Scattering of acoustic evanescent waves by circular cylinders: Partial wave series solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marston, Philip L.

2002-05-01

Evanescent acoustical waves occur in a variety of situations such as when sound is incident on a fluid interface beyond the critical angle and when flexural waves on a plate are subsonic with respect to the surrounding fluid. The scattering by circular cylinders at normal incidence was calculated to give insight into the consequences on the scattering of the evanescence of the incident wave. To analyze the scattering, it is necessary to express the incident wave using a modified expansion involving cylindrical functions. For plane evanescent waves, the expansion becomes a double summation with products of modified and ordinary Bessel functions. The resulting modified series is found for the scattering by a fluid cylinder in an unbounded medium. The perfectly soft and rigid cases are also examined. Unlike the case of an ordinary incident wave, the counterpropagating partial waves of the same angular order have unequal magnitudes when the incident wave is evanescent. This is a consequence of the exponential dependence of the incident wave amplitude on the transverse coordinate. The associated exponential dependence of the scattering on the location of a scatterer was previously demonstrated [T. J. Matula and P. L. Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 93, 1192-1195 (1993)].

Exertional rhabdomyolysis in a collegiate american football player after preventive cold-water immersion: a case report.

PubMed

Kahanov, Leamor; Eberman, Lindsey E; Wasik, Mitchell; Alvey, Thurman

2012-01-01

To describe a case of exertional rhabdomyolysis in a collegiate American football player after preventive coldwater immersion. A healthy man (19 years old) participated in full-contact football practice followed by conditioning (2.5 hours). After practice, he entered a coach-mandated postpractice cold-water immersion and had no signs of heat illness before developing leg cramps, for which he presented to the athletic training staff. After 10 minutes of repeated stretching, massage, and replacement of electrolyte-filled fluids, he was transported to the emergency room. Laboratory tests indicated a creatine kinase (CK) level of 2545 IU/L (normal range, 45-260 IU/L), CK-myoglobin fraction of 8.5 ng/mL (normal < 6.7 ng/mL), and CK-myoglobin relative index of 30% (normal range, 25%-30%). Myoglobin was measured at 499 ng/mL (normal = 80 ng/mL). The attending physician treated the athlete with intravenous fluids. Exercise-associated muscle cramps, dehydration, exertional rhabdomyolysis. The patient was treated with rest and rehydration. One week after the incident, he began biking and swimming. Eighteen days later, the patient continued to demonstrate elevated CK levels (527 IU/L) but described no other symptoms and was allowed to return to football practice as tolerated. Two months after the incident, his CK level remained high (1900 IU/L). The athlete demonstrated no signs of heat illness upon entering the cold-water immersion but experienced severe leg cramping after immersion, resulting in a diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis. Previously described cases have not linked cold-water immersion with the pathogenesis of rhabdomyolysis. In this football player, CK levels appeared to be a poor indicator of rhabdomyolysis. Our patient demonstrated no other signs of the illness weeks after the incident, yet his elevated CK levels persisted. Cold-water immersion immediately after exercise should be monitored by the athletic training staff and may not be appropriate to prevent muscle damage, given the lack of supporting evidence.

Identifying the factors and root causes associated with the unintentional usage of an adrenaline auto-injector in Japanese children and their caregivers.

PubMed

Sasaki, Kemal; Nakagawa, Tomoko; Sugiura, Shiro; Ebisawa, Motohiro; Ito, Komei

2018-03-05

The unintentional usage of adrenaline auto-injectors may cause injury to caregivers or patients. To prevent such incidents, we assessed the causative factors of these incidents. The Anaphylaxis Working Group of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology requested that society members register cases in which adrenaline auto-injectors were unintentionally used. One hundred cases were reported from June 2015 to March 2016. We identified the root causes of 70 child and 25 adult cases, separately. The incidents occurred with repeated prescriptions as well as the first prescription. Three cases resulted in a failure to administer an adrenaline auto-injector to children with anaphylaxis. Four caregivers used it with improper application (epilepsy or enteritis). Among the child cases, the median age at the time of the incident was 5.5 years (range, 2-14 years). Five children injected the adrenaline auto-injector on their own body trunk. Twenty children were not the allergic patients themselves. Improper management protocol of the device and the child's development were concomitantly involved in most of the cases. A variety of human behaviors were identified as the root causes in the adult cases. At least 34 cases were associated with mix-ups between the actual and training device. Health workers should provide sufficient education regarding safety use of adrenaline auto-injector for caregivers tailored to their experience levels at both first and repeated prescriptions. Such education must cover anticipatory behavior based on normal child development. Devices should also be further improved to prevent such incidents. Copyright © 2018 Japanese Society of Allergology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Invasive listeriosis in the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), 2004-2009: further targeted prevention needed for higher-risk groups.

PubMed

Silk, Benjamin J; Date, Kashmira A; Jackson, Kelly A; Pouillot, Régis; Holt, Kristin G; Graves, Lewis M; Ong, Kanyin L; Hurd, Sharon; Meyer, Rebecca; Marcus, Ruthanne; Shiferaw, Beletshachew; Norton, Dawn M; Medus, Carlota; Zansky, Shelley M; Cronquist, Alicia B; Henao, Olga L; Jones, Timothy F; Vugia, Duc J; Farley, Monica M; Mahon, Barbara E

2012-06-01

Listeriosis can cause severe disease, especially in fetuses, neonates, older adults, and persons with certain immunocompromising and chronic conditions. We summarize US population-based surveillance data for invasive listeriosis from 2004 through 2009. We analyzed Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) data for patients with Listeria monocytogenes isolated from normally sterile sites. We describe the epidemiology of listeriosis, estimate overall and specific incidence rates, and compare pregnancy-associated and nonpregnancy-associated listeriosis by age and ethnicity. A total of 762 listeriosis cases were identified during the 6-year reporting period, including 126 pregnancy-associated cases (17%), 234 nonpregnancy-associated cases(31%) in patients aged <65 years, and 400 nonpregnancy-associated cases (53%) in patients aged ≥ 65 years. Eighteen percent of all cases were fatal. Meningitis was diagnosed in 44% of neonates. For 2004-2009, the overall annual incidence of listeriosis varied from 0.25 to 0.32 cases per 100,000 population. Among Hispanic women, the crude incidence of pregnancy-associated listeriosis increased from 5.09 to 12.37 cases per 100,000 for the periods of 2004-2006 and 2007-2009, respectively; among non-Hispanic women, pregnancy-associated listeriosis increased from 1.74 to 2.80 cases per 100,000 for the same periods. Incidence rates of nonpregnancy-associated listeriosis in patients aged ≥ 65 years were 4-5 times greater than overall rates annually. Overall listeriosis incidence did not change significantly from 2004 through 2009. Further targeted prevention is needed, including food safety education and messaging (eg, avoiding Mexican-style cheese during pregnancy). Effective prevention among pregnant women, especially Hispanics, and older adults would substantially affect overall rates.

Response of a Circular Tunnel Through Rock to a Harmonic Rayleigh Wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kung, Chien-Lun; Wang, Tai-Tien; Chen, Cheng-Hsun; Huang, Tsan-Hwei

2018-02-01

A factor that combines tunnel depth and incident wavelength has been numerically determined to dominate the seismic responses of a tunnel in rocks that are subjected to harmonic P- and S-waves. This study applies the dynamic finite element method to investigate the seismic response of shallow overburden tunnels. Seismically induced stress increments in the lining of a circular tunnel that is subjected to an incident harmonic R-wave are examined. The determination of R-wave considers the dominant frequency of acceleration history of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake measured near the site with damage to two case tunnels at specifically shallow depth. An analysis reveals that the normalized seismically induced axial, shear and flexural stress increments in the lining of a tunnel reach their respective peaks at the depth h/ λ = 0.15, where the ground motion that is generated by an incident of R-wave has its maximum. The tunnel radius has a stronger effect on seismically induced stress increments than does tunnel depth. A greater tunnel radius yields higher normalized seismically induced axial stress increments and lower normalized seismically induced shear and flexural stress increments. The inertia of the thin overburden layer above the tunnel impedes the propagation of the wave and affects the motion of the ground around the tunnel. With an extremely shallow overburden, such an effect can change the envelope of the normalized seismically induced stress increments from one with a symmetric four-petal pattern into one with a non-symmetric three-petal pattern. The simulated results may partially elucidate the spatial distributions of cracks that were observed in the lining of the case tunnels.

Identification of Key Bacteria Involved in the Induction of Incident Bacterial Vaginosis: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Muzny, Christina A; Blanchard, Eugene; Taylor, Christopher M; Aaron, Kristal J; Talluri, Rajesh; Griswold, Michael E; Redden, David T; Luo, Meng; Welsh, David A; Van Der Pol, William J; Lefkowitz, Elliot J; Martin, David H; Schwebke, Jane R

2018-04-28

To determine the sequence of events preceding incident BV (iBV). African American women who have sex with women (AAWSW) with no Amsel criteria and Nugent score 0-3 were followed for iBV (Nugent score 7-10 on at least 2-3 consecutive days) with self-collected vaginal swabs for 90 days. For women with iBV and women maintaining normal vaginal flora, 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting V4 was performed. Longitudinal vaginal microbiome data were analyzed. Of 204 AAWSW screened, 42 enrolled; 45% developed iBV. Sequencing was performed on 448 specimens (14 cases, 8 women maintaining normal vaginal flora). Of women maintaining normal vaginal flora, L. crispatus dominated in 75%. In contrast, prior to iBV, 79% of cases were dominated by L. iners and/or L. jensenii/L. gasseri. The mean relative abundance of P. bivia, G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, and Megasphaera-type I became significantly higher in cases 4 days before, 3 days before, and on the day of iBV (A. vaginae and Megasphaera-type I). The mean relative abundance of Sneathia sanguinegens, Fingoldia magna, BVAB1-3, and L. iners was not significantly different between groups leading up to iBV. G. vaginalis, P. bivia, A. vaginae, and Megasphaera-type I may play significant roles in iBV.

Vitrectomy for floaters: prospective efficacy analyses and retrospective safety profile.

PubMed

Sebag, Jerry; Yee, Kenneth M P; Wa, Christianne A; Huang, Laura C; Sadun, Alfredo A

2014-06-01

Floaters impact vision but the mechanism is unknown. We hypothesize that floaters reduce contrast sensitivity function, which can be normalized by vitrectomy, and that minimally invasive vitrectomy will have lower incidences of retinal tears (reported at 30%) and cataracts (50-76%). Seventy-six eyes (34 phakic) with floaters were evaluated in 2 separate studies. Floater etiologies were primarily posterior vitreous detachment in 61 of 76 eyes (80%) and myopic vitreopathy in 24 of 76 eyes (32%). Minimally invasive 25G vitrectomy was performed without posterior vitreous detachment induction, leaving anterior vitreous, and using nonhollow probes for cannula extraction. Efficacy was studied prospectively (up to 9 months) in 16 floater cases with Freiburg Acuity Contrast Testing (Weber index [%W] reproducibility = 92.1%) and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Safety was separately evaluated in 60 other cases followed up on an average of 17.5 months (range, 3-51 months). Floater eyes had 67% contrast sensitivity function attenuation (4.0 ± 2.3 %W; control subjects = 2.4 ± 0.9 %W, P < 0.013). After vitrectomy, contrast sensitivity function normalized in each case at 1 week (2.0 ± 1.4 %W, P < 0.01) and remained normal at 1 month (2.0 ± 1.0 %W, P < 0.003) and 3 months to 9 months (2.2 ± 1.5 %W, P < 0.018). Visual Function Questionnaire was 28.3% lower in floater patients (73.2 ± 15.6, N = 16) than in age-matched control subjects (93.9 ± 8.0, N = 12, P < 0.001), and postoperatively improved by 29.2% (P < 0.001). In the safety study of 60 floater cases treated with vitrectomy, none developed retinal breaks, infection, or glaucoma after a mean follow-up of 17.5 months. Only 8 of 34 cases (23.5%) required cataract surgery (none younger than 53 years) at an average of 15 months postvitrectomy. Floaters lower contrast sensitivity function, which normalizes after vitrectomy. Visual Function Questionnaire quantified improvement in satisfaction. Not inducing posterior vitreous detachment reduced retinal tear incidence from 30% to 0% (P < 0.007). Postvitrectomy cataract incidence was reduced from 50% to 23.5% (P < 0.02). This approach thus seems effective and safe in alleviating the visual dysfunction induced by floaters.

Single-layer-coated surfaces with linearized reflectance versus angle of incidence: application to passive and active silicon rotation sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azzam, R. M. A.; Howlader, M. M. K.; Georgiou, T. Y.

1995-08-01

A transparent or absorbing substrate can be coated with a transparent thin film to produce a linear reflectance-versus-angle-of-incidence response over a certain range of angles. Linearization at and near normal incidence is a special case that leads to a maximally flat response for p -polarized, s -polarized, or unpolarized light. For midrange and high-range linearization with moderate and high slopes, respectively, the best results are obtained when the incident light is s polarized. Application to a Si substrate that is coated with a SiO2 film leads to novel passive and active reflection rotation sensors. Experimental results and an error analysis of this rotation sensor are presented.

Electron interaction in matter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dance, W. E.; Rainwater, W. J.; Rester, D. H.

1969-01-01

Data on the scattering of 1-MeV electrons in aluminum for the case of non-normal incidence, electron-bremsstrahlung cross-sections in thin targets, and the production of bremstrahlung by electron interaction in thick targets, are presented both in tabular and graphic form. These results may interest physicists and radiologists.

Effect of magnesium sulfate nebulization on the incidence of postoperative sore throat.

PubMed

Yadav, Monu; Chalumuru, Nitish; Gopinath, Ramachandran

2016-01-01

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a well-recognized complication after general anesthesia (GA). Numerous nonpharmacological and pharmacological measures have been used for attenuating POST with variable success. The present study was conducted to compare the efficiency of preoperative nebulization of normal saline and magnesium sulfate in reducing the incidence of POST following GA. Following institutional ethical committee approval and written informed consent, a prospective randomized double-blinded study was conducted in 100 cases divided into two equal groups. Patients included in the study were of either gender belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) status 1 or 2 undergoing elective surgery of approximately 2 h or more duration requiring tracheal intubation. Patients in Group A are nebulized with 3 ml of normal saline and the patients in Group B are nebulized with 3 ml of 225 mg isotonic nebulized magnesium sulfate for 15 min, 5 min before induction of anesthesia. The incidence of POST at rest and on swallowing and any undue complaints at 0, 2, 4, and 24 h in the postoperative period are evaluated. There is no significant difference in POST at rest during 0(th), 2(nd) and 4(th) h between normal saline and MgSO4. Significant difference is seen at 24(th) h, where MgSO4 lessens POST. There is no significant difference in POST on swallowing during 0(th) and 2(nd) h between normal saline and MgSO4. Significant difference is seen at 4(th) h, where MgSO4 has been shown to lessen POST. MgSO4 significantly reduces the incidence of POST compared to normal saline.

Incidence of Fanconi anaemia in phenotypically normal aplastic anaemia patients in West Bengal.

PubMed

Dutta, Atreyee; De, Rajib; Dolai, Tuphan Kanti; Pal, Pritha; Ghosh, Shanoli; Mitra, Pradip Kumar; Halder, Ajanta

2018-01-07

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure and autosomal recessive blood disorder. FA patients have a higher risk of cancer, including acute myeloid leukaemia and squamous cell carcinoma. Maximum, but not all, affected individuals have one or more somatic abnormalities, including skin, skeletal, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, cardiac and neurological anomalies, etc. Positive stress cytogenetics has immense implications for the treatment and management of FA. The aim of our study was to find out the incidence of FA in the population of phenotypically normal aplastic anaemia (AA) patients in West Bengal. Ethical clearances were obtained from the corresponding institutional committees. A total of 117 AA cases was selected. Stress cytogenetics was performed from peripheral venous blood (PVB) samples of 63 AA patients (age ≤ 50 years) and 63 age- and sex-matched healthy individual (control) using Mitomycin C (MMC). Out of 63 AA patients, 6 (9.25%) cases showed positive stress cytogenetics suggestive of FA, which is statistically significant (p-value - 0.000532), analysed by chi-square test. A considerable percentage of patients showing sensitivity towards MMC, even if they are phenotypically normal and did not have any distinguishable features which are generally found in FA. This observation may indicate that stress cytogenetics analysis of phenotypically normal AA patients (≤50 years) is essential for the improvement of the treatment procedure.

Energetic electrons driven in the polarization direction of an intense laser beam incident normal to a solid target

DOE PAGES

Seely, J. F.; Hudson, L. T.; Pereira, N.; ...

2016-02-24

Experiments were performed at the LLNL Titan laser to measure the propagation direction of the energetic electrons that were generated during the interaction of the polarized laser beam with solid targets in the case of normal incidence. The energetic electrons propagated through vacuum to spectator metal wires in the polarization direction and in the perpendicular direction, and the K shell spectra from the different wire materials were recorded as functions of the distance from the laser focal spot. It was found that the fluence of the energetic electrons driven into the spectator wires in the polarization direction compared to themore » perpendicular direction was larger and increased with the distance from the focal spot. Finally, this indicates that energetic electrons are preferentially driven in the direction of the intense oscillating electric field of the incident laser beam in agreement with the multiphoton inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption process.« less

Incidence of plague associated with increased winter-spring precipitation in New Mexico.

PubMed

Parmenter, R R; Yadav, E P; Parmenter, C A; Ettestad, P; Gage, K L

1999-11-01

Plague occurs episodically in many parts of the world, and some outbreaks appear to be related to increased abundance of rodents and other mammals that serve as hosts for vector fleas. Climate dynamics may influence the abundance of both fleas and mammals, thereby having an indirect effect on human plague incidence. An understanding of the relationship between climate and plague could be useful in predicting periods of increased risk of plague transmission. In this study, we used correlation analyses of 215 human cases of plague in relation to precipitation records from 1948 to 1996 in areas of New Mexico with history of human plague cases (38 cities, towns, and villages). We conducted analyses using 3 spatial scales: global (El Niño-Southern Oscillation Indices [SOI]); regional (pooled state-wide precipitation averages); and local (precipitation data from weather stations near plague case sites). We found that human plague cases in New Mexico occurred more frequently following winter-spring periods (October to May) with above-average precipitation (mean plague years = 113% of normal rain/ snowfall), resulting in 60% more cases of plague in humans following wet versus dry winter-spring periods. However, we obtained significant results at local level only; regional state-wide precipitation averages and SOI values exhibited no significant correlations to incidence of human plague cases. These results are consistent with our hypothesis of a trophic cascade in which increased winter-spring precipitation enhances small mammal food resource productivity (plants and insects), leading to an increase in the abundance of plague hosts. In addition, moister climate conditions may act to promote flea survival and reproduction, also enhancing plague transmission. Finally, the result that the number of human plague cases in New Mexico was positively associated with higher than normal winter-spring precipitation at a local scale can be used by physicians and public health personnel to identify and predict periods of increased risk of plague transmission to humans.

The prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis in young children: a retrospective analysis using CT.

PubMed

Lemoine, Thibaut; Fournier, Joseph; Odent, Thierry; Sembély-Taveau, Catherine; Merenda, Pauline; Sirinelli, Dominique; Morel, Baptiste

2018-05-01

Although lumbar spondylolysis is encountered in general population with an incidence estimated to be 3-10%, limited information is available for children. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of spondylolysis according to associated vertebral bony malformation and spinopelvic parameters in children under eight requiring CT evaluation for unrelated lumbar conditions. Seven hundred and seventeen abdominal and pelvic multi-detector CT scans were obtained in patients under 8 years of age were reviewed. Two board certificated radiologists and two resident radiologists retrospectively evaluated CT scans for lumbar spondylolysis and associated malformations. Pelvic incidence and spondylolisthesis were reported. Our analysis included 717 CT scans in 532 children (259 girls and 273 boys). Twenty-five cases of spondylolysis were diagnosed (16 bilateral and 9 unilateral, 64 and 36%, respectively) in 14 boys (56%) and 11 girls (44%), associating with 12 grade I spondylolisthesis. The mean normal pelvic incidence was 45° (median 44°, SD 7°). The prevalence of spondylolysis was 1% in children under age 3 (n = 3 among 292 patients), 3.7% in children under age 6 (n = 17 among 454 patients) and 4.7% among the 532 patients. Unilateral spondylolysis was significantly associated with a spinal malformation (p = 0.04, Fisher's exact test), with normal pelvic incidence. Half of the patients with bilateral spondylolysis had high pelvic incidence. We observed a prevalence peak of unilateral spondylolysis in the context of a specific malformation in young infants under age 4 with normal pelvic incidence, and, then, a progressive increase in the prevalence of bilateral isolated spondylolysis.

Application of the wavenumber jump condition to the normal and oblique interaction of a plane acoustic wave and a plane shock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kleinstein, G. G.; Gunzburger, M. D.

1977-01-01

The kinematics of normal and oblique interactions between a plane acoustic wave and a plane shock wave are investigated separately using an approach whereby the shock is considered as a sharp discontinuity surface separating two half-spaces, so that the dispersion relation on either side of the shock and the wavenumber jump condition across a discontinuity surface completely specify the kinematics of the problem in the whole space independently of the acoustic-field dynamics. The normal interaction is analyzed for a stationary shock, and the spectral change of the incident wave is investigated. The normal interaction is then examined for the case of a shock wave traveling into an ambient region where an acoustic disturbance is propagating in the opposite direction. Detailed attention is given to the consequences of the existence of a critical shock speed above which the frequency of the transmitted wave becomes negative. Finally, the oblique interaction with a fixed shock is considered, and the existence and nature of the transmitted wave is investigated, particularly as a function of the angle of incidence.

Angiotensin converting enzyme genotype and chronic allograft nephropathy in protocol biopsies.

PubMed

Hueso, Miguel; Alía, Pedro; Moreso, Francesc; Beltrán-Sastre, Violeta; Riera, Luis; González, Carlota; Navarro, Miguel Angel; Grinyó, Josep Maria; Navarro, Estanis; Serón, Daniel

2004-08-01

Genotype DD of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is not associated with an increased incidence of native renal diseases, although it could modulate progression to renal failure in patients who already display chronic lesions. Because its role in renal allograft degeneration is not well characterized, whether ACE genotype was associated with the prevalence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) was studied, in a group of protocol biopsies from 180 patients, or with the incidence of CAN in 152 patients with at least two sequential biopsies. As a control group, ACE genotype was also studied in 41 donors and 72 healthy subjects. For analyzing the influence of ACE genotype in graft survival, patients were grouped into six categories (II-normal biopsy, ID-normal, DD-normal, II-CAN, ID-CAN and DD-CAN). Finally, relative renal ACE mRNA levels were measured in 67 cases by real-time PCR using the delta threshold cycle method. ACE-DD genotype was more frequent in patients who received a transplant than in control subjects (43.3% versus 30.1%, P = 0.026), but prevalence (DD = 42.7% versus non-DD = 42.2%) or incidence (DD = 24.6% versus non-DD = 29.9%) of CAN was not different regarding recipient ACE genotype. Furthermore, patients with the ACE-DD genotype and CAN had the poorest graft survival (II-normal = 100%, ID-normal = 91%, DD-normal = 84%, II-CAN = 100%, ID-CAN = 66%, and DD-CAN = 36%; P = 0.034) and higher ACE mRNA levels than non-DD and CAN (DD = -3.36 +/- 2.35 versus non-DD = -5.65 +/- 1.72-fold in ACE copies; P = 0.012). It is concluded that ACE-DD genotype is not associated with an increased prevalence or incidence of CAN but is actually associated with higher ACE mRNA levels and poorer graft survival in patients who already display CAN.

Study of the incidence and nature of "very subtle epidermal melasma" in relation to intense pulsed light treatment.

PubMed

Negishi, Kei; Kushikata, Nobuharu; Tezuka, Yukiko; Takeuchi, Kaori; Miyamoto, Eiko; Wakamatsu, Shingo

2004-06-01

Skin rejuvenation with intense pulsed light (IPL) is effective for clearing epidermal pigment disorders. Complications are mild and limited to epidermal burns caused by excessive settings. Some patients, however, experience IPL-induced melasma-like hyperpigmentation despite the appearance of normal skin. These patients seem to have very subtle epidermal melasma not visible to the naked eye. Ultraviolet photography has been useful in identifying these patients and preventing complications. The study investigated the incidence of very subtle melasma in patients using UV photography, and assessed this tool in identifying high-risk patients. 223 Japanese women, 30-69 years old, participated in the study. Very subtle melasma invisible to the naked eye under normal light was diagnosed by UV photography by two physicians, and any relationship among the disease incidence, age, and regular sunscreen use was examined. Sixty-three cases of very subtle melasma (28.3%) were identified among the 223 subjects, with a significantly lower incidence in sunscreen users. Patients diagnosed with subtle epidermal melasma and treated with mild IPL parameters did not suffer induced secondary hyperpigmentaion. To help avoid complications after treatment, IPL users should be aware of the age and sunscreen-related incidence of this phenomenon in Asian patients.

Integrating an incident management system within a continuity of operations programme: case study of the Bank of Canada.

PubMed

Loop, Carole

2013-01-01

Carrying out critical business functions without interruption requires a resilient and robust business continuity framework. By embedding an industry-standard incident management system within its business continuity structure, the Bank of Canada strengthened its response plan by enabling timely response to incidents while maintaining a strong focus on business continuity. A total programme approach, integrating the two disciplines, provided for enhanced recovery capabilities. While the value of an effective and efficient response organisation is clear, as demonstrated by emergency events around the world, incident response structures based on normal operating hierarchy can experience unique challenges. The internationally-recognised Incident Command System (ICS) model addresses these issues and reflects the five primary incident management functions, each contributing to the overall strength and effectiveness of the response organisation. The paper focuses on the Bank of Canada's successful implementation of the ICS model as its incident management and continuity of operations programmes evolved to reflect current best practices.

The change in color matches with retinal angle of incidence of the colorimeter beams.

PubMed

Alpern, M; Kitahara, H; Fielder, G H

1987-01-01

Differences between W.D.W. chromaticities of monochromatic lights obtained with all colorimeter beams incident on the retina "off-axis" and those found for lights striking the retina normally have been studied throughout the visible spectrum on 4 normal trichromats. The results are inconsistent with: (i) the assumption in Weale's theories of the Stiles-Crawford hue shift that the sets of absorption spectra of the visual pigments catching normally and obliquely incident photons are identical, and (ii) "self-screening" explanations for the change in color with angle of incidence on the retina. The color matching functions of a protanomalous trichromat are inconsistent with the hypothesis that the absorption spectra of the visual pigments catching normally incident photons in his retina are those catching obliquely incident photons in the normal retina.

Trisomy 13 and Massive Fetomaternal Hemorrhage

PubMed Central

Matsui, Ryoko; Suzuki, Shunji; Ito, Marie; Terada, Yusuke; Kumasaka, Sakae

2015-01-01

This is the first case report of trisomy 13 complicated by massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH). A pale male infant weighing 2,950 g was delivered with low Apgar scores by emergency cesarean section due to non-reassuring fetal status. The umbilical arterial pH and hemoglobin level were 6.815 and 6.9 g/dL (normal: 13 - 22 g/dL), respectively. The maternal hemoglobin-F and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were 6.0% (normal: < 1.0%) and 1,150 ng/mL (4.1 multiple of median), respectively. The neonate was diagnosed as having trisomy 13 by a subsequent chromosome examination. In the placenta, massive intervillous thrombosis was observed microscopically. This placental finding has been reported to be associated with both preeclampsia and massive FMH. In addition, the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnancies complicated by trisomy 13 has been reported to be significantly higher than normal karyotype populations. Therefore, the current finding may support the association between trisomy 13 and the incidence of massive FMH. PMID:26015824

Asymmetric valley-resolved beam splitting and incident modes in slanted graphene junctions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsieh, S. H.; Chu, C. S.

2016-01-18

Electron injection into a graphene sheet through a slanted armchair graphene nanoribbon (AGNR) is investigated. An incident mode, or subband, in the AGNR is valley-unpolarized. Our attention is on the valley-resolved nature of the injected electron beams and its connection to the incident mode. It is known for a normal injection that an incident mode will split symmetrically into two valley-resolved beams of equal intensity. We show, in contrast, that slanted injections result in asymmetric valley-resolved beam splitting. The most asymmetric beam splitting cases, when one of the valley-resolved beams has basically disappeared, are found and the condition derived. Thismore » is shown not due to trigonal warping because it holds even in the low incident energy regime, as long as collimation allows. These most asymmetric beam splitting cases occur at energies within an energy interval near and include the subband edge of an incident mode. The physical picture is best illustrated by a projection of the slanted AGNR subband states onto that of the 2D graphene sheet. It follows that the disappearing of a valley-resolved beam coincides with the situation that the group velocities of the projected states in the corresponding valley are in backward directions.« less

[Group G streptococcal bacteremia in the post-partum period. A case report].

PubMed

Verdonk, C; Botto, J-N; Worcel, I

2014-03-01

Bacteremia with streptococcus group G is a rare infection, particularly in the post-partum, but of which the incidence has been increasing since the end of the 20th century. The objective of our work is to report the clinical and the bacteriologic aspects, as well as the therapeutic modalities of an exceptional case of bacteremia with streptococcus group G, after a normal vaginal delivery, in a 26-year-old woman. Streptococcus group G being a part of the normal flora of the female genital tract, the endogenous contamination probably took place by passage in the blood circulation during the episiotomy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in a Collegiate American Football Player After Preventive Cold-Water Immersion: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Kahanov, Leamor; Eberman, Lindsey E.; Wasik, Mitchell; Alvey, Thurman

2012-01-01

Objective: To describe a case of exertional rhabdomyolysis in a collegiate American football player after preventive cold-water immersion. Background: A healthy man (19 years old) participated in full-contact football practice followed by conditioning (2.5 hours). After practice, he entered a coach-mandated post-practice cold-water immersion and had no signs of heat illness before developing leg cramps, for which he presented to the athletic training staff. After 10 minutes of repeated stretching, massage, and replacement of electrolyte-filled fluids, he was transported to the emergency room. Laboratory tests indicated a creatine kinase (CK) level of 2545 IU/L (normal range, 45–260 IU/L), CK-myoglobin fraction of 8.5 ng/mL (normal < 6.7 ng/mL), and CK-myoglobin relative index of 30% (normal range, 25%– 30%). Myoglobin was measured at 499 ng/mL (normal = 80 ng/mL). The attending physician treated the athlete with intravenous fluids. Differential Diagnosis: Exercise-associated muscle cramps, dehydration, exertional rhabdomyolysis. Treatment: The patient was treated with rest and rehydration. One week after the incident, he began biking and swimming. Eighteen days later, the patient continued to demonstrate elevated CK levels (527 IU/L) but described no other symptoms and was allowed to return to football practice as tolerated. Two months after the incident, his CK level remained high (1900 IU/L). Uniqueness: The athlete demonstrated no signs of heat illness upon entering the cold-water immersion but experienced severe leg cramping after immersion, resulting in a diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis. Previously described cases have not linked cold-water immersion with the pathogenesis of rhabdomyolysis. Conclusions: In this football player, CK levels appeared to be a poor indicator of rhabdomyolysis. Our patient demonstrated no other signs of the illness weeks after the incident, yet his elevated CK levels persisted. Cold-water immersion immediately after exercise should be monitored by the athletic training staff and may not be appropriate to prevent muscle damage, given the lack of supporting evidence. PMID:22488291

Incidence and predictive factors of isolated neonatal penile glanular torsion.

PubMed

Sarkis, Pierrot E; Sadasivam, Muthurajan

2007-12-01

To determine the incidence of isolated neonatal penile glanular torsion, describe the basic characteristics, and explore the relationship between foreskin and glans torsion. A prospective survey was conducted of all male newborns admitted to nursery after delivery, or neonates less than 3 months presenting for circumcision. Cases with associated genital malformations were excluded. The incidence of isolated neonatal penile torsion was 27% (95% CI: 22.2%-31.84%), to the left in 99% of cases. In 3.5% of cases, the penis had an angle <10 degrees, and 9.5% >20 degrees. Using Spearman's correlational coefficient, deviation of penile raphe from the midline at the foreskin tip had a better correlation with glans torsion than deviation of raphe at the coronal sulcus (0.727 vs 0.570; both significant at p<0.01). Isolated neonatal penile torsion is more common than reported. The median raphe of the penis may be normal and mask unexpected glans torsion. Median raphe torsion at foreskin tip can be used as a predictor for glans torsion. Clinical significance and relation to adult penile torsion are beyond the scope of the study.

The dynamics of energy and charge transfer in low and hyperthermal energy ion-solid interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ray, Matthew Preston

The energy and charge transfer dynamics for low and hyperthermal energy (10 eV to 2 keV) alkali and noble gas ions impacting noble metals as a function of incident energy, species and scattering geometry has been studied. The experiments were performed in an ultra-high vacuum scattering chamber attached to a low and hyperthermal energy beamline. The energy transfer was measured for K+ scattered from a Ag(001) surface along the [110] crystalline direction at a fixed laboratory angle of 90°. It was found that as the incident energy is reduced from 100 to 10 eV, the normalized scattered energy increased. Previous measurements have shown a decrease in the normalized energy as the incident ion energy is reduced due to an attractive image force. Trajectory analysis of the data using a classical scattering simulation revealed that instead of undergoing sequential binary collisions as in previous studies, the ion scatters from two surface atoms simultaneously leading to an increased normalized energy. Additionally, charge transfer measurements have been performed for Na + scattering from Ag(001) along the [110] crystalline direction at a fixed laboratory angle of 70°. It was found that over the range of energies used (10 eV to 2 keV), the neutralization probability of the scattered ions varied from ˜30% to ˜70% depending on the incident velocity, consistent with resonant charge transfer. A fully quantum mechanical model that treats electrons independently accurately reproduces the observed data. Measurements of electron-hole pair excitations were used to explore the pathways which a solid uses to dissipate the energy imparted by the incident ion beam. Ultrathin film (10 nm) metal-oxide-semiconductor (Au/SiO2/n-Si) devices were used to detect the electron-hole pairs for cases when the ion deposited all of its translational energy into the solid. The incident ions were incident at an angle normal to the surface of the device to maximize energy deposition and consequently electron-hole pair production. The rectifying metal-oxide-semiconductor device separates the electrons from the holes, allowing a current associated with electron-hole pair production to be measured. In these experiments a number of ion species (He+, Li+ , Ar+, K+) were made incident on multiple devices and the incident energy ranged from 100 eV to 2 keV. It was found that electron-hole pair production increased with incident ion velocity consistent with a kinetic electron excitation model where the electrons in the metal are partially confined to the surface.

Permittivity of water at millimeter wave-lengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blue, M. D.

1976-01-01

Work performed on the permittivity of seawater and ice at 100 GHz was described. Measurements on water covered the temperature range from 0 to 50 C, while the measurements on ice were taken near - 10 C. In addition, a small number of measurements were made on the reflectivity of absorber materials used in a previous program on research in millimeter wave techniques. Normal incidence reflectivity was measured, and the result was used to obtain the index of refraction. For the case of normal incidence, reflectivity at a fixed temperature was reproducible to 1% for values near 40%. For reflectivity measurements on ice, the lack of attenuation leads to reflection from the back surface of the sample; this complication was circumvented by using a wedge shaped sample and freezing the water in a container lined with absorber material.

Pericentric Inversion of Human Chromosome 9 Epidemiology Study in Czech Males and Females.

PubMed

Šípek, A; Panczak, A; Mihalová, R; Hrčková, L; Suttrová, E; Sobotka, V; Lonský, P; Kaspříková, N; Gregor, V

2015-01-01

Pericentric inversion of human chromosome 9 [inv(9)] is a relatively common cytogenetic finding. It is largely considered a clinically insignificant variant of the normal human karyotype. However, numerous studies have suggested its possible association with certain pathologies, e.g., infertility, habitual abortions or schizophrenia. We analysed the incidence of inv(9) and the spectrum of clinical indications for karyotyping among inv(9) carriers in three medical genetics departments in Prague. In their cytogenetic databases, among 26,597 total records we identified 421 (1.6 %) cases of inv(9) without any concurrent cytogenetic pathology. This study represents the world's largest epidemiological study on inv(9) to date. The incidence of inv(9) calculated in this way from diagnostic laboratory data does not differ from the incidence of inv(9) in three specific populationbased samples of healthy individuals (N = 4,166) karyotyped for preventive (amniocentesis for advanced maternal age, gamete donation) or legal reasons (children awaiting adoption). The most frequent clinical indication in inv(9) carriers was "idiopathic reproductive failure" - 37.1 %. The spectra and percentages of indications in individuals with inv(9) were further statistically evaluated for one of the departments (N = 170) by comparing individuals with inv(9) to a control group of 661 individuals with normal karyotypes without this inversion. The proportion of clinical referrals for "idiopathic reproductive failure" among inv(9) cases remains higher than in controls, but the difference is not statistically significant for both genders combined. Analysis in separated genders showed that the incidence of "idiopathic reproductive failure" could differ among inv(9) female and male carriers.

Radiation effects in silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells using isotropic and normally incident radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anspaugh, B. E.; Downing, R. G.

1984-01-01

Several types of silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells were irradiated with protons with energies between 50 keV and 10 MeV at both normal and isotropic incidence. Damage coefficients for maximum power relative to 10 MeV were derived for these cells for both cases of omni-directional and normal incidence. The damage coefficients for the silicon cells were found to be somewhat lower than those quoted in the Solar Cell Radiation Handbook. These values were used to compute omni-directional damage coefficients suitable for solar cells protected by coverglasses of practical thickness, which in turn were used to compute solar cell degradation in two proton-dominated orbits. In spite of the difference in the low energy proton damage coefficients, the difference between the handbook prediction and the prediction using the newly derived values was negligible. Damage coefficients for GaAs solar cells for short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and maximum power were also computed relative to 10 MeV protons. They were used to predict cell degradation in the same two orbits and in a 5600 nmi orbit. Results show the performance of the GaAs solar cells in these orbits to be superior to that of the Si cells.

Incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Uygur and Han Chinese adults in Urumqi

PubMed Central

Niu, Chun-Yan; Zhou, Yong-Li; Yan, Rong; Mu, Ni-La; Gao, Bao-Hua; Wu, Fang-Xiong; Luo, Jin-Yan

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its related risk factors in Uygur and Han Chinese adult in Urumqi, China. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken in a total of 972 Uygur (684 male and 288 female) aged from 24 to 61 and 1023 Han Chinese (752 male and 271 female) aged from 23 to 63 years. All participants were recruited from the residents who visited hospital for health examination from November 2011 to May 2012. Each participant signed an informed consent and completed a GERD questionnaire (Gerd Q) and a lifestyle-food frequency questionnaire survey. Participants whose Gerd Q score was ≥ 8 and met one of the following requirements would be enrolled into this research: (1) being diagnosed with erosive esophagitis (EE) or Barrett’s esophagus (BE) by endoscopy; (2) negative manifestation under endoscopy (non-erosive reflux disease, NERD) with abnormal acid reflux revealed by 24-h esophageal pH monitoring; and (3) suffering from typical heartburn and regurgitation with positive result of proton pump inhibitor test. RESULTS: According to Gerd Q scoring criteria, 340 cases of Uygur and 286 cases of Han Chinese were defined as GERD. GERD incidence in Uygur was significantly higher than in Han Chinese (35% vs 28%, χ2 = 11.09, P < 0.005), Gerd Q score in Uygur was higher than in Han Chinese (7.85 ± 3.1 vs 7.15 ± 2.9, P < 0.005), and Gerd Q total score in Uygur male was higher than in female (8.15 ± 2.8 vs 6.85 ± 2.5, P < 0.005). According to normalized methods, 304 (31%) cases of Uygur were diagnosed with GERD, including 89 cases of EE, 185 cases of NERD and 30 cases of BE; 256 (25%) cases of Han Chinese were diagnosed with GERD, including 90 cases of EE, 140 cases of NERD and 26 cases of BE. GERD incidence in Uygur was significantly higher than in Han Chinese (31% vs 25%, χ2 = 9.34, P < 0.005) while the incidences were higher in males of both groups than in females (26% vs 5% in Uygur, χ2 = 35.95, P < 0.005, and 19.8% vs 5.2% in Han, χ2 = 5.48, P < 0.025). GERD incidence in Uygur male was higher than in Han Chinese male (26% vs 19.8%, χ2 = 16.51, P < 0.005), and incidence of NERD in Uygur was higher than in Han Chinese (χ2 = 10.06, P < 0.005). Occupation (r = 0.623), gender (r = 0.839), smoking (r = 0.322), strong tea (r = 0.658), alcohol drinking (r = 0.696), meat-based diet (mainly meat) (r = 0.676) and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.567) were linearly correlated with GERD in Uygur (r = 0.833, P = 0.000); while gender (r = 0.957), age (r = 0.016), occupation (r = 0.482), strong tea (r = 1.124), alcohol drinking (r = 0.558), meat diet (r = 0.591) and BMI (r = 0.246) were linearly correlated with GERD in Han Chinese (r = 0.786, P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between Gerd Q scoring and three normalized methods for the diagnosis of GERD. CONCLUSION: GERD is highly prevalent in adult in Urumqi, especially in Uygur. Male, civil servant, smoking, strong tea, alcohol drinking, meat diet and BMI are risk factors correlated to GERD. PMID:23326142

Severe Extravasation Injuries in Neonates: A Report of 34 Cases.

PubMed

Kostogloudis, Nikolaos; Demiri, Efterpi; Tsimponis, Antonios; Dionyssiou, Dimitrios; Ioannidis, Sotirios; Chatziioannidis, Ilias; Nikolaidis, Nikolaos

2015-01-01

Extravasation injuries are a common and challenging problem in hospitalized newborns. Accidental infusion leakage into the surrounding tissues in immature infants may frequently result in skin necrosis, with significant risk of functional and cosmetic impairment. In the present study we reviewed 34 cases of severe extravasation injuries occurring in 1,409 neonates hospitalized in a single neonatal unit over 24 months (incidence 2.4%). Total parenteral nutrition solutions were involved in most cases. All patients were treated within 30 minutes after the injury was recorded using a flush-out technique with normal saline irrigation and occlusive paraffin dressings of the infiltrated area. The majority of injuries affected preterm, low-birthweight infants (mean gestation 32 wks + 6 days, mean birth weight 1,885 g), with a mean age at the time of injury of 11.6 days and a mean weight of 2,045 g. Neither gestational age (p = 0.87) or birthweight significantly affected (p = 0.07) the incidence of extravasation injuries, although the incidence of skin necrosis had a significant correlation with gestational age (p = 0.009) and birthweight (p < 0.001). All patients responded well to treatment and their wounds healed uneventfully within a maximum of 25 days without the need for secondary surgery for skin coverage. Extravasation injuries in extremely preterm and low-birthweight infants are more likely to lead to skin necrosis. Peripheral venous catheterization should be performed with caution in these patients to prevent such injuries. Immediate irrigation with normal saline is recommended to reduce toxic sequelae in the infiltrated area. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis in premature infants after ligation of patent ductus arteriosus: vascular clip versus suture ligature.

PubMed

Spanos, William C; Brookes, James T; Smith, Mark C; Burkhart, Harold M; Bell, Edward F; Smith, Richard J H

2009-10-01

We investigated risk factors associated with unilateral iatrogenic vocal fold paralysis (IVFP) in the context of ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and compared the rates of paralysis between vascular clip and suture ligation procedures. We performed a prospective examination of infants with isolated PDA treated surgically during 1995 to 2005. Statistical significance was determined with a 2-tailed t-test. Of 68 PDA ligations, 13 cases of left-sided IVFP were diagnosed, for an overall incidence of 19%. All cases of IVFP occurred in 55 infants who weighed less than 1 kg at birth. Suture ligature was used in 60% of all PDA ligation patients, and vascular clips in 40%. The incidence of IVFP in patients with vascular clips (19%) was similar to the incidence in those with suture ligature (20%). Hoarseness or stridor was present in 69% of patients with IVFP, compared to 17% of normal controls (p <0.001). The rate of aspiration was not increased in the IVFP group; however, 15% of the patients with IVFP had episodes of decreased oxygen saturation, versus 7% of infants with normal vocal fold mobility. A hoarse infant with a birth weight of less than 1 kg who has undergone PDA ligation should be examined for unilateral IVFP. Vascular clips and suture ligature are associated with similar rates of IVFP.

Effects of blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure control on recovery of patients with gastric cancer complicated with metabolic syndrome after radical gastrectomy.

PubMed

Sun, Li; Zhou, Pingping; Hua, Qingli; Jin, Changming; Guo, Chunling; Song, Bing

2018-06-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure control on recovery of patients with gastric cancer complicated with metabolic syndrome (MS) after radical gastrectomy. A total of 150 patients with gastric cancer, who were treated in Daqing Longnan Hospital from November, 2015 to May, 2017, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into the MS group (80 cases) and non-MS group (70 cases). Patients in the MS group were given corresponding drugs to control blood pressure, blood lipids and blood glucose, while patients in the non-MS group were not treated with those drugs. Patients in the MS group were divided into the normal and abnormal groups according to the levels of blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure. Moreover, occurrences of complications were compared between the normal and abnormal groups. Before surgery, blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure in the MS group were significantly higher than those in the non-MS group (p<0.05). One month after operation, blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure of the MS group decreased significantly compared to those before operation (p<0.05). Incidence of complications at 1 and 3 months after operation was significantly lower in the normal groups than that in the corresponding abnormal groups (p<0.05). Postoperative recovery was significantly better in the normal groups than that in the corresponding abnormal groups (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative complications was related to fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, total triglycerides (TGs), LDL, mean blood pressure and BMI (p<0.05). The results show that, control of blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure in patients with gastric cancer complicated with MS after radical gastrectomy can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and promote postoperative recovery.

Independent and combined effects of physical activity and body mass index on the development of Type 2 Diabetes - a meta-analysis of 9 prospective cohort studies.

PubMed

Cloostermans, Laura; Wendel-Vos, Wanda; Doornbos, Gerda; Howard, Bethany; Craig, Cora Lynn; Kivimäki, Mika; Tabak, Adam G; Jefferis, Barbara J; Ronkainen, Kimmo; Brown, Wendy J; Picavet, Susan H S J; Ben-Shlomo, Yoav; Laukkanen, Jari Antero; Kauhanen, Jussi; Bemelmans, Wanda J E

2015-12-01

The aim of this harmonized meta-analysis was to examine the independent and combined effects of physical activity and BMI on the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Our systematic literature review in 2011 identified 127 potentially relevant prospective studies of which 9 fulfilled the inclusion criteria (total N = 117,878, 56.2 % female, mean age = 50.0 years, range = 25-65 years). Measures of baseline physical activity (low, intermediate, high), BMI-category [BMI < 18.4 (underweight), 18.5-24.9 (normal weight), 25.0-29.9 (overweight), 30+ (obese)] and incident type 2 diabetes were harmonized across studies. The associations between physical activity, BMI and incident type 2 diabetes were analyzed using Cox regression with a standardized analysis protocol including adjustments for age, gender, educational level, and smoking. Hazard ratios from individual studies were combined in a random-effects meta-analysis. Mean follow-up time was 9.1 years. A total of 11,237 incident type 2 diabetes cases were recorded. In mutually adjusted models, being overweight or obese (compared with normal weight) and having low physical activity (compared with high physical activity) were associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes (hazard ratios 2.33, 95 % CI 1.95-2.78; 6.10, 95 % CI: 4.63-8.04, and 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.09-1.39, respectively). Individuals who were both obese and had low physical activity had 7.4-fold (95 % CI 3.47-15.89) increased risk of type 2 diabetes compared with normal weight, high physically active participants. This harmonized meta-analysis shows the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active in diabetes prevention.

Simple Numerical Simulation of Strain Measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tai, H.

2002-01-01

By adopting the basic principle of the reflection (and transmission) of a plane polarized electromagnetic wave incident normal to a stack of films of alternating refractive index, a simple numerical code was written to simulate the maximum reflectivity (transmittivity) of a fiber optic Bragg grating corresponding to various non-uniform strain conditions including photo-elastic effect in certain cases.

The acoustic response of rooms with open windows to airborne sounds.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaidya, P. G.

1972-01-01

The objective of the work described in this and the companion paper was to establish a theory for predicting the sound field generated in a room by a sonic boom incident on an open window. In this paper, some basic theoretical results are presented. First, the case of a normally incident harmonic wave was considered. Expressions for the pressure field were obtained by viewing the room as a terminated duct and by using a Green function method. The concept of mode excitation distribution functions was formulated and used to match the boundary conditions. This concept has been extended for oblique incidence. A modified form of Laplace transform technique was used to obtain expressions in the time domain for transient signals.

An uncommon presentation of an VIII nerve tumor.

PubMed

Swensson, Rubem Cruz; Swensson, Rogério Poli; Pizzini, Fabio Eduardo Caramante; Boldorini, Pedro Robson; Jorge Júnior, José Jarjura

2008-01-01

Vestibular Shwannomas are responsible for 80-90% of the cerebelar-pontine angle tumors and their incidence is of 0.8 to 20.5% of all tumors. Unilateral and progressive hearing loss is the most frequent and premature symptom, and tinnitus is the second most common complaint. Only 5% of the patients have normal audiograms. In this case the patient complained of ipsilateral facial numbness and weak blink, posterior pinna hypoesthesia (Hitzelberger +), tear reduction and positive Romberg test. He also had mouth twisting but no other involvement of other cranial nerves. Hearing acuity was normal.

A Population-Based Study of the Incidence of Burning Mouth Syndrome

PubMed Central

Kohorst, John J.; Bruce, Alison J.; Torgerson, Rochelle R.; Schenck, Louis A.; Davis, Mark D. P.

2015-01-01

Objective To calculate the incidence of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 2000 to 2010. Patients and Methods Using the medical record linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we identified newly diagnosed cases of BMS from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2010. Diagnoses were confirmed through the presence of burning pain symptoms of the oral mucosa with normal oral examination findings and no associated clinical signs. Incidence was estimated using decennial census data for Olmsted County. Results In total, 169 incident cases were identified, representing an annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence of BMS of 11.4 per 100,000 person-years. Age-adjusted incidence was significantly higher in women than men (18.8 [95% CI, 16.4–22.9] vs 3.7 [95% CI, 2.6–5.7] per 100,000 person-years [P<.001]). Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 89 years had the highest disease incidence, with the maximal rate in women aged 70 to 79 years (70.3 per 100,000 person-years). After age 50 years, BMS incidence in men and women significantly increased across age-groups (P=.02). Olmsted County study participants were predominantly white, which is a study limitation. In addition, diagnostic criteria for identifying BMS in the present study may not apply for all situations because no diagnostic criteria are universally recognized for identifying BMS. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first population-based incidence study of BMS reported to date. The data show that BMS is an uncommon disease highly associated with female sex and advancing age. PMID:25176397

Micro-spatial distribution of malaria cases and control strategies at ward level in Gwanda district, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe.

PubMed

Manyangadze, Tawanda; Chimbari, Moses J; Macherera, Margaret; Mukaratirwa, Samson

2017-11-21

Although there has been a decline in the number of malaria cases in Zimbabwe since 2010, the disease remains the biggest public health threat in the country. Gwanda district, located in Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe has progressed to the malaria pre-elimination phase. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of malaria incidence at ward level for improving the planning and implementation of malaria elimination in the district. The Poisson purely spatial model was used to detect malaria clusters and their properties, including relative risk and significance levels at ward level. The geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR) model was used to explore the potential role and significance of environmental variables [rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, altitude, Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), rural/urban] and malaria control strategies [indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs)] on the spatial patterns of malaria incidence at ward level. Two significant clusters (p < 0.05) of malaria cases were identified: (1) ward 24 south of Gwanda district and (2) ward 9 in the urban municipality, with relative risks of 5.583 and 4.316, respectively. The semiparametric-GWPR model with both local and global variables had higher performance based on AICc (70.882) compared to global regression (74.390) and GWPR which assumed that all variables varied locally (73.364). The semiparametric-GWPR captured the spatially non-stationary relationship between malaria cases and minimum temperature, NDVI, NDWI, and altitude at the ward level. The influence of LLINs, IRS and rural or urban did not vary and remained in the model as global terms. NDWI (positive coefficients) and NDVI (range from negative to positive coefficients) showed significant association with malaria cases in some of the wards. The IRS had a protection effect on malaria incidence as expected. Malaria incidence is heterogeneous even in low-transmission zones including those in pre-elimination phase. The relationship between malaria cases and NDWI, NDVI, altitude, and minimum temperature may vary at local level. The results of this study can be used in planning and implementation of malaria control strategies at district and ward levels.

[Coronary disease with normal coronarography in the black Africans: epidemiological and clinical data in 31 cases. Role of abnormal hemoglobins].

PubMed

Bertrand, E; Renambot, J; Chauvet, J; Seka, R; Ticolat, R; Odi Assamoi, M; Ndori, R; Ekra, A

1993-04-01

The authors studied 31 cases of coronary artery disease with normal or minimally diseases coronary arteries in black Africans, 29.8% of 104 coronary patients undergoing coronary angiography in this series. These 31 cases comprised 16 cases of infarction, 10 cases of angina, 3 ventricular aneurysms and 2 cases of silent ischemia in diabetic patients. Twenty-five patients were men (80.6%). There were 6 women (19.3%) two of whom presented in the post-partum period. The average age of these patients was 45 years (males: 47.7 years; females: 41.8 years). The following risk factors were noted: smoking (60%), hypertension (25.8%), obesity (29%), diabetes (12.9%), serum cholesterol (average 2.15 g/l), serum triglycerides (average 1.25 g/l). The risk index per patient was 1.29. In comparison with coronary patients with angiographic coronary lesions (n = 73), the patients with normal angiography were significantly younger, comprised more females and had fewer risk factors (especially hypertension and diabetes), though this was not statistically significant. The prevalence of inaugural infarction was 81.2% in the cases of infarction with normal coronary arteries. These infarcts may be complicated by ventricular aneurysm formation. Spontaneous spasm was observed in 3 out of 31 patients (9.6%) at coronary angiography. A provocative test was performed in only 2 cases and 1 was positive. This deserves further study and may have therapeutic implications. The authors emphasise the high incidence of hemoglobin S or C traits (57.1%). These heterozygotic hemoglobinopathies could be a risk factor in these coronary patients with normal coronary angiography.

Angular dependence of etch rates in the etching of poly-Si and fluorocarbon polymer using SF6, C4F8, and O2 plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Jae-Ho; Lee, Gyeo-Re; Lee, Jin-Kwan; Moon, Sang Heup; Kim, Chang-Koo

2004-05-01

The dependences of etch rates on the angle of ions incident on the substrate surface in four plasma/substrate systems that constitute the advanced Bosch process were investigated using a Faraday cage designed for the accurate control of the ion-incident angle. The four systems, established by combining discharge gases and substrates, were a SF6/poly-Si, a SF6/fluorocarbon polymer, an O2/fluorocarbon polymer, and a C4F8/Si. In the case of SF6/poly-Si, the normalized etch rates (NERs), defined as the etch rates normalized by the rate on the horizontal surface, were higher at all angles than values predicted from the cosine of the ion-incident angle. This characteristic curve shape was independent of changes in process variables including the source power and bias voltage. Contrary to the earlier case, the NERs for the O2/polymer decreased and eventually reached much lower values than the cosine values at angles between 30° and 70° when the source power was increased and the bias voltage was decreased. On the other hand, the NERs for the SF6/polymer showed a weak dependence on the process variables. In the case of C4F8/Si, which is used in the Bosch process for depositing a fluorocarbon layer on the substrate surface, the deposition rate varied with the ion incident angle, showing an S-shaped curve. These characteristic deposition rate curves, which were highly dependent on the process conditions, could be divided into four distinct regions: a Si sputtering region, an ion-suppressed polymer deposition region, an ion-enhanced polymer deposition region, and an ion-free polymer deposition region. Based on the earlier characteristic angular dependences of the etch (or deposition) rates in the individual systems, ideal process conditions for obtaining an anisotropic etch profile in the advanced Bosch process are proposed. .

Levetiracetam versus phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis in severe traumatic brain injury

PubMed Central

Jones, Kristen E.; Puccio, Ava M.; Harshman, Kathy J.; Falcione, Bonnie; Benedict, Neal; Jankowitz, Brian T.; Stippler, Martina; Fischer, Michael; Sauber-Schatz, Erin K.; Fabio, Anthony; Darby, Joseph M.; Okonkwo, David O.

2013-01-01

Object Current standard of care for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is prophylactic treatment with phenytoin for 7 days to decrease the risk of early posttraumatic seizures. Phenytoin alters drug metabolism, induces fever, and requires therapeutic-level monitoring. Alternatively, levetiracetam (Keppra) does not require serum monitoring or have significant pharmacokinetic interactions. In the current study, the authors compare the EEG findings in patients receiving phenytoin with those receiving levetiracetam monotherapy for seizure prophylaxis following severe TBI. Methods Data were prospectively collected in 32 cases in which patients received levetiracetam for the first 7 days after severe TBI and compared with data from a historical cohort of 41 cases in which patients received phenytoin monotherapy. Patients underwent 1-hour electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring if they displayed persistent coma, decreased mental status, or clinical signs of seizures. The EEG results were grouped into normal and abnormal findings, with abnormal EEG findings further categorized as seizure activity or seizure tendency. Results Fifteen of 32 patients in the levetiracetam group warranted EEG monitoring. In 7 of these 15 cases the results were normal and in 8 abnormal; 1 patient had seizure activity, whereas 7 had seizure tendency. Twelve of 41 patients in the phenytoin group received EEG monitoring, with all results being normal. Patients treated with levetiracetam and phenytoin had equivalent incidence of seizure activity (p = 0.556). Patients receiving levetiracetam had a higher incidence of abnormal EEG findings (p = 0.003). Conclusions Levetiracetam is as effective as phenytoin in preventing early posttraumatic seizures but is associated with an increased seizure tendency on EEG analysis. PMID:18828701

Forced sound transmission through a finite-sized single leaf panel subject to a point source excitation.

PubMed

Wang, Chong

2018-03-01

In the case of a point source in front of a panel, the wavefront of the incident wave is spherical. This paper discusses spherical sound waves transmitting through a finite sized panel. The forced sound transmission performance that predominates in the frequency range below the coincidence frequency is the focus. Given the point source located along the centerline of the panel, forced sound transmission coefficient is derived through introducing the sound radiation impedance for spherical incident waves. It is found that in addition to the panel mass, forced sound transmission loss also depends on the distance from the source to the panel as determined by the radiation impedance. Unlike the case of plane incident waves, sound transmission performance of a finite sized panel does not necessarily converge to that of an infinite panel, especially when the source is away from the panel. For practical applications, the normal incidence sound transmission loss expression of plane incident waves can be used if the distance between the source and panel d and the panel surface area S satisfy d/S>0.5. When d/S ≈0.1, the diffuse field sound transmission loss expression may be a good approximation. An empirical expression for d/S=0  is also given.

Correlation of clinical phenotype with a pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 and genetic counseling.

PubMed

Demirhan, Osman; Pazarbasi, Ayfer; Suleymanova-Karahan, Dilara; Tanriverdi, Nilgun; Kilinc, Yurdanur

2008-07-01

To describe the history of 157 carriers of pericentric inversions on chromosome 9 [inv9] with karyotype analyses and evaluate the significance of these findings. We studied the incidence, clinical significance, and genetic counseling of inv9 p11;q12, p11;q13, and p11;q21 patients who were referred to our laboratory from various clinics of the Medical Faculty, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey retrospectively from 157 cases of 15528 cytogenetic analyses collected between May 1993 and February 2007. We found the incidence of inv9 to be 1.01%. From a review of 157 cases with inv9, it is concluded that the incidence of the spontaneous abortion group 30.6% appeared to be high among the adult patients with inv9. The 17 cases were found to have mental retardation, which gave an incidence of 10.8%. We here report the clinical and cytogenetic findings of 157 inv9 cases that had different problems. Although, inv9 has been considered to be a normal variant, our observation implies a possible association between inv9 and abnormalities, suggesting that a susceptibility locus for these phenotypes may be located at the breakpoint of the inversion on chromosome 9, which may lead to cloning of a susceptibility gene for unspecified abnormalities. These findings could be used widely in clinical genetics, and as an effective tool for genetic counseling and reproductive guidance.

A simulation study on the mode conversion process from slow Z-mode to LO mode by the tunneling effect and variations of beaming angle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalaee, Mohammad Javad; Katoh, Yuto

2014-12-01

For a particular angle of incidence wave, it is possible for a slow Z-mode wave incident on an inhomogeneous plasma slab to be converted into an LO mode wave. But for another wave normal angle of the incident wave, it has been considered impossible, since an evanescence region exists between two mode branches. In this case we expect that the mode conversion takes place through the tunneling effect. We investigate the effect of the spatial scale of the density gradient on the mode conversion efficiency in an inhomogeneous plasma where the mode conversion can occur only by the tunneling effect. We use the computer simulation solving Maxwell's equations and the motion of a cold electron fluid. By considering the steepness of the density gradient, the simulation results show the efficient mode conversion could be expected even in the case that the mismatch of the refractive indexes prevents the close coupling of plasma waves. Also, we show for these cases the beaming angle does not correspond to Jones' formula. This effect leads to the angles larger and smaller than the angle estimated by the formula. This type of mode conversion process becomes important in a case where the different plasmas form a discontinuity at their contact boundary.

Normal-incidence reflectance of optimized W/B4C x-ray multilayers in the range 1.4 nm < λ < 2.4 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Windt, David L.; Gullikson, Eric M.; Walton, Christopher C.

2002-12-01

We have fabricated W/B4C multilayers having periods in the range d = 0.8-1.2 nm and measured their soft-x-ray performance near normal incidence in the wavelength range 1.4 < λ < 2.4 nm. By adjusting the fractional layer thickness of W we have produced structures having interface widths σ ~ 0.29 nm (i.e., as determined from normal-incidence reflectometry), thus having optimal soft-x-ray performance. We describe our results and discuss their implications, particularly with regard to the development of short-wavelength normal-incidence x-ray optics.

Experimental study of a smart foam sound absorber.

PubMed

Leroy, Pierre; Berry, Alain; Herzog, Philippe; Atalla, Noureddine

2011-01-01

This article presents the experimental implementation and results of a hybrid passive/active absorber (smart foam) made up from the combination of a passive absorbent (foam) and a curved polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film actuator bonded to the rear surface of the foam. Various smart foam prototypes were built and tested in active absorption experiments conducted in an impedance tube under plane wave propagation condition at frequencies between 100 and 1500 Hz. Three control cases were tested. The first case used a fixed controller derived in the frequency domain from estimations of the primary disturbance at a directive microphone position in the tube and the transfer function between the control PVDF and the directive microphone. The two other cases used an adaptive time-domain feedforward controller to absorb either a single-frequency incident wave or a broadband incident wave. The non-linearity of the smart foams and the causality constraint were identified to be important factors influencing active control performance. The effectiveness of the various smart foam prototypes is discussed in terms of the active and passive absorption coefficients as well as the control voltage of the PVDF actuator normalized by the incident sound pressure.

Changes in sexual behaviour and the fall in incidence of HIV infection among homosexual men.

PubMed Central

van Griensven, G. J.; de Vroome, E. M.; Goudsmit, J.; Coutinho, R. A.

1989-01-01

To investigate the epidemiology and normal course of infection with HIV the prevalence and incidence of the infection were studied among two cohorts of homosexual men in Amsterdam in 1980-7. The cumulative incidence of infection increased from a weighted 2.2% in 1980 to 39.0% in 1987. The estimated yearly incidence of HIV was 3.0% in 1981, rose to 8.8% in 1984, and fell gradually to 0% in 1987. During the study the sexual behaviour of the cohorts was examined. The number of men with whom anopenetrative intercourse was practised fell from a mean of 10.6 to 1.4 for those positive for HIV antibody, whereas the number with whom anoreceptive intercourse was practised fell from a mean of 3.7 to 0.5 for those negative for the antibody. In addition, there was a reduction in the number of cases of hepatitis B and syphilis among men in general. The decline in infection with HIV was assumed to be linked to changes in sexual behaviour. Such changes practised early in the course of the epidemic probably had a strong effect on the number of cases of AIDS among homosexual men in Amsterdam. PMID:2493866

Surgical procedure and results of cisternal washing therapy for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm following SAH.

PubMed

Nakagomi, Tadayoshi; Furuya, Kazuhide; Nagashima, Hiroshi; Tanaka, Jun-Ichi; Ishii, Teruyuki; Takanashi, Shigehiko; Shinohara, Takeyuki; Watanabe, Fumihiro; Ogawa, Akiko; Fujii, Norio; Tamura, Akira

2011-01-01

In 1994, we started cisternal washing therapy (CWT) using urokinase combined with head-shaking method in order to prevent cerebral vasospasm. In this paper, we showed the surgical procedure for CWT and reported the effect of this therapy in preventing vasospasm following SAH. A total of 332 consecutive cases with Fisher group 3 SAH since 1988 were analyzed. Of these patients, 118 cases (56 cases before 1994 and 62 cases after 1994) had not CWT, and, 214 cases after 1994 had this therapy. All of these patients had clipping surgery within 3 days following SAH, and had postoperative management both with normovolemia and normal to mild hypertension. In these two groups, the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm (transiently symptomatic vasospasm without infarction), cerebral infarction due to vasospasm on CT, and mortality and morbidity (M&M) due to vasospasm were analyzed. In the group without CWT, the incidences of symptomatic vasospasm, cerebral infarction on CT, and M&M due to vasospasm were 4.2%, 28.8%, and 17.8%, respectively. On the other hand, in the group with CWT, they were 3.7%, 6.5%, and 2.8%, respectively. In the patients with CWT, the incidence of cerebral infarction on CT due to vasospasm and M&M due to vasospasm were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. CWT was effective in preventing cerebral vasospasm.

Numerical Modeling of Infragravity Wave Runup on Steep and Mildly Sloping Natural Beaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiedler, J. W.; Smit, P.; Brodie, K. L.; McNinch, J.; Guza, R. T.; Gallien, T.

2016-12-01

We present ongoing work which aims to validate the non-hydrostatic model SWASH for wave runup and infragravity waves generated by a range of different incident wave spectra at the offshore boundary, including the effect of finite directional spread. Flume studies of wave runup are limited to normally incident (1D) sea and infragravity waves, but natural waves are directionally spread (2D), with substantially different dynamics from 1D. For example, refractive trapping (edge waves) is only possible with 2D waves, and the bound infragravity wave response to short wave groups is highly amplified for the special case of normal incidence. Selected case studies are modeled at Agate Beach, Oregon, a low slope (1:80) beach with maximum offshore wave heights greater than 7m, and Cardiff, California, a steep (1:8) beach with maximum wave heights of 2m. Peak periods ranged between 5-20 s at both sites. On both beaches, waves were measured on a transect from approximately 10m depth to the runup, using pressure sensors, current meters, and a scanning lidar. Bulk short wave quantities, wave runup, infragravity frequency spectra and energy fluxes are compared with SWASH. On the low slope beach with energetic incident waves, the observed horizontal runup excursions reach 140m ( 100s periods). Swash front velocities reached up to several m/s, causing short waves to stack up during runup drawdown. On reversal of the infragravity phase, the stacked short waves are swept onshore with the long wave front, effectively enhancing runup by phase coupling long and short waves. Statistical variability and nonlinearity in swash generation lead to time-varying runup heights. Here, we test these observations with 2D SWASH, as well as the sensitivity of modeled runup to the parameterization of bottom friction.

Experience of a Tertiary-Level Urology Center in the Clinical Urological Events of Rare and Very Rare Incidence. VI. Unusual Events in Urolithiasis: 1. Long-Standing Urethral Stones without Underlying Anatomical Abnormalities in Male Children.

PubMed

Gadelkareem, Rabea A; Shahat, Ahmed A; Abdelhafez, Mohamed F; Moeen, Ahmed M; Ibrahim, Abdelrady S; Safwat, Ahmed S

2018-06-06

The study aimed to present our center's experience with long-standing urethral stones in male children with normal urethra. Retrospective search of our center data was done for the cases of long-standing urethral stones with normal urethra in male children during the period July 2001 - June 2016. Demographic and clinical data were studied. Of more than 54,000 urolithiasis procedures, 17 male children (0.031%) were operated for long-standing urethral stones with normal urethra. In 14 cases (82.4%), residence was rural and parental education levels were low or none. All children were regularly prompted voiding with a history of difficulty or dysuria. All the stones lodged in the posterior urethra with an approximate mean duration of 2 months. The mean stone size of 11.29 ± 3.88 mm and rough surfaces in 88.2% of cases represented the main predisposing factors. Major complications included rectal prolapse in 1 case and vesicoureteral reflux in 3 cases. Endoscopic push-back was followed by disintegration in 76.5% or cystolithotomy in 17.7%, while it failed in 1 case that was treated by cystolithotomy. Long-standing urethral stones in male children with normal urethra are very rare misdiagnoses. Stone topography and sociocultural factors predisposed to their lodgments and negligence. Endoscopic treatment is the best approach. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The elliptical Gaussian wave transformation due to diffraction by an elliptical hologram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janicijevic, L.

1985-03-01

Realized as an interferogram of a spherical and a cylindrical wave, the elliptical hologram is treated as a plane diffracting grating which produces Fresnel diffraction of a simple astigmatic Gaussian incident wave. It is shown that if the principal axes of the incident beam coincide with the principal axes of the hologram, the diffracted wave field is composed of three different astigmatic Gaussian waves, with their waists situated in parallel but distinct planes. The diffraction pattern, observed on a transverse screen, is the result of the interference of the three diffracted wave components. It consists of three systems of overlapped second-order curves, whose shape depends on the distance of the observation screen from the hologram, as well as on the parameters of the incident wave beam and the hologram. The results are specialized for gratings in the form of circular and linear holograms and for the case of a stigmatic Gaussian incident wave, as well as for the normal plane-wave incidence on the three mentioned types of hologram.

A Case of Extrahepatic Portal Vein Aneurysm Complicated by Acute Thrombosis.

PubMed

Kim, Hye Jin; Ha, Tae-Yong; Ko, Gi-Young; Noh, Minsu; Kwon, Tae-Won; Cho, Yong-Pil; Lee, Sung-Gyu

2017-08-01

Portal vein (PV) aneurysm is a rare disease entity, and the optimal strategy for its management remains unclear. We describe the case of a 34-year-old woman who was incidentally diagnosed with an asymptomatic extrahepatic PV aneurysm. Although expectant management with regular follow-up and surveillance imaging was adopted, the PV aneurysm progressed into a symptomatic type, accompanied by complications of acute thrombosis. Hence, an aneurysm excision with interposition bypass was performed. Her postoperative recovery was rapid and uneventful, with liver function test results within normal ranges and normal portal flow on color Doppler ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The incidence of thromboses among the reported PV aneurysm cases may be markedly high, and early surgical intervention for low-risk patients may therefore be required to prevent the development of portal hypertension with clinically severe consequences. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) at multiple sites in post-delivery placentas derived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

PubMed

Minor, Agata; Harmer, Karynn; Peters, Nicole; Yuen, Basil Ho; Ma, Sai

2006-01-01

Although earlier studies on pregnancies derived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) reported increased non-mosaic aneuploidy among ICSI children, undetected mosaicism, such as confined placental mosaicism (CPM) has not been evaluated. We investigated the incidence of CPM in post-delivery placentas derived from ICSI, evaluated whether CPM was increased and whether it was a contributing factor to negative pregnancy outcome. [Fifty-one post-delivery placentas were collected from patients who underwent ICSI with a normal or negative pregnancy outcome]. Trophoblast and chorionic stroma from three sites were analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and flow cytometry. Detected abnormalities were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The incidence of CPM in the ICSI population was compared to the general population from published data. We detected three cases of CPM in our study. One abnormality was found by CGH analysis; partial trisomy 7q and a partial monosomy Xp limited to the trophoblast at two sites. The abnormality was associated with a child affected by spina bifida. Two cases of mosaic tetraploidy were observed by flow cytometry in pregnancies with a normal outcome. All three abnormalities were confirmed by FISH analysis. The incidence of CPM in the ICSI study population was 5.88% (3/51), which was not statistically different from published reports in the general population (5.88% (42/714), Chi square, P > 0.05). The post-ICSI population was not at risk for CPM in this study. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload in a pediatric intensive care unit: different incidences with different diagnostic criteria.

PubMed

De Cloedt, Lise; Emeriaud, Guillaume; Lefebvre, Émilie; Kleiber, Niina; Robitaille, Nancy; Jarlot, Christine; Lacroix, Jacques; Gauvin, France

2018-04-01

The incidence of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is not well known in children, especially in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. All consecutive patients admitted over 1 year to the PICU of CHU Sainte-Justine were included after they received their first red blood cell transfusion. TACO was diagnosed using the criteria of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, with two different ways of defining abnormal values: 1) using normal pediatric values published in the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics and 2) by using the patient as its own control and comparing pre- and posttransfusion values with either 10 or 20% difference threshold. We monitored for TACO up to 24 hours posttransfusion. A total of 136 patients were included. Using the "normal pediatric values" definition, we diagnosed 63, 88, and 104 patients with TACO at 6, 12, and 24 hours posttransfusion, respectively. Using the "10% threshold" definition we detected 4, 15, and 27 TACO cases in the same periods, respectively; using the "20% threshold" definition, the number of TACO cases was 2, 6, and 17, respectively. Chest radiograph was the most frequent missing item, especially at 6 and 12 hours posttransfusion. Overall, the incidence of TACO varied from 1.5% to 76% depending on the definition. A more operational definition of TACO is needed in PICU patients. Using a threshold could be more optimal but more studies are needed to confirm the best threshold. © 2018 AABB.

An overview of normal pressure hydrocephalus and its importance: how much do we really know?

PubMed

Siraj, Seema

2011-01-01

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical triad of gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence combined with radiographic findings of ventriculomegaly and laboratory findings of normal cerebrospinal fluid pressures. Although it was first described by Hakim and Adams in 1965, there is no formal definition of NPH, causing discrepancy in its incidence in various studies. This ranges from 2 to 20 per million per year. It is estimated to be the cause of about 5% of cases of dementia and is one of the few reversible causes of dementia. Early diagnosis increases the rate of success to treatment. This makes accurate diagnosis and identification of responders to treatment important. There have been various studies on NPH in the general population, but not much has been said about it in long-term care facilities and the question arises on how many cases are missed. If a screening tool is in place to identify possible cases then further workup could be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the need for shunting. Copyright © 2011 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Development of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cohort Study.

PubMed

Chang, Yoosoo; Ryu, Seungho; Choi, Yuni; Zhang, Yiyi; Cho, Juhee; Kwon, Min-Jung; Hyun, Young Youl; Lee, Kyu-Beck; Kim, Hyang; Jung, Hyun-Suk; Yun, Kyung Eun; Ahn, Jiin; Rampal, Sanjay; Zhao, Di; Suh, Byung-Seong; Chung, Eun Cheol; Shin, Hocheol; Pastor-Barriuso, Roberto; Guallar, Eliseo

2016-03-01

The risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) among obese persons without obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, called metabolically healthy obesity, is largely unexplored. To investigate the risk for incident CKD across categories of body mass index in a large cohort of metabolically healthy men and women. Prospective cohort study. Kangbuk Samsung Health Study, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. 62 249 metabolically healthy, young and middle-aged men and women without CKD or proteinuria at baseline. Metabolic health was defined as a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance less than 2.5 and absence of any component of the metabolic syndrome. Underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity were defined as a body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m2, 18.5 to 22.9 kg/m2, 23 to 24.9 kg/m2, and 25 kg/m2 or greater, respectively. The outcome was incident CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. During 369 088 person-years of follow-up, 906 incident CKD cases were identified. The multivariable-adjusted differences in 5-year cumulative incidence of CKD in underweight, overweight, and obese participants compared with normal-weight participants were -4.0 (95% CI, -7.8 to -0.3), 3.5 (CI, 0.9 to 6.1), and 6.7 (CI, 3.0 to 10.4) cases per 1000 persons, respectively. These associations were consistently seen in all clinically relevant subgroups. Chronic kidney disease was identified by a single measurement at each visit. Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased incidence of CKD in metabolically healthy young and middle-aged participants. These findings show that metabolically healthy obesity is not a harmless condition and that the obese phenotype, regardless of metabolic abnormalities, can adversely affect renal function. None.

Compensation for Phase Anisotropy of a Metal Reflector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hong, John

2007-01-01

A method of compensation for the polarization- dependent phase anisotropy of a metal reflector has been proposed. The essence of the method is to coat the reflector with multiple thin alternating layers of two dielectrics that have different indices of refraction, so as to introduce an opposing polarization-dependent phase anisotropy. The anisotropy in question is a phenomenon that occurs in reflection of light at other than normal incidence: For a given plane wave having components polarized parallel (p) and perpendicular (s) to the plane of incidence, the phase of s-polarized reflected light differs from the phase p-polarized light by an amount that depends on the angle of incidence and the complex index of refraction of the metal. The magnitude of the phase difference is zero at zero angle of incidence (normal incidence) and increases with the angle of incidence. This anisotropy is analogous to a phase anisotropy that occurs in propagation of light through a uniaxial dielectric crystal. In such a case, another uniaxial crystal that has the same orientation but opposite birefringence can be used to cancel the phase anisotropy. Although it would be difficult to prepare a birefringent material in a form suitable for application to the curved surface of a typical metal reflector in an optical instrument, it should be possible to effect the desired cancellation of phase anisotropy by exploiting the form birefringence of multiple thin dielectric layers. (The term "form birefringence" can be defined loosely as birefringence arising, in part, from a regular array of alternating subwavelength regions having different indices of refraction.)

Review of primary hypothyroidism in very low birthweight infants in a perinatal centre in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Chee, Yuet Yee; Wong, Kar Yin; Low, Louis

2011-11-01

To review the incidence and risk factors of primary hypothyroidism in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants in our centre and to assess their neurodevelopmental outcome. Retrospective, descriptive review of VLBW infants with primary hypothyroidism from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2008 in a perinatal centre. Case control comparisons for neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months, nested to a prospective VLBW cohort (Vermont Oxford Database). Twelve cases were identified, with the incidence of primary hypothyroidism of 1 in 55 live births in our VLBW cohort during the 9-year study period. Umbilical cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone was abnormal in less than half of the cases using the current cut-off (≤14 mIU/L). Five cases were transient in nature, four cases were permanent and the causes for the rest remained undetermined at the time of review. Elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone was first evident at a mean of 2.4 weeks post-natally. Follow-up assessment reviewed normal development in 83% of cases (10 out of 12 cases). There was no statistically significant difference in Griffith's scores at 18 months between the case and matched controls. The high incidence of primary hypothyroidism in our VLBW cohort deserved stringent monitoring of thyroid function post-natally. Umbilical cord blood screening was not useful as a screening tool because of its low sensitivity. Neurodevelopmental outcome for treated primary hypothyroidism was favourable as assessed at 18 months of age. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2011 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Secondary electron emission from electrically charged fluorinated-ethylene-propylene Teflon for normal and non-normal electron incidence. M.S. Thesis; [spacecraft thermal coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budd, P. A.

1981-01-01

The secondary electron emission coefficient was measured for a charged polymer (FEP-Teflon) with normally and obliquely incident primary electrons. Theories of secondary emission are reviewed and the experimental data is compared to these theories. Results were obtained for angles of incidence up to 60 deg in normal electric fields of 1500 V/mm. Additional measurements in the range from 50 to 70 deg were made in regions where the normal and tangential fields were approximately equal. The initial input angles and measured output point of the electron beam could be analyzed with computer simulations in order to determine the field within the chamber. When the field is known, the trajectories can be calculated for impacting electrons having various energies and angles of incidence. There was close agreement between the experimental results and the commonly assumed theoretical model in the presence of normal electric fields for angles of incidence up to 60 deg. High angle results obtained in the presence of tangential electric fields did not agree with the theoretical models.

Detection of human papillomavirus in intraepithelial lesions and carcinoma of the cervix uteri in southern Thai women.

PubMed

Tungsinmunkong, Kobkul; Suwiwat, Supaporn; Sriplung, Hutcha

2006-01-01

To evaluate the prevalence of high-risk type human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in preneoplastic lesions and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix uteri in southern Thai women. A total of 148 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of cervix tissue were retrieved from the files of the Department of Pathology, Prince of Songkla University Hospital. They were classified as negative for intraepithelial lesion (NIL) in 37 cases, low grade lesion (LGL) in 58 cases, high grade lesion (HGL) in 39 cases and SCC in 14 cases. HR-HPV DNA was tested with an Amplicor HPV (Roche Diagnostics) detection kit. Of the 111 cases, 42 of 58 LGLs (72.4%), 34 of 39 HGLs (87.2%) and 13 of 14 SCCs (92.9%) were positive for HR-HPV DNA. In 37 cases of histologically normal cervix, there were 15 cases that showed the presence of HR-HPV DNA. Applying the HR-HPV results for NILs to the general population, the age standardized incidence rate of HR-HPV infection in the normal Thai population was 12.8%. HR-HPV DNA can be found in all grades of intraepithelial lesions and carcinoma of the cervix uteri, even in the histologically "normal" looking cervix. These results provide strong evidence for a role in carcinogenesis of the cervix uteri and the existence of a non-productive or latent period of HPV infection.

The propulsive capability of explosives heavily loaded with inert materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loiseau, J.; Georges, W.; Frost, D. L.; Higgins, A. J.

2018-01-01

The effect of inert dilution on the accelerating ability of high explosives for both grazing and normal detonations was studied. The explosives considered were: (1) neat, amine-sensitized nitromethane (NM), (2) packed beds of glass, steel, or tungsten particles saturated with amine-sensitized NM, (3) NM gelled with PMMA containing dispersed glass microballoons, (4) NM gelled with PMMA containing glass microballoons and steel particles, and (5) C-4 containing varying mass fractions of glass or steel particles. Flyer velocity was measured via photonic Doppler velocimetry, and the results were analysed using a Gurney model augmented to include the influence of the diluent. Reduction in accelerating ability with increasing dilution for the amine-sensitized NM, gelled NM, and C-4 was measured experimentally. Variation of flyer terminal velocity with the ratio of flyer mass to charge mass (M/C) was measured for both grazing and normally incident detonations in gelled NM containing 10% microballoons by mass and for steel beads saturated with amine-sensitized NM. Finally, flyer velocity was measured in grazing versus normal loading for a number of explosive admixtures. The augmented Gurney model predicted the effect of dilution on accelerating ability and the scaling of flyer velocity with M/C for mixtures containing low-density diluents. The augmented Gurney model failed to predict the scaling of flyer velocity with M/C for mixtures heavily loaded with dense diluents. In all cases, normally incident detonations propelled flyers to higher velocity than the equivalent grazing detonations because of material velocity imparted by the incident shock wave and momentum/energy transfer from the slapper used to uniformly initiate the charge.

The propulsive capability of explosives heavily loaded with inert materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loiseau, J.; Georges, W.; Frost, D. L.; Higgins, A. J.

2018-07-01

The effect of inert dilution on the accelerating ability of high explosives for both grazing and normal detonations was studied. The explosives considered were: (1) neat, amine-sensitized nitromethane (NM), (2) packed beds of glass, steel, or tungsten particles saturated with amine-sensitized NM, (3) NM gelled with PMMA containing dispersed glass microballoons, (4) NM gelled with PMMA containing glass microballoons and steel particles, and (5) C-4 containing varying mass fractions of glass or steel particles. Flyer velocity was measured via photonic Doppler velocimetry, and the results were analysed using a Gurney model augmented to include the influence of the diluent. Reduction in accelerating ability with increasing dilution for the amine-sensitized NM, gelled NM, and C-4 was measured experimentally. Variation of flyer terminal velocity with the ratio of flyer mass to charge mass ( M/ C) was measured for both grazing and normally incident detonations in gelled NM containing 10% microballoons by mass and for steel beads saturated with amine-sensitized NM. Finally, flyer velocity was measured in grazing versus normal loading for a number of explosive admixtures. The augmented Gurney model predicted the effect of dilution on accelerating ability and the scaling of flyer velocity with M/ C for mixtures containing low-density diluents. The augmented Gurney model failed to predict the scaling of flyer velocity with M/ C for mixtures heavily loaded with dense diluents. In all cases, normally incident detonations propelled flyers to higher velocity than the equivalent grazing detonations because of material velocity imparted by the incident shock wave and momentum/energy transfer from the slapper used to uniformly initiate the charge.

Port in oncology practice: 3-monthly locking with normal saline for catheter maintenance, a preliminary report.

PubMed

Solinas, Gianfranca; Platini, Francesca; Trivellato, Maurizio; Rigo, Carla; Alabiso, Oscar; Galetto, Alessandra S

2017-07-14

Patients with cancer need stable venous access using central vascular devices like central venous ports and peripherally inserted central catheters that can be used for a wide range of indications. Numerous flushing protocols exist including different frequencies for catheter locking to maintain catheter patency. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of lumen occlusion of central venous ports in a group of adult cancer patients, adopting a policy of locking with normal saline every three months. This is a single-center retrospective observational study. During follow-up, we analyzed adult cancer patients who had undergone port insertion from January 1st, 2007 to August 31st, 2014. Flushing and locking were performed every three months with a syringe containing normal saline. We collected data from 381 patients with ports inserted in subclavian vein (379 patients) and in the right jugular vein (2 patients). Locking was performed during 3-monthly follow-up visits. Median follow-up was 810 days (90-2700 days). Among 381 ports, 59 were removed; the reasons for removal were: end of use (45 cases), catheter rupture (9 cases), dislocation (3 cases) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (2 cases). We had no reports of lumen occlusion. Our data suggest that locking ports with normal saline every three months is not associated with an increased risk of lumen occlusion.

[Study on vaginal production of human defensins and the correlated pathogenetic factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis].

PubMed

Wang, Wen; DI, Wen; Liao, Qin-ping; Liu, Zhao-hui; Zhang, Ning; Zhang, Hui-ying; Zhang, Dai; Geng, Li; Fan, Shang-rong; Hu, Li-na

2008-07-01

To investigate the correlated pathogenetic factors and vaginal local immunity in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). A case control study was conducted to compare VVC group (60 cases) with normal group (60 cases). All of the women filled up the specific questionnaires. Routine examination, pH test and bacterial culture were done on the vaginal discharge. Cytokines of the vaginal lavage were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. (1) Outcomes of the questionnaires: there was no significant difference between the two groups in educational background, knowledge of gynecologic infection, history of gynecologic infection, hygienic habit, sex life, or use of medicine (P > 0.05). The incidence of chronic cervicitis in normal group (43%, 26/60) was higher than in VVC group (22%, 13/60; P < 0.05). (2) There was no difference in vaginal pH between the two groups (P > 0.05). (3) Detection rate of candida albicans by vaginal discharge routine examination was 72% (43/60). (4) The concentrations of interleukin (IL) 2, and IL-4 in vaginal lavage did not show significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the concentrations of human defensin 5, human beta-defensin (HBD) 1, and HBD2 in VVC group [(0.94 +/- 0.44) mg/L, (3.1 +/- 0.4) microg/L, (10 +/- 6) microg/L] were higher than normal group (P < 0.05). VVC is a common vulvovaginitis. There is no significant correlation between the incidence of VVC and educational background, knowledge of gynecologic infection, history of gynecologic infection, hygienic habit, sex life, or use of medicine in the child-bearing period. Human defensin may be closely correlated with the pathogenesis of VVC.

CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray Disc Diffraction with a Laser Ray Box

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeWeerd, Alan J.

2016-01-01

A compact disc (CD) can be used as a diffraction grating, even though its track consists of a series of pits, not a continuous groove. Previous authors described how to measure the track spacing on a CD using an incident laser beam normal to the surface or one at an oblique angle. In both cases, the diffraction pattern was projected on a screen…

Statistical modeling of valley fever data in Kern County, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talamantes, Jorge; Behseta, Sam; Zender, Charles S.

2007-03-01

Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) is a fungal infection found in the southwestern US, northern Mexico, and some places in Central and South America. The fungus that causes it ( Coccidioides immitis) is normally soil-dwelling but, if disturbed, becomes air-borne and infects the host when its spores are inhaled. It is thus natural to surmise that weather conditions that foster the growth and dispersal of the fungus must have an effect on the number of cases in the endemic areas. We present here an attempt at the modeling of valley fever incidence in Kern County, California, by the implementation of a generalized auto regressive moving average (GARMA) model. We show that the number of valley fever cases can be predicted mainly by considering only the previous history of incidence rates in the county. The inclusion of weather-related time sequences improves the model only to a relatively minor extent. This suggests that fluctuations of incidence rates (about a seasonally varying background value) are related to biological and/or anthropogenic reasons, and not so much to weather anomalies.

A wavenumber approach to analysing the active control of plane waves with arrays of secondary sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elliott, Stephen J.; Cheer, Jordan; Bhan, Lam; Shi, Chuang; Gan, Woon-Seng

2018-04-01

The active control of an incident sound field with an array of secondary sources is a fundamental problem in active control. In this paper the optimal performance of an infinite array of secondary sources in controlling a plane incident sound wave is first considered in free space. An analytic solution for normal incidence plane waves is presented, indicating a clear cut-off frequency for good performance, when the separation distance between the uniformly-spaced sources is equal to a wavelength. The extent of the near field pressure close to the source array is also quantified, since this determines the positions of the error microphones in a practical arrangement. The theory is also extended to oblique incident waves. This result is then compared with numerical simulations of controlling the sound power radiated through an open aperture in a rigid wall, subject to an incident plane wave, using an array of secondary sources in the aperture. In this case the diffraction through the aperture becomes important when its size is compatible with the acoustic wavelength, in which case only a few sources are necessary for good control. When the size of the aperture is large compared to the wavelength, and diffraction is less important but more secondary sources need to be used for good control, the results then become similar to those for the free field problem with an infinite source array.

Photonic band gap properties of one-dimensional Thue-Morse all-dielectric photonic quasicrystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Chenxi; Tan, Wei; Liu, Jianjun

2018-05-01

In this paper, the photonic band gap (PBG) properties of one-dimensional (1D) Thue-Morse photonic quasicrystal (PQC) S4 structure are theoretically investigated by using transfer matrix method in Bragg condition. The effects of the center wavelength, relative permittivity and incident angle on PBG properties are elaborately analyzed. Numerical results reveal that, in the case of normal incidence, the symmetry and periodicity properties of the photonic band structure are presented. As the center wavelength increases, the PBG center frequency and PBG width decrease while the photonic band structure is always symmetrical about the central frequency and the photonic band structure repeats periodically in the expanding observation frequency range. With the decrease of relative permittivity contrast, the PBG width and the relative PBG width gradually decreases until PBG disappears while the symmetry of the photonic band structure always exists. In the case of oblique incidence, as the incident angle increases, multiple narrow PBGs gradually merge into a wide PBG for the TE mode while for the TM mode, the number of PBG continuously decreases and eventually disappears, i.e., multiple narrow PBGs become a wide passband for the TM mode. The research results will provide a reference for the choice of the material, the incident angle for the PBG properties and its applications of 1D Thue-Morse PQC.

Normal-incidence quantum cascade detector coupled by nanopore structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jianqi; Wang, Fengjiao; Zhai, Shenqiang; Zhang, Jinchuan; Liu, Shuman; Liu, Junqi; Wang, Lijun; Liu, Fengqi; Wang, Zhanguo

2018-04-01

A normal-incidence quantum cascade detector coupled by a nanopore array structure (NPS) is demonstrated. The NPS is fabricated on top of an In0.53Ga0.47As contact layer by inductively coupled plasma etching using anodic aluminum oxide as a mask. Because of the nonuniform volume fraction at different areas of the device mesa, the NPS acts as subwavelength random gratings. Normal-incidence light can be scattered into random oblique directions for inter-sub-band transition absorption. With normal incidence, the responsivities of the device reach 24 mA/W at 77 K and 15.7 mA/W at 300 K, which are enhanced 2.23 and 1.96 times, respectively, compared with that of the 45°-edge device.

Clinical characteristics, etiologies and pathophysiology of patients with severe short stature with severe GH deficiency: questionnaire study on the data registered with the foundation for growth science, Japan.

PubMed

Hanew, Kunihiko; Tachibana, Katsuhiko; Yokoya, Susumu; Fujieda, Kenji; Tanaka, Toshiaki; Igarashi, Yutaka; Shimatsu, Akira; Tanaka, Hiroyuki; Tanizawa, Takakuni; Teramoto, Akira; Nishi, Yoshikazu; Hasegawa, Yukihiro; Hizuka, Naomi; Hirano, Takeki; Fujita, Keinosuke

2006-04-01

In this study, we sent questionnaires to doctors treating severe short stature with severe GH deficiency (GHD) (height SDS (HtSDS) below -4 and all peak GH to provocative stimuli below 2 micro/L) (abbreviated as Severe Case), and obtained effective replies of 51 cases. The clinical characteristics, etiologies, and pathophysiology of these patients were examined. Among the 51 Severe Cases no consanguinity was observed, 44 were IGHD (24 males and 20 females), 3 were GH-1 gene deletion, 2 were Pit-1 gene mutation, and 2 were achondroplasia. HtSDS in these Severe Cases was already remarkably low at 12 (-3.0) and 24 months old (-3.9), while their birth weight and birth length were within normal ranges. Among 44 patients with IGHD, 12 were isolated GHD, and the remaining 32 were combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). Pituitary MRI was undergone in 25 idiopathic GHD, and abnormal findings (pituitary atrophy, interruption of stalk, and ectopic posterior lobe) were observed in 21 patients with CPHD. More than half of these patients had the history of breech delivery. Three patients with GH-1 gene mutation showed normal pituitary MRI, whereas one of two patients with Pit-1 mutation showed pituitary atrophy and narrowing of pituitary stalk. In conclusion, Severe Cases tended to have CPHD, and the incidence of Severe Case was only 0.6% of total IGHD. Although GHD due to genetic disorders is considered to be extremely rare (0.06% of total IGHD), the incidence reaches high levels (9.8%) among Severe Cases. Growth disorders in these Severe Cases seem to occur soon after delivery. Much earlier diagnosis and hGH treatment are desirable to attain better final height in the Severe Cases. GH-1 and Pit-1 gene analyses are crucial, when genetic abnormalities other than achondroplasia are suspected.

Human papillomavirus cervical infection and associated risk factors in a region of Argentina with a high incidence of cervical carcinoma.

PubMed Central

Tonon, S A; Picconi, M A; Zinovich, J B; Liotta, D J; Bos, P D; Galuppo, J A; Alonio, L V; Ferreras, J A; Teyssié, A R

1999-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infection among women residing in a region of northeastern Argentina with a high incidence of cervical cancer. METHODS: A case-control study of 330 women participating in a cervical cytological screening program conducted in Posadas city, Misiones, Argentina, from February 1997 to November 1998 was carried out. Standardized questionnaires were administered, and clinical examination including colposcopy was performed. Fresh endocervical specimens for HPV DNA detection by generic polymerase chain reaction were collected and the products typed by dot-blot hybridization. RESULTS: Human papillomavirus DNA was found in 61% of samples analyzed (185/301). Samples with normal cytology had a 43% infection rate (85/199), while those classified as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and invasive cervical carcinoma had an infection rate of 96% (53/55), 100% (29/29), and 100% (18/18), respectively. Human papillomavirus typing showed a 64% (118/185) prevalence of type 16 among all the infected population analyzed; type 16 was detected among 49% (42/85) of infected samples with normal cytology and in an average of 74% (74/100) with abnormal cytology. Sexual behavior, residence in southern Paraguay, and history of a previous sexually transmitted diseases were the main risk factors associated with high-grade cervical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated prevalence of HPV infection was detected in this population, which also has a high incidence of cervical cancer. The broad distribution of high-risk HPV type 16 in women with normal cytology and colposcopy suggests that viral infection is an important determinant of regional cancer incidence. PMID:10524669

Hepatic hilar and sectorial vascular and biliary anatomy in right graft adult live liver donor transplantation.

PubMed

Radtke, A; Sgourakis, G; Sotiropoulos, G C; Molmenti, E P; Nadalin, S; Fouzas, I; Schroeder, T; Saner, F H; Schenk, A; Cicinnati, V R; Malagó, M; Lang, H

2008-11-01

The aim of this study was to analyze vascular and biliary variants at the hilar and sectorial level in right graft adult living donor liver transplantation. From January 2003 to June 2007, 139 consecutive live liver donors underwent three-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) reconstructions and virtual 3-D liver partitioning. We evaluated the portal (PV), arterial (HA), and biliary (BD) anatomy. The hilar and sectorial biliary/vascular anatomy was predominantly normal (70%-85% and 67%-78%, respectively). BD and HA showed an equal incidence (30%) of hilar anomalies. BD and PV had a nearly identical incidence of sectorial abnormalities (64.7% and 66.2%, respectively). The most frequent "single" anomaly was seen centrally in HA (21%) and distally in BD (18%). A "double" anomaly involved BD/HA (7.2%) in the hilum, and HA/PV and BD/PV (6.5% each) sectorially. A "triple" anomaly involving all systems was found at the hilum in 1.4% of cases, and at the sectorial level in 9.4% of instances. Simultanous central and distal abnormalities were rare. In this study, 13.7% of all donor candidates showed normal hilar and sectorial anatomy involving all 3 systems. A simultaneous central and distal "triple" abnormality was not encountered. A combination of "triple" hilar anomaly with "triple" sectorial normality was observed in 2 cases (1.4%). A central "triple" normality associated with a distal "triple" abnormality occurred in 7 livers (5%). Our data showed a variety of "horizontal" (hilar or sectorial) and "vertical" (hilar and sectorial) vascular and biliary branching patterns, providing comprehensive assistance for surgical decision-making prior to right graft hepatectomy.

Correlates of Incident Cognitive Impairment in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

PubMed Central

Gillett, Sarah R.; Thacker, Evan L.; Letter, Abraham J.; McClure, Leslie A.; Wadley, Virginia G.; Unverzagt, Frederick W.; Kissela, Brett M.; Kennedy, Richard E.; Glasser, Stephen P.; Levine, Deborah A.; Cushman, Mary

2015-01-01

Objective To identify approximately 500 cases of incident cognitive impairment (ICI) in a large, national sample adapting an existing cognitive test-based case definition and to examine relationships of vascular risk factors with ICI. Method Participants were from the REGARDS study, a national sample of 30,239 African-American and white Americans. Participants included in this analysis had normal cognitive screening and no history of stroke at baseline, and at least one follow-up cognitive assessment with a three test battery (TTB). Regression-based norms were applied to TTB scores to identify cases of ICI. Logistic regression was used to model associations with baseline vascular risk factors. Results We identified 495 participants with ICI out of 17,630 eligible participants. In multivariable modeling, income (OR 1.83 CI 1.27,2.62), stroke belt residence (OR 1.45 CI 1.18,1.78), history of transient ischemic attack (OR 1.90 CI 1.29,2.81), coronary artery disease(OR 1.32 CI 1.02,1.70), diabetes (OR 1.48 CI 1.17,1.87), obesity (OR 1.40 CI 1.05,1.86), and incident stroke (OR 2.73 CI 1.52,4.90) were associated with ICI. Conclusions We adapted a previously validated cognitive test-based case definition to identify cases of ICI. Many previously identified risk factors were associated with ICI, supporting the criterion-related validity of our definition. PMID:25978342

Invasive fungal infection caused by geotrichum capitatum in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case study and literature review

PubMed Central

Gao, Guang-Xun; Tang, Hai-Long; Zhang, Xuan; Xin, Xiao-Li; Feng, Juan; Chen, Xie-Qun

2015-01-01

Geotrichum capitatum infection has a very low incidence rate with atypical clinical symptoms, making diagnosis difficult, and it has a poor prognosis. The incidence is even more rare in China. This paper reports the first case of infection caused by G. capitatum during bone marrow suppression after chemotherapy in a Chinese patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In addition, it reports a systematic literature review of diagnosis and treatment. The patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was confirmed to be infected with G. capitatum, involving lung, liver and skin, through a blood culture test. Caspofungin, amphotericin B loposome, and a combination therapy of amphotericin B liposome and voriconazole were used in succession for treatment. Despite normal body temperature and a slight improvement of clinical symptoms with the combination therapy treatment, the patient died 40 days after chemotherapy due to heart and lung failure. PMID:26550401

Ocular complications of oral contraceptives.

PubMed

Wood, J R

1977-01-01

The systemic side effects of oral contraceptives are mentioned, and the incidence and variety of ocular complications are discussed. Experimental studies on the ocular effects of oral contraceptives in laboratory animals have shown only increased permeability of the lens and possibly vascular dilatation. Numerous case reports, however, have been published which describe neuroophthalamic, vascular, retinal and macular, aqueous humor dynamic, cornea and contact lense, lens, color vision, and other miscellaneous effects. These reports are reviewed as are the 6 reported prospective studies. These prospective studies reveal only changes in kerotometry readings. Thus the large number of case reports may represent a low overall incidence or may be normal findings in the population as a whole or may be caused by other systemic factors. Until multicenter prospective studies provide definitive guidelines, the risk associated with oral contraceptive use must be kept in its proper perpsective and ocular histories should contain information on oral contraceptive use.

Real-time observation of FIB-created dots and ripples on GaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, F.; Fujita, H.; Kawakatsu, H.

2008-01-01

We report a phenomenological study of Ga dots and ripples created by a focused ion beam (FIB) on the GaAs(001) surface. Real-time observation of dot diffusion and ripple formation was made possible by recording FIB movies. In the case of FIB irradiation with a 40 nA current of Ga+ ions accelerated under 40 kV with an incidence angle of θ = 30°, increasing ion dose gives rise to three different regimes. In Regime 1, dots with lateral sizes in the range 50-460 nm are formed. Dots diffuse under continuous sputtering. In Regime 2, dots self-assemble into Bradley and Harper (BH) type ripples with a pseudo-period of λ = 1150 ± 25 nm. In Regime 3, ripples are eroded and the surface topology evolves into microplanes. In the case of normal incidence, FIB sputtering leads only to the formation of dots, without surface rippling.

Increased dose near the skin due to electromagnetic surface beacon transponder.

PubMed

Ahn, Kang-Hyun; Manger, Ryan; Halpern, Howard J; Aydogan, Bulent

2015-05-08

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the increased dose near the skin from an electromagnetic surface beacon transponder, which is used for localization and tracking organ motion. The bolus effect due to the copper coil surface beacon was evaluated with radiographic film measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Various beam incidence angles were evaluated for both 6 MV and 18 MV experimentally. We performed simulations using a general-purpose Monte Carlo code MCNPX (Monte Carlo N-Particle) to supplement the experimental data. We modeled the surface beacon geometry using the actual mass of the glass vial and copper coil placed in its L-shaped polyethylene terephthalate tubing casing. Film dosimetry measured factors of 2.2 and 3.0 enhancement in the surface dose for normally incident 6 MV and 18 MV beams, respectively. Although surface dose further increased with incidence angle, the relative contribution from the bolus effect was reduced at the oblique incidence. The enhancement factors were 1.5 and 1.8 for 6 MV and 18 MV, respectively, at an incidence angle of 60°. Monte Carlo simulation confirmed the experimental results and indicated that the epidermal skin dose can reach approximately 50% of the dose at dmax at normal incidence. The overall effect could be acceptable considering the skin dose enhancement is confined to a small area (~ 1 cm2), and can be further reduced by using an opposite beam technique. Further clinical studies are justified in order to study the dosimetric benefit versus possible cosmetic effects of the surface beacon. One such clinical situation would be intact breast radiation therapy, especially large-breasted women.

Formation and characterization of perpendicular mode Si ripples by glancing angle O{sub 2}{sup +} sputtering at room temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mollick, S. A.; Ghose, D.

Off-normal low energy ion beam sputtering of solid surfaces often leads to morphological instabilities resulting in the spontaneous formation of ripple structures in nanometer length scales. In the case of Si surfaces at ambient temperature, ripple formation is found to take place normally at lower incident angles with the wave vector parallel to the ion beam direction. The absence of ripple pattern on Si surface at larger angles is due to the dominance of ion beam polishing effect. We have shown that a gentle chemical roughening of the starting surface morphology can initiate ripple pattern under grazing incidence ion beammore » sputtering (theta>64 deg. with respect to the surface normal), where the ripple wave vector is perpendicular to the ion beam direction. The characteristics of the perpendicular mode ripples are studied as a function of pristine surface roughness (2-30 nm) and projectile fluence (5x10{sup 16}-1.5x10{sup 18} O atoms cm{sup -2}). The quality of the morphological structure is assessed from the analysis of ion induced topological defects.« less

Are there any changes in burden and management of communicable diseases in areas affected by Cyclone Nargis?

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background This study aims to assess the situation of communicable diseases under national surveillance in the Cyclone Nargis-affected areas in Myanmar (Burma) before and after the incident. Methods Monthly data during 2007, 2008 and 2009 from the routine reporting system for disease surveillance of the Myanmar Ministry of Health (MMOH) were reviewed and compared with weekly reporting from the Early Warning and Rapid Response (EWAR) system. Data from some UN agencies, NGOs and Tri-Partite Core Group (TCG) periodic reviews were also extracted for comparisons with indicators from Sphere and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Results Compared to 2007 and 2009, large and atypical increases in diarrheal disease and especially dysentery cases occurred in 2008 following Cyclone Nargis. A seasonal increase in ARI reached levels higher than usual in the months of 2008 post-Nargis. The number of malaria cases post-Nargis also increased, but it was less clear if this reflected normal seasonal patterns or was specifically associated with the disaster event. There was no significant change in the occurrence of other communicable diseases in Nargis-affected areas. Except for a small decrease in mortality for diarrheal diseases and ARI in 2008 in Nargis-affected areas, population-based mortality rates for all other communicable diseases showed no significant change in 2008 in these areas, compared to 2007 and 2009. Tuberculosis control programs reached their targets of 70% case detection and 85% treatment success rates in 2007 and 2008. Vaccination coverage rates for DPT 3rd dose and measles remained at high though measles coverage still did not reach the Sphere target of 95% even by 2009. Sanitary latrine coverage in the Nargis-affected area dropped sharply to 50% in the months of 2008 following the incident but then rose to 72% in 2009. Conclusion While the incidence of diarrhea, dysentery and ARI increased post-Nargis in areas affected by the incident, the incidence rate for other diseases and mortality rates did not increase, and normal disease patterns resumed by 2009. This suggests that health services as well as prevention and control measures provided to the Nargis-affected population mitigated what could have been a far more severe health impact. PMID:21708044

Design of a normal incidence multilayer imaging X-ray microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shealy, David L.; Gabardi, David R.; Hoover, Richard B.; Walker, Arthur B. C., Jr.; Lindblom, Joakim F.

Normal incidence multilayer Cassegrain X-ray telescopes were flown on the Stanford/MSFC Rocket X-ray Spectroheliograph. These instruments produced high spatial resolution images of the sun and conclusively demonstrated that doubly reflecting multilayer X-ray optical systems are feasible. The images indicated that aplanatic imaging soft X-ray/EUV microscopes should be achievable using multilayer optics technology. A doubly reflecting normal incidence multilayer imaging X-ray microscope based on the Schwarzschild configuration has been designed. The design of the microscope and the results of the optical system ray trace analysis are discussed. High resolution aplanatic imaging X-ray microscopes using normal incidence multilayer X-ray mirrors should have many important applications in advanced X-ray astronomical instrumentation, X-ray lithography, biological, biomedical, metallurgical, and laser fusion research.

Application of "papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated" pancreaticojejunostomy for normal soft pancreas cases.

PubMed

Zhang, Bo; Xu, Jin; Liu, Chen; Long, Jiang; Liu, Liang; Xu, Yongfeng; Wu, Chuntao; Luo, Guopei; Ni, Quanxing; Li, Min; Yu, Xianjun

2013-01-01

Pancreaticojejunostomy is the key procedure of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Our study introduced a new pancreaticojejunal (PJ) anastomosis named "papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated" pancreaticojejunostomy. Nighty-two patients underwent pancreaticojejunostomy with either conventional duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy or the new "papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated" techniques were analyzed retrospectively from January 2010 to September 2012. The incidence of pancreatic fistula was 15.7% (8/51) for the "papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated" group and 19.5% (8/41) for the duct-to-mucosa fashion respectively. It is noteworthy that the rate of grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in the "papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated" group was significantly lower than that of the duct-to-mucosa group (P = 0.039). There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality such as postoperative hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying or remnant pancreatitis. The "papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated" pancreaticojejunostomy could provide a feasible option to pancreatic surgeons for patients with normal soft pancreas.

Avascular Necrosis in the Contralateral Hip in Patients With Congenital Femoral Deficiency: A Report of 3 Cases.

PubMed

Brown, Timothy S; Wimberly, Robert L; Birch, John G

2017-01-01

Congenital femoral deficiency is an uncommon clinical entity. We report 3 patients who developed avascular necrosis of the hip in the long (normal) leg during longitudinal observation and/or treatment of congenital femoral deficiency. Patients were identified in limb length discrepancy clinic and their charts were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and radiographic data collection. We describe the occurrence of idiopathic avascular necrosis in the normal limb in patients being followed for limb length discrepancy. Although no conclusion could be drawn about the etiology of the avascular necrosis, we describe a previously undocumented relationship between congenital femoral deficiency and avascular necrosis in the contralateral hip. This occurred in our congenital femoral deficiency population at a rate higher than expected compared with published incidences of avascular necrosis of the hip in children. Level IV-case series.

Hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy: prospective evaluation and relation with early hypocalcemia.

PubMed

D'Alessandro, Nicola; Tramutola, Giuseppe; Fasano, Giovanni Michele; Gilio, Francesco; Iside, Giovanni; Izzo, Maria Lucia; Loffredo, Andrea; Pici, Mariano; Pinto, Margherita; Tramontano, Salvatore; Citro, Giuseppe

2016-01-01

Definitive hypoparathyrodism (hypo-PTH) represents one of the most dangerous complication after total thyroidectomy. Partial or total lesion or accidental removal of parathyroid glands is an unpredictable adverse event, although real incidence is not well defined, such as management of this deficit. We started a prospective evaluation of patients treated with total thyroidectomy in our centre, to identify incidence of hypo-PTH, symptomatic or not, in relation to incidence of early postoperative hypocalcemia in our experience. We prospectively evaluated 177 patients treated for benign and malign pathology, measuring calcium before surgery and calcium and PTH at least three months after surgery. Postoperative hypocalcemia was observed in 37.3% of cases. Eight patients (4.5% of cohort) presented low level of PTH, at mean follow-up of 9.1 months. Positive predictive value for postoperative hypocalcemia was 12.1%, while negative predictive was 95.4%; confirming high sensitivity (100%) and low specificity (65.4%) for detecting hypo-PTH. All patients with late hypo-PTH presented hypocalcemia on early analysis, while no case with normal postoperative calcemia accounted with hypo-PTH: this may indicate calcemia as valid prognostic factor of good gland production, when is in the range. Moreover, isolated analysis is too limited to determine real predictability. Technical standardization represents the best method for prevention of hypo-PTH. Early hypocalcemia is a prognostic factor, even with a low specificity, of deficit of PTH-production. This observation must be related to other known prognostic factors. Postoperative normal calcemia should be a positive prognostic factor of an acceptable PTHfunction, supported by large cohorts. Hypocalcemia, Parathormone, Thyroidectomy.

Occurrence and pattern of long bone fractures in growing dogs with normal and osteopenic bones.

PubMed

Kumar, K; Mogha, I V; Aithal, H P; Kinjavdekar, P; Singh, G R; Pawde, A M; Kushwaha, R B

2007-11-01

A retrospective study was undertaken to record the occurrence and pattern of long bone fractures, and the efficacy of Intramedullary (IM) Steinmann pin fixing in growing dogs. All the records of growing dogs during a 10-year-period were screened to record the cause of trauma, the age and sex of the animal, the bone involved, the type and location of the fracture, the status of fixation, alignment, maintenance of fixation and fracture healing. The results were analysed and comparisons were made between growing dogs with normal and osteopenic bones. Among the 310 cases of fractures recorded, the bones were osteopenic in 91 cases (29%). Minor trauma was the principal cause of fracture in dogs with osteopenia (25%), and indigenous breeds were most commonly affected (38%). Fractures in dogs with osteopenic bones were most commonly recorded in the age group of 2-4 months (53%), whereas fractures in normal dogs were almost equally distributed between 2 and 8 months of age. Male dogs were affected significantly more often in both groups. In osteopenic bones, most fractures were recorded in the femur (56%), and they were distributed equally along the length of the bone. Whereas in normal bones, fractures were almost equally distributed in radius/ulna, femur and tibia, and were more often recorded at the middle and distal third of long bones. Oblique fractures were most common in both groups; however, comminuted fractures were more frequent in normal bones, whereas incomplete fractures were more common in osteopenic bones. Ninety-nine fracture cases treated with IM pinning (66 normal, 33 osteopenic) were evaluated for the status of fracture reduction and healing. In a majority of the cases (61%) with osteopenic bones, the diameter of the pin was relatively smaller than the diameter of the medullary cavity (<70-75%), whereas in 68% of the cases in normal bones the pin diameter was optimum. The status of fracture fixing was satisfactory to good in significantly more osteonormal (59%) than osteopenic dogs (42%). Fracture healing, however, was satisfactory in significantly more cases with osteopenic than normal bones. The appearance of callus was relatively early and the amount of bridging callus was relatively large in greater number of osteopenic bone fractures. Mal-union and non-union were recorded more often in osteopenic cases than in normal cases. However, the incidence of bone shortening and osteomyelitis was significantly higher in normal bones than in osteopenic bones.

Research in the Optical Sciences.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

cannot tolerate the high temperatures used for 9 conventional hard MgF, depositions. The ion beam processing led to durable films (in some cases more...sputter epitaxy techniques for the production of high-reflectivity mirrors for near-normal incidence in the x-ray-ultraviolet (X- UV ) wavelength range...codes for X- UV multilayer mirror design, (2) acquisition of a data base of optical constants in this wavelength range, (3) theoretical designs of

Evaluation of Novel Liner Concepts for Fan and Airframe Noise Reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, M. G.; Howerton, B. M.

2016-01-01

This paper presents a review of four novel liner concepts: soft vanes, over-the-rotor liners, external liners, and flap side-edge liners. A number of similarities in the design and evaluation of these concepts emerged during these investigations. Since these were the first attempts to study these particular liner concepts, there was limited information to guide the design process. In all cases, the target frequencies (or frequency range) were known, but the optimum acoustic impedance and optimum liner placement were typically not known. For these cases, the maximum available surface was used and a c-impedance was targeted based on the assumption the sound field impinges on the surface at normal incidence. This choice proved fruitful for every application. An impedance prediction model was used to design variable-depth liner configurations, and a graphical design code (ILIAD) was developed to aid in this process. The ability to build increasingly complex liner configurations via additive manufacturing was key, such that multiple designs could quickly be tested in a normal incidence impedance tube. The Two-Thickness Method was used to evaluate available bulk materials, such that bulk liners could also be considered for each application. These novel liner concepts provide sufficient noise reduction to warrant further investigations.

Serum potassium is a predictor of incident diabetes in African Americans with normal aldosterone: the Jackson Heart Study12

PubMed Central

Chatterjee, Ranee; Davenport, Clemontina A; Svetkey, Laura P; Batch, Bryan C; Lin, Pao-Hwa; Ramachandran, Vasan S; Fox, Ervin R; Harman, Jane; Yeh, Hsin-Chieh; Selvin, Elizabeth; Correa, Adolfo; Butler, Kenneth; Edelman, David

2017-01-01

Background: Low-normal potassium is a risk factor for diabetes and may account for some of the racial disparity in diabetes risk. Aldosterone affects serum potassium and is associated with insulin resistance. Objectives: We sought to confirm the association between potassium and incident diabetes in an African-American cohort, and to determine the effect of aldosterone on this association. Design: We studied participants from the Jackson Heart Study, an African-American adult cohort, who were without diabetes at baseline. With the use of logistic regression, we characterized the associations of serum, dietary, and urinary potassium with incident diabetes. In addition, we evaluated aldosterone as a potential effect modifier of these associations. Results: Of 2157 participants, 398 developed diabetes over 8 y. In a minimally adjusted model, serum potassium was a significant predictor of incident diabetes (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.92 per SD increment in serum potassium). In multivariable models, we found a significant interaction between serum potassium and aldosterone (P = 0.046). In stratified multivariable models, in those with normal aldosterone (<9 ng/dL, n = 1163), participants in the highest 2 potassium quartiles had significantly lower odds of incident diabetes than did those in the lowest potassium quartile [OR (95% CI): 0.61 (0.39, 0.97) and 0.54 (0.33, 0.90), respectively]. Among those with high-normal aldosterone (≥9 ng/dL, n = 202), we found no significant association between serum potassium and incident diabetes. In these stratified models, serum aldosterone was not a significant predictor of incident diabetes. We found no statistically significant associations between dietary or urinary potassium and incident diabetes. Conclusions: In this African-American cohort, we found that aldosterone may modify the association between serum potassium and incident diabetes. In participants with normal aldosterone, high-normal serum potassium was associated with a lower risk of diabetes than was low-normal serum potassium. Additional studies are warranted to determine whether serum potassium is a modifiable risk factor that could be a target for diabetes prevention. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00415415. PMID:27974310

Natural history of polyomaviruses in men: the HPV infection in men (HIM) study.

PubMed

Hampras, Shalaka S; Giuliano, Anna R; Lin, Hui-Yi; Fisher, Kate J; Abrahamsen, Martha E; McKay-Chopin, Sandrine; Gheit, Tarik; Tommasino, Massimo; Rollison, Dana E

2015-05-01

Several new polyomaviruses have been discovered in the last decade, including Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Little is known about the natural history of the more recently discovered polyomaviruses. We estimated the incidence, prevalence, and persistence of 9 polyomaviruses (MCPyV, BK polyomavirus, KI polyomavirus, JC polyomavirus, WU polyomavirus, Human polyomavirus 6 [HPyV6], HPyV7, HPyV9, and Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus) and examined factors associated with MCPyV infection in a prospective cohort of 209 men initially enrolled in the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) study. Participants enrolled at the US site of the HIM study were recruited into a substudy of cutaneous viral infections and followed for a median of 12.6 months. Eyebrow hair and normal skin swab specimens were obtained at each study visit, and the viral DNA load was measured using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MCPyV infection showed the highest prevalence (65.1% of normal skin swab specimens and 30.6% of eyebrow hair specimens), incidence (81.7 cases per 1000 person-months among normal skin swab specimens, and 24.1 cases per 1000 person-months among eyebrow hair specimens), and persistence (85.8% of normal skin swab specimens and 58.9% of eyebrow hair specimens) among all polyomaviruses examined. Age of >44 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-4.33) and Hispanic race (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.01-6.88) were associated with an increased prevalence of MCPyV infection in eyebrow hair and normal skin swab specimens, respectively. MCPyV infection is highly prevalent in adults, with age and race being predisposing factors. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

UV-Vis reflection spectroscopy under variable angle incidence at the air-liquid interface.

PubMed

Roldán-Carmona, Cristina; Rubia-Payá, Carlos; Pérez-Morales, Marta; Martín-Romero, María T; Giner-Casares, Juan J; Camacho, Luis

2014-03-07

The UV-Vis reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis-RS) in situ at the air-liquid interface provides information about tilt and aggregation of chromophores in Langmuir monolayers. This information is particularly important given in most cases the chromophore is located at the polar region of the Langmuir monolayer. This region of the Langmuir monolayers has been hardly accessible by other experimental techniques. In spite of its enormous potential, the application of UV-Vis-RS has been limited mainly to reflection measurements under light normal incidence or at lower incidence angles than the Brewster angle. Remarkably, this technique is quite sensitive to the tilt of the chromophores at values of incidence angles close to or larger than the Brewster angle. Therefore, a novel method to obtain the order parameter of the chromophores at the air-liquid interface by using s- and p-polarized radiation at different incidence angles is proposed. This method allowed for the first time the experimental observation of the two components with different polarization properties of a single UV-Vis band at the air-liquid interface. The method of UV-Vis spectroscopy under variable angle incidence is presented as a new tool for obtaining rich detailed information on Langmuir monolayers.

Epidemiological analysis of doping offences in the professional tennis circuit

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Introduction Tennis is a professional sport under a strict anti-doping control. However, since the first violation of the code, the positive cases have not been statistically studied. The objective of this study was to analyze doping offences in the international professional tennis circuit. Methods All offences to the Doping Code committed by tennis players during 2003-2009 were collected from the ITF official webpage, registered and analyzed. Results An average of 1905.7 (±174.5) samples was obtained per year. Fifty-two doping offences were reported and the overall incidence of positive doping samples accounted for 0.38% and 7.4 (±4.1) cases/year. Male players showed higher incidence doping offences than females (p = 0.0004). The incidence in wheelchair players was higher than in non-handicapped subjects (p = 0.0001) Banned substance distribution showed: stimulants 32.69%, cannabis 23.07%; anabolic 11.53%, diuretics and masking agents 11.53, β2-agonists 9.61%; corticosteroids 3.84%, others 3.84%. The overall incidence of 'social drugs' (cocaine, cannabis) was 36.53%. All EPO and blood samples were normal, while the incidence of 'out-of-competition' offences was 0.12%. The lower incidence of doping was found in Grand Slams tournaments. Conclusions The incidence of positive doping samples among professional tennis players is quite low supporting the assumption that there is no evidence of systematic doping in Tennis. "Social drugs" misuse constitutes the main problem of doping in tennis. Male and wheelchair tennis players showed higher risk of infringing the doping code than their females and non-handicapped counterparts. Findings of this study should help to determine the direction of the ongoing strategy in the fight against doping in Tennis. PMID:21159201

The incidence of infants with rotavirus enteritis combined with lactose intolerance.

PubMed

Hu, Yulian; Gui, Linyan; Chang, Jing; Liu, Jingyan; Xu, Shuling; Deng, Caiyan; Yu, Fengqin; Ma, Zhanmin; Wang, Guangzhou; Zhang, Changjun

2016-01-01

This study was to research the incidence of infants with rotavirus enteritis combined with lactose intolerance and the clinical effect of low lactose milk powder for infantile rotavirus enteritis with lactose intolerance. The control groups were 126 cases of infants with diarrhea randomly collected from our hospital at the same period, which their rotavirus detection was negative. The observation group was 185 cases of infants with rotavirus, which was tested to be positive. Through the urine galactose determination, 62 cases of the control group were positive and 124 cases of the observation group were positive. Then 124 cases of infants with rotavirus combined with lactose intolerance were randomly divided into two groups. 60 cases in the control group were given rehydration, correction of acidosis, oral smecta, Intestinal probiotics and other conventional treatment, then continued to the original feeding method. While, 64 cases in the treatment group, on the basis of routine treatment, applied the low lactose milk feeding. To observe the total effective rate for the two groups. The incidence of lactose intolerance in children with rotavirus enteritis (67.03%) was significantly higher than that of children with diarrhea (49.2%), which was tested to be negative. And the difference was statistically significant (p<0.5). In the aspect of reducing the frequency of diarrhea, and diarrhea stool forming time, the treatment group has the obvious superiority. The total effective rate was 95.4% for treatment group, which was higher than that in the control group (76.7%), the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Infants with rotavirus enteritis was easier to merge with lactose intolerance. The low lactose milk powder could improve the therapeutic effectively and could reduce the duration of disease, and restored to normal diet for 2 weeks feeding time.

[Primary vesicoureteral reflux with renal failure in adults].

PubMed

Hagen, R H; Klevmark, B

1991-05-30

The present article describes the case of two men, 18 and 30 years respectively, in whom renal insufficiency was discovered incidently. In the two cases renography showed 46 and 30% of expected function given two healthy kidneys. They had neither experienced clinical symptoms of urinary tract disorder, been operated upon, nor endoscopically examined. Micturition was normal without any sign of vesicourethral dysfunction. Micturition cystography revealed severe vesicoureteral reflux in both patients. They were treated by bilateral ureterovesical reimplantation. The cases presented here show that primary vesicoureteral reflux complicated by impaired renal function can be revealed in adults who have had no symptoms of urinary tract disorder. In these cases the probable cause of renal damage is the mechanical effect of reflux ("water-hammer effect") alone.

Incidence of postoperative pain after use of calcium hydroxide mixed with normal saline or 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate as intracanal medicament in the treatment of apical periodontitis.

PubMed

Menakaya, Ifeoma Nkiruka; Oderinu, Olabisi Hajarat; Adegbulugbe, Ilemobade Cyril; Shaba, Olufemi Peter

2015-10-01

To compare the incidence of postoperative pain after the use of calcium hydroxide powder mixed with normal saline or 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate as intracanal medicament. Fifty-five subjects aged 17-60 years with teeth diagnosed to have apical periodontitis. Two-visit conventional root canal treatment of seventy teeth. The teeth were divided by randomization (balloting) into two groups: control group and experimental group, each with thirty-five teeth treated with calcium hydroxide mixed with normal saline or with 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate as intracanal medicament respectively. Incidence of postoperative pain was assessed using the universal pain assessment tool and whether or not analgesic was taken. Incidence of post-operative pain. Postoperative pain occurred only at 1-day and 1-week reviews. In the control group, the overall incidence of pain was the same at both review periods (5.7%), while the experimental group showed a slight decrease in incidence between 1-day (17.2%) and 1-week (11.4%) reviews. Incidence of flare-ups was more in the experimental group (11.4%) than in the control group (5.7%). No significant statistical differences between the two groups were observed (p > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative pain was lower in the normal saline treatment group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

A Polarization-Dependent Normal Incident Quantum Cascade Detector Enhanced Via Metamaterial Resonators.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Zhai, Shen-Qiang; Wang, Feng-Jiao; Liu, Jun-Qi; Liu, Shu-Man; Zhuo, Ning; Zhang, Chuan-Jin; Wang, Li-Jun; Liu, Feng-Qi; Wang, Zhan-Guo

2016-12-01

The design, fabrication, and characterization of a polarization-dependent normal incident quantum cascade detector coupled via complementary split-ring metamaterial resonators in the infrared regime are presented. The metamaterial structure is designed through three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method and fabricated on the top metal contact, which forms a double-metal waveguide together with the metallic ground plane. With normal incidence, significant enhancements of photocurrent response are obtained at the metamaterial resonances compared with the 45° polished edge coupling device. The photocurrent response enhancements exhibit clearly polarization dependence, and the largest response enhancement factor of 165% is gained for the incident light polarized parallel to the split-ring gap.

Potential sources of bacteria that are isolated from contact lenses during wear.

PubMed

Willcox, M D; Power, K N; Stapleton, F; Leitch, C; Harmis, N; Sweeney, D F

1997-12-01

The aim of this paper was to determine the possible contamination sources of contact lenses during wear. Potential sources of the microbiota that colonized hydrogel contact lenses during wear were examined. The microorganisms that colonize contact lenses were grown, identified, and compared to those microorganisms that colonized the lower lid margins, upper bulbar conjunctiva, hands, and contact lens cases of contact lens wearers. In addition, the incidence of contamination of the domestic water supply in the Sydney area was obtained, and this was compared to the incidence of colonization of contact lenses by microorganisms in general and gram-negative bacteria in particular. There was a wide diversity of bacteria that were isolated from each site sampled. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Propionibacterium spp. were the most common isolates from all ocular sites examined, and constituted the normal ocular microbiota. Other bacteria, including members of the families Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae, were isolated infrequently from all sites, but most frequently from contact lens cases. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a correlation between the isolation of bacteria from the contact lens and the lower lid margin (p < 0.001). Analysis of this correlation revealed that this was true for the normal microbiota. A correlation was also noted between the colonization of contact lenses by gram-negative bacteria and contamination of the domestic water supply. This study has demonstrated that the likely route for the normal ocular microbiota colonizing contact lenses is via the lid margins, whereas colonization by gram-negative bacteria, including potential agents of microbial keratitis, is likely to be from the domestic water supply.

Klinefelter's syndrome associated with breast carcinoma and Paget's disease of the nipple.

PubMed

Moshakis, V; Fordyce, M J; Griffiths, J D

1983-09-01

We describe a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome associated with multi-focal breast carcinoma and Paget's disease of the nipple. Reviewing the 16 previously documented cases in the world literature, it is apparent that patients with this syndrome have an increased incidence of breast carcinoma. There is no evidence to date to suggest that such tumour is morphologically or biologically different from breast cancer in females and normal men.

Pore-level determination of spectral reflection behaviors of high-porosity metal foam sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Xia, Xin-Lin; Ai, Qing; Sun, Chuang; Tan, He-Ping

2018-03-01

Open cell metal foams are currently attracting attention and their radiative behaviors are of primary importance in high temperature applications. The spectral reflection behaviors of high-porosity metal foam sheets, bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and directional-hemispherical reflectivity were numerically investigated. A set of realistic nickel foams with porosity from 0.87 to 0.97 and pore density from 10 to 40 pores per inch were tomographied to obtain their 3-D digital cell network. A Monte Carlo ray-tracing method was employed in order to compute the pore-level radiative transfer inside the network within the limit of geometrical optics. The apparent reflection behaviors and their dependency on the textural parameters and strut optical properties were comprehensively computed and analysed. The results show a backward scattering of the reflected energy at the foam sheet surface. Except in the cases of large incident angles, an energy peak is located almost along the incident direction and increases with increasing incident angles. Through an analytical relation established, the directional-hemispherical reflectivity can be related directly to the porosity of the foam sheet and to the complex refractive index of the solid phase as well as the specularity parameter which characterizes the local reflection model. The computations show that a linear decrease in normal-hemispherical reflectivity occurs with increasing porosity. The rate of this decrease is directly proportional to the strut normal reflectivity. In addition, the hemispherical reflectivity increases as a power function of the incident angle cosine.

Forecasting incidence of dengue in Rajasthan, using time series analyses.

PubMed

Bhatnagar, Sunil; Lal, Vivek; Gupta, Shiv D; Gupta, Om P

2012-01-01

To develop a prediction model for dengue fever/dengue haemorrhagic fever (DF/DHF) using time series data over the past decade in Rajasthan and to forecast monthly DF/DHF incidence for 2011. Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model was used for statistical modeling. During January 2001 to December 2010, the reported DF/DHF cases showed a cyclical pattern with seasonal variation. SARIMA (0,0,1) (0,1,1) 12 model had the lowest normalized Bayesian information criteria (BIC) of 9.426 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 263.361 and appeared to be the best model. The proportion of variance explained by the model was 54.3%. Adequacy of the model was established through Ljung-Box test (Q statistic 4.910 and P-value 0.996), which showed no significant correlation between residuals at different lag times. The forecast for the year 2011 showed a seasonal peak in the month of October with an estimated 546 cases. Application of SARIMA model may be useful for forecast of cases and impending outbreaks of DF/DHF and other infectious diseases, which exhibit seasonal pattern.

Electromagnetic analysis of arbitrarily shaped pinched carpets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dupont, Guillaume; Guenneau, Sebastien; Enoch, Stefan

2010-09-15

We derive the expressions for the anisotropic heterogeneous tensors of permittivity and permeability associated with two-dimensional and three-dimensional carpets of an arbitrary shape. In the former case, we map a segment onto smooth curves whereas in the latter case we map an arbitrary region of the plane onto smooth surfaces. Importantly, these carpets display no singularity of the permeability and permeability tensor components. Moreover, a reduced set of parameters leads to nonmagnetic two-dimensional carpets in p polarization (i.e., for a magnetic field orthogonal to the plane containing the carpet). Such an arbitrarily shaped carpet is shown to work over amore » finite bandwidth when it is approximated by a checkerboard with 190 homogeneous cells of piecewise constant anisotropic permittivity. We finally perform some finite element computations in the full vector three-dimensional case for a plane wave in normal incidence and a Gaussian beam in oblique incidence. The latter requires perfectly matched layers set in a rotated coordinate axis which exemplifies the role played by geometric transforms in computational electromagnetism.« less

Congenital hypothyroidism: etiology and growth-development outcome.

PubMed

Dalili, Setila; Rezvani, Seyed Mahmood; Dalili, Hossein; Mohtasham Amiri, Zahra; Mohammadi, Hamid; Abrisham Kesh, Sahar; Novin, Mohammad Hassan; Medghalchi, Abdolreza; Gholamnezhad, Hajar

2014-01-01

One of the most preventable causes of mental and growth retardation is congenital hypothyroidism (CH). This study tries to investigate growth and mental outcome of patients with CH. Since November 2006 and November 2007 in Guilan province, north of Iran, all neonates who were diagnosed with CH, evaluated for etiology of CH by laboratory follow up, thyroid sonography or scan. Growth and development of patients with CH were compared with healthy children in same age, geographical area, social and economical classes in four years old. Demographic characteristics including height, weight, and head circumference at birth, follow up time (four years old) and IQ (Good enough test) were recorded in questionnaires. Among 28904 screened neonates, 37 patients with CH were diagnosed. Incidence of CH was 1:781 in live births, 20 (54%) in female neonates and 17 (46%) in male neonates. The incidences of permanent and transient hypothyroidism were 43.2% (16 cases) and 56. 8% (21 cases) respectively. The incidence of permanent and transient hypothyroidism were 16 (43.2%) and 21 (56, 8%), respectively. In permanent CH, 11 cases (%.68.2) had dyshormonogenesis and 5 cases (%.31.2) had thyroid dysgenesis. Significant statistical difference was only in family history of thyroid disease (34, 3% Positive family history in CH vs. 13.2% in control group, P-value 0.03). All other demographic characteristics and IQ had no statistical difference. Patients with CH diagnosed through neonatal screening and treated had normal growth as general population that indicates effective screening program and treatment in this area (3.2%).

Patterns in the Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coco, G.; Guza, R. T.; Garnier, R.; Lomonaco, P.; Lopez De San Roman Blanco, B.; Dalrymple, R. A.; Xu, M.

2014-12-01

Edge waves, gravity waves trapped close to the shoreline by refraction, can in some cases form a standing wave pattern with alongshore periodic sequence of high and low runup. Nonlinear mechanisms for generation of edge waves by monochromatic waves incident on a planar beach from deep water have been elaborated theoretically and in the lab. Edge waves have been long considered a potential source for alongshore periodic morphological patterns in the swash (e.g., beach cusps), and edge-wave based predictions of cusp spacing compare qualitatively well with many field observations. We will discuss the extension of lab observations and numerical modeling to include incident waves with significant frequency and directional bandwidth. Laboratory experiments were performed at the Cantabria Coastal and Ocean Basin. The large rectangular basin (25 m cross-shore by 32 m alongshore) was heavily instrumented, had reflective sidewalls, and a steep concrete beach (slope 1:5) with a constant depth (1m) section between the wavemaker and beach. With monochromatic, normally incident waves we observed the expected, previously described subharmonic observations. Edge wave vertical heights at the shoreline reached 80cm, and edge wave uprushes exceeded the sloping beach freeboard. When frequency and frequency-directional spread are increased, the excited edge wave character changes substantially. In some cases, subharmonic excitation is suppressed completely. In other cases, edge waves are excited intermittently and unpredictably. The spatially and temporally steady forcing required for strong, persistent subharmonic instability is lacking with even modestly spread (direction and frequency) incident waves. An SPH numerical model is capable of reproducing aspects of the observations. It seems unlikely to us that subhamonic edge waves alone are responsible for most cusp formation on natural beaches. The steady incident wave forcing needed to initiate subharmonic growth, and to maintain subharmonics long enough to build cups, are abundantly present with an incident plane wave, but lacking in many natural settings. Although subharmonic edge waves can potentially start the initial spacing, positive feedback between flow and morphology are likely critical to cusp growth.

[Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in young women with HPV negative].

PubMed

Gómez-Alarcon, A; Gómez-García, M T; García-de la-Torre, J P; Del Valle-Morón, M; Arones-Collantes, M A; González-de Merlo, G

2016-03-01

The vulvar cancer is the fourth more frequent neoplasia after the endometrial, cervix and ovarian cancer. Normally, it has been related to old women of ages from 70 to 80 years old. Rarely, it has been detected cases in adult or young women. However, its incidence has been increased in the last years and in more early years. It is for this change in the incidence and its appearance in early years why a possible etiology has been looked for, opening different hypothesis that go from that related to the HPV to those that study an inflammatory chronic process as the basis for the carcinogenesis. In this article, it has been presented the case of a woman who is 34 years old with negative VPH that made her debut with epidermoid carcinoma of the vulva moderately different and on purpose of the case, we do a revision of the literature existent. Vulvar cancer diagnosed in young women as in older, but with different trends, risk factors and natural history. The case reported here escapes the theories studied so far so needed new lines of inquiry to investigate this form of presentation young woman, without HPV infection.

Dimensional scaling for impact cratering and perforation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watts, Alan; Atkinson, Dale; Rieco, Steve

1993-01-01

This report summarizes the development of two physics-based scaling laws for describing crater depths and diameters caused by normal incidence impacts into aluminum and TFE Teflon. The report then describes equations for perforations in aluminum and TFE Teflon for normal impacts. Lastly, this report also studies the effects of non-normal incidence on cratering and perforation.

Dry socket: incidence, clinical features, and predisposing factors.

PubMed

Akinbami, Babatunde O; Godspower, Thikan

2014-01-01

Background. Dry socket is a global phenomenon. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of dry socket in recent times in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Methods. Patients who were referred for dental extractions were included in the study. The case files of patients were obtained and information retrieved included biodata, indication for extraction, number and type of teeth extracted, oral hygiene status, compliance to oral hygiene instructions, and development of dry socket. Results. One thousand, one hundred and eighty two patients with total of 1362 teeth extracted during the 4-year period of the study were analyzed, out of which 1.4% teeth developed dry socket. The mean age (SD) was 35.2 (16.0) years. Most of the patients who presented with dry socket were in the fourth decade of life. Mandibular teeth were affected more than maxillary teeth. Molars were more affected. Retained roots and third molars were conspicuous in the cases with dry socket. Conclusion. The incidence of dry socket in our centre was lower than previous reports. Oral hygiene status, lower teeth, and female gender were significantly associated with development of dry socket. Treatment with normal saline irrigation and ZnO eugenol dressings allowed relief of the symptoms.

Dry Socket: Incidence, Clinical Features, and Predisposing Factors

PubMed Central

Akinbami, Babatunde O.; Godspower, Thikan

2014-01-01

Background. Dry socket is a global phenomenon. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of dry socket in recent times in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Methods. Patients who were referred for dental extractions were included in the study. The case files of patients were obtained and information retrieved included biodata, indication for extraction, number and type of teeth extracted, oral hygiene status, compliance to oral hygiene instructions, and development of dry socket. Results. One thousand, one hundred and eighty two patients with total of 1362 teeth extracted during the 4-year period of the study were analyzed, out of which 1.4% teeth developed dry socket. The mean age (SD) was 35.2 (16.0) years. Most of the patients who presented with dry socket were in the fourth decade of life. Mandibular teeth were affected more than maxillary teeth. Molars were more affected. Retained roots and third molars were conspicuous in the cases with dry socket. Conclusion. The incidence of dry socket in our centre was lower than previous reports. Oral hygiene status, lower teeth, and female gender were significantly associated with development of dry socket. Treatment with normal saline irrigation and ZnO eugenol dressings allowed relief of the symptoms. PMID:24987419

Replication of Low Density Electroformed Normal Incidence Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, Joseph M.

2000-01-01

Replicated electroformed light-weight nickel alloy mirrors can have high strength, low areal density (<3kg/m2), smooth finish, and controllable alloy composition. Progress at NASA MSFC SOMTC in developing normal incidence replicated Nickel mirrors will be reported.

Summary of U.S. Injuries and Fatalities Involving Entrapment and Suffocation in Grain Transport Vehicles.

PubMed

Cheng, Yuan-Hsin; Field, William E; Issa, Salah F; Kelley, Kevin; Heber, Matthew; Turner, Robert

2018-05-07

Since 1978, the Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program has managed a surveillance effort and database to collect information on documented injuries and fatalities in all forms of U.S. agricultural confined spaces. The database currently contains 1,968 cases documented in the U.S. between 1964 and 2016. Of these cases, 174 (8.8%) involved entrapment or suffocation in grain transport vehicles (GTVs), including gravity-flow wagons, semi-truck trailers, and other agricultural transport vehicles that have limited access and are not considered normal work spaces or are classified as confined spaces. These GTV cases represent the overwhelming majority of documented cases involving all forms of agricultural transport vehicles, including forage and manure transport vehicles. Of the incidents documented, 64.3% resulted in fatalities and 71.8% involved children and youth age 20 years and under, when the age was determined. For the GTV cases, the typical victim was male (88.5%), and the average age of the victim was 19.9 (median 12), with over 63.5% of the cases involving children under the age of 15. In numerous incidents, more than one victim became entrapped, including one incident involving five victims. The number of documented cases decreased sharply from a peak of approximately 7 cases per year in the early 1990s to an average of 3.1 cases per year over the past two decades, with no cases documented in 1998 and 2013. However, there is a linear increase in the frequency of incidents since the first case was documented in 1964. This trend is partially due to peaks in 2011 and 2014, when 10 and 9 cases, respectively, were documented, along with more vigilant surveillance methods due to online search capabilities. The general decline, more recently, in the annual number of cases is attributed to increased awareness of the hazards to youth during transport in GTVs, increased use of warnings on GTVs, and the increased size of GTVs, which makes human access more difficult and less practical. Efforts over the past decade to bring attention to the risk of entrapment in GTVs should be recognized as a success of the educational and technological strategies initiated due to earlier high-profile incidents. However, with 6, 10, 9, and 4 cases documented in 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2016, respectively, continued efforts to address the problem are justified. Recommendations for future actions include development of a safety standard for GTVs that includes placement of safety messages on all new GTVs, use of windows above outlets, retrofitting older GTVs with appropriate warnings, and continuing to address the hazard with safety resources targeting all workers exposed to grain handling and transport. Copyright© by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans in children and its incidence under the age of 5 years.

PubMed

Jayakumar, S; Antao, B; Bevington, O; Furness, P; Ninan, G K

2012-06-01

To analyse the incidence of BXO among paediatric circumcisions for preputial pathology, in particular in children under the age of 5 years. Retrospective review revealed 1769 paediatric circumcisions performed between 1997 and 2008 at our institution. Data were collected on patient's age, date when sample received by pathology department and histological findings for all the foreskin samples received and examined during the study period. Epidemiological data were obtained from the Office for National Statistics, UK. A total of 346 foreskin samples were received and BXO was found in 182 (52.6%). There were 31 children under the age of 5 years circumcised for preputial pathology. BXO was reported in 6 (19.3%) and chronic inflammation in 16 (51.6%) of these patients. The foreskin was reported normal in 2 (6.5%) and the remaining 7 (22.6%) patients had preputial cysts or other pathology. Epidemiological population data analysis revealed the incidence of BXO per year to be 3.01 cases/1000 boys under 15 years of age and 0.322 cases/1000 boys under 5 years. The incidence of BXO in boys noted in our study is higher than previously reported. BXO can result in significant complications and should be considered in children even under 5 years. Copyright © 2011 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spatial targeting of interventions against malaria.

PubMed Central

Carter, R.; Mendis, K. N.; Roberts, D.

2000-01-01

Malaria transmission is strongly associated with location. This association has two main features. First, the disease is focused around specific mosquito breeding sites and can normally be transmitted only within certain distances from them: in Africa these are typically between a few hundred metres and a kilometre and rarely exceed 2-3 kilometres. Second, there is a marked clustering of persons with malaria parasites and clinical symptoms at particular sites, usually households. In localities of low endemicity the level of malaria risk or case incidence may vary widely between households because the specific characteristics of houses and their locations affect contact between humans and vectors. Where endemicity is high, differences in human/vector contact rates between different households may have less effect on malaria case incidences. This is because superinfection and exposure-acquired immunity blur the proportional relationship between inoculation rates and case incidences. Accurate information on the distribution of malaria on the ground permits interventions to be targeted towards the foci of transmission and the locations and households of high malaria risk within them. Such targeting greatly increases the effectiveness of control measures. On the other hand, the inadvertent exclusion of these locations causes potentially effective control measures to fail. The computerized mapping and management of location data in geographical information systems should greatly assist the targeting of interventions against malaria at the focal and household levels, leading to improved effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of control. PMID:11196487

Spatial targeting of interventions against malaria.

PubMed

Carter, R; Mendis, K N; Roberts, D

2000-01-01

Malaria transmission is strongly associated with location. This association has two main features. First, the disease is focused around specific mosquito breeding sites and can normally be transmitted only within certain distances from them: in Africa these are typically between a few hundred metres and a kilometre and rarely exceed 2-3 kilometres. Second, there is a marked clustering of persons with malaria parasites and clinical symptoms at particular sites, usually households. In localities of low endemicity the level of malaria risk or case incidence may vary widely between households because the specific characteristics of houses and their locations affect contact between humans and vectors. Where endemicity is high, differences in human/vector contact rates between different households may have less effect on malaria case incidences. This is because superinfection and exposure-acquired immunity blur the proportional relationship between inoculation rates and case incidences. Accurate information on the distribution of malaria on the ground permits interventions to be targeted towards the foci of transmission and the locations and households of high malaria risk within them. Such targeting greatly increases the effectiveness of control measures. On the other hand, the inadvertent exclusion of these locations causes potentially effective control measures to fail. The computerized mapping and management of location data in geographical information systems should greatly assist the targeting of interventions against malaria at the focal and household levels, leading to improved effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of control.

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) associated with tacrolimus (FK506) after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Fukazawa, Kyota; Nishida, Seigo; Aguina, Luz; Pretto, Ernesto

2011-01-01

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is the most detrimental neurologic complication after liver transplantation. The incidence of CPM after liver transplantation ascends to 17%. Although the precise etiology and pathogenesis of CPM is largely unknown, a growing literature implicates a possible role of immunosuppressive agents, such as Cyclosporine (incidence 30%) on its development. Other immunosuppressive agents also can cause CPM but the frequency of these cases is less compared to Cyclosporine. There is only one case report for Tacrolimus (FK506)-associated speech disorder, which might be an atypical presentation of CPM, and no case reports for Rapamycin. We present a case of Tacrolimus induced CPM. A 62-year-old woman who underwent liver transplantation developed clinical symptoms with radiologic evidence consistent with CPM 7 days after liver transplant. Since the electrolytes in this patient remained normal from her admission, the hypothesis of inmunossupressor neurotoxicity was established and the therapy was switched, resulting in an evident clinical and radiological improvement of her condition in the following days. Five months later, the patient's only neurological deficit was slight dysarthria and a follow-up MRI showed no abnormalities. This case provides evidence of Tacrolimus-associated CPM after transplantation, which presented with a classic "lock-in syndrome" with radiographic confirmation.

Risk of invasive cervical cancer after atypical glandular cells in cervical screening: nationwide cohort study.

PubMed

Wang, Jiangrong; Andrae, Bengt; Sundström, Karin; Ström, Peter; Ploner, Alexander; Elfström, K Miriam; Arnheim-Dahlström, Lisen; Dillner, Joakim; Sparén, Pär

2016-02-11

To investigate the risks of invasive cervical cancer after detection of atypical glandular cells (AGC) during cervical screening. Nationwide population based cohort study. Cancer and population registries in Sweden. 3,054,328 women living in Sweden at any time between 1 January 1980 and 1 July 2011 who had any record of cervical cytological testing at ages 23-59. Of these, 2,899,968 women had normal cytology results at the first screening record. The first recorded abnormal result was atypical glandular cells (AGC) in 14 625, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) in 65 633, and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in 244 168. Cumulative incidence of invasive cervical cancer over 15.5 years; proportion of invasive cervical cancer within six months of abnormality (prevalence); crude incidence rates for invasive cervical cancer over 0.5-15.5 years of follow-up; incidence rate ratios compared with women with normal cytology, estimated with Poisson regression adjusted for age and stratified by histopathology of cancer; distribution of clinical assessment within six months after the abnormality. The prevalence of cervical cancer was 1.4% for women with AGC, which was lower than for women with HSIL (2.5%) but higher than for women with LSIL (0.2%); adenocarcinoma accounted for 73.2% of the prevalent cases associated with AGC. The incidence rate of invasive cervical cancer after AGC was significantly higher than for women with normal results on cytology for up to 15.5 years and higher than HSIL and LSIL for up to 6.5 years. The incidence rate of adenocarcinoma was 61 times higher than for women with normal results on cytology in the first screening round after AGC, and remained nine times higher for up to 15.5 years. Incidence and prevalence of invasive cervical cancer was highest when AGC was found at ages 30-39. Only 54% of women with AGC underwent histology assessment within six months, much less than after HSIL (86%). Among women with histology assessment within six months, the incidence rate of cervical cancer after AGC was significantly higher than that after HSIL for up to 6.5 years. AGC found at cervical screening is associated with a high and persistent risk of cervical cancer for up to 15 years, particularly for cervical adenocarcinoma and women with AGC at age 30-39. Compared with the reduction in risk of cancer seen after HSIL management, management of AGC seems to have been suboptimal in preventing cervical cancer. Research to optimise management is needed, and a more aggressive assessment strategy is warranted. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Risk of invasive cervical cancer after atypical glandular cells in cervical screening: nationwide cohort study

PubMed Central

Andrae, Bengt; Sundström, Karin; Ström, Peter; Ploner, Alexander; Elfström, K Miriam; Arnheim-Dahlström, Lisen; Dillner, Joakim; Sparén, Pär

2016-01-01

Objectives To investigate the risks of invasive cervical cancer after detection of atypical glandular cells (AGC) during cervical screening. Design Nationwide population based cohort study. Setting Cancer and population registries in Sweden. Participants 3 054 328 women living in Sweden at any time between 1 January 1980 and 1 July 2011 who had any record of cervical cytological testing at ages 23-59. Of these, 2 899 968 women had normal cytology results at the first screening record. The first recorded abnormal result was atypical glandular cells (AGC) in 14 625, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) in 65 633, and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in 244 168. Main outcome measures Cumulative incidence of invasive cervical cancer over 15.5 years; proportion of invasive cervical cancer within six months of abnormality (prevalence); crude incidence rates for invasive cervical cancer over 0.5-15.5 years of follow-up; incidence rate ratios compared with women with normal cytology, estimated with Poisson regression adjusted for age and stratified by histopathology of cancer; distribution of clinical assessment within six months after the abnormality. Results The prevalence of cervical cancer was 1.4% for women with AGC, which was lower than for women with HSIL (2.5%) but higher than for women with LSIL (0.2%); adenocarcinoma accounted for 73.2% of the prevalent cases associated with AGC. The incidence rate of invasive cervical cancer after AGC was significantly higher than for women with normal results on cytology for up to 15.5 years and higher than HSIL and LSIL for up to 6.5 years. The incidence rate of adenocarcinoma was 61 times higher than for women with normal results on cytology in the first screening round after AGC, and remained nine times higher for up to 15.5 years. Incidence and prevalence of invasive cervical cancer was highest when AGC was found at ages 30-39. Only 54% of women with AGC underwent histology assessment within six months, much less than after HSIL (86%). Among women with histology assessment within six months, the incidence rate of cervical cancer after AGC was significantly higher than that after HSIL for up to 6.5 years. Conclusions AGC found at cervical screening is associated with a high and persistent risk of cervical cancer for up to 15 years, particularly for cervical adenocarcinoma and women with AGC at age 30-39. Compared with the reduction in risk of cancer seen after HSIL management, management of AGC seems to have been suboptimal in preventing cervical cancer. Research to optimise management is needed, and a more aggressive assessment strategy is warranted. PMID:26869597

Influence of incident angle on the decoding in laser polarization encoding guidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Muchun; Chen, Yanru; Zhao, Qi; Xin, Yu; Wen, Hongyuan

2009-07-01

Dynamic detection of polarization states is very important for laser polarization coding guidance systems. In this paper, a set of dynamic polarization decoding and detection system used in laser polarization coding guidance was designed. Detection process of the normal incident polarized light is analyzed with Jones Matrix; the system can effectively detect changes in polarization. Influence of non-normal incident light on performance of polarization decoding and detection system is studied; analysis showed that changes in incident angle will have a negative impact on measure results, the non-normal incident influence is mainly caused by second-order birefringence and polarization sensitivity effect generated in the phase delay and beam splitter prism. Combined with Fresnel formula, decoding errors of linearly polarized light, elliptically polarized light and circularly polarized light with different incident angles into the detector are calculated respectively, the results show that the decoding errors increase with increase of incident angle. Decoding errors have relations with geometry parameters, material refractive index of wave plate, polarization beam splitting prism. Decoding error can be reduced by using thin low-order wave-plate. Simulation of detection of polarized light with different incident angle confirmed the corresponding conclusions.

A 3D unstructured grid nearshore hydrodynamic model based on the vortex force formalism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Peng; Li, Ming; van der A, Dominic A.; van der Zanden, Joep; Wolf, Judith; Chen, Xueen; Wang, Caixia

2017-08-01

A new three-dimensional nearshore hydrodynamic model system is developed based on the unstructured-grid version of the third generation spectral wave model SWAN (Un-SWAN) coupled with the three-dimensional ocean circulation model FVCOM to enable the full representation of the wave-current interaction in the nearshore region. A new wave-current coupling scheme is developed by adopting the vortex-force (VF) scheme to represent the wave-current interaction. The GLS turbulence model is also modified to better reproduce wave-breaking enhanced turbulence, together with a roller transport model to account for the effect of surface wave roller. This new model system is validated first against a theoretical case of obliquely incident waves on a planar beach, and then applied to three test cases: a laboratory scale experiment of normal waves on a beach with a fixed breaker bar, a field experiment of oblique incident waves on a natural, sandy barred beach (Duck'94 experiment), and a laboratory study of normal-incident waves propagating around a shore-parallel breakwater. Overall, the model predictions agree well with the available measurements in these tests, illustrating the robustness and efficiency of the present model for very different spatial scales and hydrodynamic conditions. Sensitivity tests indicate the importance of roller effects and wave energy dissipation on the mean flow (undertow) profile over the depth. These tests further suggest to adopt a spatially varying value for roller effects across the beach. In addition, the parameter values in the GLS turbulence model should be spatially inhomogeneous, which leads to better prediction of the turbulent kinetic energy and an improved prediction of the undertow velocity profile.

Angle-selective all-dielectric Huygens’ metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arslan, D.; Chong, K. E.; Miroshnichenko, A. E.; Choi, D.-Y.; Neshev, D. N.; Pertsch, T.; Kivshar, Y. S.; Staude, I.

2017-11-01

We experimentally and numerically study the angularly resolved transmission properties of dielectric metasurfaces consisting of silicon nanodisks which support electric and magnetic dipolar Mie-type resonances in the near-infrared spectral range. First, we concentrate on Huygens’ metasurfaces which are characterised by a spectral overlap of the fundamental electric and magnetic dipole resonances of the silicon nanodisks at normal incidence. Huygens’ metasurfaces exhibit a high transmitted intensity over the spectral width of the resonances due to impedance matching, while the transmitted phase shows a variation of 2π as the wavelength is swept across the width of the resonances. We observe that the transmittance of the Huygens’ metasurfaces depends on the incidence angle and is sensitive to polarisation for non-normal incidence. As the incidence angle is increased starting from normal incidence, the two dipole resonances are shifted out of the spectral overlap and the resonant features appear as pronounced transmittance minima. Next, we consider a metasurface with an increased nanodisk radius as compared to the Huygens’ metasurface, which supports spectrally separate electric and magnetic dipole resonances at normal incidence. We show that for TM polarisation, we can shift the resonances of this metasurface into spectral overlap and regain the high resonant transmittance characteristic of Huygens’ metasurfaces at a particular incidence angle. Furthermore, both metasurfaces are demonstrated to reject all TM polarised light incident under angles other than the design overlap angle at their respective operation frequency. Our experimental observations are in good qualitative agreement with numerical calculations.

Occupational safety data and casualty rates for the uranium fuel cycle. [Glossaries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Donnell, F.R.; Hoy, H.C.

1981-10-01

Occupational casualty (injuries, illnesses, fatalities, and lost workdays) and production data are presented and used to calculate occupational casualty incidence rates for technologies that make up the uranium fuel cycle, including: mining, milling, conversion, and enrichment of uranium; fabrication of reactor fuel; transportation of uranium and fuel elements; generation of electric power; and transmission of electric power. Each technology is treated in a separate chapter. All data sources are referenced. All steps used to calculate normalized occupational casualty incidence rates from the data are presented. Rates given include fatalities, serious cases, and lost workdays per 100 man-years worked, per 10/supmore » 12/ Btu of energy output, and per other appropriate units of output.« less

Replication of Low Density Electroformed Normal Incidence Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, Joseph M.; Burdine, Robert (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Replicated electroformed light-weight nickel alloy mirrors can have high strength, low areal density (less than 3kg/m2), smooth finish, and controllable alloy composition. Progress at NASA MSFC SOMTC in developing normal incidence replicated Nickel mirrors will be reported.

The nature of crustal boundaries: combined interpretation of wide-angle and normal-incidence seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Roger E.; Matthews, Patricia A.; Graham, Daniel P.

1994-04-01

After a few seconds two-way traveltime, normal-incidence seismic reflection sections are composed mainly of assemblages of short reflections. Very rarely are seen continuous reflections that might correspond to the Moho or a mid-crustal discontinuity. The inferred continuity of these boundaries has traditionally come from refraction seismology. There is now a body of high quality, coincident wide-angle and normal-incidence seismic data that have been recorded with 50-100 m shot spacing and with high frequency sources (e.g. MOBIL, BABEL). The complexity and characteristics of the wide-angle arrivals seen on these data suggest that they do not originate from continuous boundaries. It is suggested that these arrivals are reflections from the same assemblage of short length reflectors that are responsible for normal-incidence reflections. Seismic velocities below the middle crust may (1) change corresponding to normal-incidence reflectivity, or (2) generally increase with depth with localised sills or lens structures of different velocity accounting for the observed reflections. Wide-angle arrivals that have traditionally been identified as reflections from crustal boundaries (e.g. the mid-crust and Moho) and which were considered indicative of a sharp velocity discontinuity from continuous boundaries, may instead result from a concentration of lamellae.

Case of acquired or pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly.

PubMed

Ayan, Mohamed S; Abdelrahman, Abd Almonem M; Khanal, Nabin; Elsallabi, Osama S; Birch, Nathan C

2015-04-01

Pelger-Huët anomaly (PHA) is a rare benign autosomal-dominant anomaly with an incidence of ∼1 in 6000. It does not cause neutrophilia, but it can cause a false increase in band forms. It should be differentiated from acquired or pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly (PPHA), which has similar morphology, however; it is associated with different pathological states like Myelodysplastic syndrome, as well as with certain infections and drugs. We report a case of a 67-year-old Caucasian gentleman with past medical history of rheumatoid arthritis, type II diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, who presented with 1 day history of fever (101°F) and night sweats. Medications include ibuprofen, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and levothyroxine. Patient denied any other symptoms. His work-up showed normal WBC count (8.6) and increase in bands (24%). The patient was admitted for further evaluation. During the next 2 days, the patient did not have any fever or any new symptoms. Peripheral blood smear was done as part of his work-up for bandemia, showed findings suggestive of PHA. Ibuprofen was discontinued. Follow-up few weeks later showed normal blood smear. Diagnosis of PPHA was made. The presented case showed that we should think of PHA\\PPHA in any case with normal total WBC count and significant shift to the lift with no apparent explanation. Looking at smears directly under the microscopes is crucial to make diagnosis.

Using remote sensing and modeling techniques to investigate the annual parasite incidence of malaria in Loreto, Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousam, Aneela; Maggioni, Viviana; Delamater, Paul L.; Quispe, Antonio M.

2017-10-01

Between 2001 and 2010 significant progress was made towards reducing the number of malaria cases in Peru; however, the country saw an increase between 2011 and 2015. This work attempts to uncover the associations among various climatic and environmental variables and the annual malaria parasite incidence in the Peruvian region of Loreto. A Multilevel Mixed-effects Poisson Regression model is employed, focusing on the 2009-2013 period, when trends in malaria incidence shifted from decreasing to increasing. The results indicate that variations in elevation (β = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75-0.81), soil moisture (β = 0.0021; 95% CI, 0.0019-0.0022), rainfall (β = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.56-0.61), and normalized difference vegetation index (β = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.83-2.43) is associated with higher annual parasite incidence, whereas an increase in temperature (β = -0.0043; 95% CI, - 0.0044- 0.0041) is associated with a lower annual parasite incidence. The results from this study are particularly useful for healthcare workers in Loreto and have the potential of being integrated within malaria elimination plans.

Invasive cervical cancer risk among HIV-infected women: A North American multi-cohort collaboration prospective study

PubMed Central

Abraham, Alison G; Strickler, Howard D; Jing, Yuezhou; Gange, Stephen J; Sterling, Timothy R; Silverberg, Michael; Saag, Michael; Rourke, Sean; Rachlis, Anita; Napravnik, Sonia; Moore, Richard D; Klein, Marina; Kitahata, Mari; Kirk, Greg; Hogg, Robert; Hessol, Nancy A; Goedert, James J; Gill, M John; Gebo, Kelly; Eron, Joseph J; Engels, Eric A; Dubrow, Robert; Crane, Heidi M; Brooks, John T; Bosch, Ronald; D’Souza, Gypsyamber

2013-01-01

Objective HIV infection and low CD4+ T-cell count are associated with an increased risk of persistent oncogenic HPV infection – the major risk factor for cervical cancer. Few reported prospective cohort studies have characterized the incidence of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in HIV-infected women. Methods Data were obtained from HIV-infected and -uninfected female participants in the NA-ACCORD with no history of ICC at enrollment. Participants were followed from study entry or January, 1996 through ICC, loss-to follow-up or December, 2010. The relationship of HIV infection and CD4+ T-cell count with risk of ICC was assessed using age-adjusted Poisson regression models and standardized incidence ratios (SIR). All cases were confirmed by cancer registry records and/or pathology reports. Cervical cytology screening history was assessed through medical record abstraction. Results A total of 13,690 HIV-infected and 12,021 HIV-uninfected women contributed 66,249 and 70,815 person-years (pys) of observation, respectively. Incident ICC was diagnosed in 17 HIV-infected and 4 HIV-uninfected women (incidence rate of 26 and 6 per 100,000 pys, respectively). HIV-infected women with baseline CD4+ T-cells of ≥ 350, 200–349 and <200 cells/uL had a 2.3-times, 3.0-times and 7.7-times increase in ICC incidence, respectively, compared with HIV-uninfected women (Ptrend =0.001). Of the 17 HIV-infected cases, medical records for the 5 years prior to diagnosis showed that 6 had no documented screening, 5 had screening with low grade or normal results, and 6 had high-grade results. Conclusions This study found elevated incidence of ICC in HIV-infected compared to -uninfected women, and these rates increased with immunosuppression. PMID:23254153

Association of Long-Term Exposure to Transportation Noise and Traffic-Related Air Pollution with the Incidence of Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Clark, Charlotte; Sbihi, Hind; Tamburic, Lillian; Brauer, Michael; Frank, Lawrence D; Davies, Hugh W

2017-08-31

Evidence for an association between transportation noise and cardiovascular disease has increased; however, few studies have examined metabolic outcomes such as diabetes or accounted for environmental coexposures such as air pollution, greenness, or walkability. Because diabetes prevalence is increasing and may be on the causal pathway between noise and cardiovascular disease, we examined the influence of long-term residential transportation noise exposure and traffic-related air pollution on the incidence of diabetes using a population-based cohort in British Columbia, Canada. We examined the influence of transportation noise exposure over a 5-y period (1994-1998) on incident diabetes cases in a population-based prospective cohort study (n=380,738) of metropolitan Vancouver (BC) residents who were 45-85 y old, with 4-y of follow-up (1999-2002). Annual average transportation noise (Lden), air pollution [black carbon, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5μm (PM 2.5 ), nitrogen oxides], greenness [Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)], and neighborhood walkability at each participant's residence were modeled. Incident diabetes cases were identified using administrative health records. Transportation noise was associated with the incidence of diabetes [interquartile range (IQR) increase, 6.8 A-weighted decibels (dBA); OR=1.08 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.10)]. This association remained after adjustment for environmental coexposures including traffic-related air pollutants, greenness, and neighborhood walkability. After adjustment for coexposure to noise, traffic-related air pollutants were not associated with the incidence of diabetes, whereas greenness was protective. We found a positive association between residential transportation noise and diabetes, adding to the growing body of evidence that noise pollution exposure may be independently linked to metabolic health and should be considered when developing public health interventions. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1279.

Imaging crystal/spectral line search

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koch, J.A.

1998-02-16

The following table is a compilation of chance coincidences between x- ray line wavelengths and crystal planes which will reflect those wavelengths near normal incidence. The motivation is to explore the possibilities for expanding the range of choices for near normal incidence x-ray crystal imaging.

Propagation of acoustic waves in a one-dimensional macroscopically inhomogeneous poroelastic material.

PubMed

Gautier, G; Kelders, L; Groby, J P; Dazel, O; De Ryck, L; Leclaire, P

2011-09-01

Wave propagation in macroscopically inhomogeneous porous materials has received much attention in recent years. The wave equation, derived from the alternative formulation of Biot's theory of 1962, was reduced and solved recently in the case of rigid frame inhomogeneous porous materials. This paper focuses on the solution of the full wave equation in which the acoustic and the elastic properties of the poroelastic material vary in one-dimension. The reflection coefficient of a one-dimensional macroscopically inhomogeneous porous material on a rigid backing is obtained numerically using the state vector (or the so-called Stroh) formalism and Peano series. This coefficient can then be used to straightforwardly calculate the scattered field. To validate the method of resolution, results obtained by the present method are compared to those calculated by the classical transfer matrix method at both normal and oblique incidence and to experimental measurements at normal incidence for a known two-layers porous material, considered as a single inhomogeneous layer. Finally, discussion about the absorption coefficient for various inhomogeneity profiles gives further perspectives. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America

Application of “Papillary-Like Main Pancreatic Duct Invaginated” Pancreaticojejunostomy for Normal Soft Pancreas Cases

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bo; Xu, Jin; Liu, Chen; Long, Jiang; Liu, Liang; Xu, Yongfeng; Wu, Chuntao; Luo, Guopei; Ni, Quanxing; Li, Min; Yu, Xianjun

2013-01-01

Pancreaticojejunostomy is the key procedure of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Our study introduced a new pancreaticojejunal (PJ) anastomosis named “papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated” pancreaticojejunostomy. Nighty-two patients underwent pancreaticojejunostomy with either conventional duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy or the new “papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated” techniques were analyzed retrospectively from January 2010 to September 2012. The incidence of pancreatic fistula was 15.7% (8/51) for the “papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated” group and 19.5% (8/41) for the duct-to-mucosa fashion respectively. It is noteworthy that the rate of grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in the “papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated” group was significantly lower than that of the duct-to-mucosa group (P = 0.039). There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality such as postoperative hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying or remnant pancreatitis. The “papillary-like main pancreatic duct invaginated” pancreaticojejunostomy could provide a feasible option to pancreatic surgeons for patients with normal soft pancreas. PMID:23797701

Incidence and Size of Patent Foramen Ovale During the First 10 Decades of Life: An Autopsy Study of 965 Normal Hearts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagen, Philip T.; Scholz, David G.; Edwards, William D.

1984-01-01

The incidence and size of the patent foramen ovale were studied in 965 autopsy specimens of human hearts, which were from subjects who were evenly distributed by sex and age. Neither incidence nor size of the defect was significantly different between male and female subjects. The overall incidence was 27.3%, but it progressively declined with increasing age from 34.3% during the first three decades of life to 25.4% during the 4th through 8th decades and to 20.2% during the 9th and 10th decades. Among the 263 specimens that exhibited patency in our study, the foramen ovale ranged from 1 to 19 mm in maximal potential diameter (mean, 4.9 mm). In 98% of these cases, the foramen ovale was 1 to 10 mm in diameter. The size tended to increase with increasing age, from a mean of 3.4 mm in the first decade to 5.8 mm in the 10th decade of life.

Octonacci photonic crystals with negative refraction index materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandão, E. R.; Vasconcelos, M. S.; Anselmo, D. H. A. L.

2016-12-01

We investigate the optical transmission spectra for s-polarized (TE) and p-polarized (TM) waves in one-dimensional photonic quasicrystals on a quasiperiodic multilayer structure made up by alternate layers of SiO2 and metamaterials, organized by following the Octonacci sequence. Maxwell's equations and the transfer-matrix technique are used to derive the transmission spectra for the propagation of normally and obliquely incident optical fields. We assume Drude-Lorentz-type dispersive response for the dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of the metamaterials. For normally incident waves, we observe that the spectra does not have self-similar behavior or mirror symmetry and it also features the absence of optical band gap. Also for normally incident waves, we show regions of full transmittance when the incident angle θC = 0° in a particular frequency range.

Management of knee rheumatoid arthritis and tibia nonunion with one-stage total knee arthroplasty and intramedullary nailing: A report of two cases.

PubMed

Erdogan, Fahri; Sarikaya, Ilker Abdullah; Can, Ata; Gorgun, Baris

2018-01-01

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure which is widely used in the treatment of gonarthrosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The incidence of stress fractures in tibia in the patients with RA is higher compared to normal patients. In this study, we report two cases of TKA and intramedullary nailing in RA patients with severe knee arthritis and tibial nonunion. Both patients had a satisfactory clinical outcome with radiological healing of the tibial fracture. Copyright © 2017 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wronski, M; Sarfehnia, A; Sahgal, A

Purpose: To evaluate the interface effects when irradiating through a hip prosthesis in the presence of an orthogonal 1.5 T magnetic field using Monte Carlo simulations. Methods: A 20×20×38 cm virtual phantom with two 5×5×5 cm sections of bilateral titanium hip prosthesis was created in GPU-based Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm (GPUMCD, Elekta AB, Stockholm Sweden). The lateral prosthesis spacing was based on a representative patient CT scan. A treatment SAD of 143.5 cm was chosen, corresponding to the Elekta AB MRI Linac and the beam energy distribution was sampled from a histogram representing the true MRI Linac spectrum. A magneticmore » field of 1.5 T was applied perpendicular to the plane of irradiation. Dose was calculated, in voxels of side 1 mm, for 2×2, 5×5, and 10×10 cm treatment field sizes with normal beam incidence (gantry at 90° or 270°) and at 5° and 10° from normal, representing the range of incidence through the bilateral prosthesis. Results: With magnetic field ON (B-On) and normal beam incidence the backscatter dose at the interfaces of proximal and distal implants is reduced for all the field sizes compared to the magnetic field OFF (B-Off) case. The absolute reduction in doses at the interface was in the range of 12.93% to 13.16% for the proximal implant and 13.57% to 16.12% for the distal implant. Similarly for the oblique incidences of 5o and 10o the dose in the plane adjacent to the prosthetic implants is lower when the magnetic field is ON. Conclusion: The dosimetric effects of irradiating through a hip prosthesis in the presence of a transverse magnetic field have been determined using MC simulation. The backscatter dose reduction translates into significantly lower hot spots at the prosthetic interfaces, which are otherwise substantially high in the absence of the magnetic field. This project was supported through funding provided by ElektaTM.« less

Multifocal tumoral calcinosis in a 4-year-old girl

PubMed Central

Sayar, Ilyas; Peker, Kemal; Kapısız, Alparslan; Bostancı, Isıl Esen; Gürbüzel, Mehmet; Isik, Arda; Peker, Necla Aydın

2014-01-01

Patient: Female, 4 Final Diagnosis: Tumoral calcinosis Symptoms: Hard immobile mass Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Surgery Objective: Congenital defects Background: Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon condition associated with the deposition of painless calcific masses. It is more common in childhood or early adolescence of African-American females. Case Report: We present a case of a 4-year-old girl with tumoral calcinosis treated surgically. The case is rather rare in terms of the age of the patient and the localization of the masses (gluteal site). In our patient, the biochemical findings were normal, except for hyperphosphatemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions: Total excision appears to lead to a good clinical outcome and a low incidence of local relapse. PMID:24644527

The saturation of monochromatic lights obliquely incident on the retina.

PubMed Central

Alpern, M; Tamaki, R

1983-01-01

Foveal dark-adaptation undertaken to test the hypothesis that the excitation of rods causes the desaturation of 'yellow' lights in a 1 degree field traversing the margin of the pupil, fails to exclude that possibility. The desaturation is largest for a 1 degree outside diameter annular test, is still measurable with a 0.5 degree circular disk, but disappears for a 0.29 degree disk. The supersaturation of obliquely incident 501.2 nm test light follows the opposite pattern; it disappears with an annulus and is largest for a 0.29 degree circular field. It is unlikely that rods replace short-wave sensitive cones in the trichromatic match of an obliquely incident test with normally incident primaries. If rods as well as all three cones species are involved, the matches might not be trichromatic in the strong sense. Grassmann's law of scalar multiplication was tested and shown not to hold for the match of an obliquely incident test with normally incident primaries, though it remains valid whenever, both primaries and test strike the retina at the same angle of incidence (independent of that angle). The result in section 3 (above) cannot be due to rod intrusion. It persists (and becomes more conspicuous) on backgrounds (4.0 log scotopic td) which saturate rods. Moreover obliquely incident 'yellow' lights remain desaturated in intervals in the dark after a full bleach, whilst the test field is below rod threshold. The amount of desaturation does not differ appreciably from that normally found. The assumption of the unified theory of Alpern, Kitahara & Tamaki (1983) that the outer segments of only a single set of three cone species (with acceptance angles wide enough to include the entire exit pupil) contain the visual pigments absorbing both the normally incident primaries and the obliquely incident test is disproved by these results. Failure of Grassmann's law is most conspicuous under the conditions for which the changes in saturation upon changing from normal to oblique incidence are greatest and least when the saturation changes are the smallest. Either all unified theories of the Stiles-Crawford effects are wrong or all the effects of oblique incidence operate at a stage in the visual process at which the effects of radiation of different wave-lengths are no longer compounded by the simple linear laws. PMID:6875976

Submonolayer Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, David Z.; Bandara, Sumith V.; Gunapala, Sarath D.; Chang, Yia-Chang

2010-01-01

A method has been developed for inserting submonolayer (SML) quantum dots (QDs) or SML QD stacks, instead of conventional Stranski-Krastanov (S-K) QDs, into the active region of intersubband photodetectors. A typical configuration would be InAs SML QDs embedded in thin layers of GaAs, surrounded by AlGaAs barriers. Here, the GaAs and the AlGaAs have nearly the same lattice constant, while InAs has a larger lattice constant. In QD infrared photodetector, the important quantization directions are in the plane perpendicular to the normal incidence radiation. In-plane quantization is what enables the absorption of normal incidence radiation. The height of the S-K QD controls the positions of the quantized energy levels, but is not critically important to the desired normal incidence absorption properties. The SML QD or SML QD stack configurations give more control of the structure grown, retains normal incidence absorption properties, and decreases the strain build-up to allow thicker active layers for higher quantum efficiency.

A comparison of toxicities in acute myeloid leukemia patients with and without renal impairment treated with decitabine.

PubMed

Levine, Lauren B; Roddy, Julianna Vf; Kim, Miryoung; Li, Junan; Phillips, Gary; Walker, Alison R

2018-06-01

Purpose There are limited data regarding the clinical use of decitabine for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in patients with a serum creatinine of 2 mg/dL or greater. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 111 patients with acute myeloid leukemia who had been treated with decitabine and compared the development of toxicities during cycle 1 in those with normal renal function (creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 60 mL/min) to those with renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min). Results Notable differences in the incidence of grade ≥3 cardiotoxicity (33% of renal dysfunction patients vs. 16% of normal renal function patients, p = 0.042) and respiratory toxicity (40% of renal dysfunction patients vs. 14% of normal renal function patients, p = 0.0037) were observed. The majority of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation cases occurred in the renal dysfunction group. The odds of developing grade ≥3 cardiotoxicity did not differ significantly between patients with and without baseline cardiac comorbidities (OR 1.43, p = 0.43). Conclusions This study noted a higher incidence of grade ≥3 cardiac and respiratory toxicities in decitabine-treated acute myeloid leukemia patients with renal dysfunction compared to normal renal function. This may prompt closer monitoring, regardless of baseline cardiac comorbidities. Further evaluation of decitabine in patients with renal dysfunction is needed.

Common variants of HNF1A gene are associated with diabetic retinopathy and poor glycemic control in normal-weight Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Morita, Kazunori; Saruwatari, Junji; Tanaka, Takahiro; Oniki, Kentaro; Kajiwara, Ayami; Miyazaki, Hiroko; Yoshida, Akira; Jinnouchi, Hideaki; Nakagawa, Kazuko

2017-02-01

This study investigated the associations between the common hepatocyte nuclear factor-1A (HNF1A) variants and the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in relation to the glycemic control and weight status. A retrospective longitudinal analysis was conducted among 354 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (mean follow-up duration: 5.8±2.5 years). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the cumulative incidence of DR was calculated using a Cox proportional hazard model. During the observation period, the longitudinal associations of the HNF1A diplotypes with the risk of DR and the clinical parameters were also analyzed using the generalized estimating equations approach. The combination of risk variants, i.e., rs1169288-C, rs1183910-A and rs2464196-A, was defined as the H1 haplotype. The incidence of DR was higher in the H1/H1 diplotype cases than in the others (HR 2.75 vs. non-H1/non-H1; p=0.02). Only in normal-weight subjects, the risks of DR and poor glycemic control were higher in the H1/H1 diplotype cases than in the others [odds ratio 4.08 vs. non-H1/non-H1, p=0.02; odds ratio 3.03, p=0.01; respectively]. This study demonstrated that the common HNF1A diplotype of three risk variants may be an independent risk factor for the development of DR resulting from poor glycemic control in normal-weight patients with T2DM. These results need to be replicated in larger and more varied study populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lung function and airway obstruction: associations with circulating markers of cardiac function and incident heart failure in older men—the British Regional Heart Study

PubMed Central

Wannamethee, S Goya; Shaper, A Gerald; Papacosta, Olia; Lennon, Lucy; Welsh, Paul; Whincup, Peter H

2016-01-01

Aims The association between lung function and cardiac markers and heart failure (HF) has been little studied in the general older population. We have examined the association between lung function and airway obstruction with cardiac markers N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and risk of incident HF in older men. Methods and results Prospective study of 3242 men aged 60–79 years without prevalent HF or myocardial infarction followed up for an average period of 13 years, in whom 211 incident HF cases occurred. Incident HF was examined in relation to % predicted FEV1 and FVC. The Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Diseases spirometry criteria were used to define airway obstruction. Reduced FEV1, but not FVC in the normal range, was significantly associated with increased risk of HF after adjustment for established HF risk factors including inflammation. The adjusted HRs comparing men in the 6–24th percentile with the highest quartile were 1.91 (1.24 to 2.94) and 1.30 (0.86 to 1.96) for FEV1 and FVC, respectively. FEV1 and FVC were inversely associated with NT-proBNP and cTnT, although the association between FEV1 and incident HF remained after adjustment for NT-proBNP and cTnT. Compared with normal subjects (FEV1/FVC ≥0.70 and FVC≥80%), moderate or severe (FEV1/FVC <0.70 and FEV1 <80%) airflow obstruction was independently associated with HF ((adjusted relative risk 1.59 (1.08 to 2.33)). Airflow restriction (FEV1/FVC ≥0.70 and FVC <80%) was not independently associated with HF. Conclusions Reduced FEV1 reflecting airflow obstruction is associated with cardiac dysfunction and increased risk of incident HF in older men. PMID:26811343

Geospatial and Temporal Analysis of Thyroid Cancer Incidence in a Rural Population

PubMed Central

Hanley, John P.; Jackson, Erin; Morrissey, Leslie A.; Rizzo, Donna M.; Sprague, Brian L.; Sarkar, Indra Neil

2015-01-01

Background: The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has resulted in the rate tripling over the past 30 years. Reasons for this increase have not been established. Geostatistics and geographic information system (GIS) tools have emerged as powerful geospatial technologies to identify disease clusters, map patterns and trends, and assess the impact of ecological and socioeconomic factors (SES) on the spatial distribution of diseases. In this study, these tools were used to analyze thyroid cancer incidence in a rural population. Methods: Thyroid cancer incidence and socio-demographic factors in Vermont (VT), United States, between 1994 and 2007 were analyzed by logistic regression and geospatial and temporal analyses. Results: The thyroid cancer age-adjusted incidence in Vermont (8.0 per 100,000) was comparable to the national level (8.4 per 100,000), as were the ratio of the incidence of females to males (3.1:1) and the mortality rate (0.5 per 100,000). However, the estimated annual percentage change was higher (8.3 VT; 5.7 U.S.). Incidence among females peaked at 30–59 years of age, reflecting a significant rise from 1994 to 2007, while incidence trends for males did not vary significantly by age. For both females and males, the distribution of tumors by size did not vary over time; ≤1.0 cm, 1.1–2.0 cm, and >2.0 cm represented 38%, 22%, and 40%, respectively. In females, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) accounted for 89% of cases, follicular (FTC) 8%, medullary (MTC) 2%, and anaplastic (ATC) 0.6%, while in males PTC accounted for 77% of cases, FTC 15%, MTC 1%, and ATC 3%. Geospatial analysis revealed locations and spatial patterns that, when combined with multivariate incidence analyses, indicated that factors other than increased surveillance and access to healthcare (physician density or insurance) contributed to the increased thyroid cancer incidence. Nine thyroid cancer incidence hot spots, areas with very high normalized incidence, were identified based on zip code data. Those locations did not correlate with urban areas or healthcare centers. Conclusions: These data provide evidence of increased thyroid cancer incidence in a rural population likely due to environmental drivers and SES. Geospatial modeling can provide an important framework for evaluation of additional associative risk factors. PMID:25936441

Incident flux angle induced crystal texture transformation in nanostructured molybdenum films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, L.; Lu, T.-M.; Wang, G.-C.

2012-07-15

Molybdenum films were observed to undergo a dramatic change in crystal texture orientation when the incident flux angle was varied in an oblique angle sputter deposition on amorphous substrates. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction pole figure and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze in detail the texture orientation of the films. The normal incident deposition resulted in a fiber texture film with the minimum energy (110) crystal plane parallel to the substrate surface. A (110)[110] biaxial texture was observed for the samples grown with low incident angles of less than 45 Degree-Sign , with respect to the surface normal. Onmore » the other hand, for an oblique angle deposition of larger than 60 Degree-Sign , a (111)[112] biaxial texture was observed and appeared to be consistent with a zone T structure where the geometrically fastest growth [001] direction of a crystal plays a dominant role in defining the texture. We argue that a structural transition had occurred when the incident flux was varied from near normal incidence to a large angle.« less

[Safety evaluation of secondary conversion from external fixation to internal fixation for open tibia fractures].

PubMed

Liu, Xi; Cen, Shiqiang; Xiang, Zhou; Zhong, Gang; Yi, Min; Fang, Yue; Liu, Lei; Huang, Fuguo

2017-06-01

To evaluate the safety of conversion from external fixation to internal fixation for open tibia fractures. Between January 2010 and December 2014, 94 patients (98 limbs) with open tibia fractures were initially treated with external fixators at the first stage, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. In 29 cases (31 limbs), the external fixators were changed to internal fixation for discomfort, pin tract response, Schantz pin loosening, delayed union or non-union after complete wound healing and normal or close to normal levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), and the leucocyte count as well as the neutrophil ratio (trial group); in 65 cases (67 limbs), the external fixators were used as the ultimate treatment in the control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side of the limbs, interval from injury to the first debridement, initial pathogenic bacteria, the limbs that skin grafting or flap transferring for skin and soft tissue defect between the two groups ( P >0.05). The incidence of Gustilo type III fractures in the control group was significantly higher than that in the trial group ( P =0.000). The overall incidence of infection was calculated respectively in the two groups. The incidence of infection according to different fracture types and whether skin grafting or flap transferring was compared between the two groups. The information of the pathogenic bacteria was recorded in the infected patients, and it was compared with the results of the initial culture. The incidence of infection in the patients of the trial group using different internal fixation instruments was recorded. The overall incidences of infection for the trial and control groups were 9.7% (3/31) and 9.0% (6/67) respectively, showing no significant difference ( χ 2 =0.013, P =0.909). No infection occurred in Gustilo type I and type II patients. The incidence of infection for Gustilo type IIIA patients in the trial group and the control group were 14.3% (1/7) and 6.3% (2/32) respectively, showing no significant difference ( χ 2 =0.509, P =0.476); the incidence of infection for type IIIB patients in the two groups were 50.0% (2/4) and 14.3% (2/14) respectively, showing no significant difference ( χ 2 =2.168, P =0.141); and the incidence of infection for type IIIC patients in the two groups were 0 and 16.7% (2/12) respectively, showing no significant difference ( χ 2 =0.361, P =0.548). Of all the infected limbs, only 1 limb in the trial group had the same Staphylococcus Aureus as the result of the initial culture. In the patients who underwent skin grafting or flap transferring, the incidence of infection in the trial and control groups were 33.3% (2/6) and 13.3% (2/15) respectively, showing no significant difference ( χ 2 =1.059, P =0.303). After conversion to internal fixation, no infection occurred in the cases that fixed with nails (11 limbs), and infection occurred in 4 of 20 limbs that fixed with plates, with an incidence of infection of 20%. Conversion from external fixation to internal fixation for open tibia fractures is safe in most cases. However, for open tibia fractures with extensive and severe soft tissue injury, especially Gustilo type III patients who achieved wound heal after flap transfer or skin grafting, the choice of secondary conversion to internal fixation should carried out cautiously. Careful pre-operative evaluation of soft tissue status, cautious choice of fixation instrument and meticulous intra-operative soft tissue protection are essential for its safety.

[The value of spectral frequency analysis by Doppler examination (author's transl)].

PubMed

Boccalon, H; Reggi, M; Lozes, A; Canal, C; Jausseran, J M; Courbier, R; Puel, P; Enjalbert, A

1981-01-01

Arterial stenoses of moderate extent may involve modifications of the blood flow. Arterial shading is not always examined at the best incident angle to assess the extent of the stenosis. Spectral frequency analysis by Doppler examination is a good means of evaluating the effect of moderate arterial lesions. The present study was carried out with a Doppler effect having an acoustic spectrum, which is shown in a histogram having 16 frequency bands. The values were recorded on the two femoral arteries. A study was also made of 49 normal subjects so as to establish a normal envelope histogram, taking into account the following parameters: maximum peak (800 Hz), low cut-off frequency (420 Hz), high cut-off frequency (2,600 Hz); the first peak was found to be present in 81 % of the subjects (at 375 Hz) and the second peak in 75 % of the subjects (2,020 Hz). Thirteen patients with iliac lesions of different extent were included in the study; details of these lesions were established in all cases by aortography. None of the recorded frequency histograms were located within the normal envelope. Two cases of moderate iliac stenoses were noted ( Less Than 50 % of the diameter) which interfered with the histogram, even though the femoral velocity signal was normal.

LPI studies with grazing incidence irradiation at the Nike laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weaver, J.; Kehne, D.; Schmitt, A.; Obenschain, S.; Serlin, V.; Oh, J.; Lehmberg, R.; Seely, J.

2013-10-01

Studies of laser plasma instabilities (LPI) at the Nike laser facility at NRL have previously concentrated on planar targets irradiated with their surface normal aligned to the central axis of the laser. Shots with planar targets rotated up 60° to the laser have shown changes in thresholds for the two-plasmon decay instability and stimulated Raman scattering near the quarter critical region. In the case of rotated low-Z targets, spectra were observed to shift to lower wavelength and were substantially stronger in the visible and ultraviolet spectral ranges. The low-Z target data show growth at an incident intensity slightly below (~30%) the threshold values observed at normal incidence. A rapid rise in signal level over the same laser intensities was also observed in the hard x-ray data which serve as an overall indicator of LPI activity. Shots with rotated planar high-Z targets showed that the visible and ultraviolet emissions dropped significantly when compared to low-Z targets in the same geometry. This presentation will include results from upcoming experiments to determine the LPI signal for low-Z, high-Z, and high-Z coated targets at lower laser intensities for several angles of target rotation. Shots with widely separated laser beams are also planned to explore cross beam energy transport at Nike. Work supported by DoE/NNSA.

Wavefront Sensing Analysis of Grazing Incidence Optical Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rohrbach, Scott; Saha, Timo

2012-01-01

Wavefront sensing is a process by which optical system errors are deduced from the aberrations in the image of an ideal source. The method has been used successfully in near-normal incidence, but not for grazing incidence systems. This innovation highlights the ability to examine out-of-focus images from grazing incidence telescopes (typically operating in the x-ray wavelengths, but integrated using optical wavelengths) and determine the lower-order deformations. This is important because as a metrology tool, this method would allow the integration of high angular resolution optics without the use of normal incidence interferometry, which requires direct access to the front surface of each mirror. Measuring the surface figure of mirror segments in a highly nested x-ray telescope mirror assembly is difficult due to the tight packing of elements and blockage of all but the innermost elements to normal incidence light. While this can be done on an individual basis in a metrology mount, once the element is installed and permanently bonded into the assembly, it is impossible to verify the figure of each element and ensure that the necessary imaging quality will be maintained. By examining on-axis images of an ideal point source, one can gauge the low-order figure errors of individual elements, even when integrated into an assembly. This technique is known as wavefront sensing (WFS). By shining collimated light down the optical axis of the telescope and looking at out-of-focus images, the blur due to low-order figure errors of individual elements can be seen, and the figure error necessary to produce that blur can be calculated. The method avoids the problem of requiring normal incidence access to the surface of each mirror segment. Mirror figure errors span a wide range of spatial frequencies, from the lowest-order bending to the highest order micro-roughness. While all of these can be measured in normal incidence, only the lowest-order contributors can be determined through this WFS technique.

[Analysis of human cyst echinococcosis in a northern Chilean region from 2008 to 2012].

PubMed

Soto-Aguilar, Andrea; Junod, Tania; Campillay, Mauricio; Acosta-Jamett, Gerardo; Landaeta-Aqueveque, Carlos

2017-05-01

The Coquimbo Region in Chile has the highest incidence of hydatidosis in central and northern Chile. To analyze the incidence of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the Coquimbo Region between 2008 and 2012. Official records of reported cases were analyzed. The association of the location, age and sex with the presence/absence of CE was analyzed by means of logistic regressions. The incidence was reported as cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The mean annual incidence was 2.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which ranged from 3.1 (2010) to 1.9 (2012) cases. The districts with higher incidence were Punitaqui (21.2 cases), Paihuano (9 cases), Rio Hurtado (8 cases), Canela (8.1 cases), Monte Patria (7.9 cases), Vicuña (6.9 cases) and Combarbalá (6.9 cases). The incidence in these locations was significantly higher than elsewhere in the region. Males had a significantly higher incidence than females (3.3 and 1.8 respectively). Incidence increased significantly with age, notably increasing after 45 years of age. Rural locations had the highest incidences of CE in the Coquimbo Region. The disease was reported more commonly in adults and mainly in men.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Risk for Incident Myocardial Infarction Among Postmenopausal Women

PubMed Central

LeGrys, Vicky A.; Funk, Michele Jonsson; Lorenz, Carol E.; Giri, Ayush; Jackson, Rebecca D.; Manson, JoAnn E.; Schectman, Robin; Edwards, Todd L.; Heiss, Gerardo

2013-01-01

Context: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. However, few studies have specifically examined the association between SCH and myocardial infarction (MI), and the relationship is poorly understood. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate incident MI risk in relation to SCH and severities of SCH among postmenopausal women. Methods: We used a population-based nested case-cohort design within the Women's Health Initiative observational study to examine the association between SCH and incident first-time MI risk among postmenopausal women in the United States. SCH was assessed using blood specimens collected at baseline. Participants presenting with normal free T4 levels and with thyrotropin levels of greater than 4.68–6.99 mU/L or 7.00 mU/L or greater were defined as having mild SCH or moderate/severe SCH, respectively. MI cases were centrally adjudicated by trained Women's Health Initiative staff. The primary analysis included 736 incident MI cases and 2927 randomly selected subcohort members. Multivariable adjusted Cox-proportional hazard models were used to assess MI risk in relation to SCH. Results: Compared with euthyroid participants, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for participants with any SCH was 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–1.44]. HRs for participants with mild SCH, moderate/severe SCH, and moderate/severe SCH and the presence of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were 0.99 (95% CI 0.67–1.46), 1.19 (95% CI 0.72–1.96), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.47–1.74), respectively. Conclusion: We did not find evidence to suggest that SCH is associated with increased MI risk among a population of predominantly older postmenopausal women with no prior history of MI. PMID:23539723

[A two-year evaluation of the development of preterm babies born in the region of Warsaw: a prospective cohort study Prematuritas].

PubMed

Rutkowska, Magdalena; Helwich, Ewa; Szamotulska, Katarzyna; Rudzińska-Chazan, Maria; Kułakowska, Zofia; Jeziorek, Aneta; Seroczyńska, Małgorzata; Nowakowska-Szyrwińska, Ewa; Romaniuk-Doroszewska, Anna

2005-01-01

Complex evaluation of the development of infants until the end of the second year of life, including neurological and sensory development. A prospective cohort study. 1) 264 premature babies born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation during the period 1st of Oct 1998 and 30th of Sept 1999 in the region of Warsaw. 2) Age of examination at: 4th, 8th and 12th month of postconceptional age and 18th and 24th month of calendar age. 3) Neurological examination according to modified Denver's test, including the development of motor skills, coordination of vision and movement, speech and social contacts. Final division of development into: normal, uncertain and pathological. 4) Cerebral palsy was diagnosed according to the definition and classification proposed by the European Commission in 2002. 5) Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): back of the eye (Fison's speculum) examination conducted from the 30th day of life, and follow-up depending of the escalation of changes. In cases of diagnosed ROP, stage 3 or 4 laser photocoagulation was performed. 6) Hearing examination: behavioral evaluation, in cases of uncertain or abnormal results ABR (auditory brain stem response) was carried out. 162 children participated in the examination at the age of 2, which comprises 87% of the study population. While evaluating motor and sensory development of study population at 2 years of age, normal development was seen among 88% of children, cerebral palsy of different types (with majority of serious cases) was diagnosed in 8% of children and 2 children were blind. Uncertain development was stated for 4% of children, and 1 of them was deaf. 20% of children experienced delay in speech development and hyperactivity. Among babies born before 28th week of gestational age, 2-3 times higher percentage of 3rd stage of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was stated in comparison with developed countries. Nevertheless, no case of blindness was observed in this group of children, which may prove effective screening and effective therapy. At the same time 65% of children with 3rd stage ROP have some problems with vision (squint, short sightedness). The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-BPD (16%) and chronic lung disease (CLD) (11%) were relatively low. However, the percentage of hospitalization among children with CLD under the age of 2, which was caused by respiratory problems, was 37% compared to 28% of children in which CLD was not diagnosed. 1) The incidence of cerebral palsy in our study is not different from the results of other authors and was the highest among babies born before 29 weeks of gestation. 2) In the cerebral palsy group, higher incidence of tetraplegia was found, which may be connected with higher prevalence of hemorrhagic changes (IVH grade III or IV) and hypoxic -- ischaemic changes (PVL). 3) A relationship was found between cranial ultrasound (US) at 40 weeks of postconceptional age after PLV and the child's motor development at 2 years of age: normalization in the US was connected with correct development. 4) Incidence of ROP grade 3 was stated to be three times higher compared to other authors. No case of blindness was stated, which proves effectiveness of screening and treatment procedures. 5) Only one case of deafness due to congenital malformation was found. 6) The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and chronic lung disease (CLD) was comparable to data from developed countries. However, the percentage of hospitalization for all respiratory problems among children with CLD under the age of 2 was twice as high as in the remaining population. 7) Developmental disorders such as: hyperactivity, delay of speech and vision problems (strabismus and short sightedness) indicate the need for continued evaluation of this group of children up to school age (5-7).

Familial acromegaly with pituitary adenoma. Report of three affected siblings.

PubMed

Abbassioun, K; Fatourehchi, V; Amirjamshidi, A; Meibodi, N A

1986-03-01

The authors report the cases of three brothers with pituitary adenomas who had classical findings of acromegaly and gigantism. Two had irreducibly elevated growth hormone (GH) values and underwent transsphenoidal microsurgical extirpation of their tumors. The third acromegalic brother had a normal GH value and evidence of panhypopituitarism; he had a small intrasellar tumor and a partially empty sella. The pattern of inheritance was probably autosomal recessive. A review of literature indicated that familial incidence of isolated acromegaly with pituitary adenomas is rare.

Imaging performance of a normal incidence soft X-ray telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, J. P.; Spiller, E.; Weisskopf, M.

1982-01-01

Measurements are presented of the imaging performance of a normal incidence spherical soft X-ray mirror at BK-alpha (67.6 A). The reflector was a 124-layer coating consisting of alternating Re-W alloy and C layers with a protective C overcoat 34 A thick deposited on a Zerodur substrate. Measurements made at an angle of 1.5 deg off axis with the prototype of the Einstein Observatory high resolution imager reveal the resolution of the mirror to be about 1 arcsec FWHM, with 50% of the reflected power within the detector field of 512 arcsec contained within a diameter of 5 arcsec. The data demonstrate the practicality and potential good performance of normal-incidence soft X-ray optics, and show that the scattering performances of such devices may be as good or better than the best grazing incidence devices.

TrackEtching - A Java based code for etched track profile calculations in SSNTDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muraleedhara Varier, K.; Sankar, V.; Gangadathan, M. P.

2017-09-01

A java code incorporating a user friendly GUI has been developed to calculate the parameters of chemically etched track profiles of ion-irradiated solid state nuclear track detectors. Huygen's construction of wavefronts based on secondary wavelets has been used to numerically calculate the etched track profile as a function of the etching time. Provision for normal incidence and oblique incidence on the detector surface has been incorporated. Results in typical cases are presented and compared with experimental data. Different expressions for the variation of track etch rate as a function of the ion energy have been utilized. The best set of values of the parameters in the expressions can be obtained by comparing with available experimental data. Critical angle for track development can also be calculated using the present code.

Peroneal nerve palsy after ankle sprain: an update.

PubMed

Mitsiokapa, Evanthia; Mavrogenis, Andreas F; Drakopoulos, Dionysis; Mauffrey, Cyril; Scarlat, Marius

2017-01-01

Ankle sprains are extremely common in the general population and the most common injuries in athletes. Although rare, peroneal nerve palsy may occur simultaneously with ankle sprain. The exact incidence of nerve injury after ankle sprain is not known; few cases of peroneal nerve palsy associated with ankle sprains have been reported in the literature. The function of the peroneal nerve should be evaluated in all patients with a history of inversion ankle sprain as part of the initial and follow-up evaluation, even if the initial neurological status is normal, because delayed peroneal nerve palsy is possible. This article discusses the incidence, pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and management of the patients with peroneal nerve palsy after ankle sprain aiming to increase the awareness of the treating physicians for this nerve injury.

[Backward flow signal in the left atrium studied by Doppler echocardiography. Differentiation from mitral regurgitation].

PubMed

Nagoshi, H; Miyairi, M; Asato, T; Naito, M; Honda, M

1983-03-01

A backward flow signal in the left atrium masquerading as mitral regurgitation was studied by a pulsed Doppler method. The subjects consisted of 20 normal volunteers, 12 cases with mitral valve prolapse syndrome, five cases with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, five cases with lone atrial fibrillation, four cases with asymmetric septal hypertrophy and three cases with the Björk-Shiley tilting disc valve in the mitral position. In two-dimensional echocardiography combined with pulsed Doppler method, a Doppler signal was recorded by locating a sample volume in the left atrium. In all of the cases with mitral valve prolapse syndrome and the cases with the prosthetic valve as well as in all of the normal subjects, the backward flow signal was observed in the left atrium. In three cases with mitral valve prolapse syndrome, it was differentiated from a transvalvular regurgitant flow signal. In all cases with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, the backward flow signal was masked by a turbulent flow signal representing regurgitation. In cases with mitral stenosis, the backward flow signal was scarcely recognized. The duration of the backward flow signal had no relationship with heart rate. The histogram of incidence on the scale of R-R interval revealed normal distribution with a mean value of 0.24 sec (+/- 0.09 sec). Therefore, in cases with tachycardia, the backward flow signal was seen throughout systole. The peak backward flow velocity of Doppler signals was correlated (r = 0.71, p less than 0.01) with the peak forward flow velocity in diastole. The faint backward flow signal seen in cases with mitral stenosis and post-extrasystolic potentiation of the backward flow signal were suggestive of the foregoing relationship. The mechanism producing the backward flow was postulated as a water hammer phenomenon caused by closure of the mitral valve.

Electromagnetic wave propagation through a dielectric-chiral interface and through a chiral slab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bassiri, S.; Papas, C. H.; Engheta, N.

1988-01-01

The reflection from and transmission through a semiinfinite chiral medium are analyzed by obtaining the Fresnel equations in terms of parallel- and perpendicular-polarized modes, and a comparison is made with results reported previously. The chiral medium is described electromagnetically by the constitutive relations D = (epsilon)E+i(gamma)B and H = i(gamma)E+(1/mu)B. The constants epsilon, mu and gamma are real and have values that are fixed by the size, the shape, and the spatial distribution of the elements that collectively compose the medium. The conditions are obtained for the total internal reflection of the incident wave from the interface and for the existence of the Brewster angle. The effects of the chirality on the polarization and the intensity of the reflected wave from the chiral half-space are discussed and illustrated by using the Stokes parameters. The propagation of electromagnetic wave through an infinite slab of chiral medium is formulated for oblique incidence and solved analytically for the case of normal incidence.

Association Between Olfactory Dysfunction and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease Dementia.

PubMed

Roberts, Rosebud O; Christianson, Teresa J H; Kremers, Walter K; Mielke, Michelle M; Machulda, Mary M; Vassilaki, Maria; Alhurani, Rabe E; Geda, Yonas E; Knopman, David S; Petersen, Ronald C

2016-01-01

To increase the opportunity to delay or prevent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia, markers of early detection are essential. Olfactory impairment may be an important clinical marker and predictor of these conditions and may help identify persons at increased risk. To examine associations of impaired olfaction with incident MCI subtypes and progression from MCI subtypes to AD dementia. Participants enrolled in the population-based, prospective Mayo Clinic Study of Aging between 2004 and 2010 were clinically evaluated at baseline and every 15 months through 2014. Participants (N = 1630) were classified as having normal cognition, MCI (amnestic MCI [aMCI] and nonamnestic MCI [naMCI]), and dementia. We administered the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) to assess olfactory function. Mild cognitive impairment, AD dementia, and longitudinal change in cognitive performance measures. Of the 1630 participants who were cognitively normal at the time of the smell test, 33 died before follow-up and 167 were lost to follow-up. Among the 1430 cognitively normal participants included, the mean (SD) age was 79.5 (5.3) years, 49.4% were men, the mean duration of education was 14.3 years, and 25.4% were APOE ε4 carriers. Over a mean 3.5 years of follow-up, there were 250 incident cases of MCI among 1430 cognitively normal participants. We observed an association between decreasing olfactory identification, as measured by a decrease in the number of correct responses in B-SIT score, and an increased risk of aMCI. Compared with the upper B-SIT quartile (quartile [Q] 4, best scores), hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) were 1.12 (0.65-1.92) for Q3 (P = .68); 1.95 (1.25-3.03) for Q2 (P = .003); and 2.18 (1.36-3.51) for Q1 (P = .001) (worst scores; P for trend <.001) after adjustment for sex and education, with age as the time scale. There was no association with naMCI. There were 64 incident dementia cases among 221 prevalent MCI cases. The B-SIT score also predicted progression from aMCI to AD dementia, with a significant dose-response with worsening B-SIT quartiles. Compared with Q4, HR (95% CI) estimates were 3.02 (1.06-8.57) for Q3 (P = .04); 3.63 (1.19-11.10) for Q2 (P = .02); and 5.20 (1.90-14.20) for Q1 (P = .001). After adjusting for key predictors of MCI risk, B-SIT (as a continuous measure) remained a significant predictor of MCI (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.04-1.16]; P < .001) and improved the model concordance. Olfactory impairment is associated with incident aMCI and progression from aMCI to AD dementia. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have reported associations of olfactory impairment with cognitive impairment in late life and suggest that olfactory tests have potential utility for screening for MCI and MCI that is likely to progress.

Sexually transmitted diseases in transient British forces in the tropics.

PubMed

Adams, E J; Strike, P W; Green, A D; Masterton, R G

1994-04-01

To compare the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in British troops in the tropics with that in a standard population. Retrospective analysis of STD clinic records over one calendar year. A British Military Hospital in the Tropics serving 1441 resident personnel. All patients attending a STD clinic. 815 cases of STD were recorded during the study period, giving incidence rate of 56,558 per 100,000 population per year. When compared with a matched population from England and Wales, the age standardised relative risk for STD amongst tropical troops was 25.0 (95% confidence interval 24.9 to 25.1). Thirty nine percent of cases reported prostitute contact as a source of their disease. Of patients questioned about condom usage, 70% reported that they did not normally use a condom. British troops spending short periods of time in a tropical environment are significantly more likely to acquire a STD than men in the same age groups in England and Wales. The proportions of cases who reported that they did not use condoms and the number who cited prostitute contact as a source of infection indicate that even greater sexual education of troops on deployment overseas may be required.

Gene expression in thiazide diuretic or statin users in relation to incident type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Suchy-Dicey, Astrid; Heckbert, Susan R; Smith, Nicholas L; McKnight, Barbara; Rotter, Jerome I; Chen, Yd Ida; Psaty, Bruce M; Enquobahrie, Daniel A

2014-01-01

Thiazide diuretics and statins are used to improve cardiovascular outcomes, but may also cause type 2 diabetes (T2DM), although mechanisms are unknown. Gene expression studies may facilitate understanding of these associations. Participants from ongoing population-based studies were sampled for these longitudinal studies of peripheral blood microarray gene expression, and followed to incident diabetes. All sampled subjects were statin or thiazide users. Those who developed diabetes during follow-up comprised cases (44 thiazide users; 19 statin users), and were matched to drug-using controls who did not develop diabetes on several factors. Supervised normalization, surrogate variable analyses removed technical bias and confounding. Differentially-expressed genes were those with a false discovery rate Q-value<0.05. Among thiazide users, diabetes cases had significantly different expression of CCL14 (down-regulated 6%, Q-value=0.0257), compared with controls. Among statin users, diabetes cases had marginal but insignificantly different expression of ZNF532 (up-regulated 15%, Q-value=0.0584), CXORF21 (up-regulated 11%, Q-value=0.0584), and ZNHIT3 (up-regulated 19%, Q-value=0.0959), compared with controls. These genes comprise potential targets for future expression or mechanistic research on medication-related diabetes development.

Part of evanescent modes in the normally incident gravity surface wave's energy layout around a submerged obstacle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charland, J.; Rey, V.; Touboul, J.

2012-04-01

Part of evanescent modes in the normally incident gravity surface wave's energy layout around a submerged obstacle Jenna Charland *1, Vincent Rey *2, Julien Touboul *2 *1 Mediterraneen Institute of Oceanography. Institut des Sciences de l'Ingénieur Toulon-Var. Avenue Georges Pompidou, BP 56, 83162 La Valette du Var Cedex, France. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Délégation Normandie. Projet soutenu financièrement par la Délégation Générale de l'Armement. *2 Mediterraneen Institute of Oceanography. Institut des Sciences de l'Ingénieur Toulon-Var. Avenue Georges Pompidou, BP 56, 83162 La Valette du Var Cedex, France. During the last decades various studies have been performed to understand the wave propagation over varying bathymetries. Few answers related to this non linear problem were given by the Patarapanich's studies which described the reflection coefficient of a submerged plate as a function of the wavelength. Later Le-Thi-Minh [2] demonstrated the necessity of taking into account the evanescent modes to better describe the propagation of waves over a varying bathymetry. However, all these studies stare at pseudo-stationary state that allows neither the comprehension of the transient behaviour of propagative modes nor the role of the evanescent modes in this unstationnary process. Our study deals with the wave establishment over a submerged plate or step and focuses on the evanescent modes establishment. Rey [3] described the propagation of a normally incident surface gravity wave over a varying topography on the behaviour of the fluid using a linearized potential theory solved by a numerical model using an integral method. This model has a large field of application and has been adapted to our case. This code still solves a stationary problem but allows us to calculate the contribution of the evanescent modes in the energy layout around a submerged plate or a submerged step. The results will show the importance of the trapped energy compared to the incident wave's energy flow and lead to the definition of a characteristic time of the evanescent modes establishment. First results show that the system is influenced by the wave frequency, and geometric parameters such as the deep in front of the obstacle, the deep of immersion and the deep under the obstacle in the case of a submerged plate. The energy trapped by the evanescent modes and under the plate is able to reach around 15% of the incident wave's energy flow. In further studies we will investigate the influence of each geometrical parameter to a better understanding of its contribution in energy trapping.

[Research on the incidence and prevalence of congenital abnormalities in Iaşi district and Iaşi city, from 2001 to 2008].

PubMed

Chiosac, Alina Andreea Andreescu; Manole, Alina; Gorduza, E V; Stamatin, Maria; Titianus, Monica; Ivan, A

2010-01-01

Congenital abnormalities (CA) are deviations from the normal embryonic development that appear antenatal and they are characterized by the alteration of the morphology and function of an organ, system of organs or even of the entire body. The study, on a period of eight years, included 1685 children with CA, from which 58% were males and 50% were from the country-side. It has been observed that 36% of the CA cases were premature births and 64% were normal term births. Also, 21% of the children with CA weighed less than 2700 grams at birth and 79% weighed more than 2700 grams at birth. The birth's APGAR score has been less than 7 in 30% of the cases and higher than 7 in 70% of the cases. 72% of the cases were natural births and 28% were caesarian births. 88% of the CA cases were singular congenital abnormalities and 12% were multiple congenital abnormalities. 24% of the CA were cardiac abnormalities and 21% were skeletal abnormalities. 3% of the subjects of the study have died, of which 69% died from cardiac abnormalities, 22% from hydrocephalus abnormalities, 7% from diaphragmatic hernia and 2% from renal congenital abnormalities.

Wire-reinforced endotracheal tube fire during tracheostomy -A case report-.

PubMed

Shin, Young Duck; Lim, Seung-Woon; Bae, Jin Ho; Yim, Kyoung Hoon; Sim, Jae Hwan; Kwon, Eun Jung

2012-08-01

Every operation could have a fire emergency, especially in the case of a tracheostomy. When a flammable gas meets a source of heat, the danger of fire is remarkable. A tracheal tube filled with a high concentration of oxygen is also a great risk factor for fire. Intra-tracheal tube fire is a rare, yet critical emergency with catastrophic consequences. Thus, numerous precautions are taken during a tracheostomy like, use of a special tube to prevent laser damage, ballooning of the tube with normal saline instead of air, and dilution of FiO(2) with helium or nitrogen. Since the first recorded cases on tube fires, most of the fires were initiated in the balloon and the tip. In the present case report, however, we came across a fire incidence, which originated from the wire.

Wire-reinforced endotracheal tube fire during tracheostomy -A case report-

PubMed Central

Shin, Young Duck; Bae, Jin Ho; Yim, Kyoung Hoon; Sim, Jae Hwan; Kwon, Eun Jung

2012-01-01

Every operation could have a fire emergency, especially in the case of a tracheostomy. When a flammable gas meets a source of heat, the danger of fire is remarkable. A tracheal tube filled with a high concentration of oxygen is also a great risk factor for fire. Intra-tracheal tube fire is a rare, yet critical emergency with catastrophic consequences. Thus, numerous precautions are taken during a tracheostomy like, use of a special tube to prevent laser damage, ballooning of the tube with normal saline instead of air, and dilution of FiO2 with helium or nitrogen. Since the first recorded cases on tube fires, most of the fires were initiated in the balloon and the tip. In the present case report, however, we came across a fire incidence, which originated from the wire. PMID:22949984

Warthin tumor--morphological study of the stromal compartment.

PubMed

Dăguci, Luminiţa; Simionescu, Cristiana; Stepan, A; Munteanu, Cristina; Dăguci, C; Bătăiosu, Marilena

2011-01-01

Warthin tumor is the second most common benign tumors of the parotid gland, after pleomorphic adenoma. Our study was performed on 21 cases with Warthin tumor diagnosed between 2005-2010, which were analyzed clinically, histologically and immunohistochemically, using anti-CD20 and anti-CD45RO antibodies. The analysis of age distribution within the investigated cases indicated that Warthin tumor incidence is increasing in the seventh decade of life, most patients being male (M/F 5/2). Histopathological, the analysis report of stroma÷parenchyma in 14 cases revealed a balanced distribution of the two components, in four cases, the epithelial component was predominant and in three cases, the stromal component was predominant. Immunohistochemical study for the two specific lymphocyte proliferation markers indicated positivity for both epithelial component and stroma. Cell layout of CD45RO and CD20cy at the level of lymphoid stroma had a similar pattern with normal or reactive lymph nodes.

Study on molecular epidemiology of the alpha-thalassemias in Liuzhou City, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China.

PubMed

Cai, Ren; Liu, Jingzhong; Wang, Lirong; Liang, Xin; Xiao, Bai; Su, Liu; Zhou, Yan; Pan, Lizhen

2004-01-01

Guangxi is one of the provinces of Southern China with the highest incidence of alpha-thalassemia (thal). Liuzhou is the second biggest city in Guangxi. To find out the incidence of the various alpha-thal genotypes, and their distribution in the Liuzhou area, an F820 Blood Cell Analysis System was used to measure the parameters of red blood cells. A SPIFE Rapid Auto-Electrophoresis System was used to analyze the normal and abnormal hemoglobins (Hbs). Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) was used to detect the alpha-globin genotypes. Thirty-two (2.05%) out of 7805 young couples undergoing pre-marriage counseling, were diagnosed as having an Hb H (beta4) disease. The study of 1228 cord blood samples revealed 138 newborn children carrying an alpha-thal determinant with nine different genotypes, thus making the total incidence of alpha-thal 11.24%. Among 185 cases of Hb H, 119 (64.1%) were confirmed as being deletional, and 66 cases (35.7%) nondeletional types. The severity of the Hb H diseases could be classified in the following order: alphaCSalpha/--SEA (alphaConstant (Spring)alpha/--Southeast Asia); alpha(-4.2)/--SEA; alpha(-3.7)/--SEA. Ten cases of alpha-thal determinants were found in combination with beta-thal. The mPCR technique can detect all kinds of combinations of the three common large deletions (--SEA, alpha(-4.2) and alpha(-3.7)) accurately and conveniently.

Incidence and risk factors of urinary tract infection in very low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Ruangkit, C; Satpute, Ankita; Vogt, B A; Hoyen, C; Viswanathan, S

2016-01-01

To describe the incidence and associated risk factors of urinary tract infection (UTI) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and to determine the value of diagnostic imaging studies after the first UTI episode before discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). VLBW infants born during 2003-2012 were reviewed for UTI. In a nested case-control study, potential risk factors of UTI were compared between infants with UTI (cases) versus birth weight and gestational age matched controls. Renal ultrasonography (USG) and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) results were reviewed in cases. During the study period, 54.7% of urine culture specimens were collected by sterile methods. 3% (45/1,495) of VLBW infants met the study definition for UTI. UTI was diagnosed at mean postnatal age of 33.1±22.9 days. There was no significant difference in gender, ethnicity, antenatal steroid exposure, blood culture positive sepsis, ionotropic support, respiratory support and enteral feeding practices between cases and controls. Cases had a significantly higher cholestasis compared to controls (22% vs. 9% ; p = 0.03). However, cholestasis was not a significant predictor of UTI in the adjusted analysis [adjusted OR 2.38 (95% CI 0.84 to 6.80), p = 0.11]. Cases had higher central line days, parenteral nutrition days, total mechanical ventilation days, chronic lung disease, and length of stay compared to controls. Renal USG was abnormal in 37% and VCUG was abnormal in 17% of cases. The incidence of UTI in contemporary VLBW infants is relatively low compared to previous decades. Since no significant UTI predictors could be identified, urine culture by sterile methods is the only reliable way to exclude UTI. The majority of infants with UTI have normal renal anatomy. UTI in VLBW infants is associated with increased morbidity and length of stay.

Overall and abdominal obesity and incident aortic valve stenosis: two prospective cohort studies

PubMed Central

Larsson, Susanna C.; Wolk, Alicja; Håkansson, Niclas; Bäck, Magnus

2017-01-01

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to examine the association of overall and abdominal obesity with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) incidence in two prospective cohorts. Methods and results We used data from the Cohort of Swedish Men and the Swedish Mammography Cohort, involving 71 817 men and women who were free of cardiovascular disease and had reported their anthropometric measures in 1997. Aortic valve stenosis cases were ascertained through linkage with nationwide registers on hospitalization and causes of death. Data were analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression. During a mean follow-up of 15.3 years, 1297 incident AVS cases (771 in men; 526 in women) were ascertained. Both overall and abdominal obesity, measured as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, respectively, was associated with AVS incidence, with similar associations in men and women. Compared with BMI 18.5–22.5 kg/m2, the multivariable hazard ratios were 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.48) for overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and 1.81 (95% CI 1.47–2.23) for obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). The hazard ratio for substantially increased waist circumference (men: ≥102 cm; women: ≥88 cm) compared with normal waist circumference (men: <94 cm; women: <80 cm) was 1.30 (95% CI 1.12–1.51). The proportion of AVS cases estimated to be attributed to overweight and obesity combined (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) was 10.8% (95% CI 5.2–16.4%). Conclusion These findings indicate that obesity is associated with an increased risk of AVS and that a large proportion of the cases may be prevented if the population maintained a healthy BMI. PMID:28402538

Blood levels of folate at birth and risk of childhood leukemia

PubMed Central

Chokkalingam, Anand P.; Chun, Danielle S.; Noonan, Emily J.; Pfeiffer, Christine M.; Zhang, Mindy; Month, Stacy R.; Taggart, Denah R.; Wiemels, Joseph L.; Metayer, Catherine; Buffler, Patricia A.

2013-01-01

Background A role for folate in cancer etiology has long been suspected due to folate’s function as a cofactor in DNA methylation and maintenance of DNA synthesis. Previous case-control studies examining the association between risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and mothers’ self-reported folate intake and supplementation have been inconclusive. Materials and Methods We utilized a quantitative microbiologic assay to measure newborn folate concentrations in archived dried bloodspots collected at birth from 313 incident ALL cases, 44 incident acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, and 405 matched population-based controls. Results Overall, we found no difference in hemoglobin-normalized newborn folate concentrations (HbFol, nmol/g) between ALL cases and controls (2.76 vs. 2.77, p=0.97) or between AML cases and controls (2.93 vs. 2.76, p=0.32). Null results persisted after stratification by both birth period (1982-94, 1995-98, and 1999-2002) to account for the start of folate fortification of grain products in the US, and by self-reported maternal pre-pregnancy supplement use. Similarly, no association was observed for major ALL subgroups. Conclusions Our results do not support an association between birth folate concentrations and risk of childhood AML or major ALL subgroups. Impact However, they do not rule out a role for folate through exposures after birth or in early stages of fetal development. PMID:23576692

Serous Tubal Carcinogenesis: The Recent Concept of Origin of Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal and Fallopian Tube High-Grade Serous Carcinoma.

PubMed

Kar, Tushar; Kar, Asaranti; Dhal, Ipsita; Panda, Sasmita; Biswal, Priyadarshini; Nayak, Bhagyalaxmi; Rout, Niranjan; Samantray, Sagarika

2017-12-01

Pelvic (non-uterine) high-grade serous carcinomas (PHGSC) including ovarian, tubal and primary peritoneal serous carcinomas have increased death: incidence ratio due to presentation at advanced stage, rapid progression, poor prognosis and high morbidity. Ambiguity regarding their pathogenesis and lack of a proper screening method is the cause of their late detection and high fatality rate. This study was undertaken to assess the fallopian tube for the presence of precursor lesions in pelvic serous carcinoma. This was a prospective case-control study carried out in a tertiary care center. Consecutive specimens of 55 cases of pelvic high-grade serous carcinoma and 41 controls inclusive of 21 low-grade serous carcinoma, 10 benign adnexal masses and 10 normal adnexa were included in the study. Both side fallopian tubes in each case were subjected to histopathological examination and p53, Ki67 immunohistochemistry. There were 55 cases of PHGSC comprising of 50 cases of ovarian HGSC, two cases of primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) and three cases of tubal carcinoma. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) was detected in 14 cases (28%), p53 signature in 13 cases (26%) and tubal intraepithelial lesion in transition in 10 cases (20%) of ovarian HGSC. One case (50%) of PPC and one (33%) case of tubal carcinoma revealed the presence of STIC. None of the controls exhibited any precursor lesion except ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma where p53 was detected in 20% of cases. This revelation concludes that fallopian tubes are the sites of precursors of PHGSC to a large extent. In the absence of a proper screening method of HGSC, prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy at hysterectomy for benign diseases can achieve ultimate goal of reduction in incidence of PHGSC.

Verification of three-microphone impedance tube method for measurement of transmission loss in aerogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connick, Robert J.

Accurate measurement of normal incident transmission loss is essential for the acoustic characterization of building materials. In this research, a method of measuring normal incidence sound transmission loss proposed by Salissou et al. as a complement to standard E2611-09 of the American Society for Testing and Materials [Standard Test Method for Measurement of Normal Incidence Sound Transmission of Acoustical Materials Based on the Transfer Matrix Method (American Society for Testing and Materials, New York, 2009)] is verified. Two sam- ples from the original literature are used to verify the method as well as a Filtros RTM sample. Following the verification, several nano-material Aerogel samples are measured.

Leptospirosis in Spanish travelers returning from Chiang Mai: A case series.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Valero, Natalia; Moriñigo, Helena Moza; Martínez, Miguel J; Peiró, Aida; Oliveira, Ines; Bodro, Marta; Gómez-Junyent, Joan; Gascon, Joaquim; Muñoz, Jose

Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis worldwide, nevertheless is often poor recognized in non tropical settings. In Thailand is becoming an emerging disease and Chiang Mai could become a popular spot to acquire the disease amongst travelers. We describe three cases of imported leptospirosis undifferentiated fever after travelling to Thailand during the summer of 2015 diagnosed at two Spanish hospitals. Our three patients probably acquired leptospirosis while swimming in freshwater around Chiang Mai, a Thailand's northern region with moderate incidence of leptopirosis. Travelers had normal white blood cell counts and low platelets, suggesting leptospirosis after ruling out other imported diseases such as malaria, dengue or typhoid. As recent findings point out, low platelets and normal white blood cell counts are clinical features that could help the clinician to suspect Leptospirosis infection. It should be always considered as a cause of fever, particularly if travelers come from a tropical country and have had contact with water or flooding, especially during rainy season. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Detection of serum anti-salivary duct antibody and its clinical significance].

PubMed

Zhang, H; Shi, G Y; Cai, X H

1990-11-01

The authors developed an indirect immunofluorescence technique for the detection of Anti-salivary duct antibody (ASDA) and screened 34 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 15 patients with Sjögren's syndrome-rheumatoid arthritis and 15 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, 63 cases with other connective tissue diseases, 9 cases with other diseases and 40 normal controls. The incidence of ASDA in patients with Sjögren's syndrome rheumatoid arthritis (66.67%) or rheumatoid arthritis (32.35%) was significantly higher than that in normal controls (P less than 0.001). In patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and other CTDs, non-CTDs, no ASDA was found. However, in patients with Sjögren's syndrome-rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis alone, ASDA was not correlated with age, sex, disease duration or serological findings. The result suggests that the detection of serum ASDA might be useful in the differentiation of Sjögren's syndrome with rheumatoid arthritis from primary Sjögren's syndrome with arthralgia and/or arthritis.

A Non-Reciprocal Autosomal Translocation 64,XX, t(4;10)(q21;p15) in an Arabian Mare with Repeated Early Embryonic Loss.

PubMed

Ghosh, S; Das, P J; Avila, F; Thwaits, B K; Chowdhary, B P; Raudsepp, T

2016-02-01

Balanced autosomal translocations are a known cause for repeated early embryonic loss (REEL) in horses. In most cases, carriers of such translocations are phenotypically normal, but the chromosomal aberration negatively affects gametogenesis giving rise to both genetically balanced and unbalanced gametes. The latter, if involved in fertilization, result in REEL, whereas gametes with the balanced form of translocation will pass the defect into next generation. Therefore, in order to reduce the incidence of REEL, identification of translocation carriers is critical. Here, we report about a phenotypically normal 3-year-old Arabian mare that had repeated resorption of conceptuses prior to day 45 of gestation and was diagnosed with REEL. Conventional and molecular cytogenetic analyses revealed that the mare had normal chromosome number 64,XX but carried a non-mosaic and non-reciprocal autosomal translocation t(4;10)(q21;p15). This is a novel translocation described in horses with REEL and the first such report in Arabians. Previous cases of REEL due to autosomal translocations have exclusively involved Thoroughbreds. The findings underscore the importance of routine cytogenetic screening of breeding animals. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

["Normal pressure" hydrocephalus].

PubMed

Philippon, Jacques

2005-03-01

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) or, more precisely, chronic adult hydrocephalus, is a complex condition. Even if the basic mechanism is found in an impediment to CSF absorption, the underlying pathology is heterogeneous. In secondary NPH, the disruption of normal CSF pathways, following meningitis or sub-arachnoid haemorrhage, is responsible for ventricular dilatation. However, in about half of the cases, the etiology remains obscure. NPH is more frequently found in elderly people, probably in relation with the increased incidence of cerebrovascular disease. The diagnosis of NPH is based upon a triad of clinical symptoms. The main symptom is gait disturbances, followed by urinary incontinence and various degree of cognitive changes. The latter two symptoms are not prerequisites for the diagnosis. Radiological ventricular dilatation without cortical sulcal enlargement is a key factor, as well as substantial clinical improvement after CSF withdrawal (CSF tap test). Other CSF dynamic studies and various imaging investigations have been proposed to improve diagnostic accuracy, but no simple test can predict the results of CSF drainage. The current treatment is ventriculo-peritonial shunting, ideally using an adjustable valve. Results are directly dependent upon the accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis. Post-surgical complications may be observed in about 10% of cases.

Solid state laser disk amplifer architecture: the normal-incidence stack

DOEpatents

Dane, C. Brent; Albrecht, Georg F.; Rotter, Mark D.

2005-01-25

Normal incidence stack architecture coupled with the development of diode array pumping enables the power/energy per disk to be increased, a reduction in beam distortions by orders of magnitude, a beam propagation no longer restricted to only one direction of polarization, and the laser becomes so much more amendable to robust packaging.

Theoretical coefficient of restitution for planer impact of rough elasto-plastic bodies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stronge, W.J.

1995-12-31

During an inelastic collision the normal component of force between colliding bodies is a nonlinear function of indentation. In the cycle of loading and unloading which occurs in a collision this force exhibits hysteresis due to internal inelastic deformations near the contact point. Energy dissipation during impact can be calculated for any incident velocity and impact configuration by integration of rate-of-work throughout the contact period. In {open_quote}rigid body{close_quote} impact there is negligible displacement during the contact period - in this case work done by the normal component of contact force can be calculated to obtain the part of the initialmore » kinetic energy of relative motion that is lost to irreversible internal dissipation. This energy loss is directly related to the energetic coefficient of restitution. For a non-collinear collision between rough bodies, this paper obtains an analytical expression for the energetic coefficient of restitution; this expression is appropriate for moderate speed impacts between compact bodies where maximum indentation remains small. The coefficient of restitution depends on the incident relative velocity, material properties and an effective mass as well as a secondary effect of friction. For impacts that result in fully plastic indentation, this theory obtains a coefficient of restitution proportional to normal impact speed to the 1/4 power a result that agrees with Goldsmith`s compilation of experimental evidence.« less

Dynamics of magnetized plasma sheaths around a trench

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hatami, M. M., E-mail: m-hatami@kntu.ac.ir

2016-08-15

Considering a magnetized plasma sheath, the temporal evolution of the ion properties (the incident ion flux, the ion impact angle, and the incident ion dose) around a rectangular trench is studied numerically. Our results show that the ion flux along the bottom surface greatly reduces in the presence of magnetic field and its uniformity improves, but the magnetic field does not considerably affect the ion flux along the sidewall. In addition, the thickness of the plasma sheath increases by increasing the magnetic field while its conformality to the target surface reduces faster. Moreover, it is shown that any increase inmore » the magnitude (inclination angle) of the magnetic field causes a decrease (an increase) in the angle of incidence of ions on the bottom and sidewall surfaces. Furthermore, in the presence of magnetic field, the ions strike nearly normal to the surface of the bottom while they become less oblique along the sidewall surface. In addition, contrary to the corners of the trench, it is found that the magnetic field greatly affects the incident ion dose at the center of the trench surfaces. Also, it is shown that the incident ion dose along the sidewall is the highest near the center of the sidewall in both magnetized and magnetic-free cases. However, uniformity of the incident ion dose along the sidewall is better than that along the bottom in both magnetized and unmagnetized plasma sheath.« less

Scattering of plane evanescent waves by buried cylinders: Modeling the coupling to guided waves and resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marston, Philip L.

2003-04-01

The coupling of sound to buried targets can be associated with acoustic evanescent waves when the sea bottom is smooth. To understand the excitation of guided waves on buried fluid cylinders and shells by acoustic evanescent waves and the associated target resonances, the two-dimensional partial wave series for the scattering is found for normal incidence in an unbounded medium. The shell formulation uses the simplifications of thin-shell dynamics. The expansion of the incident wave becomes a double summation with products of modified and ordinary Bessel functions [P. L. Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 111, 2378 (2002)]. Unlike the case of an ordinary incident wave, the counterpropagating partial waves of the same angular order have unequal magnitudes when the incident wave is evanescent. This is a consequence of the exponential dependence of the incident wave amplitude on depth. Some consequences of this imbalance of partial-wave amplitudes are given by modifying previous ray theory for the scattering [P. L. Marston and N. H. Sun, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 777-783 (1995)]. The exponential dependence of the scattering on the location of a scatterer was previously demonstrated in air [T. J. Matula and P. L. Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 93, 1192-1195 (1993)].

Mumps orchitis in the post-vaccine era (1967-2009): a single-center series of 67 patients and review of clinical outcome and trends.

PubMed

Ternavasio-de la Vega, Hugo-Guillermo; Boronat, Mauro; Ojeda, Antonio; García-Delgado, Yaiza; Angel-Moreno, Alfonso; Carranza-Rodríguez, Cristina; Bellini, Raquel; Francès, Adela; Nóvoa, Francisco Javier; Pérez-Arellano, José-Luis

2010-03-01

Since the introduction of the mumps vaccine, the age of appearance of mumps infection has shifted from children to adolescents and young adults, groups with a higher incidence of disease complications and sequelae. During the years 2000-2001, the Gran Canaria Island was part of an epidemic of mumps. In that period, our institution attended 67 cases of serologically confirmed acute mumps orchitis, the most serious complication of mumps infection in young postpubertal males. We conducted a descriptive and prospective study of this cohort and extensively reviewed the literature from 1967 (the year the first mumps vaccine was introduced) to 2009. Fifty-six patients were admitted because of general impairment and were treated with alpha-interferon. Sixty-six patients presented parotitis previous to orchitis (interval from parotitis to orchitis, 4.9 d). Orchitis was unilateral in 89.5% and bilateral in 10.4% of cases. More than 98% of patients had orchitis-associated fever. Nine patients had clinical and biochemical data showing acute mumps meningitis, and 11 had subclinical pancreatitis. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.6 days (range, 1-9). During the acute phase, more than 41% of the evaluated testes had a volume >25 mL. Acute hormonal disturbances were highly prevalent. These included decreased levels of testosterone and inhibin B with low or normal levels of gonadotropins in 35% of subjects, and, to our knowledge not previously reported, an atypical hormonal pattern consisting of low levels of free testosterone and inhibin B, along with increased measures of luteinizing hormone but low or normal follicle-stimulating hormone levels (11% of cases). During the follow-up period (mean, 331 d) a high incidence of sperm disturbance was found.

Techniques for estimating Space Station aerodynamic characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Richard E.

1993-01-01

A method was devised and calculations were performed to determine the effects of reflected molecules on the aerodynamic force and moment coefficients for a body in free molecule flow. A procedure was developed for determining the velocity and temperature distributions of molecules reflected from a surface of arbitrary momentum and energy accommodation. A system of equations, based on momentum and energy balances for the surface, incident, and reflected molecules, was solved by a numerical optimization technique. The minimization of a 'cost' function, developed from the set of equations, resulted in the determination of the defining properties of the flow reflected from the arbitrary surface. The properties used to define both the incident and reflected flows were: average temperature of the molecules in the flow, angle of the flow with respect to a vector normal to the surface, and the molecular speed ratio. The properties of the reflected flow were used to calculate the contribution of multiply reflected molecules to the force and moments on a test body in the flow. The test configuration consisted of two flat plates joined along one edge at a right angle to each other. When force and moment coefficients of this 90 deg concave wedge were compared to results that did not include multiple reflections, it was found that multiple reflections could nearly double lift and drag coefficients, with nearly a 50 percent increase in pitching moment for cases with specular or nearly specular accommodation. The cases of diffuse or nearly diffuse accommodation often had minor reductions in axial and normal forces when multiple reflections were included. There were several cases of intermediate accommodation where the addition of multiple reflection effects more than tripled the lift coefficient over the convex technique.

Multifocal tumoral calcinosis in a 4-year-old girl.

PubMed

Sayar, Ilyas; Peker, Kemal; Kapısız, Alparslan; Bostancı, Isıl Esen; Gürbüzel, Mehmet; Isik, Arda; Peker, Necla Aydın

2014-01-01

Female, 4 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Tumoral calcinosis Symptoms: Hard immobile mass Medication: - Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Surgery. Congenital defects. Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon condition associated with the deposition of painless calcific masses. It is more common in childhood or early adolescence of African-American females. We present a case of a 4-year-old girl with tumoral calcinosis treated surgically. The case is rather rare in terms of the age of the patient and the localization of the masses (gluteal site). In our patient, the biochemical findings were normal, except for hyperphosphatemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Total excision appears to lead to a good clinical outcome and a low incidence of local relapse.

Molecular pathology of brain edema after severe burns in forensic autopsy cases with special regard to the importance of reference gene selection.

PubMed

Wang, Qi; Ishikawa, Takaki; Michiue, Tomomi; Zhu, Bao-Li; Guan, Da-Wei; Maeda, Hitoshi

2013-09-01

Brain edema is believed to be linked to high mortality incidence after severe burns. The present study investigated the molecular pathology of brain damage and responses involving brain edema in forensic autopsy cases of fire fatality (n = 55) compared with sudden cardiac death (n = 11), mechanical asphyxia (n = 13), and non-brain injury cases (n = 22). Postmortem mRNA and immunohistochemical expressions of aquaporins (AQPs), claudin5 (CLDN5), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were examined. Prolonged deaths due to severe burns showed an increase in brain water content, but relative mRNA quantification, using different normalization methods, showed inconsistent results: in prolonged deaths due to severe burns, higher expression levels were detected for all markers when three previously validated reference genes, PES1, POLR2A, and IPO8, were used for normalization, higher for AQP1 and MMP9 when GAPDH alone was used for normalization and higher for MMP9, but lower for MMP2 when B2M alone was used for normalization. Additionally, when B2M alone was used for normalization, higher expression of AQP4 was detected in acute fire deaths. Furthermore, the expression stability values of these five reference genes calculated by geNorm demonstrated that B2M was the least stable one, followed by GAPDH. In immunostaining, only AQP1 and MMP9 showed differences among the causes of death: they were evident in most prolonged deaths due to severe burns. These findings suggest that systematic analysis of gene expressions using real-time PCR might be a useful procedure in forensic death investigation, and validation of reference genes is crucial.

Increasing trend of illicit drug abuse in Thai parturient at Siriraj Hospital.

PubMed

Inthawiwat, Suchada; Rattanachaiyanont, Manee; Leerasiri, Pichai; Manoch, Darapa; Titapant, Vitaya

2002-10-01

To report the magnitude of the problem and to evaluate the outcome of maternal illicit drug use in Thai parturients. Retrospective case-control study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. The subjects were 44,640 parturients who had deliveries at Siriraj Hospital from January 1998 to December 2001 and were divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 66 parturients with a history of illicit drug use and the control group consisted of 44,574 parturients without a history of illicit drug use. Medical records of 66 parturients with a history of illicit drug use were reviewed. Obstetric statistics of the department were retrieved from the computerized database in the Division of Obstetric and Gynecologic Registry. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Characteristics of parturients, pregnancy outcome, type and incidence of illicit drug. Within the study period, 66 cases of maternal illicit drug use were identifiable during the intrapartum period; 65 cases used amphetamine or derivatives and 1 case used an opioid derivative. The number had risen from 1 case in 1998 to 58 cases in 2001. Mean age of the patients was 23.30 +/- 6.04 years. Compared to the control group which included 44,574 parturients, the patients had a lower incidence of antenatal care (ANC rate = 21.21% vs 94.35%; RR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.14-0.26), a higher incidence of HIV infection (10% vs 2%; RR = 6.09, 95% CI = 2.83-13.12), a higher incidence of birth before arrival (BBA rate = 9.09% vs 1.06%; RR = 8.59, 95% CI = 3.98-18.51), and a lower cesarean section rate (10.60% vs 26.36%; RR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.20-0.81). There were no serious intrapartum, immediate postpartum and neonatal complication. Fetal outcome included a higher incidence of low birth weight infants (22.73% vs 10.23%; RR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.42-3.46) and a smaller head circumference than the normal range of Thai fetal biometry (31.85 +/- 1.47 cm). There is an increasing trend of illicit drug use in Thai parturients. Although the present case series of drug abuse in Thai parturients cannot give the whole picture of maternal drug abuse in the Thai population, the dramatic increase in the identifiable cases during the past 4 years is very alarming. Currently, the outcome of pregnancy in case detected during intrapartum is not much different from that in the general population. However, there are potential risks for the patients and their babies. All medical staffs should be aware of this condition. Careful clinical data gathering and laboratory testing are suggested for prevention of complications and the potential hazards of this problem.

Risk Factors for Incident Peripheral Arterial Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) Trial

PubMed Central

Althouse, Andrew D.; Abbott, J. Dawn; Forker, Alan D.; Bertolet, Marnie; Barinas-Mitchell, Emma; Thurston, Rebecca C.; Mulukutla, Suresh; Aboyans, Victor; Brooks, Maria Mori

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE The aim of this article was to define risk factors for incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a large cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), overall and within the context of differing glycemic control strategies. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) randomized controlled trial assigned participants to insulin-sensitizing (IS) therapy versus insulin-providing (IP) therapy. A total of 1,479 participants with normal ankle-brachial index (ABI) at study entry were eligible for analysis. PAD outcomes included new ABI ≤0.9 with decrease at least 0.1 from baseline, lower extremity revascularization, or lower extremity amputation. Baseline risk factors within the overall cohort and time-varying risk factors within each assigned glycemic control arm were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS During an average 4.6 years of follow-up, 303 participants (20.5%) experienced an incident case of PAD. Age, sex, race, and baseline smoking status were all significantly associated with incident PAD in the BARI 2D cohort. Additional baseline risk factors included pulse pressure, HbA1c, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (P < 0.05 for each). In stratified analyses of time-varying covariates, changes in BMI, LDL, HDL, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were most predictive among IS patients, while change in HbA1c was most predictive among IP patients. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with T2DM, traditional cardiovascular risk factors were the main predictors of incident PAD cases. Stratified analyses showed different risk factors were predictive for patients treated with IS medications versus those treated with IP medications. PMID:24595631

Risk factors for incident peripheral arterial disease in type 2 diabetes: results from the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) Trial.

PubMed

Althouse, Andrew D; Abbott, J Dawn; Forker, Alan D; Bertolet, Marnie; Barinas-Mitchell, Emma; Thurston, Rebecca C; Mulukutla, Suresh; Aboyans, Victor; Brooks, Maria Mori

2014-01-01

The aim of this article was to define risk factors for incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a large cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), overall and within the context of differing glycemic control strategies. The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) randomized controlled trial assigned participants to insulin-sensitizing (IS) therapy versus insulin-providing (IP) therapy. A total of 1,479 participants with normal ankle-brachial index (ABI) at study entry were eligible for analysis. PAD outcomes included new ABI ≤0.9 with decrease at least 0.1 from baseline, lower extremity revascularization, or lower extremity amputation. Baseline risk factors within the overall cohort and time-varying risk factors within each assigned glycemic control arm were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. During an average 4.6 years of follow-up, 303 participants (20.5%) experienced an incident case of PAD. Age, sex, race, and baseline smoking status were all significantly associated with incident PAD in the BARI 2D cohort. Additional baseline risk factors included pulse pressure, HbA1c, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (P < 0.05 for each). In stratified analyses of time-varying covariates, changes in BMI, LDL, HDL, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were most predictive among IS patients, while change in HbA1c was most predictive among IP patients. Among patients with T2DM, traditional cardiovascular risk factors were the main predictors of incident PAD cases. Stratified analyses showed different risk factors were predictive for patients treated with IS medications versus those treated with IP medications.

Normalization of Testosterone Levels After Testosterone Replacement Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Sharma, Rishi; Oni, Olurinde A; Gupta, Kamal; Sharma, Mukut; Sharma, Ram; Singh, Vikas; Parashara, Deepak; Kamalakar, Surineni; Dawn, Buddhadeb; Chen, Guoqing; Ambrose, John A; Barua, Rajat S

2017-05-09

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several small studies have reported that low serum total testosterone (TT) levels were associated with a higher incidence of AF. In contrast, it is also reported that anabolic steroid use is associated with an increase in the risk of AF. To date, no study has explored the effect of testosterone normalization on new incidence of AF after testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in patients with low testosterone. Using data from the Veterans Administrations Corporate Data Warehouse, we identified a national cohort of 76 639 veterans with low TT levels and divided them into 3 groups. Group 1 had TRT resulting in normalization of TT levels (normalized TRT), group 2 had TRT without normalization of TT levels (nonnormalized TRT), and group 3 did not receive TRT (no TRT). Propensity score-weighted stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting Cox proportional hazard methods were used for analysis of the data from these groups to determine the association between post-TRT levels of TT and the incidence of AF. Group 1 (40 856 patients, median age 66 years) had significantly lower risk of AF than group 2 (23 939 patients, median age 65 years; hazard ratio 0.90, 95% CI 0.81-0.99, P =0.0255) and group 3 (11 853 patients, median age 67 years; hazard ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.89, P =0.0001). There was no statistical difference between groups 2 and 3 (hazard ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.78- 1.0009, P =0.0675) in incidence of AF. These novel results suggest that normalization of TT levels after TRT is associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of AF. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Accidental human laser retinal injuries from military laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuck, Bruce E.; Zwick, Harry; Molchany, Jerome W.; Lund, David J.; Gagliano, Donald A.

1996-04-01

The time course of the ophthalmoscopic and functional consequences of eight human laser accident cases from military laser systems is described. All patients reported subjective vision loss with ophthalmoscopic evidence of retinal alteration ranging from vitreous hemorrhage to retinal burn. Five of the cases involved single or multiple exposures to Q-switched neodymium radiation at close range whereas the other three incidents occur over large ranges. Most exposures were within 5 degrees of the foveola, yet none directly in the foveola. High contrast visual activity improved with time except in the cases with progressive retinal fibrosis between lesion sites or retinal hole formation encroaching the fovea. In one patient the visual acuity recovered from 20/60 at one week to 20/25 in four months with minimal central visual field loss. Most cases showed suppression of high and low spatial frequency contrast sensitivity. Visual field measurements were enlarged relative to ophthalmoscopic lesion size observations. Deep retinal scar formation and retinal traction were evident in two of the three cases with vitreous hemorrhage. In one patient, nerve fiber layer damage to the papillo-macular bundle was clearly evident. Visual performance measured with a pursuit tracking task revealed significant performance loss relative to normal tracking observers even in cases where acuity returned to near normal levels. These functional and performance deficits may reflect secondary effects of parafoveal laser injury.

Retrospective Analysis of Opioid Medication Incidents Requiring Administration of Naloxone

PubMed Central

Neil, Katherine; Marcil, Allison; Kosar, Lynette; Dumont, Zack; Ruda, Lisa; McMillan, Kaitlyn

2013-01-01

Background: Opioid analgesics are high-alert medications known to cause adverse drug events. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the cause of opioid incidents requiring administration of naloxone, an opioid reversal agent. The specific objectives were to determine the number of opioid incidents and the proportion of incidents documented through occurrence reporting and to characterize the incidents by phase in the medication-use process, by type of incident, and by drug responsible for toxic effects. Methods: A retrospective chart analysis was conducted using records from 2 acute care centres in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. The study included inpatients who received naloxone for reversal of opioid toxicity resulting from licit, in-hospital opioid use. Cases were classified as preventable or nonpreventable. Preventable cases were analyzed to determine the phase of the medication-use process during which the incident occurred. These cases were also grouped thematically by the type of incident. The drug most likely responsible for opioid toxicity was determined for each case. The proportion of cases documented by occurrence reporting was also noted. Results: Thirty-six cases involving administration of naloxone were identified, of which 29 (81%) were deemed preventable. Of these 29 preventable cases, the primary medication incident occurred most frequently in the prescribing phase (23 [79%]), but multiple phases were often involved. The cases were grouped into 6 themes according to the type of incident. Morphine was the drug that most frequently resulted in toxic effects (18 cases [50%]). Only two of the cases (5.6%) were documented by occurrence reports. Conclusion: Preventable opioid incidents occurred in the acute care centres under study. A combination of medication safety initiatives involving multiple disciplines may be required to decrease the incidence of these events and to better document their occurrence. PMID:24159230

The differences in the incidence of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes according to the type of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors prescribed in Korean patients.

PubMed

Kim, Tong Min; Kim, Hyunah; Jeong, Yoo Jin; Baik, Sun Jung; Yang, So Jung; Lee, Seung-Hwan; Cho, Jae-Hyoung; Lee, Hyunyong; Yim, Hyeon Woo; Choi, In Young; Yoon, Kun-Ho; Kim, Hun-Sung

2017-10-01

Very few studies conducted in Korea have investigated the relationship between statins and the incidence of diabetes. Therefore, we analyzed the progression from normal blood glucose to prediabetes and then to diabetes mellitus (DM) according to the type, intensity, and dose of statin prescribed. Data of patients who were first prescribed statins between 2009 and 2011 were extracted from electronic medical records. Patients with normal blood glucose or prediabetes were observed for 4 years after initiation of statin therapy. A total of 2890 patients were included in our study and analyzed on the basis of the first statin they were prescribed. The incidence rate of DM in patients with prediabetes was 1.72 times that of patients with normal glucose levels (odds ratio = 1.72, 95% confidence interval = 1.41-2.10, P < .001). Regarding progression from normal blood glucose to prediabetes, the incidence rate of prediabetes was significantly lower in patients prescribed pitavastatin (odds ratio = 0.62, 95% confidence interval = 0.40-0.96, P = .031) compared to that in patients prescribed atorvastatin. Regarding the progression from normal blood glucose or prediabetes to DM, there were no significant differences among all statins. Lower DM incidence in patients prescribed pitavastatin appears to be primarily because of the lower rate of progression from normal blood glucose to prediabetes. These findings indicate that avoiding statins because of DM risk is unjustified and that clinicians should prescribe statins from the appropriate potency group. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Grating angle magnification enhanced angular sensor and scanner

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Ke-Xun (Inventor); Byer, Robert L. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

An angular magnification effect of diffraction is exploited to provide improved sensing and scanning. This effect is most pronounced for a normal or near-normal incidence angle in combination with a grazing diffraction angle, so such configurations are preferred. Angular sensitivity can be further enhanced because the width of the diffracted beam can be substantially less than the width of the incident beam. Normal incidence configurations with two symmetric diffracted beams are preferred, since rotation and vertical displacement can be readily distinguished. Increased sensitivity to vertical displacement can be provided by incorporating an interferometer into the measurement system. Quad cell detectors can be employed to provide sensitivity to rotation about the grating surface normal. A 2-D grating can be employed to provide sensitivity to angular displacements in two different planes (e.g., pitch and yaw). Combined systems can provide sensitivity to vertical displacement and to all three angular degrees of freedom.

GIFAD for He/KCl(001). Structure in the pattern for 〈 110 〉 incidence as a measure of the projectile-cation interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bocan, G. A.; Gravielle, M. S.

2018-04-01

In this article we address grazing incidence fast atom diffraction (GIFAD) for the He/KCl(001) system, for which a systematic experimental study was recently reported [E. Meyer, Ph.D dissertation, Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany, 2015]. Our theoretical model is built from a projectile-surface interaction obtained from Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and the Surface Initial-Value Representation (SIVR), which is a semi-quantum approach to describe the scattering process. For incidence along the 〈 100 〉 and 〈 110 〉 directions, we present and discuss the main features of our interaction potential, the dependence of the rainbow angle with the impact energy normal to the surface, and the simulated GIFAD patterns, which reproduce the main aspects of the reported experimental charts. The features of the diffraction charts for He/KCl(001) are related to the averaged equipotential curves of the system and a comparison is established with the case of He/LiF(001). The marked differences observed for 〈 110 〉 incidence are explained as due to the much larger size of the K+ ion relative to that of Li+.

Pelvic incidence variation among individuals: functional influence versus genetic determinism.

PubMed

Chen, Hong-Fang; Zhao, Chang-Qing

2018-03-20

Pelvic incidence has become one of the most important sagittal parameters in spinal surgery. Despite its great importance, pelvic incidence can vary from 33° to 85° in the normal population. The reasons for this great variability in pelvic incidence remain unexplored. The objective of this article is to present some possible interpretations for the great variability in pelvic incidence under both normal and pathological conditions and to further understand the determinants of pelvic incidence from the perspective of the functional requirements for bipedalism and genetic backgrounds via a literature review. We postulate that both pelvic incidence and pelvic morphology may be genetically predetermined, and a great variability in pelvic incidence may already exist even before birth. This great variability may also serve as a further reminder that the sagittal profile, bipedal locomotion mode, and genetic background of every individual are unique and specific, and clinicians should avoid making universally applying broad generalizations of pelvic incidence. Although PI is an important parameter and there are many theories behind its variability, we still do not have clear mechanistic answers.

Merkel cell carcinoma: Current US incidence and projected increases based on changing demographics.

PubMed

Paulson, Kelly G; Park, Song Youn; Vandeven, Natalie A; Lachance, Kristina; Thomas, Hannah; Chapuis, Aude G; Harms, Kelly L; Thompson, John A; Bhatia, Shailender; Stang, Andreas; Nghiem, Paul

2018-03-01

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) incidence rates are rising and strongly age-associated, relevant for an aging population. Determine MCC incidence in the United States and project incident cases through the year 2025. Registry data were obtained from the SEER-18 Database, containing 6600 MCC cases. Age- and sex-adjusted projections were generated using US census data. During 2000-2013, the number of reported solid cancer cases increased 15%, melanoma cases increased 57%, and MCC cases increased 95%. In 2013, the MCC incidence rate was 0.7 cases/100,000 person-years in the United States, corresponding to 2488 cases/year. MCC incidence increased exponentially with age, from 0.1 to 1.0 to 9.8 (per 100,000 person-years) among age groups 40-44 years, 60-64 years, and ≥85 years, respectively. Due to aging of the Baby Boomer generation, US MCC incident cases are predicted to climb to 2835 cases/year in 2020 and 3284 cases/year in 2025. We assumed that the age-adjusted incidence rate would stabilize, and thus, the number of incident cases we projected might be an underestimate. An aging population is driving brisk increases in the number of new MCC cases in the United States. This growing impact combined with the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape warrants expanded awareness of MCC diagnosis and management. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) incidence of rupture: a retrospective MR analysis in 64 patients.

PubMed

Scotto di Santolo, Mariella; Cusati, Bianca; Ragozzino, Alfonso; Dell'Aprovitola, Nicoletta; Acquaviva, Alessandra; Altiero, Michele; Accurso, Antonello; Riccardi, Albina; Imbriaco, Massimo

2014-12-01

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) hydrogel implants in a group of 64 patients and to assess the incidence of rupture, compared to other clinical trials. In this double-center study, we retrospectively reviewed the data sets of 64 consecutive patients (mean age, 43±9 years, age range, 27-65 years), who underwent breast MRI examinations, between January 2008 and October 2013, with suspected implant rupture on the basis of clinical assessment or after conventional imaging examination (either mammography or ultrasound). All patients had undergone breast operation with bilateral textured cohesive gel PIP implant insertion for aesthetic reasons. The mean time after operation was 8 years (range, 6-14 years). No patients reported history of direct trauma to their implants. At the time of clinical examination, 41 patients were asymptomatic, 16 complained of breast tenderness and 7 had clinical evidence of rupture. Normal findings were observed in 15 patients. In 26 patients there were signs of mild collapse, with associated not significant peri-capsular fluid collections and no evidence of implant rupture; in 23 patients there was suggestion of implant rupture, according to breast MRI leading to an indication for surgery. In particular, 14 patients showed intra-capsular rupture, with associated evidence of the linguine sign in all cases; the keyhole sign and the droplet signs were observed in 6 cases. In 9 patients there was evidence of extra-capsular rupture, with presence of axillary collections (siliconomas) in 7 cases and peri-prosthetic and mediastinal cavity siliconomas, in 5 cases. The results of this double center retrospective study, confirm the higher incidence (36%) of prosthesis rupture observed with the PIP implants, compared to other breast implants.

Animal reservoir, natural and socioeconomic variations and the transmission of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Chenzhou, China, 2006-2010.

PubMed

Xiao, Hong; Tian, Huai-Yu; Gao, Li-Dong; Liu, Hai-Ning; Duan, Liang-Song; Basta, Nicole; Cazelles, Bernard; Li, Xiu-Jun; Lin, Xiao-Ling; Wu, Hong-Wei; Chen, Bi-Yun; Yang, Hui-Suo; Xu, Bing; Grenfell, Bryan

2014-01-01

China has the highest incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) worldwide. Reported cases account for 90% of the total number of global cases. By 2010, approximately 1.4 million HFRS cases had been reported in China. This study aimed to explore the effect of the rodent reservoir, and natural and socioeconomic variables, on the transmission pattern of HFRS. Data on monthly HFRS cases were collected from 2006 to 2010. Dynamic rodent monitoring data, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data, climate data, and socioeconomic data were also obtained. Principal component analysis was performed, and the time-lag relationships between the extracted principal components and HFRS cases were analyzed. Polynomial distributed lag (PDL) models were used to fit and forecast HFRS transmission. Four principal components were extracted. Component 1 (F1) represented rodent density, the NDVI, and monthly average temperature. Component 2 (F2) represented monthly average rainfall and monthly average relative humidity. Component 3 (F3) represented rodent density and monthly average relative humidity. The last component (F4) represented gross domestic product and the urbanization rate. F2, F3, and F4 were significantly correlated, with the monthly HFRS incidence with lags of 4 months (r = -0.289, P<0.05), 5 months (r = -0.523, P<0.001), and 0 months (r = -0.376, P<0.01), respectively. F1 was correlated with the monthly HFRS incidence, with a lag of 4 months (r = 0.179, P = 0.192). Multivariate PDL modeling revealed that the four principal components were significantly associated with the transmission of HFRS. The monthly trend in HFRS cases was significantly associated with the local rodent reservoir, climatic factors, the NDVI, and socioeconomic conditions present during the previous months. The findings of this study may facilitate the development of early warning systems for the control and prevention of HFRS and similar diseases.

A normal incidence, high resolution X-ray telescope for solar coronal observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golub, L.

1984-01-01

A Normal Incidence high resolution X-ray Telescope is reported. The design of a telescope assembly which, after fabrication, will be integrated with the mirror fabrication process is described. The assembly is engineered to fit into the Black Brant rocket skin to survive sounding rocket launch conditions. A flight ready camera is modified and tested.

Strong far-infrared intersubband absorption under normal incidence in heavily n-type doped nonalloy GaSb-AlSb superlattices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, L. A.; Brar, Berinder; Kroemer, H.

1993-01-01

We report on long-wavelength intersubband absorption under normal incidence in heavily doped binary-binary GaSb-AlSb superlattices. Due to a small energy difference between the ellipsoidal L valleys in GaSb and the low-density-of-states Gamma minimum, electrons spill over from the first Gamma subband into the higher-energy L subband in GaSb wells, where they are allowed to make an intersubband transition under normally incident radiation. A peak fractional absorption per quantum well of 6.8 x 10 exp 3 (absorption coefficient alpha of about 8500/cm) is observed at about 15 microns wavelength for a sheet concentration of 1.6 x 10 exp 12 sq cm/well.

Multifocal bilateral metatarsal tuberculosis: a rare presentation.

PubMed

Vijay, Vipul; Sud, Alok; Mehtani, Anil

2015-01-01

Tuberculosis, or phthisis (consumption) as it was popularly known in the Greek era, has been endemic in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa; however, the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic has seen the re-emergence of this disease in the areas in which it was not very commonly reported. With this, the need for understanding and treatment of rare presentations of tuberculosis has become of paramount importance to achieve the World Health Organization millennium goal of a "reversal of incidence by 2015." Foot involvement has been reported in 0.1% to 0.3% of extrapulmonary cases. Multifocal lesions have an incidence of <10% in osteoarticular tuberculosis. Bilateral feet involvement in multifocal tuberculosis has not yet been reported in either children or adults in published studies. We report a case of tuberculosis with lesions in the bilateral metatarsals, the occurrence of which is very rare. The diagnosis was mainly histopathologic owing to the paucibacillary nature of the disease. Early identification and treatment with antitubercular drugs will normally result in a good cosmetic and functional result. Copyright © 2015 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Isolation of coagulase-negative staphylococci from extended-wear soft contact lenses in asymptomatic patients.

PubMed

Faghri, Jamshid

2008-05-01

Coagulase-negative staphylococci and diphtheroids are normal inhabitants of the outer surface of the human eye. These microorganisms serve as part of the defense mechanism of the ocular anatomy in preventing colonization and infection by pathogenic bacteria. Nevertheless, infections associated with contaminated solutions and cases became serious problems for people who wear soft contact lenses. The aim of this study is to isolate and identify aerobic bacteria, particularly, gram-negative species associated with the use of extended-wear soft contact lenses. Extended-wear contact lenses were collected, using aseptic technique, from the eyes of individuals after 30 days of extended wear (5-7 day intermittent periods) and were examined for adhered aerobic bacteria. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from 74% of the lenses. Serratia marcescens was found at an incidence of 10% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at an incidence of 6%. The presence of species of bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens, which have been associated with daily wear soft contact lenses, solutions, and cases also seem to be associated with extended-wear lenses.

Associations among health behaviors, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus: A path analysis.

PubMed

Min, Deulle; Cho, Eunhee

2018-06-01

Hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes are common diseases; however, the effects of health behavior and body mass index (BMI) on their incidence and relationship are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among health behaviors, BMI, HTN, and type 2 diabetes.This study was a secondary data analysis using Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging data between 2010 and 2014 (third and fifth). The sample consisted of 3481 people aged 45 years or older. Path analysis was conducted using the generalized structural equation modeling of STATA 13.1 that enabled analyzing the types of binary variables and logit links.There were 129 underweight, 1714 normal, and 1638 overweight and obese individuals. In underweight and normal groups who had regular meals (B = 0.670, P < .001), BMI was higher. However, for those who were older (B = -0.041, P < .001) and female (B = -0.229, P = .021), BMI was lower. The incidence of HTN increased with age (B = 0.038, P = .001). In addition, the incidence of type 2 diabetes increased with age (B = 0.051, P = .005) and smoking (B = 1.539, P = .001). However, the incidence of type 2 diabetes was lower (B = -1.077, P = .036) for those who had regular meals. In the normal and overweight groups, BMI decreased with age (B = -0.033, P < .001). The incidence of HTN increased with age (B = 0.042, P < .001) and BMI (B = 0.145, P < .001). Moreover, the incidence of type 2 diabetes increased with age (B = 0.046, P < .001), smoking (B = 0.682, P = .020), and higher BMI (B = 0.151, P = .001).In the underweight and normal group, health behaviors were related to BMI. In the normal and overweight group, health behaviors were not related to BMI, but high BMI was related to the incidence of HTN and type 2 diabetes. Smoking has a direct effect on the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Thus, the importance of maintaining an ideal BMI and smoking cessation are highlighted.

77 FR 32006 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; High Incidence Protection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-31

... Special Conditions No. 25-423-SC] Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; High Incidence... pertaining to a high incidence protection system that replaces the stall warning system during normal... V SR and not greater than 1.3 V SR . (6) The high incidence protection function disabled, or...

[Extravasation of contrast media at the puncture site: Strategies for managment].

PubMed

Pacheco Compaña, F J; Gago Vidal, B; Méndez Díaz, C

2014-01-01

The incidence of contrast medium extravasation at the venipuncture site has increased with the generalized use of automatic injectors. Most extravasations only cause slight edema and erythema. Nevertheless, in some cases extravasation can result in severe skin lesions or even in compartment syndrome. Lesions caused by extravasation usually resolve spontaneously with conservative treatment. Although the complications of extravasation are well known, institutional protocols are normally lacking and the criteria for taking action and the type of treatment, whether based on the literature or personal preferences, tend to vary. In this article, we review the incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and options for preventing and treating contrast medium extravasation in soft tissues. Finally, we present the protocol we use to manage extravasation at our hospital. Copyright © 2013 SERAM. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Poincaré cycle synchronizes with the incident de Broglie wave to predict regularity in neutron resonance energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohkubo, Makio

2016-06-01

In observed neutron resonances, long believed to be a form of quantum chaos, regular family structures are found in the s-wave resonances of many even-even nuclei in the tens keV to MeV region [M.Ohkubo, Phys. Rev. C 87, 014608(2013)]. Resonance reactions take place when the incident de Broglie wave synchronizes with the Poincaré cycle of the compound nucleus, which is composed of several normal modes with periods that are time quantized by inverse Fermi energy. Based on the breathing model of the compound nucleus, neutron resonance energies in family structures are written by simple arithmetic expressions using Sn and small integers. Family structures in observed resonances of 40Ca+n and 37Cl+n are described as simple cases. A model for time quantization is discussed.

Analysis of single-layer metamaterial absorber with reflection theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Han; Tang, Ming-Chun; Hong, Jing-Song

2015-04-01

A reflection theory is employed to analyze a single-layered metamaterial absorber. With the necessary conditions for zero reflection, the permittivity and permeability as functions of absorptivity were obtained, which are suitable for analyzing the absorption properties of single-layered metamaterial absorber at both normal and oblique incidence cases. With the obtained expressions, it not only can explain why the absorption peaks monotonously decrease with increasing of the incident angles but also can explore the relationship between the absorptivity and spacer thickness of the dielectric slab. A Jerusalem cross metamaterial absorber was simulated and verified the validity of this proposed reflection theory. The main contribution of our work is that it can explain the physical mechanism of the various absorption peaks by using the analytical formula and highlights its potential guidance for designing and analyzing metamaterial absorbers in the future.

Renal autotransplantation for vascular disease: late outcome according to etiology.

PubMed

Chiche, Laurent; Kieffer, Edouard; Sabatier, Jean; Colau, Alexandre; Koskas, Fabien; Bahnini, Amine

2003-02-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early and late outcomes of renal autotransplantation (RAT) according to the etiology of the underlying renal artery disease. Between January 1985 and April 2001, we performed 68 RAT procedures in 57 patients. The surgical indications were fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) for 34 RAT procedures in 30 patients (11 men, 19 women; mean age, 41.3 +/- 14.6 years), Takayasu's disease (TD) for 26 RAT procedures in 19 patients (five men, 14 women; mean age, 33.0 +/- 12.3 years), and atherosclerosis for eight RAT procedures in eight patients (seven men, one woman; mean age, 66.5 +/- 7.9 years). The incidence rate of hypertension was 87% in patients with FMD and 100% in patients with TD and atherosclerosis. The incidence rate of renal dysfunction was 75% in patients with atherosclerosis, 27% in patients with FMD, and 16% in patients with TD. Autotransplantation was isolated in 31 cases and was associated with another vascular procedure in 37 cases, including 22 thoracoabdominal aorta repairs and 11 abdominal aorta or iliac artery repairs. The technique used to achieve renal revascularization was direct reimplantation in 17 cases and indirect reimplantation in 51 cases. The conduit used for indirect reimplantation was an arterial autograft in 42 cases, a vein autograft in seven cases, and a prosthetic graft in two cases. Simultaneous revascularization of the contralateral kidney was performed in 21 patients and included nine RAT procedures. Contralateral nephrectomy was performed in five patients. In the FMD group, early segmental infarction was observed in four cases. Secondary nephrectomy was necessary in one case (at 88 months). Actuarial survival rates were 96.2% +/- 0.03% at 5 years and 84.1% +/- 0.11% at 10 years. Secondary patency rates were 100% at 5 years and 92% +/- 0.07% at 10 years. Hypertension normalized or improved in 96% of patients. Renal function improved in 50% of patients. In the TD group, one patient died of multiple organ failure 4 days after the procedure. Nephrectomy was necessary in one case. The actuarial survival rate was 94.7% +/- 0.05% and the secondary patency rate was 91.3% +/- 0.05% at both 5 and 10 years. Hypertension normalized or improved in 89% of the cases, and kidney function improved in all cases. In the atherosclerosis group, nephrectomy was necessary during the early postoperative period in three cases and during late follow-up in two cases (at 9 months and at 68 months, respectively). Actuarial survival rates were 54.7% +/- 0.2% at 5 years and 18.2% +/- 0.16% at 10 years. The secondary patency rates were 50.0% +/- 0.17% at 5 years and 33.3% +/- 0.18% at 10 years. Hypertension normalized or improved in 50% of cases, and kidney function improved in 33% of cases. RAT is highly effective for treatment of complex renovascular lesions related to FMD and TD. Although RAT is less effective for atherosclerosis, it may be the only alternative in cases involving extensive renovascular disease.

The Potential Benefit of Radiotherapy with Protons in Head and Neck Cancer with Respect to Normal Tissue Sparing: A Systematic Review of Literature

PubMed Central

Bijl, Hendrik P.; Schilstra, Cornelis; Pijls-Johannesma, Madelon; Langendijk, Johannes A.

2011-01-01

Purpose. Clinical studies concerning head and neck cancer patients treated with protons reporting on radiation-induced side effects are scarce. Therefore, we reviewed the literature regarding the potential benefits of protons compared with the currently used photons in terms of lower doses to normal tissue and the potential for fewer subsequent radiation-induced side effects, with the main focus on in silico planning comparative (ISPC) studies. Materials and Methods. A literature search was performed by two independent researchers on ISPC studies that included proton-based and photon-based irradiation techniques. Results. Initially, 877 papers were retrieved and 14 relevant and eligible ISPC studies were identified and included in this review. Four studies included paranasal sinus cancer cases, three included nasopharyngeal cancer cases, and seven included oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and/or laryngeal cancer cases. Seven studies compared the most sophisticated photon and proton techniques: intensity-modulated photon therapy versus intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Four studies compared different proton techniques. All studies showed that protons had a lower normal tissue dose, while keeping similar or better target coverage. Two studies found that these lower doses theoretically translated into a significantly lower incidence of salivary dysfunction. Conclusion. The results of ISPC studies indicate that protons have the potential for a significantly lower normal tissue dose, while keeping similar or better target coverage. Scanned IMPT probably offers the most advantage and will allow for a substantially lower probability of radiation-induced side effects. The results of these ISPC studies should be confirmed in properly designed clinical trials. PMID:21349950

[Aplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas--report on two cases].

PubMed

Nakamura, T; Kadoya, S; Itoh, S; Kwak, R; Suzuki, T; Satoh, S

1987-02-01

Two cases of aplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas incidentally found are reported. Case 1: A 37-year-old man hit the forehead and the right mandible against the front glass at a head-on collision of his car and was brought to the emergency room. He was alert and neurologically normal except for multiple incision wounds with glass fragments in the face. CT, and cervical X-rays revealed total absence of the posterior arch of the atlas. Case 2: A 73-year-old woman, who sustained whip lash injury at an automobile accident, was admitted several hours after injury, complaining of neck and occipital pain. No neurological deficit was seen. CT demonstrated hemi-aplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas and isolated rudimentary posterior tubercle. Review of the literature and discussions were made on the incidence and genesis of this anomaly.

Incidence of De Novo Erectile Dysfunction after Urethroplasty: A Prospective Observational Study

PubMed Central

Sachin, Dharwadkar; ChikkaMoga Siddaiah, Manohar; Chandrashekar Sidaramappa, Ratkal; Ramaiah, Keshavamurthy

2017-01-01

Purpose De novo erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known complication after urethroplasty. Incidence and natural history of de novo ED after urethroplasty is underreported. We assessed the incidence of de novo ED after urethroplasty. Materials and Methods Consecutive consenting urethroplasty (n=48) patients aged 21 to 50 years from February 2014 to July 2016 with normal preoperative erectile function as determined by an International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score ≥22 were included and interviewed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results In patients with anterior stricture (n=40), substitution urethroplasty (SU) was performed in 22 patients (55.0%) and end-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty (EEAU) in 18 patients (45.0%). Their mean IIEF-5 score was 24.15±0.8 preoperatively, 20.10±4.2 at 3 months (p<0.001), 22.70±2.3 at 6 months (p=0.0012), and 23.70±1.7 at 12 months (p=0.03), showing a recovery of erectile function with time. All 8 patients with pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) underwent progressive perineal urethroplasty. Their mean IIEF score was 24.0±1.2 preoperatively, 18.8±5.4 at 3 months (p=0.002), 20.9±3.5 at 6 months (p=0.37), and 22.0±1.5 at 12 months (p=0.427). The incidence of ED was similar at 1 year postoperatively between patients with anterior stricture and PFUI and between patients who underwent EEAU or SU for anterior stricture. Conclusions Incidence of ED at 1 year after PFUI is similar to that after surgery for anterior stricture in patients with normal preoperative erectile function. Among the cases of anterior stricture, recovery was better with SU at 3 months and was similar between SU and EEAU at 1 year. PMID:28868817

Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke in Korean Male Adolescent

PubMed Central

Oh, Chang Hyun; Chung, Joonho; Hyun, Dongkeun; Kim, Eunyoung

2012-01-01

Purpose This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and stroke in Korean male adolescents. Materials and Methods The authors reviewed all medical certificates, medical records, and radiologic images from the examinations of Korean military conscription from January 2008 to May 2011. Results Of the 101156 examinees, 40 had CVD and stroke during adolescence. The overall prevalence and incidence of CVD and stroke was 39.54 cases per 100000 adolescents and 2.08 cases per 100000 adolescents per year, respectively and these were similar to the worldwide data. There were 3 cases of aneurysm, 3 cases of dural arteriovenous fistula, 11 cases of arteriovenous malformation, 4 cases of cavernous hemangioma, 4 cases of cerebrovascular infarction, 16 cases of Moyamoya disease, and 1 case of missing data. The incidence of arteriovenous malformation (0.57 cases per 100000 adolescents per year) was lower than the incidence for the worldwide general population. The incidence of Moyamoya disease was higher than that in any other country (15.82 cases per 100000 adolescents, vs. 0.83 cases per 100000 adolescents per year). Conclusion We observed ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, each accounting for approximately half of cases, and high incidence of Moyamoya disease with low incidence of arteriovenous malformation in Korean male adolescents. PMID:22476988

Abnormalities associated with congenital scoliosis: a retrospective study of 226 Chinese surgical cases.

PubMed

Shen, Jianxiong; Wang, Zijia; Liu, Jiaming; Xue, Xuhong; Qiu, Guixing

2013-05-01

Retrospective study of a series of 226 consecutive Chinese patients with congenital scoliosis. To identify the incidence of intraspinal abnormalities and other organ defects in surgical patients with congenital scoliosis in Chinese population. Previous studies have revealed high rates of intraspinal anomalies and other organ defects in patients with congenital scoliosis. The incidence of abnormalities in patients with congenital scoliosis in Chinese population has not been reported. A total of 226 patients with congenital scoliosis underwent surgical treatment in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2005 and March 2011 were identified. A definitive diagnosis of congenital scoliosis for all patients was made. Complete data were reviewed, including medical records, plain radiograph, magnetic resonance (MR) image of the whole spine, echocardiography, and renal ultrasound. The incidence of intraspinal abnormalities and other organ defects were analyzed. Intraspinal abnormalities were found in 99 (43%) patients. Diastematomyelia was identified to be the most common intraspinal pathological anomaly, which was different from the previous reports. The incidence of intraspinal anomaly in patients with failures of segmentation and mixed defects were significantly higher than those with failures of formation. Patients with thoracic hemivertebrae were found to have a higher incidence of intraspinal abnormalities than patients with lumbar hemivertebrae. Patients with intraspinal abnormality had a higher incidence of positive clinical findings than those with normal magnetic resonance imaging. However, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. Other organic defects were found in 91(40%) patients. Cardiac defects were detected in 18%, urogenital anomalies in 12%, and gastrointestinal anomalies in 5% of the patients in this study. Diastematomyelia was found to be the most common intraspinal pathological anomaly and cardiac defects were the most common extraspinal anomaly in surgical patients with congenital scoliosis in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and ultrasound should be part of routine evaluation in all congenital cases before surgery, no matter positive clinical findings were found or not. 3.

Association of Long-Term Exposure to Transportation Noise and Traffic-Related Air Pollution with the Incidence of Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Sbihi, Hind; Tamburic, Lillian; Brauer, Michael; Frank, Lawrence D.; Davies, Hugh W

2017-01-01

Background: Evidence for an association between transportation noise and cardiovascular disease has increased; however, few studies have examined metabolic outcomes such as diabetes or accounted for environmental coexposures such as air pollution, greenness, or walkability. Objectives: Because diabetes prevalence is increasing and may be on the causal pathway between noise and cardiovascular disease, we examined the influence of long-term residential transportation noise exposure and traffic-related air pollution on the incidence of diabetes using a population-based cohort in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: We examined the influence of transportation noise exposure over a 5-y period (1994–1998) on incident diabetes cases in a population-based prospective cohort study (n=380,738) of metropolitan Vancouver (BC) residents who were 45–85 y old, with 4-y of follow-up (1999–2002). Annual average transportation noise (Lden), air pollution [black carbon, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5μm (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides], greenness [Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)], and neighborhood walkability at each participant’s residence were modeled. Incident diabetes cases were identified using administrative health records. Results: Transportation noise was associated with the incidence of diabetes [interquartile range (IQR) increase, 6.8 A-weighted decibels (dBA); OR=1.08 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.10)]. This association remained after adjustment for environmental coexposures including traffic-related air pollutants, greenness, and neighborhood walkability. After adjustment for coexposure to noise, traffic-related air pollutants were not associated with the incidence of diabetes, whereas greenness was protective. Conclusion: We found a positive association between residential transportation noise and diabetes, adding to the growing body of evidence that noise pollution exposure may be independently linked to metabolic health and should be considered when developing public health interventions. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1279 PMID:28934721

Excitation of secondary Love and Rayleigh waves in athree-dimensional sedimentary basin evaluated by the direct boundary element method with normal modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatayama, Ken; Fujiwara, Hiroyuki

1998-05-01

This paper aims to present a new method to calculate surface waves in 3-D sedimentary basin models, based on the direct boundary element method (BEM) with vertical boundaries and normal modes, and to evaluate the excitation of secondary surface waves observed remarkably in basins. Many authors have so far developed numerical techniques to calculate the total 3-D wavefield. However, the calculation of the total wavefield does not match our purpose, because the secondary surface waves excited on the basin boundaries will be contaminated by other undesirable waves. In this paper, we prove that, in principle, it is possible to extract surface waves excited on part of the basin boundaries from the total 3-D wavefield with a formulation that uses the reflection and transmission operators defined in the space domain. In realizing this extraction in the BEM algorithm, we encounter the problem arising from the lateral and vertical truncations of boundary surfaces extending infinitely in the half-space. To compensate the truncations, we first introduce an approximate algorithm using 2.5-D and 1-D wavefields for reference media, where a 2.5-D wavefield means a 3-D wavefield with a 2-D subsurface structure, and we then demonstrate the extraction. Finally, we calculate the secondary surface waves excited on the arc shape (horizontal section) of a vertical basin boundary subject to incident SH and SV plane waves propagating perpendicularly to the chord of the arc. As a result, we find that in the SH-incident case the Love waves are predominantly excited, rather than the Rayleigh waves and that in the SV-wave incident case the Love waves as well as the Rayleigh waves are excited. This suggests that the Love waves are more detectable than the Rayleigh waves in the horizontal components of observed recordings.

Radiographic abnormalities and the risk of lung cancer among workers exposed to silica dust in Ontario.

PubMed Central

Finkelstein, M M

1995-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether workers in Ontario who had been exposed to silica dust and who have radiographic abnormalities are at increased risk of lung cancer. DESIGN: Cohort and case-control studies of rates of death from lung cancer and cancer incidence rates; data were obtained from the Ontario Silicosis Surveillance Registry. Follow-up was through linkage to the Ontario mortality and cancer registries. SETTING: Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 523 workers with radiographic abnormalities and 1568 control subjects with normal radiographic findings who had been exposed to silica dust. Matching criteria were year of birth and the requirement that the control subject have a normal radiographic finding either later than or in the same year that the radiographic abnormality was identified in the silicosis subject. OUTCOME MEASURES: Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and odds ratios for lung cancer. RESULTS: In the cohort analysis, with the Ontario population rates as reference, the all-cause SMR was 0.96 among the workers with radiographic abnormalities and 0.51 among the control subjects. The corresponding SIRs for lung cancer were 2.49 and 0.87 (p < 0.001). In the case-control analysis the workers with silicosis were more likely than the control subjects to have been smokers, but this difference likely accounted for only a small part of the difference in the incidence of lung cancer. The relative risk of lung cancer was elevated among the workers with silicosis from the foundry, mining and nonmetallic-minerals industries; however, the number of subjects was too small for a significant difference to be detected. Among the miners exposure to radon daughters did not affect the risk of lung cancer attributable to radiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic abnormalities suggestive of exposure to silica dust are markers for increased risk of lung cancer. Physicians might thus wish to warn their patients with silica-associated radiographic abnormalities about the increased risk and to counsel those who smoke to stop. PMID:7804920

Primary Sarcopenia in Older People with Normal Nutrition.

PubMed

Yadigar, S; Yavuzer, H; Yavuzer, S; Cengiz, M; Yürüyen, M; Döventaş, A; Erdinçler, D S

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of primary sarcopenia in older patients with normal nutrition and to assess the relationships between the primary sarcopenia with anthropometric measurements. In this prospective clinical cross-sectional study, six-hundred patients who applied to Polyclinic of Geriatrics between dates 2010 and 2011 have been evaluated. The 386 patients who were supposed to have potential secondary sarcopenia were excluded from the study. Age, gender, weight, height, BMI, calf and waist circumference, ongoing medications, additional diseases of the 214 patients included in the study have been surveyed. The sarcopenia criteria of EWSGOP have been applied. Two hundred fourteen cases included in the study were composed of 148 female and 66 male subjects. Mean age was 71.8 ± 2.1 years. Sarcopenia was detected in 105 (49%) subjects while 109 (51%) were normal. Sixty-four female (61%) and 41 (39%) male subjects were sarcopenic. Normal group included 84 female (77%) and 25 male (23%) subjects. Incidence of sarcopenia was found higher in the female patients (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was detected between sarcopenic and normal groups with respect to age, height, weight, calf circumference and evaluation tests. Waist circumference was higher in the sarcopenic group than the normal group (p=0.02). When both groups were analyzed for BMI; 53 (51%) of the 105 sarcopenic patients had BMI over 30 kg/m2 while 29 (27%) and 23 (22%) patients had BMI of 25-30 kg/m2 and below 25 kg/m2, respectively. Incidence of sarcopenia was significantly higher in the group with BMI over 30 kg/m2 when compared with the groups with BMI of 25-30 kg/m2 and below 25 kg/m2 (p=0.01). Sarcopenia that makes older people physically dependent and decreases their quality of life that receive sufficient nutritional support and are also obese should be comprehensively investigated with respect to presence of sarcopenia.

Normal and Tangential Momentum Accommodation for Earth Satellite Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knechtel, Earl D.; Pitts, William C.

1973-01-01

Momentum accommodation was determined experimentally for gas-surface interactions simulating in a practical way those of near-earth satellites. Throughout the ranges of gas energies and incidence angles of interest for earth-conditions, two components of force were measured by means of a vacuum microbalance to determine the normal and tangential momentum-accommodation coefficients for nitrogen ions on technical-quality aluminum surfaces. For these experimental conditions, the electrodynamics of ion neutralization near the surface indicate that results for nitrogen ions should differ relatively little from those for nitrogen molecules, which comprise the largest component of momentum flux for near-earth satellites. The experimental results indicated that both normal and tangential momentum-accommodation coefficients varied widely with energy, tending to be relatively well accommodated at the higher energies, but becoming progressively less accommodated as the energy was reduced to and below that for earth-satellite speeds. Both coefficients also varied greatly with incidence angle, the normal momentum becoming less accommodated as the incidence angle became more glancing, whereas the tangential momentum generally became more fully accommodated. For each momentum coefficient, an empirical correlation function was obtained which closely approximated the experimental results over the ranges of energy and incidence angle. Most of the observed variations of momentum accommodation with energy and incidence angle were qualitatively indicated by a calculation using a three-dimensional model that simulated the target surface by a one-dimensional attractive potential and hard sphere reflectors.

The influence of breed and sex on the incidence of mortalities and skin tears in broiler carcasses.

PubMed

Casey, N H; Smith, G A; Crosley, R I

1989-06-01

The effects of nutrition, breed and sex on the incidence of mortalities and of skin tears on broiler carcasses were studied. Both sexes of 2 breeds, Hubbard and Ross, were given 4 dietary treatments consisting of a normal level of vitamin and mineral premix plus 300 ppm furazolidone, twice normal premix inclusion level plus 300 ppm furazolidone, a normal level of vitamin and mineral premix, and twice normal mineral premix inclusion level. A coccidiostat containing the active ingredient halofuginone was included at 6 ppm, twice the recommended dosage. Starter, grower and finisher diets were fed respectively up to Day 20, Day 30 and Day 48. Group growth performances, mortalities and the incidence of torn skin were monitored on both the live birds and carcasses. The effect of the different nutritional treatments on skin tears was not significant (P = 0.9533), as was the breed effect (P = 0.0547). However, the effect of sex was significant (P = 0.0044), the incidence in hens being higher. Mortalities among the Hubbard were significantly greater than among the Ross (P = 0.0001). Hens showed a slightly higher mortality rate than roosters, tending towards significance at the 5% level (P = 0.0554).

Normal velocity freeze-out of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability when a rarefaction is reflected

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wouchuk, J. G.; Sano, T.

2015-02-01

The Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) develops when a shock front hits a rippled contact surface separating two different fluids. After the incident shock refraction, a transmitted shock is always formed and another shock or a rarefaction is reflected back. The pressure-entropy-vorticity fields generated by the rippled wave fronts are responsible for the generation of hydrodynamic perturbations in both fluids. In linear theory, the contact surface ripple reaches an asymptotic normal velocity which is dependent on the incident shock Mach number, fluids density ratio, and compressibilities. It was speculated in the past about the possibility of getting a zero value for the asymptotic normal velocity, a phenomenon that was called "freeze-out" [G. Fraley, Phys. Fluids 29, 376 (1986), 10.1063/1.865722; K. Mikaelian, Phys. Fluids 6, 356 (1994), 10.1063/1.868091, A. L. Velikovich et al., Phys. Plasmas 8, 592 (2001), 10.1063/1.1335829]. In a previous paper, freeze-out was studied for the case when a shock is reflected at the contact surface [J. G. Wouchuk and K. Nishihara, Phys. Rev. E 70, 026305 (2004), 10.1103/PhysRevE.70.026305]. In this work the freeze-out of the RMI is studied for the case in which a rarefaction is reflected back. Two different regimes are found: nearly equal preshock densities at the interface at any shock intensity, and very large density difference for strong shocks. The contour curves that relate shock Mach number and preshock density ratio are obtained in both regimes for fluids with equal and different compressibilities. An analysis of the temporal evolution of different cases of freeze-out is shown. It is seen that the freeze-out is the result of the interaction between the unstable interface and the rippled wave fronts. As a general and qualitative criterion to look for freeze-out situations, it is seen that a necessary condition for freeze-out is the same orientation for the tangential velocities generated at each side of the contact surface at t =0 + . A comparison with the results of previous works is also shown.

Proportion of various types of thyroid disorders among newborns with congenital hypothyroidism and normally located gland: a regional cohort study.

PubMed

Gaudino, Rossella; Garel, Catherine; Czernichow, Paul; Léger, Juliane

2005-04-01

To determine the proportion of the various types of thyroid disorders among newborns detected by the neonatal TSH screening programme, with a normally located thyroid gland. Patients and methods Of the 882 575 infants screened in our centre between 1981 and 2002, 85 infants with a normally located gland had persistent elevation of serum TSH values (an incidence of 1/10 383). Six of these 85 patients were lost to follow-up and were therefore excluded from the study. During follow-up, patients were classified as having permanent or transient hypothyroidism. Among the 79 patients included in the study, transient (n = 30, 38% of cases) and permanent (n = 49, 62% of cases) congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was demonstrated during the follow-up at the age of 0.7 +/- 0.6 years and 2.6 +/- 1.8 years (P < 0.0001), respectively. The proportion of premature births was significantly higher in the group with transient CH (57%) than in the group with permanent CH (2%) (P < 0.0001). A history of iatrogenic iodine overload was identified during the neonatal period in 69% of transient cases. Among permanent CH cases (n = 49), patients were classified as having a goitre (n = 27, 55% of cases), a normal sized and shaped thyroid gland (n = 14, 29% of cases) or a hypoplastic gland (n = 8, 16% of cases). The latter patients demonstrated global thyroid hypoplasia (n = 3), a right hemithyroid (n = 2), hypoplasia of the left lobe (n = 2), or asymmetry in the location of the two lobes (n = 1). Patients with a normal sized and shaped thyroid gland showed a significantly less severe form of hypothyroidism than those with a goitre or a hypoplastic thyroid gland (P < 0.0002). Among permanent CH cases, those with a goitre (n = 27) had an iodine organification defect (n = 10), Pendred syndrome (n = 1), a defect of thyroglobulin synthesis (n = 8), or a defect of sodium iodine symporter (n = 1), and in seven patients no aetiology could be determined. Among permanent cases with a normal sized and shaped thyroid gland (n = 14), a specific aetiology was found in only one patient (pseudohypoparathyroidism) and two patients had Down's syndrome. Among those with a globally hypoplastic gland, a TSH receptor gene mutation was found in two patients. A precise description of the phenotype can enhance our understanding of various forms of neonatal hypothyroidism as well as their prevalence and management. It also helps to identify cases of congenital hypothyroidism of unknown aetiology, which will need to be investigated in collaboration with molecular biologists.

Low accuracy of the national reporting system of acute hepatitis C infection in Taiwan, 1995-2004.

PubMed

Kee, Kwong-Ming; Hung, Chi-Ming; Wang, Jing-Houng; Hung, Chao-Hung; Chen, Pao-Fei; Lin, Kuo-Sin; Lu, Sheng-Nan

2010-07-01

This study attempted to clarify accuracy of acute hepatitis C (AHC) and its clinical characteristics. We reviewed 632 reported cases from national surveillance data of the Taiwan Center for Disease Control between 1995 and 2004, and reclassified diagnoses. A definite case was defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 10 x the upper limit of normal (ULN) with seroconversion of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV). A probable case was defined as (i) seroconversion of anti-HCV and/or elevated ALT levels; or (ii) anti-HCV(+) but titers increased (from < 40 S/CO to >or= 40 S/CO) and ALT > 10 x the ULN. A suspected case was defined as initial anti-HCV(+) and ALT level > 10 x the ULN and/or jaundice. Excluded cases were defined as ALT levels less than 10 x ULN with initial positive anti-HCV Ab. A total of 310 (49%) cases were confirmed as AHC; these included 95 (15%) definite and 215 (34%) probable cases. Higher incidence rates and accuracy of AHC were demonstrated in the southern area significantly if compared with northern, eastern and central areas, respectively (all P < 0.05). On comparison between blood centers and hospitals, more AHC cases were found in Southern Taiwan than in other areas (157/73 vs 24/40, P < 0.001), younger mean age (33.3 +/- 11.1 vs 49.3 +/- 16.4, P < 0.001), lower ALT levels (263.1 +/- 200.9 vs 1264.2 +/- 706.8, P < 0.001) and male predominance (191/39 vs 46/18, P = 0.046). This study showed our reporting system over-estimated the AHC diagnosis, which is also a common issue worldwide. Greater efforts are needed to establish appropriate reporting systems, as well as more supplemental methods to distinguish between prevalent and incident cases.

Mutations of NPM1 gene in de novo acute myeloid leukaemia: determination of incidence, distribution pattern and identification of two novel mutations in Indian population.

PubMed

Ahmad, Firoz; Mandava, Swarna; Das, Bibhu Ranjan

2009-06-01

Mutations in the nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene have been recently described to occur in about one-third of acute myeloid leukaemias (AMLs) and represent the most frequent genetic alteration currently known in this subset, specially in those with normal karyotype. This study explored the prevalence and clinical profile of NPM1 mutations in a cohort of 200 Indian adult and children with AML. NPM1 mutations were observed in 19.5% of all population and 34.2% of those with normal karyotype. Adults had a significantly higher incidence of NPM1 mutations than children [38 of 161 (23.6%) vs. 1 of 39 (2.5%), p = 0.002]. NPM1 mutations were significantly associated with normal karyotype (p = 0.001), high WBC count (p = 0.034), AML-M4 subtype (p = 0.039) and a gradient increase of mutation rate with the increase in age groups. Sequence analysis of 39 mutated cases revealed typical mutations (types A, B, D, Nm and H*) as well as two novel variations (types F1 and F2). Majority of the patients had mutation type A (69.2%), followed by B (5.1%), D (15.3%), H* (2.5%) and Nm (2.5%) all involving COOH terminal of the NPM1 protein. In conclusion, this study represents the first report of NPM1 mutation from Indian population and confirms that the incidence of NPM1 mutations varies considerably globally, with slightly lower incidence in Indian population compared to western countries. The current study also served to identify two novel NPM1 mutants that add new insights into the heterogeneity of genomic insertions at exon 12. More ongoing larger studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of AML that arises in this part of the world. Furthermore, we believe that in light of its high prevalence worldwide, inclusion of NPM1 mutation detection assay in diagnostic evaluations of AML may improve the efficacy of routine genetic characterization and allow assignment of patients to better-defined risk categories.

Mathematical models for the reflection coefficients of dielectric half-spaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, D. D.

1973-01-01

The reflection coefficients at normal incidence are found for a large class of one-dimensionally inhomogeneous or stratified half-spaces, which contain a homogeneous half-space. The formulation of the problem involves a combination of the classical boundary value technique, and the nonclassical principle of invariant imbedding. Solutions are in closed form and expressible in terms of Bessel functions. All results are given in terms of the ratio of the distance between free space and the homogeneous half-space to the wavelength in vacuo. One special case is that of an arbitrary number of layers lying on a homogeneous half-space where the dielectric constant of each layer has a constant gradient. A number of other special cases, limiting cases, and generalizations are developed including one in which the thickness of the top layer obeys a probability distribution.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with Steinert myotonic dystrophy. Case report.

PubMed

Agrusa, A; Mularo, S; Alessi, R; Di Paola, P; Mularo, A; Amato, G; Romano, G

2011-01-01

Myotonic dystrophy (MD) is a serious multi-systemic autosomal dominant disease. The estimated incidence is 1 in every 8000 births, with an estimated prevalence of between 2.1 and 14.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Signs and symptoms vary from a severe form of congenital myopathy, present from birth and often fatal, to a classic form and a delayed form, which generally presents after the age of 50 and in which the only sign is a cataract and life expectancy is completely normal. We describe the clinical case of a 40-year-old woman with Steinert myotonic dystrophy who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (under general anesthesia) for symptomatic gallbladder stones. The conduct of anesthesia in such patients must be carefully considered, as hypothermia, shivering, electrical and mechanical stimulation, and the drugs used can all trigger myotonia.

Defining Incident Cases of Epilepsy in Administrative Data

PubMed Central

Bakaki, Paul M.; Koroukian, Siran M.; Jackson, Leila W.; Albert, Jeffrey M.; Kaiboriboon, Kitti

2013-01-01

Purpose To determine the minimum enrollment duration for identifying incident cases of epilepsy in administrative data. Methods We performed a retrospective dynamic cohort study using Ohio Medicaid data from 1992–2006 to identify a total of 5,037 incident epilepsy cases who had at least 1 year of follow-up prior to epilepsy diagnosis (epilepsy-free interval). The incidence for epilepsy-free intervals from 1 to 8 years, overall and stratified by pre-existing disability status, was examined. The graphical approach between the slopes of incidence estimates and the epilepsy-free intervals was used to identify the minimum epilepsy-free interval that minimized misclassification of prevalent as incident epilepsy cases. Results As the length of epilepsy-free interval increased, the incidence rates decreased. A graphical plot showed that the decline in incidence of epilepsy became nearly flat beyond the third epilepsy-free interval. Conclusion The minimum of 3-year epilepsy-free interval is needed to differentiate incident from prevalent cases in administrative data. Shorter or longer epilepsy-free intervals could result in over- or under-estimation of epilepsy incidence. PMID:23791310

On the angular dependence of focused laser ablation by nanosecond pulses in solgel and polymer materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, D. S.; Onischenko, A.; Holmes, A. S.

2004-03-01

Focused laser ablation by single laser pulses at varying angles of incidence is studied in two materials of interest: a solgel (Ormocer 4) and a polymer (SU8). For a range of angles (up to 70° from normal), and for low-energy (<20 μJ), 40 ns pulses at 266 nm wavelength, the ablation depth along the direction of the incident laser beam is found to be independent of the angle of incidence. This allows the crater profiles at oblique incidence to be generated directly from the crater profiles at normal incidence by a simple coordinate transformation. This result is of use in the development of simulation tools for direct-write laser ablation. A simple model based on the moving ablation front approach is shown to be consistent with the observed behavior.

Association Between Olfactory Dysfunction and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease Dementia

PubMed Central

Roberts, Rosebud O.; Christianson, Teresa J. H.; Kremers, Walter K.; Mielke, Michelle M.; Machulda, Mary M.; Vassilaki, Maria; Alhurani, Rabe E.; Geda, Yonas E.; Knopman, David S.; Petersen, Ronald C.

2015-01-01

IMPORTANCE To increase the opportunity to delay or prevent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD), markers of early detection are essential. Olfactory impairment may be an important clinical marker and predictor of these conditions and may help identify persons at increased risk. OBJECTIVE To examine associations of impaired olfaction with incident MCI subtypes, and progression from MCI subtypes to AD dementia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Participants enrolled in the population-based, prospective Mayo Clinic Study of Aging were clinically evaluated at baseline and every 15-months thereafter, and classified as having normal cognition, MCI (amnestic, aMCI and nonamnestic, naMCI), and dementia. We administered the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) to assess olfactory function. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mild cognitive impairment, AD dementia, longitudinal change in cognitive performance measures. RESULTS Over a mean 3.5 years of follow-up, there were 250 incident cases of MCI among 1430 cognitively normal participants. We observed an association between decreasing olfactory identification, as measured by decrease in number of correct responses in B-SIT score, and an increased risk of aMCI. Compared to the upper B-SIT quartile (Q4, best scores), hazard ratios (HR) were 1.12; P = 0.68 for Q3; HR, 1.95; P =0.003 for Q2; and HR, 2.18; P = 0.001 (worst scores; p for trend <0.001) after adjustment for sex and education, with age as the time scale. There was no association with naMCI. There were 64 incident dementia cases among 221 prevalent MCI cases. The B-SIT score also predicted progression from aMCI to AD, with a significant dose-response with worsening B-SIT quartiles. Compared to Q4, HR estimates were 3.02, P = 0.038 for Q3; HR, 3.63; P = 0.024 for Q2; and HR, 5.20; P = 0.001 for Q1. After adjusting for key predictors of MCI risk, B-SIT (as a continuous measure) remained a significant predictor of MCI (HR, 1.10; p < 0.001), and improved the model concordance. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Olfactory impairment predicts incident aMCI and progression from aMCI to AD. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have reported associations of olfactory impairment with cognitive impairment in late life, and suggest that olfactory tests have potential utility for screening for MCI and MCI that is likely to progress. PMID:26569387

Gene expression in thiazide diuretic or statin users in relation to incident type 2 diabetes

PubMed Central

Suchy-Dicey, Astrid; Heckbert, Susan R; Smith, Nicholas L; McKnight, Barbara; Rotter, Jerome I; Chen, YD Ida; Psaty, Bruce M; Enquobahrie, Daniel A

2014-01-01

Thiazide diuretics and statins are used to improve cardiovascular outcomes, but may also cause type 2 diabetes (T2DM), although mechanisms are unknown. Gene expression studies may facilitate understanding of these associations. Participants from ongoing population-based studies were sampled for these longitudinal studies of peripheral blood microarray gene expression, and followed to incident diabetes. All sampled subjects were statin or thiazide users. Those who developed diabetes during follow-up comprised cases (44 thiazide users; 19 statin users), and were matched to drug-using controls who did not develop diabetes on several factors. Supervised normalization, surrogate variable analyses removed technical bias and confounding. Differentially-expressed genes were those with a false discovery rate Q-value<0.05. Among thiazide users, diabetes cases had significantly different expression of CCL14 (down-regulated 6%, Q-value=0.0257), compared with controls. Among statin users, diabetes cases had marginal but insignificantly different expression of ZNF532 (up-regulated 15%, Q-value=0.0584), CXORF21 (up-regulated 11%, Q-value=0.0584), and ZNHIT3 (up-regulated 19%, Q-value=0.0959), compared with controls. These genes comprise potential targets for future expression or mechanistic research on medication-related diabetes development. PMID:24596594

[Regional Study of Patient Safety Incidents (ERIDA) in the Emergency Services].

PubMed

Alcaraz-Martínez, J; Aranaz-Andrés, J M; Martínez-Ros, C; Moreno-Reina, S; Escobar-Álvaro, L; Ortega-Liarte, J V

2016-01-01

Evaluate the patient safety incidents that occur in the emergency departments of our region. Observational study conducted in all the hospital emergency departments in the Regional Health Service of Murcia. After systematic random sampling, data were collected during care and a week later by telephone survey. Health professionals of each service were trained and collected the information, following the methodology of the National Study of Adverse Events Related to Hospitalization -ENEAS- and the Adverse Events Related to Spanish Hospital Emergency Department Care -EVADUR-. A total of 393 samples were collected, proportional to the cases treated in each hospital. In 10 cases (3.1%) the complaint was a previous safety incident. At least one incident was detected in 47 patients (11.95%; 8.7 to 15.1%). In 3 cases there were 2 incidents, bringing the number of incidents to 50. Regarding the impact, the 51% of incidents caused harm to the patients. The effects more frequent in patients were the need for repeat visits (9 cases), and mismanagement of pain (8 cases). In 24 cases (51.1%) health care was not affected, although 3 cases required an additional test, 11 cases required further consultation, and led to hospitalisation in 2 cases. The most frequent causal factors of these incidents were medication (14) and care (12). The incidents were considered preventable in 60% of cases. A rate of incidents in the emergency departments, representative of the region, has been obtained. The implications of the results for the population means that 12 out of every 100 patients treated in emergency departments have an adverse event, and 7 of these are avoidable. Copyright © 2016 SECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Nutritional Risk Factors for Tuberculosis Among Adults in the United States, 1971–1992

PubMed Central

Cegielski, J. Peter; Arab, Lenore; Cornoni-Huntley, Joan

2016-01-01

The risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) may be related to nutritional status. To determine the impact of nutritional status on TB incidence, the authors analyzed data from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) Epidemiologic Follow-up Study (NHEFS). NHANES I collected information on a probability sample of the US population in 1971–1975. Adults were followed up in 1982–1992. Incident TB cases were ascertained through interviews, medical records, and death certificates. TB incidences were compared across different levels of nutritional status after controlling for potential confounding using proportional hazards regression appropriate to the complex sample design. TB incidence among adults with normal body mass index was 24.7 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.0, 36.3). In contrast, among persons who were underweight, overweight, and obese, estimated TB incidence rates were 260.2 (95% CI: 98.6, 421.8), 8.9 (95% CI: 2.2, 15.6), and 5.1 (95% CI: 0.0, 10.5) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios were 12.43 (95% CI: 5.75, 26.95), 0.28 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.63), and 0.20 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.62), respectively, after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and medical characteristics. A low serum albumin level also increased the risk of TB, but low vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and iron status did not. A population’s nutritional profile is an important determinant of its TB incidence. PMID:22791739

Spatiotemporal optical pulse transformation by a resonant diffraction grating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Golovastikov, N. V.; Bykov, D. A., E-mail: bykovd@gmail.com; Doskolovich, L. L., E-mail: leonid@smr.ru

The diffraction of a spatiotemporal optical pulse by a resonant diffraction grating is considered. The pulse diffraction is described in terms of the signal (the spatiotemporal incident pulse envelope) passage through a linear system. An analytic approximation in the form of a rational function of two variables corresponding to the angular and spatial frequencies has been obtained for the transfer function of the system. A hyperbolic partial differential equation describing the general form of the incident pulse envelope transformation upon diffraction by a resonant diffraction grating has been derived from the transfer function. A solution of this equation has beenmore » obtained for the case of normal incidence of a pulse with a central frequency lying near the guided-mode resonance of a diffraction structure. The presented results of numerical simulations of pulse diffraction by a resonant grating show profound changes in the pulse envelope shape that closely correspond to the proposed theoretical description. The results of the paper can be applied in creating new devices for optical pulse shape transformation, in optical information processing problems, and analog optical computations.« less

Predicting the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Sichuan province, China using the ARIMA model.

PubMed

Liu, L; Luan, R S; Yin, F; Zhu, X P; Lü, Q

2016-01-01

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, which usually occurs in children aged <5 years. In China, the HFMD situation is worsening, with increasing number of cases nationwide. Therefore, monitoring and predicting HFMD incidence are urgently needed to make control measures more effective. In this study, we applied an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to forecast HFMD incidence in Sichuan province, China. HFMD infection data from January 2010 to June 2014 were used to fit the ARIMA model. The coefficient of determination (R 2), normalized Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and mean absolute percentage of error (MAPE) were used to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of the constructed models. The fitted ARIMA model was applied to forecast the incidence of HMFD from April to June 2014. The goodness-of-fit test generated the optimum general multiplicative seasonal ARIMA (1,0,1) × (0,1,0)12 model (R 2 = 0·692, MAPE = 15·982, BIC = 5·265), which also showed non-significant autocorrelations in the residuals of the model (P = 0·893). The forecast incidence values of the ARIMA (1,0,1) × (0,1,0)12 model from July to December 2014 were 4103-9987, which were proximate forecasts. The ARIMA model could be applied to forecast HMFD incidence trend and provide support for HMFD prevention and control. Further observations should be carried out continually into the time sequence, and the parameters of the models could be adjusted because HMFD incidence will not be absolutely stationary in the future.

Long-term changes in body weight are associated with changes in blood pressure levels.

PubMed

Markus, M R P; Ittermann, T; Baumeister, S E; Troitzsch, P; Schipf, S; Lorbeer, R; Aumannn, N; Wallaschofski, H; Dörr, M; Rettig, R; Völzke, H

2015-03-01

Hypertension and obesity are highly prevalent in Western societies. We investigated the associations of changes in body weight with changes in blood pressure and with incident hypertension, incident cardiovascular events, or incident normalization of blood pressure in patients who were hypertensive at baseline, over a 5-year period. Data of men and women aged 20-81 years of the Study of Health in Pomerania were used. Changes in body weight were related to changes in blood pressure by linear regression (n = 1875) adjusted for cofounders. Incident hypertension, incident cardiovascular events, or incident blood pressure normalization in patients who were hypertensive at baseline were investigated using Poisson regression (n = 3280) models. A change of 1 kg in body weight was positively associated with a change of 0.45 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-0.55 mm Hg) in systolic blood pressure, 0.32 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.25-0.38 mm Hg) in diastolic blood pressure, and 0.36 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.29-0.43 mm Hg) in mean arterial pressure (all p-values <0.001). A 5% weight loss reduced the relative risk (RR) of incident hypertension (RRs 0.84 (95% CI: 0.79-0.89)) and incident cardiovascular events (RRs 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.98)) and increased the chance of incident blood pressure normalization in patients who were hypertensive at baseline by 15% (95% CI: 7-23%). Absolute and relative changes in body weight are positively associated with changes in blood pressure levels and also affect the risk of cardiovascular events. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Memory Binding Test Predicts Incident Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.

PubMed

Mowrey, Wenzhu B; Lipton, Richard B; Katz, Mindy J; Ramratan, Wendy S; Loewenstein, David A; Zimmerman, Molly E; Buschke, Herman

2016-07-14

The Memory Binding Test (MBT), previously known as Memory Capacity Test, has demonstrated discriminative validity for distinguishing persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and dementia from cognitively normal elderly. We aimed to assess the predictive validity of the MBT for incident aMCI. In a longitudinal, community-based study of adults aged 70+, we administered the MBT to 246 cognitively normal elderly adults at baseline and followed them annually. Based on previous work, a subtle reduction in memory binding at baseline was defined by a Total Items in the Paired (TIP) condition score of ≤22 on the MBT. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the predictive validity of the MBT for incident aMCI accounting for the effects of covariates. The hazard ratio of incident aMCI was also assessed for different prediction time windows ranging from 4 to 7 years of follow-up, separately. Among 246 controls who were cognitively normal at baseline, 48 developed incident aMCI during follow-up. A baseline MBT reduction was associated with an increased risk for developing incident aMCI (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-4.56, p = 0.005). When varying the prediction window from 4-7 years, the MBT reduction remained significant for predicting incident aMCI (HR range: 2.33-3.12, p: 0.0007-0.04). Persons with poor performance on the MBT are at significantly greater risk for developing incident aMCI. High hazard ratios up to seven years of follow-up suggest that the MBT is sensitive to early disease.

Trends of invasive pneumococcal disease and its serotypes in the Autonomous Community of Madrid.

PubMed

Latasa Zamalloa, Pello; Sanz Moreno, Juan Carlos; Ordobás Gavín, María; Barranco Ordoñez, María Dolores; Insúa Marisquerena, Esther; Gil de Miguel, Ángel; Fernández Chávez, Abelardo Claudio; García-Comas, Luis

2017-12-05

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent it. The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Observational study of IPD cases notified to the Epidemiological Surveillance Network of the Autonomous Community of Madrid between 2008 and 2015. The IPD case was defined as the disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, with isolation and DNA or antigen detection, in samples from normally sterile sites. The isolated strains were sent to the Regional Public Health Laboratory for identification of the serotype. Serotypes were classified according to their inclusion in the 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV7), in the 13-valent vaccine, but not in the 7-valent vaccine (PCV13-additional) and not included in the 13-valent vaccine (non-PCV). The Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) were calculated comparing the 2011-2012 and 2013-2015 periods with the 2008-2010 period. 4,307 cases were reported. 86.6% were serotyped. The IRR of IPD was 0.67 and 0.67 for all serotypes; 0.43 and 0.45 for PCV7 serotypes; 0.46 and 0.25 for PCV13-additional serotypes, and 1.01 and 1.32 for non-PCV13 serotypes in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2015 periods. The incidence of serotypes 8, 9N, 10A, 23B, 24F and serogroup 33 increased significantly in the 2013-2015 period. Serotypes 15B and 24F accounted for 24% of non-PCV13 cases in children under 5years, serotypes 8 and 9N for 51% in the population aged 5 to 59years and serotypes 8 and 22F for 25% in the population aged over 59years. The incidence of serotypes not included in conjugate vaccines has increased, especially in children under 5years, but the total incidence of IPD has decreased. It is important to continue with the epidemiological and microbiological surveillance programmes to assess the effect of vaccination on the incidence of IPD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Obesity prevalence in Mexico: impact on health and economic burden.

PubMed

Rtveladze, Ketevan; Marsh, Tim; Barquera, Simon; Sanchez Romero, Luz Maria; Levy, David; Melendez, Guillermo; Webber, Laura; Kilpi, Fanny; McPherson, Klim; Brown, Martin

2014-01-01

Along with other countries having high and low-to-middle income, Mexico has experienced a substantial change in obesity rates. This rapid growth in obesity prevalence has led to high rates of obesity-related diseases and associated health-care costs. Micro-simulation is used to project future BMI trends. Additionally thirteen BMI-related diseases and health-care costs are estimated. The results are simulated for three hypothetical scenarios: no BMI reduction and BMI reductions of 1 % and 5 % across the population. Mexican Health and Nutrition Surveys 1999 and 2000, and Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006. Mexican adults. In 2010, 32 % of men and 26 % of women were normal weight. By 2050, the proportion of normal weight will decrease to 12 % and 9 % for males and females respectively, and more people will be obese than overweight. It is projected that by 2050 there will be 12 million cumulative incidence cases of diabetes and 8 million cumulative incidence cases of heart disease alone. For the thirteen diseases considered, costs of $US 806 million are estimated for 2010, projected to increase to $US 1·2 billion and $US 1·7 billion in 2030 and 2050 respectively. A 1 % reduction in BMI prevalence could save $US 43 million in health-care costs in 2030 and $US 85 million in 2050. Obesity rates are leading to a large health and economic burden. The projected numbers are high and Mexico should implement strong action to tackle obesity. Results presented here will be very helpful in planning and implementing policy interventions.

A 20-Year Prospective Study of Childbearing and Incidence of Diabetes in Young Women, Controlling for Glycemia Before Conception

PubMed Central

Gunderson, Erica P.; Lewis, Cora E.; Tsai, Ai-Lin; Chiang, Vicky; Carnethon, Mercedes; Quesenberry, Charles P.; Sidney, Stephen

2010-01-01

OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether childbearing increases incidence of type 2 diabetes after accounting for preconception glycemia and gestational glucose intolerance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A prospective, biracial cohort was examined up to five times during 1985–2006 in the multicenter, U.S. population–based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. The analysis included 2,408 women (1,226 black and 1,182 white) aged 18–30 years who were free of diabetes and had a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <126 mg/dl at baseline. Incident diabetes was diagnosed by self-report, diabetes medication use, FPG ≥126 mg/dl, and/or plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dl after a 2-h oral glucose load. Time-dependent interim birth groups were those with zero and those with one or more births with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), stratified by baseline parity. Complementary log-log models estimated relative hazards of incident diabetes by interim births adjusted for age, race, family history of diabetes, and baseline covariates (FPG, BMI, education, smoking, and physical activity). RESULTS Of 193 incident diabetes cases in 42,782 person-years (4.5 cases/1,000 person-years), 84 (44%) had one or more interim births. Among nulliparas at baseline, incident rates per 1,000 person-years were 3.2 (95% CI 2.4–4.1) for those with no births, 2.9 (1.8 –3.9) for one or more births without GDM, and 18.4 (10.9 –25.9) for one or more births with GDM; adjusted relative hazards (95% CI) were 0.9 (0.6 –1.4) for one or more births without GDM and 3.8 (2.2– 6.6) for one or more births with GDM versus no births. CONCLUSIONS Childbearing did not elevate diabetes incidence among those with normal glucose tolerance during pregnancy (without GDM). GDM conferred the highest risk of developing diabetes independent of family history of diabetes and preconception glycemia and obesity. PMID:17898128

Projection of the year 2050 burden of diabetes in the US adult population: dynamic modeling of incidence, mortality, and prediabetes prevalence

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background People with diabetes can suffer from diverse complications that seriously erode quality of life. Diabetes, costing the United States more than $174 billion per year in 2007, is expected to take an increasingly large financial toll in subsequent years. Accurate projections of diabetes burden are essential to policymakers planning for future health care needs and costs. Methods Using data on prediabetes and diabetes prevalence in the United States, forecasted incidence, and current US Census projections of mortality and migration, the authors constructed a series of dynamic models employing systems of difference equations to project the future burden of diabetes among US adults. A three-state model partitions the US population into no diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, and diagnosed diabetes. A four-state model divides the state of "no diabetes" into high-risk (prediabetes) and low-risk (normal glucose) states. A five-state model incorporates an intervention designed to prevent or delay diabetes in adults at high risk. Results The authors project that annual diagnosed diabetes incidence (new cases) will increase from about 8 cases per 1,000 in 2008 to about 15 in 2050. Assuming low incidence and relatively high diabetes mortality, total diabetes prevalence (diagnosed and undiagnosed cases) is projected to increase from 14% in 2010 to 21% of the US adult population by 2050. However, if recent increases in diabetes incidence continue and diabetes mortality is relatively low, prevalence will increase to 33% by 2050. A middle-ground scenario projects a prevalence of 25% to 28% by 2050. Intervention can reduce, but not eliminate, increases in diabetes prevalence. Conclusions These projected increases are largely attributable to the aging of the US population, increasing numbers of members of higher-risk minority groups in the population, and people with diabetes living longer. Effective strategies will need to be undertaken to moderate the impact of these factors on national diabetes burden. Our analysis suggests that widespread implementation of reasonably effective preventive interventions focused on high-risk subgroups of the population can considerably reduce, but not eliminate, future increases in diabetes prevalence. PMID:20969750

A retinopathy on Guam with high prevalence in Lytico-Bodig.

PubMed

Cox, T A; McDarby, J V; Lavine, L; Steele, J C; Calne, D B

1989-12-01

A pigmentary retinopathy resembling that sometimes seen in posterior ophthalmomyiasis interna was found in 26 (53.1%) of 49 Chamorro patients from Guam who have Lytico-Bodig (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism-dementia complex of Guam). In nine cases, the retinopathy was bilateral. Similar changes were found in 6 (16.2%) of 37 clinically normal individuals from southern villages on Guam that have a high incidence of Lytico-Bodig, and in 1 (3.1%) of 32 individuals from Saipan, an island north of Guam that has a low incidence of the disease. These results indicate the possibility of an association-between Lytico-Bodig and a retinopathy on Guam that may be parasitic in origin. Occurrence of a similar association in other debilitating diseases on Guam and frequency of occurrence of retinopathy in Guamanians with Lytico-Bodig after leaving Guam have yet to be determined.

Results from a retrospective analysis of colonoscopies for Inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer in a Lebanese tertiary care centre.

PubMed

Saber, Toufic; Bedran, Khalil; Ghandour, Fatima; El Khoury, Mansour; Bou Khalil, Roula; Farhat, Said

2017-01-01

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and colorectal cancer have an increased impact on the Lebanese population's morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the situation of IBD and colorectal cancer at a tertiary hospital centre in Lebanon. 1007 patients underwent colonoscopy over a period of 12 months by qualified physicians. 91 patients were excluded from the study. Biopsy results were divided into normal versus abnormal colonic tissue. The abnormal section was further subdivided into number of polyps, IBD, dysplasia and cancer. Out of 916 individuals included, 61 cases of Crohn's colitis (CC) (6.7%) and 24 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) (2.7%) were identified. A total of 92 cases of colorectal cancer (10.04%) were also identified. There was a slight male predominance in both groups of IBD without any statistical significance. One statistical significance was reported in favour to age<50 years in both IBD groups with a mean age of 37.9±9.7 years and 34.4±6.4 years for CC and UC, respectively. The incidence of granuloma in the CC group was 8.9% without any correlation compared with age or gender. No correlation was made between colorectal cancer and the existence of any IBD type. The data showed that age >50 years and male gender significantly correlate with an increased incidence of precancerous and cancerous polyps in the colon. They significantly correlate with adenocarcinoma. The estimated incidence of colorectal cancer, CC and UC was 54.1, 35.8 and 14.1 per 100 000, respectively, with a denominator of 169 959 patients per year. Within the limitations of this study, the incidence of colorectal cancer and IBD falls in the high range compared with similar European and American studies. Our data are biased because of the tertiary centre setting but they can be considered as base for further investigations.

Aspirin and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Relation to the Expression of 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (15-PGDH, HPGD)

PubMed Central

Fink, Stephen P.; Yamauchi, Mai; Nishihara, Reiko; Jung, Seungyoun; Kuchiba, Aya; Wu, Kana; Cho, Eunyoung; Giovannucci, Edward; Fuchs, Charles S.; Ogino, Shuji; Markowitz, Sanford D.; Chan, Andrew T.

2014-01-01

Aspirin use reduces the risk of colorectal neoplasia, at least in part, through inhibition of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2, cyclooxygenase 2)-related pathways. Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase 15-(NAD) (15-PGDH, HPGD) is downregulated in colorectal cancers and functions as a metabolic antagonist of PTGS2. We hypothesized that the effect of aspirin may be antagonized by low 15-PGDH expression in the normal colon. In the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we collected data on aspirin use and other risk factors every two years and followed up participants for diagnoses of colorectal cancer. Duplication-method Cox proportional, multivariable-adjusted, cause-specific hazards regression for competing risks data was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) for incident colorectal cancer according to 15-PGDH mRNA expression level measured in normal mucosa from colorectal cancer resections. Among 127,865 participants, we documented 270 colorectal cancer cases that developed during 3,166,880 person-years of follow-up and from which we could assess 15-PGDH expression. Compared with nonuse, regular aspirin use was associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer that developed within a background of colonic mucosa with high 15-PGDH expression (multivariable HR=0.49; 95% CI, 0.34–0.71), but not with low 15-PGDH expression (multivariable HR=0.90; 95% CI, 0.63–1.27) (P for heterogeneity=0.018). Regular aspirin use was associated with lower incidence of colorectal cancers arising in association with high 15-PGDH expression, but not with low 15-PGDH expression in normal colon mucosa. This suggests that 15-PGDH expression level in normal colon mucosa may serve as a biomarker which may predict stronger benefit from aspirin chemoprevention. PMID:24760190

Neonatal screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

PubMed

Pao, Mritunjay; Kulkarni, Anjali; Gupta, Vidya; Kaul, Sushma; Balan, Saroja

2005-10-01

This study was carried out to detect the incidence of erythrocytic Glucose-6 -Phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, to compare the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in G-6-PD deficient neonates as compared to G-6-PD normal neonates and to asses the usefulness of neonatal screening for G-6-PD deficiency. In a retrospective hospital based study 2,479 male and female neonates consecutively born at Indraprastha Apollo hospital between July 1998 to June 2003 who were screened for G-6-PD levels were evaluated for the incidence of G-6-PD deficiency. Incidence of G-6-PD deficiency was found to be 2.0%. Incidence in males was 283% and female was 1.05%. The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia was found to be 32% in G-6-PD deficient neonates which was significantly higher than the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates with normal G-6-PD, which was 12.3% (P< 0.001). Our data suggests that neonatal screening for G-6-PD deficiency is a useful test for preventing and early treatment of complications associated with it.

Introduction of a prehospital critical incident monitoring system--pilot project results.

PubMed

Stella, Julian; Davis, Anna; Jennings, Paul; Bartley, Bruce

2008-01-01

Hospital medical incident monitoring improves preventable morbidity and mortality rates. Error management systems have been adopted widely in this setting. Data relating to incident monitoring in the prehospital setting is limited. Implementation of an incident monitoring process in a prehospital setting. This is a prospective, descriptive study of the pilot phase of the implementation of an incident monitoring process in a regional prehospital setting, with a focus on trauma care. Paramedics and emergency department staff submitted anonymous incident reports, and a chart review was performed on patients who met major trauma criteria. Selected trauma cases were analyzed by a structured interview/debriefing process to elucidate undocumented incidents. A project committee coded and logged all incidents and developed recommendations. Of 4,429 ambulance responses, 41 cases were analyzed. Twenty-four (58.5%; 95% CI = 49.7-67.4%) were reported anonymously, and the rest were major trauma patients. A total of 77 incidents were identified (mean per case = 1.8; CI = 1.03-2.57). Anonymous cases revealed 26 incidents (mean = 1.1; CI = 0.98-1.22); eight trauma debriefings revealed 38 incidents (mean = 4.8; CI = 0.91-8.69) and nine trauma chart reviews revealed 13 incidents (mean = 1.6; CI = 1.04-2.16). A total of 56 of 77 (72.7%; CI = 65.5-80.0%) incidents related to system inadequacies, and 15 (57.7%; CI = 46.7-68.6%) anonymously reported incidents related to resource problems. A total of 35 of 77 (45.5%; CI = 40.4-50.5%) incidents had minimal or no impact on the patients' outcomes. Thirty-four of 77 (44.2%; CI = 39.3-49.1%) incidents were considered mitigated by circumstance. Incident monitoring led to generalized feedback in most cases (65 of 77; 84.4%; CI = 77.6-91.3%); in three cases (3.9%; CI = 3.7-4.1%), specific education occurred; two cases were reported to an external body (2.6%; CI = 2.5-2.7%); three cases resulted in remedial action (3.9%; CI = 3.7-4.1%); four for trend/further observation and analysis responses (5.2%; CI = 4.9-5.5%). The pilot project demonstrates successful implementation of an incident monitoring system within a regional, prehospital environment. The combination of incident detecting techniques has a high yield with potential to capture different error types. The large proportion of incidents in the "near miss" category allows analysis of incidents without patient harm. The majority of incidents were system related and many were mitigated by circumstance. The model used is appropriate for ongoing incident monitoring in this setting.

Effectiveness of cervical screening after age 60 years according to screening history: Nationwide cohort study in Sweden.

PubMed

Wang, Jiangrong; Andrae, Bengt; Sundström, Karin; Ploner, Alexander; Ström, Peter; Elfström, K Miriam; Dillner, Joakim; Sparén, Pär

2017-10-01

The relatively high incidence of cervical cancer in women at older ages is a continuing concern in countries with long-established cervical screening. Controversy remains on when and how to cease screening. Existing population-based studies on the effectiveness of cervical screening at older ages have not considered women's screening history. We performed a nationwide cohort study to investigate the incidence of cervical cancer after age 60 years and its association with cervical screening at age 61-65, stratified by screening history at age 51-60. Using the Total Population Register, we identified 569,132 women born between 1 January 1919 and 31 December 1945, resident in Sweden since age 51. Women's cytological screening records, cervical cancer occurrence, and FIGO stage (for those diagnosed with cancer) were retrieved from national registers and medical charts. We calculated the cumulative incidence of cervical cancer from age 61 to age 80 using a survival function considering competing risk, and estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of cervical cancer in relation to screening status at age 61-65 from Cox models, adjusted for birth cohort and level of education, conditioning on women's screening history in their 50s. In women unscreened in their 50s, the cumulative incidence up to age 80 was 5.0 per 1,000 women, and screening at age 61-65 was associated with a lower risk for cervical cancer (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.24-0.72), corresponding to a decrease of 3.3 cancer cases per 1,000 women. A higher cumulative incidence and similarly statistically significant risk decrease was seen for women with abnormal smears in their 50s. In women adequately or inadequately screened with only normal results between age 51 and age 60, the cumulative incidence of cervical cancer from age 61 to 80 was 1.6 and 2.5 per 1,000 women, respectively, and further screening at age 61-65 was not associated with statistically significant decreases of cervical cancer risk up to age 80, but with fewer cancer cases of advanced stages at age 61-65. Adjustment for potential lifestyle confounders was limited. In this study, cervical screening with cytology at age 61-65 was associated with a statistically significant reduction of subsequent cervical cancer risk for women who were unscreened, or screened with abnormalities, in their 50s. In women screened with normal results in their 50s, the risk for future cancer was not sizeable, and the risk reduction associated with continued screening appeared limited. These findings should inform the current debate regarding age and criteria to discontinue cervical screening.

Four spot laser anemometer and optical access techniques for turbine applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wernet, Mark P.

A time-of-flight anemometer (TOFA) system utilizing a spatial lead-lag filter for bipolar pulse generation has been constructed and tested. This system, called a four-spot laser anemometer, was specifically designed for use in high-speed, turbulent flows in the presence of walls or surfaces. The TOFA system uses elliptical spots to increase the flow acceptance angle to be comparable with that of a fringe-type anemometer. The tightly focused spots used in the four spot yield excellent flare light rejection capabilities. Good results have been obtained to 75 microns normal to a surface, with an f/2.5 collection lens. This system is being evaluated for use in a warm turbine facility. Results from both a particle-lag velocity experiment and boundary layer profiles will be discussed. In addition, an analysis of the use of curved windows in a turbine casing will be presented. Curved windows, matching the inner radius of the turbine casing, preserve the flow conditions, but introduce astigmatic aberrations. A correction optic was designed that virtually eliminates these astigmatic aberrations throughout the intrablade survey region for normal incidence.

Four spot laser anemometer and optical access techniques for turbine applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wernet, Mark P.

A time-of-flight anemometer (TOFA) system, utilizing a spatial lead-lag filter for bipolar pulse generation was constructed and tested. This system, called a Four Spot Laser Anemometer, was specifically designed for use in high speed, turbulent flows in the presence of walls or surfaces. The TOFA system uses elliptical spots to increase the flow acceptance angle to be comparable with that of a fringe type anemometer. The tightly focused spots used in the Four Spot yield excellent flare light rejection capabilities. Good results were obtained to 75 microns normal to a surface, with a f/2.5 collecting lens. This system is being evaluated for use in a warm turbine facility. Results from both a particle lag velocity experiment and boundary layer profiles will be discussed. In addition, an analysis of the use of curved windows in a turbine casing will be presented. Curved windows, matching the inner radius of the turbine casing, preserve the flow conditions, but introduce astigmatic aberrations. A correction optic was designed that virtually eliminates these astigmatic aberrations throughout the intrablade survey region for normal incidence.

Four spot laser anemometer and optical access techniques for turbine applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wernet, Mark P.

1987-01-01

A time-of-flight anemometer (TOFA) system utilizing a spatial lead-lag filter for bipolar pulse generation has been constructed and tested. This system, called a four-spot laser anemometer, was specifically designed for use in high-speed, turbulent flows in the presence of walls or surfaces. The TOFA system uses elliptical spots to increase the flow acceptance angle to be comparable with that of a fringe-type anemometer. The tightly focused spots used in the four spot yield excellent flare light rejection capabilities. Good results have been obtained to 75 microns normal to a surface, with an f/2.5 collection lens. This system is being evaluated for use in a warm turbine facility. Results from both a particle-lag velocity experiment and boundary layer profiles will be discussed. In addition, an analysis of the use of curved windows in a turbine casing will be presented. Curved windows, matching the inner radius of the turbine casing, preserve the flow conditions, but introduce astigmatic aberrations. A correction optic was designed that virtually eliminates these astigmatic aberrations throughout the intrablade survey region for normal incidence.

Four spot laser anemometer and optical access techniques for turbine applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wernet, Mark P.

1987-01-01

A time-of-flight anemometer (TOFA) system, utilizing a spatial lead-lag filter for bipolar pulse generation was constructed and tested. This system, called a Four Spot Laser Anemometer, was specifically designed for use in high speed, turbulent flows in the presence of walls or surfaces. The TOFA system uses elliptical spots to increase the flow acceptance angle to be comparable with that of a fringe type anemometer. The tightly focused spots used in the Four Spot yield excellent flare light rejection capabilities. Good results were obtained to 75 microns normal to a surface, with a f/2.5 collecting lens. This system is being evaluated for use in a warm turbine facility. Results from both a particle lag velocity experiment and boundary layer profiles will be discussed. In addition, an analysis of the use of curved windows in a turbine casing will be presented. Curved windows, matching the inner radius of the turbine casing, preserve the flow conditions, but introduce astigmatic aberrations. A correction optic was designed that virtually eliminates these astigmatic aberrations throughout the intrablade survey region for normal incidence.

Individual vision and peak distribution in collective actions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Peng

2017-06-01

People make decisions on whether they should participate as participants or not as free riders in collective actions with heterogeneous visions. Besides of the utility heterogeneity and cost heterogeneity, this work includes and investigates the effect of vision heterogeneity by constructing a decision model, i.e. the revised peak model of participants. In this model, potential participants make decisions under the joint influence of utility, cost, and vision heterogeneities. The outcomes of simulations indicate that vision heterogeneity reduces the values of peaks, and the relative variance of peaks is stable. Under normal distributions of vision heterogeneity and other factors, the peaks of participants are normally distributed as well. Therefore, it is necessary to predict distribution traits of peaks based on distribution traits of related factors such as vision heterogeneity and so on. We predict the distribution of peaks with parameters of both mean and standard deviation, which provides the confident intervals and robust predictions of peaks. Besides, we validate the peak model of via the Yuyuan Incident, a real case in China (2014), and the model works well in explaining the dynamics and predicting the peak of real case.

[Scarlet fever in Poland in 2007].

PubMed

Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara

2009-01-01

The 2007 was another year when the scarlet fever incidence in Poland increased. In total there were 10,740 cases registered and the incidence was 28.2 per 100,000 population ranging from 11.4 in zachodniopomorskie voivodeship to 54.1 in lubelskie voivodeship. Cases among children and adolescents of less then 15 years of age accounted for 92.1% of all cases. The incidence peaked among 5 years old children (433.4). Incidence in men (32.7) markedly exceeded the incidence in women (24.0) and incidence in urban areas (31.3) that in rural areas (23.2). Approximately 1.6% of all cases were hospitalized and there were no deaths due to scarlet fever in Poland in 2007.

[Scarlet fever in Poland in 2008].

PubMed

Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara

2010-01-01

The 2008 was another year when the scarlet fever incidence in Poland increased. In total there were 11,179 cases registered and the incidence was 29,3 per 100,000 population ranging from 11.5 in podkarpackie voievodeship to 53.0 in opolskie voievodeship. Cases among children and adolescents of less then 15 years of age accounted for 93.1% of all cases. The incidence peaked among 5 years old children (435.9). Incidence in men (33.9) markedly exceeded the incidence in women (25.1) and incidence in urban areas (32.5) that in rural areas (24.4). Approximately 1.7% of all cases were hospitalized and there were no deaths due to scarlet fever in Poland in 2008.

Design of a normal incidence multilayer imaging x-ray microscope.

PubMed

Shealy, D L; Gabardi, D R; Hoover, R B; Walker, A B; Lindblom, J F; Barbee, T W

1989-01-01

Normal incidence multilayer Cassegrain x-ray telescopes were flown on the Stanford/MSFC Rocket X-Ray Spectroheliograph. These instruments produced high spatial resolution images of the Sun and conclusively demonstrated that doubly reflecting multilayer x-ray optical systems are feasible. The images indicated that aplanatic imaging soft x-ray /EUV microscopes should be achievable using multilayer optics technology. We have designed a doubly reflecting normal incidence multilayer imaging x-ray microscope based on the Schwarzschild configuration. The Schwarzschild microscope utilizes two spherical mirrors with concentric radii of curvature which are chosen such that the third-order spherical aberration and coma are minimized. We discuss the design of the microscope and the results of the optical system ray trace analysis which indicates that diffraction-limited performance with 600 Å spatial resolution should be obtainable over a 1 mm field of view at a wavelength of 100 Å. Fabrication of several imaging soft x-ray microscopes based upon these designs, for use in conjunction with x-ray telescopes and laser fusion research, is now in progress. High resolution aplanatic imaging x-ray microscopes using normal incidence multilayer x-ray mirrors should have many important applications in advanced x-ray astronomical instrumentation, x-ray lithography, biological, biomedical, metallurgical, and laser fusion research.

Major Incident Hospital: Development of a Permanent Facility for Management of Incident Casualties.

PubMed

Marres, Geertruid; Bemelman, Michael; van der Eijk, John; Leenen, Luke

2009-06-01

Preparation is essential to cope with the challenge of providing optimal care when there is a sudden, unexpected surge of casualties due to a disaster or major incident. By definition, the requirements of such cases exceed the standard care facilities of hospitals in qualitative or quantitative respects and interfere with the care of regular patients. To meet the growing demands to be prepared for disasters, a permanent facility to provide structured, prepared relief in such situations was developed. A permanent but reserved Major Incident Hospital (MIH) has been developed through cooperation between a large academic medical institution, a trauma center, a military hospital, and the National Poison Information Centre (NVIC). The infrastructure, organization, support systems, training and systematic working methods of the MIH are designed to create order in a chaotic, unexpected situation and to optimize care and logistics in any possible scenario. Focus points are: patient flow and triage, registration, communication, evaluation and training. Research and the literature are used to identify characteristic pitfalls due to the chaos associated with and the unexpected nature of disasters, and to adapt our organization. At the MIH, the exceptional has become the core business, and preparation for disaster and large-scale emergency care is a daily occupation. An Emergency Response Protocol enables admittance to the normally dormant hospital of up to 100 (in exceptional cases even 300) patients after a start-up time of only 15 min. The Patient Barcode Registration System (PBR) with EAN codes guarantees quick and adequate registration of patient data in order to facilitate good medical coordination and follow-up during a major incident. The fact that the hospital is strictly reserved for this type of care guarantees availability and minimizes impact on normal care. When it is not being used during a major incident, there is time to address training and research. Collaboration with the NVIC and infrastructural adjustments enable us to not only care for patients with physical trauma, but also to provide centralized care of patients under quarantine conditions for, say, MRSA, SARS, smallpox, chemical or biological hazards. Triage plays an important role in medical disaster management and is therefore key to organization and infrastructure. Caps facilitate role distribution and recognizibility. The PBR resulted in more accurate registration and real-time availability of patient and group information. Infrastructure and a plan is not enough; training, research and evaluation are necessary to continuously work on disaster preparedness. The MIH in Utrecht (Netherlands) is a globally unique facility that can provide immediate emergency care for multiple casualties under exceptional circumstances. Resulting from the cooperation between a large academic medical institution, a trauma center, a military hospital and the NVIC, the MIH offers not only a good and complete infrastructure but also the expertise required to provide large-scale emergency care during disasters and major incidents.

Association between Climatic Variables and Malaria Incidence: A Study in Kokrajhar District of Assam, India

PubMed Central

Nath, Dilip C.; Mwchahary, Dimacha Dwibrang

2013-01-01

A favorable climatic condition for transmission of malaria prevails in Kokrajhar district throughout the year. A sizeable part of the district is covered by forest due to which dissimilar dynamics of malaria transmission emerge in forest and non-forest areas. Observed malaria incidence rates of forest area, non-forest area and the whole district over the period 2001-2010 were considered for analyzing temporal correlation between malaria incidence and climatic variables. Associations between the two were examined by Pearson correlation analysis. Cross-correlation tests were performed between pre-whitened series of climatic variable and malaria series. Linear regressions were used to obtain linear relationships between climatic factors and malaria incidence, while weighted least squares regression was used to construct models for explaining and estimating malaria incidence rates. Annual concentration of malaria incidence was analyzed by Markham technique by obtaining seasonal index. Forest area and non-forest area have distinguishable malaria seasons. Relative humidity was positively correlated with z malaria incidence, while temperature series were negatively correlated with non-forest malaria incidence. There was higher seasonality of concentration of malaria in the forest area than non-forest area. Significant correlation between annual changes in malaria cases in forest area and temperature was observed (coeff=0.689, p=0.040). Separate reliable models constructed for forecasting malaria incidence rates based on the combined influence of climatic variables on malaria incidence in different areas of the district were able to explain substantial percentage of observed variability in the incidence rates (R2adj=45.4%, 50.6%, 47.2%; p< .001 for all). There is an intricate association between climatic variables and malaria incidence of the district. Climatic variables influence malaria incidence in forest area and non-forest area in different ways. Rainfall plays a primary role in characterizing malaria incidences in the district. Malaria parasites in the district had adapted to a relative humidity condition higher than the normal range for transmission in India. Instead of individual influence of the climatic variables, their combined influence was utilizable for construction of models. PMID:23283041

Association between climatic variables and malaria incidence: a study in Kokrajhar district of Assam, India.

PubMed

Nath, Dilip C; Mwchahary, Dimacha Dwibrang

2012-11-11

A favorable climatic condition for transmission of malaria prevails in Kokrajhar district throughout the year. A sizeable part of the district is covered by forest due to which dissimilar dynamics of malaria transmission emerge in forest and non-forest areas. Observed malaria incidence rates of forest area, non-forest area and the whole district over the period 2001-2010 were considered for analyzing temporal correlation between malaria incidence and climatic variables. Associations between the two were examined by Pearson correlation analysis. Cross-correlation tests were performed between pre-whitened series of climatic variable and malaria series. Linear regressions were used to obtain linear relationships between climatic factors and malaria incidence, while weighted least squares regression was used to construct models for explaining and estimating malaria incidence rates. Annual concentration of malaria incidence was analyzed by Markham technique by obtaining seasonal index. Forest area and non-forest area have distinguishable malaria seasons. Relative humidity was positively correlated with forest malaria incidence, while temperature series were negatively correlated with non-forest malaria incidence. There was higher seasonality of concentration of malaria in the forest area than non-forest area. Significant correlation between annual changes in malaria cases in forest area and temperature was observed (coeff=0.689, p=0.040). Separate reliable models constructed for forecasting malaria incidence rates based on the combined influence of climatic variables on malaria incidence in different areas of the district were able to explain substantial percentage of observed variability in the incidence rates (R2adj=45.4%, 50.6%, 47.2%; p< .001 for all). There is an intricate association between climatic variables and malaria incidence of the district. Climatic variables influence malaria incidence in forest area and non-forest area in different ways. Rainfall plays a primary role in characterizing malaria incidences in the district. Malaria parasites in the district had adapted to a relative humidity condition higher than the normal range for transmission in India. Instead of individual influence of the climatic variables, their combined influence was utilizable for construction of models.

Characterization of Delaminations and Transverse Matrix Cracks in Composite Laminates Using Multiple-Angle Ultrasonic Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Patrick H.; Appleget, Chelsea D.; Odarczenko, Michael T.

2012-01-01

Delaminations and transverse matrix cracks often appear concurrently in composite laminates. Normal-incidence ultrasound is excellent at detecting delaminations, but is not optimum for matrix cracks. Non-normal incidence, or polar backscattering, has been shown to optimally detect matrix cracks oriented perpendicular to the ultrasonic plane of incidence. In this work, a series of six composite laminates containing slots were loaded in tension to achieve various levels of delamination and ply cracking. Ultrasonic backscattering was measured over a range of incident polar and azimuthal angles, in order to characterize the relative degree of damage of the two types. Sweptpolar- angle measurements were taken with a curved phased array, as a step toward an array-based approach to simultaneous measurement of combined flaws.

Cancer incidence following infectious mononucleosis.

PubMed

Carter, C D; Brown, T M; Herbert, J T; Heath, C W

1977-01-01

By means of a mailed questionnaire, the investigators examined the incidence of cancer among 2282 former college students in whom heterophile-positive infectious mononucleosis (IM) was diagnosed between 1949 and 1969 at five U.S. universities. Cancer incidence among these IM cases was compared both with national incidence rates and with an age and sex-matched group of 2779 non-IM students. No significant increase in cancer incidence was found. Three cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD) had occurred in the IM group (1.3 cases expected) and one case in the control group. All three post-IM cases of HD were in males. Intervals between diagnoses of IM and HD were three, four, and seven years, respectively. Only two other cases of lymphoma or leukemia were observed, and both were in the control group.

Heat exhaustion in a deep underground metalliferous mine

PubMed Central

Donoghue, A; Sinclair, M.; Bates, G.

2000-01-01

OBJECTIVES—To examine the incidence, clinical state, personal risk factors, haematology, and biochemistry of heat exhaustion occurring at a deep underground metalliferous mine. To describe the underground thermal conditions associated with the occurrence of heat exhaustion.
METHODS—A 1 year prospective case series of acute heat exhaustion was undertaken. A history was obtained with a structured questionnaire. Pulse rate, blood pressure, tympanic temperature, and specific gravity of urine were measured before treatment. Venous blood was analysed for haematological and biochemical variables, during the acute presentation and after recovery. Body mass index (BMI) and maximum O2 consumption (V̇O2 max) were measured after recovery. Psychrometric wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature, and air velocity were measured at the underground sites where heat exhaustion had occurred. Air cooling power and psychrometric wet bulb globe temperature were derived from these data.
RESULTS—106 Cases were studied. The incidence of heat exhaustion during the year was 43.0 cases / million man-hours. In February it was 147 cases / million man-hours. The incidence rate ratio for mines operating below 1200 m compared with those operating above 1200 m was 3.17. Mean estimated fluid intake was 0.64 l/h (SD 0.29, range 0.08-1.50). The following data were increased in acute presentation compared with recovery (p value, % of acute cases above the normal clinical range): neutrophils (p<0.001, 36%), anion gap (p<0.001, 63%), urea (p<0.001, 21%), creatinine (p<0.001, 30%), glucose (p<0.001, 15%), serum osmolality (p=0.030, 71%), creatine kinase (p=0.002, 45%), aspartate transaminase (p<0.001, 14%), lactate dehydrogenase (p<0.001, 9.5%), and ferritin (p<0.001, 26%). The following data were depressed in acute presentation compared with recovery (p value, % of acute cases below the normal clinical range): eosinophils (p=0.003, 38%) and bicarbonate (p=0.011, 32%). Urea and creatinine were significantly increased in miners with heat cramps compared with miners without this symptom (p<0.001), but there was no significant difference in sodium concentration (p=0.384). Mean psychrometric wet bulb temperature was 29.0°C (SD 2.2, range 21.0-34.0). Mean dry bulb temperature was 37.4°C (SD 2.4, range 31.0-43.0). Mean air velocity was 0.54 m/s (SD 0.57, range 0.00-4.00). Mean air cooling power was 148 W/m2 (SD 49, range 33-290) Mean psychrometric wet bulb globe temperature was 31.5°C (SD 2.0, range 25.2-35.3). Few cases (<5%) occurred at psychrometric wet bulb temperature <25.0°C, dry bulb temperature <33.8°C, air velocity >1.56 m/s, air cooling power >248 W/m2, or psychrometric wet bulb globe temperature <28.5°C.
CONCLUSION—Heat exhaustion in underground miners is associated with dehydration, neutrophil leukocytosis, eosinopenia, metabolic acidosis, increased glucose and ferritin, and a mild rise in creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Heat cramps are associated with dehydration but not hyponatraemia. The incidence of heat exhaustion increases during summer and at depth. An increased fluid intake is required. Heat exhaustion would be unlikely to occur if ventilation and refrigeration achieved air cooling power >250 W/m2 at all underground work sites.


Keywords: heat; mining; ventilation PMID:10810098

Heat exhaustion in a deep underground metalliferous mine.

PubMed

Donoghue, A M; Sinclair, M J; Bates, G P

2000-03-01

To examine the incidence, clinical state, personal risk factors, haematology, and biochemistry of heat exhaustion occurring at a deep underground metalliferous mine. To describe the underground thermal conditions associated with the occurrence of heat exhaustion. A 1 year prospective case series of acute heat exhaustion was undertaken. A history was obtained with a structured questionnaire. Pulse rate, blood pressure, tympanic temperature, and specific gravity of urine were measured before treatment. Venous blood was analysed for haematological and biochemical variables, during the acute presentation and after recovery. Body mass index (BMI) and maximum O2 consumption (VO2 max) were measured after recovery. Psychrometric wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature, and air velocity were measured at the underground sites where heat exhaustion had occurred. Air cooling power and psychrometric wet bulb globe temperature were derived from these data. 106 Cases were studied. The incidence of heat exhaustion during the year was 43.0 cases/million man-hours. In February it was 147 cases/million man-hours. The incidence rate ratio for mines operating below 1200 m compared with those operating above 1200 m was 3.17. Mean estimated fluid intake was 0.64 l/h (SD 0.29, range 0.08-1.50). The following data were increased in acute presentation compared with recovery (p value, % of acute cases above the normal clinical range): neutrophils (p < 0.001, 36%), anion gap (p < 0.001, 63%), urea (p < 0.001, 21%), creatinine (p < 0.001, 30%), glucose (p < 0.001, 15%), serum osmolality (p = 0.030, 71%), creatine kinase (p = 0.002, 45%), aspartate transaminase (p < 0.001, 14%), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001, 9.5%), and ferritin (p < 0.001, 26%). The following data were depressed in acute presentation compared with recovery (p value, % of acute cases below the normal clinical range): eosinophils (p = 0.003, 38%) and bicarbonate (p = 0.011, 32%). Urea and creatinine were significantly increased in miners with heat cramps compared with miners without this symptom (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in sodium concentration (p = 0.384). Mean psychrometric wet bulb temperature was 29.0 degrees C (SD 2.2, range 21.0-34.0). Mean dry bulb temperature was 37.4 degrees C (SD 2.4, range 31.0-43.0). Mean air velocity was 0.54 m/s (SD 0.57, range 0.00-4.00). Mean air cooling power was 148 W/m2 (SD 49, range 33-290) Mean psychrometric wet bulb globe temperature was 31.5 degrees C (SD 2.0, range 25.2-35.3). Few cases (< 5%) occurred at psychrometric wet bulb temperature < 25.0 degrees C, dry bulb temperature < 33.8 degrees C, air velocity > 1.56 m/s, air cooling power > 248 W/m2, or psychrometric wet bulb globe temperature < 28.5 degrees C. Heat exhaustion in underground miners is associated with dehydration, neutrophil leukocytosis, eosinopenia, metabolic acidosis, increased glucose and ferritin, and a mild rise in creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Heat cramps are associated with dehydration but not hyponatraemia. The incidence of heat exhaustion increases during summer and at depth. An increased fluid intake is required. Heat exhaustion would be unlikely to occur if ventilation and refrigeration achieved air cooling power > 250 W/m2 at all underground work sites.

Evidence of disrupted high-risk human papillomavirus DNA in morphologically normal cervices of older women.

PubMed

Leonard, Sarah M; Pereira, Merlin; Roberts, Sally; Cuschieri, Kate; Nuovo, Gerard; Athavale, Ramanand; Young, Lawrence; Ganesan, Raji; Woodman, Ciarán B

2016-02-15

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) causes nearly 100% of cervical carcinoma. However, it remains unclear whether HPV can establish a latent infection, one which may be responsible for the second peak in incidence of cervical carcinoma seen in older women. Therefore, using Ventana in situ hybridisation (ISH), quantitative PCR assays and biomarkers of productive and transforming viral infection, we set out to provide the first robust estimate of the prevalence and characteristics of HPV genomes in FFPE tissue from the cervices of 99 women undergoing hysterectomy for reasons unrelated to epithelial abnormality. Our ISH assay detected HR-HPV in 42% of our study population. The majority of ISH positive samples also tested HPV16 positive using sensitive PCR based assays and were more likely to have a history of preceding cytological abnormality. Analysis of subsets of this population revealed HR-HPV to be transcriptionally inactive as there was no evidence of a productive or transforming infection. Critically, the E2 gene was always disrupted in those HPV16 positive cases which were assessed. These findings point to a reservoir of transcriptionally silent, disrupted HPV16 DNA in morphologically normal cervices, re-expression of which could explain the increase in incidence of cervical cancer observed in later life.

The fragmentation of 670A MeV neon-20 as a function of depth in water. I. Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schimmerling, W.; Miller, J.; Wong, M.; Rapkin, M.; Howard, J.; Spieler, H. G.; Jarret, B. V.

1989-01-01

We present the final analysis of an experiment to study the interaction of a beam of 670A MeV neon ions incident on a water column set to different thicknesses. The atomic number Z (and, in some cases, the isotopic mass A) of primary beam particles and of the products of nuclear interactions emerging from the water column close to the central axis of the beam was obtained for nuclei between Be (Z = 4) and Ne (Z = 10) using a time-of-flight telescope to measure the velocity and a set of silicon detectors to measure the energy loss of each particle. The fluence of particles of a given charge was obtained and normalized to the incident beam intensity. Corrections were made for accidental coincidences between multiple particles triggering the TOF telescope and for interactions in the detector. The background due to beam particles interacting in beam line elements upstream of the detector was calculated. Sources of experimental artifacts and background in particle identification experiments designed to characterize heavy ion beams for radiobiological research are summarized, and some of the difficulties inherent in this work are discussed. Complete tables of absolutely normalized fluence spectra as a function of LET are included for reference purposes.

Klein tunneling in Weyl semimetals under the influence of magnetic field.

PubMed

Yesilyurt, Can; Tan, Seng Ghee; Liang, Gengchiau; Jalil, Mansoor B A

2016-12-12

Klein tunneling refers to the absence of normal backscattering of electrons even under the case of high potential barriers. At the barrier interface, the perfect matching of electron and hole wavefunctions enables a unit transmission probability for normally incident electrons. It is theoretically and experimentally well understood in two-dimensional relativistic materials such as graphene. Here we investigate the Klein tunneling effect in Weyl semimetals under the influence of magnetic field induced by ferromagnetic stripes placed at barrier boundaries. Our results show that the resonance of Fermi wave vector at specific barrier lengths gives rise to perfect transmission rings, i.e., three-dimensional analogue of the so-called magic transmission angles in two-dimensional Dirac semimetals. Besides, the transmission profile can be shifted by application of magnetic field in the central region, a property which may be utilized in electro-optic applications. When the applied potential is close to the Fermi level, a particular incident vector can be selected by tuning the magnetic field, thus enabling highly selective transmission of electrons in the bulk of Weyl semimetals. Our analytical and numerical calculations obtained by considering Dirac electrons in three regions and using experimentally feasible parameters can pave the way for relativistic tunneling applications in Weyl semimetals.

The Skinny on Sexual Risk: The Effects of BMI on STI Incidence and Risk

PubMed Central

Arnold, Anna; Lewis, Jessica B.; Magriples, Urania; Ickovics, Jeannette R.

2011-01-01

Few studies examine the influence of body mass index (BMI) on sexual risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether BMI among 704 young mothers (ages 14–25) related to STI incidence and sexual risk. We examined the effect of BMI groups (normal weight, overweight, and obese) at 6 months postpartum on STI incidence and risky sex (e.g., unprotected sex, multiple partners, risky and casual partner) at 12 months post-partum. At 6 months postpartum, 31% of participants were overweight and 40% were obese. Overweight women were more likely to have an STI (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.11–2.89, P < .05) and a risky partner (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.01–2.08, P < .05) at 12 months postpartum compared to normal weight women. However, obese women were less likely to have an STI than normal weight women (OR = .57, 95% CI = .34–.96, P < .01). BMI related to STI incidence and sexual risk behavior. Integrated approaches to weight loss and sexual risk prevention should be explored. PMID:20976536

Tuberculosis in Mexico and the USA, Comparison of Trends Over Time 1990-2010.

PubMed

Hernández-Garduño, Eduardo; Mendoza-Damián, Fabiola; Garduño-Alanís, Adriana; Ayón-Garibaldo, Salvador

2015-07-01

The aim was to compare tuberculosis trends in Mexico and United States and to evaluate Mexican diagnostic methods and contact investigation. Retrospective comparative study of tuberculosis cases and incidence rates between both countries (1990-2010). Diagnostic methods and contact investigations were also evaluated for Mexico. Estimates were obtained from official websites. In Mexico, no clear trend was found over time for cases. Pulmonary (PTB) and all forms of tuberculosis (AFTB) incidence decreased 2.0% annually. There was a negative correlation between the mean contacts examined per case and AFTB incidence (r(2)=-0.44, p=0.01) with a 33% reduction in AFTB incidence. In United States, PTB and AFTB cases have been decreasing 6.0% and 5.6% annually, respectively. The incidence decreased 7.3% and 6.8%, respectively. The incidence of tuberculosis in Mexico is decreasing slightly over time at 2% annually. In the United States, cases and incidence rates have been decreasing at a higher rate (5% to 7% annually). The inverse association between number of contacts examined per state and incidence rates in Mexico underscore the importance of reinforcing and improving contact investigations with the likely translation of a decrease of TB incidence at a higher rate.

Gratings and Random Reflectors for Near-Infrared PIN Diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunapala, Sarath; Bandara, Sumith; Liu, John; Ting, David

2007-01-01

Crossed diffraction gratings and random reflectors have been proposed as means to increase the quantum efficiencies of InGaAs/InP positive/intrinsic/ negative (PIN) diodes designed to operate as near-infrared photodetectors. The proposal is meant especially to apply to focal-plane imaging arrays of such photodetectors to be used for near-infrared imaging. A further increase in quantum efficiency near the short-wavelength limit of the near-infrared spectrum of such a photodetector array could be effected by removing the InP substrate of the array. The use of crossed diffraction gratings and random reflectors as optical devices for increasing the quantum efficiencies of quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) was discussed in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles. While the optical effects of crossed gratings and random reflectors as applied to PIN photodiodes would be similar to those of crossed gratings and random reflectors as applied to QWIPs, the physical mechanisms by which these optical effects would enhance efficiency differ between the PIN-photodiode and QWIP cases: In a QWIP, the multiple-quantum-well layers are typically oriented parallel to the focal plane and therefore perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the direction of incidence of infrared light. By virtue of the applicable quantum selection rules, light polarized parallel to the focal plane (as normally incident light is) cannot excite charge carriers and, hence, cannot be detected. A pair of crossed gratings or a random reflector scatters normally or nearly normally incident light so that a significant portion of it attains a component of polarization normal to the focal plane and, hence, can excite charge carriers. A pair of crossed gratings or a random reflector on a PIN photodiode would also scatter light into directions away from the perpendicular to the focal plane. However, in this case, the reason for redirecting light away from the perpendicular is to increase the length of the optical path through the detector to increase the probability of absorption of photons and thereby increase the resulting excitation of charge carriers. A pair of crossed gratings or a random reflector according to the proposal would be fabricated as an integral part of photodetector structure on the face opposite the focal plane (see figure). In the presence of crossed gratings, light would make four passes through the device before departing. In the presence of a random reflector, a significant portion of the light would make more than four passes: After each bounce, light would be scattered at a different random angle, and would have a chance to escape only when it was reflected, relative to the normal, at an angle less than the critical angle for total internal reflection. Given the indices of refraction of the photodiode materials, this angle would be about 17 . This amounts to a very narrow cone for escape of trapped light.

Drug-eluting stent thrombosis: results from the multicenter Spanish registry ESTROFA (Estudio ESpañol sobre TROmbosis de stents FArmacoactivos).

PubMed

de la Torre-Hernández, José M; Alfonso, Fernando; Hernández, Felipe; Elizaga, Jaime; Sanmartin, Marcelo; Pinar, Eduardo; Lozano, Iñigo; Vazquez, Jose M; Botas, Javier; Perez de Prado, Armando; Hernández, Jose M; Sanchis, Juan; Nodar, Juan M Ruiz; Gomez-Jaume, Alfredo; Larman, Mariano; Diarte, Jose A; Rodríguez-Collado, Javier; Rumoroso, Jose R; Lopez-Minguez, Jose R; Mauri, Josepa

2008-03-11

This study sought to assess the incidence, predictors, and outcome of drug-eluting stent(DES) thrombosis in real-world clinical practice. The DES thromboses in randomized trials could not be comparable to those observed in clinical practice, frequently including off-label indications. We designed a large-scale, nonindustry-linked multicentered registry, with 20 centers in Spain. The participant centers provided follow-up data for their patients treated with DES, reporting a detailed standardized form in the event of any angiography-documented DES-associated thrombosis occurring. Of 23,500 patients treated with DES, definite stent thrombosis(ST) developed in 301: 24 acute, 125 subacute, and 152 late. Of the late, 62 occurred >1 year(very late ST). The cumulative incidence was 2% at 3 years. Antiplatelet treatment had been discontinued in 95 cases(31.6%). No differences in incidences were found among stent types. Independent predictors for subacute ST analyzed in a subgroup of 14,120 cases were diabetes, renal failure, acute coronary syndrome, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, stent length, and left anterior descending artery stenting, and for late ST were ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, stenting in left anterior descending artery, and stent length. Mortality at 1-year follow-up was 16% and ST recurrence 4.6%. Older age, left ventricular ejection fraction <45%, nonrestoration of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3, and additional stenting were independent predictors for mortality. The cumulative incidence of ST after DES implantation was 2% at 3 years. No differences were found among stent types. Patient profiles differed between early and late ST. Short-term prognosis is poor, especially when restoration of normal flow fails.

[The relationship of ECG and pregnancy outcome of older pregnant woman in late pregnancy].

PubMed

Zhao, Xiao-Qin; Wang, Chun-Guang; Song, Yu-Xia; Jiao, Hong

2014-01-01

To observe the changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) and pregnancy outcome of the late pregnancy women. Late pregnancy women were divided into two groups by age: over 35 group and under 35 group. The incidence of abnormal electrocardiogram was recorded when the patients were subjected to routine ECG examination. Then the pregnancy, delivery outcome and if there's low birth weight newborn were recorded later. The incidence of abnormal ECG in over 35 group was significantly higher than that in under 35 group (P < 0.05). And the incidence of ST segment changes, arrhythmia in the group of former was higher than that in the group of latter (P < 0.05). Among the different type of arrhythmia, the incidence of sinus bradycardia and ventricular premature beat in the group of former were higher than those in the group of latter (P < 0.05). But the incidence of sinus tachycardia in the former group was obviously lower than that in the latter group (P < 0.05). The incidence of pregnancy loss in over 35 with abnormal ECG group was significantly higher than that in under 35 with normal or abnormal ECG groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of premature birth in over 35 with abnormal ECG group was significantly higher than that in over 35 with normal ECG group (P < 0.05). The incidence of low body weight in over 35 with abnormal ECG group was significantly higher than that in under 35 with normal ECG group (P < 0.05). The late pregnancy women with the age of over 35 are more likely to have ECG abnormalities, such as arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia and so on. The older pregnant women with abnormal ECG easily suffer from pregnancy losing, premature birth and having a low birth weight baby.

The Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis Among Premature Infants

PubMed Central

Kelly, Matthew S.; Benjamin, Daniel K.; Smith, P. Brian

2015-01-01

Invasive candidiasis is a leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Improved recognition of modifiable risk factors and antifungal prophylaxis have contributed to the recent decline in the incidence of this infection among infants. Invasive candidiasis typically occurs in the first six weeks of life and presents with non-specific signs of sepsis. Definitive diagnosis relies on growth of Candida in blood culture or cultures from other normally sterile sites, but this may identify fewer than half of cases. Improved diagnostics are needed to guide initiation of antifungal therapy in premature infants. PMID:25677999

An application of the Braunbeck method to the Maggi-Rubinowicz field representation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meneghini, R.

1982-01-01

The Braunbek method is applied to the generalized vector potential associated with the Maggi-rubinowicz representation. Under certain approximations, an asymptotic evaluation of the vector potential is obtained. For observation points away from caustics or shadow boundaries, the field derived from this quantity is the same as that determined from the geometrical theory of diffraction on a singly diffracted edge ray. An evaluation of the field for the simple case of a plane wave normally incident on a circular aperture is presented showing that the field predicted by the Maggi-Rubinowicz theory is continuous across the shadow boundary.

An application of the Braunbeck method to the Maggi-Rubinowicz field representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meneghini, R.

1982-06-01

The Braunbek method is applied to the generalized vector potential associated with the Maggi-rubinowicz representation. Under certain approximations, an asymptotic evaluation of the vector potential is obtained. For observation points away from caustics or shadow boundaries, the field derived from this quantity is the same as that determined from the geometrical theory of diffraction on a singly diffracted edge ray. An evaluation of the field for the simple case of a plane wave normally incident on a circular aperture is presented showing that the field predicted by the Maggi-Rubinowicz theory is continuous across the shadow boundary.

Insect Thin Films as Sun Blocks, Not Solar Collectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koon, Daniel W.; Crawford, Andrew B.

2000-05-01

We measured the visible reflectance spectra of whole wing sections from three species of iridescent butterflies and moths, for normal incidence, integrated over all reflected angles. In this manner, we separated the optics of the thin films causing the iridescence from the optics of the rest of the scale. We found that iridescence reduces solar absorption by the wing in all cases, typically by approximately 20% or less, in contrast to claims by Miaoulis and Heilman Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 91, 122 (1998) that the thin-film structures that produce iridescence act as solar collectors.

Tunable delay time and Hartman effect in graphene magnetic barriers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ban, Yue; Wang, Lin-Jun; Chen, Xi, E-mail: xchen@shu.edu.cn

2015-04-28

Tunable group delay and Hartman effect have been investigated for massless Dirac electrons in graphene magnetic barriers. In the presence of magnetic field, dwell time is found to be equal to net group delay plus the group delay contributing from the lateral shifts. The group delay times are discussed in both cases of normal and oblique incidence, to clarify the nature of Hartman effect. In addition, the group delay in transmission can be modulated from subluminality to superluminality by adjusting the magnetic field, which may also lead to potential applications in graphene-based microelectronics.

Comparison of Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yields of Materials at Various Energy and Impact Angles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, Bruce A.; Waters, Deborah L.; Thorson, Stephen D.; deGroh, Kim, K.; Snyder, Aaron; Miller, Sharon

2006-01-01

The atomic oxygen erosion yields of various materials, measured in volume of material oxidized per incident atomic oxygen atom, are compared to the commonly accepted standard of Kapton H (DuPont) polyimide. The ratios of the erosion yield of Kapton H to the erosion yield of various materials are not consistent at different atomic oxygen energies. Although it is most convenient to use isotropic thermal energy RF plasma ashers to assess atomic oxygen durability, the results can be misleading because the relative erosion rates at thermal energies are not necessarily the same as low Earth orbital (LEO) energies of approx.4.5 eV. An experimental investigation of the relative atomic oxygen erosion yields of a wide variety of polymers and carbon was conducted using isotropic thermal energy (approx.0.1 eV) and hyperthermal energy (approx.70 eV) atomic oxygen using an RF plasma asher and an end Hall ion source. For hyperthermal energies, the atomic oxygen erosion yields relative to normal incident Kapton H were compared for sweeping atomic oxygen arrival with that of normal incidence arrival. The results of isotropic thermal energy, normal incident, and sweeping incident atomic oxygen are also compared with measured or projected LEO values.

C- and L-band space-borne SAR incidence angle normalization for efficient Arctic sea ice monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmud, M. S.; Geldsetzer, T.; Howell, S.; Yackel, J.; Nandan, V.

2017-12-01

C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has been widely used effectively for operational sea ice monitoring, owing to its greater seperability between snow-covered first-year (FYI) and multi-year (MYI) ice types, during winter. However, during the melt season, C-band SAR backscatter contrast reduces between FYI and MYI. To overcome the limitations of C-band, several studies have recommended utlizing L-band SAR, as it has the potential to significantly improve sea ice classification. Given its longer wavelength, L-band can efficiently separate FYI and MYI types, especially during melt season. Therefore, the combination of C- and L-band SAR is an optimal solution for efficient seasonal sea ice monitoring. As SAR acquires images over a range of incidence angles from near-range to far-range, SAR backscatter varies substantially. To compensate this variation in SAR backscatter, incidence angle dependency of C- and L-band SAR backscatter for different FYI and MYI types is crucial to quantify, which is the objective of this study. Time-series SAR imagery from C-band RADARSAT-2 and L-band ALOS PALSAR during winter months of 2010 across 60 sites over the Canadian Arctic was acquired. Utilizing 15 images for each sites during February-March for both C- and L-band SAR, incidence angle dependency was calculated. Our study reveals that L- and C-band backscatter from FYI and MYI decreases with increasing incidence angle. The mean incidence angle dependency for FYI and MYI were estimated to be -0.21 dB/1° and -0.30 dB/1° respectively from L-band SAR, and -0.22 dB/1° and -0.16 dB/1° from C-band SAR, respectively. While the incidence angle dependency for FYI was found to be similar in both frequencies, it doubled in case of MYI from L-band, compared to C-band. After applying the incidence angle normalization method to both C- and L-band SAR images, preliminary results indicate improved sea ice type seperability between FYI and MYI types, with substantially lower number of mixed pixels; thereby offering more reliable sea ice classification accuracies. Research findings from this study can be utilized to improve seasonal sea ice classification with higher accuracy for operational Arctic sea ice monitoring, especially in regions like the Canadian Arctic, where MYI detection is crucial for safer ship navigations.

How many cases of Type 2 diabetes mellitus are due to being overweight in middle age? Evidence from the Midspan prospective cohort studies using mention of diabetes mellitus on hospital discharge or death records.

PubMed

Hart, C L; Hole, D J; Lawlor, D A; Davey Smith, G

2007-01-01

To relate body mass index (BMI) in middle age to development of diabetes mellitus. Participants were 6927 men and 8227 women from the Renfrew/Paisley general population study and 3993 men from the Collaborative occupational study. They were aged 45-64 years and did not have reported diabetes mellitus. Cases who developed diabetes mellitus, identified from acute hospital discharge data and from death certificates in the period from screening in 1970-1976 to 31 March 2004, were related to BMI at screening. Of Renfrew/Paisley study men 5.4%, 4.8% of women and 5% of Collaborative study men developed diabetes mellitus. Odds ratios for diabetes mellitus were higher in the overweight group (BMI 25 to < 30 kg/m(2)) than in the normal weight group (BMI 18.5 to < 25 kg/m(2)) and highest in the obese group (BMI >or= 30 kg/m(2)). Compared with the normal weight group, age-adjusted odds ratios for overweight and obese Renfrew/Paisley men were 2.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.05, 3.64] and 7.26 (95% CI 5.26, 10.04), respectively. Further subdividing the normal, overweight and obese groups showed increasing odds ratios with increasing BMI, even at the higher normal level. Assuming a causal relation, around 60% of cases of diabetes could have been prevented if everyone had been of normal weight. Overweight and obesity account for a major proportion of diabetes mellitus, as identified from hospital discharge and death records. With recent increases in the prevalence of overweight, the burden of disease related to diabetes mellitus is likely to increase markedly. Primordial prevention of obesity would be a major strategy for reducing the incidence of diabetes mellitus in populations.

Design of a Monocular Multi-Spectral Skin Detection, Melanin Estimation, and False-Alarm Suppression System

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

3-21 3.22. Measured transmission of the Semrock FF01-1060/13-25 NIR bandpass filter at normal incidence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22...3.23. Measured transmission of the Semrock NIR01-1570/3-25 NIR bandpass filter at normal incidence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23 3.24. Measured...shows the configuration without additional filtering while the blue adds the Semrock bandpass filter. . . . 3-30 3.34. (Left) Spectral transmittance

Quantum Well Intrasubband Photodetector for Far Infared and Terahertz Radiation Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, David Z. -Y.; Chang, Yia-Chung; Bandara, Sumith V.; Gunapala, Sarath D.

2007-01-01

The authors present a theoretical analysis on the possibility of using the dopant-assisted intrasubband absorption mechanism in quantum wells for normal-incidence far infrared/terahertz radiation detection. The authors describe the proposed concept of the quantum well intrasubband photodetector (QWISP), which is a compact semiconductor heterostructure device compatible with existing GaAs focal-plane array technology, and present theoretical results demonstrating strong normal-incidence absorption and responsivity in the QWISP.

Interference effects on guided Cherenkov emission in silicon from perpendicular, oblique, and parallel boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Couillard, M.; Yurtsever, A.; Muller, D. A.

2010-05-01

Waveguide electromagnetic modes excited by swift electrons traversing Si slabs at normal and oblique incidence are analyzed using monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy and interpreted using a local dielectric theory that includes relativistic effects. At normal incidence, sharp spectral features in the visible/near-infrared optical domain are directly assigned to p -polarized modes. When the specimen is tilted, s -polarized modes, which are completely absent at normal incidence, become visible in the loss spectra. In the tilted configuration, the dispersion of p -polarized modes is also modified. For tilt angles higher than ˜50° , Cherenkov radiation, the phenomenon responsible for the excitation of waveguide modes, is expected to partially escape the silicon slab and the influence of this effect on experimental measurements is discussed. Finally, we find evidence for an interference effect at parallel Si/SiO2 interfaces, as well as a delocalized excitation of guided Cherenkov modes.

Anti-nucleosome antibodies as a disease marker in systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with disease activity and other autoantibodies.

PubMed

Pradhan, Vandana D; Patwardhan, Manisha M; Ghosh, Kanjaksha

2010-01-01

Detection of anti-nucleosome antibodies (anti-nuc) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been well established and it is claimed that their presence is associated with disease activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of anti-nuc antibodies and to correlate them with disease activity and its association with other autoantibodies like anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), anti-histone antibodies (AHA), as well as autoantibodies to histone subfractions like H1, (H2A-H4) complex, H2B, and H3. This cross-sectional study included 100 SLE patients referred from the Rheumatology, Dermatology, and Nephrology Departments. SLE disease activity was evaluated by using SLE-Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. A patient was defined as having active SLE when the SLEDAI score was more than 5.0. Fifty normal controls were also tested as a healthy control group. Anti-nuc antibodies, anti-dsDNA, and AHA were tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and ANA was detected by an indirect immunofluorescence test. All patients studied were in an active stage of disease and were untreated, of which 44 patients had renal biopsy-proven kidney involvement, which was categorized as lupus nephritis (LN) and 56 patients did not show any renal manifestations (SLE without LN). Anti-nuc antibodies were positive in 88%, anti-dsDNA in 80%, and AHA in 38% of the cases. ANA was positive in all SLE patients studied. None of the normal controls was found to be positive for these antibodies. Although a slightly higher incidence of autoantibodies were noted in LN, there was no statistical difference noted between LN and SLE without LN groups for anti-nuc and anti-dsDNA antibodies (p > 0.05). A higher incidence of autoantibodies to ANA specificities were noted in anti-nuc positive cases, but there was no statistical difference between anti-nuc positive and anti-nuc negative cases for ANA specificities among LN and SLE without nephritis groups (p > 0.05). Anti-nuc antibody detection could be a better tool for the diagnosis of SLE. Although there was no significant difference in LN and SLE without LN groups, this study suggests that anti-nuc detection can be useful as an additional disease activity marker to other laboratory tests.

New Onset Autoimmune Hepatitis during Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Treatment in Children.

PubMed

Ricciuto, Amanda; Kamath, Binita M; Walters, Thomas D; Frost, Karen; Carman, Nicholas; Church, Peter C; Ling, Simon C; Griffiths, Anne M

2018-03-01

To evaluate a large anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-treated pediatric inflammatory bowel disease cohort for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) following presentation of an index case with suspected DILI with autoimmune features after infliximab exposure. To characterize the incidence, natural history, and risk factors for liver enzyme elevation with anti-TNF use. We reviewed the index case and performed a retrospective cohort study of 659 children receiving anti-TNF therapy between 2000 and 2015 at a tertiary pediatric inflammatory bowel disease center. Patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥×2 the upper limit of normal were included. The incidence, evolution, and risk factors for liver injury were examined with univariate and multivariable proportional hazards regression. Causality was assessed using the Roussel-Uclaf Causality Assessment Method. The index case, a teenage girl with Crohn's disease, developed elevated liver enzymes and features of autoimmune hepatitis on liver biopsy 23 weeks after starting infliximab. The injury resolved entirely within 4 months of withdrawing infliximab without additional therapy. Overall, 7.7% of our cohort developed new ALT elevations while on anti-TNF. Most ALT elevations were mild and transient and attributable to alternate etiologies. No additional clear cases of autoimmune hepatitis were identified. Transient liver enzyme abnormalities are relatively common among anti-TNF-treated children. Anti-TNF-related DILI with autoimmune features is rare but must be recognized so that therapy can be stopped. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Invasive pneumococcal disease in Catalonian elderly people, 2002-2009: serotype coverage for different anti-pneumococcal vaccine formulations at the beginning of the new conjugate vaccines era.

PubMed

Vila-Corcoles, Angel; Ochoa-Gondar, Olga; Gomez-Bertomeu, Frederic; Raga-Luria, Xavier

2011-10-06

Population-based surveillance study conducted among persons 65 years or older from the region of Tarragona (Southern Catalonia, Spain) during 2002-2009. All cases with isolation of pneumococcus from normally sterile bodily fluids were included. Incidence rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and prevalence of infections caused by serotypes included in different pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV-23) were calculated. Overall, 176 IPD cases were observed, which means an incidence of 48 episodes per 100,000 person-year throughout the study period. The most dominant serotypes were 7F (10.1%), 14 (9.4%), 19A (9.4%), 3 (8.6%), 6A (7.9%) and 1 (7.2%). IPD cases due to PCV-7 types (from 37.2% to 14.6%; p=0.003) and PCV-10 types (from 60.5% to 32.3%; p=0.002) considerably decreased between 2002-2005 and 2006-2009 periods. Percentage of cases due to PCV-13 types (76.7% vs 62.5%; p=0.099) and PPV-23 types (81.4% vs 68.8%; p=0.122) did not significantly change between both periods. As main conclusion, in our setting, the PCV-13 has almost similar serotype coverage to the PPV-23 in preventing IPD among the elderly population, which suggests a possible future use of the conjugate vaccine in all age groups. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Challenges of information security incident learning: An industrial case study in a Chinese healthcare organization.

PubMed

He, Ying; Johnson, Chris

2017-12-01

Security incidents can have negative impacts on healthcare organizations, and the security of medical records has become a primary concern of the public. However, previous studies showed that organizations had not effectively learned lessons from security incidents. Incident learning as an essential activity in the "follow-up" phase of security incident response lifecycle has long been addressed but not given enough attention. This paper conducted a case study in a healthcare organization in China to explore their current obstacles in the practice of incident learning. We interviewed both IT professionals and healthcare professionals. The results showed that the organization did not have a structured way to gather and redistribute incident knowledge. Incident response was ineffective in cycling incident knowledge back to inform security management. Incident reporting to multiple stakeholders faced a great challenge. In response to this case study, we suggest the security assurance modeling framework to address those obstacles.

Risk of Progression to Hypertension in a Low-Income Mexican Population with Pre-hypertension and Normal Blood Pressure

PubMed Central

Jimenez-Corona, Aida; Lopez-Ridaura, Ruy; Stern, Michael P; Gonzalez-Villalpando, Clicerio

2007-01-01

BACKGROUND Blood pressure (BP) levels below the pre-hypertension category may be associated with the risk of developing hypertension. We estimated the incidence rates of hypertension in low-income Mexican population according to several subcategories of baseline BP within normal and pre-hypertension categories. METHODS A total of 1572 nonhypertensive men (n=632) and non-pregnant women (n=940), aged 35 to 64 years at baseline, were followed for a median of 5.8 years. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg, or self-reported physician diagnosis with anti-hypertensive medications. RESULTS During follow-up, 267 subjects developed hypertension, of whom 83 were men and 184 were women. Age-adjusted incidence rate was higher in women (37.1 per 1000 person-years) than in men (23.7 per 1000 person-years). There was a significant association between BP levels at baseline and hypertension incidence even within the normal category. For the upper levels of normal SBP (110-119 mm Hg), the HR (95%CI) was 2.43 (1.50-3.93) in women and 2.44 (1.05-5.69) in men, compared with SBP <110 mm Hg. For the upper levels of normal DBP (70-79 mm Hg), the HR (95%CI) was 2.33 (1.65-3.31) in women and 1.80 (0.92-3.52) in men, compared with DBP <70 mm Hg, after adjustment for recognized predictors. CONCLUSIONS High risk of hypertension incidence was associated with levels of BP even within the normal category. This information could help define a population at high risk of progression to hypertension, in order to establish preventive measures. PMID:17765131

Incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Shimokita, Japan, from 1989 to 1998.

PubMed

Ohkuma, Hiroki; Fujita, Seiichiroh; Suzuki, Shigeharu

2002-01-01

The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been investigated in many studies. A recent study in Izumo, Japan, indicates that the incidence of SAH is as high as that in Finland. The purpose of this study was to confirm the high incidence of SAH in Japan. The incidence rate of SAH was investigated from 1989 through 1998 in the Shimokita peninsula, which is a clearly defined closed-boundary area in northern Japan with a population of 89 991. The registration was based on the complete referral system of SAH patients. All cases suspected of SAH underwent CT scan, and the images were referred to stroke specialists. The moribund cases and dead-on-arrival cases suspected of SAH also underwent CT scan. From 1989 through 1998, 198 cases were diagnosed as having aneurysmal SAH. Out of these, 26 cases were moribund or dead when the initial CT scan was performed. The age-adjusted annual incidence of SAH was 21 per 100 000 person-years. The age and sex distribution of the cases indicated that the incidence plateaued after age 45 in men and the incidence increased after age 45 and reached the peak after 75 years in women. The high incidence of SAH in Japan is confirmed. The incidence of SAH obtained in this study is near to that of the Izumo study, of which the size of the geographic region and denominator and diagnostic criteria were similar to this study.

Early diagnosis and care is achieved but should be improved in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome.

PubMed

Bar, Céline; Diene, Gwenaelle; Molinas, Catherine; Bieth, Eric; Casper, Charlotte; Tauber, Maithé

2017-06-28

PWS is a severe neurodevelopmental genetic disorder now usually diagnosed in the neonatal period from hypotonia and feeding difficulties. Our study analyzed the birth incidence and care of infants with early diagnosis. Data were collected on 61 infants with a molecular diagnosis of PWS born in 2012 and 2013 in France. Thirty-eight infants with PWS were born in 2013. The median age at diagnosis was 18 days. Birth incidence calculated for 2013 was 1/21,000 births. No case was diagnosed prenatally, despite 9 amniocenteses, including 4 for polyhydramnios. Five infants had delayed diagnosis, after 3 months of life. For 2 of them, the diagnosis was not suspected at birth and for 3, FISH analysis in the neonatal period was normal, with no further molecular studies. Ninety-three percent of the neonates were hospitalized, and 84% needed nasogastric tube feeding for a median of 38 days. Swallowing assessment was performed for 45%, at a median age of 10 days. Physiotherapy was started for 76% during hospitalization. Eighty percent of those diagnosed within the first 3 months were seen by a pediatric endocrinologist within the first week of life. Our study is the first to assess the birth incidence of PWS in France, at 1/21,000 births. Some prenatal or neonatal cases remain undiagnosed because of unrecognized clinical signs and the inappropriate choice of the initial molecular test. We also underscore the need to optimize neonatal care of infants with PWS.

Complications leading to surgical revision in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients: comparison of patients with single-chamber, dual-chamber, and biventricular devices.

PubMed

Duray, Gabor Z; Schmitt, Joern; Cicek-Hartvig, Sule; Hohnloser, Stefan H; Israel, Carsten W

2009-03-01

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) technology has become more complex, particularly with respect to biventricular resynchronization devices. The incidence of hardware-related complications in single (SC)-, dual (DC)-, and triple (BiV)-chamber devices requiring surgical revision has not been investigated systematically. We analysed data from consecutive ICD recipients implanted between January 2000 and December 2007 with respect to the need of surgical re-intervention for device- or lead-related complications. Generator exchanges due to normal battery depletion were not considered. From 816 patients (81% male, 69% ischaemic cardiomyopathy, 48% secondary prevention ICDs) followed for 31 +/- 24 months (2118 cumulative patient-years), 98 patients underwent 110 revisions (5.2% per patient-year). Complications included lead-related revision procedures in 81 cases and generator-related problems in 29 cases. The annual incidence of surgical revision due to complications was 11.8% in BiV compared with 4.9% in SC and 4.1% in DC patients (P = 0.002). This higher revision rate was mainly caused by lead-related complications. Implantation of a BiV system was an independent risk factor of the need for surgical revision (relative risk 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.38-4.04). Even with long-lasting operator experience, complications requiring surgical revision remain a clinically important problem of ICD therapy. The incidence of complications is significantly higher in BiV resynchronization devices than in SC and DC systems.

Incidence and clinical vital parameters in primary ketosis of Murrah buffaloes

PubMed Central

Kumar, Ankit; Sindhu, Neelesh; Kumar, Parmod; Kumar, Tarun; Charaya, Gaurav; Surbhi; Jain, V. K.; Sridhar

2015-01-01

Aim: The present study was undertaken to ascertain the incidence and clinical vital parameters in cases of primary ketosis in Murrah buffaloes brought to teaching veterinary clinical complex, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar and from adjoining villages of the district Hisar, Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: The investigation was conducted on 24 clinical cases (out of total 145 screened) of primary ketosis. The diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of clinical signs and significantly positive two tests for ketone bodies in urine (Rothera’s and Keto-Diastix strip test). Data collected were statistically analyzed using independent Student’s t-test. Results: Overall incidence of disease in these areas was found to be 16.55% and all the animals were recently parturited (mean: 1.42±0.14 month), on an average in their third lactation (mean: 2.38±0.30) and exhibited clinical signs such as selective anorexia (refusal to feed on concentrate diet), drastic reduction in milk yield (mean: 64.4±5.35%), ketotic odor from urine, breath, and milk and rapid loss of body condition. All the clinical vital parameters in ketotic buffaloes (body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and rumen movements) were within normal range. Conclusion: Primary ketosis in Murrah buffaloes was the most common seen in the third lactation, within the first 2 months after parturition with characteristics clinical signs and no variability in vital parameters. The disease has severe effect on the production status of affected animal. PMID:27047203

Crisis management during anaesthesia: myocardial ischaemia and infarction.

PubMed

Ludbrook, G L; Webb, R K; Currie, M; Watterson, L M

2005-06-01

Myocardial ischaemia and infarction are significant perioperative complications which are associated with poor patient outcome. Anaesthetic practice should therefore focus, particularly in the at risk patient, on their prevention, their accurate detection, on the identification of precipitating factors, and on rapid effective management. To examine the role of a previously described core algorithm "COVER ABCD-A SWIFT CHECK" supplemented by a specific sub-algorithm for myocardial ischaemia and infarction in the management of myocardial ischaemia and/or infarction occurring in association with anaesthesia. The potential performance of this structured approach for each of the relevant incidents among the first 4000 reported to the Australian Incident Monitoring Study (AIMS) was compared with the actual management as reported by the anaesthetists involved. Of the 125 incidents retrieved from the 4000 reports, 40 (1%) were considered to demonstrate myocardial infarction or ischaemia. The use of the structured approach described in this paper would have led to appropriate management in 90% of cases, with the remaining 10% requiring other sub-algorithms. It was considered that the application of this structured approach would have led to earlier recognition and/or better management of the problem in 45% of cases. Close and continuous monitoring of patients at risk of myocardial ischaemia during anaesthesia is necessary, using optimal ECG lead configurations, but sensitivity of this monitoring is not 100%. Coronary vasodilatation with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) should not be withheld when indicated and the early use of beta blocking drugs should be considered even with normal blood pressures and heart rates.

The treatment of malignant glaucoma in nanophthalmos: a case report.

PubMed

Wang, Jie; Du, Ergang; Tang, Jinfei

2018-02-23

The management of eyes with nanophthalmos is a dilemma for ophthalmologists due to various complications, especial the eye with malignant glaucoma. We report a case of effective treatment for malignant glaucoma in nanophthalmos. An 82-year-old man was performed phacoemulsification in the right eye with normal ocular pressure and nanophthalmos. The surgery was uneventful: an intraocular lens (IOL) was placed and centered in the capsular bag. 2 months later, the patient presented with malignant glaucoma, and the intraocular pressure fluctuated between 18.6 mmHg and 30.8 mmHg with antiglaucoma medications. The patient did not respond to surgical peripheral iridotomy and goniosynechialysis. Then a single treatment with laser peripheral lens posterior capsulotomy and vitreous anterior membranectomy was performed. The intraocular pressure normalized, and the anterior chamber deepened within 24 h. The patient's condition remained stable for 9 months with no further treatment, and his Snellen corrected distance visual acuity was 20/50. The left eye of this patient was treated by combined surgery including phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, anterior vitrectomy, surgical peripheral iridotomy (PI), and goniosynechialysis. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. This case suggests that it is essential to choose a suitable treatment for nanophthalmos patients to deal with malignant glaucoma and to reduce the incidence of malignant glaucoma.

Long-Term Results of External Upper Esophageal Sphincter Myotomy for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

PubMed Central

David, Eric F.; Klinkenberg-Knol, Elly C.; Mahieu, Hans F.

2009-01-01

The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy of external myotomy of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) for oropharyngeal dysphagia. In the period 1991–2006, 28 patients with longstanding dysphagia and/or aspiration problems of different etiologies underwent UES myotomy as a single surgical treatment. The main symptoms were difficulties in swallowing of a solid-food bolus, aspiration, and recurrent incidents of solid-food blockages. Pre- and postoperative manometry and videofluoroscopy were used to assess deglutition and aspiration. Outcome was defined as success in the case of complete relief or marked improvement of dysphagia and aspiration and as failure in the case of partial improvement or no improvement. Initial results showed success in 21 and failure in 7 patients. The best outcomes were observed in patients with dysphagia of unknown origin, noncancer-related iatrogenic etiology, and neuromuscular disease. No correlation was found between preoperative constrictor pharyngeal muscle activity and success rate. After follow-up of more than 1 year, 20 patients were marked as success and 3 as failure. All successful patients had full oral intake with a normal bolus consistency without clinically significant aspiration. We conclude that in select cases of oropharyngeal dysphagia success may be achieved by UES myotomy with restoration of oral intake of normal bolus consistency. PMID:19760460

Increasing incidence of pyogenic spondylodiscitis: a 14-year population-based study.

PubMed

Kehrer, Michala; Pedersen, Court; Jensen, Thøger G; Lassen, Annmarie T

2014-04-01

Smaller studies indicate that the incidence of pyogenic spondylodiscitis is increasing, possible related to a growing elderly population. Data supporting this is sparse, and we therefore studied patient characteristics and changes in spondylodiscitis incidence 1995-2008. In a population-based study we identified all patients aged ≥18 years treated for pyogenic spondylodiscitis in Funen County, Denmark (population 483 123). Annual incidences were determined. Demographics, symptoms and diagnostic methods were recorded. We found 192 cases: median age 66.6 years; 57.3% men; 76.6% culture positive cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (55.1%). During 1995-2008 the overall incidence, incidence of culture negative cases, and incidence of cases due to S. aureus increased 2.2-5.8, 0.3-1.8, and 1.6-2.5 cases per 100 000 person years, respectively. The elderly had the highest incidence compared to those aged ≤70 years (rate ratio for men 5.9 (95% CI: 4.2-8.5) and for women 3.5 (95% CI: 2.3-5.3)). During 1995-2008 the overall incidence of S. aureus and culture negative cases of spondylodiscitis increased and remained highest among the elderly. Whether the increase is real or is a result of improved diagnostic methods and workup remains unknown. Copyright © 2013 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Population-based Incidence of Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease in Oregon 2007 to 2012.

PubMed

Henkle, Emily; Hedberg, Katrina; Schafer, Sean; Novosad, Shannon; Winthrop, Kevin L

2015-05-01

Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease is a chronic, nonreportable illness, making it difficult to monitor. Although recent studies suggest an increasing prevalence of NTM disease in the United States, the incidence and temporal trends are unknown. To describe incident cases and calculate the incidence and temporal trends of pulmonary NTM disease in Oregon. We contacted all laboratories performing mycobacterial cultures on Oregon residents and collected demographic and specimen information for patients with NTM isolated during 2007 to 2012. We defined a case of pulmonary NTM disease using the 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Disease Society of America microbiologic criteria. We used similar state-wide mycobacterial laboratory data from 2005 to 2006 to exclude prevalent cases from our calculations. We calculated annual pulmonary NTM disease incidence within Oregon during 2007 to 2012, described cases demographically and microbiologically, and evaluated incidence trends over time using a Poisson model. We identified 1,146 incident pulmonary NTM cases in Oregon residents from 2007 to 2012. The median age was 69 years (range, 0.9-97 yr). Cases were more likely female (56%), but among patients less than 60 years old, disease was more common in male subjects (54%). Most (86%) were Mycobacterium avium/intracellulare cases; 68 (6%) were Mycobacterium abscessus/chelonae cases. Although not statistically significant, incidence increased from 4.8/100,000 in 2007 to 5.6/100,000 in 2012 (P for trend, 0.21). Incidence increased with age, to more than 25/100,000 in patients 80 years of age or older. This is the first population-based estimate of pulmonary NTM disease incidence in a region within the United States. In Oregon, disease incidence rose slightly during 2007 to 2012, and although more common in female individuals overall, disease was more common among male individuals less than 60 years of age.

Population-based Incidence of Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease in Oregon 2007 to 2012

PubMed Central

Hedberg, Katrina; Schafer, Sean; Novosad, Shannon; Winthrop, Kevin L.

2015-01-01

Rationale: Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease is a chronic, nonreportable illness, making it difficult to monitor. Although recent studies suggest an increasing prevalence of NTM disease in the United States, the incidence and temporal trends are unknown. Objectives: To describe incident cases and calculate the incidence and temporal trends of pulmonary NTM disease in Oregon. Methods: We contacted all laboratories performing mycobacterial cultures on Oregon residents and collected demographic and specimen information for patients with NTM isolated during 2007 to 2012. We defined a case of pulmonary NTM disease using the 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Disease Society of America microbiologic criteria. We used similar state-wide mycobacterial laboratory data from 2005 to 2006 to exclude prevalent cases from our calculations. We calculated annual pulmonary NTM disease incidence within Oregon during 2007 to 2012, described cases demographically and microbiologically, and evaluated incidence trends over time using a Poisson model. Measurements and Main Results: We identified 1,146 incident pulmonary NTM cases in Oregon residents from 2007 to 2012. The median age was 69 years (range, 0.9–97 yr). Cases were more likely female (56%), but among patients less than 60 years old, disease was more common in male subjects (54%). Most (86%) were Mycobacterium avium/intracellulare cases; 68 (6%) were Mycobacterium abscessus/chelonae cases. Although not statistically significant, incidence increased from 4.8/100,000 in 2007 to 5.6/100,000 in 2012 (P for trend, 0.21). Incidence increased with age, to more than 25/100,000 in patients 80 years of age or older. Conclusions: This is the first population-based estimate of pulmonary NTM disease incidence in a region within the United States. In Oregon, disease incidence rose slightly during 2007 to 2012, and although more common in female individuals overall, disease was more common among male individuals less than 60 years of age. PMID:25692495

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with complex karyotype and SET-NUP214 rearrangement: a case study and review of the literature.

PubMed

Lee, Sang-Guk; Park, Tae Sung; Cho, Sun Young; Lim, Gayoung; Park, Gwang Jin; Oh, Seung Hwan; Cho, Eun Hae; Chong, So Young; Huh, Ji Young

2011-01-01

SET-NUP214 rearrangements have been rarely reported in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), acute undifferentiated leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia, and most documented cases have been associated with normal karyotypes in conventional cytogenetic analyses. Here, we describe a novel case of T-ALL associated with a mediastinal mass and a SET-NUP214 rearrangement, which was masked by a complex karyotype at the time of initial diagnosis. Using multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, we detected a cryptic SET-NUP214 rearrangement in our patient. As only 11 cases (including the present study) of T-ALL with SET-NUP214 rearrangement have been reported, the clinical features and treatment outcomes have not been fully determined. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the incidence of SET-NUP214 rearrangement in T-ALL patients and the treatment responses as well as prognosis of these patients.

New Estimates of Incidence of Encephalitis in England

PubMed Central

Cousens, Simon; Davies, Nicholas W.S.; Crowcroft, Natasha S.; Thomas, Sara L.

2013-01-01

Encephalitis causes high rates of illness and death, yet its epidemiology remains poorly understood. To improve incidence estimates in England and inform priority setting and treatment and prevention strategies, we used hospitalization data to estimate incidence of infectious and noninfectious encephalitis during 2005–2009. Hospitalization data were linked to a dataset of extensively investigated cases of encephalitis from a prospective study, and capture–recapture models were applied. Incidence was estimated from unlinked hospitalization data as 4.32 cases/100,000 population/year. Capture–recapture models gave a best estimate of encephalitis incidence of 5.23 cases/100,000/year, although the models’ indicated incidence could be as high as 8.66 cases/100,000/year. This analysis indicates that the incidence of encephalitis in England is considerably higher than previously estimated. Therefore, encephalitis should be a greater priority for clinicians, researchers, and public health officials. PMID:23969035

Age-Specific Incidence Rates for Self-Reported Uterine Leiomyomata in the Black Women’s Health Study

PubMed Central

Wise, Lauren A.; Palmer, Julie R.; Stewart, Elizabeth A.; Rosenberg, Lynn

2007-01-01

OBJECTIVE Uterine leiomyomata represent a major public health problem for black women in the United States, but limited data are available on age–incidence curves in this high-risk population. We estimated overall and age-specific incidence rates for self-reported uterine leiomyomata in a large cohort of African-American women in the United States. METHODS Data were derived from the Black Women’s Health Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study of 59,000 black women from across the United States who were aged 21–69 years at baseline (ie, 1995). From March 1997 through March 2001, we followed up 22,895 premenopausal women with no prior diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma. Poisson regression was used to estimate overall and age-specific incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for self-reported uterine leiomyoma. In a subset of 248 patients who were selected randomly from the total case group, the self-reported diagnosis was verified in 96% of cases who released their medical records. RESULTS During 76,711 woman-years of follow-up, 2,637 incident cases of uterine leiomyomata reported as confirmed by pelvic examination (n = 358), ultrasonography (n = 2,006), or hysterectomy (n = 273) were observed. Incidence rates per 1,000 woman-years were 34.4 (95% CI 33.1–35.7) for all cases combined, 29.7 (95% CI 28.5–30.9) for cases confirmed by ultrasonography or hysterectomy, and 3.6 (95% CI 3.2–4.0) for cases confirmed by hysterectomy. The incidence rate peaked at ages 40–44 years for all cases combined (incidence rate 45.6, 95% CI 42.0–49.5) and for cases confirmed by ultrasonography or hysterectomy (incidence rate 39.8, 95% CI 36.5–43.4), and peaked at ages 45–49 years for cases confirmed by hysterectomy (incidence rate 8.3, 95% CI 6.4–10.7). CONCLUSION Overall incidence rates for self-reported uterine leiomyomata were consistent with other U.S studies in black women and confirmed a high burden of disease in this population. Age-specific incidence rates showed a later peak incidence than that observed among U.S. black women in previous studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II-2 PMID:15738025

[Comparative analysis on data of nasal sinus between helicopter and(strike) fighter pilots under physical examination for change to new-type aircraft].

PubMed

Xu, Xianrong; Ma, Xiaoli; Zhang, Yang; Xiong, Wei

2012-01-01

To comparatively analyze the disease data of nasal sinus between helicopter and (strike) fighter pilots under flying qualification, and then to provide references for aeromedical support as a significant part of new logistics service union in army, The CT data of nasal sinus in 138 pilots who accepted physical examination for change to new-type aircraft, were collected included 46 cases of helicopter pilots and 92 cases of (strike)fighter pilots). The incidence of chronic sinusitis and cyst of nasal sinus were computed respectively in helicopter pilots and (strike)fighter pilots. (1) Fourteen cases suffered from chronic sinusitis (6 cases of maxillary sinusitis, 4 cases of ethmoiditis and 4 cases of maxillary sinusitis and ethmoiditis) in helicopter pilots whose incidence rate of chronic sinusitis was 30.4% (14/46). Of which, 3 cases of antracele were treated. Twelve cases suffered from chronic sinusitis (8 cases of maxillary sinusitis, 1 case of ethmoiditis, 3 cases of maxillary sinusitis and ethmoiditis) in (strike)fighter pilots whose incidence of chronic sinusitis was 13.0% (12/92). Of which, 1 case of antracele was treated. The incidence of chronic sinusitis was higher in helicopter pilots than (strike) fighters pilots (Chi2 = 6.07, P < 0.05). (2) Four cases suffered from unilateral mucosa cysts in maxillary sinus in helicopter pilots whose incidence of cyst of nasal sinus was 8.7% (4/46). Ten cases suffered from mucosa cysts in maxillary sinus (unilateral 8 cases and bilateral 2 cases) in (strike) fighters pilots whose incidence of cyst of nasal sinus was 10.87% (10/92). The difference of the incidence of cyst of nasal sinus was not statistically significant between the helicopter pilots and(strike)fighters pilots. The cysts of nasal sinus did not need treatment in 14 cases of this group data. The incidence of symptomless chronic sinusitis and cyst of nasal sinus are high in pilots. It is related with repeatedly changes of atmosphere pressure during flying. But most chronic sinusitis and cyst of nasal sinus do not need treatment. The incidence of chronic sinusitis is higher in helicopter pilots than(strike)fighter pilots. It may be related with the environment of helicopter which have unclosed cockpit and load other aircrew.

The Association between Persistent Hypertriglyceridemia and the Risk of Diabetes Development: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

PubMed

Kwon, Yu Hyun; Kim, Seul Ki; Cho, Jung Hwan; Kwon, Hyemi; Park, Se Eun; Oh, Hyung Geun; Park, Cheol Young; Lee, Won Young; Oh, Ki Won; Park, Sung Woo; Rhee, Eun Jung

2018-03-01

Hypertriglyceridemia is known to have an association with increased risks of insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of diabetes mellitus, according to changes in the concentrations of triglycerides, over time. A total of 15,932 non-diabetic participants (mean age 43.2 years, 68% men) who attended five consecutive annual health check-ups at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, between January 2010 and December 2014, were recruited. Participants were classified according to their triglyceride concentrations; normal (<150 mg/dL) and abnormal (≥150 mg/dL). According to the triglyceride levels in 2010 and 2012, subjects were divided into four groups: normal-normal, normal-abnormal, abnormal-normal, and abnormal-abnormal. The risk for incident diabetes was assessed in 2014. Among the total subjects, 67.5% belonged to the normal-normal group, 8.6% to the normal-abnormal group, 9.4% to the abnormal-normal group, and 14.5% to the abnormal-abnormal group. A total of 234 subjects (1.5%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes, between 2010 and 2014. Over 4 years, 1%, 1.5%, 2.1%, and 3.0% of the subjects developed diabetes in the normal-normal, normal-abnormal, abnormal-normal, and abnormal-abnormal groups, respectively. When the risk for incident diabetes was analyzed in the groups, after adjusting the confounding variables, a 1.58-fold increase in the risk of diabetes (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 2.26) was observed in the participants with persistent hypertriglyceridemia (abnormal-abnormal group). This was attenuated by further adjustments for body mass index (BMI) (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.80). In this large study population, persistent hypertriglyceridemia, over a period of 2 years, was significantly associated with the risk of incident diabetes, which was attenuated after adjustment for BMI. Copyright © 2018 Korean Endocrine Society.

The Association between Persistent Hypertriglyceridemia and the Risk of Diabetes Development: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study

PubMed Central

Kwon, Yu Hyun; Kim, Seul-Ki; Cho, Jung Hwan; Kwon, Hyemi; Park, Se Eun; Oh, Hyung-Geun; Park, Cheol-Young; Lee, Won-Young; Oh, Ki-Won; Park, Sung-Woo

2018-01-01

Background Hypertriglyceridemia is known to have an association with increased risks of insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of diabetes mellitus, according to changes in the concentrations of triglycerides, over time. Methods A total of 15,932 non-diabetic participants (mean age 43.2 years, 68% men) who attended five consecutive annual health check-ups at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, between January 2010 and December 2014, were recruited. Participants were classified according to their triglyceride concentrations; normal (<150 mg/dL) and abnormal (≥150 mg/dL). According to the triglyceride levels in 2010 and 2012, subjects were divided into four groups: normal-normal, normal-abnormal, abnormal-normal, and abnormal-abnormal. The risk for incident diabetes was assessed in 2014. Results Among the total subjects, 67.5% belonged to the normal-normal group, 8.6% to the normal-abnormal group, 9.4% to the abnormal-normal group, and 14.5% to the abnormal-abnormal group. A total of 234 subjects (1.5%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes, between 2010 and 2014. Over 4 years, 1%, 1.5%, 2.1%, and 3.0% of the subjects developed diabetes in the normal-normal, normal-abnormal, abnormal-normal, and abnormal-abnormal groups, respectively. When the risk for incident diabetes was analyzed in the groups, after adjusting the confounding variables, a 1.58-fold increase in the risk of diabetes (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 2.26) was observed in the participants with persistent hypertriglyceridemia (abnormal-abnormal group). This was attenuated by further adjustments for body mass index (BMI) (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.80). Conclusion In this large study population, persistent hypertriglyceridemia, over a period of 2 years, was significantly associated with the risk of incident diabetes, which was attenuated after adjustment for BMI. PMID:29388400

Epidemiology of Myocardial Infarction Caused by Presumed Paradoxical Embolism via a Patent Foramen Ovale.

PubMed

Kleber, Franz X; Hauschild, Telse; Schulz, Antonia; Winkelmann, Anne; Bruch, Leonhard

2017-09-25

Despite several negative prospective randomized trials on the efficacy of patent foramen ovale (PFO) occlusion, the discussion on indications is ongoing. Because the incidence of paradoxical coronary embolism through a PFO is unknown, we investigated the risk of paradoxical embolic myocardial infarction over a period of 13 years.Methods and Results:We conducted a retrospective and a prospective study. In the former, we searched the hospital database of a tertiary referral center for cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the past 10 years and screened them for possible paradoxical MIs. On this basis we started a prospective evaluation over 39 months in another tertiary referral center. All patients with AMI and normal coronary arteries were screened for PFO and if no other reason for the AMI could be found, the case was judged as presumed paradoxical embolism. In the retrospective analysis we found 22 cases (0.45%) of presumed paradoxical coronary artery embolism under 4,848 AMI. In the prospective study there were 11 presumed paradoxical coronary artery embolisms among 1,654 patients with AMI, representing an incidence of 0.67%. Our findings demonstrated that well below 1% of AMIs are caused by paradoxical embolism via an interatrial communication. Although this percentage appears low, it is not a negligible number of patients based on the huge number of MIs occurring in the industrialized world.

No consistent relationship of glioblastoma incidence and cytomegalovirus seropositivity in whites, blacks, and Hispanics.

PubMed

Lehrer, Steven; Green, Sheryl; Ramanathan, Lakshmi; Rosenzweig, Kenneth; Labombardi, Vincent

2012-03-01

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, accounting for 52% of all primary brain tumor cases and 20% of all intracranial tumors. Recently, evidence for a viral cause has been postulated, possibly cytomegalovirus (CMV). In one report, 80% of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme had detectable cytomegalovirus DNA in their peripheral blood, while sero-positive normal donors and other surgical patients did not exhibit detectable virus. However, another study reported that five glioblastoma patients showed no circulating CMV detected either with RT-PCR or blood culture. We utilized Cytomegalovirus Seroprevalence in the United States data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 1988-2004. Glioblastoma Incidence Rates 2004-2008 by race and gender are from Cancer of the Brain and Other Nervous System - SEER Stat Fact Sheets (http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/brain.html). Statistical significance was determined from published 95% confidence intervals. CMV seroprevalence rates are not consistently related to glioblastoma incidence rates. CMV seroprevalence is significantly lower in whites than in blacks or Hispanics (Mexican Americans), while glioblastoma incidence is higher. However, both CMV seroprevalence and glioblastoma incidence are higher in Hispanics than in blacks. CMV seroprevalence rates are significantly higher in women, 55.5% (53.3-57.7, mean ± 95% CI) than men, 45.2% (42.4-48.0), although glioblastoma is more common in men. A possible CMV-glioblastoma association cannot be readily substantiated with CMV seropositivity rates.

Linking Climate to Incidence of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (L. major) in Pre-Saharan North Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bounoua, Lahouari; Kahime, Kholoud; Houti, Leila; Blakey, Tara; Ebi, Kristie L.; Zhang, Ping; Imhoff, Marc L.; Thome, Kurtis J.; Dudek, Claire; Sahabi, Salah A.;

Low incidence of ADAMTS13 missense mutation R1060W in adult Egyptian patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

PubMed

El Sissy, Maha H; El Hafez, A Abd; El Sissy, A H

2014-01-01

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an acute life-threatening disorder, characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, widespread microvascular thrombi and consequent clinical sequelae due to ischemic organ damage. TTP is most commonly associated with deficiency or inhibition of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity. ADAMTS13 mutations and polymorphisms have been reported in childhood congenital TTP, but their significance in adult-onset TTP is still under investigation. Two mutations stand out: the single base insertion 4143insA in exon 29 and the missense mutation R1060W in exon 24 have both been observed in several unrelated families, mainly in adult-onset TTP, and over a wide geographic area. Our objective in this study is to identify the prevalence of R1060W missense mutation in exon 24 ADAMTS13 in a sample of adult Egyptian TTP patients. Thirty-one adult-onset TTP patients were included in this study, with a male/female ratio of 1:4. Twenty-six cases (84%) presented with acute idiopathic TTP, 2 cases were drug abusers and 3 cases were pregnant. None of the study cases provided a history of suspicious TTP symptoms during childhood (2 cases gave a history of episodes of thrombocytopenia during childhood). All cases showed statistically significant decreased ADAMTS13 activity compared to normal controls (p < 0.001). The study revealed a high statistical difference regarding the ADAMTS13 inhibitor level in primary versus secondary cases (p = 0.003). None of our Egyptian cases or of the healthy normal controls are positive for exon 24 missense mutation. Larger studies and regional and national TTP registries are recommended. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Safety and Outcomes of Transradial Access in Patients with International Normalized Ratio 1.5 or above.

PubMed

Titano, Joseph J; Biederman, Derek M; Zech, John; Korff, Ricki; Ranade, Mona; Patel, Rahul; Kim, Edward; Nowakowski, Francis; Lookstein, Robert; Fischman, Aaron M

2018-03-01

To examine the safety and outcomes for patients undergoing transradial noncoronary interventions with international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5. A retrospective review of 2,271 transradial access (TRA) cases performed from July 2012 to July 2016 was conducted. Criteria for inclusion were moderate bleeding risk cases with preprocedure INR ≥1.5. Within the study period, there were 176 moderate bleeding risk procedures (transarterial chemoembolization: 70/176 [39.8%]; Barbeau B: 121/176 [68.8%]; 5-F sheath: 157/176 [89.2%]) performed on 122 patients (age 61.6 ± 12.1 years, 68.9% male, body mass index 28.0 kg/m 2 ) with INR ≥1.5. Technical success was achieved in 98.9% of cases. Grade 1/2 hematomas developed in 10 cases (5.7%). Age ≥65 years (P = .042) and female sex (P = .046) were predictive of access site bleeding complications. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion was administered in 11.4% of cases (n = 20). Baseline INR and creatinine were significantly different between transfused and nontransfused cases (P values .006 and .028, respectively). Minor access site bleeding occurred in 3/20 cases (15%) receiving prior FFP transfusion and 7/156 nontransfused cases (4.5%), with no significant difference between these 2 groups (P = .072). TRA in patients with elevated INR appears to be safe in our experience. Age ≥65 years and female sex were associated with increased incidence of access site bleeding. Although INR correction was not standardized in this cohort, preprocedure FFP transfusion did not decrease bleeding complications. Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Application of the life table method to the estimation of late complications of normal tissues after radiotherapy].

PubMed

Morita, K; Uchiyama, Y; Tominaga, S

1987-06-01

In order to evaluate the treatment results of radiotherapy it is important to estimate the degree of complications of the surrounding normal tissues as well as the frequency of tumor control. In this report, the cumulative incidence rate of the late radiation injuries of the normal tissues was calculated using the modified actuarial method (Cutler-Ederer's method) or Kaplan-Meier's method, which is usually applied to the calculation of the survival rate. By the use of this method of calculation, an accurate cumulative incidence rate over time can be easily obtained and applied to the statistical evaluation of the late radiation injuries.

Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia based on the Mayo Clinic experience from 28 478 transesophageal echocardiograms: incidence, outcomes, and predisposing factors.

PubMed

Kane, Garvan C; Hoehn, Suzette M; Behrenbeck, Thomas R; Mulvagh, Sharon L

2007-10-08

The potentially life-threatening condition of methemoglobinemia is characterized by cyanosis, low pulse oximetric readings, and normal arterial Po(2) values. Acquired methemoglobinemia has been linked to the use of the topical anesthetic benzocaine in endoscopic procedures, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Yet, the incidence of benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia with TEE and the clinical factors associated with its development are unclear. All cases of methemoglobinemia complicating TEE at our institution (from January 1, 1999, to July 1, 2006) were identified by a comprehensive review of medical records and echocardiography and pharmacy databases. During 90 months among 28 478 TEEs, 19 cases of methemoglobinemia were identified, with a mean +/- SD methemoglobin level of 32% +/- 15%. All patients were cyanotic, with low oxygen saturations. Eighteen of 19 patients received methylene blue (mean +/- SD dose, 1.3 +/- 0.4 mg/kg of body weight), with resolution of symptoms and signs. One of 19 cases resolved spontaneously. Compared with a random sample of 190 patients undergoing TEE, the age, sex, body mass index, left ventricular systolic function, and dose of sedation (midazolam hydrochloride, fentanyl citrate, or both) were similar in the 2 groups. However, study patients who developed methemoglobinemia were more likely to be hospitalized (89.5% vs 57.6%, P =.005), be anemic (84.2% vs 44.7%, P =.002), and have active systemic infection (68.4% vs 6.8%; P < .001) at the time of TEE compared with the random control cohort. In a large series of patients undergoing TEE, the incidence of methemoglobinemia is low (1 case per 1499 [0.067%; 95% confidence interval, 0.040%-0.100%]) and has a good outcome if promptly recognized and treated. Clinical factors associated with the development of methemoglobinemia include sepsis, anemia, and hospitalization. Minimizing or avoiding the use of benzocaine in these patients is recommended.

Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) incidence of rupture: a retrospective MR analysis in 64 patients

PubMed Central

Scotto di Santolo, Mariella; Cusati, Bianca; Ragozzino, Alfonso; Dell’Aprovitola, Nicoletta; Acquaviva, Alessandra; Altiero, Michele; Accurso, Antonello; Riccardi, Albina

2014-01-01

Aim of the study The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) hydrogel implants in a group of 64 patients and to assess the incidence of rupture, compared to other clinical trials. Material and methods In this double-center study, we retrospectively reviewed the data sets of 64 consecutive patients (mean age, 43±9 years, age range, 27-65 years), who underwent breast MRI examinations, between January 2008 and October 2013, with suspected implant rupture on the basis of clinical assessment or after conventional imaging examination (either mammography or ultrasound). All patients had undergone breast operation with bilateral textured cohesive gel PIP implant insertion for aesthetic reasons. The mean time after operation was 8 years (range, 6-14 years). No patients reported history of direct trauma to their implants. Results At the time of clinical examination, 41 patients were asymptomatic, 16 complained of breast tenderness and 7 had clinical evidence of rupture. Normal findings were observed in 15 patients. In 26 patients there were signs of mild collapse, with associated not significant peri-capsular fluid collections and no evidence of implant rupture; in 23 patients there was suggestion of implant rupture, according to breast MRI leading to an indication for surgery. In particular, 14 patients showed intra-capsular rupture, with associated evidence of the linguine sign in all cases; the keyhole sign and the droplet signs were observed in 6 cases. In 9 patients there was evidence of extra-capsular rupture, with presence of axillary collections (siliconomas) in 7 cases and peri-prosthetic and mediastinal cavity siliconomas, in 5 cases. Conclusions The results of this double center retrospective study, confirm the higher incidence (36%) of prosthesis rupture observed with the PIP implants, compared to other breast implants. PMID:25525578

THE BURDEN OF INVASIVE NEONATAL GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL (GBS) DISEASE IN THAILAND AND THE PHILIPPINES.

PubMed

Villanueva-Uy, Ma Esterlita; Wongsiridej, Pimol; Sangtawesin, Varaporn; Chiu, Vivina; Tallo, Veronica; Nazaire-Bermal, Nancy; Bock, Hans; Cunnington, Marianne; Nan, Cassandra; Boudville, Irving

2015-07-01

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in infancy, but burden of disease data are scarce for Asia. We performed two hospital-based, prospective, descriptive, observational studies using similar protocols in the Philippines and Thailand to evaluate neonatal GBS disease epidemiology. Infants aged <90 days with a GBS-positive culture from normally sterile sites using routine microbiological standards were eligible for inclusion. Awareness of GBS symptoms was raised by informing all women at delivery and follow-up for 90 days post-delivery. Infections were classified as early onset disease (EOD) if they occurred within 6 days of birth and late Onset disease (LOD) if they occurred 7-89 days after birth. Due to ethical requirements in Thailand, consent for study participation, including periodic post-discharge telephone calls, was obtained at delivery. Parents in the Philippines gave consent for study participation at case identification. The clinical outcomes of GBS infections were recorded. During the 6-month study period, two cases (one fatal) of EOD were identified among 8,409 live births at the study hospitals in Thailand and three cases (two fatal) of EOD were identified among 11,768 live births reported at the study hospitals in the Philippines. Incidence rates per 1,000 live births were 0.2 (95% CI: 0.0-0.8) and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1-0.8) in Thailand and the Philippines, respectively. There were no cases of reported LOD. The low number of cases precluded analysis of serotype distribution and case fatality rates. Large epidemiological studies are needed to better understand the factors influencing GBS infection incidence in Asia.

Evaluation of hypophosphataemia in tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-exposed and TDF-unexposed HIV-infected out-patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

PubMed

Buchacz, K; Brooks, J T; Tong, T; Moorman, A C; Baker, R K; Holmberg, S D; Greenberg, A

2006-10-01

Cases of hypophosphataemia (often coincident with renal dysfunction) have been reported in HIV-infected patients taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), but randomized placebo-controlled trials of HIV-infected persons with normal baseline renal function have found a comparable incidence of hypophosphataemia in the TDF and placebo groups. We assessed the incidence of grade 2 and higher hypophosphataemia in the HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS). We analysed a prospective cohort of patients who initiated either a TDF-containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen [TDF-exposed (TDF+) group; n = 165] or a TDF-sparing HAART regimen [TDF-unexposed (TDF-) group; n = 90], and who had normal baseline phosphate and creatinine values. The TDF+ and TDF- groups had comparable median follow-up times (10.9 vs 8.8 months, respectively; P = 0.18) and number of phosphate measurements (median = 3 for both) and were similar on most clinical and demographic factors. During follow up, 12.7% of TDF+vs 6.7% of TDF-patients developed grade 2 hypophosphataemia (2.0-2.4 mg/dL), and 2.4% of TDF+ patients vs 0% of TDF-patients developed grade 3 hypophosphataemia (1.0-1.9 mg/dL); none developed grade 4 hypophosphataemia (<1.0 mg/dL). The incidence of grade 2 or higher hypophosphataemia was 16.7 per 100 person-years among TDF+ patients vs 8.0 per 100 person-years among TDF-patients (P = 0.11). The incidence of hypophosphataemia was somewhat elevated in HOPS patients who took TDF-containing HAART compared with those who took TDF-sparing HAART during the first 1 to 2 years of observation, but the difference was not statistically significant. Longer follow-up of a larger population is needed to determine if this trend towards an association achieves statistical significance and to evaluate the clinical consequences of hypophosphataemia.

Incidence and Determinants of Port Occlusions in Cancer Outpatients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Milani, Alessandra; Mazzocco, Ketti; Gandini, Sara; Pravettoni, Gabriella; Libutti, Livio; Zencovich, Claudia; Sbriglia, Ada; Pari, Chiara; Magon, Giorgio; Saiani, Luisa

Normal saline is considered a safe alternative for heparin as a locking solution in totally implantable venous access devices. The incidence rate of partial occlusion with the use of normal saline (easy injection, impossible aspiration) is estimated at 4%. The aim of this study was to investigate determinants of partial occlusions with the use of normal saline solution and the maintenance of positive pressure in the catheter. We enrolled 218 patients with different solid tumors who underwent pharmacologic treatment through the port with different frequencies: from once every week to at least once every month. The port was flushed with normal saline solution keeping a positive pressure in the catheter. We performed 4111 observations and documented normal port functioning in 99% of observations (n = 4057) and partial occlusions in 1% of observations (n = 54). Partial occlusions were significantly associated with frequency of port flushing (P < .05), chemotherapy (P < .001), and blood sample collection (P < .001). The use of positive pressure in addition to normal saline reduces the incidence rate of partial occlusions. The type of treatment, blood sample collection, and treatment schedule are important determinants of partial occlusions. Nurses play a key role in maintaining a functioning port using positive pressure during the flushing techniques. Certain risk factors must be monitored to prevent partial occlusions, and certain patients are more likely to present with port-related problems.

Do incident and new subsequent cases of non-melanoma skin cancer registered in a Danish prospective cohort study have different 10-year mortality?

PubMed

Jensen, Annette Østergaard; Olesen, Anne Braae; Dethlefsen, Claus; Sørensen, Henrik Toft

2007-01-01

The Danish Gerda Frentz Cohort (GFC) was created for registering all incident and new subsequent cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) among patients seen by Danish dermatologists in 1995. We have recently found, in this cohort, a lower 10-year mortality than in the general population in patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Differences in mortality between incident and new subsequent cases, incomplete registration or selection bias may be responsible for this finding. We aimed to quantify differences in mortality between incident and new subsequent cases of NMSC in the GFC and to compare mortality among incident cases recorded in the GFC and those recorded in the Danish Cancer Registry (DCR). We followed 10,830 skin cancer patients and 106,696 age-, gender- and residence-matched population controls through 2006 and computed their cumulative mortality and mortality rate ratio (MRR). One-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative mortality of incident and new subsequent cases of BCC and SCC in the GFC were similar. Likewise, MRR for incident BCC (MRR=0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.98) and incident SCC (MRR=1.29; 95% CI 1.05-1.56) among patients registered in the GFC were similar to their counterparts in the DCR (MRR=0.96; 95% CI 0.91-1.00 and MRR=1.36; 95% CI 1.22-1.52). Mortality of incident and new subsequent cases of NMSC was similar and thus did not explain the reduced mortality of BCC patients.

Cumulative increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus with increasing triglyceride glucose index in normal-weight people: The Rural Chinese Cohort Study.

PubMed

Zhang, Ming; Wang, Bingyuan; Liu, Yu; Sun, Xizhuo; Luo, Xinping; Wang, Chongjian; Li, Linlin; Zhang, Lu; Ren, Yongcheng; Zhao, Yang; Zhou, Junmei; Han, Chengyi; Zhao, Jingzhi; Hu, Dongsheng

2017-03-01

Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increased in metabolically obese but normal-weight people. However, we have limited knowledge of how to prevent T2DM in normal-weight people. We aimed to evaluate the association between triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and incident T2DM among normal-weight people in rural China. We included data from 5706 people with normal body mass index (BMI) (18.5-23.9 kg/m 2 ) without baseline T2DM in a rural Chinese cohort followed for a median of 6.0 years. A Cox proportional-hazard model was used to assess the risk of incident T2DM by quartiles of TyG index and difference in TyG index between follow-up and baseline (TyG-D), estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A generalized additive plot was used to show the nonparametric smoothed exposure-response association between risk of T2DM and TyG index as a continuous variable. TyG was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride level (mg/dl) × fasting plasma glucose level (mg/dl)/2]. Risk of incident T2DM was increased with quartiles 2, 3 and 4 versus quartile 1 of TyG index (adjusted HR [aHR] 2.48 [95% CI 1.20-5.11], 3.77 [1.83-7.79], and 5.30 [2.21-12.71], P trend  < 0.001 across quartiles of TyG index). Risk of incident T2DM was increased with quartile 4 versus quartile 1 of TyG-D (aHR 3.91 [2.22-6.87]). The results were consistent when analyses were restricted to participants without baseline metabolic syndrome and impaired fasting glucose level. The generalized additive plot showed cumulative increased risk of T2DM with increasing TyG index. Risk of incident T2DM is increased with increasing TyG index among rural Chinese people, so the index might be an important indicator for identifying people at high risk of T2DM.

Enhanced cortical connectivity in absolute pitch musicians: a model for local hyperconnectivity.

PubMed

Loui, Psyche; Li, H Charles; Hohmann, Anja; Schlaug, Gottfried

2011-04-01

Connectivity in the human brain has received increased scientific interest in recent years. Although connection disorders can affect perception, production, learning, and memory, few studies have associated brain connectivity with graded variations in human behavior, especially among normal individuals. One group of normal individuals who possess unique characteristics in both behavior and brain structure is absolute pitch (AP) musicians, who can name the appropriate pitch class of any given tone without a reference. Using diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, we observed hyperconnectivity in bilateral superior temporal lobe structures linked to AP possession. Furthermore, volume of tracts connecting left superior temporal gyrus to left middle temporal gyrus predicted AP performance. These findings extend previous reports of exaggerated temporal lobe asymmetry, may explain the higher incidence of AP in special populations, and may provide a model for understanding the heightened connectivity that is thought to underlie savant skills and cases of exceptional creativity.

Enhanced Cortical Connectivity in Absolute Pitch Musicians: A Model for Local Hyperconnectivity

PubMed Central

Loui, Psyche; Charles Li, Hui C.; Hohmann, Anja; Schlaug, Gottfried

2010-01-01

Connectivity in the human brain has received increased scientific interest in recent years. Although connection disorders can affect perception, production, learning, and memory, few studies have associated brain connectivity with graded variations in human behavior, especially among normal individuals. One group of normal individuals who possess unique characteristics in both behavior and brain structure is absolute pitch (AP) musicians, who can name the appropriate pitch class of any given tone without a reference. Using diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, we observed hyperconnectivity in bilateral superior temporal lobe structures linked to AP possession. Furthermore, volume of tracts connecting left superior temporal gyrus to left middle temporal gyrus predicted AP performance. These findings extend previous reports of exaggerated temporal lobe asymmetry, may explain the higher incidence of AP in developmental disorders, and may provide a model for understanding the heightened connectivity that is thought to underlie savant skills and cases of exceptional creativity. PMID:20515408

[Anaesthetic implications in a pregnant patient with an extreme thrombocytopenia due to a May-Hegglin anomaly: general o regional anaesthesia?].

PubMed

García Vallejo, G; Cabellos, M; Kabiri, M; Fraile, J R; Cuesta, J

2014-10-01

The May-Hegglin anomaly is an inherited disorder, so uncommon that the incidence is still unknown. It is characterized by macro-thrombocytopenia with normal platelet function and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in granulocytes. The case is reported of a 28-year-old primiparous patient who had an urgent caesarean section due to failed induction of labour. The patient had no history of abnormal bleeding. Other causes of thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction, such as preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or placental abruption, were ruled out. The platelet count prior to surgery was 20,900/mm(3) with normal platelet function. General anaesthesia was performed. No excessive bleeding occurred and a platelet transfusion was not needed. Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Note on the artefacts in SRIM simulation of sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shulga, V. I.

2018-05-01

The computer simulation program SRIM, unlike other well-known programs (MARLOWE, TRIM.SP, etc.), predicts non-zero values of the sputter yield at glancing ion bombardment of smooth amorphous targets and, for heavy ions, greatly underestimates the sputter yield at normal incidence. To understand the reasons for this, the sputtering of amorphous silicon bombarded with different ions was modeled here using the author's program OKSANA. Most simulations refer to 1 keV Xe ions, and angles of incidence cover range from 0 (normal incidence) to almost 90°. It has been shown that SRIM improperly simulates the initial stage of the sputtering process. Some other artefacts in SRIM calculations of sputtering are also revealed and discussed.

Dynamics of the Rydberg state population of slow highly charged ions impinging a solid surface at arbitrary collision geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedeljković, N. N.; Majkić, M. D.; Božanić, D. K.; Dojčilović, R. J.

2016-06-01

We consider the population dynamics of the intermediate Rydberg states of highly charged ions (core charge Z\\gg 1, principal quantum number {n}{{A}}\\gg 1) interacting with solid surfaces at arbitrary collision geometry. The recently developed resonant two-state vector model for the grazing incidence (2012 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 45 215202) is extended to the quasi-resonant case and arbitrary angle of incidence. According to the model, the population probabilities depend both on the projectile parallel and perpendicular velocity components, in a complementary way. A cascade neutralization process for {{{Xe}}}Z+ ions, for Z=15{--}45, interacting with a conductive-surface is considered by taking into account the population dynamics. For an arbitrary collision geometry and given range of ionic velocities, a micro-staircase model for the simultaneous calculation of the kinetic energy gain and the charge state of the ion in front of the surface is proposed. The relevance of the obtained results for the explanation of the formation of nanostructures on solid surfaces by slow highly charged ions for normal incidence geometry is briefly discussed.

The development of efficient numerical time-domain modeling methods for geophysical wave propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lieyuan

This Ph.D. dissertation focuses on the numerical simulation of geophysical wave propagation in the time domain including elastic waves in solid media, the acoustic waves in fluid media, and the electromagnetic waves in dielectric media. This thesis shows that a linear system model can describe accurately the physical processes of those geophysical waves' propagation and can be used as a sound basis for modeling geophysical wave propagation phenomena. The generalized stability condition for numerical modeling of wave propagation is therefore discussed in the context of linear system theory. The efficiency of a series of different numerical algorithms in the time-domain for modeling geophysical wave propagation are discussed and compared. These algorithms include the finite-difference time-domain method, pseudospectral time domain method, alternating directional implicit (ADI) finite-difference time domain method. The advantages and disadvantages of these numerical methods are discussed and the specific stability condition for each modeling scheme is carefully derived in the context of the linear system theory. Based on the review and discussion of these existing approaches, the split step, ADI pseudospectral time domain (SS-ADI-PSTD) method is developed and tested for several cases. Moreover, the state-of-the-art stretched-coordinate perfect matched layer (SCPML) has also been implemented in SS-ADI-PSTD algorithm as the absorbing boundary condition for truncating the computational domain and absorbing the artificial reflection from the domain boundaries. After algorithmic development, a few case studies serve as the real-world examples to verify the capacities of the numerical algorithms and understand the capabilities and limitations of geophysical methods for detection of subsurface contamination. The first case is a study using ground penetrating radar (GPR) amplitude variation with offset (AVO) for subsurface non-aqueous-liquid (NAPL) contamination. The numerical AVO study reveals that the normalized residual polarization (NRP) variation with offset does not respond to subsurface NAPL existence when the offset is close to or larger than its critical value (which corresponds to critical incident angle) because the air and head waves dominate the recorded wave field and severely interfere with reflected waves in the TEz wave field. Thus it can be concluded that the NRP AVO/GPR method is invalid when source-receiver angle offset is close to or greater than its critical value due to incomplete and severely distorted reflection information. In other words, AVO is not a promising technique for detection of the subsurface NAPL, as claimed by some researchers. In addition, the robustness of the newly developed numerical algorithms is also verified by the AVO study for randomly-arranged layered media. Meanwhile, this case study also demonstrates again that the full-wave numerical modeling algorithms are superior to ray tracing method. The second case study focuses on the effect of the existence of a near-surface fault on the vertically incident P- and S- plane waves. The modeling results show that both P-wave vertical incidence and S-wave vertical incidence cases are qualified fault indicators. For the plane S-wave vertical incidence case, the horizontal location of the upper tip of the fault (the footwall side) can be identified without much effort, because all the recorded parameters on the surface including the maximum velocities and the maximum accelerations, and even their ratios H/V, have shown dramatic changes when crossing the upper tip of the fault. The centers of the transition zone of the all the curves of parameters are almost directly above the fault tip (roughly the horizontal center of the model). Compared with the case of the vertically incident P-wave source, it has been found that the S-wave vertical source is a better indicator for fault location, because the horizontal location of the tip of that fault cannot be clearly identified with the ratio of the horizontal to vertical velocity for the P-wave incident case.

MHD Wave Propagation at the Interface Between Solar Chromosphere and Corona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Y.; Song, P.; Vasyliunas, V. M.

2017-12-01

We study the electromagnetic and momentum constraints at the solar transition region which is a sharp layer interfacing between the solar chromosphere and corona. When mass transfer between the two domains is neglected, the transition region can be treated as a contact discontinuity across which the magnetic flux is conserved and the total forces are balanced. We consider an Alfvénic perturbation that propagates along the magnetic field incident onto the interface from one side. In order to satisfy the boundary conditions at the transition region, only part of the incident energy flux is transmitted through and the rest is reflected. Taking into account the highly anisotropic propagation of waves in magnetized plasmas, we generalize the law of reflection and specify Snell's law for each of the three wave MHD modes: incompressible Alfvén mode and compressible fast and slow modes. Unlike conventional optical systems, the interface between two magnetized plasmas is not rigid but can be deformed by the waves, allowing momentum and energy to be transferred by compression. With compressible modes included, the Fresnel conditions need substantial modification. We derive Fresnel conditions, reflectivities and transmittances, and mode conversion for incident waves propagating along the background magnetic field. The results are well organized when the incident perturbation is decomposed into components in and normal to the incident plane (containing the background magnetic field and the normal direction of the interface). For a perturbation normal to the incident plane, both transmitted and reflected perturbations are incompressible Alfvén mode waves. For a perturbation in the incident plane, they can be compressible slow and fast mode waves which may produce ripples on the transition region.

Incidence and predictors of dural venous sinus pressure gradient in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and non-idiopathic intracranial hypertension headache patients: results from 164 cerebral venograms.

PubMed

Levitt, Michael R; Hlubek, Randall J; Moon, Karam; Kalani, M Yashar S; Nakaji, Peter; Smith, Kris A; Little, Andrew S; Knievel, Kerry; Chan, Jane W; McDougall, Cameron G; Albuquerque, Felipe C

2017-02-01

OBJECTIVE Cerebral venous pressure gradient (CVPG) from dural venous sinus stenosis is implicated in headache syndromes such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The incidence of CVPG in headache patients has not been reported. METHODS The authors reviewed all cerebral venograms with manometry performed for headache between January 2008 and May 2015. Patient demographics, headache etiology, intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements, and radiographic and manometric results were recorded. CVPG was defined as a difference ≥ 8 mm Hg by venographic manometry. RESULTS One hundred sixty-four venograms were performed in 155 patients. There were no procedural complications. Ninety-six procedures (58.5%) were for patients with IIH. The overall incidence of CVPG was 25.6% (42 of 164 procedures): 35.4% (34 of 96 procedures) in IIH patients and 11.8% (8 of 68 procedures) in non-IIH patients. Sixty procedures (36.6%) were performed in patients with preexisting shunts. Seventy-seven patients (49.7%) had procedures preceded by an ICP measurement within 4 weeks of venography, and in 66 (85.7%) of these patients, the ICP had been found to be elevated. CVPG was seen in 8.3% (n = 5) of the procedures in the 60 patients with a preexisting shunt and in 0% (n = 0) of the 11 procedures in the 77 patients with normal ICP (p < 0.001 for both). Noninvasive imaging (MR venography, CT venography) was assessed prior to venography in 112 (68.3%) of 164 cases, and dural venous sinus abnormalities were demonstrated in 73 (65.2%) of these cases; there was a trend toward CVPG (p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an increased likelihood of CVPG in patients with IIH (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.71-14.47) and a decreased likelihood in patients with a preexisting shunt (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.44). CONCLUSIONS CVPG is uncommon in IIH patients, rare in those with preexisting shunts, and absent in those with normal ICP.

Alcohol consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in European men and women: influence of beverage type and body size The EPIC-InterAct study.

PubMed

Beulens, J W J; van der Schouw, Y T; Bergmann, M M; Rohrmann, S; Schulze, M B; Buijsse, B; Grobbee, D E; Arriola, L; Cauchi, S; Tormo, M-J; Allen, N E; van der A, D L; Balkau, B; Boeing, H; Clavel-Chapelon, F; de Lauzon-Guillan, B; Franks, P; Froguel, P; Gonzales, C; Halkjaer, J; Huerta, J M; Kaaks, R; Key, T J; Khaw, K T; Krogh, V; Molina-Montes, E; Nilsson, P; Overvad, K; Palli, D; Panico, S; Ramón Quirós, J; Rolandsson, O; Ronaldsson, O; Romieu, I; Romaguera, D; Sacerdote, C; Sánchez, M-J; Spijkerman, A M W; Teucher, B; Tjonneland, A; Tumino, R; Sharp, S; Forouhi, N G; Langenberg, C; Feskens, E J M; Riboli, E; Wareham, N J

2012-10-01

To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes, and determine whether this is modified by sex, body mass index (BMI) and beverage type. Multicentre prospective case-cohort study. Eight countries from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. A representative baseline sample of 16 154 participants and 12 403 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. Alcohol consumption assessed using validated dietary questionnaires. Occurrence of type 2 diabetes based on multiple sources (mainly self-reports), verified against medical information. Amongst men, moderate alcohol consumption was nonsignificantly associated with a lower incidence of diabetes with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.78-1.05) for 6.1-12.0 versus 0.1-6.0 g day(-1) , adjusted for dietary and diabetes risk factors. However, the lowest risk was observed at higher intakes of 24.1-96.0 g day(-1) with an HR of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.75-0.98). Amongst women, moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower incidence of diabetes with a hazard ratio of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72-0.92) for 6.1-12.0 g day(-1) (P interaction gender <0.01). The inverse association between alcohol consumption and diabetes was more pronounced amongst overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg m(-2) ) than normal-weight men and women (P interaction < 0.05). Adjusting for waist and hip circumference did not alter the results for men, but attenuated the association for women (HR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.79-1.03 for 6.1-12.0 g day(-1) ). Wine consumption for men and fortified wine consumption for women were most strongly associated with a reduced risk of diabetes. The results of this study show that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes amongst women only. However, this risk reduction is in part explained by fat distribution. The relation between alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes was stronger for overweight than normal-weight women and men. © 2012 The Association for the Publication of the Journal of Internal Medicine.

An analysis of the surface-normal coupling efficiency of a metal grating coupler embedded in a Scotch tape optical waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrios, Carlos Angulo; Canalejas-Tejero, Víctor

2017-01-01

The coupling efficiency at normal incidence of recently demonstrated aluminum grating couplers integrated in flexible Scotch tape waveguides has been analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) and rigorously coupled wave analysis (RCWA) methods have been used to optimize the dimensions (duty cycle and metal thickness) of Scotch tape-embedded 1D Al gratings for maximum coupling at 635 nm wavelength. Good dimension and tape refractive index tolerances are predicted. FDTD simulations reveal the incident beam width and impinging position (alignment) values that avoid rediffraction and thus maximize the coupling efficiency. A 1D Al diffraction grating integrated into a Scotch tape optical waveguide has been fabricated and characterized. The fabrication process, based on pattern transfer, has been optimized to allow complete Al grating transfer onto the Scotch tape waveguide. A maximum coupling efficiency of 20% for TM-polarized normal incidence has been measured, which is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The measured coupling efficiency is further increased up to 28% for TM polarization under oblique incidence. Temperature dependence measurements have been also achieved and related to the simulations results and fabrication procedure.

Surveillance for Lyme Disease - United States, 2008-2015.

PubMed

Schwartz, Amy M; Hinckley, Alison F; Mead, Paul S; Hook, Sarah A; Kugeler, Kiersten J

2017-11-10

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vectorborne disease in the United States but is geographically focal. The majority of Lyme disease cases occur in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions. Lyme disease can cause varied clinical manifestations, including erythema migrans, arthritis, facial palsy, and carditis. Lyme disease occurs most commonly among children and older adults, with a slight predominance among males. 2008-2015. Lyme disease has been a nationally notifiable condition in the United States since 1991. Possible Lyme disease cases are reported to local and state health departments by clinicians and laboratories. Health department staff conduct case investigations to classify cases according to the national surveillance case definition. Those that qualify as confirmed or probable cases of Lyme disease are reported to CDC through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. States with an average annual incidence during this reporting period of ≥10 confirmed Lyme disease cases per 100,000 population were classified as high incidence. States that share a border with those states or that are located between areas of high incidence were classified as neighboring states. All other states were classified as low incidence. During 2008-2015, a total of 275,589 cases of Lyme disease were reported to CDC (208,834 confirmed and 66,755 probable). Although most cases continue to be reported from states with high incidence in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions, case counts in most of these states have remained stable or decreased during the reporting period. In contrast, case counts have increased in states that neighbor those with high incidence. Overall, demographic characteristics associated with confirmed cases were similar to those described previously, with a slight predominance among males and a bimodal age distribution with peaks among young children and older adults. Yet, among the subset of cases reported from states with low incidence, infection occurred more commonly among females and older adults. In addition, probable cases occurred more commonly among females and with a higher modal age than confirmed cases. Lyme disease continues to be the most commonly reported vectorborne disease in the United States. Although concentrated in historically high-incidence areas, the geographic distribution is expanding into neighboring states. The trend of stable to decreasing case counts in many states with high incidence could be a result of multiple factors, including actual stabilization of disease incidence or artifact due to modifications in reporting practices employed by some states to curtail the resource burden associated with Lyme disease surveillance. This report highlights the continuing public health challenge of Lyme disease in states with high incidence and demonstrates its emergence in neighboring states that previously experienced few cases. Educational efforts should be directed accordingly to facilitate prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. As Lyme disease emerges in neighboring states, clinical suspicion of Lyme disease in a patient should be based on local experience rather than incidence cutoffs used for surveillance purposes. A diagnosis of Lyme disease should be considered in patients with compatible clinical signs and a history of potential exposure to infected ticks, not only in states with high incidence but also in areas where Lyme disease is known to be emerging. These findings underscore the ongoing need to implement personal prevention practices routinely (e.g., application of insect repellent and inspection for and removal of ticks) and to develop other effective interventions.

Surveillance for Lyme Disease — United States, 2008–2015

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Amy M.; Hinckley, Alison F.; Mead, Paul S.; Hook, Sarah A.

2017-01-01

Problem/Condition Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vectorborne disease in the United States but is geographically focal. The majority of Lyme disease cases occur in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions. Lyme disease can cause varied clinical manifestations, including erythema migrans, arthritis, facial palsy, and carditis. Lyme disease occurs most commonly among children and older adults, with a slight predominance among males. Reporting Period 2008–2015. Description of System Lyme disease has been a nationally notifiable condition in the United States since 1991. Possible Lyme disease cases are reported to local and state health departments by clinicians and laboratories. Health department staff conduct case investigations to classify cases according to the national surveillance case definition. Those that qualify as confirmed or probable cases of Lyme disease are reported to CDC through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. States with an average annual incidence during this reporting period of ≥10 confirmed Lyme disease cases per 100,000 population were classified as high incidence. States that share a border with those states or that are located between areas of high incidence were classified as neighboring states. All other states were classified as low incidence. Results During 2008–2015, a total of 275,589 cases of Lyme disease were reported to CDC (208,834 confirmed and 66,755 probable). Although most cases continue to be reported from states with high incidence in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions, case counts in most of these states have remained stable or decreased during the reporting period. In contrast, case counts have increased in states that neighbor those with high incidence. Overall, demographic characteristics associated with confirmed cases were similar to those described previously, with a slight predominance among males and a bimodal age distribution with peaks among young children and older adults. Yet, among the subset of cases reported from states with low incidence, infection occurred more commonly among females and older adults. In addition, probable cases occurred more commonly among females and with a higher modal age than confirmed cases. Interpretation Lyme disease continues to be the most commonly reported vectorborne disease in the United States. Although concentrated in historically high-incidence areas, the geographic distribution is expanding into neighboring states. The trend of stable to decreasing case counts in many states with high incidence could be a result of multiple factors, including actual stabilization of disease incidence or artifact due to modifications in reporting practices employed by some states to curtail the resource burden associated with Lyme disease surveillance. Public Health Action This report highlights the continuing public health challenge of Lyme disease in states with high incidence and demonstrates its emergence in neighboring states that previously experienced few cases. Educational efforts should be directed accordingly to facilitate prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. As Lyme disease emerges in neighboring states, clinical suspicion of Lyme disease in a patient should be based on local experience rather than incidence cutoffs used for surveillance purposes. A diagnosis of Lyme disease should be considered in patients with compatible clinical signs and a history of potential exposure to infected ticks, not only in states with high incidence but also in areas where Lyme disease is known to be emerging. These findings underscore the ongoing need to implement personal prevention practices routinely (e.g., application of insect repellent and inspection for and removal of ticks) and to develop other effective interventions. PMID:29120995

[Scarlet fever in Poland in 2009].

PubMed

Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara; Staszewska, Ewa

2011-01-01

After the last outbreak of scarlet fever, when the peak was recorded in 1985, now is observed the visible extension of disease epidemic period and the weakness of the dynamics of the annual changes of incidence. In 2009, as in previous years, the scarlet fever incidence in Poland increased. There were 13,968 cases registered in total and the incidence was 36.6 per 100,000 population ranging from 18.4 in podkarpackie voivodeship to 62.1 in opolskie voivodeship. Cases among children and adolescents of less than 15 years of age accounted for 95.3% of all cases. The highest incidence was observed among 4 years old children (566.5) and 6 years old children (564.70). Incidence in men (41.5) markedly exceeded the incidence in women (32.1) and incidence in urban areas (40.5) and in rural areas (30.6). Approximately 1.1% of all cases were hospitalized. Due to scarlet fever there were no deaths in Poland in 2009.

Immunoreactive transforming growth factor alpha is commonly present in colorectal neoplasia.

PubMed Central

Tanaka, S.; Imanishi, K.; Yoshihara, M.; Haruma, K.; Sumii, K.; Kajiyama, G.; Akamatsu, S.

1991-01-01

Surgical specimens from 19 patients with invasive colorectal cancers and 12 specimens of normal mucosa from the same patients were examined immunohistochemically for the production of the immunoreactive (IR-) transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and IR-epidermal growth factor (EGF) with an anti-TGF-alpha monoclonal antibody (MAb) OAL-MTG01 and anti-EGF MAb KEM-10. Immunoreactive TGF-alpha was detected in 16 (84.2%) of 19 colorectal cancers. In contrast, there was no IR-TGF-alpha in the gland cells of normal mucosa. Immunoreactive EGF was detected in 7 (36.8%) of 19 colorectal cancers and 1 (8.3%) of 12 cases of normal mucosa. The production of both IR-TGF-alpha and IR-EGF in colorectal cancer did not differ by histologic type and Dukes' stage. Immunoreactive TGF-alpha was detected at significantly higher incidence than IR-EGF in colorectal cancer. These results indicate that IR-TGF-alpha should prove valuable as a possible tumor marker in colorectal cancers, and it may be very useful in understanding the biology of colorectal cancer. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 PMID:1853928

Investigation of Adhesive Bond Cure Conditions using Nonlinear Ultrasonic Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berndt, Tobias P.; Green, Robert E., Jr.

1999-01-01

The objective of this presentation is to investigate various cure conditions of adhesive bonds using nonlinear ultrasonic methods with water coupling. Several samples were used to obtain normal incidence, oblique incidence, and wave mixing.

On the tunability of quality-factor for optical Tamm plasmon modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Samir; Das, Ritwick

2017-09-01

We present a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the impact of gold and silver films on modifying the quality-factor (Q-factor) of optical Tamm-plasmon (OTP) resonance in a metal-distributed Bragg reflector (M-DBR) geometry. Here, OTP mode is excited using direct incidence of white-light-source at normal incidence as well as oblique incidence on M-DBR geometry. The lifetime of OTP in gold and silver deposited films on DBR mirror was determined from OTP resonance linewidth. The lifetime and the Q-factor of OTP modes are found to depend on DBR bilayers, metal film thickness as well as on different plasmon active metals. This finding would facilitate tuning the Q-factor and consequently, the lifetime of OTP modes for various applications in all-optical switches and modulators. In addition, we discuss the spectral characteristics of OTP modes excited using normal and oblique incident of source.

A simple model of space radiation damage in GaAs solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, J. W.; Stith, J. J.; Stock, L. V.

1983-01-01

A simple model is derived for the radiation damage of shallow junction gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells. Reasonable agreement is found between the model and specific experimental studies of radiation effects with electron and proton beams. In particular, the extreme sensitivity of the cell to protons stopping near the cell junction is predicted by the model. The equivalent fluence concept is of questionable validity for monoenergetic proton beams. Angular factors are quite important in establishing the cell sensitivity to incident particle types and energies. A fluence of isotropic incidence 1 MeV electrons (assuming infinite backing) is equivalent to four times the fluence of normal incidence 1 MeV electrons. Spectral factors common to the space radiations are considered, and cover glass thickness required to minimize the initial damage for a typical cell configuration is calculated. Rough equivalence between the geosynchronous environment and an equivalent 1 MeV electron fluence (normal incidence) is established.

Four-parameter model for polarization-resolved rough-surface BRDF.

PubMed

Renhorn, Ingmar G E; Hallberg, Tomas; Bergström, David; Boreman, Glenn D

2011-01-17

A modeling procedure is demonstrated, which allows representation of polarization-resolved BRDF data using only four parameters: the real and imaginary parts of an effective refractive index with an added parameter taking grazing incidence absorption into account and an angular-scattering parameter determined from the BRDF measurement of a chosen angle of incidence, preferably close to normal incidence. These parameters allow accurate predictions of s- and p-polarized BRDF for a painted rough surface, over three decades of variation in BRDF magnitude. To characterize any particular surface of interest, the measurements required to determine these four parameters are the directional hemispherical reflectance (DHR) for s- and p-polarized input radiation and the BRDF at a selected angle of incidence. The DHR data describes the angular and polarization dependence, as well as providing the overall normalization constraint. The resulting model conserves energy and fulfills the reciprocity criteria.

Incidence and risk factors of AIDS-defining cancers in a cohort of HIV-positive adults: Importance of the definition of incident cases.

PubMed

Suárez-García, Inés; Jarrín, Inmaculada; Iribarren, José Antonio; López-Cortés, Luis Fernando; Lacruz-Rodrigo, José; Masiá, Mar; Gómez-Sirvent, Juan Luis; Hernández-Quero, José; Vidal, Francesc; Alejos-Ferreras, Belén; Moreno, Santiago; Del Amo, Julia

2013-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for the development of AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs); and to investigate the effect of making different assumptions on the definition of incident cases. A multicentre cohort study was designed. Poisson regression was used to assess incidence and risk factors. To account for misclassification, incident cases were defined using lag-times of 0, 14 and 30 days after enrolment. A total of 6393 HIV-positive subjects were included in the study. The incidences of ADCs changed as the lag periods were varied from 0 to 30 days. Different risk factors emerged as the definition of incident cases was changed. For a lag time of 0, the risk of Kaposi sarcoma [KS] and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL] increased at CD4 counts <200/ml. HAART was associated with lower risk of NHL and KS. Men who had sex with men had a higher risk of KS. KS and NHL were not associated with viral load, gender, or hepatitis B or C. The results were similar for a lag-time of 14 and 30 days; however, hepatitis C was significantly associated with NHL. This analysis shows the importance of the definition of incident cases in cohort studies. Alternative definitions gave different incidence estimates, and may have implications for the analysis of risk factors. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

The Smo/Smo model: hedgehog-induced medulloblastoma with 90% incidence and leptomeningeal spread.

PubMed

Hatton, Beryl A; Villavicencio, Elisabeth H; Tsuchiya, Karen D; Pritchard, Joel I; Ditzler, Sally; Pullar, Barbara; Hansen, Stacey; Knoblaugh, Sue E; Lee, Donghoon; Eberhart, Charles G; Hallahan, Andrew R; Olson, James M

2008-03-15

Toward the goal of generating a mouse medulloblastoma model with increased tumor incidence, we developed a homozygous version of our ND2:SmoA1 model. Medulloblastomas form in 94% of homozygous Smo/Smo mice by 2 months of age. Tumor formation is, thus, predictable by age, before the symptomatic appearance of larger lesions. This high incidence and early onset of tumors is ideal for preclinical studies because mice can be enrolled before symptom onset and with a greater latency period before late-stage disease. Smo/Smo tumors also display leptomeningeal dissemination of neoplastic cells to the brain and spine, which occurs in many human cases. Despite an extended proliferation of granule neuron precursors (GNP) in the postnatal external granular layer (EGL), the internal granular layer formed normally in Smo/Smo mice and tumor formation occurred only in localized foci on the superficial surface of the molecular layer. Thus, tumor formation is not simply the result of over proliferation of GNPs within the EGL. Moreover, Smo/Smo medulloblastomas were transplantable and serially passaged in vivo, demonstrating the aggressiveness of tumor cells and their transformation beyond a hyperplastic state. The Smo/Smo model is the first mouse medulloblastoma model to show leptomeningeal spread. The adherence to human pathology, high incidence, and early onset of tumors thus make Smo/Smo mice an efficient model for preclinical studies.

Association of triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio to cardiorespiratory fitness in men.

PubMed

Vega, Gloria Lena; Grundy, Scott M; Barlow, Carolyn E; Leonard, David; Willis, Benjamin L; DeFina, Laura F; Farrell, Stephen W

Both triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) impart risk for all-cause morbidity and mortality independently of conventional risk factors. To determine prevalence and/or incidence of high TG/HDL-C ratio in men with low CRF. Clinical characteristics and CRF were used to determine prevalence of a TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3.5 (high ratio) in 13,954 men of the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. High-ratio conversion was determined in 10,424 men with normal baseline TG/HDL-C ratio. Hazard ratio (HR) of incident high TG/HDL-C was adjusted for age and waist girth. Men with low CRF had the highest prevalence of a high TG/HDL-C ratio. In the population with normal TG/HDL-C, age-adjusted HR of incident high TG/HDL-C ratio was 2.77 times higher in men with lowest CRF than in those with highest CRF. Incidence of conversion of normal to high ratio was 5.5% per year in low CRF population, compared with 1.7% in high CRF subjects. Incidence HR was independent of waist girth. Men who converted from normal to high TG/HDL-C ratio during the follow-up period had increased number of metabolic risk factors and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Men who did not convert to a high TG/HDL-C ratio retained a low prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors. A high TG/HDL-C ratio is common in men with low CRF. Metabolic syndrome also is common among those with a high ratio. Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved.

Estimating the impact of newly arrived foreign-born persons on tuberculosis in the United States.

PubMed

Liu, Yecai; Painter, John A; Posey, Drew L; Cain, Kevin P; Weinberg, Michelle S; Maloney, Susan A; Ortega, Luis S; Cetron, Martin S

2012-01-01

Among approximately 163.5 million foreign-born persons admitted to the United States annually, only 500,000 immigrants and refugees are required to undergo overseas tuberculosis (TB) screening. It is unclear what extent of the unscreened nonimmigrant visitors contributes to the burden of foreign-born TB in the United States. We defined foreign-born persons within 1 year after arrival in the United States as "newly arrived", and utilized data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and World Health Organization to estimate the incidence of TB among newly arrived foreign-born persons in the United States. During 2001 through 2008, 11,500 TB incident cases, including 291 multidrug-resistant TB incident cases, were estimated to occur among 20,989,738 person-years for the 1,479,542,654 newly arrived foreign-born persons in the United States. Of the 11,500 estimated TB incident cases, 41.6% (4,783) occurred among immigrants and refugees, 36.6% (4,211) among students/exchange visitors and temporary workers, 13.8% (1,589) among tourists and business travelers, and 7.3% (834) among Canadian and Mexican nonimmigrant visitors without an I-94 form (e.g., arrival-departure record). The top 3 newly arrived foreign-born populations with the largest estimated TB incident cases per 100,000 admissions were immigrants and refugees from high-incidence countries (e.g., 2008 WHO-estimated TB incidence rate of ≥100 cases/100,000 population/year; 235.8 cases/100,000 admissions, 95% confidence interval [CI], 228.3 to 243.3), students/exchange visitors and temporary workers from high-incidence countries (60.9 cases/100,000 admissions, 95% CI, 58.5 to 63.3), and immigrants and refugees from medium-incidence countries (e.g., 2008 WHO-estimated TB incidence rate of 15-99 cases/100,000 population/year; 55.2 cases/100,000 admissions, 95% CI, 51.6 to 58.8). Newly arrived nonimmigrant visitors contribute substantially to the burden of foreign-born TB in the United States. To achieve the goals of TB elimination, direct investment in global TB control and strategies to target nonimmigrant visitors should be considered.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus: survey on contemporary diagnostic algorithms and therapeutic decision-making in clinical practice.

PubMed

Krauss, J K; Halve, B

2004-04-01

There is no agreement on the best diagnostic criteria for selecting patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) for CSF shunting. The primary objective of the present study was to provide a contemporary survey on diagnostic algorithms and therapeutic decision-making in clinical practice. The secondary objective was to estimate the incidence of NPH. Standardized questionnaires with sections on the incidence of NPH and the frequency of shunting, evaluation of clinical symptoms, and signs, diagnostic studies, therapeutic decision-making and operative techniques, postoperative outcome and complications, and the profiles of different centers, were sent to 82 neurosurgical centers in Germany known to participate in the care of patients with NPH. Data were analyzed from 49 of 53 centers which responded to the survey (65%). The estimated annual incidence of NPH was 1.8 cases/100.000 inhabitants. Gait disturbance was defined as the most important sign of NPH (61%). There was a wide variety in the choice of diagnostic tests. Cisternography was performed routinely only in single centers. Diagnostic CSF removal was used with varying frequency by all centers except one, but the amount of CSF removed by lumbar puncture differed markedly between centers. There was poor agreement on criteria for evaluation of continuous intracranial pressure recordings regarding both the amplitude and the relative frequency of B-waves. Both periventricular and deep white matter lesions were present in about 50% of patients being shunted, indicating that vascular comorbidity in NPH patients has gained more acceptance. Programmable shunts were used by more than half of the centers, and newer valve types such as gravitational valves have become more popular. According to the present survey, new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts on NPH have penetrated daily routine to a certain extent. Wide variability, however, still exists among different neurosurgical centers.

Tuberculosis in Poland in 2012.

PubMed

Korzeniewska-Koseła, Maria

2014-01-01

To evaluate the main features of TB epidemiology in 2012 in Poland and to compare with the corresponding EU data. Analysis of case- based clinical and demographic data on TB patients from Central TB Register, of data submitted by laboratories on anti-TB drug susceptibility testing results in cases notified in 2012, data from National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene on cases of tuberculosis as AIDS-defining disease, from Central Statistical Office on deaths from tuberculosis based on death certificates, data from ECDC report "Tuberculosis Surveillance in Europe, 2014 (situation in 2012). 7 542 TB cases were reported in Poland in 2012. The incidence rate was 19.6 cases per 100 000, with large variability between voivodships from 10.6 to 30.2. The mean annual decrease of TB incidence in 2008-2012 was 2.4%. 6 665 cases had no history of previous treatment; 17.3 per 100 000. The number of all notified pulmonary tuberculosis cases was 7 018; 18.2 per 100 000. The proportion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis among all registered cases was 6.9% (524 cases). In 2012, 36 patients had fibrous-cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis (0.5% of all cases of pulmonary tuberculosis). TB was diagnosed in 95 children (1.3% of all cases, incidence 1.6). The incidence of tuberculosis increased progressively with age to 34.8 among patients 65 years old and older. The mean age of new TB cases was 53.1 years. The incidence among men (27.4) was more than two times higher than among women (12.2). The incidence rate in rural population was lower than in urban; 20.2 vs. 18.6. Bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary cases (4870) constituted 69,4% of all pulmonary TB cases. The number of smear positive pulmonary TB cases was 2 778 (39.6% of all pulmonary cases). In 2012 in the all group of TB patients in Poland there were 276 (3.7%) of homeless and 1 905 (25.3%) of unemployed. There were 48 foreigners registered among all cases of tuberculosis in Poland (0.6%) and 243 cases registered among prisoners (rate 288.0). There were 31 patients with MDR-TB (0.7% of 4659 cases with known anti-TB DST results). TB was initial AIDS indicative disease in 26 cases. There were 640 deaths due to tuberculosis in 2011 (1.7 TB deaths per 100 000). Mortality among males - 2.7 - was four times higher than among females - 0.7. CONCLUSIONS. In Poland in 2012 the incidence of tuberculosis was higher than the average in EU countries. The highest incidence rates occurred in older age groups. The incidence in men was more than 2 times higher than in women. The incidence of tuberculosis in children and the percentage of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis are lower than average in EU and that is favorable for epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in our country.

A prospective study of impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes in China: The Kailuan study.

PubMed

Vaidya, Anand; Cui, Liufu; Sun, Lixia; Lu, Bing; Chen, Shuohua; Liu, Xing; Zhou, Yong; Liu, Xiurong; Xie, Xiaobing; Hu, Frank B; Wu, Shouling; Gao, Xiang

2016-11-01

The worldwide prevalence and incidence of diabetes and obesity are increasing in pandemic proportions. This is particularly relevant for China, where an extremely large population is growing, aging, and urbanizing. We thus conducted a prospective study to examine the prevalence and incidence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes, the rate at which fasting blood glucose rises, and the major modifiable risk factors associated with these outcomes in a large Chinese population from the Kailuan prospective study.A prospective cohort included 100,279 Chinese participants, aged 18 years or more, who had available information on fasting blood glucose concentrations at the start of the study (2006). Examination surveys were conducted every 2 years in 2008 and 2010. For the analyses of incident diabetes, we included 76,869 participants who were free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at the baseline and participants in the 2008 and/or 2010 follow-up. Diabetes was defined by a fasting blood glucose concentration ≥7 mmol/L, self-reported history, or active treatment with insulin or any oral hypoglycemic agent. IFG was defined by a fasting blood glucose concentration between 5.6 and 6.9 mmol/L.During the 4-year study, the prevalence of diabetes and IFG rose from 6.6% to 7.7%, and 17.3% to 22.6%, respectively. There were 17,811 incident cases of IFG and 4867 incident cases of diabetes. The age-standardized incident rate of IFG and diabetes were 62.6/1000 person-years (51.2/1000 person-years in women and 73.8/1000 person-years in men) and 10.0/1000 person-years (7.8/1000 person-years in women and 12.1/1000 person-years in men), respectively. We observed steady increases in fasting blood glucose with body anthropometrics and in every defined category of body mass index, including in those traditionally considered to be well within the "normal" range.In this large longitudinal study of Chinese adults, we observed a high prevalence and incidence of IFG and diabetes over 4 years of follow-up. Our findings are alarming for Chinese public health since steady rises in fasting blood glucose were seen across all permutations of body habitus, even apparently very lean individuals.

For assessment of changes in intraoperative red blood cell transfusion practices over time, the pooled incidence of transfusion correlates highly with total units transfused.

PubMed

Dexter, Franklin; Epstein, Richard H

2017-06-01

Multiple studies nationwide and at single hospitals have examined changes over time in the incidence of perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. However, the cost of RBC transfusions is related to the number of RBC units transfused, not to the incidence. We evaluate whether the readily available incidence of RBC transfusion can be used as a valid surrogate measure. Observational retrospective study. One tertiary, academic hospital. 394,789 cases of 1885 procedures over N=42 quarters of the year. None. Incidence and number of RBC units transfused intraoperatively. The number of RBC units transfused per case did not follow a Poisson distribution, confirming that the number of units and incidence of transfusion are not interchangeable for analyzing decisions by case. However, with all cases of each quarter combined, the Spearman correlation was 0.98±0.01 between each quarter's incidence of RBC transfusion and mean RBC units transfused per case (P<0.0001). For assessment of changes in intraoperative RBC transfusion practices over years, it is sufficient to analyze the pooled incidence of transfusion, rather than to calculate the number of units transfused. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differential proteins among normal cervix cells and cervical cancer cells with HPV-16 infection, through mass spectrometry-based Proteomics (2D-DIGE) in women from Southern México.

PubMed

Serafín-Higuera, Idanya; Garibay-Cerdenares, Olga Lilia; Illades-Aguiar, Berenice; Flores-Alfaro, Eugenia; Jiménez-López, Marco Antonio; Sierra-Martínez, Pavel; Alarcón-Romero, Luz Del Carmen

2016-01-01

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide with an estimated 528,000 new cases in 2012. The same year México had an incidence of 13,960 and a mortality of 4769 cases. There are several diagnosis methods of CC; among the most frequents are the conventional Pap cytology (Pap), colposcopy, and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), histopathological examination, tests of imaging and detection of high-risk papilloma virus (HR-HPV) with molecular tests (PCR, hybridization, sequencing). Proteomics is a tool for the detection of new biomarkers that can be associated with clinical stage, histological type, prognosis, and/or response to treatment. In this study we performed a comparative analysis of CC cells with normal cervical cells. The proteomic analysis was carried out with the fluorescent two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) technique to subsequently identify differential protein profiles using Decyder Software, and the selected proteins were identified by Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The proteins that showed an increased expression in cervical cancer in comparison with normal cervix cells were: Mimecan, Actin from aortic smooth muscle and Lumican. While Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 5, Peroxiredoxin-1 and 14-3-3 protein sigma showed a decrease in their protein expression level in cervical cancer in comparison with normal cervix cells. Thus, this study was successful in identifying biomarker signatures for cervical cancer, and might provide new insights into the mechanism of CC progression.

Endocrine alterations around the time of abortion in mares impregnated with donkey or horse semen.

PubMed

Boeta, M; Zarco, L

2010-08-01

The objective of this study was to monitor and compare the concentrations of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), progesterone and estrone sulphate during normal and failed pregnancies of mares impregnated with donkey or horse semen, relating their individual endocrine profiles to the time of pregnancy loss, and to the histopathologic findings in the aborted fetuses and placenta. Mares (n=54) were used, 32 of them impregnated with donkey semen and 22 impregnated with horse semen. Blood samples were taken twice a week from Day 35 to 120 of pregnancy. Ultrasonographic observations of the fetus were carried out twice a week. The incidence of abortion in mares impregnated with donkey semen (30%) was greater (P<0.05) than the 5% observed in mares impregnated with horse semen. From Week 8 to the end of the sampling period, the mean progesterone concentrations of mares with normal mule pregnancies were less (P<0.05) than those of mares with normal pregnancies with equine fetuses. The concentrations of eCG were less (P<0.05) in mule pregnancies from Week 6. Estrone sulphate concentrations were only different (P<0.05) between types of pregnancy on Weeks 13 and 14, being in this case greater with the mule pregnancies. Most of the abortions of mule fetuses were associated with lesser progesterone concentrations than the average for mares with successful mule pregnancies. Four of the abortions of mule fetuses and the only abortion of horse fetus occurred in mares with lesser progesterone and very low eCG concentrations, and were classified as caused by luteal impairment secondary to eCG deficiency; estrone sulphate concentrations were less than normal or absent before these abortions. Two mares aborted after several weeks of low progesterone concentrations in the presence of eCG concentrations that were normal for mule pregnancies, suggesting primary luteal deficiency. In three mares carrying a mule fetus, the concentrations of progesterone and estrone sulphate decreased abruptly immediately before fetal death, suggesting luteolysis due to active prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2alpha) secretion. It is concluded that the greater incidence of abortion in mares impregnated by donkeys is associated with different kinds of luteal malfunction. Deficiency of eCG may be a primary cause of many of these cases, either by failing to stimulate enough luteal progesterone secretion and/or by failing to protect the corpora lutea (CL) of pregnancy from endogenous PGF2alpha secretion. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The association between eGFR in the normal or mildly impaired range and incident cadiovascular disease: Age and sex analysis.

PubMed

Eisen, Alon; Porter, Avital; Hoshen, Moshe; Balicer, Ran D; Reges, Orna; Rabi, Yardena; Leibowitz, Morton; Iakobishvili, Zaza; Hasdai, David

2018-05-14

Worse renal function, even in the normal or mildly impaired range, is associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether this association exists in both sexes across all ages is not known. A population based cohort of individuals >22 years with no prior CVD and with an eGFR 60-130 ml/min/1.73 m 2 . eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. Incident CVD was defined as either myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, coronary revascularization, or cerebrovascular event. Incident CVD was examined separately in men and women in 3 age-groups (young, 22-40 years; middle-aged, 41-60 years; and elderly, ≥61 years), during a median follow-up of 96.0 months. Among 1,341,400 individuals (57% women, mean age 49.2 ± 16.6 years), men had more incident CVD as compared to women (34,968 vs. 23,515 total incident CVD) in all age-groups (0.6% vs. 0.2% in young; 6.2% vs. 2.0% in middle-aged; 13.4% vs. 8.4% in elderly, respectively). After adjustment for CVD risk factors, an increment of 10 units in eGFR was independently associated with a decrease of 5.4%, 3.4% and 5.4% in incident CVD in young, middle-aged and elderly men (p < 0.001 for each) and a decrease of 6.3%, 3.4% and 6.8% in the same age-groups in women (p < 0.001 for each). There was no significant age-sex interaction in the association between eGFR and incident CVD. Although incident CVD differs in men and women, as well as in different age-groups, a higher eGFR even in the normal or mildly impaired range is associated with lesser incident CVD in men and women of all ages. Copyright © 2018 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Strength Training and Detraining in Different Populations: Case Studies

PubMed Central

Marques, Mário C.; Zajac, Adam; Pereira, Ana; Costa, Aldo M.

2011-01-01

Many researchers have demonstrated that a specific strength training program can improve maximal strength and, the rate of force production, reduce the incidence of muscle-skeletal injury, and contribute to faster injury recovery times, thereby minimizing the number of missed practice sessions or competitions. Yet, to our best knowledge, there is no apparent consensus on the appropriate method of muscle strength and power training to enhance performance in distinct populations groups. Interruptions in training process because of illness, injury, holidays, post-season break or other factors are normal situations in any kind of sport. However, the detraining period and its consequences are not well reported in sports literature, and namely during puberty. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to discuss several case studies concerning different populations such us physical students, age-swimming competitors and elite power athletes. PMID:23487418

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SCOLIOSIS IN POST-IRRADIATED WILMS'S TUMOR AND NEUROBLASTOMA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rubin, P.; Duthie, R.B.; Young, L.W.

1962-10-01

Radiographic changes in the vertebrae are described that were observed following orthovoltage therapeutic irradiation in the treatment of Wilms's tumor, neuroblastoma, and medulloblastoma. Historical data and treatment faetors are tabulated for 17 cases. Observations on the incidence and severity of scoliosis and accompanying bony changes in l3 cases are presented. A review of the findings showed that the degree of scoliosis that developed was not related to the the fields of irradiation, whether they were unilateral or bilateral, and that the osseous changes in the vertebrae, pelvis, or ribs. The use of irradiation with surgery in the treatment of Wilms'smore » tumor is discussed. Radiological techniques are described to deliver maximum doses to the tumor and minimum doses to the surrounding normal structures in the treatment of these tumors. (C.H.)« less

[Baseline Incidence of HPV-Associated Invasive and in Situ Cancers in Germany Prior to Potential Vaccination Effects].

PubMed

Sophia Rudolph, Christiane Ermina; Katalinic, Alexander

2018-06-22

Vaccines against human papillomaviruses are covered by statutory health insurances in Germany since March 2007. A reduction of cervical and other HPV-associated cancers is expected. Incidence rates of HPV-associated cancers preceding the introduction of vaccines are unknown. These, however, are important for assessing the effects of HPV vaccines. The aim of the present study was to bridge this knowledge gap. Based on cancer registry data from seven federal states, average yearly incidence rates for cervical, anogenital, oropharyngeal cancers and cancers of the oral cavity were calculated for the period 2003 to 2007. Additionally, estimated numbers of cases give an overview on the total burden of disease caused by HPV-associated cancers in Germany. Incidence trends from 2003 to 2013 are also presented. In Germany, 11,686 cases of invasive HPV-associated cancers occurred yearly before the introduction of HPV vaccines. The most common sites are cervical cancers for women (4,387 cases) and oropharyngeal cancers for men (2,770 cases) with age-standardized incidence rates of 8.8 and 5.9 cases per 100,000 persons, respectively. The age-standardized incidence rate for in situ cervical cancers amounts to 23.5 cases per 100 000 women. Incidence trends show significant increases of invasive vulvar, penile and anorectal cancers. This work presents robust incidence data of HPV-associated cancers in Germany prior to the introduction of the HPV vaccine. Effects of HPV vaccines on the incidence of HPV-associated cancers can be estimated for Germany earliest in 2019. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Method for characterization of a spherically bent crystal for K.alpha. X-ray imaging of laser plasmas using a focusing monochromator geometry

DOEpatents

Kugland, Nathan; Doeppner, Tilo; Glenzer, Siegfried; Constantin, Carmen; Niemann, Chris; Neumayer, Paul

2015-04-07

A method is provided for characterizing spectrometric properties (e.g., peak reflectivity, reflection curve width, and Bragg angle offset) of the K.alpha. emission line reflected narrowly off angle of the direct reflection of a bent crystal and in particular of a spherically bent quartz 200 crystal by analyzing the off-angle x-ray emission from a stronger emission line reflected at angles far from normal incidence. The bent quartz crystal can therefore accurately image argon K.alpha. x-rays at near-normal incidence (Bragg angle of approximately 81 degrees). The method is useful for in-situ calibration of instruments employing the crystal as a grating by first operating the crystal as a high throughput focusing monochromator on the Rowland circle at angles far from normal incidence (Bragg angle approximately 68 degrees) to make a reflection curve with the He-like x-rays such as the He-.alpha. emission line observed from a laser-excited plasma.

Recommended de minimis radiation dose rates for Canada. Report No. INFO-0355

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1990-01-01

A de minimis dose or dose rate as used in this report represents a level of risk which is generally accepted as being of no significance to an individual, or in the case of a population, of no significance to society. The report describes the risk of biological effects from radiation; radiation from natural and man-made sources; normal incidences of cancer and genetic defects; initiatives by other agencies in the U.S., the U.K. and internationally; the importance of collective dose and dose rate; assigning values to the de minimis dose rates; and application of the de minimis dose rates.

Zika Virus Causing Encephalomyelitis Associated With Immunoactivation

PubMed Central

Galliez, Rafael Mello; Spitz, Mariana; Rafful, Patricia Piazza; Cagy, Marcelo; Escosteguy, Claudia; Germano, Caroline Spósito Brito; Sasse, Elisa; Gonçalves, Alessandro Luis; Silveira, Paola Paz; Pezzuto, Paula; Ornelas, Alice Maria de Magalhães; Tanuri, Amilcar; Aguiar, Renato Santana

2016-01-01

Brazil has experienced a Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak with increased incidence of congenital malformations and neurological manifestations. We describe a case of a 26-year-old Brazilian Caucasian man infected with ZIKV and diagnosed with encephalomyelitis. Brain and spinal cord images showed hyperintense lesions on T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid showed a remarkable increase of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. The observed pattern suggests immune activation during the acute phase, along with the neurological impairment, with normalization in the recovery phase. This is the first longitudinal report of ZIKV infection causing encephalomyelitis with documented immune activation. PMID:28053996

Assessment of the incidence of GDV following splenectomy in dogs.

PubMed

Goldhammer, M A; Haining, H; Milne, E M; Shaw, D J; Yool, D A

2010-01-01

To establish if splenectomy increases the incidence of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs. Two case-series studies of cases and controls were performed. Records of dogs that had undergone splenectomy (37 cases) were compared with records of dogs that had undergone other abdominal surgery (43 cases). Records of dogs that presented for non-elective gastropexy (33 cases) were compared with records of dogs presented to the hospital for unrelated reasons (39 cases). Survival following splenectomy and development of GDV in the first 12 months following surgery were retrieved from the clinical records and by questionnaire-based canvassing of the referring clinician. The incidence of GDV following splenectomy was established and the association between a current episode of GDV and previous splenectomy was assessed. There was no evidence that splenectomy was associated with an increased incidence of subsequent GDV (P=0.469). No association between a current episode of GDV and previous splenectomy was found. Splenectomy is not associated with an increase in the incidence of GDV.

Increased incidence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia in Greenland 1990-2012.

PubMed

Johansen, Mila Broby; Koch, Anders; Wohlfahrt, Jan; Kamper-Jørgensen, Mads; Hoffmann, Steen; Soborg, Bolette

2017-01-01

Since the 1970s, Greenland has presented the highest reported incidence rates of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) gonorrhoea and chlamydia in the Arctic regions. This study aims to describe sex- and age-specific incidence rates of gonorrhoea and chlamydia from 1990 to 2012 in Greenland, and to evaluate if changes in case definitions, diagnostic procedures and implementation of STI interventions during the period coincide with rate changes. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases were identified from the national STI surveillance. For 1990-2008, STI cases were identified from weekly notified aggregated data. For 2009-2012, cases were identified in person-identifiable national registers. We used log-linear Poisson regression to calculate incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Analyses were stratified according to sex, age and calendar period. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia incidence rates have increased since 1995 to reach 2,555 per 100,000 person-years (PY) for gonorrhoea and 6,403 per 100,000 PY for chlamydia in 2012. From 2006 to 2012, the incidence rates among young adults aged 15-19 years were 8,187 and 22,515 per 100,000 PY for gonorrhoea and chlamydia, respectively. Changes in surveillance reporting did not seem to influence the incidence rates for either disease, whereas a change in diagnostic test coincided with an increased incidence of chlamydia. Overall, the incidence of chlamydia in Greenland increased during the study period, whereas the incidence of gonorrhoea decreased until 1995 but increased thereafter. Young adults aged 15-24 years were at highest risk of infection. The increase in incidence rates was independent of changes in case definitions, whereas an observed increase in chlamydia incidence in 2005 coincided with a change in diagnostic test. None of the STI interventions launched after 1995 seemed to coincide with decreasing national incidence rates.

Investigation of a light fixture fire

DOE PAGES

Jurney, James D.; Cournoyer, Michael E.; Trujillo, Stanley; ...

2016-04-16

Metal-halide lamps produce light by discharging an electric arc through a gaseous mixture of vaporized mercury and metal halides. Metal-halide lamps for use in spaces with lower mounting heights can produce excessive visual glare in the normal, higher field-of-view unless they are equipped with prismatic lenses. Should the bulb fail, high internal operating pressure of the arc tube can launch fragments of arc tube at high velocity in all directions, striking the outer bulb of the lamp with enough force to cause the outer bulb to break. This article reports an investigation of a light fixture fire and reviews amore » case study of a metal-halide lamp fire. We reported on causal analysis of the metal-halide lamp fire uncovered contributing factors that created the environment in which the incident occurred. Latent organizational conditions that created error-likely situations or weakened defenses were identified and controlled. Lastly, effective improvements that reduce the probability or consequence of similar metal-halide lamp fire incidents were implemented.« less

Effects of superconducting film on the defect mode in dielectric photonic crystal heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chung-An; Liu, Jia-Wei; Wu, Chien-Jang; Yang, Tzong-Jer; Yang, Su-Lin

2013-03-01

Effects of superconducting thin film on the defect mode in a dielectric photonic crystal heterostructure (PCH) are theoretically investigated. The considered structure is (12)NS(21)N, in which both layers 1 and 2 are dielectrics, layer S is a high-temperature superconducting layer, and N is the stack number. The defect mode is analyzed based on the transmission spectrum calculated by using the transfer matrix method. It is found that, in the normal incidence, the defect mode existing in the host PCH of (12)N(21)N will be blue-shifted as the thickness of layer S increases. In addition, the defect mode is also blue-shifted for both TE and TM modes in the case of oblique incidence. The embedded superconducting thin film plays the role of tuning agent for the defect mode of PCH. As a result, the proposed structure can be designed as a tunable narrowband transmission filter which could be of technical use in the optoelectronic applications.

Investigation of a light fixture fire

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jurney, James D.; Cournoyer, Michael E.; Trujillo, Stanley

Metal-halide lamps produce light by discharging an electric arc through a gaseous mixture of vaporized mercury and metal halides. Metal-halide lamps for use in spaces with lower mounting heights can produce excessive visual glare in the normal, higher field-of-view unless they are equipped with prismatic lenses. Should the bulb fail, high internal operating pressure of the arc tube can launch fragments of arc tube at high velocity in all directions, striking the outer bulb of the lamp with enough force to cause the outer bulb to break. This article reports an investigation of a light fixture fire and reviews amore » case study of a metal-halide lamp fire. We reported on causal analysis of the metal-halide lamp fire uncovered contributing factors that created the environment in which the incident occurred. Latent organizational conditions that created error-likely situations or weakened defenses were identified and controlled. Lastly, effective improvements that reduce the probability or consequence of similar metal-halide lamp fire incidents were implemented.« less

Incidence of retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2a and ribavirin combination therapy

PubMed Central

Kashif, Muhammad; Saleem, Muhammad Khurram; Farooka, Imran Khan; Husnain, Amina; Siddiqui, Arif Mahmood

2015-01-01

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with Pegylated interferon alpha 2a and Ribavirin. Methods: This descriptive case series study was conducted in Medical Unit II of the Jinnah Hospital Lahore from September 2012 to February 2013. One hundred chronic hepatitis C patients visiting Medical Unit II outpatient department fulfilling inclusion criteria were selected for this study via non probability purposive sampling. Patients were started on pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. Subjects were subjected to dilated eye fundoscopic examination at the start of therapy and then after three months of the therapy. Results: One hundred patients were included in this study. Out of these 100 patients 5% developed retinopathy whereas fundus examination was normal in rest of the patients. Conclusion: Interferon therapy can lead to retinopathy. Periodic fundoscopic examinations help in early detection and prevent progression to permanent visual loss. PMID:25878638

Incidence of retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2a and ribavirin combination therapy.

PubMed

Kashif, Muhammad; Saleem, Muhammad Khurram; Farooka, Imran Khan; Husnain, Amina; Siddiqui, Arif Mahmood

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with Pegylated interferon alpha 2a and Ribavirin. This descriptive case series study was conducted in Medical Unit II of the Jinnah Hospital Lahore from September 2012 to February 2013. One hundred chronic hepatitis C patients visiting Medical Unit II outpatient department fulfilling inclusion criteria were selected for this study via non probability purposive sampling. Patients were started on pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. Subjects were subjected to dilated eye fundoscopic examination at the start of therapy and then after three months of the therapy. One hundred patients were included in this study. Out of these 100 patients 5% developed retinopathy whereas fundus examination was normal in rest of the patients. Interferon therapy can lead to retinopathy. Periodic fundoscopic examinations help in early detection and prevent progression to permanent visual loss.

Reflection by absorbing periodically stratified media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lekner, John

2014-03-01

Existing theory gives the optical properties of a periodically stratified medium in terms of a two by two matrix. This theory is valid also for absorbing media, because the matrix remains unimodular. The main effect of absorption is that the reflection (of either polarization) becomes independent of the number of periods N, and of the substrate properties, provided N exceeds a certain value which depends on the absorption. The s and p reflections are then given by simple formulae. The stop-band structure, which gives total reflection in bands of frequency and angle of incidence in the non-absorbing case, remains influential in weakly absorbing media, causing strong variations in reflectivity. The theory is applied to the frequency dependence of the normal-incidence reflectivity of a quarter-wave stack in which the high-index and low-index layers both absorb weakly. Analytical expressions are obtained for the frequency at which the reflectivity is maximum, the maximum reflectivity, and also for the reflectivity at the band edges of the stop band of the non-absorbing stack.

Epidemiology of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the Czech Republic 1970–2008

PubMed Central

Maly, Marek; Benes, Cestmir; Daniel, Milan

2012-01-01

Abstract This article presents major epidemiologic features of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the Czech Republic, using data of laboratory-confirmed cases since 1970. A total of 17,053 cases of TBE were reported in the Czech Republic (population 10 million) in 1970–2008. The data show several important features. First, the pattern of TBE incidence changed over time. Until the end of the 1970s, TBE was characterized by periods of alternately higher and lower incidence (between 180 and 595 cases per year); the 1980s were a period of low incidence with minimum variability; since the beginning of the 1990s, there has been a steep rise in incidence, with marked year-to-year variation (e.g., 745 cases were registered in 1995, and a maximum of 1029 cases were registered in 2006). Second, the age distribution of TBE incidence has changed. Until the end of 1990s, incidence peaked among those 15–19 years of age, with a gradual decline with age. In the 2000s, however, TBE incidence has been rising in those aged 60–64 years, with a sharp decline in those older than 65 years. Third, the seasonal pattern of TBE has changed markedly over time. In the earlier period, incidence had a clear peak in July/August; since the 1990s, more cases have occurred in earlier and later months of the year. The proportion of cases occurring in April, May, October, and November increased from 9% in the 1970s to 23% in 2000–2008. Fourth, the geographical distribution of TBE also changed over time, with TBE increasingly occurring in the mountainous districts at higher altitudes. These changes in incidence patterns appear to be linked with changes in climatic and meteorological conditions. The link between climate change and TBE incidence is plausible, since TBE is a recreation-related infection associated with outdoor activities, and since climatic changes affect the life cycle of the vector. PMID:23025693

Excess incidence of ALS in young Gulf War veterans.

PubMed

Haley, Robert W

2003-09-23

Reported cases of ALS in young veterans of the 1991 Gulf War have suggested excess incidence. To compare observed and expected incidence of ALS in Gulf War veterans diagnosed before age 45 years (young veterans). Cases of ALS diagnosed from 1991 through 1998 were collected from military registries and a publicity campaign in late 1998. Diagnoses were established from neurologists' medical records using El Escorial criteria. Expected incidence was estimated from the age distribution of the Gulf War veteran population, weighted by age-specific death rates of the US population. Secular changes in nationwide ALS rates were assessed using calculations of the age-specific US population death rates from vital statistics data of 1979 to 1998. During 8 postwar years, 20 ALS cases were confirmed in approximately 690,000 Gulf War veterans, and 17 were diagnosed before age 45 years. All developed bulbar and spinal involvement, and 11 have died. In young veterans, the expected incidence increased from 0.93 cases/year in 1991 to 1.57 cases/year in 1998, but the observed incidence increased from 1 to 5 cases/year. The observed incidence was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.26 to 2.41) times that expected in the baseline period from 1991 to 1994 (4 vs 4.25 cases; p = 0.6); it increased to 2.27 (95% CI, 1.27 to 3.88) times that expected during the 4-year period from 1995 to 1998 (13 vs 5.72 cases; p = 0.006); and it peaked at 3.19 (95% CI, 1.03 to 7.43) times that expected in 1998 (5 vs 1.57 cases; p = 0.02). The magnitude of the excess of ALS cases over the expected incidence increased during the 8-year period (Poisson trend test, p = 0.05), and the increase was not explained by a change in the interval from onset to diagnosis or by a change in the US population death rate of ALS in those aged <45 years. The observed incidence of ALS in young Gulf War veterans exceeded the expected, suggesting a war-related environmental trigger.

Metal/dielectric/metal sandwich film for broadband reflection reduction

PubMed Central

Jen, Yi-Jun; Lakhtakia, Akhlesh; Lin, Meng-Jie; Wang, Wei-Hao; Wu, Huang-Ming; Liao, Hung-Sheng

2013-01-01

A film comprising randomly distributed metal/dielectric/metal sandwich nanopillars with a distribution of cross-sectional diameters, displayed extremely low reflectance over the blue-to-red regime, when coated on glass and illuminated normally. When it is illuminated by normally incident light, this sandwich film (SWF) has a low extinction coefficient, its phase thickness is close to a negative wavelength in the blue-to-red spectral regime, and it provides weakly dispersive forward and backward impedances, so that reflected waves from the two faces of the SWF interfere destructively. Broadband reflection-reduction, over a wide range of incidence angles and regardless of the polarization state of the incident light, was observed when the SWF was deposited on polished silicon. PMID:23591704

Interferometry On Grazing Incidence Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geary, Joseph; Maeda, Riki

1988-08-01

A preliminary interferometric procedure is described showing potential for obtaining surface figure error maps of grazing incidence optics at normal incidence. The latter are found in some laser resonator configurations, and in Wolter type X-ray optics. The procedure makes use of cylindrical wavefronts and error subtraction techniques over subapertures. The surface error maps obtained will provide critical information to opticians in the fabrication process.

Interferometry on grazing incidence optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geary, Joseph M.; Maeda, Riki

1987-12-01

An interfeormetric procedure is described that shows potential for obtaining surface figure error maps of grazing incidence optics at normal incidence. Such optics are found in some laser resonator configurations and in Wolter-type X-ray optics. The procedure makes use of cylindrical wavefronts and error subtraction techniques over subapertures. The surface error maps obtained will provide critical information to opticians for the fabrication process.

[Diabetes and pregnancy].

PubMed

Somville, T

1990-01-01

In recent years, new findings in the pathophysiology and treatment of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and the development of improved fetal monitoring methods have considerably reduced the risk for mother and child. Given good metabolism the fertility of diabetics is comparable to that of nondiabetics. Perinatal mortality in centers is below 2%, and in 40% of the cases it is caused by congenital malformations. The incidence of malformations is 4-8%. Regulation of metabolism to near-normal values is vital for further improvement of mortality and morbidity rates, and should be aimed for prior to conception. In many cases insufficient attention is given to gestational diabetes. The risks accompanying untreated gestational diabetes are underestimated. In approx. 15% of such patients insulin therapy during pregnancy is necessary in addition to dietary measures. The goal of near normal metabolism (60-120 mg/dl, with mean daily values around 85-90 mg/dl) can usually be achieved during training, either prior to conception or at the latest during early pregnancy, by improved substitutional insulin therapy or insulin pump therapy. Short-term combined internalistic-obstetric follow-up at 14-day intervals ensures early prevention and detection of complications. The pregnancy can be continued to term in over 80% of cases, and spontaneous birth aimed for as the primary goal in the majority. With careful monitoring of metabolism, diabetics with no vascular complications may take low-dosage ovulation inhibitors to prevent conception. In isolated cases termination may be indicated in patients with severe vascular complications (proliferative retinopathy, severe nephropathy).

[Presence of inhibitors of activated partial thromboplastin time (TTPA). Clinical repercussion in obstetric patients].

PubMed

Bustos, H H; Huber, R; Baptista, H; Izquierdo, H; Sánchez Contreras, J

1992-01-01

Partial thromboplastin time, activated with kaolin (TTPA) is a qualitative test used to find defects of some factor of intrinsic via of coagulation or to rule out the presence of some circulating inhibitor. The lupus anticoagulant (LA) is part of a group of several auto-antibody with pathogenic potential in several branches of medicine, mainly rheumatology, hematology and gyneco-obstetrics. In this last area the LA has been associated with different obstetrical repercussions. The purpose of this study was to determine the main obstetrical events associated with patients with circulating anticoagulants identified by TTPA with kaolin. Ninety six patients were included in cases-control study. Group I (n = 48) cases and Group II (n = 48) controls, were selected from the same population and information source. The cases were included when presenting prolongation of more than 4 seconds of TTPA activated with kaolin regarding a control with lack of correction with normal plasma. A registration sheet for data captation, was designed specially for this study. The comparability of both groups was established, as there were no differences (significant) among the variable considered as basal. The group of cases presented with a greater frequency of habitual abortion, neonatal death and thrombotic phenomena. This relationship of autoimmunological pictures with recurrent fetal loss and thromboembolic incidents has been consistently described in literature. To this respect, several immunological abnormalities. Including positive anticardiolipin antibodies and VDRL falsely positive. The incidence, in this country of these entities, is unknown. These observations show the need of a methodologic superation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rapid Increase in Scrub Typhus Incidence in Mainland China, 2006-2014.

PubMed

Wu, Yi-Cheng; Qian, Quan; Magalhaes, Ricardo J Soares; Han, Zhi-Hai; Haque, Ubydul; Weppelmann, Thomas A; Hu, Wen-Biao; Liu, Yun-Xi; Sun, Yan-Song; Zhang, Wen-Yi; Li, Shen-Long

2016-03-01

Scrub typhus is a vector-borne disease, which has recently reemerged in China. In this study, we describe the distribution and incidence of scrub typhus cases in China from 2006 to 2014 and quantify differences in scrub typhus cases with respect to sex, age, and occupation. The results of our study indicate that the annual incidence of scrub typhus has increased during the study period. The number of cases peaked in 2014, which was 12.8 times greater than the number of cases reported in 2006. Most (77.97%) of the cases were reported in five provinces (Guangdong, Yunnan, Anhui, Fujian, and Shandong). Our study also demonstrates that the incidence rate of scrub typhus was significantly higher in females compared to males (P < 0.001) and was highest in the 60-69 year age group, and that farmers had a higher incidence rate than nonfarmers (P < 0.001). Different seasonal trends were identified in the number of reported cases between the northern and southern provinces of China. These findings not only demonstrate that China has experienced a large increase in scrub typhus incidence, but also document an expansion in the geographic distribution throughout the country. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Calcium and phosphorus regulatory hormones and risk of incident symptomatic kidney stones.

PubMed

Taylor, Eric N; Hoofnagle, Andrew N; Curhan, Gary C

2015-04-07

Calcium and phosphorus regulatory hormones may contribute to the pathogenesis of calcium nephrolithiasis. However, there has been no prospective study to date of plasma hormone levels and risk of kidney stones. This study aimed to examine independent associations between plasma levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine and the subsequent risk of incident kidney stones. This study was a prospective, nested case-control study of men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who were free of diagnosed nephrolithiasis at blood draw. During 12 years of follow-up, 356 men developed an incident symptomatic kidney stone. Using risk set sampling, controls were selected in a 2:1 ratio (n=712 controls) and matched for age, race, and year, month, and time of day of blood collection. Baseline plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine were similar in cases and controls. Mean 1,25(OH)2D and median FGF23 levels were higher in cases than controls but differences were small and statistically nonsignificant (45.7 versus 44.2 pg/ml, P=0.07 for 1,25[OH]2D; 47.6 versus 45.1 pg/ml, P=0.08 for FGF23). However, after adjusting for body mass index, diet, plasma factors, and other covariates, the odds ratios of incident symptomatic kidney stones in the highest compared with lowest quartiles were 1.73 (95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 2.71; P for trend 0.01) for 1,25(OH)2D and 1.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 2.19; P for trend 0.03) for FGF23. There were no significant associations between other plasma factors and kidney stone risk. Higher plasma 1,25(OH)2D, even in ranges considered normal, is independently associated with higher risk of symptomatic kidney stones. Although of borderline statistical significance, these findings also suggest that higher FGF23 may be associated with risk. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in pediatric stem cell transplantation: impact of pre-emptive antithrombin III replacement and combined antithrombin III/defibrotide therapy.

PubMed

Haussmann, Ursula; Fischer, Joachim; Eber, Stefan; Scherer, Franziska; Seger, Reinhard; Gungor, Tayfun

2006-06-01

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) remains a serious complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Based on a protective effect of antithrombin III (ATIII) on endothelial cells, we assessed the incidence of VOD after pre-emptive ATIII replacement and the outcome of VOD after combined high dose defibrotide (DF) and ATIII therapy. This prospective case series comprised two phases. In the first phase 71 children did not receive any specific VOD prophylaxis or therapy (controls). In the second phase 91 children were given pre-emptive ATIII replacement in case of decreased ATIII activity (< or =70%). If VOD was diagnosed clinically (according to modified Seattle criteria), high dose defibrotide (60 mg/day) and ATIII replacement therapy were combined. The severity of VOD was determined according to the degree of multiple organ dysfunction. The incidence of VOD was similar in both groups (13/71, 18% vs. 14/91, 15%). All 14 patients in the second group who developed VOD showed decreased ATIII activity not more than 1 day prior to the clinical diagnosis of VOD. The resulting short duration of pre-emptive ATIII therapy failed to prevent VOD (OR 0.96). None of the patients (n=72) maintaining normal ATIII levels developed VOD. All 14 patients with VOD who received combined therapy achieved complete remission and 93 % (13/14) survived until day +100, compared to six survivors (46%) in the first group. Pre-emptive ATIII administration did not alter the incidence of VOD. Combination treatment with ATIII and defibrotide was safe and yielded excellent remission and survival rates.

Incidence of childhood pneumonia: facility-based surveillance estimate compared to measured incidence in a South African birth cohort study

PubMed Central

le Roux, David M; Myer, Landon; Nicol, Mark P; Zar, Heather J

2015-01-01

Background Pneumonia is the leading cause of childhood mortality and a major contributor to childhood morbidity, but accurate measurement of pneumonia incidence is challenging. We compared pneumonia incidence using a facility-based surveillance system to estimates from a cohort study conducted contemporaneously in the same community in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods A surveillance system was developed in six public sector primary care clinics and in a regional referral hospital, to detect childhood pneumonia cases. Nurses recorded all children presenting to facilities who met WHO case definitions of pneumonia, and hospital records were reviewed. Estimates of pneumonia incidence and severity were compared with incidence rates based on active surveillance in the Drakenstein Child Health Study. Results From June 2012 until September 2013, the surveillance system detected 306 pneumonia episodes in children under 1 year of age, an incidence of 0.20 episodes/child-year (e/cy) (95% CI 0.17 to 0.22 e/cy). The incidence in the cohort study from the same period was 0.27 e/cy (95% CI 0.23 to 0.32 e/cy). Pneumonia incidence in the surveillance system was almost 30% lower than in the birth cohort; incidence rate ratio 0.72 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.89). In the surveillance system, 18% were severe pneumonia cases, compared to 23% in the birth cohort, rate ratio 0.81 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.18). Conclusions In this setting, facility-based pneumonia surveillance detected fewer cases of pneumonia, and fewer severe cases, compared to the corresponding cohort study. Facility pneumonia surveillance using data collected by local healthcare workers provides a useful estimate of the epidemiology of childhood pneumonia but may underestimate incidence and severity. PMID:26685027

Incidence of tuberculous meningitis in France, 2000: a capture-recapture analysis.

PubMed

Cailhol, J; Che, D; Jarlier, V; Decludt, B; Robert, J

2005-07-01

To estimate the incidence of culture-positive and culture-negative tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in France in 2000. Capture-recapture method using two unrelated sources of data: the tuberculosis (TB) mandatory notification system (MNTB), recording patients treated by anti-tuberculosis drugs, and a survey by the National Reference Centre (NRC) for mycobacterial drug resistance, recording culture-positive TBM. Of 112 cases of TBM reported to the MNTB, 28 culture-positive and 34 culture-negative meningitis cases were validated (17 duplicates, 3 cases from outside France, 21 false notifications, and 9 lost records were excluded). The NRC recorded 31 culture-positive cases, including 21 known by the MNTB. When the capture-recapture method was applied to the reported culture-positive meningitis cases, the estimated number of meningitis cases was 41 and the incidence was 0.7 cases per million. Sensitivity was 75.6% for the NRC, 68.3% for the MNTB, and 92.7% for both systems together. When sensitivity of the MNTB for culture-positive cases was applied to culture-negative meningitis, the total estimated number of culture-negative meningitis cases was 50 and the incidence was 0.85 cases per million. TBM is underestimated in France. Capture-recapture analysis using different sources to better estimate its incidence is of great interest.

How well does the metabolic syndrome defined by five definitions predict incident diabetes and incident coronary heart disease in a Chinese population?

PubMed

Wang, Jian-jun; Li, Hong-bing; Kinnunen, Leena; Hu, Gang; Järvinen, Tiina M; Miettinen, Maija E; Yuan, Shenyuan; Tuomilehto, Jaakko

2007-05-01

We evaluate the ability of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) defined by five definitions for predicting both incident CHD and diabetes combined, diabetes alone, and CHD alone in a Chinese population. The screening survey for type 2 diabetes was conducted in 1994. A follow-up study of 541 high-risk non-diabetic individuals who were free of CHD at baseline was carried out in 1999 in Beijing area. The MetS was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR), American College of Endocrinology (ACE), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the National Cholesterol Education Program and the American Heart Association (AHA) (updated NCEP) criteria. From a multiple logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, education, occupation, smoking, family history of diabetes, and total cholesterol, the relative risk of the ACE-defined MetS for incident diabetes alone (67 cases) was 2.29 (95% CI, 1.20-4.34). The MetS defined by the five definitions was associated with a 1.8-3.9 times increased risk for both incident CHD and diabetes combined (59 cases), and with a 1.9-3.0 times for total incident diabetes (126 cases). None of the five definitions predicted either incident CHD alone (177 cases) or total incident CHD (236 cases). In conclusion, the MetS defined by the current definitions appears to be more effective at predicting incident diabetes.

[Curcumin inhibited rat colorectal carcinogenesis by activating PPAR-γ: an experimental study].

PubMed

Liu, Liu-bin; Duan, Chang-nong; Ma, Zeng-yi; Xu, Gang

2015-04-01

To explore the chemopreventive effect of curcumin on DMH induced colorectal carcinogenesis and the underlining mechanism. Totally 40 Wistar rats were divided into the model group and the curcumin group by random digit table, 20 in each group. Meanwhile, a normal control group was set up (n =10). A colorectal cancer model was induced by subcutaneously injecting 20 mg/kg DMH. The tumor incidence and the inhibition rate were calculated. The effect of curcumin on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in rat colon mucosal tissues was observed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. HT 29 cell line were cultured and divided into a control group, the curcumin + GW9662 (2-chloro-5-nitro-N-4-phenylbenzamide) intervention group, and the curcumin group. The inhibition of different concentrations curcumin on HT29 cell line was detected using MTT. The expression of curcumin on PPARy was also detected using Western blot. The tumor incidence was 80. 00% (12/15 cases) in the model group, obviously higher than that of the curcumin group (58. 82%, 10/17 cases, P <0. 05). The inhibition rate of curcumin on DMH induced colorected carcinoma reached 26. 46%. Compared with the normal control group, the expression of PPARγ protein was significantly increased in the curcumin group and the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group at the same time point, the expression of PPARy protein was significantly enhanced in the curcumin group (P <0. 05). MTT analysis showed that curcumin could inhibit the proliferation of in vitro HT 29 cells in dose and time dependent manners. The expression of PPARy protein was significantly increased in the GW9662 group and the curcumin group, showing statistical difference when compared with the normal control group (P <0. 01). Compared with the GW9662 group, the expression of PPARγ protein was significantly increased in the curcumin group (P <0. 01). Curcumin could inhibit DMH-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis and the growth of in vitro cultured HT 29 cell line, which might be achieved by activating PPARy signal transduction pathway.

Hip fracture incidence 2003-2013 and projected cases until 2050 in Austria: a population-based study.

PubMed

Concin, Hans; Brozek, Wolfgang; Benedetto, Karl-Peter; Häfele, Hartmut; Kopf, Joachim; Bärenzung, Thomas; Schnetzer, Richard; Schenk, Christian; Stimpfl, Elmar; Waheed-Hutter, Ursula; Ulmer, Hanno; Rapp, Kilian; Zwettler, Elisabeth; Nagel, Gabriele

2016-12-01

Elevated hip fracture incidence is a major public health problem looming to aggravate in industrialized countries due to demographic developments. We report hip fracture incidence and expected future cases from Vorarlberg, the westernmost province of Austria, results potentially representative of Central European populations. Crude and standardized hip fracture incidence rates in Vorarlberg 2003-2013 are reported. Based on the age-specific incidence in 2013 or trends 2003-2013, we predict hip fractures till 2050. Female age-standardized hip fracture incidence decreased 2005-2013, whereas for men, the trend was rather unclear. Uncorrected forecasts indicate that by 2050, female and male cases will each have more than doubled from 2015 in all demographic core scenarios. Corrected by incidence trends before 2013, cases are expected to drop among women but rise among men. We anticipate rising hip fracture numbers in Vorarlberg within the next decades, unless prevention programs that presumably account for decreasing incidence rates, particularly among women since 2005, take further effect to counteract the predicted steady increase due to demographic changes. Concomitantly, augmented endeavors to target the male population by these programs are needed.

A prospective cohort study to evaluate peridomestic infection as a determinant of dengue transmission: Protocol

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Vector control programs, which have focused mainly on the patient house and peridomestic areas around dengue cases, have not produced the expected impact on transmission. This project will evaluate the assumption that the endemic/epidemic transmission of dengue begins around peridomestic vicinities of the primary cases. Its objective is to assess the relationship between symptomatic dengue case exposure and peridomestic infection incidence. Methods/Design A prospective cohort study will be conducted (in Tepalcingo and Axochiapan, in the state of Morelos, Mexico), using the state surveillance system for the detection of incident cases. Paired blood specimens will be collected from both the individuals who live with the incident cases and a sample of subjects residing within a 25-meter radius of such cases (exposed cohort), in order to measure dengue-specific antibodies. Other subjects will be selected from areas which have not presented any incident cases within 200 meters, during the two months preceding the sampling (non-exposed cohort). Symptomatic/asymptomatic incident infection will be considered as the dependent variable, exposure to confirmed dengue cases, as the principal variable, and the socio-demographic, environmental and socio-cultural conditions of the subjects, as additional explanatory variables. Discussion Results indicating a high infection rate among the exposed subjects would justify the application of peridomestic control measures and call for an evaluation of alternate causes for insufficient program impact. On the other hand, a low incidence of peridomestic-infected subjects would support the hypothesis that infection occurs outside the domicile, and would thus explain why the vector control measures applied in the past have exerted such a limited impact on cases incidence rates. The results of the present study may therefore serve to reassess site selection for interventions of this type. PMID:22471857

Estimation of Breast Cancer Incident Cases and Medical Care Costs Attributable to Alcohol Consumption Among Insured Women Aged <45 Years in the U.S.

PubMed

Ekwueme, Donatus U; Allaire, Benjamin T; Parish, William J; Thomas, Cheryll C; Poehler, Diana; Guy, Gery P; Aldridge, Arnie P; Lahoti, Sejal R; Fairley, Temeika L; Trogdon, Justin G

2017-09-01

This study estimated the percentage of breast cancer cases, total number of incident cases, and total annual medical care costs attributable to alcohol consumption among insured younger women (aged 18-44 years) by type of insurance and stage at diagnosis. The study used the 2012-2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, cancer incidence data from two national registry programs, and published relative risk measures to estimate the: (1) alcohol-attributable fraction of breast cancer cases among younger women by insurance type; (2) total number of breast cancer incident cases attributable to alcohol consumption by stage at diagnosis and insurance type among younger women; and (3) total annual medical care costs of treating breast cancer incident cases attributable to alcohol consumption among younger women. Analyses were conducted in 2016; costs were expressed in 2014 U.S. dollars. Among younger women enrolled in Medicaid, private insurance, and both groups, 8.7% (95% CI=7.4%, 10.0%), 13.8% (95% CI=13.3%, 14.4%), and 12.3% (95% CI=11.4%, 13.1%) of all breast cancer cases, respectively, were attributable to alcohol consumption. Localized stage was the largest proportion of estimated attributable incident cases. The estimated total number of breast cancer incident alcohol-attributable cases was 1,636 (95% CI=1,570, 1,703) and accounted for estimated total annual medical care costs of $148.4 million (95% CI=$140.6 million, $156.1 million). Alcohol-attributable breast cancer has estimated medical care costs of nearly $150 million per year. The current findings could be used to support evidence-based interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in younger women. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Foodborne botulism in Poland in 2012.

PubMed

Czerwiński, Michał; Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara

2014-01-01

The main objective of this article is to assess the epidemiology of foodborne botulism in Poland in 2012 compared to previous years, using national surveillance data. We reviewed surveillance data published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012" and in previous publications, and botulism case reports for 2012 sent to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations. In 2012, a total of 22 foodborne botulism cases (including 9 laboratory confirmed cases) was reported, corresponding to the lowest annual incidence rate (0.06 per 100 000 population) since the introduction of botulism as mandatory notifiable disease. The highest incidence in the country was reported in Lubelskie (0.23) and Wielkopolskie (0.20). Incidence in rural areas (0.07 per 100 000 population) was slightly higher than the incidence in urban areas (0.05). Men had more than 2 times higher incidence than women; the highest incidence rate (0.20 per 100 000 population) was observed among men in the age group of 30-39 years. Most cases were associated with consumption of different types of commercially canned meat. Commercially canned fish was also a common vehicle. All cases were hospitalized. One death related to the disease was reported. In 2012, in Poland a downward trend in the incidence of foodborne botulism was maintained. From the point of view of national surveillance, it is necessary to increase the percentage of cases investigated with laboratory tests.

Application of decision tree for prediction of cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence based on environmental and topographic factors in Isfahan Province, Iran.

PubMed

Ramezankhani, Roghieh; Sajjadi, Nooshin; Nezakati Esmaeilzadeh, Roya; Jozi, Seyed Ali; Shirzadi, Mohammad Reza

2018-05-08

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease that continues to be a health problem in Iran. Nearly 350 million people are thought to be at risk. We investigated the impact of the environmental factors on CL incidence during the period 2007- 2015 in a known endemic area for this disease in Isfahan Province, Iran. After collecting data with regard to the climatic, topographic, vegetation coverage and CL cases in the study area, a decision tree model was built using the classification and regression tree algorithm. CL data for the years 2007 until 2012 were used for model construction and the data for the years 2013 until 2015 were used for testing the model. The Root Mean Square error and the correlation factor were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the decision tree model. We found that wind speeds less than 14 m/s, altitudes between 1234 and 1810 m above the mean sea level, vegetation coverage according to the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) less than 0.12, rainfall less than 1.6 mm and air temperatures higher than 30°C would correspond to a seasonal incidence of 163.28 per 100,000 persons, while if wind speed is less than 14 m/s, altitude less than 1,810 m and NDVI higher than 0.12, then the mean seasonal incidence of the disease would be 2.27 per 100,000 persons. Environmental factors were found to be important predictive variables for CL incidence and should be considered in surveillance and prevention programmes for CL control.

Lack of association between uncoupling protein-2 Ala55Val polymorphism and incident diabetes in the atherosclerosis risk in communities study.

PubMed

Bielinski, Suzette J; Pankow, James S; Boerwinkle, Eric; Bray, Molly S; Kao, W H Linda; Folsom, Aaron R

2008-09-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by impaired insulin secretion, peripheral insulin resistance, and increased hepatic glucose production. Genes that contribute to genetic susceptibility to T2DM function in numerous biochemical pathways. Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) functions as a negative regulator of insulin secretion. Animal studies show induction of UCP2 plays a pathogenic role in the progression of obesity-induced T2DM and some human studies have shown an association between a common UCP2 polymorphism, Ala55Val (rs660339), and T2DM, obesity, and resting metabolic rate with the Val/Val genotype conferring increased risk. We investigated the relationship between the Ala55Val variant and incidence of T2DM among 12,056 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study aged 45-64 years at baseline. Incident T2DM (n = 1,406) cases were identified over 9 years of follow-up. The Val55 allele frequency was 44% in blacks and 41% in whites. The rate of T2DM per 1,000 person was 15.0, 15.6, and 15.6 yearsfor Ala/Ala, Ala/Val, and Val/Val genotypes, respectively. We found no significant association between UCP2 genotypes and incident T2DM in the whole cohort, in race-gender subgroups, or in categories of body mass index (normal, overweight and obese). The Ala55Val polymorphism of UCP2 was not associated with incident T2DM in the ARIC cohort.

Nutritional status in a sample of the Afghan immigrant children within Iran.

PubMed

Rezaeian, M; Hassanshahi, G; Salem, Z; Shamsaee, A; Tourousian, A; Hazare, R; Tabatabai, S Z

2009-05-01

Anthropometric studies in Afghan immigrants in Iran have not been yet performed; therefore the aim of the present study is to identify Body Mass Index (BMI) in a sample of Afghan immigrant children in Iran during the year 2005. In this cross-sectional study 606 Afghan children aged between 6-14 years have been randomly selected within Shahriar County of Tehran Province of Iran and their weight and height have been measured. Then, using BMI formula BMI = Weight (kg)/Height (m2) their BMI was calculated and based on CDC (Centers for Disease and Prevention Control) indices, children were categorized as: under weight, normal and obese. Results of this study showed that 97 cases (16%) had low weight whereas, 429 cases (81.2%) had normal weight and 17 cases (2.8%) had over weight. More percentage of girls had lower weight than the boys (15.2 versus 16.9%), Afghan children who were born in Iran had also lower weight (17.3%) than those who were born in Afghanistan (15.2%) and third and upper birth order children had lower weight compared to first and second birth order (17 versus 15.3%). However, none of these differences were statistically significant. The researchers suggest that due to high incidence of malnutrition in Afghan immigrant children in Iran interventional and educational programs are needed in order to improve their level of health and nutritional status.

[Scarlet fever in Poland in 2005].

PubMed

Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara

2007-01-01

Following the last epidemic in 1995 the scarlet fever incidence in Poland has been gradually decreasing. In 2004-2005 this tendency was reversed as a consequence of the epidemic cycle of scarlet fever which in Poland has the duration of 7-9 years. In total 9,911 cases were registered (66.3% more then in 2004) corresponding to the incidence of 26.0 per 100,000. Regionally the incidence ranged from 58.0 per 100,000 in warminsko-mazurskie voivodeship to 10.8 in lubelskie voivodeship. As observed previously incidence in the urban areas (29.4) was significantly higher then in the rural areas (20.5) and the incidence in men (28.4) exceeded the incidence in women (23.7). The majority of cases occurred in children and adolescents younger then 15 years (mode - 6 years; incidence 406.5. Approximately 2% of cases were hospitalised. There were no deaths due to scarlet fever reported in 2004.

Incidence, prevalence, and survival of chronic pancreatitis: a population-based study.

PubMed

Yadav, Dhiraj; Timmons, Lawrence; Benson, Joanne T; Dierkhising, Ross A; Chari, Suresh T

2011-12-01

Population-based data on chronic pancreatitis (CP) in the United States are scarce. We determined incidence, prevalence, and survival of CP in Olmsted County, MN. Using Mayo Clinic Rochester's Medical Diagnostic Index followed by a detailed chart review, we identified 106 incident CP cases from 1977 to 2006 (89 clinical cases, 17 diagnosed only at autopsy); CP was defined by previously published Mayo Clinic criteria. We calculated age- and sex-adjusted incidence (for each decade) and prevalence rate (1 January 2006) per 100,000 population (adjusted to 2000 US White population). We compared the observed survival rate for patients with expected survival for age- and sex-matched Minnesota White population. Median age at diagnosis of CP was 58 years, 56% were male, and 51% had alcoholic CP. The overall (clinical cases or diagnosed only at autopsy) age- and sex-adjusted incidence was 4.05/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.27-4.83). The incidence rate for clinical cases increased significantly from 2.94/100,000 during 1977-1986 to 4.35/100,000 person-years during 1997-2006 (P<0.05) because of an increase in the incidence of alcoholic CP. There were 51 prevalent CP cases on 1 January 2006 (57% male, 53% alcoholic). The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence rate per 100,000 population was 41.76 (95% CI 30.21-53.32). At last follow-up, 50 patients were alive. Survival among CP patients was significantly lower than age- and sex-specific expected survival in Minnesota White population (P<0.001). Incidence and prevalence of CP are low, and ∼50% are alcohol related. The incidence of CP cases diagnosed during life is increasing. Survival of CP patients is lower than in the Minnesota White population.

Emergency Support Function 15 Standard Operating Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

learned from numerous incidents to include the BP oil spill, the Fukushima nuclear incident, Hurricane Sandy and the Boston Marathon attack. Guidance is...Staffing  Operations  Activation  Incident Operations  Case Study - 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing  Case Study - 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Crisis...Quick Summary  Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)  Improvised Nuclear Device (IND)  Federal Response  Case Studies – 2011 Fukushima Nuclear

Foodborne botulism in Poland in 2014

PubMed

Czerwiński, Michał; Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara

The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiology of foodborne botulism in Poland in 2014 compared to previous years. We reviewed (1) surveillance data published in the annual bulletin “Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2014” and in previous publications, and (2) unpublished data retrieved from botulism case reports for 2014 sent to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations. In 2014, a total of 29 foodborne botulism cases (including 17 laboratory confirmed) was reported; the annual incidence rate (0.08 per 100,000 population) increased slightly in comparison to previous year, but was similar to the median incidence for years 2008 to 2012. The highest incidence in the country was reported in Lubelskie province (0.33). Incidence in rural areas (0.09) was only slightly higher than the incidence in urban areas (0.06). Men, had more than 4 times higher incidence than women; the highest incidence rate (0.31) was observed among men in the age group of 20-24 years. Most cases were associated with consumption of different types of commercially canned meat. Home-made vegetable meat preserves were also a common vehicle. All cases were hospitalized. Two deaths related to the disease were reported. Since 2008, the epidemiological situation of foodborne botulism in the country remains stable with an average 30 cases per year and corresponding incidence rate of 0.08 per 100,000 population. However, in 2014 draws attention a significant number of cases with undetermined food vehicle and relatively high percentage of cases with no laboratory confirmation. Therefore, it is important to enhance epidemiological investigation as well as laboratory capacity for surveillance.

Pneumonic tularaemia: experience of 58 cases from 2000 to 2012 in Northern Finland.

PubMed

Väyrynen, Sara A; Saarela, Elina; Henry, Janne; Lahti, Sini; Harju, Terttu; Kauma, Heikki

2017-10-01

Pneumonic tularaemia is less common clinical form of tularaemia compared with the ulceroglandular form, with only a limited number of case reports and case series in Europe. In Finland, Northern Ostrobothnia is an endemic area of tularaemia with occasional seasonal outbreaks. In our study, a consecutive series of 58 pneumonic tularaemia cases diagnosed and treated in Oulu University Hospital in 2000-2012 were retrospectively analysed in terms of epidemiology, clinical course, and prognosis. The incidence of pneumonic tularaemia showed peaks in cycles of a few years and most cases were diagnosed in late summer or early autumn. Respiratory symptoms were absent in 47% of patients, and 7% had normal chest X-ray. The chest computed tomography (CT) was performed in 81% of patients, demonstrating variable findings associated with pneumonic tularaemia. Bronchoscopy was performed for 22 (38%) patients and four (18%) of these also proceeded into mediastinoscopy. Moreover, thoracoscopy was performed for one (2%) patient. Two (3%) patients were treated shortly in the intensive care unit (ICU) during their stay in hospital. No mortality was observed. Most cases of pneumonic tularaemia are diagnosed during the seasonal outbreaks. The lack of specific symptoms often complicates the diagnosis and leads to unnecessarily invasive examinations.

IRP Stage 2 Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study, Appendices A through K and M through R, for BOMARC Missile Site, McGuire AFB, New Jersey.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-26

have been no direct measurements of increased cancer incidence rates for low-level radiation exposures. Consequently, these estimates are relevant only...populations rather than to individuals. They are included in this table only for comparison to normal cancer incidence rates . The natural incidence rate for all...fatal cancers exceeds 2500 cancers/year per million persons (NAS, 1990). In the United Sates, the natural incidence rate for liver cancers is about

A software framework for assessing the resilience of drinking water systems to disasters with an example earthquake case study

DOE PAGES

Klise, Katherine A.; Bynum, Michael; Moriarty, Dylan; ...

2017-07-07

Water utilities are vulnerable to a wide variety of human-caused and natural disasters. The Water Network Tool for Resilience (WNTR) is a new open source PythonTM package designed to help water utilities investigate resilience of water distribution systems to hazards and evaluate resilience-enhancing actions. In this paper, the WNTR modeling framework is presented and a case study is described that uses WNTR to simulate the effects of an earthquake on a water distribution system. The case study illustrates that the severity of damage is not only a function of system integrity and earthquake magnitude, but also of the available resourcesmore » and repair strategies used to return the system to normal operating conditions. While earthquakes are particularly concerning since buried water distribution pipelines are highly susceptible to damage, the software framework can be applied to other types of hazards, including power outages and contamination incidents.« less

A software framework for assessing the resilience of drinking water systems to disasters with an example earthquake case study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klise, Katherine A.; Bynum, Michael; Moriarty, Dylan

Water utilities are vulnerable to a wide variety of human-caused and natural disasters. The Water Network Tool for Resilience (WNTR) is a new open source PythonTM package designed to help water utilities investigate resilience of water distribution systems to hazards and evaluate resilience-enhancing actions. In this paper, the WNTR modeling framework is presented and a case study is described that uses WNTR to simulate the effects of an earthquake on a water distribution system. The case study illustrates that the severity of damage is not only a function of system integrity and earthquake magnitude, but also of the available resourcesmore » and repair strategies used to return the system to normal operating conditions. While earthquakes are particularly concerning since buried water distribution pipelines are highly susceptible to damage, the software framework can be applied to other types of hazards, including power outages and contamination incidents.« less

Unexplained apnoea and loss of consciousness during sub arachnoid block for caesarean section.

PubMed

Acharya, S P; Marhatta, M N; Amatya, R

2009-01-01

Sub arachnoid block (SAB) is often perceived safe by many anesthesiologists and other faculties but is also not completely safe choice especially in pregnant females, as the incidence of complications and local anaesthetic agent toxicity is high in these groups of patients. Here we present four such cases out of the seventeen patients over a period of six months, who developed apnea and transient loss of consciousness after spinal anesthesia for lower segment caesarean section. Typically all these patients after spinal anesthesia developed difficulty in breathing, became apnoea and had loss of consciousness for about a minute or two. The apnea was relieved with bag and mask ventilation following which the patient regained consciousness and start breathing normally. The rest of the procedure was uneventful. We presented these cases with aim of sharing similar experiences, and to aware about the possibility of such events as these events do occur frequently but case reports and literatures are unavailable.

Common genetic variants highlight the role of insulin resistance and body fat distribution in type 2 diabetes, independently of obesity

PubMed Central

Scott, Robert A; Fall, Tove; Pasko, Dorota; Barker, Adam; Sharp, Stephen J; Arriola, Larraitz; Balkau, Beverley; Barricarte, Aurelio; Barroso, Inês; Boeing, Heiner; Clavel-Chapelon, Françoise; Crowe, Francesca L; Dekker, Jacqueline M; Fagherazzi, Guy; Ferrannini, Ele; Forouhi, Nita G; Franks, Paul W; Gavrila, Diana; Giedraitis, Vilmantas; Grioni, Sara; Groop, Leif C; Kaaks, Rudolf; Key, Timothy J; Kühn, Tilman; Lotta, Luca A; Nilsson, Peter M; Overvad, Kim; Palli, Domenico; Panico, Salvatore; Quirós, J. Ramón; Rolandsson, Olov; Roswall, Nina; Sacerdote, Carlotta; Sala, Núria; Sánchez, María-José; Schulze, Matthias B; Siddiq, Afshan; Slimani, Nadia; Sluijs, Ivonne; Spijkerman, Annemieke MW; Tjonneland, Anne; Tumino, Rosario; van der A, Daphne L; Yaghootkar, Hanieh; McCarthy, Mark I; Semple, Robert K; Riboli, Elio; Walker, Mark; Ingelsson, Erik; Frayling, Tim M; Savage, David B

2014-01-01

We aimed to validate genetic variants as instruments for insulin resistance and secretion, to characterise their association with intermediate phenotypes, and to investigate their role in T2D risk among normal-weight, overweight and obese individuals.We investigated the association of genetic scores with euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp- and OGTT-based measures of insulin resistance and secretion, and a range of metabolic measures in up to 18,565 individuals. We also studied their association with T2D risk among normal-weight, overweight and obese individuals in up to 8,124 incident T2D cases. The insulin resistance score was associated with lower insulin sensitivity measured by M/I value (β in SDs-per-allele [95%CI]:−0.03[−0.04,−0.01];p=0.004). This score was associated with lower BMI (−0.01[−0.01,−0.0;p=0.02) and gluteofemoral fat-mass (−0.03[−0.05,−0.02;p=1.4×10−6), and with higher ALT (0.02[0.01,0.03];p=0.002) and gamma-GT (0.02[0.01,0.03];p=0.001). While the secretion score had a stronger association with T2D in leaner individuals (pinteraction=0.001), we saw no difference in the association of the insulin resistance score with T2D among BMI- or waist-strata(pinteraction>0.31). While insulin resistance is often considered secondary to obesity, the association of the insulin resistance score with lower BMI and adiposity and with incident T2D even among individuals of normal weight highlights the role of insulin resistance and ectopic fat distribution in T2D, independently of body size. PMID:24947364

Structure and Dissipation Characteristics of an Electron Diffusion Region Observed by MMS During a Rapid, Normal-Incidence Magnetopause Crossing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torbert, R. B.; Burch, J. L.; Argall, M. R.; Alm, L.; Farrugia, C. J.; Forbes, T. G.; Giles, B. L.; Rager, A.; Dorelli, J.; Strangeway, R. J.; Ergun, R. E.; Wilder, F. D.; Ahmadi, N.; Lindqvist, P.-A.; Khotyaintsev, Y.

2017-12-01

On 22 October 2016, the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft encountered the electron diffusion region (EDR) when the magnetosheath field was southward, and there were signatures of fast reconnection, including flow jets, Hall fields, and large power dissipation. One rapid, normal-incidence crossing, during which the EDR structure was almost stationary in the boundary frame, provided an opportunity to observe the spatial structure for the zero guide field case of magnetic reconnection. The reconnection electric field was determined unambiguously to be 2-3 mV/m. There were clear signals of fluctuating parallel electric fields, up to 6 mV/m on the magnetosphere side of the diffusion region, associated with a Hall-like parallel current feature on the electron scale. The width of the main EDR structure was determined to be 2 km (1.8 de). Although the MMS spacecraft were in their closest tetrahedral separation of 8 km, the divergences and curls for these thin current structures could therefore not be computed in the usual manner. A method is developed to determine these quantities on a much smaller scale and applied to compute the normal component of terms in the generalized Ohm's law for the positions of each individual spacecraft (not a barocentric average). Although the gradient pressure term has a qualitative dependence that follows the observed variation of E + Ve × B, the quantitative magnitude of these terms differs by more than a factor of 2, which is shown to be greater than the respective errors. Thus, future research is required to find the manner in which Ohm's law is balanced.

Association between physical exercise, body mass index, and risk of fibromyalgia: longitudinal data from the Norwegian Nord-Trøndelag Health Study.

PubMed

Mork, Paul J; Vasseljen, Ottar; Nilsen, Tom I L

2010-05-01

To examine the association between leisure time physical exercise, body mass index (BMI), and risk of fibromyalgia (FM). A longitudinal study with baseline assessment of physical exercise (frequency, duration, and intensity) and BMI was used to explore the risk of having FM at 11-year followup in a large, unselected female population (n = 15,990) without FM or physical impairments at baseline. At followup, 380 cases of incident FM were reported. A weak dose-response association was found between level of physical exercise and risk of FM (for trend, P = 0.13) where women who reported the highest exercise level had a relative risk (RR) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.55-1.07). BMI was an independent risk factor for FM (for trend, P < 0.001), and overweight or obese women (BMI > or =25.0 kg/m(2)) had a 60-70% higher risk compared with women with normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2)). Overweight or obese women who exercised > or =1 hour per week had an RR of 1.72 (95% CI 1.07-2.76) compared with normal-weight women with a similar activity level, whereas the risk was >2-fold higher for overweight or obese women who were either inactive (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.36-3.21) or exercised <1 hour per week (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.39-3.46). Being overweight or obese was associated with an increased risk of FM, especially among women who also reported low levels of physical exercise. Community-based measures aimed at reducing the incidence of FM should emphasize the importance of regular exercise and the maintenance of normal body weight.

Incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis in middle aged finnish men, 1981-91: two necropsy series.

PubMed Central

Pajarinen, J.; Laippala, P.; Penttila, A.; Karhunen, P. J.

1997-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis and testicular tissue morphology have changed in middle aged Finnish men over 10 years. DESIGN: Two necropsy series completed in 1981 and in 1991. SETTING: Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. SUBJECTS: 528 men, aged 35 to 69 years, subjected to medicolegal necropsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scoring of spermatogenesis and morphometric analysis of testicular tissue components. Individual risk factors for testicular disorders obtained by postmortem blind interviews with acquaintances. RESULTS: Normal spermatogenesis was found in 41.7% of the men (mean age 53.1 years). Between 1981 and 1991, the ratio of normal spermatogenesis decreased significantly (odds ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 2.5 to 5.1) from 56.4% to 26.9%, with a parallel increase in the incidence of partial and complete spermatogenic arrest (2.1; 1.4 to 2.9 and 2.9; 1.7 to 5.0, respectively). During this period, the size of seminiferous tubules decreased, the amount of fibrotic tissue increased, and the weight of testicles decreased significantly. Alterations in testicular characteristics over time could not be explained by changes in body mass index, smoking, alcohol drinking, or exposure to drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of normal spermatogenesis decreased among middle aged Finnish men from 1981 to 1991, and the incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis and pathological alterations in testicles increased. Deteriorating spermatogenesis may thus be one important factor in the explanation of declining sperm counts observed worldwide. PMID:9001473

Two normal incidence collimators designed for the calibration of the extreme ultraviolet explorer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jelinsky, Sharon R.; Welsh, Barry; Jelinsky, Patrick; Spiller, Eberhard

1988-01-01

Two Dall-Kirkham, normal incidence collimators have been designed to calibrate the imaging properties of the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer over the wavelength region from 114 to 2000 A. The mirrors of the short-wavelength, 25-cm diameter collimator are superpolished Zerodur which have been multilayer coated for optimal reflectivity at 114 A. The mirrors of the long-wavelength, 41.25-cm diameter collimator are gold coated Zerodur for high reflectance above 300 A. The design, performance, and future use of these collimators in the extreme ultra-violet is discussed.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Malaria in Urban Ahmedabad (Gujarat), India: Identification of Hot Spots and Risk Factors for Targeted Intervention

PubMed Central

Parizo, Justin; Sturrock, Hugh J. W.; Dhiman, Ramesh C.; Greenhouse, Bryan

2016-01-01

The world population, especially in developing countries, has experienced a rapid progression of urbanization over the last half century. Urbanization has been accompanied by a rise in cases of urban infectious diseases, such as malaria. The complexity and heterogeneity of the urban environment has made study of specific urban centers vital for urban malaria control programs, whereas more generalizable risk factor identification also remains essential. Ahmedabad city, India, is a large urban center located in the state of Gujarat, which has experienced a significant Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum disease burden. Therefore, a targeted analysis of malaria in Ahmedabad city was undertaken to identify spatiotemporal patterns of malaria, risk factors, and methods of predicting future malaria cases. Malaria incidence in Ahmedabad city was found to be spatially heterogeneous, but temporally stable, with high spatial correlation between species. Because of this stability, a prediction method utilizing historic cases from prior years and seasons was used successfully to predict which areas of Ahmedabad city would experience the highest malaria burden and could be used to prospectively target interventions. Finally, spatial analysis showed that normalized difference vegetation index, proximity to water sources, and location within Ahmedabad city relative to the dense urban core were the best predictors of malaria incidence. Because of the heterogeneity of urban environments and urban malaria itself, the study of specific large urban centers is vital to assist in allocating resources and informing future urban planning. PMID:27382081

Prediction of fetal compromise in labor.

PubMed

Prior, Tomas; Mullins, Edward; Bennett, Phillip; Kumar, Sailesh

2014-06-01

The majority of intrapartum fetal hypoxia occurs in uncomplicated pregnancies. Current intrapartum monitoring techniques have not resulted in a reduction in the incidence of cerebral palsy in term neonates. We report the development of a composite risk score to allow risk stratification of normal pregnancies before labor. Six hundred one women were recruited to this prospective observational study. All women underwent an ultrasound examination before active labor, during which fetal biometry and fetal Doppler flow resistance indices were measured. A composite risk score, amalgamating data from the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and umbilical vein, was then developed and correlated with intrapartum outcomes. In cases with the highest composite risk scores, the incidence of fetal compromise (the primary outcome) was 80.0% compared with just 15.3% in cases with the lowest risk scores (relative risk 5.2, 95% confidence interval 2.7-10.1). These cases were also at increased risk of cesarean delivery (53.3% compared with 3.4%, P<.001) and of developing a fetal heart rate pattern considered pathologic by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence criteria (P=.003). No significant variation in Apgar scores or umbilical artery pH was observed. Intrapartum fetal compromise remains a significant global health issue. The composite risk score reported here can identify fetuses at both high risk and low risk of a subsequent diagnosis of intrapartum fetal compromise. This may enable more judicious use of current intrapartum fetal monitoring techniques, which are hampered by low specificity. II.

Ion-stimulated mass transport in nanoscale morphology evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Henry Bola

We observe temporal evolution of two distinct lateral length scales in surface topography following low energy, E, argon ion (Ar+) irradiation of Si(001). From real-space AFM topographs, we observe that the short-wavelength, lambda (high-wavenumber, q) evolve as nearly isotropic dots while the longer-lambda (low- q) features appear as isotropic "rings" at normal incidence and as anisotropic ripples at off-normal incidence with their wavevector orthogonal to the ion beam. We explain our results in terms of an interplay between smoothening by ion-enhanced viscous flow and roughening driven by ion sputtering (for high-q features) or elastic strain energy relief (for low- q features). Our proposed mechanisms also explain the weak temperature and flux dependence of both wavelengths. We also observe stable flat surfaces following irradiation at incidence angles greater than 20° from normal, E > 500 eV and temperature > 300°C. To explain non-diverging wavelengths as the smoothening boundary is approached, we present evidence that non-local terms are needed in the height evolution equation. We report the influence of pre-patterned boundaries in guiding ripples appearing during uniform irradiation at high temperatures. Compared to untemplated samples, we observe that the long-range order of the guided ripples is significantly enhanced. We develop a scalar figure of merit to characterize the degree of order of the patterns. We observe that templating is most efficient when the boundaries are separated by an integer multiple of the spontaneously arising wavelength. We report new observations following ion sculpting of nanopores. Among these are: (1) The formation of nanopores is not limited to insulators: we successfully close pores in other materials including silicon dioxide, amorphous silicon (semiconductor) and palladium silicide (metallic glass). (2) Pores retain "memory" of their initial radius: at the same instantaneous radius, pores that started off smaller require less argon fluence for closure. (3) In some cases the closure rate increases strongly with temperature but saturates at higher temperatures. As a partial explanation to these observations, we propose that anisotropic strain deformation is not limited to MeV irradiation of amorphous materials but plays an important role even in the keV regime.

Trends in Lung Cancer Incidence in a Healthcare Area.

PubMed

Molina, Antonio J; García-Martínez, Lidia; Zapata-Alvarado, Julio; Alonso-Orcajo, Nieves; Fernández-Villa, Tania; Martín, Vicente

2015-11-01

The aim of this study was to identify trends in the incidence of lung cancer in the Leon Healthcare Area. All cases of cancer among residents of the Leon healthcare catchment area listed in the hospital-based tumor registry of the Centro Asistencial Universitario de Leon (CAULE) between 1996 and 2010 were included. Gross incidence rates over 3-year intervals were calculated and adjusted for the worldwide and European populations. A total of 2,491 cases were included. In men, incidence adjusted for the European population rose from 40.1 new cases per 100,000 population (1996-1998) to 61.8 (2005-2007), and then fell to 54.6 (2008-2010). In women, incidence tripled from 3.0 (1996-1998) to 9.2 new cases per 100,000 (2008-2010). Although lung cancer is an avoidable disease, it is a serious problem in the Leon Healthcare Area. Of particular concern is the rising incidence among women. Copyright © 2015 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Nanopatterning of metal-coated silicon surfaces via ion beam irradiation: Real time x-ray studies reveal the effect of silicide bonding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Atwani, Osman; Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907; Gonderman, Sean

We investigated the effect of silicide formation on ion-induced nanopatterning of silicon with various ultrathin metal coatings. Silicon substrates coated with 10 nm Ni, Fe, and Cu were irradiated with 200 eV argon ions at normal incidence. Real time grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) were performed during the irradiation process and real time measurements revealed threshold conditions for nanopatterning of silicon at normal incidence irradiation. Three main stages of the nanopatterning process were identified. The real time GISAXS intensity of the correlated peaks in conjunction with XRF revealed that the nanostructures remain for amore » time period after the removal of the all the metal atoms from the sample depending on the binding energy of the metal silicides formed. Ex-situ XPS confirmed the removal of all metal impurities. In-situ XPS during the irradiation of Ni, Fe, and Cu coated silicon substrates at normal incidence demonstrated phase separation and the formation of different silicide phases that occur upon metal-silicon mixing. Silicide formation leads to nanostructure formation due the preferential erosion of the non-silicide regions and the weakening of the ion induced mass redistribution.« less

Neurologic Damage and Behavior Disorder in Rubella Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chess, Stella; Fernandez, Paulina

1980-01-01

A longitudinal study of 214 rubella deaf children (13 to 14 years old) revealed a low incidence (10%) of neurologica damage among those with normal intelligence, but a high incidence (51% to 70%) among those who were mentally retarded or blind. (Author)

Reducing case ascertainment costs in U.S. population studies of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment-Part 2.

PubMed

Evans, Denis A; Grodstein, Francine; Loewenstein, David; Kaye, Jeffrey; Weintraub, Sandra

2011-01-01

Dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) is a major public health threat in developed countries where longevity has been extended to the eighth decade of life. Estimates of prevalence and incidence of DAT vary with what is measured, be it change from a baseline cognitive state or a clinical diagnostic endpoint, such as Alzheimer's disease. Judgment of what is psychometrically "normal" at the age of 80 years implicitly condones a decline from what is normal at the age of 30. However, because cognitive aging is very heterogeneous, it is reasonable to ask "Is 'normal for age' good enough to screen for DAT or its earlier precursors of cognitive impairment?" Cost containment and accessibility of ascertainment methods are enhanced by well-validated and reliable methods such as screening for cognitive impairment by telephone interviews. However, focused assessment of episodic memory, the key symptom associated with DAT, might be more effective at distinguishing normal from abnormal cognitive aging trajectories. Alternatively, the futuristic "Smart Home," outfitted with unobtrusive sensors and data storage devices, permits the moment-to-moment recording of activities so that changes that constitute risk for DAT can be identified before the emergence of symptoms. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Serum uric acid to creatinine ratio: A predictor of incident chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with preserved kidney function.

PubMed

Gu, Liubao; Huang, Liji; Wu, Haidi; Lou, Qinglin; Bian, Rongwen

2017-05-01

Serum uric acid has shown to be a predictor of renal disease progression in most but not all studies. This study aims to test whether renal function-normalized serum uric acid is superior to serum uric acid as the predictor of incident chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. In this study, 1339 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ⩾60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and normouricemia were included. Renal function-normalized serum uric acid was calculated using serum uric acid/creatinine. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the association between serum uric acid, renal function-normalized serum uric acid and incident chronic kidney disease. In total, 74 (5.53%) patients developed to chronic kidney disease 3 or greater during a median follow-up of 4 years, with older ages, longer diabetes duration and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. The decline rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate was positively correlated with serum uric acid/creatinine ( r = 0.219, p < 0.001), but not serum uric acid ( r = 0.005, p = 0.858). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that serum uric acid was not an independent risk factor for incident chronic kidney disease ( p = 0.055), whereas serum uric acid to creatinine ratio was significantly associated with incident chronic kidney disease independently of potential confounders including baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate. serum uric acid to creatinine ratio might be a better predictor of incident chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Thyroid hormone levels and incident chronic kidney disease in euthyroid individuals: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

PubMed

Zhang, Yiyi; Chang, Yoosoo; Ryu, Seungho; Cho, Juhee; Lee, Won-Young; Rhee, Eun-Jung; Kwon, Min-Jung; Pastor-Barriuso, Roberto; Rampal, Sanjay; Han, Won Kon; Shin, Hocheol; Guallar, Eliseo

2014-10-01

Overt and subclinical hypothyroidism are associated with higher levels of serum creatinine and with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prospective association between thyroid hormones and kidney function in euthyroid individuals,however, is largely unexplored. We conducted a prospective cohort study in 104 633 South Korean men and women who were free of CKD and proteinuria at baseline and had normal thyroid hormone levels and no history of thyroid disease or cancer. At each annual or biennial follow-up visit, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxin (FT4) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The study outcome was incident CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 based on the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 1032 participants developed incident CKD.There was a positive association between high-normal levels of TSH and increased risk of incident CKD. In fully-adjusted models including baseline eGFR, the hazard ratio comparing the highest vs the lowest quintiles of TSH was 1.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.55; P for linear trend=0.03]. In spline models, FT3 levels below 3 pg/ml were also associated with increased risk of incident CKD. There was no association between FT4 levels and CKD. In a large cohort of euthyroid men and women, high levels of TSH and low levels of FT3, even within the normal range, were modestly associated with an increased risk of incident CKD.

Graves' Disease that Developed Shortly after Surgery for Thyroid Cancer.

PubMed

Yu, Hea Min; Park, Soon Hyun; Lee, Jae Min; Park, Kang Seo

2013-09-01

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that may present with various clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism. Patients with Graves' disease have a greater number of thyroid nodules and a higher incidence of thyroid cancer compared with patients with normal thyroid activity. However, cases in which patients are diagnosed with recurrence of Graves' disease shortly after partial thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer are very rare. Here we report a case of hyperthyroid Graves' disease that occurred after partial thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer. In this case, the patient developed hyperthyroidism 9 months after right hemithyroidectomy, and antithyroglobulin autoantibody and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor stimulating autoantibody were positive. Therefore, we diagnosed Graves' disease on the basis of the laboratory test results and thyroid ultrasonography findings. The patient was treated with and maintained on antithyroid drugs. The mechanism of the recurrence of Graves' disease in this patient is still unclear. The mechanism may have been the improper response of the immune system after partial thyroidectomy. To precisely determine the mechanisms in Graves' disease after partial thyroidectomy, further studies based on a greater number of cases are needed.

Incidence and prognosis of stroke in young adults: a population-based study in Ferrara, Italy.

PubMed

Groppo, Elisabetta; De Gennaro, Riccardo; Granieri, Gino; Fazio, Patrik; Cesnik, Edward; Granieri, Enrico; Casetta, Ilaria

2012-02-01

The reported annual incidence of juvenile stroke ranges from 9 to 47 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. We sought to estimate the incidence of first-ever stroke in young adults through a population-based stroke registry in a well-defined and stable population. We planned to collect all cases of new stroke in people aged 15-44 years in Ferrara, Italy, over the period 2002-2007. During the surveillance period, a first-ever stroke was diagnosed in 39 patients, giving a mean annual crude incidence rate of 12.1 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 8.6-16.5), 9.1 when adjusted to the European population. The overall 30-day case fatality rate was 7.7, 21.4% for hemorrhagic stroke. The incidence rate was in the range of estimates detected in western countries. The case-fatality rate was lower than that reported in less recent studies. The stroke subtype predicted the probability of death and the outcome.

Trampoline motions in Xe-graphite(0 0 0 1) surface scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Yoshimasa; Yamaguchi, Hiroki; Hashinokuchi, Michihiro; Sawabe, Kyoichi; Maruyama, Shigeo; Matsumoto, Yoichiro; Shobatake, Kosuke

2005-09-01

We have investigated Xe scattering from the graphite(0 0 0 1) surface at hyperthermal incident energies using a molecular beam-surface scattering technique and molecular dynamics simulations. For all incident conditions, the incident Xe atom conserves the momentum parallel to the surface and loses approximately 80% of the normal incident energy. The weak interlayer potential of graphite disperses the deformation over the wide range of a graphene sheet. The dynamic corrugation induced by the collision is smooth even at hyperthermal incident energy; the graphene sheet moves like a trampoline net and the Xe atom like a trampoliner.

Reflectance model of a plant leaf

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, R.; Silva, L.

1973-01-01

A light ray, incident at 5 deg to the normal, is geometrically plotted through the drawing of the cross section of a soybean leaf using Fresnel's Equations and Snell's Law. The optical mediums of the leaf considered for ray tracing are: air, cell sap, chloroplast, and cell wall. The above ray is also drawn through the same leaf cross section considering cell wall and air as the only optical mediums. The values of the reflection and transmission found from ray tracing agree closely with the experimental results obtained using a Beckman DK-2A Spectroreflectometer. Similarly a light ray, incident at about 60 deg to the normal, is drawn through the palisade cells of a soybean leaf to illustrate the pathway of light, incident at an oblique angle, through the palisade cells.

Chiral tunneling in a twisted graphene bilayer.

PubMed

He, Wen-Yu; Chu, Zhao-Dong; He, Lin

2013-08-09

The perfect transmission in a graphene monolayer and the perfect reflection in a Bernal graphene bilayer for electrons incident in the normal direction of a potential barrier are viewed as two incarnations of the Klein paradox. Here we show a new and unique incarnation of the Klein paradox. Owing to the different chiralities of the quasiparticles involved, the chiral fermions in a twisted graphene bilayer show an adjustable probability of chiral tunneling for normal incidence: they can be changed from perfect tunneling to partial or perfect reflection, or vice versa, by controlling either the height of the barrier or the incident energy. As well as addressing basic physics about how the chiral fermions with different chiralities tunnel through a barrier, our results provide a facile route to tune the electronic properties of the twisted graphene bilayer.

Children with sickle cell anemia with normal transcranial Doppler ultrasounds and without silent infarcts have a low incidence of new strokes.

PubMed

Jordan, Lori C; Roberts Williams, Dionna O; Rodeghier, Mark J; Covert Greene, Brittany V; Ponisio, Maria R; Casella, James F; McKinstry, Robert C; Noetzel, Michael J; Kirkham, Fenella J; Meier, Emily R; Fuh, Beng; McNaull, Melissa; Sarnaik, Sharada; Majumdar, Suvankar; McCavit, Timothy L; DeBaun, Michael R

2018-06-01

In a prospective cohort study, we tested the hypothesis that children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) with normal transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) velocities and without silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs) would have a lower incidence rate of new neurological events (strokes, seizures or transient ischemic attacks) compared to children with normal TCD measurements and SCIs, not receiving regular blood transfusions. Nonrandomized participants from the silent cerebral infarct transfusion (SIT) Trial who had screening magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and normal TCD measurements were included. Follow-up ended at the time of first neurological event (stroke, seizure or transient ischemic attack), start of regular blood transfusion, or loss to follow-up, whichever came first. The primary endpoint was a new neurological event. Of 421 participants included, 68 had suspected SCIs. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years. Incidence rates of new neurological events in nontransfused participants with normal TCD values with SCIs and without SCIs were 1.71 and 0.47 neurological events per 100 patient-years, respectively, P = .065. The absence of SCI(s) at baseline was associated with a decreased risk of a new neurological event (hazard ratio 0.231, 95% CI 0.062-0.858; P = .029). Local pediatric neurologists examined 67 of 68 participants with suspected SCIs and identified 2 with overt strokes classified as SCIs by local hematologists; subsequently one had a seizure and the other an ischemic stroke. Children with SCA, without SCIs, and normal TCD measurements have a significantly lower rate of new neurological events when compared to those with SCIs and normal TCD measurements. Pediatric neurology assessment may assist risk stratification. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Congenital anomalies of cerebral artery and intracranial aneurysm].

PubMed

Nakajima, K; Ito, Z; Hen, R; Uemura, K; Matsuoka, S

1976-02-01

It is well known that congenital anomalies such as polycystic kidney, aortic coarctation, Marfan syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome are apt to be complicated by intracranial aneurysms. In this report we attempt to reveal the relation and incidence between cerebrovascular anomalies and intracranial aneurysms. The etiology of aneurysms has been discussed, too. 12 cases of persistent trigeminl artery, 2 cases of persistent hypoglossal artery and 11 cases of fenestration were obtained from 3841 patients who were angiographically examined in our clinic for 5 years. The incidence is 0.31%, 0.05% and 0.29%, respectively. Persistent trigeminal arteries were complicated by 2 cases of intracranial aneurysms and one case of arterivenous malformations (AVM), persistent hypoglossal arteries were complicated by one case of aneurysm, and fenestrations were complicated by 2 cases of aneurysms and one case of AVM. One case of congenital agenesis of right internal carotid artery was obtained which was complicated by aneurysm of anterior communicating artery. Totally, 8 cases of aneurysms and AVM were obtained from 26 cases of cerebrovascular anomalies (incidence 30.8%). On the other hand, thalamic or caudate hemorrhage revealed the highest incidence of complication of intracranial aneurysms among intracerebral hematomas (10.7%). Compared with the incidence of aneurysms between cerebro vascular anomalies (30.8%) and thalamic or caudate hemorrhage (10.7%), the difference is statistically signigicant (P less than 0.05). The cause of intracranial aneurysm has not yet been clarified. But it is well accepted that the defect of tunica media vasorum is most responsible factor as to the occurrence of intracranial aneurysms. We concluded that the genetic error of cerebral vessels including defect of media caused intracranial aneurysms, and this result was supported from the evidence that cerebrovascular anomalies showed statistically high incidence of complication of intracranial aneurysms.

[CORRELATION OF LUMBAR FACET JOINT DEGENERATION AND SPINE-PELVIC SAGITTAL BALANCE].

PubMed

Lo, Xin; Zhang, Bin; Liu, Yuan; Dai, Min

2015-08-01

To investigate the relationship between lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. A retrospective analysis was made the clinical data of 120 patients with lumbar degenerative disease, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June and November 2014. There were 58 males and 62 females with an average age of 53 years (range, 24-77 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 96 months (mean, 6.6 months). Affected segments included L3,4 in 32 cases, L4,5 in 47 cases, and L5, S1 in 52 cases. The CT and X-ray films of the lumbar vertebrae were taken. The facet joint degeneration was graded based on the grading system of Pathria. The spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters were measured, including lumbar lordosis (LL), upper lumbar lordosis (ULL), lower lumbar lordosis (LLL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS). According to normal range of PI, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (PI was less than normal range), group B (PI was within normal range), and group C (PI was more than normal range). The facet joint degeneration was compared; according to the facet joint degeneration degree, the patients were divided into group N (mild degeneration group) and group M (serious degeneration group) to observe the relationship of lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. At L4,5 and L5, S1, facet joint degeneration showed significant difference among groups A, B, and C (P < 0.05), more serious facet joint degeneration was observed in group C; no significant difference was found in facet joint degeneration at L3,4 (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the other spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters between groups N and M at each segment (P > 0.05) except for PT (P < 0.05). PI of more than normal range may lead to or aggravate lumbar facet joint degeneration at L4,5 and L5, Si; PT and PI are significantly associated with facet joint degeneration at the lower lumbar spine.

Exploring Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Americas, 2001-2011.

PubMed

Maia-Elkhoury, Ana Nilce Silveira; E Yadón, Zaida; Idali Saboyá Díaz, Martha; de Fátima de Araújo Lucena, Francisca; Gerardo Castellanos, Luis; J Sanchez-Vazquez, Manuel

2016-11-01

Cases reported in the period of 2001-2011 from 14/18 CL endemic countries were included in this study by using two spreadsheet to collect the data. Two indicators were analyzed: CL cases and incidence rate. The local regression method was used to analyze case trends and incidence rates for all the studied period, and for 2011 the spatial distribution of each indicator was analyzed by quartile and stratified into four groups. From 2001-2011, 636,683 CL cases were reported by 14 countries and with an increase of 30% of the reported cases. The average incidence rate in the Americas was 15.89/100,000 inhabitants. In 2011, 15 countries reported cases in 180 from a total of 292 units of first subnational level. The global incidence rate for all countries was 17.42 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; while in 180 administrative units at the first subnational level, the average incidence rate was 57.52/100,000 inhabitants. Nicaragua and Panama had the highest incidence but more cases occurred in Brazil and Colombia. Spatial distribution was heterogeneous for each indicator, and when analyzed in different administrative level. The results showed different distribution patterns, illustrating the limitation of the use of individual indicators and the need to classify higher-risk areas in order to prioritize the actions. This study shows the epidemiological patterns using secondary data and the importance of using multiple indicators to define and characterize smaller territorial units for surveillance and control of leishmaniasis.

Isolated elliptically polarized attosecond soft X-ray with high-brilliance using polarization gating of harmonics from relativistic plasmas at oblique incidence.

PubMed

Chen, Zi-Yu; Li, Xiao-Ya; Li, Bo-Yuan; Chen, Min; Liu, Feng

2018-02-19

The production of intense isolated attosecond pulse is a major goal in ultrafast research. Recent advances in high harmonic generation from relativistic plasma mirrors under oblique incidence interactions gave rise to photon-rich attosecond pulses with circular or elliptical polarization. However, to achieve an isolated elliptical attosecond pulse via polarization gating using currently available long driving pulses remains a challenge, because polarization gating of high harmonics from relativistic plasmas is assumed only possible at normal or near-normal incidence. Here we numerically demonstrate a scheme around this problem. We show that via control of plasma dynamics by managing laser polarization, it is possible to gate an intense single attosecond pulse with high ellipticity extending to the soft X-ray regime at oblique incidence. This approach thus paves the way towards a powerful tool enabling high-time-resolution probe of dynamics of chiral systems and magnetic materials with current laser technology.

Advanced lightweight optics development for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilbro, James W.

1998-01-01

A considerable amount of effort over the past year has been devoted to exploring ultra-lightweight optics for two specific NASA programs, the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), and the High Throughput X-ray Spectrometer (HTXS). Experimental investigations have been undertaken in a variety of materials including glass, composites, nickel, beryllium, Carbon fiber reinforced Silicon Carbide (CSiC), Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide, Chemical Vapor Deposited Silicon Carbide, and Silicon. Overall results of these investigations will be summarized, and specific details will be provided concerning the in-house development of ultra-lightweight nickel replication for both grazing incidence and normal incidence optics. This will include x-ray test results of the grazing incidence optic and cryogenic test results of the normal incidence optic. The status of two 1.5 meter diameter demonstration mirrors for NGST will also be presented. These two demonstrations are aimed at establishing the capability to manufacture and test mirrors that have an areal density of 15 kilograms per square meter. Efforts in thin membrane mirrors and Fresnel lenses will also be briefly discussed.

Increasing Incidence of Listeriosis in France and Other European Countries

PubMed Central

Hedberg, Craig; Le Monnier, Alban; de Valk, Henriette

2008-01-01

From 1999 through 2005, the incidence of listeriosis in France declined from 4.5 to 3.5 cases/million persons. In 2006, it increased to 4.7 cases/million persons. Extensive epidemiologic investigations of clusters in France have ruled out the occurrence of large foodborne disease outbreaks. In addition, no increase has occurred in pregnancy-associated cases or among persons <60 years of age who have no underlying disease. Increases have occurred mainly among persons >60 years of age and appear to be most pronounced for persons >70 years of age. In 8 other European countries, the incidence of listeriosis has increased, or remained relatively high, since 2000. As in France, these increases cannot be attributed to foodborne outbreaks, and no increase has been observed in pregnancy-associated cases. European countries appear to be experiencing an increased incidence of listeriosis among persons >60 years of age. The cause of this selective increased incidence is unknown. PMID:18439354

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitri, F. G., E-mail: F.G.Mitri@ieee.org

This paper presents two key contributions; the first concerns the development of analytical expressions for the axial and transverse acoustic radiation forces exerted on a 2D rigid elliptical cylinder placed in the field of plane progressive, quasi-standing, or standing waves with arbitrary incidence. The second emphasis is on the acoustic radiation torque per length. The rigid elliptical cylinder case is important to be considered as a first-order approximation of the behavior of a cylindrical fluid column trapped in air because of the significant acoustic impedance mismatch at the particle boundary. Based on the rigorous partial-wave series expansion method in cylindricalmore » coordinates, non-dimensional acoustic radiation force and torque functions are derived and defined in terms of the scattering coefficients of the elliptic cylinder. A coupled system of linear equations is obtained after applying the Neumann boundary condition for an immovable surface in a non-viscous fluid and solved numerically by matrix inversion after performing a single numerical integration procedure. Computational results for the non-dimensional force components and torque, showing the transition from the progressive to the (equi-amplitude) standing wave behavior, are performed with particular emphasis on the aspect ratio a/b, where a and b are the semi-axes of the ellipse, the dimensionless size parameter, as well as the angle of incidence ranging from end-on to broadside incidence. The results show that the elliptical geometry has a direct influence on the radiation force and torque, so that the standard theory for circular cylinders (at normal incidence) leads to significant miscalculations when the cylinder cross section becomes non-circular. Moreover, the elliptical cylinder experiences, in addition to the acoustic radiation force, a radiation torque that vanishes for the circular cylinder case. The application of the formalism presented here may be extended to other 2D surfaces of arbitrary shape, such as Chebyshev cylindrical particles with a small deformation, stadiums (with oval shape), or other non-circular geometries.« less

Implementation and modification of a three-dimensional radiation stress formulation for surf zone and rip-current applications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kumar, N.; Voulgaris, G.; Warner, John C.

2011-01-01

Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS v 3.0), a three-dimensional numerical ocean model, was previously enhanced for shallow water applications by including wave-induced radiation stress forcing provided through coupling to wave propagation models (SWAN, REF/DIF). This enhancement made it suitable for surf zone applications as demonstrated using examples of obliquely incident waves on a planar beach and rip current formation in longshore bar trough morphology (Haas and Warner, 2009). In this contribution, we present an update to the coupled model which implements a wave roller model and also a modified method of the radiation stress term based on Mellor (2008, 2011a,b,in press) that includes a vertical distribution which better simulates non-conservative (i.e., wave breaking) processes and appears to be more appropriate for sigma coordinates in very shallow waters where wave breaking conditions dominate. The improvements of the modified model are shown through simulations of several cases that include: (a) obliquely incident spectral waves on a planar beach; (b) obliquely incident spectral waves on a natural barred beach (DUCK'94 experiment); (c) alongshore variable offshore wave forcing on a planar beach; (d) alongshore varying bathymetry with constant offshore wave forcing; and (e) nearshore barred morphology with rip-channels. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons to previous analytical, numerical, laboratory studies and field measurements show that the modified model replicates surf zone recirculation patterns (onshore drift at the surface and undertow at the bottom) more accurately than previous formulations based on radiation stress (Haas and Warner, 2009). The results of the model and test cases are further explored for identifying the forces operating in rip current development and the potential implication for sediment transport and rip channel development. Also, model analysis showed that rip current strength is higher when waves approach at angles of 5?? to 10?? in comparison to normally incident waves. ?? 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Type 1 diabetes incidence and prevalence trends in a cohort of Canadian children and youth.

PubMed

Fox, Danya A; Islam, Nazrul; Sutherland, Jenny; Reimer, Kim; Amed, Shazhan

2018-05-01

Incidence rates of type 1 diabetes have long been on the rise across the globe, however, there is emerging evidence that the rate of rise may be slowing. The objective of this study was to describe trends in the incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes in a sample of Canadian children and youth. Cases were extracted using linked administrative datasets and a validated diabetes case-finding definition. Incidence and prevalence trends were analyzed using the JoinPoint regression analysis program. A small increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes was observed over the 11-year period from 2002-2003 to 2012-2013. Total incident cases per year ranged from 201 (2005-2006) to 250 (2007-2008). Total prevalent cases per year ranged from 1790 (2002-2003) to 2264 (2012-2013). Incidence was highest among children aged 5 to 14 years, and lowest in the youngest (1-4 years) and oldest (15-19 years) age brackets. The most significant increase in incidence was in children aged 10 to 14 years. Age-standardized prevalence increased significantly throughout the study period. These results are similar to data from the United States but differ from European data with respect to the annual percent change for incidence as well as age-specific incidence trends. In keeping with the low mortality rates associated with type 1 diabetes, the prevalence continues to rise. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Space-time distribution of the ALS incident cases by onset type in the Health District of Ferrara, Italy.

PubMed

Govoni, V; Della Coletta, E; Cesnik, E; Casetta, I; Tugnoli, V; Granieri, E

2015-04-01

An ecological study in the resident population of the Health District (HD) of Ferrara, Italy, has been carried out to establish the distribution in space and time of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incident cases according to the disease onset type and gender in the period 1964-2009. The hypothesis of a uniform distribution was assumed. The incident cases of spinal onset ALS and bulbar onset ALS were evenly distributed in space and time in both men and women. The spinal onset ALS incident cases distribution according to gender was significantly different from the expected in the extra-urban population (20 observed cases in men 95% Poisson confidence interval 12.22-30.89, expected cases in men 12.19; six observed cases in women 95% Poisson confidence interval 2.20-13.06, expected cases in women 13.81), whereas no difference was found in the urban population. The spinal onset ALS incidence was higher in men than in women in the extra-urban population (difference between the rates = 1.53, 95% CI associated with the difference 0.52-2.54), whereas no difference between sexes was found in the urban population. The uneven distribution according to gender of the spinal onset ALS incident cases only in the extra-urban population suggests the involvement of a gender related environmental risk factor associated with the extra-urban environment. Despite some limits of the spatial analysis in the study of rare diseases, the results appear consistent with the literature data. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Retrospective chart review of obesity and episodic and chronic illness among rural Mexican-American adolescents accessing rural health clinic services.

PubMed

Champion, Jane Dimmitt; Pierce, Sherrie; Collins, Jennifer L

2015-06-01

Obesity impacts the physical and psychological health of children and adolescents, and is a risk factor for development of episodic and chronic illness. Rural Mexican-American adolescents are at risk for obesity and associated chronic illnesses.The study used a retrospective chart review of data collected routinely in a rural health clinic setting from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010 to assess incidence of overweight/obesity status and episodic or chronic illness among Mexican-American adolescents aged 12-18 years. Analyses included body mass index, age, gender, and episodic or chronic illness diagnoses. Two hundred twelve charts were audited; women (n = 114, 53.8%), men (n = 98 46.2%); normal (n = 105, 49.5%), overweight/obese (n = 107, 50.5%). There were more female normal (n = 61, 53.5%) vs. overweight/obese (n = 53, 46.5%). More male overweight/obese (n = 54, 55.1%) than normal weight (n = 44, 44.9%). Age at first documented overweight/obesity status occurred in early adolescence (median = 13 years, mode = 12 years). Chronic illness incidence was higher among men than women, and overweight/obese vs. normal weight adolescents and in sub-categorizations by weight and specific illness. Incidence of episodic illness was higher among women than men, with variation by weight and specific illness. Disproportionately high incidence of episodic or chronic illness and overweight/obesity identified among rural Mexican-American adolescents compels intervention modification to improve effectiveness. © 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Incidence and clinical characteristics of Guillain-Barré syndrome before the introduction of Zika virus in Puerto Rico.

PubMed

Salinas, Jorge L; Major, Chelsea G; Pastula, Daniel M; Dirlikov, Emilio; Styczynski, Ashley; Luciano, Carlos A; Wojna, Valerie; Sharp, Tyler M; Sejvar, James J; Rivera-Garcia, Brenda

2017-06-15

Zika virus has been associated with increases in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) incidence. A GBS incidence estimation and clinical description was performed to assess baseline GBS epidemiology before the introduction of Zika virus in Puerto Rico. Hospitalization administrative data from an island-wide insurance claims database and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates provided a crude GBS incidence for 2013. This estimate was adjusted using the proportion of GBS cases meeting Brighton criteria for confirmed GBS from nine reference hospitals. Characteristics of confirmed GBS cases in the same nine hospitals during 2012-2015 are described. A total of 136 GBS hospitalization claims were filed in 2013 (crude GBS incidence was 3.8 per 100,000 population). The adjusted GBS incidence was 1.7 per 100,000 population. Of 67 confirmed GBS cases during 2012-2015, 66% had an antecedent illness. Median time from antecedent illness to GBS onset was 7days. Most cases (67%) occurred during July-September. Puerto Rico's GBS incidence for 2013 was estimated using a combination of administrative data and medical records review; this method could be employed in other regions to monitor GBS incidence before and after the introduction of GBS infectious triggers. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Foodborne botulism in Poland in 2013.

PubMed

Czerwiński, Michał; Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara

2015-01-01

The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiology of foodborne botulism in Poland in 2013. We reviewed surveillance data published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2013" and in previous publications, and botulism case reports for 2013 sent to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations. In 2013, a total of 24 foodborne botulism cases (including 8 laboratory confirmed cases) was reported, corresponding to the lowest annual incidence rate (0.06 per 100,000 population) since the introduction of botulism as mandatory notifiable disease. The highest incidence in the country was reported in Kujawsko-Pomorskie (0.19). Incidence in rural areas (0.09 per 100,000 population) was more than 2-fold higher than the incidence in urban areas (0.04). Men, had more than 3 times higher incidence than women; the highest incidence rate (0.29 per 100,000 population) was observed among men in the age group of 40-49 years. Most cases were associated with consumption of different types of commercially canned meat. Commercially canned fish was also a common vehicle. All cases were hospitalized. No deaths related to the disease were reported. In 2013, in Poland a downward trend in the incidence of foodborne botulism was maintained. Insufficient laboratory capacity remains a major weakness in national surveillance resulting in disproportionate reporting of cases meeting only clinical criteria and an epidemiological link. This situation clearly speaks for the need to improve laboratory capacity for surveillance.

Polycystic ovary disease and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

PubMed

Kashyap, S; Claman, P

2000-12-01

To compare the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in patients with and without polycystic ovary disease (PCOD). We conducted a retrospective, case-control analysis of patients who achieved singleton pregnancies with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) therapy. Twenty-two PCOD patients were compared to 27 infertility patients without PCOD who were pregnant after hMG therapy. Non-PCOD patients received hMG for superovulation as part of superovulation/intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer. PCOD patients were receiving hMG for simple ovulation induction. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was defined as late pregnancy blood pressure > 140/90 mm Hg on two readings six hours apart and return to normal blood pressure by four to six weeks postpartum. There were no differences between PCOD and non-PCOD patients with reference to age, body mass index, parity or other pregnancy-induced hypertension risk factors (i.e., chronic hypertension, diabetes or chronic renal disease). Pregnant PCOD patients had a much higher incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, 31.8% (7/22), versus non-PCOD patients, who only had a pregnancy-induced hypertension incidence of 3.7% (1/27) (P = .016, OR = 12.1, 95% CI = 1.3-566.8). PCOD patients are at very high risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension when pregnant after ovulation induction.

Epidemiology of bacterial meningitis in the North American Arctic, 2000-2010.

PubMed

Gounder, Prabhu P; Zulz, Tammy; Desai, Shalini; Stenz, Flemming; Rudolph, Karen; Tsang, Raymond; Tyrrell, Gregory J; Bruce, Michael G

2015-08-01

To determine the incidence of meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae in the North American Arctic during 2000-2010. Surveillance data were obtained from the International Circumpolar Surveillance network. We defined a case of bacterial meningitis caused by H. influenzae, N. meningitidis, or S. pneumoniae as a culture-positive isolate obtained from a normally sterile site in a resident with a meningitis diagnosis. The annual incidence/100,000 persons for meningitis caused by H. influenzae, N. meningitidis, and S. pneumoniae among all North American Arctic residents was: 0.6, 0.5, and 1.5, respectively; the meningitis incidence among indigenous persons in Alaska and Canada (indigenous status not recorded in Greenland) for those three bacteria was: 2.1, 0.8, and 2.4, respectively. The percentage of pneumococcal isolates belonging to a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine serotype declined from 2000-2004 to 2005-2010 (31%-2%, p-value <0.01). During 2005-2010, serotype a caused 55% of H. influenzae meningitis and serogroup B caused 86% of meningococcal meningitis. Compared with all North American Arctic residents, indigenous people suffer disproportionately from bacterial meningitis. Arctic residents could benefit from the development of an H. influenzae serotype a vaccine and implementation of a meningococcal serogroup B vaccine. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Asystole and increased serum myoglobin levels associated with 'packing blackout' in a competitive breath-hold diver.

PubMed

Andersson, Johan P A; Linér, Mats H; Jönsson, Henrik

2009-11-01

Many competitive breath-hold divers use 'glossopharyngeal insufflation', also called 'lung packing', to overfill their lungs above normal total lung capacity. This increases intrathoracic pressure, decreases venous return, compromises cardiac pumping, and reduces arterial blood pressure, possibly resulting in a syncope breath-hold divers call 'packing blackout'. We report a case with a breath-hold diver who inadvertently experienced a packing blackout. During the incident, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure were recorded, and blood samples for determinations of biomarkers of cardiac muscle perturbation (creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), cardiac troponin-T (TnT), and myoglobin) were collected. The ECG revealed short periods of asystole during the period of 'packing blackout', simultaneous with pronounced reductions in systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures. Serum myoglobin concentration was elevated 40 and 150 min after the incident, whereas there were no changes in CK-MB or TnT. The ultimate cause of syncope in this diver probably was a decrease in cerebral perfusion following glossopharyngeal insufflation. The asystolic periods recorded in this diver could possibly indicate that susceptible individuals may be put at risk of a serious cardiac incident if the lungs are excessively overinflated by glossopharyngeal insufflation. This concern is further substantiated by the observed increase in serum myoglobin concentration after the event.

Scattering of plane evanescent waves by cylindrical shells and wave vector coupling conditions for exciting flexural waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marston, Philip L.

2002-05-01

The coupling of sound to buried targets can be associated with acoustic evanescent waves when the sea bottom is smooth. To understand the excitation of flexural waves on buried shells by acoustic evanescent waves, the partial wave series for the scattering is found for cylindrical shells at normal incidence in an unbounded medium. The formulation uses the simplifications of thin-shell dynamics. In the case of ordinary waves incident on a shell, a ray formulation is available to describe the coupling to subsonic flexural waves [P. L. Marston and N. H. Sun, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 777-783 (1995)]. When the incident wave is evanescent, the distance between propagating plane wavefronts is smaller than the ordinary acoustical wavelength at the same frequency and the coupling condition for the excitation of flexural waves on shells or plates is modified. Instead of matching the flexural wave number with the propagating part of the acoustic wave number only at the coincidence frequency, a second low-frequency wave number matching condition is found for highly evanescent waves. Numerical evaluation of the modified partial-wave-series appropriate for an evanescent wave is used to investigate the low-frequency coupling of evanescent waves with flexural wave resonances of shells.

Penile fracture at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital: a retrospective analysis.

PubMed

Athar, Z; Chalise, P R; Sharma, U K; Gyawali, P R; Shrestha, G K; Joshi, B R

2010-06-01

Fracture of the penis is rupture of the tunica albuginea and the usual cause is abrupt bending of the erect penis by blunt trauma. Trauma during sexual relation is responsible for approximately one third of all cases. The incidence of urethral injuries associated with this condition ranged from 2.0% to 38.0%. Twelve patients who presented to emergency over a period of 4 years with diagnosis of penile fracture were reviewed retrospectively. Patient's profile and all relevant data were noted from charts. The etiology of fracture was related to coital activity in 6 (50.0%) cases while other denied such act. Surgery was performed on all the patients and discharged from hospital on removal of urethral catheter. Follow up continued until restoration of normal penile function without complaint. So fracture of the penis is an injury that can be diagnosed clinically and needs emergency surgical correction for better result.

Vertebral pneumatocyst. A case report.

PubMed

Laufer, L; Schulman, H; Hertzanu, Y

1996-02-01

This study illustrates intraosseous pneumatocyst of the vertebral body, a benign lesion. To review the incidence and location of this benign lesion during a 1-year period. Intraosseous pneumatocyst is a rare benign condition, commonly seen in iliac bone or sacrum. The etiology of this entity is unclear. Other locations of these lesions are very rare, and only a few isolated cases are reported in the literature. In the last year (1994-1995), vertebral pneumatocyst was incidentally found in four patients who underwent computed tomography examination for presumptive discal lesion. Axial computed tomography with 2- and 4-mm slice thickness was performed. The typical computed tomography patterns of intraosseous pneumatocyst involving the cervical, dorsal, or lumbar spine were found. The bony structure and joints were normal. To the best of our knowledge, intraosseous pneumatocyst located in the spinal process has not been reported. Intraosseous pneumatocyst is a benign lesion. Biopsy and follow-up are unnecessary.

Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of acromegaly.

PubMed

Lugo, Gloria; Pena, Lara; Cordido, Fernando

2012-01-01

Acromegaly and gigantism are due to excess GH production, usually as a result of a pituitary adenoma. The incidence of acromegaly is 5 cases per million per year and the prevalence is 60 cases per million. Clinical manifestations in each patient depend on the levels of GH and IGF-I, age, tumor size, and the delay in diagnosis. Manifestations of acromegaly are varied and include acral and soft tissue overgrowth, joint pain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart and respiratory failure. Acromegaly is a disabling disease that is associated with increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. The diagnosis is based primarily on clinical features and confirmed by measuring GH levels after oral glucose loading and the estimation of IGF-I. It has been suggested that the rate of mortality in patients with acromegaly is correlated with the degree of control of GH. Adequately treated, the relative mortality risk can be markedly reduced towards normal.

Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

PubMed Central

Lugo, Gloria; Pena, Lara; Cordido, Fernando

2012-01-01

Acromegaly and gigantism are due to excess GH production, usually as a result of a pituitary adenoma. The incidence of acromegaly is 5 cases per million per year and the prevalence is 60 cases per million. Clinical manifestations in each patient depend on the levels of GH and IGF-I, age, tumor size, and the delay in diagnosis. Manifestations of acromegaly are varied and include acral and soft tissue overgrowth, joint pain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart and respiratory failure. Acromegaly is a disabling disease that is associated with increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. The diagnosis is based primarily on clinical features and confirmed by measuring GH levels after oral glucose loading and the estimation of IGF-I. It has been suggested that the rate of mortality in patients with acromegaly is correlated with the degree of control of GH. Adequately treated, the relative mortality risk can be markedly reduced towards normal. PMID:22518126

An academic medical center's response to widespread computer failure.

PubMed

Genes, Nicholas; Chary, Michael; Chason, Kevin W

2013-01-01

As hospitals incorporate information technology (IT), their operations become increasingly vulnerable to technological breakdowns and attacks. Proper emergency management and business continuity planning require an approach to identify, mitigate, and work through IT downtime. Hospitals can prepare for these disasters by reviewing case studies. This case study details the disruption of computer operations at Mount Sinai Medical Center (MSMC), an urban academic teaching hospital. The events, and MSMC's response, are narrated and the impact on hospital operations is analyzed. MSMC's disaster management strategy prevented computer failure from compromising patient care, although walkouts and time-to-disposition in the emergency department (ED) notably increased. This incident highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation. It also demonstrates the value of using operational data to evaluate hospital responses to disasters. Quantifying normal hospital functions, just as with a patient's vital signs, may help quantitatively evaluate and improve disaster management and business continuity planning.

[Assessment, delivery and peripartum care in the case of a uterine rupture during labor of a woman with a previous C-section].

PubMed

Parrilla-Fernández, Alberto; Manrique-Tejedor, Javier; Figuerol-Calderó, M Inmaculada; García-Romero, Verónica

Uterine rupture is a rare but severe complication in obstetrics. A previous C-section is the most important risk factor. Its incidence during labor in women with a previous C-section is of approximately 0.3-0.47%, being potentially severe. We present the case of a pregnant women with a previous C-section who suffered uterine rupture during labor. The rapid assessment and action of the midwife and obstetric team was essential to obtain a successful obstetric outcome, avoiding maternal and fetal mortality; and nursing care given to the mother and the newborn after birth contributed to achieving a normal postpartum. It is necessary to have specific knowledge about this condition that, despite rare, can present insidiously with a potential risk for the mother and the fetus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Cell-mediated immunity to homologous spermatozoa following vasectomy in the human male.

PubMed Central

Nagarkatti, P S; Rao, S S

1976-01-01

Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to homologous spermatozoal antigens was studied in sixty-two males following vasectomy of a duration of 1-10 years. A group of twenty-two normal, fertile non-vasectomized males was also included in the study. The inhibition in the leucocyte migration test (LMT), in the presence of spermatozoal antigen, was taken as an index of CMI. Twenty of the sixty-two vasectomized males (32.2 percent) showed a positive LMT reaction. When the results were analysed with reference to the duration of vasectomy, it was noted that four cases each (22.2 percent), showed a positive LMT reaction in the groups 0-2 years, and 3.5 years. On the other hand twelve cases gave a positive reaction in the group 6-10 years (46.1 percent). It appears that the incidence of CMI to spermatozoa increases with the duration in vasectomy. PMID:991454

Noonan syndrome.

PubMed

Bhambhani, Vikas; Muenke, Maximilian

2014-01-01

Noonan syndrome is a common genetic disorder that causes multiple congenital abnormalities and a large number of potential health conditions. Most affected individuals have characteristic facial features that evolve with age; a broad, webbed neck; increased bleeding tendency; and a high incidence of congenital heart disease, failure to thrive, short stature, feeding difficulties, sternal deformity, renal malformation, pubertal delay, cryptorchidism, developmental or behavioral problems, vision problems, hearing loss, and lymphedema. Familial recurrence is consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, but most cases are due to de novo mutations. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical features, but may be missed in mildly affected patients. Molecular genetic testing can confirm diagnosis in 70% of cases and has important implications for genetic counseling and management. Most patients with Noonan syndrome are intellectually normal as adults, but some may require multidisciplinary evaluation and regular follow-up care. Age-based Noonan syndrome-specific growth charts and treatment guidelines are available.

[Lactic acidosis in the postictal state].

PubMed

van Rooij, Femke J M; Admiraal-van de Pas, Yvonne

2015-01-01

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder with an annual incidence in the Netherlands of 30 per 100,000 people. We present two cases of a patient admitted to the emergency department upon experiencing a generalized seizure. In each case, severe metabolic lactic acidosis was identified through routine laboratory diagnostics. Based on their clinical presentation, we had no reasons to suspect another cause of this severe acidosis apart from the seizure. We repeated arterial blood sample one to two hours later and found that both pH and lactate were normalized. Severe lactic acidosis may occur in patients who experience seizures but otherwise do not require treatment. Taking an arterial blood sample from these patients in the emergency setting will be of limited value, because in most patients hyperlactatemia in the postictal state is self-limiting. In some patients, however, a persistent hyperlactatemia may indicate a serious underlying pathology. It is therefore advisable to repeat an arterial blood sample a few hours later.

Estimating the real incidence of invasive listeriosis through an integrated surveillance model in use in Lombardy (Italy, 2006-2014).

PubMed

Zolin, A; Amato, E; D'Auria, M; Gori, M; Huedo, P; Bossi, A; Pontello, M

2017-07-01

The annual incidence of listeriosis in Italy is lower (0·19-0·27 per 100 000 inhabitants per year) than in Europe (0·34-0·52 per 100 000 inhabitants per year). Since the observed incidence of listeriosis may be biased downward for underdiagnosis or under-reporting, this work aims to estimate the real incidence of listeriosis during a 9-year period in the Lombardy region, Italy. Data on listeriosis cases were collected from national mandatory notification system (MAINF) and Laboratory-based Surveillance System (LabSS). The two sources were cross-matched and capture-recapture method was applied to estimate the number of undetected cases and the real incidence of invasive listeriosis. Five hundred and eighty invasive listeriosis cases were detected by the two sources between 2006 and 2014: 50·2% were identified only via MAINF, 16·7% were recorded only via LabSS, overlaps occurred in 192 cases (33·1%). The mean annual incidence detected only by MAINF was 0·56 per 100 000 inhabitants, which rose to 0·67 per 100 000 considering also the cases detected by LabSS. The capture-recapture method allowed to estimate an incidence of 0·84 per 100 000. The high incidence of listeriosis may be due to improved sensitivity of the surveillance system, but also reflect a real increase, associated with an increased population at risk.

[Decrease in the incidence of chickenpox in the Community of Madrid after universal childhood immunization. Years 2001-2015].

PubMed

García Comas, Luis; Latasa Zamalloa, Pello; Alemán Vega, Guadalupe; Ordobás Gavín, María; Arce Arnáez, Araceli; Rodero Garduño, Inmaculada; Estirado Gómez, Alicia; Marisquerena, Ester Insúa

2018-01-01

Varicella vaccine was recommended in the Community of Madrid (CM) at 15months of age between November 2006 and December 2013. The objective was to describe the impact of vaccination on the incidence of varicella in the CM during the period 2001-2015. A descriptive study of cases of varicella reported to the Sentinel Physician Network of the CM and the cases recorded in the Minimum Basic Data Set at hospital discharge was carried out. Total incidence of cases and of hospital admissions were calculated, as well as specific incidence by age and sex. The incidence was 94.0% lower between 2012 and 2013 than between 2001 and 2003. Between 2014 and 2015 the incidence was 61.8% higher than between 2012 and 2013. The highest incidence was observed in children aged 0 to 4years except for 2010-2014, which was exceeded by the incidence in children aged 5 to 9. The trend in hospital admissions was also decreasing, with the highest incidence in children aged 0 to 1year, followed by 1-4years. There has been a significant decrease in the incidence of cases and of hospital admissions by varicella in all age groups after the recommendation to vaccinate at 15months of age, which is compatible with the effectiveness of a dose and its ability to produce immunity group. The withdrawal of this recommendation between 2014 and 2015 has led to an increase in the incidence. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Solar Cell Angle of Incidence Corrections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burger, Dale R.; Mueller, Robert L.

1995-01-01

The Mars Pathfinder mission has three different solar arrays each of which sees changes in incidence angle during normal operation. When solar array angle of incidence effects was researched little published data was found. The small amount of-published data created a need to obtain and evaluate such data. The donation of the needed data, which was taken in the fall of 1994, was a major factor in the preparation of this paper.

Medication incidents in primary care medicine: a prospective study in the Swiss Sentinel Surveillance Network (Sentinella).

PubMed

Gnädinger, Markus; Conen, Dieter; Herzig, Lilli; Puhan, Milo A; Staehelin, Alfred; Zoller, Marco; Ceschi, Alessandro

2017-07-26

To describe the type, frequency, seasonal and regional distribution of medication incidents in primary care in Switzerland and to elucidate possible risk factors for medication incidents. Prospective surveillance study. Swiss primary healthcare, Swiss Sentinel Surveillance Network. Patients with drug treatment who experienced any erroneous event related to the medication process and interfering with normal treatment course, as judged by their physician. The 180 physicians in the study were general practitioners or paediatricians participating in the Swiss Federal Sentinel reporting system in 2015. Primary: medication incidents; secondary: potential risk factors like age, gender, polymedication, morbidity, care-dependency, previous hospitalisation. The mean rates of detected medication incidents were 2.07 per general practitioner per year (46.5 per 1 00 000 contacts) and 0.15 per paediatrician per year (2.8 per 1 00 000 contacts), respectively. The following factors were associated with medication incidents (OR, 95% CI): higher age 1.004 per year (1.001; 1.006), care by community nurse 1.458 (1.025; 2.073) and care by an institution 1.802 (1.399; 2.323), chronic conditions 1.052 (1.029; 1.075) per condition, medications 1.052 (1.030; 1.074) per medication, as well as Thurgau Morbidity Index for stage 4: 1.292 (1.004; 1.662), stage 5: 1.420 (1.078; 1.868) and stage 6: 1.680 (1.178; 2.396), respectively. Most cases were linked to an incorrect dosage for a given patient, while prescription of an erroneous medication was the second most common error. Medication incidents are common in adult primary care, whereas they rarely occur in paediatrics. Older and multimorbid patients are at a particularly high risk for medication incidents. Reasons for medication incidents are diverse but often seem to be linked to communication problems. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Epidemiological study of myasthenia gravis in the province of Reggio Emilia, Italy.

PubMed

Guidetti, D; Sabadini, R; Bondavalli, M; Cavalletti, S; Lodesani, M; Mantegazza, R; Cosi, V; Solime, F

1998-06-01

We carried out a retrospective incidence, prevalence and mortality survey of myasthenia gravis in the province of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. Based on 49 patients, the mean incidence per year for the period 1980 through 1994 was 7.8 per 1,000,000. On 31 December 1994 the prevalence rate was 117.5 per 1,000,000 for all patients, either active or recovered (50 cases in a population of 427,493) and 103.4 per 1,000,000 for the active disease. In the 15-year period 1980-1994 the average mortality rate was 1.0 per 1,000,000 per year. The average age at onset was 44.6 +/- 21.0, and the average age at the time of prevalence determination was 51.1 +/- 19.6 for the active disease. At the time of diagnosis, 21 patients (36.8%) were classed in group I according to Osserman's criteria, 31 in group II (54.4%), (19 in group II-A and 12 in group II-B), and the other 5 (8.8%) in group III. Of all the prevalence cases, 6 (12%) were in remission without therapy and 6 with therapy, while most of the others 16 (32%) were classed in group I, 15 (30%) in group II, and 1 (2%) in group III. Thymectomy was performed in 20 patients (35.1%), 12 (21%) had thymoma (malignant in 4 cases), 6 had thymic hyperplasia while in two patients thymic histology was normal. The relation the grade of Osserman's scale at the time of incidence and the presence of thymoma were significant. Higher grades of Osserman's scale were associated were malignant thymoma. Furthermore the relationship between thymectomy and the grade of Osserman's scale at the date of prevalence was significant for the presence of lower grades of Osserman's scale in the patients submitted to thymectomy.

Serum creatinine levels and risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus or dysglycemia in middle-aged Japanese men: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Mamoru; Imano, Hironori; Muraki, Isao; Shimizu, Yuji; Hayama-Terada, Mina; Kitamura, Akihiko; Okada, Takeo; Kiyama, Masahiko; Iso, Hiroyasu

2018-02-26

To assess the association between low serum creatinine levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and dysglycemia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 3313 Japanese male workers aged 30-55 years, who underwent annual health check-ups during 2001-2008 and showed no type 2 diabetes mellitus, and underwent follow-up examinations until March 2013. Dysglycemia was defined as a fasting plasma glucose concentration of ≥ 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L), or a non-fasting plasma glucose concentration of ≥ 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). A Cox proportional model was used to calculate HRs and 95% CIs for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus or dysglycemia. During the median 6.7-year follow-up, there were 207 cases of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus and 596 cases of incident dysglycemia, including 115 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus among the subjects with normal glucose concentrations at baseline. After adjustment for age, body mass index and known diabetes risk factors, the multivariable HR of type 2 diabetes mellitus for the lowest category of serum creatinine (<0.7 mg/dL) vs the highest category (0.9-1.1 mg/dL) was 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.9; P for trend 0.03). The multivariable HRs of dysglycemia for the lowest category of serum creatinine versus the highest category was 1.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.9; P for trend 0.01). Low serum creatinine levels were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and dysglycemia. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The impact of glucose disorders on cognition and brain volumes in the elderly: the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study.

PubMed

Samaras, Katherine; Lutgers, Helen L; Kochan, Nicole A; Crawford, John D; Campbell, Lesley V; Wen, Wei; Slavin, Melissa J; Baune, Bernard T; Lipnicki, Darren M; Brodaty, Henry; Trollor, Julian N; Sachdev, Perminder S

2014-04-01

Type 2 diabetes predicts accelerated cognitive decline and brain atrophy. We hypothesized that impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and incident glucose disorders have detrimental effects on global cognition and brain volume. We further hypothesized that metabolic and inflammatory derangements accompanying hyperglycaemia contribute to change in brain structure and function. This was a longitudinal study of a community-dwelling elderly cohort with neuropsychological testing (n = 880) and brain volumes by magnetic resonance imaging (n = 312) measured at baseline and 2 years. Primary outcomes were global cognition and total brain volume. Secondary outcomes were cognitive domains (processing speed, memory, language, visuospatial and executive function) and brain volumes (hippocampal, parahippocampal, precuneus and frontal lobe). Participants were categorised as normal, impaired fasting glucose at both assessments (stable IFG), baseline diabetes or incident glucose disorders (incident diabetes or IFG at 2 years). Measures included inflammatory cytokines and oxidative metabolites. Covariates were age, sex, education, non-English speaking background, smoking, blood pressure, lipid-lowering or antihypertensive medications, mood score, apolipoprotein E genotype and baseline cognition or brain volume. Participants with incident glucose disorders had greater decline in global cognition and visuospatial function compared to normal, similar to that observed in baseline diabetes. Homocysteine was independently associated with the observed effect of diabetes on executive function. Apolipoprotein E genotype did not influence the observed effects of diabetes on cognition. Incident glucose disorders and diabetes were also associated with greater 2-year decline in total brain volume, compared to normal (40.0 ± 4.2 vs. 46.7 ± 5.7 mm(3) vs. 18.1 ± 6.2, respectively, p < 0.005). Stable IFG did not show greater decline in global cognition or brain volumes compared to normal. Incident glucose disorders, like diabetes, are associated with accelerated decline in global cognition and brain volumes in non-demented elderly, whereas stable IFG is not. Preventing deterioration in glucose metabolism in the elderly may help preserve brain structure and function.

Incidence and predictive factors of transaminase elevation in patients consulting for dengue fever in Cayenne Hospital, French Guiana.

PubMed

Djossou, Félix; Vesin, Guillaume; Walter, Gaelle; Epelboin, Loïc; Mosnier, Emilie; Bidaud, Bastien; Abboud, Philippe; Okandze, Antoine; Mattheus, Severine; Elenga, Narcisse; Demar, Magalie; Malvy, Denis; Nacher, Mathieu

2016-02-01

The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of transaminase elevation during dengue, and its predictive factors. In 2013, a longitudinal study was performed using data from all cases of dengue seen in Cayenne Hospital. Cox proportional modeling was used. Signs of major transaminase elevation were defined as an increase in aspartate amino transferase (AST) or alanine amino transferase (ALT) concentration over 10 times the normal value (10N). There were 1574 patients and 13 249 person-days of follow-up. The incidence rate for signs of transaminase elevation (10N) was 0.55 per 100 person-days. Six patients had major transaminase elevation with AST>1000 units (0.43 per 1000 patient-days), and 73 patients (4.6%) developed transaminase elevation with AST >10N. The variables independently associated with major transaminase elevation were hyponatremia, low platelets, dehydration, hematocrit increase, food intolerance, positive nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), age over 15 years and the notion of paracetamol intake. Although very frequent, the incidence of major transaminase elevation was lower than reported elsewhere perhaps because of good access to care, or of the particular serotype causing this epidemic. The patients with transaminase elevation tended to be older, more severe and taking paracetamol. . © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Band-offset-induced lateral shift of valley electrons in ferromagnetic MoS2/WS2 planar heterojunctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghadiri, Hassan; Saffarzadeh, Alireza

2018-03-01

Low-energy coherent transport and a Goos-Hänchen (GH) lateral shift of valley electrons in planar heterojunctions composed of normal MoS2 and ferromagnetic WS2 monolayers are theoretically investigated. Two types of heterojunctions in the forms of WS2/MoS2/WS2 (type-A) and MoS2/WS2/MoS2 (type-B) with incident electrons in the MoS2 region are considered in which the lateral shift of electrons is induced by band alignments of the two constituent semiconductors. It is shown that the type-A heterojunction can act as an electron waveguide due to electron confinement between the two WS2/MoS2 interfaces which cause the incident electrons with an appropriate incidence angle to propagate along the interfaces. In this case, the spin- and valley-dependent GH shifts of totally reflected electrons from the interface lead to separated electrons with distinct spin-valley indexes after traveling a sufficiently long distance. In the type-B heterojunction, however, transmission resonances occur for incident electron beams passing through the structure, and large spin- and valley-dependent lateral shift values in propagating states can be achieved. Consequently, the transmitted electrons are spatially well-separated into electrons with distinct spin-valley indexes. Our findings reveal that the planar heterojunctions of transition metal dichalcogenides can be utilized as spin-valley beam filters and/or splitters without external gating.

[Treatment strategies for mass casualty incidents and terrorist attacks in trauma and vascular surgery : Presentation of a treatment concept].

PubMed

Friemert, B; Franke, A; Bieler, D; Achatz, A; Hinck, D; Engelhardt, M

2017-10-01

The treatment of patients in the context of mass casualty incidents (MCI) represents a great challenge for the participating rescue workers and clinics. Due to the increase in terrorist activities it is necessary to become familiar with this new kind of threat to civilization with respect to the medical treatment of victims of terrorist attacks. There are substantial differences between a "normal" MCI and a terrorist MCI with respect to injury patterns (blunt trauma vs. penetrating/perforating trauma), the type and form of the incident (MCI=static situation vs. terrorist attack MCI= dynamic situation) and the different security positions (rescue services vs. police services). This article is concerned with question of which changes in the surgical treatment of patients are made necessary by these new challenges. In this case it is necessary that physicians are familiar with the different injury patterns, whereby priority must be given to gunshot and explosion (blast) injuries. Furthermore, altered strategic and tactical approaches (damage control surgery vs. tactical abbreviated surgical care) are necessary to ensure survival for as many victims of terrorist attacks as possible and also to achieve the best possible functional results. It is only possible to successfully counter these new challenges by changing the mindset in the treatment of terrorist MCI compared to MCI incidents. An essential component of this mindset is the acquisition of a maximum of flexibility. This article would like to make a contribution to this problem.

Coupled vibrations of rectangular buildings subjected to normally-incident random wind loads

USGS Publications Warehouse

Safak, E.; Foutch, D.A.

1987-01-01

A method for analyzing the three-directional coupled dynamic response of wind-excited buildings is presented. The method is based on a random vibration concept and is parallel to those currently used for analyzing alongwind response. Only the buildings with rectangular cross-section and normally-incident wind are considered. The alongwind pressures and their correlations are represented by the well-known expressions that are available in the literature. The acrosswind forces are assumed to be mainly due to vortex shedding. The torque acting on the building is taken as the sum of the torque due to random alongwind forces plus the torque due to asymmetric acrosswind forces. The study shows the following: (1) amplitude of acrosswind vibrations can be several times greater than that of alongwind vibrations; (2) torsional vibrations are significant if the building has large frontal width, and/or it is asymmetric, and/or its torsional natural frequency is low; (3) even a perfectly symmetric structure with normally incident wind can experience significant torsional vibrations due to the randomness of wind pressures. ?? 1987.

Incidences and variations of hospital acquired venous thromboembolism in Australian hospitals: a population-based study.

PubMed

Assareh, Hassan; Chen, Jack; Ou, Lixin; Hillman, Ken; Flabouris, Arthas

2016-09-22

Data on hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) incidence, case fatality rate and variation amongst patient groups and health providers is lacking. We aim to explore HA-VTE incidences, associated mortality, trends and variations across all acute hospitals in New South Wales (NSW)-Australia. A population-based study using all admitted patients (aged 18-90 with a length of stay of at least two days and not transferred to another acute care facility) in 104 NSW acute public and private hospitals during 2002-2009. Poisson mixed models were used to derive adjusted rate ratios (IRR) in presence of patient and hospital characteristics. Amongst, 3,331,677 patients, the incidence of HA-VTE was 11.45 per 1000 patients and one in ten who developed HA-VTE died in hospital. HA-VTE incidence, initially rose, but subsequently declined, whereas case fatality rate consistently declined by 22 % over the study period. Surgical patients were 128 % (IRR = 2.28, 95 % CI: 2.19-2.38) more likely to develop HA-VTE, but had similar case fatality rates compared to medical patients. Private hospitals, in comparison to public hospitals had a higher incidence of HA-VTE (IRR = 1.76; 95 % CI: 1.42-2.18) for medical patients. However, they had a similar incidence (IRR = 0.91; 95 % CI: 0.75-1.11), but a lower mortality (IRR = 0.59; 95 % CI: 0.47-0.75) amongst surgical patients. Smaller public hospitals had a lower HA-VTE incidence rate compared to larger hospitals (IRR < 0.68) but a higher case fatality rate (IRR > 1.71). Hospitals with a lower reported HA-VTE incidence tended to have a higher HA-VTE case fatality rate. Despite the decline in HA-VTE incidence and case fatality, there were large variations in incidents between medical and surgical patients, public and private hospitals, and different hospital groups. The causes of such differences warrant further investigation and may provide potential for targeted interventions and quality improvement initiatives.

Autonomic modulations of heart rate variability are associated with sports injury incidence in sprint swimmers.

PubMed

Lima-Borges, Dayanne S; Martinez, Paula F; Vanderlei, Luiz Carlos M; Barbosa, Fernando S S; Oliveira-Junior, Silvio A

2018-03-28

Young athletes' participation in competitive sports is becoming increasingly common, and this increased involvement raises concerns about the occurrence of overtraining and sports injuries. Since these issues are poorly understood, this study analyzed heart rate variability, stress/recovery relationship, and sports injury incidence during a training macrocycle of young sprint and endurance swimmers. Thirty teenage swimmers (aged 12 to 17 years) were divided into two groups as follows: Sprint (n = 17) and Endurance (n = 13). Subjects were evaluated over 20 weeks, based on the following three schedules: general, specific, and competitive. In addition to heart rate variability and sports injury incidence, the Recovery-Stress-Questionnaire of Athletes was used to analyse stress/recovery states in athletes. All procedures were developed at the initial moment and at the end of each periodization step. The Sprint group presented a reduced standard deviation of normal-normal beats (73.0 ± 6.6 vs. 54.1 ± 3.5 ms; p < 0.05) and root mean square of the successive differences (55.3 ± 6.2 vs. 42.0 ± 3.7 ms; p < 0.01) from the period of general preparation until the time of competition. Recovery-stress monitoring was affected only by the swimming training periodization (p < 0.05). During the general period, differences between recovery and stress scales were correlated directly with the root mean square of the successive differences (r = 0.576; p = 0.001), the standard deviation of instantaneous variability beat-to-beat (r = 0.521; p = 0.003) and the triangular index (r = 0.476; p = 0.008). Differences between general recovery and stress scales were inversely correlated with geometric indexes after the specific training period. Moreover, the Sprint group showed a higher incidence of sports injury than the Endurance group (0.0214 ± 0.0068 vs. 0.0136 ± 0.0050 cases/1000 hours). Sprint training was associated with progressive activation of the sympathetic nervous system as well as a higher incidence of sports injury in comparison to endurance swimming during a training macrocycle.

[Hierarchical regionalization for spatial epidemiology: a case study of thyroid cancer incidence in Yiwu, Zhejiang].

PubMed

Teng, Shizhu; Jia, Qiaojuan; Huang, Yijian; Chen, Liangcao; Fei, Xufeng; Wu, Jiaping

2015-10-01

Sporadic cases occurring in mall geographic unit could lead to extreme value of incidence due to the small population bases, which would influence the analysis of actual incidence. This study introduced a method of hierarchy clustering and partitioning regionalization, which integrates areas with small population into larger areas with enough population by using Geographic Information System (GIS) based on the principles of spatial continuity and geographical similarity (homogeneity test). This method was applied in spatial epidemiology by using a data set of thyroid cancer incidence in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, between 2010 and 2013. Thyroid cancer incidence data were more reliable and stable in the new regionalized areas. Hotspot analysis (Getis-Ord) on the incidence in new areas indicated that there was obvious case clustering in the central area of Yiwu. This method can effectively solve the problem of small population base in small geographic units in spatial epidemiological analysis of thyroid cancer incidence and can be used for other diseases and in other areas.

Syphilis Predicts HIV Incidence Among Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex With Men in a Preexposure Prophylaxis Trial

PubMed Central

Solomon, Marc M.; Mayer, Kenneth H.; Glidden, David V.; Liu, Albert Y.; McMahan, Vanessa M.; Guanira, Juan V.; Chariyalertsak, Suwat; Fernandez, Telmo; Grant, Robert M.; Bekker, Linda-Gail; Buchbinder, Susan; Casapia, Martin; Chariyalertsak, Suwat; Guanira, Juan; Kallas, Esper; Lama, Javier; Mayer, Kenneth; Montoya, Orlando; Schechter, Mauro; Veloso, Valdiléa

2014-01-01

Background. Syphilis infection may potentiate transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to determine the extent to which HIV acquisition was associated with syphilis infection within an HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trial and whether emtricitabine/tenofovir (FTC/TDF) modified that association. Methods. The Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiative (iPrEx) study randomly assigned 2499 HIV-seronegative men and transgender women who have sex with men (MSM) to receive oral daily FTC/TDF or placebo. Syphilis prevalence at screening and incidence during follow-up were measured. Hazard ratios for the effect of incident syphilis on HIV acquisition were calculated. The effect of FTC/TDF on incident syphilis and HIV acquisition was assessed. Results. Of 2499 individuals, 360 (14.4%) had a positive rapid plasma reagin test at screening; 333 (92.5%) had a positive confirmatory test, which did not differ between the arms (FTC/TDF vs placebo, P = .81). The overall syphilis incidence during the trial was 7.3 cases per 100 person-years. There was no difference in syphilis incidence between the study arms (7.8 cases per 100 person-years for FTC/TDF vs 6.8 cases per 100 person-years for placebo, P = .304). HIV incidence varied by incident syphilis (2.8 cases per 100 person-years for no syphilis vs 8.0 cases per 100 person-years for incident syphilis), reflecting a hazard ratio of 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.6–4.4; P < .001). There was no evidence for interaction between randomization to the FTC/TDF arm and incident syphilis on HIV incidence. Conclusions. In HIV-seronegative MSM, syphilis infection was associated with HIV acquisition in this PrEP trial; a syphilis diagnosis should prompt providers to offer PrEP unless otherwise contraindicated. PMID:24928295

Obstetric acute renal failure 1956-1987.

PubMed

Turney, J H; Ellis, C M; Parsons, F M

1989-06-01

A total of 142 women with severe acute renal failure (ARF) resulting from obstetric causes was treated by dialysis at a single centre from 1956 to 1987. One-year survival was 78.6%, which compares favourably with other causes of ARF. Abortion, haemorrhage and preclampsia comprised 95% of cases, with survival being best (82.9%) with abortion. Survival was adversely affected by increasing age. Acute cortical necrosis (12.7% of patients) carried 100% mortality after 6 years. Follow-up of survivors showed normal renal function up to 31 years following ARF; 25-year patient survival was 71.6%. Improvements in obstetric care and the disappearance of illegal abortions have resulted in a dramatic decline in the incidence of obstetric ARF.

Histopathologic study of the so called 'palpation thyroiditis'.

PubMed Central

Hwang, T. S.; Park, S. H.

1988-01-01

We have reviewed 1066 thyroid lesions and compared the relative incidence of the so called 'palpation thyroiditis' between autoimmune thyroiditis and normal thyroid parenchyme surrounding the nodular thyroid lesion and also discussed the pathogenesis of palpation thyroiditis. The typical histopathologic features of 'palpation thyroiditis' were seen in 275 cases among 467 adenomatous goiters and in none of the autoimmune thyroiditis. We here in this paper suggest that the so called 'palpation thyroiditis' is not merely a secondary phenomenon to mechanical follicular damage by vigorous palpation, but this lesion more likely develops in conditions where certain types of physiologic alteration has occurred in follicular basement membrane, just like a pathogenesis of subacute granulomatous thyroiditis. PMID:3079564

Resonant interaction of electromagnetic wave with plasma layer and overcoming the radiocommunication blackout problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogatskaya, A. V.; Klenov, N. V.; Tereshonok, M. V.; Adjemov, S. S.; Popov, A. M.

2018-05-01

We present an analysis of the possibility of penetrating electromagnetic waves through opaque media using an optical-mechanical analogy. As an example, we consider the plasma sheath surrounding the vehicle as a potential barrier and analyze the overcoming of radiocommunication blackout problem. The idea is to embed a «resonator» between the surface on the vehicle and plasma sheath which is supposed to provide an effective tunneling of the signal to the receiving antenna. We discuss the peculiarities of optical mechanical analogy applicability and analyze the radio frequency wave tunneling regime in detail. The cases of normal and oblique incidence of radiofrequency waves on the vehicle surface are studied.

Microwave radiometric aircraft observations of the Fabry-Perot interference fringes of an ice-water system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrington, R. F.; Swift, C. T.; Fedors, J. C.

1980-01-01

Airborne stepped-frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR) observations of the Fabry-Perot interference fringes of ice-water systems are discussed. The microwave emissivity at normal incidence of a smooth layered dielectric medium over a semi-infinite dielectric medium is examined for the case of ice over water as a function of ice thickness and attenuation coefficient, and the presence of quarter-wavelength oscillations in emissivity as the ice thickness and frequency are varied is pointed out. Experimental observations of pronounced quarter-wavelength oscillations in radiometric brightness temperature due to the Fabry-Perot interference fringes over smooth sea ice and lake ice varying in roughness as the radiometer frequencies were scanned are then presented.

On estimation of time-dependent attributable fraction from population-based case-control studies.

PubMed

Zhao, Wei; Chen, Ying Qing; Hsu, Li

2017-09-01

Population attributable fraction (PAF) is widely used to quantify the disease burden associated with a modifiable exposure in a population. It has been extended to a time-varying measure that provides additional information on when and how the exposure's impact varies over time for cohort studies. However, there is no estimation procedure for PAF using data that are collected from population-based case-control studies, which, because of time and cost efficiency, are commonly used for studying genetic and environmental risk factors of disease incidences. In this article, we show that time-varying PAF is identifiable from a case-control study and develop a novel estimator of PAF. Our estimator combines odds ratio estimates from logistic regression models and density estimates of the risk factor distribution conditional on failure times in cases from a kernel smoother. The proposed estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal with asymptotic variance that can be estimated empirically from the data. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed estimator performs well in finite sample sizes. Finally, the method is illustrated by a population-based case-control study of colorectal cancer. © 2017, The International Biometric Society.

Critical incidents during prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: what are the problems nobody wants to talk about?

PubMed

Hohenstein, Christian; Rupp, Peter; Fleischmann, Thomas

2011-02-01

We wanted to identify incidents that led or could have led to patient harm during prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A nationwide anonymous and Internet-based critical incident reporting system gave the data. During a 4-year period we received 548 reports of which 74 occurred during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Human error was responsible for 85% of the incidents, whereas equipment failure contributed to 15% of the reports. Equipment failure was considered to be preventable in 61% of all the cases, whereas incidents because of human error could have been prevented in almost all the cases. In most cases, prevention can be accomplished by simple strategies with the Poka-Yoke technique. Insufficient training of emergency medical service physicians in Germany requires special attention. The critical incident reports raise concerns regarding the level of expertize provided by emergency medical service doctors.

Association of vitamin D status with incidence of enterotoxigenic, enteropathogenic and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli diarrhoea in children of urban Bangladesh.

PubMed

Ahmed, A M S; Soares Magalhaes, R J; Long, K Z; Ahmed, T; Alam, Md A; Hossain, Md I; Islam, Md M; Mahfuz, M; Mondal, D; Haque, R; Mamun, A A

2016-08-01

To evaluate the association between vitamin D status and diarrhoeal episodes by enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enteroaggregative (EAEC) E. coli in underweight and normal-weight children aged 6-24 months in urban Bangladesh. Cohorts of 446 normal-weight and 466 underweight children were tested separately for ETEC, EPEC and EAEC from diarrhoeal stool samples collected during 5 months of follow-up while considering vitamin D status at enrolment as the exposure. Cox proportional hazards models with unordered failure events of the same type were used to determine diarrhoeal risk factors after adjusting for sociodemographic and concurrent micronutrient status. Vitamin D status was not independently associated with the risk of incidence of ETEC, EPEC and EAEC diarrhoea in underweight children, but moderate-to-severe retinol deficiency was associated with reduced risk for EPEC diarrhoea upon adjustment. Among normal-weight children, insufficient vitamin D status and moderate-to-severe retinol deficiency were independently associated with 44% and 38% reduced risk of incidence of EAEC diarrhoea, respectively. These children were at higher risk of ETEC diarrhoea with vitamin D deficiency status when adjusted for micronutrient status only. This study demonstrates for the first time that normal-weight children with insufficient vitamin D status have a reduced risk of EAEC diarrhoea than children with sufficient status. Moderate-to-severe deficiency of serum retinol is associated with reduced risk of EPEC and EAEC diarrhoea in underweight and normal-weight children. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension Causes Bacterial Growth in Lungs: An Animal Study

PubMed Central

Papakrivou, Eleni; Manoulakas, Efstratios; Mitroudi, Magda; Tepetes, Konstantinos; Papazoglou, Konstantinos; Zakynthinos, Epaminondas

2017-01-01

To study the effect of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) on the frequency of pneumonia with an experimental study, thirteen Sprague-Dawley rats were included. Eight out of thirteen animals were randomly assigned to receive 10 ml of benzalkonium chloride 0.2% (megacolon group) and five animals received 10 ml NaCl 0.9% (controls). Animals were anaesthetized by intramuscular delivery of ketamine. The incidence of positivity for bacteria lung tissue cultures and mesenteric lymph node cultures was assessed at the 21st day after animals' sacrification, or before in case of death. All megacolon group animals presented progressive increase of the abdomen and increased IAP (≥10 mmHg) whereas the frequency of their evacuations was almost eliminated. Controls presented normal evacuations, no sign of abdominal distention, and normal IAP. In megacolon group animals, there was evidence of significant amount of bacteria in lung cultures. In contrast, no bacteria were found in control animals. PMID:28357400

The changing characteristics of hepatocellular cancer in Hawaii over time.

PubMed

Wong, Linda L; Ogihara, Makoto; Ji, Junfang; Tsai, Naoky

2015-07-01

The incidence of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is increasing, and we sought to characterize the differences and trends in HCC over 2 decades in Hawaii. This retrospective study of 821 HCC cases analyzed risk factors, diabetes, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor characteristics, and treatment, comparing 5-year eras (1993 to 2012). With succeeding eras, there were fewer Asians, immigrants, and hepatitis B-related HCC. Hepatitis C, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and body mass index have increased. Over time, more patients had normal AFP, and normal AFP was seen more often in nonviral HCC (49.6% vs 33.2%, P = .007). Over time, the proportion of patients who underwent resection or transplant was stable, but fewer patients underwent no therapy. Characteristics of HCC are changing, and diagnosis may be more difficult as metabolic factors are becoming more important than viral factors. AFP seems to be a less important biomarker, and clearly, better diagnostic tools will be necessary to identify HCC in the future. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reversal and Rotation Errors by Normal and Retarded Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, F. William

1973-01-01

Reports an investigation of the incidence of and relationships among word and letter reversals in writing and Bender-Gestalt rotation errors in matched samples of normal and retarded readers. No significant diffenences were found in the two groups. (TO)

Spatial event cluster detection using an approximate normal distribution.

PubMed

Torabi, Mahmoud; Rosychuk, Rhonda J

2008-12-12

In geographic surveillance of disease, areas with large numbers of disease cases are to be identified so that investigations of the causes of high disease rates can be pursued. Areas with high rates are called disease clusters and statistical cluster detection tests are used to identify geographic areas with higher disease rates than expected by chance alone. Typically cluster detection tests are applied to incident or prevalent cases of disease, but surveillance of disease-related events, where an individual may have multiple events, may also be of interest. Previously, a compound Poisson approach that detects clusters of events by testing individual areas that may be combined with their neighbours has been proposed. However, the relevant probabilities from the compound Poisson distribution are obtained from a recursion relation that can be cumbersome if the number of events are large or analyses by strata are performed. We propose a simpler approach that uses an approximate normal distribution. This method is very easy to implement and is applicable to situations where the population sizes are large and the population distribution by important strata may differ by area. We demonstrate the approach on pediatric self-inflicted injury presentations to emergency departments and compare the results for probabilities based on the recursion and the normal approach. We also implement a Monte Carlo simulation to study the performance of the proposed approach. In a self-inflicted injury data example, the normal approach identifies twelve out of thirteen of the same clusters as the compound Poisson approach, noting that the compound Poisson method detects twelve significant clusters in total. Through simulation studies, the normal approach well approximates the compound Poisson approach for a variety of different population sizes and case and event thresholds. A drawback of the compound Poisson approach is that the relevant probabilities must be determined through a recursion relation and such calculations can be computationally intensive if the cluster size is relatively large or if analyses are conducted with strata variables. On the other hand, the normal approach is very flexible, easily implemented, and hence, more appealing for users. Moreover, the concepts may be more easily conveyed to non-statisticians interested in understanding the methodology associated with cluster detection test results.

Worldwide stroke incidence and early case fatality reported in 56 population-based studies: a systematic review.

PubMed

Feigin, Valery L; Lawes, Carlene M M; Bennett, Derrick A; Barker-Collo, Suzanne L; Parag, Varsha

2009-04-01

This systematic review of population-based studies of the incidence and early (21 days to 1 month) case fatality of stroke is based on studies published from 1970 to 2008. Stroke incidence (incident strokes only) and case fatality from 21 days to 1 month post-stroke were analysed by four decades of study, two country income groups (high-income countries and low to middle income countries, in accordance with the World Bank's country classification) and, when possible, by stroke pathological type: ischaemic stroke, primary intracerebral haemorrhage, and subarachnoid haemorrhage. This Review shows a divergent, statistically significant trend in stroke incidence rates over the past four decades, with a 42% decrease in stroke incidence in high-income countries and a greater than 100% increase in stroke incidence in low to middle income countries. In 2000-08, the overall stroke incidence rates in low to middle income countries have, for the first time, exceeded the level of stroke incidence seen in high-income countries, by 20%. The time to decide whether or not stroke is an issue that should be on the governmental agenda in low to middle income countries has now passed. Now is the time for action.

RANTES/CCL5 and risk for coronary events: results from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg case-cohort, Athero-Express and CARDIoGRAM studies.

PubMed

Herder, Christian; Peeters, Wouter; Illig, Thomas; Baumert, Jens; de Kleijn, Dominique P V; Moll, Frans L; Poschen, Ulrike; Klopp, Norman; Müller-Nurasyid, Martina; Roden, Michael; Preuss, Michael; Karakas, Mahir; Meisinger, Christa; Thorand, Barbara; Pasterkamp, Gerard; Koenig, Wolfgang; Assimes, Themistocles L; Deloukas, Panos; Erdmann, Jeanette; Holm, Hilma; Kathiresan, Sekar; König, Inke R; McPherson, Ruth; Reilly, Muredach P; Roberts, Robert; Samani, Nilesh J; Schunkert, Heribert; Stewart, Alexandre F R

2011-01-01

The chemokine RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted)/CCL5 is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in mice, whereas less is known in humans. We hypothesised that its relevance for atherosclerosis should be reflected by associations between CCL5 gene variants, RANTES serum concentrations and protein levels in atherosclerotic plaques and risk for coronary events. We conducted a case-cohort study within the population-based MONICA/KORA Augsburg studies. Baseline RANTES serum levels were measured in 363 individuals with incident coronary events and 1,908 non-cases (mean follow-up: 10.2±4.8 years). Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, metabolic factors and lifestyle factors revealed no significant association between RANTES and incident coronary events (HR [95% CI] for increasing RANTES tertiles 1.0, 1.03 [0.75-1.42] and 1.11 [0.81-1.54]). None of six CCL5 single nucleotide polymorphisms and no common haplotype showed significant associations with coronary events. Also in the CARDIoGRAM study (>22,000 cases, >60,000 controls), none of these CCL5 SNPs was significantly associated with coronary artery disease. In the prospective Athero-Express biobank study, RANTES plaque levels were measured in 606 atherosclerotic lesions from patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. RANTES content in atherosclerotic plaques was positively associated with macrophage infiltration and inversely associated with plaque calcification. However, there was no significant association between RANTES content in plaques and risk for coronary events (mean follow-up 2.8±0.8 years). High RANTES plaque levels were associated with an unstable plaque phenotype. However, the absence of associations between (i) RANTES serum levels, (ii) CCL5 genotypes and (iii) RANTES content in carotid plaques and either coronary artery disease or incident coronary events in our cohorts suggests that RANTES may not be a novel coronary risk biomarker. However, the potential relevance of RANTES levels in platelet-poor plasma needs to be investigated in further studies.

Gradient metasurface for four-direction anomalous reflection in terahertz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiao; Jiang, Yannan

2018-06-01

In this paper, a four-direction anomalous reflection metasurface is proposed. The basic cells comprise of squares and circles, which are designed at various sizes and arranged in a super cell at regular spacing. Then, properly combining super cells molds a square phase gradient metasurface (PGM). It is mounted on an optical thickness gold mirror, which inhibits all light transmission. Markedly different from previously reported metasurfaces, the square PGM is characterized by four-direction reflection beams. It takes into consideration the normal incidence and the oblique incidence. For the normal incidence, that the degrees of the four reflection angles are identical is due to the x, - x, y and - y directional discontinuous phase gradients, and lies on the symmetric structure in the xoy plane, which is then revealed by the surface current distribution. Incident angles varying from -20° to 20°, the reflection angles are demonstrated in the oblique incidence. Moreover, the PGM is polarization-independent. The performance is attributed to the symmetry of structure, which is verified by Radar cross section. Simulated results prove that our method offers a simple and effective strategy for metasurface design in terahertz. The proposed PGM can aid in focused beams, steering beams, and shaped beams.

Foodborne botulism in Poland in 2111.

PubMed

Czerwiński, Michał; Czarkowski, Mirosław P; Kondej, Barbara

2013-01-01

The main objective of this article is to assess the epidemiology of foodborne botulism in Poland in 2011, using national surveillance data. We reviewed surveillance data published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" from 2005 to 2011, and botulism case reports from 2011 sent to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations. In 2011, a total of 35 foodborne botulism cases (including 21 laboratory confirmed cases) was reported, corresponding to the one of the lowest annual incidence rate (0.09 per 100,000 population) since the introduction of botulism as mandatory notifiable disease. The higher incidence rates compared to the previous year were in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Mazowieckie and Dolnoślaskie. Incidence in rural areas (0.13 per 100,000 population) was higher than the incidence in urban areas (0.07). Men, had more than 3,5 times higher incidence than women; the highest incidence rate (0.23 per 100,000 population) was observed among men in the age group of 60 + years. Most cases were associated with consumption of commercially canned meat (including pork and other types of meat). Home canned foods containing meats or vegetables and meats were also a common vehicle. Almost all cases were hospitalized (33 cases). One death related to the disease was reported. In 2011, in Poland epidemiology of the foodborne botulism remains stable. From the point of view of national surveillance, it is necessary to increase the percentage of cases investigated with laboratory tests.

The reflection of airborne UV laser pulses from the ocean

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoge, F. E.; Krabill, W. B.; Swift, R. N.

1984-01-01

It is experimentally shown here for the first time that the normalized laser backscatter cross-section of the sea surface is a function of elevation or height position on teh ocean wave. All data were taken off-nadir, resulting in incidence angles of about 6.5 deg measured relative to the normal to mean sea level (MSL). In the limited data sets analyzed to date, the normalized backscatter cross-section was found to be higher in wave crest regions and lower in wave troughs for a swell-dominated sea over which the wind speed was 5 m/s. The reverse was found to be the case for a sea that was driven by a 14 m/s wind. These isolated results show that the MSL, as measured by an off-nadir and/or multibeam type satellite laser altimeter, will be found above, at, or below the true MSL, depending on the local sea conditions existing in the footprint of the altimeter. Airborne nadir-pointed laser altimeter data for a wide variety of sea conditions are needed before a final determination can be made of the effect of sea state on the backscatter cross-section as measured by a down-looking satellite laser system.

The Rett syndrome in males.

PubMed

Philippart, M

1990-01-01

Two young males in their thirties are reported with a clinical history and examination indistinguishable from typical females with the Rett syndrome. Both had normal early development. The first patient had a regression by the end of the second year. He was late in walking, had prominent hand-wringing from the age of 4 years, and non-progressive dystonia from the age of 14 years. He is still ambulatory. Seizures which started at the age of 18 months have been easily controlled. The second patient has had a severe seizure disorder since the age of 7 months. In his early teens, he lost ambulation and his height and weight fell below the 2nd percentile. He has severe foot dystonia without spasticity. Both patients have a normal head size and no evidence of atrophy on a CT scan of the brain. Both had kyphoscoliosis in their teens. It is difficult to evaluate the incidence of such cases. Little attention being paid to the normal early development, they hide behind vague diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, static encephalopathy, and behavior disorder. Dystonia is often confused with spasticity, the lack of paralysis is not appreciated, apraxia and hand wringing are assumed to be self-stimulatory behaviors.

Morphology of an aluminum alloy eroded by a jet of angular particles impinging at normal incidence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, P. V.; Young, S. G.; Buckley, D. H.

1983-01-01

The erosion of an aluminum alloy impinged by crushed glass particles at normal incidence was studied. The erosion patterns were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and surface profilometer measurements. From the analysis of specimens tested at various driving gas pressures and time intervals, four distinct erosion regions were identified. A study of pit morphology and its relationship to cumulative erosion was made. Cutting wear is believed to be the predominant material removal mechanism; some evidence of deformation wear was found during the incubation period.

Dystocia in Friesian cows and its effects on postpartum reproductive performance and milk production

PubMed Central

Shamiah, Sh. M.; El-Hamd, M. A. Abu; Shitta, A. A.; El-Din, M. A. Tag

2010-01-01

A total of 1,243 records for 585 dairy Friesian cows from 1997–2004 were used to study the factors affecting dystocia and its effects on reproductive performance and milk production. The overall incidence of dystocia was 6.9%. The percentage of dystocia decreased with increasing live body weight, age, and parity of cows (P < 0.05); however, it increased with increasing birth weight of calves (P < 0.05). The highest percentage of dystocia was detected in winter season, but the least percentage was in summer season (P < 0.05). The percentage of incidence of dystocia was significantly (P < 0.05) higher with winter feeding compared to summer ration (8.2% vs. 5.1%). The percentage of incidence of dystocia was significantly (P < 0.05) higher with twinning than single calving (15.5% vs. 6.5%), while not significantly affected by the sex of born calves. Incidence of dystocia had adverse effects on reproductive performance and milk yield. The service interval, service period, days open, and calving interval were significantly (P < 0.05) longer in cows afflicted with dystocia compared to normal cows. The conception rate was lower (P < 0.05), but the number of service per conception was higher (P < 0.05) in cows afflicted with dystocia compared to normal cows (60.5% vs. 73.0% and 3.4 vs. 2.7, respectively). Average daily milk yield was lower (P < 0.05) by 1 kg for cows with incidence of dystocia compared to normal cows. PMID:20835761

The past, present, and future of cancer incidence in the United States: 1975 through 2020.

PubMed

Weir, Hannah K; Thompson, Trevor D; Soman, Ashwini; Møller, Bjørn; Leadbetter, Steven

2015-06-01

The overall age-standardized cancer incidence rate continues to decline whereas the number of cases diagnosed each year increases. Predicting cancer incidence can help to anticipate future resource needs, evaluate primary prevention strategies, and inform research. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data were used to estimate the number of cancers (all sites) resulting from changes in population risk, age, and size. The authors projected to 2020 nationwide age-standardized incidence rates and cases (including the top 23 cancers). Since 1975, incident cases increased among white individuals, primarily caused by an aging white population, and among black individuals, primarily caused by an increasing black population. Between 2010 and 2020, it is expected that overall incidence rates (proxy for risk) will decrease slightly among black men and stabilize in other groups. By 2020, the authors predict annual cancer cases (all races, all sites) to increase among men by 24.1% (-3.2% risk and 27.3% age/growth) to >1 million cases, and by 20.6% among women (1.2% risk and 19.4% age/growth) to >900,000 cases. The largest increases are expected for melanoma (white individuals); cancers of the prostate, kidney, liver, and urinary bladder in males; and the lung, breast, uterus, and thyroid in females. Overall, the authors predict cancer incidence rates/risk to stabilize for the majority of the population; however, they expect the number of cancer cases to increase by >20%. A greater emphasis on primary prevention and early detection is needed to counter the effect of an aging and growing population on the burden of cancer. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

The Past, Present, and Future of Cancer Incidence in the United States: 1975 Through 2020

PubMed Central

Weir, Hannah K.; Thompson, Trevor D.; Soman, Ashwini; Møller, Bjørn; Leadbetter, Steven

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND The overall age-standardized cancer incidence rate continues to decline whereas the number of cases diagnosed each year increases. Predicting cancer incidence can help to anticipate future resource needs, evaluate primary prevention strategies, and inform research. METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data were used to estimate the number of cancers (all sites) resulting from changes in population risk, age, and size. The authors projected to 2020 nationwide age-standardized incidence rates and cases (including the top 23 cancers). RESULTS Since 1975, incident cases increased among white individuals, primarily caused by an aging white population, and among black individuals, primarily caused by an increasing black population. Between 2010 and 2020, it is expected that overall incidence rates (proxy for risk) will decrease slightly among black men and stabilize in other groups. By 2020, the authors predict annual cancer cases (all races, all sites) to increase among men by 24.1% (−3.2% risk and 27.3% age/growth) to >1 million cases, and by 20.6% among women (1.2% risk and 19.4% age/growth) to >900,000 cases. The largest increases are expected for melanoma (white individuals); cancers of the prostate, kidney, liver, and urinary bladder in males; and the lung, breast, uterus, and thyroid in females. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the authors predict cancer incidence rates/risk to stabilize for the majority of the population; however, they expect the number of cancer cases to increase by >20%. A greater emphasis on primary prevention and early detection is needed to counter the effect of an aging and growing population on the burden of cancer. PMID:25649671

Metabolic markers associated with insulin resistance predict type 2 diabetes in Koreans with normal blood pressure or prehypertension.

PubMed

Sung, Ki-Chul; Park, Hyun-Young; Kim, Min-Ju; Reaven, Gerald

2016-03-22

Questions remain as to the association between essential hypertension and increased incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The premise of this analysis is that insulin resistance/compensatory hyperinsulinemia is a major predictor of T2DM, and the greater the prevalence of insulin resistance within any population, normotensive or hypertensive, the more likely T2DM will develop. The hypothesis to be tested is that surrogate estimates of insulin resistance will predict incident T2DM to a significant degree in persons with normal blood pressure or prehypertension. Analysis of data from a population-based survey of 10, 038 inhabitants of rural and urban areas of Korea, ≥40 years-old, initiated in 2001, with measures of demographic and metabolic characteristics at baseline and 8-years later. Participants were classified as having normal blood pressure or prehypertension, and three simple manifestations of insulin resistance related to the pathophysiology of T2DM used to predict incident T2DM: (1) glycemia (plasma glucose concentration 2-hour after 75 g oral glucose challenge = 2-hour PG); (2) hyperinsulinemia (plasma insulin concentration 2-hour after 75 g oral glucose challenge = 2-hour PI); and (3) dyslipidemia (ratio of fasting plasma triglyceride/high/density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration = TG/HDL-C ratio). Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HR, 95 % CI) for incident T2DM were highest (P < 0.001) in the quartile of individuals with the highest 2-hour PG concentrations, ranging from 5.84 (3.37-10.1) in women with prehypertension to 12.2 (7.12-21.00) in men with normal blood pressure. T2DM also developed to a significantly greater degree in subjects within the highest quartile of TG/HDL-C ratios, with HRs varying from 2.91 (1.63-2.58) in women with prehypertension (P < 0.001) to 1.77 (1.12-2.81, P < 0.05) in men with prehypertension. The least predictive index of insulin resistance was the 2-hour PI concentration. Subjects with normal blood pressure in the highest quartile of 2-hour PI concentrations were significantly associated with incident T2DM, with HRs of 1.5 (1.02-2.20, P = 0.25) and 2.02 (1.35-3.02, P < 0.001), in men and women, respectively. Finally, incidence of T2DM in the highest quartile was somewhat greater in patients with prehypertension, irrespective of predictor. Metabolic variables associated with insulin resistance (glycemia, insulinemia, and dyslipidemia) predict the development of T2DM in patients with either normal blood pressure or prehypertension.

Making Mathematics Placement Decisions for High School Students with High Incidence Disabilities: A Collective Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murzyn, Amy; Hughes, Trudie

2015-01-01

This multiple case study described the experiences of case managers making mathematics placement decisions for high school students with high incidence disabilities. Participants included three parents, three students, three case managers, three mathematics teachers, and three administrators from different high schools across rural, suburban and…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mori, T.; Kato, Y.; Shimamine, T.

The causes of death of 144 Japanese autopsy cases during 1945-1975, who had been intravascularly injected with Thorotrast in life, were compared with those of non-Thorotrast-administered autopsy cases in the same age bracket, recorded in the Annals of Japanese Pathological Autopsy Cases during 1958-1973. This comparison revealed that the incidence of malignant hepatic tumors was more than 10 times higher in the Thorotrast-administered cases. The increase was attributable to an increased incidence of hemangioendothelioma and cholangiocarcinoma of the liver. The only significant increase of liver cirrhosis found to exist in the Thorotrast group occurred in the female cases. Some ofmore » the Thorotrast-administered cases were found to have developed myeloid leukemia and erythroleukemia. There was also a significant increase in the number of cases of aplastic anemia in the Thorotrast group, but clinically and pathologically these were atypical. Lymphatic leukemia was not observed. No significant difference was found in the incidence of either malignant lymphomas or osteosarcomas in the Thorotrast group and the controls. Lung cancer, on the other hand, showed a significantly higher incidence among the controls than among the Thorotrast-administered cases.« less

TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion status in minute (minimal) prostatic adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Albadine, Roula; Latour, Mathieu; Toubaji, Antoun; Haffner, Michael; Isaacs, William B; A Platz, Elizabeth; Meeker, Alan K; Demarzo, Angelo M; Epstein, Jonathan I; Netto, George J

2009-11-01

Minute prostatic adenocarcinomas are considered to be of insufficient virulence. Given recent suggestions of TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion association with aggressive prostatic adenocarcinoma, we evaluated the incidence of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in minute prostatic adenocarcinomas. A total of 45 consecutive prostatectomies with minute adenocarcinoma were used for tissue microarray construction. A total of 63 consecutive non-minimal, Gleason Score 6 tumors, from a separate PSA Era prostatectomy tissue microarray, were used for comparison. FISH was carried out using ERG break-apart probes. Tumors were assessed for fusion by deletion (Edel) or split (Esplit), duplicated fusions and low-level copy number gain in normal ERG gene locus. Minute adenocarcinomas: Fusion was evaluable in 32/45 tumors (71%). Fifteen out of 32 (47%) tumors were positive for fusion. Six (19%) were of the Edel class and 7 (22%) were classified as combined Edel+Esplit. Non-minute adenocarcinomas (pT2): Fusion was identified in 20/30 tumors (67%). Four (13%) were of Edel class and 5 (17%) were combined Edel+Esplit. Duplicated fusions were encountered in 5 (16%) tumors. Non-minute adenocarcinomas (pT3): Fusion was identified in 19/33 (58%). Fusion was due to a deletion in 6 (18%) tumors. Seven tumors (21%) were classified as combined Edel+Esplit. One tumor showed Esplit alone. Duplicated fusions were encountered in 3 (9%) cases. The incidence of duplicated fusions was higher in non-minute adenocarcinomas (13 vs 0%; P=0.03). A trend for higher incidence of low-level copy number gain in normal ERG gene locus without fusion was noted in non-minute adenocarcinomas (10 vs 0%; P=0.07). We found a TMPRSS2-ERG fusion rate of 47% in minute adenocarcinomas. The latter is not significantly different from that of grade matched non-minute adenocarcinomas. The incidence of duplicated fusion was higher in non-minute adenocarcinomas. Our finding of comparable rate of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in minute adenocarcinomas may argue against its value as a marker of aggressive prostate carcinoma phenotype.

The solar ultraviolet B radiation protection provided by shading devices with regard to its diffuse component.

PubMed

Kudish, Avraham I; Harari, Marco; Evseev, Efim G

2011-10-01

The composition of the incident solar global ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation with regard to its beam and diffuse radiation fractions is highly relevant with regard to outdoor sun protection. This is especially true with respect to sun protection during leisure-time outdoor sun exposure at the shore and pools, where people tend to escape the sun under shade trees or different types of shading devices, e.g., umbrellas, overhangs, etc., believing they offer protection from the erythemal solar radiation. The degree of sun protection offered by such devices is directly related to the composition of the solar global UVB radiation, i.e., its beam and diffuse fractions. The composition of the incident solar global UVB radiation can be determined by measuring the global UVB (using Solar Light Co. Inc., Model 501A UV-Biometer) and either of its components. The beam component of the UVB radiation was determined by measuring the normal incidence beam radiation using a prototype, tracking instrument consisting of a Solar Light Co. Inc. Model 501A UV-Biometer mounted on an Eppley Solar Tracker Model St-1. The horizontal beam component of the global UVB radiation was calculated from the measured normal incidence using a simple geometric correlation and the diffuse component is determined as the difference between global and horizontal beam radiations. Horizontal and vertical surfaces positioned under a horizontal overhang/sunshade or an umbrella are not fully protected from exposure to solar global UVB radiation. They can receive a significant fraction of the UVB radiation, depending on their location beneath the shading device, the umbrella radius and the albedo (reflectance) of the surrounding ground surface in the case of a vertical surface. Shading devices such as an umbrella or horizontal overhang/shade provide relief from the solar global radiation and do block the solar global UVB radiation to some extent; nevertheless, a significant fraction of the solar global UVB radiation does penetrate this supposedly 'protective or comfort zone'. As a result, it is imperative to either apply sunscreen or cover up the exposed body surfaces even when under such shading devices. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Surface morphology of molybdenum silicide films upon low-energy ion beam sputtering.

PubMed

Gago, R; Jaafar, M; Palomares, F J

2018-07-04

The surface morphology of molybdenum silicide (Mo x Si 1-x ) films has been studied after low-energy Ar + ion beam sputtering (IBS) to explore eventual pattern formation on compound targets and, simultaneously, gather information about the mechanisms behind silicide-assisted nanopatterning of silicon surfaces by IBS. For this purpose, Mo x Si 1-x films with compositions below, equal and above the MoSi 2 stoichiometry (x  =  0.33) have been produced by magnetron sputtering, as assessed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The surface morphology of silicon and silicide films before and after IBS has been imaged by atomic force microscopy (AFM), comprising conditions where typical nanodot or ripple patterns emerge on the former. In the case of irradiated Mo x Si 1-x surfaces, AFM shows a marked surface smoothing at normal incidence with and without additional Mo incorporation (the former results in nanodot patterns on Si). The morphological analysis also provides no evidence of ion-induced phase separation in irradiated Mo x Si 1-x . Contrary to silicon, Mo x Si 1-x surfaces also do not display ripple formation for (impurity free) oblique irradiations, except at grazing incidence conditions where parallel ripples emerge in a more evident fashion than in the Si counterpart. By means of RBS, irradiated Mo x Si 1-x films with 1 keV Ar + at normal incidence have also been used to measure experimentally the (absolute) sputtering yield and rate of Si and Mo x Si 1-x materials. The analysis reveals that, under the present working conditions, the erosion rate of silicides is larger than for silicon, supporting simulations from the TRIDYN code. This finding questions the shielding effect from silicide regions as roughening mechanism in metal-assisted nanopatterning of silicon. On the contrary, the results highlight the relevance of in situ silicide formation. Ripple formation on Mo x Si 1-x under grazing incidence is also attributed to the dominance of sputtering effects under this geometry. In conclusion, our work provides some insights into the complex morphological evolution of compound surfaces and solid experimental evidences regarding the mechanisms behind silicide-assisted nanopatterning.

Variations in the anatomy of the celiac trunk: A systematic review and clinical implications.

PubMed

Panagouli, Eleni; Venieratos, Dionysios; Lolis, Evangelos; Skandalakis, Panagiotis

2013-12-01

The normal pattern of the celiac trunk (CT) implies its bifurcation to three branches, the common hepatic, the splenic and the left gastric artery. According to the available literature the CT presents several anatomical variations. The purpose of our study is to investigate the different types of these variations, the corresponding incidences and the probable influence of genetic factors, as they are presented in the existing literature. Four databases were searched for eligible articles for the period up to January 2013 and a total of 36 studies were collected. The CT was trifurcated into the three basic branches in the 89.42% (10,906/12,196) of the cases. Bifurcation of the CT occurred in the 7.40% of the pooled samples (903/12,196). Absence of the CT was the rarest variation with a percentage of 0.38% (46/12,196), hepatosplenomesenteric trunk was found in 49 out of the 12,196 cases (0.40%) and the celiacomesenteric trunk presented an incidence of 0.76% (93/12,196). Other variations of the CT were detected in the 1.64% of the pooled cases (199/12,196). The 14.9% of the cases in the cadaveric series (489/3278 specimens), the 10.5% in the imaging series (675/6501 specimens) and the 4.6% (104/2261) in the liver transplantation series presented variations. These differences are statistically significant (p<0.001). The Japanese and Korean populations presented more variations in the CT than Caucasians (p<0.05 and p<0.001). Negro, colored and black populations presented more variations of the CT than Indian ones (p>0.05). Using those data, a novel classification of CT variations is proposed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Measles incidence, case fatality, and delayed mortality in children with or without vitamin A supplementation in rural Ghana.

PubMed

Dollimore, N; Cutts, F; Binka, F N; Ross, D A; Morris, S S; Smith, P G

1997-10-15

Data on measles incidence, acute case fatality, and delayed mortality were collected on 25,443 children aged 0-95 months during the course of a community-based, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of vitamin A supplementation in rural, northern Ghana between 1989 and 1991. Measles vaccine coverage in these children was 48%. The overall estimated measles incidence rate was 24.3 per 1,000 child-years, and acute case fatality was 15.7%. There was not significantly increased mortality in survivors of the acute phase of measles compared with controls (rate ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-2.30). Reported incidence rates and case fatality were higher in families with low paternal education, in the dry season, and in unvaccinated children, and case fatality was higher in malnourished children. There was no sex difference in incidence, but acute case fatality was somewhat higher in girls than boys (adjusted odds ratio = 1.3, 95% CI 0.9-2.1). Measles incidence was lower in vitamin A-supplemented groups (23.6 per 1,000 child-years) than in placebo groups (28.9 per 1,000 child-years), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.33). Among 946 measles cases in clusters randomized to receive vitamin A or placebo, there was no marked difference in acute measles case fatality between vitamin A-supplemented and placebo groups (15.4% vs. 14.5%, respectively). The biologic effects of vitamin A supplemented on the subsequent clinical manifestations and severity of measles need further elucidation.

A pilot asthma incidence surveillance system and case definition: lessons learned.

PubMed

Trepka, Mary Jo; Martin, Pilar; Mavunda, Kunjana; Rodriguez, Diana; Zhang, Guoyan; Brown, Clive

2009-01-01

Surveillance for incident asthma in the general population could provide timely information about asthma trends and new, emerging etiologic factors. We sought to determine the feasibility of an asthma incidence surveillance system using voluntary reporting of asthma by outpatient clinics and emergency departments (EDs). Voluntary reporting occurred from July 2002 through June 2006. We classified reported asthma based on a case definition adapted from one developed by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. We validated the case definition by having pulmonologists review data from participant interviews, medical record abstractions, and pulmonary function test (PFT) results. The positive predictive value (PPV) of meeting any of the case definition criteria for asthma was 80% to 82%. The criterion of taking at least one rescue and one controller medication had the highest PPV (97% to 100%). Only 7% of people meeting the incident case definition had a PFT documented in their medical record, limiting the usefulness of PFT results for case classification. Compared with pediatric participants, adult participants were more likely to be uninsured and to obtain asthma care at EDs. The surveillance system cost $5129 per enrolled person meeting the incident case definition and was difficult to implement in participating clinics and EDs because asthma reporting was not mandatory and informed consent was necessary. The project was useful in evaluating the case definition's validity and in describing the participants' characteristics and health-care use patterns. However, without mandatory reporting laws, reporting of incident asthma in the general population by clinicians is not likely to be a feasible method for asthma surveillance.

Incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome at a secondary centre during the 2016 zika outbreak.

PubMed

Del Carpio Orantes, L; Juárez Rangel, F J; García-Méndez, S

2017-09-25

Although Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare, a marked increase in incidence was observed during the 2016 Zika outbreak in the Americas, with no direct causal relationship being apparent in all cases. Cases of febrile exanthematous disease and acute flaccid paralysis were reviewed during the period from 1 August to 15 December, 2016; clinical and biochemical assessment was performed for each case to identify Zika-related Guillain-Barré syndrome. During the study period, we identified 8 patients (6 men and 2 women) with Zika-related Guillain-Barré syndrome, with the most affected age group being 50-59 years. The highest incidence was in the month of September, with 7 cases. The most frequent symptoms were rash and conjunctivitis, followed by fever. The most common presentation was symmetrical ascending paralysis, present in 7 cases. Cranial nerve VII was the most frequently involved nerve. Only 2 patients presented albuminocytologic dissociation. RT-PCR returned negative results for Zika virus in all patients. All patients received intravenous immunoglobulin and all had a good prognosis. None warranted mechanical ventilation. No deaths were recorded. The cumulative incidence rate was 3.9%, monthly incidence was between 0.04 and 2 cases/month. Cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome increased during the Zika outbreak, with an increase in incidence and number of cases per month; however, a direct causal relationship between the 2 conditions could not be demonstrated. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Comparison between open and closed methods of herniorrhaphy in calves affected with umbilical hernia

PubMed Central

Hossain, Mohammad Farhad; Das, Bhajan Chandra; Kim, Gonhyung; Hossain, Mohammad Alamgir

2009-01-01

Umbilical hernias in calves commonly present to veterinary clinics, which are normally secondary to failure of the normal closure of the umbilical ring, and which result in the protrusion of abdominal contents into the overlying subcutis. The aim of this study was to compare the suitability of commonly-used herniorrhaphies for the treatment of reducible umbilical hernia in calves. Thirty-four clinical cases presenting to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh from July 2004 to July 2007 were subjected to comprehensive study including history, classification of hernias, size of the hernial rings, presence of adhesion with the hernial sacs, postoperative care and follow-up. They were reducible, non-painful and had no evidence of infection present on palpation. The results revealed a gender influence, with the incidence of umbilical hernia being higher in female calves than in males. Out of the 34 clinical cases, 14 were treated by open method of herniorrhaphy and 20 were treated by closed method. Complications of hernia were higher (21%) in open method-treated cases than in closed method-treated cases (5%). Hernia recurred in three calves treated with open herniorrhaphy within 2 weeks of the procedure, with swelling in situ and muscular weakness at the site of operation. Shorter operation time and excellent healing rate (80%) were found in calves treated with closed herniorrhaphy. These findings suggest that the closed herniorrhaphy is better than the commonly-used open method for the correction of reducible umbilical hernia in calves. PMID:19934601

Proper size of endotracheal tube for cleft lip and palate patients and intubation outcomes.

PubMed

Abdollahifakhim, Shahin; Sheikhzadeh, Dariush; Shahidi, Nikzad; Nojavan, Gholamreza; Bayazian, Gholamreza; Aleshi, Hamideh

2013-05-01

The aim of the current study was to identify the proper size of endotracheal tube for intubation of cleft lip and palate patients and intubation outcomes in these patients. In this analytic cross-sectional study, 60 nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate patients were selected who had surgery between April 2010 and April 2012 at Pediatrics Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Demographic findings, previous admissions, and surgical history were registered. The proper tube size was measured by normal children formulas. Then tube size was confirmed by patients' minimum resistance to intubation, proper ventilation reported by anesthesiologist, and appropriate air leakage at an airway pressure of 15-20 cm H₂O. If intubation was unsuccessful then smaller size of endotracheal tube would be tried. Frequency of intubation trials and the biggest endotracheal tube size were recorded. Their average age, weight and height were 21.39 ± 4.95 months, 9.97 ± 1.18 kg and 74.30 ± 26.61 cm, respectively. The average tracheal tube size and frequency of intubation trials were 4.34 ± 0.78 and 1.63 ± 0.80, respectively. Seven cases required an endotracheal tube size smaller than the recommended size for that age including one case in unilateral cleft palate, three cases in unilateral cleft lip, one case in unilateral cleft lip and palate, and two cases in bilateral cleft lip and palate. Findings proved that considering subglottic stenosis incidence in these children, it is reasonable to determine the tube size for nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate patients by applying the currently available standards for normal children. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tunable angle absorption of hyperbolic metamaterials based on plasma photonic crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiao, Zheng; Ning, Renxia, E-mail: nrxxiner@hsu.edu.cn; Xu, Yuan

2016-06-15

We present the design of a multilayer structure of hyperbolic metamaterials based on plasma photonic crystals which composed of two kinds of traditional dielectric and plasma. The relative permittivity of hyperbolic metamaterials has been studied at certain frequency range. The absorption and reflection of the multilayer period structure at normal and oblique incident have been investigated by the transfer matrix method. We discussed that the absorption is affected by the thickness of material and the electron collision frequency γ of the plasma. The results show that an absorption band at the low frequency can be obtained at normal incident anglemore » and another absorption band at the high frequency can be found at a large incident angle. The results may be applied by logical gate, stealth, tunable angle absorber, and large angle filter.« less

Metrology and Alignment of Light Weight Grazing Incidence X-Ray Mirrors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, William; Content, David; Petre, Robert; Saha, Timo

2000-01-01

Metrology and alignment of light weight X-ray optics have been a challenge for two reasons: (1) that the intrinsic mirror quality and distortions caused by handling can not be easily separated, and (2) the diffraction limits of the visible light become a severe problem at the order of one arc-minute. Traditional methods of using a normal incident pencil or small parallel beam which monitors a tiny fraction of the mirror in question at a given time can not adequately monitor those distortions. We are developing a normal incidence setup that monitors a large fraction, if not the whole, of the mirror at any given time. It will allow us to align thin X-ray mirrors to-an accuracy of a few arc seconds or to a limit dominated by the mirror intrinsic quality.

[Scarlet fever in Poland in 2010].

PubMed

Staszewska, Ewa; Kondej, Barbara; Czarkowski, Mirosław P

2012-01-01

Assessing the epidemiological situation of scarlet fever in Poland in 2010. The analysis was based mainly on data published in the bulletin, "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2010" (Warsaw 2011, NIPH-NIH , CSI). Since 2004, Poland is observed epidemic growth in the number of scarlet fever cases. However, incidence level is much lower than in previous epidemic periods. There were 13,940 cases registered in 2010 in total and the incidence was 36.5 per 100,000 population ranging from 18.1 in łódzkie voivodeship to 47.5 in mazowieckie voivodeship. Cases among children and adolescents of less than 15 years of age accounted for 97.0% of all cases. The highest incidence was observed among 4 years old children (603.1) and 5 years old children (624.9). Incidence in men (41.8) markedly exceeded the incidence in women (31.6) and incidence in urban areas (41.3) and in rural areas (29.0). Approximately 1.2% of all cases were hospitalized. Due to scarlet fever there were no deaths in Poland in 2010. Favourable epidemiological situation of scarlet fever in Poland is largely a result of demographic changes--reducing the involvement of children in society. In terms of disease prevention and control is necessary to increase the proportion of cases in which clinical diagnosis is confirmed by the result of bacteriological tests.

Wavelength and bandwidth tunable photonic stopband of ferroelectric liquid crystals.

PubMed

Ozaki, Ryotaro; Moritake, Hiroshi

2012-03-12

The chiral smectic C phase of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) has a self-assembling helical structure which is regarded as a one-dimensional pseudo-photonic crystal. It is well known that a stopband of a FLC can be tuned in wavelength domain by changing temperature or electric field. We here have demonstrated an FLC stopband with independently tunable wavelength and bandwidth by controlling temperature and incident angle. At highly oblique incidence, the stopband does not have polarization dependence. Furthermore, the bandwidth at highly oblique incidence is much wider than that at normal incidence. The mechanism of the tunable stopband is clarified by considering the reflection at oblique incidence.

[The trends by province of tuberculosis in Cuba: 1979-1993].

PubMed

González Ochoa, E; Armas Pérez, L; Machín Gelaber, A

1995-11-01

This study was carried out in order to describe tuberculosis trends in Cuba and its provinces between 1979 and 1993. For this purpose, reports of new cases of all forms of tuberculosis were obtained from the National Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Public Health. In addition, tuberculosis incidence rates and their trends between 1979 and 1992 were determined. The data were analyzed by means of simple linear and exponential regression models. Finally, the percentage reductions in incidence between 1979 and 1992 were calculated and the observed changes were described in reference to the expected values derived from the regression models. The number of new tuberculosis cases reported in Cuba decreased from 1133 (11.6 per 100,000 population) in 1979 to 633 (5.8 per 100,000) in 1992 (a 44% reduction). In 1993, 788 cases were reported (7.2 per 100,000). In almost all the provinces the incidence tended to decrease between 1979 and 1992, and the average annual number of new case notifications fell between 4.0 and 5.4%, although in some, less than 3%. In 1992, the number of new case notifications in the country was 25% higher than in 1991, and the incidence rates in all the provinces were higher than expected. The incidence in La Habana, the City of Havana, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Ciego de Avila, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo exceeded the overall national incidence. In 1993, incidence in the country was 55.6% higher than it had been in 1991 and 24.5% higher than in 1992. Incidence rose in all provinces, and especially in the City of Havana, Matanzas, and Guantánamo. Although incidence remained below 8 cases per 100,000 population between 1992 and 1993, it rose during those years, as it did in other countries. The increase appears to be attributable to the economic crisis that affects the country and to have very little connection to human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Incidence angle normalization of radar backscatter data

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

NASA’s Soil Moisture Passive Active (SMAP) satellite (~2014) will include a radar system that will provide L-band multi-polarization backscatter at a constant incidence angle of 40º. During the pre-launch phase of the project there is a need for observations that will support the radar-based soil mo...

Pressures force hospitals to declare major incidents.

PubMed

Evans, Nick

2017-02-10

More than 40% of hospitals in England were forced to declare major incidents during the first week of January, as bed shortages led to delays in emergency departments (EDs), thousands of trolley waits for beds and long queues of ambulances outside units. Even cancer operations, normally protected, were cancelled.

Estimates of cancer burden in Sardinia.

PubMed

Budroni, Mario; Sechi, Ornelia; Cossu, Antonio; Palmieri, Giuseppe; Tanda, Francesco; Foschi, Roberto; Rossi, Silvia

2013-01-01

Cancer registration in Sardinia covers 43% of the population and started in 1992 in the Sassari province. The aim of this paper is to provide estimates of the incidence, mortality and prevalence of seven major cancers for the entire region in the period 1970-2015. The estimates were obtained by applying the MIAMOD method, a statistical back-calculation approach to derive incidence and prevalence figures starting from mortality and relative survival data. Estimates were compared with the available observed data. In 2012 the lowest incidence was estimated for stomach cancer and melanoma among men, with 140 and 74 new cases, respectively, per 100,000. The mortality rates were highest for lung cancer and were very close to the incidence rates (77 and 95 per 100,000, respectively). In women, breast was by far the most frequent cancer site both in terms of incidence (1,512 new cases) and mortality (295 deaths), followed by colon-rectum (493 cases and 201 deaths), lung (205 cases and 167 deaths), melanoma (106 cases and 15 deaths), stomach (82 cases and 61 deaths), and uterine cervix (36 cases and 19 deaths). The highest prevalence was estimated for breast cancer (15,180 cases), followed by colorectal cancer with about 7,300 prevalent cases in both sexes. This paper provides a description of the burden of the major cancers in Sardinia until 2015. The comparisons between the estimated age-standardized incidence rates and those observed in the Sassari registry indicate good agreement. The estimates show a general decrease in cancer mortality, with the exception of female lung cancer. By contrast, the prevalence is steeply increasing for all considered cancers (with the only exception of cancer of the uterine cervix). This points to the need for more strongly supporting evidence-based prevention campaigns focused on contrasting female smoking, unhealthy nutrition and sun exposure.