bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex Is Associated With the Presence of Atherosclerotic Plaque Hemorrhage and Modifies the Relation Between Plaque Hemorrhage and Cardiovascular Outcome
Authors: Vrijenhoek Joyce E.P. , Den Ruijter Hester M. , De Borst Gert Jan , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , De Vries Jean-Paul P.M. , Bots Michiel L. , Van de Weg Sander M. , Vink Aryan , Moll Frans L. , Pasterkamp Gerard 
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—
Plaque hemorrhage (PH) may lead to accelerated progression of atherosclerotic disease. The presence of local PH in the carotid plaque predicts future cardiovascular events in any vascular territory. We investigated the prevalence of local PH and the predictive value of PH for the occurrence of cardiovascular events in men and women separately.

Methods—
Atherosclerotic plaques from 1422 patients (969 men, 453 women) who underwent carotid endarterectomy were analyzed histologically for the presence of PH. Patients were monitored for 3 years for cardiovascular events (nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, vascular death, and vascular intervention).

Results—

Plaques from men showed a significantly higher prevalence of PH compared with women (67% versus 54%;
P
<0.001). In 1353 patients with available follow-up data, with a median duration of 2.9 years, 270 events had occurred in men (29%) and 94 in women (22%). Stratified by presence of PH, the event rate was 32% in men with PH versus 23% in men without PH, and 23% in women with PH versus 21% in women without PH. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model found a significant interaction between sex and PH. PH was significantly associated with events in men (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–2.8) but not in women (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.6–1.7).

Conclusions—
Atherosclerotic carotid plaques obtained from men reveal a higher prevalence of PH compared with women. Local PH is strongly related to secondary manifestations of cardiovascular disease in men but not in women.
Kuroshio Extension Bimodality and the North Pacific Oscillation: A Case of Intrinsic Variability Paced by External Forcing
Authors: Pierini Stefano 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A previous North Pacific Ocean circulation model forced by climatological winds is extended here to include a time-dependent North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) forcing. The Kuroshio Extension (KE) decadal bimodal cycle (which is a self-sustained intrinsic relaxation oscillation in the climatologically forced case) is now excited by the NPO forcing. Both the timing of the cycles and the Rossby wave teleconnection mechanism that is found to govern the synchronization from 1993 to 2012 are in good agreement with altimeter observations. Sensitivity numerical experiments are carried out by varying the zonal location and amplitude of the NPO forcing, and the lateral eddy viscosity. The emergence of the KE bimodality with a correct timing is found to be extremely sensitive to changes in the dissipative parameterization; the implications of such sensitivity for deficiencies found in more realistic North Pacific Ocean general circulation models are discussed. The dynamical mechanism that emerges from this study is explained as a case of intrinsic variability in an excitable dynamical system triggered, and therefore paced, by an external forcing.
A Trial to Improve Surface Heat Exchange Simulation through Sensitivity Experiments over a Desert Steppe Site
Authors: Zhang Guo , Zhou Guangsheng , Chen Fei , Barlage Michael , Xue Lulin 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
It is still a daunting challenge for land surface models (LSMs) to correctly represent surface heat exchange for water-limited desert steppe ecosystems. This study aims to improve the ability of the Noah LSM to simulate surface heat fluxes through addressing uncertainties in precipitation forcing conditions, rapidly evolving vegetation properties, soil hydraulic properties (SHPs), and key parameterization schemes. Three years (2008–10) of observed surface heat fluxes and soil temperature over a desert steppe site in Inner Mongolia, China, are used to verify model simulations. The proper seasonal distribution of precipitation, along with more realistic vegetation parameters, can improve the simulation of sensible heat flux (SH) and the seasonal variability of latent heat flux. Correctly representing the low-surface exchange coefficient is crucial for improving SH for short vegetation like this desert steppe site. Relating Czil, the coefficient in the Noah surface exchange coefficient calculation, with canopy height h improves the simulated SH and the diurnal range of soil temperature over the simulation compared with using the default constant Czil. The exponential water stress formulation proposed here for the Jarvis scheme improves the partitioning between soil evaporation and transpiration. It is found that the surface energy fluxes are very sensitive to SHPs. This study highlights the important role of the proper parameter values and appropriate parameterizations for the surface exchange coefficient and water stress function in canopy resistance in capturing the observed surface energy fluxes and soil temperature variations for this desert steppe site.
Bottom-Enhanced Diapycnal Mixing Driven by Mesoscale Eddies: Sensitivity to Wind Energy Supply
Authors: Stanley Geoff J. , Saenko Oleg A. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
It has been estimated that much of the wind energy input to the ocean general circulation is removed by mesoscale eddies via baroclinic instability. While the fate of this energy remains a subject of research, arguments have been presented suggesting that a fraction of it may get transferred to lee waves that, upon breaking, result in bottom-enhanced diapycnal mixing. Here the authors propose several parameterizations of this process and explore their impact in a low-resolution ocean–climate model, focusing on their impact on the abyssal meridional overturning circulation (MOC) of Antarctic Bottom Water. This study shows that, when the eddy energy is allowed to maintain diapycnal mixing, the abyssal MOC generally intensifies with increasing wind energy input to the ocean. In such a case, the whole system is driven by the wind: wind steepens isopycnals and generates eddies, and the (parameterized) eddies generate small-scale mixing, driving the MOC. It is also demonstrated that if the model diapycnal diffusivity, eddy transfer coefficient, and surface climate are decoupled from the winds, then stronger wind stress in the Southern Ocean may lead to a weaker MOC in the abyss—in line with previous results. A simple scaling theory, describing the response of the abyssal MOC strength to wind energy input, is developed, providing a better insight on the numerical results.
Implementation of the Power to Prevent Diabetes Prevention Educational Curriculum Into Rural African American Communities
Authors: Cené Crystal W. , Haymore Laura Beth , Ellis Danny , Whitaker Shaketa , Henderson Stacey , Lin Feng-Chang , Corbie-Smith Giselle 
Published: October 2013

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to implement the Power to Prevent (P2P) diabetes prevention education curriculum in rural African American (AA) settings. Methods Trained community health workers facilitated the 12-session P2P curriculum across 3 community settings. Quantitative (based on the pre- and post-curriculum questionnaires and changes in blood glucose, blood pressure [BP], and weight at baseline and 6 months) and qualitative data (based on semi-structured interviews with facilitators) were collected. Indicators of feasibility included: demand, acceptability, implementation fidelity, and limited efficacy testing. Results Across 3 counties, 104 AA participants were recruited; 43% completed ≥ 75% of the sessions. There was great demand for the program. Fifteen community health ambassadors (CHAs) were trained, and 4 served as curriculum facilitators. Content and structure of the intervention was acceptable to facilitators but there were challenges to implementing the program as designed. Improvements were seen in diabetes knowledge and the impact of healthy eating and physical activity on diabetes prevention, but there were no significant changes in blood glucose, BP, or weight. Conclusion While it is feasible to use a CBPR approach to recruit participants and implement the P2P curriculum in AA community settings, there are significant challenges that must be overcome.
Treatment Outcomes of Injection Laryngoplasty Using Cross‐Linked Porcine Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Wen Ming‐Hsun , Cheng Po‐Wen , Liao Li‐Jen , Chou Hsu‐Wen , Wang Chi‐Te 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of injection laryngoplasty (IL) using cross‐linked porcine collagen (PC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingA tertiary teaching hospital.Subjects and MethodsThis study reviewed 60 consecutive patients with UVFP who underwent IL with PC (n = 33) or HA (n = 27). Objective evaluations included maximal phonation time (MPT) and 10‐item voice handicap index (VHI‐10). Kaplan‐Meier method was applied to evaluate the subjective treatment outcomes according to the patients’ self‐assessment of symptom recurrence via chart review for the follow‐up period of 15 months. Log‐rank tests were applied to evaluate the association between clinical factors and subjective treatment outcomes.ResultsObjective outcome measurements revealed significantly improved MPT and VHI‐10 at 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment, with nonsignificant differences between the PC and HA groups. Subjective treatment outcomes also revealed a nonsignificant difference between the 2 groups. The median symptom‐free durations were 10.9 and 14.4 months for the PC and HA groups, respectively. Subsequent analyses failed to identify prognostic significance of sex, time to treatment, etiology, side, injection approaches, and the presence of aspiration. No significant adverse effects occurred during the follow‐up period.ConclusionThis study demonstrated comparable subjective and objective improvements following IL using PC or HA in patients with UVFP. No significant prognostic factor of IL was discovered in the present research. Porcine collagen and HA as medium duration materials might play a role in the future of IL.
Transtibial Versus Independent Drilling Techniques for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Riboh Jonathan C. , Hasselblad Vic , Godin Jonathan A. , Mather Richard C. 
Published: October 2013

Background: While numerous cadaveric, in vivo, and clinical studies have compared transtibial and independent drilling of femoral tunnels during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, there is no evidence-based consensus on which technique affords the best outcome. Hypothesis: There is no difference in clinical outcome between transtibial and independent drilling of femoral tunnels. Study Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. Methods: Cadaveric, in vivo, and clinical studies comparing transtibial and independent drilling techniques were systematically identified. A qualitative synthesis of nonrandomized studies and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed. In addition, a meta-regression analysis of RCTs that did not directly compare drilling techniques was performed. Results: A total of 49 studies were included in the qualitative review, and 15 were included in the meta-analysis; 22 studies were included in the meta-regression. In biomechanical studies, independent drilling placed the center of the femoral tunnel closer to the center of the femoral footprint (mean difference, 2.69 mm; 95% CI, 0.46-4.92; P < .00001). Independent drilling reduced anterior tibial translation with the Lachman examination (mean difference, 2.2 mm; 95% CI, 0.34-4.07; P = .02), 134 N of anterior load (mean difference, 1 mm; 95% CI, 0.29-1.71; P = .006), and simulated pivot shift (mean difference, 3.36 mm; 95% CI, 1.88-4.85; P < .00001). The meta-analysis showed improved Lysholm scores with independent drilling (mean difference, −0.62 points; 95% CI, −1.09 to −0.55; P = .009), although the clinical relevance of this small difference is questionable. There were no significant differences in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective scores or Tegner scores between groups. With the meta-regression, there were no significant differences in failure rates or IKDC objective scores. Conclusion: While there are biomechanical data suggesting improved knee stability and more anatomic graft placement with independent drilling, no significant clinical differences were found between the 2 techniques. Clinical Relevance: The current evidence shows that transtibial and independent drilling techniques have equivalent clinical outcomes at short-term to midterm follow-up. The long-term effects of subtle differences in tunnel position and postoperative knee kinematics should be further studied in dedicated, prospective cohort and randomized studies.
Genipin as a sporicidal agent for the treatment of cortical bone allografts
Authors: Reich Michael S , Kishore Vipuil , Iglesias Rodrigo , Akkus Ozan 
Published: October 2013

Introduction Microbial bioburden in bone allografts can be reduced by gamma radiation; however, the radiation compromises collagen and increases the risk of graft failure. Genipin is an agent that may reduce bioburden by chemical crosslinking without causing mechanical detriment or cytotoxicity. Methods To evaluate genipin’s ability to penetrate cortical bone while maintaining sporicidal activity, Bacillus subtilis spore strips were isolated between slices of bovine femoral cortical bone and immersed in genipin solutions for up to one week; spore viability was assessed with media-based assays. The mechanical effects of genipin treatment were assessed by performing three-point bending tests on genipin-treated cortical beams. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted by evaluating the adhesion and proliferation of murine MC3T3-E1 (P21) preosteoblasts on cortical bone slices which were treated with genipin and rinsed to different extents. Results Genipin successfully penetrated cortical bone slices and sterilized B. subtilis populations after 48 hours ( p > 0.05) and one week ( p < 0.05). Genipin-treated cortical beams demonstrated dose-dependent increases in yield strain ( p = 0.02) and resilience ( p < 0.01), whereas other mechanical properties were not affected by genipin treatment. Seeding cells onto inadequately rinsed genipin-treated bones proved cytotoxic. However, with adequate post-treatment rinsing of the residual genipin, cell adhesion and proliferation was comparable to phosphate-buffered saline-treated controls (no genipin). Conclusions Genipin solutions can sterilize bacterial spore populations entrapped within the continuum of bone tissue while preserving mechanical properties of bone and allowing cell adhesion and proliferation. Provided that antimicrobial effects seen with bacterial spores extend broadly to all microbial and viral species, genipin holds strong potential for bone allograft sterilization.
Pharmacists’ Roles in Post-September 11th Disasters
Authors: Ford Heath , von Waldner Trina , Perri Matthew 
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To characterize the roles pharmacists have assumed in disasters and clarify the types of roles and disasters that may be less well-documented in the pharmacy literature. Methods: This research examines how balanced or equally proportioned role categories are in the pharmacy literature, whether pharmacy journals differ in the proportion of role categories reported, and whether journals significantly differ in the proportion of reported chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN), and natural disasters. Data coding was performed solely by the lead author using Concordance (Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts), a Web-based content analysis software, and Minitab® (version 15; Minitab, Inc; State College, Pennsylvania) for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Pharmacy journals publishing at least 2 articles about pharmacist disaster roles from September 11, 2001 to September 30, 2011 were used in the study and were available electronically. Results: Chi-square analyses reveal significant differences in the weighted counts of roles, roles categorized by journal, and CBRN disasters categorized by journal. Conclusions: Data suggest that pharmacists may be prepared to respond to hurricanes and biological and chemical disasters in pharmaceutical supply and patient management roles. Future research should highlight efforts to prepare health systems for the effects of nuclear, radiological, and chemical disasters.
Nursing Perception of the Impact of Automated Dispensing Cabinets on Patient Safety and Ergonomics in a Teaching Health Care Center
Authors: Rochais Élise , Atkinson Suzanne , Guilbeault Mélanie , Bussières Jean-François 
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To evaluate how nursing staff felt about the impact of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) on the safe delivery of health care and workplace ergonomics. To identify the main issues involved in the use of this technology and to describe the corrective measures implemented. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with quantitative and qualitative components. A questionnaire that consisted of 33 statements about ADC was distributed from May 24 to June 3, 2011. Results: A total of 172 (46%) of 375 nurses completed the questionnaire. Nursing staff considered the introduction of ADC made their work easier (level of agreement of 90%), helped to safely provide patients with care (91%), and helped to reduce medication incidents/accidents (81%). Nursing staff was particularly satisfied by the narcotic drugs management with the ADCs. Nursing staff were not satisfied with the additional delays in the preparation and administration of a medication dose and the inability to prevent a medication from being administered when stopped on the medication administration record (48%). Conclusion: The nursing staff members were satisfied with the use of ADC and believed it made their work easier, promoted safe patient care, and were perceived to reduce medication incidents/accidents.
Changes in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase 55 kDa gamma expression and subcellular localization may be caspase 6 dependent in paraquat-induced SH-SY5Y apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Y , Li F , Tian X , Wang B , Ding M , Pang H 
Published: October 2013

The neurotoxin paraquat (PQ) causes apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in mammalian cell culture and animal models, mimicking an important pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is critical for several major survival signals in central nervous system neurons. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase 55 kDa gamma ( p55PIK) is a regulatory subunit of PI3Ks with important roles in cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, and cell cycle progression. However, p55PIK involvement in mechanisms regarding progression and maintenance of neurodegenerative diseases is largely undetermined. We used PQ-induced apoptosis in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells to investigate the association between p55PIK expression levels, subcellular location, and apoptosis. p55PIK expression was reduced in SH-SY5Y cells and p55PIK messenger RNA and protein expression levels were decreased after PQ treatment. Apoptosis induced by PQ was associated with caspase activation and decreased p55PIK expression. Restoration of p55PIK expression was observed after coincubation with a caspase inhibitor. Overexpressed full-length p55PIK in SH-SY5Y and human embryonic kidney 293 cells showed specific distribution in the nucleus and was cleaved in vitro by recombinant caspase 6 (C6), but not C3 and C7. A p55PIK construct lacking 24 N-terminal amino acids (N24) was tested for the presence of a potential C6-recognizable sequence and was found to express its proteins outside the nucleus. The results suggest that p55PIK may be involved in PQ-induced apoptosis signal transduction and that N24 is crucial for p55PIK subcellular localization. Thus, p55PIK could be a substrate of activated C6 during apoptosis, leading to loss of original biological functions and redistribution to disturb cell cycle progression.
The illness narratives of men involved in the criminal justice system: A study of health behaviors, chronic conditions, and HIV/AIDS
Authors: Valera Pamela , Kratz Molly 
Published: October 2013

Summary Former inmates encounter a variety of challenges when returning to their community, including poor health status and limited access to healthcare services. This qualitative study examined how former male inmates with chronic conditions perceived, understood, managed, and coped with their illnesses. Findings The participants were Black and Puerto Rican, with a mean age of 47 years, who were interviewed within three years of their release. Participants reported at least one chronic condition, with 21 HIV-negative men using chaos narratives to depict their approach to disease management. Nine HIV-positive men used quest narratives to present their illnesses and were immediately linked to supportive services, enabling them to overcome the barriers to community reintegration. Applications Health interventions in the area of forensic social work ought to focus on conducting Medicaid outreach and enrollment efforts prior to correctional facility discharge.
The role of the Government in addressing social issues in Ghana: The perceptions of Ghanaian undergraduate social work students
Authors: Castillo Jason T , Asante Samuel , Becerra David , Dwumah Peter , Barnie Jonas Asamanin 
Published: October 2013

Summary Data for this exploratory study were drawn from a sample of 185 Ghanaian social work students from one university in Ghana in the Fall of 2010. Complementary log–log ordinal logistic regressions were run to analyze the relationship between Ghanaian social work students’ sociodemographic variables and their perceptions of the central government’s role in addressing social issues in Ghana. Findings The results of this study demonstrated that there are indeed differences between Ghanaian social work students by age, gender, marital status, and number of children on their perceptions of the role of the government in addressing social issues in Ghana. The findings revealed that social work students who were female, younger, nonmarried, or without children were more likely to perceive that the government should ensure employment, health insurance, and equal opportunities to Ghanaians. Moreover, the findings revealed that social work students with one or more children were less likely to perceive that the government should ensure health insurance. Applications Social work administrators and educators may wish to make several changes to undergraduate social work students’ coursework and practicum placement training that requires social work students to take and complete (a) theoretical courses that emphasize concepts associated with human rights and social justice, (b) diversity courses that emphasize the intersection between age, gender, marital status, poverty, and inequality in Ghana, (c) macro courses that emphasize the historical, political, economic, and social realms of the district, regional, and central governments in Ghana, and (d) practicum placements at macro public sector organizations.
The zebrafish granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (Gcsfs): 2 paralogous cytokines and their roles in hematopoietic development and maintenance
Authors: Stachura David L. , Svoboda Ondřej , Campbell Clyde A. , Espín-Palazón Raquel , Lau Ryan P. , Zon Leonard I. , Bartůněk Petr , Traver David 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsTwo Gcsf ligands function redundantly through the Gcsf receptor to promote myelopoiesis in zebrafish. Gcsf signaling is required for HSPC emergence and expansion in zebrafish.