bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement in piezoelectric sensitivity via negative structural stiffness
Authors: Kalathur Harshavardhan , Lakes Roderic
Published: January 2016

Effective piezoelectric sensitivity of bimorph strip actuators was enhanced by negative structural stiffness. Negative stiffness was achieved in brass strips post-buckled in compression to an “S” shape; the brass strip was placed in series with the bimorph. The negative stiffness was tuned by adjusting the brass strip length. The effective piezoelectric sensitivity in units of displacement per volt input increased as the inverse of the overall stiffness of the series element. The maximum observed enhancement in effective piezoelectric sensitivity was at least a factor of 6 at 1 Hz in comparison with the value when no negative stiffness was used. This corresponds to a maximum effective sensitivity of about 36 µm/V in comparison with the baseline effective sensitivity of about 6.1 µm/V at 1 Hz. The value is several orders of magnitude (almost 40,000 times) higher than the typical value of sensitivity for the material comprising the individual bimorph strip actuator.
Incorporating Health Literacy Screening Into Patients’ Health Assessment
Authors: Sand-Jecklin Kari , Daniels Christine S. , Lucke-Wold Noelle
Published: January 2016

Low health literacy (HL) has been associated with several negative health outcomes, yet routine HL screening is not commonplace. This study’s purpose was to determine the feasibility of incorporating HL screening into the electronic health record (EHR) of patients admitted to a large Mid-Atlantic teaching hospital. After Registered Nurse (RN) training, the HL screening was implemented for all adult patients upon admission. After implementation, RNs were surveyed about the feasibility of HL screening, and patient EHRs were reviewed for HL status. Results indicated that RNs were receptive to HL screening. Approximately 20% of all patients screened were at risk for low HL, with HL scores decreasing as age increased. Patients with low HL had significantly higher hospital readmissions, even when controlling for age and number of health conditions. Further research is needed to determine how healthcare providers alter their patient interactions if they have knowledge that patients are at risk for having low HL.
Examining the Reliability and Validity of the Supports Intensity Scale–Children’s Version in Children With Autism and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Seo Hyojeong , Thompson James R. , Schalock Robert L. , Hughes Carolyn , Little Todd D. , Palmer Susan B.
Published: January 2016

This study compared the reliability, validity, and measurement properties of the Supports Intensity Scale–Children’s Version (SIS-C) in children with autism and intellectual disability ( n = 2,124) and children with intellectual disability only ( n = 1,861). The results suggest that SIS-C is a valid and reliable tool in both populations. Furthermore, the results of multi-group confirmatory factor analyses suggest that measurement invariance can be established across the two groups but that latent differences are present. Specifically, children with autism and intellectual disability tend to have higher intensities of support needs in social activities across age cohorts (5- to 6-, 7- to 8-, 9- to 10-, 11- to 12-, 13- to 14, and 15- to 16-year-olds), and children with intellectual disability only tended to have stronger correlations among support need domains measured on the SIS-C. Implications for applying the SIS-C to assessment and support planning are described.
White matter tract abnormalities are associated with cognitive dysfunction in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Meijer Kim A , Muhlert Nils , Cercignani Mara , Sethi Varun , Ron Maria A , Thompson Alan J , Miller David H , Chard Declan , Geurts Jeroen JG , Ciccarelli Olga
Published: January 2016

Background:

While our knowledge of white matter (WM) pathology underlying cognitive impairment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing, equivalent understanding in those with secondary progressive (SP) MS lags behind.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to examine whether the extent and severity of WM tract damage differ between cognitively impaired (CI) and cognitively preserved (CP) secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients.

Methods:

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion MRI were acquired from 30 SPMS patients and 32 healthy controls (HC). Cognitive domains commonly affected in MS patients were assessed. Linear regression was used to predict cognition. Diffusion measures were compared between groups using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS).

Results:

A total of 12 patients were classified as CI, and processing speed was the most commonly affected domain. The final regression model including demographic variables and radial diffusivity explained the greatest variance of cognitive performance ( R2 = 0.48, p = 0.002). SPMS patients showed widespread loss of WM integrity throughout the WM skeleton when compared with HC. When compared with CP patients, CI patients showed more extensive and severe damage of several WM tracts, including the fornix, superior longitudinal fasciculus and forceps major.

Conclusion:

Loss of WM integrity assessed using TBSS helps to explain cognitive decline in SPMS patients.
MS arising during Tocilizumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Beauchemin Philippe , Carruthers Robert
Published: January 2016

Background:

Interleukin-6 (IL6) blockage is a treatment strategy used in many inflammatory conditions. Trials in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) are ongoing. Secondary auto-immunity affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is well described with some biologic agents, mainly tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors. These treatments can also aggravate patients with known multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

To describe a case of a patient who developed MS using another biologic, IL6 receptor antibody Tocilizumab.

Results:

A 48-year-old woman developed MS while on treatment with Tocilizumab for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This is the first published report of this association. It has obvious implications for NMOSD patients receiving anti-IL6 therapy. Development of new white matter lesions suggestive of MS in a patient treated with anti-IL6 therapy might represent an important complication of therapy.

Conclusion:

This case illustrates that Tocilizumab might cause secondary auto-immunity in CNS. It is important to be aware of this potential complication as anti-IL6 therapy might become an option for the treatment NMOSD.
Management of infectious diseases in remote northwestern Ontario with telemedicine videoconference consultations
Authors: Mashru Jai , Kirlew Michael , Saginur Raphael , Schreiber Yoko S
Published: January 2016

Northwestern Ontario in Canada provides a unique clinical challenge for providing optimal medical care. It is a large geographic area (385,000 km2) and is home to 32 remote First Nations communities, most without road access. These communities suffer a heavy burden of infectious disease and specialist consultations are difficult to obtain. The Division of Infectious Diseases at the Ottawa Hospital and the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre established a telemedicine-based infectious disease consultation service in July 2014. We describe the implementation of this service, types of cases seen and patient satisfaction, as well as some of the challenges encountered. Information on visits was prospectively collected through an administrative database, and patient satisfaction surveys were administered after each initial consultation. During our first year of operation, 191 teleconsultations occurred: 76 initial consultations, 82 follow-up appointments and 33 case conferences. The scope of cases has been broad, mostly involving musculoskeletal infections (26%), followed by skin and soft tissue infections (23%). HCV, acute rheumatic fever, and respiratory infections (including pulmonary tuberculosis) were other diagnoses. Patient satisfaction has been very high and 28 telemedicine patient visits have occurred in their remote home communities, minimizing travel. The infectious disease consulting service and local clinicians have succeeded in addressing needs for care in infectious diseases in northwestern Ontario, where important gaps in service to First Nations' communities continue to exist. Regular scheduled available access to an infectious disease specialist is a well-received advancement of care in this remote region of Canada.
Parental bonding during childhood affects stress-coping ability and stress reaction
Authors: Ohtaki Yuh , Ohi Yuichi , Suzuki Shun , Usami Kazuya , Sasahara Shinichiro , Matsuzaki Ichiyo
Published: January 2016

An online survey examined the effects of parental bonding during childhood on adult workers’ stress-coping ability (Sense of Coherence) and stress reactions (General Health Questionnaire and Self-Rating Depression Scale). Participants who completed the questionnaire were grouped into optimal bonding and poor bonding groups. Analyses of covariance by gender with age as a covariate were conducted for the Sense of Coherence, General Health Questionnaire, and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores for 9525 participants. For both genders, the scores of the poor bonding group were significantly lower for the Sense of Coherence and significantly higher for the General Health Questionnaire and Self-Rating Depression Scale compared to those of the optimal bonding group.
Pain among older adults from a gender perspective: findings from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC-Blekinge)
Authors: Wranker Lena Sandin , Rennemark Mikael , Berglund Johan
Published: January 2016

Background and aims: Pain is common in the elderly population and its prevalence varies according to the studied disease, clinical setting, sex and age. This study examines pain in an aging population from a gender perspective. Methods: The Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC) is conducted at four research centres. Participants were recruited from the baseline sample ( n=1402) at one of the research centres, SNAC-Blekinge. Individuals aged 60 years and older were included and non-participation was documented. Research personnel conducted the medical examination on two occasions. Results: The prevalence of pain was 769/1402 (54.8%), distributed as 496/817 (64.5%) women and 273/585 (35.5%) men, p<0.01. Women reported more pain located in the vertebral column, p<0.01. The most common pain location was the legs and feet. About 84% reported pain intensity as 4 or higher on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Pain intensity declines with age among men, p<0.01. The most frequent treatment was painkillers. A total of 128/263 (48.7%) of the men received no pain treatment compared with 177/478 (37.0%) of the women, p<0.01. In a multivariate logistic regression model, women yielded the highest OR [OR 1.94 (C.I. 1.51–2.49)] for pain. Conclusions: Pain is common among older adults and there are significant differences between the sexes. Almost 55% of participants reported pain, predominantly women. In the majority of cases the intensity was rated as moderate or severe (VAS >4) and women rated higher than men p<0.02. Almost half of the men (48.7%) did not receive any treatment compared to 37% of the women, p<0.01.
A quantitative method to detect the ventilation paths in a mountainous urban city for urban planning: A case study in Guizhou, China
Authors: Ling Chen Shi , Lu Jun , Yu Wei Wei
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a new frontal area index (FAI) mapping method is presented to describe the surface roughness of Renhuai, as an example of typical medium high mountain gorge type Karst city. Comparing with the traditional calculating method of FAI, a local topography (hills) factor is added to the calculation of the FAI in each 100 m × 100 m grid cell. The results show that the modified FAI is more strongly related to the mountainous land-use type than traditional, and local topography regions with large podium structure had higher values than other urban land-use types in mountainous city. With the frontal area index mapping procedure and a self-compiled least cost path analysis method, the potential airflow corridors traversing through the study area can be located, and the total computation time is shorter and less than 1 s. Air volume, a significant measurement index of urban ventilation capacity, is then simulated in computational fluid dynamics model (CFD-PHOENICS) to confirm the significance and efficiency of these specific ventilation corridors. Based on our findings, the government and urban planners may use the descendent maps to understand the urban ventilation paths within a mountainous city for urban local renovation decisions.
A review of radon measurement studies with nuclear track detectors (NTDs) in Azad Kashmir
Authors: Khan Abdul Razzaq , Rafique Muhammad , Rahman Saeed Ur , Kearfott Kimberlee J. , Matiullah
Published: January 2016

Inhalation of radon and its progeny are the most important component of public exposure to natural radiations. Many epidemiological studies have established the fact that radon and radon progeny are associated with increased incidence of lung cancer. Beside health concerns, radon is an important consideration in other fields, e.g. hydrological research, detection of geological fault lines, prediction of earthquake, uranium deposits and oil exploration. The importance of the subject compelled many scientists to develop methods for measurement and mitigation of radon. During last decade many studies for measurement of radon and thoron have been conducted in Azad Kashmir. In most studies, the techniques used involve the usage of solid state nuclear track detectors. Building materials, including granite, marbles, gravel aggregates, bricks, sand and soil have been characterized through radon exhalation rate studies. Several research articles have been published, reporting indoor radon measurements in dwellings and at workplaces. Though these studies have provided preliminary information about radon levels in the area, however, data obtained are still unable to convey clear information to readers. This review paper attempts to organize the radon data to provide a clearer understanding and roadmap for radon measurements in Azad Kashmir.
Engineering the locusts: Hind leg modelling towards the design of a bio-inspired space hopper
Authors: Punzo Giuliano , McGookin Euan W
Published: January 2016

The mechanical operation of a biologically inspired robot hopper is presented. This design is based on the hind leg dynamics and jumping gait of a desert locust ( Schistocerca gregaria). The biological mechanism is represented as a lumped mass system. This emulates the muscle activation sequence and gait responsible for the long, coordinated jump of locusts, whilst providing an engineering equivalent for the design of a biological inspired hopper for planetary exploration. Despite the crude simplification, performance compares well against biological data found in the literature and scaling towards size more typical of robotic realisation are considered from an engineering point of view. This aspect makes an important contribution to knowledge as it quantifies the balance between biological similarity and efficiency of the biomimetic hopping mechanism. Further, this work provides useful information towards the biomimetic design of a hopper vehicle whilst the analysis uncover the range maximisation conditions for powered flight at constant thrust by analytic means. The proposed design bridges concepts looking at the gait dynamics and designs oriented to extended, full powered trajectories.
Diverging worlds of foreign correspondence: The changing working conditions of correspondents in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Authors: Brüggemann Michael , Keel Guido , Hanitzsch Thomas , Götzenbrucker Gerit , Schacht Laura
Published: January 2016

Foreign correspondents seem to have become an endangered species. They are said to be increasingly substituted by new forms of foreign correspondence. These claims are often raised by researchers studying foreign correspondence to and from the United States and the United Kingdom. We test whether assumptions about the demise and substitution of the traditional foreign correspondent also apply beyond these contexts. Particularly, the study seeks to explore the differences in the working conditions of various kinds of foreign correspondents. Based on 211 responses gathered through an online survey of a carefully reconstructed population of 721 journalists, it describes the profile and working conditions of foreign correspondents in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It finds that the traditional correspondent – a professional journalist working full-time for legacy media – may be more resistant to change than expected. In the perception of correspondents, there is not much substitution through parachutes, locals, amateurs, or reporting from the headquarters. Working conditions are not worsening for everyone. Rather, we find diverging worlds of foreign correspondence depending on the media type, the country of origin, and the kind of job contract journalists have.
Implementing Montessori Methods for Dementia™ in Ontario long-term care homes: Recreation staff and multidisciplinary consultants’ perceptions of policy and practice issues
Authors: Ducak Kate , Denton Margaret , Elliot Gail
Published: January 2016

Montessori-based activities use a person-centred approach to benefit persons living with dementia by increasing their participation in, and enjoyment of, daily life. This study investigated recreation staff and multidisciplinary consultants’ perceptions of factors that affected implementing Montessori Methods for Dementia™ in long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada. Qualitative data were obtained during semi-structured telephone interviews with 17 participants who worked in these homes. A political economy of aging perspective guided thematic data analysis. Barriers such as insufficient funding and negative attitudes towards activities reinforced a task-oriented biomedical model of care. Various forms of support and understanding helped put Montessori Methods for Dementia™ into practice as a person-centred care program, thus reportedly improving the quality of life of residents living with dementia, staff and family members. These results demonstrate that when Montessori Methods for Dementia™ approaches are learned and understood by staff they can be used as practical interventions for long-term care residents living with dementia.
Are Women’s Mate Preferences for Altruism Also Influenced by Physical Attractiveness?
Authors: Farrelly Daniel , Clemson Paul , Guthrie Melissa
Published: January 2016

Altruism plays a role in mate choice, particularly in women’s preferences and in long-term (LT) relationships. The current study analyzed how these preferences interacted with another important mate choice variable, physical attractiveness. Here, female participants were presented with photographs of men of varying levels of physical attractiveness, alongside descriptions of them behaving either altruistically or not in different scenarios. The results showed women preferred altruistic men, particularly in LT relationships and that this interacted with physical attractiveness such that being both attractive and altruistic made a man more desirable than just the sum of the two desirable parts. Also, being altruistic made low attractive men more desirable but only for LT relationships. Finally, men who were just altruistic were rated more desirable than men who were just attractive, especially for LT relationships. Overall, these findings are discussed in terms of the role of altruism in mate choice, particularly in LT relationships and directions of future research.
Oil absorbency of diatomite-embedded polypropylene meltblown composite structures
Authors: Özen İlhan , Okyay Gamze , Şimşek Süleyman , Duran Deniz
Published: January 2016

In this study, optimized conditions were established for diatomite grinding, which is a natural inorganic mineral with inherently high oil absorption capacity. Diatomite surface was modified with a fluorocarbon chemical and stearic acid via facile methods for enhancing compatibility between polypropylene and diatomite. Polypropylene/diatomite composites were generated in a twin screw extruder with/without using compatibilizer, and nonwoven structures were produced via meltblown technique. Pore size and void content analyses showed that addition of diatomite led to thicker fibers (1–17 µm (the neat polypropylene) vs. 1–32 µm (2 wt.% diatomite containing polypropylene)). Diatomite incorporation into polypropylene resulted in a rigid and brittle structure and a worsened oil absorption property (rust inhibitor oil absorption capacity: 1184% ± 105% (the neat polypropylene) vs. 718% ± 78% and 1089% ± 136% (2 wt.% diatomite containing polypropylene)). Increasing oil viscosity resulted in increased discrepancy among the oil absorption capacities of the neat polypropylene and diatomite containing polypropylene. Analysis of variance tests showed no changes or statistically insignificant differences in oil absorbency.
Preparation and characterization of coaxial electrospun polysulfone amide/polyurethane
Authors: Tong Xi , Bin-Jie Xin
Published: January 2016

In this study, a novel approach and the related equipment of coaxial electrospinning have been developed to fabricate a new ultrafine polysulfone amide/polyurethane coaxial fibers at nanoscale, with the polysulfone amide as the core and the polyurethane as the shell of the blended fibers. As the co-spinneret has effects on the structure and properties of the spun fiber, three types of co-spinnerets with different diameters were designed to investigate its effects on the fabricated fibers in this research. Three series of polysulfone amide/polyurethane coaxial fibers were spun using the self-developed coaxial electrospinning equipment, and these fibers were characterized systematically using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric. High-speed photography was used to digitalize the image of the tailor cone and jet motion of polymer fluid during the spinning process, which provides a detailed description of the electrospinning for the further theoretical analysis. The three-dimensional electric field simulation was also carried out to model the differences of electric field. Our experimental results show that the mechanical and thermal properties of the core–shell fibers fabricated in this research have been improved in the comparison with the fibers spun using the conventional single-needle electrospinning method. The composite fibers have the core–shell structure, so that it can combine the excellent thermal properties of the polysulfone amide and the excellent mechanical properties of the polyurethane. The newly developed polysulfone amide/polyurethane fiber could be used in the field of industrial textiles; it has the potential applications for the development of high-performance apparels in the future.
Women's and Men's Campaigns for The U.S. House of Representatives, 1972-1982 A Finance Gap?
Authors: Burrell Barbara C.
Published: January 2016

The lack of access to equal financial resources with male candidates has been viewed as a major contributing factor in women's inability to gain public office. Analysis of the campaign finance records for election to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1972 to 1982 shows that although on the average women nominees have never raised or spent as much as men, the size of their disparity is curvilinear over these years, and the correlation between gender and campaign financing is weak. Within candidate status groups (incumbents, challengers, and open races) and within the parties female nominees have not been consistently disadvantaged. Women candidates of both parties even have outdistanced their male counterparts on occasion. Data from the 1980 and 1982 elections also indicate that the structure of male and female fund raising is similar in their support from large contributors, political action committees, and the parties. Further, for women challengers, expenditures have a larger impact on votes than for male challengers. The financial problem for women candidates would appear not to lie at the general election stage of the process. Earlier stages, however, may account for women's relative absence from the elected political elite.
Change and Continuity in Defense PAC Behavior
Authors: Gopoian J. David
Published: January 2016

One of the most important trends in PAC behavior has been the coordination of PAC strategies by such umbrella groups as the Business-Industrial Political Action Committee and such party organizations as the Republican National Committee. This article assesses the degree to which one set of important PACs—those representing key defense firms—has succumbed to or resisted such “nationalizing” forces. An analysis of the behavior of ten defense PACs across two consecutive election cycles indicates that defense PACs generally have remained independent actors and that their behavior appears remarkably insensitive to changes in the political environment.
1880 Voting in California and Ohio Victorian Super-Citizens?
Authors: Hennessy Bernard
Published: January 2016

Analyses of 1880 Census samples of 21-plus male citizens show a turnout of 50% to 69% for California, but nearly 90% for Ohio. Registration was required in California in 1866. A sample of 690 names from the June 1880 Census was checked against the “Alameda County Great Register,” October 1880, and 51% were found to be registered. Of the 12,359 registered, 80% actually voted. Thus, the Alameda turnout of potentially eligible voters was probably below 50%. On the other hand, a 100% sample of eligible males in Clay Township, Highland County, Ohio (N = 342), June 1880, checked against the 1880 Poll Book (list of actual voters, compiled at the end of election day) showed a turnout of 87.7%. Burnham's and others' assertion of high turnouts 1876 to 1896 is supported with respect to Ohio, but unsupported with respect to California; these findings are contrary to Burnham's belief that in 1876–1896 there was “a concentration of participation in the most densely populated and socioeconomically developed parts of the country”; the effects of the first registration laws may have been greater than the 10% currently estimated, but we need to find and use individual-level data to sharpen estimates from aggregate data.
Selective Participation: Presidential Primary Voters as a Subset of General Election Voters
Authors: Norrander Barbara
Published: January 2016

Presidential primary voters constitute a subset of presidential election voters. Two hypotheses are explored to explain this selective pattern of participation. One hypothesis centers on characteristics of individual voters, whereas the other centers on characteristics of the political environment. The research supports the second hypothesis for Republicans, who were mobilized to vote in the primaries by aspects of the campaign and legal structures. Participation in Democratic primaries, however, was influenced by both contextual and individual factors. Differences between the 1980 Democratic and Republican nomination races are suggested as reasons for the divergent explanations found for participation in the two parties' primaries.
Election Calendars and Voter Turnout
Authors: Boyd Richard W.
Published: January 2016

This research examines the effects of election calendars and ballot forms on voter turnout. The ballot attractiveness hypothesis predicts that concurrent senatorial and gubernatorial races on a presidential-year ballot increase the likelihood that citizens will vote. The evidence in 1980 is that this hypothesis is true with respect to gubernatorial elections. The election frequency hypothesis predicts that the more frequently elections are scheduled, the less likely it is that citizens will vote in any of them. Presidential and state primaries are a major source of frequent elections. In 1980, presidential primaries, in particular those instituted since 1968, did depress turnout. Runoff primaries depressed turnout as well. State primaries held separately from presidential primaries did not depress turnout by an additional significant amount. These findings are based on validated turnout in the 1980 CPS Election Study.
Effects of resveratrol and methoxyamine on the radiosensitivity of iododeoxyuridine in U87MG glioblastoma cell line
Authors: Khoei Samideh , Shoja Mohsen , Mostaar Ahmad , Faeghi Fariborz
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combination effect of resveratrol and methoxyamine on radiosensitivity of iododeoxyuridine in spheroid culture of U87MG glioblastoma cell line using colony formation and alkaline comet assays. Spheroids on day-20 with 350 µm diameters were treated with 20 µM resveratrol and/or 6 mM methoxyamine and/or 1 µM iododeoxyuridine for one volume doubling time (67 h), and then irradiated with 2 Gy gamma-radiation (60Co) in different groups. After treatment, viability of the cells, colony forming ability and DNA damages were obtained by blue dye exclusion, colony formation and alkaline comet assay, respectively. Our results showed that methoxyamine and resveratrol could significantly reduce colony number and induce the DNA damages of glioblastoma spheroid cells treated with iododeoxyuridine in combination with gamma-rays. Therefore, methoxyamine as base excision repair inhibitor and resveratrol as hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha inhibitor in combination with iododeoxyuridine as radiosensitizer enhanced the radiosensitization of glioblastoma spheroid cells.
Mitochondrial involvement in propofol-induced cardioprotection: Anin vitrostudy in human myocardium
Authors: Lemoine Sandrine , Zhu Lan , Gress Steeve , Gérard Jean-Louis , Allouche Stéphane , Hanouz Jean-Luc
Published: January 2016

Propofol has been shown to exert cardioprotection, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We examined: (1) whether propofol-induced cardioprotection depended on the time and the dose of administration; (2) the role of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels, nitric oxide synthase, and mitochondrial respiratory chain activity in propofol-induced cardioprotection. Human right atrial trabeculae were obtained during cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary artery bypass and aortic valve replacement. Isometric force of contraction of human right atrial trabeculae hanged in an oxygenated Tyrode’s solution was recorded during 30-min hypoxia and 60-min reoxygenation (Control). Propofol 0.1, 1, and 10 µM was administered: (1) 5 min before hypoxia until the end of the experiment; (2) 5 min followed by 5-min washout before hypoxia; (3) during the reoxygenation period, propofol 10 µM was administered in presence of 5-hydroxydecanoate (antagonist of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels), and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase). In addition, mitochondria were isolated from human right atrial at 15 min of reoxygenation. The effect of propofol on activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes was evaluated by spectrophotometry. The force of contraction (% of baseline) and the complex activity between the different groups were compared with an analysis of variance and post hoc test. Propofol 10 µM administered during the reoxygenation period significantly improved the recovery of force of contraction at the end of reoxygenation (82 ± 6% of baseline value vs. 49 ± 6% in Control; P < 0.001). The beneficial effects of propofol 10 µM were abolished by co-administration with 5-hydroxydecanoate (53 ± 8%) or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (57 ± 6%). Propofol 10 µM significantly increased enzymatic activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, in reoxygenation period, compared to their respective untreated controls. In conclusion, in human myocardium, propofol-induced cardioprotection was mediated by mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels opening, nitric oxide synthase activation and stimulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, in early reoxygenation period.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects against tumor necrosis factor alpha induced inhibition of osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Wei , Fan Jian-Bo , Xu Da-Wei , Zhang Jie , Cui Zhi-Ming
Published: January 2016

Anabolic bone accruement through osteogenic differentiation is important for the maintenance of physiological bone mass and often disrupted in various inflammatory diseases. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, has been suggested for potential therapeutic use in this context, possibly by the inhibition of bone resorption as well as the enhancement of bone formation through directly activating osteoblast differentiation. However, the reported effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate modulating osteoblast differentiation are mixed, and the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. Moreover, there is limited information regarding the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cell in inflammation. Here, we examined the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. We found that the cell viability and osteoblast differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells are significantly inhibited by inflammatory cytokine TNFα treatment. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is able to enhance the cell viability and osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and is capable of reversing the TNFα-induced inhibition. Notably, only low doses of epigallocatechin-3-gallate have such benefits, which potentially act through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling that is stimulated by TNFα. These data altogether clarify the controversy on epigallocatechin-3-gallate promoting osteoblast differentiation and further provide molecular basis for the putative clinical use of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in stem cell-based bone regeneration for inflammatory bone loss diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and prosthetic osteolysis.
Efficacy of the Sequential Administration of Melatonin, Hydroxyzine, and Chloral Hydrate for Recording Sleep EEGs in Children
Authors: Dirani Maya , Nasreddine Wassim , Melhem Jawad , Arabi Maher , Beydoun Ahmad
Published: January 2016

Sedation of children for electroencephalography (EEG) recordings is often required. Chloral hydrate (CH) requires medical clearance and continuous monitoring. To try to reduce personnel and time resources associated with CH administration, a new sedation policy was formulated. This study included all children who underwent an EEG during a consecutive 3-month period following the implementation of the new sedation policy, which consists of the sequential administration of melatonin, hydroxyzine (if needed), and CH (if needed). The comparator group included all children with a recorded EEG during a consecutive 3-month period when the sedation policy consisted of the sole administration of CH. A total of 803 children with a mean age of 7.9 years (SD = 5.1, range = 0.5-17.7 years) were included. Sleep EEG recordings were obtained in 364 of 385 children (94.6%) using the old sedation policy and in 409 of 418 children (97.9%) using the new one. With the new sedation policy, the percentage of children requiring CH dropped from 37.1% to 6.7% ( P < .001). Time to sleep onset and duration of sleep were not significantly different between the 2 policies. The new sedation policy was very well tolerated. The new sedation policy is very safe, is highly efficacious in obtaining sleep EEG recordings, and will result in substantial saving of time and personnel resources.
Health-Promoting Home and Workplace Neighborhoods: Associations With Multiple Facets of Men’s Health
Authors: Coulombe Simon , Meunier Sophie , Cloutier Lyne , Auger Nathalie , Roy Bernard , Tremblay Gilles , de Montigny Francine , Gaboury Isabelle , Bernard François-Olivier , Lavoie Brigitte , Dion Harold , Houle Janie
Published: January 2016

Despite the importance of healthy settings for health promotion, little is known about how neighborhood characteristics affect men’s health. The present study aims to explore the associations between perceptions of home and workplace neighborhoods with diverse health outcomes, and to examine mediating mechanisms. A sample of 669 men members of labor unions in Quebec, Canada, completed a questionnaire assessing social and physical aspects of their work and home neighborhoods (the Health-Promoting Neighborhood Questionnaire) as well as subjective and objective health outcomes (perceived health, positive mental health, body mass index) and potential mediators (health behaviors, self-efficacy). Structural equation modeling (path analysis) revealed that the Health-Promoting Neighborhood Questionnaire was associated with all three health outcomes, either directly or indirectly through health behaviors and self-efficacy. Both home and workplace neighborhoods were associated with men’s health, home neighborhood being more strongly associated. The findings suggest that physical and social aspects of neighborhood might contribute to men’s health. The study highlights positive environmental levers for urban planners, policy makers, and health professionals to promote men’s health.
Men’s Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors: An Intersectional Analysis
Authors: Parent Mike C. , Hammer Joseph H. , Bradstreet Tyler C. , Schwartz Esther N. , Jobe Tori
Published: January 2016

Men seek mental health treatment less often than women. The present study sought to elucidate identities and individual difference characteristics that are associated with enhanced or decreased mental health help-seeking in a large national sample of U.S. men. Using data from 4,825 U.S. men aged 20 to 59 years, main effects of race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, income–poverty ratio, relationship status, depression symptoms, and body mass index were explored within the sample of men as well as intersections of these predictors with racial/ethnic group identity. While the results of main effects testing generally supported prior research (i.e., greater mental health care help-seeking among White men, nonheterosexual men, men not in relationships, older men, and more depressed men), when examined associations across racial/ethnic groups, the direction and strength of these associations showed notable variation—variation unaccounted for in prior research. These findings highlight the need for future theory building and research that accounts for this variation at the intersection of race/ethnicity and these specific predictors of help-seeking behavior among men.
Attention to Individuals: Mixed Methods for N-of-1 Health Care Interventions
Authors: Van Ness Peter H. , Murphy Terrence E. , Ali Ather
Published: January 2016

In several ways, randomized controlled trials represent a high standard of rigor in clinical biomedical research. Randomized controlled trials fail, however, to yield knowledge applicable to specific individuals. This article presents a methodological rationale for a mixed methods approach to n-of-1 clinical studies that attends to the preferences and concerns of individuals while attaining high standards of qualitative and quantitative rigor. An illustrative research design involving a hypothetical music therapy intervention for a quality of life outcome is examined in some detail and a concluding argument is made that the proposed mixed methods approach is especially appropriate for early-stage research interventions intended to generate explanatory hypotheses.
Onyx versus nBCA and coils in the treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Choo Douglas M , Shankar Jai Jai Shiva
Published: January 2016

Background and purpose

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with cortical venous drainage have significant morbidity and mortality. Complete closure of these lesions is necessary to reduce these risks. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcome of DAVFs treated with Onyx versus those treated with n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate (nBCA) and coil embolization in a case-control study. Compared with nBCA and coil embolization, we hypothesized that Onyx embolization for DAVF is safer and has a higher chance of complete obliteration, with no need for post-embolization surgery for the DAVF.

Materials and methods

From 1998 to 2015, 29 patients who had DAVFs were treated with endovascular embolization. Of these, 24 patients had imaging available for analysis. Successful closure rates, complications, and procedure time were compared between the embolization techniques.

Results

The chance of not requiring post-embolization surgery with Onyx (81.8%) was significantly higher ( p = 0.005) than with nBCA (22.22%). The complication rate with Onyx (9.1%) tended to be lower compared with that of nBCA (22.22%; p = 0.37). Procedural time was not significantly different between Onyx (mean 267 minutes) and nBCA (mean 288 minutes) ( p = 0.59). The odds ratio of a DAVF being treated with Onyx and then requiring no follow-up surgery was 17.5 (95% CI 1.97–155.4).

Conclusion

Our case-control study suggests that Onyx embolization is superior to nBCA and coil embolization in completely obliterating DAVFs, with higher odds of no post-embolization surgery. We also found that Onyx is safe for embolization of DAVFs, with no associated neurological mortality and morbidity.
Is there sufficient evidence to support intervention to manage shoulder arthritis?
Authors: Bull Damian , Tai Kie Andrew , Hanusch Birgit , Kulkarni Rohit , Rees Jonathan , Rangan Amar
Published: January 2016

Background

We explore the nature, extent and validity of research studies concerning the management of shoulder arthritis to identify whether current management recommendations are adequate.

Methods

A full electronic search for relevant studies published between 2002 and 2012 was performed. The search focused on level 1 and level 2 studies. Full texts of selected articles were retrieved and assessed for quality against validated criteria.

Results

Four hundred and eleven studies were identified on the initial search and screened. Sixteen studies were selected for inclusion in the review. The studies identified were unable to provide a clear indication of best intervention for shoulder arthritis. The inclusion of a range of shoulder pathologies in some studies and the diversity in outcome measures used made it difficult for systematic reviews to effectively pool data. Better outcomes have been shown with total shoulder replacement over hemiarthroplasty for shoulder osteoarthritis; however, primary studies were often of limited quality. Sparse evidence is available for all other interventions, regardless of whether operative or non-operative.

Conclusions

The present review highlights the need for standardization of outcome assessment following treatment of shoulder arthritis. More rigorous and robust primary studies are needed to guide clinical practice on the best interventions for arthritis of the shoulder.
A randomized comparison study regarding the impact of short-duration, high-intensity exercise and traditional exercise on anthropometric and body composition measurement changes in post-menopausal women – A pilot study
Authors: Grossman Joan A Cebrick , Payne Ellen K
Published: January 2016

Background

The mode and duration of exercise necessary to change body composition and reduce weight remains debatable. Menopause results in hormonal changes that preclude weight loss. This randomized pilot study compared the effects of short-duration, high-intensity interval training and traditional exercise on anthropometric and body composition measurement changes in post-menopausal women.

Objective

To compare the effects of short-duration, high-intensity interval training and traditional methods of exercise (walking) on anthropometric, body composition and body weight change over a 12-week period.

Main outcome measures

Subjects ( N = 18) were post-menopausal, sedentary female volunteers, randomly assigned into one of two exercise groups. Both groups exercised five out of seven days for 12 weeks. The resistance group ( n = 8) (54.3 ± 7.3 years; BMI = 28.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2; mean ± SD) exercised for 15.0 ± 3.5 min, which consisted of five different exercise routines including upper and lower extremity, a cardio segment, yoga and abdominal exercises. The walkers ( n = 10) (56.6 ± 5.2 years; BMI = 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2; mean ± SD) exercised for 40.0 ± 5.0 min at 65% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate. Relative (%) body fat was measured via DEXA scan, along with five anthropometric measurements, all of which were taken prior to and after 12 weeks. Independent sample t-tests were probed for differences, p ≤ 0.05.

Results

No statistically significant changes were determined between the groups for pre-and post-measurements.

Conclusions

The outcomes of this study provide a foundation for future comparisons of short-duration high-intensity interval training exercise and traditional exercise, or walking, on anthropometric and body composition measurement changes in sedentary, overweight, post-menopausal females over a 12-week period.
Cancer Phytotherapy
Authors: Bahmani Mahmood , Shirzad Hedayatollah , Shahinfard Najmeh , Sheivandi Laaleh , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: January 2016

Nowadays, increases in resistance of tumors to the current therapeutic agents have become a problematic issue. Therefore, efforts to discover new anticancer compounds with high sensitivity of cancer cells are extending. Animal and laboratory researches have shown that exogenous antioxidants are able to help prevent the free radical damage associated with the development of cancer. However, researches in human beings have not demonstrated convincingly that taking antioxidants can reduce the risk of developing cancer. Angiogenesis is also a natural condition that controls the formation of new blood vessels from the available vessels. Today, it is believed that most of the cancers have angiogenesis potential and their growth, metastasis, and invasion depend on angiogenesis. Several compounds with plant origin and with anti-angiogenic properties have been identified. The aim of this study is to review recently published articles about anticancer drugs obtained from plants with antioxidant and anti-angiogenesis properties.