bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of local health registers in measuring perinatal mortality: A case study in rural Indonesia
Authors: Burke Leona , Suswardany Dwi Linna , Michener Keryl , Mazurki Setiawaty , Adair Timothy , Elmiyati Catur , Rao Chalapati 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Perinatal mortality is an important indicator of obstetric and newborn care services. Although the vast majority of global perinatal mortality is estimated to occur in developing countries, there is a critical paucity of reliable data at the local level to inform health policy, plan health care services, and monitor their impact. This paper explores the utility of information from village health registers to measure perinatal mortality at the sub district level in a rural area of Indonesia.

Methods
A retrospective pregnancy cohort for 2007 was constructed by triangulating data from antenatal care, birth, and newborn care registers in a sample of villages in three rural sub districts in Central Java, Indonesia. For each pregnancy, birth outcome and first week survival were traced and recorded from the different registers, as available. Additional local death records were consulted to verify perinatal mortality, or identify deaths not recorded in the health registers. Analyses were performed to assess data quality from registers, and measure perinatal mortality rates. Qualitative research was conducted to explore knowledge and practices of village midwives in register maintenance and reporting of perinatal mortality.

Results
Field activities were conducted in 23 villages, covering a total of 1759 deliveries that occurred in 2007. Perinatal mortality outcomes were 23 stillbirths and 15 early neonatal deaths, resulting in a perinatal mortality rate of 21.6 per 1000 live births in 2007. Stillbirth rates for the study population were about four times the rates reported in the routine Maternal and Child Health program information system. Inadequate awareness and supervision, and alternate workload were cited by local midwives as factors resulting in inconsistent data reporting.

Conclusions
Local maternal and child health registers are a useful source of information on perinatal mortality in rural Indonesia. Suitable training, supervision, and quality control, in conjunction with computerisation to strengthen register maintenance can provide routine local area measures of perinatal mortality for health policy, and monitoring of newborn care interventions. Similar efforts are required to strengthen routine health data in all developing countries, to guide planned progress towards reduction in the local, national and international burden from perinatal mortality.
The association of education with body mass index and waist circumference in the EPIC-PANACEA study
Authors: Hermann Silke , Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob , May Anne M , Kunst Anton , Besson Herve , Romaguera Dora , Travier Noemie , Tormo Maria-Jose , Molina Esther , Dorronsoro Miren , Barricarte Aurelio , Rodríguez Laudina , Crowe Francesca L , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J , van Boeckel Petra GA , Bueno-de-Mesquita H Bas , Overvad Kim , Jakobsen Marianne Uhre , Tjønneland Anne , Halkjær Jytte , Agnoli Claudia , Mattiello Amalia , Tumino Rosario , Masala Giovanna , Vineis Paolo , Naska Androniki , Orfanos Philippos , Trichopoulou Antonia , Kaaks Rudolf , Bergmann Manuela M , Steffen Annika , Van Guelpen Bethany , Johansson Ingegerd , Borgquist Signe , Manjer Jonas , Braaten Tonje , Fagherazzi Guy , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Mouw Traci , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio , Rinaldi Sabina , Slimani Nadia , Peeters Petra HM 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
To examine the association of education with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

Method
This study included 141,230 male and 336,637 female EPIC-participants, who were recruited between 1992 and 2000. Education, which was assessed by questionnaire, was classified into four categories; BMI and WC, measured by trained personnel in most participating centers, were modeled as continuous dependent variables. Associations were estimated using multilevel mixed effects linear regression models.

Results
Compared with the lowest education level, BMI and WC were significantly lower for all three higher education categories, which was consistent for all countries. Women with university degree had a 2.1 kg/m2 lower BMI compared with women with lowest education level. For men, a statistically significant, but less pronounced difference was observed (1.3 kg/m2). The association between WC and education level was also of greater magnitude for women: compared with the lowest education level, average WC of women was lower by 5.2 cm for women in the highest category. For men the difference was 2.9 cm.

Conclusion
In this European cohort, there is an inverse association between higher BMI as well as higher WC and lower education level. Public Health Programs that aim to reduce overweight and obesity should primarily focus on the lower educated population.
Cardiovascular safety of exenatide BID: an integrated analysis from controlled clinical trials in participants with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ratner Robert , Han Jenny , Nicewarner Dawn , Yushmanova Irina , Hoogwerf Byron J , Shen Larry 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
It is important for patients that treatments for diabetes not increase cardiovascular (CV) risk. The objective of this analysis was to examine retrospectively the CV safety of exenatide BID, a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for treating hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with diet and exercise. Individual participant data was pooled to assess the relative risk (RR) of CV events with exenatide BID versus a pooled comparator (PC) group treated with either placebo or insulin from 12 controlled, randomized, clinical trials ranging from 12-52 weeks. Mean baseline values for HbA1c (8.33-8.38%), BMI (31.3-31.5 kg/m2), and duration of diabetes (8 y) were similar between groups. Trials included patients with histories of microvascular and/or macrovascular disease. Customized primary major adverse CV events (MACE) included stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac mortality, acute coronary syndrome, and revascularization procedures. The Primary MACE RR (0.7; 95% CI 0.38, 1.31), calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method (stratified by study), suggested that exenatide use (vs. PC) did not increase CV risk; this result was consistent across multiple analytic methods. Because the trials were not designed to assess CV outcomes, events were identified retrospectively from a list of preferred terms by physicians blinded to treatment. Other limitations included the low number of CV events, the short duration of trials (≤1 y), and a single active comparator (insulin). The results of these analyses are consistent with those of a recent retrospective analysis of a large insurance database that found that patients treated with exenatide twice daily were less likely to have a CV event than were patients treated with other glucose-lowering therapies.

Keywords: GLP-1 receptor agonist, diabetes, cardiovascular safety
Multiple metallic-shell nanocylinders for surface-enhanced spectroscopes
Authors: Lu Jin-You , Chiu Kuo-Pin , Chao Husan-Yi , Chang Yuan-Huei 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe optical properties of multiple dielectric-core-gold-shell nanocylinder pairs are investigated by two-dimensional finite difference time domain method. The core-shell cylinders are assumed to be of the same dimension and composition. For normal incidence, the diffraction spectra of multiple cylinder pairs contain the lightning-rod plasmon mode, and the electric field intensity is concentrated in the gap between the nanocylinder pairs in the infrared region. The resonance wavelength and local field enhancement of this plasmon mode can be tuned by varying the pair-distance between the pairs, the gap-distance between the pairs, and the optical constants of the dielectric-core and the surrounding medium. The results show that the multiple core-shell nanocylinder pair contains the plasmon mode same as that of the solid metallic cylinder pairs at the long wavelength part of the spectrum. The large electric field intensity in the infrared region at long wavelength makes multiple core-shell cylinders as ideal candidates for surface-enhanced spectroscopes.
Nanofluid optical property characterization: towards efficient direct absorption solar collectors
Authors: Taylor Robert A , Phelan Patrick E , Otanicar Todd P , Adrian Ronald , Prasher Ravi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSuspensions of nanoparticles (i.e., particles with diameters < 100 nm) in liquids, termed nanofluids, show remarkable thermal and optical property changes from the base liquid at low particle loadings. Recent studies also indicate that selected nanofluids may improve the efficiency of direct absorption solar thermal collectors. To determine the effectiveness of nanofluids in solar applications, their ability to convert light energy to thermal energy must be known. That is, their absorption of the solar spectrum must be established. Accordingly, this study compares model predictions to spectroscopic measurements of extinction coefficients over wavelengths that are important for solar energy (0.25 to 2.5 μm). A simple addition of the base fluid and nanoparticle extinction coefficients is applied as an approximation of the effective nanofluid extinction coefficient. Comparisons with measured extinction coefficients reveal that the approximation works well with water-based nanofluids containing graphite nanoparticles but less well with metallic nanoparticles and/or oil-based fluids. For the materials used in this study, over 95% of incoming sunlight can be absorbed (in a nanofluid thickness ≥10 cm) with extremely low nanoparticle volume fractions - less than 1 × 10-5, or 10 parts per million. Thus, nanofluids could be used to absorb sunlight with a negligible amount of viscosity and/or density (read: pumping power) increase.
Signal pathways in astrocytes activated by cross-talk between of astrocytes and mast cells through CD40-CD40L
Authors: Kim Dae Yong , Hong Gwan Ui , Ro Jai Youl 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundAstrocytes, which play an active role in chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, exist close to mast cells with which they share perivascular localization. We previously demonstrated the possibility that astrocytes and mast cells interact in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the signaling pathways and the role for astrocytes in the interaction of astrocytes and mast cells.MethodsWe co-cultured human U87 glioblastoma (U87) and human mast cell-1 (HMC-1) cell lines, and mouse cerebral cortices-derived astrocytes and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) was measured by confocal microscopy; CD40 siRNA by Silencer Express Kit; small GTPases by GTP-pull down assay; PKCs, MAPKs, CD40, CD40L, Jak1/2, STAT1, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) by Western blot; NF-κB and AP-1 by EMSA; cytokines by RT-PCR. An experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) model was induced using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide and pertussis toxin in mice. Co-localization of TNFR1 and astrocytes in EAE brain tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry.ResultsEach astrocyte co-culture had increases in [Ca2+]ilevels, release of cytokines and chemokines; activities of Rho-family GTPases, NF-κB/AP-1/STAT1727, and Jack1/2, STAT1701. These effects were inhibited by anti-CD40 antibody or CD40 siRNA, and signaling pathways for Jak1/2 were inhibited by anti-TNFR1 antibody. EAE score, expression of TNFR1, and co-localization of TNFR1 and astrocytes were enhanced in brain of the EAE model. Anti-CD40 antibody or 8-oxo-dG pretreatment reduced these effects in EAE model.ConclusionsThese data suggest that astrocytes activated by the CD40-CD40L interaction in co-culture induce inflammatory cytokine production via small GTPases, and the secreted cytokines re-activate astrocytes via Jak/STAT1701pathways, and then release more cytokines that contribute to exacerbating the development of EAE. These findings imply that the pro-inflammatory mediators produced by cell-to-cell cross-talk via interaction of CD40-CD40L may be as a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases like MS.
Ethnobiology of snappers (Lutjanidae): target species and suggestions for management
Authors: Begossi Alpina , Salivonchyk Svetlana V , Araujo Luciana G , Andreoli Tainá B , Clauzet Mariana , Martinelli Claudia M , Ferreira Allan GL , Oliveira Luiz EC , Silvano Renato AM 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this study, we sought to investigate the biology (diet and reproduction) and ethnobiology (fishers knowledge and fishing spots used to catch snappers) of five species of snappers (Lutjanidae), including Lutjanus analis, Lutjanus synagris, Lutjanus vivanus, Ocyurus chrysurus, and Romboplites saliens at five sites along the northeast (Riacho Doce, Maceió in Alagoas State, and Porto do Sauípe, Entre Rios at Bahia State) and the southeast (SE) Brazilian coast (Paraty and Rio de Janeiro cities at Rio de Janeiro State, and Bertioga, at São Paulo State.).We collected 288 snappers and interviewed 86 fishermen. The stomach contents of each fish were examined and macroscopic gonad analysis was performed. Snappers are very important for the fisheries of NE Brazil, and our results indicated that some populations, such as mutton snapper (L. analis) and lane snapper (L. synagris), are being caught when they are too young, at early juvenile stages.Local knowledge has been shown to be a powerful tool for determining appropriate policies regarding management of target species, and artisanal fishermen can be included in management processes. Other suggestions for managing the fisheries are discussed, including proposals that could provide motivation for artisanal fishermen to participate in programs to conserve resources, such as co-management approaches that utilize local knowledge, the establishment of fishing seasons, and compensation of fishermen, through 'payment for environmental services'. These suggestions may enhance the participation of local artisanal fishermen in moving to a more realistic and less top-down management approach of the fish population.
Treating critically ill patients with probiotics: Beneficial or dangerous?
Authors: Jacobi Christoph A , Schulz Christian , Malfertheiner Peter 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms which confer to health benefits of the host. They help to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier function by modulating the mucosal and systemic immune response of the host. These bacteria have proven their beneficial effect in several conditions of ulcerative colitis. More recently probiotics/synbiotics have been included in the treatment of critically ill patients. However to date it remains uncertain whether probiotics/synbiotics are beneficial or even dangerous to the clinical outcome of this patient group. This article reviews the current evidence of the use of bacteria in critically ill patients in intensive care settings.
Delayed neuropsychological sequelae after carbon monoxide poisoning: predictive risk factors in the Emergency Department. A retrospective study
Authors: Pepe Giuseppe , Castelli Matteo , Nazerian Peiman , Vanni Simone , Del Panta Massimo , Gambassi Francesco , Botti Primo , Missanelli Andrea , Grifoni Stefano 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Delayed neuropsychological sequelae (DNS) commonly occur after recovery from acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The preventive role and the indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the acute setting are still controversial. Early identification of patients at risk in the Emergency Department might permit an improvement in quality of care. We conducted a retrospective study to identify predictive risk factors for DNS development in the Emergency Department.

Methods
We retrospectively considered all CO-poisoned patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Careggi University General Hospital (Florence, Italy) from 1992 to 2007. Patients were invited to participate in three follow-up visits at one, six and twelve months from hospital discharge. Clinical and biohumoral data were collected; univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify predictive risk factors for DNS.

Results
Three hundred forty seven patients were admitted to the Emergency Department for acute CO poisoning from 1992 to 2007; 141/347 patients participated in the follow-up visit at one month from hospital discharge. Thirty four/141 patients were diagnosed with DNS (24.1%). Five/34 patients previously diagnosed as having DNS presented to the follow-up visit at six months, reporting a complete recovery. The following variables (collected before or upon Emergency Department admission) were associated to DNS development at one month from hospital discharge in the univariate analysis: CO exposure duration >6 hours, a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <9, seizures, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, elevated creatine phosphokinase concentration and leukocytosis. There was no significant correlation with age, sex, voluntary exposure, headache, transient loss of consciousness, GCS between 14 and 9, arterial lactate and carboxyhemoglobin concentration. The multivariate analysis confirmed as independent prognostic factors GCS <9 (OR 7.15; CI 95%: 1.04-48.8) and leukocytosis (OR 3.31; CI 95%: 1.02-10.71).

Conclusions
Our study identified several potential predictive risk factors for DNS. Treatment algorithms based on an appropriate risk-stratification of patients in the Emergency Department might reduce DNS incidence; however, more studies are needed. Adequate follow-up after hospital discharge, aimed at correct recognition of DNS, is also important.
A Comparison of Simultaneously Recorded Machine Drive Power and Compactometer Measurements
Authors: Meehan Christopher L. , Tehrani Faraz S. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Continuous compaction control (CCC) systems are data acquisition systems installed on compaction equipment that continuously collect real-time information about the operation and performance of the compactor. An experimental research study was conducted to examine the type of data that is recorded by CCC equipment during road sub-base compaction of “select fill” granular materials using a smooth-drum vibratory roller. A prototype roller was utilized that allowed for simultaneous real-time machine drive power and compactometer measurements, which permitted independent and simultaneous evaluation of the degree of compaction of the soil. The behavior of the recorded machine drive power and compactometer values for different lifts and with increasing compactive effort for a single lift is presented and discussed. The statistical nature of the recorded CCC data sets is explored in detail, with a focus on distribution fitting assessment techniques that are applicable for CCC data. Comparisons are also made between the simultaneously recorded machine drive power and compactometer measurements. The results and associated discussion that are presented are useful for understanding the variable nature of CCC data sets, and the observations that are made have practical implications for the creation of CCC construction specifications that are to be used to control the compaction process.
Sequential determination of free acidity and hydrazine in presence of hydrolysable ions
Authors: Ganesh S. , Khan Fahmida , Ahmed M. K. , Pandey S. K. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
A simple method for the sequential determination of free acidity and hydrazine in presence of hydrolysable ions is developed and described. In this method, free acid is titrated with standard sodium carbonate solution after the metal ions in solutions are masked with EDTA. Once the end point for the free acid is determined at pH 3.0, an aliquot of formaldehyde is added to liberate the acid equivalent to hydrazine which is then titrated with the same standard sodium carbonate solution using an automatic titration system. The described method is simple, accurate and reproducible. This method is especially applicable to all ranges of nitric acid and heavy metal ion concentration relevant to Purex process used for nuclear fuel reprocessing. The overall recovery of nitric acid is 98.9% with 3% relative standard deviation. The major advantage of the method is that it uses sodium carbonate a primary standard as titrant and generation of corrosive analytical wastes containing oxalate or sulphate is avoided. Valuable metals like uranium and plutonium can easily be recovered from analytical waste before final disposal.
Determination Method for Xylidines in Workplace Air
Authors: Takeuchi Akito , Yamamoto Shinobu , Hendricks Warren , Nishimura Yasuki , Imanaka Tsutoshi , Kaifuku Yuichiro , Sakui Norihiro , Natsumeda Shuichiro , Ota Hirokazu , Yamada Shu , Kurotani Ichiro , Sumino Kimiaki , Kanno Seiichiro 
Published: March 2011

Determination Method for Xylidines in Workplace Air: Akito Takeuchi, et al. Osaka Occupational Health Service Center, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association—ObjectivesThe purpose of this research was to develop a determination method for xylidines (XLDs) in workplace air for risk assessment.MethodsThe characteristics of the proposed method, such as recovery, detection limit, reproducibility, and storage stability of the samples were examined.ResultsAn air sampler cassette containing two sulfuric acid‐treated glass iber ilters was chosen as the sampler. The XLDs were extracted from the sampler filters, derivatized with heptafluorobutyric anhydride, and then analyzed by a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometer. The average recoveries of XLDs from the spiked sampler were 83– 101% for personal exposure monitoring. The recovery after 5 days of storage in a refrigerator exceeded 90%. The overall limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.600 µg/ sample. The relative standard deviation, which represents the overall reproducibility defined as precision, was 0.8–10.3%.ConclusionsThe proposed method enables 4‐hour personal exposure monitoring of XLDs at concentrations equaling 0.001–2 times the threshold limit value‐time‐weighted average (TLV‐TWA: 0.5 ppm) adopted by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and is useful for estimating worker exposure to XLDs.
The Entrepreneurial Ladder in Transition and Non-Transition Economies
Authors: van der Zwan Peter , Verheul Ingrid , Thurik Roy 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
This paper compares (former) transition and non-transition economies in Europe and Asia with respect to the opportunities available to achieve entrepreneurial progress. In addition, the differential impacts of three perceived environmental barriers to new venture creation are investigated. Entrepreneurial progress is measured using five levels of incremental entrepreneurial involvement. Data from the 2009 “Flash Eurobarometer Survey on Entrepreneurship, No. 283” by the European Commission, which covers all 27 EU Member States, five other European countries, China, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., are used. China is found to have a forward position during the early stages of entrepreneurial progress, which contrasts with a lack of early-stage entrepreneurial potential in Japan and South Korea. However, converting nascent activities into a business start-up seems to be the most difficult in China and the U.S. Furthermore, we find that perceived environmental constraints hinder entrepreneurial progress most in (former) European transition countries.