bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-composting of pineapple leaves and chicken manure slurry
Authors: Ch'ng Huck Ywih , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Kassim Susilawati , Majid Nik Muhamad Ab 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The common practice of clearing pineapple (Ananas comosus) residues for land preparation for cultivation is by burning, an unsustainable agricultural practice that causes environmental pollution. Chicken manure produced from the poultry industry is also increasing. Inappropriate disposal or treatment can pose harm to the environment and humans. In order to reduce environmental pollution, pineapple leaves and chicken manure slurry were co-composted to obtain high-quality organic fertilizer. The shredded pineapple leaves were thoroughly mixed with chicken manure slurry, chicken feed and molasses in polystyrene boxes. Co-compost temperature readings were taken three times daily.

Results
Nitrogen and P concentrations increased whereas C content was reduced throughout the co-composting. The CEC increased from 32.5 to 65.6 cmol kg-1 indicating humified organic material. Humic acid and ash contents also increased from 11.3% to 24.0% and 6.7% to 15.8%, respectively. The pH of the co-compost increased from 6.14 to 7.89. The final co-compost had no foul odour, low heavy metal content and comparable amount of nutrients. Seed germination indices of phytotoxicity test were above 80% of final co-compost. This suggests that the co-compost produced was phytotoxic-free and matured.

Conclusion
High-quality co-compost can be produced by co-composting pineapple leaves and chicken manure slurry and thus have potential to reduce environmental pollution that could result from poorly managed agricultural wastes.
Mapping whole genome shotgun sequence and variant calling in mammalian species without their reference genomes
Authors: Kalbfleisch Ted , Heaton Michael P. 
Published: November 2013

Genomics research in mammals has produced reference genome sequences that are essential for identifying variation associated with disease. High quality reference genome sequences are now available for humans, model species, and economically important agricultural animals. Comparisons between these species have provided unique insights into mammalian gene function. However, the number of species with reference genomes is small compared to those needed for studying molecular evolutionary relationships in the tree of life. For example, among the even-toed ungulates there are approximately 300 species whose phylogenetic relationships have been calculated in the 10k trees project. Only six of these have reference genomes: cattle, swine, sheep, goat, water buffalo, and bison. Although reference sequences will eventually be developed for additional hoof stock, the resources in terms of time, money, infrastructure and expertise required to develop a quality reference genome may be unattainable for most species for at least another decade. In this work we mapped 35 Gb of next generation sequence data of a Katahdin sheep to its own species’ reference genome (Ovis aries Oar3.1) and to that of a species that diverged 15 to 30 million years ago (Bos taurus UMD3.1). In total, 56% of reads covered 76% of UMD3.1 to an average depth of 6.8 reads per site, 83 million variants were identified, of which 78 million were homozygous and likely represent interspecies nucleotide differences. Excluding genome repeat regions and sex chromosomes, approximately 3.7 million heterozygous sites were identified in this animal vs. bovine UMD3.1, representing polymorphisms occurring in sheep. Of these, 41% could be readily mapped to orthologous positions in ovine Oar3.1 with 80% corroborated as heterozygous. These variant sites, identified via interspecies mapping could be used for comparative genomics, disease association studies, and ultimately to understand mammalian gene function.
miR‐584 Expressed in Human Gingival Epithelial Cells Is Induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis Stimulation and Regulates Interleukin‐8 Production via Lactoferrin Receptor
Authors: Ouhara Kazuhisa , Savitri Irma Josefina , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Kittaka Mizuho , Kajiya Mikihito , Iwata Tomoyuki , Miyagawa Tsuyoshi , Yamakawa Masahiro , Shiba Hideki , Kurihara Hidemi 
Published: November 2013

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non‐coding RNAs that are involved in post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Differential miRNA expression in innate and acquired immunity has been shown to regulate immune cell development and function. miRNA expression has been demonstrated to affect pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. As such, this study explores the role of miRNA in the context of pathophysiology of destructive periodontitis. Specifically, this investigation profiles the differentially expressed miRNA of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)–stimulated human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs).Methods: The specific miRNAs differentially expressed in Pg‐stimulated OBA‐9, immortalized HGECs, were analyzed using microarray. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were performed to confirm the level of miRNA expression and determine target production of miRNA in OBA‐9. The production of interleukin (IL)‐8 was measured to determine the bioactivity of target protein regulated by miRNA.Results: miR‐584, which targets lactoferrin receptor (LfR), was 3.39‐fold upregulated by Pg stimulation. This upregulation of miR‐584 was confirmed by real‐time PCR. Pg stimulation resulted in the suppression of LfR at mRNA and protein levels. The transfection of the miR inhibitor for miR‐584 in OBA‐9 recovered Pg‐induced suppression of LfR. The addition of human lactoferrin (hLf) had a suppressive effect on IL‐8 production in Pg‐stimulated OBA‐9. However, hLf also decreased IL‐8 production strongly in Pg‐stimulated OBA‐9 in the presence of the miR inhibitor for miR‐584.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the upregulation of miR‐584 by Pg in OBA‐9 inhibits the anti‐inflammatory effects of hLf via the suppression of LfR.
Does Periodontal Infection Have an Effect on Severe Asthma in Adults?
Authors: Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , Soledade‐Marques Kaliane Rocha , Seixas da Cruz Simone , de Santana Passos‐Soares Johelle , Trindade Soraya Castro , Souza‐Machado Adelmir , Fischer Rubira‐Bullen Izabel Regina , de Moraes Marcílio Cerqueira Eneida , Barreto Maurício Lima , Costa de Santana Teresinha , Freitas Coelho Julita Maria 
Published: November 2013

Background: The effect of periodontal infection on systemic diseases and conditions has been the subject of numerous studies worldwide. It is considered that periodontitis may influence the hyperinflammatory response in patients with severe asthma as a result of immuno‐inflammatory changes. This study aims to evaluate the influence of periodontitis on severe asthma in adults.Methods: A case‐control study was carried out, comprising 220 adult individuals: 113 diagnosed with asthma (case group) and 107 without asthma diagnosis (control group). The diagnosis of periodontitis was established after a full clinical examination using probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing. The diagnosis of severe asthma was based on the criteria recommended by the Global Initiative of Asthma (2012). Descriptive analyses of the variables were performed, followed by bivariate analyses, using the χ2 test. Association measurements (odds ratio [OR]), with and without adjustment for potential confounders, were obtained. A significance level of 5% was used.Results: The ORunadjusted for the main association was 4.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.47 to 7.75). In the logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, education level, osteoporosis, smoking habit, and body mass index, the ORadjusted was 4.82 (95% CI = 2.66 to 8.76), which was statistically significant. Individuals with periodontal infection showed, approximately, five times more likelihood to have bronchial inflammation than those without such periodontal tissue infection.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the influence of periodontitis on severe asthma, given that the frequency of periodontitis is higher in individuals with severe asthma than in those without a diagnosis of bronchial inflammation.
Description of a School Nurse Visit Syndromic Surveillance System and Comparison to Emergency Department Visits, New York City
Authors: Wilson Elisha L. , Egger Joseph R. , Konty Kevin J. , Paladini Marc , Weiss Don , Nguyen Trang Q. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We compared school nurse visit syndromic surveillance system data to emergency department (ED) visit data for monitoring illness in New York City schoolchildren. Methods. School nurse visit data recorded in an electronic health record system are used to conduct daily surveillance of influenza-like illness, fever–flu, allergy, asthma, diarrhea, and vomiting syndromes. We calculated correlation coefficients to compare the percentage of syndrome visits to the school nurse and ED for children aged 5 to 14 years, from September 2006 to June 2011. Results. Trends in influenza-like illness correlated significantly (correlation coefficient = 0.89; P < .001) and 72% of school signals occurred on days that ED signaled. Trends in allergy (correlation coefficient = 0.73; P < .001) and asthma (correlation coefficient = 0.56; P < .001) also correlated and school signals overlapped with ED signals on 95% and 51% of days, respectively. Substantial daily variation in diarrhea and vomiting visits limited our ability to make comparisons. Conclusions. Compared with ED syndromic surveillance, the school nurse system identified similar trends in influenza-like illness, allergy, and asthma syndromes. Public health practitioners without school-based surveillance may be able to use age-specific analyses of ED syndromic surveillance data to monitor illness in schoolchildren.
Creating Quality Improvement Culture in Public Health Agencies
Authors: Davis Mary V. , Mahanna Elizabeth , Joly Brenda , Zelek Michael , Riley William , Verma Pooja , Fisher Jessica Solomon 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We conducted case studies of 10 agencies that participated in early quality improvement efforts. Methods. The agencies participated in a project conducted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (2007–2008). Case study participants included health directors and quality improvement team leaders and members. We implemented multiple qualitative analysis processes, including cross-case analysis and logic modeling. We categorized agencies according to the extent to which they had developed a quality improvement culture. Results. Agencies were conducting informal quality improvement projects (n = 4), conducting formal quality improvement projects (n = 3), or creating a quality improvement culture (n = 4). Agencies conducting formal quality improvement and creating a quality improvement culture had leadership support for quality improvement, participated in national quality improvement initiatives, had a greater number of staff trained in quality improvement and quality improvement teams that met regularly with decision-making authority. Agencies conducting informal quality improvement were likely to report that accreditation is the major driver for quality improvement work. Agencies creating a quality improvement culture were more likely to have a history of evidence-based decision-making and use quality improvement to address emerging issues. Conclusions. Our findings support previous research and add the roles of national public health accreditation and emerging issues as factors in agencies’ ability to create and sustain a quality improvement culture.
Disparities in Diabetes: The Nexus of Race, Poverty, and Place
Authors: Gaskin Darrell J. , Thorpe Roland J. , McGinty Emma E. , Bower Kelly , Rohde Charles , Young J. Hunter , LaVeist Thomas A. , Dubay Lisa 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We sought to determine the role of neighborhood poverty and racial composition on race disparities in diabetes prevalence. Methods. We used data from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and 2000 US Census to estimate the impact of individual race and poverty and neighborhood racial composition and poverty concentration on the odds of having diabetes. Results. We found a race–poverty–place gradient for diabetes prevalence for Blacks and poor Whites. The odds of having diabetes were higher for Blacks than for Whites. Individual poverty increased the odds of having diabetes for both Whites and Blacks. Living in a poor neighborhood increased the odds of having diabetes for Blacks and poor Whites. Conclusions. To address race disparities in diabetes, policymakers should address problems created by concentrated poverty (e.g., lack of access to reasonably priced fruits and vegetables, recreational facilities, and health care services; high crime rates; and greater exposures to environmental toxins). Housing and development policies in urban areas should avoid creating high-poverty neighborhoods.
The Adoption and Discontinuation of Clinical Services by Local Health Departments
Authors: Hsuan Charleen , Rodriguez Hector P. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We identified factors associated with local health department (LHD) adoption and discontinuation of clinical services. Methods. We used multivariate regression with 1997 and 2008 LHD survey and area resource data to examine factors associated with LHDs maintaining or offering more clinical services (adopter) versus offering fewer services (discontinuer) over time and with the number of clinical services discontinued among discontinuers. Results. Few LHDs (22.2%) were adopters. The LHDs were more likely to be adopters if operating in jurisdictions with local boards of health and not in health professional shortage areas, and if experiencing larger percentage increase in non-White population and Medicaid managed care penetration. Discontinuer LHDs eliminated more clinical services in jurisdictions that decreased core public health activities’ scope over time, increased community partners’ involvement in these activities, had larger increases in Medicaid managed care penetration, and had lower LHD expenditures per capita over time. Conclusions. Most LHDs are discontinuing clinical services over time. Those that cover a wide range of core public health functions are less likely to discontinue services when residents lack care access. Thus, the impact of discontinuation on population health may be mitigated.
Work in Multiple Jobs and the Risk of Injury in the US Working Population
Authors: Marucci-Wellman Helen R. , Willetts Joanna L. , Lin Tin-Chi , Brennan Melanye J. , Verma Santosh K. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We compared the risk of injury for multiple job holders (MJHs) with that for single job holders (SJHs). Methods. We used information from the National Health Interview Survey for the years 1997 through 2011 to estimate the rate of multiple job holding in the United States and compared characteristics and rates of self-reported injury (work and nonwork) for SJHs versus MJHs. Results. Approximately 8.4% of those employed reported working more than 1 job in the week before the interview. The rate of work and nonwork injury episodes per 100 employed workers was higher for MJHs than for SJHs (4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5, 4.8; vs 3.3; 95% CI = 3.1, 3.5 work injuries and 9.9; 95% CI = 8.9, 10.9; vs 7.4; 95% CI = 7.1, 7.6 nonwork injuries per 100 workers, respectively). When calculated per 100 full-time equivalents (P < .05), the rate ratio remained higher for MJHs. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that working in multiple jobs is associated with an increased risk of an injury, both at work and not at work, and should be considered in injury surveillance.
The Effects of Misclassification Biases on Veteran Suicide Rate Estimates
Authors: Huguet Nathalie , Kaplan Mark S. , McFarland Bentson H. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We assessed the impact that possible veteran suicide misclassification biases (i.e., inaccuracy in ascertainment of veteran status on the death certificate and misclassification of suicide as other manner of death) have on veteran suicide rate estimates. Methods. We obtained suicide mortality data from the 2003–2010 National Violent Death Reporting System and the 2003–2010 Department of Defense Casualty Analysis System. We derived population estimates from the 2003–2010 American Community Survey and 2003–2010 Department of Veterans Affairs data. We computed veteran and nonveteran suicide rates. Results. The results showed that suicide rates were minimally affected by the adjustment for the misclassification of current military personnel suicides as veterans. Moreover, combining suicides and deaths by injury of undetermined intent did not alter the conclusions. Conclusions. The National Violent Death Reporting System is a valid surveillance system for veteran suicide. However, more than half of younger (< 25 years) male and female suicides, labeled as veterans, were likely to have been current military personnel at the time of their death and misclassified on the death certificate.
Regulating Alcohol Advertising: Content Analysis of the Adequacy of Federal and Self-Regulation of Magazine Advertisements, 2008–2010
Authors: Smith Katherine C. , Cukier Samantha , Jernigan David H. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We analyzed beer, spirits, and alcopop magazine advertisements to determine adherence to federal and voluntary advertising standards. We assessed the efficacy of these standards in curtailing potentially damaging content and protecting public health. Methods. We obtained data from a content analysis of a census of 1795 unique advertising creatives for beer, spirits, and alcopops placed in nationally available magazines between 2008 and 2010. We coded creatives for manifest content and adherence to federal regulations and industry codes. Results. Advertisements largely adhered to existing regulations and codes. We assessed only 23 ads as noncompliant with federal regulations and 38 with industry codes. Content consistent with the codes was, however, often culturally positive in terms of aspirational depictions. In addition, creatives included degrading and sexualized images, promoted risky behavior, and made health claims associated with low-calorie content. Conclusions. Existing codes and regulations are largely followed regarding content but do not adequately protect against content that promotes unhealthy and irresponsible consumption and degrades potentially vulnerable populations in its depictions. Our findings suggest further limitations and enhanced federal oversight may be necessary to protect public health.
Trends in the Educational Gradient of Mortality Among US Adults Aged 45 to 84 Years: Bringing Regional Context Into the Explanation
Authors: Montez Jennifer Karas , Berkman Lisa F. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We investigated trends in the educational gradient of US adult mortality, which has increased at the national level since the mid-1980s, within US regions. Methods. We used data from the 1986–2006 National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality File on non-Hispanic White and Black adults aged 45 to 84 years (n = 498 517). We examined trends in the gradient within 4 US regions by race–gender subgroup by using age-standardized death rates. Results. Trends in the gradient exhibited a few subtle regional differences. Among women, the gradient was often narrowest in the Northeast. The region’s distinction grew over time mainly because low-educated women in the Northeast did not experience a significant increase in mortality like their counterparts in other regions (particularly for White women). Among White men, the gradient narrowed to a small degree in the West. Conclusions. The subtle regional differences indicate that geographic context can accentuate or suppress trends in the gradient. Studies of smaller areas may provide insights into the specific contextual characteristics (e.g., state tax policies) that have shaped the trends, and thus help explain and reverse the widening mortality disparities among US adults.
Six Components Necessary for Effective Public Health Program Implementation
Authors: Frieden Thomas R. 
Published: November 2013

Public health programs succeed and survive if organizations and coalitions address 6 key areas.(1) Innovation to develop the evidence base for action; (2) a technical package of a limited number of high-priority, evidence-based interventions that together will have a major impact; (3) effective performance management, especially through rigorous, real-time monitoring, evaluation, and program improvement; (4) partnerships and coalitions with public- and private-sector organizations; (5) communication of accurate and timely information to the health care community, decision makers, and the public to effect behavior change and engage civil society; and (6) political commitment to obtain resources and support for effective action.Programs including smallpox eradication, tuberculosis control, tobacco control, polio eradication, and others have made progress by addressing these 6 areas.
Effect of Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status on Pandemic H1N1-Related Outcomes in Massachusetts
Authors: Placzek Hilary , Madoff Lawrence 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We linked hospital discharge and American Community Survey and US Census data to investigate 2009 H1N1 influenza (H1N1)-related outcomes by racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods. We examined the population discharged from any acute care hospital in Massachusetts and calculated rates of intensive care unit (ICU) stay by racial/ethnic and SES groups between April 26 and September 30, 2009. We used logistic regression models to identify predictors of ICU stay. Results. Of 4874 H1N1-related hospitalizations, 526 (11%) were admitted to the ICU. Those in less affluent SES groups had lower risk of ICU stay than the most affluent SES group. Compared with Whites, Hispanics had significantly lower risk of 2009 H1N1-related ICU stay (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.32, 0.86). Only 13% of Whites admitted to the ICU were in the lowest SES group, compared with 63% of Hispanics and 43% of Blacks. Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first statewide description of 2009 H1N1 influenza-related ICU stays according to racial/ethnic group and SES in the United States. Future work should investigate evidence related to social determinants of health among racial/ethnic groups to reduce disparities in relation to pandemic influenza.
Reaching Children Never Previously Vaccinated for Influenza Through a School-Located Vaccination Program
Authors: Kansagra Susan M. , Papadouka Vikki , Geevarughese Anita , Hansen Michael A. , Konty Kevin J. , Zucker Jane R. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We determined the success of the school-located vaccination (SLV) program, implemented in 2009 in New York City to deliver pandemic influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine (pH1N1), versus provider offices in reaching children who had never previously received influenza vaccine. Methods. We compared the immunization history of children vaccinated in school versus provider offices. We included records in the Citywide Immunization Registry with pH1N1 administered between October 2009 and March 2010 to elementary school-aged children. Results. In total, 96 524 children received pH1N1 vaccine in schools, and 102 933 children received pH1N1 vaccine in provider offices. Of children vaccinated in schools, 34% had never received seasonal influenza vaccination in the past, compared with only 10% of children vaccinated at provider offices (P < .001). Children vaccinated in schools were more likely to have received a second dose of pH1N1 in 2009–2010 than those vaccinated in provider offices (80% vs 45%). Conclusions. The SLV program was more successful at reaching children who had never received influenza immunization in the past and should be considered as a strategy for delivering influenza vaccine in routine and emergency situations.