bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noise-induced Hearing Loss among Traffic Policemen in the City of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Nagodawithana Nandika S. , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Pannila Ananda S. , Wickramasinghe Ananda R. , Sathiakumar Nalini 
Published: July 2015

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a high frequency sensory-neural hearing loss and exposure to traffic noise by traffic policemen makes them susceptible to develop NIHL. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of NIHL among traffic policemen in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. A cross sectional study was carried out using 350 traffic policemen who are working in the city at least six months of duration. Pure-tone audiometry test and interviewer-administered questionnaire were used to assess hearing and correlates of NIHL, respectively. The chi-square test and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between risk factors and NIHL. 287 policemen attended pure-tone audiometry test to check their hearing. Of 287 subjects, the prevalence of NIHL was found in 118 policemen (41%; 95% CI: 36%-47%). Of those with any type of NIHL, 33% (39/118) had major NIHL while 67% (79/118) had minor NIHL. In bivariate analysis 23 variables showed statistically significant association with mild and major NIHL. Multivariate logistic regression modelling found statistically significant association between “duration of employment as a policeman” and any type of NIHL (OR = 1.007; 95% CI = 1.005-1.009), adjusted for 23 variables including age. The prevalence of NIHL among traffic policemen in the city was high. Of those with any type of NIHL, one-third had major NIHL. Traffic policemen should undergo periodic hearing assessment. The police department should explore the feasibility of reducing the number of hours per day spent on the road by traffic policemen.
Dedicated mobile volumetric cone-beam computed tomography for human brain imaging: A phantom study
Authors: Ryu Jong-Hyun , Kim Tae-Hoon , Jeong Chang-Won , Jun Hong-Young , Heo Dong-Woon , Lee Jinseok , Kim Kyong-Woo , Yoon Kwon-Ha 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND: Mobile computed tomography (CT) with a cone-beam source is increasingly used in the clinical field. Mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) has great merits; however, its clinical utility for brain imaging has been limited due to problems including scan time and image quality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a dedicated mobile volumetric CBCT for obtaining brain images, and to optimize the imaging protocol using a brain phantom. METHODS: The mobile volumetric CBCT system was evaluated with regards to scan time and image quality, measured as signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), spatial resolution (10% MTF), and effective dose. Brain images were obtained using a CT phantom. RESULTS: The CT scan took 5.14 s at 360 projection views. SNR and CNR were 5.67 and 14.5 at 120 kV/10 mA. SNR and CNR values showed slight improvement as the x-ray voltage and current increased (p < 0.001). Effective dose and 10% MTF were 0.92 mSv and 360 μ m at 120 kV/10 mA. Various intracranial structures were clearly visible in the brain phantom images. CONCLUSIONS: Using this CBCT under optimal imaging acquisition conditions, it is possible to obtain human brain images with low radiation dose, reproducible image quality, and fast scan time.
Characteristic X-ray absorptiometry applied to the assessment of tissue-engineered cartilage development
Authors: Misawa Masaki , Nitta Naotaka , Shirasaki Yoshio , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Kosaka Ryo , Hyodo Koji , Numano Tomokazu , Homma Kazuhiro , Kuribayashi Shota , Fujihara Yuko , Hoshi Kazuto 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND: Transmission and tomographic X-ray measurements are useful in assessing bone structures, but only a few studies have examined cartilage growth because of the poor contrast in conventional X-ray imaging. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we attempted to use the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) as a metric of tissue-engineered cartilage development, which would be useful in high-throughput screening of cartilage products. METHODS: Assuming that the LAC is related to the amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) in terms of the density and its atomic components, we measured X-ray absorption through tissue-engineered cartilage constructs. Characteristic X-ray beams from a molybdenum microfocus X-ray tube were employed to avoid beam hardening. The correlation of the LAC with mechanical properties was analyzed for verification. RESULTS: The LAC was higher for chondrocyte constructs and lower for fibroblast-dominant constructs and was consistent with the quantification of toluidine blue staining, which is a proof of ECM production. The LAC was positively correlated with the bending modulus but negatively correlated with the dynamic elastic modulus and stiffness, possibly because of the remaining scaffold. CONCLUSIONS: The LAC has the potential to be used as a metric of development of tissue-engineered cartilage. However, the calcified regions should be excluded from analysis to avoid decreasing the correlation between the LAC and the amount of ECM.
Éléments sociaux et économiques de la vie des marchands génois à Anvers entre 1528 et 1555
Authors: Becker Colette 
Published: July 2015

Anvers fut, au XVIe siècle, la capitale économique de l'Europe. Les rouages de son commerce étaient dans les mains de marchands étrangers dont l'apport en matière de techniques commerciales et financières n'est plus à démontrer. Parmi ces étrangers, les Génois constituaient le groupe de marchands italiens le plus important.
Établis aux Pays-Bas à partir de la fin du XIVe siècle, les Génois ne se profilèrent au premier plan de la vie économique anversoise qu'à partir du début du XVIe siècle pour des raisons tenant à la fois de la conjoncture économique générale et de circonstances politiques particulières. L'étude de leur insertion dans la société anversoise, de leur participation à la vie intellectuelle et religieuse d'Anvers ainsi que de leurs activités commerciales très diversifiées contribue à illustrer l'une des pages d'histoire économique européenne les plus intéressantes des Temps Modernes.
Quelques aspects du fonctionnement des hospices civils de Lille de 1793 à 1815
Authors: Gérard Alain 
Published: July 2015

The analysis of two series of books was started in order to extract all possible data concerning the medical affairs dealt with in the civilian hospitals of Lille from 1793 to 1815 : i.e. the resolution records of the administrative commision and the minutes of the board of administrators'meetings.
The predominant concern of the administration is to reach a difficult budgetary balance which compels them to concentrate in a reduced nomber of buildings the totality of charitable institutions.
The working conditions and some aspects ot the medical activity can be analysed with sufficient precision thanks to the original documents. This concern with economy does not prevent the promotion of interesting achievements such as medical teaching, vaccination and the formation of competent mid-wives.
Transcriptome‐facilitated development of SNPs for the Sonoran Desert rock fig, Ficus petiolaris (Moraceae)
Authors: Davis Nicholas G. , Houston Derek D. , Nason John D. 
Published: July 2015

Premise of the study:Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) primers were developed for a native North American desert fig, Ficus petiolaris (Moraceae), to provide markers for population genetic studies designed to quantify patterns of gene flow across a complex landscape.Methods and Results:Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic protocols were implemented to discover SNPs in single‐copy protein‐coding genes. Multiplexes of 30 nuclear and 24 organellar (chloroplast and mitochondrial) SNPs were selected for primer development and genotyping on the Sequenom MASSArray System. Of these 54 loci, 49 reliably amplified across a panel of 96 F. petiolaris individuals.Conclusions:This study has provided SNP primers that can be applied in future studies investigating population genetics of F. petiolaris and its coevolution with associated pollinating and nonpollinating fig wasps.
Adenosine Modulates NR4A Orphan Nuclear Receptors To Attenuate Hyperinflammatory Responses in Monocytic Cells
Authors: Crean Daniel , Cummins Eoin P. , Bahar Bojlul , Mohan Helen , McMorrow Jason P. , Murphy Evelyn P. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Adenosine receptor–mediated regulation of monocyte/macrophage inflammatory responses is critical in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In this study, we reveal that adenosine potently modulates the expression of NR4A1, 2, and 3 orphan nuclear receptors in myeloid cells, and this modulation is primarily through the adenosine A2a receptor subtype. We demonstrate that A2a receptor activation of NR4A1-3 receptor synthesis is further enhanced in TLR4-stimulated monocytes. After TLR4 stimulation, NR4A receptor–depleted monocyte/macrophage cells display significantly altered expression of cell-surface markers and produce increased inflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion rendering the cells an enhanced proinflammatory phenotype. Exposure of TLR4 or TNF-α–stimulated monocytes to adenosine analogs directs changes in the expression of MIP-3α and IL-23p19, with NR4A2 depletion leading to significantly enhanced expression of these factors. Furthermore, we establish that nuclear levels of NF-κB/p65 are increased in TLR/adenosine-stimulated NR4A2-depleted cells. We show that, after TLR/adenosine receptor stimulation, NR4A2 depletion promotes significant binding of NF-κB/p65 to a κB consensus binding motif within the MIP-3α proximal promoter leading to increased protein secretion, confirming a pivotal role for NF-κB activity in controlling cellular responses and gene expression outcomes in response to these mediators. Thus, these data demonstrate that during an inflammatory response, adenosine modulation of NR4A receptor activity acts to limit NF-κB–mediated effects and that loss of NR4A2 expression leads to enhanced NF-κB activity and hyperinflammatory responses in myeloid cells.
The B Cell–Stimulatory Cytokines BLyS and APRIL Are Elevated in Human Periodontitis and Are Required for B Cell–Dependent Bone Loss in Experimental Murine Periodontitis
Authors: Abe Toshiharu , AlSarhan Mohammed , Benakanakere Manjunatha R. , Maekawa Tomoki , Kinane Denis F. , Cancro Michael P. , Korostoff Jonathan M. , Hajishengallis George 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
B-lineage cells (B lymphocytes and plasma cells) predominate in the inflammatory infiltrate of human chronic periodontitis. However, their role in disease pathogenesis and the factors responsible for their persistence in chronic lesions are poorly understood. In this regard, two cytokines of the TNF ligand superfamily, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), are important for the survival, proliferation, and maturation of B cells. Thus, we hypothesized that APRIL and/or BLyS are upregulated in periodontitis and contribute to induction of periodontal bone loss. This hypothesis was addressed in both human and mouse experimental systems. We show that, relative to healthy controls, the expression of APRIL and BLyS mRNA and protein was upregulated in natural and experimental periodontitis in humans and mice, respectively. The elevated expression of these cytokines correlated with increased numbers of B cells/plasma cells in both species. Moreover, APRIL and BLyS partially colocalized with κ L chain-expressing B-lineage cells at the epithelial–connective tissue interface. Ligature-induced periodontitis resulted in significantly less bone loss in B cell–deficient mice compared with wild-type controls. Ab-mediated neutralization of APRIL or BLyS diminished the number of B cells in the gingival tissue and inhibited bone loss in wild-type, but not in B cell-deficient, mice. In conclusion, B cells and specific cytokines involved in their growth and differentiation contribute to periodontal bone loss. Moreover, APRIL and BLyS have been identified as potential therapeutic targets in periodontitis.
VprBP Is Required for Efficient Editing and Selection of Igκ+ B Cells, but Is Dispensable for Igλ+ and Marginal Zone B Cell Maturation and Selection
Authors: Palmer Victoria L. , Aziz-Seible Razia , Kassmeier Michele D. , Rothermund Mary , Perry Greg A. , Swanson Patrick C. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
B cell development past the pro-B cell stage in mice requires the Cul4-Roc1-DDB1 E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate recognition subunit VprBP. Enforced Bcl2 expression overcomes defects in distal VH-DJH and secondary Vκ-Jκ rearrangement associated with VprBP insufficiency in B cells and substantially rescues maturation of marginal zone and Igλ+ B cells, but not Igκ+ B cells. In this background, expression of a site-directed Igκ L chain transgene increases Igκ+ B cell frequency, suggesting VprBP does not regulate L chain expression from a productively rearranged Igk allele. In site-directed anti-dsDNA H chain transgenic mice, loss of VprBP function in B cells impairs selection of Igκ editor L chains typically arising through secondary Igk rearrangement, but not selection of Igλ editor L chains. Both H and L chain site-directed transgenic mice show increased B cell anergy when VprBP is inactivated in B cells. Taken together, these data argue that VprBP is required for the efficient receptor editing and selection of Igκ+ B cells, but is largely dispensable for Igλ+ B cell development and selection, and that VprBP is necessary to rescue autoreactive B cells from anergy induction.
JGME-ALiEM Hot Topics in Medical Education Online Journal Club: An Analysis of a Virtual Discussion About Resident Teachers
Authors: Sherbino Jonathan , Joshi Nikita , Lin Michelle 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Background
In health professionals' education, senior learners play a key role in the teaching of junior colleagues.

Objective
We describe an online discussion about residents as teachers to highlight the topic and the online journal club medium.

Methods
In January 2015, the Journal of Graduate Medical Education (JGME) and the Academic Life in Emergency Medicine blog facilitated an open-access, online, weeklong journal club on the JGME article “What Makes a Great Resident Teacher? A Multicenter Survey of Medical Students Attending an Internal Medicine Conference.” Social media platforms used to promote asynchronous discussions included a blog, a video discussion via Google Hangouts on Air, and Twitter. We performed a thematic analysis of the discussion. Web analytics were captured as a measure of impact.

Results
The blog post garnered 1324 page views from 372 cities in 42 countries. Twitter was used to endorse discussion points, while blog comments provided opinions or responded to an issue. The discussion focused on why resident feedback was devalued by medical students. Proposed explanations included feedback not being labeled as such, the process of giving delivery, the source of feedback, discrepancies with self-assessment, and threats to medical student self-image. The blog post resulted in a crowd-sourced repository of resident teacher resources.

Conclusions
An online journal club provides a novel discussion forum across multiple social media platforms to engage authors, content experts, and the education community. Crowd-sourced analysis of the resident teacher role suggests that resident feedback to medical students is important, and barriers to student acceptance of feedback can be overcome.
Coexistent Tuberculosis of Spine and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Resolving the Diagnostic Dilemma and Management
Authors: Jayaswal Arvind , Yadav Sanjay , Goswami Ankur , Vijayraghavan G 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis (TB) and association with hematological malignancy is well described in literature. Lymphoid malignancies like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) are documented but chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is uncommon. The association of TB and malignancy can be sequential, concurrent or masquerading. We encountered a case posing diagnostic challenge between CML and tuberculosis. The objective to report such a clinical situation is to be aware of such rare possibilities, to analyze the diagnostic methods and subsequent management strategies.
Though tuberculosis is usually the first differential diagnosis in endemic areas, it can be overstressed upon and other concurrent pathologies may be missed. Such possibilities should be kept in consideration in cases with poor response or clinical deterioration on antitubercular treatment (ATT). The importance of tissue diagnosis by CT-guided core biopsy as current standard of care is reiterated even in prevalent regions. Multidisciplinary approach is must for optimum outcome.

How to cite this article
Yadav S, Jayaswal A, Vijayraghavan G, Goswami A. Coexistent Tuberculosis of Spine and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Resolving the Diagnostic Dilemma and Management. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2015;49(2):85-87.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Mitral Stenosis: Key Learning Points for Fellows/Residents in Training
Authors: Raj Ravi 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
Mitral stenosis is most commonly due to rheumatic heart disease, even in western countries. Transthoracic echocardiography is the modality of choice for establishing diagnosis, underlying cause, assessment of severity, staging of disease, valve morphology and other associated lesions. Transesophageal echocardiography is recommended in patients considered for percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy to rule out LA clot, significant MR and to better assess mitral valve morphology. Three-dimensional echocardiography is now increasingly used for estimating mitral valve area and suitability for percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy. We provide a brief discussion on echocardiographic assessment of mitral stenosis.

How to cite this article
Raj R. Echocardiographic Assessment of Mitral Stenosis: Key Learning Points for Fellows/Residents in Training. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2015;3(1):17-24.
Hypertrophied Papillary Muscle causing Mid Cavity Left Ventricular Obstruction after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Thingnum Shyam Singh 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
A rare cause of mid cavity left ventricular obstruction can be a hypertrophied and/or a malformed papillary muscle. Hypertrophy of papillary muscle can be atypical presentation of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Most of these patients do not have a resting gradient, but a dynamic gradient can occur in hypovolumia or increased contractile state. We present a case of elderly patient who had a hypertrophied anterolateral papillary muscle and developed mid left ventricular obstruction after weaning the patient from cardiopulmonary bypass.

How to cite this article
Dutta V, Raj R, Bahl A, Thingnum SS, Puri GD. Hypertrophied Papillary Muscle causing Mid Cavity Left Ventricular Obstruction after Cardiac Surgery. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2015;3(1):32-34.
Worklife Expectancy of Railroad Workers Based on the Twenty-Fifth Actuarial Valuation Using Both Competing Risks/Multiple Decrement Theory and the Markov Railroad Model
Authors: Skoog Gary R. , Ciecka James E. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The U. S. Railroad Retirement Board's Bureau of the Actuary publishes valuations of the retirement plan for railroad workers every three years. The most current report, the Twenty-Fifth Actuarial Valuation, released in August 2012 covers the years 2008-10. We use data on mortality, disability retirements, age retirements, and other final withdrawals contained in the Technical Supplement of this valuation to estimate worklife expectancies (WLE) of railroad workers. There are substantial changes in WLE when compared to WLE based on the Twenty-Third Actuarial Valuation and the Twenty-Fourth Valuation. We identify the sources of these changes. In addition to WLE, we estimate entire probability mass functions and provide summary measures of distributional characteristics of time spent in railroad work. Our main results use a competing risks/multiple decrement model, but we also provide WLE based on the railroad Markov process model and show that the former model is also a Markov model, albeit a different Markov model from the railroad Markov model.
Wage Net Discount Rates: 1981–2012
Authors: Schap David , Baumann Robert , Guest Lauren 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The study explores time series properties of three wage net discount rate series derived using interest rates based on (alternatively) 1-year, 6-month and 3-month Treasury securities coupled with wage growth rates, initially for the period from 1981:01 to 2012:06, then subsequently through 2012:12. Stationarity tests are run on the full series and various sub-series to identify any portion of the series on which reliable forecasting can be based. Initially no support is found for the total offset hypothesis based on the full-time series (but support is subsequently found for total offset when exploring various data sub-series). Positive findings include that the three trended wage net growth rate series for the entire period under study are stationary, implying that reliable short-term forecasting of wage net discount rates is possible based on each of the trended series. Short-run forecasts based on the trended series are presented for 2012:07–2012:12 and compared to actual data in the period. Finally, the three trended wage net discount rate series are re-examined for 1981:01–2012:12, with short-term forecasting equations presented. Various sub-series of WNDRs are then explored in hopes of finding one or more that may be stationary about a constant term. Additional testing identifies three sub-series all ending 2012:12 with varying start dates that have desirable stationarity properties. The sub-series starting 2007:11 is highly stationary, but peculiar, with an associated constant WNDR that is negative and statistically different from zero; and the two sub-series beginning 1990:12 and 1994:05 have stationary attributes, yet possess constant terms that are slightly positive but not statistically different from zero, thus providing modest support for the total offset method.
Calidad Sanitaria de las Aguas Superficiales y Subterráneas, de la Subcuenca del Río Viejo
Authors: Chacón Carmen 
Published: July 2015

Se estudió la calidad sanitaria, de las aguas superficiales y subterráneas de la Subcuenca del Río Viejo, durante la época seca (Marzo 2010) y la época lluviosa (Enero 2011). El estudio, se basó en el análisis de organismos Coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia coli, Estreptococos fecales y Enterococos. De los dieciséis sitios de muestreo examinados, en el Río Viejo y sus tributarios, solamente dos, Lago Apanás y Abra Vieja se encontraron aptos para el uso recreacional. Los Coliformes termotolerantes y Escherichia coli, fueron consistentemente detectadas en ambas épocas de estudio. De los siete manantiales estudiados, solamente La Pacaya, para la época seca y El Pavón, para la época de lluvias, se encontraron aptos para el consumo. En cuanto a los pozos perforados (10 en total), Santa Rosa y Tatascame, para época seca y Namanji, Los Arados y Santa Bárbara, para la época de lluvias, pueden ser utilizados con fines de consumo. Los demás, excedieron los criterios de la W.H.O, 2011, para que éstos puedan ser usados con fines de consumo. Las concentraciones bacterianas, detectadas en los pozos excavados (3 en total) indican que éstos se encuentran expuestos a contaminación por residuos orgánicos de origen humano y animal, resultando ser no aptos para consumo. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que las aguas superficiales y subterráneas, están siendo influenciadas por actividades de origen antrópicas y que existe una contaminación de origen fecal, que representa un riesgo potencial a la salud de la población.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/uyc.v6i9.1951 Revista Universidad y Ciencia. Año 2012 Vol. 6 No. 9. Julio – Diciembre; 13-19