A high proportion of blue light increases the photosynthesis capacity and leaf formation rate of Rosa × hybrida but does not affect time to flower opening.

PubMed

Terfa, Meseret Tesema; Solhaug, Knut Asbjørn; Gislerød, Hans Ragnar; Olsen, Jorunn Elisabeth; Torre, Sissel

2013-05-01

Alterations in light quality affect plant morphogenesis and photosynthetic responses but the effects vary significantly between species. Roses exhibit an irradiance-dependent flowering control but knowledge on light quality responses is scarce. In this study we analyzed, the responses in morphology, photosynthesis and flowering of Rosa × hybrida to different blue (B) light proportions provided by light-emitting diodes (LED, high B 20%) and high pressure sodium (HPS, low B 5%) lamps. There was a strong morphological and growth effect of the light sources but no significant difference in total dry matter production and flowering. HPS-grown plants had significantly higher leaf area and plant height, yet a higher dry weight proportion was allocated to leaves than stems under LED. LED plants showed 20% higher photosynthetic capacity (Amax ) and higher levels of soluble carbohydrates. The increase in Amax correlated with an increase in leaf mass per unit leaf area, higher stomata conductance and CO2 exchange, total chlorophyll (Chl) content per area and Chl a/b ratio. LED-grown leaves also displayed a more sun-type leaf anatomy with more and longer palisade cells and a higher stomata frequency. Although floral initiation occurred at a higher leaf number in LED, the time to open flowers was the same under both light conditions. Thereby the study shows that a higher portion of B light is efficient in increasing photosynthesis performance per unit leaf area, enhancing growth and morphological changes in roses but does not affect the total Dry Matter (DM) production or time to open flower. Copyright © Physiologia Plantarum 2012.

Comparison of characteristics and care-needs certification proportion between participants and non-participants in a geriatric health examination over a 3-year follow-up.

PubMed

Saito, Emiko; Yasumura, Seiji; Kaneko, Chikako; Ueki, Shouzoh

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the care-needs certification proportion of participants and non-participants in a geriatric health examination targeting community-dwelling seniors aged 70 years and older over 3 years. We implemented a geriatric health examination for 1347 community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and older in a local region of Japan in 2004. We followed the occurrence of new care-needs certification for 3 years in 443 subjects who participated in the health examination and in the 395 non-participants. Among the 838 subjects, there were 94 new certifications (11%) during the observation period. Non-participants had a significantly higher proportion of dependent, required assistance with walking and bathing, a history of stroke, poor self-reported health, tendency for depression and outdoors less than once a week than participants. Non-participants had a significantly lower average score of the motor fitness scale (MFS), their standing time from a long sitting position on the floor and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG Index of Competence). The proportion of care-needs certification over 3 years was significantly higher for non-participants (63/395, 16%) than for participants (31/443, 7%, p<0.05). Non-participants have a higher risk of care-needs certification. It is necessary to investigate current data gathering methods for seniors who do not undergo these examinations. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of carbohydrate and fat intake with metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Kwon, Yu-Jin; Lee, Hye-Sun; Lee, Ji-Won

2018-04-01

In Asia, dietary pattern has been changed with increased intake of refined carbohydrates, sugar, and saturated fat, while the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is on the rise. However, it remains unclear whether a high-carbohydrate or a high-fat diet is more metabolically harmful, and the optimal amount of carbohydrates and fat has not been determined. The aim of our study was to examine the role of carbohydrate and fat intake in MetS in a Korean population. Data were obtained from a large, population-based, cross-sectional study (6737 males and 8845 females). The subjects were divided into nine groups based on carbohydrate and fat proportion, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for confounding variables. Regardless of fat intake, the risk of MetS significantly increased in males with higher carbohydrate proportions (of total energy intake). In females, the risk of MetS was significantly elevated only in those with both the highest carbohydrate proportion and lowest fat proportion. A high carbohydrate proportion was associated with a higher prevalence of MetS in males, and a high carbohydrate proportion combined with a low fat proportion was associated with MetS in females. Our results indicate that reduction of excessive carbohydrate intake paired with an adequate fat intake, taking into consideration optimal types of fat, is useful for MetS prevention. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the optimal types and amounts of carbohydrate and fat proportions as well as the mechanism underlying these relationships. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of sex, race, body mass index and pre-vaccination serum progesterone levels and post-vaccination serum anti-anthrax protective immunoglobulin G on injection site adverse events following anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) in the CDC AVA human clinical trial.

PubMed

Pondo, Tracy; Rose, Charles E; Martin, Stacey W; Keitel, Wendy A; Keyserling, Harry L; Babcock, Janiine; Parker, Scott; Jacobson, Robert M; Poland, Gregory A; McNeil, Michael M

2014-06-12

Anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) administered intramuscularly (IM) results in fewer adverse events (AEs) than subcutaneous (SQ) administration. Women experience more AEs than men. Antibody response, female hormones, race, and body mass index (BMI) may contribute to increased frequency of reported injection site AEs. We analyzed data from the CDC AVA human clinical trial. This double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial enrolled 1563 participants and followed them through 8 injections (AVA or placebo) over a period of 42 months. For the trial's vaccinated cohort (n=1267), we used multivariable logistic regression to model the effects of study group (SQ or IM), sex, race, study site, BMI, age, and post-vaccination serum anti-PA IgG on occurrence of AEs of any severity grade. Also, in a women-only subset (n=227), we assessed effect of pre-vaccination serum progesterone level and menstrual phase on AEs. Participants who received SQ injections had significantly higher proportions of itching, redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth compared to the IM study group after adjusting for other risk factors. The proportions of redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth were all significantly lower in blacks vs. non-black participants. We found arm motion limitation, itching, pain, swelling and tenderness were more likely to occur in participants with the highest anti-PA IgG concentrations. In the SQ study group, redness and swelling were more common for obese participants compared to participants who were not overweight. Females had significantly higher proportions of all AEs compared to males. Menstrual phase was not associated with any AEs. Female and non-black participants had a higher proportion of AVA associated AEs and higher anti-PA IgG concentrations. Antibody responses to other vaccines may also vary by sex and race. Further studies may provide better understanding for higher proportions of AEs in women and non-black participants. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Evaluation of sex, race, body mass index and pre-vaccination serum progesterone levels and post-vaccination serum anti-anthrax protective immunoglobulin G on injection site adverse events following anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) in the CDC AVA human clinical trial✩

PubMed Central

Pondo, Tracy; Rose, Charles E.; Martin, Stacey W.; Keitel, Wendy A.; Keyserling, Harry L.; Babcock, Janiine; Parker, Scott; Jacobson, Robert M.; Poland, Gregory A.; McNeil, Michael M.

2017-01-01

Background Anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) administered intramuscularly (IM) results in fewer adverse events (AEs) than subcutaneous (SQ) administration. Women experience more AEs than men. Antibody response, female hormones, race, and body mass index (BMI) may contribute to increased frequency of reported injection site AEs. Methods We analyzed data from the CDC AVA human clinical trial. This double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial enrolled 1563 participants and followed them through 8 injections (AVA or placebo) over a period of 42 months. For the trial’s vaccinated cohort (n = 1267), we used multivariable logistic regression to model the effects of study group (SQ or IM), sex, race, study site, BMI, age, and post-vaccination serum anti-PA IgG on occurrence of AEs of any severity grade. Also, in a women-only subset (n = 227), we assessed effect of pre-vaccination serum progesterone level and menstrual phase on AEs. Results Participants who received SQ injections had significantly higher proportions of itching, redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth compared to the IM study group after adjusting for other risk factors. The proportions of redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth were all significantly lower in blacks vs. non-black participants. We found arm motion limitation, itching, pain, swelling and tenderness were more likely to occur in participants with the highest anti-PA IgG concentrations. In the SQ study group, redness and swelling were more common for obese participants compared to participants who were not overweight. Females had significantly higher proportions of all AEs compared to males. Menstrual phase was not associated with any AEs. Conclusions Female and non-black participants had a higher proportion of AVA associated AEs and higher anti-PA IgG concentrations. Antibody responses to other vaccines may also vary by sex and race. Further studies may provide better understanding for higher proportions of AEs in women and non-black participants. PMID:24768633

Trends in Authorship Characteristics in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1994 to 2014.

PubMed

Schrock, John B; Kraeutler, Matthew J; McCarty, Eric C

2016-07-01

Trends in author qualifications, the number of authors per article, and the internationalization of author groups in sports medicine journals have not been widely investigated. To examine trends in authorship characteristics in a single prominent sports medicine journal. Systematic review. Articles published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM) in 1994, 2004, and 2014 were reviewed. For each article, the academic degree(s) of the first and last author, the total number of authors, the country of the author group, and academic institution status were recorded. A total of 708 articles met the inclusion criteria: 129 in 1994, 244 in 2004, and 335 in 2014. There were significant differences in the proportion of first authors with an MD degree (80% in 1994, 75% in 2004, 67% in 2014; P = .01), a dual MD/PhD degree (4.7% in 1994, 6.2% in 2004, 9.3% in 2014; P < .001), and a bachelor's degree (0% in 1994, 0% in 2004, 3.9% in 2014; P < .001). The proportion of last authors with an MD/PhD significantly increased over the 2 decades studied (7% in 1994, 13% in 2004, 17% in 2014; P = .01). The mean number of authors per article also significantly increased (3.8 in 1994, 4.3 in 2004, 5.8 in 2014; P < .0001). The proportion of articles published by an international group and the proportion of articles published by an academic institution increased over the 20-year span as well (both P < .0001). Within the past 2 decades, there has been a significant increase in the average number of authors per article in AJSM, as well as a higher proportion of international groups and academic institutions publishing in the journal. More nonphysicians are publishing in AJSM, with a significantly higher percentage of first authors with a bachelor's degree as their highest degree. This is likely due to a combination of a general increased interest in research as well as increased competition among medical students. These factors have likely led to larger research groups and thus a significantly higher average number of authors per article. © 2016 The Author(s).

Commuting expenses : disparity for the working poor

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-03-01

The working poor spent a fraction of what other workers spent on commuting expenses, but those costs amounted to a significantly higher proportion of their income. The working poor who drove their own vehicle spent a higher percentage of their income...

Role of selected polymorphisms in determining muscle fiber composition in Japanese men and women.

PubMed

Kumagai, Hiroshi; Tobina, Takuro; Ichinoseki-Sekine, Noriko; Kakigi, Ryo; Tsuzuki, Takamasa; Zempo, Hirofumi; Shiose, Keisuke; Yoshimura, Eiichi; Kumahara, Hideaki; Ayabe, Makoto; Higaki, Yasuki; Yamada, Ryo; Kobayashi, Hiroyuki; Kiyonaga, Akira; Naito, Hisashi; Tanaka, Hiroaki; Fuku, Noriyuki

2018-05-01

Genetic polymorphisms and sex differences are suggested to affect muscle fiber composition; however, no study has investigated the effects of genetic polymorphisms on muscle fiber composition with respect to sex differences. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of genetic polymorphisms on muscle fiber composition with respect to sex differences in the Japanese population. The present study included 211 healthy Japanese individuals (102 men and 109 women). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis to determine the proportion of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms (MHC-I, MHC-IIa, and MHC-IIx). Moreover, we analyzed polymorphisms in α-actinin-3 gene ( ACTN3; rs1815739 ), angiotensin-converting enzyme gene ( ACE; rs4341 ), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α gene ( rs11549465 ), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 gene ( rs1870377 ), and angiotensin II receptor, type 2 gene ( rs11091046 ), by TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays. The proportion of MHC-I was 9.8% lower in men than in women, whereas the proportion of MHC-IIa and MHC-IIx was higher in men than in women (5.0 and 4.6%, respectively). Men with the ACTN3 RR + RX genotype had a 4.8% higher proportion of MHC-IIx than those with the ACTN3 XX genotype. Moreover, men with the ACE ID + DD genotype had a 4.7% higher proportion of MHC-I than those with the ACE II genotype. Furthermore, a combined genotype of ACTN3 R577X and ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) was significantly correlated with the proportion of MHC-I ( r = -0.23) and MHC-IIx ( r = 0.27) in men. In contrast, no significant correlation was observed between the examined polymorphisms and muscle fiber composition in women. These results suggest that the ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms independently affect the proportion of human skeletal muscle fibers MHC-I and MHC-IIx in men but not in women. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In men, the RR + RX genotype of the α-actinin-3 gene ( ACTN3) R577X polymorphism was associated with a higher proportion of myosin heavy chain (MHC)-IIx. The ID + DD genotype of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene ( ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, in contrast to a previous finding, was associated with a higher proportion of MHC-I in men. In addition, the combined genotype of these polymorphisms was correlated with the proportion of MHC-I and MHC-IIx in men. Thus ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms influence the muscle fiber composition in Japanese men.

Period of residence in prefabricated temporary housing and psychological distress after the Great East Japan Earthquake: a longitudinal study

PubMed Central

Tanji, Fumiya; Tomata, Yasutake; Sekiguchi, Takuya; Tsuji, Ichiro

2018-01-01

Objectives Previous studies have reported that displacement from one’s own home after a natural disaster is associated with a higher degree of psychological distress. The present study investigated the longitudinal association between the period of residence in prefabricated temporary housing and psychological distress after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Design, setting and participants We conducted a longitudinal observation of 284 adults (aged ≥18 years) who had lived in prefabricated temporary housing in Miyagi, Northeastern Japan. The period of residence in prefabricated temporary housing was classified into three categories: <3, 3–4 and >4 years (ie, still living in prefabricated temporary housing). Outcomes The Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was assessed in both a baseline survey (2011) and a follow-up survey (2016). Higher psychological distress was defined by a K6 score of ≥5. We used Firth’s penalised likelihood method in the multivariate logistic regression model to estimate the adjusted ORs and 95% CIs. Results Among the total participants, the proportion of individuals with higher psychological distress at the follow-up survey was significantly higher in the >4 years category (multivariate OR=4.00, 95% CI 1.67 to 10.16) than in the <3 years category. Among participants who had a lower degree of psychological distress at the baseline, the proportion of those whose psychological distress deteriorated was significantly higher in the >4 years category (multivariate OR=4.87, 95% CI 1.26 to 20.28) than in the <3 years category. On the other hand, among the participants who had a higher degree of psychological distress at the baseline, the proportion of those whose psychological distress ameliorated was significantly lower in the >4 years category (multivariate OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.85) than in the <3 years category. Conclusions The proportion of individuals with more severe psychological distress was higher among participants who had lived in prefabricated temporary housing for a long period. PMID:29730612

[Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on intestinal immune function of rats with severe scald injury].

PubMed

Huang, Cuilan; Zhan, Jianhua; Luo, Jinhua

2015-02-01

To observe the effects of astragalus polysaccharide (AP) on the intestinal mucosal morphology, level of secretory IgA (s-IgA) in intestinal mucus, and distribution of T lymphocyte subsets in Peyer's patch in rats with severe scald injury. One hundred and thirty SD rats were divided into sham injury group (SI, sham injured, n = 10), scald group (S, n = 30), low dosage group (LD, n = 30), moderate dosage group (MD, n = 30), and high dosage group (HD, n = 30) according to the random number table. Rats in the latter 4 groups were inflicted with 30% TBSA full-thickness scald on the back. From post injury hour 2, rats in groups LD, MD, and HD were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mL AP solution with the dosage of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg each day respectively, and rats in group S were injected with 0.5 mL normal saline instead. Ten rats from group SI immediately after injury and 10 rats from each of the latter 4 groups on post injury day (PID) 3, 7, 14 were sacrificed, and their intestines were harvested. The morphology of ileal mucosa was examined after HE staining; the level of s-IgA in ileal mucus was determined with double-antibody sandwich ELISA method; the proportions of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches of intestine were determined with flow cytometer, and the proportion of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ was calculated. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, analysis of variance of factorial design, and SNK test. (1) Villi in normal form and intact villus epithelial cells were observed in rats of group SI immediately after injury, while edema of villi and necrosis and desquamation of an enormous amount of villi were observed in groups with scalded rats on PID 3, with significant infiltration of inflammatory cells. On PID 7, no obvious improvement in intestinal mucosal lesion was observed in groups with scalded rats. On PID 14, the pathology in intestinal mucosa of rats remained nearly the same in group S, and it was alleviated obviously in groups LD and MD, and the morphology of intestinal mucosa of rats in group HD was recovered to that of group SI. (2) On PID 3, 7, and 14, the level of s-IgA in intestinal mucus significantly decreased in groups S, LD, MD, and HD [(43 ± 5), (45 ± 5), (46 ± 5) µg/mL; (47 ± 5), (48 ± 5), (49 ± 6) µg/mL; (50 ± 6), (51 ± 5), (52 ± 5) µg/mL; (53 ± 6), (54 ± 5), (55 ± 5) µg/mL] as compared with that of rats in group SI immediately after injury [(69 ± 4) µg/mL, with P values below 0.05]. The level of s-IgA in intestinal mucus of rats in group MD was significantly higher than that in group S at each time point (with P values below 0.05), and that of group HD was significantly higher than that in groups S and LD at each time point (with P values below 0.05). (3) Compared with those of rats in group SI immediately after injury, the proportions of CD3⁺ T lymphocytes and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes significantly decreased in groups with scalded rats at each time point (with P values below 0.05), except for those in group HD on PID 14. The proportion of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes of rats in group LD was significantly higher than that in group S on PID 3 (P < 0.05). The proportions of CD3⁺ T lymphocytes and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes were significantly higher in groups MD and HD than in groups S and LD (except for the proportion of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes in group MD on PID 3 and 14) at each time point (with P values below 0.05). The proportion of CD3⁺ T lymphocytes on PID 7 and 14 and that of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes on PID 3 were significantly higher in group HD than in group MD (with P values below 0.05). Compared with that of rats in group SI immediately after injury, the proportion of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes significantly increased in the other 4 groups at each time point (with P values below 0.05). The proportion of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes was significantly lower in rats of group LD on PID 7 and 14 and groups MD and HD at each time point than in group S (with P values below 0.05). The proportion of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes was significantly lower in rats of group MD on PID 7 and 14 and group HD at each time point than in group LD (with P values below 0.05). The proportion of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes was significantly lower in rats of group HD on PID 7 and 14 than in group MD (with P values below 0.05). On PID 3, 7, and 14, the proportion of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ was significantly lower in groups S, LD, MD, and HD (0.65 ± 0.11, 0.68 ± 0.13, 0.73 ± 0.22; 0.76 ± 0.15, 0.78 ± 0.14, 0.90 ± 0.10; 0.85 ± 0.21, 0.89 ± 0.18, 1.08 ± 0.19; 0.99 ± 0.20, 1.05 ± 0.21, 1.25 ± 0.23) as compared with that of rats in group SI immediately after injury (1.74 ± 0.20, with P values below 0.05). The proportion of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ was significantly higher in rats of group HD than in group MD on PID 7 (P < 0.05), and the proportion was significantly higher in these two groups than in group S at each time point (with P values below 0.05). The proportion of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ was significantly higher in rats of group MD on PID 14 and group HD at each time point than in group LD (with P values below 0.05). Compared within each group, the proportions of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T lymphocytes and the proportion of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ of rats in groups LD, MD, and HD showed a trend of gradual elevation along with passage of time. AP can improve the injury to intestinal mucosa and modulate the balance of T lymphocyte subsets in Peyer's patch in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and it can promote s-IgA secretion of intestinal mucosa in a dose-dependent manner.

[A clinical study on pulmonary tuberculosis in younger age groups].

PubMed

Takahara, M; Suzuki, T; Toyota, E; Kobayashi, N; Kawada, H; Kudoh, K

2000-04-01

In 1997, the number of newly registered patients with pulmonary tuberculosis increased, compared with that in 1996, in Japan. The majority of the increase were occupied by elder patients 70 years of age or higher. But in younger group less than 30 years old, a reduction in the incidence of tuberculosis had been slowed down, until 1996. The purpose of this report is to elucidate the characteristics of these younger patients. 139 cases younger than 30 years of age, who were hospitalized in the tuberculous ward of IMCJ from April 1995 to March 1998, were investigated, and were compared with the control group (557 cases), 30-79 years old who were hospitalized during the same period. In the younger group, the proportion of women cases, discovered by health examination, foreigners, and contact with TB patients in the past was significantly higher than in the control group. But there were no difference between the both groups, concerning the proportion of those spending irregular life or living alone. The proportion of sputa smear negative cases was significantly higher in the younger group than in the control. For early diagnosis of TB among younger group, the application of bronchofiberscopy and nucleic acid diagnostic method, are encouraged.

Internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade for myopic foveoschisis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Meng, Bo; Zhao, Lu; Yin, Yi; Li, Hongyang; Wang, Xiaolei; Yang, Xiufen; You, Ran; Wang, Jialin; Zhang, Youjing; Wang, Hui; Du, Ran; Wang, Ningli; Zhan, Siyan; Wang, Yanling

2017-09-08

Myopic foveoschisis (MF) is among the leading causes of visual loss in high myopia. However, it remains controversial whether internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling or gas tamponade is necessary treatment option for MF. PubMed, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and VIP databases were systematically reviewed. Outcome indicators were myopic foveoschisis resolution rate, visual acuity improvement and postoperative complications. Nine studies that included 239 eyes were selected. The proportion of resolution of foveoschisis was higher in ILM peeling group than non-ILM peeling group (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.06-4.35; P = 0.03). The proportion of postoperative complications was higher in Tamponade group than non-Tamponade group (OR = 10.81, 95% CI: 1.26-93.02; P = 0.03). However, the proportion of visual acuity improvement (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 0.56-4.80; P = 0.37) between ILM peeling group and non-ILM peeling group and the proportion of resolution of foveoschisis (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.76-4.28; P = 0.18) between Tamponade group and non-Tamponade group were similar. Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling could contribute to better resolution of myopic foveoschisis than non-peeling, however it does not significantly influence the proportion of visual acuity improvement and postoperative complications. Vitrectomy with gas tamponade is associated with more complications than non-tamponade and does not significantly influence the proportion of visual acuity improvement and resolution of myopic foveoschisis.

Cyclin D1 is significantly associated with stage of tumor and predicts poor survival in endometrial carcinoma patients.

PubMed

Khabaz, Mohamad Nidal; Abdelrahman, Amer Shafie; Butt, Nadeem Shafique; Al-Maghrabi, Basim; Al-Maghrabi, Jaudah

2017-10-01

Cyclin D1 overexpression has been described to have oncogenic role and association with diagnosis, prognosis and survival in various tumors. This study will describe the immunohistochemical phenotype of cyclin D1, and investigate the correlation between these patterns of expression and clinicopathological parameters of endometrial carcinomas, to conclude the clinical relevance of cyclin D1 expression in the evolution of endometrial neoplasms. This study employed 101 endometrial tissue samples which include 71 endometrial carcinomas and thirty normal and benign endometrium cases. All these tissue samples were used in the assembly of tissue microarrays which have been utilized afterward in immunohistochemistry staining to detect cyclin D1 expression. Forty (56.3%) cases of endometrial carcinomas showed brown nuclear expression of cyclin D1 including 36 (61%) cases of endometrioid carcinomas, and 3 (33.3%) cases of serous carcinomas. Twenty three (76.6%) cases of control group demonstrated nuclear expression. High score cyclin D1 immunohistochemical staining has been significantly linked with patient age (P=0.0001). Large proportion of high score cyclin D1 immunohistochemical staining was observed in females who are <40years of age while high proportions of negative staining were observed in older age groups. Histologic type of tissue was also significantly related to cyclin D1 immunohistochemical staining (P-value=0.0001), high staining is more common in normal proliferative and secretory endometrium while serous carcinoma is more prevalent with negative staining. Stage of tumor was significantly associated with cyclin D1 immunohistochemical staining (P-value=0.029), proportion of stage III and IV are higher in negative cyclin D1 immunostaining. Significantly higher proportion of high score cyclin D1 immunostaining is observed in controls while higher proportion of negative cyclin D1 immunostaining is observed among carcinoma cases (P-value=0.0001). No significant associations between cyclin D1 immunohistochemical staining and grade, recurrence and alive status were observed. Significant different survival distributions were observed (P-value=0.011) and poor survival behavior was correlated with negative cyclin D1 immunohistochemical staining. In conclusion, greater frequency of cyclin D1 expression was revealed in normal endometrial tissues in comparison with carcinomas. The distribution pattern of cyclin D1 immunoexpression suggests poor prognoses in endometrial carcinoma patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients.

PubMed

Wanderley, Miriam da Silva; Pereira, Lara Cristina Ribeiro; Santos, Carla Borges; Cunha, Vinícius Santos da; Neves, Mariam Viviane Jovino

2018-04-01

 To analyze the association between the indirect methods of evaluating insulin resistance (IR) and blood pressure, anthropometric and biochemical parameters in a population of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.  Cross-sectional study performed at the Hospital Universitário de Brasília (HUB, in the Portuguese acronym) involving PCOS patients diagnosed from January 2011 to January 2013. Four indirect methods, namely, fasting blood insulin level, fasting glucose/insulin ratio (G/I), homeostatic model-assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), were used to obtain the IR diagnosis. The data were analyzed using the test of proportions, the Chi-square test, and Fisher exact test, when indicated.  Out of the 83 patients assessed, aged 28.79 ± 5.85, IR was found in 51.81-66.2% of them using the G/I ratio and the QUICKI, respectively. The test of proportions did not show a significant difference between the methods analyzed. The proportion of IR diagnoses was statistically higher in obese women than in women with normal body mass index (BMI). We observed a statistically significant association between all the methods for diagnosing IR and BMI, waist circumference (WC) and lipid accumulation product (LAP). With regards to arterial hypertension (AH), we observed a significant association according to three methods, with the exception of the ratio G/I.  Insulin resistance prevalence varied according to the diagnostic method employed, with no statistical difference between them. The proportion of IR diagnoses was statistically higher in obese women than in women with normal BMI. We observed a significant association between IR and WC, BMI, LAP, as well as dyslipidemia and AH in a high proportion of patients. Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Exploring the Establishment of the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer in Higher Education: A Multisite Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parker, Eugene T., III

2015-01-01

Our nation is experiencing a demographic shift. The proportion of racial minorities will significantly increase during the next several decades. Higher education will similarly experience a demographic shift among its students. Institutions of higher education will have to navigate issues of multiculturalism on campus. Issues of diversity, equity…

Improved quality of care for cardiovascular disease for Latinos seen in high proportion Latino vs low proportion Latino clinics.

PubMed

López, Lenny; Cook, Nakela; Hicks, Leroi

2015-01-01

Primary care practices that concentrate linguistically and culturally appropriate services for Latinos may result in higher cardiology consultation rates and improved process measure performance for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to assess differences in referral at high proportion (HP) vs low proportion (LP) practices. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to assess the frequency of follow-up consultation. Among the 9,761 patients, 9,168 had CAD, 4,444 had CHF, and 3,851 had both conditions. Latinos comprised 11% of the CAD cohort and 11% of the CHF cohort. Multivariable analyses showed higher consultation rates for Latinos at HP practices for CAD and CHF. Blacks and Whites at HP practices had no significant differences in rates of consultation compared to those in LP practices. Latinos at HP practices had 25% more consultations for CAD and 23% more consultations for CHF than Latinos at LP practices. Latinos at HP clinics had higher overall mean quality performance on clinical measures for both CAD and CHF. Latinos at an LP clinic had the largest improvement in quality performance with consultation. Among Latinos with CAD or CHF receiving care within a single large academic care network, Latino patients at HP practices have higher rates of cardiologist consultation and performance on CVD process measures compared to Latino patients at LP practices. Elucidating the essential components of individual practice environments that provide higher quality of care for Latinos will allow for well designed systems to reduce health care disparities.

The potential impact of family history of metabolic syndrome and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: In a highly endogamous population.

PubMed

Bener, Abdulbari; Darwish, Sarah; Al-Hamaq, Abdulla O A; Yousafzai, Mohammad T; Nasralla, Eman A

2014-03-01

This study aims to determine the potential impact of positive family history of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among two generations, on developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and the potential relation of consanguineous marriage among patients with MetS to the risk of developing T2DM among a sample of Qataris. A cross-sectional study. Primary healthcare (PHC) centers. The survey and measurement were conducted from April 2011 to December 2012 among Qatari nationals above 20 years of age. Of the 2,182 subjects, who were approached to participate in the study, 1,552 (71%) gave their consent. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire followed by anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) as well as International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 26.2% according to ATP III and 36.9% according to IDF (P < 0.0001). The mean age of MetS patients with T2DM was significantly higher than those without T2DM (Mean 48 ± 9.9 vs. 42.5 ± 9.2; P < 0.001). The proportion of females was higher among MetS patients with T2DM as compared to those without T2DM (61% vs. 51%; P = 0.053). In addition, there were significant differences between MetS patients with and without DM in terms of co-morbidities of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and high cholesterol. The proportion of MetS patients with positive family history for MetS was significantly higher in MetS patients with T2DM as compared to those without T2DM (46.7% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.009). The proportion of positive family history of MetS among fathers (35% vs. 21.9%; P = 0.005), mothers (30.5% vs. 18.8%; P = 0.008), maternal aunt (18.3% vs. 11.2%; P = 0.055), and maternal grand father (19.5% vs. 10%; P = 0.010) were significantly higher in MetS patients with T2DM as compared to the counterpart. The proportion of consanguineous marriages was almost two times higher among MetS patients with T2DM as compared to those without T2DM (80.9% vs. 41.9%; P < 0.001). The proportion of MetS patients with T2DM was lower than MetS patients without DM below 45 years, but after 45 years, the proportion of MetS patients with T2DM remained higher than their counterparts. Family history of MetS among parents, maternal aunt, maternal grandfather, and consanguineous marriages among patients of MetS are significantly associated with the development of T2DM in Qatar. These results support the necessity of earlier screening for T2DM among MetS patients with positive family history of MetS.

[Status quo and influencing factors of disabilities caused by injury in Guangdong province].

PubMed

Dai, Jin-fang; Dong, Xiao-mei; Song, Zhuo-ping; Jiang, Ming-xu; Wang, Chang; Wang, Sheng-yong

2011-09-01

To analyze the epidemiology status and risk factors of disabilities caused by injury in Guangdong province. Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to identify 1530 subjects with disabilities (among them, 415 disabilities caused by injury), in the villages or districts in the four regions of Guangzhou, Qingyuan, Zhaoqing and Huizhou in 2010. Subjects were interviewed by trained staff with self-made questionnaires about the status of the disabled, then 415 disabled caused by injury were interviewed about the process of the injury causing disability. The variables in this survey included gender, regions, rural (urban) residences, occupation, age and injury style. The difference of injury were analyzed through χ(2) test, and the influencing factors were explored through classification tree model. The top five causes of disability were road traffic injury, fall, work-related injury, medical accident, scald or burn, accounting for 32.53% (135/415), 21.45% (89/415), 12.77% (53/415), 8.43% (35/415) and 5.06% (21/415), respectively. The proportion of male was higher than female in all disabilities caused by injury (295 male, 117 female, 3 unknown). Female had higher proportion 8.55% (10/117) than male 3.05% (9/295) with the cause of scald or burn (χ(2) = 6.302, P = 0.012), the proportion of rural residents 38.89%(84/216)was also higher than urban residents 25.63% (51/199) in disabilities caused by traffic accident (χ(2) = 43.850, P < 0.001); and the proportion of rural residents 25.46%(55/216)was also higher than urban residents 8.55% (34/199) in disabilities caused by the fall (χ(2) = 8.257, P = 0.004). Different age groups and regions had different types of injury causing disability, 53.08% (69/130) traffic accident and 51.92% (27/52) work-injury mainly caused disability in 25 - 44 age group, 85.71% (30/35) medical accident and 76.20% (16/21) scald or burn mainly caused disability in 0 - 14 age group, the injury caused by the fall was 62.50% (5/8) in 65- age group. The proportions of fall in Qingyuan 29.09% (16/55) and Huizhou 28.23% (37/131) were significantly higher than that in Guangzhou 13.38% (21/157) and Zhaoqing 21.13% (15/71) (χ(2) = 11.904, P = 0.008). The proportions of work-injury in Guangzhou 19.11% (30/157) and Zhaoqing 19.72% (14/71) were significantly higher than that in Qingyuan 0.00% (0/55) and Huizhou 6.09% (8/131) (χ(2) = 22.309, P < 0.001). The proportions of disabled by scald or burn in Guangzhou 10.83% (17/157) and Qingyuan 0.00% (0/55) were significantly higher than that in Zhaoqing 1.41% (1/71) and Huizhou 2.27% (3/131) (χ(2) = 17.826, P < 0.001). Classification tree model revealed that the age group, occupation and urban-rural were major factors influencing intended harm, the highest proportion of the intended harm was in 25 - 44 age group (59.21%, 151/255). The road traffic injury, fall, work-related injury, medical accident and scald or burn were main causes of disability in Guangdong province. Gender, age, and urban-rural factors were associated with disabilities caused by injury.

Smoking and relative body weight: an international perspective from the WHO MONICA Project.

PubMed

Molarius, A; Seidell, J C; Kuulasmaa, K; Dobson, A J; Sans, S

1997-06-01

To investigate the magnitude and consistency of the associations between smoking and body mass index (BMI) in different populations. A cross sectional study. About 69,000 men and women aged 35-64 years from 42 populations participating in the first WHO MONICA survey in the early and mid 1980s. Compared to never smokers, regular smokers had significantly (p < 0.05) lower median BMI in 20 (men) and 30 (women) out of 42 populations (range -2.9 to 0.5 kg/m2). There was no population in which smokers had a significantly higher BMI than never smokers. Among men, the association between leanness and smoking was less apparent in populations with relatively low proportions of regular smokers and high proportions of ex-smokers. Ex-smokers had significantly higher BMI than never smokers in 10 of the male populations but in women no consistent pattern was observed. Adjustment for socioeconomic status did not affect these results. Although in most populations the association between smoking and BMI is similar, the magnitude of this association may be affected by the proportions of smokers and ex-smokers in these populations.

Gender-related differences in lower limb alignment, range of joint motion, and the incidence of sports injuries in Japanese university athletes.

PubMed

Mitani, Yasuhiro

2017-01-01

[Purpose] To investigate the gender-related differences in lower limb alignment, range of joint motion, and history of lower limb sports injuries in Japanese university athletes. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 224 Japanese university athletes (154 males and 70 females). The quadriceps angle (Q-angle), arch height index, and ranges of internal and external rotation of the hip joints were measured. History of lower limb sports injury was surveyed using a questionnaire. [Results] Females had a significantly higher Q-angle and hip joint internal rotation angle and a significantly lower arch height index than males. The survey revealed that a significantly higher proportion of females had a history of lower limb sports injuries, and that the proportion of those with a history of foot/ankle injuries was particularly high. [Conclusion] These results suggested that females experience more lower limb sports injuries than males, and that a large proportion of these injuries involve the foot/ankle. Reduced lower limb alignment and increased range of joint motion in females may be risk factors for injury because they lead to increased physical stress being exerted on the lower legs during sporting activities.

Care in Academia: An Exploration of Student Parents' Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moreau, Marie-Pierre; Kerner, Charlotte

2015-01-01

While student parents now represent a significant proportion of the higher education population in England, this group has been given limited consideration in policy circles. Using a social constructivist and feminist theoretical framework, this paper draws on a research project investigating the role of higher education policies in supporting…

International Demand for American Higher Education: An Extension.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mixon, J. Wilson, Jr.; Wan, Weidong

1990-01-01

A study of the relationship of population and income in Asian countries and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members to their demand for American higher education found that both population and income significantly affect demand, but not proportionally. Findings suggest countries meet most change in citizens' demand with…

Effect of nest design, passages, and hybrid on use of nest and production performance of layers in furnished cages.

PubMed

Wall, H; Tauson, R; Elwinger, K

2002-03-01

Production performance, including egg quality, and proportion of eggs laid in nests were studied in furnished experimental cages incorporating nests, litter baths, and perches. The study comprised a total of 972 hens of two genotypes: Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Hy-Line White. The birds were studied from 20 to 80 wk of age, and conventional four-hen cages were included as a reference. In furnished cages for six hens, the effects of 30 or 50% vs. 100% nest bottom lining (Astro turf) were studied with LSL hens. Nest bottom lining had no significant effect on egg production or proportions of cracked or dirty eggs, but the use of nests was significantly higher in cages incorporating nests with 100% lining, compared with 50 or 30%. The two hybrids were compared when housed in large, group-furnished cages for 14 or 16 hens of two designs; with a rear partition with two pop holes or fully open, i.e., no rear partition. LSL birds produced significantly better and had a significantly lower proportion of cracked eggs. There was no difference between H- and O-cages, either in production or in egg quality. LSL birds laid a significantly lower proportion of eggs in the nests, especially in O-cages, implying a significant hybrid x cage interaction. When housed in conventional cages, the hybrids did not differ in proportion of cracked eggs but differed in production traits. It was concluded that with the present nest design, the proportion of nest bottom lining cannot be reduced without affecting birds' use of nests, but the proportion did not affect exterior egg quality. The effect of genotype should be considered in the further development of furnished cages.

Relationship between household expenditures on strategic foods and prevalence of undernutrition among children 0 to 23 months of age in Indonesia.

PubMed

Mauludyani, Anna Vipta Resti; Fahmida, Umi; Santika, Otte

2014-12-01

The global economic crisis in 2007/08 resulted in higher food prices, which increased household food expenditures while worsening the quantity and quality of food consumed, potentially leading to child undernutrition. To characterize the relationship of the mean proportions of household expenditures on strategic foods with the prevalence of undernutrition (high stunting, wasting, and underweight) among children under 2 years of age in Indonesia. The study used data from 437 districts from two nationally representative surveys conducted in 2007, the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) and the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas). A higher mean proportion of household expenditure on soybeans was significantly associated with lower odds (3rd vs. 1st tertile) of prevalence of high wasting (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.94; p =.031) and high underweight (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.28; p < .0001). A lower mean proportion of household expenditure on sugar and cooking oil was significantly associated with lower odds of prevalence of high wasting (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.37 to 4.23; p = .002) and high underweight (2nd vs. 1st tertile) (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.05 to 5.41; p = .039). Among all strategic foods, a higher proportion of household expenditure on soybeans and a lower proportion of household expenditure on sugar and cooking oil are associated with lower odds of high wasting and underweight prevalence among children 0 to 23 months of age. The results indicate the need for promotion of consumption of fermented soybeans and education aiming at decreasing expenditure on sugar and cooking oil to increase consumption of more nutritious foods.

Application of pulsed field gel electrophoresis to the 1993 epidemic of whooping cough in the UK.

PubMed Central

Syedabubakar, S. N.; Matthews, R. C.; Preston, N. W.; Owen, D.; Hillier, V.

1995-01-01

The purpose of this study was to DNA fingerprint the majority (64%) of isolates received at the Pertussis Reference Laboratory during the 1993 whooping cough epidemic by pulsed field gel electrophoresis of Xba I-generated restriction digests. Two DNA restriction patterns, types 1 and 3, predominated (40% and 23%, respectively, of 180 isolates) but type 2, identified in a previous study was notably absent. Twenty-one new DNA types occurred (24% of isolates), some being atypical as bands 155-230 kb were no longer conserved, but there was no statistically significant difference in their incidence in the upswing (June-September) compared to the downswing (October-December) phase of the epidemic. There was a relatively high proportion of new types, compared to type 1, at the peak (September). About 50% of isolates received were from the North Western Region, where 44% of isolates were DNA type 1. Whereas only 1 out of 10 isolates from Scotland were of this type, suggesting some geographic variation. Statistically significant findings included a higher proportion of isolates from female patients (P < 0.01), most marked in the 12-24 months age group (P < 0.05); a higher proportion of infants under 12 months requiring hospital admission compared to older children (P < 0.05); and a greater number of isolates from unvaccinated children (P < 0.01). Analysis of serotype according to four age groups (under 3 months, 3-12 months, 12-24 months and above 2 years) showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) with a noticeably lower proportion (38%) of serotype 1,3 in 3-12 months age group and higher prevalence (74%) of serotype 1,3 in the 12-24 months age group. There was no correlation between DNA type and serotype. Images Fig. 2 PMID:7641824

Water and Beverage Consumption among Children Aged 4-13 Years in Lebanon: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Jomaa, Lamis; Hwalla, Nahla; Constant, Florence; Naja, Farah; Nasreddine, Lara

2016-09-08

This study evaluates total water intake (TWI) from plain water, beverages and foods among Lebanese children and compares TWI to dietary reference intakes (DRIs). In a national cross-sectional survey, data on demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, and physical activity characteristics were obtained from 4 to 13-year-old children (n = 752). Food and beverage consumption patterns were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. TWI was estimated at 1651 mL/day, with beverages contributing 72% of the TWI compared to 28% from foods. Beverages with the highest contribution to TWI included plain water, fruit juice and soda. A significantly higher proportion of 9-13-year-old children failed to meet the DRIs compared to 4-8 years old (92%-98% vs. 74%). Gender differentials were observed with a significantly higher proportion of boys meeting the DRIs compared to girls. The water to energy ratio ranged between 0.84 and 0.87, which fell short of meeting the desirable recommendations. In addition, children from higher socioeconomic status had higher intakes of water from milk and bottled water, coupled with lower water intakes from sodas. The study findings show an alarming high proportion of Lebanese children failing to meet TWI recommendations, and call for culture-specific interventions to instill healthy fluid consumption patterns early in life.

Water and Beverage Consumption among Children Aged 4–13 Years in Lebanon: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study

PubMed Central

Jomaa, Lamis; Hwalla, Nahla; Constant, Florence; Naja, Farah; Nasreddine, Lara

2016-01-01

This study evaluates total water intake (TWI) from plain water, beverages and foods among Lebanese children and compares TWI to dietary reference intakes (DRIs). In a national cross-sectional survey, data on demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, and physical activity characteristics were obtained from 4 to 13-year-old children (n = 752). Food and beverage consumption patterns were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. TWI was estimated at 1651 mL/day, with beverages contributing 72% of the TWI compared to 28% from foods. Beverages with the highest contribution to TWI included plain water, fruit juice and soda. A significantly higher proportion of 9–13-year-old children failed to meet the DRIs compared to 4–8 years old (92%–98% vs. 74%). Gender differentials were observed with a significantly higher proportion of boys meeting the DRIs compared to girls. The water to energy ratio ranged between 0.84 and 0.87, which fell short of meeting the desirable recommendations. In addition, children from higher socioeconomic status had higher intakes of water from milk and bottled water, coupled with lower water intakes from sodas. The study findings show an alarming high proportion of Lebanese children failing to meet TWI recommendations, and call for culture-specific interventions to instill healthy fluid consumption patterns early in life. PMID:27618092

Amount of stroma is associated with mammographic density and stromal expression of oestrogen receptor in normal breast tissues.

PubMed

Gabrielson, Marike; Chiesa, Flaminia; Paulsson, Janna; Strell, Carina; Behmer, Catharina; Rönnow, Katarina; Czene, Kamila; Östman, Arne; Hall, Per

2016-07-01

Following female sex and age, mammographic density is considered one of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer. Despite the association between mammographic density and breast cancer risk, little is known about the underlying histology and biological basis of breast density. To better understand the mechanisms behind mammographic density we assessed morphology, proliferation and hormone receptor status in relation to mammographic density in breast tissues from healthy women. Tissues were obtained from 2012-2013 by ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy from 160 women as part of the Karma (Karolinska mammography project for risk prediction for breast cancer) project. Mammograms were collected through routine mammography screening and mammographic density was calculated using STRATUS. The histological composition, epithelial and stromal proliferation status and hormone receptor status were assessed through immunohistochemical staining. Higher mammographic density was significantly associated with a greater proportion of stromal and epithelial tissue and a lower proportion of adipose tissue. Epithelial expression levels of Ki-67, oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were not associated with mammographic density. Epithelial Ki-67 was associated with a greater proportion of epithelial tissue, and epithelial PR was associated with a greater proportion of stromal and a lower proportion of adipose tissue. Epithelial ER was not associated with any tissues. In contrast, expression of ER in the stroma was significantly associated with a greater proportion of stroma, and negatively associated with the amount of adipose tissue. High mammographic density is associated with higher amount of stroma and epithelium and less amount of fat, but is not associated with a change in epithelial proliferation or receptor status. Increased expressions of both epithelial PR and stromal ER are associated with a greater proportion of stroma, suggesting hormonal involvement in regulating breast tissue composition.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors that relate to aggression perpetrated against nurses by patients/relatives or staff.

PubMed

Edward, Karen-leigh; Stephenson, John; Ousey, Karen; Lui, Steve; Warelow, Philip; Giandinoto, Jo-Ann

2016-02-01

The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the factors that related to aggression (verbal abuse or physical abuse/assault) perpetrated against the nurse or other health professionals by patients/relatives or staff. In the light of the paucity of systematic reviews on this common issue in nursing, the objective was to present a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of these papers. Aggression towards nurses is common around the world and can be the impetus for nurses leaving the profession or developing anxiety when working in particular settings. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Meta-analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the factors of gender and context (dichotomised as mental health/psychiatric or nonmental health/psychiatric). The databases of Medline (1966-2015), CINAHL (1982-2015) and PsychInfo (1920-2015). A total of 1571 papers were screened by two reviewers. At the final decision 14 were selected for analysis. A higher proportion of female nurses than male nurses were reported to be the victims of verbal abuse, with the difference in proportions being statistically significant. A statistically significant higher proportion of male nurses than female nurses were reported to be the victims of physical abuse. There was a significantly higher proportion of mental health nurses reported experiencing physical abuse as compared to nonmental health nurses. The analysis reveal female nurses have greater odds of verbal abuse than male nurses and male nurses have greater odds of physical abuse than female nurses. Overall mental health nurses had three times higher odds of physical assault than other nurses. In the light of the findings it is recommended organisational support improve in high aggression potential clinical areas and for nursing curriculums to incorporate education about the management of challenging behaviours in undergraduate programmes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Life history and demography of the common mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum in South Carolina, USA

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

Frazier, N.B.; Gibbons, J.W.; Greene, J.L.

1992-01-01

This paper presents a life table for the common mud turtle, Kinosternon subrubrum, in a fluctuating aquatic habitat on the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina, USA, using data gathered in a 20-yr mark-recapture study. Data on survivorship and fecundity were assessed and compared to previously published life table statistics for the slider turtle, Trachemys scripta, in the same body of water and for the yellow mud turtle, K. flavscens, in Nebraska. The annual survival rate for adult female Kinosternon is significantly higher than that of adult female Trachemys. Similarly, male Kinosternon exhibit an annual survival rate significantly higher thanmore » that of male Trachemys. The mean annual proportion of female Kinosternon that are reproductively active also is significantly higher than that of Trachemys. In addition, survival rate from the time eggs are laid by Kinosternon until the hatchlings enter the aquatic environment is significantly higher than that for Trachemys. Comparisons of findings with those for K. flavesens indicate that these geographically separate populations of congeneric species also differ substantially in age at maturity, mean generation time, and the mean proportion of females that are reproductively active in any given year. Differences were also apparent in mean clutch frequencies and adult survival rates.« less

Proximate, amino acid and lipid compositions in Sinonovacula constricta (Lamarck) reared at different salinities.

PubMed

Ran, Zhaoshou; Li, Shuang; Zhang, Runtao; Xu, Jilin; Liao, Kai; Yu, Xuejun; Zhong, Yingying; Ye, Mengwei; Yu, Shanshan; Ran, Yun; Huang, Wei; Yan, Xiaojun

2017-10-01

Sinonovacula constricta is an economically and nutritionally important bivalve native to the estuaries and mudflats of China, Japan and Korea. In the present study, S. constricta, cultured either under experimental conditions or collected directly from natural coastal areas with different seawater salinities, was investigated for changes in proximates, amino acids and lipids. When culture salinity was increased, levels of moisture, carbohydrate, crude protein and crude lipid were significantly decreased, whereas the level of ash was significantly increased. The level of Ala was increased by 1.5- to 2-fold, whereas the contents of most lipids were significantly decreased, and the proportion of phosphatidylethanolamine was significantly increased. Notably, a high proportion of ceramide aminoethylphosphonates was detected in S. constricta reared at all salinities. The energy content appears to be higher in S. constricta reared at higher salinity. In experimental S. constricta, when the salinity was enhanced, the changes of compositions were very close to those reared at constant high salinity. Sinonovacula constricta reared at higher salinities possesses a superior quality. A short period of exposure to a higher salinity for farmed S. constricta reared at a lower salinity before harvest would be useful with respect to improving its nutritive value. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Abuse, Nocturnal Stress Hormones, and Coronary Heart Disease Risk Among Women with HIV

PubMed Central

Dale, Sannisha K.; Weber, Kathleen M.; Cohen, Mardge H.; Brody, Leslie R.

2017-01-01

This study investigated the relationships among abuse, nocturnal levels of cortisol and norepinephrine (NE), and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk as measured by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) among women with HIV. Participants (n=53) from the Chicago Women's Interagency HIV Study, a longitudinal prospective cohort study initiated in 1994, were enrolled in this study during 2012. At WIHS baseline and annual follow-up visits women were asked about recent experiences of abuse. Summary variables captured the proportion of visits for which women reported recent (past 12 months) physical, sexual, and domestic abuse. Cortisol and NE were assayed in overnight urine samples and adjusted for creatinine levels. Recent abuse was not significantly associated with levels of cortisol, NE, or NE/cortisol ratio. However, higher NE/cortisol ratio was significantly related to higher CHD risk score, higher cortisol was significantly related to lower CHD risk score, and NE was not associated with CHD risk score. In addition, higher proportions of visits with recent sexual abuse, physical abuse, and domestic abuse were significantly related to higher CHD risk score. The association between abuse exposure and CHD risk in the context of HIV infection is likely complex and may involve dysregulation of multiple neurobiological systems. Future research is needed to better understand these relationships and prevention and intervention efforts are needed to address abuse among women with HIV. PMID:27733045

Geographical variation in the incidence of childhood leukaemia in Manitoba.

PubMed

Torabi, Mahmoud; Singh, Harminder; Galloway, Katie; Israels, Sara J

2015-11-01

Identification of geographical areas and ecological factors associated with higher incidence of childhood leukaemias can direct further study for preventable factors and location of health services to manage such individuals. The aim of this study was to describe the geographical variation and the socio-demographic factors associated with childhood leukaemia in Manitoba. Information on childhood leukaemia incidence between 1992 and 2008 was obtained from the Canadian Cancer Registry and the socio-demographic characteristics for the area of residence from the 2006 Canadian Census. Bayesian spatial Poisson mixed models were used to describe the geographical variation of childhood leukaemia and to determine the association between childhood leukaemia and socio-demographic factors. The south-eastern part of the province had a higher incidence of childhood leukaemia than other parts of the province. In the age and sex-adjusted Poisson regression models, areas with higher proportions of visible minorities and immigrant residents had higher childhood leukaemia incidence rate ratios. In the saturated Poisson regression model, the childhood leukaemia rates were higher in areas with higher proportions of immigrant residents. Unemployment rates were not a significant factor in leukaemia incidence. In Manitoba, areas with higher proportions of immigrants experience higher incidence rates of childhood leukaemia. We have identified geographical areas with higher incidence, which require further study and attention. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2015 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Pisces did not have increased heart failure: data-driven comparisons of binary proportions between levels of a categorical variable can result in incorrect statistical significance levels.

PubMed

Austin, Peter C; Goldwasser, Meredith A

2008-03-01

We examined the impact on statistical inference when a chi(2) test is used to compare the proportion of successes in the level of a categorical variable that has the highest observed proportion of successes with the proportion of successes in all other levels of the categorical variable combined. Monte Carlo simulations and a case study examining the association between astrological sign and hospitalization for heart failure. A standard chi(2) test results in an inflation of the type I error rate, with the type I error rate increasing as the number of levels of the categorical variable increases. Using a standard chi(2) test, the hospitalization rate for Pisces was statistically significantly different from that of the other 11 astrological signs combined (P=0.026). After accounting for the fact that the selection of Pisces was based on it having the highest observed proportion of heart failure hospitalizations, subjects born under the sign of Pisces no longer had a significantly higher rate of heart failure hospitalization compared to the other residents of Ontario (P=0.152). Post hoc comparisons of the proportions of successes across different levels of a categorical variable can result in incorrect inferences.

Effect of infection with bovine leukosis virus on lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis in dairy cattle.

PubMed

Erskine, Ronald J; Corl, Christine M; Gandy, Jeffery C; Sordillo, Lorraine M

2011-08-01

To determine effects of infection with bovine leukosis virus (BLV) on lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis in dairy cattle. 27 adult Holstein cows. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood from lactating Holstein cows seronegative for BLV (n = 9 cows), seropositive for BLV and aleukemic (aleukemic; 9), and seropositive for BLV and persistently lymphocytotic (PL; 9). Isolated PBMCs were assayed for mitogen-induced proliferation and were analyzed by means of flow cytometry. The PBMCs from a subset of each group were assayed for apoptosis, caspase-9 activity, and expression of selected genes related to apoptosis. PL cows had significantly higher total lymphocyte counts and significantly lower proportions of T-lymphocyte populations than did BLV-negative and aleukemic cows. Both groups of BLV-infected cows had significantly higher proportions of B cells and major histocompatibility complex II-expressing cells than did BLV-negative cows. Proliferation with concanavalin A was significantly lower for PL cows, compared with proliferation for BLV-negative cows. Pokeweed mitogen-induced proliferation was significantly higher for aleukemic and PL cows than for BLV-negative cows. Gene expression of apoptosis-inhibitory proteins BCL2 and BCL2L1 was significantly higher for aleukemic cows and expression of BCL2 was significantly higher for PL cows than for BLV-negative cows. Cattle infected with BLV had marked changes in PBMC populations accompanied by alterations in proliferation and apoptosis mechanisms. Because the relative distribution and function of lymphocyte populations are critical for immune competence, additional studies are needed to investigate the ability of BLV-infected cattle to respond to infectious challenge.

[Provincial representativeness assessment of China Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2013].

PubMed

Zhao, Z P; Wang, L M; Li, Y C; Jiang, Y; Zhang, M; Huang, Z J; Zhang, X; Li, C; Zhou, M G

2018-02-06

Objective: To evaluate the provincial representativeness of China Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2013. Methods: The Sixth National Population Census data which was collected by National Bureau of Statistics of People's Republic of China was used to calculate proportion of population who aged 65 and above, mortality rate, the proportion of non-agriculture population, the illiteracy rate and urbanization rate in order to evaluate the surveillance system in each province. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the statistically differences between the surveillance system and corresponding general population. Results: Among the 298 disease surveillance points (DSPs) in China Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance System, there were 111, 85, and 102 DSPs located in the east, middle, and west area of China, which covering 13.90%, 11.48%, and 12.28% of the total population, respectively. The surveillance system covered 169 million of the population of China, accounting for 12.70% of Chinese population. The number of DSPs by provinces ranges from 6 (Hainan, Qinghai, and Ningxia) to 14 (Shandong, Guangdong and Henan). It indicated that mortality rate (DSP: 0.238%; Province: 0.482%) and the illiteracy rate (DSP: 15.54%; Province: 26.22%) among DSPs in Tibet were significantly lower than the provincial level, on the other hand, the proportion of non-agriculture population among DSPs (40.6%) was significantly higher than the provincial level (18.8%). The urbanization rate among Jiangxi DSPs (43.4%) was significantly lower than the provincial level (59.9%). The proportion of non-agriculture population among Shandong DSPs (32.8%) was significantly higher than the provincial level (24.2%), however, the illiteracy rate among Shandong DSPs (3.86%) was significantly lower than the provincial level (5.25%). Other than the provinces mentioned above, there was no statistical differences ( P> 0.05) among proportions of population who aged 65 and above, mortality rates, the proportions of non-agriculture population, the illiteracy rates and urbanization rate between provincial surveillance system and corresponding area. Conclusion: Other than 3 provinces, in general, China Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance System had provincial representativeness.

Health smart cards: differing perceptions of emergency department patients and staff.

PubMed

Mohd Rosli, Reizal; Taylor, David McD; Knott, Jonathan C; Das, Atandrila; Dent, Andrew W

2009-02-01

An analytical, cross-sectional survey of 270 emergency department patients and 92 staff undertaken in three tertiary referral hospital emergency departments was completed to compare the perceptions of patients and staff regarding the use of health smart cards containing patient medical records. The study recorded data on a range of health smart card issues including awareness, privacy, confidentiality, security, advantages and disadvantages, and willingness to use. A significantly higher proportion of staff had heard of the card. The perceived disadvantages reported by patients and staff were, overall, significantly different, with the staff reporting more disadvantages. A significantly higher proportion of patients believed that they should choose what information is on the card and who should have access to the information. Patients were more conservative regarding what information should be included, but staff were more conservative regarding who should have access to the information. Significantly fewer staff believed that patients could reliably handle the cards. Overall, however, the cards were considered acceptable and useful, and their introduction would be supported.

Comparative evaluation of carcass traits and meat quality in native Aseel chickens and commercial broilers.

PubMed

Rajkumar, U; Muthukumar, M; Haunshi, S; Niranjan, M; Raju, M V L N; Rama Rao, S V; Chatterjee, R N

2016-06-01

A comprehensive study was conducted to analyse the meat quality attributes, composition and carcass traits in Aseel chickens and commercial broilers at market age on the basis of physiological age. A total of 20 Aseel (26 and 56 weeks) and 20 broiler (6 weeks) chickens were divided into two groups on a live weight basis, i.e. large (≥2.5 kg) and small (<2.5 kg) with 10 birds in each subgroup. The pH of meat did not show any significant variation between Aseel and broiler chickens. The meat from heavier birds had significantly higher pH. Shear force value and hydroxyproline contents were significantly higher in Aseel chickens. Aseel birds had significantly higher red (a*) colouration and lower lightness (L*) than broiler chickens. The texture and acceptability of Aseel meat were significantly higher. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that muscle fibres in Aseels were arranged in a more coiled pattern making the muscle tough. A larger amount of connective tissue was also observed between the muscle fibres compared with the broiler chickens. The dressing percentage was significantly higher in larger chickens. Commercial broilers recorded significantly higher meat proportion and lower proportion of bone. The meat:bone ratio was 1.07:1.0 in Aseel and 1.31-1.0 in broiler chicken. Breast muscle content was significantly lower in smaller Aseel chickens. Aseel chicken had stronger and heavier backs and shanks. Abdominal fat percentage was significantly lower in Aseel (0.73-0.78%). The study concluded that the firm texture of Aseel meat was due to the high collagen content and interlocking connective tissue between the muscle fibres. The texture and acceptability of Aseel meat was higher. Aseel cocks had strong legs, lean meat and less abdominal fat, making them a high-value meat bird in addition to their aggressive fighting ability.

Improved malignant melanoma prognosis at a consultant-delivered multidisciplinary pigmented lesion clinic in Cork.

PubMed

Field, S; Deady, S; Fitzgibbon, J; Murphy, M; Comber, H

2010-02-01

Early detection and excision is the only effective treatment for malignant melanoma. To assess the effect of a consultant-delivered, rapid-access pigmented lesion clinic (PLC) established at the South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), we analyzed melanoma tumour-stage prior to (1998-2002) and after (2003-2007) the advent of the PLC. Patients attending SIVUH had a greater proportion of early-stage tumours (65.3%) compared to the rest of Cork (51.2%), County Cork as a whole (56.7%) and all of Ireland (57.4%). The proportion of SIVUH males with early-stage tumours was statistically significantly higher than the rest of County Cork (chi2 = 11.23, P < 0.05). The proportion of patients > 50y with early-stage tumours was also statistically significantly higher than the rest of County Cork (chi2 = 18.88, P < 0.05), the whole of County Cork (chi2 = 7.84, P < 0.05) and all of Ireland (chi2 = 9.67, P < 0.05). We believe that the early detection and improved prognosis of Cork melanoma patients is at least partly due to the PLC.

The olfactory receptor gene repertoires in secondary-adapted marine vertebrates: evidence for reduction of the functional proportions in cetaceans.

PubMed

Kishida, Takushi; Kubota, Shin; Shirayama, Yoshihisa; Fukami, Hironobu

2007-08-22

An olfactory receptor (OR) multigene family is responsible for the well-developed sense of smell possessed by terrestrial tetrapods. Mammalian OR genes had diverged greatly in the terrestrial environment after the fish-tetrapod split, indicating their importance to land habitation. In this study, we analysed OR genes of marine tetrapods (minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata, dwarf sperm whale Kogia sima, Dall's porpoise Phocoenoides dalli, Steller's sea lion Eumetopias jubatus and loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta) and revealed that the pseudogene proportions of OR gene repertoires in whales were significantly higher than those in their terrestrial relative cattle and also in sea lion and sea turtle. On the other hand, the pseudogene proportion of OR sequences in sea lion was not significantly higher compared with that in their terrestrial relative (dog). It indicates that secondary perfectly adapted marine vertebrates (cetaceans) have lost large amount of their OR genes, whereas secondary-semi-adapted marine vertebrates (sea lions and sea turtles) still have maintained their OR genes, reflecting the importance of terrestrial environment for these animals.

Patient-centered communication of community treatment assistants in Tanzania predicts coverage of future mass drug administration for trachoma.

PubMed

Jenson, Alexander; Roter, Debra L; Mkocha, Harran; Munoz, Beatriz; West, Sheila

2018-06-01

Prevention of Trachoma, the leading cause of infectious blindness, requires community treatment assistants (CTAs) to perform mass drug administration (MDA) of azithromycin. Previous research has shown that female CTAs have higher MDA coverage, but no studies have focused on the content of conversation. We hypothesize that female CTAs had more patient-centered communication and higher MDA coverage. In 2011, CTAs from 23 distribution sites undergoing MDA as part of the Partnership for Rapid Elimination of Trachoma were selected. CTA - villager interactions were audio recorded. Audio was analyzed using an adaptation of the Roter Interaction Analysis System. The outcome of interest was the proportion of adults receiving MDA in 2011 who returned in 2012. 58 CTAs and 3122 interactions were included. Sites with female CTAs had significantly higher patient-centeredness ratio (0.548 vs 0.400) when compared to sites with male CTAs. Sites with more patient-centered interactions had higher proportion of patients return (p = 0.009). Female CTAs had higher proportion of patient-centered communication. Patient centered communication was associated with higher rates of return for MDA. Greater patient-centered connection with health care providers affects participation in public health efforts, even when those providers are lay health workers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Association of Dietary Proportions of Macronutrients with Visceral Adiposity Index: Non-Substitution and Iso-Energetic Substitution Models in a Prospective Study.

PubMed

Moslehi, Nazanin; Ehsani, Behnaz; Mirmiran, Parvin; Hojjat, Parvane; Azizi, Fereidoun

2015-10-26

We aimed to investigate associations between dietary macronutrient proportions and prospective visceral adiposity index changes (ΔVAI). The study included 1254 adults (18-74 years), from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), who were followed for three years. Dietary intakes were assessed twice using food frequency questionnaires. Associations of dietary macronutrient with ΔVAI and risk of visceral adiposity dysfunction (VAD) after three years were investigated. The percentage of energy intake from protein in the total population, and from fat in women, were associated with higher increases in VAI. A 5% higher energy intake from protein substituted for carbohydrate, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was associated with higher ΔVAI. Higher energy intake from animal protein substituted for PUFAs was positively associated with ΔVAI. Substituting protein and PUFAs with MUFAs were related to higher ΔVAI. The associations were similar in men and women, but reached significance mostly among women. Risk of VAD was increased when 1% of energy from protein was replaced with MUFAs. Substituting protein for carbohydrate and fat, and fat for carbohydrate, resulted in increased risk of VAD in women. Higher dietary proportions of protein and animal-derived MUFA may be positively associated with ΔVAI and risk of VAD.

[Effects of irrigation amount and stage on water consumption characteristics and grain yield of wheat].

PubMed

Wang, De-Mei; Yu, Zhen-Wen

2008-09-01

Field experiment was conducted in 2005 -2007 to study the effects of irrigation amount and stage on the water consumption characteristics, grain yield, and water use efficiency of wheat. The results showed that the variation coefficient of the proportion of soil water consumption amount to total water consumption amount was significantly higher than that of precipitation to total water consumption amount, suggesting the relatively wide regulation range of soil water use efficiency. The proportions of irrigation amount, precipitation, and soil water consumption amount to total water consumption amount were 31.0%, 38.9%, and 30.1% in treatment W3 (irrigated at jointing and flowering stages, with total irrigation amount of 120 mm), and 51.7%, 32.4%, and 15.9% in treatment W5 (irrigated before winter and at jointing, flowering and grain-filling stages, with total irrigation amount of 240 mm), respectively, indicating that treatment W3 had a significantly higher proportion of soil water consumption amount to total water consumption amount than treatment W5. Though treatments W2 (irrigated before winter and at jointing stage) and W3 (irrigated at jointing and flowering stages) had the same irrigation amount (120 mm), the water consumption amount during the period from flowering to maturing was significantly higher in W3 than in W2, while the water consumption amount before jointing was significantly lower in W3 than in W2. The water consumption pattern in treatment W3 was in agreement with the water requirement pattern of wheat, which was the physiological basis of high water use efficiency.

Characterization of antibiotic resistance genes in representative organic solid wastes: Food waste-recycling wastewater, manure, and sewage sludge.

PubMed

Lee, Jangwoo; Shin, Seung Gu; Jang, Hyun Min; Kim, Young Beom; Lee, Joonyeob; Kim, Young Mo

2017-02-01

In this research, the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was characterized in representative organic solid waste (OSW) in Korea: food waste-recycling wastewater (FRW), manure, and sewage sludge. The amounts of total ARG (gene copies/16S rRNA gene copies) was greatest in manure followed by sewage sludge and FRW. Interestingly, there were significantly different patterns in the diversity and mechanisms of ARGs. For example, a significant proportion of ARGs were tetracycline resistant genes in all the OSW (40.4-78.2%). β-lactam antibiotics resistant genes were higher in the FRW samples than in other types of OSW but sulfonamides resistant genes represented the greatest proportion in sludge. Regarding the characteristics of antibiotic resistance mechanisms, there was a relatively higher proportion of the ribosomal protection mechanism to tetracycline observed in the FRW and manure samples. However, tetracycline resistant genes with direct interaction were relatively higher in the sewage sludge samples. sul1 was the dominant subtype in all the OSW types and detection of ermB was observed although there was no ermC detected in sewage sludge. There were significant correlations between the occurrences of ARG subtypes: tetB and tetG in all OSW (P<0.01); tetE and tetQ only in sludge (P<0.01). The Class 1 integron-integrase gene (intI1) was significantly correlated with total ARGs only in manure and sludge (P<0.05), revealing potential horizontal gene transfer in these OSW. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of triploidy and vaccination on neutrophils and B-cells in the peripheral blood and head kidney of 0+ and 1+ Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) post-smolts.

PubMed

Fraser, Thomas W K; Rønneseth, Anita; Haugland, Gyri T; Fjelldal, Per Gunnar; Mayer, Ian; Wergeland, Heidrun I

2012-07-01

Sterile triploid fish are being used in aquaculture to prevent early unwanted sexual maturation and the genetic interaction between wild and cultured fish; however, triploid fish are typically considered to be more susceptible to disease than diploid counterparts. Proportions of leucocytes from the head kidney and peripheral blood were identified using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry in triploid and diploid, vaccinated and unvaccinated, out-of-season (0+) and 1+ Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) three weeks post seawater transfer. Triploid 1+ fish were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than diploid fish at the time of sampling, whereas triploid 0+ had a significantly lower condition factor than diploids. Ploidy had a significant effect on the proportion of B-cells in the blood of both 0+ and 1+ fish, and the head kidney of 1+ fish, with triploids having lower proportions of B-cells to diploids in both smolt groups. In addition, a significant ploidy×vaccination interaction effect was observed in the response of neutrophils in the blood (vaccinated diploids had a higher mean proportion than diploid unvaccinated) and B-cells in the head kidney (in vaccinated fish, triploids had a lower mean proportion than diploids) in 0+ smolts. Vaccination was found to significantly increase the proportion of B-cells in the head kidney of 1+ smolts in both ploidy. Size (fish weight) was positively correlated with neutrophil proportions in 1+ fish. Our findings are discussed in relation to the physiological differences related to ploidy. The results suggest that ploidy as well as smelting regime influences the immune system of Atlantic salmon post-smolts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Subgingival Microbiome of Gingivitis in Chinese Undergraduates.

PubMed

Deng, Ke; Ouyang, Xiang Ying; Chu, Yi; Zhang, Qian

To analyse the microbiome composition of health and gingivitis in Chinese undergraduates with high-throughput sequencing. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons was performed with the MiSeq system to compare subgingival bacterial communities from 54 subjects with gingivitis and 12 periodontally healthy controls. A total of 1,967,372 sequences representing 14 phyla, 104 genera, and 96 species were detected. Analysis of similarities (Anosim) test and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed significantly different community profiles between the health control and the subjects with gingivitis. Alpha-diversity metrics were significantly higher in the subgingival plaque of the subjects with gingivitis compared with that of the healthy control. Overall, the relative abundance of 35 genera and 46 species were significantly different between the two groups, among them 28 genera and 45 species showed higher relative abundance in the subjects with gingivitis, whereas seven genera and one species showed a higher relative abundance in the healthy control. The genera Porphyromonas, Treponema, and Tannerella showed higher relative abundance in the subjects with gingivitis, while the genera Capnocytophaga showed higher proportions in health controls. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas endodontalis had higher relative abundance in gingivitis. Among them, Porphyromonas gingivalis was most abundant. Our results revealed significantly different microbial community composition and structures of subgingival plaque between subjects with gingivitis and healthy controls. Subjects with gingivitis showed greater taxonomic diversity compared with periodontally healthy subjects. The proportion of Porphyromonas, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis, may be associated with gingivitis subjects aged between 18 and 21 years old in China. Adults with gingivitis in this age group may have a higher risk of developing periodontitis.

Risk factors for kid mortality in West African Dwarf goats under an intensive management system in Ghana.

PubMed

Turkson, P K; Antiri, Y K; Baffuor-Awuah, O

2004-05-01

Breeding records from 1997 to 2000 for West African Dwarf goats kept under an intensive management system on the National Breeding Station at Kintampo in Ghana were analysed for the effect on mortality of sex, season and type of birth, and birth weight. The pre-weaning and post-weaning mortalities were 10% (n = 390) and 23.1% (n = 351), respectively, while the overall mortality from birth up to 12 months of age was 30.8% (n = 390). The post-weaning period recorded significantly higher proportions of deaths in males, females, single-born and twins, during the rainy and dry seasons, and for kids with low or high birth weight, compared to the pre-weaning period. There was significantly higher mortality in male kids than in female kids. The odds and risks of death for male kids were about twice those for females at post-weaning and up to 1 year of age. At pre-weaning and up to 1 year of age, a higher proportion of the dead were twins. Twins had approximately 2.5 the risk of death at pre-weaning, compared to singles. Also, kids born in the rainy season had significantly higher mortality than those born in the dry season. Kids that died by the time of weaning were significantly lighter in weight at birth than those that survived. Male kids had significantly higher mean weights at birth and at weaning, but not at 12 months of age. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Children and Adults Scan Faces of Own and Other Races Differently

PubMed Central

Hu, Chao; Wang, Qiandong; Fu, Genyue; Quinn, Paul C.; Lee, Kang

2014-01-01

Extensive behavioral and neural evidence suggests that processing of own-race faces differs from that of other-race faces in both adults and infants. However, little research has examined whether and how children scan faces of own and other races differently for face recognition. In this eye-tracking study, Chinese children aged from 4 to 7 years and Chinese adults were asked to remember Chinese and Caucasian faces. None of the participants had any direct contact with foreign individuals. Multi-method analyses of eye-tracking data revealed that regardless of age group, proportional fixation duration on the eyes of Chinese faces was significantly lower than that on the eyes of Caucasian faces, whereas proportional fixation duration on the nose and mouth of Chinese faces was significantly higher than that on the nose and mouth of Caucasian faces. In addition, the amplitude of saccades on Chinese faces was significantly lower than that on Caucasian faces, potentially reflecting finer-grained processing for own-race faces. Moreover, adults’ fixation duration/saccade numbers on the whole faces, proportional fixation percentage on the nose, proportional number of saccades between AOIs, and accuracy in recognizing faces were higher than those of children. These results together demonstrated that an abundance of visual experience with own-race faces and a lack of it with other-race faces may result in differential facial scanning in both adults and children. Furthermore, the increased experience of processing faces may result in a more holistic and advanced scanning strategy in Chinese adults. PMID:24929225

Geographic and sex difference in the distribution of intracranial atherosclerosis in China.

PubMed

Pu, Yuehua; Liu, Liping; Wang, Yilong; Zou, Xinying; Pan, Yuesong; Soo, Yannie; Leung, Thomas; Zhao, Xingquan; Wong, Ka Sing; Wang, Yongjun

2013-08-01

Geographic variation and sex difference in the distribution of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) have not been fully discussed before in Chinese patients with cerebral ischemia. We performed this study with the aim to investigate geographic and sex difference in the distribution of ICAS in China. In this prospective multicenter study, we evaluated 2864 consecutive patients who experienced an acute cerebral ischemia within 7 days of symptom onset in 22 hospitals in China. All the inclusive patients underwent 3-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography and duplex color Doppler ultrasound or contrast-enhanced MR angiography to document the presence of intracranial or extracranial stenosis. Intracranial large-artery atherosclerosis was defined as ≥50% diameter reduction on MR angiography. The proportion of patients with ICAS was significantly higher in north China than in south China (50.22% versus 41.88%; P<0.0001). Patients in the north were likely to consume more alcohol and smoke more cigarettes and had significantly higher proportion of diabetes mellitus, family history of stroke, history of cerebral ischemia, heart disease, and higher body mass index. In patients aged >63 years, the percentage of ICAS in women was notably higher than in men (51.51% versus 45.40%; P=0.028). In elderly patients, women had higher proportion of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease than men. There exists geographic and sex difference in the distribution of symptomatic ICAS in China. Public health measures should strengthen improving social determinants of health and risk factor prevention/control in high-risk populations for decreasing stroke risk.

Effect of the 2015 earthquake on pediatric inpatient pattern at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.

PubMed

Giri, Bishnu Rath; Chapagain, Ram Hari; Sharma, Samana; Shrestha, Sandeep; Ghimire, Sunita; Shankar, P Ravi

2018-02-05

Earthquakes impact child health in many ways. Diseases occurring immediately following an earthquake have been studied in field based hospitals but studies on the inpatient disease pattern among children without trauma in a permanent hospital setup is lacking. We examined the diagnoses of all children without trauma, admitted to Kanti Children's Hospital, Kathmandu for fifteen-week duration (from 4th week to end of the 18th week) following the 7.8 magnitude Nepal earthquake on 25th April 2015. The admitted children were grouped based on direct effect of earthquake on their family (house damaged or family member injured or dead) and on whether their place of residence was located in an earthquake affected district. Most common diagnoses were identified and their distribution between the aforementioned groups analyzed to examine differences, if any, in disease occurrence or presentation. The fifteen weeks study duration was divided into three parts of five weeks each, to study trends in illness presentation. Variables were compared among various groups using appropriate statistical tests (p < 0.05). A total of 1057 patients were admitted. The proportion of patients requiring admission for pneumonia, acute gastroenteritis and acute or poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN/PSGN) was significantly higher among children belonging to earthquake affected districts. Proportion of patients with any infective condition was also significantly higher in this group. Acute gastroenteritis and any infective condition were significantly higher among children from substantially affected families. The proportion of AGN/PSGN among admitted patients increased in successive time categories among patients from affected districts and from substantially affected families. Urinary Tract Infection, bronchiolitis, tuberculosis, pleural effusion, protein energy malnutrition/failure to thrive, nephrotic syndrome, meningitis/meningoencephalitis, epilepsy or seizure disorders, leukemia/malignancies, enteric fever, infective hepatitis and congenital heart disease were not significantly different among children from affected and not affected districts or between substantially affected and not affected families. Patients from substantially affected families were admitted to semi-intensive care ward or ICU in significantly higher proportions (12.6% vs 7.8%, p = 0.014). Children seeking care for certain diseases were more likely to be from earthquake affected families and districts. Those from affected families required critical care more often.

Plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in professional basketball and football players.

PubMed

Tepsic, Jasna; Vucic, Vesna; Arsic, Aleksandra; Blazencic-Mladenovic, Vera; Mazic, Sanja; Glibetic, Marija

2009-10-01

The effect of intensive long-term physical activity on phospholipid fatty acid (FA) composition has not been studied thoroughly. We determined plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid FA status of professional basketball and football players. Our results showed differences in plasma FA profile not only between sportsmen and sedentary subjects, but also between two groups of sportsmen. Plasma FA profile in basketball players showed significantly higher proportion of n-6 FA (20:3, 20:4, and 22:4) and total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) than controls, while football players had higher palmitoleic acid (16:1) than basketball players and controls. Total PUFA and 22:4 were also higher in basketball than in football players. Erythrocyte FA profile showed no differences between football players and controls. However, basketball players had higher proportion of 18:0 than controls, higher saturated FA and lower 18:2 than two other groups, and higher 22:4 than football players. These findings suggest that long-term intensive exercise and type of sport influence FA profile.

Preventive actions taken by workers after workers' health surveillance: a controlled trial.

PubMed

Boschman, J S; Van der Molen, H F; Frings-Dresen, M H W; Sluiter, J K

2013-12-01

To evaluate construction workers' preventive actions and occupational physician's (OPs) recommendations after a job-specific workers' health surveillance (WHS) compared with the currently used generic WHS. After the WHS, the OPs' written recommendations were captured. At the 3-month follow-up, the workers were asked about the preventive actions they had undertaken. A generalized linear mixed model was used to compare proportions of workers. At follow-up, the proportion of workers who reported taking preventive actions was significantly higher in the intervention group (80%, 44/55) than in the control group (67%, 80 of 121), (P = 0.04). In the intervention group, the OPs provided a higher proportion of workers with written recommendations (82%, 63 of 77, vs 57%, 69 of 121; P = 0.03). The job-specific WHS aided OPs in providing workers with recommendations and workers in undertaking (job-specific) preventive actions.

Learning Management System Success: Increasing Learning Management System Usage in Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mtebe, Joel S.

2015-01-01

Learning Management Systems (LMS) have been widely adopted by higher education institutions globally for over a decade. Institutions in sub-Saharan Africa now spend a significant proportion of their limited resources on installing and maintaining these systems. This expenditure continues to increase, raising questions as to whether LMS in these…

Female Representation in Higher Education: Retrospect and Prospect.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waldenberg, Adair L.

Female representation in higher education increased significantly at several levels over the past decade. In this paper the trends are analyzed, and the potential role of policy changes that alter female representation is explored. The measure used in the analysis is the proportion of a given group that is female or the ratio of the number of…

The Significance of Faith for Black Men's Educational Aspirations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dumangane, Constantino, Jr.

2017-01-01

It is uncontested that British African Caribbean men are minimally represented in elite UK higher education institutions. Even as data demonstrates that African Caribbean males are more likely to study further education than White males and that the proportion of UK-domiciled Black students pursuing higher education has increased since the 2003/04…

Social determinants of leprosy in a hyperendemic State in North Brazil

PubMed Central

Monteiro, Lorena Dias; Mota, Rosa Maria Salani; Martins-Melo, Francisco Rogerlândio; Alencar, Carlos Henrique; Heukelbach, Jorg

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify the socioeconomic, demographic, operational, and health service-related factors associated with the occurrence of leprosy in a hyperendemic State in North Brazil. METHODS This is an ecological study based on secondary data from the Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação in municipalities of the State of Tocantins from 2001 to 2012. Units of analysis were the 139 municipalities of the State. Negative binomial log linear regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios. RESULTS In bivariate analysis, the incidence rate ratios were significantly higher for municipalities with higher income ratio of the poorest 20.0% (1.47; 95%CI 1.19–1.81) and better Municipal Human Development Index (1.53; 95%CI 1.14–2.06). In multivariate analysis, the incidence rate ratios were significantly higher in municipalities with higher proportion of immigrants (1.31; 95%CI 1.11–1.55) and higher proportion of households with waste collection (1.37; 95%CI 1.11–1.69). There was a significant reduction in the incidence rate ratio with increased coverage of the Bolsa Família Program (0.98; 95%CI 0.96–0.99). CONCLUSIONS Control programs need to focus on activities in municipalities of greater social vulnerability with intersectoral investment for the improvement of the living conditions of the population. PMID:28746575

[Proportion and prevention of venous thromboembolism among hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing].

PubMed

Liang, Li-rong; Zhang, Zhu; Wang, Hong; Xu, Zhen-yang; Qian, Xiao-sen; Zhang, Zuo-qing; Chen, Jin; Zhang, Feng-zhen; Yang, Yuan-hua

2013-08-13

To explore the proportion and prevention status of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in Beijing. Based on a multi-center retrospective study, a total of 636 hospitalized AECOPD patients from 17 class 2/3 hospitals in Beijing were examined from September 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. They fulfilled one of the following criteria: respiratory failure type II, on invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilation, hospitalization for pulmonary infection, bedridden duration ≥ 3 days and congestive heart failure. All investigators received standardized training and used a standardized questionnaire to collect data on VTE risk factors, the diagnosis of VTE and the utilization of VTE prophylaxis. According to Caprini score, they were categorized into 3 groups of lower risk (Caprini score ≤ 3), moderate risk (Caprini score 4-6) and high risk ( ≥ 7) to compare the intergroup differences in the VTE proportion and the utilization of VTE prophylaxis. A total of 636 patients were assessed. There were 416 males and 220 females with a mean (SD) age of 74.9 ± 9.3 years. Among them, 133 patients received lower extremity venous ultrasonic examination and 92 were diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) including 2 patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Thus the overall incidence of VTE was 14.5% (92/636) and increased with age (Ptrend = 0.044). The proportion of VTE in asymptomatic patients was higher in those symptomatic ones (21.1% vs 8.0%, P = 0.000). And it was the highest in high risk group, followed by lower risk and moderate risk groups at 17.9% (14/78), 16.0% (26/163) and 13.2% (52/395) respectively, There was no statistical significance (P = 0.450 for group difference, Ptrend = 0.946). Among 544 patients without VTE, only 19.1% (104/544) employed the pharmacologic and/or mechanical methods for preventing VTE. The prevention proportion gradually increased with rising Caprini score, i.e. 17.5%, 18.4% and 26.6% for lower, moderate and higher risk group respectively. There was no statistical significance (P = 0.266 for group difference, Ptrend = 0.201). The proportion of VTE is relatively higher. However, the preventive methods are significantly underutilized among hospitalized AECOPD patients in Beijing.

Anaerobic digestion of municipal solid wastes containing variable proportions of waste types.

PubMed

Akunna, J C; Abdullahi, Y A; Stewart, N A

2007-01-01

In many parts of the world there are significant seasonal variations in the production of the main organic wastes, food and green wastes. These waste types display significant differences in their biodegradation rates. This study investigated the options for ensuring process stability during the start up and operation of thermophilic high-solids anaerobic digestion of feedstock composed of varying proportions of food and green wastes. The results show that high seed sludge to feedstock ratio (or low waste loading rate) is necessary for ensuring process pH stability without chemical addition. It was also found that the proportion of green wastes in the feedstock can be used to regulate process pH, particularly when operating at high waste loading rates (or low seed sludge to feedstock ratios). The need for chemical pH correction during start-up and digestion operation decreased with increase in green wastes content of the feedstock. Food wastes were found to be more readily biodegradable leading to higher solids reduction while green wastes brought about pH stability and higher digestate solid content. Combining both waste types in various proportions brought about feedstock with varying buffering capacity and digestion performance. Thus, careful selection of feedstock composition can minimise the need for chemical pH regulation as well as reducing the cost for digestate dewatering for final disposal.

An emergency department registration kiosk can increase HIV screening in high risk patients.

PubMed

Hsieh, Yu-Hsiang; Gauvey-Kern, Megan; Peterson, Stephen; Woodfield, Alonzo; Deruggiero, Katherine; Gaydos, Charlotte A; Rothman, Richard E

2014-12-01

We evaluated the feasibility and the patient acceptability of integrating a kiosk into routine emergency department (ED) practice for offering HIV testing. The work was conducted in four phases: phase 1 was a baseline, in which external testing staff offered testing at the bedside; phase 2 was a pilot assessment of a prototype kiosk; phase 3 was a pilot implementation and phase 4 was the full implementation with automated login. Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of offering HIV tests, acceptance, completion and result reporting. During the study period, the number of ED patients and eligible patients for screening were similar in the three main phases. However, the number and proportion of patients offered testing of those eligible for screening increased significantly from phase 1 (32%) to phase 3 (37%) and phase 4 (40%). There were slightly higher prevalences of newly diagnosed HIV with kiosk versus bedside testing (phase 1, 0%; phase 3, 0.2%; phase 4, 0.5%). Compared to patients tested at the bedside, patients tested via the kiosk were significantly younger, more likely to be female, to be black, and to report high risk behaviours. ED-based HIV screening via a registration-based kiosk was feasible, yielded similar proportions of testing, and increased the proportion of engagement of higher-risk patients in testing. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Is plasticity across seasons adaptive in the annual cleistogamous plant Lamium amplexicaule?

PubMed Central

Stojanova, B.; Maurice, S.; Cheptou, P.-O.

2016-01-01

Background and aims Many angiosperms exhibit cleistogamy, the production of both cleistogamous flowers (CL), which remain closed and obligately self-pollinated, and chasmogamous flowers (CH), which are potentially open-pollinated. The CH proportion can be plastic. Plasticity is adaptive if environmental changes can be reliably assessed and responded to with an appropriate phenotype and if plastic genotypes have higher fitness in variable environments than non-plastic ones. Methods We studied the plastic response of four natural populations from northern and southern France of an annual cleistogamous plant, Lamium amplexicaule, to predictable seasonal variation. Plants were grown in a semi-controlled environment in spring and in autumn. We assessed the variation in flower number, phenology and cleistogamy-related traits, which were all plastic with respect to season. The CH proportion was higher in spring than in autumn in all four populations. Key Results We showed significant stabilizing selection for cleistogamy traits, with higher optimal CH proportions and more pronounced stabilizing selection in spring than in autumn. Observed CH proportions were close to the predicted optimal CH proportions in each season except in autumn for southern populations, which do not experience the autumnal growing season in nature. Conclusions These results are consistent with adaptive plasticity across seasons of cleistogamy in L. amplexicaule. We propose that adaptive plasticity of cleistogamy could be driven by pollination environment variation, with CL flowers providing reproductive assurance when pollinators are scarce and CH flowers reducing the inbreeding depression in offspring when pollinators are abundant. PMID:26995537

The effect of melatonin on the quality of extended boar semen after long-term storage at 17 °C.

PubMed

Martín-Hidalgo, D; Barón, F J; Bragado, M J; Carmona, P; Robina, A; García-Marín, L J; Gil, M C

2011-05-01

Melatonin (MLT) is an efficient antioxidant that protects cells and tissues and initiates a host of receptor-mediated effects. In order to enhance the life span of refrigerated boar semen, our aim was to evaluate the effects of addition of 1 μM MLT to commercially produced pig semen (33 seminal doses from 14 boars) that had been preserved at 17 °C for 7 days. Samples without MLT served as controls. On Days 1, 4 and 7, we evaluated motility parameters and the percentage of total motile and progressively motile spermatozoa by a computer-aided sperm analysis system. Viability (SYBR-14/PI), acrosomal status (FITC-PNA/PI), membrane fluidity (M-540/YoPro-1) and mitochondrial membrane potential status (JC-1) were evaluated by flow cytometry. MLT treatment significantly enhanced the percentage of static spermatozoa after 7 days of storage and significantly reduced the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa on Day 7. The velocity characteristics (VCL, VSL and VAP) were significantly higher for MLT-treated samples on Day 1 and were their lowest on Day 7. With regard to flow cytometry results, the percentage of viable spermatozoa with an intact acrosome was higher in MLT samples throughout the entire storage period. In addition, there was a significantly higher proportion of live spermatozoa on Day 7 in the samples that had not been treated with MLT. The proportion of spermatozoa showing a high mitochondrial membrane potential remained at similar levels (P > 0.05) throughout the trial. Although the findings of the present study revealed that 1 μM MLT increased the proportion of live sperm with an intact acrosome, this treatment did not enhance the spermatic quality of refrigerated boar semen. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Demographic, Clinical, and Prognostic Factors of Ovarian Clear Cell Adenocarcinomas According to Endometriosis Status.

PubMed

Schnack, Tine H; Høgdall, Estrid; Thomsen, Lotte Nedergaard; Høgdall, Claus

2017-11-01

Women with endometriosis carry an increased risk for ovarian clear cell adenocarcinomas (CCCs). Clear cell adenocarcinoma may develop from endometriosis lesions. Few studies have compared clinical and prognostic factors and overall survival in patients diagnosed as having CCC according to endometriosis status. Population-based prospectively collected data on CCC with coexisting pelvic (including ovarian; n = 80) and ovarian (n = 46) endometriosis or without endometriosis (n = 95) were obtained through the Danish Gynecological Cancer Database. χ Test, independent-samples t test, logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier test, and Cox regression were used. Statistical tests were 2 sided. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Patients with CCC and pelvic or ovarian endometriosis were significantly younger than CCC patients without endometriosis, and a higher proportion of them were nulliparous (28% and 31% vs 17% (P = 0.07 and P = 0.09). Accordingly, a significantly higher proportion of women without endometriosis had given birth to more than 1 child. Interestingly, a significantly higher proportion of patients with ovarian endometriosis had pure CCCs (97.8% vs 82.1%; P = 0.001) as compared with patients without endometriosis. Overall survival was poorer among CCC patients with concomitant ovarian endometriosis (hazard ratio, 2.56 [95% confidence interval, 1.29-5.02], in the multivariate analysis. Age at CCC diagnosis and parity as well as histology differ between CCC patients with and without concomitant endometriosis. Furthermore, CCC patients with concomitant ovarian endometriosis have a poorer prognosis compared with endometriosis-negative CCC patients. These differences warrant further research to determine whether CCCs with and without concomitant endometriosis develop through distinct pathogenic pathways.

Influence of individual rationality on continuous double auction markets with networked traders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Junhuan

2018-04-01

This paper investigates the influence of individual rationality of buyers and sellers on continuous double auction market outcomes in terms of the proportion of boundedly-rational buyers and sellers. The individual rationality is discussed in a social network artificial stock market model by embedding network formation and information set. Traders automatically select the most profitable trading strategy based on individual and social learning of the profits and trading strategies of themselves and their neighbors, and submit orders to markets. The results show that (i) a higher proportion of boundedly-rational sellers induces a higher market price, higher sellers' profits and a higher market efficiency; (ii) a higher proportion of boundedly-rational sellers induces a lower number of trades and lower buyers' profits; (iii) a higher proportion of boundedly-rational buyers induces a lower market price, a lower number of trades, and lower sellers' profits; (iv) a higher proportion of boundedly-rational buyers induces higher buyers' profits and a higher market efficiency.

Household income differences in food sources and food items purchased.

PubMed

French, Simone A; Wall, Melanie; Mitchell, Nathan R

2010-10-26

The present study examined income-related household food purchases among a sample of 90 households from the community. Annotated food purchase receipts were collected for a four-week period by the primary household shopper. Receipt food source and foods items were classified into specific categories, and food quantities in ounces were recorded by research staff. For home sources, a limited number of food/beverage categories were recorded. For eating out sources, all food/beverage items were recorded. Median monthly per person dollars spent and per person ounces purchased were computed. Food sources and food categories were examined by household income tertile. A community-based sample of 90 households. Higher income households spent significantly more dollars per person per month from both home and eating out sources compared with lower income households ($163 versus $100, p < .001). Compared with lower income households, higher income households spent significantly more home source dollars on both fruits/vegetables (21.5 versus 10.2, p < .001) and sweets/snacks (17.3 versus 8.3, p < .001), but did not differ on home dollars spent on sugar sweetened beverages (2.0 versus 1.7, p < .46). The proportion of home beverages that were sugar sweetened beverages was significantly higher among lower income households (45% versus 26%, p < .01). Within eating out sources, lower income households spent a significantly greater percent of dollars per person at carry out places (54% versus 37%, p < .01). No income differences were observed for dollars spent at discount grocery stores, small grocery stores or convenience stores. Higher income households spent more money on both healthy and less healthy foods from a wide range of sources. Lower income households spent a larger proportion of their eating out dollars at carry out places, and a larger proportion of their home beverage purchases were sugar sweetened beverages.

Tracking memory's trace

PubMed Central

Horn, Gabriel; Nicol, Alister U.; Brown, Malcolm W.

2001-01-01

There is strong converging evidence that the intermediate and medial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale of the chick brain is a memory store for information acquired through the learning process of imprinting. Neurons in this memory system come, through imprinting, to respond selectively to the imprinting stimulus (IS) neurons and so possess the properties of a memory trace. Therefore, the responses of the intermediate and medial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale neurons to a visual imprinting stimulus were determined before, during, and after training. Of the total recorded population, the proportions of IS neurons shortly after each of two 1-h training sessions were significantly higher (approximately 2 times) than the pretraining proportion. However, ≈4.5 h later this proportion had fallen significantly and did not differ significantly from the pretraining proportion. Nevertheless, ≈21.5 h after the end of training, the proportion of IS neurons was at its highest (approximately 3 times the pretraining level). No significant fluctuations occurred in the proportions of neurons responding to the alternative stimulus. In addition, nonmonotonic changes were found commonly in the activity of 230 of the neurons tracked individually from before training to shortly after the end of training. Thus the pattern of change in responsiveness both at the population level and at the level of individual neurons was highly nonmonotonic. Such a pattern of change is not consistent with simple models of memory based on synaptic strengthening to asymptote. A model is proposed that accounts for the changes in the population responses to the imprinting stimulus in terms of changes in the responses of individual neurons. PMID:11296266

A lower proportion of circulating active parathyroid hormone in peritoneal dialysis does not allow the pth inter-method adjustment proposed for haemodialysis.

PubMed

González-Casaus, M Luisa; González-Parra, Emilio; Sánchez-González, Carmen; Albalate, Marta; de la Piedra-Gordo, Concepción; Fernández, Elvira; Torregrosa, Vicente; Rodríguez, Mariano; Lorenzo, Víctor

2014-05-21

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) shows a strong correlation with histomorphometric and biochemical parameters of bone turnover, however its measurement presents limitations due to inter-method variability. Circulating PTH is a mixture of peptides, but only on its whole form (1-84 PTH) is responsible of PTH biological activity. Carboxyl-terminal fragments exhibit antagonist actions and their proportion differs at each stage of chronic kidney disease, as consequence of differences on their renal clearance. The aim of this study is to evaluate possible differences in the proportion of these fragments according to dialysis type: haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Serum total (Ca) and ionized calcium (iCa), phosphate (P), carboxyl-terminal telopeptides of collagen type I (BCTx) were measured in 73 patients on PD (46 men and 27 women with an age between 22 and 82 years). PTH was quantified by six second generation assays (one isotopic and five chemiluminescence assays) and by one third generation PTH method. Mean serum levels of Ca, iCa, P and BCTx were 9.03, 4.76, 4.73 mg/dl and 1181 pmol/l, respectively. Significant differences were observed in PTH values according to the method used. Adjustment of PTH results to PTH Allegro (Nichols) range of 150-300 nmol/l in PD patients showed higher values than those assessed previously for HD population. The percentage of biologically active 1-84 PTH as the 1-84 PTH/ 7-84 PTH ratio in PD were significantly lower than in HD patients, reflecting the higher proportion of 7-84 PTH circulating fragments for a given intact PTH result in PD. PD patients have a higher proportion of 7-84 PTH circulating fragments. Consequently, the inter-method adjustment algorithms proposed for HD patients are not useful for PD patients. This study proposes alternative algorithms for PTH inter-method adjustment to be applied in PD.

Quantitative and qualitative effects of phosphorus on extracts and exudates of sudangrass roots in relation to vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza formation.

PubMed

Schwab, S M; Menge, J A; Leonard, R T

1983-11-01

A comparison was made of water-soluble root exudates and extracts of Sorghum vulgare Pers. grown under two levels of P nutrition. An increase in P nutrition significantly decreased the concentration of carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, and amino acids in exudates, and decreased the concentration of carboxylic acids in extracts. Higher P did not affect the relative proportions of specific carboxylic acids and had little effect on proportions of specific amino acids in both extracts and exudates. Phosphorus amendment resulted in an increase in the relative proportion of arabinose and a decrease in the proportion of fructose in exudates, but did not have a large effect on the proportion of individual sugars in extracts. The proportions of specific carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, and amino acids varied between exudates and extracts. Therefore, the quantity and composition of root extracts may not be a reliable predictor of the availability of substrate for symbiotic vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Comparisons of the rate of leakage of compounds from roots with the growth rate of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi suggest that the fungus must either be capable of using a variety of organic substrates for growth, or be capable of inducing a much higher rate of movement of specific organic compounds across root cell membranes than occurs through passive exudation as measured in this study.

Ovum pick-up interval in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) managed under wetland conditions in Argentina: Effect on follicular population, oocyte recovery, and in vitro embryo development.

PubMed

Konrad, J; Clérico, G; Garrido, M J; Taminelli, G; Yuponi, M; Yuponi, R; Crudeli, G; Sansinena, M

2017-08-01

The excellent adaptation of water buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) to swampy environments means that animals are frequently managed in areas with restricted access for reproductive procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ovum pick-up (OPU) interval on follicular population, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality and in vitro embryo production. Twelve Murrah buffaloes were subjected to two consecutive dominant follicle reductions, and randomly assigned to either 7-day (n=6) or 14-day (n=6) OPU interval groups. Although there was no significant difference in the average number of small (<3mm) and large (>8mm) diameter follicles available per OPU, a higher proportion of medium-sized follicles (3-8mm) were observed in the 14-day interval group (5.129 vs 3.267; p<0.05). The number of recovered oocytes per donor was also significantly higher (4.51 vs. 2.8; p<0.05) in the 14-day interval group, although this was attributed to an increase in the proportion of lower quality oocytes (grades III and IV). After in vitro fertilization, embryo developmental competence from grade I and II oocytes was superior to that from grade III and IV oocytes, irrespective of OPU interval group. There was no significant difference in the proportion of grade I and II oocytes cleaved after sperm co-incubation; however, there was a higher proportion of blastocysts produced in 14-day interval group (28 vs. 6%, p<0.05). No blastocysts were produced from grade III and IV oocytes. This study indicates it is possible to use a 14-day interval for oocyte collection in water buffalo; this approach could be considered as an alternative when access to animals is restricted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Injuries in the North – analysis of 20 years of surveillance data collected by the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program

PubMed Central

Do, Minh T.; Fréchette, Mylène; McFaull, Steven; Denning, Bryany; Ruta, Mike; Thompson, Wendy

2013-01-01

Background Injury is a major public health concern, particularly for Canadians living in Arctic regions where the harsh physical and social conditions pose additional challenges. Surveillance data collected over the past 2 decades through the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) provide insights into the burden of injuries in certain parts of Canada. Objectives This study aims to summarize and compare patterns of injuries in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut to other southern communities across Canada. Methods Analysis was based on CHIRPP data covering the period 1991–2010. Proportionate injury ratio (PIR) and its 95% confidence interval were used to summarize and compare the injury experience of Canadians living in the Arctic regions to other CHIRPP sites across Canada. Results Between 1991 and 2010, there were 65,116 reported injuries. Approximately 83% of the cases were unintentional in nature; however, significantly higher proportions were observed for assaults and maltreatment (PIR=2.80, 95% CI: 2.72–2.88) among Canadians living in northern communities. Significantly higher proportions were also observed for crushing/amputations (PIR=2.28, 95% CI: 2.14–2.44), poison/toxic effects (PIR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.28), drowning/asphyxiations (PIR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.33–1.74) and frostbites (PIR=7.39, 95% CI: 6.60–8.28). The use of all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles also resulted in significantly higher proportions of injuries (PIR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.79–2.09). Conclusions This study contributes to the limited literature describing injuries in northern communities where the harsh physical and social climates pose additional challenges. Excesses in the proportions identified in this study could be useful in identifying strategies needed to minimize injury risks in northern communities within Canada. PMID:24062994

The golden proportion in facial soft-tissues of Vietnamese females.

PubMed

Nguyen, Minh Son; Saag, Mare; Le, Van Nho; Nguyen, Thuy Trang; Nguyen, Bui Bao Tien; Jagomägi, Triin

2016-01-01

Objective of the current study was to evaluate proportions of frontal facial soft-tissues of Vietnamese females correspond to the golden proportion (GP). Sixty frontal facial photographs of Vietnamese female students aged 19 years were selected. The selected participants had symmetrical face, a Class I relationship occlusion, complete lip closure, and no history of trauma and orthodontic treatment. The photographic record was set-up with a white backdrop, fill light, a reflector, a camera Canon 650D and subjects were asked to sit in a standard position. Trichion (TR), Temporal soft tissue (TS), Lateral canthus (LC), Lateral nasal (LN), Chilion (CH), and Menton (ME) point were used for photometric measurements on CorelDRAW Graphic X3 software. The vertical facial proportions (mean, percentage compared with GP) were significantly higher than the GP including: LC-CH:CH-ME (1.661, 102%), LN-ME:LC-LN (1.729, 106%), TR-ME:LC-ME (1.739, 107%), TR-LN:LN-ME (1.759, 108%). Whereas TR-ME:LN-ME; CH-ME:LN-CH; LC-LN:LN-CH had ratios of 84% - 92% and were significantly smaller in comparison with GP. The horizontal facial proportions of CHR-L:LNR-L, LCR-L:CHR-L and TSR-L:LCR-L deviated from the GP with mean values of 1.221, 1.922 and 1.229, respectively. The new mean values of TR-ME:LC-ME (1.733), TR-LN:LN-ME (1.732), LC-ME:TR-LC (1.374), CH-ME:LN-CH (1.524), which were predictable changes in proportions, can be significantly converged to the GP if LC-CH:CH-ME is equal to the GP. Soft-tissue facial proportions of Vietnamese females did not correspond to the GP. Changing the lower third face may create harmony vertical facial proportions.

Reversing Course in Pennsylvania Higher Education: The Two Tiers in Faculty Pay and Benefits and a Way Forward

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brill, Deidre; Herzenberg, Stephen

2010-01-01

Over the last generation, the instructional staffing system in U.S. higher education has experienced a significant reduction in the proportion of jobs for full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members and a dramatic growth in "contingent" instructors--full-time non tenure track, part-time/adjunct faculty and graduate employees.…

Educational Expansion or Credential Inflation? The Evolution of Part-Time Study by Adults at McGill University, Canada

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLean, Scott; Rollwagen, Heather

2010-01-01

Part-time students have accounted for a significant proportion of rising participation in higher education in many countries. The objectives of this paper are to enrich the empirical literature concerning the inclusion of part-time adult learners in higher education, and to assess the two competing theoretical frameworks that have emerged to…

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: increased solubility of skin collagen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ono, S.; Yamauchi, M.

1992-01-01

We studied the solubility of skin collagen from six patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and six controls. The amount of collagen extracted with neutral salt solution was significantly greater in patients with ALS than in controls. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of collagen extracted from ALS patients with increased duration of illness. The collagen solubilized by pepsin and cyanogen bromide treatments was significantly higher in ALS patients than in controls, and its proportion was positively and significantly associated with duration of illness in ALS patients. These results indicate that the metabolism of skin collagen may be affected in the disease process of ALS, causing an increase in immature soluble collagen in the tissue, which is the opposite to that which occurs in the normal aging process.

Systematic downloading and analysis of data from automated external defibrillators used in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

PubMed

Hansen, Marco Bo; Lippert, Freddy Knudsen; Rasmussen, Lars Simon; Nielsen, Anne Møller

2014-12-01

Valuable information can be retrieved from automated external defibrillators (AEDs) used in victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We describe our experience with systematic downloading of data from deployed AEDs. The primary aim was to compare the proportion of shockable rhythm from AEDs used by laypersons with the corresponding proportion recorded by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on arrival. In a 20-month study, we collected data on OHCAs in the Capital Region of Denmark where an AED was deployed prior to arrival of EMS. The AEDs were brought to the emergency medical dispatch centre for data downloading and rhythm analysis. Patient data were retrieved from the medical records from the admitting hospital, whereas data on EMS rhythm analyses were obtained from the Danish Cardiac Arrest Register between 2001 and 2010. A total of 121 AEDs were deployed, of which 91 cases were OHCAs with presumed cardiac origin. The prevalence of initial shockable rhythm was 55.0% (95% CI [44.7-64.8%]). This was significantly greater than the proportion recorded by the EMS (27.6%, 95% CI [27.0-28.3%], p<0.0001). Shockable arrests were significantly more likely to be witnessed (92% vs. 34%, p<0.0001) and the bystander CPR rate was higher (98% vs. 85%, p=0.04). More patients with initial shockable rhythm achieved return of spontaneous circulation upon hospital arrival (88% vs. 7%, p<0.0001) and had higher 30-day survival rate (72% vs. 5%, p<0.0001). AEDs used by laypersons revealed a higher proportion of shockable rhythms compared to the EMS rhythm analyses. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Using food intake records to estimate compliance with the Eatwell Plate dietary guidelines.

PubMed

Whybrow, S; Macdiarmid, J I; Craig, L C A; Clark, H; McNeill, G

2016-04-01

The UK Eatwell Plate is consumer based advice recommending the proportions of five food groups for a balanced diet: starchy foods, fruit and vegetables, dairy foods, nondairy sources of protein and foods and drinks high in fat or sugar. Many foods comprise ingredients from several food groups and consumers need to consider how these fit with the proportions of the Eatwell Plate. This involves disaggregating composite dishes into proportions of individual food components. The present study aimed to match the diets of adults in Scotland to the Eatwell Plate dietary recommendations and to describe the assumptions and methodological issues associated with estimating Eatwell Plate proportions from dietary records. Foods from weighed intake records of 161 females and 151 males were assigned to a single Eatwell group based on the main ingredient for composite foods, and the overall Eatwell Plate proportions of each subject's diet were calculated. Food group proportions were then recalculated after disaggregating composite foods. The fruit and vegetables and starchy food groups consumed were significantly lower than recommended in the Eatwell Plate, whereas the proportions of the protein and foods high in fat or sugar were significantly higher. Failing to disaggregate composite foods gave an inaccurate estimate of the food group composition of the diet. Estimating Eatwell Plate proportions from dietary records is not straightforward, and is reliant on methodological assumptions. These need to be standardised and disseminated to ensure consistent analysis. © 2015 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

The comparative economic performance of investor-owned chain and not-for-profit hospitals.

PubMed

Watt, J M; Derzon, R A; Renn, S C; Schramm, C J; Hahn, J S; Pillari, G D

1986-01-09

We examined the differences in the economic performance of 80 matched pairs of investor-owned chain and not-for-profit hospitals in eight states during 1978 and 1980, and considered how their operating strategies might affect their relative success in a more price-conscious market. We found that total charges (adjusted for case mix) and net revenues per case were both significantly higher in the investor-owned chain hospitals, mainly because of higher charges for ancillary services; there were no significant differences between the two groups of hospitals in regard to patient-care costs per case (adjusted for case mix), but the investor-owned hospitals had significantly higher administrative overhead costs; investor-owned hospitals were more profitable; investor-owned hospitals had fewer employees per occupied bed but paid more per employee; investor-owned hospitals had funded more of their capital through debt and had significantly higher capital costs in proportion to their operating costs; and the two groups did not differ in patient mix, as measured by their Medicare case-mix indexes or the proportions of their patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid. We conclude that investor-owned chain hospitals generated higher profits through more aggressive pricing practices rather than operating efficiencies - a result not unexpected in view of past cost-based reimbursement policies. Recent changes in these policies are creating new pressures for cost control and moderation in charges, to which both types of hospitals must adapt. Neither type has a clear-cut advantage in the ability to make the necessary changes.

Role of LAP+CD4+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Zhong, Wu; Jiang, Zhi-Yuan; Zhang, Lei; Huang, Jia-Hao; Wang, Shi-Jun; Liao, Cun; Cai, Bin; Chen, Li-Sheng; Zhang, Sen; Guo, Yun; Cao, Yun-Fei; Gao, Feng

2017-01-21

To investigate the abundance and potential functions of LAP + CD4 + T cells in colorectal cancer (CRC). Proportions of LAP + CD4 + T cells were examined in peripheral blood and tumor/paratumor tissues of CRC patients and healthy controls using flow cytometry. Expression of phenotypic markers such as forkhead box (Fox)p3, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein (CTLA)-4, chemokine CC receptor (CCR)4 and CCR5 was measured using flow cytometry. LAP - CD4 + and LAP + CD4 + T cells were isolated using a magnetic cell-sorting system and cell purity was analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure expression of cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. The proportion of LAP + CD4 + T cells was significantly higher in peripheral blood from patients (9.44% ± 3.18%) than healthy controls (1.49% ± 1.00%, P < 0.001). Among patients, the proportion of LAP + CD4 + T cells was significantly higher in tumor tissues (11.76% ± 3.74%) compared with paratumor tissues (3.87% ± 1.64%, P < 0.001). We also observed positive correlations between the proportion of LAP + CD4 + T cells and TNM stage ( P < 0.001), distant metastasis ( P < 0.001) and serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen ( P < 0.05). Magnetic-activated cell sorting gave an overall enrichment of LAP + CD4 + T cells (95.02% ± 2.87%), which was similar for LAP - CD4 + T cells (94.75% ± 2.76%). In contrast to LAP - CD4 + T cells, LAP + CD4 + T cells showed lower Foxp3 expression but significantly higher levels of CTLA-4, CCR4 and CCR5 ( P < 0.01). LAP + CD4 + T cells expressed significantly larger amounts of IL-10 and TGF-β but lower levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-17 and interferon-γ, compared with LAP - CD4 + T cells. LAP + CD4 + T cells accumulated in the tumor microenvironment of CRC patients and were involved in immune evasion mediated by IL-10 and TGF-β.

Living on the edge: roads and edge effects on small mammal populations.

PubMed

Fuentes-Montemayor, Elisa; Cuarón, Alfredo D; Vázquez-Domínguez, Ella; Benítez-Malvido, Julieta; Valenzuela-Galván, David; Andresen, Ellen

2009-07-01

1. Roads may affect wildlife populations through habitat loss and disturbances, as they create an abrupt linear edge, increasing the proportion of edge exposed to a different habitat. Three types of edge effects have been recognized: abiotic, direct biotic, and indirect biotic. 2. We explored the direct biotic edge effects of 3- to 4-m wide roads, and also a previously unrecognized type of edge effect: social. We live-trapped two threatened endemic rodents from Cozumel Island (Oryzomys couesi cozumelae and Reithrodontomys spectabilis) in 16 plots delimited by roads on two sides, to compare edge effects between two adjacent edges (corners), single-edge and interior forest, on life history and social variables. 3. No significant edge effects were observed on the life-history variables, with the exception of differences in body condition between males and females of O. c. cozumelae near edges. Both species showed significant and contrasting effects on their social variables. 4. O. c. cozumelae was distributed according to its age and sex: the proportion of adults and males was higher in interior than near edges, while juveniles and females were more abundant near edges. More nonreproductive females were present in corners than in single-edge and interior, while the opposite distribution was observed for nonreproductive males. 5. The distribution of R. spectabilis was related to its age and reproductive condition, but not to its sex. The proportion of adults was significantly higher in corners, while juveniles were only caught in single-edge and interior quadrants. The proportion of reproductive individuals was higher in edge than interior quadrants, while reproductive females were only present in edge quadrants. 6. We found significant differences between the quadrants with the greatest edge exposure in comparison with other quadrants. The social edge effects we identified complement the typology of edge effects recognized in ecological literature. Our study provides insight into the effects that sharp road edges have on biological and social characteristics of small mammal populations, highlighting how such effects vary among species. Our findings have important conservation implications for these threatened species, but are also applicable in a broader context wherever there are abrupt edges caused by linear landscape features.

An analysis of occupational homicides involving workers 19 years old and younger.

PubMed

Janicak, C A

1999-12-01

Studies indicate that persons employed in various retail occupations such as convenience stores and restaurants experience an increased risk for being a victim of an occupational homicide. A large proportion of workers aged 19 and under are employed in these types of occupations. The purpose of this study was to determine if the workers from this age group employed in retail trades have a significantly greater risk for being a victim of a homicide. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were analyzed in this study. The cases included in this study were victims of an occupational homicide that occurred during the period of 1992 to 1996. Proportionate mortality ratios were used to identify the industries in which workers aged 19 and under were experiencing significantly higher proportion of fatalities. Relative risks were calculated to determine if, based on the number of person-years of exposure, workers aged 19 and under in retail trades were experiencing a significantly greater relative risk for being a victim of an occupational homicide. Results indicate that workers aged 19 and under experience a significantly greater proportion of fatalities due to violence in the retail trade. Workers 19 years and under employed in retail trade occupations do experience a significantly greater proportion of fatalities than their counterparts in other industries. Prevention strategies presented include providing employee training and implementing various security measures.

Identifying the Career-Interest Profiles of Junior-High-School Students Through Latent Profile Analysis.

PubMed

Sung, Yao-Ting; Cheng, Yu-Wen; Hsueh, Jen-Hu

2017-04-03

Exploring the career-interest profiles of students has both practical and theoretical significance; however, a minimal amount of research has been conducted to address this issue. The present study combined latent profile analysis and differentiation values to investigate the career-interest profiles of 13,853 junior-high-school students. The results indicate that while the students' interests could be stratified into 25 profiles, 44.6% of students could be classified the as having low-differentiation profiles (such as like or dislike all types of vocational activities) and 24.9% of students could be classified the as having the artistic-social (like both artistic and social types of activities) profile. In addition, the proportions of females and males differed significantly among the profiles, but different grades did not. The proportion of males was higher for all three low-differentiation groups than of female proportions. Implications for career practices and future research are proposed.

Identification of racial disparities in breast cancer mortality: does scale matter?

PubMed

Tian, Nancy; Goovaerts, Pierre; Zhan, F Benjamin; Wilson, Jeff G

2010-07-05

This paper investigates the impact of geographic scale (census tract, zip code, and county) on the detection of disparities in breast cancer mortality among three ethnic groups in Texas (period 1995-2005). Racial disparities were quantified using both relative (RR) and absolute (RD) statistics that account for the population size and correct for unreliable rates typically observed for minority groups and smaller geographic units. Results were then correlated with socio-economic status measured by the percentage of habitants living below the poverty level. African-American and Hispanic women generally experience higher mortality than White non-Hispanics, and these differences are especially significant in the southeast metropolitan areas and southwest border of Texas. The proportion and location of significant racial disparities however changed depending on the type of statistic (RR versus RD) and the geographic level. The largest proportion of significant results was observed for the RD statistic and census tract data. Geographic regions with significant racial disparities for African-Americans and Hispanics frequently had a poverty rate above 10.00%. This study investigates both relative and absolute racial disparities in breast cancer mortality between White non-Hispanic and African-American/Hispanic women at the census tract, zip code and county levels. Analysis at the census tract level generally led to a larger proportion of geographical units experiencing significantly higher mortality rates for minority groups, although results varied depending on the use of the relative versus absolute statistics. Additional research is needed before general conclusions can be formulated regarding the choice of optimal geographic regions for the detection of racial disparities.

Evaluation of peripheral blood T lymphocyte surface activation markers and transcription factors in patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Rutkowski, Jacek; Cyman, Marta; Ślebioda, Tomasz; Bemben, Kamila; Rutkowska, Aleksandra; Gruchała, Marcin; Kmieć, Zbigniew; Pliszka, Agnieszka; Zaucha, Renata

2017-12-01

Lung cancer cells harboring multiple mutations as a consequence of long-term damage by different etiologic factors are responsible for high immunogenicity. Immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly improve treatment results in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Unfortunately, the role of T-lymphocytes in early NSCLC has not been sufficiently elucidated. The aim of this study was to characterize peripheral blood T cells expressing several selected surface antigens (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD28, PD-1, CTLA-4) and transcription factors (T-bet, ROR-yt, Fox-P3, GATA-3) in this patient population. The study group (LC) consisted of 80 treatment-naïve patients with T1/2aN0M0 NSCLC and was compared with 40 cancer-free patients matched for non-oncological diseases and demographic parameters (CG). Significantly higher counts of CTLA-4+cells (in both CD4+and CD8+subtypes), a lower proportion of PD-1 expressing cells and a significantly higher percentage of Fox-P3+CD4+cells were found in the LC group. The high proportion of CD4+PD-1+cells significantly correlated with poor outcomes in LC group, while low CD4/CD8 ratio predicted a better prognosis. Based on our results it seems that NSCLC even at early stages of development initiate changes in the proportions of T cells that may have a significant impact on the clinical outcome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of racial disparities in breast cancer mortality: does scale matter?

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background This paper investigates the impact of geographic scale (census tract, zip code, and county) on the detection of disparities in breast cancer mortality among three ethnic groups in Texas (period 1995-2005). Racial disparities were quantified using both relative (RR) and absolute (RD) statistics that account for the population size and correct for unreliable rates typically observed for minority groups and smaller geographic units. Results were then correlated with socio-economic status measured by the percentage of habitants living below the poverty level. Results African-American and Hispanic women generally experience higher mortality than White non-Hispanics, and these differences are especially significant in the southeast metropolitan areas and southwest border of Texas. The proportion and location of significant racial disparities however changed depending on the type of statistic (RR versus RD) and the geographic level. The largest proportion of significant results was observed for the RD statistic and census tract data. Geographic regions with significant racial disparities for African-Americans and Hispanics frequently had a poverty rate above 10.00%. Conclusions This study investigates both relative and absolute racial disparities in breast cancer mortality between White non-Hispanic and African-American/Hispanic women at the census tract, zip code and county levels. Analysis at the census tract level generally led to a larger proportion of geographical units experiencing significantly higher mortality rates for minority groups, although results varied depending on the use of the relative versus absolute statistics. Additional research is needed before general conclusions can be formulated regarding the choice of optimal geographic regions for the detection of racial disparities. PMID:20602784

Male scarcity is associated with higher prevalence of premature gestation and low birth weight births across the United States.

PubMed

Kruger, Daniel J; Clark, Jillian; Vanas, Sarah

2013-01-01

Modern adverse birth outcomes may partially result from mechanisms evolved to evaluate environmental conditions and regulate maternal investment trade-offs. Male scarcity in a population is associated with a cluster of characteristics related to higher mating effort and lower paternal investment. We predicted that modern populations with male scarcity would have shorter gestational times and lower birth weights on average. We compared US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention county-aggregated year 2000 birth records with US Decennial Census data. We combined these data in a path model with the degree of male scarcity and known socio-economic predictors of birth outcomes as exogenous predictors of prematurity and low birth weight, with single mother households as a proportion of families with children as a mediator (N = 450). Male scarcity was directly associated with higher rates of low birth weight. Male scarcity made significant indirect predictions of rates of prematurity and low birth weight, as mediated by the proportion of families headed by single mothers. Aggregate socio-economic status also indirectly predicted birth outcomes, as mediated by the proportion of families headed by single mothers, whereas the proportion African American retained both direct and indirect predictions of adverse birth outcomes. Male scarcity influences life history tradeoffs, with consequences for important social and public health issues such as adverse birth outcomes. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Effect of flooding time length on mycorrhizal colonization of three AM fungi in two wetland plants].

PubMed

Ma, Lei-Meng; Wang, Peng-Teng; Wang, Shu-Guang

2014-01-01

In order to provide information for elucidating effect of flooding on the formation and function of AM in wetland plants, three AM fungi (Glomus intraradices, Glomus versiforme, Glomus etunicatum) were used to investigate the effects of flooding time length on their colonization in cattail (Typha orientalis) and rice (Oryza sativa L. ). The results showed that the mycorrhizal colonization rate (MCR) presented downtrend with increasing flooding time length. In cattail, MCR of the fungus F3 was higher than those of fungi F1 and F2, but no significant difference in MCR was found between fungi F1 and F2. In rice, the MCRs of fungi F2 and F3 were higher than that of E1. In both plants, the proportional frequency of hyphae was the highest while the proportional frequency of arbuscules and vesicles was very low in all treatments, indicating that hyphal colonization was the main route for AM formation. The proportional frequency of hyphae in cattail increased with the flooding time length, but no significant trend was observed in rice plant. The proportional frequency of arhuscules decreased with the increase of flooding time, and was the highest in the treatment without flooding (treatment IV). The number of spores produced by AM fungi increased with increasing flooding time, and reached the highest in the treatment of long time flooding (treatment I). In the same treatment, the fungus F3 produced more spores than fungi F1 and F2. Changes in wet weight of the two plants showed that AM could increase cattail growth under flooding, hut little effect on rice growth was found. It is concluded that flooding time length significantly affected the mycorrhizal colonization rate and the proportional frequency of colonization. AM could enhance the growth of wetland plant, but this depends on the mycorrhizal dependence of host plant on AM fungi. Therefore, flooding time length should be considered in the inoculation of wetland plants with AM fungi.

Role of P-glycoprotein on CD69+CD4+ cells in the pathogenesis of proliferative lupus nephritis and non-responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy

PubMed Central

Tsujimura, Shizuyo; Adachi, Tomoko; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Tanaka, Yoshiya

2017-01-01

Introduction P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression on activated lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) plays a role in active efflux of intracellular drugs, resulting in drug resistance. The role of P-gp-expressing lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of SLE remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of P-gp+CD4+ cells in organ manifestations in refractory SLE. Methods The proportion of P-gp+CD4+ cells was determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood of patients with SLE (n=116) and healthy adults (n=10). Renal biopsy specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry for P-gp expression. Results CD69 is a marker of CD4 cell activation. The proportion of both P-gp-expressing CD4+ cells and CD69-expressing CD4+ cells in peripheral blood was higher in SLE than control. The proportion of P-gp+CD69+CD4+ cells correlated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index and was higher in poor responders to corticosteroids. Furthermore, the proportion of P-gp+CD69+CD4+ cells was significantly higher in proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) with poor response to corticosteroids. The efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy depended on the regulation of the proportion of P-gp+CD69+CD4+ cells. Marked accumulation of P-gp+CD4+ cells in renal interstitial tissue and high proportion of peripheral P-gp+CD69+CD4+ cells were noted in patients with proliferative LN. Conclusions The results showed high proportion of P-gp+CD69+CD4+ cells in peripheral blood and their accumulation in renal tissue in patients with proliferative LN refractory to CS therapy, suggesting that P-gp expression on activated CD4+ T cells is a potentially useful marker for refractoriness to treatment and a novel target for treatment. PMID:29225917

Role of P-glycoprotein on CD69+CD4+ cells in the pathogenesis of proliferative lupus nephritis and non-responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy.

PubMed

Tsujimura, Shizuyo; Adachi, Tomoko; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Tanaka, Yoshiya

2017-01-01

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression on activated lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) plays a role in active efflux of intracellular drugs, resulting in drug resistance. The role of P-gp-expressing lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of SLE remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of P-gp + CD4 + cells in organ manifestations in refractory SLE. The proportion of P-gp + CD4 + cells was determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood of patients with SLE (n=116) and healthy adults (n=10). Renal biopsy specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry for P-gp expression. CD69 is a marker of CD4 cell activation. The proportion of both P-gp-expressing CD4 + cells and CD69-expressing CD4 + cells in peripheral blood was higher in SLE than control. The proportion of P-gp + CD69 + CD4 + cells correlated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index and was higher in poor responders to corticosteroids. Furthermore, the proportion of P-gp + CD69 + CD4 + cells was significantly higher in proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) with poor response to corticosteroids. The efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy depended on the regulation of the proportion of P-gp + CD69 + CD4 + cells. Marked accumulation of P-gp + CD4 + cells in renal interstitial tissue and high proportion of peripheral P-gp + CD69 + CD4 + cells were noted in patients with proliferative LN. The results showed high proportion of P-gp + CD69 + CD4 + cells in peripheral blood and their accumulation in renal tissue in patients with proliferative LN refractory to CS therapy, suggesting that P-gp expression on activated CD4 + T cells is a potentially useful marker for refractoriness to treatment and a novel target for treatment.

Status and understanding of groundwater quality in the Sierra Nevada Regional study unit, 2008: California GAMA Priority Basin Project

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fram, Miranda S.; Belitz, Kenneth

2014-01-01

Statistical tests were used to evaluate relations between constituent concentrations and potential explanatory factors descriptive of land use, geography, depth, geochemical conditions, and groundwater age. Higher concentrations of trace elements, radioactive constituents, and constituents with aesthetic-based benchmarks generally were associated with anoxic conditions, higher pH, and location within a particular compositional band in the Sierra Nevada batholith corresponding to the southwestern part of the study unit. High concentrations of organic constituents generally were associated with greater proportions of urban land use. No significant relations were observed between the concentrations of organic constituents and measures of well depth or groundwater age, perhaps because of the high proportions of springs and modern groundwater in the dataset.

The Need for Long Term Care: Information and Issues. A Chartbook of the Federal Council on Aging.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Nostrand, Joan F.; And Others

Characteristics of the expected 55 million elderly Americans in the year 2050 can be predicted with some accuracy. The proportion of elderly blacks will increase, while the ratio of women to men will remain at three to one, with a higher ratio at the higher age levels. Educational levels will also rise significantly. Current information indicates…

Disparities in the prevalence of comorbidities among US adults by state Medicaid expansion status.

PubMed

Akinyemiju, Tomi; Jha, Megha; Moore, Justin Xavier; Pisu, Maria

2016-07-01

About 92% of US older adults have at least one chronic disease or medical condition and 77% have at least two. Low-income and uninsured adults in particular experience a higher burden of comorbidities, and the Medicaid expansion provision of the Affordable Care Act was designed to improve access to healthcare in this population group. However, a significant number of US states have declined expansion. The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution of low-income and uninsured adults in expanded versus non-expanded states, and evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities in both groups. Data from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) dataset was analyzed, and Medicaid expansion status was assessed from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services report on State Medicaid and CHIP Income Eligibility Standards. Next, age adjusted mean number of comorbidities between expanded and non-expanded states was compared, with adjustment for socio-demographic differences. Expanded states had a higher proportion of adults with income of at least $50,000 per year (39.6% vs. 35.5%, p<0.01) and a lower proportion of individuals with no health insurance coverage (15.2% vs. 20.3%, p<0.01) compared with non-expanded states. Among the uninsured, there was a higher proportion of obese (31.6% vs. 26.9%, p<001), and higher average number of comorbidities (1.62 vs. 1.52, p<0.01) in non-expanded states compared to expanded states. Overall, the prevalence of comorbidities was higher among BRFSS participants in states that did not expand Medicaid compared with those in expanded states. States without Medicaid expansion have a greater proportion of poor, uninsured adults with more chronic diseases and conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Out-of-Hours Care Collaboration between General Practitioners and Hospital Emergency Departments in the Netherlands.

PubMed

van Gils-van Rooij, Elisabeth Sybilla Johanna; Yzermans, Christoffel Joris; Broekman, Sjoerd Michael; Meijboom, Berthold Rudy; Welling, Gerben Paul; de Bakker, Dingenus Herman

2015-01-01

In the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) and emergency departments (EDs) collaborate increasingly in what is called an Urgent Care Collaboration (UCC). In UCCs, GPs and EDs share 1 combined entrance and joint triage. The objective of this study was to determine if GPs treat a larger proportion of out-of-hours patients in the UCC system, and how this relates to patient characteristics. This observational study compared patients treated within UCCs with patients treated in the usual care setting, that is, GPs and EDs operating separately. Data on the characteristics of the patients, their consultations, and their health problems were derived from electronic medical records. We performed χ(2) tests, independent sample t tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses. A significantly higher proportion of patients attended their on-call GP within the UCC system. The proportion of ED patients was 22% smaller in UCCs compared to the usual care setting. Controlled for patient and health problem characteristics the difference remained statistically significant (OR=0.69; CI 0.66-0.72) but there were substantial differences between regions. Especially patients with trauma were treated more by general practitioners. Controlled for case mix, patients in the largest UCC-region were 1.2 times more likely to attend a GP than the reference group. When GPs and EDs collaborate, GPs take a substantially higher proportion of all out-of-hours patients. © Copyright 2015 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Physical characterization of crystalline networks formed by binary blends of waxes in soybean oil.

PubMed

Jana, Sarbojeet; Martini, Silvana

2016-11-01

The objective of this study is to analyze the physical properties of 2.5% (wt. basis) binary wax in soybean oil (SBO) system. Differential scanning calorimetry, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, rheology, and polarized light microscopy were used to measure melting profiles, solid fat content, viscoelastic parameters, and crystal morphology, respectively. Binary blends were prepared using beeswax (BW), rice bran wax (RBW), and sunflower wax (SFW) in 0, 20, 50, 80 and 100% proportions. Melting behavior of binary waxes was significantly affected by the type and proportion of wax used. Melting T on and T p for RBW/SFW and RBW/BW blends were significantly higher than those observed for SFW/BW. Enthalpy values suggest that different molecules present in the wax affect intermolecular interactions in the binary blends by either inducing (SFW/BW) or delaying (RBW/BW) crystallization. Iso-solid diagrams show that there is certainly a softening effect when different proportions of RBW/BW and SFW/BW are used, while a solid solution is formed in RBW/SFW systems. Viscoelastic parameters (G', G″) results show that RBW has the highest G' value (3.1×10 4 ±1×10 3 Pa) followed by SFW (2.7×10 4 ±0.2×10 4 Pa) and BW having the lowest (90.7±74.4Pa). Higher G' values in all proportions of RBW/SFW binary system in SBO indicate significantly more solid-like behavior than any other combinations. However, blending of two different waxes does not necessary result in a linear increase in elastic properties and in some cases no changes in elasticity is observed as the amount of the high melting wax is added to the low melting one. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Income, productivity, and satisfaction of breast surgeons.

PubMed

Bendorf, David C; Helmer, Stephen D; Osland, Jacqueline S; Tenofsky, Patty L

2010-03-01

The purpose of this study was to assess how the practice patterns of breast surgeons affect their income and job satisfaction. A 19-question survey regarding practice patterns and income and job satisfaction was mailed to all active US members of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. There were 772 responses. An increasing percentage of breast care was associated with lower incomes (P=.0001) and similar income satisfaction (P=.4517) but higher job satisfaction (P=.0001). The increasing proportion of breast care was also associated with fewer hours worked per week (P=.0001). Although incomes were lower in surgeons with a higher proportion of their practice in breast care, income satisfaction was not affected. Although cause and effect relationships between income and breast surgery are difficult to establish, several trends do emerge. Most significantly, we found that dedicated breast surgeons have higher job satisfaction ratings and similar income satisfaction despite lower incomes. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Metabolic syndrome risk factors among a sample of overweight and obese Mexican children.

PubMed

Elizondo-Montemayor, Leticia; Serrano-González, Mónica; Ugalde-Casas, Patricia A; Cuello-García, Carlos; Borbolla-Escoboza, José R

2010-05-01

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlations of components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) pediatric definition in a cross-sectional study of 215 overweight/obese Mexican children aged 6 to 12. There are no previous studies of this kind in Mexican children. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory measurements were performed. The prevalence of MetS using the pediatric IDF criteria was 6.7% (95% confidence interval, 4.0-11.1). A higher proportion of children in the younger age group had waist circumference above the cutoff, while a higher proportion in the older age group had hyperglycemia. Children with MetS had higher percentages of body fat, body mass index, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Increased triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist circumference were most highly associated with MetS. This has significant implications for public health.

The use of biocultural data in interpreting sex differences in body proportions among rural Amazonians

PubMed Central

VERCELLOTTI, GIUSEPPE; PIPERATA, BARBARA A.

2012-01-01

Variation in height and body proportions is relatively well understood at the inter-population level, but less is known about intra-population variation. This study explores intra-population variation in body proportions among 172 (88 female; 84 male) adult rural Amazonians. We test the hypotheses that: 1) stunting is associated with changes in proportions and fatness; 2) the sexes express different proportions in response to similar environmental stress and 3) female growth is negatively affected by the costs of reproduction. We examined height, sitting height and total leg length in subsamples based on sex and nutritional status (stunted/non-stunted) in relation to biocultural factors including access to food and healthcare and female reproductive history parameters. Differences in proportions were examined using the Quick-Test (Tsutakawa and Hewett, 1977); correlation analyses were employed to detect associations between anthropometric data and body fatness, and female reproductive history parameters. We found significantly higher rates of stunting among females (X2=5.31; p=0.02; RR=1.4). Stunted individuals exhibited relatively shorter legs than non-stunted individuals (p=0.02), although this was not found in within-sex analyses. A significant negative correlation was found between leg length index and fatness (p<0.01). Lastly, females exhibited relatively shorter legs than males (p=0.0003) and, among females, height and leg length were significantly positively correlated with age-at-first-birth (p<0.02) suggesting that adolescent pregnancy may negatively affect growth in this population. Our findings provide insights for the study of intra-population variation in body proportions and highlight the importance of biocultural data in interpreting the pattern of variation observed in living and past populations. PMID:22120650

The use of biocultural data in interpreting sex differences in body proportions among rural Amazonians.

PubMed

Vercellotti, Giuseppe; Piperata, Barbara A

2012-01-01

Variation in height and body proportions is relatively well-understood at the inter-population level, but less is known about intra-population variation. This study explores intra-population variation in body proportions among 172 (88 female; 84 male) adult rural Amazonians. We test the hypotheses that: (1) stunting is associated with changes in proportions and fatness; (2) the sexes express different proportions in response to similar environmental stress; and (3) female growth is negatively affected by the costs of reproduction. We examined height, sitting height, and total leg length in subsamples based on sex and nutritional status (stunted/nonstunted) in relation to biocultural factors including access to food and healthcare and female reproductive history parameters. Differences in proportions were examined using the Quick-Test (Tsutakawa and Hewett: Biometrics 33 (1977) 215-219); correlation analyses were used to detect associations between anthropometric data and body fatness, and female reproductive history parameters. We found significantly higher rates of stunting among females (X(2) = 5.31; P = 0.02; RR = 1.4). Stunted individuals exhibited relatively shorter legs than nonstunted individuals (P = 0.02), although this was not found in within-sex analyses. A significant negative correlation was found between leg length index and fatness (P < 0.01). Lastly, females exhibited relatively shorter legs than males (P = 0.0003) and, among females, height and leg length were significantly positively correlated with age-at-first-birth (P < 0.02) suggesting that adolescent pregnancy may negatively affect growth in this population. Our findings provide insights for the study of intra-population variation in body proportions and highlight the importance of biocultural data in interpreting the pattern of variation observed in living and past populations. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Epidemiology of Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving: A Study from a South Indian City

PubMed Central

Majgi, Sumanth Mallikarjuna; AiswaryaLakshmi, A. S.

2018-01-01

Background: Using cell phones while driving contribute to distractions which can potentially cause minor or major road traffic injuries and also stress among other drivers. With this background, the study was done to ascertain the proportion of handheld cell phone use while driving among road users in Mysore city and also patterns of the use by the day of week, type of road, and type of vehicle. Methods: The study was conducted in Mysore, Karnataka, India. Four stretches of roads were observed thrice daily for 1 week. The total number of vehicles passing through the stretch and the number and characteristics of drivers using hand-held cell was noted. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to ascertain the significance of the difference in proportions. Results: The overall proportion of cell phone users was calculated as 1.41/100 vehicles. The observed use of handheld cell phones was 1.78 times higher on nonbusy roads than busy roads (Χ2 = 25.79, P < 0.0001). More than 50% of the handheld phone users were driving a two wheeler, the proportion being 50.5% in busy roads, and 67% in nonbusy roads. There was no difference in the proportion of cell phone use by time of the day or across different days of the week. Conclusions: The proportion of drivers who use cell phones is found to be relatively lower, and use of cell phones was higher on nonbusy roads. PMID:29619153

Epidemiology of Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving: A Study from a South Indian City.

PubMed

Majgi, Sumanth Mallikarjuna; AiswaryaLakshmi, A S

2018-01-01

Using cell phones while driving contribute to distractions which can potentially cause minor or major road traffic injuries and also stress among other drivers. With this background, the study was done to ascertain the proportion of handheld cell phone use while driving among road users in Mysore city and also patterns of the use by the day of week, type of road, and type of vehicle. The study was conducted in Mysore, Karnataka, India. Four stretches of roads were observed thrice daily for 1 week. The total number of vehicles passing through the stretch and the number and characteristics of drivers using hand-held cell was noted. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to ascertain the significance of the difference in proportions. The overall proportion of cell phone users was calculated as 1.41/100 vehicles. The observed use of handheld cell phones was 1.78 times higher on nonbusy roads than busy roads ( Χ 2 = 25.79, P < 0.0001). More than 50% of the handheld phone users were driving a two wheeler, the proportion being 50.5% in busy roads, and 67% in nonbusy roads. There was no difference in the proportion of cell phone use by time of the day or across different days of the week. The proportion of drivers who use cell phones is found to be relatively lower, and use of cell phones was higher on nonbusy roads.

Efficiency and kinetics of the in vitro fertilization process in bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence.

PubMed

Horakova, J; Hanzalova, K; Reckova, Z; Hulinska, P; Machatkova, M

2007-08-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficiency and kinetics of fertilization in oocytes with different meiotic competence, as defined by the phase of the follicular wave and follicle size. Oocytes were recovered from cows with synchronized estrus cycles, slaughtered in either the growth (day 3) or the dominant (day 7) phase, separately from large, medium and small follicles. The oocytes were matured and fertilized by a standard protocol. Twenty-four hours after fertilization, the oocytes were denuded from cumulus cells, fixed and stained with bisbensimid Hoechst-PBS. Fertilization was more efficient and the first cleavage was accelerated in growth phase-derived oocytes, as shown by significantly higher (p < or = 0.01) proportions of both normally fertilized and cleaved oocytes (68.8 and 25.1%), in comparison with dominant phase-derived oocytes (44.2 and 10.3%). In the growth-phase derived oocytes, proportions of normally fertilized and cleaved oocytes were significantly higher (p < or = 0.01) in oocytes from large (100.0 and 36.4%) and medium (83.3 and 36.5%) follicles than in those from small (54.8 and 14.6%) follicles. The dominant phase-derived oocytes showed higher proportions of normally fertilized and cleaved oocytes in the populations recovered from small (51.5 and 10.0%) and medium (43.1 and 12.0%) follicles than in those from large (25.0 and 0%) follicles; however, the differences were not significant. It can be concluded that: (i) efficiency and kinetics of fertilization differ in relation to oocyte's meiotic competence; (ii) improved development of embryos from oocytes with greater meiotic competence is associated with a more effective fertilization process.

Dental esthetics and its impact on psycho-social well-being and dental self confidence: a campus based survey of north Indian university students.

PubMed

Afroz, Shaista; Rathi, Shraddha; Rajput, Geeta; Rahman, Sajjad Abdur

2013-12-01

To evaluate the subjects perceived satisfaction of their dental appearance and to compare it with a various attitudes and practices which may affect social and psychological behavior and dental self confidence. This was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study done in the campus of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (India). 426 students participated in the study. Questions were pooled in from various components of psychosocial impact of dental esthetics questionnaire (PIDAQ) for various attitudes and practices. Quantitative analysis was done using descriptive analysis and Chi square test using SPSS software. Majority of subjects (57.7 %) was highly satisfied with their smile, more than one-third (37.3 %) were satisfied and there were only 4.9 % subjects who were not satisfied with their smile. Tooth color was the most common (27.9 %) smile component causing dissatisfaction amongst the subjects. More than two-fifth (42.5 %) liked to show their teeth, one-half (49.5 %) liked to see their teeth in mirror, photographs and videos, almost one quarter (23.9 %) subjects used to hide their teeth while smiling. As compared to females, significantly higher proportion of males was conscious of opposite sex while smiling. The proportion of subjects which was highly satisfied with their smile was significantly higher for the item 'like to show their teeth and who liked to see their teeth in mirror, photographs and video' whereas for all the other items the proportion of respondents which was not satisfied with their smile was significantly higher. Self perceived satisfaction of dental esthetics has positive impact on person's social and psychological behavior and dental self confidence.

Evidence that congenital hydrocephalus is a precursor to idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus in only a subset of patients

PubMed Central

Wilson, Robin K; Williams, Michael A

2007-01-01

Objective To identify the proportion of patients in a large idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) cohort with large head circumference (HC) who presumably have congenital hydrocephalus that has not become clinically apparent until late in life. Methods HC was measured in 158 patients diagnosed with communicating INPH and assigned to HC centile range adjusted for height and sex. The proportion of patients with INPH and HC above the 97th, 90th or 50th centiles was compared with the proportion expected in a normal population. Results The proportion of patients with HC >90th centile was significantly larger than would be expected in a normal distribution (19.6% vs 10%, p = 0.0001), as was the proportion of patients with HC >97th centile (8.9% vs 3%, p = 0.0001). The relative association between INPH and HC >97th centile was nearly tripled (relative association 2.95; CI 1.36 to 6.41), but the relative association between INPH and HC >50th centile was not significantly higher than predicted (relative association 1.13; CI 0.95 to 1.34). Conclusion A significantly larger proportion of elderly adults with INPH have a HC greater than the 90th or 97th centile than predicted by population norms, supporting the concept that compensated congenital hydrocephalus that does not become symptomatic until late in life is one aetiology of INPH, but is not responsible for all INPH. The mechanism that leads to the development of INPH in most patients remains elusive. PMID:17202229

The long-term effects of military conscription on mortality: estimates from the Vietnam-era draft lottery.

PubMed

Conley, Dalton; Heerwig, Jennifer

2012-08-01

Research on the effects of Vietnam military service suggests that Vietnam veterans experienced significantly higher mortality than the civilian population at large. These results, however, may be biased by nonrandom selection into the military if unobserved background differences between veterans and nonveterans affect mortality directly. To generate unbiased estimates of exposure to conscription on mortality, the present study compares the observed proportion of draft-eligible male decedents born 1950-1952 to the (1) expected proportion of draft-eligible male decedents given Vietnam draft-eligibility cutoffs; and (2) observed proportion of draft-eligible decedent women. The results demonstrate no effect of draft exposure on mortality, including for cause-specific death rates. When we examine population subgroups-including splits by race, educational attainment, nativity, and marital status-we find weak evidence for an interaction between education and draft eligibility. This interaction works in the opposite direction of putative education-enhancing, mortality-reducing effects of conscription that have, in the past, led to concern about a potential exclusion restriction violation in instrumental variable (IV) regression models. We suggest that previous research, which has shown that Vietnam-era veterans experienced significantly higher mortality than nonveterans, might be biased by nonrandom selection into the military and should be further investigated.

A positive association found between autism prevalence and childhood vaccination uptake across the U.S. population.

PubMed

Delong, Gayle

2011-01-01

The reason for the rapid rise of autism in the United States that began in the 1990s is a mystery. Although individuals probably have a genetic predisposition to develop autism, researchers suspect that one or more environmental triggers are also needed. One of those triggers might be the battery of vaccinations that young children receive. Using regression analysis and controlling for family income and ethnicity, the relationship between the proportion of children who received the recommended vaccines by age 2 years and the prevalence of autism (AUT) or speech or language impairment (SLI) in each U.S. state from 2001 and 2007 was determined. A positive and statistically significant relationship was found: The higher the proportion of children receiving recommended vaccinations, the higher was the prevalence of AUT or SLI. A 1% increase in vaccination was associated with an additional 680 children having AUT or SLI. Neither parental behavior nor access to care affected the results, since vaccination proportions were not significantly related (statistically) to any other disability or to the number of pediatricians in a U.S. state. The results suggest that although mercury has been removed from many vaccines, other culprits may link vaccines to autism. Further study into the relationship between vaccines and autism is warranted.

Injury to apical meristem of cranberry by Dasineura oxycoccana (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) reduces production of floral-units in the next growing season.

PubMed

Tewari, S; Buonaccorsi, J P; Averill, A L

2012-08-01

Cranberry tipworm, Dasineura oxycoccana Johnson (a gall-making fly), disrupts normal growth of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) by injuring the apical meristem of shoots or uprights. The impact of larval feeding injury on reproductive parameters of cranberry was determined, from one growing season to next, at upright (Maine and Massachusetts, 2008-2009) and plot levels (Massachusetts, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011). We also estimated the proportions of uprights injured because of tipworm feeding at several cranberry production sites (Massachusetts and Maine) and the proportions of uprights that produced flowers and fruits in the next growing season. Tipworm-injured uprights tagged at the end of the growing season did not produce floral-units (following year) across sites in both Massachusetts and Maine. There was significant variation among the sampled sites in the proportions of tipworm-injured uprights and also in the proportions of uprights with flowers in the next growing season (Massachusetts and Maine). A trend was apparent wherein sites with higher tipworm injury levels had relatively lower flowering proportions in the next growing season. However, sites in Massachusetts did not differ in the proportions of uprights that set fruit and in a replicated study, significant reduction in tipworm injury at plot level (using insecticide) did not impact flower and fruit production in the next growing season.

Correlation of neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratio with visual acuity and macular thickness in age-related macular degeneration

PubMed Central

Sengul, Elvan Alper; Artunay, Ozgur; Kockar, Alev; Afacan, Ceyda; Rasier, Rifat; Gun, Palmet; Yalcin, Nazli Gul; Yuzbasioglu, Erdal

2017-01-01

AIM To investigate the place of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the diagnosis of and prognosis for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS One hundred AMD patients and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from the venous blood, which is used for routine analysis, and these samples were subjected to complete blood count. NLR was defined as the neutrophil count divided by the number of lymphocytes, and PLR was defined as the platelet count divided by the number of lymphocytes. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups under consideration in terms of demographic features (P>0.05). The average NLR in the patient group was found to be significantly higher than that in the healthy control group (P<0.05). The average PLR was significantly higher in the patient group as compared to the control group (P<0.05). As best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased, both NLR and PLR decreased (significant negative correlations at 49.8% and 63.0%, respectively), whereas as central macular thickness (CMT) increased, both NLR and PLR increased (significant positive correlations at 59.3% and 70.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION NLR and PLR levels are higher among neovascular AMD patients as compared to healthy control group. NLR and PLR levels were found to be inversely proportional to BCVA and directly proportional to CMT. PMID:28546933

Water management, rice varieties and mycorrhizal inoculation influence arsenic concentration and speciation in rice grains.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Wu, Songlin; Ren, Baihui; Chen, Baodong

2016-05-01

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of water management and mycorrhizal inoculation on arsenic (As) uptake by two rice varieties, the As-resistant BRRI dhan 47 (B47) and As-sensitive BRRI dhan 29 (B29). Grain As concentration of B47 plants was significantly lower than that of B29, and grain As concentration of B47 was higher under flooding conditions than that under aerobic conditions. In general, mycorrhizal inoculation (Rhizophagus irregularis) had no significant effect on grain As concentrations, but decreased the proportion of inorganic arsenic (iAs) in grains of B47. The proportion of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in the total grain As was dramatically higher under flooding conditions. Results demonstrate that rice variety selection and appropriate water management along with mycorrhizal inoculation could be practical countermeasures to As accumulation and toxicity in rice grains, thus reducing health risks of As exposure in rice diets.

Endoscopic management of suspected esophageal foreign body in adults.

PubMed

Wu, W-T; Chiu, C-T; Kuo, C-J; Lin, C-J; Chu, Y-Y; Tsou, Y-K; Su, M-Y

2011-04-01

Foreign bodies should not be allowed to remain in the esophagus beyond 24 hours after presentation. However, some patients with esophageal foreign body ingestion do not come to the hospital immediately and may delay medical intervention from the time of ingestion. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of adults with suspected esophageal foreign body ingestion according to the time of ingestion and types of foreign bodies. A total of 326 adult patients (151 men and 175 women) were analyzed, and divided into two groups according to the time period: within or beyond 24 hours from ingestion to endoscopic intervention. A total of 172 patients (52.7%) were found to have ingested foreign bodies; 73.5% were removed smoothly, 10.3% were treated by push technique and 16.0% with failed retrieval received alternative treatments. A higher proportion of patients in the beyond-24 hours group suffered from odynophagia (25.9 vs. 12.9%, P < 0.05). Negative identification of esophageal foreign bodies was more frequent in the beyond-24 hours group (67 vs. 40.2%, P < 0.05), but these patients showed higher proportions of esophageal ulcers (21.1 vs. 7.2%, P < 0.05). The beyond-24 hours group also showed a significantly higher rate of foreign bodies in the lower esophagus (40.0 vs. 15.3%, P < 0.05). Patients with esophageal food bolus impaction had significant delayed endoscopic intervention, longer therapeutic endoscopic time, higher proportions of esophageal cancer, stricture and fewer complications. Endoscopic intervention within 24 hours from the time of ingestion should be considered early in adults, because delaying intervention may produce more symptomatic esophageal ulcerations with odynophagia. © 2010 Copyright the Authors. Journal compilation © 2010, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Quality and fatty acid profile of the milk of indigenous goats subjected to different local diets in Tunisian arid lands.

PubMed

Ayeb, N; Addis, M; Fiori, M; Khorchani, S; Atigui, M; Khorchani, T

2016-02-01

The study tested the hypothesis that certain pastoral forages and olive by-products, available in arid areas, may positively influence fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of goat's milk. Thirty indigenous goats (body weight = 25.2 kg; age = 4.1 years) were allocated to three groups. During 60 days, the goats received ad libitum either dried olive leaves + Stipa tenacissima (group OL), khortane grass hay (group Ko) or oat hay (control diet, group OH). Milk samples were collected and analysed for total solids, fat, protein, lactose and ash content and fatty acid profile. Average milk yield did not statistically differ among groups. Milk total solids from OL group were higher in comparison with Ko and C groups (15.3, 14.7 and 14.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Fat content was also higher for the OL group as compared to the other groups (5.44 vs. 5.01 and 4.66%, respectively, for Ko and OH). No significant differences were observed for the milk content of lactose, protein and ash. The percentage of saturated fatty acids of total milk fat was higher in OL and Ko groups compared to the C group (p < 0.001); the milk whereof was characterized by the highest percentage of monounsaturated (p < 0.01) and total unsaturated fatty acids. Milk fat of Ko and C groups showed significantly higher proportions of rumenic (CLA cis-9 trans-11) and vaccenic acids (C18:1 trans-11) compared to OL milk. The feeding system based on Stipa tenacissima and dried olive leaves resulted in the milk lowest proportion of trans-fatty acids and the highest proportion of polyunsaturated ω3-fatty acids (p < 0.05). Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Changes in the selected reproductive health indicators among married women of reproductive age in low performing areas of Bangladesh: findings from an evaluation study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Three-year duration Demand-Based Reproductive Commodity Project (DBRHCP) was launched in three low performing areas: rural Nabiganj (population 323,357), Raipur (population 260,983) and urban slum in Dhaka (population 141,912). Objectives: Assessing changes in knowledge among married women of reproductive age on selected reproductive health issues and to explore their service utilization patterns over the project period in selected low performing areas of Bangladesh. Methods The study adopted a pre- posts design. In the project areas, the entire chain of service provision were modified through the interventions under the DBRHCP, including training of the providers, enhanced behavioral change communication activities, follow-up and counseling, record keeping, reporting and monitoring, as well as improvement in logistics and supplies. Peer promoters were established as linkages between clients and service providers. All households were enlisted. Baseline and end line surveys were done using representative simple random sampling method, capturing changes over one year intervention period. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS package, version 10. Proportional tests using Stata, version 8 were done to assess changes from baseline to end line. Results The overall contraceptive prevalence was markedly different in the three study areas but significantly increased in both Dhaka urban slums and Nabiganj. In the rural areas, a higher proportion of the women in endline compared to baseline obtained contraceptive methods from the public sectors. Irrespective of study sites, significantly higher proportion of women received ANC (Antenatal Care) and PNC (Post natal care) in endline compared to baseline. In all study sites higher proportions of women were aware of maternal complications at endline. Services were obtained from qualified persons for reported symptoms of sexually transmitted infections by a higher proportion of women at endline compared to baseline. There were improvements in other RH indicators, such as use of skilled birth attendants and overall utilization of health care facilities by women. Conclusions The improvements in several important RH indicators in the intervention areas suggest that the interventions affected selected outcomes reported in the study. The study findings also suggest that investment in the reproductive health sector, particularly in existing government programs, improves RH outcomes. PMID:24886357

An Epidemiological Comparison of Elbow Injuries Among United States High School Baseball and Softball Players, 2005-2006 Through 2014-2015.

PubMed

Pytiak, Andrew V; Kraeutler, Matthew J; Currie, Dustin W; McCarty, Eric C; Comstock, R Dawn

Pitching is a common mechanism of injury in baseball, with known risk factors for elbow injuries among adolescent pitchers. Elbow injury rates and mechanisms will differ between high school baseball and softball players. Descriptive epidemiology study. Level 3. Baseball- and softball-related injury data from the 2005-2006 through 2014-2015 academic years were collected from the High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) Internet-based data collection tool. Athlete-exposure (AE) and injury data were collected by certified athletic trainers. Rate ratios (RRs) were calculated comparing injury rates in the 2 populations. Injury proportion ratios (IPRs) comparing elbow injuries in pitchers and nonpitchers were calculated as the proportion of all elbow injuries in pitchers divided by the proportion of all elbow injuries in nonpitchers. A total of 214 elbow injuries in male baseball players occurred over 2,327,774 AEs, for an overall elbow injury rate of 0.92 per 10,000 AEs. A total of 75 elbow injuries were reported in female softball players over 1,731,644 AEs, for an overall rate of 0.43 per 10,000 AEs. The rate of elbow injury was significantly higher for baseball than softball (RR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.64-2.77). A significantly greater proportion of elbow injuries in baseball were pitching-related compared with those from softball, with 50.2% occurring while pitching in baseball versus 11.0% in softball (IPR, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.35-8.93). If all injuries occurring during pitching were removed from both sports, the difference in elbow injury rate for baseball and softball would no longer be significant (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.88-1.62). The rate of elbow injuries is significantly higher in baseball than softball. This is attributable to differences in rates of pitching-related injuries between these 2 groups. These results demonstrate that overhand pitching increases risk of elbow injury in high school athletes.

Verbal marking of affect by children with Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism during spontaneous interactions with family members.

PubMed

Müller, Eve; Schuler, Adriana

2006-11-01

Verbal marking of affect by older children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA) during spontaneous interactions is described. Discourse analysis of AS and HFA and typically developing children included frequency of affective utterances, affective initiations, affective labels and affective explanations, attribution of affective responses to self and others, and positive and negative markers of affect. Findings indicate that children with AS and HFA engaged in a higher proportion of affect marking and provided a higher proportion of affective explanations than typically developing children, yet were less likely to initiate affect marking sequences or talk about the affective responses of others. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of the marking of positive and negative affect.

Influence of habitat heterogeneity on the community structure of deep-sea harpacticoid communities from a canyon and an escarpment site on the continental rise off California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thistle, David; Sedlacek, Linda; Carman, Kevin R.; Barry, James P.

2017-05-01

The sediment-covered deep-sea floor was initially thought to be environmentally homogeneous. Recent work has shown otherwise, and deep-sea ecologists have been searching for ecologically important environmental heterogeneities on different spatial and temporal scales, with particular interest in canyons. Here we report results for harpacticoid copepods from a site at 3262 m depth in the axis of Monterey Canyon and one on an escarpment 46 km away at 3090 m depth. Multivariate community analyses revealed significant differences between sites in community structure. Absolute abundance, the ratio of subadult copepodites to adults, species density, the proportion of the harpacticoid individuals that emerged, and the proportion that lived in tubes were significantly lower at the canyon site than at the escarpment site. The proportion of the harpacticoid individuals that belonged to the surface-dweller life-style group was significantly higher than at the escarpment site. These marked differences imply that ecologically important environmental heterogeneities exist. We speculate that differences between the sites in food conditions and sediment grain-size distributions are among them.

Loss of Olfactory Receptor Genes Coincides with the Acquisition of Full Trichromatic Vision in Primates

PubMed Central

Wiebe, Victor; Przeworski, Molly; Lancet, Doron; Pääbo, Svante

2004-01-01

Olfactory receptor (OR) genes constitute the molecular basis for the sense of smell and are encoded by the largest gene family in mammalian genomes. Previous studies suggested that the proportion of pseudogenes in the OR gene family is significantly larger in humans than in other apes and significantly larger in apes than in the mouse. To investigate the process of degeneration of the olfactory repertoire in primates, we estimated the proportion of OR pseudogenes in 19 primate species by surveying randomly chosen subsets of 100 OR genes from each species. We find that apes, Old World monkeys and one New World monkey, the howler monkey, have a significantly higher proportion of OR pseudogenes than do other New World monkeys or the lemur (a prosimian). Strikingly, the howler monkey is also the only New World monkey to possess full trichromatic vision, along with Old World monkeys and apes. Our findings suggest that the deterioration of the olfactory repertoire occurred concomitant with the acquisition of full trichromatic color vision in primates. PMID:14737185

Spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential and low tyrosine phosphorylation preferentially bind to oviduct explants in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

PubMed

Saraf, Kaustubh Kishor; Kumaresan, Arumugam; Chhillar, Shivani; Nayak, Samiksha; Lathika, Sreela; Datta, Tirtha Kumar; Gahlot, Subhash Chand; Karan, Prabha; Verma, Kiran; Mohanty, Tushar Kumar

2017-05-01

Although it is understood that spermatozoa are subjected to selection processes to form a functional sperm reservoir in the oviduct, the mechanism remains obscure. With the aim to understand the sperm selection process in the oviduct, in the present in vitro study, we analyzed mitochondrial membrane potential and tyrosine phosphorylation status in oviduct-explants bound and unbound spermatozoa. Frozen semen from Murrah buffalo bulls (n=10) used under progeny testing programme were utilized for the study. Oviduct explants were prepared by overnight culture of epithelial cells in TCM- 199 and washed spermatozoa were added to the oviduct explants and incubated for 4h. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and tyrosine phosphorylation status of bound and unbound spermatozoa were assessed at 1h and 4h of incubation. The proportion of spermatozoa with high MMP was significantly higher (P<0.001) among the bound spermatozoa (range 84.67-96.56%) compared to unbound (range 8.70-21.03%) spermatozoa. The proportion of tyrosine phosphorylated spermatozoa was significantly higher (P<0.001) among unbound population as compared to bound population. The proportion of spermatozoa displaying tyrosine phosphorylation at acrosomal area was significantly (P<0.05) lower in bound sperm population compared to unbound population. It was inferred that spermatozoa with high MMP and low tyrosine phosphorylation were preferred for oviduct-explants binding in the buffalo. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vital signs: restraint use and motor vehicle occupant death rates among children aged 0-12 years - United States, 2002-2011.

PubMed

Sauber-Schatz, Erin K; West, Bethany A; Bergen, Gwen

2014-02-07

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. Age- and size-appropriate child restraint use is the most effective method for reducing these deaths. CDC analyzed 2002–2011 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System to determine the number and rate of motor-vehicle occupant deaths, and the proportion of unrestrained child deaths among children aged <1 year, 1–3 years , 4–7 years, 8–12 years, and for all children aged 0–12 years. Age group–specific death rates and proportions of unrestrained child motor vehicle deaths for 2009–2010 were further stratified by race/ethnicity. Motor vehicle occupant death rates for children declined significantly from 2002 to 2011. However, one third (33%) of children who died in 2011 were unrestrained. Compared with white children for 2009–2010, black children had significantly higher death rates, and black and Hispanic children both had significantly higher proportions of unrestrained child deaths. Motor vehicle occupant deaths among children in the United States have declined in the past decade, but more deaths could be prevented if restraints were always used. Effective interventions, including child passenger restraint laws (with child safety seat/ booster seat coverage through at least age 8 years) and child safety seat distribution plus education programs, can increase restraint use and reduce child motor vehicle deaths.

Asian Americans and disproportionate exposure to carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants: A national study.

PubMed

Grineski, Sara E; Collins, Timothy W; Morales, Danielle X

2017-07-01

Studies have demonstrated disparate exposures to carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in neighborhoods with high densities of Black and Hispanic residents in the US. Asians are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the US, yet they have been underemphasized in previous studies of environmental health and injustice. This cross-sectional study investigated possible disparities in residential exposure to carcinogenic HAPs among Asian Americans, including Asian American subgroups in the US (including all 50 states and the District of Columbia, n = 71,208 US census tracts) using National Air Toxics Assessment and US Census data. In an unadjusted analysis, Chinese and Korean Americans experience the highest mean cancer risks from HAPs, followed by Blacks. The aggregated Asian category ranks just below Blacks and above Hispanics, in terms of carcinogenic HAP risk. Multivariate models adjusting for socioeconomic status, population density, urban location, and geographic clustering show that an increase in proportion of Asian residents in census tracts is associated with significantly greater cancer risk from HAPs. Neighborhoods with higher proportions (as opposed to lower proportions) of Chinese, Korean, and South Asian residents have significantly greater cancer risk burdens relative to Whites. Tracts with higher concentrations of Asians speaking a non-English language and Asians that are US-born have significantly greater cancer risk burdens. Asian Americans experience substantial residential exposure to carcinogenic HAPs in US census tracts and in the US more generally. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vital Signs: Restraint Use and Motor Vehicle Occupant Death Rates Among Children Aged 0–12 Years — United States, 2002–2011

PubMed Central

Sauber-Schatz, Erin K.; West, Bethany A.; Bergen, Gwen

2014-01-01

Background Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. Age- and size-appropriate child restraint use is the most effective method for reducing these deaths. Methods CDC analyzed 2002–2011 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System to determine the number and rate of motor-vehicle occupant deaths, and the proportion of unrestrained child deaths among children aged <1 year, 1–3 years, 4–7 years, 8–12 years, and for all children aged 0–12 years. Age group–specific death rates and proportions of unrestrained child motor vehicle deaths for 2009–2010 were further stratified by race/ethnicity. Results Motor vehicle occupant death rates for children declined significantly from 2002 to 2011. However, one third (33%) of children who died in 2011 were unrestrained. Compared with white children for 2009–2010, black children had significantly higher death rates, and black and Hispanic children both had significantly higher proportions of unrestrained child deaths. Conclusions Motor vehicle occupant deaths among children in the United States have declined in the past decade, but more deaths could be prevented if restraints were always used. Implications for Public Health Effective interventions, including child passenger restraint laws (with child safety seat/booster seat coverage through at least age 8 years) and child safety seat distribution plus education programs, can increase restraint use and reduce child motor vehicle deaths. PMID:24500292

Comparison of domestic violence against women in urban versus rural areas of southeast Nigeria.

PubMed

Ajah, Leonard Ogbonna; Iyoke, Chukwuemeka Anthony; Nkwo, Peter Onubiwe; Nwakoby, Boniface; Ezeonu, Paul

2014-01-01

The perception and prevalence of domestic violence (DV) in rural areas is poorly understood; the result is that most efforts at eradicating this harmful practice are concentrated in urban areas. The objective of the study was to compare the burden and perception of DV among women living in rural and urban Igbo communities of southeast Nigeria. This was a comparative, cross-sectional study of women residing in rural and urban communities in Enugu, Nigeria, who had gathered for an annual religious meeting from August 1-7, 2011. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics and was conducted with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, software version 17.0, at a 95% level of confidence. A total of 836 women who met the eligibility criteria participated in the survey. Of these, 376 were from Okpanku, a rural community, while 460 were from Ogui Nike, an urban community. The prevalence of DV among rural women was significantly higher than that among urban women (97% versus 81%, P<0.001). In particular, the prevalence of physical violence was significantly higher among rural women than among urban women (37.2% versus 23.5%; P=0.05). In contrast, rural and urban women did not differ significantly in the proportions that had experienced psychological or sexual violence. The proportion of women who believed that DV was excusable was significantly higher among rural dwellers than among urban dwellers (58.5% versus 29.6%; P=0.03). The burden of DV against women may be higher in rural communities than in urban communities in southeast Nigeria. More rural women perceived DV as excusable; this finding suggests that factors that sustain DV could be strong in rural areas. A comprehensive program to curb DV in this area may need to significantly involve the rural areas.

Analysis of Different Ploidy and Parent–Offspring Genomic DNA Methylation in the Loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

PubMed Central

Zhou, He; Ma, Tian-Yu; Zhang, Rui; Xu, Qi-Zheng; Shen, Fu; Qin, Yan-Jie; Xu, Wen; Wang, Yuan; Li, Ya-Juan

2016-01-01

In this study, we selected natural polyploidy loach (diploid, triploid and tetraploid) and hybrid F1 generation obverse cross (4 × 2) and inverse cross (2 × 4) by diploids and tetraploids as the research model. The MSAP (methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism) reaction system was established by our laboratory to explore methylation levels and pattern diversification features at the whole genome level of the polyploidy loach. The results showed that the total methylation and full methylation rates decreased on increased ploidy individuals; moreover, the hemimethylation rate showed no consistent pattern. Compared with diploid loach, the methylation patterns of tetraploid sites changed 68.17%, and the methylation patterns of triploid sites changed 73.05%. The proportion of hypermethylation genes is significantly higher than the proportion of demethylation genes. The methylation level of reciprocal cross F1 generation is lower than the male diploid and higher than the female tetraploid. The hemimethylation and total methylation rate of the cross hybrid F1 generation is significantly higher than the orthogonal F1 generation (p < 0.01). After readjusting, the methylation pattern of genome DNA of reciprocal hybrids changed 69.59% and 72.83%, respectively. PMID:27556458

Investigation on the IL-18 -607A/C and -137C/G on the susceptibility of ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Shi, Jin-He; Niu, Li-Dan; Chen, Xi-Yan; Hou, Jing-Yu; Yang, Ping; Li, Guang-Peng

2015-01-01

We conducted a case-control study with 322 cases and 322 controls to assess the role of the two common SNPs in the promoter of IL-18 gene. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length of polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was taken to genotype -607A/C and -137C/G in the promoter of the IL-18 gene. By comparing cases and control subjects, we found that IS cases were more likely to have higher BMI, higher proportion of hypertension, and have higher proportion of smokers and drinkers. We found that IL-18 -607CC genotype (OR=1.70, 95% CI=1.03-2.81) and C allele (OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.01-1.58) were significantly more frequent in IS patients when compared with AA genotype. We did not find significant association between IL-18 -607A/C gene polymorphism and BMI, hypertension, smoking and drinking on the risk of IS. Our study suggests that polymorphisms in IL-18 -607A/C can influence the development of IS, and this gene polymorphism is associated with risk of IS in a Chinese population.

Is plasticity across seasons adaptive in the annual cleistogamous plant Lamium amplexicaule?

PubMed

Stojanova, B; Maurice, S; Cheptou, P-O

2016-04-01

Many angiosperms exhibit cleistogamy, the production of both cleistogamous flowers (CL), which remain closed and obligately self-pollinated, and chasmogamous flowers (CH), which are potentially open-pollinated. The CH proportion can be plastic. Plasticity is adaptive if environmental changes can be reliably assessed and responded to with an appropriate phenotype and if plastic genotypes have higher fitness in variable environments than non-plastic ones. We studied the plastic response of four natural populations from northern and southern France of an annual cleistogamous plant, Lamium amplexicaule, to predictable seasonal variation. Plants were grown in a semi-controlled environment in spring and in autumn. We assessed the variation in flower number, phenology and cleistogamy-related traits, which were all plastic with respect to season. The CH proportion was higher in spring than in autumn in all four populations. We showed significant stabilizing selection for cleistogamy traits, with higher optimal CH proportions and more pronounced stabilizing selection in spring than in autumn. Observed CH proportions were close to the predicted optimal CH proportions in each season except in autumn for southern populations, which do not experience the autumnal growing season in nature. These results are consistent with adaptive plasticity across seasons of cleistogamy in L. amplexicaule.We propose that adaptive plasticity of cleistogamy could be driven by pollination environment variation, with CL flowers providing reproductive assurance when pollinators are scarce and CH flowers reducing the inbreeding depression in offspring when pollinators are abundant. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Analysis of parents' compliance in non-hospital settings during operation of expressed breast milk bank].

PubMed

Yang, Xiao-Yan; Ma, Yue; Hu, Yan-Lin; Tang, Jun; Shi, Jing; Mu, De-Zhi

2016-04-01

To investigate the parents' compliance in non-hospital settings during the operation of expressed breast milk bank. In September 2014, a questionnaire survey was carried out to investigate the parents' willingness about feeding the inpatient neonates with maternal expressed breast milk, to evaluate the effectiveness of the breast milk feeding supporting system, and to monitor the compliance in non-hospital settings during the delivery of maternal expressed breast milk. Improvements in education were made according to the results. A second survey was done in September 2015. A total of 340 questionnaires were sent out, and 338 usable questionnaires were returned. According to the time when the questionnaires were sent out, they were divided into two groups: 2014 group (n=229) and 2015 group (n=109). The age of most mothers was 20-30 years in the 2014 group and 30-40 years in the 2015 group. Most mothers delivered at the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University in both groups, but the 2015 group had a significantly higher proportion than the 2014 group (74.3% vs 61.6%; P<0.05). Guidance was given to mothers in the presence of insufficient breast milk production in both groups, but the 2015 group had a significantly higher proportion than the 2014 group (91.7% vs 79.9%; P<0.05). Both groups had good family compliance in the collection, storage, and transport of breast milk. There were no significant differences in their compliance with washing hands, sterilizing instruments, and using a clean special refrigerator between the two groups. The expressed breast milk was transported strictly according to the procedure in both groups, but the 2015 group had a significantly higher proportion than the 2014 group (100% vs 87.1%; P<0.05). Before and after improvements in the health education, most parents have good compliance in the collection, storage, and transport of breast milk.

Sexual Risk Behaviors and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in China: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Hong-Yi; Xu, Jun-Jie; Zou, Hua-Chun; Reilly, Kathleen Heather; Zhang, Christiana Meng; Yun, Ke; Li, Yong-Ze; Jiang, Yong-Jun; Geng, Wen-Qing; Shang, Hong; Wang, Ning

2015-01-01

To understand the current risk of HIV infection and transmission and further elucidate the underlying risk factors among men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) in China. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of searching through Chinese and English available literature databases between January 2000 and June 2014 to identify articles. Thirty-six articles (including 19,730 MSMW and 53,536 MSMO) met the selection criteria and the aggregated results found that MSMW have significantly higher HIV prevalence than MSMO (6.6% versus 5.4%, OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.01-1.58). A higher proportion of MSMW had commercial male partners in the past 6 months (18.3% versus 12.2%, OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.01-2.42). Additionally, substance use in the past 6 months was significantly more frequent among MSMW than MSMO (alcohol use: 27.1% versus 13.1%, OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 2.14-2.99; illicit drug use: 5.3% versus 2.5%, OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.48-2.95). A higher proportion of commercial sex and substance use among MSMW may be a potentially indicative factor for significantly higher HIV prevalence compared to MSMO. Targeted interventions should aim at increasing the frequency of HIV/STIs screening and preventing high risk commercial sex and substance use among MSMW to decrease their HIV transmission to the general population.

Toy-playing behavior, sex-role orientation, spatial ability, and science achievement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tracy, Dyanne M.

The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the possible relationships among children's extracurricular toy-playing habits, sex-role orientations, spatial abilities, and science achievement. Data were gathered from 282 midwestern, suburban, fifth-grade students. It was found that boys had significantly higher spatial skills than girls. No significant differences in spatial ability were found among students with different sex-role orientations. No significant differences in science achievement were found between girls and boys, or among students with the four different sex-role orientations. Students who had high spatial ability also had significantly higher science achievement scores than students with low spatial ability. Femininely oriented boys who reported low playing in the two-dimensional, gross-body-movement, and proportional-arrangement toy categories scored significantly higher on the test of science achievement than girls with the same sex-role and toy-playing behavior.

Associations Between Markers of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells and Adenomas Among Ethnic Groups

PubMed Central

Leavell, Bonita J.; Van Buren, Eric; Antaki, Fadi; Axelrod, Bradley N.; Rambus, Mary Ann; Majumdar, Adhip P. N.

2013-01-01

Background and Purposes Most colorectal tumors develop from adenomatous polyps, which are detected by colonoscopy. African Americans (AAs) have higher incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and greater mortality from this disease than Caucasian Americans (CAs). We investigated whether differences in predisposition to CRC and its surrogate (colonic adenomas) between these ethnic groups were related to numbers of cancer stem or stem-like cells (CSCs) in colonocytes. Methods We analyzed colonic effluent from 11 AA and 14 CA patients who underwent scheduled colonoscopy examinations at the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We determined proportions of cells that expressed the CSC markers CD44 and CD166 by flow cytometry. Results The proportion of colonocytes that were CD44+CD166– in effluent from patients with adenomas was significantly greater than from patients without adenomas (P = 0.01); the proportion of CD44+CD166+ colonocytes was also greater (P = 0.07). Effluent from AAs with adenomas had 60 % more CD44+166– colonocytes than from CAs with adenomas. Using cutoff values of 8 % for AAs and 3 % for CAs, the proportion of CD44+166– colonocytes that had positive predictive value for detection of adenomas was 100 % for AAs and CAs, determined by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Conclusion The proportion of CD44+166– colonocytes in colonic effluent can be used to identify patients with adenoma. AAs with adenomas have a higher proportion of CD44+166– colonocytes than CA. The increased proportion of CSCs in colonic tissue from AA might be associated with the increased incidence of CRC in this population. PMID:22562538

Relationships of flour solvent retention capacity, secondary structure and rheological properties with the cookie making characteristics of wheat cultivars.

PubMed

Kaur, Amritpal; Singh, Narpinder; Kaur, Seeratpreet; Ahlawat, Arvind Kumar; Singh, Anju Mahendru

2014-09-01

The relationships of grain, flour solvent retention capacity (SRC) and dough rheological properties with the cookie making properties of wheat cultivars were evaluated. Cultivars with higher proportion of intermolecular-β-sheets+antiparallel β sheets and lower α-helix had greater gluten strength. The grain weight and diameter positively correlated with the proportion of fine particles and the cookie spread factor (SF) and negatively to the grain hardness (GH) and Na2CO3 SRC. The SF was higher in the flour with a higher amount of fine particle and with a lower Na2CO3 SRC and dough stability (DS). The breaking strength (BS) of cookies was positively correlated to lactic acid (LA) SRC, DS, peak time, sedimentation value (SV), G' and G″. Na2CO3 SRC and GH were strongly correlated. The gluten performance index showed a strong positive correlation with SV, DS, G' and G″. The water absorption had a significant positive correlation with sucrose SRC and LASRC. Cultivars with higher GH produced higher amount of coarse particles in flours that had higher Na2CO3 SRC and lower cookie SF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fatty acid profile in vertical strata of elephant grass subjected to intermittent stocking.

PubMed

Dias, Kamila M; Schmitt, Daniel; Rodolfo, Giselle R; Deschamps, Francisco C; Camargo, Guilherme N; Pereira, Raphael S; Sbrissia, André F

2017-01-01

The milk and meat from animals with a pasture-based diet have higher proportions of CLA and C18:3 and lower omega-6:omega-3 ratios than products from animals with diets based on corn silage and concentrate. However, most of the published studies have evaluated fatty acid profiles in temperate climate grasses and the literature with tropical grasses is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological and fatty acid compositions in the vertical strata of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) swards subjected to grazing heights (90 or 120 cm pre-grazing heights) and levels of defoliation (50% or 70% removal of the initial pre-grazing height). There were no interactions among pre-grazing height, the level of defoliation and grazing stratum. However, higher proportion of C18:3 (58% and 63%) was found in the 90-cm swards and in the half upper stratum. A higher proportion of C18:3 was associated with a higher leaf proportion and crude protein content. Thus, the upper stratum of sward or a grazing management scheme (e.g. first-last stocking) resulting in a higher proportion of leaves and crude protein both provide higher proportions of C18:3 to animals grazing in elephant grass swards.

Survey of animal shelter managers regarding shelter veterinary medical services.

PubMed

Laderman-Jones, B E; Hurley, K F; Kass, P H

2016-04-01

Veterinary services are increasingly used in animal shelters, and shelter medicine is an emerging veterinary specialty. However, little is known about working relationships between animal shelters and veterinarians. The aims of this survey were to characterize working relationships that shelter personnel have and want with veterinarians, identify opinions that shelter managers have regarding the veterinarians they work with, and determine areas for relationship growth between veterinarians and shelter managers. An electronic survey was distributed to 1373 managers of North American animal shelters; 536 (39.0%) responded. Almost all shelters had some veterinary relationship, and most had regular relationships with veterinarians. The proportion of shelters that used local clinics (73.9%) was significantly higher than the proportion that retained on-site paid veterinarians (48.5%). The proportion of respondents who did not have but wanted a paid on-site veterinarian (42%) was significantly higher than the proportion of respondents who did not use local clinics but wanted to (7.9%). These data suggest shelter managers valued veterinary relationships, and wished to expand on-site veterinary services. Almost all shelters in this study provided some veterinary care, and all respondents identified at least one common infectious disease, which, for most, had a substantial negative impact on shelter successes. Respondents indicated that the most important roles and greatest expertise of veterinarians were related to surgery, diagnosis and treatment of individual animals. Education of both veterinarians and shelter managers may help ensure that shelters benefit from the full range of services veterinarians can provide, including expertise in disease prevention and animal behavior. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Associations of serum adiponectin with skeletal muscle morphology and insulin sensitivity.

PubMed

Ingelsson, Erik; Arnlöv, Johan; Zethelius, Björn; Vasan, Ramachandran S; Flyvbjerg, Allan; Frystyk, Jan; Berne, Christian; Hänni, Arvo; Lind, Lars; Sundström, Johan

2009-03-01

Skeletal muscle morphology and function are strongly associated with insulin sensitivity. The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that circulating adiponectin is associated with skeletal muscle morphology and that adiponectin mediates the relation of muscle morphology to insulin sensitivity. This was a cross-sectional investigation of 461 men aged 71 yr, participants of the community-based Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men study. Measures included serum adiponectin, insulin sensitivity measured with euglycemic insulin clamp technique, and capillary density and muscle fiber composition determined from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies. In multivariable linear regression models (adjusting for age, physical activity, fasting glucose, and pharmacological treatment for diabetes), serum adiponectin levels rose with increasing capillary density (beta, 0.30 per 50 capillaries per square millimeter increase; P = 0.041) and higher proportion of type I muscle fibers (beta, 0.27 per 10% increase; P = 0.036) but declined with a higher proportion of type IIb fibers (beta, -0.39 per 10% increase; P = 0.014). Using bootstrap methods to examine the potential role of adiponectin in associations between muscle morphology and insulin sensitivity and the associations of capillary density (beta difference, 0.041; 95% confidence interval 0.001, 0.085) and proportion of type IIb muscle fibers (beta difference, -0.053; 95% confidence interval -0.107, -0.002) with insulin sensitivity were significantly attenuated when adiponectin was included in the models. Circulating adiponectin concentrations were higher with increasing skeletal muscle capillary density and in individuals with higher proportion of slow oxidative muscle fibers. Furthermore, our results indicate that adiponectin could be a partial mediator of the relations between skeletal muscle morphology and insulin sensitivity.

Inequities in tobacco retailer sales to minors by neighborhood racial/ethnic composition, poverty, and segregation, USA, 2015

PubMed Central

Lee, Joseph G. L.; Landrine, Hope; Torres, Essie; Gregory, Kyle R.

2016-01-01

Objective Tobacco retailers are an important source of tobacco products for minors. Previous research shows racial discrimination in sales to minors, but no national study has examined neighborhood correlates of retailer underage sales. Methods We accessed publicly available results of 2015 FDA inspections of tobacco retailers (n=108,614). In this cross-sectional study, we used multilevel logistic regression to predict the likelihood of retailer sale to a minor based on tract characteristics. We assessed the proportion of residents identifying as American Indian, Asian, Black, Latino, and White; isolation index scores for each racial/ethnic group; the proportion of people less than age 65 living in poverty; and, the proportion of residents age 10–17 in relation to retailer inspection results. Results The proportion of American Indian residents, Black residents, Latino residents, and residents less than age 65 under the poverty line in a neighborhood are independently, positively associated with the likelihood that a retailer in that neighborhood will fail an underage buy inspection. The proportion of White residents and residents age 10–17 are independently, negatively associated with the likelihood of sale of tobacco products to a minor. Isolation index scores show a similar pattern. In multivariable models holding neighborhood characteristics constant, higher proportions of Black (+), Latino (+), and age 10–17 (−) residents remained significant predictors of the likelihood of underage sale. Discussion Regulatory agencies should consider oversampling retailers in areas with higher likelihood of sales to minors for inspection. Interventions with tobacco retailers to reduce inequities in youth access should be implemented. PMID:27609780

Trends and patterns of under-5 vaccination in Nigeria, 1990-2008: what manner of progress?

PubMed

Ushie, B A; Fayehun, O A; Ugal, D B

2014-03-01

Despite efforts towards reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest rates of vaccine-preventable diseases including tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. These efforts include regular rounds of immunization days and routine exercises. The government of Nigeria periodically undertakes National Demographic and Health (NDH) surveys, which tap information on various health indices including vaccination coverage. Limited studies have used the NDHS data to examine the trends in vaccination coverage for the assessment of successes or failures of the immunization efforts. This study used four NDH Surveys datasets between 1990 and 2008, which generated child health information including the proportion that had had any or all basic childhood vaccines. A combined total of 44,071 (weighted) children were involved in the study. The trend and pattern of vaccination over 18 years were examined while selected factors were regressed to obtain predictors of child vaccinations in Nigeria. The most recent survey (2008) reported more complete vaccination apart from 1990, which was said to be inaccurate. In all surveys, children from mothers with higher education, who were delivered in hospitals, lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination. A lower level of childhood vaccination is observed in the northern parts, while higher rates are observed in the southern parts. More complete vaccination coverage was reported in the 1990 survey, followed by 2008, 1999 and 2003. In addition, children from mothers with higher levels of education, who were delivered in hospitals, who lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination. Much more work needs to be done if more children are to be covered and thus reduce vaccine-preventable diseases. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Large numbers of interleukins-22- and -17A-producing T helper cells in cholangiocarcinoma related to liver fluke infection.

PubMed

Su, Si-Biao; Zhang, Jian-Feng; Huang, Fei-Fei; Cen, Yu; Jiang, Hai-Xing

2017-08-01

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) associated with liver fluke infection involves inflammatory and immune processes; however, whether these involve the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A and proliferative cytokine IL-22 remains unclear. Here, numbers of IL-22- and IL-17A-producing Th cells and cytokine concentrations in 30 patients with CCA and long-term liver fluke infection, 40 patients with liver-fluke infection but not CCA, and 16 healthy controls were compared. Analyses were performed using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA and RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining showed weaker expression of IL-22 and IL-17A in patients with CCA with than in those without liver fluke infection (P < 0.01). Flow cytometry revealed significantly greater median proportions of IL-22-producing T helper cells in patients with CCA (2.2%) than in those without it (0.69%) or controls (0.4%, P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for IL-17A-producing T helper cells. ELISA revealed plasma concentrations of IL-22 were 1.3-fold higher in patients with CCA than in those without it and 4.6-fold higher than in controls (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of IL-17A were 2.5-fold higher in patients with CCA than in those without it, and 21-fold higher than in controls (P < 0.001). Amounts of IL-22 and IL-17A mRNAs in blood were significantly higher in patients with CCA than in the other two groups. Proportions of CD4 + CD45RO + T cells producing IL-22 correlated with proportions producing IL-17A (r = 0.759; P < 0.001), and plasma concentrations of IL-22 correlated with those of IL-17A (r = 0.726; P < 0.001). These results suggest that both IL-17A and IL-22 affect development of CCA related to liver fluke infection. © 2017 The Societies and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Bioavailability of riverine dissolved organic matter in three Baltic Sea estuaries and the effect of catchment land use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmala, E.; Autio, R.; Kaartokallio, H.; Pitkänen, L.; Stedmon, C. A.; Thomas, D. N.

2013-11-01

The microbial degradation of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC, DON) was studied in three Finnish boreal estuaries with contrasting land use patterns (Kiiminkijoki - natural forest and peatland; Kyrönjoki - agricultural; Karjaanjoki - mixed/urban). Bioassays of 12-18 d long durations were used in 3 seasons at in situ temperatures. Besides the bulk parameters, a suite of dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality parameters were also investigated, including colored DOM (CDOM), fluorescent DOM and the molecular weight of DOM. Bioavailable DOC and DON pools varied significantly between the estuaries, from 7.9 to 10.6% and from 5.5 to 21.9%, respectively. DOM originating from the catchment dominated by natural forests and peatlands (Kiiminkijoki) had the lowest DOC and DON degradation rates, as well as the lowest proportions of biodegradable DOC and DON. A greater proportion of agricultural land in the catchment increased the bioavailability of DON, but not the bioavailability of DOC (Kyrönjoki). Additionally, DOM quality varied significantly between the estuaries, and DOM originating from the agricultural Kyrönjoki catchment sustained higher DOC and DON degradation rates and higher bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) compared to those of the natural forest and peat dominated Kiiminkijoki catchment. The quality of DOM, indicated by differences in CDOM, fluorescent DOM and molecular weight, varied between estuaries with differing land use and was concluded to be major driver of BGE of these systems and thereafter to the microbial CO2 fluxes from the estuaries. The differences in BGE resulted in a 5-fold difference in the calculated daily bacterial CO2 emissions between the study's estuaries due to bacterial activity, ranging from 40 kg C d-1 in the Karjaanjoki estuary to 200 kg C d-1 in the Kyrönjoki estuary. Lower DOC:DON ratios, smaller molecular weight and higher CDOM absorption spectral slope values of DOM resulted in higher proportion of the initial DOC and DON being transferred to microbial growth and therefore to the pelagic food web. The pristine, peatland and forest-dominated Kiiminkijoki catchment had the lowest BGE, and therefore proportionally highest CO2 fluxes.

Functional Gene Diversity and Metabolic Potential of the Microbial Community in an Estuary-Shelf Environment

PubMed Central

Wang, Yu; Zhang, Rui; He, Zhili; Van Nostrand, Joy D.; Zheng, Qiang; Zhou, Jizhong; Jiao, Nianzhi

2017-01-01

Microbes play crucial roles in various biogeochemical processes in the ocean, including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycling. Functional gene diversity and the structure of the microbial community determines its metabolic potential and therefore its ecological function in the marine ecosystem. However, little is known about the functional gene composition and metabolic potential of bacterioplankton in estuary areas. The East China Sea (ECS) is a dynamic marginal ecosystem in the western Pacific Ocean that is mainly affected by input from the Changjiang River and the Kuroshio Current. Here, using a high-throughput functional gene microarray (GeoChip), we analyzed the functional gene diversity, composition, structure, and metabolic potential of microbial assemblages in different ECS water masses. Four water masses determined by temperature and salinity relationship showed different patterns of functional gene diversity and composition. Generally, functional gene diversity [Shannon–Weaner’s H and reciprocal of Simpson’s 1/(1-D)] in the surface water masses was higher than that in the bottom water masses. The different presence and proportion of functional genes involved in C, N, and P cycling among the bacteria of the different water masses showed different metabolic preferences of the microbial populations in the ECS. Genes involved in starch metabolism (amyA and nplT) showed higher proportion in microbial communities of the surface water masses than of the bottom water masses. In contrast, a higher proportion of genes involved in chitin degradation was observed in microorganisms of the bottom water masses. Moreover, we found a higher proportion of nitrogen fixation (nifH), transformation of hydroxylamine to nitrite (hao) and ammonification (gdh) genes in the microbial communities of the bottom water masses compared with those of the surface water masses. The spatial variation of microbial functional genes was significantly correlated with salinity, temperature, and chlorophyll based on canonical correspondence analysis, suggesting a significant influence of hydrologic conditions on water microbial communities. Our data provide new insights into better understanding of the functional potential of microbial communities in the complex estuarine-coastal environmental gradient of the ECS. PMID:28680420

Pregnancy persistently affects memory T cell populations.

PubMed

Kieffer, Tom E C; Faas, Marijke M; Scherjon, Sicco A; Prins, Jelmer R

2017-02-01

Pregnancy is an immune challenge to the maternal immune system. The effects of pregnancy on maternal immunity and particularly on memory T cells during and after pregnancy are not fully known. This observational study aims to show the short term and the long term effects of pregnancy on the constitution, size and activation status of peripheral human memory T-lymphocyte populations. Effector memory (EM) and central memory (CM) T-lymphocytes were analyzed using flow cytometry of peripheral blood from 14 nulligravid, 12 primigravid and 15 parous women that were on average 18 months postpartum. The short term effects were shown by the significantly higher CD4+ EM cell and activated CD4+ memory cell proportions in primigravid women compared to nulligravid women. The persistent effects found in this study were the significantly higher proportions of CD4+ EM, CD4+ CM and activated memory T cells in parous women compared to nulligravid women. In contrast to CD4+ cells, activation status of CD8+ memory cells did not differ between the groups. This study shows that pregnancy persistently affects the pre-pregnancy CD4+ memory cell pool in human peripheral blood. During pregnancy, CD4+ T-lymphocytes might differentiate into EM cells followed by persistent higher proportions of CD4+ CM and EM cells postpartum. The persistent effects of pregnancy on memory T cells found in this study support the hypothesis that memory T cells are generated during pregnancy and that these cells could be involved in the lower complication risks in multiparous pregnancies in humans. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thyroid cancer characteristics in the population surrounding Three Mile Island.

PubMed

Goyal, Neerav; Camacho, Fabian; Mangano, Joseph; Goldenberg, David

2012-06-01

To determine differences in disease characteristics between the thyroid cancer populations in the area around the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant and the rest of the state of Pennsylvania. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Data from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry from 1985 to 2008 were reviewed and information regarding age at diagnosis, sex, race, residential status, county of residence, thyroid pathology, thyroid surgery, and staging was recorded. Dauphin, Lancaster, and York counties were defined as the TMI area. Records of 26,357 thyroid cancer patients were reviewed, with 2,611 patients within the TMI area. A higher proportion of papillary thyroid cancer (P < .001) and lower proportion of follicular thyroid cancer (P < .001) were noted in the TMI area population. Thyroid cancer cases from the TMI area were found to be more likely to be diagnosed before the age of 65 years (P < .001), be Pennsylvania born (P < .001), be well differentiated (P < .001), be <10 mm in size (P < .001), and be localized without spread (P < .001). Although the TMI area shows a higher incidence of thyroid cancer as compared to the rest of the state, this was not statistically significant. The TMI population showed a higher proportion of papillary thyroid cancer and less aggressive pathology and earlier diagnosis compared to the rest of Pennsylvania. No statistically significant difference in thyroid cancer incidence was noted. Overall, the study does not show a clear link with more advanced thyroid cancer and proximity to the TMI nuclear reactors. Copyright © 2012 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

Academic Achievement and Depressive Symptoms in Low-Income Latino Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zychinski, Kristen E.; Polo, Antonio J.

2012-01-01

The Latino population in the United States is increasing rapidly, and Latino youth comprise a significant proportion of the overall school-age population. Latino youth, however, demonstrate lower levels of academic achievement. Research also indicates Latino youth consistently report higher levels of depressive symptoms. We examined the relation…

Job Preferences in the Anticipatory Socialization Phase: A Comparison of Two Matching Models.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moss, Mira K.; Frieze, Irene Hanson

1993-01-01

Responses from 86 business administration graduate students tested (1) a model matching self-concept to development of job preferences and (2) an expectancy-value model. Both models significantly predicted job preferences; a higher proportion of variance was explained by the expectancy-value model. (SK)

Teaching in English Is Not Necessarily the Teaching of English

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapple, Julian

2015-01-01

Described as a "galloping" phenomenon now considered "pandemic" in proportion, the use of English as the lingua franca medium of instruction (EMI) at higher education institutions (HEIs) across the globe is today considered the most significant trend in educational internationalisation. Japan is no exception and a growing…

Nutrition Advertisements in Consumer Magazines: Health Implications for African Americans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pratt, Charlotte A.; Pratt, Cornelius B.

1996-01-01

Examines the "Ladies' Home Journal" and two popular consumer magazines that target blacks to determine the proportions of food and beverage advertisements, nutrition advertisements and their promotional messages, and the health implications they reveal. Findings reveal these magazines had a significantly higher number of alcohol ads,…

The role of climate in the dynamics of a hybrid zone in Appalachian salamanders

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walls, Susan

2009-01-01

I examined the potential influence of climate change on the dynamics of a previously studied hybrid zone between a pair of terrestrial salamanders at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, U.S. Forest Service, in the Nantahala Mountains of North Carolina, USA. A 16-year study led by Nelson G. Hairston, Sr. revealed that Plethodon teyahalee and Plethodon shermani hybridized at intermediate elevations, forming a cline between 'pure' parental P. teyahalee at lower elevations and 'pure' parental P. shermani at higher elevations. From 1974 to 1990 the proportion of salamanders at the higher elevation scored as 'pure' P. shermani declined significantly, indicating that the hybrid zone was spreading upward. To date there have been no rigorous tests of hypotheses for the movement of this hybrid zone. Using temperature and precipitation data from Coweeta, I re-analyzed Hairston's data to examine whether the observed elevational shift was correlated with variation in either air temperature or precipitation from the same time period. For temperature, my analysis tracked the results of the original study: the proportion of 'pure' P. shermani at the higher elevation declined significantly with increasing mean annual temperature, whereas the proportion of 'pure' P. teyahalee at lower elevations did not. There was no discernable relationship between proportions of 'pure' individuals of either species with variation in precipitation. From 1974 to 1990, low-elevation air temperatures at the Coweeta Laboratory ranged from annual means of 11.8 to 14.2 °C, compared with a 55-year average (1936-1990) of 12.6 °C. My re-analyses indicate that the upward spread of the hybrid zone is correlated with increasing air temperatures, but not precipitation, and provide an empirical test of a hypothesis for one factor that may have influenced this movement. My results aid in understanding the potential impact that climate change may have on the ecology and evolution of terrestrial salamanders in montane regions.

Risk factors for distal radius fracture in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Xu, Wenting; Ni, Cheng; Yu, Ren; Gu, Guoqing; Wang, Zheren; Zheng, Guoqing

2017-05-01

The aim of this work was to explore the risk factors for distal radius fracture in postmenopausal women. A total of 611 postmenopausal women with distal radius fractures were included. In all, 173 patients with unstable distal radius fractures were included (unstable fracture group), while there were 438 patients with stable distal radius fractures (stable fracture group). The control group comprised 800 postmenopausal women with no fracture. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Compared with the control group, the 611 postmenopausal women with distal radius fractures had a higher body mass index (BMI). Advanced age and higher BMI were more common in the unstable fracture group than in the stable fracture group (P <0.05). A higher proportion of the 611 postmenopausal women with a distal radius fracture had fallen in the last 12 months than in the control group. Comorbidities and the frequency of falls in the last 12 months were higher in the unstable fracture group than in the stable fracture group (P < 0.05). A higher proportion of the control group was taking calcium supplements, while the proportion taking calcium supplementation in the unstable fracture group was lower than that in the stable fracture group (P < 0.05). Osteoporosis in the two fracture groups (P < 0.05) was significantly higher than in the control group and was the highest in the unstable fracture group (P < 0.05). In postmenopausal women, obesity, falls, unknown osteoporosis status, and osteoporosis are associated with high risk of distal radius fracture. If comorbidities and advanced age are also present, this group of persons may be at higher risk for unstable distal radius fractures.

Haplotype diversity in the equine myostatin gene with focus on variants associated with race distance propensity and muscle fiber type proportions

PubMed Central

Petersen, Jessica L; Valberg, Stephanie J; Mickelson, James R; McCue, Molly E

2014-01-01

Summary Two variants in the equine myostatin gene (MSTN), including a T/C SNP substitution in the first intron and a 227-bp SINE insertion in the promoter, are associated with muscle fiber type proportions in the Quarter Horse (QH) and with the prediction of race distance propensity in the Thoroughbred (TB). Genotypes from these loci, along with 18 additional variants surrounding MSTN, were examined in 301 horses of 14 breeds to evaluate haplotype relationships and diversity. The C allele of intron 1 was found in 12 of 14 breeds at a frequency of 0.27; the SINE was observed in five breeds, but common in only the TB and QH (0.73 and 0.48 respectively). Haplotype data suggest the SINE insertion is contemporary to and arose upon a haplotype containing the intron 1 C allele. Gluteal muscle biopsies of TBs showed a significant association of the intron 1 C allele and SINE with a higher proportion of Type 2B and lower proportion of Type 1 fibers. However, in the Belgian horse, in which the SINE is not present, the intron 1 SNP was not associated with fiber type proportions, and evaluation of fiber type proportions across the Belgian, TB and QH breeds shows the significant effect of breed on fiber type proportions is negated when evaluating horses without the SINE variant. These data suggest the SINE, rather than the intron 1 SNP, is driving the observed muscle fiber type characteristics and is the variant targeted by selection for short-distance racing. PMID:25160752

Management of supratentorial cavernous malformations: craniotomy versus gammaknife radiosurgery.

PubMed

Shih, Yang-Hsin; Pan, David Hung-Chi

2005-02-01

Although craniotomy is the preferred treatment for symptomatic solitary supratentorial cavernous malformation (CM), radiosurgery is also an option. Our aim was to see which of these strategies was the most effective and under what circumstances. Of the 46 patients with solitary supratentorial CM that we retrospectively studied, 24 presented with seizures, 16 with focal neurological deficits due to intracerebral hemorrhage, and 6 with both seizures and bleeding. Sixteen were treated with craniotomy and 30 with gammaknife radiosurgery (GKRS). The main outcome measures for comparing craniotomy with GKRS were the proportion of postoperative seizure-free patients and the proportion of patients in whom no rebleeding occurred. Of patients presenting with seizures with/without bleeding, a significantly higher proportion of the craniotomy group than the GKRS group became and remained seizure-free (11/14 [79%] versus 4/16 [25%]; P < 0.002), and of those presenting with bleeding with/without seizures, a somewhat (though nonsignificantly) higher proportion did not rebleed (4/4 [100%] versus 12/18 [67%]) after surgery. The remaining 2 of the 16 craniotomy patients did not rebleed and had no residual tumor at follow up. Twelve of the 30 GKRS patients had evidence of tumor regression at follow up. In the clinical management of solitary supratentorial CM, craniotomy for lesionectomy resulted in better seizure control and rebleeding avoidance than GKRS.

Relationship between Icodextrin use and decreased level of small low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fractioned by high-performance gel permeation chromatography

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Because of the absorption of glucose in peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution, PD patients show an atherogenic lipid profile, which is predictive of poor survival in PD patients. Lipoprotein subclasses consist of a continuous spectrum of particles of different sizes and densities (fraction). In this study, we investigated the lipoprotein fractions in PD patients with controlled serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, and evaluated the effects of icodextrin on lipid metabolism. Methods Forty-nine PD patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in Japan. The proportions of cholesterol levels to total cholesterol level (cholesterol proportion) in 20 lipoprotein fractions were measured using an improved method of high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Results Twenty-six patients used icodextrin. Although no significant differences in cholesterol levels in LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed between the patients using icodextrin (icodextrin group) and control groups, HPGPC showed that the icodextrin group had significantly lower cholesterol proportions in the small LDL (t-test, p=0.053) and very small LDL (p=0.019), and significantly higher cholesterol proportions in the very large HDL and large HDL than the control group (p=0.037; p=0.066, respectively). Multivariate analysis adjusted for patient characteristics and statin use showed that icodextrin use was negatively associated with the cholesterol proportions in the small LDL (p=0.037) and very small LDL (p=0.026), and positively with those in the very large HDL (p=0.040), large HDL (p=0.047), and medium HDL (p=0.009). Conclusions HPGPC showed the relationship between icodextrin use and the cholesterol proportions in lipoprotein fractions in PD patients. These results suggest that icodextrin may improve atherogenic lipid profiles in a manner different from statin. PMID:24161017

Histochemical and morphometric characteristics of the normal human vastus medialis longus and vastus medialis obliquus muscles.

PubMed Central

Travnik, L; Pernus, F; Erzen, I

1995-01-01

The histochemical and morphometric characteristics of the vastus medialis longus and vastus medialis obliquus muscles were studied and compared with data on vastus lateralis. Cross-sections of autopsied muscles from 9 healthy men, aged 18-44 y, who had died suddenly were analysed. Data were obtained on proportions, cross-sectional diameter, and on atrophy and hypertrophy factors, of type 1, 2a, 2b, and 2c fibres. The analysis showed that the anatomical differences and the different functional demands placed on vastus medialis longus and vastus medialis obliquus are also expressed in different proportions and sizes of fibre types in the two muscles. The proportion of type 1 fibres was significantly higher (P < 0.01), and the proportion of 2b fibres was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in vastus medialis longus than in vastus medialis obliquus. The diameters of type 1 and type 2a fibres were significantly smaller (P < 0.01) in vastus medialis longus than in vastus medialis obliquus, although the differences were small. Within muscles a nonrandom arrangement of fibre types existed with the deeper portions of the muscles having more type 1 fibres than the more superficial portions. The histochemical and morphometric characteristics of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis obliquus show great similarity, reflecting the common function of both muscles which is taking part in transverse knee stability. Estimates of the limits of normality of the proportion, diameter, atrophy and hypertrophy factors of type 1, 2a, 2b, and 2c fibres might be useful in obtaining information on how different physiological and pathological conditions influence the proportion and size of different fibre types.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:7592003

Clinical Impact of Emphysema Evaluated by High-Resolution Computed Tomography on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosed by Surgical Lung Biopsy.

PubMed

Kohashi, Yasuo; Arai, Toru; Sugimoto, Chikatoshi; Tachibana, Kazunobu; Akira, Masanori; Kitaichi, Masanori; Hayashi, Seiji; Inoue, Yoshikazu

2016-01-01

The prognosis of combined cases of pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema is unresolved partially because radiological differentiation between usual interstitial pneumonia and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is difficult in coexisting emphysema cases. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical impact of emphysema on the survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). One hundred and seven patients with interstitial lung diseases were diagnosed by surgical lung biopsies between 2006 and 2012, and 47 patients were diagnosed with IPF through multidisciplinary discussion. Emphysema on high-resolution computed tomography scans was evaluated semiquantitatively by visual scoring. Eight out of the 47 IPF patients showed a higher emphysema score (>3) and were diagnosed to have IPF-emphysema. The median survival time of patients with IPF-emphysema (1,734 days) from the initial diagnosis was significantly shorter than that of patients with IPF alone (2,229 days) by Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.007, log-rank test). Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed that a higher total emphysema score (>3.0) was a significantly poor prognostic factor in addition to Krebs von den Lungen-6, surfactant protein-D, arterial oxygen tension, percent forced vital capacity, and percent diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (%DLCO). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses with the stepwise method showed that higher total emphysema score (>3) and %DLCO were significantly poor prognostic factors. The prognosis of IPF-emphysema was significantly worse than that of IPF alone. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Aggressive behavior of the male parent predicts brood sex ratio in a songbird

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szász, Eszter; Garamszegi, László Zsolt; Hegyi, Gergely; Szöllősi, Eszter; Markó, Gábor; Török, János; Rosivall, Balázs

2014-08-01

Brood sex ratio is often affected by parental or environmental quality, presumably in an adaptive manner that is the sex that confers higher fitness benefits to the mother is overproduced. So far, studies on the role of parental quality have focused on parental morphology and attractiveness. However, another aspect, the partner's behavioral characteristics, may also be expected to play a role in brood sex ratio adjustment. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether the proportion of sons in the brood is predicted by the level of territorial aggression displayed by the father, in the collared flycatcher ( Ficedula albicollis). The proportion of sons in the brood was higher in early broods and increased with paternal tarsus length. When controlling for breeding date and body size, we found a higher proportion of sons in the brood of less aggressive fathers. Male nestlings are more sensitive to the rearing environment, and the behavior of courting males may often be used by females to assess their future parental activity. Therefore, adjusting brood sex ratio to the level of male aggression could be adaptive. Our results indicate that the behavior of the partner could indeed be a significant determinant in brood sex ratio adjustment, which should not be overlooked in future studies.

Innovative Multimodal Physical Therapy Reduces Incidence of Repeat Manipulation under Anesthesia in Post-Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients Who Had an Initial Manipulation under Anesthesia.

PubMed

Chughtai, Morad; McGinn, Tanner; Bhave, Anil; Khan, Sabahat; Vashist, Megha; Khlopas, Anton; Mont, Michael A

2016-11-01

Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is performed for knee stiffness following a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) when nonoperative treatments fail. It is important to develop an optimal outpatient physical therapy protocol following an MUA, to avoid a repeat procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare: (1) range of motion and (2) the rate of repeat MUA in patients who either underwent innovative multimodal physical therapy (IMMPT) or standard-of-care physical therapy (standard) following an MUA after a TKA. We performed a retrospective database study of patients who underwent an MUA following a TKA between January 2013 to December 2014 ( N  = 57). There were 16 (28%) men and 41 (72%) women who had a mean age of 59 years (range, 32-81 years). The patients were stratified into those who underwent IMMPT ( n  = 22) and those who underwent standard physical therapy ( n  = 35). The 6-month range of motion and rate of repeat manipulation between the two cohorts was analyzed by using Student t-test and Chi-square tests. In addition, we performed a Kaplan-Meier analysis of time to repeat MUA. The IMMPT cohort had a statistically significant higher proportion of TKAs with an optimal range of motion as compared with the standard cohort. There was statistically significant lower proportion of patients who underwent a repeat MUA in the IMMPT as compared with the standard cohort. There was also a significantly lower incidence and longer time to MUA in the IMMPT cohort as compared with the standard cohort in the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The group who underwent IMMPT utilizing Astym therapy had a significantly higher proportion of patients with optimal range of motion, which implies the potential efficacy of this regimen to improve range of motion. Furthermore, the IMMPT cohort had a significantly lower proportion of repeat manipulations as compared with the standard cohort, which implies that an IMMPT approach could potentially reduce the need for a repeat MUA. These findings warrant further investigation into outcomes of different rehab approaches. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Environmental injustice along the US-Mexico border: residential proximity to industrial parks in Tijuana, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grineski, Sara E.; Collins, Timothy W.; de Lourdes Romo Aguilar, María

2015-09-01

Research in the Global North (e.g., US, Europe) has revealed robust patterns of environmental injustice whereby low income and minority residents face exposure to industrial hazards in their neighborhoods. A small body of research suggests that patterns of environmental injustice may diverge between the Global North and South due to differing urban development trajectories. This study uses quantitative environmental justice methods to examine spatial relationships between residential socio-demographics and industrial parks in Tijuana, Baja California Norte, Mexico using 2010 census data for Tijuana’s 401 neighborhoods and municipality-provided locations of industrial parks in the city. Results of spatial lag regression models reveal that formal development is significantly associated with industrial park density, and it accounts for the significant effect of higher socioeconomic status (measured using mean education) on greater industrial density. Higher proportions of female-headed households are also significantly associated with industrial park density, while higher proportions of children and recent migrants are not. The formal development findings align with other studies in Mexico and point to the importance of urban development trajectories in shaping patterns of environmental injustice. The risks for female-headed households are novel in the Mexican context. One potential explanation is that women factory workers live near their places of employment. A second, albeit counterintuitive explanation, is the relative economic advantage experienced by female-headed households in Mexico.

[Geographication of centenarians and its related factors in Japan].

PubMed

Okamoto, K; Yagyu, K

1998-10-01

This study explores the factors associated with longevity in Japan by considering the geographic distribution of centenarians based on the 1990 population census. The proportion of centenarians was calculated based on the population of those aged 65 years or older. The findings were 11.0 males and 28.2 females per 100,000 people aged 65 years or older. In this analysis, the rate ratio, RR, was used as an index for fluctuation of centenarians by prefecture. RR is also the proportion of centenarians in a prefecture to that in the nation. When the RR of both sexes is over 100, the region is defined as high proportion and less than this as low proportion. The high proportion regions were located in the western part of Japan i.e. from the Chugoku to the Kyusyu district, the low proportion regions were located in the eastern part of Japan i.e. from the Tohoku to the Kanto district both sexes. The relationship between the geographical distribution of centenarians and environmental factors was analyzed. The correlation coefficient of the proportion of centenarians and the temperature as index of a regional difference was the highest among the factors investigated. After adjusting for mean temperature, the mean value of factors associated with a high quality of welfare work and of medical service, and that of having leisure time were significantly higher in high proportion regions than in low proportion regions.

Functional and dysfunctional impulsivity and attempted suicide in rural China: A paired case-control study.

PubMed

Liu, Yang-Yang; Wang, Xin-Ting; Qiu, Hui-Min; Xu, Ai-Qiang; Jia, Cun-Xian

2017-07-01

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between functional and dysfunctional impulsivity and attempted suicide in rural China. Data of this study came from the investigation of 407 suicide attempters and their paired non-suicide attempters matched with the same gender, age (±3 years) and residence area in six counties in rural Shandong, China. Suicide attempters accounted for a lower proportion on high functional impulsivity, but a higher proportion on high dysfunctional impulsivity than non-suicide attempters. Dysfunctional impulsivity in the male denoted a significant risk factor for attempted suicide, even after adjustment for psychiatric disorder and demographic factors. Suicide attempters with high dysfunctional impulsivity had a higher percent of family suicide history than those with low dysfunctional impulsivity. High functional impulsivity was a significant protective factor for attempted suicide in the group aged 35-59 years, but a significant risk factor in the group aged 15-34 years. Suicide attempters with low functional impulsivity had poorer economic status and older age than those with high functional impulsivity. Our findings support the key roles of functional and dysfunctional impulsivity in attempted suicide among rural residents of China. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Technology penetration of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in southern California.

PubMed

Shah, Haimesh; Kumar, S Ram; Major, Kevin; Hood, Douglas; Rowe, Vincent; Weaver, Fred A

2006-11-01

Our objective was to investigate the penetration of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the large, diverse health-care market of southern California over 3 years and to study variability in the pattern of distribution of EVAR in southern California counties by analyzing available demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic data from California state health-care databases. Information abstracted from the inpatient hospital discharge data for patients undergoing AAA repair for the years 2001, 2002, and 2003, derived from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, included age, gender, race, hospitals performing EVAR, and payors for the service. Per-capita income (PCI) for the year 1999 and the population size of each county for the respective years were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. Data pertaining to members of the Southern California Vascular Surgical Society (SCVSS) serving the southern California region were obtained from the SCVSS membership directory. Data were categorized based on 10 counties in southern California. All the above variables were analyzed using the chi-squared test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. The proportions of EVAR for the years 2001, 2002, and 2003 were 15.4% (n = 409), 20.2% (n = 492), and 25.9% (n = 566), respectively. This is a 67.8% (p < 0.0001) increase in EVAR application in southern California since 2001. However, the proportion of EVAR varied among counties (p < 0.0001), with 457 EVARs performed in Los Angeles County and eight in Imperial County during the study period. EVAR proportion was higher in patients aged > or =65 years (p < 0.0001) and male patients (p < 0.0001). The proportion of EVAR was significantly higher in counties with more than 20 vascular surgeons available (p < 0.0001) and PCI >21,000 US$ (p < 0.0001) and in Medicare, health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization, and private insurance holders (p < 0.0001). There was a trend toward increased EVARs in counties with more than eight hospitals that performed EVAR (p = 0.0545). However, no significant difference in EVAR proportion was observed among subgroups based on race (p = 0.535) and population size (p = 0.84). Although the number and proportion of EVAR increased significantly in southern California over 3 years, the penetration of the procedure varied among counties. County affluence, payor mix, and the number of vascular surgeons/county influenced the variability. These observations suggest that economic barriers may limit access to new biomedical technology. This has implications for health-care public policy directed toward providing equal access to medical care without regard to economic status.

Site-specific differences in T cell frequencies and phenotypes in the blood and gut of HIV-uninfected and ART-treated HIV+ adults.

PubMed

Yukl, Steven A; Shergill, Amandeep K; Girling, Valerie; Li, Qingsheng; Killian, Maudi; Epling, Lorrie; Li, Peilin; Kaiser, Philipp; Haase, Ashley; Havlir, Diane V; McQuaid, Kenneth; Sinclair, Elizabeth; Wong, Joseph K

2015-01-01

Gastrointestinal T lymphocytes are critical for mucosal immunity and HIV pathogenesis, yet little is known about normal T cell numbers and phenotypes in different regions of the gut, or the degree to which ART can restore levels to those of HIV-uninfected individuals. To investigate these questions, we measured T cell frequencies and markers of memory, activation, anergy, and homing in the blood, ileum, and rectum of HIV- and ART-suppressed HIV+ adults. In HIV- individuals, T cell frequencies and phenotypes differed significantly between sites. Compared to HIV- adults, HIV+ adults had lower absolute CD4+T cell counts in the ileal lamina propria and lower relative CD4+T cell counts in the blood and ileum. In the gut, HIV+ adults had a higher proportion of CD38+ CD4+T cells, a lower proportion of terminally-differentiated effector cells, and, in the rectum, a higher proportion of CTLA-4+ CD4+T cells. In HIV+ individuals, relative CD4+T cell numbers in the ileum correlated with the proportion of CTLA-4+ CD4+T cells, whereas in the rectum, they tended to correlate with the proportion of circulating CD4+T cells expressing α4β7 or CCR6. Mechanisms of T cell reconstitution may differ throughout the gut, with homing contributing more in the rectum while ileal reconstitution is associated with mucosal CD4+T cell anergy.

Biopharmaceutical industry-sponsored global clinical trials in emerging countries.

PubMed

Alvarenga, Lenio Souza; Martins, Elisabeth Nogueira

2010-01-01

To evaluate biopharmaceutical industry-sponsored clinical trials placed in countries previously described as emerging regions for clinical research, and potential differences for those placed in Brazil. Data regarding recruitment of subjects for clinical trials were retrieved from www.clinicaltrials.gov on February 2nd 2009. Proportions of sites in each country were compared among emerging countries. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to evaluate whether trial placement in Brazil could be predicted by trial location in other countries and/or by trial features. A total of 8,501 trials were then active and 1,170 (13.8%) included sites in emerging countries (i.e., Argentina, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Mexico, Poland, Russia, South Korea, and South Africa). South Korea and China presented a significantly higher proportion of sites when compared to other countries (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regressions detected no negative correlation between placement in other countries when compared to Brazil. Trials involving subjects with less than 15 years of age, those with targeted recruitment of at least 1,000 subjects, and seven sponsors were identified as significant predictors of trial placement in Brazil. No clear direct competition between Brazil and other emerging countries was detected. South Korea showed the higher proportion of sites and ranked third in total number of trials, appearing as a major player in attractiveness for biopharmaceutical industry-sponsored clinical trials.

Ex vivo expansion of human umbilical cord blood-derived T-lymphocytes with homologous cord blood plasma.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Man; Jung, Min-Hyung; Song, Ha-Young; Yang, Hyun Ok; Lee, Sung-Tae; Kim, Jong-Hyeok; Kim, Young-Tak; Nam, Joo-Hyun; Mok, Jung-Eun

2005-02-01

This study was designed to establish a more effective and safe culture system for adoptive immunotherapy by investigating the use of homologous cord blood plasma (HCBP) instead of fetal bovine serum (FBS), which has various limitations including ethical problems for the ex vivo expansion of human umbilical T lymphocytes. Fresh human umbilical mononuclear cell fractions were isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque density centrifugation. Nonadherent mononuclear cell fractions were cultured with anti-CD3 antibody (5 microg/ml), IL-2 (175 U/ml), and either 10% FBS or 10% HCBP. On day 8, the cellular proliferation rate and cell surface markers were assessed. There was no significant difference in proliferation when human umbilical cord blood T lymphocytes were grown in medium supplemented with FBS or HCBP (p > 0.05). In medium containing FBS, the proportion of CD3(+)CD4(+) (markers for helper T cell), CD3(+)CD8(+) (cytotoxic T cell), CD3(+)CD25(+) (activated T cell), CD3(+)CD38(+) (immature T cell), and CD3(+)CD45RO(+) (memory T cell) cells was significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas proportion of CD3(+)CD45RA(+) (naive T cell) and CD16(+)CD56(+) (NK cell) cells was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In HCBP supplemented medium, the proportion of CD3(+)CD8(+), CD3(+)CD25(+), CD3(+)CD45RA(+), and CD3(+)CD45RO(+) cells was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The proportion of CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(+)CD45RO(+) and CD3(+)CD38(+) cells was significantly higher, but proportion of CD3(+)CD45RA(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+) cells was significantly lower in FBS compared with HCBP supplemented medium (p < 0.05). Our results support the feasibility of ex vivo expansion of human umbilical cord blood T lymphocytes in medium supplemented with HCBP for future adoptive cellular immunotherapy.

Time-trends and congener profiles of PBDEs and PCBs in California peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus).

PubMed

Park, June-Soo; Holden, Arthur; Chu, Vivian; Kim, Michele; Rhee, Alexandra; Patel, Puja; Shi, Yating; Linthicum, Janet; Walton, Brian J; McKeown, Karen; Jewell, Nicholas P; Hooper, Kim

2009-12-01

High levels (microg/g lw) of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in peregrine falcon eggs from California (n = 90 eggs from 52 birds, 38 nest sites, collected 1986-2007, SigmaPBDEs median = 4.53, range = 0.08-53.1). Over the past 22 years, PBDE levels more than tripled each decade in the eggs, whereas PCB levels had no significant changes. PBDE levels were highest in eggs from major California cities ("Big Cities"), whereas PCBs showed no difference across the regions. For PBDEs, Big City eggs had markedly different patterns from Coastal eggs: BDE-209 and the higher brominated PBDEs (hexa-nona) were dominant congeners in Big City eggs, while BDE-47 and -99 were dominant in Coastal eggs. In many of the birds that gave multiple eggs over time ("time series"), PBDE patterns changed over time: the high proportions of BDE-209 and higher brominated PBDEs (short half-lives) in young birds contrasted with increasingly higher proportions of BDE-153 (long half-life) and other lower brominated PBDEs as the birds aged. These data are consistent with metabolic debromination of BDE-209 (t(1/2) = 1-2 weeks) to the lower brominated PBDEs, with accumulation over time of BDE-153 (t(1/2) = 3-4 years). In contrast, PCB patterns showed no differences by locations, and did not change over time. Diet (prey birds) may explain the urban PBDE pattern, as the patterns in urban pigeons and peregrines were similar, with high proportions of BDE-209 and the higher-brominated PBDEs. Also, our prey data (feathers from peregrine nests) showed urban peregrines having a higher proportion (>2 fold) of granivorous/opportunistic birds (e.g., "introduced feral" pigeons, mourning doves, starlings) in their diet than coastal peregrines. In summary, these data indicate that BDE-209 exits consumer products as an environmental contaminant to be taken up by wildlife (particularly in urban locations), and undergoes metabolic debromination to the banned lower-brominated PBDEs. High levels of the higher-brominated PBDE congeners, especially in urban locations, permitted accurate measures of relative proportions of homologues in each of the hexa-nona congener classes. Using the major hexa-nona homologues in each of these classes, we propose a pathway for the stepwise, metabolic debromination of BDE-209.

Nano structural anodes for radiation detectors

DOEpatents

Cordaro, Joseph V.; Serkiz, Steven M.; McWhorter, Christopher S.; Sexton, Lindsay T.; Retterer, Scott T.

2015-07-07

Anodes for proportional radiation counters and a process of making the anodes is provided. The nano-sized anodes when present within an anode array provide: significantly higher detection efficiencies due to the inherently higher electric field, are amenable to miniaturization, have low power requirements, and exhibit a small electromagnetic field signal. The nano-sized anodes with the incorporation of neutron absorbing elements (e.g., .sup.10B) allow the use of neutron detectors that do not use .sup.3He.

Sex differences in how social networks and relationship quality influence experimental pain sensitivity.

PubMed

Vigil, Jacob M; Rowell, Lauren N; Chouteau, Simone; Chavez, Alexandre; Jaramillo, Elisa; Neal, Michael; Waid, David

2013-01-01

This is the first study to examine how both structural and functional components of individuals' social networks may moderate the association between biological sex and experimental pain sensitivity. One hundred and fifty-two healthy adults (mean age = 22yrs., 53% males) were measured for cold pressor task (CPT) pain sensitivity (i.e., intensity ratings) and core aspects of social networks (e.g., proportion of friends vs. family, affection, affirmation, and aid). Results showed consistent sex differences in how social network structures and intimate relationship functioning modulated pain sensitivity. Females showed higher pain sensitivity when their social networks consisted of a higher proportion of intimate types of relationship partners (e.g., kin vs. non kin), when they had known their network partners for a longer period of time, and when they reported higher levels of logistical support from their significant other (e.g., romantic partner). Conversely, males showed distinct patterns in the opposite direction, including an association between higher levels of logistical support from one's significant other and lower CPT pain intensity. These findings show for the first time that the direction of sex differences in exogenous pain sensitivity is likely dependent on fundamental components of the individual's social environment. The utility of a social-signaling perspective of pain behaviors for examining, comparing, and interpreting individual and group differences in experimental and clinical pain reports is discussed.

Sex Differences in How Social Networks and Relationship Quality Influence Experimental Pain Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Vigil, Jacob M.; Rowell, Lauren N.; Chouteau, Simone; Chavez, Alexandre; Jaramillo, Elisa; Neal, Michael; Waid, David

2013-01-01

This is the first study to examine how both structural and functional components of individuals’ social networks may moderate the association between biological sex and experimental pain sensitivity. One hundred and fifty-two healthy adults (mean age = 22yrs., 53% males) were measured for cold pressor task (CPT) pain sensitivity (i.e., intensity ratings) and core aspects of social networks (e.g., proportion of friends vs. family, affection, affirmation, and aid). Results showed consistent sex differences in how social network structures and intimate relationship functioning modulated pain sensitivity. Females showed higher pain sensitivity when their social networks consisted of a higher proportion of intimate types of relationship partners (e.g., kin vs. non kin), when they had known their network partners for a longer period of time, and when they reported higher levels of logistical support from their significant other (e.g., romantic partner). Conversely, males showed distinct patterns in the opposite direction, including an association between higher levels of logistical support from one’s significant other and lower CPT pain intensity. These findings show for the first time that the direction of sex differences in exogenous pain sensitivity is likely dependent on fundamental components of the individual’s social environment. The utility of a social-signaling perspective of pain behaviors for examining, comparing, and interpreting individual and group differences in experimental and clinical pain reports is discussed. PMID:24223836

[Respiratory protection provided by N95 filtering facepiece respirators and disposable medicine masks against airborne bacteria in different working environments].

PubMed

Lu, W; Zhu, X C; Zhang, X Y; Chen, Y T; Chen, W H

2016-09-20

Objective: To determine the relative protection provided by N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) and disposable medicine masks (DMM) against airborne bacteria in different working environments. Methods: The field study was performed with 12 subjects wearing an N95 filtering facepiece respirator and a disposable medicine mask for 1h, respectively. Airborne microorganisms and bacteria samples from both the external (Ce) and the inner (Ci) surface of N95 FFR and DMM are collected. The Ce: Ci ratio was used to calculate the bacterial filtering proportion. Bacterial filtering efficiency (BFE) was measured using the JWL-2A Sampler. Results: The bacterial filtration efficiency of N95 FFR and DMM were 99.93% and 91.53%, respectively. There was significant difference between the two materials ( P <0.05). In summer, airborne bacterial concentration was higher than that in winter. In the same season, airborne bacterial concentration in hospital environment is higher than that in campus. The higher the airborne bacterial concentration, the greater bacterial contaminated on the external surface of the used masks. To all masks used in different working environment, bacterial contamination on the external surface was much greater than the inner surface ( P <0.01). Compared to N95 FFR, DMM had slighter bacterial contamination on the external surface and greater bacterial contamination on the inner surface. However, this difference was not significant ( P >0.05). The bacterial filtering proportion of N95 FFR is higher than DMM. These differences were significant in samples tested in summer ( P <0.05) , but were not significant in samples tested in winter ( P >0.05). Conclusion: Bacterial filtering efficiency of N95 respirator is superior to medicine mask, and this advantage become more obvious in high airborne bacterial concentration levels.

Job stress and job satisfaction of physicians in private practice: comparison of German and Norwegian physicians.

PubMed

Voltmer, Edgar; Rosta, Judith; Siegrist, Johannes; Aasland, Olaf G

2012-10-01

This study examined job satisfaction and job stress of German compared to Norwegian physicians in private practice. A representative sample of physicians in private practice of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (N = 414) and a nationwide sample of Norwegian general practitioners and private practice specialists (N = 340) were surveyed in a cross-sectional design in 2010. The questionnaire comprised the standard instruments "Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS)" and a short form of the "Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI)". Norwegian physicians scored significantly higher (<0.01) on all items of the job satisfaction scale compared to German physicians (M 5.57, SD 0.74 vs. M 4.78, SD 1.01). The effect size was highest for the items freedom to choose method (d = 1.012), rate of pay (d = 0.941), and overall job satisfaction (d = 0.931). While there was no significant difference in the mean of the overall effort scale between German and Norwegian physicians, Norwegian physicians scored significantly higher (p < 0.01) on the reward scale. A larger proportion of German physicians (27.6%) presented with an effort/reward ratio beyond 1.0, indicating a risky level of work-related stress, compared to only 10.3% of Norwegian physicians. Working hours, effort, reward, and country differences accounted for 37.4% of the explained variance of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction and reward were significantly higher in Norwegian than in German physicians. An almost threefold higher proportion of German physicians exhibited a high level of work-related stress. Findings call for active prevention and health promotion among stressed practicing physicians, with a special focus on improved working conditions.

[Analysis of Relationship between Serum Total Light Chain κ/λ Ratio and Proportion of Bone Marrow Plasma Cells in Patients with IgG type and IgA type Multiple Myeloma].

PubMed

Zhu, An-You; Zhu, Fang-Bing; Wang, Feng-Chao; Zhang, Lun-Jun; Ma, Yue; Hu, Jian-Guo

2017-10-01

To explore the relationship between serum total light chain κ/λ ratio (sTLC-κ/λ) and proportion of bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) in patients with IgG type and IgA type multiple myeloma (MM) and its clinical significance. The levels of serum IgG, IgA, κ type and λ type total light chain were detected in 79 newly diagnosed patients with IgG type (n=52) and IgA type (n=27) MM by immuno-nephelometric assay and the sTLC-κ/λ ratio was calculated. The proportion of BMPC was determined by bone marrow smears in the corresponding period, and the changes in sTLC-κ/λ ratio and the proportion of BMPC were observed in 19 patients with IgG type(n=16) and IgA type (n=3) MM undergoing treatment, 26 cases of non-phasmocytic proliferative diseases were enrolled in control group. In MM patients with IgGκ type and IgAκ type, the sTLC-κ/λ ratio was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), while in MM patients with IgGλ type and IgAλ type, the sTLC-κ/λ ratio was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). In MM patients with IgGκ, the sTLC-κ/λ ratio was significantly higher than that in MM patients with IgAκ(P<0.01), while the sTLC-κ/λ ratio in MM patients with IgGλ was significantly lower than that in MM patients with IgAλ. The sTLC-κ/λ ratios in MM patients with IgGκ and IgAκ were positively correlated with the concentrations of IgG (r=0.778,P=0.000) and IgA (r=0.601,P=0.039), while the sTLC-κ/λ ratios of patients with IgGλ and IgAλ were negativily correlated with the IgG(r=-0.586,P=0.01) and IgA level(r=-0.718,P=0.003). In addition, a correlation between each type MM was not found except the IgGκ type MM which had a positive correlation between the sTLC-κ/λ ratio and proportion of BMPC (r=0.579,P=0.002). Nonetheless, 18 of 19 patients with IgG type and IgA type MM undergoing treatment showed concordance between the sTLC-κ/λ ratio and proportion of BMPC change. There is a lower correlation between the sTLC-κ/λ ratio and the proportion of BMPC in MM patients with IgG type and IgA type, but there is a high concordance between the sTLC-κ/λ ratio and the proportion of BMPC change in the same patient and it suggests that the sTLC-κ/λ ratio plays an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of IgG type and IgA type MM.

Proportion of medication error reporting and associated factors among nurses: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Jember, Abebaw; Hailu, Mignote; Messele, Anteneh; Demeke, Tesfaye; Hassen, Mohammed

2018-01-01

A medication error (ME) is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. Voluntary reporting has a principal role in appreciating the extent and impact of medication errors. Thus, exploration of the proportion of medication error reporting and associated factors among nurses is important to inform service providers and program implementers so as to improve the quality of the healthcare services. Institution based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 nurses from March 6 to May 10, 2015. Stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaire which was adopted from studies conducted in Australia and Jordan. A pilot study was carried out to validate the questionnaire before data collection for this study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with the proportion of medication error reporting among nurses. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance. The proportion of medication error reporting among nurses was found to be 57.4%. Regression analysis showed that sex, marital status, having made a medication error and medication error experience were significantly associated with medication error reporting. The proportion of medication error reporting among nurses in this study was found to be higher than other studies.

Subcellular Compartmentalization and Chemical Forms of Lead Participate in Lead Tolerance of Robinia pseudoacacia L. with Funneliformis mosseae

PubMed Central

Huang, Li; Zhang, Haoqiang; Song, Yingying; Yang, Yurong; Chen, Hui; Tang, Ming

2017-01-01

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on the subcellular compartmentalization and chemical forms of lead (Pb) in Pb tolerance plants was assessed in a pot experiment in greenhouse conditions. We measured root colonization, plant growth, photosynthesis, subcellular compartmentalization and chemical forms of Pb in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae isolate (BGC XJ01A) under a range of Pb treatments (0, 90, 900, and 3000 mg Pb kg-1 soil). The majority of Pb was retained in the roots of R. pseudoacacia under Pb stress, with a significantly higher retention in the inoculated seedlings. F. mosseae inoculation significantly increased the proportion of Pb in the cell wall and soluble fractions and decreased the proportion of Pb in the organelle fraction of roots, stems, and leaves, with the largest proportion of Pb segregated in the cell wall fraction. F. mosseae inoculation increased the proportion of inactive Pb (especially pectate- and protein-integrated Pb and Pb phosphate) and reduced the proportion of water-soluble Pb in the roots, stems, and leaves. The subcellular compartmentalization of Pb in different chemical forms was highly correlated with improved plant biomass, height, and photosynthesis in the inoculated seedlings. This study indicates that F. mosseae could improve Pb tolerance in R. pseudoacacia seedlings growing in Pb polluted soils. PMID:28443111

Effects of Maine's 0.05% legal blood alcohol level for drivers with DWI convictions.

PubMed Central

Hingson, R; Heeren, T; Winter, M

1998-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a Maine law lowering the legal blood alcohol limit (BAL) from 0.10% to 0.05% for people convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) reduced the involvement of this group in fatal crashes. METHODS: The authors calculated changes in the proportions of fatal crashes involving drivers with prior DWI convictions from the six-year period before enactment of the law to the six-year period following enactment of the law, comparing Maine with the other New England states. RESULTS: In Maine, the proportion of fetal crashes involving drivers with recorded prior DWI convictions declined 25% following passage of the 0.05% DWI law, while the proportion rose in the rest of New England during the same years. The proportion of fatal crashes involving drivers with recorded prior DWI convictions and illegal alcohol levels also declined significantly in Maine, as did the proportion of fatal crashes involving fatally injured drivers with recorded prior DWI convictions and illegal alcohol levels. Most of the latter decline was due to a decline in alcohol-related fatalities of previously convicted drivers with very high BALs, of 0.15% or higher, at the time of the fatal crash. Each of these declines in Maine was significant relative to the rest of New England. CONCLUSION: Other states should consider instituting 0.05% BAL limits for convicted DWI offenders. PMID:9769769

Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in Central Africa: A Comparative Study Between Sudan and Sweden.

PubMed

Elshafie, Amir I; Elkhalifa, Abdalla D; Elbagir, Sahwa; Aledrissy, Mawahib I E; Elagib, Elnour M; Nur, Musa A M; Weitoft, Tomas; Rönnelid, Johan

2016-10-01

To compare clinical characteristics and treatment between simultaneously investigated Sudanese and Swedish outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Outpatients with RA from Sudan (n = 281) and Sweden (n = 542) diagnosed according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria were recruited between December 2008 and September 2010 and compared concerning clinical presentation, treatment, and laboratory findings, including immunoglobulin M with rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). Sudanese patients had lower inclusion age (median 49 vs 68 yrs), disease duration (48 vs 107 mos), and disease onset age (43 vs 56 yrs) as compared with Swedish patients (p < 0.0001 for all). When stratified concerning the age of inclusion, Swedish patients between 41-50 years had, however, a significantly lower age of onset, with a similar trend for all age groups above 30 years. The female preponderance was higher among Sudanese patients (89.3% vs 72.5%, p < 0.0001), and smoking was nonexistent among Sudanese female patients (p < 0.0001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels and number of tender joints were significantly higher among Sudanese patients. The proportion of IgM-RF positivity was lower among Sudanese patients with RA (52.4% vs 75.5%, p < 0.0001). Higher proportions of Sudanese patients with RA were treated with methotrexate (MTX) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug combinations, but none of them used biologics. Sudanese patients used lower doses of MTX and sulfasalazine (p < 0.0001) and higher doses of prednisolone (p < 0.0001) than Swedish patients. Sudanese patients with RA have significantly higher disease activity and are often IgM-RF-seronegative. Together with reports from Uganda and Cameroon, our data indicate a cluster of highly active and often seronegative RA in central Africa.

Quality of life after postconflict displacement in Ethiopia: comparing placement in a community setting with that in shelters.

PubMed

Araya, Mesfin; Chotai, Jayanti; Komproe, Ivan H; de Jong, Joop T V M

2011-07-01

The resilience of post-war displaced persons is not only influenced partly by the nature of premigration trauma, but also by postmigration psychosocial circumstances and living conditions. A lengthy civil war leading to Eritrea separating from Ethiopia and becoming an independent state in 1991 resulted in many displaced persons. A random sample of 749 displaced women living in the shelters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa was compared with a random sample of 110 displaced women living in the community setting of Debre Zeit, 50 km away from Addis Ababa, regarding their quality of life, mental distress, sociodemographics, living conditions, perceived social support, and coping strategies, 6 years after displacement. Subjects from Debre Zeit reported significantly higher quality of life and better living conditions. However, mental distress did not differ significantly between the groups. Also, Debre Zeit subjects contained a higher proportion born in Ethiopia, a higher proportion married, reported higher traumatic life events, employed more task-oriented coping, and perceived higher social support. Factors that accounted for the difference in quality of life between the shelters and Debre Zeit groups in three of the four quality of life domains of WHOQOL-BREF (physical health, psychological, environment), included protection from insects/rodents and other living conditions. However, to account for the difference in the fourth domain (social relationships), psychosocial factors also contributed significantly. Placement and rehabilitation in a community setting seems better than in the shelters. If this possibility is not available, measures to improve specific living conditions in the shelters are likely to lead to a considerable increase in quality of life.

Control strategies for a telerobot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohara, John; Stasi, Bill

1989-01-01

One of the major issues impacting the utility of telerobotic systems for space is the development of effective control strategies. For near-term applications, telerobot control is likely to utilize teleoperation methodologies with integrated supervisory control capabilities to assist the operator. Two different approaches to telerobotic control are evaluated: bilateral force reflecting master controllers and proportional rate six degrees-of-freedom hand controllers. The controllers' performance of single manipulator arm tasks is compared. Simultaneous operation of both manipulator arms and complex multiaxis slave arm movements is investigated. Task times are significantly longer and fewer errors are committed with the hand controllers. The hand controllers are also rated significantly higher in cognitive and manual control workload on the two-arm task. The master controllers are rated significantly higher in physical workload. The implications of these findings for space teleoperations and higher levels of control are discussed.

Patterns of Hamstring Muscle Tears in the General Population: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Kuske, Barbara; Hamilton, David F.; Pattle, Sam B.; Simpson, A. Hamish R. W.

2016-01-01

Background Hamstring tears are well recognised in the sporting population. Little is known about these injuries in the general population. Purpose Evaluating the rates, patterns and risk factors of non-sporting hamstring tears, compared to sporting related hamstring tears. Data Sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1989–2015). Study Selection Studies reporting patients with a grade 2 or 3 hamstring muscle tear, identified clinically, confirmed by MRI imaging or direct visualisation during surgical exploration. Data Synthesis 144 sets of linked data were extracted for analysis. Most injuries were in males (81.3%), where mean age at injury was lower (30.2, 95% CI 29.1–31.3) than in females (35.4, 95% CI 32.4–38.4) p = 0.06. Key differences were found in the proportion of non-sporting injuries in patients under and over the age 40 (p = 0.001). The proportion of non-sporting injuries was significantly higher in females compared to males (25.9% female non-sporting injuries, versus 8.5% male; p = 0.02). Avulsions were more frequently reported in non-sporting activities (70.5%). The proportion of such injuries was notably higher in females, though this failed to meet significance (p = 0.124). Grouped by age category a bimodal distribution was noted, with the proportion of avulsions greater in younger (age <15) and older patients (age > 40) (p = 0.008). 86.8% of patients returned to pre-injury activity levels with a similar frequency across all study variables; age, activity (sporting vs non-sporting) and injury type (avulsion vs tear). Conclusion This review highlights a proportion of adults suffering grade 2 or 3 hamstring injuries from activities other than the classic sports trauma. The majority of these non-sporting injuries were avulsion injuries that clustered in older female and skeletally immature patients suggesting a potential link to bone mineral density. PMID:27144648

Patterns of Hamstring Muscle Tears in the General Population: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Kuske, Barbara; Hamilton, David F; Pattle, Sam B; Simpson, A Hamish R W

2016-01-01

Hamstring tears are well recognised in the sporting population. Little is known about these injuries in the general population. Evaluating the rates, patterns and risk factors of non-sporting hamstring tears, compared to sporting related hamstring tears. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1989-2015). Studies reporting patients with a grade 2 or 3 hamstring muscle tear, identified clinically, confirmed by MRI imaging or direct visualisation during surgical exploration. 144 sets of linked data were extracted for analysis. Most injuries were in males (81.3%), where mean age at injury was lower (30.2, 95% CI 29.1-31.3) than in females (35.4, 95% CI 32.4-38.4) p = 0.06. Key differences were found in the proportion of non-sporting injuries in patients under and over the age 40 (p = 0.001). The proportion of non-sporting injuries was significantly higher in females compared to males (25.9% female non-sporting injuries, versus 8.5% male; p = 0.02). Avulsions were more frequently reported in non-sporting activities (70.5%). The proportion of such injuries was notably higher in females, though this failed to meet significance (p = 0.124). Grouped by age category a bimodal distribution was noted, with the proportion of avulsions greater in younger (age <15) and older patients (age > 40) (p = 0.008). 86.8% of patients returned to pre-injury activity levels with a similar frequency across all study variables; age, activity (sporting vs non-sporting) and injury type (avulsion vs tear). This review highlights a proportion of adults suffering grade 2 or 3 hamstring injuries from activities other than the classic sports trauma. The majority of these non-sporting injuries were avulsion injuries that clustered in older female and skeletally immature patients suggesting a potential link to bone mineral density.

Lead (Pb) Toxicity; Physio-Biochemical Mechanisms, Grain Yield, Quality, and Pb Distribution Proportions in Scented Rice.

PubMed

Ashraf, Umair; Kanu, Adam S; Deng, Quanquan; Mo, Zhaowen; Pan, Shenggang; Tian, Hua; Tang, Xiangru

2017-01-01

Lead (Pb) caused interruptions with normal plant metabolism, crop yield losses and quality issues are of great concern. This study assessed the physio-biochemical responses, yield and grain quality traits and Pb distribution proportions in three different fragrant rice cultivars i.e., Meixiangzhan-2, Xinagyaxiangzhan and Basmati-385. Plants were exposed to 400, 800, and 1,200 ppm of Pb while pots without Pb were taken as control (0 ppm). Our results showed that Pb toxicity significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll contents and carotenoids) and inducted oxidative stress with increased production of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), malanodialdehyde (MDA) and leaves leachates; while such effects were more apparent in Xinagyaxiangzhan than other two rice cultivars. Pb stress differentially affected the production protein, proline and soluble sugars; however the production rates were higher at heading stage (HS) than maturity stage (MS). Furthermore, Pb stress altered superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidases (POD), catalases (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidases (APX) activities and glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) production in all rice cultivars at both HS and MS. All Pb levels reduced the yield and yield components of all rice cultivars; nonetheless such reductions were observed highest in Xinagyaxiangzhan (69.12%) than Meixiangzhan-2 (58.05%) and Basmati-385 (46.27%) and resulted in grain quality deterioration. Significant and positive correlations among rice yields with productive tillers/pot and grains per panicle while negative with sterility percentage were also observed. In addition, all rice cultivars readily taken up the Pb contents from soil to roots and transported upward in different proportions with maximum in roots followed by stemss, leaves, ears and grains. Higher proportions of Pb contents in above ground plant parts in Xinagyaxiangzhan possibly lead to maximum losses in this cultivar than other two cultivars; while less damage in Basmati-385 might be related to strong anti-oxidative defense system and lower proportions of Pb contents in its aerial parts.

Effect of local infiltration analgesia on post-operative pain following TVT-O: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study.

PubMed

Tommaselli, Giovanni A; Di Carlo, Costantino; Formisano, Carmen; Fabozzi, Annamaria; Nappi, Carmine

2014-08-01

To evaluate the effect of a protocol of local anesthesia and epinephrine associated with sedo-analgesia on post-TVT-O pain in comparison with infiltration of saline and epinephrine. Forty-two patients undergoing TVT-O were randomized into two groups to receive periurethral infiltration with epinephrine only (group A, n = 21) or with epinephrine plus 1 % lidocaine hydrochloride (group B, n = 21). Post-operative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 (absence of pain) to 10 (maximum pain possible), 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after the procedure. The total amount of analgesia was recorded and the proportion of women reporting a pain VAS score ≥4, 1 h after the procedure was calculated. ANOVA for repeated measures and Bonferroni correction, the Student's t test for independent samples, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Fisher exact test, or the χ (2) test for parametric was used. Pain level was significantly lower in group B 1 (p = 0.01) and 6 h (p = 0.05) after surgery, but not 12 and 24 h after the procedure. No significant difference was observed in the proportion of women requesting analgesia and in the total dosage of analgesics between the two groups. A significant higher proportion of women in group A reported a pain VAS score higher than four 1 h after surgery in comparison with patients in group B. This randomized study seems to indicate that systematic infiltration before TVT-O positioning with local anesthetic may reduce immediate post-operative pain.

[Demonstration of subclinical pulmonary alveolitis in spondylarthropathies].

PubMed

Jeandel, P; Bonnet, D; Chouc, P Y; Molinier, S; Raphenon, G; Martet, G; Merouze, F; de Muizon, H

1994-05-01

Restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, lowered diffusing capacity, and apical fibrosis have been reported in ankylosing spondylitis. To investigate the pathogenesis of these abnormalities, we studied distal airspace cytology by performing bronchoalveolar lavage in 34 spondyloarthropathy patients (ankylosing spondylitis, n = 16; reactive arthritis, n = 4; axial psoriatic arthritis, n = 2; and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy with HLA B27-positivity in every case but one, n = 12). Mean age was 32.4 +/- 13.7 years. None of the study patients had apical fibrosis, lower respiratory tract infection, or exposure to airborne pollutants other than tobacco smoke. The control group was composed of nine subjects who had no lung or inflammatory diseases and were not using medications. Significantly higher proportions of lymphocytes were found in bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from patients, as compared with controls. This difference was not influenced by smoking or medication use (non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, sulfasalazopyridine). Alveolar lymphocytosis was not correlated with laboratory tests for disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum IgA levels) or with the presence of restrictive ventilatory dysfunction. Increases in the proportion of lymphocytes were of similar magnitude in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and in those with other spondyloarthropathies. Absolute total cell counts and relative neutrophil counts were similar in patients and controls. However, among the patients with spondyloarthropathies, those with a disease duration of more than five years had a significantly higher proportion of neutrophils than those with a disease duration of less than five years. These findings demonstrate that spondyloarthropathy patients have subclinical lymphocyte alveolitis. Although of unclear significance, this alveolitis may be related to the development of apical fibrosis in some patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

A prospective comparison between stabilized glutaraldehyde and chlorhexidine gluconate for preoperative skin antisepsis in dogs.

PubMed

Lambrechts, Nicolaas E; Hurter, Karin; Picard, Jackie A; Goldin, Jeremy P; Thompson, Peter N

2004-01-01

To compare the efficacy of 0.3% stabilized glutaraldehyde and alcohol (SG+A), 0.3% SG and water (SG+W), and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate tincture (CG+A), as skin disinfectants in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Prospective, blinded clinical study. One hundred and twenty-one dogs. Cutaneous bacterial colony forming units (CFU) from the perioperative site after skin preparation, after antisepsis, and after surgery (incisional and paramedian), were quantified. The influence of high initial bacterial counts (> or =150 CFU) and surgical time on antibacterial efficacy was examined and the proportion of dogs from which Staphylococcus intermedius was cultured, determined. Perioperative skin reactions and wound infections were documented. All 3 antiseptic solutions significantly and equally reduced CFU to all post-antisepsis sampling levels irrespective of surgical duration (mean surgical times 151.6, 136.2, and 149.6 minutes for CG+A, SG+A and SG+W, respectively). Median percentage reductions in CFU ranged between 99.3% and 100%. In dogs with initial high counts and disinfected with CG+A and SG+W, the incisional samples had significantly higher counts than the post-antisepsis samples. In the CG+A and SG+W groups, the proportion of post-surgery samples yielding S. intermedius was significantly higher at the incisional than the paramedian sites. Eight mild cutaneous reactions were recorded in equal proportions for the 3 solutions. There were no recorded infections. All 3 preparations had an equal ability to reduce and maintain low CFU counts, with minimal cutaneous reactions. SG solutions are safe and effective preoperative skin antiseptics for elective clean-contaminated surgical procedures.

Regulating the Student Body/ies: University Policies and Student Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moreau, Marie-Pierre

2016-01-01

Despite a cultural positioning of care at the margins of academia, student parents now represent a significant proportion of the higher education population in England and in other Western countries. Research shows that, beyond the diversity of their experiences, time, childcare, financial, and well-being related issues prevail among them.…

Study Stings KIPP on Attrition Rates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zehr, Mary Ann

2011-01-01

Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) charter middle schools enroll a significantly higher proportion of African-American students than the local school districts they draw from, but 40 percent of the black males they enroll leave between grades 6 and 8, says a new nationwide study by researchers at Western Michigan University. With 99 charter schools…

Laying the Groundwork: The Journey of an Urban High School District Implementing a College Readiness Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franco, Antonia O.

2012-01-01

National and state education reforms are centered on developing higher academic expectations and standards to ensure students transitions into postsecondary options, college and career ready. What does this national emphasis signify for urban school districts that are educating a significant proportion of first-generation students and that…

Employers' Support for Adult Higher Education Students in Liberal Post-Socialist Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saar, Ellu; Vöörmann, Rein; Lang, Ailen

2014-01-01

In most European countries, the proportion of adult students among both full-time and part-time workers has increased significantly over recent decades. Undertaking paid work is also increasingly common among traditional students. The opportunities to work while studying depend largely on the role of employers in promoting learning. However, both…

Current Trends in Commercial Energy Codes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sebesta, James J.; Diemer, Robert; Ierardi, James

2013-01-01

Buildings consume approximately 40 percent of the energy used in the U.S., and efficiency is widely recognized to be the most effective means for containing demand and reducing use. Institutions of higher education make up a significant proportion of building area and annual energy and facility-related costs in the United States. The national…

Assessing the Online Social Environment for Surveillance of Obesity Prevalence

PubMed Central

Chunara, Rumi; Bouton, Lindsay; Ayers, John W.; Brownstein, John S.

2013-01-01

Background Understanding the social environmental around obesity has been limited by available data. One promising approach used to bridge similar gaps elsewhere is to use passively generated digital data. Purpose This article explores the relationship between online social environment via web-based social networks and population obesity prevalence. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study using linear regression and cross validation to measure the relationship and predictive performance of user interests on the online social network Facebook to obesity prevalence in metros across the United States of America (USA) and neighborhoods within New York City (NYC). The outcomes, proportion of obese and/or overweight population in USA metros and NYC neighborhoods, were obtained via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance and NYC EpiQuery systems. Predictors were geographically specific proportion of users with activity-related and sedentary-related interests on Facebook. Results Higher proportion of the population with activity-related interests on Facebook was associated with a significant 12.0% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 11.9 to 12.1) lower predicted prevalence of obese and/or overweight people across USA metros and 7.2% (95% CI: 6.8 to 7.7) across NYC neighborhoods. Conversely, greater proportion of the population with interest in television was associated with higher prevalence of obese and/or overweight people of 3.9% (95% CI: 3.7 to 4.0) (USA) and 27.5% (95% CI: 27.1 to 27.9, significant) (NYC). For activity-interests and national obesity outcomes, the average root mean square prediction error from 10-fold cross validation was comparable to the average root mean square error of a model developed using the entire data set. Conclusions Activity-related interests across the USA and sedentary-related interests across NYC were significantly associated with obesity prevalence. Further research is needed to understand how the online social environment relates to health outcomes and how it can be used to identify or target interventions. PMID:23637820

Respiratory morbidity among street sweepers working at Hanumannagar Zone of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra.

PubMed

Yogesh, Sabde D; Zodpey, Sanjay P

2008-01-01

Due to the occupational exposure street sweepers are very much vulnerable to develop the chronic diseases of respiratory system. Therefore this study was undertaken to find out the proportion of chronic respiratory morbidity among the street sweepers and the role of various associated risk factors. The study included two groups: study group i.e. street sweepers and comparison group (Class IV workers working in the office buildings). Various risk factors studied were age, sex, socioeconomic status, length of service, smoking habit, type of house, area of residence, cooking fuel and pets. Proportion of chronic respiratory morbidity (chronic bronchitis, asthma and bronchiectasis) was higher (8.1%) among street sweepers compared to comparison group (2.1%), the difference being statistically significant. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression revealed that risk of having chronic respiratory morbidity among street sweepers was 4.24 (95% CI of OR = 1.24 to 14.50) times higher than that in the comparison group and the risk increased significantly with increasing length of service (OR = 1.75, 95 % CI = 1.09 to 2.81).

Parent psychopathology and offspring mental disorders: results from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys

PubMed Central

McLaughlin, Katie A.; Gadermann, Anne M.; Hwang, Irving; Sampson, Nancy A.; Al-Hamzawi, Ali; Andrade, Laura Helena; Angermeyer, Matthias C.; Benjet, Corina; Bromet, Evelyn J.; Bruffaerts, Ronny; Caldas-de-Almeida, José Miguel; de Girolamo, Giovanni; de Graaf, Ron; Florescu, Silvia; Gureje, Oye; Haro, Josep Maria; Hinkov, Hristo Ruskov; Horiguchi, Itsuko; Hu, Chiyi; Karam, Aimee Nasser; Kovess-Masfety, Viviane; Lee, Sing; Murphy, Samuel D.; Nizamie, S. Haque; Posada-Villa, José; Williams, David R.; Kessler, Ronald C.

2012-01-01

Background Associations between specific parent and offspring mental disorders are likely to have been overestimated in studies that have failed to control for parent comorbidity. Aims To examine the associations of parent with respondent disorders. Method Data come from the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Surveys (n = 51 507). Respondent disorders were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and parent disorders with informant-based Family History Research Diagnostic Criteria interviews. Results Although virtually all parent disorders examined (major depressive, generalised anxiety, panic, substance and antisocial behaviour disorders and suicidality) were significantly associated with offspring disorders in multivariate analyses, little specificity was found. Comorbid parent disorders had significant sub-additive associations with offspring disorders. Population-attributable risk proportions for parent disorders were 12.4% across all offspring disorders, generally higher in high- and upper-middle- than low-/lower-middle-income countries, and consistently higher for behaviour (11.0-19.9%) than other (7.1-14.0%) disorders. Conclusions Parent psychopathology is a robust non-specific predictor associated with a substantial proportion of offspring disorders. PMID:22403085

DHA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation affects infants' cellular but not humoral immune response.

PubMed

Granot, Esther; Jakobovich, Einat; Rabinowitz, Ruth; Levy, Paloma; Schlesinger, Michael

2011-01-01

It is currently recommended that diet of pregnant mothers contain 200-300 mg DHA/day. Aim. To determine whether DHA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation affects infants' immune response. 60 women in ≥3rd pregnancy studied; 30 randomly assigned to receive DHA 400 mg/day from 12th week gestation until 4 months postpartum. From breast-fed infants, blood obtained for anti-HBs antibodies, immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subset phenotyping, and intracellular cytokine production. CD4+ lymphocytes did not differ between groups, but CD4CD45RA/CD4 (naïve cells) significantly higher in infants in DHA+ group. Proportion of CD4 and CD8 cells producing IFN(γ) significantly lower in DHA+ group, with no differences in proportion of IL4-producing cells. Immunoglobulins and anti-HBs levels did not differ between groups. In infants of mothers receiving DHA supplementation, a higher percentage of CD4 naïve cells and decreased CD4 and CD8 IFN(γ) production is compatible with attenuation of a proinflammatory response.

The formation of titan cells in Cryptococcus neoformans depends on the mouse strain and correlates with induction of Th2-type responses.

PubMed

García-Barbazán, Irene; Trevijano-Contador, Nuria; Rueda, Cristina; de Andrés, Belén; Pérez-Tavárez, Raquel; Herrero-Fernández, Inés; Gaspar, María Luisa; Zaragoza, Oscar

2016-01-01

Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast that can form titan cells in the lungs, which are fungal cells of abnormal enlarged size. Little is known about the factors that trigger titan cells. In particular, it is not known how the host environment influences this transition. In this work, we describe the formation of titan cells in two mouse strains, CD1 and C57BL/6J. We found that the proportion of C. neoformans titan cells was significantly higher in C57BL/6J mice than in CD1. This higher proportion of titan cells was associated with a higher dissemination of the yeasts to the brain. Histology sections demonstrated eosinophilia in infected animals, although it was significantly lower in the CD1 mice which presented infiltration of lymphocytes. Both mouse strains presented infiltration of granulocytes, but the amount of eosinophils was higher in C57BL/6J. CD1 mice showed a significant accumulation of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL17, while C57BL/BL mice had an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. IgM antibodies to the polysaccharide capsule and total IgE were more abundant in the sera from C57BL/6J, confirming that these animals present a Th2-type response. We conclude that titan cell formation in C. neoformans depends, not only on microbe factors, but also on the host environment. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Association between smoke-free workplace and second hand smoke exposure at home in India

PubMed Central

Lee, John Tayu; Agrawal, Sutapa; Basu, Sanjay; Glantz, Stanton A; Millett, Christopher

2013-01-01

Background The implementation of comprehensive smoke-free laws has been associated with reductions in second hand smoke exposure at home in several high income countries. There is little information on whether these benefits extend to low and middle income countries with growing tobacco related disease burden such as India. Methods State and individual level analysis of cross-sectional data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2009/10. Associations between working in a smoke-free indoor environment and living in a smoke-free home was examined using correlation at the state level and multivariate logistic regression at the individual level. Results The percentage of respondents employed indoors (outside the home) working in smoke-free environments who lived in a smoke-free home was 64.0% compared with 41.7% of those that worked where smoking occurred. Indian states with higher proportions of smoke-free workplaces had higher proportions of smoke-free homes (rs=0.54, p<0.005). In the individual level analysis, working in a smoke-free workplace was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of living in a smoke-free home (adjusted odds ratio = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.64, 2.52) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions Implementation of smoke-free legislation in India was associated with a higher proportion of adults reporting a smoke-free home. These findings further strengthen the case for accelerated implementation of Article 8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in low and middle income countries. PMID:23525121

Proportion of recovered waterfowl bands reported

USGS Publications Warehouse

Geis, A.D.; Atwood, E.L.

1961-01-01

Data from the annual mail survey of waterfowl hunters in the United States were used to estimate the total numbers of banded waterfowl that were shot. These estimates were compared with Banding Office records to estimate the proportion of recovered bands that was reported. On the average, about two banded birds were recovered for each one reported. The proportion reported was higher for some areas and for some species than for others. The proportion reported was higher when more of the reports came through employees of conservation agencies.

Total alpha-fetoprotein and Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein in fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

PubMed

Yamamoto, R; Azuma, M; Kishida, T; Yamada, H; Satomura, S; Fujimoto, S

2001-11-01

To examine the differences in multiples of the median (MoM) of total alpha-fetoprotein, and the proportion of Lens culinaris agglutinin reactive alpha-fetoprotein (% alpha-fetoprotein-L2 + L3) in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid of pregnant women whose fetuses were diagnosed with autosomal or sex chromosomal abnormalities. Prospective consecutive series. University hospital. Maternal sera and amniotic fluids from 46 pregnant women with trisomy 21 fetuses, 10 pregnant women with trisomy 18 fetuses, one pregnant woman with a trisomy 13 fetus, six pregnant women with fetal sex chromosomal abnormalities, and 100 pregnant women for whom the fetal karyotype was diagnosed as normal following a genetic amniocentesis. The proportion of alpha-fetoprotein-L2 + L3 in maternal serum for trisomy 21 (40.3%. P < 0.0001) and trisomy 18 (39.8%, P < 0.05) showed a significantly higher value compared with normal (32.6%). The proportion of alpha-fetoprotein-L2 + L3 in amniotic fluid was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for trisomy 21 (46.6%) than for a normal karyotype (41.5%). Only for the trisomy 21 group was there a strong correlation in the % alpha-fetoprotein-L2 + L3 between maternal serum and amniotic fluid (r = 0.840, P < 0.0001). For all groups, there was no correlation between alpha-fetoprotein MoM and % alpha-fetoprotein-L2 + L3 in maternal serum and amniotic fluid. The proportion of alpha-fetoprotein-L2 + L3 in maternal serum is an appropriate choice for a trisomy 21 biochemical marker, and it is possible that combining alpha-fetoprotein-L2 + L3 analysis with assays of alpha-fetoprotein in maternal serum could further improve the sensitivity and specificity of multiple marker screening.

Species Associations in a Species-Rich Subtropical Forest Were Not Well-Explained by Stochastic Geometry of Biodiversity

PubMed Central

Wang, Qinggang; Bao, Dachuan; Guo, Yili; Lu, Junmeng; Lu, Zhijun; Xu, Yaozhan; Zhang, Kuihan; Liu, Haibo; Meng, Hongjie; Jiang, Mingxi; Qiao, Xiujuan; Huang, Handong

2014-01-01

The stochastic dilution hypothesis has been proposed to explain species coexistence in species-rich communities. The relative importance of the stochastic dilution effects with respect to other effects such as competition and habitat filtering required to be tested. In this study, using data from a 25-ha species-rich subtropical forest plot with a strong topographic structure at Badagongshan in central China, we analyzed overall species associations and fine-scale species interactions between 2,550 species pairs. The result showed that: (1) the proportion of segregation in overall species association analysis at 2 m neighborhood in this plot followed the prediction of the stochastic dilution hypothesis that segregations should decrease with species richness but that at 10 m neighborhood was higher than the prediction. (2) The proportion of no association type was lower than the expectation of stochastic dilution hypothesis. (3) Fine-scale species interaction analyses using Heterogeneous Poisson processes as null models revealed a high proportion (47%) of significant species effects. However, the assumption of separation of scale of this method was not fully met in this plot with a strong fine-scale topographic structure. We also found that for species within the same families, fine-scale positive species interactions occurred more frequently and negative ones occurred less frequently than expected by chance. These results suggested effects of environmental filtering other than species interaction in this forest. (4) We also found that arbor species showed a much higher proportion of significant fine-scale species interactions (66%) than shrub species (18%). We concluded that the stochastic dilution hypothesis only be partly supported and environmental filtering left discernible spatial signals in the spatial associations between species in this species-rich subtropical forest with a strong topographic structure. PMID:24824996

Species associations in a species-rich subtropical forest were not well-explained by stochastic geometry of biodiversity.

PubMed

Wang, Qinggang; Bao, Dachuan; Guo, Yili; Lu, Junmeng; Lu, Zhijun; Xu, Yaozhan; Zhang, Kuihan; Liu, Haibo; Meng, Hongjie; Jiang, Mingxi; Qiao, Xiujuan; Huang, Handong

2014-01-01

The stochastic dilution hypothesis has been proposed to explain species coexistence in species-rich communities. The relative importance of the stochastic dilution effects with respect to other effects such as competition and habitat filtering required to be tested. In this study, using data from a 25-ha species-rich subtropical forest plot with a strong topographic structure at Badagongshan in central China, we analyzed overall species associations and fine-scale species interactions between 2,550 species pairs. The result showed that: (1) the proportion of segregation in overall species association analysis at 2 m neighborhood in this plot followed the prediction of the stochastic dilution hypothesis that segregations should decrease with species richness but that at 10 m neighborhood was higher than the prediction. (2) The proportion of no association type was lower than the expectation of stochastic dilution hypothesis. (3) Fine-scale species interaction analyses using Heterogeneous Poisson processes as null models revealed a high proportion (47%) of significant species effects. However, the assumption of separation of scale of this method was not fully met in this plot with a strong fine-scale topographic structure. We also found that for species within the same families, fine-scale positive species interactions occurred more frequently and negative ones occurred less frequently than expected by chance. These results suggested effects of environmental filtering other than species interaction in this forest. (4) We also found that arbor species showed a much higher proportion of significant fine-scale species interactions (66%) than shrub species (18%). We concluded that the stochastic dilution hypothesis only be partly supported and environmental filtering left discernible spatial signals in the spatial associations between species in this species-rich subtropical forest with a strong topographic structure.

Relative Composition of Fibrous Connective and Fatty/Glandular Tissue in Connective Tissue Grafts Depends on the Harvesting Technique but not the Donor Site of the Hard Palate.

PubMed

Bertl, Kristina; Pifl, Markus; Hirtler, Lena; Rendl, Barbara; Nürnberger, Sylvia; Stavropoulos, Andreas; Ulm, Christian

2015-12-01

Whether the composition of palatal connective tissue grafts (CTGs) varies depending on donor site or harvesting technique in terms of relative amounts of fibrous connective tissue (CT) and fatty/glandular tissue (FGT) is currently unknown and is histologically assessed in the present study. In 10 fresh human cadavers, tissue samples were harvested in the anterior and posterior palate and in areas close to (marginal) and distant from (apical) the mucosal margin. Mucosal thickness, lamina propria thickness (defined as the extent of subepithelial portion of the biopsy containing ≤25% or ≤50% FGT), and proportions of CT and FGT were semi-automatically estimated for the entire mucosa and for CTGs virtually harvested by split-flap (SF) preparation minimum 1 mm deep or after deepithelialization (DE). Palatal mucosal thickness, ranging from 2.35 to 6.89 mm, and histologic composition showed high interindividual variability. Lamina propria thickness (P >0.21) and proportions of CT (P = 0.48) and FGT (P = 0.15) did not differ significantly among the donor sites (anterior, posterior, marginal, apical). However, thicker palatal tissue was associated with higher FGT content (P <0.01) and thinner lamina propria (P ≤0.03). Independent of the donor site, DE-harvested CTG contained a significantly higher proportion of CT and a lower proportion of FGT than an SF-harvested CTG (P <0.04). Despite high interindividual variability in terms of relative tissue composition in the hard palate, DE-harvested CTG contains much larger amounts of CT and much lower amounts of FGT than SF-harvested CTG, irrespective of the harvesting site.

Healing Rates in a Multicenter Assessment of a Sterile, Room Temperature, Acellular Dermal Matrix Versus Conventional Care Wound Management and an Active Comparator in the Treatment of Full-Thickness Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

PubMed

Walters, Jodi; Cazzell, Shawn; Pham, Hau; Vayser, Dean; Reyzelman, Alexander

2016-01-01

The purpose of this 16-week, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was to assess the healed ulcer rate of a human acellular dermal matrix, DermACELL, compared with conventional care and a second acellular dermal matrix, Graftjacket, in the treatment of full-thickness diabetic foot ulcers. One hundred sixty-eight patients were randomized into DermACELL, conventional care, and Graftjacket treatment arms in a 2:2:1 ratio. Patients in the acellular dermal matrix groups received either 1 or 2 applications of the graft at the discretion of the investigator. Weekly follow-up visits were conducted until the ulcer healed or the endpoint was reached. At 16 weeks, the DermACELL arm had a significantly higher proportion of completely healed ulcers than the conventional care arm (67.9% vs 48.1%; P = .0385) and a nonsignificantly higher proportion than the Graftjacket arm (67.9% vs 47.8%; P = .1149). The DermACELL arm also exhibited a greater average percent reduction in wound area than the conventional care arm (91.4% vs 80.3%; P = .0791) and the Graftjacket arm (91.4% vs 73.5%; P = .0762). The proportion of severe adverse events and the proportion of overall early withdrawals were similar among the 3 groups based on relative population size (P ≥ .05). The results presented here indicate that DermACELL is an appropriate clinical option in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, with significant increases in healing rates and rate of percentage wound closure as compared with conventional care options.

Inequities in tobacco retailer sales to minors by neighbourhood racial/ethnic composition, poverty and segregation, USA, 2015.

PubMed

Lee, Joseph G L; Landrine, Hope; Torres, Essie; Gregory, Kyle R

2016-12-01

Tobacco retailers are an important source of tobacco products for minors. Previous research shows racial discrimination in sales to minors, but no national study has examined neighbourhood correlates of retailer under-age sales. We accessed publicly available results of 2015 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections of tobacco retailers (n=108 614). In this cross-sectional study, we used multilevel logistic regression to predict the likelihood of retailer sale to a minor based on tract characteristics. We assessed the proportion of residents identifying as American Indian, Asian, Black, Latino and White; Isolation Index scores for each racial/ethnic group; the proportion of people less than age 65 living in poverty; and the proportion of residents age 10-17 in relation to retailer inspection results. The proportion of American Indian residents, Black residents, Latino residents and residents less than age 65 under the poverty line in a neighbourhood are independently, positively associated with the likelihood that a retailer in that neighbourhood will fail an under-age buy inspection. The proportion of White residents and residents age 10-17 are independently, negatively associated with the likelihood of sale of tobacco products to a minor. Isolation Index scores show a similar pattern. In multivariable models holding neighbourhood characteristics constant, higher proportions of Black (+), Latino (+) and age 10-17 (-) residents remained significant predictors of the likelihood of under-age sale. Regulatory agencies should consider oversampling retailers in areas with higher likelihood of sales to minors for inspection. Interventions with tobacco retailers to reduce inequities in youth access should be implemented. 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/.

Is Qualitative Research Second Class Science? A Quantitative Longitudinal Examination of Qualitative Research in Medical Journals

PubMed Central

Shuval, Kerem; Harker, Karen; Roudsari, Bahman; Groce, Nora E.; Mills, Britain; Siddiqi, Zoveen; Shachak, Aviv

2011-01-01

Background Qualitative research appears to be gaining acceptability in medical journals. Yet, little is actually known about the proportion of qualitative research and factors affecting its publication. This study describes the proportion of qualitative research over a 10 year period and correlates associated with its publication. Design A quantitative longitudinal examination of the proportion of original qualitative research in 67 journals of general medicine during a 10 year period (1998–2007). The proportion of qualitative research was determined by dividing original qualitative studies published (numerator) by all original research articles published (denominator). We used a generalized estimating equations approach to assess the longitudinal association between the proportion of qualitative studies and independent variables (i.e. journals' country of publication and impact factor; editorial/methodological papers discussing qualitative research; and specific journal guidelines pertaining to qualitative research). Findings A 2.9% absolute increase and 3.4-fold relative increase in qualitative research publications occurred over a 10 year period (1.2% in 1998 vs. 4.1% in 2007). The proportion of original qualitative research was independently and significantly associated with the publication of editorial/methodological papers in the journal (b = 3.688, P = 0.012); and with qualitative research specifically mentioned in guidelines for authors (b = 6.847, P<0.001). Additionally, a higher proportion of qualitative research was associated only with journals published in the UK in comparison to other countries, yet with borderline statistical significance (b = 1.776, P = 0.075). The journals' impact factor was not associated with the publication of qualitative research. Conclusions Despite an increase in the proportion of qualitative research in medical journals over a 10 year period, the proportion remains low. Journals' policies pertaining to qualitative research, as expressed by the appearance of specific guidelines and editorials/methodological papers on the subject, are independently associated with the publication of original qualitative research; irrespective of the journals' impact factor. PMID:21383987

Environmental justice implications of industrial hazardous waste generation in India: a national scale analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Pratyusha; Chakraborty, Jayajit

2016-12-01

While rising air and water pollution have become issues of widespread public concern in India, the relationship between spatial distribution of environmental pollution and social disadvantage has received less attention. This lack of attention becomes particularly relevant in the context of industrial pollution, as India continues to pursue industrial development policies without sufficient regard to its adverse social impacts. This letter examines industrial pollution in India from an environmental justice (EJ) perspective by presenting a national scale study of social inequities in the distribution of industrial hazardous waste generation. Our analysis connects district-level data from the 2009 National Inventory of Hazardous Waste Generating Industries with variables representing urbanization, social disadvantage, and socioeconomic status from the 2011 Census of India. Our results indicate that more urbanized and densely populated districts with a higher proportion of socially and economically disadvantaged residents are significantly more likely to generate hazardous waste. The quantity of hazardous waste generated is significantly higher in more urbanized but sparsely populated districts with a higher proportion of economically disadvantaged households, after accounting for other relevant explanatory factors such as literacy and social disadvantage. These findings underscore the growing need to incorporate EJ considerations in future industrial development and waste management in India.

Patterns of motor recruitment can be determined using surface EMG.

PubMed

Wakeling, James M

2009-04-01

Previous studies have reported how different populations of motor units (MUs) can be recruited during dynamic and locomotor tasks. It was hypothesised that the higher-threshold units would contribute higher-frequency components to the sEMG spectra due to their faster conduction velocities, and thus recruitment patterns that increase the proportion of high-threshold units active would lead to higher-frequency elements in the sEMG spectra. This idea was tested by using a model of varying recruitment coupled to a three-layer volume conductor model to generate a series of sEMG signals. The recruitment varied from (A) orderly recruitment where the lowest-threshold MUs were initially activated and higher-threshold MUs were sequentially recruited as the contraction progressed, (B) a recurrent inhibition model that started with orderly recruitment, but as the higher-threshold units were activated they inhibited the lower-threshold MUs (C) nine models with intermediate properties that were graded between these two extremes. The sEMG was processed using wavelet analysis and the spectral properties quantified by their mean frequency, and an angle theta that was determined from the principal components of the spectra. Recruitment strategies that resulted in a greater proportion of faster MUs being active had a significantly lower theta and higher mean frequency.

Population-based cross-sectional study on insulin resistance and insulin-secretory capacity in Japanese school children.

PubMed

Nishimura, Rimei; Sano, Hironari; Onda, Yoshiko; Tsujino, Daisuke; Ando, Kiyotaka; Ebara, Futoshi; Matsudaira, Toru; Ishikawa, Shinichiro; Sakamoto, Takuya; Tajima, Naoko; Utsunomiya, Kazunori

2017-09-01

Little information is available regarding the status of insulin resistance (IR) and insulin deficiency (ID), as well as their relationship with obesity in children using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in a population-based setting. The study included a total of 445 ninth-grade children participating in health check-up programs implemented in Tsunan Town, Niigata, Japan (boys/girls, 252/193 [participation rates: 98.1/95.5%]). HOMA of insulin resistance ≥2.5 was defined as IR, and HOMA of β-cell function <40 defined as ID. The medians (25-75th percentiles) of HOMA of insulin resistance, HOMA of β-cell function, Disposition Index and body mass index in boys were 1.2 (0.8-1.7), 64 (44-93), 52 (43-64) and 19.2 (18.0-20.7) kg/m 2 , respectively, vs 1.5 (1.0-2.0), 86 (63-120), 60 (50-74) and 20.4 (18.9-22.0) kg/m 2 , respectively, in girls. The HOMA of insulin resistance, HOMA of β-cell function and Disposition Index values were significantly higher in the girls (P = 0.002, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Those with IR accounted for a significantly higher proportion of girls than boys (15.5/8.7%; P = 0.027); those with obesity accounted for 9.9/10.7% (boys/girls); and those with IR and obesity accounted for 2.4/4.7%. Those with ID accounted for a significantly higher proportion of boys than girls (20.6/8.8%; P = 0.001), whereas those with ID and obesity accounted for a very small proportion of either group (0.4/0.5%). The presence of IR was higher among the girls. In contrast, ID was more frequent among the boys. The infrequent presence of ID among children might support the presence of non-obese type 2 diabetes adults in Japan. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Diabetes Investigation published by Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Invasibility of a nutrient-poor pasture through resident and non-resident herbs is controlled by litter, gap size and propagule pressure.

PubMed

Eckstein, R Lutz; Ruch, Diana; Otte, Annette; Donath, Tobias W

2012-01-01

Since inference concerning the relative effects of propagule pressure, biotic interactions, site conditions and species traits on the invasibility of plant communities is limited, we carried out a field experiment to study the role of these factors for absolute and relative seedling emergence in three resident and three non-resident confamilial herb species on a nutrient-poor temperate pasture. We set up a factorial field experiment with two levels each of the factors litter cover (0 and 400 g m(-2)), gap size (0.01 and 0.1 m(2)) and propagule pressure (5 and 50 seeds) and documented soil temperature, soil water content and relative light availability. Recruitment was recorded in spring and autumn 2010 and in spring 2011 to cover initial seedling emergence, establishment after summer drought and final establishment after the first winter. Litter alleviated temperature and moisture conditions and had positive effects on proportional and absolute seedling emergence during all phases of recruitment. Large gaps presented competition-free space with high light availability but showed higher temperature amplitudes and lower soil moisture. Proportional and absolute seedling recruitment was significantly higher in large than in small gaps. In contrast, propagule pressure facilitated absolute seedling emergence but had no effects on proportional emergence or the chance for successful colonisation. Despite significantly higher initial seedling emergence of resident than non-resident species, seed mass and other species-specific traits may be better predictors for idiosyncratic variation in seedling establishment than status. Our data support the fluctuating resource hypothesis and demonstrate that the reserve effect of seeds may facilitate seedling emergence. The direct comparison of propagule pressure with other environmental factors showed that propagule pressure affects absolute seedling abundance, which may be crucial for species that depend on other individuals for sexual reproduction. However, propagule batch size did not significantly affect the chance for successful colonisation of disturbed plots.

Synergistetes cluster A in saliva is associated with periodontitis.

PubMed

Belibasakis, G N; Oztürk, V-Ö; Emingil, G; Bostanci, N

2013-12-01

Synergistetes is a novel bacterial phylum consisting of gram-negative anaerobes. Increasing lines of evidence demonstrate that this phylum is associated with periodontal diseases. This study aimed to compare the presence and levels of Synergistetes clusters A and B, in saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP) and non-periodontitis subjects, and investigate their correlation with clinical parameters. Saliva was collected from patients with CP (n = 20), G-AgP (n = 21) and non-periodontitis subjects (n = 18). Full mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. The numbers of Synergistetes cluster A and cluster B or the associated species Jonquetella anthropi were quantified by fluorescent in situ hybridization and microscopy. Synergistetes cluster A bacteria were detected more frequently, and at higher numbers and proportions in the two periodontitis groups, than the non-periodontitis control group. The prevalence was 27.7% in the control group, 85% in CP and 86% in G-AgP. Compared to the control group, the numbers were significantly higher by 12.5-fold in CP and 26.5-fold in G-AgP, whereas the difference between the two forms of periodontitis was not statistically significant. Within the total bacterial population, the proportion of this cluster was increased in CP and G-AgP compared to the control group, with the difference between the two forms of periodontitis being also significant. There was a positive correlation between the levels of Synergistetes cluster A in saliva and all full mouth clinical periodontal parameters. Nevertheless, Synergistetes cluster B bacteria and J. anthropi species were detected infrequently and at low levels in all the three subject groups. Synergistetes cluster A, but not cluster B, bacteria are found at higher prevalence, numbers and proportions in saliva from patients with periodontitis, than non-periodontitis subjects. These findings support the association of this cluster with periodontitis. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cardboard proportions and total solids contents as driving factors in dry co-fermentation of food waste.

PubMed

Capson-Tojo, Gabriel; Trably, Eric; Rouez, Maxime; Crest, Marion; Bernet, Nicolas; Steyer, Jean-Philippe; Delgenès, Jean-Philippe; Escudié, Renaud

2018-01-01

This study evaluated the influence of the co-substrate proportions (0-60% of cardboard in dry basis) and the initial total solid contents (20-40%) on the batch fermentation performance. Maximum hydrogen yields were obtained when mono-fermenting food waste at high solids contents (89mlH 2 ·gVS -1 ). The hydrogen yields were lower when increasing the proportions of cardboard. The lower hydrogen yields at higher proportions of cardboard were translated into higher yields of caproic acid (up to 70.1gCOD·kgCOD bio -1 ), produced by consumption of acetic acid and hydrogen. The highest substrate conversions were achieved at low proportions of cardboard, indicating a stabilization effect due to higher buffering capacities in co-fermentation. Clostridiales were predominant in all operational conditions. This study opens up new possibilities for using the cardboard proportions for controlling the production of high added-value products in dry co-fermentation of food waste. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in the elderly: changes in case-mix and periprocedural outcomes in 31,758 patients treated between 2000 and 2007.

PubMed

Johnman, Cathy; Oldroyd, Keith G; Mackay, Danny F; Slack, Rachel; Pell, Alastair C H; Flapan, Andrew D; Jennings, Kevin P; Eteiba, Hany; Irving, John; Pell, Jill P

2010-08-01

The elderly account for an increasing proportion of the population and have a high prevalence of coronary heart disease. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most common method of revascularization in the elderly. We examined whether the risk of periprocedural complications after PCI was higher among elderly (age > or =75 years) patients and whether it has changed over time. The Scottish Coronary Revascularization Register was used to undertake a retrospective cohort study on all 31 758 patients undergoing nonemergency PCI in Scotland between April 2000 and March 2007, inclusive. There was an increase in the number and percentage of PCIs undertaken in elderly patients, from 196 (8.7%) in 2000 to 752 (13.9%) in 2007. Compared with younger patients, the elderly were more likely to have multivessel disease, multiple comorbidity, and a history of myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass grafting (chi(2) tests, all P<0.001). The elderly had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days of PCI (4.5% versus 2.7%, chi(2) test P<0.001). Over the 7 years, there was a significant increase in the proportion of elderly patients who had multiple comorbidity (chi(2) test for trend, P<0.001). Despite this, the underlying risk of complications did not change significantly over time either among the elderly (chi(2) test for trend, P=0.142) or overall (chi(2) test for trend, P=0.083). Elderly patients have a higher risk of periprocedural complications and account for an increasing proportion of PCIs. Despite this, the risk of complications after PCI has not increased over time.

Long-term endurance sport is a risk factor for development of lone atrial flutter.

PubMed

Claessen, Guido; Colyn, Erwin; La Gerche, André; Koopman, Pieter; Alzand, Becker; Garweg, Christophe; Willems, Rik; Nuyens, Dieter; Heidbuchel, Hein

2011-06-01

To evaluate whether in a population of patients with 'lone atrial flutter', the proportion of those engaged in long-term endurance sports is higher than that observed in the general population. An age and sex-matched retrospective case-control study. A database with 638 consecutive patients who underwent ablation for atrial flutter at the University of Leuven. Sixty-one patients (55 men, 90%) fitted the inclusion criteria of 'lone atrial flutter', ie, aged 65 years or less, without documented atrial fibrillation and without identifiable underlying disease (including hypertension). Sex, age and inclusion criteria-matched controls, two for each flutter patient, were selected in a general practice in the same geographical region. Sports activity was evaluated by detailed questionnaires, which were available in 58 flutter patients (95%). A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed in all lone flutter patients. Types of sports, number of years of participation and average number of hours per week. The proportion of regular sportsmen (≥3 h of sports practice per week) among patients with lone atrial flutter was significantly higher than that observed in the general population (50% vs 17%; p<0.0001). The proportion of sportsmen engaged in long-term endurance sports (participation in cycling, running or swimming for ≥3 h/week) was also significantly higher in lone flutter patients than in controls (31% vs 8%; p=0.0003). Those flutter patients performing endurance sports had a larger left atrium than non-sportsmen (p=0.04, by one-way analysis of variance). A history of endurance sports and subsequent left atrial remodelling may be a risk factor for the development of atrial flutter.

[Excess respiratory diseases in children and elderly people in a community of Santiago with high particulate air pollution].

PubMed

Prieto C, María José; Mancilla F, Pedro; Astudillo O, Pedro; Reyes P, Alvaro; Román A, Oscar

2007-02-01

The relationship between air pollution and health damage has been sufficiently documented. In station "R" of the air quality monitoring system, located in a community of Metropolitan Santiago (Cerro Navia), the Chilean standard of 150 microg/m3, averaged in 24 hours, for particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM10), has been exceeded more days than in the rest of the city stations. To investigate if the population living near that station has a higher proportion of lower respiratory infections than the Metropolitan Region (MR) as a whole. An outpatient clinic located near station "R" (Centro Albertz), was implemented as a sentinel center according to UNICEF methodology, used since 1992 by the Acute Respiratory Infections National Program. Daily information was collected between May and December 2004. Monitoring data included total number of consults by children less than 15 years old for lower respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, obstructive bronchitis syndrome in children and by adults over 64 years old for lower airway disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. Results were compared with those of the rest of MR. Compared with the MR, children from the sentinel clinic had a significantly higher proportion of consults for obstructive bronchial syndrome (20.1% and 26.4% respectively, in p<0.01) and pneumonia (1.3 and 2.7% respectively, p<0.01). In the elderly, the average consults for lower airway disease were 17% in the sentinel clinic and 12.2% in MR (p<0.04). Children and elderly subjects at the sentinel clinic had a significantly higher proportion of respiratory infections (pneumonia and obstructive bronchial syndrome in children and lower airway disease in the elderly) as compared to the Metropolitan Region.

Assessment of intake inadequacy and food sources of zinc of people in China.

PubMed

Ma, Guansheng; Li, Yanping; Jin, Ying; Du, Songming; Kok, Frans J; Yang, Xiaoguang

2007-08-01

To assess the intake inadequacy and food sources of zinc of people in China. Diets of 68 962 subjects aged 2-101 years (urban 21 103, rural 47,859) in the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey were analysed. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recall for three consecutive days. Zinc intake inadequacy was calculated based on values suggested by the World Health Organization. The median zinc intake ranged from 4.9 mg day- 1 (urban girls, 2-3 years) to 11.9 mg day-1 (rural males, 19+ years). The zinc density of urban residents (2-3 to 19+ years) was 5.0-5.3 mg day-1 (1000 kcal)-1, significantly higher than that of their rural counterparts (4.7-4.8 mg day-1 (1000 kcal)-1). Differences in food sources of zinc from cereal grains (27.4-45.1 vs. 51.6-63.2%) and animal foods (28.4-54.8 vs. 16.8-30.6%) were found between urban and rural residents. Zinc from vegetables and fruits (8.2-13.8 vs. 9.7-12.4%) and legumes (1.3-3.3 vs. 2.5-3.4%) was comparable between urban and rural residents. The proportion of zinc intake inadequacy ranged between 2.8% (urban females, 19+ years) and 29.4% (rural lactating women). Rural residents had higher proportions of zinc intake inadequacy than their urban counterparts. Significantly higher proportions of zinc inadequacy were found in the category of phytate/zinc molar ratio >15 for both rural and urban residents. About 20% of rural children are at risk of inadequate zinc intake, with phytate as a potential important inhibitor. Moreover, lactating women are also considered a vulnerable group.

Efficacy of combination therapy with probiotics and mosapride in patients with IBS without diarrhea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase II trial.

PubMed

Choi, C H; Kwon, J G; Kim, S K; Myung, S-J; Park, K S; Sohn, C-I; Rhee, P-L; Lee, K J; Lee, O Y; Jung, H-K; Jee, S R; Jeen, Y T; Choi, M-G; Choi, S C; Huh, K C; Park, H

2015-05-01

Probiotics can be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Mosapride citrate, a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist, stimulates gastrointestinal motility. We investigated the efficacy of combination therapy with probiotics and mosapride for non-diarrheal-type IBS. Two hundred and eighty-five IBS patients were randomly assigned to either a combination of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus faecium) and mosapride at one of four different doses or a placebo for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing adequate relief (AR) of global IBS symptoms at week 4. The secondary outcomes included subject's global assessment (SGA) of IBS symptom relief, individual symptoms, stool parameters, and IBS-quality of life. The proportion of AR at week 4 was significantly higher in all treatment groups compared to the placebo group (53.7% in group 1, 55.0% in group 2, 55.2% in group 3, 53.6% in group 4 [the highest dose], and 35.1% in placebo group, respectively, p < 0.05). The proportion of patients reporting 'completely or considerably relieved' in the SGA was higher in the treatment groups than in the placebo group. The abdominal pain/discomfort score in the treatment group 4 was more prominently improved compared with that of the placebo group. In patients with constipation-predominant IBS, the improvements in stool frequency and consistency were significantly higher in the treatment groups 4 and 1, respectively, than those in the placebo group. Combination therapy with probiotics and mosapride is effective for relief of symptoms in patients with non-diarrheal-type IBS. The study has been registered in the US National Library of Medicine (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01505777). © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Within-farm variability in age structure of breeding-female pigs and reproductive performance on commercial swine breeding farms.

PubMed

Koketsu, Yuzo

2005-03-15

This study investigated relationships between herd age structure and herd productivity in breeding herds; it also investigated a pattern in parity proportions of females over 2 years and its relationship with herd productivity in commercial swine herds. This study was based on data from 148 commercial farms in North America stored in the swine database program at the University of Minnesota. The primary selection criterion was fluctuations in breeding-female pig (female) inventories over a 2-year interval. Productivity measurements and parity proportions of females were extracted from the database. A 24-month time-plot in proportions of Parity 0 and Parities 3-5 females (mid-parity) was charted for each farm. Using these charts, a change in proportions of Parity 0 and mid-parity for each farm was categorized into patterns: FLUCTUATE (Parity 0 and mid-parity proportion lines crossed) or STABLE (the two proportion lines never crossed). Higher proportions of mid-parity sows were correlated with greater pigs weaned per female per year (PWFY; P < 0.01). Farms with a FLUCTUATE (73% of the 148 farms) pattern had lower PWFY than those with a STABLE pattern (P < 0.01). The STABLE farms had higher proportions of mid-parity sows, higher parity at culling, higher frequency of gilt deliveries per year, and lower replacement rate than the FLUCTUATE farms (P < 0.01). In conclusion, maintaining stable subpopulations with mid-parity and Parity 0 are recommended to optimize herd productivity.

[Size of lower jaw as an early indicator of skeletal class III development].

PubMed

Stojanović, Zdenka; Nikodijević, Angelina; Udovicić, Bozidar; Milić, Jasmina; Nikolić, Predrag

2008-08-01

Malocclusion of skeletal class III is a complex abnormality, with a characteristic sagital position of the lower jaw in front of the upper one. A higher level of prognatism of the lower jaw in relation to the upper one can be the consequence of its excessive length. The aim of this study was to find the differences in the length of the lower jaw in the children with skeletal class III and the children with normal sagital interjaw relation (skeletal class I) in the period of mixed dentition. After clinical and x-ray diagnostics, profile tele-x-rays of the head were analyzed in 60 examinees with mixed dentition, aged from 6 to 12 years. The examinees were divided into two groups: group 1--the children with skeletal class III and group 2--the children with skeletal class I. The length of the lower jaw, upper jaw and cranial base were measured. The proportional relations between the lengths measured within each group were established and the level of difference in the lengths measured and their proportions between the groups were estimated. No significant difference between the groups was found in the body length, ramus and the total length of the lower jaw. Proportional relation between the body length and the length of the lower jaw ramus and proportional relation between the forward cranial base and the lower jaw body were not significantly different. A significant difference was found in proportional relations of the total length of the lower jaw with the total lengths of cranial base and the upper jaw and proportional relation of the length of the lower and upper jaw body. Of all the analyzed parameters, the following were selected as the early indicators of the development of skeletal class III on the lower jaw: greater total length of the lower jaw, proportional to the total lengths of cranial base and theupper jaw, as well as greater length of the lower jaw body, proportional to the length of the upper jaw body.

The Effect of Working Position on Trunk Posture and Exertion for Routine Nursing Tasks: An Experimental Study

PubMed Central

Freitag, Sonja

2014-01-01

Objectives: To examine the influence of the two following factors on the proportion of time that nurses spend in a forward-bending trunk posture: (i) the bed height during basic care activities at the bedside and (ii) the work method during basic care activities in the bathroom. A further aim was to examine the connection between the proportion of time spent in a forward-bending posture and the perceived exertion. Methods: Twelve nurses in a geriatric nursing home each performed a standardized care routine at the bedside and in the bathroom. The CUELA (German abbreviation for ‘computer-assisted recording and long-term analysis of musculoskeletal loads’) measuring system was used to record all trunk inclinations. Each participant conducted three tests with the bed at different heights (knee height, thigh height, and hip height) and in the bathroom, three tests were performed with different work methods (standing, kneeling, and sitting). After each test, participants rated their perceived exertion on the 15-point Borg scale (6 = no exertion at all and 20 = exhaustion). Results: If the bed was raised from knee to thigh level, the proportion of time spent in an upright position increased by 8.2% points. However, the effect was not significant (P = 0.193). Only when the bed was raised to hip height, there was a significant increase of 19.8% points (reference: thigh level; P = 0.003) and 28.0% points (reference: knee height; P < 0.001). Bathroom tests: compared with the standing work method, the kneeling and sitting work methods led to a significant increase in the proportion of time spent in an upright posture, by 19.4% points (P = 0.003) and 25.7% points (P < 0.001), respectively. The greater the proportion of time spent in an upright position, the lower the Borg rating (P < 0.001) awarded. Conclusions: The higher the proportion of time that nursing personnel work in an upright position, the less strenuous they perceive the work to be. Raising the bed to hip height and using a stool in the bathroom significantly increase the proportion of time that nursing personnel work in an upright position. Nursing staff can spend a considerably greater proportion of their time in an ergonomic posture if stools and height-adjustable beds are provided in healthcare institutions. PMID:24371043

The effect of working position on trunk posture and exertion for routine nursing tasks: an experimental study.

PubMed

Freitag, Sonja; Seddouki, Rachida; Dulon, Madeleine; Kersten, Jan Felix; Larsson, Tore J; Nienhaus, Albert

2014-04-01

To examine the influence of the two following factors on the proportion of time that nurses spend in a forward-bending trunk posture: (i) the bed height during basic care activities at the bedside and (ii) the work method during basic care activities in the bathroom. A further aim was to examine the connection between the proportion of time spent in a forward-bending posture and the perceived exertion. Twelve nurses in a geriatric nursing home each performed a standardized care routine at the bedside and in the bathroom. The CUELA (German abbreviation for 'computer-assisted recording and long-term analysis of musculoskeletal loads') measuring system was used to record all trunk inclinations. Each participant conducted three tests with the bed at different heights (knee height, thigh height, and hip height) and in the bathroom, three tests were performed with different work methods (standing, kneeling, and sitting). After each test, participants rated their perceived exertion on the 15-point Borg scale (6 = no exertion at all and 20 = exhaustion). If the bed was raised from knee to thigh level, the proportion of time spent in an upright position increased by 8.2% points. However, the effect was not significant (P = 0.193). Only when the bed was raised to hip height, there was a significant increase of 19.8% points (reference: thigh level; P = 0.003) and 28.0% points (reference: knee height; P < 0.001). Bathroom tests: compared with the standing work method, the kneeling and sitting work methods led to a significant increase in the proportion of time spent in an upright posture, by 19.4% points (P = 0.003) and 25.7% points (P < 0.001), respectively. The greater the proportion of time spent in an upright position, the lower the Borg rating (P < 0.001) awarded. The higher the proportion of time that nursing personnel work in an upright position, the less strenuous they perceive the work to be. Raising the bed to hip height and using a stool in the bathroom significantly increase the proportion of time that nursing personnel work in an upright position. Nursing staff can spend a considerably greater proportion of their time in an ergonomic posture if stools and height-adjustable beds are provided in healthcare institutions.

Increase of β-Lactam-Resistant Invasive Haemophilus influenzae in Sweden, 1997 to 2010

PubMed Central

Resman, Fredrik; Ristovski, Mikael; Forsgren, Arne; Kaijser, Bertil; Kronvall, Göran; Medstrand, Patrik; Melander, Eva; Odenholt, Inga

2012-01-01

The proportions of Haemophilus influenzae resistant to ampicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics have been low in Sweden compared to other countries in the Western world. However, a near-doubled proportion of nasopharyngeal Swedish H. influenzae isolates with resistance to β-lactams has been observed in the last decade. In the present study, the epidemiology and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance of H. influenzae isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid in southern Sweden from 1997 to 2010 (n = 465) were studied. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion, and isolates with resistance to any tested β-lactam were further analyzed in detail. We identified a significantly increased (P = 0.03) proportion of β-lactam-resistant invasive H. influenzae during the study period, which was mainly attributed to a significant recent increase of β-lactamase-negative β-lactam-resistant isolates (P = 0.04). Furthermore, invasive β-lactamase-negative β-lactam-resistant H. influenzae isolates from 2007 and onwards were found in higher proportions than the corresponding proportions of nasopharyngeal isolates in a national survey. Multiple-locus sequence typing (MLST) of this group of isolates did not completely separate isolates with different resistance phenotypes. However, one cluster of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) isolates was identified, and it included isolates from all geographical areas. A truncated variant of a β-lactamase gene with a promoter deletion, blaTEM-1-PΔ dominated among the β-lactamase-positive H. influenzae isolates. Our results show that the proportions of β-lactam-resistant invasive H. influenzae have increased in Sweden in the last decade. PMID:22687505

Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Yogurt Supplemented with Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) Juice.

PubMed

Nguyen, Linh; Hwang, Eun-Sun

2016-12-01

We investigated the quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of yogurt supplemented with 1%, 2%, and 3% aronia juice and fermented for 24 h at 37°C. The total acidity increased with increasing levels of aronia juice and incubation time. Lightness and yellowness of the yogurt decreased, but redness increased, with increasing aronia juice content and incubation time. The number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increased with increased incubation time, and yogurt containing 2% and 3% aronia juice showed higher LAB counts than 1% aroinia juice-supplemented yogurt. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased proportionally with increasing levels of aronia juice. Antioxidant activity of aronia-containing yogurt was significantly higher than that of the control and increased proportionally with aronia juice concentration. Yogurt with 2% aronia juice had the best taste ( P <0.05). Aronia juice may be a useful additive for improving the taste and antioxidant potential of yogurt.

Consecutive repeat miscarriages are likely to occur in the same gestational period.

PubMed

Yan, Junhao; Saravelos, Sotirios H; Ma, Ning; Ma, Caihong; Chen, Zi-Jiang; Li, Tin-Chiu

2012-06-01

This is a retrospective, observational study to determine how often repeated consecutive miscarriages occur consistently in the same gestational period, including 1589 miscarriages among 543 women with recurrent miscarriage. In women who had two miscarriages only, 49.17% of both miscarriages occurred in the same gestational period, which was significantly higher than the expected probability of 34.54% (P<0.01). The proportions of all miscarriages occurring in the same gestational period in women with three, four and five or more miscarriages were 28.72%, 19.44% and 18.60%, compared with the expected probabilities of 14.36% (P<0.01), 6.57% (P<0.05) and <3.15% (P<0.05). The proportions of miscarriages occurring consistently in the same gestational period are higher than the theoretical probabilities calculated for the whole population. Copyright © 2012 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Profiles of Motivation for Reading Among African American and Caucasian Students

PubMed Central

Guthrie, John T.; Coddington, Cassandra S.; Wigfield, Allan

2009-01-01

Previous research has investigated motivations for reading by examining positive, or affirming, motivations including intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy. Related to them, we examined two negative, or undermining, motivations consisting of avoidance and perceived difficulty. We proposed that the motivations of intrinsic motivation and avoidance are relatively independent, and thus, can be combined to form meaningful profiles consisting of: avid, ambivalent, apathetic, and averse readers. With Grade 5 students we found that these motivations were relatively independent for both Caucasian and African American students. The two motivations uniquely explained a significant proportion of variance in reading comprehension and other cognitive reading variables. Although intrinsic motivation was stronger for Caucasians, avoidance was stronger for African Americans. The profile of the African American students contained higher proportions of averse and ambivalent readers than the Caucasian profile. The profile of avid readers showed higher reading achievement than the other profiles. PMID:19960100

Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Yogurt Supplemented with Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) Juice

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Linh; Hwang, Eun-Sun

2016-01-01

We investigated the quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of yogurt supplemented with 1%, 2%, and 3% aronia juice and fermented for 24 h at 37°C. The total acidity increased with increasing levels of aronia juice and incubation time. Lightness and yellowness of the yogurt decreased, but redness increased, with increasing aronia juice content and incubation time. The number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increased with increased incubation time, and yogurt containing 2% and 3% aronia juice showed higher LAB counts than 1% aroinia juice-supplemented yogurt. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased proportionally with increasing levels of aronia juice. Antioxidant activity of aronia-containing yogurt was significantly higher than that of the control and increased proportionally with aronia juice concentration. Yogurt with 2% aronia juice had the best taste (P<0.05). Aronia juice may be a useful additive for improving the taste and antioxidant potential of yogurt. PMID:28078255

Five-year longitudinal study of dental caries risk associated with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

PubMed

Oda, Yuki; Hayashi, Fumiko; Wakita, Atsuko; Nagatani, Yukiko; Okada, Mitsugi

2017-03-31

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus) are important etiologic agents in human dental caries. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for the presence of those strains, we examined 145 outpatients with intellectual disability (ID), calculated the proportion of each of these strains to total bacteria, and compared dental caries incidence over 5 years. Plaque samples were collected from all erupted tooth sites, and dental examinations were performed annually to determine numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT score; World Health Organization caries diagnostic criteria). Elevated DMFT scores were calculated as ∆DMFT, and sites of newly affected caries (∆SNAC) were identified. Sixty-six patients had both strains. The proportion of S. mutans to total bacteria was moderately correlated with DMFT in year 2, ∆DMFT in years 2 and 5, and ∆SNAC in years 2 and 5 (correlation coefficient = 0.470, P < 0.001), while the proportion of S. sobrinus to total bacteria was moderately correlated with DMFT in years 2 and 5, ∆DMFT in years 1, 2, and 5, and ∆SNAC in years 2 and 5 (correlation coefficient = 0.695, P < 0.001). Individuals with ID who harbored both bacterial strains had a higher risk of dental caries and a significantly higher proportion of S. sobrinus to total bacteria.

Regulation of palmitoyl-CoA chain elongation by clofibric acid in the liver of Zucker fa/fa rats.

PubMed

Toyama, Tomoaki; Kudo, Naomi; Mitsumoto, Atsushi; Kawashima, Yoichi

2005-05-01

The regulation of palmitoyl-CoA chain elongation (PCE) by clofibric acid [2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic acid] was investigated in comparison with stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in the liver of obese Zucker fa/fa rats. The proportion of oleic acid in the hepatic lipids of Zucker obese rats is 2.7 times higher than that of lean littermates. The activities of PCE and SCD in the liver of Zucker obese rats were markedly higher than in lean rats, and the hepatic uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) was also higher in Zucker obese rats compared with lean rats. The increased activities of SCD and PCE in Zucker obese rats were due to the enhanced expression of mRNA of both SCD1 and rat FA elongase 2 (rELO2), but not SCD2 or rELO1. The proportion of oleic acid in the liver was significantly increased by the administration of clofibric acid to Zucker obese rats, and the hepatic PCE activity and rELO2 mRNA expression, but not the SCD activity or SCD1 mRNA expression, were increased in response to clofibric acid treatment. By contrast, the activities of both PCE and SCD and the mRNA expression of SCD1 and rELO2 in the liver were increased by the treatment of Zucker lean rats with clofibric acid. Multiple regression analysis, which was performed to determine the relationships involving PCE activity, SCD activity, and the proportion of oleic acid, revealed that the three parameters were significantly correlated and that the standardized partial regression coefficient of PCE was higher than that of SCD. These results indicate that oleic acid is synthesized by the concerted action of PCE and SCD and that PCE plays a crucial role in the formation of oleic acid when Zucker fa/fa rats are given clofibric acid.

Impact of Age and Sex on Response to Asthma Therapy.

PubMed

Dunn, Ryan M; Lehman, Erik; Chinchilli, Vernon M; Martin, Richard J; Boushey, Homer A; Israel, Elliot; Kraft, Monica; Lazarus, Stephen C; Lemanske, Robert F; Lugogo, Njira L; Peters, Stephen P; Sorkness, Christine A; Szefler, Stanley; Wechsler, Michael E

2015-09-01

Age and sex are associated with differences in asthma prevalence and morbidity. To determine if age and sex associate with distinct phenotypes and a variable response to therapy in subjects with mild to moderate asthma. We used Asthma Clinical Research Network data to determine the impact of age and sex on phenotypes and treatment failures among subjects participating in 10 trials from 1993 to 2003. A total of 1,200 subjects were identified (median age, 30.4 yr; male, 520 [43.3%]; female, 680 [56.7%]) and analyzed. A higher proportion of subjects greater than or equal to 30 years old experienced treatment failures (17.3% vs. 10.3%; odds ratio [OR], 1.82; confidence interval [CI], 1.30-2.54; P < 0.001), and rates increased proportionally with increasing age older than 30 across the cohort (OR per yr, 1.02 [CI, 1.01-1.04]; OR per 5 yr, 1.13 [CI, 1.04-1.22]; P < 0.001). Lower lung function and longer duration of asthma were associated with a higher risk of treatment failures. A higher proportion of subjects greater than or equal to 30 years old receiving controller therapy experienced treatment failures. When stratified by specific therapy, treatment failures increased consistently for every year older than age 30 in subjects on inhaled corticosteroids (OR per year, 1.03; CI, 1.01-1.07). Females had a slightly higher FEV1 % predicted (84.5% vs. 81.1%; P < 0.001) but similar asthma control measures. There was not a statistically significant difference in treatment failures between females and males (15.2% vs. 11.7%; P = 0.088). Older age is associated with an increased risk of treatment failure, particularly in subjects taking inhaled corticosteroids. There was no significant difference in treatment failures between sexes.

Impact of Age and Sex on Response to Asthma Therapy

PubMed Central

Dunn, Ryan M.; Lehman, Erik; Chinchilli, Vernon M.; Martin, Richard J.; Boushey, Homer A.; Israel, Elliot; Kraft, Monica; Lazarus, Stephen C.; Lemanske, Robert F.; Lugogo, Njira L.; Peters, Stephen P.; Sorkness, Christine A.; Szefler, Stanley

2015-01-01

Rationale: Age and sex are associated with differences in asthma prevalence and morbidity. Objectives: To determine if age and sex associate with distinct phenotypes and a variable response to therapy in subjects with mild to moderate asthma. Methods: We used Asthma Clinical Research Network data to determine the impact of age and sex on phenotypes and treatment failures among subjects participating in 10 trials from 1993 to 2003. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 1,200 subjects were identified (median age, 30.4 yr; male, 520 [43.3%]; female, 680 [56.7%]) and analyzed. A higher proportion of subjects greater than or equal to 30 years old experienced treatment failures (17.3% vs. 10.3%; odds ratio [OR], 1.82; confidence interval [CI], 1.30–2.54; P < 0.001), and rates increased proportionally with increasing age older than 30 across the cohort (OR per yr, 1.02 [CI, 1.01–1.04]; OR per 5 yr, 1.13 [CI, 1.04–1.22]; P < 0.001). Lower lung function and longer duration of asthma were associated with a higher risk of treatment failures. A higher proportion of subjects greater than or equal to 30 years old receiving controller therapy experienced treatment failures. When stratified by specific therapy, treatment failures increased consistently for every year older than age 30 in subjects on inhaled corticosteroids (OR per year, 1.03; CI, 1.01–1.07). Females had a slightly higher FEV1 % predicted (84.5% vs. 81.1%; P < 0.001) but similar asthma control measures. There was not a statistically significant difference in treatment failures between females and males (15.2% vs. 11.7%; P = 0.088). Conclusions: Older age is associated with an increased risk of treatment failure, particularly in subjects taking inhaled corticosteroids. There was no significant difference in treatment failures between sexes. PMID:26068329

Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineages and anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in reference hospitals across Viet Nam.

PubMed

Nguyen, Van Anh Thi; Bañuls, Anne-Laure; Tran, Thanh Hoa Thi; Pham, Kim Lien Thi; Nguyen, Thai Son; Nguyen, Hung Van; Nguyen, Ngoc Lan Thi; Nguyen, Nam Lien Thi; Dang, Duc Anh; Marks, Guy B; Choisy, Marc

2016-07-28

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the tuberculosis (TB) pathogen, despite a low level of genetic diversity, has revealed a high variety of biological and epidemiological characteristics linked to their lineages, such as transmissibility, fitness and propensity to acquire drug resistance. This has important implications for the epidemiology of TB. We conducted this first countrywide cross-sectional study to identify the prevalent M. tuberculosis lineages and to assess their epidemiological associations and their relation to drug resistance. The study was conducted among isolates acquired in reference hospitals across Vietnam. Isolates with drug susceptibility testing profiles were identified for their lineages by spoligotyping. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association of M. tuberculosis lineages with location, age and sex of the patients and drug resistance levels. Results showed that the most prevalent lineage was Beijing (55.4 %), followed by EAI (27.5 %), T (6.4 %), LAM (1.3 %), Haarlem (1 %) and Zero type (0.3 %). The proportion of Beijing isolates in the North (70.4 %) and the South (68 %) was higher than in the Centre (28 %) (OR = 1.7 [95 % CI: 1.4-2.0], p < 0.0001), whereas the proportion of EAI isolates in the North (7.1 %) and the South (17 %) was much lower compared with the Centre (59 %) (OR = 0.5 [95 % CI: 0.4-0.6], p < 0.0001). Overall, Beijing isolates were the most likely to be drug-resistant and EAI isolates were the least likely to be drug-resistant, except in the South of Vietnam where EAI is also highly drug-resistant. The proportion of Beijing isolates was significantly higher (p < 0.01), and the proportion of EAI isolates was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in younger patients. The proportion of drug-resistance was higher in isolates collected from male patients and from patients in the middle age groups. The findings suggest ongoing replacement of EAI lineage, which is mainly more drug-susceptible with highly drug-resistant Beijing lineage in all studied regions of Vietnam. Male patients of working ages should be the focus for better control to prevent the emergence of drug-resistant TB.

Differences in the cancer burden among foreign-born and US-born Arab Americans living in metropolitan Detroit.

PubMed

Khan, Fatima; Ruterbusch, Julie J; Gomez, Scarlett L; Schwartz, Kendra

2013-11-01

Migrant studies often provide clues for cancer etiology. We estimated the cancer burden among Arab Americans (ArA) by immigrant status in the metropolitan Detroit area, home to one of the highest concentrations of ArA in USA. A validated name algorithm was used to identify ArA cancer cases diagnosed 1990-2009 in the Detroit SEER database. Recorded birthplace was supplemented with imputation of nativity using birthdate and social security number. Age-adjusted, gender-specific proportional incidence ratios and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated comparing all ArA, foreign-born ArA, and US-born ArA, to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Foreign-born ArA males had higher proportions of multiple myeloma, leukemia, kidney, liver, stomach, and bladder cancer than NHW, while bladder cancer and leukemia were higher among US-born ArA males. For ArA women, gall bladder and thyroid cancers were proportionally higher among both foreign- and US-born compared with NHW. Stomach cancer was proportionally higher only among foreign-born women. Cancer proportional incidence patterns among ArA show some similarity to other migrant groups, with higher proportional incidences of stomach and liver cancers among foreign-born than US-born. Other patterns, such as tobacco-related cancers among ArA men and gall bladder and thyroid cancers among ArA women, will require more investigation of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.

Geographic and birth cohort associations of Kaposi's sarcoma among homosexual men in Canada.

PubMed

Schechter, M T; Marion, S A; Elmslie, K D; Ricketts, M N; Nault, P; Archibald, C P

1991-09-01

The authors conducted an analysis of all 677 cases of Kaposi's sarcoma among the 3,047 cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosed in homosexual/bisexual men in Canada between 1980 and 1989. The proportion with Kaposi's sarcoma declined from 32.2% during 1980-1985 to 15.0% in 1989. The proportion with Kaposi's sarcoma was significantly higher in primary epidemic centers (Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal) and in men in the 1945-1954 birth cohort independent of year of diagnosis. These data are consistent with an environmental cofactor for Kaposi's sarcoma which is likely to be a sexually transmitted agent.

Body Mass Index in Urban Canada: Neighborhood and Metropolitan Area Effects

PubMed Central

Ross, Nancy A.; Tremblay, Stephane; Khan, Saeeda; Crouse, Daniel; Tremblay, Mark; Berthelot, Jean-Marie

2007-01-01

Objectives. We investigated the influence of neighborhood and metropolitan area characteristics on body mass index (BMI) in urban Canada in 2001. Methods. We conducted a multilevel analysis with data collected from a cross-sectional survey of men and women nested in neighborhoods and metropolitan areas in urban Canada during 2001. Results. After we controlled for individual sociodemographic characteristics and behaviors, the average BMIs of residents of neighborhoods in which a large proportion of individuals had less than a high school education were higher than those BMIs of residents in neighborhoods with small proportions of such individuals (P< .01). Living in a neighborhood with a high proportion of recent immigrants was associated with lower BMI for men (P<.01), but not for women. Neighborhood dwelling density was not associated with BMI for either gender. Metropolitan sprawl was associated with higher BMI for men (P=.02), but the effect was not significant for women (P= .09). Conclusions. BMI is strongly patterned by an individual’s social position in urban Canada. A neighborhood’s social condition has an incremental influence on the average BMI of its residents. However, BMI is not influenced by dwelling density. Metropolitan sprawl is associated with higher BMI for Canadian men, which supports recent evidence of this same association among American men. Individuals and their environments collectively influence BMI in urban Canada. PMID:17267734

Opting out of an integrated healthcare system: dual-system use is associated with poorer glycemic control in veterans with diabetes.

PubMed

Helmer, Drew; Sambamoorthi, Usha; Shen, Yujing; Tseng, Chin-Lin; Rajan, Mangala; Tiwari, Anjali; Maney, Miriam; Pogach, Leonard

2008-06-01

To test for an association between quality of care and patient choice to obtain care outside an integrated healthcare delivery system. We used administrative data to define dual-system use (Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Medicare) in 1999 for VHA users with diabetes over 65 years old. Quality of diabetes care was determined by the last hemoglobin A1c (HA1c) value in 2000. The distance to nearest VHA facility minus the distance to nearest non-federal hospital was the instrumental variable in a two-part regression model which controlled for observed and unobserved factors. In 1999, 57.4% of subjects received care from both VHA and Medicare providers; their mean proportion of visits to Medicare providers was 0.41 (median 0.38). After controlling for observed and unobserved factors, higher proportions of Medicare visits were significantly associated with higher HA1c values; a 40% increase in the proportion of Medicare visits by those who did not use Medicare was associated with a 0.23% point increase in HA1c value. Dual-system use was associated with higher HA1c values, suggesting that veterans who chose to receive care outside the integrated VHA may have worse intermediate clinical outcomes than those who received care exclusively within the system.

High hydrostatic pressure processing reduces the glycemic index of fresh mango puree in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Elizondo-Montemayor, Leticia; Hernández-Brenes, Carmen; Ramos-Parra, Perla A; Moreno-Sánchez, Diana; Nieblas, Bianca; Rosas-Pérez, Aratza M; Lamadrid-Zertuche, Ana C

2015-04-01

Dietary guidelines recommend the daily consumption of fruits; however, healthy and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects receive conflicting messages regarding ingestion of fruits, such as mango, because of its sugar content. We investigated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing of fresh mango puree (MP) on the glycemic indexes (GIs) and postprandial glycemic responses of 38 healthy Mexican subjects in a randomized cross-over clinical trial. Physicochemical characterization of MP included sugar profiles by HPLC-ELSD, starch, fibers, moisture, viscosity, swelling capacity and solubility properties of alcohol insoluble residue (AIR). The mean GI for HHP-MP was significantly lower (32.7 ± 13.4) than that of unprocessed-MP (42.7 ± 19.5). A significantly higher proportion of subjects showed a low GI following the consumption of HHP-MP compared to unprocessed-MP and none of them showed a high GI for the HHP-MP, compared to a significantly higher proportion for the unprocessed-MP. The viscosity and AIR solubility values of HHP-MP samples were significantly higher, which influenced glucose peaking later (Tmax) at 45 minutes and induced 20% lower AUC values than unprocessed-MP, corresponding to greater retardation indexes. The study findings support data stating that low GI fruits are appropriate for glycemic control and that mango may be included as part of healthy subjects' diets and potentially T2DM subjects' diets. Furthermore, HHP processing of mango may offer additional benefits for glycemic control, as its performance regarding GI, AUC and Tmax was significantly better than that of the unprocessed-MP. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the impact of this commercial non-thermal pasteurization technology on glucose metabolism.

The Impact of Aortic Occlusion Balloon on Mortality After Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis.

PubMed

Karkos, Christos D; Papadimitriou, Christina T; Chatzivasileiadis, Theodoros N; Kapsali, Nikoletta S; Kalogirou, Thomas E; Giagtzidis, Ioakeim T; Papazoglou, Konstantinos O

2015-12-01

We aimed to investigate whether the use of aortic occlusion balloon (AOB) has an impact on mortality of patients undergoing endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs). A meta-analysis of the English-language literature was undertaken through February 2013. Articles reporting data on outcome after endovascular repair of RAAAs were identified and information regarding the use of AOB was sought. Included in this meta-analysis were 39 eligible studies reporting 1277 patients. The pooled perioperative mortality was 21.6% (95% CI 18.1-25.1%). There was significant within-study heterogeneity (I(2) 50.2%, P < 0.001). A total of 200 patients required AOB with an estimated pooled proportion of 14.1% (8.9-19.3%). Individual random-effects meta-regression investigating the effect of AOB and other risk factors on mortality revealed a significant linear association of hemodynamic instability, bifurcated endograft approach, and primary conversion to open repair with mortality and a nonlinear (second degree polynomial) association of AOB with mortality. On multivariable meta-regression models, both hemodynamic instability and AOB were found to be statistically significant, independent predictors of mortality. In particular, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between AOB and mortality and a positive effect of hemodynamic instability on mortality. In practical terms, mortality was significantly higher in studies with a higher proportion of hemodynamically unstable patients and lower in studies with a higher rate of AOB use. This study provides meta-analytical evidence that the use of an AOB in unstable RAAA patients undergoing endovascular repair may improve the results.

[Factors influencing the prognosis of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants].

PubMed

Wang, Chen-Hong; Shi, Li-Ping; Ma, Xiao-Lu; Luo, Fang; Chen, Zheng; Lin, Hui-Jia; DU, Li-Zhong

2016-08-01

To investigate the factors influencing the prognosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. A total of 194 VLBW infants who were admitted from January 2012 to December 2014 were enrolled as study subjects. According to cardiac ultrasound findings and treatment outcome, these infants were divided into non-PDA group, spontaneous closure group, pharmaceutical closure group, and surgical closure group. Their clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were analyzed. The spontaneous closure rate of PDA was 58.7%. The spontaneous closure group showed significantly higher gestational age, birth weight, and proportion of small-for-gestational-age infants than the pharmaceutical and surgical closure groups (P<0.05). The pharmaceutical and surgical closure groups had a significantly higher incidence rate of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and a significantly higher proportion of infants who were given pulmonary surfactant (PS) than the spontaneous closure group (P<0.05). During different periods of time, the spontaneous closure group had a significantly smaller ductus arteriosus diameter than the pharmaceutical and surgical closure groups (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age, application of PS, and ductus arteriosus diameter at 48 hours were significantly associated with the prognosis of PDA. The major transductal flow pattern in the spontaneous closure group was closing pattern, while in the pharmaceutical and surgical closure groups, the main flow patterns were pulmonary hypertension and growing patterns within 48 hours and growing pattern on days 4 and 7. The VLBW infants have a high spontaneous closure rate of PDA. A decreased closure rate of PDA is associated with the lower gestational age and the application of PS. PDA with a large ductus arteriosus diameter and a growing or pulsatile flow pattern cannot easily achieve spontaneous closure.

The Long and Short Incubation Periods of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Korea: The Characteristics and Relating Factors

PubMed Central

Kim, Sun-Ja; Kim, Si-Heon; Jo, Soo-Nam; Gwack, Jin; Youn, Seung-Ki

2013-01-01

Background The cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Korea are mixed with long and short incubation periods. This study aims to define clinico-epidemiologic chracteristcs of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Korea. Materials and Methods We selected the civilian cases infected with P. vivax malaria in Korea from the epidemiological investigation data of 2001 to 2010, whose incubation periods could be estimated. The long and short incubation periods were defined by duration of infection and onset time, and the cases were compared by demographic factors and clinical symptom, infection and onset time. The correlation was analyzed between the proportion of cases in the infected region with the long incubation period and meteorological factors along with latitude. Results The length of the mean short and long incubation periods for the cases were 25.5 days and 329.4 days, respectively. The total number of the study subjects was 897, and the number cases of short and long incubation periods was 575 (64.1%) and 322 (35.9%), respectively. The aspect of incubation period showed a significant difference by region of infection; there was a higher proportion of long incubation period infection cases in Gangwon-do than in Gyeonggi-do and Incheon. The proportion of long incubation period cases showed significant correlation with latitude and temperature of August and September of the infected regions. Conclusions Incubation period of P. vivax malaria in Korea showed significant difference by infected region, infection and onset time and the proportion of long incubation period cases showed significant correlation with latitude and meteorological factors of the infected regions. PMID:24265966

Efficacy and safety outcomes in vitamin D supplement users in the fingolimod phase 3 trials.

PubMed

Hongell, Kira; Silva, Diego G; Ritter, Shannon; Meier, Daniela Piani; Soilu-Hänninen, Merja

2018-02-01

Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D have been associated with worse outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with interferon-beta. Association of vitamin D nutrition on the outcomes of other MS therapies has been studied less. Whether patients in the phase 3 fingolimod trials using vitamin D supplements have better clinical, MRI and safety outcomes than non-users. Pooled data from phase 3 FREEDOMS trials was analyzed post hoc. Vitamin D use was defined as 'non-users' (n = 562), 'casual users' (n = 157) and 'daily users' (usage 100% time in the study, n = 110). Expanded Disability Status Scale change from baseline to month 24, and annual relapse rate and proportion of patients with relapses were similar across the vitamin D user groups. Proportion of patients free of new/enlarging T2 lesions significantly favored vitamin D 'daily users' versus 'non-users'. Mean number of lesions were lower and proportion of patients free of gadolinium-enhanced T1-lesions were higher in the 'daily users'. At month 12, percent brain volume change was significantly lower in the 'daily users' versus 'non-users' and remained low at month 24 (non-significant). Incidence of depression was lower for vitamin D 'daily users' (non-significant). We observed improved MRI outcomes on percent brain volume change and proportion of patients free of new/enlarging T2 lesions, and a trend of less depression in the 'daily users' of vitamin D supplement in patients in the FREEDOMS trials.

The Long and Short Incubation Periods of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Korea: The Characteristics and Relating Factors.

PubMed

Kim, Sun-Ja; Kim, Si-Heon; Jo, Soo-Nam; Gwack, Jin; Youn, Seung-Ki; Jang, Jae-Yeon

2013-06-01

The cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Korea are mixed with long and short incubation periods. This study aims to define clinico-epidemiologic chracteristcs of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Korea. We selected the civilian cases infected with P. vivax malaria in Korea from the epidemiological investigation data of 2001 to 2010, whose incubation periods could be estimated. The long and short incubation periods were defined by duration of infection and onset time, and the cases were compared by demographic factors and clinical symptom, infection and onset time. The correlation was analyzed between the proportion of cases in the infected region with the long incubation period and meteorological factors along with latitude. The length of the mean short and long incubation periods for the cases were 25.5 days and 329.4 days, respectively. The total number of the study subjects was 897, and the number cases of short and long incubation periods was 575 (64.1%) and 322 (35.9%), respectively. The aspect of incubation period showed a significant difference by region of infection; there was a higher proportion of long incubation period infection cases in Gangwon-do than in Gyeonggi-do and Incheon. The proportion of long incubation period cases showed significant correlation with latitude and temperature of August and September of the infected regions. Incubation period of P. vivax malaria in Korea showed significant difference by infected region, infection and onset time and the proportion of long incubation period cases showed significant correlation with latitude and meteorological factors of the infected regions.

Seasonal survey of the composition and degradation state of particulate organic matter in the Rhône River using lipid tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galeron, M.-A.; Amiraux, R.; Charriere, B.; Radakovitch, O.; Raimbault, P.; Garcia, N.; Lagadec, V.; Vaultier, F.; Rontani, J.-F.

2015-03-01

Lipid tracers including fatty acids, hydroxyacids, n-alkanols, sterols and triterpenoids were used to determine the origin and fate of suspended particulate organic matter (POM) collected in the Rhône River (France). This seasonal survey (April 2011 to May 2013) revealed a year-round strong terrestrial higher-plant contribution to the particulate organic matter (POM), with significant algal inputs observed in March and attributed to phytoplanktonic blooms likely dominated by diatoms. Major terrigenous contributors to our samples are gymnosperms, and more precisely their roots and stems, as evidenced by the presence of high proportions of ω-hydroxydocosanoic acid (a suberin biomarker). The high amounts of coprostanol detected clearly show that the Rhône River is significantly affected by sewage waters. Specific sterol degradation products were quantified and used to assess the part of biotic and abiotic degradation of POM within the river. Higher-plant-derived organic matter appears to be mainly affected by photo-oxidation and autoxidation (free radical oxidation), while organic matter of mammal or human origin, evidenced by the presence of coprostanol, is clearly more prone to bacterial degradation. Despite the involvement of an intense autoxidation-inducing homolytic cleavage of peroxy bonds, a significant proportion of hydroperoxides is still intact in higher plant debris. These compounds could affect the degradation of terrestrial material by inducing an intense autoxidation upon its arrival at sea.

Selection of passerine birds as bio-sentinel of persistent organic pollutants in terrestrial environment.

PubMed

Mo, Ling; Zheng, Xiaobo; Sun, Yuxin; Yu, Lehuan; Luo, Xiaojun; Xu, Xiangrong; Qin, Xiaoquan; Gao, Yongli; Mai, Bixian

2018-08-15

A broad suite of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, were analyzed in pectoral muscle of eight terrestrial passerine bird species from an extensive e-waste recycling site in South China. Concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs in bird samples ranged from 1260-279,000, 121-14,200, and 31-7910ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Insectivorous birds had significantly higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and DDTs than those in granivorous birds. Concentrations of POPs in resident insectivorous birds were significantly greater than those in migrant insectivorous birds. PCBs were the predominant pollutants in all bird species from the e-waste site, followed by PBDEs and DDTs, indicating that PCBs were mainly derived from e-wastes. The granivorous birds had higher proportions of hepta-CBs in total PCBs and higher proportions of octa- to deca-BDEs in total PBDEs compared with the insectivorous birds. The various dietary sources, migration behavior, and possible biotransformation were suspected as reasons of the distinct profiles of POPs in different bird species. The δ 15 N values were significantly and positively correlated with concentrations of POPs in resident insectivorous birds, but not in other passerine bird species, suggesting the influence of trophic levels on bioaccumulation of POPs in resident insectivorous birds. The resident insectivorous birds seem to be promising bio-sentinel of POPs in terrestrial environment around the e-waste sites. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Orthopedic board certification and physician performance: an analysis of medical malpractice, hospital disciplinary action, and state medical board disciplinary action rates.

PubMed

Kocher, Mininder S; Dichtel, Laura; Kasser, James R; Gebhardt, Mark C; Katz, Jeffery N

2008-02-01

Specialty board certification status has become the de facto standard of competency by which the profession and the public recognize physician specialists. However, the relationship between orthopedic board certification and physician performance has not been established. Rates of medical malpractice claims, hospital disciplinary actions, and state medical board disciplinary actions were compared between 1309 board-certified (BC) and 154 non-board-certified (NBC) orthopedic surgeons in 3 states. There was no significant difference between BC and NBC surgeons in medical malpractice claim proportions (BC, 19.1% NBC, 16.9% P = .586) or in hospital disciplinary action proportions (BC, 0.9% NBC, 0.8% P = 1.000). There was a significantly higher proportion of state medical board disciplinary action for NBC surgeons (BC, 7.6% NBC, 13.0% P = .028). An association between board certification status and physician performance is necessary to validate its status as the de facto standard of competency. In this study, BC surgeons had lower rates of state medical board disciplinary action.

Temporal complexity of southern Beaufort Sea polar bear diets during a period of increasing land use

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKinney, Melissa A.; Atwood, Todd C.; Iverson, Sara J.; Peacock, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

From 2000 to 2013, use of land as a seasonal habitat by polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of the southern Beaufort Sea (SB) subpopulation substantially increased. This onshore use has been linked to reduced spatial and temporal availability of sea ice, as well as to the availability of subsistence‐harvested bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) bone piles. Here, we evaluated the role of climate conditions on consumption of traditional ice‐associated prey relative to onshore bowhead whale bone piles. We determined seasonal and interannual trends in the diets of SB polar bears using fatty acid‐based analysis during this period of increasing land use. Diet estimates of 569 SB polar bears from 2004 to 2012 showed high seasonal fluctuations in the proportions of prey consumed. Higher proportions of bowhead whale, as well as ringed seal (Pusa hispida) and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), were estimated to occur in the winter–spring diet, while higher proportions of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) were estimated for summer–fall diets. Trends in the annual mean proportions of individual prey items were not found in either period, except for significant declines in the proportion of beluga in spring‐sampled bears. Nonetheless, in years following a high winter Arctic oscillation index, proportions of ice‐associated ringed seal were lower in the winter–spring diets of adult females and juveniles. Proportions of bowhead increased in the winter–spring diets of adult males with the number of ice‐free days over the continental shelf. In one or both seasons, polar bears that were in better condition were estimated to have consumed less ringed seal and/or more bowhead whale than those in worse condition. Therefore, climate variation over this recent period appeared to influence the extent of onshore vs. on‐ice food use, which in turn, appeared to be linked to fluctuating condition of SB polar bears.

The effects of high-tannin leaf litter from transgenic poplars on microbial communities in microcosm soils.

PubMed

Winder, Richard S; Lamarche, Josyanne; Constabel, C Peter; Hamelin, Richard C

2013-01-01

The impacts of leaf litter from genetically modified hybrid poplar accumulating high levels of condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) were examined in soil microcosms consisting of moss growing on sieved soil. Moss preferentially proliferated in microcosms with lower tannin content; DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) detected increased fungal diversity in microcosms with low-tannin litter. The proportion of cloned rDNA sequences from Actinobacteria decreased with litter addition while Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, and α-Proteobacteria significantly increased. β-Proteobacteria were proportionally more numerous at high-tannin levels. Tannins had no significant impact on overall diversity of bacterial communities analyzed with various estimators. There was an increased proportion of N-fixing bacteria corresponding to the addition of litter with low-tannin levels. The addition of litter increased the proportion of Ascomycota/Basidiomycota. Dothideomycetes, Pucciniomycetes, and Tremellomycetes also increased and Agaricomycetes decreased. Agaricomycetes and Sordariomycetes were significantly more abundant in controls, whereas Pucciniomycetes increased in soil with litter from transformed trees (P = 0.051). Richness estimators and diversity indices revealed no significant difference in the composition of fungal communities; PCoA (principal coordinate analyses) partitioned the fungal communities into three groups: (i) those with higher amounts of added tannin from both transformed and untransformed treatments, (ii) those corresponding to soils without litter, and (iii) those corresponding to microcosms with litter added from trees transformed only with a β-glucuronidase control vector. While the litter from transformed poplars had significant effects on soil microbe communities, the observed impacts reflected known impacts on soil processes associated with tannins, and were similar to changes that would be expected from natural variation in tannin levels.

[Comparison of somatotype differences of soccer and handball players based on the methods of German and Anglo-American schools of constitutional biology].

PubMed

Raschka, Christoph; Wolthausen, Christina

2007-09-01

39 soccer players of the third division as well as 22 handball players of the second division and 17 handball fourth division players (average age 24 years) were examined kinanthropometrically. The sports anthropological evaluations were made according to the methods of Parnell (1958), Heath & Carter (1967), Conrad (1963), Knussmann (1961a, 1961b) as well as Tittel & Wutscherk (1972). Regarding the proportionality, proportion figures and phantom stratagem were used. In the typology of Conrad (1963) above all the high hyperplasia values of the handball players stand out. According to the typognosis of Knussmann (1961a, 1961b) the handball and soccer players are to be classified as leptomorph. The tendency to the macrosomia pole is to be recognized for the handball players. In the somatochart of Parnell (1958) soccer and handball players are placed in the mesomorph ectomorph sixth. The group differences are highly significant for the endomorphy. In the somatogramm of Heath & Carter (1967) both ballplayer collectives are settled in the ectomorph mesomorph area. The group differences are here for the endomorphy and mesomorphy highly significant, for the ectomorphy significant. The proportional fat portion (calipermetry) is high-significantly lower for the soccer players with 6.6 +/- 1.6% than for the handball players (8.4 +/- 2.5%). All height and longitudinal dimensions as well as the circumferences with exception of the thigh girth were for the larger handball players (body height: 189.1 +/- 7.9 cm) very to highly significantly higher than for the smaller soccer players (body height: 178.6 +/- 5.8 cm), whereby no important proportional differences were registered.

Free Active Chlorine in Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions Admixed with Octenidine, SmearOFF, Chlorhexidine, and EDTA.

PubMed

Krishnan, Unni; Saji, Sreeja; Clarkson, Roger; Lalloo, Ratilal; Moule, Alex J

2017-08-01

The therapeutic effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions are dependent on the levels of free available chlorine (FAC). Mixing these solutions with irrigants can result in significant reductions in FAC. Although the effect of some irrigants on FAC is known, the effect of other commonly used irrigants is not. Thus, the therapeutic ramifications of the concurrent use of these on the efficiency of NaOCl solutions is not known. Aliquots of 5.2% (w/v) NaOCl solutions were admixed in proportions of 90:10, 80:20, and 50:50 with the following irrigants: octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT); SmearOFF (Vista Dental Products, Racine, WI), 17% EDTA; and 0.2%, 2%, and 5% chlorhexidine (CHX) solutions. Changes in FAC were measured by iodometric titration. Statistical differences between means were determined using a post hoc Tukey analysis test after an analysis of variance. OCT appeared not to affect FAC and was significantly different than all other irrigants, except for 90:10 and 80:20 mixtures of low concentration (0.2%) CHX. CHX solutions showed a marked concentration- and mixture proportion-dependent detrimental effect on FAC. The reduction of FAC between different concentrations of CHX was statistically significant in 80:20 and 50:50 proportions, with 50:50 mixtures of 5% CHX having the greatest influence. Mixtures containing even small proportions of SmearOFF or EDTA exhibited significant losses in FAC. OCT has little effect on FAC and can be used concurrently with NaOCl solutions. Higher concentrations of CHX significantly affect FAC. Their combined use with NaOCl solutions should be avoided. EDTA and SmearOFF should not be mixed with NaOCl solutions. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. All rights reserved.

Changes in Mauna Kea Dry Forest Structure 2000-2014

USGS Publications Warehouse

Banko, Paul C.; Brinck, Kevin W.

2014-01-01

Changes in the structure of the subalpine vegetation of Palila Critical Habitat on the southwestern slope of Mauna Kea Volcano, Hawai‘i, were analyzed using 12 metrics of change in māmane (Sophora chrysophylla) and naio (Myoporum sandwicense) trees surveyed on plots in 2000 and 2014. These two dominant species were analyzed separately, and changes in their structure indicated changes in the forest’s health. There was a significant increase in māmane minimum crown height (indicating a higher ungulate “browse line”), canopy area, canopy volume, percentage of trees with ungulate damage, and percentage of dead trees. No significant changes were observed in māmane maximum crown height, proportion of plots with trees, sapling density, proportion of plots with saplings, or the height distribution of trees. The only significant positive change was for māmane tree density. Significantly negative changes were observed for naio minimum crown height, tree height, canopy area, canopy volume, and percentage of dead trees. No significant changes were observed in naio tree density, proportion of plots with trees, proportion of plots with saplings, or percentage of trees with ungulate damage. Significantly positive changes were observed in naio sapling density and the height distribution of trees. There was also a significant increase in the proportion of māmane vs. naio trees in the survey area. The survey methods did not allow us to distinguish among potential factors driving these changes for metrics other than the percentage of trees with ungulate damage. Continued ungulate browsing and prolonged drought are likely the factors contributing most to the observed changes in vegetation, but tree disease or insect infestation of māmane, or naio, and competition from alien grasses and other weeds could also be causing or exacerbating the impacts to the forest. Although māmane tree density has increased since 2000, this study also demonstrates that efforts by managers to remove sheep (Ovis spp.) from Palila Critical Habitat have not overcome the ability of sheep to continue to damage māmane trees and impede restoration of the vegetation.

Examining Proximal and Distal Influences on the Part-Time Student Experience through an Ecological Systems Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLinden, Mike

2017-01-01

This conceptual paper contributes to the literature base on promoting equality of opportunity for students in higher education through seeking to broaden understanding of the influences on part-time study in the United Kingdom (UK). These students constitute a significant proportion of the total student population in the UK with research…

Olfactoryresponse of the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to methyl salicylate in laboratory bioassays

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The response of Typhlodromus pyri, a key predator of grapevine rust mite (Calepitrimerus vitis), to MeSA was tested using a Y-tube olfactometer in laboratory bioassays. Six doses ranging from 200 to 0.002 µg of diluted MeSA were tested. Significantly higher proportions of T. pyri preferred MeSA at ...

Reversing Course: The Troubled State of Academic Staffing and a Path Forward

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Federation of Teachers (NJ), 2008

2008-01-01

Over the last generation, the instructional staffing system in American higher education has experienced a significant reduction in the proportion of jobs for full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members and a dramatic growth in fixed-term full- and part-time instructional jobs without tenure. About 70 percent of the people teaching in…

Do Screencasts Help to Revise Prerequisite Mathematics? An Investigation of Student Performance and Perception

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loch, Birgit; Jordan, Camilla R.; Lowe, Tim W.; Mestel, Ben D.

2014-01-01

Basic calculus skills that are prerequisites for advanced mathematical studies continue to be a problem for a significant proportion of higher education students. While there are many types of revision material that could be offered to students, in this paper we investigate whether short, narrated video recordings of mathematical explanations…

Modern pollen distribution in the northeastern Indian Ocean and its significance.

PubMed

Luo, Chuanxiu; Jiang, Weiming; Chen, Chixin; Peng, Huanhuan; Xiang, Rong; Liu, Jianguo; Lu, Jun; Su, Xiang; Zhang, Qiang; Yang, Mingxi

2018-06-26

In order to provide a reference for reconstructing the paleoclimate of the northeastern Indian Ocean, 36 airborne pollen samples were analyzed using methods for airborne pollen, and 26 surface water samples were analyzed using a lab method for surface water. We found that little pollen is airborne over the Indian Ocean in spring, but airborne pollen types and concentrations can help to deduce paleomonsoon strength and direction. The conclusions included the following: (1) Pollen in the sediment was transported mainly via ocean currents instead of the early summer or spring wind. (2) Airborne pollen types and concentrations are proportional to the wind speed and inversely proportional to the pollen distance transported and depend on whether the wind is from the land or from the sea. If the wind is from the land, the pollen concentration is proportional to the angle between the wind direction and the coastline. (3) The pollen concentration in the sample collected from a water depth of 30-45 m is higher than in the samples collected from a depth of 5 m. The pollen concentration and salinity are higher in the equatorial area than in the Northern Hemisphere.

Comparison of domestic violence against women in urban versus rural areas of southeast Nigeria

PubMed Central

Ajah, Leonard Ogbonna; Iyoke, Chukwuemeka Anthony; Nkwo, Peter Onubiwe; Nwakoby, Boniface; Ezeonu, Paul

2014-01-01

Background The perception and prevalence of domestic violence (DV) in rural areas is poorly understood; the result is that most efforts at eradicating this harmful practice are concentrated in urban areas. The objective of the study was to compare the burden and perception of DV among women living in rural and urban Igbo communities of southeast Nigeria. Methods This was a comparative, cross-sectional study of women residing in rural and urban communities in Enugu, Nigeria, who had gathered for an annual religious meeting from August 1–7, 2011. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics and was conducted with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, software version 17.0, at a 95% level of confidence. Results A total of 836 women who met the eligibility criteria participated in the survey. Of these, 376 were from Okpanku, a rural community, while 460 were from Ogui Nike, an urban community. The prevalence of DV among rural women was significantly higher than that among urban women (97% versus 81%, P<0.001). In particular, the prevalence of physical violence was significantly higher among rural women than among urban women (37.2% versus 23.5%; P=0.05). In contrast, rural and urban women did not differ significantly in the proportions that had experienced psychological or sexual violence. The proportion of women who believed that DV was excusable was significantly higher among rural dwellers than among urban dwellers (58.5% versus 29.6%; P=0.03). Conclusion The burden of DV against women may be higher in rural communities than in urban communities in southeast Nigeria. More rural women perceived DV as excusable; this finding suggests that factors that sustain DV could be strong in rural areas. A comprehensive program to curb DV in this area may need to significantly involve the rural areas. PMID:25336992

Is acculturation always adverse to Korean immigrant health in the United States?

PubMed

Ra, Chaelin Karen; Cho, Youngtae; Hummer, Robert A

2013-06-01

This study examined the association between individuals' proportion of life spent in the United States and the health status and health behaviors among Korean immigrants aged 25 and above. The analysis is stratified by level of education to test whether a higher proportion of time spent in the United States is associated with poorer health among both less educated and highly educated Korean immigrants. California health interview survey data from 2005 to 2007 were used to estimate logistic regression models of health and health behaviour among Korean immigrants, stratified by educational attainment. The health and health behaviour of less educated Korean immigrants tended to be worse among those with a higher proportion of residence in the United States. However, more highly educated Korean immigrants tended to exhibit lower odds of being unhealthy and lower odds of poor health behavior with a higher proportion of life spent in the United States. Acculturation is not always associated with poorer immigrant health outcomes. A higher proportion of life spent in the United States tends to be associated with more favorable health and health behavior among highly educated Korean immigrants.

Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and autoantibodies related to rheumatoid arthritis in the general Japanese population and their association with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: the ROAD study.

PubMed

Kodama, Rie; Muraki, Shigeyuki; Iidaka, Toshiko; Oka, Hiroyuki; Teraguchi, Masatoshi; Kagotani, Ryohei; Asai, Yoshiki; Hashizume, Hiroshi; Yoshida, Munehito; Kawaguchi, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Kozo; Akune, Toru; Tanaka, Sakae; Yoshimura, Noriko

2018-03-01

To purpose of this study was to reveal the mean levels and positive proportion of serological markers related to rheumatoid arthritis, and clarify their relationship with osteoporosis and hand osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 1546 participants from the third survey of the research on osteoarthritis/osteoporosis against disability study were enrolled in the current study. Using participant blood samples, the levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) antibody, rheumatoid factor (RF), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), C-reactive protein (CRP), and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) were measured. Subjects with higher than normal levels were defined as being positive. Osteoporosis was defined according to the recommendations set by World Health Organization criteria in 1994. Radiographic hand OA was evaluated using the modified Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. The positive proportion of anti-CCP antibody, RF, MMP-3, CRP, and hsCRP was 1.8, 7.1, 15.0, 6.7, and 6.4%, respectively. MMP-3 was associated with age, and was significantly higher in men than in women. Positive MMP-3 was not significantly related to osteoporosis or severe hand OA (KL grade ≥3) after adjustment for other factors including age, sex, and body mass index. The results from this study clarified the values and positive proportion of RA-related markers and revealed their relationship with osteoporosis and hand OA.

[Effect of abducens orthosis combined with walker on developmental dysplasia of the hip].

PubMed

Hu, Zhiyong; Xu, Yongqiang; Liang, Jieyu; Li, Kanghua; Liao, Qiande

2009-07-01

To evaluate the effect of abducens orthosis combined with walker on developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A total of 126 patients (224 hips) with DDH aged 6-36 months in Xiangya Hospital was randomly divided into 2 groups: an orthosis combined with walker group and an improved hip frog cast fixation group. Seventy patients (130 hips) were treated by the orthosis combined with walker and 56 patients (94 hips) were treated by the improved hip frog cast fixation. We compared the effect and complications of the 2 groups. The fineness rates of the orthosis combined with walker group and the improved hip frog cast fixation group were 89.2% and 90.4%, respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). The rate of femoral head osteonecrosis in the orthosis combined with walker group was significantly lower than that in the improved hip frog cast fixation group (1.5% vs. 5.3%,P<0.05), but the re-dislocation rate in the former was significantly higher than that in the latter (6.9% vs. 1.1 %, P<0.05). Both methods are effective for DDH. Orthosis combined with walker has a lower proportion of femoral head osteonecrosis, but a higher proportion of re-dislocation.

Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth among Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: A Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Bouchard, Simon; Sidani, Sacha

2016-01-01

Background. Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) exhibit numerous risk factors for the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Objective. To determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with CP. Methods. Prospective, single-centre case-control study conducted between January and September 2013. Inclusion criteria were age 18 to 75 years and clinical and radiological diagnosis of CP. Exclusion criteria included history of gastric, pancreatic, or intestinal surgery or significant clinical gastroparesis. SIBO was detected using a standard lactulose breath test (LBT). A healthy control group also underwent LBT. Results. Thirty-one patients and 40 controls were included. The patient group was significantly older (53.8 versus 38.7 years; P < 0.01). The proportion of positive LBTs was significantly higher in CP patients (38.7 versus 2.5%: P < 0.01). A trend toward a higher proportion of positive LBTs in women compared with men was observed (66.6 versus 27.3%; P = 0.056). The subgroups with positive and negative LBTs were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics, use of opiates, pancreatic enzymes replacement therapy (PERT), and severity of symptoms. Conclusion. The prevalence of SIBO detected using LBT was high among patients with CP. There was no association between clinical features and the risk for SIBO. PMID:27446865

Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth among Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Therrien, Amelie; Bouchard, Simon; Sidani, Sacha; Bouin, Mickael

2016-01-01

Background. Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) exhibit numerous risk factors for the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Objective. To determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with CP. Methods. Prospective, single-centre case-control study conducted between January and September 2013. Inclusion criteria were age 18 to 75 years and clinical and radiological diagnosis of CP. Exclusion criteria included history of gastric, pancreatic, or intestinal surgery or significant clinical gastroparesis. SIBO was detected using a standard lactulose breath test (LBT). A healthy control group also underwent LBT. Results. Thirty-one patients and 40 controls were included. The patient group was significantly older (53.8 versus 38.7 years; P < 0.01). The proportion of positive LBTs was significantly higher in CP patients (38.7 versus 2.5%: P < 0.01). A trend toward a higher proportion of positive LBTs in women compared with men was observed (66.6 versus 27.3%; P = 0.056). The subgroups with positive and negative LBTs were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics, use of opiates, pancreatic enzymes replacement therapy (PERT), and severity of symptoms. Conclusion. The prevalence of SIBO detected using LBT was high among patients with CP. There was no association between clinical features and the risk for SIBO.

Milk composition of captive tufted capuchins (Cebus apella).

PubMed

Milligan, Lauren A

2010-01-01

Little is known about the milk composition of nonhuman primates, and it has never been examined in capuchin monkeys (genus Cebus). This article reports on the macronutrient milk composition (fat, crude protein (CP), lactose, dry matter (DM), and total gross energy (GE)) of captive housed tufted capuchins (Cebus apella) (n=8). C. apella milk averaged 5.22% fat, 2.40% CP, 6.94% lactose, 16.48% DM, and 0.89 kcal/g. Fat was the most variable macronutrient and was significantly higher in samples collected after 2 months of lactation. To explore the adaptive significance of C. apella milk composition, results were compared with data on milk composition from a closely related cebid, Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis, and another large-brained anthropoid, Homo sapiens. C. apella milk was only significantly different from Saimiri milk in CP and the proportion of energy from CP. Compared with human milk, C. apella milk was lower in lactose but higher in fat, CP, DM, GE, and the proportion of energy from CP. Results from this small dataset suggest that among anthropoid primates, the macronutrient composition of milk is influenced by phylogeny, may vary relative to infant growth rates, but may not be related in any direct way to relative brain size. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Differences in word associations to pictures and words.

PubMed

Saffran, Eleanor M; Coslett, H Branch; Keener, Matthew T

2003-01-01

Normal subjects were asked to produce the "first word that comes to mind" in response to pictures or words that differed with respect to manipulability and animacy. In separate analyses across subjects and items, normal subjects produced a significantly higher proportion of action words (that is, verbs) to pictures as compared to words, to manipulable as compared to non-manipulable stimuli and to inanimate as compared to animate stimuli. The largest proportion of action words was elicited by pictures of non-living, manipulable objects. Furthermore, associates to words matched standard word associates significantly more often than those elicited by pictures. These data suggest that pictures and words initially contact different forms of conceptual information and are consistent with an account of semantic organization that assumes that information is distributed across different domains reflecting the mode of acquisition of that knowledge.

[Relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite and cell cycle of lymphocyte in coke oven workers].

PubMed

Pan, B L; Zhang, H T; Zhang, H J; Chen, W T; Yang, J

2016-11-20

Objective: To investigate the relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite and cell cycle of lymphocyte in coke oven workers. Methods: 437 coke oven workers and 163 work-ers in water treatment department were recruited in this study. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle of lymphocyte. For the measurement of urinary metabolites, urine samples were treated with β-glucuronidase and analyzed using HPLC with a fluorescence detector. Results: The concentrations of urinary 2-naphthol, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 9-phenanthrol and 1-hydroxypyrene l in coke oven workers were significantly higher than those in control group ( P <0.01) . The distributions of cell cycle were analyzed in high exposure group (the content of urinary metabolites high than P 75) and low exposure group (the content of urinary metabolites low than P 25) . According to the content of 1-hydroxypyrene, the proportions of S phase in high exposure group were significant-ly higher than those of low exposure group ( Z =-2.496, P =0.013) , but the proportions of G0/G1 phase were sig-nificantly lower than low exposure group ( Z =-2.074, P =0.038) . The similar results were not been found in other hydroxylated metabolites as internal exposure group. Conclusion: Increasing levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene might resulting in cell cycle of lymphocyte disorders, mainly for G0/G1 phase shorten and S phase arrest.

Immunological alterations and associated diseases in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) naturally co-infected with SIV and STLV.

PubMed

Souquière, Sandrine; Makuwa, Maria; Sallé, Bettina; Lepelletier, Yves; Mortreux, Franck; Hermine, Olivier; Kazanji, Mirdad

2014-04-01

Mandrills are naturally infected with simian T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)mnd. In humans, dual infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may worsen their clinical outcome. We evaluated the effect of co-infection in mandrills on viral burden, changes in T-cell subsets and clinical outcome. The SIV viral load was higher in SIV-infected mandrills than in co-infected animals, whereas the STLV-1 proviral load was higher in co-infected than in mono-infected groups. Dually infected mandrills had a statistically significantly lower CD4+ T-cell count, a lower proportion of naive CD8+ T cells and a higher proportion of central memory cells. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from SIV-infected animals had a lower percentage of Ki67 than those from the other groups. Co-infected monkeys had higher percentages of activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Two co-infected mandrills with high immune activation and clonal integration of STLV provirus showed pathological manifestations (infective dermatitis and generalised scabies) rarely encountered in nonhuman primates. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PXD101 significantly improves nuclear reprogramming and the in vitro developmental competence of porcine SCNT embryos

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

Jin, Jun-Xue; Kang, Jin-Dan; Li, Suo

2015-01-02

Highlights: • First explored that the effects of PXD101 on the development of SCNT embryos in vitro. • 0.5 μM PXD101 treated for 24 h improved the development of porcine SCNT embryos. • Level of AcH3K9 was significantly higher than control group at early stages. - Abstract: In this study, we investigated the effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor PXD101 (belinostat) on the preimplantation development of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos and their expression of the epigenetic markers histone H3 acetylated at lysine 9 (AcH3K9). We compared the in vitro developmental competence of SCNT embryos treated with variousmore » concentrations of PXD101 for 24 h. Treatment with 0.5 μM PXD101 significantly increased the proportion of SCNT embryos that reached the blastocyst stage, in comparison to the control group (23.3% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.05). We tested the in vitro developmental competence of SCNT embryos treated with 0.5 μM PXD101 for various amounts of times following activation. Treatment for 24 h significantly improved the development of porcine SCNT embryos, with a significantly higher proportion of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage in comparison to the control group (25.7% vs. 10.6%, P < 0.05). PXD101-treated SCNT embryos were transferred into two surrogate sows, one of whom became pregnant and four fetuses developed. PXD101 treatment significantly increased the fluorescence intensity of immunostaining for AcH3K9 in embryos at the pseudo-pronuclear and 2-cell stages. At these stages, the fluorescence intensities of immunostaining for AcH3K9 were significantly higher in PXD101-treated embryos than in control untreated embryos. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PXD101 can significantly improve the in vitro and in vivo developmental competence of porcine SCNT embryos and can enhance their nuclear reprogramming.« less

Anthropometric profile of elite acrobatic gymnasts and prediction of role performance.

PubMed

Taboada-Iglesias, Yaiza; Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Águeda; Vernetta Santana, Mercedes

2016-04-01

This study is aimed at determining the anthropometric profile of acrobatic gymnasts, differentiating on the basis of their role. The sample consisted of 150 gymnasts (129 women and 21 men) from throughout Spain. The anthropometric measurements were taken according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) procedures. Morphological measurements, proportionality and somatotype were analyzed in both groups. A comparative analysis between groups and a prediction model were used to analyze the specific profile of each role. All morphological measurements showed significant differences (P<0.05) between tops and bases, the latter presenting higher values. The endomorphic element of the bases presented higher values than the tops, for whom the ectomorphy scores were higher. Bases have an endo-mesomorphic somatotype and tops present a balanced mesomorphic. There are no mesomorphy differences between the tops and bases. BMI was significantly higher in the bases (BMI=20.28 kg/m2). Proportionality differences between roles are shown. Both roles present negatives values for almost all variables studied except for the trochlear condyle of the humerus, the bicondyle of the femur and the wrist bistyloid breadth in tops and the wrist bistyloid breadth, the upper arm relaxed girths and maximum calf in bases. The best prediction model included thigh girth as the best explanatory covariate of role performance. Here are differences between both roles, bases being gymnasts of larger size than tops. However, they present no differences in the muscular component, as it might be expected.

Trauma center staffing, infrastructure, and patient characteristics that influence trauma center need.

PubMed

Faul, Mark; Sasser, Scott M; Lairet, Julio; Mould-Millman, Nee-Kofi; Sugerman, David

2015-01-01

The most effective use of trauma center resources helps reduce morbidity and mortality, while saving costs. Identifying critical infrastructure characteristics, patient characteristics and staffing components of a trauma center associated with the proportion of patients needing major trauma care will help planners create better systems for patient care. We used the 2009 National Trauma Data Bank-Research Dataset to determine the proportion of critically injured patients requiring the resources of a trauma center within each Level I-IV trauma center (n=443). The outcome variable was defined as the portion of treated patients who were critically injured. We defined the need for critical trauma resources and interventions ("trauma center need") as death prior to hospital discharge, admission to the intensive care unit, or admission to the operating room from the emergency department as a result of acute traumatic injury. Generalized Linear Modeling (GLM) was used to determine how hospital infrastructure, staffing Levels, and patient characteristics contributed to trauma center need. Nonprofit Level I and II trauma centers were significantly associated with higher levels of trauma center need. Trauma centers that had a higher percentage of transferred patients or a lower percentage of insured patients were associated with a higher proportion of trauma center need. Hospital infrastructure characteristics, such as bed capacity and intensive care unit capacity, were not associated with trauma center need. A GLM for Level III and IV trauma centers showed that the number of trauma surgeons on staff was associated with trauma center need. Because the proportion of trauma center need is predominantly influenced by hospital type, transfer frequency, and insurance status, it is important for administrators to consider patient population characteristics of the catchment area when planning the construction of new trauma centers or when coordinating care within state or regional trauma systems.

Should over-treatment of axial spondyloarthritis with biologics remain a concern after the issue of the new ASAS criteria? Data from REGISPONSERBIO (Spanish Register of Biological Therapy in Spondyloarthritides).

PubMed

Moreno, Mireia; Gratacós, Jordi; Navarro-Compán, Victoria; de Miguel, Eugenio; Font, Pilar; Clavaguera, Teresa; Linares, Luis Francisco; Joven, Beatriz; Juanola, Xavier

2018-05-08

To study whether disease status at treatment initiation has changed after the issue of the ASAS classification criteria. REGISPONSERBIO registers patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) on biological treatment since 2013. It includes patients starting biological treatment (incident) or already on biological therapies (prevalent). Patients in both groups were compared in terms of: age at disease onset and at treatment start, disease duration, gender, HLA-B27, body mass index (BMI), BASDAI, BASFI, C-reactive protein, ESR, metrological data, ASQoL, WAPAI, extra-articular manifestations, comorbidities, radiological study, type of biological treatment and concomitant treatments. 256 patients were included, of whom 174 (65%) were already on biologic therapy. Compared to incident patients, prevalent patients started treatment with longer disease duration (15 vs. 8.6 years; p<0.001), a higher proportion of them were men (83% vs. 67%; p=0.01), a smaller proportion of them showed non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis (nr-axSpA)(17% vs. 32%; p<0.01), and a higher proportion had HLAB27 (85% vs. 73%; p=0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of disease activity, degree of disability, quality of life, or prevalence of extra-articular manifestations. Data suggest that, after the issue of the new classification criteria for SpA, biological therapy is being administered earlier than previously in SpA patients and in a higher proportion of patients with nr-axSpA. However, this change in prescribing profile, apparently, has not caused an over-treatment, as patients do not seem to have a lower disease burden than prior to the issue of the criteria.

Maternal dietary fat affects milk fatty acid profile and impacts on weight gain and thermogenic capacity of suckling rats.

PubMed

Priego, Teresa; Sánchez, Juana; García, Ana Paula; Palou, Andreu; Picó, Catalina

2013-05-01

We aimed to assess the effects of maternal supplementation with the main fat sources used in the human Western diet (olive oil, butter, margarine) on milk FA composition and on plasma FA profile of offspring, and to determine whether it may influence body-weight-gain (BWG) and adiposity of offspring during the suckling period. Wistar rats were supplemented with the different fat sources from day 14 of gestation and throughout lactation. Olive oil-supplemented dams showed the highest proportion of oleic-acid in milk, with no changes in plasma. Their offspring also showed the highest proportion of this FA in plasma, lower BWG during the suckling period, and higher levels of UCP1 in brown adipose tissue (BAT) at weaning. Margarine-supplemented dams showed the highest percentage of PUFA in milk, and a similar tendency was found in plasma of their offspring. Butter-supplemented dams displayed higher proportion of saturated FA (SFA) in milk compared to other fat-supplemented dams, but lower than controls. Control offspring also showed higher proportion of SFA in plasma and greater BWG during the suckling period than fat-supplemented groups. Significant correlations were found between the relative content of some milk FA and BWG of offspring, in particular, oleic-acid levels correlated negatively with BWG and positively with UCP1 levels. These results show that maternal dietary source of fat affects milk FA composition and circulating FA profile, as could be expected, but also BWG and thermogenic capacity of offspring during the suckling period. An effect of oleic-acid stimulating BAT thermogenic capacity of suckling pups is proposed.

The impact of orthopaedic research evidence on health financing in Australia.

PubMed

Hua, Martin; Myers, Daniel; Host, Lachlan

2018-05-02

In Australia, approval by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) is an important step in the implementation of new health technologies. The MSAC considers health technology assessments (HTA) when submitting a recommendation to the Minister of Health on a new technology's suitability for public funding. Despite being such a critical tool in formulating policy, there has been little scrutiny on the impact of limited evidence on the performance of a national HTA agency's mandate. We aim to determine the proportion of HTAs of orthopaedic technologies prepared for the MSAC that were supported by higher levels of evidence for effectiveness, and whether this affected the MSAC's ability to conclude on efficacy. We also investigated whether the availability of higher level evidence affected the performance of cost-effectiveness analyses. We performed a cohort study of all HTAs prepared for the MSAC from 1998 to 2017 with regards to new technologies in orthopaedic surgery. We identified seven HTAs encompassing nine orthopaedic technologies for inclusion. Higher levels of evidence were available for assessing the technology's effectiveness in six out of the nine technologies. The results did not show a statistically significant relationship between the availability of higher level evidence and MSAC's ability to make a clear conclusion on the assessment of effectiveness (P = 0.5). The proportion of HTAs where a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when higher levels of evidence were available for the assessment of effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a paucity of high quality evidence in the formulation of health policy with regards to the implementation of new orthopaedic technologies in the public healthcare system. This represents an opportunity for strong leadership from surgeons to help develop the tools needed for effective clinical decision-making.

Effects of leachate concentration on the integrity of solidified clay liners.

PubMed

Xue, Qiang; Zhang, Qian

2014-03-01

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of landfill leachate concentration on the degradation behaviour of solidified clay liners and to propose a viable mechanism for the observed degradation. The results indicated that the unconfined compressive strength of the solidified clay decreased significantly, while the hydraulic conductivity increased with the leachate concentration. The large pore proportion in the solidified clay increased and the sum of medium and micro pore proportions decreased, demonstrating that the effect on the solidified clay was evident after the degradation caused by exposure to landfill leachate. The unconfined compressive strength of the solidified clay decreased with increasing leachate concentration as the leachate changed the compact structure of the solidified clay, which are prone to deformation and fracture. The hydraulic conductivity and the large pore proportion of the solidified clay increased with the increase in leachate concentration. In contrast, the sum of medium and micro pore proportions showed an opposite trend in relation to leachate concentration, because the leachate gradually caused the medium and micro pores to form larger pores. Notably, higher leachate concentrations resulted in a much more distinctive variation in pore proportions. The hydraulic conductivity of the solidified clay was closely related to the size, distribution, and connection of pores. The proportion of the large pores showed a positive correlation with the increase of hydraulic conductivity, while the sum of the proportions of medium and micro pores showed a negative correlation.

Effect of caffeine, caffeic acid and their various combinations on enzymes of cholinergic, monoaminergic and purinergic systems critical to neurodegeneration in rat brain-In vitro.

PubMed

Akomolafe, S F; Akinyemi, A J; Ogunsuyi, O B; Oyeleye, S I; Oboh, G; Adeoyo, O O; Allismith, Y R

2017-09-01

Caffeine and caffeic acid are two bioactive compounds that are present in plant foods and are major constituent of coffee, cocoa, tea, cola drinks and chocolate. Although not structurally related, caffeine and caffeic acid has been reported to elicit neuroprotective properties. However, their different proportional distribution in food sources and possible effect of such interactions are not often taken into consideration. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of caffeine, caffeic acid and their various combinations on activities of some enzymes [acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO) ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPase), ecto-5 1 -nucleotidase (E-NTDase) and Na + /K + ATPase relevant to neurodegeneration in vitro in rat brain. The stock concentration of caffeine and caffiec acid and their various proportional combinations were prepared and their interactions with the activities of these enzymes were assessed (in vitro) in different brain structures. The Fe 2+ and Cu 2+ chelating abilities of the samples were also investigated. The results revealed that caffeine, caffeic acid and their various combinations exhibited inhibitory effect on activities of AChE, MAO, E-NTPase and E-NTDase, but stimulatory effect on Na + /K + ATPase activity. The combinations also exhibited Fe 2+ and Cu 2+ chelating abilities. Considering the various combinations, a higher caffeine to caffeic acid ratio produced significantly highest enzyme modulatory effects; these were significantly lower to the effect of caffeine alone but significantly higher than the effect of caffeic acid alone. These findings may provide new insight into the effect of proportional combination of these bioactive compounds as obtained in many foods especially with respect to their neuroprotective effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Associations of menopausal symptoms with job-related stress factors in nurses in Japan.

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Kazuyo; Uemura, Hirokazu; Yasui, Toshiyuki

2014-09-01

The main objective was to ascertain the typical menopausal symptoms and job-related stress factors in Japanese nurses during the menopausal transition, and the associations of menopausal symptoms with job-related stress. A supplementary objective was to determine whether there were any differences in menopausal symptoms and job-related stress factors among nurses in managerial positions. One thousand seven hundred female registered nurses aged 45-60 years who were working in hospitals in Japan were asked to complete a self-administered survey that included Greene's Climacteric Scale and the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. The proportions of nurses who reported feelings of tiredness, irritability and difficulty in concentration were higher than the proportions with other menopausal symptoms. The proportions of nurses reporting feeling unhappy or depressed and having crying spells were higher among nurses in managerial positions than among other nurses. Stresses related to 'quantitative overload' on the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire among nurses in managerial positions were significantly greater than among nurses not in managerial positions, while stresses related to 'physical overload', 'job control', 'skill discretion', 'workplace environment' and 'job satisfaction' among nurses not in managerial positions were significantly greater than they were among nurses in managerial positions. Psychological symptoms were significantly correlated with poor job-related interpersonal relationships. Health care practitioners should be aware that menopausal symptoms are associated with job-related stress during the menopausal transition. Information on the differences in these associations between nurses in managerial positions and other nurses is important as it will allow their health care to be managed on a more individual basis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of different types of enamel conditioning before application of a fissure sealant.

PubMed

Ciucchi, Philip; Neuhaus, Klaus W; Emerich, Marta; Peutzfeldt, Anne; Lussi, Adrian

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare fissure sealant quality after mechanical conditioning of erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser or air abrasion prior to chemical conditioning of phosphoric acid etching or of a self-etch adhesive. Twenty-five permanent molars were initially divided into three groups: control group (n = 5), phosphoric acid etching; test group 1 (n = 10), air abrasion; and test group 2, (n = 10) Er:YAG laser. After mechanical conditioning, the test group teeth were sectioned buccolingually and the occlusal surface of one half tooth (equal to one sample) was acid etched, while a self-etch adhesive was applied on the other half. The fissure system of each sample was sealed, thermo-cycled and immersed in 5% methylene dye for 24 h. Each sample was sectioned buccolingually, and one slice was analysed microscopically. Using specialized software microleakage, unfilled margin, sealant failure and unfilled area proportions were calculated. A nonparametric ANOVA model was applied to compare the Er:YAG treatment with that of air abrasion and the self-etch adhesive with phosphoric acid (α = 0.05). Test groups were compared to the control group using Wilcoxon rank sum tests (α = 0.05). The control group displayed significantly lower microleakage but higher unfilled area proportions than the Er:YAG laser + self-etch adhesive group and displayed significantly higher unfilled margin and unfilled area proportions than the air-abrasion + self-etch adhesive group. There was no statistically significant difference in the quality of sealants applied in fissures treated with either Er:YAG laser or air abrasion prior to phosphoric acid etching, nor in the quality of sealants applied in fissures treated with either self-etch adhesive or phosphoric acid following Er:YAG or air-abrasion treatment.

Hypoalbuminemia Is Significantly Associated with Increased Clearance Time of High Dose Methotrexate in Patients Being Treated for Lymphoma or Leukemia

PubMed Central

Reiss, Samantha; Buie, Larry; Adel, Nelly; Goldman, Debra A.; Devlin, Sean M.; Douer, Dan

2017-01-01

As a weak acid, methotrexate (MTX) is bound to serum albumin and has variable protein binding. The purpose of this study was to assess serum albumin’s relationship with MTX pharmacokinetics by comparing MTX clearance and toxicities between patients with normal serum albumin to those with hypoalbuminemia. This single-center retrospective study included adult patients with leukemia or lymphoma who received their first MTX at a dose ≥ 1 gram/m2. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin ≤ 3.4 g/dL. MTX clearance was defined as the first documented time the MTX level ≤ 0.05 micromolar. Fisher’s Exact tests and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used to examine differences in toxicities and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess relationship with time to clearance. Of 523 patients identified, 167 patients were evaluable. One hundred thirty five patients had normal serum albumin and 32 had hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia was associated with a higher proportion of patients experiencing edema, ascites or pleural effusions (34% vs. 12% p=0.006) and the concomitant use of nephrotoxic agents (41% vs. 20% p=0.021). Hypoalbuminemia was associated with a significantly longer time to methotrexate clearance (median: 96 hours vs 72 hour p=0.004). In addition, patients with hypoalbuminemia had a higher proportion of hyperbilirubinemia and significantly longer hospitalization (median 14 days vs. 5 days p<0.001). In conclusion, hypoalbuminemia was associated with increased time to MTX clearance and increase length of hospitalization. High dose MTX is safe to administer in patients with low albumin levels, with appropriate leucovorin rescue and good supportive care. PMID:27542957

Unexpected inverse correlation between Native American ancestry and Asian American variants of HPV16 in admixed Colombian cervical cancer cases.

PubMed

Lopera, Esteban A; Baena, Armando; Florez, Victor; Montiel, Jehidys; Duque, Constanza; Ramirez, Tatiana; Borrero, Mauricio; Cordoba, Carlos M; Rojas, Fredy; Pareja, Rene; Bedoya, Astrid M; Bedoya, Gabriel; Sanchez, Gloria I

2014-12-01

European (E) variants of HPV 16 are evenly distributed among world regions, meanwhile Non-European variants such as European-Asian (EAs), Asian American (AA) and African (Af) are mostly confined to Eastern Asia, The Americas and African regions respectively. Several studies have shown that genetic variation of HPV 16 is associated with the risk of cervical cancer, which also seems to be dependent on the population. This relationship between ethnicity and variants have led to the suggestion that there is co-evolution of variants with humankind. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the individual ancestry proportion and infection with HPV 16 variants in cervical cancer. We examined the association between ancestry and HPV 16 variants in samples of 82 cervical cancer cases from different regions of Colombia. Individual ancestry proportions (European, African and Native American) were estimated by genotyping 106 ancestry informative markers. Variants were identified by PCR amplification of the E6 gene, followed by reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) with variants specific probes. Overall European (E) and Asian American (AA) variants frequency was 66.5% and 33.5% respectively. Similar distribution was observed in cases with higher proportions of European or African ancestry. A higher Native American ancestry was significantly associated with higher frequency of E variants (median ancestry>23.6%, Age and place of birth adjusted OR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.26-10.03, p=0.01). Even further, an inverse geographic correlation between Native American ancestry and frequency of infections with AA variants was observed (ρ=-0.825, p=0.008). Regions with higher proportion of Native American ancestry had a lower frequency of AA variants of HPV 16. This study suggests replacement of AA variants by E variants of human papillomavirus 16 in cervical cancer cases with high Native American ancestry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vegetable oil fortified feeds in the nutrition of very low birthweight babies.

PubMed

Vaidya, U V; Hegde, V M; Bhave, S A; Pandit, A N

1992-12-01

Two kinds of oils (i) Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) rich Safflower oil, and (ii) Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) rich Coconut oil were added to the feeds of 46 very low birthweight (VLBW) babies to see if such a supplementation is capable of enhancing their weight gain. Twenty two well matched babies who received no fortification served as controls. The oil fortification raised the energy density of the feeds from approximately 67 kcal/dl to 79 kcal/dl. Feed volumes were restricted to a maximum of 200 ml/kg/day. The mean weight gain was highest and significantly higher than the controls in the Coconut oil group (19.47 +/- 8.67 g/day or 13.91 g/day). Increase in the triceps skinfold thickness and serum triglycerides were also correspondingly higher in this group. The lead in the weight gain in this group continued in the follow up period (corrected age 3 months). As against this, higher weight gain in Safflower oil group (13.26 +/- 6.58 g/day) as compared to the controls (11.59 +/- 5.33 g/day), failed to reach statistically significant proportions, probably because of increased statistically significant proportions, probably because of increased steatorrhea (stool fat 4+ in 50% of the samples tested). The differences in the two oil groups are presumably because of better absorption of MCT rich coconut oil. However, individual variations in weight gain amongst the babies were wide so that some control babies had higher growth rates than oil fortified ones. The technique of oil fortification is fraught with dangers of intolerance, contamination and aspiration. Long term effects of such supplementation are largely unknown.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Efficacy of Early Rehabilitation After Surgical Repair of Acute Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Outcomes After Verticalization on Days 2-5 Versus Day 12 Post-Bleeding.

PubMed

Milovanovic, Andjela; Grujicic, Danica; Bogosavljevic, Vojislav; Jokovic, Milos; Mujovic, Natasa; Markovic, Ivana Petronic

2017-01-01

To develop a specific rehabilitation protocol for patients who have undergone surgical repair of acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and to determine the time at which verticalization should be initiated after aSAH. Sixty-five patients who underwent acute-term surgery for aSAH and early rehabilitation were evaluated in groups: Group 1 (n=34) started verticalization on days 2-5 post-bleeding whereas Group 2 (n=31) started verticalization approximately day 12 post-bleeding. All patients were monitored for early complications, vasospasm and ischemia. Assessments of motor status, depression and anxiety (using Zung scales), and cognitive status (using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) were conducted at discharge and at 1 and 3 months post-surgery. At discharge, Group 1 had a significantly higher proportion of patients with ischemia than Group 2 (p=0.004). Group 1 had a higher proportion of patients with hemiparesis than Group 2 three months post-surgery (p=0.015). Group 1 patients scored significantly higher on the Zung depression scale than Group 2 patients at 1 month (p=0.005) and 3 months post-surgery (p=0.001; the same applies to the Zung anxiety scale (p=0.006 and p=0.000, respectively). Group 2 patients scored significantly higher on the MMSE than those in Group 1 at discharge (p=0.040) and 1 month post-surgery (p=0.025). Early verticalization had no effect with respect to preventing early postoperative complications in this patient group. Once a patient has undergone acute surgical repair of aSAH, it is safe and preferred that rehabilitation be initiated immediately postsurgery. However, verticalization should not start prior to day 12 post-bleeding.

The success of return to sport after ulnar collateral ligament injury in baseball: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Peters, Scott D; Bullock, Garrett S; Goode, Adam P; Garrigues, Grant E; Ruch, David S; Reiman, Michael P

2018-03-01

Ulnar collateral ligament injury (UCLI) has significantly increased in overhead sports during the past 2 decades. Differences in return to sport (RTS) and RTS at previous level (RTSP) after UCLI have not been differentiated. A computer-assisted literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and SportDiscus databases using keywords related to RTS for UCLI was implemented. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for study methodology. Quality assessment was conducted using a modified Downs and Black scale. A total of 22 retrospective, level 3b or 4, studies (n = 2289) qualified for analysis. Overall RTS proportion was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86%-94%) and overall RTSP proportion was 79% (95% CI, 75%-84%), both with significant heterogeneity (P < .001, I 2  = 74%-84%). RTS and RTSP proportions were 89% (95% CI, 83%-94%) and 78% (95% CI, 72%-83%) for Major League Baseball players, 91% (95% CI, 77%-99%) and 67% (95% CI, 52%-81%) for Minor League Baseball players, 95% (95% CI, 75%-100%) and 92% (95% CI, 82%-98%) for collegiate players, and 93% (95% CI, 81%-100%) and 83% (95% CI, 77%-89%) for high school players, respectively. Increased earned run average, walks, and hits per inning pitched, decreased innings pitched, and decreased fastball velocity were found after UCLI. Low-level, high-bias evidence demonstrates overall RTS proportion is higher than RTSP, regardless of treatment type for UCLI. Although RTS proportions remained consistent across various levels of play, RTSP proportions were lower in professional players, particularly Minor League Baseball compared with collegiate and high school players. Pitching performance significantly decreased postoperatively in most studies. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transfer of preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight.

PubMed

New, Karen; Flenady, Vicki; Davies, Mark W

2011-09-07

A key criterion for discharging preterm infants home from nurseries is their ability to maintain temperature once transferred from incubators to open cots. The timing of transfer is important given the preterm infant's immature thermoregulatory mechanisms. To determine the effects of body weight in transferring preterm infants from incubators to unheated open cots. Electronic databases, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, clinical trials registers and the abstracts of the Society for Pediatric Research were searched. Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing transfer of preterm infants from incubators to unheated open cots at lower and higher body weights. Data collection and analysis was performed in accordance with the methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. Four eligible studies were identified. Two of the identified trials were assessed as having good methodological quality. Two studies reported daily weight gain (calculated as growth velocity); the lower body weight group had a significantly greater daily weight gain [pooled mean difference (MD) 2.66 (95% confidence interval (CI)1.37 to 3.95). One study reported a larger proportion of infants transferred at the higher body weight had an episode of low temperature in the first 72 hours; while no difference between the two groups was found in the proportion of infants experiencing cold stress post-transfer to discharge. Two studies report no difference between the two groups in requiring an overhead heater for temperature maintenance [pooled RR 1.43 (95% CI 0.35 to 1.18). No statistically significant difference was shown for proportion of infants returning to an incubator [three studies (N = 336) [pooled RR 1.78 (95% CI 0.77 to 4.08].Two studies report there was no statistically significant difference in time spent in an open cot post transfer to discharge; while one study found infants transferred at lower weights had a significantly reduced length of stay [MD -9.00 (95% CI -13.29 to -4.71), a second study found no differences between the two groups [MD 0.30 (95% CI -5.11 to 5.71). In these two studies not breastfeeding at discharge was not significantly different between the lower and higher body weight groups [pooled RR 1.02 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.51). Medically stable preterm infants can be transferred to unheated open cots at a lower body weight of 1600 grams without adverse effects on temperature stability or weight gain. Earlier transfer does not necessarily result in earlier discharge.

Influence of feeding alternative fiber sources on the gastrointestinal fermentation, digestive enzyme activities and mucosa morphology of growing Greylag geese.

PubMed

He, L W; Meng, Q X; Li, D Y; Zhang, Y W; Ren, L P

2015-10-01

The objective of this trial was to study the influence of dietary fiber sources on the gastrointestinal fermentation, digestive enzyme activity, and mucosa morphology of growing Greylag geese. In total, 240 Greylag geese (28-day-old) were allocated to 4 treatments (15 pens/treatment) differing in dietary fiber source: corn straw silage (CSS group), steam-exploded corn straw (SECS group), steam-exploded wheat straw (SEWS group), or steam-exploded rice straw (SERS group). At 112 days of age, 15 birds per group were euthanized to collect samples. No difference (P > 0.05) was found on all the gastrointestinal pH values and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations between the groups. The CSS and SERS groups had a lower (P < 0.05) proportion of acetic acid in the gizzard than the SECS and SEWS groups. The CSS group had a higher VFA concentration in the jejunum (P < 0.05) and acetic acid proportion (P < 0.01) in the ceca, and a lower (P < 0.01) butyric acid proportion than the other groups except for the SECS group. The SECS group had a higher (P < 0.01) acetic acid proportion and lower (P < 0.05) proportions of propionic acid and valeric acid in the ceca than the SEWS and SERS groups. Different fiber sources resulted in different VFA profiles, especially in the gizzard and ceca. Almost all gastrointestinal protease activities of the CSS group were higher (P < 0.05) than the other groups, along with lower (P < 0.01) amylase activities in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca. Lipase activity in proventriculus was highest (P < 0.01) in the SEWS group and its cecal activity was lower (P < 0.01) in the SECS and SEWS groups than the CSS and SERS groups with a higher (P < 0.01) lipase activity in the CSS group than the SERS group. The SECS and SERS groups had a higher cellulase activity in the ceca than the CSS and SEWS groups, with a higher (P < 0.01) rectal cellulase activity in the SERS group than the other groups. There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the intestinal mucosa morphology. These results suggest that corn straw silage improves protein digestion while steam-exploded straw provides more energy. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Body Composition of Lambs and Rams Fed Complete Feed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmawati, F.; Rianto, E.

2018-02-01

This study was aimed to investigate the proportion of body water, protein and fat of lambs and rams. The material used in this study were 6 lambs (weighed of 15.92 kg), and 6 rams (weighed 23.31 kg). The sheep were fed a complete feed. In weeks 1, 5 and 9, the body composition (water, protein and body fat) was measured using the “urea space” method. The results showed that the proportion of water, protein and fat in the body of lambs and sheep differed significantly (P <0.01). The proportion of lambs’ body water in weeks 1, 5 and 9 were 58.71, 58.43 and 58.43%, respectively; while thoset of the rams were 58.40, 58.14% and 58.14%, respectively. The proportion of body protein of lambs in weeks 1, 5 and 9 were 11.84, 11.94 and 11.99%, respectively; while those of rams were 13.01; 13.01 and 13.03%, respectively. The proportion of body fat of lambs in weeks 1, 5 and 9 were 20.51, 20.87 and 20.87%, respectively; while those of rams were 20.9, 21.26 and 21.25%, respectively. Body water of lambs and rams week decreased from week 1 to 9. On the other hand, the proportion of body protein and fat increased. It is concluded that the proportion of body water was higher while the proportions of body protein and fat were lower in lambs as compared with those in rams.

Internet Game Addiction, Depression, and Escape From Negative Emotions in Adulthood: A Nationwide Community Sample of Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Dong Jun; Kim, Kiwon; Lee, Hae-Woo; Hong, Jin-Pyo; Cho, Maeng Je; Fava, Maurizio; Mischoulon, David; Heo, Jung-Yoon; Jeon, Hong Jin

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adult Internet game addiction (IGA) and mental disorders. A total of 1401 adults aged between 18 and 74 years participated in this study. The IGA group had significantly younger patients, and it showed a higher proportion of unmarried and unemployed adults, and higher rates of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt than the non-IGA group. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that IGA was significantly associated with major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and depressive disorders adjusting for all variables. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score was significantly higher in the IGA group than in the non-IGA group for both young adults and middle groups. "Escape from negative emotions like nervousness, sadness, and anger" was the only significant item associated with depression among symptoms of IGA. This study suggests that adults with IGA and depression may use Internet games to escape from negative emotions.

Telerobotic control of a dextrous manipulator using master and six-DOF hand-controllers for space assembly and servicing tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Hara, John M.

1987-01-01

Two studies were conducted evaluating methods of controlling a telerobot; bilateral force reflecting master controllers and proportional rate six degrees of freedom (DOF) hand controllers. The first study compared the controllers on performance of single manipulator arm tasks, a peg-in-the-hole task, and simulated satellite orbital replacement unit changeout. The second study, a Space Station truss assembly task, required simultaneous operation of both manipulator arms (all 12 DOFs) and complex multiaxis slave arm movements. Task times were significantly longer and fewer errors were committed with the hand controllers. The hand controllers were also rated significantly higher in cognitive and manual control workload on the two-arm task. The master controllers were rated significantly higher in physical workload. There were no significant differences in ratings of manipulator control quality.

Treatment patterns in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: Higher adherence and persistence with dulaglutide compared with once-weekly exenatide and liraglutide.

PubMed

Alatorre, Carlos; Fernández Landó, Laura; Yu, Maria; Brown, Katelyn; Montejano, Leslie; Juneau, Paul; Mody, Reema; Swindle, Ralph

2017-07-01

To compare adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]), persistence, and treatment patterns among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) newly initiating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). More specifically, the main objectives were to compare dulaglutide vs exenatide once weekly and dulaglutide vs liraglutide. Patients with T2DM newly initiating dulaglutide, albiglutide, exenatide once weekly, exenatide twice daily and liraglutide between November 2014 and April 2015 were hierarchically selected from Truven Health's MarketScan Research Databases. Propensity score matching was used to account for selection bias. Adherence to and persistence with the index GLP-1RA, and switching and augmentation patterns were assessed during the 6-month post-index period. Mean adherence for the matched cohorts was significantly higher for dulaglutide than for exenatide once weekly (0.72 vs 0.61; P  < .0001) and liraglutide (0.71 vs 0.67; P  < .0001). The percentage of patients achieving PDC ≥ 0.80 was significantly higher for dulaglutide compared with exenatide once weekly (54.2% vs 37.9%; P  < .0001) and liraglutide (53.5% vs 44.3%; P  < .0001). The mean (standard deviation) days on treatment for all matched patients was significantly higher for patients in the dulaglutide cohort compared with those in the exenatide once-weekly (148.4 [55.4] vs 123.6 [61.6]; P  < .0001) and liraglutide cohorts (146.0 [56.9] vs 137.4 [60.1]; P  < .0001). A significantly lower proportion of patients on dulaglutide discontinued treatment compared with those on exenatide once weekly (26.2% vs 48.4%; P  < .0001) and those on liraglutide (28.0% vs 35.6%; P  < .0001). Dulaglutide initiators had significantly higher adherence, were more persistent, and had lower discontinuation rates compared with initiators of exenatide once weekly or liraglutide during the 6-month follow-up period. © 2017 Eli Lilly and Company. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Mechanism of nutrient preservation and supply by soil and its regulation. IV. Fertility regulation and improvement of brown earth type vegetable garden soil and their essence].

PubMed

Chen, L; Zhou, L

2000-08-01

Pot experiment studies on the fertility regulation and improvement of fertile and infertile brown earth type vegetable garden soils and their functionary essence show that under conditions of taking different soil fertility improvement measures, the nutrient contents in fertile and infertile soils were not always higher than the controls, but the aggregation densities of soil microaggregates were increased, and the proportion of different microaggregates was more rational. There was no significant relationship between soil productivity and soil microaggregates proportion. It is proved that the essence of soil fertility improvement consists in the ultimate change of the preservation and supply capacities of soil nutrients, and the proportion of soil microaggregates could be an integrative index to evaluate the level of soil fertility and the efficiency of soil improvement.

Use of emergency care services by immigrants—a survey of walk-in patients who attended the Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic.

PubMed

Ruud, Sven Eirik; Aga, Ruth; Natvig, Bård; Hjortdahl, Per

2015-10-07

The Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic (OAEOC) experienced a 5-6% annual increase in patient visits between 2005 and 2011, which was significantly higher than the 2-3% annual increase among registered Oslo residents. This study explored immigrant walk-in patients' use of both the general emergency and trauma clinics of the OAEOC and their concomitant use of regular general practitioners (RGPs) in Oslo. A cross-sectional survey of walk-in patients attending the OAEOC during 2 weeks in September 2009. We analysed demographic data, patients' self-reported affiliation with the RGP scheme, self-reported number of OAEOC and RGP consultations during the preceding 12 months. The first approach used Poisson regression models to study visit frequency. The second approach compared the proportions of first- and second-generation immigrants and those from the four most frequently represented countries (Sweden, Pakistan, Somalia and Poland) among the patient population, with their respective proportions within the general Oslo population. The analysis included 3864 patients: 1821 attended the Department of Emergency General Practice ("general emergency clinic"); 2043 attended the Section for Orthopaedic Emergency ("trauma clinic"). Both first- and second-generation immigrants reported a significantly higher OAEOC visit frequency compared with Norwegians. Norwegians, representing 73% of the city population accounted for 65% of OAEOC visits. In contrast, first- and second-generation immigrants made up 27% of the city population but accounted for 35% of OAEOC visits. This proportional increase in use was primarily observed in the general emergency clinic (42% of visits). Their proportional use of the trauma clinic (29%) was similar to their proportion in the city. Among first-generation immigrants only 71% were affiliated with the RGP system, in contrast to 96% of Norwegians. Similar finding were obtained when immigrants were grouped by nationality. Compared to Norwegians, immigrants from Sweden, Pakistan and Somalia reported using the OAEOC significantly more often. Immigrants from Sweden, Poland and Somalia were over-represented at both clinics. The least frequent RGP affiliation was among immigrants from Sweden (32%) and Poland (65%). In Norway, immigrant subgroups use emergency health care services in different ways. Understanding these patterns of health-seeking behaviour may be important when designing emergency health services.

Faculty workload and collegial support related to proportion of part-time faculty composition.

PubMed

Adams, D A

1995-10-01

Part-time faculty use has become more prevalent in higher education in response to enrollment shifts and budgetary constraints. This descriptive, exploratory study used a mailed survey to investigate whether full-time nursing faculty perceptions of workload and collegial support differ with changes in the proportion of part-time faculty in Comprehensive I baccalaureate nursing programs. Workload was measured by Dick's Workload Instrument. Collegial support was measured by the Survey of Collegial Communication, adapted by Beyer, which was based on Likert's organizational model. Schools were partitioned into three strata based on the proportion of part-time faculty employed (low, medium, and high). A 30% sample of schools were randomly selected from each stratum (10 schools from each). Within each selected school, six full-time undergraduate faculty were chosen by their respective deans to participate. The total response rate was 89.4%. The results of this study did not support assertions about part-time faculty use in the literature and existing accreditation standards. Findings indicated that there were significant differences in reported total faculty workload when varying proportions of part-time faculty are employed. Faculty in nursing programs with medium proportions of part-time faculty reported higher average total workloads per week than faculty in programs with low and high proportions of part-timers. Another finding demonstrated that full-time faculty in nursing programs with high proportions of part-time faculty spend fewer hours in direct clinical supervision of their students when compared with faculty in the other two strata. There were, however, no differences in perceived collegial support among full-time faculty participants. It was recommended that further research be conducted to investigate specific workload differences found in this study using more precise quantitative measures. Communication and collegiality between part-time and full-time faculty should be further developed and researched under more controlled conditions. Case studies of arrangements that make part-time faculty use beneficial are needed. Other variables such as leadership style, scholarly productivity, and morale and their relationship to the proportion of part-time faculty employed in the nursing program should be investigated.

Quantification of Food Waste Disposal in the United States: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Thyberg, Krista L; Tonjes, David J; Gurevitch, Jessica

2015-12-15

Food waste has major consequences for social, nutritional, economic, and environmental issues, and yet the amount of food waste disposed in the U.S. has not been accurately quantified. We introduce the transparent and repeatable methods of meta-analysis and systematic reviewing to determine how much food is discarded in the U.S., and to determine if specific factors drive increased disposal. The aggregate proportion of food waste in U.S. municipal solid waste from 1995 to 2013 was found to be 0.147 (95% CI 0.137-0.157) of total disposed waste, which is lower than that estimated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the same period (0.176). The proportion of food waste increased significantly with time, with the western U.S. region having consistently and significantly higher proportions of food waste than other regions. There were no significant differences in food waste between rural and urban samples, or between commercial/institutional and residential samples. The aggregate disposal rate for food waste was 0.615 pounds (0.279 kg) (95% CI 0.565-0.664) of food waste disposed per person per day, which equates to over 35.5 million tons (32.2 million tonnes) of food waste disposed annually in the U.S.

Academic performance and career choices of older medical students at the University of Otago.

PubMed

Shelker, William; Belton, Alison; Glue, Paul

2011-11-25

To compare the academic performance and postgraduate career choices of a cohort of medical students who are older and more life experienced at time of medical school entry ("Other Category" students) with students admitted through standard entry admission pathways. Examination performance, graduation rates, postgraduate specialisation and geographical location were compared between Other Category students and students entering via Standard Entry admission (including competitive first year entry and competitive graduate entry immediately after completing a Bachelor's degree). Compared with Standard Entry students, Other Category students had equivalent examination pass rates, significantly higher rates of distinction passes in examinations in Year 2 (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.05, 3.29; p=0.03) and Year 5 (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.27, 4.37; p=0.005), and equivalent graduation rates. Retention of Other Category graduates in New Zealand was 14% higher than Standard Entry students over 10 years post-graduation (p<0.0001), and a higher proportion had specialised in General Practice (p=0.04). Compared with Standard Entry students, Other Category medical students had higher rates of distinction grades in examination results, higher rates of retention in NZ post-graduation, and a higher proportion taking up general practice as a specialty. These findings may be relevant in planning for recruitment and training of the future medical workforce in New Zealand.

Emmonsiosis of rodents in an agroecosystem.

PubMed

Hubálek, Z; Nesvadbová, J; Halouzka, J

1998-12-01

Adiaspores of Emmonsia crescens were found in the lungs of 62.1% of 87 adult rodents from 10 windbreaks compared to only 8.2% of 184 adult rodents caught in 10 adjacent arable fields in South Moravia, Czechland. A significantly higher mean weight proportion of plant remnants (predominantly small roots) was present in the soil from windbreaks (0.74%) than from fields (0.24%). In addition, mean relative abundance of rodents was significantly higher in windbreaks than in fields, and the windbreak soil was more acidic (pH 6.2 vs. 6.9, respectively). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the water content (17.4% vs. 18.5%, respectively). The difference in the infection rate between the two habitats of the agroecosystem could be caused or affected by land use and farming technology.

One-Third of the Globe: The Future of Higher Education in China and India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altbach, Philip G.

2009-01-01

China and India together account for almost 25% of the world's postsecondary student population. Most of the enrolment growth in the coming several decades will be in developing countries, and China and India will contribute a significant proportion of that expansion, since China currently educates only about 20% and India 10% of the age cohort.…

Faunal Biogeography Community Structure and Genetic Connectivity of North Atlantic Seamounts

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

found the soft sediment infauna dominated by polychaetes, peracarid crustaceans, aplacophoran, bivalve and gastropod molluscs, sipunculans, nemerteans...seamount found that there was a higher proportion of species with short or no larval duration suggesting adaptation for local retention of larvae...Munida zebra, the two chirostylid crab Eumunida species and one plaktotrophic gastropod Sassia remensa, but significant structure for the non

Examining Student Spiritual Outcomes as a Result of a General Education Religion Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilton, John, III; Plummer, Kenneth

2013-01-01

In an era in which part-time faculty are becoming a higher proportion of the teaching faculty on most campuses, this study addressed the question of whether student learning outcomes in religious education courses are significantly influenced by whether the instructor teaches in a full- or part-time capacity in the Department of Religion. We…

Nitrate losses, nutrients and heavy metal accumulation from substrates assembled for urban soils reconstruction.

PubMed

Civeira, G; Lavado, R S

2008-09-01

Urban soils may suffer mild to severe degradation as a result of physical and chemical alterations. To reconstruct these soils, a new upper horizon must be created, usually through the application of organic matter, one source of which is biosolids. Different soil mixtures were evaluated with regard to loss of nitrates in percolates and the uptake and incorporation of nutrients and heavy metals into plant tissues. The experiment was conducted in trays; treatments were mixtures of biosolids and a coarse material (e.g., sand or pine wood sawdust), combined in different proportions. Randomized trays were seeded with a mix of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Plant biomass was quantified. Nitrates in percolates were measured, as were nutrients and heavy metals in mixtures and plant tissues. Plants accumulated substantially more N, and biomass was 40% higher, in the treatments with higher levels of biosolids. The same treatments released more nitrogen and resulted in higher percolate nitrate levels. Plants had normal concentrations of all nutrients, except nitrogen, which was low. Heavy metal concentrations were not significantly different among treatments. Based on the analysis of these data, the proportion of biosolids appears to be the most important factor affecting the quality of reconstructed soil and the rate of improvement. The type of coarse material used did not significantly affect the outcome.

Adaptation responses to climate change differ between global megacities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgeson, Lucien; Maslin, Mark; Poessinouw, Martyn; Howard, Steve

2016-06-01

Urban areas are increasingly at risk from climate change, with negative impacts predicted for human health, the economy and ecosystems. These risks require responses from cities to improve their resilience. Policymakers need to understand current adaptation spend to plan comprehensively and effectively. Through the measurement of spend in the newly defined `adaptation economy', we analyse current climate change adaptation efforts in ten megacities. In all cases, the adaptation economy remains a small part of the overall economy, representing a maximum of 0.33% of a city's gross domestic product (here referred to as GDPc). Differences in total spend are significant between cities in developed, emerging and developing countries, ranging from #15 million to #1,600 million. Comparing key subsectors, we demonstrate the differences in adaptation profiles. Developing cities have higher proportional spend on health and agriculture, whereas developed cities have higher spend on energy and water. Spend per capita and percentage of GDPc comparisons more clearly show disparities between cities. Developing country cities spend half the proportion of GDPc and significantly less per capita, suggesting that adaptation spend is driven by wealth rather than the number of vulnerable people. This indicates that current adaptation activities are insufficient in major population centres in developing and emerging economies.

Electrolyte status in birth asphyxia.

PubMed

Basu, Pallab; Som, Sabyasachi; Das, Harendranath; Choudhuri, Nabendu

2010-03-01

To study electrolyte status in asphyxiated newborns of different severity in early neonatal period and compare with controls. Sodium, potassium and total calcium levels were estimated in the serum samples of asphyxiated newborns of different severity and control group immediately after birth. Mean serum sodium level was significantly lower (122.1 +/- 6.0 mEq/L vs 138.8 +/- 2.7 mEq/L; P < 0.001), mean serum potassium was higher (5.05 +/- 0.63 mEq/L vs 4.19 +/- 0.40 mEq/L; P < 0.001) and mean serum calcium level was found lower (6.85 +/- 0.95 mg/dl vs 9.50 +/- 0.51 mg/dl; P < 0.001) in cases than controls. Among cases, a strong positive linear correlation was found between the serum sodium, serum calcium levels and their Apgar scores, between sodium levels and total calcium levels and significant negative linear correlation between Apgar scores and serum potassium level. Among cases, hyponatremia and hypocalcemia developed early and simultaneously and the decrease in their serum levels was directly proportional to each other and to the degree of asphyxia. Though, mean potassium level was within the normal limit, the value was higher among cases than controls and directly proportional to asphyxia.

Influence of mastication rate on dynamic flavour release analysed by combined model mouth/proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Ruth, Saskia M.; Buhr, Katja

2004-12-01

The influence of mastication rate on the dynamic release of seven volatile flavour compounds from sunflower oil was evaluated by combined model mouth/proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Air/oil partition coefficients were measured by static headspace gas chromatography. The dynamic release of the seven volatile flavour compounds from sunflower oil was significantly affected by the compounds' hydrophobicity and the mastication rate employed in the model mouth. The more hydrophobic compounds were released at a higher rate than their hydrophilic counterparts. Increase in mastication rate increased the maximum concentration measured by 36% on average, and the time to reach this maximum by 35% on average. Mastication affected particularly the release of the hydrophilic compounds. The maximum concentration of the compounds correlated significantly with the compounds' air/oil partition coefficients. The initial release rates over the first 15 s were affected by the type of compound, but not by the mastication rate. During the course of release, the proportions of the hydrophilic compounds to the overall flavour mixture in air decreased. The contribution of the hydrophobic compounds increased. Higher mastication rates, however, increased the proportions of the hydrophilic compounds and decreased those of the hydrophobic compounds.

Social psychological variables in populations contrasted by income and suicide rate: Durkheim revisited.

PubMed

Ferrada-Noli, M

1997-08-01

The ten richest and ten poorest municipalities of Sweden were investigated with respect to national statistics to assess the relationship between suicide incidence, discrete social psychological variables associated with welfare admittance among the elderly, and income of municipality. The relative frequency of suicide was 1.6 times greater for Swedes from the low-income municipalities than for those from the high-income ones. The group of municipalities with the highest suicide rate had a significantly higher proportion of older people in need of municipal social assistance at their homes and also a significantly higher proportion of elderly living in municipality-managed 'service-homes.' The findings replicate earlier investigations and suggest social psychological indicators denoting less favourable economic and social resources are also associated with both an increased suicide rate and a decreased county or municipal income. Some theoretical issues of the socioeconomic and of the external restraint hypotheses of the incidence of suicide, contradicted by the present findings as well as of Durkheim's hypothesis of social control are discussed. Further, we suggest the consideration of negative socioeconomic conditions as a risk factor amid psychiatric clinical assessments of risk for suicidal behaviour.

Co-precipitation of phosphate and iron limits mitochondrial phosphate availability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking the yeast frataxin homologue (YFH1).

PubMed

Seguin, Alexandra; Santos, Renata; Pain, Debkumar; Dancis, Andrew; Camadro, Jean-Michel; Lesuisse, Emmanuel

2011-02-25

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking the yeast frataxin homologue (Δyfh1) accumulate iron in the mitochondria in the form of nanoparticles of ferric phosphate. The phosphate content of Δyfh1 mitochondria was higher than that of wild-type mitochondria, but the proportion of mitochondrial phosphate that was soluble was much lower in Δyfh1 cells. The rates of phosphate and iron uptake in vitro by isolated mitochondria were higher for Δyfh1 than wild-type mitochondria, and a significant proportion of the phosphate and iron rapidly became insoluble in the mitochondrial matrix, suggesting co-precipitation of these species after oxidation of iron by oxygen. Increasing the amount of phosphate in the medium decreased the amount of iron accumulated by Δyfh1 cells and improved their growth in an iron-dependent manner, and this effect was mostly transcriptional. Overexpressing the major mitochondrial phosphate carrier, MIR1, slightly increased the concentration of soluble mitochondrial phosphate and significantly improved various mitochondrial functions (cytochromes, [Fe-S] clusters, and respiration) in Δyfh1 cells. We conclude that in Δyfh1 cells, soluble phosphate is limiting, due to its co-precipitation with iron.

Patterns of User Engagement With the Mobile App, Manage My Pain: Results of a Data Mining Investigation

PubMed Central

Rahman, Quazi Abidur; Pirbaglou, Meysam; Ritvo, Paul; Heffernan, Jane M; Clarke, Hance; Katz, Joel

2017-01-01

Background Pain is one of the most prevalent health-related concerns and is among the top 3 most common reasons for seeking medical help. Scientific publications of data collected from pain tracking and monitoring apps are important to help consumers and healthcare professionals select the right app for their use. Objective The main objectives of this paper were to (1) discover user engagement patterns of the pain management app, Manage My Pain, using data mining methods; and (2) identify the association between several attributes characterizing individual users and their levels of engagement. Methods User engagement was defined by 2 key features of the app: longevity (number of days between the first and last pain record) and number of records. Users were divided into 5 user engagement clusters employing the k-means clustering algorithm. Each cluster was characterized by 6 attributes: gender, age, number of pain conditions, number of medications, pain severity, and opioid use. Z tests and chi-square tests were used for analyzing categorical attributes. Effects of gender and cluster on numerical attributes were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variances (ANOVAs) followed up by pairwise comparisons using Tukey honest significant difference (HSD). Results The clustering process produced 5 clusters representing different levels of user engagement. The proportion of males and females was significantly different in 4 of the 5 clusters (all P ≤.03). The proportion of males was higher than females in users with relatively high longevity. Mean ages of users in 2 clusters with high longevity were higher than users from other 3 clusters (all P <.001). Overall, males were significantly older than females (P <.001). Across clusters, females reported more pain conditions than males (all P <.001). Users from highly engaged clusters reported taking more medication than less engaged users (all P <.001). Females reported taking a greater number of medications than males (P =.04). In 4 of 5 clusters, the percentage of males taking an opioid was significantly greater (all P ≤.05) than that of females. The proportion of males with mild pain was significantly higher than that of females in 3 clusters (all P ≤.008). Conclusions Although most users of the app reported being female, male users were more likely to be highly engaged in the app. Users in the most engaged clusters self-reported a higher number of pain conditions, a higher number of current medications, and a higher incidence of opioid usage. The high engagement by males in these clusters does not appear to be driven by pain severity which may, in part, be the case for females. Use of a mobile pain app may be relatively more attractive to highly-engaged males than highly-engaged females, and to those with relatively more complex chronic pain problems. PMID:28701291

Patterns of User Engagement With the Mobile App, Manage My Pain: Results of a Data Mining Investigation.

PubMed

Rahman, Quazi Abidur; Janmohamed, Tahir; Pirbaglou, Meysam; Ritvo, Paul; Heffernan, Jane M; Clarke, Hance; Katz, Joel

2017-07-12

Pain is one of the most prevalent health-related concerns and is among the top 3 most common reasons for seeking medical help. Scientific publications of data collected from pain tracking and monitoring apps are important to help consumers and healthcare professionals select the right app for their use. The main objectives of this paper were to (1) discover user engagement patterns of the pain management app, Manage My Pain, using data mining methods; and (2) identify the association between several attributes characterizing individual users and their levels of engagement. User engagement was defined by 2 key features of the app: longevity (number of days between the first and last pain record) and number of records. Users were divided into 5 user engagement clusters employing the k-means clustering algorithm. Each cluster was characterized by 6 attributes: gender, age, number of pain conditions, number of medications, pain severity, and opioid use. Z tests and chi-square tests were used for analyzing categorical attributes. Effects of gender and cluster on numerical attributes were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variances (ANOVAs) followed up by pairwise comparisons using Tukey honest significant difference (HSD). The clustering process produced 5 clusters representing different levels of user engagement. The proportion of males and females was significantly different in 4 of the 5 clusters (all P ≤.03). The proportion of males was higher than females in users with relatively high longevity. Mean ages of users in 2 clusters with high longevity were higher than users from other 3 clusters (all P <.001). Overall, males were significantly older than females (P <.001). Across clusters, females reported more pain conditions than males (all P <.001). Users from highly engaged clusters reported taking more medication than less engaged users (all P <.001). Females reported taking a greater number of medications than males (P =.04). In 4 of 5 clusters, the percentage of males taking an opioid was significantly greater (all P ≤.05) than that of females. The proportion of males with mild pain was significantly higher than that of females in 3 clusters (all P ≤.008). Although most users of the app reported being female, male users were more likely to be highly engaged in the app. Users in the most engaged clusters self-reported a higher number of pain conditions, a higher number of current medications, and a higher incidence of opioid usage. The high engagement by males in these clusters does not appear to be driven by pain severity which may, in part, be the case for females. Use of a mobile pain app may be relatively more attractive to highly-engaged males than highly-engaged females, and to those with relatively more complex chronic pain problems. ©Quazi Abidur Rahman, Tahir Janmohamed, Meysam Pirbaglou, Paul Ritvo, Jane M Heffernan, Hance Clarke, Joel Katz. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 12.07.2017.

Spatial analysis of the tuberculosis treatment dropout, Buenos Aires, Argentina

PubMed Central

Herrero, María Belén; Arrossi, Silvina; Ramos, Silvina; Braga, Jose Ueleres

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE Identify spatial distribution patterns of the proportion of nonadherence to tuberculosis treatment and its associated factors. METHODS We conducted an ecological study based on secondary and primary data from municipalities of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. An exploratory analysis of the characteristics of the area and the distributions of the cases included in the sample (proportion of nonadherence) was also carried out along with a multifactor analysis by linear regression. The variables related to the characteristics of the population, residences and families were analyzed. RESULTS Areas with higher proportion of the population without social security benefits (p = 0.007) and of households with unsatisfied basic needs had a higher risk of nonadherence (p = 0.032). In addition, the proportion of nonadherence was higher in areas with the highest proportion of households with no public transportation within 300 meters (p = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS We found a risk area for the nonadherence to treatment characterized by a population living in poverty, with precarious jobs and difficult access to public transportation. PMID:26270011

Spatial analysis of the tuberculosis treatment dropout, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

PubMed

Herrero, María Belén; Arrossi, Silvina; Ramos, Silvina; Braga, Jose Ueleres

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE Identify spatial distribution patterns of the proportion of nonadherence to tuberculosis treatment and its associated factors. METHODS We conducted an ecological study based on secondary and primary data from municipalities of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. An exploratory analysis of the characteristics of the area and the distributions of the cases included in the sample (proportion of nonadherence) was also carried out along with a multifactor analysis by linear regression. The variables related to the characteristics of the population, residences and families were analyzed. RESULTS Areas with higher proportion of the population without social security benefits (p = 0.007) and of households with unsatisfied basic needs had a higher risk of nonadherence (p = 0.032). In addition, the proportion of nonadherence was higher in areas with the highest proportion of households with no public transportation within 300 meters (p = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS We found a risk area for the nonadherence to treatment characterized by a population living in poverty, with precarious jobs and difficult access to public transportation.

[A gender comparison of legal and illicit drug consumption].

PubMed

Rodríguez, Jorge; Hernández, Enrique; Fernández, Ana María

2007-04-01

It is possible that men consume a higher amount of legal and illegal drugs than women. This can be assessed using the peer methodology, that is an adaptation of the privileged access interviewers (PAI) method and allows to identify populations in which there may be a tendency to under state a phenomenon (hidden populations) To compare the consumption of legal and illegal drugs by gender. Drug consumption was assessed using a peer methodology in university students between 18 and 26 years of age. A random sample of 56 women (mean age 21.6 years) and 86 men (mean age 21.5 years), was studied. Women tended to report a higher proportion of tobacco consumption than men. Both genders had a similar consumption behavior of alcohol, total legal drugs, marihuana, cocaine, ecstasies and total illegal drugs. Among subjects that recognized the consumption of legal drugs, men have a higher proportion of illicit drug use and women have a higher proportion of smoking. Men have a higher awareness of the damages caused by drug consumption. The results in these small population sample do not support the hypothesis that men have a higher frequency and proportion of illicit drug consumption.

MINIMAL HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY IS ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES: THE REALITY BEYOND THE DRIVING TEST

PubMed Central

Bajaj, Jasmohan S; Saeian, Kia; Schubert, Christine M; Hafeezullah, Muhammad; Franco, Jose; Varma, Rajiv R; Gibson, Douglas P; Hoffmann, Raymond G; Stravitz, R Todd; Heuman, Douglas M; Sterling, Richard K; Shiffman, Mitchell; Topaz, Allyne; Boyett, Sherry; Bell, Debulon; Sanyal, Arun J

2009-01-01

Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) have impaired driving skills, but association of MHE with motor vehicle crashes is unclear. Standard psychometric tests (SPT) or inhibitory control test (ICT) can be used to diagnose MHE. The aim was to determine the association of MHE with crashes and traffic violations over the preceding year and on 1-year follow-up. Cirrhotics were diagnosed with MHE by ICT (MHEICT) and SPT (MHESPT). Self and department-of-transportation (DOT)-reports were used to determine crashes and violations over the preceding year. Agreement between self and DOT-reports was analyzed. Patients then underwent 1 year follow-up for crash/violation occurrence. Crashes in those with/without MHEICT and MHESPT were compared. 167 cirrhotics had DOT-reports, of which 120 also had self-reports. A significantly higher proportion of MHEICT cirrhotics experienced crashes in the preceding year compared to those without MHE by self-report (17% vs. 0%, p=0.0004) and DOT-reports (17% vs. 3%, p=0.004, relative risk:5.77). SPT did not differentiate between those with/without crashes. A significantly higher proportion of patients with crashes had MHEICT compared to MHESPT, both self-reported (100% vs. 50%, p=0.03) and DOT-reported (89% vs. 44%, p=0.01). There was excellent agreement between self and DOT-reports for crashes and violations (Kappa 0.90 and 0.80). 109 patients were followed prospectively. MHEICT patients had a significantly higher future crashes/violations compared to those without (22% vs. 7%, p=0.03) but MHESPT did not. MHEICT (Odds ratio:4.51) and prior year crash/violation (Odds ratio:2.96) were significantly associated with future crash/violation occurrence. PMID:19670416

Effects of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on estimated desaturase activities during a controlled dietary intervention.

PubMed

Warensjö, Eva; Risérus, Ulf; Gustafsson, Inga-Britt; Mohsen, Rawya; Cederholm, Tommy; Vessby, Bengt

2008-12-01

Direct measurement of desaturase activities are difficult to obtain in humans. Consequently, surrogate measures of desaturase activity (estimated desaturase activities) have been frequently used in observational studies, and estimated Delta(9)- (or stearoyl-CoA-desaturase (SCD)), Delta(6)- and Delta(5)-desaturase activities have been associated with cardiometabolic disease. Data on how the markers of desaturase activities are modified by changes in dietary fat quality are lacking and therefore warrant examination. In a two-period (three weeks) strictly controlled cross-over study, 20 subjects (six women and 14 men) consumed a diet high in saturated fat (SAT-diet) and a rapeseed oil diet (RO-diet), rich in oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Estimated desaturase activities were calculated as precursor to product FA ratios in serum cholesteryl esters and phospholipids. The estimated SCD [16:1 n-7/16:0] and Delta(6)-desaturase [20:3 n-6/18:2 n-6] was significantly higher while Delta(5)-desaturase [20:4 n-6/20:3 n-6] was significantly lower in the SAT-diet (P<0.001 for all), compared to the RO-diet. The serum proportions of palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acids were significantly higher in the SAT-diet while the proportions of LA and ALA were significantly higher in the RO-diet. This is the first study to demonstrate that surrogate measures of desaturase activities change as a consequence of an alteration in dietary fat quality. Both the [16:1/16:0]-ratio and 16:1 seem to reflect changes in saturated fat intake and may be useful markers of saturated fat intake in Western countries.

Randomized controlled trial comparing embryo culture in two incubator systems: G185 K-System versus EmbryoScope.

PubMed

Barberet, Julie; Chammas, Jérémy; Bruno, Céline; Valot, Elodie; Vuillemin, Clarisse; Jonval, Lysiane; Choux, Cécile; Sagot, Paul; Soudry, Agnès; Fauque, Patricia

2018-02-01

To study whether the closed culture system, as compared with a benchtop incubator with similar culture conditions, has a positive impact on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. Randomized controlled trial. University hospital. A total of 386 patients undergoing ICSI cycles with at least six mature oocytes were randomized. Of these patients, 195 were assigned to the group with culture in a time-lapse imaging (TLI) system (EmbryoScope) and 191 to the group with culture in the G185 K-System (G185). Rate of implantation (primary endpoint) and embryo morphology grade. No significant differences were found in the implantation rates. The proportion of high-grade embryos on day 2 was significantly higher in the TLI group compared with the G185 group (40.4% vs. 35.2%). The impact of the incubator on embryo morphology remained significant in multivariate analysis, which took into account the woman's age, the rank of attempt, and the smoking status (TLI vs. G185: odds ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval, [1.04-1.55]). No difference was found in the mean number of frozen embryos, even though the total proportion of frozen embryos was significantly higher in the TLI group than in the G185 group (29.5% vs. 24.8%). No difference in implantation rate was found between the two incubators for fresh cycles. It remains to be determined whether the observed differences in embryo morphology and the total number of embryos cryopreserved would translate into higher cumulative outcomes with subsequent frozen embryo transfers. NCT02722252. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Multicenter Study Comparing Continuous Diffusion of Oxygen Therapy to Sham Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

PubMed

Niederauer, Mark Q; Michalek, Joel E; Armstrong, David G

2017-09-01

Over the past generation, preclinical data have suggested that there is a potential physiologic benefit to applying oxygen topically to wounds. However, we are unaware of any studies in the literature that have robustly assessed whether this would lead to a higher proportion of healing in similarly treated people without oxygen. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess this in people being treated for chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We enrolled and randomized 100 subjects with DFUs (79% male, aged 58.3 ± 12.1 years) to receive either active continuous diffusion of oxygen (CDO) therapy using an active CDO device, or an otherwise fully operational sham device that provided moist wound therapy (MWT) without delivering oxygen. Patients were followed until closure or 12 weeks, whichever was sooner. Patients, treating physicians and independent evaluators were blinded to the study arm. All patients received identical offloading, dressings and follow-up. There were no significant differences in assessed descriptive characteristics between the treatment arms ( P > .05 for all). A significantly higher proportion of people healed in the active arm compared to sham (46% vs 22%, P = .02). This relative effect became greater in more chronic wounds (42.5% vs 13.5%, P = .006). Patients randomized to the active device experienced significantly faster rates of closure relative to the sham ( P < .001). The results of this study suggest that continuously diffused oxygen over a wound leads to significantly higher rates of closure, and faster time to closure, compared to similarly treated patients receiving standard therapy coupled with a sham device. Furthermore, the relative efficacy appears to improve the more the therapy may be needed (more chronic and larger wounds).

Family free-play interaction: the role of the patient in the family interaction.

PubMed

Baldwin, C P; Baldwin, A L; Cole, R E; Kokes, R F

1982-01-01

We have discussed the salient features of the family interaction in the free-play situation: the high rate of interaction with the child and general predominance of parental initiations in the parent-child interaction, the high correlation among all dyads on warmth. This led to the selection of three variables for study: rate of patient-child interaction, proportion of parental initiations to the child, and family warmth. There are major age changes: rate and proportion both decline with age. The patient's rate of interaction with the child and his proportion of interaction is lower than the spouse's rate. This holds for the 4- and 10-year-olds separately. We have tried to account for its reversal in the 7-year-old sample. Nonpsychotic patients have a higher rate of interaction, higher proportion of interactions, and higher family warmth than psychotics. Affectivity shows no relationship to these variables. Patients with a low global assessment score have lower rates, lower proportion, and less warmth than patients with a higher score. Patients who have been recently hospitalized have a lower rate of interactions with their sons than those who have been hospitalized longer.

Zooplankton biomass, feeding and metabolism in a geostrophic frontal area (Almeria-Oran Front, western Mediterranean). Significance to pelagic food webs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibault, D.; Gaudy, R.; Le Fèvre, J.

1994-08-01

Mesozooplankton abundance and physiological rates in copepods were measured at selected sites in the Alboran Sea, in May 1991, on Cruise Almofront 1 (JGofs-France). Higher total zooplankton standing stocks, higher copepod abundance, higher feeding activity by the latter and a higher proportion of phytoplankton-derived carbohydrates in their diet were found in the geostrophic jet of inflowing Atlantic water than in surrounding areas, which offered a range of oligotrophic conditions. Relationships with data obtained in other disciplinary fields on the same cruise show that biological enrichment was due to locally enhanced production rather than advection of exogenous living matter. In the most productive context, sustained production effected by phytoplankton cells in the > 10 μm class size (diatoms) was being significantly transferred to higher trophic levels through herbivores with a relatively long generation time (copepods). The processes responsible for the fertilization, and their relationship to the jet and its frontal boundary, are discussed.

Incorporation of 3H-thymidine by different prokaryotic groups in relation to temperature and nutrients in a lacustrine ecosystem.

PubMed

Boucher, Delphine; Richardot, Mathilde; Thénot, Aurélie; Debroas, Didier

2006-10-01

The incorporation of [3H-methyl] thymidine (3H-TdR) by Eubacteria, bacterial groups (alpha- and beta-Proteobacteria, Cytophaga-Flavobacter), and Archaea was measured according to temperature (7 and 17 degrees C) and nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon) in a lacustrine system (Sep, France). Short-term incubation was performed using a combination of microautoradiography and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Irrespective of the temperatures and nutrients studied, all the major phylogenetic bacterial groups assimilated 3H-TdR, and in most of the treatments studied, the proportion of beta-Proteobacteria taking up 3H-TdR was higher than those in the other bacterial groups. The proportion of Bacteria and different bacterial groups studied incorporating 3H-TdR were significantly increased, approximately 1.5-fold, by temperature except for alpha-Proteobacteria (7.6-fold). The nutrient effect was not the same for the different bacterial groups according to the temperatures studied. The proportions of alpha-Proteobacteria (at both temperatures) and Cytophaga-Flavobacter (at 7 degrees C) taking up 3H-TdR were significantly decreased and increased by adding N and P, respectively. Also, adding N, P, and C increased and decreased the percentage of beta-Proteobacteria incorporating 3H-TdR at 7 and 17 degrees C, respectively. The archaeal community showed a similar proportion of active cells (i.e., 3H-TdR) to the bacterial community, and uptake of 3H-TdR by Archaea was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by both temperature and nutrients. Thus, the assimilation of 3H-TdR by bacterial groups and Archaea in lacustrine system is significantly controlled by both temperature and nutrients.

The origin of soil organic matter controls its composition and bioreactivity across a mesic boreal forest latitudinal gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohl, L.; Philben, M. J.; Edwards, K. A.; Podrebarac, F. A.; Jamie, W.; Ziegler, S. E.

2017-12-01

Warmer climates have been associated with reduced soil organic matter (SOM) bioreactivity, lower respiration rates at a given temperature, which is typically attributed to the presence of more decomposed SOM. Cross site studies, however, indicate that ecosystem regime shifts associated with long-term climate warming can affect SOM properties through changes in vegetation and plant litter inputs to soils. The relative importance of these two controls, diagenesis and inputs, on SOM properties as ecosystems experience climate warming remains poorly understood. To address this, we characterized the elemental, chemical (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and total hydrolysable amino acids), and isotopic composition of plant litter and SOM across a well-constrained mesic boreal forest latitudinal transect in Atlantic Canada. Results across forest sites within each of three climate regions indicated that (1) climate history and diagenesis affect distinct parameters of SOM chemistry, (2) increases in SOM bioreactivity with latitude were associated with elevated proportions of carbohydrates relative to plant waxes and lignin, and (3) despite the common forest type across regions, differences in SOM chemistry by climate region were associated with chemically distinct litter inputs and not different degrees of diagenesis. Climate effects on vascular plant litter chemistry explained only part of the regional differences in SOM chemistry, most notably the higher protein content of SOM from warmer regions. Greater proportions of lignin and aliphatic compounds and smaller proportions of carbohydrates in warmer sites' soils were explained by the higher proportion of vascular plant relative to moss litter in the warmer forests. These results indicate that a climate induced decrease in the proportion of moss inputs will not only impact SOM chemistry but also increase the resistance of SOM to decomposition, thus significantly altering SOM cycling in these boreal forest soils.

Does Racial Isolation in School Lead to Long-Term Disadvantages? Labor Market Consequences of High School Racial Composition.

PubMed

Gamoran, Adam; Barfels, Sarah; Collares, Ana Cristina

2016-01-01

School racial composition has modest effects on test score gaps, but evidence of a longer-term impact is scarce. Perpetuation theory suggests that blacks who attend schools with higher proportions of white classmates may have better job outcomes. Multilevel analyses of two national longitudinal surveys reveal no effects of high school racial composition on occupational status, employment, or annual earnings for blacks or whites. For other minority groups, attending schools with more whites impedes occupational advancement. For all groups, however, school racial composition predicts workplace racial composition: Whites who attend high schools with higher proportions of white students have higher proportions of white coworkers, while nonwhites who attend schools with higher proportions of whites have fewer same-race coworkers. The findings are modest in size but robust to alternative specifications, and sensitivity analyses support a causal interpretation for same-race coworkers. These results support perpetuation theory for workplace composition but not for stratification outcomes.

Determinants of antipyretic misuse in children up to 5 years of age: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Bilenko, Natalya; Tessler, Hedva; Okbe, Ranya; Press, Joseph; Gorodischer, Rafael

2006-05-01

Fever in children is a common and usually benign symptom. It is known that antipyretic treatment is ineffective in the prevention of simple febrile seizures. Caregivers' administration of antipyretic medications to children has been reported, but data concerning the formulations used, actual doses administered, and effects of ethnicity and socioeconomic status on administration practices are incomplete. The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting antipyretic administration (higher-than-recommended doses in particular) by caregivers to their febrile children in 2 differing cultural-ethnic backgrounds. This cross-sectional survey study, conducted from January to March 2002, was part of a larger, ongoing survey study of the differences in care givers' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes concerning children's fever in the 2 major cultural-ethnic groups in the Negev District in Israel: Jews and Bedouin Moslems. It was conducted at the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED), Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel. A structured questionnaire was administered to Jewish and Bedouin Moslem parents or usual caregivers of young (age, 0-60 months) children attending the PED due to fever. Each child's weight was obtained from the PED medical record. After completion of the interview, the reported antipyretic dose per kilogram of body weight was calculated. Less-than-recommended dose was defined as <9 mg/kg for acetaminophen and <4.5 mg/kg for ibuprofen. Higher-than-recommended dose was defined as >16.5 mg/kg for acetaminophen and >11 mg/kg for ibuprofen. The caregivers of a total of 201 children (mean [SD] age, 20 [17] months; mean [SD] weight, 10.4 [4.0] kg) were included in the study. The study included 101 Jewish and 100 Bedouin Moslem caregivers. The proportion of people surveyed who were parents was 98%; grandmothers, 2%. Differences existed between the 2 cultural-ethnic groups in the source of knowledge regarding antipyretic use in children (a significantly larger proportion of Jewish caregivers received their knowledge concerning antipyretic use from package inserts compared with Bedouin caregivers [25.7% vs 6.0%; P < 0.001], and a significantly lower proportion of Jewish caregivers used "other" sources [15.8% vs 39.0%; P < 0.001]). Most (65.2%) caregivers indicated that they administered antipyretics for no or minimal elevations in body temperature (<-38 degrees C); 52.7% administered individual acetaminophen doses within 10% of the recommended dose, 34.8 % administered a higher-than-recommended dose, and 21.4% repeated the dose at intervals of

Impact of US Brown Swiss genetics on milk quality from low-input herds in Switzerland: interactions with grazing intake and pasture type.

PubMed

Stergiadis, S; Bieber, A; Franceschin, E; Isensee, A; Eyre, M D; Maurer, V; Chatzidimitriou, E; Cozzi, G; Bapst, B; Stewart, G; Gordon, A; Butler, G

2015-05-15

This study investigated the effect of, and interactions between, contrasting crossbreed genetics (US Brown Swiss [BS] × Improved Braunvieh [BV] × Original Braunvieh [OB]) and feeding regimes (especially grazing intake and pasture type) on milk fatty acid (FA) profiles. Concentrations of total polyunsaturated FAs, total omega-3 FAs and trans palmitoleic, vaccenic, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids were higher in cows with a low proportion of BS genetics. Highest concentrations of the nutritionally desirable FAs, trans palmitoleic, vaccenic and eicosapentaenoic acids were found for cows with a low proportion of BS genetics (0-24% and/or 25-49%) on high grazing intake (75-100% of dry matter intake) diets. Multivariate analysis indicated that the proportion of OB genetics is a positive driver for nutritionally desirable monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAs while BS genetics proportion was positive driver for total and undesirable individual saturated FAs. Significant genetics × feeding regime interactions were also detected for a range of FAs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The interaction of light and gravity on the transmission of Echinostoma caproni (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) cercariae to the second intermediate host, Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda: Pulmonata).

PubMed

Platt, Thomas R; Greenlee, Hali; Zelmer, Derek A

2010-04-01

The current experiments were designed to assess the interaction of light and gravity on the transmission of Echinostoma caproni cercariae to the second intermediate host, Biomphalaria glabrata. Transmission chambers were constructed of clear polyvinyl chloride pipe covered with a black sleeve to exclude light. Snails were constrained within the chamber to prevent movement, while permitting the cercariae to swim freely. A trial consisted of 2 infected B. glabrata shedding E. caproni cercariae placed at the center of the chamber with 5 uninfected B. glabrata placed 10 cm above and below the shedding snails as sentinels. Three experiments, consisting of 12 trials each, were conducted under the following lighting conditions, i.e., above and below the transmission chamber, and in complete darkness. In all 3 experiments, the proportion of metacercariae was significantly higher in snails at the top of the chamber. The results suggest that a negative geotaxis is the primary factor in the initial dispersal of E. caproni cercariae. Coupling negative geotaxis and positive phototaxis (light from above) resulted in a significantly higher proportion of metacercariae in sentinel snails at the top of the transmission chamber when corrected for cercarial density. There was no significant difference in the proportion of metacercariae in snails at the top or bottom of the transmission chamber with light at the bottom of the chamber or in complete darkness. Cercariae of E. caproni only respond to light in context, i.e., from above, and ignore the light stimulus when it comes from an unexpected location (bottom of the water column). Significantly greater numbers of cercariae were released from shedding snails when light was present, suggesting that emergence of cercariae from B. glabrata is dependent on light regardless of the position of the light source.

Toward diagnostic and phenotype markers for genetically transmitted speech delay.

PubMed

Shriberg, Lawrence D; Lewis, Barbara A; Tomblin, J Bruce; McSweeny, Jane L; Karlsson, Heather B; Scheer, Alison R

2005-08-01

Converging evidence supports the hypothesis that the most common subtype of childhood speech sound disorder (SSD) of currently unknown origin is genetically transmitted. We report the first findings toward a set of diagnostic markers to differentiate this proposed etiological subtype (provisionally termed speech delay-genetic) from other proposed subtypes of SSD of unknown origin. Conversational speech samples from 72 preschool children with speech delay of unknown origin from 3 research centers were selected from an audio archive. Participants differed on the number of biological, nuclear family members (0 or 2+) classified as positive for current and/or prior speech-language disorder. Although participants in the 2 groups were found to have similar speech competence, as indexed by their Percentage of Consonants Correct scores, their speech error patterns differed significantly in 3 ways. Compared with children who may have reduced genetic load for speech delay (no affected nuclear family members), children with possibly higher genetic load (2+ affected members) had (a) a significantly higher proportion of relative omission errors on the Late-8 consonants; (b) a significantly lower proportion of relative distortion errors on these consonants, particularly on the sibilant fricatives /s/, /z/, and //; and (c) a significantly lower proportion of backed /s/ distortions, as assessed by both perceptual and acoustic methods. Machine learning routines identified a 3-part classification rule that included differential weightings of these variables. The classification rule had diagnostic accuracy value of 0.83 (95% confidence limits = 0.74-0.92), with positive and negative likelihood ratios of 9.6 (95% confidence limits = 3.1-29.9) and 0.40 (95% confidence limits = 0.24-0.68), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy findings are viewed as promising. The error pattern for this proposed subtype of SSD is viewed as consistent with the cognitive-linguistic processing deficits that have been reported for genetically transmitted verbal disorders.

Domestic violence in Singapore: a ten year comparison of victim profile.

PubMed

Foo, C L; Seow, E

2005-02-01

To investigate whether the profile of female victims of domestic violence in Singapore has changed over the past ten years. 163 female victims of domestic violence presenting to an emergency department in Singapore were surveyed. The survey included information on the victims' demographics, assault characteristics and knowledge of help services. The results were compared against a similar survey done locally ten years ago, which involved 233 victims. There were no significant differences in the racial composition, marital status, weapon use and admission rates of victims ten years on. However, a significantly higher proportion of female victims in 2002 knew where to seek help, compared to a decade ago (50.9 percent versus 20.6 percent, p-value is less than 0.0001). The proportion of victims with an awareness of community and legal help services has more than doubled over the past ten years.

Geographic Comparison of Women in Academic Obstetrics and Gynecology Department-Based Leadership Roles.

PubMed

Ricciotti, Hope A; Dodge, Laura E; Aluko, Ashley; Hofler, Lisa G; Hacker, Michele R

2017-10-01

To describe and compare geographic representation of women in obstetrics and gynecology department-based leadership roles across American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) districts and U.S. Census Bureau regions while accounting for the proportion of women practicing in each area. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study. To more meaningfully quantify representation of women as leaders in ACOG districts and U.S. Census Bureau regions, we calculated representation ratios-the proportion of department-based leaders who were women divided by the proportion of obstetrician-gynecologists who were women. A ratio of 1.0 indicates proportionate representation and less than 1.0 indicates underrepresentation. We calculated 95% CIs to compare representation of women in leadership roles across geographic areas. The gender of major department-based leaders (chair, vice chair, division director) and educational leaders (fellowship, residency, associate residency, medical student clerkship director) was determined from websites. The proportion of department chairs who were women was highest in the West and lowest in the South Census Bureau regions. Representation ratios for women in major department-based leadership roles demonstrated underrepresentation relative to the practicing base nationally and in all four regions. Although women were underrepresented in major department-based leadership throughout the country, there was significantly higher women's representation in major department-based leadership roles in the West (ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.99) compared with the Northeast (ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.42-0.59) and the South (ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.36-0.57). Similarly, in the division director role, the West (ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.68-1.1) had significantly higher representation of women compared with the Northeast (ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.40-0.62). Nationally, women were underrepresented as fellowship directors, proportionately represented as residency program directors, and overrepresented as medical student clerkship directors. Representation ratios of women in major department-based leadership roles, which account for the proportion of women practicing in each geographic area, suggest that women were more likely to advance to the department-based leadership roles of chair, vice chair, or division director in the western United States.

Prion protein genotypes of sheep as determined from 3343 samples submitted from Ontario and other provinces of Canada from 2005 to 2012

PubMed Central

Cameron, Colin; Bell-Rogers, Patricia; McDowall, Rebeccah; Rebelo, Ana R.; Cai, Hugh Y.

2014-01-01

This study analyzed sheep prion protein (PrP) genotypes of samples submitted from Ontario and other provinces of Canada to the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, between 2005 and 2012. In Ontario, the proportion of scrapie-resistant sheep increased from 2005 to 2012 as evidenced by an increase in the ARR haplotype. When Canadian provinces (Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia) were compared from 2008 to 2012, a high proportion of scrapie-resistant sheep was found in all the provinces. The proportions of resistant sheep were lower in Alberta and Quebec than in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Alberta had higher proportions of susceptible sheep and a higher frequency of VRQ alleles, and Quebec had a higher frequency of the ARQ allele. PMID:25355994

Tourism and the conservation of critically endangered frogs.

PubMed

Morrison, Clare; Simpkins, Clay; Castley, J Guy; Buckley, Ralf C

2012-01-01

Protected areas are critical for the conservation of many threatened species. Despite this, many protected areas are acutely underfunded, which reduces their effectiveness significantly. Tourism is one mechanism to promote and fund conservation in protected areas, but there are few studies analyzing its tangible conservation outcomes for threatened species. This study uses the 415 IUCN critically endangered frog species to evaluate the contribution of protected area tourism revenue to conservation. Contributions were calculated for each species as the proportion of geographic range inside protected areas multiplied by the proportion of protected area revenues derived from tourism. Geographic ranges were determined from IUCN Extent of Occurrence maps. Almost 60% (239) of critically endangered frog species occur in protected areas. Higher proportions of total range are protected in Nearctic, Australasian and Afrotopical regions. Tourism contributions to protected area budgets ranged from 5-100%. These financial contributions are highest for developing countries in the Afrotropical, Indomalayan and Neotropical regions. Data for both geographic range and budget are available for 201 critically endangered frog species with proportional contributions from tourism to species protection ranging from 0.8-99%. Tourism's financial contributions to critically endangered frog species protection are highest in the Afrotropical region. This study uses a coarse measure but at the global scale it demonstrates that tourism has significant potential to contribute to global frog conservation efforts.

Tourism and the Conservation of Critically Endangered Frogs

PubMed Central

Morrison, Clare; Simpkins, Clay; Castley, J. Guy; Buckley, Ralf C.

2012-01-01

Protected areas are critical for the conservation of many threatened species. Despite this, many protected areas are acutely underfunded, which reduces their effectiveness significantly. Tourism is one mechanism to promote and fund conservation in protected areas, but there are few studies analyzing its tangible conservation outcomes for threatened species. This study uses the 415 IUCN critically endangered frog species to evaluate the contribution of protected area tourism revenue to conservation. Contributions were calculated for each species as the proportion of geographic range inside protected areas multiplied by the proportion of protected area revenues derived from tourism. Geographic ranges were determined from IUCN Extent of Occurrence maps. Almost 60% (239) of critically endangered frog species occur in protected areas. Higher proportions of total range are protected in Nearctic, Australasian and Afrotopical regions. Tourism contributions to protected area budgets ranged from 5–100%. These financial contributions are highest for developing countries in the Afrotropical, Indomalayan and Neotropical regions. Data for both geographic range and budget are available for 201 critically endangered frog species with proportional contributions from tourism to species protection ranging from 0.8–99%. Tourism's financial contributions to critically endangered frog species protection are highest in the Afrotropical region. This study uses a coarse measure but at the global scale it demonstrates that tourism has significant potential to contribute to global frog conservation efforts. PMID:22984440

Profile of Free Fatty Acids and Fractions of Phospholipids, Cholesterol Esters and Triglycerides in Serum of Obese Youth with and without Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Bermúdez-Cardona, Juliana; Velásquez-Rodríguez, Claudia

2016-02-15

The study evaluated the profile of circulating fatty acids (FA) in obese youth with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS) to determine its association with nutritional status, lifestyle and metabolic variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 96 young people, divided into three groups: obese with MetS (OBMS), obese (OB) and appropriate weight (AW). FA profiles were quantified by gas chromatography; waist circumference (WC), fat folds, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, glucose, insulin, the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA index), food intake and physical activity (PA) were assessed. The OBMS group had significantly greater total free fatty acids (FFAs), palmitic-16:0 in triglyceride (TG), palmitoleic-16:1n-7 in TG and phospholipid (PL); in the OB group, these FAs were higher than in the AW group. Dihomo-gamma-linolenic (DHGL-20:3n-6) was higher in the OBMS than the AW in PL and FFAs. Linoleic-18:2n-6 in TG and PL had the lowest proportion in the OBMS group. WC, PA, total FFA, linoleic-18:2n-6 in TG and DHGL-20:3n-6 in FFAs explained 62% of the HOMA value. The OB group presented some higher proportions of FA and biochemical values than the AW group. The OBMS had proportions of some FA in the TG, PL and FFA fractions that correlated with disturbances of MetS.

Chemical and functional properties of cell wall polymers from two cherry varieties at two developmental stages.

PubMed

Basanta, María F; de Escalada Plá, Marina F; Stortz, Carlos A; Rojas, Ana M

2013-01-30

The cell wall polysaccharides of Regina and Sunburst cherry varieties at two developmental stages were extracted sequentially, and their changes in monosaccharide composition and functional properties were studied. The loosely-attached pectins presented a lower d-galacturonic acid/rhamnose ratio than ionically-bound pectins, as well as lower thickening effects of their respective 2% aqueous solution: the lowest Newtonian viscosity and shear rate dependence during the pseudoplastic phase. The main constituents of the cell wall matrix were covalently bound pectins (probably through diferulate cross-linkings), with long arabinan side chains at the RG-I cores. This pectin domain was also anchored into the XG-cellulose elastic network. Ripening occurred with a decrease in the proportion of HGs, water extractable GGM and xylogalacturonan, and with a concomitant increase in neutral sugars. Ripening was also associated with higher viscosities and thickening effects, and to larger distribution of molecular weights. The highest firmness and compactness of Regina cherry may be associated with its higher proportion of calcium-bound HGs localized in the middle lamellae of cell walls, as well as to some higher molar proportion of NS (Rha and Ara) in covalently bound pectins. These pectins showed significantly better hydration properties than hemicellulose and cellulose network. Chemical composition and functional properties of cell wall polymers were dependent on cherry variety and ripening stage, and helped explain the contrasting firmness of Regina and Sunburst varieties. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of hemodynamic factors on rupture of intracranial aneurysms: patient-specific 3D mirror aneurysms model computational fluid dynamics simulation.

PubMed

Lu, G; Huang, L; Zhang, X L; Wang, S Z; Hong, Y; Hu, Z; Geng, D Y

2011-08-01

Hemodynamics factors play an important role in the rupture of cerebral aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of hemodynamic factors on the rupture of the MANs with 3D reconstruction model CFD simulation. RDSA was performed in 9 pairs of intracranial MANs. Each pair was divided into ruptured and unruptured groups. The hemodynamic factors of the aneurysms and their parent arteries were compared. There was a significant difference in the WSS at peak systole between the regions of the aneurysms and their parent arteries in the ruptured group (ie, 6.49 ± 3.48 Pa versus 8.78 ± 3.57 Pa, P =.015) but not in the unruptured group (ie, 9.80 ± 4.12 Pa versus 10.17 ± 7.48 Pa, P =.678). The proportion of the low WSS area to the whole area of the aneurysms was 12.20 ± 18.08% in the ruptured group and 3.96 ± 6.91% in the unruptured group; the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P =.015). The OSI was 0.0879 ± 0.0764 in the ruptured group, which was significantly higher than that of the unruptured group (ie, 0.0183 ± 0.0191, P =.008). MANs may be a useful disease model to investigate possible causes linked to ruptured aneurysms. The ruptured aneurysms manifested lower WSS compared with their parent arteries, a higher proportion of the low WSS area to the whole area of aneurysm, and higher OSI compared with the unruptured aneurysms.

Nomophobic behaviors among smartphone using medical and engineering students in two colleges of West Bengal.

PubMed

Dasgupta, Pallabi; Bhattacherjee, Sharmistha; Dasgupta, Samir; Roy, Jayanta Kumar; Mukherjee, Abhijit; Biswas, Romy

2017-01-01

Growing smartphone usage among global and Indian college students has resulted in considerable issues of "nomophobia" (NMP) or feelings of discomfort or anxiety experienced by individuals whenever unable to use their smartphones. This significantly impacts their health, work, and study. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of NMP among smartphone using medical and engineering undergraduates of West Bengal and to compare the nomophobic behaviors, its predictors, and smartphone usage among them. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 medical and 305 engineering undergraduates in West Bengal using a validated NMP questionnaire consisting of four factors. Comparison of means of individual questions and factor scores was done. Nomophobic clusters among the two groups were identified using two-stage cluster analysis. Binary logistic regression was used for comparison of predictors of NMP. Engineering students showed a higher proportion of nomophobics (44.6%) than medical students (42.6%). Significant higher means was observed among engineering students for the factor "giving upconvenience" and individual variables like "scared due to running out of battery," "nervous due to disconnection from online identity," "uncomfortable when unable stay up-to-date with social media" and "anxious when unable to check E-mails." A Higher proportion of nomophobics among both groups were females, those owning smartphone beyond 2 years, having monthly mobile bill above Rs. 200 and spending over 4 h daily on smartphone. NMP has emerged as a significant cause of concern among both the groups. Standardized measures for identification and appropriate psychobehavioral therapy for those seeking help might alleviate the problem.

The Effect of Early Marriages and Early Childbearing on Women's Nutritional Status in India.

PubMed

Goli, Srinivas; Rammohan, Anu; Singh, Deepti

2015-08-01

The consequences of early childbearing on the growth and nutritional status of women in India has not been quantified in previous studies. Our study aimed to fill this gap by analysing the association between early marriage and early childbearing on nutritional status of Indian women, with a focus on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, the two states accounting for the highest proportion of women marrying and giving first birth before 18 years of age. Our findings revealed that a substantial number of women were married before 18 years and thereby exposed to early pregnancy. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of women in the 'thin' category were married before 18 years, both in the Indian sample (33 %, p < 0.001) and in the selected states, Andhra Pradesh (31 %, p < 0.001) and Bihar (43 %, p < 0.001), compared to those women married at higher ages. Similarly, across all our samples women whose first birth was before age 18 years also had a significantly higher probability of being in the 'thin' category across all our samples. This pattern was also observed for associations between early childbirth and anemia levels. We conclude that the net effect of the early age at marriage and age at first birth on nutritional status is significant. Our results underline the need for preventing early marriages and the consequent high adolescent pregnancies in India, particularly in high prevalence states. This will help to improve nutritional status and health care utilisation among women, thereby, prevent maternal and child mortality and thus, achieve the MDGs 4-5.

Effect of chopping time and heating on 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance and rheological behavior of meat batter matrix.

PubMed

Zhou, Fen; Dong, Hui; Shao, Jun-Hua; Zhang, Jun-Long; Liu, Deng-Yong

2018-04-01

The effect of chopping time and heating on physicochemical properties of meat batters was investigated by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and rheology technology. Cooking loss and L* increased while texture profile analysis index decreased between chopping 5 and 6 min. The relaxation time T 21 (bound water) and its peak area ratio decreased, while the ratio of T 22 peak area (immobilized water) in raw meat batters gradually increased with the extension of chopping time. However, T 22 was opposite after being heated and a new component T 23 (free water) appeared (T 2i is the spin - spin relaxation time for the ith component.). The initial damping factor (Tan δ) gradually decreased and there were significant difference between 4 and 5 min of chopping time. There were significantly positive correlations between the ratio of peak area of T 22 and chopping time, the storage modulus (G'), cooking loss, and L*, respectively. Continued chopping time could improve the peak area proportion of T 22 in raw meat batters. Further, the higher the peak area proportion of T 22 in raw meat batters, the cooking loss of heated meat gel was higher. Also, the stronger the mobility of immobilized water in meat batter, the higher the L* of the fresh meat batters. Thus, it is revealed that the physicochemical properties of meat batter are significantly influenced by chopping time which further affects the water holding capacity and the texture of emulsification gel. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Natural revegetation of a semiarid habitat alters taxonomic and functional diversity of soil microbial communities.

PubMed

Guo, Yanqing; Chen, Xiaotian; Wu, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Lu; Cheng, Jimin; Wei, Gehong; Lin, Yanbing

2018-04-18

Revegetation of degraded lands has a profound impact on the maintenance and stability of ecosystem processes. However, the impacts of this land use change on functional diversity of soil microbial communities are poorly understood. Here, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we compared the taxonomic and functional communities of soil microbiome, and analyzed the effects of plant diversity and soil chemical properties, in a chronosequence of restored ex-farmland that had been naturally revegetated to grassland over periods of 5, 15 and 30years with adjacent farmland, on the Loess Plateau, China. We found that microbial taxonomic diversity was positively correlated with plant diversity and was higher in the revegetated sites. Functional diversity increased significantly in the oldest grassland. Actinobacteria, commonly considered a copiotrophic phylum, was more abundant in the revegetated sites, while Acidobacteria, an oligotrophic phylum, was more abundant in farmland. Furthermore, the structure of taxonomic and functional communities was significantly different between revegetated sites and farmland, and organic matter was the best environmental predictor in determining these microbial communities. Compared with the farmland, revegetation increased the proportion of genes associated with energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism. Notably, the higher proportion of carbohydrate degradation gene subfamilies in the revegetated sites indicated higher levels of soil nutrient cycling. These results elucidate the significant shifts in belowground microbial taxonomic and functional diversity following vegetation restoration and have implications for ecological restoration programs in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Gender comparisons of adolescents' anthropometry and blood pressure in Osun State, South-Western Nigeria.

PubMed

Omisore, Bridget; Omisore, Akinlolu G; Abioye-Kuteyi, Emmanuel Akintunde

2015-08-01

Adolescents are in their formative years, and they experience several changes including anthropometric changes. Significant weight gain occurs in adolescence, and increasingly, obesity and consequent increase in blood pressure (BP) are found in adolescents. This study compared anthropometric and BP measurements in male and female adolescents. A cross-sectional study of 1000 adolescents (510 males and 490 females) were selected by multi-stage sampling from eight secondary schools. Pertinent information was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 version, and the means of anthropometric indices and blood pressures in males and females were compared using independent t-test. The mean age for male respondents was 13.83 years (SD 2.12) and for females 13.62 (SD 1.96). Generally, anthropometric indices gradually increased from the lower ages to the higher ages in both males and females. The mean height was the same for both males and females (1.54 m), while the mean weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were significantly higher in females than in males (p<0.05). A significantly higher proportion of females compared with males were overweight (10.2%, 5.3%) and obese (3.9%, 2.0%), respectively. The overall prevalence of "hypertension," was 4.1% and more females (70.7%) had "hypertension" than males (29.3%). Females were heavier and constituted the greater proportion of those who had elevated BP. Adequate attention needs to be given to the challenging problems of overweight and obesity to forestall development of hypertension in adolescents, especially female adolescents.

Trends in Authorship of Articles in Major Ophthalmology Journals by Gender, 2002-2014.

PubMed

Mimouni, Michael; Zayit-Soudry, Shiri; Segal, Ori; Barak, Yoreh; Nemet, Arie Y; Shulman, Shiri; Geffen, Noa

2016-08-01

To evaluate trends in the prevalence of women authors in ophthalmology in recent years. Cohort study. Authors listed in publications of 6 leading ophthalmology journals between January 2002 and December 2014. Using the PubMed search engine, we conducted an observational study of trends in gender distribution of all authors in 6 leading ophthalmology journals between January 2002 and December 2014. In multiauthored articles, the first listed author often is the lead investigator and the last author is the senior author. Therefore, the full names and positions (first, middle, or last) of all authors in every article were collected. A Google-based name identifier was used to assign the gender of authors. Proportion of women authors throughout the study period in all journals, general ophthalmology versus subspecialty journals, and basic science versus clinical research journals. Furthermore, we assessed the proportion of women in different authorship positions (first, middle, and last). A total of 102 254 authors from 23 026 published articles were analyzed. There was a significant rise over time in the percentage of women authors, with a steeper slope for first authors than for last authors (P<0.001), although in 2014, women authors were less than the 50% mark in all categories of authorship. The rise in the percentage of women authors was similar in basic and clinical research, but was steeper for first authorship than for last authorship (P<0.001). In all 3 authorship positions (first, middle, or last), women's contributions consistently were higher in basic research publications. The rise in the percentage of women authors was significantly steeper for general journals than for subspecialty journals (P<0.001). There was no significant rise for last authorship in subspecialty journals. In all 3 authorship positions, the proportion of women was consistently higher in general ophthalmology journals than for subspecialty journals. Despite an overall increase in the contribution of women to the field of ophthalmology, contributions to articles published in subspecialty ophthalmology journals and the proportion of women listed as last authors on overall articles published in ophthalmology journals are still low. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thrombopoietin-receptor agonists for children with immune thrombocytopenia: a systematic review.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiaxing; Liang, Yi; Ai, Yuan; Xie, Juan; Li, Youping; Zheng, Wenyi

2017-10-01

We conducted a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of Thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (TPOras) for pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from their earliest records to January 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Primary outcomes were durable response and clinically significant bleeding. Secondary outcomes were overall response, overall bleeding events, the use of rescue medication and adverse events (AEs). Five randomized RCTs (261participants) were included. Compared with placebo group, the proportion of patients achieving durable platelet response was significantly higher in Eltrombopag (P = 0.0004) or Romiplostim (P = 0.002) group, so was the overall response in Eltrombopag [RR = 2.64, 95% CI (1.58, 4.44)] or Romiplostim [RR = 5.05, 95% CI (2.21, 11.53)] group. Both clinically significant bleeding (P = 0.04) and total bleeding (P = 0.01) in Eltrombopag group were significantly less frequent than those in placebo group, while no significant difference between Romiplostim and placebo group. The proportion of patients receiving rescue medication, the incidence of overall AEs and serious AEs between TPO-receptor agonists and placebo group were not significantly different. TPOras might improve both durable and overall platelet response in pediatric ITP, compared with placebo.

Serum levels of copeptin, C-reactive protein and cortisol in different severity groups of sickle cell anaemia.

PubMed

Akinlade, K S; Atere, A D; Rahamon, S K; Olaniyi, J A

2013-12-20

It is well known that individuals with SCA undergo constant physiological stress even, in steady state. However, there is little information on the relationship between the severity of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and serum levels of biomarkers of stress. This study therefore determined the serum levels of copeptin, cortisol and CRP in adults with SCA in different severity groups. Sixty adults with sickle cell anaemia in steady state (27.1±6.3 years) and in vaso-occlusive crisis (24.9±4.9 years) were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Degree of severity (mild, moderate or severe) was determined using a scoring system incorporating annual number of blood transfusions, crisis and presence of anaemia, vaso-occlusive pain and organ complications. Standard methods were used for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell count (WBC), blood pressure measurements and anthropometric indices. Serum levels of copeptin, cortisol and CRP were determined using ELISA with the ratios calculated accordingly. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Student's t-test, Mann Whitney U and Chi-square test as appropriate. P<0.05 was considered significant. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and copeptin level were significantly higher in subjects with moderate SCA compared with those with mild SCA. Similarly SBP, pulse, WBC, copeptin and cortisol were significantly higher while body weight was significantly lower in subjects with severe SCA compared with subjects with mild SCA. However, WBC and cortisol-to-copeptin ratio were significantly higher in subjects with severe SCA compared with subjects with moderate SCA. There was progressive rise in serum levels of CRP from mild SCA through severe SCA but the differences were not statistically significant. Also, proportions of subjects with elevated SBP and WBC were higher than the proportion of subjects with lower SBP and WBC in the severe SCA group. Serum levels of cortisol, copeptin, and their ratio could differentiate severe SCA from mild or moderate SCA. Also, elevated systolic blood pressure and total white blood cell count are associated with severe sickle cell anaemia.

Functional macronutritional generalism in a large omnivore, the brown bear.

PubMed

Coogan, Sean C P; Raubenheimer, David; Stenhouse, Gordon B; Coops, Nicholas C; Nielsen, Scott E

2018-02-01

We combine a recently developed framework for describing dietary generalism with compositional data analysis to examine patterns of omnivory in a large widely distributed mammal. Using the brown bear ( Ursus arctos ) as a model species, we collected and analyzed data from the literature to estimate the proportions of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and lipid) in the diets of bear populations. Across their range, bears consumed a diversity of foods that resulted in annual population diets that varied in macronutrient proportions, suggesting a wide fundamental macronutrient niche. The variance matrix of pairwise macronutrient log-ratios indicated that the most variable macronutrient among diets was carbohydrate, while protein and lipid were more proportional or codependent (i.e., relatively more constant log-ratios). Populations that consumed anthropogenic foods, such agricultural crops and supplementary feed (e.g., corn), had a higher geometric mean proportion of carbohydrate, and lower proportion of protein, in annual diets. Seasonally, mean diets were lower in protein and higher in carbohydrate, during autumn compared to spring. Populations with anthropogenic subsidies, however, had higher mean proportions of carbohydrate and lower protein, across seasons compared to populations with natural diets. Proportions of macronutrients similar to those selected in experiments by captive brown bears, and which optimized primarily fat mass gain, were observed among hyperphagic prehibernation autumn diets. However, the majority of these were from populations consuming anthropogenic foods, while diets of natural populations were more variable and typically higher in protein. Some anthropogenic diets were close to the proportions selected by captive bears during summer. Our results suggest that omnivory in brown bears is a functional adaptation enabling them to occupy a diverse range of habitats and tolerate variation in the nutritional composition and availability of food resources. Furthermore, we show that populations consuming human-sourced foods have different dietary macronutrient proportions relative to populations with natural diets.

Trends in diabetes-related visits to US EDs from 1997 to 2007.

PubMed

Menchine, Michael D; Wiechmann, Warren; Peters, Anne L; Arora, Sanjay

2012-06-01

The aims of the study were to describe temporal trends in the number, proportion, and per capita use of diabetes-related emergency department (ED) visits and to examine any racial/ethnic disparity in ED use for diabetes-related reasons. We analyzed the ED portion of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1997 through 2007. Diabetes-related ED visits were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Descriptive statistics were developed. Weighted linear and logistic regression models were used to determine significance of temporal trends, and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine racial/ethnic disparities. A total of 20.2 million (1.69%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59%-1.78%) ED visits were diabetes-related during the study period. We observed significant increases in the number and proportion of diabetes-related ED visits. Overall, there was a 5.6% relative annual increase in the proportion of ED visits that were diabetes-related during the study period. However, the per capita ED use among the population with diabetes did not change over time (P>.05 for trend). On multivariate analysis, black race (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.7-2.0), Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.4-1.8), and advancing age were associated with significantly higher odds of having a diabetes-related visit. Despite a marked increase in number and proportion of diabetes-related ED visits during the study period, the per capita use of ED services for diabetes-related visits among the diabetic population remained stable. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fibromyalgia, mood disorders, and intense creative energy: A1AT polymorphisms are not always silent.

PubMed

Schmechel, Donald E; Edwards, Christopher L

2012-12-01

Persons with single copies of common alpha-1-antitrypsin polymorphisms such as S and Z are often considered "silent carriers". Published evidence however supports a complex behavioral phenotype or trait - intense creative energy ("ICE")-associated with A1AT polymorphisms. We now confirm that phenotype and present an association of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and A1AT in a consecutive series of neurological patients. This is a retrospective case control series of 3176 consecutive patients presenting to Duke University Memory Clinic (747 patients) and to regional community-based Caldwell Hospital Neurology and Memory center (2429 patients). Work-up included medical history and examination, psychological evaluation, and genetic analysis. Chronic widespread pain (CWP) or FMS were diagnosed according to clinical guidelines, mostly as secondary diagnoses. Neurological patients carrying A1AT polymorphisms were common (ca 16% prevalence) and carriers had significantly higher use of inhaler and anxiolytic medications. Patients with ICE phenotype had a significantly higher proportion of A1AT polymorphisms (42%) compared to non-ICE patients (13%). Presence of CWP or FMS was common (14-22%) with average age at presentation of 56 years old and mostly female gender (82%). Patients with CWP/FMS had again significantly higher proportion of A1AT polymorphisms (38%) compared to other neurological patients (13%). Patients with anxiety disorders, bipolar I or bipolar II disorders or PTSD also had increased proportion of A1AT polymorphisms and significant overlap with ICE and FMS phenotype. Significant reductions in CWP/FMS prevalence are seen in apolipoprotein E4 carriers and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation homozygotes. Since ICE phenotype is reported as a lifelong behavioral attribute, the presumption is that A1AT carriers have fundamental differences in brain development and inflammatory response. In support of this concept is finding those persons reporting a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid or idiopathic arthritis (JRA, JIA) had a significantly high proportion of A1AT polymorphisms (63%), suggesting a spectrum for JRA to later FMS presentations. Likewise, persons reporting a history of attention deficit disorder (ADD) had an increased proportion of A1AT polymorphisms (26%) compared to non-ADD persons (13%). Toxic environmental exposures are common (23%) and associated with diagnoses of PSP, PPA, FTD, FTD-PD, PD and ADVD. A1AT carriers were increased in cases of toxic exposure and PSP, PPA and FTD-PD. Our findings support the ICE behavioral phenotype for A1AT polymorphism carriers and the reported association with anxiety and bipolar spectrum disorders. We now extend that phenotype to apparent vulnerability to inflammatory muscle disease in a spectrum from JRA to fibromyalgia (FMS) and specific behavioral subsets of ADD, PTSD, and specific late onset neurological syndromes (FTD-PD and PPA). High and low risk FMS subsets can be defined using A1AT, MTHFR and APOE genotyping. Clinical diagnoses associated with A1AT polymorphisms included fibromyalgia, JRA/JIA, bipolar disorder, PTSD, primary progressive aphasia and FTDPD, but not most Alzheimer Disease subtypes. These results support an extended phenotype for A1AT mutation carriers beyond liver and lung vulnerability to selective advantages: ICE phenotype and disadvantages: fibromyalgia, affective disorders, and selected late onset neurological syndromes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NO3-/NH4+ proportions affect cadmium bioaccumulation and tolerance of tomato.

PubMed

Nogueirol, Roberta Corrêa; Monteiro, Francisco Antonio; de Souza Junior, João Cardoso; Azevedo, Ricardo Antunes

2018-05-01

With the growth of the world population, cadmium (Cd) concentration in the environment has increased considerably as a result of human activities such as foundry, battery disposal, mining, application of fertilizers containing toxic elements as impurities, and disposal of metal-containing waste. Higher plants uptake N as ammonium (NH 4 + ), nitrate (NO 3 - ), and many other water-soluble compounds such as urea and amino acids, and nourishing plants with N, providing part of it as NH 4 + , is an interesting alternative to the supply of this nutrient in the exclusive form of NO 3 - under Cd toxicity. The objective was to evaluate the influence of NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportions on the development and tolerance of tomato plants grown under the presence of Cd in the culture medium. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement consisting of three Cd rates (0, 50, and 100 μmol L -1 ) and three NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportions (100/0, 70/30, and 50/50) in the nutrient solution. To this end, we quantified the responses of the antioxidant enzymatic system and productive and functional changes in Solanum lycopersicum var. esculentum (Calabash Rouge). Shoot biomass production decreased with the maximum Cd rate (100 μmol L -1 ) tested in the growth medium, whereas the NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportions and other Cd rates did not significantly influence this variable. The lowest SPAD values were observed at the 100/0 NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportion and in plants exposed to Cd. The largest accumulation of the metal occurred in the shoots at the NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportion of 70/30 and at 100 μmol L -1 Cd and in the roots at 100/0 NO 3 - /NH 4 + and with 50 and 100 μmol L -1 Cd. The concentration and accumulation of NO 3 - were highest at the NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportion of 100/0 in the shoots and at 50/50 NO 3 - /NH 4 + in the roots, whereas for NH 4 + , values were higher as the proportion of N supplied in the form of NH 4 + was increased. The nitrate reductase enzyme activity decreased with the Cd supply in the nutrient solution. The antioxidant system enzymes were activated as we increased the NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportion and/or Cd rates added to the nutrient solution in both shoots and roots of the tomato plant, except for ascorbate peroxidase. Based on the results obtained, if the plant is to be used as a food source as is the case of tomato, the 100/0 NO 3 - /NH 4 + proportion is the better alternative because it resulted in higher Cd accumulation in the root system over the translocation to the shoots and consequently to the fruit.

A low proportion of systematic reviews in physical therapy are registered: a survey of 150 published systematic reviews.

PubMed

Oliveira, Crystian B; Elkins, Mark R; Lemes, Ítalo Ribeiro; de Oliveira Silva, Danilo; Briani, Ronaldo V; Monteiro, Henrique Luiz; Azevedo, Fábio Mícolis de; Pinto, Rafael Zambelli

Systematic reviews provide the best evidence about the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. Although systematic reviews are conducted with explicit and transparent methods, discrepancies might occur between the protocol and the publication. To estimate the proportion of systematic reviews of physical therapy interventions that are registered, the methodological quality of (un)registered systematic reviews and the prevalence of outcome reporting bias in registered systematic reviews. A random sample of 150 systematic reviews published in 2015 indexed on the PEDro database. We included systematic reviews written in English, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. A checklist for assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews tool was used. Relative risk was calculated to explore the association between meta-analysis results and the changes in the outcomes. Twenty-nine (19%) systematic reviews were registered. Funding and publication in a journal with an impact factor higher than 5.0 were associated with registration. Registered systematic reviews demonstrated significantly higher methodological quality (median=8) than unregistered systematic reviews (median=5). Nine (31%) registered systematic reviews demonstrated discrepancies between protocol and publication with no evidence that such discrepancies were applied to favor the statistical significance of the intervention (RR=1.16; 95% CI: 0.63-2.12). A low proportion of systematic reviews in the physical therapy field are registered. The registered systematic reviews showed high methodological quality without evidence of outcome reporting bias. Further strategies should be implemented to encourage registration. Copyright © 2017 Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Involuntary awareness and implicit priming: role of retrieval context.

PubMed

Zhou, Renlai; Hu, Senqi; Sun, Xuefei; Huang, Junhong

2006-10-01

This study examined the role of retrieval context in implicit priming by manipulating percentage of word-stem index as shallow and deep processing while performing a word-stem completion task. 80 subjects were randomly divided into four groups each of 20 subjects: shallow processing or deep processing with few retrieval indices, and shallow processing or deep processing with many retrieval indices. Analysis indicated that proportion of word-stem completion was significantly higher for studied words than for nonstudied words in all four groups and that the subjects in the groups with many retrieval indices had a significantly increased proportion of word-stem completion between studied and nonstudied words than those in the groups with few retrieval indices. Postquestionnaire analysis indicated that more previously studied items were retrieved if many studied items were available during implicit word-stem completion and that only a small proportion of word-stem completion was finished with studied words by the subjects who were aware of the prior studied and test word relations in all four groups. It was concluded that having more studied words retrievable contributed to more being retrieved and that involuntary awareness had very limited influence on the priming in the implicit word-stem completion.

Oral health status of children with autistic disorder in Chennai.

PubMed

Vishnu Rekha, C; Arangannal, P; Shahed, H

2012-06-01

To assess the oral health status of autistic children in Chennai. Oral health status was assessed for 483 children with autism, solicited from special education schools, autistic child centres and therapy centres. Conditions assessed were plaque accumulation, gingival health, dental caries, malocclusion, developmental anomalies, oral injuries and restorations. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests of significance were used to compare groups. Proportions test was used to compare the significance of the parameters between boys and girls. Autistic children with primary dentition showed significantly higher incidence of dental caries (24%), when compared to other oral conditions. Children with mixed dentition had more gingivitis (50%) and children with permanent dentition had more gingivitis (48.96%) and malocclusion (71.15%). All the oral conditions were seen more in boys than girls. Autistic children have significantly poor oral hygiene and higher incidence of malocclusion and dental caries when compared to other oral conditions.

Increasing medical student interest in general practice in New Zealand: where to from here?

PubMed

Poole, Phillippa; Bourke, David; Shulruf, Boaz

2010-05-28

To meet increasing health demands, increasing the proportion of local graduates entering general practice is imperative. Students entering or exiting The University of Auckland's medical programme from 2006 to 2008 were invited to complete a tracking project survey. Levels of interest in general practice were determined along with characteristics associated with a greater or lesser interest in this career. 712 students replied--a response rate of 80%. At entry, 40% of students had a strong interest in a career in general practice, and at exit, 29% (P =0.003). A quarter at each time point had no interest. The proportion of domestic students born outside NZ or Australia was 160/376 (42.5%). There were significantly higher levels of interest in general practice among females, students born in NZ, and those from outside Auckland--especially rural origin. Flexibility in career was more important to students with a strong interest in general practice than those with no interest. Auckland medical students have levels of interest in general practice comparable with international data. Increasing this interest further may require admission of a greater proportion of students from those groups with higher interest levels, greater emphasis on the positive aspects of general practice, and on GPs as equals to other specialists.

Comparison of stem morphology and anatomy of two alfalfa clonal lines exhibiting divergent cell wall composition.

PubMed

Gronwald, John W; Bucciarelli, Bruna

2013-08-30

In previous research, two alfalfa clonal lines (252 and 1283) were identified that exhibited environmentally stable differences in stem cell walls. Compared with stems of 1283, stems of 252 have a higher cell wall concentration and greater amounts of lignin and cellulose but reduced levels of pectic sugar residues. These results suggest greater deposition of secondary xylem and a reduction in pith in stems of 252 compared with 1283. The stem morphology and anatomy of first-cut and second-cut harvests of field-grown 1283 and 252 were examined. For both harvests, stems of 1283 were thicker and had a higher leaf/stem ratio compared with stems of 252. Stem cross-sections of both genotypes were stained for lignin, and the proportions of stem area that were pith and secondary xylem were measured using ImageJ. Stems of 252 exhibited greater deposition of secondary xylem and a reduction in pith proportion compared with stems of 1283 for the first-cut harvest, but this difference was not statistically significant for the second-cut harvest. The results indicate that the proportions of secondary xylem and pith are not environmentally stable in these two genotypes and hence cannot be the sole basis for the differences in cell wall concentration/composition. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Do socio-economic factors influence supermarket content and shoppers' purchases?

PubMed

Vinkeles Melchers, Natalie V S; Gomez, Maria; Colagiuri, Ruth

2009-12-01

Obesity is at crisis proportions. Individuals of low socio-economic status (SES) are more likely to consume higher energy dense diets than their high socio-economic status counterparts. The contribution of supermarket purchases of energy dense, nutrient poor foods has not been well-researched and has largely depended on unverified self-report. We estimated the proportion of supermarket shelf space dedicated to non-core foods in nine supermarkets (in five high and four low SES areas) in metropolitan Sydney. We analysed 204 shoppers' dockets (102 from high and 102 from low SES areas) for purchases of confectionery; sugar sweetened, carbonated beverages and cordials, sweet biscuits and cakes, and crisps and popcorn. After adjusting for the number of people shopped for, low SES shoppers purchased significantly more non-core foods than high SES shoppers (p=0.039), especially chips and sugar sweetened, carbonated beverages and cordials. There was no difference in the shelf space dedicated to non-core foods, or between non-core foods purchased and the proportion of shelf space occupied by them in either low or high SES areas. Increased purchase of non-core foods by low SES shoppers who are already at higher risk of obesity than high SES shoppers is cause for concern. Further research is required to explore underlying reasons for this association.

[Family influences on future smoking habits among junior high school students in Japan].

PubMed

Wakabayashi, Chihiro

2007-11-01

To examine the effects of health-related behavior and family smoking habits on the future smoking habits of junior high school students in two Japanese cities with different life expectancies. A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2005 of all second-grade students in a junior high school in city A located in Aomori prefecture (399 students) and city B located in Nagano prefecture (447 students). Life expectancies in city B were 4.2 years longer in men and 2.9 years longer in women than in city A. Data on feelings about future smoking habits, dislike of tobacco smoke, family smoking habits and health-related behavior were collected. The proportion of boys who went on to become smokers was higher in city A (18.7%) than in city B (10.3%). The proportions of smoking mothers and other smoking family members were also higher in city A, while the proportion of students who disliked tobacco smoke was lower. For girls in both cities, there was a significant positive association between future smoking and maternal smoking. The findings suggest that maternal smoking habits are especially strongly correlated with future smoking in girls. The family smoking environment and health-related behavior should therefore be considered in measures to prevent smoking by students.

[Microbiology of pressure and vascular ulcer infections].

PubMed

Ortiz Balbuena, Jorge; García Madero, Rodrigo; Segovia Gómez, Teresa; Cantero Caballero, Miriea; Sánchez Romero, Isabel; Ramos Martínez, Antonio

2015-01-01

Pressure ulcer (PU) infection is a significant clinical problem in many elderly patients. To determine the microbiology of PU and vascular ulcer (VU) infections by conducting a cross-sectional study of outpatients treated in a chronic wounds unit over an 18 month period. Sixty six patients with PU infection and 159 patients with an infected VU were identified. The PUs were located below the knee in 36 patients (52%). Patients with pressure ulcers had a higher proportion of institutionalization, cognitive impairment, inability to walk, and sphincter incontinence. There was a greater number of infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae (52%, P=.002) and fewer S. aureus infections (24%, P<.001) in patients with a PU compared to those with those with a VU. Forty-one percent of S. aureus strains isolated in all the patients were resistant to methicillin (MRSA). The proportion of Enterobacteriaceae infections was similar in patients with infection of pelvic girdle PU and in those located below the knee. PU patients suffer a higher rate of infection by enterobacteria. The most common pathogen in UV infections is S. aureus. The proportion of MRSA infection in patients with chronic wounds is high. The microbiology of the infection in the pelvic girdle PU is similar to those located below the knee. Copyright © 2014 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Comparison between mini mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment Indonesian version (MoCA-Ina) as an early detection of cognitive impairments in post-stroke patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestari, S.; Mistivani, I.; Rumende, C. M.; Kusumaningsih, W.

2017-08-01

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as cognitive impairment that may never develop into dementia. Cognitive impairment is one long-term complication of a stroke. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), which is commonly used as a screening tool for cognitive impairment, has a low sensitivity to detect cognitive impairment, especially MCI. Alternatively, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesian version (MoCA-Ina) has been reported to have a higher sensitivity than the MMSE. The aim of this study was to compare the proportion of MCI identified between the MMSE and MoCA-Ina in stroke patients. This was a cross-sectional study of stroke outpatients who attended the Polyclinic Neuromuscular Division, Rehabilitation Department, and Polyclinic Stroke, Neurology Department Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta. The proportion of MCI identified using the MMSE was 31.03% compared to 72.41% when using the MoCA-Ina. This difference was statistically significant (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.033). The proportion of MCI in stroke patients was higher when using the MoCA-Ina compared to the MMSE. The MoCA-Ina should be used as an alternative in the early detection of MCI in stroke patients, especially those undergoing rehabilitation.

Evaluation of perception of insulin therapy among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Chen, C-C; Chang, M-P; Hsieh, M-H; Huang, C-Y; Liao, L-N; Li, T-C

2011-11-01

To evaluate whether perception of insulin therapy differs between patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin and those treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs), and to examine whether gender, education level, injection duration and mode of injection were associated with the patients' perception of insulin therapy. The validated Chinese version of the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS) was used to evaluate the perception of insulin therapy among 100 insulin-treated patients and 100 OHA-treated patients. The higher the total score, the more negative is the appraisal. The OHA-treated group had a higher mean total score (20 items), a higher mean total score for 16 negative items and a lower mean total score for four positive items than the insulin-treated group. The proportion of participants who rated the negative items as "agree" or "strongly agree" was significantly higher in the OHA-treated group than in the insulin-treated group. In addition, the proportion of participants who rated the four positive items as "agree" or "strongly agree" was lower in the OHA-treated group than in the insulin-treated group. Gender, education level, duration of insulin injection and mode of injection did not have a significant impact on perception of insulin therapy. Chinese type 2 diabetic patients taking OHAs had more negative beliefs and attitudes towards insulin therapy than patients being treated with insulin. This difference was not associated with either gender or education level. Furthermore, neither injection duration nor type of device was related to perception of insulin therapy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Associations of arsenic metabolites, methylation capacity, and skin lesions caused by chronic exposure to high arsenic in tube well water.

PubMed

Yang, Linsheng; Chai, Yuanqing; Yu, Jiangping; Wei, Binggan; Xia, Yajuan; Wu, Kegong; Gao, Jianwei; Guo, Zhiwei; Cui, Na

2017-01-01

To investigate the interaction between skin lesion status and arsenic methylation profiles, the concentrations and proportions of arsenic metabolites in urine and arsenic methylation capacities of study subjects were determined. The results showed that the mean urinary concentrations of iAs (inorganic arsenic), MMA (monomethylarsonic acid), DMA (dimethylarsinic acid), and TAs (total arsenic) were 75.65, 68.78, 265.81, and 410.24 μg/L, respectively, in the skin lesions subjects. The highest values were observed in the multiple skin lesions subjects. Higher %iAs and %MMA, and lower %DMA, PMI (primary methylation index), and SMI (secondary methylation index) were found in skin lesions subjects. The multiple skin lesions subjects had highest %iAs and %MMA, and lowest %DMA, PMI, and SMI. The prevalence of skin lesions strongly, positively correlated with arsenic levels in drinking water. The elder persons also had higher frequency of skin lesions compared with younger persons. It can be concluded that arsenic levels in drinking water significantly affected the prevalence of skin lesions. Male subjects usually had higher proportions of skin lesions when compared with female subjects. Moreover, it may be concluded that MMA was significantly related to single skin lesion, whereas DMA and iAs were associated with multiple skin lesions. It seemed that MMA had greater toxicity to hyperkeratosis, whereas DMA and iAs had higher toxicity to depigmentation or pigmentation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 28-36, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Extended-release intramuscular naltrexone (VIVITROL®): a review of its use in the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence in detoxified patients.

PubMed

Syed, Yahiya Y; Keating, Gillian M

2013-10-01

Naltrexone is a μ-opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the euphoric effects of heroin and prescription opioids. In order to improve treatment adherence, a once-monthly, intramuscular, extended-release formulation of naltrexone (XR-NTX) [VIVITROL(®)] has been developed, and approved in the USA and Russia for the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence, after opioid detoxification. The clinical efficacy of this formulation in patients with opioid dependence was demonstrated in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase III trial (ALK21-013; n = 250). In this trial, opioid-detoxified patients receiving XR-NTX 380 mg once every 4 weeks, in combination with psychosocial support, had a significantly higher median proportion of weeks of confirmed opioid abstinence during weeks 5-24, compared with those receiving placebo (primary endpoint). A significantly higher proportion of patients receiving XR-NTX achieved total confirmed abstinence during this period than those receiving placebo. XR-NTX was also associated with a significantly greater reduction in opioid craving and a significantly longer treatment retention period than placebo. XR-NTX was generally well tolerated in the phase III trial. The most common (incidence ≥5 %) treatment-emergent adverse events that also occurred more frequently with XR-NTX than with placebo were hepatic enzyme abnormalities, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, hypertension, influenza and injection-site pain. Thus, XR-NTX is a useful treatment option for the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence, following opioid detoxification.

Macroevolutionary trends of atomic composition and related functional group proportion in eukaryotic and prokaryotic proteins.

PubMed

Zhang, Yu-Juan; Yang, Chun-Lin; Hao, You-Jin; Li, Ying; Chen, Bin; Wen, Jian-Fan

2014-01-25

To fully explore the trends of atomic composition during the macroevolution from prokaryote to eukaryote, five atoms (oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen) and related functional groups in prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins were surveyed and compared. Genome-wide analysis showed that eukaryotic proteins have more oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen atoms than prokaryotes do. Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) analysis revealed that oxygen, sulfur, carbon and hydrogen frequencies are higher in eukaryotic proteins than in their prokaryotic orthologs. Furthermore, functional group analysis demonstrated that eukaryotic proteins tend to have higher proportions of sulfhydryl, hydroxyl and acylamino, but lower of sulfide and carboxyl. Taken together, an apparent trend of increase was observed for oxygen and sulfur atoms in the macroevolution; the variation of oxygen and sulfur compositions and their related functional groups in macroevolution made eukaryotic proteins carry more useful functional groups. These results will be helpful for better understanding the functional significances of atomic composition evolution. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Marketing little cigars and cigarillos: advertising, price, and associations with neighborhood demographics.

PubMed

Cantrell, Jennifer; Kreslake, Jennifer M; Ganz, Ollie; Pearson, Jennifer L; Vallone, Donna; Anesetti-Rothermel, Andrew; Xiao, Haijun; Kirchner, Thomas R

2013-10-01

We have documented little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) availability, advertising, and price in the point-of-sale environment and examined associations with neighborhood demographics. We used a multimodal real-time surveillance system to survey LCCs in 750 licensed tobacco retail outlets that sold tobacco products in Washington, DC. Using multivariate models, we examined the odds of LCC availability, the number of storefront exterior advertisements, and the price per cigarillo for Black & Mild packs in relation to neighborhood demographics. The odds of LCC availability and price per cigarillo decreased significantly in nearly a dose-response manner with each quartile increase in proportion of African Americans. Prices were also lower in some young adult neighborhoods. Having a higher proportion of African American and young adult residents was associated with more exterior LCC advertising. Higher availability of LCCs in African American communities and lower prices and greater outdoor advertising in minority and young adult neighborhoods may establish environmental triggers to smoke among groups susceptible to initiation, addiction, and long-term negative health consequences.

Prediction of primary vs secondary hypertension in children.

PubMed

Baracco, Rossana; Kapur, Gaurav; Mattoo, Tej; Jain, Amrish; Valentini, Rudolph; Ahmed, Maheen; Thomas, Ronald

2012-05-01

Despite current guidelines, variability exists in the workup of hypertensive children due to physician preferences. The study evaluates primary vs secondary hypertension diagnosis from investigations routinely performed in hypertensive children. This retrospective study included children 5 to 19 years with primary and secondary hypertension. The proportions of abnormal laboratory and imaging tests were compared between primary and secondary hypertension groups. Risk factors for primary vs secondary hypertension were evaluated by logistic regression and likelihood function analysis. Patients with secondary hypertension were younger (5-12 years) and had a higher proportion of abnormal creatinine, renal ultrasound, and echocardiogram findings. There was no significant difference in abnormal results of thyroid function, urine catecholamines, plasma renin, and aldosterone. Abnormal renal ultrasound findings and age were predictors of secondary hypertension by regression and likelihood function analysis. Children aged 5 to 12 years with abnormal renal ultrasound findings and high diastolic blood pressures are at higher risk for secondary hypertension that requires detailed evaluation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The hospital bond market and the AHERF bankruptcy.

PubMed

Carpenter, Caryl E; McCue, Michael J; Moon, Sun

2003-01-01

An analysis of hospital, tax-exempt bonds issued before and after the Allegheny Health, Education, and Research Foundation (AHERF) bankruptcy demonstrated that despite the decline in market rates for tax-exempt securities in the post period, bonds issued by hospitals and systems carried higher coupon rates than they did in the pre period. There was a significant decline in the proportion of hospital/system bonds that were insured from the pre to the post period. Bond insurance firms tightened their credit criteria after the bankruptcy, which may explain, in part, why the proportion of insured bonds declined. We conclude that hospital bonds are now viewed as riskier instruments than they were prior to the AHERF bankruptcy. This is reflected in higher coupon rates for both insured and uninsured bonds and fewer insured bond issues. This decline in hospital creditworthiness comes at a time when many hospitals need to replace aging assets and acquire new technologies in response to increased inpatient utilization.

Dreaming and cognition in patients with frontotemporal dysfunction.

PubMed

Paiva, Teresa; Bugalho, Paulo; Bentes, Carla

2011-12-01

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have hallucinations and mild cognitive dysfunction. The objective of this work was to study dreams in PD and TLE patients using a common functional model of dream production involving the limbic and paralimbic structures. Dreams were characterised in early-stage PD (19 males) and TLE patients (52) with dream diaries classified by the Hall van de Castle system and were compared with matched controls. In PD, there were significant differences between patients' dreams and those of controls: animals, physical aggression, and a befriender were more common in patients, and aggressor and bodily misfortunes were less common. The dreams of patients with frontal dysfunction showed more aggressive features. TLE patients had lower recall than PD patients and a higher proportion of dreams involving family and familiar settings, lower proportions involving success, and a higher incidence of frontal dysfunction. The dreams of PD and TLE patients share important features. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

miR-192 suppresses T follicular helper cell differentiation by targeting CXCR5 in childhood asthma.

PubMed

Zhang, Defeng; Wu, Yuanbo; Sun, Gengyun

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-192 in differentiation of T follicular helper cells in childhood asthma. Blood samples were taken from eighteen children with acute asthma attacks and fifteen healthy children (HC). Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of miR-192, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5), B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6) and inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS). The flow cytometry was performed to detect the proportion of CD4 + CXCR5+ Tfh cells on CD4 + T lymphocytes. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to determine the plasma concentrations of total IgE and IL-21. The effect of miR-192 on the T follicular helper cells differentiation by targeting CXCR5 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Children with asthma had lower levels of miR-192 than HC. The proportion of CD4 + CXCR + Tfh cells was significantly higher in the acute asthma group than HC. Similarly, the plasma concentration of total IgE and IL-21 in the acute group markedly increased compared with the HC, and IgE concentration was positively correlated with the proportion of CD4 + CXCR5 + Tfh cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of CXCR5, Bcl-6 and ICOS were significantly higher in the acute group than in the HC. While the proportion of CD4 + CXCR5 + Tfh cells, IL-21, CXCR5, Bcl-6 and ICOS were obviously lower in the CD4 + T cells transfected with miR-192 plasmid than that in miR-192 + CXCR5 group and control group. In conclusion, miR-192 blocks the activation pathway of Tfh cells by targeting CXCR5, which is a reasonable cellular target for therapeutic intervention.

Immunological changes at rectal mucosa in appendectomised subjects and inhabitants of developing countries.

PubMed

Olivares, David; Gisbert, Javier P; Gamallo, Carlos; Maté-Jiménez, José

2007-02-01

It has been suggested that appendicitis protects against ulcerative colitis. We hypothesize that early poor hygiene protects against ulcerative colitis (UC) and predisposes to appendicitis. Our aim was to elucidate the immunological characteristics of rectal mucosa in two populations protected against UC development: appendectomised subjects and inhabitants of developing countries. this was an age-matched prospective case-control study. Each consecutive individual case appendectomised (group A) was compared to another control from a developing country (group B) and to a control from the general population (group C). Four biopsies from rectal mucosa were taken from all subjects, two for histological and two for histochemical study; specific antibodies were used for T lymphocytes CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and B lymphocytes CD20+ populations. Mucosa samples of 45 non-smoker healthy subjects were studied, of which 15 were from group A, 15 from group B and 15 from group C. In appendectomised subjects, the proportion of CD8+ cells was higher than in the control group (p<0.001), but similar to that in B group. The proportion of CD3+ and CD20+ cells was significatively lower than in Ecuadorians, but similar to the control group. In Ecuadorians, the proportion of CD3+ and CD8+ cells was significatively higher than in the control group (p<0.001), and were similar to that of CD20+. There were no significant differences in the proportion of CD4+. Appendectomy and deficient environmental hygiene are associated with an increase of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the rectal mucosa. Moreover, deficient environmental hygiene is associated with an increase of CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. The CD8+ increase is the only common significant alteration in the mucosa of both groups protected against the development of ulcerative colitis, suggesting that the factors causing changes in lamina propria lymphocytes of both groups are different.

Comparison of treatment outcomes in neck pain patients depending on the sex of the chiropractor: a prospective outcome study.

PubMed

Thöni, Janine; Peterson, Cynthia K; Kim Humphreys, B

2017-01-01

The high percentage of female chiropractic students in Switzerland suggests a future sex shift in the chiropractic profession in Switzerland. Thus the purpose of this study is to determine if male and female chiropractors achieve the same treatment outcomes in neck pain patients. Included in this prospective outcomes study were 849 patients with neck pain of any duration. Prior to the first treatment, baseline demographic data, the Bournemouth Questionnaire (BQ) and the numerical rating scale (NRS) for neck and arm pain were completed. At the follow-up time points of 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale to categorize the actual 'improvement' and the BQ and the NRS for neck pain were completed. The Chi-square test compared the proportion of patients reporting 'improvement' between male and female chiropractors for each time point. The unpaired Student's t-test compared the BQ and the NRS actual and change scores between patients of male and female chiropractors at all time points. Demographic factors were compared between the sexes using the Chi-square test. Proportionally more patients of female chiropractors reported 'improvement' at 1 month ( p  = 0.035) and significantly more pain reduction at 3 months ( p  = 0.040). Patients of male chiropractors presented with significant older age ( p  = 0.0001), higher levels of baseline neck pain ( p  = 0.012), a lower proportion with radiculopathy ( p  = 0.014) and less pain medication use ( p  = 0.046). Female chiropractors achieve at least equally satisfying treatment results for neck pain patients compared to male chiropractors. Female chiropractors also have a higher proportion of female patients compared to male chiropractors and patients presenting with radiculopathy and using pain medications. Not applicable for this type of study.

Influence of weight and type of planting material on fruit quality and its heterogeneity in pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merrill].

PubMed

Fassinou Hotegni, V Nicodème; Lommen, Willemien J M; Agbossou, Euloge K; Struik, Paul C

2014-01-01

Cultural practices can affect the quality of pineapple fruits and its variation. The objectives of this study were to investigate (a) effects of weight class and type of planting material on fruit quality, heterogeneity in quality and proportion and yield of fruits meeting European export standards, and (b) the improvement in quality, proportion and yield of fruits meeting export standards when flowering was induced at optimum time. Experiments were conducted in Benin with cvs Sugarloaf (a Perola type) and Smooth Cayenne. In cv. Sugarloaf, experimental factors were weight class of planting material (light, mixed, heavy) and time of flowering induction (farmers', optimum) (Experiment 1). In cv. Smooth Cayenne an additional experimental factor was the type of planting material (hapas, ground suckers, a mixture of the two) (Experiment 2). Fruits from heavy planting material had higher infructescence and fruit weights, longer infructescences, shorter crowns, and smaller crown: infructescence length than fruits from light planting material. The type of planting material in Experiment 2 did not significantly affect fruit quality except crown length: fruits from hapas had shorter crowns than those from ground suckers. Crops from heavy planting material had a higher proportion and yield of fruits meeting export standards than those from other weight classes in Experiment 1 only; also the type of planting material in Experiment 2 did not affect these variates. Heterogeneity in fruit quality was usually not reduced by selecting only light or heavy planting material instead of mixing weights; incidentally the coefficient of variation was significantly reduced in fruits from heavy slips only. Heterogeneity was also not reduced by not mixing hapas and ground suckers. Flowering induction at optimum time increased the proportion and yield of fruits meeting export standards in fruits from light and mixed slip weights and in those from the mixture of heavy hapas plus ground suckers.

Influence of weight and type of planting material on fruit quality and its heterogeneity in pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merrill

PubMed Central

Fassinou Hotegni, V. Nicodème; Lommen, Willemien J. M.; Agbossou, Euloge K.; Struik, Paul C.

2015-01-01

Cultural practices can affect the quality of pineapple fruits and its variation. The objectives of this study were to investigate (a) effects of weight class and type of planting material on fruit quality, heterogeneity in quality and proportion and yield of fruits meeting European export standards, and (b) the improvement in quality, proportion and yield of fruits meeting export standards when flowering was induced at optimum time. Experiments were conducted in Benin with cvs Sugarloaf (a Perola type) and Smooth Cayenne. In cv. Sugarloaf, experimental factors were weight class of planting material (light, mixed, heavy) and time of flowering induction (farmers', optimum) (Experiment 1). In cv. Smooth Cayenne an additional experimental factor was the type of planting material (hapas, ground suckers, a mixture of the two) (Experiment 2). Fruits from heavy planting material had higher infructescence and fruit weights, longer infructescences, shorter crowns, and smaller crown: infructescence length than fruits from light planting material. The type of planting material in Experiment 2 did not significantly affect fruit quality except crown length: fruits from hapas had shorter crowns than those from ground suckers. Crops from heavy planting material had a higher proportion and yield of fruits meeting export standards than those from other weight classes in Experiment 1 only; also the type of planting material in Experiment 2 did not affect these variates. Heterogeneity in fruit quality was usually not reduced by selecting only light or heavy planting material instead of mixing weights; incidentally the coefficient of variation was significantly reduced in fruits from heavy slips only. Heterogeneity was also not reduced by not mixing hapas and ground suckers. Flowering induction at optimum time increased the proportion and yield of fruits meeting export standards in fruits from light and mixed slip weights and in those from the mixture of heavy hapas plus ground suckers. PMID:25653659

Species Diversity Effects on Productivity, Persistence and Quality of Multispecies Swards in a Four-Year Experiment.

PubMed

Jing, Jingying; Søegaard, Karen; Cong, Wen-Feng; Eriksen, Jørgen

2017-01-01

Plant species diversity may benefit natural grassland productivity, but its effect in managed grassland systems is not well understood. A four-year multispecies grassland experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of species diversity-legumes and non-leguminous forbs-on productivity, persistence and sward quality under cutting or grazing regimes and with or without slurry application. Three mixtures were established- 3-mix: grass, red and white clover, 10-mix: 3-mix plus birdsfoot trefoil and six non-leguminous forbs, and 12-mix: 10-mix plus lucerne and festulolium. Species diversity increased sward production and yield persistence under cutting regime. The 12-mix had the highest yield from the second year onwards and no statistically significant yield reduction over four years, while annual yields in the 3-mix and 10-mix decreased significantly with increasing grassland age. The higher yield in the 12-mix was mainly due to the inclusion of high-yielding lucerne. The 10-mix and 12-mix had lower proportions of unsown species than the 3-mix, the difference being dependent on grassland age. Generally, the 3-mix had higher concentrations of in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP), and a lower concentration of ash than the 10-mix and 12-mix. Slurry application increased annual yield production by 10% and changed the botanical composition, increasing the proportion of grass and decreasing the proportion of legumes. Compared to cutting, grazing increased forage production by 9% per cut on average and lowered legume and forb proportions in the mixtures, but yields did not differ among the three mixtures. Overall, our results suggest that species diversity increases sward productivity and persistence only under an ungrazed cutting regime. We conclude that increasing species diversity by selecting appropriate species with compatible management is key to achieving both high yields and high persistence in managed grasslands.

Lung cancer in younger patients.

PubMed

Abbasowa, Leda; Madsen, Poul Henning

2016-07-01

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death. The incidence increases with age and the occurrence in young patients is relatively low. The clinicopathological features of lung cancer in younger patients have not been fully explored previously. To assess the age differences in the clinical characteristics of lung cancer, we conducted a retrospective analysis comparing young patients ≤ 65 years of age with an elderly group > 65 years of age. Among 1,232 patients evaluated due to suspicion of lung cancer in our fast-track setting from January-December 2013, 312 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients were included. Patients ≤ 65 years had a significantly higher representation of females (p = 0.0021), more frequent familial cancer aggregation (p = 0.028) and a lower incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.0133). When excluding pure carcinoid tumours, a significantly higher proportion of the younger patients presented with advanced stage disease (p = 0.0392). Combined modality therapy was more common in younger patients (p = 0.0009), while chemotherapy appeared less prevalent among the elderly (p = 0.0015). Lung cancer in younger patients comprises a distinct clinicopathological entity with more frequent advanced stage disease and a significantly greater proportion with a family history of cancer. Implementing genetic background assessments and considering lung cancer as a possible diagnosis in younger, symptomatic patients, is of paramount importance. none. The study was approved by the -Danish Data Protection Agency.

The RORγt-CCR6-CCL20 axis augments Th17 cells invasion into the synovia of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

PubMed

Kaneko, Shunta; Kondo, Yuya; Yokosawa, Masahiro; Furuyama, Kotona; Segawa, Seiji; Tsuboi, Hiroto; Kanamori, Akihiro; Matsumoto, Isao; Yamazaki, Masashi; Sumida, Takayuki

2018-01-22

To clarify the pathogenic role of transcription factor expression of CD4 + T helper (Th) cell subsets in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We collected CD4 + T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) by magnetic cell sorting. The proportion of Th cell subsets were classified from cell surface markers (CD45RA, CXCR5, CXCR3, CCR6) and the expression of their transcription factors (T-bet, GATA3, RORγt) were analyzed by flow cytometry before and at 24 weeks after anti-rheumatic treatment. Chemotaxis assays quantified migratory ability. The expression of CCR6 and RORγt in Th17 cells from PBMC of RA patients was significantly higher than in healthy control volunteers and osteoarthritis patients. The proportion of Th17 cells in SFMCs of RA patients was significantly higher than that in PBMCs. Chemotaxis assays revealed that the migration index of Th17 cells towards CCL20 was remarkably enhanced in RA patients. The expression of CCR6 and RORγt in Th17 cells at 24 weeks post-therapeutic intervention was significantly decreased compared to before treatment. The high expression of RORγt might facilitate the migration of Th17 cells to inflamed joints via the enhanced expression of CCR6 and contribute to the pathology of RA.

Modeling soil respiration and variations of source components using a multi-factor global climate change experiment

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

Chen, Xiongwen; Post, Wilfred M; Norby, Richard J

2011-01-01

Soil respiration is an important component of the global carbon cycle and is highly responsive to changes in soil temperature and moisture. Accurate prediction of soil respiration and its changes under future climatic conditions requires a clear understanding of the processes involved. In spite of this, most current empirical soil respiration models incorporate just few of the underlying mechanisms that may influence its response. In this study, a new partial process-based component model built on source components of soil respiration was tested using data collected from a multi-factor climate change experiment that manipulates CO2 concentrations, temperature and precipitation. These resultsmore » were then compared to results generated using several other established models. The component model we tested performed well across different treatments of global climate change. In contrast, some other models, which worked well predicting ambient environmental conditions, were unable to predict the changes under different climate change treatments. Based on the component model, the relative proportions of heterotrophic respiration (Rh) in the total soil respiration at different treatments varied from 0.33 to 0.85. There is a significant increase in the proportion of Rh under the elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration in comparison ambient conditions. The dry treatment resulted in higher proportion of Rh at elevated CO2 and ambient T than under elevated CO2 and elevated T. Also, the ratios between root growth and root maintenance respiration varied across different treatments. Neither increased temperature nor elevated atmospheric CO2 changed Q10 values significantly, while the average Q10 value at wet sites was significantly higher than it at dry sites. There was a higher possibility of increased soil respiration under drying relative to wetting conditions across all treatments based on monthly data, indicating that soil respiration may also be related to soil moisture at previous time periods. Our results reveal that the extent, time delay and contribution of different source components need to be included into mechanistic/processes-based soil respiration models at corresponding scale.« less

High Prevalence of Anal Canal High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Patients With Crohn's Disease.

PubMed

Vuitton, Lucine; Jacquin, Elise; Parmentier, Anne-Laure; Crochet, Elise; Fein, Francine; Dupont-Gossart, Anne-Claire; Plastaras, Laurianne; Bretagne, Charles-Henri; Mauny, Frédéric; Koch, Stéphane; Prétet, Jean-Luc; Mougin, Christiane; Valmary-Degano, Séverine

2018-03-15

The increasing incidence of anal canal carcinomas requires better knowledge on anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We aimed to assess anal canal HPV infection prevalence and risk factors among patients seen at a gastroenterology department in France. We analyzed anal tissue samples collected from 469 consecutive patients (median age 54 years, 52% women), including 112 who received immunosuppressant therapies and 101 with inflammatory bowel disease (70 with Crohn's disease), who underwent colonoscopy examinations from April 1, 2012 to April 30, 2015. HPV was detected and genotyped using the INNO-LiPA assay, and we collected medical and demographic data from all subjects. Risk factors for any HPV, high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and HPV16 infection were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analysis. The primary outcomes association of HR-HPV or HPV16 with medical and demographic features. We detected HPV DNA in anal tissues from 34% of the subjects and HR-HPV in 18%. HPV16 was the most prevalent genotype (detected in 7%), followed by HPV51, HPV52, and HPV39. HR-HPV was detected in a significantly higher proportion of samples from women (23.1%) than men (12.8%) (P = .0035); HR-HPV and HPV16 were detected in a significantly higher proportion of patients with Crohn's disease (30.0%) than without (18.1%) (P = .005). Female sex, history of sexually transmitted disease, lifetime and past year-number of sexual partners, active smoking, and immunosuppressive therapies were independent risk factors for anal HR-HPV infection in multivariate analysis. One third of patients who underwent colonoscopy at a gastroenterology department were found to have anal canal HPV infection. We detected HR-HPV infection in almost 20% of patients and in a significantly higher proportion of patients with Crohn's disease than without. Increasing our knowledge of HPV infection of anal tissues could help physicians identify populations at risk and promote prophylaxis with vaccination and adequate screening. Copyright © 2018 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assays on patients presenting to an emergency department with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Yip, Thomas P Y; Pascoe, Heather M; Lane, Stephen E

2014-08-04

To determine whether introduction of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hscTn-I) assays affected management of patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary referral hospital. A retrospective analysis of all patients presenting to the Geelong Hospital ED with suspected ACS from 23 April 2010 to 22 April 2013 -2 years before and 1 year after the changeover to hscTn-I assays on 23 April 2012. Hospital admission rates, time spent in the ED, rates of coronary angiography, rates of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS), rates of discharge with a diagnosis of ACS, and rates of inhospital mortality. 12 360 consecutive patients presented with suspected ACS during the study period; 1897 were admitted to Geelong Hospital in the 2 years before and 944 in the 1 year after the changeover to hscTn-I assays. Comparing the two patient groups, there was no statistically significant difference in all-hospital admission rates (95% CI for the difference, - 3.1% to 0.3%; P = 0.10) or proportion of patients subsequently discharged with a diagnosis of ACS (95% CI for the difference, - 2.3% to 5.4%; P = 0.43). After the changeover, the median time patients spent in the ED was 11.5% shorter (3.85 h v 4.35 h; 95% CI for the difference, - 0.59 to - 0.43; P < 0.001) and the proportion of admitted patients undergoing coronary angiography was higher (53.4% v 45.2%; 95% CI for the difference, 4.3 to 12.0 percentage points; P < 0.001), but there was no statistically significant rise in the proportion of patients who had invasive treatment (PCI and/or CABGS) (95% CI for the difference, - 0.4% to 6.3%; P = 0.08). Inhospital mortality rates from ACS did not change significantly (95% CI for the difference, - 1.5% to 0.8%; P = 0.43). The introduction of hscTn-I assays appeared to be associated with more rapid diagnosis, resulting in less time spent in the ED, without a change in hospital admission rates. A higher proportion of patients had coronary angiographies after the changeover, but there was no significant change in rates of invasive treatment or inhospital mortality.

PubMed Central

Van Nguyen, H.; Duc Nguyen, T.; Van Nguyen, T.; The Nguyen, T.

2017-01-01

Summary Background. In Vietnam today, many generations remain living together in a family. With escalating urbanization and population aging, mental health disorders and the quality of life (QoL) among the elderly are gradually presenting themselves as of great concern. The objective of this study was to examine gender differences in QoL and some associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam using the QoL scale of WHO (WHOQOL-BREF). Methods. A cross-sectional study using quantitative methods. Results and Conclusions. The proportion of the elderly men having higher level of QoL in physical health, psychological health and environment was higher than that of their women counterparts. Reversely, of those having medium and lower QoL, females made up a larger proportion than males. The overall QoL score in elderly men (75.32) was higher than that of women (72.32) and the same pattern was witnessed in all four domains of QoL. While higher QoL in elderly men was significantly correlated with 5 factors, aged ≥ 80 years, following Buddhism and Christianity, having better connection and without illness in the past 6 months, these among female counterparts are aged ≥ 80 years, completing secondary level or above, having medium and high socioeconomic status and without illness in the last 6 months. PMID:28515634

Natural antisense transcripts are significantly involved in regulation of drought stress in maize.

PubMed

Xu, Jie; Wang, Qi; Freeling, Micheal; Zhang, Xuecai; Xu, Yunbi; Mao, Yan; Tang, Xin; Wu, Fengkai; Lan, Hai; Cao, Moju; Rong, Tingzhao; Lisch, Damon; Lu, Yanli

2017-05-19

Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are a prominent and complex class of regulatory RNAs. Using strand-specific RNA sequencing, we identified 1769 sense and antisense transcript pairs (NAT pairs) in two maize inbreds with different sensitivity to drought, as well as in two derivative recombination inbred lines (RILs). A significantly higher proportion of NATs relative to non-NATs are specifically expressed under water stress (WS). Surprisingly, expression of sense and antisense transcripts produced by NAT pairs is significantly correlated, particularly under WS. We found an unexpected large proportion of NATs with protein coding potential, as estimated by ribosome release scores. Small RNAs significantly accumulate within NAT pairs, with 21 nt smRNA particularly enriched in overlapping regions of these pairs of genes. The abundance of these smRNAs is significantly altered in the leafbladeless1 mutant, suggesting that these genes may be regulated by the tasiRNA pathway. Further, NATs are significantly hypomethylated and include fewer transposable element sequences relative to non-NAT genes. NAT gene regions also exhibit higher levels of H3K36me3, H3K9ac, and H3K4me3, but lower levels of H3K27me3, indicating that NAT gene pairs generally exhibit an open chromatin configuration. Finally, NAT pairs in 368 diverse maize inbreds and 19 segregating populations were specifically enriched for polymorphisms associated with drought tolerance. Taken together, the data highlight the potential impact of that small RNAs and histone modifications have in regulation of NAT expression, and the significance of NATs in response to WS. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Fasciola gigantica: cercarial shedding pattern from Lymnaea natalensis after long-term exposure to cadmium at different temperatures.

PubMed

Soliman, Maha F M

2009-04-01

Little is known about the response of Fasciola spp., inside its snail host to pollutant toxicity. The effect of long-term exposure of Lymnaea natalensis to 0.1 microg/l, 10 microg/l, or 100 microg/l cadmium (Cd) on the infection rates with F. gigantica, percentage of cercariae-shedding snails and cercariae shedding pattern was investigated. The snails were exposed to Cd for 7 days either pre-infection with single Fasciola miracidium or during the late pre-patent period of the infection. The possible interaction between metal exposure and acclimatization temperature was also studied in three ranges; 16-18 degrees C, 23-25 degrees C and 30-32 degrees C. Results clearly showed that host exposure to 100 microg/l Cd significantly affected the pattern of Fasciola development inside its snail host, and that the acclimatization temperature was a key factor affecting the role played by Cd. Pre-infection exposure to Cd caused a significant reduction in the infection rates where the effect was temperature-dependent. Post-infection exposure to Cd significantly increased the percentage of cercariae-shedding snails; the effect was temperature-independent. Interestingly, post-infection exposure significantly altered the differential cercarial output pattern, while no clear impact on the total was found. The alteration in the differential cercarial output was represented as a significantly higher proportion of floating metacercaria as compared to fixed ones and also higher proportion of dead cercariae which may directly reduce the transmission of Fasciola to the final host. The mechanisms of cadmium impact are briefly discussed.

Expression pattern of aquaporins in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome with edema

PubMed Central

WANG, YU; BU, JIMEI; ZHANG, QING; CHEN, KAI; ZHANG, JIHONG; BAO, XIAORONG

2015-01-01

The association between the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in kidney tissues and the occurrence of edema in nephrotic syndrome (NS) remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate this association. A total of 54 patients with primary glomerular disease, diagnosed by renal biopsy, were divided into three groups: Control, NS without edema and NS with edema. The expression of AQP1, AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in kidney tissues from these patients was assessed using immunohistochemistry, and urinary AQP concentrations were quantified by ELISA. Comparison of the three groups was conducted using one way analysis of variance, independent samples t-test or the Chi-square test. AQP1 was strongly expressed in the proximal tubules. The proportion of the AQP1-positive area in kidney tissues from patients with NS with edema was significantly reduced, in comparison with the other two groups. By contrast, the proportion of the AQP2-positive area in the NS with edema group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups; significant differences were also observed between the control and NS without edema groups for this parameter. Urinary AQP2 concentrations in patients with NS (with and without edema) were significantly higher than that of the control group, and exhibited a significant positive correlation with kidney tissue AQP2 concentrations. The present study demonstrated the abnormal expression pattern of AQP1-AQP4 in the kidney tissues of patients with NS, providing a basis for an improved understanding of the role of AQP in the pathogenesis of NS. PMID:26261083

Evaluating Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnostic Criteria in Older Children and Adolescents

PubMed Central

Scheeringa, Michael S.; Weems, Carl F.

2017-01-01

Abstract Objectives: Few studies have assessed how the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) apply to older children and adolescents. With the introduction of a new, developmentally sensitive set of criteria for very young children (age 6 years and younger) in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), this raises new questions about the validity of the criteria for older children and adolescents. The current study investigated how diagnostic changes in DSM-5 impact diagnosis rates in 7–18-year olds. Methods: PTSD, impairment, and comorbid psychopathology were assessed in 135 trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking participants. Children (ages 7–12) were examined separately from adolescents (ages 13–18) to assess for potential developmental differences. Results: A significantly higher proportion of 7–12-year-old children met criteria for DSM-5 diagnosis (53%) compared to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) (37%). However, among 13–18-year-old adolescents, the proportions diagnosed with DSM-5 (73%) and DSM-IV (74%) did not differ. Participants who met criteria for DSM-5 only (17%) did not differ from those diagnosed with DSM-IV in terms impairment or comorbidity. Using the newly accepted age 6 years and younger criteria resulted in a significantly higher proportion of 7–12-year-old (but not 13–18-year olds) children meeting criteria compared to DSM-IV or DSM-5. However, these children showed less impairment and comorbidity than those diagnosed with DSM-IV. Conclusion: These findings suggest that DSM-5 criteria may be more developmentally sensitive than DSM-IV criteria, and may lead to higher prevalence rates of PTSD for 7–12-year-old children, but not for adolescents. Using the very young children criteria for 7–12-year-old children may further increase prevalence, but capture children with less severe psychopathology. PMID:28170306

Evaluating Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnostic Criteria in Older Children and Adolescents.

PubMed

Mikolajewski, Amy J; Scheeringa, Michael S; Weems, Carl F

2017-05-01

Few studies have assessed how the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) apply to older children and adolescents. With the introduction of a new, developmentally sensitive set of criteria for very young children (age 6 years and younger) in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), this raises new questions about the validity of the criteria for older children and adolescents. The current study investigated how diagnostic changes in DSM-5 impact diagnosis rates in 7-18-year olds. PTSD, impairment, and comorbid psychopathology were assessed in 135 trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking participants. Children (ages 7-12) were examined separately from adolescents (ages 13-18) to assess for potential developmental differences. A significantly higher proportion of 7-12-year-old children met criteria for DSM-5 diagnosis (53%) compared to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) (37%). However, among 13-18-year-old adolescents, the proportions diagnosed with DSM-5 (73%) and DSM-IV (74%) did not differ. Participants who met criteria for DSM-5 only (17%) did not differ from those diagnosed with DSM-IV in terms impairment or comorbidity. Using the newly accepted age 6 years and younger criteria resulted in a significantly higher proportion of 7-12-year-old (but not 13-18-year olds) children meeting criteria compared to DSM-IV or DSM-5. However, these children showed less impairment and comorbidity than those diagnosed with DSM-IV. These findings suggest that DSM-5 criteria may be more developmentally sensitive than DSM-IV criteria, and may lead to higher prevalence rates of PTSD for 7-12-year-old children, but not for adolescents. Using the very young children criteria for 7-12-year-old children may further increase prevalence, but capture children with less severe psychopathology.

The Placebo Response in Pediatric Abdominal Pain-Related Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Hoekman, Daniël R; Zeevenhooven, Judith; van Etten-Jamaludin, Faridi S; Douwes Dekker, Iuke; Benninga, Marc A; Tabbers, Merit M; Vlieger, Arine M

2017-03-01

To investigate the magnitude and determinants of the placebo response in studies with pediatric abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched for systematic reviews and randomized placebo-controlled trials concerning children 4-18 years of age with an abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorder. The primary outcome was the pooled proportion of subjects assigned to placebo with improvement as defined by the authors. The effect of trial characteristics on the magnitude of the placebo response was investigated using univariate meta-regression analysis. Twenty-one trials were identified. The pooled proportion of subjects with improvement was 41% (95% CI, 34%-49%; 17 studies) and with no pain was 17% (95% CI, 8%-32%; 7 studies). The pooled standardized mean difference on the Faces Pain Scales compared with baseline was -0.73 (95% CI, -1.04 to -0.42; 8 studies). There was significant heterogeneity across studies with respect to both outcomes. Lower dosing frequency (P = .04), positive study (P = .03), longer duration of treatment (P < .001), and higher placebo dropout (P < .001) were associated with higher report of no pain. Response on Faces Pain Scales was greater in studies conducted in the Middle East (P = .002), in studies that did not report the randomization schedule (P = .02), and in studies with a higher percentage of females (P = .04). Approximately 41% of children with abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders improve on placebo. Several trial characteristics are correlated significantly with the proportion of patients with no pain on placebo and with the magnitude of the placebo response on Faces Pain Scales. These data could be valuable for the design of future studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lack of efficacy of homeopathic therapy against post-calving clinical mastitis in dairy herds in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

PubMed

Williamson, J H; Lacy-Hulbert, S J

2014-01-01

To compare clinical and bacteriological cure rates of clinical mastitis following treatment with either antimicrobials or homeopathic preparations. Seven spring-calving herds from the Waikato region of New Zealand were used to source cases of clinical mastitis (n = 263 glands) during the first 90 days following calving. Duplicate milk samples were collected for bacteriology from each clinically infected gland at diagnosis and 25 (SD 5.3) days after initial treatment. Affected glands were treated with either an antimicrobial formulation or a homeopathic remedy. Generalised linear models with binomial error distribution and logit link were used to analyse the proportion of cows that were clinical treatment cures and the proportion of glands that were classified as bacteriological cures, based on initial and post-treatment milk samples. Mean cumulative incidence of clinical mastitis was 7% (range 2-13% across herds) of cows. Streptococcus uberis was the most common pathogen isolated from culture-positive samples from affected glands (140/209; 67%). The clinical cure rate was higher for cows treated with antimicrobials (107/113; 95%) than for cows treated with homeopathic remedies (72/114; 63%) (p < 0.001) based on the observance of clinical signs following initial treatment. Across all pathogen types bacteriological cure rate at gland level was higher for those cows treated with antimicrobials (75/102; 74%) than for those treated with a homeopathic preparation (39/107; 36%) (p < 0.001). Using herds located in the Waikato region of New Zealand, homeopathic remedies had significantly lower clinical and bacteriological cure rates compared with antimicrobials when used to treat post-calving clinical mastitis where S. uberis was the most common pathogen. The proportion of cows that needed retreatment was significantly higher for the homeopathic treated cows. This, combined with lower bacteriological cure rates, has implications for duration of infection, individual cow somatic cell count, costs associated with treatment and animal welfare.

Energy requirements of the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus): impacts of age, growth and body size in a large desert-dwelling herbivore.

PubMed

Munn, A J; Dawson, T J

2003-09-01

Generally, young growing mammals have resting metabolic rates (RMRs) that are proportionally greater than those of adult animals. This is seen in the red kangaroo ( Macropus rufus), a large (>20 kg) herbivorous marsupial common to arid and semi-arid inland Australia. Juvenile red kangaroos have RMRs 1.5-1.6 times those expected for adult marsupials of an equivalent body mass. When fed high-quality chopped lucerne hay, young-at-foot (YAF) kangaroos, which have permanently left the mother's pouch but are still sucking, and recently weaned red kangaroos had digestible energy intakes of 641+/-27 kJ kg(-0.75) day(-1) and 677+/-26 kJ kg(-0.75) day(-1), respectively, significantly higher than the 385+/-37 kJ kg(-0.75) day(-1) ingested by mature, non-lactating females. However, YAF and weaned red kangaroos had maintenance energy requirements (MERs) that were not significantly higher than those of mature, non-lactating females, the values ranging between 384 kJ kg(-0.75) day(-1) and 390 kJ kg(-0.75) day(-1) digestible energy. Importantly, the MER of mature female red kangaroos was 84% of that previously reported for similarly sized, but still growing, male red kangaroos. Growth was the main factor affecting the proportionally higher energy requirements of the juvenile red kangaroos relative to non-reproductive mature females. On a good quality diet, juvenile red kangaroos from permanent pouch exit until shortly after weaning (ca. 220-400 days) had average growth rates of 55 g body mass day(-1). At this level of growth, juveniles had total daily digestible energy requirements (i.e. MER plus growth energy requirements) that were 1.7-1.8 times the MER of mature, non-reproductive females. Our data suggest that the proportionally higher RMR of juvenile red kangaroos is largely explained by the additional energy needed for growth. Energy contents of the tissue gained by the YAF and weaned red kangaroos during growth were estimated to be 5.3 kJ g(-1), within the range found for most young growing mammals.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of traditional Chinese medicine-induced liver injury: a systematic review.

PubMed

Wang, Ran; Qi, Xingshun; Yoshida, Eric M; Méndez-Sánchez, Nahum; Teschke, Rolf; Sun, Mingyu; Liu, Xu; Su, Chunping; Deng, Jiao; Deng, Han; Hou, Feifei; Guo, Xiaozhong

2018-04-01

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is becoming increasingly popular and related adverse events are often ignored or underestimated. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of TCM-induced liver injury (TCM-ILI) and to estimate the proportion of TCM-ILI in all drug-induced liver injuries (DILI). China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched. Demographic, clinical, and survival data were extracted and pooled. Factors associated with worse outcomes were calculated. For the proportion meta-analyses, the data were pooled by using a random-effects model. Overall, 21,027 articles were retrieved, of which 625 were finally included. There was a predominance of female and older patients. The proportion of liver transplantation was 2.18% (7/321). The mortality was 4.67% (15/321). Male, higher aspartate aminotransferase and direct bilirubin, and lower albumin were significantly associated with an increased risk of death/liver transplantation in TCM-ILI patients. The proportion of TCM-ILI in all DILI was 25.71%. The proportion was gradually increased with year. Our work summarises current knowledge regarding clinical presentation, disease course, and prognosis of TCM-ILI. TCM can result in hepatotoxicity, even death or necessitate life-saving liver transplantation. Governmental regulation of TCM products should be strictly established.

Administration of cyclosporin A to recipients improves the potential of mouse somatic cell nuclear-transferred oocytes to develop to fetuses.

PubMed

Tsuji, Yuta; Kato, Yoko; Tsunoda, Yukio

2012-08-01

Somatic cell nuclear-transferred (SCNT) oocytes have a high potential for development in vitro, but a large proportion of embryos that are transferred to recipients is aborted before parturition. The precise mechanism for the high abortion rate is unknown, but abnormal placenta formation is frequently observed in SCNT-cloned pregnancies. The present study examined the effects of treating the recipients with cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunoprotectant, on the proportion of fetuses resulting from SCNT-cloned pregnancies. Cloned embryos developed from enucleated oocytes and receiving cumulus cells from F1 (C57BL/6 × DBA, H-2b/d) females were transferred to outbred ICR (in which the H-2 complex was not fixed) recipient females. Each recipient received an intraperitoneal injection of CsA or vehicle. Compared with vehicle, administration of CsA to recipients on day 4.5 of pregnancy significantly increased the proportion of fetuses observed on day 10.5. The proportion of fetuses at day 18.5 of pregnancy in recipients receiving CsA treatment was slightly higher than that in controls. This study is the first to report that CsA administration increases the proportion of fetuses resulting from SCNT-cloned pregnancies.

Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for Nursing Homes Motivate Select Culture Change Practices But Not Comprehensive Culture Change

PubMed Central

LEPORE, MICHAEL J.; SHIELD, RENÉE R.; LOOZE, JESSICA; TYLER, DENISE; MOR, VINCENT; MILLER, SUSAN C.

2016-01-01

Components of nursing home (NH) culture change include resident-centeredness, empowerment, and home likeness, but practices reflective of these components may be found in both traditional and “culture change” NHs. We use mixed methods to examine the presence of culture change practices in the context of an NH’s payer sources. Qualitative data show how higher pay from Medicare versus Medicaid influences implementation of select culture change practices, and quantitative data show NHs with higher proportions of Medicare residents have significantly higher (measured) environmental culture change implementation. Findings indicate that heightened coordination of Medicare and Medicaid could influence NH implementation of reform practices. PMID:25941947

Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for Nursing Homes Motivate Select Culture Change Practices But Not Comprehensive Culture Change.

PubMed

Lepore, Michael J; Shield, Renée R; Looze, Jessica; Tyler, Denise; Mor, Vincent; Miller, Susan C

2015-01-01

Components of nursing home (NH) culture change include resident-centeredness, empowerment, and home likeness, but practices reflective of these components may be found in both traditional and "culture change" NHs. We use mixed methods to examine the presence of culture change practices in the context of an NH's payer sources. Qualitative data show how higher pay from Medicare versus Medicaid influences implementation of select culture change practices, and quantitative data show NHs with higher proportions of Medicare residents have significantly higher (measured) environmental culture change implementation. Findings indicate that heightened coordination of Medicare and Medicaid could influence NH implementation of reform practices.

Do socio-economic factors, elderly population size and service development factors influence the development of specialist mental health programs for older people?

PubMed

Shah, Ajit

2008-12-01

Despite the increase in the proportion of older people in the population, little is known about factors that facilitate the development of specialist mental health services for older people. The relationship between the presence of specialist mental health programs for older people and elderly population size, proportion of older people in the population, gross national domestic product (GDP), and various parameters of health funding, mental health funding and mental health service provision was examined in an ecological study using data from the World Health Organization. The presence of specialist mental health programs for older people was significantly associated with higher GDP, higher expenditure on healthcare and mental healthcare, the presence of a national mental health policy and a national mental health program, the availability of mental health care in primary care and the community, and higher density of psychiatric beds, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and social workers. The challenge will be to persuade policy-makers in low and medium income countries, where the increase in the elderly population is most rapid, to develop specialist mental health services for older people.

Bioavailability of riverine dissolved organic matter in three Baltic Sea estuaries and the effect of catchment land-use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmala, E.; Autio, R.; Kaartokallio, H.; Pitkänen, L.; Stedmon, C. A.; Thomas, D. N.

2013-06-01

The microbial degradation of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC, DON) was studied in three boreal estuaries with contrasting land use patterns (Kiiminkijoki - natural forest and peatland; Kyrönjoki - agricultural; Karjaanjoki - mixed/urban). Bioassays conducted for 12-18 days were used in 3 seasons at in situ temperatures. Besides the bulk parameters, a suite of dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality parameters were investigated, including colored DOM (CDOM), fluorescent DOM and the molecular weight of DOM. Bioavailable DOC and DON pools varied significantly between the estuaries, from 7.9% in Kiiminkijoki to 10.6% in Karjaanjoki and from 5.5% in Kiiminkijoki to 21.9% in Kyrönjoki, respectively. DOM originating from catchment dominated by natural forests and peatlands had the lowest DOC and DON degradation rates, as well as the lowest proportions of biodegradable DOC and DON. A greater proportion of agricultural land in the catchment increased the bioavailability of DON, but not the bioavailability of DOC. Also DOM quality varied significantly between the estuaries, and DOM originating from the agricultural Kyrönjoki catchment sustained higher DOC and DON degradation rates and higher bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) compared to those of the natural forest and peat dominated Kiiminkijoki catchment. The quality of DOM, indicated by differences in CDOM, fluorescent DOM and molecular weight, varied between estuaries with differing land use and was concluded to be major driver of BGE of these systems and thereafter to the microbial CO2 fluxes from the estuaries. The differences in BGE resulted in a 5-fold differences in the calculated daily bacterial CO2-emissions between the study estuaries due to bacterial activity, ranging from 40 kg C d-1 in Karjaanjoki estuary to 200 kg C d-1 in Kyrönjoki estuary. Two of the study systems (Karjaanjoki, mixed land use; Kyrönjoki, intensive agriculture) in which the DOM pool had lower DOC : DON ratio, smaller molecular weight and higher CDOM absorption spectral slope values resulted in higher proportion of the initial DOC and DON being transferred to microbial growth and therefore to the pelagic food web. The pristine, peatland and forest-dominated Kiiminkijoki catchment had the lowest BGE, and therefore proportionally highest CO2 fluxes. The slope coefficient S275-295 was a good proxy of molecular weight across estuaries and seasons, and also for different diagenetic stages of DOM during biological degradation.

Implementing a Measurement Feedback System in Community Mental Health Clinics: A Case Study of Multilevel Barriers and Facilitators

PubMed Central

Gleacher, Alissa A.; Olin, Serene S.; Nadeem, Erum; Pollock, Michele; Ringle, Vanesa; Bickman, Leonard; Douglas, Susan; Hoagwood, Kimberly

2015-01-01

Measurement feedback systems (MFSs) have been proposed as a means of improving practice. The present study examined the implementation of a MFS, the Contextualized Feedback System (CFS), in two community-based clinic sites. Significant implementation differences across sites provided a basis for examining factors that influenced clinician uptake of CFS. Following the theoretical implementation framework of Aarons, Hurlburt & Horwitz (2011), we coded qualitative data collected from eighteen clinicians (13 from Clinic U and 5 from Clinic R) who participated in semi-structured interviews about their experience with CFS implementation. Results suggest that clinicians at both clinics perceived more barriers than facilitators to CFS implementation. Interestingly, clinicians at the higher implementing clinic reported a higher proportion of barriers to facilitators (3:1 vs. 2:1); however, these clinicians also reported a significantly higher level of organizational and leadership supports for CFS implementation. Implications of these findings are discussed. PMID:25735619

Incentivizing advanced mathematics study at upper secondary level: the case of bonus points in Ireland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Treacy, Páraic Thomas

2018-04-01

Secondary level mathematics education in Ireland has recently experienced a period of significant change with the introduction of new curricula and the addition of an incentive to study upper secondary mathematics at the most advanced level (Higher Level). This incentive, typically referred to as 'bonus points', appears to have aided a significant increase in the number of students studying upper secondary mathematics at Higher Level. However, thematic analysis of interviews with experienced upper secondary mathematics examiners and exploration of mathematics diagnostic test data outlined in this paper suggest that the difficulty of the Higher Level upper secondary mathematics final examination in Ireland has reduced since the introduction of the bonus points initiative. The sharp increase in students attempting this examination coupled with a policy of maintaining a consistent proportion of students achieving passing grades was identified as a key reason for this possible reduction in standards.

School Segregation of Children Who Migrate to the U.S. from Puerto Rico.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laosa, Luis M.

2001-01-01

Examined patterns of school segregation and other ecological characteristics of 89 schools attended by Puerto Rican students who migrated to the mainland United States (New Jersey). Correlations show that the higher the proportion of Hispanics/Latinos, the higher the student body's proportion of students from economically impoverished households…

Allelopathic effects of water extracts ofArtemisia princeps var.orientalis on selected plant species.

PubMed

Kil, B S; Yun, K W

1992-01-01

The allelopathic effects of wormwood plants (Artemisia princeps var.orientalis) and their possible phytotoxicity on receptor species were investigated. The aqueous extracts of mature leaf, stem, and root of wormwood plants caused significant inhibition in germination and decreased seedling elongation of receptor plants, whereas germination of some species was not inhibited by extracts of stems and roots. Dry weight growth was slightly increased at lower concentrations of the extract, whereas it was proportionally inhibited at higher concentrations. The calorie value of the organic matter in receptor plants measured by bomb calorimeter was reduced proportionally to the extract concentration. However, results with extracts of juvenile leaf did not correlate with inhibition or promotion of elongation and dry weight.

The solubility of quartz in aqueous sodium chloride solution at 350°C and 180 to 500 bars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fournier, Robert O.; Rosenbauer, Robert J.; Bischoff, James L.

1982-01-01

The solubility of quartz in 2, 3, and 4 molal NaCl was measured at 350°C and pressures ranging from 180 to 500 bars. The molal solubility in each of the salt solutions is greater than that in pure water throughout the measured pressure range, with the ratio of solubility in NaCl solution to solubility in pure water decreasing as pressure is increased. The measured solubilities are significantly higher than solubilities calculated using a simple model in which the water activity in NaCl solutions decreases either in proportion to decreasing vapor pressure of the solution as salinity is increased or in proportion to decreasing mole fraction of water in the solvent.

An assessment of polyurethane foam passive samplers for atmospheric metals compared with active samplers.

PubMed

Li, Qilu; Yang, Kong; Li, Jun; Zeng, Xiangying; Yu, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Gan

2018-05-01

In this study, we conducted an assessment of polyurethane foam (PUF) passive sampling for metals combining active sampling. Remarkably, we found that the metals collected in the passive samples differed greatly from those collected in active samples. By composition, Cu and Ni accounted for significantly higher proportions in passive samples than in active samples, leading to significantly higher uptake rates of Cu and Ni. In assessing seasonal variation, metals in passive samples had higher concentrations in summer (excluding Heshan), which differed greatly from the pattern of active samples (winter > summer), indicating that the uptake rates of most metals were higher in summer than in winter. Overall, due to the stable passive uptake rates, we considered that PUF passive samplers can be applied to collect atmospheric metals. Additionally, we created a snapshot of the metal pollution in the Pearl River Delta using principal component analysis of PUF samples and their source apportionment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differences in participation based on self-esteem in power and manual wheelchair users on a university campus: a pilot study.

PubMed

Rice, Ian M; Wong, Alex W K; Salentine, Benjamin A; Rice, Laura A

2015-03-01

To examine the relationship of self-esteem and wheelchair type with participation of young adult manual and power wheelchair users with diverse physical disabilities. Cross-sectional survey study. Large University Campus. A convenience sample of college students (N = 39) with self-reported physical disabilities who are full time wheelchair users (>40 per week) and are two or more years post illness or injury. Not applicable. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to measure self-esteem, and the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique was used to measure participation. Self-esteem correlated highly with cognitive independence (CI) (r = 0.58), mobility (r = 0.67) and social integration (SI) (r = 0.52). Use of manual wheelchair was significantly related to higher levels of CI and mobility while longer use of any wheelchair (power or manual) was significantly associated with higher levels of mobility and SI. In addition higher self-esteem independently predicted a significant proportion of the variance in CI, mobility and SI, while type of wheelchair predicted a significant proportion of the variance in CI (p < 0.005). High self-esteem was found to be the strongest predictor of participation in a population of young adults with mobility limitations. Better understanding of the factors influencing participation may help to facilitate new interventions to minimize the disparities between persons with disabilities and their able bodied peers. Implication for Rehabilitation A total of 46.8% of wheelchair users report the desire for increased community participant but face significant barriers. The type of wheelchair has been identified as having a large impact on participation. This study found self-esteem to be the strongest predictor of participation, which is notable because self-esteem is a characteristic that is potentially modifiable with treatment.

Phylogenetic relationships, biofilm formation, motility, antibiotic resistance and extended virulence genotypes among Escherichia coli strains from women with community-onset primitive acute pyelonephritis.

PubMed

Pompilio, Arianna; Crocetta, Valentina; Savini, Vincenzo; Petrelli, Dezemona; Di Nicola, Marta; Bucco, Silvia; Amoroso, Luigi; Bonomini, Mario; Di Bonaventura, Giovanni

2018-01-01

The present work set out to search for a virulence repertoire distinctive for Escherichia coli causing primitive acute pyelonephritis (APN). To this end, the virulence potential of 18 E. coli APN strains was genotypically and phenotypically assessed, comparatively with 19 strains causing recurrent cystitis (RC), and 16 clinically not significant (control, CO) strains. Most of the strains belong to phylogenetic group B1 (69.8%; p<0.01), and APN strains showed unique features, which are the presence of phylogroup A, and the absence of phylogroup B2 and non-typeable strains. Overall, the most dominant virulence factor genes (VFGs) were ecpA and fyuA (92.4 and 86.7%, respectively; p<0.05), and the mean number of VFGs was significantly higher in uropathogenic strains. Particularly, papAH and malX were exclusive for uropathogenic strains. APN and RC strains showed a significantly higher prevalence of fyuA, usp, and malX than of CO strains. Compared to RC strains, APN ones showed a higher prevalence of iha, but a lower prevalence of iroN, cnf1, and kpsMT-II. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed a higher proportion of two gene clusters (malX and usp, and fyuA and ecpA) were detected in the APN and RC groups than in CO, whereas iutA and iha clusters were detected more frequently in APN strains. The motility level did not differ among the study-groups and phylogroups considered, although a higher proportion of swarming strains was observed in APN strains. Antibiotic-resistance rates were generally low except for ampicillin (37.7%), and were not associated with specific study- or phylogenetic groups. APN and RC strains produced more biofilm than CO strains. In APN strains, iha was associated with higher biofilm biomass formation, whereas iroN and KpSMT-K1 were associated with a lower amount of biofilm biomass. Further work is needed to grasp the virulence and fitness mechanisms adopted by E. coli causing APN, and hence develop new therapeutic and prophylactic approaches.

Intestinal microbiota of 6-week-old infants across Europe: geographic influence beyond delivery mode, breast-feeding, and antibiotics.

PubMed

Fallani, Matteo; Young, David; Scott, Jane; Norin, Elisabeth; Amarri, Sergio; Adam, Rüdiger; Aguilera, Marga; Khanna, Sheila; Gil, Angel; Edwards, Christine A; Doré, Joël

2010-07-01

: There are many differences in diet and lifestyle across Europe that may influence the development of the infant gut microbiota. This work aimed to assess the impact of geographic area, mode of delivery, feeding method, and antibiotic treatment on the fecal microbiota of infants from 5 European countries with different lifestyle characteristics: Sweden, Scotland, Germany, Italy, and Spain. : Fecal samples from 606 infants (age 6 weeks) recruited within the European project INFABIO were analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization combined with flow cytometry using a panel of 10 rRNA targeted group- and species-specific oligonucleotide probes. Information on factors potentially affecting gut microbiota composition was collected with questionnaires and associations were evaluated with multivariate analyses. : The Bifidobacterium genus was predominant (40% average proportion of total detectable bacteria), followed by Bacteroides (11.4%) and enterobacteria (7.5%). Northern European countries were associated with higher proportions of bifidobacteria in infant feces, whereas a more diverse microbiota with more bacteroides characterized southern countries. Bifidobacteria dominated the microbiota of breast-fed infants, whereas formula-fed babies had significantly higher proportions of Bacteroides and members of the Clostridium coccoides and Lactobacillus groups. Newborns delivered by cesarean section or from mothers treated with antibiotics perinatally had lower proportions of Bacteroides and members of the Atopobium cluster. : Delivery mode and feeding method influenced the fecal microbiota of European infants at 6 weeks, as expected, but the effect of country of birth was more pronounced, with dominant bifidobacteria in northern countries and greater early diversification in southern European countries.

Correlates of bushmeat in markets and depletion of wildlife.

PubMed

Fa, John E; Olivero, Jesus; Farfán, Miguel Á; Márquez, Ana L; Duarte, Jesús; Nackoney, Janet; Hall, Amy; Dupain, Jef; Seymour, Sarah; Johnson, Paul J; Macdonald, David W; Real, Raimundo; Vargas, Juan M

2015-06-01

We used data on number of carcasses of wildlife species sold in 79 bushmeat markets in a region of Nigeria and Cameroon to assess whether species composition of a market could be explained by anthropogenic pressures and environmental variables around each market. More than 45 mammal species from 9 orders were traded across all markets; mostly ungulates and rodents. For each market, we determined median body mass, species diversity (game diversity), and taxa that were principal contributors to the total number of carcasses for sale (game dominance). Human population density in surrounding areas was significantly and negatively related to the percentage ungulates and primates sold in markets and significantly and positively related to the proportion of rodents. The proportion of carnivores sold was higher in markets with high human population densities. Proportion of small-bodied mammals (<1 kg) sold in markets increased as human population density increased, but proportion of large-bodied mammals (>10 kg) decreased as human population density increased. We calculated an index of game depletion (GDI) for each market from the sum of the total number of carcasses traded per annum and species, weighted by the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rmax ) of each species, divided by individuals traded in a market. The GDI of a market increased as the proportion of fast-reproducing species (highest rmax ) increased and as the representation of species with lowest rmax (slow-reproducing) decreased. The best explanatory factor for a market's GDI was anthropogenic pressure-road density, human settlements with >3000 inhabitants, and nonforest vegetation. High and low GDI were significantly differentiated by human density and human settlements with >3000 inhabitants. Our results provided empirical evidence that human activity is correlated with more depleted bushmeat faunas and can be used as a proxy to determine areas in need of conservation action. © 2015 Society for Conservation Biology.

Evaluation of the effect of storage condition on cell extraction and flow cytometric analysis from intestinal biopsies.

PubMed

Wildenberg, Manon E; Duijvestein, Marjolijn; Westera, Liset; van Viegen, Tanja; Buskens, Christianne J; van der Bilt, Jarmila D W; Stitt, Larry; Jairath, Vipul; Feagan, Brian G; Vande Casteele, Niels

2018-06-01

Flow cytometric (FC) analysis of intestinal tissue biopsies requires prompt cell isolation and processing to prevent cell death and generate valid data. We examined the effect of storage conditions prior to cell isolation and FC on viable cell yield and the proportions of immune cell phenotypes from intestinal biopsies. Biopsies (N = 224) from inflamed or non-inflamed ileal and/or colonic tissue from three patients with Crohn's disease were processed and analyzed immediately in duplicate, or stored under different conditions. Cells were isolated and stained for specific markers, followed by FC. Decreased mean live CD45+ cell counts were observed after storage of biopsies at -80 °C dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/citrate buffer compared with immediate processing (1794.3 vs. 19,672.7; p = 0.006]). A non-significant decrease in CD45+ live cell count occurred after storage at -20 °C in DMSO/citrate buffer and cell yield was adequate for subsequent analysis. CD3+ cell proportions were significantly lower after storage at 4 °C in complete medium for 48 h compared with immediate analysis. Mean CD14+ cell proportions were significantly higher after storage of biopsies at -80 °C in DMSO/citrate buffer compared with immediate analysis (2.61% vs. 1.31%, p = 0.007). CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ cell proportions were unaffected by storage condition. Storage of intestinal tissue biopsies at -20 °C in DMSO/citrate buffer for up to 48 h resulted in sufficient viable cell yield for FC analysis without affecting subsequent marker-positive cell proportions. These findings support the potential shipping and storage of intestinal biopsies for centralized FC analysis in multicenter clinical trials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of psychological characteristics of obese children.

PubMed

Liu, L-F; Bian, Q-T; Zhai, J-G

2017-06-01

We conducted this study to analyze the psychological characteristics of obese children. We selected 60 cases of obese children as obesity group and according to 1:1 matching principle, we selected 60 normal weight children as the control group. We investigated and analyzed children's family behavior, mental health, temperament, self-consciousness and social adaptability. The proportion of children with adverse behavior in the obesity group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In the psychological health assessment, we compared the emotional disorder, social adjustment disorder, bad habits and behavior disorder score of both groups, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). We compared the temperament dimension score of both groups in avoidance, emotional nature, distractibility and threshold of reaction; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The proportion of negative temperament types in the obesity group were significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). We compared the self-awareness levels of both groups with regards to body appearance and properties such as gregariousness, happiness, satisfaction and total scores of self-concept aspects; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The level of social adaptive ability of the obesity group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Children that demonstrate bad family behavior and that have a temperament which makes them difficult to raise are important factors related to obesity. Obese children often have mental and behavioral disorders, aversion, high emotional nature, low distractibility and threshold of reaction, damaged self-awareness, low self-evaluation, are not gregarious, demonstrate unhappiness and satisfaction and have poor social adaptation ability. Obesity is a cause for social concern. We need to strengthen the mental health education of obesity and promote the healthy development of children both physically and mentally.

Influence of substrate type and temperature on the developmental morphology of Pandora neoaphidis (Zygomycetes: entomophthorales), a pathogen of the tobacco aphid (Homoptera: aphididae).

PubMed

Dara, S K; Semtner, P J

1998-09-01

Developmental morphology of Pandora neoaphidis was observed on the surfaces of the tobacco aphid, Myzus nicotianae, tobacco leaves (Nicotiana tabacum), and glass coverslips at 13 and 20 degrees C for 12 and 24 h postinoculation. Pandora neoaphidis responded similarly on the two living substrates, but differed on the inert coverslips. The proportions of ellipsoid conidia (primary and secondary) were similar on all substrates. Higher proportions of appressoria and lower proportions of round secondary conidia and germinating conidia occurred on the aphids and leaves than on the coverslips. Appressoria predominated over round secondary conidia and germinating conidia on the living substrates at 20 degrees C, but the opposite was seen at 13 degrees C. The proportions of ellipsoid conidia were similar at both temperatures. On coverslips, the proportions of appressoria and round secondary conidia were similar at both temperatures. However, the proportions of germinating and ellipsoid conidia were higher at 13 and 20 degrees C, respectively. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Comparison of Concussion Rates Between NCAA Division I and Division III Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Players.

PubMed

Rosene, John M; Raksnis, Bryan; Silva, Brie; Woefel, Tyler; Visich, Paul S; Dompier, Thomas P; Kerr, Zachary Y

2017-09-01

Examinations related to divisional differences in the incidence of sports-related concussions (SRC) in collegiate ice hockey are limited. To compare the epidemiologic patterns of concussion in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) ice hockey by sex and division. Descriptive epidemiology study. A convenience sample of men's and women's ice hockey teams in Divisions I and III provided SRC data via the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during the 2009-2010 to 2014-2015 academic years. Concussion counts, rates, and distributions were examined by factors including injury activity and position. Injury rate ratios (IRRs) and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare concussion rates and distributions, respectively. Overall, 415 concussions were reported for men's and women's ice hockey combined. The highest concussion rate was found in Division I men (0.83 per 1000 athlete-exposures [AEs]), followed by Division III women (0.78/1000 AEs), Division I women (0.65/1000 AEs), and Division III men (0.64/1000 AEs). However, the only significant IRR was that the concussion rate was higher in Division I men than Division III men (IRR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.65). The proportion of concussions from checking was higher in men than women (28.5% vs 9.4%; IPR = 3.02; 95% CI, 1.63-5.59); however, this proportion was higher in Division I women than Division III women (18.4% vs 1.8%; IPR = 10.47; 95% CI, 1.37-79.75). The proportion of concussions sustained by goalkeepers was higher in women than men (14.2% vs 2.9%; IPR = 4.86; 95% CI, 2.19-10.77), with findings consistent within each division. Concussion rates did not vary by sex but differed by division among men. Checking-related concussions were less common in women than men overall but more common in Division I women than Division III women. Findings highlight the need to better understand the reasons underlying divisional differences within men's and women's ice hockey and the need to develop concussion prevention strategies specific to each athlete population.

Statistical Significance and Baseline Monitoring.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-07-01

impacted at once........................... 24 6 Observed versus nominal a levels for multivariate tests of data sets (50 runs of 4 groups each...cumulative proportion of the observations found for each nominal level. The results of the comparisons of the observed versus nominal a levels for the...a values are always higher than nominal levels. Virtual- . .,ly all nominal a levels are below 0.20. In other words, the discriminant analysis models

Intraindividual variation in core microbiota in peri-implantitis and periodontitis

PubMed Central

Maruyama, Noriko; Maruyama, Fumito; Takeuchi, Yasuo; Aikawa, Chihiro; Izumi, Yuichi; Nakagawa, Ichiro

2014-01-01

The oral microbiota change dramatically with each part of the oral cavity, even within the same mouth. Nevertheless, the microbiota associated with peri-implantitis and periodontitis have been considered the same. To improve our knowledge of the different communities of complex oral microbiota, we compared the microbial features between peri-implantitis and periodontitis in 20 patients with both diseases. Although the clinical symptoms of peri-implantitis were similar to those of periodontitis, the core microbiota of the diseases differed. Correlation analysis revealed the specific microbial co-occurrence patterns and found some of the species were associated with the clinical parameters in a disease-specific manner. The proportion of Prevotella nigrescens was significantly higher in peri-implantitis than in periodontitis, while the proportions of Peptostreptococcaceae sp. and Desulfomicrobium orale were significantly higher in periodontitis than in peri-implantitis. The severity of the peri-implantitis was also species-associated, including with an uncultured Treponema sp. that correlated to 4 clinical parameters. These results indicate that peri-implantitis and periodontitis are both polymicrobial infections with different causative pathogens. Our study provides a framework for the ecologically different bacterial communities between peri-implantitis and periodontitis, and it will be useful for further studies to understand the complex microbiota and pathogenic mechanisms of oral polymicrobial diseases. PMID:25308100

Ecological explanations to island gigantism: dietary niche divergence, predation, and size in an endemic lizard.

PubMed

Runemark, Anna; Sagonas, Kostas; Svensson, Erik I

2015-08-01

Although rapid evolution of body size on islands has long been known, the ecological mechanisms behind this island phenomenon remain poorly understood. Diet is an important selective pressure for morphological divergence. Here we investigate if selection for novel diets has contributed to the multiple independent cases of island gigantism in the Skyros wall lizard (Podarcis gaigeae) and if diet, predation, or both factors best explain island gigantism. We combined data on body size, shape, bite force, and realized and available diets to address this. Several lines of evidence suggest that diet has contributed to the island gigantism. The larger islet lizards have relatively wider heads and higher bite performance in relation to mainland lizards than would be expected from size differences alone. The proportions of consumed and available hard prey are higher on islets than mainland localities, and lizard body size is significantly correlated with the proportion of hard prey. Furthermore, the main axis of divergence in head shape is significantly correlated with dietary divergence. Finally, a model with only diet and one including diet and predation regime explain body size divergence equally well. Our results suggest that diet is an important ecological factor behind insular body size divergence, but could be consistent with an additional role for predation.

Effect of germination and thermal treatments on folates in rye.

PubMed

Kariluoto, Susanna; Liukkonen, Kirsi-Helena; Myllymäki, Olavi; Vahteristo, Liisa; Kaukovirta-Norja, Anu; Piironen, Vieno

2006-12-13

Effects of germination conditions and thermal processes on folate contents of rye were investigated. Total folate contents were determined microbiologically with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 7469) as the growth indicator organism, and individual folates were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography after affinity chromatographic purification. Germination increased the folate content by 1.7-3.8-fold, depending on germination temperature, with a maximum content of 250 micro g/100 g dry matter. Hypocotylar roots with their notably high folate concentrations (600-1180 micro g/100 g dry matter) contributed 30-50% of the folate contents of germinated grains. Germination altered the proportions of folates, increasing the proportion of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and decreasing the proportion of formylated folate compounds. Thermal treatments (extrusion, autoclaving and puffing, and IR and toasting) resulted in significant folate losses. However, folate levels in grains that were germinated and then were heat processed were higher than for native (nongerminated) grains. Opportunities to optimize rye processing to enhance folate levels in rye-based foods are discussed.

Breed and maturity effects on Churra Galega Bragançana and Suffolk lamb carcass characteristics: Killing-out proportion and composition.

PubMed

Rodrigues, S; Cadavez, V; Teixeira, A

2006-02-01

The aim of this work was to study the carcass killing-out proportions and carcass composition of Churra Galega Bragançana (CGB) and Suffolk sheep at 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of maturity. Forty-eight male lambs were used, 24 CGB and 24 Suffolks from the Bragança's School of Agriculture sheep flock. Suffolk lambs had greater proportions of leg, shoulder and breast joints, but lower proportions of rib, anterior rib and neck joints. Increasing maturity caused a significant decrease in leg and shoulder proportions and an increase in chump proportion. Suffolk lambs had significantly greater muscle and significantly less subcutaneous fat and kidney and pelvic fat percentages than CGB lambs. With the increase of maturity, a significant increase in intermuscular fat and a significant decrease in bone proportion were observed. It was concluded that, under the management conditions of this work, Suffolks were preferred for meat production, since at a comparable stage of maturity they had greater proportions of expensive cuts and greater carcass lean percentage.

Where is the UK's pollinator biodiversity? The importance of urban areas for flower-visiting insects.

PubMed

Baldock, Katherine C R; Goddard, Mark A; Hicks, Damien M; Kunin, William E; Mitschunas, Nadine; Osgathorpe, Lynne M; Potts, Simon G; Robertson, Kirsty M; Scott, Anna V; Stone, Graham N; Vaughan, Ian P; Memmott, Jane

2015-03-22

Insect pollinators provide a crucial ecosystem service, but are under threat. Urban areas could be important for pollinators, though their value relative to other habitats is poorly known. We compared pollinator communities using quantified flower-visitation networks in 36 sites (each 1 km(2)) in three landscapes: urban, farmland and nature reserves. Overall, flower-visitor abundance and species richness did not differ significantly between the three landscape types. Bee abundance did not differ between landscapes, but bee species richness was higher in urban areas than farmland. Hoverfly abundance was higher in farmland and nature reserves than urban sites, but species richness did not differ significantly. While urban pollinator assemblages were more homogeneous across space than those in farmland or nature reserves, there was no significant difference in the numbers of rarer species between the three landscapes. Network-level specialization was higher in farmland than urban sites. Relative to other habitats, urban visitors foraged from a greater number of plant species (higher generality) but also visited a lower proportion of available plant species (higher specialization), both possibly driven by higher urban plant richness. Urban areas are growing, and improving their value for pollinators should be part of any national strategy to conserve and restore pollinators.

Where is the UK's pollinator biodiversity? The importance of urban areas for flower-visiting insects

PubMed Central

Baldock, Katherine C. R.; Goddard, Mark A.; Hicks, Damien M.; Kunin, William E.; Mitschunas, Nadine; Osgathorpe, Lynne M.; Potts, Simon G.; Robertson, Kirsty M.; Scott, Anna V.; Stone, Graham N.; Vaughan, Ian P.; Memmott, Jane

2015-01-01

Insect pollinators provide a crucial ecosystem service, but are under threat. Urban areas could be important for pollinators, though their value relative to other habitats is poorly known. We compared pollinator communities using quantified flower-visitation networks in 36 sites (each 1 km2) in three landscapes: urban, farmland and nature reserves. Overall, flower-visitor abundance and species richness did not differ significantly between the three landscape types. Bee abundance did not differ between landscapes, but bee species richness was higher in urban areas than farmland. Hoverfly abundance was higher in farmland and nature reserves than urban sites, but species richness did not differ significantly. While urban pollinator assemblages were more homogeneous across space than those in farmland or nature reserves, there was no significant difference in the numbers of rarer species between the three landscapes. Network-level specialization was higher in farmland than urban sites. Relative to other habitats, urban visitors foraged from a greater number of plant species (higher generality) but also visited a lower proportion of available plant species (higher specialization), both possibly driven by higher urban plant richness. Urban areas are growing, and improving their value for pollinators should be part of any national strategy to conserve and restore pollinators. PMID:25673686

Liver and Cardiovascular Damage in Patients With Lean Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Association With Visceral Obesity.

PubMed

Fracanzani, Anna Ludovica; Petta, Salvatore; Lombardi, Rosa; Pisano, Giuseppina; Russello, Maurizio; Consonni, Dario; Di Marco, Vito; Cammà, Calogero; Mensi, Laura; Dongiovanni, Paola; Valenti, Luca; Craxì, Antonio; Fargion, Silvia

2017-10-01

Lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as NAFLD that develops in patients with a body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m 2 . We investigated the differences between lean NAFLD and NAFLD in overweight and obese persons, factors associated with the severity of liver and cardiovascular disease, and the effects of visceral obesity. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 669 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD seen at 3 liver centers in Italy. We collected anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data, as well as information on carotid atherosclerosis (artery intima-media thickness and plaque), liver histology (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] and fibrosis), insulin resistance, and diabetes. Overweight was defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 , and obese was defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or greater. Patients were assigned to groups based on waist circumference, a marker of visceral obesity (low: men, <94 cm, women <80 cm; medium: men, 94-102 cm, women 80-88 cm; or high: men >102 cm, women >88 cm). DNA samples were analyzed for the rs738409 C>G (I148M in PNPLA3), the rs58542926 C>T (E167K in TM6SF2), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Variables in men and women were analyzed using chi-squared analysis and the Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Multiple linear or logistic regression analyses were adjusted for all the variables of clinical relevance or statistically significant at univariate analyses. The primary outcome was the difference in liver and cardiovascular disease between lean NAFLD and NAFLD in overweight and obese persons. Secondary outcomes were effects of visceral obesity, based on waist circumference, on hepatic, vascular, and metabolic features. Significantly lower proportions of patients with lean NAFLD (143 patients; 43 women; mean age, 46 ± 13 y) had hypertension (P = .001), diabetes (P = .0001), and metabolic syndrome (P = .0001) than overweight or obese patients with NAFLD (526 patients; 149 women; mean age, 49 ± 12 y). Significantly lower proportions of patients with lean NAFLD had NASH (17% vs 40% of obese or overweight patients with NAFLD; P = .0001), fibrosis of F2 or higher (17% vs 42%; P = .0001), or carotid plaques (27% vs 39%; P = .03). Patients with lean NAFLD had significantly thinner carotid intima-media (0.74 ± 0.1 mm) than obese or overweight patients with NAFLD (0.84 ± 0.3 mm; P = .0001). There was no significant difference in the proportions of patients with rs738409 C>G in PNPLA3, but a significantly greater proportion of patients with lean NAFLD carried rs58542926 C>T in TM6SF2 (4%) than obese or overweight individuals with NAFLD (0.3%; P = .001). Of the 143 patients with lean NAFLD, 27 had grade 3 steatosis, 24 had a lobular inflammation score greater than 2, 10 had a ballooning score of 2, and 25 had a fibrosis score of 2 or higher. In patients with lean NAFLD, the only variable associated independently with NASH and a fibrosis score of 2 or higher was rs738409 C>G in PNPLA3. Patients with lean NAFLD and a medium waist circumference had a significantly higher risk of diabetes (odds ratio, 11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-106; P = .03) than overweight or obese patients with a similar waist circumference (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.4-4.2; P = .6). Lean and overweight or obese patients with high waist circumferences had significant increases in risk compared with patients with low and medium circumference and diabetes, hypertension, and fibrosis scores of 2 or higher. In a retrospective study of patients with lean NAFLD vs obese or overweight persons with NAFLD, we found 20% of patients with lean NAFLD to have NASH, fibrosis scores of 2 or higher, and carotid atherosclerosis. Lean patients with rs738409 C>G in PNPLA3 should be monitored for liver disease progression; studies including large series of patients with lean NAFLD will clarify the possible role of TM6SF2 polymorphisms. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Autoimmune insulitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus A randomized clinical trial in hospitalized patients].

PubMed

Martinka, Emil; Rončáková, Mariana; Mišániková, Michaela; Davani, Arash

It is not always easy to classify diabetes (DM) diagnosed in adults, with a significant group of patients initially classified and treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2T) presenting signs indicating the presence of autoimmune insulitis (AI), which is characteristic of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1T), or latent autoimmune diabetes mellitus in adults (LADA). Identify the proportion of patients entered with DM2T who present AI signs, and the number of patients of that proportion, who at the same time present low insulin secretion, and what clinical and laboratory manifestations could be used to differentiate between these patients.Cohort and methods: A randomized clinical trial with a pre-determined set of assessed parameters for n = 625 patients, who were hospitalized during the first 6 months of 2016 at the National Endocrinology and Diabetology Institute (NEDU), Lubochna. Apart from the standard parameters, C-peptide (CP) and autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) were examined for each patient. GADA positive (GADA+) patients were compared to GADA negative (GADA-) patients in the following parameters: gender, age, age at the time of dia-gnosing DM, duration of DM, HbA1c, incidence of hypoglycemia, lipidogram, fasting C-peptide levels, BMI, waist circumference, incidence of hypoglycemias, presence of microvascular and macrovascular complications, treatment of dia-betes and incidence of other endocrinopathies. GADA+ with low CP were subsequently compared to GADA+ patients with normal CP. Of 625 patients originally classified and treated as DM2T, 13 % were GADA+. 31 % of them had low CP (< 0.2 nmol/l) and 28 % had CP levels within the intermediary range (0.2-0.4 nmol/l). Females made up a larger proportion of GADA+ patients, with a lower BMI, smaller waist circumference, lower CP, higher HDL cholesterol levels, a greater incidence of hypoglycemias and lower total daily dose of insulin. GADA+ patients with low CP differed from GADA+ patients with normal CP in higher HDL cholesterol levels, lower triglyceride levels and earlier need of insulin thera-py. The testing for GADA and CP levels with regard to the other relevant characteristics led to re-classification, or more precisely adding of DM1T/LADA (as the main, or parallel cause of DM) for 2.9 % of all the patients included and a clinically significant proportion of AI could be assumed in 6.1 % of the patients. The results of our study show that the pathogenesis of DM in patients initially diagnosed and registered with DM2T and with concurrent presence of GADA includes mechanisms characteristic of both DM2T (insulin resistance) and DM1T (autoimmune insulitis) acting in parallel, with different intensity, in differing proportions and time sequence as a fluid continuum, which also accounts for the differences between individual patients. The characteristics highlighting the presence and role of AI based on our results include high titre of GADA+, low CP levels, early need of insulin therapy, presence of thyroid disorder, higher HDL cholesterol levels and lower triglyceride levels. The characteristics highlighting the dominance of mechanisms characteristic of DM2T (insulin resistance) included higher BMI and waist circumference values, normal CP levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, higher triglyceride levels, higher blood pressure and borderline titre of GADA. autoimmune diabetes mellitus - C-peptide - GADA - HDL-cholesterol - classification.

Do later wake times and increased sleep duration of 12th graders result in more studying, higher grades, and improved SAT/ACT test scores?

PubMed

Cole, James S

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep duration, wake time, and hours studying on high school grades and performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)/ American College Testing (ACT) college entrance exams. Data were collected from 13,071 recently graduated high school seniors who were entering college in the fall of 2014. A column proportions z test with a Bonferroni adjustment was used to analyze proportional differences. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine mean group differences. Students who woke up prior to 6 a.m. and got less than 8 h of sleep (27 %) were significantly more likely to report studying 11 or more hours per week (30 %), almost double the rate compared to students who got more than 8 h of sleep and woke up the latest (16 %). Post hoc results revealed students who woke up at 7 a.m. or later reported significantly higher high school grades than all other groups (p < 0.001), with the exception of those students who woke up between 6:01 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and got eight or more hours of sleep. The highest reported SAT/ACT scores were from the group that woke up after 7 a.m. but got less than 8 h sleep (M = 1099.5). Their scores were significantly higher than all other groups. This study provides additional evidence that increased sleep and later wake time are associated with increased high school grades. However, this study also found that students who sleep the longest also reported less studying and lower SAT/ACT scores.

Knowledge and Practice on Injection Safety among Primary Health Care Workers in Kaski District, Western Nepal

PubMed Central

Gyawali, Sudesh; Rathore, Devendra Singh; Shankar, P Ravi; Kc, Vikash Kumar; Jha, Nisha; Sharma, Damodar

2016-01-01

Background Unsafe injection practice can transmit various blood borne infections. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of injection safety among injection providers, to obtain information about disposal of injectable devices, and to compare the knowledge and practices of urban and rural injection providers. Methods The study was conducted with injection providers working at primary health care facilities within Kaski district, Nepal. Ninety-six health care workers from 69 primary health care facilities were studied and 132 injection events observed. A semi-structured checklist was used for observing injection practice and a questionnaire for the survey. Respondents were interviewed to complete the questionnaire and obtain possible explanations for certain observed behaviors. Results All injection providers knew of at least one pathogen transmitted through use/re-use of unsterile syringes. Proportion of injection providers naming hepatitis/jaundice as one of the diseases transmitted by unsafe injection practice was significantly higher in urban (75.6%) than in rural (39.2%) area. However, compared to urban respondents (13.3%), a significantly higher proportion of rural respondents (37.3%) named Hepatitis B specifically as one of the diseases transmitted. Median (inter-quartile range) number of therapeutic injection and injectable vaccine administered per day by the injection providers were 2 (1) and 1 (1), respectively. Two handed recapping by injection providers was significantly higher in urban area (33.3%) than in rural areas (21.6%). Most providers were not aware of the post exposure prophylaxis guideline. Conclusion The knowledge of the injection providers about safe injection practice was acceptable. The use of safe injection practice by providers in urban and rural health care facilities was almost similar. The deficiencies noted in the practice must be addressed. PMID:27540325

Analytical validation of BRAF mutation testing from circulating free DNA using the amplification refractory mutation testing system.

PubMed

Aung, Kyaw L; Donald, Emma; Ellison, Gillian; Bujac, Sarah; Fletcher, Lynn; Cantarini, Mireille; Brady, Ged; Orr, Maria; Clack, Glen; Ranson, Malcolm; Dive, Caroline; Hughes, Andrew

2014-05-01

BRAF mutation testing from circulating free DNA (cfDNA) using the amplification refractory mutation testing system (ARMS) holds potential as a surrogate for tumor mutation testing. Robust assay validation is needed to establish the optimal clinical matrix for measurement and cfDNA-specific mutation calling criteria. Plasma- and serum-derived cfDNA samples from 221 advanced melanoma patients were analyzed for BRAF c.1799T>A (p.V600E) mutation using ARMS in two stages in a blinded fashion. cfDNA-specific mutation calling criteria were defined in stage 1 and validated in stage 2. cfDNA concentrations in serum and plasma, and the sensitivities and specificities of BRAF mutation detection in these two clinical matrices were compared. Sensitivity of BRAF c.1799T>A (p.V600E) mutation detection in cfDNA was increased by using mutation calling criteria optimized for cfDNA (these criteria were adjusted from those used for archival tumor biopsies) without compromising specificity. Sensitivity of BRAF mutation detection in serum was 44% (95% CI, 35% to 53%) and in plasma 52% (95% CI, 43% to 61%). Specificity was 96% (95% CI, 90% to 99%) in both matrices. Serum contains significantly higher total cfDNA than plasma, whereas the proportion of tumor-derived mutant DNA was significantly higher in plasma. Using mutation calling criteria optimized for cfDNA improves sensitivity of BRAF c.1799T>A (p.V600E) mutation detection. The proportion of tumor-derived cfDNA in plasma was significantly higher than in serum. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Investigative Pathology and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of chronic disease and its controlled status according to income level.

PubMed

Kim, Seohyun; Lee, Byungmo; Park, Mingu; Oh, Sewon; Chin, Ho Jun; Koo, Hoseok

2016-11-01

The relationship between the prevalence of chronic diseases and income level has now become a main theme in poor national economic situations. We examined the prevalence of well-controlled chronic diseases according to income level. Data from the 2008 to 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by using a stratified, multistage, probability-cluster sampling method, were used. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) inversely correlated with income level (P < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed no relationship. In the low-income group, the prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) were highest but the proportion of patients with well-controlled chronic disease and the SBPs of the patients with hypertension showed a decreasing trend. In the high-income group, the proportions of patients with well-controlled DM and chronic kidney disease were higher than those in other groups. After adjusting for age, body mass index, SBP, DBP, HbA1c level, and serum creatinine level, income level significantly affected the prevalence of chronic diseases (for income, β=0.184; 95% confidence interval, 1.105-1.042). The daily sodium intake estimated by using spot urine samples was higher in the low- and low-to-mid-income groups. The prevalence of not using essential medical service for chronic disease was highest in the low- and low-to-mid-income groups for economic reasons. In the low- and low-to-mid-income groups, the prevalence of chronic disease was higher and the proportion of patients with well-controlled chronic disease was lower than in the other groups.

Cox proportional hazards model of myopic regression for laser in situ keratomileusis flap creation with a femtosecond laser and with a mechanical microkeratome.

PubMed

Lin, Meng-Yin; Chang, David C K; Hsu, Wen-Ming; Wang, I-Jong

2012-06-01

To compare predictive factors for postoperative myopic regression between laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with a femtosecond laser and LASIK with a mechanical microkeratome. Nobel Eye Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan. Retrospective comparative study. Refractive outcomes were recorded 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after LASIK. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the impact of the 2 flap-creating methods and other covariates on postoperative myopic regression. The femtosecond group comprised 409 eyes and the mechanical microkeratome group, 377 eyes. For both methods, significant predictors for myopic regression after LASIK included preoperative manifest spherical equivalent (P=.0001) and central corneal thickness (P=.027). Laser in situ keratomileusis with a mechanical microkeratome had a higher probability of postoperative myopic regression than LASIK with a femtosecond laser (P=.0002). After adjusting for other covariates in the Cox proportional hazards model, the cumulative risk for myopic regression with a mechanical microkeratome was higher than with a femtosecond laser 12 months postoperatively (P=.0002). With the definition of myopic regression as a myopic shift of 0.50 diopter (D) or more and residual myopia of -0.50 D or less, the risk estimate based on the mean covariates in all eyes in the femtosecond group and mechanical microkeratome group at 12 months was 43.6% and 66.9%, respectively. Laser in situ keratomileusis with a mechanical microkeratome had a higher risk for myopic regression than LASIK with a femtosecond laser through 12 months postoperatively. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease After Implementation of 13-Valent Conjugate Vaccine

PubMed Central

Madoff, Lawrence C.; Coombes, Brandon; Pelton, Stephen I.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there is a different clinical profile and severity of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children caused by nonvaccine types in the era of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). METHODS: Observational study of childhood IPD in Massachusetts based on state public health surveillance data comparing pre-PCV13 (2007–2009) and post-PCV13 (2010–2012) eras. RESULTS: There were 168 pre-PCV13 cases of IPD and 85 post-PCV13 cases of IPD in Massachusetts children ≤5 years of age. PCV13 serotypes declined by 18% in the first 2 years after PCV13 use (P = .011). In the post-PCV13 phase, a higher proportion of children were hospitalized (57.6% vs 50.6%), and a higher proportion of children had comorbidity (23.5% vs 19.6%). Neither difference was statistically significant, nor were comparisons of IPD caused by vaccine and nonvaccine types. Children with comorbidities had higher rates of IPD caused by a nonvaccine type (27.6% vs 17.2%; P = .085), were more likely to be hospitalized (80.4% vs 50%; P < .0001), and were more likely to have a longer hospital stay (median of 3 days vs 0.5 days; P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Initial data suggest that nonvaccine serotypes are more common in children with underlying conditions, who have greater morbidity from disease. In the post-PCV13 era, a larger proportion of patients are hospitalized, but mortality rates are unchanged. Routine vaccination with PCV13 may not be enough to reduce the risk in patients with comorbidity. PMID:25002663

Effect of different oral oxytetracycline treatment regimes on selection of antimicrobial resistant coliforms in nursery pigs.

PubMed

Herrero-Fresno, Ana; Zachariasen, Camilla; Nørholm, Nanna; Holm, Anders; Christiansen, Lasse Engbo; Olsen, John Elmerdahl

2017-09-01

A major concern derived from using antimicrobials in pig production is the development of resistance. This study aimed to assess the impact of selected combinations of oral dose and duration of treatment with oxytetracycline (OTC) on selection of tetracycline resistant (TET-R) coliforms recovered from swine feces. The work encompassed two studies: 1) OTC 5mg/kg and 20mg/kg were administered to nursery pigs for 3 and 10days, respectively, under controlled experimental conditions, and 2) 10mg/kg, 20mg/kg and 30mg/kg OTC were given to a higher number of pigs for 6, 3 and 2days, respectively, under field conditions. Statistical modeling was applied to analyze trends in the proportion of TET-R coliforms. In the experimental study, no statistical difference in proportion of TET-R coliforms was observed between treatments at the end of the trial (day 18) and compared to day 0. In the field study, treatment had a significant effect on the proportion of TET-R bacteria two days after the end of treatment (2dAT) with the regimes "low dose-six days" and "medium dose-three days" yielding the highest and lowest proportions of TET-R strains, respectively. No indication of co-selection for ampicillin- and sulphonamide -R bacteria was observed for any treatment at 2dAT. By the end of the nursery period, the proportion of TET-R bacteria was not significantly different between treatments and compared to day 0. Our results suggest that similar resistance levels might be obtained by using different treatment regimes regardless of the combinations of oral dose-duration of treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sudden and unexpected childhood deaths investigated at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory, South Africa, 2007 - 2011.

PubMed

Van Deventer, B S; Rossouw, S H; Du Toit-Prinsloo, L

2016-09-06

 Sudden and unexpected death is well known to occur in infants, and although sudden deaths are less frequent after the first birthday, they still account for a significant proportion of childhood deaths. In 2009, 1.9% of the total deaths in the USA were childhood deaths. In South Africa (SA) this proportion was much higher at 11.85%. According to the law, sudden and unexpected deaths are generally investigated as unnatural deaths. Establishing an exact underlying anatomical cause of death will depend on available resources and can be difficult in a substantial proportion of cases.  A retrospective descriptive case audit was conducted at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory (PMLL), SA, from 1 January 2007 through to 31 December 2011. All children aged 1 - 18 years who died suddenly and unexpectedly were included.  Ninety-eight cases were identified, which constituted nearly 1% of total admissions to the PMLL. The majority of the deaths were of children aged 1 - 5 years, and the male/female ratio was 1.04:1. In the largest proportion of cases (n=28, 28.6%), the medicolegal investigation, including autopsy and ancillary investigations, did not establish an underlying anatomical cause of death. In the cases where a cause of death was established, pneumonia was the most common diagnosis (n=22, 22.4%).  The fact that the cause of the largest proportion of deaths could not be ascertained emphasises the need for consideration of additional investigative techniques, such as molecular/genetic screening, which have provided an underlying cause of death in a significant number of cases in other countries. There is a lack of published research on the causes and incidence of sudden unexpected deaths in children in SA, and further research in this area is needed.

Alcohol consumption and binge drinking among U.S.-Mexico border and non-border Mexican Americans

PubMed Central

Caetano, Raul; Mills, Britain; Vaeth, Patrice A. C.

2011-01-01

Background This paper examines differences in drinking and binge drinking between Mexican Americans living along the U.S.-Mexico border and those living in two metropolitan areas away from the border (Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, California). Methods Respondents in the non-border area (Houston and Los Angeles) constitute a multistage probability sample (N=1,288) who were interviewed as part of the 2006 Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS). Respondents in the border area (N=1,307) constitute a household probability sample of Mexican Americans living on the U.S.-Mexico border. In both surveys, data were collected during computer assisted interviews conducted in respondents’ homes. The HABLAS and the border sample response rates were 76% and 67%, respectively. Results There were no differences between border and non-border Mexican American men in the proportion of drinkers, the proportion who binge drink at least once a year and volume of alcohol consumption. However, within each location, there were significant differences in drinking by age, indicating that younger men drank more than men who were older. Border women showed significant differences across age groups in the proportion of drinkers, in binge drinking and volume of alcohol consumption, which were not seen among non-border women. Conclusions Women’s drinking seems to be more affected than men’s by their residence on or off the U.S.-Mexico border. This is seen most clearly among young women 18–29 years old and it is associated with an increased proportion of drinkers, a higher volume of drinking and an increased proportion of women who report binge drinking. Increased drinking in this group of younger women seems to be associated with drinking in Mexico. PMID:22017228

Modifiable risk factor levels of coronary heart disease survivors in a middle-aged workforce.

PubMed

Metcalf, P A; Scragg, R K; Swinburn, B

1999-06-01

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is common in New Zealand. Risk factors for CHD are modifiable or non-modifiable. Modifiable risk factor levels of CHD survivors were compared with those without such a history (non-CHD). Participants were from a cross-sectional survey of 5,656 workers aged > or = 40. CHD survivors were 73 general practitioner (GP)-confirmed participants with a history of hospitalisation for CHD. There were no significant differences in mean blood pressure levels between CHD survivors and non-CHD workers after adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity, but current use of antihypertensive medications was higher in CHD survivors (34.2%) than non-CHD workers (8.1%); p < 0.001. CHD survivors had higher, similarly adjusted, mean serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and lower HDL-cholesterol levels, and their reported carbohydrate, fibre, polyunsaturated fat intakes and ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat intakes were higher and total fat, saturated fat and monounsaturated fat intakes were lower. CHD survivors ate fewer servings of red meats per month and more servings of fruit, and cereal, and number of cups of milk. Salt added to meals was lower and margarine use higher in CHD survivors. There were no significant differences in the proportions of those who exercised regularly, or were current cigarette smokers. However, more CHD survivors (57.5%) than non-CHD workers (33.1%) were ex-smokers p < 0.001, who had stopped smoking at a higher mean (se) age (41.1 (1.36) vs 37.6 (0.20) years respectively; p = 0.012). A large proportion of CHD survivors were dyslipidaemic, despite consuming a lower fat, higher fibre and carbohydrate diet. More than 50% of CHD survivors were ex-cigarette smokers, who had given up smoking at a later age than non-CHD workers. These high-risk CHD survivors would benefit from more aggressive measures aimed at correcting their dyslipidaemias.

Body proportions in ancient Andeans from high and low altitudes.

PubMed

Weinstein, Karen J

2005-11-01

Living human populations from high altitudes in the Andes exhibit relatively short limbs compared with neighboring groups from lower elevations as adaptations to cold climates characteristic of high-altitude environments. This study compares relative limb lengths and proportions in pre-Contact human skeletons from different altitudes to test whether ecogeographic variation also existed in Andean prehistory. Maximum lengths of the humerus, radius, femur, and tibia, and femoral head breadth are measured in sex-specific groups of adult human skeletons (N = 346) from the central (n = 80) and the south-central (n = 123) Andean coasts, the Atacama Desert at 2,500 m (n = 102), and the southern Peruvian highlands at 2,000-3,800 m (n = 41). To test whether limb lengths vary with altitude, comparisons are made of intralimb proportions, limb lengths against body mass estimates derived from published equations, limb lengths against the geometric mean of all measurements, and principal component analysis. Intralimb proportions do not statistically differ between coastal groups and those from the Atacama Desert, whereas intralimb proportions are significantly shorter in the Peruvian highland sample. Overall body size and limb lengths relative to body size vary along an altitudinal gradient, with larger individuals from coastal environments and smaller individuals with relatively longer limbs for their size from higher elevations. Ecogeographic variation in relation to climate explains the variation in intralimb proportions, and dietary variation may explain the altitudinal cline in body size and limb lengths relative to body size. The potential effects of gene flow on variation in body proportions in Andean prehistory are also explored. Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc

Detection and functional analysis of tumor infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TIL) in liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Wagner, Philipp; Koch, Moritz; Nummer, Daniel; Palm, Sylvia; Galindo, Luis; Autenrieth, Daniel; Rahbari, Nuh; Schmitz-Winnenthal, Friedrich H; Schirrmacher, Volker; Büchler, Markus W; Beckhove, Philipp; Weitz, Jürgen

2008-08-01

Tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) play an important role in primary colorectal cancer, but their activity in liver metastases has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine whether tumor-selective infiltration, activation, and cytotoxic activity of TIL can be demonstrated in situ in colorectal liver metastases. TIL were obtained from liver metastases and corresponding normal liver tissue of 16 patients with colorectal liver metastases. Characterization of TIL in situ was performed by multicolor flowcytometric analysis. Presence of tumor antigen-reactive T cells was evaluated by interferon gamma Elispot analysis. TIL in colorectal liver metastases responding against tumor antigens were present in most patients. Although the proportions of CD3(+) T cells were comparable in liver metastasis and normal liver tissue, metastases contained significantly enhanced proportions of CD4(+) cells (49% vs. 22%, P < .001). Among all CD4(+) T helper cells, the proportion of activated (CD4(+)CD25(+)) effector cells was significantly increased in liver metastases (15.0% vs. 7.8%, P = .003). Metastases showed significantly higher proportions of activated (CD69(+) [70.1% vs. 49.8%, P = .02] and CD25(+) [4.1% vs. .6%, P = .06]) and cytotoxically active (CD107a(+)) CD8(+) TIL (3.2% vs. 1.3%, P = .03). Importantly, the presence of activated T helper cells correlated with the frequencies of cytotoxic T lymphocytes that exerted cytotoxic activity in situ (P = .02). CD4(+) and CD8(+) TIL are selectively activated in liver metastases, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes exert tumor-selective cytotoxic activity in situ in the presence of activated T helper cells, suggesting the requirement of in-situ-activated T helper cells for efficient cytotoxic T lymphocytes effector function.

Influence of dietary fat and carbohydrates proportions on plasma lipids, glucose control and low-grade inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes-The TOSCA.IT Study.

PubMed

Vitale, M; Masulli, M; Rivellese, A A; Babini, A C; Boemi, M; Bonora, E; Buzzetti, R; Ciano, O; Cignarelli, M; Cigolini, M; Clemente, G; Citro, G; Corsi, L; Dall'Aglio, E; Del Prato, S; Di Cianni, G; Dolci, M A; Giordano, C; Iannarelli, R; Iovine, C; Lapolla, A; Lauro, D; Leotta, S; Mazzucchelli, C; Montani, V; Perriello, G; Romano, G; Romeo, F; Santarelli, L; di Cola, R Schiano; Squatrito, S; Tonutti, L; Trevisan, R; Turco, A A; Zamboni, C; Riccardi, G; Vaccaro, O

2016-06-01

The optimal macronutrient composition of the diet for the management of type 2 diabetes is debated, particularly with regard to the ideal proportion of fat and carbohydrates. The aim of the study was to explore the association of different proportions of fat and carbohydrates of the diet-within the ranges recommended by different guidelines-with metabolic risk factors. We studied 1785 people with type 2 diabetes, aged 50-75, enrolled in the TOSCA.IT Study. Dietary habits were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (EPIC). Anthropometry, fasting lipids, HbA1c and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Increasing fat intake from <25 to ≥35 % is associated with a significant increase in LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c and CRP (p < 0.05). Increasing carbohydrates intake from <45 to ≥60 % is associated with significantly lower triglycerides, HbA1c and CRP (p < 0.05). A fiber intake ≥15 g/1000 kcal is associated with a better plasma lipids profile and lower HbA1c and CRP than lower fiber consumption. A consumption of added sugars of ≥10 % of the energy intake is associated with a more adverse plasma lipids profile and higher CRP than lower intake. In people with type 2 diabetes, variations in the proportion of fat and carbohydrates of the diet, within the relatively narrow ranges recommended by different nutritional guidelines, significantly impact on the metabolic profile and markers of low-grade inflammation. The data support the potential for reducing the intake of fat and added sugars, preferring complex, slowly absorbable, carbohydrates.

[Characteristics of non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission of HIV infection in Miao-Dong Autonomous prefecture of Qiandongnan].

PubMed

Yu, Q Y; Wang, F L; Xu, P; Wen, H J; Xiong, Y X; Yang, J; Long, Y; He, H J; Shi, J; Lyu, P

2017-11-06

Objective: The goal of this research was to understand the demographic distribution and related factors of non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission (non-commercial transmission) for HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Methods: Data related to HIV/AIDS infected by non-marital heterosexual transmission and whose present address was in Qian Dongnan, were collected from Information System on the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control. Information included demographic characteristics, the members of non-marital sex partners, transmission path, detection source, CD4(+)T lymphocyte level, et al. cases belong to homosexual history, injective drug use or non-classified non-marital heterosexuality transmission were excluded, totally collect HIV/AIDS 919 cases. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze potential factors associated with non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission. In addition, in March and June 2017, using a convenience sampling, we conducted one-to-one interviews among 10 HIV/AIDS who were infected by non-marital heterosexuality and had non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual experience in Kaili Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The content of the interview included basic information, sexual orientation, the main place of making friends and sexual behavior, attitude to commercial heterosexuality and non-martial and non-commercial heterosexuality and so on. Results: Out of the 919 cases, 645 (70.2%) were male, the proportion of non-commercial transmission was 55.06% (506). The proportion of female HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission was 84.7% (232), which was higher than male (42.5%(274)) (χ(2)=138.35, P< 0.001). The proportion of Han HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission was 61.5% (275), which was higher than other religion (52.2%(412)) (χ(2)=6.32, P= 0.012). The proportion of HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission who had 0-5 non-marital sexual partners was 58.8% (498), which was higher than who had>5 non-marital sexual partners (11.1%(8)) (χ(2)=61.10, P< 0.001). The proportion of HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission who lived mobile was 72.9% (94), which was higher than who lived fixedly (52.2%(412)) (χ(2)=19.34, P< 0.001). Qualitative interviews results revealed that the age of the respondents were 22-69. Respondents whose ages are in 22-34 were more likely to use mobile phone (4/10) and respondents whose ages are in 35-69 were less likely to look partners through party and the context of working. Conclusion: The proportion of cases being infected by non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission in Qian dongnan was higher than general national levels. The characteristics of sex, marriage status, migration, vocation, the members of non-marital sex partners were significant differed between commercial heterosexual transmission and non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission.

Carcass quality, physico-chemical parameters, muscle fibre traits and myosin heavy chain composition of m. longissimus lumborum from Puławska and Polish Large White pigs.

PubMed

Wojtysiak, Dorota; Połtowicz, Katarzyna

2014-08-01

In 54 Puławska pigs and 60 Polish Large White pigs (PLW), slaughtered at 30 and 100 kg body weight, carcass and meat quality of m. longissimus lumborum were studied. Analysis revealed that in both examined body weight groups, hot carcass weight, carcass yield percentage, meat content, and weight of ham and carcass ham percentage were significantly lower and backfat thickness higher for Puławska pigs compared to PLW pigs, while PLW pigs exhibited significantly longer carcasses, greater loin eye area, and, in the case of lighter pigs, smaller proportion of loin in the carcass. Muscles of Puławska pigs, in the lighter group, had higher IMF content and a* value, while in the heavier group they exhibited higher pH(45), pH(24) and a* values, lower L*, drip loss, WHC, and thermal loss compared with PLW pigs. PLW pigs had higher WB and hardness values and more glycolytic muscles characterised by higher TNF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acculturation Differentially Predicts Smoking Cessation Among Latino Men and Women

PubMed Central

Castro, Yessenia; Reitzel, Lorraine R.; Businelle, Michael S.; Kendzor, Darla E.; Mazas, Carlos; Li, Yisheng; Cofta-Woerpel, Ludmila; Wetter, David W.

2009-01-01

Objectives The current study examined the influence of gender, acculturation indicators, and their interaction on smoking cessation among Latinos. Methods Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the main effects of gender, acculturation indicators, and their interactions on self-reported 7-day abstinence at 12 week follow-up among 271 Latino smokers seeking cessation counseling. Results Analyses revealed significant main effects for several acculturation indicators, and significant interactions of gender with number of years lived in the United States (U.S.), proportion of life lived in the U.S., and preferred media language (all ps < .05). Follow-up analyses indicated no significant relationships between abstinence and acculturation indicators among women. Among men, abstinence rates increased with years in the U.S., proportion of life in the U.S., and preferred media language of English. Conclusions Greater acculturation predicted higher abstinence rates, but this relationship was restricted to men. This study is among the first to examine the effects of gender and acculturation on smoking abstinence among Latinos. Findings highlight the need for research focused on mechanisms underlying these relationships. PMID:19959697

Gender in the Geosciences: Factors Supporting the Recruitment and Retention of Women in the Undergraduate Major

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riggs, E. M.; Sexton, J. M.; Pugh, K.; Bergstrom, C.; Parmley, R.; Phillips, M.

2014-12-01

The proportion of women earning undergraduate geoscience degrees has remained about 40% for over a decade. Little research has investigated why women select and persist in a geoscience major. This study addresses why students major in the geosciences and why some programs are more successful at recruiting and retaining female students. We collected interview and survey data from faculty and students at six public US universities. Four sites had a low proportion of female degree recipients (< 38%) and two sites had a high proportion of female degree recipients (> 48%). 408 students (64% female) completed surveys. Interviews were conducted with 49 faculty members and 151 students. Survey data analysis showed that interest/identity and transformative experiences were significant predictors of students' decision to major in geoscience. Institutional barriers and supports were significant predictors of confidence in the major while connection to instructor predicted students' intent to major. Analysis of pre- and post-course surveys show that students with a greater connection to instructors and students whose instructors expressed more passion for the content also reported higher levels of transformative experiences. This effect was especially pronounced for women and was a significant predictor of persistence in the major. Qualitative data show differences in departmental practices and climate between low and high female graduation sites. High sites used many student-centered approaches to teaching, had extensive opportunities for and a high number of undergraduate students involved in research, and had many opportunities for faculty-student interaction outside of class. Low sites had few of these practices. Qualitative data also showed differences in the gendered equity climate between high and low sites. High sites had more positive gender equity climates and low sites had more negative gender equity climates. At this time, we do not fully understand the causal relationships among all of these findings and higher female graduation rates, but this research is ongoing and these relationships are a focus of our final year of this research project.

T-Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Patients with Cutaneous or Mucosal Leishmaniasis: Long-Term Evaluation after Therapy

PubMed Central

Da-Cruz, Alda Maria; Bittar, Rita; Mattos, Marise; Oliveira-Neto, Manuel P.; Nogueira, Ricardo; Pinho-Ribeiro, Vanessa; Azeredo-Coutinho, Rilza Beatriz; Coutinho, Sergio G.

2002-01-01

T-cell immune responses in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) were studied during the active disease, at the end of therapy, and 1 to 17 years posttherapy (long-term follow-up). Lymphocyte proliferative responses, phenotypic characterization of CD4+ and CD8+ Leishmania-reactive T cells, and cytokine production were assayed. Patients with active ML and CL showed higher proportions of CD4+ than CD8+ T cells. In CL, the healing process was associated with a decrease of CD4+ and an increase of CD8+, leading to similar CD4+ and CD8+ proportions. This pattern was only seen in ML after long-term therapy. Long-term follow-up of patients with CL showed a positive CD4+/CD8+ ratio as observed during the active disease, although the percentages of these T cell subsets were significantly lower. Patients with CL did not show significant differences between gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) production during the period of study. Patients with active ML presented higher IFN-γ and IL-5 levels compared to patients with active CL. IL-4 was only detected during active disease. Patients long term after cure from ML showed increasing production of IFN-γ, significant decrease of IL-5, and no IL-4 production. Two apparently beneficial immunological parameters were detected in tegumentary leishmaniasis: (i) decreasing proportions of CD4+ Leishmania-reactive T cells in the absence of IL-4 production associated with cure of CL and ML and (ii) decreasing levels of IL-5 long after cure, better detected in patients with ML. The observed T-cell responses maintained for a long period in healed patients could be relevant for immunoprotection against reinfection and used as a parameter for determining the prognosis of patients and selecting future vaccine preparations. PMID:11874860

Expression of nestin in superior cervical ganglia of rats is influenced by gender and gonadectomy.

PubMed

Filipović, Natalija; Mašek, Tomislav; Grković, Ivica

2015-01-01

Neurons and glia arise from neural progenitor cells that express nestin. Although substantial changes in neuronal development were observed during the postnatal period, data concerning dynamics of nestin expression in the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) of rat during that period are lacking. It is known that gonadectomy and steroid hormones influence the development of neurons in the SCG during the postnatal period, but there are no data on how they influence the persistence of nestin expression in the SCG cells. The dynamics of nestin expression in the SCG in rats of three age groups, as well as the influence of gender and gonadectomy, was investigated. Three groups of male rats were sacrificed at 2, 3 and 6 months of age. Additional groups of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were gonadectomized at the age of 2 months. After 30 days, they were sacrificed and SCGs were harvested and processed immunohistochemically. Immunoreactivity for nestin in the SCG was observed in satellite glia, based on their expression of s100. The proportion of neurons that were encircled with nestin-immunoreactive satellite cells (nestin encircled neurons, NEN) decreased between second and third month of age (p<0.05). The proportion of NEN was greater in the NPY+ than in the NPY- subpopulation. The proportion of NEN in the SCG of female rats was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of both, the male rats and ovariectomised groups. The percentage of these neurons was significantly higher (p<0.05) in orchidectomised, in comparison to male rats. Results show the existence of nestin-immunoreactive satellite cells in the SCG of adult rats. A substantial decrease of nestin expression in SCG cells of rats, after the onset of sexual maturation, was observed. This decrease showed significant sex-dependence and was dramatically influenced by gonadal activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vitamin A-first dose supplement coverage evaluation amongst children aged 12–23 months residing in slums of Delhi, India

PubMed Central

Sachdeva, Sandeep; Datta, Utsuk

2009-01-01

Objective: To determine vitamin A-first dose supplement coverage in children aged 12–23 months and to find out its correlates with selected variables. Materials and Methods: The 30-cluster sampling technique based on probability proportional to size advocated by the World Health Organization was used to assess vitamin A-first dose supplement amongst 210 children in the age group of 12–23 months residing in slums of a randomly selected municipal zone of Delhi during October to November 2005. Results: Only 79 (37.6%) children out of 210 had received vitamin A-first dose supplement. Further analysis of 79 children was carried out with regard to selected variables like religion, gender, birth order, place of birth, immunization status and literacy of mother. These analyses showed that 71 (89.9%) were Hindu and eight (10.1%) were non-Hindu (P = 0.04). Nearly 44 (55.7%) males and 35 (44.3%) females had received vitamin A (P = 0.74). The proportion of children born in a health institution who received first dose (57%) of vitamin A supplementation was significantly higher than of those who were born at home (43%) (P < 0.001). Similarly, higher proportion of children with birth order-one (48.1%) in comparison to birth order-three or above (26.6%) received vitamin A (P < 0.001). Thirty children though fully immunized for vaccine-preventable disease up to the age-of-one year had not received vitamin A-first dose supplement, suggesting that an opportunity had been missed. The association between receipt of vitamin A by the child and literacy status of mother was found to be significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study reflects low coverage of Vitamin A supplement. PMID:19574699

Resource Utilization for Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage Transferred to a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

PubMed

Nguyen, Claude; Mir, Osman; Vahidy, Farhaan; Wu, Tzu-Ching; Albright, Karen; Boehme, Amelia; Delgado, Rigoberto; Savitz, Sean

2015-12-01

As a comprehensive stroke center (CSC), we accept transfer patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in our region. CSC guidelines mandate receipt of patients with ICH for higher level of care. We determined resource utilization of patients accepted from outside hospitals compared with patients directly arriving to our center. From our stroke registry, we compared patients with primary ICH transferred to those directly arriving to our CSC from March 2011-March 2012. We compared the proportion of patients who utilized at least one of these resources: neurointensive care unit (NICU), neurosurgical intervention, or clinical trial enrollment. Among the 362 patients, 210 (58%) were transfers. Transferred patients were older, had higher median Glasgow Coma Scale scores, and lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores than directly admitted patients. Transfers had smaller median ICH volumes (20.5 cc versus 15.2 cc; P = .04) and lower ICH scores (2.1 ± 1.4 versus 1.6 ± 1.3; P < .01). A smaller proportion of transfers utilized CSC-specific resources compared with direct admits (P = .02). Fewer transferred patients required neurosurgical intervention or were enrolled in trials. No significant difference was found in the proportion of patients who used NICU resources, although transferred patients had a significantly lower length of stay in the NICU. Average hospital stay costs were less for transferred patients than for direct admits. Patients with ICH transferred to our CSC underwent fewer neurosurgical procedures and had a shorter stay in the NICU. These results were reflected in the lower per-patient costs in the transferred group. Our results raise the need to analyze cost-benefits and resource utilization of transferring patients with milder ICH. Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Control of nausea with palonosetron versus granisetron, both combined with dexamethasone, in patients receiving cisplatin- or anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide-based regimens.

PubMed

Kubota, Kaoru; Saito, Mitsue; Aogi, Kenjiro; Sekine, Ikuo; Yoshizawa, Hirohisa; Yanagita, Yasuhiro; Sakai, Hiroshi; Inoue, Kenichi; Kitagawa, Chiyoe; Ogura, Takashi

2016-09-01

In a comparative phase 3 study involving 1114 Japanese patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC), palonosetron (PALO) was found to be superior to granisetron (GRA) for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in the delayed phase. This post hoc analysis of the phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy of PALO for the control of nausea. The proportion of patients without nausea was assessed at 24-h intervals during the acute phase (0-24 h), delayed phase (24-120 h), and overall (0-120 h). No nausea rates were also evaluated by sex, type of chemotherapy (cisplatin or doxorubicin/epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide [AC/EC]), and age (<55 vs. ≥55 years). Nausea severity was categorized using a 4-point Likert scale (0 = no nausea to 3 = severe nausea). The proportion of patients without nausea was significantly higher in the PALO arm than in the GRA arm in the delayed phase (37.8 % vs. 27.2 %; p = 0.002) and overall (31.9 % vs. 25.0 %; p = 0.0117). When analyzed by stratification factors, the proportion of patients without nausea was significantly higher in the PALO arm in the delayed phase and overall in patients who were female, younger, or treated with cisplatin and in the delayed phase in patients who were older or treated with doxorubicin or epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide (all p < 0.05). PALO was more effective than GRA in prophylaxis of HEC-induced nausea in the delayed phase and overall. In addition, PALO was more effective than GRA in young and female patients, who are at high risk of CINV, both in the delayed phase and overall.

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

Kishi, Takahiro; Matsuo, Yukinori, E-mail: ymatsuo@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Ueki, Nami

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials: Data from 165 patients who underwent SBRT for stage I NSCLC with histologic confirmation from January 1999 to September 2010 were collected retrospectively. Factors, including age, performance status, histology, Charlson comorbidity index, mGPS, and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class based on sex and T stage, were evaluated with regard to overall survival (OS) using the Cox proportional hazards model. The impact of the mGPS on causemore » of death and failure patterns was also analyzed. Results: The 3-year OS was 57.9%, with a median follow-up time of 3.5 years. A higher mGPS correlated significantly with poor OS (P<.001). The 3-year OS of lower mGPS patients was 66.4%, whereas that of higher mGPS patients was 44.5%. On multivariate analysis, mGPS and RPA class were significant factors for OS. A higher mGPS correlated significantly with lung cancer death (P=.019) and distant metastasis (P=.013). Conclusions: The mGPS was a significant predictor of clinical outcomes for SBRT in NSCLC patients.« less

The role of growth form and correlated traits in competitive ranking of six perennial ruderal plant species grown in unbalanced mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietz, Hansjörg; Steinlein, Thomas; Ullmann, Isolde

1998-02-01

The competitive abilities of six perennial ruderal plants of three different growth forms were compared via yield measures using an additive diallel experimental design with unbalanced mixtures (9:3 or 3:9 plants per pot, respectively). Thus, in a given mixture species A was grown in two configurations: three individuals in centre position of the pot together with nine plants of species B in border position and vice versa. Effect competitive abilities as well as response competitive abilities of the species were significantly related to canopy height and plant biomass. The species with lower rosette growth form and smaller biomasses were weaker competitors than the species possessing elevated canopies along with higher biomasses, whereas total leaf area was not significantly correlated with competitive ability between species. Species differences in competitive ability were stronger between the plants grown in the central position than between those grown in the border position. Furthermore, interactions between species-specific traits and configuration could be observed, indicating the importance of species proportions and arrangement patterns for evaluation of competitive outcome in the field. The degree of complete transitivity of the competitive network of the six ruderal species, which was significantly higher than expected under the null model in our experimental design, also seemed to depend on species proportions in mixture. Shifts in root:shoot ratio of the centre plants when faced with competition by the border plants were in the direction of higher shoot allocation for the weak competitors with rosette growth form irrespective of the neighbour species, except for Bunias orientalis, which showed a more plastic response. The stronger competitors showed higher root allocation ( Urtica dioica) or were hardly affected at all. Consistent with the results of our experiment, the weaker competitors occur at rather frequently disturbed and therefore transient field sites whereas the stronger competitors predominate at infrequently disturbed sites during several phases of succession.

Blood concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in an avian predator endemic to southern Africa: Associations with habitat, electrical transformers and diet.

PubMed

Garcia-Heras, Marie-Sophie; Arroyo, Beatriz; Simmons, Robert E; Camarero, Pablo R; Mateo, Rafael; Mougeot, Francois

2018-01-01

Persistent pollutants such as organochlorine compounds (OCs) have been highlighted as a cause of population decline in avian predators. Understanding patterns of OCs contamination can be crucial for the conservation of affected species, yet little is known on these threats to African raptors. Here we report on OC concentrations in an endangered predator endemic to southern Africa, the Black Harrier Circus maurus. Blood samples were collected in 2012-2014 from wild nestlings (n = 90) and adults (n = 23) in south-western South Africa, where agriculture and urbanization have developed rapidly since the 1950s. Polychlorinated biphenyl (ΣPCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ΣDDT, for p,p'-DDT + p,p'-DDE) were detected in 79% and 84% of sampled individuals, respectively, with varying concentrations among demographic groups: nestlings had significantly higher ΣPCB and p,p'-DDT concentrations than adults, while adults had higher levels of p,p'-DDE than nestlings. Levels of ΣPCB significantly increased with an index of electric transformer density, a measure of the number and power of electric transformers around active nests. We propose this index as a useful tool for assessing ΣPCB exposure risk in other wildlife. Levels of p,p'-DDE significantly increased with the proportion of wetlands within the breeding territory, and also with the proportion of bird biomass in the diet. No association was found between OC levels and the protected area status of nesting sites. Physiological effects of contaminants were also manifest in increased white blood cell counts with higher p,p'-DDT levels. Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio increased with higher ΣPCB levels, suggesting increased physiological stress and reduced immunity in contaminated individuals. Our results suggest that OCs are still a current cause of concern for endangered Black Harriers, as well as other sympatric predators. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pathological and nonpathological gamblers: a survey in gambling settings.

PubMed

Oliveira, M P; Silva, M T

2000-09-01

In this first study on gambling in Brazil, pathological and non-pathological gamblers were surveyed at three bingo clubs, one video poker club, and one horse-racing club in São Paulo. The South Oaks Gambling Screen and a questionnaire were administered to 171 subjects. When compared to nonpathological gamblers, a significantly higher proportion of pathological gamblers played cards, horse races, video poker, and dice in their lifetime. The two groups were similar with respect to socially acceptable games such as lotteries, bingo, sports, and the stock market. No significant differences were observed in drug consumption except for a higher lifetime consumption of tobacco among pathological gamblers. Only 4.9% of the gamblers sought help for gambling-related problems, suggesting that gambling is not generally perceived as a mental health problem by these subjects.

Contrasting trends of tuberculosis in the cities of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 2005-2014.

PubMed

Varela-Martínez, Cecilia; Yadon, Zaida E; Marín, Diana; Heldal, Einar

2016-01-01

Objective To 1) describe and compare the trends of tuberculosis (TB) case notification rates (CNRs) and treatment outcomes in the two largest cities in Honduras (San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa) for the period 2005-2014 and 2) identify possible related socioeconomic and health sector factors. Methods This retrospective ecological operational research study used aggregated data from the National TB Program (socioeconomic and health sector information and individual data from the 2014 TB case notification report). Results TB CNRs declined steadily over the study period in Tegucigalpa (from 46 to 28 per 100 000 inhabitants) but remained high in San Pedro Sula (decreasing from 89 to 78 per 100 000 inhabitants). Similar trends were observed for smear-positive TB. While presumptive TB cases examined were similar for both cities, in San Pedro Sula the proportions of presumptive cases with a positive smear; (7.7% versus 3.6%) relapses (8.9% versus 4.2%); and patients lost to follow-up (10.9% versus 2.7%) were significantly higher, and the treatment success lower (75.7% versus 87.0%). San Pedro Sula had lower annual income per capita, fewer public sector health workers and facilities, and a higher and increasing homicide index. The 2014 TB case data from San Pedro Sula showed a significantly lower median age and a higher proportion of assembly plant workers, prisoners, drug abusers, and diabetes. Conclusions The TB rate was higher and treatment success lower, and health care resources and socio-demographic indicators less favorable, in San Pedro Sula versus Tegucigalpa. City authorities, the NTP, and the health sector overall should strengthen early case detection, treatment, and infection control, involving both public and private health sectors.

Socioeconomic differences in purchases of more vs. less healthy foods and beverages: Analysis of over 25,000 British households in 2010☆

PubMed Central

Pechey, Rachel; Jebb, Susan A.; Kelly, Michael P.; Almiron-Roig, Eva; Conde, Susana; Nakamura, Ryota; Shemilt, Ian; Suhrcke, Marc; Marteau, Theresa M.

2013-01-01

Socioeconomic inequalities in diet-related health outcomes are well-recognised, but are not fully explained by observational studies of consumption. We provide a novel analysis to identify purchasing patterns more precisely, based on data for take-home food and beverage purchases from 25,674 British households in 2010. To examine socioeconomic differences (measured by occupation), we conducted regression analyses on the proportion of energy purchased from (a) each of 43 food or beverage categories and (b) major nutrients. Results showed numerous small category-level socioeconomic differences. Aggregation of the categories showed lower SES groups generally purchased a greater proportion of energy from less healthy foods and beverages than those in higher SES groups (65% and 60%, respectively), while higher SES groups purchased a greater proportion of energy from healthier food and beverages (28% vs. 24%). At the nutrient-level, socioeconomic differences were less marked, although higher SES was associated with purchasing greater proportions of fibre, protein and total sugars, and smaller proportions of sodium. The observed pattern of purchasing across SES groups contributes to the explanation of observed health differences between groups and highlights targets for interventions to reduce health inequalities. PMID:23849275

Association of the Vaginal Microbiota with Human Papillomavirus Infection in a Korean Twin Cohort

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung Eun; Lee, Sunghee; Lee, Heetae; Song, Yun-Mi; Lee, Kayoung; Han, Min Ji; Sung, Joohon; Ko, GwangPyo

2013-01-01

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important causative agent of cervical cancers worldwide. However, our understanding of how the vaginal microbiota might be associated with HPV infection is limited. In addition, the influence of human genetic and physiological factors on the vaginal microbiota is unclear. Studies on twins and their families provide the ideal settings to investigate the complicated nature of human microbiota. This study investigated the vaginal microbiota of 68 HPV-infected or uninfected female twins and their families using 454-pyrosequencing analysis targeting the variable region (V2–V3) of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Analysis of the vaginal microbiota from both premenopausal women and HPV-discordant twins indicated that HPV-positive women had significantly higher microbial diversity with a lower proportion of Lactobacillus spp. than HPV-negative women. Fusobacteria, including Sneathia spp., were identified as a possible microbiological marker associated with HPV infection. The vaginal microbiotas of twin pairs were significantly more similar to each other than to those from unrelated individuals. In addition, there were marked significant differences from those of their mother, possibly due to differences in menopausal status. Postmenopausal women had a lower proportion of Lactobacillus spp. and a significantly higher microbiota diversity. This study indicated that HPV infection was associated with the composition of the vaginal microbiota, which is influenced by multiple host factors such as genetics and menopause. The potential biological markers identified in this study could provide insight into HPV pathogenesis and may represent biological targets for diagnostics. PMID:23717441

Thesis Abstract Fermented milk elaborated with Camellia sinensis.

PubMed

Ribeiro, O A S; Silva, M I A; Boari, C A

2016-05-13

This study aimed to develop and to characterize fermented dairy beverage formulated with Camellia sinensis. The infusion was elaborated with the addiction of dehydrated leaves of C. sinensis in whey (1g/100g) which added in sweetened milk (10% sucrose w/w) coagulated by Streptococcus salivarius subspecies thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus in proportions of 10, 20, 30 and 40% (v/w). The control treatment consisted of yogurt added with sucrose (10% w/w). Analysis were performed to quantify dry mass, moisture, ash, protein, fat, sodium, acidity, total quantification of lactic acid bacteria, total antioxidant activity and viscosity at the initial time of production and at 15 and 30 days of storage. Chromatographic determination of volatile compounds and sensory tests of acceptance and consumption intention were conducted at the initial time of production. Dry matter content, moisture, ash and total count of lactic acid bacteria from fermented milk drink formulations were not significantly affected by the amount of infusion of C. sinensis. However, the content of protein, fat and sodium were significantly lower with the increase of the proportion of infusion incorporated into the product. Significant reduction in apparent viscosity occurs with the increase in the amount of infusion added. The total antioxidant activity of the formulations was significantly higher as higher were the amount of added infusion. The addition of infusion contributed to the diversification of volatile aroma and taste makers in the product. The formulation of fermented dairy drink with addition of 30% infusion C. sinensis was better evaluated in sensory tests, with greater acceptance and greater consumer intent of consumption.

Association of the vaginal microbiota with human papillomavirus infection in a Korean twin cohort.

PubMed

Lee, Jung Eun; Lee, Sunghee; Lee, Heetae; Song, Yun-Mi; Lee, Kayoung; Han, Min Ji; Sung, Joohon; Ko, GwangPyo

2013-01-01

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important causative agent of cervical cancers worldwide. However, our understanding of how the vaginal microbiota might be associated with HPV infection is limited. In addition, the influence of human genetic and physiological factors on the vaginal microbiota is unclear. Studies on twins and their families provide the ideal settings to investigate the complicated nature of human microbiota. This study investigated the vaginal microbiota of 68 HPV-infected or uninfected female twins and their families using 454-pyrosequencing analysis targeting the variable region (V2-V3) of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Analysis of the vaginal microbiota from both premenopausal women and HPV-discordant twins indicated that HPV-positive women had significantly higher microbial diversity with a lower proportion of Lactobacillus spp. than HPV-negative women. Fusobacteria, including Sneathia spp., were identified as a possible microbiological marker associated with HPV infection. The vaginal microbiotas of twin pairs were significantly more similar to each other than to those from unrelated individuals. In addition, there were marked significant differences from those of their mother, possibly due to differences in menopausal status. Postmenopausal women had a lower proportion of Lactobacillus spp. and a significantly higher microbiota diversity. This study indicated that HPV infection was associated with the composition of the vaginal microbiota, which is influenced by multiple host factors such as genetics and menopause. The potential biological markers identified in this study could provide insight into HPV pathogenesis and may represent biological targets for diagnostics.

Analysis of BAG3 plasma concentrations in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure.

PubMed

Gandhi, Parul U; Gaggin, Hanna K; Belcher, Arianna M; Harisiades, Jamie E; Basile, Anna; Falco, Antonia; Rosati, Alessandra; Piscione, Federico; Januzzi, James L; Turco, M Caterina

2015-05-20

BCL-2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is a protein implicated in the cardiomyocyte stress response and genesis of cardiomyopathy. Extracellular BAG3 is measurable in patients with heart failure (HF), but the relationship of BAG3 with HF prognosis is unclear. BAG3 plasma concentrations were measured in 39 acutely decompensated HF patients; the primary endpoint was death at 1 year. Baseline characteristics were compared by vital status and median BAG3 concentration. Correlation of BAG3 with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and other biomarkers was performed. Prognostic value was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. At baseline, median BAG3 was significantly higher in decedents (N=11) than survivors (N=28; 1489 ng/mL versus 50 ng/mL; P=0.04); decedents also had worse renal function and higher median natriuretic peptide (NP) and sST2. BAG3 was not significantly correlated with NPs, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin, sST2, or eGFR, however. Mortality was increased in patients with supra-median BAG3 (>336 ng/mL; 42.1% versus 15.0%, P=0.06). In age and LVEF-adjusted Cox proportional hazards, BAG3 remained a significant mortality predictor (HR=3.20; 95% CI=1.34-7.65; P=0.02); those with supra-median BAG3 had significantly shorter time-to-death (P=0.04). The stress response protein BAG3 is measurable in patients with ADHF and may be prognostic for death. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prognostic impact of peritonitis in hemodialysis patients: A national-wide longitudinal study in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Lee, Cheng-Chia; Wu, Patricia W.; Chang, Chee-Jen; Tian, Ya-Chung; Yang, Chih-Wei

2017-01-01

Background Peritonitis has been independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients. However, there are few reports on peritonitis in hemodialysis patients. We aim at investigating both the risk profiles and prognostic impact of peritonitis in hemodialysis patients. Methods This nation-wide longitudinal study uses claims data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 80,733 incident hemodialysis patients of age ≥ 20 years without a history of peritonitis were identified between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2009. Predictors of peritonitis events were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratio for mortality attributed to peritonitis exposure. Results Of 80,733 incident hemodialysis patients over a 13-year study period, peritonitis was diagnosed in 935 (1.16%), yielding an incidence rate of 2.91 per 1000 person-years. Female gender, liver cirrhosis and polycystic kidney disease were three of the most significant factors for peritonitis in both non-diabetic and diabetic hemodialysis patients. The cumulative survival rate of patients with peritonitis was 38.8% at 1 year and 10.1% at 5 years. A time-dependent Cox multivariate analysis showed that peritonitis had significantly increased hazard ratio for all cause mortality. Additionally, the risk of mortality remained significantly higher for non-diabetic hemodialysis patients that experienced peritonitis. Conclusions The risk of peritonitis in hemodialysis patients is higher in female gender, liver cirrhosis and polycystic kidney disease. Although peritonitis is a rare condition, it is associated with significantly poorer outcome in hemodialysis patients. PMID:28301536

Prognostic impact of peritonitis in hemodialysis patients: A national-wide longitudinal study in Taiwan.

PubMed

Lu, Yueh-An; Tu, Kun-Hua; Lee, Cheng-Chia; Wu, Patricia W; Chang, Chee-Jen; Tian, Ya-Chung; Yang, Chih-Wei; Chu, Pao-Hsien

2017-01-01

Peritonitis has been independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients. However, there are few reports on peritonitis in hemodialysis patients. We aim at investigating both the risk profiles and prognostic impact of peritonitis in hemodialysis patients. This nation-wide longitudinal study uses claims data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 80,733 incident hemodialysis patients of age ≥ 20 years without a history of peritonitis were identified between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2009. Predictors of peritonitis events were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratio for mortality attributed to peritonitis exposure. Of 80,733 incident hemodialysis patients over a 13-year study period, peritonitis was diagnosed in 935 (1.16%), yielding an incidence rate of 2.91 per 1000 person-years. Female gender, liver cirrhosis and polycystic kidney disease were three of the most significant factors for peritonitis in both non-diabetic and diabetic hemodialysis patients. The cumulative survival rate of patients with peritonitis was 38.8% at 1 year and 10.1% at 5 years. A time-dependent Cox multivariate analysis showed that peritonitis had significantly increased hazard ratio for all cause mortality. Additionally, the risk of mortality remained significantly higher for non-diabetic hemodialysis patients that experienced peritonitis. The risk of peritonitis in hemodialysis patients is higher in female gender, liver cirrhosis and polycystic kidney disease. Although peritonitis is a rare condition, it is associated with significantly poorer outcome in hemodialysis patients.

Lorcaserin: a review of its use in chronic weight management.

PubMed

Hoy, Sheridan M

2013-04-01

Oral lorcaserin (BELVIQ(®)), a selective serotonin 5-HT2C receptor agonist, is indicated in the US as an adjunct to diet and exercise in the chronic weight management of obese adults, or overweight adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g. dyslipidaemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes). This article reviews the pharmacological properties, therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of oral lorcaserin in this patient population. In three large randomized, double-blind, multicentre studies, oral lorcaserin was more effective than placebo in the management of obese and overweight adults with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Following 12 months' therapy, significantly higher proportions of lorcaserin than placebo recipients achieved a ≥5 and ≥10 % reduction from baseline in their bodyweight and a significant between-group difference favouring lorcaserin over placebo was observed for the change from baseline in bodyweight. Moreover, among patients who had achieved a ≥5 % reduction in their bodyweight after 12 months' therapy with lorcaserin, a significantly higher proportion who received lorcaserin for a further 12 months than those who switched to placebo maintained ≥5 % weight loss at 24 months. In general, oral lorcaserin was well tolerated in clinical studies, with hypoglycaemia and headache the most frequently reported adverse events in those with or without type 2 diabetes, respectively. According to a pooled analysis, the risk of US-FDA-defined valvulopathy with lorcaserin is generally low and not statistically significantly different from placebo. From these and other data, the FDA has concluded that lorcaserin is unlikely to elevate the risk of valvulopathy.

Evaluation of Postural Asymmetry and Gross Joint Mobility in Elite Female Volleyball Athletes

PubMed Central

Vařeková, Renata; Vařeka, Ivan; Janura, Miroslav; Svoboda, Zdenek; Elfmark, Milan

2011-01-01

The purpose of the study was to evaluate marked postural asymmetry and gross joint mobility in elite female volleyball athletes. Sixty-two Czech and Slovak elite female volleyball athletes (age 20.7±2.03 years, body mass 71.1±6.18 kg, body height 1.804±.0618 m, BMI 21.8±1.78) were examined by an experienced rehabilitation physician. The set of tests included the frontal posture gross examination, the forward bending test from the standing position and the deep squat test. The spiking hand and the presence of any lower extremity injury were estimated by interview. The proportion test, Mann-Whitney test and t-test were used to evaluate statistical significance (p<0.05). Fifty subjects (80.6%) exhibited “typical” frontal plane posture in which the acromion, scapula and the iliac crest were in a higher position on the left side than on the right, significantly more frequently than all the other patterns (proportion test, p<0.0001). Ninety-eight percent of the subjects with the “LLL pattern” preferred the right arm for spiking (proportion test, p<0.0001). Forty-one subjects (66%) exhibited hypermobility in the forward bending test, significantly more frequently than twenty-one subjects (34%) with normal results (proportion test, p=0.0003). Thirty-four subjects (55%) did not succeed in the deep squat test and hypermobility in the forward bending test paradoxically prevailed in them significantly (proportion test, p=0.004). Restriction in the deep squat test was not linked to obesity, age (t-test, p=0.081) nor knee (proportion test, p=0.85) and ankle injury (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.36) in the past. Significant prevalence of hypermobility in the forward bending test was not surprising because of general body composition and the performance of regular stretching exercises in elite female volleyball athletes. On the other hand, surprisingly, more than half of the subjects did not succeed in the deep squat test. The cause of poor results in the deep squat test could be due to the tightness of the soleus muscle suffering from chronic overloading and/or an inappropriate stretching methods. An inappropriate and/or insufficient compensatory exercise and stretching method or system could be the cause of their marked postural asymmetry as well. A detailed examination of posture and muscle imbalance performed by an experienced physician or physiotherapist as well as individually tailored compensatory exercises and a stretching system can be strongly recommended to all elite athletes, not only to volleyball players. PMID:23486553

Cumulative trauma disorders in betel pepper leaf-cullers visiting a rehabilitation clinic: experience in Taitung.

PubMed

Wang, Lin-Yi; Pong, Ya-Ping; Wang, Her-Cherng; Su, Sheng-Hsiang; Tsai, Chang-Hsueh; Leong, Chau-Peng

2005-04-01

Betel pepper (Piper betle L.) cultivation is an important agricultural industry in Taitung, Taiwan, and culling leaves is very labor-intensive. This case study compares the proportion of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) between cullers and those with other occupations. Patients with musculoskeletal disorders in the rehabilitation clinic of a local hospital in Taitung were enrolled. This all female cohort was divided into a culler group (betel pepper cullers, n = 20), and a non-culler group (other occupations, n = 47). Three cullers were interviewed, and were also recorded to elucidate the related ergonomics. Patients were diagnosed using plain radiography and ultrasonography. The act of culling involves an overhead internal rotation of both shoulders with extended elbows while standing, followed by wrist flexion and forearm pronation. Flexing of the fingers is also required by the tools, 'iron nails' fitted onto both thumbs. The proportions of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were significantly higher among cullers than non-cullers (0.45 vs. 0.15, p = 0.011 and 0.40 vs. 0.06, p = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, the total frequency of CTDs displayed a positive linear correlation with employment duration (r = 0.618, p = 0.004). Proportions of occupational SIS and CTS were higher among betel pepper cullers than those with other occupations. These CTDs may have resulted from a prolonged static posture and repetitive motions during culling.

Profile of tuberculosis among the foreign-born population in Japan, 2007–2014

PubMed Central

Uchimura, Kazuhiro; Izumi, Kiyohiko; Ohkado, Akihiro; Ishikawa, Nobukatsu

2016-01-01

The proportion of foreign-born people among the newly notified tuberculosis (TB) patients has been increasing in recent years and potentially poses a new challenge to TB control in Japan. In this report, we analysed the data from the Japan TB surveillance system between 2007 and 2014 to gain an overview of the trends and characteristics of foreign-born TB patients in Japan. We found that the proportion of foreign-born TB patients was especially high among the younger age groups – 44.1% among the 20–29 years age group in 2014. The largest groups of foreign-born patients were from China and the Philippines; however, the number of those from Nepal and Viet Nam was on the rise. Students comprised the second largest professional category group for TB after regular workers, and its proportion increased over the study period. Compared to Japan-born TB patients, foreign-born patients were more likely to be diagnosed through routine medical check-ups. Treatment successes and patients still on treatment were significantly lower among foreign-born patients than their Japan-born counterparts; and transferred-out and unknown outcomes were higher. Our results indicated that distinctive subgroups within the foreign-born population in Japan, especially students and regular workers, might have a higher risk of developing TB. Measures to ensure early diagnosis and treatment adherence should be adapted to such populations. PMID:27508086

Profile of tuberculosis among the foreign-born population in Japan, 2007-2014.

PubMed

Kawatsu, Lisa; Uchimura, Kazuhiro; Izumi, Kiyohiko; Ohkado, Akihiro; Ishikawa, Nobukatsu

2016-01-01

The proportion of foreign-born people among the newly notified tuberculosis (TB) patients has been increasing in recent years and potentially poses a new challenge to TB control in Japan. In this report, we analysed the data from the Japan TB surveillance system between 2007 and 2014 to gain an overview of the trends and characteristics of foreign-born TB patients in Japan. We found that the proportion of foreign-born TB patients was especially high among the younger age groups - 44.1% among the 20-29 years age group in 2014. The largest groups of foreign-born patients were from China and the Philippines; however, the number of those from Nepal and Viet Nam was on the rise. Students comprised the second largest professional category group for TB after regular workers, and its proportion increased over the study period. Compared to Japan-born TB patients, foreign-born patients were more likely to be diagnosed through routine medical check-ups. Treatment successes and patients still on treatment were significantly lower among foreign-born patients than their Japan-born counterparts; and transferred-out and unknown outcomes were higher. Our results indicated that distinctive subgroups within the foreign-born population in Japan, especially students and regular workers, might have a higher risk of developing TB. Measures to ensure early diagnosis and treatment adherence should be adapted to such populations.

Implementation of dextrose gel in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

PubMed

Ter, Marene; Halibullah, Ikhwan; Leung, Laura; Jacobs, Susan

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate dextrose gel in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia in the postnatal wards at an Australian tertiary level perinatal centre. An audit was performed before and after implementation of dextrose gel. Pre-implementation, neonatal hypoglycaemia was managed with feed supplementation alone, and dextrose gel was used in addition to feed supplementation in the post-implementation phase. Outcomes included admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for management of hypoglycaemia, proportion of neonates who achieved normoglycaemia (defined as blood glucose ≥2.6 mmol/L, with no clinical signs after one or two treatment attempts) and proportion of neonates with hypoglycaemia recurrence after normoglycaemia and one or two treatment attempts. NICU admission for treatment of hypoglycaemia reduced significantly post-implementation of dextrose gel (29/100 (29%) vs. 14/100 (14%), P = 0.01). No significant difference was seen in the proportion of neonates achieving normoglycaemia (71/100 (71%) vs. 75/100 (75%), P = 0.52), but hypoglycaemia recurrence was higher in the post-implementation group (22/71 (31%) vs. 37/75 (49%), P = 0.02). Dextrose gel is effective in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia in the postnatal ward setting, reducing admission to NICU and mother-infant separation. © 2016 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Host and viral traits predict zoonotic spillover from mammals.

PubMed

Olival, Kevin J; Hosseini, Parviez R; Zambrana-Torrelio, Carlos; Ross, Noam; Bogich, Tiffany L; Daszak, Peter

2017-06-29

The majority of human emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, with viruses that originate in wild mammals of particular concern (for example, HIV, Ebola and SARS). Understanding patterns of viral diversity in wildlife and determinants of successful cross-species transmission, or spillover, are therefore key goals for pandemic surveillance programs. However, few analytical tools exist to identify which host species are likely to harbour the next human virus, or which viruses can cross species boundaries. Here we conduct a comprehensive analysis of mammalian host-virus relationships and show that both the total number of viruses that infect a given species and the proportion likely to be zoonotic are predictable. After controlling for research effort, the proportion of zoonotic viruses per species is predicted by phylogenetic relatedness to humans, host taxonomy and human population within a species range-which may reflect human-wildlife contact. We demonstrate that bats harbour a significantly higher proportion of zoonotic viruses than all other mammalian orders. We also identify the taxa and geographic regions with the largest estimated number of 'missing viruses' and 'missing zoonoses' and therefore of highest value for future surveillance. We then show that phylogenetic host breadth and other viral traits are significant predictors of zoonotic potential, providing a novel framework to assess if a newly discovered mammalian virus could infect people.

Grindability and combustion behavior of coal and torrefied biomass blends.

PubMed

Gil, M V; García, R; Pevida, C; Rubiera, F

2015-09-01

Biomass samples (pine, black poplar and chestnut woodchips) were torrefied to improve their grindability before being combusted in blends with coal. Torrefaction temperatures between 240 and 300 °C and residence times between 11 and 43 min were studied. The grindability of the torrefied biomass, evaluated from the particle size distribution of the ground sample, significantly improved compared to raw biomass. Higher temperatures increased the proportion of smaller-sized particles after grinding. Torrefied chestnut woodchips (280 °C, 22 min) showed the best grinding properties. This sample was blended with coal (5-55 wt.% biomass). The addition of torrefied biomass to coal up to 15 wt.% did not significantly increase the proportion of large-sized particles after grinding. No relevant differences in the burnout value were detected between the coal and coal/torrefied biomass blends due to the high reactivity of the coal. NO and SO2 emissions decreased as the percentage of torrefied biomass in the blend with coal increased. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Co-digestion of cultivated microalgae and sewage sludge from municipal waste water treatment.

PubMed

Olsson, Jesper; Feng, Xin Mei; Ascue, Johnny; Gentili, Francesco G; Shabiimam, M A; Nehrenheim, Emma; Thorin, Eva

2014-11-01

In this study two wet microalgae cultures and one dried microalgae culture were co-digested in different proportions with sewage sludge in mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The aim was to evaluate if the co-digestion could lead to an increased efficiency of methane production compared to digestion of sewage sludge alone. The results showed that co-digestion with both wet and dried microalgae, in certain proportions, increased the biochemical methane potential (BMP) compared with digestion of sewage sludge alone in mesophilic conditions. The BMP was significantly higher than the calculated BMP in many of the mixtures. This synergetic effect was statistically significant in a mixture containing 63% (w/w VS based) undigested sewage sludge and 37% (w/w VS based) wet algae slurry, which produced 23% more methane than observed with undigested sewage sludge alone. The trend was that thermophilic co-digestion of microalgae and undigested sewage sludge did not give the same synergy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unintentional fall-related mortality in the elderly: comparing patterns in two countries with different demographic structure

PubMed Central

Majdan, Marek; Mauritz, Walter

2015-01-01

Objectives Falls are among the major external causes of unintentional injury and injury-related mortality in the elderly. The aim of this study was to compare the patterns of unintentional fall-related mortalities in two countries with different demographic structure: Slovakia and Austria in 2003–2010. Methods A study was conducted using death certificate data, trends of fall-related mortality in the elderly (over 65 years) in Austria and Slovakia were compared. Crude and age-standardised mortality rates were calculated. Rate ratios were used to quantify differences based on age, sex and country. The role of demographic structure and population ageing was considered. Results The annual average crude mortality for Slovakia was 28.82, for Austria 54.19 per 100 000 person-years. Increasing rates were observed towards higher age in both countries. Males had higher mortality than females (1.18 times higher in Austria, 2.4 higher in Slovakia). In ages over 75 years rates were significantly higher in Austria, compared to Slovakia. Injuries to head (in males) and hip (in females) were most commonly the underlying cause of death. The proportion of populations over 65 and over 80 and rate of their increase were higher in Austria than in Slovakia. Conclusions We conclude that higher proportions of the elderly population of Austria could have contributed to the higher fall-related mortality rates compared to Slovakia, especially in females over 80 years. Our study quantified the differences between two countries with different structure of the elderly population and these findings could be used in planning future needs of health and social services and to plan prevention in countries where a rapid increase in age of the population can be foreseen. PMID:26270950

[Effect of cellular immune supportive treatment on immunity of esophageal carcinoma patients after modern two-field lymph node dissection].

PubMed

Wang, Jun-Ye; Ma, Guo-Wei; Dai, Shu-Qin; Rong, Tie-Hua; Wang, Xin; Lin, Peng; Ye, Wen-Feng; Zhang, Lan-Jun; Li, Xiao-Dong; Zhang, Xu; Yao, Guang-Yu

2007-07-01

Cellular immunity suppression is marked in patients with esophageal carcinoma, which may be resulted temporarily from surgical injury. This study was to evaluate the effect of cellular immune supportive treatment on cellular immunity of patients with esophageal carcinoma. A total of 60 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma, received two-field dissection, were randomized into control group and trial (immune supportive treatment) group. The patients in trial group were injected with Shenqi injection after operation; the patients in control group received no immune supportive treatment. Peripheral blood samples were obtained before operation, and 3 and 9 days after operation. AgNOR (argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions) activity in peripheral blood T lymphocytes was measured by tumor immune microphotometry. T cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. The proportions of CD3+CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells were significantly higher in trial group than in control group at 3 days after operation (P < 0.05). The amount of AgNOR and proportions of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and CD4+CD25+ cells were significantly higher in trial group than in control group at 9 days after operation (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in 1-year survival rate between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Shenqi injection could obviously improve cellular immunity of the esophageal carcinoma patients after modern two-field dissection.

A comparison of the fat composition and prices of margarines between 2002 and 2006, when new Canadian labelling regulations came into effect.

PubMed

Ricciuto, Laurie; Lin, Kevin; Tarasuk, Valerie

2009-08-01

To examine the effect of the new Canadian labelling regulations on the fat composition and prices of margarines. A survey of all margarines sold in major supermarkets in the Greater Toronto area was conducted in 2006, and results were compared with those of a similar survey conducted in 2002. Average fat composition, proportion of 'trans fat-free' margarines and average prices of margarines were compared. A general linear model procedure was used to compare the relationship between price and fat composition in 2002 and 2006. Average amounts of trans fatty acids (TFA) and MUFA decreased, while average amounts of PUFA increased significantly from 2002 to 2006. The proportion of margarines with less than 0.2 g TFA/10 g serving rose significantly from 31 % in 2002 to 69 % in 2006. Margarines lower in TFA on average cost significantly more than margarines with greater amounts of these fats, and this relationship appeared stronger in 2006 relative to 2002. There is evidence of reductions in TFA in margarines since new labelling regulations came into effect in Canada; however, TFA reductions appeared to be restricted to higher-priced margarines. Results suggest that voluntary approaches (i.e. manufacturer incentives via labelling) to reduce population intakes of TFA will yield little changes in TFA content of low-cost products and thus may have limited benefit for lower-income groups, who are at higher risk of heart disease.

Effects of dietary chitosan on growth, lipid metabolism, immune response and antioxidant-related gene expression in Misgurnus anguillicaudatus.

PubMed

Yan, J; Guo, C; Dawood, M A O; Gao, J

2017-05-30

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on growth performance, lipid metabolism, gut microbial, antioxidant status and immune responses of juvenile loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). Five experimental diets were formulated to contain graded levels of chitosan (0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2 and 5% CHI) for 50 days. Results of the present study showed that body weight gain was significantly higher in fish fed chitosan supplemented diets in dose dependent manner than control group. Increasing dietary chitosan levels reduced gut lipid content. Meanwhile the mRNA expression levels of intestine lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid binding protein 2 were significantly reduced with incremental dietary chitosan level. The percentages of total monounsaturated fatty acid decreased, while polyunsaturated fatty acid increased with dietary chitosan. The fish fed 0.5% CHI had higher mucus lysozyme activity (LZM) than those fed 0% CHI, but the LZM activity was significantly decreased with advancing chitosan supplement. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase revealed a similar trend, where the highest expressions were found in fish fed 5% CHI diet. In the term of intestine microbiota between 0 and 1% CHI groups, the proportion of bacteria in the phylum Bacteroidetes increased, whereas the proportion of bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes decreased as the fish supplemented chitosan. In conclusion, supplementation of chitosan improved growth performance, antioxidant status and immunological responses in loach.

Environmental impact of electric motorcycles: Evidence from traffic noise assessment by a building-based data mining technique.

PubMed

Sheng, N; Zhou, X; Zhou, Y

2016-06-01

This study provided new evidence on the potential adoption of electric motorcycle (EM) as a cleaner alternative to gasoline-powered motorcycle. The effects of EM on human exposure to traffic noise were assessed in different urban areas with different traffic scenarios. The assessment was carried out by a developed building-based model system that took into account the contribution of motorcycle traffic. The results indicated that the EM could be an appealing solution to reduce the risk of human exposure to excessive high traffic noise in a motorcycle city. Particularly, in a historical urban area in which the total traffic volume was lower and motorcycle traffic was dominant, the proportion of noise levels meeting the standard of 70 dB(A) increased significantly from 12.2% to 41.9% when 100% of gasoline motorcycles in the real traffic scenario were replaced by EMs. On the other hand, in a modern urban area in which the total traffic volume was higher and traffic noise levels at majority of sites were higher than 75 dB(A), the proportion of noise levels above 75 dB(A) decreased significantly from 82.6% to 59.9%. Nevertheless, the effect of EM on improving the traffic noise compliance rate in the modern urban area was not significant and other policies or measures need to be sought. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 in myasthenia gravis compared to other neurological disorders and healthy controls.

PubMed

Luckman, Steven P; Gilhus, Nils Erik; Romi, Fredrik

2011-01-01

MMP-3 is capable of degrading a variety of proteins, including agrin, which plays a critical role in neuromuscular signaling by controlling acetylcholine receptor clustering. High MMP-3 levels in a proportion of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients have been reported. A pathogenic role of MMP-3 in other neurological disorders has been suggested but not proven. We have therefore examined the levels of MMP-3 in 124 MG patients and compared them to 59 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, 74 epilepsy patients, 33 acute stroke patients, and 90 healthy controls. 15.3% of the patients in the MG group were MMP-3-positive (defined as higher than cutoff value 48 ng/mL) with very high mean MMP-3 concentration (79.9 ng/mL), whereas the proportion of MMP-3 positive patients in the MS (3.4%), epilepsy (6.7%), stroke (0%), and the control group (4.4%) was significantly lower. Mean MMP-3 concentration in the total MG group (25.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in the MS (16.6 ng/mL) and stroke (11.7 ng/mL) groups, but did not differ significantly from the epilepsy (19.4 ng/mL) and the control group (23.4 ng/mL). MMP-3 may have a specific pathogenic effect in MG in addition to being associated with autoimmune diseases in general.

Genetic variation associated with mammalian feeding in Culex pipiens from a West Nile virus epidemic region in Chicago, Illinois.

PubMed

Huang, Shaoming; Hamer, Gabriel L; Molaei, Goudarz; Walker, Edward D; Goldberg, Tony L; Kitron, Uriel D; Andreadis, Theodore G

2009-12-01

Mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex are important vectors of West Nile virus in the United States. We examined the genetic variations of Cx. pipiens mosquitoes from Chicago, Illinois that were determined to be principally ornithophilic but exhibited a relatively higher inclination for mammalian hosts including humans. Microsatellite analysis of 10 polymorphic markers was performed on 346 engorged Cx. pipiens specimens with identified avian or mammalian blood meals. Our results indicated that there were no significant differences in allelic richness, the pattern of conformity to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and linkage disequilibrium, nor was there overall genetic differentiation between specimens with avian- and mammalian-derived blood meals. However, Cx. pipiens form pipiens with mammalian- (including human-) derived blood meals had significantly higher ancestry (p < 0.001) and proportion of hybrids (p < 0.01) from the Cx. pipiens form molestus (population from New York City) than did those with avian-derived blood meals. By contrast, there were no significant differences in the ancestry (p > 0.05) and the proportion of hybrids (p > 0.05) from Cx. quinquefasciatus (population from Harris Country, Texas). No temporal genetic variation was detected in accordance with the observation that there was no shift in blood feeding from birds to mammals. The results of this study in conjunction with regional host-feeding behavior suggest that the probability of genetic ancestry from Cx. pipiens f. molestus may predispose mosquitoes to feed more readily on mammals; however, the genetic mechanisms are unknown.

Newborn regional body composition is influenced by maternal obesity, gestational weight gain and the birthweight standard score.

PubMed

Carlsen, E M; Renault, K M; Nørgaard, K; Nilas, L; Jensen, J E B; Hyldstrup, L; Michaelsen, K F; Cortes, D; Pryds, O

2014-09-01

This study investigated whether newborn body composition is influenced by prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain (GWG) and explored any associations between body composition and birthweight standard score (z-score), categorised by size for gestational age. We recruited 231 obese and 80 normal weight mothers and their newborn infants and assessed the babies' body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The total and abdominal fat masses of infants born to mother who were obese before pregnancy were 135 g (p < 0.001) and 18 g (p < 0.001) higher than the offspring of normal weight mothers. The infants' fat mass increased by 11 g (p < 0.001) for every kilogram of GWG. There were no associations between prepregnancy obesity and fat-free mass. The fat percentage was significantly higher in infants who were large for gestational age (15.3%) than small for gestational age (5.2%) and appropriate for gestational age (9.8%) (p < 0.001). Lower birthweight z-score was associated with a higher proportion of abdominal fat mass (p = 0.009). Infants born to obese mothers had higher fat mass at birth, with abdominal fat accumulation. Low birthweight was associated with a lower crude abdominal fat mass, but a higher proportion of total fat mass placed abdominally. ©2014 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Statewide Divorce Rates and Wives' Participation in the Labor Market.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeh, Bijou Y.; Lester, David

1987-01-01

Analyzed the relationship between the participation of married women in the labor market and divorce rates in the continental states of the United States in 1980. Results showed the higher the proportion of married women working full time and the lower the proportion of married women working part time, the higher the divorce rate of the state.…

Expression of miR-146a-5p in patients with intracranial aneurysms and its association with prognosis.

PubMed

Zhang, H-L; Li, L; Cheng, C-J; Sun, X-C

2018-02-01

The study aims to detect the association of miR-146a-5p with intracranial aneurysms (IAs). The expression of miR-146a-5p was compared from plasma samples between 72 patients with intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and 40 healthy volunteers by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between miR-146a-5p expression and clinical data and overall survival (OS) time of IAs patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards have also been performed. Notably, higher miR-146a-5p expression was found in plasma samples from 72 patients with intracranial aneurysms (IAs) compared with 40 healthy controls. Higher miR-146a-5p expression was significantly associated with rupture and Hunt-Hess level in IAs patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis verified that higher miR-146a-5p expression predicted a shorter overall survival (OS) compared with lower miR-146a-5p expression in IAs patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards demonstrated that higher miR-146a-5p expression, rupture, and Hunt-Hess were independent risk factors of OS in patients with intracranial aneurysms (IAs). MiR-146a-5p expression may serve as a biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with IAs.

Metabolically Healthy Overweight and Obesity Is Associated with Higher Adherence to a Traditional Dietary Pattern: A Cross-Sectional Study among Adults in Lebanon.

PubMed

Matta, Joane; Nasreddine, Lara; Jomaa, Lamis; Hwalla, Nahla; Mehio Sibai, Abla; Czernichow, Sebastien; Itani, Leila; Naja, Farah

2016-07-20

This study aimed to examine the proportion and socio-demographic correlates of Metabolically Healthy Overweight and Obesity (MHOv/O) among Lebanese adults and to investigate the independent effect of previously identified dietary patterns on odds of MHOv/O. Data were drawn from the National Nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey (Lebanon 2008-2009). Out of the 337 adult participants who had complete socio-demographic, lifestyle, dietary as well as anthropometric and biochemical data, 196 had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² and their data were included in this study. MHOv/O was identified using the Adult Treatment Panel criteria. Dietary patterns previously derived in this study population were: Fast Food/Dessert, Traditional-Lebanese and High-Protein. The proportion of MHOv/O in the study sample was 37.2%. Females, higher education and high level of physical activity were positively associated with odds of MHOv/O. Subjects with higher adherence to the Traditional-Lebanese pattern had higher odds of MHOv/O (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.09-3.91). No significant associations were observed between the Fast Food/Dessert and the high-protein patterns with MHOv/O. Follow-up studies are needed to confirm those findings and understand the mechanisms by which the Traditional-Lebanese pattern may exert a protective effect in this subgroup of overweight and obese adults.

Higher-eigenmode piezoresponse force microscopy: a path towards increased sensitivity and the elimination of electrostatic artifacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, Gordon A.; DelRio, Frank W.; Killgore, Jason P.

2018-03-01

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and related bias-induced strain sensing atomic force microscopy techniques provide unique characterization of material-functionality at the nanoscale. However, these techniques are prone to unwanted artifact signals that influence the vibration amplitude of the detecting cantilever. Here, we show that higher-order contact resonance eigenmodes can be readily excited in PFM. The benefits of using the higher-order eigenmodes include absolute sensitivity enhancement, electrostatic artifact reduction, and lateral versus normal strain decoupling. This approach can significantly increase the proportion of total signal arising from desired strain (as opposed to non-strain artifacts) in measurements with cantilevers exhibiting typical, few N m‑1 spring constants to cantilevers up to 1000× softer than typically used.

High-throughput sequencing reveals the incomplete, short-term recovery of infant gut microbiota following parenteral antibiotic treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin.

PubMed

Fouhy, Fiona; Guinane, Caitriona M; Hussey, Seamus; Wall, Rebecca; Ryan, C Anthony; Dempsey, Eugene M; Murphy, Brendan; Ross, R Paul; Fitzgerald, Gerald F; Stanton, Catherine; Cotter, Paul D

2012-11-01

The infant gut microbiota undergoes dramatic changes during the first 2 years of life. The acquisition and development of this population can be influenced by numerous factors, and antibiotic treatment has been suggested as one of the most significant. Despite this, however, there have been relatively few studies which have investigated the short-term recovery of the infant gut microbiota following antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to use high-throughput sequencing (employing both 16S rRNA and rpoB-specific primers) and quantitative PCR to compare the gut microbiota of nine infants who underwent parenteral antibiotic treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin (within 48 h of birth), 4 and 8 weeks after the conclusion of treatment, relative to that of nine matched healthy controls. The investigation revealed that the gut microbiota of the antibiotic-treated infants had significantly higher proportions of Proteobacteria (P = 0.0049) and significantly lower proportions of Actinobacteria (P = 0.00001) (and the associated genus Bifidobacterium [P = 0.0132]) as well as the genus Lactobacillus (P = 0.0182) than the untreated controls 4 weeks after the cessation of treatment. By week 8, the Proteobacteria levels remained significantly higher in the treated infants (P = 0.0049), but the Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus levels had recovered and were similar to those in the control samples. Despite this recovery of total Bifidobacterium numbers, rpoB-targeted pyrosequencing revealed that the number of different Bifidobacterium species present in the antibiotic-treated infants was reduced. It is thus apparent that the combined use of ampicillin and gentamicin in early life can have significant effects on the evolution of the infant gut microbiota, the long-term health implications of which remain unknown.

Neuropsychological deficits in long-term frequent cannabis users.

PubMed

Messinis, Lambros; Kyprianidou, Anthoula; Malefaki, Sonia; Papathanasopoulos, Panagiotis

2006-03-14

The authors examined neuropsychological functioning in 20 long-term (LT), 20 shorter term (ST) heavy frequent cannabis users, and 24 controls after abstinence for > or =24 hours prior to testing. LT users performed significantly worse on verbal memory and psychomotor speed. LT and ST users had a higher proportion of deficits on verbal fluency, verbal memory, attention, and psychomotor speed. Specific cognitive domains appear to deteriorate with increasing years of heavy frequent cannabis use.

Family Patterns and Adaptation in the U.S. Army

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-10-01

both men and women have all contributed to this mosaic. Despite greater diversity in family patterns in the U.S. Army today, little information is...21%) who had previously been single. • arents was three times greater than thtit of their male counterparts (7%). !n addition, former single parents...significant differences in the perceptions of relational strength for men and women. On each measure of relationship strength, a higher proportion of

Shame, internalized homophobia, identity formation, attachment style, and the connection to relationship status in gay men.

PubMed

Brown, Jac; Trevethan, Robert

2010-09-01

This study reports on a survey of 166 gay men in Sydney, Australia, that explores the links between internalized shame, internalized homophobia, and attachment style. These variables were linked to the age of coming out, family and peer acceptance of their sexuality, relationship status, and previous marriage. Findings suggest a strong relationship between shame, internalized homophobia, and anxious and avoidant attachment style. Shame was predicted by internalized homophobia and anxious and avoidant attachment style. A significant proportion of gay men reported that they were not easily accepted when they first came out. There was a significant relationship between coming out and internalized homophobia but not with shame and attachment style. Furthermore, men who had never come out to family and friends reported higher levels of internalized homophobia but not higher levels of shame and attachment style. Of particular significance was the connection between previous marriage and higher levels of shame and internalized homophobia. Finally, gay men who were not currently in a relationship reported higher levels of shame anxious and avoidant attachment style. These findings are related to therapeutic work with gay men who have previously been married and those who are concerned with their current single status.

Changes in the administrative prevalence of autism spectrum disorders: contribution of special education and health from 2002-2008.

PubMed

Pinborough-Zimmerman, Judith; Bakian, Amanda V; Fombonne, Eric; Bilder, Deborah; Taylor, Jocelyn; McMahon, William M

2012-04-01

This study examined changes in the administrative prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Utah children from 2002 to 2008 by record source (school and health), age (four, six, and eight), and special education classification. Prevalence increased 100% with 1 in 77 children aged eight identified with ASD by 2008. Across study years and age groups rates were higher when health and school data were combined with a greater proportion of cases ascertained from health. The proportion of children with both a health ASD diagnosis and a special education autism classification did not significantly change. Most children with an ASD health diagnosis did not have an autism special education classification. Findings highlight the growing health and educational impact of ASD.

Evaluation of protocol change in burn-care management using the Cox proportional hazards model with time-dependent covariates.

PubMed

Ichida, J M; Wassell, J T; Keller, M D; Ayers, L W

1993-02-01

Survival analysis methods are valuable for detecting intervention effects because detailed information from patient records and sensitive outcome measures are used. The burn unit at a large university hospital replaced routine bathing with total body bathing using chlorhexidine gluconate for antimicrobial effect. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyse time from admission until either infection with Staphylococcus aureus or discharge for 155 patients, controlling for burn severity and two time-dependent covariates: days until first wound excision and days until first administration of prophylactic antibiotics. The risk of infection was 55 per cent higher in the historical control group, although not statistically significant. There was also some indication that early wound excision may be important as an infection-control measure for burn patients.

Dissolved organic carbon content and characteristics in relation to carbon dioxide partial pressure across Poyang Lake wetlands and adjacent aquatic systems in the Changjiang basin.

PubMed

Wang, Huaxin; Jiao, Ruyuan; Wang, Fang; Zhang, Lu; Yan, Weijin

2016-12-01

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) plays diverse roles in carbon biogeochemical cycles. Here, we explored the link between DOC and pCO 2 using high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) with UV 254 detection and excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy to determine the molecular weight distribution (MW) and the spectral characteristics of DOC, respectively. The relationship between DOC and pCO 2 was investigated in the Poyang Lake wetlands and their adjacent aquatic systems. The results indicated significant spatial variation in the DOC concentrations, MW distributions, and pCO 2 . The DOC concentration was higher in the wetlands than in the rivers and lakes. pCO 2 was high in wetlands in which the dominant vegetation was Phragmites australis, whereas it was low in wetlands in which Carex tristachya was the dominant species. DOC was divided into five fractions according to MW, as follows: super-low MW (SLMW, <1 kDa); low MW (LMW, 1-2.5 kDa); intermediate MW (IMW, 2.5-3.5 kDa); high MW (HMW, 3.5-6 kDa); and super-high MW (SMW, > 40 kDa). Rivers contained high proportions of HMW and extremely low amounts of SLMW, whereas wetlands had relatively high proportions of SLMW. The proportion of SMW (SMW p ) was particularly high in wetlands. We found that pCO 2 significantly positively correlated with the proportion of IMW, and significantly negatively correlated with SMW p . These data improve our understanding of the MW of bioavailable DOC and its conversion to CO 2 . The present results demonstrate that both the content and characteristics of DOC significantly affect pCO 2 . pCO 2 and DOC must be studied further to help understanding the role of the wetland on the regional CO 2 budget. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Higher Body Mass Index Is Associated With Greater Proportions of Effector CD8+ T Cells Expressing CD57 in Women Living With HIV.

PubMed

Reid, Michael J A; Baxi, Sanjiv M; Sheira, Lila A; Landay, Alan L; Frongillo, Edward A; Adedimeji, Adebola; Cohen, Mardge H; Wentz, Eryka; Gustafson, Deborah R; Merenstein, Daniel; Hunt, Peter W; Tien, Phyllis C; Weiser, Sheri D

2017-08-15

A low proportion of CD28CD8 T cells that express CD57 is associated with increased mortality in HIV infection. The effect of increasing body mass index (BMI) changes in the proportion of CD57CD28CD8 T cells among HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy is unknown. In a US cohort of HIV-infected women, we evaluated associations of BMI and waist circumference with 3 distinct CD8 T cell phenotypes: % CD28CD57CD8 T cells, % CD57 of CD28CD8 T cells, and % CD28 of all CD8 T cells. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to estimate beta coefficients for each of 3 T-cell phenotypes. Covariates included HIV parameters (current and nadir CD4, current viral load), demographics (age, race, income, and study site), and lifestyle (tobacco and alcohol use) factors. Of 225 participants, the median age was 46 years and 50% were obese (BMI >30 m/kg). Greater BMI and waist circumference were both associated with higher % CD28CD57CD8 T cells and % CD57 of all CD28CD8 T cells in multivariable analysis, including adjustment for HIV viral load (all P < 0.05). The association between greater BMI and the overall proportion of CD28 CD8 cells in fully adjusted models (0.078, 95% confidence interval: -0.053 to 0.209) was not significant. In this analysis, greater BMI and waist circumference are associated with greater expression of CD57 on CD28CD8 T cells and a greater proportion of CD57CD28 CD8 T cells. These findings may indicate that increasing BMI is immunologically protective in HIV-infected women. Future research is needed to understand the prognostic importance of these associations on clinical outcomes.

The origin of soil organic matter controls its composition and bioreactivity across a mesic boreal forest latitudinal gradient.

PubMed

Kohl, Lukas; Philben, Michael; Edwards, Kate A; Podrebarac, Frances A; Warren, Jamie; Ziegler, Susan E

2018-02-01

Warmer climates have been associated with reduced bioreactivity of soil organic matter (SOM) typically attributed to increased diagenesis; the combined biological and physiochemical transformation of SOM. In addition, cross-site studies have indicated that ecosystem regime shifts, associated with long-term climate warming, can affect SOM properties through changes in vegetation and plant litter production thereby altering the composition of soil inputs. The relative importance of these two controls, diagenesis and inputs, on SOM properties as ecosystems experience climate warming, however, remains poorly understood. To address this issue we characterized the elemental, chemical (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and total hydrolysable amino acids analysis), and isotopic composition of plant litter and SOM across a well-constrained mesic boreal forest latitudinal transect in Atlantic Canada. Results across forest sites within each of three climate regions indicated that (1) climate history and diagenesis affect distinct parameters of SOM chemistry, (2) increases in SOM bioreactivity with latitude were associated with elevated proportions of carbohydrates relative to plant waxes and lignin, and (3) despite the common forest type across regions, differences in SOM chemistry by climate region were associated with chemically distinct litter inputs and not different degrees of diagenesis. The observed climate effects on vascular plant litter chemistry, however, explained only part of the regional differences in SOM chemistry, most notably the higher protein content of SOM from warmer regions. Greater proportions of lignin and aliphatic compounds and smaller proportions of carbohydrates in warmer sites' soils were explained by the higher proportion of vascular plant relative to moss litter in the warmer relative to cooler forests. These results indicate that climate change induced decreases in the proportion of moss inputs not only impacts SOM chemistry but also increases the resistance of SOM to decomposition, thus significantly altering SOM cycling in these boreal forest soils. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Has universal screening with Xpert® MTB/RIF increased the proportion of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases diagnosed in a routine operational setting?

PubMed Central

Dunbar, Rory; Caldwell, Judy; Lombard, Carl; Beyers, Nulda

2017-01-01

Setting Primary health services in Cape Town, South Africa where the introduction of Xpert® MTB/RIF (Xpert) enabled simultaneous screening for tuberculosis (TB) and drug susceptibility in all presumptive cases. Study aim To compare the proportion of TB cases with drug susceptibility tests undertaken and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) diagnosed pre-treatment and during the course of 1st line treatment in the previous smear/culture and the newly introduced Xpert-based algorithms. Methods TB cases identified in a previous stepped-wedge study of TB yield in five sub-districts over seven one-month time-points prior to, during and after the introduction of the Xpert-based algorithm were analysed. We used a combination of patient identifiers to identify all drug susceptibility tests undertaken from electronic laboratory records. Differences in the proportions of DST undertaken and MDR-TB cases diagnosed between algorithms were estimated using a binomial regression model. Results Pre-treatment, the probability of having a DST undertaken (RR = 1.82)(p<0.001) and being diagnosed with MDR-TB (RR = 1.42)(p<0.001) was higher in the Xpert-based algorithm than in the smear/culture-based algorithm. For cases evaluated during the course of 1st-line TB treatment, there was no significant difference in the proportion with DST undertaken (RR = 1.02)(p = 0.848) or MDR-TB diagnosed (RR = 1.12)(p = 0.678) between algorithms. Conclusion Universal screening for drug susceptibility in all presumptive TB cases in the Xpert-based algorithm resulted in a higher overall proportion of MDR-TB cases being diagnosed and is an important strategy in reducing transmission. The previous strategy of only screening new TB cases when 1st line treatment failed did not compensate for cases missed pre-treatment. PMID:28199375

Lamb and kid mortality in village flocks in the coastal savanna zone of Ghana.

PubMed

Turkson, P K

2003-12-01

A cohort study was designed to observe and follow up mortality in lambs and kids in 88 flocks of sheep and goats under the traditional production system in five villages within the coastal savanna zone of Ghana over a 2-year period. The overall mortality rates for kids and lambs were 30.8% and 33.5%, respectively. Significantly higher proportions of kids (80.2%) and lambs (75.6%) up to 3 months of age died compared to kids and lambs from 4 to 12 months of age. The differences in mortality rates, either between male and female kids and lambs or between single-born and multiple-birth kids and lambs, were not significant. The odds ratio (OR) and relative risks (RR) for lambs and kids, on the basis of sex and birth types, were not significant; neither were the values obtained for attributable risk, attributable fraction, population attributable risk and population attributable fraction. The overall mortality rate on the basis of species of animal was not significant. At the village level, significant differences in the proportions of mortality on the basis of sex were seen in two villages. At Akotokyir, more male lambs (54.2%) died compared to females (27.6%), while at Apewosika more female lambs (42.2%) died compared to males (16.7%). The only significant difference in mortality proportions on the basis of birth type at the village level was seen at Apewosika, where more single-born kids died (52.8%) compared to kids born with sibling(s) (28.4%). The significant ORs for mortalities were 3.10 for male lambs at Akotokyir, 3.35 for female lambs at Apewosika and 2.82 for single-born kids at Apewosika. The corresponding RRs were equally significant. On the basis of species, significantly more lambs died at Akotokyir (44.2%) and Kwesimprah (44.7%) compared to kids. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Variance in total levels of phospholipase C zeta (PLC-ζ) in human sperm may limit the applicability of quantitative immunofluorescent analysis as a diagnostic indicator of oocyte activation capability.

PubMed

Kashir, Junaid; Jones, Celine; Mounce, Ginny; Ramadan, Walaa M; Lemmon, Bernadette; Heindryckx, Bjorn; de Sutter, Petra; Parrington, John; Turner, Karen; Child, Tim; McVeigh, Enda; Coward, Kevin

2013-01-01

To examine whether similar levels of phospholipase C zeta (PLC-ζ) protein are present in sperm from men whose ejaculates resulted in normal oocyte activation, and to examine whether a predominant pattern of PLC-ζ localization is linked to normal oocyte activation ability. Laboratory study. University laboratory. Control subjects (men with proven oocyte activation capacity; n = 16) and men whose sperm resulted in recurrent intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure (oocyte activation deficient [OAD]; n = 5). Quantitative immunofluorescent analysis of PLC-ζ protein in human sperm. Total levels of PLC-ζ fluorescence, proportions of sperm exhibiting PLC-ζ immunoreactivity, and proportions of PLC-ζ localization patterns in sperm from control and OAD men. Sperm from control subjects presented a significantly higher proportion of sperm exhibiting PLC-ζ immunofluorescence compared with infertile men diagnosed with OAD (82.6% and 27.4%, respectively). Total levels of PLC-ζ in sperm from individual control and OAD patients exhibited significant variance, with sperm from 10 out of 16 (62.5%) exhibiting levels similar to OAD samples. Predominant PLC-ζ localization patterns varied between control and OAD samples with no predictable or consistent pattern. The results indicate that sperm from control men exhibited significant variance in total levels of PLC-ζ protein, as well as significant variance in the predominant localization pattern. Such variance may hinder the diagnostic application of quantitative PLC-ζ immunofluorescent analysis. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trends in isolated lumbar spinal stenosis surgery among working US adults aged 40-64 years, 2010-2014.

PubMed

Raad, Micheal; Donaldson, Callum J; El Dafrawy, Mostafa H; Sciubba, Daniel M; Riley, Lee H; Neuman, Brian J; Kebaish, Khaled M; Skolasky, Richard L

2018-05-25

OBJECTIVE Recommendations for the surgical treatment of isolated lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) (i.e., in the absence of concomitant scoliosis or spondylolisthesis) are unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate trends in the surgical treatment of isolated LSS in US adults and determine implications for outcomes. METHODS The authors analyzed inpatient and outpatient claims from the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database for 20,279 patients aged 40-64 years who underwent surgery for LSS between 2010 and 2014. Only patients with continuous 12-month insurance coverage after surgery were included. The rates of decompression with arthrodesis versus decompression only and of simple (1- or 2-level, single-approach) versus complex (> 2-level or combined-approach) arthrodesis were analyzed by year and geographic region. These trends were further analyzed with respect to complications, length of hospital stay, payments made to the hospital, and patient discharge status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS The proportion of patients who underwent decompression with arthrodesis compared with decompression only increased significantly and linearly from 2010 to 2014 (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.06-1.10). Arthrodesis was more likely to be complex rather than simple with each subsequent year (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.33-1.49). This trend was accompanied by an increased likelihood of postoperative complications (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02-1.21), higher costs (payments increased by a mean of US$1633 per year; 95% CI 1327-1939), and greater likelihood of being discharged to a skilled nursing facility as opposed to home (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.03-1.20). The South and Midwest regions of the US had the highest proportions of patients undergoing arthrodesis (48% and 42%, respectively). The mean length of hospital stay did not change significantly (p = 0.324). CONCLUSIONS From 2010 to 2014, the proportion of adults undergoing decompression with arthrodesis versus decompression only for the treatment of LSS increased, especially in the South and Midwest regions of the US. A greater proportion of these fusions were complex and were associated with more complications, higher costs, and a greater likelihood of being discharged to a skilled nursing facility.

Pharmacist-led admission medication reconciliation before and after the implementation of an electronic medication management system.

PubMed

Sardaneh, Arwa A; Burke, Rosemary; Ritchie, Angus; McLachlan, Andrew J; Lehnbom, Elin C

2017-05-01

To investigate the impact of the introduction of an electronic medication management system on the proportion of patients with a recorded medication reconciliation on admission, the time from admission to when medication reconciliation was performed, and the characteristics of patients receiving this intervention pre-and post-implementation. An electronic medication management system was implemented in an Australian hospital from May to July 2015. A retrospective observational study was conducted in three wards across two phases; pre- (August 2014) and post- (August 2015) implementation. The study sample included every second patient admitted to these wards. A total of 370 patients were included, 179 pre- and 191 post-implementation. The proportion of recorded admission medication reconciliation significantly increased post-implementation in all study wards; coronary care unit (40 vs 68%, p=0.004), gastroenterology ward (39 vs 59%, p=0.015), and the neurology ward (19 vs 45%, p=0.002). The proportion of patients with recorded medication reconciliation within 24h of weekday admissions, or 48-72h of weekend admissions, increased from 47% pre- to 84% post-implementation. Admission medication reconciliation was recorded within a median of 1.0day for weekday admissions pre- and post-implementation (IQR 1.1 vs 0.2, respectively), and 3.5days (IQR 2.0) pre-implementation vs 1.5days (IQR 2.0) post-implementation for weekend admissions. Overall, across both phases pre-and post-implementation, admission medication reconciliation was recorded for patients who were significantly older (median 77 and 71 years, p<0.001), had a higher number of preadmission medications (median 6.5 and 5.0 medicines, p=0.001), and had a longer hospital stay (median 6.5 and 5.1days, p=0.003). A significantly higher proportion of patients with recorded medication reconciliation in the pre-implementation phase experienced polypharmacy (61%, p=0.002), hyperpolypharmacy (15%, p=0.001), and used a high-risk medication (44%, p=0.007). Implementing an electronic medication management system facilitates the medication reconciliation process leading to more high risk patients receiving this service on admission to hospital and in a more timely manner. The impact of electronic medication reconciliation on patient safety and clinical outcomes remains unknown. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Drowning deaths in Sweden with emphasis on the presence of alcohol and drugs – a retrospective study, 1992–2009

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Drowning deaths constitute a significant proportion of unnatural deaths globally. In Sweden and other high-income countries, drowning deaths have decreased. This study investigates the epidemiology and current trends of unintentional, intentional, and undetermined drowning deaths with emphasis on the presence of alcohol and other drugs. Methods During an 18-years period, 5,125 drowning deaths were autopsied in Sweden. Data on cases including toxicological analysis on alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, and illicit drugs were obtained from the National Board of Forensic Medicine. Results During the study period, the annual incidence of drowning deaths in Sweden was 3.1/100,000 inhabitants and decreased on average by about 2% each year (p<0.001). The highest incidence was found among males and in middle/older age groups. The incidence increased 3% for each year of age. Children/adolescents (≤18 years) constituted 5% of all drowning deaths. Of all drowned females in the study, 55% (847/1,547) committed suicide, which was a significantly higher proportion compared with males (21%, 763/3,578) (p<0.001). In total, 38% (1,656/4,377) of tested drowned persons had alcohol in their blood and the mean concentration was 1.8 g/l. In the unintentional drowning group, intentional drowning group, and the undetermined group, the proportion of alcohol positive was 44%, 24%, and 45%, respectively. One or several psychoactive drugs were present in the blood in 40% (1,688 /4,181) of all tested persons and in 69% (965/1,394) of tested persons who died from suicidal drowning. The most common drug was benzodiazepines (21%, 891/4,181). Illicit drugs were detected in 10% (82/854) of tested persons. Conclusion Presence of alcohol and drugs were frequent and may have contributed to the drowning deaths. The incidence of drowning deaths significantly decreased during the study period. Males and the middle/older age groups had a higher incidence compared to females and children. Suicidal drowning was common especially among women. Alcohol and drugs are significant contributors in drowning deaths in Sweden and should be considered as part of a comprehensive prevention program. PMID:23497055

A Study of the Factors Associated with Risk for Development of Pressure Ulcers: A Longitudinal Analysis.

PubMed

Thomas, Elizebeth; Vinodkumar, Sudhaya; Mathew, Silvia; Setia, Maninder Singh

2015-01-01

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are prevalent in hospitalized patients; they may cause clinical, psychological, and economic problems in these patients. Previous studies are cross-sectional, have used pooled data, or cox-regression models to assess the risk for developing PU. However, PU risk scores change over time and models that account for time varying variables are useful for cohort analysis of data. The present longitudinal study was conducted to compare the risk of PU between surgical and nonsurgical patients, and to evaluate the factors associated with the development of these ulcers over a period of time. We evaluated 290 hospitalized patients over a 4 months period. The main outcomes for our analysis were: (1) Score on the pressure risk assessment scale; and (2) the proportion of individuals who were at severe risk for developing PUs. We used random effects models for longitudinal analysis of the data. The mean PU score was significantly higher in the nonsurgical patients compared with surgical patients at baseline (15.23 [3.86] vs. 9.33 [4.57]; P < 0.01). About 7% of the total patients had a score of >20 at baseline and were considered as being at high-risk for PU; the proportion was significantly higher among the nonsurgical patients compared with the surgical patients (14% vs. 4%, P = 0.003). In the adjusted models, there was no difference for severe risk for PU between surgical and nonsurgical patients (odds ratios [ORs]: 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-12.80). An additional day in the ward was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of being at high-risk for PU (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16-1.86). There were no significant differences between patients who were admitted for surgery compared with those who were not. An additional day in the ward, however, is important for developing a high-risk score for PU on the monitoring scale, and these patients require active interventions.

Prenatal maternal effects on body condition score, female fertility, and milk yield of dairy cows.

PubMed

Banos, G; Brotherstone, S; Coffey, M P

2007-07-01

In this study, maternal effects were described as age of dam at first and second calving, first-lactation body condition score (BCS) of the dam during gestation, and milk yield of the dam. The impact of these effects on first-lactation daughter BCS, fertility, and test-day milk yield was assessed. The effect of milk yield of dam on daughter 305-d yield in the latter's first 3 lactations was also investigated. The proportion of total phenotypic variance in daughter traits accounted for by maternal effects was calculated. Dams calving early for the first time (18 to 23 mo of age) had daughters that produced 4.5% more first-lactation daily milk, had 7% higher BCS, and had their first service 3 d earlier than cows whose dams calved late (30 to 36 mo). However, daughters of dams that calved early had difficulties conceiving as they needed 7% more inseminations and had a 7.5% higher return rate. Cows from second calvings of relatively young (36 to 41 mo) dams produced 6% more first-lactation daily milk, had 2% higher BCS, and showed a significantly better fertility profile than cows whose dams calved at a late age (47 to 55 mo). High maternal BCS during gestation had a favorable effect on daughter BCS, nonreturn rate, and number of inseminations per conception. However, it was also associated with a small decrease in daughter daily milk yield. Changes in dam BCS during gestation did not affect daughter performance significantly. Maternal effects of milk yield of the dam, expressed as her permanent environment during lactation, adversely affected daughter 305-d milk, fat, and protein yield. However, although the effect was significant, it was practically negligible (<0.3% of the mean). Finally, overall maternal effects accounted for a significant proportion of the total phenotypic variance of calving interval (1.4 +/- 0.6%) and nonreturn rate (1.1 +/- 0.5%).

Spermatozoa in the sperm-peak-fraction of the boar ejaculate show a lower flow of Ca(2+) under capacitation conditions post-thaw which might account for their higher membrane stability after cryopreservation.

PubMed

Hossain, Md Sharoare; Johannisson, Anders; Siqueira, Amanda Pimenta; Wallgren, Margareta; Rodriguez-Martinez, Heriberto

2011-10-01

Boar spermatozoa collected in the ejaculate sperm peak-portion (P1, first 10 mL of the sperm-rich fraction, SRF), had shown a higher resilience to freezing and thawing compared to spermatozoa from the rest of the ejaculate (2nd portion of the SRF plus the post-sperm-rich fraction, PSRF), even when using a simplified freezing technique, as long as spermatozoa were incubated in their own seminal plasma (SP). This experiment studied the stability of P1- and SRF-P1 boar spermatozoa frozen in MiniFlatPacks (MFP), post-thaw, using flow cytometry. Since spermatozoa from either portion showed similar cryosurvival and low proportions of unstable membranes (<3%, annexin-V/propidium iodide staining), and only a tendency for SRF-P1 live spermatozoa to depict acrosome exocytosis (FITC-PNA/PI/H33342); they were explored for Ca(2+) contents using a Fluo-4 probe under in vitro capacitating conditions (mBO+ medium), as well they were tested for their ability to sustain a short Ca(2+)-ionophore (A23187) in vitro challenge. The proportions of live spermatozoa depicting high Ca(2+)-levels were initially <2% but increased over incubation time, particularly in SRF-P1(P<0.05), while proportions of live spermatozoa with low Ca(2+)-levels were basically constant over incubation time (~11-14%), for either portion. Incubation in capacitation medium did not modify the proportions of low-Ca(2+) but dramatically increased the proportions of high-Ca(2+) spermatozoa (P<0.001) already after 15 min exposure, highest for SRF-P1 spermatozoa. While the proportion of live spermatozoa with intact acrosome was significantly decreased among SRF-P1 (P<0.001), that of P1-spermatozoa remained unchanged, probably owing to the lowest relative content of cytosolic Ca(2+). The results suggest that spermatozoa in the P1-portion are more resilient to express acrosome exocytosis post-thaw compared to those bathing in the rest of the SRF-fraction when cryopreserved using a simplified technique, in MFPs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Marketing Little Cigars and Cigarillos: Advertising, Price, and Associations With Neighborhood Demographics

PubMed Central

Kreslake, Jennifer M.; Ganz, Ollie; Pearson, Jennifer L.; Vallone, Donna; Anesetti-Rothermel, Andrew; Xiao, Haijun; Kirchner, Thomas R.

2013-01-01

Objectives. We have documented little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) availability, advertising, and price in the point-of-sale environment and examined associations with neighborhood demographics. Methods. We used a multimodal real-time surveillance system to survey LCCs in 750 licensed tobacco retail outlets that sold tobacco products in Washington, DC. Using multivariate models, we examined the odds of LCC availability, the number of storefront exterior advertisements, and the price per cigarillo for Black & Mild packs in relation to neighborhood demographics. Results. The odds of LCC availability and price per cigarillo decreased significantly in nearly a dose-response manner with each quartile increase in proportion of African Americans. Prices were also lower in some young adult neighborhoods. Having a higher proportion of African American and young adult residents was associated with more exterior LCC advertising. Conclusions. Higher availability of LCCs in African American communities and lower prices and greater outdoor advertising in minority and young adult neighborhoods may establish environmental triggers to smoke among groups susceptible to initiation, addiction, and long-term negative health consequences. PMID:23948008

Comparison of HIV Status Between Transgender Women and Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Song, Tian-Zhang; Zhang, Ming-Xu; Zhang, Han-Dan; Xiao, Yu; Pang, Wei; Zheng, Yong-Tang

2018-04-11

As key population groups in HIV infection, transgender women (TGW) share the same oral and anal sexual practices with men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the differences in HIV rates between the two groups are still unclear. In our study, relevant publications were electronically searched in three databases. After excluding irrelevant studies based on review of the title, abstract, and full text, a total of 24 studies, including 37,521 cases, were identified. There were no significant differences between TGW and MSM regarding HIV status and condom use. However, TGW had a higher proportion of high-risk behaviors, including exchanges of sex, forced sex, receptive intercourse, and sex work experience. Moreover, most curable sexually transmitted diseases were more prevalent in the TGW group compared to MSM. Although TGW showed a higher proportion of high-risk behavior and sexually transmitted disease incidence, their HIV incidence was the same as that for MSM. Copyright © 2018 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model of NO Metabolome and Methemoglobin Following Long-Term Infusion of Sodium Nitrite in Humans

PubMed Central

Vega-Villa, K; Pluta, R; Lonser, R; Woo, S

2013-01-01

A long-term sodium nitrite infusion is intended for the treatment of vascular disorders. Phase I data demonstrated a significant nonlinear dose-exposure-toxicity relationship within the therapeutic dosage range. This study aims to develop a quantitative systems pharmacology model characterizing nitric oxide (NO) metabolome and methemoglobin after sodium nitrite infusion. Nitrite, nitrate, and methemoglobin concentration–time profiles in plasma and RBC were used for model development. Following intravenous sodium nitrite administration, nitrite undergoes conversion in RBC and tissue. Nitrite sequestered by RBC interacts more extensively with deoxyhemoglobin, which contributes greatly to methemoglobin formation. Methemoglobin is formed less-than-proportionally at higher nitrite doses as characterized with facilitated methemoglobin removal. Nitrate-to-nitrite reduction occurs in tissue and via entero-salivary recirculation. The less-than-proportional increase in nitrite and nitrate exposure at higher nitrite doses is modeled with a dose-dependent increase in clearance. The model provides direct insight into NO metabolome disposition and is valuable for nitrite dosing selection in clinical trials. PMID:23903463

Characterization of Mesocarp and Kernel Lipids from Elaeis guineensis Jacq., Elaeis oleifera [Kunth] Cortés, and Their Interspecific Hybrids.

PubMed

Lieb, Veronika M; Kerfers, Margarete R; Kronmüller, Amrei; Esquivel, Patricia; Alvarado, Amancio; Jiménez, Víctor M; Schmarr, Hans-Georg; Carle, Reinhold; Schweiggert, Ralf M; Steingass, Christof B

2017-05-10

Morphological traits, total lipid contents, and fatty acid profiles were assessed in fruits of several accessions of Elaeis oleifera [Kunth] Cortés, Elaeis guineensis Jacq., and their interspecific hybrids. The latter featured the highest mesocarp-to-fruit ratios (77.9-78.2%). The total lipid contents of both E. guineensis mesocarp and kernel were significantly higher than for E. oleifera accessions. Main fatty acids comprised C16:0, C18:1n9, and C18:2n6 in mesocarp and C12:0, C14:0, and C18:1n9 in kernels. E. oleifera samples were characterized by higher proportions of unsaturated long-chain fatty acids. Saturated medium-chain fatty acids supported the clustering of E. guineensis kernels in multivariate statistics. Hybrid mesocarp lipids had an intermediate fatty acid composition, whereas their kernel lipids resembled those of E. oleifera genotypes. Principal component analysis based on lipid contents and proportions of individual fatty acids permitted clear-cut distinction of E. oleifera, E. guineensis, and their hybrids.

Chronotype differences in suicidal behavior and impulsivity among suicide attempters.

PubMed

Selvi, Yavuz; Aydin, Adem; Atli, Abdullah; Boysan, Murat; Selvi, Fatih; Besiroglu, Lutfullah

2011-03-01

Morning- and evening-type individuals differ on a number of psychological and biological variables. There has been increasing interest in the relationship between chronotype and personality traits. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between impulsivity and chronotype in suicide attempters. Eighty-nine suicide attempters were included in the study, and systematic information on suicide attempts was recorded. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was applied to determine chronotype, and attempter impulsivity was measured by the total score of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Significant differences between chronotype and impulsivity scores were found. Evening-type subjects reported significantly higher impulsivity scores than both neither- and morning-types. A significant association between chronotype and type of suicide attempt was detected. The largest proportion of violent suicide attempters were evening-type subjects. Violent suicide attempters also reported significantly higher impulsivity scores than nonviolent attempters. Previous studies have pointed out possible relations between eveningness and impulsivity. Current findings suggest that eveningness may be a risk factor for violent suicide attempts by increasing impulsivity.

A Comparison of the Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Adult Patients with Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza A or B during the 2011–2012 Influenza Season in Korea: A Multi-Center Study

PubMed Central

Wie, Seong-Heon; So, Byung Hak; Song, Joon Young; Cheong, Hee Jin; Seo, Yu Bin; Choi, Sung Hyuk; Noh, Ji Yun; Baek, Ji Hyeon; Lee, Jin Soo; Kim, Hyo Youl; Kim, Young Keun; Choi, Won Suk; Lee, Jacob; Jeong, Hye Won; Kim, Woo Joo

2013-01-01

Background During the 2011/2012 winter influenza season in the Republic of Korea, influenza A (H3N2) was the predominant virus in the first peak period of influenza activity during the second half of January 2012. On the other hand, influenza B was the predominant virus in the second peak period of influenza activity during the second half of March 2012. The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza A or influenza B. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyzed data from 2,129 adult patients with influenza-like illnesses who visited the emergency rooms of seven university hospitals in Korea from October 2011 to May 2012. Of 850 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza, 656 (77.2%) had influenza A (H3N2), and 194 (22.8%) influenza B. Age, and the frequencies of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hypertension were significantly higher in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05). The frequencies of leukopenia or thrombocytopenia in patients with influenza B at initial presentation were statistically higher than those in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05). The rate of hospitalization, and length of hospital stay were statistically higher in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05), and of the 79 hospitalized patients, the frequency of diabetes, hypertension, cases having at least one of the comorbid conditions, and the proportion of elderly were significantly higher in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05). Conclusions The proportion of males to females and elderly population were significantly higher for influenza A (H3N2) patients group compared with influenza B group. Hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and neuromuscular diseases were independently associated with hospitalization due to influenza. Physicians should assess and treat the underlying comorbid conditions as well as influenza viral infections for the appropriate management of patients with influenza. PMID:23671624

Death anxiety in clinical and non-clinical groups.

PubMed

Abdel-Khalek, Ahmed M

2005-04-01

The Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety (ASDA) was administered, individually, to 7 groups (N = 765) of Egyptian normal participants (non-clinical), anxiety disorder patients, and patients suffering from schizophrenia (males and females), and addicts (males only). They were generally matched as groups according to age, occupation, and education. The female and male anxiety disorder patients means were, respectively, significantly higher than the means of the other 5 groups on the ASDA, while male schizophrenics attained the lowest mean score in proportion to all the other 6 groups, including the non-clinical 2 groups. All female groups have higher mean scores than their male counterparts.

A Quantitative MR Imaging Assessment of Leukoencephalopathy in Children Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia without Irradiation

PubMed Central

Reddick, Wilburn E.; Glass, John O.; Helton, Kathleen J.; Langston, James W.; Li, Chin-Shang; Pui, Ching-Hon

2008-01-01

PURPOSE Intravenous methotrexate (IV-MTX), an effective treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), has a significant toxic effect on the central nervous system, with leukoencephalopathy (LE) being the most common form. The purpose of this study was to use objective quantitative MR imaging to prospectively assess the temporal evolution of LE extent and intensity. METHODS Forty-five children (low-risk, 10 mol/L/12F; mean age, 5.0 years at diagnosis; standard/high-risk, 11 mol/L/12F; mean age, 9.2 years at diagnosis) treated for ALL on a single institutional protocol were evaluated longitudinally to assess the extent of LE (proportion of white matter impacted) through tissue segmentation and the relative intensity of LE through relative elevations in T1 and T2 relaxation rates. One-sided Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess differences in quantitative measures at 4 different points in therapy both within and between risk arms. RESULTS The proportion of white matter affected in both patient groups increased significantly with additional courses of IV-MTX, whereas the intensity of LE also increased steadily; however, both the intensity and extent of LE declined significantly ∼1.5 years after completion of IV-MTX. Increases in the T1 and T2 relaxation rates above normal-appearing white matter were significantly correlated with each other and were dependent on the proportion of white matter affected. CONCLUSION Higher doses and more courses of IV-MTX were associated with increased intensity and extent of LE. There was a significant reduction in both the intensity and extent of LE after completion of therapy. The impact of these changes on neurocognitive functioning and quality of life in survivors remains to be determined. PMID:16219848

Home composting using different ratios of bulking agent to food waste.

PubMed

Guidoni, Lucas Lourenço Castiglioni; Marques, Roger Vasques; Moncks, Rodrigo Bilhalva; Botelho, Fabiana Torma; da Paz, Matheus Francisco; Corrêa, Luciara Bilhalva; Corrêa, Érico Kunde

2018-02-01

The negative environmental impacts associated with home composting may be due to the absence of a defined operation criteria for the degradation process. In addition to the potentially low environmental impact in terms of energy and water usage, which is minimal to the manufacture of the composting unit and avoiding the processing and transportation of waste or byproduct, composting at home can also promote a reduction in the emission of unpleasant gases. The proportion of the food waste and bulking agents in the composting mixture may be decisive to fulfill good practices of waste stabilization. The aim of this study was to investigate how different ratios of bulking agent and organic household waste can affect the progress and outcome of the composting process. Three treatments, varying in the ratio of rice husk: raw fruit and vegetable leftovers (70:30, 50:50, 30:70; v:v) were used in a home composting system on a pilot scale. Results show that the proportion of starting materials used in the composting mixture influenced the degradation of organic matter, nitrogen dynamics of the process and its toxicity on germinating plants. The proportions with greater amounts of food waste had higher concentrations of mineral matter, higher peak temperature, and a better initial carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, while the proportion containing 70% of bulking agent lacked odors and leachate generation and showed a low nitrogen loss. A higher proportion of food waste presented better conditions for microbiological development and less time to obtain characteristics of matured composts. A higher proportion of bulking agents resulted in favorable conditions for household handling and less potential for environmental impacts. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Meat quality, oxidative stability and blood parameters from Graylag geese offered alternative fiber sources in growing period.

PubMed

He, L W; Meng, Q X; Li, D Y; Zhang, Y W; Ren, L P

2015-04-01

The effects of dietary fiber sources on the meat quality, oxidative stability, and blood parameters of growing Graylag geese (28-112d) were investigated. The birds were randomly allocated into 4 treatments, of which dietary fiber was mainly from corn straw silage (CSS), steam-exploded corn straw (SECS), steam-exploded wheat straw (SEWS), and steam-exploded rice straw (SERS). No influence (P>0.05) on the basic chemical components, oxidative stability, or organoleptic traits of muscle were observed, except that birds fed SECS had a higher (P<0.05) protein proportion than those fed CSS or SERS, and CSS increased (P<0.01) the cholesterol content when compared to SEWS or SERS. Regarding fatty acid profile in meat, CSS and SECS increased (P<0.01) the proportion of C18:2n6t and decreased that of C21:0 and C22:0 when compared to the others. The birds fed SERS had a higher (P<0.05) proportion of C20:0 and C22:0 than the others, a higher proportion of C20:5n3, n-3 fatty acids, Δ-9 desaturase (18) index compared to those fed CSS or SECS, and a lower (P<0.01) proportion of C20:1n9 than those fed SECS or SEWS. Additionally, SEWS resulted in a higher (P<0.01) proportion of C20:2 when compared to the others. In conclusion, these fibers affect just the protein proportion, cholesterol content, and fatty acid profile of breast muscle, along with the concentration of TG and MDA in blood, but not the other characteristics. No superior fiber source exists with respect to meat quality, suggesting that Graylag geese feeding should make the most economically of the convenient fiber source with appropriate pretreatment. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Seasonal changes in androgen levels in stream- and hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon parr and their relationship to smolting

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shrimpton, J.M.; McCormick, S.D.

2002-01-01

In stream-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, plasma androgens were significantly greater in mature male parr than immature males and females in October, but had declined by January and did not differ significantly from immature fish throughout the spring. Immature fish in March were significantly larger and had greater gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity than their previously mature counterparts. Bimodal growth distribution was seen in hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon and a proportion of the male fish in the lower mode matured. Plasma testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) were significantly elevated from September to December in mature male (1+ year) parr. In January, plasma androgens had declined in mature males and did not differ significantly from immature fish. By May all the hatchery fish were large enough to smolt and a proportion of the previously mature males had increased gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Therefore elevated androgens in the previous autumn do not prevent smolting. Parr with higher plasma T and 11-KT in April and May, that are presumably beginning to mature, had lower gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity, indicating that future maturation and associated increases in androgens may inhibit smolting. ?? 2002 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Yield of Boer Goats Fed Diets Containing Leaves or Whole Parts of Andrographis paniculata.

PubMed

Yusuf, A L; Goh, Y M; Samsudin, A A; Alimon, A R; Sazili, A Q

2014-04-01

The study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding diets containing Andrographis paniculata leaves (APL), whole Andrographis paniculata plant (APWP) and a control without Andrographis paniculata (AP0), on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat yield of 24 intact Boer bucks. The results obtained indicated that inclusion of Andrographis paniculata significantly improved feed intake, weight gain, feed efficiency and live weight. The ratios of carcass to fat, lean to bone, lean to fat, and composition of meat were also improved. In addition, there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the dietary treatments in dressing percentage and chilling loss. Goats fed on AP0 (control) had significantly higher proportions of fat and bone, as well as thicker back fat than the supplemented animals (APL and APWP). Higher gut fill in animals fed Andrographis paniculata suggested slow rate of digestion, which could have improved utilization and absorption of nutrients by the animals. Goats fed Andrographis paniculata also produced higher meat yield and relatively lower fat contents (p<0.05).

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Yield of Boer Goats Fed Diets Containing Leaves or Whole Parts of Andrographis paniculata

PubMed Central

Yusuf, A. L.; Goh, Y. M.; Samsudin, A. A.; Alimon, A. R.; Sazili, A. Q.

2014-01-01

The study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding diets containing Andrographis paniculata leaves (APL), whole Andrographis paniculata plant (APWP) and a control without Andrographis paniculata (AP0), on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat yield of 24 intact Boer bucks. The results obtained indicated that inclusion of Andrographis paniculata significantly improved feed intake, weight gain, feed efficiency and live weight. The ratios of carcass to fat, lean to bone, lean to fat, and composition of meat were also improved. In addition, there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the dietary treatments in dressing percentage and chilling loss. Goats fed on AP0 (control) had significantly higher proportions of fat and bone, as well as thicker back fat than the supplemented animals (APL and APWP). Higher gut fill in animals fed Andrographis paniculata suggested slow rate of digestion, which could have improved utilization and absorption of nutrients by the animals. Goats fed Andrographis paniculata also produced higher meat yield and relatively lower fat contents (p<0.05). PMID:25049980

Exterior egg quality as affected by enrichment resources layout in furnished laying-hen cages.

PubMed

Li, Xiang; Chen, Donghua; Meng, Fanyu; Su, Yingying; Wang, Lisha; Zhang, Runxiang; Li, Jianhong; Bao, Jun

2017-10-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of enrichment resources (a perch, dustbath, and nest) layout in furnished laying-hen cages (FC) on exterior quality of eggs. One hundred and sixty-eight (168) Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 16 weeks of age were randomly distributed to four treatments: small furnished cages (SFC), medium furnished cages type I (MFC-I), medium furnished cages type II (MFC-II), and medium furnished cages type III (MFC-III). Each treatment had 4 replicates or cages with 6 hens for SFC (24 birds for each SFC) and 12 hen/cage for MFC-I, -II, and -III (48 birds for each MFC-I, -II and -III). Following a 2-week acclimation, data collection started at 18 weeks of age and continued till 52 weeks of age. Dirtiness of egg surface or cracked shell as indicators of the exterior egg quality were recorded each week. The results showed that the proportion of cracked or dirty eggs was significantly affected by the FC type (p<0.01) in that the highest proportion of cracked or dirty eggs was found in MFC-I and the lowest proportion of dirty eggs in SFC. The results of this showed that furnished cage types affected both dirty eggs and cracked eggs (p<0.01). The results also indicated that not nest but dustbath lead to more dirty eggs. Only MFC-I had higher dirty eggs at nest than other FC (p< 0.01). The results of dirty eggs in MFC-I and MFC-II compared with SFC and MFC-III seemed suggest that a low position of dustbath led to more dirty eggs. SFC design affected exterior egg quality and the low position of dustbath in FC resulted in higher proportion of dirty eggs.

A Meta-Analysis of Motivational Interviewing Process: Technical, Relational, and Conditional Process Models of Change

PubMed Central

Magill, Molly; Apodaca, Timothy R.; Borsari, Brian; Gaume, Jacques; Hoadley, Ariel; Gordon, Rebecca E.F.; Tonigan, J. Scott; Moyers, Theresa

2018-01-01

Objective In the present meta-analysis, we test the technical and relational hypotheses of Motivational Interviewing (MI) efficacy. We also propose an a priori conditional process model where heterogeneity of technical path effect sizes should be explained by interpersonal/relational (i.e., empathy, MI Spirit) and intrapersonal (i.e., client treatment seeking status) moderators. Method A systematic review identified k = 58 reports, describing 36 primary studies and 40 effect sizes (N = 3025 participants). Statistical methods calculated the inverse variance-weighted pooled correlation coefficient for the therapist to client and the client to outcome paths across multiple target behaviors (i.e., alcohol use, other drug use, other behavior change). Results Therapist MI-consistent skills were correlated with more client change talk (r = .55, p < .001) as well as more sustain talk (r = .40, p < .001). MI-inconsistent skills were correlated with more sustain talk (r = .16, p < .001), but not change talk. When these indicators were combined into proportions, as recommended in the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code, the overall technical hypothesis was supported. Specifically, proportion MI consistency was related to higher proportion change talk (r = .11, p = .004) and higher proportion change talk was related to reductions in risk behavior at follow up (r = −.16, p < .001). When tested as two independent effects, client change talk was not significant, but sustain talk was positively associated with worse outcome (r = .19, p < .001). Finally, the relational hypothesis was not supported, but heterogeneity in technical hypothesis path effect sizes was partially explained by inter- and intra-personal moderators. Conclusions This meta-analysis provides additional support for the technical hypothesis of MI efficacy; future research on the relational hypothesis should occur in the field rather than in the context of clinical trials. PMID:29265832