Meier curves of time to reenrollment. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess the effect of sociodemographic variables on time to reenrollment. We compared the percentage of children enrolled 4 or more times across sociodemographic groups.

Results. Of children who disenrolled from Medicaid, 35.8%, 47.1%, 63.5%, 70.8%, and 79.1% of children had reenrolled in Medicaid by 6 months, 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Children who were younger, poorer, or of minority race/ethnicity or had lower educated parents had shorter gaps in Medicaid and were more likely to have had 4 or more Medicaid enrollment periods.

Conclusions. Nearly half of US children who disenrolled from Medicaid reenrolled within 1 year. Children with traditionally high-risk demographic characteristics had shorter gaps in Medicaid enrollment and were more likely to have more periods of Medicaid enrollment.
Health Disparities Calculator: A Methodologically Rigorous Tool for Analyzing Inequalities in Population Health
Authors: Breen Nancy , Scott Susan , Percy-Laurry Antoinette , Lewis Denise , Glasgow Russell
Published: July 2014

Historically, researchers and policy planners have selected a single indicator to measure trends in social inequalities. A more rigorous approach is to review the literature and data, select appropriate inequality measures to address the research question, compute results from various indices, and graphically compare resulting trends. The Health Disparities Calculator (HD*Calc, version 1.2.4; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD) computes results from different indices and graphically displays them, making an arduous task easier, more transparent, and more accessible.
HIV Diagnoses Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women—United States and 6 Dependent Areas, 2008-2011
Authors: Singh Sonia , Hu Xiaohong , Wheeler William , Hall H. Irene
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We sought to describe HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), who have the potential to bridge HIV transmission risk from men who have sex with men (MSM) to women.

Methods. Applying National HIV Surveillance System data for persons aged 13 years and older, we examined estimated numbers and percentages of HIV diagnoses among MSMW and MSM only (MSMO) from 2008 to 2011, and estimated the annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals, by age and race/ethnicity.

Results. In 2011, 26.4% of 30 896 MSM diagnosed with HIV infection also had had sex with women. A larger percentage of MSMW were Black/African American (44.5%) compared with MSMO (36.0%), and fewer MSMW were White (26.4%) compared with MSMO (36.2%); similar percentages were classified as either MWMW or MSMO among other racial/ethnic groups. Among MSMW, HIV diagnoses were relatively stable and MSMO increased more than 6% annually among those aged 13 to 29 years.

Conclusions. Many MSM diagnosed with HIV infection had also had sex with women. Intensified interventions are needed to decrease HIV infections overall for MSMW and reverse the increasing trends among young MSMO.
Mortality and Economic Costs From Regular Cigar Use in the United States, 2010
Authors: Nonnemaker James , Rostron Brian , Hall Patricia , MacMonegle Anna , Apelberg Benjamin
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We estimated annual mortality, years of potential life lost, and associated economic costs attributable to regular cigar smoking among US adults aged 35 years or older.

Methods. We estimated cigar-attributable mortality for the United States in 2010 using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Morbidity, and Economic Costs methodology for smoking-related causes of death. We obtained cigar prevalence from the National Adult Tobacco Survey, relative risks from the Cancer Prevention Studies I and II, and annual US deaths from the National Vital Statistics System. We also estimated the economic cost of this premature mortality using the value of a statistical life-year.

Results. Regular cigar smoking was responsible for approximately 9000 premature deaths and more than 140 000 years of potential life lost among US adults aged 35 years or older in 2010. These years of life had an economic value of approximately $23 billion.

Conclusions. The health and economic burden of cigar smoking in the United States is large and may increase over time because of the increasing consumption of cigars in the United States.
Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors Among US Men: The Role of Sexual Orientation
Authors: Blashill Aaron J. , Safren Steven A.
Published: July 2014

The current study assessed skin cancer risk behaviors by sexual orientation in a nationally representative prospective sample of US men (n = 1767), sampled at ages 16 and 29 years. At age 16 years, sexual minority men were 3.9 times as likely as heterosexual men to indoor tan. Participants did not significantly differ in the use of sunscreen or the frequency of outdoor tanning. Thus, sexual minority men might be an at-risk group for developing skin cancers because of their indoor tanning behaviors.
Retention in Care and Viral Suppression Among Persons Living With HIV/AIDS in New York City, 2006–2010
Authors: Torian Lucia V. , Xia Qiang , Wiewel Ellen W.
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We estimated the proportions of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in New York City (NYC) retained in care and virally suppressed.

Methods. We used routinely reported laboratory surveillance data to measure trends in retention in care and viral suppression in PLWHA in NYC from 2006 through 2010. Our denominator excluded persons lacking any HIV-related laboratory tests during the 5 years prior to the year of analysis.

Results. The proportion of patients retained in care (≥ 1 care visit in a calendar year) was stable, at 82.5% in 2006 and 81.8% in 2010. However, the proportion of persons with evidence of viral suppression increased significantly, from 44.3% to 59.1%. Blacks were least likely to have viral suppression (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.87, 0.90). A U-shaped relationship between age and viral suppression was observed, with the 20- to 29-year age group least likely to have a suppressed viral load.

Conclusions. Higher and more plausible proportions retained in care and virally suppressed than national estimates may reflect the difference in methodology and our comprehensive HIV-related laboratory reporting system.
The Association Between Race/Ethnicity and Major Birth Defects in the United States, 1999–2007
Authors: Canfield Mark A. , Mai Cara T. , Wang Ying , O’Halloran Alissa , Marengo Lisa K. , Olney Richard S. , Borger Christopher L. , Rutkowski Rachel , Fornoff Jane , Irwin Nila , Copeland Glenn , Flood Timothy J. , Meyer Robert E. , Rickard Russel , Alverson C. J. , Sweatlock Joseph , Kirby Russell S. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Network
Published: July 2014

Objectives. We investigated the relationship between race/ethnicity and 27 major birth defects.

Methods. We pooled data from 12 population-based birth defects surveillance systems in the United States that included 13.5 million live births (1 of 3 of US births) from 1999 to 2007. Using Poisson regression, we calculated prevalence estimates for each birth defect and 13 racial/ethnic groupings, along with crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs). Non-Hispanic Whites served as the referent group.

Results. American Indians/Alaska Natives had a significantly higher and 50% or greater prevalence for 7 conditions (aPR = 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.89, 5.44 for anotia or microtia); aPRs of 1.5 to 2.1 for cleft lip, trisomy 18, and encephalocele, and lower, upper, and any limb deficiency). Cubans and Asians, especially Chinese and Asian Indians, had either significantly lower or similar prevalences of these defects compared with non-Hispanic Whites, with the exception of anotia or microtia among Chinese (aPR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.30, 3.33) and Filipinos (aPR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.10, 3.30) and tetralogy of Fallot among Vietnamese (aPR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.11, 2.32).

Conclusions. This is the largest population-based study to our knowledge to systematically examine the prevalence of a range of major birth defects across many racial/ethnic groups, including Asian and Hispanic subgroups. The relatively high prevalence of birth defects in American Indians/Alaska Natives warrants further attention.
A Review of Management Options for Proximal Humeral Fractures
Authors: Jordan Robert W , Modi Chetan S
Published: July 2014

Proximal humeral fractures are common and although the majority can be managed non-operatively, the optimal treatment of displaced or complex fractures remains controversial. Non-operative treatment is typically selected for minimally displaced fractures where union rates are high and good or excellent outcomes can be expected in approximately 80% of cases. The aims of surgical fixation are to restore articular surface congruency, alignment and the relationship between the tuberosities and the humeral head. Hemiarthroplasty provides patients with reliable pain relief and its indications include fracture dislocations, humeral head splitting fractures and some three- and four- part fractures. The key areas of surgical technique that influence functional outcome include correctly restoring the humeral height, humeral version and tuberosity position. Function, however, is poor if the tuberosities either fail to unite or mal-unite. The interest in reverse shoulder arthroplasty as an alternative option has therefore recently increased, particularly in older patients with poor bone quality and tuberosity comminution. The evidence supporting this, however, is currently limited to multiple case series with higher level studies currently underway.
The Evidence-Based Principles of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Trauma & Orthopedics
Authors: A Novak , Khan Wasim S , J Palmer
Published: July 2014

Negative pressure wound therapy is a popular treatment for the management of both acute and chronic wounds. Its use in trauma and orthopedics is diverse and includes the acute traumatic setting as well as chronic troublesome wounds associated with pressure sores and diabetic foot surgery. Efforts have been made to provide an evidence base to guide its use however this has been limited by a lack of good quality evidence. The following review article explores the available evidence and describes future developments for its use in trauma and orthopaedic practice.
Religiousness, Religious Doubt, and Death Anxiety
Authors: Henrie James , Patrick Julie Hicks
Published: July 2014

Terror Management Theory (TMT) (Greenberg, Pyszczynski, & Solomon, 1986) suggests that culturally-provided worldviews (e.g., religion) may protect individuals from experiencing death anxiety, and several studies have supported this position. However, if one's worldview can offer protection, doubts concerning one's worldview could undermine this protection. The current study investigated whether age, gender, religiousness, and religious doubt were associated with death anxiety. Using data from 635 younger, middle-aged, and older adults, a structural equation model with age, gender, religiousness, and religious doubt predicting death anxiety was tested. The model had a good fit (χ2 (76) = 193.467, p < .001; GFI = .961, CFI = .976, TLI = .967, RMSEA = .049) and accounted for 12.3% of the variance in death anxiety. Results were consistent with TMT, as religiousness was inversely associated with death anxiety, while religious doubt was positively associated with death anxiety.
Normalcy: An Important Focus for Individuals Diagnosed with a Haematological Malignancy
Authors: McGrath Pam
Published: July 2014

This article presents findings that highlight the significance of the tension between the focus on disease and treatment verses the focus on re-engaging with life for individuals facing the crisis of being diagnosed with a haematology malignancy. The findings are from a study on survivorship conducted throughout Queensland, Australia. The research was based on a qualitative design involving a series of open-ended interviews ( n = 50) and one focus group which were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then coded and thematically analysed for the research. The findings affirm the importance of a sense of normalcy and the process of re-positioning the central role of the disease in the lives of those diagnosed with a haematological cancer. There are key points when a focus on treatment and disease is unavoidable. However, after treatment the need for supportive care and the consequent reminder of the disease and treatment can “taper off.” The challenge is to know when to provide support and when to respect the individual's need to let go of a focus on issues associated with treatment and the disease.
Life Interrupted: The Impact of Complex Chronic Disease from the Perspective of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Kuluski Kerry , Bensimon Cécile M. , Alvaro Celeste , Lyons Renee F. , Schaink Alexis K. , Tobias Roy
Published: July 2014

A growing number of individuals require health services to manage multiple chronic conditions (i.e., complex chronic disease), yet little is known about their experience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of complex chronic disease on the lives of individuals receiving hospital care. Ninety-five participants were interviewed between February and June 2011 and shared their views on how illness impacted their lives. Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using computer assisted data analysis software. Participants' views were organized into six themes: loss of: autonomy; meaningful activities; structures of meaning; social fabric; mental health; and finances. Most participants articulated multiple losses, particularly those with high illness severity. This study sheds light on the experience of loss as a consequence of disease. To adequately support the needs of these individuals, a model of care must address the interface between mental, social, and physical health.
Ethnic Minorities and Their Health Needs: Crisis of Perception and Behaviours
Authors: Wankhade Paresh , Cook Ian G. , Halsall Jamie P.
Published: July 2014

There is considerable evidence to suggest that racial and ethnic disparities exist in the provision of emergency and wider healthcare. The importance of collecting patient ethnic data has received attention in literature across the world and eliminating ethnic and racial health equalities is one of the primary aims of healthcare providers internationally. The poor health status of certain racial and ethnic groups has been well documented. The improvement of racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare is at the forefront of many public health agendas. This article addresses important policy, practice, and cultural issues confronted by the pre-hospital emergency care setup. This aspect of care plays a unique role in the healthcare safety net in providing a service to a very diverse population, including members of ethnic and racial minorities. Competent decision making by the emergency care practitioners requires patient-specific information and the health provider's prior medical knowledge and clinical training. The article reviews the current ethnicity trends in the UK along with international evidence linking ethnicity and health inequalities. The study argues that serious difficulties will arise between the health provider and the patient if they come from different backgrounds and therefore experience difficulties in cross-cultural communication. This adversely impacts on the quality of diagnostic and clinical decision making for minority patients. The article offers few strategies to address health inequalities in emergency care and concludes by arguing that much more needs to be done to ensure that we are hearing the voices of more diverse groups, groups who are often excluded from engagement through barriers such as language or mobility difficulties.
Developing a Transcultural Academic-Community Partnership to Arrest Obesity
Authors: Lee Rebecca E. , Soltero Erica G. , Mama Scherezade K. , Saavedra Fiorella , Ledoux Tracey A. , McNeill Lorna
Published: July 2014

Innovative and empirically tested strategies are needed to define and understand obesity prevention and reduction in a transcultural society. This manuscript describes the development of Science & Community, a partnership developed over a 3-year period with the end goal of implementing a community-based participatory research (CBPR) trial to reduce and prevent obesity. Outreach strategies focused on promoting the project via existing and new channels and identifying and contacting potential partners using established strategies. Science & Community developed and fostered partnerships by hosting a series of interactive meetings, including three Opportunity Receptions, four Community Open Forum Symposia, and quarterly Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings. Opportunity Reception ( N = 62) and Symposia attendees ( N = 103) represented the diversity of the community, and participants reported high satisfaction with content and programming. From these events, the CAB was formed and was comprised of 13 community representatives. From these meetings, a Partnership representing 34 organizations and 614 individuals emerged that has helped to guide the development of future proposals and strategies to reduce obesity in Houston/Harris County.
Physical Activity Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices among Adults 50 and Older: Baseline Community Assessment
Authors: Hurley Kimberly S. , Lyle Roseann M. , Hyner Gerald C.
Published: July 2014

This study aligned with the National Blueprint, a coalition of national organizations to identify the principal barriers to physical activity participation in older adults and to outline strategies for increasing physical activity levels. A community coalition took the initiative to conduct a baseline assessment of health attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors among community adults in order to understand the immediate needs of the adult community. Adults 50 and older ( N = 309) completed surveys of health and physical activity (PA) behaviors. Individuals reported below average physical activity levels. Motives and barriers to PA differed by gender and race/ethnicity. Age and health perceptions significantly predicted PA levels. Findings support previous research with this age group, thus discussion of the utility of multi-level approaches (e.g., social ecological model) to health betterment in communities is forwarded. Providing multi-level resources (personal, social, environmental, policy) can increase opportunities for adoption and maintenance of health behaviors.
Complete convergence for weighted sums of a class of random variables
Authors: Deng Xin , Ge Meimei , Wang Xuejun , Liu Yanfang , Zhou Yu
Published: July 2014

Let {ani,1?i?n,n?1} be an array of real numbers and {Xn,n?1} be a
sequence of random variables satisfying the Rosenthal type inequality, which
is stochastically dominated by a random variable X. Under mild conditions, we
present some results on complete convergence for weighted sums ?ni=1 aniXi of
random variables satisfying the Rosenthal type inequality. The results
obtained in the paper generalize some known ones in the literatures.
Computational method based on Bernstein operational matrices for multi-order fractional differential equations
Authors: Rostamy Davood , Jafari Hossein , Alipour Mohsen , Khalique Chaudry
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the Bernstein operational matrices are used to obtain
solutions of multi-order fractional differential equations. In this regard we
present a theorem which can reduce the nonlinear fractional differential
equations to a system of algebraic equations. The fractional derivative
considered here is in the Caputo sense. Finally, we give several examples by
using the proposed method. These results are then compared with the results
obtained by using Adomian decomposition method, differential transform method
and the generalized block pulse operational matrix method. We conclude that
our results compare well with the results of other methods and the efficiency
and accuracy of the proposed method is very good.
Reflections on the Establishment of the PCAOB and Its Audit Standard-Setting Role
Authors: Carmichael Douglas R.
Published: July 2014

SYNOPSIS

This is an essay on the causes of the establishment of the PCAOB as the U.S. regulator of auditors of the financial statements of public companies, and the key developments in its role as a professional standard setter. From its inception in the U.S., the accounting profession was largely self-regulated. There was a degree of governmental regulation by state licensing laws, and the SEC's regulation of the offering and trading of securities of public companies. The federal securities laws gave the SEC direct authority over accounting standards, and indirect authority over auditing requirements through its ability to specify the form of audit reports. The SEC, however, looked primarily to the accounting profession to set its own standards. Some viewed the ability to set professional standards as an essential hallmark of professionalism. In 2002, that comfortable arrangement changed dramatically, and the regulation of auditors of public companies became the purview of the PCAOB.
Does Internal Audit Function Quality Deter Management Misconduct?
Authors: Ege Matthew S.
Published: July 2014

Standard-setters believe high-quality internal audit functions (IAFs) serve as a key resource to audit committees for monitoring senior management. However, regulators do not enforce IAF quality or require disclosures relating to IAF quality, which is in stark contrast to regulatory requirements placed on boards, audit committees, and external auditors. Using proprietary data, I find that a composite measure of IAF quality is negatively associated with the likelihood of management misconduct even after controlling for board, audit committee, and external auditor quality. This result is robust to a variety of other specifications, including controlling for internal control quality and separate estimation during the pre- and post-SOX time periods. A difference-in-differences analysis indicates that misconduct firms have low IAF quality and competence during misconduct years and improve IAF quality and competence in the post-misconduct years. These findings suggest that regulators, audit committees, and other stakeholders should consider ways to improve IAF quality.
Egg Baked in Product Open Oral Food Challenges are Safe in Selected Egg-Allergic Patients
Authors: Buelow Becky J. , Lee Carrie , Zafra Heidi T. , Dasgupta Mahua , Hoffmann Ray G. , Vasudev Monica
Published: July 2014

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children. Most egg-allergic children are able to tolerate egg baked in product (EBP) and will likely outgrow his/her egg allergy. By introducing EBP in the diet of an egg-allergic child, diet can be expanded and family stress can be reduced. Recent evidence suggests that children who tolerate EBP and continue to consume it will have quicker resolution of egg allergy than those who strictly avoid EBP; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the egg-allergic children who underwent EBP oral food challenge (OFC) in our allergy clinic to help define any specific predictors to be used in predicting the outcome of such challenges. We performed a retrospective chart review and 43 egg-allergic patients underwent EBP OFC in our outpatient allergy office from January 2011 to December 2012 were excluded. Nine patients who did not have a prior history of symptomatic egg ingestion. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of the remaining 34 patients were all recorded and analyzed. Of the remaining 34 patients, 22 (64.7%) were boys. Average age of first reaction to egg was 12.90 months, with average age at EBP OFC of 71.32 months. The average of the most recent skin-prick test wheal size was 10.10 mm and serum-specific IgE to egg white was 3.21 kU/L. Twenty-eight of the 34 patients (82.4%) passed the EBP OFC. Of the six patients who failed, none required epinephrine. After analysis of all of the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings, no risk factors, such as skin-prick test wheal size, were identified to be associated with an increased risk of failing EBP OFC. EBP OFC is a valuable tool to assess tolerance. As seen in our group of patients, the majority of egg-allergic patients pass EBP OFC. Thus, OFC should be considered as a clinical tool to expand a patient's diet and to improve quality of life as early as possible. Because we were unable to determine any clinical or laboratory predictors helpful to select egg-allergic patients who are likely to pass EBP OFC, additional prospective studies are necessary to determine the ideal egg-allergic patient who is likely to pass EBP OFC.
Experimental Investigations of the Comet Lander Philae Touchdown Dynamics
Authors: Witte Lars , Schroeder Silvio , Kempe Henning , van Zoest Tim , Roll Reinhard , Ulamec Stephan , Biele Jens , Block Joachim
Published: July 2014

The comet lander Philae (as part of Europe’s Rosetta mission) is en route to its target, 67/P Churyumov-Gerasimenko. With landing operations coming up at the end of 2014, a partial retesting of the Philae lander’s touchdown system was carried out in spring of 2013. Intensive testing was performed as part of Philae’s design and verification program approximately 10 years ago. However, the new test series specifically addresses touchdown conditions that have been out of capability of the pendulum test facility used at those times. Thus, the follow-up tests focus on touchdown conditions such as asymmetric loads, effects from terrain undulation, and the effect of granular soil mechanics, which could not be studied sufficiently in the original tests. This paper provides insight into the touchdown system of the Philae lander, the characteristics of the used test facility, its weight offloading operating mode, and the specific application to a small-body landing test. The results of the study are presented and discussed in terms of their importance to the ongoing landing preparations.
Myofascial Treatment for Patients With Acetabular Labral Tears: A Single-Subject Research Design Study
Authors: Cashman Glenn E. , Mortenson W. Ben , Gilbart Michael K.
Published: July 2014

Study Design

Single-subject research design using 4 consecutive patients.

Objective

To assess whether treatment using soft tissue therapy (ART or Active Release Technique), stretching, and strengthening of the hip abductors, hip external rotators, and tensor fascia latae muscles reduces pain and improves self-reported hip function in patients with acetabular labral tears who also have posterolateral hip pain of suspected myofascial origin.

Background

Acetabular labral tears cause pain in some but not all patients. Pain commonly presents anteriorly but may also present posteriorly and laterally. The standard of care is arthroscopic repair, which helps many but not all patients. It is possible that these patients may present with extra-articular contributions to their pain, such as myofascial pain, making their clinical presentation more complex. No previous study has assessed soft tissue therapy as a treatment option for this subset of patients.

Methods

This A-B-A design used repeated measures of the Hip Outcome Score and visual analog scale for pain. Four patients were treated for 6 to 8 weeks, using a combination of soft tissue therapy, stretching, and strengthening for the hip abductors, external rotators, and tensor fascia latae. Data were assessed visually, statistically, and by comparing mean differences before and after intervention.

Results

All 4 patients experienced both statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in posterolateral hip pain and hip-related function. Three patients also experienced reduction in anteromedial hip pain.

Conclusion

Myofascial hip pain may contribute to hip-related symptoms and disability in patients with acetabular labral tears and posterolateral hip pain. These patients may benefit from soft tissue therapy combined with stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the hip abductors, tensor fascia latae, and hip external rotator muscles.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(8):604–614. Epub 16 July 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5095