bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of congenital heart defect in Guangdong province, 2008-2012
Authors: Wu Li , Li Bing , Xia Jianhong , Ji Cunwei , Liang Zhijiang , Ma Yuanzhu , Li Shiyun , Wu Yuntao , Wang Youjie , Zhao Qingguo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common major malformations in infants. Little is known about the main epidemiologic characteristics of CHD prevalence in Guangdong province, China. Our study was undertaken to investigate the time trends in the prevalence of CHD in Guangdong province from 2008 to 2012.

Methods
Data were retrieved from the Guangdong Hospital-Based Birth Defects Monitoring System during 2008–2012. All infants more than 28 weeks of gestation and infants up to 7 days of age in monitoring hospitals were monitored. We used prevalence rate to describe the difference in prevalence of CHD between rural and urban areas. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CHD were calculated for the rural and urban areas. The CHD rate was calculated on the basis of birth defects per 10,000 births.

Results
A total of 1005052 births were reported to the Birth Defects Monitoring Network of Guangdong Province, of which 5268 cases were diagnosed as CHD. The overall prevalence of CHD was 52.41 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 51.00 ~ 53.83) in provincial-wide, 66.08 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 63.77 ~ 68.39) in urban areas, and 40.23 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 38.52 ~ 41.93) in rural areas. The prevalence of CHD increased with maternal age both in urban areas (P < 0.01) and in rural areas (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
The increasing trends of CHD prevalence suggest that maternal age and the improvement of diagnosis ability might play a critical role.
Advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants and cancer prevention and screening: a systematic review
Authors: Smith Alexandria A , Kepka Deanna , Yabroff K Robin 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
For more than two decades, integration of team-based approaches in primary care, including physicians, advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants (APRN/PA), have been recommended for improving healthcare delivery, yet little is known about their roles in cancer screening and prevention. This study aims to review the current literature on the participation and roles of APRN/PAs in providing cancer screening and prevention recommendations in primary care settings in the United States.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE and CINAHL to identify studies published in 1990–2011 reporting on cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening and smoking cessation, diet, and physical activity recommendations by APRN/PAs in the United States. A total of 15 studies met all of our eligibility criteria. Key study, provider, and patient characteristics were abstracted as were findings about APRN/PA recommendations for screening and prevention.

Results
Most studies were cross-sectional, showed results from within a single city or state, had relatively small sample sizes, reported non-standardized outcome measures. Few studies reported any patient characteristics. APRN/PAs are involved in recommending cancer screening and prevention, although we found variation across screening tests and health behavior recommendations.

Conclusions
Additional research on the cancer prevention and screening practices of APRN/PAs in primary care settings using standardized outcome measures in relation to evidence-based guidelines may help strengthen primary care delivery in the United States.
Preoperative thrombocytosis is a significant unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kim Miso , Chang Hyun , Yang Hee Chul , Kim Yu Jung , Lee Choon-Taek , Lee Jae-Ho , Jheon Sanghoon , Kim Kwhanmien , Chung Jin-Haeng , Lee Jong Seok 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have reported that pretreatment thrombocytosis is associated with poor outcomes in several cancer types. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative thrombocytosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who undergo surgery.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 199 patients who underwent R0 resection for NSCLC between May 2003 and July 2006 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.

Results
The frequency of preoperative thrombocytosis was 7.5% (15/199). Patients with preoperative thrombocytosis had shorter overall survival (OS, P = 0.003) and disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.005) than those without thrombocytosis. In multivariable analysis, patients with preoperative thrombocytosis had a significantly greater risk of death and recurrence than those without preoperative thrombocytosis (risk of death: hazard ratio (HR) 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39 to 6.37, P = 0.005; risk of recurrence: HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.22 to 5.01, P = 0.012). A tendency towards a shorter OS and DFS was observed in three patients with persistent thrombocytosis during the follow-up period when compared with those of patients who recovered from thrombocytosis after surgery.

Conclusions
Preoperative thrombocytosis was valuable for predicting the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Special attention should be paid to patients with preoperative and postoperative thrombocytosis.
Cholera transmission dynamic models for public health practitioners
Authors: Fung Isaac Chun-Hai 
Published: February 2014

AbstractGreat progress has been made in mathematical models of cholera transmission dynamics in recent years. However, little impact, if any, has been made by models upon public health decision-making and day-to-day routine of epidemiologists. This paper provides a brief introduction to the basics of ordinary differential equation models of cholera transmission dynamics. We discuss a basic model adapted from Codeço (2001), and how it can be modified to incorporate different hypotheses, including the importance of asymptomatic or inapparent infections, and hyperinfectious V. cholerae and human-to-human transmission. We highlight three important challenges of cholera models: (1) model misspecification and parameter uncertainty, (2) modeling the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions and (3) model structure. We use published models, especially those related to the 2010 Haitian outbreak as examples. We emphasize that the choice of models should be dictated by the research questions in mind. More collaboration is needed between policy-makers, epidemiologists and modelers in public health.
Genetic Inactivation and Pharmacological Blockade of Sigma-1 Receptors Prevent Paclitaxel-Induced Sensory-Nerve Mitochondrial Abnormalities and Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Authors: Nieto Francisco R , Cendán Cruz M , Cañizares Francisco J , Cubero María A , Vela José M , Fernández-Segura Eduardo , Baeyens José M 
Published: February 2014

Background: Paclitaxel, a widely-used antineoplastic drug, produces a painful peripheral neuropathy that in rodents is associated with peripheral-nerve mitochondrial alterations. The sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) is a ligand-regulated molecular chaperone involved in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and pain hypersensitivity. This receptor plays a key role in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, but it is not known whether it also modulates mitochondrial abnormalities. In this study, we used a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain to test the involvement of the σ1R in the mitochondrial abnormalities associated with paclitaxel, by using genetic (σ1R knockout mice) and pharmacologica (σ1R antagonist) approaches. Results: Paclitaxel administration to wild-type (WT) mice produced cold- and mechanical-allodynia, and an increase in the frequency of swollen and vacuolated mitochondria in myelinated A-fibers, but not in C-fibers, of the saphenous nerve. Behavioral and mitochondrial alterations were marked at 10 days after paclitaxel-administration and had resolved at day 28. In contrast, paclitaxel treatment did not induce allodynia or mitochondrial abnormalities in σ1R knockout mice. Moreover, the prophylactic treatment of WT mice with BD-1063 also prevented the neuropathic pain and mitochondrial abnormalities induced by paclitaxel. Conclusions: These results suggest that activation of the σ1R is necessary for development of the sensory nerve mitochondrial damage and neuropathic pain produced by paclitaxel. Therefore, σ1R antagonists might have therapeutic value for the prevention of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.
Hydrology and public health: linking human leptospirosis and local hydrological dynamics in Trinidad, West Indies
Authors: Vega-Corredor Maria Cecilia , Opadeyi Jacob 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Human leptospirosis is currently one of the most widespread bacterial zoonoses and is the only epidemic-prone infection that can be transmitted directly from contaminated water. Transmission in humans is caused by direct or indirect contact with contaminated water, soil or infected urine, blood or tissue of carrier animals. Initial symptoms are similar with those suffered during influenza, dengue or viral hepatitis. As the disease progresses, internal organs can be compromised causing severe hemorrhages, organ failure and, potentially, death. Human leptospirosis is a growing global public health problem although, in endemic areas, it is considered a neglected disease. Hydrological factors, including rainfall and floods, have been frequently related to human leptospirosis. In the Caribbean, leptospirosis is endemic and it is a disease under surveillance. Based on confirmed cases, in Trinidad & Tobago the average annual incidence of human leptospirosis ranges between 1.78 to 1.84 cases per 100,000 population.

Methods
In this paper, we used Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis and Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWPR) for the development of ecological models, to assess the spatial variability in the relationships between local hydrological factors and human leptospirosis occurrence at the community level on the island of Trinidad. Five explanatory covariates were developed for the analysis: rainfall, river drainage density, proportion of soil with free drainage, proportion of soil with imperfect/impeded drainage, and a topographic wetness index.

Results
The GWPR model presented an improvement (AICc = 392.46; deviance = 583.36) over the Global regression model (AICc = 595.52; deviance = 381.78), indicating spatial variability in the relationship of human leptospirosis and hydrological factors. Pseudo t-values of rainfall, imperfect/impeded drainage soil and the topographic wetness index showed high values (|t| >1.96) indicating that local relationships with leptospirosis occurrence may be significant.

Conclusion
Results suggest that rainfall, imperfect/impeded drainage soil and topographic wetness index influence the local dynamics of human leptospirosis.
GR-communications in St. Petersburg Mass Media Discourse
Authors: Быков  , Bykov Ilya 
Published: February 2014

Problems of modern GR-communications are considered in this paper
through the example of St. Petersburg mass media. In the last few years
in St. Petersburg is occuring something what might be called a birth of GRprofessionals’
regional community, which has been culminated by creation
of GR-Club at St. Petersburg State University in autumn 2013. However, as
shown by results of a content analysis study, the mass media had a negative
image of public relations, government relations and lobbying as types
of communication activities.
Socially engaged art practice and character education: Understanding others through visual art
Authors: Hyungsook Kim 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This article examines to what extent socially engaged art practice encourages students by promoting creativity, a sense of citizen responsibility, critical thinking, reflection, an interest in social justice, and consideration of people living in the local community, and ultimately contributing significantly to character education. In community-based art education, which enables the building of character, learners overcome the limitations of knowledge-oriented education to understand others, thus adding more meaning to their lives and helping them cultivate democratic citizenship so that they may serve society. This article discusses a key feature of socially engaged art practice through a case study by focusing on the service learning of an alternative school for North Korean adolescent refugees. The theoretical roots of socially engaged art practice and service learning for developing democratic citizenship are examined. The case of art education at alternative schools for North Korean adolescent refugees is discussed through the lens of community-based art education. North Korean adolescent refugees and South Korean graduate school students taught and were taught through reciprocal participation in service learning.
Kindergarten and school as a learning environment for art
Authors: Nevanen Saila , Juvonen Antti , Ruismäki Heikki 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This article focuses on kindergartens and schools as art educational environments. They were explored from three points of view: the physical environment, the social environment and the pedagogical environment created by the thinking and activities of teachers and artists. A multidimensional evaluation is used to analyse the data. (Interviews of artists and teachers (n=18), final reports (n=9), follow-up material from an art project in Helsinki beginning in 2000.) The project targeted children in kindergarten (3–6 years old) and in the first grades in school (7-9 years old) and included visual art, environmental art, literary art, drama, circus and architectural elements. School, kindergarten and the immediate surroundings offered an opportunity for a diversified cooperative achievement. The children proved to be skilful and significant members of society in carrying out their art projects.
Comparative Study of Energy Harvesting from ZnO Nanorods Using Different Flexible Substrates
Authors: Hussain Mushtaque , Abbasi Mazhar Ali , Khan Azam , Nur Omer , Willander Magnus 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The step toward the fabrication of nanodevices with low cost and improved performance is of high demand; therefore, in the present study, different flexible substrates like common paper, textile fabric, plastic and aluminum foil have been utilized to harvest electrical energy. ZnO nanorods (NRs) were grown by using low-temperature aqueous chemical growth method. The obtained ZnO NRs were highly dense, well aligned, uniformly distributed over the substrates and exhibited good crystal quality. The structural study was carried out by using X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The piezoelectric properties of ZnO NRs were investigated by the help of an atomic force microscope using contact mode. The measurements of generated piezoelectricity were around 16.2 mV, 23.2 mV, 38.5 mV and 43.3 mV for common paper, textile fabric, plastic and aluminum foil, respectively. This investigation is an important step in order to study the effect of different substrates influencing the magnitude of the output voltage under identical growth and measurement conditions. We expect that this study will help identify the most suitable flexible substrate for harvesting energy. It also offers a promising alternative powering source for the next generation nanodevices using non-conventional substrates like aluminum foil. Moreover, the use of aluminum foil as flexible and low cost substrate may pave the way to develop devices in different fields including energy harvesting.
Vitamin D deficiency in elderly people in Swedish nursing homes is associated with increased mortality
Authors: Samefors Maria , Östgren Carl Johan , Mölstad Sigvard , Lannering Christina , Midlöv Patrik , Tengblad Anders 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveInstitutionalised elderly people at northern latitudes may be at elevated risk for vitamin D deficiency. In addition to osteoporosis-related disorders, vitamin D deficiency may influence several medical conditions conferring an increased mortality risk. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with mortality.DesignThe Study of Health and Drugs in the Elderly (SHADES) is a prospective cohort study among elderly people (>65 years) in 11 nursing homes in Sweden.MethodsWe analysed the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3(25(OH)D3) at baseline. Vital status of the subjects was ascertained and hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality according to 25(OH)D3quartiles were calculated.ResultsWe examined 333 study participants with a mean follow-up of 3 years. A total of 147 (44%) patients died within this period. Compared with the subjects in Q4 (25(OH)D3>48 nmol/l), HR (with 95% CI) for mortality was 2.02 (1.31–3.12) in Q1 (25(OH)D3<29 nmol/l) (P<0.05); 2.03 (1.32–3.14) in Q2 (25(OH)D330–37 nmol/l) (P<0.05) and 1.6 (1.03–2.48) in Q3 (25(OH)D338–47 nmol/l) (P<0.05). The mean 25(OH)D3concentration was 40.2 nmol/l (s.d. 16.0) and 80% had 25(OH)D3below 50 nmol/l. The vitamin D levels decreased from baseline to the second and third measurements.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent and associated with increased mortality among the elderly in Swedish nursing homes. Strategies are needed to prevent, and maybe treat, vitamin D deficiency in the elderly in nursing homes and the benefit of vitamin D supplementation should be evaluated in randomised clinical trials.
Full Scale Investigations of Fast Spreading Room Fires
Authors: Knaust Christian , Hofmann Anja 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Fires in homes develop very fast nowadays, because the amount of combustible materials in furniture and electrical devices has increased significantly in recent years. Especially fires in children's rooms can be very hazardous as several recent fires in Germany showed. To investigate the fire and smoke development in such a fire the test room was furnished like a typical children's room and equipped with 36 thermocouples and a pressure measurement device. Also smoke detectors were installed. The fire was ignited by a small candle which was in contact with a mattress only for one second. Flashover occurred only after 4 minutes. The fire load and the fire and smoke development were investigated. The fire safety regulations for the furnishings, electrical devices and toys were discussed. Additionally the temperature rise in the compartment was predicted according to the method of McCaffrey.
Characterization of CuO/YSZ High Temperature Electrolysis Cathode Material Fabricated by High Energy Ball-Milling: 900 °C Reduced by Hydrogen Exposure*
Authors: Lee Sungkyu , Hong Hyun Seon , Lee Mi-Jai , Woo Sang-Kuk 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
As a more economical cathode material than conventional Ni/YSZ cermet for high temperature electrolysis (HTE) cell, CuO/YSZ composites (40 vol.-% and 60 vol.-% CuO powder with balance YSZ) were successfully fabricated by high energy ball-milling of CuO and YSZ powders, pressing into pellets (Φ 13 mm × 2 mm) and subjecting them to a subsequent reduction-sintering process at 900 °C under purging with a 5 % H2/Ar gas. The Cu/YSZ cermet material thus fabricated was characterized using various analytical methods such as XRD, SEM, and laser diffraction as well as scattering method. Electrical conductivity of reduction-sintered Cu/YSZ cermet pellets thus fabricated was measured both at room temperature and temperature range between 600 °C and 800 °C by using the 4-probe technique for comparison with those of previously published literature conductivity data of Ni/YSZ and Cu/YSZ cermets produced by the same high-energy ball milling of blended elemental metal with YSZ powders. The effect of composite composition on the electrical conductivity was investigated and a slight decrease in electrical conductivity for CuO content of 60 vol.-% was explained by a greater porosity accompanying reduction-sintering of 60 vol.-% CuO/YSZ composite than that with 40 vol.-%. Lastly, CuO/YSZ was used as a HTE cathode of a self-supporting planar unit cell and its electrochemical performance was investigated.
Impact Characteristics of Steel Spheres Dropped into a Single Layer Composite
Authors: Özben Tamer 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the different mechanical properties with respect to the impact behaviour on a single layer composite. For this, steel spheres have been used with low initial speed of vo = 2.5 m/s, 4 m/s and 5 m/s and three different diameters. The spheres have been dropped to the plate surface in the vertical direction. Sphere diameters of d = 7 mm, 8.5 mm and 10 mm have been chosen and the effect of impact on three different ply made composite materials has been calculated. The impact characteristics were evaluated by the pulse parameter λ, the reversal energy E, the contact force F, and the rebound velocity V.
Acrylonitrile-Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer Film with Activated Carbon and MnO2 for Formaldehyde Degradation
Authors: Wei Shao , Hua Zhang , Kai Gao , Dong Wan , Xingxiang Zhang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Acrylonitrile-vinylidene chloride (AN-VDC) copolymer films containing activated carbon, manganese dioxide nanoparticles were fabricated via casting method. The formaldehyde degradation capacity of copolymer film was investigated. The results showed that formaldehyde eliminating rate was obviously improved when copolymer film was blended with MnO2 or activated carbon, respectively. The HCHO removal rate increased with concentration of MnO2 or activated carbon. HCHO degradation rate of AN-VDC copolymer film without addition was 45 % for 48 h, while it was up to 90–95 % with the treatment time of 36 h after 3 wt.-% MnO2 or activated carbon addition. Furthermore, the complex effect of MnO2 and activated carbon on the degradation has also been studied. When 3 wt.-% MnO2 and 1 wt.-% activated carbon was mixed into copolymer, the HCHO removal rate was about 90 % for 36 h treatment. The results demonstrated that the formaldehyde eliminating rate was enhanced by complex addition of both MnO2 and activated carbon compared to films with single additions. The enhancement of HCHO eliminating efficiency occured due to a double effect of physical absorption of activated carbon and catalytic oxidation of MnO2.
Processed and Ultra-processed Food Products: Consumption Trends in Canada from 1938 to 2011
Authors: Moubarac Jean-Claude , Batal Malek , Martins Ana Paula Bortoletto , Claro Rafael , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Cannon Geoffrey , Monteiro Carlos 
Published: February 2014

Purpose A classification of foods based on the nature, extent, and purpose of industrial food processing was used to assess changes in household food expenditures and dietary energy availability between 1938 and 2011 in Canada. Methods Food acquisitions from six household food budget surveys (1938/1939 , 1953, 1969, 1984, 2001, and 2011) were classified into unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, and ready-to-consume processed or ultra-processed products. Contributions of each group to household food expenditures, and to dietary energy availability (kcal per capita) were calculated. Results During the period studied, household expenditures and dietary energy availability fell for both unprocessed or minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients, and rose for ready-to-consume products. The caloric share of foods fell from 34.3% to 25.6% and from 37% to 12.7% for culinary ingredients. The share of ready-to-consume products rose from 28.7% to 61.7%, and the increase was especially noteworthy for those that were ultra-processed. Conclusions The most important factor that has driven changes in Canadian dietary patterns between 1938 and 2011 is the replacement of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients used in the preparation of dishes and meals; these have been displaced by ready-to-consume ultra-processed products. Nutrition research and practice should incorporate information about food processing into dietary assessments.