bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FGF23 Modifies the Relationship Between Vitamin D and Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Ky Bonnie , Shults Justine , Keane Martin G. , Sutton Martin St. John , Wolf Myles , Feldman Harold I. , Reese Peter P. , Anderson Cheryl A. , Townsend Raymond R. , Deo Rajat , Lo Joan , Gadegbeku Crystal , Carlow Dean , Sulik Michael J. , Leonard Mary B.
Published: June 2013

Background—

There is growing evidence to support an important role for vitamin D and related hormones, parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), on cardiac remodeling in chronic kidney disease. Our objective was to determine the relationships between vitamin D and cardiac remodeling in chronic kidney disease and the effects of parathyroid hormone and FGF23 on these associations.

Methods and Results—

In 1431 participants from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study, we measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 1,25-dihyroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)
2
D), FGF23, and parathyroid hormone and performed quantitative echocardiography. Using linear regression methods, we determined significant negative interactions between 25(OH)D and FGF23 on left ventricular (LV) mass (
P
=0.016), end-diastolic volume (
P
=0.029), and end-systolic volumes (
P
=0.021). In participants with an FGF23 level greater than the median of 123.5 RU/mL, each doubling of 25(OH)D was associated with a 2.5% (95% confidence interval, −4.8, −0.2) lower LV mass. This association was less pronounced with FGF23 levels less than the median (0.4%; 95% confidence interval, −1.9, 2.7). Conversely, in participants with deficient 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL, each doubling of FGF23 was associated with a 3.4% (95% confidence interval, 1.2, 5.6) greater LV mass compared with only a 1.6% (95% confidence interval, −0.2, 3.5) difference in participants with sufficient 25(OH)D. Similar findings were observed with 25(OH)D and volumes (
P
<0.05), and 1,25(OH)
2
D and LV mass and volumes (
P
<0.005). There was no effect modification by parathyroid hormone.

Conclusions—

We identified significant interactions among 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)
2
D, and FGF23 on cardiac remodeling. Increased LV mass and cavity dilatation were observed with low 25(OH)D and high FGF23. Our findings suggest that consideration of both hormones is crucial to understanding the role of either in cardiac remodeling, and may have important therapeutic implications.
A Novel Mouse Model of Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability for Drug Testing and Mechanistic/Therapeutic Discoveries Using Gene and MicroRNA Expression Profiling
Authors: Chen Yung-Chih , Bui Anh Viet , Diesch Jeannine , Manasseh Richard , Hausding Christian , Rivera Jennifer , Haviv Izhak , Agrotis Alex , Htun Nay Min , Jowett Jeremy , Hagemeyer Christoph Eugen , Hannan Ross D. , Bobik Alex , Peter Karlheinz
Published: June 2013

Rationale:

The high morbidity/mortality of atherosclerosis is typically precipitated by plaque rupture and consequent thrombosis. However, research on underlying mechanisms and therapeutic approaches is limited by the lack of animal models that reproduce plaque instability observed in humans.

Objective:

Development and use of a mouse model of plaque rupture that reflects the end stage of human atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results:

On the basis of flow measurements and computational fluid dynamics, we applied a tandem stenosis to the carotid artery of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice on high-fat diet. At 7 weeks postoperatively, we observed intraplaque hemorrhage in ≈50% of mice, as well as disruption of fibrous caps, intraluminal thrombosis, neovascularization, and further characteristics typically seen in human unstable plaques. Administration of atorvastatin was associated with plaque stabilization and downregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and ubiquitin. Microarray profiling of mRNA and microRNA (miR) and, in particular, its combined analysis demonstrated major differences in the hierarchical clustering of genes and miRs among nonatherosclerotic arteries, stable, and unstable plaques and allows the identification of distinct genes/miRs, potentially representing novel therapeutic targets for plaque stabilization. The feasibility of the described animal model as a discovery tool was established in a pilot approach, identifying a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS4) and miR-322 as potential pathogenic factors of plaque instability in mice and validated in human plaques.

Conclusions:

The newly described mouse model reflects human atherosclerotic plaque instability and represents a discovery tool toward the development and testing of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing plaque rupture. Distinctly expressed genes and miRs can be linked to plaque instability.
Relaxin Suppresses Atrial Fibrillation by Reversing Fibrosis and Myocyte Hypertrophy and Increasing Conduction Velocity and Sodium Current in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat Hearts
Authors: Parikh Ashish , Patel Divyang , McTiernan Charles F. , Xiang Wenyu , Haney Jamie , Yang Lei , Lin Bo , Kaplan Aaron D. , Bett Glenna C.L. , Rasmusson Randall L. , Shroff Sanjeev G. , Schwartzman David , Salama Guy
Published: June 2013

Rationale:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in elderly and hypertensive patients and has been correlated to enhanced atrial fibrosis. Despite a lack of direct evidence that fibrosis causes AF, reversal of fibrosis is considered a plausible therapy.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of the antifibrotic hormone relaxin (RLX) in suppressing AF in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Methods and Results:

Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and SHR were treated for 2 weeks with vehicle (WKY+V and SHR+V) or RLX (0.4 mg/kg per day, SHR+RLX) using implantable mini-pumps. Hearts were perfused, mapped optically to analyze action potential durations, intracellular Ca
2+
transients, and restitution kinetics, and tested for AF vulnerability. SHR hearts had slower conduction velocity (CV;
P
<0.01 versus WKY), steeper CV restitution kinetics, greater collagen deposition, higher levels of transcripts for transforming growth factor-β, metalloproteinase-2, metalloproteinase-9, collagen I/III, and reduced connexin 43 phosphorylation (
P
<0.05 versus WKY). Programmed stimulation triggered sustained AF in SHR (n=5/5) and SHR+V (n=4/4), but not in WKY (n=0/5) and SHR+RLX (n=1/8;
P
<0.01). RLX treatment reversed the transcripts for fibrosis, flattened CV restitution kinetics, reduced action potential duration at 90% recovery to baseline, increased CV (
P
<0.01), and reversed atrial hypertrophy (
P
<0.05). Independent of antifibrotic actions, RLX (0.1 µmol/L) increased Na
+
current density,
I
Na
(≈2-fold in 48 hours) in human cardiomyocytes derived from inducible pluripotent stem cells (n=18/18;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

RLX treatment suppressed AF in SHR hearts by increasing CV from a combination of reversal of fibrosis and hypertrophy and by increasing
I
Na
. The study provides compelling evidence that RLX may provide a novel therapy to manage AF in humans by reversing fibrosis and hypertrophy and by modulating cardiac ionic currents.
Quantification of Incomplete Revascularization and its Association With Five-Year Mortality in the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) Trial Validation of the Residual SYNTAX Score
Authors: Farooq Vasim , Serruys Patrick W. , Bourantas Christos V. , Zhang Yaojun , Muramatsu Takashi , Feldman Ted , Holmes David R. , Mack Michael , Morice Marie Claude , Ståhle Elisabeth , Colombo Antonio , de Vries Ton , Morel Marie-angèle , Dawkins Keith D. , Kappetein Arie-Pieter , Mohr Friedrich W.
Published: June 2013

Background—

The residual Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) Score is an objective measure of the degree and complexity of residual stenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and Results—

In the randomized PCI cohort of the SYNTAX Trial (n=903), the baseline and residual SYNTAX Scores were calculated. Subjects with a residual SYNTAX Score of 0 were defined as having undergone complete revascularization (CR), and a residual SYNTAX Score >0 as incomplete revascularization (ICR). Five-year clinical outcomes were stratified by CR and ICR (tertiles of the residual SYNTAX Score: >0–4, >4–8, and >8). In the PCI cohort, the mean baseline and residual SYNTAX Scores were 28.4±11.5 and 4.5±6.9, respectively. The mean Δ SYNTAX Score (representative of the burden of disease removed by PCI) was 23.8±10.9. The residual SYNTAX Score was distributed as follows: CR, 0 (n=386, 42.7%); ICR, >0 to 4 (n=184, 20.4%), >4 to 8 (n=167, 18.5%), >8 (n=153, 16.9%). A progressively higher residual SYNTAX Score was shown to be a surrogate marker of increasing clinical comorbidity and anatomic complexity. Subjects with CR or residual SYNTAX Scores ≤8 had comparable 5-year mortality (CR, 8.5%; residual SYNTAX Score >0–4, 8.7%; >4–8, 11.4%;
P
=0.60). A residual SYNTAX Score >8 was associated with 35.3% all-cause mortality at 5-years (
P
<0.001). Stratified analyses in the predefined medical treated diabetic and left main subgroups yielded similar results.

Conclusions—

The residual SYNTAX Score was shown to be a powerful indicator of 5-year mortality in the SYNTAX Trial. The residual SYNTAX Score may aid in determining a reasonable level of revascularization.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00114972.
Aëtius, Achilles, Epicurus and Lucretius on the Phases and Eclipses of the Moon
Authors: Bakker Frederik A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Although chapter 2.29 of Aëtius’Placitaclaims to be dealing with lunar eclipses, several of its lemmas are actually concerned with the moon’s ‘monthly concealment’, i.e. new moon. This paper will show that, save for one obvious transposition, all lemmas in the first part of the chapter are in fact concerned with the new moon, while only those at the end deal with lunar eclipses. This is best explained on the assumption that in Aëtius 2.29 two separate chapters have been conflated, the first dealing with the phases of the moon, and the other with lunar eclipses. It is further shown that while the first portion is virtually complete, the second is not, preserving only lemmas which presuppose that the moon reflects the light of the sun. A doxographical passage in Ach.Isag. 21, where new moon and the lunar eclipse are similarly confused, suggests that the conflation must have been already present in its and Aëtius’ commonVorlage. On the other hand, Epicurus and Lucretius, believed to have culled their astronomical theories from doxographical works, clearly distinguish the two phenomena and provide useful clues as to the lemmas missing from Aëtius 2.29.
Evaluating Soil Water Content in a WRF-Noah Downscaling Experiment
Authors: Greve Peter , Warrach-Sagi Kirsten , Wulfmeyer Volker
Published: June 2013

Soil water content (SWC) depends on and affects the energy flux partitioning at the land–atmosphere interface. Above all, the latent heat flux is limited by the SWC of the root zone on one hand and radiation on the other. Therefore, SWC is a key variable in the climate system. In this study, the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Noah land surface model (WRF-Noah) system in a climate hindcast simulation from 1990 to 2008 is evaluated with respect to SWC versus two reanalysis datasets for Europe during 2007 and 2008 with in situ soil moisture observations from southern France. When compared with the in situ observations, WRF-Noah generally reproduces the SWC annual cycle while the reanalysis SWCs do not. The biases in areal mean WRF-Noah SWCs relate to biases in precipitation and evapotranspiration in a cropland environment. The spatial patterns and temporal variability of the seasonal mean SWCs from the WRF-Noah simulations and from the two reanalyses correspond well, while absolute values differ significantly, especially at the regional scale.
Diversity in 2008, Homogeneity in 2012
Authors: Trent Judith S. , Short-Thompson Cady , Mongeau Paul A. , Metzler Maribeth S.
Published: June 2013

Political image is a transactional process between candidates’ actions and speech and how voters assess them with their own individual ideas of the ideal presidential candidate. This 24-year longitudinal study of political communication serves to address the following four research questions. First, what attributes do voters find most important or desirable for a candidate to possess—in other words, what makes him or her an ideal presidential candidate? Second, how do these evaluations of ideal characteristics change across time and a different field of candidates? Third, how important are the candidates’ demographic variables? Fourth, how do the evaluations of ideal characteristics differ across the age, gender, and political party affiliation of the voters? These questions are posed and answered across 1988 to 2012 presidential campaign cycles in one of the longest research studies in the discipline of political communication.
From an Honored Value to a Harmful Choice
Authors: Jarvis Sharon E. , Han Soo-Hye
Published: June 2013

This article analyzes how Barack Obama and Mitt Romney discussed electoral participation in campaign 2012 and compares their statements to those made by presidential nominees over the past 16 elections. Findings show that, overall, presidential candidates have depicted voting as a choice (not a right, duty, or value) and as harmful and divisive (as opposed to helpful or honorable). The data also reveal significant differences over the years, as candidates in the 1950s and 1960s were more likely to talk about voting as a value than transpires today and as candidates prior to the 1980s largely refrained from describing voting as a negative act. The article concludes by addressing how the campaign process has sharpened and politicized discussions of electoral participation over the years and what these shifts might mean for the contemporary campaign context.
Writing a Candidacy
Authors: Neville-Shepard Ryan , Theye Kirsten
Published: June 2013

Recent presidential elections have seen the rise of the candidate memoir or manifesto. Using nine of these books authored by presidential hopefuls in the 2012 election, this article argues that this emerging genre plays an important role in what Judith Trent has called the surfacing stage of political campaigns. In addition to tracing the history of the genre, the article explains the function of such books and draws examples from the 2012 GOP primary to identify their recurring formal characteristics. The article concludes by discussing the study’s implications.
Prolidase Activity in Patients With Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Bakuy Vedat , Gursoy Mete , Hokenek Faruk , Gedikbasi Asuman , Atay Mehmet , Nurdag Abdullah , Caglar Ilker Murat , Ugurlucan Murat , Akgul Ahmet
Published: June 2013

Decreased collagen biosynthesis and increased collagenolysis may induce aneurysmal progress in arterial walls. Prolidase plays a role in collagen synthesis. In this study, we sought to evaluate whether there is a correlation between nonatherosclerotic coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) and prolidase activity. A total of 174 CAAs were diagnosed in 144 (2.1%) patients among 6845 coronary angiographies performed between 2009 and 2012. In all, 23 (15.9%) patients had nonatherosclerotic aneurysms. Prolidase activity was compared to the results of 19 healthy volunteers with normal coronary arteries. Demographic parameters were similar between the groups. Mean prolidase activity was 241.6 ± 54.4 mU/mL in the coronary aneurysm group and 730.3 ± 243.1 mU/mL in the control group ( P < .001). The incidence of CAAs ranges between 0.3% and 5.3% in the general population. Decreased prolidase activity may reduce collagen biosynthesis that may contribute to aneurysm formation.
Social Issues in Management Division Award Competition for 2012
Authors: Muethel Miriam
Published: June 2013

This is the third year that Business & Society offers a forum to the finalists of the Academy of Management’s Social Issues in Management (SIM) Division Dissertation Award. The dissertation forum includes an introductory article by the chair of the committee as well as dissertation abstracts from the three finalists. This article describes the procedures behind the dissertation award and the criteria used to find the winner. Also, it reflects on the finalists’ unique contributions.
Stand Up and Speak Up
Authors: Priesemuth Manuela
Published: June 2013

This article presents the work of Dr. Manuela Priesemuth. This dissertation examines what happens when employees witness supervisory abuse in the workplace. In particular, it explores whether—and when—employees will respond to witnessing supervisory abuse by engaging in prosocial actions aimed at benefitting the target of abuse. Below, the author discusses the notion of abusive supervision, theoretical perspectives of work on third-party observers, and the conditions under which the author believes third-party observers of abuse are more inclined to engage in positive behavior toward victims. Finally, the reflection commentary provides insights about the research journey in which the author participated.
Influence of professional preparation and class structure on HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention education
Authors: Rhodes Darson L , Jozkowski Kristen N , Hammig Bart J , Ogletree Roberta J , Fogarty Erin C
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine if education about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted disease (STD) and pregnancy prevention is dependent on professional preparation and/or class structure.

Design:

A secondary data analysis of the 2006 School Health Policies and Programmes Study (SHPPS) was conducted.

Setting:

Data were obtained from the health education classroom level questionnaire of the 2006 SHPPS.

Methods:

A series of multivariable logistic regression models ( N = 34) were computed to determine if instruction of HIV/STD and/or pregnancy prevention content was dependent on professional preparation and/or class structure.

Results:

Professionally prepared health educators were found to be significantly more likely than their counterparts to teach about teenage age pregnancy risks, teenage pregnancy impacts, finding information/services related to pregnancy, finding information/services related to HIV, and HIV diagnosis/treatment. These topics and three others (methods of contraception, signs/symptoms of HIV and compassion for persons with HIV/AIDS) were significantly more likely to be taught in health-only classes versus combination classes.

Conclusion:

Findings from the current study support the need for professionally prepared educators and stand-alone class structure in terms of providing the most effective sexual health education.
Does being overweight impede academic attainment? A systematic review
Authors: Caird Jennifer , Kavanagh Josephine , O’Mara-Eves Alison , Oliver Kathryn , Oliver Sandy , Stansfield Claire , Thomas James
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

To examine evidence from studies exploring the relationship between childhood obesity and educational attainment.

Design:

A systematic review of secondary analyses and observational studies published in English after 1997 examining attainment as measured by grade point average or other validated measure, in children aged 6 to16 years, in high-income countries.

Methods:

Eleven databases from the fields of public health, education and social science were searched, along with 19 specialist registers and catalogues. Hand searching of relevant journals, contacting of experts and citation searching were undertaken. Two reviewers used standardized tools to independently carry out data extraction and assess the quality of included studies. Evidence was synthesized in a narrative summary.

Results:

Twenty-nine studies were identified for inclusion. Overall, the evidence suggested that higher weight is weakly associated with lower educational attainment among children and young people. Differences between average attainment of overweight and non-overweight children were marginal, with potentially negligible real-world implications for test scores. Limited evidence suggested that little variation in achievement was explained by weight status alone. Almost half the studies found that other factors, such as socioeconomic status, may better explain much of the negative association between obesity and attainment.

Conclusion:

Theoretical and methodological inconsistencies were evident both within and between many of the studies. As such, the results of the included studies must be interpreted with caution. If the negative association between obesity and attainment is accepted, it still remains doubtful whether obesity is exerting a socially important effect upon educational attainment.
Students’ perceptions of international social work: A comparative study in the USA, UK, and Georgia
Authors: Lalayants Marina , Doel Mark , Kachkachishvili Iago
Published: June 2013

The field of social work worldwide has been increasingly influenced by globalization, migration, and other conditions that require professionals to be responsive and knowledgeable in addressing them. This collaborative project examined students’ perceptions of international social work at three universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Georgia. Students’ responses indicated an overall strong interest and widespread agreement that there is a link between local and global social issues. The findings suggest that social work education needs to be globalized and tailored to students’ needs, which will help them identify social work strongly as part of a profession and affect change across the globe.
When Academic Achievement Is an Obligation
Authors: Tao Vivienne Y. K. , Hong Ying-yi
Published: June 2013

Asian students on average not only performed better than other ethnic groups as documented in multinational achievement tests, but also in general showed more negative emotions and test anxiety. We argued that this seemingly paradoxical achievement pattern was rooted in the endorsement of social-oriented achievement motivation (SOAM) among Asian students. Within SOAM, academic achievement is construed as an obligation to parents and significant others. This research tested if Chinese students endorsing SOAM would indeed show goal endorsement, emotions, and behavioral tendency that typify obligatory endeavors in academic settings. First, endorsing SOAM indeed was associated with viewing academic achievement as indicative of a person’s obligation (Study 1); the stronger the individuals held this link, the more they felt guilty and a failure when they met with academic setbacks (Study 2); endorsing SOAM was associated with experiencing anxiety in taking examination (test anxiety; Studies 4 and 5) and feeling agitated (guilt, shame, and anxiety) in the face of setbacks (Studies 3 and 4), and associated with performance (demonstration and avoidance) goals (Studies 3, 4, and 5), achieving and surface approaches to learning (Studies 4 and 5). Finally, in comparison with those endorsing low SOAM, students endorsing high SOAM indeed spent more time and effort in studying and were also more likely to endorse performance demonstration goals and achieving approach to learning, and as a result achieved better actual examination performance (Study 5). These findings suggest that SOAM sets up a meaning system within which academic achievement is construed as an obligation.
Dengue hepatitis sans dysfunction: experience of a single tertiary referral centre in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand
Authors: Ahmad Sohaib , Dhar Minakshi , Srivastava Saurabh , Bhat Nowneet K , Shirazi Nadia , Biswas Debasis , Kadian Monil , Ghai Santosh
Published: June 2013

Hepatic involvement is uncommon in dengue viral infections and is traditionally thought to be associated with severe disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted in order to assess the liver function in patients with dengue virus infection and to analyse its effect upon patient outcome. Three hundred and twenty-seven consecutive patients with dengue virus were categorized into groups A, B, C and D on the basis of elevation of either of the hepatic transaminases (normal, <3, 3–10 and >10 times, respectively). Primary and secondary outcome measures related to morbidity and mortality were studied. Hepatitis was seen in ∼3/4 patients; an increasing grade of liver involvement was significantly associated with fewer platelets ( P < 0.001). Recovery of platelets, bleeding manifestations, renal dysfunction, platelet recovery and duration of hospitalization were similar in all groups. Among the patients with manifest bleeding, the platelet count did not differ significantly but the platelet recovery was significantly slower ( P = 0.044) with increasing grade. Hepatic dysfunction is self-limited without any increase in morbidity and mortality.
Post-malaria neurological syndrome: a rare manifestation of common disease
Authors: Nayak Rajeev
Published: June 2013

Several systemic and neurological complications can occur with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, of which cerebral malaria is well known and is the most serious. Rarely, patients may suffer a neurological disorder that occurs after complete recovery from P. falciparum infection, an entity known as post-malaria neurological syndrome (PMNS). It is a rare and transient clinical syndrome in which patients with symptomatic malaria infection, after parasitic clearance from the peripheral blood, develop neurological symptoms within 2 months of recovery. We report a case of PMNS manifesting as bilateral common peroneal nerve palsy leading to foot drop.
Using the Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation to Review the Effects of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose on Glycemic Control for Non–Insulin-Treated Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Breland Jessica Y. , McAndrew Lisa M. , Burns Edith , Leventhal Elaine A. , Leventhal Howard
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This systematic review examined the relationship between self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM) served as a theoretical framework for examining how, when (mediators), and for whom (moderators) SMBG improved glycemic control.

Data Sources

Five databases were searched: Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature.

Study Selection

Included studies had cross-sectional, longitudinal, or randomized controlled trial designs; were published between 2007 and 2011; and included patients with type 2 diabetes at least some of whom were not taking insulin; 1318 studies were screened, 119 were reviewed in detail, and 26 were included.

Data Extraction

Data were collected on the relationship between SMBG and glycemic control, study design, mediators, moderators, participant characteristics, the CSM, and limitations.

Data Synthesis

Twenty-six studies met criteria for inclusion: 11 cross-sectional, 4 longitudinal, and 11 randomized controlled trials. The results of the cross-sectional studies were inconclusive. Results from the longitudinal studies and randomized control trials suggested that SMBG may improve glycemic control. The few studies investigating mediators or moderators reported mixed results. Few studies effectively measured the CSM.

Conclusion

Data suggested that SMBG may help improve glycemic control. Future trials must be designed to test hypotheses and improve our understanding of when, how, and for whom SMBG can enhance glycemic control. Rigorously controlled repetitions of current 2-arm trials will yield little new knowledge of theoretical or practical value.
Evaluation of a Community Health Worker Pilot Intervention to Improve Diabetes Management in Bangladeshi Immigrants With Type 2 Diabetes in New York City
Authors: Islam Nadia S. , Wyatt Laura C. , Patel Shilpa D. , Shapiro Ephraim , Tandon S. Darius , Mukherji B. Runi , Tanner Michael , Rey Mariano J. , Trinh-Shevrin Chau
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact and feasibility of a pilot Community Health Worker (CHW) intervention to improve diabetes management among Bangladeshi-American individuals with type 2 diabetes living in New York City.

Methods

Participants were recruited at clinic- and community-based venues. The intervention consisted of 6 monthly, CHW-facilitated group sessions on topics related to management of diabetes. Surveys were collected at baseline and follow-up time points. Study outcomes included clinical, behavioral, and satisfaction measures for participants, as well as qualitative measures from CHWs.

Results

Improvements were seen in diabetes knowledge, exercise and diet to control diabetes, frequency of checking feet, medication compliance, and self-efficacy of health and physical activity from baseline to 12 months. Additionally, there were decreases in A1C, weight, and body mass index. Program evaluation revealed a high acceptability of the intervention, and qualitative findings indicated that CHWs helped overcome barriers and facilitated program outcomes through communal concordance, trust, and leadership.

Conclusions

The intervention demonstrated high acceptability and suggested efficacy in improving diabetes management outcomes among Bangladeshi immigrants in an urban setting. The US Bangladeshi population will continue to increase, and given the high rates of diabetes, as well as linguistic and economic barriers faced by this community, effective and culturally tailored health interventions are needed to overcome barriers and provide support for diabetes management.
Excessive Aluminum Accumulation in the Bones of Patients on Long‐Term Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Kruger Pamela C. , Parsons Patrick J. , Galusha Aubrey L. , Morrissette Michelle , Recker Robert R. , Howard Lyn J.
Published: June 2013

Background: Aluminum (Al) contamination of parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions remains a concern for long‐term PN patients. Al accumulates particularly in bone. Excessive exposure to Al may result in increased Al body burden and impaired bone formation and mineralization, leading to bone disease. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited Al contamination in large‐volume parenteral solutions, small‐volume parenterals may still contribute considerable amounts of Al to PN solutions. The goal of this study is to determine whether or not long‐term adult PN patients remain at risk for increased bone Al accumulation. Methods: We measured Al accumulation in autopsy bones from 7 patients who had received PN for 2–21 years and compared bone Al levels with those in living control patients undergoing hip or knee replacement. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was used for bone Al measurements. Results: When compared with bone Al content in controls, markedly elevated Al levels (P < .0001) were found in the bones of all but 1 patient, who received PN for only 2 years before death. Even greater Al accumulation was found for PN patients who developed late renal impairment (P = .0159). Conclusions: We conclude that long‐term adult PN patients continue to be at risk for Al toxicity.
Preparing Children for Success
Authors: Murphy-Erby Yvette , Hamilton Leah , Shobe Marcia , Christy Kameri , Hampton-Stover Elena , Jordan Shikkiah
Published: June 2013

Many states are implementing asset development strategies to promote postsecondary education for low- to moderate-income families, realizing that limited education is a powerful predictor of poverty, and poverty mediates the likelihood of obtaining postsecondary education. Using demographic and qualitative data collected from two groups of low- to moderate-income parents ( N = 24), this article highlights two programs that promote savings and increase post-secondary education for these children and families. The 21st Century Scholars Program targets youths, and the complementary Educational Development Accounts program targets their parents. This article also explores perspectives of the participants’ experiences, beliefs, and perceptions relative to savings and education and the success of their children in these areas. It concludes with implications for asset-building programs and policy whose aim is to assist low- to moderate-income families in achieving economic and educational mobility and implications for social welfare policy.
Incidence of Postoperative Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Infections
Authors: Maletis Gregory B. , Inacio Maria C.S. , Reynolds Sarah , Desmond Jamie L. , Maletis Michela M. , Funahashi Tadashi T.
Published: June 2013

Background:

Infections after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can be devastating. Hamstring tendon autografts may be more susceptible to infections than other graft types.

Purpose:

To determine the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in a large sample of patients who underwent ACLR and to evaluate the risk of superficial and deep SSIs associated with grafts used for ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

All primary ACLRs performed between February 2005 and September 2010 registered in the Kaiser Permanente ACLR registry were included in the study. The graft types evaluated included the bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft, hamstring tendon autograft, and allograft (all types). The main end point of the study, SSIs (deep and superficial), was prospectively ascertained using an electronic screening algorithm and adjudicated by the principal investigator. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the cohort, and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the likelihood of an infection.

Results:

There were 10,626 cases that fit the study criteria. The overall cohort was 64% male, mean age was 29 ± 11 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27 ± 5 kg/m2. The overall incidence of SSIs was 0.48% (n = 51), with 17 (0.16%) superficial infections and 34 (0.32%) deep infections. Hamstring tendon autografts (n = 20; 0.61%) had the highest incidence of deep SSIs of the graft types (BPTB autograft, n = 2 [0.07%]; allograft, n = 12 [0.27%]; P < .001). After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, the likelihood of a patient with a hamstring autograft having a deep SSI was 8.24 times higher (95% CI, 1.91-35.55; P = .005) than someone receiving a BPTB autograft. The risk of infections in allografts was not statistically significantly higher than BPTB autografts.

Conclusion:

The overall SSI rate after ACLR was 0.48%. Deep SSIs were identified in 0.32% of the ACLR cases and superficial SSIs in 0.16%. An 8.2-times higher risk of SSIs was observed in hamstring tendon autografts compared with BPTB autografts. No difference in SSI incidence was identified between allografts and BPTB autografts. Surgeons should bear in mind that although the overall infection rates after ACLR are low, there is an increased risk of deep infections with hamstring tendon autografts.
Primary Myoclonus-Dystonia
Authors: Ghosh Debabrata , Indulkar Shalaka
Published: June 2013

Primary myoclonus-dystonia is a childhood-onset autosomal-dominant movement disorder with myoclonic jerks and dystonia. The authors report 9 children (4 boys, 5 girls) with myoclonus-dystonia from 8 families seen over a 4-year period at Cleveland Clinic. The mean age of onset of symptoms was 2.8 years, but the diagnosis was made at a mean of 7.3 years. Myoclonus was the presenting symptom in 8 children. A known pathogenic mutation in the ε-sarcoglycan gene ( SGCE) was identified in 4 of the 9 children, and 2 other children had novel mutations in the same gene. Good response to trihexyphenidyl and clonazepam was seen. Two patients underwent deep brain stimulation surgery of the bilateral globus pallidus pars interna. In 7 children, the diagnosis of myoclonus-dystonia was not considered by the referring child neurologists, which led to extensive investigations and a delay in the final diagnosis. In this report, the authors highlight the need for increased awareness of this entity among child neurologists.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Victim Impact Intervention Through the Examination of Changes in Dynamic Risk Scores
Authors: Baglivio Michael , Jackowski Katherine
Published: June 2013

The current study examines changes in assessed criminogenic needs/dynamic risk factors of juvenile offenders participating in a victim impact delinquency intervention. Three hundred twenty juvenile offenders in residential placement were randomly assigned to either participate in a victim impact curriculum or to a control group receiving a minimal substitute. Comparison of means was used to examine changes in criminogenic domains using an actuarial risk/needs assessment. Results demonstrate significant reductions in subscales of the assessment instrument for youth assigned to the intervention compared to the control group in the intent-to-treat analysis. Additional significant reductions in subscale scores occurred for youth completing the intervention. The findings demonstrate the ability of a specific intervention to reduce risk in criminogenic domains related to offending behavior and illustrate the importance of reassessment over time. Policy implications are discussed.
Measuring North Carolina Pharmacists’ Support for Expanded Authority to Administer Human Papillomavirus Vaccines
Authors: Richman Alice R. , Swanson Ryan S. , Branham Ashley R. , Partridge Brittney N.
Published: June 2013

Purpose:

To assess North Carolina pharmacists’ level of support for expanded authority to administer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to identify concerns/benefits about expanded authority and to understand what factors predict support for expanded authority.

Method:

A 16-item electronic survey was e-mailed to all the pharmacists registered with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (n = 9502) between January and February 2011 (1600 pharmacists responded). The survey assessed HPV knowledge, level of support for expanded authority, and comfort level of HPV vaccine administration.

Results:

Many (64%) pharmacists were supportive of a rule change/legislation that would authorize pharmacists to administer HPV vaccines. Younger pharmacists were more supportive of expansion when compared to older pharmacists ( r = −.138, P < .001). Pharmacists with higher knowledge scores were more supportive of expansion ( r = .223, P < .001). Reporting a higher level of comfort in administering HPV vaccines at their pharmacy was significantly and positively correlated with higher level of support for expansion ( r = .624, P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, HPV knowledge, comfort level in administering vaccine, patient age, and type of pharmacy were all predictive of higher level of support for expanded authority where employed.

Conclusion:

A large proportion of pharmacists were supportive of an expanded role in providing HPV vaccines. Exploring alternate delivery mechanisms like this one is advantageous.
Two-phase pressure drop due to friction in micro-channel
Authors: Lim Tae-Woo , You Sam-Sang , Kim Jong-Su , Moon Serng-Bae , Seo Dong-Hoan
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with an experimental investigation to measure the frictional pressure drops for two-phase flow boiling in a micro-channel with a hydraulic diameter of 500 µm. First, the experimental study is performed under the test conditions: heat fluxes ranging from 100 to 400 kW/m2, vapor qualities from 0 to 0.2, and mass fluxes of 200, 400 and 600 kg/m2s. Then, the frictional pressure drop during flow boiling is estimated using two models: the homogeneous model and the separated flow model. The experimental results show that the two-phase multiplier decreases with the increase of mass flux. In addition, the measured pressure drops are compared with those from a few correlation models available for macro-scales and mini/micro-scales. Finally, the present paper proposes a new correlation for two-phase frictional pressure drops in mini/micro-scales. This correlation model is developed based on the Chisholm constant C as a function of two-phase Reynolds and Weber numbers. It is found that the new correlation satisfactorily predicts the experimental data within mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.9%.
The Harm-Made Mind
Authors: Ward Adrian F. , Olsen Andrew S. , Wegner Daniel M.
Published: June 2013

People often think that something must have a mind to be part of a moral interaction. However, the present research suggests that minds do not create morality but that morality creates minds. In four experiments, we found that observing intentional harm to an unconscious entity—a vegetative patient, a robot, or a corpse—leads to augmented attribution of mind to that entity. A fifth experiment reconciled these results with extant research on dehumanization by showing that observing the victimization of conscious entities leads to reduced attribution of mind to those entities. Taken together, these experiments suggest that the effects of victimization vary according to victims’ preexisting mental status and that people often make an intuitive cognitive error when unconscious entities are placed in harm’s way. People assume that if apparent moral harm occurs, then there must be someone there to experience that harm—a harm-made mind. These findings have implications for political policies concerning right-to-life issues.
(S)-Goniothalamin induces DNA damage, apoptosis, and decrease in BIRC5 messenger RNA levels in NCI-H460 cells
Authors: Semprebon SC , de Fátima Â , Lepri SR , Sartori D , Ribeiro LR , Mantovani MS
Published: June 2013

(R)-Goniothalamin (R-GNT) is a secondary metabolite isolated from the plants of the genus Goniothalamus. This molecule has attracted the attention of researchers because of its selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells and its ability to induce apoptosis. (S)-Goniothalamin (S-GNT) is a synthetic enantiomer of R-GNT, and its mechanism of action is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the activity of S-GNT in a human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells. We observed that the cells exposed to this compound exhibited cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on the data obtained through the assessment of apoptosis induction in situ and the comet assay, we suggest that this cytotoxicity occurs due to the potential ability of this molecule to induce DNA damage with the consequent induction of cell death via apoptosis. A significant reduction in the messenger RNA levels of baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5 ( BIRC5) gene that encodes the survivin protein was found. This novel finding may explain the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in tumor cells caused by this compound.
Twenty years of teaching science communication: A case study of Imperial College’s Master’s programme
Authors: Mellor Felicity
Published: June 2013

In September 2012, graduates of Imperial College’s science communication Master’s courses gathered to celebrate 21 years of the programme. The MSc in Science Communication was the first of its kind in the UK and one of the first Master’s courses in the world to offer a combination of practical and theoretical studies of science communication across a range of media. This commentary reflects on the longevity of the programme, the reasons for its success, and the opportunities and challenges facing science communication courses today.
Large-scale vibration energy harvesting
Authors: Zuo Lei , Tang Xiudong
Published: June 2013

Nowadays, harvesting energy from vibration is one of the most promising technologies. However, the majority of current researches obtain 10 µW to 100 mW power, which has only limited applications in self-powered wireless sensors and low-power electronics. In fact, the vibrations in some situations can be very large, for example, the vibrations of tall buildings, long bridges, vehicle systems, railroads, ocean waves, and even human motions. With the global concern on energy and environmental issues, energy harvesting from large-scale vibrations is more attractive and becomes a research frontier. This article is to provide a timely and comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art on the large-scale vibration energy harvesting, ranging from 1 W to 100 kW or more. Subtopics include energy assessment from large vibrations, piezoelectric materials and electromagnetic transducers, motion transmission and magnification mechanisms, power electronics, and vibration control. The relevant applications discussed in this article include vibration energy harvesting from human motion, vehicles, transportations, and civil structures. The unique challenges and future research directions of large-scale vibration energy harvesting are also discussed.
Efficiency of electromechanical impedance for load and damage assessment along the thickness of lead zirconate titanate transducers in structural monitoring
Authors: Annamdas Venu GM , Pang John HL , Zhou Kun , Song Bin
Published: June 2013

In the recent years, electromechanical impedance–based structural health monitoring has emerged as an alternate to conventional monitoring techniques, especially for aerospace structures where the surface areas are more predominant than the thickness. In the impedance–technique, piezoceramic (lead zirconate titanate) transducers are bonded on the structure to be monitored such that surface area (length × width) of the transducer is in contact with the structure. In the presence of electric field, these transducers interrogate the structure which results in a unique health signal known as admittance signatures. Any deviation in the signature during the period of monitoring indicates disintegrity in the structure. The existing impedance technique has focused on disintegrity on the surface of the structure along the length and width directions of a transducer. This article monitors the increment of load and damage severity along the thickness direction. At first, a load and the increments of load were monitored on a carbon steel gear specimen, where the load was applied parallel to the thickness of transducer such that the load was axial on the specimen. The signatures were obtained for each load increment. Later, an aluminium plate was used to study damage increment along the length and thickness directions separately. The signatures were recorded for each damage increment stage. The signatures were carefully studied and validated using three-dimensional predictive impedance model along the length and thickness directions. This study is expected to be useful for monitoring gears and shafts in mechanical systems where the thickness is predominant.
Use of fiber Bragg grating sensors for monitoring concrete structures with prestressed near-surface mounted carbon fiber–reinforced polymer strips
Authors: Wang Chuan , Cheng Lijuan
Published: June 2013

Prestressed fiber–reinforced polymer composites have gained popularity as a structural rehabilitation technique; however, the prestress loss remains a critical issue in terms of material efficiency and structure safety. This article presents a fiber Bragg grating–based technique for prestress loss monitoring in reinforced concrete beams strengthened by prestressed near-surface mounted carbon fiber–reinforced polymer strips. Bare fiber Bragg grating sensors are used to monitor the time history of the prestress loss in near-surface mounted strips with different prestress levels during both the construction stage and the ultimate loading phase. The prestress losses measured by the fiber Bragg grating sensors are further compared with the data reported by the conventional electrical strain gauges. The results show that the fiber Bragg grating sensors can effectively monitor the prestress loss when properly integrated into the near-surface mounted strips. They also provide a reliable method for crack damage detection in concrete.