bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lens coloboma in one eye and ectopia lentis in the other eye of a patient with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Thapa Bikram Bahadur , Singh Ramandeep , Ram Jagat , Kumar Abiraj
Published: December 2014

We present a case of Marfan syndrome with lens coloboma in one eye and ectopia lentis in the other. A 14-year-old girl reported decreased vision in the left eye. Her visual acuity was 6/24 and counting fingers at 1 m in the right and left eyes, respectively. Her intraocular pressure was 15 mm Hg in both eyes. Evaluation of the right eye on slit lamp biomicroscopy under mydriasis revealed an inferiorly visible flattened and concave crystalline lens equator from 4 to 8 o’clock position along with notching and absence of zonules, suggestive of lens coloboma. Left eye examination revealed a superiorly subluxated lens from 3 to 9 o'clock position and posterior subcapsular cataract. The posterior segment evaluation of both eyes was normal. Her father, aunt and grandfather were of tall stature, characteristic of Marfan syndrome. On systemic evaluation, the patient was diagnosed as Marfan syndrome. After surgical correction she achieved vision of 6/6 in both eyes.
Biochemical and MRI findings of Kallmann's syndrome
Authors: Dash Prafulla Kumar , Raj Dinesh Harvey
Published: December 2014

Kallmann's syndrome is a neuronal migration disorder characterised by anosmia/hyposmia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We present a case of a 21-year-old man who was unable to sense smell since birth and who displayed non-development of secondary sexual characteristics for the past 10 years. Blood investigations showed low basal levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum luteinising hormone (LH) and serum testosterone. After a gonadotropin releasing hormone challenge test there was a slight increase in serum FSH and serum LH, and after a human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) challenge test the patient's serum testosterone level increased to 34 times that of his basal level. MRI of the brain showed absence of bilateral olfactory bulbs and sulcus with an apparently normal appearing pituitary gland, and bilateral loss of distinction between the gyrus rectus and medial orbital gyrus, thus confirming the diagnosis. The patient is on treatment with injection of HCG 2000 IU deep intramuscular twice a week and is on follow-up.
An unusual presentation of a ruptured degenerative fibroid in a perimenopausal woman
Authors: Seet Meei Jiun , Chonkar Sonali , Mathur Manisha
Published: December 2014

A 55-year-old woman in a perimenopausal state presented with severe suprapubic pain and fever. Physical examination revealed a tender pelvic mass measuring 24 weeks in size. Ultrasound of the pelvis and CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a 12 cm mass arising from the posterior wall of the uterus with irregular margin inferiorly, raising suspicion of a ruptured mass. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged from the hospital with regular simple analgaesia. She had an elective total hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy and frozen section the following week and histology revealed a benign leiomyoma with extensive necrosis. Moreover, intraoperatively, the fibroid was found to have ruptured its capsule. This case illustrates that a ruptured degeneration of uterine leiomyoma should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses for all women presenting with abdominal pain and a large fibroid mass regardless of their hormonal status or age.
Use of a full-body digital X-ray imaging system in acute medical emergencies: a systematic review
Authors: Yang Lei , Ye Li-gang , Ding Jian-bo , Zheng Zhong-jun , Zhang Mao
Published: December 2014

Background

To evaluate the available evidence for the clinical effectiveness and biohazard safety of a full-body digital X-ray imaging system (Lodox) in acute medical emergencies.

Methods

Electronic databases (including PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library; up to January 2014) and reference lists of articles were searched. The quality of the included studies was determined, and a narrative assessment was undertaken.

Results

A total of 256 articles were reviewed. Fifteen clinical studies and eight case series met the eligibility criteria. All 23 studies reporting use of a full-body X-ray imaging system in acute medical emergencies on Lodox. Based on figures in six studies comprising various evaluation methods, image quality of Lodox was mostly comparable to that of conventional X-rays and the radiation dose was considerably lower. Lodox demonstrated a sensitivity ranging from 62% to 73%, and a specificity ranging from 99% to 100% compared with CT for the evaluation of emergency patients with polytrauma, which is similar to that of conventional X-rays. Examination time using Lodox ranged from 3.5  to 13.9 min compared with 8 to 25.7 min using conventional X-rays. However, there was no evidence it significantly shortened resuscitation time or emergency department length of stay. Publication bias might have occurred; some published studies might have been influenced by conflicts of interest.

Conclusions

The Lodox machine is capable of rapidly scanning the entire body and offers an equivalent diagnostic assessment tool compared with conventional X-rays. It seems to have the potential to reduce cumulative radiation dosage for emergency patients compared with conventional X-rays. Application of Lodox might be helpful to reduce resource use and simplify care in lower-resourced areas.
Growth patterns of white British and Pakistani children in the Born in Bradford cohort: a latent growth modelling approach
Authors: Mebrahtu Teumzghi F , Feltbower Richard G , Petherick Emily S , Parslow Roger C
Published: December 2014

Background

Childhood growth patterns have been proposed as a key predictor of health during childhood and adult life. In earlier studies, however, the statistical methodologies employed failed to uncover the more subtle patterns in growth trajectories.

Methods

Study participants were 1364 singleton term children (602 white British and 762 Pakistani origin) drawn from the Born in Bradford (BiB) prospective cohort. Weights were measured at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Age-specific and sex-specific standardised weight scores were derived based on the World Health Organisation growth standards. Missing growth data were estimated using Full Information Maximum Likelihood (FIML) method. Growth Mixture Model was used to analyse growth patterns of children from birth until 36 months.

Results

On average, Pakistani children were 190 g lighter than white British children at birth. Based on our Growth Mixture Model results, the study children had three distinct growth patterns: ‘normal growers’ (95.9%), ‘fast growers’ (2.5%) and ‘slow growers’ (1.6%). The Pakistani children were more likely to be in either the ‘fast’ (OR=2.90; 95% CI 0.91 to 9.25) or ‘slow’ (OR=15.63; 95% CI 1.06 to 230) grower class than the white British. Pakistani children showed faster growth than the white British between 3 and 36 months of age.

Conclusions

In this growth study we have identified that the study children have three distinct growth patterns. These growth patterns may provide greater insight in predicting the risk of childhood or early adulthood diseases in life-course studies.
THE EFFECT OF SHIFT WORK ON CORTISOL PRODUCTION IN FEMALE HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES: STUDY IN PROGRESS
Authors: Hung E , Aronson KJ , Corbin R , Tranmer J
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the leading cause of death worldwide, contributing to 30% of all deaths. CVD etiology is complex, with many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Epidemiological evidence generally supports an association between shiftwork and an increased risk for CVD. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Limited research suggests that the production of cortisol may differ between shift workers and non-shift workers, resulting in physiological changes that potentially increase the risk of CVD among shift workers. This study will focus on females who comprise the largest proportion of workers in healthcare settings.

Objectives

 1) To describe and compare total cortisol levels and its diurnal pattern in relation to current shiftwork status, and cumulative duration of exposure to shiftwork.

 2) To determine if current shiftwork status and/or cumulative duration are associated with total cortisol levels, and diurnal pattern.

Study design and methods

Female participants were recruited from a tertiary acute care teaching hospital in southeastern Ontario, Canada between September 2011 and February 2014 (n=330). An interview and a questionnaire were used to ascertain shiftwork exposure, and covariate information. Urine samples were provided at every void over a 48-hour period to approximate free cortisol levels. A multivariate regression model will be used to describe, and determine the significance of the effect of shiftwork on total cortisol and its diurnal pattern.

Hypotheses

We anticipate that the overall production of cortisol will be higher in current shift workers than non-shift workers. Cumulative duration of shiftwork exposure will be associated with higher total cortisol levels and with cortisol patterns in a dose-dependent manner.

Relevance

Shift work is a highly prevalent work pattern: approximately 30% of Canadians are employed in shift work positions. Determining the mechanisms through which shiftwork may influence CVD has the potential to inform interventions.
MAPPING DAIRY COW HEAT STRESS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO—A COMMON GEOGRAPHIC PATTERN FROM 2010–2012
Authors: Bishop-Williams KE , Berke O , Pearl DL , Kelton DF
Published: December 2014

In Southern Ontario, climate change has resulted in an increased occurrence of heat waves, causing heat stress among humans and livestock, with potentially fatal consequences. Heat waves are defined as three consecutive days of temperatures greater than or equal to 32°C. Maps visualizing the distribution of heat stress can provide information about related health risks and insight for control strategies.

Weather data were collected from weather stations throughout Southern Ontario for dry bulb temperature and dew point temperature. The Dairy Cow Heat Stress Index (HSI) was estimated by averaging the first three days for three heat waves, during 2010, 2011 and 2012. Geostatistical kriging was used to map three-day averages of maximum heat stress over periods involving a heat wave and control periods three weeks prior to and following heat waves.

Average HSI for each period across Southern Ontario ranged from 55 to 78 during control periods, and from 65 to 84 during heat waves, surpassing levels where mortality is known to increase substantially. Heat stress followed a consistent geographic pattern with the most affected areas in the southern region of the study area, surrounding major metropolitan areas.

These HSI maps indicate areas which are less optimal for dairy farming within the study boundary. Thus, some areas currently used for dairy farming and at high-risk for heat stress mortality may require heat abatement strategies to sustain dairy cow production as heat waves become more frequent and intense due to climate change.
COST UTILITY ANALYSIS OF BOTOX VS. ANTICHOLINERGIC MEDICATION FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE, DUE TO NEUROGENIC DETRUSOR OVERACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY OR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Authors: Tang A , Goeree R , Blackhouse G , Tsoi B
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Urinary incontinence (UI) negatively impacts quality of life, potentially contributing to depression, urinary tract infection, and renal impairment. Early treatment includes behavioural modification and anticholinergics. Among the general population, ∼40% of patients with overactive bladder do not improve with such treatment. Diapers, pads, and intermittent catheterization may also be used. When earlier options fail, surgery is considered. Botox was approved by Health Canada for UI due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), resulting from neurogenic bladder associated with multiple sclerosis or subcervical spinal cord injury in adults who had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of anticholinergic medications.

Botox is a sterile form of botulinum neurotoxin type A, derived from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is believed to prevent muscle contractions by temporarily blocking nerve impulses to the bladder muscle.

Objective

To evaluate whether the benefit in urinary incontinence patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity treated with Botox provides good value for Ontario public funding.

Methods

A Markov model was used to estimate population outcomes and costs for NDO patients, receiving either Botox or best supportive care (oxybutynin). A Cost Utility Analysis was conducted, using 3 month cycles with a 2 year time horizon (discounted at 5%), plus one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

From the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $9,710/QALY, Botox is more cost-effective compared to oxybutynin. From the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC), at a maximum acceptable ceiling ratio of $50,000/QALY, the probability that Botox is cost-effective compared to oxybutynin is 0.987.

Conclusion

Based on ICER and CEAC, Botox appears to be a cost-effective intervention for urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity compared with anticholinergic.
DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, C-REACTIVE PROTEIN, AND INCIDENCE OF DIABETES
Authors: Au B , Smith KJ , Schmitz N
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Depressive symptoms are associated with increased risk of incident diabetes. Inflammatory mechanisms have been suggested to be involved in depression and diabetes. Specifically, increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker for inflammation, is associated with depression and have also been linked to risk of developing diabetes.

Objective

To assess the association of both CRP and depressive symptomatology with diabetes incidence in a representative sample of English people ≥50 years old.

Methods

Participants were 5475 community-dwelling men and women without diabetes at baseline from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Wave 2 of ELSA was used as baseline (first assessment of CRP), with assessment of diabetes incidence at waves 3, 4, and 5. Elevated depressive symptoms were based on a score ≥4 using the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and high CRP level was defined as >3 mg/L. Diabetes incidence was indicated by self-reported doctor diagnosis. Association of diabetes incidence with baseline CRP and depressive symptomatology groups was examined using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle, metabolic, and health variables.

Results

In comparison to participants with normal CRP levels and low depressive symptoms, those with both high CRP and elevated depressive symptoms were more likely to develop diabetes over 6 years of follow-up (adjusted OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.10–3.30). Individuals with high CRP and low depressive symptoms (adjusted OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.89–1.78) and those with normal CRP and elevated depressive symptoms (adjusted OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 0.88–2.73) were not associated with diabetes incidence.

Conclusion

People with high CRP and elevated depressive symptoms are more likely to develop diabetes. Further analyses will examine the possible interactions between CRP and depression with diabetes incidence.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR, SHORT SLEEP, AND THE MEBAOLIC SYNDROME IN ADULTS
Authors: Saleh D , Janssen I
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Sedentary behaviour is gaining attention as an important cardiometabolic risk factor. Studies of sedentary behavior and cardiometabolic risk have not considered sleep duration, although there is evidence that sleep duration may be related to both sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic risk.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine if sedentary behaviour is related to the metabolic syndrome (MetS) while controlling for sleep duration.

Methods

This cross-sectional study is based on the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A sample of 1371 adults over the age of 20 were studied. Average daily sedentary time and sleep duration were determined via 7-day accelerometry. Screen time was determined via questionnaire. The MetS was determined using standard criteria. Analysis of variance was used to examine relationships among sedentary time and screen time with sleep duration. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between total sedentary time, screen time, and sleep duration with the MetS after controlling for several covariates.

Results

Sedentary time and screen time did not vary across the sleep quartiles (p=0.08 and p=0.87, respectively). Participants in the highest quartile of sedentary time were significantly more likely to have the MetS than participants in the lowest quartile (odds ratio=1.60, 95% CI:1.05–2.45). The odds of the MetS was higher in participants in the highest screen time tertile as compared to the lowest tertile (odds ratio=1.67, 95% CI:1.13–2.48). Sleep duration was not independently related to the MetS.

Conclusion

Highly sedentary individuals and individuals with a high screen time are more likely to have the MetS.
Clinical significance of the circle of Willis in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis
Authors: Kim Kang Min , Kang Hyun-Seung , Lee Woong Jae , Cho Young Dae , Kim Jeong Eun , Han Moon Hee
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The effectiveness of a scoring system based on the circle of Willis for evaluations of collateral circulation was studied in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Methods

Eighty-three patients who underwent medical or endovascular treatment for symptomatic and severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were enrolled in the study. Clinical profiles, status of the circle of Willis (poor and good integrity group), and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Primary endpoints were: (1) symptomatic ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within 30 days; and (2) recurrent transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke beyond 30 days.

Results

The estimated rates of the primary endpoint at 1 and 2 years after treatment were 8.5% and 11.4% in the medical group and 7.0% and 9.7% in the endovascular group, respectively. A primary endpoint event after medical treatment was only identified in patients with poor integrity of the circle of Willis (p=0.059). In patients with poor integrity of the circle of Willis, previous antiplatelet medication before initial presentation (p=0.026) and hypertension (p=0.006) were more prevalent. During the follow-up period, complete arterial occlusion was identified in 9 patients. The circle of Willis score of the patients with complete arterial occlusion was 1.33±1.52 in the fatal stroke group (n=3) and 3.20±1.64 in the asymptomatic group (n=6, p=0.099).

Conclusions

If patients have poor integrity of the circle of Willis, the risk of recurrent stroke may be increased. Such patients appear to be good candidates for endovascular treatment.
Antheridiogen and abscisic acid affect conversion andANI1expression inCeratopteris richardiigametophytes
Authors: Ganger Michael T. , Girouard Julia A. , Smith Hannah M. , Bahny Beth A. , Ewing Sarah J.
Published: December 2014

The development of male Ceratopteris richardii Brongn. gametophytes (induction) is well studied. Males develop in response to hermaphrodite-produced antheridiogen, which coincides with induced expression of ANI1 (antheridiogen-induced 1). Induction is blocked by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA). Conversion of male gametophytes to hermaphrodites occurs when males are removed from antheridiogen and is a less understood process. In this study, males were exposed to ABA at 0 μmol·L−1, 1 μmol·L−1, 10 μmol·L−1, 100 μmol·L−1, and 300 μmol·L−1and monitored for conversion. RT-qPCR methodology was developed to examine ANI1 expression levels in gametophytes outside of induction. Conversion of male gametophytes occurred more often and more quickly in media lacking ABA, and at lower ABA concentrations than at higher concentrations. ANI1 expression dropped significantly in males transferred to media lacking antheridiogen, but remained high in males remaining in the presence of antheridiogen and in those transferred to ABA. ANI1 expression was higher in 24 day old hermaphrodites relative to 24 day old males and at comparable expression levels to 6 day old gametophytes. These results suggest ABA serves a distinct role in conversion compared with induction, and ANI1 is expressed throughout the male’s lifespan and in older hermaphrodites.
One-loop effective action and the Riemann zeros
Authors: Dueñas J. G. , Svaiter N. F. , Menezes G.
Published: December 2014

We present a remarkable connection between the asymptotic behavior of the Riemann zeros and one-loop effective action in Euclidean scalar field theory. We show that in a two-dimensional space, the asymptotic behavior of the Fourier transform of two-point correlation functions fits the asymptotic distribution of the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function. We work out an explicit example, namely the nonlinear sigma model in the leading order in 1/N expansion.
A 2.9 mm2 Highly Integrated Low Noise GPS Receiver in 0.18-μm CMOS Technology
Authors: Hu Zhengfei , Zhang Li , Huang Mindi
Published: December 2014

An L1 band highly integrated low noise GPS receiver in 0.18-μm CMOS is presented in this paper. The receiver adopts double conversion structure and two dynamic range control modes of variable gain amplifier (VGA) and programmable gain amplifier (PGA). The receiver includes the blocks of LNA, down-conversion mixers, band pass filter, received signal strength indicator (RSSI), VGA, PGA, 2-bit ADC, two frequency synthesizers and so on. The LNA adopts source inductive degeneration technique to achieve good noise performance, and a novel positive feedback capacitor is introduced to enhance gain. The novel gain-boosting charge pump (CP) structure acquires accurate current matching of 0.1% error which improves the output phase noise of frequency synthesizer. The measured radio performances of noise figure (NF) is only 4 dB and the maximum gain is 110 dB. The gain control range achieves 50 dB provided by PGA and VGA. The receiver occupies an area of 1.875 mm × 1.575 mm including all needed voltage reference and the 1.8 V low dropout regulator.
COMPUTING k CENTERS OVER STREAMING DATA FOR SMALL k
Authors: AHN HEE-KAP , KIM HYO-SIL , KIM SANG-SUB , SON WANBIN
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we consider the k-center problem for streaming points in ℝd. More precisely, we consider the single-pass streaming model, where each point in the stream is allowed to be examined only once and a small amount of information can be stored in a device. Since the size of memory is much smaller than the size of the data in the streaming model, it is important to develop an algorithm whose space complexity does not depend on the number of input data. We present an approximation algorithm for k = 2 that guarantees a (2 + ε)-factor using O(d/ε) space and update time in arbitrary dimensions for any metric. We show that our algorithm can be extended to approximate an optimal k-center within factor (2 + ε) for k > 2.
DELAUNAY STABILITY VIA PERTURBATIONS
Authors: BOISSONNAT JEAN-DANIEL , DYER RAMSAY , GHOSH ARIJIT
Published: December 2014

We present an algorithm that takes as input a finite point set in ℝm, and performs a perturbation that guarantees that the Delaunay triangulation of the resulting perturbed point set has quantifiable stability with respect to the metric and the point positions. There is also a guarantee on the quality of the simplices: they cannot be too at. The algorithm provides an alternative tool to the weighting or refinement methods to re-move poorly shaped simplices in Delaunay triangulations of arbitrary dimension, but in addition it provides a guarantee of stability for the resulting triangulation.
Social Noise: Generating Random Numbers from Twitter Streams
Authors: Fernández Norberto , Quintas Fernando , Sánchez Luis , Arias Jesús
Published: December 2014

Due to the multiple applications of random numbers in computer systems (cryptography, online gambling, computer simulation, etc.) it is important to have mechanisms to generate these numbers. True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) are commonly used for this purpose. TRNGs rely on non-deterministic sources to generate randomness. Physical processes (like noise in semiconductors, quantum phenomenon, etc.) play this role in state of the art TRNGs. In this paper, we depart from previous work and explore the possibility of defining social TRNGs using the stream of public messages of the microblogging service Twitter as randomness source. Thus, we define two TRNGs based on Twitter stream information and evaluate them using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) statistical test suite. The results of the evaluation confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Quantum discord in spin-1/2 Heisenberg chains with Dzyaloshinkii–Moriya interaction
Authors: Ma Xiao San , Wang An Min
Published: December 2014

We have investigated the quantum discord (QD) of the thermal density matrix of spin-1/2 Heisenberg chains with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction. With fermionization technique, we study the mutual effect of DM interaction and the external magnetic field on the QD and the entanglement. Our analysis implies that the DM interaction can enhance the QD while the external magnetic field will shrink the QD. By a comparison between the entanglement and the QD, we find that the QD is more robust to the temperature and to the external magnetic field than the entanglement of formation (EoF) in the sense that the EoF takes a zero value while the QD does not for high temperature and strong external magnetic field. This point confirms the conclusion that there exist some separable states containing non-zero QD.
United in Diversity: Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Plants
Authors: Hamilton Eric S. , Schlegel Angela M. , Haswell Elizabeth S.
Published: December 2014

Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels are a common mechanism for perceiving and responding to mechanical force. This class of mechanoreceptors is capable of transducing membrane tension directly into ion flux. In plant systems, MS ion channels have been proposed to play a wide array of roles, from the perception of touch and gravity to the osmotic homeostasis of intracellular organelles. Three families of plant MS ion channels have been identified: the MscS-like (MSL), Mid1-complementing activity (MCA), and two-pore potassium (TPK) families. Channels from these families vary widely in structure and function, localize to multiple cellular compartments, and conduct chloride, calcium, and/or potassium ions. However, they are still likely to represent only a fraction of the MS ion channel diversity in plant systems.
Trade Policy and Public Health
Authors: Friel Sharon , Hattersley Libby , Townsend Ruth
Published: December 2014

Twenty-first-century trade policy is complex and affects society and population health in direct and indirect ways. Without doubt, trade policy influences the distribution of power, money, and resources between and within countries, which in turn affects the natural environment; people's daily living conditions; and the local availability, quality, affordability, and desirability of products (e.g., food, tobacco, alcohol, and health care); it also affects individuals' enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. In this article, we provide an overview of the modern global trade environment, illustrate the pathways between trade and health, and explore the emerging twenty-first-century trade policy landscape and its implications for health and health equity. We conclude with a call for more interdisciplinary research that embraces complexity theory and systems science as well as the political economy of health and that includes monitoring and evaluation of the impact of trade agreements on health.
Deciphering the Imperative: Translating Public Health Quality Improvement into Organizational Performance Management Gains
Authors: Beitsch Leslie M. , Yeager Valerie A. , Moran John
Published: December 2014

With the launching of the national public health accreditation program under the auspices of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), health department momentum around quality improvement adoption has accelerated. Domain 9 of the PHAB standards (one of 12 domains) focuses on evaluation and improvement of performance and is acting as a strong driver for quality improvement and performance management implementation within health departments. Widespread adoption of quality improvement activities in public health trails that in other US sectors. Several performance management models have received broad acceptance, including models among government and nonprofits. A model specifically for public health has been developed and is presented herein. All models in current use reinforce customer focus; streamlined, value-added processes; and strategic alignment. All are structured to steer quality improvement efforts toward organizational priorities, ensuring that quality improvement complements performance management. High-performing health departments harness the synergy of quality improvement and performance management, providing powerful tools to achieve public health strategic imperatives.
Immigration as a Social Determinant of Health
Authors: Castañeda Heide , Holmes Seth M. , Madrigal Daniel S. , Young Maria-Elena DeTrinidad , Beyeler Naomi , Quesada James
Published: December 2014

Although immigration and immigrant populations have become increasingly important foci in public health research and practice, a social determinants of health approach has seldom been applied in this area. Global patterns of morbidity and mortality follow inequities rooted in societal, political, and economic conditions produced and reproduced by social structures, policies, and institutions. The lack of dialogue between these two profoundly related phenomena—social determinants of health and immigration—has resulted in missed opportunities for public health research, practice, and policy work. In this article, we discuss primary frameworks used in recent public health literature on the health of immigrant populations, note gaps in this literature, and argue for a broader examination of immigration as both socially determined and a social determinant of health. We discuss priorities for future research and policy to understand more fully and respond appropriately to the health of the populations affected by this global phenomenon.
The cholesterol-lowering agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin promotes glucose uptake via GLUT4 in adult muscle fibers and reduces insulin resistance in obese mice
Authors: Llanos Paola , Contreras-Ferrat Ariel , Georgiev Tihomir , Osorio-Fuentealba Cesar , Espinosa Alejandra , Hidalgo Jorge , Hidalgo Cecilia , Jaimovich Enrique
Published: December 2014

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in adult skeletal muscle by promoting the translocation of GLUT4 glucose transporters to the transverse tubule (T-tubule) membranes, which have particularly high cholesterol levels. We investigated whether T-tubule cholesterol content affects insulin-induced glucose transport. Feeding mice a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 wk increased by 30% the T-tubule cholesterol content of triad-enriched vesicular fractions from muscle tissue compared with triads from control mice. Additionally, isolated muscle fibers (flexor digitorum brevis) from HFD-fed mice showed a 40% decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake rates compared with fibers from control mice. In HFD-fed mice, four subcutaneous injections of MβCD, an agent reported to extract membrane cholesterol, improved their defective glucose tolerance test and normalized their high fasting glucose levels. The preincubation of isolated muscle fibers with relatively low concentrations of MβCD increased both basal and insulin-induced glucose uptake in fibers from controls or HFD-fed mice and decreased Akt phosphorylation without altering AMPK-mediated signaling. In fibers from HFD-fed mice, MβCD improved insulin sensitivity even after Akt or CaMK II inhibition and increased membrane GLUT4 content. Indinavir, a GLUT4 antagonist, prevented the stimulatory effects of MβCD on glucose uptake. Addition of MβCD elicited ryanodine receptor-mediated calcium signals in isolated fibers, which were essential for glucose uptake. Our findings suggest that T-tubule cholesterol content exerts a critical regulatory role on insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport and that partial cholesterol removal from muscle fibers may represent a useful strategy to counteract insulin resistance.
Painful cutaneous laser stimuli induce event-related gamma-band activity in the lateral thalamus of humans
Authors: Kim J. H. , Chien J. H. , Liu C. C. , Lenz F. A.
Published: December 2014

Although the thalamus is an important module in “pain networks,” there are few studies of the effect of experimental pain upon thalamic oscillations. We have now examined the hypothesis that, during a series of painful cutaneous laser stimuli, thalamic signals will show stimulus-related gamma-band spectral activity, which is modulated by attention to vs. distraction from the painful stimulus. When the series of laser stimuli was presented, attention was focused by counting the laser stimuli (count laser task), while distraction was produced by counting backward (count back plus laser task). We have studied the effect of a cutaneous laser on thalamic local field potentials and EEG activity during awake procedures (deep brain stimulation implants) for the treatment of essential tremor. At different delays after the stimulus, three low gamma- (30–50 Hz) and two high gamma-band (70–90 Hz) activations were observed during the two tasks. Greater high-gamma activation was found during the count laser task for the earlier window, while greater high-gamma activation was found during the count back plus laser task for the later window. Thalamic signals were coherent with EEG signals in the beta band, which indicated significant synchrony. Thalamic cross-frequency coupling analysis indicated that the phase of the lower frequency activity (theta to beta) modulated the amplitude of the higher frequency activity (low and high gamma) more strongly during the count laser task than during the count back plus laser task. This modulation might result in multiplexed signals each encoding a different aspect of pain.
Modulation of artificial whisking related signals in barrel cortex
Authors: Castro-Alamancos Manuel A. , Bezdudnaya Tatiana
Published: December 2014

Rats use rhythmic whisker movements, called active whisking, to sense the environment, which include whisker protractions followed by retractions at various frequencies. Using a proxy of active whisking in anesthetized rats, called artificial whisking, which is induced by electrically stimulating the facial motor nerve, we characterized the neural responses evoked in the barrel cortex by whisking in air (without contact) and on a surface (with contact). Neural responses were compared between distinct network states consisting of cortical deactivation (synchronized slow oscillations) and activation (desynchronized state) produced by neuromodulation (cholinergic or noradrenergic stimulation in neocortex or thalamus). Here we show that population responses in the barrel cortex consist of a robust signal driven by the onset of the whisker protraction followed by a whisking retraction signal that emerges during low frequency whisking on a surface. The whisking movement onset signal is suppressed by increasing whisking frequency, is controlled by cortical synaptic inhibition, is suppressed during cortical activation states, is little affected by whisking on a surface, and is ubiquitous in ventroposterior medial (VPM) thalamus, barrel cortex, and superior colliculus. The whisking retraction signal codes the duration of the preceding whisker protraction, is present in thalamocortical networks but not in superior colliculus, and is robust during cortical activation; a state associated with natural exploratory whisking. The expression of different whisking signals in forebrain and midbrain may define the sensory processing abilities of those sensorimotor circuits. Whisking related signals in the barrel cortex are controlled by network states that are set by neuromodulators.
An Improved Unscented Particle Filter with Global Sampling Strategy
Authors: Zhao Yi-zheng
Published: December 2014

Particle filter (PF) has many variations and one of the most popular is the unscented particle filter (UPF). UPF uses the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) to generate particles in the PF framework and has a better performance than the standard PF. However, UPF suffers from its high computation complexity because it has to execute UKF to each particle to obtain proposal distribution. This paper gives an improved UPF aiming at reducing the computation complexity of the algorithm. In comparison to the standard UPF, the new strategy generates proposal distribution from the mean and covariance value of the whole particles instead of from each particle. Thus the improved algorithm utilizes the characteristics of the whole particles and only needs to perform UKF algorithm once to get the proposal distribution at each time step. Experimental results show that, compared to standard UPF, the improved algorithm reduces the time consumption greatly almost without performance degradation.
Risk Evaluation of Bogie System Based on Extension Theory and Entropy Weight Method
Authors: Du Yanping , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Xiaogang , Wang Xiaohui
Published: December 2014

A bogie system is the key equipment of railway vehicles. Rigorous practical evaluation of bogies is still a challenge. Presently, there is overreliance on part-specific experiments in practice. In the present work, a risk evaluation index system of a bogie system has been established based on the inspection data and experts’ evaluation. Then, considering quantitative and qualitative aspects, the risk state of a bogie system has been evaluated using an extension theory and an entropy weight method. Finally, the method has been used to assess the bogie system of four different samples. Results show that this method can assess the risk state of a bogie system exactly.
Molecular Mechanism of Yisui Shengxue Granule, a Complex Chinese Medicine, on Thalassemia Patients Suffering from Hemolysis and Anemia of Erythrocytes
Authors: Chu Na-Li , Wu Zhi-kui , Zhang Xin-Hua , Fang Su-Ping , Wang Wen-Juan , Cheng Yan-Ling
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic biological mechanism of Yisui Shengxue Granule (YSSXG), a complex Chinese medicine, on the hemolysis and anemia of erythrocytes from patient with thalassemia disease. Sixteen patients with thalassemia (8 cases of α‐thalassemia and 8 cases of β‐thalassemia) disease were collected and treated with YSSXG for 3 months. The improvements of blood parameter demonstrated that YSSXG had a positive clinical effect on patients with thalassemia disease. For patients with α‐thalassemia disease, RT‐PCR showed that YSSXG upregulated the relative mRNA expression level of α‐globin to β‐globin and downregulated DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b mRNA compared with pretreatment. Western blotting showed that YSSXG downregulated the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3a. For patients with β‐thalassemia disease, the relative expression level of Aγ‐globin to α‐globin had an increasing trend and the level of BCL11A mRNA expression obviously increased. For all patients, RT‐PCR showed that YSSXG upregulated mRNA expression of SPTA1 and SPTB. Activities of SOD and GSH‐Px significantly increased and MDA obviously reduced on erythrocyte and blood serum after YSSXG treatment. TEM showed that YSSXG decreased the content of inclusion bodies. Activities of Na+K+‐ATPtase and T‐ATPtase of erythrocyte increased significantly after YSSXG treatment. This study provides the basis for mechanisms of YSSXG on thalassemia suffering with hemolysis and anemia of erythrocytes from patient.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder among Primary School Children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Farahat Taghreed , Alkot Mohammad , Rajab Afaf , Anbar Reda
Published: December 2014

Background. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral problem in children. Global variations in diagnostic criteria and rating scales of ADHD either by DSM-IV or ICD 10 may contribute to variations in its prevalence. Objectives. The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of ADHD and to determine its risk factors. Methodology. A cross-section comparative study was conducted in a randomly selected four primary schools in Menoufia governorate, Egypt. All children after a valid consent of their parents (N. 1362) were subjected to complete history taking, medical and psychological assessment, and IQ estimation. Their parents and teachers were subjected to the corresponding Arabic forms of Conner’s questionnaire. Suspected cases were confirmed and categorized by DSM-IV criteria. The sample was divided into cases and controls to study the risk factors. Results. Prevalence of ADHD was 6.9% and the male : female ratio was 3.5 : 1. The main risk factors were neonatal problems (OR=4.3), family history of psychiatric and medical illnesses (OR=3.5 and 2.8), and male gender (OR=2.9). Conclusion. Prevalence of ADHD among Menoufia school children was 6.9%. Dealing with its risk factors is mandatory for prevention, early management, and better outcome.
Binary Intensity Modulation and Hybrid Ternary Modulation Applied to Multiplexing Objects Using Holographic Data Storage on a PVA/AA Photopolymer
Authors: Fernandez Elena , Fuentes Rosa , Márquez Andrés , Beléndez Augusto , Pascual Inmaculada
Published: December 2014

Holographic data pages were multiplexed in a polyvinyl alcohol/acrylamide photopolymer and a liquid crystal device was used to modify the object beam and store objects in the material. A peristrophic multiplexing method was used to store a large number of objects in the same spot of the material. The objects were stored using two different modulations: binary intensity modulation and hybrid ternary modulation. Moreover, the bit error rate (BER) of the images was calculated in order to compare which modulation is most appropriate to be used for holographic data storage.
Experimental Conditions to Obtain Photopolymerization Induced Phase Separation Process in Liquid Crystal-Photopolymer Composite Materials under Laser Exposure
Authors: Ortuño Manuel , Márquez Andrés , Gallego Sergi , Pascual Inmaculada , Beléndez Augusto
Published: December 2014

We analyze the experimental conditions necessary to obtain a photopolymerization induced phase separation process inside liquid crystal-photopolymer composite materials. Composites stored for 24 hours perform poorly in hologram recording but a good result is obtained if they are used recently prepared. We use a procedure combining heat and sonication to disarrange the liquid crystal structures formed during storage of the composite. We also propose incoherent light treatment after recording the hologram in order to evaluate if the phase separation evolved correctly during hologram recording.
Nontrivial Solutions of a Class of Kirchhoff Type Problems via Local Linking Method
Authors: Mao Anmin , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2014

The existence of nontrivial solutions of Kirchhoff type problems is proved by using the local linking method, and the new results do not require classical compactness conditions.
White Mulberry (Morus alba) Foliage Methanolic Extract Can AlleviateAeromonas hydrophilaInfection in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Sheikhlar Atefeh , Alimon Abd Razk , Daud Hassan , Saad Chee R. , Webster Carl D. , Meng Goh Yong , Ebrahimi Mahdi
Published: December 2014

Two experiments were simultaneously conducted withMorus alba(white mulberry) foliage extract (MFE) as a growth promoter and treatment ofAeromonas hydrophilainfection in separate 60 and 30 days trail (Experiments 1 and 2, resp.) in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). In Experiment 1, four diets, control and control supplemented with 2, 5, or 7 g MFE/kg dry matter (DM) of diet, were used. In Experiment 2, fish were intraperitoneally infected withAeromonas hydrophilaand fed the same diets as experiment 1 plus additional two diets with or without antibiotic. Results of experiment 1 showed that growth was unaffected by dietary levels of MFE. Treatments with the inclusion of MFE at the levels of 5 and 7 g/Kg DM had no mortality. Red blood cells (RBC), albumin, and total protein were all higher for the treatments fed MFE (5 and 7 g/Kg DM). Results of experiment 2 showed RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, globulin, albumin, and total protein improved with the increase in MFE in the infected fish. The dietary MFE at the level of 7 g/kg DM reduced mortality rate. In conclusion, MFE at the level of 7 g/kg DM could be a valuable dietary supplement to cure the infected fish.
Analytical Approximations of Whispering Gallery Modes in Anisotropic Ellipsoidal Resonators
Authors: Ornigotti Marco , Aiello Andrea
Published: December 2014

Numerical evolutions of whispering gallery modes of both isotropic and anisotropic spheroidal resonators are presented and are used to build analytical approximations of these modes. Such approximations are carried out mainly to have the possibility to have manageable analytic formulas for the eigenmodes and eigenfrequencies of anisotropic resonators. A qualitative analysis of ellipsoidal anisotropic modes in terms of superposition of spherical modes is also presented.
The Life Cycle of the Parasitic Crustacean,Lernanthropus latisYamaguti, 1954 (Copepoda: Lernanthropidae), on Marine-Cultured Fish,Lates calcarifer, from Setiu Wetland, Terengganu
Authors: Abdul Khalid Nur Qamarina , Shaharoum-Harrison Faizah
Published: December 2014

Parasitic crustaceans ofLernanthropus latiswere isolated from the host, the seabass,Lates calcarifer, obtained from a cage culture in Setiu Wetland, Terengganu. The adult females with egg were kept alive in vials containing 20 mL of filtered seawater and incubated at 30°C. The eggs were monitored every hour and the hatching periods were recorded. Three developmental stages were observed, namely, nauplii I, nauplii II, and infective copepodid. The infective copepodids were then transferred into a tank containing 60 litres of seawater with 150 fingerlings for infection purpose. One fish was sacrificed every 24 hr to inspect the next developmental stage. As a result, six more stages were obtained within 298 hrs starting from the infection day. The stages were known as fixed copepodid I, fixed copepodid II, fixed copepodid III, fixed copepodid IV, preadult, and adult. ParasiticL. latistakes a 483 hr period to complete a life cycle.
Lobar Collapse and Obliteration of Air Bronchogram Allowing Early Diagnosis of EndobronchialAspergillusInfection following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth , Thyagarajan Manigandan S. , Johnson Elizabeth , Weeden David , Morgan Mary , Groves Sarah J. , Steward Colin G.
Published: December 2014

Endobronchial fungal infection (EBFI) is notoriously difficult to diagnose early since it may present few systemic features and does not cause characteristic parenchymal lesions on lung CT scanning. We report a 9-year-old girl who suffered extended neutropenia following graft failure after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe aplastic anaemia. CT scan prior to retransplantation was normal despite persistent cough but lobar collapse was shown on repeat scan 16 days later. The probable diagnosis of EBFI (later proven on bronchoscopy) was only suspected when subsequent chest X-ray (CXR) demonstrated lack of an air bronchogram in the partially collapsed lung. Early radiological suspicion resulted in multiagent antifungal therapy followed by delayed lobectomy, and led to this being the first reported case ofAspergillusEBFI not to result in respiratory failure.