bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormone replacement therapy and the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage in postmenopausal women
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Malik Ahmed A. , Saeed Omar , Defillo Archie , Sherr Gregory T. , Suri M. Fareed K.
Published: July 2015

OBJECT

The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) increases after menopause. Anecdotal data suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the rate of SAH and aneurysm formation in women. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of HRT on occurrence of SAH in a large prospective cohort of postmenopausal women.

METHODS

The data were analyzed for 93, 676 women 50–79 years of age who were enrolled in the observational arm of the Women’s Health Initiative Study. The effect of HRT on risk of SAH was determined over a period of 12 ± 1 years (mean ± SD) using Cox proportional hazards analysis after adjusting for potential confounders. Additional analysis was performed to identify the risk associated with “estrogen only” and “estrogen and progesterone” HRT among women.

RESULTS

Of the 93, 676 participants, 114 (0.1%) developed SAH during the follow-up period. The rate of SAH was higher among women on active HRT compared with those without HRT used (0.14% vs 0.11%, absolute difference 0.03%, p < 0.0001). In unadjusted analysis, participants who reported active use of HRT were 60% more likely to suffer an SAH (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3). Compared with women without HRT use, the risk of SAH continued to be higher among women reporting active use of HRT (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.2) after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, race/ethnicity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The risk of SAH was nonsignificantly higher among women on “estrogen only” HRT (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.91–2.0) than “estrogen and progesterone” HRT(RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8–2.1) after adjusting for the above-mentioned confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmenopausal women, particularly those at risk for SAH due to presence of unruptured aneurysms, family history, or cardiovascular risk factors, should be counseled against use of HRT.
Biomechanical evaluation of the fixation strength of lumbar pedicle screws using cortical bone trajectory: a finite element study
Authors: Matsukawa Keitaro , Yato Yoshiyuki , Imabayashi Hideaki , Hosogane Naobumi , Asazuma Takashi , Nemoto Koichi
Published: July 2015

OBJECT

Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) maximizes thread contact with the cortical bone surface and provides increased fixation strength. Even though the superior stability of axial screw fixation has been demonstrated, little is known about the biomechanical stiffness against multidirectional loading or its characteristics within a unit construct. The purpose of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate the anchorage performance of CBT by the finite element (FE) method.

METHODS

Thirty FE models of L-4 vertebrae from human spines (mean age [± SD] 60.9 ± 18.7 years, 14 men and 16 women) were computationally created and pedicle screws were placed using the traditional trajectory (TT) and CBT. The TT screw was 6.5 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length, and the CBT screw was 5.5 mm in diameter and 35 mm in length. To make a valid comparison, the same shape of screw was inserted into the same pedicle in each subject. First, the fixation strength of a single pedicle screw was compared by axial pullout and multidirectional loading tests. Next, vertebral fixation strength within a construct was examined by simulating the motions of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation.

RESULTS

CBT demonstrated a 26.4% greater mean pullout strength (POS; p = 0.003) than TT, and also showed a mean 27.8% stronger stiffness (p < 0.05) during cephalocaudal loading and 140.2% stronger stiffness (p < 0.001) during mediolateral loading. The CBT construct had superior resistance to flexion and extension loading and inferior resistance to lateral bending and axial rotation. The vertebral fixation strength of the construct was significantly correlated with bone mineral density of the femoral neck and the POS of a single screw.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT demonstrated superior fixation strength for each individual screw and sufficient stiffness in flexion and extension within a construct. The TT construct was superior to the CBT construct during lateral bending and axial rotation.
Aseptic intrafascial and extrafascial abscesses 10 years after a 2-level DIAM insertion procedure
Authors: Stefanovic Ivan , Radisavljevic Misa , Stojanov Dragan
Published: July 2015

With the aim to prevent the so-called adjacent-segment disease in spinal fusion surgery and to serve as the primary surgical procedure for the management of low-back pain syndrome or neurogenic claudication in spinal stenosis, the so-called dynamic spine stabilization is applied using specifically designed implants: interspinous spacers, such as DIAM (Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion), Coflex, and X-stop. It is commonly accepted that interspinous spacers are made from material that is well tolerated by the body, that their placement is simple, that complications are rare, and that they can greatly benefit the patients. So far, there have not been published studies reporting infective or other complications 10 or more years after the placement of DIAM spacers. The aim of this paper was to present a case of an extremely late complication (after 10 years) in the form of intra- and extrafascial dumbbell abscesses, concomitantly appearing at both levels treated with the DIAM spacer. The paper presents the existence of a significant correlation between CT and MRI findings as well as the deterioration in Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale scores.

Over time, dynamic spine stabilization might possibly impact reactive accumulation of sterile fluid in the vicinity of an implant and could therefore be related to delayed complications even 10 years after surgery. The finding of a growing layer composed of thick aseptic fluid around the DIAM implant, with a simultaneous occurrence of spinous process osteolysis and formation of a mineralized pseudocyst, bears a considerable risk of delayed inflammatory complications, including abscess, and therefore requires the explantation of the DIAM implant.
Use of Corticosteroid in Critically Ill : Cautions and Precautions
Authors: Ferdous Hossain Shahid
Published: July 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh Crit Care J September 2014; 2 (2): 51-52
Microbiological Profile of Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Center of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Mannan M Abdul , Kashem M Abul , Mohammed Fazle Rabbi , Rabbani Raihan , Islam M Motiul
Published: July 2015

Background: Microbial resistance to antibiotics is nowadays a great threat to intensive care unit patients especially in severe pneumonia leading to high morbidity and mortality. Bacterial profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern would help clinician in selecting more proper empirical therapy before isolation of microbes.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was performed among 210 patients of lower respiratory tract infection in intensive care unit in Square Hospitals Ltd, a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka. Sputum, tracheal aspirates or broncho alveolar lavage were cultured, identified and antibiotic sensitivity pattern performed by standard methods.Results: Of 210 specimens, 150 (71%) were culture positive and 60 (29%) showed no growth. From 150 culture positives, 216 isolates were recovered, of which 7 specimen shows more than 2 organisms each, 52 specimen shows 2 isolates per specimen remaining 91 specimen with single isolates were recovered. The most common organisms in order of frequency were, Acinetobacter baumannii (24.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (20.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginisa (19.3%), Escherichia coli (14%) and Candida albicans (13%). A very high rate (83-93%) of resistance was observed among Acinetobactor baumanni to Beta lactum and clavulanate, Cephalosporin, Quinolones and Carbapenem. No resistant was observed with Colistin. Linezolid and Vancomycin are most effective against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, where no resistance was found.Conclusion: Farmenter and nonfermenters are the both common etiological agents of lower respiratory tract infections in this intensive care unit. There is high rate of resistance to commonly used cephalosporin and ?-lactam-?-lactamase inhibitors and quinolone group of drugs. Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginisa and Klebsiella showed most sensitivity to Colistin and actually no resistance was found.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2014; 2 (2): 53-56
Spectrum of Early Onset and Late Onset Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mallick Uzzwal Kumar , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Ahsan ASM Areef , Fatema Kaniz , Ahmed Fatema , Asaduzzaman Mohammad , Islam Motiul , Sultana Amina
Published: July 2015

Objective : To compare the outcome of critically ill patients developing early onset Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurring within 96 h of ICU admission and late onset VAP occurring after 96 h of ICU admission in critically ill patients admitted in the ICU of BIRDEM General Hospital of Bangladesh.Study Design: Prospective cohort study.Material and Methods: Study data obtained over a period of 24 months (July 2012 - June 2014) in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital was prospectively analyzed. Subjects were classified by ventilator status: early onset VAP (< 96 hrs of mechanical ventilation) or late-onset VAP (?96 hrs of mechanical ventilation). Baseline demographics and bacterial etiology were analyzed according to the spectrum of status of VAP.Results: The incidence of VAP was 35.73 per 1,000 ventilator days. In our study 52% of the cases were early-onset VAP, while 48% were late-onset VAP. Acinetobacter was the commonest organism isolated from late-onset VAP (p = 0.029) while Pseudomonas was the commonest isolates obtained from early-onset VAP (p = 0.046). Klebsiella, MRSA and E. coli were almost identically distributed between groups (p > 0.05). There is significant difference of sensitivity pattern of Acinetobacter baumannii and pseudomonas aeruginosa in both early and late-onset VAP (p=0.01). The overall mortality rate in our study was 44%. The mortality was significantly higher in the late-onset VAP (62.5%) than that in the early-onset VAP (26.9%) (p=0.011).Conclusion: From this study we conclude that late-onset VAP had poor prognosis in terms of mortality as compared to the early-onset type. The higher mortality in the late-onset VAP could be attributed to older age, higher co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, COPD and CKD. The findings are similar to findings of other international studiesBangladesh Crit Care J March 2015; 3 (1): 9-13
Hummingbird Sign and Squint Eyes
Authors: Anam Ahmad Mursel , Rabbani Raihan , Shumy Farzana
Published: July 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh Crit Care J March 2015; 3 (1): 42
Towards an Integrated Islamic Curriculum for Bangladesh in line with the Recommendations of OIC Conference'77
Authors: Rafique Abu Bakr
Published: July 2015

Education holds very high position in Islam, the 1st revelation to the Prophet (s.a.w.) contains especial emphasis on knowledge and has been identified as an especial favour of the Creator. The four point objectives behind sending the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) with the mission of prophethood are all related to recitation, teaching and purification of soul through continuous training and guidance. Seeking knowledge has been made an obligatory duty on every Muslim - male and female - by the Prophet (s.a.w.). The Muslim wherever had ruled they had patronized education and established educational Institutions. These were open to all the peoples regardless of race, religion and caste. The Muslim rulers who ruled Bengal for more than 500 years had established many educational institutions, introduced a very advanced education system in Bengal, which was Islamic in nature and an integrated policy based on Arabic and Persian. After the British took over the rule of Bengal from the hands of the Muslims, they introduced an English medium secular education policy replacing the prevailing education system introduced by the Muslims. But the majority of the Muslims could not accept that policy, knowing that the main objective behind introducing that policy was degrading the Muslim society. The paper is a historical overview of prevailing Curriculum of the Islamic Education System in Bengal and the then East Pakistan in general, and the present Bangaldesh in particular in one hand, and a recommendation for introducing an integrated Islalmic Education Policy on the other.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 17-38
Mainstreaming the Third Sector Economics by Adopting the Principles of Islamic Entrepreneurship: For Development with Equity and Social Justice
Authors: Molla Rafiqul Islam
Published: July 2015

The private and public sector economics found their own strong places to play roles in the mainstream economy. At the end, however, these two systems  the private, popularly called the first sector economy, and the public, called the second sector economy - both individually and jointly have been found seriously inadequate and incapable to ensuring wellbeing of human societies nationally and globally. Responding to such a situation a number of non-conventional approaches like cooperatives and social enterprises, waqaf, foundations, and other non-profit institutions, etc., together called third sector economy, were moved and promoted to ensure social justice and wellbeing of mankind. Initially it emerged as a make-up and defensive strategy of the market-state model to meet the minimum of unmet requirements in the sectors where the market and state have grossly failed. It, thus, played only a subordinate role. As a result, it could not help much to solve the problem of economic inequity, concentration of wealth, and social divides. However it is strongly felt that a broadly based third sector economic model with both not for-profit business like enterprises and for-profit businesses blended with social justice is necessary to play its role as a mainstream model not only for poverty alleviation but also for economic growth to bridge the economic and social divides. Mainstreaming the third sector is the urgent call of the day. Islamic entrepreneurship, which is basically a communitycentric mode of business initiative, is an antidote to the problem of intolerable economic and social dualism in the economies. It is a natural strategy against all forms of capitalist exploitations, like in the past through European colonialism and now through American led terrorism, to control resources. Accordingly it is the natural model for solving the problems of economic inequity, concentration of wealth, and social divides. Therefore, this study finds the Islamic mode of entrepreneurship as most suitable and effective for widening and mainstreaming the third sector economics, more particularly in the developing countries. Johor Corporation (JCorp) in Malaysia and Sheba Polly in Bangladesh are examples of two types of Islamic style third sector enterprises  one is staunchly business like initiative and the other is cost based charity initiative for social benefit. For the development and promotion of the community-centric third sector economics model, the paper recommends for urgently establishing a research and development centre on third sector economics preferably under an Islamic Research and Development Institute in any reputed university.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 39-58
Need of Islamization of Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Baqui Md Abdullahel
Published: July 2015

At the beginning, the paper discussed about the Position of human being in the universe according to modern science and islamic perspective. Secondly, Significance of knowledge is highlighted as the main reason behind mans highest status among the creations. Brief description is given on how knowledge came to man and what are the basic issues. Thirdly, the most notorious barrier against mans knowledge gain is identified and a short account on the mechanism of its action is given. Then came, how mans enemy starts setting its trap by distorting the Education System. How his desires are reflected in the concept curriculum teaching techniques and evaluation of almost all modern academic institutes together with its tragic impact on Development of man and society are exemplified. Critical evaluations are done on the role of traditional Islamic institutes and finally, suggestions are given on how to bring back the scenario of real development through islamization of education.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 107-112
Causes and Consequences of Western Extreme Negativism against Islam  Will Such Negativism Ever End? How? Why or Why Not?
Authors: Ahmed Ghyasuddin
Published: July 2015

Human bad manners of blame games, corruptions, crimes, deceptions, dislikes, greed, hate and turns and twists divide people and create most problems in the society. Since the beginning of industrialization human bad manners have increased many folds in recent years and perhaps reached the highest level resulting in the demise of Soviet communism in early 1990s and the free market economy or capitalism in 2008. After communism Islam became the undeclared enemy of the West that led to the tragic events of terrorism on September 11, 2001. No doubt such heinous acts are absolutely unacceptable and unjust, these gave the few most influential and powerful people in the West to demonize Islam and dehumanize the Muslims for their vested interests. These are the tiny invisible interest groups of who come from different sectors of the society and they always benefit from societal chaos, conflicts, confusions and even wars. Justifiably the West went to war to punish and eliminate the terrorists ignoring totally the other side of story that made Muslim world hostile with the West  the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. This is the major cause of Muslim dissatisfaction around the world. To show their anger and dissatisfaction with the USA we saw people dancing and showing their happiness and joy on the streets in the Middle East immediately after destruction of the Twin Towers after the 911 attacks! The truth on Muslim anger was best enumerated by the Pew Research Centers and in a few interviews to the media by a top ranking ex-CIA agent, Michael Scheuer who was assigned to monitor and track bin Laden. In one interview he says, We have yet to find a politician who is willing to tell the American people the truth on the causes that divide the Muslims and the West. Instead of seriously trying to resolve the differences between the Muslims and the West, those tiny but most powerful interest groups are heavily engaged  more openly in slandering and smearing Islam and have launched propagandas 24/7 to destroy any good images and names that Islam ever had. This paper discusses the causes and consequences of the prevalence of extreme negativism against Islam in the West through a theory that he calls the Residual Rules. Two systemic models have also been developed to show the various linkages that led to such extreme negativism against Islam. President Clintons recent remark on the Middle East Conflict that Netanyahu killed the peace process and a large section of evangelical US Congressmen are making it impossible to end the conflict. The paper also raised many important issues and suggested few measures to improve relationships between the Muslims and the West.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 161-186
The Need of Ijtihad for Sustainable Development in Islam
Authors: Javed Arshia , Javed Muhammad
Published: July 2015

Education has been a central feature of Islam from the very beginning. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed on the acquisition of knowledge and sustainable development of islam. The Quran has given the fundamental education and knowledge but the Muslim scholars must interpret this fundamental knowledge wisely in accordance with the spirit of the time in which we live. Shariah (Islamic law) is subject to interpretation in order to meet the ever-changing needs of society. Muslim jurists and scholars have relied on the well-established process of change known as ijtihad. The process of ijtihad allowed Muslims and Muslim societies to continually adapt in the face of changing societal conditions and new advances in knowledge. However, declaring the shariah complete and announcing of the closure of the gate of ijtihad turns the great thinkers into idols. In this paper, we stressed on the evolutionary aspects of the knowledge & education (ijtihad) in Muslim society and answered the questions regarding closure of the gate of ijtihad, how important the concept of ijtihad is. As there is an urgent need for the Muslims to realize their failures and deal with the stagnation exist within their minds, how can ijtihad be used to address the needs of muslim societies with reference to contemporary world?IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 215-224
Scientific Research; Instructions from the Holy Quran
Authors: Uddin Muhammad Athar , Ferdous Fouzia
Published: July 2015

Science is the branch of knowledge that deals with the material world. In scientific research it is necessary to know "How does our knowledge of physical world expand?" and "What are the principles of scientific research?" In fact scientific research is a combination of experimental works and intellectual activity. The Almighty Allah has given specific fundamental properties to every materials of the universe. The Scientist can only discover very few of those properties and apply them in integrated form when and where necessary. Continuation of scientific research and advancement of the technology is possible only because of the unchangeable fundamental properties of all materials of the universe formulated by the Almighty Allah. As per Quranic instructions no scientific research is accepted without proven reason and the scientific theories contradictory to the Holy Quran must be rejected.IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 225-232
Farm Management in Organic and Conventional Dairy Production Systems Based on Pasture in Southern Brazil and Its Consequences on Production and Milk Quality
Authors: Kuhnen Shirley , Stibuski Rudinei , Honorato Luciana , Filho Luiz
Published: July 2015

Pasture-based dairy production is used widely on family dairy farms in Southern Brazil. This study investigates conventional high input (C-HI), conventional low input (C-LI), and organic low input (O-LI) pasture-based systems and their effects on quantity and quality of the milk produced. We conducted technical site visits and interviews monthly over one year on 24 family farms (n = 8 per type). C-HI farms had the greatest total area (28.9 ha), greatest percentage of area with annual pasture (38.7%), largest number of lactating animals (26.2) and greatest milk yield per cow (22.8 kg·day−1). O-LI farms had the largest perennial pasture area (52.3%), with the greatest botanical richness during all seasons. Area of perennial pasture was positively correlated with number of species consumed by the animals (R2 = 0.74). Milk from O-LI farms had higher levels of fat and total solids only during the winter. Hygienic and microbiological quality of the milk was poor for all farms and need to be improved. C-HI farms had high milk yield related to high input, C-LI had intermediate characteristics and O-LI utilized a year round perennial pasture as a strategy to diminish the use of supplements in animal diets, which is an important aspect in ensuring production sustainability.
Air Quality in Alternative Housing Systems May Have an Impact on Laying Hen Welfare. Part I—Dust
Authors: David Bruce , Moe Randi , Michel Virginie , Lund Vonne , Mejdell Cecilie
Published: July 2015

The new legislation for laying hens in the European Union put a ban on conventional cages. Production systems must now provide the hens with access to a nest, a perch, and material for dust bathing. These requirements will improve the behavioral aspects of animal welfare. However, when hens are kept with access to litter, it is a concern that polluted air may become an increased threat to health and therefore also a welfare problem. This article reviews the literature regarding the health and welfare effects birds experience when exposed to barn dust. Dust is composed of inorganic and organic compounds, from the birds themselves as well as from feed, litter, and building materials. Dust may be a vector for microorganisms and toxins. In general, studies indicate that housing systems where laying hens have access to litter as aviaries and floor systems consistently have higher concentrations of suspended dust than caged hens with little (furnished cages) or no access to litter (conventional cages). The higher dust levels in aviaries and floor housing are also caused by increased bird activity in the non-cage systems. There are gaps in both the basic and applied knowledge of how birds react to dust and aerosol contaminants, i.e., what levels they find aversive and/or impair health. Nevertheless, high dust levels may compromise the health and welfare of both birds and their caretakers and the poor air quality often found in new poultry housing systems needs to be addressed. It is necessary to develop prophylactic measures and to refine the production systems in order to achieve the full welfare benefits of the cage ban.
Forecasting Urban Air Quality via a Back-Propagation Neural Network and a Selection Sample Rule
Authors: Liu Yonghong , Zhu Qianru , Yao Dawen , Xu Weijia
Published: July 2015

In this paper, based on a sample selection rule and a Back Propagation (BP) neural network, a new model of forecasting daily SO2, NO2, and PM10 concentration in seven sites of Guangzhou was developed using data from January 2006 to April 2012. A meteorological similarity principle was applied in the development of the sample selection rule. The key meteorological factors influencing SO2, NO2, and PM10 daily concentrations as well as weight matrices and threshold matrices were determined. A basic model was then developed based on the improved BP neural network. Improving the basic model, identification of the factor variation consistency was added in the rule, and seven sets of sensitivity experiments in one of the seven sites were conducted to obtain the selected model. A comparison of the basic model from May 2011 to April 2012 in one site showed that the selected model for PM10 displayed better forecasting performance, with Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values decreasing by 4% and R2 values increasing from 0.53 to 0.68. Evaluations conducted at the six other sites revealed a similar performance. On the whole, the analysis showed that the models presented here could provide local authorities with reliable and precise predictions and alarms about air quality if used at an operational scale.
Aluminum Nanoholes for Optical Biosensing
Authors: Barrios Carlos , Canalejas-Tejero Víctor , Herranz Sonia , Urraca Javier , Moreno-Bondi María , Avella-Oliver Miquel , Maquieira Ángel , Puchades Rosa
Published: July 2015

Sub-wavelength diameter holes in thin metal layers can exhibit remarkable optical features that make them highly suitable for (bio)sensing applications. Either as efficient light scattering centers for surface plasmon excitation or metal-clad optical waveguides, they are able to form strongly localized optical fields that can effectively interact with biomolecules and/or nanoparticles on the nanoscale. As the metal of choice, aluminum exhibits good optical and electrical properties, is easy to manufacture and process and, unlike gold and silver, its low cost makes it very promising for commercial applications. However, aluminum has been scarcely used for biosensing purposes due to corrosion and pitting issues. In this short review, we show our recent achievements on aluminum nanohole platforms for (bio)sensing. These include a method to circumvent aluminum degradation—which has been successfully applied to the demonstration of aluminum nanohole array (NHA) immunosensors based on both, glass and polycarbonate compact discs supports—the use of aluminum nanoholes operating as optical waveguides for synthesizing submicron-sized molecularly imprinted polymers by local photopolymerization, and a technique for fabricating transferable aluminum NHAs onto flexible pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, which could facilitate the development of a wearable technology based on aluminum NHAs.
Power-Type Functions of Prediction Error of Sea Level Time Series
Authors: Li Ming , Li Yuanchun , Leng Jianxing
Published: July 2015

This paper gives the quantitative relationship between prediction error and given past sample size in our research of sea level time series. The present result exhibits that the prediction error of sea level time series in terms of given past sample size follows decayed power functions, providing a quantitative guideline for the quality control of sea level prediction.
Waist Circumferences of Chilean Students: Comparison of the CDC-2012 Standard and Proposed Percentile Curves
Authors: Gómez-Campos Rossana , Andruske Cinthya , Hespanhol Jefferson , Torres Jose , Arruda Miguel , Luarte-Rocha Cristian , Cossio-Bolaños Marco
Published: July 2015

The measurement of waist circumference (WC) is considered to be an important means to control overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The objectives of the study were to (a) compare the WC measurements of Chilean students with the international CDC-2012 standard and other international standards, and (b) propose a specific measurement value for the WC of Chilean students based on age and sex. A total of 3892 students (6 to 18 years old) were assessed. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and WC were measured. WC was compared with the CDC-2012 international standard. Percentiles were constructed based on the LMS method. Chilean males had a greater WC during infancy. Subsequently, in late adolescence, males showed values lower than those of the international standards. Chilean females demonstrated values similar to the standards until the age of 12. Subsequently, females showed lower values. The 85th and 95th percentiles were adopted as cutoff points for evaluating overweight and obesity based on age and sex. The WC of Chilean students differs from the CDC-2012 curves. The regional norms proposed are a means to identify children and adolescents with a high risk of suffering from overweight and obesity disorders.
Economic Assessment of the Use Value of Geospatial Information
Authors: Bernknopf Richard , Shapiro Carl
Published: July 2015

Geospatial data inform decision makers. An economic model that involves application of spatial and temporal scientific, technical, and economic data in decision making is described. The value of information (VOI) contained in geospatial data is the difference between the net benefits (in present value terms) of a decision with and without the information. A range of technologies is used to collect and distribute geospatial data. These technical activities are linked to examples that show how the data can be applied in decision making, which is a cultural activity. The economic model for assessing the VOI in geospatial data for decision making is applied to three examples: (1) a retrospective model about environmental regulation of agrochemicals; (2) a prospective model about the impact and mitigation of earthquakes in urban areas; and (3) a prospective model about developing private–public geospatial information for an ecosystem services market. Each example demonstrates the potential value of geospatial information in a decision with uncertain information.
Expansion of Non-Native Brown Trout in South Europe May Be Inadvertently Driven by Stocking: Molecular and Social Survey in the North Iberian Narcea River
Authors: Horreo Jose , Abad David , Dopico Eduardo , Oberlin Maud , Garcia-Vazquez Eva
Published: July 2015

The biological and anthropogenic (management) factors that may contribute to the expansion of non-native lineages in managed fish have been studied in this work taking brown trout (Salmo trutta) as a model species. The changes of users’ opinion about stocking was studied employing social science methodology (surveys). The evolution of hatchery stocks together with the outcome of stocking were analysed with two genetic tools: the LDH-C1* locus (marker of non-native stocks) and six microsatellite loci (for assignment of wild trout to the natural population or putative hatchery stocks). Consulted stakeholders were convinced of the correctness of releasing only native stocks, although in practice the hatcheries managed by them contained important proportions of non-native gene carriers. Our results suggest that allochthonous individuals perform better and grow faster in hatchery conditions than the native ones. We also find a dilution of the impact of this kind of suplementation in wild conditions. The use of only native individuals as hatchery breeders tested for the presence of non-native alleles previously to the artificial crosses must be a priority. Surveys can help steer policy making toward decisions that will be followed by the public, but they should not be used to justify science.
DDX3X Biomarker Correlates with Poor Survival in Human Gliomas
Authors: Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Tsai Wen-Chiuan , Chiou Hsin-Ying , Feng Shao-Wei , Lin Chin , Li Yao-Feng , Huang Li-Chun , Lin Ming-Hong
Published: July 2015

Primary high-grade gliomas possess invasive growth and lead to unfavorable survival outcome. The investigation of biomarkers for prediction of survival outcome in patients with gliomas is important for clinical assessment. The DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box helicase 3, X-linked (DDX3X) controls tumor migration, proliferation, and progression. However, the role of DDX3X in defining the pathological grading and survival outcome in patients with human gliomas is not yet clarified. We analyzed the DDX3X gene expression, WHO pathological grading, and overall survival from de-linked data. Further validation was done using quantitative RT-PCR of cDNA from normal brain and glioma, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of tissue microarray. Statistical analysis of GEO datasets showed that DDX3X mRNA expression demonstrated statistically higher in WHO grade IV (n = 81) than in non-tumor controls (n = 23, p = 1.13 × 10−10). Moreover, DDX3X level was also higher in WHO grade III (n = 19) than in non-tumor controls (p = 2.43 × 10−5). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed poor survival in patients with high DDX3X mRNA levels (n = 24) than in those with low DDX3X expression (n = 53) (median survival, 115 vs. 58 weeks, p = 0.0009, by log-rank test, hazard ratio: 0.3507, 95% CI: 0.1893–0.6496). Furthermore, DDX3X mRNA expression and protein production significantly increased in glioma cells compared with normal brain tissue examined by quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot. IHC staining showed highly staining of high-grade glioma in comparison with normal brain tissue. Taken together, DDX3X expression level positively correlates with WHO pathologic grading and poor survival outcome, indicating that DDX3X is a valuable biomarker in human gliomas.
Personalized Medicine in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST): Clinical Implications of the Somatic and Germline DNA Analysis
Authors: Ravegnini Gloria , Nannini Margherita , Sammarini Giulia , Astolfi Annalisa , Biasco Guido , Pantaleo Maria , Hrelia Patrizia , Angelini Sabrina
Published: July 2015

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. They are characterized by gain of function mutations in KIT or PDGFRA tyrosine kinase receptors, with their consequent constitutive activation. The gold standard therapy is imatinib that offers a good and stable response for approximately 18–36 months. However, resistance is very common and it is vital to identify new biomarkers. Up until now, there have been two main approaches with focus to characterize novel targets. On the one hand, the focus is on the tumor genome, as the final clinical outcome depends mainly from the cancer specific mutations/alterations patterns. However, the germline DNA is important as well, and it is inconceivable to think the patients response to the drug is not related to it. Therefore the aim of this review is to outline the state of the art of the personalized medicine in GIST taking into account both the tumor DNA (somatic) and the patient DNA (germline).
Potential Effect of CD271 on Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Calabrese Giovanna , Giuffrida Raffaella , Lo Furno Debora , Parrinello Nunziatina , Forte Stefano , Gulino Rosario , Colarossi Cristina , Schinocca Luciana , Giuffrida Rosario , Cardile Venera , Memeo Lorenzo
Published: July 2015

The Low-Affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor (LNGFR), also known as CD271, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. The CD271 cell surface marker defines a subset of multipotential mesenchymal stromal cells and may be used to isolate and enrich cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. In this study, we compare the proliferative and differentiation potentials of CD271+ and CD271− mesenchymal stromal cells. Mesenchymal stromal cells were isolated from bone marrow aspirate and adipose tissue by plastic adherence and positive selection. The proliferation and differentiation potentials of CD271+ and CD271− mesenchymal stromal cells were assessed by inducing osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic in vitro differentiation. Compared to CD271+, CD271− mesenchymal stromal cells showed a lower proliferation rate and a decreased ability to give rise to osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes. Furthermore, we observed that CD271+ mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue displayed a higher efficiency of proliferation and trilineage differentiation compared to CD271+ mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from bone marrow samples, although the CD271 expression levels were comparable. In conclusion, these data show that both the presence of CD271 antigen and the source of mesenchymal stromal cells represent important factors in determining the ability of the cells to proliferate and differentiate.
Postprandial Differences in the Amino Acid and Biogenic Amines Profiles of Impaired Fasting Glucose Individuals after Intake of Highland Barley
Authors: Liu Liyan , Wang Xinyang , Li Ying , Sun Changhao
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to measure the postprandial changes in amino acid and biogenic amine profiles in individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and to investigate the changes of postprandial amino acid and biogenic amine profiles after a meal of highland barley (HB). Firstly, 50 IFG and 50 healthy individuals were recruited for the measurement of 2 h postprandial changes of amino acid and biogenic amine profiles after a glucose load. Secondly, IFG individuals received three different loads: Glucose (GL), white rice (WR) and HB. Amino acid and biogenic amine profiles, glucose and insulin were assayed at time zero and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the test load. The results showed fasting and postprandial amino acid and biogenic amine profiles were different between the IFG group and the controls. The level of most amino acids and their metabolites decreased after an oral glucose tolerance test, while the postprandial level of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increased significantly in IFG individuals. After three different test loads, the area under the curve for glucose, insulin, lysine and GABA after a HB load decreased significantly compared to GL and WR loads. Furthermore, the postprandial changes in the level of GABA between time zero and 120 min during a HB load were associated positively with 2 h glucose and fasting insulin secretion in the IFG individuals. Thus, the HB load produced low postprandial glucose and insulin responses, which induced changes in amino acid and biogenic amine profiles and improved insulin sensitivity.
Frequent Canned Food Use is Positively Associated with Nutrient-Dense Food Group Consumption and Higher Nutrient Intakes in US Children and Adults
Authors: Comerford Kevin
Published: July 2015

In addition to fresh foods, many canned foods also provide nutrient-dense dietary options, often at a lower price, with longer storage potential. The aim of this study was to compare nutrient-dense food group intake and nutrient intake between different levels of canned food consumption in the US. Consumption data were collected for this cross-sectional study from 9761 American canned food consumers (aged two years and older) from The NPD Group’s National Eating Trends® (NET®) database during 2011–2013; and the data were assessed using The NPD Group’s Nutrient Intake Database. Canned food consumers were placed into three groups: Frequent Can Users (≥6 canned items/week); n = 2584, Average Can Users (3–5 canned items/week); n = 4445, and Infrequent Can Users (≤2 canned items/week); n = 2732. The results provide evidence that Frequent Can Users consume more nutrient-dense food groups such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and protein-rich foods, and also have higher intakes of 17 essential nutrients including the shortfall nutrients—potassium, calcium and fiber—when compared to Infrequent Can Users. Therefore, in addition to fresh foods, diets higher in nutrient-dense canned food consumption can also offer dietary options which improve nutrient intakes and the overall diet quality of Americans.
Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase and Triacylglycerol Intestinal Absorption by a Pinhão Coat (Araucaria angustifolia) Extract Rich in Condensed Tannin
Authors: Oliveira Roselene , Gonçalves Geferson , Inácio Fabíola , Koehnlein Eloá , De Souza Cristina , Bracht Adelar , Peralta Rosane
Published: July 2015

The purpose of the present work was to characterize the possible inhibition of pancreatic lipase by a tannin-rich extract obtained from the pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia seed) coat, based on the previous observation that this preparation inhibits α-amylases. Kinetic measurements of pancreatic lipase revealed that the pinhão coat tannin is an effective inhibitor. Inhibition was of the parabolic non-competitive type. The inhibition constants, \({\overline{K}}_{i1} \) and \({\overline{K}}_{i2} \), were equal to 332.7 ± 146.1 µg/mL and 321.2 \(\pm\) 93.0 µg/mL, respectively, corresponding roughly to the inhibitor concentration producing 50.
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Poly(ε-caprolactone) Containing Terminal Azobenzene Structure via Combined Ring-Opening Polymerization and “Click” Chemistry
Authors: Xue Xiaoqiang , Yang Jing , Huang Wenyan , Yang Hongjun , Jiang Bibiao
Published: July 2015

A novel well-defined linear poly(ε-caprolactone) (P1) containing terminal azobenzene and ethyne groups was successfully synthesized through tin-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-(3-ethynylphenylazo)aniline (BHA) in bulk. Subsequent reactions allowed the synthesis of the corresponding bromoester end-functionalized polymer (P2), which was converted into AB2 type polymer (P3) containing terminal azide groups with NaN3. Consequently, hyperbranched poly(ε-caprolactone) (HPCL) was prepared with AB2 macromonomer (P3) by “click” chemistry under the catalysis of CuSO4·5H2O/sodium ascorbate/H2O. The structure of the resultant HPCL was characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Thermal and crystallization properties of P1 and HPCL were further studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and polarised optical microscopy (POM). These results indicated that the crystallinity of HPCL was slightly lower than that of P1 due to the hyperbranched structure of HPCL. Additionally, the photo-induced trans-cis isomerization behaviors of BHA, P1 and HPCL containing terminal azobenzene were investigated in chloroform solution, and the photoisomerization rate constant (kexp) of small molecule (BHA) was nearly three times faster than that of polymers P1 and HPCL, which was due to the sterically hindering effect of the polymer-chain configuration.
Interpolation Routines Assessment in ALS-Derived Digital Elevation Models for Forestry Applications
Authors: Montealegre Antonio , Lamelas María , Riva Juan
Published: July 2015

Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) is capable of estimating a variety of forest parameters using different metrics extracted from the normalized heights of the point cloud using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). In this study, six interpolation routines were tested over a range of land cover and terrain roughness in order to generate a collection of DEMs with spatial resolution of 1 and 2 m. The accuracy of the DEMs was assessed twice, first using a test sample extracted from the ALS point cloud, second using a set of 55 ground control points collected with a high precision Global Positioning System (GPS). The effects of terrain slope, land cover, ground point density and pulse penetration on the interpolation error were examined stratifying the study area with these variables. In addition, a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis allowed the development of a prediction uncertainty map to identify in which areas DEMs and Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) derived products may be of low quality. The Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) to raster interpolation method produced the best result in the validation process with the training data set while the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) routine was the best in the validation with GPS (RMSE of 2.68 cm and RMSE of 37.10 cm, respectively).
Development of a Bi-National Great Lakes Coastal Wetland and Land Use Map Using Three-Season PALSAR and Landsat Imagery
Authors: Bourgeau-Chavez Laura , Endres Sarah , Battaglia Michael , Miller Mary , Banda Elizabeth , Laubach Zachary , Higman Phyllis , Chow-Fraser Pat , Marcaccio James
Published: July 2015

Methods using extensive field data and three-season Landsat TM and PALSAR imagery were developed to map wetland type and identify potential wetland stressors (i.e., adjacent land use) for the United States and Canadian Laurentian coastal Great Lakes. The mapped area included the coastline to 10 km inland to capture the region hydrologically connected to the Great Lakes. Maps were developed in cooperation with the overarching Great Lakes Consortium plan to provide a comprehensive regional baseline map suitable for coastal wetland assessment and management by agencies at the local, tribal, state, and federal levels. The goal was to provide not only land use and land cover (LULC) baseline data at moderate spatial resolution (20–30 m), but a repeatable methodology to monitor change into the future. The prime focus was on mapping wetland ecosystem types, such as emergent wetland and forested wetland, as well as to delineate wetland monocultures (Typha, Phragmites, Schoenoplectus) and differentiate peatlands (fens and bogs) from other wetland types. The overall accuracy for the coastal Great Lakes map of all five lake basins was 94%, with a range of 86% to 96% by individual lake basin (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior).