bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The economic burden of prematurity in Canada
Authors: Johnston Karissa M , Gooch Katherine , Korol Ellen , Vo Pamela , Eyawo Oghenowede , Bradt Pamela , Levy Adrian 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Preterm birth is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality among infants worldwide, and imposes considerable burden on health, education and social services, as well as on families and caregivers. Morbidity and mortality resulting from preterm birth is highest among early (< 28 weeks gestational age) and moderate (28–32 weeks) preterm infants, relative to late preterm infants (33–36 weeks). However, substantial societal burden is associated with late prematurity due to the larger number of late preterm infants relative to early and moderate preterm infants.

Methods
The aim in this study was to characterize the burden of premature birth in Canada for early, moderate, and late premature infants, including resource utilization, direct medical costs, parental out-of-pocket costs, education costs, and mortality, using a validated and published decision model from the UK, and adapting it to a Canadian setting based on analysis of administrative, population-based data from Québec.

Results
Two-year survival was estimated at 56.0% for early preterm infants, 92.8% for moderate preterm infants, and 98.4% for late preterm infants. Per infant resource utilization consistently decreased with age. For moderately preterm infants, hospital days ranged from 1.6 at age two to 0.09 at age ten. Cost per infant over the first ten years of life was estimated to be $67,467 for early preterm infants, $52,796 for moderate preterm infants, and $10,010 for late preterm infants. Based on population sizes this corresponds to total national costs of $123.3 million for early preterm infants, $255.6 million for moderate preterm infants, $208.2 million for late preterm infants, and $587.1 million for all infants.

Conclusion
Premature birth results in significant infant morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization and costs in Canada. A comprehensive decision-model based on analysis of a Canadian population-based administrative data source suggested that the greatest national-level burden is associated with moderate preterm infants due to both a large cost per infant and population size while the highest individual-level burden is in early preterm infants and the largest total population size is in late preterm infants. Although the highest medical costs are incurred during the neonatal period, greater resource utilization and costs extend into childhood.
Are psychosocial stressors associated with the relationship of alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality?
Authors: Ruf Esther , Baumert Jens , Meisinger Christa , Döring Angela , Ladwig Karl-Heinz ,   for the MONICA/KORA investigators
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Several studies have shown a protective association of moderate alcohol intake with mortality. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship could be due to misclassification confounding. As psychosocial stressors are among those factors that have not been sufficiently controlled for, we assessed whether they may confound the relationship between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality.

Methods
Three cross-sectional MONICA surveys (conducted 1984–1995) including 11,282 subjects aged 25–74 years were followed up within the framework of KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg), a population-based cohort, until 2002. The prevalences of diseases as well as of lifestyle, clinical and psychosocial variables were compared in different alcohol consumption categories. To assess all-cause mortality risks, hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models which included lifestyle, clinical and psychosocial variables.

Results
Diseases were more prevalent among non-drinkers than among drinkers: Moreover, non-drinkers showed a higher percentage of an unfavourable lifestyle and were more affected with psychosocial stressors at baseline. Multivariable-adjusted HRs for moderate alcohol consumption versus no consumption were 0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-0.94) in men and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.66-1.16) in women. In men, moderate drinkers had a significantly lower all-cause mortality risk than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers (p = 0.002) even after multivariable adjustment. In women, moderate alcohol consumption was not associated with lowered risk of death from all causes.

Conclusions
The present study confirmed the impact of sick quitters on mortality risk, but failed to show that the association between alcohol consumption and mortality is confounded by psychosocial stressors.
The prevalence of eating behaviors among Canadian youth using cross-sectional school-based surveys
Authors: Lillico Heather G , Hammond David , Manske Steve , Murnaghan Donna 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundObesity is a growing public health concern in Canada. Excess weight is particularly a concern among youth given that obesity in youth predicts obesity in adulthood. Eating behaviors, both inside and outside the home have been associated with increased risk of obesity; however, there is little data among Canadian youth to monitor trends.MethodsThe School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation Surveys (SHAPES) were administered in schools. Our study examined 20, 923 students (grades 5-12) from four regions in Canada. The regions were Hamilton and Thunder Bay (both in Ontario), the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the Province of Quebec.ResultsConsuming breakfast daily was reported by 70% of grade 5-8 students, and 51% of grade 9-12’s. Among students in grade 9-12, 52% reported eating with family members daily, compared with 68% in grade 5-8. Just over half of students in grade 5-8, and 70% in grade 9-12 reported eating at a fast-food place once a week or more. Among grade 5-8 students 68% reported eating in front of the television at least once per week, compared to 76% in grade 9-12. Obese students were more likely to watch TV while eating, and less likely to eat with a family member and eat breakfast.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that only a modest proportion of youth report dietary patterns that have previously been associated with healthy eating and reduced risk of obesity. Later adolescence may be a critical time for intervention in health-related behaviors.
Ethical considerations of universal vaccination against human papilloma virus
Authors: Navarro-Illana Pedro , Aznar Justo , Díez-Domingo Javier 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
From an epidemiological perspective, the practice of universal vaccination of girls and young women in order to prevent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and potential development of cervical cancer is widely accepted even though it may lead to the neglect of other preventive strategies against cervical cancer.

Discussion
It is argued that removing the deterrent effect – the fear of developing cancer – could encourage teenage sex. This paper reflects on the ethical legitimacy of the universal vaccination of girls and young women against HPV infection, especially regarding safety issues, the need to vaccinate people who have opted to abstain from sex, the presumption of early onset of sexual relations, the commercial interests of the companies that manufacture the vaccine, and the recommendation of universal vaccination in males.

Summary
Based on the aforementioned information, we believe that the universal vaccination against HPV in young women is acceptable from an ethical point of view, given the medical advantages it presents.
Gene silencing of heparanase results in suppression of invasion and migration of hepatoma cells
Authors: Dong Weiwei , Zhao Huixia , Zhang Caihong , Geng Paili , Sarengaowa  , Li Qiuwen , Zhu Jianhua , Li Guanghui , Zhang Shufang , Ye Ming , Xiao Wenhua 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
This study investigated the effect of transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of the heparanase gene on hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells.

Methods
SiRNAs targeting the promoter region and coding region of the heparanase gene were designed and synthesized. Then the siRNAs were transfected into hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells by nuclear transfection or cytoplasmic transfection. The expression of heparanase was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting 48 h, 72 h and 96 h post-transfection. In addition, wound healing and invasion assays were performed to estimate the effect of TGS of the heparanase gene on the migration and invasion of hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells.

Results
Protein and mRNA expression of the heparanase gene were interfered with by TGS or post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) 48 h after transfection. At 72 h post-transfection, the expression of the PTGS group of genes had recovered unlike the TGS group. At 96 h post-transfection, the expression of the heparanase gene had recovered in both the TGS group and PTGS group. Invasion and wound healing assays showed that both TGS and PTGS of the heparanase gene could inhibit invasion and migration of hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells, especially the TGS group.

Conclusions
TGS can effectively interfere with the heparanase gene to reduce the invasion and migration of hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells.
SAXS investigation of nanoporous structure of thermal-modified carbon materials
Authors: Ostafiychuk Bogdan K , Mandzyuk Volodymyr I , Kulyk Yuriy O , Nagirna Nadiia I 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The article investigates the effect of thermal modification of porous carbon material (PCM), obtained from plant feedstock, on its morphology and fractal structure by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method. The analysis of the scattering intensity curves serve the basis for calculating the parameters of the PCM porous structure: the Porod constant, the Porod invariant, average pore radius, specific surface area, and mass and surface fractal dimensions. It has been found out that the PCMs obtained have fractal structure, formed from mass and surface fractals, the sizes of which increase at the growth of temperature and modification time.

PACS

81.05.Uw; 61.05.cf; 82.47.Aa
Study on antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by gamma irradiation method using different stabilizers
Authors: Van Phu Dang , Quoc Le Anh , Duy Nguyen Ngoc , Lan Nguyen Thi Kim , Du Bui Duy , Luan Le Quang , Hien Nguyen Quoc 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by gamma Co-60 irradiation using different stabilizers, namely polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alginate, and sericin. The particle size measured from TEM images was 4.3, 6.1, 7.6, and 10.2 nm for AgNPs/PVP, AgNPs/PVA, AgNPs/alginate, and AgNPs/sericin, respectively. The influence of different stabilizers on the antibacterial activity of AgNPs was investigated. Results showed that AgNPs/alginate exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) among the as-synthesized AgNPs. Handwash solution has been prepared using Na lauryl sulfate as surfactant, hydroxyethyl cellulose as binder, and 15 mg/L of AgNPs/alginate as antimicrobial agent. The obtained results on the antibacterial test of handwash for the dilution to 3 mg AgNPs/L showed that the antibacterial efficiency against E. coli was of 74.6%, 89.8%, and 99.0% for the contacted time of 1, 3, and 5 min, respectively. Thus, due to the biocompatibility of alginate extracted from seaweed and highly antimicrobial activity of AgNPs synthesized by gamma Co-60 irradiation, AgNPs/alginate is promising to use as an antimicrobial agent in biomedicine, cosmetic, and in other fields.
In situ formation of silver nanoparticles in linear and branched polyelectrolyte matrices using various reducing agents
Authors: Chumachenko Vasyl , Kutsevol Nataliya , Rawiso Michel , Schmutz Marc , Blanck Christian 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in linear and branched polyelectrolyte matrices using different reductants and distinct synthesis conditions. The effect of the host hydrolyzed linear polyacrylamide and star-like copolymers dextran-graft-polyacrylamide of various compactness, the nature of the reductant, and temperature were studied on in situ synthesis of silver sols. The related nanosystems were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry. It was established that the internal structure of the polymer matrix as well as the nature of the reductant determines the process of the silver nanoparticle formation. Specifically, the branched polymer matrices were much more efficient than the linear ones for stable nanosystem preparation.
Assisting drinking with an affordable BCI-controlled wearable robot and electrical stimulation: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Looned Ritik , Webb Jacob , Xiao Zheng Gang , Menon Carlo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
The aim of the present study is to demonstrate, through tests with healthy volunteers, the feasibility of potentially assisting individuals with neurological disorders via a portable assistive technology for the upper extremities (UE). For this purpose the task of independently drinking a glass of water was selected, as it is one of the most basic and vital activities of the daily living that is unfortunately not achievable by individuals severely affected by stroke.

Methods
To accomplish the aim of this study we introduce a wearable and portable system consisting of a novel lightweight Robotic Arm Orthosis (RAO), a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system, and a simple wireless Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). This system is able to process electroencephalographic (EEG) signals and translate them into motions of the impaired arm. Five healthy volunteers participated in this study and were asked to simulate stroke patient symptoms with no voluntary control of their hand and arm. The setup was designed such as the volitional movements of the healthy volunteers’ UE did not interfere with the evaluation of the proposed assistive system. The drinking task was split into eleven phases of which seven were executed by detecting EEG-based signals through the BCI. The user was asked to imagine UE motion related to the specific phase of the task to be assisted. Once detected by the BCI the phase was initiated. Each phase was then terminated when the BCI detected the volunteers clenching their teeth.

Results
The drinking task was completed by all five participants with an average time of 127 seconds with a standard deviation of 23 seconds. The incremental motions of elbow extension and elbow flexion were the primary limiting factors for completing this task faster. The BCI control along with the volitional motions also depended upon the users pace, hence the noticeable deviation from the average time.

Conclusion
Through tests conducted with healthy volunteers, this study showed that our proposed system has the potential for successfully assisting individuals with neurological disorders and hemiparetic stroke to independently drink from a glass.
Antioxidant-rich dietary intervention for improving asthma control in pregnancies complicated by asthma: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grieger Jessica A , Wood Lisa G , Clifton Vicki L 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease to complicate pregnancies worldwide, affecting around 12% of pregnant women in Australia. Oxidative stress and inflammation manifest during pregnancy; however asthma in pregnancies further intensifies oxidative stress. Consumption of antioxidant-rich foods has been shown to be beneficial for asthma control in non-pregnant asthmatic adults. It has not been investigated whether antioxidant-rich foods can improve the elevated oxidative stress that occurs with asthma in pregnancy, thereby improving asthma control. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether increased consumption of antioxidant-rich foods for 12 weeks will improve maternal asthma control, compared to standard dietary intake during pregnancy.

Methods/design
A 12 week, parallel randomized controlled trial will be conducted. One hundred and sixty eight pregnant women with mild, moderate, or severe asthma, currently using inhaled corticosteroids, and with poor diet quality, will be recruited at approximately12 weeks gestation. Following a 4 week run-in period, women will be randomized to either a 12 week antioxidant intervention (increased consumption of antioxidant-rich foods (≥5 servings/day vegetables, ≥2 servings/day fruit, ≥8 ½ servings/day grains (mostly wholegrains), 3–4 serving/week lean meat) or standard pregnancy care. The primary outcome is asthma control score (decrease of 0.5, the minimally clinically significant change). Secondary outcomes include plasma antioxidants, markers of oxidative stress, and time to, and number of, exacerbations. With two-tailed t-tests at 80% power, a sample size of 52 completions per group is required. Allowing for a 78% retention including a 20% removal of women from the analysis due to non-compliance, we will recruit 168 women.

Discussion
It is expected that this 12 week study will improve asthma control. This is significant because asthma is the most prevalent condition to complicate pregnancies and contributes to poor maternal, neonatal and infant health outcomes. Our research will provide the first evidence to show that, in pregnancy, consumption of antioxidant-rich foods is a key modifier of clinical asthma status. This research is crucial for contributing to the evidence base to inform future guidelines given existing clinical and research gaps.

Trial registration

ACTRN12613000301763
Prevalence of Fasciola giganticainfection in slaughtered animals in south-eastern Lake Chad area in relation to husbandry practices and seasonal water levels
Authors: Jean-Richard Vreni , Crump Lisa , Abicho Abbani Alhadj , Naré Ngandolo Bongo , Greter Helena , Hattendorf Jan , Schelling Esther , Zinsstag Jakob 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Fasciolosis has been described in sub-Saharan Africa in many accounts, but the latest reports from Chad are from the 1970s. Mobile pastoralists perceive liver parasites as a significant problem and think that proximity to Lake Chad can lead to infection. This study aimed to assess the importance of liver fluke infections in mobile pastoralists’ livestock in the south-eastern Lake Chad region.
In 2011, all animals presented at three slaughter slabs near Gredaya in the south-eastern Lake Chad area were examined for infection with Fasciola spp. during routine meat inspections.

Results
This study included 616 goats, 132 sheep and 130 cattle. The prevalence of adult Fasciola gigantica was 68% (CI 60-76%) in cattle, 12% (CI 10-16%) in goats and 23% (CI 16-30%) in sheep. From all infected animals (n = 200), 53% (n = 106) were classified as lightly infected with 1-10 parasites, 18% (n =36) as moderately infected with 11-100 parasites and 29% (n = 58) as heavily infected with more than 100 parasites per animal.
Animals grazing close to the shores of Lake Chad had a much higher risk of infection (prevalence =38%; n = 329) than animals not feeding at the lake (n = 353), with only one goat being positive (prevalence = 0.28%).
The ethnic group of the owner was a strong determinant for the risk of infection. Ethnic group likely served as a proxy for husbandry practices. Geospatial distribution showed that animals originating from areas close to the lake were more likely to be infected with F. gigantica than those from more distant areas.

Conclusions
Livestock belonging to ethnic groups which traditionally stay near surface water, and which were reported to feed near Lake Chad, have a high risk of infection with F. gigantica. Pastoralist perception of fasciolosis as a priority health problem was confirmed.
Regular preventive and post-exposure treatment is recommended for animals grazing near the lake. However, further economic analysis is needed.
Single incision thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection
Authors: Jeon Hyun Woo , Kim Young-Du , Moon Young Kyu , Wang Young Pil 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) provides less postoperative pain, preservation of the immune response and shorter recovery period, compared with thoracotomy. However, many patients complain of postoperative pain and paresthesia because VATS requires 3 or 4 incisions including a utility incision of 3–5 cm. To overcome this problem, single incision thoracoscopic surgery has emerged; this technique has been adopted for lung cancer surgery since 2010. Complete mediastinal lymph node dissection is the major role of lung cancer surgery. We describe a case of a right upper lobectomy with complete mediastinal lymph node dissection via single incision thoracosopic surgery.
The effect of prime emulsion components as a function of equilibrium headspace concentration of soursop flavor compounds
Authors: Cheong Kok Whye , Tan Chin Ping , Mirhosseini Hamed , Joanne-Kam Wai Yee , Sheikh Abdul Hamid Nazimah , Osman Azizah , Basri Mahiran 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Perceptions of food products start when flavor compounds are released from foods, transported and appropriate senses in the oral and nose are triggered. However, the long-term stability of flavor compounds in food product has been a major concern in the food industry due to the complex interactions between key food ingredients (e.g., polysaccharides and proteins). Hence, this study was conducted to formulate emulsion-based beverage using natural food emulsifiers and to understand the interactions between emulsion compositions and flavor compounds.

Results
The influences of modified starch (x

1
), whey protein isolate (x

2
), soursop flavor oil (x

3
) and deionized water (x

4
) on the equilibrium headspace concentration of soursop volatile flavor compounds were evaluated using a four-component with constrained extreme vertices mixture design. The results indicated that the equilibrium headspace concentration of soursop flavor compounds were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the matrix and structural compositions of the beverage emulsions. Interface formed using modified starch and whey protein isolate (WPI) proved to be capable of inhibiting the release of volatile flavor compounds from the oil to the aqueous phase. Modified starch could retard the overall flavor release through its hydrophobic interactions with volatile flavor compounds and viscosity enhancement effect. Excessive amount of modified starch was also shown to be detrimental to the stability of emulsion system. However, both modified starch and WPI showed to be a much more effective barrier in inhibiting the flavor release of flavor compounds when used as individual emulsifier than as a mixture.

Conclusions
Overall, the mixture design can be practical in elucidating the complex interactions between key food components and volatile flavor compounds in an emulsion system. These studies will be useful for the manufacturers for the formulation of an optimum beverage emulsion with desirable emulsion properties and desirable flavor release profile.