bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Health Insurance on Health Care Treatment and Cost in Vietnam: A Health Capability Approach to Financial Protection
Authors: Nguyen Kim Thuy , Khuat Oanh Thi Hai , Ma Shuangge , Pham Duc Cuong , Khuat Giang Thi Hong , Ruger Jennifer Prah
Published: June 2012

We applied an alternative conceptual framework for analyzing health insurance and financial protection grounded in the health capability paradigm.

Through an original survey of 706 households in Dai Dong, Vietnam, we examined the impact of Vietnamese health insurance schemes on inpatient and outpatient health care access, costs, and health outcomes using bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. Insured respondents had lower outpatient and inpatient treatment costs and longer hospital stays but fewer days of missed work or school than the uninsured.

Insurance reform reduced household vulnerability to high health care costs through direct reduction of medical costs and indirect reduction of income lost to illness. However, from a normative perspective, out-of-pocket costs are still too high, and accessibility issues persist; a comprehensive insurance package and additional health system reforms are needed.
Aging, Climate Change, and Legacy Thinking
Authors: Frumkin Howard , Fried Linda , Moody Rick
Published: June 2012

Climate change is a complex, long-term public health challenge. Older people are especially susceptible to certain climate change impacts, such as heat waves.

We suggest that older people may be a resource for addressing climate change because of their concern for legacy—for leaving behind values, attitudes, and an intact world to their children and grandchildren. We review the theoretical basis for “legacy thinking” among older people. We offer suggestions for research on this phenomenon, and for action to strengthen the sense of legacy.

At a time when older populations are growing, understanding and promoting legacy thinking may offer an important strategy for addressing climate change.
How the Pill Became a Lifestyle Drug: The Pharmaceutical Industry and Birth Control in the United States Since 1960
Authors: Watkins Elizabeth Siegel
Published: June 2012

Marketing decisions, rather than scientific innovations, have guided the development and positioning of contraceptive products in recent years. I review the stalled progress in contraceptive development in the decades following the advent of the Pill in 1960 and then examine the fine-tuning of the market for oral contraceptives in the 1990s and 2000s. Although birth control has been pitched in the United States as an individual solution, rather than a public health strategy, the purpose of oral contraceptives was understood by manufacturers, physicians, and consumers to be the prevention of pregnancy, a basic health care need for women. Since 1990, the content of that message has changed, reflecting a shift in the drug industry's view of the contraception business. Two factors contributed to bring about this change: first, the industry's move away from research and development in birth control and second, the growth of the class of medications known as lifestyle drugs.
Implant Site Development by Orthodontic Forced Eruption of Nontreatable Teeth: A Case Report
Authors: Rokn Amir Reza , Saffarpour Anna , Sadrimanesh Rouzbeh , Iranparvar Kaveh , Saffarpour Aida , Mahmoudzadeh Majid , Soolari Ahmad
Published: June 2012

Background:

Loss of bone and soft tissue attachment are common sequelae of periodontitis that may jeopardize the aesthetic outcome and compromise the functional and aesthetic outcomes of treatment. The following case report describes one of the most predictable techniques of vertical ridge augmentation, which is orthodontic extrusion or forced eruption of hopeless teeth.

Method:

A 34-year-old woman who presented with severe attachment loss and deep pockets was diagnosed with generalized aggressive periodontitis. The mobile maxillary incisors were consequently extracted and were replaced with dental implants. However, prior to extraction, orthodontic extrusion of the hopeless incisors was performed to correct vertical ridge defects. Following extrusion and extraction of the maxillary incisors, to prevent soft tissue collapse and to preserve the papillae during socket healing, the crowns of the extracted teeth were used as pontics on a removable partial provisional denture. After 8 weeks, the implants were placed, and an immediate functional restoration was delivered. After 4 months of healing, a fixed definitive partial prosthesis was fabricated and delivered.

Result:

After periodontal treatment, over a 2-year period, the progression of aggressive periodontitis was controlled. The mean vertical movement of marginal bone was 3.6 mm. The use of the crowns of extracted teeth appears to be an effective method to maintain papillae.

Conclusions:

Orthodontic extrusion is a predictable method for the correction of vertical ridge defects. Orthodontic treatment does not aggravate or hasten the progression of aggressive periodontitis.
Increased Mortality of Patients With Diabetes Reporting Severe Hypoglycemia
Authors: McCoy Rozalina G. , Van Houten Holly K. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Shah Nilay D. , Wermers Robert A. , Smith Steven A.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

Hypoglycemia is a cause of significant morbidity among patients with diabetes and may be associated with greater risk of death. We conducted a retrospective study to determine whether patient self-report of severe hypoglycemia is associated with increased mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adult patients (N = 1,020) seen in a specialty diabetes clinic between August 2005 and July 2006 were questioned about frequency of hypoglycemia during a preencounter interview; 7 were lost to follow-up and excluded from analysis. Mild hypoglycemia was defined as symptoms managed without assistance, and severe hypoglycemia was defined as symptoms requiring external assistance. Mortality data, demographics, clinical characteristics, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were obtained from the electronic medical record after 5 years. Patients were stratified by self-report of hypoglycemia at baseline, demographics were compared using the two-sample t test, and risk of death was expressed as odds ratio (95% CI). Associations were controlled for age, sex, diabetes type and duration, CCI, HbA1c, and report of severe hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

In total, 1,013 patients with type 1 (21.3%) and type 2 (78.7%) diabetes were questioned about hypoglycemia. Among these, 625 (61.7%) reported any hypoglycemia, and 76 (7.5%) reported severe hypoglycemia. After 5 years, patients who reported severe hypoglycemia had 3.4-fold higher mortality (95% CI 1.5–7.4; P = 0.005) compared with those who reported mild/no hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-report of severe hypoglycemia is associated with 3.4-fold increased risk of death. Patient-reported outcomes, including patient-reported hypoglycemia, may therefore augment risk stratification and disease management of patients with diabetes.
Association of Prediabetes and Diabetes With Stroke Symptoms
Authors: Carson April P. , Muntner Paul , Kissela Brett M. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Howard Virginia J. , Meschia James F. , Williams Linda S. , Prineas Ronald J. , Howard George , Safford Monika M.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

Stroke symptoms among individuals reporting no physician diagnosis of stroke are associated with an increased risk of future stroke. Few studies have assessed whether individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, but no physician diagnosis of stroke, have an increased prevalence of stroke symptoms.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 25,696 individuals aged ≥45 years from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study who reported no history of stroke or transient ischemic attack at baseline (2003–2007). Glucose measurements, medication use, and self-reported physician diagnosis were used to categorize participants into diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glycemia groups. The presence of six stroke symptoms was assessed using a validated questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any stroke symptom was higher among participants with diabetes (22.7%) compared with those with prediabetes (15.6%) or normal glycemia (14.9%). In multivariable models, diabetes was associated with any stroke symptom (prevalence odds ratio [POR] 1.28 [95% CI 1.18–1.39]) and two or more stroke symptoms (1.26 [1.12–1.43]) compared with normal glycemia. In analyses of individual stroke symptoms, diabetes was associated with numbness (1.15 [1.03–1.29]), vision loss (1.52 [1.31–1.76]), half-vision loss (1.54 [1.30–1.84]), and lost ability to understand people (1.34 [1.12–1.61]) after multivariable adjustment. No association was present between prediabetes and stroke symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study, almost one in four individuals with diabetes reported stroke symptoms, which suggests that screening for stroke symptoms in diabetes may be warranted.
Effects of Gevokizumab on Glycemia and Inflammatory Markers in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cavelti-Weder Claudia , Babians-Brunner Andrea , Keller Cornelia , Stahel Marc A. , Kurz-Levin Malaika , Zayed Hany , Solinger Alan M. , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas , Dinarello Charles A. , Donath Marc Y.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic activation of the innate immune system governed by interleukin (IL)-1β contributes to β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes. Gevokizumab is a novel, human-engineered monoclonal anti–IL-1β antibody. We evaluated the safety and biological activity of gevokizumab in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study, a total of 98 patients were randomly assigned to placebo (17 subjects) or gevokizumab (81 subjects) at increasing doses and dosing schedules. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety profile of gevokizumab in type 2 diabetes. The secondary objectives were to assess pharmacokinetics for different dose levels, routes of administration, and regimens and to assess biological activity.

RESULTS

The study drug was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. There was one hypoglycemic event whereupon concomitant insulin treatment had to be reduced. Clearance of gevokizumab was consistent with that for a human IgG2, with a half-life of 22 days. In the combined intermediate-dose group (single doses of 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg), the mean placebo-corrected decrease in glycated hemoglobin was 0.11, 0.44, and 0.85% after 1, 2 (P = 0.017), and 3 (P = 0.049) months, respectively, along with enhanced C-peptide secretion, increased insulin sensitivity, and a reduction in C-reactive protein and spontaneous and inducible cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel IL-1β–neutralizing antibody improved glycemia, possibly via restored insulin production and action, and reduced inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. This therapeutic agent may be able to be used on a once-every-month or longer schedule.
A Randomized Trial of Two Weight-Based Doses of Insulin Glargine and Glulisine in Hospitalized Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes and Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Baldwin David , Zander Jennifer , Munoz Christina , Raghu Preeya , DeLange-Hudec Susan , Lee Hong , Emanuele Mary Ann , Glossop Valerie , Smallwood Kimberly , Molitch Mark
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

Renal insufficiency may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with diabetes who are treated with insulin. We randomized inpatients with type 2 diabetes and chronic renal failure to treatment with two different dose levels of insulin glargine and glulisine and studied control of hyperglycemia and the frequency of hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial to compare the efficacy of once-daily glargine and three-times daily glulisine at 0.5 vs. 0.25 units/kg/day. A total of 107 subjects had type 2 diabetes for >1 year, had a glomerular filtration rate <45 mL/min but did not require dialysis, and had an initial blood glucose (BG) >180 mg/dL. Doses were adjusted based on four-times daily BG measurements for 6 days.

RESULTS

Mean BG on the first day was 196 ± 71 mg/dL in the group receiving 0.5 units/kg (0.5 group) and 197 ± 55 mg/dL in the group receiving 0.25 units/kg (0.25 group; P = 0.94). On days 2 to 6, mean BG was 174 ± 52 mg/dL in the 0.5 group and 174 ± 46 mg/dL in the 0.25 group (P = 0.96). There were no significant differences between groups in the percentage of BG values within the target range of 100 to 180 mg/dL on any of the 6 study days. In the 0.5 group, 30% experienced hypoglycemia (BG <70 mg/dL) compared with 15.8% of the 0.25 group (P = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction of initial glargine/glulisine insulin weight-based dosing in hospitalized patients with diabetes and renal insufficiency reduced the frequency of hypoglycemia by 50% without compromising the control of hyperglycemia.
Pattern of Renal Cell Carcinoma – A Single Center Experience in Nepal.
Authors: Sidharth Mr , Luitel B R , Gupta D K , Maskey P , Chalise P R , Sharma U K , Gyawali P R , Shrestha G K , Sayami G , Joshi B R
Published: June 2012

Background Renal tumor is the 13th most common malignancy in the world and more than 90% of renal tumors are renal cell carcinomas. As there is no data available on renal cell carcinoma in Nepal, hence this study was undertaken to analyze the patterns of renal cell carcinoma in patients with renal mass at a tertiary level hospital in Nepal. Objectives To analyze the patterns of renal cell carcinoma in patients with renal mass at a tertiary level hospital in Nepal. Methods The case records of 50 consecutive patients with renal cell carcinoma presenting at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu from July 2006 to June 2011 were retrospectively evaluated for presenting symptoms, physical finding, investigation and histopathology report. Results Out of 50 patients, 64% were male and 36% were female. The age ranged between 11 to 78 years (mean ± SD: 55 ± 15 years). Fifty four percent of patients were smokers. Incidentally tumor was detected in 40% cases by ultrasonography and the typical triad was present in only 4%. The tumor was occupying upper pole in 40% of cases. The tumor size ranged from 3 to 15 cm (mean ± SD: 7.3 ± 2.9 cm). Histopathologically, 76% of the patient had organ confined renal cell carcinoma (T1-2 N0 M0). Clear cell was the most common type seen in 86%. Fuhrman’s nuclear grade 2 was found in 50%. ConclusionMany of the renal cell carcinoma are detected incidentally, at an early stage and are of clear cell subtype.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i3.6302 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(3):185-8
Drug - Receptor Interactions
Authors: Suvarna B S
Published: June 2012

In present-day pharmacology and medicine, it is usually taken for granted that cells contain a host of highly specific receptors. Drugs act on the cell membrane by physical and/or chemical interactions. This is usually through specific drug receptor sites known to be located on the membrane. These are defined as proteins on or within the cell that bind with specificity to particular drugs, chemical messenger substances or hormones and mediate their effects on the body. Today, the concept of specific receptors for drugs and transmitters lies at the very heart of pharmacology. However, it is only relatively recently that the notion of drug-specific receptors has become widely accepted, with considerable doubts being expressed about their existence as late as the 1960s.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i3.6306 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(3):203-7
Impact of Public Policy on Nursing Employment: Providing the Evidence
Authors: Baumann Andrea , Hunsberger Mabel , Crea-Arsenio Mary
Published: June 2012

Due to economic instability, employment status has been shifting over time. Organizations have been moving toward a flexible contingent workforce. An early study of employment patterns demonstrated a significant rise in part-time and casual employment in the Ontario nursing workforce ( Baumann et al. 2006 ). The Nursing Graduate Guarantee, a public policy initiative, represents a substantial investment by the provincial government to stimulate full-time employment. This article presents the results of a trend analysis of nurse employment. Results indicated that stimulus funding attached to the public policy influenced employment of new graduate nurses.
Obliteration of a metameric spinal arteriovenous malformation (Cobb syndrome) using combined endovascular embolization and surgical excision
Authors: Schirmer Clemens M. , Hwang Steven W. , Riesenburger Ron I. , Choi In Sup , David Carlos A.
Published: June 2012

Cobb syndrome represents the concurrent findings of a metameric spinal vascular malformation and a cutaneous vascular malformation within several dermatomes of each other. This rare entity engenders many difficult decisions with respect to appropriate therapeutic management. Historically, surgical excision carried a high morbidity, and conservative management without intervention was preferred. More recently, several cases of endovascular embolization have been reported with good success.

The authors describe the case of a 17-year-old boy who presented with a right gluteal angioma and was found to have a spinal arteriovenous malformation. Multiple embolizations failed to prevent neurological deterioration, and the patient eventually became wheelchair dependent. Surgical excision of the malformation led to partial recovery of neurological function, and at the latest follow-up, 52 months postoperatively, the patient was able to ambulate independently. This case demonstrates the successful treatment of a patient with Cobb syndrome with surgical excision after multiple refractory embolizations. A multidisciplinary approach, which balances the patient's current neurological function against the risks and potential gains from any interventional and surgical procedure, is recommended.
Hyponatremia following endoscopic third ventriculostomy: a report of 5 cases and analysis of risk factors
Authors: Lang Shih-Shan , Bauman Joel A. , Aversano Michael W. , Sanborn Matthew R. , Vossough Arastoo , Heuer Gregory G. , Storm Phillip B.
Published: June 2012

Object

Electrolyte and endocrinological complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are infrequent but serious events, likely due to transient hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. While the incidence of diabetes insipidus is relatively well known, hyponatremia is not often reported. The authors report on a series of 5 patients with post-ETV hyponatremia.

Methods

The records of patients undergoing ETV between 2008 and 2010 were reviewed. All ETVs were performed with a rigid neuroendoscope via a frontal bur hole, standard third ventricle floor blunt perforation, Fogarty catheter dilation, and intermittent normal saline irrigation. Postoperative MR images were evaluated for endoscope tract injury as well as the trajectory from the bur hole center to the fenestration site.

Results

Thirty-two patients (20 male and 12 female) underwent ETV. Their median age was 6 years (range 3 weeks–28 years). Hydrocephalus was most commonly due to nontumoral aqueductal stenosis (43%), nontectal tumor (25%), or tectal glioma (13%). Five patients (16%) had multicystic/loculated hydrocephalus. Five patients (16%) developed hyponatremia between 1 and 8 days following ETV, including 2 patients with seizures (1 of whom was still hospitalized at the time of the seizure and 1 of whom was readmitted as a result of the seizure) and 3 patients who were readmitted because of decline in their condition following routine discharge. No hypothalamic injuries were noted on imaging. Univariate risk factors consisted of age of 2 years or less (p = 0.02), presence of cystic lesions (p = 0.02), and ETV trajectory angle 10° or more from perpendicular (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a well-tolerated procedure but can result in serious complications. Hyponatremia is rare and may be more likely in younger patients or those with cystic loculations. Patients with altered craniometry may be at particular risk with a rigid endoscopic approach requiring greater manipulation of subforniceal or hypothalamic structures.
‘Plusieurs choses qu'il n'avoit veuës’: Antoine Du Pinet's Translation of Pliny the Elder (1562)
Authors: Tomlinson Rowan Cerys
Published: June 2012

Antoine Du Pinet's was the first complete translation into French of Pliny's Natural History. Biographical and bibliographical information is first provided on this humanist-educated translator, whose many publications include reformist and natural-historical works. The article then analyses the particular take on Pliny apparent in Du Pinet's editorial matter and in the minutiae of his translation choices. The controversy over Pliny's errors of the late fifteenth century (led by Niccolò Leoniceno) had called in question the Roman author's credibility, while populist compilations had celebrated him predominantly as a storehouse of wonders and monstrous marvels. Du Pinet, by contrast, uses his vernacular translation to recast Pliny's methodology and by so doing restore his authority and promote the importance of empiricism in accounts of the natural world.
Frequency of Lost Dogs and Cats in the United States and the Methods Used to Locate Them
Authors: Weiss Emily , Slater Margaret , Lord Linda
Published: June 2012

A cross-sectional national random digit dial telephone interview was conducted between September and November 2010. There were 1,015 households that had owned a dog or cat within the past five years. Of these 817 households owned dogs and 506 owned cats. Fourteen percent of dogs (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 11–16%) and 15% (95% CI: 12–18%) of cats were lost in the past five years. No owner demographic variables were associated with losing a pet. Ninety three percent (95% CI: 86–97%) of dogs and 75% (95% CI: 64–85%) of cats were recovered. For dogs, searching the neighborhood and returning on their own were the most common methods of finding the dog; 14% were found through an identification tag. For cats, returning on their own was most common. Dogs were more likely than cats to be lost more than once. Cats were less likely than dogs to have any type of identification. Knowledge of the successful methods of finding dogs and cats can provide invaluable help for owners of lost pets. Since 25% of lost cats were not found, other methods of reuniting cats and their owners are needed. Collars and ID tags or humane trapping could be valuable approaches.
Foundations of Inference
Authors: Knuth Kevin H. , Skilling John
Published: June 2012

We present a simple and clear foundation for finite inference that unites and significantly extends the approaches of Kolmogorov and Cox. Our approach is based on quantifying lattices of logical statements in a way that satisfies general lattice symmetries. With other applications such as measure theory in mind, our derivations assume minimal symmetries, relying on neither negation nor continuity nor differentiability. Each relevant symmetry corresponds to an axiom of quantification, and these axioms are used to derive a unique set of quantifying rules that form the familiar probability calculus. We also derive a unique quantification of divergence, entropy and information.
Dynamic Output Feedback Power-Level Control for the MHTGR Based On Iterative Damping Assignment
Authors: Dong Zhe
Published: June 2012

Because of its strong inherent safety features and high outlet temperature, the modular high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor (MHTGR) is already seen as the central part of the next generation of nuclear plants. Such power plants are being considered for industrial applications with a wide range of power levels, and thus power-level control is an important technique for their efficient and stable operation. Stimulated by the high regulation performance provided by nonlinear controllers, a novel dynamic output-feedback nonlinear power-level regulator is developed in this paper based on the technique of iterative damping assignment (IDA). This control strategy can provide the L2 disturbance attenuation performance under modeling uncertainty or exterior disturbance, and can also guarantee the globally asymptotic closed-loop stability without uncertainty and disturbance. This newly built control strategy is then applied to the power-level regulation of the HTR-PM plant, and numerical simulation results show both the feasibility and high performance of this newly-built control strategy. Furthermore, the relationship between the values of the parameters and the performance of this controller is not only illustrated numerically but also analyzed theoretically.
On the Evaluation of Solar Greenhouse Efficiency in Building Simulation during the Heating Period
Authors: Asdrubali Francesco , Cotana Franco , Messineo Antonio
Published: June 2012

Among solar passive systems integrated in buildings, sunspaces or solar greenhouses represent a very interesting solution. A sunspace is a closed, southbound volume, constituted by transparent surfaces, adjacent to a building, which reduces winter energy demand thanks to the use of solar gains. The effect of a typical solar greenhouse on the energy balance of a building was evaluated during the heating period with two stationary procedures (Method 5000 and EN ISO 13790) and with a dynamic tool (TRNSYS). After the analysis of the greenhouse alone, the behavior of an entire house was simulated; a flat equipped with a sunspace, recently built thanks to public contributions provided by the Umbria Region in Italy to widespread bio-climatic architecture, was used as case-study. Simulations were carried out for the examined flat, both with a steady-state tool and with a dynamic one; the contribution of the sunspace was estimated thanks to the various methods previously mentioned. Finally, the simulated data were satisfactorily compared with the real energy consumptions (natural gas for heating) of the flat; the sunspace allows a reduction of winter energy demand of the flat of about 20%.
Cigarette Litter: Smokers’ Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Rath Jessica M. , Rubenstein Rebecca A. , Curry Laurel E. , Shank Sarah E. , Cartwright Julia C.
Published: June 2012

Cigarette butts are consistently the most collected items in litter clean-up efforts, which are a costly burden to local economies. In addition, tobacco waste may be detrimental to our natural environment. The tobacco industry has conducted or funded numerous studies on smokers’ littering knowledge and behavior, however, non-industry sponsored research is rare. We sought to examine whether demographics and smokers’ knowledge and beliefs toward cigarette waste as litter predicts littering behavior. Smokers aged 18 and older (n = 1,000) were interviewed about their knowledge and beliefs towards cigarette waste as litter. Respondents were members of the Research Now panel, an online panel of over three million respondents in the United States. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to determine factors significantly predictive of ever having littered cigarette butts or having littered cigarette butts within the past month (p-value < 0.05). The majority (74.1%) of smokers reported having littered cigarette butts at least once in their life, by disposing of them on the ground or throwing them out of a car window. Over half (55.7%) reported disposing of cigarette butts on the ground, in a sewer/gutter, or down a drain in the past month. Those who did not consider cigarette butts to be litter were over three and half times as likely to report having ever littered cigarette butts (OR = 3.68, 95%CI = 2.04, 6.66) and four times as likely to have littered cigarette butts in the past month (OR = 4.00, 95%CI = 2.53, 6.32). Males were significantly more likely to have littered cigarette butts in the past month compared to females (OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.14, 1.94). Holding the belief that cigarette butts are not litter was the only belief in this study that predicted ever or past-month littering of cigarette waste. Messages in anti-cigarette-litter campaigns should emphasize that cigarette butts are not just litter but are toxic waste and are harmful when disposed of improperly.
Differential Exposure to Hazardous Air Pollution in the United States: A Multilevel Analysis of Urbanization and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation
Authors: Young Gary S. , Fox Mary A. , Trush Michael , Kanarek Norma , Glass Thomas A. , Curriero Frank C.
Published: June 2012

Population exposure to multiple chemicals in air presents significant challenges for environmental public health. Air quality regulations distinguish criteria air pollutants (CAPs) (e.g., ozone, PM2.5) from hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)—187 chemicals which include carcinogens and others that are associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and numerous other non-cancer health effects. Evidence of the public’s cumulative exposure and the health effects of HAPs are quite limited. A multilevel model is used to assess differential exposure to HAP respiratory, neurological, and cancer hazards (2005) related to the Townsend Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation (TSI), after adjustment for regional population size and economic activity, and local population density. We found significant positive associations between tract TSI and respiratory and cancer HAP exposure hazards, and smaller effects for neurological HAPs. Tracts in the top quintile of TSI have between 38%–60% higher HAP exposure than the bottom quintile; increasing population size from the bottom quintile to the top quintile modifies HAP exposure hazard related to TSI, increasing cancer HAP exposure hazard by 6% to 20% and increasing respiratory HAP exposure hazard by 12% to 27%. This study demonstrates the value of social epidemiological methods for analyzing differential exposure and advancing cumulative risk assessment.
Development and Characterization of New Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers from Expressed Sequence Tags in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Zhu Chuankun , Cheng Lei , Tong Jingou , Yu Xiaomu
Published: June 2012

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an important aquaculture fish worldwide but only limited single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are characterized from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in this species. In this study, 1487 putative SNPs were bioinformatically mined from 14,066 online ESTs mainly from the European common carp, with the occurrence rate of about one SNP every 173 bp. One hundred and twenty-one of these SNPs were selected for validation using PCR fragment sequencing, and 48 out of 81 primers could amplify the expected fragments in the Chinese common carp genome. Only 26 (21.5%) putative SNPs were validated, however, 508 new SNPs and 68 indels were identified. The ratios of transitions to transversions were 1.77 for exon SNPs and 1.05 for intron SNPs. All the 23 SNPs selected for population tests were polymorphic, with the observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranging from 0.053 to 0.526 (mean 0.262), polymorphism information content (PIC) from 0.095 to 0.357 (mean 0.246), and 21 SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These results suggest that different common carp populations with geographic isolation have significant genetic variation at the SNP level, and these new EST-SNP markers are readily available for genetics and breeding studies in common carp.
Hierarchical Assembly of Multifunctional Oxide-based Composite Nanostructures for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Gao Pu-Xian , Shimpi Paresh , Gao Haiyong , Liu Caihong , Guo Yanbing , Cai Wenjie , Liao Kuo-Ting , Wrobel Gregory , Zhang Zhonghua , Ren Zheng , Lin Hui-Jan
Published: June 2012

Composite nanoarchitectures represent a class of nanostructured entities that integrates various dissimilar nanoscale building blocks including nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanofilms toward realizing multifunctional characteristics. A broad array of composite nanoarchitectures can be designed and fabricated, involving generic materials such as metal, ceramics, and polymers in nanoscale form. In this review, we will highlight the latest progress on composite nanostructures in our research group, particularly on various metal oxides including binary semiconductors, ABO3-type perovskites, A2BO4 spinels and quaternary dielectric hydroxyl metal oxides (AB(OH)6) with diverse application potential. Through a generic template strategy in conjunction with various synthetic approaches—such as hydrothermal decomposition, colloidal deposition, physical sputtering, thermal decomposition and thermal oxidation, semiconductor oxide alloy nanowires, metal oxide/perovskite (spinel) composite nanowires, stannate based nanocompostes, as well as semiconductor heterojunction—arrays and networks have been self-assembled in large scale and are being developed as promising classes of composite nanoarchitectures, which may open a new array of advanced nanotechnologies in solid state lighting, solar absorption, photocatalysis and battery, auto-emission control, and chemical sensing.
Dietary Supplementations as Neuroprotective Therapies: Focus on NT-020 Diet Benefits in a Rat Model of Stroke
Authors: Kaneko Yuji , Cortes Lourdes , Sanberg Cyndy , Acosta Sandra , Bickford Paula C. , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: June 2012

Stroke remains the number one cause of disability in the adult population. Despite scientific progress in our understanding of stroke pathology, only one treatment (tissue plasminogen activator or tPA) is able to afford benefits but to less than 3% of ischemic stroke patients. The development of experimental dietary supplement therapeutics designed to stimulate endogenous mechanisms that confer neuroprotection is likely to open new avenues for exploring stroke therapies. The present review article evaluates the recent literature supporting the benefits of dietary supplementation for the therapy of ischemic stroke. This article focuses on discussing the medical benefits of NT-020 as an adjunct agent for stroke therapy. Based on our preliminary data, a pre-stroke treatment with dietary supplementation promotes neuroprotection by decreasing inflammation and enhancing neurogenesis. However, we recognize that a pre-stroke treatment holds weak clinical relevance. Thus, the main goal of this article is to provide information about recent data that support the assumption of natural compounds as neuroprotective and to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a dietary supplement called NT-020 as in a stroke model. We focus on a systematic assessment of practical treatment parameters so that NT-020 and other dietary supplementations can be developed as an adjunct agent for the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases. We offer rationale for determining the optimal dosage, therapeutic window, and mechanism of action of NT-020 as a dietary supplement to produce neuroprotection when administered immediately after stroke onset. We highlight our long-standing principle in championing both translational and basic science approaches in an effort to fully reveal the therapeutic potential of NT-020 as dietary supplementation in the treatment of stroke. We envision dietary supplementation as an adjunct therapy for stroke at acute, subacute, and even chronic periods.
Simulation and Experimental Characterization of Microscopically Accessible Hydrodynamic Microvortices
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Frakes David H. , Babiker Haithem , Chao Shih-hui , Youngbull Cody , Johnson Roger H. , Meldrum Deirdre R.
Published: June 2012

Single-cell studies of phenotypic heterogeneity reveal more information about pathogenic processes than conventional bulk-cell analysis methods. By enabling high-resolution structural and functional imaging, a single-cell three-dimensional (3D) imaging system can be used to study basic biological processes and to diagnose diseases such as cancer at an early stage. One mechanism that such systems apply to accomplish 3D imaging is rotation of a single cell about a fixed axis. However, many cell rotation mechanisms require intricate and tedious microfabrication, or fail to provide a suitable environment for living cells. To address these and related challenges, we applied numerical simulation methods to design new microfluidic chambers capable of generating fluidic microvortices to rotate suspended cells. We then compared several microfluidic chip designs experimentally in terms of: (1) their ability to rotate biological cells in a stable and precise manner; and (2) their suitability, from a geometric standpoint, for microscopic cell imaging. We selected a design that incorporates a trapezoidal side chamber connected to a main flow channel because it provided well-controlled circulation and met imaging requirements. Micro particle-image velocimetry (micro-PIV) was used to provide a detailed characterization of flows in the new design. Simulated and experimental results demonstrate that a trapezoidal side chamber represents a viable option for accomplishing controlled single cell rotation. Further, agreement between experimental and simulated results confirms that numerical simulation is an effective method for chamber design.
Astragalus membranaceus Extract Activates Immune Response in Macrophages via Heparanase
Authors: Qin Qiaojing , Niu Jianying , Wang Zhaoxia , Xu Wangjie , Qiao Zhongdong , Gu Yong
Published: June 2012

Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has immunoregulatory properties in many diseases. We investigated the effects and mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) in the macrophage migration and immune response mediator release. The viability of Ana-1 macrophages treated with AME was evaluated by the MTT method. The secretion and mRNA levels of IL-1β and TNF-a were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Macrophage migration was assayed by transwell assay. The activity of heparanase (HPA) was determined by a heparin-degrading enzyme assay. Our results didn’t show any toxicity of AME in macrophages. AME increased the activity of HPA, cell migration, mRNA levels and secretion of IL-1β and TNF-a in macrophages. Pretreatment with anti-HPA antibody reduced cell migration, secretion of IL-1β and TNF-a did not change the mRNA levels of IL-1β and TNF-a significantly in AME-treated macrophages. This suggests that AME may increase the release of immune response mediator and cell migration via HPA to activate immune response in macrophages.
Antibacterial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activities of Two Flavonoids from Retama raetam Flowers
Authors: Edziri Hayet , Mastouri Maha , Mahjoub Mohamed Ali , Mighri Zine , Mahjoub Aouni , Verschaeve Luc
Published: June 2012

We have investigated the antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of two flavonoids isolated from Retama raetam flowers using the disc diffusion and micro-dilution broth methods. The cytotoxic activity was tested against Hep-2 cells using the MTT assay. The compounds licoflavone C (1) and derrone (2) were active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (7.81–15.62 µg/mL) and showed important antifungal activity. Strong antifungal activity against Candida species (7.81 µg/mL) was for example found with compound 2. The tested compounds also showed strong cytotoxicity against Hep-2 cells. These two compounds may be interesting antimicrobial agents to be used against infectious diseases caused by many pathogens.
Ring-Expansion Reaction of Oximes with Aluminum Reductants
Authors: Cho Hidetsura , Iwama Yusuke , Mitsuhashi Nakako , Sugimoto Kenji , Okano Kentaro , Tokuyama Hidetoshi
Published: June 2012

The ring-expansion reactions of heterocyclic ketoximes and carbocyclic ketoximes with several reductants such as AlHCl2, AlH3 (alane), LiAlH4, LiAlH(OtBu)3, and (MeOCH2CH2O)2AlH2Na (Red-Al) were examined. Among reductants, AlHCl2 (LiAlH4:AlCl3 = 1:3) in cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) has been found to be a suitable reagent for the reaction, and the rearranged cyclic secondary amines were obtained in good to excellent yields.
Guanidine Affects Differentially the Twitch Response of Diaphragm, Extensor Digitorum Longus and Soleus Nerve-Muscle Preparations of Mice
Authors: Ferrari Rosana , Rodrigues-Simioni Léa , Da Cruz Höfling Maria Alice
Published: June 2012

Guanidine has been used with some success to treat myasthenia gravis and myasthenic syndrome because it increases acetylcholine release at nerve terminals through K+, Na+ and Ca2+ channels-involving mechanisms. Currently, guanidine derivatives have been proposed for treatment of several diseases. Studies aimed at providing new insights to the drug are relevant. Experimentally, guanidine (10 mM) induces on mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations neurotransmission facilitation followed by blockade and a greatest secondary facilitation after its removal from bath. Herein, we hypothesized that this peculiar triphasic response may differ in muscles with distinct twitch/metabolic characteristics. Morphological alterations and contractile response of PND, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) preparations incubated with guanidine (10 mM) for 15, 30, 60 min were analyzed. Guanidine concentrations of 5 mM (for PND and EDL) and 1 mM (for EDL) were also tested. Guanidine triphasic effect was only observed on PND regardless the concentration. The morphological alterations in muscle tissue varied along time but did not impede the PND post-wash facilitation. Higher doses (20–25 mM) did not increase EDL or SOL neurotransmission. The data suggest a complex mechanism likely dependent on the metabolic/contractile muscle phenotype; muscle fiber types and density/type of ion channels, sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria organization may have profound impact on the levels and isoform expression pattern of Ca2+ regulatory membrane proteins so reflecting regulation of calcium handling and contractile response in different types of muscle.
Zinc Biofortification of Rice in China: A Simulation of Zinc Intake with Different Dietary Patterns
Authors: Qin Yu , Melse-Boonstra Alida , Yuan Baojun , Pan Xiaoqun , Dai Yue , Zhou Minghao , Wegmueller Rita , Zhao Jinkou , Kok Frans J. , Shi Zumin
Published: June 2012

A cross-sectional survey of 2819 adults aged 20 years and above was undertaken in 2002 in Jiangsu Province. Zinc intake was assessed using a consecutive 3-day 24-h dietary recall method. Insufficient and excess intake was determined according to the Chinese Dietary Recommended Intakes. Four distinct dietary patterns were identified namely “traditional”, “macho”, “sweet tooth”, and “healthy”. Intake of zinc from biofortified rice was simulated at an intermediate zinc concentration (2.7 mg/100 g) and a high zinc concentration (3.8 mg/100 g) in rice. Average total zinc intake was 12.0 ± 3.7 mg/day, and insufficiency of zinc intake was present in 15.4%. Simulated zinc intake from biofortified rice with intermediate and high zinc concentration decreased the prevalence of low zinc intake to 6.5% and 4.4%, respectively. The effect was most pronounced in the “traditional” pattern, with only 0.7% of insufficiency of zinc intake remaining in the highest quartile of the pattern. Zinc intake was inversely associated with the “sweet tooth” pattern. Zinc biofortifed rice improves dietary zinc intake and lowers risk for insufficient zinc intake, especially for subjects with a more “traditional” food pattern, but less for subjects with a “sweet tooth” food pattern.
Effects of a Leucine and Pyridoxine-Containing Nutraceutical on Fat Oxidation, and Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress in Overweight and Obese Subjects
Authors: Zemel Michael B. , Bruckbauer Antje
Published: June 2012

Leucine stimulates tissue protein synthesis and may also attenuate adiposity by increasing fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle and adipocytes. Accordingly, the effects of a nutraceutical containing 2.25 g leucine and 30 mg pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) (NuFit active blend) were tested in cell culture and in a clinical trial. 3T3L1 adipocytes were treated with leucine (0.25 mM or 0.5 mM) and/or Pyridoxal Phosphate (PLP) (50 nM or 100 nM) for 48 h. For the clinical trial, twenty overweight or obese subjects received the NuFit active blend or placebo three times/day for 4 weeks without energy restriction. Leucine decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression and triglyceride content in adipocytes, and PLP addition significantly augmented this effect. Administration of NuFit active blend in the clinical trial increased fat oxidation by 33.6 g/day (p < 0.04), decreased respiratory quotient, improved HOMAIR, reduced oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers (plasma MDA, 8-isoprostane-F2α, TNF-α, C-reactive protein), and increased the anti-inflammatory marker adiponectin. These data indicate that the NuFit active blend significantly increased fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity, and reduced oxidative and inflammatory stress. Therefore, the NuFit active blend appears to be a useful nutraceutical in the management of obesity and associated co-morbidities.
Combined Use of Airborne Lidar and DBInSAR Data to Estimate LAI in Temperate Mixed Forests
Authors: Peduzzi Alicia , Wynne Randolph H. , Thomas Valerie A. , Nelson Ross F. , Reis James J. , Sanford Mark
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study was to determine whether leaf area index (LAI) in temperate mixed forests is best estimated using multiple-return airborne laser scanning (lidar) data or dual-band, single-pass interferometric synthetic aperture radar data (from GeoSAR) alone, or both in combination. In situ measurements of LAI were made using the LiCor LAI-2000 Plant Canopy Analyzer on 61 plots (21 hardwood, 36 pine, 4 mixed pine hardwood; stand age ranging from 12-164 years; mean height ranging from 0.4 to 41.2 m) in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Virginia, USA. Lidar distributional metrics were calculated for all returns and for ten one meter deep crown density slices (a new metric), five above and five below the mode of the vegetation returns for each plot. GeoSAR metrics were calculated from the X-band backscatter coefficients (four looks) as well as both X- and P-band interferometric heights and magnitudes for each plot. Lidar metrics alone explained 69% of the variability in LAI, while GeoSAR metrics alone explained 52%. However, combining the lidar and GeoSAR metrics increased the R2 to 0.77 with a CV-RMSE of 0.42. This study indicates the clear potential for X-band backscatter and interferometric height (both now available from spaceborne sensors), when combined with small-footprint lidar data, to improve LAI estimation in temperate mixed forests.
Safety-Related Optimization and Analyses of an Innovative Fast Reactor Concept
Authors: Vezzoni Barbara , Gabrielli Fabrizio , Rineiski Andrei , Marchetti Marco , Chen Xue-Nong , Flad Michael , Maschek Werner , Matzerath Boccaccini Claudia , Zhang Dalin
Published: June 2012

Since a fast reactor core with uranium-plutonium fuel is not in its most reactive configuration under operating conditions, redistribution of the core materials (fuel, steel, sodium) during a core disruptive accident (CDA) may lead to recriticalities and as a consequence to severe nuclear power excursions. The prevention, or at least the mitigation, of core disruption is therefore of the utmost importance. In the current paper, we analyze an innovative fast reactor concept developed within the CP-ESFR European project, focusing on the phenomena affecting the initiation and the transition phases of an unprotected loss of flow (ULOF) accident. Key phenomena for the initiation phase are coolant boiling onset and further voiding of the core that lead to a reactivity increase in the case of a positive void reactivity effect. Therefore, the first level of optimization involves the reduction, by design, of the positive void effect in order to avoid entering a severe accident. If the core disruption cannot be avoided, the accident enters into the transition phase, characterized by the progression of core melting and recriticalities due to fuel compaction. Dedicated features that enhance and guarantee a sufficient and timely fuel discharge are considered for the optimization of this phase.