bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Approaches to Examining Gender and Racial/Ethnic Stratification in Health
Authors: Brown Tyson H. , Hargrove Taylor W. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Extant research on health disparities has traditionally employed a unidimensional approach to stratification, focusing on gender and racial/ethnic inequality separately. Such studies implicitly assume that gender inequality is monolithic across racial/ethnic lines and that racial/ethnic stratification is similar for women and men. While informative, these traditional, unidimensional approaches artificially decouple gender and racial/ethnic inequality and, consequently, may obscure the gender-race/ethnicity-health relationship, thus limiting our understanding of the unique health experiences of women of color. This study extends prior research by using multidimensional approaches to examine whether gender and racial stratification combine in an additive or multiplicative fashion to shape functional health, consistent with double-jeopardy and intersectionality hypotheses, respectively. In addition, this study investigates the extent to which group differences in socioeconomic status (SES), health behaviors, and medical care explain gender-racial/ethnic disparities in health. We use data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of older adults, to address these questions among a diverse sample of black, white, and Mexican American men and women. Results reveal that women of color have worse functional health than all other gender-racial/ethnic groups and that the joint impacts of gender and racial/ethnic oppression on functional health are additive among Mexican Americans and multiplicative among blacks. We find that multidimensional approaches-namely, double-jeopardy and intersectionality-as well as examination of various potential mediators of health disparities provide a better understanding of how health is shaped by multiple social locations.
In Situ Functionalization of Stable 3D Nest‐Like Networks in Confined Channels for Microfluidic Enrichment and Detection
Authors: Wang Gang , Shi Guoying , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang 
Published: October 2013

Construction of stable 3D networks directly on the inner wall of microchannels is of great importance for various microfluidic applications. 3D nest‐like networks with large contact surface areas and excellent structural stability are fabricated via a facile, template‐free, continuous fluid construction process directly in confined microchannels. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is chosen as a model albumin to test the adsorption of the network modified microchannel to the target albumin. The high structural stability of the networks is confirmed both by finite element analysis (FEA) simulation and recycling experiments for BSA enrichment. ZnS shells are fabricated based on the original 3D Zn(OH)F networks through in situ chemical conversion. The nest‐like networks decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) serve as 3D substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), exhibiting excellent sensitivity for rapid detection of trace 10−12 mol L−1 (1 pM) BSA. Three different gap sizes between Ag NPs in the 3D geometry create a large number of SERS hot spots that contribute to the high sensitivity of the networks. Furthermore, a transparent, flexible, microfluidic device containing the 3D nest‐like structures exhibits excellent recyclability and flexible stability for trace BSA enrichment, showing potential for application in online SERS detection.
Biodegradability of PP/PHBV (70/30) Blend Films
Authors: GonÇalves Suely Patricia Costa , Franchetti Sandra Mara Martins 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the biodegradation of polypropylene/poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PP/PHBV) blend (70/30, w/w) films in soil, monitoring the evolution of CO2 using the respirometric method. The polymeric films were incubated at 28°C ± 2°C for 180 days in biometer flasks, and the sequence of biodegradation percentage was PP/PHBV (70/30) > PP, that is, 15% and 0%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements showed that biodegradation occurs in the blend PP/PHBV interphases. Preferentially, the microbial action occurs in the fraction of the biodegradable polymer (PHBV), and it influences the PP fraction morphology, which showed some significant changes in the monomer unit sequences and the organization of the chains. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21377; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21377
Severe growth retardation, delayed bone age, and facial dysmorphism in two patients with microduplications in 2p16 → p22
Authors: Blassnig‐Ezeh Anya , Bandelier Claude , Frühmesser Anne , Revencu Nicole , Krabichler Birgit , Beauloye Véronique , Ravoet Marie , Fauth Christine , Zschocke Johannes , Simma Burkhard , Kotzot Dieter 
Published: October 2013

AbstractInterstitial duplications of the short arm of chromosome 2 have been rarely described. Here, we report on two unrelated patients with overlapping chromosome 2p16 → p22 de novo microduplications found by SNP‐array analysis. The affected individuals were an 8‐year‐3‐month‐old boy with a direct duplication of approximately 14.6 Mb harboring 63 genes, and a 12‐year‐old girl with a direct duplication of around 9.6 Mb harboring 48 genes. Both patients have severe growth retardation, delayed bone age, prominent veins on trunk and extremities, total IGF1 level in the low range, mild developmental delay, and facial dysmorphism such as relative macrocephaly, a broad and prominent forehead, and a large anterior fontanelle. Comparison with patients previously reported in the literature and in the DECIPHER 5.1 and ECARUCA databases indicates a common region of interest of around 1.9 Mb responsible for most of the features. Two candidate genes (EPAS and RHOQ), may be particularly relevant for the marked growth retardation and developmental delay. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of degradation of polypropylene nonwovens irradiated by γ‐ray
Authors: Keene Brandi , Bourham Mohamed , Viswanath Vidya , Avci Huseyin , Kotek Richard 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPolypropylene is a leading commercial, fiber‐forming polymer due to its low cost and potential for making high strength fibers. As the polymer of choice in the biomedical field, polypropylene contains only two elements, namely carbon and hydrogen. As a result, it is very hydrophobic and bio‐inert lacking biodegradability in the landfill. Meltblown and spunbond polypropylene nonwovens were exposed to γ‐radiation doses up to 25 kGy. The changes in morphology, chemical, thermal, and tensile properties were characterized by various analytical techniques. Following γ‐radiation, the FTIR spectrum illustrated an increase in carbonyl groups suggesting radio‐oxidation. Additionally, there was a decrease in thermal and tensile properties indicating deterioration of the polymer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39917.
The use of environmental scanning electron microscopy for imaging the microstructure of gels for profile control and water shutoff treatments
Authors: Zhao Guang , Dai Caili , Zhao Mingwei , You Qing 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe use of gel systems as profile control and water shutoff agents has become a wide practice in recent years for oil recovery applications. But few systematic studies have been carried out on the microstructure of gels. In this study, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was employed to investigate the microstructure of gels in their natural state. It was directly observed that a three‐dimensional network structure formed in chromium or zirconium crosslinked polymer gels is the same as organic/ inorganic crosslinked gels. However, there is a dense flat structure in phenol resin crosslinked polymer gels or phenolic resin gels. The differences between the microstructures can be attributed to the different crosslinking sites and crosslinking density, and this affect the gel's stability at reservoir temperatures. In addition, this paper also introduced the crosslinking mechanism and macro‐morphology of the bulk gels. It can contribute to a better understanding of the gel's microstructure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39946.
Detection of Enthesitis in Children With Enthesitis‐Related Arthritis: Dolorimetry Compared to Ultrasonography
Authors: Weiss Pamela F. , Chauvin Nancy A. , Klink Andrew J. , Localio Russell , Feudtner Chris , Jaramillo Diego , Colbert Robert A. , Sherry David D. , Keren Ron 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the distribution of enthesitis and the accuracy of physical examination with a dolorimeter for the detection of enthesitis in children, using ultrasound (US) assessment as the reference standard.MethodsWe performed a prospective cross‐sectional study of 30 patients with enthesitis‐related arthritis (ERA) and 30 control subjects. The following tendon insertion sites were assessed by standardized physical examination with a dolorimeter and US: common extensor on the lateral humeral epicondyle, common flexor on the medial humeral epicondyle, quadriceps at the superior patella, patellar ligament at the inferior patella, Achilles, and plantar fascia at the calcaneus.ResultsAbnormal findings on US were detected most commonly at the insertion of the quadriceps (30% [18 of 60 sites]), common extensor (12% [7 of 60]), and Achilles (10% [6 of 60]) tendons. The intrarater reliability of US (kappa statistic) was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.63–0.93), and the interrater reliability was 0.81 (95% CI 0.67–0.95). Tenderness as detected by standardized dolorimeter examination had poor positive predictive value for US‐confirmed enthesitis. In comparison to controls, patients with ERA reported more pain and had lower pain thresholds at every site, including control sites (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). The interrater reliability of dolorimeter examination for detection of enthesitis was low (κ = 0.49 [95% CI 0.33–0.65]).ConclusionCompared to US, standardized dolorimeter examination for the detection of enthesitis in children has poor accuracy and reliability. The decreased pain threshold of ERA patients likely contributed to the limited accuracy of the physical examination findings. Further research regarding the utility of US for identifying enthesitis at diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, accurately predicting disease progression, and guiding therapeutic decisions is warranted.
Alginate encapsulation parameters influence the differentiation of microencapsulated embryonic stem cell aggregates
Authors: Wilson Jenna L. , Najia Mohamad Ali , Saeed Rabbia , McDevitt Todd C. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have tremendous potential as tools for regenerative medicine and drug discovery, yet the lack of processes to manufacture viable and homogenous cell populations of sufficient numbers limits the clinical translation of current and future cell therapies. Microencapsulation of ESCs within microbeads can shield cells from hydrodynamic shear forces found in bioreactor environments while allowing for sufficient diffusion of nutrients and oxygen through the encapsulation material. Despite initial studies examining alginate microbeads as a platform for stem cell expansion and directed differentiation, the impact of alginate encapsulation parameters on stem cell phenotype has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to systematically examine the effects of varying alginate compositions on microencapsulated ESC expansion and phenotype. Pre‐formed aggregates of murine ESCs were encapsulated in alginate microbeads composed of a high or low ratio of guluronic to mannuronic acid residues (High G and High M, respectively), with and without a poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) coating, thereby providing four distinct alginate bead compositions for analysis. Encapsulation in all alginate compositions was found to delay differentiation, with encapsulation within High G alginate yielding the least differentiated cell population. The addition of a PLL coating to the High G alginate prevented cell escape from beads for up to 14 days. Furthermore, encapsulation within High M alginate promoted differentiation toward a primitive endoderm phenotype. Taken together, the findings of this study suggest that distinct ESC expansion capacities and differentiation trajectories emerge depending on the alginate composition employed, indicating that encapsulation material physical properties can be used to control stem cell fate. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 618–631. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelial progenitor cells in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Martí‐Fàbregas Joan , Crespo Javier , Delgado‐Mederos Raquel , Martínez‐Ramírez Sergi , Peña Esther , Marín Rebeca , Dinia Lavinia , Jiménez‐Xarrié Elena , Fernández‐Arcos Ana , Pérez‐Pérez Jesús , Querol Luis , Suárez‐Calvet Marc , Badimon Lina 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in ischemic stroke have not been studied extensively and reported results are inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the time course, the prognostic relevance, and the variables associated with EPC counts in patients with ischemic stroke at different time points.Material and methodsWe studied prospectively 146 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke within the first 48 h from the onset of symptoms (baseline). We evaluated demographic data, classical vascular risk factors, treatment with thrombolysis and statins, stroke etiology, National Institute of Health and Stroke Scale score and outcome (favorable when Rankin scale score 0–2). Blood samples were collected at baseline, at day 7 after stroke (n = 121) and at 3 months (n = 92). The EPC were measured by flow cytometry.ResultsWe included 146 patients with a mean age of 70.8 ± 12.2 years. The circulating EPC levels were higher on day 7 than at baseline or at 3 months (P = 0.045). Pretreatment with statins (odds ratio [OR] 3.11, P = 0.008) and stroke etiology (P = 0.032) were predictive of EPC counts in the baseline sample. EPC counts were not associated with stroke severity or functional outcome in all the patients. However, using multivariate analyses, a better functional outcome was found in patients with higher EPC counts in large‐artery atherosclerosis and small‐vessel disease etiologic subtypes.ConclusionsAfter acute ischemic stroke, circulating EPC counts peaked at day 7. Pretreatment with statins increased the levels of EPC. In patients with large‐artery atherosclerosis and small‐vessel disease subtypes, higher counts were related to better outcome at 3 months.
The symptom burden of cancer: Evidence for a core set of cancer‐related and treatment‐related symptoms from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Symptom Outcomes and Practice Patterns study
Authors: Cleeland Charles S. , Zhao Fengmin , Chang Victor T. , Sloan Jeff A. , O'Mara Ann M. , Gilman Paul B. , Weiss Matthias , Mendoza Tito R. , Lee Ju‐Whei , Fisch Michael J. 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDA set of common cancer‐related and treatment‐related symptoms has been proposed for quality of care assessment and clinical research. Using data from a large, multicenter, prospective study, the authors assessed the effects of disease site and stage on the percentages of patients rating these proposed symptoms as moderate to severe.METHODSThe severity of 13 symptoms proposed to represent “core” oncology symptoms was rated by 3106 ambulatory patients with cancer of the breast, prostate, colon/rectum, or lung, regardless of disease stage or phase of care; 2801 patients (90%) repeated the assessment 4 to 5 weeks later.RESULTSAt the time of the initial assessment, approximately 33% of the patients reported ≥ 3 symptoms in the moderate‐to‐severe range; 11 of the 13 symptoms were rated as moderate to severe by at least 10% of all patients and 6 were rated as moderate to severe by at least 20% of those receiving active treatment. Fatigue/tiredness was the most severe symptom, followed by disturbed sleep, pain, dry mouth, and numbness/tingling. More patients with lung cancer and patients receiving active treatment reported moderate to severe symptoms. Percentages of symptomatic patients increased by disease stage, less adequate response to therapy, and declining Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. The percentages of patients reporting moderate to severe symptoms were stable across both assessments.CONCLUSIONSThe results of the current study support a core set of moderate to severe symptoms that are common across outpatients with solid tumors, that can guide consideration of progression‐free survival as a trial outcome, and that should be considered in clinical care and in assessments of quality of care and treatment benefit. Cancer 2013;119:4333–4340. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Association between hospital case volume and the use of bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy during head and neck cancer diagnostic evaluation
Authors: Sun Gordon H. , Aliu Oluseyi , Moloci Nicholas M. , Mondschein Joshua K. , Burke James F. , Hayward Rodney A. 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDThere are no clinical guidelines on best practices for the use of bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy in diagnosing head and neck cancer. This retrospective cohort study examined variation in the use of bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy across hospitals in Michigan.METHODSA total of 17,828 patients were identified with head and neck cancer in the 2006 to 2010 Michigan State Ambulatory Surgery Databases. A hierarchical, mixed‐effect logistic regression was used to examine whether a hospital's risk‐adjusted rate of concurrent bronchoscopy or esophagoscopy was associated with its case volume (< 100, 100‐999, or ≥ 1000 cases per hospital) for those undergoing diagnostic laryngoscopy.RESULTSOf 9218 patients undergoing diagnostic laryngoscopy, 1191 (12.9%) received concurrent bronchoscopy and 1675 (18.2%) underwent concurrent esophagoscopy. The median hospital rate of bronchoscopy was 2.7% (range, 0%‐61.1%), and low‐volume (odds ratio [OR] = 27.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9, 390.7) and medium‐volume (OR = 28.1; 95% CI = 2.0, 399.0) hospitals were more likely to perform concurrent bronchoscopy compared to high‐volume hospitals. The median hospital rate of esophagoscopy was 5.1% (range, 0%‐47.1%), and low‐volume (OR = 9.8; 95% CI = 1.5, 63.7) and medium‐volume (OR = 8.5; 95% CI = 1.3, 55.0) hospitals were significantly more likely to perform concurrent esophagoscopy relative to high‐volume hospitals.CONCLUSIONSPatients with head and neck cancer who are undergoing diagnostic laryngoscopy are much more likely to undergo concurrent bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy at low‐ and medium‐volume hospitals than at high‐volume hospitals. Whether this represents overuse of concurrent procedures or appropriate care that leads to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes merits further investigation. Cancer 2014;120:61–67. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Drosophila rely on learning while foraging under semi‐natural conditions
Authors: Zrelec Vukašin , Zini Marco , Guarino Sandra , Mermoud Julien , Oppliger Joël , Valtat Annabelle , Zeender Valérian , Kawecki Tadeusz J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLearning is predicted to affect manifold ecological and evolutionary processes, but the extent to which animals rely on learning in nature remains poorly known, especially for short‐lived non‐social invertebrates. This is in particular the case for Drosophila, a favourite laboratory system to study molecular mechanisms of learning. Here we tested whether Drosophila melanogaster use learned information to choose food while free‐flying in a large greenhouse emulating the natural environment. In a series of experiments flies were first given an opportunity to learn which of two food odours was associated with good versus unpalatable taste; subsequently, their preference for the two odours was assessed with olfactory traps set up in the greenhouse. Flies that had experienced palatable apple‐flavoured food and unpalatable orange‐flavoured food were more likely to be attracted to the odour of apple than flies with the opposite experience. This was true both when the flies first learned in the laboratory and were then released and recaptured in the greenhouse, and when the learning occurred under free‐flying conditions in the greenhouse. Furthermore, flies retained the memory of their experience while exploring the greenhouse overnight in the absence of focal odours, pointing to the involvement of consolidated memory. These results support the notion that even small, short lived insects which are not central‐place foragers make use of learned cues in their natural environments.
Scaling relations of seismic moment, rupture area, average slip, and asperity size for M~9 subduction‐zone earthquakes
Authors: Murotani Satoko , Satake Kenji , Fujii Yushiro 
Published: October 2013

AbstractScaling relations for seismic moment M0, rupture area S, average slip D, and asperity size Sa were obtained for large, great, and giant (Mw = 6.7–9.2) subduction‐zone earthquakes. We compiled the source parameters for seven giant (Mw~9) earthquakes globally for which the heterogeneous slip distributions were estimated from tsunami and geodetic data. We defined Sa for subfaults exhibiting slip greater than 1.5 times D. Adding 25 slip models of 10 great earthquakes around Japan, we recalculated regression relations for 32 slip models: S = 1.34 × 10−10 M02/3, D = 1.66 × 10−7 M01/3, Sa = 2.81 × 10−11 M02/3, and Sa/S = 0.2, where S and Sa are in square kilometers, M0 is in newton meters, and D is in meters. These scaling relations are very similar to those obtained by Murotani et al. (2008) for large and great earthquakes. Thus, both scaling relations can be used for future tsunami hazard assessment associated with a giant earthquake.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Methodological Review Using CONSORT Guidelines
Authors: Motraghi Terri E. , Seim Richard W. , Meyer Eric C. , Morissette Sandra B. 
Published: October 2013

ContextVirtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an extension of traditional exposure therapy and has been used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders. VRET utilizes a computer‐generated virtual environment to present fear‐relevant stimuli. Recent studies have evaluated the use of VRET for treatment of PTSD; however, a systematic evaluation of the methodological quality of these studies has yet to be conducted.ObjectivesThis review aims to (a) identify treatment outcome studies examining the use of VRET for the treatment of PTSD and (b) appraise the methodological quality of each study using the 2010 Consolidating Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement and its 2008 extension for nonpharmacologic interventions.MethodsTwo independent assessors conducted a database search (PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Google Scholar) of studies published between January 1990 and June 2013 that reported outcome data comparing VRET with another type of treatment or a control condition. Next, a CONSORT quality appraisal of each study was completed.ResultsThe search yielded nine unique studies. The CONSORT appraisal revealed that the methodological quality of studies examining VRET as a treatment for PTSD was variable.ConclusionAlthough preliminary findings suggest some positive results for VRET as a form of exposure treatment for PTSD, additional research using well‐specified randomization procedures, assessor blinding, and monitoring of treatment adherence is warranted. Movement toward greater standardization of treatment manuals, virtual environments, and equipment would further facilitate interpretation and consolidation of this literature.