bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated plasma levels of SPARC in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Dandong , Li Ling , Yang Mengliu , Liu Hua , Yang Gangyi 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveSecreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) also known as BM-40 which has been studied in various pathological conditions, has recently been suggested as a key player in the pathology of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there are few studies on putative pathophysiologic roles of SPARC in glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma SPARC concentrations were altered in subjects with different glucose metabolic conditions and to investigate the affecting factors.Design and methodsIn this study, 54 newly diagnosed T2DM subjects, 53 subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR), and 53 normal subjects (body mass index (BMI): 24.98±3.75 vs 24.70±2.78 and 24.53±3.66 kg/m2,P>0.05) were enrolled. Plasma SPARC levels were measured with an ELISA under overnight fasting conditions. The relationships between plasma SPARC and several metabolic factors, such as BMI, blood lipids, blood glucose, plasma insulin levels, and other factors were also assessed.ResultsSPARC levels were higher in subjects with T2DM compared with IGR and control subjects (16.74±6.99 vs 14.04±8.03 μg/l,P<0.05 and 16.74±6.99 vs 11.72±4.47 μg/l,P<0.01). However, there was no difference in plasma SPARC levels between IGR subjects and the controls. Plasma SPARC levels correlated positively with BMI, the percentage of fat, triglyceride, fasting plasma insulin, 2 h plasma insulin after a glucose load, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in simple regression analysis.ConclusionThe present work indicates a potential link between SPARC and the pathogenesis of T2DM.
Tools for mobile crane selecting and locating
Authors: Struková Z. , Ištvánik M. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Definition of types, amount and positions of cranes in construction site planning has a big impact on the overall productivity and cost effectiveness of a construction project. It is not rare, that engineers during preparation phase of construction fault in crane selection. It implies big financial losses for the company because of wrong crane rent. In visualisation of mobile crane operation in 3D is noticeable that working radius of the crane is considerably less then number listed in crane technical documentation (capacity chart). The built construction itself can reduce the crane radius when the crane boom snags the built object edge. Several computer applications were developed in order to help practitioners in selecting and using of cranes. In the paper is presented one version of non-commercial software tool (Mobile Crane Simulator) useful in construction preparation as a tool for selecting and locating of the mobile crane at construction sites. The tool was developed by authours of the paper. The principles of the tool creation are also explained.
Analytical solution for estimating the influence of a pre-existing ground water flow on a geothermal heat production-injection well system
Authors: David I. , Visescu M. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Geothermal energy source is the heat from the Earth, which ranges from the shallow ground (the upper 100 m of the Earth) to the hot water and hot rock which is a few thousand meters beneath the Earth's surface. In both cases the so-called open systems for geothermal energy resource exploitation consist of a groundwater production well to supply heat energy and an injection well to return the cooled water, from the heat pump after the thermal energy transfer, in the underground. In the paper an analytical method for a rapid estimation of the ground water flow direction effect on the coupled production well and injection well system will be proposed. The method will be illustrated with solutions and images for representative flow directions respect to the axis of the production/injection well system.
Numerical and experimental study on rotary draw bending of aluminium alloy tubes
Authors: Lăzărescu L. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
In this paper a 3D finite element model of the bending process for circular aluminium alloy tube has been built using the explicit code eta/Dynaform and validated by comparing the experiments. The experiments were carried out by using a hand bender with the same bending principle as a rotary draw numerical controlled (NC) bender. The relationship between quality parameters of bent tubes, in terms of cross-section distortion and wall thinning, and the angular position along the bent tube is discussed experimentally in combination with FE simulation. Then, the effects of bending radius (R) are investigated using simulation of the bending process based on the finite element model. The results show that with the increase of bending radius, the cross-section degradation factor (Ψ) and wall thinning degree (ξ) decreases rapidly.
Prospective Study in Periodontal Maintenance Therapy: Comparative Analysis Between Academic and Private Practices
Authors: Costa Fernando Oliveira , Santuchi Camila Carvalho , Pereira Lages Eugênio José , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto , Medeiros Lorentz Telma Campos , Costa José Eustáquio 
Published: July 2011

Background: This prospective study aims to evaluate and compare the periodontal status, periodontitis progression, tooth loss, and influence of predictable risk variables of two periodontal maintenance therapy programs over a 12‐month period.Methods: A total of 288 individuals diagnosed with chronic moderate‐to‐advanced periodontitis, who had finished active periodontal treatment, were evaluated in a public academic environment (AG) (n = 138), as well as in a private clinic (PG) (n = 150). A full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed at baseline and at quadrimestral recalls, evaluating plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, furcation involvement, bleeding on probing (BOP), and suppuration. Individuals’ social, demographic, and biologic data, as well as compliance with recalls, were recorded. The effect of variables of interest and confounders were tested by univariate and multivariate analysis.Results: The PG demonstrated lower rates of periodontitis progression and tooth loss than did the AG. After adjusting for confounders, the risk variables of BOP (P = 0.047), smoking (P = 0.003), and diabetes (P = 0.028) for the PG and smoking (P = 0.047) for the AG showed a negative influence on periodontal status.Conclusions: In both groups, the periodontal maintenance therapy minimized the negative effect of the risk variables. However, PG showed significantly less progression of periodontitis and tooth loss compared to AG.
Surgical Crown Lengthening in a Population With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kolhatkar Shilpa , Mason Suzanne A. , Janic Ana , Bhola Monish , Haque Shaziya , Winkler James R. 
Published: July 2011

Background: Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of developing health problems, including some that are life threatening. Today, dental treatment for the population with a positive HIV diagnosis (HIV+) is comprehensive. There are limited reports on the outcomes of intraoral surgical therapy in patients with HIV, such as crown lengthening surgery (CLS) with osseous recontouring. This report investigates the outcome of CLS procedures performed at an urban dental school in a population of individuals with HIV. Specifically, this retrospective clinical analysis evaluates the healing response after CLS.Methods: Paper and electronic records were examined from the year 2000 to the present. Twenty‐one individuals with HIV and immunosuppression, ranging from insignificant to severe, underwent CLS. Pertinent details, including laboratory values, medications, smoking history/status, and postoperative outcomes, were recorded. One such surgery is described in detail with radiographs, photographs, and a videoclip.Results: Of the 21 patients with HIV examined after CLS, none had postoperative complications, such as delayed healing, infection, or prolonged bleeding. Variations in viral load (<48 to 40,000 copies/mL), CD4 cell count (126 to 1,260 cells/mm3), smoking (6 of 21 patients), platelets (130,000 to 369,000 cells/mm3), and neutrophils (1.1 to 4.5 × 103 /mm3) did not impact surgical healing. In addition, variations in medication regimens (highly active anti‐retroviral therapy [18]; on protease inhibitors [1]; no medications [2]) did not have an impact.Conclusions: The results of this retrospective analysis show the absence of postoperative complications after CLS in this population with HIV. Additional investigation into this area will help health care practitioners increase the range of surgical services provided to this group of patients.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and the Shape of the Age–Crime Curve
Authors: Fabio Anthony , Tu Li-Chuan , Loeber Rolf , Cohen Jacqueline 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We sought to better determine the way in which neighborhood disadvantage affects the shape of the age–crime curve. Methods. We used data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study (PYS), a 14-year longitudinal study, to compare the age–crime curves of individuals in neighborhoods of different disadvantage. We visually compared observed age–crime curves, and then used generalized linear mixed models to test for differences in curve parameters. Results. Adjusted for individual risk factors, the mixed models found that the parameters for interactions of neighborhood disadvantage with both linear age and quadratic age were significant (P < .05) and consistent with higher and longer age–crime curves in more disadvantaged neighborhoods. This implied that compared with boys in advantaged neighborhoods, rates of violence among boys in disadvantaged neighborhoods rose to higher levels that were sustained significantly longer. Conclusions. These results suggested that residing in a disadvantaged neighborhood during early adolescence may have an enduring effect on the shape of the age–crime curve throughout an individual's life.
Peak Oil, Food Systems, and Public Health
Authors: Neff Roni A. , Parker Cindy L. , Kirschenmann Frederick L. , Tinch Jennifer , Lawrence Robert S. 
Published: July 2011

Peak oil is the phenomenon whereby global oil supplies will peak, then decline, with extraction growing increasingly costly. Today's globalized industrial food system depends on oil for fueling farm machinery, producing pesticides, and transporting goods. Biofuels production links oil prices to food prices.We examined food system vulnerability to rising oil prices and the public health consequences. In the short term, high food prices harm food security and equity. Over time, high prices will force the entire food system to adapt. Strong preparation and advance investment may mitigate the extent of dislocation and hunger.Certain social and policy changes could smooth adaptation; public health has an essential role in promoting a proactive, smart, and equitable transition that increases resilience and enables adequate food for all.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Cognitive Function in Women
Authors: Shih Regina A. , Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie , Margolis Karen L. , Slaughter Mary E. , Jewell Adria , Bird Chloe E. , Eibner Christine , Denburg Natalie L. , Ockene Judith , Messina Catherine R. , Espeland Mark A. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We examined whether neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) is associated with cognitive functioning in older US women and whether this relationship is explained by associations between NSES and vascular, health behavior, and psychosocial factors. Methods. We assessed women aged 65 to 81 years (n = 7479) who were free of dementia and took part in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study. Linear mixed models examined the cross-sectional association between an NSES index and cognitive functioning scores. A base model adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, income, marital status, and hysterectomy. Three groups of potential confounders were examined in separate models: vascular, health behavior, and psychosocial factors. Results. Living in a neighborhood with a 1-unit higher NSES value was associated with a level of cognitive functioning that was 0.022 standard deviations higher (P = .02). The association was attenuated but still marginally significant (P < .1) after adjustment for confounders and, according to interaction tests, stronger among younger and non-White women. Conclusions. The socioeconomic status of a woman's neighborhood may influence her cognitive functioning. This relationship is only partially explained by vascular, health behavior, or psychosocial factors. Future research is needed on the longitudinal relationships between NSES, cognitive impairment, and cognitive decline.
Cervical Cancer Prevention in the 21st Century: Cost Is Not the Only Issue
Authors: Maine Deborah , Hurlburt Sarah , Greeson Dana 
Published: July 2011

The wide publicity related to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines has led to a sense that HPV vaccine programs are inevitable in both developed and developing countries, whereas 2 existing methods of screening—visual inspection with ascetic acid (VIA) and DNA testing—have received much less attention. These screening methods detect cervical lesions better than does the Papanicolaou test and allow immediate treatment, minimizing loss to follow-up. These advantages may outweigh the strengths of HPV vaccines. Priority should be given to improving screening coverage with VIA and DNA tests, focusing on women older than 30 years and underserved populations in all countries. This approach will save the lives of millions of women who have already been exposed to HPV and will develop cervical cancer during the next 20 years.
Public Health Nursing Case Management for Women Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Kneipp Shawn M. , Kairalla John A. , Lutz Barbara J. , Pereira Deidre , Hall Allyson G. , Flocks Joan , Beeber Linda , Schwartz Todd 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based participatory research–grounded intervention among women receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) with chronic health conditions in increasing (1) health care visits, (2) Medicaid knowledge and skills, and (3) health and functional status. Methods. We used a randomized controlled trial design to assign 432 women to a public health nurse case management plus Medicaid intervention or a wait-control group. We assessed Medicaid outcomes pre- and posttraining; other outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months. Results. Medicaid knowledge and skills improved (P < .001 for both). Intervention group participants were more likely to have a new mental health visit (odds ratio [OR] = 1.92; P = .007), and this likelihood increased in higher-risk subgroups (OR = 2.03 and 2.83; P = .04 and .006, respectively). Depression and functional status improved in the intervention group over time (P = .016 for both). No differences were found in routine or preventive care, or general health. Conclusions. Health outcomes among women receiving TANF can be improved with public health interventions. Additional strategies are needed to further reduce health disparities in this population.
State Policies Targeting Junk Food in Schools: Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Effect of Policy Change on Soda Consumption
Authors: Taber Daniel R. , Stevens June , Evenson Kelly R. , Ward Dianne S. , Poole Charles , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Murray David M. , Brownson Ross C. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We estimated the association between state policy changes and adolescent soda consumption and body mass index (BMI) percentile, overall and by race/ethnicity. Methods. We obtained data on whether states required or recommended that schools prohibit junk food in vending machines, snack bars, concession stands, and parties from the 2000 and 2006 School Health Policies and Programs Study. We used linear mixed models to estimate the association between 2000–2006 policy changes and 2007 soda consumption and BMI percentile, as reported by 90 730 students in 33 states and the District of Columbia in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and to test for racial/ethnic differences in the associations. Results. Policy changes targeting concession stands were associated with 0.09 fewer servings of soda per day among students (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.17, −0.01); the association was more pronounced among non-Hispanic Blacks (0.19 fewer servings per day). Policy changes targeting parties were associated with 0.07 fewer servings per day (95% CI = −0.13, 0.00). Policy changes were not associated with BMI percentile in any group. Conclusions. State policies targeting junk food in schools may reduce racial/ethnic disparities in adolescent soda consumption, but their impact appears to be too weak to reduce adolescent BMI percentile.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Influenza Hospitalizations Among Children: New Haven County, Connecticut, 2003–2010
Authors: Yousey-Hindes Kimberly M. , Hadler James L. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We examined surveillance data for disparities in pediatric influenza-associated hospitalizations according to neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) measures in New Haven County, Connecticut. Methods. We geocoded influenza-associated hospitalization case data from the past 7 years for children from birth to age 17 years and linked these to US Census 2000 tract-level SES data. Following the methods of Harvard's Public Health Disparities Geocoding Project, we examined neighborhood SES variables, including measures of poverty and crowding. We calculated influenza-associated hospitalization incidence by influenza season and individual case characteristics, stratified by SES measures. Results. Overall, the mean annual incidence of pediatric influenza-associated hospitalization in high-poverty and high-crowding census tracts was at least 3 times greater than that in low-poverty and low-crowding tracts. This disparity could not be fully explained by prevalence of underlying conditions or receipt of influenza vaccination. Conclusions. Linkage of geocoded surveillance data and census information allows for ongoing monitoring of SES correlates of health and may help target interventions. Our analysis indicates a correlation between residence in impoverished or crowded neighborhoods and incidence of influenza-associated hospitalization among children in Connecticut.
Peak Oil and Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Impacts and Potential Responses
Authors: Winch Peter , Stepnitz Rebecca 
Published: July 2011

Peak oil refers to the predicted peak and subsequent decline in global production of petroleum products over the coming decades. We describe how peak oil will affect health, nutrition, and health systems in low- and middle-income countries along 5 pathways.The negative effects of peak oil on health and nutrition will be felt most acutely in the 58 low-income countries experiencing minimal or negative economic growth because of their patterns of sociopolitical, geographic, and economic vulnerability.The global health community needs to take additional steps to build resilience among the residents of low- and middle-income countries and maintain access to maternal and other health services in the face of predicted changes in availability and price of fossil fuels.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Brief Risk Reduction Counseling for Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Patients in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Kalichman Seth C. , Cain Demetria , Eaton Lisa , Jooste Sean , Simbayi Leickness C. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We examined the effects of a brief counseling intervention designed to reduce HIV risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among patients receiving STI services in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods. After randomization to either a 60-minute risk reduction counseling session or a 20-minute HIV–STI educational session, patients completed computerized sexual behavior assessments. More than 85% of the participants were retained at the 12-month follow-up. Results. There were 24% fewer incident STIs and significant reductions in unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse among participants who received risk reduction counseling relative to members of the control condition. Moderator analyses showed shorter lived outcomes for heavy alcohol drinkers than for lighter drinkers. The results were not moderated by gender. Conclusions. Brief single-session HIV prevention counseling delivered to STI clinic patients has the potential to reduce HIV infections. Counseling should be enhanced for heavier drinkers, and sustained outcomes will require relapse prevention techniques. Disseminating effective, brief, and feasible behavioral interventions to those at highest risk for HIV infection should remain a public health priority.
Opportunities for State-Level Action to Reduce Firearm Violence: Proceeding From the Evidence
Authors: Wintemute Garen J. , Braga Anthony A. 
Published: July 2011

Firearm violence remains an important problem, and a large body of evidence shows that guns used in crime follow generally predictable paths from manufacturer to criminal end user. Policy initiatives based on that evidence have been shown to be effective. A recently published study conducted by a leading policy organization presents new evidence and makes specific recommendations for action by state-level policymakers. Unfortunately, the study's analysis is overly simplified, and the recommendations are therefore misleading. We suggest alternatives that are evidence based.
Battling AIDS in America: An Evaluation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy
Authors: Yehia Baligh , Frank Ian 
Published: July 2011

Thirty years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first cases of AIDS in the United States. Since then, more than half a million Americans have died of AIDS, and 1.1 million people are currently living with HIV in the United States. In an attempt to reinvigorate the domestic response to the HIV epidemic, the Obama administration developed and released the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States (NHAS). The NHAS has 3 focus areas: reducing new infections, improving access to care and health outcomes, and reducing HIV-related disparities. With ambitious five-year targets set for each goal, the NHAS requires significant fiscal investment to achieve its desired impact on the domestic HIV epidemic.
The Public Health Implications of Resource Wars
Authors: Klare Michael T. , Levy Barry S. , Sidel Victor W. 
Published: July 2011

Competition for resources between or within nations is likely to become an increasingly common cause of armed conflict. Competition for petroleum is especially likely to trigger armed conflict because petroleum is a highly valuable resource whose supply is destined to contract.Wars fought over petroleum and other resources can create public health concerns by causing morbidity and mortality, damaging societal infrastructure, diverting resources, uprooting people, and violating human rights.Public health workers and the organizations with which they are affiliated can help prevent resource wars and minimize their consequences by (1) promoting renewable energy and conservation, (2) documenting the impact of past and potential future resource wars, (3) protecting the human rights of affected noncombatant civilian populations during armed conflict, and (4) developing and advocating for policies that promote peaceful dispute resolution.