Is Low Self-Esteem a Risk Factor for Depression? Findings from a Longitudinal Study of Mexican-Origin Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orth, Ulrich; Robins, Richard W.; Widaman, Keith F.; Conger, Rand D.

2014-01-01

We examined the relation between low self-esteem and depression using longitudinal data from a sample of 674 Mexican-origin early adolescents who were assessed at age 10 and 12 years. Results supported the vulnerability model, which states that low self-esteem is a prospective risk factor for depression. Moreover, results suggested that the…

Intergenerational and Partner Influences on Fathers' Negative Discipline

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Capaldi, Deborah M.; Pears, Katherine C.; Kerr, David C. R.; Owen, Lee D.

2008-01-01

Recent studies have found significant but relatively modest associations in parenting across generations, suggesting additional influences on parenting beyond experiences in the family of origin. The present prospective, cross-generational study of at-risk men (Oregon Youth Study) focuses on fathers' negative discipline practices with their 2- to…

Mushroom tyrosinase: recent prospects.

PubMed

Seo, Sung-Yum; Sharma, Vinay K; Sharma, Niti

2003-05-07

Tyrosinase, also known as polyphenol oxidase, is a copper-containing enzyme, which is widely distributed in microorganisms, animals, and plants. Nowadays mushroom tyrosinase has become popular because it is readily available and useful in a number of applications. This work presents a study on the importance of tyrosinase, especially that derived from mushroom, and describes its biochemical character and inhibition and activation by the various chemicals obtained from natural and synthetic origins with its clinical and industrial importance in the recent prospects.

New Paradoxes of Risky Decision Making

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birnbaum, Michael H.

2008-01-01

During the last 25 years, prospect theory and its successor, cumulative prospect theory, replaced expected utility as the dominant descriptive theories of risky decision making. Although these models account for the original Allais paradoxes, 11 new paradoxes show where prospect theories lead to self-contradiction or systematic false predictions.…

Prospective Associations From Family-of-Origin Interactions to Adult Marital Interactions and Relationship Adjustment

PubMed Central

Whitton, Sarah W.; Waldinger, Robert J.; Schulz, Marc S.; Allen, Joseph P.; Crowell, Judith A.; Hauser, Stuart T.

2011-01-01

To test the social learning–based hypothesis that marital conflict resolution patterns are learned in the family of origin, longitudinal, observational data were used to assess prospective associations between family conflict interaction patterns during adolescence and offspring’s later marital conflict interaction patterns. At age 14 years, 47 participants completed an observed family conflict resolution task with their parents. In a subsequent assessment 17 years later, the participants completed measures of marital adjustment and an observed marital conflict interaction task with their spouse. As predicted, levels of hostility and positive engagement expressed by parents and adolescents during family interactions were prospectively linked with levels of hostility and positive engagement expressed by offspring and their spouses during marital interactions. Family-of-origin hostility was a particularly robust predictor of marital interaction behaviors; it predicted later marital hostility and negatively predicted positive engagement, controlling for psychopathology and family-of-origin positive engagement. For men, family-of-origin hostility also predicted poorer marital adjustment, an effect that was mediated through hostility in marital interactions. These findings suggest a long-lasting influence of family communication patterns, particularly hostility, on offspring’s intimate communication and relationship functioning. PMID:18410214

Remarriage of women and men after divorce: the role of socioeconomic prospects.

PubMed

Sweeney, M M

1997-09-01

"This analysis of remarriage among the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study's cohort of high school graduates investigates the relationship between socioeconomic prospects and remarriage after divorce. This article expands on previous efforts by including multiple measures of socioeconomic prospects and considering their importance over an extended time frame. In addition, a comparative approach is taken in this analysis, with the importance of socioeconomic prospects considered for the remarriage of both women and men. Several competing hypotheses are tested, with results indicating that, for women, the appropriate model of remarriage varies with age of separation from the first husband. With few exceptions, socioeconomic prospects are not found to be related to the remarriage of men. The implications of these findings for patterns of poverty among divorced women are considered." This paper was originally presented at the 1995 Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America. excerpt

A prospective study of cognitive fluency and originality in children exposed in utero to carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or valproate monotherapy.

PubMed

McVearry, Kelly M; Gaillard, William D; VanMeter, John; Meador, Kimford J

2009-12-01

To investigate the differential effects of fetal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on cognitive fluency and flexibility in a prospective sample of children. This substudy of the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs investigation enrolled pregnant women with epilepsy on AED monotherapy (carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and valproate). Blinded to drug exposure, 54 children were tested for ability to generate ideas in terms of quantity (fluency/flexibility) and quality (originality). Forty-two children met inclusion criteria (mean age=4.2 years, SD=0.5) for statistical analyses of drug exposure group differences. Fluency was lower in the valproate group (mean=76.3, SD=7.53) versus the lamotrigine (mean=93.76, SD=13.5, ANOVA P<0.0015) and carbamazepine (mean=95.5, SD=18.1, ANOVA P<0.003) groups. Originality was lower in the valproate group (mean=84.2, SD=3.23) versus the lamotrigine (mean=103.1, SD=14.8, ANOVA P<0.002) and carbamazepine (mean=99.4, SD=17.1, ANOVA P<0.01) groups. These results were not explained by factors other than AED exposure. Children prenatally exposed to valproate demonstrate impaired fluency and originality compared with children exposed to lamotrigine and carbamazepine.

The origins, development, and passage of Medicare's revolutionary prospective payment system.

PubMed

Mayes, Rick

2007-01-01

This article explains the origins, development, and passage of the single most influential postwar innovation in medical financing: Medicare's prospective payment system (PPS). Inexorably rising medical inflation and deep economic deterioration forced policymakers in the late 1970s to pursue radical reform of Medicare to keep the program from insolvency. Congress and the Reagan administration eventually turned to the one alternative reimbursement system that analysts and academics had studied more than any other and had even tested with apparent success in New Jersey: prospective payment with diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). Rather than simply reimbursing hospitals whatever costs they charged to treat Medicare patients, the new model paid hospitals a predetermined, set rate based on the patient's diagnosis. The most significant change in health policy since Medicare and Medicaid's passage in 1965 went virtually unnoticed by the general public. Nevertheless, the change was nothing short of revolutionary. For the first time, the federal government gained the upper hand in its financial relationship with the hospital industry. Medicare's new prospective payment system with DRGs triggered a shift in the balance of political and economic power between the providers of medical care (hospitals and physicians) and those who paid for it--power that providers had successfully accumulated for more than half a century.

Origin and evolution of outer solar system atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lunine, J. I.

1989-01-01

The origin and evolution of the atmospheres of bodies in the outer solar system is studied on the basis of the abundances of key molecular species. Formation models in which significant infall of icy and rocky planetesimals accompanies planet formation is supported by the enrichment of methane and deuterated species from Jupiter and Neptune. The chemistry of the solar nebula and Titan are discussed. The prospects for obtaining information on the atmosphere of Triton from the Voyager 2 mission are considered. It is found that the mean density of the Pluto-Charon system implies an origin in the rather water-poor solar nebula.

Internal graphite moderator forces study, C and K Reactors

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

Cooley, D.E.

1963-10-28

The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum forces that can be imposed by the graphite moderator on prospective VSR channel sleeves. In order to do this, both the origins and modes of transmission of the forces were determined. Forces in the moderator stack that are capable of acting on a block or group of blocks may originate from any of the following primary effects: Contraction of graphite due to irradiation; thermal expansion of graphite; frictional resistance to motion; resistance from keys; gravity; and other.

Possible sources of genetic resistance in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) to basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma boninense--prospects for future breeding.

PubMed

Durand-Gasselin, T; Asmady, H; Flori, A; Jacquemard, J C; Hayun, Z; Breton, F; de Franqueville, H

2005-01-01

Oil palm estates in southeast Asia suffer from substantial losses due to basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma boninense. Field observations have been carried out in North Sumatra, Indonesia, on a series of planting materials of known origin. Differences in susceptibility to the disease have been detected within the two Elaeis species, guineensis and oleifera. Within Elaeis guineensis, material of Deli origin is highly susceptible compared to material of African origin. It is also possible to detect differences in reaction between parents and between crosses within a given origin. The variability of resistance to basal stem rot within the same cross is also illustrated by the diverse responses of clones derived from palms of the same origin. The prospects opened up by these results are discussed, and the importance of performing an early selection test is highlighted.

Absence of histopathological changes of ileum and colon in functional chronic diarrhea associated with bile acid malabsorption, assessed by SeHCAT test: a prospective study.

PubMed

Sciarretta, G; Furno, A; Morrone, B; Malaguti, P

1994-07-01

Chronic diarrhea of unknown origin is often associated with bile acid malabsorption, the pathogenetic role of which is uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify morphological abnormalities in the ileal and colonic mucosa in patients with this disorder. We performed a prospective and blinded histopathological study (between June 1991 and November 1992) of endoscopic biopsies of the distal ileum and colon of 23 patients suffering from chronic diarrhea of unknown origin. In 14, the SeHCAT (75-selena-homo-cholic acid taurine) test was abnormal owing to bile acid malabsorption; in the other nine, the diarrhea control group, the test results were normal. A detailed evaluation of surface epithelium, immune response and inflammatory changes was made. in two patients and two controls, mild villous atrophy was observed; there was also slight inflammation of the ileal and colonic mucosa occurring with the same frequency in both groups. A slight replacement of goblet cells was more evident in the diarrhea control group. Chronic diarrhea of unknown origin associated with bile acid malabsorption does not involve specific morphological changes of ileal or colonic mucosa, and its pathogenesis must be looked for in dysfunction of the ileum and/or colon.

Geologic map of the Shaida deposit and Misgaran prospect, Herat Province, Afghanistan, modified from the 1973 original map compilation of V.I. Tarasenko and others

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tucker, Robert D.; Stettner, Will R.; Masonic, Linda M.; Moran, Thomas W.

2014-01-01

This map is a modified version of Geological map and map of useful minerals, Shaida area, scale 1:50,000, which was compiled by V.I. Tarasenko, N.I. Borozenets, and others in 1973. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Afghan Geological Survey and the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations of the U.S. Department of Defense, studied the original document and related reports and also visited the field area in August 2010.This modified map illustrates the geological structure of the Shaida copper-lead-zinc deposit and Misgaran copper-lead-zinc prospect in western Afghanistan and includes cross sections of the same area. The map reproduces the topology (contacts, faults, and so forth) of the original Soviet map and cross sections and includes modifications based on our examination of these documents and on observations made during our field visit. Elevations on the cross sections are derived from the original Soviet topography and might not match the newer topography used on the current map. We have attempted to translate the original Russian terminology and rock classification into modern English geologic usage as literally as possible without changing any genetic or process-oriented implications in the original descriptions. We also use the age designations from the original map.The unit colors on the map and cross sections differ from the colors shown on the original version. The units are colored according to the color and pattern scheme of the Commission for the Geological Map of the World (CGMW) (http://www.ccgm.org).

The harmonic state of quantum cascade lasers: origin, control, and prospective applications [Invited].

PubMed

Piccardo, Marco; Chevalier, Paul; Mansuripur, Tobias S; Kazakov, Dmitry; Wang, Yongrui; Rubin, Noah A; Meadowcroft, Lauren; Belyanin, Alexey; Capasso, Federico

2018-04-16

The recently discovered ability of the quantum cascade laser to produce a harmonic frequency comb has attracted new interest in these devices for both applications and fundamental laser physics. In this review we present an extensive experimental phenomenology of the harmonic state, including its appearance in mid-infrared and terahertz quantum cascade lasers, studies of its destabilization induced by delayed optical feedback, and the assessment of its frequency comb nature. A theoretical model explaining its origin as due to the mutual interaction of population gratings and population pulsations inside the laser cavity will be described. We explore different approaches to control the spacing of the harmonic state, such as optical injection seeding and variation of the device temperature. Prospective applications of the harmonic state include microwave and terahertz generation, picosecond pulse generation in the mid-infrared, and broadband spectroscopy.

Determinants of Political Trust: A Lifetime Learning Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schoon, Ingrid; Cheng, Helen

2011-01-01

This article addresses questions regarding the origins of individual variations in political trust. Using 2 prospective longitudinal studies, we examine the associations between family background, general cognitive ability (g) and school motivation at early age, educational and occupational attainment in adulthood, and political trust measured in…

PROSPECTS ON BEHAVIORAL STUDIES OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER TOXINS.

EPA Science Inventory

This manuscript is based in large part on an invited presentation. The manuscript provides a brief overview of the growing issue of the human-health and environmental impact of a variety of toxins of marine and freshwater origin, the current (generally crude) state of behavioral...

Outcomes of surgical intervention for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery: A large contemporary prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Mery, Carlos M; De León, Luis E; Molossi, Silvana; Sexson-Tejtel, S Kristen; Agrawal, Hitesh; Krishnamurthy, Rajesh; Masand, Prakash; Qureshi, Athar M; McKenzie, E Dean; Fraser, Charles D

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the outcomes of patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery undergoing surgical intervention according to a standardized management algorithm. All patients aged 2 to 18 years undergoing surgical intervention for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery between December 2012 and April 2017 were prospectively included. Patients underwent stress nuclear perfusion imaging, stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and retrospectively electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography angiography preoperatively. Patients were cleared for exercise at 3 months postoperatively if asymptomatic and repeat stress nuclear perfusion imaging, stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography angiography showed normal results. A total of 44 patients, with a median age of 14 years (8-18 years), underwent surgical intervention: 9 (20%) for the anomalous left coronary artery and 35 (80%) for the anomalous right coronary artery. Surgical procedures included unroofing in 35 patients (80%), translocation in 7 patients (16%), ostioplasty in 1 patient (2%), and side-side-anastomosis in 1 patient (2%). One patient who presented with aborted sudden cardiac death from an anomalous left coronary and underwent unroofing presented 1 year later with a recurrent episode and was found to have an unrecognized myocardial bridge and persistent compression of the coronary requiring reintervention. At last follow-up, 40 patients (91%) are asymptomatic and 4 patients have nonspecific chest pain; 42 patients (95%) have returned to full activity, and 2 patients are awaiting clearance. Surgical treatment for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is safe and should aim to associate the coronary ostium with the correct sinus, away from the intercoronary pillar. After surgery, the majority of patients are cleared for exercise and remain asymptomatic. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the true efficacy of surgery in the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ethnic pride, self-esteem, and school belonging: A reciprocal analysis over time.

PubMed

Hernández, Maciel M; Robins, Richard W; Widaman, Keith F; Conger, Rand D

2017-12-01

School belonging (i.e., social connectedness to school) has positive implications for academic achievement and well-being. However, few studies have examined the developmental antecedents of school belonging, particularly for students of Mexican origin. To address this gap in the research literature, the present study examined reciprocal relations between school belonging and two self-affirmation beliefs-self-esteem and ethnic pride-using data from a longitudinal study of Mexican-origin students followed from fifth to ninth grade (N = 674, Mage at Wave 1 = 10.4 years, 50% girls). Furthermore, we evaluated whether the associations were stronger for boys than girls. Using multiple group analysis in a structural equation modeling framework, results indicate that, among boys, ethnic pride was prospectively associated with increases in self-esteem, self-esteem was associated with increases in school belonging, and the direct association between ethnic pride and school belonging was bidirectional. For girls, ethnic pride was prospectively associated with later school belonging. Discussion focuses on the gender differences in observed effects and implications for school programs and interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Macroscopic Relationships Among Latent Heating, Precipitation, Organized Convection, and the Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moncrieff, Mitchell

2003-01-01

The two studies summarized below represent the results of a one-year extension to the original award grant. These studies involve cloud-resolving simulation, theory and parameterization of multi-scale convective systems in the Tropics. It is a contribution to the basic scientific objectives of TRMM and the prospective NASA Global Precipitation Mission.

Lack of efficacy of phenytoin in the syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion of neurological origin.

PubMed Central

Decaux, G.; Przedborski, S.; Soupart, A.

1989-01-01

Phenytoin has been proposed in the management of patients with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) of neurological origin who fail to respond to water restriction. We have conducted a prospective study in order to evaluate the role of phenytoin in the management of seven consecutive patients with SIADH of neurological origin which could not be controlled by limited water intake. Only one patient was successfully treated with chronic phenytoin regimen. This patient, like one previously reported, had suffered a basal skull fracture. It seems likely that in the majority of cases of SIADH of neurological origin phenytoin is ineffective on a long-term basis. PMID:2602236

Miscommunication across Cultures: The Case of Marketing in Indian English. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frank, Jane

A study of intercultural business communication problems compared three examples of direct marketing sales letters similar in function, format, content, and targeted recipient but originating in different cultures (India, England, and the United States) and companies. The letters were directed to a single prospective purchaser of "Who's…

Family of Origin, Race/Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Attainment: Genotype and Intraindividual Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wickrama, K. A. S.; O'Neal, Catherine Walker

2013-01-01

Previous research has mainly focused on the persistent direct influence of early life contexts on young adult socioeconomic attainment, and less is known about intraindividual processes that are responsible for this persistent influence. The present study, using genetically informed longitudinal, prospective data from a nationally representative…

The Higher Education of Women: Essays in Honor of Rosemary Park.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Astin, Helen S.; Hirsch, Werner Z.

Essays include: some considerations on the higher education of women (Rosemary Park); three women, creators of change (Esther Raushenbush); women's education, the case for the single-sex college (Susan Romer Kaplan); liberal arts education and women's development (C. Robert Pace); women's studies, its origin, organization, and prospects (Sheila…

The Porto Alegre Early Life Nutrition and Health Study.

PubMed

Chaffee, Benjamin Wilk; Vítolo, Márcia Regina; Feldens, Carlos Alberto

2014-12-01

Early childhood caries is a persistent worldwide problem. The etiologic contribution of feeding practices has been less frequently investigated in prospective studies of young children. The Porto Alegre Early Life Nutrition and Health Study has followed a birth cohort of 715 mother-child pairs, recruited from municipal health centers, originally involved in a cluster-randomized controlled trial of healthcare worker training. The birth cohort links prospectively collected socio-demographic, infant feeding, and general and oral health information. To date, oral health data, including caries status and oral health-related quality of life, have been collected for 458 children at the age of 2-3 years. Studies are underway to investigate possible determinants and consequences of oral health among these children.

Review and Analysis of Publication Trends over Three Decades in Three High Impact Medicine Journals.

PubMed

Ivanov, Alexander; Kaczkowska, Beata A; Khan, Saadat A; Ho, Jean; Tavakol, Morteza; Prasad, Ashok; Bhumireddy, Geetha; Beall, Allan F; Klem, Igor; Mehta, Parag; Briggs, William M; Sacchi, Terrence J; Heitner, John F

2017-01-01

Over the past three decades, industry sponsored research expanded in the United States. Financial incentives can lead to potential conflicts of interest (COI) resulting in underreporting of negative study results. We hypothesized that over the three decades, there would be an increase in: a) reporting of conflict of interest and source of funding; b) percentage of randomized control trials c) number of patients per study and d) industry funding. Original articles published in three calendar years (1988, 1998, and 2008) in The Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of American Medical Association were collected. Studies were reviewed and investigational design categorized as prospective and retrospective clinical trials. Prospective trials were categorized into randomized or non-randomized and single-center or multi-center trials. Retrospective trials were categorized as registries, meta-analyses and other studies, mostly comprising of case reports or series. Study outcomes were categorized as positive or negative depending on whether the pre-specified hypothesis was met. Financial disclosures were researched for financial relationships and profit status, and accordingly categorized as government, non-profit or industry sponsored. Studies were assessed for reporting COI. 1,671 original articles were included in this analysis. Total number of published studies decreased by 17% from 1988 to 2008. Over 20 year period, the proportion of prospective randomized trials increased from 22 to 46% (p < 0.0001); whereas the proportion of prospective non-randomized trials decreased from 59% to 27% (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the percentage of prospective randomized multi-center trials from 11% to 41% (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a reduction in non-randomized single-center trials from 47% to 10% (p < 0.001). Proportion of government funded studies remained constant, whereas industry funded studies more than doubled (17% to 40%; p < 0.0001). The number of studies with negative results more than doubled (10% to 22%; p<0.0001). While lack of funding disclosure decreased from 35% to 7%, COI reporting increased from 2% to 84% (p < 0.0001). Improved reporting of COI, clarity in financial sponsorship, increased publication of negative results in the setting of larger and better designed clinical trials represents a positive step forward in the scientific publications, despite the higher percentage of industry funded studies.

Field experiments to evaluate host plant specificity of prospective agents of Onopordum acanthium in Bulgaria

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Scotch thistle, Onopordum acanthium, is an invasive alien weed in North America that originates from Europe. Previous field observations in Bulgaria have confirmed the presence of prospective biological control agents including Cassida rubiginosa, Chaetostomella cylindrica, Eublemma amoena, Larinus ...

Educational Technology in Australia: Origins, Status, Prospects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Brian N.

1989-01-01

Discusses the field of educational technology and describes the evolution of the field in Australia. Definitions of educational technology are offered, the influence of computers is discussed, student attitudes toward educational technology in Australia are described, and prospects for the future are suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

The Rising Prevalence of Autism: A Prospective Longitudinal Study in the Faroe Islands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kocovska, Eva; Biskupsto, Rannva; Gillberg, I. Carina; Ellefsen, Asa; Kampmann, Hanna; Stora, Tormoour; Billstedt, Eva; Gillberg, Christopher

2012-01-01

We have followed up a 2002 population study of autism prevalence in 15-24-year olds in the Faroe Islands. The rate of ASD grew significantly from 0.56% in 2002 to 0.94% in 2009. Although these results are within the range of typical findings from other studies, there were some interesting details. There were--in addition to 43 originally diagnosed…

Chemical Evolution and the Origin of Life: Bibliography 1975

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

West, Martha W. (Compiler); Koch, Rowena A. (Compiler); Chang, Sherwood (Compiler)

1977-01-01

This bibliography is the sixth annual supplement to the comprehensive bibliography on the same subject which was published in Space Life Sci.We would like to draw attention to a recently published cumulative bibliography on this same subject: Biochemical Origin of Life: Chemistry and Life. Soil and Water and Its Relationship to Origin of Life. MR - Studies of Prebiotic Polypeptides. Energy, Matter, and Life. Prospects for the Future Orientation of Scientific Research. Photochemical Formation of Self Sustaining Coacervates. Photochemical Formation of Self-Sustaining Coacervates. Comparative Study of Abiogenesis of Cysteine and Other Amino Acids Catalyzed by Various Metal Ions. Protein Structure and the Molecular Evolution of Biological Energy Conversion. Origin of Life. Clues from Relations Between Chemical Compositions of Living Organisms and Natural Environments. Shock Synthesis of Amino Acids II.', Origins of Life 6(1-2). Dynamics of the Chemical Evolution of Earth's Primitive Atmosphere. The Mechanisms of Amino Acids Synthesis by High Temperature Shock-Waves. Theory of Chemical Evolution. Physical Foundations of Probability of Biogenesis.

Detained Adolescent Females' Multiple Mental Health and Adjustment Problem Outcomes in Young Adulthood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Molen, E.; Vermeiren, R. R. J. M.; Krabbendam, A. A.; Beekman, A. T. F.; Doreleijers, T. A. H.; Jansen, L. M. C.

2013-01-01

Background: Although prior studies have shown that detained females are marked by significant adverse circumstances, little is known about their adult outcomes. Method: Prospective follow-up study of 184 (80.4% of original sample of 229) detained adolescent females who were reassessed 4.5 SD = 0.6) years later in young adulthood (mean age = 20.0,…

Norms About Nonmarital Pregnancy and Willingness to Provide Resources to Unwed Parents

PubMed Central

Mollborn, Stefanie

2009-01-01

Contested social norms underlie public concern about adults’ and teenagers’ nonmarital pregnancy. The original, vignette-based National Pregnancy Norms Survey (N = 812) measures these norms and related sanctions. Descriptive analyses report embarrassment at the prospect of a nonmarital pregnancy by age and gender of hypothetical prospective parents and age, race or ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of respondents. Multivariate analyses show that embarrassment about nonmarital pregnancy is frequently weak but much stronger when prospective parents are teenagers. Embarrassment predicts respondents’ hypothetical sanctions of a new parent in their family by withholding several types of needed material resources. Because research has shown that such resources affect education and income, this study helps explain how violating norms might lead to negative outcomes among unmarried parents. PMID:21691443

Abdominal pain of spinal origin. Value of intercostal block.

PubMed Central

Ashby, E. C.

1977-01-01

A prospective study was made of 73 patients presenting in one year with abdominal pain provisionally diagnosed as of spinal origin. The criteria for audit of diagnosis and treatment are defined. The diagnosis was confirmed in 53 patients, 49 of whom had been treated with a lignocaine intercostal block in the relevant segment. Thirty-three of these (67.3%) had both complete and prolonged relief. It is suggested that the block causes interruption of a vicious circle of pain and muscle spasm in a 'spinal reflex pain syndrome'. PMID:860866

Leisure Boredom and High School Dropout in Cape Town, South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wegner, Lisa; Flisher, Alan J.; Chikobvu, Perpetual; Lombard, Carl; King, Gary

2008-01-01

This prospective cohort study investigated whether leisure boredom predicts high school dropout. Leisure boredom is the perception that leisure experiences do not satisfy the need for optimal arousal. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire which included the Leisure Boredom Scale. The original cohort of grade 8 students (n=303) was…

A Longitudinal Analysis of PTSD Symptom Course: Delayed-Onset PTSD in Somalia Peacekeepers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Matt J.; Bolton, Elisa E.; Litz, Brett T.

2004-01-01

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically follows an acute to chronic course. However, some trauma victims do not report significant symptoms until a period of time has elapsed after the event. Although originally dismissed as an artifact of retrospective methodologies, recent prospective studies document apparent instances of delayed-onset…

Mesozoic Magmatism and Base-Metal Mineralization in the Fortymile Mining District, Eastern Alaska - Initial Results of Petrographic, Geochemical, and Isotopic Studies in the Mount Veta Area

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dusel-Bacon, Cynthia; Slack, John F.; Aleinikoff, John N.; Mortensen, James K.

2009-01-01

We present here the initial results of a petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic study of Mesozoic intrusive rocks and spatially associated Zn-Pb-Ag-Cu-Au prospects in the Fortymile mining district in the southern Eagle quadrangle, Alaska. Analyzed samples include mineralized and unmineralized drill core from 2006 and 2007 exploration by Full Metal Minerals, USA, Inc., at the Little Whiteman (LWM) and Fish prospects, and other mineralized and plutonic samples collected within the mining district is part of the USGS study. Three new ion microprobe U-Pb zircon ages are: 210 +- 3 Ma for quartz diorite from LWM, 187 +- 3 Ma for quartz monzonite from Fish, and 70.5 +- 1.1 Ma for altered rhyolite porphyry from Fish. We also present 11 published and unpublished Mesozoic thermal ionization mass spectrometric U-Pb zircon and titanite ages and whole-rock geochemical data for the Mesozoic plutonic rocks. Late Triassic and Early Jurassic plutons generally have intermediate compositions and are slightly foliated, consistent with synkinematic intrusion. Several Early Jurassic plutons contain magmatic epidote, indicating emplacement of the host plutons at mesozonal crustal depths of greater than 15 km. Trace-element geochemical data indicate an arc origin for the granitoids, with an increase in the crustal component with time. Preliminary study of drill core from the LWM Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag prospect supports a carbonate-replacement model of mineralization. LWM massive sulfides consist of sphalerite, galena, and minor pyrite and chalcopyrite, in a gangue of calcite and lesser quartz; silver resides in Sb-As-Ag sulfosalts and pyrargyrite, and probably in submicroscopic inclusions within galena. Whole-rock analyses of LWM drill cores also show elevated In, an important metal in high-technology products. Hypogene mineralized rocks at Fish, below the secondary Zn-rich zone, are associated with a carbonate host and also may be of replacement origin, or alternatively, may be a magnetite-bearing Zn skarn. Cu-Zn-Pb-Ag-Au showings at the Oscar pros-pect occur in marble-hosted magnetite and pyrrhotite skarn that is spatially related to the stocks, dikes, and sills of the Early Jurassic syenite of Mount Veta. Mineralized rocks at the Eva Creek Ag-Zn-Pb-Cu prospect are within 1.5 km of the Mount Veta pluton, which is epidotized and locally altered along its contact with metamorphosed country rock east of the prospect. We report five new sulfide Pb-isotopic analyses from the LWM, Oscar, and Eva Creek prospects and compare these sulfide Pb-isotopic ratios with those for sulfides from nearby deposits and prospects in the Yukon-Tanana Upland and with feldspar Pb-isotopic ratios for Mesozoic plutons in the region. Disparities between the Pb-isotopic ratios for sulfides and igneous feldspars are consistent with a carbonate-replacement model for both the LWM and Eva Creek prospects. The presence in the Fortymile district of base-metal sulfides within both calc-silicate-rich skarns and the calc-silicate-free carbonate replacement deposits may reflect multistage mineralization by magmatic-hydrothermal systems during the emplacement of two or more magmatically unrelated igneous intrusions. Alternatively, all of the mineralized occurrences could be products of one regionally zoned system that formed during the intrusion of a single pluton. In addition to the likely origin of some of the base-metal occurrences by intrusion-related hydrothermal fluids, proximity of the LWM prospect to the northeast-striking, high-angle Kechumstuk Fault suggests that fluid flow along the fault also played an important role during carbonate-replacement mineralization.

The Clinical Utility of Informants' Appraisals on Prospective and Retrospective Memory in Patients with Early Alzheimer's Disease

PubMed Central

Hsu, Yen-Hsuan; Huang, Ching-Feng; Tu, Min-Chien; Hua, Mau-Sun

2014-01-01

Increasing studies suggest the importance of including prospective memory measures in clinical evaluation of dementia due to its sensitivity and functional relevance. The Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRQM) is originally a self-rated memory inventory that offers a direct comparison between prospective and episodic memory. However, the informant's report has been recognized as a more valid source of cognitive complaints. We thus aimed to examine the validity of the informant-rated form of the PRMQ in assessing memory function of the patients and in detecting individuals with early dementia. The informants of 140 neurological outpatients with memory complaints completed the Taiwan version of the PRMQ. Tests of prospective memory, short-term memory, and general cognitive ability were also administered to non-demented participants and patients with early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Results showed significant relationships between the PRMQ ratings and objective cognitive measures, and showed that higher ratings on the PRMQ were associated with increasing odds of greater dementia severity. Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves showed an adequate ability of the PRMQ to identify patients with dementia (93% sensitivity and 84% specificity). Hierarchical regression revealed that the PRMQ has additional explanatory power for dementia status after controlling for age, education and objective memory test results, and that the prospective memory subscale owns predictive value for dementia beyond the retrospective memory subscale. The present study demonstrated the external validity and diagnostic value of informants' evaluation of their respective patients' prospective and retrospective memory functioning, and highlighted the important role of prospective memory in early dementia detection. The proxy-version of the PRMQ is a useful tool that captures prospective and episodic memory problems in patients with early AD, in combination with standardized cognitive testing. PMID:25383950

In-depth investigation of archival and prospectively collected samples reveals no evidence for XMRV infection in prostate cancer.

PubMed

Lee, Deanna; Das Gupta, Jaydip; Gaughan, Christina; Steffen, Imke; Tang, Ning; Luk, Ka-Cheung; Qiu, Xiaoxing; Urisman, Anatoly; Fischer, Nicole; Molinaro, Ross; Broz, Miranda; Schochetman, Gerald; Klein, Eric A; Ganem, Don; Derisi, Joseph L; Simmons, Graham; Hackett, John; Silverman, Robert H; Chiu, Charles Y

2012-01-01

XMRV, or xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus, is a novel gammaretrovirus originally identified in studies that analyzed tissue from prostate cancer patients in 2006 and blood from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in 2009. However, a large number of subsequent studies failed to confirm a link between XMRV infection and CFS or prostate cancer. On the contrary, recent evidence indicates that XMRV is a contaminant originating from the recombination of two mouse endogenous retroviruses during passaging of a prostate tumor xenograft (CWR22) in mice, generating laboratory-derived cell lines that are XMRV-infected. To confirm or refute an association between XMRV and prostate cancer, we analyzed prostate cancer tissues and plasma from a prospectively collected cohort of 39 patients as well as archival RNA and prostate tissue from the original 2006 study. Despite comprehensive microarray, PCR, FISH, and serological testing, XMRV was not detected in any of the newly collected samples or in archival tissue, although archival RNA remained XMRV-positive. Notably, archival VP62 prostate tissue, from which the prototype XMRV strain was derived, tested negative for XMRV on re-analysis. Analysis of viral genomic and human mitochondrial sequences revealed that all previously characterized XMRV strains are identical and that the archival RNA had been contaminated by an XMRV-infected laboratory cell line. These findings reveal no association between XMRV and prostate cancer, and underscore the conclusion that XMRV is not a naturally acquired human infection.

Aptamer-siRNA Chimeras: Discovery, Progress, and Future Prospects

PubMed Central

Kruspe, Sven; Giangrande, Paloma H.

2017-01-01

Synthetic nucleic acid ligands (aptamers) have emerged as effective delivery tools for many therapeutic oligonucleotide-based drugs, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In this review, we summarize recent progress in the aptamer selection technology that has made possible the identification of cell-specific, cell-internalizing aptamers for the cell-targeted delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides. In addition, we review the original, proof-of-concept aptamer-siRNA delivery studies and discuss recent advances in aptamer-siRNA conjugate designs for applications ranging from cancer therapy to the development of targeted antivirals. Challenges and prospects of aptamer-targeted siRNA drugs for clinical development are further highlighted. PMID:28792479

Accreditation in the USA: Origins, Developments and Future Prospects. Improving the Managerial Effectiveness of Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El-Khawas, Elaine

This study analyzes the accreditation experience in the United States with special emphasis on the issues and decisions that surrounded the development of evaluation procedures and standards. Attention is given to the relationship between accrediting agencies and governmental agencies, the effect of accrediting requirements on the way that…

Classifying geometric variability by dominant eigenmodes of deformation in regressing tumours during active breath-hold lung cancer radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badawi, Ahmed M.; Weiss, Elisabeth; Sleeman, William C., IV; Hugo, Geoffrey D.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a lung tumour interfraction geometric variability classification scheme as a means to guide adaptive radiotherapy and improve measurement of treatment response. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to generate statistical shape models of the gross tumour volume (GTV) for 12 patients with weekly breath hold CT scans. Each eigenmode of the PCA model was classified as ‘trending’ or ‘non-trending’ depending on whether its contribution to the overall GTV variability included a time trend over the treatment course. Trending eigenmodes were used to reconstruct the original semi-automatically delineated GTVs into a reduced model containing only time trends. Reduced models were compared to the original GTVs by analyzing the reconstruction error in the GTV and position. Both retrospective (all weekly images) and prospective (only the first four weekly images) were evaluated. The average volume difference from the original GTV was 4.3% ± 2.4% for the trending model. The positional variability of the GTV over the treatment course, as measured by the standard deviation of the GTV centroid, was 1.9 ± 1.4 mm for the original GTVs, which was reduced to 1.2 ± 0.6 mm for the trending-only model. In 3/13 cases, the dominant eigenmode changed class between the prospective and retrospective models. The trending-only model preserved GTV and shape relative to the original GTVs, while reducing spurious positional variability. The classification scheme appears feasible for separating types of geometric variability by time trend.

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

Facilitating Development Research: Suggestions for Recruiting and Re-Recruiting Children and Families

PubMed Central

Hurwitz, Lisa B.; Schmitt, Kelly L.; Olsen, Megan K.

2017-01-01

Recruiting children and families for research studies can be challenging, and re-recruiting former participants for longitudinal research can be even more difficult, especially when a study was not prospectively designed to encompass continuous data collection. In this article, we explain how researchers can set up initial studies to potentially facilitate later waves of data collection; locate former study participants using newer, often digital, tools; schedule families using recruitment phone/email/mail scripts that highlight the many benefits to continued study participation; and confirm appointments with other digital tools. We draw from prior methodological and longitudinal pieces to provide suggestions to others wishing to re-recruit families for longitudinal studies. In addition, we draw upon our own experience conducting a non-prospective longitudinal study 6 years after an educational intervention, in which we successfully re-located 122 (90%) and interviewed 101 of 136 (83% of the located sample and 74% of the full original sample) parents and their early adolescent children. Although the majority of participants were recruited via original contact information (especially phone numbers), using a range of strategies to recruit (e.g., search engines focused on contact information, social media) and motivate participation (e.g., multifaceted phone/email/mail scheduling scripts, flexibility in location and means of participation) yielded a more desirable sample size at relatively low costs. PMID:28955265

Environmental analysis of geopressured-geothermal prospect areas, De Witt and Colorado counties, Texas. Final report, March 1 - August 31, 1979

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

Gustavson, T.C.; Reeder, F.S.; Badger, E.A.

Information collected and analyzed for a preliminary environmental analysis of geopressured geothermal prospect areas in Colorado and DeWitt Counties, Texas is presented. Specific environmental concerns for each geopressured geothermal prospect area are identified and discussed. Approximately 218 km/sup 2/(85 mi/sup 2/) were studied in the vicinity of each prospect area to: (1) conduct an environmental analysis to identify more and less suited areas for geopressured test wells; and (2) provide an environmental data base for future development of geopressured geothermal energy resources. A series of maps and tables are included to illustrate environmental characteristics including: geology, water resources, soils, currentmore » land use, vegetation, wildlife, and meteorological characteristics, and additional relevant information on cultural resources, power- and pipelines, and regulatory agencies. A series of transparent overlays at the scale of the original mapping has also been produced for the purposes of identifying and ranking areas of potential conflict between geopressured geothermal development and environmental characteristics. The methodology for ranking suitability of areas within the two prospect areas is discussed in the appendix. (MHR)« less

Prospective parents' intentions regarding disclosure following the removal of donor anonymity.

PubMed

Crawshaw, Marilyn

2008-06-01

This short survey of UK infertility counsellors was designed to determine whether the removal of donor anonymity resulted in noticeable changes in prospective parents' stated intentions regarding disclosure of their origins to any children conceived through donor conception. Members of the British Infertility Counselling Association working in Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) -- licensed centres, before and after the legal changes, were sent a short questionnaire that included space for free comments (take-up: 62%). Three-quarters reported changes. Of these, two-thirds said prospective parents were more likely to say they would disclose, while less than a tenth said prospective parents were less likely do so. Where no changes were noted, this was primarily because the majority of prospective parents had stated their intention to be open even prior to the legal changes. Possible influences on intentions included: the culture within the centre, moves towards openness within the wider society, and parents' lack of confidence regarding how to go about disclosure. Follow-up studies are needed to improve understanding of whether influences on decision making carry through to patterns of actual disclosure; whether involvement in counselling affects outcomes; and whether access to professional assistance at the time of planned disclosure is helpful.

"The Panama Canal Episode: An Encounter with a Question and Answers." Occasional Paper 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seifman, Eli

This is an account of the experience of a college instructor and a group of prospective social studies teachers as they answer a simple question concerned with direction of travel through the Panama Canal and explore the reactions of students. The situation originates in a class discussion focusing on ways of asking and responding to classroom…

Geochemical and mineralogical methods of prospecting for mineral deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fersman, A. Ye; Borovik, S. A.; Gorshkov, G.V.; Popov, S.D.; Sosedko, A.F.; Hartsock, Lydia; Pierce, A.P.

1952-01-01

Fersman's book "Geochemical and mineralogical methods of prospecting for mineral deposits" (Geokhimicheskiye i mineralogicheskiye metody poiskov poleznykh iskopayemykh) covers all petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques that are used either directly or indirectly in mineral exploration. Chapter IV is of particular interest because it describes certain geochemical methods and principles that have not been widely applied outside of the Soviet Union. The original contained a number of photographs that have been omitted; the titles of the photographs are given in the body of the text. Wherever possible, bibliographic references have been checked, and the full titles given. References given in footnotes in the original have been collected and added at the end of each section as a bibliography.

Health psychology in Ghana: A review of the multidisciplinary origins of a young sub-field and its future prospects.

PubMed

de-Graft Aikins, Ama

2018-03-01

This article presents a historical overview of psychology applied to health and health psychology in Ghana. A brief history of health, illness and healthcare in Ghana is introduced. Then, the history of psychology in Ghana is presented, with signposts of the major turns in the field in relation to psychology and other disciplines applied to health and the emergence of health psychology as a sub-field. Selected health psychology studies are reviewed to highlight ideological trends in the field. Finally, future prospects are considered in terms of how the sub-field can transition into an established critical field with unique contributions to make to global health psychology.

Do Bayesian adaptive trials offer advantages for comparative effectiveness research? Protocol for the RE-ADAPT study

PubMed Central

Luce, Bryan R; Broglio, Kristine R; Ishak, K Jack; Mullins, C Daniel; Vanness, David J; Fleurence, Rachael; Saunders, Elijah; Davis, Barry R

2013-01-01

Background Randomized clinical trials, particularly for comparative effectiveness research (CER), are frequently criticized for being overly restrictive or untimely for health-care decision making. Purpose Our prospectively designed REsearch in ADAptive methods for Pragmatic Trials (RE-ADAPT) study is a ‘proof of concept’ to stimulate investment in Bayesian adaptive designs for future CER trials. Methods We will assess whether Bayesian adaptive designs offer potential efficiencies in CER by simulating a re-execution of the Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) study using actual data from ALLHAT. Results We prospectively define seven alternate designs consisting of various combinations of arm dropping, adaptive randomization, and early stopping and describe how these designs will be compared to the original ALLHAT design. We identify the one particular design that would have been executed, which incorporates early stopping and information-based adaptive randomization. Limitations While the simulation realistically emulates patient enrollment, interim analyses, and adaptive changes to design, it cannot incorporate key features like the involvement of data monitoring committee in making decisions about adaptive changes. Conclusion This article describes our analytic approach for RE-ADAPT. The next stage of the project is to conduct the re-execution analyses using the seven prespecified designs and the original ALLHAT data. PMID:23983160

Automotive Stirling engine development program: A success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tabata, W. K.

1987-01-01

The original 5-yr Automotive Stirling Engine Development Program has been extended to 10 years due to reduced annual funding levels. With an estimated completion date of April 1988, the technical achievements and the prospectives of meeting the original program objectives are reviewed. Various other applications of this developed Stirling engine technology are also discussed.

Automotive Stirling engine development program - A success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tabata, William K.

1987-01-01

The original 5-year Automotive Stirling Engine Development Program has been extended to 10 years due to reduced annual funding levels. With an estimated completion date of April 1988, the technical achievements and the prospectives of meeting the original program objectives are reviewed. Various other applications of this developed Stirling engine technology are also discussed.

The role of family-of-origin violence in men's marital violence perpetration.

PubMed

Delsol, Catherine; Margolin, Gayla

2004-03-01

This paper presents overall transmission rates between family-of-origin violence and marital violence, as well as theoretical and empirical work on possible mechanisms of transmission. In identified samples, approximately 60% of the maritally violent men report family-of-origin violence, whereas slightly over 20% of the comparison group of maritally nonviolent men report family-of-origin violence. Modest associations between experiencing violence in the family of origin and marital violence are found in community samples and in studies with prospective and longitudinal designs. Variables that intervene in the association between family-of-origin violence and marital violence are reviewed, with a focus on personal characteristics such as antisocial personality, psychological distress, and attitudes condoning violence, as well as on contextual factors, such as marital problems and conflict resolution style. Variables associated with nonviolence in men who grew up in violent families also are identified, including strong interpersonal connections and the ability to create psychological distance from the family-of-origin violence. Continued empirical investigation of variables that potentiate or mitigate the association between family-of-origin violence and marital violence at different developmental stages is needed to identify explanatory mechanisms and, ultimately, to interrupt the intergenerational transmission of marital violence.

The effect of Mediterranean diet on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of 10 prospective studies and 136,846 participants.

PubMed

Koloverou, Efi; Esposito, Katherine; Giugliano, Dario; Panagiotakos, Demosthenes

2014-07-01

The purpose of this work was to meta-analyze prospective studies that have evaluated the effect of a Mediterranean diet on the development of type 2 diabetes. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched up to 20 November 2013. English language publications were allocated; 17 original research studies (1 clinical trial, 9 prospective and 7 cross-sectional) were identified. Primary analyses were limited to prospective studies and clinical trials, yielding to a sample of 136,846 participants. A systematic review and a random effects meta-analysis were conducted. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with 23% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes (combined relative risk for upper versus lowest available centile: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.89). Subgroup analyses based on region, health status of participants and number of confounders controlling for, showed similar results. Limitations include variations in Mediterranean diet adherence assessment tools, confounders' adjustment, duration of follow up and number of events with diabetes. The presented results are of major public health importance, since no consensus exists concerning the best anti-diabetic diet. Mediterranean diet could, if appropriately adjusted to reflect local food availability and individual's needs, constitute a beneficial nutritional choice for the primary prevention of diabetes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Life on ice, Antarctica and Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, D. T.; Mckay, C. P.; Wharton, Robert A., Jr.; Sagan, C.; Squyres, S. W.; Simmons, G. M.

1991-01-01

The study of the origin of life and the prospects for human exploration of Mars are two themes developed in a new 57-minute film, Life on Ice, Antarctica, and Mars, produced by the InnerSpace Foundation and WHRO Television for broadcast by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). A brief explanation of the film and how it relates to the future human exploration of space is presented.

Prediction of the geographic distribution of the psyllid, Arytinnis hakani (Hemoptera, Psyllidae), a prospective biological control agent of Genista monspessulana, based on the effect of temperature on development, fecundity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, is a prospective biological control agent of Genista monspessulana (French broom), an invasive shrub originating from western Europe. It is a multivoltine species that is not known to diapause. The insect is established in Australia, where it appears to cause heavy d...

A comparison of medication administration errors from original medication packaging and multi-compartment compliance aids in care homes: A prospective observational study.

PubMed

Gilmartin-Thomas, Julia Fiona-Maree; Smith, Felicity; Wolfe, Rory; Jani, Yogini

2017-07-01

No published study has been specifically designed to compare medication administration errors between original medication packaging and multi-compartment compliance aids in care homes, using direct observation. Compare the effect of original medication packaging and multi-compartment compliance aids on medication administration accuracy. Prospective observational. Ten Greater London care homes. Nurses and carers administering medications. Between October 2014 and June 2015, a pharmacist researcher directly observed solid, orally administered medications in tablet or capsule form at ten purposively sampled care homes (five only used original medication packaging and five used both multi-compartment compliance aids and original medication packaging). The medication administration error rate was calculated as the number of observed doses administered (or omitted) in error according to medication administration records, compared to the opportunities for error (total number of observed doses plus omitted doses). Over 108.4h, 41 different staff (35 nurses, 6 carers) were observed to administer medications to 823 residents during 90 medication administration rounds. A total of 2452 medication doses were observed (1385 from original medication packaging, 1067 from multi-compartment compliance aids). One hundred and seventy eight medication administration errors were identified from 2493 opportunities for error (7.1% overall medication administration error rate). A greater medication administration error rate was seen for original medication packaging than multi-compartment compliance aids (9.3% and 3.1% respectively, risk ratio (RR)=3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4 to 6.1, p<0.001). Similar differences existed when comparing medication administration error rates between original medication packaging (from original medication packaging-only care homes) and multi-compartment compliance aids (RR=2.3, 95%CI 1.1 to 4.9, p=0.03), and between original medication packaging and multi-compartment compliance aids within care homes that used a combination of both medication administration systems (RR=4.3, 95%CI 2.7 to 6.8, p<0.001). A significant difference in error rate was not observed between use of a single or combination medication administration system (p=0.44). The significant difference in, and high overall, medication administration error rate between original medication packaging and multi-compartment compliance aids supports the use of the latter in care homes, as well as local investigation of tablet and capsule impact on medication administration errors and staff training to prevent errors occurring. As a significant difference in error rate was not observed between use of a single or combination medication administration system, common practice of using both multi-compartment compliance aids (for most medications) and original packaging (for medications with stability issues) is supported. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Some current views on the origins and prospects of correlation optics.

PubMed

Angelsky, O V; Felde, Ch V; Polyanskii, P V

2016-04-20

The state of the art modern branch of optics and photonics now referred to as correlation optics is discussed in connection with both its origins and promising prospects. We use here the term "correlation" not only as a synonym of the term "coherence," but also for emphasizing the necessity of taking into account fine, sometimes enigmatic, phase relations among the components of complex optical fields, even if such fields are conventionally defined as completely coherent. Selection of topics for this brief review of correlation optics outlooks was not dictated by intention of comprehensive representation of this field of research, but rather by the scientific interests of the authors, ranging from classical theory of diffraction, holography, and light-scattering to modern singular optics.

Post-thrombotic syndrome in children: a systematic review of frequency of occurrence, validity of outcome measures, and prognostic factors

PubMed Central

Goldenberg, Neil A.; Donadini, Marco P.; Kahn, Susan R.; Crowther, Mark; Kenet, Gili; Nowak-Göttl, Ulrike; Manco-Johnson, Marilyn J.

2010-01-01

Background Post-thrombotic syndrome is a manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency following deep venous thrombosis. This systematic review was conducted to critically evaluate pediatric evidence on frequency of occurrence, validity of outcome measures, and prognostic indicators of post-thrombotic syndrome. Design and Methods A comprehensive literature search of original reports revealed 19 eligible studies, totaling 977 patients with upper/lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Calculated weighted mean frequency of post-thrombotic syndrome was 26% (95% confidence interval: 23–28%) overall, and differed significantly by prospective/non-prospective analysis and use/non-use of a standardized outcome measure. Results Standardized post-thrombotic syndrome outcome measures included an adaptation of the Villalta scale, the Clinical-Etiologic-Anatomic-Pathologic classification, and the Manco-Johnson instrument. Data on validity were reported only for the Manco-Johnson instrument. No publications on post-thrombotic syndrome-related quality of life outcomes were identified. Candidate prognostic factors for post-thrombotic syndrome in prospective studies included use/non-use of thrombolysis and plasma levels of factor VIII activity and D-dimer. Conclusions Given that affected children must endure chronic sequelae for many decades, it is imperative that future collaborative pediatric prospective cohort studies and trials assess as key objectives and outcomes the incidence, severity, prognostic indicators, and health impact of post-thrombotic syndrome, using validated measures. PMID:20595095

Modern human origins: progress and prospects.

PubMed Central

Stringer, Chris

2002-01-01

The question of the mode of origin of modern humans (Homo sapiens) has dominated palaeoanthropological debate over the last decade. This review discusses the main models proposed to explain modern human origins, and examines relevant fossil evidence from Eurasia, Africa and Australasia. Archaeological and genetic data are also discussed, as well as problems with the concept of 'modernity' itself. It is concluded that a recent African origin can be supported for H. sapiens, morphologically, behaviourally and genetically, but that more evidence will be needed, both from Africa and elsewhere, before an absolute African origin for our species and its behavioural characteristics can be established and explained. PMID:12028792

Diagnostic accuracy of sub-mSv prospective ECG-triggering cardiac CT in young infant with complex congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Gao, Wei; Zhong, Yu Min; Sun, Ai Min; Wang, Qian; Ouyang, Rong Zhen; Hu, Li Wei; Qiu, Han Sheng; Wang, Shi Yu; Li, Jian Ying

2016-06-01

To explore the clinical value and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sub-mSv low-dose prospective ECG-triggering cardiac CT (CCT) in young infants with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). A total of 102 consecutive infant patients (53 boys and 49 girls with mean age of 2.9 ± 2.4 m and weight less than 5 kg) with complex CHD were prospectively enrolled. Scans were performed on a 64-slice high definition CT scanner with low dose prospective ECG-triggering mode and reconstructed with 80 % adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm. All studies were performed during free breathing with sedation. The subjective image quality was evaluated by 5-point grading scale and interobserver variability was calculated. The objective image noise (standard deviation, SD) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. The effective radiation dose from the prospective ECG-triggering mode was recorded and compared with the virtual conventional retrospective ECG-gating mode. The detection rate for the origin of coronary artery was calculated. All patients also underwent echocardiography before CCT examination. 81 patients had surgery and their preoperative CCT and echocardiography findings were compared with the surgical results and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were calculated for separate cardiovascular anomalies. Heart rates were 70-161 beats per minute (bpm) with mean value of 129.19 ± 14.52 bpm. The effective dose of 0.53 ± 0.15 mSv in the prospective ECG-triggering cardiac CT was lower than the calculated value in a conventional retrospective ECG-gating mode (2.00 ± 0.35 mSv) (p < 0.001). The mean CNR and SD were 28.19 ± 13.00 and 15.75 ± 3.61HU, respectively. The image quality scores were 4.31 ± 0.36 and 4.29 ± 0.41 from reviewer 1 and 2 respectively with an excellent agreement between them (Kappa = 0.85). The detection rate for the origins of the left and right coronary arteries was 96 and 90 %, respectively. The detection rates of the origins of left coronary artery and right coronary artery in all cases were 96 % (78/81) and 90 % (73/81), respectively. Twenty cases of conotruncal anomalies and ALCAPA were validated surgically and the accuracy of cardiac CT diagnosis was 95 % (19/20). The overall deformity based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94.0.1, 99.9, 98.6, 99.5 % respectively, by CCT, and 88.2, 99.9, 97.8, 99.0 %, respectively, by echocardiography. Prospective ECG-triggering CCT with sub-mSv effective dose provides excellent imaging quality and high diagnostic accuracy for young infants with complex CHD.

Species Distribution 2.0: An Accurate Time- and Cost-Effective Method of Prospection Using Street View Imagery

PubMed Central

Schwoertzig, Eugénie; Millon, Alexandre

2016-01-01

Species occurrence data provide crucial information for biodiversity studies in the current context of global environmental changes. Such studies often rely on a limited number of occurrence data collected in the field and on pseudo-absences arbitrarily chosen within the study area, which reduces the value of these studies. To overcome this issue, we propose an alternative method of prospection using geo-located street view imagery (SVI). Following a standardised protocol of virtual prospection using both vertical (aerial photographs) and horizontal (SVI) perceptions, we have surveyed 1097 randomly selected cells across Spain (0.1x0.1 degree, i.e. 20% of Spain) for the presence of Arundo donax L. (Poaceae). In total we have detected A. donax in 345 cells, thus substantially expanding beyond the now two-centuries-old field-derived record, which described A. donax only 216 cells. Among the field occurrence cells, 81.1% were confirmed by SVI prospection to be consistent with species presence. In addition, we recorded, by SVI prospection, 752 absences, i.e. cells where A. donax was considered absent. We have also compared the outcomes of climatic niche modeling based on SVI data against those based on field data. Using generalized linear models fitted with bioclimatic predictors, we have found SVI data to provide far more compelling results in terms of niche modeling than does field data as classically used in SDM. This original, cost- and time-effective method provides the means to accurately locate highly visible taxa, reinforce absence data, and predict species distribution without long and expensive in situ prospection. At this time, the majority of available SVI data is restricted to human-disturbed environments that have road networks. However, SVI is becoming increasingly available in natural areas, which means the technique has considerable potential to become an important factor in future biodiversity studies. PMID:26751565

External validation of the Probability of repeated admission (Pra) risk prediction tool in older community-dwelling people attending general practice: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Wallace, Emma; McDowell, Ronald; Bennett, Kathleen; Fahey, Tom; Smith, Susan M

2016-11-14

Emergency admission is associated with the potential for adverse events in older people and risk prediction models are available to identify those at highest risk of admission. The aim of this study was to externally validate and compare the performance of the Probability of repeated admission (Pra) risk model and a modified version (incorporating a multimorbidity measure) in predicting emergency admission in older community-dwelling people. 15 general practices (GPs) in the Republic of Ireland. n=862, ≥70 years, community-dwelling people prospectively followed up for 2 years (2010-2012). Pra risk model (original and modified) calculated for baseline year where ≥0.5 denoted high risk (patient questionnaire, GP medical record review) of future emergency admission. Emergency admission over 1 year (GP medical record review). descriptive statistics, model discrimination (c-statistic) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic). Of 862 patients, a total of 154 (18%) had ≥1 emergency admission(s) in the follow-up year. 63 patients (7%) were classified as high risk by the original Pra and of these 26 (41%) were admitted. The modified Pra classified 391 (45%) patients as high risk and 103 (26%) were subsequently admitted. Both models demonstrated only poor discrimination (original Pra: c-statistic 0.65 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.70); modified Pra: c-statistic 0.67 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.72)). When categorised according to risk-category model, specificity was highest for the original Pra at cut-point of ≥0.5 denoting high risk (95%), and for the modified Pra at cut-point of ≥0.7 (95%). Both models overestimated the number of admissions across all risk strata. While the original Pra model demonstrated poor discrimination, model specificity was high and a small number of patients identified as high risk. Future validation studies should examine higher cut-points denoting high risk for the modified Pra, which has practical advantages in terms of application in GP. The original Pra tool may have a role in identifying higher-risk community-dwelling older people for inclusion in future trials aiming to reduce emergency admissions. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Risk factors for congenital anomaly in a multiethnic birth cohort: an analysis of the Born in Bradford study.

PubMed

Sheridan, Eamonn; Wright, John; Small, Neil; Corry, Peter C; Oddie, Sam; Whibley, Catherine; Petherick, Emily S; Malik, Teena; Pawson, Nicole; McKinney, Patricia A; Parslow, Roger C

2013-10-19

Congenital anomalies are a leading cause of infant death and disability and their incidence varies between ethnic groups in the UK. Rates of infant death are highest in children of Pakistani origin, and congenital anomalies are the most common cause of death in children younger than 12 in this ethnic group. We investigated the incidence of congenital anomalies in a large multiethnic birth cohort to identify the causes of the excess of congenital anomalies in this community. We obtained questionnaire data from the mothers of children with one or more anomalies from the Born in Bradford study, a prospective birth cohort study of 13,776 babies and their families in which recruitment was undertaken between 2007 and 2011. Details of anomalies were prospectively reported to the study and we cross checked these details against medical records. We linked data for anomalies to maternal questionnaire and clinical data gathered as part of the Born in Bradford study. We calculated univariate and multivariate risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs for various maternal risk factors. Of 11,396 babies for whom questionnaire data were available, 386 (3%) had a congenital anomaly. Rates for congenital anomaly were 305·74 per 10,000 livebirths, compared with a national rate of 165·90 per 10,000. The risk was greater for mothers of Pakistani origin than for those of white British origin (univariate RR 1·96, 95% CI 1·56-2·46). Overall, 2013 (18%) babies were the offspring of first-cousin unions. These babies were mainly of Pakistani origin--1922 (37%) of 5127 babies of Pakistani origin had parents in first-cousin unions. Consanguinity was associated with a doubling of risk for congenital anomaly (multivariate RR 2·19, 95% CI 1·67-2·85); we noted no association with increasing deprivation. 31% of all anomalies in children of Pakistani origin could be attributed to consanguinity. We noted a similar increase in risk for mothers of white British origin older than 34 years (multivariate RR 1·83, 95% CI 1·14-3·00). Maternal education to degree level was protective (0·53, 95% CI 0·38-0·75), irrespective of ethnic origin. Consanguinity is a major risk factor for congenital anomaly. The risk remains even after adjustment for deprivation, and accounts for almost a third of anomalies in babies of Pakistani origin. High levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced risk in all ethnic groups. Our findings will be valuable in health promotion and public health, and to those commissioning antenatal, paediatric, and clinical genetic services. Sensitive advice about the risks should be provided to communities at increased risk, and to couples in consanguineous unions, to assist in reproductive decision making. National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care programme. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is Low Self-Esteem a Risk Factor for Depression? Findings from a Longitudinal Study of Mexican-Origin Youth

PubMed Central

Orth, Ulrich; Robins, Richard W.; Widaman, Keith F.; Conger, Rand D.

2013-01-01

We examined the relation between low self-esteem and depression using longitudinal data from a sample of 674 Mexican-origin early adolescents who were assessed at age 10 and 12 years. Results supported the vulnerability model, which states that low self-esteem is a prospective risk factor for depression. Moreover, results suggested that the vulnerability effect of low self-esteem is driven, for the most part, by general evaluations of worth (i.e., global self-esteem), rather than by domain-specific evaluations of academic competence, physical appearance, and competence in peer relationships. The only domain-specific self-evaluation that showed a prospective effect on depression was honesty–trustworthiness. The vulnerability effect of low self-esteem held for male and female adolescents, for adolescents born in the United States vs. Mexico, and across different levels of pubertal status. Finally, the vulnerability effect held when we controlled for several theoretically relevant third variables (i.e., social support, maternal depression, stressful events, and relational victimization), and for interactive effects between self-esteem and the third variables. The present study contributes to an emerging understanding of the link between self-esteem and depression and provides much needed data on the antecedents of depression in ethnic minority populations. PMID:23895172

Is low self-esteem a risk factor for depression? Findings from a longitudinal study of Mexican-origin youth.

PubMed

Orth, Ulrich; Robins, Richard W; Widaman, Keith F; Conger, Rand D

2014-02-01

We examined the relation between low self-esteem and depression using longitudinal data from a sample of 674 Mexican-origin early adolescents who were assessed at age 10 and 12 years. Results supported the vulnerability model, which states that low self-esteem is a prospective risk factor for depression. Moreover, results suggested that the vulnerability effect of low self-esteem is driven, for the most part, by general evaluations of worth (i.e., global self-esteem), rather than by domain-specific evaluations of academic competence, physical appearance, and competence in peer relationships. The only domain-specific self-evaluation that showed a prospective effect on depression was honesty-trustworthiness. The vulnerability effect of low self-esteem held for male and female adolescents, for adolescents born in the United States versus Mexico, and across different levels of pubertal status. Finally, the vulnerability effect held when we controlled for several theoretically relevant 3rd variables (i.e., social support, maternal depression, stressful events, and relational victimization) and for interactive effects between self-esteem and the 3rd variables. The present study contributes to an emerging understanding of the link between self-esteem and depression and provides much needed data on the antecedents of depression in ethnic minority populations.

Is body temperature an independent predictor of mortality in hip fracture patients?

PubMed

Faizi, Murtuza; Farrier, Adam J; Venkatesan, Murali; Thomas, Christopher; Uzoigwe, Chika Edward; Balasubramanian, Siva; Smith, Robert P

2014-12-01

Admission body temperature is a critical parameter in all trauma patients. Low admission temperature is strongly associated with adverse outcomes. We have previously shown, in a prospective study that low admission body temperature is common and associated with high mortality in hip fracture patients (Uzoigwe et al., 2014). However, no previous studies have evaluated whether admission temperature is an independent predictor of mortality in hip fracture patients after adjustment for the 7 recognised independent prognostic indicators (Maxwell et al., 2008). We retrospectively collated data on all patients presenting to our institution between June 2011 and February 2013 with a hip fracture. This included patients involved in the original prospective study (Uzoigwe et al., 2014). Admission tympanic temperature, measured on initial presentation at triage, was recorded. The prognosticators of age, gender, source of admission, abbreviated mental test score, haemoglobin, co-morbid disease and the presence or absence of malignancy were also recorded. Using multiple logistic regression, adjustment was made for these potentially confounding prognostic indicators of 30-day mortality, to determine if admission low body temperature were independently linked to mortality. 1066 patients were included. 781 patients, involved in the original prospective study (Uzoigwe et al., 2014), presented in the relevant time frame and were included in the retrospective study. The mean age was 81. There were 273 (26%) men and 793 (74%) women. 407 (38%) had low body temperature (<36.5 °C). Adjustment was made for age, gender, source of admission, abbreviated mental test score, haemoglobin, co-morbid disease and the presence or absence of malignancy. Those with low body temperature had an adjusted odds ratio of 30-day mortality that was 2.1 times that of the euthermic (36.5–37.5 °C). Low body temperature is strongly and independently associated with 30-day mortality in hip fracture patients.

[The trend and prospect of studies of East Asian medical history in Korea].

PubMed

Sihn, Kyuhwan

2010-06-30

Studies of East Asian medical history in Korea have progressively accumulated in the last twenty years. First, Korean scholars broadened the focus of research from China-centered research to East Asian research. Studies of Toyo medical history in Korea mainly concentrated on Chinese medical history. Toyo medical history originated from Japanese orientalism and imperialism. Today the studies of East Asian medical history in Korea include Korea, China and Japan, and attempt to deal with East Asia as a single conceptual category. Second, researchers in East Asian medical history are steadily increasing. They study Chinese medical history or Japanese medical history from universities. As they continue their research in academic positions, successive researchers emerge. Third, the number of Korean scholars remains relatively small, but they pursue original research. Their interests are in the discourse of East Asian medical history, colonial modernity, environmental history, oral history, and history of disease.

Year in review 2005: Critical Care – nephrology

PubMed Central

Ricci, Zaccaria; Ronco, Claudio

2006-01-01

We summarize original research in the field of critical care nephrology accepted or published in 2005 in Critical Care and, when considered relevant or directly linked to this research, in other journals. The articles have been grouped into four categories to facilitate a rapid overview. First, physiopathology, epidemiology and prognosis of acute renal failure (ARF): an extensive review and some observational studies have been performed with the aim of describing aspects of ARF physiopathology, precise epidemiology and long-term outcomes. Second, several authors have performed clinical trials utilizing a potential nephro-protective drug, fenoldopam, with different results. Third, the issue of continuous renal replacement therapies dose has been addressed in a small prospective study and a large observational trial. And fourth, alternative indications to extracorporeal treatment of ARF and systemic inflammatory response syndrome have been explored by three original clinical studies. PMID:16919174

A prospective study of social difficulties, acculturation and persistent depression in Pakistani women living in the UK.

PubMed

Chaudhry, N; Husain, N; Tomenson, B; Creed, F

2012-06-01

The reasons for the high prevalence of depressive disorders in women of Pakistani origin living in the UK are not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of life events, chronic social difficulties and acculturation in a population-based sample of British Pakistani women. A cross-sectional and prospective cohort study of 18- to 65-year-old Pakistani women in UK was carried out. The Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for diagnosis, the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule for social stress and an acculturation questionnaire were used. Depressive disorder at baseline was associated with older age, social isolation and marked difficulties involving health and close relationships. Depressive disorder at follow-up was associated with severity of depression at baseline, difficulties in close relationships and two aspects of acculturation, especially less acculturation in relation to use of the English language. Lack of acculturation, especially less familiarity with the English language, is an independent predictor of persistence of depression in Pakistani women in UK. This needs to be taken into consideration when planning treatment, which also needs to address the personal difficulties associated with persistent depression. The implication of this work is that women of Pakistani origin with depression should be encouraged to receive help in the use of English as one part of treatment that may prevent relapse.

[Cultural adaptation of 2 questionnaires for health measurement in patients with vertigo].

PubMed

Pérez, N; Garmendia, I; Martín, E; García-Tapia, R

2000-10-01

To perform a transcultural adaptation form English to Spanish of two common questionnaires of handicap assessment in vestibular disorders. Prospective study. 337 patients seen for non-acute dizziness from peripheral or central origin in a tertiary referral setting. Dizziness Handicap Inventory test and UCLA-Dizziness Questionnaire after transcultural adaptation following the method of translation-backtranslation, expert assessment and statistical validation. The results after cultural adaptation and reliability assessment provide a firm basis to demonstrate the close relation of the Spanish and English version in all the items and their meaning. This adapted questionnaires can be used to assess vestibular disability with no loss of metric values of the original version.

Shared and Distinctive Origins and Correlates of Adult Attachment Representations: The Developmental Organization of Romantic Functioning

PubMed Central

Haydon, Katherine C.; Collins, W. Andrew; Salvatore, Jessica E.; Simpson, Jeffry A.; Roisman, Glenn I.

2012-01-01

To test proposals regarding the hierarchical organization of adult attachment, this study examined developmental origins of generalized and romantic attachment representations and their concurrent associations with romantic functioning. Participants (N = 112) in a 35-year prospective study completed the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and Current Relationship Interview (CRI). Two-way ANOVAs tested interactive associations of AAI and CRI security with infant attachment, early parenting quality, preschool ego resiliency, adolescent friendship quality, and adult romantic functioning. Both representations were associated with earlier parenting and core attachment-related romantic behavior, but romantic representations had distinctive links to ego resiliency and relationship-specific romantic behaviors. Attachment representations were independent and did not interactively predict romantic functioning, suggesting that they confer somewhat distinctive benefits for romantic functioning. PMID:22694197

Validation of the prognostic gene portfolio, ClinicoMolecular Triad Classification, using an independent prospective breast cancer cohort and external patient populations.

PubMed

Wang, Dong-Yu; Done, Susan J; Mc Cready, David R; Leong, Wey L

2014-07-04

Using genome-wide expression profiles of a prospective training cohort of breast cancer patients, ClinicoMolecular Triad Classification (CMTC) was recently developed to classify breast cancers into three clinically relevant groups to aid treatment decisions. CMTC was found to be both prognostic and predictive in a large external breast cancer cohort in that study. This study serves to validate the reproducibility of CMTC and its prognostic value using independent patient cohorts. An independent internal cohort (n = 284) and a new external cohort (n = 2,181) were used to validate the association of CMTC between clinicopathological factors, 12 known gene signatures, two molecular subtype classifiers, and 19 oncogenic signalling pathway activities, and to reproduce the abilities of CMTC to predict clinical outcomes of breast cancer. In addition, we also updated the outcome data of the original training cohort (n = 147). The original training cohort reached a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in disease-free survivals between the three CMTC groups after an additional two years of follow-up (median = 55 months). The prognostic value of the triad classification was reproduced in the second independent internal cohort and the new external validation cohort. CMTC achieved even higher prognostic significance when all available patients were analyzed (n = 4,851). Oncogenic pathways Myc, E2F1, Ras and β-catenin were again implicated in the high-risk groups. Both prospective internal cohorts and the independent external cohorts reproduced the triad classification of CMTC and its prognostic significance. CMTC is an independent prognostic predictor, and it outperformed 12 other known prognostic gene signatures, molecular subtype classifications, and all other standard prognostic clinicopathological factors. Our results support further development of CMTC portfolio into a guide for personalized breast cancer treatments.

Conflict with China Revisted: Prospects, Consequences, and Strategies for Deterrence

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

Gompert, Derek Grossman, Eric Heginbotham, Howard J. Shatz Summary Six years ago, the RAND Corporation reviewed the prospects for war...descending order of probabil- ity. These remain the same as those we identified six years ago, although we now rate conflict originating in the South...our margin of confidence is somewhat lower than it was six years ago. This judgment was and is still based on the view that the United States will

Pigeons may not use dual coding in the radial maze analog task.

PubMed

DiGian, Kelly A; Zentall, Thomas R

2007-07-01

Using a radial maze analog task, T. R. Zentall, J. N. Steirn, and P. Jackson-Smith (1990) found evidence that when a delay was interpolated early in a trial, pigeons coded locations retrospectively, but when the delay was interpolated late in the trial, they coded locations prospectively (support for a dual coding hypothesis). In Experiment 1 of the present study, the authors replicated the original finding of dual coding. In Experiments 2 and 3, they used a 2-alternative test procedure that does not require the assumption that pigeons' choice criterion, which changes over the course of the trial, is the same on delay and control trials. Under these conditions, the pigeons no longer showed evidence for dual coding. Instead, there was some evidence that they showed prospective coding, but a more parsimonious account of the results may be that the delay produced a relatively constant decrement in performance at all points of delay interpolation. The original finding of dual coding by Zentall et al. might have been biased by more impulsive choices early in control trials but not in delay trials and by a more stringent choice criterion late in delay trials. ((c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved).

Photonic crystal fibres in biomedical investigations

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

Skibina, Yu S; Tuchin, Valerii V; Beloglazov, V I

2011-04-30

The state of the art in the field of design and study of photonic crystal fibres for biomedical applications is considered and some original results recently obtained by the authors are presented. Optical properties of the fibres that offer prospects of their wide application as biological sensors, 'labs-on-a-chip', and facilities of electromagnetic radiation control in a wide range of wavelengths aimed at designing novel biomedical instrumentation are considered (optical technologies in biophysics and medicine)

What Pre-Deployment and Early Post-Deployment Factors Predict Health Function after Combat Deployment?: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Soldiers

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-30

licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. McAndrew et al...34), a trait related to hypnotic susceptibility. J Abnorm Psychol 1974, 83:268–277. 19. King DW, King LA, Vogt DS: Manual for the Deployment Risk and

Research Progresses of Halo Streams in the Solar Neighborhood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xi-long, Liang; Jing-kun, Zhao; Yu-qin, Chen; Gang, Zhao

2018-01-01

The stellar streams originated from the Galactic halo may be detected when they pass by the solar neighborhood, and they still keep some information at their birth times. Thus, the investigation of halo streams in the solar neighborhood is very important for understanding the formation and evolution of our Galaxy. In this paper, the researches of halo streams in the solar neighborhood are briefly reviewed. We have introduced the methods how to detect the halo streams and identify their member stars, summarized the progresses in the observation of member stars of halo streams and in the study of their origins, introduced in detail how to analyze the origins of halo streams in the solar neighborhood by means of numerical simulation and chemical abundance, and finally discussed the prospects of the LAMOST and GAIA in the research of halo streams in the solar neighborhood.

16 CFR 1401.1 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AND TECHNICAL DATA; REQUIREMENTS TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS AT POINT OF PURCHASE OF PERFORMANCE AND TECHNICAL... technical data to prospective purchasers of such products at the time of original purchase and to the first...

Optimal Decision Stimuli for Risky Choice Experiments: An Adaptive Approach.

PubMed

Cavagnaro, Daniel R; Gonzalez, Richard; Myung, Jay I; Pitt, Mark A

2013-02-01

Collecting data to discriminate between models of risky choice requires careful selection of decision stimuli. Models of decision making aim to predict decisions across a wide range of possible stimuli, but practical limitations force experimenters to select only a handful of them for actual testing. Some stimuli are more diagnostic between models than others, so the choice of stimuli is critical. This paper provides the theoretical background and a methodological framework for adaptive selection of optimal stimuli for discriminating among models of risky choice. The approach, called Adaptive Design Optimization (ADO), adapts the stimulus in each experimental trial based on the results of the preceding trials. We demonstrate the validity of the approach with simulation studies aiming to discriminate Expected Utility, Weighted Expected Utility, Original Prospect Theory, and Cumulative Prospect Theory models.

Comparative Analysis Study of Open Source GIS in Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasid, Muhammad Zamir Abdul; Kamis, Naddia; Khuizham Abd Halim, Mohd

2014-06-01

Open source origin might appear like a major prospective change which is qualified to deliver in various industries and also competing means in developing countries. The leading purpose of this research study is to basically discover the degree of adopting Open Source Software (OSS) that is connected with Geographic Information System (GIS) application within Malaysia. It was derived based on inadequate awareness with regards to the origin ideas or even on account of techie deficiencies in the open origin instruments. This particular research has been carried out based on two significant stages; the first stage involved a survey questionnaire: to evaluate the awareness and acceptance level based on the comparison feedback regarding OSS and commercial GIS. This particular survey was conducted among three groups of candidates: government servant, university students and lecturers, as well as individual. The approaches of measuring awareness in this research were based on a comprehending signal plus a notion signal for each survey questions. These kinds of signs had been designed throughout the analysis in order to supply a measurable and also a descriptive signal to produce the final result. The second stage involved an interview session with a major organization that carries out available origin internet GIS; the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (JPBD). The impact of this preliminary study was to understand the particular viewpoint of different groups of people on the available origin, and also their insufficient awareness with regards to origin ideas as well as likelihood may be significant root of adopting level connected with available origin options.

Geologic map of Kundelan ore deposits and prospects, Zabul Province, Afghanistan; modified from the 1971 original map compilations of K.I. Litvinenko and others

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tucker, Robert D.; Peters, Stephen G.; Stettner, Will R.; Masonic, Linda M.; Moran, Thomas W.

2015-10-26

Elevations on the cross sections are derived from the original Soviet topography and may not match the Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) topography used on the redrafted map of this report. Most hydrography derived from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) has not been included on our redrafted version of the map because of a poor fit with alluvial deposits from the unmodified original Soviet map (graphical supplement no. 18; Litvinenko and others, 1971).

Until the sun dies. [Book on origin of universe, life and intelligence on earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jastrow, R.

1977-01-01

This book gives a popular account of the forces that have shaped human beings into their present form and created the power of human intelligence, and considers the prospects for intelligent life on other planets in the solar system and elsewhere in the universe. The chain of events leading from the big bang to the origin of life on earth is reviewed together with the observations that established the expansion of the universe. Philosophical difficulties with the concept of a universe that has both a beginning and an end are pondered, steady-state cosmology is briefly explained, and the discovery of the relict microwave background is discussed. The formation of the solar system is recounted along with the scientific view of the origin of terrestrial life. Attention is given to the origin of cells and the evolution of oxygen-breathing life, multicelled creatures, armored animals, fishes, amphibians, early reptiles, dinosaurs, and mammals. The development of mammalian intelligence is traced from the early tree dwellers through monkeys, apes, ape men, humanoid tool makers, and primitive members of the genus Homo, to Homo sapiens. Possible evidence for the existence of life on Mars is evaluated together with prospects for communication or other contact with extraterrestrial intelligence.

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing: the fallout for individuals and their families unexpectedly learning of their donor conception origins.

PubMed

Crawshaw, Marilyn

2017-07-11

Increasing numbers of donor-conceived individuals (and/or parents) are seeking individuals genetically related through donor conception. One route is through 'direct-to-consumer' (DTC) DNA testing, prompting calls for fertility services to alert donors and prospective parents to the increasing unsustainability of anonymity and secrecy. The complexity of interpreting DNA results in this context has also been discussed, including their lack of absolute certainty, as has the need for professional and peer support. This commentary highlights a different 'threat', from individuals learning of their donor-conception origins through the use of such tests by themselves or relatives for such purposes as genealogy or health checks. It illustrates the personal complexities faced by three older women and their families on learning not only of their genetic relationship to each other but also to 15 more donor-related siblings. DTC DNA services are a growing feature of modern life. This commentary raises ethical questions about their responsibilities towards those inadvertently learning of donor conception origins and the responsibilities of fertility services to inform prospective parents and donors of this new phenomenon. Considerations of how and when parents should tell their children of their donor-conception origins here instead become how and when children should inform their parents.

Novel gene C17orf37 in Prostate Cancer Progression and Metastasis: A Prospective Biomarker

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18 . NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a...UPA and VEGF. These results were reported in an original article. Ongoing experiments: Currently we are performing in vivo xenograft studies in...Activation of multiple cancer- associated genes at the ERBB2 amplicon in breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 13: 39. Kelly P, Stemmle LN , Madden JF

Resolved Observations of Transition Disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casassus, Simon

2016-04-01

Resolved observations are bringing new constraints on the origin of radial gaps in protoplanetary disks. The kinematics, sampled in detail in one case-study, are indicative of non-Keplerian flows, corresponding to warped structures and accretion which may both play a role in the development of cavities. Disk asymmetries seen in the radio continuum are being interpreted in the context of dust segregation via aerodynamic trapping. We summarise recent observational progress, and describe prospects for improvements in the near term.

Patterns and operative treatment of recurrent Crohn's disease: a prospective longitudinal study.

PubMed

Fichera, Alessandro; Lovadina, Stefano; Rubin, Michele; Cimino, Fabrizio; Hurst, Roger D; Michelassi, Fabrizio

2006-10-01

It is believed commonly that Crohn's recurrences always occur at the site of a previous intestinal anastomosis; yet this concept is probably inaccurate and not mindful of the panintestinal nature of the disease. Between October, 1984 and March, 2003, we carried out 1,132 procedures (464 for primary and 668 for recurrent disease) on 981 consecutive patients. Patients in whom we carried out both the original procedure as well as the procedure for recurrent disease constitute this study population. Operative procedures for perineal complications were excluded from this analysis. Data were accrued prospectively. Seventy-eight patients met the study inclusion criteria. They had a total of 149 sites of disease (duodenum, n = 3; jejunum/ileum, n = 53; terminal ileum/neo terminal ileum, n = 67; colon and rectum, n = 26). One hundred thirty-four sites required operative intervention (85 resections and 49 strictureplasties) and 15 did not. Crohn's disease recurred in 79 sites after a mean of 48.4 months (range, 1-161 months, median, 41 months). Site of operative intervention and operative technique influenced patterns of recurrence: when an anastomosis or strictureplasty was constructed with small bowel, the majority of recurrences were limited to the anastomotic line (17/29, 59%); when it was constructed with small bowel and colon, the majority of recurrences extended to the proximal limb (29/35, 83%). The difference in recurrence pattern is significant (P < .01). In addition, fewer recurrences occurred at strictureplasty than resection sites (22/49, 45%, vs 57/85, 70%, respectively, P < .05). At the time of the second procedure, 40 additional recurrences were identified distant from the original operative site. Four of these represented progression of disease at the 15 sites that did not originally need operative intervention. Of 119 total recurrences, 115 required 73 resections, 40 strictureplasties, and 2 other procedures. The site of the original operative intervention is the most common site for recurrence, although as many as one-third of recurrences occur separate from it. Pattern of recurrence is influenced by site of the operative intervention (anastomotic for small bowel, proximal limb for ileocolonic) and by operative technique (fewer recurrences occurred at strictureplasty than resection sites). Disease progression occurred in 25% of the sites not addressed operatively at the original procedure. The operative strategy applied to Crohn's complications in different intestinal sites was similar for primary and recurrent disease.

A 20-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study of Degeneration of the Cervical Spine in a Volunteer Cohort Assessed Using MRI: Follow-up of a Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Daimon, Kenshi; Fujiwara, Hirokazu; Nishiwaki, Yuji; Okada, Eijiro; Nojiri, Kenya; Watanabe, Masahiko; Katoh, Hiroyuki; Shimizu, Kentaro; Ishihama, Hiroko; Fujita, Nobuyuki; Tsuji, Takashi; Nakamura, Masaya; Matsumoto, Morio; Watanabe, Kota

2018-05-16

Few studies have addressed in detail long-term degenerative changes in the cervical spine. In this study, we evaluated the progression of degenerative changes of the cervical spine that occurred over a 20-year period in an originally healthy cohort. We also sought to clarify the relationship between the progression of cervical degenerative changes and the development of clinical symptoms. For this prospective follow-up investigation, we recruited 193 subjects from an original cohort of 497 participants who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine between 1993 and 1996. The subjects were asked about the presence or absence of cervical spine-related symptoms. Degenerative changes of the cervical spine were assessed on MRI using an original numerical grading system. The relationship between the progression of degenerative changes and the onset of clinical symptoms was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Degeneration in the cervical spine was found to have progressed in 95% of the subjects during the 20-year period. The finding of a decrease in signal intensity of the intervertebral disc progressed in a relatively high proportion of the subjects in all age groups and occurred with similar frequency (around 60%) at all intervertebral disc levels. The rate of progression of other structural failures on MRI increased with age and was highest at C5-C6. The progression of foraminal stenosis was associated with the onset of upper-limb pain (odds ratio, 4.71 [95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 21.7]). A progression of degenerative changes in the cervical spine on MRI over the 20-year period was detected in nearly all subjects. There was no relationship between the progression of degeneration on MRI and the development of clinical symptoms, with the exception of an association found between foraminal stenosis and upper-limb pain. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early-Life Toxic Insults and Onset of Sporadic Neurodegenerative Diseases-an Overview of Experimental Studies.

PubMed

Tartaglione, Anna Maria; Venerosi, Aldina; Calamandrei, Gemma

2016-01-01

The developmental origin of health and disease hypothesis states that adverse fetal and early childhood exposures can predispose to obesity, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) in adult life. Early exposure to environmental chemicals interferes with developmental programming and induces subclinical alterations that may hesitate in pathophysiology and behavioral deficits at a later life stage. The mechanisms by which perinatal insults lead to altered programming and to disease later in life are still undefined. The long latency between exposure and onset of disease, the difficulty of reconstructing early exposures, and the wealth of factors which the individual is exposed to during the life course make extremely difficult to prove the developmental origin of NDDs in clinical and epidemiological studies. An overview of animal studies assessing the long-term effects of perinatal exposure to different chemicals (heavy metals and pesticides) supports the link between exposure and hallmarks of neurodegeneration at the adult stage. Furthermore, models of maternal immune activation show that brain inflammation in early life may enhance adult vulnerability to environmental toxins, thus supporting the multiple hit hypothesis for NDDs' etiology. The study of prospective animal cohorts may help to unraveling the complex pathophysiology of sporadic NDDs. In vivo models could be a powerful tool to clarify the mechanisms through which different kinds of insults predispose to cell loss in the adult age, to establish a cause-effect relationship between "omic" signatures and disease/dysfunction later in life, and to identify peripheral biomarkers of exposure, effects, and susceptibility, for translation to prospective epidemiological studies.

Current status and prospects of nuclear physics research based on tracking techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseev, V. A.; Alexandrov, A. B.; Bagulya, A. V.; Chernyavskiy, M. M.; Goncharova, L. A.; Gorbunov, S. A.; Kalinina, G. V.; Konovalova, N. S.; Okatyeva, N. M.; Pavlova, T. A.; Polukhina, N. G.; Shchedrina, T. V.; Starkov, N. I.; Tioukov, V. E.; Vladymirov, M. S.; Volkov, A. E.

2017-01-01

Results of nuclear physics research made using track detectors are briefly reviewed. Advantages and prospects of the track detection technique in particle physics, neutrino physics, astrophysics and other fields are discussed on the example of the results of the search for direct origination of tau neutrino in a muon neutrino beam within the framework of the international experiment OPERA (Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus) and works on search for superheavy nuclei in nature on base of their tracks in meteoritic olivine crystals. The spectra of superheavy elements in galactic cosmic rays are presented. Prospects of using the track detection technique in fundamental and applied research are reported.

Testosterone replacement therapy and the heart: friend, foe or bystander?

PubMed Central

Canfield, Steven; Wang, Run

2016-01-01

The role of testosterone therapy (TTh) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes is still controversial, and it seems will remain inconclusive for the moment. An extensive body of literature has investigated the association of endogenous testosterone and use of TTh with CVD events including several meta-analyses. In some instances, a number of studies reported beneficial effects of TTh on CVD events and in other instances the body of literature reported detrimental effects or no effects at all. Yet, no review article has scrutinized this body of literature using the magnitude of associations and statistical significance reported from this relationship. We critically reviewed the previous and emerging body of literature that investigated the association of endogenous testosterone and use of TTh with CVD events (only fatal and nonfatal). These studies were divided into three groups, “beneficial (friendly use)”, “detrimental (foe)” and “no effects at all (bystander)”, based on their magnitude of associations and statistical significance from original research studies and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies and of randomized controlled trials (RCT’s). In this review article, the studies reporting a significant association of high levels of testosterone with a reduced risk of CVD events in original prospective studies and meta-analyses of cross-sectional and prospective studies seems to be more consistent. However, the number of meta-analyses of RCT’s does not provide a clear picture after we divided it into the beneficial, detrimental or no effects all groups using their magnitudes of association and statistical significance. From this review, we suggest that we need a study or number of studies that have the adequate power, epidemiological, and clinical data to provide a definitive conclusion on whether the effect of TTh on the natural history of CVD is real or not. PMID:28078222

Testosterone replacement therapy and the heart: friend, foe or bystander?

PubMed

Lopez, David S; Canfield, Steven; Wang, Run

2016-12-01

The role of testosterone therapy (TTh) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes is still controversial, and it seems will remain inconclusive for the moment. An extensive body of literature has investigated the association of endogenous testosterone and use of TTh with CVD events including several meta-analyses. In some instances, a number of studies reported beneficial effects of TTh on CVD events and in other instances the body of literature reported detrimental effects or no effects at all. Yet, no review article has scrutinized this body of literature using the magnitude of associations and statistical significance reported from this relationship. We critically reviewed the previous and emerging body of literature that investigated the association of endogenous testosterone and use of TTh with CVD events (only fatal and nonfatal). These studies were divided into three groups, "beneficial (friendly use)", "detrimental (foe)" and "no effects at all (bystander)", based on their magnitude of associations and statistical significance from original research studies and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies and of randomized controlled trials (RCT's). In this review article, the studies reporting a significant association of high levels of testosterone with a reduced risk of CVD events in original prospective studies and meta-analyses of cross-sectional and prospective studies seems to be more consistent. However, the number of meta-analyses of RCT's does not provide a clear picture after we divided it into the beneficial, detrimental or no effects all groups using their magnitudes of association and statistical significance. From this review, we suggest that we need a study or number of studies that have the adequate power, epidemiological, and clinical data to provide a definitive conclusion on whether the effect of TTh on the natural history of CVD is real or not.

Significance of Vestibular Testing on Distinguishing the Nerve of Origin for Vestibular Schwannoma and Predicting the Preservation of Hearing

PubMed Central

He, Yu-Bo; Yu, Chun-Jiang; Ji, Hong-Ming; Qu, Yan-Ming; Chen, Ning

2016-01-01

Background: Determining the nerve of origin for vestibular schwannoma (VS), as a method for predicting hearing prognosis, has not been systematically considered. The vestibular test can be used to investigate the function of the superior vestibular nerve (SVN) and the inferior vestibular nerve (IVN). This study aimed to preoperatively distinguish the nerve of origin for VS patients using the vestibular test, and determine if this correlated with hearing preservation. Methods: A total of 106 patients with unilateral VS were enrolled in this study prospectively. Each patient received a caloric test, vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test, and cochlear nerve function test (hearing) before the operation and 1 week, 3, and 6 months, postoperatively. All patients underwent surgical removal of the VS using the suboccipital approach. During the operation, the nerve of tumor origin (SVN or IVN) was identified by the surgeon. Tumor size was measured by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The nerve of tumor origin could not be unequivocally identified in 38 patients (38/106, 35.80%). These patients were not subsequently evaluated. In 26 patients (nine females, seventeen males), tumors arose from the SVN and in 42 patients (18 females, 24 males), tumors arose from the IVN. Comparing with the nerve of origins (SVN and IVN) of tumors, the results of the caloric tests and VEMP tests were significantly different in tumors originating from the SVN and the IVN in our study. Hearing was preserved in 16 of 26 patients (61.54%) with SVN-originating tumors, whereas hearing was preserved in only seven of 42 patients (16.67%) with IVN-originating tumors. Conclusions: Our data suggest that caloric and VEMP tests might help to identify whether VS tumors originate from the SVN or IVN. These tests could also be used to evaluate the residual function of the nerves after surgery. Using this information, we might better predict the preservation of hearing for patients. PMID:26996474

Impact of Medicare's prospective payment system on hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies: how the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 may have altered service patterns for Medicare providers.

PubMed

Kulesher, Robert R

2006-01-01

The prospective payment system is one of many changes in reimbursement that has affected the delivery of health care. Originally developed for the payment of inpatient hospital services, it has become a major factor in how all health insurance is reimbursed. The policy implications extend beyond the Medicare program and affect the entire health care delivery system. Initially implemented in 1982 for payments to hospitals, prospective payment system was extended to payments for skilled nursing facility and home health agency services by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The intent of the Balanced Budget Act was to bring into balance the federal budget through reductions in spending. The decisions that providers have made to mitigate the impact are a function of ownership type, organizational mission, and current level of Medicare participation. This article summarizes the findings of several initial studies on the Balanced Budget Act's impact and discusses how changes in Medicare reimbursement policy have influenced the delivery of health care for the general public and for Medicare beneficiaries.

Evaluation of three methods for retrospective correction of vignetting on medical microscopy images utilizing two open source software tools.

PubMed

Babaloukas, Georgios; Tentolouris, Nicholas; Liatis, Stavros; Sklavounou, Alexandra; Perrea, Despoina

2011-12-01

Correction of vignetting on images obtained by a digital camera mounted on a microscope is essential before applying image analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate three methods for retrospective correction of vignetting on medical microscopy images and compare them with a prospective correction method. One digital image from four different tissues was used and a vignetting effect was applied on each of these images. The resulted vignetted image was replicated four times and in each replica a different method for vignetting correction was applied with fiji and gimp software tools. The highest peak signal-to-noise ratio from the comparison of each method to the original image was obtained from the prospective method in all tissues. The morphological filtering method provided the highest peak signal-to-noise ratio value amongst the retrospective methods. The prospective method is suggested as the method of choice for correction of vignetting and if it is not applicable, then the morphological filtering may be suggested as the retrospective alternative method. © 2011 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2011 Royal Microscopical Society.

[Necrotizing cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin in a developing country].

PubMed

Togo, S; Ouattara, M A; Saye, J; Sangaré, I; Touré, M; Maiga, I; Dakouo, D J; Xing, L; Guo, L; Zhou, A J; Koumaré, S; Koita, A K; Sanogo, Z Z; Yéna, S

2017-09-01

Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious disease and requires prompt and effective management to avoid adverse outcomes. The purpose of this work is to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties encountered in this condition. This was a prospective study in the thoracic surgery department of Mali Hospital from January 2011 to February 2015. We collected consecutively 19 cases of complicating cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin. The anatomical and clinical aspects, therapeutic modalities and difficulties are described. Dental pain and fever were the predominant symptoms followed by cervical edema. Chest CT-scan was the basis for the diagnosis in all cases. Cervicotomy with debridement was the most performed surgical procedure. Pleural drainage was performed in 6 cases. Three patients (15.8%) died. Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. The key radiological examination is the thoracic CT-scan. Early medico-surgical management by emergency care, tailored antibiotic therapy, removal of necrotizing tissues and drainage of collections are required to deliver a good outcome. Copyright © 2016 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Optimal Decision Stimuli for Risky Choice Experiments: An Adaptive Approach

PubMed Central

Cavagnaro, Daniel R.; Gonzalez, Richard; Myung, Jay I.; Pitt, Mark A.

2014-01-01

Collecting data to discriminate between models of risky choice requires careful selection of decision stimuli. Models of decision making aim to predict decisions across a wide range of possible stimuli, but practical limitations force experimenters to select only a handful of them for actual testing. Some stimuli are more diagnostic between models than others, so the choice of stimuli is critical. This paper provides the theoretical background and a methodological framework for adaptive selection of optimal stimuli for discriminating among models of risky choice. The approach, called Adaptive Design Optimization (ADO), adapts the stimulus in each experimental trial based on the results of the preceding trials. We demonstrate the validity of the approach with simulation studies aiming to discriminate Expected Utility, Weighted Expected Utility, Original Prospect Theory, and Cumulative Prospect Theory models. PMID:24532856

Parental reactions to children's negative emotions: prospective relations to Chinese children's psychological adjustment.

PubMed

Tao, Annie; Zhou, Qing; Wang, Yun

2010-04-01

The prospective relations between five types of parental reactions to children's negative emotions (PRCNE) and children's psychological adjustment (behavioral problems and social competence) were examined in a two-wave longitudinal study of 425 school-age children in China. Parents (mostly mothers) reported their own PRCNE. Parents, teachers, and children or peers reported on children's adjustment. Parental punitive reactions positively predicted externalizing problems (controlling for baseline), whereas emotion- and problem-focused reactions were negatively related to internalizing problems. Parental minimizing and encouragement of emotion expression were unrelated to adjustment. Concurrent relations were found between PRCNE and parents' authoritative and authoritarian parenting dimensions. However, PRCNE did not uniquely predict adjustment controlling for global parenting dimensions. The findings have implications for cultural adaptation of parent-focused interventions for families of Chinese origin. 2010 APA, all rights reserved

Risk Factors of Catheter-Related Thrombosis (CRT) in Cancer Patients: A Patient-Level Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Prospective Studies

PubMed Central

Saber, W.; Moua, T.; Williams, E. C.; Verso, M.; Agnelli, G.; Couban, S.; Young, A.; De Cicco, M.; Biffi, R.; van Rooden, C. J.; Huisman, M. V.; Fagnani, D.; Cimminiello, C.; Moia, M.; Magagnoli, M.; Povoski, S. P.; Malak, S. F.; Lee, A. Y.

2010-01-01

Background Knowledge of independent, baseline risk factors of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) may help select adult cancer patients at high risk to receive thromboprophylaxis. Objectives We conducted a meta-analysis of individual patient-level data to identify these baseline risk factors. Patients/Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, DARE, Grey literature databases were searched in all languages from 1995-2008. Prospective studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible. Studies were included if original patient-level data were provided by the investigators and if CRT was objectively confirmed with valid imaging. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of 17 prespecified baseline characteristics was conducted. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results A total sample of 5636 subjects from 5 RCTs and 7 prospective studies was included in the analysis. Among these subjects, 425 CRT events were observed. In multivariate logistic regression, the use of implanted ports as compared with peripherally implanted central venous catheters (PICC), decreased CRT risk (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23-0.80), whereas past history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (OR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.05-3.92), subclavian venipuncture insertion technique (OR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.07-4.34), and improper catheter tip location (OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.22-3.02), increased CRT risk. Conclusions CRT risk is increased with using PICC catheters, previous history of DVT, subclavian venipuncture insertion technique and improper positioning of the catheter tip. These factors may be useful for risk stratifying patients to select those for thromboprophylaxis. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings. PMID:21040443

The effect of providing a USB syllabus on resident reading of landmark articles

PubMed Central

Chahla, Mayy; Eberlein, Michael; Wright, Scott

2010-01-01

Background The acquisition of new knowledge is a primary goal of residency training. Retrieving and retaining influential primary and secondary medical literature can be challenging for house officers. We set out to investigate the effect of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive loaded with landmark scientific articles on housestaff education in a pilot study. Methods We created a USB syllabus that contains 187 primary scientific research articles. The electronic syllabus had links to the full-text articles and was organized using an html webpage with a table of contents according to medical subspecialties. We performed a prospective cohort study of 53 house officers in the internal medicine residency program who received the USB syllabus. We evaluated the impact of the USB syllabus on resident education with surveys at the beginning and conclusion of the nine-month study period. Results All 50 respondents (100%) reported to have used the USB syllabus. The self-reported number of original articles read each month was higher at the end of the nine-month study period compared to baseline. Housestaff rated original articles as being a more valuable educational resource after the intervention. Conclusions An electronic syllabus with landmark scientific articles placed on a USB drive was widely utilized by housestaff, increased the self-reported reading of original scientific articles and seemed to have positively influenced residents' attitude toward original medical literature. PMID:20165697

Chamomile Consumption and Mortality: A Prospective Study of Mexican Origin Older Adults

PubMed Central

Howrey, Bret T.; Peek, M. Kristen; McKee, Juliet M.; Raji, Mukaila A.; Ottenbacher, Kenneth J.; Markides, Kyriakos S.

2016-01-01

Purpose: Approximately 20% of adults use some kind of herbal; however, little data exists from population-based study or clinical trials to support effectiveness of most herbal products. Chamomile is a commonly used herb among older adults of Mexican origin. We examined the effects of herbal chamomile consumption on mortality among older adults of Mexican origin. Methods and Design. A sample from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, a population-based study of noninstitutionalized Mexican Americans aged 65 and older from five Southwestern states (Texas, California, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona). We included all men and women from 2000 to 2007 (n = 1,677). Results. Chamomile was used by 14% of the sample. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that chamomile was associated with a decreased risk of mortality in the total sample (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.92) and for women (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.92) but not for men. In models adjusted for sociodemographic variables, health behaviors, and chronic conditions, chamomile remained significantly associated with reduced mortality in women (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.98). Implications. The use of chamomile shows protective effects against mortality in this sample of older adults of Mexican origin for women. Further research is warranted in other populations to determine if these effects are consistent. PMID:26035879

[Secondary malignancies after breast cancer surgery. Comparison of retro- and prospective findings].

PubMed

Holdener, E E; Osterwalder, J; Senn, H J; Enderlin, F; Gloor, F

1982-12-04

Second malignancies (SM) represent one of the potential hazards of modern cancer treatment and especially of radio- and chemotherapy after surgery for breast cancer. For this reason, regional tumor registry data (1960-1975) on 1985 breast cancer patients were analyzed for SM in the retrospective part of our study. These data were compared with the prospective part of the study in which 241 patients were randomly assigned to either mastectomy or mastectomy and chemoimmunotherapy (CT + IT). In the retrospective part of the study, SM were observed in 83 cases (4.2%), 49% of which were SM of the contralateral breast. Most frequent extramammary SM were of gastrointestinal (25%), gynecologic (8%) and cerebral (5%) origin. Leukemias were found in 4% of all SM. Median time interval to SM was 5 years and 1 month. Within 5, 10 and 15 years after mastectomy 60%, 85% and 95% of SM were observed respectively. Median survival of patients with SM was 6 1/2 years. In the prospective part of the study, SM were observed in 9 cases (3.7%), 4.1% in the surgical control group and 3.4% in the adjuvant CT + IT group with a median observation time of 6 years post mastectomy. These data are compared to other current adjuvant breast trials and do not indicate as of now an increase in SM under present adjuvant therapy.

A prospective gating method to acquire a diverse set of free-breathing CT images for model-based 4DCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connell, D.; Ruan, D.; Thomas, D. H.; Dou, T. H.; Lewis, J. H.; Santhanam, A.; Lee, P.; Low, D. A.

2018-02-01

Breathing motion modeling requires observation of tissues at sufficiently distinct respiratory states for proper 4D characterization. This work proposes a method to improve sampling of the breathing cycle with limited imaging dose. We designed and tested a prospective free-breathing acquisition protocol with a simulation using datasets from five patients imaged with a model-based 4DCT technique. Each dataset contained 25 free-breathing fast helical CT scans with simultaneous breathing surrogate measurements. Tissue displacements were measured using deformable image registration. A correspondence model related tissue displacement to the surrogate. Model residual was computed by comparing predicted displacements to image registration results. To determine a stopping criteria for the prospective protocol, i.e. when the breathing cycle had been sufficiently sampled, subsets of N scans where 5  ⩽  N  ⩽  9 were used to fit reduced models for each patient. A previously published metric was employed to describe the phase coverage, or ‘spread’, of the respiratory trajectories of each subset. Minimum phase coverage necessary to achieve mean model residual within 0.5 mm of the full 25-scan model was determined and used as the stopping criteria. Using the patient breathing traces, a prospective acquisition protocol was simulated. In all patients, phase coverage greater than the threshold necessary for model accuracy within 0.5 mm of the 25 scan model was achieved in six or fewer scans. The prospectively selected respiratory trajectories ranked in the (97.5  ±  4.2)th percentile among subsets of the originally sampled scans on average. Simulation results suggest that the proposed prospective method provides an effective means to sample the breathing cycle with limited free-breathing scans. One application of the method is to reduce the imaging dose of a previously published model-based 4DCT protocol to 25% of its original value while achieving mean model residual within 0.5 mm.

Protocol for the Women And Their Children’s Health (WATCH) Study: A Cohort of Pregnancy and Beyond

PubMed Central

Hure, Alexis J; Collins, Clare E; Giles, Warwick B; Wright, Ian MR; Smith, Roger

2012-01-01

Background The developmental origins of health and disease is a conceptual framework that helps explain the links between our early life exposures and later health outcomes, and is a burgeoning field of research. In this report, we describe the study protocol used in a prospective cohort of women recruited during pregnancy, with postnatal follow-up of the mothers and offspring. Methods The Women And Their Children’s Health (WATCH) cohort (n = 180 women) is being conducted at the John Hunter Hospital, Australia (from June 2006). Women attended study visits during pregnancy at 19, 24, 30, and 36 weeks’ gestation. Postnatal follow-up of the women and their offspring occurred at 3-month intervals during the first year after birth and annually thereafter, until age 4 years. Fetal ultrasound scans were performed at each pregnancy visit. Pregnancy and birth data were obtained from hospital records. Data collection has included maternal and child anthropometric, biochemical, dietary, physical activity, socioeconomic, medical, and other variables. Conclusions The 2 most novel components of our prospective cohort study are (1) the regular and systematic tracking of fetal and child growth and body composition, starting in the second trimester of pregnancy and continuing to age 4 years, and (2) the detailed maternal and child dietary data collection, including biochemical parameters. Detailed cohorts that collect data on the early nutritional, physiological, and social determinants of health are valuable. Despite its relatively small sample size, many hypotheses on developmental origins can be tested or piloted using data collected from the WATCH cohort. PMID:22374367

The effect of the emotive decisions in prospect theory.

PubMed

Bonavia, Tomas

2014-12-29

The main purpose of this paper was to show that the certainty and reflection effects of prospect theory do not occur when stimuli have an affective value. To this end, 160 participants were asked to reply to a series of problems originally designed by Kahneman and Tversky (1979), but modified according to the contributions of Rottenstreich and Hsee (2001). The sample was divided into four experimental conditions, two in a gain situation and two in a loss situation. In both cases, affect-rich and affect-poor stimuli were applied in sure and probable alternatives. The findings showed that, in agreement with our hypotheses, the affective value of the stimuli altered the outcome predicted by prospect theory, showing response patterns contrary to certainty and reflection effects (p ≤ .01 and p ≤ .05 respectively). Therefore, this research supports the influence of the emotions in the decision-making process, and should be extended to other aspects of prospect theory.

Prior Surgical Score: An Analysis of the Prognostic Significance of an Initial Nondefinitive Surgical Intervention in Patients With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis of a Colorectal Origin Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Paul, Bikram K; Ihemelandu, Chukwuemeka; Sugarbaker, Paul H

2018-03-01

The prior surgical score estimates the extent of previous surgical intervention by quantitating surgical dissection within 9 abdominopelvic regions. Our aim was to analyze the prognostic significance of the prior surgical score in our cohort of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin. This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database for all patients treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin. The prospectively maintained surgical oncology tumor database was analyzed for the study period 1989-2014. A total of 407 patients diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin and treated with cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy were included in this analysis. The prognostic significance and clinicopathologic factors associated with an initial nondefinitive surgical intervention in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin undergoing cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy was evaluated. There were 210 men (51.6%) and 197 women (48.4%) in the study. Mean age at presentation was 53.7 years (range, 19.0-87.0 y). Data on prior surgical score for 69 patients were missing, leaving us with a study cohort of 338 patients. Grouped by prior surgical score, 46 (13.6%) had a prior surgical score of 0 versus 25 (7.4%), 122 (36.1%), and 145 (42.9%) who had a prior surgical score of 1, 2, or 3. Overall survival was 53.0%. Three- and 5-year survival rates were 75% and 75% for group prior surgical score 0 versus 26% and 13%, 39% and 37%, and 21% and 16% for group prior surgical scores 1, 2, and 3. Median survival time for the various prior surgical score groups were 180.0, 30.4, 30.5, and 21.3 months for prior surgical scores 0, 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.000). A total of 87.2% of the prior surgical score 0 group had a completeness of cytoreduction score of 0/1 (no residual disease/tumor <0.25 cm) versus 68.0%, 68.1%, and 48.6% for prior surgical scores of 1, 2, or 3 (p = 0.000). Significant independent predictors of a shorter survival in multivariate analysis included a high cytoreduction score status (p < 0.000) and a high prior surgical score (p = 0.05). This study was limited by its retrospective, population-based design. The extent of a previous nondefinitive surgical intervention contributes to the poor prognosis associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin. Independent predictors for an improved overall survival include completeness of cytoreduction and low prior surgical score. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A573.

Prospects for Temptation in Persia by The Great Satan: United States Engagement with Iran, 1993-2005

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

1 B . IMPORTANCE...7 A. ORIGINS OF THE PEACOCK THRONE...................................................7 B . OPERATION AJAX...STATES INTERNAL DEBATES................................................31 B . OPPORTUNITIES FOR USE OF POSITIVE INCENTIVES AND EXTENT TO WHICH THEY

Embryological origin of the endocardium and derived valve progenitor cells: from developmental biology to stem cell-based valve repair.

PubMed

Pucéat, Michel

2013-04-01

The cardiac valves are targets of both congenital and acquired diseases. The formation of valves during embryogenesis (i.e., valvulogenesis) originates from endocardial cells lining the myocardium. These cells undergo an endothelial-mesenchymal transition, proliferate and migrate within an extracellular matrix. This leads to the formation of bilateral cardiac cushions in both the atrioventricular canal and the outflow tract. The embryonic origin of both the endocardium and prospective valve cells is still elusive. Endocardial and myocardial lineages are segregated early during embryogenesis and such a cell fate decision can be recapitulated in vitro by embryonic stem cells (ESC). Besides genetically modified mice and ex vivo heart explants, ESCs provide a cellular model to study the early steps of valve development and might constitute a human therapeutic cell source for decellularized tissue-engineered valves. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Cardiac Pathways of Differentiation, Metabolism and Contraction. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oxaliplatin-related neuropathy in Indian patients - no difference between generic and original molecules.

PubMed

Sirohi, Bhawna; Ostwal, Vikas; Dawood, Shaheenah; Lopes, Gilberto; Talole, Sanjay; Nashikkar, Chaitali; Shrikhande, Shailesh

2016-01-01

Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy is a dose-limiting toxicity that significantly affects patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare its occurrence between a generic versus the original molecule in Indian patients. Between August 2012 and July 2013, 163 patients receiving oxaliplatin were prospectively enrolled. A data recording form was used in the clinic to record detailed information. The median age of patients was 55 years (range, 19-79). Chemotherapy regimens used included: capecitabine, oxaliplatin (59), epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (20), docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (11), 5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (9), and gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (64). The median cumulative dose of oxaliplatin was 780 mg/m 2 . Eighty patients received the original version and 83 the generic one. Overall, 63 patients (38%) developed neuropathy. There was no significant difference in the incidence of neuropathy between the two forms of oxaliplatin used ( P = 0.50). Forty-nine percent of female patients had neuropathy as compared to 30% of male patients ( P = 0.014). Older patients had a trend toward a higher incidence of neuropathy: 44% of patients above age fifty developed neuropathy compared to 30% of patients younger than 50 ( P = 0.06). This is the first study to specifically show that neuropathy rates do not vary with the use of generic versus original oxaliplatin.

Endoscopic mucosa-sparing lateral dissection for treatment of gastric submucosal tumors: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Li, Yue; Zhang, Qiang; Zhu, Chaojun; Luo, Yuchen; Han, Zelong; Qing, Haitao; Cai, Jianqun; Li, Ling; Huang, Ying; Liu, Side

2018-05-16

 In our previous work, we developed a modified method for the removal of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs), called endoscopic mucosa-sparing lateral dissection (EMSLD). This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and postoperative outcomes of EMSLD.  We prospectively enrolled 25 consecutive patients with gastric SMTs, who received EMSLD treatment. Clinicopathological characteristics and operation-related outcomes were analyzed.  The mean age of patients was 49.3 ± 9.7 years, and the mean tumor size was 14.6 ± 6.1 mm. En bloc resection was achieved in all cases. The mean procedure time was 47.3 ± 25.9 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 4.8 ± 3.5 mL. Endoscopic full-thickness resection was performed in six patients (24 %) because the tumors originated from the deep muscularis propria layer. All perforations and resection defects were successfully closed by the retained mucosa and endoclips. No serious complications related to EMSLD were encountered during or after the procedure.  EMSLD was reliable and effective for the removal of gastric SMTs. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effect of leaving chronic oral foci untreated on infectious complications during intensive chemotherapy

PubMed Central

Schuurhuis, J M; Span, L F R; Stokman, M A; van Winkelhoff, A J; Vissink, A; Spijkervet, F K L

2016-01-01

Background: Leukaemic patients receiving intensive chemotherapy and patients undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) are routinely screened for oral foci of infection to reduce infectious complications that could occur during therapy. In this prospective study we assessed the effect of leaving chronic oral foci of infection untreated on the development of infectious complications in intensively treated haematological patients. Methods: We included and prospectively evaluated all intensively treated leukaemic patients and patients undergoing ASCT who were referred to our medical centre between September 2012 and May 2014, and who matched the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Acute oral foci of infection were removed before chemotherapy or ASCT, whereas chronic oral foci were left untreated. Results: In total 28 leukaemic and 35 ASCT patients were included. Acute oral foci of infection were found in 2 leukaemic (7%) and 2 ASCT patients (6%), and chronic oral foci of infection in 24 leukaemic (86%) and 22 ASCT patients (63%). Positive blood cultures with microorganisms potentially originating from the oral cavity occurred in 7 patients during treatment, but were uneventful on development of infectious complications. Conclusions: Our prospective study supports the hypothesis that chronic oral foci of infection can be left untreated as this does not increase infectious complications during intensive chemotherapy. PMID:27002936

Validation of the prognostic gene portfolio, ClinicoMolecular Triad Classification, using an independent prospective breast cancer cohort and external patient populations

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Using genome-wide expression profiles of a prospective training cohort of breast cancer patients, ClinicoMolecular Triad Classification (CMTC) was recently developed to classify breast cancers into three clinically relevant groups to aid treatment decisions. CMTC was found to be both prognostic and predictive in a large external breast cancer cohort in that study. This study serves to validate the reproducibility of CMTC and its prognostic value using independent patient cohorts. Methods An independent internal cohort (n = 284) and a new external cohort (n = 2,181) were used to validate the association of CMTC between clinicopathological factors, 12 known gene signatures, two molecular subtype classifiers, and 19 oncogenic signalling pathway activities, and to reproduce the abilities of CMTC to predict clinical outcomes of breast cancer. In addition, we also updated the outcome data of the original training cohort (n = 147). Results The original training cohort reached a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in disease-free survivals between the three CMTC groups after an additional two years of follow-up (median = 55 months). The prognostic value of the triad classification was reproduced in the second independent internal cohort and the new external validation cohort. CMTC achieved even higher prognostic significance when all available patients were analyzed (n = 4,851). Oncogenic pathways Myc, E2F1, Ras and β-catenin were again implicated in the high-risk groups. Conclusions Both prospective internal cohorts and the independent external cohorts reproduced the triad classification of CMTC and its prognostic significance. CMTC is an independent prognostic predictor, and it outperformed 12 other known prognostic gene signatures, molecular subtype classifications, and all other standard prognostic clinicopathological factors. Our results support further development of CMTC portfolio into a guide for personalized breast cancer treatments. PMID:24996446

Geochemical prospecting for rare earth elements using termite mound materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horiuchi, Yu; Ohno, Tetsuji; Hoshino, Mihoko; Shin, Ki-Cheol; Murakami, Hiroyasu; Tsunematsu, Maiko; Watanabe, Yasushi

2014-12-01

The Blockspruit fluorite prospect, located in North West State of the Republic of South Africa, occurs within an actinolite rock zone that was emplaced into the Kenkelbos-type granite of Proterozoic age. There are a large number of termite mounds in the prospect. For geochemical prospecting for rare earth elements (REEs), in total, 200 samples of termite mound material were collected from actinolite rock and granite zones in the prospect. Geochemical analyses of these termite mound materials were conducted by two methods: portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Comparison of the two methods broadly indicates positive correlations of REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Y), in particular Y and La having a strong correlation. As the result of modal abundance analyses, the actinolite rock at surface mainly consists of ferro-actinolite (89.89 wt%) and includes xenotime (0.26 wt%) and monazite (0.21 wt%) grains as REE minerals. Termite mound materials from actinolite rock also contain xenotime (0.27 wt%) and monazite (0.41 wt%) grains. In addition, termite mound materials from the actinolite rock zone have high hematite and Fe silicate contents compared to those from granite zone. These relationships suggest that REE minerals in termite mound materials originate form actinolite rock. Geochemical anomaly maps of Y, La, and Fe concentrations drawn based on the result of the portable XRF analyses show that high concentrations of these elements trend from SW to NE which broadly correspond to occurrences of actinolite body. These results indicate that termite mounds are an effective tool for REE geochemical prospection in the study area for both light REEs and Y, but a more detailed survey is required to establish the distribution of the actinolite rock body.

Geologic, geochemical, and isotopic studies of a carbonate- and siliciclastic-hosted Pb-Zn deposit at Lion Hill, Vermont

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foley, Nora K.; Clark, Sandra H.B.; Woodruff, Laurel G.; Mosier, Elwin L.

1995-01-01

The prospect of an Irish-type sedimentary-exhalative origin for stratabound Pb-Zn deposits of the Paleozoic shelf of North America is of considerable importance to understanding the timing of mineralization relative to platform evolution and for evaluating the mineral resource potential of the region. Our study of the Lion Hill deposit indicates a potential for Irish-type Pb-Zn deposits in platform rocks of western Vermont; however, at Lion Hill they contain enrichments of Pb, Zn, and Cu rather than a Pb, Zn, and Ag association.

The cytogenetics of preimplantation human development: insights provided by traditional and novel techniques.

PubMed

Tempest, Helen G; Griffin, Darren K

2005-09-01

Our understanding of the incidence and origin of chromosome abnormalities in human preimplantation embryos is very limited due to the necessary ethical constraints involved in studying such material and the limited data ultimately produced. Several studies have addressed this issue, however, using techniques such as interphase fluorescence in situ hybridisation, modified G-banding preparation and the use of single-cell comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH). This review discusses the use of these techniques in assessing chromosome abnormalities in this, the earliest of human developmental stages. In addition, the prospects for the clinical use of CGH are discussed.

ANTS: Exploring the Solar System with an Autonomous Nanotechnology Swarm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, P. E.; Curtis, S.; Rilee, M.; Truszkowski, W.; Marr, G.

2002-01-01

ANTS (Autonomous Nano-Technology Swarm), a NASA advanced mission concept, calls for a large (1000 member) swarm of pico-class (1 kg) totally autonomous spacecraft to prospect the asteroid belt. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Aerobic microbiology and culture sensitivity of head and neck space infection of odontogenic origin

PubMed Central

Shah, Amit; Ramola, Vikas; Nautiyal, Vijay

2016-01-01

Context: Head and neck space infections source, age, gender, tooth involved, fascial spaces involved, microbiological study of aerobic flora, and antibiotic susceptibilities. Aims: The aim of the present study is to identify causative aerobic microorganisms responsible for deep fascial spaces of head and neck infections and evaluate the resistance of antibiotics used in the treatment of such. Settings and Design: Prospective study in 100 patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 100 patients who reported in the outpatient department and fulfilled the inclusion criteria to study aerobic microbiology and antibiotic sensitivity in head and neck space infection of odontogenic origin. Pus sample was obtained either by aspiration or by swab stick from the involved spaces, and culture and sensitivity tests were performed. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and level of significance. Results: Result showed aerobic Gram-positive isolates were 73% and aerobic Gram-negative isolates were 18%. Nine percent cases showed no growth. Streptococcus viridans was the highest isolate in 47% cases among Gram-positive bacteria, and in Gram-negative, Klebsiella pneumoniae was the highest isolate of total cases 11%. Amoxicillin showed resistance (48.4%) as compared to other antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, carbenicillin, amikacin, and imipenem had significantly higher sensitivity. Conclusions: Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid showed (64.8%) efficacy for all organisms isolated, whereas ceftriaxone showed (82.4%) efficacy and could be used in odontogenic infections for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. Substitution of third generation cephalosporin for amoxicillin in the empirical management of deep fascial space infections can also be used. Carbenicillin, amikacin, and imipenem showed (93.4%) sensitivity against all microorganisms and should be reserved for more severe infection. Newer and broad-spectrum antibiotics are more effective in vitro than older narrow spectrum antibiotics. PMID:28163480

A CMB polarization primer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Wayne; White, Martin

1997-10-01

We present a pedagogical and phenomenological introduction to the study of cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization to build intuition about the prospects and challenges facing its detection. Thomson scattering of temperature anisotropies on the last scattering surface generates a linear polarization pattern on the sky that can be simply read off from their quadrupole moments. These in turn correspond directly to the fundamental scalar (compressional), vector (vortical), and tensor (gravitational wave) modes of cosmological perturbations. We explain the origin and phenomenology of the geometric distinction between these patterns in terms of the so-called electric and magnetic parity modes, as well as their correlation with the temperature pattern. By its isolation of the last scattering surface and the various perturbation modes, the polarization provides unique information for the phenomenological reconstruction of the cosmological model. Finally we comment on the comparison of theory with experimental data and prospects for the future detection of CMB polarization.

Vertebral Artery Origin Stent Placement Using the Dual Lumen Qureshi-Jiao Guidecatheter

PubMed Central

Qureshi, Adnan I.; Wang, Yabing; Afzal, Mohammad Rauf; Jiao, Liqun

2017-01-01

Objective We report the first experience with a new dual lumen guide catheter with lumen A with curved tip designed for delivery of stent and angioplasty catheters and lumen B with side exit for coaxial placement of stiff 0.014 inch wire. Methods We prospectively determined technical success, intended procedure (stent delivery at target lesion and a final residual stenosis <30%) completed without a need for a different catheter, and technical ease, intended procedure completed without ≥3 unsuccessful attempts in patients with symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis. Vertebral artery origin was classified as type A if originated from ascending segment and type B if originated from an arch or horizontal segment of subclavian artery. Results The mean age of the four treated patients was 66.2 years (range 64–68 years). The mean percentage of vertebral artery origin stenosis was 82.7% (range 60–92%). The origin of vertebral artery from subclavian artery was classified as type A and type B origins in two patients each. The dual lumen catheter was advanced over an exchange length of 0.035 inch glide wire in one patient and directly through transfemoral insertion in three patients. Technical success and technical ease was achieved in all four procedures. Post procedure residual stenosis was 6% (range 5–7%). The primary operator rated the performance of guide catheter as superior compared with another catheter used in such procedures. Conclusion The present study demonstrates the feasibility of performing stent placement for vertebral artery origin stenosis by using a dual lumen catheter with superior performance. PMID:29445438

Impact of maternal and paternal preconception health on birth outcomes using prospective couples’ data in Add Health

PubMed Central

Moss, Jennifer L.; Harris, Kathleen Mullan

2014-01-01

Purpose Retrospective studies of preconception health have demonstrated that parents’ health conditions and behaviors can impact a newborn’s birth outcomes and, subsequently, future health status. This study sought to examine the impact of preconception health, measured prospectively, among both mothers and fathers, on two important birth outcomes: birthweight and gestational age. Methods Data came from Add Health (the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health), which included interviews with original participants and a subsample of their partners in 2001–02. In 2008, the original respondents again completed an interview for Add Health. For 372 eligible infants born to these couples, birth outcomes (measured in 2008) were regressed on preconception health conditions and behaviors among non-pregnant heterosexual partners (measured in 2001–02). Results Mean birthweight was 3399 grams, and mean gestational age was 39 weeks. Birthweight was higher for infants born to mothers with diabetes or high blood pressure, and for mothers who drank alcohol at least once per month, and lower for infants born to fathers with diabetes (p < .05). Infant gestational age was marginally lower for infants born to mothers with higher levels of depression (p < .10), and lower for infants born to fathers with diabetes and with higher levels of fast food consumption (p < .05). Conclusions Both maternal and paternal preconception health conditions and behaviors influenced infant birth outcomes. Interventions to promote preconception health should focus on prevention of diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as minimizing consumption of alcohol and fast food. PMID:25367598

Differentiating the origin of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia using a simple, novel approach.

PubMed

Efimova, Elena; Dinov, Borislav; Acou, Willem-Jan; Schirripa, Valentina; Kornej, Jelena; Kosiuk, Jedrzej; Rolf, Sascha; Sommer, Philipp; Richter, Sergio; Bollmann, Andreas; Hindricks, Gerhard; Arya, Arash

2015-07-01

Numerous electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria have been proposed to identify localization of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT-VAs); however, in some cases, it is difficult to accurately localize the origin of OT-VA using the surface ECG. The purpose of this study was to assess a simple criterion for localization of OT-VAs during electrophysiology study. We measured the interval from the onset of the earliest QRS complex of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) to the distal right ventricular apical signal (the QRS-RVA interval) in 66 patients (31 men aged 53.3 ± 14.0 years; right ventricular outflow tract [RVOT] origin in 37) referred for ablation of symptomatic outflow tract PVCs. We prospectively validated this criterion in 39 patients (22 men aged 52 ± 15 years; RVOT origin in 19). Compared with patients with RVOT PVCs, the QRS-RVA interval was significantly longer in patients with left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) PVCs (70 ± 14 vs 33.4±10 ms, P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a QRS-RVA interval ≥49 ms had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100%, 94.6%, 93.5%, and 100%, respectively, for prediction of an LVOT origin. The same analysis in the validation cohort showed sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 94.7%, 95%, 95%, and 94.7%, respectively. When these data were combined, a QRS-RVA interval ≥49 ms had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 98%, 94.6%, 94.1%, and 98.1%, respectively, for prediction of an LVOT origin. A QRS-RVA interval ≥49 ms suggests an LVOT origin. The QRS-RVA interval is a simple and accurate criterion for differentiating the origin of outflow tract arrhythmia during electrophysiology study; however, the accuracy of this criterion in identifying OT-VA from the right coronary cusp is limited. Copyright © 2015 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New natural products of interest under development at the National Cancer Institute.

PubMed

Douros, J; Suffness, M

1978-01-01

Fourteen new agents of natural products origin which are under development as antitumor agents at the National Cancer Institute are discussed with reference to their sources, structures, antitumor activity, current status, and future prospects as clinically effective agents.

Tests, Abilities, Race, and Conflict.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliott, Rogers

1988-01-01

Relationship between ability tests and race and issues of famous lawsuits concerning possible bias in intelligence tests are summarized. Reasons for the origins of ethnic and racial differences in general intellectual ability are considered. Prospects for the reduction of group differences and conflicts are discussed. (SLD)

Healthcare-associated infections in pediatric cancer patients: results of a prospective surveillance study from university hospitals in Germany and Switzerland.

PubMed

Simon, Arne; Ammann, Roland A; Bode, Udo; Fleischhack, Gudrun; Wenchel, Hans-Martin; Schwamborn, Dorothee; Gravou, Chara; Schlegel, Paul-Gerhardt; Rutkowski, Stefan; Dannenberg, Claudia; Körholz, Dieter; Laws, Hans Jürgen; Kramer, Michael H

2008-05-23

Pediatric cancer patients face an increased risk of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). To date, no prospective multicenter studies have been published on this topic. Prospective multicenter surveillance for HAI and nosocomial fever of unknown origin (nFUO) with specific case definitions and standardized surveillance methods. 7 pediatric oncology centers (university facilities) participated from April 01, 2001 to August 31, 2005. During 54,824 days of inpatient surveillance, 727 HAIs and nFUOs were registered in 411 patients. Of these, 263 (36%) were HAIs in 181 patients, for an incidence density (ID) (number of events per 1,000 inpatient days) of 4.8 (95% CI 4.2 to 5.4; range 2.4 to 11.7; P < 0.001), and 464 (64%) were nFUO in 230 patients. Neutropenia at diagnosis correlated significantly with clinical severity of HAI. Of the 263 HAIs, 153 (58%) were bloodstream infections (BSI). Of the 138 laboratory-confirmed BSIs, 123 (89%) were associated with use of a long-term central venous catheter (CVAD), resulting in an overall ID of 2.8 per 1,000 utilization days (95% CI 2.3 to 3.3). The ID was significantly lower in Port-type than in Hickman-type CVADs. The death of 8 children was related to HAI, including six cases of aspergillosis. The attributable mortality was 3.0% without a significant association to neutropenia at time of NI diagnosis. Our study confirmed that pediatric cancer patients are at an increased risk for specific HAIs. The prospective surveillance of HAI and comparison with cumulative multicenter results are indispensable for targeted prevention of these adverse events of anticancer treatment.

Dynamic Effects among Patients' Treatment Needs, Beliefs, and Utilization: A Prospective Study of Adolescents in Drug Treatment

PubMed Central

Schell, Terry L; Orlando, Maria; Morral, Andrew R

2005-01-01

Objective To document the prospective, reciprocal relationships among substance use problems, utilization of drug treatment, and predisposing beliefs thought to increase treatment utilization. Data Source Persistent Effects of Treatment Study-Adolescent (PETS-A), conducted by the Center on Substance Abuse Treatment. This was a longitudinal study of youths originally participating in one of two CSAT studies; one sample included 476 youths receiving residential drug treatment, and the other included 519 youths receiving outpatient treatment. Study Design This study uses five waves of data collected over a 12-month period to examine the temporal relationships among four variables: treatment dose, substance use problems, drug resistance self-efficacy, and perceived need for treatment (PNT). Data from this longitudinal study were analyzed using cross-lagged panel models, and structural equation modeling techniques were used to estimate the prospective, reciprocal relationships among these four variables in each of the two samples, while controlling for several covariates. Principal Findings Both PNT and low drug resistance self-efficacy led to higher levels of subsequent treatment. However, low self-efficacy presaged increases in drug problems while PNT predicted decreases. Conclusions Understanding the role of psychological variables in the utilization of health services is complicated for psychological disorders because beliefs that affect treatment can also influence the disorder itself. Efforts to keep adolescents in drug treatment should focus on convincing youth that treatment can help them with their problems, rather than convincing them that they cannot resist drugs on their own. While both messages increase treatment utilization, the latter belief undermines the effects of treatment. PMID:16033496

Geologic map of the western Haji-Gak iron deposit, Bamyan Province, Afghanistan, modified from the 1965 original map compilation of V.V. Reshetniak and I.K. Kusov

USGS Publications Warehouse

Renaud, Karine M.; Tucker, Robert D.; Peters, Stephen G.; Stettner, Will R.; Masonic, Linda M.; Moran, Thomas W.

2011-01-01

This map is a modified version of Geologic-prospecting plan of western area of Hajigak iron-ore deposit, scale 1:2,000, which was compiled by V.V. Reshetniak and I.K. Kusov in 1965. (Refer to the References Cited section in the Map PDF for complete citations of the original map and related reports.) USGS scientists, in cooperation with the Afghan Geological Survey and the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations of the U.S. Department of Defense, studied the original documents and also visited the field area in November 2009. This modified map illustrates the geological structure of the western Haji-Gak iron deposit and includes cross sections of the same area. The map reproduces the topology (contacts, faults, and so forth) of the original Soviet map and includes modifications based on our examination of that document. We constructed the cross sections from data derived from the original map. Elevations on the cross sections are derived from the original Soviet topography and may not match the newer topography used on the current map. We have attempted to translate the original Russian terminology and rock classification into modern English geologic usage as literally as possible without changing any genetic or process-oriented implications in the original descriptions. We also use the age designations from the original map. The unit colors on the map and cross sections differ from the colors shown on the original version. The units are colored according to the color and pattern scheme of the Commission for the Geological Map of the World (CGMW) (http://www.ccgm.org).

Compositional Variation of Tourmaline from the Paleoproterozoic Bhukia Gold Prospect of Aravalli Supergroup, Western India: Implications for the Provenance and Gold Metallogeny

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, R.; Venkatesh, A. S.; Fareeduddin, F.

2016-12-01

Bhukia is a unique gold prospect in terms of its host lithologies such as albitite and carbonates with respect to greenstone hosted Archean gold deposits from India. Tourmaline occurs along with apatite, magnetite, graphite, chalcopyrite and gold-sulfide association in Bhukia gold prospect preserve geochemical record of changing physico-chemical conditions during its growth. Tourmalinization is one of the distinct hydrothermal alterations present in the study area. Chemical composition of two varieties of tourmalines presents as significant amounts within albitite and carbonate rocks from Bhukia gold prospect. EPMA analysis of two varieties of tourmalines viz. 1) rounded to sub-rounded, euhedral, green colored tourmalines and 2) elongated, zoned, brown colored tourmalines unlocks their chemical compositions as well as variations from core to rim. In some albitite litho-units, tourmaline occurs as major constituents (>15%), present as layers, termed as tourmalinites. Al-Fe-Mg and Na/ (Na+Ca) vs Fe/ (Fe+Mg) suggests that tourmalines from the Bhukia gold prospect are Mg-rich dravite to Fe-rich schrol in composition. Tourmalines present within the albitite rocks show variations in iron and sodium content from core to rim whereas similarity exist from core to rim in case of carbonate rocks. Presence of albite confirms the role of Na-rich fluids during the formation of tourmalines. Tourmalines present in Bhukia gold prospect is mainly influenced by boron influx and the source may be boron bearing hydrothermal fluid or boron bearing minerals. Dewatering of original un-metamorphosed rock during progressive metamorphism may remove boron from the metasedimentary rocks. Due to the mobile nature of boron, it dispersed and mixed with hydrothermal fluids and alumina that is required for the formation of the tourmaline might have been leached from metasedimentary rocks present in Bhukia gold prospect. Presence of hydrothermal alterations such as tourmalinization and albitization along with Au-Cu-graphite-magnetite association suggest this deposit to be an IOCG (Iron oxide copper gold) type.

Astigmatism reduction clinical trial: a multicenter prospective evaluation of the predictability of arcuate keratotomy. Evaluation of surgical nomogram predictability. ARC-T Study Group.

PubMed

Price, F W; Grene, R B; Marks, R G; Gonzales, J S

1995-03-01

To determine the accuracy of the Lindstrom surgical nomogram for astigmatism. A prospective multicenter study. One hundred sixty eyes of 95 patients underwent astigmatic keratotomy in eight centers by nine surgeons. Inclusion criteria for the study included age of at least 18 years with 1 to 6 diopters (D) of naturally occurring corneal astigmatism and less than 1 D of lenticular astigmatism. A standardized astigmatic keratotomy surgical technique was performed on each eye. Surgical measurements were determined using the Lindstrom surgical nomogram for astigmatism. The Holladay, Cravy, Koch vector analysis method was used to determine the change in refractive cylinder results. Refractive changes also are presented without vector analysis merely using the absolute change in refractive cylinder and axis. Multiple regression analysis was used to develop a mathematical model determining the factors predictive of the change in refractive cylinder. The significant predictors for the amount of astigmatic correction achieved were, in order of decreasing importance, the following: number of incisions (R2 = 30%), incision length (R2 = 16%), age (R2 = 8%), and gender (R2 = 2%). Astigmatism is a two-dimensional measurement of both quantity and direction that is most appropriately analyzed with vector analysis. The original Lindstrom surgical nomogram for arcuate keratotomy used in this study is still quite useful although it tended to underpredict results for many patients, especially those having two incisional surgeries. Some older subjects having minimal surgery achieved greater correction than predicted by the original nomogram. The most important factors predictive of greater astigmatic keratotomy surgical effect are incision number, incision length, older age, and male gender.

Aging of monolithic zirconia dental prostheses: Protocol for a 5-year prospective clinical study using ex vivo analyses.

PubMed

Koenig, Vinciane; Wulfman, Claudine P; Derbanne, Mathieu A; Dupont, Nathalie M; Le Goff, Stéphane O; Tang, Mie-Leng; Seidel, Laurence; Dewael, Thibaut Y; Vanheusden, Alain J; Mainjot, Amélie K

2016-12-15

Recent introduction of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) monolithic zirconia dental prostheses raises the issue of material low thermal degradation (LTD), a well-known problem with zirconia hip prostheses. This phenomenon could be accentuated by masticatory mechanical stress. Until now zirconia LTD process has only been studied in vitro . This work introduces an original protocol to evaluate LTD process of monolithic zirconia prostheses in the oral environment and to study their general clinical behavior, notably in terms of wear. 101 posterior monolithic zirconia tooth elements (molars and premolars) are included in a 5-year prospective clinical trial. On each element, several areas between 1 and 2 mm 2 (6 on molars, 4 on premolars) are determined on restoration surface: areas submitted or non-submitted to mastication mechanical stress, glazed or non-glazed. Before prosthesis placement, ex vivo analyses regarding LTD and wear are performed using Raman spectroscopy, SEM imagery and 3D laser profilometry. After placement, restorations are clinically evaluated following criteria of the World Dental Federation (FDI), complemented by the analysis of fracture clinical risk factors. Two independent examiners perform the evaluations. Clinical evaluation and ex vivo analyses are carried out after 6 months and then each year for up to 5 years. For clinicians and patients, the results of this trial will justify the use of monolithic zirconia restorations in dental practice. For researchers, the originality of a clinical study including ex vivo analyses of material aging will provide important data regarding zirconia properties.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02150226.

Characterization of the decision-making deficit of patients with ventromedial prefrontal cortex lesions.

PubMed

Bechara, A; Tranel, D; Damasio, H

2000-11-01

On a gambling task that models real-life decisions, patients with bilateral lesions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VM) opt for choices that yield high immediate gains in spite of higher future losses. In this study, we addressed three possibilities that may account for this behaviour: (i) hypersensitivity to reward; (ii) insensitivity to punishment; and (iii) insensitivity to future consequences, such that behaviour is always guided by immediate prospects. For this purpose, we designed a variant of the original gambling task in which the advantageous decks yielded high immediate punishment but even higher future reward. The disadvantageous decks yielded low immediate punishment but even lower future reward. We measured the skin conductance responses (SCRs) of subjects after they had received a reward or punishment. Patients with VM lesions opted for the disadvantageous decks in both the original and variant versions of the gambling task. The SCRs of VM lesion patients after they had received a reward or punishment were not significantly different from those of controls. In a second experiment, we investigated whether increasing the delayed punishment in the disadvantageous decks of the original task or decreasing the delayed reward in the disadvantageous decks of the variant task would shift the behaviour of VM lesion patients towards an advantageous strategy. Both manipulations failed to shift the behaviour of VM lesion patients away from the disadvantageous decks. These results suggest that patients with VM lesions are insensitive to future consequences, positive or negative, and are primarily guided by immediate prospects. This 'myopia for the future' in VM lesion patients persists in the face of severe adverse consequences, i.e. rising future punishment or declining future reward.

[Prospective study with auditory evoked potentials of the brain stem in children at risk].

PubMed

Navarro Rivero, B; González Díaz, E; Marrero Santos, L; Martínez Toledano, I; Murillo Díaz, M J; Valiño Colás, M J

1999-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate methods of hypoacusis screening. The early detection of audition problems is vital for quick rehabilitation. For this reason, resting on the criteria of the Comisión Española para la Detección Precoz de la Hipoacusia (Spanish Commission for the Early Detection of Hypoacusis), we have carried out a prospective study, from January to May 1998, evaluating patients at risk of suffering from hypoacusis. The study included 151 patients with ages between birth and 14 years. Medical records and brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) were carried out. The most common reason for requesting a consultation for the 151 patients included in our study was the suspicion of hypoacusis. Seventy-one (47%) presented pathological BAER, 37 of them were bilateral. In most cases the loss of audition was of cochlear origin, with 11 patients having a serious deafness, 4 with bilateral affection (3 suspicious of hypoacusis and 1 of hyperbilirubinemia) and 7 unilateral deafness. BAER is a good screening method for children at risk. It is an innocuous, objective and specific test that does not require the patient's collaboration. The level of positives is high (47%).

Management of Fistula-In-Ano with Special Reference to Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract.

PubMed

Khadia, Mohanlal; Muduli, Iswar Chandra; Das, Sushanta Kumar; Mallick, Sworupa Nanda; Bag, Laxman; Pati, Manas Ranjan

2016-01-01

The surgical management of fistula-in-ano is still debatable and no clear recommendations have been made available until now. The present study analyses the results of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique in treating fistula-in-ano in particular with recurrence, healing time, and continence status. LIFT in the management of patients of fistula-in-ano of cryptoglandular origin. Prospective study. This is a prospective study of 52 patients admitted from September 2012 to August 2014. Patients were managed with LIFT technique and results of LIFT technique were compared with other studies in terms of recurrence rate, incontinence rate, and other postoperative complications. A total of 52 patients were studied. Median follow-up was 24 weeks. Primary healing was achieved in 32 (71.11%) patients. Thirteen patients (28.88%) had a recurrence. No patient reported any subjective decrease incontinence after the procedure. LIFT technique is simple and easy to learn. With this method fistula-in-ano could be easily treated even at primary health care level. LIFT technique is a simple and novel modified approach for the treatment of fistula-in-ano with rapid healing rate and without any resultant incontinence.

Higgs Particle: The Origin of Mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okada, Yasuhiro

2007-11-01

The Higgs particle is a new elementary particle predicted in the Standard Model of the elementary particle physics. It plays a special role in the theory of mass generation of quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons. In this article, theoretical issues on the Higgs mechanism are first discussed, and then experimental prospects on the Higgs particle study at the future collider experiments, LHC and ILC, are reviewed. The Higgs coupling determination is an essential step to establish the mass generation mechanism, which could lead to a deeper understanding of particle physics.

Security in the Middle East

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

Wells, S.F. Jr.; Bruzonsky, M.A.

1986-01-01

The full range of U.S. security interests in the Middle East is covered in this volume of original contributions from prominent international scholars. Case studies of key countries emphasize the prospects for peaceful political, economic, and cultural change in the region. The Arab-Israeli conflict is examined with particular attention to the ''Palestine problem,'' U.S. policy and diplomacy, and the peace process. Finally, the involvement of the U.S. and the USSR and the policy options open to them are considered. Includes chapters on oil and its role in Middle-East security issues.

Study of clutter origin in in-vivo epi-optoacoustic imaging of human forearms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Preisser, Stefan; Held, Gerrit; Akarçay, Hidayet G.; Jaeger, Michael; Frenz, Martin

2016-09-01

Epi-optoacoustic (OA) imaging offers flexible clinical diagnostics of the human body when the irradiation optic is attached to or directly integrated into the acoustic probe. Epi-OA images, however, encounter clutter that deteriorates contrast and significantly limits imaging depth. This study elaborates clutter origin in clinical epi-optoacoustic imaging using a linear array probe for scanning the human forearm. We demonstrate that the clutter strength strongly varies with the imaging location but stays stable over time, indicating that clutter is caused by anatomical structures. OA transients which are generated by strong optical absorbers located at the irradiation spot were identified to be the main source of clutter. These transients obscure deep in-plane OA signals when detected by the transducer either directly or after being acoustically scattered in the imaging plane. In addition, OA transients generated in the skin below the probe result in acoustic reverberations, which cause problems in image interpretation and limit imaging depth. Understanding clutter origin allows a better interpretation of clinical OA imaging, helps to design clutter compensation techniques and raises the prospect of contrast optimization via the design of the irradiation geometry.

The Professions and Their Prospects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freidson, Eliot, Ed.

Sixteen authors of various backgrounds have contributed original papers to the book which evaluates the role of the professions in society today and assesses their likely roles in the future. Comparatively general issues applicable to many professions are discussed in part one--occupational principle vs. administrative principle, generating…

Geothermal Energy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eaton, William W.

Described are the origin and nature of geothermal energy. Included is the history of its development as an energy source, technological considerations affecting its development as an energy source, its environmental effects, economic considerations, and future prospects of development in this field. Basic system diagrams of the operation of a…

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience: Origins, Issues, and Prospects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennington, Bruce F.; Snyder, Kelly A.; Roberts, Ralph J., Jr.

2007-01-01

This commentary explains how the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience (DCN) holds the promise of a much wider interdisciplinary integration across sciences concerned with development: psychology, molecular genetics, neurobiology, and evolutionary developmental biology. First we present a brief history of DCN, including the key theoretical…

Cosmic gamma-rays and cosmic nuclei above 1 TeV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, A. A.

1986-01-01

Work on cosmic gamma rays and cosmic nuclei above I TeV is described and evaluated. The prospect that gamma ray astronomy above I TeV will give new insights into high energy cosmic ray origin within our galaxy is particularly bright.

Spectroscopic techniques to study the immune response in human saliva

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nepomnyashchaya, E.; Savchenko, E.; Velichko, E.; Bogomaz, T.; Aksenov, E.

2018-01-01

Studies of the immune response dynamics by means of spectroscopic techniques, i.e., laser correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, are described. The laser correlation spectroscopy is aimed at measuring sizes of particles in biological fluids. The fluorescence spectroscopy allows studying of the conformational and other structural changings in immune complex. We have developed a new scheme of a laser correlation spectrometer and an original signal processing algorithm. We have suggested a new fluorescence detection scheme based on a prism and an integrating pin diode. The developed system based on the spectroscopic techniques allows studies of complex process in human saliva and opens some prospects for an individual treatment of immune diseases.

Dynamic effects among patients' treatment needs, beliefs, and utilization: a prospective study of adolescents in drug treatment.

PubMed

Schell, Terry L; Orlando, Maria; Morral, Andrew R

2005-08-01

To document the prospective, reciprocal relationships among substance use problems, utilization of drug treatment, and predisposing beliefs thought to increase treatment utilization. Persistent Effects of Treatment Study-Adolescent (PETS-A), conducted by the Center on Substance Abuse Treatment. This was a longitudinal study of youths originally participating in one of two CSAT studies; one sample included 476 youths receiving residential drug treatment, and the other included 519 youths receiving outpatient treatment. This study uses five waves of data collected over a 12-month period to examine the temporal relationships among four variables: treatment dose, substance use problems, drug resistance self-efficacy, and perceived need for treatment (PNT). Data from this longitudinal study were analyzed using cross-lagged panel models, and structural equation modeling techniques were used to estimate the prospective, reciprocal relationships among these four variables in each of the two samples, while controlling for several covariates. Both PNT and low drug resistance self-efficacy led to higher levels of subsequent treatment. However, low self-efficacy presaged increases in drug problems while PNT predicted decreases. Understanding the role of psychological variables in the utilization of health services is complicated for psychological disorders because beliefs that affect treatment can also influence the disorder itself. Efforts to keep adolescents in drug treatment should focus on convincing youth that treatment can help them with their problems, rather than convincing them that they cannot resist drugs on their own. While both messages increase treatment utilization, the latter belief undermines the effects of treatment.

Predictors of Outcome in Conservative and Minimally Invasive Surgical Management of Pain Originating From the Sacroiliac Joint

PubMed Central

Dengler, Julius; Duhon, Bradley; Whang, Peter; Frank, Clay; Glaser, John; Sturesson, Bengt; Garfin, Steven; Cher, Daniel; Rendahl, Aaron; Polly, David

2017-01-01

Study Design. A pooled patient-level analysis of two multicenter randomized controlled trials and one multicenter single-arm prospective trial. Objective. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of outcome of conservative and minimally invasive surgical management of pain originating from the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). Summary of Background Data. Three recently published prospective trials have shown that minimally invasive SIJ fusion (SIJF) using triangular titanium implants produces better outcomes than conservative management for patients with pain originating from the SIJ. Due to limitations in individual trial sample size, analyses of predictors of treatment outcome were not conducted. Methods. We pooled individual patient data from the three trials and used random effects models with multivariate regression analysis to identify predictors for treatment outcome separately for conservative and minimally invasive surgical treatment. Outcome was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQOL-5D (EQ-5D). Results. We included 423 patients assigned to either nonsurgical management (NSM, n = 97) or SIJF (n = 326) between 2013 and 2015. The reduction in SIJ pain was 37.9 points larger [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 32.5–43.4, P < 0.0001] in the SIJF group than in the NSM group. Similarly, the improvement in ODI was 18.3 points larger (95% CI 14.3–22.4), P < 0.0001). In NSM, we found no predictors of outcome. In SIJF, a reduced improvement in outcome was predicted by smoking (P = 0.030), opioid use (P = 0.017), lower patient age (P = 0.008), and lower duration of SIJ pain (P = 0.028). Conclusions. Our results support the view that SIJF leads to better treatment outcome than conservative management of SIJ pain and that a higher margin of improvement can be predicted in nonsmokers, nonopioid users, and patients of increased age and with longer pain duration. Level of Evidence: 1 PMID:28350586

New paradoxes of risky decision making.

PubMed

Birnbaum, Michael H

2008-04-01

During the last 25 years, prospect theory and its successor, cumulative prospect theory, replaced expected utility as the dominant descriptive theories of risky decision making. Although these models account for the original Allais paradoxes, 11 new paradoxes show where prospect theories lead to self-contradiction or systematic false predictions. The new findings are consistent with and, in several cases, were predicted in advance by simple "configural weight" models in which probability-consequence branches are weighted by a function that depends on branch probability and ranks of consequences on discrete branches. Although they have some similarities to later models called "rank-dependent utility," configural weight models do not satisfy coalescing, the assumption that branches leading to the same consequence can be combined by adding their probabilities. Nor do they satisfy cancellation, the "independence" assumption that branches common to both alternatives can be removed. The transfer of attention exchange model, with parameters estimated from previous data, correctly predicts results with all 11 new paradoxes. Apparently, people do not frame choices as prospects but, instead, as trees with branches.

The PROSPECT physics program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashenfelter, J.; Balantekin, A. B.; Band, H. R.; Barclay, G.; Bass, C. D.; Berish, D.; Bignell, L.; Bowden, N. S.; Bowes, A.; Brodsky, J. P.; Bryan, C. D.; Cherwinka, J. J.; Chu, R.; Classen, T.; Commeford, K.; Conant, A. J.; Davee, D.; Dean, D.; Deichert, G.; Diwan, M. V.; Dolinski, M. J.; Dolph, J.; DuVernois, M.; Erikson, A. S.; Febbraro, M. T.; Gaison, J. K.; Galindo-Uribarri, A.; Gilje, K.; Glenn, A.; Goddard, B. W.; Green, M.; Hackett, B. T.; Han, K.; Hans, S.; Heeger, K. M.; Heffron, B.; Insler, J.; Jaffe, D. E.; Jones, D.; Langford, T. J.; Littlejohn, B. R.; Martinez Caicedo, D. A.; Matta, J. T.; McKeown, R. D.; Mendenhall, M. P.; Mueller, P. E.; Mumm, H. P.; Napolitano, J.; Neilson, R.; Nikkel, J. A.; Norcini, D.; Pushin, D.; Qian, X.; Romero, E.; Rosero, R.; Seilhan, B. S.; Sharma, R.; Sheets, S.; Surukuchi, P. T.; Trinh, C.; Varner, R. L.; Viren, B.; Wang, W.; White, B.; White, C.; Wilhelmi, J.; Williams, C.; Wise, T.; Yao, H.; Yeh, M.; Yen, Y.-R.; Zangakis, G. Z.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, X.; PROSPECT Collaboration

2016-11-01

The precision reactor oscillation and spectrum experiment, PROSPECT, is designed to make a precise measurement of the antineutrino spectrum from a highly-enriched uranium reactor and probe eV-scale sterile neutrinos by searching for neutrino oscillations over a distance of several meters. PROSPECT is conceived as a 2-phase experiment utilizing segmented 6Li-doped liquid scintillator detectors for both efficient detection of reactor antineutrinos through the inverse beta decay reaction and excellent background discrimination. PROSPECT Phase I consists of a movable 3 ton antineutrino detector at distances of 7-12 m from the reactor core. It will probe the best-fit point of the {ν }e disappearance experiments at 4σ in 1 year and the favored region of the sterile neutrino parameter space at \\gt 3σ in 3 years. With a second antineutrino detector at 15-19 m from the reactor, Phase II of PROSPECT can probe the entire allowed parameter space below 10 eV2 at 5σ in 3 additional years. The measurement of the reactor antineutrino spectrum and the search for short-baseline oscillations with PROSPECT will test the origin of the spectral deviations observed in recent {θ }13 experiments, search for sterile neutrinos, and conclusively address the hypothesis of sterile neutrinos as an explanation of the reactor anomaly.

THE ROLE OF INHALATORY CORTI-COSTEROIDS AND LONG ACTING *β2 AGONISTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL DUE TO ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (AECOPD)

PubMed Central

Mehić, Bakir

2007-01-01

There is the question about the role of fixed combination of inhalatory corticosteroids and long acting β2 agonists in the treatment of patients admitted in hospital due to AECOPD. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of etiologic factors of AECOPD, to research the length of recovery time and the time free from exacerbation due to AECOPD at the patients treated with fixed combination inhalers containing F/S versus patients who were not treated with this combination. This is retrospective-prospective, randomized, clinical study with a sample size of 70 patients who admitted to hospital due to AECOPD type I or II. Patients are randomized in two groups. Prospective group from 36 patients have been treated with oral or parenteral corticosteroids 7 - 14 days, other medications and fixed combination inhalers containing a F/S. Second, retrospective group from 34 patients have been treated with oral or parenteral corticosteroids 7 - 14 days (in time when we didn’t have fixed combination inhalers containing a F/S) and other medications. In both groups (prospective and retrospective) the most frequent etiological factors of AECOPD was bacterial infection, after that viral infection, other factors as well as congestive heart failure. Average recovery time for symptoms of AECOPD was statistically significant shorter in group patients treated with fixed combination inhalers containing F/S (prospective group) than in group treated without this fixed combination. There are also significant differences in average number of days need for recovery in subgroups of patients by etiological factors of AECOPD, except in cases of AECOPD onset because of congestive heart failure. Average free time from exacerbation at the patients treated with fixed combination inhalers was statistically significant longer than in group of patients who were not treated with this combination. In this study has demonstrated the presence of pathogenic bacteria in 53% our patients hospitalized due to AECOPD. There were 26% patients whose exacerbation is signed as viral origin. 11% cases had congestive heart failure. Average recovery time for non-viral AECOPD was 14,8 days and for exacerbations of viral origin 27,4 days. Average free time from exacerbation at the patients treated with fixed combination inhalers containing a F/S was statistically significant longer than in group of patients who were not treated with this combination. There were no statistically significant differences in average number of exacerbation during the year, between observed groups. PMID:18039195

Anatomical description of the umbilical arteries and impact of their ligation on pelvic and perineal vascular supply after cystectomy in women.

PubMed

Chantalat, E; Vaysse, C; Delchier, M C; Bordier, B; Game, X; Chaynes, P; Cavaignac, E; Roumiguié, M

2018-03-27

In radical cystectomy, the surgeon generally ligates the umbilical artery at its origin. This artery may give rise to several arteries that supply the sexual organs. Our aim was to evaluate pelvic and perineal devascularisation in women after total cystectomy. We carried out a prospective anatomical and radiological study. We performed bilateral pelvic dissections of fresh adult female cadavers to identify the dividing branches of the umbilical artery. In parallel, we examined and compared the pre- and postoperative imaging investigations [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography] in patients undergoing cystectomy for benign disease to quantify the loss of pelvic vascularisation on the postoperative images by identifying the occluded arteries. The anatomical study together with the radiological study visualised 35 umbilical arteries (n = 70) with their branching patterns and collateral arteries. The uterine artery originated from the umbilical artery in more than 75% of cases (n = 54) of the internal pudendal artery in 34% (n = 24) and the vaginal artery in 43% (n = 30). The postoperative MRI angiograms showed pelvic devascularisation in four patients. Devascularisation was dependent on the level of surgical ligation. In the four patients with loss of pelvic vascular supply, the umbilical artery had been ligated at its origin. The umbilical artery gives rise to various branches that supply the pelvis and perineum. If the surgeon ligates the umbilical artery at its origin during total cystectomy, there is a significant risk of pelvic and perineal devascularisation.

Automated transit networks (ATN) : a review of the state of the industry and prospects for the future.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-09-01

The concept of Automated Transit Networks (ATN) - in which fully automated vehicles on exclusive, grade-separated guideways : provide on-demand, primarily non-stop, origin-to-destination service over an area network has been around since the 1950...

Implant-supported single-tooth restorations. A 12-year prospective study.

PubMed

Donati, Mauro; Ekestubbe, Annika; Lindhe, Jan; Wennström, Jan L

2016-10-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the 12-year outcome of implant-supported single-tooth restorations. Originally 45 self-tapping Astra Tech TiOblast ® ST-implants were installed by a two-stage protocol in 40 subjects requiring single-tooth prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. Clinical and radiologic examinations were performed at completion of the prosthetic treatment 4-7 months after implant installation surgery and after 5 and 12 years in function. At 12 years 31 patients and 35 implants were available for evaluation. The overall failure rate after 12 years was 10.3% on the subject level and 9.1% on the implant level. The mean bone loss amounted to 0.67 mm (SD 2.20) on a subject level and 0.47 mm (1.72) on an implant level. Three subjects (10%) and three implants (8.6%) were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Five subjects had experienced technical complications; three incidences of loosening of the abutment retention screw during the first 5 years and two minor porcelain fracture of the crown (two patients) between 5- and 12-years of follow-up. The findings reported in this 12-year prospective case series suggest that the use of the Astra Tech dental implants may be a valid treatment alternative for single-tooth replacement prostheses. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A prospective validation of the Bova score in normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

PubMed

Bova, Carlo; Vanni, Simone; Prandoni, Paolo; Morello, Fulvio; Dentali, Francesco; Bernardi, Enrico; Mumoli, Nicola; Bucherini, Eugenio; Barbar, Sofia; Picariello, Claudio; Enea, Iolanda; Pesavento, Raffaele; Bottino, Fabrizio; Jiménez, David

2018-05-01

The Bova score has shown usefulness in the identification of intermediate-high risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), but lacks prospective validation. The aim of this study was to prospectively validate the Bova score in different settings from the original derivation cohort. Consecutive, normotensive patients with acute PE recruited at 13 academic or general hospitals were stratified, using their baseline data, into the three Bova risk stages (I-III). The primary outcome was the 30-day composite of PE-related mortality, hemodynamic collapse and non-fatal PE recurrences in the three risk categories. In the study period, 639 patients were enrolled. The primary end point occurred in 45 patients (7.0%; 95% Confidence Intervals, 5.2%-9.3%). Risk stage correlated with the PE-related complication rate (stage I, 2.9%; stage II, 17%; stage III, 27%). Patients classified as stage III by the Bova score had a 6.5-fold increased risk for adverse outcomes (3.1-13.5, p < 0.001) compared with stages I and II combined. Rescue thrombolysis increased from stage I to stage III (0.6%, 12% and 15% respectively). All-cause mortality (5.3%) did not substantially differ among the stages. The Bova score accurately stratifies normotensive patients with acute PE into stages of increasing risk of 30-day PE-related complications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Getting Clearer About Surgical Innovation: A New Definition and a New Tool to Support Responsible Practice.

PubMed

Hutchison, Katrina; Rogers, Wendy; Eyers, Anthony; Lotz, Mianna

2015-12-01

This article presents an original definition of surgical innovation and a practical tool for identifying planned innovations. These will support the responsible introduction of surgical innovations. Frameworks developed for the safer introduction of surgical innovations rely upon identifying cases of innovation; oversight cannot occur unless innovations are identified. However, there is no consensus among surgeons about which interventions they consider innovative; existing definitions are vague and impractical. Using conceptual analysis, this article synthesizes findings from relevant literature, and from qualitative research with surgeons, to develop an original definition of surgical innovation and a tool for prospectively identifying planned surgical innovations. The tool has been developed in light of feedback from health care professionals, surgeons, and policy makers. This definition of innovation distinguishes between variations, introduction of established interventions, and innovations in surgical techniques or use of devices. It can be applied easily and consistently, is sensitive to the key features of innovation (newness and degree of change), is prospective, and focuses on features relevant to safety and evaluation. The accompanying tool is deliberately broad so that appropriate supports may, if necessary, be provided each time that a surgeon does something "new." The definition presented in this article overcomes a number of practical challenges. The definition and tool will be of value in supporting responsible surgical innovation, in particular, through the prospective identification of planned innovations.

Complex Archaeological Prospection Using Combination of Non-destructive Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faltýnová, M.; Pavelka, K.; Nový, P.; Šedina, J.

2015-08-01

This article describes the use of a combination of non-destructive techniques for the complex documentation of a fabulous historical site called Devil's Furrow, an unusual linear formation lying in the landscape of central Bohemia. In spite of many efforts towards interpretation of the formation, its original form and purpose have not yet been explained in a satisfactory manner. The study focuses on the northern part of the furrow which appears to be a dissimilar element within the scope of the whole Devil's Furrow. This article presents detailed description of relics of the formation based on historical map searches and modern investigation methods including airborne laser scanning, aerial photogrammetry (based on airplane and RPAS) and ground-penetrating radar. Airborne laser scanning data and aerial orthoimages acquired by the Czech Office for Surveying, Mapping and Cadastre were used. Other measurements were conducted by our laboratory. Data acquired by various methods provide sufficient information to determine the probable original shape of the formation and proves explicitly the anthropological origin of the northern part of the formation (around village Lipany).

Hemodynamic signals in fNIRS.

PubMed

Hoshi, Y

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was originally designed for clinical monitoring of tissue oxygenation, and it has also been developed into a useful tool in neuroimaging studies, with the so-called functional NIRS (fNIRS). With NIRS, cerebral activation is detected by measuring the cerebral hemoglobin (Hb), where however, the precise correlation between NIRS signal and neural activity remains to be fully understood. This can in part be attributed to the situation that NIRS signals are inherently subject to contamination by signals arising from extracerebral tissue. In recent years, several approaches have been investigated to distinguish between NIRS signals originating in cerebral tissue and signals originating in extracerebral tissue. Selective measurements of cerebral Hb will enable a further evolution of fNIRS. This chapter is divided into six sections: first a summary of the basic theory of NIRS, NIRS signals arising in the activated areas, correlations between NIRS signals and fMRI signals, correlations between NIRS signals and neural activities, and the influence of a variety of extracerebral tissue on NIRS signals and approaches to this issue are reviewed. Finally, future prospects of fNIRS are described. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monographs in Aerospace History Series No. 11. Together in Orbit: The Origins of International Participation in the Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Logsdon, John M.

1998-01-01

This essay is a history and analysis of the steps leading to the origins of the space station partnership between the United States and its closest allies. It traces the process that led to the decision to invite other countries to participate in the project and their reasons for accepting that invitation. Not covered in this account are the difficult negotiations during the 1984-1988 period that led first to an initial set of agreements that allowed the prospective partners to work together during the early stages of the space station program and then to the final set of agreements creating the original space station partnership. Also, the 1993 invitation to the Russian Federation to join the original partners is not discussed, nor are the subsequent negotiations to revise the 1988 agreements.

Pain in the elderly: Prospective study of hyperbaric CO2 cryotherapy (neurocryostimulation).

PubMed

Chatap, Guy; De Sousa, Annabelle; Giraud, Karine; Vincent, Jean-Pierre

2007-12-01

To evaluate the analgesic effects of hyperbaric CO(2) cryotherapy in elderly inpatients. An open-label prospective study was conducted in two geriatrics departments in patients with a broad range of pain characteristics. Each patient underwent a physical evaluation followed by hyperbaric CO(2) cryotherapy sessions, whose spacing and number were at the discretion of the physiotherapist. Patients completed a 100-mm visual analog scale for pain severity before and after the sessions. We included 51 patients, who were treated between May 2 and June 30, 2005. Mean age was 83.7years, and the female-to-male ratio was 4/1. The patients had acute or chronic pain whose origin was usually musculoskeletal (80.3%) or neurological (18.6%). Pain scores decreased significantly after four sessions, from 52mm to 13mm (P<0.001) in patients with acute pain and from 45mm to 13mm (P<0.001) in those with chronic pain. Hyperbaric CO(2) cryotherapy is an innovative tool that should be incorporated within the non-pharmacological armamentarium for achieving pain relief in older patients.

Efficacy and Safety of the Biosimilar Infliximab CT-P13 Treatment in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Prospective, Multicentre, Nationwide Cohort.

PubMed

Gecse, Krisztina B; Lovász, Barbara D; Farkas, Klaudia; Banai, János; Bene, László; Gasztonyi, Beáta; Golovics, Petra Anna; Kristóf, Tünde; Lakatos, László; Csontos, Ágnes Anna; Juhász, Márk; Nagy, Ferenc; Palatka, Károly; Papp, Mária; Patai, Árpád; Lakner, Lilla; Salamon, Ágnes; Szamosi, Tamás; Szepes, Zoltán; Tóth, Gábor T; Vincze, Áron; Szalay, Balázs; Molnár, Tamás; Lakatos, Péter L

2016-02-01

Biosimilar infliximab CT-P13 is approved for all indications of the originator product in Europe. Prospective data on its efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in inflammatory bowel diseases are lacking. A prospective, nationwide, multicentre, observational cohort was designed to examine the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of CT-P13 infliximab biosimilar in the induction treatment of Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]. Demographic data were collected and a harmonised monitoring strategy was applied. Early clinical remission, response, and early biochemical response were evaluated at Week 14, steroid-free clinical remission was evaluated at Week 30. Therapeutic drug level was monitored using a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In all, 210 consecutive inflammatory bowel disease [126 CD and 84 UC] patients were included in the present cohort. At Week 14, 81.4% of CD and 77.6% of UC patients showed clinical response and 53.6% of CD and 58.6% of UC patients were in clinical remission. Clinical remission rates at Week 14 were significantly higher in CD and UC patients who were infliximab naïve, compared with those with previous exposure to the originator compound [p < 0.05]. Until Week 30, adverse events were experienced in 17.1% of all patients. Infusion reactions and infectious adverse events occurred in 6.6% and 5.7% of all patients, respectively. This prospective multicentre cohort shows that CT-P13 is safe and effective in the induction of clinical remission and response in both CD and UC. Patients with previous infliximab exposure exhibited decreased response rates and were more likely to develop allergic reactions. Copyright © 2015 European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Iris colour, ethnic origin and progression of age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Nicolas, Caroline M; Robman, Luba D; Tikellis, Gabriella; Dimitrov, Peter N; Dowrick, Adam; Guymer, Robyn H; McCarty, Catherine A

2003-12-01

To investigate the relationship between iris colour, ethnic origin and the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Participants were recruited from the population-based Melbourne Visual Impairment Project or the prospective, randomized, double-masked Vitamin E, Cataract and Age-Related Macular Degeneration study. From these two cohorts, 171 participants aged between 52 and 93 years who were identified as having early AMD features at their baseline examination (1992-1995) were followed for an average of 6.8 years (until 2001) to determine the progression rate of early AMD. The participants' iris colour was categorized as light, intermediate or dark. Ethnic origin was categorized as Anglo-Saxon or non-Anglo-Saxon, according to the participants' grandparents' country of birth. In total, 53 (31%) of the 171 participants showed signs of AMD progression. Participants with light iris colour had twofold the risk of AMD progression of those with dark or intermediate iris colours, although the age-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted associations were not significant (both P = 0.13). Age-adjusted and multivariate comparisons of Anglo-Saxon ethnic origin to non-Anglo-Saxon ethnic origin showed a noticeable but non-significant association with progression of AMD (P= 0.22 and P= 0.14, respectively). Individuals with light iris colour or of Anglo-Saxon ethnic origin had a strong tendency to greater progression of AMD. A larger sample is required to confirm these clinically important, but statistically non-significant, associations.

Maternal near-miss among women with a migrant background in Germany.

PubMed

Reime, Birgit; Janssen, Patricia A; Farris, Lily; Borde, Theda; Hellmers, Claudia; Myezwa, Hellen; Wenzlaff, Paul

2012-07-01

To examine the association between region of origin and severe illness bringing a mother close to death (near-miss). Retrospective cohort study. Maternity units in Lower Saxony, Germany. 441 199 mothers of singleton newborns in 2001-2007. Using chi-squared tests, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression we examined the association between maternal region of origin and near-miss outcomes with prospectively collected perinatal data up to seven days postpartum. Hysterectomy, hemorrhage, eclampsia and sepsis rates. Eclampsia was not associated with region of origin. Compared to women from Germany, women from the Middle East (OR 2.24; 95%CI 1.60-3.12) and Africa/Latin America/other countries (OR 2.17; 95%CI 1.15-4.07) had higher risks of sepsis. Women from Asia (OR 3.37; 95%CI 1.66-6.83) and from Africa/Latin America/other countries had higher risks of hysterectomy (OR 2.65; 95%CI 1.36-5.17). Compared to German women, the risk of hemorrhage was higher among women from Asia (OR 1.55; 95%CI 1.19-2.01) and lower among women from the Middle East (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.55-0.78). Adjusting for maternal age, parity, occupation, partner status, smoking, obesity, prenatal care, chronic conditions and infertility showed no association between country of origin and risk of sepsis. Region of origin was a strong predictor for near-miss among women from the Middle East, Asia and Africa/Latin America/other countries. Confounders mostly did not explain the higher risks for maternal near-miss in these groups of origin. Clinical studies and audits are required to examine the underlying causes for these risks. © 2012 The Authors Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica© 2012 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

48 CFR 919.7009 - Process for participation in the program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS The Department of Energy Mentor-Protege Program 919.7009 Process for participation in the program. A prospective Mentor must submit the following to the DOE Mentor... contracting activity; and (d) An original and two copies of the Mentor-Protege Agreement signed by the chief...

"Loyola Values": Extending the Brand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosen, Jeffrey; Shannon, Kelly

2008-01-01

Loyola University Chicago had long used the tag line, "Chicago's Jesuit University," to highlight the institution's local origins and its ties to a 450-year tradition of academic excellence. By the turn of this century, this reference was unfamiliar to a large percentage of prospective students, particularly adult students, and the…

Norms about Nonmarital Pregnancy and Willingness to Provide Resources to Unwed Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mollborn, Stefanie

2009-01-01

Contested social norms underlie public concern about adults' and teenagers' nonmarital pregnancy. The original, vignette-based National Pregnancy Norms Survey (N = 812) measures these norms and related sanctions. Descriptive analyses report embarrassment at the prospect of a nonmarital pregnancy by age and gender of hypothetical prospective…

Self-Rated Health among Adult Women of Mexican Origin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, Anna V.; Hernandez-Valero, Maria A.; Etzel, Carol J.; Barcenas, Carlos H.; Spitz, Margaret R.; Bondy, Melissa L.; Strom, Sara S.

2006-01-01

Self-rated health (SRH), a consistent predictor of mortality among diverse populations, is sensitive to health indicators and social factors. American-born Hispanics report better SRH than their foreign-born counterparts but simultaneously report poorer health indicators and have shorter life expectancy. Using a matched prospective cross-sectional…

24 CFR 81.15 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... median income for the area, adjusted for family size as provided in § 81.17. (4) Income of prospective... counted under a particular family income level, i.e., especially low, very low, low or moderate income...-family mortgage originated after 1992 and purchased by a GSE counts toward achievement of the Low- and...

Prospects for Classical Biological Control of Saharan Mustard (Brassica tournefortii)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Saharan mustard (Brassica tournefortii) is a winter annual plant that is native to the Mediterranean Basin and is becoming highly invasive in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts and adjacent areas and has spread great distances along highways from its original infestation. It is becoming a serious probl...

Fetal Origins of Child Non-Right-Handedness and Mental Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Alina; Waldenstrom, Ulla

2008-01-01

Background: Environmental risk during fetal development for non-right-handedness, an index of brain asymmetry, and its relevance for child mental health is not fully understood. Methods: A Swedish population-based prospective pregnancy-offspring cohort was followed-up when children were five years old (N = 1714). Prenatal environmental risk…

50 years of formal virus taxonomy: overview and prospects

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

To mark the 50th anniversary of the origins of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), we present a brief history of the foundation, consolidation, establishment and growth of this organisation. We also outline recent developments, supported by a grant from the Wellcome Trust, tha...

Nativity, Country of Education, and Mexican-Origin Women’s Breastfeeding Behaviors in the First 10 Months Postpartum

PubMed Central

Hendrick, C. Emily; Potter, Joseph E.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits for the infant and mother. Latina women in the U.S. have historically had high overall rates of initiation and duration of breastfeeding. However, these rates vary by nativity and time lived in the U.S. Exclusive breastfeeding patterns among Latina women are unclear. In this study we investigate the current and exclusive breastfeeding patterns of Mexican-origin women at four time points from delivery to 10 months postpartum to determine the combined association of nativity and country of education with breastfeeding duration and supplementation. METHODS Data are from the Postpartum Contraception Study, a prospective cohort study of postpartum women ages 18–44 recruited from three hospitals in Austin and El Paso, TX. We included Mexican-origin women who were born in either the U.S. or Mexico in the analytic sample (n=593). RESULTS Women completing schooling in Mexico had higher rates of overall breastfeeding throughout the study period than women educated in the U.S., regardless of country of birth. This trend held in multivariate models while diminishing over time. Women born in Mexico who completed their schooling in the U.S. were least likely to exclusively breastfeed. DISCUSSION Country of education should also be considered when assessing Latina women’s risk for breastfeeding discontinuation. Efforts should be made to identify the barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding among U.S.-educated Mexican-origin women to enhance existing breastfeeding promotion efforts in the U.S. PMID:27779318

Chamomile Consumption and Mortality: A Prospective Study of Mexican Origin Older Adults.

PubMed

Howrey, Bret T; Peek, M Kristen; McKee, Juliet M; Raji, Mukaila A; Ottenbacher, Kenneth J; Markides, Kyriakos S

2016-12-01

Approximately 20% of adults use some kind of herbal; however, little data exists from population-based study or clinical trials to support effectiveness of most herbal products. Chamomile is a commonly used herb among older adults of Mexican origin. We examined the effects of herbal chamomile consumption on mortality among older adults of Mexican origin. A sample from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, a population-based study of noninstitutionalized Mexican Americans aged 65 and older from five Southwestern states (Texas, California, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona). We included all men and women from 2000 to 2007 (n = 1,677). Chamomile was used by 14% of the sample. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that chamomile was associated with a decreased risk of mortality in the total sample (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.92) and for women (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.92) but not for men. In models adjusted for sociodemographic variables, health behaviors, and chronic conditions, chamomile remained significantly associated with reduced mortality in women (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.98). The use of chamomile shows protective effects against mortality in this sample of older adults of Mexican origin for women. Further research is warranted in other populations to determine if these effects are consistent. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Early Adolescent Temperament, Parental Monitoring, and Substance Use in Mexican-Origin Adolescents

PubMed Central

Clark, D. Angus; Donnellan, M. Brent; Robins, Richard W.; Conger, Rand D.

2015-01-01

Previous studies suggest that temperamental dispositions are associated with substance use. However, most research supporting this association has relied on European American samples (Stautz & Cooper, 2013). We addressed this gap by evaluating the prospective relations between 5th grade temperament and 9th grade substance use in a longitudinal sample of Mexican-origin youth (N = 674). Effortful control and trait aggressiveness predicted 9th grade substance use, intentions, and expectations, even after controlling for 5th grade substance use. Additionally, we found an interaction between temperament and parental monitoring such that monitoring is a protective factor for early substance use primarily for youth with temperamental tendencies associated with risk for substance use (e.g., low effortful control and aggression). Results add to the growing literature demonstrating that early manifestations of self-control are related to consequential life outcomes. PMID:25841175

Role of environmental exposures and filaggrin mutations on associations of ethnic origin with risk of childhood eczema. The Generation R Study.

PubMed

Elbert, Niels J; Duijts, Liesbeth; den Dekker, Herman T; Jaddoe, Vincent W V; Sonnenschein-van der Voort, Agnes M M; de Jongste, Johan C; Pasmans, Suzanne G M A

2016-09-01

The prevalence of childhood eczema varies considerably between ethnic groups. However, data from longitudinal studies remain scarce. We examined the associations of ethnic origin with the development of eczema from birth until the age of 4 years, and whether known environmental and genetic risk factors explain these associations. This study was performed in a multiethnic population-based prospective cohort among 5,082 children. Ethnic origin was based on the parents' country of birth. Data on physician-diagnosed eczema were obtained by annual questionnaires. Information on environmental risk factors was mostly obtained by questionnaires. Filaggrin (FLG) mutations (2282del4, R2447X, R501X, and S3247X) were genotyped for 3,096 children. We used generalized estimating equation models to examine the associations of ethnic origin with the longitudinal odds of eczema at 6 months and 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of age overall and independently. Compared with Dutch children, Cape Verdean, Dutch Antillean, Surinamese-Creole, and Surinamese-Hindustani children had overall increased risks of eczema (OR (95%-CI): 1.53 (1.15, 2.03), 1.60 (1.21, 2.12), 1.95 (1.56, 2.44), and 2.06 (1.65, 2.57), respectively). Effect estimates for the associations of Cape Verdean and Dutch Antillean origin with eczema became non-significant after adjustment for genetic risk factors or both environmental and genetic risk factors, respectively. Surinamese-Creole and Surinamese-Hindustani children remained to have increased risks of eczema. Cape Verdean, Dutch Antillean, Surinamese-Creole, and Surinamese-Hindustani children had increased risks of eczema in the first 4 years of life. Environmental and genetic risk factors partly weakened these associations. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Direct and conceptual replications of the taxometric analysis of type a behavior.

PubMed

Wilmot, Michael P; Haslam, Nick; Tian, Jingyuan; Ones, Deniz S

2018-05-17

We present direct and conceptual replications of the influential taxometric analysis of Type A Behavior (TAB; Strube, 1989), which reported evidence for the latent typology of the construct. Study 1, the direct replication (N = 2,373), duplicated sampling and methodological procedures of the original study, but results showed that the item indicators used in the original study lacked sufficient validity to unambiguously determine latent structure. Using improved factorial subscale indicators to further test the question, multiple taxometric procedures, in combination with parallel analyses of simulated data, failed to replicate the original typological finding. Study 2, the conceptual replication, tested the latent structure of the wider construct of TAB using the sample from the Caerphilly Prospective Study (N = 2,254), which contains responses to the three most widely used self-report measures of TAB: the Jenkins Activity Survey, Bortner scale, and Framingham scale. Factorial subscale indicators were derived from the measures and submitted to multiple taxometric procedures. Results of Study 2 converged with those of Study 1, providing clear evidence of latent dimensional structure. Overall, results suggest there is no evidence for the type in TAB. Findings imply that theoretical models of TAB, assessment practices, and data analytic procedures that assume a typology should be replaced by dimensional models, factorial subscale measures, and corresponding statistical approaches. Specific subscale measures that tap multiple Big Five trait domains, and show evidence of predictive utility, are also recommended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Association of vegetable and fruit intake with gastric cancer risk among Japanese: a pooled analysis of four cohort studies.

PubMed

Shimazu, T; Wakai, K; Tamakoshi, A; Tsuji, I; Tanaka, K; Matsuo, K; Nagata, C; Mizoue, T; Inoue, M; Tsugane, S; Sasazuki, S

2014-06-01

Prospective evidence is inconsistent regarding the association between vegetable/fruit intake and the risk of gastric cancer. In an analysis of original data from four population-based prospective cohort studies encompassing 191 232 participants, we used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of gastric cancer incidence according to vegetable and fruit intake and conducted a meta-analysis of HRs derived from each study. During 2 094 428 person-years of follow-up, 2995 gastric cancer cases were identified. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found a marginally significant decrease in gastric cancer risk in relation to total vegetable intake but not total fruit intake: the multivariate-adjusted HR (95% CI; P for trend) for the highest versus the lowest quintile of total vegetable intake was 0.89 (0.77-1.03; P for trend = 0.13) among men and 0.83 (0.67-1.03; P for trend = 0.40) among women. For distal gastric cancer, the multivariate HR for the highest quintile of total vegetable intake was 0.78 (0.63-0.97; P for trend = 0.02) among men. This pooled analysis of data from large prospective studies in Japan suggests that vegetable intake reduces gastric cancer risk, especially the risk of distal gastric cancer among men. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Frey's pancreaticojejunostomy in tropical pancreatitis: assessment of quality of life. A prospective study.

PubMed

Pothula Rajendra, Vamsi Krishna; Sivanpillay Mahadevan, Sivaraj; Parvathareddy, Sivacharan Reddy; Nara, Bharat Kumar; Gorlagunta Ramachandra, Mallikarjuna; Tripuraneni Venkata, Aditya Chowdary; Bathalapalli, Jagan Mohan Reddy; Gudi, Vara Prasada Rao; Sampath, Thirunavukkarasu

2014-12-01

Tropical pancreatitis is a form of chronic pancreatitis originally described in the tropics. Prospective studies in Western countries have shown improved quality of life (QOL) following surgery in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. In studies on Frey's pancreaticojejunostomy for tropical pancreatitis, improvement in pain was considered the endpoint, and there is a paucity of data in the literature with regard to QOL with tropical pancreatitis following surgery. Our objective was to prospectively analyze the outcome of Frey's pancreaticojejunostomy in tropical pancreatitis and health-related QOL following surgery by administering the Short Form 36-item health survey (SF-36). A total of 25 patients underwent Frey's pancreaticojejunostomy between 2010 and 2012 and were included in the study; data were collected prospectively. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the SF-36 form were used to record health-related QOL preoperatively, and at 3 and 12 months post-surgery, comparing the same with the general population. Patients with tropical pancreatitis experience poor QOL (26.71 ± 15.95) compared with the general population (84.54 ± 12.42). Post-operative QOL scores (78.54 ± 15.84) were better than the pre-operative scores (26.71 ± 15.95) at 12-month post-surgery follow-up. The VAS score for pain improved at 12 months post-surgery (1.58 ± 1.41 vs. 8.21 ± 1.64). Two of the three patients (12.5 %) who had diabetes were free from anti-diabetes medication at 12 months post-surgery. Steatorrhea was seen in five patients (20.8 %) before surgery and increased to eight (33.3 %) at 12 months post-surgery. Mean body weight increased from 45.75 kg pre-operatively to 49.25 kg at 12 months post-operatively. Frey's pancreaticojejunostomy effectively reduces pain in tropical pancreatitis, with significant improvement in health-related QOL, which is comparable with the general population in most aspects.

Work characteristics, socioeconomic position and health: a systematic review of mediation and moderation effects in prospective studies

PubMed Central

Hoven, Hanno; Siegrist, Johannes

2013-01-01

Social inequalities in health persist in modern societies. The contribution of adverse work and employment conditions towards their explanation is analysed by two approaches, mediation and moderation. Yet the relative significance of each approach remains unclear in respective research. We set out to study this question by conducting a systematic literature review. We included all original papers based on prospective observational studies of employed cohorts that were published between January 1980 and October 2012 meeting our search criteria, by using major databases and by observing established quality criteria. 26 reports were included after quality assessment. 17 studies examined the mediation hypothesis and nine studies tested the moderation hypothesis. Moderate support was found for the mediation hypothesis where OR or HR of health according to socioeconomic position (SEP) were reduced in a majority of analyses after introducing work characteristics in multivariate models. Evidence in favour of the moderation hypothesis was found in some studies, demonstrating stronger effects of adverse work on health among people with low SEP. Despite some support in favour of the two hypotheses future research should aim at reducing the heterogeneity in defining and measuring core variables and at applying advanced statistical analyses. Policy recommendations would benefit from a higher degree of consistency of respective research evidence. PMID:23739492

Work characteristics, socioeconomic position and health: a systematic review of mediation and moderation effects in prospective studies.

PubMed

Hoven, Hanno; Siegrist, Johannes

2013-09-01

Social inequalities in health persist in modern societies. The contribution of adverse work and employment conditions towards their explanation is analysed by two approaches, mediation and moderation. Yet the relative significance of each approach remains unclear in respective research. We set out to study this question by conducting a systematic literature review. We included all original papers based on prospective observational studies of employed cohorts that were published between January 1980 and October 2012 meeting our search criteria, by using major databases and by observing established quality criteria. 26 reports were included after quality assessment. 17 studies examined the mediation hypothesis and nine studies tested the moderation hypothesis. Moderate support was found for the mediation hypothesis where OR or HR of health according to socioeconomic position (SEP) were reduced in a majority of analyses after introducing work characteristics in multivariate models. Evidence in favour of the moderation hypothesis was found in some studies, demonstrating stronger effects of adverse work on health among people with low SEP. Despite some support in favour of the two hypotheses future research should aim at reducing the heterogeneity in defining and measuring core variables and at applying advanced statistical analyses. Policy recommendations would benefit from a higher degree of consistency of respective research evidence.

[Clinical and etiologic study of 90 cases of chronic diarrhea].

PubMed

Farfán Flores, G; Sánchez, G; Tello, R; Villanueva, G

1993-01-01

90 patients with chronic diarrhoea underwent this prospective study. They were seen in a private hospital of Lima during 1990 and 1991. According to a methodologic plan for determining sources and the diseases that originate chronic diarrhoea. In all patients hematologic, bioquimic, coprocultures, coproparasitologic exams were done, chest and intestinal transit X-rays. All underwent duodenal content culture. Colon X-ray in 25 cases; proctosigmoidoscopy in 14 and upper digestive endoscopy in 19 patients. Abdominal echography in 12 and TAC in 2 cases. The final results showed as determinant diseases for chronic diarrhoea, according to their frequency: enteroparasitosis (23.3%), functional digestive disorders (20.0%), intestinal bacterial overpopulation (15.5%) of unknown origin (8.8%), colon diverticulus (7.7%) proven and probably (5.5%), lactose intolerance (3.3%), diabetes mellitus (2.2%), and in one case (1.1%) the following: intestinal linfoma, pancreas malignancy, AIDS, colonic and deformation and megaloblastic anemia. The causes of chronic diarrhoea are several and multifactorals and in this study we prove the preeminence of the intestinal parasitosis, functional disorders and intestinal bacterial overpopulation and with less frequency other pathologies.

Unintentional childhood poisoning in the Sharon area in Israel: a prospective 5-year study.

PubMed

Uziel, Y; Adler, A; Aharonowitz, G; Franco, S; Fainmesser, P; Wolach, B

2005-04-01

To study the epidemiology and risk factors for unintentional exposure to poisoning among the Jewish and the Arab population in the Sharon area in Israel. We prospectively evaluated visits to the pediatric emergency department because of unintentional poisoning exposure, at the Meir General Hospital. We collected demographic data, substance exposure data, and the clinical outcome of the poisoning. During the 5 years of the study, 502 children were evaluated for unintentional poisoning, 84% Jewish and 16% Arabs; 88.5% occurred in children younger than 5 years, with a peak incidence at the age of 2 years (39.5%). Medications including hormones, vitamins, and antibiotics were the most common cause of exposure. Most children (95%) had no symptoms or abnormal findings on physical examination (84%), and most (85%) were discharged after several hours of observation. However, children of Arab origin presented with severe clinical manifestations because of a high rate of pesticide poisoning. There was 1 death from organic phosphate poisoning. Exposure to poisoning is commonly encountered in children. Pesticides exposure is more common in the Arab community and is usually associated with more severe clinical manifestations. Educational preventive programs are mandatory.

Dietary flavonoids: intake, health effects and bioavailability.

PubMed

Hollman, P C; Katan, M B

1999-01-01

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that occur ubiquitously in foods of plant origin. Over 4000 different flavonoids have been described. They may have beneficial health effects because of their antioxidant properties and their inhibitory role in various stages of tumour development in animal studies. An estimation of the total flavonoid intake is difficult, because only limited data on food contents are available. It is estimated that humans ingest a few hundreds of milligram per day. The average intake of the subclasses of flavonols and flavones in The Netherlands was 23 mg/day. The intake of flavonols and flavones was inversely associated with subsequent coronary heart disease in most but not all prospective epidemiological studies. A protective effect of flavonols on cancer was found in only one prospective study. Flavonoids present in foods were considered non-absorbable because they are bound to sugars as beta-glycosides. However, we found that human absorption of the quercetin glycosides from onions (52%) is far better than that of the pure aglycone (24%). Flavonol glycosides might contribute to the antioxidant defences of blood. Dietary flavonols and flavones probably do not explain the cancer-protective effect of vegetables and fruits; a protective effect against cardiovascular disease is not conclusive.

Reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a locking nail: a prospective study of sixty nine cases.

PubMed

Simon, P; Goldzak, M; Eschler, A; Mittlmeier, T

2015-10-01

The best treatment for intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus is still debated. The aims of this study were to determine whether intrafocal reduction of thalamic fractures is effective, to evaluate whether a locking nail is able to maintain reduction of the articular surface and to analyse the functional results of this original method. This prospective study assessed 69 fractures treated with a locking fracture nail in 63 cases and with primary subtalar fusion in six (Calcanail (®), FH). Articular congruity and global reduction of the calcaneus was assessed in all patients by computed tomography (CT) scan three months postoperatively. Functional results were evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score (AOFAS-AHS) and all complications recorded. For the 63 fracture nails, the average AOFAS score was 85.9 at a mean final follow-up of 12 months. Only three secondary fusions were performed. For the six comminuted fractures requiring primary fusion, the average AOFAS score was 75.9 at the last follow-up. The posterior intrafocal approach for both reduction and locked nailing of intra-articular calcaneal fractures has been proven as an effective and reliable procedure.

PRotective Effect on the coronary microcirculation of patients with DIabetes by Clopidogrel or Ticagrelor (PREDICT): study rationale and design. A randomized multicenter clinical trial using intracoronary multimodal physiology.

PubMed

Cerrato, Enrico; Quirós, Alicia; Echavarría-Pinto, Mauro; Mejia-Renteria, Hernan; Aldazabal, Andres; Ryan, Nicola; Gonzalo, Nieves; Jimenez-Quevedo, Pilar; Nombela-Franco, Luis; Salinas, Pablo; Núñez-Gil, Iván J; Rumoroso, José Ramón; Fernández-Ortiz, Antonio; Macaya, Carlos; Escaned, Javier

2017-05-19

In diabetic patients a predisposed coronary microcirculation along with a higher risk of distal particulate embolization during primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) increases the risk of peri-procedural microcirculatory damage. However, new antiplatelet agents, in particular Ticagrelor, may protect the microcirculation through its adenosine-mediated vasodilatory effects. PREDICT is an original, prospective, randomized, multicenter controlled study designed to investigate the protective effect of Ticagrelor on the microcirculation during PCI in patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 or pre-diabetic status. The primary endpoints of this study aim to test (i) the decrease in microcirculatory resistance with antiplatelet therapy (Ticagrelor > Clopidogrel; mechanistic effect) and (ii) the relative microcirculatory protection of Ticagrelor compared to Clopidogrel during PCI (Ticagrelor < Clopidogrel; protective effect). PREDICT will be the first multicentre clinical trial to test the adenosine-mediated vasodilatory effect of Ticagrelor on the microcirculation during PCI in diabetic patients. The results will provide important insights into the prospective beneficial effect of this drug in preventing microvascular impairment related to PCI ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT02698618).

The Introduction of Adult Appendicitis Score Reduced Negative Appendectomy Rate.

PubMed

Sammalkorpi, H E; Mentula, P; Savolainen, H; Leppäniemi, A

2017-09-01

Implementation of a clinical risk score into diagnostics of acute appendicitis may provide accurate diagnosis with selective use of imaging studies. The aim of this study was to prospectively validate recently described diagnostic scoring system, Adult Appendicitis Score, and evaluate its effects on negative appendectomy rate. Adult Appendicitis Score stratifies patients into three groups: high, intermediate, and low risk of appendicitis. The score was implemented in diagnostics of adult patients suspected of acute appendicitis in two university hospitals. We analyzed the effects of Adult Appendicitis Score on diagnostic accuracy, imaging studies, and treatment. The study population was compared with a reference population of 829 patients suspected of acute appendicitis originally enrolled for the study of construction of the Adult Appendicitis Score. This study enrolled 908 patients of whom 432 (48%) had appendicitis. The score stratified 49% of all appendicitis patients into high-risk group with specificity of 93.3%. In the low-risk group, prevalence of appendicitis was 7%. The histologically confirmed negative appendectomy rate decreased from 18.2% to 8.7%, p<0.001, compared to the original dataset. Adult Appendicitis Score is a reliable tool for stratification of patients into selective imaging, which results in low negative appendectomy rate.

Compressed-Sensing Multi-Spectral Imaging of the Post-Operative Spine

PubMed Central

Worters, Pauline W.; Sung, Kyunghyun; Stevens, Kathryn J.; Koch, Kevin M.; Hargreaves, Brian A.

2012-01-01

Purpose To apply compressed sensing (CS) to in vivo multi-spectral imaging (MSI), which uses additional encoding to avoid MRI artifacts near metal, and demonstrate the feasibility of CS-MSI in post-operative spinal imaging. Materials and Methods Thirteen subjects referred for spinal MRI were examined using T2-weighted MSI. A CS undersampling factor was first determined using a structural similarity index as a metric for image quality. Next, these fully sampled datasets were retrospectively undersampled using a variable-density random sampling scheme and reconstructed using an iterative soft-thresholding method. The fully- and under-sampled images were compared by using a 5-point scale. Prospectively undersampled CS-MSI data were also acquired from two subjects to ensure that the prospective random sampling did not affect the image quality. Results A two-fold outer reduction factor was deemed feasible for the spinal datasets. CS-MSI images were shown to be equivalent or better than the original MSI images in all categories: nerve visualization: p = 0.00018; image artifact: p = 0.00031; image quality: p = 0.0030. No alteration of image quality and T2 contrast was observed from prospectively undersampled CS-MSI. Conclusion This study shows that the inherently sparse nature of MSI data allows modest undersampling followed by CS reconstruction with no loss of diagnostic quality. PMID:22791572

Octenidine dihydrochloride, a modern antiseptic for skin, mucous membranes and wounds.

PubMed

Hübner, N-O; Siebert, J; Kramer, A

2010-01-01

Octenidine dihydrochloride (octenidine) was introduced for skin, mucous membrane and wound antisepsis more than 20 years ago. Until now, a wealth of knowledge has been gained, including in vitro and animal studies on efficacy, tolerance, safety and clinical experience both from case reports and prospective controlled trials. Nowadays, octenidine is an established antiseptic in a large field of applications and represents an alternative to older substances such as chlorhexidine, polyvidone-iodine or triclosan. The review is based on the current literature and unpublished original data as well. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Force platform measurements as predictors of falls among older people - a review.

PubMed

Piirtola, Maarit; Era, Pertti

2006-01-01

Poor postural balance is one of the major risk factors for falling. A great number of reports have analyzed the risk factors and predictors of falls but the results have for the most part been unclear and partly contradictory. Objective data on these matters are thus urgently needed. The force platform technique has widely been used as a tool to assess balance. However, the ability of force platform measures to predict falls remains unknown. The purpose of this systematic review was to extract and critically review the findings of prospective studies where force platform measurements have been used as predictors of falls among elderly populations. The study was done as a systematic literature review. PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL databases from 1950 to April 2005 were used. The review includes prospective follow-up studies using the force platform as a tool to measure postural balance. Nine original prospective studies were included in the final analyses. In five studies fall-related outcomes were associated with some force platform measures and in the remaining four studies associations were not found. For the various parameters derived on the basis of the force platform data, the mean speed of the mediolateral (ML) movement of the center of pressure (COP) during normal standing with the eyes open and closed, the mean amplitude of the ML movement of the COP with the eyes open and closed, and the root-mean-square value of the ML displacement of COP were the indicators that showed significant associations with future falls. Measures related to dynamic posturography (moving platforms) were not predictive of falls. Despite a wide search only a few prospective follow-up studies using the force platform technique to measure postural balance and a reliable registration of subsequent falls were found. The results suggest that certain aspects of force platform data may have predictive value for subsequent falls, especially various indicators of the lateral control of posture. However, the small number of studies available makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The PROSPECT physics program

DOE PAGES

Ashenfelter, J.; Balantekin, A. B.; Band, H. R.; ...

2016-10-17

The precision reactor oscillation and spectrum experiment, PROSPECT, is designed to make a precise measurement of the antineutrino spectrum from a highly-enriched uranium reactor and probe eV-scale sterile neutrinos by searching for neutrino oscillations over a distance of several meters. The subject of this paper, PROSPECT, is conceived as a 2-phase experiment utilizing segmented 6Li-doped liquid scintillator detectors for both efficient detection of reactor antineutrinos through the inverse beta decay reaction and excellent background discrimination. PROSPECT Phase I consists of a movable 3 ton antineutrino detector at distances of 7–12 m from the reactor core. It will probe the best-fitmore » point of the ν e disappearance experiments at 4σ in 1 year and the favored region of the sterile neutrino parameter space at > 3σ in 3 years. With a second antineutrino detector at 15–19 m from the reactor, Phase II of PROSPECT can probe the entire allowed parameter space below 10 eV 2 at 5σ in 3 additional years. Finally, the measurement of the reactor antineutrino spectrum and the search for short-baseline oscillations with PROSPECT will test the origin of the spectral deviations observed in recent θ 13 experiments, search for sterile neutrinos, and conclusively address the hypothesis of sterile neutrinos as an explanation of the reactor anomaly.« less

Self-harm amongst people of Chinese origin versus White people living in England: a cohort study.

PubMed

Chang, Shu-Sen; Steeg, Sarah; Kapur, Navneet; Webb, Roger T; Yip, Paul S F; Cooper, Jayne

2015-04-14

There has been little previous research on self-harm among people of Chinese origin living in the UK, although this population has grown substantially in recent years and China is now the largest source of international students at UK universities. We conducted a prospective cohort study using self-harm presentation data (1997-2011) collected from three hospitals in the City of Manchester, which has the largest Chinese population across all UK Local Authorities. Rate ratios between the Chinese and White groups were calculated using Poisson regression models. Chi-square tests (or Fisher's exact tests), logistic regression, and log-binomial regression were used to examine differences in characteristics and clinical management between groups. Ethnicity was known in the study cohort for 23,297 (87%) amongst 26,894 individuals aged 15 years and above. A total number of 97/23,297 (0.4%) people of Chinese ethnic origin presented with self-harm over the study period and 20,419 (88%) were White people. Incidence of self-harm in the Chinese group (aged 16-64 years) was less than one fifth of that found in White people (0.6 versus 3.2 per 1000 person-years; rate ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.24), and was particularly low amongst men of Chinese origin. Individuals of Chinese origin who presented with self-harm were younger, more likely to be female and students, and more likely to self-injure and describe relationship problems as a precipitant than White people. They were less likely to have clinical risk factors such as drug/alcohol misuse and receiving psychiatric treatment, and were rated to have lower risk of self-harm repetition by treating clinicians. Future research needs to investigate whether the low incidence of self-harm presenting to hospitals amongst people of Chinese origin truly reflects a lower frequency of self-harm, or alternatively is due to markedly different post-episode help-seeking behaviours or student overrepresentation in this ethnic group. Relevant healthcare professionals need to be aware of the risk characteristics of people of Chinese origin who self-harm.

Hazard assessment in geothermal exploration: The case of Mt. Parker, Southern Philippines

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

Delfin, F.G. Jr.; Salonga, N.D.; Bayon, F.E.B.

1996-12-31

Hazard assessment of the Mt. Parker geothermal prospect, conducted in parallel with the surface exploration from 1992 to 1994, was undertaken to determine the long-term suitability of the prospect for development. By comparison with other acidic magmatic-hydrothermal systems in the Philippines, the geochemical data indicated minimal input of acidic magmatic fluids into Mt. Parker`s hydrothermal system. This system was regarded to be a neutral-pH and high-enthalpy chloride reservoir with temperature of at least 200-250{degrees}C. These favorable geochemical indications contrasted sharply with the C-14 and volcanological data indicating a shallow magmatic body with a potential for future eruption. This hazard ledmore » PNOC EDC to discontinue the survey and abandon the prospect by late 1994. On September 6, 1995, a flashflood of non-volcanic origin from the caldera lake killed nearly 100 people on the volcano`s northwestern flank.« less

Cloud-System Resolving Models: Status and Prospects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tao, Wei-Kuo; Moncreiff, Mitch

2008-01-01

Cloud-system resolving models (CRM), which are based on the nonhydrostatic equations of motion and typically have a grid-spacing of about a kilometer, originated as cloud-process models in the 1970s. This paper reviews the status and prospects of CRMs across a wide range of issues, such as microphysics and precipitation; interaction between clouds and radiation; and the effects of boundary-layer and surface-processes on cloud systems. Since CRMs resolve organized convection, tropical waves and the large-scale circulation, there is the prospect for several advances in both basic knowledge of scale-interaction requisite to parameterizing mesoscale processes in climate models. In superparameterization, CRMs represent convection, explicitly replacing many of the assumptions necessary in contemporary parameterization. Global CRMs have been run on an experimental basis, giving prospect to a new generation of climate weather prediction in a decade, and climate models due course. CRMs play a major role in the retrieval of surface-rain and latent heating from satellite measurements. Finally, enormous wide dynamic ranges of CRM simulations present new challenges for model validation against observations.

Genetics of the Framingham Heart Study Population

PubMed Central

Govindaraju, Diddahally R.; Cupples, L. Adrienne; Kannel, William B.; O’Donnell, Christopher J.; Atwood, Larry D.; D’Agostino, Ralph B.; Fox, Caroline S.; Larson, Marty; Levy, Daniel; Morabito, Joanne; Vasan, Ramachandran S.; Splansky, Greta Lee; Wolf, Philip A.; Benjamin, Emelia J.

2010-01-01

This article provides an introduction to the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and the genetic research related to cardiovascular diseases conducted in this unique population1. It briefly describes the origins of the study, the risk factors that contribute to heart disease and the approaches taken to discover the genetic basis of some of these risk factors. The genetic architecture of several biological risk factors has been explained using family studies, segregation analysis, heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations. Many quantitative trait loci underlying cardiovascular diseases have been discovered using different molecular markers. Additionally, results from genome-wide association studies using 100,000 markers, and the prospects of using 550,000 markers for association studies are presented. Finally, the use of this unique sample in genotype and environment interaction is described. PMID:19010253

A prospective study of hepatitis B virus markers in patients with chronic HBV infection from Brazilian families of Western and Asian origin.

PubMed

Carrilho, F J; Ono-Nita, S K; Cardoso, R A; Cancado, E L R; Pinho, J R R; Alves, V A F; Da Silva, L C

2005-09-01

The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in families of HBsAg-positive patients with chronic liver disease. Serum anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs were determined by enzyme immunoassay and four subpopulations were considered: genetically related (consanguineous) and non-genetically related (non-consanguineous) Asian subjects and genetically related and non-genetically related Western subjects. A total of 165 and 186 relatives of Asian and Western origin were enrolled, respectively. The occurrence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in family members of Asian origin (81.8%) than in family members of Western origin (36.5%). HBsAg was also more frequent among brothers (79.6 vs 8.5%; P < 0.0001), children (37.9 vs 3.3%; P < 0.0001) and other family members (33.9 vs 16.7%; P < 0.0007) of Asian than Western origin, respectively. No difference between groups was found for anti-HBs, which was more frequently observed in fathers, spouses and other non-genetic relatives. HBV infection was significantly higher in children of Asian than Western mothers (P < 0.0004). In both ethnic groups, the mothers contributed more to their children's infection than the fathers (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, HBsAg was more frequent among consanguineous members and anti-HBs among non-consanguineous members. These results suggest the occurrence of vertical transmission of HBV among consanguineous members and probably horizontal sexual transmission among non-consanguineous members of a family cluster. Thus, the high occurrence of dissemination of HBV infection characterizes family members as a high-risk group that calls for immunoprophylaxis. Finally, the study showed a high familial aggregation rate for both ethnic groups, 18/19 (94.7%) and 23/26 (88.5%) of the Asian and Western origin, respectively.

Origin of New Faculty in Sedimentary Petrology at Ph.D.-Granting Universities in the United States and Canada.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, Scott E.

1981-01-01

To aid prospective graduate students in sedimentary petrology who wish to teach at colleges or universities, 121 doctoral graduates in this field are traced to their present appointments in higher education. Only 31 percent of these graduates attained this career goal. (Author/WB)

Midlife Women: Their Problems and Prospects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blai, Boris, Jr.

The U.S. Congress has only recently begun to evaluate the special needs of midlife women. Public policy should support the efforts of women coping with the various job, educational, and personal transitions in their lives. To refute the stereotypical labeling of midlife women, society must identify the origins of these women's insecurities and the…

MOLA 1064nm Radiometry Measurements: Status and Prospects in Extended Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neumann, G. A.; Abshire, J. B.; Smith, D. E.; Sun, X.; Zuber, M. T.

2002-01-01

The Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter (MOLA) instrument has measured the brightness of the Mars surface at 1064 nm in a passive mode, from background noise counts, since 1997. After ceasing altimetry collection July 2001, MOLA has taken >50 million high-resolution radiometer observations. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

12 CFR 1282.15 - General counting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... because neither the income of prospective or actual tenants, nor the actual or average rental data, are... based on the income of the mortgagors and the area median income at the time the mortgage was originated. To determine whether mortgages may be counted under a particular family income level, i.e., low- or...

16 CFR § 1404.1 - Scope, application, and effective date.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS CELLULOSE INSULATION § 1404.1 Scope, application, and effective date. (a) Scope... insulation to notify (1) prospective purchasers of such products at the time of original purchase and (2) the... avoid the fire hazard that exists where cellulose insulation is installed too close to the sides or over...

Organization Development: Its Nature, Origins, and Prospects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennis, Warren G.

A primer on organization development (OD), this book presents a basic statement for people in organizations and for practitioners and students of OD. Many concrete examples are included. After a definition of OD, the basic conditions which create the need for OD are discussed: rapid change, growth in size, increasing diversity, change in…

Visualization and Analysis of Arena Data, Wound Ballistics Data, and Vulnerability/Lethality (V/L) Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

engineering simulation in mind. In fact, it was originally developed for Walt Disney . This engine was made open source in 2002 in order to collaborate... Disney VR studios and is still used in Disney Imagineering [5]. There are many similarities in overall design between PANDA and Prospect; however

100 Years of Commitment to Children: Change and Continuity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shore, Rima

The Foundation for Child Development (FCD) is the oldest philanthropy in the nation focused on improving the life prospects of children. This booklet, produced for FCD's centennial, describes the organization's origins and changes during the past 100 years. The booklet's sections, which include photographs, quotes, and a timeline, are: (1)…

Magnetic resonance neurography and diffusion tensor imaging: origins, history, and clinical impact of the first 50,000 cases with an assessment of efficacy and utility in a prospective 5000-patient study group.

PubMed

Filler, Aaron

2009-10-01

Methods were invented that made it possible to image peripheral nerves in the body and to image neural tracts in the brain. The history, physical basis, and dyadic tensor concept underlying the methods are reviewed. Over a 15-year period, these techniques-magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and diffusion tensor imaging-were deployed in the clinical and research community in more than 2500 published research reports and applied to approximately 50,000 patients. Within this group, approximately 5000 patients having MRN were carefully tracked on a prospective basis. A uniform Neurography imaging methodology was applied in the study group, and all images were reviewed and registered by referral source, clinical indication, efficacy of imaging, and quality. Various classes of image findings were identified and subjected to a variety of small targeted prospective outcome studies. Those findings demonstrated to be clinically significant were then tracked in the larger clinical volume data set. MRN demonstrates mechanical distortion of nerves, hyperintensity consistent with nerve irritation, nerve swelling, discontinuity, relations of nerves to masses, and image features revealing distortion of nerves at entrapment points. These findings are often clinically relevant and warrant full consideration in the diagnostic process. They result in specific pathological diagnoses that are comparable to electrodiagnostic testing in clinical efficacy. A review of clinical outcome studies with diffusion tensor imaging also shows convincing utility. MRN and diffusion tensor imaging neural tract imaging have been validated as indispensable clinical diagnostic methods that provide reliable anatomic pathological information. There is no alternative diagnostic method in many situations. With the elapsing of 15 years, tens of thousands of imaging studies, and thousands of publications, these methods should no longer be considered experimental.

Work stress and the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease events: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Li, Jian; Zhang, Min; Loerbroks, Adrian; Angerer, Peter; Siegrist, Johannes

2015-01-01

Though much evidence indicates that work stress increases the risk of incident of coronary heart disease (CHD), little is known about the role of work stress in the development of recurrent CHD events. The objective of this study was to review and synthesize the existing epidemiological evidence on whether work stress increases the risk of recurrent CHD events in patients with the first CHD. A systematic literature search in the PubMed database (January 1990 - December 2013) for prospective studies was performed. Inclusion criteria included: peer-reviewed English papers with original data, studies with substantial follow-up (> 3 years), end points defined as cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction, as well as work stress assessed with reliable and valid instruments. Meta-analysis using random-effects modeling was conducted in order to synthesize the observed effects across the studies. Five papers derived from 4 prospective studies conducted in Sweden and Canada were included in this systematic review. The measurement of work stress was based on the Demand- Control model (4 papers) or the Effort-Reward Imbalance model (1 paper). According to the estimation by meta-analysis based on 4 papers, a significant effect of work stress on the risk of recurrent CHD events (hazard ratio: 1.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.22) was observed. Our findings suggest that, in patients with the first CHD, work stress is associated with an increased relative risk of recurrent CHD events by 65%. Due to the limited literature, more well-designed prospective research is needed to examine this association, in particular, from other than western regions of the world. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Reliability of patient specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Jennart, Harold; Ngo Yamben, Marie-Ange; Kyriakidis, Theofylaktos; Zorman, David

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare the precision between Patient Specific Instrumentation (PSI) and Conventional Instrumentation (CI) as determined intra-operatively by a pinless navigation system. Eighty patients were included in this prospective comparative study and they were divided into two homogeneous groups. We defined an original score from 6 to 30 points to evaluate the accuracy of the position of the cutting guides. This score is based on 6 objective criteria. The analysis indicated that PSI was not superior to conventional instrumentation in the overall score (p = 0.949). Moreover, no statistically significant difference was observed for any individual criteria of our score. Level of evidence II.

Early Environmental Origins of Neurodegenerative Disease in Later Life

PubMed Central

Landrigan, Philip J.; Sonawane, Babasaheb; Butler, Robert N.; Trasande, Leonardo; Callan, Richard; Droller, Daniel

2005-01-01

Parkinson disease (PD) and Alzheimer disease (AD), the two most common neurodegenerative disorders in American adults, are of purely genetic origin in a minority of cases and appear in most instances to arise through interactions among genetic and environmental factors. In this article we hypothesize that environmental exposures in early life may be of particular etiologic importance and review evidence for the early environmental origins of neurodegeneration. For PD the first recognized environmental cause, MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), was identified in epidemiologic studies of drug abusers. Chemicals experimentally linked to PD include the insecticide rotenone and the herbicides paraquat and maneb; interaction has been observed between paraquat and maneb. In epidemiologic studies, manganese has been linked to parkinsonism. In dementia, lead is associated with increased risk in chronically exposed workers. Exposures of children in early life to lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, and methylmercury have been followed by persistent decrements in intelligence that may presage dementia. To discover new environmental causes of AD and PD, and to characterize relevant gene–environment interactions, we recommend that a large, prospective genetic and epidemiologic study be undertaken that will follow thousands of children from conception (or before) to old age. Additional approaches to etiologic discovery include establishing incidence registries for AD and PD, conducting targeted investigations in high-risk populations, and improving testing of the potential neurologic toxicity of chemicals. PMID:16140633

The IASLC Lung Cancer Staging Project: data elements for the prospective project.

PubMed

Giroux, Dorothy J; Rami-Porta, Ramón; Chansky, Kari; Crowley, John J; Groome, Patti A; Postmus, Pieter E; Rusch, Valerie; Sculier, Jean-Paul; Shepherd, Frances A; Sobin, Leslie; Goldstraw, Peter

2009-06-01

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Retrospective Staging Project culminated in a series of recommendations to the International Union Against Cancer and to the American Joint Committee on Cancer regarding the seventh edition of the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification for lung cancer. The International Staging Committee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer now issues this call for participation in the Prospective Project designed to assess the validity of each component of T, N, and M, and other factors relevant to lung cancer staging and prognosis. In the Retrospective Project, the original data acquisition was typically motivated by interests other than staging. In contrast, the Prospective Project offers online data entry. Alternatively, participants may transfer existing data, provided core objectives are addressed. Cancer Research and Biostatistics will coordinate data management and analysis. The study population is newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Data elements include patient characteristics, baseline laboratory values, first-line treatment, TNM plus supporting evidence, and survival. Pretreatment TNM will be collected for all cases; postsurgical TNM, if resection is attempted. T descriptors include size and degree of tumor extension, with further description of extent of visceral pleural invasion, venous invasion, carcinomatous lymphangitis, and pleural lavage cytology. M descriptors characterize the newly proposed M1a category and sites of distant metastases. Nodal station involvement is described by means of a newly proposed nodal map, facilitating international participation, and allowing further investigation of nodal zones. Successful collection and analysis of these data can be expected to yield unprecedented improvements in the utility and validity of lung cancer staging.

Prospective Identification of Oligoclonal/Abnormal Band of the Same Immunoglobulin Type as the Malignant Clone by Differential Location of M-Spike and Oligoclonal Band.

PubMed

Vyas, Shikhar G; Singh, Gurmukh

2017-10-01

Serum and urine protein electrophoreses and immunofixation electrophoreses are the gold standards in diagnosing monoclonal gammopathy. Identification of oligoclonal bands in post-treatment patients has emerged as an important issue and recording the location of the malignant monoclonal peak may facilitate prospective identification of a new "monoclonal" spike as being distinct from the malignant peak. We recorded the locations of monoclonal spikes in descriptive terms, such as being in the cathodal region, mid-gamma region, anodal region, and beta region. The location of monoclonal or restricted heterogeneity bands in subsequent protein electrophoreses was compared to the location of the original malignant spike. In a patient with plasma cell myeloma, the original monoclonal IgG kappa band was located at the anodal end of gamma region. Post-treatment, an IgG kappa band was noted in mid-gamma region and the primary malignant clone was not detectable by serum protein immunofixation electrophoresis (SIFE) in post-treatment sample. Even though the κ/λ ratio remained abnormal, we were able to recognize stringent complete response by noting the different location of the new IgG kappa band as a benign regenerative process. Recording the location of the malignant monoclonal spike facilitates the identification of post-treatment oligoclonal bands, prospectively. Recognizing the regenerative, benign, bands in post-transplant patients facilitates the determination of stringent complete response despite an abnormal κ/λ ratio.

Renal artery origins and variations: angiographic evaluation of 855 consecutive patients.

PubMed

Ozkan, Uğur; Oğuzkurt, Levent; Tercan, Fahri; Kizilkiliç, Osman; Koç, Zafer; Koca, Nihal

2006-12-01

To determine angiographically the origins and variations of renal arteries. The study included 855 consecutive patients (163 females, 692 males; mean age, 61 years) living in the Cukurova region of Turkey, who underwent either aortofemoropopliteal (AFP) angiography for the investigation of peripheral arterial disease, or renal angiography for renovascular hypertension, and were prospectively evaluated. Renal arteries were visualized by non-selective catheterization during AFP angiography and by selective or non-selective catheterization during renal angiography. Locations of renal artery origins and renal artery variations, including the presence of extra renal arteries and division patterns were analyzed on angiograms. The origin of main renal arteries off the aorta was between the upper margin of L1 and lower margin of L2 vertebra in 98% of the patients, and in 74%, this was the origin of extra renal arteries. The most common location for renal artery origin was the L1-L2 intervertebral disc level. A single renal artery was present in both kidneys in 76% of patients. Renal artery variations included multiple arteries in 24%, bilateral multiple arteries in 5%, and early division in 8% of the cases. Additional renal arteries on the right side were found in 16% and on the left side in 13% of cases. Of all the extra renal arteries, the percentage of accessory and aberrant renal arteries were 49% and 51%, respectively. Renal arteries originated between the first and the second lumbar vertebral levels in most patients. Extra renal arteries were quite frequent. These results should be kept in mind when a non-invasive diagnostic search is performed for renal artery stenosis, or when renal surgery related to renal arteries is performed.

Abnormal vaginal flora in symptomatic non-pregnant and pregnant women in a Greek hospital: a prospective study.

PubMed

Tansarli, G S; Skalidis, T; Legakis, N J; Falagas, M E

2017-02-01

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis, and trichomoniasis were the three established types of vaginal conditions until aerobic vaginitis (AV) was defined in the early 2000s. We sought to study the prevalence of abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) with inflammation in our hospital and to correlate it with AV. We prospectively collected vaginal smear specimens originated from symptomatic women who were examined at Iaso Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children's Hospital of Athens from April 2014 until September 2015. Amsel's criteria were used for the diagnosis of BV. The presence of leukocytes and lactobacillary grade were evaluated to classify a condition as AVF with inflammation; subsequently, bacterial cultures were performed. A total of 761 women were included. Five hundred and seventy-nine women were diagnosed with candidiasis, BV, trichomoniasis, or other types of vaginitis in which no pathogenic bacterial growth occurred in cultures. One hundred and eighty-two women (23.9 %) were diagnosed with AVF with inflammation (116 non-pregnant, 66 pregnant). Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen among these women (non-pregnant: 45.7 %, pregnant: 34.8 %). Other common pathogens were Group-B-Streptococcus (non-pregnant: 20.7 %, pregnant: 22.7 % respectively), Enterococcus faecalis (14.7 %, 18.2 %), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.9 %, 12.1 %). The prevalence of AVF with inflammation may be high. Since inflammation criteria were applied, most cases of BV were eliminated and the majority of cases of AVF are AV. Therefore, clinicians should include AV in the differential diagnosis of vaginitis, while microbiologists should take into account the growth of aerobic bacteria in vaginal cultures originating from women with microscopic findings of AV.

Prospective Coronary Heart Disease Screening in Asymptomatic Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients Using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: Results and Risk Factor Analysis

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

Girinsky, Theodore, E-mail: girinsky.theodore@orange.fr; M’Kacher, Radhia; Lessard, Nathalie

Purpose: To prospectively investigate the coronary artery status using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma treated with combined modalities and mediastinal irradiation. Methods and Materials: All consecutive asymptomatic patients with Hodgkin lymphoma entered the study during follow-up, from August 2007 to May 2012. Coronary CT angiography was performed, and risk factors were recorded along with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) measurements. Results: One hundred seventy-nine patients entered the 5-year study. The median follow-up was 11.6 years (range, 2.1-40.2 years), and the median interval between treatment and the CCTA was 9.5 years (range, 0.5-40 years). Coronary artery abnormalities were demonstrated in 46 patientsmore » (26%). Coronary CT angiography abnormalities were detected in nearly 15% of the patients within the first 5 years after treatment. A significant increase (34%) occurred 10 years after treatment (P=.05). Stenoses were mostly nonostial. Severe stenoses were observed in 12 (6.7%) of the patients, entailing surgery with either angioplasty with stent placement or bypass grafting in 10 of them (5.5%). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that age at treatment, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, as well as radiation dose to the coronary artery origins, were prognostic factors. In the group of patients with LTL measurements, hypertension and LTL were the only independent risk factors. Conclusions: The findings suggest that CCTA can identify asymptomatic individuals at risk of acute coronary artery disease who might require either preventive or curative measures. Conventional risk factors and the radiation dose to coronary artery origins were independent prognostic factors. The prognostic value of LTL needs further investigation.« less

Semimechanistic Bone Marrow Exhaustion Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model for Chemotherapy-Induced Cumulative Neutropenia.

PubMed

Henrich, Andrea; Joerger, Markus; Kraff, Stefanie; Jaehde, Ulrich; Huisinga, Wilhelm; Kloft, Charlotte; Parra-Guillen, Zinnia Patricia

2017-08-01

Paclitaxel is a commonly used cytotoxic anticancer drug with potentially life-threatening toxicity at therapeutic doses and high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. Thus, drug and effect monitoring is indicated to control dose-limiting neutropenia. Joerger et al. (2016) developed a dose individualization algorithm based on a pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) model describing paclitaxel and neutrophil concentrations. Furthermore, the algorithm was prospectively compared in a clinical trial against standard dosing (Central European Society for Anticancer Drug Research Study of Paclitaxel Therapeutic Drug Monitoring; 365 patients, 720 cycles) but did not substantially improve neutropenia. This might be caused by misspecifications in the PK/PD model underlying the algorithm, especially without consideration of the observed cumulative pattern of neutropenia or the platinum-based combination therapy, both impacting neutropenia. This work aimed to externally evaluate the original PK/PD model for potential misspecifications and to refine the PK/PD model while considering the cumulative neutropenia pattern and the combination therapy. An underprediction was observed for the PK (658 samples), the PK parameters, and these parameters were re-estimated using the original estimates as prior information. Neutrophil concentrations (3274 samples) were overpredicted by the PK/PD model, especially for later treatment cycles when the cumulative pattern aggravated neutropenia. Three different modeling approaches (two from the literature and one newly developed) were investigated. The newly developed model, which implemented the bone marrow hypothesis semiphysiologically, was superior. This model further included an additive effect for toxicity of carboplatin combination therapy. Overall, a physiologically plausible PK/PD model was developed that can be used for dose adaptation simulations and prospective studies to further improve paclitaxel/carboplatin combination therapy. Copyright © 2017 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Psychological stress and burnout in medical students: a five-year prospective longitudinal study.

PubMed

Guthrie, E; Black, D; Bagalkote, H; Shaw, C; Campbell, M; Creed, F

1998-05-01

The aim of this study was to assess psychological morbidity and symptoms of burnout in medical students during their undergraduate training, and to identify baseline factors that predict psychological morbidity in students in the final year of the course. It was a 5-year prospective longitudinal cohort study. Students were assessed in years 1, 4 and 5 of their medical undergraduate training by means of the GHQ-12 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. 172 (84.3%), 157 (77.0%) and 155 (75.9%) students out of an original group of 204 completed assessments in years 1, 4 and 5, respectively. 18 students were above threshold on the GHQ-12 on all three occasions, 25 on two occasions and 43 on one occasion; 69 students were never a 'case'. Students who were cases on two or more occasions were more likely to find the medical course stressful during the first year, but not subsequent years. There was no significant difference between the percentages of men and women who scored as cases on the GHQ-12 in any of the years. The best predictor of psychological morbidity in the final year of the course was the GHQ-12 score in year 1. This study suggests that a small group of students repeatedly experience psychological distress during their medical training.

Towards Estimating Water Stress through Leaf and Canopy Water Content Derived from Optical and Thermal Hyperspectral Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbin, Amie; Timmermans, Joris; van der Tol, Christiaan; Verhoef, Wout

2015-04-01

A competition for available (drinkable) water has arisen. This competition originated due to increasing global population and the respective needs of this population. The water demand for human consumption and irrigation of food producing crops and biofuel related vegetation, has led to early indication of drought as a key issue in many studies. However, while drought monitoring systems might provide some reasonable predictions, at the time of visible symptoms of plant stress, a plant may already be critically affected. Consequently, pre-symptomatic non-destructive monitoring of plants is needed. In many studies of plant stress, this is performed by examining internal plant physiology through existing remote sensing techniques, with varying applications. However, a uniform remote sensing method for identifying early plant stress under drought conditions is still developing. In some instances, observations of vegetation water content are used to assess the impact of soil water deficit on the health of a plant or canopy. When considering water content as an indicator of water stress in a plant, this comments not only on the condition of the plant itself, but also provides indicators of photosynthetic activity and the susceptibility to drought. Several indices of canopy health currently exists (NDVI, DVI, SAVI, etc.) using optical and near infrared reflectance bands. However, these are considered inadequate for vegetation health investigations because such semi-empirical models result in less accuracy for canopy measurements. In response, a large amount of research has been conducted to estimate canopy health directly from considering the full spectral behaviour. In these studies , the canopy reflectance has been coupled to leaf parameters, by using coupling leaf radiative transfer models (RTM), such as PROSPECT, to a canopy RTM such as SAIL. The major shortcomings of these researches is that they have been conducted primarily for optical remote sensing. Recently, PROSPECT-VISIR, an extended version of the PROSPECT model has been developed, extending the range to 5.7µm. However, this model is yet to be validated other than in the original publication. The goal of this research is to examine the biophysical property of leaf and canopy water content as an indicator of plant health through analysis of leaf spectra in the optical and thermal range. The MIDAC FTIR (3 - 20µm) and ASD spectrometer (0.35 - 2.5µm) were used to measure the thermal and optical ranges, respectively, of individual leaf spectra. A relationship between the measured spectra and leaf water content is to be analyzed. In addition, the PROPSECT-VISIR model is to be utilized along with SAIL to analyze the applications of the spectra in radiation transfer models, and to validate the recent PROSPECT-VISIR model.

Postmarket studies required by the US Food and Drug Administration for new drugs and biologics approved between 2009 and 2012: cross sectional analysis.

PubMed

Wallach, Joshua D; Egilman, Alexander C; Dhruva, Sanket S; McCarthy, Margaret E; Miller, Jennifer E; Woloshin, Steven; Schwartz, Lisa M; Ross, Joseph S

2018-05-24

To characterize postmarketing requirements for new drugs and biologics approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and to examine rates and timeliness of registration, results reporting, and publication of required prospective cohort studies, registries, and clinical trials. Cross sectional analysis. Postmarketing requirements for all new drugs and biologics approved by the FDA between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2012, with follow-up up to 15 November 2017. Postmarketing requirements and their characteristics known at the time of FDA approval, including FDA authority, study design, and study characteristics. Rates and timeliness of registration and results reporting on ClinicalTrials.gov and publication in peer reviewed journals of required prospective cohort studies, registries, and clinical trials. Between 2009 and 12, the FDA approved 97 new drugs and biologics for 106 indications with at least one postmarketing requirement at the time of first approval, for a total of 437 postmarketing requirements. Postmarket study descriptions were short (median word count 44 (interquartile range 29-71)) and often lacked information to determine an up to date progress (131 (30%)). 220 (50.3%) postmarketing requirements were for new animal or other studies (including pharmacokinetic studies); 134 (30.7%) were for prospective cohort studies, registries, and clinical trials; and 83 (19.0%) were for secondary analyses or follow-up studies. Of 110 clinical trials, 38 (34.5%), 44 (40.0%), 62 (56.4%), 66 (60.0%), and 98 (89.1%) did not report enough information to establish use of randomization, comparator type, allocation, outcome, and number of patients to be enrolled, respectively. Of 134 required prospective cohort studies, registries, and clinical trials, 102 (76.1%) were registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; of 50 registered and completed studies, 36 (72.0%) had reported results on ClinicalTrials.gov. Among 65 completed studies, 47 (72.3%) had either reported results or were published a median of 47 months (interquartile range 32-67) after FDA approval. 32 (68.1%) of these 47 studies did not report results publicly by the time of their original FDA report submission deadline. Postmarketing requirements for new drugs and biologics were often briefly described and did not contain enough information to characterize study designs. Approximately three quarters of postmarketing requirements for prospective cohort studies, registries, and clinical trials were registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, and nearly three quarters of completed studies reported results or were published, suggesting that at least a quarter of these required studies are not being publicly disseminated. 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.

Complex proximal humeral fractures: a prospective study of 22 cases treated using the "Bilboquet" device.

PubMed

Doursounian, L; Kilinc, A; Cherrier, B; Nourissat, G

2011-02-01

Despite recent improvements in surgical devices, complex proximal humerus fractures internal fixation still encounters frequent mechanical failures. The aim of this study was to confirm that the Bilboquet device (a design mimicking the cup-and-ball game) helps solving mechanical difficulties associated with these fractures internal fixation and to present a simplified version of the original surgical procedure. This non-randomised prospective study included 22 fractures in 22 patients, mean age: 70 years. According to the Neer classification there were three-part fractures in seven cases and four-part fractures in 15 cases. Fractures were all reduced and treated by internal fixation in a simplified surgical procedure using the Bilboquet device. Mean postoperative follow-up was 34 months. The mean Constant score was 66 and the weighted Constant score was 86. Mean active forward elevation was 108° and mean active external rotation was 28°. No per- or postoperative complications occurred. Initial reduction of the tuberosity was incomplete in four cases. Union was obtained in all fractures. There was no secondary tilting of the head, and no migration or pseudarthrosis of the tuberosities. Five patients developed postoperative avascular necrosis of the humeral head. The Bilboquet staple component provides a supporting platform for the entire humeral head area. This peripheral stabilization associated with tension band wiring explains the lack of secondary displacement in these cases. Although the Bilboquet device provides a solution to the mechanical problems of complex fractures of the proximal humerus, it does not solve the problem of secondary avascular necrosis of the humeral head, which occurred in 23% of the patients in this series and in 33% of patients in the four-part fractures subgroup. IV (non-randomised prospective study). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Prospective Clinical Utility Study of the Use of the 21-Gene Assay in Adjuvant Clinical Decision Making in Women With Estrogen Receptor-Positive Early Invasive Breast Cancer: Results From the SWITCH Study.

PubMed

Gligorov, Joseph; Pivot, Xavier B; Jacot, William; Naman, Hervé L; Spaeth, Dominique; Misset, Jean-Louis; Largillier, Rémy; Sautiere, Jean-Loup; de Roquancourt, Anne; Pomel, Christophe; Rouanet, Philippe; Rouzier, Roman; Penault-Llorca, Frederique M

2015-08-01

The 21-gene Oncotype DX Recurrence Score assay is a validated assay to help decide the appropriate treatment for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), early-stage breast cancer (EBC) in the adjuvant setting. The choice of adjuvant treatments might vary considerably in different countries according to various treatment guidelines. This prospective multicenter study is the first to assess the impact of the Oncotype DX assay in the French clinical setting. A total of 100 patients with ER+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative EBC, and node-negative (pN0) disease or micrometastases in up to 3 lymph nodes (pN1mi) were enrolled. Treatment recommendations, physicians' confidence before and after knowing the Recurrence Score value, and physicians' perception of the assay were recorded. Of the 100 patients, 95 were evaluable (83 pN0, 12 pN1mi). Treatment recommendations changed in 37% of patients, predominantly from chemoendocrine to endocrine treatment alone. The proportion of patients recommended chemotherapy decreased from 52% pretest to 25% post-test. Of patients originally recommended chemotherapy, 61% were recommended endocrine treatment alone after receiving the Recurrence Score result. For both pN0 and pN1mi patients, post-test recommendations appeared to follow the Recurrence Score result for low and high values. Physicians' confidence improved significantly. These are the first prospective data on the impact of the Oncotype DX assay on adjuvant treatment decisions in France. Using the assay was associated with a significant change in treatment decisions and an overall reduction in chemotherapy use. These data are consistent with those presented from European and non-European studies. ©AlphaMed Press.

Identification to the species level of Lactobacillus isolated in probiotic prospecting studies of human, animal or food origin by 16S-23S rRNA restriction profiling

PubMed Central

Moreira, João Luiz S; Mota, Rodrigo M; Horta, Maria F; Teixeira, Santuza MR; Neumann, Elisabeth; Nicoli, Jacques R; Nunes, Álvaro C

2005-01-01

Background The accurate identification of Lactobacillus and other co-isolated bacteria during microbial ecological studies of ecosystems such as the human or animal intestinal tracts and food products is a hard task by phenotypic methods requiring additional tests such as protein and/or lipids profiling. Results Bacteria isolated in different probiotic prospecting studies, using de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe medium (MRS), were typed at species level by PCR amplification of 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacers using universal primers that anneal within 16S and 23S genes, followed by restriction digestion analyses of PCR products. The set of enzymes chosen differentiates most species of Lactobacillus genus and also co-isolated bacteria such as Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Weissella, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia species. The in silico predictions of restriction patterns generated by the Lactobacillus shorter spacers digested with 11 restriction enzymes with 6 bp specificities allowed us to distinguish almost all isolates at the species level but not at the subspecies one. Simultaneous theoretical digestions of the three spacers (long, medium and short) with the same set of enzymes provided more complex patterns and allowed us to distinguish the species without purifying and cloning of PCR products. Conclusion Lactobacillus isolates and several other strains of bacteria co-isolated on MRS medium from gastrointestinal ecosystem and fermented food products could be identified using DNA fingerprints generated by restriction endonucleases. The methodology based on amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) is easier, faster and more accurate than the current methodologies based on fermentation profiles, used in most laboratories for the purpose of identification of these bacteria in different prospecting studies. PMID:15788104

Commentary on Sommer et al. 'A randomized experiment of the effects of including alternative medicine in the mandatory benefit package of health insurance.

PubMed

Heusser, P

2000-03-01

The study by Sommer et al. recently reported in Complementary Therapies in Medicine has been heavily criticised in Switzerland since its original publication. Its major problems are an inadequate reflection of real practice, an inadequate study design relative to the central research objective, questionable value of the applied instrument and procedure for health assessment, methodological and statistical problems, and failure to consider literature relevant to the topic. For these reasons, this experimental study does not allow an answer to its central questions as to costs and effectiveness of complementary medicine made available within Switzerland's mandatory basic health insurance provisions. We propose more practice-related, non-experimental prospective study designs to realistically answer these questions.

Origins of narcissism in children.

PubMed

Brummelman, Eddie; Thomaes, Sander; Nelemans, Stefanie A; Orobio de Castro, Bram; Overbeek, Geertjan; Bushman, Brad J

2015-03-24

Narcissism levels have been increasing among Western youth, and contribute to societal problems such as aggression and violence. The origins of narcissism, however, are not well understood. Here, we report, to our knowledge, the first prospective longitudinal evidence on the origins of narcissism in children. We compared two perspectives: social learning theory (positing that narcissism is cultivated by parental overvaluation) and psychoanalytic theory (positing that narcissism is cultivated by lack of parental warmth). We timed the study in late childhood (ages 7-12), when individual differences in narcissism first emerge. In four 6-mo waves, 565 children and their parents reported child narcissism, child self-esteem, parental overvaluation, and parental warmth. Four-wave cross-lagged panel models were conducted. Results support social learning theory and contradict psychoanalytic theory: Narcissism was predicted by parental overvaluation, not by lack of parental warmth. Thus, children seem to acquire narcissism, in part, by internalizing parents' inflated views of them (e.g., "I am superior to others" and "I am entitled to privileges"). Attesting to the specificity of this finding, self-esteem was predicted by parental warmth, not by parental overvaluation. These findings uncover early socialization experiences that cultivate narcissism, and may inform interventions to curtail narcissistic development at an early age.

38 CFR 36.4368 - Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in housing certification requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... it nor anyone authorized to act for it will decline to sell any property included in such request to a prospective purchaser because of his or her race, color, religion, sex or national origin. (b) On... prescribed nondiscrimination certification will be required if the builder is to sell the veteran the lot on...

38 CFR 36.4368 - Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in housing certification requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... it nor anyone authorized to act for it will decline to sell any property included in such request to a prospective purchaser because of his or her race, color, religion, sex or national origin. (b) On... prescribed nondiscrimination certification will be required if the builder is to sell the veteran the lot on...

38 CFR 36.4368 - Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in housing certification requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... it nor anyone authorized to act for it will decline to sell any property included in such request to a prospective purchaser because of his or her race, color, religion, sex or national origin. (b) On... prescribed nondiscrimination certification will be required if the builder is to sell the veteran the lot on...

38 CFR 36.4368 - Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in housing certification requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... it nor anyone authorized to act for it will decline to sell any property included in such request to a prospective purchaser because of his or her race, color, religion, sex or national origin. (b) On... prescribed nondiscrimination certification will be required if the builder is to sell the veteran the lot on...

38 CFR 36.4368 - Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in housing certification requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... it nor anyone authorized to act for it will decline to sell any property included in such request to a prospective purchaser because of his or her race, color, religion, sex or national origin. (b) On... prescribed nondiscrimination certification will be required if the builder is to sell the veteran the lot on...

Unraveling the Mystery of the Origin of Mathematical Problems: Using a Problem-Posing Framework with Prospective Mathematics Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Contreras, Jose

2007-01-01

In this article, I model how a problem-posing framework can be used to enhance our abilities to systematically generate mathematical problems by modifying the attributes of a given problem. The problem-posing model calls for the application of the following fundamental mathematical processes: proving, reversing, specializing, generalizing, and…

The University of the Future: Problems and Prospects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bjornson, Richard, Ed.; Waldman, Marilyn R., Ed.

Most of the 15 papers presented here were originally presented at a May, 1987 colloquium held in Columbus, Ohio, on "The Educated Citizen and the University of the Future." Papers and their authors are as follows: "Thinking About the University of the Future" (Richard Bjornson and Marilyn R. Waldman); "The Old and the New: The University of Today…

On the Origins, Stages and Prospects of the Kazakh Philosophy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sydykov, Yerlan B.; Nysanbaev, Abdumalik N.; Tuleshov, Valikhan T.

2016-01-01

Perception of a single chain of the Kazakh history as the history of their ethnic consciousness and self-awareness, and not as a history of the events or stories of artefacts presents the most important political task, which could be solved only through the metaphysical, philosophical synthesis of views from the primitive to modern times. The…

Among the Few at Deep Springs College: Assessing a Seven-Decade Experiment in Liberal Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newell, L. Jackson

1982-01-01

Describes the origins and characteristics of Deep Springs College (DSC), which since 1917 has teamed liberal arts instruction with the physical labor of running a cattle ranch. Uses alumni survey responses to assess the long-term effects of attending DSC. Examines paradoxes inherent in the school and its future prospects. (DMM)

Comparing the Open University Systems of China and India: Origins, Developments and Prospects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perris, Kirk

2015-01-01

The national open universities of China and India are unique adaptations of the open university model that emanated from the UK. These institutions have expanded to become the largest universities in the world as measured by current enrollment of approximately four million each. This article comparatively analyzes how these open universities have…

PREVALENCE OF VALVULAR REGURGITATIONS IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY CAPTIVE LEOPARDS AND CHEETAHS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM THE WILDLIFE CARDIOLOGY (WLC) GROUP (2008-2013).

PubMed

Chai, Norin; Petit, Thierry; Kohl, Muriel; Bourgeois, Aude; Gouni, Vassiliki; Trehiou-Sechi, Emilie; Misbach, Charlotte; Petit, Amandine; Damoiseaux, Cécile; Garrigou, Audrey; Guepin, Raphaëlle; Pouchelon, Jean Louis; Chetboul, Valérie

2015-09-01

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate transthoracic echocardiograms from clinically healthy large felids for the presence of valvular regurgitations (VR). Physiologic VR commonly occur in normal dogs and cats, but the percentage of large felids with VR has not been previously reported. During a 5-yr study period (2008-2013), 28 healthy animals were evaluated under general anesthesia: 16 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringuii) with a mean age of 1.5±0.8 yr (range 0.7-3.5 yr), 5 Amur leopards (Panthera pardus orientalis), 1 snow leopard (Uncia uncia), and 6 clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). For this study, all the leopards were gathered in one so-called "leopards group" with a mean age of 2.8±3.4 yr (range 0.3-10.7 yr). All valves observed in each view were examined for evidence of regurgitant jets and turbulent blood flow using the color-flow Doppler mode. Valves were also examined for structural changes. Mitral valve and aortic cusp abnormalities were considered to be of congenital origin. Mitral valve lesions led to mitral insufficiency in all the felids. Aortic cusp abnormalities led to aortic regurgitation in 94% of the cheetahs and 67% of the leopards. Leopards showed a predominance of early systolic mitral regurgitations, whereas all the mitral regurgitation jets in cheetahs were holosystolic. Tricuspid regurgitation was found in 81% of the cheetahs and in 50% of the leopards, whereas pulmonic regurgitation was detected in 44% of the cheetahs and 33% of the leopards. Interestingly, none of these tricuspid and pulmonic regurgitations were associated with two-dimensional structural valve abnormalities, thus suggesting their physiologic origin, as described in humans, cats, and dogs. In conclusion, subclinical valvular diseases are common in apparently healthy leopards and cheetahs. Longitudinal follow-up of affected animals is therefore required to assess their clinical outcome.

[Purulent meningitis due to flavobacterium meningosepticum in Cameroonian children].

PubMed

Kokindombo, P O; Nko'o Amvenne, S; Ndjitoyap Ndam, E C; Wouaffo Ndayo, M; Tangam Ouambo, T; Tietche, F; Foumbi, J; Borderon, J C; Laugier, J; Mbede, J

1991-09-01

Following a number of reports of purulent CSF specimens positive for Flavobacterium meningosepticum in pediatric patients in Yaoundé, a prospective study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics of the Central Yaoundé Hospital from December 1988 through December 1989. The goals of this study were to determine the incidence of Flavobacterium meningosepticum among infants and children with purulent meningitis, to discover the origin of this pathogen, and to examine its susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Flavobacterium meningosepticum (18.4% of cases) was second by order of incidence, after pneumococci (50%). Incidences were low for the other pathogens usually described in purulent meningitis (H. influenzae, meningococcus...). All the pneumococcus strains recovered were susceptible to ampicillin. In contrast, 21.43% of strains of Flavobacterium meningosepticum were resistant to both ampicillin and chloramphenicol (the combination currently used as first line therapy in the Department), and 14.25% of strains were resistant to cefotaxime. The origin of the Flavobacterium meningosepticum strains found remains to be discovered. The low incidence of H. influenzae deserves to be reevaluated over the next few years.

The application of Fourier transform spectroscopy to the remote identification of solids in the solar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, H. P.; Fink, U.

1977-01-01

The techniques of Fourier transform spectroscopy combined with large aperture telescopes and advances in detector technology now permit infrared (at a wavelength greater than 1 micron) observations of the surfaces of small solar system objects such as asteroids and satellites. The results demonstrate that this activity can produce important new compositional information related to the origin and evolution of the solar system. The detection of water ice in Saturn's rings and on some of the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn confirm expectations that ices are important mineralogical components in the chemistry of the outer solar system. More recent studies of the mineralogical composition of the surfaces of asteroids provide a new observational link to the origin of meteorites and the early thermal history of the solar system. These results have been dependent upon supporting laboratory studies of the spectral behavior of ices and minerals to define the potential, and limitations, of the method. Since many of the astronomical observations have been exploratory in nature, prospects are good that continued refinement of the techniques will lead to additional insights.

The Future Orientation of Past Memory: The Role of BA 10 in Prospective and Retrospective Retrieval Modes.

PubMed

Underwood, Adam G; Guynn, Melissa J; Cohen, Anna-Lisa

2015-01-01

Klein made the provocative suggestion that the purpose of human episodic memory is to enable individuals to plan and prepare for the future. In other words, although episodic (retrospective) memory is about the past, it is not actually for the past; it is for the future. Within this focus, a natural subject for investigation is prospective memory, or memory to do things in the future. An important theoretical construct in the fields of both retrospective memory and prospective memory is that of a retrieval mode, or a neurocognitive set or readiness to treat environmental stimuli as potential retrieval cues. This construct was originally introduced in a theory of episodic (retrospective) memory and has more recently been invoked in a theory of how some prospective memory tasks are accomplished. To our knowledge, this construct has not been explicitly compared between the two literatures, and thus this is the purpose of the present article. Although we address the behavioral evidence for each construct, our primary goal is to assess the extent to which each retrieval mode appears to rely on a common neural region. Our review highlights the fact that a particular area of prefrontal cortex (BA 10) appears to play an important role in both retrospective and prospective retrieval modes. We suggest, based on this evidence and these ideas, that prospective memory research could profit from more active exploration of the relevance of theoretical constructs from the retrospective memory literature.

The Future Orientation of Past Memory: The Role of BA 10 in Prospective and Retrospective Retrieval Modes

PubMed Central

Underwood, Adam G.; Guynn, Melissa J.; Cohen, Anna-Lisa

2015-01-01

Klein made the provocative suggestion that the purpose of human episodic memory is to enable individuals to plan and prepare for the future. In other words, although episodic (retrospective) memory is about the past, it is not actually for the past; it is for the future. Within this focus, a natural subject for investigation is prospective memory, or memory to do things in the future. An important theoretical construct in the fields of both retrospective memory and prospective memory is that of a retrieval mode, or a neurocognitive set or readiness to treat environmental stimuli as potential retrieval cues. This construct was originally introduced in a theory of episodic (retrospective) memory and has more recently been invoked in a theory of how some prospective memory tasks are accomplished. To our knowledge, this construct has not been explicitly compared between the two literatures, and thus this is the purpose of the present article. Although we address the behavioral evidence for each construct, our primary goal is to assess the extent to which each retrieval mode appears to rely on a common neural region. Our review highlights the fact that a particular area of prefrontal cortex (BA 10) appears to play an important role in both retrospective and prospective retrieval modes. We suggest, based on this evidence and these ideas, that prospective memory research could profit from more active exploration of the relevance of theoretical constructs from the retrospective memory literature. PMID:26733844

Moving Forward Through Consensus: A Modified Delphi Approach to Determine the Top Research Priorities in Orthopaedic Oncology.

PubMed

Schneider, Patricia Jacqueline; Evaniew, Nathan; McKay, Paula; Ghert, Michelle

2017-12-01

Several challenges presently impede the conduct of prospective clinical studies in orthopaedic oncology, including limited financial resources to support their associated costs and inadequate patient volume at most single institutions. This study was conducted to prioritize research questions within the field so that the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS), and other relevant professional societies, can direct the limited human and fiscal resources available to address the priorities that the stakeholders involved believe will have the most meaningful impact on orthopaedic oncology patient care. The purpose of this study was to use a formal consensus-based approach involving clinician-scientists and other stakeholders to identify the top priority research questions for future international prospective clinical studies in orthopaedic oncology. A three-step modified Delphi process involving multiple stakeholder groups (including orthopaedic oncologists, research personnel, funding agency representation, and patient representation) was conducted. First, we sent an electronic questionnaire to all participants to solicit clinically relevant research questions (61 participants; 54% of the original 114 individuals invited to participate returned the questionnaires). Then, participants rated the candidate research questions using a 5-point Likert scale for five criteria (60 participants; 53% of the original group participated in this portion of the process). Research questions that met a priori consensus thresholds progressed for consideration to an in-person consensus meeting, which was attended by 44 participants (39% of the original group; 12 countries were represented at this meeting). After the consensus panel's discussion, members individually assigned scores to each question using a 9-point Likert scale. Research questions that met preset criteria advanced to final ranking, and panel members individually ranked their top three priority research questions, resulting in a final overall ranking of research priorities. A total of 73 candidate research questions advanced to the consensus meeting. In the end, the consensus panel identified four research priorities: (1) Does less intensive surveillance of patients with sarcoma affect survival? (2) What are the survival outcomes over time for orthopaedic oncology implants? (3) Does resection versus stabilization improve oncologic and functional outcomes in oligometastatic bone disease? (4) What is the natural history of untreated fibromatosis? The results of this study will assist in developing a long-term research strategy for the MSTS and, possibly, the orthopaedic oncology field as a whole. Furthermore, the results of this study can assist researchers in guiding their research efforts and in providing a justified rationale to funding agencies when requesting the resources necessary to support future collaborative research studies that address the identified orthopaedic oncology priorities.

Postauthorization safety study of Clottafact® , a triply secured fibrinogen concentrate in acquired fibrinogen deficiency: a prospective observational study.

PubMed

Négrier, C; Ducloy-Bouthors, A-S; Piriou, V; De Maistre, E; Stieltjes, N; Borel-Derlon, A; Colson, P; Picard, J; Lambert, T; Claeyssens, S; Boileau, S; Bertrand, A; André, M-H; Fourrier, F; Ozier, Y; Sié, P; Gruel, Y; Tellier, Z

2018-02-01

A postauthorization safety study was performed between 2009 and 2012 to describe the use of Clottafact ® in acquired fibrinogen deficiency in real-life medical practice in France. One hundred and fifty patients were planned for 28 days of prospective follow-up after infusion. The analysis of this observational study was descriptive and performed according to the type of treatment (curative or preventive) and the origin of the bleed. One hundred and fifty-six patients (16-87 years) were included in 13 centres and treated in five different medical bleeding situations: postpartum (59), other gynaecological/obstetrical (6), trauma (34), liver (13), cardiovascular (23) and other various bleeding situations (21). The mean follow-up time was 18·9 ± 12·3 days. Two patients presented adverse drug reactions: one a pulmonary embolism and the other a four-site venous thromboembolic episode. All were serious with a dubious causal relationship with the study treatment. Efficacy data were collected as a secondary objective. In 150 patients receiving curative treatment, 117 of 159 infusions (73·6%) were considered as successful by the investigators, 35 as moderate (22%) and seven as no response (4·4%). The Clottafact ® safety profile observed during the study matched the known profile of fibrinogen during use. © 2017 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Prospects for indirect detection of frozen-in dark matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heikinheimo, Matti; Tenkanen, Tommi; Tuominen, Kimmo

2018-03-01

We study observational consequences arising from dark matter (DM) of nonthermal origin, produced by dark freeze-out from a hidden sector heat bath. We assume this heat bath was populated by feebly coupled mediator particles, produced via a Higgs portal interaction with the Standard Model (SM). The dark sector then attained internal equilibrium with a characteristic temperature different from the SM photon temperature. We find that even if the coupling between the DM and the SM sectors is very weak, the scenario allows for indirect observational signals. We show how the expected strength of these signals depends on the temperature of the hidden sector at DM freeze-out.

Reparative resynchronization in ischemic heart failure: an emerging strategy.

PubMed

Yamada, Satsuki; Terzic, Andre

2014-08-01

Cardiac dyssynchrony refers to disparity in cardiac wall motion, a serious consequence of myocardial infarction associated with poor outcome. Infarct-induced scar is refractory to device-based cardiac resynchronization therapy, which relies on viable tissue. Leveraging the prospect of structural and functional regeneration, reparative resynchronization has emerged as a potentially achievable strategy. In proof-of-concept studies, stem-cell therapy eliminates contractile deficit originating from infarcted regions and secures long-term synchronization with tissue repair. Limited clinical experience suggests benefit of cell interventions in acute and chronic ischemic heart disease as adjuvant to standard of care. A regenerative resynchronization option for dyssynchronous heart failure thus merits validation.

Romantic Relationship Experiences from Late Adolescence to Young Adulthood: The Role of Older Siblings in Mexican-Origin Families

PubMed Central

Wheeler, Lorey A.; Killoren, Sarah E.; Whiteman, Shawn D.; Updegraff, Kimberly A.; McHale, Susan M.; Umaña-Taylor, Adriana J.

2016-01-01

Youth's experiences with romantic relationships during adolescence and young adulthood have far reaching implications for future relationships, health, and well-being; yet, although scholars have examined potential peer and parent influences, we know little about the role of siblings in youth's romantic relationships. Accordingly, this study examined the prospective longitudinal links between Mexican-origin older and younger siblings' romantic relationship experiences and variation by sibling structural and relationship characteristics (i.e., sibling age and gender similarity, younger siblings' modeling) and cultural values (i.e., younger siblings' familism values). Data from 246 Mexican-origin families with older (M = 20.65 years; SD = 1.57; 50% female) and younger (M = 17.72 years; SD = .57; 51% female) siblings were used to examine the likelihood of younger siblings' involvement in dating relationships, sexual relations, cohabitation, and engagement/marriage with probit path analyses. Findings revealed older siblings' reports of involvement in a dating relationship, cohabitation, and engagement/marriage predicted younger siblings' relationship experiences over a two-year period. These links were moderated by sibling age spacing, younger siblings' reports of modeling and familism values. Our findings suggest the significance of social learning dynamics as well as relational and cultural contexts in understanding the links between older and younger siblings' romantic relationship experiences among Mexican-origin youth. PMID:26590830

Mexican-Origin Parents’ Work Conditions and Adolescents’ Adjustment

PubMed Central

Wheeler, Lorey A.; Updegraff, Kimberly A.; Crouter, Ann

2015-01-01

Mexican-origin parents’ work experiences are a distal extra-familial context for adolescents’ adjustment. This two-wave multi-informant study examined the prospective mechanisms linking parents’ work conditions (i.e., self-direction, work pressure, workplace discrimination) to adolescents’ adjustment (i.e., educational expectations, depressive symptoms, risky behavior) across the transition to high school drawing on work socialization and spillover models. We examined the indirect effects of parental work conditions on adolescent adjustment through parents’ psychological functioning (i.e., depressive symptoms, role overload) and aspects of the parent-adolescent relationship (i.e., parental solicitation, parent-adolescent conflict), as well as moderation by adolescent gender. Participants were 246 predominantly immigrant, Mexican-origin, two-parent families who participated in home interviews when adolescents were approximately 13 and 15 years of age. Results supported the positive impact of fathers’ occupational self-direction on all three aspects of adolescents’ adjustment through decreased father-adolescent conflict, after controlling for family socioeconomic status and earner status, and underemployment. Parental work pressure and discrimination were indirectly linked to adolescents’ adjustment, with different mechanisms emerging for mothers and fathers. Adolescents’ gender moderated the associations between fathers’ self-direction and girls’ depressive symptoms, and fathers’ experiences of discrimination and boys’ risk behavior. Results suggest that Mexican-origin mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of work conditions have important implications for multiple domains of adolescents’ adjustment across the transition to high school. PMID:25938710

Mexican-origin parents' work conditions and adolescents' adjustment.

PubMed

Wheeler, Lorey A; Updegraff, Kimberly A; Crouter, Ann

2015-06-01

Mexican-origin parents' work experiences are a distal extrafamilial context for adolescents' adjustment. This 2-wave multiinformant study examined the prospective mechanisms linking parents' work conditions (i.e., self-direction, work pressure, workplace discrimination) to adolescents' adjustment (i.e., educational expectations, depressive symptoms, risky behavior) across the transition to high school drawing on work socialization and spillover models. We examined the indirect effects of parental work conditions on adolescent adjustment through parents' psychological functioning (i.e., depressive symptoms, role overload) and aspects of the parent-adolescent relationship (i.e., parental solicitation, parent-adolescent conflict), as well as moderation by adolescent gender. Participants were 246 predominantly immigrant, Mexican-origin, 2-parent families who participated in home interviews when adolescents were approximately 13 and 15 years of age. Results supported the positive impact of fathers' occupational self-direction on all 3 aspects of adolescents' adjustment through decreased father-adolescent conflict, after controlling for family socioeconomic status and earner status, and underemployment. Parental work pressure and discrimination were indirectly linked to adolescents' adjustment, with different mechanisms emerging for mothers and fathers. Adolescents' gender moderated the associations between fathers' self-direction and girls' depressive symptoms, and fathers' experiences of discrimination and boys' risk behavior. Results suggest that Mexican-origin mothers' and fathers' perceptions of work conditions have important implications for multiple domains of adolescents' adjustment across the transition to high school. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Romantic Relationship Experiences from Late Adolescence to Young Adulthood: The Role of Older Siblings in Mexican-Origin Families.

PubMed

Wheeler, Lorey A; Killoren, Sarah E; Whiteman, Shawn D; Updegraff, Kimberly A; McHale, Susan M; Umaña-Taylor, Adriana J

2016-05-01

Youth's experiences with romantic relationships during adolescence and young adulthood have far reaching implications for future relationships, health, and well-being; yet, although scholars have examined potential peer and parent influences, we know little about the role of siblings in youth's romantic relationships. Accordingly, this study examined the prospective longitudinal links between Mexican-origin older and younger siblings' romantic relationship experiences and variation by sibling structural and relationship characteristics (i.e., sibling age and gender similarity, younger siblings' modeling) and cultural values (i.e., younger siblings' familism values). Data from 246 Mexican-origin families with older (M = 20.65 years; SD = 1.57; 50 % female) and younger (M = 17.72 years; SD = .57; 51 % female) siblings were used to examine the likelihood of younger siblings' involvement in dating relationships, sexual relations, cohabitation, and engagement/marriage with probit path analyses. Findings revealed older siblings' reports of involvement in a dating relationship, cohabitation, and engagement/marriage predicted younger siblings' relationship experiences over a 2-year period. These links were moderated by sibling age spacing, younger siblings' reports of modeling and familism values. Our findings suggest the significance of social learning dynamics as well as relational and cultural contexts in understanding the links between older and younger siblings' romantic relationship experiences among Mexican-origin youth.

Efficacy and safety of a conversion from the original tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil to the generics Tacpan® and Mowel® after liver transplantation

PubMed Central

Vollmar, Johanna; Bellmann, Maren Christina; Darstein, Felix; Hoppe-Lotichius, Maria; Mittler, Jens; Heise, Michael; Rüttger, Bernd; Weyer, Veronika; Zimmermann, Anca; Lang, Hauke; Galle, Peter R; Zimmermann, Tim

2015-01-01

Background Expensive pharmaceuticals are a major reason for cost intensive health care systems. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy plays a relevant role after organ transplantation. Patents of original drugs have expired and cheaper products are available. Little data are available regarding efficacy and safety of generic immunosuppressive agents. Methods In this prospective study, 25 patients, who were clinically stable for a minimum of 2 years after liver transplantation, were converted from the original formulations of tacrolimus (TAC) and mycophenolate mofetil to the generics Tacpan® (TAP) and Mowel® (MOW). Patients were followed-up for 6 months. Results were compared retrospectively to 25 age- and sex-matched controls treated with the original brands. Results In the matched-pair analysis of TAC trough level/dose ratio, no significant difference was found between TAP/MOW and TAC/mycophenolate mofetil groups. No acute rejection occurred in either group. In total, 17 patients reported mild side effects in the TAP/MOW group. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal symptoms. Intra-individual analysis of costs revealed a considerable cost reduction in the TAP/MOW group (in median 25.03%; P<0.001). Conclusion In summary, the use of the generics TAP/MOW is effective and seems to be safe and cost-efficient in stable liver-transplantation patients. PMID:26604701

Contextual amplification or attenuation of pubertal timing effects on depressive symptoms among Mexican American girls.

PubMed

White, Rebecca M B; Deardorff, Julianna; Gonzales, Nancy A

2012-06-01

To examine the role of neighborhood contextual variation in the putative association between pubertal timing and depressive symptoms among Mexican-origin girls. Mexican-origin girls (N = 344; x̄(age) = 10.8 years) self-reported their total pubertal, adrenal, and gonadal events, along with levels of depressive symptoms in the 5th grade. Girls' residential addresses were geocoded into neighborhoods, and census data were obtained to describe neighborhoods along two dimensions: Hispanic cultural context and socioeconomic disadvantage. Two years later, when most of the girls were in the 7th grade, we reassessed the girls regarding depressive symptoms. Neighborhood Hispanic composition and neighborhood disadvantage were highly positively correlated. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we examined the moderating influence of neighborhood Hispanic composition and neighborhood disadvantage on the prospective associations between pubertal timing (total, gonadal, and adrenal) and depressive symptoms. Neighborhood Hispanic composition moderated the prospective association between total pubertal and gonadal timing and depressive symptoms. Neighborhood disadvantage did not moderate these associations. Our results suggest that early maturing 5th grade Mexican-origin girls living in non-Hispanic neighborhoods are at the greatest risk for increased depressive symptoms in the 7th grade, even though these neighborhoods tend to be socioeconomically more advantaged. The protective cultural context of largely Hispanic neighborhoods may outweigh the potential amplifying effects of neighborhood disadvantage. Copyright © 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cod liver oil supplement consumption and health: cross-sectional results from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort study.

PubMed

Lentjes, Marleen A H; Welch, Ailsa A; Mulligan, Angela A; Luben, Robert N; Wareham, Nicholas J; Khaw, Kay-Tee

2014-10-16

Supplement users (SU) make healthy lifestyle choices; on the other hand, SU report more medical conditions. We hypothesised that cod liver oil (CLO) consumers are similar to non-supplement users, since CLO use might originate from historical motives, i.e., rickets prevention, and not health consciousness. CLO consumers were studied in order to identify possible confounders, such as confounding by indication. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) investigates causes of chronic disease. The participants were 25,639 men and women, aged 40-79 years, recruited from general practices in Norfolk, East-Anglia (UK). Participants completed questionnaires and a health examination between 1993 and 1998. Supplement use was measured using 7-day diet diaries. CLO was the most common supplement used, more prevalent among women and associated with not smoking, higher physical activity level and more favourable eating habits. SU had a higher occurrence of benign growths and bone-related diseases, but CLO was negatively associated with cardiovascular-related conditions. Although the results of SU characteristics in EPIC-Norfolk are comparable with studies worldwide, the CLO group is different from SU in general. Confounding by indication takes place and will need to be taken into account when analysing prospective associations of CLO use with fracture risk and cardiovascular diseases.

Health effects and bioavailability of dietary flavonols.

PubMed

Hollman, P C; Katan, M B

1999-12-01

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are ubiquitously present in foods of plant origin. Flavonoids are categorised into flavonols, flavones, catechins, flavanones, anthocyanidins, and isoflavonoids. They may have beneficial health effects because of their antioxidant properties and their inhibitory role in various stages of tumour development in animal studies. It is estimated that the human intake of all flavonoids is a few hundreds of milligram per day. Flavonoids present in foods used to be considered non-absorbable because they are bound to sugars as beta-glycosides. However, we found that human absorption of the quercetin glycosides from onions (52%) is far better than that of the pure aglycone (24%). The sugar moiety is an important determinant of their absorption and bioavailability. Flavonol glycosides might contribute to the antioxidant defences of blood. The average intake of the flavonols quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol and the flavones luteolin and apigenin in the Netherlands was 23 mg/day. The intake of these flavonols and flavones was inversely associated with subsequent coronary heart disease in some but not all prospective epidemiological studies. A protective effect of flavonols on cancer was found in one prospective study; two others showed no association. Thus the epidemiological evidence does not yet allow a decision on the involvement of flavonols in the etiology of either cardiovascular diseases or cancer.

A Longitudinal Examination of Support, Self-esteem, and Mexican-origin Adolescent Mothers’ Parenting Efficacy

PubMed Central

Umaña-Taylor, Adriana J.; Guimond, Amy B.; Updegraff, Kimberly A.; Jahromi, Laudan

2012-01-01

Guided by a risk and resilience framework, this study used a prospective longitudinal, multiple-reporter design to examine how social support from a mother figure during pregnancy interacted with Mexican-origin adolescent mothers’ self-esteem to inform their parenting efficacy when their children were 10 months old. Using reports of perceived social support by adolescent mothers (Mage = 16.24, SD =099) and their mother figures (Mage = 40.84, SD = 7.04) in 205 dyads, and controlling for demographic factors (i.e., adolescent age, adolescent nativity, family income, mothers’ educational attainment, adolescent-mother coresidence) and adolescents’ social support from a significant other, findings indicated that social support during pregnancy was positively associated with adolescent mothers’ future parenting efficacy when adolescent mothers had relatively lower self-esteem. Findings were consistent for adolescents’ and mothers’ reports, and emphasize the value of social support from a mother figure among adolescent mothers with lower self-esteem. Implications for interventions are presented. PMID:24244049

Parallel genetic origins of pelvic reduction in vertebrates

PubMed Central

Shapiro, Michael D.; Bell, Michael A.; Kingsley, David M.

2006-01-01

Despite longstanding interest in parallel evolution, little is known about the genes that control similar traits in different lineages of vertebrates. Pelvic reduction in stickleback fish (family Gasterosteidae) provides a striking example of parallel evolution in a genetically tractable system. Previous studies suggest that cis-acting regulatory changes at the Pitx1 locus control pelvic reduction in a population of threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In this study, progeny from intergeneric crosses between pelvic-reduced threespine and ninespine (Pungitius pungitius) sticklebacks also showed severe pelvic reduction, implicating a similar genetic origin for this trait in both genera. Comparative sequencing studies in complete and pelvic-reduced Pungitius revealed no differences in the Pitx1 coding sequences, but Pitx1 expression was absent from the prospective pelvic region of larvae from pelvic-reduced parents. A much more phylogenetically distant example of pelvic reduction, loss of hindlimbs in manatees, shows a similar left–right size bias that is a morphological signature of Pitx1-mediated pelvic reduction in both sticklebacks and mice. These multiple lines of evidence suggest that changes in Pitx1 may represent a key mechanism of morphological evolution in multiple populations, species, and genera of sticklebacks, as well as in distantly related vertebrate lineages. PMID:16945911

A Retrospective Perinatal Data Analysis of Immigrant and German Women from Representative Birth Cohorts at the Virchow Hospital, Berlin

PubMed Central

Armbrust, R.; von Rennenberg, R.; David, M.

2016-01-01

Introduction: The aim of this study was to define and characterise differences in the level of obstetric care provided to immigrant and German women. Materials and Methods: An analysis of the Virchow Hospitalʼs birth registers was conducted for the years 1974, 1984 and 1994. The study population of 5445 patients was grouped according to ancestry/family origin on the basis of a name analysis, and subsequently also according to parity (primiparous or multiparous). On name analysis 2741 women were defined as German, 1598 were grouped as women of Turkish origin and 810 as immigrants of other origin. χ2 tests and Fisherʼs exact test were used for significance testing (significance level p < 0.05), and a logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Rates of caesarean section, episiotomy, higher grade perineal tears and severe postpartum haemorrhage did not differ between the groups. There were however significant differences in the use of uterine stimulants, analgesics in labour and both local and regional anaesthesia, with women of Turkish origin and other immigrants receiving anaesthesia less, but oxytocin more often. Rooming-in was more common among German primipara and multipara from 1984 onwards. Discussion: This retrospective analysis of three historical birth cohorts showed significant differences in perinatal care between German and immigrant women, presumably reflecting deficits in care. It seems remarkable that this trend has not changed over a time span of three decades despite a continuous increase in immigration and acculturation. A “research paradox”, however, remains: Despite these increasing rates, there are no current or older, prospective or systematic studies of obstetric care in immigrants. PMID:27904165

[Plasma vitamin D levels in native and immigrant children under the age of 6 years of different ethnic origins].

PubMed

Sánchez Muro, J M; Yeste Fernández, D; Marín Muñoz, A; Fernández Cancio, M; Audí Parera, L; Carrascosa Lezcano, A

2015-05-01

Nutritional rickets is an emergent disease in Spain, and occurs particularly in black and dark-skinned infants and children from immigrant populations. The aim of this work was to ascertain the vitamin D reserve in a population of native and immigrant children under the age of 6 years. A prospective study was conducted at a Primary Healthcare Centre in Salt (Girona). 307 children with the following origin and race distribution: Caucasian (n=85; 28%), Sub-Saharan (n=101; 32.5%); Maghrebí (n=87, 28.0%); Central-American (n=20; 6.4%) and Indo-Pakistani (n=14; 4.5%). The biochemistry blood parameters studied were: calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxivitamin D, and parathormone. A nutritional survey was used to estimate calcium and vitamin D intake and degree of sun exposure. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) was detected in Caucasians (8%), Sub-Saharans (18%), Central-Americans (20%), Maghrebís (34.5%), and Indo-Pakistanis (64%). Of the children studied (n=9), 2.9% had serious vitamin D deficiency (< 10 ng/ml); only one child of Sub-Saharan origin met the biochemical criteria for classical rickets. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in children not receiving vitamin D supplements in the first year of life. Plasma vitamin D concentrations were deficient in 22.5% of children under the age of six, being more prevalent in children of Indo-Pakistani and Maghrebí origin. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Effect of the parental origin of the X-chromosome on the clinical features, associated complications, the two-year-response to growth hormone (rhGH) and the biochemical profile in patients with turner syndrome

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background It is possible that genes on the X chromosome are expressed differently depending of its parental origin. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the parental origin of the X-chromosome on phenotypic variability, response to rhGH and on the biochemical profile of TS patients. Methods This was a cross-sectional multicenter correlational study carried out over three years in six Latin-American university hospitals. Unrelated 45,X TS patients (n =  93; 18.3 ± 8.5 years )) were evaluated. A subgroup (n =  34) of the patients were prospectively treated with rhGH over two years. DNA profiles of patients and their mothers were compared to determine the parental origin of the retained X-chromosome through 10 polymorphic X-chromosome-STRs. The association with clinical features, biochemical profiles and anthropometric data at the beginning and after two years of rhGH treatment was determined. Results Seventy two percent of patients retained the maternal X chromosome (Xm). A trend towards significance between maternal height and patients final height (p ≤ 0.07) in 45,Xm subjects was observed. There was no correlation between paternal height and patient height. No differences were detected between both groups in regard to dysmorphic features, classical malformations or increase in the height-SDS after rhGH. There were higher levels of triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol in patients >20 years who retained the Xm. Conclusions The parental origin of the retained X chromosome may influence lipid metabolism in TS patients, but its effect on growth seems to be minimal. No parental-origin-effect on the phenotypic features, associated anomalies and on the growth response to rhGH was found in 45,X TS individuals. PMID:23731950

Comparison of alternative relative weights for diagnosis-related groups

PubMed Central

Cotterill, Philip; Bobula, Joel; Connerton, Rose

1986-01-01

During this study, we investigated the extent to which diagnosis-related group (DRG) relative weights based exclusively on charge data differ from DRG weights constructed according to the methodology used in deriving the original relative weights for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS). The PPS operating cost weights were based on a combination of cost and adjusted charge information (Pettengill and Vertrees, 1982). The results of this study reveal only minor differences between the two sets of weights. Interhospital differences in cost-to-charge ratios do not produce large, arbitrary differences between charge-based and operating cost weights. Whether the data are standardized for differences in capital and medical education costs also appears to make little difference. PMID:10311495

[Modern technologies and prospects of rehabilitation of patients after ischemic stroke].

PubMed

Ekusheva, E V

Despite the great achievements in the field of neurorehabilitation, a significant proportion of patients after an ischemic stroke have persistent motor disturbances even after timely and adequately carried out restorative measures. The article discusses the issues of neuroplasticity, modern diagnostic technologies for studying this phenomenon; prognostic factors for recovery deficit following stroke and determining the effectiveness of ongoing treatment. The principles of neuroprotective therapy in ischemic stroke are considered, which is a pathogenetically justified direction at all stages of restorative treatment after cerebral circulation disorders. One of the most studied original cytoprotectors, demonstrating safety, efficacy and good tolerability, is cytoflavin. The results of numerous clinical trials have revealed a significant positive clinical and morphological dynamics when taking cytoflavin in patients after ischemic stroke.

Comparative survival study of glial cells and cells composing walls of blood vessels in crustacean ventral nerve cord after photodynamic treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolosov, Mikhail S.; Shubina, Elena

2015-03-01

Photodynamic therapy is a prospective treatment modality of brain cancers. It is of importance to have information about relative survival rate of different cell types in nerve tissue during photodynamic treatment. Particularly, for development of sparing strategy of the photodynamic therapy of brain tumors, which pursuits both total elimination of malignant cells, which are usually of glial origin, and, at the same time, preservation of normal blood circulation as well as normal glial cells in the brain. The aim of this work was to carry out comparative survival study of glial cells and cells composing walls of blood vessels after photodynamic treatment, using simple model object - ventral nerve cord of crustacean.

Implementation and Effects of Risk-Dependent Obstetric Care in the Netherlands (Expect Study II): Protocol for an Impact Study.

PubMed

van Montfort, Pim; Willemse, Jessica Ppm; Dirksen, Carmen D; van Dooren, Ivo Ma; Meertens, Linda Je; Spaanderman, Marc Ea; Zelis, Maartje; Zwaan, Iris M; Scheepers, Hubertina Cj; Smits, Luc Jm

2018-05-04

Recently, validated risk models predicting adverse obstetric outcomes combined with risk-dependent care paths have been made available for early antenatal care in the southeastern part of the Netherlands. This study will evaluate implementation progress and impact of the new approach in obstetric care. The objective of this paper is to describe the design of a study evaluating the impact of implementing risk-dependent care. Validated first-trimester prediction models are embedded in daily clinical practice and combined with risk-dependent obstetric care paths. A multicenter prospective cohort study consisting of women who receive risk-dependent care is being performed from April 2017 to April 2018 (Expect Study II). Obstetric risk profiles will be calculated using a Web-based tool, the Expect prediction tool. The primary outcomes are the adherence of health care professionals and compliance of women. Secondary outcomes are patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. Outcome measures will be established using Web-based questionnaires. The secondary outcomes of the risk-dependent care cohort (Expect II) will be compared with the outcomes of a similar prospective cohort (Expect I). Women of this similar cohort received former care-as-usual and were prospectively included between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015 (Expect I). Currently, women are being recruited for the Expect Study II, and a total of 300 women are enrolled. This study will provide information about the implementation and impact of a new approach in obstetric care using prediction models and risk-dependent obstetric care paths. Netherlands Trial Register NTR4143; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4143 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6t8ijtpd9). ©Pim van Montfort, Jessica PPM Willemse, Carmen D Dirksen, Ivo MA van Dooren, Linda JE Meertens, Marc EA Spaanderman, Maartje Zelis, Iris M Zwaan, Hubertina CJ Scheepers, Luc JM Smits. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 04.05.2018.

The use of genetic engineering techniques to improve the lipid composition in meat, milk and fish products: a review.

PubMed

Świątkiewicz, S; Świątkiewicz, M; Arczewska-Włosek, A; Józefiak, D

2015-04-01

The health-promoting properties of dietary long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) for humans are well-known. Products of animal-origin enriched with n-3 LCPUFAs can be a good example of functional food, that is food that besides traditionally understood nutritional value may have a beneficial influence on the metabolism and health of consumers, thus reducing the risk of various lifestyle diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The traditional method of enriching meat, milk or eggs with n-3 LCPUFA is the manipulation of the composition of animal diets. Huge progress in the development of genetic engineering techniques, for example transgenesis, has enabled the generation of many kinds of genetically modified animals. In recent years, one of the aims of animal transgenesis has been the modification of the lipid composition of meat and milk in order to improve the dietetic value of animal-origin products. This article reviews and discusses the data in the literature concerning studies where techniques of genetic engineering were used to create animal-origin products modified to contain health-promoting lipids. These studies are still at the laboratory stage, but their results have demonstrated that the transgenesis of pigs, cows, goats and fishes can be used in the future as efficient methods of production of healthy animal-origin food of high dietetic value. However, due to high costs and a low level of public acceptance, the introduction of this technology to commercial animal production and markets seems to be a distant prospect.

48-Week Outcome after Cessation of Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis B Patient and the Associated Factors with Relapse.

PubMed

Xu, Wen-Xiong; Zhang, Qian; Zhu, Xiang; Lin, Chao-Shuang; Chen, You-Ming; Deng, Hong; Mei, Yong-Yu; Zhao, Zhi-Xin; Xie, Dong-Ying; Gao, Zhi-Liang; Xie, Chan; Peng, Liang

2018-01-01

We aimed to ascertain the feasibility and safety of NA cessation, the status of patients after cessation, and the predictive factors for relapse and subsequent retreatment. A total of 92 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were monitored every month for the first 3 months after cessation and every 3 months thereafter. Sixty-two patients finished 48 weeks of follow-up. None died or developed liver failure, cirrhosis, or HCC. The 62 patients could be divided into 4 categories according to the 48-week clinical development of relapse. Virologic relapses occurred in 39 (62.9%) patients, with 72.7% occurring in the first 24 weeks in origin HBeAg positive patients and 82.4% in the first 12 weeks in origin HBeAg negative patients. Age (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10; p = 0.003), the HBsAg level (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.47-3.32; p < 0.001), and positive origin HBeAg status (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14-0.74; p = 0.008) were predictive factors to virologic relapse. HBV DNA level (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.13-1.58; p < 0.001) was predictive factor to retreatment. NA cessation is safe under supervision. Age, HBsAg level, and origin HBeAg status can be predictive factors for virologic relapse. The study was submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System with the assigned NCT ID NCT02883647.

Dynamic TIMI Risk Score for STEMI

PubMed Central

Amin, Sameer T.; Morrow, David A.; Braunwald, Eugene; Sloan, Sarah; Contant, Charles; Murphy, Sabina; Antman, Elliott M.

2013-01-01

Background Although there are multiple methods of risk stratification for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), this study presents a prospectively validated method for reclassification of patients based on in‐hospital events. A dynamic risk score provides an initial risk stratification and reassessment at discharge. Methods and Results The dynamic TIMI risk score for STEMI was derived in ExTRACT‐TIMI 25 and validated in TRITON‐TIMI 38. Baseline variables were from the original TIMI risk score for STEMI. New variables were major clinical events occurring during the index hospitalization. Each variable was tested individually in a univariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Variables with P<0.05 were incorporated into a full multivariable Cox model to assess the risk of death at 1 year. Each variable was assigned an integer value based on the odds ratio, and the final score was the sum of these values. The dynamic score included the development of in‐hospital MI, arrhythmia, major bleed, stroke, congestive heart failure, recurrent ischemia, and renal failure. The C‐statistic produced by the dynamic score in the derivation database was 0.76, with a net reclassification improvement (NRI) of 0.33 (P<0.0001) from the inclusion of dynamic events to the original TIMI risk score. In the validation database, the C‐statistic was 0.81, with a NRI of 0.35 (P=0.01). Conclusions This score is a prospectively derived, validated means of estimating 1‐year mortality of STEMI at hospital discharge and can serve as a clinically useful tool. By incorporating events during the index hospitalization, it can better define risk and help to guide treatment decisions. PMID:23525425

Dynamic TIMI risk score for STEMI.

PubMed

Amin, Sameer T; Morrow, David A; Braunwald, Eugene; Sloan, Sarah; Contant, Charles; Murphy, Sabina; Antman, Elliott M

2013-01-29

Although there are multiple methods of risk stratification for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), this study presents a prospectively validated method for reclassification of patients based on in-hospital events. A dynamic risk score provides an initial risk stratification and reassessment at discharge. The dynamic TIMI risk score for STEMI was derived in ExTRACT-TIMI 25 and validated in TRITON-TIMI 38. Baseline variables were from the original TIMI risk score for STEMI. New variables were major clinical events occurring during the index hospitalization. Each variable was tested individually in a univariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Variables with P<0.05 were incorporated into a full multivariable Cox model to assess the risk of death at 1 year. Each variable was assigned an integer value based on the odds ratio, and the final score was the sum of these values. The dynamic score included the development of in-hospital MI, arrhythmia, major bleed, stroke, congestive heart failure, recurrent ischemia, and renal failure. The C-statistic produced by the dynamic score in the derivation database was 0.76, with a net reclassification improvement (NRI) of 0.33 (P<0.0001) from the inclusion of dynamic events to the original TIMI risk score. In the validation database, the C-statistic was 0.81, with a NRI of 0.35 (P=0.01). This score is a prospectively derived, validated means of estimating 1-year mortality of STEMI at hospital discharge and can serve as a clinically useful tool. By incorporating events during the index hospitalization, it can better define risk and help to guide treatment decisions.

Comparison of anchorage loss following initial leveling and aligning using ROTH and MBT Prescription - A clinical prospective study.

PubMed

Rajesh, M; Kishore, Msv; Shetty, K Sadashiva

2014-04-01

To evaluate the amount and percentage of anchor loss after initial leveling and aligning using a ROTH and MBT prescription. Pre and post alignment lateral cephalograms & dental casts of 10 ROTH & 10 MBT patients. In the study, it was found that the amount of anchor loss is greater in the ROTH group than the MBT group. This could be due to the increased anterior tip in the ROTH prescription, compared to MBT. The total anterior tip in ROTH is 270 and in MBT is 200. The additional tip of 70 in ROTH prescription itself would have resulted in forward thrust of the anteriors. The use of laceback and cinchbacks creates a statistically and clinically significant increase in the anchorage loss specifically when the posterior anchorage is not enhanced. In this study TPA was not used but studies have shown that passive TPA has almost no effect on the clinician's need to preserve anchorage in the correction of malocclusion. On the other hand, the TPA is an excellent way to prevent molar rotation and maintain the original vertical and transverse dimension when desired. How to cite the article: Rajesh M, Kishore MS, Shetty KS. Comparison of anchorage loss following initial leveling and aligning using ROTH and MBT Prescription - A clinical prospective study. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):16-21.

Comparison of anchorage loss following initial leveling and aligning using ROTH and MBT Prescription – A clinical prospective study

PubMed Central

Rajesh, M; Kishore, MSV; Shetty, K Sadashiva

2014-01-01

Background: To evaluate the amount and percentage of anchor loss after initial leveling and aligning using a ROTH and MBT prescription. Materials & Methods: Pre and post alignment lateral cephalograms & dental casts of 10 ROTH & 10 MBT patients. Results: In the study, it was found that the amount of anchor loss is greater in the ROTH group than the MBT group. This could be due to the increased anterior tip in the ROTH prescription, compared to MBT. The total anterior tip in ROTH is 270 and in MBT is 200. The additional tip of 70 in ROTH prescription itself would have resulted in forward thrust of the anteriors. Conclusion: The use of laceback and cinchbacks creates a statistically and clinically significant increase in the anchorage loss specifically when the posterior anchorage is not enhanced. In this study TPA was not used but studies have shown that passive TPA has almost no effect on the clinician's need to preserve anchorage in the correction of malocclusion. On the other hand, the TPA is an excellent way to prevent molar rotation and maintain the original vertical and transverse dimension when desired. How to cite the article: Rajesh M, Kishore MS, Shetty KS. Comparison of anchorage loss following initial leveling and aligning using ROTH and MBT Prescription – A clinical prospective study. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):16-21. PMID:24876697

Metastatic Lung Lesions as a Preferred Resection Site for Immunotherapy With Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes.

PubMed

Ben-Avi, Ronny; Itzhaki, Orit; Simansky, David; Zippel, Dov; Markel, Gal; Ben Nun, Alon; Schachter, Jacob; Besser, Michal J

2016-06-01

Adoptive cell therapy with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) yields 50% response rates in metastatic melanoma and shows promising clinical results in other solid tumors. Autologous TIL cultures are isolated from resected tumor tissue, expanded ex vivo to large numbers and reinfused to the preconditioned patient. In this prospective study, we validate the origin of the tumor biopsy and its effect on T-cell function and clinical response. One hundred forty-four patients underwent surgery and 79 patients were treated with TIL adoptive cell therapy. Cultures from lung tissue were compared with other origins. The success rate of establishing TIL culture from lung tissue was significantly higher compared with nonlung tissue (94% vs. 72%, respectively, P≤0.003). Lung-derived TIL cultures gave rise to higher cell numbers (P≤0.011) and exhibited increased in vitro antitumor reactivity. The average fold expansion for lung-derived TIL during a rapid expansion procedure was 1349±557 compared with 1061±473 for nonlung TIL (P≤0.038). Patients treated with TIL cultures of lung origin (compared with nonlung) had prolonged median overall survival (29 vs. 9.5 mo; P≤0.065). Given the remarkable advancement in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and the results of this study, we suggest efforts should be taken to resect lung metastasis rather than other sites to generate TIL cultures for clinical use.

Psychological distance to a prospective memory cue influences the probability of fulfilling a delayed intention.

PubMed

Rummel, Jan

2010-04-01

Event-based prospective memory (PM) performance relies to some extent on the specificity of the formed intention. Usually, the more specific the intention, the better the PM performance (Einstein, McDaniel, Richardson, Guynn, & Cunfer, 1995). In particular, performance will suffer if a superordinate category (e.g., animal) is encoded as a retrieval cue for a delayed intention rather than the specific instance (e.g., hamster). The present study aims at demonstrating that the advantage of a specific intention compared to a categoric intention is not as general as was hitherto expected. It was hypothesised that the extent of the specificity advantage is context dependent, such that psychological distance (Liberman, Trope, & Stephan, 2007b) forms an important context variable. In the first experiment the performance benefit caused by a specific cue instruction was replicated with the present materials. In the second experiment perceived distance to the PM cue was additionally manipulated. Results of these experiments provided original evidence that the advantage of a specific instruction is significantly reduced if the PM cues are perceived as psychologically distant.

Assessing the biological control of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L): prospective analysis of the impact of the rosette weevil (Ceratapion basicorne (Illiger))

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is an invasive noxious weed originating from the Mediterranean region that is now widely established in Chile, Australia, and western North America. It arrived in California as a contaminant in alfalfa seed in 1859 and by 2002 had infested over 19 million...

Primary and Secondary Effects in the Explanation of Disadvantage in Education: The Children of Immigrant Families in France

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boado, Hector Cebolla

2011-01-01

This paper explores the prospective transition of immigrant and native students in France from lower to upper secondary school. Because they are more likely to be tracked to less prestigious (vocational) tracks, immigrant and immigrant-origin students are significantly disadvantaged at this key academic stage in comparison with the children of…

Topographic Feature Names on Venus: Progress in 2000, Review of 1997-2000 Development, Current State, and Prospective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burba, G. A.; Blue, J.; Campbell, D. B.; Dollfus, A.; Gaddis, L.; Jurgens, R. F.; Marov, M. Ya.; Pettengill, G. H.; Stofan, E. R.

2001-01-01

12 names assigned on Venus in 2000. The current list includes 1821 names of 21 feature types. 95% of names present 11 types of features. The main named types are craters - 872, and coronae - 267. These two types possess 62% of the names. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

REVIEWS OF TOPICAL PROBLEMS: Astrophysical aspects of cosmic-ray research (first 75 years and outlook for the future)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginzburg, Vitalii L.

1988-06-01

(Invited talk at the 20th International Cosmic Ray Conference, Moscow, 2-15 August 1987) The basic topics discussed here are the primary cosmic rays near the earth, cosmic rays in the universe, the origin of cosmic rays, a galactic model with a halo, and some prospects for future research.

Predictive factors of cytomegalovirus seropositivity among pregnant women in Paris, France.

PubMed

N'Diaye, Dieynaba S; Yazdanpanah, Yazdan; Krivine, Anne; Andrieu, Thibaut; Rozenberg, Flore; Picone, Olivier; Tsatsaris, Vassilis; Goffinet, François; Launay, Odile

2014-01-01

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for CMV seronegativity in a cohort of pregnant women in Paris, France. Pregnant women enrolled in a prospective cohort during the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic were tested for CMV IgG antibodies. Variables collected were age, geographic origin, lifestyle, work characteristics, socioeconomic status, gravidity, parity and number of children at home. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictive factors for CMV seropositivity. Among the 826 women enrolled, 389 (47.1%) were primiparous, and 552 (67.1%) had Metropolitan France as a geographic origin. Out of these, 355 (i.e. 57.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): [53.6%-60.4%]) were CMV seropositive: 43.7% (95% CI:[39.5%-47.9%]) in those whose geographic origin was Metropolitan France and 84.1% in those with other origins (95% CI:[79.2%-88.3%]). Determinants associated with CMV seropositivity in a multivariate logistic regression model were: (i) geographic origin (p<0.001(compared with Metropolitan France, geographic origins of Africa adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 21.2, 95% CI:[9.7-46.5], French overseas departments and territories and other origin, aOR 7.5, 95% CI:[3.9-14.6], and Europe or Asia, aOR 2.2, 95% CI: [1.3-3.7]); and (ii) gravidity (p = 0.019), (compared with gravidity = 1, if gravidity≥3, aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: [1.1-2.2]; if gravidity = 2, aOR = 1.0, 95% CI: [0.7-1.4]). Work characteristics and socioeconomic status were not independently associated with CMV seropositivity. In this cohort of pregnant women, a geographic origin of Metropolitan France and a low gravidity were predictive factors for CMV low seropositivity. Such women are therefore the likely target population for prevention of CMV infection during pregnancy in France.

Breast-fed infants and their later cardiovascular health: a prospective study from birth to age 32 years.

PubMed

Pirilä, Satu; Taskinen, Mervi; Viljakainen, Heli; Mäkitie, Outi; Kajosaari, Merja; Saarinen-Pihkala, Ulla M; Turanlahti, Maila

2014-03-28

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of infant breast-feeding on cardiovascular risk in young adults. This unique study group involved 158 subjects (eighty-two females) originally collected prospectively at birth in 1975 and followed up to the age of 32 years. Frequent visits during the first year guaranteed the knowledge of the precise duration of breast-feeding. All infants received at least some breast milk. Participants were assessed for both individual cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, plasma lipids, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and waist circumference) and the general clinical risk of cardiovascular events by calculating the Framingham risk score (FRS) and the metabolic syndrome criteria score (NCEP-ATPIII; National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III). Data on lifestyle factors were carefully collected. Linear regression analyses revealed that the effect of the duration of breast-feeding was not relevant (0·02 decrease in the FRS per one additional breast-feeding month; 95 % CI - 0·19, 0·09). Similarly, the effect of breast-feeding was minor on all of the individual cardiovascular risk factors. We used sex, physical activity, dietary fat and vitamin C, smoking and alcohol consumption as covariates. Again, logistic regression analyses detected no significant impact of the duration of breast-feeding on the risk of the metabolic syndrome according to the NCEP-ATPIII (OR 0·95, 95 % CI 0·8, 1·1). The strongest independent predictor for later CVD risk was male sex. In conclusion, in this prospectively followed cohort of young adults born at term and at weight appropriate for gestational age, the duration of breast-feeding did not have an impact on the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors.

Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids using intense pulsed light (IPL).

PubMed

Erol, O Onur; Gurlek, Ali; Agaoglu, Galip; Topcuoglu, Ela; Oz, Hayat

2008-11-01

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are extremely disturbing to patients, both physically and psychologically. This study prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) on scars originating from burns, trauma, surgery, and acne. Hypertrophic scars in 109 patients, originating from surgical incisions (n = 55), traumatic cuts (traffic accidents) (n = 24), acne scars (n = 6), keloids (n = 5), and burns (n = 19), were treated using an IPL Quantum device. Treatment was administered at 2-4-week intervals, and patients received an average of 8 treatments (range = 6-24). Using digital photographs, Changes in scar appearance were assessed by two physicians who were blinded to the study patients and treatments. The photographs were graded on a scale of 0 to 4 (none, minimal, moderate, good, excellent) for improvement in overall clinical appearance and reduction in height, erythema, and hardness. An overall clinical improvement in the appearance of scars and reductions in height, erythema, and hardness were seen in the majority of the patients (92.5%). Improvement was excellent in 31.2% of the patients, good in 25.7%, moderate in 34%, and minimal in 9.1%. Over half the patients had good or excellent improvement. In the preventive IPL treatment group, 65% had good to excellent improvement in clinical appearance. Patient satisfaction was very high. This study suggests that IPL is effective not only in improving the appearance of hypertrophic scars and keloids regardless of their origin, but also in reducing the height, redness, and hardness of scars.

Corkscrew Collateral Vessels in Buerger Disease: Vasa Vasorum or Vasa Nervorum.

PubMed

Baş, Ahmet; Dikici, Atilla S; Gülşen, Fatih; Samancı, Cesur; Mihmanlı, İsmail; Beşirli, Kazım; Numan, Furuzan; Kantarci, Fatih

2016-05-01

To investigate the origin of "corkscrew" collateral vessels around the occluded popliteal artery in patients with Buerger disease by Doppler ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in tandem with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Between January 2013 and June 2015, 42 patients diagnosed with Buerger disease were identified retrospectively. Patients in whom occlusion of the popliteal artery was found on DSA of the lower extremity were subjected to Doppler US and MR imaging prospectively. Fifteen of 42 patients were identified as having the required characteristics, of whom 10 participated in the present study. Ten patients with occlusion of the popliteal artery were selected for inclusion, and 12 lower limbs of these patients were investigated. The study cohort comprised one woman and nine men with a mean age of 41 years ± 10 (standard deviation; range, 39-58 y). Corkscrew collateral vessels identified on DSA examinations were also identified on secondary imaging (Doppler US and MR imaging) in all patients except one in whom the popliteal artery was reconstituted after short-segment occlusion. The origin of the corkscrew collateral vessels was identified as the vasa nervorum of the tibial nerve in nine patients. Data from the present study suggest that corkscrew collateral vessels at the knee level in patients with Buerger disease originate from the vasa nervorum of the tibial nerve rather than the vasa vasorum of the popliteal artery if the latter is occluded. Copyright © 2016 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Severity assessment criteria recommended by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and older patients. Should SOAR (systolic blood pressure, oxygenation, age and respiratory rate) criteria be used in older people? A compilation study of two prospective cohorts.

PubMed

Myint, Phyo K; Kamath, Ajay V; Vowler, Sarah L; Maisey, David N; Harrison, Brian D W

2006-05-01

To assess the usefulness of the British Thoracic Society guidelines for severity assessment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in predicting mortality and to explore alternative criteria which could be more useful in older patients. Compilation study of two prospective observational cohorts. A University hospital in Norfolk, UK with a catchment population of 568,000. Subjects were 195 patients (median age = 77 years) who were included in two prospective studies of CAP. All-cause mortality occurring within the 6 week follow-up. sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for study outcome using CURB and CURB-65 were assessed in 189 patients, and CRB-65 in 192 patients out of a total of 195 patients. Our results were comparable with the original study by Lim et al. Although CURB-65 and CRB-65 included age criteria, in effect they did not materially improve the specificity in predicting high-risk patients in both studies. We found that oxygenation measured by ventilation perfusion mismatch (PaO2:FiO2) was the best predictor of outcome in this slightly older cohort [odds ratio (OR) = 0.99 (0.98-0.99), P = 0.0001]. We derived a new set of criteria; SOAR (systolic blood pressure, oxygenation, age and respiratory rate) based on our findings. Their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 81.0% (58.1-94.6), 59.3% (49.6-68.4), 27.0% (16.6-39.7) and 94.4% (86.2-98.4), respectively, confirming their comparability with existing criteria. Our Study confirms the usefulness of currently recommended severity rules for CAP in this older cohort. SOAR criteria may be useful as alternative criteria for a better identification of severe CAP in advanced age where both raised urea level above 7 mmol/l and confusion are common.

Life support decision making in critical care: Identifying and appraising the qualitative research evidence.

PubMed

Giacomini, Mita; Cook, Deborah; DeJean, Deirdre

2009-04-01

The objective of this study is to identify and appraise qualitative research evidence on the experience of making life-support decisions in critical care. In six databases and supplementary sources, we sought original research published from January 1990 through June 2008 reporting qualitative empirical studies of the experience of life-support decision making in critical care settings. Fifty-three journal articles and monographs were included. Of these, 25 reported prospective studies and 28 reported retrospective studies. We abstracted methodologic characteristics relevant to the basic critical appraisal of qualitative research (prospective data collection, ethics approval, purposive sampling, iterative data collection and analysis, and any method to corroborate findings). Qualitative research traditions represented include grounded theory (n = 15, 28%), ethnography or naturalistic methods (n = 15, 28%), phenomenology (n = 9, 17%), and other or unspecified approaches (n = 14, 26%). All 53 documents describe the research setting; 97% indicate purposive sampling of participants. Studies vary in their capture of multidisciplinary clinician and family perspectives. Thirty-one (58%) report research ethics board review. Only 49% report iterative data collection and analysis, and eight documents (15%) describe an analytically driven stopping point for data collection. Thirty-two documents (60%) indicated a method for corroborating findings. Qualitative evidence often appears outside of clinical journals, with most research from the United States. Prospective, observation-based studies follow life-support decision making directly. These involve a variety of participants and yield important insights into interactions, communication, and dynamics. Retrospective, interview-based studies lack this direct engagement, but focus on the recollections of fewer types of participants (particularly patients and physicians), and typically address specific issues (communication and stress). Both designs can provide useful reflections for improving care. Given the diversity of qualitative research in critical care, room for improvement exists regarding both the quality and transparency of reported methodology.

[Sacral neuromodulation as second-line treatment strategy for lower urinary tract symptoms of various aetiologies: experience of a German high-volume clinic].

PubMed

Otto, W; Nowrotek, A; Burger, M; Wieland, W F; Rößler, W; Denzinger, S

2012-05-01

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common and multiform micturition disorder of various possible origins. Several second-line techniques are available in the event of first-line medicinal treatment failure. These include the intravesical injection of Botulinum toxin, bladder augmentation and sacral neuromodulation (SNM). This study presents current data and results from a prospective study of patients with LUTS of various aetiologies. Clinical success was investigated for all patients who underwent SNM for LUTS with or without urge incontinence caused by chronic pelvic pain syndrome, multiple sclerosis and idiopathic disease between May 2007 and December 2010. The preoperatively determined symptoms were compared with current follow-up data. Median follow-up time was 11 months (1 - 43). A total of 47 patients were indicated for SNM over the investigated period. 80.9 % were female, median patient age was 67 years (19 - 84). The testing phase was successful in 38 cases (80.9 %) with 9 electrodes being explanted (19.1 %). In the case of idiopathic LUTS we could show a statistically significant increase of micturition volume and reduction of incontinence pad use. There was no statistically significant improvement of any micturition parameter for patients with multiple sclerosis, patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome showed a statistically significant reduction of micturition frequency and a subjective improvement of symptoms in 75 %. In the selected patient groups SNM is a promising and, in experienced hands, a low-complication second-line therapy for the treatment of LUTS of idiopathic aetiology. However, the general recommendation of SNM for multiple sclerosis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients cannot be given on the basis of our results. Further prospective, randomised multicentre studies are need to further refine the indications for SNM in LUTS of neurogenic and non-neurogenic origins. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

From Present Surveying to Future Prospecting of the Asteroid Belt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, P. E.; Curtis, S. A.; Rilee, M.; Cheung, C.

2004-01-01

We have applied a future mission architecture, the Autonomous Nano-Technology Swarm (ANTS), to a proposed mission for in situ survey, or prospecting, of the asteroid belt, the Prospecting Asteroid Mission (PAM) as part of a NASA 2003 Revolutionary Aerospace Concept (RASC) study. ANTS architecture builds on and advances recent trends in robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials processing to minimize costs and maximize effectiveness of space operations. PAM and other applications have been proposed for the survey of inaccessible, high surface area populations of great interest from the standpoint of resources and/or solar system origin. The ANTS architecture is inspired by the success of social insect colonies, a success based on the division of labor within the colonies in two key ways: 1) within their specialties, individual specialists generally outperform generalists, and 2) with sufficiently efficient social interaction and coordination, the group of specialists generally outperforms the group of generalists. Thus systems designed as ANTS are built from potentially very large numbers of highly autonomous, yet socially interactive, elements. The architecture is self-similar in that elements and sub-elements of the system may also be recursively structured as ANTS on scales ranging from microscopic to interplanetary distances. Here, we analyze requirements for the mission application at the low gravity target end of the spectrum, the Prospecting Asteroid Mission (PAM), and for specialized autonomous operations which would support this mission. ANTS as applied to PAM involves the activities of hundreds of individual specialist 'sciencecraft'. Most of them, called Workers, carry and operate eight to nine different scientific instruments, as listed in the table, including spectrometers, ranging and radio science devices, and imagers. The remaining specialists, Messenger/Rulers, provide communication and coordination functions among specialists operating autonomously as individuals, team members, and subswarms.

Design of a prospective study on mental health and quality of life of maltreated children (aged 5–16 years) after a report to an advice and reporting center on child abuse and neglect

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Child maltreatment is recognized as a widespread problem with huge implications for mental health and quality of life. Studies have repeatedly shown that victims of child maltreatment report significantly more adverse life outcomes than non-victims. The main objective of the study is (1) to examine the mental health and quality of life of maltreated children over a 1.5 year period beginning shortly after a report has been filed with an Advies- en Meldpunt Kindermishandeling (AMK) (advice and reporting center on child abuse and neglect). Secondary objectives are: (2) to examine how relevant determinants influence the mental health and quality of life of maltreated children, and (3) to examine differences in mental health and quality of life outcomes when comparing families of Dutch origin with families originating from Morocco and Suriname. Methods/Design A prospective study will be performed, in which parent–child dyads will be followed over a 1.5 year period. Participants will be recruited shortly after the report to the AMK and they will be asked to complete a questionnaire four times, at baseline and every six months thereafter. Data will be analyzed using a longitudinal multi-level analysis. Discussion The study is expected to yield evidence about the mental health and quality of life of maltreated children and about determinants that influence their mental health and quality of life outcomes. Strengths of this study are (1) the design which makes it possible to start examining outcomes shortly after or even during the actual maltreatment and to follow parent–child dyads for 1.5 years, and (2) asking children as informants about their own situation by making use of self-report questionnaires as much as possible. Limitations include the risks of selection bias and loss to follow-up during 1.5 years of data collection. Trial registration NTR3674, funded by ZonMw, project 15700.2012. PMID:24106987

Psychological stress and burnout in medical students: a five-year prospective longitudinal study.

PubMed Central

Guthrie, E; Black, D; Bagalkote, H; Shaw, C; Campbell, M; Creed, F

1998-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess psychological morbidity and symptoms of burnout in medical students during their undergraduate training, and to identify baseline factors that predict psychological morbidity in students in the final year of the course. It was a 5-year prospective longitudinal cohort study. Students were assessed in years 1, 4 and 5 of their medical undergraduate training by means of the GHQ-12 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. 172 (84.3%), 157 (77.0%) and 155 (75.9%) students out of an original group of 204 completed assessments in years 1, 4 and 5, respectively. 18 students were above threshold on the GHQ-12 on all three occasions, 25 on two occasions and 43 on one occasion; 69 students were never a 'case'. Students who were cases on two or more occasions were more likely to find the medical course stressful during the first year, but not subsequent years. There was no significant difference between the percentages of men and women who scored as cases on the GHQ-12 in any of the years. The best predictor of psychological morbidity in the final year of the course was the GHQ-12 score in year 1. This study suggests that a small group of students repeatedly experience psychological distress during their medical training. PMID:9764076

The use of a virtual reality surgical simulator for cataract surgical skill assessment with 6 months of intervening operating room experience.

PubMed

Sikder, Shameema; Luo, Jia; Banerjee, P Pat; Luciano, Cristian; Kania, Patrick; Song, Jonathan C; Kahtani, Eman S; Edward, Deepak P; Towerki, Abdul-Elah Al

2015-01-01

To evaluate a haptic-based simulator, MicroVisTouch™, as an assessment tool for capsulorhexis performance in cataract surgery. The study is a prospective, unmasked, nonrandomized dual academic institution study conducted at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medical Center (Baltimore, MD, USA) and King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). This prospective study evaluated capsulorhexis simulator performance in 78 ophthalmology residents in the US and Saudi Arabia in the first round of testing and 40 residents in a second round for follow-up. Four variables (circularity, accuracy, fluency, and overall) were tested by the simulator and graded on a 0-100 scale. Circularity (42%), accuracy (55%), and fluency (3%) were compiled to give an overall score. Capsulorhexis performance was retested in the original cohort 6 months after baseline assessment. Average scores in all measured metrics demonstrated statistically significant improvement (except for circularity, which trended toward improvement) after baseline assessment. A reduction in standard deviation and improvement in process capability indices over the 6-month period was also observed. An interval objective improvement in capsulorhexis skill on a haptic-enabled cataract surgery simulator was associated with intervening operating room experience. Further work investigating the role of formalized simulator training programs requiring independent simulator use must be studied to determine its usefulness as an evaluation tool.

Temporary short-segment pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures: comparative study with or without vertebroplasty.

PubMed

Aono, Hiroyuki; Ishii, Keisuke; Tobimatsu, Hidekazu; Nagamoto, Yukitaka; Takenaka, Shota; Furuya, Masayuki; Chiaki, Horii; Iwasaki, Motoki

2017-08-01

Short-segment posterior spinal instrumentation for thoracolumbar burst fracture provides superior correction of kyphosis by an indirect reduction technique, but it has a high failure rate. The purpose of the study we report here was to compare outcomes for temporary short-segment pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty and for such fixation without vertebroplasty. This is a prospective multicenter comparative study. We studied 62 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who underwent short-segment posterior instrumentation using ligamentotaxis with Schanz screws with or without vertebroplasty. Radiological parameters (Cobb angle on standing lateral radiographs) were used. Implants were removed approximately 1 year after surgery. Neurologic function, kyphotic deformity, canal compromise, and fracture severity were evaluated prospectively. After surgery, all patients with neurologic deficit had improvement equivalent to at least one grade on the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale and had fracture union. Kyphotic deformity was reduced significantly, and reduction of the vertebrae was maintained with and without vertebroplasty, regardless of load-sharing classification. Although no patient required additional anterior reconstruction, kyphotic change was observed at disc level mainly after implant removal with or without vertebroplasty. Temporary short-segment fixation yielded satisfactory results in the reduction and maintenance of fractured vertebrae with or without vertebroplasty. Kyphosis recurrence may be inevitable because adjacent discs can be injured during the original trauma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The feasibility of sharing simulation-based evaluation scenarios in anesthesiology.

PubMed

Berkenstadt, Haim; Kantor, Gareth S; Yusim, Yakov; Gafni, Naomi; Perel, Azriel; Ezri, Tiberiu; Ziv, Amitai

2005-10-01

We prospectively assessed the feasibility of international sharing of simulation-based evaluation tools despite differences in language, education, and anesthesia practice, in an Israeli study, using validated scenarios from a multi-institutional United States (US) study. Thirty-one Israeli junior anesthesia residents performed four simulation scenarios. Training sessions were videotaped and performance was assessed using two validated scoring systems (Long and Short Forms) by two independent raters. Subjects scored from 37 to 95 (70 +/- 12) of 108 possible points with the "Long Form" and "Short Form" scores ranging from 18 to 35 (28.2 +/- 4.5) of 40 possible points. Scores >70% of the maximal score were achieved by 61% of participants in comparison to only 5% in the original US study. The scenarios were rated as very realistic by 80% of the participants (grade 4 on a 1-4 scale). Reliability of the original assessment tools was demonstrated by internal consistencies of 0.66 for the Long and 0.75 for the Short Form (Cronbach alpha statistic). Values in the original study were 0.72-0.76 for the Long and 0.71-0.75 for the Short Form. The reliability did not change when a revised Israeli version of the scoring was used. Interrater reliability measured by Pearson correlation was 0.91 for the Long and 0.96 for the Short Form (P < 0.01). The high scores for plausibility given to the scenarios and the similar reliability of the original assessment tool support the feasibility of using simulation-based evaluation tools, developed in the US, in Israel. The higher scores achieved by Israeli residents may be related to the fact that most Israeli residents are immigrants with previous training in anesthesia. Simulation-based assessment tools developed in a multi-institutional study in the United States can be used in Israel despite the differences in language, education, and medical system.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. A narrative review and results from a prospective Danish cohort study.

PubMed

Palm, Camilla Viola Buskbjerg; Glintborg, Dorte; Kyhl, Henriette Boye; McIntyre, H David; Jensen, Richard Christian; Jensen, Tina Kold; Jensen, Dorte Møller; Andersen, Marianne

2018-04-22

Insulin resistance is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS may be associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). To (1) review literature regarding PCOS and hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and (2) present original data from Odense Child Cohort (OCC) regarding GDM in PCOS. Literature search including original studies from 2000-18. OCC included 2548 pregnant women, 9.5% (n = 241) had PCOS. Fasting plasma glucose was measured in 1519 and 659 oral glucose tolerance tests were performed (with risk factor for GDM, n = 384, without risk factors, n = 275), applying two different GDM criteria. 30 studies were eligible using 12 different sets of diagnostic criteria for GDM. Ten studies included n > 50, control group, assessment of GDM and BMI. Results were not uniform, but supported that higher BMI, higher age, Asian ethnicity, and fertility treatment increased the risk of GDM in PCOS. In OCC, women with PCOS and controls had similar prevalences of GDM independent of different sets of criteria for GDM. PCOS may not be an individual risk factor for GDM. Pregnancies in PCOS are characterized by factors known to increase risk of GDM, especially high BMI and fertility treatment. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A framework for evaluating forest restoration alternatives and their outcomes, over time, to inform monitoring: Bioregional inventory originated simulation under management

Treesearch

Jeremy S. Fried; Theresa B. Jain; Sara Loreno; Robert F. Keefe; Conor K. Bell

2017-01-01

The BioSum modeling framework summarizes current and prospective future forest conditions under alternative management regimes along with their costs, revenues and product yields. BioSum translates Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data for input to the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS), summarizes FVS outputs for input to the treatment operations cost model (OpCost...

Atomistic origin of superior performance of ionic liquid electrolytes for Al-ion batteries.

PubMed

Kamath, Ganesh; Narayanan, Badri; Sankaranarayanan, Subramanian K R S

2014-10-14

Encouraged by recent experimental findings, here we report on an in silico investigation to probe the atomistic origin behind the superior performance of ionic liquids (ILs) over traditional carbonate electrolytes for Al-ion batteries. Fundamental insights from computationally derived thermodynamic and kinetic considerations coupled with an atomistic-level description of the solvation dynamics is used to elucidate the performance improvements. The formation of low-stability ion-solvent complexes in ILs facilitates rapid Al-ion solvation-desolvation and translates into favorable transport properties (viscosity and ionic conductivity). Our results offer encouraging prospects for this approach in the a priori prediction of optimal IL formulations for Al-ion batteries.

Origin of Langerhans cells in normal skin and chronic GVHD after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

PubMed

Andani, Rafiq; Robertson, Ivan; Macdonald, Kelli P A; Durrant, Simon; Hill, Geoffrey R; Khosrotehrani, Kiarash

2014-01-01

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a common complication following allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT). Past studies have implicated the persistence of host antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in GVHD. Our objective was to determine the frequency of host Langerhans cells (LCs) in normal skin post-SCT and ask if their persistence could predict cGVHD. Biopsies of normal skin from 124 sex-mismatched T-cell-replete allogenic SCT recipients were taken 100 days post-transplant. Patients with acute GVHD and those with <9 months of follow-up were excluded and prospective follow-up information was collected from remaining 22 patients. CD1a staining and X and Y chromosome in-situ hybridization were performed to label LCs and to identify their host or donor origin. At 3 months, 59 ± 5% of LCs were host derived. The density of LCs and the proportion of host-derived LCs were similar between patients that did or did not develop cGVHD. Most LCs in the skin remained of host origin 3 months after SCT regardless of cGVHD status. This finding is in line with the redundant role of LCs in acute GVHD initiation uncovered in recent experimental models. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Origins of narcissism in children

PubMed Central

Brummelman, Eddie; Thomaes, Sander; Nelemans, Stefanie A.; Orobio de Castro, Bram; Overbeek, Geertjan; Bushman, Brad J.

2015-01-01

Narcissism levels have been increasing among Western youth, and contribute to societal problems such as aggression and violence. The origins of narcissism, however, are not well understood. Here, we report, to our knowledge, the first prospective longitudinal evidence on the origins of narcissism in children. We compared two perspectives: social learning theory (positing that narcissism is cultivated by parental overvaluation) and psychoanalytic theory (positing that narcissism is cultivated by lack of parental warmth). We timed the study in late childhood (ages 7–12), when individual differences in narcissism first emerge. In four 6-mo waves, 565 children and their parents reported child narcissism, child self-esteem, parental overvaluation, and parental warmth. Four-wave cross-lagged panel models were conducted. Results support social learning theory and contradict psychoanalytic theory: Narcissism was predicted by parental overvaluation, not by lack of parental warmth. Thus, children seem to acquire narcissism, in part, by internalizing parents’ inflated views of them (e.g., “I am superior to others” and “I am entitled to privileges”). Attesting to the specificity of this finding, self-esteem was predicted by parental warmth, not by parental overvaluation. These findings uncover early socialization experiences that cultivate narcissism, and may inform interventions to curtail narcissistic development at an early age. PMID:25775577

Clinical disease registries in acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Ashrafi, Reza; Hussain, Hussain; Brisk, Robert; Boardman, Leanne; Weston, Clive

2014-06-26

Disease registries, containing systematic records of cases, have for nearly 100 years been valuable in exploring and understanding various aspects of cardiology. This is particularly true for myocardial infarction, where such registries have provided both epidemiological and clinical information that was not readily available from randomised controlled trials in highly-selected populations. Registries, whether mandated or voluntary, prospective or retrospective in their analysis, have at their core a common study population and common data definitions. In this review we highlight how registries have diversified to offer information on epidemiology, risk modelling, quality assurance/improvement and original research-through data mining, transnational comparisons and the facilitation of enrolment in, and follow-up during registry-based randomised clinical trials.

Anomalous diffusion of single metal atoms on a graphene oxide support

DOE PAGES

Furnival, Tom; Leary, Rowan K.; Tyo, Eric C.; ...

2017-04-21

Recent studies of single-atom catalysts open up the prospect of designing exceptionally active and environmentally efficient chemical processes. The stability and durability of such catalysts is governed by the strength with which the atoms are bound to their support and their diffusive behaviour. Here we use aberration-corrected STEM to image the diffusion of single copper adatoms on graphene oxide. As a result, we discover that individual atoms exhibit anomalous diffusion as a result of spatial and energetic disorder inherent in the support, and interpret the origins of this behaviour to develop a physical picture for the surface diffusion of singlemore » metal atoms.« less

Gamma-Ray Bursts and Their Links with Supernovae and Cosmology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meszaros, Peter; Gehrels, Neil

2012-01-01

Gamma-ray bursts are the most luminous explosions in the Universe, whose origin and mechanism are the focus of intense interest. They appear connected to supernova remnants from massive stars or the merger of their remnants, and their brightness makes them temporarily detectable out to the largest distances yet explored in the universe. After pioneering breakthroughs from space and ground experiments, their study is entering a new phase with observations from the recently launched Fermi satellite, as well as the prospect of detections or limits from large neutrino and gravitational wave detectors. The interplay between such observations and theoretical models of gamma-ray bursts is reviewed, as well as their connections to supernovae and cosmology.

Gamma Ray Bursts and Their Links With Supernovae and Cosmology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meszaros, Peter; Gehrels, Neil

2012-01-01

Gamma-ray bursts are the most luminous explosions in the Universe, whose origin and mechanism is the focus of intense interest. They appear connected to supernova remnants from massive stars or the merger of their remnants, and their brightness makes them temporarily detectable out to the largest distances yet explored in the Universe. After pioneering breakthroughs from space and ground experiments, their study is entering a new phase with observations from the recently launched Fermi satellite, as well as the prospect of detections or limits from large neutrino and gravitational wave detectors. The interplay between such observations and theoretical models of gamma-ray bursts is reviewed, as well as their connections to supernovae and cosmology.

Rare Isotopes in Cosmic Explosions and Accelerators on Earth

ScienceCinema

Schatz, Hendrick

2017-12-28

Rare isotopes are nature’s stepping stones to produce the heavy elements, and they are produced in large quantities in stellar explosions. Despite their fleeting existence, they shape the composition of the universe and the observable features of stellar explosions. The challenge for nuclear science is to produce and study the very same rare isotopes so as to understand the origin of the elements and a range of astronomical observations. I will review the progress that has been made to date in astronomy and nuclear physics, and the prospects of finally addressing many of the outstanding issues with the future Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), which DOE will build at Michigan State University.

[A Patient´s Personality: A Frequently Ignored but Important Component in General Medical Practice].

PubMed

Hengartner, Michael P

2018-06-01

A Patient´s Personality: A Frequently Ignored but Important Component in General Medical Practice Abstract. In general medical practice, a patient's personality is hardly considered and assessed. In this mini-review the author summarises how a comprehensive personality assessment may provide valuable patient information. Prospective effects of personality traits on general lifestyle as well as mental and physical health are presented. In addition, original research is introduced that shows meaningful associations between personality traits, clinical disease markers, and all-cause mortality. These findings are discussed with respect to selected etiological models. The studies illustrate that a personality assessment could be a useful aid for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.

Social Exclusion Index-for Health Surveys (SEI-HS): a prospective nationwide study to extend and validate a multidimensional social exclusion questionnaire.

PubMed

van Bergen, Addi P L; Hoff, Stella J M; Schreurs, Hanneke; van Loon, Annelies; van Hemert, Albert M

2017-03-14

Social exclusion (SE) refers to the inability of certain groups or individuals to fully participate in society. SE is associated with socioeconomic inequalities in health, and its measurement in routine public health monitoring is considered key to designing effective health policies. In an earlier retrospective analysis we demonstrated that in all four major Dutch cities, SE could largely be measured with existing local public health monitoring data. The current prospective study is aimed at constructing and validating an extended national measure for SE that optimally employs available items. In 2012, a stratified general population sample of 258,928 Dutch adults completed a version of the Netherlands Public Health Monitor (PHM) questionnaire in which 9 items were added covering aspects of SE that were found to be missing in our previous research. Items were derived from the SCP social exclusion index, a well-constructed 15-item instrument developed by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP). The dataset was randomly divided into a development sample (N =129,464) and a validation sample (N = 129,464). Canonical correlation analysis was conducted in the development sample. The psychometric properties were studied and compared with those of the original SCP index. All analyses were then replicated in the validation sample. The analysis yielded a four dimensional index, the Social Exclusion Index for Health Surveys (SEI-HS), containing 8 SCP items and 9 PHM items. The four dimensions: "lack of social participation", "material deprivation", "lack of normative integration" and "inadequate access to basic social rights", were each measured with 3 to 6 items. The SEI-HS showed adequate internal consistency for both the general index and for two of four dimension scales. The internal structure and construct validity of the SEI-HS were satisfactory and similar to the original SCP index. Replication of the SEI-HS in the validation sample confirmed its generalisability. This study demonstrates that the SEI-HS offers epidemiologists and public health researchers a uniform, reliable, valid and efficient means of assessing social exclusion and its underlying dimensions. The study also provides valuable insights in how to develop embedded measures for public health surveillance.

Aetiologies of altered states of consciousness: a prospective hospital-based study in a series of 464 patients of northern Tanzania.

PubMed

Winkler, Andrea Sylvia; Tluway, Anthony; Schmutzhard, Erich

2011-01-15

Empirical knowledge suggests that altered states of consciousness are common in sub-Saharan Africa. However, to date prevalence studies are scarce. The study was conducted at the Haydom Lutheran Hospital in northern Tanzania. Over a period of eight months all patients with altered states of consciousness were seen prospectively by a neurologist. The study population was subdivided into patients with acute confusional states (ACS) and those with impairment of consciousness (IOC). Out of 768 patients with neurological/psychiatric diagnoses 464 patients (60.4%) with altered states of consciousness were admitted. 159 patients had ACS (20.7%) and 447 IOC (58.2%). The diagnoses were not mutually exclusive. The most frequent aetiologies were of non-infectious origin. In patients with ACS, non-infectious encephalopathy, psychiatric disorder and dementia made up for 13.8%, 7.6% and 6.9%, respectively. In 25.2% of the cases with ACS, the reason remained obscure. In patients with IOC, the leading causes were epileptic seizures (febrile seizures 20.6% and epilepsy 13.9%) and head trauma 13.9%. Both ACS and IOC carried a bleak prognosis with 26% and 27% in-hospital mortality, respectively. The above data emphasize that altered states of consciousness contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality in a rural African hospital. In our study sample, non-infectious causes represented the leading aetiologies although HIV testing was not available at the time of the study. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Secondary school physics teachers' conceptions of scientific evidence: A collective case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Joseph A.

Engaging secondary school students in inquiry-oriented tasks that more closely simulate the scholarly activities of scientists has been recommended as a way to improve scientific literacy. Two tasks that are frequently recommended include students' design of original experiments, and students' evaluation of scientific evidence and conclusions. Yet, little is known about teachers' conceptions of experimentation. The principal aim of this study, therefore, was to describe the nature of prospective and practicing physics teachers' conceptions of scientific evidence. More specifically, the following research questions guided this study: (1) What types of issues related to the measurement reliability and experimental validity of scientific evidence do practicing and prospective physics teachers think about when designing experiments? (2) When presented with hypothetical scenarios that describe unsound experimental procedures or poorly supported conclusions (or both), what concerns will prospective and practicing physics teachers raise? And (3) When the participants' responses to parallel research prompts are compared across protocols, what similarities and differences exist? The nature of the teacher-participants' conceptions was described from an analysis of data collected from research prompts such as interviews and hand written artifacts. In these research prompts, the teachers "thought aloud" while designing experiments and critically evaluated student-collected evidence presented in hypothetical classroom scenarios. The data from this study suggested that the three teachers, while contemplating the reliability and validity of scientific evidence, frequently used their conceptions of evidence in conjunction with specific subject matter conceptions. The data also indicated that the relationship between subject matter knowledge and conceptions of evidence was more pronounced for some conceptions of evidence than for others. Suggestions for future research included conducting similar studies in other physics content areas as well as other scientific disciplines. Implications for science teacher education suggested that science and science methods courses encourage the construction of evidence-based arguments, as well as engagement in peer review and critique.

Blood lipids profile and lung cancer risk in a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

PubMed

Lin, Xiaojing; Lu, Lei; Liu, Lingli; Wei, Siyu; He, Yunyun; Chang, Jing; Lian, Xuemei

Emerging evidence has connected lipid metabolism disturbance with lung diseases, but the relationship between blood lipid profile and lung cancer risk is controversial and inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the relationship between blood lipids profile and lung cancer incidence. Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, Ovid, CNKI, VIP, and WANGFANG MED through August 2016. Nine prospective cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis, and fixed or random effects model was used to calculate pooled relative risk (RRs). The RR was calculated using either highest vs lowest categories, or upper quantile vs lowest quantile. The thresholds were determined by the authors of each original publication, based on either predefined cut-offs or the distributions within their study population. Analysis of 18,111 lung cancer cases among 1,832,880 participants showed that serum total cholesterol levels were inverse associated with lung cancer risk (RR = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-1.03). Further analysis considered the lag time and excluded the effects of preclinical cancer, with totally 1,239,948 participants and 14,052 lung cancer cases, found a significantly inverse association between total cholesterol and lung cancer risk (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83-0.94). Analysis of 3067 lung cancer cases among 59,242 participants found that the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.97) was negatively associated with lung cancer risk and 4673 lung cancer cases among 685,852 participants showed that the total triglyceride (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.44-1.96) was positively associated with lung cancer risk. Cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism might present different and specific mechanism on lung cancer etiology and needs further elucidation. Copyright © 2017 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors associated with the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest among people over 80 years old in Japan.

PubMed

Nagata, Takashi; Abe, Takeru; Hasegawa, Manabu; Hagihara, Akihito

2017-04-01

To determine if termination of resuscitation should be considered for older individuals, we sought to identify factors associated with clinical outcome following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in people ≥80 years old and over. A prospective, population-based, observational study was conducted for ≥80-year-old individuals who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and to whom resuscitation was provided by emergency responders between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012 (n=377,577). The primary endpoint was 1-month survival. Signal detection analysis was applied to estimate predictive factors among 17 variables. Among all out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases, 59.4% were of cardiac origin, and 1-month survival rate was 3.3%. Following signal detection analysis, cases of both cardiac and non-cardiac origin were categorized into three subgroups defined by return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and epinephrine use. One-month survival ranged between 1.2 and 41.0% for the three subgroups of cardiac origin and between 2.0 and 41.1% for the three subgroups of non-cardiac origin. ROSC was the most significant predictor of 1-month survival among patients with cardiac and non-cardiac OHCA who were ≥80 years old. Absence of ROSC might be an important factor to the termination of resuscitation rule for OHCA in individuals who are ≥80years old. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Health measurement instruments in patients with vertigo].

PubMed

Pérez, N; Garmendia, I; Martín, E; Boleas, M S; García-Tapia, R

2000-01-01

Compare disability and handicap in patients with dizziness by means of two questionnaires. Prospective study. 337 patients seen for non-acute dizziness from peripheral or central origin in a tertiary referral setting. Spanish version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory test and UCLA-Dizziness Questionnaire after transcultural adaptation following the method of translation-back-translation. We obtained a good correlation between the frequency of dizzy spells and quality of health as perceived by the patient; also there was good correlation between the intensity of each spell and limitation for performance of daily activities. Quality of life is mainly related to handicap in these patients. Vertigo, as a non-fatal health outcome, can be studied following the two main conceptual frameworks of Impairment, Disabilities and Handicap and Health-Related Quality of Life.

[Psychophysiological selection: status and prospects].

PubMed

Gurovskiĭ, N N; Novikov, M A

1981-01-01

The major stages in the development of psychophysiological selection of cosmonauts in the USSR are discussed. The psychophysiological selection was originally based on the data of psychoneurological expertise of the flight personnel and achievements of aviation psychology in the USSR. This was followed by the development of psychophysiological research, using instrumentation and simulation flights. Further complication of flight programs and participation of non-pilot cosmonauts (engineers, scientists) necessitated detailed study of personality properties and application of personality tests. At the present stage in the development of psychophysiological selection great importance is attached to the biorhythmological selection and methods for studying man's capabilities to control his own emotional, behavioral and autonomic reactions as well as environmental parameters. The review also discusses in detail methods of group selection and problems of rational selection of space crews.

PTSD symptoms lead to modification in the memory of the trauma: a prospective study of former prisoners of war.

PubMed

Dekel, Sharon; Solomon, Zahava; Ein-Dor, Tsachi

2016-03-01

With the growing interest in the role of trauma memory in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this prospective study examined long-term changes in memory and the bidirectional relationship between symptoms of PTSD and trauma memory. A sample of Israeli former prisoners of the 1973 Yom Kippur War (N = 103) was assessed in 1991 and in 2008. Participants' PTSD symptom clusters, measured by the PTSD Inventory, and recollections of subjective and objective exposure during captivity, measured by a self-report questionnaire, were assessed at both times. Data on prewar and postwar negative life events and psychotherapy were also collected. Repeated-measures analysis revealed that participants' recollections were increasingly negative over time (P < .001). Applying an autoregressive cross-lagged modeling strategy showed that the PTSD symptoms of hyperarousal facilitated subsequent amplifications in their recollections (P < .01). These findings challenge the accuracy of reports of traumatic experiences and show that PTSD symptoms, in part, lead to the formation of more negative recollections over time. The findings suggest that the original memory is repeatedly updated under the influence of the individual's emotional state. The findings are discussed in the context of the reconsolidation theory of memory. © Copyright 2016 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

Epigenetics: origins and implications for cancer epidemiology.

PubMed

Nise, Melissa S; Falaturi, Puran; Erren, Thomas C

2010-02-01

This paper provides information on the evolution of the 'epigenetics' concept since Aristotle and draws attention to the importance of epigenetic implications for cancer epidemiology in the years to come. Clearly, to understand origins of the concept of epigenetics, it is worthwhile to consider historical arguments associated with evolution. Equally clearly, in the last half of the 20th century, great advances in the understanding of epigenetics and, more specifically, great advances in the understanding of epigenetics in cancer have been made. However, reaping the full benefits of epigenetics lies beyond the predominant experimental studies of today. In general, epigenetics opens many doors in the field of cancer, but it also adds another level of complex, inter-related, and multi-dimensional information to research, and to its interpretation. Overall, future cancer studies should consider, or at least be sensitive to, epigenetic effects and mechanisms. Moving the focus beyond 'pristine' inheritance via DNA alone, cancer epidemiology investigating epigenetic exposures such as environmental factors (exposure to heavy metals, air pollution, arsenic and other toxins), dietary patterns (starvation, famine, contamination), and lifestyle habits (smoking, level of physical activity, and BMI) in populations has the prospect to significantly benefit future cancer prevention and treatment schemes.

Maternal history of parentification and warm responsiveness: The mediating role of knowledge of infant development.

PubMed

Nuttall, Amy K; Valentino, Kristin; Wang, Lijuan; Lefever, Jennifer Burke; Borkowski, John G

2015-12-01

Maternal history of parentification in the family of origin poses subsequent risk to parenting quality during the transition to parenthood. The present study builds on prior work by evaluating whether the association between maternal parentification history and warm responsiveness is mediated by maternal knowledge of infant development in first time mothers. Using data from a prospective longitudinal study on the transition to motherhood, maternal knowledge of infant development and observational codings of warm responsiveness were examined across the first 18 months of parenthood for 374 mothers who also provided retrospective reports of their childhood parentification experiences. Results indicated that maternal retrospective reports of higher engagement in parentified roles in family of origin were associated with poorer knowledge of infant development across the first 18 months of parenthood and, in turn, less warm responsiveness with 18-month-old children. However, maternal parentification history did not significantly influence changes in maternal warm responsiveness across the transition to parenthood. These findings suggest that preventive interventions targeting maternal knowledge of infant development as early as the prenatal period may be useful for preventing poor warm responsiveness. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Lung Lesions During Fever of Unknown Origin.

PubMed

Krupa, Renata; Zielonka, Tadeusz M; Hadzik-Blaszczyk, Malgorzata; Wardyn, Kazimierz A; Zycinska, Katarzyna

2017-01-01

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) remains one of the most difficult diagnostic challenges. The causes of FUO can be various diseases located in different organs. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and nature of pulmonary lesions during FUO. One hundred and sixty one patients with FUO participated in this prospective study. We performed a detailed comprehensive history, physical examination, and a wide spectrum of tests. The most common causes of FUO were infections (39%), autoimmune conditions (28%), and neoplasms (17%). Lung lesions were found in 30% of patients. In this group 35% were infections, 30% autoimmune diseases, and 4% cancer. Among patients with respiratory infections, there were cases of tuberculosis, atypical pneumonia, lung abscess, and bronchiectases. Autoimmune pulmonary lesions were observed during vasculitis and systemic lupus. The causes of FUO in the group of patients with lung lesions were also pulmonary embolism, sarcoidosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Chest CT played an important role in the diagnosis of the causes of FUO with pulmonary manifestations. Pulmonary lesions are a common cause of FUO. Most FUO with pulmonary lesions are recognized during infections and autoimmune diseases. An important part of diagnosing FUO is a detailed evaluation of the respiratory system.

Postoperative Compensatory Ammonium Excretion Subsequent to Systemic Acidosis in Cardiac Patients.

PubMed

Roehrborn, Friederike; Dohle, Daniel-Sebastian; Waack, Indra N; Tsagakis, Konstantinos; Jakob, Heinz; Teloh, Johanna K

2017-01-01

Postoperative acid-base imbalances, usually acidosis, frequently occur after cardiac surgery. In most cases, the human body, not suffering from any severe preexisting illnesses regarding lung, liver, and kidney, is capable of transient compensation and final correction. The aim of this study was to correlate the appearance of postoperatively occurring acidosis with renal ammonium excretion. Between 07/2014 and 10/2014, a total of 25 consecutive patients scheduled for elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this prospective observational study. During the operative procedure and the first two postoperative days, blood gas analyses were carried out and urine samples collected. Urine samples were analyzed for the absolute amount of ammonium. Of all patients, thirteen patients developed acidosis as an initial disturbance in the postoperative period: five of respiratory and eight of metabolic origin. Four patients with respiratory acidosis but none of those with metabolic acidosis subsequently developed a base excess > +2 mEq/L. Ammonium excretion correlated with the increase in base excess. The acidosis origin seems to have a large influence on renal compensation in terms of ammonium excretion and the possibility of an overcorrection.

Postoperative Compensatory Ammonium Excretion Subsequent to Systemic Acidosis in Cardiac Patients

PubMed Central

Roehrborn, Friederike; Dohle, Daniel-Sebastian; Tsagakis, Konstantinos; Jakob, Heinz

2017-01-01

Background Postoperative acid-base imbalances, usually acidosis, frequently occur after cardiac surgery. In most cases, the human body, not suffering from any severe preexisting illnesses regarding lung, liver, and kidney, is capable of transient compensation and final correction. The aim of this study was to correlate the appearance of postoperatively occurring acidosis with renal ammonium excretion. Materials and Methods Between 07/2014 and 10/2014, a total of 25 consecutive patients scheduled for elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this prospective observational study. During the operative procedure and the first two postoperative days, blood gas analyses were carried out and urine samples collected. Urine samples were analyzed for the absolute amount of ammonium. Results Of all patients, thirteen patients developed acidosis as an initial disturbance in the postoperative period: five of respiratory and eight of metabolic origin. Four patients with respiratory acidosis but none of those with metabolic acidosis subsequently developed a base excess > +2 mEq/L. Conclusion Ammonium excretion correlated with the increase in base excess. The acidosis origin seems to have a large influence on renal compensation in terms of ammonium excretion and the possibility of an overcorrection. PMID:28612026

Computed tomography angiography study of variations of the celiac trunk and hepatic artery in 100 patients.

PubMed

Brasil, Ivelise Regina Canito; de Araujo, Igor Farias; Lima, Adriana Augusta Lopes de Araujo; Melo, Ernesto Lima Araujo; Esmeraldo, Ronaldo de Matos

2018-01-01

To describe the main anatomical variations of the celiac trunk and the hepatic artery at their origins. This was a prospective analysis of 100 consecutive computed tomography angiography studies of the abdomen performed during a one-year period. The findings were stratified according to classification systems devised by Sureka et al. and Michels. The celiac trunk was "normal" (i.e., the hepatogastrosplenic trunk and superior mesenteric artery originating separately from the abdominal aorta) in 43 patients. In our sample, we identified four types of variations of the celiac trunk. Regarding the hepatic artery, a normal anatomical pattern (i.e., the proper hepatic artery being a continuation of the common hepatic artery and bifurcating into the right and left hepatic arteries) was seen in 82 patients. We observed six types of variations of the hepatic artery. We found rates of variations of the hepatic artery that are different from those reported in the literature. Our findings underscore the need for proper knowledge and awareness of these anatomical variations, which can facilitate their recognition and inform decisions regarding the planning of surgical procedures, in order to avoid iatrogenic intraoperative injuries, which could lead to complications.

The future orientation of constructive memory: an evolutionary perspective on therapeutic hypnosis and brief psychotherapy.

PubMed

Rossi, Ernest; Erickson-Klein, Roxanna; Rossi, Kathryn

2008-04-01

We explore a new distinction between the future, prospective memory system being investigated in current neuroscience and the past, retrospective memory system, which was the original theoretical foundation of therapeutic hypnosis, classical psychoanalysis, and psychotherapy. We then generalize a current evolutionary theory of sleep and dreaming, which focuses on the future, prospective memory system, to conceptualize a new evolutionary perspective on therapeutic hypnosis and brief psychotherapy. The implication of current neuroscience research is that activity-dependent gene expression and brain plasticity are the psychobiological basis of adaptive behavior, consciousness, and creativity in everyday life as well as psychotherapy. We summarize a case illustrating how this evolutionary perspective can be used to quickly resolve problems with past obstructive procrastination in school to facilitate current and future academic success.

CRISPR-Cas9 technology: applications in genome engineering, development of sequence-specific antimicrobials, and future prospects.

PubMed

de la Fuente-Núñez, César; Lu, Timothy K

2017-02-20

The development of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionized our ability to edit DNA and to modulate expression levels of genes of interest, thus providing powerful tools to accelerate the precise engineering of a wide range of organisms. In addition, the CRISPR-Cas system can be harnessed to design "precision" antimicrobials that target bacterial pathogens in a DNA sequence-specific manner. This capability will enable killing of drug-resistant microbes by selectively targeting genes involved in antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation and virulence. Here, we review the origins and mechanistic basis of CRISPR-Cas systems, discuss how this technology can be leveraged to provide a range of applications in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, and finish by outlining limitations and future prospects.

Effectiveness and safety of original and generic sofosbuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: A real world study.

PubMed

Marciano, Sebastián; Haddad, Leila; Reggiardo, María V; Peralta, Mirta; Vistarini, Cecilia; Marino, Mónica; Descalzi, Valeria I; D'Amico, Claudia; Figueroa Escuti, Sebastián; Gaite, Luis A; Perez Ravier, Roberto; Longo, Cristina; Borzi, Silvia M; Galdame, Omar A; Bessone, Fernando; Fainboim, Hugo A; Frías, Silvia; Cartier, Mariano; Gadano, Adrián C

2018-05-01

We report the first real-world prospective multicenter cohort study that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of original or generic sofosbuvir-based regimens in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Latin America. The main endpoints were assessment of sustained virological response and serious adverse events rates. A total of 321 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with the following regimens were included: sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 12 (n = 34) or 24 (n = 135) weeks, sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir plus ribavirin for 12 (n = 84) or 24 (n = 56) weeks, or sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 (n = 8) or 24 (n = 2) weeks. Patients received either original sofosbuvir (Sovaldi ® , Gilead Sciences, n = 135) or generic sofosbuvir (Probirase ® , Laboratorios RICHMOND, n = 184) which were randomly assigned by the National Ministry of Health. Overall, 292 (91%) patients had cirrhosis, 136 (42%) were treatment experienced, and 240 (75%) genotype 1. The overall sustained virological response was 90% (95% CI 86-93%); 91% (95% CI 84-95%) in patients who received Sovaldi ® , and 89% (95% CI 84-93%) in patients who received Probirase ® . Anemia was the most common adverse event and was reported in 52 (17%) patients. Bacterial infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, worsening of ascites or encephalopathy occurred in less than 5% of the patients. During the study, seven (2%) patients died, four of whom died of cirrhosis-related complications. In summary, we observed similar sustained virological response rates than prior studies, both in patients who received Sovaldi ® or Probirase ® . Serious adverse events were infrequent, in line with prior studies that included patients with cirrhosis treated with protease-inhibitor-free regimes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Potential pitfalls and methods of improving in utero diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries, including the baby bird's beak image.

PubMed

McGahan, John P; Moon-Grady, Anita J; Pahwa, Anokh; Towner, Dena; Rhee-Morris, Laila; Gerscovich, Eugenio O; Fogata, Maria

2007-11-01

The goal of this study was to analyze our recent experience with fetuses with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) to identify potential pitfalls and possible methods to better detect conotruncal anomalies such as TGA. We analyzed all nonreferral obstetric ultrasound examinations in which we performed basic, targeted, or formal fetal echocardiography with a newborn diagnosis of TGA. Nine neonates had TGA. Five of these cases were diagnosed prenatally, and 4 of these had complex congenital heart abnormalities. In these 4 cases, there were abnormalities in the cardiac axis (n = 3), abnormal valves or ventricular size (n = 2), and ventricular septal defects (n = 3) that were detected on the 4-chamber view of the heart. In all cases that were not detected prenatally, both prospective and retrospective reviews of the 4-chamber heart appeared normal. The prospective analyses of the outflow tracts were all interpreted as normal, whereas the retrospective review showed subtle abnormalities such as the "baby bird's beak" image. In review of these cases, there was failure to show the "crisscross" relationship of the outflow tracts. In 1 case, 5 short axis views of the heart, retrospectively showed the artery originating from the left ventricle and bifurcated, representing the pulmonary artery. Transposition of the great arteries may be associated with complex cardiac disease that could be detected on the 4-chamber view of the heart. When the 4-chamber view is normal, it is important to identify the crisscross relationship of the outflow tracts. If this is not done, it is important to document that the pulmonary artery bifurcates and originates from the right ventricle. Five short axis views of the heart may be helpful to detect conotruncal abnormalities.

Earth Systems Science Curriculum Choices for Pre-Service Teachers at San Jose State University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messina, P.; Metzger, E. P.

2008-12-01

San José State University was a member of the original ESSEA consortium (2003-05), and it continues its participation with the broadening ESSEA community. Having hosted the original Middle- and High School Teachers' ESSEA courses, the Geology Department and Program in Science Education have maintained their commitments toward supporting pre- and in-service teachers in geoscience concept competency and effective pedagogy. We have witnessed an encouraging trend in the numbers of K-8 (multiple subject) pre-service teachers who have enrolled in our in-house ESSEA-inspired course: Geology 103 (Earth Systems and the Environment). We have also seen an influx of prospective secondary (single subject) teachers seeking credentials in non- geoscience disciplines. California teacher credentialing requirements, especially when layered on the increasing demands of major fields of study and the California State University System's hefty General Education mandates, give prospective teachers little latitude in their academic programs. Geology 103 was developed to satisfy three logistical objectives: to comply with "geoscience content competency" as defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC); to fulfill one of the CSU's upper-division General Education requirements, and to develop science process skills in a population that may never have had similar prior opportunities. The course is offered in two modalities: online and on-campus. The Web-based sections are currently comparing the relative effectiveness of two dissimilar online learning modalities and assessments: one delivers video/audio/animated "podcasts," while the other requires student involvement through interactive Flash media. The course is taught by professors with joint appointments in the Department of Geology and Program in Science Education, and by current and former classroom teachers to ensure that geoscience content knowledge is achieved through inquiry, systems analyses, and other methods promoting enduring understandings.

Schizophrenia and birthplace of paternal and maternal grandfather in the Jerusalem perinatal cohort prospective study.

PubMed

Harlap, S; Perrin, M C; Deutsch, L; Kleinhaus, K; Fennig, S; Nahon, D; Teitelbaum, A; Friedlander, Y; Malaspina, D

2009-06-01

Some forms of epigenetic abnormalities transmitted to offspring are manifested in differences in disease incidence that depend on parent-of-origin. To explore whether such phenomena might operate in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, we estimated the relative incidence of these conditions in relation to parent-of-origin by considering the two grandfathers' countries of birth. In a prospective cohort of 88,829 offspring, born in Jerusalem in 1964-76 we identified 637 cases through Israel's psychiatric registry. Relative risks (RR) were estimated for paternal and maternal grandfathers' countries of birth using proportional hazards methods, controlling for parents' ages, low social class and duration of marriage. After adjusting for multiple observations, we found no significant differences between descendants of maternal or paternal grandfathers born in Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya/Egypt, Poland, USSR, Czechoslovakia, Germany or the USA. Those with paternal grandfathers from Romania (RR=1.9, 95% CI=1.3-2.8) or Hungary (1.6, 1.0-2.6) showed an increased incidence; however, those with maternal grandfathers from these countries experienced reduced incidence (RR=0.5, 0.3-0.8 and 0.4, 0.2-0.8). In post-hoc analyses we found that results were similar whether the comparison groups were restricted to descendants of other Europeans or included those from Western Asia and North Africa; and effects of paternal grandfathers from Romania/Hungary were more pronounced in females, while effects of maternal grandfathers from these countries were similar in males and females. These post-hoc "hypothesis-generating" findings lead one to question whether some families with ancestors in Romania or Hungary might carry a variant or mutation at a parentally imprinted locus that is altering susceptibility to schizophrenia. Such a locus, if it exists, might involve the X chromosome.

Irradiated lanoline as a prospective substance for biomedical applications: A spectroscopic and thermal study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanzlikova, Zuzana; Hybler, Peter; Fülop, Marko; Ondruska, Jan; Jomova, Klaudia; Porubska, Maria; Valko, Marian

2015-08-01

Refined wool wax products, such as lanoline and lanoline derivatives are key ingredients in some of the ointments, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, waterproof coatings and other products. Beneficial medicinal effects along with melting point near normal human body temperature designated lanoline to be used in pharmacotherapy and medical treatments. Since the general requirements for sterility of medicinal substances are very strict, especially in cases of skin contact, radiation technologies represent a valuable tool to sterilize the materials for medicinal purposes. In this work, lanoline was irradiated with accelerated electron beam in air within 0-400 kG dose to simulate sterilization for medical purposes. The irradiated lanoline showed considerable fluctuation of chemical structure. The most significant fluctuation was observed for etheric species, followed by ethylene sequences with n<4. While primary and secondary alcohols, as well as epoxides species, decreased below the initial concentration within whole range of the doses, aliphatic esters and ethylene sequences (CH2)n with n≥4 indicated the most stable species. A trace amount of organic-in origin radicals was observed and that increased slightly with dose. Depending on dose, the melting temperature varied from 39.7 to 45.7 °C and the highest values were reached for 25 kGy and 156 kGy. For these same doses the highest thermal stability was also observed and, simultaneously the thermal stability was related inversely to the destruction rate. We propose, that the chemical transformation of lanoline within 0-25 kGy dose should be tested for prospective medical purposes as well as for the need to eliminate remaining outlasting organic-in-origin radicals which were detected in the lanoline even one year after the irradiation.

An e-learning reproductive health module to support improved student learning and interaction: a prospective interventional study at a medical school in Egypt.

PubMed

Abdelhai, Rehab; Yassin, Sahar; Ahmad, Mohamad F; Fors, Uno G H

2012-03-20

The Public Health (PH) course at the medical college of Cairo University is based on traditional lectures. Large enrollment limits students' discussions and interactions with instructors. Evaluate students' learning outcomes as measured by improved knowledge acquisition and opinions of redesigning the Reproductive Health (RH) section of the PH course into e-learning and assessing e-course utilization. This prospective interventional study started with development of an e-learning course covering the RH section, with visual and interactive emphasis, to satisfy students' diverse learning styles. Two student groups participated in this study. The first group received traditional lecturing, while the second volunteered to enroll in the e-learning course, taking online course quizzes. Both groups answered knowledge and course evaluation questionnaires and were invited to group discussions. Additionally, the first group answered another questionnaire about reasons for non-participation. Students participating in the e-learning course showed significantly better results, than those receiving traditional tutoring. Students who originally shunned the e-course expressed eagerness to access the course before the end of the academic year. Overall, students using the redesigned e-course reported better learning experiences. An online course with interactivities and interaction, can overcome many educational drawbacks of large enrolment classes, enhance student's learning and complement pit-falls of large enrollment traditional tutoring.

An e-learning reproductive health module to support improved student learning and interaction: a prospective interventional study at a medical school in Egypt

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The Public Health (PH) course at the medical college of Cairo University is based on traditional lectures. Large enrollment limits students' discussions and interactions with instructors. Aim Evaluate students' learning outcomes as measured by improved knowledge acquisition and opinions of redesigning the Reproductive Health (RH) section of the PH course into e-learning and assessing e-course utilization. Methods This prospective interventional study started with development of an e-learning course covering the RH section, with visual and interactive emphasis, to satisfy students' diverse learning styles. Two student groups participated in this study. The first group received traditional lecturing, while the second volunteered to enroll in the e-learning course, taking online course quizzes. Both groups answered knowledge and course evaluation questionnaires and were invited to group discussions. Additionally, the first group answered another questionnaire about reasons for non-participation. Results Students participating in the e-learning course showed significantly better results, than those receiving traditional tutoring. Students who originally shunned the e-course expressed eagerness to access the course before the end of the academic year. Overall, students using the redesigned e-course reported better learning experiences. Conclusions An online course with interactivities and interaction, can overcome many educational drawbacks of large enrolment classes, enhance student's learning and complement pit-falls of large enrollment traditional tutoring. PMID:22433670

Political violence and mental health in Nepal: prospective study*†

PubMed Central

Kohrt, Brandon A.; Hruschka, Daniel J.; Worthman, Carol M.; Kunz, Richard D.; Baldwin, Jennifer L.; Upadhaya, Nawaraj; Acharya, Nanda Raj; Koirala, Suraj; Thapa, Suraj B.; Tol, Wietse A.; Jordans, Mark J. D.; Robkin, Navit; Sharma, Vidya Dev; Nepal, Mahendra K.

2012-01-01

Background Post-conflict mental health studies in low-income countries have lacked pre-conflict data to evaluate changes in psychiatric morbidity resulting from political violence. Aims This prospective study compares mental health before and after exposure to direct political violence during the People’s War in Nepal. Method An adult cohort completed the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory in 2000 prior to conflict violence in their community and in 2007 after the war. Results Of the original 316 participants, 298 (94%) participated in the post-conflict assessment. Depression increased from 30.9 to 40.6%. Anxiety increased from 26.2 to 47.7%. Post-conflict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was 14.1%. Controlling for ageing, the depression increase was not significant. The anxiety increase showed a dose–response association with conflict exposure when controlling for ageing and daily stressors. No demographic group displayed unique vulnerability or resilience to the effects of conflict exposure. Conclusions Conflict exposure should be considered in the context of other types of psychiatric risk factors. Conflict exposure predicted increases in anxiety whereas socioeconomic factors and non-conflict stressful life events were the major predictors of depression. Research and interventions in post-conflict settings therefore should consider differential trajectories for depression v. anxiety and the importance of addressing chronic social problems ranging from poverty to gender and ethnic/caste discrimination. PMID:22878131

Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in the Nordic countries.

PubMed

Syvertsen, Marte; Koht, Jeanette; Nakken, Karl O

2015-10-06

Updated knowledge on the prevalence of epilepsy is valuable for planning of health services to this large and complex patient group. Comprehensive epidemiological research on epilepsy has been undertaken, but because of variations in methodology, the results are difficult to compare. The objective of this article is to present evidence-based estimates of the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in the Nordic countries. The article is based on a search in PubMed with the search terms epilepsy and epidemiology, combined with each of the Nordic countries separately. Altogether 38 original articles reported incidence and/or prevalence rates of epilepsy in a Nordic country. Four studies had investigated the prevalence of active epilepsy in all age groups, with results ranging from 3.4 to 7.6 per 1,000 inhabitants. Only two studies had investigated the incidence of epilepsy in a prospective material that included all age groups. The reported incidence amounted to 33 and 34 per 100,000 person-years respectively. A prospective study that only included adults reported an incidence of 56 per 100,000 person-years. We estimate that approximately 0.6% of the population of the Nordic countries have active epilepsy, i.e. approximately 30,000 persons in Norway. Epilepsy is thus one of the most common neurological disorders. The incidence data are more uncertain, but we may reasonably assume that 30-60 new cases occur per 100,000 person-years.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Versus Original and PErFecTED Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Preliminary Results of a Single Center, Prospective, Urodynamic-Controlled Analysis

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

Carnevale, Francisco C., E-mail: fcarnevale@uol.com.br; Iscaife, Alexandre, E-mail: iscaifeboni@yahoo.com.br; Yoshinaga, Eduardo M., E-mail: dumuracca@ig.com.br

PurposeTo compare clinical and urodynamic results of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to original and PErFecTED prostate artery embolization (PAE) methods for benign prostatic hyperplasia.MethodsWe prospectively randomized 30 patients to receive TURP or original PAE (oPAE) and compared them to a cohort of patients treated by PErFecTED PAE, with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patients were assessed for urodynamic parameters, prostate volume, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL).ResultsAll groups were comparable for all pre-treatment parameters except bladder contractility and peak urine flow rate (Q{sub max}), both of which were significantly better in the TURP group,more » and IIEF score, which was significantly higher among PErFecTED PAE patients than TURP patients. All groups experienced significant improvement in IPSS, QoL, prostate volume, and Q{sub max}. TURP and PErFecTED PAE both resulted in significantly lower IPSS than oPAE but were not significantly different from one another. TURP resulted in significantly higher Q{sub max} and significantly smaller prostate volume than either original or PErFecTED PAE but required spinal anesthesia and hospitalization. Two patients in the oPAE group with hypocontractile bladders experienced recurrence of symptoms and were treated with TURP. In the TURP group, urinary incontinence occurred in 4/15 patients (26.7 %), rupture of the prostatic capsule in 1/15 (6.7 %), retrograde ejaculation in all patients (100 %), and one patient was readmitted for temporary bladder irrigation due to hematuria.ConclusionsTURP and PAE are both safe and effective treatments. TURP and PErFecTED PAE yield similar symptom improvement, but TURP is associated with both better urodynamic results and more adverse events.« less

Lung cancer risk and consumption of vegetables and fruit: an evaluation based on a systematic review of epidemiological evidence from Japan.

PubMed

Wakai, Kenji; Matsuo, Keitaro; Nagata, Chisato; Mizoue, Tetsuya; Tanaka, Keitaro; Tsuji, Ichiro; Sasazuki, Shizuka; Shimazu, Taichi; Sawada, Norie; Inoue, Manami; Tsugane, Shoichiro

2011-05-01

Clinical trials of β-carotene supplementation and recent large-scale prospective studies have called into question the protective effects of vegetable and fruit consumption against lung cancer. To re-assess this issue, we reviewed data from Japanese epidemiological studies. Original data were obtained from searches of MEDLINE and the Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (Ichushi) database. The associations were assessed based on their magnitude and the strength of the evidence, together with their biological plausibility as previously evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. We identified six cohort studies and four case-control studies on the consumption of vegetables and/or fruit. We focused on fruit and green-yellow vegetables as food items, as they were included in more of the studies, and insufficient data were available on other types of vegetables. Among the three cohort and two case-control studies that reported on green-yellow vegetables, only one of each study type showed a weak inverse association between lung cancer risk and their consumption. Two of the four cohort studies and one (or possibly two) of the four case-control studies demonstrated a weak inverse correlation between lung cancer risk and fruit consumption. Meta-analysis for fruit consumption revealed a summary relative risk that was significantly smaller than unity. Our analysis of the Japanese epidemiological data showed that fruit consumption possibly decreased the risk of lung cancer, but found insufficient evidence of a link with vegetable consumption. Further prospective studies should assess the effects of consuming these food groups.

Cohort profile: the Western Australian Sleep Health Study.

PubMed

Mukherjee, Sutapa; Hillman, David; Lee, Jessica; Fedson, Annette; Simpson, Laila; Ward, Kim; Love, Gregory; Edwards, Cass; Szegner, Bernadett; Palmer, Lyle John

2012-03-01

Epidemiologic and genetic studies of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are limited by a lack of large-scale, well-characterized OSA cohorts. These studies require large sample size to provide adequate power to detect differences between groups. This study describes the development of such a cohort (The Western Australian Sleep Health Study) in OSA patients of Caucasian-European origin attending the only public sleep clinic in Western Australia (WA). The main aim of the study is to phenotype 4,000 OSA patients in order to define the genetics of OSA and its co-morbidities. Almost all underwent laboratory-based attended polysomnography (PSG). Currently complete data (questionnaire, biochemistry, DNA, and PSG) has been obtained on over 3,000 individuals and will reach the target of 4,000 individuals by the end of 2010. In a separate but related study, we have developed a sleep study database containing data from all patients who have undergone PSG at the sleep laboratory since its inception in 1988 until the present day (over 30,000 PSG studies representing data from approximately 20,000 individuals). In addition, data from both cohorts have been linked prospectively to statutory health data collected by the WA Department of Health. This study will be the largest sleep clinic cohort database internationally with access to genetic and epidemiological data. It is unique among sleep clinic cohorts because of its size, the breadth of data collected and the ability to link prospectively to statutory health data. It will be a major tool to comprehensively assess genetic and epidemiologic factors determining OSA and its co-morbidities.

The Role of Telemedicine in Auditory Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Bush, Matthew L; Thompson, Robin; Irungu, Catherine; Ayugi, John

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of live telemedicine applications in hearing amplification and cochlear implantation. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINALH, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed research. Inclusion criteria were titles containing words from the search terms 1) audiology, otolaryngology, and hearing impairment, 2) rehabilitative methods, and 3) telemedicine. Exclusion criteria were: 1) non-English articles, and 2) non-original research. Twelve eligible studies were identified. The studies employed a prospective design in nine of the articles and retrospective case series in three. The use of telemedicine for the provision of cochlear implant services was examined in eight of the articles and with hearing aids in four of the articles. The types of services include intraoperative cochlear implant telemetry; implant programming and assessment of electrode-specific measures and speech recognition after implantation. Hearing aid programming and remote gain assessments were also reported. Many studies assess patient and provider satisfaction along with encounter time comparison. The studies occurred from 2009 to 2014 and took place in seven countries. This review examined the feasibility of remote telemedicine connection to provide in auditory rehabilitation services through hearing aids and cochlear implants. There are significant concerns regarding Internet bandwidth limitations for remote clinics. There is a paucity of research examining reimbursement and cost-effectiveness for services. Further prospective research investigating cost-effectiveness and bandwidth limitations is warranted to assess long-term sustainability of remote audiological rehabilitative service delivery.

Organic food consumption during pregnancy and its association with health-related characteristics: the KOALA Birth Cohort Study.

PubMed

Simões-Wüst, Ana Paula; Moltó-Puigmartí, Carolina; Jansen, Eugene Hjm; van Dongen, Martien Cjm; Dagnelie, Pieter C; Thijs, Carel

2017-08-01

To investigate the associations of organic food consumption with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy, and several blood biomarkers of pregnant women. Prospective cohort study. Pregnant women were recruited at midwives' practices and through channels related to consumption of food from organic origin. Pregnant women who filled in FFQ and donated a blood sample (n 1339). Participant groups were defined based on the share of consumed organic products; to discriminate between effects of food origin and food patterns, healthy diet indicators were considered in some statistical models. Consumption of organic food was associated with a more favourable pre-pregnancy BMI and lower prevalence of gestational diabetes. Compared with participants consuming no organic food (reference group), a marker of dairy products intake (pentadecanoic acid) and trans-fatty acids from natural origin (vaccenic and rumenic acids) were higher among participants consuming organic food (organic groups), whereas elaidic acid, a marker of the intake of trans-fatty acids found in industrially hydrogenated fats, was lower. Plasma levels of homocysteine and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were lower in the organic groups than in the reference group. Differences in pentadecanoic acid, vaccenic acid and vitamin D retained statistical significance when correcting for indicators of the healthy diet pattern associated with the consumption of organic food. Consumption of organic food during pregnancy is associated with several health-related characteristics and blood biomarkers. Part of the observed associations is explained by food patterns accompanying the consumption of organic food.

Temporal stability of the theory of planned behavior: a prospective analysis of sugar consumption among Ugandan adolescents.

PubMed

Astrøm, Anne Nordrehaug; Okullo, I

2004-12-01

This study addressed three questions: What is the power of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in predicting adolescents' intended and self-perceived consumption of non-milk extrinsic sugars using a non-intervention prospective approach? To what extent do the TPB constructs change across time following adolescents' mere exposure to an oral health survey? Do changes in self-perceived sugar consumption at follow-up associate with changes in behavioral intention as predicted by the TPB? A survey was conducted in Kampala (urban) and Lira (rural) and 1146 secondary school students completed questionnaires assessing the TPB at school (Time 1). A random sub-sample of 415 students was selected from the original survey of which 372 students were examined clinically. After 3 months (Time 2), the questionnaire was administered a second time in the sub-sample. All analyses are based on the number of students who participated on both survey occasions, n = 372. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control predicted intended sugar consumption at Time 1 and Time 2, accounting for 58% (DeltaR(2) = 0.58) and 19% (DeltaR(2) = 0.19) of the variance, respectively. Time 1 intention provided significant prediction of Time 2 self-perceived sugar consumption with DeltaR(2) = 0.5. Adolescents with high-caries experience more than their counterparts with low, changed towards weaker intentions and less frequent sugar consumption across the survey period. Mean sugar consumption scores changed from 2.6 to 2.7 (ns), 3.1 to 2.6 (P < 0.001) and 2.3 to 3.2 (P < 0.001) among adolescents who, respectively, remained stable, increased and decreased their intentions across time. This study supports the validity of the TPB in predicting intended and self-perceived sugar consumption prospectively.

Prospective identification of Helicobacter pylori in routine gastric biopsies without reflex ancillary stains is cost-efficient for our health care system.

PubMed

Pittman, Meredith E; Khararjian, Armen; Wood, Laura D; Montgomery, Elizabeth A; Voltaggio, Lysandra

2016-12-01

Despite the recommendation of expert gastrointestinal pathologists, private and academic centers (including our own) have continued to use ancillary stains for identification of Helicobacter pylori. For a 1-month period, gastric biopsies were prospectively evaluated for H pylori using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and a reflex Diff-Quik stain. During this time, 379 gastric biopsies were collected on 326 patients. H pylori organisms were prospectively identified in 23 (7%) patients, all of whom had superficial dense lymphoplasmacytic inflammation expanding the lamina propria. An additional 2 patients with neutrophilic inflammation were found to have H pylori by immunohistochemical staining. One patient diagnosed as having normal gastric mucosa was retrospectively found to have inflammation with rare H pylori organisms originally overlooked on both H&E and Diff-Quik but later identified on immunostain (0.5%). No patients with chemical gastritis (16%) or chronic inflammation (27%) were found to have H pylori. During the study month, 9 immunostains for H pylori were performed in addition to the 379 Diff-Quik. After discontinuation of reflex Diff-Quik, approximately 20 immunostains are performed for H pylori each month, which decreases technical time spent for processing gastric biopsies and reduces cost to the health care system. In our population with a low prevalence of H pylori, reflex staining for organisms is not cost-effective. The organisms can be seen on routine H&E; when suspicious superficial or active inflammation is present without visible organisms, immunohistochemical stains will confirm presence or absence within a day. Discontinuation of up-front ancillary studies is cost-effective without compromising patient care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[X-ray diffraction (XRD) and near infrared spectrum (NIR) analysis of the soil overlying the Bairendaba deposit of the Inner Mongolia Grassland].

PubMed

Luo, Song-ying; Cao, Jian-jin; Wu, Zheng-quan

2014-08-01

The soil samples uniformly overlying the Bairendaba deposit of the Inner Mongolia grassland were collected, and ana- lyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and near infrared spectrum (NIR), for exploring the origins of the soil from the, grassland mining area and the relationship with the underground rock. The results show that the samp]s consist of quartz, graphite, carbonate, hornblende, mica, chlorite, montmorillonite, illite, berlinite, diaspore, azurite, hen tite, etc. These indicate that the soil samples were not only from the weathering products of the surface rock, but also from the underground rock mass and the alteration of the wall rock. The azurite and the hematite contained in the soil, mainly coming from the oxidation zone of the orebodies, can be used as the prospecting marks. The alteration mineral assemblage is mainly chlorite-illite-montmorillonite and it experienced the alteration process of potassic alteration-->silicification-->carbonatization-->silk greisenization-->clayization. Also, the wall rock alteration and the physical weathering processes can be accurately restored by analyzing the combination of the alteration minerals, which can provide important reference information for the deep ore prospecting and the ore deposit genesis study, improving the rate of the prospecting. The XRD and NIR with the characteristics of the economy and quickness can be used for the identification of mineral composition of soil, and in the study of mineral and mineral deposits. Especially, NIR has its unique superiority, that is, its sample request is low, and it can analyze a batch of samples quickly. With the development of INR, it will be more and more widely applied in geological field, and can play an important role in the ore exploration.

Novel mutation detection of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene, FGFR2IIIa, FGFR2IIIb, FGFR2IIIc, FGFR3, FGFR4 gene for craniosynostosis: A prospective study in Asian Indian patient.

PubMed

Barik, Mayadhar; Bajpai, Minu; Malhotra, Arun; Samantaray, Jyotish Chandra; Dwivedi, Sadananda; Das, Sambhunath

2015-01-01

Craniosynostosis (CS) syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition classically combining craniosynostosis and non-syndromic craniosynostosis with digital anomalies of the hands and feet. The majority of cases are caused by heterozygous mutations in the third immunoglobulin-like domain (IgIII) of FGFR2, whilst a larger number of cases can be attributed to mutations outside this region of the protein. To find out the FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 gene in craniosynostosis syndrome. A hospital based prospective study. Prospective analysis of clinical records of patients registered in CS clinic from December 2007 to January 2015 was done in patients between 4 months to 13 years of age. We have performed genetic findings in a three generation Indian family with Craniosynostosis syndrome. We report for the first time the clinical and genetic findings in a three generation Indian family with Craniosynostosis syndrome caused by a heterozygous missense mutation, Thr 392 Thr and ser 311 try, located in the IgII domain of FGFR2. FGFR 3 and 4 gene basis syndrome was eponymously named. Genetic analysis demonstrated that 51/56 families to be unrelated. In FGFR3 gene 10/TM location of 1172 the nucleotide changes C>A, Ala 391 Glu 19/56 and Exon-19, 5q35.2 at conserved linker region the changes occurred pro 246 Arg in 25/56 families. Independent genetic origins, but phenotypic similarities in the 51 families add to the evidence supporting the theory of selfish spermatogonial selective advantage for this rare gain-of-function FGFR2 mutation.

Novel mutation detection of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene, FGFR2IIIa, FGFR2IIIb, FGFR2IIIc, FGFR3, FGFR4 gene for craniosynostosis: A prospective study in Asian Indian patient

PubMed Central

Barik, Mayadhar; Bajpai, Minu; Malhotra, Arun; Samantaray, Jyotish Chandra; Dwivedi, Sadananda; Das, Sambhunath

2015-01-01

Background: Craniosynostosis (CS) syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition classically combining craniosynostosis and non-syndromic craniosynostosis with digital anomalies of the hands and feet. The majority of cases are caused by heterozygous mutations in the third immunoglobulin-like domain (IgIII) of FGFR2, whilst a larger number of cases can be attributed to mutations outside this region of the protein. Aims: To find out the FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 gene in craniosynostosis syndrome. Settings and Design: A hospital based prospective study. Materials and Methods: Prospective analysis of clinical records of patients registered in CS clinic from December 2007 to January 2015 was done in patients between 4 months to 13 years of age. We have performed genetic findings in a three generation Indian family with Craniosynostosis syndrome. Results: We report for the first time the clinical and genetic findings in a three generation Indian family with Craniosynostosis syndrome caused by a heterozygous missense mutation, Thr 392 Thr and ser 311 try, located in the IgII domain of FGFR2. FGFR 3 and 4 gene basis syndrome was eponymously named. Genetic analysis demonstrated that 51/56 families to be unrelated. In FGFR3 gene 10/TM location of 1172 the nucleotide changes C>A, Ala 391 Glu 19/56 and Exon-19, 5q35.2 at conserved linker region the changes occurred pro 246 Arg in 25/56 families. Conclusions: Independent genetic origins, but phenotypic similarities in the 51 families add to the evidence supporting the theory of selfish spermatogonial selective advantage for this rare gain-of-function FGFR2 mutation. PMID:26557159

Arterial blood gases during and their dynamic changes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A prospective clinical study.

PubMed

Spindelboeck, Walter; Gemes, Geza; Strasser, Christa; Toescher, Kathrin; Kores, Barbara; Metnitz, Philipp; Haas, Josef; Prause, Gerhard

2016-09-01

An arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) yields important diagnostic information in the management of cardiac arrest. This study evaluated ABG samples obtained during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OHCPR) in the setting of a prospective multicenter trial. We aimed to clarify prospectively the ABG characteristics during OHCPR, potential prognostic parameters and the ABG dynamics after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). ABG samples were collected and instantly processed either under ongoing OHCPR performed according to current advanced life support guidelines or immediately after ROSC and data ware entered into a case report form along with standard CPR parameters. During a 22-month observation period, 115 patients had an ABG analysis during OHCPR. In samples obtained under ongoing CPR, an acidosis was present in 98% of all cases, but was mostly of mixed hypercapnic and metabolic origin. Hypocapnia was present in only 6% of cases. There was a trend towards higher paO2 values in patients who reached sustained ROSC, and a multivariate regression analysis revealed age, initial rhythm, time from collapse to CPR initiation and the arterio-alveolar CO2 difference (AaDCO2) to be associated with sustained ROSC. ABG samples drawn immediately after ROSC demonstrated higher paO2 and unaltered pH and base excess levels compared with samples collected during ongoing CPR. Our findings suggest that adequate ventilation and oxygenation deserve more research and clinical attention in the management of cardiac arrest and that oxygen uptake improves within minutes after ROSC. Hyperventilation resulting in arterial hypocapnia is not a major problem during OHCPR. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved Prediction of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through Phase-Dependent Entropy of Daily-Life Walking

PubMed Central

Ihlen, Espen A. F.; van Schooten, Kimberley S.; Bruijn, Sjoerd M.; van Dieën, Jaap H.; Vereijken, Beatrix; Helbostad, Jorunn L.; Pijnappels, Mirjam

2018-01-01

Age and age-related diseases have been suggested to decrease entropy of human gait kinematics, which is thought to make older adults more susceptible to falls. In this study we introduce a new entropy measure, called phase-dependent generalized multiscale entropy (PGME), and test whether this measure improves fall-risk prediction in community-dwelling older adults. PGME can assess phase-dependent changes in the stability of gait dynamics that result from kinematic changes in events such as heel strike and toe-off. PGME was assessed for trunk acceleration of 30 s walking epochs in a re-analysis of 1 week of daily-life activity data from the FARAO study, originally described by van Schooten et al. (2016). The re-analyzed data set contained inertial sensor data from 52 single- and 46 multiple-time prospective fallers in a 6 months follow-up period, and an equal number of non-falling controls matched by age, weight, height, gender, and the use of walking aids. The predictive ability of PGME for falls was assessed using a partial least squares regression. PGME had a superior predictive ability of falls among single-time prospective fallers when compared to the other gait features. The single-time fallers had a higher PGME (p < 0.0001) of their trunk acceleration at 60% of their step cycle when compared with non-fallers. No significant differences were found between PGME of multiple-time fallers and non-fallers, but PGME was found to improve the prediction model of multiple-time fallers when combined with other gait features. These findings suggest that taking into account phase-dependent changes in the stability of the gait dynamics has additional value for predicting falls in older people, especially for single-time prospective fallers. PMID:29556188

Improved Prediction of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through Phase-Dependent Entropy of Daily-Life Walking.

PubMed

Ihlen, Espen A F; van Schooten, Kimberley S; Bruijn, Sjoerd M; van Dieën, Jaap H; Vereijken, Beatrix; Helbostad, Jorunn L; Pijnappels, Mirjam

2018-01-01

Age and age-related diseases have been suggested to decrease entropy of human gait kinematics, which is thought to make older adults more susceptible to falls. In this study we introduce a new entropy measure, called phase-dependent generalized multiscale entropy (PGME), and test whether this measure improves fall-risk prediction in community-dwelling older adults. PGME can assess phase-dependent changes in the stability of gait dynamics that result from kinematic changes in events such as heel strike and toe-off. PGME was assessed for trunk acceleration of 30 s walking epochs in a re-analysis of 1 week of daily-life activity data from the FARAO study, originally described by van Schooten et al. (2016). The re-analyzed data set contained inertial sensor data from 52 single- and 46 multiple-time prospective fallers in a 6 months follow-up period, and an equal number of non-falling controls matched by age, weight, height, gender, and the use of walking aids. The predictive ability of PGME for falls was assessed using a partial least squares regression. PGME had a superior predictive ability of falls among single-time prospective fallers when compared to the other gait features. The single-time fallers had a higher PGME ( p < 0.0001) of their trunk acceleration at 60% of their step cycle when compared with non-fallers. No significant differences were found between PGME of multiple-time fallers and non-fallers, but PGME was found to improve the prediction model of multiple-time fallers when combined with other gait features. These findings suggest that taking into account phase-dependent changes in the stability of the gait dynamics has additional value for predicting falls in older people, especially for single-time prospective fallers.

Infant eczema, infant sleeping problems, and mental health at 10 years of age: the prospective birth cohort study LISAplus.

PubMed

Schmitt, J; Chen, C-M; Apfelbacher, C; Romanos, M; Lehmann, I; Herbarth, O; Schaaf, B; Kraemer, U; von Berg, A; Wichmann, H-E; Heinrich, J

2011-03-01

Cross-sectional studies suggest an association between eczema and mental health problems, possibly modified by sleeping problems, but prospective evidence is missing. We aimed to prospectively investigate the relationship between infant eczema (within first 2 years of age), infant sleeping problems (within first 2 years of age), and the risk of mental health problems at 10 years of age. Between 1997 and 1999, a population-based birth cohort was recruited in Munich, Leipzig, Wesel, and Bad Honnef, Germany, and followed until 10 years of age. Physician-diagnosed eczema, parent-reported sleeping problems, and known environmental risk factors for atopy were regularly assessed until 10 years of age. Mental health was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (parent version) at 10 years of age. We applied logistic regression modeling adjusting for environmental and lifestyle factors, allergic comorbidity, and family history of eczema. From the original cohort of 3097 neonates, 1658 (54%) were followed until age 10, while 1578 (51%) were eligible for analysis. In the fully adjusted model, children with infant eczema were at increased risk of hyperactivity/inattention at 10 years of age [odds ratio (OR) 1.78; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.02-3.09]. Infant eczema with concurrent sleeping problems predicted emotional problems [OR 2.63; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.20-5.76] and conduct problems (OR 3.03; 95% CI 1.01-9.12) at 10 years of age. Infant eczema with concurrent sleeping problems appears to be a risk factor for the development of mental health problems. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Prospects for Classifying Complex Imagery Using a Self-Organizing Neural Network

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-11

complex imagery. In his original re- port, Fukushima demonstrated that this system could discriminate between simple alphabetical characters...on a VAX-8600 minicomputer. Wire frame models of three different vehicles were used to test the properties which Fukushima had demonstrated. The...Table No. Page 3-1 Parameters for Training on Three Input Images 14 3-2 Trained Results 17 vn 1. INTRODUCTION The Neocognitron of Fukushima [2

Photographic copy of historic photograph, by Corps of Engineers, U.S. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Photographic copy of historic photograph, by Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, May 21, 1940 (original in possession of Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Pittsburgh District, Engineering Division files) Unit 4, view upstream from prospect viaduct - Johnstown Local Flood Protection Project, Beginning on Conemaugh River approx 3.8 miles downstream from confluence of Little Conemaugh & Stony Creek Rivers at Johnstown, Johnstown, Cambria County, PA

Dinoflagellate Toxins Responsible for Ciguatera Food Poisoning

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-10

the occurrence and importance of secondary toxins (12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17). Hutner and McLaughlin (18) suggested that the zooxanthellae ...argued that zooxanthellae were unlikely prospects because very few fishes eat coral and saxitoxin (STX = a paralytic shellfish poison which originates...of the toxins was not based on tests of zooxanthellae species but rather on the assumption that all dinoflagellate toxins would be expected to be

On framing effects in decision making: linking lateral versus medial orbitofrontal cortex activation to choice outcome processing.

PubMed

Windmann, Sabine; Kirsch, Peter; Mier, Daniela; Stark, Rudolf; Walter, Bertram; Güntürkün, Onur; Vaitl, Dieter

2006-07-01

Two correlates of outcome processing in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) have been proposed in the literature: One hypothesis suggests that the lateral/medial division relates to representation of outcome valence (negative vs. positive), and the other suggests that the medial OFC maintains steady stimulus-outcome associations, whereas the lateral OFC represents changing (unsteady) outcomes to prepare for response shifts. These two hypotheses were contrasted by comparing the original with the inverted version of the Iowa Gambling Task in an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment. Results showed (1) that (caudo) lateral OFC was indeed sensitive to the steadiness of the outcomes and not merely to outcome valence and (2) that the original and the inverted tasks, although both designed to measure sensitivity for future outcomes, were not equivalent as they enacted different behaviors and brain activation patterns. Results are interpreted in terms of Kahneman and Tversky's prospect theory suggesting that cognitions and decisions are biased differentially when probabilistic future rewards are weighed against consistent punishments relative to the opposite scenario [Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. Choices, values, and frames. American Psychologist, 39, 341-350, 1984]. Specialized processing of unsteady rewards (involving caudolateral OFC) may have developed during evolution in support of goal-related thinking, prospective planning, and problem solving.

Early Changes of Mannose-Binding Lectin, H-Ficolin, and Procalcitonin in Patients with Febrile Neutropenia: A Prospective Observational Study.

PubMed

Işlak Mutcalı, Sibel; Saltoğlu, Neşe; Balkan, İlker İnanç; Özaras, Reşat; Yemişen, Mücahit; Tabak, Fehmi; Mert, Ali; Öztürk, Recep; Öngören, Şeniz; Başlar, Zafer; Aydın, Yıldız; Ferhanoğlu, Burhan; Soysal, Teoman

2016-12-01

The significance of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and H-ficolin deficiency in febrile neutropenic (FN) patients and the correlation of these markers along with consecutive C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels during the infectious process are investigated. Patients with any hematological malignancies who were defined to have "microbiologically confirmed infection", "clinically documented infection", or "fever of unknown origin" were included in this single-center prospective observational study. Serum levels of CRP, PCT, MBL, and H-ficolin were determined on 3 separate occasions: at baseline (between hospital admission and chemotherapy), at the onset of fever, and at the 72nd hour of fever. Forty-six patients (54% male, mean age 41.7 years) with 61 separate episodes of FN were evaluated. Eleven patients (23.9%) had "microbiologically confirmed infection", 17 (37%) had "clinically documented infection", and 18 (39.1%) had "fever of unknown origin". Fourteen (30.4%) patients had low (<500 ng/mL) initial MBL levels and 7 (15.21%) had low (<12,000 ng/mL) H-ficolin levels. Baseline MBL and H-ficolin levels did not significantly change on the first and third days of fever (p=0.076). Gram-negative bacteremia more frequently occurred in those with low initial MBL levels (p=0.006). PCT levels were significantly higher in those with microbiologically documented infections. Mean and median PCT levels were significantly higher in cases with bacteremia. There was no significant difference between hemoculture-positive and-negative patients in terms of CRP levels. Monitoring serum H-ficolin levels was shown to be of no benefit in terms of predicting severe infection. Low baseline MBL levels were correlated with high risk of gram-negative bacteremia; however, no significant correlation was shown in the follow-up. Close monitoring of PCT levels is warranted to provide more accurate and specific data while monitoring cases of bacteremia.

Confirming the validity of the CONUT system for early detection and monitoring of clinical undernutrition: comparison with two logistic regression models developed using SGA as the gold standard.

PubMed

González-Madroño, A; Mancha, A; Rodríguez, F J; Culebras, J; de Ulibarri, J I

2012-01-01

To ratify previous validations of the CONUT nutritional screening tool by the development of two probabilistic models using the parameters included in the CONUT, to see if the CONUT´s effectiveness could be improved. It is a two step prospective study. In Step 1, 101 patients were randomly selected, and SGA and CONUT was made. With data obtained an unconditional logistic regression model was developed, and two variants of CONUT were constructed: Model 1 was made by a method of logistic regression. Model 2 was made by dividing the probabilities of undernutrition obtained in model 1 in seven regular intervals. In step 2, 60 patients were selected and underwent the SGA, the original CONUT and the new models developed. The diagnostic efficacy of the original CONUT and the new models was tested by means of ROC curves. Both samples 1 and 2 were put together to measure the agreement degree between the original CONUT and SGA, and diagnostic efficacy parameters were calculated. No statistically significant differences were found between sample 1 and 2, regarding age, sex and medical/surgical distribution and undernutrition rates were similar (over 40%). The AUC for the ROC curves were 0.862 for the original CONUT, and 0.839 and 0.874, for model 1 and 2 respectively. The kappa index for the CONUT and SGA was 0.680. The CONUT, with the original scores assigned by the authors is equally good than mathematical models and thus is a valuable tool, highly useful and efficient for the purpose of Clinical Undernutrition screening.

Interpretation of health news items reported with or without spin: protocol for a prospective meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials

PubMed Central

Haneef, Romana; Yavchitz, Amélie; Ravaud, Philippe; Baron, Gabriel; Oranksy, Ivan; Schwitzer, Gary; Boutron, Isabelle

2017-01-01

Introduction We aim to compare the interpretation of health news items reported with or without spin. ‘Spin’ is defined as a misrepresentation of study results, regardless of motive (intentionally or unintentionally) that overemphasises the beneficial effects of the intervention and overstates safety compared with that shown by the results. Methods and analysis We have planned a series of 16 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to perform a prospective meta-analysis. We will select a sample of health news items reporting the results of four types of study designs, evaluating the effect of pharmacological treatment and containing the highest amount of spin in the headline and text. News items reporting four types of studies will be included: (1) preclinical studies; (2) phase I/II (non-randomised) trials; (3) RCTs and (4) observational studies. We will rewrite the selected news items and remove the spin. The original news and rewritten news will be appraised by four types of populations: (1) French-speaking patients; (2) French-speaking general public; (3) English-speaking patients and (4) English-speaking general public. Each RCT will explore the interpretation of news items reporting one of the four study designs by each type of population and will include a sample size of 300 participants. The primary outcome will be participants’ interpretation of the benefit of treatment after reading the news items: (What do you think is the probability that treatment X would be beneficial to patients? (scale, 0 (very unlikely) to 10 (very likely)). This study will evaluate the impact of spin on the interpretation of health news reporting results of studies by patients and the general public. Ethics and dissemination This study has obtained ethics approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) (registration no: IRB00003888). The description of all the steps and the results of this prospective meta-analysis will be available online and will be disseminated as a published article. On the completion of this study, the results will be sent to all participants. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017058941. PMID:29151047

Factors influencing successful peer-reviewed publication of original research presentations from the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO).

PubMed

MacKinney, Erin C; Chun, Robert H; Cassidy, Laura D; Link, T Roxanne; Sulman, Cecille G; Kerschner, Joseph E

2015-03-01

To analyze factors associated with progression of an original scientific presentation at the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) Annual Meeting to publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A dataset of presenters was created to enable prospective follow-up to assess early impressions regarding publication success with longer-term publication outcomes. Prior to the Annual ASPO meeting in 2013, a survey consisting of 10 questions was e-mailed to all 59 presenters. Questions were designed to assess presenter expectations on publication, barriers to publishing, and experience in presenting, publishing and clinical practice. A second survey was sent 12 months later to those respondents of the first survey who were amenable to follow-up. Overall, 46 of 59 (78%) presenters responded to the initial survey prior to their ASPO 2013 presentation. Of these, 34 agreed to participate in a longer-term follow-up of their presentation to publication experience. Of these 34, there were 17 who participated in the follow-up survey 1 year later. Just under half of the original respondents were residents (46%). All presenters (100%) planned to re-submit a revised manuscript if initially rejected. However, 35% of follow-up respondents did not make initial submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Results of a descriptive analysis suggest that more experienced researchers expect their submitted manuscript to be accepted for publication within a shorter time frame than those that have published fewer papers. Time was ranked as the greatest barrier to publication (60%) of those surveyed both in the initial prospective survey and for those who did not publish a paper in the follow-up survey (83%). This study suggests a strong desire and expectation of publishing ASPO presentations. Despite this expectation, past research and this data set suggest this expectation often does not materialize. "Time constraints" were the most commonly identified barrier to publication. To enhance dissemination of new findings from ASPO meetings, institutions and individuals should examine methods that facilitate and incentivize publication of findings in peer-reviewed publications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Requests for electroencephalography in a district general hospital: retrospective and prospective audit

PubMed Central

Smith, D; Bartolo, R; Pickles, R M; Tedman, B M

2001-01-01

Objectives To determine the number of inappropriate requests for electroencephalography (EEG) and whether guidelines on use could reduce this number. Design Audit with retrospective and prospective components. Setting EEG department in district general hospital and centre for neurology and neurosurgery. Participants Retrospective: 368 at the general hospital and 143 patients at the neurology centre. Prospective: 241 patients undergoing EEG at the general hospital. Interventions Guidelines for EEG issued to users of service at the general hospital. Outcomes Retrospective: differences in requesting practice, result in different clinical scenarios, relative roles of procedure, clinical acumen in establishing diagnosis, usefulness of procedure. Prospective: change of requesting practice, impact on use. Results There were considerable differences in requesting practice. Non-specialists seem to use EEG as a diagnostic tool, especially in patients with “funny turns,” when it is much more likely to yield potentially misleading than clinically useful information. The overall proportion of procedures considered to influence management, to be justifiable, and to be inappropriate were 16% (59), 28.3% (104), and 55.7% (205), respectively. In the prospective study the total number of requests was significantly reduced (χ2=33.85, df=5, P<0.0001), mainly because of fewer requests in patients with non-specific “funny turns” (χ2=21.90, df=6, P=0.0013). There was a concomitant change in the usefulness of EEG (χ2 =26.99, df=2, P<0.0001). Conclusions This original audit informed clinical practice and had potential benefits for patients, clinicians, and provision of service. Systematic replication of this project, possibly on a regional basis, could result in financial savings, which would allow development of accessible local neurophysiology services. What is already known on this topicThere is unrestricted access to EEG in most district general hospitals throughout the United KingdomThe combination of equivocal symptoms and non-specific abnormalities carries a risk of misdiagnosis of epilepsyWhat this study addsAn audit of requests for EEG showed that a large proportion were inappropriate, mainly because of the prevalent misconception that the procedure could prove or exclude a diagnosis of epilepsy in patients with “funny turns”After intervention with clinicians, which used an educative approach, there was a considerable and sustained change in requesting practice PMID:11312226

The spatial distribution of two dimensional electron gas at the LaTiO3/KTaO3 interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Qi; Peng, Rui; Xu, Haichao; Feng, Donglai

2017-08-01

We report the photoemission spectroscopy studies on the newly discovered two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) system LaTiO3/KTaO3, whose interfacial carriers show much higher mobility than that in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 at room temperature, thus raising the application prospect of transition metal oxide-based 2DEG. By measuring the density of states at the Fermi energy (EF), we directly reveal the spatial distribution of the conducting electrons at the interface. The density of states near EF of the topmost LTO reaches the highest when LTO is 2-unit-cell thick, and diminishes at the 5th unit cell of LTO. We discussed the origin of such a spacial distribution of conducting electrons and its relation with 2DEG, and proposed two possible scenarios based on electrostatic relaxations and chemical reconstructions. These results offer experimental clues in understanding the characteristics and origin of the 2DEG, and also shed light on improving the performance of 2DEG.

The spatial distribution of two dimensional electron gas at the LaTiO3/KTaO3 interface.

PubMed

Song, Qi; Peng, Rui; Xu, Haichao; Feng, Donglai

2017-08-09

We report the photoemission spectroscopy studies on the newly discovered two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) system LaTiO 3 /KTaO 3 , whose interfacial carriers show much higher mobility than that in LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 at room temperature, thus raising the application prospect of transition metal oxide-based 2DEG. By measuring the density of states at the Fermi energy (E F ), we directly reveal the spatial distribution of the conducting electrons at the interface. The density of states near E F of the topmost LTO reaches the highest when LTO is 2-unit-cell thick, and diminishes at the 5th unit cell of LTO. We discussed the origin of such a spacial distribution of conducting electrons and its relation with 2DEG, and proposed two possible scenarios based on electrostatic relaxations and chemical reconstructions. These results offer experimental clues in understanding the characteristics and origin of the 2DEG, and also shed light on improving the performance of 2DEG.

Geologic field notes and geochemical analyses of outcrop and drill core from Mesoproterozoic rocks and iron-oxide deposits and prospects of southeast Missouri

USGS Publications Warehouse

Day, Warren C.; Granitto, Matthew

2014-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources/Missouri Geological Survey, undertook a study from 1988 to 1994 on the iron-oxide deposits and their host Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks in southeastern Missouri. The project resulted in an improvement of our understanding of the geologic setting, mode of formation, and the composition of many of the known deposits and prospects and the associated rocks of the St. Francois terrane in Missouri. The goal for this earlier work was to allow the comparison of Missouri iron-oxide deposits in context with other iron oxide-copper ± uranium (IOCG) types of mineral deposits observed globally. The raw geochemical analyses were released originally through the USGS National Geochemical Database (NGDB, http://mrdata.usgs.gov). The data presented herein offers all of the field notes, locations, rock descriptions, and geochemical analyses in a coherent package to facilitate new research efforts in IOCG deposit types. The data are provided in both Microsoft Excel (Version Office 2010) spreadsheet format (*.xlsx) and MS-DOS text formats (*.txt) for ease of use by numerous computer programs.

Research on Formation Mechanisms of Hot Dry Rock Resources in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, G.; Xi, Y.

2017-12-01

As an important geothermal resource, hot dry rock(HDR) reserves have been studied in many countries. HDR resources in China have huge capacity and have become one of the most important resources for the potential replacement of fossil fuels. However, HDR resources are difficult to develop and utilise. Technologies for use with HDR, such as high-temperature drilling, reservoir characterisation, reservoir fracturing, microseismic monitoring and high-temperature power stations, originate from the field of oil and drilling. Addressing how to take advantage of these developed technologies is a key factor in the development of HDR reserves. Based on the thermal crustal structure in China, HDR resources can be divided into four types: high radioactive heat production, sedimentary basin, modern volcano and the inner-plate active tectonic belt. The prospective regions of HDR resources are located in South Tibet, West Yunnan, the southeast coast of China, Bohai Rim, Songliao Basin and Guanzhong Basin. The related essential technologies are relatively mature, and the prospect of HDR power generation is promising. Therefore, analysing the formation mechanisms of HDR resources and promoting the transformation of technological achievements, large-scale development and the utilisation of HDR resources can be achieved in China.

Idiopathic Ophthalmodynia and Idiopathic Rhinalgia: A Prospective Series of 16 New Cases.

PubMed

Pareja, Juan A; Montojo, Teresa; Guerrero, Ángel L; Álvarez, Mónica; Porta-Etessam, Jesús; Cuadrado, María L

2015-01-01

Idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia were described a few years ago. These conditions seem specific pain syndromes with a distinctive location in the eye or in the nose. We aimed to present a new prospective series in order to verify the consistency of these syndromes. We performed a descriptive study of all patients referred to our regional neurologic clinics from 2010 to 2014 because of facial pain exclusively felt in the eye or in the nose fulfilling the proposed diagnostic criteria for idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia. There were 9 patients with idiopathic ophthalmodynia and 7 patients with idiopathic rhinalgia, with a clear female preponderance, and a mean age at onset in the fifth decade. The pain was usually moderate and the temporal pattern was generally chronic. Only one patient reported accompaniments (hypersensitivity to the light and to the flow of air in the symptomatic eye). Preventive treatment with amitriptyline, pregabalin, or gabapentin was partially or totally effective. The clinical features of this new series parallels those of the original description, thus indicating that both idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia have clear-cut clinical pictures with excellent consistency both inter- and intra-individually. © 2015 American Headache Society.

Magnetic white dwarfs: Observations, theory and future prospects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Berro, Enrique; Kilic, Mukremin; Kepler, Souza Oliveira

2016-01-01

Isolated magnetic white dwarfs have field strengths ranging from 103G to 109G, and constitute an interesting class of objects. The origin of the magnetic field is still the subject of a hot debate. Whether these fields are fossil, hence the remnants of original weak magnetic fields amplified during the course of the evolution of the progenitor of white dwarfs, or on the contrary, are the result of binary interactions or, finally, other physical mechanisms that could produce such large magnetic fields during the evolution of the white dwarf itself, remains to be elucidated. In this work, we review the current status and paradigms of magnetic fields in white dwarfs, from both the theoretical and observational points of view.

Predictive Factors of Cytomegalovirus Seropositivity among Pregnant Women in Paris, France

PubMed Central

N’Diaye, Dieynaba S.; Yazdanpanah, Yazdan; Krivine, Anne; Andrieu, Thibaut; Rozenberg, Flore; Picone, Olivier; Tsatsaris, Vassilis; Goffinet, François; Launay, Odile

2014-01-01

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for CMV seronegativity in a cohort of pregnant women in Paris, France. Methods Pregnant women enrolled in a prospective cohort during the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic were tested for CMV IgG antibodies. Variables collected were age, geographic origin, lifestyle, work characteristics, socioeconomic status, gravidity, parity and number of children at home. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictive factors for CMV seropositivity. Results Among the 826 women enrolled, 389 (47.1%) were primiparous, and 552 (67.1%) had Metropolitan France as a geographic origin. Out of these, 355 (i.e. 57.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): [53.6%–60.4%]) were CMV seropositive: 43.7% (95% CI:[39.5%–47.9%]) in those whose geographic origin was Metropolitan France and 84.1% in those with other origins (95% CI:[79.2%–88.3%]). Determinants associated with CMV seropositivity in a multivariate logistic regression model were: (i) geographic origin (p<0.001(compared with Metropolitan France, geographic origins of Africa adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 21.2, 95% CI:[9.7–46.5], French overseas departments and territories and other origin, aOR 7.5, 95% CI:[3.9–14.6], and Europe or Asia, aOR 2.2, 95% CI: [1.3–3.7]); and (ii) gravidity (p = 0.019), (compared with gravidity = 1, if gravidity≥3, aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: [1.1–2.2]; if gravidity = 2, aOR = 1.0, 95% CI: [0.7–1.4]). Work characteristics and socioeconomic status were not independently associated with CMV seropositivity. Conclusions In this cohort of pregnant women, a geographic origin of Metropolitan France and a low gravidity were predictive factors for CMV low seropositivity. Such women are therefore the likely target population for prevention of CMV infection during pregnancy in France. PMID:24587077

Purpose in Life and Its Relationship to All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Cohen, Randy; Bavishi, Chirag; Rozanski, Alan

2016-01-01

To assess the net impact of purpose in life on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO were systematically searched through June 2015 to identify all studies investigating the relationship between purpose in life, mortality, and cardiovascular events. Articles were selected for inclusion if, a) they were prospective, b) evaluated the association between some measure of purpose in life and all-cause mortality and/or cardiovascular events, and c) unadjusted and/or adjusted risk estimates and confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Ten prospective studies with a total of 136,265 participants were included in the analysis. A significant association was observed between having a higher purpose in life and reduced all-cause mortality (adjusted pooled relative risk = 0.83 [CI = 0.75-0.91], p < .001) and cardiovascular events (adjusted pooled relative risk = 0.83 [CI = 0.75-0.92], p = .001). Subgroup analyses by study country of origin, questionnaire used to measure purpose in life, age, and whether or not participants with baseline cardiovascular disease were included in the study all yielded similar results. Possessing a high sense of purpose in life is associated with a reduced risk for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Future research should focus on mechanisms linking purpose in life to health outcomes, as well as interventions to assist individuals identified as having a low sense of purpose in life.

Mini-invasive techniques for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Vianello, A; Costantini, E; Del Zingaro, M; Porena, M

2007-12-01

The aim of this study was to review recent literature on mini-invasive surgical technique for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Surgical aspects, intraoperative and perioperative complications and objective and subjective outcomes were analyzed and compared. The PubMed databank from 2000 to February 2007 was searched for original prospective and randomized studies in English, on surgical treatment of female SUI, which avoided a laparotomic access to the female pelvis. Studies had to investigate at least 40 women with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. A total of 38 prospective studies were found: 27 of them were on mid-urethral slings; 8 assessed urethral injections; and 3 radiofrequency treatment. Fifteen studies were randomized. Follow-ups ranged from 12 to 60 months, except for sexual function which had a 6-month follow-up. Ten out of 38 studies assessed patients who did not refer pelvic organ prolapse or detrusor overactivity and had not undergone any previous anti-incontinence procedure. Mid-urethral slings showed good outcomes and are safe and brief to perform and have a relatively short learning curve. Urethral injections showed discouraging results, as they have poor outcomes and repetitive treatments are frequently necessary. Injections can be used in women with contraindications to major surgical procedures, with intrinsic sphincter deficiency as the main cause of incontinence. Radiofrequency showed worse results than mid-urethral slings and is a valuable choice in women who refuse more invasive procedures. The development of studies with longer follow-ups on mini-invasive surgical techniques are encouraged.

Prospective community study of family stress and anxiety in (pre)adolescents: the TRAILS study.

PubMed

van Oort, Floor V A; Verhulst, Frank C; Ormel, Johan; Huizink, Anja C

2010-06-01

For prevention of anxiety in children and adolescents, it is important to know whether family stress is a predictor of anxiety. We studied this in 1,875 adolescents from the Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) who were followed up for 2 years, from age 10-12 to 12-14 years. Adolescents reported anxiety and depression symptoms at both assessments, and parents reported family stress (family dysfunction and parenting stress) at the first assessment. Family dysfunction was not associated with future anxiety, whereas high parenting stress was. Furthermore, family dysfunction was more strongly associated with anxiety than with depression, whereas parenting stress was more strongly associated with depression. Level of parental psychopathology explained part of the association of family stress with anxiety. The associations were modest and the understanding of the origins of adolescents' anxiety will require identifying other factors than family stress that account for more of the variance.

Clinical high risk for psychosis in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

PubMed

Tor, Jordina; Dolz, Montserrat; Sintes, Anna; Muñoz, Daniel; Pardo, Marta; de la Serna, Elena; Puig, Olga; Sugranyes, Gisela; Baeza, Inmaculada

2017-09-15

The concept of being at risk for psychosis has been introduced both for adults and children and adolescents, but fewer studies have been conducted in the latter population. The aim of this study is to systematically review the articles associated with clinical description, interventions, outcome and other areas in children and adolescents at risk for psychosis. We searched in MEDLINE/PubMed and PsycINFO databases for articles published up to 30/06/16. Reviewed articles were prospective studies; written in English; original articles with Clinical High Risk (CHR) for psychosis samples; and mean age of samples younger than 18 years. From 103 studies initially selected, 48 met inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. Studies show that CHR children and adolescents present several clinical characteristics at baseline, with most attenuated positive-symptom inclusion criteria observed, reporting mostly perceptual abnormalities and suspiciousness, and presenting comorbid conditions such as depressive and anxiety disorders. CHR children and adolescents show lower general intelligence and no structural brain changes compared with controls. Original articles reviewed show rates of conversion to psychosis between 17 and 20% at 1 year follow-up and between 7 and 21% at 2 years. While 36% of patients recovered from their CHR status at 6-year follow-up, 40% still met CHR criteria. Studies in children and adolescents with CHR were conducted with different methodologies, assessments tools and small samples. It is important to conduct studies on psychopharmacological and psychological treatment, as well as replication of the few studies found.

In Search of a Pony: Sources, Methods, Outcomes, and Motivated Reasoning.

PubMed

Stone, Marc B

2018-05-01

It is highly desirable to be able to evaluate the effect of policy interventions. Such evaluations should have expected outcomes based upon sound theory and be carefully planned, objectively evaluated and prospectively executed. In many cases, however, assessments originate with investigators' poorly substantiated beliefs about the effects of a policy. Instead of designing studies that test falsifiable hypotheses, these investigators adopt methods and data sources that serve as little more than descriptions of these beliefs in the guise of analysis. Interrupted time series analysis is one of the most popular forms of analysis used to present these beliefs. It is intuitively appealing but, in most cases, it is based upon false analogies, fallacious assumptions and analytical errors.

Trends and Advances in Electrochemiluminescence Nanobiosensors

PubMed Central

Rizwan, Mohammad; Mohd-Naim, Noor Faizah

2018-01-01

The rapid and increasing use of the nanomaterials (NMs), nanostructured materials (NSMs), metal nanoclusters (MNCs) or nanocomposites (NCs) in the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) nanobiosensors is a significant area of study for its massive potential in the practical application of nanobiosensor fabrication. Recently, NMs or NSMs (such as AuNPs, AgNPs, Fe3O4, CdS QDs, OMCs, graphene, CNTs and fullerenes) or MNCs (such as Au, Ag, and Pt) or NCs of both metallic and non-metallic origin are being employed for various purposes in the construction of biosensors. In this review, we have selected recently published articles (from 2014–2017) on the current development and prospects of label-free or direct ECL nanobiosensors that incorporate NCs, NMs, NSMs or MNCs. PMID:29315277

Neurological soft signs in individuals with pathological gambling.

PubMed

Elman, Igor; Gurvits, Tamara V; Tschibelu, Evelyne; Spring, Justin D; Lasko, Natasha B; Pitman, Roger K

2013-01-01

Increased neurological soft signs (NSSs) have been found in a number of neuropsychiatric syndromes, including chemical addiction. The present study examined NSSs related to perceptual-motor and visuospatial processing in a behavioral addiction viz., pathological gambling (PG). As compared to mentally healthy individuals, pathological gamblers displayed significantly poorer ability to copy two- and three-dimensional figures, to recognize objects against a background noise, and to orient in space on a road-map test. Results indicated that PG is associated with subtle cerebral cortical abnormalities. Further prospective clinical research is needed to address the NSSs' origin and chronology (e.g., predate or follow the development of PG) as well as their response to therapeutic interventions and/or their ability to predict such a response.

Exploring stellar evolution with gravitational-wave observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dvorkin, Irina; Uzan, Jean-Philippe; Vangioni, Elisabeth; Silk, Joseph

2018-05-01

Recent detections of gravitational waves from merging binary black holes opened new possibilities to study the evolution of massive stars and black hole formation. In particular, stellar evolution models may be constrained on the basis of the differences in the predicted distribution of black hole masses and redshifts. In this work we propose a framework that combines galaxy and stellar evolution models and use it to predict the detection rates of merging binary black holes for various stellar evolution models. We discuss the prospects of constraining the shape of the time delay distribution of merging binaries using just the observed distribution of chirp masses. Finally, we consider a generic model of primordial black hole formation and discuss the possibility of distinguishing it from stellar-origin black holes.

[Research status and prospects of DNA test on difficult specimens].

PubMed

Dang, Hua-Wei; Mao, Jiong; Wang, Hui; Huang, Jiang-Ping; Bai, Xiao-Gang

2012-02-01

This paper reviews the advances of DNA detection on three types of difficult biological specimens including degraded samples, trace evidences and mixed samples. The source of different samples, processing methods and announcements were analyzed. New methods such as mitochondrial test system, changing the original experimental conditions, low-volume PCR amplification and new technologies such as whole genome amplification techniques, laser capture micro-dissection, and mini-STR technology in recent years are introduced.

The Improbable State: The Prospects for a Developmental Turn in North Korea

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

more developed than South Korea. During the Japanese occupation, North Korea was built up with the most modern industrial complex in East Asia. When...political economy as Chalmers Johnson’s writings on the developmental state. Originally written in 1982, his book MITI and the Japanese Miracle...initially coined the phrase “ Japanese developmental state.”14 His argument was essentially that Japan’s system was fundamentally different from either the

Cerium Binding Activity of Pectins Isolated from the Seagrasses Zostera marina and Phyllospadix iwatensis

PubMed Central

Khotimchenko, Yuri; Khozhaenko, Elena; Kovalev, Valeri; Khotimchenko, Maxim

2012-01-01

Cerium binding activity of three different water soluble pectin compounds of different origin was studied in a batch sorption system. The Langmuir, Freundlich and BET sorption models were adopted to describe the binding reactions between metal ions and pectin molecules. The Langmuir model provided the best fit. Within the pH range from 4.0 to 6.0, the largest amount of the cerium ions was bound by pectin isolated from the seagrass Phylospadix iwatensis in comparison to pectin extracted from the seagrass Zostera marina and pectin obtained from citrus peel (commercial grade). The Langmuir constants were also highest for the pectin samples isolated from the seagrass P. iwatensis. The results obtained from this study suggest that pectin is a prospective source for the development of radioisotope-removing pharmaceuticals. PMID:22690146

Associations of Child and Adolescent Mastery Motivation and Self-Regulation With Adult Outcomes: A Longitudinal Study of Individuals With Down Syndrome.

PubMed

Gilmore, Linda; Cuskelly, Monica

2017-05-01

This 20-year prospective longitudinal study focuses on the contribution of mastery motivation and self-regulation to adult outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome. In earlier phases of the research, 25 participants completed measures of cognitive ability, mastery motivation and self-regulation in childhood (4 to 6 years) and adolescence (11 to 15 years). In the adult phase reported here, self-determination and adaptive behavior were assessed in 21 of the original participants at age 23 to 26 years. Mastery motivation and self-regulation made unique contributions to adult outcomes, over and above the effects of cognitive ability. The findings provide powerful evidence about the important role of child and adolescent mastery motivation and self-regulation for the adult lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

Prethermalized states of quenched spinor condensates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakram, Srivatsan; Patil, Yogesh Sharad; Vengalattore, Mukund

2015-05-01

Due to the interplay between spin and charge degrees of freedom, spinor Bose condensates exhibit a rich tapestry of magnetically ordered phases and topological defects. The non-equilibrium properties of these fluids have been the topic of recent interest. We have previously shown that quenched spinor condensates exhibit robust prethermalized states characterized by asymptotic correlations that differ from thermodynamic predictions. These non-equilibrium states arise due to the disparate energy scales between the phonon and magnon excitations. The identification of a microscopic origin of prethermalization makes this system a promising platform for studies of prethermalization and possible universal scaling relations that characterize these nonequilibrium many-body states. We elaborate on our studies of prethermalized spinor condensates and the prospects of observing a dynamical Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in this system. This work is supported by the ARO MURI on non-equilibrium dynamics.

Food reinforcement during infancy

PubMed Central

Kong, Kai Ling

2017-01-01

The motivation to eat, as operationalized by measuring how hard someone will work for food, is cross-sectionally and prospectively related to obesity. Persons high in food reinforcement consume more calories, and energy intake mediates the relationship between food reinforcement and obesity. Research has shown avid sucking for milk in early infancy predicts later adiposity, and the relationship between food reinforcement and excess body weight has been observed in infants as young as 9 months of age. New methodological developments in studying food reinforcement in infants and young children provide the first opportunity to study the origin of food reinforcement. This review seeks to provide background on the measurement of food reinforcement, and to present, for the first time, prenatal and postnatal predictors of infant food reinforcement. Lastly, potential mechanisms for an increasing trajectory of food reinforcement throughout development are proposed. PMID:27373207

Time Factor in the Theory of Anthropogenic Risk Prediction in Complex Dynamic Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostreikovsky, V. A.; Shevchenko, Ye N.; Yurkov, N. K.; Kochegarov, I. I.; Grishko, A. K.

2018-01-01

The article overviews the anthropogenic risk models that take into consideration the development of different factors in time that influence the complex system. Three classes of mathematical models have been analyzed for the use in assessing the anthropogenic risk of complex dynamic systems. These models take into consideration time factor in determining the prospect of safety change of critical systems. The originality of the study is in the analysis of five time postulates in the theory of anthropogenic risk and the safety of highly important objects. It has to be stressed that the given postulates are still rarely used in practical assessment of equipment service life of critically important systems. That is why, the results of study presented in the article can be used in safety engineering and analysis of critically important complex technical systems.

Geophysical and geomorphological investigations of a Quaternary karstic paleolake and its underground marine connection in Cassis (Bestouan, Cassis, SE France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romey, Carole; Rochette, Pierre; Vella, Claude; Arfib, Bruno; Andrieu-Ponel, Valérie; Braucher, Régis; Champollion, Cédric; Douchet, Marc; Dussouillez, Philippe; Hermitte, Daniel; Mattioli, Emanuela; Parisot, Jean-Claude; Schwenninger, Jean-Luc

2014-06-01

An original karstic system in a coastal alluvial plain located in a carbonate environment (Cassis, Provence - SE France) was studied using a multi-method approach (electrical resistivity tomography, gravimetric, passive seismic survey), combined with geomorphologic methods, surface observations and drilling. Limestone dissolution and/or cavity collapse led to the development of a polje, which was filled rapidly by erosion of Aptian marls. The combination of several dating and paleoenvironmental proxies indicates that the polje was filled during a glacial period (MIS 6, 8 or 10, i.e. in the 130-360 ka age range). This discovery has implications for the understanding of karst processes. The connection between the polje and the three km-long Bestouan underwater karstic conduit with submarine outlet is strongly suggested by sedimentological studies and geophysical prospections.

Risk factors for pressure ulcer development in critically Ill patients: a conceptual model to guide research.

PubMed

Benoit, Richard; Mion, Lorraine

2012-08-01

This paper presents a proposed conceptual model to guide research on pressure ulcer risk in critically ill patients, who are at high risk for pressure ulcer development. However, no conceptual model exists that guides risk assessment in this population. Results from a review of prospective studies were evaluated for design quality and level of statistical reporting. Multivariate findings from studies having high or medium design quality by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence standards were conceptually grouped. The conceptual groupings were integrated into Braden and Bergstrom's (Braden and Bergstrom [1987] Rehabilitation Nursing, 12, 8-12, 16) conceptual model, retaining their original constructs and augmenting their concept of intrinsic factors for tissue tolerance. The model could enhance consistency in research on pressure ulcer risk factors. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A comparison of the results of prospective and retrospective cohort studies in the field of digestive surgery.

PubMed

Ukai, Tomohiko; Shikata, Satoru; Nakayama, Takeo; Takemura, Yousuke C

2017-07-01

We compared the results of prospective and retrospective cohort studies in the field of digestive surgery to clarify whether the results of prospective cohort studies were more similar to those of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a secondary analysis of the results to compare the results of RCTs with those of cohort studies in meta-analyses of 18 digestive surgical topics. The data from the prospective and retrospective cohort studies were combined. The summary estimates of each design were compared with those of RCTs. We used the Z score to investigate discrepancies. Twenty-nine outcomes of 11 topics were investigated in 289 cohort studies (prospective, n = 69; retrospective, n = 220). These were compared with the outcomes of 123 RCTs. In comparison to retrospective studies, the summary estimates of the prospective cohort studies were more similar to those of the RCTs [19/29 (prospective) vs. 10/29 (retrospective), P = 0.035). Five of the 29 outcomes of prospective studies and 6 of 29 outcomes of retrospective studies (P = 0.99) showed significant discrepancies in comparison to RCTs. In the digestive surgical field, the results of prospective cohort studies tended to be more similar to those of RCTs than retrospective studies; however, there were no significant discrepancies between the two types of cohort study.

Methods and predictors of tampering with a tamper-resistant controlled-release oxycodone formulation.

PubMed

Peacock, Amy; Degenhardt, Louisa; Hordern, Antonia; Larance, Briony; Cama, Elena; White, Nancy; Kihas, Ivana; Bruno, Raimondo

2015-12-01

In April 2014, a tamper-resistant controlled-release oxycodone formulation was introduced into the Australian market. This study aimed to identify the level and methods of tampering with reformulated oxycodone, demographic and clinical characteristics of those who reported tampering with reformulated oxycodone, and perceived attractiveness of original and reformulated oxycodone for misuse (via tampering). A prospective cohort of 522 people who regularly tampered with pharmaceutical opioids and had tampered with the original oxycodone product in their lifetime completed two interviews before (January-March 2014: Wave 1) and after (May-August 2014: Wave 2) introduction of reformulated oxycodone. Four-fifths (81%) had tampered with the original oxycodone formulation in the month prior to Wave 1; use and attempted tampering with reformulated oxycodone amongst the sample was comparatively low at Wave 2 (29% and 19%, respectively). Reformulated oxycodone was primarily swallowed (15%), with low levels of recent successful injection (6%), chewing (2%), drinking/dissolving (1%), and smoking (<1%). Participants who tampered with original and reformulated oxycodone were socio-demographically and clinically similar to those who had only tampered with the original formulation, except the former were more likely to report prescribed oxycodone use and stealing pharmaceutical opioid, and less likely to report moderate/severe anxiety. There was significant diversity in the methods for tampering, with attempts predominantly prompted by self-experimentation (rather than informed by word-of-mouth or the internet). Participants rated reformulated oxycodone as more difficult to prepare and inject and less pleasant to use compared to the original formulation. Current findings suggest that the introduction of the tamper-resistant product has been successful at reducing, although not necessarily eliminating, tampering with the controlled-release oxycodone formulation, with lower attractiveness for misuse. Appropriate, effective treatment options must be available with increasing availability of abuse-deterrent products, given the reduction of oxycodone tampering and use amongst a group with high rates of pharmaceutical opioid dependence. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Outcomes assessment in the SPRINT multicenter tibial fracture trial: Adjudication committee size has trivial effect on trial results.

PubMed

Simunovic, Nicole; Walter, Stephen; Devereaux, P J; Sprague, Sheila; Guyatt, Gordon H; Schemitsch, Emil; Tornetta, Paul; Sanders, David; Swiontkowski, Marc; Bhandari, Mohit

2011-09-01

To evaluate how the size of an outcome adjudication committee, and the potential for dominance among its members, potentially impacts a trial's results. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the six-member adjudication committee in the Study to Prospectively Evaluate Reamed Intramedullary Nails in Patients with Tibial Fractures (SPRINT) Trial. We modeled the adjudication process, predicted the results and costs if smaller committees had been used, and tested for the presence of a dominant adjudicator. Use of smaller committee sizes (one to five members) would have had little impact on the final study results, although one analysis suggested that the benefit in reduction of reoperations with reamed nails in closed tibial fractures would have lost significance if committee sizes of three or less were used. We identified a significant difference between adjudicators in the number of times their original minority decisions became the final consensus decision (χ(2)=9.67, P=0.046), suggesting that dominant adjudicators were present. However, their impact on the final study results was trivial. Reducing the number of adjudicators from six to four would have led to little change in the final SPRINT study results irrespective of the significance of the original trial results, demonstrating the potential for savings in trial resources. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

For good measure: Origins and prospects of exposure science (2007 Wesolowski Award Lecture).

PubMed

Fenske, Richard A

2010-09-01

Measurement is the foundation of exposure science. Associations between illness and environmental agents have been observed for millennia, but the ability to quantify exposure and dose has been possible only in the last century. Improved means of measurement and refined concepts of who, what, when, where, and why to measure have been the seminal contributions of exposure science to the study of disease causation and prevention. This paper examines critical advancements in exposure assessment associated with workplace health and safety, and the groundbreaking work of the US Public Health Service. Many of the key concepts of modern exposure science have their origin in these early studies. Occupational hygiene scientists have conducted receptor-based exposure analyses for more than 80 years, evaluating indoor air, defining microenvironments, and developing personal sampling techniques. Biological monitoring of community populations including children, dermal exposure monitoring, duplicate diet studies, and multi-pathway, aggregate exposure assessments can be traced to early public health studies. As we look to the future, we see that new technologies and techniques are expanding the scope of exposure science dramatically. We need to ensure that the highest of scientific standards are maintained, make a greater effort to include occupational hygiene scientists, microbiologists, and behavioral scientists in the field, and promote new sources of training and research support. Exposure science has a critical role to play in the prevention strategy that is central to public health.

Patients with community-acquired bacteremia of unknown origin: clinical characteristics and usefulness of microbiological results for therapeutic issues: a single-center cohort study.

PubMed

Courjon, Johan; Demonchy, Elisa; Degand, Nicolas; Risso, Karine; Ruimy, Raymond; Roger, Pierre-Marie

2017-05-19

Bacteremia of unknown origin (BUO) are associated with increased mortality compared to those with identified sources. Microbiological data of those patients could help to characterize an appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment before bloodcultures results are available during sepsis of unknown origin. Based on the dashboard of our ward that prospectively records several parameters from each hospitalization, we report 101 community-acquired BUO selected among 1989 bacteremic patients from July 2005 to April 2016, BUO being defined by the absence of clinical and paraclinical infectious focus and no other microbiological samples retrieving the bacteria isolated from blood cultures. The in-hospital mortality rate was 9%. We retrospectively tested two antibiotic associations: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid + gentamicin (AMC/GM) and 3rd generation cephalosporin + gentamicin (3GC/GM) considered as active if the causative bacteria was susceptible to at least one of the two drugs. The mean age was 71 years with 67% of male, 31 (31%) were immunocompromised and 52 (51%) had severe sepsis. Eleven patients had polymicrobial infections. The leading bacterial species involved were Escherichia coli 25/115 (22%), group D Streptococci 12/115 (10%), viridans Streptococci 12/115 (10%) and Staphylococcus aureus 11/115 (9%). AMC/GM displayed a higher rate of effectiveness compared to 3GC/GM: 100/101 (99%) vs 94/101 (93%) (p = 0.04): one Enterococcus faecium strain impaired the first association, Bacteroides spp. and Enterococcus spp. the second. In case of community-acquired sepsis of unknown origin, AMC + GM should be considered.

The Role of Telemedicine in Auditory Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Bush, Matthew L.; Thompson, Robin; Irungu, Catherine; Ayugi, John

2016-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of live telemedicine applications in hearing amplification and cochlear implantation. Data Sources and Study Selection A systematic search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINALH, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed research. Inclusion criteria were titles containing words from the search terms (1) audiology, otolaryngology, and hearing impairment, (2) rehabilitative methods, and (3) telemedicine. Exclusion criteria were 1) non-English articles, and 2) non-original research. Data Extraction and Synthesis Twelve eligible studies were identified. The studies employed a prospective design in nine of the articles and retrospective case series in three. The use of telemedicine for the provision of cochlear implant services was examined in eight of the articles and with hearing aids in four of the articles. The types of services include intraoperative cochlear implant telemetry; implant programming and assessment of electrode-specific measures and speech recognition after implantation. Hearing aid programming and remote gain assessments were also reported. Many studies assess patient and provider satisfaction along with encounter time comparison. The studies occurred from 2009–2014 and took place in seven countries. Conclusions This review examined the feasibility of remote telemedicine connection to provide in auditory rehabilitation services through hearing aids and cochlear implants. There are significant concerns regarding Internet bandwidth limitations for remote clinics. There is a paucity of research examining reimbursement and cost-effectiveness for services. Further prospective research investigating cost-effectiveness and bandwidth limitations is warranted to assess long-term sustainability of remote audiological rehabilitative service delivery. PMID:27755363

Higher prepregnancy body mass index is a risk factor for developing preeclampsia in Maya-Mestizo women: a cohort study.

PubMed

Canto-Cetina, Thelma; Coral-Vázquez, Ramón Mauricio; Rojano-Mejía, David; Pérez Godoy, Sergio; Coronel, Agustín; Canto, Patricia

2018-08-01

Preeclampsia and obesity are two closely related syndromes. The high maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for present preeclampsia, independently of the ethnic background of the studied population. The aim of this study was to analyse in a prospective cohort study the relation between prepregnancy BMI and development of preeclampsia in Maya-Mestizo women. This is a prospective cohort study of 642 pregnant women that were included in the first trimester of the pregnancy (gestational age ≤12 weeks at the first antenatal visit) and all of them were of Maya-Mestizo ethnic origin from the state of Yucatán, México. We assessed the potential risk factors for preeclampsia and documented the prepregnancy BMI (kg/m 2 ) that was based on measured height and maternal self-report of prepregnancy weight at the initial visit. Besides, in the antenatal visit we documented if the pregnant women developed preeclampsia. Of the 642 pregnant Maya-Mestizo women, 49 developed preeclampsia, with an incidence of 7.6% (44.9% had severe and 55% mild). The prepregnancy BMI was higher in women with developed preeclampsia than in those with normal pregnancies. Women with overweight or obesity in comparison with normal weight presented a RR = 2.82 (95% CI: 1.32-6.03; P = 0.008) and RR= 4.22 (95% CI: 2.07-8.61; P = 0.001), respectively. Our findings expand the previous studies to show that the higher prepregnancy BMI is a strong, independent risk factor for preeclampsia.

Prospective cohort study showing persistent HSV-2 shedding in women with genital herpes 2 years after acquisition.

PubMed

Ramchandani, Meena; Selke, Stacy; Magaret, Amalia; Barnum, Gail; Huang, Meei-Li Wu; Corey, Lawrence; Wald, Anna

2017-11-25

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a prevalent infection with great variability in clinical and virological manifestations among individuals. This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the natural history of HSV-2 reactivation in the genital area in the same group of women over time. Eighteen immunocompetent HSV-2 seropositive women were evaluated for viral shedding for 70 consecutive days within a median of 8 months (range 1-24 months) of HSV-2 acquisition and again approximately 2.5 years later from the original study. Participants obtained daily swabs of genital secretions for HSV PCR and recorded genital symptoms. The viral shedding rate was 29% during the initial study and 19% in the follow-up study (32% reduction, P=0.019). Subclinical shedding rate also decreased from 24% to 13% (37% reduction, P=0.032), as did the rate of days with genital lesions from 22% to 15% (33% reduction, P=0.24). The mean copy number during viral shedding remained unchanged over time at 4.8 log 10 c/mL (SD=2.0 and 1.6 during each study, respectively, P=0.33). Women with high viral shedding rates in the past were likely to continue to have high shedding rates (r=0.63, P=0.005). Despite some reduction, high viral shedding rates persist in women with genital HSV-2 greater than 2 years after acquisition. © 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.

Sedimentation and tectonics in the southern Bida Basin, Nigeria: depositional response to varying tectonic context

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

Braide, S.P.

1990-05-01

The Upper Cretaceous Bida basin of central Nigeria is sandwiched between the Precambrian schist belts of the Northern Nigerian massif and the West African craton. Of interest is the southern part of the basin, which developed in continental settings, because the facies architecture of the sedimentary fill suggests a close relation between sedimentation dynamics and basin margin tectonics. This relationship is significant to an understanding of the basin's origin, which has been controversial. A simple sag and rift origin has been suggested, and consequently dominated the negative thinking on the hydrocarbon prospects of the basin which were considered poor. Thismore » detailed study of the facies indicates rapid basin-wide changes from various alluvial fan facies through flood-basin and deltaic facies to lacustrine facies. Paleogeographic reconstruction suggests lacustrine environments were widespread and elongate. Lacustrine environments occurred at the basin's axis and close to the margins. This suggests the depocenter must have migrated during the basin's depositional history and subsided rapidly to accommodate the 3.5-km-thick sedimentary fill. Although distinguishing pull-apart basins from rift basins, based solely on sedimentologic grounds, may be difficult, the temporal migration of the depocenter, as well as the basin architecture of upward coarsening cyclicity, show a strong tectonic and structural overprint that suggests a tectonic framework for the Southern Bida basin similar in origin to a pull-apart basin.« less

Serum replacement with a growth factor-free synthetic substance in culture medium contributes to effective establishment of mouse embryonic stem cells of various origins.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Tae; Oh, Se Woong; Kim, Dae Yong; Han, Jae Yong; Moon, Shin Yong; Lim, Jeong Mook

2006-10-01

To evaluate whether serum replacement with growth factor-free synthetic substances contributed to the effective establishment of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Randomized, prospective model study. Gamete and stem cell biotechnology laboratory at Seoul National University in Korea. F1 (C57BL6 x DBA2) mice. Blastocysts of different origins were cultured in serum-replaced media. Embryonic stem cell establishment. Eight batches of ES cells were established from colony-forming inner cell mass cells after the replacement of fetal bovine serum (FBS) with synthetic knockout serum replacement (KSR) in mkDMEM. The established cells were positive for ES cell markers and formed both embryoid bodies in vitro and teratomas in vivo, but the established cell batches and control (transformed) ES cells responded differently to the culture media. Higher levels of cell viability were detected after the replacement with the 75:25 FBS-KSR mixture than with any other mixtures, and a gradual decrease in viability was detected as the KSR volume ratio was increased. The 75:25 FBS-KSR mixture-containing medium supported ES cell establishment of outbred ICR, F1, and F2 of C57BL6/DBA2; F1 parthenogenetic and ES cell-complemented tetraploid blastocysts; and single ES-cell cultures. A serum-replaced medium could be used for effective ES-cell establishment of various origins.

Independent association of elevated serum hepatocyte growth factor levels with development of insulin resistance in a 10-year prospective study.

PubMed

Tsukagawa, Eri; Adachi, Hisashi; Hirai, Yuji; Enomoto, Mika; Fukami, Ako; Ogata, Kinuka; Kasahara, Akiko; Yokoi, Kanako; Imaizumi, Tsutomu

2013-07-01

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptors form a hybrid complex with insulin receptors in the liver of mice, which lead to robust signalling to regulate glucose metabolism. Serum HGF levels are high in subjects with metabolic syndrome and/or obesity. Accordingly, we prospectively investigated the relationship between HGF and the development of insulin resistance (IR) in a general population without IR at baseline. A total of 1492 subjects received health examinations. After excluding subjects with diabetes and/or IR (n = 402) at baseline, the remaining subjects (n = 1090) were followed-up 10 years later. Complete data sets were available from 716 subjects for prospective analysis. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with the development of IR after 10 years. In subjects without diabetes at baseline, serum HGF levels were higher (0·26 ± 0·10 ng/ml, n = 259) in subjects with IR than without it (0·22 ± 0·09 ng/ml, n = 1090). After deleting subjects who developed liver disease during follow-up, 188 were found to have developed IR at 10 years after the original screening. HGF (P < 0·05), age (P < 0·001), homoeostasis model assessment index (P < 0·001), HDL-c (P < 0·05; inversely) and hypertensive medication (P < 0·05) were significantly associated with the development of IR by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. A significant (P < 0·05) relative risk [1·75 (95%CI: 1·01-3·12)] for the development of IR was observed in the highest (≥0·30 ng/ml) vs the lowest categories (<0·15 ng/ml) of HGF after adjustments for confounders. Our 10-year prospective study suggests that elevated serum HGF levels were significantly associated with the development of IR. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cellular origin of bladder neoplasia and tissue dynamics of its progression to invasive carcinoma

PubMed Central

Shin, Kunyoo; Lim, Agnes; Odegaard, Justin I.; Honeycutt, Jared D.; Kawano, Sally; Hsieh, Michael H.; Beachy, Philip A.

2014-01-01

Understanding how malignancies arise within normal tissues requires identification of the cancer cell of origin and knowledge of the cellular and tissue dynamics of tumor progression. Here we examine bladder cancer in a chemical carcinogenesis model that mimics muscle-invasive human bladder cancer. With no prior bias regarding genetic pathways or cell types, we prospectively mark or ablate cells to show that muscle-invasive bladder carcinomas arise exclusively from Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-expressing stem cells in basal urothelium. These carcinomas arise clonally from a single cell whose progeny aggressively colonize a major portion of the urothelium to generate a lesion with histological features identical to human carcinoma-in-situ. Shh-expressing basal cells within this precursor lesion become tumor-initiating cells, although Shh expression is lost in subsequent carcinomas. We thus find that invasive carcinoma is initiated from basal urothelial stem cells but that tumor cell phenotype can diverge significantly from that of the cancer cell-of-origin. PMID:24747439

Electrophoresis characterisation of protein as a method to establish the entomological origin of stingless bee honeys.

PubMed

Ramón-Sierra, Jesús Manuel; Ruiz-Ruiz, Jorge Carlos; de la Luz Ortiz-Vázquez, Elizabeth

2015-09-15

Increasing production of stingless-bee honey and the prospect of broader marker for natural and organic products indicate the need to establish parameters to determinate the entomological origin and authenticity of honey. In this research, honeys of Apis mellifera, Melipona beecheii and Trigona spp. were collected in Yucatan, Mexico. Stingless-bee honeys contained more water and less total sugars and reducing sugars. SDS-PAGE patterns show distinctive bands for each kind of honey. The SDS-PAGE pattern of A. mellifera proteins honey showed three bands with molecular weights between 10.2 and 74.8kDa, there were five proteins bands in M. beecheii honey with molecular weights between 6.1 and 97.0kDa and nine for Trigona spp. proteins between 9.3 and 86.7kDa. Conventional physicochemical parameters along with electrophoresis profiles of stingless-bee honeys proteins could be an alternative for determination of entomological origin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selective effects of acute alcohol intake on the prospective and retrospective components of a prospective-memory task with emotional targets.

PubMed

Walter, Nora T; Bayen, Ute J

2016-01-01

Prospective memory involves remembering to do something in the future and has a prospective component (remembering that something must be done) and a retrospective component (remembering what must be done and when it must be done). Initial studies reported an impairment in prospective-memory performance due to acute alcohol consumption. Retrospective-memory studies demonstrated that alcohol effects vary depending on the emotionality of the information that needs to be learned. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible differential effects of a mild acute alcohol dose (0.4 g/kg) on the prospective and retrospective components of prospective memory depending on cue valence. Seventy-five participants were allocated to an alcohol or placebo group and performed a prospective-memory task in which prospective-memory cue valence was manipulated (negative, neutral, positive). The multinomial model of event-based prospective memory (Smith and Bayen 2004) was used to measure alcohol and valence effects on the two prospective-memory components separately. Overall, no main effect of alcohol or valence on prospective-memory performance occurred. However, model-based analyses demonstrated a significantly higher retrospective component for positive compared with negative cues in the placebo group. In the alcohol group, the prospective component was weaker for negative than for neutral cues and the retrospective component was stronger for positive than for neutral cues. Group comparisons showed that the alcohol group had a significantly lower prospective component for negative cues and a lower retrospective component for neutral cues. This is the first study to demonstrate selective alcohol effects on prospective-memory components depending on prospective-memory cue valence.

Demographics and Incidence of Histologically Confirmed Intracranial Tumors: A Five-year, Two-center Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Dzhenkov, Deyan L; Kitanova, Martina; Ghenev, Peter; Tonchev, Anton B

2017-01-01

Introduction Intracranial tumors (ICTs) are a diverse group of malignancies that pose an immediate threat to patients' lives, no matter their local or metastatic origin, benign or malignant nature. These lesions have severe clinical courses and need to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, with pathological verification being the pivotal moment in the process of determining curative modalities. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of histologically confirmed ICTs in Eastern Bulgaria, based on their type (primary, metastatic, and non-volume occupying lesions (NVOL)), their respective subtypes, and incidence in a descriptive manner. Materials and Methods For a period of five full calendar years (January 1st, 2012 – December 31st, 2016), all histologically confirmed cases of intracranial tumors were prospectively collected from two individual tertiary healthcare institutions. The cases were then statistically analyzed in a descriptive manner, and incidences of primary, metastatic, and NVOL were compared with regards to their specific origins, types, and subtypes. Metastatic tumors were further segregated relative to their intracranial metastatic location. Results The total number of individual ICTs registered in the set timeframe was 822. Primary ICTs represented a total of 66.12% of the histologically confirmed cases, with the most common entries being tumors from a glial and meningeal origin, 30.90% were histologically confirmed as metastatic ICTs, from which the most common entries were of pulmonary origin, and the other 2.94% were NVOL. On behalf of their intracranial metastatic location, metastatic tumors were located predominantly in the supratentorial region, represented as a total of 87.80%, while the other 12.20% were located in the subtentorial region. Based on the descriptive analysis, the annual incidence per 100,000 capita of all ICTs is 9.12, comprised of 6.03 per 100,000 for primary ICTs, 2.82 per 100,000 for metastatic ICTs, and 0.27 per 100,000 for NVOL. The annual incidence of the most commonly diagnosed primary ICTs per 100,000 is 2.36 for meningioma, 2.03 for glioblastoma, and 0.48 for pituitary adenoma. The annual incidence of the most commonly diagnosed metastatic ICTs per 100,000 is 1.32 for lung cancer metastases, 0.28 for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) metastases, 0.22 for melanoma, and 0.17 for breast cancer metastases. Conclusion Based on our results, primary ICTs are operated and biopsied more than two times as much as metastatic ICTs and only a small fraction of neurosurgical interventions are undertaken due to NVOL. Metastatic ICTs are predominantly supratentorial with no evidence of a tumor predominantly metastasizing in the subtentorial region. The demographics reported in the study establish some aspects of age and gender preferences, as well as the annual incidence per 100,000 for the most commonly diagnosed types of ICTs in our population. PMID:28944115

The definition of polytrauma: variable interrater versus intrarater agreement--a prospective international study among trauma surgeons.

PubMed

Butcher, Nerida E; Enninghorst, Natalie; Sisak, Krisztian; Balogh, Zsolt J

2013-03-01

The international trauma community has recognized the lack of a validated consensus definition of "polytrauma." We hypothesized that using a subjective definition, trauma surgeons will not have substantial agreement; thus, an objective definition is needed. A prospective observational study was conducted between December 2010 and June 2011 (John Hunter Hospital, Level I trauma center). Inclusion criteria were all trauma call patients with subsequent intensive care unit admission. The study was composed of four stages as follows: (1) four trauma surgeons assessed patients until 24 hours, then coded as either "yes" or "no" for polytrauma, and results compared for agreement; (2) eight trauma surgeons representing the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands graded the same prospectively assessed patients and coded as either "yes" or "no" for polytrauma; (3) 12 months later, the original four trauma surgeons repeated assessment via data sheets to test intrarater variability; and (4) individual subjective definitions were compared with three anatomic scores, namely, (a) Injury Severity Score (ISS) of greater than 15, (b) ISS of greater 17, and (c) Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of greater than 2 in at least two ISS body regions. A total of 52 trauma patients were included. Results for each stage were as follows: (1) κ score of 0.50, moderate agreement; (2) κ score of 0.41, moderate agreement; (3) Rater 1 had moderate intrarater agreement (κ score, 0.59), while Raters 2, 3, 4 had substantial intrarater agreement (κ scores, 0.75, 0.66, and 0.71, respectively); and (4) none had most agreement with ISS of greater than 15 (κ score, 0.16), while both definitions ISS greater than 17 and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of greater than 2 in at least two ISS body regions had on average fair agreement (κ scores, 0.27 and 0.39, respectively). Based on subjective assessments, trauma surgeons do not agree on the definition of polytrauma, with the subjective definition differing both within and across institutions.

Comparative performance of current definitions of sarcopenia against the prospective incidence of falls among community-dwelling seniors age 65 and older.

PubMed

Bischoff-Ferrari, H A; Orav, J E; Kanis, J A; Rizzoli, R; Schlögl, M; Staehelin, H B; Willett, W C; Dawson-Hughes, B

2015-12-01

In this study, we compare the extent to which seven available definitions of sarcopenia and two related definitions predict the rate of falling. Our results suggest that the definitions of Baumgartner and Cruz-Jentoft best predict the rate of falls among sarcopenic versus non-sarcopenic community-dwelling seniors. The purpose of the study is to compare the extent to which seven available definitions of sarcopenia and two related definitions predict the prospective rate of falling. We studied a cohort of 445 seniors (mean age 71 years, 45 % men) living in the community who were followed with a detailed fall assessment for 3 years. For comparing the rate of falls in sarcopenic versus non-sarcopenic individuals, we used multivariate Poisson regression analyses adjusting for gender and treatment (original intervention tested vitamin D plus calcium against placebo). Of the seven available definitions, three were based on low lean mass alone (Baumgartner, Delmonico 1 and 2) and four required both low muscle mass and decreased performance in a functional test (Fielding, Cruz-Jentoft, Morley, Muscaritoli). The two related definitions were based on low lean mass alone (Studenski 1) and low lean mass contributing to weakness (Studenski 2). Among 445 participants, 231 fell, sustaining 514 falls over the 3-year follow-up. The prospective rate of falls in sarcopenic versus non-sarcopenic individuals was best predicted by the Baumgartner definition based on low lean mass alone (RR = 1.54; 95 % CI 1.09-2.18) with 11 % prevalence of sarcopenia and the Cruz-Jentoft definition based on low lean mass plus decreased functional performance (RR = 1.82; 95 % CI 1.24-2.69) with 7.1 % prevalence of sarcopenia. Consistently, fall rate was non-significantly higher in sarcopenic versus non-sarcopenic individuals based on the definitions of Delmonico 1, Fielding, and Morley. Among the definitions investigated, the Baumgartner definition and the Cruz-Jentoft definition had the highest validity for predicting the rate of falls.

Children with asthma by school age display aberrant immune responses to pathogenic airway bacteria as infants.

PubMed

Larsen, Jeppe Madura; Brix, Susanne; Thysen, Anna Hammerich; Birch, Sune; Rasmussen, Morten Arendt; Bisgaard, Hans

2014-04-01

Asthma is a highly prevalent chronic lung disease that commonly originates in early childhood. Colonization of neonatal airways with the pathogenic bacterial strains Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is associated with increased risk of later childhood asthma. We hypothesized that children with asthma have an abnormal immune response to pathogenic bacteria in infancy. We aimed to assess the bacterial immune response in asymptomatic infants and the association with later development of asthma by age 7 years. The Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood birth cohort was followed prospectively, and asthma was diagnosed at age 7 years. The immune response to H influenzae, M catarrhalis, and S pneumoniae was analyzed in 292 infants using PBMCs isolated and stored since the age of 6 months. The immune response was assessed based on the pattern of cytokines produced and T-cell activation. The immune response to pathogenic bacteria was different in infants with asthma by 7 years of age (P = .0007). In particular, prospective asthmatic subjects had aberrant production of IL-5 (P = .008), IL-13 (P = .057), IL-17 (P = .001), and IL-10 (P = .028), whereas there were no differences in T-cell activation or peripheral T-cell composition. Children with asthma by school age exhibited an aberrant immune response to pathogenic bacteria in infancy. We propose that an abnormal immune response to pathogenic bacteria colonizing the airways in early life might lead to chronic airway inflammation and childhood asthma. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Breast Pocket Irrigation with Antibiotic Solution at Implant Insertion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Lynch, Jessica M; Sebai, Mohamad E; Rodriguez-Unda, Nelson A; Seal, Stella; Rosson, Gedge D; Manahan, Michele A

2018-06-08

Antibiotic irrigation is routinely used during implant insertion in augmentation mammoplasty procedures. However, the evidence for whether this reduces the incidence of infection or capsular contracture is unclear. Five databases were used to search for all randomized control trials, retrospective cohort and prospective cohort studies containing original data related to the primary outcomes being investigated in this study. The primary outcomes were the effects of antibiotic breast pocket irrigation on clinical infection and capsular contracture. The literature search was designed to combine three concepts: implant or tissue expander-based breast surgery, antibiotic irrigation and clinical infection or capsular contracture. Studies found were screened using specific eligibility criteria. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using pooled acquired data from all included studies. The search identified 1256 citations. Three independent screeners identified seven studies that met the inclusion criteria with a pooled population of 4725. This included one prospective and six retrospective studies. A meta-analysis of pooled study data showed significant reductions in clinical infection (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.81) and capsular contracture (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16-0.83) as a result of antibiotic irrigation. The meta-analyses support the use of antibiotic irrigation of the breast pocket. However, the results of this study are limited by the large proportion of retrospective studies, the small number of studies included, the lack of randomized controlled trials and the heterogeneity of the antibiotic and control regimes used. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Famine Exposure in the Young and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Adulthood

PubMed Central

van Abeelen, Annet F.M.; Elias, Sjoerd G.; Bossuyt, Patrick M.M.; Grobbee, Diederick E.; van der Schouw, Yvonne T.; Roseboom, Tessa J.; Uiterwaal, Cuno S.P.M.

2012-01-01

The developmental origins hypothesis proposes that undernutrition during early development is associated with an increased type 2 diabetes risk in adulthood. We investigated the association between undernutrition during childhood and young adulthood and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. We studied 7,837 women from Prospect-EPIC (European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition) who were exposed to the 1944–1945 Dutch famine when they were between age 0 and 21 years. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to explore the effect of famine on the risk of subsequent type 2 diabetes in adulthood. We adjusted for potential confounders, including age at famine exposure, smoking, and level of education. Self-reported famine exposure during childhood and young adulthood was associated with an increased type 2 diabetes risk in a dose-dependent manner. In those who reported moderate famine exposure, the age-adjusted type 2 diabetes hazard ratio (HR) was 1.36 (95% CI [1.09–1.70]); in those who reported severe famine exposure, the age-adjusted HR was 1.64 (1.26–2.14) relative to unexposed women. These effects did not change after adjustment for confounders. This study provides the first direct evidence, using individual famine exposure data, that a short period of moderate or severe undernutrition during postnatal development increases type 2 diabetes risk in adulthood. PMID:22648386

Marine and land active-source seismic imaging of mid-Miocene to Holocene-aged faulting near geothermal prospects at Pyramid Lake, Nevada

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

Eisses, A.; Kell, A.; Kent, G.

Amy Eisses, Annie Kell, Graham Kent, Neal Driscoll, Robert Karlin, Rob Baskin, John Louie, and Satish Pullammanappallil, 2011, Marine and land active-source seismic imaging of mid-Miocene to Holocene-aged faulting near geothermal prospects at Pyramid Lake, Nevada: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, 35, 7 pp. Preprint at http://crack.seismo.unr.edu/geothermal/Eisses-GRCpaper-sm.pdf The Pyramid Lake fault zone lies within a vitally important area of the northern Walker Lane where not only can transtension can be studied through a complex arrangement of strike-slip and normal faults but also geothermal activity can be examined in the extensional regime for productivity. This study used advanced and economical seismic methodsmore » in attempt to develop the Paiute Tribe’s geothermal reservoir and to expand upon the tectonics and earthquake hazard knowledge of the area. 500 line-kilometers of marine CHIRP data were collected on Pyramid Lake combined with 27 kilometers of vibrator seismic on-land data from the northwest side of the basin were collected in 2010 that highlighted two distinct phases of faulting. Preliminary results suggest that the geothermal fluids in the area are controlled by the late Pleistoceneto Holocene-aged faults and not through the mid-Miocene-aged conduits as originally hypothesized.« less

Cross-border reproductive care in North America: a pilot study testing a prospective data collection program for in vitro fertilization clinics in Canada and the United States.

PubMed

Hughes, Edward G; Sawyer, Angie; DeJean, Deirdre; Adamson, G David

2016-03-01

To develop and test a nonidentifying prospective data collection system for cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) in Canada and the United States (U.S.). Survey and cross-sectional study. Fertility clinics. Women traveling to and from Canada and the U.S. for reproductive care. None. Patients' home country, reason for crossing borders, and type of care received. Of 32 Canadian and 440 U.S. clinics contacted, seven and 46, respectively, responded to the initial questionnaire. Three out of seven Canadian and 44 out of 46 U.S. clinics reported providing CBRC. Seventy five percent agreed that nonidentifying data on country of origin and reason for travel should be collected. However, only one of seven Canadian and none of 46 U.S. clinics that expressed initial interest actually collected data, despite multiple communications. Although CBRC is a major component of assisted reproductive technology in North America (3%-10% of IVF cycles are provided to out-of-country patients in Canada and the U.S.), clinicians are not motivated to collect the simplest of data regarding CBRC patients. Despite this, reliable data are needed to help better understand the reasons for and impact of CBRC. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prediction of 10-year coronary heart disease risk in Caribbean type 2 diabetic patients using the UKPDS risk engine.

PubMed

Ezenwaka, C E; Nwagbara, E; Seales, D; Okali, F; Hussaini, S; Raja, Bn; Jones-LeCointe, A; Sell, H; Avci, H; Eckel, J

2009-03-06

Primary prevention of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in diabetic patients should be based on absolute CHD risk calculation. This study was aimed to determine the levels of 10-year CHD risk in Caribbean type 2 diabetic patients using the diabetes specific United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine calculator. Three hundred and twenty-five (106 males, 219 females) type 2 diabetic patients resident in two Caribbean Islands of Tobago and Trinidad met the UKPDS risk engine inclusion criteria. Records of their sex, age, ethnicity, smoking habit, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin were entered into the UKPDS risk engine calculator programme and the absolute 10-year CHD and stroke risk levels were computed. The 10-year CHD and stroke risks were statistically stratified into <15%, 15-30% and >30% CHD risk levels and differences between patients of African and Asian-Indian origin were compared. In comparison with patients in Tobago, type 2 diabetic patients in Trinidad, irrespective of gender, had higher proportion of 10-year CHD risk (10.4 vs. 23.6%, P<0.001) whereas the overall 10-year stroke risk prediction was higher in patients resident in Tobago (16.9 vs. 11.4%, P<0.001). Ethnicity-based analysis revealed that irrespective of gender, higher proportion of patients of Indian origin scored >30% of absolute 10-year CHD risk compared with patients of African descent (3.2 vs. 28.2%, P<0.001). The results of the study identified diabetic patients resident in Trinidad and patients of Indian origin as the most vulnerable groups for CHD. These groups of diabetic patients should have priority in primary or secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

Predicting inpatient violence in acute psychiatric wards using the Brøset-Violence-Checklist: a multicentre prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Abderhalden, C; Needham, I; Miserez, B; Almvik, R; Dassen, T; Haug, H-J; Fischer, J E

2004-08-01

The Norwegian Brøset-Violence-Checklist (BVC) is one of the few instruments that is suitable for short-term prediction of violence of psychiatric inpatients by nursing staff in routine care. The instrument assesses the presence or absence of six behaviours or states frequently observed before a violent incident. We conducted a study to elucidate whether the predictive properties of the BVC are retained in other psychiatric settings than the original north-Norwegian validation dataset. During their admission period, 219 consecutive patients admitted to six acute psychiatric wards were assessed as to the risk for attack using a German version of the BVC (BVC-G). Data on preventive measures were concurrently collected. Aggressive incidents were registered using an instrument equivalent to the Staff Observation of Aggression Scale (SOAS-R). Fourteen attacks towards staff were observed with incident severity ranging from 5 to 18 of a possible 22 points. BVC-G sensitivity was 64.3%, the specificity 93.9%, the positive predictive value 11.1%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.88. In some false positive cases intense preventive measures had been implemented. The predictive accuracy of the BVC-G proved consistent with the Norwegian original.

ROC curves in clinical chemistry: uses, misuses, and possible solutions.

PubMed

Obuchowski, Nancy A; Lieber, Michael L; Wians, Frank H

2004-07-01

ROC curves have become the standard for describing and comparing the accuracy of diagnostic tests. Not surprisingly, ROC curves are used often by clinical chemists. Our aims were to observe how the accuracy of clinical laboratory diagnostic tests is assessed, compared, and reported in the literature; to identify common problems with the use of ROC curves; and to offer some possible solutions. We reviewed every original work using ROC curves and published in Clinical Chemistry in 2001 or 2002. For each article we recorded phase of the research, prospective or retrospective design, sample size, presence/absence of confidence intervals (CIs), nature of the statistical analysis, and major analysis problems. Of 58 articles, 31% were phase I (exploratory), 50% were phase II (challenge), and 19% were phase III (advanced) studies. The studies increased in sample size from phase I to III and showed a progression in the use of prospective designs. Most phase I studies were powered to assess diagnostic tests with ROC areas >/=0.70. Thirty-eight percent of studies failed to include CIs for diagnostic test accuracy or the CIs were constructed inappropriately. Thirty-three percent of studies provided insufficient analysis for comparing diagnostic tests. Other problems included dichotomization of the gold standard scale and inappropriate analysis of the equivalence of two diagnostic tests. We identify available software and make some suggestions for sample size determination, testing for equivalence in diagnostic accuracy, and alternatives to a dichotomous classification of a continuous-scale gold standard. More methodologic research is needed in areas specific to clinical chemistry.

Creating a Computer Adaptive Test Version of the Late-Life Function & Disability Instrument

PubMed Central

Jette, Alan M.; Haley, Stephen M.; Ni, Pengsheng; Olarsch, Sippy; Moed, Richard

2009-01-01

Background This study applied Item Response Theory (IRT) and Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) methodologies to develop a prototype function and disability assessment instrument for use in aging research. Herein, we report on the development of the CAT version of the Late-Life Function & Disability instrument (Late-Life FDI) and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods We employed confirmatory factor analysis, IRT methods, validation, and computer simulation analyses of data collected from 671 older adults residing in residential care facilities. We compared accuracy, precision, and sensitivity to change of scores from CAT versions of two Late-Life FDI scales with scores from the fixed-form instrument. Score estimates from the prototype CAT versus the original instrument were compared in a sample of 40 older adults. Results Distinct function and disability domains were identified within the Late-Life FDI item bank and used to construct two prototype CAT scales. Using retrospective data, scores from computer simulations of the prototype CAT scales were highly correlated with scores from the original instrument. The results of computer simulation, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity to change of the CATs closely approximated those of the fixed-form scales, especially for the 10- or 15-item CAT versions. In the prospective study each CAT was administered in less than 3 minutes and CAT scores were highly correlated with scores generated from the original instrument. Conclusions CAT scores of the Late-Life FDI were highly comparable to those obtained from the full-length instrument with a small loss in accuracy, precision, and sensitivity to change. PMID:19038841

Female Sex But Not Original Indication Affects Physical Activity After Liver Transplant: A Prospective, Single Center Study.

PubMed

Kotarska, Katarzyna; Wunsch, Ewa; Raszeja-Wyszomirska, Joanna; Kempińska-Podhorodecka, Agnieszka; Wójcicki, Maciej; Milkiewicz, Piotr

2015-06-01

Physical activity has an effect on long-term recovery after major surgical operations including liver transplant. Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire is a semistructured survey that assesses an individual's time spent in physical activity, strength, and flexibility activities during the 7 days prior to the interview. In this study we applied the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire in patients who underwent liver transplant in our center. We surveyed 107 consecutive patients (62 male and 45 female), who were ≥ 6 months after liver transplant. Patients were divided into 3 groups, depending on time after liver transplant: group A (n = 21), 6 to 12 months posttransplant; group B (n = 48), 13 to 36 months posttransplant; and group C (n = 38), > 37 months posttransplant. Relations were analyzed between physical activity and various factors including sex, age at procedure and survey, time after grafting, original diagnosis, and body mass index. Female patients were significantly less active in daily and weekly measurements (981 ± 212 kcal vs 1267 ± 229 kcal; P < .0001) (6864 ± 1484 kcal vs 8866 ± 1607 kcal; P < .0001). There was a negative correlation between physical activity and age at transplant (P = .02) and survey (P = .02). Neither the time after liver transplant nor the original diagnosis before grafting affected physical activity. Female patients, when assessed with Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire, were significantly less physically active than male subjects after liver transplant. Younger patients were more active, but primary diagnosis had no significant effect on physical activity after grafting.

Work-related psychosocial factors and onset of metabolic syndrome among workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

PubMed Central

Sakuraya, Asuka; Watanabe, Kazuhiro; Kawakami, Norito; Imamura, Kotaro; Ando, Emiko; Asai, Yumi; Eguchi, Hisashi; Kobayashi, Yuka; Nishida, Norimitsu; Arima, Hideaki; Shimazu, Akihito; Tsutsumi, Akizumi

2017-01-01

Introduction Metabolic syndrome is an important public health target because of its high prevalence worldwide. Work-related psychosocial factors have been identified as determinants of metabolic syndrome components. However, there have been no systematic reviews or meta-analyses conducted to evaluate the relationship between work-related psychosocial factors and metabolic syndrome as an aggregated cluster. The aim of this study is to examine this association from published prospective studies. Methods and analysis The systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and Japan Medical Abstracts Society). Studies that (1) examined the association between work-related psychosocial factors and the onset of metabolic syndrome, (2) had a longitudinal or prospective cohort design, (3) were conducted among workers, (4) provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, (5) were published as original articles written in English or Japanese, and (6) having been published until the end of 2016 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The findings from this study could be useful for assessing metabolic syndrome risk factors in the workplace, and determining approaches for prevention of metabolic syndrome in the future. Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42016039096 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO_REBRANDING/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42016039096) PMID:28645981

Work-related psychosocial factors and onset of metabolic syndrome among workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

PubMed

Sakuraya, Asuka; Watanabe, Kazuhiro; Kawakami, Norito; Imamura, Kotaro; Ando, Emiko; Asai, Yumi; Eguchi, Hisashi; Kobayashi, Yuka; Nishida, Norimitsu; Arima, Hideaki; Shimazu, Akihito; Tsutsumi, Akizumi

2017-06-22

Metabolic syndrome is an important public health target because of its high prevalence worldwide. Work-related psychosocial factors have been identified as determinants of metabolic syndrome components. However, there have been no systematic reviews or meta-analyses conducted to evaluate the relationship between work-related psychosocial factors and metabolic syndrome as an aggregated cluster. The aim of this study is to examine this association from published prospective studies. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (ie, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and Japan Medical Abstracts Society). Studies that (1) examined the association between work-related psychosocial factors and the onset of metabolic syndrome, (2) had a longitudinal or prospective cohort design, (3) were conducted among workers, (4) provided sufficient data for calculating ORs or relative risk with a 95% CI, (5) were published as original articles written in English or Japanese, and (6) having been published until the end of 2016 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The findings from this study could be useful for assessing metabolic syndrome risk factors in the workplace, and determining approaches for prevention of metabolic syndrome in the future. PROSPERO CRD42016039096 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO_REBRANDING/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42016039096). © 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.

Clinical effect of intratympanic dexamethasone injection in acute unilateral tinnitus: A prospective, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun-Jin; Kim, Min-Beom; Yoo, Shin-Young; Park, Shi Nae; Nam, Eui-Cheol; Moon, In Seok; Lee, Ho-Ki

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) in acute tinnitus of presumed cochlear origin. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multicenter study. Between August 2013 and December 2015, 54 patients with unilateral tinnitus were enrolled at four different centers. Patients were assigned either to an ITDI (n = 27) or an intratympanic normal saline injection (ITNI; n = 27) group through block randomization. Intratympanic injections were administered four times over 2 weeks. At 4 weeks after initial injection, we analyzed the improvement rates of tinnitus using the tinnitus handicap Inventory (THI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for loudness, awareness, and annoyance. We defined improvement as the reduction of more than 7 points or of more than 20% in the final THI score compared to the initial THI score. The initial mean hearing thresholds and VAS and THI scores of the two groups did not differ significantly. At 4 weeks after initial injection, the mean VAS and THI scores of both groups had significantly reduced. However, the improvement rate did not differ significantly between the groups (ITDI, 51.9%; ITNI, 59.3%). The results indicate that ITDI might not be more effective than ITNI for the treatment of acute unilateral tinnitus. Therefore, ITDI should not be considered as the main treatment for patients presenting with acute tinnitus as the primary symptom. 1b. Laryngoscope, 128:184-188, 2018. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Risk for switch from unipolar to bipolar disorder in youth with ADHD: a long term prospective controlled study.

PubMed

Biederman, Joseph; Petty, Carter R; Byrne, Deirdre; Wong, Patricia; Wozniak, Janet; Faraone, Stephen V

2009-12-01

To investigate whether ADHD is a risk factor for switches from unipolar to bipolar disorder over time. Data from two large controlled longitudinal family studies of boys and girls with and without ADHD and their siblings were used. Subjects (n=168) were followed prospectively and blindly over an average follow-up period of 7 years. Comparisons were made between youth with unipolar major depression who did and did not switch to full or subthreshold BP-I disorder at the follow-up assessment. Subjects were assessed at baseline and follow-up on multiple domains of functioning. Positive family history of parental psychiatric disorders was also compared between groups. ADHD was associated with a significantly higher risk for switches from unipolar to bipolar disorder (28% versus 6%; z=2.80, p=0.005). In subjects with ADHD, switches from unipolar to bipolar disorder were predicted by baseline comorbid conduct disorder, school behavior problems, and a positive family history of parental mood disorder. Psychosis was an exclusionary criterion in the original ascertainment of the studies of ADHD probands, so we were unable to test this as a predictor of switching to BPD. ADHD is a risk factor for switches from unipolar to bipolar disorder, and switches could be predicted by the presence of baseline conduct disorder, school behavior problems, and a positive family history of a mood disorder in a parent. These characteristics can aid clinicians in their treatment of youth with MDD.

Organisational justice and change in justice as predictors of employee health: the Whitehall II study.

PubMed

Kivimäki, Mika; Ferrie, Jane E; Head, Jenny; Shipley, Martin J; Vahtera, Jussi; Marmot, Michael G

2004-11-01

Organisational justice has been proposed as a new way to examine the impact of psychosocial work environment on employee health. This article studied the justice of interpersonal treatment by supervisors (the relational component of organisational justice) as a predictor of health. Prospective cohort study. Phase 1 (1985-88) measured relational justice, job demands, job control, social support at work, effort-reward imbalance, and self rated health. Relational justice was assessed again at phase 2 (1989-90) and self rated health at phase 2 and phase 3 (1991-93). 20 civil service departments originally located in London. 10 308 civil servants (6895 men, 3413 women) aged 35-55. Self rated health. Men exposed to low justice at phase 1 or adverse change in justice between phase 1 and phase 2 were at higher risk of poor health at phase 2 and phase 3. A favourable change in justice was associated with reduced risk. Adjustment for other stress indicators had little effect on results. In women, low justice at phase 1 predicted poor health at phase 2 and phase 3 before but not after adjustment for other stress indicators. Adverse change in justice was associated with worse health prospects irrespective of adjustments. The extent to which people are treated with justice in workplaces seems to predict their health independently of established stressors at work. Evidence on reduced health risk after favourable change in organisational justice implies a promising area for health interventions at workplace.

Physical Fitness Testing by the U.S. Air Force Academy, 1955-1981

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

numerous knee and back injuries were incurred during 5BX testing causing the loss of productive man-hours. In one of Lt Colonel Cooper’s original...the test items will be changed periodically to prevent prospective candidates for admis- sion to the United States Air Force Academy from practic- ing...following text, reproduced in whole, is a careful consideration of all available PAE research through 1971. Its existence should prevent unnecessary

Spectroscopy of H3+ and its impact on astrophysics.

PubMed

Tennyson, J; Miller, S

2001-03-15

Since the original laboratory detection of an H3+ spectrum 20 years ago, the search has been on for astronomical observations of this important and fundamental molecular ion. Successful detection of H3+ in gas-giant planets, supernova ejecta and the interstellar medium as well as the prospects for future observations are discussed. The role H3+ has in determining the atmospheric structure of both the gas giants and cool metal-free planets is explored.

Methane fermentation process for utilization of organic waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frąc, M.; Ziemiński, K.

2012-07-01

Biogas is a renewable and sustainable energy carrier generated via anaerobic digestion of biomass. This fuel is derived from various biomass resources and depending on its origin it contains methane (40-75%), carbon dioxide (20-45%) and some other compounds. The aim of this paper is to present the current knowledge and prospects of using the methane fermentation process to dispose of various types of organic wastes as well as conditions and factors affecting the methane fermentation process.

The Proposed U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-22

China ). About one-third of all cargo passing through the canal has its origin or destination in the United States. The canal’s total economic...has begun the expansion project. With transfer of the canal and its operations to Panama, the country also inherited a substantial amount of land ...prospects as a business venture, but because it is forward looking rather than relying on the “maquiladora” business model common in much of the region.12

Heavy Oil and Natural Bitumen Resources in Geological Basins of the World

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meyer, Richard F.; Attanasi, E.D.; Freeman, P.A.

2007-01-01

Heavy oil and natural bitumen are oils set apart by their high viscosity (resistance to flow) and high density (low API gravity). These attributes reflect the invariable presence of up to 50 weight percent asphaltenes, very high molecular weight hydrocarbon molecules incorporating many heteroatoms in their lattices. Almost all heavy oil and natural bitumen are alteration products of conventional oil. Total resources of heavy oil in known accumulations are 3,396 billion barrels of original oil in place, of which 30 billion barrels are included as prospective additional oil. The total natural bitumen resource in known accumulations amounts to 5,505 billion barrels of oil originally in place, which includes 993 billion barrels as prospective additional oil. This resource is distributed in 192 basins containing heavy oil and 89 basins with natural bitumen. Of the nine basic Klemme basin types, some with subdivisions, the most prolific by far for known heavy oil and natural bitumen volumes are continental multicyclic basins, either basins on the craton margin or closed basins along convergent plate margins. The former includes 47 percent of the natural bitumen, the latter 47 percent of the heavy oil and 46 percent of the natural bitumen. Little if any heavy oil occurs in fore-arc basins, and natural bitumen does not occur in either fore-arc or delta basins.

The Mediterranean healthy eating, ageing, and lifestyle (MEAL) study: rationale and study design.

PubMed

Grosso, Giuseppe; Marventano, Stefano; D'Urso, Maurizio; Mistretta, Antonio; Galvano, Fabio

2017-08-01

There is accumulating evidence suggesting that Mediterranean lifestyles, including nutrition and sleeping patterns as well as social integration, may play a role in reducing age-related diseases. However, the literature is mostly deficient of evidence provided by Italian Mediterranean islands that more closely adhered to the originally described lifestyles. In this paper, we described the rationale and the study design of the Mediterranean healthy Eating, Ageing, and Lifestyle (MEAL) study, a prospective population-based cohort established in Sicily, southern Italy. The main exposures investigated are classical determinants of health, including demographic, nutritional habits, smoking and physical activity status, as well as eating-related behaviors, sleeping habits, sun exposure, social resources, and perceived stress. Anthropometric measurements will be collected. The main outcomes included depression, quality of life, and, after the follow-up period, also cardiovascular disease and cancer. The MEAL study may provide important data to increase our knowledge regarding the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of age-related disorders in the Mediterranean region.

Could Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test be Useful in Predicting Inhaled Corticosteroid Responsiveness in Chronic Cough? A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Song, Woo-Jung; Won, Ha-Kyeong; Moon, Sung-Do; Chung, Soo-Jie; Kang, Sung-Yoon; Sohn, Kyoung-Hee; Kim, Ju-Young; Kim, Byung-Keun; Lim, Kyung-Hwan; Kim, Mi-Yeong; Yang, Min-Suk; Park, Heung-Woo; Chang, Yoon-Seok; Lee, Byung-Jae; Morice, Alyn H; Cho, Sang-Heon

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (Feno) is a safe and convenient test for assessing T H 2 airway inflammation, which is potentially useful in the management of patients with chronic cough. To summarize the current evidence on the diagnostic usefulness of Feno for predicting inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) responsiveness in patients with chronic cough. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify articles published in peer-reviewed journals up to February 2015, without language restriction. We included studies that reported the usefulness of Feno (index test) for predicting ICS responsiveness (reference standard) in patients with chronic cough (target condition). The data were extracted to construct a 2 × 2 accuracy table. Study quality was assessed with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. We identified 5 original studies (2 prospective and 3 retrospective studies). We identified considerable heterogeneities in study design and outcome definitions, and thus were unable to perform a meta-analysis. The proportion of ICS responders ranged from 44% to 59%. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 53% to 90%, and from 63% to 97%, respectively. The reported area under the curve ranged from about 0.60 to 0.87; however, studies with a prospective design and a lower prevalence of asthma had lower area under the curve values. None measured placebo effects or objective cough frequency. We did not find strong evidence to support the use of Feno tests for predicting ICS responsiveness in chronic cough. Further studies need to have a randomized, placebo-controlled design, and should use validated measurement tools for cough. Standardization would facilitate the development of clinical evidence. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Childhood Predictors of Deliberate Self-Harm Behavior and Suicide Ideation in Korean Adolescents: A Prospective Population-Based Follow-Up Study

PubMed Central

Shin, Yun Mi; Chung, Young Ki; Lim, Ki Young; Lee, Young Moon; Oh, Eun Young

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of adolescence suicidality in a longitudinal study. Additionally, the prevalence of deliberate self-harm behavior and suicide ideation at age 7 and during middle school were examined. Initial assessment data was obtained from 1998 to 2000, and a follow-up assessment was performed in 2006 when the original subjects became middle school students. The addresses and names of 1,857 subjects were located from the original data; they were 910 boys and 947 girls. The subjects were evaluated with the Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL), which was administered by the parents of the children, and by various demographic and psychosocial factors. They were reassessed using self reports on the Korea Youth Self Report (K-YSR); in particular, replies to items related to self-harm behavior and suicide ideation were recorded. A logistic regression analysis showed that the factors of gender, economic status, the overall amount of behavior problems, the tendency to internalizing and externalizing problems, somatic problems, thought problems, delinquent behavior, and aggressive behavior were independent predictors of adolescent suicide ideation and self-harm behavior. The importance of total behavior problems suggested that adolescent difficulty is a consequence of an accumulation of various risk factors. Accordingly, clinicians must consider a range of internalizing and externalizing issues, especially overall adaptation, for suicide intervention. PMID:19399261

The Validity of Adding ECG to the Preparticipation Screening of Athletes An Evidence Based Literature Review

PubMed Central

Alattar, A; Maffulli, N

2015-01-01

Objective: To review the available evidence establishing the validity of adding electrocardiogram to the preparticipation cardiac screening in athletes. Data Sources: MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched. Additional references from the bibliographies of retrieved articles were also reviewed and experts in the area were contacted. Selection Criteria: Only original research articles seeking to establish the use of electrocardiography followed by second line investigations in athletes under 36 years of age were reviewed. Search Result and Quality Assessment: The initial literature search identified 226 papers. Of these, 16 original articles (all type II evidence—population-based clinical studies) met the selection criteria and directly related to the use of electrocardiography in athletes cardiac screening. The methodological qualities of included studies were assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Conclusion: Screening with electrocardiography represents best clinical practice to prevent or reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in athletes. It significantly improves the sensitivity of history and physical examination alone; it has reasonable specificity and excellent negative predictive value; and it is cost-effective. Future studies must be large, multicentre, multination, prospective trials powered to determine how different screening options affect the incidence of sudden cardiac death. Efforts should also be targeted toward secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death with pitch side cardiac resuscitation and the immediate use of defibrillator. PMID:25674543

Anticancer substances of mushroom origin.

PubMed

Ivanova, T S; Krupodorova, T A; Barshteyn, V Y; Artamonova, A B; Shlyakhovenko, V A

2014-06-01

The present status of investigations about the anticancer activity which is inherent to medicinal mushrooms, as well as their biomedical potential and future prospects are discussed. Mushroom products and extracts possess promising immunomodulating and anticancer effects, so the main biologically active substances of mushrooms responsible for immunomodulation and direct cytoto-xicity toward cancer cell lines (including rarely mentioned groups of anticancer mushroom proteins), and the mechanisms of their antitumor action were analyzed. The existing to date clinical trials of mushroom substances are mentioned. Mushroom anticancer extracts, obtained by the different solvents, are outlined. Modern approaches of cancer treatment with implication of mushroom products, including DNA vaccinotherapy with mushroom immunomodulatory adjuvants, creation of prodrugs with mushroom lectins that can recognize glycoconjugates on the cancer cell surface, development of nanovectors etc. are discussed. The future prospects of mushroom anticancer substances application, including chemical modification of polysaccharides and terpenoids, gene engineering of proteins, and implementation of vaccines are reviewed.

Multi-objective evolutionary optimization for constructing neural networks for virtual reality visual data mining: application to geophysical prospecting.

PubMed

Valdés, Julio J; Barton, Alan J

2007-05-01

A method for the construction of virtual reality spaces for visual data mining using multi-objective optimization with genetic algorithms on nonlinear discriminant (NDA) neural networks is presented. Two neural network layers (the output and the last hidden) are used for the construction of simultaneous solutions for: (i) a supervised classification of data patterns and (ii) an unsupervised similarity structure preservation between the original data matrix and its image in the new space. A set of spaces are constructed from selected solutions along the Pareto front. This strategy represents a conceptual improvement over spaces computed by single-objective optimization. In addition, genetic programming (in particular gene expression programming) is used for finding analytic representations of the complex mappings generating the spaces (a composition of NDA and orthogonal principal components). The presented approach is domain independent and is illustrated via application to the geophysical prospecting of caves.

Christodoulou Memory of GW150914 - Prospects of Detection in LIGO and Future Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Aaron; Kapadia, Shasvath; Kennefick, Daniel

2017-01-01

The event GW150914 produced strains of the order 10-21 in the two instruments comprising the Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO). The event has been interpreted as originating in a coalescing black hole binary, with individual components of about 30 solar masses each. A striking aspect of the coalescence deduced from the signal is the emission of 3 solar masses of energy in the oscillating gravitational wave. Theory predicts a DC component of the gravitational signal associated with the emission of such large amounts of gravitational wave energy known as the Christodoulou memory. The memory, as a non-linear component of the signal, is expected to be an order of magnitude smaller than the amplitude of the primary AC component of the gravitational waves. We discuss the prospects of detecting the Christodoulou memory in similar future signals, both with LIGO and with other detectors, including future space-based instruments.

Cumulative early life adversity predicts longevity in wild baboons

PubMed Central

Tung, Jenny; Archie, Elizabeth A.; Altmann, Jeanne; Alberts, Susan C.

2016-01-01

In humans and other animals, harsh circumstances in early life predict morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Multiple adverse conditions are thought to be especially toxic, but this hypothesis has rarely been tested in a prospective, longitudinal framework, especially in long-lived mammals. Here we use prospective data on 196 wild female baboons to show that cumulative early adversity predicts natural adult lifespan. Females who experience ≥3 sources of early adversity die a median of 10 years earlier than females who experience ≤1 adverse circumstances (median lifespan is 18.5 years). Females who experience the most adversity are also socially isolated in adulthood, suggesting that social processes partially explain the link between early adversity and adult survival. Our results provide powerful evidence for the developmental origins of health and disease and indicate that close ties between early adversity and survival arise even in the absence of health habit and health care-related explanations. PMID:27091302

A Review of the Study Designs and Statistical Methods Used in the Determination of Predictors of All-Cause Mortality in HIV-Infected Cohorts: 2002–2011

PubMed Central

Otwombe, Kennedy N.; Petzold, Max; Martinson, Neil; Chirwa, Tobias

2014-01-01

Background Research in the predictors of all-cause mortality in HIV-infected people has widely been reported in literature. Making an informed decision requires understanding the methods used. Objectives We present a review on study designs, statistical methods and their appropriateness in original articles reporting on predictors of all-cause mortality in HIV-infected people between January 2002 and December 2011. Statistical methods were compared between 2002–2006 and 2007–2011. Time-to-event analysis techniques were considered appropriate. Data Sources Pubmed/Medline. Study Eligibility Criteria Original English-language articles were abstracted. Letters to the editor, editorials, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, case reports and any other ineligible articles were excluded. Results A total of 189 studies were identified (n = 91 in 2002–2006 and n = 98 in 2007–2011) out of which 130 (69%) were prospective and 56 (30%) were retrospective. One hundred and eighty-two (96%) studies described their sample using descriptive statistics while 32 (17%) made comparisons using t-tests. Kaplan-Meier methods for time-to-event analysis were commonly used in the earlier period (n = 69, 76% vs. n = 53, 54%, p = 0.002). Predictors of mortality in the two periods were commonly determined using Cox regression analysis (n = 67, 75% vs. n = 63, 64%, p = 0.12). Only 7 (4%) used advanced survival analysis methods of Cox regression analysis with frailty in which 6 (3%) were used in the later period. Thirty-two (17%) used logistic regression while 8 (4%) used other methods. There were significantly more articles from the first period using appropriate methods compared to the second (n = 80, 88% vs. n = 69, 70%, p-value = 0.003). Conclusion Descriptive statistics and survival analysis techniques remain the most common methods of analysis in publications on predictors of all-cause mortality in HIV-infected cohorts while prospective research designs are favoured. Sophisticated techniques of time-dependent Cox regression and Cox regression with frailty are scarce. This motivates for more training in the use of advanced time-to-event methods. PMID:24498313

Regional setting and characteristics of the Neoproterozoic Wadi Hamama Zn-Cu-Ag-Au prospect: evidence for an intra-oceanic island arc-hosted volcanogenic hydrothermal system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd El-Rahman, Yasser; Surour, Adel A.; El-Manawi, Abdel Hamid W.; El-Dougdoug, Abdel-Monem A.; Omar, Sayed

2015-04-01

The Wadi Hamama area is a volcanogenic Zn-Cu-Au-Ag prospect. It is hosted by a Neoproterozoic bimodal-mafic sequence, which comprises basalt, dacite and rhyolite along with volcaniclastic rocks. The rocks have a low-K tholeiitic affinity and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements over high field strength elements, which indicated their formation in an intra-oceanic island arc tectonic setting. The area was intruded by a tonalite-trondhjemite body, which has an intra-oceanic island arc affinity and later by diorite, which has a cordilleran-margin geochemical affinity. These rock units were intruded by post-tectonic granite dykes, which have a within-plate geochemical signature. There is a quartz-carbonate horizon extending along the contact between the basalt and the volcaniclastic rocks, mainly banded and lapilli tuffs. This horizon is of exhalative origin and is underlain by a mushroom-shaped alteration zone extending from the horizon down to the massive basalt. The footwall alteration is characterized by a silica-rich core surrounded by a thick chlorite sheath. Both the quartz-carbonate horizon and the footwall-altered rocks enclose historical trenches and pits. Sulfide-rich core samples are enriched in Zn, relative to Cu, and in Ag, which indicates the low-temperature nature of the hydrothermal system. The prospect was affected by supergene processes, which led to the widespread occurrence of secondary copper minerals and gold enrichment relative to the leached base metals, especially Zn. The prospect formed through a limited rifting of an intra-oceanic island arc which resulted in the formation of a small-scale volcanogenic Zn-Cu-Ag-Au prospect.

The quest for conditional independence in prospectivity modeling: weights-of-evidence, boost weights-of-evidence, and logistic regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaeben, Helmut; Semmler, Georg

2016-09-01

The objective of prospectivity modeling is prediction of the conditional probability of the presence T = 1 or absence T = 0 of a target T given favorable or prohibitive predictors B, or construction of a two classes 0,1 classification of T. A special case of logistic regression called weights-of-evidence (WofE) is geologists' favorite method of prospectivity modeling due to its apparent simplicity. However, the numerical simplicity is deceiving as it is implied by the severe mathematical modeling assumption of joint conditional independence of all predictors given the target. General weights of evidence are explicitly introduced which are as simple to estimate as conventional weights, i.e., by counting, but do not require conditional independence. Complementary to the regression view is the classification view on prospectivity modeling. Boosting is the construction of a strong classifier from a set of weak classifiers. From the regression point of view it is closely related to logistic regression. Boost weights-of-evidence (BoostWofE) was introduced into prospectivity modeling to counterbalance violations of the assumption of conditional independence even though relaxation of modeling assumptions with respect to weak classifiers was not the (initial) purpose of boosting. In the original publication of BoostWofE a fabricated dataset was used to "validate" this approach. Using the same fabricated dataset it is shown that BoostWofE cannot generally compensate lacking conditional independence whatever the consecutively processing order of predictors. Thus the alleged features of BoostWofE are disproved by way of counterexamples, while theoretical findings are confirmed that logistic regression including interaction terms can exactly compensate violations of joint conditional independence if the predictors are indicators.

Bulimia nervosa symptoms in the multimodal treatment study of children with ADHD.

PubMed

Mikami, Amori Yee; Hinshaw, Stephen P; Arnold, L Eugene; Hoza, Betsy; Hechtman, Lily; Newcorn, Jeffrey H; Abikoff, Howard B

2010-04-01

We investigated body image dissatisfaction and bingeing/purging characteristics of bulimia nervosa (BN) in the ongoing prospective follow-up of the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were 337 boys and 95 girls with ADHD and 211 boys and 53 girls forming a local normative comparison group (LNCG), reassessed in midadolescence (mean age, 16.4), 8 years after original recruitment. Youth with childhood ADHD showed more BN symptoms in midadolescence than did LNCG youth, and girls demonstrated more BN symptoms than did boys, with effect sizes between small and medium. Childhood impulsivity, as opposed to hyperactivity or inattention, best predicted adolescent BN symptoms, particularly for girls. Among youth with ADHD, treatment received during the follow-up period was not associated with BN pathology. Both boys and girls with ADHD may be at risk for BN symptoms in adolescence because of the impulsivity central to both disorders.

Role of Advanced Glycation Endproducts and Potential Therapeutic Interventions in Dialysis Patients

PubMed Central

Mallipattu, Sandeep K.; He, John C.; Uribarri, Jaime

2017-01-01

It has been nearly 100 years since the first published report of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by the French chemist Maillard. Since then, our understanding of AGEs in diseased states has dramatically changed. Especially in the last 25 years, AGEs have been implicated in complications related to aging, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Although AGE formation has been well characterized by both in vitro and in vivo studies, few prospective human studies exist demonstrating the role of AGEs in patients on chronic renal replacement therapy. As the prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States rises, it is essential to identify therapeutic strategies that either delay progression to ESRD or improve morbidity and mortality in this population. This article reviews the role of AGEs, especially those of dietary origin, in ESRD patients as well as potential therapeutic anti-AGE strategies in this population. PMID:22548330

Photoelectron circular dichroism of bicyclic ketones from multiphoton ionization with femtosecond laser pulses.

PubMed

Lux, Christian; Wollenhaupt, Matthias; Sarpe, Cristian; Baumert, Thomas

2015-01-12

Photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) is a CD effect up to the ten-percent regime and shows contributions from higher-order Legendre polynomials when multiphoton ionization is compared to single-photon ionization. We give a full account of our experimental methodology for measuring the multiphoton PECD and derive quantitative measures that we apply on camphor, fenchone and norcamphor. Different modulations and amplitudes of the contributing Legendre polynomials are observed despite the similarity in chemical structure. In addition, we study PECD for elliptically polarized light employing tomographic reconstruction methods. Intensity studies reveal dissociative ionization as the origin of the observed PECD effect, whereas ionization of the intermediate resonance is dominating the signal. As a perspective, we suggest to make use of our tomographic data as an experimental basis for a complete photoionization experiment and give a prospect of PECD as an analytic tool. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Red mud application in construction industry: review of benefits and possibilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lima, M. S. S.; Thives, L. P.; Haritonovs, V.; Bajars, K.

2017-10-01

Red mud is a waste originated in the processing of bauxite into aluminium, which properties of high alkalinity make it cumulatively stored, occupying increasing deforested areas. Annually, it is estimated that approximately 117 million tons of red mud are generated in the world, with no prospect of use, what represents an imminent risk of pollution prone to contamination. Nevertheless, environmental liabilities caused by red mud affect not only the environment, but also the companies responsible for the waste, which will be subject to highest fee payments. Although there are studies that prove the feasibility of using this solid waste in the constitution of ceramic materials, there are no large-scale applications. This study seeks to evaluate the possibilities of red mud application in construction industry, focusing into two main areas: cement production/ceramic material and road construction. Backgrounds from other researchers were taken into consideration and analysed according environmental, economic and technical feasibilities.

Inner Speech: Development, Cognitive Functions, Phenomenology, and Neurobiology

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Inner speech—also known as covert speech or verbal thinking—has been implicated in theories of cognitive development, speech monitoring, executive function, and psychopathology. Despite a growing body of knowledge on its phenomenology, development, and function, approaches to the scientific study of inner speech have remained diffuse and largely unintegrated. This review examines prominent theoretical approaches to inner speech and methodological challenges in its study, before reviewing current evidence on inner speech in children and adults from both typical and atypical populations. We conclude by considering prospects for an integrated cognitive science of inner speech, and present a multicomponent model of the phenomenon informed by developmental, cognitive, and psycholinguistic considerations. Despite its variability among individuals and across the life span, inner speech appears to perform significant functions in human cognition, which in some cases reflect its developmental origins and its sharing of resources with other cognitive processes. PMID:26011789

Role of advanced glycation endproducts and potential therapeutic interventions in dialysis patients.

PubMed

Mallipattu, Sandeep K; He, John C; Uribarri, Jaime

2012-01-01

It has been nearly 100 years since the first published report of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by the French chemist Maillard. Since then, our understanding of AGEs in diseased states has dramatically changed. Especially in the last 25 years, AGEs have been implicated in complications related to aging, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Although AGE formation has been well characterized by both in vitro and in vivo studies, few prospective human studies exist demonstrating the role of AGEs in patients on chronic renal replacement therapy. As the prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States rises, it is essential to identify therapeutic strategies that either delay progression to ESRD or improve morbidity and mortality in this population. This article reviews the role of AGEs, especially those of dietary origin, in ESRD patients as well as potential therapeutic anti-AGE strategies in this population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nattokinase: an updated critical review on challenges and perspectives.

PubMed

Selvarajan, Ethiraj; Bhatnagar, Niharika

2017-12-07

Natto, a fermented soybean food, has been consumed by oriental people for more than 1000 years. Nattokinase, formerly called subtilisin NAT is a well studied protease of microbial origin that possesses fibrinolytic (anti-clotting) activities. Due to its strong fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activity, Nattokinase is regarded as a precious dietary supplement or nutraceutical for the oral thrombolytic therapy. Nattokinase is witnessed to be a useful enzyme for the com-plete removal of the vitreous and associated proliferative tissues in proliferative vitreo retinal disorders. This review focuses on the native and recombinant Nattokinase from bacteria and other sources, their production, purification, immobilization and nano-immobilization studies, which aid in ameliorating their properties to suit the targeted industrial applications. Recent development in these fields are presented and discussed, and prospective developments are suggested. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Food reinforcement during infancy.

PubMed

Kong, Kai Ling; Epstein, Leonard H

2016-11-01

The motivation to eat, as operationalized by measuring how hard someone will work for food, is cross-sectionally and prospectively related to obesity. Persons high in food reinforcement consume more calories, and energy intake mediates the relationship between food reinforcement and obesity. Research has shown avid sucking for milk in early infancy predicts later adiposity, and the relationship between food reinforcement and excess body weight has been observed in infants as young as 9months of age. New methodological developments in studying food reinforcement in infants and young children provide the first opportunity to study the origin of food reinforcement. This review seeks to provide background on the measurement of food reinforcement, and to present, for the first time, prenatal and postnatal predictors of infant food reinforcement. Lastly, potential mechanisms for an increasing trajectory of food reinforcement throughout development are proposed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenotypes from ancient DNA: approaches, insights and prospects.

PubMed

Fortes, Gloria G; Speller, Camilla F; Hofreiter, Michael; King, Turi E

2013-08-01

The great majority of phenotypic characteristics are complex traits, complicating the identification of the genes underlying their expression. However, both methodological and theoretical progress in genome-wide association studies have resulted in a much better understanding of the underlying genetics of many phenotypic traits, including externally visible characteristics (EVCs) such as eye and hair color. Consequently, it has become possible to predict EVCs from human samples lacking phenotypic information. Predicting EVCs from genetic evidence is clearly appealing for forensic applications involving the personal identification of human remains. Now, a recent paper has reported the genetic determination of eye and hair color in samples up to 800 years old. The ability to predict EVCs from ancient human remains opens up promising perspectives for ancient DNA research, as this could allow studies to directly address archaeological and evolutionary questions related to the temporal and geographical origins of the genetic variants underlying phenotypes. © 2013 WILEY Periodicals, Inc.

Prospects and applicability of wave energy for South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavidas, George; Venugopal, Vengatesan

2018-03-01

Renewable energy offers significant opportunities for electricity diversification. South Africa belongs to the group of developing nations and encompasses a lot of potential for renewable energy developments. Currently, the majority of its electricity production originates from fossil fuels; however, incorporation of clean coal technologies will aid in reaching the assigned targets. This study offers a long-term wave power quantification analysis with a numerical wave model. The investigation includes long-term resource assessment in the region, variability, seasonal and monthly wave energy content. Locations with high-energy content but low variability pose an opportunity that can contribute in the alleviation of energy poverty. Application of wave converters depends on the combination of complex terms. The study presents resource levels and the joint distributions, which indicate suitability for converter selection. Depending on the region of interest, these characteristics change. Thus, this resource assessment adds knowledge on wave power and optimal consideration for wave energy applicability.

Combination vinblastine, prednisolone and toceranib phosphate for treatment of grade II and III mast cell tumours in dogs.

PubMed

Olsen, Jaime A; Thomson, Maurine; O'Connell, Kathleen; Wyatt, Ken

2018-05-24

This retrospective study evaluates the progression-free interval and survival outcomes of 40 canine (Canis familiaris) patients with Patnaik grade II and III mast cell tumours treated with combination vinblastine, prednisolone and toceranib phosphate from 2011 to 2015. Patients were subdivided into three groups; patients who received neoadjuvant therapy for poorly operable lesions, patients who received adjuvant therapy following surgical resection and patients being palliated for gross metastatic disease. Median survival time (MST) for the neoadjuvant group was not reached. Median survival time for the remaining groups was 893 days and 218 days, respectively. This combination demonstrated response in 90% (26/29) patients with measurable disease. The predominant side effects related to this chemotherapy combination were gastrointestinal in origin. Further prospective studies are required to further validate the efficacy of this treatment protocol. © 2018 The Authors Veterinary Medicine and Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction for open abdomen therapy - a systematic review.

PubMed

Acosta, Stefan; Björck, Martin; Petersson, Ulf

2017-01-01

The aim of this paper was to review the literature on vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) in open abdomen therapy. It was designed as systematic review of observational studies. A Pub Med, EMBASE and Cochrane search from 2007/01-2016/07 was performed combining the Medical Subject Headings "vacuum", "mesh-mediated fascial traction", "temporary abdominal closure", "delayed abdominal closure", "open abdomen", "abdominal compartment syndrome", "negative pressure wound therapy" or "vacuum assisted wound closure". Eleven original studies were found including patients numbering from 7 to 111. Six studies were prospective and five were retrospective. Nine studies were on mixed surgical (n = 9), vascular (n = 6) and trauma (n = 6) patients, while two were exclusively on vascular patients. The primary fascial closure rate per protocol varied from 80-100%. The time to closure of the open abdomen varied between 9-32 days. The entero-atmospheric fistula rate varied from 0-10.0%. The in-hospital survival rate varied from 57-100%. In the largest prospective study, the incisional hernia rate among survivors at 63 months of median follow-up was 54% (27/50), and 16 (33%) repairs out of 48 incisional hernias were performed throughout the study period. The study patients reported lower short form health survey (SF-36) scores than the mean reference population, mainly dependent on the prevalence of major co-morbidities. There was no difference in SF-36 scores or a modified ventral hernia pain questionnaire (VHPQ) at 5 years of follow up between those with versus those without incisional hernias. A high primary fascial closure rate can be achieved with the vacuum-assisted wound closure and meshmediated fascial traction technique in elderly, mainly non-trauma patients, in need of prolonged open abdomen therapy.

Investigating Prospective Teachers' Teaching-Specific Hopes as Predictors of Their Sense of Personal Responsibility

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eren, Altay

2017-01-01

This study examined whether prospective teachers' teaching-specific hopes significantly predicted their sense of personal responsibility. A total of 503 prospective teachers voluntarily participated in the study. Correlation and structural equation modelling analyses were conducted to examine the links between prospective teachers'…

Exchange Bias Effects in Iron Oxide-Based Nanoparticle Systems

DOE PAGES

Phan, Manh-Huong; Alonso, Javier; Khurshid, Hafsa; ...

2016-11-23

The exploration of exchange bias (EB) on the nanoscale provides a novel approach to improving the anisotropic properties of magnetic nanoparticles for prospective applications in nanospintronics and nanomedicine. However, the physical origin of EB is not fully understood. Recent advances in chemical synthesis provide a unique opportunity to explore EB in a variety of iron oxide-based nanostructures ranging from core/shell to hollow and hybrid composite nanoparticles. Experimental and atomistic Monte Carlo studies have shed light on the roles of interface and surface spins in these nanosystems. This review paper aims to provide a thorough understanding of the EB and relatedmore » phenomena in iron oxide-based nanoparticle systems, knowledge of which is essential to tune the anisotropic magnetic properties of exchange-coupled nanoparticle systems for potential applications.« less

[The human variome project and its progress].

PubMed

Gao, Shan; Zhang, Ning; Zhang, Lei; Duan, Guang-You; Zhang, Tao

2010-11-01

The main goal of post genomics is to explain how the genome, the map of which has been constructed in the Human Genome Project, affacts activities of life. This leads to generate multiple "omics": structural genomics, functional genomics, proteomics, metabonomics, et al. In Jun. 2006, Melbourne, Australia, Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) initiated the Human Variome Project (HVP) to collect all the sequence variation and polymorphism data worldwidely. HVP is to search and determine those mutations related with human diseases by association study between genetype and phenotype on the scale of genome level and other methods. Those results will be translated into clinical application. Considering the potential effects of this project on human health, this paper introduced its origin and main content in detail and discussed its meaning and prospect.

Novel imaging detailing the origins of a pneumothorax.

PubMed

Nakanishi, Kozo; Goto, Hidenori; Ito, Tomokazu; Nagata, Yasuhito; Hayashi, Shinichi; Ishihara, Toshihiro

2018-01-01

This is a prospective clinical study aimed at introducing a method to visualise the location of an air leak and to identify the bulla responsible on three-dimensional (3-D) cine CT. In 10 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax, dynamic 320-detector row CT was performed with injection of 0.9% saline into the affected pleural cavity via a preplaced chest tube. In eight cases, 3-D cine CT thoracography revealed the location of the air leak and the bulla responsible (7 cases: air stream sign; 1 case: repeated collapse and expansion of a bulla with the patient's breathing). Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Biomacromolecules as carriers in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

PubMed

Zhang, Yujie; Sun, Tao; Jiang, Chen

2018-01-01

Natural biomacromolecules have attracted increased attention as carriers in biomedicine in recent years because of their inherent biochemical and biophysical properties including renewability, nontoxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, long blood circulation time and targeting ability. Recent advances in our understanding of the biological functions of natural-origin biomacromolecules and the progress in the study of biological drug carriers indicate that such carriers may have advantages over synthetic material-based carriers in terms of half-life, stability, safety and ease of manufacture. In this review, we give a brief introduction to the biochemical properties of the widely used biomacromolecule-based carriers such as albumin, lipoproteins and polysaccharides. Then examples from the clinic and in recent laboratory development are summarized. Finally the current challenges and future prospects of present biological carriers are discussed.

Exchange Bias Effects in Iron Oxide-Based Nanoparticle Systems

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

Phan, Manh-Huong; Alonso, Javier; Khurshid, Hafsa

The exploration of exchange bias (EB) on the nanoscale provides a novel approach to improving the anisotropic properties of magnetic nanoparticles for prospective applications in nanospintronics and nanomedicine. However, the physical origin of EB is not fully understood. Recent advances in chemical synthesis provide a unique opportunity to explore EB in a variety of iron oxide-based nanostructures ranging from core/shell to hollow and hybrid composite nanoparticles. Experimental and atomistic Monte Carlo studies have shed light on the roles of interface and surface spins in these nanosystems. This review paper aims to provide a thorough understanding of the EB and relatedmore » phenomena in iron oxide-based nanoparticle systems, knowledge of which is essential to tune the anisotropic magnetic properties of exchange-coupled nanoparticle systems for potential applications.« less

Exchange Bias Effects in Iron Oxide-Based Nanoparticle Systems

PubMed Central

Phan, Manh-Huong; Alonso, Javier; Khurshid, Hafsa; Lampen-Kelley, Paula; Chandra, Sayan; Stojak Repa, Kristen; Nemati, Zohreh; Das, Raja; Iglesias, Óscar; Srikanth, Hariharan

2016-01-01

The exploration of exchange bias (EB) on the nanoscale provides a novel approach to improving the anisotropic properties of magnetic nanoparticles for prospective applications in nanospintronics and nanomedicine. However, the physical origin of EB is not fully understood. Recent advances in chemical synthesis provide a unique opportunity to explore EB in a variety of iron oxide-based nanostructures ranging from core/shell to hollow and hybrid composite nanoparticles. Experimental and atomistic Monte Carlo studies have shed light on the roles of interface and surface spins in these nanosystems. This review paper aims to provide a thorough understanding of the EB and related phenomena in iron oxide-based nanoparticle systems, knowledge of which is essential to tune the anisotropic magnetic properties of exchange-coupled nanoparticle systems for potential applications. PMID:28335349

Current uses of ground penetrating radar in groundwater-dependent ecosystems research.

PubMed

Paz, Catarina; Alcalá, Francisco J; Carvalho, Jorge M; Ribeiro, Luís

2017-10-01

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a high-resolution technique widely used in shallow groundwater prospecting. This makes GPR ideal to characterize the hydrogeological functioning of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDE). This paper reviews current uses of GPR in GDE research through the construction of a database comprising 91 worldwide GPR case studies selected from the literature and classified according to (1) geological environments favouring GDE; (2) hydrogeological research interests; and (3) field technical and (4) hydrogeological conditions of the survey. The database analysis showed that inland alluvial, colluvial, and glacial formations were the most widely covered geological environments. Water-table depth was the most repeated research interest. By contrast, weathered-marl and crystalline-rock environments as well as the delineation of salinity interfaces in coastal and inland areas were less studied. Despite that shallow groundwater propitiated GDE in almost all the GPR case studies compiled, only one case expressly addressed GDE research. Common ranges of prospecting depth, water-table depth, and volumetric water content deduced by GPR and other techniques were identified. Antenna frequency of 100MHz and the common offset acquisition technique predominated in the database. Most of GPR case studies were in 30-50° N temperate latitudes, mainly in Europe and North America. Eight original radargrams were selected from several GPR profiles performed in 2014 and 2015 to document database classes and identified gaps, as well as to define experimental ranges of operability in GDE environments. The results contribute to the design of proper GPR surveys in GDE research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparison of proximal and distal Chevron osteotomy, both with lateral soft-tissue release, for moderate to severe hallux valgus in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral correction: a prospective randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Lee, K B; Cho, N Y; Park, H W; Seon, J K; Lee, S H

2015-02-01

Moderate to severe hallux valgus is conventionally treated by proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Several recent studies have shown that the indications for distal metatarsal osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure could be extended to include moderate to severe hallux valgus. The purpose of this prospective randomised controlled trial was to compare the outcome of proximal and distal Chevron osteotomy in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. The original study cohort consisted of 50 female patients (100 feet). Of these, four (8 feet) were excluded for lack of adequate follow-up, leaving 46 female patients (92 feet) in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years (30.1 to 62.1) and the mean duration of follow-up 40.2 months (24.1 to 80.5). After randomisation, patients underwent a proximal Chevron osteotomy on one foot and a distal Chevron osteotomy on the other. At follow-up, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score, patient satisfaction, post-operative complications, hallux valgus angle, first-second intermetatarsal angle, and tibial sesamoid position were similar in each group. Both procedures gave similar good clinical and radiological outcomes. This study suggests that distal Chevron osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure is as effective and reliable a means of correcting moderate to severe hallux valgus as proximal Chevron osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure. ©2015 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

Safety and efficacy of physical restraints for the elderly. Review of the evidence.

PubMed Central

Frank, C.; Hodgetts, G.; Puxty, J.

1996-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To critically review evidence on the safety and efficacy of physical restraints for the elderly and to provide family physicians with guidelines for rational use of restraints. DATA SOURCES: Articles cited on MEDLINE (from 1989 to November 1994) and Cinahl (from 1982 to 1994) under the MeSH heading "physical restraints." STUDY SELECTION: Articles that specifically dealt with the safety and efficacy of restraints and current patterns of use, including prevalence, risk factors, and indications, were selected. Eight original research articles were identified and critically appraised. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extracted concerned the negative sequelae of restraints and the association between restraint use and fall and injury rates. General data about current patterns of restraint use were related to safety and efficacy findings. DATA SYNTHESIS: No randomized, controlled trials of physical restraint use were found in the literature. A variety of study design, including retrospective chart review, prospective cohort studies, and case reports, found little evidence that restraints prevent injury. Some evidence suggested that restraints might increase risk of falls and injury. Restraint-reduction programs have not been shown to increase fall or injury rates. Numerous case reports document injuries or deaths resulting from restraint use or misuse. CONCLUSIONS: Although current evidence does not support the belief that restraints prevent falls and injuries and questions their safety, further prospective and controlled studies are needed to clarify these issues. Information from review and research articles was synthesized in this paper to produce guidelines for the safe and rational use of restraints. PMID:8969858

Nosocomial infections among pediatric hematology/oncology patients: results of a prospective incidence study.

PubMed

Urrea, Mireya; Rives, Susana; Cruz, Ofelia; Navarro, Albert; García, Juan José; Estella, Jesús

2004-06-01

Nosocomial infections (NI) are an important clinical complication in adult and children patients at the different hospital wards. NI cause considerable morbidity and mortality and are associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased health care costs. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of NI in pediatric patients with neoplastic disease as a first step toward improving infection control policies. A prospective surveillance study from March through May 2001 was performed in the pediatric hematology/oncology unit at the University Hospital in Barcelona. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used as standard definition for NI. NI rates were calculated as a density incidence rate (per 100 patient-days). Fifty-one patients were admitted during the study period. Twelve patients had a total of 18 NI. The incidence of NI was 1.77 per 100 patient-days. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia had the highest NI rate (2.71 per 100 patient-days). The most frequent episodes of NI were bacteremia (55.5%) and fever of unknown origin (16.6%). The most frequently isolated microorganisms were gram-positive bacteria (78.6%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most common isolates in bacteremias (70%). The extrinsic risk factors related with the highest incidence rates of NI per 100 patient-days were central venous catheterization (1.7 infections) and parenteral nutrition (3.2 infections). Extrinsic risk factors associated with NI have been identified in this high-risk population. These findings suggest the need to evaluate the infection control measures to reduce the morbidity and mortality in a hematology/oncology unit.

A Multicenter Phase II Study of Local Radiation Therapy for Stage IEA Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphomas: A Preliminary Report From the Japan Radiation Oncology Group (JAROG)

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

Isobe, Koichi; Kagami, Yoshikazu; Higuchi, Keiko

2007-11-15

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of moderate dose radiation therapy (RT) for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in a prospective multicenter phase II trial. Methods and Materials: The subjects in this study were 37 patients with MALT lymphoma between April 2002 and November 2004. There were 16 male and 21 female patients, ranging in age from 24 to 82 years, with a median of 56 years. The primary tumor originated in the orbit in 24 patients, in the thyroid and salivary gland in 4 patients each, and 5 in the others. Themore » median tumor dose was 30.6 Gy (range, 30.6-39.6 Gy), depending on the primary site and maximal tumor diameter. The median follow-up was 37.3 months. Results: Complete remission (CR) or CR/unconfirmed was achieved in 34 patients (92%). The 3-year overall survival, progression-free survival, and local control probability were 100%, 91.9%, and 97.3%, respectively. Thirteen patients experienced Grade 1 acute toxicities including dermatitis, mucositis, and conjunctivitis. One patient developed Grade 2 taste loss. Regarding late toxicities, Grade 2 reactions including hypothyroidism, and radiation pneumonitis were observed in three patients, and Grade 3 cataract was seen in three patients. Conclusions: This prospective phase II study demonstrated that moderate dose RT was highly effective in achieving local control with acceptable morbidity in 37 patients with MALT lymphoma.« less

The early development of stereotypy and self-injury: a review of research methods.

PubMed

Symons, F J; Sperry, L A; Dropik, P L; Bodfish, J W

2005-02-01

The origin and developmental course of stereotypic and self-injurious behaviour among individuals with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disability (ID) or pervasive development disorders such as autism is not well understood. Twelve studies designed to document the prevalence, nature, or development of stereotypic and/or self-injurious behaviour in children under 5 years of age and identified as at risk for developmental delay or disability were reviewed. Comparisons were made with similar studies with typically developing children. It appears that the onset of naturally occurring rhythmic motor stereotypies is delayed in young at-risk children, but that the sequencing may be similar. A very small database, differences in samples, measures, and designs limited the degree to which comparisons could be made across studies. Future work is needed based on appropriately designed prospective comparison studies and uniform quantitative measures to provide an empirical basis for new knowledge about the early development of one of the most serious behaviour disorders afflicting children with ID and related problems of development.

Gunshot induced injuries in orthopaedic trauma research. A bibliometric analysis of the most influential literature.

PubMed

Held, M; Engelmann, E; Dunn, R; Ahmad, S S; Laubscher, M; Keel, M J B; Maqungo, S; Hoppe, S

2017-09-01

A growing burden of gunshot injuries demands evidence-based ballistic trauma management. No comprehensive systematic overview of the current knowledge is available to date. This study aims to identify and analyze the most influential publications in the field of orthopedic ballistic trauma research. All databases available in the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge were searched to conduct this bibliometrical study. The most cited orthopedic ballistic trauma articles published between 1950 and 2015 were identified by use of a multi-step approach. Publications with ten citations and more were analyzed for citations, journal, authorship, geographic origin, area of research, anatomical site, study type, study category, and level of evidence. Citations of the 128 included studies ranged from 113 to 10. These were published in fifty different journals between 1953 and 2011. Most publications (n=106; 83%) originated from the USA, were retrospective (n=85; 66.4%), level IV studies (n=90; 70.3%), reported on spinal gunshot injuries (n=49; 38.33%) and were published between 1980 and 2000 (n=111; 86.7%). This bibliometric study provides the first comprehensive overview of influential publications in the field of orthopedic ballistic trauma research. More prospective studies and high-quality systematic reviews are needed. Centres with a high burden of gunshot injuries from the developing world need to share their experience in form of international publications, to provide a more comprehensive picture of the global gun-related orthopedic injury burden. bibliometric analysis: level III. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Recovery of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in experimentally mummified skin and bones: Prospects for paleoparasitological studies to unveil the origin of toxoplasmosis.

PubMed

Leles, Daniela; Lobo, Amanda; Rhodes, Taís; Millar, Patrícia Riddell; Amendoeira, Maria Regina Reis; Araújo, Adauto

2016-09-01

Paleoparasitology studies parasite infections by finding the parasites' remains in preserved organic remains such as natural or artificial mummy tissues, skeletons, teeth, and coprolites, among others. However, some currently important infections like toxoplasmosis have not been studied by paleoparasitology. The reasons include this parasite's complex life cycle, the resulting difficulties in locating this protozoan in the intermediate host tissues, and the limitation of coprolite studies to felines, the protozoan's definitive host. The current study thus aimed to produce an experimental model for molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, prioritizing its study in bones and skin, the most abundant materials in archeological collections and sites. The study demonstrated the feasibility of recovering Toxoplasma gondii DNA from desiccated material, including bones and skin, in experimental models both with circulating tachyzoites (RH strain), characteristic of acute infection, and with cysts (ME49 cystogenic strain), characteristic of chronic infection. At present, most individuals with T. gondii infection are in the chronic phase, and the same was probably true in the past. The current study thus expands the odds of finding the parasite in archeological material, enhanced by the nature of the material in which the diagnosis was made. Finding the parasite may help answer questions that are widely debated in the literature on this protozoan's origin (Old World versus New World). In addition, when conditions do not allow ideal storage of samples for molecular tests, the methodology creates the possibility of testing oven-dried samples transported at room temperature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modeling rock specimens through 3D printing: Tentative experiments and prospects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Quan; Feng, Xiating; Song, Lvbo; Gong, Yahua; Zheng, Hong; Cui, Jie

2016-02-01

Current developments in 3D printing (3DP) technology provide the opportunity to produce rock-like specimens and geotechnical models through additive manufacturing, that is, from a file viewed with a computer to a real object. This study investigated the serviceability of 3DP products as substitutes for rock specimens and rock-type materials in experimental analysis of deformation and failure in the laboratory. These experiments were performed on two types of materials as follows: (1) compressive experiments on printed sand-powder specimens in different shapes and structures, including intact cylinders, cylinders with small holes, and cuboids with pre-existing cracks, and (2) compressive and shearing experiments on printed polylactic acid cylinders and molded shearing blocks. These tentative tests for 3DP technology have exposed its advantages in producing complicated specimens with special external forms and internal structures, the mechanical similarity of its product to rock-type material in terms of deformation and failure, and its precision in mapping shapes from the original body to the trial sample (such as a natural rock joint). These experiments and analyses also successfully demonstrate the potential and prospects of 3DP technology to assist in the deformation and failure analysis of rock-type materials, as well as in the simulation of similar material modeling experiments.

Efficacy of combination chemotherapy for treatment of gastrointestinal lymphoma in dogs.

PubMed

Rassnick, K M; Moore, A S; Collister, K E; Northrup, N C; Kristal, O; Chretin, J D; Bailey, D B

2009-01-01

Chemotherapy for multicentric canine lymphoma has favorable results. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common extranodal site of canine lymphoma, but there have been no prospective studies to determine outcome when dogs with GI lymphoma are treated with chemotherapy. Treatment with a multiagent chemotherapy protocol is associated with a poor outcome in dogs with GI lymphoma. Eighteen dogs with histologically confirmed GI lymphoma. Prospective clinical trial in which dogs with GI lymphoma were treated with a 20-week combination chemotherapy protocol consisting of induction and consolidation phases. Thirteen dogs had primary GI lymphoma and 5 had multicentric lymphoma with GI involvement. The majority of the lymphomas (63%) were of T-cell origin. Overall remission rate was 56%; 9 dogs achieved a complete remission for a median of 86 days (range, 22-420 days) and 1 dog achieved a partial remission for 26 days. Overall median survival time was 77 days (range, 6-700 days). Dogs that failed to achieve a remission (10 versus 117 days; P= .002) or had diarrhea at initial presentation (70 versus 700 days; P < .001) had shorter survival times. The response and survival of dogs with GI lymphoma treated with multiagent chemotherapy is poor but long-term survival is possible.

Investing in Prospective Cohorts for Etiologic Study of Occupational Exposures

PubMed Central

Blair, A.; Hines, C.J.; Thomas, K.W.; Alavanja, M.C.R.; Beane Freeman, L.E.; Hoppin, J.A.; Kamel, F.; Lynch, C.F.; Lubin, J.H.; Silverman, D.T.; Whelan, E.; Zahm, S. H.; Sandler, D. P.

2015-01-01

Prospective cohorts have played a major role in understanding the contribution of diet, physical activity, medical conditions, and genes to the development of many diseases, but have not been widely used for occupational exposures. Studies in agriculture are an exception. We draw upon our experience using this design to study agricultural workers to identify conditions that might foster use of prospective cohorts to study other occupational settings. Prospective cohort studies are perceived by many as the strongest epidemiologic design. It allows updating of information on exposure and other factors, collection of biologic samples before disease diagnosis for biomarker studies, assessment of effect modification by genes, lifestyle, and other occupational exposures, and evaluation of a wide range of health outcomes. Increased use of prospective cohorts would be beneficial in identifying hazardous exposures in the workplace. Occupational epidemiologists should seek opportunities to initiate prospective cohorts to investigate high priority, occupational exposures. PMID:25603935

Application of Deconvolution Algorithm of Point Spread Function in Improving Image Quality: An Observer Preference Study on Chest Radiography.

PubMed

Chae, Kum Ju; Goo, Jin Mo; Ahn, Su Yeon; Yoo, Jin Young; Yoon, Soon Ho

2018-01-01

To evaluate the preference of observers for image quality of chest radiography using the deconvolution algorithm of point spread function (PSF) (TRUVIEW ART algorithm, DRTECH Corp.) compared with that of original chest radiography for visualization of anatomic regions of the chest. Prospectively enrolled 50 pairs of posteroanterior chest radiographs collected with standard protocol and with additional TRUVIEW ART algorithm were compared by four chest radiologists. This algorithm corrects scattered signals generated by a scintillator. Readers independently evaluated the visibility of 10 anatomical regions and overall image quality with a 5-point scale of preference. The significance of the differences in reader's preference was tested with a Wilcoxon's signed rank test. All four readers preferred the images applied with the algorithm to those without algorithm for all 10 anatomical regions (mean, 3.6; range, 3.2-4.0; p < 0.001) and for the overall image quality (mean, 3.8; range, 3.3-4.0; p < 0.001). The most preferred anatomical regions were the azygoesophageal recess, thoracic spine, and unobscured lung. The visibility of chest anatomical structures applied with the deconvolution algorithm of PSF was superior to the original chest radiography.

Traffic-related pedestrian injuries amongst expatriate workers in Qatar: a need for cross-cultural injury prevention programme.

PubMed

Latifi, Rifat; El-Menyar, Ayman; Al-Thani, Hassan; Zarour, Ahmad; Parchani, Ashok; Abdulrahman, Husham; Asim, Mohammad; Peralta, Ruben; Consunji, Rafael

2015-01-01

Qatar is a rapidly developing country in which expatriate workers constitute the majority of population. Also, Qatar is an example of right-sided road driving convention (RDC) country. The aim of our study is to analyse the traffic-related pedestrian injuries (TRPI) amongst expatriates in relation to RDC. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of TRPI patients who were admitted to the only Level I trauma centre in Qatar between 2009 and 2011 was performed. Demographics, country of origin, time of injury, injury severity score (ISS), RDC, morbidity and mortality were analysed. Of the 4997 injured patients, 601 (12%) were pedestrians. Of these, 92% were expatriates. The mean age was 31.8 ± 17 and 64% of them were 18-45 years old. Mean ISS was higher in those who were injured on weekends (15.4 ± 10) in comparison to working days (13.5 ± 10) (p = 0.04). The overall mortality was 15%. Sixty-seven percent of those who died were from left RDC countries. Expatriate workers, originally from left RDC countries are disproportionately affected by TRPI. This group of injured patients requires focused injury prevention programmes that are culture and language appropriate.

A Improved Seabed Surface Sand Sampling Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, X.

2017-12-01

In marine geology research it is necessary to obtain a suf fcient quantity of seabed surface samples, while also en- suring that the samples are in their original state. Currently,there are a number of seabed surface sampling devices available, but we fnd it is very diffcult to obtain sand samples using these devices, particularly when dealing with fne sand. Machine-controlled seabed surface sampling devices are also available, but generally unable to dive into deeper regions of water. To obtain larger quantities of seabed surface sand samples in their original states, many researchers have tried to improve upon sampling devices,but these efforts have generally produced ambiguous results, in our opinion.To resolve this issue, we have designed an improved andhighly effective seabed surface sand sampling device that incorporates the strengths of a variety of sampling devices. It is capable of diving into deepwater to obtain fne sand samples and is also suited for use in streams, rivers, lakes and seas with varying levels of depth (up to 100 m). This device can be used for geological mapping, underwater prospecting, geological engineering and ecological, environmental studies in both marine and terrestrial waters.

A model for Nb-Zr-REE-Ga enrichment in Lopingian altered alkaline volcanic ashes: Key evidence of H-O isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Shifeng; Nechaev, Victor P.; Chekryzhov, Igor Yu.; Zhao, Lixin; Vysotskiy, Sergei V.; Graham, Ian; Ward, Colin R.; Ignatiev, Alexander V.; Velivetskaya, Tatyana A.; Zhao, Lei; French, David; Hower, James C.

2018-03-01

Clay-altered volcanic ash with highly-elevated concentrations of Nb(Ta), Zr(Hf), rare earth elements (REE), and Ga, is a new type of critical metal deposit with high commercial prospects that has been discovered in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Previous studies showed that the volcanic ashes had been subjected to hydrothermal fluids, the nature of which, however, is not clear. Here we show that the volcanic ashes were originated from alkaline magmatism, followed by a continuous hydrothermal-weathering process. Heated meteoric waters, which were sourced from acidic rains and mixed with CO2 from degassing of the Emeishan plume, have caused partial, but widespread, acidic leaching of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, REE, and Ga into ground water and residual enrichment of these elements, along with Al and Ti, in the deeply altered rocks. Subsequent alteration occurring under cooler, neutral or alkaline conditions, caused by water-rock interaction, resulted in precipitation of the leached critical metals in the deposit. Polymetallic mineralization of similar origin may be found in other continental regions subjected to explosive alkaline volcanism associated with deep weathering in humid conditions.

Unemployment in Iraqi Refugees: The Interaction of Pre and Post-Displacement Trauma

PubMed Central

Wright, A. Michelle; Dhalimi, Abir; Lumley, Mark A.; Jamil, Hikmet; Pole, Nnamdi; Arnetz, Judith E.; Arnetz, Bengt B.

2016-01-01

Previous refugee research has been unable to link pre-displacement trauma with unemployment in the host country. The current study assessed the role of pre-displacement trauma, post-displacement trauma, and the interaction of both trauma types to prospectively examine unemployment in a random sample of newly-arrived Iraqi refugees. Participants (N=286) were interviewed three times over the first two years post-arrival. Refugees were assessed for pre-displacement trauma exposure, post-displacement trauma exposure, a history of unemployment in the country of origin and host country, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Analyses found that neither pre-displacement nor post-displacement trauma independently predicted unemployment 2 years post-arrival; however, the interaction of pre and post-displacement trauma predicted 2-year unemployment. Refugees with high levels of both pre and post-displacement trauma had a 91% predicted probability of unemployment, whereas those with low levels of both traumas had a 20% predicted probability. This interaction remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic variables and mental health upon arrival to the U.S. Resettlement agencies and community organizations should consider the interactive effect of encountering additional trauma after escaping the hardships of the refugee's country of origin. PMID:27535348

Improving the circular economy via hydrothermal processing of high-density waste plastics.

PubMed

Helmer Pedersen, Thomas; Conti, Federica

2017-10-01

Rising environmental concerns on climate changes are causing an increasing attention on circular economies. The plastic economy, in particular, is in focus due to the accelerating consumption of plastics, mainly derived from virgin feedstock, combined with the lack of plastic recycling strategies. This work presents a novel outlook on the potential of using supercritical hydrothermal processing of waste plastic fractions for tertiary recycling. The study investigates hydrothermal processing of nine different, high-density types of plastics into original resin monomers and other value-added chemical compounds. The outlook presents conversion yields, carbon balances, and chemical details on the products obtained. It is found that all the investigated resins are prone to hydrothermal treatment, and that high yields of monomers and high value compounds (up to nearly 100%), suitable for chemicals and fuels applications, can be obtained. For instance, for polycarbonate, styrene-butadiene, poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene terephthalate), and poly(butylene terephthalate), original monomeric compounds can be reclaimed for manufacturing new resins. The promising results presented demonstrate that hydrothermal processing of high-density plastics is a prospective technology for increasing the circularity of the plastic economy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interpretation of health news items reported with or without spin: protocol for a prospective meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials.

PubMed

Haneef, Romana; Yavchitz, Amélie; Ravaud, Philippe; Baron, Gabriel; Oransky, Ivan; Schwitzer, Gary; Boutron, Isabelle

2017-11-17

We aim to compare the interpretation of health news items reported with or without spin. 'Spin' is defined as a misrepresentation of study results, regardless of motive (intentionally or unintentionally) that overemphasises the beneficial effects of the intervention and overstates safety compared with that shown by the results. We have planned a series of 16 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to perform a prospective meta-analysis. We will select a sample of health news items reporting the results of four types of study designs, evaluating the effect of pharmacological treatment and containing the highest amount of spin in the headline and text. News items reporting four types of studies will be included: (1) preclinical studies; (2) phase I/II (non-randomised) trials; (3) RCTs and (4) observational studies. We will rewrite the selected news items and remove the spin. The original news and rewritten news will be appraised by four types of populations: (1) French-speaking patients; (2) French-speaking general public; (3) English-speaking patients and (4) English-speaking general public. Each RCT will explore the interpretation of news items reporting one of the four study designs by each type of population and will include a sample size of 300 participants. The primary outcome will be participants' interpretation of the benefit of treatment after reading the news items: (What do you think is the probability that treatment X would be beneficial to patients? (scale, 0 (very unlikely) to 10 (very likely)).This study will evaluate the impact of spin on the interpretation of health news reporting results of studies by patients and the general public. This study has obtained ethics approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) (registration no: IRB00003888). The description of all the steps and the results of this prospective meta-analysis will be available online and will be disseminated as a published article. On the completion of this study, the results will be sent to all participants. CRD42017058941. © 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.

Reverse genetics: Its origins and prospects

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

Berg, P.

1991-04-01

The nucleotide sequence of a gene and its flanking segments alone will not tell us how its expression is regulated during development and differentiation, or in response to environmental changes. To comprehend the physiological significance of the molecular details requires biological analysis. Recombinant DNA techniques provide a powerful experimental approach. A strategy termed reverse genetics' utilizes the analysis of the activities of mutant and normal genes and experimentally constructed mutants to explore the relationship between gene structure and function thereby helping elucidate the relationship between genotype and phenotype.

The fate of prospective spine studies registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

PubMed

Ohnmeiss, Donna D

2015-03-01

There has been concern expressed about research ethics with respect to not fully reporting data collected during clinical studies. One site available for all clinical trials is ClinicalTrials.gov. The original purpose of this site was to facilitate patients seeking a trial for the treatment of their particular condition. The internationally available site offers general information about the study, sponsor name, principal investigator, patient selection criteria, enrollment goal, study design, outcome measures, participating centers, initiation date, date posted, date completed, and other pertinent data. The site can be used to identify studies conducted for a particular condition or intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fate of spine-related studies registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov, with particular focus on the publication rate of completed trials. Analysis and classification of clinical studies posted on an international research registry Web page and literature search for related publications. Not applicable. The primary outcome measure was publication of the study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Multiple searches were conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov Web site to identify studies related to commonly treated spinal conditions, including herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. Studies related to tumors, fractures, or that included nonspine conditions were not included. For studies classified as completed more than 18 months before this review, literature searches were conducted to determine if the results of the study had been published and factors related to publication. The author has no financial conflict related to this work. There were 263 spine-related studies identified from searches on the ClinicalTrials.gov site. Data on the site had the studies classified as follows: 72 completed, 70 active, not recruiting (generally indicates collecting follow-up data), 74 recruiting, 11 recruiting by invitation, 13 not yet recruiting, 18 terminated, 4 withdrawn, and 1 suspended. Among the 72 studies indicated to be completed, 28 (38.9%) have been published. The mean time to publish was 27.9 months from the date of completion. Among unpublished studies, the mean length of time from study completion to the preparation of this article was 62.0 months. There was no difference in the likelihood of publication based on the geographic region of study origin or whether the study was registered before or after initiation. There were statistically significant relationships between the publication rate and the funding type as well as the research type (p<.05) with industrial-funded studies and those evaluating devices having a lower publication rate and those that were funded by a federal agency and comparing surgery to nonoperative care had the highest publication rates. Although the 38.9% publication rate for spine-related studies found in this study appears low, it is in line with other studies reporting a 22.8% publication rate for arthroplasty trials and 43.2% for orthopedic trauma trials. In addition to ClinicalTrials.gov Web site fulfilling its original goal of providing patients information about clinical studies, it can also provide a means of tracking publication of prospective studies, changes to protocols, matching publication content to posted study design, and others and raise queries concerning the reasons for not publishing what appear to be well-designed studies. The posting of spine studies before initiation can increase transparency and ability to evaluate clinical trials in spine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Model of Microteaching Lesson Study Implementation in the Prospective History Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Utami, Indah Wahyu Puji; Mashuri; Nafi'ah, Ulfatun

2016-01-01

Microteaching lesson study is a model to improve prospective teacher quality by incorporating several element of microteaching and lesson study. This study concern on the implementation of microteaching lesson study in prospective history teacher education. Microteaching lesson study model implemented in this study consist of three stages: plan,…

Quality of life and exercise performance in unoperated children with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of valsalva.

PubMed

Sing, Alan C; Tsaur, Stephen; Paridon, Stephen M; Brothers, Julie A

2017-07-01

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is a congenital cardiac condition that can be associated with increased risk of sudden death. To date, quality of life and exercise performance have not been evaluated in patients with this condition who do not undergo surgical repair. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of patients with unoperated anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery at our institution from 1 January, 2000 to 31 January, 2016. We prospectively assessed quality of life using standardised questionnaires. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and exercise stress test data. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-tests and Spearman's correlation coefficients. In total, 56 families completed the questionnaires. The average age at enrolment was 14.7±6 years. The majority were male (n=44, 78.6%) and had interarterial anomalous right coronary artery (n=38, 67.9%). Patients had normal quality of life on the PedsQL 4.0 Report, Child Health Questionnaire Child Form 87, and SF-36v2. Their parents had normal quality of life on the PedsQL 4.0 Parent Report, but parents of exercise-restricted patients had decreased Physical Functioning, General Health Perception, Emotional Impact on Parent, and Physical Summary scores (p<0.001-0.048) on the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form 50. Patients with unoperated anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery appear to have normal quality of life, but parents of exercise-restricted patients have decreased general health and emotional and physical quality of life scores. Improved counselling of families may be beneficial in this group. Future studies with more patients should evaluate quality of life and exercise performance over time.

Incidence of diabetes mellitus in various population groups in Israel (1989 and 1990).

PubMed

Laron, Z; Mansour, T; Slepon, R; Karp, M; Shohat, T

1994-10-01

A prospective survey of all newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) children and adolescents aged 0-17 years in Israel was conducted for the years 1989 and 1990. All diabetic clinics in Israel treating young diabetics were contacted and they returned written reports to us. Each clinic was also visited regularly by a member of the team who reviewed the individual charts to obtain data on population origin as well as medical and demographic data. A total of 187 patients were identified (164 Jews and 23 Arabs), giving a total incidence rate of 5.46/10(5). Analysis of the incidence rates by population groups showed that Arabs and Jews originating in Asia had the lowest incidence (2.77 and 4.58/10(5) respectively), followed by Jews whose fathers were born in Israel (5.61/10(5)). The highest incidence was registered for Jews originating from Europe and North America (9.34/10(5)). The female-to-male preponderance ratio was higher in the Jews originating in Asia (2.1) than in Jews originating in Europe and North America (1.2). Comparing the present data with a survey performed for the years 1975-80 we found a statistically significant increase in incidence in all population groups. Our findings strongly suggest an influence of genetic factors on the incidence of childhood IDDM.

Prospective Mathematics Teachers' Difficulties in Doing Proofs and Causes of Their Struggle with Proofs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doruk, Muhammet; Kaplan, Abdullah

2015-01-01

This research aims to expose prospective mathematics teachers' difficulties while proving, as well as the reasons behind such difficulties. The research includes 121 second year undergraduate prospective teachers studying at the primary mathematics teaching department of a state university in Turkey. The study has found that prospective teachers…

What domains of clinical function should be assessed after sport-related concussion? A systematic review.

PubMed

Feddermann-Demont, Nina; Echemendia, Ruben J; Schneider, Kathryn J; Solomon, Gary S; Hayden, K Alix; Turner, Michael; Dvořák, Jiří; Straumann, Dominik; Tarnutzer, Alexander A

2017-06-01

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a clinical diagnosis made after a sport-related head trauma. Inconsistency exists regarding appropriate methods for assessing SRC, which focus largely on symptom-scores, neurocognitive functioning and postural stability. Systematic literature review. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane-DSR, Cochrane CRCT, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus (accessed July 9, 2016). Original (prospective) studies reporting on postinjury assessment in a clinical setting and evaluation of diagnostic tools within 2 weeks after an SRC. Forty-six studies covering 3284 athletes were included out of 2170 articles. Only the prospective studies were considered for final analysis (n=33; 2416 athletes). Concussion diagnosis was typically made on the sideline by an (certified) athletic trainer (55.0%), mainly on the basis of results from a symptom-based questionnaire. Clinical domains affected included cognitive, vestibular and headache/migraine. Headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and dizziness were the symptoms most frequently reported. Neurocognitive testing was used in 30/33 studies (90.9%), whereas balance was assessed in 9/33 studies (27.3%). The overall quality of the studies was considered low. The absence of an objective, gold standard criterion makes the accurate diagnosis of SRC challenging. Current approaches tend to emphasise cognition, symptom assessment and postural stability with less of a focus on other domains of functioning. We propose that the clinical assessment of SRC should be symptom based and interdisciplinary. Whenever possible, the SRC assessment should incorporate neurological, vestibular, ocular motor, visual, neurocognitive, psychological and cervical aspects. © 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.

A Study on the Spatial Abilities of Prospective Social Studies Teachers: A Mixed Method Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yurt, Eyüp; Tünkler, Vural

2016-01-01

This study investigated prospective social studies teachers' spatial abilities. It was conducted with 234 prospective teachers attending Social Studies Teaching departments at Education Faculties of two universities in Central and Southern Anatolia. This study, designed according to the explanatory-sequential design, is a mixed research method,…

The protocol of a population-based prospective cohort study in southwest of Iran to analyze common non-communicable diseases: Shahrekord cohort study.

PubMed

Khaledifar, Arsalan; Hashemzadeh, Morteza; Solati, Kamal; Poustchi, Hosseion; Bollati, Valentina; Ahmadi, Ali; Kheiri, Soleiman; Samani, Keihan Ghatreh; Banitalebi, Mehdi; Sedehi, Morteza; Malekzadeh, Reza

2018-05-25

Prospective cohort studies are considered ideal choices to study multiple outcomes and risk factors for Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Our aim is to set-up the protocol and analyze risk factors, incidence rates, prevalence, trends, and the models of environmental and genetic determinants of NCDs and their outcomes as well as interaction among such determinants. Shahrekord cohort study (SCS) that is a population-based prospective, study on a cohort consisting of people aged 35-70 years started in November 2015 in Iran. The sample size of the original cohort is at least 10,000 people. Annual follow-ups (200,000 person-year) of the cohort were designed to be conducted up to 2036. Exposures (a detailed demographic, socioeconomic, general health, quality of life, physical activity, anthropometric indexes, stress, health literacy, social capital, nutrition and eating habits, lifestyle, occupational history, living place, blindness, deafness, electrocardiography, lung capacities, blood pressure, sleep, smoking and alcohol, contact to animals, physical examinations and medical history, dental health, used drugs and supplements, glucose and lipid profiles) were measured by relevant standard methods and questionnaires. Incidence of common NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, gastrointestinal, respiratory, renal, hepatic, accidents, injury and neurological diseases), trend of risk factors, hospitalization, disability, and death were considered the outcomes of the cohort. The definition of disease was determined based on the International Classification of Diseases 10th version (ICD-10). Routine hematologic and biochemical tests were conducted and an all-inclusive biobank (blood, hair, nail, and urine specimens) of the cohort was stored for future studies. All steps of data collection and examinations are directly monitored by the quality control team. The SCS is a unique study conducted in southwest of Iran that is a notable work given the climate conditions and ethnicity population (especially in Bakhtiari) of this region. By providing high quality the protocol and introduce it, the SCS can serve as a solid foundation for management and researchers in southwest of Iran. The SCS provides prerequisites for collaboration and regional, national, and international studies on NCDs. Data are available at the modeling in health research center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran, for any collaboration.

The future is now: prospective temporal self-appraisals among defensive pessimists and optimists.

PubMed

Sanna, Lawrence J; Chang, Edward C; Carter, Seth E; Small, Eulena M

2006-06-01

Three studies found that prospective temporal self-appraisals can be part of defensive pessimists' strategy; they felt closer to equally distant negative than positive futures. In Study 1, defensive pessimists felt closer to future failures and reported more negative affect than those considering success. In Study 2, when manipulated negative futures were close, defensive pessimists felt bad and performed well; results suggested that viewing negative futures as close may be part of their natural strategy. Study 3 found that prospective self-appraisals influenced performances through felt preparation. Optimists did not use prospective self-appraisals (Study 1) and their performances were unaffected by manipulated temporal distance (Studies 2 and 3). Discussion centers on prospective self-appraisals and multiple strategies of defensive pessimists.

Morphological and immunohistochemical characterization of isolated tumor cells by p53 status in gastrointestinal tumors.

PubMed

Milsmann, C; Füzesi, L; Heinmöller, E; Krause, P; Werner, C; Becker, H; Horstmann, O

2008-01-01

Isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in cancer patients are retrieved mostly using immunohistochemistry with antibodies directed against antiepithelial antigens (for example Ber-EP4), which are supposed not to be present in metastatic-free tissue. To date, there has been ongoing controversy whether those cells have biologic significance and are linked with tumor progression and impaired patient's prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further characterize Ber-EP4-positive cells in various tissues, with special emphasis on their tumorigenic origin. The frequency and prognostic impact of ITCs in lymph nodes displayed by means of monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4 were evaluated in retrospective (n = 292) and prospective (n = 100) collectives of various gastrointestinal carcinomas free of metastatic disease in conventional histopathology (pN0). Furthermore, the frequency of ITCs in the peritoneal cavity and bone marrow was analyzed in case of absence of overt distant metastasis (pM0) in the prospective collective. Ber-EP4-immunoreactive cells were further characterized for tumorigenic origin using morphological criteria and immunohistochemical double staining for Ber-EP4 and p53. Ber-EP4-positive cells could be revealed in lymph nodes in 44.3% of pN0-gastrointestinal carcinomas, in the peritoneal cavity in 19%, and in the bone marrow in 10%. In lymph nodes, BerEP4-immunoreactive cells exhibited a metastatic-atypical morphology in 59%; however, it was always typical for true tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity or bone marrow. The cumulative 5-year survival rate was adversely affected by Ber-EP4-immunoreactive cells in uni- and multivariate analysis, irrespective of the underlying cell morphology (68% for Ber-EP4 negative, 41% for Ber-EP4 positive with atypical and typical morphology each). In the case of a p53-positive primary tumor, 70% of the corresponding ITCs also overexpressed p53, while the remainder was deemed p53 negative (p = 0.002). ITCs detected by the antiepithelial antibody Ber-EP4 are present in a substantial proportion of apparently tumor-free lymph nodes. These cells impair patients' prognoses, irrespective of the underlying cell morphology. As approximately one third of Ber-EP4-positive cells in p53-positive primary tumors do not overexpress p53; their true tumorigenic origin needs to be further investigated.

Isolated transient vertigo: posterior circulation ischemia or benign origin?

PubMed

Blasberg, Tobias F; Wolf, Lea; Henke, Christian; Lorenz, Matthias W

2017-06-14

Isolated transient vertigo can be the only symptom of posterior circulation ischemia. Thus, it is important to differentiate isolated vertigo of a cerebrovascular origin from that of more benign origins, as patients with cerebral ischemia have a much higher risk for future stroke than do those with 'peripheral' vertigo. The current study aims to identify risk factors for cerebrovascular origin of isolated transient vertigo, and for future cerebrovascular events. From the files of 339 outpatients with isolated transient vertigo we extracted history, clinical and technical findings, diagnosis, and follow-up information on subsequent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Risk factors were analyzed using multivariate regression models (logistic or Cox) and reconfirmed in univariate analyses. On first presentation, 48 (14.2%) patients received the diagnosis 'probable or definite cerebrovascular vertigo'. During follow-up, 41 patients suffered stroke or TIA (event rate 7.9 per 100 person years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5-10.4), 26 in the posterior circulation (event rate 4.8 per 100 person years, 95% CI 3.0-6.7). The diagnosis was not associated with follow-up cerebrovascular events. In multivariate models testing multiple potential determinants, only the presentation mode was consistently associated with the diagnosis and stroke risk: patients who presented because of vertigo (rather than reporting vertigo when they presented for other reasons) had a significantly higher risk for future stroke or TIA (p = 0.028, event rate 13.4 vs. 5.4 per 100 person years) and for future posterior circulation stroke or TIA (p = 0.044, event rate 7.8 vs. 3.5 per 100 person years). We here report for the first time follow-up stroke rates in patients with transient isolated vertigo. In such patients, the identification of those with cerebrovascular origin remains difficult, and presentation mode was found to be the only consistent risk factor. Confirmation in an independent prospective sample is needed.

Towards Understanding The Origin And Evolution Of Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Burg, Remco F. J.; Sifón, Cristóbal; Muzzin, Adam; Hoekstra, Henk; KiDS Collaboration; GAMA Collaboration

2017-06-01

Recent observations have shown that Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies (UDGs, which have the luminosities of dwarfs but sizes of giant galaxies) are surprisingly abundant in clusters of galaxies. The origin of these galaxies remains unclear, since one would naively expect them to be easily disrupted by tidal interactions in the cluster environment. Several formation scenarios have been proposed for UDGs, but these make a wide range of different testable observational predictions. I'll summarise recent results on two key observables that have the potential to differentiate between the proposed models, namely 1) a measurement of their (sub)halo masses using weak gravitational lensing, and 2) their abundance in lower-mass haloes using data from the GAMA and KiDS surveys. I'll discuss implications and future prospects to learn more about the properties and formation histories of these elusive galaxies.

Radiation preservation of foods of plant origin. Part 1. Potatoes and other tuber crops

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

Thomas, P.

1984-01-01

In Part 1 of a planned series of articles on preservation of foods of plant origin by gamma irradiation, the current state of research on the technological, nutritional, and biochemical aspects of sprout inhibition of potatoes and other tuber crops are reviewed. These include varietal responses, dose effects, time of irradiation, pre- and postirradiation storage, and handling requirements; postirradiation changes in carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, amino acids, and other nutrients; respiration; biochemical mechanisms involved in sprout inhibition; wound healing and microbial infection during storage; formation of wound and light-induced glycoalkaloids and identification of irradiated potatoes. The culinary and processing qualities withmore » particular reference to darkening of boiled and processed potatoes are discussed. The prospects of irradiation on an industrial scale as an alternative to chemical sprout inhibitors or mechanical refrigeration are considered.« less

Agreement between diagnoses reached by clinical examination and available reference standards: a prospective study of 216 patients with lumbopelvic pain

PubMed Central

Laslett, Mark; McDonald, Barry; Tropp, Hans; Aprill, Charles N; Öberg, Birgitta

2005-01-01

Background The tissue origin of low back pain (LBP) or referred lower extremity symptoms (LES) may be identified in about 70% of cases using advanced imaging, discography and facet or sacroiliac joint blocks. These techniques are invasive and availability varies. A clinical examination is non-invasive and widely available but its validity is questioned. Diagnostic studies usually examine single tests in relation to single reference standards, yet in clinical practice, clinicians use multiple tests and select from a range of possible diagnoses. There is a need for studies that evaluate the diagnostic performance of clinical diagnoses against available reference standards. Methods We compared blinded clinical diagnoses with diagnoses based on available reference standards for known causes of LBP or LES such as discography, facet, sacroiliac or hip joint blocks, epidurals injections, advanced imaging studies or any combination of these tests. A prospective, blinded validity design was employed. Physiotherapists examined consecutive patients with chronic lumbopelvic pain and/or referred LES scheduled to receive the reference standard examinations. When diagnoses were in complete agreement regardless of complexity, "exact" agreement was recorded. When the clinical diagnosis was included within the reference standard diagnoses, "clinical agreement" was recorded. The proportional chance criterion (PCC) statistic was used to estimate agreement on multiple diagnostic possibilities because it accounts for the prevalence of individual categories in the sample. The kappa statistic was used to estimate agreement on six pathoanatomic diagnoses. Results In a sample of chronic LBP patients (n = 216) with high levels of disability and distress, 67% received a patho-anatomic diagnosis based on available reference standards, and 10% had more than one tissue origin of pain identified. For 27 diagnostic categories and combinations, chance clinical agreement (PCC) was estimated at 13%. "Exact" agreement between clinical and reference standard diagnoses was 32% and "clinical agreement" 51%. For six pathoanatomic categories (disc, facet joint, sacroiliac joint, hip joint, nerve root and spinal stenosis), PCC was 33% with actual agreement 56%. There was no overlap of 95% confidence intervals on any comparison. Diagnostic agreement on the six most common patho-anatomic categories produced a kappa of 0.31. Conclusion Clinical diagnoses agree with reference standards diagnoses more often than chance. Using available reference standards, most patients can have a tissue source of pain identified. PMID:15943873

Pubertal Timing and Mexican-Origin Girls’ Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms: The Influence of Harsh Parenting

PubMed Central

Deardorff, J.; Cham, H.; Gonzales, NA.; White, R.M.B.; Tein, J.-Y.; Wong, J.; Roosa, M.W.

2012-01-01

Early-maturing girls are at risk for internalizing and externalizing problems. Scarce research has examined pubertal timing and mental health among Mexican Americans, or examined the influence of parenting behaviors on these relations. This study addressed these gaps. This was a prospective examination of 362 Mexican-origin girls and their mothers using three waves of data. Measures included girls’ self-report of pubertal development and girls’ and mothers’ report of maternal harsh parenting and daughters’ mental health. Using structural equation modeling, we examined whether pubertal timing in 5th grade predicted girls’ internalizing and externalizing outcomes in 10th grade. We also examined the mediating and moderating effects of harsh parenting on the relations between pubertal timing and internalizing and externalizing behaviors, as well as the influence of mothers’ and daughters’ nativity on these relations. Results differed depending on reporter and maternal nativity. Using daughters’ report, Mexican American mothers’ harsh parenting acted as a moderator. At high levels of harsh parenting, early pubertal timing predicted higher externalizing scores, while at low levels of harsh parenting, early timing predicted lower externalizing scores. For Mexican immigrant mothers, harsh parenting mediated the effects of pubertal timing on girls’ internalizing and externalizing problems. There were no significant pubertal effects for mothers’ report. Findings suggest that maternal harsh parenting plays a key role in the relations between early pubertal timing and behavioral and emotional outcomes among Mexican-origin girls. PMID:23231686

Intrinsic Chirality Origination in Carbon Nanotubes.

PubMed

Pierce, Neal; Chen, Gugang; P Rajukumar, Lakshmy; Chou, Nam Hawn; Koh, Ai Leen; Sinclair, Robert; Maruyama, Shigeo; Terrones, Mauricio; Harutyunyan, Avetik R

2017-10-24

Elucidating the origin of carbon nanotube chirality is key for realizing their untapped potential. Currently, prevalent theories suggest that catalyst structure originates chirality via an epitaxial relationship. Here we studied chirality abundances of carbon nanotubes grown on floating liquid Ga droplets, which excludes the influence of catalyst features, and compared them with abundances grown on solid Ru nanoparticles. Results of growth on liquid droplets bolsters the intrinsic preference of carbon nuclei toward certain chiralities. Specifically, the abundance of the (11,1)/χ = 4.31° tube can reach up to 95% relative to (9,4)/χ = 17.48°, although they have exactly the same diameter, (9.156 Å). However, the comparative abundances for the pair, (19,3)/χ = 7.2° and (17,6)/χ = 14.5°, with bigger diameter, (16.405 Å), fluctuate depending on synthesis temperature. The abundances of the same pairs of tubes grown on floating solid polyhedral Ru nanoparticles show completely different trends. Analysis of abundances in relation to nucleation probability, represented by a product of the Zeldovich factor and the deviation interval of a growing nuclei from equilibrium critical size, explain the findings. We suggest that the chirality in the nanotube in general is a result of interplay between intrinsic preference of carbon cluster and induction by catalyst structure. This finding can help to build the comprehensive theory of nanotube growth and offers a prospect for chirality-preferential synthesis of carbon nanotubes by the exploitation of liquid catalyst droplets.

Pubertal timing and Mexican-origin girls' internalizing and externalizing symptoms: the influence of harsh parenting.

PubMed

Deardorff, Julianna; Cham, Heining; Gonzales, Nancy A; White, Rebecca M B; Tein, Jenn-Yun; Wong, Jessie J; Roosa, Mark W

2013-09-01

Early-maturing girls are at risk for internalizing and externalizing problems. Research concerning pubertal timing and mental health among Mexican Americans or the influence of parenting behaviors on these relations has been scarce. This study addressed these gaps. This was a prospective examination of 362 Mexican-origin girls and their mothers in 3 waves of data. Measures included girls' self-report of pubertal development and girls' and mothers' report of maternal harsh parenting and daughters' mental health. Using structural equation modeling, we examined whether pubertal timing in 5th grade predicted girls' internalizing and externalizing outcomes in 10th grade. We also examined the mediating and moderating effects of harsh parenting on the relations between pubertal timing and internalizing and externalizing behaviors, as well as the influence of mothers' and daughters' nativity on these relations. Results differed depending on reporter and maternal nativity. Using daughters' report, we found that Mexican American mothers' harsh parenting acted as a moderator. At high levels of harsh parenting, early pubertal timing predicted higher externalizing scores, while at low levels of harsh parenting, early timing predicted lower externalizing scores. For Mexican immigrant mothers, harsh parenting mediated the effects of pubertal timing on girls' internalizing and externalizing problems. There were no significant pubertal effects for mothers' report. Findings suggest that maternal harsh parenting plays a key role in the relations between early pubertal timing and behavioral and emotional outcomes among Mexican-origin girls. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.

Gas Hydrate Petroleum System Modeling in western Nankai Trough Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, M.; Aung, T. T.; Fujii, T.; Wada, N.; Komatsu, Y.

2017-12-01

Since 2003, we have been conducting Gas Hydrate (GH) petroleum system models covering the eastern Nankai Trough, Japan, and results of resource potential from regional model shows good match with the value depicted from seismic and log data. In this year, we have applied this method to explore GH potential in study area. In our study area, GH prospects have been identified with aid of bottom simulating reflector (BSR) and presence of high velocity anomalies above the BSR interpreted based on 3D migration seismic and high density velocity cubes. In order to understand the pathway of biogenic methane from source to GH prospects 1D-2D-3D GH petroleum system models are built and investigated. This study comprises lower Miocene to Pleistocene, deep to shallow marine sedimentary successions of Pliocene and Pleistocene layers overlain the basement. The BSR were interpreted in Pliocene and Pleistocene layers. Based on 6 interpreted sequence boundaries from 3D migration seismic and velocity data, construction of a depth 3D framework model is made and distributed by a conceptual submarine fan depositional facies model derived from seismic facies analysis and referring existing geological report. 1D models are created to analyze lithology sensitivity to temperature and vitrinite data from an exploratory well drilled in the vicinity of study area. The PSM parameters are applied in 2D and 3D modeling and simulation. Existing report of the explanatory well reveals that thermogenic origin are considered to exist. For this reason, simulation scenarios including source formations for both biogenic and thermogenic reaction models are also investigated. Simulation results reveal lower boundary of GH saturation zone at pseudo wells has been simulated with sensitivity of a few tens of meters in comparing with interpreted BSR. From sensitivity analysis, simulated temperature was controlled by different peak generation temperature models and geochemical parameters. Progressive folding and updipping layers including paleostructure can effectively assist biogenic gas migration to upward. Biogenic and Thermogenic mixing model shows that kitchen center only has a potential for generating thermogenic hydrocarbon. Our Prospect based on seismic interpretation is consistent with high GH saturation area based on 3D modeling results.

Perceptual accuracy and conflicting effects of certainty on risk-taking behaviour.

PubMed

Shafir, Sharoni; Reich, Taly; Tsur, Erez; Erev, Ido; Lotem, Arnon

2008-06-12

The 'certainty effect' is a notable violation of expected utility theory by decision makers. It shows that people's tendency to select the safer of two prospects increases when this prospect provides a good outcome with certainty (for example, people prefer a monetary gain of 3 with certainty over 4 with a probability of 0.8, but do not prefer 3 with a probability of 0.25 over 4 with a probability of 0.2). Subsequent work on experience-based decision making in rats extended the certainty effect to other animals, suggesting its generality across different species and different decision-making mechanisms. However, an attempt to replicate this study with human subjects showed a surprising 'reversed certainty effect', namely, the tendency to prefer the safer option decreases when this prospect is associated with certainty (and people now prefer 4 with a probability of 0.8 over 3 with certainty). Here we show that these conflicting results can be explained by perceptual noise and that the certainty effect can be restored experimentally by reducing perceptual accuracy. Using complementary experiments in humans and honeybees (Apis mellifera), we show that by manipulating perceptual accuracy in experience-based tasks, both the certainty and the reversed certainty effects can be exhibited by humans and other animals: the certainty effect emerges when it is difficult to discriminate between the different rewards, whereas the reversed certainty effect emerges when discrimination is easy. Our results fit a simple process-based model of matching behaviour, capable of explaining the certainty effect in humans and other animals that make repeated decisions based on experience. This mechanism should probably be distinguished from those involved in the original certainty effect that was exhibited by human subjects in single description-based problems.

Quality control of colonoscopy procedures: a prospective validated method for the evaluation of professional practices applicable to all endoscopic units.

PubMed

Coriat, R; Pommaret, E; Chryssostalis, A; Viennot, S; Gaudric, M; Brezault, C; Lamarque, D; Roche, H; Verdier, D; Parlier, D; Prat, F; Chaussade, S

2009-02-01

To produce valid information, an evaluation of professional practices has to assess the quality of all practices before, during and after the procedure under study. Several auditing techniques have been proposed for colonoscopy. The purpose of this work is to describe a straightforward original validated method for the prospective evaluation of professional practices in the field of colonoscopy applicable in all endoscopy units without increasing the staff work load. Pertinent quality-control criteria (14 items) were identified by the endoscopists at the Cochin Hospital and were compatible with: findings in the available literature; guidelines proposed by the Superior Health Authority; and application in any endoscopy unit. Prospective routine data were collected and the methodology validated by evaluating 50 colonoscopies every quarter for one year. The relevance of the criteria was assessed using data collected during four separate periods. The standard checklist was complete for 57% of the colonoscopy procedures. The colonoscopy procedure was appropriate according to national guidelines in 94% of cases. These observations were particularly noteworthy: the quality of the colonic preparation was insufficient for 9% of the procedures; complete colonoscopy was achieved for 93% of patients; and 0.38 adenomas and 0.045 carcinomas were identified per colonoscopy. This simple and reproducible method can be used for valid quality-control audits in all endoscopy units. In France, unit-wide application of this method enables endoscopists to validate 100 of the 250 points required for continuous medical training. This is a quality-control tool that can be applied annually, using a random month to evaluate any changes in routine practices.

Prospective Mathematics Teachers' Ability to Identify Mistakes Related to Angle Concept of Sixth Grade Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arslan, Cigdem; Erbay, Hatice Nur; Guner, Pinar

2017-01-01

In the present study we try to highlight prospective mathematics teachers' ability to identify mistakes of sixth grade students related to angle concept. And also we examined prospective mathematics teachers' knowledge of angle concept. Study was carried out with 30 sixth-grade students and 38 prospective mathematics teachers. Sixth grade students…

Retrospective and prospective evaluation of the Carbapenem inactivation method for the detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

PubMed Central

Gauthier, Lauraine; Dortet, Laurent; Naas, Thierry

2017-01-01

Background There is an urgent need for accurate and rapid diagnostic tests to identify carbapenemase producing enterobacteria (CPE). Here, we have evaluated the Carbapenem Inactivation Method (CIM) test to detect CPEs from cultured colonies. Methods A total of 256 enterobacterial isolates were used to evaluate the performance of the CIM in comparison to Carba NP test and molecular detection used a reference method. Ninety three well-characterized isolates (including 29 non-CPE and 63 CPEs of worldwide origin) with decreased susceptibility to at least one carbapenem were used to (i) evaluate the efficacy of CIM test and (ii) to compare it to the Carba NP test. We also tested different carbapenems to determine the best substrate for this test. Finally, the CIM test was then evaluated prospectively against 164 isolates referred to the French National Reference Center (NRC) for Antimicrobial Resistance from may 2016 to july 2016. Results Based on the results of this retrospective study, sensitivity and specificity of the CIM and the Carba NP test were 92.1% and 100%, respectively. We demonstrated that the meropenem was the best substrate to perform the CIM test since sensitivity and specificity were 81.1% and 100% using ertapenem disk, and 100% and 65,6% using imipenem disk, and respectively. Taking in account the results of retrospective and prospective studies, CIM and Carba NP tests have similar sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values being 96.3%, 98.9%, 99.0% and 98.4% for the CIM test versus 96.9%, 100%, 100% and 100% for the Carba NP test. Conclusions Our results confirm that the CIM test may be a useful tool for the reliable confirmation of carbapenemase-activity in enterobacterial isolates, especially in clinical microbiological laboratories with limited resources, no trained personnel, and no specialized equipment. PMID:28158310

Palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases: Update of an ASTRO Evidence-Based Guideline.

PubMed

Lutz, Stephen; Balboni, Tracy; Jones, Joshua; Lo, Simon; Petit, Joshua; Rich, Shayna E; Wong, Rebecca; Hahn, Carol

The purpose is to provide an update the Bone Metastases Guideline published in 2011 based on evidence complemented by expert opinion. The update will discuss new high-quality literature for the 8 key questions from the original guideline and implications for practice. A systematic PubMed search from the last date included in the original Guideline yielded 414 relevant articles. Ultimately, 20 randomized controlled trials, 32 prospective nonrandomized studies, and 4 meta-analyses/pooled analyses were selected and abstracted into evidence tables. The authors synthesized the evidence and reached consensus on the included recommendations. Available literature continues to support pain relief equivalency between single and multiple fraction regimens for bone metastases. High-quality data confirm single fraction radiation therapy may be delivered to spine lesions with acceptable late toxicity. One prospective, randomized trial confirms both peripheral and spine-based painful metastases can be successfully and safely palliated with retreatment for recurrence pain with adherence to published dosing constraints. Advanced radiation therapy techniques such as stereotactic body radiation therapy lack high-quality data, leading the panel to favor its use on a clinical trial or when results will be collected in a registry. The panel's conclusion remains that surgery, radionuclides, bisphosphonates, and kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty do not obviate the need for external beam radiation therapy. Updated data analysis confirms that radiation therapy provides excellent palliation for painful bone metastases and that retreatment is safe and effective. Although adherence to evidence-based medicine is critical, thorough expert radiation oncology physician judgment and discretion regarding number of fractions and advanced techniques are also essential to optimize outcomes when considering the patient's overall health, life expectancy, comorbidities, tumor biology, anatomy, previous treatment including prior radiation at or near current site of treatment, tumor and normal tissue response history to local and systemic therapies, and other factors related to the patient, tumor characteristics, or treatment. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Radiation Oncology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIRTHPLACE OF PATERNAL AND MATERNAL GRANDFATHER IN THE JERUSALEM PERINATAL COHORT PROSPECTIVE STUDY

PubMed Central

Harlap, S; Perrin, M C; Deutsch, L; Kleinhaus, K; Fennig, S; Nahon, D; Teitelbaum, A; Friedlander, Y; Malaspina, D

2009-01-01

Some forms of epigenetic abnormalities transmitted to offspring are manifest in differences in disease incidence that depend on parent-of-origin. To explore whether such phenomena might operate in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, we estimated the relative incidence of these conditions in relation to parent-of-origin by considering the two grandfathers' countries of birth. In a prospective cohort of 88,829 offspring, born in Jerusalem in 1964–76 we identified 637 cases through Israel's psychiatric registry. Relative risks (RR) were estimated for paternal and maternal grandfathers' countries of birth using proportional hazards methods, controlling for parents' ages, low social class and duration of marriage. After adjusting for multiple observations, we found no significant differences between descendants of maternal or paternal grandfathers born in Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya/Egypt, Poland, USSR, Czechoslovakia, Germany or the USA. Those with paternal grandfathers from Romania (RR=1.9, 95% CI=1.3–2.8) or Hungary (1.6, 1.0–2.6) showed an increased incidence; however, those with maternal grandfathers from these countries experienced reduced incidence (RR=0.5, 0.3–0.8 and 0.4, 0.2–0.8). In post-hoc analyses we found that results were similar whether the comparison groups were restricted to descendants of other Europeans or included those from Western Asia and North Africa; and effects of paternal grandfathers from Romania/Hungary were more pronounced in females, while effects of maternal grandfathers from these countries were similar in males and females. These post-hoc “hypothesis-generating” findings lead one to question whether some families with ancestors in Romania or Hungary might carry a variant or mutation at a parentally imprinted locus that is altering susceptibility to schizophrenia. Such a locus, if it exists, might involve the X chromosome. PMID:19361958

The Copenhagen City Heart Study (Østerbroundersøgelsen)

PubMed Central

Aguib, Yasmine; Al Suwaidi, Jassim

2015-01-01

The Copenhagen City Heart Study, also known as “Østerbroundersøgelsen”, is a large prospective cardio-vascular population study of 20,000 women and men that was launched in 1975 by Dr Peter Schnohr and Dr Gorm Jensen together with statistician Jørgen Nyboe and Prof. A. Tybjærg Hansen. The original purpose of the study was to focus on prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke. During the years many other aspects have been added to the study: pulmonary diseases, heart failure, arrhythmia, alcohol, arthrosis, eye diseases, allergy, epilepsia, dementia, stress, vital exhaustion, social network, sleep-apnoe, ageing and genetics. In this review we highlight unique aspects of the Copenhagen City Heat Study (CCHS) and its outcome in investigations of clinical and molecular aspects of health and disease in the regional and global population. To increase the impact of population studies with a focus on risk and prevention of cardiovascular and related diseases and to maximize the likelihood of identifying disease causes and effective therapeutics, lessons learned from past research should be applied to the design, implementation and interpretation of future studies. PMID:26779513

[Prospective validation in identical Turkish cohort of two metabolic syndrome definitions for predicting cardiometabolic risk and selection of most appropriate definition].

PubMed

Onat, Altan; Hergenç, Gülay; Can, Günay

2007-03-01

To investigate the relative values in the prediction of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD) by the metabolic syndrome (MS) as defined by the ATPIII and by its modification of the Turkish Adult Risk Factor Study (TEKHARF-def) and selection of most appropriate definition. Prospective evaluation of 1683 men and 1718 women, aged > or =28 years participating in the TEKHARF study surveys 1997/98 and 2002/03 with a mean follow-up of 5.9 years. The modification involved especially abdominal obesity (> or =95 cm in men, > or =91 cm in women). After exclusion of participants with diabetes at baseline and adjustment for sex and age, both MS definitions predicted the development of diabetes with virtually identical relative risks (RR) (ATPIII 2.85 [95%CI 2.14; 3.80]; TEKHARF 2.84 [95%CI 2.13; 3.81]. After similar exclusion and adjustments, both MS definitions predicted significantly the development of CHD with similar RRs (ATPIII 2.10 [95%CI 1.64; 2.68] in 36% of the cohort; TEKHARF-def 1.90 [95%CI 1.49; 2.43] in 39.6% of the cohort. For both outcomes, the TEKHARF-def provided higher predictive values in men, and (because of the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol cutoff) the ATPIII definition in women. Absolute annual CHD risk in individuals with MS exceeded on average 2%, while age > or =50 years constituted the most appropriate indicator of further elevated risk in both genders. Most suitable modifications of the ATPIII definition are proved to be impaired fasting glucose (IFG) > or =100 mg/dl and in men > or =95 cm of waist circumference. Most CHD cases afflicting Turkish adults (namely 61% in men and 69% in women) originated from the latter definition of MS. In predicting diabetes and CHD risk, the TEKHARF-def MS is more valuable in men; the ATPIII definition modified for IFG (> or =100 mg/dl) should be adopted in women. In 2 out of every 3 cases, CHD originates from MS among Turks, and age > or =50 years is a good indicator of higher risk in both genders.

Study of Prospective Teachers' Conceptualization of Value Preferences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koruklu, Nermin; Aktamis, Hilal

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were any changes in the conceptualization of prospective teachers' values preferences during their university studies. The research group was composed of 208 prospective teachers who were studying at Science Education, Social Science Education and Fine Arts Education at Adnan Menderes…

Patient Transfers and Risk of Back Injury: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study With Technical Measurements of Exposure.

PubMed

Vinstrup, Jonas; Madeleine, Pascal; Jakobsen, Markus Due; Jay, Kenneth; Andersen, Lars Louis

2017-11-08

More than one third of nurses experience musculoskeletal pain several times during a normal work week. Consistent use of assistive devices during patient transfers is associated with a lower risk of occupational back injuries and low back pain (LBP). While uncertainties exist regarding which type of assistive devices most efficiently prevent LBP, exposure assessments using technological advancements allow for quantification of muscle load and body positions during common work tasks. The main objectives of this study are (1) to quantify low back and neck/shoulder muscle load in Danish nurses during patient transfers performed with different types of assistive devices, and (2) to combine the exposure profile for each type of assistive device with fortnightly questionnaires to identify the importance of muscle load (intensity and frequency of transfers) and body position (degree of back inclination and frequency) on LBP intensity and risk of back injury during a patient transfer. A combination of technical measurements (n=50) and a prospective study design (n=2000) will be applied on a cohort of female nurses in Danish hospitals. The technical measurements will be comprised of surface electromyography and accelerometers, with the aim of quantifying muscle load and body positions during various patient transfers, including different types of assistive devices throughout a workday. The study will thereby gather measurements during real-life working conditions. The prospective cohort study will consist of questionnaires at baseline and 1-year follow-up, as well as follow-up via email every other week for one year on questions regarding the frequency of patient transfers, use of assistive devices, intensity of LBP, and back injuries related to patient transfers. The objective measurements on muscle load and body positions during patient handlings will be applied to the fortnightly replies regarding frequency of patient transfer and use of different assistive devices, in order to identify risk factors for back injuries related to patient transfers and intensity of LBP. Data collection is scheduled to commence during the winter of 2017. The design of this study is novel in its combination of technical measurements applied on a prospective cohort, and the results will provide important information about which assistive devices are associated with intensity of LBP and risk of back injury related to patient transfers. Furthermore, this study will shed light on the dose-response relationship between intensity, duration, and frequency of patient transfers and the intensity of LPB in Danish nurses, and will thereby help to guide and improve electronic health practices among this population. ©Jonas Vinstrup, Pascal Madeleine, Markus Due Jakobsen, Kenneth Jay, Lars Louis Andersen. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 08.11.2017.

Adult Langerhans cells derive predominantly from embryonic fetal liver monocytes with a minor contribution of yolk sac-derived macrophages.

PubMed

Hoeffel, Guillaume; Wang, Yilin; Greter, Melanie; See, Peter; Teo, Pearline; Malleret, Benoit; Leboeuf, Marylène; Low, Donovan; Oller, Guillaume; Almeida, Francisca; Choy, Sharon H Y; Grisotto, Marcos; Renia, Laurent; Conway, Simon J; Stanley, E Richard; Chan, Jerry K Y; Ng, Lai Guan; Samokhvalov, Igor M; Merad, Miriam; Ginhoux, Florent

2012-06-04

Langerhans cells (LCs) are the dendritic cells (DCs) of the epidermis, forming one of the first hematopoietic lines of defense against skin pathogens. In contrast to other DCs, LCs arise from hematopoietic precursors that seed the skin before birth. However, the origin of these embryonic precursors remains unclear. Using in vivo lineage tracing, we identify a first wave of yolk sac (YS)-derived primitive myeloid progenitors that seed the skin before the onset of fetal liver hematopoiesis. YS progenitors migrate to the embryo proper, including the prospective skin, where they give rise to LC precursors, and the brain rudiment, where they give rise to microglial cells. However, in contrast to microglia, which remain of YS origin throughout life, YS-derived LC precursors are largely replaced by fetal liver monocytes during late embryogenesis. Consequently, adult LCs derive predominantly from fetal liver monocyte-derived cells with a minor contribution of YS-derived cells. Altogether, we establish that adult LCs have a dual origin, bridging early embryonic and late fetal myeloid development.

Adult Langerhans cells derive predominantly from embryonic fetal liver monocytes with a minor contribution of yolk sac–derived macrophages

PubMed Central

Hoeffel, Guillaume; Wang, Yilin; Greter, Melanie; See, Peter; Teo, Pearline; Malleret, Benoit; Leboeuf, Marylène; Low, Donovan; Oller, Guillaume; Almeida, Francisca; Choy, Sharon H.Y.; Grisotto, Marcos; Renia, Laurent; Conway, Simon J.; Stanley, E. Richard; Chan, Jerry K.Y.; Ng, Lai Guan; Samokhvalov, Igor M.

2012-01-01

Langerhans cells (LCs) are the dendritic cells (DCs) of the epidermis, forming one of the first hematopoietic lines of defense against skin pathogens. In contrast to other DCs, LCs arise from hematopoietic precursors that seed the skin before birth. However, the origin of these embryonic precursors remains unclear. Using in vivo lineage tracing, we identify a first wave of yolk sac (YS)–derived primitive myeloid progenitors that seed the skin before the onset of fetal liver hematopoiesis. YS progenitors migrate to the embryo proper, including the prospective skin, where they give rise to LC precursors, and the brain rudiment, where they give rise to microglial cells. However, in contrast to microglia, which remain of YS origin throughout life, YS-derived LC precursors are largely replaced by fetal liver monocytes during late embryogenesis. Consequently, adult LCs derive predominantly from fetal liver monocyte-derived cells with a minor contribution of YS-derived cells. Altogether, we establish that adult LCs have a dual origin, bridging early embryonic and late fetal myeloid development. PMID:22565823

Prospective memory impairment in "ecstasy" (MDMA) users.

PubMed

Rendell, Peter G; Gray, Timothy J; Henry, Julie D; Tolan, Anne

2007-11-01

Considerable research indicates that "ecstasy" users perceive their memory for future intentions (prospective memory) to be impaired. However, only one empirical study to date has directly tested how this capacity is affected by ecstasy use, and this study provided relatively limited information regarding the extent, scope, or implications of problems experienced. The present study assessed prospective performance on a laboratory measure of prospective memory that closely represents the types of prospective memory tasks that actually occur in everyday life and provides an opportunity to investigate the different sorts of prospective memory failures that occur ("Virtual Week"). Ecstasy user group (27 current users and 34 nonusers) was between participants, and prospective memory task (regular, irregular, time-check) was within participants. A measure sensitive to specific aspects of psychopathology was also administered. Ecstasy users were significantly impaired on Virtual Week, and these deficits were of a comparable magnitude irrespective of the specific prospective memory task demands. The pattern of results was unchanged after controlling for marijuana use, level of psychopathology, and sleep quality. Further, prospective memory was shown to be significantly impaired for both relatively infrequent and relatively frequent ecstasy users, although for the latter group the magnitude of this deficit was greater. Prospective memory performance is sensitive to regular and even moderate ecstasy use. Importantly, ecstasy users experience generalized difficulties with prospective memory, suggesting that these deficits are likely to have important implications for day-to-day functioning.

MALDI-TOF typing highlights geographical and fluconazole resistance clusters in Candida glabrata.

PubMed

Dhieb, C; Normand, A C; Al-Yasiri, M; Chaker, E; El Euch, D; Vranckx, K; Hendrickx, M; Sadfi, N; Piarroux, R; Ranque, S

2015-06-01

Utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra for Candida glabrata typing would be a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative to classical DNA-based typing methods. This study aimed to use MALDI-TOF for the typing of C. glabrata clinical isolates from various geographical origins and test its capacity to differentiate between fluconazole-sensitive and -resistant strains.Both microsatellite length polymorphism (MLP) and MALDI-TOF mass spectra of 58 C. glabrata isolates originating from Marseilles (France) and Tunis (Tunisia) as well as collection strains from diverse geographic origins were analyzed. The same analysis was conducted on a subset of C. glabrata isolates that were either susceptible (MIC ≤ 8 mg/l) or resistant (MIC ≥ 64 mg/l) to fluconazole.According to the seminal results, both MALDI-TOF and MLP classifications could highlight C. glabrata population structures associated with either geographical dispersal barriers (p < 10(-5)) or the selection of antifungal drug resistance traits (<10(-5)).In conclusion, MALDI-TOF geographical clustering was congruent with MPL genotyping and highlighted a significant population genetic structure according to fluconazole susceptibility in C. glabrata. Furthermore, although MALDI-TOF and MLP resulted in distinct classifications, MALDI-TOF also classified the isolates with respect to their fluconazole susceptibility profile. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the capacity of MALDI-TOF typing to investigate C. glabrata infection outbreaks and predict the antifungal susceptibility profile of clinical laboratory isolates. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Does the antisecretory agent used affect the evolution of upper digestive hemorrhage?].

PubMed

Ortí, E; Canelles, P; Quiles, F; Zapater, R; Cuquerella, J; Ariete, V; Tomé, A; Medina, E

1995-06-01

To investigate whether omeprazole has improved morbidity-mortality among patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding of non-variceal origin in comparison with ranitidine. Prospective, randomized and open study. We study 519 consecutive patients admitted to our Service between June 1991 and January 1993 for upper gastrointestinal bleeding of peptic origin, dividing the patients into two randomized groups that were homogeneous in terms of age, sex, previous history of gastric disease and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, intake of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and the severity of bleeding on admittance. Thus, Group A consisted of 252 patients treated immediately upon arrival at the emergency ward with 50 mg intravenous ranitidine, followed by a further 50 mg every 6 hours. Group B in turn consisted of 267 patients initially given a bolus dose of 80 mg omeprazole intravenously, followed by an additional 40 mg every 8 hours for 48 hours. Forty mg were subsequently administered every 12 hours until hospital discharge. Endoscopy was performed in all cases within the first 24 hours following admittance, those patients with active upper gastrointestinal bleeding resulted from Forrest-type ulcer of subjected to endoscopic sclerotherapy were excluded. Duodenal ulcer was the most common cause of bleeding, followed by gastric ulcer and acute lesions of the mucosa. Emphasis should be placed on the high incidence of previous non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug intake in our series (54.5%). We encountered no statistically significant differences between the two groups on comparing bleeding stigmata, transfusion requirements, recurrences, emergency surgery, the duration of hospital stay, and mortality. Both drugs were found to possess a similar efficacy in treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding of peptic origin.