bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Healthy Children and Adolescents
Authors: Stagi Stefano , Cavalli Loredana , Ricci Silvia , Mola Marina , Marchi Cinzia , Seminara Salvatore , Brandi Maria Luisa , de Martino Maurizio
Published: June 2015

Background: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is important in the assessment of calcium metabolism disorders. However, there are few data regarding PTH levels in childhood and adolescence. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine PTH levels in a large group of healthy children and adolescents. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated PTH levels in 1,580 healthy Caucasian children and adolescents (849 females, 731 males, aged 2.0-17.2 years) with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels ≥30 ng/ml. All subjects with genetic, endocrine, hepatic, renal, or other known diseases were excluded. Results: The serum intact PTH concentration (median and inter-quartile range) was 23.00 (15.00-31.60) pg/ml. In our population, the mean 25(OH)D value was 34.27 ± 4.12 ng/ml. The median PTH concentration in boys was 23.00 (15.00-32.00) pg/ml, whereas in girls it was 23.10 (15.00-31.10) pg/ml. However, in girls, PTH levels significantly increased in the age group of 8.1-10.0 years compared to the age group of 2.1-4.0 years (p < 0.0001), whereas in boys it significantly increased in the age groups of 10.1-12.0 years (p < 0.0001) and 12.1-14.0 years (p < 0.0001), leading to the hypothesis of a relationship between PTH level and pubertal and bone growth spurts. Conclusions: PTH levels in healthy children and adolescents covered a narrower range than the adult values. Obtaining reference values of PTH in childhood and adolescence could aid in the estimation of appropriate values of bone metabolites.
Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness Is Associated with Blood Hematocrit Level
Authors: Pekel Gökhan , Doğu Mehmet Hilmi , Keskin Ali , Acer Semra , Yağcı Ramazan , Kaşıkçı Alper , Çetin Ebru Nevin
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To compare subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), retinal vessel caliber, and ocular pulse amplitude between treated polycythemia vera (PV) patients and healthy adults. Methods: Forty patients with PV and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used for SFCT and retinal vessel caliber measurements. The Pascal dynamic contour tonometer was used for ocular pulse amplitude measurements. The correlations of blood hematocrit levels with the studied ocular parameters were analyzed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the PV patients and controls in SFCT, retinal vessel caliber, and ocular pulse amplitude (p > 0.05). SFCT was associated with hematocrit level in both PV patients and healthy adults (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although SFCT, retinal vessel caliber, and ocular pulse amplitude parameters are similar in treated PV patients and healthy controls, SFCT is associated with hematocrit level.
Kidney Measures with Diabetes and Hypertension on Cardiovascular Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Alexander Nadine , Matsushita Kunihiro , Sang Yingying , Ballew Shoshana , Mahmoodi Bakhtawar K. , Astor Brad C. , Coresh Josef
Published: June 2015

Background: Whether the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with cardiovascular risk differs based on diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) status remains unanswered. Methods: We investigated 11,050 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (fourth examination (1996-1998)) with follow-up for cardiovascular outcomes (coronary disease, heart failure and stroke) through 2009. Using the Cox regression models, we quantified cardiovascular risk associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in individuals with and without DM and/or HTN and assessed their interactions. Results: Individuals with DM and HTN generally had higher cardiovascular risk relative to those without at all the levels of eGFR and ACR. Cardiovascular risk increased with lower eGFR and higher ACR regardless of DM and HTN status (e.g. adjusted hazards ratio (HR) for eGFR 30-44 vs. 90-104 ml/min/1.73 m2, 2.32 (95% CI, 1.66-3.26) in non-diabetics vs. 1.83 (1.25-2.67) in diabetics and 2.45 (2.20-5.01) in non-hypertensives vs. 1.51 (1.27-1.81) in hypertensives and corresponding adjusted HR for ACR 30-299 vs. <10 mg/g, 1.70 (1.45-2.00) vs. 1.34 (1.10-1.64) and 1.42 (1.10-1.85) vs. 1.57 (1.36-1.81), respectively). Only the ACR-DM interaction reached significance, with a shallower relative risk gradient among diabetics than among non-diabetics (p = 0.02). Analysis of individual cardiovascular outcomes showed similar results. Conclusion: Although individuals with DM and HTN generally had higher cardiovascular risk relative to those without these complications, both low eGFR and high ACR were associated with cardiovascular diseases regardless of the presence or absence of DM and HTN. These findings reinforce the importance of CKD in cardiovascular outcomes.
Factors Affecting the Tuberculosis Risk in Patients Receiving Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Treatment
Authors: Borekci Sermin , Atahan Ersan , Demir Yilmaz Deniz , Mazıcan Nejdiye , Duman Berna , Ozguler Yesim , Musellim Benan , Hamuryudan Vedat , Ongen Gul
Published: June 2015

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors are known to increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB). Objectives: To examine the factors associated with an increased risk of TB in patients receiving anti-TNF-α treatment (aTNF-α-T). Method: Of 3,094 patients who received aTNF-α-T between 2003 and 2013, a total of 1,964 subjects with a follow-up time longer than 6 months were identified and included in this retrospective analysis. Potential risk factors for the development of TB in patients receiving aTNF-α-T were evaluated. Results: Of the 1,964 patients, 1,009 (51%) were male and 955 (49%) were female, with a mean age of 39.7 ± 13.9 years. The primary conditions requiring aTNF-α-T included ankylosing spondylitis (n = 875), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 711), Behçet's disease (n = 83), and others (n = 295). Sixteen patients [8 (50%) males and 8 (50%) females; 5 (31.2%) with pulmonary TB and 11 (68.8%) with extrapulmonary TB] developed TB, with a corresponding TB incidence of 466/100,000. No significant associations were found between age, gender, smoking history, pack-years of smoking, isoniazid (INH) chemoprophylaxis, type of anti-TNF-α agent, use of other immunosuppressive drugs, and the risk of TB (p > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significantly higher risk of TB in patients diagnosed with Behçet's disease, and a significantly lower risk of TB in patients with a tuberculin skin test wheal ≥10 mm in diameter (p < 0.05). Conclusion: aTNF-α-T is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB, even when follow-up protocols and INH chemoprophylaxis are implemented, and TB often develops in the later stages of treatment. The risk of TB was higher in patients with Behçet's disease and lower in patients who had a strong tuberculin skin test reaction.
O que é mais eficiente para perda de peso: exercício contínuo ou intermitente? com ou sem dieta? uma revisão baseada em evidências
Authors: Silva Diego A. S. , Nunes Heloyse E. G.
Published: June 2015

Modelo do estudo: Revisão sistemática de literatura Objetivo: Apresentar evidências científicas acerca do tipo de exercício aeróbio (Contínuo vs. Intermitente) que resulta em melhores efeitos na redução do peso corporal. Metodologia: Foi realizada revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Pubmed, Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Ebsco Host e Scopus de artigos a partir do ano 2000. Resultados: A combinação do exercício aeróbio e restrição calórica podem maximizar a perda de peso em indivíduos com sobrepeso. Ao comparar os dois tipos de exercícios aeróbios, a maior parte das evidências sugerem superioridade do intermitente em comparação ao contínuo na perda de peso. Conclusão: Intervenções realizadas com dieta restrita combinadas com programas de exercícios realizados de três a seis vezes semanais, de preferência intermitente, em intensidade moderada a alta, apresentaram resultados mais significativos para perda de peso em comparação ao exercício contínuo.
Distribuição da gordura corporal e componentes da prática de atividades físicas no lazer em mulheres pósclimatério: estudo transversal com usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde
Authors: Locci Bruna , Turi Bruna C. , Araújo Lia G. M. , Fernandes Rômulo A. , Codogno Jamile S. , Monteiro Henrique L.
Published: June 2015

Modelo do estudo: Estudo transversal. Objetivo: Verificar o impacto da prática de atividades físicas no lazer sobre a distribuição de massa gorda de mulheres pós-climatério, usuárias dos serviços de atenção básica à saúde. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 176 mulheres na menopausa, com idade ≥ 50 anos, usuárias de cinco Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Bauru, São Paulo e selecionadas de forma aleatória. A composição corporal foi expressa por quantidade em gramas de gordura total, central e massa magra, obtida por exame de absortometria radiológica de dupla energia (DXA). Para avaliar a prática de atividade física no lazer utilizou-se a segunda seção do questionário de Baecke, considerando intensidade, duração e tempo prévio de engajamento. O nível econômico foi avaliado pelo questionário da Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa. Correlação de Spearman e regressão linear indicaram o relacionamento entre indicadores de gordura corporal e componentes da prática de atividades físicas no lazer. Resultados: A maior parte das participantes situou-se na classe média, com idade de 65,9 ± 8 anos e o início da menopausa ocorreu aos 47,5 + 6 anos. Foi observada relação entre maior intensidade e maior tempo prévio de engajamento nas atividades de lazer com menores valores de gordura na região do tronco, porém, quando corrigidos por alguns fatores de confusão, esta relação deixou de apresentar significância estatística. Conclusões: Para esta população, atividades físicas praticadas no tempo destinado ao lazer ocorrem com intensidade, duração e tempo prévio de engajamento insuficientes para provocar alterações significativas na composição corporal.
Taxa de resposta à vacinação para vírus B em Unidade de Terapia Renal Substitutiva na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ponta Grossa. Análise da idade e do diabetes mellitus como fator de risco
Authors: Ostroski Tayza Katelline Danilau , Belonci Camila Gabriella da Costa , Baroni Gilberto Baroni , Schuinski Adriana de Fátima Menegat
Published: June 2015

Introdução: O rim é um dos órgãos responsáveis pela homeostase. Quando este processo falha os pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica são submetidos à terapia renal substitutiva. Vários problemas são relacionados à esta condição, dentre eles citamos diferenças na taxa de soroconversão da vacina para o vírus da hepatite B no qual está baseado este estudo. Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência da taxa de soroconversão para a vacina de hepatite B em pacientes com doença renal crônica e a relação com a perda de imunidade destes doentes. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ponta Grossa, que inclui pacientes em diálise e levantamento dos dados epidemiológicos que permitam analisar os fatores que influenciam na taxa de soroconversão da vacina para hepatite B. Resultado: Foram incluídos no estudo 211 pacientes nos anos de 2011 e 2012. Aproximadamente 2/3 dos pacientes apresentavam baixa ou nenhuma resposta à vacinação. Os fatores de risco idade e diabetes mellitus foram analisados como possíveis causas para a baixa taxa de soroconversão. Conclusão: Pacientes com diabetes mellitus e idade maior que 60 anos apresentaram menor resposta à vacina.
Note on Kurzia (Kurzia) latissima (Kurz, 1875) (Branchiopoda: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from India
Authors: PADHYE SAMEER M. , DAMME KAY VAN
Published: June 2015

Members of the chydorid genus Kurzia Dybowski & Grochowski, 1894 (Branchiopoda: Anomopoda) are typically known from the Holarctic and the Neotropics (Rajapaska & Fernando 1986; Hudec 2000; Elmoor-Loureiro 2002; Kotov, 2004). One representative of the sub genus Kurzia, Kurzia (Kurzia) latissima (Kurz 1875) has been reported from India, in the Oriental Zone. These reports either have unreliable or no illustrations (Rane, 1983; Michael & Sharma 1988; Padhye & Dumont 2015). Recently, Chatterjee et al. (2013) have stated that records of K. latissima from India appear morphologically similar to K. latissima s.str. but have not elaborated on it. The aim of this correspondence is to present an initial diagnosis and provide illustrations of a Kurzia latissima-like population from the Northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra Province, India, along with comments on its distribution.
A Narrative Synthesis of the Components of and Evidence for Patient- and Family-Centered Care
Authors: Gallo Kaitlin P. , Hill Laura Campbell , Hoagwood Kimberly Eaton , Olin Su-chin Serene
Published: June 2015

A narrative synthesis was conducted to determine typical patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) components and their link to outcomes in pediatric populations. 68 studies with PFCC interventions and experimental designs were included. Study features were synthesized based on 5 core PFCC components (i.e., education from the provider to the patient and/or family, information sharing from the family to the provider, social-emotional support, adapting care to match family background, and/or s decision-making) and 4 outcome categories (health status; the experience, knowledge, and attitudes of the patient/family; patient/family behavior; or provider behavior). The most common PFCC component was education; the least common was adapting care to family background. The presence of social-emotional support alone, as well as educational interventions augmented with shared decision-making, social-emotional support, or adaptations of care based on family background, predicted improvements in families’ knowledge, attitudes, and experience. Interventions that targeted the family were associated with positive outcomes.
Committing Economic Crime for Drug Money
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Staff Jeremy
Published: June 2015

We examine the effects of the type and frequency of drug use on whether offenders engage in economic crime to obtain money for drugs. Analyses are based on a nationally representative sample of prison inmates (5,371 property offenders and 4,588 drug offenders). Daily users of heroin, crack cocaine, or powdered cocaine are most likely to report that they committed their offense for drug money. However, offenders who used these drugs less frequently and daily users of marijuana and methamphetamine reported this motivation as well. The motivation was more common among offenders who lacked access to legitimate income. The findings suggest that economic crimes are used to support recreational drug use as well as heavy use of heroin and cocaine.
Foreign policy think tanks in the Italian political context: Evolutions and perspectives
Authors: Longhini Anna
Published: June 2015

This paper explores the current state of foreign policy think tanks in Italy through an in-depth analysis of its main protagonists. These actors are not always immediately recognizable because the sector is not regulated and little data is publicly accessible. Empirically, the analysis is conducted through a web survey, in-person interviews, and a reputational analysis of seven organizations. This work not only identifies who these actors are and what they do, but it does so taking into account the political context. Such an institutional argument suggests that foreign policy think tank ties to the Italian political system are essential. At the same time, those ties pose serious limitations for the evolution of these organizations, especially in a transnational perspective.
Anti-immigration attitudes in different welfare states: Do types of labor market policies matter?
Authors: Nagayoshi Kikuko , Hjerm Mikael
Published: June 2015

This research sheds light onto the effects of welfare policies on anti-immigration attitudes by focusing on qualitative differences in these policies over time. Previous studies provide little evidence that welfare policies affect levels of anti-immigration attitudes because they view the welfare state in an overly abstract manner in relation to attitudes toward immigration. From this viewpoint, this research focuses on differences in a specific aspect of welfare policies, i.e. labor market policies, according to level and type of activation. By analyzing cross-national data over time, we determine that labor market policies in the form of activation policies indeed affect attitudes toward immigration. We also show that the effects vary across different types of labor market policies and depend on individual levels of socioeconomic vulnerability. Thus, this article provides a first step to rethinking how we conceptualize the welfare state in relation to anti-immigrant attitudes.
Caries-preventive Effect of Supervised Toothbrushing and Sealants
Authors: Hilgert L.A. , Leal S.C. , Mulder J. , Creugers N.H.J. , Frencken J.E.
Published: June 2015

To investigate the effectiveness of 3 caries-preventive measures on high– and low–caries risk occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars over 3 y. This cluster-randomized controlled clinical trial covered 242 schoolchildren, 6 to 7 y old, from low socioeconomic areas. At baseline, caries risk was assessed at the tooth surface level, through a combination of ICDAS II (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) and fissure depth codes. High–caries risk occlusal surfaces were treated according to daily supervised toothbrushing (STB) at school and 2 sealants: composite resin (CR) and atraumatic restorative treatment–high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (ART-GIC). Low–caries risk occlusal surfaces received STB or no intervention. Evaluations were performed after 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 y. A cavitated dentine carious lesion was considered a failure. Data were analyzed according to the proportional hazard rate regression model with frailty correction, Wald test, analysis of variance, and t test, according to the jackknife procedure for calculating standard errors. The cumulative survival rates of cavitated dentine carious lesion–free, high–caries risk occlusal surfaces were 95.6%, 91.4%, and 90.2% for STB, CR, and ART-GIC, respectively, over 3 y, which were not statistically significantly different. For low–caries risk occlusal surfaces, no statistically significant difference was observed between the cumulative survival rate of the STB group (94.8%) and the no-intervention group (92.1%) over 3 y. There was neither a difference among STB, CR, and ART-GIC on school premises in preventing cavitated dentine carious lesions in high–caries risk occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars nor a difference between STB and no intervention for low–caries risk occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars over 3 y.
Curriculum development
Authors: Foley Kimberly P , Haggerty Treah S , Harrison Natasha
Published: June 2015

Family physicians provide care for about one-third of the children and adolescents in the United States, many of whom present with psychological concerns. Family physicians often do not recognize these psychological disorders and therefore do not diagnose or treat them. This report describes the implementation of a curriculum designed to increase family medicine trainees’ level of awareness that children/adolescents experience psychiatric conditions. This goal is achieved through the addition of a clinical child/adolescent psychologist faculty member, resident self-assessment of training needs and subsequent development of didactic presentations to address these needs. The curriculum relies on the acquisition of child/adolescent psychiatric screeners, development of child/adolescent-focused bibliotherapy materials, and the development of a longitudinal behavioral sciences curriculum. To facilitate the screening of child/adolescent psychiatric disorders, a comprehensive collection of age-appropriate psychiatric screeners were compiled and made readily available in all precepting areas. To assist with the identification of specific child/adolescent psychiatric deficit areas, family medicine resident physicians were presented with an inventory of child/adolescent psychiatric, psychosocial, and behavioral topics, based upon American Academy of Family Practice guidelines and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition psychiatric disorders, and self-selected training deficiencies.
Creating Crime
Authors: Hinton Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Beginning with the Johnson administration, this article examines the development of the juvenile justice system and the subsequent criminalization of African American youth and the urban spaces they inhabited. Soon after Lyndon Johnson called for the “War on Crime” in 1965, federal officials merged the social welfare and law enforcement measures of the Great Society in new and innovative ways. The administration designed programs such as Youth Service Bureaus to reign in potential lawbreakers as well as offer assistance to troubled youth. As federal policymakers expanded the reach and resources of the Bureaus and other juvenile delinquency programs during the 1970s, they required youth employment initiatives, public schools, and grassroots organizations to partner with juvenile courts, police departments, and correctional facilities to receive funding. Following the enactment of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, however, the ongoing absorption of social service initiatives by crime control programs rapidly escalated. The legislation created a national justice system for young offenders and formally labeled all economically vulnerable youth “potentially criminal.” In an attempt to control future crime, the terms of the 1974 Act diffused crime control techniques into the everyday lives of black urban children, yielding new possibilities for supervision in public schools, housing projects, and within families on welfare. By the end of the 1970s, the United States had the highest youth incarceration rate of any industrialized nation as a result of this uniquely punitive approach to urban social programs.
Stapedectomy Effects on Tinnitus
Authors: Dewyer Nicholas A. , Kiringoda Ruwan , Kram Yoseph A. , Chang Jolie L. , Chang C.Y. Joseph , Cheung Steven W.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To relate poststapedectomy change in tinnitus loudness to change in tinnitus severity.

Study Design

Prospective, within‐subjects.

Setting

A single otology and neurotology subspecialty referral practice.

Subjects and Methods

Forty‐nine subjects undergoing stapedectomy completed the study between January 2012 and October 2013. Tinnitus instruments, audiometric data, and demographic information were collected prior to and 1 and 6 months after surgery. Tinnitus loudness was assessed using an 11‐point (0 = none; 5 = conversation level; 10 = jet engine) visual analog scale, and severity was measured using the validated Tinnitus Functional Index. The relationship between change in tinnitus loudness and change in tinnitus severity was evaluated using linear regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

A linear regression model of change in tinnitus loudness averaged for both ears on a visual analog scale (ΔVASavg) versus change in Tinnitus Functional Index score (ΔTFI) showed a strong correlation (ΔTFI = 9.35 ×ΔVASavg; R = 0.64; P <. 001). An ROC analysis identified ΔVASavg between 1.5 and 2.0 as the optimal threshold for predicting a clinically significant change in tinnitus severity (ΔTFI ≥ 13), with sensitivity and specificity of approximately 0.62 and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.64.

Conclusion

For poststapedectomy patients, a VAS loudness change by 1.5 to 2.0 points averaged for both ears in bilateral tinnitus or ~3 points in unilateral tinnitus has a PPV ~0.64 for a clinically significant change in tinnitus severity.
Thai pre-service music educators and their future in music education and its role in society
Authors: Williams Lindsey R. , Trakarnrung Somchai
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this investigation was to acquire a better understanding of the decision-making process of Thai pre-service music education students and their expectations of their post-graduation professional activities. Demographic data was gathered as well as self-reported participant influences regarding choosing to major in music education. A free response question sought participants’ perception of their role as a music educator in their community. Results tended to mirror those of previous research. Emergent themes from the free response question included teacher behaviors, teacher traits, and student outcomes. These data may help to provide a better understanding of the pre-service music educators’ influences to become music educators, and their post-graduation expectations, as well as providing important information that may lead to possible revisions in current music education curricula in Thailand. Immediate and future relevance of the data and areas for further research were discussed.
Changes in cuff pressure and position of cylindrical-cuff and tapered-cuff tracheal tubes during laparoscopic abdominal surgery
Authors: Shin Hye Won , Kim Dong Hwan , Yoo Hae Seun , Lee Dong Kyu , Yoo Young Dong , Lim Choon Hak
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To evaluate changes in cuff pressure and position of tapered-cuff and cylindrical-cuff tracheal tubes (TTs) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy; to compare the frequency of endobronchial intubation and airway complaints with the two types of TT.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to intubation with a TT with a cylindrical cuff (group C) or a tapered cuff (group T). Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane, O2 and N2O after intubation. TT cuffs were inflated to 20 cm H2O; changes in cuff pressure and volume were measured up to 30 min after the start of N2O use. Distance between the TT tip and the carina was measured before and after pneumoperitoneum and position change. Frequency of sore throat, dysphagia and hoarseness in the two groups was recorded.

Results

Cuff volume and pressure were significantly lower in group T than in group C ( n = 32 per group). Cuff pressure and volume significantly increased 30 min after start of N2O use in both groups. Distance from the TT tip to the carina decreased during surgery in both groups. There were no cases of endobronchial intubation, and there were no between-group differences in the frequency of airway complaints.

Conclusions

The tapered cuff was associated with a smaller change in cuff pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy than the cylindrical cuff, and therefore may be associated with increased preservation of tracheal mucosal perfusion.
Migraine as a predictor of mortality: The HUNT study
Authors: Åsberg Anders Nikolai , Stovner Lars Jacob , Zwart John-Anker , Winsvold Bendik Slagsvold , Heuch Ingrid , Hagen Knut
Published: June 2015

Background

There is conflicting evidence for the association between migraine and increased mortality risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between migraine and non-migrainous headache, and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Methods

In this prospective population-based cohort study from Norway, we used baseline data from the second Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT2), performed between 1995 and 1997 in the County of Nord-Trøndelag. These data were linked with a comprehensive mortality database with follow-up through the year 2011. A total of 51,853 (56% of invited) people were categorized based on their answers to the headache questions in HUNT2 (headache free, migraine or non-migrainous headache). Hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality during a mean of 14.1 years of follow-up were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

During the follow-up period 9408 died, 4321 of these from cardiovascular causes. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between individuals with migraine and non-migrainous headache compared to those without headache or between headache status and mortality by cardiovascular disease. There was, however, among men with migraine without aura a reduced risk of death by cardiovascular diseases (HR 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.56–0.93). This relationship was not evident in women.

Conclusion

In this large, prospective cohort study there was no evidence for a higher all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality among individuals with migraine.
Primitive Accumulation in the Cultural Commons
Authors: Sherman Zoe
Published: June 2015

A culture is a kind of common created by social communications and composed of both information and attention. Over the last hundred and forty years or so, the United States has seen an aggressive move toward the privatization of both the information and attention facets of the cultural commons. The model of a collectively governed commons offers a more democratic option than commodified communications.
Five Decades of Community Food Planning in Detroit
Authors: Pothukuchi Kameshwari
Published: June 2015

Food planning in Detroit has matured over the last fifteen years, but it is not without links to past food-related initiatives or broader planning in response to the city’s decline over five decades. Occurring mostly in community networks, it encompasses a greater variety of activities than that sponsored by public or quasi-public agencies. Because of food planning’s links to place and politics, the continuity of institutional structures and their logics, and the persistence of socioeconomic conditions, it is crucial to understand food planning in historical context and as a specific response to the conditions faced by the community. The article investigates city- and grassroots-sponsored food planning over fifty years, and discusses the implications of each for a just food system in the city.
Case Series: Fractional Anisotropy Profiles of the Cerebellar Peduncles in Adolescents Born Preterm With Ventricular Dilation
Authors: Travis Katherine E. , Leitner Yael , Ben-Shachar Michal , Yeom Kristen W. , Feldman Heidi M.
Published: June 2015

This case series assesses white matter microstructure of the cerebellar peduncles in 4 adolescents born preterm with enlarged ventricles and reduced white matter volume in the cerebrum but no apparent injury to the cerebellum. Subjects (ages 12-17 years, gestational age 26-32 weeks, birth weight 825-2211 g) were compared to a normative sample of 19 full-term controls (9-17 years, mean gestational age 39 weeks, mean birth weight 3154 g). Tract profiles for each of the cerebellar peduncles were generated by calculating fractional anisotropy at 30 points along the central portion of each tract. One or more case subjects exhibited higher fractional anisotropy beyond the 90th percentile in the inferior, middle, and superior cerebellar peduncles. Findings demonstrate that differences in cerebellar white matter microstructure can be detected in the absence of macrostructural cerebellar abnormalities.
Critical Care Management of Bariatric Surgery Complications
Authors: Chand Bipan , Prathanvanich Pornthep
Published: June 2015

Obesity remains a major medical disease that often requires surgical intervention in morbidly obese patients. Surgical procedures have evolved and are performed routinely in most major medical centers. Outcomes are often dependent on patient characteristics, type of procedure, and preoperative planning. Risk stratification often depends on screening and optimizing known comorbidities often encountered in this patient population. A thorough understanding of the physiologic changes seen in obese patient and the commonly performed operations will allow the physician to perform optimal treatment strategies.
Treatment study of distal femur for parathyroid hormone (1–34) and β-tricalcium phosphate on bone formation in critical size defects in rats
Authors: Tao Zhou-Shan , Qiang Zhou , Tu Kai-kai , Huang Zheng-liang , Xu Hong-ming , Sun Tao , Lv Yang-Xun , Cui Wei , Yang Lei
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate local bone formation following systemic administration of parathyroid hormone (1–34), a surgically implanted synthetic β-tricalcium phosphate bone biomaterial serving as a matrix to support new bone formation. Twelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy, all rats underwent bone defect in the distal femurs, and β-tricalcium phosphate was implanted into critical sized defects. After defect operation, all animals were randomly divided into four groups and received following subcutaneous injections until death at four and eight weeks: sham rats (group ST); sham rats + parathyroid hormone, 30 µg/kg, three times a week (group SPT); OVX rats (group OT); and OVX rats + parathyroid hormone (group OPT). The distal femurs of rats were harvested for evaluation. The treatment group demonstrating the highest levels of new bone formation was the defects treated with parathyroid hormone as assessed by micro-computed tomography, biomechanical strength, and histological analysis for sham rats. Furthermore, parathyroid hormone showed a stronger effect on accelerating the degradation of β-tricalcium phosphate. Osteoporosis can limit the function of parathyroid hormone and/or β-tricalcium phosphate. The results from our study demonstrate that combination of parathyroid hormone and β-tricalcium phosphate brings better effect to bone tissue repair in non-osteoporosis and/or osteoporosis status.
Determination of Acidity in Donor Milk
Authors: Escuder-Vieco Diana , Vázquez-Román Sara , Sánchez-Pallás Juan , Ureta-Velasco Noelia , Mosqueda-Peña Rocío , Pallás-Alonso Carmen Rosa
Published: June 2015

Background:

There is no uniformity among milk banks on milk acceptance criteria. The acidity obtained by the Dornic titration technique is a widely used quality control in donor milk. However, there are no comparative data with other acidity-measuring techniques, such as the pH meter.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between the Dornic technique and the pH measure to determine the pH cutoff corresponding to the Dornic degree limit value used as a reference for donor milk quality control.

Methods:

Fifty-two human milk samples were obtained from 48 donors. Acidity was measured using the Dornic method and pH meter in triplicate. Statistical data analysis to estimate significant correlations between variables was carried out. The Dornic acidity value that led to rejecting donor milk was ≥ 8 Dornic degrees (°D).

Results:

In the evaluated sample size, Dornic acidity measure and pH values showed a statistically significant negative correlation (τ = −0.780; P = .000). A pH value of 6.57 corresponds to 8°D and of 7.12 to 4°D.

Conclusion:

Donor milk with a pH over 6.57 may be accepted for subsequent processing in the milk bank. Moreover, the pH measurement seems to be more useful due to certain advantages over the Dornic method, such as objectivity, accuracy, standardization, the lack of chemical reagents required, and the fact that it does not destroy the milk sample.
Models for Understanding Collective Intelligence on Wikipedia
Authors: Livingstone Randall M.
Published: June 2015

Through examining established and evolving conceptions of intelligence across natural and social science and applying them to Wikipedia, this article argues that the world’s largest encyclopedia and broadest implementation of the wiki is an online instance of collective intelligence (CI), as it fits key models for this concept. Further, by relying on sociotechnical ensembles of human intelligence, programmed bots, social bureaucracy, and software protocols, a more humanistic CI, as proposed by Lévy, is realized in a virtual knowledge space that embodies information as both product and process while empowering its community to explore the cultural possibilities of its collectivism.
Community Variation in the Financial Health of Nonprofit Human Service Organizations
Authors: Lam Marcus , McDougle Lindsey
Published: June 2015

Nonprofit human services organizations (HSOs) provide vital services to communities. Yet studies show that the density of these nonprofits varies from one community to the next, often with fewer quantities located in vulnerable communities. These findings have led to concerns regarding the ability of the human services subsector to meet community needs. In this article, however, we make the argument that organizational density is a limited indicator of a sector’s ability to provide services, and suggest that financial health is a more robust indicator. We model six measures of financial health as conceptualized by Bowman and examine relationships between these measures and indicators of community vulnerability. Our results indicate that variation exists in four of our six outcome measures (equity ratio, months of spending, mark up, and months of liquidity), and that contextual effects (e.g., being located in a minority or low-mobility community) partially explain these variances.
A rolling element bearing fault diagnosis approach based on hierarchical fuzzy entropy and support vector machine
Authors: Zhu Keheng , Li Haolin
Published: June 2015

Aiming at the non-linear characteristics of bearing vibration signals as well as the complexity of condition-indicating information distribution in the signals, a new rolling element bearing fault diagnosis method based on hierarchical fuzzy entropy and support vector machine is proposed in this paper. By incorporating the advantages of both the concept of fuzzy sets and the hierarchical decomposition of hierarchical entropy, hierarchical fuzzy entropy is developed to extract the fault features from the bearing vibration signals, which can provide more useful information reflecting bearing working conditions than hierarchical entropy. After feature extraction with hierarchical fuzzy entropy, a multi-class support vector machine is trained and then employed to fulfill an automated bearing fault diagnosis. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can identify different bearing fault types as well as severities precisely.
Ethanol–diesel premixed charge compression ignition to achieve clean combustion under high loads
Authors: Yu Shui , Zheng Ming
Published: June 2015

Ethanol–diesel dual-fuel premixed charge compression ignition combustion was investigated in a diesel engine with a compression ratio of 18.2:1, where the ethanol was delivered via port fuel injection and the diesel was injected through common-rail high-pressure direct injection. The paper presents the test results highlighting the effect of the fuel ratio, the exhaust gas recirculation and the diesel start of injection on the dual-fuel combustion and the emissions from medium to high loads. The results showed that the usage of ethanol can effectively suppress the nitrogen oxide emissions and the soot emissions with less aggressive exhaust gas recirculation levels than with diesel-only low-temperature combustion. The combustion phasing was responsive to the in-cylinder diesel injection over a wide range of timings. The dual-fuel operation load was increased to an indicated mean effective pressure of 18 bar (nearly the full load of the test engine), with a boost intake pressure of up to 2.5 bar and the ethanol ratio increased to about 0.9. The high-load premixed charge compression ignition was realized through adequate control of the exhaust gas recirculation level, the intake boost pressure, the injection pressure, the injection scheduling and the fuel ratio. The challenges and the approaches to suppress the nitrogen oxide emissions and the soot emissions simultaneously at a high load were demonstrated. The nitrogen oxide level was constrained to within 0.2 g/kW h and the soot level was simultaneously below 0.01g/kW h at a stable operation load with an indicated mean effective pressure of 16 bar and a moderate pressure rise rate.
Performance of methods for meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy with few studies or sparse data
Authors: Takwoingi Yemisi , Guo Boliang , Riley Richard D , Deeks Jonathan J
Published: June 2015

Hierarchical models such as the bivariate and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) models are recommended for meta-analysis of test accuracy studies. These models are challenging to fit when there are few studies and/or sparse data (for example zero cells in contingency tables due to studies reporting 100% sensitivity or specificity); the models may not converge, or give unreliable parameter estimates. Using simulation, we investigated the performance of seven hierarchical models incorporating increasing simplifications in scenarios designed to replicate realistic situations for meta-analysis of test accuracy studies. Performance of the models was assessed in terms of estimability (percentage of meta-analyses that successfully converged and percentage where the between study correlation was estimable), bias, mean square error and coverage of the 95% confidence intervals. Our results indicate that simpler hierarchical models are valid in situations with few studies or sparse data. For synthesis of sensitivity and specificity, univariate random effects logistic regression models are appropriate when a bivariate model cannot be fitted. Alternatively, an HSROC model that assumes a symmetric SROC curve (by excluding the shape parameter) can be used if the HSROC model is the chosen meta-analytic approach. In the absence of heterogeneity, fixed effect equivalent of the models can be applied.
Complaints filed against nursing professionals
Authors: da Silva Adaiele Lucia Nogueira Vieira , da Silva Candido Mariluci Camargo Ferreira , Duarte Sebastião Junior Henrique , dos Santos Regina Maria
Published: June 2015

Background:

In their daily practice, Brazilian nurses have been met with complaints from co-workers and patients, as well as bioethical dilemmas intrinsic to the profession, particularly in the context of care delivery. Complaints against nursing professionals have been in the media spotlight.

Objective:

To examine complaints filed with the Regional Board of Nursing of Mato Grosso do Sul (COREN-MS) in Midwest Brazil.

Method:

Retrospective, analytical desk research of 111 complaints received by COREN-MS in 2003–2013 was carried out. Characterizations of complainant, professionals investigated, and complaints were the variables investigated.

Ethical consideration:

The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul. To ensure confidentiality and anonymity, all documents retrieved were examined in situ and subjects were assigned numbered codes.

Results:

Most complainants were nursing professionals (40). Most causes of complaint originated in the hospital setting (65). Most allegations were made against nursing technicians and licensed practical nurses (82). Complaints involving interprofessional relationships (85), iatrogenic events (36), and professional liability (20) predominated.

Discussion:

Bioethical principles were breached, translating to poor-quality nursing care, detrimental to the professional image of nurses among users and nursing professionals alike.

Conclusion:

The findings can serve as input to guide nursing schools and boards of nursing in developing policies to raise awareness among nursing professionals, sensitizing them to the responsible provision of care in the light of bioethical and legal principles.
Donald Featherstone, 1918- 2013
Authors: Curry John
Published: June 2015

Donald Featherstone became the iconic wargaming author of the 20th century, with over forty books on wargaming and military history. His first wargaming book in 1962, War Games, included multiple conceptual leaps to change the projectile firing toy cannon system used by H G Wells, into game systems that could be used to replicate all periods of warfare. His World War II service with the British Army tank regiment informed his later writing about the experience of the ordinary soldier from all ages of history. He used his eighteen year editorship of the Wargamer’s Newsletter to encourage and inspire many of the key amateur and professional wargamers who became key figures in the emerging hobby of wargaming and the professional use of wargaming for training and analysis.
Molecular Confirmation of Ewing Sarcoma in an 85-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Monument Michael J. , Grossmann Allie H. , Baker Christine C. , Randall R. Lor , Liu Ting , Albertson Daniel J.
Published: June 2015

We report a case of a Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor in an 85-year-old woman who presented with an enlarging circumscribed left flank mass. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 3 × 5 × 10 cm heterogeneous mass arising from the 10th rib. Computed tomography demonstrated a small nodule in the right middle lobe and bilateral pleural effusions. The patient underwent computed tomography–guided biopsy followed by open biopsy. The tumor cells were characterized by loosely cohesive sheets of tumor cells with uniform nuclei, and scant, granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm with indistinct cell membranes. Frequent mitoses, apoptosis, and necrosis were present. The cells were positive for CD99 with a strong concentric staining pattern. Epithelial, hematopoietic, and neural markers were all negative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed and demonstrated EWSR1 (22q12) gene rearrangement. Sanger sequencing of the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction product from the patient’s tumor demonstrated the EWSR1-FLI1 type 1 fusion. Following diagnosis the patient elected to proceed with localized radiation and declined chemotherapy. She developed progressive lung disease and subsequently died of her disease a year after her initial diagnosis. Ewing sarcoma is predominantly a pediatric disease and uncommon in patients older than 40 years of age. To the best of our knowledge, this is the oldest documented case of Ewing sarcoma, diagnosed using modern molecular techniques.
Nonlinear observer for distributed parameter systems described by decoupled advection equations
Authors: Kamran Niloofar N , Drakunov Sergey V , Solano Wanda M
Published: June 2015

In this paper a nonlinear observer for a class of partial differential equations known as the advection equation is designed. The observer, that uses only boundary measurements, is developed based on the sliding mode method. The convergence of states of the observer to the actual system, in spite of possible mismatches between the model and the system, is proven through the Lyapunov stability techniques. In addition, a sliding mode method is employed to design an anomaly detection system that is able to identify parameters of the disturbance in the system such as intensity and location. The Lyapunov stability theorem has been used in order to guarantee the convergence of the anomaly detection system. The applications of observer and anomaly detector are illustrated through simulation.
Does “Local” Mean Ethical? The U.S. “Buy Local” Movement and CSR in SMEs
Authors: McCaffrey Sara Jane , Kurland Nancy B.
Published: June 2015

“Buy Local” campaigns argue that consumers who patronize local firms instead of national chains reap broad economic, social, and ecological benefits for their home communities. These campaigns, which seek to create social change through market forces, imply that “local” means ethical. What ethical claims do localism advocates make for the benefits of local consumption, and how do they verify those claims? And how does the buy-local case inform broader debates on ethical markets? We find that U.S. buy-local organizations routinely focused on marketing concerns and failed to police members’ socially responsible bona fides. We also find that prolocal organizations promoted community cohesion and served an important role in disseminating sustainability information through new networks. We suggest that small- and medium-sized enterprises, which face particular challenges in authenticating claims for their economic and ecological impact, should consider restricting claims to their more specific and more easily verified social impact.