Commitment to Higher Vocational Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Imrie, Brad; And Others

This publication is a history of the College of Higher Vocational Studies (CHVS) since it was established in 1991 and provides commentary on developments in higher vocational education in Hong Kong during a period of unprecedented change and development in the provision of the Higher Diploma. "Principal's Diary" (Bradford Imrie)…

Impact of folic acid fortification on global DNA methylation and one-carbon biomarkers in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study cohort.

PubMed

Bae, Sajin; Ulrich, Cornelia M; Bailey, Lynn B; Malysheva, Olga; Brown, Elissa C; Maneval, David R; Neuhouser, Marian L; Cheng, Ting-Yuan David; Miller, Joshua W; Zheng, Yingye; Xiao, Liren; Hou, Lifang; Song, Xiaoling; Buck, Katharina; Beresford, Shirley A A; Caudill, Marie A

2014-03-01

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression and can be modified by one-carbon nutrients. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of folic acid (FA) fortification of the US food supply on leukocyte global DNA methylation and the relationship between DNA methylation, red blood cell (RBC) folate, and other one-carbon biomarkers among postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. We selected 408 women from the highest and lowest tertiles of RBC folate distribution matching on age and timing of the baseline blood draw, which spanned the pre- (1994-1995), peri- (1996-1997), or post-fortification (1998) periods. Global DNA methylation was assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and expressed as a percentage of total cytosine. We observed an interaction (P = 0.02) between fortification period and RBC folate in relation to DNA methylation. Women with higher (vs. lower) RBC folate had higher mean DNA methylation (5.12 vs. 4.99%; P = 0.05) in the pre-fortification period, but lower (4.95 vs. 5.16%; P = 0.03) DNA methylation in the post-fortification period. We also observed significant correlations between one-carbon biomarkers and DNA methylation in the pre-fortification period, but not in the peri- or post-fortification period. The correlation between plasma homocysteine and DNA methylation was reversed from an inverse relationship during the pre-fortification period to a positive relationship during the post-fortification period. Our data suggest that (1) during FA fortification, higher RBC folate status is associated with a reduction in leukocyte global DNA methylation among postmenopausal women and; (2) the relationship between one-carbon biomarkers and global DNA methylation is dependent on folate availability.

Trends in Epidemiology of COPD in HIV-Infected Patients in Spain (1997–2012)

PubMed Central

de Miguel-Díez, Javier; López-de-Andrés, Ana; Jiménez-García, Rodrigo; Puente-Maestu, Luis; Jiménez-Trujillo, Isabel; Hernández-Barrera, Valentín

2016-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to estimate trends of incidence of hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality (IHM) in HIV-infected patients with COPD in the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era in Spain (1997–2012). Methods A retrospective study with data from nationwide population-based COPD diagnoses in the Spanish Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) was performed. We established groups according to their HIV and HCV infections: 1) HIV-uninfected patients; 2) HIV-infected patients (with or without HCV coinfection). Results 1,580,207 patients discharge with a COPD diagnosis were included in the study, 8902 of them were HIV-infected patients (5000 HIV-monoinfected patients and 3902 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients). The HIV-infected patients had higher incidence rates of hospital admissions for COPD than the HIV-uninfected patients during the study period. The HIV-monoinfected patients had higher rates of hospitalizations for COPD than the HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in the early-period cART (1997–1999), but these rates decreased in the first group and increased in the second, being even similar in both groups in the late-period cART (2004–2011). On the other hand, the HIV-infected patients with COPD had higher IHM than the HIV-uninfected patients with COPD. The mortality rates were higher in the HIV-monoinfected patients with COPD than in the HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with COPD in the early-period cART; however, in the late-period cART, the mortality rates trends seems higher in the HIV/HCV group. The likelihood of death in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with COPD was similar to than in HIV-monoinfected patients with COPD. Conclusions Incidence of hospital admissions for COPD and IHM have decreased among HIV-monoinfected individuals but have increased steadily among HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals in the cART era. PMID:27846297

Long-term time trends in human intake of POPs in the Czech Republic indicate a need for continuous monitoring.

PubMed

Bányiová, Katarína; Černá, Milena; Mikeš, Ondřej; Komprdová, Klára; Sharma, Anežka; Gyalpo, Tenzing; Čupr, Pavel; Scheringer, Martin

2017-11-01

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from the group of persistent organic pollutants are detected in human tissues years or even decades after their ban. Exposure to PCBs and OCPs can pose risks to human health. In the present study, we calculated the daily intakes of PCBs and OCPs in the Czech population and investigated the long-term trends of human exposure to POPs. Data on POP concentrations from a 16-year period of breast-milk monitoring were used. A toxicokinetic model with consideration of compound-specific elimination half-lives was used to calculate the mothers' daily intake of PCBs and OCPs representing the intake of POPs by all exposure routes. The calculated intakes were compared with dietary intakes calculated by the Czech National Institute of Public Health. The comparison shows good agreement of both intake estimates with decreasing intake trends of POPs in the Czech population in the time period studied. However, several fluctuations with peaks of higher levels were observed in both datasets which are not typical for the period after the ban of use and production of POPs. The available evidence suggests that the increases in chemical concentrations might be caused by food contamination. The calculated intakes of compounds with longer elimination half-lives, such as higher-chlorinated PCBs, were higher in older mothers. This "memory effect" was already observed in other studies and indicates higher exposure in earlier life periods of the mother. Our results suggest that exposure to POPs is still relevant for the Czech population in the period after the ban of the use and production of POPs (post-ban period), especially via food ingestion, though the intake trends are decreasing. Possible food contamination by POPs in the post-ban period requires further assessment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the effects of energy drink versus caffeine supplementation on indices of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure.

PubMed

Franks, Amy M; Schmidt, Julia M; McCain, Keith R; Fraer, Mony

2012-02-01

Cardiovascular events associated with energy drink consumption have been reported, but few data exist to delineate the hemodynamic effects of energy drinks. To compare the effects of an energy drink versus caffeine supplementation on blood pressure (BP) indices as measured by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Healthy, nonsmoking, normotensive volunteers (aged 18-45 years) taking no medications were enrolled in a single-center, open-label, 2-period crossover pilot study. During each study period, subjects received either an energy drink (Red Bull Energy Drink, each dose containing 80 mg of caffeine and 1000 mg of taurine in an 8.3-oz serving) or a control (compounded caffeine solution, each dose containing 80 mg of caffeine solution in 8 oz of bottled water) at 0800, 1100, 1500, and 1900 hours and underwent 24-hour ABPM. The study periods were separated by a washout period (4-30 days). Mean 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial (MAP) BP; BP load; and percent nocturnal dipping were compared between study periods. Nine subjects (5 females, mean [SD] age 27.7 [5.0] years) completed the study. Mean 24-hour SBP (123.2 vs 117.4 mm Hg, p = 0.04), DBP (73.6 vs 68.2 mm Hg, p = 0.02), and MAP (90.1 vs 84.8 mm Hg, p = 0.03) were significantly higher during energy drink supplementation versus caffeine supplementation. Daytime DBP (77.0 vs 72.0 mm Hg, p = 0.04) also was significantly higher with the energy drink versus caffeine supplementation. Trends in higher daytime SBP (127.0 vs 121.9 mm Hg, p = 0.05) and MAP (93.6 vs 88.6 mm Hg, p = 0.05) were recorded with energy drink supplementation versus caffeine supplementation. Nighttime SBP and DBP loads were significantly higher with the energy drink, but nocturnal dipping did not differ significantly between study periods. Single-day energy drink supplementation increased mean 24-hour and daytime BP compared to caffeine control in this pilot study. Additional research is warranted to better understand the hemodynamic effects of energy drink consumption.

Impact of the Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio on the Incidence and Progression of CKD: A Longitudinal Study in a Large Japanese Population.

PubMed

Tsuruya, Kazuhiko; Yoshida, Hisako; Nagata, Masaharu; Kitazono, Takanari; Iseki, Kunitoshi; Iseki, Chiho; Fujimoto, Shouichi; Konta, Tsuneo; Moriyama, Toshiki; Yamagata, Kunihiro; Narita, Ichiei; Kimura, Kenjiro; Kondo, Masahide; Asahi, Koichi; Kurahashi, Issei; Ohashi, Yasuo; Watanabe, Tsuyoshi

2015-12-01

The impact of the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG:HDL-C) ratio on chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear. Longitudinal cohort study. 124,700 participants aged 39 to 74 years in the Japanese Specific Health Check and Guidance System, including 50,392 men, 74,308 women, 102,900 without CKD, and 21,800 with CKD. Quartiles of TG:HDL-C ratio. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary protein excretion during the 2-year study period. Incident CKD in participants without CKD, and progression of CKD in participants with CKD. In the entire study population, higher quartile of TG:HDL-C ratio at baseline was significantly associated with greater decline in eGFR and increase in urinary protein excretion during the 2-year study period, even after adjustment for confounding factors. A higher ratio was associated with higher risk of incident CKD in participants without CKD and higher risk of rapid decline in eGFR and increase in urinary protein excretion in participants with CKD. Higher TG:HDL-C ratio was more strongly associated with decline in eGFR (P for interaction = 0.002) and with incident CKD (P for interaction = 0.05) in participants with diabetes than without diabetes. Short observation period and single measurement of all variables. A higher TG:HDL-C ratio affects the decline in eGFR and incidence and progression of CKD in the Japanese population. Copyright © 2015 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporal Trends (1999–2015) in the Impact Factor of Biomedical Journals Published by US and EU Scientific Societies

PubMed Central

Falagas, Matthew E.; Kyriakidou, Margarita; Spais, George; Argiti, Efstathia; Vardakas, Konstantinos Z.

2018-01-01

Objective The impact factor has emerged as the most popular index of scientific journals’ resonance. In this study we aimed to examine the impact factor trends of journals published by scientific bodies in the United States of America (USA) and Europe (EU). Methods We randomly chose 11 categories of Journal of Citation Reports and created three research classes: clinical medicine, laboratory medicine, and basic science. The impact factor values for the years 1999–2015 were abstracted, and the impact factor of US and EU journals was studied through the years. Results A total of 265 journals were included in the final analysis. The impact factor of US journals was higher than that of EU journals throughout the study period. In addition, for both US and EU journals the median impact factor increased throughout the study period. The rate of annual change in the impact factor throughout the study period was lower for US than EU journals (1.85% versus 3.55%, P=0.019). A higher median annual increase was seen in the impact factor during the period 1999–2008 compared to the period 2009–2015 for both US (P<0.001) and EU (P=0.001) journals. In fact, during the second period the US median impact factor value did not show significant changes (P=0.31), while the EU median impact factor continued to increase (P<0.001). Conclusion The impact factor of EU journals increased at a significantly higher rate than and approached that of the US journals during the last 16 years. PMID:29517962

Higher-order Peregrine combs and Peregrine walls for the variable-coefficient Lenells-Fokas equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zi-Qi; Wang, Xin; Wang, Lei; Sun, Wen-Rong; Qi, Feng-Hua

2017-02-01

In this paper, we study the variable-coefficient Lenells-Fokas (LF) model. Under large periodic modulations in the variable coefficients of the LF model, the generalized Akhmediev breathers develop into the breather multiple births (BMBs) from which we obtain the Peregrine combs (PCs). The PCs can be considered as the limiting case of the BMBs and be transformed into the Peregrine walls (PWs) with a specific amplitude of periodic modulation. We further investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of the PCs and PWs analytically. Based on the second-order breather and rogue-wave solutions, we derive the corresponding higher-order structures (higher-order PCs and PWs) under proper periodic modulations. What is particularly noteworthy is that the second-order PC can be converted into the Peregrine pyramid which exhibits the higher amplitude and thickness. Our results could be helpful for the design of experiments in the optical fiber communications.

Do American dippers obtain a survival benefit from altitudinal migration?

PubMed

Green, David J; Whitehorne, Ivy B J; Middleton, Holly A; Morrissey, Christy A

2015-01-01

Studies of partial migrants provide an opportunity to assess the cost and benefits of migration. Previous work has demonstrated that sedentary American dippers (residents) have higher annual productivity than altitudinal migrants that move to higher elevations to breed. Here we use a ten-year (30 period) mark-recapture dataset to evaluate whether migrants offset their lower productivity with higher survival during the migration-breeding period when they occupy different habitat, or early and late-winter periods when they coexist with residents. Mark-recapture models provide no evidence that apparent monthly survival of migrants is higher than that of residents at any time of the year. The best-supported model suggests that monthly survival is higher in the migration-breeding period than winter periods. Another well-supported model suggested that residency conferred a survival benefit, and annual apparent survival (calculated from model weighted monthly apparent survival estimates using the Delta method) of residents (0.511 ± 0.038SE) was slightly higher than that of migrants (0.487 ± 0.032). Winter survival of American dippers was influenced by environmental conditions; monthly apparent survival increased as maximum daily flow rates increased and declined as winter temperatures became colder. However, we found no evidence that environmental conditions altered differences in winter survival of residents and migrants. Since migratory American dippers have lower productivity and slightly lower survival than residents our data suggests that partial migration is likely an outcome of competition for limited nest sites at low elevations, with less competitive individuals being forced to migrate to higher elevations in order to breed.

Comparison of intradialytic hemodynamic tolerance between on-line hemodiafiltration and acetate-free biofiltration with profiled potassium dialysate concentration.

PubMed

Kosmadakis, George; Correia, Enrique Da Costa; Somda, Frederic; Aguilera, Didier

2017-01-01

Intradialytic hypotensive episodes are deleterious for hemodialysis (HD) patients. Acetate-free biofiltration with profiled potassium (AFBK) dialysate concentration may improve their cardiovascular stability. The aim of the present crossover study was to compare intradialytic hemodynamic tolerance and biological parameters between online hemodiafiltration (olHDF) and AFBK. Ten frail HD patients (8 males) with a mean age of 66.71- ± 12.31 years were studied for three months on olHDF and AFBK. There was a significant reduction of the hypotensive episodes during the AFBK period compared to the olHDF period. Mean intradialytic systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher during the AFBK period. There was a significant postdialytic increase in serum sodium concentration with the AFBK compared to olHDF. The dry weight and ultrafiltration indices were significantly higher, and the Kt/V was significantly lower during the AFBK period. Serum albumin concentration significantly increased during the AFBK period. AFBK leads to a significantly improved intradialytic tolerance in hemodynamically instable HD patients.

Impact of different training strategies on the accuracy of a Bayesian network for predicting hospital admission.

PubMed

Leegon, Jeffrey; Aronsky, Dominik

2006-01-01

The healthcare environment is constantly changing. Probabilistic clinical decision support systems need to recognize and incorporate the changing patterns and adjust the decision model to maintain high levels of accuracy. Using data from >75,000 ED patients during a 19-month study period we examined the impact of various static and dynamic training strategies on a decision support system designed to predict hospital admission status for ED patients. Training durations ranged from 1 to 12 weeks. During the study period major institutional changes occurred that affected the system's performance level. The average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was higher and more stable when longer training periods were used. The system showed higher accuracy when retrained an updated with more recent data as compared to static training period. To adjust for temporal trends the accuracy of decision support systems can benefit from longer training periods and retraining with more recent data.

[The influence of living conditions and lifestyle on the anxiety level in women in the postpartum period-questionnaire study].

PubMed

Piech, Barbara; Kiałka, Marta; Baran, Anna; Mrozińska, Sandra; Janeczko, Marek; Humeniuk, Ewa; Milewicz, Tomasz

2017-01-01

Due to the high incidence of postpartum anxiety disorders and their serious health and social consequences, it is essential to analyze the possible risk factors to identify groups of women particularly vulnerable to cover their proper care and control. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the anxiety in women in the postpartum period, and their living conditions and lifestyle. The study was conducted from April to July 2016. We included 102 women in the postpartum period, living in the city of Cracow and the Cracow district. The study was based on a survey of our own authorship, State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Jurczyński’s Inventory of Health Behavior (IZZ). The anxiety level in women in the postpartum period depends on the conditions of life and health behaviors. The level of health behavior of women in the postpartum period is an average and independent of age, number of children, and the material situation. Residents of cities, women with higher education, who planned pregnancy, have a higher level of health behavior. Good housing conditions have a positive influence on health behavior. Low levels of health behavior significantly affect the severity of maternal anxiety. Residents of the village, women with lower education and who not planning pregnancy have higher levels of anxiety during the postpartum period. Anxiety level of women in the postpartum period is inversely proportional to their housing conditions. Women with a job have lower levels of anxiety than non-working. The anxiety level in women in childbirth does not depend on age or financial situation. The anxiety level in women in the postpartum period, significantly depends on the living conditions and health behaviors. Verification of distinguished factors should be applied appropriately in health promotional activities and prevention programs.

Intimate partner violence among women with eating disorders during the perinatal period

PubMed Central

Easter, Abigail; Lewis, Rebecca; Howard, Louise M.; Micali, Nadia

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective  Prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is estimated to be 4%–8%. Women with mental health difficulties are at increased risk for IPV during the perinatal period. Prevalence of IPV is high among women with eating disorders (ED); however, prevalence of IPV during the perinatal period among women with ED is unknown. Method  We studied women from a population‐based cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Prevalence and odds of physical and emotional IPV during and after the perinatal period was investigated among women with lifetime ED, with (n = 174) or without pregnancy shape and weight concern and/or purging behaviors (n = 189), and women with no ED (n = 8723). Results  Women with lifetime ED showed higher prevalence of IPV during and after the perinatal period (physical = 9.6%–14.3% and emotional = 24.1%–28.1%). Lifetime ED was associated with higher odds of physical IPV during the perinatal period (odds ratio: 2.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.11–4.93, p = .03). Lifetime ED with and without pregnancy shape and weight concerns and/or purging was associated with higher odds of IPV after the perinatal period, and higher odds of reporting emotional IPV at all time points. Associations were moderated by partner's response to pregnancy and maternal experience of childhood sexual abuse. Discussion  Mothers with ED and their children may be vulnerable to negative effects due to maternal ED and IPV combined, both of which have been associated with severe and long‐lasting harmful consequences. Partner's response to pregnancy and maternal experience of childhood sexual abuse might contribute to the association between ED and IPV perinatally. © 2015 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:727–735) PMID:26032597

Colorado Commission on Higher Education Adjunct Professor Benefits Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colorado Commission on Higher Education, 2007

2007-01-01

This report presents the results of a study conducted by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) to determine the impact of providing health and dental benefits to adjunct professors who are employed by one or more public institution of higher education and teach an aggregate of 15 or more credit hours in a twelve month period. In order…

High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability Reactivity and Trait Worry Interact to Predict the Development of Sleep Disturbances in Response to a Naturalistic Stressor.

PubMed

MacNeil, Sasha; Deschênes, Sonya S; Caldwell, Warren; Brouillard, Melanie; Dang-Vu, Thien-Thanh; Gouin, Jean-Philippe

2017-12-01

High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) reactivity was proposed as a vulnerability factor for stress-induced sleep disturbances. Its effect may be amplified among individuals with high trait worry or sleep reactivity. This study evaluated whether HF-HRV reactivity to a worry induction, sleep reactivity, and trait worry predict increases in sleep disturbances in response to academic stress, a naturalistic stressor. A longitudinal study following 102 undergraduate students during an academic semester with well-defined periods of lower and higher academic stress was conducted. HF-HRV reactivity to a worry induction, trait worry using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and sleep reactivity using the Ford Insomnia Stress Reactivity Test were measured during the low stress period. Sleep disturbances using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were assessed twice during the lower stress period and three times during the higher stress period. Greater reductions in HF-HRV in response to the worry induction predicted increases in sleep disturbances from the lower to the higher academic stress period. Trait worry moderated this association: individuals with both higher trait worry and greater HF-HRV reactivity to worry had larger increases in stress-related sleep disturbances over time, compared to participants with lower trait worry and HF-HRV reactivity. A similar, but marginally significant effect was found for sleep reactivity. This study supports the role of HF-HRV reactivity as a vulnerability factor for stress-induced sleep disturbances. The combination of high trait worry and high HF-HRV reactivity to worry might identify a subgroup of individuals most vulnerable to stress-related sleep disturbances.

Social support and depression across the perinatal period: A longitudinal study.

PubMed

Li, Yang; Long, Zhouting; Cao, Danfeng; Cao, Fenglin

2017-09-01

To report changes in the prevalence of depression and the level of social support at three different time points in the perinatal period (late pregnancy, 1 week postpartum and 4 weeks postpartum) and to examine the relationship between depression and social support at these points in time. Social support is a modifiable factor for depression. Existing research is limited to examining social support at a single time point in relation to antepartum or postpartum depression. A longitudinal study. In total, 240 pregnant women were recruited from the prenatal clinic at a general hospital in China between June-September 2013. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Perceived Social Support Scale were used to measure the risk of depression and perceived social support at late pregnancy, within the first week postpartum, and at 4 weeks postpartum. The Perceived Social Support Scale scores within the first week after birth were higher than scores at the late pregnancy and postpartum week 4, while the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores at late pregnancy were higher than scores at the two postpartum times. Women who had higher Perceived Social Support Scale scores at late pregnancy had less likelihood of developing antepartum depression, and women with higher Perceived Social Support Scale scores at postpartum week 4 were less likely to have postpartum depression. However, the Perceived Social Support Scale scores at late pregnancy did not predict the risk of postpartum depression. The study revealed that social support perceived by women changed over the perinatal period. Social support at each stage of the perinatal period was an important buffer against depression at this stage. An increased focus on the relationship between social support and depression at each stage of the perinatal period is necessary for future research and practice. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of Periodized and Non-Periodized Resistance Training on Maximal Strength: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Williams, Tyler D; Tolusso, Danilo V; Fedewa, Michael V; Esco, Michael R

2017-10-01

Periodization is a logical method of organizing training into sequential phases and cyclical time periods in order to increase the potential for achieving specific performance goals while minimizing the potential for overtraining. Periodized resistance training plans are proposed to be superior to non-periodized training plans for enhancing maximal strength. The primary aim of this study was to examine the previous literature comparing periodized resistance training plans to non-periodized resistance training plans and determine a quantitative estimate of effect on maximal strength. All studies included in the meta-analysis met the following inclusion criteria: (1) peer-reviewed publication; (2) published in English; (3) comparison of a periodized resistance training group to a non-periodized resistance training group; (4) maximal strength measured by 1-repetition maximum (1RM) squat, bench press, or leg press. Data were extracted and independently coded by two authors. Random-effects models were used to aggregate a mean effect size (ES), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and potential moderators. The cumulative results of 81 effects gathered from 18 studies published between 1988 and 2015 indicated that the magnitude of improvement in 1RM following periodized resistance training was greater than non-periodized resistance training (ES = 0.43, 95% CI 0.27-0.58; P < 0.001). Periodization model (β = 0.51; P = 0.0010), training status (β = -0.59; P = 0.0305), study length (β = 0.03; P = 0.0067), and training frequency (β = 0.46; P = 0.0123) were associated with a change in 1RM. These results indicate that undulating programs were more favorable for strength gains. Improvements in 1RM were greater among untrained participants. Additionally, higher training frequency and longer study length were associated with larger improvements in 1RM. These results suggest that periodized resistance training plans have a moderate effect on 1RM compared to non-periodized training plans. Variation in training stimuli appears to be vital for increasing maximal strength, and longer periods of higher training frequency may be preferred.

Postural Stability and Subsequent Sports Injuries during Indoor Season of Athletes

PubMed Central

Romero-Franco, Natalia; Gallego-Izquierdo, Tomás; Martínez-López, Emilio J; Hita-Contreras, Fidel; Catalina, Osuna-Pérez M; Martínez-Amat, Antonio

2014-01-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze stabilometry in athletes during an indoor season in order to determine whether injured athletes show different stabilometric values before injury than non-injured athletes in two different training periods (volume and pre-competition periods). [Subjects] The subjects were 51 athletes from Unicaja athletic club who trained regularly. [Methods] At the end of the preseason and volume periods, athletes were subjected to bipodal and monopodal stabilometry. In addition, all injuries happening in the periods after performing stabilometry (volume and pre-competition periods) were tracked. [Results] Variance analysis of bipodal stabilometric measurements taken at the end of the preseason period showed that athletes with higher values for the center-of-pressure spread variables suffered injuries during the volume period. The right-leg monopodal stabilometric measurements taken at the end of the volume period showed that athletes with higher values in the center-of-pressure position variables suffered injuries during the pre-competition period. [Conclusion] Athletes showing the worst values for center-of-pressure spread variables are more prone to sports injuries in the subsequent training period. In monopodal measurements, athletes with poorer mediolateral stability were more prone to injuries in the subsequent training period. PMID:24926132

Age-period-cohort analysis of the suicide rate in Korea.

PubMed

Park, Chiho; Jee, Yon Ho; Jung, Keum Ji

2016-04-01

The suicide rate has been increasing in Korea, and the country now has the highest rank in the world. This study aimed to present the long-term trends in Korea's suicide rate using Joinpoint analysis and age-period-cohort (APC) modeling. The population and the number of suicides for each five-year age group were obtained from the National Statistical Office for the period 1984-2013 for Koreans aged 10 years and older. We determined the changes in the trends in age-standardized mortality rates using Joinpoint. APC modeling was performed to describe the trends in the suicide rate using the intrinsic estimator method. The age-standardized suicide rate in men rapidly increased from 1989 to 2004, and slightly increased thereafter, whereas the suicide rate in women increased from 1989 to 2009 and then decreased thereafter. Within the same period, the suicide rate was higher among the older age groups than in the younger groups. Within the same birth cohort, the suicide rate of the older groups was also higher than that in the younger groups. Within the same age group, the suicide rate of the younger cohorts was higher than it was in the older cohorts. In the APC modeling, old age, recent period, and having been born before 1924 were associated with higher suicide rates. The accuracy and completeness of the suicide rate data may lead to bias. This study showed an increasing trend in the suicide rates for men and women after 1989. These trends may be mainly attributed to cohort effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EEG spectral analysis in primary insomnia: NREM period effects and sex differences.

PubMed

Buysse, Daniel J; Germain, Anne; Hall, Martica L; Moul, Douglas E; Nofzinger, Eric A; Begley, Amy; Ehlers, Cindy L; Thompson, Wesley; Kupfer, David J

2008-12-01

To compare NREM EEG power in primary insomnia (PI) and good sleeper controls (GSC), examining both sex and NREM period effects; to examine relationships between EEG power, clinical characteristics, and self-reports of sleep. Overnight polysomnographic study. Sleep laboratory. PI (n=48; 29 women) and GSC (n=25; 15 women). None. EEG power from 1-50 Hz was computed for artifact-free sleep epochs across four NREM periods. Repeated measures mixed effect models contrasted differences between groups, EEG frequency bands, and NREM periods. EEG power-frequency curves were modeled using regressions with fixed knot splines. Mixed models showed no significant group (PI vs. GSC) differences; marginal sex differences (delta and theta bands); significant differences across NREM periods; and group*sex and group*NREM period interactions, particularly in beta and gamma bands. Modeled power-frequency curves showed no group difference in whole-night NREM, but PI had higher power than GSC from 18-40 Hz in the first NREM period. Among women, PI had higher 16 to 44-Hz power than GSC in the first 3 NREM periods, and higher 3 to 5-Hz power across all NREM periods. PI and GSC men showed no consistent differences in EEG power. High-frequency EEG power was not related to clinical or subjective sleep ratings in PI. Women with PI, but not men, showed increased high-frequency and low-frequency EEG activity during NREM sleep compared to GSC, particularly in early NREM periods. Sex and NREM period may moderate quantitative EEG differences between PI and GSC.

Periodic fluctuations in correlation-based connectivity density time series: Application to wind speed-monitoring network in Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laib, Mohamed; Telesca, Luciano; Kanevski, Mikhail

2018-02-01

In this paper, we study the periodic fluctuations of connectivity density time series of a wind speed-monitoring network in Switzerland. By using the correlogram-based robust periodogram annual periodic oscillations were found in the correlation-based network. The intensity of such annual periodic oscillations is larger for lower correlation thresholds and smaller for higher. The annual periodicity in the connectivity density seems reasonably consistent with the seasonal meteo-climatic cycle.

[Changes in the incidence of skin cancer between 1978 and 2002].

PubMed

Aceituno-Madera, P; Buendía-Eisman, A; Arias-Santiago, S; Serrano-Ortega, S

2010-01-01

Ultraviolet radiation is the main risk factor for skin cancer. Changes in lifestyle over recent decades have led to greater exposure to ultraviolet radiation; this phenomenon, coupled with aging of the population, increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Our objective was to analyze the trends in the incidence of skin cancer worldwide, in Europe,and in Spain during the period 1978 to 2002. Both skin cancer incidence and trends were investigated during the period 1978 to 2002 using the publication Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. The incidence of cutaneous melanoma increased progressively throughout the period, with higher rates among women. The highest incidence was found in Australia. In Spain, the standardized rates of melanoma had tripled in both sexes by the end of the study period. The incidence of non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increased throughout the study period, with higher rates among men.The highest incidences were found in Australia, Brazil, and among the European inhabitants of Zimbabwe. Within Spain, the standardized rates of NMSC doubled or tripled in both sexes by the end of the study period. The rise in the incidence of skin cancer leads us to conclude that measures of primary prevention are failing or insufficient, or that it is still too soon to evaluate their efficacy. There are certain limitations to this study, such as the fact that it was impossible to analyze the most recent period, from 2003 to 2007, and that cancer registries are not available for all populations.

Exchange Studies as Actor-Networks: Following Korean Exchange Students in Swedish Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahn, Song-ee

2011-01-01

This article explores how Korean exchange students organized their studies during exchange programs in Swedish higher education. For most students, the programs became a disordered period in relation to their education. The value of exchange studies seems mainly to be extra-curricular. Drawing upon actor network theory, the article argues that the…

Age-related differences of semen quality, seminal plasma, and spermatozoa antioxidative and oxidative stress variables in bulls during cold and warm periods of the year.

PubMed

Vince, S; Žura Žaja, I; Samardžija, M; Majić Balić, I; Vilić, M; Đuričić, D; Valpotić, H; Marković, F; Milinković-Tur, S

2018-03-01

The aims of this study were to determine the presence and quantities of antioxidative status and oxidative stress (OS) variables in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa of bulls of varying age during cold and warm periods of the year, and to establish the correlation of these variables with semen quality parameters. The study was conducted on two groups each comprising nine Simmental bulls: one group contained younger animals (aged 2 to 4 years) and the second older animals (aged 5 to 10 years). Semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina for biochemical analysis. Seminal plasma and spermatozoa activities of total superoxide dismutase (TSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione and concentrations of total protein (TP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were determined. Several antioxidants in seminal plasma were also determined: total glutathione peroxidase (TGSH-Px), selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase (Non-SeGSH-Px), uric acid, albumins (ALB) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Significantly higher spermatozoa motility was observed during the cold v. warm period, and a significantly higher volume and total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate was observed in older than in younger bulls. Significantly higher values of ALP, TP and ALB were found in seminal plasma of older bulls than in younger bulls during the warm period. The seminal plasma of younger bulls showed significantly higher activities of TSOD, MnSOD, CuZnSOD, TGSH-Px and Non-SeGSH-Px. Younger bulls had significantly higher PCC concentration and activity of CAT in seminal plasma than older bulls during the cold period. Significantly higher concentrations of PCC and TBARS, and activities of TSOD, MnSOD and CuZnSOD were established in spermatozoa of the younger than in older bulls during the warm period. It could be concluded that antioxidative and OS variables differ significantly depending on bull age and time of year. Younger bulls were more sensitive to elevated ambient temperatures during the warm period, when the higher enzymatic antioxidative protection in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were insufficient to counteract the intensive oxidative processes in spermatozoa, which eventually resulted in decreased spermatozoa motility. The estimation of antioxidative and OS variables in seminal plasma and spermatozoa may have practical value for the assessment of bull semen quality.

Evidence-Based Medicine Curriculum Improves Pediatric Emergency Fellows' Scores on In-Training Examinations.

PubMed

Tavarez, Melissa M; Kenkre, Tanya S; Zuckerbraun, Noel

2017-05-30

The aim of this study was to determine if implementation of our evidence-based medicine (EBM) curriculum had an effect on pediatric emergency medicine fellows' scores on the relevant section of the in-training examination (ITE). We obtained deidentified subscores for 22 fellows over 6 academic years for the Core Knowledge in Scholarly Activities (SA) and, as a balance measure, Emergencies Treated Medically sections. We divided the subscores into the following 3 instruction periods: "baseline" for academic years before our current EBM curriculum, "transition" for academic years with use of a research method curriculum with some overlapping EBM content, and "EBM" for academic years with our current EBM curriculum. We analyzed data using the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariate mixed-effects linear models. The SA subscore median was higher during the EBM period in comparison with the baseline and transition periods. In contrast, the Emergencies Treated Medically subscore median was similar across instruction periods. Multivariate modeling demonstrated that our EBM curriculum had the following independent effects on the fellows' SA subscore: (1) in comparison with the transition period, the fellows' SA subscore was 21 percentage points higher (P = 0.005); and (2) in comparison to the baseline period, the fellows' SA subscore was 28 percentage points higher during the EBM curriculum instruction period (P < 0.001). Our EBM curriculum was associated with significantly higher scores on the SA section of the ITE. Pediatric emergency medicine educators could consider using fellows' scores on this section of the ITE to assess the effect of their EBM curricula.

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.

The Globalisation of Public Higher Education in Macau

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lau, Cheng Man Diana; Yuen, Pong Kau

2014-01-01

After the political transition in 1999, the economic performance of Macau skyrocketed within a short period of time. Globalisation and the changing political, economic and social landscapes have all exerted influence on higher education. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of globalisation on public higher education in Macau after the…

Three Decades of Implementation Research in Higher Education: Limitations and Prospects of Theory Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kohoutek, Jan

2013-01-01

The article adopts a comparative approach to review three periods of theory development in research into higher education policy implementation. Given the conceptual affinity between Cerych and Sabatier's 1986 seminal study into higher education policy implementation and public policy implementation theory, the field of public policy is chosen for…

Association Between High Environmental Heat and Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Among Older Adults in a Northern Climate: A Matched Case-Control Study.

PubMed

McTavish, Rebecca K; Richard, Lucie; McArthur, Eric; Shariff, Salimah Z; Acedillo, Rey; Parikh, Chirag R; Wald, Ron; Wilk, Piotr; Garg, Amit X

2018-02-01

An association between high heat and acute kidney injury (AKI) has been reported in warm climates. However, whether this association generalizes to a northern climate, with more variable temperatures, is unknown. Matched case-control study. Our study focused on older adults (mean age, 80 years) in the northern climate of Ontario, Canada. 52,913 case patients who had a hospital encounter with AKI in April through September 2005 to 2012 were matched with 174,222 controls for exact date, age, sex, rural residence, income, and history of chronic kidney disease. Heat periods were defined as 3 consecutive days exceeding the 95th percentile of area-specific maximum temperature. Hospital encounter (inpatient admission or emergency department visit) with a diagnosis of AKI. ORs (95% CIs) were used to assess the association between heat periods and AKI. To quantify the effect in absolute terms, we multiplied the population incidence rate of AKI in the absence of heat periods by our adjusted OR (an approximate of relative risk). Heat periods were significantly associated with higher risk for AKI (adjusted OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00-1.23). Heat periods in absolute terms were associated with an additional 182 cases of AKI per 100,000 person-years during the warm season. We did not know how long persons were outside or if they had access to air conditioning. In a northern climate, periods of higher environmental heat were associated with a modestly higher risk for hospital encounter with AKI among older adults. Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Study of incidence of osteoporotic fractures in a cohort of individuals older than 50 years from Asturias, Spain, after a 6 year follow-up period].

PubMed

Naves Díaz, M; Díaz López, J B; Gómez Alonso, C; Altadill Arregui, A; Rodríguez Rebollar, A; Cannata Andía, J B

2000-11-18

The present work, performed as follow-up of the prevalence study of vertebral fractures (EVOS Study), evaluates in a 6 year period the incidence of vertebral fractures and other osteoporotic fractures in Oviedo (Asturias, Spain) in people older than 50 years. The study was performed in a cohort from the Oviedo's local registry in 1986. 624 men and women were followed by 3 postal questionnaires. The first questionnaire referred to the history of falls and fractures that happened during the follow-up period performed. Between the 2nd and 3rd follow-up subjects were invited to repeat the X-rays previously performed in the initial study. The incidence of osteoporotic fractures was higher in women than in men. In both sexes, vertebral fracture was the one which reached the highest incidence. Compared with men, Colles' fracture in women occurred earlier, with 5 times higher incidence. The incidence of hip fracture was twice higher in women than in men. A prevalent vertebral fractures increased until 5 times the incidence of vertebral and hip fracture. Among the osteoporotic fractures, vertebral fracture had a highest incidence values in both sexes. Although vertebral and hip fractures were twice incident in women compared with men, the incidence of Colles fracture was five times higher in women. A pre-existing vertebral fracture is an important risk factor to develop a new vertebral or hip fracture.

Using Faculty Evaluation to Improve Teaching Quality: A Longitudinal Case Study of Higher Education in Southeast Asia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hallinger, Philip

2010-01-01

This paper presents a case study of implementation of a new system of faculty teaching evaluation at a graduate school of business in Thailand. The research employed a non-experimental, longitudinal case study design in the analysis of student course evaluation data gathered over a period of 21 terms during a seven-year period. The report…

Temporal variation in diets and trophic partitioning by coexisting lizards (Ctenotus: Scincidae) in central Australia.

PubMed

James, Craig D

1991-02-01

The diets of five syntopic species of Ctenotus were examined over a two-year period on a 60 ha spinifex grassland site in central Australia. The aims of the study were to test predictions that termites were an important part of the food web for syntopic Ctenotus in spinifex grasslands, and to examine seasonal changes in prey use and dietary overlap between the species. Environmental conditions during the first season of the study were dry resulting in generally low invertebrate abundance. In contrast the second season was relatively moist and overall invertebrate abundance was higher than in the first season. Diets of five species of Ctenotus contained a range of terrestrial prey although one species (C. pantherinus) was relatively termite-specialized at all times. Dietary overlap at the ordinal level between the species was generally higher during dry periods when prey abundance was low, and higher for species-pairs that were similar in body size. During the driest period of the study most species of Ctenotus ate a high proportion of termite prey which accounted for the high dietary overlap. However, each species of Ctenotus consumed different genera or foraging guilds of termites. The results suggest that most of these lizards were opportunistic in their selection of prey but that during dry periods when prey are scarce, termites may play a significant role in supporting a high α-diversity of Ctenotus.

Periodic structure formation and surface morphology evolution of glassy carbon surfaces applying 35-fs-200-ps laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Csontos, J.; Toth, Z.; Pápa, Z.; Budai, J.; Kiss, B.; Börzsönyi, A.; Füle, M.

2016-06-01

In this work laser-induced periodic structures with lateral dimensions smaller than the central wavelength of the laser were studied on glassy carbon as a function of laser pulse duration. To generate diverse pulse durations titanium-sapphire (Ti:S) laser (center wavelength 800 nm, pulse durations: 35 fs-200 ps) and a dye-KrF excimer laser system (248 nm, pulse durations: 280 fs, 2.1 ps) were used. In the case of Ti:S laser treatment comparing the central part of the laser-treated areas a striking difference is observed between the femtoseconds and picoseconds treatments. Ripple structure generated with short pulse durations can be characterized with periodic length significantly smaller than the laser wavelength (between 120 and 165 nm). At higher pulse durations the structure has a higher periodic length (between 780 and 800 nm), which is comparable to the wavelength. In case of the excimer laser treatment the different pulse durations produced similar surface structures with different periodic length and different orientation. One of the structures was parallel with the polarization of the laser light and has a higher periodic length (~335 nm), and the other was perpendicular with smaller periodic length (~78-80 nm). The possible mechanisms of structure formation will be outlined and discussed in the frame of our experimental results.

Association Between Medication Use and Performance on Higher Education Entrance Tests in Individuals With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Lu, Yi; Sjölander, Arvid; Cederlöf, Martin; D'Onofrio, Brian M; Almqvist, Catarina; Larsson, Henrik; Lichtenstein, Paul

2017-08-01

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at greater risk for academic problems. Pharmacologic treatment is effective in reducing the core symptoms of ADHD, but it is unclear whether it helps to improve academic outcomes. To investigate the association between the use of ADHD medication and performance on higher education entrance tests in individuals with ADHD. This cohort study observed 61 640 individuals with a diagnosis of ADHD from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2013. Records of their pharmacologic treatment were extracted from Swedish national registers along with data from the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test. Using a within-patient design, test scores when patients were taking medication for ADHD were compared with scores when they were not taking such medication. Data analysis was performed from November 24, 2015, to November 4, 2016. Periods with and without ADHD medication use. Scores from the higher education entrance examination (score range, 1-200 points). Among 930 individuals (493 males and 437 females; mean [SD] age, 22.2 [3.2] years) who had taken multiple entrance tests (n = 2524) and used ADHD medications intermittently, the test scores were a mean of 4.80 points higher (95% CI, 2.26-7.34; P < .001) during periods they were taking medication vs nonmedicated periods, after adjusting for age and practice effects. Similar associations between ADHD medication use and test scores were detected in sensitivity analyses. Individuals with ADHD had higher scores on the higher education entrance tests during periods they were taking ADHD medication vs nonmedicated periods. These findings suggest that ADHD medications may help ameliorate educationally relevant outcomes in individuals with ADHD.

Seasonal and spatial variation of arsenic in groundwater in a rhyolithic volcanic area of Lesvos Island, Greece.

PubMed

Zkeri, Eirini; Aloupi, Maria; Gaganis, Petros

2017-12-23

A survey conducted in water wells located in the rhyolithic volcanic area of Mandamados, Lesvos Island, Greece, indicated that significant seasonal variation of arsenic concentration in groundwater exists mainly in wells near the coastal zone. However, there were differences among those coastal wells with regard to the processes and factors responsible for the observed seasonal variability of the element, although they are all located in a small homogeneous area. These processes and factors include (a) a higher rate of silicate weathering and ion exchange during the dry period followed by the dilution by the recharge water during the wet period, (b) enhanced desorption promoted by higher pH in summer and subsequent dilution of As by rainwater infiltration during the wet period, and (c) reductive dissolution of Mn during the wet period and by desorption under high pH values during the dry period. On the other hand, in wells located in higher-relief regions, the concentration of As in groundwater followed a fairly constant pattern throughout the year, which is probably related to the faster flow of groundwater in this part of the area due to a higher hydraulic gradient. In general, seasonal variation of As in groundwater in the study area was found to be related to geology, recharge rate, topography-distance from coast, and well depth.

Preserving America's Investment in Human Capital: A Study of Public Higher Education, 1980.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minter, W. John; Bowen, Howard R.

Financial and educational trends in accredited public institutions of higher education were studied for the period 1976-79 with some data for earlier years and for 1979-80. The study was based on a stratified sample of 135 institutions of which 95 participated. The sample represented all parts of the public sector except autonomous professional…

Pertussis (whooping cough) epidemiology in Waikato, New Zealand: 2000-2009.

PubMed

Wall, Richard; Bell, Anita; Theobald, Jason

2011-04-15

To describe the epidemiology of pertussis in the Waikato region of New Zealand between 2000 and 2009, and to identify any differences in case characteristics between epidemic and non-epidemic periods. Waikato pertussis notification data for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009 was analysed to identify any trends in the rates and distribution of key variables. Characteristics of case notifications were compared between an identified epidemic and non-epidemic period. Pertussis notification rates in the Waikato region were higher than national rates but followed a similar yearly pattern. Epidemics were identified in the years 2000 and 2004. The age distribution of pertussis cases changed over the decade with an increasing percentage in older age groups. Notification rates were higher in Europeans than Maori and in the least deprived NZDep group compared to the most deprived. In contrast, hospitalisation rates were higher in Maori than Europeans and in the most deprived NZDep groups. No clear differences in case characteristics were identified between an epidemic and non-epidemic period. The epidemiology of pertussis in Waikato is similar to that reported elsewhere in New Zealand. Further studies are required to clearly identify whether there are differences in case characteristics between epidemic and non-epidemic periods.

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

A periodic pattern of SNPs in the human genome

PubMed Central

Madsen, Bo Eskerod; Villesen, Palle; Wiuf, Carsten

2007-01-01

By surveying a filtered, high-quality set of SNPs in the human genome, we have found that SNPs positioned 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 bp apart are more frequent than SNPs positioned 3, 5, 7, or 9 bp apart. The observed pattern is not restricted to genomic regions that are known to cause sequencing or alignment errors, for example, transposable elements (SINE, LINE, and LTR), tandem repeats, and large duplicated regions. However, we found that the pattern is almost entirely confined to what we define as “periodic DNA.” Periodic DNA is a genomic region with a high degree of periodicity in nucleotide usage. It turned out that periodic DNA is mainly small regions (average length 16.9 bp), widely distributed in the genome. Furthermore, periodic DNA has a 1.8 times higher SNP density than the rest of the genome and SNPs inside periodic DNA have a significantly higher genotyping error rate than SNPs outside periodic DNA. Our results suggest that not all SNPs in the human genome are created by independent single nucleotide mutations, and that care should be taken in analysis of SNPs from periodic DNA. The latter may have important consequences for SNP and association studies. PMID:17673700

First-graders' allocation of attentional resources in an emotional Stroop task: The role of heart period variability and classroom climate.

PubMed

Scrimin, Sara; Moscardino, Ughetta; Mason, Lucia

2018-06-11

Children's ability to remain focused on a task despite the presence of emotionally salient distractors in the environment is crucial for successful learning and academic performance. This study investigated first-graders' allocation of attentional resources in the presence of distracting emotional, school-related social interaction stimuli. Moreover, we examined whether such attentional processes were influenced by students' self-regulation, as indexed by heart period variability, observed classroom climate, or their interaction. Seventy-two-first graders took part in the study. To assess allocation of attentional resources, students' reaction times on an emotional Stroop task were registered by recording response times to colour frames placed around pictures of distracting emotional, school-related social interaction stimuli (i.e., emotional interference index). Moreover, heart period variability was measured by recording children's electrocardiogram at rest during an individual session, whereas classroom climate was observed during class activities by a trained researcher. Images representing negative social interactions required greater attentional resources than images depicting positive ones. Heart period variability and classroom climate were each significantly and independently associated with the emotional interference index. A significant interaction also emerged, indicating that among children experiencing a negative classroom climate, those who had a higher basal heart period variability (higher self-regulation) were less distracted by negative emotional material and remained more focused on a task compared to those with lower heart period variability (lower self-regulation). Negative interactions require greater attentional resources than positive scenes. Moreover, with a negative classroom climate, higher basal heart period variability is a protective factor. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. © 2018 The British Psychological Society.

Sources of suspended sediment in the Waikele watershed, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

USGS Publications Warehouse

Izuka, Scot K.

2012-01-01

Data from streamflow/sediment gages and measurements of changes in channel-bed sediment storage were gathered between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2010, to assess the sources of suspended sediment in the Waikele watershed, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Streamflow from the watershed averaged 33 cubic feet per second during the study period, with interannual variations corresponding with variations in the frequency and magnitude of storm-flow peaks. Average streamflow during the study period was lower than the long-term average, but the study period included a storm on December 11, 2008, that caused record-high streamflows in parts of the watershed. Suspended-sediment yield from the Waikele watershed during the study period averaged 82,500 tons per year, which is 2.7 times higher than the long-term average. More than 90 percent of the yield during the study period was discharged during the December 11, 2008, storm. The study-period results are consistent with long-term records that show that the vast majority of suspended-sediment transport occurs during a few large storms. Results of this study also show that all but a small percentage of the suspended-sediment yield came from hillslopes. Only a small fraction of bed sediments is fine enough to be transported as suspended load; most bed sediments in the watershed are coarse. Silt and clay constitute less than 3 percent of the bed-sediment volume on average. Some larger clasts, however, can disintegrate during transport and contribute to the suspended load downstream. During the study period, suspended-sediment yield from the urbanized Mililani subbasin averaged 25 tons per year per square mile (tons/yr/mi2), which was much smaller than the yield from any other subbasin; these results indicate that urban land use yields much less sediment than other land uses. The wet, forested Kipapa subbasin had an average normalized hillslope suspended-sediment yield of 386 tons/yr/mi2; the average yield for forested areas in the watershed may be lower. Suspended-sediment yield from agricultural land use in the watershed is estimated to range between 5,590 and 6,440 tons/yr/mi2 during the study period; the long-term average is estimated to be 2,070 to 2,390 tons/yr/mi2. Of the three land uses considered, agriculture had by far the highest normalized suspended-sediment yield during this study - about an order of magnitude higher than forests and two orders of magnitude higher than urban areas.

Examining courses of sleep quality and sleepiness in full 2 weeks on/2 weeks off offshore day shift rotations.

PubMed

Riethmeister, V; Bültmann, U; De Boer, M R; Gordijn, M; Brouwer, S

2018-05-16

To better understand sleep quality and sleepiness problems offshore, we examined courses of sleep quality and sleepiness in full 2-weeks on/2-weeks off offshore day shift rotations by comparing pre-offshore (1 week), offshore (2 weeks) and post-offshore (1 week) work periods. A longitudinal observational study was conducted among N=42 offshore workers. Sleep quality was measured subjectively with two daily questions and objectively with actigraphy, measuring: time in bed (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep latency (SL) and sleep efficiency percentage (SE%). Sleepiness was measured twice a day (morning and evening) with the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Changes in sleep and sleepiness parameters during the pre/post and offshore work periods were investigated using (generalized) linear mixed models. In the pre-offshore work period, courses of SE% significantly decreased (p=.038). During offshore work periods, the courses of evening sleepiness scores significantly increased (p<.001) and significantly decreased during post-offshore work periods (p=.004). During offshore work periods, TIB (p<.001) and TST (p<.001) were significantly shorter, SE% was significantly higher (p=.002), perceived sleep quality was significantly lower (p<.001) and level of rest after wake was significantly worse (p<.001) than during the pre- and post-offshore work periods. Morning sleepiness was significantly higher during offshore work periods (p=.015) and evening sleepiness was significantly higher in the post-offshore work period (p=.005) compared to the other periods. No significant changes in SL were observed. Courses of sleep quality and sleepiness parameters significantly changed during full 2-weeks on/2-weeks off offshore day shift rotation periods. These changes should be considered in offshore fatigue risk management programmes.

Influence of clinical mastitis and its treatment outcome on reproductive performance in crossbred cows: A retrospective study.

PubMed

Kumar, Narender; Manimaran, A; Sivaram, M; Kumaresan, A; Jeyakumar, S; Sreela, L; Mooventhan, P; Rajendran, D

2017-05-01

Evaluation of the effect of clinical mastitis (CM) and its treatment outcome on the reproductive performance in crossbred cows retrospectively. Datasets of 835 lactating cows affected with CM during a period of 12 years (2001-2012) were considered for this study. Mastitis treatment related data and reproductive parameters such as days to first detected heat (DTFDH), days to first insemination (DTFI), days open (DO), and number of services per conception (SC) were collected from mastitis treatment and artificial insemination registers, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS 20 software. The means were compared with the Duncan's multiple comparison post-hoc test. CM affected cows had significantly (p<0.05) higher DTFDH, DTFI, DO and SC compared to clinically healthy cows. Cows diagnosed with a single episode of CM had significantly (p<0.05) delayed DTFDH while, DO and SC were significantly higher (p<0.05) in cows diagnosed by multiple episodes of CM. SC was significantly (p<0.05) higher in cows diagnosed with both relapse and recurrence. Severe CM affected cows had significantly (p<0.05) altered reproductive parameters. The reproductive parameters were altered to high extent when CM occurred during the breeding period. CM-affected cows had higher DTFDH, DTFI, DO and SC compared to clinically healthy cows. The negative effects of CM on reproduction parameters were higher when CM occurred during the breeding period.

State Support of Higher Education: From Expansion to Steady State to Decline, 1969 to 1989, Including an Illinois Case Study. MacArthur/Spencer Series Number 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hines, Edward R.; And Others

Trends in state higher education funding over a 20-year period from 1969 to 1989 were studied. The four analysis objectives were to: examine aggregate state tax appropriations for higher education annually from 1969 to 1989 in the 50 states; analyze state tax appropriations in each state on a per capita basis; compare state tax appropriations per…

The Impact of Involving Students in Managing the Quality of Higher Education Provision

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garwe, Evelyn Chiyevo

2015-01-01

This study was aimed at exploring the power of student involvement in improving quality of higher educational provision in private higher education institutions in Zimbabwe. A longitudinal approach involving two separate surveys and covering a period of three years was used. A preliminary survey aimed at assessing the issues that impact negatively…

The Decline of Academic Bilingualism in South Africa: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Lloyd B.

2009-01-01

Language policies in South African higher education were formalized between 2000 and 2002, just prior to a major restructuring of the higher education system. During this period institutions of higher learning were expected to formulate both a language policy and a detailed language plan. National policies on language in education are intended to…

[Study on allocation rules of common nutrients in Scutellaria baicalensis in different phenological periods by ICP-OES].

PubMed

Li, Hua; Li, Wei; Zeng, Jie; Yang, Bin

2012-11-01

To study the allocation rules of the nutrients in Scutellaria baicalensis in different phenological periods, ICP-OES analytical technique was used to measure the contents of 4 elements (Ca, Mg, P and K) in roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruids in different phenological periods (such as dormancy period, leaf expansion period, blooming period, fruit maturation period and yellow period) simultaneously. The results indicated that the allocation of Ca, Mg and K in leaves was higher than in the other organs in the vegetative stage, in order to stimulate photosynthesis and generate abundant carbohydrate; there was a larger proportion of P and K in reproductive organ compared with vegetative ones in reproductive stage, and it was beneficial to multiplication, and in yellow period the percentages of Ca, Mg, and K in roots rose slightly to strengthen cold-resistant ability. This study results can help develop scientific and rational fertilization programmes for the cultivation of Scutellaria baicalensis.

Trends in diabetes mellitus mortality in Puerto Rico: 1980-1997.

PubMed

Pérez-Perdomo, R; Pérez-Cardona, C M; Suárez-Pérez, E L

2001-03-01

To determine the characteristics and trends of diabetes mortality among the Puerto Rican population from 1980 through 1997. Death certificates for Puerto Rican residents whose underlying cause of death was diabetes mellitus (ICD-9-250.0) were reviewed, and sociodemographic information was abstracted. The proportion mortality ratio (PMR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by gender, age group, educational level and period of time. Trend analysis in mortality was performed using a Poisson regression model. A total of 26,193 deaths (5.8%) were primarily attributed to diabetes mellitus in the study period. Females accounted for 55.8% of all diabetes related deaths. Diabetes accounted for a higher proportion of deaths among persons aged 60-64 years (8.14%), persons aged 65-74 (8.12%), females (7.73%) and those with 1-6 years of education (7.08%). The PMR steadily increased from 4.55% in the 1980-85 period to 6.91% in the 1992-97 period. There was a higher mortality in male diabetic subjects aged < or = 64 than in females during the 18 year period. Between 1980 and 1991, females aged 65-74 had a higher mortality than males, however, mortality increased in males of the same age group during 1992-97. When the oldest age group (> or = 75) was examined, males had a higher mortality between 1986 and 1997, whereas females had a slightly higher rate between 1980 and 1985. Our results indicate that diabetes mortality has been markedly increasing in the Puerto Rican population, primarily in persons aged 65 years or more. Further analysis is needed to evaluate the determinants of mortality in diabetes.

A case-control comparison of direct healthcare-provider medical costs of chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in a community-based cohort

PubMed Central

Herrick, Linda M.; Spalding, William M.; Saito, Yuri A.; Moriarty, James; Schleck, Cathy

2017-01-01

Objective Patients with constipation account for 3.1 million United States physician visits a year, but care costs for patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) compared to the general public have received little study. The study aim was to describe healthcare utilization and compare medical costs for patients with IBS-C or CIC versus matched controls from a community-based sample. Methods A nested case-control sample (IBS-C and CIC cases) and matched controls (1:2) for each case group were selected from Olmsted County, MN individuals responding to a community-based survey of gastrointestinal symptoms (2008) who received healthcare from a participating Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) provider. Using REP healthcare utilization data, unadjusted and adjusted standardized costs were compared for the 2- and 10-year periods prior to the survey for 115 IBS-C patients and 230 controls and 365 CIC patients and 730 controls. Two time periods were chosen as these conditions are episodic but long-term. Results Outpatient costs for IBS-C ($6,800) and CIC ($6,284) patients over a 2-year period prior to the survey were significantly higher than controls ($4,242 and $5,254 respectively) after adjusting for co-morbidities, age, and sex. IBS-C outpatient costs ($25,448) and emergency room costs ($6,892) were significantly higher than controls ($21,024 and $3,962 respectively) for the 10-year period prior. Unadjusted data analyses of cases compared to controls demonstrated significantly higher imaging costs for IBS-C cases and procedure costs for CIC cases over the 10-year period. Limitations Data were collected from a random community sample primarily receiving care from a limited number of providers in that area. Conclusions Patients with IBS-C and CIC had significantly higher outpatient costs for the 2-year period compared with controls. IBS-C patients also had higher ER costs than the general population. PMID:27783533

The co-movement of monetary policy and its time-varying nature: A DCCA approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohit, Abhishek; Mitra, Subrata Kumar

2018-02-01

Employing a novel methodology of DCCA cross-correlation coefficient (ρDCCA), this study attempts to provide fresh evidences for the co-movement of monetary policies of the advanced (AEs) as well as the emerging economies (EMEs) vis-à-vis the United States. A higher degree of monetary co-movement as measured by ρDCCA values, is identified for the AEs as compared to the EMEs. Lower co-movement of monetary policy is especially noticeable in the short run for EMEs. We further investigate the time-varying nature of such co-movements for the AEs by splitting the period (1980-2014) into four sub periods and also by performing a rolling window estimation for the entire period to reveal smoother dynamics. Significant evidence of higher monetary coordination is revealed for sub-periods with stronger trade and financial linkages.

Pandemic and post-pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) infection in critically ill patients

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background There is a vast amount of information published regarding the impact of 2009 pandemic Influenza A (pH1N1) virus infection. However, a comparison of risk factors and outcome during the 2010-2011 post-pandemic period has not been described. Methods A prospective, observational, multi-center study was carried out to evaluate the clinical characteristics and demographics of patients with positive RT-PCR for H1N1 admitted to 148 Spanish intensive care units (ICUs). Data were obtained from the 2009 pandemic and compared to the 2010-2011 post-pandemic period. Results Nine hundred and ninety-seven patients with confirmed An/H1N1 infection were included. Six hundred and forty-eight patients affected by 2009 (pH1N1) virus infection and 349 patients affected by the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period were analyzed. Patients during the post-pandemic period were older, had more chronic comorbid conditions and presented with higher severity scores (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)) on ICU admission. Patients from the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period received empiric antiviral treatment less frequently and with delayed administration. Mortality was significantly higher in the post-pandemic period. Multivariate analysis confirmed that haematological disease, invasive mechanical ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy were factors independently associated with worse outcome in the two periods. HIV was the only new variable independently associated with higher ICU mortality during the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period. Conclusion Patients from the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period had an unexpectedly higher mortality rate and showed a trend towards affecting a more vulnerable population, in keeping with more typical seasonal viral infection. PMID:22126648

Pandemic and post-pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection in critically ill patients.

PubMed

Martin-Loeches, Ignacio; Díaz, Emili; Vidaur, Loreto; Torres, Antoni; Laborda, Cesar; Granada, Rosa; Bonastre, Juan; Martín, Mar; Insausti, Josu; Arenzana, Angel; Guerrero, Jose Eugenio; Navarrete, Ines; Bermejo-Martin, Jesus; Suarez, David; Rodriguez, Alejandro

2011-01-01

There is a vast amount of information published regarding the impact of 2009 pandemic Influenza A (pH1N1) virus infection. However, a comparison of risk factors and outcome during the 2010-2011 post-pandemic period has not been described. A prospective, observational, multi-center study was carried out to evaluate the clinical characteristics and demographics of patients with positive RT-PCR for H1N1 admitted to 148 Spanish intensive care units (ICUs). Data were obtained from the 2009 pandemic and compared to the 2010-2011 post-pandemic period. Nine hundred and ninety-seven patients with confirmed An/H1N1 infection were included. Six hundred and forty-eight patients affected by 2009 (pH1N1) virus infection and 349 patients affected by the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period were analyzed. Patients during the post-pandemic period were older, had more chronic comorbid conditions and presented with higher severity scores (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)) on ICU admission. Patients from the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period received empiric antiviral treatment less frequently and with delayed administration. Mortality was significantly higher in the post-pandemic period. Multivariate analysis confirmed that haematological disease, invasive mechanical ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy were factors independently associated with worse outcome in the two periods. HIV was the only new variable independently associated with higher ICU mortality during the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period. Patients from the post-pandemic Influenza (H1N1)v infection period had an unexpectedly higher mortality rate and showed a trend towards affecting a more vulnerable population, in keeping with more typical seasonal viral infection.

Risk of Stroke after Herpes Zoster - Evidence from a German Self-Controlled Case-Series Study.

PubMed

Schink, Tania; Behr, Sigrid; Thöne, Kathrin; Bricout, Hélène; Garbe, Edeltraut

2016-01-01

Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). A severe complication of HZ is VZV vasculopathy which can result in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. The aims of our study were to assess the risk of stroke after the onset of HZ and to investigate the roles of stroke subtype, HZ location and the time interval between HZ onset and stroke. A self-controlled case-series study was performed on a cohort of patients with incident stroke recorded in the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD), which covers about 20 million persons throughout Germany. We estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) by comparing the rate of stroke in risk periods (i.e., periods following HZ) with the rate of stroke in control periods (i.e., periods without HZ) in the same individuals, controlling for both time-invariant and major potentially time-variant confounders. The cohort included 124,462 stroke patients, of whom 6,035 (5%) had at least one HZ diagnosis identified in GePaRD either as main hospital discharge diagnosis or as HZ treated with antivirals. The risk of stroke was about 1.3 times higher in the risk periods 3 months after HZ onset, than in the control periods (IRR: 1.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.44). An elevated risk of similar magnitude was observed for ischemic and unspecified stroke, but a 1.5-fold higher risk was observed for hemorrhagic stroke. A slightly stronger effect on the risk of stroke was also observed during the 3 months after HZ ophthalmicus (HZO) onset (1.59; 1.10-2.32). The risk was highest 3 and 4 weeks after HZ onset and decreased thereafter. Our study corroborates an increased risk of stroke after HZ, which is highest 3 to 4 weeks after HZ onset. The results suggest that the risk is more pronounced after HZO and is numerically higher for hemorrhagic than for ischemic stroke.

The Demand for Higher Education in Michigan: Projections to the Year 2000.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moor, James R., Jr.; And Others

Using data from the 1960-1977 period, this study provides a range of headcount enrollment projections for the Michigan higher education system to the year 2000 by type of institution and by age and sex of student under alternative sets of projection assumptions. The theoretical framework, methodology, and working model developed in this study are…

Work capability during isolation.

PubMed

Gushin, V I; Efimov, V A; Smirnova, T M

1996-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged isolation on the higher psychic functions, like working memory, attention concentration, and intellect (problem solving and decision making), and on sensory-motor skills and stress resistance. Previous Soviet simulation studies and the ISEMSI isolation experiment have indicated that prolonged isolation can affect higher psychic functions. A set of psychological tests in the form of a computer game was presented each workday to the chamber crew and to the ground crew serving as a control group. In analyzing the data it was taken into account that performance can be affected not only by the influence of isolation, but also by a learning process and by subject motivation. In addition, a distinction was made between absolute score and stability (range) of the score. Analysis of the chamber crew's work capability as a function of time showed the occurrence of three distinct periods of adaptation: (1) a period of acute adaptation in week 1, (2) a period of stable adaptation during weeks 3-6, and (3) a period of "final effort" in weeks 8-9. While in general the effect of isolation on the absolute scores was minor, larger ranges for the scores in "working memory," "attention concentration," and "calculation under time deficit" tests are an indication of increased instability, probably due to stress resistance. The 4 female subjects of the combined groups scored significantly higher than the 5 males in "attention concentration/distribution," "spatial orientation," "intuition in visual search," and "logical decision making under time deficit." Males presented higher scores in "calculation under time deficit" and working memory, and higher stability in "attention concentration" and "calculation under time deficit."

Influence of Latitude on the Prevalence of Kawasaki Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database and Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Chang, Chaw-Liang; Wong, Chih-Shung; Yang, Yi-Chen; Chiu, Nan-Chang

2018-04-25

Background: Countries at higher latitudes have higher incidence rates of Kawasaki disease (KD) than do countries at lower latitudes in the Asian and West Pacific area. However, the precise influence of latitude on KD incidence rates requires further clarification. Methods: We searched the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 to retrieve patients’ medical records from 1996 to 2009. The patients with KD were categorized as living in northern, middle, and southern Taiwan; the period prevalence of KD for each area was determined. Climate variables, including temperature, sunshine duration, precipitation, and relative humidity, were collected from the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau. The effect of latitude on the period KD prevalence and the correlation between climate variables and KD prevalence were calculated. Results: After patients without complete data excluded, a total of 61,830 children up to 10 years old were retrieved, from which 404 patients with KD were recognized. The period prevalence of KD increased significantly with latitude ( p = 0.0004). Climate variables associated with high temperature demonstrated a connection with KD prevalence; however, this correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that higher latitude is associated with a higher KD prevalence in Taiwan.

Higher psychological and psychovegetative strain in adolescents with atypical pigment naevi.

PubMed

Trapp, Michael; Egger, Josef Wilhelm; Kapfhammer, Hans-Peter; Trapp, Eva-Maria; Rohrer, Peter Michael; Hörlesberger, Nina; Schwantzer, Gerold; Komericki, Peter; Linder, Michael Dennis; Lvov, Andrey; Baulmann, Johannes; Richtig, Erika

2015-01-01

An observational, exploratory, cross-sectional study was performed to assess whether the presence of atypical naevi (AN) in adolescents is associated with psychological and psychovegetative stress parameters. Fifty-one students of a secondary school in Graz, Austria, completed a defined test procedure consisting of an initial period of rest, a standardised mental stress task, another period rest and a questionnaire, the change-sensitive symptom list (ASS-SYM). Electrocardiogram and blood pressure were recorded continuously. The study population was divided in two groups: probands without AN (NAN, n = 33), and probands with at least one AN (n = 18). We found higher values for the AN group in all scales of ASS-SYM, reaching statistical significance in the dimensions "nervousness and mental tension" (p = 0.025), "psychophysiological dysregulation" (p = 0.020), burden of pain" (p = 0.023) and "general symptoms and problems" (p = 0.031). Regarding physiological parameters, the AN group showed higher vegetative strain reflected in heart rate and heart rate varibility during the periods of rest as well as a reduced baroreceptor sensitivity. On the basis of our results, the presence of AN in adolescents seems to be associated with a higher vegetative arousal. Additionally, participants with AN complained significantly more often about stress-associated general psychological symptoms and problems.

Maintenance of smoking cessation in the postpartum period: which interventions work best in the long-term?

PubMed

Su, Anny; Buttenheim, Alison M

2014-04-01

Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to a variety of adverse outcomes for both maternal and child health. Decades of studies have sought to increase cessation antepartum and reduce relapse postpartum. A number of effective interventions exist to significantly reduce smoking rates during pregnancy; however, less is known about how to prevent relapse in the postpartum period. This review investigates interventions to prevent relapse in the long-term postpartum period. We focus specifically on nonspontaneous quitters (individuals who quit smoking as a result of an external intervention) to reveal differences in long-term response to interventions for this population compared to spontaneous quitters. A systematic literature search yielded 32 relevant studies of pharmacological, behavioral, and incentives-based interventions. Results were compiled, analyzed, and compared in order to evaluate success factors in maintaining cessation postpartum. Though intervention groups showed consistently higher quit rates during pregnancy than control groups, none of the intervention types were effective at preventing relapse in the longer-term postpartum period. One study maintained significantly higher abstinence in the longer-term period postpartum using a mix of behavioral and incentives strategies. Additional research in this area is needed to identify optimal intervention strategies to reduce long-term postpartum relapse, particularly for nonspontaneous quitters.

Hair cortisol as a biomarker of stress in the 2011 Libyan war.

PubMed

Etwel, Fatma; Russell, Evan; Rieder, Michael J; Van Uum, Stan H; Koren, Gideon

2014-12-01

There is a substantial body of research that utilizes saliva cortisol levels to examine wartime stress; however, there is a paucity of literature that utilizes hair cortisol levels, which allows for long-term assessment of chronic stress, to investigate the stress of war. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in hair cortisol concentrations before, during, and after the 2011 Libyan war. This study examined hair cortisol concentrations of young adult women who were living in Tripoli, Libya during the 2011 war. The participants were recruited at the campus of Tripoli University. Participants needed to have at least 24 cm of hair and to have resided in Tripoli before, during and after the 2011 Libyan war. Hair was sectioned to reflect 3 month windows of cortisol exposure corresponding to periods before, during and after the war. Hair cortisol concentrations were quantified using a modified salivary ELISA test. The women were also asked to complete the Perceived Stress Scale pertaining to the post-war period. Median hair cortisol concentrations in the post-war period (226.11 ng/g; range 122.95-519.85 ng/g) were significantly higher than both the pre-war (180.07 ng/g; 47.13-937.85 ng/g) and wartime (186.65 ng/g; 62.97-771.79 ng/g) periods (P<0.05). The mean PSS score (24) was in the range of “much higher than the mean” for this test and the vast majority of participants were either in the “much higher than the mean” or “slightly higher than the mean” ranges. Hair cortisol determination suggests that in Tripoli, the post-war period appears to have been more stressful than the war itself. This is consistent with the fact that during the war the civilian participants were not directly involved with warfare, nor were they targeted by the international coalition fighting Gaddafi. In contrast, the post-war period was characterized by chaos and total lack of authority, with the participants exposed to injury, lack of food and destruction. This study documents the utility of hair cortisol levels to retrospectively assess stress before, during, and after an armed conflict.

A multiscale analysis of stock return co-movements and spillovers: Evidence from Pacific developed markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Debojyoti; Bhowmik, Puja; Jana, R. K.

2018-07-01

In this paper we examine the stock market co-movement and volatility spillover dynamics in the Pacific developed markets for a period spanning over January 05, 2001 to January 09, 2018. We employ wavelet-based techniques to study the multiscale co-movement dynamics of stock returns. Additionally, we also study the subtleties of volatility spillover of returns among the sample countries. We find that: (a) diversification benefits in these markets are limited due to higher degrees of integration, (b) Pacific developed markets co-move strongly during the periods of financial crisis (i.e. the contagion hypothesis) and (c) higher degree of volatility spills during financial crisis. We believe our study holds significance in the perspective of international portfolio diversification.

Grade Inflation in Higher Education: A Comparative Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolevzon, Michael S.

1981-01-01

Ten departments with high grade inflation rates during a seven-year period were compared with 10 departments within the same university displaying lower grade inflation rates. Higher grade inflation rates were related to perceived increases in the demands placed upon the academicians' role. (Author/MLW)

Brazilian Higher Education from a Post-Colonial Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leite, Denise

2010-01-01

This article examines Brazilian higher education (HE) politics from a post-colonial perspective. The term "post-colonial" originally referred to a historical period of colonial empires established by European nations. Nowadays, the term commonly distinguishes a field of contemporary studies of "defamiliarisation of the imperial…

Maternal salivary testosterone in pregnancy and fetal neuromaturation.

PubMed

Voegtline, Kristin M; Costigan, Kathleen A; DiPietro, Janet A

2017-11-01

Testosterone exposure during pregnancy has been hypothesized as a mechanism for sex differences in brain and behavioral development observed in the postnatal period. The current study documents the natural history of maternal salivary testosterone from 18 weeks gestation of pregnancy to 6 months postpartum, and investigates associations with fetal heart rate, motor activity, and their integration. Findings indicate maternal salivary testosterone increases with advancing gestation though no differences by fetal sex were detected. High intra-individual stability in prenatal testosterone levels extend into the postnatal period, particularly for pregnancies with male fetuses. With respect to fetal development, by 36 weeks gestation higher maternal prenatal salivary testosterone was significantly associated with faster fetal heart rate and less optimal somatic-cardiac integration. Measurement of testosterone in saliva is a useful tool for repeated-measures studies of hormonal concomitants of pregnancy. Moreover, higher maternal testosterone levels are associated with modest interference to fetal neurobehavioral development. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of glargine insulin on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type II undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft.

PubMed

Gandhi, Hemang; Sarvaia, Alpesh; Malhotra, Amber; Acharya, Himanshu; Shah, Komal; Rajavat, Jeevraj

2018-01-01

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is noticeably high (20%-30%). These patients have inferior perioperative outcome, reduced long-term survival, and high risk of recurrent episodes of angina. To improve perioperative outcome surgical unit defined satisfactory glycemic control is desired during this period. Hence, the aim of our study is to compare the efficacy of glargine insulin combination with continuous human insulin infusion for perioperative glycemic control in patients with diabetes undergoing CABG. Fifty Patients, who were posted for off-pump CABG with diabetes mellitus type II, were randomized in two group, Group I normal saline + human insulin infusion during the perioperative period, Group II (glargine group): Glargine + human insulin infusion during perioperative period. During surgery and in the postoperative period, random blood sugar and human insulin requirement are significantly higher in control group than glargine group. Other infection, step-up antibiotics, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospital stay were significantly higher in control groups in postoperative period. Our study results suggest that glargine effectively manages blood glucose level with significantly greater control over postoperative morbidity.

Higher Education Enrollments and Student Success in Times of Budget Scarcity: Examining System-Level Impacts in Recessionary Periods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wetstein, Matthew; Hays, Brianna; Nguyen, Alyssa

2011-01-01

This study seeks to extend the literature on higher education enrollment patterns during times of recession by examining patterns of enrollment and successful course completion in one of the world's largest higher education systems--the California Community College system. The data are drawn from publicly available data sources on the web. CCC…

Relationship Factors and Trajectories of Intimate Partner Violence among South African Women during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

PubMed Central

Groves, Allison K.; McNaughton-Reyes, H. Luz; Foshee, Vangie A.; Moodley, Dhayendre; Maman, Suzanne

2014-01-01

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem in South Africa. However, there is limited research on whether and how IPV changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period and on the factors that might affect women's risk during this time. In this study, we describe the mean trajectories of physical and psychological IPV during pregnancy and the postpartum period and examine whether relationship power, partner social support, and relationship stress are associated with women's trajectories of IPV. Data come from a longitudinal study with 1,480 women recruited during pregnancy between May 2008 and June 2010 at a public clinic in Durban. Women completed behavioral assessments at their first antenatal visit, at fourteen weeks and at nine months postpartum. Women's experiences of IPV were measured at all three time points and relationship power, partner social support and relationship stress were each measured at the baseline assessment. We used multilevel random coefficients growth modeling to build our models. The mean trajectory for both types of IPV was flat which means that, on average, there was not significant change in levels of IPV over pregnancy and the postpartum period. However, there was significant individual variability in trajectories of IPV over the study period. Women who had higher relationship power had lower levels of physical and psychological IPV over time than women with lower relationship power. Additionally, women with higher relationship stress and lower partner support had higher levels of psychological IPV at pregnancy. Interventions that maximize women's relationship power and partner social support and minimize relationship stress during this transformative time are needed. PMID:25268363

Does depression and substance abuse co-morbidity affect socioeconomic status? Evidence from a prospective study of urban African Americans.

PubMed

Dagher, Rada K; Green, Kerry M

2015-01-30

Studies have established a graded association between mental health and socioeconomic status (SES). However, scarce research has examined the impact of substance use disorders (SUD) and depression comorbidity on SES. We use data from the Woodlawn Study, a longitudinal cohort study, which recruited a cohort of first graders from Chicago starting 1966-1967 (N=1242). Analyses focus on those interviewed in young adulthood and followed up through midlife. Regression analyses adjusting for childhood confounders showed that young adults with depression and SUD comorbidity had higher likelihood of having any periods of unemployment, higher likelihood of being unemployed for 3 or more months, and lower household income in midlife than those with neither disorder. Moreover, young adults with SUD without depression had higher odds of having any periods of unemployment and higher odds of being unemployed for 3 or more months than those with neither disorder. Findings point to the possibility of social selection where depression and SUD comorbidity contributes to a downward drift in SES. Clinical interventions that integrate the treatment of SUD and depression may be more effective at reducing socioeconomic disparities among minority populations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Individual variation of sap-flow rate in large pine and spruce trees and stand transpiration: a pilot study at the central NOPEX site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čermák, J.; Cienciala, E.; Kučera, J.; Lindroth, A.; Bednářová, E.

1995-06-01

Transpiration in a mixed old stand of sub-boreal forest in the Norunda region (central Sweden) was estimated on the basis of direct measurement of sap flow rate in 24 large Scots pine and Norway spruce trees in July and August 1993. Sap flow rate was measured using the trunk tissue heat balance method based on internal (electric) heating and sensing of temperature. Transpiration was only 0.7 mm day -1 in a relatively dry period in July (i.e. about 20% of potential evaporation) and substantially higher after a rainy period in August. The error of the estimates of transpiration was higher during a dry period (about 13% and 22% in pine and spruce, respectively) and significantly lower (about 9% in both species) during a period of sufficient water supply. Shallow-rooted spruce trees responded much faster to precipitation than deeply rooted pines.

From Confederation to Constitution: 1781-1789.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Urofsky, Melvin I.; Cox, Nancy

Students should achieve a higher level of understanding and appreciation of the evolving nature of the U.S. Constitution and its relevance to contemporary societal issues by studying historical documents from the period of time between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. This document begins with a history of that period and of the…

Sensitive Periods and Language in Cochlear Implant Users

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moreno-Torres, Ignacio; Madrid-Canovas, Sonia; Blanco-Montanez, Gema

2016-01-01

This study explores the hypothesis that the existence of a short sensitive period for lower-level speech perception/articulation skills, and a long one for higher-level language skills, may partly explain the language outcomes of children with cochlear implants (CIs). The participants were fourteen children fitted with a CI before their second…

Influence of clinical mastitis and its treatment outcome on reproductive performance in crossbred cows: A retrospective study

PubMed Central

Kumar, Narender; Manimaran, A.; Sivaram, M.; Kumaresan, A.; Jeyakumar, S.; Sreela, L.; Mooventhan, P.; Rajendran, D.

2017-01-01

Aim: Evaluation of the effect of clinical mastitis (CM) and its treatment outcome on the reproductive performance in crossbred cows retrospectively. Materials and Methods: Datasets of 835 lactating cows affected with CM during a period of 12 years (2001-2012) were considered for this study. Mastitis treatment related data and reproductive parameters such as days to first detected heat (DTFDH), days to first insemination (DTFI), days open (DO), and number of services per conception (SC) were collected from mastitis treatment and artificial insemination registers, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS 20 software. The means were compared with the Duncan’s multiple comparison post-hoc test. Results: CM affected cows had significantly (p<0.05) higher DTFDH, DTFI, DO and SC compared to clinically healthy cows. Cows diagnosed with a single episode of CM had significantly (p<0.05) delayed DTFDH while, DO and SC were significantly higher (p<0.05) in cows diagnosed by multiple episodes of CM. SC was significantly (p<0.05) higher in cows diagnosed with both relapse and recurrence. Severe CM affected cows had significantly (p<0.05) altered reproductive parameters. The reproductive parameters were altered to high extent when CM occurred during the breeding period. Conclusion: CM-affected cows had higher DTFDH, DTFI, DO and SC compared to clinically healthy cows. The negative effects of CM on reproduction parameters were higher when CM occurred during the breeding period. PMID:28620250

Incidence of hypertriglyceridemia in critically ill neonates receiving lipid injectable emulsions in glass versus plastic containers: a retrospective analysis.

PubMed

Martin, Camilia R; Dumas, Gregory J; Shoaie, Claire; Zheng, Zheng; Mackinnon, Brenda; Al-Aweel, Issa; Bistrian, Bruce R; Pursley, DeWayne M; Driscoll, David F

2008-02-01

To evaluate plasma clearance of lipid injectable emulsions packaged in either glass or plastic containers in neonates from 2 7-month periods, 1 year apart. Clinical records from June 1 to December 31, 2003 (glass [G] period) and the same months in 2004 (plastic [P] period) were assessed. Neonates who received lipid injectable emulsions were studied. Lipid container (glass vs plastic) was the independent variable. Of the 197 patients studied, 122 (G, 50/81; P, 72/116) had evaluable triglyceride (TG) levels, for an overall rate of 62%. Only birth weight (G, 1.09 +/- 0.32 kg vs P, 1.23 +/- .45 kg) and birth length (G, 36.4 +/- 3.5 cm vs P, 37.9 +/- 3.5 cm) were significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .047 and .028, respectively). There were no differences in the day of life on which lipid injection was started, the lipid dose, or the timing of TG measurements. The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia was significantly higher in the P period (G, 3/50 vs P, 19/72; P = .004). Administration of the same lipid formulation in plastic bags compared with glass containers is associated with higher rates of hypertriglyceridemia. The poorer clearance of lipids could be due to a higher proportion of large-diameter fat globules in plastic bags compared with those in glass containers.

Perinatal stress, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and immune modulation in late pregnancy and one month postpartum.

PubMed

Cheng, C Y; Pickler, R H

2014-01-01

Stress and fatigue are common complaints of pregnant and postpartum women as is depression. These symptoms may be related to immunomodulation. However, few studies have examined these relationships. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among stress, fatigue, depression, and cytokines as markers of immune modulation in prenatal and postpartum women. Women completed questionnaires and gave blood samples during late pregnancy and again at 4-6 weeks postpartum. Blood was analyzed for cytokines as measures of immune modulation. Stress, fatigue, and depression were experienced at moderately high levels, with higher levels of fatigue and depression in the postpartum but higher stress in the prenatal period. Levels of several cytokines were increased in the postpartum over the prenatal period. Stress and depression were related in the prenatal period and stress, depression, and fatigue were related in the postpartum. While various cytokines were related to each other in both periods, only stress was related to MIP-1β, a cytokine that may be important for childbirth processes. More studies, especially longitudinal and interventional studies, are needed to increase our knowledge about etiology, patterns, symptoms, factors, and management of maternal distress. The search for reliable biomarkers for at-risk mothers remains a priority.

Tracking of Medicine Use and Self-Medication From Infancy to Adolescence: 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Bertoldi, Andréa Dâmaso; Telis Silveira, Marysabel Pinto; Menezes, Ana M.B.; Formoso Assunção, Maria Cecília; Gonçalves, Helen; Hallal, Pedro Curi

2012-01-01

Purpose To track the use of medicine and self-medication from infancy to adolescence. Methods All newborns in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, were monitored and enrolled in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Subsamples of the cohort were visited at 1, 3, and 6 months and at 1 and 4 years of age. At 11 and 15 years of age, all cohort members were sought. In each of these visits, information on medicine use in the 15 days before the interview was collected. Two outcomes were analyzed: prevalence of medicine use and prevalence of self-medication. Results Prevalence of medicine use in the first year of life ranged from 52.0% to 68.6%. From 4 to 15 years of age, the prevalence decreased, ranging from 30.9% to 37.2%. At age 15, girls presented a 33% higher prevalence of medicine use than boys. The proportion of self-medication ranged from 12.4% to 29.0% and was higher in girls aged 11 and 15 years than boys of the same age. In all follow-up periods, use of medicines was significantly higher among children who used medicines in the earlier period. Prevalence of self-medication was higher among those who were self-medicated in the previous periods. Conclusions Tracking studies are important to public health because they can predict future behavior by analyzing past behavior, thus helping in designing preventive actions. In this study, previous use of medicines predicts future use, thus creating an opportunity to plan actions that promote the rational use of medicines. PMID:23283153

A comparative population-based study of prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in Singapore, Sweden and Geneva, Switzerland from 1973 to 2006.

PubMed

Chen, Cynthia; Naidoo, Nasheen; Yang, Qian; Hartman, Mikael; Verkooijen, Helena M; Loy, En Yun; Bouchardy, Christine; Chia, Kee Seng; Chia, Sin Eng

2012-06-06

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men in Sweden and Geneva, and the third most common in men in Singapore. This population-based study describes trends in the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in Singapore, Sweden and Geneva (Switzerland) from 1973 to 2006 and explores possible explanations for these different trends. Data from patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were extracted from national cancer registries in Singapore (n = 5,172), Sweden (n = 188,783) and Geneva (n = 5,755) from 1973 to 2006. Trends of incidence and mortality were reported using the Poisson and negative binomial regression models. The age, period and birth-cohort were tested as predictors of incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer. Incidence rates of prostate cancer increased over all time periods for all three populations. Based on the age-period-cohort analysis, older age and later period of diagnosis were associated with a higher incidence of prostate cancer, whereas older age and earlier period were associated with higher mortality rates for prostate cancer in all three countries. This study demonstrated an overall increase in incidence rates and decrease in mortality rates in Singapore, Sweden and Geneva. Both incidence and mortality rates were much lower in Singapore. The period effect is a stronger predictor of incidence and mortality of prostate cancer than the birth-cohort effect.

US Higher Education in a Budgetary Vortex--1992-2007: Tracing the Positioning of Academe in the Context of Growing Inequality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Oliver, Miguel; Briscoe, Felecia M.

2011-01-01

Through comparative statistical data of public investment trends in higher education, the institution of higher education in the US is contemporarily contextualized within the growing milieu of disparity. Specifically, this study focuses on the period from 1992 to 2007 to see if a mitigation of the growing economic disparity projected per the…

Fast-crawling cell types migrate to avoid the direction of periodic substratum stretching

PubMed Central

Okimura, Chika; Ueda, Kazuki; Sakumura, Yuichi; Iwadate, Yoshiaki

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT To investigate the relationship between mechanical stimuli from substrata and related cell functions, one of the most useful techniques is the application of mechanical stimuli via periodic stretching of elastic substrata. In response to this stimulus, Dictyostelium discoideum cells migrate in a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. The origins of directional migration, higher migration velocity in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction or the higher probability of a switch of migration direction to perpendicular to the stretching direction, however, remain unknown. In this study, we applied periodic stretching stimuli to neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells, which migrate perpendicular to the direction of stretch. Detailed analysis of the trajectories of HL-60 cells and Dictyostelium cells obtained in a previous study revealed that the higher probability of a switch of migration direction to that perpendicular to the direction of stretching was the main cause of such directional migration. This directional migration appears to be a strategy adopted by fast-crawling cells in which they do not migrate faster in the direction they want to go, but migrate to avoid a direction they do not want to go. PMID:26980079

Spheres settling in an Oldroyd-B fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Tsorng-Whay; Glowinski, Roland

2017-11-01

In this talk we present a numerical study of the dynamics of balls settling in a vertical channel with a square cross-section filled with an Oldroyd-B fluid. For the case of two balls, two typical kinds of particle dynamics are obtained: (i) periodic interaction between two balls and (ii) the formation of a vertical chain of two balls. For the periodic interaction of two balls occurred at lower values of the elasticity number, two balls draft, kiss and break away periodically and the chain is not formed due to not strong enough elastic force. For slightly higher values of the elasticity number, two balls draft, kiss and break away a couple times first and then form a chain. Such chain finally becomes a vertical one after the oscillation damps out. For higher values of the elasticity number, two balls draft, kiss and form a vertical chain right away. The formation of three ball chain can be obtained at higher values of the elasticity number. This work was supported by NSF (Grant DMS-1418308).

Increased feeding frequency increased milk fat yield and may reduce the severity of subacute ruminal acidosis in higher-risk cows.

PubMed

Macmillan, K; Gao, X; Oba, M

2017-02-01

The objectives of this study were to determine whether feeding behavior is different between cows at higher or lower risk for subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and whether increasing feeding frequency could be used to reduce the severity of SARA in higher-risk cows. In preliminary studies, 16 ruminally cannulated lactating cows were fed high-grain diets once per day to increase the risk of SARA. After a 17-d diet adaptation, ruminal pH was measured every 30 s over 24 h. Cows were classified as higher-risk (n = 7) or lower-risk (n = 9) for SARA based on an acidosis index (area of pH <5.8/dry matter intake). Feeding behavior was recorded every 5 min over the same 24 h. The 24-h observation period was analyzed in 3 periods of 8 h after feeding. Although there was no significant difference in overall dry matter intake, higher-risk cows spent more time eating in the first 8-h period after feeding than lower-risk cows (186 vs. 153 min) and less time eating in the third 8-h period (19 vs. 43 min). In the primary experiment, 8 ruminally cannulated lactating cows were fed a high-grain diet once per day (1×; 0800 h) or 3 times per day (3×; 0800, 1500, and 2000 h) in a crossover design with 21-d periods (16 d of treatment adaptation and 5 d of data collection). Rumen pH and feeding behavior were measured over 72 h. Behavior data were summarized separately for the 3 periods (0800 to 1500, 1500 to 2200, and 2200 to 0800 h). Four cows were categorized as higher-risk and 4 as lower-risk, based on their acidosis index. The 3× feeding reduced eating time between 0800 and 1500 h (99 vs. 145 min) and increased eating time between 2200 and 0800 h (76 vs. 43 min) for all cows, regardless of category, compared with 1× feeding. For higher-risk cows, 3× feeding reduced the area below pH 5.8 (51 vs. 98 pH × min/d), but it did not affect rumen pH for the lower-risk cows. Milk yield was not different between groups, but 3× feeding increased milk fat yield (1.22 vs. 1.08 kg/d) for all cows, regardless of category, compared to 1× feeding. Our results suggest that cows at higher risk for SARA eat less evenly throughout the day; increasing feeding frequency may reduce the severity of SARA in higher-risk cows and may also increase milk fat yield. The Authors. Published by the Federation of Animal Science Societies and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).

Student Mobility in Higher Education in the European Community: Synthesis Report (Volume 1) and Country Reports (Volume 2).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Jonge, J. F. M.; And Others

The European Community Action Programs for the Mobility of Universities Studies (ERASMUS) provides for the exchange of students who carry out reorganized periods of study from 3 months to 1 year in a member state other than their own. This report examines, country by country, students' ability to move in the higher education sector between member…

Comparison of Changes in Anxiety and Depression Level Between Dabigatran and Warfarin Use in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Turker, Yasin; Ekinozu, Ismail; Aytekin, Seda; Turker, Yasemin; Basar, Cengiz; Baltaci, Davut; Kaya, Ertugrul

2017-03-01

We hypothesized that patients taking warfarin require frequent hospital follow-up and they are at higher risk for complications, so the incidence of depression and anxiety is higher in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the period of taking warfarin compared to the period of taking dabigatran. Fifty patients having AF without valvular diseases under treatment of warfarin in whom a transition to dabigatran was planned were consecutively enrolled in this study and followed up prospectively between July 2013 and July 2014. All patients completed Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) at the initiation of study and 6 months after initiation of study. Of the patients enrolled in the study, age, gender, smoking status, and comorbidities were questioned. A total of 50 patients (28 women; mean age 74.6 ± 8.7 years) treated with warfarin in whom a transition to dabigatran was planned were included. Basal mean value of BDS (15.6 ± 7.8 vs 11.5 ± 4.8, P < .001) and HAS (16.8 ± 10.4 vs 12.6 ± 8.1, P < 0.001) was significantly higher in patients when they used warfarin than when they switched to dabigatran. In categorical analysis, frequency of patients with depression (mild, moderate, and severe) was significantly higher in period of warfarin use than after dabigatran transition (n = 24, 48% vs n = 14, 28%, P = .039). Our study demonstrates that patients with nonvalvular AF under treatment of dabigatran had lower BDS and HAS scores compared to warfarin. These findings suggest that dabigatran may increase quality of life and decrease morbidity and mortality due to reduction in anxiety and depression.

Quantitative analysis of seizure frequency 1 week and 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery of epilepsy.

PubMed

Lüders, H; Murphy, D; Awad, I; Wyllie, E; Dinner, D S; Morris, H H; Rothner, A D

1994-01-01

We made quantitative analysis of seizure frequency 1 week and 6, 12, and 24 months after seizure surgery. Seizure recurrence was significantly higher when seizures occurred in the first postoperative week. Seizure recurrence increased progressively with longer follow-ups, but the 6 month postoperative follow-up period was an excellent index of long-term outcome. In operative follow-up studies, seizure frequency should be reported at fixed follow-up periods, e.g., at 6 months and 1, 2, 5, and 10 years. Meaningful comparison of outcomes between different studies is possible only when reports include outcome at fixed postoperative follow-up periods (as opposed to ranges of follow-up periods).

Risk Factors for Nipah Virus Infection among Pteropid Bats, Peninsular Malaysia

PubMed Central

Rahman, Sohayati A.; Epstein, Jonathan H.; Mamat, Zaini C.; Yatim, Aziz M.; Hassan, Sharifah S.; Field, Hume E.; Hughes, Tom; Westrum, Justin; Naim, M.S.; Suri, Arshad S.; Jamaluddin, A. Aziz; Daszak, Peter

2013-01-01

We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to determine the distribution of and risk factors for seropositivity to Nipah virus (NiV) among Pteropus vampyrus and P. hypomelanus bats in Peninsular Malaysia. Neutralizing antibodies against NiV were detected at most locations surveyed. We observed a consistently higher NiV risk (odds ratio 3.9) and seroprevalence (32.8%) for P. vampyrus than P. hypomelanus (11.1%) bats. A 3-year longitudinal study of P. hypomelanus bats indicated nonseasonal temporal variation in seroprevalence, evidence for viral circulation within the study period, and an overall NiV seroprevalence of 9.8%. The seroprevalence fluctuated over the study duration between 1% and 20% and generally decreased during 2004–2006. Adult bats, particularly pregnant, with dependent pup and lactating bats, had a higher prevalence of NiV antibodies than juveniles. Antibodies in juveniles 6 months–2 years of age suggested viral circulation within the study period. PMID:23261015

Quantification of differences between occupancy and total monitoring periods for better assessment of exposure to particles in indoor environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wierzbicka, A.; Bohgard, M.; Pagels, J. H.; Dahl, A.; Löndahl, J.; Hussein, T.; Swietlicki, E.; Gudmundsson, A.

2015-04-01

For the assessment of personal exposure, information about the concentration of pollutants when people are in given indoor environments (occupancy time) are of prime importance. However this kind of data frequently is not reported. The aim of this study was to assess differences in particle characteristics between occupancy time and the total monitoring period, with the latter being the most frequently used averaging time in the published data. Seven indoor environments were selected in Sweden and Finland: an apartment, two houses, two schools, a supermarket, and a restaurant. They were assessed for particle number and mass concentrations and number size distributions. The measurements using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer and two photometers were conducted for seven consecutive days during winter in each location. Particle concentrations in residences and schools were, as expected, the highest during occupancy time. In the apartment average and median PM2.5 mass concentrations during the occupancy time were 29% and 17% higher, respectively compared to total monitoring period. In both schools, the average and medium values of the PM2.5 mass concentrations were on average higher during teaching hours compared to the total monitoring period by 16% and 32%, respectively. When it comes to particle number concentrations (PNC), in the apartment during occupancy, the average and median values were 33% and 58% higher, respectively than during the total monitoring period. In both houses and schools the average and median PNC were similar for the occupancy and total monitoring periods. General conclusions on the basis of measurements in the limited number of indoor environments cannot be drawn. However the results confirm a strong dependence on type and frequency of indoor activities that generate particles and site specificity. The results also indicate that the exclusion of data series during non-occupancy periods can improve the estimates of particle concentrations and characteristics suitable for exposure assessment, which is crucial for estimating health effects in epidemiological and toxicological studies.

Higher Education Drop-out in Spain--Particular Case of Universities in Galicia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arce, Maria Elena; Crespo, Barbara; Míguez-Álvarez, Carla

2015-01-01

The existence of a high university dropout rate in Spain is undeniable. Data shows that approximately one out of five students drop out from college. During the economic expansion period (2001-2007) more students abandoned their studies than during the crisis period (2007-2011). This situation also affects unemployment rates due to the fact that…

Mental Health Status: A Study among Higher Secondary Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kumar, V. Jurist Lionial

2013-01-01

Education is the totality of the process within which the students experiences are structured in order to promote desired learning. Education is a plan and procedure for the development of an individual. Education helps to attain the goal of life of an individual. Student period is one of the important periods in life to plan their future. To…

Renoprotective RAAS inhibition does not affect the association between worse renal function and higher plasma aldosterone levels.

PubMed

Gant, Christina M; Laverman, Gozewijn D; Vogt, Liffert; Slagman, Maartje C J; Heerspink, Hiddo J L; Waanders, Femke; Hemmelder, Marc H; Navis, Gerjan

2017-12-20

Aldosterone is elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may be involved in hypertension. Surprisingly, the determinants of the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and its role in hypertension are not well studied in CKD. Therefore, we studied the determinants of aldosterone and its association with blood pressure in CKD patients. We also studied this during renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASi) to establish clinical relevance, as RAASi is the treatment of choice in CKD with albuminuria. We performed a post-hoc analysis on data from a randomized controlled double blind cross-over trial in non-diabetic CKD patients (n = 33, creatinine clearance (CrCl) 85 (75-95) ml/min, proteinuria 3.2 (2.5-4.0) g/day). Patients were treated with losartan 100 mg (ARB), and ARB + hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (HCT), during both a regular (200 ± 10 mmol Na + /day) and low (89 ± 8 mmol Na + /day) dietary sodium intake, in 6-week study periods. PAC data at the end of each study period were analyzed. The association between PAC and blood pressure was analyzed continuously, and according to PAC above or below the median. Lower CrCl was correlated with higher PAC during placebo as well as during ARB (β = -1.213, P = 0.008 and β = -1.090, P = 0.010). Higher PAC was not explained by high renin, illustrated by a comparable association between CrCl and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio. The association between lower CrCl and higher PAC was also found in a second study with single RAASi with ACE inhibition (ACEi; lisinopril 40 mg/day), and dual RAASi (lisinopril 40 mg/day + valsartan 320 mg/day). Higher PAC was associated with a higher systolic blood pressure (P = 0.010) during different study periods. Only during maximal treatment with ARB + HCT + dietary sodium restriction, blood pressure was no longer different in subjects with a PAC above and below the median. In CKD patients with a standardized regular sodium intake, worse renal function is associated with a higher aldosterone, untreated and during RAASi with either ARB, ACEi, or both. Furthermore, higher aldosterone is associated with higher blood pressure, which can be treated with the combination of RAASi, HCT and dietary sodium restriction. The first study was performed before it was standard to register trials and the study was not retrospectively registered. The second study was registered in the Netherlands Trial Register on the 5th of May 2006 (NTR675).

Stability and predictors of change in salivary cortisol measures over six years: MESA.

PubMed

Wang, Xu; Sánchez, Brisa N; Golden, Sherita Hill; Shrager, Sandi; Kirschbaum, Clemens; Karlamangla, Arun S; Seeman, Teresa E; Roux, Ana V Diez

2014-11-01

A major challenge in characterizing features of the daily cortisol curve is variability in features over time. Few studies have examined the stability of daily features of the cortisol curve over long periods or the predictors of long term changes. Repeated salivary cortisol measures on 580 adults from the MESA Stress study were used to examine the stability of various features of the daily cortisol curve (wakeup value, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), the early and late decline slope and the area under the curve (AUC)), over short periods (several days) and long periods (approximately 6-years) and to investigate the association of demographic factors with the changes. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to estimate the short and long term stability. Piecewise linear mixed models were used to assess factors associated with changes in features over time. For most features, short term stability (ICCs: 0.17-0.74) was higher than long term stability (ICCs: 0.05-0.42), and long term stability was highest when several days were averaged for each time point. The decline over the day showed the highest long term stability: when several days for each wave were averaged the stability of the daily decline slope across 6 years was similar (or higher) than the stability across short periods. AUC had high stability over short periods (ICCs: 0.65-0.74) but much lower stability across long periods (ICC: 0.05). All features of daily cortisol curve investigated changed significantly over the approximately 6 year follow-up period. The wakeup cortisol became higher; the CAR became smaller; both the early and late decline became flatter; and the AUC became larger. Hispanics experienced significantly larger increases in the wakeup value; and African-Americans and Hispanics showed less flattening over time of the early decline slope than Non-Hispanic Whites. Our findings have implications for characterization of features in studies linking cortisol to health outcomes. The presence of variability over time suggests opportunities for future investigation of the predictors of changes over time as well as the links between these changes and health outcomes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variations in the Solar Coronal Rotation with Altitude - Revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatt, Hitaishi; Trivedi, Rupal; Sharma, Som Kumar; Vats, Hari Om

2017-04-01

Here we report an in-depth reanalysis of an article by Vats et al. ( Astrophys. J. 548, L87, 2001) that was based on measurements of differential rotation with altitude as a function of observing frequencies (as lower and higher frequencies indicate higher and lower heights, respectively) in the solar corona. The radial differential rotation of the solar corona is estimated from daily measurements of the disc-integrated solar radio flux at 11 frequencies: 275, 405, 670, 810, 925, 1080, 1215, 1350, 1620, 1755, and 2800 MHz. We use the same data as were used in Vats et al. (2001), but instead of the twelfth maxima of autocorrelograms used there, we use the first secondary maximum to derive the synodic rotation period. We estimate synodic rotation by Gaussian fit of the first secondary maximum. Vats et al. (2001) reported that the sidereal rotation period increases with increasing frequency. The variation found by them was from 23.6 to 24.15 days in this frequency range, with a difference of only 0.55 days. The present study finds that the sidereal rotation period increases with decreasing frequency. The variation range is from 24.4 to 22.5 days, and the difference is about three times larger (1.9 days). However, both studies give a similar rotation period at 925 MHz. In Vats et al. (2001) the Pearson's factor with trend line was 0.86, whereas present analysis obtained a {˜} 0.97 Pearson's factor with the trend line. Our study shows that the solar corona rotates more slowly at higher altitudes, which contradicts the findings reported in Vats et al. (2001).

Evaluation of primary stability of self-tapping and non-self-tapping dental implants. A 12-week clinical study.

PubMed

Marković, Aleksa; Calvo-Guirado, José Luís; Lazić, Zoran; Gómez-Moreno, Gerardo; Ćalasan, Dejan; Guardia, Javier; Čolic, Snježana; Aguilar-Salvatierra, Antonio; Gačić, Bojan; Delgado-Ruiz, Rafael; Janjić, Bojan; Mišić, Tijana

2013-06-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between surgical techniques and implant macro-design (self-tapping/non-self-tapping) for the optimization of implant stability in the low-density bone present in the posterior maxilla using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). A total of 102 implants were studied. Fifty-six self-tapping BlueSkyBredent® (Bredent GmbH&Co.Kg®, Senden, Germany) and 56 non-self-tapping Standard Plus Straumann® (Institut Straumann AG®, Waldenburg, Switzerland) were placed in the posterior segment of the maxilla. Implants of both types were placed in sites prepared with either lateral bone-condensing or with bone-drilling techniques. Implant stability measurements were performed using RFA immediately after implant placement and weekly during a 12-week follow-up period. Both types of implants placed after bone condensing achieved significantly higher stability immediately after surgery, as well as during the entire 12-week observation period compared with those placed following bone drilling. After bone condensation, there were no significant differences in primary stability or in implant stability after the first week between both implant types. From 2 to 12 postoperative weeks, significantly higher stability was shown by self-tapping implants. After bone drilling, self-tapping implants achieved significantly higher stability than non-self-tapping implants during the entire follow-up period. The outcomes of the present study indicate that bone drilling is not an effective technique for improving implant stability and, following this technique, the use of self-tapping implants is highly recommended. Implant stability optimization in the soft bone can be achieved by lateral bone-condensing technique, regardless of implant macro-design. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Homologous series of n-alkanes (C19-C35), fatty acids (C12-C32) and n-alcohols (C8-C30) in atmospheric aerosols from central Alaska: Molecular distributions, seasonality and source indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boreddy, Suresh K. R.; Haque, Md. Mozammel; Kawamura, Kimitaka; Fu, Pingqing; Kim, Yongwon

2018-07-01

To better understand the molecular distributions, seasonality and source indices of organic aerosols in central Alaska, we measured homologous series of n-alkanes (C19-C35), fatty acids (C12-C32) and n-alcohols (C8-C30) in total suspended aerosols collected during June 2008 to 2009 using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The whole sampling period was divided as warm (early May to late September; summer) and cold (late September to early May; winter) periods. Molecular distribution was characterized in both periods by the predominance of C25 for n-alkanes and C24:0 for fatty acids. However, we noticed a difference in molecular distribution of n-alcohols between warm and cold periods, which was characterized by the predominance of C22 in warm season while C26 in cold period. Except for fatty acids, n-alkanes and n-alcohols showed higher concentrations in warm period than in cold period. We found significantly higher ratios of C18:1/C18:0 in warm period than those in cold period, suggesting the fresh biogenic and aged anthropogenic aerosols in warm and cold periods, respectively. This inference was consistent with significantly higher ratios of WSOC/OC, a proxy for photochemical aging, in cold period. Based on the carbon preference index (CPI), average chain length (ACL), low-to-high molecular weight (LMW/HMW) ratios, wax n-alkanes (%WNA) and estimated fossil fuel concentrations, we demonstrate that higher plant waxes, biomass burning from wildfires are two important sources in warm period while combustion derived anthropogenic emissions are major sources in cold period in central Alaska. This finding was further supported by higher ratios of nss-K+/elemental carbon (EC) and methanesulfonate (MSA-)/EC ratios in warm period.

Taking Root in Foreign Soil: Adaptation Processes of Imported Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Terrece F.

2016-01-01

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 ushered in a period of change in higher-education systems across the former Eastern bloc. Reform-minded leaders in the region sought to introduce western models and policies promoted by foreign development aid agendas. Private higher-education institutions emerged. This qualitative multiple case study examines…

Modeling and Mapping Personal Learning Environment of Thai International Higher Education Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharafuddin, Mohamed Ali; Sawad, Buncha Panacharoen; Wongwai, Sarun

2018-01-01

This research article is part of a periodic study conducted to understand, model, map and to develop an integrated approach for effective and interactive self-learning phases of Thai International Hospitality and Tourism higher education students. Questionnaire containing both qualitative and quantitative questions was distributed at the beginning…

Race without Racism: How Higher Education Researchers Minimize Racist Institutional Norms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harper, Shaun R.

2012-01-01

This article analyzes 255 articles published in seven peer-reviewed journals over a 10-year period and presents examples of how higher education researchers undertake the study of campus racial climates; racial differences in access, outcomes, and attainment; and the experiences of students, faculty, and administrators of color on predominantly…

The historical development of suicide mortality in Russia, 1870-2007.

PubMed

Jukkala, Tanya; Mäkinen, Ilkka Henrik; Stickley, Andrew

2015-01-01

Russia has one of the highest suicide mortality rates in the world. This study investigates the development of Russian suicide mortality over a longer time period in order to provide a context within which the contemporary high level might be better understood. Annual sex- and age-specific suicide-mortality data for Russia for the period 1870-2007 were studied, where available. Russian suicide mortality increased 11-fold over the period. Trends in male and female suicide developed similarly, although male suicide rates were consistently much higher. From the 1990s suicide has increased in a relative sense among the young (15-34), while the high suicide mortality among middle-aged males has reduced. Changes in Russian suicide mortality over the study period may be attributable to modernization processes.

Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) has different effects on Drosophila's circadian clocks in the accessory medulla and in the dorsal brain.

PubMed

Wülbeck, Corinna; Grieshaber, Eva; Helfrich-Förster, Charlotte

2008-10-01

The neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is a key transmitter in the circadian clock of Drosophila melanogaster. Here we studied the rhythmic behavior of neural mutants with modified arborizations of the large PDF neurons. In sine oculis(1) (so(1)) mutants we found a higher density of PDF fibers in the fly's pacemaker center, the accessory medulla. These flies exhibited a significantly longer period (24.6 h) than control flies. When PDF levels were elevated to very high levels in the dorsal brain as true for so(mda) mutants and small optic lobes;so(1) double mutants (sol(1);so( 1)), a short-period component split off the long period in behavioral rhythmicity. The short period became shorter the higher the amount of PDF in this brain region and reached a value of approximately 21 h. The period alterations were clearly dependent on PDF, because so(1);Pdf 01 and so(mda);Pdf 01 double mutants showed a single free-running component with a period similar to Pdf 01 mutants (approximately 22.5 h) and significantly longer than the short period of so(mda) mutants. These observations indicate that PDF feeds back on the clock neurons and changes their period. Obviously, PDF lengthens the period of some clock neurons and shortens that of others.

Periodic Recurrence Patterns In X-Ray Solar Flare Appearances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyenge, N.; Erdélyi, R.

2018-06-01

The temporal recurrence of micro-flare events is studied for a time interval before and after of major solar flares. Our sample is based on the X-ray flare observations by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI). The analyzed data contain 1330/301 M-class and X-class GOES/RHESSI energetic solar flares and 4062/4119 GOES/RHESSI micro-flares covering the period elapse since 2002. The temporal analysis of recurrence, by Fast Fourier Transform, of the micro-flares, shows multiple significant periods. Based on the GOES and RHESSI data, the temporal analysis also demonstrates that multiple periods manifest simultaneously in both statistical samples without any significant shift over time. In the GOES sample, the detected significant periods are: 11.33, 5.61, 3.75, 2.80, and 2.24 minutes. The RHESSI data show similar significant periods at 8.54, 5.28, 3.66, 2.88, and 2.19 minutes. The periods are interpreted as signatures of standing oscillations, with the longest period (P 1) being the fundamental and others being higher harmonic modes. The period ratio of the fundamental and higher harmonics (P 1/P N ) is also analyzed. The standing modes may be signatures of global oscillations of the entire solar atmosphere encompassing magnetized plasma from the photosphere to the corona in active regions.

Influence of olive oil on alveolar bone response during orthodontic retention period: rabbit model study.

PubMed

Al-Hamdany, Afrah K; Al-Khatib, Ali R; Al-Sadi, Hafidh I

2017-08-01

This study attempted to evaluate clinically and histologically the effects of olive oil (Ol) consumption on orthodontic relapse after the retention period. Thirty apparently healthy female albino rabbits, weight more than 1000 g each was used in this study. The animals were grouped randomly into six groups of five animals each: two control and four experimental groups. In control groups, the relapse was estimated either at zero day, or at the end of the fourth week after orthodontic retention period. In the experimental groups, the animals' groups received Ol, 7.7, or 15.4 ml/kg b.w. per day during the orthodontic retention period. The relapse was estimated either at zero day, or at the end of the fourth week after orthodontic retention period for each concentration. Modified fixed orthodontic appliances were attached to the rabbits' lower central incisors. Each rabbit received orthodontic intervention for one week, followed by six weeks retention period. At the end of the experiments, the clinical and histological investigations were conducted. Data analyses were performed at the level of p < .05 for the statistically significant difference. Clinically, Ol high concentration four weeks group showed a significantly lower relapse tendency than control four weeks group. Histologically, Ol low concentration zero time group showed significantly higher osteoblasts numbers than control zero time group. Olive oil low and high concentrations four weeks group showed significantly lower fibroblasts count. Moreover, Ol high concentration four weeks group revealed significantly higher bone mineralization, osteoblasts and osteocytes counts than control four weeks study group. Supplementation with Ol during an orthodontic retention period, especially at 15.4 ml/kg b.w. per day concentration, clinically reduced orthodontic relapse on rabbit model. Histologically, Ol increased osteoblasts and osteocytes counts and the relative amount of bone mineralization of connective tissue layer forming alveolar bone (AB) at the end of four weeks after the orthodontic retention period.

Capability of simultaneous Rayleigh LiDAR and O2 airglow measurements in exploring the short period wave characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taori, Alok; Raghunath, Karnam; Jayaraman, Achuthan

We use combination of simultaneous measurements made with Rayleigh lidar and O2 airglow monitoring to improve lidar investigation capability to cover a higher altitude range. We feed instantaneous O2 airglow temperatures instead the model values at the top altitude for subsequent integration method of temperature retrieval using Rayleigh lidar back scattered signals. Using this method, errors in the lidar temperature estimates converges at higher altitudes indicating better altitude coverage compared to regular methods where model temperatures are used instead of real-time measurements. This improvement enables the measurements of short period waves at upper mesospheric altitudes (~90 km). With two case studies, we show that above 60 km the few short period wave amplitude drastically increases while, some of the short period wave show either damping or saturation. We claim that by using such combined measurements, a significant and cost effective progress can be made in the understanding of short period wave processes which are important for the coupling across the different atmospheric regions.

Factors Affecting the State Anxiety Level of Higher Education Students in Macau: The Impact of Trait Anxiety and Self-Esteem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheung, Hoi-Yan

2006-01-01

The aim of this study is to find out the levels of anxiety of 589 day- and night-class students in higher education in Macau two weeks before the final examination period. The Chinese version of the 40-item Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, Gorsuch & Lusherier, 1970) was applied in this study. The two anxiety scales are…

Suicide by burning: epidemiological and clinical profiles.

PubMed

Theodorou, Panagiotis; Phan, Vu T Q; Weinand, Christian; Maegele, Marc; Maurer, Christoph A; Perbix, Walter; Leitsch, Sebastian; Lefering, Rolf; Spilker, Gerald

2011-04-01

Self-immolation constitutes a rare form of suicide in developed countries, though it accounts for unique injury characteristics in the burn intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to present the epidemiological and clinical features of patients burned during a suicidal attempt seen in a North Rhine-Westphalia burn intensive care unit (BICU). To address this aim, we undertook a 21-year retrospective study involving patients with thermal injuries admitted to the largest burn unit in Germany. A total of 125 suicide-related burn victims were identified in the study period (9.4%). Comparing the self-immolation group with the rest burn patient cohort, suicide victims were more likely to be single and to act under the influence of alcohol. The suicidal group had a larger extent of burns, higher incidence of inhalation injury, required more surgical procedures, catecholamines, blood transfusions, and a longer BICU stay. Their clinical course was complicated by prolonged intubation period, higher rate of multiple drug-resistant bacteria acquisition and sepsis, leading to a higher mortality rate. Although the proportion of self-immolation victims among all burned patients is not high, the markedly higher severity of their burns and their poorer quality of outcomes makes them an important clinical subgroup for further study.

Changes in Leisure-Time Physical Activity From the Prepregnancy to the Postpartum Period: 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

PubMed

Coll, Carolina; Domingues, Marlos; Santos, Iná; Matijasevich, Alicia; Horta, Bernardo Lessa; Hallal, Pedro C

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and its correlates from prepregnancy to the postpartum period in mothers enrolled in a Brazilian birth cohort study. Our hypothesis was that LTPA would decline considerably during pregnancy. Maternal LTPA in the 3 months before pregnancy and during each trimester of pregnancy was assessed soon after delivery. A follow-up visit was conducted 3 months later. Weekly frequency and duration of each session of LTPA in a typical week were assessed for each period and a cut-off point of 150 minutes per week was used to classify women as active or not. The proportion of women active in leisure time declined from 11.3% in the prepregnancy to 2.3% in pregnancy and 0.1% in the postpartum period (P for trend <0.001). When considering any LTPA practice, the decline ranged from 15.4% to 4.4% and 7.5% (p for trend <0.001), respectively. Higher income, higher education and lower parity were the main predictors of LTPA practice. LTPA declined considerably during pregnancy and did not return to prepregnancy levels at 3 months postpartum. Mothers must be advised on the benefits of LTPA prepregnancy, during, and postpregnancy.

The identification of the relationship between the perceived social support, fatigue levels and maternal attachment during the postpartum period.

PubMed

Yesilcinar, Ilknur; Yavan, Tulay; Karasahin, Kazim Emre; Yenen, Mufit Cemal

2017-05-01

This study aims to determinate the relationship between social support perceived by women, fatigue levels and maternal attachment in postpartum period. The sample of this descriptive study consists of 181 women who gave birth in the study period. The data was collected by the socio-demographic characteristics forms; "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support" (MSPSS); "Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale" (MAFS) and "Maternal Attachment Scale" (MAS) on the postpartum first days and 30-40th days. MSPSS scores of women who had university or higher education, employed, had their first pregnancy, have 12 months or less between two pregnancies, were found to be significantly higher than others. MAS scores of women at the end of the postpartum first month were significantly increased. MAFS scores of women at the end of the postpartum first month were significantly decreased. The correlation between the fatigue levels and maternal attachment levels at the end of the postpartum first month was found to be negative and significant. In the postpartum period, the care of the mother should include social support, maternal attachment and fatigue assessment. Mothers should be encouraged to use social support resources. The continuity of social support systems should be provided.

Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal in single-tank low-dissolved-oxygen systems under cyclic aeration.

PubMed

Ju, Lu-Kwang; Huang, Lin; Trivedi, Hiren

2007-08-01

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND or SNdN) may occur at low dissolved oxygen concentrations. In this study, bench-scale (approximately 6 L) bioreactors treating a continuous feed of synthetic wastewater were used to evaluate the effects of solids retention time and low dissolved oxygen concentration, under cyclic aeration, on the removal of organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The cyclic aeration was carried out with repeated cycles of 1 hour at a higher dissolved oxygen concentration (HDO) and 30 minutes at a lower (or zero) dissolved oxygen concentration (LDO). Compared with aeration at constant dissolved oxygen concentrations, the cyclic aeration, when operated with proper combinations of HDO and LDO, produced better-settling sludge and more complete nitrogen and phosphorus removal. For nitrogen removal, the advantage resulted from the more readily available nitrate and nitrite (generated by nitrification during the HDO period) for denitrification (during the LDO period). For phosphorus removal, the advantage of cyclic aeration came from the development of a higher population of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms, as indicated by the higher phosphorus contents in the sludge solids of the cyclically aerated systems. Nitrite shunt was also observed to occur in the LDO systems. Higher ratios of nitrite to nitrate were found in the systems of lower HDO (and, to less dependency, higher LDO), suggesting that the nitrite shunt took place mainly because of the disrupted nitrification at lower HDO. The study results indicated that the HDO used should be kept reasonably high (approximately 0.8 mg/L) or the HDO period prolonged, to promote adequate nitrification, and the LDO kept low (< or =0.2 mg/L), to achieve more complete denitrification and higher phosphorus removal. The above findings in the laboratory systems find strong support from the results obtained in full-scale plant implementation. Two plant case studies using the cyclic low-dissolved-oxygen aeration for creating and maintaining SND are also presented.

The ball in play demands of international rugby union.

PubMed

Pollard, Benjamin T; Turner, Anthony N; Eager, Robin; Cunningham, Daniel J; Cook, Christian J; Hogben, Patrick; Kilduff, Liam P

2018-03-03

Rugby union is a high intensity intermittent sport, typically analysed via set time periods or rolling average methods. This study reports the demands of international rugby union via global positioning system (GPS) metrics expressed as mean ball in play (BiP), maximum BiP (max BiP), and whole match outputs. Single cohort cross sectional study involving 22 international players, categorised as forwards and backs. A total of 88 GPS files from eight international test matches were collected during 2016. An Opta sportscode timeline was integrated into the GPS software to split the data into BiP periods. Metres per min (mmin -1 ), high metabolic load per min (HML), accelerations per min (Acc), high speed running per min (HSR), and collisions per min (Coll) were expressed relative to BiP periods and over the whole match (>60min). Whole match metrics were significantly lower than all BiP metrics (p<0.001). Mean and max BiP HML, (p<0.01) and HSR (p<0.05) were significantly higher for backs versus forwards, whereas Coll were significantly higher for forwards (p<0.001). In plays lasting 61s or greater, max BiP mmin -1 were higher for backs. Max BiP mmin -1 , HML, HSR and Coll were all time dependant (p<0.05) showing that both movement metrics and collision demands differ as length of play continues. This study uses a novel method of accurately assessing the BiP demands of rugby union. It also reports typical and maximal demands of international rugby union that can be used by practitioners and scientists to target training of worst-case scenario's equivalent to international intensity. Backs covered greater distances at higher speeds and demonstrated higher HML, in general play as well as 'worst case scenarios'; conversely forwards perform a higher number of collisions. Copyright © 2018 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Agency Beliefs Over Time and Across Cultures: Free Will Beliefs Predict Higher Job Satisfaction

PubMed Central

Feldman, Gilad; Farh, Jiing-Lih; Wong, Kin Fai Ellick

2017-01-01

In three studies, we examined the relationship between free will beliefs and job satisfaction over time and across cultures. Study 1 examined 252 Taiwanese real-estate agents over a 3-months period. Study 2 examined job satisfaction for 137 American workers on an online labor market over a 6-months period. Study 3 extended to a large sample of 14,062 employees from 16 countries and examined country-level moderators. We found a consistent positive relationship between the belief in free will and job satisfaction. The relationship was above and beyond other agency constructs (Study 2), mediated by perceived autonomy (Studies 2-3), and stronger in countries with a higher national endorsement of the belief in free will (Study 3). We conclude that free-will beliefs predict outcomes over time and across cultures beyond other agency constructs. We call for more cross-cultural and longitudinal studies examining free-will beliefs as predictors of real-life outcomes. PMID:29191084

Agency Beliefs Over Time and Across Cultures: Free Will Beliefs Predict Higher Job Satisfaction.

PubMed

Feldman, Gilad; Farh, Jiing-Lih; Wong, Kin Fai Ellick

2018-03-01

In three studies, we examined the relationship between free will beliefs and job satisfaction over time and across cultures. Study 1 examined 252 Taiwanese real-estate agents over a 3-months period. Study 2 examined job satisfaction for 137 American workers on an online labor market over a 6-months period. Study 3 extended to a large sample of 14,062 employees from 16 countries and examined country-level moderators. We found a consistent positive relationship between the belief in free will and job satisfaction. The relationship was above and beyond other agency constructs (Study 2), mediated by perceived autonomy (Studies 2-3), and stronger in countries with a higher national endorsement of the belief in free will (Study 3). We conclude that free-will beliefs predict outcomes over time and across cultures beyond other agency constructs. We call for more cross-cultural and longitudinal studies examining free-will beliefs as predictors of real-life outcomes.

Is the timing of surgery associated with avascular necrosis after unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis? A multicenter study.

PubMed

Kohno, Yusuke; Nakashima, Yasuharu; Kitano, Toshio; Irie, Taichi; Kita, Atsushi; Nakamura, Tomoyuki; Endo, Hirosuke; Fujii, Yosuke; Kuroda, Takayuki; Mitani, Shigeru; Kitoh, Hiroshi; Matsushita, Masaki; Hattori, Tadashi; Iwata, Koji; Iwamoto, Yukihide

2017-01-01

An unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is associated with a high rate of avascular necrosis (AVN). The etiology of AVN seems to be multifactorial, although it is not thoroughly known. The aims of our study were to determine the rate of AVN after an unstable SCFE and to investigate the risk factors for AVN, specifically evaluating the notion of an "unsafe window", during which medical interventions would increase the risk for AVN. This retrospective multicenter study included 60 patients with an unstable SCFE diagnosed between 1985 and 2014. Timing of surgery was evaluated for three time periods, from acute onset of symptoms to surgery: period I, <24 h; period II, between 24 h and 7 days; and period III, >7 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for AVN. Closed reduction and pinning was performed in 43 patients and in situ pinning in 17. Among these cases, 16 patients (27%) developed AVN. The rate of AVN was significantly higher in patients treated by closed reduction and pinning (15/43, 35%) than in those treated by in situ pinning (1/17, 5.9%) (p = 0.022). In patients treated by closed reduction and pinning, the incidence of AVN was 2/11 (18%) in period I, 10/13 (77%) in period II and 3/15 (20%) in period III, showing the significantly higher rate in period II (p = 0.002). The surgery provided in period II was identified as an independent risk factor for the development of AVN. Our rate of AVN was 27% using two classical treatment methods. Time-to-surgery, between 24 h and 7 days, was independently associated with AVN, supporting the possible existence of an "unsafe window" in patients with unstable SCFE treated by closed reduction and pinning. Copyright © 2016 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elevated Serum Hepcidin Levels during an Intensified Training Period in Well-Trained Female Long-Distance Runners

PubMed Central

Ishibashi, Aya; Maeda, Naho; Sumi, Daichi; Goto, Kazushige

2017-01-01

Iron is essential for providing oxygen to working muscles during exercise, and iron deficiency leads to decreased exercise capacity during endurance events. However, the mechanism of iron deficiency among endurance athletes remains unclear. In this study, we compared iron status between two periods involving different training regimens. Sixteen female long-distance runners participated. Over a seven-month period, fasting blood samples were collected during their regular training period (LOW; middle of February) and during an intensified training period (INT; late of August) to determine blood hematological, iron, and inflammatory parameters. Three-day food diaries were also assessed. Body weight and lean body mass did not differ significantly between LOW and INT, while body fat and body fat percentage were significantly lower in INT (p < 0.05). Blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin, total protein, and iron levels, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation did not differ significantly between the two periods. Serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher during INT than LOW (p < 0.05). Carbohydrate and iron intakes from the daily diet were significantly higher during INT than LOW (p < 0.05). In conclusion, an elevated hepcidin level was observed during an intensified training period in long-distance runners, despite an apparently adequate daily intake of iron. PMID:28335426

Elevated Serum Hepcidin Levels during an Intensified Training Period in Well-Trained Female Long-Distance Runners.

PubMed

Ishibashi, Aya; Maeda, Naho; Sumi, Daichi; Goto, Kazushige

2017-03-14

Iron is essential for providing oxygen to working muscles during exercise, and iron deficiency leads to decreased exercise capacity during endurance events. However, the mechanism of iron deficiency among endurance athletes remains unclear. In this study, we compared iron status between two periods involving different training regimens. Sixteen female long-distance runners participated. Over a seven-month period, fasting blood samples were collected during their regular training period (LOW; middle of February) and during an intensified training period (INT; late of August) to determine blood hematological, iron, and inflammatory parameters. Three-day food diaries were also assessed. Body weight and lean body mass did not differ significantly between LOW and INT, while body fat and body fat percentage were significantly lower in INT ( p < 0.05). Blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin, total protein, and iron levels, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation did not differ significantly between the two periods. Serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher during INT than LOW ( p < 0.05). Carbohydrate and iron intakes from the daily diet were significantly higher during INT than LOW ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, an elevated hepcidin level was observed during an intensified training period in long-distance runners, despite an apparently adequate daily intake of iron.

Chemical characteristics of submicron particles at the central Tibetan Plateau: insights from aerosol mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jianzhong; Zhang, Qi; Shi, Jinsen; Ge, Xinlei; Xie, Conghui; Wang, Junfeng; Kang, Shichang; Zhang, Ruixiong; Wang, Yuhang

2018-01-01

Recent studies have revealed a significant influx of anthropogenic aerosol from South Asia to the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau (TP) during pre-monsoon period. In order to characterize the chemical composition, sources, and transport processes of aerosol in this area, we carried out a field study during June 2015 by deploying a suite of online instruments including an Aerodyne high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-AMS) and a multi-angle absorption photometer (MAAP) at Nam Co station (90°57' E, 30°46' N; 4730 m a.s.l.) at the central of the TP. The measurements were made at a period when the transition from pre-monsoon to monsoon occurred. The average ambient mass concentration of submicron particulate matter (PM1) over the whole campaign was ˜ 2.0 µg m-3, with organics accounting for 68 %, followed by sulfate (15 %), black carbon (8 %), ammonium (7 %), and nitrate (2 %). Relatively higher aerosol mass concentration episodes were observed during the pre-monsoon period, whereas persistently low aerosol concentrations were observed during the monsoon period. However, the chemical composition of aerosol during the higher aerosol concentration episodes in the pre-monsoon season was on a case-by-case basis, depending on the prevailing meteorological conditions and air mass transport routes. Most of the chemical species exhibited significant diurnal variations with higher values occurring during afternoon and lower values during early morning, whereas nitrate peaked during early morning in association with higher relative humidity and lower air temperature. Organic aerosol (OA), with an oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O / C) of 0.94, was more oxidized during the pre-monsoon period than during monsoon (average O / C ratio of 0.72), and an average O / C was 0.88 over the entire campaign period, suggesting overall highly oxygenated aerosol in the central TP. Positive matrix factorization of the high-resolution mass spectra of OA identified two oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) factors: a less oxidized OOA (LO-OOA) and a more oxidized OOA (MO-OOA). The MO-OOA dominated during the pre-monsoon period, whereas LO-OOA dominated during monsoon. The sensitivity of air mass transport during pre-monsoon with synoptic process was also evaluated with a 3-D chemical transport model.

Periodicity of high-order neural functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellaway, P.; Borda, R. P.; Frost, J. D.; Carrie, J. R. G.; Coats, A. C.

1973-01-01

The results of recent studies on higher order, integrative processes in the central nervous system are reported. Attempts were made to determine whether these processes exhibit any ongoing rhythmicity which might manifest itself in alterations of attention and alertness. Experiments were also designed to determine if a periodicity approximating that of the REM could be detected in various parameters of brain electrical activity.

Is There a Relationship Between Tic Frequency and Physiological Arousal? Examination in a Sample of Children with Co-Occurring Tic and Anxiety Disorders

PubMed Central

Conelea, Christine A.; Ramanujam, Krishnapriya; Walther, Michael R.; Freeman, Jennifer B.; Garcia, Abbe M.

2014-01-01

Stress is the contextual variable most commonly implicated in tic exacerbations. However, research examining associations between tics, stressors, and the biological stress response has yielded mixed results. This study examined whether tics occur at a greater frequency during discrete periods of heightened physiological arousal. Children with co-occurring tic and anxiety disorders (n = 8) completed two stress induction tasks (discussion of family conflict, public speech). Observational (tic frequencies) and physiological (heart rate) data were synchronized using The Observer XT, and tic frequencies were compared across periods of high and low heart rate. Tic frequencies across the entire experiment did not increase during periods of higher heart rate. During the speech task, tic frequencies were significantly lower during periods of higher heart rate. Results suggest that tic exacerbations may not be associated with heightened physiological arousal and highlight the need for further tic research using integrated measurement of behavioral and biological processes. PMID:24662238

Is There a Relationship Between Tic Frequency and Physiological Arousal? Examination in a Sample of Children With Co-Occurring Tic and Anxiety Disorders.

PubMed

Conelea, Christine A; Ramanujam, Krishnapriya; Walther, Michael R; Freeman, Jennifer B; Garcia, Abbe M

2014-03-01

Stress is the contextual variable most commonly implicated in tic exacerbations. However, research examining associations between tics, stressors, and the biological stress response has yielded mixed results. This study examined whether tics occur at a greater frequency during discrete periods of heightened physiological arousal. Children with co-occurring tic and anxiety disorders (n = 8) completed two stress-induction tasks (discussion of family conflict, public speech). Observational (tic frequencies) and physiological (heart rate [HR]) data were synchronized using The Observer XT, and tic frequencies were compared across periods of high and low HR. Tic frequencies across the entire experiment did not increase during periods of higher HR. During the speech task, tic frequencies were significantly lower during periods of higher HR. Results suggest that tic exacerbations may not be associated with heightened physiological arousal and highlight the need for further tic research using integrated measurement of behavioral and biological processes. © The Author(s) 2014.

Characteristics of heat transfer fouling of thin stillage using model thin stillage and evaporator concentrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Challa, Ravi Kumar

The US fuel ethanol demand was 50.3 billion liters (13.3 billion gallons) in 2012. Corn ethanol was produced primarily by dry grind process. Heat transfer equipment fouling occurs during corn ethanol production and increases the operating expenses of ethanol plants. Following ethanol distillation, unfermentables are centrifuged to separate solids as wet grains and liquid fraction as thin stillage. Evaporator fouling occurs during thin stillage concentration to syrup and decreases evaporator performance. Evaporators need to be shutdown to clean the deposits from the evaporator surfaces. Scheduled and unscheduled evaporator shutdowns decrease process throughput and results in production losses. This research were aimed at investigating thin stillage fouling characteristics using an annular probe at conditions similar to an evaporator in a corn ethanol production plant. Fouling characteristics of commercial thin stillage and model thin stillage were studied as a function of bulk fluid temperature and heat transfer surface temperature. Experiments were conducted by circulating thin stillage or carbohydrate mixtures in a loop through the test section which consisted of an annular fouling probe while maintaining a constant heat flux by electrical heating and fluid flow rate. The change in fouling resistance with time was measured. Fouling curves obtained for thin stillage and concentrated thin stillage were linear with time but no induction periods were observed. Fouling rates for concentrated thin stillage were higher compared to commercial thin stillage due to the increase in solid concentration. Fouling rates for oil skimmed and unskimmed concentrated thin stillage were similar but lower than concentrated thin stillage at 10% solids concentration. Addition of post fermentation corn oil to commercial thin stillage at 0.5% increments increased the fouling rates up to 1% concentration but decreased at 1.5%. As thin stillage is composed of carbohydrates, protein, lipid, fiber and minerals, simulated thin stillage was prepared with carbohydrate mixtures and tested for fouling rates. Induction period, maximum fouling resistance and mean fouling rates were determined. Two experiments were performed with two varieties of starch, waxy and high amylose and short chain carbohydrates, corn syrup solids and glucose. Interaction effects of glucose with starch varieties were studied. In the first experiment, short chain carbohydrates individual and interaction effects with starch were studied. For mixtures prepared from glucose and corn syrup solids, no fouling was observed. Mixtures prepared from starch, a long glucose polymer, showed marked fouling. Corn syrup solids and glucose addition to pure starch decreased the mean fouling rates and maximum fouling resistances. Between corn syrup solids and glucose, starch fouling rates were reduced with addition of glucose. Induction periods of pure mixtures of either glucose or corn syrup solids were longer than the test period (5 h). Pure starch mixture had no induction period. Maximum fouling resistance was higher for mixtures with higher concentration of longer polymers. Waxy starch had a longer induction period than high amylose starch. Maximum fouling resistance was higher for waxy than high amylose starch. Addition of glucose to waxy or high amylose starch increased induction period of mixtures longer than 5 h test period. It appears that the bulk fluid temperature plays an important role on carbohydrate mixture fouling rates. Higher bulk fluid temperatures increased the initial fouling rates of the carbohydrate mixtures. Carbohydrate type, depending on the polymer length, influenced the deposit formation. Longer chain carbohydrate, starch, had higher fouling rates compared to shorter carbohydrates such as glucose and corn syrup solids. For insoluble carbohydrate mixtures, fouling was severe. As carbohydrate solubility increased with bulk fluid temperature, surface reaction increased at probe surface and resulted in deposit formation. Higher surface temperatures eliminated induction periods for thin stillage and fouling was rapid on probe surface.

RBC deformability and amino acid concentrations after hypo-osmotic challenge may reflect chronic cell hydration status in healthy young men

PubMed Central

Stookey, Jodi D; Klein, Alexis; Hamer, Janice; Chi, Christine; Higa, Annie; Ng, Vivian; Arieff, Allen; Kuypers, Frans A; Larkin, Sandra; Perrier, Erica; Lang, Florian

2013-01-01

Biomarkers of chronic cell hydration status are needed to determine whether chronic hyperosmotic stress increases chronic disease risk in population-representative samples. In vitro, cells adapt to chronic hyperosmotic stress by upregulating protein breakdown to counter the osmotic gradient with higher intracellular amino acid concentrations. If cells are subsequently exposed to hypo-osmotic conditions, the adaptation results in excess cell swelling and/or efflux of free amino acids. This study explored whether increased red blood cell (RBC) swelling and/or plasma or urine amino acid concentrations after hypo-osmotic challenge might be informative about relative chronic hyperosmotic stress in free-living men. Five healthy men (20–25 years) with baseline total water intake below 2 L/day participated in an 8-week clinical study: four 2-week periods in a U-shaped A-B-C-A design. Intake of drinking water was increased by +0.8 ± 0.3 L/day in period 2, and +1.5 ± 0.3 L/day in period 3, and returned to baseline intake (0.4 ± 0.2 L/day) in period 4. Each week, fasting blood and urine were collected after a 750 mL bolus of drinking water, following overnight water restriction. The periods of higher water intake were associated with significant decreases in RBC deformability (index of cell swelling), plasma histidine, urine arginine, and urine glutamic acid. After 4 weeks of higher water intake, four out of five participants had ½ maximal RBC deformability below 400 mmol/kg; plasma histidine below 100 μmol/L; and/or undetectable urine arginine and urine glutamic acid concentrations. Work is warranted to pursue RBC deformability and amino acid concentrations after hypo-osmotic challenge as possible biomarkers of chronic cell hydration. PMID:24303184

Does duration of abstinence affect the live-birth rate after assisted reproductive technology? A retrospective analysis of 1,030 cycles.

PubMed

Periyasamy, Anurekha J; Mahasampath, Gowri; Karthikeyan, Muthukumar; Mangalaraj, Ann M; Kunjummen, Aleyamma T; Kamath, Mohan S

2017-12-01

To study influence of abstinence period on the live-birth rate after assisted reproductive technology (ART). Retrospective cohort study. Reproductive medicine unit, university-level hospital. A total 1,030 ART cycles evaluated from 2011 to 2015. Group I, abstinence period 2-7 days, and group II, abstinence period >7 days, were compared. Two subgroups Ia (2-4 days) and Ib (5-7 days) were also compared with group II. Primary outcome was live birth per ET. Secondary outcomes included implantation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates. The live-birth rate (34.1 % vs. 24.1%; odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.4), clinical pregnancy rate (44.4 % vs. 32.7%; OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3), and implantation rate (26.4% vs. 18.2%) were significantly higher in group I compared with group II. Other secondary outcomes of fertilization rate and miscarriage rate did not differ between groups I and II. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for live birth (aOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5) and clinical pregnancy rates (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5) were significantly higher for group I compared with group II. The live-birth rate was significantly higher in group Ia (36.1% vs. 24.1%) compared with group II. An abstinence period of more than 7 days may impact ART outcomes adversely when compared with an abstinence period of 2-7 days. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spinal cord injuries sustained in road crashes are not on the decrease in france: a study based on epidemiological trends.

PubMed

Lieutaud, Thomas; Ndiaye, Amina; Laumon, Bernard; Chiron, Mireille

2012-02-10

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) are rare but extremely costly. In order to improve the modelling of inclusion criteria for studies of SCI it is necessary to determine what epidemiological trends affect SCI. Using the Rhone Registry, which contains all the casualties resulting from road crashes in the Rhône département of France and codes their injuries using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), we describe the epidemiological trends that affect spinal cord injury (SCI), major spinal trauma (MST) and severe injuries (AIS4+) to other body regions between two periods 1996-2001 and 2003-2008. Although there has been a marked decrease (35%) in the incidence of casualties after a road traffic crash, and reductions of 22% in the incidence of MST and 33% in that of severe injuries (AIS4+) (p<0.001), for SCI the incidence rate and number of casualties have remained surprisingly stable. In the second period, there was no change in the incidence of SCI resulting from road traffic crashes, nor in the associated fatality, mortality and survival rates. The incidence for car users was significantly lower in the second period. This contrasts with the incidences for motorcyclists and for the group including pedestrians and cyclists which were respectively 47% and 77% higher in the second period. The median age of the casualties, the age-adjusted incidence of SCI and the number of associated injuries were also higher in the second period. We have observed a marked reduction in the incidence of road trauma including the most severe injuries, but not SCI. The higher proportion of motorcyclists, the increase in the age of casualties and the greater presence of multiple injuries are new factors in the epidemiology of SCI after a road crash.

Change in quality of life and predictors of change among patients with multiple sclerosis: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Tepavcevic, Darija Kisic; Pekmezovic, Tatjana; Stojsavljevic, Nebojsa; Kostic, Jelena; Basuroski, Irena Dujmovic; Mesaros, Sarlota; Drulovic, Jelena

2014-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and predictors of change among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at 3 and 6 years during the follow-up period. A group of 109 consecutive MS patients (McDonald's criteria) referred to the Clinic of Neurology, Belgrade, were enrolled in the study. At three time points during the study (baseline, and at 3 and 6 years during the follow-up period), the HRQoL (measured by MSQoL-54), Expanded Disability Status Scale, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Fatigue Severity Scale were assessed. During the study period, 93 patients provided both follow-up assessments. Statistically significant deterioration in the HRQoL at each subsequent time point was detected for all scales of the MSQoL-54 except for the pain and change in health scales. A higher level of education was a significant prognostic factor for a better HRQoL on the cognitive function scale throughout the entire period of observation, while marital status (single, including divorced and widowed) and increased age at the onset of MS had significant predictive values of poorer quality-of-life scores on the overall quality-of-life scale at 6-year follow-up. Higher levels of physical disability and depression at baseline were statistically significant prognostic markers for deterioration in HRQoL for the majority of MSQoL-54 scales during the entire follow-up period. Our study suggests that baseline demographic and clinical characteristics could be applied as prognostic markers of the HRQOL for patients diagnosed with MS.

Low-speed vehicle run over fatalities in Australian children aged 0-5 years.

PubMed

Anthikkat, Anne Paul; Page, Andrew; Barker, Ruth

2013-05-01

The study aims to investigate environmental, socio-demographic and other antecedent risk factors associated with low-speed vehicle run over (LSVRO) mortality in Australian children aged 0-5 years. This is a population-based retrospective case series study of Australian LSVRO mortality, July 2000-December 2010. Mortality and corresponding population data were stratified by sex and period to examine trends in incidence rates over the study period. Proportional mortality was also investigated by sex, age, period, area, location of injury, mechanism and other antecedent factors identified from textual coronial information. There were 82 fatal LSVRO cases over the 11-year study period. The annual incidence was low (less than 1 per 100,000) and declined over the study period. More than three-quarters of incidents occurred in non-traffic settings, in particular residential driveways. The most common vehicle involved was a four-wheel drive or utility with vehicles most likely to be reversing or leaving at the time of the incident. More than three-quarters of cases were aged 36 months or less. A higher proportion of LSVRO fatalities occurred in lower socio-economic status areas compared with higher socio-economic status areas. Where the vehicle was actively being driven (77 cases), the driver was known to the child in three-quarters of cases, most commonly the father (32%). The study provides a detailed analysis of mortality due to LSVRO incidents in Australia and highlights a number of modifiable antecedent factors. Precedents for the identification and reporting of LSVRO incidents as well as prevention strategies are discussed. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2013 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Cost and consequences of noncompliance with osteoporosis treatment among women initiating therapy.

PubMed

Modi, Ankita; Siris, Ethel S; Tang, Jackson; Sen, Shuvayu

2015-04-01

The objective was to evaluate compliance with osteoporosis (OP) treatments and determine the fracture and healthcare burden associated with noncompliance. This retrospective analysis of a US claims database identified women initiating an OP medication from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2009. Patients were ≥55 years and had ≥1 pharmacy claim for a bisphosphonate or non-bisphosphonate (raloxifene, calcitonin, teriparatide); the index date was the first pharmacy claim. There were three study periods: baseline (12 months pre-index); compliance period (0-12 months post-index); and follow-up period (12-24 months post-index). Medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated during the compliance period to differentiate two cohorts: compliant (MPR ≥ 80%) and noncompliant (MPR < 80%). Outcomes during follow-up were modeled by logistic regression (presence of fracture), Poisson regression (healthcare utilization incidence rate) and gamma regression (healthcare costs), all adjusted for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Overall, 685,505 women initiating OP therapy were identified and 57,913 (8.4%) met the inclusion criteria: only 23,430 (40.5%) were compliant and 34,483 (59.5%) were noncompliant. Mean age was 64 years. Noncompliance was associated with a 20% higher risk of any fracture (odds ratio: 1.20, 95% CI = 1.07-1.35), a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) for inpatient utilization (IRR: 1.26, 95% CI = 1.19-1.34) and a lower rate of outpatient utilization (IRR: 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95-0.98). Noncompliant patients had 13% higher medical costs (cost ratio: 1.13, 95% CI = 1.06-1.21) than compliant patients. Inclusion in this study required 36 months of continuous healthcare coverage. Thus, the results are primarily applicable to a stable, managed care population and may not be generalizable to other populations. Noncompliance with OP therapy was associated with a higher risk of fracture, higher all-cause medical costs and a higher frequency of inpatient service utilization. Additional research is needed to identify barriers to compliance with OP therapy.

Seasonal changes in serum oxidative stress biomarkers in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system.

PubMed

Mirzad, Ahmad Nawid; Tada, Takashi; Ano, Hitoshi; Kobayashi, Ikuo; Yamauchi, Takenori; Katamoto, Hiromu

2018-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress during hot summer season using serum oxidative stress biomarkers and elucidate the effects of serum antioxidant vitamin levels in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system. Blood samples were collected once a month from eight Holstein Friesian (HF) and 10 Japanese Black (JB) cows from November 2013 to October 2014. Serum values of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) tended to be higher in March in both breeds and those in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.001) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum levels of biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in both breeds were maintained at almost the same values during study period. The OSI [(d-ROMs/BAP) × 100] values in both breeds showed similar seasonal changes, i. e. increase from December to March and decrease from March to August or September. In addition, the OSI values in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.01) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, blood urea nitrogen and total cholesterol showed similar seasonal changes in both breeds, low in the winter and high from spring to summer, which may be attributed to the pasture grass intake. Opposite changes in OSI values and serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene indicated that antioxidant vitamin levels could affect oxidative stress status.

Seasonal changes in serum oxidative stress biomarkers in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system

PubMed Central

MIRZAD, Ahmad Nawid; TADA, Takashi; ANO, Hitoshi; KOBAYASHI, Ikuo; YAMAUCHI, Takenori; KATAMOTO, Hiromu

2017-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress during hot summer season using serum oxidative stress biomarkers and elucidate the effects of serum antioxidant vitamin levels in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system. Blood samples were collected once a month from eight Holstein Friesian (HF) and 10 Japanese Black (JB) cows from November 2013 to October 2014. Serum values of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) tended to be higher in March in both breeds and those in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.001) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum levels of biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in both breeds were maintained at almost the same values during study period. The OSI [(d-ROMs/BAP) × 100] values in both breeds showed similar seasonal changes, i. e. increase from December to March and decrease from March to August or September. In addition, the OSI values in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.01) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, blood urea nitrogen and total cholesterol showed similar seasonal changes in both breeds, low in the winter and high from spring to summer, which may be attributed to the pasture grass intake. Opposite changes in OSI values and serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene indicated that antioxidant vitamin levels could affect oxidative stress status. PMID:29142148

Growth or Steady State? A Bibliometric Focus on International Comparative Higher Education Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kosmützky, Anna; Krücken, Georg

2014-01-01

The study combines a bibliometric approach with a content analysis of abstracts of articles to explore the patterns of international comparative higher education research in leading international journals. The overall data set covers 4,095 publications from the Web of Science for the period 1992-2012 and the amount of international comparative…

Institutional Churn: Institutional Change in United Kingdom Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tight, Malcolm

2013-01-01

This article considers how higher education institutions change over time, using the United Kingdom system as an exemplar, and focusing on the 15-year period between 1994/95 and 2009/10. While there are many aspects of institutional change worthy of study, the focus here is on how institutions appear to others. Thus, the article examines the…

Factors Affecting Student Progression and Achievement: Prediction and Intervention. A Two-Year Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowis, Mike; Castley, Andrew

2008-01-01

First-year student dropout in the university sector can reach 20% or higher. Over a two-year period, a simple instrument was developed to identify potential student low performance and withdrawal. It was based on a measure of students' early expectation of higher education, matched subsequently with their actual experience. The instrument design…

Tensions in Higher Education Leadership: Towards a Multi-Level Model of Leadership Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolden, Richard; Petrov, Georgy; Gosling, Jonathan

2008-01-01

UK higher education is undergoing a period of significant change that generates a series of tensions and difficulties for universities and university leaders. This paper explores these tensions through analysis of findings from a study comprising 152 semi-structured face-to-face interviews in 12 UK universities. Building on from theories of…

Creating and Nurturing a Community of Practice for Language Teachers in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacKinnon, Teresa

2013-01-01

This case study investigates the implementation of a virtual learning environment designed for language teachers for an institution-wide language programme in a UK higher education institution. This development has taken place over a 3 year period and included a pilot virtual learning environment for 300, followed by a full implementation to more…

Geographical differences in whooping cough in Catalonia, Spain, from 1990 to 2010.

PubMed

Crespo, Inma; Soldevila, Núria; Muñoz, Pilar; Godoy, Pere; Carmona, Gloria; Domínguez, Angela

2014-03-20

Whooping cough is a communicable disease whose incidence has increased in recent years in some countries with vaccination. Since 1981, in Catalonia (Spain), cases must be reported to the Public Health Department. In 1997, surveillance changed from aggregated counts to individual report and the surveillance system was improved after 2002. Catalan public health is universal with equal coverage geographically. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in whooping cough incidence in rural and urban counties. Cases in 1990-2010 were classified as rural or urban. Incidences and risk ratios (RR) between urban and rural counties and 95% CI were calculated. Associations between rural and urban counties and structural changes during the study period were analysed. Twelve years of the whole study period showed differences in incidence between rural and urban counties. The incidence was higher in urban counties in seven years and rural counties in five years. There was a positive association of whooping cough incidence in rural and urban counties in four-week periods. Structural changes were detected in the following four-week periods: 4th in 1993, 7th in 1996 and 3rd 2005 in rural counties and 5th 1993, 9th in 1996 and 8th in 2007 in urban counties. Differences in whooping cough between rural and urban counties were found. In most years, the incidence was higher in urban than in rural counties. Rural and urban counties show similar cyclic behaviour when four-week periods were considered.

Maternal Prenatal Stress and Other Developmental Risk Factors for Adolescent Depression: Spotlight on Sex Differences.

PubMed

Maxwell, Seth D; Fineberg, Anna M; Drabick, Deborah A; Murphy, Shannon K; Ellman, Lauren M

2018-02-01

Maternal stress during pregnancy has been linked to premorbid abnormalities associated with depression (e.g., difficult temperament, cognitive deficits) in offspring. However, few studies have looked across developmental periods to examine maternal stress during pregnancy and offspring depression during adolescence and whether these associations differ by sex. The current study used data from 1711 mother-offspring dyads (offspring sex: 49.8% male) in a longitudinal birth cohort study. Maternal narratives collected during pregnancy were qualitatively coded for stress-related themes by independent raters. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified distinct subgroups of offspring based on exposure to maternal prenatal stress and other developmental factors from the prenatal, childhood, and adolescent periods that have been associated with depression and/or maternal prenatal stress. LCA identified subgroups that were compared to determine whether and to what extent they differed on adolescent depressive symptoms. LCA revealed a subgroup of "high-risk" individuals, characterized by maternal factors during pregnancy (higher ambivalence/negativity and lower positivity towards the pregnancy, higher levels of hassles, lower maternal education and higher maternal age at birth, higher pre-pregnancy BMI) and offspring developmental factors (decreased cognitive functioning during childhood and adolescence, lower perceived parental support during adolescence, and higher levels of maternal depression during adolescence). High-risk females exhibited elevated conduct symptoms and higher birth order, while high-risk males exhibited decreased internalizing symptoms and lower birth order. Both high-risk males and females reported elevated depressive symptoms during adolescence relative to their "low-risk" counterparts.

Non-methane hydrocarbons at a high-altitude rural site in the Mediterranean (Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moschonas, Nektarios; Glavas, Sotirios

Acetylene, C 3-C 10 paraffins, olefins, aromatic hydrocarbons and the biogenic isoprene, were determined in six sampling periods from May to October in 1996-1997. The concentrations of the determined species were generally lower than those measured in southeastern US and western France, but higher than those measured in more remote regions. Acetylene and C 3-C 5 hydrocarbons exhibited seasonal variation with higher concentrations in the late October sampling period. The aromatic hydrocarbons, except benzene, exhibited maximum concentrations in the summer. Isoprene had maximum concentrations in the summer, with its concentration linearly increasing as a function of the logarithm of temperature, in agreement with past studies. Its emission flux was calculated to be on the lower end of similar studies in US. The main destruction route of all hydrocarbons was determined to be due to their photochemical reactions. The photochemical reactivity, calculated in terms of propylene equivalent concentration, was in the summer dominated by isoprene which accounts for 69% of the total, aromatics with 16%, olefins with 11% and paraffins with 4%. In the May and October periods, the aromatics contributed the most (˜37%) to the photochemical reactivity. Air mass back trajectories indicated higher concentrations when air masses arrived from northwestern and northeastern, compared to southern, directions.

Multi-spacecraft studies of the auroral acceleration region: From cluster to nanosatellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, S.; Emami, M. R.

2017-03-01

This paper discusses the utilization of multiple Cubesats in various formations for studies in the auroral acceleration region. The focus is on the quasi-static properties, spatio-temporal features, electric potential structures, field-aligned currents, and their relationships, all of which are fundamentally important for an understanding of the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. It is argued that a multitude of nanosatellites can address some of the relevant outstanding questions in a broader range of spatial, temporal, and geometrical features, with higher redundancy and data consistency, potentially resulting in a shorter mission period and a higher chance of mission success. A number of mission concepts consisting of a cluster of 6-12 Cubesats with their specific onboard payloads are suggested for such missions over a period of as short as two months.

Attitudes and Learning through Practice Are Key to Delivering Brief Interventions for Heavy Drinking in Primary Health Care: Analyses from the ODHIN Five Country Cluster Randomized Factorial Trial

PubMed Central

Anderson, Peter; Kaner, Eileen; Keurhorst, Myrna; Bendtsen, Preben; van Steenkiste, Ben; Reynolds, Jillian; Segura, Lidia; Wojnar, Marcin; Kłoda, Karolina; Parkinson, Kathryn; Drummond, Colin; Okulicz-Kozaryn, Katarzyna; Mierzecki, Artur; Laurant, Miranda; Newbury-Birch, Dorothy; Gual, Antoni

2017-01-01

In this paper, we test path models that study the interrelations between primary health care provider attitudes towards working with drinkers, their screening and brief advice activity, and their receipt of training and support and financial reimbursement. Study participants were 756 primary health care providers from 120 primary health care units (PHCUs) in different locations throughout Catalonia, England, The Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Our interventions were training and support and financial reimbursement to providers. Our design was a randomized factorial trial with baseline measurement period, 12-week implementation period, and 9-month follow-up measurement period. Our outcome measures were: attitudes of individual providers in working with drinkers as measured by the Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire; and the proportion of consulting adult patients (age 18+ years) who screened positive and were given advice to reduce their alcohol consumption (intervention activity). We found that more positive attitudes were associated with higher intervention activity, and higher intervention activity was then associated with more positive attitudes. Training and support was associated with both positive changes in attitudes and higher intervention activity. Financial reimbursement was associated with more positive attitudes through its impact on higher intervention activity. We conclude that improving primary health care providers’ screening and brief advice activity for heavy drinking requires a combination of training and support and on-the-job experience of actually delivering screening and brief advice activity. PMID:28134783

Dry period cooling ameliorates physiological variables and blood acid base balance, improving milk production in murrah buffaloes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aarif, Ovais; Aggarwal, Anjali

2016-03-01

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of evaporative cooling during late gestation on physiological responses, blood gas and acid base balance and subsequent milk production of Murrah buffaloes. To investigate this study sixteen healthy pregnant dry Murrah buffaloes (second to fourth parity) at sixty days prepartum were selected in the months of May to June and divided into two groups of eight animals each. One group of buffaloes (Cooled/CL) was managed under fan and mist cooling system during dry period. Group second buffaloes (Noncooled/NCL) remained as control without provision of cooling during dry period. The physiological responses viz. Rectal temperature (RT), Respiratory rate (RR) and Pulse rate were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower in group 2, with the provision of cooling. Skin surface temperature at thorax was significantly lower in cooled group relative to noncooled group. Blood pH and pO2 were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in heat stressed group as compared to the cooled group. pCO2, TCO2, HCO3, SBC, base excess in extracellular fluid (BEecf), base excess in blood (BEb), PCV and Hb were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in cooled group as compared to noncooled group. DMI was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in cooled relative to noncooled animals. Milk yield, FCM, fat yield, lactose yield and total solid yield was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in cooled group of Murrah buffaloes.

Dry period cooling ameliorates physiological variables and blood acid base balance, improving milk production in murrah buffaloes.

PubMed

Aarif, Ovais; Aggarwal, Anjali

2016-03-01

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of evaporative cooling during late gestation on physiological responses, blood gas and acid base balance and subsequent milk production of Murrah buffaloes. To investigate this study sixteen healthy pregnant dry Murrah buffaloes (second to fourth parity) at sixty days prepartum were selected in the months of May to June and divided into two groups of eight animals each. One group of buffaloes (Cooled/CL) was managed under fan and mist cooling system during dry period. Group second buffaloes (Noncooled/NCL) remained as control without provision of cooling during dry period. The physiological responses viz. Rectal temperature (RT), Respiratory rate (RR) and Pulse rate were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group 2, with the provision of cooling. Skin surface temperature at thorax was significantly lower in cooled group relative to noncooled group. Blood pH and pO2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in heat stressed group as compared to the cooled group. pCO2, TCO2, HCO3, SBC, base excess in extracellular fluid (BEecf), base excess in blood (BEb), PCV and Hb were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cooled group as compared to noncooled group. DMI was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cooled relative to noncooled animals. Milk yield, FCM, fat yield, lactose yield and total solid yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in cooled group of Murrah buffaloes.

Attitudes and Learning through Practice Are Key to Delivering Brief Interventions for Heavy Drinking in Primary Health Care: Analyses from the ODHIN Five Country Cluster Randomized Factorial Trial.

PubMed

Anderson, Peter; Kaner, Eileen; Keurhorst, Myrna; Bendtsen, Preben; Steenkiste, Ben van; Reynolds, Jillian; Segura, Lidia; Wojnar, Marcin; Kłoda, Karolina; Parkinson, Kathryn; Drummond, Colin; Okulicz-Kozaryn, Katarzyna; Mierzecki, Artur; Laurant, Miranda; Newbury-Birch, Dorothy; Gual, Antoni

2017-01-26

In this paper, we test path models that study the interrelations between primary health care provider attitudes towards working with drinkers, their screening and brief advice activity, and their receipt of training and support and financial reimbursement. Study participants were 756 primary health care providers from 120 primary health care units (PHCUs) in different locations throughout Catalonia, England, The Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Our interventions were training and support and financial reimbursement to providers. Our design was a randomized factorial trial with baseline measurement period, 12-week implementation period, and 9-month follow-up measurement period. Our outcome measures were: attitudes of individual providers in working with drinkers as measured by the Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire; and the proportion of consulting adult patients (age 18+ years) who screened positive and were given advice to reduce their alcohol consumption (intervention activity). We found that more positive attitudes were associated with higher intervention activity, and higher intervention activity was then associated with more positive attitudes. Training and support was associated with both positive changes in attitudes and higher intervention activity. Financial reimbursement was associated with more positive attitudes through its impact on higher intervention activity. We conclude that improving primary health care providers' screening and brief advice activity for heavy drinking requires a combination of training and support and on-the-job experience of actually delivering screening and brief advice activity.

Temporal trends in prevalence, incidence, and mortality for rheumatoid arthritis in Quebec, Canada: a population-based study.

PubMed

Jean, Sonia; Hudson, Marie; Gamache, Philippe; Bessette, Louis; Fortin, Paul R; Boire, Gilles; Bernatsky, Sasha

2017-12-01

Health administrative data are a potentially efficient resource to conduct population-based research and surveillance, including trends in incidence and mortality over time. Our objective was to explore time trends in incidence and mortality for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as estimating period prevalence. Our RA case definition was based on one or more hospitalizations with a RA diagnosis code, or three or more RA physician-billing codes, over 2 years, with at least one RA billing code by a rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, or internist. To identify incident cases, a "run-in" period of 5 years (1996-2000) was used to exclude prevalent cases. Crude age and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated (using data from 2001 to 2015), and sex-specific incidence rates were also standardized to the 2001 age structure of the Quebec population. We linked the RA cohort (both prevalent and incident patients) to the vital statistics registry, and standardized mortality rate ratios were generated. Negative binomial regression was used to test for linear change in standardized incidence rates and mortality ratios. The linear trends in standardized incidence rates did not show significant change over the study period. Mortality in RA was significantly higher than the general population and this remained true throughout the study period. Our prevalence estimate suggested 0.8% of the Quebec population may be affected by RA. RA incidence appeared relatively stable, and mortality was substantially higher in RA versus the general population and remained so over the study period. This suggests the need to optimize long-term RA outcomes.

Comparing Post-Soviet Changes in Higher Education Governance in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azimbayeva, Gulzhan

2017-01-01

This paper argues that during the "perestroika" period the institutionalised context of the Soviet higher education governance was transformed dramatically, and has attempted to explain the outcomes for higher education from the "perestroika" period and proposed the theory of "institutional dis/continuities". The…

The Changing Role of the Academic Journal: The Coverage of Higher Education in "History of Education" as a Case Study, 1972-2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowe, Roy

2012-01-01

This article briefly reviews the coverage of higher education in the pages of this journal since its inception. It reflects on the changing role of the academic journal during this period, on some of the related changes which have taken place in academia itself as well as changing fashions in the study of history of education. Its central…

Long Periodic Terms in the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bretagnon, P.

1982-01-01

The long period variations of the first eight planets in the solar system are studied. First, the Lagrangian solution is calculated and then the long period terms with fourth order eccentricities and inclinations are introduced into the perturbation function. A second approximation was made taking into account the short period terms' contribution, namely the perturbations of first order with respect to the masses. Special attention was paid to the determination of the integration constants. The relative importance of the different contributions is shown. It is useless, for example, to introduce the long period terms of fifth order if no account has been taken of the short period terms. Meanwhile, the terms that have been neglected would not introduce large changes in the integration constants. Even so, the calculation should be repeated with higher order short period terms and fifth order long periods.

Health-based risk neutralization in private disability insurance

PubMed Central

Buitenhuis, Jan; Brouwer, Sandra; van der Klink, Jac J.L.; de Boer, Michiel R.

2016-01-01

Background: Exclusions are used by insurers to neutralize higher than average risks of sickness absence (SA). However, differentiating risk groups according to one’s medical situation can be seen as discrimination against people with health problems in violation of a 2006 United Nations convention. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the risk of SA of insured persons with exclusions added to their insurance contract differs from the risk of persons without exclusions. Methods: A dynamic cohort of 15 632 applicants for private disability insurance at a company insuring only college and university educated self-employed in the Netherlands. Mean follow-up was 8.94 years. Duration and number of SA periods were derived from insurance data to calculate the hazard of SA periods and of recurrence of SA periods. Results: Self-employed with an exclusion added to their insurance policy experienced a higher hazard of one or more periods of SA and on average more SA days than self-employed without an exclusion. Conclusion: Persons with an exclusion had a higher risk of SA than persons without an exclusion. The question to what extent an individual should benefit from being less vulnerable to disease and SA must be addressed in a larger societal context, taking other aspects of health inequality and solidarity into account as well. PMID:27371668

Effects of nursery preconditioning through mycorrhizal inoculation and drought in Arbutus unedo L. plants.

PubMed

Navarro García, Alejandra; Del Pilar Bañón Árias, Sebastián; Morte, Asunción; Sánchez-Blanco, María Jesús

2011-01-01

The influence of a water deficit treatment and mycorrhizal inoculation with Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch on the water relations, gas exchange, and plant growth in Arbutus unedo L. plants was studied in order to evaluate the hardening process during the nursery period. The ability to withstand the adverse conditions after transplantation was also studied. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal seedlings of A. unedo were pot-grown for 4 months in a greenhouse (nursery period), during which time two irrigation treatments, well watered (100% water holding capacity, leaching 20% of the applied water) and deficit irrigation (50% of the well watered), were applied. Subsequently, the plants were transplanted to the field and well irrigated (transplanting period), after which and until the end of the experiment they received no water (establishment period). At the end of the nursery period, both water deficit and mycorrhizae were seen to have altered the plant morphology. Mycorrhizal plants had lower leaf area and improved leaf color parameters, while the water deficit increased root dry weight and the root/shoot ratio. Mycorrhizal plants had higher leaf water potential values than non-inoculated plants. Mycorrhizae increased stomatal conductance and photosynthesis values, especially in stressed plants. Drought led to an osmotic adjustment and a decrease in the leaf water potential values at turgor loss point in the mycorrhizal plants. Cell wall rigidity, measured as increased bulk modulus of elasticity, was decreased by the mycorrhizae effect. After transplanting, no differences were found in the water relations or gas exchange values between treatments. During the establishment period, the plants that had been exposed to both drought and mycorrhizae showed a better water status (higher leaf water and turgor potential values) and higher gas exchange values. In conclusion, water deficit and mycorrhizal inoculation of A. unedo plants in nursery produced changes in tissue water relations, gas exchange, and growth, related with the acclimation process in the seedlings, which could provide better resistance to drought and stress conditions following planting.

The evolving relationship between premorbid intelligence and serious depression across the lifespan - A longitudinal study of 43,540 Swedish men.

PubMed

Lager, Emil; Melin, Bo; Hemmingsson, Tomas; Sörberg Wallin, Alma

2017-03-15

An association between higher intelligence and lower probability of serious depression has previously been established. Yet, to our knowledge, no large prospective study has examined the relationship across the lifespan. A cohort of 49,321 Swedish men was followed from conscription in 1969-70 (age 18-20) through to 2008. Odds ratios (OR) for first time hospitalisation for depression (FTHD) were calculated in relation to intelligence for distinct time periods across the lifespan, while controlling for established risk factors for depression. There was a linear association between higher intelligence in youth and lower odds for FTHD during the entire follow-up period, 1973-2008. The association got progressively weaker across the lifespan. During 1973-80, one step down on the stanine scale was associated with an unadjusted increase in OR of 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.42], adjusted OR 1.23 [1.15-1.32]; while, during 2001-2008, the ORs were less than half of the magnitude of the first period, unadjusted 1.14 [1.07-1.21], and adjusted 1.09 [1.01-1.17]. The study includes men only, and the number of available places for in-patient care decreased during the follow-up period. For the first time, we have shown that the association between lower intelligence and depression decreases over time. The attenuation of the association in the adjusted models suggests a slower accumulation of depressogenic stressors among people with a higher IQ-score. Further exploration of intelligence's role in the etiology of depression across the lifespan is required in order to facilitate adequate diagnoses and ameliorating interventions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How Do Earth-Sized, Short-Period Planets Form?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohler, Susanna

2017-08-01

Matching theory to observation often requires creative detective work. In a new study, scientists have used a clever test to reveal clues about the birth of speedy, Earth-sized planets.Former Hot Jupiters?Artists impression of a hot Jupiter with an evaporating atmosphere. [NASA/Ames/JPL-Caltech]Among the many different types of exoplanets weve observed, one unusual category is that of ultra-short-period planets. These roughly Earth-sized planets speed around their host stars at incredible rates, with periods of less than a day.How do planets in this odd category form? One popular theory is that they were previously hot Jupiters, especially massive gas giants orbiting very close to their host stars. The close orbit caused the planets atmospheres to be stripped away, leaving behind only their dense cores.In a new study, a team of astronomers led by Joshua Winn (Princeton University) has found a clever way to test this theory.Planetary radius vs. orbital period for the authors three statistical samples (colored markers) and the broader sample of stars in the California Kepler Survey. [Winn et al. 2017]Testing MetallicitiesStars hosting hot Jupiters have an interesting quirk: they typically have metallicities that are significantly higher than an average planet-hosting star. It is speculated that this is because planets are born from the same materials as their host stars, and hot Jupiters require the presence of more metals to be able to form.Regardless of the cause of this trend, if ultra-short-period planets are in fact the solid cores of former hot Jupiters, then the two categories of planets should have hosts with the same metallicity distributions. The ultra-short-period-planet hosts should therefore also be weighted to higher metallicities than average planet-hosting stars.To test this, the authors make spectroscopic measurements and gather data for a sample of stellar hosts split into three categories:64 ultra-short-period planets (orbital period shorter than a day)23 hot Jupiters (larger than 4 times Earths radius and orbital period shorter than 10 days)243 small hot planets (smaller than 4 times Earths radius and orbital period between 1 and 10 days)They then compare the metallicity distributions of these three groups.Back to the Drawing BoardMetallicity distributions of the three statistical samples. The hot-Jupiter hosts (orange) have different distribution than the others; it is weighted more toward higher metallicities. [Winn et al. 2017]Winn and collaborators find that hosts of ultra-short-period planets do not have the same metallicity distribution as hot-Jupiter hosts; the metallicities of hot-Jupiter hosts are significantly higher. The metallicity distributions for hosts of ultra-short-period planets and hosts of small hot planets were statistically indistinguishable, however.These results strongly suggest that the majority of ultra-short-period planets are not the cores of former hot Jupiters. Alternative options include the possibility that they are the cores of smaller planets, such as sub-Neptunes, or that they are the short-period extension of the distribution of close-in, small rocky planets that formed by core accretion.This narrowing of the options for the formation of ultra-short-period planets is certainly intriguing. We can hope to further explore possibilities in the future after the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellites (TESS) comes online next year; TESS is expected to discover many more ultra-short-period planets that are too faint for Kepler to detect.CitationJoshua N. Winn et al 2017 AJ 154 60. doi:10.3847/1538-3881/aa7b7c

Temporal and diurnal variations of carbonaceous aerosols and major ions in biomass burning influenced aerosols over Mt. Tai in the North China Plain during MTX2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boreddy, Suresh K. R.; Kawamura, Kimitaka; Okuzawa, Kazuhiro; Kanaya, Yugo; Wang, Zifa

2017-04-01

To better understand the impact of agricultural waste burning on the air quality of free troposphere over the North China Plain (NCP), we collected total suspended particles (TSP) at the summit of Mt. Tai, located in the NCP using a high volume air sampler during 29 May to 28 June 2006, when the field burning of agricultural residue was intense. Temporal variations of all measured species showed that their concentration increases from late May to mid June (major BB period), peaking during 12-14 June, and then significantly decreased towards late June (minor BB period). We noticed that a significant reduction in the concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols during the period of 8-11 June, when the wind direction shifted from southerly to northerly. We found that concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols and some major ions showed several times higher during major BB period than those of minor BB period. We also found that nighttime concentrations are higher than daytime during major BB period, suggesting that a long-range atmospheric transport of biomass burning plumes in the free troposphere, which arrived at the summit of Mt. Tai. In contrast, daytime concentrations are higher than nighttime during minor BB period. We found higher concentrations of secondary organic carbon (SOC) during major BB period, suggesting that formation of secondary organic aerosols through aqueous phase chemistry under high NOx conditions during a long-range atmospheric transport. nss-K+ showed about four times higher concentrations during major BB than those of minor BB. Concentrations of nss-Ca2+ are higher in nighttime during major BB period, implying that a significant long-range atmospheric transport of mineral dust over the sampling site. These results are further supported by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis, which showed that biomass burning was a major source for the carbonaceous aerosols followed by mineral dust sources over the summit of Mt. Tai.

Characteristics of nighttime E-region over Arecibo: Dependence on solar flux and geomagnetic variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raizada, Shikha; Brum, Christiano G. M.; Mathews, John D.; Gonzalez, Cristina; Franco, Efmi

2018-04-01

Electron concentration (Ne) inferred from Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) measurements has been used to determine the influence of solar flux and geomagnetic activity in the ionospheric E-region over Arecibo Observatory (AO). The approach is based on the determination of column integrated Ne, referred to as E-region total electron content (ErTEC) between 80 and 150 km altitude regions. The results discussed in this work are for the AO nighttime period. The study reveals higher ErTEC values during the low solar flux periods for all the seasons except for summer period. It is found that the E-region column abundance is higher in equinox periods than in the winter for low solar activity conditions. The column integrated Ne during the post-sunset/pre-sunrise periods always exceeds the midnight minima, independent of season or solar activity. This behavior has been attributed to the variations in the coupling processes from the F-region. The response of ErTEC to the geomagnetic variability is also examined for different solar flux conditions and seasons. During high solar flux periods, changes in Kp cause an ErTEC increase in summer and equinox, while producing a negative storm-like effect during the winter. Variations in ErTEC due to geomagnetic activity during low solar flux periods produce maximum variability in the E-region during equinox periods, while resulting in an increase/decrease in ErTEC before local midnight during the winter/summer periods, respectively.

A demographic history of a population of howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) living in a fragmented landscape in Mexico

PubMed Central

Domingo Balcells, Cristina

2017-01-01

Long-term field studies are critical for our understanding of animal life history and the processes driving changes in demography. Here, we present long-term demographic data for the northernmost population of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) residing in a highly anthropogenically fragmented landscape in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. We carried out 454 monthly group visits to 10 groups of mantled howler monkeys between 2000 and 2011. The population remained relatively stable over the 11-year study period, with an overall increase in the total number of individuals. Birth rates and inter-birth intervals were comparable to those of howler monkeys at non-fragmented sites, suggesting that living in a fragmented landscape did not affect the reproductive output of our study population. Moreover, despite the landscape, dispersal events were commonplace, including many secondary dispersals (individuals emigrating from groups that they had previously immigrated into). Finally, we found a marked effect of seasonality on the dynamics of our study population. In particular, the period of lowest temperatures and resource scarcity between November and March was associated with higher mortality and reproductive inhibition, while the period of resource abundance between April and May was associated with the majority of conceptions and weaning of offspring. This, in turn, could be influencing dispersal patterns in our study area, as male howler monkeys seem to time some of their immigrations into new groups to coincide with the start of the period of higher fertility, while females preferentially joined new groups several months before the onset of this period. These data have important implications for the conservation and management of howler monkeys in fragmented landscapes, as well as for our understanding of the effect of seasonality over howler monkey dispersal, reproduction and survival. PMID:28848687

Enantiomer-specific ketorolac pharmacokinetics in young women, including pregnancy and postpartum period.

PubMed

Kulo, Aida; Smits, Anne; Maleškić, Sanita; Van de Velde, Marc; Van Calsteren, Kristel; De Hoon, Jan; Verbesselt, Rene; Deprest, Jan; Allegaert, Karel

2017-02-21

Racemic ketorolac clearance (CL) is significantly higher at delivery, but S-ketorolac disposition determines the analgesic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pregnancy and postpartum period on enantiomer-specific (S and R) intravenous (IV) ketorolac pharmacokinetics (PKs). Data in women shortly following cesarean delivery (n=39) were pooled with data in a subgroup of these women that was reevaluated in the later postpartum period (postpartum group, n=8/39) and with eight healthy female volunteers. All women received single IV bolus of 30 mg ketorolac tromethamine. Five plasma samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours and plasma concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Enantiomer-specific PKs were calculated using PKSolver. Unpaired analysis showed that distribution volume at steady state (Vss, L/kg) for S- and R-ketorolac was significantly higher in women shortly following cesarean delivery (n=31) compared to postpartum group (n=8) or to healthy female volunteers (n=8). CL, CL to body weight, and CL to body surface area (CL/BSA) for S- and R-ketorolac were also significantly higher in women following delivery. In addition, S/R-ketorolac CL/BSA ratio was significantly higher at delivery. Paired PK analysis in eight women shortly following delivery and in postpartum group showed the same pattern. Finally, the simultaneous increase in CL and Vss resulted in similar estimates for elimination half-life in both unpaired and paired analysis. In conclusion, pregnancy affects S-, R-, and S/R-ketorolac disposition. This is of clinical relevance since S-ketorolac (analgesia) CL is even more increased compared to R-ketorolac CL, and S/R-ketorolac CL ratio is higher following delivery compared to postpartum period or to healthy female volunteers.

Enantiomer-specific ketorolac pharmacokinetics in young women, including pregnancy and postpartum period

PubMed Central

Kulo, Aida; Smits, Anne; Maleškić, Sanita; van de Velde, Marc; van Calsteren, Kristel; de Hoon, Jan; Verbesselt, Rene; Deprest, Jan; Allegaert, Karel

2017-01-01

Racemic ketorolac clearance (CL) is significantly higher at delivery, but S-ketorolac disposition determines the analgesic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pregnancy and postpartum period on enantiomer-specific (S and R) intravenous (IV) ketorolac pharmacokinetics (PKs). Data in women shortly following cesarean delivery (n=39) were pooled with data in a subgroup of these women that was reevaluated in the later postpartum period (postpartum group, n=8/39) and with eight healthy female volunteers. All women received single IV bolus of 30 mg ketorolac tromethamine. Five plasma samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours and plasma concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Enantiomer-specific PKs were calculated using PKSolver. Unpaired analysis showed that distribution volume at steady state (Vss, L/kg) for S- and R-ketorolac was significantly higher in women shortly following cesarean delivery (n=31) compared to postpartum group (n=8) or to healthy female volunteers (n=8). CL, CL to body weight, and CL to body surface area (CL/BSA) for S- and R-ketorolac were also significantly higher in women following delivery. In addition, S/R-ketorolac CL/BSA ratio was significantly higher at delivery. Paired PK analysis in eight women shortly following delivery and in postpartum group showed the same pattern. Finally, the simultaneous increase in CL and Vss resulted in similar estimates for elimination half-life in both unpaired and paired analysis. In conclusion, pregnancy affects S-, R-, and S/R-ketorolac disposition. This is of clinical relevance since S-ketorolac (analgesia) CL is even more increased compared to R-ketorolac CL, and S/R-ketorolac CL ratio is higher following delivery compared to postpartum period or to healthy female volunteers. PMID:27968707

Measurement and simulation of evapotranspiration at a wetland site in the New Jersey Pinelands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sumner, David M.; Nicholson, Robert S.; Clark, Kenneth L.

2012-01-01

Evapotranspiration (ET) was monitored above a wetland forest canopy dominated by pitch-pine in the New Jersey Pinelands during November 10, 2004-February 20, 2007, using an eddy-covariance method. Twelve-month ET totals ranged from 786 to 821 millimeters (mm). Minimum and maximum ET rates occurred during December-February and in July, respectively. Relations between ET and several environmental variables (incoming solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, and net radiation) were explored. Net radiation (r = 0.72) and air temperature (r = 0.73) were the dominant explanatory variables for daily ET. Air temperature was the dominant control on evaporative fraction with relatively more radiant energy used for ET at higher temperatures. Soil moisture was shown to limit ET during extended dry periods. With volumetric soil moisture below a threshold of about 0.15, the evaporative fraction decreased until rain ended the dry period, and the evaporative fraction sharply recovered. A modified Hargreaves ET model, requiring only easily obtainable daily temperature data, was shown to be effective at simulating measured ET values and has the potential for estimating historical or real-time ET at the wetland site. The average annual ET measured at the wetland site during 2005-06 (801 mm/yr) is about 32 percent higher than previously reported ET for three nearby upland sites during 2005-09. Periodic disturbance by fire and insect defoliation at the upland sites reduced ET. When only undisturbed periods were considered, the wetland ET was 17 percent higher than the undisturbed upland ET. Interannual variability in wetlands ET may be lower than that of uplands ET because the upland stands are more susceptible to periodic drought conditions, disturbance by fire, and insect defoliation. Precipitation during the study period at the nearby Indian Mills weather station was slightly higher than the long-term (1902-2011) annual mean of 1,173 millimeters (mm), with 1,325 and 1,396 mm of precipitation in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

[Temporal-spatial distribution of agricultural diffuse nitrogen pollution and relationship with soil respiration and nitrification].

PubMed

Wei, Ouyang; Cai, Guan-Qing; Huang, Hao-Bo; Geng, Xiao-Jun

2014-06-01

The soil respiration, nitrification and denitrification processes play an important role on soil nitrogen transformation and diffuse nitrogen loading. These processes are also the chains for soil circle. In this study, the Zhegao watershed located north of Chaohu Lake was selected to explore the interactions of these processes with diffuse nitrogen pollution. The BaPS (Barometric Process Separation) was applied to analyze the soil respiration, nitrification and denitrification processes in farmland and forest. The SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) simulated the temporal and spatial pattern of diffuse nitrogen loading. As the expanding of farmland and higher level of fertilization, the yearly mean loading of diffuse nitrogen increased sustainably from 1980-1995 to 1996-2012. The monthly loading in 1996-2012 was also higher than that in the period of 1980-1995, which closely related to the precipitation. The statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between two periods. The yearly averaged loading of the whole watershed in 1996-2012 was 10.40 kg x hm(-2), which was 8.10 kg x hm(-2) in 1980-1995. The variance analysis demonstrated that there was also a big difference between the spatial distributions of two periods. The forest soil had much higher soil respiration than the farmland soil. But the farmland had higher nitrification and denitrification rates. The more intensive nitrogen transformation in the farmland contributed to the less diffuse nitrogen loading. As the nitrification rate of farmland was higher than denitrification rate, agricultural diffuse nitrate nitrogen loading would increase and organic nitrogen loading would reduce. The analysis of soil respiration, nitrification and denitrification is helpful for the study of soil nitrogen circle form the aspect of soil biology, which also benefits the control of agricultural diffuse nitrogen pollution.

Christianity and Korean Higher Education in the Late Choson Period

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Jeong-Kyu

2002-01-01

This article examines particular aspects of higher education during the late Korean Choson period with descriptive analysis. The context of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism between the early 18th and the late 19th centuries is presented. Also examined is Christian higher education during these two centuries. The impact of Christianity on Korean…

Using an outbreak to study the sensitivity of the surveillance of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli and other enteropathic Escherichia coli in Bavaria, Germany, January to October 2011.

PubMed

Englund, H; Hautmann, W

2012-08-23

Following an outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in Germany 2011, we observed increases in EHEC and non-EHEC E. coli cases in Bavaria. We compared the demographic, clinical and laboratory features of the cases reported during the outbreak period, but not related to the outbreak, to the cases reported before and after. The number of EHEC and non-EHEC E. coli cases notified per week during the outbreak was fivefold and twofold higher respectively, compared to previous years. EHEC cases notified during the outbreak were more often reported with bloody diarrhoea, and less often with unspecified diarrhoea, compared to the other periods. They were more often hospitalised during the outbreak and the following period compared to the period before. Their median age (26.5 years, range: 0–90) was higher compared to before (14.5 years, range: 0–94) and after (5 years, range: 0–81). The median age of non-EHEC E. coli cases notified during the outbreak period (18 years, range 0–88) was also higher than before and after (2 years, p<0.001). The surveillance system likely underestimates the incidence of both EHEC and non-EHEC E. coli cases, especially among adults, and overestimates the proportion of severe EHEC cases. Testing all stool samples from patients with diarrhoea for enteropathic E. coli should be considered.

Escaping and Falling into Poverty in India Today.

PubMed

Thorat, Amit; Vanneman, Reeve; Desai, Sonalde; Dubey, Amaresh

2017-05-01

The study examines the dynamic nature of movements into and out of poverty over a period when poverty has fallen substantially in India. The analysis identifies people who escaped poverty and those who fell into it over the period 2005 to 2012. The analysis identifies people who escaped poverty and those who fell into it over the period 2005 to 2012. Using panel data from the India Human Development Survey for 2005 and 2012, we find that the risks of marginalized communities such as Dalits and Adivasis of falling into or remaining in poverty were higher than those for more privileged groups. Some, but not all of these higher risks are explained by educational, financial, and social disadvantages of these groups in 2005. Results from a logistic regression show that some factors that help people escape poverty differ from those that push people into it and that the strength of their effects varies.

Escaping and Falling into Poverty in India Today

PubMed Central

Thorat, Amit; Vanneman, Reeve; Desai, Sonalde; Dubey, Amaresh

2017-01-01

The study examines the dynamic nature of movements into and out of poverty over a period when poverty has fallen substantially in India. The analysis identifies people who escaped poverty and those who fell into it over the period 2005 to 2012. The analysis identifies people who escaped poverty and those who fell into it over the period 2005 to 2012. Using panel data from the India Human Development Survey for 2005 and 2012, we find that the risks of marginalized communities such as Dalits and Adivasis of falling into or remaining in poverty were higher than those for more privileged groups. Some, but not all of these higher risks are explained by educational, financial, and social disadvantages of these groups in 2005. Results from a logistic regression show that some factors that help people escape poverty differ from those that push people into it and that the strength of their effects varies. PMID:28966435

Controllable excitation of higher-order rogue waves in nonautonomous systems with both varying linear and harmonic external potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Heping; Yang, Rongcao; Tian, Jinping; Zhang, Wenmei

2018-05-01

The nonautonomous nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation with both varying linear and harmonic external potentials is investigated and the semirational rogue wave (RW) solution is presented by similarity transformation. Based on the solution, the interactions between Peregrine soliton and breathers, and the controllability of the semirational RWs in periodic distribution and exponential decreasing nonautonomous systems with both linear and harmonic potentials are studied. It is found that the harmonic potential only influences the constraint condition of the semirational solution, the linear potential is related to the trajectory of the semirational RWs, while dispersion and nonlinearity determine the excitation position of the higher-order RWs. The higher-order RWs can be partly, completely and biperiodically excited in periodic distribution system and the diverse excited patterns can be generated for different parameter relations in exponential decreasing system. The results reveal that the excitation of the higher-order RWs can be controlled in the nonautonomous system by choosing dispersion, nonlinearity and external potentials.

California Women and Education: An Overview. CRB Short Subjects--CA Women and Girl Series. S­-13-­009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindsey, Tonya D.; Buttice, Matthew K.

2013-01-01

Primary, secondary, and higher education organizations are tasked with, among other things, preparing people for careers. Until the later decades of the 20th century women were often openly discouraged from the study of certain subjects (e.g., science, mathematics) and from obtaining higher degrees. Policies enacted during this time period sought…

The Transition from Higher Education into Work: Tales of Cohesion and Fragmentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holden, Rick; Hamblett, John

2007-01-01

Purpose: This series of papers aims to explore the transition from higher education into work. It reports on research undertaken over a period of two years and which sought to track a number of young graduates as they completed their studies and embarked upon career of choice. Design/methodology/approach: The approach adopted is defined and…

Accuracy of self-reported intake of signature foods in a school meal intervention study: comparison between control and intervention period.

PubMed

Biltoft-Jensen, Anja; Damsgaard, Camilla Trab; Andersen, Rikke; Ygil, Karin Hess; Andersen, Elisabeth Wreford; Ege, Majken; Christensen, Tue; Sørensen, Louise Bergmann; Stark, Ken D; Tetens, Inge; Thorsen, Anne-Vibeke

2015-08-28

Bias in self-reported dietary intake is important when evaluating the effect of dietary interventions, particularly for intervention foods. However, few have investigated this in children, and none have investigated the reporting accuracy of fish intake in children using biomarkers. In a Danish school meal study, 8- to 11-year-old children (n 834) were served the New Nordic Diet (NND) for lunch. The present study examined the accuracy of self-reported intake of signature foods (berries, cabbage, root vegetables, legumes, herbs, potatoes, wild plants, mushrooms, nuts and fish) characterising the NND. Children, assisted by parents, self-reported their diet in a Web-based Dietary Assessment Software for Children during the intervention and control (packed lunch) periods. The reported fish intake by children was compared with their ranking according to fasting whole-blood EPA and DHA concentration and weight percentage using the Spearman correlations and cross-classification. Direct observation of school lunch intake (n 193) was used to score the accuracy of food-reporting as matches, intrusions, omissions and faults. The reporting of all lunch foods had higher percentage of matches compared with the reporting of signature foods in both periods, and the accuracy was higher during the control period compared with the intervention period. Both Spearman's rank correlations and linear mixed models demonstrated positive associations between EPA+DHA and reported fish intake. The direct observations showed that both reported and real intake of signature foods did increase during the intervention period. In conclusion, the self-reported data represented a true increase in the intake of signature foods and can be used to examine dietary intervention effects.

[Emission inventory of greenhouse gases from agricultural residues combustion: a case study of Jiangsu Province].

PubMed

Liu, Li-hua; Jiang, Jing-yan; Zong, Liang-gang

2011-05-01

Burning of agricultural crop residues was a major source greenhouse gases. In this study, the proportion of crop straws (rice, wheat, maize, oil rape, cotton and soja) in Jiangsu used as household fuel and direct open burning in different periods (1990-1995, 1996-2000, 2001-2005 and 2006-2008) was estimated through questionnaire. The emission factors of CO2, CO, CH4 and NO20 from the above six types of crop straws were calculated by the simulated burning experiment. Thus the emission inventory of greenhouse gases from crop straws burning was established according to above the burning percentages and emission factors, ratios of dry residues to production and crop productions of different periods in Jiangsu province. Results indicated that emission factors of CO2, CO, CH4 and N2O depended on crop straw type. The emission factors of CO2 and CH4 were higher for oil rape straw than the other straws, while the maize and the rice straw had the higher N2O and CO emission factor. Emission inventory of greenhouse gases from agricultural residues burning in Jiangsu province showed, the annual average global warming potential (GWP) of six tested crop straws were estimated to be 9.18 (rice straw), 4.35 (wheat straw), 2.55 (maize straw), 1.63 (oil rape straw), 0.55 (cotton straw) and 0. 39 (soja straw) Tg CO2 equivalent, respectively. Among the four study periods, the annual average GWP had no obvious difference between the 1990-1995 and 2006-2008 periods, while the maximal annual average GWP (23.83 Tg CO2 equivalent) happened in the 1996-2000 period, and the minimum (20.30 Tg CO2 equivalent) in 1996-2000 period.

Biologic Monitoring to Characterize Organophosphorus Pesticide Exposure among Children and Workers: An Analysis of Recent Studies in Washington State

PubMed Central

Fenske, Richard A.; Lu, Chensheng; Curl, Cynthia L.; Shirai, Jeffry H.; Kissel, John C.

2005-01-01

We examined findings from five organophosphorus pesticide biomonitoring studies conducted in Washington State between 1994 and 1999. We compared urinary dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP) concentrations for all study groups and composite dimethyl alkylphosphate (DMAP) concentrations for selected groups. Children of pesticide applicators had substantially higher metabolite levels than did Seattle children and farmworker children (median DMTP, 25 μg/L; p < 0.0001). Metabolite levels of children living in agricultural communities were elevated during periods of crop spraying. Median DMTP concentrations for Seattle children and farmworker children did not differ significantly (6.1 and 5.8 μg/L DMTP, respectively; p = 0.73); however, the DMAP concentrations were higher for Seattle children than for farmworker children (117 and 87 nmol/L DMAP, respectively; p = 0.007). DMTP concentrations of U.S. children 6–11 years of age (1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey population) were higher than those of Seattle children and farmworker children at the 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles. DMTP concentrations for workers actively engaged in apple thinning were 50 times higher than DMTP concentrations for farmworkers sampled outside of peak exposure periods. We conclude that workers who have direct contact with pesticides should continue to be the focus of public health interventions and that elevated child exposures in agricultural communities may occur during active crop-spraying periods and from living with a pesticide applicator. Timing of sample collection is critical for the proper interpretation of pesticide biomarkers excreted relatively soon after exposure. We surmise that differences in dietary exposure can explain the similar exposures observed among farmworker children, children living in the Seattle metropolitan area, and children sampled nationally. PMID:16263526

Natural dendrimers: Synthesis and in vitro characterization of glycogen-cysteamine conjugates.

PubMed

Perrone, Mara; Lopedota, Angela; Liberati, Elisa; Russo, Vincenzo; Cutrignelli, Annalisa; Laquintana, Valentino; de Sousa, Irene Pereira; Franco, Massimo; Tongiani, Serena; Denora, Nunzio; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the mucoadhesive properties of the first thiolated hyperbranched natural polysaccharide with biodegradability and biocompatibility features. In detail, glycogen-cysteamine conjugates were synthesized through a first step of oxidative ring opening applying increasing concentrations of sodium periodate, to obtain polymers with different degrees of oxidation, and a second step of reductive amination with a constant amount of cysteamine. The obtained glycogen-cysteamine conjugates were characterized regarding their content of free and total thiol groups by Ellman's assay, biocompatibility, swelling/erosion behavior, rheological synergism and mucoadhesive properties in comparison to the unmodified glycogen. The higher the concentration of periodate was, the higher was the content of total thiol groups being in the range of 255.7±12-1194.5±82μmol/g, biocompatibility remained unaffected by these structural changes. On the contrary, the mucoadhesive properties, evaluated by tensile, rheological synergism and rotating cylinder studies, appear to be influenced by the thiol groups concentration on the glycogen. In particular the glycogen-cysteamine conjugate exhibiting the highest degree of thiolation showed a 79-fold increase in viscosity over a time period of 8h, as well as, remained attached on freshly excised porcine mucosa 32-fold longer than the unmodified polymer. The higher was the amount of conjugated thiol groups, the higher was the water absorption capacity of glycogen-cysteamine tablets in Simulated Intestinal Fluid pH 6.8 (SIF). The introduction of thiol moieties on polymer changed the characteristics of the polysaccharide by improving mucoadhesion properties. Therefore, this work represents the first study describing thiolated natural dendrimers as potential platform useful to realize appropriate mucoadhesive nanocarrier systems suitable to prolong mucosal residence time. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Butter increased total and LDL cholesterol compared with olive oil but resulted in higher HDL cholesterol compared with a habitual diet.

PubMed

Engel, Sara; Tholstrup, Tine

2015-08-01

Butter is known to have a cholesterol-raising effect and, therefore, has often been included as a negative control in dietary studies, whereas the effect of moderate butter intake has not been elucidated to our knowledge. We compared the effects of moderate butter intake, moderate olive oil intake, and a habitual diet on blood lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), glucose, and insulin. The study was a controlled, double-blinded, randomized 2 × 5-wk crossover dietary intervention study with a 14-d run-in period during which subjects consumed their habitual diets. The study included 47 healthy men and women (mean ± SD total cholesterol: 5.22 ± 0.90 mmol/L) who substituted a part of their habitual diets with 4.5% of energy from butter or refined olive oil. Study subjects were 70% women with a mean age and body mass index (in kg/m²) of 40.4 y and 23.5, respectively. Butter intake increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol more than did olive oil intake (P < 0.05) and the run-in period (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively) and increased HDL cholesterol compared with the run-in period (P < 0.05). No difference in effects was observed for triacylglycerol, hsCRP, insulin, and glucose concentrations. The intake of saturated fatty acids was significantly higher in the butter period than in the olive oil and run-in periods (P < 0.0001). Moderate intake of butter resulted in increases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared with the effects of olive oil intake and a habitual diet (run-in period). Furthermore, moderate butter intake was also followed by an increase in HDL cholesterol compared with the habitual diet. We conclude that hypercholesterolemic people should keep their consumption of butter to a minimum, whereas moderate butter intake may be considered part of the diet in the normocholesterolemic population. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Analyzing and Identifying Teens' Stressful Periods and Stressor Events From a Microblog.

PubMed

Li, Qi; Xue, Yuanyuan; Zhao, Liang; Jia, Jia; Feng, Ling

2017-09-01

Increased health problems among adolescents caused by psychological stress have aroused worldwide attention. Long-standing stress without targeted assistance and guidance negatively impacts the healthy growth of adolescents, threatening the future development of our society. So far, research focused on detecting adolescent psychological stress revealed from each individual post on microblogs. However, beyond stressful moments, identifying teens' stressful periods and stressor events that trigger each stressful period is more desirable to understand the stress from appearance to essence. In this paper, we define the problem of identifying teens' stressful periods and stressor events from the open social media microblog. Starting from a case study of adolescents' posting behaviors during stressful school events, we build a Poisson-based probability model for the correlation between stressor events and stressful posting behaviors through a series of posts on Tencent Weibo (referred to as the microblog throughout the paper). With the model, we discover teens' maximal stressful periods and further extract details of possible stressor events that cause the stressful periods. We generalize and present the extracted stressor events in a hierarchy based on common stress dimensions and event types. Taking 122 scheduled stressful study-related events in a high school as the ground truth, we test the approach on 124 students' posts from January 1, 2012 to February 1, 2015 and obtain some promising experimental results: (stressful periods: recall 0.761, precision 0.737, and F 1 -measure 0.734) and (top-3 stressor events: recall 0.763, precision 0.756, and F 1 -measure 0.759). The most prominent stressor events extracted are in the self-cognition domain, followed by the school life domain. This conforms to the adolescent psychological investigation result that problems in school life usually accompanied with teens' inner cognition problems. Compared with the state-of-the-art top-1 personal life event detection approach, our stressor event detection method is 13.72% higher in precision, 19.18% higher in recall, and 16.50% higher in F 1 -measure, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed framework.

Measurement and modeling of diel variability of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and chlordanes in air.

PubMed

Moeckel, Claudia; Macleod, Matthew; Hungerbühler, Konrad; Jones, Kevin C

2008-05-01

Short-term variability of concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chlordanes in air at a semirural site in England over a 5 day period is reported. Four-hour air samples were collected during a period dominated by a high pressure system that produced stable diel (24-h) patterns of meteorological conditions such as temperature and atmospheric boundary layer height. PBDE and chlordane concentrations showed clear diel variability with concentrations in the afternoon and evening being 1.9 - 2.7 times higher than in the early morning. The measurements are interpreted using a multimedia mass balance model parametrized with forcing functions representing local temperature, atmospheric boundary layer height, wind speed and hydroxyl radical concentrations. Model results indicate that reversible, temperature-controlled air-surface exchange is the primary driver of the diel concentration pattern observed for chlordanes and PBDE 28. For higher brominated PBDE congeners (47, 99 and 100), the effect of variable atmospheric mixing height in combination with irreversible deposition on aerosol particles is dominant and explains the diel patterns almost entirely. Higher concentrations of chlordanes and PBDEs in air observed at the end of the study period could be related to likely source areas using back trajectory analysis. This is the first study to clearly document diel variability in concentrations of PBDEs in air over a period of several days. Our model analysis indicates that high daytime and low nighttime concentrations of semivolatile organic chemicals can arise from different underlying driving processes, and are not necessarily evidence of reversible air-surface exchange on a 24-h time scale.

Are people who have a better smell sense, more affected from satiation?

PubMed

Ulusoy, Seckin; Dinc, Mehmet Emre; Dalgic, Abdullah; Topak, Murat; Dizdar, Denizhan; İs, Abdulhalim

The olfactory system is affected by the nutritional balance and chemical state of the body, serving as an internal sensor. All bodily functions are affected by energy loss, including olfaction; hunger can alter odour perception. In this study, we investigated the effect of fasting on olfactory perception in humans, and also assessed perceptual changes during satiation. The "Sniffin' Sticks" olfactory test was applied after 16h of fasting, and again at least 1h after Ramadan supper during periods of satiation. All participants were informed about the study procedure and provided informed consent. The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee of Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Education and Research Hospital (09/07/2014 no: 60). The study was conducted in accordance with the basic principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. This prospective study included 48 subjects (20 males, 28 females) with a mean age of 33.6±9.7 (range 20-72) years; their mean height was 169.1±7.6 (range 150.0-185.0)cm, mean weight was 71.2±17.6 (range 50.0-85.0)kg, and average BMI was 24.8±5.3 (range 19.5-55.9). Scores were higher on all items pertaining to olfactory identification, thresholds and discrimination during fasting vs. satiation (p<0.05). Identification (I) results: Identification scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median=14.0) vs. satiation period (median=13.0). Threshold (T) results: Threshold scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median=7.3) vs. satiation period (median=6.2). Discrimination (D) results: Discrimination scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median=14.0) vs. satiation period (median=13.0). The total TDI scores were 35.2 (fasting) vs. 32.6 (satiation). When we compared fasting threshold value of >9 and ≤9, the gap between the fasting and satiety thresholds was significantly greater in >9 (p<0.05). Olfactory function improved during fasting and declined during satiation. The olfactory system is more sensitive, and more reactive to odours, under starvation conditions, and is characterised by reduced activity during satiation. This situation was more pronounced in patients with a better sense of smell. Olfaction-related neurotransmitters should be the target of further study. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Breeding period in the mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata (Decapoda: Grapsidae) in Northeast Brazil.

PubMed

de Lira, José Jonathas Pereira Rodrigues; Calado, Tereza Cristina dos Santos; de Araújo, Marina de Sá Leitão Câmara

2013-03-01

The brachyuran crabs are iteroparous species which present a high diversification of reproduction patterns, which may have evolved as a species-specific response to environmental conditions. Tropical species commonly present a year-round reproduction due to stable environment conditions. Goniopsis cruentata is a crab species widely distributed along the Western Atlantic, inhabiting practically every microhabitat in the mangrove ecosystem. The aim of the present study is to determine the breeding period of the crab Goniopsis cruentata in Northeastern Brazil and also to evaluate the influence of water salinity, rainfall and air and water temperature on it. A total of 71 ovigerous females, captured from August-2007 to July-2008, were used to assess the breeding period of this species. It was analyzed by the monthly proportion of ovigerous females. A correlation was applied to verify the influence of the abiotic factors on the breeding period. The present population bred seasonal-continuously with peaks in the dry period, which was not associated with monthly variations of salinity, rainfall and air and water temperatures. Therefore, according to statistical analyses, our hypothesis was refuted. However, breeding was intensified in the dry period, when salinity and temperatures were higher and rainfall was lower. We conclude that, even though breeding is not related to monthly variation of environmental factors, it occurs in periods of higher salinity and temperatures and lower rainfall.

RN Job Satisfaction and Retention After an Interprofessional Team Intervention.

PubMed

Baik, Dawon; Zierler, Brenda

2018-04-01

Despite continuing interest in interprofessional teamwork to improve nurse outcomes and quality of care, there is little research that focuses on nurse job satisfaction and retention after an interprofessional team intervention. This study explored registered nurse (RN) job satisfaction and retention after a purposeful interprofessional team training and structured interprofessional bedside rounds were implemented. As part of a larger study, in this comparative cross-sectional study, pre- and post-intervention data on RN job satisfaction and turnover rate were collected and analyzed. It was found that RNs had significantly higher job satisfaction after the interprofessional team intervention. The 6-month period turnover rate in the post-intervention period was slightly lower than the 6-month period turnover rate in pre-intervention period; however, the rate was too low to provide statistical evidence. Ongoing coaching and supportive work environments to improve RN outcomes should be considered to enhance quality of care and patient safety in healthcare.

Vocabulary Learning Strategies of Japanese Life Science Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Little, Andrea; Kobayashi, Kaoru

2015-01-01

This study investigates vocabulary learning strategy (VLS) preferences of lower and higher proficiency Japanese university science students studying English as a foreign language. The study was conducted over a 9-week period as the participants received supplemental explicit VLS instruction on six strategies. The 38 participants (14 males and 24…

Incidence and cost of depression after occupational injury.

PubMed

Asfaw, Abay; Souza, Kerry

2012-09-01

We examined if injured workers were more likely than noninjured workers to be treated for depression after an occupational injury and estimated the cost paid by group medical insurance. Nearly 367,900 injured and noninjured workers were drawn from the 2005 Thomson Reuters MarketScan data. Descriptive, logistic, and two-part model regression analyses were used. The odds of injured workers being treated for depression within the study period were 45% higher than those of noninjured workers (95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.78). The unconditional average cost of outpatient depression treatment was 63% higher for injured workers than for noninjured workers. Injured workers were more likely than noninjured workers to suffer from depression during the study period. Consequently, additional costs are incurred for treating injured workers' depression; these costs were not covered by the workers' compensation system.

Breast-feeding and maternal cardiovascular function.

PubMed

Mezzacappa, E S; Kelsey, R M; Myers, M M; Katkin, E S

2001-11-01

Two studies examined the effects of breast-feeding on maternal cardiovascular function. In the first experiment, groups of breast-feeding and bottle-feeding women were compared on preejection period (PEP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) recorded for 1-min periods before and during standard laboratory stressors. Compared with bottle-feeders, breast-feeders had higher CO throughout the session, and greater decreases in CO and increases in TPR during cold pressor. In the second experiment, HR and blood pressure (BP) were compared before and after one breast-feeding and one bottle-feeding session in a within-subjects design. Both feeding methods increased BP but decreased HR, and systolic BP was higher for the breast-feeding than the bottle-feeding condition. Both studies support the notion that breast-feeding alters maternal cardiovascular function, possibly through the actions of oxytocin.

Effect of elicitors on the evolution of grape phenolic compounds during the ripening period.

PubMed

Gómez-Plaza, Encarna; Bautista-Ortín, Ana B; Ruiz-García, Yolanda; Fernández-Fernández, José I; Gil-Muñoz, Rocío

2017-02-01

The effect of the application of benzothiadiazole (BTH) and methyl jasmonate (MeJ) at veraison on the phenolic composition of grapes from three varieties (Monastrell, Syrah and Merlot) was studied during the ripening period, using HPLC techniques to measure flavonols, anthocyanins and tannins. The effects of the treatments differed in the three varieties, and the maximum concentration of phenolic compounds was not always reached at the end of the ripening period but some days before harvest. At the end of ripening both treated Syrah grapes only differed from control grapes in the flavonol concentration, whereas MeJ-treated Merlot grapes presented higher anthocyanin and skin tannin contents than the control and BTH-treated grapes. Only the anthocyanin content was significantly higher in treated Monastrell grapes at the moment of harvest. The results indicate that the moment of elicitor treatment should be more studied since differences between treated and control grapes were, in general greater several days before harvest in all three varieties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Water chemistry and its effects on the physiology and survival of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Liebich, T.; McCormick, S.D.; Kircheis, D.; Johnson, Kevin; Regal, R.; Hrabik, T.

2011-01-01

The physiological effects of episodic pH fluctuations on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts in eastern Maine, U.S.A., were investigated. During this study, S. salar smolts were exposed to ambient stream-water chemistry conditions at nine sites in four catchments for 3 and 6 day intervals during the spring S. salar smolt migration period. Plasma chloride, plasma glucose, gill aluminium and gill Na+- and K+-ATPase levels in S. salar smolts were assessed in relation to ambient stream-water chemistry during this migration period. Changes in both plasma chloride and plasma glucose levels of S. salar smolts were strongly correlated with stream pH, and S. salar smolt mortality occurred in one study site with ambient stream pH between 5??6 and 5??8 during the study period. The findings from this study suggest that physiological effects on S. salar smolts are strongly correlated with stream pH and that in rivers and streams with low dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations the threshold for physiological effects and mortality probably occurs at a higher pH and shorter exposure period than in rivers with higher DOC. Additionally, whenever an acidification event in which pH drops below 5??9 coincides with S. salar smolt migration in eastern Maine rivers, there is potential for a significant reduction in plasma ions of S. salar smolts. ?? 2011 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Understanding exercise self-efficacy and barriers to leisure-time physical activity among postnatal women.

PubMed

Cramp, Anita G; Bray, Steven R

2011-07-01

Studies have demonstrated that postnatal women are at high risk for physical inactivity and generally show lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) compared to prepregnancy. The overall purpose of the current study was to investigate social cognitive correlates of LTPA among postnatal women during a 6-month period following childbirth. A total of 230 women (mean age = 30.9) provided descriptive data regarding barriers to LTPA and completed measures of LTPA and self-efficacy (exercise and barrier) for at least one of the study data collection periods. A total of 1,520 barriers were content analyzed. Both exercise and barrier self-efficacy were positively associated with subsequent LTPA. Exercise self-efficacy at postnatal week 12 predicted LTPA from postnatal weeks 12 to 18 (β = .40, R (2) = .18) and exercise self-efficacy at postnatal week 24 predicted LTPA during weeks 24-30 (β = .49, R (2) = .30). Barrier self-efficacy at week 18 predicted LTPA from weeks 18 to 24 (β = .33, R (2) = .13). The results of the study identify a number of barriers to LTPA at multiple time points closely following childbirth which may hinder initiation, resumption or maintenance of LTPA. The results also suggest that higher levels of exercise and barrier self-efficacy are prospectively associated with higher levels of LTPA in the early postnatal period. Future interventions should be designed to investigate causal effects of developing participants' exercise and barrier self-efficacy for promoting and maintaining LTPA during the postnatal period.

Intracranial Pressure Increases During Rewarming Period After Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia in Postcardiac Arrest Patients.

PubMed

Naito, Hiromichi; Isotani, Eiji; Callaway, Clifton W; Hagioka, Shingo; Morimoto, Naoki

2016-12-01

Elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) may worsen brain injury and neurological outcome. Studies on the use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for traumatic brain injury suggests that rapid rewarming from TH is associated with elevated ICP and poorer outcomes. However, few studies describe the time course of ICP changes during TH/rewarming after cardiac arrest (CA). In this study, we observed the changes in ICP during mild TH and rewarming after CA. Secondarily, we examined whether ICP is related to outcome. We studied comatose patients resuscitated from CA, who were treated with TH and who had ICP monitored. Target core temperature was 34°C for 24 h and target rewarming rate was 0.25°C/h. ICP and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were monitored during the period. Outcome was rated as cerebral performance category. In nine patients, ICP increased during TH and rewarming (6.0 [4.0-9.0] mmHg to 16.0 [12.0-26.0] mmHg, p = 0.008). CPP did not change during the period (83.3 [80.1-91.0] mmHg to 74.3 [52.0-87.3] mmHg). Higher ICP was associated with worse outcomes (p = 0.009). All the cases with ICP >25 mmHg or CPP <40 mmHg died. Major ICP increment was observed during the rewarming period, although, some increase of ICP occurred even during the mild TH. ICP increment was higher in patients with worse outcomes.

Effects of Temperature on Sound Production and Auditory Abilities in the Striped Raphael Catfish Platydoras armatulus (Family Doradidae)

PubMed Central

Papes, Sandra; Ladich, Friedrich

2011-01-01

Background Sound production and hearing sensitivity of ectothermic animals are affected by the ambient temperature. This is the first study investigating the influence of temperature on both sound production and on hearing abilities in a fish species, namely the neotropical Striped Raphael catfish Platydoras armatulus. Methodology/Principal Findings Doradid catfishes produce stridulation sounds by rubbing the pectoral spines in the shoulder girdle and drumming sounds by an elastic spring mechanism which vibrates the swimbladder. Eight fish were acclimated for at least three weeks to 22°, then to 30° and again to 22°C. Sounds were recorded in distress situations when fish were hand-held. The stridulation sounds became shorter at the higher temperature, whereas pulse number, maximum pulse period and sound pressure level did not change with temperature. The dominant frequency increased when the temperature was raised to 30°C and the minimum pulse period became longer when the temperature decreased again. The fundamental frequency of drumming sounds increased at the higher temperature. Using the auditory evoked potential (AEP) recording technique, the hearing thresholds were tested at six different frequencies from 0.1 to 4 kHz. The temporal resolution was determined by analyzing the minimum resolvable click period (0.3–5 ms). The hearing sensitivity was higher at the higher temperature and differences were more pronounced at higher frequencies. In general, latencies of AEPs in response to single clicks became shorter at the higher temperature, whereas temporal resolution in response to double-clicks did not change. Conclusions/Significance These data indicate that sound characteristics as well as hearing abilities are affected by temperatures in fishes. Constraints imposed on hearing sensitivity at different temperatures cannot be compensated even by longer acclimation periods. These changes in sound production and detection suggest that acoustic orientation and communication are affected by temperature changes in the neotropical catfish P. armatulus. PMID:22022618

Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in amenable mortality in urban areas of Spanish cities, 1996–2007

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background While research continues into indicators such as preventable and amenable mortality in order to evaluate quality, access, and equity in the healthcare, it is also necessary to continue identifying the areas of greatest risk owing to these causes of death in urban areas of large cities, where a large part of the population is concentrated, in order to carry out specific actions and reduce inequalities in mortality. This study describes inequalities in amenable mortality in relation to socioeconomic status in small urban areas, and analyses their evolution over the course of the periods 1996–99, 2000–2003 and 2004–2007 in three major cities in the Spanish Mediterranean coast (Alicante, Castellón, and Valencia). Methods All deaths attributed to amenable causes were analysed among non-institutionalised residents in the three cities studied over the course of the study periods. Census tracts for the cities were grouped into 3 socioeconomic status levels, from higher to lower levels of deprivation, using 5 indicators obtained from the 2001 Spanish Population Census. For each city, the relative risks of death were estimated between socioeconomic status levels using Poisson’s Regression models, adjusted for age and study period, and distinguishing between genders. Results Amenable mortality contributes significantly to general mortality (around 10%, higher among men), having decreased over time in the three cities studied for men and women. In the three cities studied, with a high degree of consistency, it has been seen that the risks of mortality are greater in areas of higher deprivation, and that these excesses have not significantly modified over time. Conclusions Although amenable mortality decreases over the time period studied, the socioeconomic inequalities observed are maintained in the three cities. Areas have been identified that display excesses in amenable mortality, potentially attributable to differences in the healthcare system, associated with areas of greater deprivation. Action must be taken in these areas of greater inequality in order to reduce the health inequalities detected. The causes behind socioeconomic inequalities in amenable mortality must be studied in depth. PMID:24690471

Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in amenable mortality in urban areas of Spanish cities, 1996-2007.

PubMed

Nolasco, Andreu; Quesada, José Antonio; Moncho, Joaquín; Melchor, Inmaculada; Pereyra-Zamora, Pamela; Tamayo-Fonseca, Nayara; Martínez-Beneito, Miguel Angel; Zurriaga, Oscar

2014-04-01

While research continues into indicators such as preventable and amenable mortality in order to evaluate quality, access, and equity in the healthcare, it is also necessary to continue identifying the areas of greatest risk owing to these causes of death in urban areas of large cities, where a large part of the population is concentrated, in order to carry out specific actions and reduce inequalities in mortality. This study describes inequalities in amenable mortality in relation to socioeconomic status in small urban areas, and analyses their evolution over the course of the periods 1996-99, 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 in three major cities in the Spanish Mediterranean coast (Alicante, Castellón, and Valencia). All deaths attributed to amenable causes were analysed among non-institutionalised residents in the three cities studied over the course of the study periods. Census tracts for the cities were grouped into 3 socioeconomic status levels, from higher to lower levels of deprivation, using 5 indicators obtained from the 2001 Spanish Population Census. For each city, the relative risks of death were estimated between socioeconomic status levels using Poisson's Regression models, adjusted for age and study period, and distinguishing between genders. Amenable mortality contributes significantly to general mortality (around 10%, higher among men), having decreased over time in the three cities studied for men and women. In the three cities studied, with a high degree of consistency, it has been seen that the risks of mortality are greater in areas of higher deprivation, and that these excesses have not significantly modified over time. Although amenable mortality decreases over the time period studied, the socioeconomic inequalities observed are maintained in the three cities. Areas have been identified that display excesses in amenable mortality, potentially attributable to differences in the healthcare system, associated with areas of greater deprivation. Action must be taken in these areas of greater inequality in order to reduce the health inequalities detected. The causes behind socioeconomic inequalities in amenable mortality must be studied in depth.

Approaches to stream solute load estimation for solutes with varying dynamics from five diverse small watershed

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aulenbach, Brent T.; Burns, Douglas A.; Shanley, James B.; Yanai, Ruth D.; Bae, Kikang; Wild, Adam; Yang, Yang; Yi, Dong

2016-01-01

Estimating streamwater solute loads is a central objective of many water-quality monitoring and research studies, as loads are used to compare with atmospheric inputs, to infer biogeochemical processes, and to assess whether water quality is improving or degrading. In this study, we evaluate loads and associated errors to determine the best load estimation technique among three methods (a period-weighted approach, the regression-model method, and the composite method) based on a solute's concentration dynamics and sampling frequency. We evaluated a broad range of varying concentration dynamics with stream flow and season using four dissolved solutes (sulfate, silica, nitrate, and dissolved organic carbon) at five diverse small watersheds (Sleepers River Research Watershed, VT; Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH; Biscuit Brook Watershed, NY; Panola Mountain Research Watershed, GA; and Río Mameyes Watershed, PR) with fairly high-frequency sampling during a 10- to 11-yr period. Data sets with three different sampling frequencies were derived from the full data set at each site (weekly plus storm/snowmelt events, weekly, and monthly) and errors in loads were assessed for the study period, annually, and monthly. For solutes that had a moderate to strong concentration–discharge relation, the composite method performed best, unless the autocorrelation of the model residuals was <0.2, in which case the regression-model method was most appropriate. For solutes that had a nonexistent or weak concentration–discharge relation (modelR2 < about 0.3), the period-weighted approach was most appropriate. The lowest errors in loads were achieved for solutes with the strongest concentration–discharge relations. Sample and regression model diagnostics could be used to approximate overall accuracies and annual precisions. For the period-weighed approach, errors were lower when the variance in concentrations was lower, the degree of autocorrelation in the concentrations was higher, and sampling frequency was higher. The period-weighted approach was most sensitive to sampling frequency. For the regression-model and composite methods, errors were lower when the variance in model residuals was lower. For the composite method, errors were lower when the autocorrelation in the residuals was higher. Guidelines to determine the best load estimation method based on solute concentration–discharge dynamics and diagnostics are presented, and should be applicable to other studies.

Estimation of DMFT, Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Count, Flow Rate, Ph, and Salivary Total Calcium Content in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Kamate, Wasim Ismail; Vibhute, Nupura Aniket; Baad, Rajendra Krishna

2017-04-01

Pregnancy, a period from conception till birth, causes changes in the functioning of the human body as a whole and specifically in the oral cavity that may favour the emergence of dental caries. Many studies have shown pregnant women at increased risk for dental caries, however, specific salivary caries risk factors and the particular period of pregnancy at heightened risk for dental caries are yet to be explored and give a scope of further research in this area. The aim of the present study was to assess the severity of dental caries in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women by evaluating parameters like Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, salivary Streptococcus mutans count, flow rate, pH and total calcium content. A total of 50 first time pregnant women in the first trimester were followed during their second trimester, third trimester and postpartum period for the evaluation of DMFT by World Health Organization (WHO) scoring criteria, salivary flow rate by drooling method, salivary pH by pH meter, salivary total calcium content by bioassay test kit and salivary Streptococcus mutans count by semiautomatic counting of colonies grown on Mitis Salivarius (MS) agar supplemented by 0.2U/ml of bacitracin and 10% sucrose. The observations of pregnant women were then compared with same parameters evaluated in the 50 non-pregnant women. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed to assess the association between the study parameters. Evaluation of different caries risk factors between pregnant and non-pregnant women clearly showed that pregnant women were at a higher risk for dental caries. Comparison of caries risk parameters during the three trimesters and postpartum period showed that the salivary Streptococcus mutans count had significantly increased in the second trimester , third trimester and postpartum period while the mean pH and mean salivary total calcium content decreased in the third trimester and postpartum period. These changes reflected on the DMFT score which increased in the third trimester and postpartum period. The results of this study suggest that there is a definite correlation between pregnancy and dental caries. We conclude that the third trimester and postpartum period of pregnancy are the periods during which the pregnant women are at a higher risk for development of dental caries.

Final Report for Contract N00014-89-J-1967 for the Time Period from 1 May 1989 to 31 December 1990 (Texas Univ. at Austin. Applied Research Labs.)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-23

in this section. In our investigation of higher order processing methods for remote acoustic sensing we sought to understand the principles of laser...magnitude less than those presently detected in laboratory measurements. An initial study of several potential higher order processing techniques was...incoherent. The use of higher order processing methods to provide some level of discrimination against noise thus appears tractable. Finally, the effects

Characterization of erosion of metallic materials under cavitation attack in a mineral oil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, B. C. S.; Buckley, D. H.

1985-01-01

Cavitation erosion and erosion rates of eight metallic materials representing three crystal structures were studied. The erosion experiments were conducted with a 20-kHz ultrasonic magnetostrictive oscillator in a viscous mineral oil. The erosion rates of the metals with an fcc matrix were 10 to 100 times higher than that of an hop-matrix titanium alloy. The erosion rates of iron and molybdenum, with bcc matrices, were higher than that of the titanium alloy but lower than those of those of the fcc materials. Studies with scanning electron microscopy indicated that the cavitation pits were initially formed at the grain boundaries and precipitates and that the pits formed at the junction of grain boundaries grew faster than the others. Transcrystalline craters formed by cavitation attack over the surface of grains and roughened the surfaces by multiple slip and twinning. Surface roughness measurements showed that the pits that formed over the grain boundaries deepened faster than pits. Computer analysis revealed that a geometric expression describes the nondimensional erosion curves during the time period 0.5 t (sub 0) t 2.5 t (sub 0), where t (sub 0) is the incubation period. The fcc metals had very short incubation periods; the titanium alloy had the longest incubation period.

Effects of clinically relevant doses of methyphenidate on spatial memory, behavioral sensitization and open field habituation: a time related study.

PubMed

Haleem, Darakhshan Jabeen; Inam, Qurrat-ul-Aen; Haleem, Muhammad Abdul

2015-03-15

The psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPD) is a first-line drug for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite acceptable therapeutic efficacy, there is limited data regarding the long-term consequences of MPD exposure over extended periods. The present study concerns effects of clinically relevant doses of MPD, administered orally to rats for an extended period, on spatial memory, behavioral sensitization and habituation to an open field. Water maze test was used to monitor memory acquisition (2 h after training), retention (day next to training), extinction (1 week after training) and reconsolidation (weekly for 4 weeks). Administration of MPD at doses of 0.25-1.0 mg/kg improved memory acquisition, retention, reconsolidation and impaired memory extinction. Treatment with 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg MPD for 6 weeks produced a sustained increase in motor activity but higher dose (1.0 mg/kg) elicited behavioral sensitization. High as well as low doses MPD impaired open field habituation. We conclude that clinically relevant doses of MPD enhance memory even if used for extended period. It is suggested that higher (1.0 mg/kg) clinically relevant doses of MPD, if used for extended period, may exacerbate hyperactivity and impulsivity associated with the disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Habitat use and demography of Mus musculus in a rural landscape of Argentina.

PubMed

León, Vanina A; Fraschina, Jimena; Guidobono, Juan S; Busch, Maria

2013-04-01

The main goal of the paper was to determine the habitat distribution of the house mouse (Mus musculus) within a rural landscape of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. We also studied the seasonal variation in abundance and reproductive activity. The habitats studied were poultry farms, human houses in a small village, cropfields, pastures, cropfield and pasture edges, riparian habitats (streams), railway embankments and woodlots. We captured 817 M. musculus and 690 individuals of 5 native rodent species. M. musculus was captured in poultry farms, houses, riparian habitats, cropfield and borders, but it showed a significantly higher abundance in poultry farms compared to the other habitats. Its presence outside poultry farms was significantly related to the distance to streams and poultry farms. The mean trapping success index of M. musculus did not show significant variations between periods, but the proportion of active males was significantly higher in the spring-summer period than in the autumn-winter period. All captures of M. musculus in cropfields, borders and riparian habitats occurred in the spring-summer period. The capture of M. musculus in many types of habitats suggests that it can disperse outside poultry farms, and streams may be used as corridors. © 2012 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd, ISZS and IOZ/CAS.

Geographical differences in whooping cough in Catalonia, Spain, from 1990 to 2010

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Whooping cough is a communicable disease whose incidence has increased in recent years in some countries with vaccination. Since 1981, in Catalonia (Spain), cases must be reported to the Public Health Department. In 1997, surveillance changed from aggregated counts to individual report and the surveillance system was improved after 2002. Catalan public health is universal with equal coverage geographically. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in whooping cough incidence in rural and urban counties. Methods Cases in 1990–2010 were classified as rural or urban. Incidences and risk ratios (RR) between urban and rural counties and 95% CI were calculated. Associations between rural and urban counties and structural changes during the study period were analysed. Results Twelve years of the whole study period showed differences in incidence between rural and urban counties. The incidence was higher in urban counties in seven years and rural counties in five years. There was a positive association of whooping cough incidence in rural and urban counties in four-week periods. Structural changes were detected in the following four-week periods: 4th in 1993, 7th in 1996 and 3rd 2005 in rural counties and 5th 1993, 9th in 1996 and 8th in 2007 in urban counties. Conclusions Differences in whooping cough between rural and urban counties were found. In most years, the incidence was higher in urban than in rural counties. Rural and urban counties show similar cyclic behaviour when four-week periods were considered. PMID:24649975

Use of antimüllerian hormone to predict the menopausal transition in HIV-infected women

PubMed Central

Scherzer, Rebecca; Greenblatt, Ruth M.; Merhi, Zaher O.; Kassaye, Seble; Lambert-Messerlian, Geralyn; Maki, Pauline M.; Murphy, Kerry; Karim, Roksana; Bacchetti, Peter

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND HIV infection has been associated with early menopausal onset, which may have adverse long-term health consequences. Antimüllerian hormone, a biomarker of ovarian reserve and gonadal aging, is reduced in HIV-infected women. OBJECTIVE We sought to assess the relationship of antimüllerian hormone to age of menopause onset in HIV-infected women. STUDY DESIGN We used antimüllerian hormone levels measured in plasma in 2461 HIV-infected participants from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study to model the age at final menstrual period. Multivariable normal mixture models for censored data were used to identify factors associated with age at final menstrual period. RESULTS Higher antimüllerian hormone at age 40 years was associated with later age at final menstrual period, even after multivariable adjustment for smoking, CD4 cell count, plasma HIV RNA, hepatitis C infection, and history of clinical AIDS. Each doubling of antimüllerian hormone was associated with a 1.5-year increase in the age at final menstrual period. Median age at final menstrual period ranged from 45 years for those in the 10th percentile of antimüllerian hormone to 52 years for those in the 90th percentile. Other factors independently associated with earlier age at final menstrual period included smoking, hepatitis C infection, higher HIV RNA levels, and history of clinical AIDS. CONCLUSION Antimüllerian hormone is highly predictive of age at final menstrual period in HIV-infected women. Measuring antimüllerian hormone in HIV-infected women may enable clinicians to predict risk of early menopause, and potentially implement individualized treatment plans to prevent menopause-related comorbidities and to aid in interpretation of symptoms. PMID:27473002

Effect of effervescent paracetamol on blood pressure: a crossover randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Benitez-Camps, Mència; Morros Padrós, Rosa; Pera-Pujadas, Helena; Dalfó Baqué, Antoni; Bayó Llibre, Joan; Rebagliato Nadal, Oriol; Cortès Martinez, Jordi; García Sangenís, Anna; Roca Saumell, Carme; Coll de Tuero, Gabriel; Vinyoles-Bargalló, Ernest

2018-03-22

To evaluate the effect of effervescent paracetamol on office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) compared with noneffervescent paracetamol in hypertensive patients. This was a multicenter open crossover randomized clinical trial. Primary care centers in Catalonia and the Basque Country. Inclusion criteria were office BP 150/95 mmHg or less and daytime ambulatory BP 140/90 mmHg or less, stable pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic antihypertensive treatment, and concomitant chronic osteoarticular pain. Baseline randomized assignment to 3-week periods of effervescent paracetamol (1 g three times a day) first and noneffervescent paracetamol later, or inversely, during a 7-week study period. At the start and end of each treatment period, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring was performed. Differences in 24-h SBP between baseline and end of both treatment periods. The main analyses were performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. In intention-to-treat analysis, 46 patients were analyzed, 21 were treated with paracetamol effervescent and noneffervescent later, and 25 followed the opposite sequence. The difference in 24-h SBP between the two treatments was 3.99 mmHg (95% confidence interval 1.35-6.63; P = 0.004), higher in the effervescent paracetamol treatment period. Similarly, the per-protocol analysis showed a difference in 24-h SBP between the two groups of 5.04 mmHg (95% confidence interval 1.80-8.28; P = 0.004), higher in the effervescent paracetamol treatment period. Self-reported pain levels did not differ between groups and did not vary by treatment period. No serious adverse events were reported in either study arm. Effervescent paracetamol tablets are responsible for a significant daytime and overall increase in ambulatory 24-h SBP. NCT: 02514538 EudraCT: 2010-023485-53.

Spatial comparability of drought characteristics and related return periods in mainland China over 1961-2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayantobo, Olusola O.; Li, Yi; Song, Songbai; Yao, Ning

2017-07-01

The proper understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of multi-year droughts and return periods is important for drought risk assessment. This study evaluated and compared the spatiotemporal variations of drought characteristics and return periods within mainland China between 1961 and 2013. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Composite Index (CI) were calculated at multiple timescales, the run theory was used for objective identification and characterization of drought events while Kendall's τ method was used to analyze their dependencies. Within the univariate framework, marginal distributions of duration, severity, and peak were derived by fitting Exponential, Weibull and GDP distributions respectively and the drought return periods was investigated and mapped. Comparison of drought indices showed that SPEI and CI performed better than SPI in delineating spatial patterns of drought characteristics. This might be attributed to the temperature effect on evapotranspiration and therefore on drought index. Considering the increasing trend in reference evapotranspiration in the 21st century, the importance of utilizing temperature-based drought index is imperative. Severe and extreme droughts occurred in the late 1990s in many places in China while persistent multi-year severe droughts occurred more frequently over North China, Northeast China, Northwest China and Southwest China. The spatial patterns showed that regions characterized by higher drought severity were associated with higher drought duration. The North China, Northwest China, and Southwest China had much longer drought durations during the 1990s and 2000s. As droughts normally cover large areas, regional drought return periods has been showed to be more effective in providing support for drought management than station based drought return periods. Studies on the spatial comparability of drought return periods across mainland China have therefore been undertaken for drought mitigation and effective utilization of water resources.

Effect of Calcium β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (CaHMB), Vitamin D, and Protein Supplementation on Postoperative Immobilization in Malnourished Older Adult Patients With Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Ekinci, Osman; Yanık, Serhat; Terzioğlu Bebitoğlu, Berna; Yılmaz Akyüz, Elvan; Dokuyucu, Ayfer; Erdem, Şevki

2016-12-01

Nutrition support in orthopedic patients with malnutrition shortens the immobilization period. The efficacy of calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (CaHMB), vitamin D, and protein intake on bone structure is studied and well known; however, there is no evidence supporting the effect of combined use in orthopedic conditions. We investigated the effects of CaHMB, vitamin D, and protein supplementation on wound healing, immobilization period, muscle strength, and laboratory parameters. This randomized controlled study included 75 older female patients with a hip fracture admitted to orthopedic clinics. The control group received standard postoperative nutrition. The study group received an enteral product containing 3 g CaHMB, 1000 IU vitamin D, and 36 g protein, in addition to standard postoperative nutrition. Anthropometric, laboratory, wound-healing, immobilization period, and muscle strength assessments were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative days 15 and 30. Wound-healing period was significantly shorter in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group than in the control group ( P < .05). The number of patients in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group who were mobile on days 15 and 30 (81.3%) was significantly higher than patients in the control group, who were mobile on days 15 and 30 (26.7%) ( P = .001). Muscle strength on day 30 was significantly higher in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group vs the control group. Nutrition of elderly patients with a CaHMB/vitamin D/protein combination led to acceleration of wound healing, shortening of immobilization period, and increased muscle strength without changing body mass index. It also reduced dependence to bed and related complications after an orthopedic operation.

Cancer incidence in people living with HIV/AIDS in Israel, 1981-2010.

PubMed

Zohar, Mor; Micha, Barchana

2015-09-01

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improved the survival of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and decreased HIV-related morbidities. This study assesses the cancer incidence of all adult PLWHA in Israel by transmission routes before and after 1996. This cohort study was based on cross-matching the National HIV/AIDS and Cancer Registries of all HIV/AIDS and cancer cases reported from 1981 to 2010 with the National civil census. PLWHA were followed-up until cancer diagnosis, death, leaving Israel, or 2010, whichever occurred first. Cancer incidence was adjusted for age, and compared with the National incidence. Of all 5,154 PLWHA followed-up for 36,296 person-years, 362 (7.0%) developed cancer (997.4 cases per 100,000 person-years). Higher hazard ratios to develop cancer were demonstrated among older PLWHA, Jewish people, and intravenous drug users. Cancer incidence among PLWHA was higher in the pre-ART period than after 1997 (1,232.0 and 846.7 cases per 100,000 person-years, respectively). The incidence of AIDS-defining cancers was higher than non-AIDS-defining malignancies, and higher in the pre-ART than the post-ART period (777.0 and 467.2 cases per 100,000 person-years, respectively), while the incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers showed the opposite trend (376.5 and 455.0 cases per 100,000 person-years, respectively). The incidence of AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining cancers declined between the pre-ART and the post-ART period by 2.0 to 3.4 times. PLWHA had higher rates of malignancies than the general population. In conclusion, cancer incidence among PLWHA was associated with age, and declined after ART introduction; yet it was higher than that of the general population. PLWHA may benefit from age-related cancer screening, increased adherence to ART, and reduction of environmental oncogenes.

Different values of urinary fractionated metanephrines after unilateral adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma according to time intervals after surgery.

PubMed

Cho, Yoon Y; Kim, Young N; Kim, Jung-Han; Jeong, Byong C; Lee, Soo-Youn; Kim, Jae H

2017-01-01

Background After adrenalectomy, urinary fractionated metanephrine concentrations are expected to be reduced. However, there are few studies suggesting cut-offs for adrenalectomy patients. Methods Urinary metanephrine and normetanephrine concentrations in adrenalectomy patients and two controls were compared and hormonal concentrations were evaluated via time intervals after surgery. Results The median urinary metanephrine level after unilateral adrenalectomy was lower than that of the non-pheochromocytoma controls but comparable to healthy controls. Urinary normetanephrine concentrations did not differ between adrenalectomy patients and non-pheochromocytoma controls, although both group had levels higher than those of healthy controls. The median urinary normetanephrine level in the immediate postoperative period was higher than in the later period. Conclusions Urinary metanephrine concentrations were lower after adrenalectomy, but urinary normetanephrine concentrations were not changed compared with the non-pheochromocytoma controls. However, urinary normetanephrine concentrations in the patient group were higher than levels in the heathy controls.

Chief Nursing Officer Survey: BSN and Higher Degree Initiatives in North Carolina.

PubMed

Schuler, Mary E; Polly Johnson, Mary P; Stallings, Karen D; Li, Yin

The purpose of this study was to determine gap areas where North Carolina should implement strategies to promote the Institute of Medicine's recommendation of an 80 percent bachelor of science workforce. The North Carolina Action Coalition sought information about the nursing BSN and higher degree workforce and about human resource policies/strategies that promote BSN and higher degree education. An electronic survey was used to query 120 acute care hospital chief nursing officers over a four-year period and 100 public health chief nursing officers over a two-year period. A majority of acute care and a minority of public health institutions had policies promoting BSN education. Barriers included lack of tuition reimbursement, scheduling/staffing issues, lack of local universities, and a perceived lack of value for nurses. A minority of respondents reported an 80 percent BSN workforce. Strategies are needed statewide to support nursing academic progression.

The hydrological behaviour of extensive and intensive green roofs in a dry climate.

PubMed

Razzaghmanesh, M; Beecham, S

2014-11-15

This paper presents the results of a hydrological investigation of four medium scale green roofs that were set up at the University of South Australia. In this study, the potential of green roofs as a source control device was investigated over a 2 year period using four medium size green roof beds comprised of two growth media types and two media depths. During the term of this study, 226 rainfall events were recorded and these were representative of the Adelaide climate. In general, there were no statistically significant differences between the rainfall and runoff parameters for the intensive and extensive beds except for peak attenuation and peak runoff delay, for which higher values were recorded in the intensive beds. Longer dry periods generally resulted in higher retention coefficients and higher retention was also recorded in warmer seasons. The average retention coefficient for intensive systems (89%) was higher than for extensive systems (74%). It was shown that rainfall depth, intensity, duration and also average dry weather period between events can change the retention performance and runoff volume of the green roofs. Comparison of green and simulated conventional roofs indicated that the former were able to mitigate the peak of runoff and could delay the start of runoff. These characteristics are important for most source control measures. The recorded rainfall and runoff data displayed a non-linear relationship. Also, the results indicated that continuous time series modelling would be a more appropriate technique than using peak rainfall intensity methods for green roof design and simulation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Menu-engineering in restaurants - adapting portion sizes on plates to enhance vegetable consumption: a real-life experiment.

PubMed

Reinders, Machiel J; Huitink, Marlijn; Dijkstra, S Coosje; Maaskant, Anna J; Heijnen, Joris

2017-12-25

The aim of this research was to investigate whether increased portion sizes of vegetables and decreased portion sizes of meat on main dishes increased the amount of vegetables consumed in a real-life restaurant setting without affecting customer satisfaction. The participants were unaware of the experiment. A cross-over design was used in which three restaurants were randomly assigned to a sequence of an intervention and control condition. In the intervention period, the vegetable portion sizes on the plates of main dishes were doubled (150 g of vegetables instead of 75 g) and the portion sizes of meat on the plates were reduced by an average of 12.5%. In the control period, the portion sizes of the main dishes were maintained as usual. In total, 1006 observations and questionnaires were included. Vegetable consumption from plates was significantly higher during the intervention period (M = 115.5 g) than during the control period (M = 61.7 g). Similarly, total vegetable consumption (including side dishes) was significantly higher during the intervention period (M = 178.0 g) than during the control period (M = 137.0 g). Conversely, meat consumption was significantly lower during the intervention period (M = 183.1 g) than during the control period (M = 211.1 g). Satisfaction with the restaurant visit did not differ between the intervention period (M = 1.27) and control period (M = 1.35). Satisfaction with the main dish was significantly lower during the intervention period (M = 1.25) than during the control period (M = 1.38), although in both cases, the scores indicated that participants remained (very) satisfied with their main dish. This study showed that increasing vegetable portions in combination with decreasing meat portions (unknowingly to the consumer) increased the amount of vegetables consumed and decreased the amount of meat consumed. Furthermore, despite the changes in portion sizes, participants remained satisfied with their restaurant visit and main dish. The findings of this study suggest that modifying portion size in restaurants is an effective tool for stimulating vegetable consumption and consequently healthy and sustainable diets.

Regional mortality by socioeconomic factors in Slovakia: a comparison of 15 years of changes.

PubMed

Rosicova, Katarina; Bosakova, Lucia; Madarasova Geckova, Andrea; Rosic, Martin; Andrejkovic, Marek; Žežula, Ivan; Groothoff, Johan W; van Dijk, Jitse P

2016-07-19

Like most Central European countries Slovakia has experienced a period of socioeconomic changes and at the same time a decline in the mortality rate. Therefore, the aim is to study socioeconomic factors that changed over time and simultaneously contributed to regional differences in mortality. The associations between selected socioeconomic indicators and the standardised mortality rate in the population aged 20-64 years in the districts of the Slovak Republic in the periods 1997-1998 and 2012-2013 were analysed using linear regression models. A higher proportion of inhabitants in material need, and among males also lower income, significantly contributed to higher standardised mortality in both periods. The unemployment rate did not contribute to this prediction. Between the two periods no significant changes in regional mortality differences by the selected socioeconomic factors were found. Despite the fact that economic growth combined with investments of European structural funds contributed to the improvement of the socioeconomic situation in many districts of Slovakia, there are still districts which remain "poor" and which maintain regional mortality differences.

Photosynthetic Traits of Plants and the Biochemical Profile of Tomato Fruits Are Influenced by Grafting, Salinity Stress, and Growing Season.

PubMed

Marsic, Nina Kacjan; Vodnik, Dominik; Mikulic-Petkovsek, Maja; Veberic, Robert; Sircelj, Helena

2018-06-06

Changes in the photosynthetic traits of plants and metabolic composition of fruits of two tomato cultivars, grafted onto two rootstocks, grown in three salinity levels were studied in two growing periods during the season. Increased salinity stress conditions lowered water potential, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of grafted tomato plants, in both growing periods. Water deficit induced stomatal closure, which resulted in stomatal limitation of photosynthesis. The proline content in tomato leaves increased and was closely correlated with salinity. Some of the quality parameters of tomato fruits were affected by rootstock. The sugar/acid ratio was the highest in fruits of 'Belle'/'Maxifort' grafts. With increasing salt stress conditions from 40 to 60 mM NaCl, the lycopene content increased and ascorbic acid content decreased in fruits of 'Gardel'/'Maxifort' grafts, indicating the ability of this scion/rootstock combination to mitigate the toxicity effect of salinity stress. A higher phenolics concentration in fruits from the first growing period may be an additional indicator of stress, caused by higher temperatures and solar radiation, compared with the later period.

Tidal asymmetry in a tidal creek with mixed mainly semidiurnal tide, Bushehr Port, Persian Gulf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Seyed Taleb; Chegini, Vahid; Sadrinasab, Masoud; Siadatmousavi, Seyed Mostafa; Yari, Sadegh

2016-03-01

This study investigated the tidal asymmetry imposed by both the interaction of principal tides and the higher harmonics generated by distortions within a tidal creek network with mixed mainly semidiurnal tide in the Bushehr Port, Persian Gulf. Since velocity and water-level imposed by principal triad tides K1-O1-M2 are in quadrature, duration asymmetries during a tidal period in this short, shallow inverse estuary should be manifest as skewed velocities. The principal tides produce periodic asymmetries including a strong ebb-dominance and a weak flood-dominance condition during spring and neap tides respectively. The higher harmonics induced by nonlinearities engender a flood-dominance condition where the convergence effects are higher than frictional effects, and an ebbdominance condition where intertidal storage are extended. Since the triad K1-O1-M2 driven asymmetry is not overcome by higher harmonics close to the mouth, the periodic asymmetry dominates within the creek in which higher harmonics reinforce the weak flood-dominance (strong ebb-dominance) condition in the convergent channel (divergent area). Also, the maximum flood and the maximum ebb from all harmonic constituents occurred close to high water slack time during both spring and neap tides in this short creek. Since occational wetting of intertidal areas happened close to the high water (HW) time during spring tide, the water level flooded slowly close to the HW time of the spring tide.

Emotional anticipation after delivery - a longitudinal neuroimaging study of the postpartum period.

PubMed

Gingnell, Malin; Toffoletto, Simone; Wikström, Johan; Engman, Jonas; Bannbers, Elin; Comasco, Erika; Sundström-Poromaa, Inger

2017-03-08

Neuroimaging research has begun to unveil the mechanisms behind emotion processing during the postpartum period, which, in turn, may be of relevance for the development of postpartum depression. The present study sought to longitudinally investigate the neural correlates of emotion anticipation during the postpartum period in healthy women. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was employed to measure the blood oxygen level-dependent signal in the brain in response to anticipation of negative emotional stimuli and during processing of images with positive or negative valence. The participating women were scanned twice: the first scan occurred during the first 48 hours after delivery, and the second was performed 4-6 weeks after delivery. The early postpartum period was characterized by higher anterior cingulate cortex reactivity during anticipation of negative emotional stimuli than the late postpartum period. This was accompanied by a negative relationship with insular reactivity during the early postpartum period and a trend towards an increase in insular reactivity in the late postpartum period. Thus, during the first four weeks of the postpartum period, a diminished top-down regulatory feedback on emotion-related areas of the brain was noted. This finding suggests a physiologically important adaptation during the healthy postpartum period.

Climate-Induced Changes in the Chemical Characteristics of Natural Organic Matter at a Small Freshwater Wetland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurice, P. A.; Cabaniss, S. E.; Drummond, J.

2001-12-01

This study investigated the spatiotemporal variability in dissolved organic carbon concentration (DOC), natural organic matter (NOM) weight average molecular weight (Mw), and absorptivity at 280 nm (e280, an estimator of aromaticity) at McDonalds Branch, a first-order stream that is a fen wetland. When ground-water discharge to the stream was predominant, the DOC, the Mw, and the e280 were all relatively low. When soil porewater was more important, not only was the DOC higher, but also the Mw and e280. Hence, the contribution of soil pore water relative to ground water controlled not only the concentration but also the average physicochemical characteristics of the NOM. Results from this small watershed study provide insight into climatic effects on surface-water NOM characteristics in a small freshwater fen. Low-flow periods resulted in lower Mw, more aliphatic NOM derived primarily from ground-water discharge to the stream whereas higher flow periods resulted in a higher Mw(by 150-500 Da), more aromatic downstream surface-water NOM pool. Hence, during future summer drought periods, as suggested by climate-change models for much of North America, surface-water NOM likely will be lower molecular weight, more aliphatic, and more hydrophilic with lesser metal binding and HOC uptake abilities, along with decreased ability to attenuate UV radiation.

Wastewater-Enhanced Microbial Corrosion of Concrete Sewers.

PubMed

Jiang, Guangming; Zhou, Mi; Chiu, Tsz Ho; Sun, Xiaoyan; Keller, Jurg; Bond, Philip L

2016-08-02

Microbial corrosion of concrete in sewers is known to be caused by hydrogen sulfide, although the role of wastewater in regulating the corrosion processes is poorly understood. Flooding and splashing of wastewater in sewers periodically inoculates the concrete surface in sewer pipes. No study has systematically investigated the impacts of wastewater inoculation on the corrosion of concrete in sewers. This study investigated the development of the microbial community, sulfide uptake activity, and the change of the concrete properties for coupons subjected to periodic wastewater inoculation. The concrete coupons were exposed to different levels of hydrogen sulfide under well-controlled conditions in laboratory-scale corrosion chambers simulating real sewers. It was evident that the periodic inoculation induced higher corrosion losses of the concrete in comparison to noninoculated coupons. Instantaneous measurements such as surface pH did not reflect the cumulative corrosion losses caused by long-term microbial activity. Analysis of the long-term profiles of the sulfide uptake rate using a Gompertz model supported the enhanced corrosion activity and greater corrosion loss. The enhanced corrosion rate was due to the higher sulfide uptake rates induced by wastewater inoculation, although the increasing trend of sulfide uptake rates was slower with wastewater. Increased diversity in the corrosion-layer microbial communities was detected when the corrosion rates were higher. This coincided with the environmental conditions of increased levels of gaseous H2S and the concrete type.

Hill Girls, Consumption Practices, Power, and City Style: Raced and Classed Production of Femininities in a Higher Education Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esposito, Jennifer

2011-01-01

This study investigated the ways a diverse group of university women in the USA utilised racialised and classed discourses of femininity in the creation of subjectivities. Interview and focus group data were collected over a two-year time period and focused on how women navigated the higher education setting. Two forms of femininity, "Hill girl"…

Student Drop-Out Trends at Sultan Qaboos University and Kuwait University: 2000-2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al Ghanboosi, Salim Saleem; Alqahtani, Abdulmuhsen Ayedh

2013-01-01

The current study aims to explore the drop-out trends at Sultan Qaboos. University and Kuwait University. Archival data of the period 2000-2011 were used to achieve this goal. Main findings showed that (a) male drop-out rates are higher than female drop-out rates; (b) drop- out rates at scientific colleges are higher; (c) drop-out rates of…

The Effectiveness of M-Learning in the Form of Podcast Revision Lectures in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Chris

2008-01-01

In this paper we describe a study of the effectiveness of mobile learning (m-learning) in the form of podcasting, for teaching undergraduate students in Higher Education. Podcasting involves downloading a series of audio or video broadcasts (files) onto a digital media player, via a computer, over a period of weeks. These can then be watched or…

The Effects of Higher Loan Limits and Need Analysis Changes on FFELP Borrowing in Pennsylvania, July to December 1992 to 1993.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Redd, Kenneth E.

This study examined the effects of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 on Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) borrowing in Pennsylvania during the July-to-December periods of 1992 to 1993. The Amendments increased the annual borrowing limits for the Federal Stafford loans and Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS), eliminated…

Duration of shoot elongation in Scots pine varies within the crown and between years.

PubMed

Schiestl-Aalto, Pauliina; Nikinmaa, Eero; Mäkelä, Annikki

2013-10-01

Shoot elongation in boreal and temperate trees typically follows a sigmoid pattern where the onset and cessation of growth are related to accumulated effective temperature (thermal time). Previous studies on leader shoots suggest that while the maximum daily growth rate depends on the availability of resources to the shoot, the duration of the growth period may be an adaptation to long-term temperature conditions. However, other results indicate that the growth period may be longer in faster growing lateral shoots with higher availability of resources. This study investigates the interactions between the rate of elongation and the duration of the growth period in units of thermal time in lateral shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Length development of 202 lateral shoots were measured approximately three times per week during seven growing seasons in 2-5 trees per year in a mature stand and in three trees during one growing season in a sapling stand. A dynamic shoot growth model was adapted for the analysis to determine (1) the maximum growth rate and (2) the thermal time reached at growth completion. The relationship between those two parameters and its variation between trees and years was analysed using linear mixed models. The shoots with higher maximum growth rate within a crown continued to grow for a longer period in any one year. Higher July-August temperature of the previous summer implied a higher requirement of thermal time for growth completion. The results provide evidence that the requirement of thermal time for completion of lateral shoot extension in Scots pine may interact with resource availability to the shoot both from year to year and among shoots in a crown each year. If growing season temperatures rise in the future, this will affect not only the rate of shoot growth but its duration also.

Effect of muscle type and vacuum chiller aging period on the chemical compositions, meat quality, sensory attributes and volatile compounds of Korean native cattle beef.

PubMed

Ba, Hoa Van; Park, KyoungMi; Dashmaa, Dashdorj; Hwang, Inho

2014-02-01

The present study demonstrates the effects of different muscle types and chiller ageing periods on the chemical composition, meat quality parameters, sensory characteristics and volatile compounds of Karean native cattle beed. Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles aged for 7 days and 28 days were used. Moisture, cooking loss, total collagen and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values for the ST were higher than the LD muscle regardless of ageing period (P < 0.05). The LD muscle had higher intramuscular fat (IMF) (P < 0.05). Ageing for 28 days decreased WBSF values whereas it increased thiobarbituric acid of both muscles. Moreover, tenderness, juiciness and flavor scores were significantly higher for the LD muscle at both ageing periods. Increased ageing time improved tenderness of both muscles, and increased juiciness of the LD muscle, whereas there was decreased flavor score of ST muscle (P < 0.05). The majority of the volatile compounds formed from the oxidation of lipids showed differences between the two muscles. Ageing for 28 days increased in the amounts of many volatile compounds; however, the amounts of some important volatile compounds were decreased. These results clearly demonstrate that muscle type and ageing have a potential effect on meat quality, sensory characteristics and volatile profile. © 2013 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Inhaled corticosteroids and asthma control in adult-onset asthma: 12-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Vähätalo, Iida; Ilmarinen, Pinja; Tuomisto, Leena E; Niemelä, Onni; Kankaanranta, Hannu

2018-04-01

Prescribed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) doses in asthma have been studied in cross-sectional settings whereas long-term follow-up studies have not been carried out. To evaluate prescribed medication longitudinally by calculating cumulative ICS doses and dose changes in a cohort of new-onset adult asthma during 12 years and in different groups of asthma control. A total of 203 patients were followed for 12 years as part of Seinäjoki Adult Asthma Study (SAAS). All asthma-related visits and prescribed medication over the study period were collected from medical records. Total cumulative ICS dose for the 12-year follow-up period was 3.4g (±SEM 0.1) per patient. Both respiratory specialists and GPs prescribed step-ups and step-downs in ICS treatment and in total 649 dose changes were noted during the follow-up (median 3(1-5) per patient). Patients with uncontrolled asthma received higher ICS doses throughout the follow-up period, and therefore, cumulative 12-year ICS dose (3.8g ± SEM 0.2) in this group was higher than that in those with partially controlled (3.4g ± SEM 0.2) or controlled disease (2.9g ± SEM 0.2) (p = 0.0001). Patients with uncontrolled asthma were also prescribed a higher number of ICS dose changes than patients with controlled disease. Despite frequent dose changes and high ICS doses during the 12-year follow-up, the level of asthma control remained poor in patients with uncontrolled asthma. This suggests that high ICS doses may not be effective enough for management of disease in patients with uncontrolled adult-onset asthma and novel targeted treatments are required. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

45 CFR 2528.50 - What happens if an individual withdraws or fails to complete the period of enrollment in an...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) If an institution for higher education does not have a published refund policy, the institution must... to complete the period of enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation... enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation has disbursed all or part of that...

45 CFR 2528.50 - What happens if an individual withdraws or fails to complete the period of enrollment in an...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...) If an institution for higher education does not have a published refund policy, the institution must... to complete the period of enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation... enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation has disbursed all or part of that...

45 CFR 2528.50 - What happens if an individual withdraws or fails to complete the period of enrollment in an...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...) If an institution for higher education does not have a published refund policy, the institution must... to complete the period of enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation... enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation has disbursed all or part of that...

45 CFR 2528.50 - What happens if an individual withdraws or fails to complete the period of enrollment in an...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) If an institution for higher education does not have a published refund policy, the institution must... to complete the period of enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation... enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation has disbursed all or part of that...

45 CFR 2528.50 - What happens if an individual withdraws or fails to complete the period of enrollment in an...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...) If an institution for higher education does not have a published refund policy, the institution must... to complete the period of enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation... enrollment in an institution of higher education for which the Corporation has disbursed all or part of that...

A Study of Issues Related to Accession and Retention of Enlisted Personnel in the Reserve Components. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-11-01

not at home 0 Respondent away for survey period, respondent ill, respondent deceased, language barrier P/M Respondent not eligible. Reasons for...1. -25- FIGURE 3-1. COMPUTATION OF THE SES INDEX* Step 1: Respondent’s occupation is scored according to the following scale: 1 = Higher Executive...004 Available Available W2 .001 C’s h C’s higher C’s higher C’s higher AFQT p < .000 2 05 p2 .000 p 2 .02S.004 w .003 W = .014 . = .003 More

Personal Exposure, Behavior, and Work Site Conditions as Determinants of Blood Lead Among Bridge Painters

PubMed Central

Rodrigues, Ema G.; Virji, M. Abbas; McClean, Michael D.; Weinberg, Janice; Woskie, Susan; Pepper, Lewis D.

2009-01-01

Bridge painters are exposed to lead during several job tasks performed during the workday, such as sanding, scraping, and blasting. After the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard was passed in 1993 to control lead exposures among construction workers including bridge painters, this study was conducted among 84 bridge painters in the New England area to determine the significant predictors of blood lead levels. Lead was measured in personal air and hand wipe samples that were collected during the 2-week study period and in blood samples that were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study period. The personal air and hand wipe data as well as personal behaviors (i.e., smoking, washing, wearing a respirator) and work site conditions were analyzed as potential determinants of blood lead levels using linear mixed effects models. Our results show that the mean air lead levels over the 2-week period were the most predictive exposure measure of blood lead levels. Other individual-level significant predictors of blood lead levels included months worked on bridge painting crews, education, and personal hygiene index. Of the site-level variables investigated, having a containment facility on site was a significant predictor of blood lead levels. Our results also indicate that hand wipe lead levels were significantly associated with higher blood lead levels at the end of the study period compared with the beginning of the study period. Similarly, smoking on site and respirator fit testing were significantly associated with higher blood lead levels at the end of the study period. This study shows that several individual-level and site-level factors are associated with blood lead levels among bridge painters, including lead exposure through inhalation and possible hand-to-mouth contact, personal behaviors such as smoking on site, respirator fit testing, and work site conditions such as the use of better containment facilities. Accordingly, reduction in blood lead levels among bridge painters can be achieved by improving these workplace practices. PMID:19953411

Restoration of fillet n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is improved by a modified fish oil finishing diet strategy for atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts fed palm fatty acid distillate.

PubMed

Codabaccus, Mohamed B; Bridle, Andrew R; Nichols, Peter D; Carter, Chris G

2012-01-11

Reducing the lipid content in fish prior to feeding a fish oil finishing diet (FOFD) has the potential to improve n-3 long-chain (≥ C(20)) polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) restoration. This study had two main objectives: (1) determine whether feeding Atlantic salmon smolt a 75% palm fatty acid distillate diet (75PFAD) improves the apparent digestibility (AD) of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and (2) examine whether a food deprivation period after growth on 75PFAD leads to higher n-3 LC-PUFA restoration in the fillet when applying a FOFD. The AD of SFA was higher for 75PFAD compared to that of a fish oil (FO) diet. The relative level (as % total fatty acids (FA)) of n-3 LC-PUFA was higher in unfed fish compared to that in continuously fed fish after 21 and 28 day FOFD periods, respectively. Our results suggest that a food deprivation period prior to feeding a FOFD improves the efficiency of n-3 LC-PUFA restoration in the fillet of Atlantic salmon smolt.

Assessing the potential health impacts of the 2003 and 2007 firestorms on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops trucatus) in San Diego Bay.

PubMed

Venn-Watson, Stephanie; Smith, Cynthia R; Jensen, Eric D; Rowles, Teri

2013-08-01

Firestorms negatively affected air quality throughout San Diego County during 2003 and 2007, including the San Diego Bay, which houses the Navy's bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). To assess the potential impact of the 2003 and 2007 fires on dolphin health. Hematology and serum chemistry values were evaluated retrospectively among Navy dolphins the year and month before; during; and the month after the 2003 and 2007 fires. Both 2003 and 2007 fires were associated with lower calcium either during or the month post-fire compared to the control periods. During and the month following the 2003 fire, dolphins had higher serum carbon dioxide compared to the control periods. Dolphins during and the month following the 2007 fire had lower absolute or percent neutrophils and higher chloride. The 2007 fire was also associated with increased percent eosinophils during the fire and higher percent monocytes and bilirubin the month following the fire compared to the control periods. Consistent with what has been previously reported in humans and other animals, this study supports that fire smoke inhalation may have mild effects on dolphin physiology, including calcium homeostasis, lung function and immune response.

Sex-specific consequences of experimental cortisol elevation in pre-reproductive wild largemouth bass.

PubMed

O'Connor, Constance M; Nannini, Michael; Wahl, David H; Wilson, Samantha M; Gilmour, Kathleen M; Cooke, Steven J

2013-01-01

Experimental implants were used to investigate the effect of elevated cortisol (the primary stress hormone in teleost fish) on energetic and physiological condition prior to reproduction in male and female largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fish were wild-caught from lakes in Illinois, and held in experimental ponds for the duration of the study. Between 9 and 13 days after cortisol treatment, and immediately prior to the start of the reproductive period, treated and control animals were sampled. Females exhibited lower muscle lipid content, lower liver glycogen content, and higher hepatosomatic indices than males, regardless of treatment. Also, cortisol-treated females had higher hepatosomatic indices and lower final mass than control females, whereas males showed no differences between treatment groups. Finally, cortisol-treated females had higher gonadal cortisol concentrations than control females. In general, we found evidence of reduced energetic stores in female fish relative to male fish, likely due to timing differences in the allocation of resources during reproduction between males and females. Perhaps driven by the difference in energetic reserves, our data further suggest that females are more sensitive than males to elevated cortisol during the period immediately prior to reproduction. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chronic work stress and decreased vagal tone impairs decision making and reaction time in jockeys.

PubMed

Landolt, Kathleen; Maruff, Paul; Horan, Ben; Kingsley, Michael; Kinsella, Glynda; O'Halloran, Paul D; Hale, Matthew W; Wright, Bradley J

2017-10-01

The inverse relationship between acute stress and decision-making is well documented, but few studies have investigated the impact of chronic stress. Jockeys work exhaustive schedules and have extremely dangerous occupations, with safe performance requiring quick reaction time and accurate decision-making. We used the effort reward imbalance (ERI) occupational stress model to assess the relationship of work stress with indices of stress physiology and decision-making and reaction time. Jockeys (N=32) completed computerised cognitive tasks (Cogstate) on two occasions; September and November (naturally occurring lower and higher stress periods), either side of an acute stress test. Higher ERI was correlated with the cortisol awakening responses (high stress r=-0.37; low stress r=0.36), and with decrements in decision-making comparable to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 in the high stress period (p<0.001) The LF/HF ratio of heart rate variability impacted the association of ERI with decision-making. Potentially, this may be attributed to a 'tipping point' whereby the higher ERI reported by jockeys in the high stress period decreases vagal tone, which may contribute to reduced decision-making abilities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tunnel flexibility effect on the ground surface acceleration response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baziar, Mohammad Hassan; Moghadam, Masoud Rabeti; Choo, Yun Wook; Kim, Dong-Soo

2016-09-01

Flexibility of underground structures relative to the surrounding medium, referred to as the flexibility ratio, is an important factor that influences their dynamic interaction. This study investigates the flexibility effect of a box-shaped subway tunnel, resting directly on bedrock, on the ground surface acceleration response using a numerical model verified against dynamic centrifuge test results. A comparison of the ground surface acceleration response for tunnel models with different flexibility ratios revealed that the tunnels with different flexibility ratios influence the acceleration response at the ground surface in different ways. Tunnels with lower flexibility ratios have higher acceleration responses at short periods, whereas tunnels with higher flexibility ratios have higher acceleration responses at longer periods. The effect of the flexibility ratio on ground surface acceleration is more prominent in the high range of frequencies. Furthermore, as the flexibility ratio of the tunnel system increases, the acceleration response moves away from the free field response and shifts towards the longer periods. Therefore, the flexibility ratio of the underground tunnels influences the peak ground acceleration (PGA) at the ground surface, and may need to be considered in the seismic zonation of urban areas.

Beliefs and social behavior in a multi-period ultimatum game

PubMed Central

Azar, Ofer H.; Lahav, Yaron; Voslinsky, Alisa

2015-01-01

We conduct a multi-period ultimatum game in which we elicit players' beliefs. Responders do not predict accurately the amount that will be offered to them, and do not get better in their predictions over time. At the individual level we see some effect of the mistake in expectations in the previous period on the responder's expectation about the offer in the current period, but this effect is relatively small. The proposers' beliefs about the minimum amount that responders will accept is significantly higher than the minimum amount responders believe will be accepted by other responders. The proposer's belief about the minimal acceptable offer does not change following a rejection. Nevertheless, the proposer's offer in the next period does increase following a rejection. The probability of rejection increases when the responder has higher expectations about the amount that will be offered to him or higher beliefs about the minimal amount that other responders will accept. PMID:25762909

Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in preventable mortality in urban areas of 33 Spanish cities, 1996-2007 (MEDEA project).

PubMed

Nolasco, Andreu; Moncho, Joaquin; Quesada, Jose Antonio; Melchor, Inmaculada; Pereyra-Zamora, Pamela; Tamayo-Fonseca, Nayara; Martínez-Beneito, Miguel Angel; Zurriaga, Oscar; Ballesta, Mónica; Daponte, Antonio; Gandarillas, Ana; Domínguez-Berjón, M Felicitas; Marí-Dell'Olmo, Marc; Gotsens, Mercè; Izco, Natividad; Moreno, M Concepción; Sáez, Marc; Martos, Carmen; Sánchez-Villegas, Pablo; Borrell, Carme

2015-04-01

Preventable mortality is a good indicator of possible problems to be investigated in the primary prevention chain, making it also a useful tool with which to evaluate health policies particularly public health policies. This study describes inequalities in preventable avoidable mortality in relation to socioeconomic status in small urban areas of thirty three Spanish cities, and analyses their evolution over the course of the periods 1996-2001 and 2002-2007. We analysed census tracts and all deaths occurring in the population residing in these cities from 1996 to 2007 were taken into account. The causes included in the study were lung cancer, cirrhosis, AIDS/HIV, motor vehicle traffic accidents injuries, suicide and homicide. The census tracts were classified into three groups, according their socioeconomic level. To analyse inequalities in mortality risks between the highest and lowest socioeconomic levels and over different periods, for each city and separating by sex, Poisson regression were used. Preventable avoidable mortality made a significant contribution to general mortality (around 7.5%, higher among men), having decreased over time in men (12.7 in 1996-2001 and 10.9 in 2002-2007), though not so clearly among women (3.3% in 1996-2001 and 2.9% in 2002-2007). It has been observed in men that the risks of death are higher in areas of greater deprivation, and that these excesses have not modified over time. The result in women is different and differences in mortality risks by socioeconomic level could not be established in many cities. Preventable mortality decreased between the 1996-2001 and 2002-2007 periods, more markedly in men than in women. There were socioeconomic inequalities in mortality in most cities analysed, associating a higher risk of death with higher levels of deprivation. Inequalities have remained over the two periods analysed. This study makes it possible to identify those areas where excess preventable mortality was associated with more deprived zones. It is in these deprived zones where actions to reduce and monitor health inequalities should be put into place. Primary healthcare may play an important role in this process.

Spatial gender-age-period-cohort analysis of pancreatic cancer mortality in Spain (1990–2013)

PubMed Central

Etxeberria, Jaione; Goicoa, Tomás; López-Abente, Gonzalo; Riebler, Andrea

2017-01-01

Recently, the interest in studying pancreatic cancer mortality has increased due to its high lethality. In this work a detailed analysis of pancreatic cancer mortality in Spanish provinces was performed using recent data. A set of multivariate spatial gender-age-period-cohort models was considered to look for potential candidates to analyze pancreatic cancer mortality rates. The selected model combines features of APC (age-period-cohort) models with disease mapping approaches. To ensure model identifiability sum-to-zero constraints were applied. A fully Bayesian approach based on integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) was considered for model fitting and inference. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. In general, estimated average rates by age, cohort, and period are higher in males than in females. The higher differences according to age between males and females correspond to the age groups [65, 70), [70, 75), and [75, 80). Regarding the cohort, the greatest difference between men and women is observed for those born between the forties and the sixties. From there on, the younger the birth cohort is, the smaller the difference becomes. Some cohort differences are also identified by regions and age-groups. The spatial pattern indicates a North-South gradient of pancreatic cancer mortality in Spain, the provinces in the North being the ones with the highest effects on mortality during the studied period. Finally, the space-time evolution shows that the space pattern has changed little over time. PMID:28199327

Mutations in the Circadian Gene period Alter Behavioral and Biochemical Responses to Ethanol in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Liao, Jennifer; Seggio, Joseph A.; Ahmad, S. Tariq

2016-01-01

Clock genes, such as period, which maintain an organism’s circadian rhythm, can have profound effects on metabolic activity, including ethanol metabolism. In turn, ethanol exposure has been shown in Drosophila and mammals to cause disruptions of the circadian rhythm. Previous studies from our labs have shown that larval ethanol exposure disrupted the free-running period and period expression of Drosophila. In addition, a recent study has shown that arrhythmic flies show no tolerance to ethanol exposure. As such, Drosophila period mutants, which have either a shorter than wild-type free-running period (perS) or a longer one (perL), may also exhibit altered responses to ethanol due to their intrinsic circadian differences. In this study, we tested the initial sensitivity and tolerance of ethanol exposure on Canton-S, perS, and perL, and then measured their Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH) and body ethanol levels. We showed that perL flies had slower sedation rate, longer recovery from ethanol sedation, and generated higher tolerance for sedation upon repeated ethanol exposure compared to Canton-S wild-type flies. Furthermore, perL flies had lower ADH activity and had a slower ethanol clearance compared to wild-type flies. The findings of this study suggest that period mutations influence ethanol induced behavior and ethanol metabolism in Drosophila and that flies with longer circadian periods are more sensitive to ethanol exposure. PMID:26802726

Worry experienced during the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) pandemic in Korea

PubMed Central

Ro, Jun-Soo; Lee, Jin-Seok; Kang, Sung-Chan; Jung, Hye-Min

2017-01-01

Background Korea failed in its risk communication during the early stage of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak; consequently, it faced difficulties in managing MERS, while disease-related worry increased. Disease-related worry can help disease prevention and management, but can also have a detrimental effect. This study measured the overall level of disease-related worry during the MERS outbreak period in Korea and the influencing factors and levels of disease-related worry during key outbreak periods. Methods The cross-sectional survey included 1,000 adults who resided in Korea. An ordinal logistic regression was performed for the overall level of MERS-related worry, and influencing factors of worry were analyzed. A reliability test was performed on the levels of MERS-related worry during key outbreak periods. Results The overall level of MERS-related worry was 2.44. Multivariate analysis revealed that women and respondents w very poor subjective health status had higher levels of worry. Respondents with very high stress in daily life had higher levels of worry than those who reported having little stress. The reliability test results on MERS-related worry scores during key outbreak periods showed consistent scores during each period. Conclusion Level of worry increased in cases having higher perceived susceptibility and greater trust in informal information, while initial stage of outbreak was closely associated with that at later stages. These findings suggest the importance of managing the level of worry by providing timely and accurate disease-related information during the initial stage of disease outbreak. PMID:28273131

Characteristics of young children with developmental delays and their trends over 14 years in Taiwan: a population-based nationwide study.

PubMed

Lai, Der-Chung; Tseng, Yen-Cheng; Guo, How-Ran

2018-05-08

To describe the epidemiological characteristics of developmental delays (DD) at the national level and assess the changes over time. We calculated the incidence rates of DD from 2003 to 2016 and assessed the trends over time. As dictated by law, local governments in Taiwan are required to register children with DD and provide services. The central government has constructed a national registry with the data from local centres. We analysed the national registry data. We included children who were under 6 years old, and this population ranged from 1 164 150 to 1 577 443 per year during the study period. All registered cases were certified through a process set forth by law. We calculated annual incidence rates by age, sex and geographical area, and assessed trends over the study period. The incidence of DD in children under 6 years old displayed an increasing trend over the study period, ranging from 7.0 to 16.3 per 1000 person-years. Boys had higher incidence throughout all 14 years, and the boy-to-girl rate ratios had an increasing trend over time with some fluctuations, ranging from 1.84 (95% CI 1.77 to 1.92) to 1.99 (95% CI 1.93 to 2.06). In addition, rural areas had higher incidence rates, and the rural to urban rate ratios ranged from 0.98 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.03) to 2.00 (95% CI 1.94 to 2.06) without apparent time trends. Girls had a higher proportion of early reporting (<3 years) throughout all years, but the differences in the proportion of early reporting between rural and urban areas were not consistent. Male sex appeared to be a risk factor for DD, which is unlikely to be due to more attention received by boys because girls had a higher proportion of early reporting. We also found that children lived in rural areas appeared to have a higher risk of having DD. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Dynamic behavior of the bray-liebhafsky oscillatory reaction controlled by sulfuric acid and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pejić, N.; Vujković, M.; Maksimović, J.; Ivanović, A.; Anić, S.; Čupić, Ž.; Kolar-Anić, Lj.

2011-12-01

The non-periodic, periodic and chaotic regimes in the Bray-Liebhafsky (BL) oscillatory reaction observed in a continuously fed well stirred tank reactor (CSTR) under isothermal conditions at various inflow concentrations of the sulfuric acid were experimentally studied. In each series (at any fixed temperature), termination of oscillatory behavior via saddle loop infinite period bifurcation (SNIPER) as well as some kind of the Andronov-Hopf bifurcation is presented. In addition, it was found that an increase of temperature, in different series of experiments resulted in the shift of bifurcation point towards higher values of sulfuric acid concentration.

Research in higher surgical training--the West Midlands view.

PubMed

Kmiot, W A; Neoptolemos, J P; Temple, J G

1993-09-01

A questionnaire on the role of research in higher surgical training was posted to all in-post NHS Consultants (n = 96) and Higher Surgical Trainees (n = 42) in the West Midlands Region. Replies were received from 80 consultants (83 per cent) and 37 trainees (88 per cent). Over 95 per cent of responders had undertaken some research activity previously. The vast majority of consultants (90 per cent) and trainees (95 per cent) thought that their research period had been beneficial; most would undertake research again even if not essential for higher surgical training (consultants 80 per cent, trainees 70 per cent). Research was felt to be essential for all trainees by 50 per cent of respondents in both groups; 78 per cent of consultants and 86 per cent of trainees also thought that all potential academics should obtain a degree by thesis. Most of the study participants thought that the appropriate time for research activity was as a post-FRCS registrar (consultants 72 per cent, trainees 80 per cent); 80 per cent of consultants and 67 per cent of trainees felt that this research period should be funded by the NHS. A planned, supervised and funded one-year period of research was favoured by the majority of consultants (54 per cent) and trainees (73 per cent) for non-academic general surgical trainees in the future.

Trapped in Transition: Findings from a UK Study of Student Suicide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanley, Nicky; Mallon, Sharon; Bell, Jo; Manthorpe, Jill

2009-01-01

This study of student suicide within UK higher education directs attention to the community context of suicide. A modified psychological autopsy approach was used to explore 20 case studies of student suicide from the period 2000-2005, drawing on the perspectives of family members, friends and university staff. The study identifies features of the…

Comparison of Mortality Disparities in Central Appalachian Coal- and Non-Coal-Mining Counties.

PubMed

Woolley, Shannon M; Meacham, Susan L; Balmert, Lauren C; Talbott, Evelyn O; Buchanich, Jeanine M

2015-06-01

Determine whether select cause of death mortality disparities in four Appalachian regions is associated with coal mining or other factors. We calculated direct age-adjusted mortality rates and associated 95% confidence intervals by sex and study group for each cause of death over 5-year time periods from 1960 to 2009 and compared mean demographic and socioeconomic values between study groups via two-sample t tests. Compared with non-coal-mining areas, we found higher rates of poverty in West Virginia and Virginia (VA) coal counties. All-cause mortality rates for males and females were higher in coal counties across all time periods. Virginia coal counties had statistically significant excesses for many causes of death. We found elevated mortality and poverty rates in coal-mining compared with non-coal-mining areas of West Virginia and VA. Future research should examine these findings in more detail at the individual level.

Incidence and Cost of Depression After Occupational Injury

PubMed Central

Asfaw, Abay; Souza, Kerry

2015-01-01

Objectives We examined if injured workers were more likely than noninjured workers to be treated for depression after an occupational injury and estimated the cost paid by group medical insurance. Method Nearly 367,900 injured and noninjured workers were drawn from the 2005 Thomson Reuters MarketScan data. Descriptive, logistic, and two-part model regression analyses were used. Results The odds of injured workers being treated for depression within the study period were 45% higher than those of noninjured workers (95% confidence interval, 1.17–1.78). The unconditional average cost of outpatient depression treatment was 63% higher for injured workers than for noninjured workers. Conclusions Injured workers were more likely than noninjured workers to suffer from depression during the study period. Consequently, additional costs are incurred for treating injured workers' depression; these costs were not covered by the workers' compensation system. PMID:22929794

Efficiency control of dietary pesticide intake reduction by human biomonitoring.

PubMed

Göen, Thomas; Schmidt, Lukas; Lichtensteiger, Walter; Schlumpf, Margret

2017-03-01

In spite of food safety controls for pesticide residues, a conventional diet still leads to a noticeable exposure of the general population to several pesticides. In a pilot study the response of exposure reduction by organic diet intervention on the urinary levels of pesticide metabolites was investigated. In the study two adult individuals were kept on a conventional diet for 11days and morning urine voids were collected at the last four days of the period. Afterwards, the participants switched to exclusively organic food intake for 18days and likewise morning urine samples were collected at the last four days of this period. In the urine samples six pyrethroid metabolites, six dialkylphosphates, four phenolic parameter for organophosphate pesticides and carbamates, 6-chloronicotinic acid (ClNA) as parameter for neonicotinoid insecticides, seven phenoxy herbicides, glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA were quantified using gas chromatographic mass spectrometric methods. Generally, the comparative analyses revealed greater shares as well as higher levels of the parameters in the samples taken during the common diet period compared to the organic diet period. Considerable decrease of the levels was found for almost all pyrethroid metabolites, dialkyphosphates and phenoxy herbicids, as well as for the phenolic metabolites 4-nitrophenol and 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol. In contrast, higher values were found for the organic diet period for ClNA and the metabolite of coumaphos in one of the volunteers. The present study confirms the results of former studies which indicated that an organic diet intervention results in considerable lower exposure to organophosphate pesticides and pyrethroids. It also verifies the former experience that monitoring of urinary parameters for non-persistent pesticides permits a reliable efficiency control of short-time effects by dietary interventions. Additionally to former studies, the results of the present study highlight the need of an extension of the parameter spectrum to all prominent pesticide groups. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Fertility after natural disaster: Hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua

PubMed Central

Davis, Jason

2017-01-01

This investigation evaluates the effect of Hurricane Mitch on women’s reproductive outcomes throughout Nicaragua. This research aim is achieved by analyzing a unique Nicaraguan Living Standards Measurement Study panel dataset that tracks women’s fertility immediately before and at two time points after Hurricane Mitch, combined with satellite-derived municipality-level precipitation data for the 10-day storm period. Results show higher odds of post-disaster fertility in municipalities receiving higher precipitation levels in the immediate post-Hurricane Mitch period. However, fertility normalizes between disaster and non-disaster areas four to six years after the storm. These findings suggest that the disruptive effects of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Mitch can have an initial stimulative effect on fertility but the effect is ephemeral. PMID:28694556

Ice in the Outback: the epidemiology of amphetamine-type stimulant-related hospital admissions and presentations to the emergency department in Hedland, Western Australia.

PubMed

Monahan, Caitriona; Coleman, Mathew

2018-03-01

Despite research showing higher use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in rural areas, limited research has examined the epidemiology of ATS-related presentations and admissions to remote regional centres. To determine the epidemiology of ATS-related (a) Emergency Department (ED) presentations and (b) inpatient admissions over a five-year period at the Hedland Health Campus (HHC) in remote Western Australia. A retrospective review of medical records was conducted. Demographic data including gender, age and indigenous status were captured. Four hundred and eighty-two ATS-related hospital presentations were identified during the study period. The most common reason for ED presentation was mental and behavioural problems. Of those presenting, 66% were male and 69% identified as Aboriginal. ATS-related ED presentations increased seven-fold over the study period. Ninety-nine ATS-related inpatient admissions were identified during the study period. Psychotic disorder was the most common reason for admission. Males made up 75% of admissions and 53% identified as Aboriginal. This study showed a disproportionally high burden of ATS-related harm among Aboriginal people. The number of ATS-related ED presentations and inpatient admissions increased significantly over the study period.

Nano-scale characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite incorporated chitosan particles for bone repair.

PubMed

Gaihre, Bipin; Uswatta, Suren; Jayasuriya, Ambalangodage C

2018-05-01

In this study, injectable porous spherical particles were fabricated using chitosan (CS) biopolymer, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). TPP was primarily used as an ionic crosslinker to crosslink 2% (w/v) CS droplets. 2% (w/v) nHA was used to prepare nHA incorporated particles. The surface morphological properties and nanomechanical properties such as topography, deformation, adhesion, and dissipation of CS particles with and without nHA were studied using contact mode and peakforce quantitative nanomechanical property mapping mode in atomic force microscopy. The nHA spots have higher density than CS which leads to higher forces acting on the probe tip and higher energy dissipation to lift the tip from nHA areas. The cumulative release data showed that about 87% of total BMP-2 encapsulated within the particles was released by third week of experiment period. Degradation study was conducted to understand how the particles degradation occurs in the presence of phosphate buffered saline with continues shaking in an incubator at 37° C. In addition, BMP-2 release from the 2% nHA/CS particles was studied over a three weeks period and found that BMP-2 release was governed by the simple diffusion rather than the degradation of particles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The relationship between levels of plasma-soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and presence of migraine attack and aura.

PubMed

Yılmaz, Nigar; Yılmaz, Mustafa; Sirin, Burcu; Yılmaztekin, Sureyya; Kutlu, Gülnihal

2017-10-01

Migraine is one of the most common types of pain associated with sterile inflammatory conditions. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a potential novel inflammatory marker. We aim to determine the association between serum values of suPAR, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and migraine disease characteristics. The study involved a total of 60 migraine patients (33 patients in the interictal period, 27 patients in the attack period) and 30 healthy individuals. The serum values of suPAR were found to be significantly higher in migraine patients in the attack period than in migraine patients in the interictal period, and in healthy individuals (p < .01 for both). In addition, levels of suPAR were determined to be higher in migraine with aura patients than in migraine without aura patients. When we subdivided migraine patients according to frequency of attack (attacks/month), significant differences were found between the suPAR and procalcitonin levels (measured during the attack period) of those in the frequent-attack group (4-5 or more) versus those in the less frequent attack group (less than 4). Serum levels of procalcitonin were shown to be significantly higher in migraine patients during the attack period compared with migraine patients in the interictal period and in control subjects (p = .001 for both). Significant differences were found between plasma levels of fibrinogen in migraine patients versus control subjects (p < .01). No statistically significant difference was found between levels of hs-CRP in migraine patients versus the control group. These findings may show that presenting a high level of suPAR in migraine patients with attack and aura results to predisposition to occurring on the symptoms and that high levels of suPAR, procalcitonin and fibrinogen in patients with migraine result in neurogenic inflammation during migraine headaches.

45 CFR 2528.40 - Is there a limit on the amount of an individual's education award that the Corporation will...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... education award that the Corporation will disburse to an institution of higher education for a given period... institution of higher education for a given period of enrollment? Yes. The Corporation's disbursement from an... education in accordance with section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1987ll); and (b) The...

Steady-state phase error for a phase-locked loop subjected to periodic Doppler inputs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C.-C.; Win, M. Z.

1991-01-01

The performance of a carrier phase locked loop (PLL) driven by a periodic Doppler input is studied. By expanding the Doppler input into a Fourier series and applying the linearized PLL approximations, it is easy to show that, for periodic frequency disturbances, the resulting steady state phase error is also periodic. Compared to the method of expanding frequency excursion into a power series, the Fourier expansion method can be used to predict the maximum phase error excursion for a periodic Doppler input. For systems with a large Doppler rate fluctuation, such as an optical transponder aboard an Earth orbiting spacecraft, the method can be applied to test whether a lower order tracking loop can provide satisfactory tracking and thereby save the effect of a higher order loop design.

Fracture admissions after burns: A retrospective longitudinal study.

PubMed

Duke, Janine M; Randall, Sean M; Fear, Mark W; Boyd, James H; Wood, Fiona M

2017-09-01

Severe burn triggers systemic responses that result in reduced muscle mass and changes in bone formation, with recent evidence also suggesting systemic effects on bone after minor burns. The aim of this study was to assess if people hospitalised with a burn have increased admissions for fractures after discharge. A population-based longitudinal study using linked hospital morbidity and death data from Western Australia was undertaken of all persons hospitalised for a first burn (n=30,997) during the period 1980-2012. Australian population-based annual rates for fracture admissions for the period 1993-2012 were obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Rates of hospital admissions for fractures in the burn cohort and the Australian population were standardised, using the direct method, to the age and gender structure of the Western Australian population at the 2006. Annual standardised fracture admission rates for the period 1993-2012 were graphed with estimated 95% confidence intervals. Age and gender specific fracture rates were also examined. A total of 4004 members of the burn cohort had at least one fracture admission for a total of 6096. The median (IQR) time to the first fracture admission after burn was 6.9 years (2.8-13.6) and the median age (IQR) at first fracture admission was 31 years (20-49). The burn cohort experienced admissions for fractures at a rate approximately twice that of the Australian population. While rates were generally higher for males in the burn cohort when compared with males in the Australian population, female burn patients had significantly higher rates over the entire study period when compared with the female Australian population. Elevated rates were observed for those younger than 20 years at the time of the burn admission; however, rates were significantly and consistently elevated during the study period for those 20 years and older at the time of the burn. Burn patients experienced significantly higher age and gender standardised rates of admissions for fractures after discharge from hospital for their index burn. Further prospective research is indicated to clarify any underlyling pathogenic processes linked to the burn that may increase a patient's risk of having a fracture serious enough to undergo admission. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Periodic Solution and Stationary Distribution of Stochastic Predator-Prey Models with Higher-Order Perturbation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Qun; Jiang, Daqing

2018-04-01

In this paper, two stochastic predator-prey models with general functional response and higher-order perturbation are proposed and investigated. For the nonautonomous periodic case of the system, by using Khasminskii's theory of periodic solution, we show that the system admits a nontrivial positive T-periodic solution. For the system disturbed by both white and telegraph noises, sufficient conditions for positive recurrence and the existence of an ergodic stationary distribution to the solutions are established. The existence of stationary distribution implies stochastic weak stability to some extent.

Macroinvertebrate biomonitoring in intermittent coastal plain streams impacted by animal agriculture.

PubMed

Davis, Stephanie; Golladay, Stephen W; Vellidis, George; Pringle, Catherine M

2003-01-01

Little attention has been given to the ecology of intermittent coastal plain streams in the southeastern United States, and it is not known whether available macroinvertebrate biomonitoring methods reliably detect degradation in these streams. This study compared differences in biomonitoring metrics between reference and agricultural streams, and between the flow period (January-April) and the intermittent flow period (May-December). Percentages of crustaceans, isopods, and Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (EPT) were significantly higher at the reference site than the two most impacted sites during the flow period, probably resulting from the abundance of leaf litter and lower temperatures. During this same period, the agriculturally impacted sites had a significantly higher percentage of dipterans--a group that thrives in the silty, nutrient-rich waters. Four metrics (percent Crustacea, Isopoda, Diptera, and EPT) had no overlap between values for the most impacted and the least impacted sites during the flow period, but no metrics were able to detect more discrete differences among sites. Sites were physically and biologically similar during the intermittent period when natural stresses (i.e., stagnant water, high temperatures, low dissolved oxygen) were high, with many metrics, such as percentages of dominant family, burrowers, chironomids, and dipterans becoming similar at all sites. Our findings indicate that development of a better understanding of invertebrate fauna in reference conditions and of the natural variation in intermittent streams is necessary to develop effective biomonitoring programs for these systems.

Outcomes in patients with community-acquired pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit.

PubMed

Cavallazzi, Rodrigo; Wiemken, Timothy; Arnold, Forest W; Luna, Carlos M; Bordon, Jose; Kelley, Robert; Feldman, Charles; Chalmers, James D; Torres, Antoni; Ramirez, Julio

2015-06-01

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) portends a serious prognosis. The temporal trend in outcome of severe CAP is not well established. We evaluated the temporal trends in the outcomes of severe CAP. This is a secondary analysis of 800 patients with severe CAP enrolled in the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization International Cohort. Severe CAP was defined as CAP requiring admission to the intensive care unit. Only patients admitted to the ICU upon hospital admission were included in this study. We assessed the trend in outcomes of these patients during three time periods: Period I (June 2001 to April 2004), Period II (May 2004 to January 31 2008), and Period III (February 2008 to February 2013). After adjustment for other variables, mortality was higher for patients admitted during Period II compared with Period I (RR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.002 to 2.14; P value = 0.049), and for Period III compared with Period I (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.50; P value = 0.008). No significant difference in length of stay or time to clinical stability was found among the three periods. The mortality of patients with severe CAP increased over time in our study population. This finding has important health policy implications if confirmed by other studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology of nosocomial colonization/infection caused by Acinetobacter spp. in patients of six surgical clinics in war and peacetime.

PubMed

Suljagić, Vesna; Jevtić, Miodrag; Djordjević, Boban; Romić, Predrag; Ilić, Radoje; Stanković, Nebojsa; Milović, Novak; Novaković, Marijan; Kozarski, Jefta; Roganović, Zoran; Popović, Zoran; Jovelić, Aleksandra

2011-08-01

Acinetobacter spp. has emerged as nosocomial pathogen during the past few decades in hospitals all over the world, but it has increasingly been implicated as a serious nosocomial pathogen in military hospitals. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the surveillance data on Acinetobacter nosocomial colonization/infection (NCI) collected during the wartime with the data collected in peacetime. We conducted a prospective study of incidence of Acinetobacter spp. colonization/infection. Also, the two nested case-control studies were conducted. The patients with nosocomial infection (cases) were compared with those with nosocomial colonization (controls) during the two different periods, wartime and peacetime. The patients with NCI by Acinetobacter spp. were identified by the case-based surveillance. The surveillance covered all the patients in 6 surgical clinics. During the study periods a total of 166 patients had cultures that grew Acinetobacter spp. and the pooled rates of Acinetobacter spp. colonization and infection were significantly higher in wartime. When patients with NCI in wartime were compared with those with NCI in peacetime significant differences were observed. In the war year, the patients were more significantly males (p < 0.000). In a period of peace, most of the colonization/infections were reported from patients with certain chronic diseases (p = 0.020) and the survival of patients was more significant (p = 0.049). During the peacetime, proportions of Acinetobacter isolates resistent to ciprofloksacin, imipenem and meropenem were significantly higher (p < 0.001). This study provides additional important information about the risk factors of nosocomial Acinetobacter spp. infections in a large cohort of surgical patients. This is also the first study that directly examines epidemiological differences between NCI caused by Acinetobacter spp. during the war and peace period.

Effects of dietary protein level during rearing period and age at overfeeding on magret and foie gras quality in male mule ducks.

PubMed

Arroyo, Julien; Molette, Caroline; Lavigne, Franck; Margetyal, Carole; Amador, Olivier; Dubois, Jean-Pierre; Fortun-Lamothe, Laurence

2018-03-01

The aim of this trial was to study the effects of dietary protein content during the rearing period on the performance of mule ducks, according to age at overfeeding (O). Ducks (n = 612) were divided into four groups differing in the protein content in the diet offered during the starting period (S, 0-20 days; S l vs. S h : 150 vs. 175 g/kg crude protein (CP)) and growing-finishing period (GF; 21-67 or 81 days, depending on age at O; GF l vs. GF h : 133 vs. 152 g/kg CP). The relative weight of pectoral muscle was lower when ducks were fed a low protein diet during S (-5%, P < 0.01) or GF period (-6%, P < 0.001) at 68 days and higher in ducks of the S l GF h group (+6%; P < 0.05) at 82 days. Both foie gras and magret weights fell when ducks were fed S l or GF l (P < 0.05 and < 0.01). Mortality during the O period was higher in ducks fed the S l diet and overfed at late age (7.4% vs. 0%; P < 0.01). In conclusion, a reduction in the dietary protein supply should be recommended only during the GF period for ducks overfed at a late age. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Temporal patterns in Homalodisca spp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) oviposition on southern California citrus and jojoba.

PubMed

Al-Wahaibi, Ali K; Morse, Joseph G

2010-02-01

A detailed study of the distribution of egg masses of Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) and H. liturata Ball was done across a 2-yr period (2001-2003) on six host plants in southern California (Marsh grapefruit, Lisbon lemon, Washington navel, Dancy tangerine, rough lemon, and jojoba in Riverside; jojoba in Desert Center). The majority of egg masses in Riverside belonged to H. vitripennis (84-100%), whereas in Desert Center, all Homalodisca egg masses were H. liturata. Oviposition in Riverside occurred in two discrete periods, a late winter and spring period (mid-February to late May), followed by a short interval of very low oviposition during most of June, and then a summer period (late June to late September) followed by a relatively long period of very low oviposition in fall and early winter (October to mid-February). Levels of oviposition during the late winter-spring period were similar to those during the summer despite an observed larger population of adults during the latter period. Moreover, egg clutch size for H. vitripennis was generally greater in spring than during summer and was generally higher than that for H. liturata, especially on Riverside jojoba. Larger egg clutch size was seen on grapefruit than on lemon, navel, and tangerine during summer. There appeared to be temporal host shifts in oviposition; most evident was the shift from relatively high rates of oviposition on lemon and tangerine in late winter-early spring to relatively higher rates of oviposition on grapefruit and navel during summer.

Wind-Tunnel Investigation of the Effect of Angle of Attack and Flapping-Hinge Offset on Periodic Bending Moments and Flapping of a Small Rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCarty, John Locke; Brooks, George W.; Maglieri, Domenic J.

1959-01-01

A two-blade rotor having a diameter of 4 feet and a solidity of 0.037 was tested in the Langley 300-MPH 7- by 10-foot tunnel to obtain information on the effect of certain rotor variables on the blade periodic bending moments and flapping angles during the various stages of transformation between the helicopter and autogiro configuration. Variables studied included collective pitch angle, flapping-hinge offset, rotor angle of attack, and tip-speed ratio. The results show that the blade periodic bending moments generally increase with tip-speed ratio up into the transition region, diminish over a certain range of tip-speed ratio, and increase again at higher tip-speed ratios. Above the transition region, the bending moments increase with collective pitch angle and rotor angle of attack. The absence of a flapping hinge results in a significant amplification of the periodic bending moments, the magnitudes of which increase with tip-speed ratio. When the flapping hinge is used, an increase in flapping-hinge offset results in reduced period bending moments. The aforementioned trends exhibited by the bending moments for changes in the variables are essentially duplicated by the periodic flapping motions. The existence of substantial amounts of blade stall increased both the periodic bending moments and the flapping angles. Harmonic analysis of the bending moments shows significant contributions of the higher harmonics, particularly in the transition region.

Comparative "Glocal" Perspectives on European Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caena, Francesca

2014-01-01

This article reports the findings of a PhD study, which offers comparative perspectives on teacher education in a period of reforms, inquiring into stakeholders' perceptions in English, French, Italian and Spanish contexts as case studies. The interaction of needs and constraints in European initial teacher education within higher education…

Vietnamese International Student Repatriates: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Le, Anh

2014-01-01

The main purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of Vietnamese international students who returned to Vietnam after graduation from a U.S. higher education institution (henceforth, the repatriates). Areas to be explored include the transitional period, perceptions of the relevance of the U.S. education to their current…

Is Increasing Coal Seam Gas Well Development Activity Associated with Increasing Hospitalisation Rates in Queensland, Australia? An Exploratory Analysis 1995-2011.

PubMed

Werner, Angela K; Cameron, Cate M; Watt, Kerrianne; Vink, Sue; Jagals, Paul; Page, Andrew

2017-05-18

The majority of Australia's coal seam gas (CSG) reserves are in Queensland, where the industry has expanded rapidly in recent years. Despite concerns, health data have not been examined alongside CSG development. This study examined hospitalisation rates as a function of CSG development activity in Queensland, during the period 1995-2011. Admissions data were examined with CSG well numbers, which served as a proxy for CSG development activity. Time series models were used to assess changes in hospitalisation rates for periods of "low", "medium", "high", and "intense" activity compared to a period of "very low" activity, adjusting for covariates. "All-cause" hospitalisation rates increased monotonically with increasing gas well development activity in females (324.0 to 390.3 per 1000 persons) and males (294.2 to 335.4 per 1000 persons). Hospitalisation rates for "Blood/immune" conditions generally increased for both sexes. Female and male hospitalisation rates for "Circulatory" conditions decreased with increasing CSG activity. Hospitalisation rates were generally low for reproductive and birth outcomes; no clear associations were observed. This study showed some outcomes were associated with increasing CSG development activity. However, as a condition of data access, the population and outcomes were aggregated to a broad geographic study area rather than using higher geographic resolution data. Higher resolution data, as well as other data sources, should be explored. Further research should be conducted with an expanded time period to determine if these trends continue as the industry grows.

A Novel Analysis Of The Connection Between Indian Monsoon Rainfall And Solar Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharyya, S.; Narasimha, R.

2005-12-01

The existence of possible correlations between the solar cycle period as extracted from the yearly means of sunspot numbers and any periodicities that may be present in the Indian monsoon rainfall has been addressed using wavelet analysis. The wavelet transform coefficient maps of sunspot-number time series and those of the homogeneous Indian monsoon rainfall annual time series data reveal striking similarities, especially around the 11-year period. A novel method to analyse and quantify this similarity devising statistical schemes is suggested in this paper. The wavelet transform coefficient maxima at the 11-year period for the sunspot numbers and the monsoon rainfall have each been modelled as a point process in time and a statistical scheme for identifying a trend or dependence between the two processes has been devised. A regression analysis of parameters in these processes reveals a nearly linear trend with small but systematic deviations from the regressed line. Suitable function models for these deviations have been obtained through an unconstrained error minimisation scheme. These models provide an excellent fit to the time series of the given wavelet transform coefficient maxima obtained from actual data. Statistical significance tests on these deviations suggest with 99% confidence that the deviations are sample fluctuations obtained from normal distributions. In fact our earlier studies (see, Bhattacharyya and Narasimha, 2005, Geophys. Res. Lett., Vol. 32, No. 5) revealed that average rainfall is higher during periods of greater solar activity for all cases, at confidence levels varying from 75% to 99%, being 95% or greater in 3 out of 7 of them. Analysis using standard wavelet techniques reveals higher power in the 8--16 y band during the higher solar activity period, in 6 of the 7 rainfall time series, at confidence levels exceeding 99.99%. Furthermore, a comparison between the wavelet cross spectra of solar activity with rainfall and noise (including those simulating the rainfall spectrum and probability distribution) revealed that over the two test-periods respectively of high and low solar activity, the average cross power of the solar activity index with rainfall exceeds that with the noise at z-test confidence levels exceeding 99.99% over period-bands covering the 11.6 y sunspot cycle (see, Bhattacharyya and Narasimha, SORCE 2005 14-16th September, at Durango, Colorado USA). These results provide strong evidence for connections between Indian rainfall and solar activity. The present study reveals in addition the presence of subharmonics of the solar cycle period in the monsoon rainfall time series together with information on their phase relationships.

Variation of Fundamental Mode Surface Wave Group Velocity Dispersion in Iran and the Surrounding Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rham, D. J.; Preistley, K.; Tatar, M.; Paul, A.

2006-12-01

We present group velocity dispersion results from a study of regional fundamental mode Rayleigh and Love waves propagating across Iran and the surrounding region. Data for these measurements comes from field deployments within Iran by the University of Cambridge (GBR) and the Universite Joseph-Fourier (FRA) in conjunction with International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (Iran), in addition to data from IRIS and Geofone. 1D path- averaged dispersion measurements have been made for ~5500 source-receiver paths using multiple filter analysis. We combine these observations in a tomographic inversion to produce group velocity images between 10 and 60 s period. Because of the dense path coverage, these images have substantially higher lateral resolution for this region than is currently available from global and regional group velocity studies. We observe variations in short-period wave group velocity which is consistent with the surface geology. Low group velocities (2.00-2.55 km/s) at short periods (10-20 s), for both Rayleigh and Love waves are observed beneath thick sedimentary deposits; The south Caspian Basin, Black Sea, the eastern Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, the Makran, the southern Turan shield, and the Indus and Gangetic basins. Somewhat higher group velocity (2.80-3.15 km/s for Rayleigh, and 3.00-3.40 km/s for Love) at these periods occur in sediment poor regions, such as; the Turkish-Iranian plateau, the Arabian shield, and Kazakhstan. At intermediate periods (30-40 s) group velocities over most of the region are low (2.65-3.20 km/s for Rayleigh, and 2.80-3.45 km/s for love) compared to Arabia (3.40-3.70 km/s Rayleigh, 3.50-4.0 km/s Love). At longer periods (50-60 s) Love wave group velocities remain low (3.25-3.70 km/s) over most of Iran, but there are even lower velocities (2.80-3.00 km/s) still associated with the thick sediments of the south Caspian basin, the surrounding shield areas have much higher group velocities (3.90-4.45 km/s) at these periods. A similar pattern is seen for longer period Rayleigh waves, with low velocities (2.85-3.60 km/s) beneath the Alpine-Himalaya belt, compared to the velocities (3.80-4.10 km/s) of the Turan and Arabian shields, to the north and south respectively, no large anomaly beneath the south Caspian is observed for these longer period Rayleigh waves.

Tissue radionuclide concentrations in water birds and upland birds on the Hanford Site (USA) from 1971-2009.

PubMed

Delistraty, Damon; Van Verst, Scott

2011-08-01

Historical operations at the Hanford Site (Washington State, USA) have released a wide array of non-radionuclide and radionuclide contaminants into the environment. As a result, there is a need to characterize contaminant effects on site biota. Within this framework, the main purpose of our study was to evaluate radionuclide concentrations in bird tissue, obtained from the Hanford Environmental Information System (HEIS). The database was sorted by avian group (water bird vs. upland bird), radionuclide (over 20 analytes), tissue (muscle, bone, liver), location (onsite vs. offsite), and time period (1971-1990 vs. 1991-2009). Onsite median concentrations in water birds were significantly higher (Bonferroni P < 0.05) than those in onsite upland birds for Cs-137 in muscle (1971-1990) and Sr-90 in bone (1991-2009), perhaps due to behavioral, habitat, or trophic species differences. Onsite median concentrations in water birds were higher (borderline significance with Bonferroni P = 0.05) than those in offsite birds for Cs-137 in muscle (1971-1990). Onsite median concentrations in the earlier time period were significantly higher (Bonferroni P < 0.05) than those in the later time period for Co-60, Cs-137, Eu-152, and Sr-90 in water bird muscle and for Cs-137 in upland bird muscle tissue. Median concentrations of Sr-90 in bone were significantly higher (Bonferroni P < 0.05) than those in muscle for both avian groups and both locations. Over the time period, 1971-2009, onsite median internal dose was estimated for each radionuclide in water bird and upland bird tissues. However, a meaningful dose comparison between bird groups was not possible, due to a dissimilar radionuclide inventory, mismatch of time periods for input radionuclides, and lack of an external dose estimate. Despite these limitations, our results contribute toward ongoing efforts to characterize ecological risk at the Hanford Site. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrasound therapy transducers with space-filling non-periodic arrays.

PubMed

Raju, Balasundar I; Hall, Christopher S; Seip, Ralf

2011-05-01

Ultrasound transducers designed for therapeutic purposes such as tissue ablation, histotripsy, or drug delivery require large apertures for adequate spatial localization while providing sufficient power and steerability without the presence of secondary grating lobes. In addition, it is highly preferred to minimize the total number of channels and to maintain simplicity in electrical matching network design. To this end, we propose array designs that are both space-filling and non-periodic in the placement of the elements. Such array designs can be generated using the mathematical concept of non-periodic or aperiodic tiling (tessellation) and can lead to reduced grating lobes while maintaining full surface area coverage to deliver maximum power. For illustration, we designed two 2-D space-filling therapeutic arrays with 128 elements arranged on a spherical shell. One was based on the two-shape Penrose rhombus tiling, and the other was based on a single rectangular shape arranged non-periodically. The steerability performance of these arrays was studied using acoustic field simulations. For comparison, we also studied two other arrays, one with circular elements distributed randomly, and the other a periodic array with square elements. Results showed that the two space-filling non-periodic arrays were able to steer to treat a volume of 16 x 16 x 20 mm while ensuring that the grating lobes were under -10 dB compared with the main lobe. The rectangular non-periodic array was able to generate two and half times higher power than the random circles array. The rectangular array was then fabricated by patterning the array using laser scribing methods and its steerability performance was validated using hydrophone measurements. This work demonstrates that the concept of space-filling aperiodic/non-periodic tiling can be used to generate therapy arrays that are able to provide higher power for the same total transducer area compared with random arrays while maintaining acceptable grating lobe levels.

Impact of fog processing on water soluble organic aerosols.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, S. N.; Chakraborty, A.; Gupta, T.

2017-12-01

Fog is a natural meteorological phenomenon that occurs all around the world, and contains a substantial quantity of liquid water. Fog is generally seen as a natural cleansing agent but can also form secondary organic aerosols (SOA) via aqueous processing of ambient organics. Few field studies have reported elevated O/C ratio and SOA mass during or after fog events. However, mechanism behind aqueous SOA formation and its contribution to total organic aerosols (OA) still remains unclear. In this study we have tried to explore the impact of fog/aqueous processing on the characteristics of water soluble organic aerosols (WSOC), which to our knowledge has not been studied before. To assess this, both online (using HR-ToF-AMS) and offline (using a medium volume PM2.5 sampler and quartz filter) aerosol sampling were carried out at Kanpur, India from 15 December 2014 - 10 February 2015. Further, offline analysis of the aqueous extracts of the collected filters were carried out by AMS to characterize the water soluble OA (WSOA). Several (17) fog events occurred during the campaign and high concentrations of OA (151 ± 68 µg/m3) and WSOA (47 ± 19 µg/m3) were observed. WSOA/OA ratios were similar during fog (0.36 ± 0.14) and nofog (0.34 ± 0.15) periods. WSOA concentrations were also similar (slightly higher) during foggy (49 ± 18 µg/m3) and non-foggy periods (46 ± 20 µg/m3), in spite of fog scavenging. However, WSOA was more oxidized during foggy period (average O/C = 0.81) than non foggy periods (average O/C = 0.70). Like WSOA, OA was also more oxidized during foggy periods (average O/C = 0.64) than non foggy periods (average O/C = 0.53). During fog, WSOA to WIOA (water insoluble OA) ratios were higher (0.65 ± 0.16) compared to non foggy periods (0.56 ± 0.15). These observations clearly showed that WSOA become more dominant and processed during fog events, possibly due to the presence of fog droplets. This study highlights that fog processing of soluble organics can affect the overall chemical characteristics of the entire aerosol population.

Sleep, daily activity rhythms and postpartum mood: A longitudinal study across the perinatal period.

PubMed

Krawczak, Elizabeth M; Minuzzi, Luciano; Simpson, William; Hidalgo, Maria Paz; Frey, Benicio N

2016-01-01

Women with a diagnosis of bipolar and major depressive disorders are at higher risk to develop postpartum depression. The primary objective of this longitudinal study was to determine whether daily activity rhythms and sleep parameters differ between women with and without a history of a mood disorder across the perinatal period. A secondary objective was to determine whether changes in these parameters were associated with postpartum mood. In total, 33 women were included in this study, 15 of which had a history of a mood disorder (high-risk group) and 18 who did not (low-risk group). Sleep and daily rhythms were assessed subjectively and objectively during the third trimester (≥26 weeks gestation) and again at 6-12 weeks postpartum. Mood was also assessed at both time points. Women in the high-risk group showed greater subjective daily rhythms and sleep disturbances across the perinatal period. Objective sleep efficiency was worse in the high-risk group in the postpartum period. Changes in both subjective daily rhythms and objective sleep efficiency were predictive of changes in depressive symptoms across the perinatal period. These findings encourage the development of preventative therapeutics to ensure circadian rhythm and sleep stability throughout the perinatal period.

Results from the 1987 total exposure assessment methodology (team) study in Southern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartwell, T. D.; Perritt, R. L.; Pellizzari, E. D.; Michael, L. C.

Volatile organic compound (VOC) levels in breath, personal air and fixed-site (indoor and outdoor) air were measured and compared for a sample of 50 individuals in the Los Angeles area of California. Comparisons were also made between seasons (winter and summer), between breath samples taken at three different times during the 24-h monitoring period, and between exposure levels of smokers and non-smokers. Personal air levels were higher than indoor air levels and indoor levels were much higher than outdoor levels. Air concentrations in the kitchen and living area were quite similar. Air and breath levels were higher in the winter than in the summer. Little difference was found between levels for the three breath sampling periods. Mean personal air levels of VOCs related to smoking were higher in individuals exposed to tobacco smoke vs those who were not exposed. The personal air levels of smokers and passive smokers (those non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke) were not significantly different; while similar air levels were found in the kitchen and primary living area of homes with smokers.

Comparative study of reproductive skew and pair-bond stability using genealogies from 80 small-scale human societies.

PubMed

Ellsworth, Ryan M; Shenk, Mary K; Bailey, Drew H; Walker, Robert S

2016-05-01

Genealogies contain information on the prevalence of different sibling types that result from past reproductive behavior. Full sibling sets stem from stable monogamy, paternal half siblings primarily indicate male reproductive skew, and maternal half siblings reflect unstable pair bonds. Full and half sibling types are calculated for a total of 61,181 siblings from published genealogies for 80 small-scale societies, including foragers, horticulturalists, agriculturalists, and pastoralists from around the world. Most siblings are full (61%) followed by paternal half siblings (27%) and maternal half siblings (13%). Paternal half siblings are positively correlated with more polygynous marriages, higher at low latitudes, and slightly higher in nonforagers, Maternal half sibling fractions are slightly higher at low latitudes but do not vary with subsistence. Partible paternity societies in Amazonia have more paternal half siblings indicating higher male reproductive skew. Sibling counts from genealogies provide a convenient method to simultaneously investigate the reproductive skew and pair-bond stability dimensions of human mating systems cross-culturally. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:335-342, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevalence of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in Sirte, Libya.

PubMed

Kassem, Hamed H; Abdel-Kader, Abdel-Kader M; Nass, Sedigh Ahmed

2013-04-01

The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis was studied among the livestock slaughtered in abattoir of Sirte, Libya during the period July 2004 to May 2005. The overall infection rate of 4.9% in sheep, 2.4% in goats, 2.7% in camels and 15% in cattle were observed. The increase in prevalence with age of the animals was statistically significant in the four species. In female goats, examined infection was higher in the male. Liver had higher hydatid cysts than lungs in sheep, goat while infected lungs had higher in camel.

Congenital abnormalities in newborns of women with pregestational diabetes: A time-trend analysis, 1994 to 2009.

PubMed

Agha, Mohammad M; Glazier, Richard H; Moineddin, Rahim; Booth, Gillian

2016-10-01

The main objective of the current study is to examine the trend of congenital abnormalities among children born by women with and without diabetes, and to explore the impact of food fortification by folic acid on the rate of birth defects among these two groups of mothers. All children born alive in Ontario, Canada, during 1994 to 2009 and their mothers were included in study. Diagnosis of pregestational diabetes among mothers was identified using Diabetes registry, and diagnosis of birth defects among children were identified using hospital records. The prevalence of births among diabetic mothers increased by almost 200% during the study period. Among children born to mothers with diabetes, the prevalence for all anomalies combined was approximately 47% higher and for various cardiac and central nervous system anomalies up to a three- to fivefold higher than those born to nondiabetic mothers. While the rate of birth defects in both groups observed a considerable decline after food fortification in 1999, but the gap between two groups remained unchanged over time. While the prevalence of birth defects among diabetic pregnancies is still considerably higher that nondiabetic pregnancies, results of the current study indicate a declining trend in the prevalence of some congenital abnormalities among babies born to both diabetic and nondiabetic mothers after 1999. We need to be more aggressive in implementing preventive measures, including a national diabetes plan or the proposed universal policy of supra-dietary folic acid supplementation for women with diabetes who are of reproductive age. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:831-839, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Increase in assisted suicide in Switzerland: did the socioeconomic predictors change? Results from the Swiss National Cohort

PubMed Central

Steck, Nicole; Junker, Christoph

2018-01-01

Objective To determine whether the strong increase in assisted suicides in Switzerland since 2008 is linked to a shift in the socioeconomic factors associated with assisted suicide and its related diagnoses. Methods In a population-based longitudinal study, we investigated assisted suicides in Switzerland over the period 2003–2014. Two groups of younger (25–64 years) and older (65–94 years) persons were analysed separately and compared. We calculated crude rates and used Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models to examine associations of assisted dying with gender, marital status, education, religion, neighbourhood socioeconomic status and other variables, and investigated trends over time. Results We identified 3941 assisted suicides among 6 237 997 Swiss residents, 80% of which occurred in the older age group. Crude rates of assisted suicide more than tripled during the study period from 3.60 to 11.21 per 100 000 person-years; the increase was more pronounced in the older age group. Cancer was the most common underlying diagnosis (41.8%), but the percentage dying assisted was highest among patients with diseases of the nervous system (5.25% in the younger and 1.23% in the older age group). The factors associated with assisted suicide did not change during the study period. Female gender, higher education, having no religious affiliation, no children and a Swiss passport, living in a neighbourhood with a higher socioeconomic index and living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland were associated with a higher rate. Conclusions The study results do not indicate any shift in socioeconomic factors associated with assisted suicide, but a more pronounced increase in incidence among the elderly. PMID:29666138

Can mean platelet volume and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio be biomarkers of acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis in children?

PubMed Central

Erdem, Semiha Bahceci; Karaman, Sait; Yazici, Selcuk; Can, Demet

2017-01-01

Introduction Bronchiectasis (BE) is a parenchymal lung disease evolving as a result of recurrent lung infections and chronic inflammation. Although it has been shown in adult studies that mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be used as biomarkers of airway inflammation, knowledge is limited in the paediatric age group. The aim of our study is to investigate the potential of MPV and NLR as biomarkers that may indicate acute exacerbations of non-cystic fibrosis BE in children. Material and methods Children with non-cystic fibrosis BE (n = 50), who were followed in the division of Paediatric Pulmonology of our hospital between June 2010 and July 2015, were involved in the present retrospective cross-sectional study. Haemogram values during acute exacerbations and non-exacerbation periods, and a control group were compared. Results In children with bronchiectasis, the average leukocyte count (p < 0.001), platelet count (p = 0.018), absolute neutrophil count (p < 0.001), and NLR (p < 0.001) were higher, as expected, when compared with the control group. NLR values, in the period of acute exacerbation were significantly higher than the values of both the non-exacerbation periods (p = 0.02) and the control group (p < 0.001). In contrast, MPV values in the period of acute exacerbation did not exhibit a significant difference from those of non-exacerbation periods (p = 0.530) and the control group (p = 0.103). Conclusions It was concluded that leukocyte count, platelet count, absolute neutrophil count, and NLR can be used to show chronic inflammation in BE, but only NLR and absolute neutrophil count can be used as biomarkers to show acute exacerbations. PMID:29472813

Influences of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on warm season temperature and crop yields in the southwestern US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myoung, B.; Kim, S.; Kim, J.; Kafatos, M.

2013-12-01

Despite advancements in agricultural technology, agricultural productivity remains vulnerable to extreme meteorological conditions. This study has found significant impacts of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on extreme temperatures and in turn on crop yields in the Southwestern United States (SW US) region. Analyses of multi-year data of observed temperatures and simulated maize yields reveal that NAO affects positively the daily temperature maxima and minima in the green-up periods (March-June) and that the response of maize yields to NAO varies according to the climatological mean temperatures. In warmer regions, a combination of above-normal NAO in the planting periods and below-normal NAO in the growing periods is favorable for high maize yields by reducing extremely cold days during the planting periods and extremely hot days in the later periods, respectively. In colder regions, continuously above-normal NAO conditions favor higher yields via above normal thermal conditions. Results in this study suggest that NAO predictions can benefit agricultural planning in SW US.

Numerical study of two disks settling in an Oldroyd-B fluid: From periodic interaction to chaining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Tsorng-Whay; Glowinski, Roland

2017-12-01

In this article, we present a numerical study of the dynamics of two disks sedimenting in a narrow vertical channel filled with an Oldroyd-B fluid. Two kinds of particle dynamics are observed: (i) a periodic interaction between the two disks, and (ii) the formation of a two-disk chain. For the periodic interaction of the two disks, two different motions are observed: (a) the two disks stay far apart and interact periodically, and (b) the two disks interact closely and then far apart in a periodic way, like the drafting, kissing, and tumbling of two disks sedimenting in a Newtonian fluid, due to a weak elastic force. Concerning the formation of a two-disk chain occurring at higher values of the elasticity number, either a tilted chain or a vertical chain is observed. Our simulations show that, as expected, the values of the elasticity and Mach numbers are the determining factors concerning the particle chain formation and its orientation.

Characterisation of swabbing for virological analysis in the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System during four influenza seasons in the period 2002-2006.

PubMed

Larrauri, A; de Mateo, S

2007-05-01

This study sought to characterise the swabbing pattern in the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System (SISSS) and ascertain to what extent the system meets the guidelines currently being drafted by The European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS). Data on seasons 2002/2003 to 2005/2006 were drawn from SISSS. The study analysed collection and dispatch of swab specimens for virological analysis by reference to variables relating to patient sex, age group, vaccination status, specimen collection period, period of influenza activity, time of swabbing and epidemiological season. SISSS adapts to EISS recommendations with respect to the specimen collection period and period of influenza activity, but there is a tendency to collect fewer specimens than recommended as the age of patients increases, and in the case of elderly patients (65 years and older), frequency of collection is clearly insufficient. Furthermore, sentinel physicians collect a higher percentage of specimens in cases where patients have received the influenza vaccine.

Numerical study of two disks settling in an Oldroyd-B fluid: From periodic interaction to chaining.

PubMed

Pan, Tsorng-Whay; Glowinski, Roland

2017-12-01

In this article, we present a numerical study of the dynamics of two disks sedimenting in a narrow vertical channel filled with an Oldroyd-B fluid. Two kinds of particle dynamics are observed: (i) a periodic interaction between the two disks, and (ii) the formation of a two-disk chain. For the periodic interaction of the two disks, two different motions are observed: (a) the two disks stay far apart and interact periodically, and (b) the two disks interact closely and then far apart in a periodic way, like the drafting, kissing, and tumbling of two disks sedimenting in a Newtonian fluid, due to a weak elastic force. Concerning the formation of a two-disk chain occurring at higher values of the elasticity number, either a tilted chain or a vertical chain is observed. Our simulations show that, as expected, the values of the elasticity and Mach numbers are the determining factors concerning the particle chain formation and its orientation.

Formation of periodic surface structures on dielectrics after irradiation with laser beams of spatially variant polarisation: a comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadopoulos, Antonis; Skoulas, Evangelos; Tsibidis, George D.; Stratakis, Emmanuel

2018-02-01

A comparative study is performed to explore the periodic structure formation upon intense femtosecond-pulsed irradiation of dielectrics with radially and azimuthally polarised beams. Laser conditions have been selected appropriately to produce excited carriers with densities below the optical breakdown threshold in order to highlight the role of phase transitions in surface modification mechanisms. The frequency of the laser-induced structures is calculated based on a theoretical model that comprises estimation of electron density excitation, heat transfer, relaxation processes, and hydrodynamics-related mass transport. The influence of the laser wavelength in the periodicity of the structures is also unveiled. The decreased energy absorption for azimuthally polarised beams yields periodic structures with smaller frequencies which are more pronounced as the number of laser pulses applied to the irradiation spot increases. Similar results are obtained for laser pulses of larger photon energy and higher fluences. All induced periodic structures are oriented parallel to the laser beam polarisation.

[Partial pressure of CO2 and CO2 degassing fluxes of Huayuankou and Xiaolangdi Station affected by Xiaolangdi Reservoir].

PubMed

Zhang, Yong-ling; Yang, Xiao-lin; Zhang, Dong

2015-01-01

According to periodic sampling analysis per month in Xiaolangdi station and Huayuankou station from November 2011 to October 2012, combined with continuous sampling analysis of Xiaolangdi Reservoir during runoff and sediment control period in 2012, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in surface water were calculated based on Henry's Law, pCO2 features and air-water CO2 degassing fluxes of Huayuankou station and Xiaolangdi station affected by Xiaolangdi Reservoir were studied. The results were listed as follows, when Xiaolangdi Reservoir operated normally, pCO2 in surface water of Xiaolangdi station and Huayuankou station varied from 82 to 195 Pa and from 99 to 228 Pa, moreover, pCO2 in surface water from July to September were distinctly higher than those in other months; meanwhile, pCO, in surface water from Huayuankou station were higher than that from Xiaolangdi station. During runoff and sediment control period of Xiaolangdi Reservoir, two hydrological stations commonly indicated that pCO2 in surface water during water draining were obviously lower than those during sediment releasing. Whether in the period of normal operation or runoff and sediment control, pCO2 in surface water had positive relations to DIC content in two hydrological stations. Since the EpCO,/AOU value was higher than the theoretical value of 0. 62, the biological aerobic respiration effect had distinct contribution to pCO2. Throughout the whole year, air-water CO2 degassing fluxes from Xiaolangdi station and Huayuankou station were 0.486 p.mol (m2 s) -l and 0.588 pmol (m2 x s)(-1) respectively; When Xiaolangdi Reservoir operated normally, air-water CO, degassing fluxes in Huayuankou station were higher than that in Xiaolangdi station; during runoff and sediment control from Xiaolangdi Reservoir, two hydrological stations had one observation result in common, namely, air-water CO2 degassing fluxes in the period of water draining were obviously lower than that in the period of sediment releasing.

Hypospadias: Prevalence, birthweight and associated major congenital anomalies.

PubMed

Nissen, Karin Baekgaard; Udesen, Ann; Garne, Ester

2015-02-01

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypospadias over 24 years in a Danish population and to describe the relation to birthweight and associated major congenital anomalies. It is a population-based study of all cases (live births, fetal deaths and elective terminations of pregnancy) with hypospadias born in the period 1986-2009 in Funen County and reported to the EUROCAT registry of congenital anomalies. Cases were included only if surgery for hypospadias was performed. 223 cases of hypospadias were registered during the period 1986-2009 with an overall prevalence of 16.9 per 10 000 births. The prevalence was significantly higher in 2000-2009 compared to 1986-1999 (P < 0.001). We found a three times higher occurrence of VLBW (very low birthweight) infants among cases with hypospadias. Infants with isolated hypospadias were more likely to have mild hypospadias (68%) while cases with associated major congenital anomalies were less likely to have mild hypospadias (42%) (P < 0.05). Hypospadias was associated with VLBW and the severity of the defect was related to the presence of major congenital anomalies. The prevalence of hypospadias has increased during the study period. The relation to VLBW could indicate a causal relationship for hypospadias or a shared pathogenic factor. © 2014 Japanese Teratology Society.

Choice of fluid therapy in patients of craniopharyngioma in the perioperative period: A hospital-based preliminary study

PubMed Central

Mukherjee, K. K.; Dutta, Pinaki; Singh, Apinderpreet; Gupta, Prakamya; Srinivasan, Anand; Bhagat, Hemant; Mathuriya, S. N.; Shah, Viral N.; Bhansali, Anil

2014-01-01

Background: Electrolyte imbalance and acute diabetes insipidus (DI) are the most common complications in patients undergoing craniopharyngioma surgery. Improper management of water and electrolyte imbalance is common cause of morbidity and mortality. Data is sparse and controversial regarding the choice of fluid therapy in this population during perioperative period. Methods: In this retrospective-prospective study involving 73 patients (58 retrospective), the type of fluid therapy was correlated with occurrence of hypernatremia, hyponatremia, DI, morbidity, and mortality. In the retrospective study, 48 patients received normal saline and 10 received mixed fluids as per the prevailing practice. In the prospective group, five patients each received normal saline, half normal saline, and 5% dextrose randomly. Results: The sodium values were significantly higher in first 48 h in the group that received normal saline compared with other groups (P < 0.001). The use of normal saline was associated with higher incidence of hypernatremia, DI, and mortality (P = 0.05), while the group that received 5% dextrose was associated with hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and seizures. There was no perioperative hypotension with use of any of the fluids. Conclusion: Our results indicate half normal saline was fluid of choice with diminished incidence of water and electrolyte abnormalities without increase in mortality during postoperative period. PMID:25101200

Entropy method of measuring and evaluating periodicity of quasi-periodic trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Yanshuo; Turitsyn, Konstantin; Baoyin, Hexi; Junfeng, Li

2018-06-01

This paper presents a method for measuring the periodicity of quasi-periodic trajectories by applying discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to the trajectories and analyzing the frequency domain within the concept of entropy. Having introduced the concept of entropy, analytical derivation and numerical results indicate that entropies increase as a logarithmic function of time. Periodic trajectories typically have higher entropies, and trajectories with higher entropies mean the periodicities of the motions are stronger. Theoretical differences between two trajectories expressed as summations of trigonometric functions are also derived analytically. Trajectories in the Henon-Heiles system and the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) are analyzed with the indicator entropy and compared with orthogonal fast Lyapunov indicator (OFLI). The results show that entropy is a better tool for discriminating periodicity in quasiperiodic trajectories than OFLI and can detect periodicity while excluding the spirals that are judged as periodic cases by OFLI. Finally, trajectories in the vicinity of 243 Ida and 6489 Golevka are considered as examples, and the numerical results verify these conclusions. Some trajectories near asteroids look irregular, but their higher entropy values as analyzed by this method serve as evidence of frequency regularity in three directions. Moreover, these results indicate that applying DFT to the trajectories in the vicinity of irregular small bodies and calculating their entropy in the frequency domain provides a useful quantitative analysis method for evaluating orderliness in the periodicity of quasi-periodic trajectories within a given time interval.

Does vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation prolong the latency period before delivery following the preterm premature rupture of membranes? A randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Gungorduk, Kemal; Asicioglu, Osman; Gungorduk, Ozgu Celikkol; Yildirim, Gokhan; Besimoğlu, Berhan; Ark, Cemal

2014-03-01

To determine whether maternal vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation after the premature rupture of membranes is associated with an increase in the latency period before delivery. In the present prospective open randomized trial, 229 pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at ≥ 24.0 and < 34.0 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned to receive either 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E (n = 126) or a placebo (n = 123). The primary outcome was the latency period until delivery. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. No significant differences in demographic or clinical characteristics were observed between the groups. Latency period until delivery was significantly higher in the group that received vitamins compared with the control group (11.2 ± 6.3 days versus 6.2 ± 4.0 days; p < 0.001). Gestational age at delivery was also significantly higher in the vitamin group compared with the control group (31.9 ± 2.6 weeks versus 31.0 ± 2.6 weeks; p = 0.01). No significant differences in adverse maternal outcome (i.e., chorioamnionitis or endometritis) or neonatal outcome (i.e., neonatal sepsis, neonatal death, necrotizing enterocolitis, or grade 3 to 4 intraventricular hemorrhage) were noted between groups. The findings of the present study suggest that the use of vitamins C and E in women with PPROM is associated with a longer latency period before delivery. Moreover, adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes, which are often associated with prolonged latency periods, were similar between the groups. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The impact of "Ramadan fasting period" on total and differential white blood cells, haematological indices, inflammatory biomarker, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests of healthy and asthmatic patients.

PubMed

Askari, V R; Alavinezhad, A; Boskabady, M H

2016-01-01

There is no conclusive evidence regarding the effect of fasting on different features in asthmatic patients. In the present study, the effect of Ramadan fasting in asthmatic patients and healthy control was studied. Haematological indices, inflammatory mediators, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and respiratory symptoms were evaluated in 15 asthmatic patients compared to 14 healthy matched control group before and after the one-month fasting period in Ramadan. The change in each parameter from the beginning to the end of Ramadan was calculated and referred to as "variation during Ramadan". The values of MCH, MCHC in both groups and monocyte counts in asthmatic patients, were significantly increased but platelet count was reduced in asthmatic and controls respectively compared to pre-Ramadan fasting period (P<0.05 to 0.001). Serum hs-CRP level in control and asthmatic groups was significantly reduced after Ramadan fasting month (P<0.001 for both groups). PFT values after Ramadan fasting month in both groups were non-significantly higher compared to pre-fasting values except FVC. Respiratory symptoms in asthmatic patients were non-significantly but wheeze-o was significantly reduced after Ramadan fasting period in asthma group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in variations of different parameters during Ramadan fasting period between two groups, although reduction of hs-CRP in asthmatic group was non-significantly higher than control group. These results show that Ramadan fasting period has no negative impact on asthma and may have some positive effect on asthma severity with regard to reduction of hs-CRP concentration and chest wheeze. Copyright © 2016 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Impact of hemodialysis dose and frequency on survival of patients on chronic hemodialysis in Lithuania during 1998-2005.

PubMed

Stankuvienė, Asta; Ziginskienė, Edita; Kuzminskis, Vytautas; Bumblytė, Inga Arūnė

2010-01-01

The question of the targets of dialysis dosing remains controversial since the beginning of the long-term dialysis treatment era. It is still uncertain if higher dialysis dose is better. The aim of our study was to investigate issues of dialysis dose in Lithuania during the period of 1998-2005 and to determine associations between hemodialysis dose and survival of patients on chronic hemodialysis. We analyzed data of all patients who started hemodialysis due to end-stage renal disease in Lithuania between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2005. The information about hemodialysis frequency, duration, and adequacy (according to Kt/V) was obtained from medical documentation. The overall survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival comparisons were made using the log-rank or Breslow tests. Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to select variables significantly associated with the risk of death; then these variables were included in multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. During the study period, from 2428 patients who started chronic hemodialysis, 58.5% of patients started hemodialysis three times a week. More than one-third (36.2%) of patients were dialyzed twice weekly, and 5.3% of patients started hemodialysis once weekly. Survival analysis revealed that patients dialyzed less than three times per week survived shorter than patients receiving a higher dialysis dose. Duration of HD session of ≤8 hours per week was an independent risk factor for mortality. A higher mean Kt/V was associated with better survival of patients on chronic hemodialysis. Dialysis frequency and weekly duration of HD sessions were dependent on HD accessibility in Lithuania during the period of 1998-2005. Better survival of patients on chronic hemodialysis was associated with a higher hemodialysis dose.

Patterns of diagnostic imaging and associated radiation exposure among long-term survivors of young adult cancer: a population-based cohort study.

PubMed

Daly, Corinne; Urbach, David R; Stukel, Thérèse A; Nathan, Paul C; Deitel, Wayne; Paszat, Lawrence F; Wilton, Andrew S; Baxter, Nancy N

2015-09-03

Survivors of young adult malignancies are at risk of accumulated exposures to radiation from repetitive diagnostic imaging. We designed a population-based cohort study to describe patterns of diagnostic imaging and cumulative diagnostic radiation exposure among survivors of young adult cancer during a survivorship time period where surveillance imaging is not typically warranted. Young adults aged 20-44 diagnosed with invasive malignancy in Ontario from 1992-1999 who lived at least 5 years from diagnosis were identified using the Ontario Cancer Registry and matched 5 to 1 to randomly selected cancer-free persons. We determined receipt of 5 modalities of diagnostic imaging and associated radiation dose received by survivors and controls from years 5-15 after diagnosis or matched referent date through administrative data. Matched pairs were censored six months prior to evidence of recurrence. 20,911 survivors and 104,524 controls had a median of 13.5 years observation. Survivors received all modalities of diagnostic imaging at significantly higher rates than controls. Survivors received CT at a 3.49-fold higher rate (95% Confidence Interval [CI]:3.37, 3.62) than controls in years 5 to 15 after diagnosis. Survivors received a mean radiation dose of 26 miliSieverts solely from diagnostic imaging in the same time period, a 4.57-fold higher dose than matched controls (95% CI: 4.39, 4.81). Long-term survivors of young adult cancer have a markedly higher rate of diagnostic imaging over time than matched controls, imaging associated with substantial radiation exposure, during a time period when surveillance is not routinely recommended.

Atmospheric Particulate Matter Pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics

PubMed Central

WANG, WENTAO; PRIMBS, TOBY; TAO, SHU; ZHU, TONG; SIMONICH, STACI L. MASSEY

2009-01-01

Size fractionated particulate matter (PM) samples (including PM2.5 and PM10) were collected at Peking University in Northwestern Beijing, China for a 2 week period prior to the Olympics, during the 2 week period of the Olympics, and for a 4 week period following the 2008 Olympics, during both source control and non-source control period. PM10 concentrations in this study were high correlated with, but a factor of 1.3 times higher than, the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau's PM10 concentrations at near-by sites because of differences in the measurement methods used. The mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were statistically different, and lower by 31 and 35%, during the Olympic period compared to the non-Olympic period. However, the PM concentrations were not statistically different between the source control and non-source control periods. While meteorological parameters (air masses from the south and precipitation) accounted for 40% of the total variation in PM10 concentration, source control accounted for 16%, suggesting that meteorology accounted for more of the variation in PM concentration than source control measures. The PM10 concentrations in Beijing during the Olympic period were 2.9, 3.5, and 1.9 times higher than those in Atlanta, Sydney and Athens. In addition, the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations during the Olympic period exceeded the WHO 24-hour guideline 100% and 81% of the time, respectively. Finally, the PM10 concentrations in October, November, and December 2008 were reduced by 9% to 27% compared to the same months in 2007, suggesting that the Olympic source control efforts (and possibly a down turn in the economy) have resulted in lower PM10 concentrations in Beijing. PMID:19708359

Winter North Atlantic Oscillation impact on European precipitation and drought under climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsanis, I.; Tapoglou, E.

2018-01-01

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is responsible for the climatic variability in the Northern Hemisphere, in particular, in Europe and is related to extreme events, such as droughts. The purpose of this paper is to study the correlation between precipitation and winter (December-January-February-March (DJFM)) NAO both for the historical period (1951-2000) and two future periods (2001-2050 and 2051-2100). NAO is calculated for these three periods by using sea level pressure, while precipitation data from seven climate models following the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 are also used in this study. An increasing trend in years with positive DJFM NAO values in the future is defined by this data, along with higher average DJFM NAO values. The correlation between precipitation and DJFM NAO is high, especially in the Northern (high positive) and Southern Europe (high negative). Therefore, higher precipitation in Northern Europe and lower precipitation in Southern Europe are expected in the future. Cross-spectral analysis between precipitation and DJFM NAO time series in three different locations in Europe revealed the best coherence in a dominant cycle between 3 and 4 years. Finally, the maximum drought period in terms of consecutive months with drought is examined in these three locations. The results can be used for strategic planning in a sustainable water resources management plan, since there is a link between drought events and NAO.

Menstruation recovery after chemotherapy and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist plus tamoxifen therapy for premenopausal patients with breast cancer.

PubMed

Sakurai, Kenichi; Matsuo, Sadanori; Enomoto, Katsuhisa; Amano, Sadao; Shiono, Motomi

2011-01-01

Little is known about the period required for menstruation recovery after long-term luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonist plus tamoxifen therapy following chemotherapy. In this study we investigated the period required for menstruation recovery after the therapy. The subjects comprised 105 premenopausal breast cancer patients who had undergone surgery. All patients were administered an LH-RH agonist for 24 months and tamoxifen for 5 years following the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and the status of menstruation recovery was examined. Menstruation resumed in 16 cases (15.2%) after the last LH-RH agonist treatment session. The mean period from the last LH-RH agonist treatment to the recovery of menstruation was 6.9 months. The rate of menstruation recovery was 35.5% in patients aged 40 years or younger and 8.0% in those aged 41 years or older, and it was significantly higher in those aged 40 years or younger. The period until menstruation recovery tended to be longer in older patients at the end of treatment. This study showed that menstruation resumed after treatment at higher rates in younger patients. However, because it is highly likely that ovarian function will be destroyed by the treatment even in young patients, it is considered necessary to explain the risk to patients and obtain informed consent before introducing this treatment modality.

Neonatal hyperleptinaemia programmes adrenal medullary function in adult rats: effects on cardiovascular parameters

PubMed Central

Trevenzoli, I H; Valle, M M R; Machado, F B; Garcia, R M G; Passos, M C F; Lisboa, P C; Moura, E G

2007-01-01

Epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between stressful events (nutritional, hormonal or environmental) in early life and development of adult diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular failure. It is known that gestation and lactation are crucial periods for healthy growth in mammals and that the sympathoadrenal system is markedly influenced by environmental conditions during these periods. We previously demonstrated that neonatal hyperleptinaemia in rats programmes higher body weight, higher food intake and hypothalamic leptin resistance in adulthood. Using this model of programming, we investigated adrenal medullary function and effects on cardiovascular parameters in male rats in adulthood. Leptin treatment during the first 10 days of lactation (8μg 100 g−1 day−1, s.c.) resulted in lower body weight (6.5%, P < 0.05), hyperleptinaemia (10-fold, P < 0.05) and higher catecholamine content in adrenal glands (18.5%, P < 0.05) on the last day of treatment. In adulthood (150 days), the rats presented higher body weight (5%, P < 0.05), adrenal catecholamine content (3-fold, P < 0.05), tyrosine hydroxylase expression (35%, P < 0.05) and basal and caffeine-stimulated catecholamine release (53% and 100%, respectively, P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were also higher in adult rats (7% and 6%, respectively, P < 0.05). Our results show that hyperleptinaemia in early life increases adrenal medullary function in adulthood and that this may alter cardiovascular parameters. Thus, we suggest that imprinting factors which increase leptin and catecholamine levels during the neonatal period could be involved in development of adult chronic diseases. PMID:17218354

Effects of aerobic training intensity on resting, exercise and post-exercise blood pressure, heart rate and heart-rate variability.

PubMed

Cornelissen, V A; Verheyden, B; Aubert, A E; Fagard, R H

2010-03-01

We aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training intensity (1) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) at rest before exercise, and during and after a maximal exercise test; and (2) on measures of HR variability at rest before exercise and during recovery from the exercise test, in at least 55-year-old healthy sedentary men and women. A randomized crossover study comprising three 10-week periods was performed. In the first and third period, participants exercised at lower or higher intensity (33% or 66% of HR reserve) in random order, with a sedentary period in between. Training programmes were identical except for intensity, and were performed under supervision thrice for 1 h per week. The results show that in the three conditions, that is, at rest before exercise, during exercise and during recovery, we found endurance training at lower and higher intensity to reduce SBP significantly (P<0.05) and to a similar extent. Further, SBP during recovery was, on average, not lower than at rest before exercise, and chronic endurance training did not affect the response of SBP after an acute bout of exercise. The effect of training on HR at rest, during exercise and recovery was more pronounced (P<0.05) with higher intensity. Finally, endurance training had no significant effect on sympathovagal balance. In conclusion, in participants at higher age, both training programmes exert similar effects on SBP at rest, during exercise and during post-exercise recovery, whereas the effects on HR are more pronounced after higher intensity training.

Healthcare resource use and cost associated with varying dosages of extended corticosteroid exposure in a US population.

PubMed

Rice, J Bradford; White, Alan G; Johnson, Michaela; Wagh, Aneesha; Qin, Yimin; Bartels-Peculis, Laura; Ciepielewska, Gosia; Nelson, Winnie W

2018-05-23

To quantify healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs associated with varying levels of corticosteroid exposure. Patients with a diagnosis of selected autoimmune and inflammatory diseases between 1 January 2006 and 30 September 2015 ("study period") were selected from a de-identified, privately-insured claims database. Patients were stratified into four treatment cohorts based on the dosing and duration of continuous corticosteroid use following disease diagnosis: intermittent use with <60 days of corticosteroid use and ≥60 days of corticosteroid use with low (≤7.5 mg/day), medium (>7.5-≤15 mg/day), or high (>15 mg/day) dosage. Patients were followed from the date of their highest dose episode of corticosteroid use ("treatment index date") until the earliest of the end of continuous corticosteroid use +30 days, disenrollment from health plan, or the end of the study period ("follow-up period"). HCRU and costs in the follow-up period were compared across treatment cohorts. Of 78,704 patients who were identified for study inclusion, 29% had extended corticosteroid use lasting ≥60 days, and 71% had intermittent use. On average, patients in the high-dose cohort incurred twice the cost of intermittent users ($68,408 vs $32,690 in annualized total all-cause healthcare costs, USD). Adverse event-related medical costs accounted for ∼40% of medical costs, and were higher than disease-related medical costs for all cohorts with extended corticosteroid exposure. Comparing the high-dose and low-dose cohorts, the smaller savings in disease-related prescriptions ($1,680) occurred along with a much larger cost in adverse event-related spend ($13,464). The impact of corticosteroids may be under-estimated because of conservative follow-up duration, and administrative data may contain inaccuracies in coding. Steroid use, especially at higher doses, is associated with higher HCRU and costs.

Health Services Use by Late Preterm and Term Infants From Infancy to Adulthood: A Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Isayama, Tetsuya; Lewis-Mikhael, Anne-Mary; O'Reilly, Daria; Beyene, Joseph; McDonald, Sarah D

2017-07-01

Late-preterm infants born at 34 to 36 weeks' gestation have increased risks of various health problems. Health service utilization (HSU) of late-preterm infants has not been systematically summarized before. To summarize the published literature on short- and long-term HSU by late-preterm infants versus term infants from infancy to adulthood after initial discharge from the hospital. We searched Medline, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO. Cohort and case-control studies that compared HSU (admissions, emergency department visits, etc) between late-preterm infants and term infants were included. Data extracted included study design, setting, population, HSU, covariates, and effect estimates. Fifty-two articles were included (50 cohort and 2 case-control studies). Meta-analyses with random effect models that used the inverse-variance method found that late-preterm infants had higher chances of all-cause admissions than term infants during all the time periods. The magnitude of the differences decreased with age from the neonatal period through adolescence, with adjusted odds ratios from 2.34 (95% confidence intervals 1.19-4.61) to 1.09 (1.05-1.13) and adjusted incidence rate ratios from 2.62 (2.52-2.72) to 1.14 (1.11-1.18). Late-preterm infants had higher rates of various cause-specific HSU than term infants for jaundice, infection, respiratory problems, asthma, and neurologic and/or mental health problems during certain periods, including adulthood. Considerable heterogeneity existed and was partially explained by the variations in the adjustment for multiple births and gestational age ranges of the term infants. Late-preterm infants had higher risks for all-cause admissions as well as for various cause-specific HSU during the neonatal period through adolescence. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Analysis of acidic components, heavy metals and PAHS of particulate in the Changwon-Masan area of Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Byeong-Kyu; Lee, Chang-Heub

2008-01-01

This study is an analysis of the concentrations and components of heavy metals in PM2.5 and the total suspended particulate (TSP) collected at a mechanical industrial complex (IC) site in Changwon and at a residential site in Masan, Korea. Particulate was collected during two sampling periods, from the late summer to the early fall and from the middle to late fall, at the IC site and one sampling period, from the middle fall to the early winter, at the residential site. PM2.5 and TSP samples were taken by an annular denuder system and a hi-volume air sampler, respectively. The authors also identified the concentrations and components of heavy metals extracted from the PM2.5 and TSP filters, the acidic components extracted from the PM2.5 filters, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) extracted from polyurethane foam (PUF) plug. The average concentrations of the PM2.5 collected at the IC and residential sites were very similar. Major sources of PM2.5 at the study sites, however, were air emissions from vehicles and industry as well as emissions from residential heating and soil origins, respectively. The higher concentrations of the TSP at the IC site, as compared to those at the residential site, were due to either increased suspended dust from vehicle emissions or re-suspended road dust because of increased vehicle speeds near the IC site. Heavy metal concentrations in the TSPs were higher than those in the PM2.5. The heavy metal concentrations in the PM2.5 and TSP at the IC site with heavy traffic were substantially greater than those at the residential site. The concentrations of TSP and heavy metals and PAHs in PM during the period of the middle to late fall was much higher than those during the period of the late summer to early fall at the IC site. This is because of the difference in meteorological characteristics and energy uses between two periods. The residential site also showed higher concentrations of acidic anions while the IC site showed higher concentrations of acidic cation. Secondary aerosols or particulates, such as ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrite, might have been important constituents of the PM2.5 at the residential site. The PAHs in the TSP collected at the IC site was greatly affected by traffic and industry emissions consisting mostly of high molecular weight PAHs with two to four rings. PAHs in the TSP at the site, however, were affected by residential heating and air emissions from small chemical plants having higher concentrations of low molecular weight PAHs with five to six rings.

Early oral feeding after pancreatoduodenectomy enhances recovery without increasing morbidity

PubMed Central

Gerritsen, Arja; Wennink, Roos A W; Besselink, Marc G H; van Santvoort, Hjalmar C; Tseng, Dorine S J; Steenhagen, Elles; Borel Rinkes, Inne H M; Molenaar, I Quintus

2014-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a change in the routine feeding strategy applied after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) from nasojejunal tube (NJT) feeding to early oral feeding improved clinical outcomes. Methods An observational cohort study was performed in 102 consecutive patients undergoing PD. In period 1 (n = 51, historical controls), the routine postoperative feeding strategy was NJT feeding. This was changed to a protocol of early oral feeding with on-demand NJT feeding in period 2 (n = 51, consecutive prospective cohort). The primary outcome was time to resumption of adequate oral intake. Results The baseline characteristics of study subjects in both periods were comparable. In period 1, 98% (n = 50) of patients received NJT feeding, whereas in period 2, 53% (n = 27) of patients did so [for delayed gastric empting (DGE) (n = 20) or preoperative malnutrition (n = 7)]. The time to resumption of adequate oral intake significantly decreased from 12 days in period 1 to 9 days in period 2 (P = 0.015), and the length of hospital stay shortened from 18 days in period 1 to 13 days in period 2 (P = 0.015). Overall, there were no differences in the incidences of complications of Clavien–Dindo Grade III or higher, DGE, pancreatic fistula, postoperative haemorrhage and mortality between the two periods. Conclusions The introduction of an early oral feeding strategy after PD reduced the time to resumption of adequate oral intake and length of hospital stay without negatively impacting postoperative morbidity. PMID:24308458

Effects of portion size on chronic energy intake.

PubMed

Jeffery, Robert W; Rydell, Sarah; Dunn, Caroline L; Harnack, Lisa J; Levine, Allen S; Pentel, Paul R; Baxter, Judith E; Walsh, Ericka M

2007-06-27

This study experimentally examined the effects of repeated exposure to different meal portion sizes on energy intake. Nineteen employees of a county medical center were given free box lunches for two months, one month each of 1528 and 767 average kcal. Foods were identical in the two conditions, but differed in portion size. Meals averaged 44% calories from fat. Participants self-reported how much of each lunch was eaten. Unannounced 24-hour dietary recalls were also conducted by phone twice per week during each exposure period. Mean energy intake at the lunch meal was 332 kcal/day higher in large lunch than in small lunch periods (p < .001). Mean 24-hour energy intake was 278 kcal/day higher in large versus small lunch periods (p < .001). There was no evidence of compensation over time. Average weight change over the month of large and small lunches was 0.64 +/- 1.16 kg and 0.06 +/- 1.03 kg, respectively, about what would be expected with the observed differences in energy intake. This study suggests that chronic exposure to large portion size meals can result in sustained increases in energy intake and may contribute to body weight increases over time.

Female Overweight and Obesity in Adolescence: Developmental Trends and Ethnic Differences in Prevalence, Incidence, and Remission

PubMed Central

Huh, David; Stice, Eric; Shaw, Heather; Boutelle, Kerri

2012-01-01

Despite substantial increases in the prevalence of adolescent overweight and obesity documented in recent decades, few studies have prospectively tracked their development during the entire adolescent period. The aims of this study were to characterize developmental trends in prevalence, incidence, and remission of overweight and obesity using annual data collected from ages 12 to 19 for 496 adolescent females. Ethnic differences between African American (n = 37), Latina (n = 96), and European American (n = 348) adolescents were also compared. The prevalence of overweight decreased slightly across adolescence and remission rates exceeded incidence (onset). Obesity was more chronic, with increasing incidence accompanied by decreasing remission rates. Middle through late adolescence was the period of greatest risk for the transition from overweight to obesity. African American and Latina females had higher overweight and obesity prevalence than European American females throughout adolescence. Differences in prevalence were driven by higher onset rates for African American and Latina females, whereas remission rates were comparable across ethnic groups. Results suggest that adolescence is not a high-risk period for onset of obesity for European American adolescent females, but is for African American and Latina adolescent females. PMID:21499888

Mandibular osteomyelitis in red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and fallow deer (Dama dama): occurrence and associated factors in free-living populations in southern Spain.

PubMed

Azorit, Concepción; Oya, Antonia; Tellado, Sierra; Carrasco, Rafael; Moro, Javier

2012-01-01

The prevalence of mandibular osteomyelitis, which results in a condition called lumpy jaw, and factors associated with its occurrence were investigated in syntopic free-living populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) in Spain. The study material consisted of 3,586 mandibles from 2,548 red deer and 1,038 fallow deer shot during sport hunting, herd management culls, and programs for population control between 1988 and 1997 (period 1) and 2002 and 2009 (period 2) in eastern Sierra Morena, southern Spain. Disease prevalence ranged from 0.36% to 10.91% among age groups. Older animals were significantly more likely to be affected than younger ones. Red deer stags had higher prevalence than other groups. There was a significantly higher prevalence in period 1, probably associated with differences in climatic and population conditions. High population densities of female red deer contributed significantly to occurrence of disease. Intensive herd management and poor environmental conditions were considered risk factors that increased susceptibility to disease. The study of this affliction could be useful for monitoring general herd welfare and ecologic changes in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Positronium reflection and positronium beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, M.; Tang, S.; Khatri, R.; Berko, S.; Canter, K. F.; Lynn, K. G.; Mills, A. P., Jr.; Roellig, L. O.; Viescas, A. J.

1990-01-01

Specular reflection of positronium, Ps was observed and that there is adequate intensity at higher energies to make further study worthwhile was established. The scattering appears to be restricted to the outermost surface with a mean free path of (0.75 + or - 0.15)A for Ps in LiF(100). With a greater intensity Ps beam one should see higher order diffraction beams as the result of the periodicity of the surface. Ps diffraction thus offers the possibility of being a novel and valuable probe to study the outermost surface and to study adsorbants on it. Two methods for producing Ps beams are described.

Is Low Health Literacy Associated with Increased Emergency Department Utilization and Recidivism?

PubMed Central

Griffey, Richard T.; Kennedy, Sarah K.; McGownan, Lucy; Goodman, Melody; Kaphingst, Kimberly A.

2015-01-01

Objectives To determine whether patients with low health literacy have higher ED utilization and higher ED recidivism than patients with adequate health literacy. Methods The study was conducted at an urban academic ED with over 95,000 annual visits that is part of a 13-hospital health system, using electronic records that are captured in a central data repository. As part of a larger, cross sectional, convenience sample study, health literacy testing was performed using the short test of functional health literacy in adults (STOFHLA), and standard test thresholds identifying those with inadequate, marginal, and adequate health literacy. The authors collected patients' demographic and clinical data, including items known to affect recidivism. This was a structured electronic record review directed at determining 1) the median number of total ED visits in this health system within a 2-year period, and 2) the proportion of patients with each level of health literacy who had return visits within 3, 7, and 14 days of index visits. Descriptive data for demographics and ED returns are reported, stratified by health literacy level. The Mantel-Haenszel chi-square was used to test whether there is an association between health literacy and ED recidivism. A negative binomial multivariable model was performed to examine whether health literacy affects ED use, including variables significant at the 0.1 alpha level on bivariate analysis, and retaining those significant at an alpha of 0.05 in the final model. Results Among 431 patients evaluated, 13.2% had inadequate, 10% had marginal, and 76.3% had adequate health literacy as identified by S-TOFHLA. Patients with inadequate health literacy had higher ED utilization compared to those with adequate health literacy (p = 0.03). Variables retained in the final model included S-TOFHLA score, number of medications, having a personal doctor, being a property owner, race, insurance, age, and simple comorbidity score. During the study period, 118 unique patients each made at least one return ED visit within a 14-day period. The proportion of patients with inadequate health literacy making at least one return visit was higher than that of patients with adequate health literacy at 14 days, but was not significantly higher within 3 or 7 days. Conclusions In this single-center study, higher utilization of the ED by patients with inadequate health literacy when compared to those with adequate health literacy was observed. Patients with inadequate health literacy made a higher number of return visits at 14 days but not at 3 or 7 days. PMID:25308133

Estimation of DMFT, Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Count, Flow Rate, Ph, and Salivary Total Calcium Content in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women: A Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Vibhute, Nupura Aniket; Baad, Rajendra Krishna

2017-01-01

Introduction Pregnancy, a period from conception till birth, causes changes in the functioning of the human body as a whole and specifically in the oral cavity that may favour the emergence of dental caries. Many studies have shown pregnant women at increased risk for dental caries, however, specific salivary caries risk factors and the particular period of pregnancy at heightened risk for dental caries are yet to be explored and give a scope of further research in this area. Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the severity of dental caries in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women by evaluating parameters like Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, salivary Streptococcus mutans count, flow rate, pH and total calcium content. Materials and Methods A total of 50 first time pregnant women in the first trimester were followed during their second trimester, third trimester and postpartum period for the evaluation of DMFT by World Health Organization (WHO) scoring criteria, salivary flow rate by drooling method, salivary pH by pH meter, salivary total calcium content by bioassay test kit and salivary Streptococcus mutans count by semiautomatic counting of colonies grown on Mitis Salivarius (MS) agar supplemented by 0.2U/ml of bacitracin and 10% sucrose. The observations of pregnant women were then compared with same parameters evaluated in the 50 non-pregnant women. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed to assess the association between the study parameters. Results Evaluation of different caries risk factors between pregnant and non-pregnant women clearly showed that pregnant women were at a higher risk for dental caries. Comparison of caries risk parameters during the three trimesters and postpartum period showed that the salivary Streptococcus mutans count had significantly increased in the second trimester, third trimester and postpartum period while the mean pH and mean salivary total calcium content decreased in the third trimester and postpartum period. These changes reflected on the DMFT score which increased in the third trimester and postpartum period. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that there is a definite correlation between pregnancy and dental caries. We conclude that the third trimester and postpartum period of pregnancy are the periods during which the pregnant women are at a higher risk for development of dental caries. PMID:28571283

Higher thyroid hormone receptor expression correlates with short larval periods in spadefoot toads and increases metamorphic rate

PubMed Central

Hollar, Amy R.; Choi, Jinyoung; Grimm, Adam T.; Buchholz, Daniel R.

2011-01-01

Spadefoot toad species display extreme variation in larval period duration, due in part to evolution of thyroid hormone (TH) physiology. Specifically, desert species with short larval periods have higher tail tissue content of TH and exhibit increased responsiveness to TH. To address the molecular basis of larval period differences, we examined TH receptor (TR) expression across species. Based on the dual function model for the role of TR in development, we hypothesized that desert spadefoot species with short larval periods would have 1) late onset of TR expression prior to the production of endogenous TH and 2) higher TR levels when endogenous TH becomes available. To test these hypotheses, we cloned fragments of TRα and TRβ genes from the desert spadefoot toads Scaphiopus couchii and Spea multiplicata and their non-desert relative Pelobates cultripes and measured their mRNA levels in tails using quantitative PCR in the absence (premetamorphosis) or presence (natural metamorphosis) of TH. All species express TRα and TRβ from the earliest stages measured (from just after hatching), but S. couchii, which has the shortest larval period, had more TRα throughout development compared to P. cultripes, which has the longest larval period. TRβ mRNA levels were similar across species. Exogenous T3 treatment induced faster TH-response gene expression kinetics in S. couchii compared to the other species, consistent with its increased TRα mRNA expression and indicative of a functional consequence of more TRα activity at the molecular level. To directly test whether higher TRα expression may contribute to shorter larval periods, we overexpressed TRα via plasmid injection into tail muscle cells of the model frog Xenopus laevis and found an increased rate of muscle cell death in response to TH. These results suggest that increased TRα expression evolved in S. couchii and contribute to its higher metamorphic rates. PMID:21651912

Association of the recurrence and canceration rate of vocal leukoplakia with interleukin-10 promoter variants over a 2-year period.

PubMed

Zhou, Jian; Zhang, Duo; Zhou, Liang; Yang, Yue; Liu, Fei; Tao, Lei; Lu, Li-Ming

2016-11-01

Conclusion This study indicates that IL-10 promoter polymorphism variants, smoking, and alcohol consumption increase the risk of recurrence and canceration in vocal leukoplakia. Objective This prospective, clinical trial was performed to evaluate the association of interleukin (IL)-10 promoter polymorphism variants and canceration and recurrence rates in vocal leukoplakia (a pre-cancerous laryngeal carcinoma lesion) over a 2-year period. Participants and method Sixty-one post-operative patients with vocal leukoplakia were enrolled in this prospective, observational study and genotyped for the IL-10 promoter gene (IL-10-1082 A/G, -819 T/C and -592 A/C) using pyrosequencing, and responded to a 2-year follow-up survey. Recurrence and canceration rates were used to evaluate the association between the genotype variants and the clinical outcome. Results There was an increased canceration rate in the variant genotype group compared to that in the normal genotype group in the 2-year follow-up period (18.4% vs 0%, p-value = 0.038). Compared with the non-smoker group, the smoker group had a higher recurrence rate of vocal leukoplakia (29.3% vs 5%, p-value =0.044). Likewise, the recurrence rate in the alcohol consumption group was also higher (30.6% vs 8%, p-value =0.034). The percentage of cancerization in the alcohol consumption group was significantly higher than that in the non-alcohol consumption group (19.4% vs 0%, p-value =0.035).

Transition from Secondary School to Medical School: The Role of Self-Study and Self-Regulated Learning Skills in Freshman Burnout.

PubMed

Barbosa, Joselina; Silva, Álvaro; Ferreira, Maria Amélia; Severo, Milton

2016-12-30

The transition from secondary to higher education is a challenging and demanding period for medical students. The ability to manage study time effectively and to be a self-regulated learner is essential to cope with the exponential growth of knowledge in medical education. Thus, the purpose of our study was to measure self-regulated learning skills and self-study across secondary higher education transition and to explore its effect on academic burnout in the first year of medical school. We collected data from 102 (43%) freshman medical students on self-regulated learning, academic achievement, and hours of self-study/week relative to last year of secondary school (at the beginning of academic year) and the first year of medical school (at the end of academic year). Burnout data was collected at the end of academic year. Among the 102 participants, 12% were at risk of burnout. Self-directedness at secondary school and higher education, and strategies for learning and assessment at higher education were protective factors against academic burnout. However, secondary selfdirectedness has an indirect effect on academic burnout mediated by self-directedness in the first year of medical school. In addition, self-study during class period was a risk factor for burnout. Our results support the premise that students experience mental health problems from an early stage at medical school. Empowering medical students to develop strategies for learning assessment and self-direction will help them manage their learning and, consequently, promote their well-being. Finally, we found that it is not academic performance that influences burnout but the time dedicated to study.

Renal transplant among type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients in Spain: A population-based study from 2002 to 2013.

PubMed

López-de-Andrés, Ana; de Miguel-Yanes, José M; Hernández-Barrera, Valentín; Méndez-Bailón, Manuel; González-Pascual, Montserrat; de Miguel-Díez, Javier; Salinero-Fort, Miguel A; Pérez-Farinós, Napoleón; Jiménez-Trujillo, Isabel; Jiménez-García, Rodrigo

2017-01-01

To describe trends in the rates and short-term outcomes of renal transplants (RTx) among patients with or without diabetes in Spain (2002-2013). We used national hospital discharge data to select all hospital admissions for RTx. We divided the study period into four three-year periods. Rates were calculated stratified by diabetes status: type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and no-diabetes. We analyzed Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), post-transplant infections, in-hospital complications of RTx, rejection, in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay. We identified 25,542 RTx. Rates of RTx increased significantly in T2DM patients over time (from 9.3 cases/100,000 in 2002/2004 to 13.3 cases/100,000 in 2011/2013), with higher rates among people with T2DM for all time periods. T2DM patients were older and had higher CCI values than T1DM and non-diabetic patients (CCI≥1, 31.4%, 20.4% and 21.5%, respectively; P<0.05). Time trend analyses showed significant increases in infections, RTx-associated complications and rejection for all groups (all P values<0.05). Infection rates were greater in people with T2DM (20.8%) and T1DM (23.5%) than in non-diabetic people (18.7%; P<0.05). Time trend analyses (2002-2013) showed significant decreases in mortality during admission for RTx (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.83). Diabetes was not associated with a higher in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.20, 95% CI 0.92-1.55). RTx rates were higher and increased over time at a higher rate among T2DM patients. Mortality decreased over time in all groups. Diabetes does not predict mortality during admission for RTx. Instituto Salud Carlos III and URJC-Banco Santander. Copyright © 2016 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Utilization of rapid response resources and outcomes in a comprehensive cancer center*.

PubMed

Austin, Charles A; Hanzaker, Chris; Stafford, Renae; Mayer, Celeste; Culp, Loc; Lin, Feng-Chang; Chang, Lydia

2014-04-01

To compare the differences in characteristics and outcomes of cancer center patients with other subspecialty medical patients reviewed by rapid response teams. A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized general medicine patients, subspecialty medicine patients, and oncology patients requiring rapid response team activation over a 2-year period from September 2009 to August 2011. Five hundred fifty-seven subspecialty medical patients required rapid response team intervention. A single academic medical center in the southeastern United States (800+ bed) with a dedicated 50-bed inpatient comprehensive cancer care center. Data abstraction from computerized medical records and a hospital quality improvement rapid response database. Of the 557 patients, 135 were cancer center patients. Cancer center patients had a significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Score (4.4 vs 2.9, < 0.001). Cancer center patients had a significantly longer hospitalization period prior to rapid response team activation (11.4 vs 6.1 d, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between proportions of patients requiring ICU transfer between the two groups (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8-1.8). Cancer center patients had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared with the other subspecialty medical patients (33% vs 18%; odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.50-3.5). If the rapid response team event required an ICU transfer, this finding was more pronounced (56% vs 23%; odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.0-7.8). The utilization of rapid response team resources during the 2-year period studied was also much higher for the oncology patients with 37.34 activations per 1,000 patient discharges compared with 20.86 per 1,000 patient discharges for the general medical patients. Oncology patients requiring rapid response team activation have a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate, particularly if the rapid response team requires ICU transfer. Oncology patients also utilize rapid response team resources at a much higher rate.

Follow-up of ankle stiffness and electromechanical delay in immobilized children: three cases studies.

PubMed

Grosset, Jean-François; Lapole, Thomas; Mora, Isabelle; Verhaeghe, Martine; Doutrellot, Pierre-Louis; Pérot, Chantal

2010-08-01

Clinical manual tests refer to increased ankle stiffness in children immobilized due to hip osteochondritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate musculo-articular stiffness via different techniques in immobilized children to confirm or not and quantify these observations. Ankle stiffness was quantified monthly during the long immobilization period in three diseased children and compared to healthy age-matched children. Sinusoidal perturbations were used to evaluate musculo-articular (MA) stiffness of the ankle plantar-flexors. The stiffness index (SI(MA-EMG)) was the slope of the linear relationship between angular stiffness and plantar-flexion torque normalized with electromyographic activity of the triceps surae (TS). The stiffness of the ankle plantar-flexors was also indirectly evaluated using the TS electromechanical delay (EMD). SI(MA-EMG) was greater for diseased children, and this higher stiffness was confirmed by the higher EMD values found in these immobilized children. Furthermore, both parameters indicated that ankle stiffness continues to increase through immobilization period. This study gives a quantitative evaluation of ankle stiffness changes through the immobilization period imposed to children treated for hip osteochondritis. The use of EMD measurement to indirectly evaluate these stiffness changes is also validated. This study shed for the first time some light into the patterns of muscle modifications following immobilization in children. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Autonomic Cardiovascular Control and Executive Function in Chronic Hypotension.

PubMed

Duschek, Stefan; Hoffmann, Alexandra; Reyes Del Paso, Gustavo A; Ettinger, Ulrich

2017-06-01

Chronic low blood pressure (hypotension) is characterized by complaints such as fatigue, reduced drive, dizziness, and cold limbs. Additionally, deficits in attention and memory have been observed. Autonomic dysregulation is considered to be involved in the origin of this condition. The study explored autonomic cardiovascular control in the context of higher cognitive processing (executive function) in hypotension. Hemodynamic recordings were performed in 40 hypotensive and 40 normotensive participants during execution of four classical executive function tasks (number-letter task, n-back task, continuous performance test, and flanker task). Parameters of cardiac sympathetic control, i.e., stroke volume, cardiac output, pre-ejection period, total peripheral resistance, and parasympathetic control, i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia and baroreflex sensitivity, were obtained. The hypotensive group exhibited lower stroke volume and cardiac output, as well as higher pre-ejection period and baroreflex sensitivity during task execution. Increased error rates in hypotensive individuals were observed in the n-back and flanker tasks. In the total sample, there were positive correlations of error rates with pre-ejection period, baroreflex sensitivity and respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and negative correlations with cardiac output. Group differences in stroke volume, cardiac output, and pre-ejection period suggest diminished beta-adrenergic myocardial drive during executive function processing in hypotension, in addition to increased baroreflex function. Although further research is warranted to quantify the extent of executive function impairment in hypotension, the results from correlation analysis add evidence to the notion that higher sympathetic inotropic influences and reduced parasympathetic cardiac influences are accompanied by better cognitive performance.

Characterization of erosion of metallic materials under cavitation attack in a mineral oil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, B. C. S.; Buckley, D. H.

1984-01-01

Cavitation erosion and erosion rates of eight metallic materials representing three crystal structures were studied using a 20-kHz ultrasonic magnetostrictive oscillator in viscous mineral oil. The erosion rates of the metals with an fcc matrix were 10 to 100 times higher than that of an hcp-matrix titanium alloy. The erosion rates of iron and molybdenum, with bcc matrices, were higher than that of the titanium alloy but lower than those of the fcc metals. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that the cavitation pits are initially formed at the grain boundaries and precipitates and that the pits that formed at the triple points grew faster than the others. Transcrystalline craters formed by cavitation attack over the surface of grains and roughened the surfaces by multiple slip and twinning. Surface roughness measurements show that the pits that formed over the grain boundaries deepended faster than other pits. Computer analysis revealed that a geometric expression describes the nondimensional erosion curves during the time period 0.5 t(0) t 2.5 t(0), where t(0) is the incubation period. The fcc metals had very short incubation periods; the titanium alloy had the longest incubation period.

Spatial epidemiology of suspected clinical leptospirosis in Sri Lanka.

PubMed

Robertson, C; Nelson, T A; Stephen, C

2012-04-01

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses in the world. A large outbreak of suspected human leptospirosis began in Sri Lanka during 2008. This study investigated spatial variables associated with suspected leptospirosis risk during endemic and outbreak periods. Data were obtained for monthly numbers of reported cases of suspected clinical leptospirosis for 2005-2009 for all of Sri Lanka. Space-time scan statistics were combined with regression modelling to test associations during endemic and outbreak periods. The cross-correlation function was used to test association between rainfall and leptospirosis at four locations. During the endemic period (2005-2007), leptospirosis risk was positively associated with shorter average distance to rivers and with higher percentage of agriculture made up of farms <0·20 hectares. Temporal correlation analysis of suspected leptospirosis cases and rainfall revealed a 2-month lag in rainfall-case association during the baseline period. Outbreak locations in 2008 were characterized by shorter distance to rivers and higher population density. The analysis suggests the possibility of household transmission in densely populated semi-urban villages as a defining characteristic of the outbreak. The role of rainfall in the outbreak remains to be investigated, although analysis here suggests a more complex relationship than simple correlation.

Variation of Rayleigh and Love Wave Fundamental Mode Group Velocity Dispersion Across India and Surrounding Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acton, C. E.; Priestley, K.; Mitra, S.; Gaur, V. K.; Rai, S. S.

2007-12-01

We present group velocity dispersion results from a study of regional fundamental mode Rayleigh and Love waves propagating across India and surrounding regions. Data used in this study comes from broadband stations operated in India by us in addition to data from seismograms in the region whose data is archived at the IRIS Data Management Centre. The large amount of new and available data allows an improved path coverage and accordingly increased lateral resolution than in previous similar global and regional studies. 1D path- averaged dispersion measurements have been made using multiple filter analyis for source-receiver paths and are combined to produce tomographic group velocity maps for periods between 10 and 60 s. Preliminary Rayleigh wave group velocity maps have been produced using ~2500 paths and checkerboard tests indicate an average resolution of 5 degrees with substantially higher resolution achieved over the more densely sampled Himalayan regions. Short period velocity maps correlate well with surface geology resolving low velocity regions (2.0-2.4 km/s) corresponding to the Ganges and Brahmaputra river deltas, the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Katawaz Basin in Pakhistan, the Tarim Basin in China and the Turan Depression. The Tibetan Plateau is well defined as a high velocity region (2.9-3.2 km/s) at 10 s period, but for periods greater than 20 s it becomes a low velocity region which remains a distinct feature at 60 s and is consistent with the increased crustal thickness. The southern Indian shield is characterized by high crustal group velocities (3.0-3.4 km/s) and at short periods of 10 and 15 s it is possible to make some distinction between the Singhbhum, Dharwar and Aravali cratons. Initial Love wave group velocity maps from 500 dispersion measurements show similarly low velocities at short periods across regions with high sedimentation but higher velocities compared to Rayleigh waves across the Indian shield.

[Risk factors for absenteeism due to sick leave in the petroleum industry].

PubMed

Oenning, Nágila Soares Xavier; Carvalho, Fernando Martins; Lima, Veronica Maria Cadena

2014-02-01

To identify risk factors for absenteeism among workers with sick leave in an oil company. A case-control study (120 cases and 656 controls) nested in a retrospective cohort study following up all employees of an oil company in the North-Northeast of Brazil from 2007 to 2009. The response variable used to represent absenteeism with sick leave was the average incidence of sick leave, defined as the ratio between total sick days and potential working days in the period. Logistic regression techniques were used to investigate the association between average incidence of sick leave > 5.0% over the period and the variables sex, position, age, time at work, shift work, smoking, arterial hypertension, body mass index, physical activity, coronary risk, sleep, glycemia, non-managed diabetes, cardiovascular, digestive, musculoskeletal, neurological and neoplastic diseases, straining body positioning during work, satisfaction at work, relationship with management, and concentrated attention at work. Average incidence of sick leave higher than 5.0% in the cohort period was 15.5%. The logistic model revealed that workers with average incidence of sick leave higher than 5.0% were 2.6 times more likely to be female; 2.0 time more likely to be smokers; 1.8 time more likely to be former smokers; 2.2 times more likely to report abnormal sleep and 10.5 times more likely to report dissatisfaction with their than workers with average incidence of sick leave ≤ 5.0% in the period. In this population, female gender, being a smoker or a former smoker, reporting dissatisfaction with the job and reporting abnormal sleep are good predictors of occupational absenteeism with sick leave. To identify risk factors for absenteeism among workers with sick leave in an oil company. A case-control study (120 cases and 656 controls) nested in a retrospective cohort study following up all employees of an oil company in the North-Northeast of Brazil from 2007 to 2009. The response variable used to represent absenteeism with sick leave was the average incidence of sick leave, defined as the ratio between total sick days and potential working days in the period. Logistic regression techniques were used to investigate the association between average incidence of sick leave > 5.0% over the period and the variables sex, position, age, time at work, shift work, smoking, arterial hypertension, body mass index, physical activity, coronary risk, sleep, glycemia, non-managed diabetes, cardiovascular, digestive, musculoskeletal, neurological and neoplastic diseases, straining body positioning during work, satisfaction at work, relationship with management, and concentrated attention at work. Average incidence of sick leave higher than 5.0% in the cohort period was 15.5%. The logistic model revealed that workers with average incidence of sick leave higher than 5.0% were 2.6 times more likely to be female; 2.0 time more likely to be smokers; 1.8 time more likely to be former smokers; 2.2 times more likely to report abnormal sleep and 10.5 times more likely to report dissatisfaction with their than workers with average incidence of sick leave ≤ 5.0% in the period. In this population, female gender, being a smoker or a former smoker, reporting dissatisfaction with the job and reporting abnormal sleep are good predictors of occupational absenteeism with sick leave.

Collective Bargaining in a Period of Retrenchment. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions (11th, New York, NY, April 1983).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Douglas, Joel M., Ed.

Legal and economic issues pertaining to collective bargaining in a retrenchment situation are considered in 18 conference papers. Titles and authors are as follows: "Retrenchment in State Government: Its Consequences for Higher Education" (James R. Mingle); "A Chancellor's Perspective on Retrenchment" (Joseph S. Murphy);…

Interference with activities due to pain and fatigue: Accuracy of ratings across different reporting periods

PubMed Central

Broderick, Joan E.; Schneider, Stefan; Schwartz, Joseph E.; Stone, Arthur A.

2010-01-01

Purpose This study examined the impact of different reporting period lengths on the accuracy of items measuring interference due to pain and fatigue with work, walking, and relations with others. Methods Six items from well-established instruments (Brief Pain Inventory, Brief Fatigue Inventory, SF-36) were investigated in a prospective study of 117 patients with chronic rheumatological illness. Daily ratings were compared with recall ratings of 1, 3, 7, and 28-day reporting periods. Results The level of recall ratings (RRs) for reporting periods of 3 days or more were significantly higher than the level of aggregated end-of-day (EOD) ratings. Correspondence between aggregated EOD and RRs was good (r ≥ .80) regardless of the length of the reporting period. Ratings of interference for a single day were highly correlated with aggregated EOD for up to 14 days prior to the single rating (r ≥ .76). Conclusions Recall ratings with reporting periods of up to a month yield good correspondence with aggregated daily ratings, although the absolute level of the rating will be inflated for recall periods of 3 days or longer. PMID:20535565

Adherence to Self-Care Interventions for Depression or Anxiety: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simco, Russell; McCusker, Jane; Sewitch, Maida

2014-01-01

Objective: The objective of this study was to synthesise and describe adherence to intervention in published studies of supported self-care for depression or anxiety, and to identify participant characteristics associated with higher adherence. Methods: We searched the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PSYCINFO for the period from January…

The Life Cycle of Academic Management Fads. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birnbaum, Robert

This study reviewed the literature to trace the evolution and life cycles of seven management techniques related to higher education. The seven case studies involved analysis of a selected sample of periodical, monograph, and technical literature from 1960 to the present. The literature base on each management technique was reviewed in reference…

Regulation of Tool-Use within a Blended Course: Student Differences and Performance Effects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lust, Griet; Elen, Jan; Clarebout, Geraldine

2013-01-01

Given the rising popularity of content management systems (CMSs) in higher education, the current study investigates how students use tools in CMS supported courses. More specifically, the current study investigates how students regulate their tool-use throughout the course period by considering the moment tools are used. This temporal dimension…

Negligent and intentional fires in Portugal: the role of human and biophysical drivers on the temporal distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parente, Joana; Pereira, Mário; Amraoui, Malik; Tedim, Fantina

2017-04-01

Portugal is the European country with higher number of fires (NF) and burnt area (BA) per unit of land area. The annual number of fires for which the cause of fire is known is not constant and relatively small (typically less than 50% of annual number of records). Nevertheless, the analysis of the fire causes reveals that the vast majority (99%) of the fires in Portugal are of human origin and only a small fraction are of natural origin (1% caused by lightning). The study period will be the recent years of 2012 - 2014, when fire recording procedures are more reliable and the cause of ignition was assessed for more than 50% (19376) of the fires. The fires with approximately seventy different causes of fire defined/recognized by the Portuguese Forest Service (ICNF) were grouped into negligent, intentional and natural fires. For this study the authors proposes the use of the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics level II, which divides Portugal in 5 basic economic regions, namely Norte, Centro, Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, Alentejo, and Algarve. Most of the fires (54%) occur in the so-called critical period defined between July and September, but high wildfire activity may also occur in few periods of the remaining months (especially in February and March). The intentional fires represent 40% of total NF but accounts for 53% of total BA during the study period. The temporal distribution are described and interpreted in terms of the climate, fire weather, land use land cover (LULC), distance to communication routes (roads and railways) and topographic variables (altitude, slope) using statistical analysis and GIS techniques. Results points to: a) higher number of negligent than intentional fires; b) higher BA on critical period in years 2012 and 2013; c) decrease in time and decrease from critical period to non-critical period of the number of fires, in all regions; and d) the dominant role of fire weather in the observed temporal patterns. We strongly believe that the findings of this study contribute to a better fire prevention, firefighting and crisis management. Acknowledgements: This work was supported by: (i) the project Interact - Integrative Research in Environment,Agro-Chain and Technology, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000017, research line BEST, cofinanced by FEDER/NORTE 2020; (ii) the FIREXTR project, PTDC/ATP¬GEO/0462/2014; and, (iii) European Investment Funds by FEDER/COMPETE/POCI-Operacional Competitiveness and Internacionalization Programme, under Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006958 and National Funds by FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project UID/AGR/04033. We are especially grateful to ICNF for providing the fire data.

Changing trend? Sex ratios of children born to Indian immigrants in Norway revisited.

PubMed

Tønnessen, Marianne; Aalandslid, Vebjørn; Skjerpen, Terje

2013-09-05

In some Western countries, a disturbingly low share of girls has been observed among new-borns from Indian immigrants. Also in Norway, a previous study based on figures from 1969-2005 showed a high percentage of boys among children of Indian origin living in Norway, when the birth was of higher order (third birth or later). This was suggested to reflect a practice of sex-selective abortions in the Indian immigrant population. In this article we have seen whether extended time series for the period 2006-2012 give further support to this claim. Based on data from the Norwegian Central Population Register we used observations for the sex of all live births in Norway for the period 1969-2012 where the mother was born in India. The percentage of boys was calculated for each birth order, during four sub periods. Utilising a binomial probability model we tested whether the observed sex differences among Indian-born women were significantly different from sex differences among all births. Contrary to findings from earlier periods and other Western countries, we found that Indian-born women in Norway gave birth to more girls than boys of higher order in the period 2006-2012. This is somewhat surprising, since sex selection is usually expected to be stronger if the mother already has two or more children. The extended time series do not suggest a prevalence of sex selective abortions among Indian-born women in Norway. We discuss whether the change from a majority of boys to a majority of girls in higher order could be explained by new waves of immigrant women, by new preferences among long-residing immigrant women in Norway - or by mere coincidence.

Dopamine and noradrenaline efflux in the prefrontal cortex in the light and dark period: effects of novelty and handling and comparison to the nucleus accumbens.

PubMed

Feenstra, M G; Botterblom, M H; Mastenbroek, S

2000-01-01

We used on-line microdialysis measurements of dopamine and noradrenaline extracellular concentrations in the medial prefrontal cortex of awake, freely moving rats during the dark and the light period of the day to study whether (i) basal efflux would be higher in the active, dark period than in the inactive, light period; (ii) the activation induced by environmental stimuli would be dependent on these conditions. When determined one day after cannula placement, noradrenaline and dopamine levels were higher during the dark. Maximal relative increases induced by novelty and handling were 150% and 175-200%, respectively, and were very similar in the light and the dark, but the net increases were higher in the dark. Separate groups were tested one week after cannula placement to ensure recovery of possibly disturbed circadian rhythms. While basal levels in the dark were now approximately twice those in the light, the maximal relative and net increases after both novelty and handling were very similar. Basal levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (one day after cannula placement) were not different in the light or dark, but were increased by novelty and handling to about 130% only in the light period, not in the dark. Thus, in the prefrontal cortex, dopamine strongly resembles noradrenaline, in that basal efflux was state dependent, whereas activation by stimuli was not. In the nucleus accumbens, basal dopamine efflux was not state dependent, but activation by stimuli was. These results suggest that there are differential effects of circadian phase on basal activity and responsiveness of the mesolimbic vs the mesocortical dopamine system.

Mortality of colorectal cancer in Taiwan, 1971-2010: temporal changes and age-period-cohort analysis.

PubMed

Su, Shih-Yung; Huang, Jing-Yang; Jian, Zhi-Hong; Ho, Chien-Chang; Lung, Chia-Chi; Liaw, Yung-Po

2012-12-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in developed countries among men (after lung cancer) and the third most common among women. This study thus examines the long-term trends of CRC mortality in Taiwan. CRC cases were collective between patients aged 30 years or older and younger than 85 years from the Taiwan death registries during 1971-2010. Standard descriptive techniques such as age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), aural percent change, and age-period-cohort analyses were used. The increase of percentage change by each age group in men was higher than in women. The ASMR of CRC increased 2-fold for men and almost 1.5-fold for women during the periods 1971-1975 and 2006-2010. For age-period-cohort analysis, the estimated mortality rate increased steadily with age in both sexes, and plateaued at 175.29 per 100,000 people for men and 128.14 per 100,000 for women in the 80- to 84-year-old group. Period effects were weak in both sexes. Cohort effects were strong. Between 30 and 59 years of age, the sex ratio showed that the female CRC mortality rate was higher than that of their male counterparts. Conversely, the mortality risk of CRC in men was higher than that in women when they were between 60 and 84 years old. The current findings showed a consistent increase in mortality from CRC over the years. Changes in the patient sex ratio indicated an important etiological role of sex hormones, especially in women aged 60 years or younger.

Resource intensification and osteoarthritis patterns: changes in activity in the prehistoric Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region.

PubMed

Cheverko, Colleen M; Bartelink, Eric J

2017-10-01

Ethnohistoric accounts and archaeological research from Central California document a shift from the use of lower-cost, high-ranked resources (e.g., large game) toward the greater use of higher-cost, low-ranked resources (e.g., acorns and small seeds) during the Late Holocene (4500-200 BP). The subsistence transition from higher consumption of large game toward an increased reliance on acorns was likely associated with increases in levels of logistical mobility and physical activity. This study predicts that mobility and overall workload patterns changed during this transition to accommodate new food procurement strategies and incorporate new dietary resources during the Late Holocene in Central California. Osteoarthritis prevalence was scored in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee of adult individuals (n = 256) from seven archaeological sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. Comparisons were made between osteoarthritis prevalence, sex, age-at-death, and time period using ANCOVAs. The results of this study indicate significant increases in osteoarthritis prevalence in the hip of adult males and females during the Late Period (1200-200 BP), even after correcting for the cumulative effects of age. No differences were observed between the sexes or between time periods for the shoulder, elbow, and knee joints. The temporal increase in hip osteoarthritis supports the hypothesis that there was an increasing need for greater logistical mobility over time to procure key resources away from the village sites. Additionally, the lack of sex differences in osteoarthritis prevalence may suggest that females and males likely performed similar levels of activity during these periods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Women: A Retrospective Study from a Mental Health Hospital in Turkey.

PubMed

Özdemir, Armağan; Poyraz, Cana Aksoy; Erten, Evrim; Çırakoğlu, Emre; Tomruk, Nesrin

2016-12-01

The aim was to evaluate the clinical profile and effectiveness of ECT in women. A retrospective chart review was carried out to identify female patients who had received ECT during the period September 2013-February 2015. Details regarding their sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment data were extracted from these records for the present study. The total number of patients, admitted to our psychiatry inpatient clinic during the survey period, was 802. During this period, 26 (3.24 %) female patients received ECT. Patients who received ECT were mostly in age group of 25-44 years (76.9 %). Twenty percent of patients were in the postpartum period. Psychotic disorders (46.1 %) was the most common diagnosis for which ECT was used, followed by bipolar affective disorder, current episode manic (19.2 %). At the end of ECT courses, 70 % of the patients showed good response with a CGI-I of 1 or 2, and 30 % showed minimal response with a CGI-I score of 3. The most common side effects were post-ECT confusion (15.4 %) and prolonged seizure (11.5 %). This rate of prolonged seizure was higher the rates reported in the literature. The bronchospasm related with remifentanil, post-ECT bradycardia, hypertensive crisis and oligohydramnios were also reported in one case each. ECT is a safe and effective treatment option in women with severe psychiatric disorders and disorders in the perinatal/postpartum period are a major area of ECT use. The female gender may be a contributing factor for the higher rates of prolonged seizure.

Depression and cortisol responses to psychological stress: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Burke, Heather M; Davis, Mary C; Otte, Christian; Mohr, David C

2005-10-01

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to examine the association between depression and cortisol responses to psychological stressors. A total of seven studies comparing plasma or cortisol responses to psychological stressors in clinically depressed (MDD) and non-depressed (ND) individuals (N = 196: 98 MDD, 98 ND; 83 men, 113 women; mean age = 40 years) were included. Sample size-adjusted effect sizes (Cohen's d statistic) were calculated and averaged across baseline (before stressor onset), stress (stressor onset up to 25 min after stressor offset), and recovery (more than 25 min after stressor offset) periods. Overall, MDD and ND individuals exhibited similar baseline and stress cortisol levels, but MDD patients had much higher cortisol levels during the recovery period than their ND counterparts. There was also a significant time of day effect in which afternoon studies were more likely to reveal higher baseline cortisol levels, blunted stress reactivity, and impaired recovery in MDD patients. This blunted reactivity-impaired recovery pattern observed among the afternoon studies was most pronounced in studies with older and more severely depressed patients.

Satisfaction of healthy pregnant women receiving short message service via mobile phone for prenatal support: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Jareethum, Rossathum; Titapant, Vitaya; Chantra, Tienthai; Sommai, Viboonchart; Chuenwattana, Prakong; Jirawan, Chatchainoppakhun

2008-04-01

The main objective was to compare the satisfaction levels of antenatal care between healthy pregnant women who received short message service (SMS) via mobile phone for prenatal support, and those who did not. The second objective was to compare the confidence, anxiety levels and also pregnancy outcomes. A randomized controlled trial. 68 healthy pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic and delivered at Siriraj Hospital, who met the inclusion criterias between May 2007 and October 2007, were enrolled and randomly allocated into two random groups. The study group received two SMS messages per week from 28 weeks of gestation until giving birth. The other group was pregnant women who did not receive SMS. Both groups had the same antenatal and perinatal care. The satisfaction, confidence and anxiety scores were evaluated using a questionnaire at the postpartum ward. The pregnancy outcomes were also compared in these two groups. The satisfaction levels of the women who received prenatal support in SMS messages, were significantly higher than those of who did not receive the messages both in the antenatal period (9.25 vs. 8.00, p < 0.001) and during labor (9.09 vs. 7.90, p = 0.007). In the SMS using group, the confidence level was'higher (8.91 vs. 7.79, p = 0.001) and the anxiety level was lower (2.78 vs. 4.93, p = 0.002) than the control group n the antenatal period, however no diference in pregnancy outcomes were found. The present study shows the higher satisfaction level of pregnant women who received SMS via mobile phone during their antenatal service when compared with the general antenatal care group. The study also show the higher confidence level and lower anxiety level in the antenatal period but no difference in pregnancy outcomes.

Regeneration of Pinus pinaster Aiton after prescribed fires: Response to burn timing and biogeographical seed provenance across a climatic gradient.

PubMed

Sagra, J; Ferrandis, P; Plaza-Álvarez, P A; Lucas-Borja, M E; González-Romero, J; Alfaro-Sánchez, R; De Las Heras, J; Moya, D

2018-05-17

Prescribed fires are used as a fuel reduction tool, but heat alter microsite conditions affecting the natural regeneration of Mediterranean pine forests. Our study tested the hypothesis that implementing prescription before or after pine seed release may influence the composition of tree communities by changing the regeneration patterns of Pinus pinaster Aiton across a climatic gradient in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. We ran a seed-sowing experiment to analyse the recruitment patterns of this pine species in prescribed-burned stands, in two different biogeographical seed provenances from wetter and drier areas than the local seeding site. Survival of seedlings was through one year, until the end of the first drought and winter period, respectively. >5400 seeds were sown during the study distributed in sixty plots (30 burned, 30 unburned) per site and treatment, with 10 seeding units per plot. General linear models (GLMs) and ANOVA analyses indicated higher performance for the Drier seed provenance in burned areas, whereas a similar performance was recorded in the control area. Control areas showed higher germination and success rates for plant establishment throughout the study period. Total germination and survival after one year were slightly higher, respectively, at northern sites due to massive mortality during summer in the southern stands. At the burned sites, the mean germination time was significantly longer in those seeds sown before fire passage than those sown after fire. Total germination and successful establishment were significantly higher in the individuals sown before the passage of the fire than in those sown after fire. Most of the mortality occurred in summer for the southern stand, while winter was the most constraining period at the northern sites. The understanding of the dynamics in this species' establishment can help managers to perform a better management planning according to the species' ecology. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new idea for broad band reflector and tunable multichannel filter of one dimensional symmetric photonic crystal with magnetized cold plasma defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Asish; Singh, Prabal P.; Thapa, Khem B.

2018-05-01

The optical properties of one-dimensional periodic structure composed by SiO2 and dielectric (air) layers with asymmetric and symmetric forms studied. The transmittance for symmetric periodic defective structure analyzed by introducing one, two, three layers of magnetized cold plasma (MCP) in one-dimensional periodic structure. We found better result for symmetric defect of three layer of the MCP compare to the other defective structures. On the basis of our calculated results, we proposed a new idea for broadband reflector at lower frequency range as well as the multichannel filter at higher frequency range.

Determinants and consequences of discrepancies in menstrual and ultrasonographic gestational age estimates.

PubMed

Morin, Isabelle; Morin, Lucie; Zhang, Xun; Platt, Robert W; Blondel, Béatrice; Bréart, Gérard; Usher, Robert; Kramer, Michael S

2005-02-01

To assess the association between maternal and fetal characteristics and discrepancy between last normal menstrual period and early (<20 weeks) ultrasound-based gestational age and the association between discrepancies and pregnancy outcomes. Hospital-based cohort study. Montreal, Canada. A total of 46,514 women with both menstrual- and early ultrasound-based gestational age estimates. Positive (last normal menstrual period > early ultrasound, i.e. menstrual-based gestational age is higher than early ultrasound-based gestational age, so that the expected date of delivery is earlier with the menstrual-based gestational age) discrepancies > or =+7 days, mean birthweight, low birthweight, stillbirth and in-hospital neonatal death. Multiparous mothers and those with diabetes, small stature or high pre-pregnancy body mass index were more likely to have positive discrepancies. The proportion of women with discrepancies > or =+7 days was significantly higher among chromosomally malformed and female fetuses. The mean birthweight declined with increasingly positive differences. The risk of low birthweight was significantly higher for positive differences. Associations with fetal growth measures were more plausible with early ultrasound estimates. Although most discrepancies between last normal menstrual period- and early ultrasound-based gestational age are attributable to errors in menstrual dating, our results suggest that some positive differences reflect early growth restriction.

Physical Activity of Nurse Clinical Practitioners and Managers.

PubMed

Jirathananuwat, Areeya; Pongpirul, Krit

2017-11-01

This study was aimed (1) to compare the level of physical activity (PA) between working and nonworking hours and (2) to compare the level of PA during working hours of nurse clinical practitioners (NCPs) with that of nurse managers (NMs). This cross-sectional survey was conducted at a Thai university hospital from October 2015 to March 2016. All randomly selected participants wore an activity tracker on their hip for 5 days, except during bathing and sleeping periods, to record step counts and time points. Of 884 nurses, 289 (142 NCPs and 147 NMs) were randomly selected. The average age was 35.87 years. They spent 9.76 and 6.01 hours on work and nonwork activities, respectively. Daily steps per hour were significantly lower during work than nonwork periods (P < .001). An NCP had significantly higher overall hourly PA (P = .002). The number of steps per hour during work period of NCP was significantly higher than that of NM even after adjusting for age, work experience, and body mass index (P = .034). NCP had higher overall PA than NM, which was partly contributed by work-related PA. Level of PA for a professional with variation of actual work hours should be measured on hourly basis.

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors affecting the self-perception period of lower urinary tract symptoms of international prostate symptom score items.

PubMed

Kim, J H; Shim, S R; Lee, W J; Kim, H J; Kwon, S-S; Bae, J H

2012-12-01

This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on the lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) self-perception period and International Prostate Symptom Score. This cross-sectional study examined 209 men aged ≥ 40 years with non-treated LUTS who participated in a prostate examination survey. Questions included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) items with self-perception periods for each item. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were also assessed. Participants were divided by mild LUTS (IPSS less than 8) and moderate-to-severe LUTS (IPSS 8 or higher). Self-perception period of the moderate-to-severe LUTS (n = 110) was affected by BMI; the self-perception period of the mild LUTS (n = 90) was affected by age, income, occupation and concomitant disease. Moderate-to-severe LUTS were affected by self-perception period (p = 0.03). Self-perception period was affected by concern for health (p = 0.005) by multivariate analysis, and self-perception period of mild LUTS was affected by BMI (p = 0.012). Moderate-to-severe LUTS were affected by age, number of family members, concern for health and drinking (p < 0.05, respectively) by multivariate analysis. Lower urinary tract symptom was affected by self-perception period. In moderate-to-severe LUTS, age, concern for health and drinking were affecting factors of self-perception period. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Inactivation/reactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by a novel UVA/LED/TiO2 system.

PubMed

Xiong, Pei; Hu, Jiangyong

2013-09-01

In this study, an effective photocatalytic disinfection system was established using the newly emerged high power UVA/LED lamp. Crystallizing dish coated with TiO2 was prepared by 32-times impregnation-drying processes, and served as the supporting container for water samples. This study focused on the application of this UVA/LED system for the photocatalytic disinfection of selected antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 700891. The disinfection performances were studied under various light intensities and illumination modes. Results show that higher light intensity could reach more significant inactivation of E. coli ATCC 700891. With the same UV dose, log-removal of antibiotic-resistant bacteria decreased with circle time in the studied range, while increased with duty circle. A "residual disinfecting effect" was found in the following dark period for bacteria collected at different phases of photocatalytic process. Residual disinfecting effect was found not significant for bacteria with 30 min periodic illumination. While residual disinfecting effect could kill almost all bacteria after 90 min UV periodic illumination within the following 240 min dark period. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Higher surgical training opportunities in the general hospital setting; getting the balance right.

PubMed

Robertson, I; Traynor, O; Khan, W; Waldron, R; Barry, K

2013-12-01

The general hospital can play an important role in training of higher surgical trainees (HSTs) in Ireland and abroad. Training opportunities in such a setting have not been closely analysed to date. The aim of this study was to quantify operative exposure for HSTs over a 5-year period in a single institution. Analysis of electronic training logbooks (over a 5-year period, 2007-2012) was performed for general surgery trainees on the higher surgical training programme in Ireland. The most commonly performed adult and paediatric procedures per trainee, per year were analysed. Standard general surgery operations such as herniae (average 58, range 32-86) and cholecystectomy (average 60, range 49-72) ranked highly in each logbook. The most frequently performed emergency operations were appendicectomy (average 45, range 33-53) and laparotomy for acute abdomen (average 48, range 10-79). Paediatric surgical experience included appendicectomy, circumcision, orchidopexy and hernia/hydrocoele repair. Overall, the procedure most commonly performed in the adult setting was endoscopy, with each trainee recording an average of 116 (range 98-132) oesophagogastroduodenoscopies and 284 (range 227-354) colonoscopies. General hospitals continue to play a major role in the training of higher surgical trainees. Analysis of the electronic logbooks over a 5-year period reveals the high volume of procedures available to trainees in a non-specialist centre. Such training opportunities are invaluable in the context of changing work practices and limited resources.

Developmental predictors of inattention-hyperactivity from pregnancy to early childhood.

PubMed

Foulon, Stéphanie; Pingault, Jean-Baptiste; Larroque, Béatrice; Melchior, Maria; Falissard, Bruno; Côté, Sylvana M

2015-01-01

The objective of the study was to characterize the developmental sequence of pre- and postnatal risk factors for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in preschoolers. Longitudinal data came from a French population based birth cohort study (EDEN; N = 1311 mother-child pairs followed from the pregnancy onwards). Inattention-hyperactivity symptoms were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire when participating children were 3 years of age. Potential risk factors were classified in four domains (fetal exposures and child somatic characteristics, child temperament, child neurodevelopmental status, psychosocial environment) and four periods (before pregnancy, prenatal/birth, infancy, toddlerhood). Their role as potential moderator or mediator was tested with path analysis to determine the developmental sequence. A low family socioeconomic status before pregnancy was the main environmental risk factor for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms at 3 years, and its effect occurred via two pathways. The first was a risk pathway, where lower SES was associated with higher maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy; then to higher maternal and child distress and dysregulation in infancy; and in turn to higher levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years. The second was a protective pathway, where higher SES was associated with longer duration of breastfeeding during infancy; then to better child neurodevelopmental status in toddlerhood; and in turn to lower levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years. This study identified psychosocial factors at several developmental periods that represent potential targets for preventing the emergence of inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in early childhood.

Developmental Predictors of Inattention-Hyperactivity from Pregnancy to Early Childhood

PubMed Central

Foulon, Stéphanie; Pingault, Jean-Baptiste; Melchior, Maria; Falissard, Bruno; Côté, Sylvana M.

2015-01-01

Objective The objective of the study was to characterize the developmental sequence of pre- and postnatal risk factors for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in preschoolers. Materials and Methods Longitudinal data came from a French population based birth cohort study (EDEN; N = 1311 mother-child pairs followed from the pregnancy onwards). Inattention-hyperactivity symptoms were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire when participating children were 3 years of age. Potential risk factors were classified in four domains (fetal exposures and child somatic characteristics, child temperament, child neurodevelopmental status, psychosocial environment) and four periods (before pregnancy, prenatal/birth, infancy, toddlerhood). Their role as potential moderator or mediator was tested with path analysis to determine the developmental sequence. Results A low family socioeconomic status before pregnancy was the main environmental risk factor for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms at 3 years, and its effect occurred via two pathways. The first was a risk pathway, where lower SES was associated with higher maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy; then to higher maternal and child distress and dysregulation in infancy; and in turn to higher levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years. The second was a protective pathway, where higher SES was associated with longer duration of breastfeeding during infancy; then to better child neurodevelopmental status in toddlerhood; and in turn to lower levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years. Discussion This study identified psychosocial factors at several developmental periods that represent potential targets for preventing the emergence of inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in early childhood. PMID:25938453

Health consequences of shift-work: the case of iranian hospital security personnel.

PubMed

Abedini, Roghayeh; Soltanzadeh, Ahmad; Faghih, Mohammad Amin; Mohammadi, Heidar; Kamalinia, Mojtaba; Mohraz, Majid Habibi; Arassi, Maziyar; Veyseh, Peyman Piran; Aghaei, Hamed; Hosseini, Seyed Younes

2015-01-01

Shift-work, which is an ergonomics issue in workplaces, can negatively affect workers. The security personnel of medical centers in Iran have multiple responsibilities and consequently are exposed to such unwanted situations as observing patients, disputing with patient's attendants, unwanted shift schedules, and being away from family for long periods. This study assessed health problems of Iranian hospital security personnel (shift-worker personnel) using the Survey of Shift-workers (SOS) questionnaire (Persian version). This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven medical centers (4 hospitals and 3 clinics). A total of 416 workers were surveyed: shift-workers (exposed group) (n=209) and non-shift-workers (unexposed group) (n=207). The prevalence of adverse health effects was higher in shift-workers than day-workers. The level of education and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) in shift-workers were significantly higher compared with day-workers. The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular and psychological problems were also significantly higher in shift-workers compared with day-workers. Overall, the prevalence of health problems among the security personnel of medical centers was high. Hence, it is recommended that personnel be put under periodic monitoring and receive medical counseling and treatment if there is any disorder.

Heterogeneity in individually experienced temperatures (IETs) within an urban neighborhood: insights from a new approach to measuring heat exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuras, E. R.; Hondula, D. M.; Brown-Saracino, J.

2015-10-01

Urban environmental health hazards, including exposure to extreme heat, have become increasingly important to understand in light of ongoing climate change and urbanization. In cities, neighborhoods are often considered a homogenous and appropriate unit with which to assess heat risk. This manuscript presents results from a pilot study examining the variability of individually experienced temperatures (IETs) within a single urban neighborhood. In July 2013, 23 research participants were recruited from the South End neighborhood of Boston and equipped with Thermochron iButtons that measured the air temperatures surrounding individuals as they went about their daily lives. IETs were measured during a heat wave period (July 17-20), which included 2 days with excessive heat warnings and 1 day with a heat advisory, as well as a reference period (July 20-23) in which temperatures were below seasonal averages. IETs were not homogeneous during the heat wave period; mean IETs were significantly different between participants ( p < 0.001). The majority of participants recorded IETs significantly lower than outdoor ambient temperatures (OATs), and on average, the mean IET was 3.7 °C below the mean OAT. Compared with IETs during the reference period, IETs during the heat wave period were 1.0 °C higher. More than half of participants did not experience statistically different temperatures between the two test periods, despite the fact that the mean OAT was 6.5 °C higher during the heat wave period. The IET data collected for this sample and study period suggest that (1) heterogeneity in individual heat exposure exists within this neighborhood and that (2) outdoor temperatures misrepresent the mean experienced temperatures during a heat wave period. Individual differences in attributes (gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc.), behaviors (schedules, preferences, lifestyle, etc.), and access to resources are overlooked determinants of heat exposure and should be better integrated with group- and neighborhood-level characteristics. Understanding IETs for the population at large may lead to innovative advances in heat-health intervention and mitigation strategies.

Factors associated with illness in athletes participating in the London 2012 Paralympic Games: a prospective cohort study involving 49,910 athlete-days.

PubMed

Schwellnus, Martin; Derman, Wayne; Jordaan, Esme; Blauwet, Cheri A; Emery, Carolyn; Pit-Grosheide, Pia; Patino Marques, Norma-Angelica; Martinez-Ferrer, Oriol; Stomphorst, Jaap; Van de Vliet, Peter; Webborn, Nick; Willick, Stuart E

2013-05-01

The incidence and factors associated with illness in Paralympic athletes have not been documented. To determine the factors associated with illness in athletes participating in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. A cohort of 3565 athletes from 160 of the 164 participating countries in the London 2012 Paralympic Games were followed over a 14-day period (precompetition period=3 days, competition period=11 days; 49 910 athlete-days). Daily illness data were obtained from (1) teams with their own medical support who completed a daily illness log (78 teams, 3329 athletes) on a novel web-based system and (2) teams without their own medical support through the local organising committee database (82 teams, 236 athletes). Illness information from all athletes included age, gender, type of sport and the main system affected. Incidence rate (IR) of illness (illness per 1000 athlete-days) and factors associated with IR (time period, gender, age and sport). The IR of illness was 13.2 (95% CI 12.2 to 14.2). The highest IR of illness was in the respiratory system, followed by the skin, digestive, nervous and genitourinary systems. The IR in the precompetition period was similar to that in the competition period, but the IR was significantly higher in athletics compared with other sports. Age and gender were not independent predictors of illness. Illness is common in Paralympic athletes and the main factor associated with higher IR of illness was the type of sport (athletics).

Removal of alkylphenols and polybromodiphenylethers by a biofiltration treatment plant during dry and wet-weather periods.

PubMed

Gilbert, S; Gasperi, J; Rocher, V; Lorgeoux, C; Chebbo, G

2012-01-01

This paper investigates the occurrence of alkylphenols (APs) and polybromodiphenylethers (PBDEs) in raw wastewater during dry and wet-weather periods, and their removal by physico-chemical lamellar settling and biofiltration techniques. Due to in-sewer deposit erosion and, to a lesser extent, to external inputs, raw effluents exhibit from 1.5 to 5 times higher AP and PBDE concentrations during wet periods compared with dry ones. The lamellar settler obtains high removal of APs and PBDEs under both dry and wet-weather flows (>53% for Σ(6)AP and >89% for Σ(4)PBDE), confirming the insensitivity of this technique to varying influent conditions. Indeed, despite the higher pollutant concentrations observed in raw effluents under wet-weather flows, adjusting the addition of coagulant-flocculent allows for efficient removal. By combining physical and biological processes, the biofiltration unit treats nutrient pollution, as well as Σ(6)AP and Σ(4)PBDE contamination (58 ± 5% and 75 ± 6% respectively). Although the operating conditions of the biofiltration unit are modified during wet periods, the performance in nutrient pollution, APs and light PBDE congeners remains high. Nevertheless, lower efficiency has been noted in nitrogen pollution, i.e. no denitrification occurs, and BDE-209 (not removed during wet-weather periods). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the combination of both techniques treats AP and PBDE pollution efficiently during dry periods, but that they are also suitable for stormwater treatment.

Short communication: Changes in body temperature of calves up to 2 months of age as affected by time of day, age, and ambient temperature.

PubMed

Hill, T M; Bateman, H G; Suarez-Mena, F X; Dennis, T S; Schlotterbeck, R L

2016-11-01

Extensive measurements of calf body temperature are limited in the literature. In this study, body temperatures were collected by taping a data logger to the skin over the tail vein opposing the rectum of Holstein calves between 4 and 60d of age during 3 different periods of the summer and fall. The summer period was separated into moderate (21-33°C average low to high) and hot (25-37°C) periods, whereas the fall exhibited cool (11-19°C) ambient temperatures. Tail temperatures were compared in a mixed model ANOVA using ambient temperature, age of calf, and time of day (10-min increments) as fixed effects and calf as a random effect. Measures within calf were modeled as repeated effects of type autoregressive 1. Calf temperature increased 0.0325°C (±0.00035) per 1°C increase in ambient temperature. Body temperature varied in a distinct, diurnal pattern with time of day, with body temperatures being lowest around 0800h and highest between 1700 and 2200h. During periods of hot weather, the highest calf temperature was later in the day (~2200h). Calf minimum, maximum, and average body temperatures were all higher in hot than in moderate periods and higher in moderate than in cool periods. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A case study of highly time-resolved evolution of aerosol chemical composition and optical properties during severe haze pollution in Shanghai, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, W.; Cheng, Z.; Lou, S.

2017-12-01

Despite of extensive efforts into characterization of the sources in severe haze pollution periods in the megacity of Shanghai, the study of aerosol composition, mass-size distribution and optical properties to PM1 in the pollution periods remain poorly understood. Here we conducted a 47days real-time measurement of submicron aerosol (PM1) composition and size distribution by a High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-AMS), particle light scattering by a Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift ALBedo monitor (CAPS-ALB) and Photoacoustic Extinctionmeter (PAX) in Shanghai, China, from November 28, 2016 to January 12, 2017. The average PM1 concentration was 85.9(±14.7) μg/m3 during the pollution period, which was nearly 4 times higher than that of clean period. Increased scattering coefficient during EP was associated with higher secondary inorganic aerosols and organics. We also observed organics mass size distribution for different pollution extents showing different distribution characteristics. There were no obvious differences for ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate among the pollution periods, which represented single peak distributions, and peaks ranged at 650-700nm and 700nm, respectively. A strong relationship can be expected between PM1 compounds mass concentration size distribution and scattering coefficient, suggesting that chemical composition, size distribution of the particles and their variations could also contribute to the extinction coefficients. Organics and secondary inorganic species to particle light scattering were quantified. The results showed that organics and ammonium nitrate were the largest contribution to scattering coefficients of PM1. The contribution of (NH4)2SO4 to the light scattering exceeded that of NH4NO3 during clean period due to the enhanced sulfate concentrations. Our results elucidate substantial changes of aerosol composition, formation mechanisms, size distribution and optical properties due to local emissions, region transports and meteorological changes in the pollution period.

Time trends in the association of ESRD incidence with area-level poverty in the US population.

PubMed

Garrity, Bridget H; Kramer, Holly; Vellanki, Kavitha; Leehey, David; Brown, Julia; Shoham, David A

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to examine the temporal trends of the association between area-level poverty status and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) incidence. We hypothesized that the association between area-level poverty status and ESRD incidence has increased significantly over time. Patient data from the United States Renal Data System were linked with data from the 2000 and 2010 US census. Area-level poverty was defined as living in a zip code-defined area with ≥20% of households living below the federal poverty line. Negative binomial regression models were created to examine the association between area-level poverty status and ESRD incidence by time period in the US adult population while simultaneously adjusting for the distribution of age, sex, and race/ethnicity within a zip code. Time was categorized as January 1, 1995 through December 31, 2004 (Period 1) and January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2010 (Period 2). The percentage of adults initiating dialysis with area-level poverty increased from 27.4% during Period 1 to 34.0% in Period 2. After accounting for the distribution of age, sex, and race/ethnicity within a zip code, area-level poverty status was associated with a 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22, 1.25)-fold higher ESRD incidence. However, this association differed by time period with 1.04-fold (95% CI 1.02, 1.05) higher ESRD incidence associated with poverty status for Period 2 compared with the association between ESRD and poverty status in Period 1. Area-level poverty and its association with ESRD incidence is not static over time. © 2015 International Society for Hemodialysis.

Mercury bonds with carbon (OC and EC) in small aerosols (PM1) in the urbanized coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (southern Baltic).

PubMed

Lewandowska, A U; Bełdowska, M; Witkowska, A; Falkowska, L; Wiśniewska, K

2018-08-15

PM1 aerosols were collected at the coastal station in Gdynia between 1st January and 31st December 2012. The main purpose of the study was to determine the variability in concentrations of mercury Hg(p), organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in PM1 aerosols under varying synoptic conditions in heating and non-heating periods. Additionally, sources of origin and bonds of mercury with carbon species were identified. The highest concentrations of Hg(p), OC and EC were found during the heating period. Then all analyzed PM1 components had a common, local origin related to the consumption of fossil fuels for heating purposes under conditions of lower air temperatures and poor dispersion of pollutants. Long periods without precipitation also led to the increase in concentration of all measured PM1 compounds. In heating period mercury correlated well with elemental carbon and primary and secondary organic carbon when air masses were transported from over the land. At that time, the role of transportation was of minor importance. In the non-heating period, the concentration of all analyzed compounds were lower than in the heating period, which could be associated with the reduced influence of combustion processes, higher precipitation and, in the case of mercury, also the evaporation of aerosols at higher air temperatures. However, when air masses were transported from over the sea or from the port/shipyard areas the mercury concentration increased significantly. In the first case higher air humidity, solar radiation and ozone concentration as well as the presence of marine aerosols could further facilitate the conversion of gaseous mercury into particulate mercury and its concentration increase. In the second case Hg(p) could be adsorbed on particles rich in elemental carbon and primary organic carbon emitted from ships. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A randomized, double-blind, crossover study comparing two- and four-dose hydrocortisone regimen with regard to quality of life, cortisol and ACTH profiles in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency.

PubMed

Ekman, Bertil; Bachrach-Lindström, Margareta; Lindström, Torbjörn; Wahlberg, Jeanette; Blomgren, Johan; Arnqvist, Hans J

2012-07-01

Current guidelines on how to divide the daily cortisol substitution dose in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) are controversial and mainly based on empirical data. To assess how an equal dose of hydrocortisone (HC) given either four times daily or twice daily influence diurnal profiles of cortisol and ACTH, patient preferences and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Double blind, crossover. Fifteen patients with PAI (six women) were included. Capsules of HC or placebo were given at 07:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 22:00 h in 4-week treatment periods: either one period with four doses (10 + 10 + 5 + 5 mg) or one period with two doses (20 + 0 + 10 + 0 mg). Diurnal profiles of cortisol and ACTH were collected, and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Questionnaires were used to evaluate patient preferences and HRQoL. The four-dose regimen gave a higher serum cortisol before tablet intake in the morning (P = 0·027) and a higher 24-h cortisol(AUC) (P < 0·0001) compared with the two-dose period. In contrast, a lower median plasma ACTH in the morning before tablet intake (P = 0·003) and a lower 24-h ln(ACTH(AUC) ) were found during the four-dose period. The patients preferred the four-dose regimen (P = 0·03), and the HRQoL scores tended to be higher (high score indicates better HRQoL) for the four-dose period. In summary, a four-dose regimen gives increased availability of cortisol and an enhanced effect with a less elevated ACTH in the morning in comparison with a two-dose regimen but the effect on HRQoL remains inconclusive. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Spontaneous abortions and reproductive selection mechanisms in the rubber and leather industry in Finland

PubMed Central

Hemminki, K; Niemi, Marja-Liisa; Kyyrönen, P; Kilpikari, I; Vainio, H

1983-01-01

ABSTRACT Spontaneous abortions in hospitals were analysed from two sources—membership files of the Union of Rubber and Leather Workers (about 10 000 women) and records of the personnel of a rubber factory (about 1600 women). Two frequencies of spontaneous abortions were calculated for each population analysed: rate (No spontaneous abortions X 100/No pregnancies) and ratio (No spontaneous abortions X 100/No births). The two frequencies were increased for all union members compared with all Finnish women. The frequencies, however, did not appreciably differ when the pregnancies occurred during union membership as compared with the pregnancies before or after membership. The frequency of spontaneous abortions was higher for the short-time union members than for those employed for longer periods, but the increased frequency did not correlate with union membership. The employees of a rubber factory had slightly fewer spontaneous abortions on average than the community population. The women employed in the rubber factory for three to 23 months were found to have appreciably higher frequencies of spontaneous abortions than the women employed for longer periods. The present study showed the feasibility of using cases of spontaneous abortions in hospitals in an occupational study with longitudinal employment data. Women with short periods of employment appeared to have more spontaneous abortions than those with longer periods of employment suggesting the presence of selection mechanisms, perhaps with some analogies to the “healthy worker effect” in occupational mortality studies. The presence of such selection mechanisms deserve serious consideration in occupational reproductive epidemiology. PMID:6824605

Is Increasing Coal Seam Gas Well Development Activity Associated with Increasing Hospitalisation Rates in Queensland, Australia? An Exploratory Analysis 1995–2011

PubMed Central

Werner, Angela K.; Cameron, Cate M.; Watt, Kerrianne; Vink, Sue; Jagals, Paul; Page, Andrew

2017-01-01

The majority of Australia’s coal seam gas (CSG) reserves are in Queensland, where the industry has expanded rapidly in recent years. Despite concerns, health data have not been examined alongside CSG development. This study examined hospitalisation rates as a function of CSG development activity in Queensland, during the period 1995–2011. Admissions data were examined with CSG well numbers, which served as a proxy for CSG development activity. Time series models were used to assess changes in hospitalisation rates for periods of “low”, “medium”, “high”, and “intense” activity compared to a period of “very low” activity, adjusting for covariates. “All-cause” hospitalisation rates increased monotonically with increasing gas well development activity in females (324.0 to 390.3 per 1000 persons) and males (294.2 to 335.4 per 1000 persons). Hospitalisation rates for “Blood/immune” conditions generally increased for both sexes. Female and male hospitalisation rates for “Circulatory” conditions decreased with increasing CSG activity. Hospitalisation rates were generally low for reproductive and birth outcomes; no clear associations were observed. This study showed some outcomes were associated with increasing CSG development activity. However, as a condition of data access, the population and outcomes were aggregated to a broad geographic study area rather than using higher geographic resolution data. Higher resolution data, as well as other data sources, should be explored. Further research should be conducted with an expanded time period to determine if these trends continue as the industry grows. PMID:28524113

34 CFR 74.28 - Period of availability of funds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Post-Award Requirements Financial and Program Management § 74.28 Period of availability of funds. Where a funding period is...

Seasonal variation in the incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia in tropical climatic conditions.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Vidya

2007-10-15

Observational studies have demonstrated various correlations between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and different weather parameters. We aim to study if a correlation exists between the incidence of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia and various weather parameters in the tropical coastal city of Mumbai which has the distinction of having relatively uniform meteorological variables all throughout the year, except for the monsoon season. We retrospectively analysed data from a large maternity centre in Mumbai, India over a period of 36 months from March 1993 to February 1996, recording the incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Meteorological data was acquired from the regional meteorological centre recording the monthly average temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and rainfall during the study period. Study period was then divided into two climate conditions: monsoon season (June to August) and dry season September to May. The incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia and the meteorological differences between the two seasons were compared. Over a 36-month period, a total of 29562 deliveries were recorded, of which 1238 patients developed preeclampsia (4.18%) and 34 developed eclampsia (0.11%). The incidence of preeclampsia did not differ between the monsoon and the dry season (4.3% vs. 4.15%, p = 0.5). The incidence of eclampsia was significantly higher in the monsoon (0.2% vs. 0.08%, p = 0.01). The monsoon was significantly cooler (median maximum temperature 30.7 degrees C vs. 32.3 degrees C, p = 0.01), more humid (median relative humidity 85% vs. 70%, p = 0.0008), and received higher rainfall (median 504.9 mm vs. 0.3 mm, p = 0.0002) than the rest of the year. The median barometric pressure (1005 mb) during the monsoon season was significantly lower than the rest of the year (1012 mb, p < 0.0001). In the tropical climate of Mumbai, the incidence of eclampsia is significantly higher in monsoon, when the weather is cooler and humid with a lower barometric pressure than the rest of the year. This effect is not seen with preeclampsia. This strengthens the association of low temperature and high humidity with triggering of eclampsia.

Seasonal characteristics of water-soluble inorganic ions and carbonaceous aerosols in total suspended particulate matter at a rural semi-arid site, Kadapa (India).

PubMed

Begam, G Reshma; Vachaspati, C Viswanatha; Ahammed, Y Nazeer; Kumar, K Raghavendra; Reddy, R R; Sharma, S K; Saxena, Mohit; Mandal, T K

2017-01-01

To better understand the sources as well as characterization of regional aerosols at a rural semi-arid region Kadapa (India), size-resolved composition of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) mass concentrations was sampled and analysed. This was carried out by using the Anderson low-pressure impactor for a period of 2 years during March 2013-February 2015. Also, the variations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and water-soluble inorganic ion components (WSICs) present in total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) were studied over the measurement site. From the statistical analysis, the PM mass concentration showed a higher abundance of coarse mode particles than the fine mode during pre-monsoon season. In contrast, fine mode particles in the PM concentration showed dominance over coarse mode particle contribution during the winter. During the post-monsoon season, the percentage contributions of coarse and fine fractions were equal, whereas during the monsoon, coarse mode fraction was approximately 26 % higher than the fine mode. This distinct feature in the case of fine mode particles during the studied period is mainly attributed to large-scale anthropogenic activities and regional prevailing meteorological conditions. Further, the potential sources of PM have been identified qualitatively by using the ratios of certain ions. A high sulphate (SO 4 ) concentration at the measurement site was observed during the studied period which is caused by the nearby/surrounding mining activity. Carbon fractions (OC and EC) were also analysed from the TSPM, and the results indicated (OC/EC ratio of ~4.2) the formation of a secondary organic aerosol. At last, the cluster backward trajectory analyses were also performed at Kadapa for different seasons to reveal the origin of sources from long-range transport during the study period.

Occurrence of mastitis and associated risk factors in lactating goats under pastoral management in Borana, Southern Ethiopia.

PubMed

Megersa, Bekele; Tadesse, Chala; Abunna, Fufa; Regassa, Alemayehu; Mekibib, Berhanu; Debela, Etana

2010-08-01

Mastitis prevalence and related risk factors were studied in 1,072 udder halves of 536 lactating goats from October, 2008 to February, 2009. Clinical and subclinical mastitis were prevalent in 4.3% (95% CI = 2.8, 6.5) and 11.2% (95% CI = 8.7, 14.3) of the studied animals, respectively, resulting in an overall prevalence of 15.5% (95% CI = 12.6, 18.9). Univariate analysis of the potential risk factors has depicted that mastitis was more prevalent in does with previous mastitis history, increased parity, poor body conditions, increased milk production, late lactation stage, long teat, and housed goats. Furthermore, prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the wet period of October to November than the dry periods of January to February. No significant variations (p > 0.05) were observed in mastitis prevalence with udder tick infestation, mixing goat with sheep and flock size. With multivariable analysis, lactation stage, teat length, body condition, and season (wet months) have showed significant association with mastitis prevalence, and these factors maintained significant in the stepwise elimination of multivariable logistic regression model. As a result, does in late stage of lactation (OR = 4.3, 1.8, 10.4), poor body condition (OR = 5.0, 1.7, 10.0), long teats (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1, 4.2) and does examined in wet period were at higher risk of udder infections than early lactation, good body condition, short teat, and examined in dry period, respectively. The study showed occurrence of mastitis and associated risk factors in studied goats, which suggests the need for control intervention. Further investigations into pathogens involved in goat mastitis will optimize our knowledge of causative agents and control interventions.

Acclimatization in first-time hearing aid users using three different fitting protocols.

PubMed

Reber, Monika Bertges; Kompis, Martin

2005-12-01

To study auditory acclimatization and outcome in first time hearing aid users fitted with state of the art hearing aids as a function of different hearing aid fitting protocols. Twenty-eight adult subjects participated in the study. Each subject was assigned to one of three study groups (named audiologist driven, AD; patient driven, PD; set-to-target, STT according to the fitting protocol used) and fitted with digital hearing aids (Bernafon Symbio). Speech recognition scores were measured in aided and unaided conditions over a 6-month period. Five subjects (three from the PD-group, two from the STT group) decided to withdraw from the study during the 6-month-study period, leaving a total of 23 complete data sets for analysis. Aided speech understanding increased significantly over this time period in all three groups. However, average hearing aid insertion gain changes were small over the same period. There were no statistically significant differences in aided or unaided speech recognition scores between the three groups after 2 weeks or after 6 months. On average, twice as many fine tunings of the hearing aids were requested by the patients in the AD and the STT group than in the PD group and subjects in the AD and STT group used their hearing aids approximately twice as much as subjects in the PD group. The substantial increase in speech intelligibility without significant changes of the insertion gain of the hearing aids over a 6-month period in all three groups suggests a significant acclimatization effect. Although the speech recognition with hearing aids did not differ significantly among the three study groups after 6 months, the lower average wearing time and the higher number of withdrawals from the study in the PD group suggest that the patients' needs are not adequately met. In terms of aided speech recognition scores and hearing aid wearing time the STT group and the AD group were very similar. However, comments of the patients and the higher rate of withdrawals in the STT group suggest an over-all advantage for the AD fitting protocol.

Dietary isoflavones and bone mineral density during midlife and the menopausal transition: cross-sectional and longitudinal results from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Phytoestrogen Study.

PubMed

Greendale, Gail A; Tseng, Chi-Hong; Han, Weijuan; Huang, Mei-Hua; Leung, Katherine; Crawford, Sybil; Gold, Ellen B; Waetjen, L Elaine; Karlamangla, Arun S

2015-03-01

This study aims to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal relations between dietary intake of isoflavones and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in black, white, Chinese, and Japanese women during the menopausal transition. We tested whether tertiles of isoflavone intake were associated with baseline BMD when all women were premenopausal or early perimenopausal. To analyze whether isoflavone intake was associated with longitudinal BMD, we fitted piecewise linear models to repeated measurements of baseline-normalized LS or FN BMD as functions of time before or after the final menstrual period (FMP) date. Multiply adjusted mean FN BMD values of premenopausal Japanese women were monotonically positively related to isoflavone consumption (P for trend = 0.0003). Otherwise, no statistically significant baseline associations were observed. During the period of 1 year before the FMP through 5 years after the FMP, all participants lost LS and FN BMD. Loss was unrelated to isoflavone intake, except for Japanese women during the period of 1 year before the FMP to 2 years after the FMP: higher tertiles of isoflavone intake were associated with greater annual LS BMD loss rates (P for trend = 0.01) and FN loss rates (P for trend = 0.04). In Japanese women, higher isoflavone intake is associated with higher peak FN BMD but also with greater rates of LS and FN BMD loss during the menopausal transition. Results for the other racial/ethnic groups did not support a relation between dietary intake of isoflavones and either peak BMD or BMD loss during the menopausal transition.

Functional overreaching: the key to peak performance during the taper?

PubMed

Aubry, Anaël; Hausswirth, Christophe; Louis, Julien; Coutts, Aaron J; LE Meur, Yann

2014-09-01

The purpose of this study is to examine whether performance supercompensation during taper is maximized in endurance athletes after experiencing overreaching during an overload training (OT) period. Thirty-three trained male triathletes were assigned to either OT (n = 23) or normal training groups (n = 10, CTL) during 8 wk. Cycling performance and maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) were measured after 1 wk of moderate training, a 3-wk period of OT, and then each week during 4-wk taper. Eleven of the 23 subjects from the OT group were diagnosed as functionally overreached (F-OR) after the overload period (decreased performance with concomitant high perceived fatigue), whereas the 12 other subjects were only acutely fatigued (AF) (no decrease in performance). According to qualitative statistical analysis, the AF group demonstrated a small to large greater peak performance supercompensation than the F-OR group (2.6% ± 1.1%) and the CTL group (2.6% ± 1.6%). V˙O2max increased significantly from baseline at peak performance only in the CTL and AF groups. Of the peak performances, 60%, 83%, and 73% occurred within the two first weeks of taper in CTL, AF, and OR, respectively. Ten cases of infection were reported during the study with higher prevalence in F-OR (70%) than that in AF (20%) and CTL (10%). This study showed that 1) greater gains in performance and V˙O2max can be achieved when higher training load is prescribed before the taper but not in the presence of F-OR; 2) peak performance is not delayed during taper when heavy training loads are completed immediately prior; and 3) F-OR provides higher risk for training maladaptation, including increased infection risks.

Seasonal dynamics of particulate organic matter in the Changjiang Estuary and adjacent coastal waters illustrated by amino acid enantiomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ying; Liu, Zongguang; Hu, Jun; Zhu, Zhuoyi; Liu, Sumei; Zhang, Jing

2016-02-01

Total suspended matter (TSM) was collected in the Changjiang Estuary and adjacent areas of the East China Sea in July, August, and November 2011, to study the composition and fate of particulate organic nitrogen (PON) during an August typhoon event and bottom trawling activities. Concentrations of particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate nitrogen (PN), and hydrolyzable particulate amino acids (PAA, D- and L-enantiomers) were higher during July and August than during November; however, D-arginine and alanine levels were significantly higher in November. Seasonal trends in the composition of PAAs indicate that in situ production is a key factor in their temporal distribution. No significant increase in TSM or decrease in labile organic matter was observed during the transit period following a typhoon event in August. In contrast, higher primary production was observed at this time as a result of the penetration of Changjiang Diluted Water caused by the typhoon event. Trawling effects were studied by comparing the calm season (July) with the bottom-trawling period (November) at similar sampling sites. The effect of trawling on the composition of bottom organic matter was studied by comparing D-amino acids concentrations and C/N ratios in the calm season (July) with the bottom-trawling period (November). A substantial contribution of microbial organic matter during the November cruise was indicated by a decrease in glutamic acid, an increase in TSM and D-alanine, and a lower carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. In shallow coastal regions, anthropogenic activities (bottom trawling) may enhance the transfer of low-nutritional-value particulate organic matter into the benthic food chain.

Short communication: The association of adiponectin and leptin concentrations with prepartum dietary energy supply, parity, body condition, and postpartum hyperketonemia in transition dairy cows.

PubMed

Mann, S; Urh, C; Sauerwein, H; Wakshlag, J J; Yepes, F A Leal; Overton, T R; Nydam, D V

2018-01-01

Adipokines-hormones produced by adipose tissue-have important regulatory functions, and their concentrations can change around the time of calving when energy balance rapidly decreases. Hence, energy balance may be an important factor in determining the circulating concentrations of adipokines, particularly adiponectin and leptin. The objective of our study was to investigate the association between the level of energy fed to prepartum Holstein cows and circulating concentrations of adiponectin and leptin before and after calving. Holstein dairy cows entering second or greater lactation were fed either a controlled-energy diet formulated to supply approximately 100% of energy requirements (n = 28) or a high-energy diet formulated to supply approximately 150% of energy requirements throughout the entire dry period (n = 28). Serum samples were analyzed for adiponectin and leptin concentrations at 56, 28, 10, and 1 d prepartum as well as on d 1, 10, 21, and 42 postpartum using ELISA. Parity was dichotomized into cows entering second versus higher parity. Average peripartum body condition score (BCS) was computed from weekly measurements and dichotomized into animals with an average BCS of ≤3.25 and >3.25. In addition, cows were classified according to the occurrence of hyperketonemia (β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations ≥1.2 mmol/L at any time between 3 and 21 d in milk). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Serum leptin but not adiponectin concentrations were associated with prepartum feeding level such that leptin concentrations increased transiently during the dry period in cows overfed energy, but concentrations were not different postpartum. Cows entering second parity had higher adiponectin and lower leptin concentrations compared with cows in higher parities. Cows that developed hyperketonemia postpartum had consistently lower adiponectin concentrations during the study period. Cows with average BCS >3.25 had higher leptin concentrations during the dry period only, but adiponectin concentrations were not associated with BCS. In conclusion, prepartum energy level had only transient effects on leptin concentrations and did not lead to changes in adiponectin concentrations. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of space and its impact on the welfare of laying hens in a commercial free-range system.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Aurrekoetxea, A; Estevez, I

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing patterns of space use of commercial free-range laying hens and their relation to welfare indicators. Three free-range laying hen flocks were studied during one production cycle by collecting spatial locations on 150 individually tagged hens per flock. At the end of production, welfare and morphometric measures were collected. The results indicated that use of the outdoor area was lower during midday (P < 0.05), but remained stable across age periods (P > 0.05). Tagged hens were classified according to their use of the outdoor area (heavy, medium, light, or never) per age period. A total of 49.5% were never observed using the outdoor area, which was higher than any other category (P < 0.05). In addition, the early experience of the hens using the outdoor area during the first 16 wk (20 to 36 wk) determined the level of use of the outdoor area at later ages (P < 0.05). Most use of space parameters did not vary according to age period (P > 0.05); only activity center indoors increased (P < 0.05), while mean distance from the hen house tended to increase (P = 0.053). However, birds with a higher frequency of use of the outdoor area had larger home ranges and activity centers (r = 0.956, r = 0.964 P < 0.05, respectively) and showed lower plumage damage (r = -0.337, P < 0.05) and a lower incidence of footpad dermatitis (r = -0.307, P < 0.05). On the contrary, birds showing higher total walked distance indoors showed a higher incidence of footpad dermatitis (r = 0.329, P < 0.01). We conclude that there exist individual differences in the use of the outdoor area, with early experience (20 to 36 weeks) during the production period being the most relevant factor affecting outdoor area use. Birds visiting the outdoor area more frequently also used larger areas. In addition, individual patterns of space use had some relevance on the incidence on foot pad dermatitis and plumage condition. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Use of age-adjusted rates of suicide in time series studies in Israel.

PubMed

Bridges, F Stephen; Tankersley, William B

2009-01-01

Durkheim's modified theory of suicide was examined to explore how consistent it was in predicting Israeli rates of suicide from 1965 to 1997 when using age-adjusted rates rather than crude ones. In this time-series study, Israeli male and female rates of suicide increased and decreased, respectively, between 1965 and 1997. Conforming to Durkheim's modified theory, the Israeli male rate of suicide was lower in years when rates of marriage and birth are higher, while rates of suicide are higher in years when rates of divorce are higher, the opposite to that of Israeli women. The corrected regression coefficients suggest that the Israeli female rate of suicide remained lower in years when rate of divorce is higher, again the opposite suggested by Durkheim's modified theory. These results may indicate that divorce affects the mental health of Israeli women as suggested by their lower rate of suicide. Perhaps the "multiple roles held by Israeli females creates suicidogenic stress" and divorce provides some sense of stress relief, mentally speaking. The results were not as consistent with predictions suggested by Durkheim's modified theory of suicide as were rates from the United States for the same period nor were they consistent with rates based on "crude" suicide data. Thus, using age-adjusted rates of suicide had an influence on the prediction of the Israeli rate of suicide during this period.

Residential exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and risk of childhood leukaemia, CNS tumour and lymphoma in Denmark.

PubMed

Pedersen, Camilla; Johansen, Christoffer; Schüz, Joachim; Olsen, Jørgen H; Raaschou-Nielsen, Ole

2015-11-03

We previously reported that children exposed to elevated extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) had a five to six times higher risk of leukaemia, central nervous system (CNS) tumour and malignant lymphoma. Here we extend the study from 1968 to 1986 through 2003. We included 3277 children with leukaemia, CNS tumour or malignant lymphoma during 1968-2003 recorded in the Danish Cancer Registry and 9129 controls randomly selected from the Danish childhood population. ELF-MF from 50 to 400 kV facilities were calculated at the residences. For recently diagnosed cases (1987-2003), the relative risk (RR) was 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32-2.42), while for the total period (1968-2003) it was 1.63 (95% CI: 0.77-3.46) for leukaemia, CNS tumour and malignant lymphoma combined for exposures ⩾0.4 μT compared with <0.1 μT. These results were based on five cases (recent period) and 11 cases (total period) in the highest exposure group. We did not confirm the previous finding of a five- to six-fold higher risk for leukaemia, CNS tumour and malignant lymphoma when including data from the more recent time period. For the total time period, the results for childhood leukaemia were in line with large pooled analyses showing RRs between 1.5 and 2.

The association between seeing retail displays of tobacco and tobacco smoking and purchase: findings from a diary-style survey.

PubMed

Burton, Suzan; Clark, Lindie; Jackson, Kristina

2012-01-01

To assess the impact of retail displays of tobacco on tobacco smoking and purchase by smokers and attempting quitters. Population-based diary style survey. NSW, Australia. A total of 998 smokers and 111 attempting quitters. Demographic measures and 4-hourly records over 4 days: number of cigarettes smoked and bought; exposure to cigarette smoking by friends/family or other smokers; and exposure to retail displays of tobacco. Subjects reported seeing cigarettes for sale in more than 40% of the time-periods when they were outside their home. After allowing for factors which are known to increase smoking, people who saw cigarettes for sale were more likely to smoke, and smoked more cigarettes, even if they did not buy cigarettes in the same time-period. There was marginally significant evidence that people exposed to retail displays of tobacco in one time-period were more likely to buy in the following time-period. In an environment which permits point-of-sale displays, smokers were found to see tobacco displays in more than 40% of the 4-hour periods that they were outside the home. Exposure to such tobacco displays was associated with a higher probability of smoking, and with higher levels of smoking, even when subjects did not purchase cigarettes. © 2011 The Authors, Addiction © 2011 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Lower early postnatal oxygen saturation target and risk of ductus arteriosus closure failure.

PubMed

Inomata, Kei; Taniguchi, Shinji; Yonemoto, Hiroki; Inoue, Takeshi; Kawase, Akihiko; Kondo, Yuichi

2016-11-01

Early postnatal hyperoxia is a major risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely premature infants. To reduce the occurrence of ROP, we adopted a lower early postnatal oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) target range (85-92%) from April 2011. Lower SpO 2 target range, however, may lead to hypoxemia and an increase in the risk of ductus arteriosus (DA) closure failure. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether a lower SpO 2 target range, during the early postnatal stage, increases the risk of DA closure failure. Infants born at <28 weeks' gestation were enrolled in this study. Oxygen saturation target range during the first postnatal 72 h was 84-100% in study period 1 and 85-92% in period 2. Eighty-two infants were included in period 1, and 61 were included in period 2. The lower oxygen saturation target range increased the occurrence of hypoxemia during the first postnatal 72 h. Prevalence of DA closure failure in period 2 (21%) was significantly higher than that in period 1 (1%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the lower oxygen saturation target range was an independent risk factor for DA closure failure. Lower early postnatal oxygen saturation target range increases the risk of DA closure failure. © 2016 Japan Pediatric Society.

A multidisciplinary approach to vascular surgery procedure coding improves coding accuracy, work relative value unit assignment, and reimbursement.

PubMed

Aiello, Francesco A; Judelson, Dejah R; Messina, Louis M; Indes, Jeffrey; FitzGerald, Gordon; Doucet, Danielle R; Simons, Jessica P; Schanzer, Andres

2016-08-01

Vascular surgery procedural reimbursement depends on accurate procedural coding and documentation. Despite the critical importance of correct coding, there has been a paucity of research focused on the effect of direct physician involvement. We hypothesize that direct physician involvement in procedural coding will lead to improved coding accuracy, increased work relative value unit (wRVU) assignment, and increased physician reimbursement. This prospective observational cohort study evaluated procedural coding accuracy of fistulograms at an academic medical institution (January-June 2014). All fistulograms were coded by institutional coders (traditional coding) and by a single vascular surgeon whose codes were verified by two institution coders (multidisciplinary coding). The coding methods were compared, and differences were translated into revenue and wRVUs using the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Comparison between traditional and multidisciplinary coding was performed for three discrete study periods: baseline (period 1), after a coding education session for physicians and coders (period 2), and after a coding education session with implementation of an operative dictation template (period 3). The accuracy of surgeon operative dictations during each study period was also assessed. An external validation at a second academic institution was performed during period 1 to assess and compare coding accuracy. During period 1, traditional coding resulted in a 4.4% (P = .004) loss in reimbursement and a 5.4% (P = .01) loss in wRVUs compared with multidisciplinary coding. During period 2, no significant difference was found between traditional and multidisciplinary coding in reimbursement (1.3% loss; P = .24) or wRVUs (1.8% loss; P = .20). During period 3, traditional coding yielded a higher overall reimbursement (1.3% gain; P = .26) than multidisciplinary coding. This increase, however, was due to errors by institution coders, with six inappropriately used codes resulting in a higher overall reimbursement that was subsequently corrected. Assessment of physician documentation showed improvement, with decreased documentation errors at each period (11% vs 3.1% vs 0.6%; P = .02). Overall, between period 1 and period 3, multidisciplinary coding resulted in a significant increase in additional reimbursement ($17.63 per procedure; P = .004) and wRVUs (0.50 per procedure; P = .01). External validation at a second academic institution was performed to assess coding accuracy during period 1. Similar to institution 1, traditional coding revealed an 11% loss in reimbursement ($13,178 vs $14,630; P = .007) and a 12% loss in wRVU (293 vs 329; P = .01) compared with multidisciplinary coding. Physician involvement in the coding of endovascular procedures leads to improved procedural coding accuracy, increased wRVU assignments, and increased physician reimbursement. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Early Summer Drought Stress During the First Growing Year Stimulates Extra Shoot Growth in Oak Seedlings (Quercus petraea)

PubMed Central

Turcsán, Arion; Steppe, Kathy; Sárközi, Edit; Erdélyi, Éva; Missoorten, Marc; Mees, Ghislain; Mijnsbrugge, Kristine V.

2016-01-01

More severe summer droughts are predicted for mid-latitudes in Europe. To evaluate the impact on forest ecosystems and more specifically on forest regeneration, we studied the response to summer drought in oak seedlings (Quercus petraea). Acorns were collected from different mother trees in three stands in Belgium, sown in pots and grown in non-heated greenhouse conditions. We imposed drought on the seedlings in early summer by first watering the pots to saturation and then stopping any watering. Weight of the pots and stomatal conductance were regularly measured. Re-watering followed this drought period of 5 weeks. Height of the seedlings and apical bud development were observed. Stomatal resistance increased toward the end of the experiment in the drought-treated group and was restored after re-watering. The seedlings from the drought treatment displayed a higher probability to produce additional shoot growth after re-watering (p ≤ 0.05). A higher competition for water (two plants per pot) increased this chance. Although this chance was also higher for smaller seedlings, the actual length of the extra growth after re-watering was higher for larger seedlings (p ≤ 0.01). Both in the drought-treated and in the control group the autochthonous provenance growing on a xeric site produced less extra shoots compared to the two other provenances. Finally, stressed plants showed less developed apical buds compared to the control group after re-watering, suggesting a phenological effect on the growth cycle of oaks (p ≤ 0.0001). The higher chance for an extra shoot growth after the drought period can be considered as a compensation for the induced growth arrest during the drought period. PMID:26941760

[Surveillance of Neisseria meningitidis in Argentina, 1993-2005: distribution of serogroups, serotypes and serosubtypes isolated from invasive disease].

PubMed

Chiávetta, L; Chávez, E; Ruzic, A; Mollerach, M; Regueira, M

2007-01-01

Neisseria meningitidis is an important cause of meningitis, bacteremia and septic shock syndrome. We herein present the distribution of serogroups, serotypes and serosubtypes of 2244 isolates of N. meningitidis from patients with meningitis or meningococcemia, received within the period 1993-2005, in the National Reference Laboratory, INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", from 33 Argentine hospitals that are included in a National Network devoted to for the study of bacterial meningitis. Between 1993-1995, serogroup B was prevalent (66%) whereas in the period from 1995-2001, serogroup C prevailed (65%). However, following but after that period, the prevalence of serogroup B was recovered. In the last 5 years of the studied period, the serogroups Y and W135 represented as a whole a 15.6% as a whole whereas up to the year 2000 during the first 6 years they accounted for it was of 4.7%. Higher diversity in the distribution of serotypes and serosubtypes was observed within serogroup B. The nonsubtypable isolates throughout the period of study represented the 52.8%, this high percentage demonstrates the limited capacity of the serotyping for the determination of meningococcal/meningococcus subtypes. of meningococco.

Incentivizing Advanced Mathematics Study at Upper Secondary Level: The Case of Bonus Points in Ireland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Treacy, Páraic Thomas

2018-01-01

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…

[Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 in the intensive coronary care unit of the Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza].

PubMed

Preza, Paul M; Hurtado, Abdías; Armas, Victoria; Cárcamo, César P

2015-01-01

This study sought to evaluate the incidence of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 1 in a coronary care unit and its association with hospital mortality within 30 days of admission, as well as other epidemiological characteristics. The medical records of all the patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute heart failure in a 4-year period were reviewed. CRS type 1 was characterized by the presence of acute heart failure and an elevation of serum creatinine ≥0.3mg/dL in comparison to the baseline creatinine calculated by the MDRD75 equation and/or the elevation of ≥50% of the admission serum creatinine within a 48 h period. The incidence of CRS type 1 was 27.87%, 95% CI: 20.13-36.71 (34 of 122). There was a higher frequency of CRS type 1 in those patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock (adjusted RR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.20-3.93, p=0.0378) and in those with higher hemoglobin levels (p=0.0412). The CRS type 1 was associated with an increase of 30-day mortality (HR: 4.11, 95% CI: 1.20-14.09, p=0.0244). The incidence of CRS type 1 in the coronary care unit found in our study is similar to those found in foreign studies. The history of stroke and the higher values of hemoglobin were associated with a higher incidence of cardiorenal syndrome type 1. Patients with CRS type 1 had a higher hospital mortality within 30 days of admission. Copyright © 2014 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Earlier predictors of eating disorder symptoms in 9-year-old children. A longitudinal study.

PubMed

Parkinson, Kathryn N; Drewett, Robert F; Le Couteur, Ann S; Adamson, Ashley J

2012-08-01

The aim of the study was to examine predictors of eating disorder symptoms in a population based sample at the earliest age at which they can be measured using the Children's Eating Attitudes Test. Data were collected from the longitudinal Gateshead Millennium Study cohort; 609 children participated in the 7 year data sweep (and their mothers and teachers), and 589 children participated in the 9 year data sweep. Eating disorder symptoms at 9 years were higher in boys, and in children from more deprived families. Higher eating disorder symptoms were associated with more body dissatisfaction at 9 years. Higher symptoms were predicted by higher levels of dietary restraint and of emotional symptoms, but not greater body dissatisfaction, 2 years earlier. The study showed that some correlates of high eating disorder symptoms found in adolescents and adults are also found in children, before the rise in diagnosable eating disorders over the pubertal period. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of intermittent lighting on metabolizable energy intake and heat production of male broilers.

PubMed

Ohtani, S; Leeson, S

2000-02-01

Experiments were conducted to compare the effects of an intermittent lighting (IL) schedule with repeated cycles of 1 h light and 2 h darkness with a continuous lighting (CL) schedule on the performance, ME intake, and heat production of male broiler chickens. Body weight gain and feed intake were temporarily reduced after the changing from CL to IL; however, they were significantly higher in IL vs CL chickens during the subsequent period of 3 to 6 wk of age. The IL chickens exhibited a higher ME intake at 6 and 8 wk of age than did CL chickens. Total heat production in IL chickens was higher than for CL chickens, although heat production during the dark period was less than that during the light period for IL chickens. The higher feed intake observed in IL chickens appears to explain the superior body weight gain in IL broilers in simple terms.

The prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated factors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Bulut, Tuba; Demirel, Fatma; Metin, Ayşe

2017-02-01

Dyslipidemia increases the frequency and severity of micro and macrovascular complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The present study aims to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its association with clinical and laboratory findings in diabetic children and adolescents. The study included 202 children and adolescents with T1D. Demographic data and laboratory findings were obtained from patients files. Dyslipidemia prevalence was found to be 26.2%. Hypercholesterolemia (15.8%) and hyperglyceridemia (12.9%) were most common findings. Age, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (A1C) and poor metabolic control were significantly higher in cases with dyslipidemia. Smoking rate was 14.1% in the pubertal group. Poor metabolic control and dyslipidemia was found higher among smokers (p<0.05). Blood lipid levels should be monitored regularly and nutrition education should be repeated periodically to prevent and control dyslipidemia in patients with T1D. Smoking-related risks should be a part of patient education in the pubertal period.

Inappropriate eating behavior: a longitudinal study with female adolescents

PubMed Central

Fortes, Leonardo de Sousa; Almeida, Sebastião de Sousa; Cipriani, Flávia Marcele; Ferreira, Maria Elisa C.

2014-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the inappropriate eating behaviors (IEB) of female adolescents over a one-year period. Methods: 290 adolescents aged between 11 and 14 years old participated in the three research stages (T1: first four months, T2: second four months and T3: third four months). The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was applied to assess the IEB. Weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) in the three study periods. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to analyze the data, adjusted for the scores of the Body Shape Questionnaire and the Brazil Economic Classification Criteria. Results: Girls at T1 showed a higher frequency of IEB compared to T2 (p=0.001) and T3 (p=0.001). The findings also indicated higher values for BMI in T3 in relation to T1 (p=0.04). The other comparisons did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: IEB scores of female adolescents declined over one year. PMID:24676195

Nutrient Intake and Digestibility in Merino Sheep Fed Peanut Straw

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanim, C.; Muhlisin

2018-02-01

This study aimed to compare nutrient intake and digestibility between male and female Merino fed peanut straw as sole feed. Four male and five female Merino sheep ages 10 to 12 month with average weight of 40 kg were used in this study. All animals were confined in individual metabolism cages and nylon nets were fitted bellow the cages for faecal collection. This experiment was done with 14 d adaptation period and 7 d collection period. Representative sample of feed, refusal feed, and faeces were analysed proximate including dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and extract-free nitrogen (EFN). Data collected were used to calculate nutrient intake and digestibility. All nutrient intake in male Merino was higher (P<0.05) than female one, whereas digestibility of DM, CP, and CF in male Merino sheep were higher (P<0.05) than female sheep. It could be concluded male Merino sheep consumed feed more than female, but they had similar value of digestibility.

Ingestion of lead from ammunition and lead concentrations in white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Sweden.

PubMed

Helander, B; Axelsson, J; Borg, H; Holm, K; Bignert, A

2009-10-15

In this study we show for the first time that lead poisoning from ammunition is a significant mortality factor for white-tailed sea eagle (WSE) (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Sweden. We analyzed 118 WSEs collected between 1981 and 2004 from which both liver and kidney samples could be taken. A total of 22% of all eagles examined had elevated (>6 microg/gd.w.) lead concentrations, indicating exposure to leaded ammunition, and 14% of the individuals had either liver or kidney lead concentrations diagnostic of lethal lead poisoning (>20 microg/gd.w.). Lead concentrations in liver and kidney were significantly correlated. In individuals with lead levels <6 microg/g, concentrations were significantly higher in kidney than in liver; in individuals with lead levels >20 microg/g, concentrations were significantly higher in liver. The lead isotope ratios indicate that the source of lead in individuals with lethal concentrations is different from that of individuals exhibiting background concentrations of lead (<6 microg/gd.w.) There were no significant sex or age differences in lead concentrations. A study from the Baltic reported in principle no biomagnification of lead, but background lead concentrations in WSE liver in this study were still four to >10 times higher than concentrations reported for Baltic fish from the same time period. In contrast to other biota there was no decrease in lead concentrations in WSE over the study period. The proportion of lead poisoned WSE remained unchanged over the study period, including two years after a partial ban of lead shot was enforced in 2002 for shallow wetlands. The use of lead in ammunition poses a threat to all raptors potentially feeding on shot game or offal. The removal of offal from shot game and alternatives to leaded ammunition needs to be implemented in order to prevent mortality from lead in raptors and scavengers.

Oscillating load-induced acoustic emission in laboratory experiment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ponomarev, Alexander; Lockner, David A.; Stroganova, S.; Stanchits, S.; Smirnov, Vladmir

2010-01-01

Spatial and temporal patterns of acoustic emission (AE) were studied. A pre-fractured cylinder of granite was loaded in a triaxial machine at 160 MPa confining pressure until stick-slip events occurred. The experiments were conducted at a constant strain rate of 10−7 s−1 that was modulated by small-amplitude sinusoidal oscillations with periods of 175 and 570 seconds. Amplitude of the oscillations was a few percent of the total load and was intended to simulate periodic loading observed in nature (e.g., earth tides or other sources). An ultrasonic acquisition system with 13 piezosensors recorded acoustic emissions that were generated during deformation of the sample. We observed a correlation between AE response and sinusoidal loading. The effect was more pronounced for higher frequency of the modulating force. A time-space spectral analysis for a “point” process was used to investigate details of the periodic AE components. The main result of the study was the correlation of oscillations of acoustic activity synchronized with the applied oscillating load. The intensity of the correlated AE activity was most pronounced in the “aftershock” sequences that followed large-amplitude AE events. We suggest that this is due to the higher strain-sensitivity of the failure area when the sample is in a transient, unstable mode. We also found that the synchronization of AE activity with the oscillating external load nearly disappeared in the period immediately after the stick-slip events and gradually recovered with further loading.

Dung as a potential medium for inter-sexual chemical signaling in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

PubMed

Ghosal, Ratna; Seshagiri, P B; Sukumar, R

2012-09-01

Chemical signaling is a prominent mode of male-female communication among elephants, especially during their sexually active periods. Studies on the Asian elephant in zoos have shown the significance of a urinary pheromone (Z7-12:Ac) in conveying the reproductive status of a female toward the opposite sex. We investigated the additional possibility of an inter-sexual chemical signal being conveyed through dung. Sixteen semi-captive adult male elephants were presented with dung samples of three female elephants in different reproductive phases. Each male was tested in 3 separate trials, within an interval of 1-3 days. The trials followed a double-blind pattern as the male and female elephants used in the trials were strangers, and the observer was not aware of the reproductive status of females during the period of bioassays. Males responded preferentially (P<0.005), in terms of higher frequency of sniff, check and place behavior toward the dung of females close to pre-ovulatory period (follicular-phase) as compared to those in post-ovulatory period (luteal-phase). The response toward the follicular phase samples declined over repeated trials though was still significantly higher than the corresponding response toward the non-ovulatory phase in each of the trials performed. This is the first study to show that male Asian elephants were able to distinguish the reproductive phase of the female by possibly detecting a pre-ovulatory pheromone released in dung. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cancer mortality in the indigenous population of coastal Chukotka, 1961-1990.

PubMed

Dudarev, Alexey A; Chupakhin, Valery S; Odland, Jon Øyvind

2013-01-01

The general aim was to assess the pattern and trend in cancer mortality among the indigenous people of coastal Chukotka during the period 1961-1990. All cases of cancer deaths of indigenous residents of the Chukotsky district in the north-easternmost coast of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug were copied from personal death certificates. There were a total of 219 cancer deaths during the study period. The average annual number of cases, percent, crude, and age-standardized cancer mortality rates (ASMR) per 100,000 among men and women for all sites combined and selected sites were calculated. Data were aggregated into six 5-year periods to assess temporal trends. Direct age-standardization was performed with the Segi-Doll world standard population used by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The indigenous Chukchi and Eskimo people living in Chukotsky district were at higher risk of death from cancer during the 30-year period between 1961 and 1990, with ASMR among men twice that of Russia, and among women 3.5 times higher. The excess can be attributed to the extremely high mortality from oesophageal cancer and lung cancer. The indigenous people of coastal Chukotka were at very high risk of death from cancer relative to the Russian population nationally. The mortality data from this study correspond to the pattern of incidence reported among other indigenous people of the Russian Arctic. Little information is available since 1990, and the feasibility of ethnic-specific health data is now severely limited.

Chemsex and the city: sexualised substance use in gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men attending sexual health clinics.

PubMed

Hegazi, A; Lee, M J; Whittaker, W; Green, S; Simms, R; Cutts, R; Nagington, M; Nathan, B; Pakianathan, M R

2017-03-01

The objective of this study was to analyse associations between sexualised substance use (chemsex), STI diagnoses and sexual behaviour among gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men accessing sexual health clinics to better inform clinical pathways. A retrospective case notes review was undertaken following the introduction of more detailed and holistic profomas for all gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men attending two London sexual health clinics between 1 June 2014 and 31 January 2015. Chemsex status was documented for 655/818. Overall, 30% disclosed recreational drug use of whom 113 (57%) disclosed chemsex and 27 (13.5%) injecting drugs. HIV-positive gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men were more likely to disclose chemsex (AOR 6.68; 95% CI 3.91-11.42; p < 0.001). Those disclosing chemsex had a higher incidence of acute bacterial STIs (AOR 2.83 CI 1.79-4.47; p < 0.001), rectal STIs (AOR 3.10 CI 1.81-5.32; p < 0.001) or hepatitis C (AOR 15.41 CI 1.50-158.17; p = 0.021). HIV incidence in the study period was 1.8% (chemsex) vs. 0.9% (no chemsex) (p = 0.61). Chemsex was associated with having more sexual partners, transactional sex, group sex, fisting, sharing sex toys, injecting drug use, higher alcohol consumption and the use of 'bareback' sexual networking applications (p < 0.004). Chemsex participants were also more likely to have accessed post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in the study period and report sex with a discordant HIV or hepatitis C-infected partner (p < 0.001). Chemsex disclosure is associated with higher risk-taking behaviours, acute bacterial STIs, rectal STIs and hepatitis C incidence. HIV incidence was higher but not significantly so in the study period. Chemsex disclosure in sexual health clinics should prompt an opportunity for prevention, health promotion and wellbeing interventions.

Out-of-range international normalized ratio values and healthcare cost among new warfarin patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Nelson, Winnie W; Wang, Li; Baser, Onur; Damaraju, C V; Schein, Jeffrey R

2015-05-01

Patients with out-of-range international normalized ratio (INR) values <2.0 and >3.0 have been associated with increased risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events. INR monitoring is costly, because of associated physician and nurse time, laboratory resource use, and dose adjustments. This study assessed the healthcare cost burden associated with out-of-range INR among warfarin initiator patients diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) population. Adult NVAF patients (≥18 years) initiating warfarin were selected from the VHA dataset for the study period October 1, 2007-September 30, 2012. Only valid INR measurements (0.5 ≤ INR ≤ 20) were examined for the follow-up period, from the index date (warfarin initiation date) until the end of warfarin exposure or death. All-cause healthcare costs within 30 days were measured starting from the second month (31 days post-index date) to the end of the study period. Costs for inpatient stays, emergency room, outpatient facility, physician office visits, and other services were computed separately. Multiple regression was performed using the generalized linear model for overall cost analysis. In total, 29,463 patients were included in the study sample. Mean costs for out-of-range INR ranged from $3419 to $5126. Inpatient, outpatient, outpatient pharmacy, and total costs were significantly higher after patients experienced out-of-range results (INR < 2, INR > 3), compared with in-range INR (2 ≤ INR ≤ 3). When exposed to out-of-range INR, patients also incurred higher mean total costs within 2-6 months ($3840-$5820) than after the first 6 months ($2789-$3503) of warfarin therapy. In the VHA population, INR measures outside of the 2-3 range were associated with significantly higher healthcare costs. Increased costs were especially apparent when INR values were below 2, although INR measures above 3 were also associated with higher costs relative to in-range values.

Aquatic Exercises were Associated with an Acceptable State of Symptoms in Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: Results from a Study with Interrupted Time-Series Design.

PubMed

Christie, Anne; Hagen, Kåre Birger; Mowinckel, Petter; Dagfinrud, Hanne

2014-12-10

The aim of this study was two-fold: to compare symptoms and daily activity in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases across periods with and without aquatic exercises, and to examine whether the patients reached an acceptable state of symptoms during the periods with aquatic exercises. Thirty-six patients reported pain, fatigue, stiffness and ability to carry out daily activities across periods with and without aquatic exercises. The study has an interrupted time-series design and variables were collected with text messages on mobile phones twice a week over a period of 35 weeks. There was a significant reduction in pain, fatigue, stiffness and enhanced level of daily activity (p > 0.05) during periods of aquatic exercises compared to periods without. Further, a significantly higher proportion of patients reached an acceptable state for both pain and fatigue during periods with aquatic exercises. Living with an inflammatory rheumatic disease is a lifelong challenge. Pain and fatigue are considered major obstacles for daily functioning and adequate self-management strategies are requested. Based on the high proportion of patients reporting to be in an acceptable state of both pain and fatigue during periods with aquatic exercises, the intervention should be regarded as an important self-management tool rather than a treatment option assuming long-lasting effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Serum concentrations of metalloproteinase 2, metalloproteinase 9 and granzyme B in contact eczema patients

PubMed Central

Żbikowska-Gotz, Magdalena; Czajkowski, Rafał; Bartuzi, Zbigniew

2013-01-01

Introduction Contact eczema is a common skin condition with complex etiology, variable clinical presentation and lengthy therapy duration. The mechanism of contact eczema is complex, since it is affected by multiple inflammatory mediators. Aim To assess concentrations of metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and granzyme B (GzmB) in patients with contact eczema. Material and methods Seventy patients with contact eczema and 30 healthy persons as controls were included in the study. In all subjects, MMP-2, MMP-9 and GzmB were determined using ELISA immunoassay. In study group patients, concentrations were assayed in periods of disease exacerbation and remission. Obtained results were analyzed statistically. Results Mean MMP-2 and GzmB concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. Mean MMP-2, MMP-9 and GzmB levels were also statistically significantly higher during skin lesion relapse compared to contact eczema remission periods. Conclusions The presented paper demonstrates that MMP-2, MMP-9 and GzmB are good markers of contact eczema exacerbations. PMID:24278051

Emancipation in Educational System: Formation of Women's Higher Education in Russia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kornilova, Irina V.; Magsumov, Timur A.

2017-01-01

The focus of the article is on one of the turning points in the education development in Russia of the late imperial period, i.e., the establishment of women's higher education in the second half of the 19th century. The researchers involved various sources, including periodicals, ego-documents, documents of management and record keeping obtained…

Social Inequality in Higher Education and Labour Market in a Period of Institutional Reforms: Italy, 1992-2007

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Argentin, Gianluca; Triventi, Moris

2011-01-01

The focus of this paper is on the relationships between social origin, participation in tertiary education (enrolment, drop-out, enrolment at second level and post-tertiary education) and occupational instability among university graduates in a recent period of university and labour market reforms (the differentiation of higher education due to…

The worst case scenario: Locomotor and collision demands of the longest periods of gameplay in professional rugby union

PubMed Central

Reardon, Cillian; Tobin, Daniel P.; Tierney, Peter; Delahunt, Eamonn

2017-01-01

A number of studies have used global positioning systems (GPS) to report on positional differences in the physical game demands of rugby union both on an average and singular bout basis. However, the ability of these studies to report quantitative data is limited by a lack of validation of certain aspects of measurement by GPS micro-technology. Furthermore no study has analyzed the positional physical demands of the longest bouts of ball-in-play time in rugby union. The aim of the present study is to compare the demands of the single longest period of ball-in-play, termed “worst case scenario” (WCS) between positional groups, which have previously been reported to have distinguishable game demands. The results of this study indicate that WCS periods follow a similar sporadic pattern as average demands but are played at a far higher pace than previously reported for average game demands with average meters per minute of 116.8 m. The positional differences in running and collision activity previously reported are perpetuated within WCS periods. Backs covered greater total distances than forwards (318 m vs 289 m), carried out more high-speed running (11.1 m·min-1 vs 5.5 m·min-1) and achieved higher maximum velocities (MaxVel). Outside Backs achieved the highest MaxVel values (6.84 m·sec-1). Tight Five and Back Row forwards underwent significantly more collisions than Inside Back and Outside Backs (0.73 & 0.89 collisions·min-1 vs 0.28 & 0.41 collisions·min-1 respectively). The results of the present study provide information on the positional physical requirements of performance in prolonged periods involving multiple high intensity bursts of effort. Although the current state of GPS micro-technology as a measurement tool does not permit reporting of collision intensity or acceleration data, the combined use of video and GPS provides valuable information to the practitioner. This can be used to match and replicate game demands in training. PMID:28510582

The worst case scenario: Locomotor and collision demands of the longest periods of gameplay in professional rugby union.

PubMed

Reardon, Cillian; Tobin, Daniel P; Tierney, Peter; Delahunt, Eamonn

2017-01-01

A number of studies have used global positioning systems (GPS) to report on positional differences in the physical game demands of rugby union both on an average and singular bout basis. However, the ability of these studies to report quantitative data is limited by a lack of validation of certain aspects of measurement by GPS micro-technology. Furthermore no study has analyzed the positional physical demands of the longest bouts of ball-in-play time in rugby union. The aim of the present study is to compare the demands of the single longest period of ball-in-play, termed "worst case scenario" (WCS) between positional groups, which have previously been reported to have distinguishable game demands. The results of this study indicate that WCS periods follow a similar sporadic pattern as average demands but are played at a far higher pace than previously reported for average game demands with average meters per minute of 116.8 m. The positional differences in running and collision activity previously reported are perpetuated within WCS periods. Backs covered greater total distances than forwards (318 m vs 289 m), carried out more high-speed running (11.1 m·min-1 vs 5.5 m·min-1) and achieved higher maximum velocities (MaxVel). Outside Backs achieved the highest MaxVel values (6.84 m·sec-1). Tight Five and Back Row forwards underwent significantly more collisions than Inside Back and Outside Backs (0.73 & 0.89 collisions·min-1 vs 0.28 & 0.41 collisions·min-1 respectively). The results of the present study provide information on the positional physical requirements of performance in prolonged periods involving multiple high intensity bursts of effort. Although the current state of GPS micro-technology as a measurement tool does not permit reporting of collision intensity or acceleration data, the combined use of video and GPS provides valuable information to the practitioner. This can be used to match and replicate game demands in training.

Trajectories of growth in body mass index across childhood: Associations with maternal and paternal employment.

PubMed

Morrissey, Taryn W

2013-10-01

Research links mothers' employment to higher body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight-for-height, among their children. However, how maternal employment patterns relate to their children's BMI trajectories, and the role that fathers' employment plays in when and at what rate children grow, remain unclear. With data on children from 2 to 15 years of age living in two-parent families from the U.S. NICHD's Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 1107), individual growth models are used to describe American children's BMI trajectories as predicted by maternal and paternal employment characteristics. Results indicate that, by age 15, children's BMIs are, on average, nearly one-half of a standard deviation above recommended levels, and the majority of growth occurs during the preschool period. The duration of maternal employment, and combined measures of maternal and paternal employment duration, are both associated with higher child BMI across childhood. Associations are small but cumulative. Notably, the association between the duration of time children lived in dual-earner families and child BMI is larger than that between maternal employment duration alone and children's BMI, which is strongest during the preschool period. Combined measures of maternal and paternal employment intensity, defined as the number of periods both parents worked 35 or more hours per week, are associated with higher child BMI during the preschool period only. Findings highlight the importance of taking into account both parents' employment characteristics in investigating children's physical development. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sequence periodicity in nucleosomal DNA and intrinsic curvature.

PubMed

Nair, T Murlidharan

2010-05-17

Most eukaryotic DNA contained in the nucleus is packaged by wrapping DNA around histone octamers. Histones are ubiquitous and bind most regions of chromosomal DNA. In order to achieve smooth wrapping of the DNA around the histone octamer, the DNA duplex should be able to deform and should possess intrinsic curvature. The deformability of DNA is a result of the non-parallelness of base pair stacks. The stacking interaction between base pairs is sequence dependent. The higher the stacking energy the more rigid the DNA helix, thus it is natural to expect that sequences that are involved in wrapping around the histone octamer should be unstacked and possess intrinsic curvature. Intrinsic curvature has been shown to be dictated by the periodic recurrence of certain dinucleotides. Several genome-wide studies directed towards mapping of nucleosome positions have revealed periodicity associated with certain stretches of sequences. In the current study, these sequences have been analyzed with a view to understand their sequence-dependent structures. Higher order DNA structures and the distribution of molecular bend loci associated with 146 base nucleosome core DNA sequence from C. elegans and chicken have been analyzed using the theoretical model for DNA curvature. The curvature dispersion calculated by cyclically permuting the sequences revealed that the molecular bend loci were delocalized throughout the nucleosome core region and had varying degrees of intrinsic curvature. The higher order structures associated with nucleosomes of C.elegans and chicken calculated from the sequences revealed heterogeneity with respect to the deviation of the DNA axis. The results points to the possibility of context dependent curvature of varying degrees to be associated with nucleosomal DNA.

Abortion and subsequent pregnancy.

PubMed

Bradley, C F

1984-10-01

Two hundred and fifty-four women were followed from the second trimester of pregnancy until twelve months postpartum. Of these women, twenty-eight had had a prior therapeutic abortion and 216 women had no previous abortion. During their pregnancy and the postpartum period, the women completed a series of psychological and attitudinal measures. Analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of their demographic status, their obstetric experience or attitudes towards labour and birth. The study failed to demonstrate a relationship between anxiety during pregnancy and a prior abortion, nor were there any indications of inadequate maternal functioning. Women who had a prior abortion scored higher on the autonomy and nurturance subscales of the Personality Research Form, and had higher levels of depressive affect in the third trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Prevalence of low back pain in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Low back pain (LBP) is common in children and adolescents, and it is becoming a public health concern. In recent years there has been a considerable increase in research studies that examine the prevalence of LBP in this population, but studies exhibit great variability in the prevalence rates reported. The purpose of this research was to examine, by means of a meta-analytic investigation, the prevalence rates of LBP in children and adolescents. Methods Studies were located from computerized databases (ISI Web of Knowledge, MedLine, PEDro, IME, LILACS, and CINAHL) and other sources. The search period extended to April 2011. To be included in the meta-analysis, studies had to report a prevalence rate (whether point, period or lifetime prevalence) of LBP in children and/or adolescents (≤ 18 years old). Two independent researchers coded the moderator variables of the studies, and extracted the prevalence rates. Separate meta-analyses were carried out for the different types of prevalence in order to avoid dependence problems. In each meta-analysis, a random-effects model was assumed to carry out the statistical analyses. Results A total of 59 articles fulfilled the selection criteria. The mean point prevalence obtained from 10 studies was 0.120 (95% CI: 0.09 and 0.159). The mean period prevalence at 12 months obtained from 13 studies was 0.336 (95% CI: 0.269 and 0.410), whereas the mean period prevalence at one week obtained from six studies was 0.177 (95% CI: 0.124 and 0.247). The mean lifetime prevalence obtained from 30 studies was 0.399 (95% CI: 0.342 and 0.459). Lifetime prevalence exhibited a positive, statistically significant relationship with the mean age of the participants in the samples and with the publication year of the studies. Conclusions The most recent studies showed higher prevalence rates than the oldest ones, and studies with a better methodology exhibited higher lifetime prevalence rates than studies that were methodologically poor. Future studies should report more information regarding the definition of LBP and there is a need to improve the methodological quality of studies. PMID:23351394

Trends of Second Primary Malignancy in Patients with Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Israel.

PubMed

Izkhakov, Elena; Barchana, Micha; Liphshitz, Irena; Silverman, Barbara G; Stern, Naftali; Keinan-Boker, Lital

2017-06-01

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. TC patients have a good prognosis and a low disease-related mortality rate. Since such patients are often young, they may be at a higher risk for a second primary malignancy (SPM). This study sought to determine the incidence, risk, and types of SPM between 1980 and 2011, and to assess SPM trends over time among Israeli TC patients. Data were derived from the Israel National Cancer Registry. Primary TC patients diagnosed during 1980-2009 were followed up for SPM incidence until December 31, 2011. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of observed to expected SPM (based on the general population rates) were calculated using Poisson regression. Analyses were stratified by time period of initial TC diagnosis (1980-1995 and 1996-2009). A total of 11,538 TC patients were identified. After exclusion of 107 duplicate cases, records of 1032 patients with SPM were analyzed (an SPM incidence of 8.9%). SIRs for all-site SPMs were 1.23 [confidence interval 1.08-1.35] for males and 1.19 [confidence interval 1.10-1.27] for females. SIRs for tumors of the urinary system and prostate were significantly elevated in males, as were SIRs for tumors of the brain, urinary system, breast, and lung in females. Variables associated with increased risk of developing SPMs included a younger age at TC diagnosis, a shorter latency period, being born in Asia/Africa for both sexes, and being born in Israel for females. Compared with the general population, a subanalysis by TC diagnosis during 1980-1995 and 1996-2009 disclosed a higher SPM incidence for the latter time period in males and for both time periods, with a slightly higher SIR for the latter time period in females. The overall risk of SPM in Israeli TC patients was significantly greater for both sexes compared with the general population, thus identifying TC patients as a high-risk group and calling for caretakers to apply specific follow-up guidelines.

The effect of source of supplemental dietary calcium and magnesium in the peripartum period, and level of dietary magnesium postpartum, on mineral status, performance, and energy metabolites in multiparous Holstein cows.

PubMed

Leno, B M; LaCount, S E; Ryan, C M; Briggs, D; Crombie, M; Overton, T R

2017-09-01

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding different supplemental sources of Ca and Mg in the peripartum period, and different dietary levels of Mg postpartum, on plasma mineral status, performance, and aspects of energy metabolism in transition dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 41) were used in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments starting at 28 d before expected parturition. Main effects were source assignments (CS = common sources of supplemental Ca and Mg, or MA = a blend of common and commercial mineral sources with supplemental minerals primarily from a commercial Ca-Mg dolomite source; MIN-AD, Papillon Agricultural Company Inc., Easton, MD) beginning at 21 d before due date; cows were further randomized within source treatments to 1 of 2 levels of Mg supplementation (LM = formulated postpartum diet Mg at 0.30% of dry matter (DM), or HM = formulated postpartum diet Mg at 0.45% of DM) beginning within 1 d after parturition. Final treatment groups included the following: common source, low Mg (CS-LM, n = 11); common source, high Mg (CS-HM, n = 11); MIN-AD, low Mg (MA-LM, n = 10); and MIN-AD, high Mg (MA-HM, n = 9). Treatment diets were fed and data collected through 42 d in milk. Postpartum plasma Mg concentrations tended to be higher for cows fed HM and cows fed CS, but no effects were observed on peripartum plasma Ca concentrations. Peripartum plasma P concentrations were higher for cows fed MA. Dry matter intake (DMI) in the prepartum period was higher for cows fed MA (CS = 15.9 vs. MA = 16.8 kg/d) and postpartum DMI was higher in some groups depending on week. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were lower for cows fed MA during both the prepartum and postpartum periods. A source by level interaction was observed for postpartum plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations such that cows fed CS-LM had numerically higher BHB and cows fed MA-LM had numerically lower BHB (geometric means; CS-LM = 7.9, CS-HM = 6.9, MA-LM = 6.3, and MA-HM = 7.3 mg/dL) than cows fed the other 2 treatments. Higher milk fat yield, milk fat content, and fat- and energy-corrected yield during wk 1 for cows fed MA resulted in source by week interactions for these outcomes. This study demonstrated that varying supplemental Ca and Mg sources and feeding rates had minimal effect on plasma Ca status despite differences in plasma Mg and P concentrations. Effects on DMI and plasma energy metabolites suggest an opportunity for strategic use of mineral sources in the transition period to promote metabolic health. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recovery after shift work: Relation to coronary risk factors in women.

PubMed

Axelsson, John; Lowden, Arne; Kecklund, Göran

2006-01-01

Shift work increases the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. There is, however, little knowledge of what aspects of shift scheduling that are detrimental and what characteristics promote good health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether coronary risk factors deteriorate after a hard work period and whether recovery, in the form of a week off, was sufficient to improve them. A total of 19 women worked an extremely rapidly rotating and clockwise shift schedule at a paper and pulp factory. They underwent two health examinations, one at the end of the work period and one after the week off. In addition, the women were divided into a tolerant and a vulnerable group, depending on their satisfaction with their work hours. Most risk factors did not change, but total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were lower after the working period than after the week-off. In addition, vulnerable women had higher levels of total cholesterol and a higher ratio of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) than tolerant ones. In conclusion, the finding that a week-off worsens cholesterol levels was against our hypothesis and suggests further studies on how activities/responsibilities outside the workplace affect shift-working women. It was also shown that susceptible shift workers had worse lipid profiles.

The increasing hospital disease burden of haemochromatosis in England.

PubMed

Cowan, M L; Westlake, S; Thomson, S J; Rahman, T M; Majeed, A; Maxwell, J D; Kang, J-Y

2010-01-15

Hereditary haemochromatosis is a preventable cause of liver disease with an increasing disease burden. To investigate time trends for hospital admission ascribed to haemochromatosis in England during the period from 1989/1990 to 2002/2003 and mortality from 1979 to 2005. Hospital admission data, relating to both in-patients and day-cases, were obtained from the Hospital Episodes Statistics service. Mortality rates for England and Wales were provided by the Office for National Statistics. Haemochromatosis is an uncommon cause for hospital admission. Age-standardized in-patient admission rates increased over the study period by 269% in men and by 290% in women: (from 0.64 to 2.36 and from 0.21 to 0.81 per year per 100 000). The increase in age-standardized day-case admission rates was even higher (men: from 2.78 to 34.9 per year per 100 000, 1155%; women: from 0.58 to 11.67 per year per 100 000, 1924%). Haemochromatosis was recorded as an uncommon cause of death. Hospital in-patient and day case admissions for haemochromatosis increased markedly over the study period while mortality remained low. Both admission rates and mortality were higher in men than in women. The increase in admission rate may reflect improved recognition and diagnosis of iron overload disorders following identification of the HFE gene.

Differences in Age-Standardized Mortality Rates for Avoidable Deaths Based on Urbanization Levels in Taiwan, 1971–2008

PubMed Central

Chen, Brian K.; Yang, Chun-Yuh

2014-01-01

The World is undergoing rapid urbanization, with 70% of the World population expected to live in urban areas by 2050. Nevertheless, nationally representative analysis of the health differences in the leading causes of avoidable mortality disaggregated by urbanization level is lacking. We undertake a study of temporal trends in mortality rates for deaths considered avoidable by the Concerted Action of the European Community on Avoidable Mortality for four different levels of urbanization in Taiwan between 1971 and 2008. We find that for virtually all causes of death, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were lower in more urbanized than less urbanized areas, either throughout the study period, or by the end of the period despite higher rates in urbanized areas initially. Only breast cancer had consistently higher AMSRs in more urbanized areas throughout the 38-year period. Further, only breast cancer, lung cancer, and ischemic heart disease witnessed an increase in ASMRs in one or more urbanization categories. More urbanized areas in Taiwan appear to enjoy better indicators of health outcomes in terms of mortality rates than less urbanized areas. Access to and the availability of rich healthcare resources in urban areas may have contributed to this positive result. PMID:24503974

A prospective study of thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation during the postpartum period in women with mood disorders.

PubMed

Pope, Carley J; Xie, Bin; Sharma, Verinder; Campbell, M Karen

2013-12-01

Individuals with mood disorders are at higher risk for self-harm and suicidal ideation than other psychiatric group. However, the risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation after pregnancy for women with mood disorders is unknown. This investigation assessed the prevalence of thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation during the 1-year postpartum period in women with major depressive disorder or bipolar II disorder. Data were collected between June 2005 and March 2010 from a convenience sample of women participating in a study on the course of mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. Participant diagnosis was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Thoughts of self-harm were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale item 10 and suicidal ideation was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale item 3. During the 1-year postpartum period, 16.97 % reported thoughts of self-harm while 6.16 % reported suicidal ideation. Further, those reporting thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation postpartum also reported higher levels of depression and hypomanic symptoms. We found that a number of women in our sample of women with a diagnosed mood disorder report experiencing thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation during the postpartum.

Western Australian students' alcohol consumption and expenditure intentions for Schoolies.

PubMed

Jongenelis, Michelle I; Pettigrew, Simone; Biagioni, Nicole; Hagger, Martin S

2017-07-01

In Australia, the immediate post-school period (known as 'Schoolies') is associated with heavy drinking and high levels of alcohol-related harm. This study investigated students' intended alcohol consumption during Schoolies to inform interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm among this group. An online survey was administered to students in their senior year of schooling. Included items related to intended daily alcohol consumption during Schoolies, amount of money intended to be spent on alcohol over the Schoolies period, and past drinking behaviour. On average, participants (n=187) anticipated that they would consume eight standard drinks per day, which is substantially higher than the recommended maximum of no more than four drinks on a single occasion. Participants intended to spend an average of A$131 on alcohol over the Schoolies period. Although higher than national guidelines, intended alcohol consumption was considerably lower than has been previously documented during Schoolies events. The substantial amounts of money expected to be spent during Schoolies suggest this group has adequate spending power to constitute an attractive target market for those offering alternative activities that are associated with lower levels of alcohol-related harm.

Final Project Report for DOE Grant NO.: DE-SC0010534 Period: Sept 2013-March 31, 2016

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

Gunaydin, Murat

2016-08-01

Higher spin theories has been an active area of research in recent years. One of the main research activities of the PI Murat Gunaydin over the period of this grant has been the application of quasiconformal methods to construct and study higher spin (HS) algebras and superalgebras in various dimensions. Over the past decade work on amplitudes in gauge theories, supergravity and string theories has been a very active area of research. Enormous progress has been made in the understanding of the structure of amplitudes in these theories. The novel methods and results obtained have made it possible to domore » calculations in gauge theories and supergravity theories that go well beyond the calculations one can do using the old-fashioned Feynman diagram techniques. Work on amplitudes in matter-coupled supergravity theories has been the second main focus of the PI during the funding period. The previous work of the PI on supergravity theories has played a fundamentally important role in the current work on amplitudes.« less

Prayer marks.

PubMed

Abanmi, Abdullah A; Al Zouman, Abdulrahman Y; Al Hussaini, Husa; Al-Asmari, Abdulrahman

2002-07-01

Prayer marks (PMs) are asymptomatic, chronic skin changes that consist mainly of thickening, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation, and develop over a long period of time as a consequence of repeated, extended pressure on bony prominences during prayer. Three hundred and forty-nine Muslims and 24 non-Muslims were examined for the appearance of PMs at different body sites. The prospective study of 349 Muslims (both males and females) with regular praying habits showed the occurrence of PMs on specific locations, such as the forehead, knees, ankles, and dorsa of the feet, leading to dermatologic changes consisting of lichenification and hyperpigmentation. The incidence of PMs was significantly higher in males than in females. Older subjects (over 50 years of age) demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of lichenification and hyperpigmentation, suggesting that repeated pressure and friction for prolonged periods are the causative factors for the development of PMs. Histologic examination of skin biopsies from the affected sites showed compact orthokeratosis, hypergranulosis, dermal papillary fibrosis, and dermal vascularization. PMs were not associated with any risk of secondary complications, such as erythema, bullous formation, and infections. PMs are commonly occurring dermatologic changes in Muslims who pray for prolonged periods.

Risk of suicide and mixed episode in men in the postpartum period.

PubMed

Quevedo, Luciana; da Silva, Ricardo Azevedo; Coelho, Fábio; Pinheiro, Karen Amaral Tavares; Horta, Bernardo Lessa; Kapczinski, Flávio; Pinheiro, Ricardo Tavares

2011-07-01

To assess suicide risk in men with mood disorders at the postpartum period. We conduct a longitudinal study with 650 men whose child has born from April 2007 to May 2008 at maternity hospital. The first assessment was in the antenatal period and the second within 30 to 60days postpartum. Suicide risk, anxiety disorders, hypomanic, manic and mixed episodes were assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The prevalence of suicide risk in fathers in postpartum was of 4.8%. Fathers with postpartum depression were 20.97 (CI: 5.74; 76.53) more likely to present suicide risk and those with mixed episodes showed a chance of 46.50 (CI: 10.52; 205.53) times higher than those who did not suffer from any mood disorder. Mixed episodes are common in fathers at postpartum, posing a higher suicide risk than depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes. Therefore, in order to reduce the suicide risk, clinicians should address and treat adequately mixed affective states in this specific population. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facilities Inventory and Utilization Study, Fall of 1992: For the State of North Carolina. Twenty-Sixth Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Carolina Univ., Chapel Hill. Commission on Higher Education Facilities.

This publication presents the results of the twenty-sixth annual inventory and utilization study of the status of space in North Carolina institutions of higher education at the end of the drop-add period of the 1992 fall term. The study provides data for 113 institutions, including the public institutions which comprise the University of North…

[Hematopoiesis during remote period after acute radiation syndrome].

PubMed

Kotenko, K V; Bushmanov, A Iu; Suvorova, L A; Galstian, I A; Nadezhina, N M; Nugis, V Iu

2011-01-01

Based on the long (19.7 +/- 1.8 year) hemopoiesis follow-up study in 152 patients after acute radiation syndrome (ARS) as a result of exposure to gamma-, gamma-beta and gamma-eta radiation in a wide dose range (1.2-9.8 Gy) it was detected that cytopenia appears in the late consequences period: thrombocytopenia was found in 26.9% cases, leukocytopenia, neutropenia and lymphocytopenia--in 13.1% patients. A higher ARS degree causes the increase of various disorders (cytopenia and cytosis) in the late period. It reflects a tight interrelation between blood cell contents and radiation dose. Frequency of cytopenias increases if such somatic disorders: persistent hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis and late radiation ulcers as appear.

[Geographical distribution of mortality by Parkinson's disease and its association with air lead levels in Spain].

PubMed

Santurtún, Ana; Delgado-Alvarado, Manuel; Villar, Alejandro; Riancho, Javier

2016-12-02

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and the etiology of its sporadic form is unknown. The present study analyzes the temporal and spatial variations of mortality by PD in Spain over a period of 14 years and its relationship with lead concentration levels in the atmosphere. An ecological study was performed, in which deaths by PD and age group in 50 Spanish provinces between 2000 and 2013 were analyzed. The annual trend of PD mortality was assessed using the non-parametric Spearman's Rho test. Finally, the relationship between lead concentration levels in the air and mortality by PD was evaluated. Between 2000 and 2013, 36,180 patients with PD died in Spain. There is an increasing trend in mortality through PD over the study period (P<.0001). La Rioja, Asturias, Basque Country and the Lower Ebro valley were the regions with the highest values of PD mortality. Those regions with the highest lead concentrations also showed higher mortality by this disease in people over 64 (P=.02). Over our period of study, there has been an increase in mortality through PD in Spain, with the northernmost half of the country registering the highest values. Mortality in men was higher than mortality in women. Moreover, a direct correlation was found between lead levels in the air and mortality through PD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology of work-related injuries requiring hospitalization among sawmill workers in British Columbia, 1989-1997.

PubMed

Alamgir, Hasanat; Demers, Paul A; Koehoorn, Mieke; Ostry, Aleck; Tompa, Emile

2007-01-01

This study describes hospitalized injuries among workers in British Columbia lumber industry. Between April 1989 and December 1997, from the hospital records of 5,745 male sawmill workers were analyzed for the present study. Work relatedness was determined using either ICD-9 external cause of injury codes, which have a digit-indicating place of occurrence, or a payment field, which can identify workers compensation agency. Poisson regression models were used to analyze differences in hospitalization rates across race, job category, age group, and calendar year. The crude and adjusted rate ratios were calculated along with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the follow-up period, there were 164 work related hospitalization resulting in a rate for work-related hospitalization of 5.38 per 1,000 person years. The higher rates by nature of injury were for dislocation, sprains & strains, open wounds, and fracture of upper limbs. During the study period, the higher rates of injury by causes were machinery related, falls, and struck against. In the multivariate models, there were no statistically significant relationship of injury risk with age and race. In respect to occupation, compared to foremen/supervisor, other sawmills' workers did not have significantly elevated risk of injury. The trend analyses found a significant negative trend (P = 0.004) of injury risk over the whole study period. Knowing the causes and nature of injury and their related risk factors are helpful to employers, compensation officials, and other stakeholders to target preventive measures.

Has life satisfaction in Norway increased over a 20-year period? Exploring age and gender differences in a prospective longitudinal study, HUNT.

PubMed

Lysberg, Frode; Gjerstad, PåL; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Innstrand, Siw Tone; Høie, Magnhild Mjåvatn; Arild Espnes, Geir

2018-02-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the change in overall life satisfaction for different age groups and between genders over a 20-year period. Data from 1984 to 2008 were extracted from a large prospective longitudinal health study of Nord-Trøndelag (HUNT), Norway. The study included more than 176,000 participants ranging from 20 to 70+ years of age. Data were analysed using logistic regression and adjusted for gender. The analyses revealed an increase in life satisfaction for all age groups from 1984-1986 (HUNT 1) to 1995-1997 (HUNT 2), with the highest levels being reached at 2006-2008 (HUNT 3). For all age groups, the data showed an increase of about 20% for the period from 1984-1986 (HUNT 1) to 1995-1997 (HUNT 2). From 1995-1997 (HUNT 2) to 2006-2008 (HUNT 3), the increase in overall life satisfaction was 16% for the younger age groups, and about 32% for the older age groups (40-69 and 70+ years). Women's scores for overall life satisfaction were higher for nearly all age groups when compared to men using HUNT 3 as a reference. These findings suggest an increase in life satisfaction for all age groups from 1984 to 2008, especially for the older age group (40-69 and 70+ years). The data indicate that women score higher on life satisfaction for most age groups as compared to men.

Associations between plasma concentrations of PCB 28 and possible indoor exposure sources in Danish school children and mothers.

PubMed

Egsmose, Emilie Lund; Bräuner, Elvira Vaclavik; Frederiksen, Marie; Mørck, Thit Aarøe; Siersma, Volkert Dirk; Hansen, Pernille Winton; Nielsen, Flemming; Grandjean, Philippe; Knudsen, Lisbeth E

2016-02-01

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitously present in the environment and are suspected of carcinogenic, neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects. Significantly higher plasma concentrations of the congener PCB 28 occur in children compared to adults. Exposure in schools may contribute to this difference. To determine whether increased blood plasma concentrations of PCB 28 in Danish school children and mothers are associated with living in homes or attending schools constructed in the PCB period (1959-1977). PCB 28 was analyzed in plasma samples from 116 children aged 6-11years and 143 mothers living in an urban and a rural area in Denmark and participating in the European pilot project DEMOCOPHES (Demonstration of a study to COordinate and Perform Human Biomonitoring on a European Scale). In Denmark, PCBs were used in construction in the period 1950-1977, and year of construction or renovation of the homes and schools was used as a proxy for indoor PCB exposure. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between potential PCB exposure from building materials and lipid adjusted concentrations of PCB 28 in plasma, with and without adjustment for potential confounders. Among the 116 children and 143 mothers, we were able to specify home construction period in all but 4 children and 5 mothers leaving 111 children and 138 mothers for our analyses. The median lipid adjusted plasma PCB 28 concentration was 3 (range: 1-28) ng/g lipid in the children and 2 (range: 1-8) ng/g lipid in the mothers. Children living in homes built in the PCB period had significantly higher lipid adjusted plasma PCB 28 concentrations compared to children living in homes built before or after the PCB period. Following adjustment for covariates, PCB 28 concentrations in children were 40 (95% CI: 13; 68) percent higher than concentrations of children living in homes constructed at other times. Furthermore, children attending schools built or substantially refurbished in the PCB period also had significantly higher (46%, 95% CI: 22; 70) PCB 28 concentrations compared to children attending schools constructed before or after the PCB period, while their mothers had similar concentrations. Adjustment for the most prevalent congener, PCB 153, did not change this effect of home or school construction. When both home and school construction year were included in the models, the increase in lipid adjusted plasma PCB 28 for children living in or attending schools from the PCB period was no longer statistically significant. The individual effect of home and school construction periods could not be evaluated further with the available data. Our results suggest that PCB exposure in the indoor environment in schools and homes constructed during the PCB period may contribute significantly to children's plasma PCB 28 concentration. Efforts to minimize PCB exposure in indoor environments should be considered. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cost Effectiveness of Revascularization Strategies: Results from The American College of Cardiology Foundation and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Collaboration on the Comparative Effectiveness of Revascularization Strategies (ASCERT)

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zugui; Kolm, Paul; Grau-Sepulveda, Maria V.; Ponirakis, Angelo; O’Brien, Sean M.; Klein, Lloyd W.; Shaw, Richard E.; McKay, Charles; Shahian, David M.; Grover, Frederick L.; Mayer, John E.; Garratt, Kirk N.; Hlatky, Mark; Edwards, Fred H.; Weintraub, William S.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Collaboration on the Comparative Effectiveness of Revascularization Strategies (ASCERT) was a large observational study designed to compare the long-term effectiveness of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) over 4 to 5 years. OBJECTIVES We examined the cost effectiveness of CABG compared to PCI for stable ischemic heart disease. METHODS The STS and ACCF databases were linked to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims data. Costs for the index and observation period (2004 to 2008) hospitalizations were assessed by diagnosis-related group Medicare reimbursement rates; costs beyond the observation period were estimated from average Medicare participant per capita expenditure. Effectiveness was measured via mortality and life expectancy data. Cost and effectiveness comparisons were adjusted using propensity score matching with the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. RESULTS CABG patients (n = 86,244) and PCI patients (n = 103,549) were at least 65-yearsold with 2 or 3-vessel CAD. Adjusted costs were higher for CABG for the index hospitalization, study period, and lifetime by $10,670, $8,145, and $11,575, respectively. Patients undergoing CABG gained an adjusted average of 0.2525 and 0.3801 life-years relative to PCI over the observation period and lifetime, respectively. The life-time ICER of CABG compared to PCI was $30,454/QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS Over a period of 4 years or longer, patients undergoing CABG had better outcomes but at higher costs than those undergoing PCI. PMID:25572503

Effect of a mobile health, sensor-driven asthma management platform on asthma control.

PubMed

Barrett, Meredith A; Humblet, Olivier; Marcus, Justine E; Henderson, Kelly; Smith, Ted; Eid, Nemr; Sublett, J Wesley; Renda, Andrew; Nesbitt, LaQuandra; Van Sickle, David; Stempel, David; Sublett, James L

2017-11-01

Asthma inflicts a significant health and economic burden in the United States. Self-management approaches to monitoring and treatment can be burdensome for patients. To assess the effect of a digital health management program on asthma outcomes. Residents of Louisville, Kentucky, with asthma were enrolled in a single-arm pilot study. Participants received electronic inhaler sensors that tracked the time, frequency, and location of short-acting β-agonist (SABA) use. After a 30-day baseline period during which reference medication use was recorded by the sensors, participants received access to a digital health intervention designed to enhance self-management. Changes in outcomes, including mean daily SABA use, symptom-free days, and asthma control status, were compared among the initial 30-day baseline period and all subsequent months of the intervention using mixed-model logistic regressions and χ 2 tests. The mean number of SABA events per participant per day was 0.44 during the control period and 0.27 after the first month of the intervention, a 39% reduction. The percentage of symptom-free days was 77% during the baseline period and 86% after the first month, a 12% improvement. Improvement was observed throughout the study; each intervention month demonstrated significantly lower SABA use and higher symptom-free days than the baseline month (P < .001). Sixty-nine percent had well-controlled asthma during the baseline period, 67% during the first month of the intervention. Each intervention month demonstrated significantly higher percentages than the baseline month (P < .001), except for month 1 (P = .80). A digital health asthma management intervention demonstrated significant reductions in SABA use, increased number of symptom-free days, and improvements in asthma control. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02162576. Copyright © 2017 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[A comparative study on seed germination of 15 grass species in Keeqin Sandyland].

PubMed

Liu, Zhimin; Li, Xuehua; Li, Rongping; Jiang, Deming; Cao, Chengyou

2003-09-01

A laboratory study was made on the germination characteristics of freshly-collected seeds of grass species at the Wulanaodu area of Keeqin Sandyland in Eastern Inner-Mongolia. Of the 15 species examined, 8 species including Clinelymus dahuricus, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Pappophorum boreale, Spodiopogon sibiricus, Phragmites communis, Chloris virgata, Arundinella hirta, Pennisetum alopecuroides had a germination rate of over 80%, but 4 species including Echinochloa hispidula, Hemarthria compressa, Tragus berteronianus and Setaria viridis had a value of less than 10%. Spodiopogon sibiricus, Eragrostis pilosa, Phragmites communis, Chloris virgata, Clinelymus dahuricus, Pappophorum boreale, Digitaria cilliaris and Cleistogenes squrrosa began to germinate within 1-3 days after the test began, while Setaria viridis, Tragus berteronianus and Hemarthria compressa failed to germinate in a period of more than 10 days. For the species such as Digitaria cilliaris, Echinochloa hispidula, Phragmites communis, Eragrostis pilosa and Spodiopogon sibiricus, their germination period was less than 10 days, while Clinelymus dahuricus and Pappophorum boreale had a germination period of more than 20 days. The days required for half the final germination rate to be reached were: 2 days for Chloris virgata, 3 days for Phragmites communis, 4 days for Spodiopogon sibiricus, 5 days for Clinelymus dahuricus and Cleistogenes squarrosa, 7 days for Arundinella hirta and Pappophorum boreale, and 10 days for Pennisetum alopecuriodes. Compared with the Sheffield region in Britain, the Wulanaodu area of Kerqin Sandyland had a higher proportion of annul grasses with a low germination rate and a longer germination period, and the perennial grasses at the Wulanaodu area had an approximately same germination rate, but a longer germination period. During germination, ruderals showed the potential for risk-sharring, and thus, they had a relatively higher disturbance-resistance capacity.

Casualties of peace: an analysis of casualties admitted to the intensive care unit during the negotiation of the comprehensive Colombian process of peace.

PubMed

Ordoñez, Carlos A; Manzano-Nunez, Ramiro; Naranjo, Maria Paula; Foianini, Esteban; Cevallos, Cecibel; Londoño, Maria Alejandra; Sanchez Ortiz, Alvaro I; García, Alberto F; Moore, Ernest E

2018-01-01

After 52 years of war in 2012, the Colombian government began the negotiation of a process of peace, and by November 2012, a truce was agreed. We sought to analyze casualties who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) before and during the period of the negotiation of the comprehensive Colombian process of peace. Retrospective study of hostile casualties admitted to the ICU at a Level I trauma center from January 2011 to December 2016. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: those seen before the declaration of the process of peace truce (November 2012) and those after (November 2012-December 2016). Patients were compared with respect to time periods. Four hundred forty-eight male patients were admitted to the emergency room. Of these, 94 required ICU care. Sixty-five casualties presented before the truce and 29 during the negotiation period. Median injury severity score was significantly higher before the truce. Furthermore, the odds of presenting with severe trauma (ISS > 15) were significantly higher before the truce (OR, 5.4; (95% CI, 2.0-14.2); p  < 0.01). There was a gradual decrease in the admissions to the ICU, and the performance of medical and operative procedures during the period observed. We describe a series of war casualties that required ICU care in a period of peace negotiation. Despite our limitations, our study presents a decline in the occurrence, severity, and consequences of war injuries probably as a result in part of the negotiation of the process of peace. The hysteresis of these results should only be interpreted for their implications in the understanding of the peace-health relationship and must not be overinterpreted and used for any political end.

Nutrition support can bring survival benefit to high nutrition risk gastric cancer patients who received chemotherapy.

PubMed

Qiu, Miaozhen; Zhou, Yi-xin; Jin, Yin; Wang, Zi-xian; Wei, Xiao-li; Han, Hong-yu; Ye, Wen-feng; Zhou, Zhi-wei; Zhang, Dong-sheng; Wang, Feng-hua; Li, Yu-hong; Yang, Da-jun; Xu, Rui-hua

2015-07-01

The aim of our study is firstly to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic value of nutrition risk in gastric cancer patients and secondly to explore whether the nutrition support can prolong the survival of advanced gastric cancer patients. It contained two study periods. In the first period, we prospectively evaluated the nutritional risk of gastric adenocarcinoma patients from 2009 to 2011 using the method of European Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) 2002. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to evaluate the prognostic value of high nutrition risk. The second period was between 2012 and 2013. We prospectively gave the nutrition support to stage IV gastric cancer patients whose NRS is ≥3. There were 830 patients in the first period, 50.7% patients with a NRS ≥ 3. Patients with NRS ≥ 3 presented a significantly higher percentage of stage IV diseases, elevated values of C-reactive protein, and hypoproteinemia. The median survival was significantly higher in NRS < 3 patients (31.9 vs. 25.7 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that NRS status was an independent prognostic factor. There were 347 patients in the second period. Young, male, and good response to chemotherapy were more likely to have the NRS shift to <3 after nutrition support. The median survival was 14.3 and 9.6 months for patients with and without NRS shift, respectively, P = 0.001. NRS ≥ 3 was an independent adverse prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients. For stage IV patients whose NRS ≥ 3, the nutrition support might be helpful to improve the prognosis.

Time trends for prostate cancer mortality in Brazil and its geographic regions: An age-period-cohort analysis.

PubMed

Braga, Sonia Faria Mendes; de Souza, Mirian Carvalho; Cherchiglia, Mariangela Leal

2017-10-01

In the 1980s, an increase in mortality rates for prostate cancer was observed in North America and developed European countries. In the 1990s, however, mortality rates decreased for these countries, an outcome related to early detection of the disease. Conversely, an upward trend in mortality rates was observed in Brazil. This study describe the trends in mortality for prostate cancer in Brazil and geographic regions (North, Northeast, South, Southeast, and Central-West) between 1980 until 2014 and analyze the influence of age, period, and cohort effects on mortality rates. This time-series study used data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and population data from Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The effects on mortality rates were examined using age-period-cohort (APC) models. Crude and standardized mortality rates showed an upward trend for Brazil and its regions more than 2-fold the last 30 years. Age effects showed an increased risk of death in all regions. Period effects showed a higher risk of death in the finals periods for the North and Northeast. Cohort effects showed risk of death was higher for younger than older generations in Brazil and regions, mainly Northeast (RR Adjusted =3.12, 95% CI 1.29-1.41; RR Adjusted =0.28, 95% CI 0.26-0.30, respectively). The increase in prostate cancer mortality rates in Brazil and its regions was mainly due to population aging. The differences in mortality rates and APC effects between regions are related to demographic differences and access of health services across the country. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolution of convection vortices associated with sudden impulses observed by SuperDARN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hori, T.; Shinbori, A.; Nishitani, N.; Fujita, S.

2014-12-01

Spatial evolution of transient ionospheric convection induced by sudden impulses (SIs) recorded by ground magnetometers is studied statistically by using SuperDARN (SD) data. An advantage of using SD data instead of ground magnetic fields is that ionospheric flows measured by the radars are not virtually biased by the spatially-varying ionospheric conductance or the magnetospheric currents. First we surveyed the Sym-H index for Jan., 2007 to Dec., 2012 to identify SI events with a peak amplitude |dSym-H| greater than 10 nT. Next we searched all SD data over the northern hemisphere during the SI events for ionospheric backscatters which give us the light-of-sight velocity of horizontal ionospheric flows. For each SI event, the collected ionospheric flow data were sorted into the four periods: the pre-SI period, the pre-Main Impulse (MI), middle-MI, and post-MI periods. In the present study, we examine the differences in flow velocity between the pre-SI period and the three MI periods to clarify how ionospheric flows change in association with SIs. As a result, the ionospheric flow shifts eastward on the dusk side and westward on the dawn side at the higher latitudes during positive SIs (SI+), while it shows a roughly westward/eastward shift on the dusk/dawn side, respectively, during negative SIs (SI-). These polarities of flow shifts are basically consistent with the higher latitude portions of the DP current for the MI phase as shown by Araki [1994] and Araki and Nagano [1988]. In terms of temporal evolution, the SI-induced transient flows remain slightly longer for SI- than for SI+. These findings suggest that the compression and expansion of the magnetosphere affect in different manners the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupled convection system.

Responses of the autonomic nervous system during periods of perceived high and low work stress in younger and older female teachers.

PubMed

Ritvanen, Tiina; Louhevaara, Veikko; Helin, Pertti; Väisänen, Sari; Hänninen, Osmo

2006-05-01

The aim of this study was to examine the response of the autonomic nervous system in younger (mean age 31 yrs, n=14) and older (mean age 54 yrs, n=14) healthy female teachers during work periods of perceived high and low stress. In the younger participants, heart rate, cortisol excretion rate and psychosomatic symptoms were significantly higher during the high work stress period. The older participants experienced no decrease in their heart rate and cortisol excretion during the low stress period and they exhibited no significant decrease in blood pressure after the work in the evening during both periods. It may be concluded that the recovery from the stress in the older teachers was insufficient particularly in view of their elevated diastolic blood pressure during the low work stress period. Ergonomic and individually tailored measures in terms of work time control, specific relaxation techniques, and a part-time retirement may improve the stress management of older teachers.

QMG and MG-ADL correlations: Study of eculizumab treatment of myasthenia gravis.

PubMed

Howard, James F; Freimer, Miriam; O'Brien, Fanny; Wang, Jing Jing; Collins, Stephen R; Kissel, John T

2017-08-01

A phase 2 study of eculizumab for treating myasthenia gravis (MG) used the quantitative myasthenia gravis score (QMG) and myasthenia gravis activities of daily living profile (MG-ADL) to evaluate baseline disease severity and treatment response. Correlations were then analyzed between these assessments. Patients were given eculizumab or placebo during the first 16-week treatment period of the crossover study, with treatment assignments reversed for the second treatment period following a 5-week washout. QMG and MG-ADL scores at baseline and endpoint of each treatment period generated correlation coefficients for baseline status and treatment response during eculizumab therapy. Correlation strength between QMG and MG-ADL scores was higher for treatment response (R = 0.726; 95% confidence interval, 0.264-0.907; P = 0.0036) than for assessing baseline disease status (R = 0.552; 95% confidence interval, -0.022-0.839; P = 0.0495). MG-ADL may be more sensitive for assessing treatment response than point-in-time disease status. Muscle Nerve 56: 328-330, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[The development of the incidence of diabetes mellitus I in children 0 to 14 years of age in Malaga (1982-1993)].

PubMed

López Siguero, J P; Martínez-Aedo Ollero, M J; Moreno Molina, J A; Lora Espinosa, A; Martínez Valverde, A

1997-07-01

A prospective study was conducted to assess the evolution of the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent) in Málaga among children less than 14 years of age between 1982 and 1993. The capture-recapture method was chosen for estimating the probability of ascertainment and two sources were used: The hospital registry and Málaga Diabetes Association members. We detected 437 children and the ascertainment achieved was 98.8%. The average annual incidence was 14.3/10(5) and the prevalence at the end of the period was 0.78 patients/10(3). During the last 6 years of the observation period, the incidence rose by 42%. The highest incidence was found among children between 10 and 13 years of age in both sexes. The age of onset and female/male ratio increased during the study period. There was an inverse relationship with monthly temperature. In comparison with other European epidemiological studies, we found a higher incidence and increased rate of growth of the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus during the observation period.

Migration pattern and mortality of ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union: a cohort study in Germany

PubMed Central

Kaucher, Simone; Deckert, Andreas; Becher, Heiko; Winkler, Volker

2017-01-01

Objective We aimed to investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality among ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union by different immigration periods to describe associations with migration pattern and mortality. Design We used pooled data from three retrospective cohort studies in Germany. Participants Ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union (called resettlers), who immigrated to Germany since 1990 to the federal states North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland and to the region of Augsburg (n=59 390). Outcome All-cause and cause-specific mortality among resettlers in comparison to the general German population, separated by immigration period. Methods Immigration periods were defined following legislative changes in German immigration policy (1990–1992, 1993–1995, 1996+). Resettlers’ characteristics were described accordingly. To investigate mortality differences by immigration period, we calculated age-standardised mortality rates (ASRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) of resettlers in comparison to the general German population. Additionally, we modelled sex-specific ASRs with Poisson regression, using age, year and immigration period as independent variables. Results The composition of resettlers differed by immigration period. Since 1993, the percentage of resettlers from the Russian Federation and non-German spouses increased. Higher all-cause mortality was found among resettlers who immigrated in 1996 and after (ASR 628.1, 95% CI 595.3 to 660.8), compared with resettlers who immigrated before 1993 (ASR 561.8, 95% CI 537.2 to 586.4). SMR analysis showed higher all-cause mortality among resettler men from the last immigration period compared with German men (SMR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.19), whereas resettlers who immigrated earlier showed lower all-cause mortality. Results from Poisson regression, adjusted for age and year, corroborated those findings. Conclusions Mortality differences by immigration period suggest different risk-factor patterns and possibly deteriorated integration opportunities. Health policy should guard the consequences of immigration law alterations with respect to changing compositions of migrant groups and their health status. PMID:29259065

Migration pattern and mortality of ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union: a cohort study in Germany.

PubMed

Kaucher, Simone; Deckert, Andreas; Becher, Heiko; Winkler, Volker

2017-12-19

We aimed to investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality among ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union by different immigration periods to describe associations with migration pattern and mortality. We used pooled data from three retrospective cohort studies in Germany. Ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union (called resettlers), who immigrated to Germany since 1990 to the federal states North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland and to the region of Augsburg (n=59 390). All-cause and cause-specific mortality among resettlers in comparison to the general German population, separated by immigration period. Immigration periods were defined following legislative changes in German immigration policy (1990-1992, 1993-1995, 1996+). Resettlers' characteristics were described accordingly. To investigate mortality differences by immigration period, we calculated age-standardised mortality rates (ASRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) of resettlers in comparison to the general German population. Additionally, we modelled sex-specific ASRs with Poisson regression, using age, year and immigration period as independent variables. The composition of resettlers differed by immigration period. Since 1993, the percentage of resettlers from the Russian Federation and non-German spouses increased. Higher all-cause mortality was found among resettlers who immigrated in 1996 and after (ASR 628.1, 95% CI 595.3 to 660.8), compared with resettlers who immigrated before 1993 (ASR 561.8, 95% CI 537.2 to 586.4). SMR analysis showed higher all-cause mortality among resettler men from the last immigration period compared with German men (SMR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.19), whereas resettlers who immigrated earlier showed lower all-cause mortality. Results from Poisson regression, adjusted for age and year, corroborated those findings. Mortality differences by immigration period suggest different risk-factor patterns and possibly deteriorated integration opportunities. Health policy should guard the consequences of immigration law alterations with respect to changing compositions of migrant groups and their health status. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Feeding on one side or both sides in a breast-feeding session.

PubMed

Kondolot, Meda; Yalçin, S Songül; Yurdakök, Kadriye

2009-12-01

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of breast-feeding method (on only one or on two sides in a single feeding session) on growth, sleep duration and sucking period, and stool frequency. Exclusively breast-fed healthy infants, aged 1-6 months, were included in the study during child health follow-up visits. Mothers were given a questionnaire on sleep duration, sucking periods, and stool frequencies of their infants. The height-for-age and weight-for-age z scores were significantly higher in infants breast-fed from one side during a single session than from both sides (P= 0.002, P < 0.001; respectively). Infants sucking on only one breast in a breast-feeding session defecated significantly less at night (P= 0.005), their maximum sucking periods at night were shorter (P= 0.049). Breast-feeding at one side only during a single breast-feeding session increases growth, decreases stool frequency and the maximum sucking period at night and does not influence the overall sleep pattern.

Evaluation of metal ion release from Ti6Al4V and Co-Cr-Mo casting alloys: in vivo and in vitro study.

PubMed

El Sawy, Amal A; Shaarawy, Mohammed A

2014-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of ions released from Ti6Al4V and Co-Cr-Mo alloys both in vivo and in vitro. Twenty-one discs of each alloy were constructed and divided into seven groups. Three specimens from each group were immersed in a buffered saline solution over a period of 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Twenty-eight participants were also included in the study, where the study group consisted of 14 mandibular partially edentulous patients, and the control group consisted of 14 volunteers. The study group was further divided into two equal groups: the first group received removable partial dentures (RPDs) constructed from Co-Cr-Mo alloy, while the second group received RPDs constructed from Ti6Al4V alloy. Saliva samples were collected from each participant over the same study period. The conditioning media and saliva samples were analyzed using a spectrophotometer. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). The concentrations of metal ions released from the studied alloys were significantly higher in the in vitro than in the in vivo study group during the follow-up periods. A statistically significant increase in ion concentrations of the different elements for both alloys was found with time (p < 0.05). The amounts of released metallic ions from Co-Cr-Mo and Ti6Al4V alloys were higher in the buffered saline solutions than in the studied saliva samples and control groups; however, these amounts were still within the physiological limit of trace elements in the human body. © 2013 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Lessons learned from the reimbursement profile of a mature private medical toxicology practice: office-based practice pays.

PubMed

Thompson, Trevonne M; Leikin, Jerrold B

2015-03-01

We previously reported the financial data for the first 5 years of one of the author's medical toxicology practice. The practice has matured; changes have been made. The practice is increasing its focus on office-based encounters and reducing hospital-based acute care encounters. We report the reimbursement rates and other financial metrics of the current practice. Financial records from October 2009 through September 2013 were reviewed. This is a period of 4 fiscal years and represents the currently available financial data. Charges, payments, and reimbursement rates were recorded according to the type and setting of the medical toxicology encounter: forensic consultations, outpatient clinic encounters, nonpsychiatric inpatient consultations, emergency department (ED) consultations, and inpatient psychiatric consultations. All patients were seen regardless of ability to pay or insurance status. The number of billed Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for office-based encounters increased over the study period; the number of billed CPT codes for inpatient and ED consultations reduced. Office-based encounters demonstrate a higher reimbursement rate and higher payments. In the fiscal year (FY) of 2012, office-based revenue exceeded hospital-based acute care revenue by over $140,000 despite a higher number of billed CPT encounters in acute care settings, and outpatient payments were 2.39 times higher than inpatient, inpatient psychiatry, observation unit, and ED payments combined. The average payment per CPT code was higher for outpatient clinic encounters than inpatient encounters for each fiscal year studied. There was an overall reduction in CPT billing volume between FY 2010 and FY 2013. Despite this, there was an increase in total practice revenue. There was no change in payor mix, practice logistics, or billing/collection service company. In this medical toxicology practice, office-based encounters demonstrate higher reimbursement rates and overall payments compared to inpatient and ED consultations. While consistent with our previous studies, these differences have been accentuated. This study demonstrates the results of changes to the practice--reduced inpatient/ED consultations and increased outpatient encounters. These practice changes resulted in higher overall revenue despite a lower patient volume. In this analysis, the office-based practice of medical toxicology has higher reimbursement rates, nearly 2.5 times higher, when compared to hospital-based acute care consultations.

Rate of candidiasis among HIV-infected children in Spain in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (1997-2008).

PubMed

Álvaro-Meca, Alejandro; Jensen, Julia; Micheloud, Dariela; Díaz, Asunción; Gurbindo, Dolores; Resino, Salvador

2013-03-04

Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic infection seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. The aim of our study was to estimate the candidiasis rate and evaluate its trend in HIV-infected children in Spain during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) compared to HIV-uninfected children. We carried out a retrospective study. Data were obtained from the records of the Minimum Basic Data Set from hospitals in Spain. All HIV-infected children were under 17 years of age, and a group of HIV-uninfected children with hospital admissions matching the study group by gender and age were randomly selected. The follow-up period (1997-2008) was divided into three calendar periods: a) From 1997 to 1999 for early-period HAART; b) from 2000 to 2002 for mid-period HAART; and c) from 2003 to 2008 for late-period HAART. Among children with hospital admissions, HIV-infected children had much higher values than HIV-uninfected children during each of the three calendar periods for overall candidiasis rates (150.0 versus 6.1 events per 1,000 child hospital admissions/year (p < 0.001), 90.3 versus 3.1 (p < 0.001), and 79.3 versus 10.7 (p < 0.001), respectively) and for non-invasive Candida mycosis (ICM) rates (118.5 versus 3.8 (p < 0.001), 85.3 versus 2.3 (p < 0.001), and 80.6 versus 6.0 (p < 0.001), respectively). In addition, HIV-infected children also had higher values of ICM rates than HIV-uninfected children, except during the last calendar period when no significant difference was found (32.4 versus 1.2 (p < 0.001), 11.6 versus 0.4 (p < 0.001), and 4.6 versus 2.3 (p = 0.387), respectively). For all children living with HIV/AIDS, the overall candidiasis rate (events per 1,000 HIV-infected children/year) decreased from 1997-1999 to 2000-2002 (18.8 to 10.6; p < 0.001) and from 2000-2002 to 2003-2008 (10.6 to 5.7; p = 0.060). Within each category of candidiasis, both non-ICM and ICM rates experienced significant decreases from 1997-1999 to 2003-2008 (15.9 to 5.7 (p < 0.001) and 4.1 to 0.3 (p < 0.001), respectively). Although the candidiasis rate still remains higher than in the general population (from 1997 to 2008), candidiasis diagnoses have decreased among HIV-infected children throughout the HAART era, and it has ceased to be a major health problem among children with HIV infection.

Rate of candidiasis among HIV-infected children in Spain in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (1997–2008)

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic infection seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. The aim of our study was to estimate the candidiasis rate and evaluate its trend in HIV-infected children in Spain during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) compared to HIV-uninfected children. Methods We carried out a retrospective study. Data were obtained from the records of the Minimum Basic Data Set from hospitals in Spain. All HIV-infected children were under 17 years of age, and a group of HIV-uninfected children with hospital admissions matching the study group by gender and age were randomly selected. The follow-up period (1997–2008) was divided into three calendar periods: a) From 1997 to 1999 for early-period HAART; b) from 2000 to 2002 for mid-period HAART; and c) from 2003 to 2008 for late-period HAART. Results Among children with hospital admissions, HIV-infected children had much higher values than HIV-uninfected children during each of the three calendar periods for overall candidiasis rates (150.0 versus 6.1 events per 1,000 child hospital admissions/year (p < 0.001), 90.3 versus 3.1 (p < 0.001), and 79.3 versus 10.7 (p < 0.001), respectively) and for non-invasive Candida mycosis (ICM) rates (118.5 versus 3.8 (p < 0.001), 85.3 versus 2.3 (p < 0.001), and 80.6 versus 6.0 (p < 0.001), respectively). In addition, HIV-infected children also had higher values of ICM rates than HIV-uninfected children, except during the last calendar period when no significant difference was found (32.4 versus 1.2 (p < 0.001), 11.6 versus 0.4 (p < 0.001), and 4.6 versus 2.3 (p = 0.387), respectively). For all children living with HIV/AIDS, the overall candidiasis rate (events per 1,000 HIV-infected children/year) decreased from 1997–1999 to 2000–2002 (18.8 to 10.6; p < 0.001) and from 2000–2002 to 2003–2008 (10.6 to 5.7; p = 0.060). Within each category of candidiasis, both non-ICM and ICM rates experienced significant decreases from 1997–1999 to 2003–2008 (15.9 to 5.7 (p < 0.001) and 4.1 to 0.3 (p < 0.001), respectively). Conclusions Although the candidiasis rate still remains higher than in the general population (from 1997 to 2008), candidiasis diagnoses have decreased among HIV-infected children throughout the HAART era, and it has ceased to be a major health problem among children with HIV infection. PMID:23510319

Common Methodology Mistakes in Dissertations: Improving Dissertation Quality.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Bruce

Dissertations are the cumulative, tangible "best evidence" of interests of doctoral faculty and students in serious and incisive scholarship. Thus, dissertations are thoroughly studied by the program review teams periodically hired by boards of higher education in most states. The present paper explores seven errors in quantitative…

International Education as an Agent of Democratization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comp, David

2004-01-01

This paper is guided by Aaron Benavot's (1999) question "What are the specific mechanisms and processes linking higher education and increasing levels of democracy in the recent period?" Benavot suggests that one research approach should focus on "students studying abroad, particularly those in North American or Western European…

Stratigraphy, U-Th chronology, and paleoenvironments at Gladysvale Cave: insights into the climatic control of South African hominin-bearing cave deposits.

PubMed

Pickering, Robyn; Hancox, Phillip J; Lee-Thorp, Julia A; Grün, Rainer; Mortimer, Graham E; McCulloch, Malcolm; Berger, Lee R

2007-11-01

Gladysvale Cave is one of the few Plio-Pleistocene hominin-bearing cave sites in South Africa that contains a well-stratified cave fill with clastic sediments interspersed with flowstones. The clastic sediments can be divided into units based on the presence of intercalated flowstones, forming flowstone bounded units (FBU). Ten MC-ICP-MS uranium-series dates on several flowstone horizons in the Gladysvale Internal Deposit fan indicate deposition from the late mid-Pleistocene ( approximately 570 ka) to Holocene ( approximately 7 ka) during limited periods of higher effective moisture. Clastic sedimentation occurred during the interceding, presumably more arid, periods. This sequence is not consistent with earlier models for South African caves that simply assumed interglacial sedimentation and glacial erosion. (13)C/(12)C data suggest that flowstone tended to form during periods with higher proportions of C(3) plants in the local vegetation, while clastic sediments reflect higher proportions of C(4) grasses, although this is not always the case. We argue that flowstones are precipitated during periods of higher effective precipitation and restricted cave entrances, while clastic sediments accumulated during periods with more open vegetation. The sedimentary fill of the fossiliferous deposits are, therefore, highly episodic in nature, with large periods of time unlikely to be represented. This has serious implications for the other hominin-bearing caves close by, as these deposits are likely to be similarly episodic. This is especially pertinent when addressing extinction events and reconstructions of paleoenvironments, as large periods of time may be unrecorded. The Gladysvale Cave fill sediments may serve as a climatically forced chronostratigraphic model for these less well-stratified and well-dated Plio-Pleistocene sites.

Relating Satellite Gravimetry to Global Snow Water Equivalent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumann, S. C.

2017-12-01

The gravimetric satellites GRACE measure changes of Earth's mass. The data mainly show changes in total water storage (TWS) but cannot distinguish between different sources. Hence, other data are necessary to extract the different compartments. Due to the spatial resolution of 200,000 km² and an accuracy of 2.5 cm w.e., other global products are compared with GRACE. In this study, the hydrological model WGHM and the land surface model GLDAS were used. All data were pre-processed in the same way as the GRACE data. Data were converted into monthly 1° grid values. Time is from 01/2003 to 12/2013 with a total of 131 months. The aim of the study was to extract SWE from GRACE as snow is an important factor for permafrost development. The main assumption is that changes in TWS can be linked to changes in SWE if SWE is the dominant compartment of TWS or if SWE changes proportionally with TWS. The study area were two river catchments in North America (Mackenzie, Yukon) and three in Russia (Lena, Ob, Yenisei). TWS as SWE from both models were correlated with GRACE as with each other (1) pixel and (2) catchment based. The (1) pixel based correlation used absolute values and the (2) catchment based correlation the sum of monthly anomalies from the total mean for each catchment. Initial results of the (1) pixel based correlation show a very high correlation of the WGHM vs. GLDAS data. The correlation of GRACE vs. WGHM is higher compared to the correlation between GRACE vs. GLDAS. The (2) correlation of the catchment data was higher than 0.74 in all river catchments for the WGHM vs. GLDAS data (TWS and SWE). As for the pixel based correlation, values for the correlation of GRACE vs. WGHM are higher compared to GRACE vs. GLDAS in all river catchments. Summed monthly WGHM anomalies of the catchments showed a uniform periodically annual pattern. GRACE data showed the same pattern between 2006 and 2011 but had more peaks in the beginning and the end of the study period. Therefore, a second correlation was performed for this uniform shorter period. The (1) pixel based correlation of GRACE vs. the two models had higher values in the river catchments in North America and lower values in Russia. This pattern was more pronounced in the correlation of GRACE vs. WGHM. The (2) catchment based correlation of the shorter period improved for nearly all correlation pairs and river catchments.

Ambulatory recording of wave reflections and arterial stiffness during intra- and interdialytic periods in patients treated with dialysis.

PubMed

Karpetas, Antonios; Sarafidis, Pantelis A; Georgianos, Panagiotis I; Protogerou, Athanase; Vakianis, Pantelis; Koutroumpas, Georgios; Raptis, Vasileios; Stamatiadis, Dimitrios N; Syrganis, Christos; Liakopoulos, Vassilios; Efstratiadis, Georgios; Lasaridis, Anastasios N

2015-04-07

Wave reflections and arterial stiffness are independent cardiovascular risk factors in ESRD. Previous studies in this population included only static recordings before and after dialysis. This study investigated the variation of these indices during intra- and interdialytic intervals and examined demographic, clinical, and hemodynamic variables related to arterial function in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Between February 2013 and May 2014, a total of 153 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis in five dialysis centers of northern Greece underwent ambulatory BP monitoring with the newly introduced Mobil-O-Graph device (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) over a midweek dialysis session and the subsequent interdialytic period. Mobil-O-Graph is an oscillometric device that records brachial BP and pulse waves and estimates, via generalized transfer function, aortic BP, augmentation index (AIx) as a measure of wave reflections, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) as an index of arterial stiffness. AIx was lower during dialysis than in the interdialytic period of dialysis-on day (Day 1) (mean±SD, 24.7%±9.7% versus 26.8%±9.4%; P<0.001). In contrast, PWV remained unchanged between these intervals (9.31±2.2 versus 9.29±2.3 m/sec; P=0.60). Both AIx and PWV increased during dialysis-off day (Day 2) versus the out-of-dialysis period of Day 1 (28.8%±9.8% versus 26.8%±9.4% [P<0.001] and 9.39±2.3 versus 9.29±2.3 m/sec [P<0.001]). Older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02 to 1.15), female sex (OR, 7.56; 95% CI, 1.64 to 34.81), diabetic status (OR, 8.84; 95% CI, 1.76 to 17.48), and higher mean BP (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.27) were associated with higher odds of high AIx; higher heart rate was associated with lower odds (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.80) of high AIx. Older age (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.58) and higher mean BP (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.27) were independent correlates of high PWV. This study showed a gradual interdialytic increase in AIx, whereas PWV was only slightly elevated during Day 2. Future studies are needed to elucidate the value of these ambulatory measures for cardiovascular risk prediction in ESRD. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Community Practice Implementation of a Self-administered Version of PREMM1,2,6 to Assess Risk for Lynch Syndrome.

PubMed

Luba, Daniel G; DiSario, James A; Rock, Colleen; Saraiya, Devki; Moyes, Kelsey; Brown, Krystal; Rushton, Kristen; Ogara, Maydeen M; Raphael, Mona; Zimmerman, Dayna; Garrido, Kimmie; Silguero, Evelyn; Nelson, Jonathan; Yurgelun, Matthew B; Kastrinos, Fay; Wenstrup, Richard J; Syngal, Sapna

2018-01-01

Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that greatly increases risk for colorectal and other cancers, although it is underdiagnosed. Prediction of MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 (PREMM 1,2,6 ) is a web-based tool that analyzes individuals' personal/family histories of cancer to quantify their likelihood of carrying a germline mutation associated with Lynch syndrome. We investigated the feasibility of systematic risk assessment for Lynch syndrome in a community gastroenterology practice using a patient-completed version of PREMM 1,2,6 . PREMM 1,2,6 was adapted into a computer tablet version designed for self-administration by patients. Individuals presenting to a community gastroenterology office and endoscopy facility in California completed the PREMM 1,2,6 assessment before their visit (n = 3134). The total study duration (8 months) comprised a 2-month initiation period (May 1-June 30, 2013) and a 6-month study period (July 1-December 31, 2013). Genetic counseling and germline analysis for mutations in genes associated with Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM) were offered to individuals with PREMM 1,2,6 scores of 5% or higher. Patients and providers completed surveys to evaluate the feasibility and satisfaction with the process. Of the 3134 individuals assessed by PREMM 1,2,6 during the 6-month study period, 177 individuals (5.6%) had scores of 5% or higher. Of these, 146 individuals underwent genetic testing, along with 28 additional participants recruited nonconsecutively during the initiation period. Mutations associated with Lynch syndrome were detected in 3 of the 146 individuals (2.1%) with PREMM 1,2,6 scores of 5% or higher who underwent germline testing, and 3 of the 28 patients (10.7%) recruited during study initiation with PREMM 1,2,6 scores of 5% or higher. Of the participants who underwent genetic analysis, 98.6% stated that they understood the information provided to them. All of the surveyed providers stated that they were satisfied with the incorporation of PREMM 1,2,6 into their clinical practice, and that they would continue using it to assess risk for Lynch syndrome. A patient self-administered version of the PREMM 1,2,6 Lynch syndrome risk assessment model can be used systematically in community-based gastroenterology and endoscopy practices. Copyright © 2018 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ambulatory Recording of Wave Reflections and Arterial Stiffness during Intra- and Interdialytic Periods in Patients Treated with Dialysis

PubMed Central

Karpetas, Antonios; Georgianos, Panagiotis I.; Protogerou, Athanase; Vakianis, Pantelis; Koutroumpas, Georgios; Raptis, Vasileios; Stamatiadis, Dimitrios N.; Syrganis, Christos; Liakopoulos, Vassilios; Efstratiadis, Georgios; Lasaridis, Anastasios N.

2015-01-01

Background and objectives Wave reflections and arterial stiffness are independent cardiovascular risk factors in ESRD. Previous studies in this population included only static recordings before and after dialysis. This study investigated the variation of these indices during intra- and interdialytic intervals and examined demographic, clinical, and hemodynamic variables related to arterial function in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Between February 2013 and May 2014, a total of 153 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis in five dialysis centers of northern Greece underwent ambulatory BP monitoring with the newly introduced Mobil-O-Graph device (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) over a midweek dialysis session and the subsequent interdialytic period. Mobil-O-Graph is an oscillometric device that records brachial BP and pulse waves and estimates, via generalized transfer function, aortic BP, augmentation index (AIx) as a measure of wave reflections, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) as an index of arterial stiffness. Results AIx was lower during dialysis than in the interdialytic period of dialysis-on day (Day 1) (mean±SD, 24.7%±9.7% versus 26.8%±9.4%; P<0.001). In contrast, PWV remained unchanged between these intervals (9.31±2.2 versus 9.29±2.3 m/sec; P=0.60). Both AIx and PWV increased during dialysis-off day (Day 2) versus the out-of-dialysis period of Day 1 (28.8%±9.8% versus 26.8%±9.4% [P<0.001] and 9.39±2.3 versus 9.29±2.3 m/sec [P<0.001]). Older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02 to 1.15), female sex (OR, 7.56; 95% CI, 1.64 to 34.81), diabetic status (OR, 8.84; 95% CI, 1.76 to 17.48), and higher mean BP (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.27) were associated with higher odds of high AIx; higher heart rate was associated with lower odds (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.80) of high AIx. Older age (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.58) and higher mean BP (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.27) were independent correlates of high PWV. Conclusions This study showed a gradual interdialytic increase in AIx, whereas PWV was only slightly elevated during Day 2. Future studies are needed to elucidate the value of these ambulatory measures for cardiovascular risk prediction in ESRD. PMID:25635033

Trends and anomalies in gas evolution from coal samples

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

Vorres, K.S.

1993-09-01

As part of the stability studies on these sealed samples a number of the samples were given to the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at ANL for periodic gas analysis. 1. Higher rank coals evolve methane, and lower rank coals evolve carbon dioxide with some evolution of both gases for the intermediate ranks. 2. The evolution proceeds over times of years for pulverized coals in sealed ampules. 3. Gas concentrations are higher above -20 mesh samples than above -100 mesh material. 4. Carbon monoxide is not evolved.

Restriction to period of interest improves informative value of death certificate only proportions in period analysis of cancer survival.

PubMed

Brenner, Hermann; Jansen, Lina

2015-12-01

The proportion of cases registered by death certificates only (DCO) is a widely used indicator for potential bias in cancer survival studies. Period analysis is increasingly used to derive up-to-date cancer survival estimates. We aimed to assess whether reported DCO proportions should be restricted to the specific recent calendar period ("restricted period") or refer to all diagnosis years of included patients ("full period"). We assessed correlations of bias in period survival estimates resulting from DCO cases with DCO proportions in the restricted and full period, respectively. We used cancer registry data to simulate bias and DCO proportions resulting from various patterns of underreporting of deceased cases. We show results for six common cancers with very different prognosis and five different age groups. In all scenarios, the expected bias was highly correlated with expected DCO proportions in both periods, but correlations were consistently higher with DCO proportions in the restricted period. In period analyses of cancer survival, DCO proportions for the restricted period of specific interest are a better indicator of potential bias due to underreporting of deceased cases than DCO proportions for all years of diagnosis of included patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of phenol and sodium hydroxide chemical matricectomies for the treatment of ingrowing toenails.

PubMed

Bostanci, Seher; Kocyigit, Pelin; Gürgey, Erbak

2007-06-01

Chemical matricectomy is performed mainly by two agents: phenol and sodium hydroxide. Both agents have excellent cure rates, but there are no data about the comparison of postoperative healing periods. This study was designed to compare the postoperative morbidity rates of sodium hydroxide and phenol matricectomies. Forty-six patients with 154 ingrowing nail sides were treated with either sodium hydroxide or phenol matricectomy. In the postoperative period, the patients were evaluated for the duration and severity of pain, drainage, and peripheral tissue destruction; complete healing periods; and overall success rates. The incidence of pain was higher in the sodium hydroxide group on the first visit, on the second day, but all patients became pain-free after that. The incidence and duration of drainage and peripheral tissue destruction was significantly higher in the phenol group. The mean period for complete recovery was 10.8 days in the sodium hydroxide group, whereas it was 18.02 days in the phenol group. The overall success rates in the sodium hydroxide and phenol groups were found to be 95.1 and 95.8%, respectively. Both sodium hydroxide and phenol are effective agents giving high success rates, but sodium hydroxide causes less postoperative morbidity and provides faster recovery.

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

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.

The relationship between spontaneous abortion and female workers in the semiconductor industry.

PubMed

Kim, Heechan; Kwon, Ho-Jang; Rhie, Jeongbae; Lim, Sinye; Kang, Yun-Dan; Eom, Sang-Yong; Lim, Hyungryul; Myong, Jun-Pyo; Roh, Sangchul

2017-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between job type and the risk for spontaneous abortion to assess the reproductive toxicity of female workers in the semiconductor industry. A questionnaire survey was administered to current female workers of two semiconductor manufacturing plants in Korea. We included female workers who became pregnant at least 6 months after the start of their employment with the company. The pregnancy outcomes of 2,242 female workers who experienced 4,037 pregnancies were investigated. Personnel records were used to assign the subjects to one of three groups: fabrication process workers, packaging process workers, and clerical workers. To adjust for within-person correlations between pregnancies, a generalized estimating equation was used. The logistic regression analysis was limited to the first pregnancy after joining the company to satisfy the assumption of independence among pregnancies. Moreover, we stratified the analysis by time period (pregnancy in the years prior to 2008 vs. after 2009) to reflect differences in occupational exposure based on semiconductor production periods. The risk for spontaneous abortion in female semiconductor workers was not significantly higher for fabrication and packaging process workers than for clerical workers. However, when we stratified by time period, the odds ratio for spontaneous abortion was significantly higher for packaging process workers who became pregnant prior to 2008 when compared with clerical workers (odds ratio: 2.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-4.81). When examining the pregnancies of female semiconductor workers that occurred prior to 2008, packaging process workers showed a significantly higher risk for spontaneous abortions than did clerical workers. The two semiconductor production periods in our study (prior to 2008 vs. after 2009) had different automated processes, chemical exposure levels, and working environments. Thus, the conditions prior to 2008 may have increased the risk for spontaneous abortions in packaging process workers in the semiconductor industry.

The impact of dystocia on dairy calf health, welfare, performance and survival.

PubMed

Barrier, A C; Haskell, M J; Birch, S; Bagnall, A; Bell, D J; Dickinson, J; Macrae, A I; Dwyer, C M

2013-01-01

Up to one-third of dairy calves are born after dystocia and this is a major cause of calf mortality. This study investigated the neonatal physiology, survival, health and subsequent growth of dairy calves following dystocia and is the first longitudinal study to analyse multiple effects and to look beyond the perinatal period. A total of 455 live born Holstein calves (N: No assistance, n=360; FN: Farmer assistance but normally presented calf, n=82; FM: Farmer assistance of malpresented calf, n=13) were followed from birth to first service (heifers) or until leaving the farm (bulls). Compared to N calves, FN and FM animals had higher salivary cortisol concentrations at day 1 (P<0.001) and FN calves had lower passive immune transfer (P=0.03). Dystocia had no biologically significant impact on rectal temperature throughout the first 4 days (P>0.05). During the first 60 days, FM calves had a higher proportion of days with non-routine health treatments (P<0.05) and, by the time of weaning, mortality in FN and FM heifers was higher than in N calves (2.8×; P<0.01). However, in surviving calves, growth to first service was not affected by dystocia category (P>0.05). Calves which survive dystocia experience lower passive immunity transfer, higher mortality and higher indicators of physiological stress. Such calves have poorer welfare in the neonatal period and possibly beyond. Strategies need to be implemented to improve the subsequent health and welfare of such calves and to lower the incidence of dystocia. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short- and long-term effects of maternal nicotine exposure during lactation on body adiposity, lipid profile, and thyroid function of rat offspring.

PubMed

Oliveira, E; Moura, E G; Santos-Silva, A P; Fagundes, A T S; Rios, A S; Abreu-Villaça, Y; Nogueira Neto, J F; Passos, M C F; Lisboa, P C

2009-09-01

Epidemiological studies show a higher prevalence of obesity in children from smoking mothers and smoking may affect human thyroid function. To evaluate the mechanism of smoking as an imprinting factor for these dysfunctions, we evaluated the programming effects of maternal nicotine (NIC) exposure during lactation. Two days after birth, osmotic minipumps were implanted in lactating rats, divided into: NIC (6 mg/kg per day s.c.) for 14 days; Control - saline. All the significant data were P<0.05 or less. Body weight was increased from 165 days old onwards in NIC offspring. Both during exposure (at 15 days old) and in adulthood (180 days old), NIC group showed higher total fat (27 and 33%). In addition, NIC offspring presented increased visceral fat and total body protein. Lipid profile was not changed in adulthood. Leptinemia was higher at 15 and 180 days old (36 and 113%), with no changes in food intake. Concerning the thyroid status, the 15-days-old NIC offspring showed lower serum-free tri-iodothyronine (FT(3)) and thyroxine (FT(4)) with higher TSH. The 180-days-old NIC offspring exhibited lower TSH, FT(3), and FT(4)). In both periods, liver type 1 deiodinase was lower (26 and 55%). We evidenced that NIC imprints a neonatal thyroid dysfunction and programs for a higher adiposity, hyperleptinemia, and secondary hypothyroidism in adulthood. Our study identifies lactation as a critical period to NIC programming for obesity, with hypothyroidism being a possible contributing factor.

Periodic oscillation of higher-order bidirectional associative memory neural networks with periodic coefficients and delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Fengli; Cao, Jinde

2007-03-01

In this paper, several sufficient conditions are obtained ensuring existence, global attractivity and global asymptotic stability of the periodic solution for the higher-order bidirectional associative memory neural networks with periodic coefficients and delays by using the continuation theorem of Mawhin's coincidence degree theory, the Lyapunov functional and the non-singular M-matrix. Two examples are exploited to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed criteria. These results are more effective than the ones in the literature for some neural networks, and can be applied to the design of globally attractive or globally asymptotically stable networks and thus have important significance in both theory and applications.

Sustaining hypercitrullinemia, hypercholesterolemia and augmented oxidative stress in Japanese children with aspartate/glutamate carrier isoform 2-citrin-deficiency even during the silent period.

PubMed

Nagasaka, Hironori; Okano, Yoshiyuki; Tsukahara, Hirokazu; Shigematsu, Yosuke; Momoi, Toru; Yorifuji, Junko; Miida, Takashi; Ohura, Toshihiro; Kobayashi, Keiko; Saheki, Takeyori; Hirano, Kenichi; Takayanagi, Masaki; Yorifuji, Tohru

2009-05-01

Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) shows diverse metabolic abnormalities such as urea cycle dysfunction together with citrullinemia, galactosemia, and suppressed gluconeogenesis. Such abnormalities apparently resolve during the first year of life. However, metabolic profiles of the silent period remain unknown. We analyzed oxidative stress markers and profiles of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids in 20 asymptomatic children with aspartate/glutamate carrier isoform 2-citrin-deficiency aged 1-10 years, for whom tests showed normal liver function. Despite normal plasma ammonia levels, the affected children showed higher blood levels of ornithine (p<0.001) and citrulline (p<0.01)--amino acids involved in the urea cycle--than healthy children. Blood levels of nitrite/nitrate, metabolites of nitric oxide (NO), and asymmetric dimethylarginine inhibiting NO production from arginine were not different between these two groups. Blood glucose, galactose, pyruvate, and lactate levels after 4-5h fasting were not different between these groups, but the affected group showed a significantly higher lactate to pyruvate ratio. Low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the affected group were 1.5 times higher than those in the controls. Plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein apparently increased in the affected children; their levels of urinary oxidative stress markers such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and acrolein-lysine were significantly higher than those in the controls. Results of this study showed, even during the silent period, sustained hypercitrullinemia, hypercholesterolemia, and augmented oxidative stress in children with citrin deficiency.

Trypanosoma cruzi I and IV Stocks from Brazilian Amazon Are Divergent in Terms of Biological and Medical Properties in Mice

PubMed Central

Monteiro, Wuelton Marcelo; Margioto Teston, Ana Paula; Gruendling, Ana Paula; dos Reis, Daniele; Gomes, Mônica Lúcia; Marques de Araújo, Silvana; Bahia, Maria Terezinha; Costa Magalhães, Laylah Kelre; de Oliveira Guerra, Jorge Augusto; Silveira, Henrique; de Ornelas Toledo, Max Jean; Vale Barbosa, Maria das Graças

2013-01-01

Background In the Brazilian Amazon, clinical and epidemiological frameworks of Chagas disease are very dissimilar in relation to the endemic classical areas of transmission, possibly due to genetic and biological characteristics of the circulating Trypanosoma cruzi stocks. Twenty six T. cruzi stocks from Western Amazon Region attributed to the TcI and TcIV DTUs were comparatively studied in Swiss mice to test the hypothesis that T. cruzi clonal structure has a major impact on its biological and medical properties. Methodology/Principal Findings Seventeen parameters were assayed in mice infected with 14 T. cruzi strains belonging to DTU TcI and 11 strains typed as TcIV. In comparison with TcI, TcIV stocks promoted a significantly shorter pre-patent period (p<0.001), a longer patent period (p<0.001), higher values of mean daily parasitemia (p = 0.009) and maximum of parasitemia (p = 0.015), earlier days of maximum parasitemia (p<0.001) and mortality (p = 0.018), higher mortality rates in the acute phase (p = 0.047), higher infectivity rates (p = 0.002), higher positivity in the fresh blood examination (p<0.001), higher positivity in the ELISA at the early chronic phase (p = 0.022), and a higher positivity in the ELISA at the late chronic phase (p = 0.003). On the other hand TcI showed higher values of mortality rates in the early chronic phase (p = 0.014), higher frequency of mice with inflammatory process in any organ (p = 0.005), higher frequency of mice with tissue parasitism in any organ (p = 0.027) and a higher susceptibility to benznidazole (p = 0.002) than TcIV. Survival analysis showing the time elapsed from the day of inoculation to the beginning of the patent period was significantly shorter for TcIV strains and the death episodes triggered following the infection with TcI occurred significantly later in relation to TcIV. The notable exceptions come from positivity in the hemocultures and PCR, for which the results were similar. Conclusion/Significance T. cruzi stocks belonging to TcI and TcIV DTUs from Brazilian Amazon are divergent in terms of biological and medical properties in mice. PMID:23437410

Gender, Stress in Childhood and Adulthood, and Trajectories of Change in Body Mass

PubMed Central

Liu, Hui; Umberson, Debra

2015-01-01

Despite substantial evidence of the linkage between stress and weight change, previous studies have not considered how stress trajectories that begin in childhood and fluctuate throughout adulthood may work together to have long-term consequences for weight change. Working from a stress and life course perspective, we investigate the linkages between childhood stress, adulthood stress and trajectories of change in body mass (i.e., Body Mass Index, BMI) over time, with attention to possible gender variation in these processes. Data are drawn from a national longitudinal survey of the Americans’ Changing Lives (N=3,617). Results from growth curve analyses suggest that both women and men who experienced higher levels of childhood stress also report higher levels of stress in adulthood. At the beginning of the study period, higher levels of adulthood stress are related to greater BMI for women but not men. Moreover, women who experienced higher levels of childhood stress gained weight more rapidly throughout the 15-year study period than did women who experienced less childhood stress, but neither childhood nor adulthood stress significantly modified men’s BMI trajectories. These findings add to our understanding of how childhood stress—a more important driver of long-term BMI increase than adult stress—reverberates throughout the life course to foster cumulative disadvantage in body mass, and how such processes differ for men and women. Results highlight the importance of considering sex-specific social contexts of early childhood in order to design effective clinical programs that prevent or treat overweight and obesity later in life. PMID:26151391

Universal Higher Education and Positional Advantage: Soviet Legacies and Neoliberal Transformations in Russia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smolentseva, Anna

2017-01-01

The great expansion of participation in higher education in Russia in the post-Soviet period was the layered and contradictory result of both conditions established in the Soviet period, and the structuring of reforms after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992. The Soviet government was strongly committed to the expansion of education across…

The comparison of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) in the water and sediment during spring and neap tide tidal periods in Popoh Bay, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yona, D.; Febriana, R.; Handayani, M.

2018-04-01

This study attempted to investigate different concentration of lead (Pb) dan cadmium (Cd) in the water and sediment during spring and neap tidal periods in the Popoh Bay, Indonesia. Water and sediment samples were taken during spring and neap tides from eight sampling stations in the study area. The result shows higher concentration of Pb than the concentration of Cd in both spring and neap tides due to higher input of Pb from the oil pollution by boat and fisheries activities. Pb concentrations were doubled during neap tide in both water and sediments with the value of 0.51 and 0.28 ml/L in the water during neap and spring tide, respectively; and 0.27 ppm and 0.16 mg/kg in the sediment during neap and spring tide, respectively. On the other hand, Cd concentrations in the water were found in almost similar values between spring and neap tide (0.159 and 0.165 ml/L in spring tide and neap tide, respectively), but in the sediment, the concentration was a little higher during spring tide (0.09 and 0.05 mg/kg during spring and neap tide, respectively). This study shows that water movement during spring and neap tides has significant effect on the distribution of heavy metals.

Pedo-sedimentary record of human-environment interaction in ditches and waterlogged depressions on tableland (roman and early medieval period) : micromorphological cases studies from Marne-la-Vallée area (Paris Basin, France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cammas, C.; Blanchard, J.; Broutin, P.; Berga, A.

2012-04-01

On lœss derived soils located on the Stampien plateau from the Paris Basin (France), archaeological anthroposols and ancient cultivated soils are only preserved in very few places. Recent archaeological excavations showed the presence of a pattern of roman ditches and waterlogged depressions (« mares ») under the actual cultivated horizon (Ap). This presence strongly suggests extensive past agricultural practices and water management. An original system of ditches was found Near Marne-la-Vallée (France). It is composed of two parts, one being large ditches characterized by flat bottom and sometimes water layered deposits, called « fossés collecteurs » by the archaeologists, and the orher being smaller ditches with colluvial deposits. Our objectives was to use archaeological and micromorphological studies in order to study i) the agricultural function of these ditches and depressions, ii) their evolution with time. Observations conducted on the infilling of a « fossé collecteur » at Bussy-Saint-Georges suggest that it was not part of a drainage system, but that it was a linear water controlled system, with a ramp in one part, and a basin or a tank in another, and that it was used for others anthropic activities. In the same area, a large waterlogged depression was studied, and micromorphological analysis helped to elucidate its pedo-sedimentary formation processes. At the bottom, massive silty clayey matrix retained water. Thin layers composed of silt and clay (indicating low energy flows and decantation), sometimes impregnated and hardened by iron, alternated with silty deposit (indicating higher ernergy water layered deposits). The thin, non porous and iron impregnated crusts helped to raise the depression level, as well as, most likely the water table during roman period, maintaining waterlogging conditions. At the beginning of the early medival period, a slightly peaty event was discriminated. Higher in the profile, in more redoxic conditions, ferruginous infilling of the microporosity and some vertic pedo-features alternated with higher energy deposits (fine sands). Some other important results are to be considered. The sedimentary matrix characteristics succession, a more calcareaous and lœss like sediments for the roman period and the beginning of the early medieval period, and a decarbonated matrix with clay, probably coming from the erosion of a luvisol, at the end of early medieval period. As a conclusion these elements show that two differents areas of the plateau were successively exploited. Furthermore, in all the profile, sedimentary and pedological features indicate successive water flows of variable intensity, wich could have been influenced by meteorological / climatical events, but our results suggest that they were more likely to have been controlled mainly by human activities, in connection with soils and ditch system management, especially during the early medieval period.

Biological evaluation of partially stabilized zirconia added HA/HDPE composites with osteoblast and fibroblast cell lines.

PubMed

Yari Sadi, Amir; Shokrgozar, Mohammad Ali; Homaeigohar, Seyed Shahin; Khavandi, Alireza

2008-06-01

In the present study, the biocompatibility of partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) added hydroxyapatite (HA)--high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was evaluated by proliferation and cell attachment assays on two osteoblast cell lines (G-292, Saos-2) and a type of fibroblast cell isolated from bone tissue namely HBF in different time intervals. Cell-material interactions on the surface of the composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of composites on the behavior of osteoblast and fibroblast cells was compared with those of HDPE and Tissue Culture Poly Styrene (TPS) (as negative control) samples. Results showed that the composite samples supported a higher proliferation rate of osteoblast cells in the presence of composite samples as compared to the HDPE and TPS samples after 3, 7 and 14 days of incubation period. It was showed that an equal or in some cases an even higher proliferation rate of G-292 and Saos-2 osteoblast cells on composite samples in compare to negative controls in culture period (P < 0.05). The number of adhered cells on the composite samples was equal and in some cases higher than the number adhered on the HDPE and TPS samples after the above mentioned incubation periods (P < 0.05). Adhered cells presented a normal morphology by SEM and many of the cells were seen to be undergoing cell division.

The effect of partially stabilized zirconia on the biological properties of HA/HDPE composites in vitro.

PubMed

Sadi, A Yari; Shokrgozar, M A; Homaeigohar, S Sh; Hosseinalipour, M; Khavandi, A; Javadpour, J

2006-05-01

The effect of partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) on the biological properties of the hyroxyapatite - high density polyethylene (HA/HDPE) composites was studied by investigating the simultaneous effect of hydroxyapatite and PSZ volume fractions on the in vitro response of human osteoblast cells. The biocompatibility of composite samples with different volume fraction of HA and PSZ powders was assessed by proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cell attachment assays on the osteoblast cell line (G-292) in different time periods. The effect of composites on the behavior of G-292 cells was compared with those of HDPE and TPS (Tissue Culture Poly Styrene as negative control) samples. Results showed a higher proliferation rate of G-292 cells in the presence of composite samples as compared to the HDPE sample after 7 and 14 days of incubation period. ALP production rate in all composite samples was higher than HDPE and TPS samples. The number of adhered cells on the composite samples was higher than the number adhered on the HDPE and TPS samples after the above mentioned incubation periods. These findings indicates that the addition of PSZ does not have any adverse affect on the biocompatibility of HA/HDPE composites. In fact in some experiments PSZ added HA/HDPE composites performed better in proliferation, differentiation and attachment of osteoblastic cells.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 and the antiproteinuric response to dietary sodium restriction during renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade.

PubMed

Humalda, Jelmer K; Lambers Heerspink, Hiddo J; Kwakernaak, Arjan J; Slagman, Maartje C J; Waanders, Femke; Vervloet, Marc G; Ter Wee, Pieter M; Navis, Gerjan; de Borst, Martin H

2015-02-01

Residual proteinuria during renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade is a major renal and cardiovascular risk factor in chronic kidney disease. Dietary sodium restriction potentiates the antiproteinuric effect of RAAS blockade, but residual proteinuria remains in many patients. Previous studies linked high fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels with volume overload; others linked higher serum phosphate levels with impaired RAAS-blockade efficacy. We hypothesized that FGF-23 reduces the capacity of dietary sodium restriction to potentiate RAAS blockade, impairing the antiproteinuric effect. Post hoc analysis of cohort data from a randomized crossover trial with two 6-week study periods comparing proteinuria after a regular-sodium diet with proteinuria after a low-sodium diet, both during background angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. 47 nondiabetic patients with CKD with residual proteinuria (median protein excretion, 1.9 [IQR, 0.8-3.1] g/d; mean age, 50±13 [SD] years; creatinine clearance, 69 [IQR, 50-110] mL/min). Plasma carboxy-terminal FGF-23 levels. Difference in residual proteinuria at the end of the regular-sodium versus low-sodium study period. Residual proteinuria during the low-sodium diet period adjusted for proteinuria during the regular-sodium diet period. Higher baseline FGF-23 level was associated with reduced antiproteinuric response to dietary sodium restriction (standardized β=-0.46; P=0.001; model R(2)=0.71). For every 100-RU/mL increase in FGF-23 level, the antiproteinuric response to dietary sodium restriction was reduced by 10.6%. Higher baseline FGF-23 level was a determinant of more residual proteinuria during the low-sodium diet (standardized β=0.27; P=0.003) in linear regression analysis adjusted for baseline proteinuria (model R(2)=0.71). There was no interaction with creatinine clearance (P interaction=0.5). Baseline FGF-23 level did not predict changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure upon intensified antiproteinuric treatment. Observational study, limited sample size. FGF-23 levels are associated independently with impaired antiproteinuric response to sodium restriction in addition to RAAS blockade. Future studies should address whether FGF-23-lowering strategies may further optimize proteinuria reduction by RAAS blockade combined with dietary sodium restriction. Copyright © 2015 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simulation of Post-Thyroidectomy Treatment Alternatives for Triiodothyronine or Thyroxine Replacement in Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Patients

PubMed Central

Ben-Shachar, Rotem; Huang, Stephen A.; DiStefano, Joseph J.

2012-01-01

Background As in adults, thyroidectomy in pediatric patients with differentiated thyroid cancer is often followed by 131I remnant ablation. A standard protocol is to give normalizing oral thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) after surgery and then withdraw it for 2 to 6 weeks. Thyroid remnants or metastases are treated most effectively when serum thyrotropin (TSH) is high, but prolonged withdrawals should be avoided to minimize hypothyroid morbidity. Methods A published feedback control system model of adult human thyroid hormone regulation was modified for children using pediatric T4 kinetic data. The child model was developed from data for patients ranging from 3 to 9 years old. We simulated a range of T4 and T3 replacement protocols for children, exploring alternative regimens for minimizing the withdrawal period, while maintaining normal or suppressed TSH during replacement. The results are presented with the intent of providing a quantitative basis to guide further studies of pediatric treatment options. Replacement was simulated for up to 3 weeks post-thyroidectomy, followed by various withdrawal periods. T4 vs. T3 replacement, remnant size, dose size, and dose frequency were tested for effects on the time for TSH to reach 25 mU/L (withdrawal period). Results For both T3 and T4 replacement, higher doses were associated with longer withdrawal periods. T3 replacement yielded shorter withdrawal periods than T4 replacement (up to 3.5 days versus 7–10 days). Higher than normal serum T3 concentrations were required to normalize or suppress TSH during T3 monotherapy, but not T4 monotherapy. Larger remnant sizes resulted in longer withdrawal periods if T4 replacement was used, but had little effect for T3 replacement. Conclusions T3 replacement yielded withdrawal periods about half those for T4 replacement. Higher than normal hormone levels under T3 monotherapy can be partially alleviated by more frequent, smaller doses (e.g., twice a day). LT4 may be the preferred option for most children, given the convenience of single daily dosing and familiarity of pediatric endocrinologists with its administration. Remnant effects on withdrawal period highlight the importance of minimizing remnant size. PMID:22578300

Changes in Bacterial Resistance Patterns of Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections and Rationale for Empirical Antibiotic Therapy.

PubMed

Gökçe, İbrahim; Çiçek, Neslihan; Güven, Serçin; Altuntaş, Ülger; Bıyıklı, Neşe; Yıldız, Nurdan; Alpay, Harika

2017-09-29

The causative agent spectrum and resistance patterns of urinary tract infections in children are affected by many factors. To demonstrate antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections and changing ratio in antibiotic resistance by years. Retrospective cross-sectional study. We analysed antibiotic resistance patterns of isolated Gram (-) bacteria during the years 2011-2014 (study period 2) in children with urinary tract infections. We compared these findings with data collected in the same centre in 2001-2003 (study period 1). Four hundred and sixty-five uncomplicated community-acquired Gram (-) urinary tract infections were analysed from 2001-2003 and 400 from 2011-2014. Sixty-one percent of patients were female (1.5 girls : 1 boy). The mean age of children included in the study was 3 years and 9 months. Escherichia coli was the predominant bacteria isolated during both periods of the study (60% in study period 1 and 73% in study period 2). Bacteria other than E. coli demonstrated a higher level of resistance to all of the antimicrobials except trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole than E. coli bacteria during the years 2011-2014. In our study, we found increasing resistance trends of urinary pathogens for cefixime (from 1% to 15%, p<0.05), amikacin (from 0% to 4%, p<0.05) and ciprofloxacin (from 0% to 3%, p<0.05) between the two periods. Urinary pathogens showed a decreasing trend for nitrofurantoin (from 17% to 7%, p=0.0001). No significant trends were detected for ampicillin (from 69% to 71%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (from 44% to 43%), cefazolin (from 39% to 32%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (from 32% to 31%), cefuroxime (from 21% to 18%) and ceftriaxone (from 10% to 14%) between the two periods (p>0.05). In childhood urinary tract infections, antibiotic resistance should be evaluated periodically and empiric antimicrobial therapy should be decided according to antibiotic sensitivity results.

Selective Attention: A Comparative Study on Argentine Students from Different Socioeconomic Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ison, Mirta S.; Greco, Carolina; Korzeniowski, Celina; Morelato, Gabriela

2015-01-01

Introduction: Attentional Efficiency (AE) is defined as the accuracy with which a child discriminates, from a group of similar stimuli, those which are identical to a model, within a certain time period. Various factors may be associated with a higher or lower AE, among which is socioeconomic context. The goals of this study were: 1) To describe…

Does Eating Breakfast Affect the Performance of College Students on Biology Exams?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Gregory W.

2005-01-01

This study examined the breakfast eating habits of 1,259 college students over an eleven year period to determine if eating breakfast had an impact upon their grade on a General Biology exam. The study determined that there was a significant difference in the performance on the exam with a higher percent of the participants, who had eaten…

Rethinking Leadership and Change: A Case Study in Leadership Succession and Its Impact on School Transformation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barker, Bernard

2006-01-01

This qualitative, historical study, based on interviews with participants and archive data, reconstructs the extended process through which three successive heads contributed to the transformation of the Felix Holt School. Over a 10-year period the roll rose from 560 to 1109, while the percentage of pupils achieving 5 GCSE higher grades increased…

The Rise of Professional Doctorates: Case Studies of the Doctorate in Education in China, Iceland and Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wildy, Helen; Peden, Sanna; Chan, Karyn

2015-01-01

Doctoral education is going through a period of transition. This transition is evident in the many varieties of doctoral degrees currently offered in higher education institutions worldwide, from the traditional research-based Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to the Professional Doctorate and the New Route PhD. This article reports on a study which…

The Impact of Individual Factors on the Academic Attainment of Chinese and UK Students in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crawford, Ian; Wang, Zhiqi

2015-01-01

This study investigates the academic performance differences between Chinese and UK students in a UK university using two undergraduate cohorts by uniquely exploring academic performance patterns among Chinese and UK students across a full degree study period (3 or 4 years). The results reveal a dramatic drop in performance among Chinese students…

Gestational weight gain and predicted changes in offspring anthropometrics between early infancy and 3 years

PubMed Central

Deierlein, Andrea L.; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Herring, Amy H.; Adair, Linda S.; Daniels, Julie L.

2011-01-01

Objective To determine how gestational weight gain (GWG), categorized using the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations, relates to changes in offspring weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) between early infancy and 3 years. Methods Women with singleton infants were recruited from the third cohort of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study (2001-2005). Term infants with at least one weight or length measurement during the study period were included (n=476). Multivariable linear mixed effects regression models estimated longitudinal changes in WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ associated with GWG. Results In early infancy, compared to infants of women with adequate weight gain, those of women with excessive weight gains had higher WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ. Excessive GWG≥200% of the recommended amount was associated with faster rates of change in WAZ and LAZ and noticeably higher predicted mean WAZ and WLZ that persisted across the study period. Conclusions GWG represents a modifiable behavioral factor that is associated with offspring anthropometric outcomes. More longitudinal studies that utilize maternal and pediatric body composition measures are necessary to understand the nature of this association. PMID:22434753

Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality in Barcelona: 1992-2003.

PubMed

Puigpinós, Rosa; Borrell, Carme; Antunes, José Leopoldo Ferreira; Azlor, Enric; Pasarín, M Isabel; Serral, Gemma; Pons-Vigués, Mariona; Rodríguez-Sanz, Maica; Fernández, Esteve

2009-01-23

The objective of this study was to assess trends in cancer mortality by educational level in Barcelona from 1992 to 2003. The study population comprised Barcelona inhabitants aged 20 years or older. Data on cancer deaths were supplied by the system of information on mortality. Educational level was obtained from the municipal census. Age-standardized rates by educational level were calculated. We also fitted Poisson regression models to estimate the relative index of inequality (RII) and the Slope Index of Inequalities (SII). All were calculated for each sex and period (1992-1994, 1995-1997, 1998-2000, and 2001-2003). Cancer mortality was higher in men and women with lower educational level throughout the study period. Less-schooled men had higher mortality by stomach, mouth and pharynx, oesophagus, larynx and lung cancer. In women, there were educational inequalities for cervix uteri, liver and colon cancer. Inequalities of overall and specific types of cancer mortality remained stable in Barcelona; although a slight reduction was observed for some cancers. This study has identified those cancer types presenting the greatest inequalities between men and women in recent years and shown that in Barcelona there is a stable trend in inequalities in the burden of cancer.

National Trends and Geographic Variation in Availability of Home Health Care: 2002–2015

PubMed Central

Wang, Yun; Leifheit-Limson, Erica C; Fine, Jonathan; Pandolfi, Michelle M; Gao, Yan; Liu, Fanglin; Eckenrode, Sheila; Lichtman, Judith H

2017-01-01

Objectives To evaluate national trends and geographic variation in the availability of home health care from 2002–2015 and identify county-specific characteristics associated with home health care. Design Observational study Setting All counties in the United States Participants All Medicare-certified home health agencies included in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Home Health Compare system. Measurements County-specific availability of home health care, defined as the number of available home health agencies that provided services to a given county per 100,000 population aged ≥18 years. Results The study included 15,184 Medicare-certified home health agencies that served 97% of U.S. ZIP codes. Between 2002–2003 and 2014–2015, the county-specific number of available home health agencies per 100,000 population aged ≥18 years increased from 14.7 to 21.8 and the median (inter-quartile range) population that was serviced by at least one home health agency increased from 403,605 (890,329) to 455,488 (1,039,328). Considerable geographic variation in the availability of home health care was observed. The West, North-East, and South Atlantic regions had lower home health care availability than the Central regions, and this pattern persisted over the study period. Counties with higher median income, a larger senior population, higher rates of households without a car and low access to stores, more obesity, greater inactivity, and higher proportions of non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic populations were more likely to have higher availability of home health care. Conclusion The availability of home health care increased nationwide during the study period, but there was much geographic variation. PMID:28322441

Association of serum bicarbonate with bone fractures in hemodialysis patients: the mineral and bone disorder outcomes study for Japanese CKD stage 5D patients (MBD-5D).

PubMed

Kato, Akihiko; Kido, Ryo; Onishi, Yoshihiro; Kurita, Noriaki; Fukagawa, Masafumi; Akizawa, Tadao; Fukuhara, Shunichi

2014-01-01

Bone fracture is often complicated in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Metabolic acidosis is related to bone disease and muscle wasting, but it is not known whether acid-base disturbance is associated with the risk of bone fractures. The aim of this study was to clarify the association of serum bicarbonate level with bone fracture in HD patients. Using a subcohort of the Mineral and Bone Disorder Outcomes Study for Japanese CKD Stage 5D Patients (MBD-5D), 890 prevalent HD patients (age: 62 years old, male: 62.8%, duration of dialysis: 8.3 years) with secondary hyperparathyroidism were studied. After measuring predialysis serum bicarbonate at a 2-day interdialytic interval, we prospectively followed them every 3 months, and examined the occurrence of any type of bone fracture or hospitalization due to fracture over a 3-year observation period. Seventy-four bone fractures and 47 hospitalizations due to fracture were observed during the follow-up period. HD patients with serum bicarbonate <20 mmol/l had a 1.93 (95% CI 1.01-3.71)-fold higher risk for all-cause fractures than those with serum bicarbonate of 20.0-21.9 mmol/l. A higher bicarbonate level (≥22 mmol/l) was also related to an increased risk of bone fracture. A restricted cubic regression spline disclosed that the higher or the lower than 21.0 mmol/l of serum bicarbonate, the greater the risk for bone fracture. Both a lower level and a higher level of predialysis bicarbonate concentration were associated with risk of bone fracture in HD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Postoperative Central Nervous System Infection After Neurosurgery in a Modernized, Resource-Limited Tertiary Neurosurgical Center in South Asia.

PubMed

Chidambaram, Swathi; Nair, M Nathan; Krishnan, Shyam Sundar; Cai, Ling; Gu, Weiling; Vasudevan, Madabushi Chakravarthy

2015-12-01

Postoperative central nervous system infections (PCNSIs) are rare but serious complications after neurosurgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and causative pathogens of PCNSIs at a modernized, resource-limited neurosurgical center in South Asia. A retrospective analysis was conducted of the medical records of all 363 neurosurgical cases performed between June 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013, at a neurosurgical center in South Asia. Data from all operative neurosurgical cases during the 13-month period were included. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated that 71 of the 363 surgical cases had low CSF glucose or CSF leukocytosis. These 71 cases were categorized as PCNSIs. The PCNSIs with positive CSF cultures (9.86%) all had gram-negative bacteria with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 5), Escherichia coli (n = 1), or Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 1). The data suggest a higher rate of death (P = 0.031), a higher rate of CSF leak (P < 0.001), and a higher rate of cranial procedures (P < 0.001) among the infected patients and a higher rate of CSF leak among the patients with culture-positive infections (P = 0.038). This study summarizes the prevalence, causative organism of PCNSI, and antibiotic usage for all of the neurosurgical cases over a 13-month period in a modernized yet resource-limited neurosurgical center located in South Asia. The results from this study highlight the PCNSI landscape in an area of the world that is often underreported in the neurosurgical literature because of the paucity of clinical neurosurgical research undertaken there. This study shows an increasing prevalence of gram-negative organisms in CSF cultures from PCNSIs, which supports a trend in the recent literature of increasing gram-negative bacillary meningitis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The incidence of neuro-ophthalmic diseases in Singapore: a prospective study in public hospitals.

PubMed

Lim, Su Ann; Wong, Wan Ling; Fu, Esther; Goh, Kong Yong; Seah, Alvin; Tan, Clement; Tow, Sharon; Cullen, James F; Wong, Tien Y

2009-01-01

To describe the incidence of neuro-ophthalmic diseases in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Singapore. Prospective study in public hospitals in Singapore. All neuro-ophthalmic cases seen in four public sector hospitals over a 22-month period (September 2002 to June 2004) were identified using a standardized protocol. The 2004 Singapore population was used as a denominator to estimate annual incidence. The prevalence of ischemic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia) among cases was compared to population data. A total of 1,356 patients with neuro-ophthalmic diseases were seen during the study period, of which 627 were new incident cases. The overall annual incidence of neuro-ophthalmic diseases was 9.81 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 8.80-10.90). The incidence increased with age. After controlling for age, the annual incidence was similar between men (10.75 per 100,000) and women (9.00 per 100,000), but was higher in Chinese (10.33 per 100,000) and Indians (9.34 per 100,000) than in Malays (6.62 per 100,000). The three commonest specific neuro-ophthalmic conditions were abducens nerve palsy (1.27 per 100,000), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (1.08 per 100,000) and oculomotor nerve palsy (0.91 per 100,000). The incidence of optic neuritis was 0.83 per 100,000. Compared with the Singapore general population, the prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in people aged 40-59, while the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was significantly higher in 60-69 year age group. In this study of public hospitals in Singapore, the incidence of neuro-ophthalmic diseases was higher in Chinese and Indians compared to Malays.

Nutritional status and mortality of refugee and resident children in a non-camp setting during conflict: follow up study in Guinea-Bissau.

PubMed

Aaby, P; Gomes, J; Fernandes, M; Djana, Q; Lisse, I; Jensen, H

1999-10-02

To study the effects on children of humanitarian aid agencies restricting help to refugee families (internally displaced people). Follow up study of 3 months. Prabis peninsular outside Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, which has functioned as a refugee area for internally displaced people in the ongoing war, and the study area of the Bandim health project in Bissau. 422 children aged 9-23 months in 30 clusters. Mid-upper arm circumference and survival in relation to residence status. During the refugee situation all children deteriorated nutritionally, and mortality was high (3.0% in a 6 week period). Rice consumption was higher in families resident in Prabis than in refugees from Bissau but there was no difference in food expenditure. Nutritional status, measured by mid- upper arm circumference, was not associated with rice consumption levels in the family, and the decline in circumference was significantly worse for resident than for refugee children; the mid-upper arm circumference of refugee children increased faster than that of resident children. For resident children, mortality was 4.5 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 30.0) than for refugee children. Mortality for both resident and refugee children was 7.2 times higher (1.3 to 133.9) during the refugee's stay in Prabis compared with the period after the departure of the refugees. In a non-camp setting, residents may be more malnourished and have higher mortality than refugees. Major improvements in nutritional status and a reduction in mortality occurred in resident and refugee children as soon as refugees returned home despite the fact that there was no improvement in food availability.

Colorectal carcinoma mortality among Appalachian men and women, 1969-1999.

PubMed

Armstrong, Lori R; Thompson, Trevor; Hall, H Irene; Coughlin, Steven S; Steele, Brooke; Rogers, Joe D

2004-12-15

Colorectal carcinoma screening can reduce mortality, but residents of poor or medically underserved areas may face barriers to screening. The current study assessed colorectal carcinoma mortality in Appalachia, a historically underserved area, from 1969 to 1999. All counties within the 13-state Appalachian region, which stretches from southern New York to northern Mississippi, were used to calculate annual death rates for the 31-year period. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine trends by age and race for the Appalachian region and the remainder of the United States. Five-year rates for 1995-1999 age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population were calculated by race and age group for the Appalachian region and elsewhere in the United States. Trend analysis showed that colorectal carcinoma death rates among both racial and gender groups studied had declined in recent years. Despite this, the rates for white males and white females were still significantly higher in Appalachia than in the rest of the country at the end of the study period, 1999. Five-year colorectal carcinoma death rates among white males (ages < 50, 50-59, and 70-79 years) and white females (ages < 50, 50-59, 70-79, > or = 80 years) were significantly higher in Appalachia than elsewhere in the United States, whereas rates among black females 60-69 and 70-79 years old were significantly lower in Appalachia. The Appalachian region may benefit from targeted prevention efforts to eliminate disparities in the colorectal carcinoma death rates among subgroups. Further studies are needed to determine whether the higher death rates in specific Appalachian subgroups are related to a higher incidence of the disease, the cancer being at a later stage at diagnosis, poorer treatment, or other factors.

National Trends and Geographic Variation in Availability of Home Health Care: 2002-2015.

PubMed

Wang, Yun; Leifheit-Limson, Erica C; Fine, Jonathan; Pandolfi, Michelle M; Gao, Yan; Liu, Fanglin; Eckenrode, Sheila; Lichtman, Judith H

2017-07-01

To evaluate national trends and geographic variation in the availability of home health care from 2002 to 2015 and identify county-specific characteristics associated with home health care. Observational study. All counties in the United States. All Medicare-certified home health agencies included in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Home Health Compare system. County-specific availability of home health care, defined as the number of available home health agencies that provided services to a given county per 100,000 population aged ≥18 years. The study included 15,184 Medicare-certified home health agencies that served 97% of U.S. ZIP codes. Between 2002-2003 and 2014-2015, the county-specific number of available home health agencies per 100,000 population aged ≥18 years increased from 14.7 to 21.8 and the median (inter-quartile range) population that was serviced by at least one home health agency increased from 403,605 (890,329) to 455,488 (1,039,328). Considerable geographic variation in the availability of home health care was observed. The West, North East, and South Atlantic regions had lower home health care availability than the Central regions, and this pattern persisted over the study period. Counties with higher median income, a larger senior population, higher rates of households without a car and low access to stores, more obesity, greater inactivity, and higher proportions of non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic populations were more likely to have higher availability of home health care. The availability of home health care increased nationwide during the study period, but there was much geographic variation. © 2017, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2017, The American Geriatrics Society.

Effectiveness of Conducted Electrical Weapons to Prevent Violence-Related Injuries in the Hospital.

PubMed

Gramling, Joshua J; McGovern, Patricia M; Church, Timothy R; Nachreiner, Nancy M; Gaugler, Joseph E

2018-05-01

Health care workers suffer higher rates of violence-related injuries than workers in other industries, with hospital security officers and ED personnel at particularly high risk for injury. Arming hospital security workers with conducted electrical weapons, such as tasers, has been suggested as an intervention to decrease violence-related injuries in the hospital. A retrospective cohort of all security and ED nursing staff at an urban level 1 trauma center was identified from human resources data for the period 4 years before and 7 years after security workers were armed with conducted electrical weapons. A violence-related rate of injury was calculated as all violence-related injuries incurred by each employee for the numerator and the productive hours worked by each person during the study period as the denominator. The hospital employed approximately 30 security staff and 200 nursing staff at the time, with a total of 98 security officers and 468 nursing staff members over the 11 years of study. During the total nursing study period, 98 security officers contributed 452,901 hours; 265 registered nurses from the emergency department contributed 1,535,044 hours; and 203 health care assistants contributed 624,805 hours. Security officers' violence-related rate of injury was 13 times higher than that of the nursing staff. The risk ratio was 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-1.4) between the 2 examination periods for security officers, with similar results for nurses. However, among security workers, the cost of the injuries decreased in the period after implementation. Carrying conducted electrical weapons by hospital security staff appears to have limited capacity to decrease overall rates of violence-related injury but may decrease the severity of violence-related injuries. The latter could decease costs to health care organizations as well as morbidity of injured staff. Contribution to Emergency Nursing Practice. Copyright © 2017 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Correlates of androgens in wild male Barbary macaques: Testing the challenge hypothesis.

PubMed

Rincon, Alan V; Maréchal, Laëtitia; Semple, Stuart; Majolo, Bonaventura; MacLarnon, Ann

2017-10-01

Investigating causes and consequences of variation in hormonal expression is a key focus in behavioral ecology. Many studies have explored patterns of secretion of the androgen testosterone in male vertebrates, using the challenge hypothesis (Wingfield, Hegner, Dufty, & Ball, 1990; The American Naturalist, 136(6), 829-846) as a theoretical framework. Rather than the classic association of testosterone with male sexual behavior, this hypothesis predicts that high levels of testosterone are associated with male-male reproductive competition but also inhibit paternal care. The hypothesis was originally developed for birds, and subsequently tested in other vertebrate taxa, including primates. Such studies have explored the link between testosterone and reproductive aggression as well as other measures of mating competition, or between testosterone and aspects of male behavior related to the presence of infants. Very few studies have simultaneously investigated the links between testosterone and male aggression, other aspects of mating competition and infant-related behavior. We tested predictions derived from the challenge hypothesis in wild male Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), a species with marked breeding seasonality and high levels of male-infant affiliation, providing a powerful test of this theoretical framework. Over 11 months, 251 hr of behavioral observations and 296 fecal samples were collected from seven adult males in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Fecal androgen levels rose before the onset of the mating season, during a period of rank instability, and were positively related to group mating activity across the mating season. Androgen levels were unrelated to rates of male-male aggression in any period, but higher ranked males had higher levels in both the mating season and in the period of rank instability. Lower androgen levels were associated with increased rates of male-infant grooming during the mating and unstable periods. Our results generally support the challenge hypothesis and highlight the importance of considering individual species' behavioral ecology when testing this framework. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Oxidative DNA damage during sleep periods among nightshift workers.

PubMed

Bhatti, Parveen; Mirick, Dana K; Randolph, Timothy W; Gong, Jicheng; Buchanan, Diana Taibi; Zhang, Junfeng Jim; Davis, Scott

2016-08-01

Oxidative DNA damage may be increased among nightshift workers because of suppression of melatonin, a cellular antioxidant, and/or inflammation related to sleep disruption. However, oxidative DNA damage has received limited attention in previous studies of nightshift work. From two previous cross-sectional studies, urine samples collected during a night sleep period for 217 dayshift workers and during day and night sleep (on their first day off) periods for 223 nightshift workers were assayed for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Urinary measures of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), a marker of circulating melatonin levels, and actigraphy-based sleep quality data were also available. Nightshift workers during their day sleep periods excreted 83% (p=0.2) and 77% (p=0.03) of the 8-OH-dG that dayshift workers and they themselves, respectively, excreted during their night sleep periods. Among nightshift workers, higher aMT6s levels were associated with higher urinary 8-OH-dG levels, and an inverse U-shaped trend was observed between 8-OH-dG levels and sleep efficiency and sleep duration. Reduced excretion of 8-OH-dG among nightshift workers during day sleep may reflect reduced functioning of DNA repair machinery, which could potentially lead to increased cellular levels of oxidative DNA damage. Melatonin disruption among nightshift workers may be responsible for the observed effect, as melatonin is known to enhance repair of oxidative DNA damage. Quality of sleep may similarly impact DNA repair. Cellular levels of DNA damage will need to be evaluated in future studies to help interpret these findings. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Risk factors associated with cognitive decline in the elderly with type 2 diabetes: pooled logistic analysis of a 6-year observation in the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial.

PubMed

Umegaki, Hiroyuki; Iimuro, Satoshi; Shinozaki, Tomohiro; Araki, Atsushi; Sakurai, Takashi; Iijima, Katsuya; Ohashi, Yasuo; Ito, Hideki

2012-04-01

Considerable attention has been paid to the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. T2DM is often comorbid with several other metabolic disturbances, including hypertension and dyslipidemia. These comorbid diseases might be associated with cognitive impairment. Many clinical indices should be included as variables for the association with cognitive decline. In the current study, we tried to identify the associated factors with cognitive decline during a 6-year period in elderly T2DM considering the changes in the clinical indices during the follow-up period. The subjects in the present study were 63 Japanese Elderly Interventional Trial participants who were administered the Mini-Mental State Examination at baseline, at the third year, and at the end of the 6-year follow-up period. We applied the pooled logistic analysis method to consider the changes in clinical indices during the observation period and tried to identify the factors associated with cognitive decline during the 6 years in elderly type 2 diabetics using repeated measured data for glycated hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure and serum lipids. In the current study, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and higher diastolic blood pressure were significantly associated with cognitive decline by pooled logistic analysis in the 6-year observation of older diabetic subjects. Higher glycated hemoglobin A1c had a tendency toward association with cognitive decline. The results suggest that comprehensive management of diabetes, including dyslipidemia and hypertension, might contribute to the prevention of declines in cognitive function in older diabetic patients. © 2012 Japan Geriatrics Society.

The social transition of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the African region: evidence from three cross-sectional surveys in the Seychelles.

PubMed

Stringhini, Silvia; Viswanathan, Bharathi; Gédéon, Jude; Paccaud, Fred; Bovet, Pascal

2013-09-30

To examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and several cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVRFs) and to assess whether this association has changed over a 15-year observation period. Three independent population-based surveys of CVRFs were conducted in representative samples of all adults aged 25-64 years in the Seychelles, a small island state located east to Kenya, in 1989 (N=1081), 1994 (N=1067) and 2004 (N=1255). Among men, current smoking and heavy drinking were more prevalent in the low versus the high SES group, and obesity was less prevalent. The socioeconomic gradient in diabetes reversed over the study period from lower prevalence in the low versus the high SES group to higher prevalence in the low SES group. Hypercholesterolemia was less prevalent in the low versus the high SES group in 1989 but the prevalence was similar in the two groups in 2004. Hypertension showed no consistent socioeconomic pattern. Among women, the SES gradient in smoking tended to reverse over time from lower prevalence in the low SES group to lower prevalence in the high SES group. Obesity and diabetes were more common in the low versus the high SES group over the study period. Heavy drinking, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were not socially patterned among women. The prevalence of several CVRFs was higher in low versus high SES groups in a rapidly developing country in the African region, and an increase of the burden of these CVRFs in the most disadvantaged groups of the population was observed over the 15 years study period. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of medication adherence to disease-modifying drugs on severe relapse, and direct and indirect costs among employees with multiple sclerosis in the US.

PubMed

Ivanova, J I; Bergman, R E; Birnbaum, H G; Phillips, A L; Stewart, M; Meletiche, D M

2012-01-01

To compare rates of severe relapse and total direct and indirect costs over a 2-year period between US-based employees with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were adherent and non-adherent to disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Employees with ≥1 MS diagnosis (ICD-9-CM: 340.x) and ≥1 DMD pharmacy claim between 1/1/2002-12/31/2007 were identified from a large US administrative claims database. Patients had continuous coverage ≥6 months before (baseline) and ≥24 months after (study period) their index date (first DMD claim). Adherence was measured using medication possession ratio (MPR) over the study period. Patients with MPR ≥80% were considered adherent (n = 448) and those with MPR <80% as non-adherent (n = 200). Multivariate analyses were used to compare rates of severe relapse (inpatient or Emergency Department visit with MS diagnosis) and costs in 2007 dollars between DMD adherent and non-adherent patients. Direct costs were calculated as reimbursements to providers for medical services and prescription drugs excluding DMDs. Indirect costs included disability and medically-related absenteeism costs. DMD adherent patients were on average older (43.5 vs 41.8 years, p = 0.015) and more likely to be male (38.6% vs 26.0%, p = 0.002) compared with non-adherent patients. Adherent patients had lower rates of depression, higher rates of previous DMD use, and higher baseline MS-related costs. After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, DMD adherent patients had a lower rate of severe relapse (12.4% vs 19.9%, p = 0.013) and lower total (direct and indirect) costs ($14,095 vs $16,638, p = 0.048) over the 2-year study period. In this study, DMD adherence was associated with a significantly lower rate of severe relapse and lower total costs over 2 years. Causality cannot be inferred because adherence and outcomes were measured over the same period. The study was subject to limitations associated with use of claims data and the absence of clinical measures.

Autonomic adaptation after traditional and reverse swimming training periodizations.

PubMed

Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier; Fernandes, R J; Arroyo-Toledo, J J; Figueiredo, P; González-Ravé, J M; Vilas-Boas, J P

2015-03-01

The objective of the present study was to analyze the autonomic response of trained swimmers to traditional and reverse training periodization models. Seventeen swimmers were divided in two groups, performing a traditional periodization (TPG) or a reverse periodization (RPG) during a period of 10 weeks. Heart rate variability and 50 m swimming performance were analyzed before and after the training programs. After training, the TPG decreased the values of the high frequency band (HF), the number of differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals longer than 50 ms (NN50) and the percentage of differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals more than 50 ms (pNN50), and the RPG increased the values of HF and square root of the mean of the sum of the squared differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals (RMSSD). None of the groups improved significantly their performance in the 50-m test. The autonomic response of swimmers was different depending on the periodization performed, with the reverse periodization model leading to higher autonomic adaption. Complementary, the data suggests that autonomic adaptations were not critical for the 50-m swimming performance.

Non-reciprocal wave propagation in one-dimensional nonlinear periodic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Benbiao; Gao, Sha; Liu, Jiehui; Mao, Yiwei; Li, Yifeng; Liu, Xiaozhou

2018-01-01

We study a one-dimensional nonlinear periodic structure which contains two different spring stiffness and an identical mass in each period. The linear dispersion relationship we obtain indicates that our periodic structure has obvious advantages compared to other kinds of periodic structures (i.e. those with the same spring stiffness but two different mass), including its increased flexibility for manipulating the band gap. Theoretically, the optical cutoff frequency remains unchanged while the acoustic cutoff frequency shifts to a lower or higher frequency. A numerical simulation verifies the dispersion relationship and the effect of the amplitude-dependent signal filter. Based upon this, we design a device which contains both a linear periodic structure and a nonlinear periodic structure. When incident waves with the same, large amplitude pass through it from opposite directions, the output amplitude of the forward input is one order magnitude larger than that of the reverse input. Our devised, non-reciprocal device can potentially act as an acoustic diode (AD) without an electrical circuit and frequency shifting. Our result represents a significant step forwards in the research of non-reciprocal wave manipulation.

Transcriptional abundance of antioxidant enzymes in endometrium and their circulating levels in Zebu cows with and without uterine infection.

PubMed

Baithalu, R K; Singh, S K; Kumaresan, A; Mohanty, A K; Mohanty, T K; Kumar, S; Kerketta, S; Maharana, B R; Patbandha, T K; Attupuram, N; Agarwal, S K

2017-02-01

Oxidative stress during peripartum period may compromise the uterine immunity. In the present study, we assessed the oxidative stress and antioxidant status during peripartum period and studied their relationship with postpartum uterine infection in dairy cows. Peripheral blood concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined (day -21, -7, on the day of calving and day +7, +21, +35) in normal (n=11), puerperal metritic (n=7) and clinical endometritic (n=6) cows. Endometrial biopsy was performed on the day of calving and expression of CAT, GPx4 and SOD2 genes was studied using qRT-PCR. Puerperal metritic cows had significantly (P<0.05) lower TAC (on day -7, day 0, day +7, +21 & +35), higher MDA (on day -21, -7 & on the day of calving) and NO (on day 0, +7 & day +35) concentrations compared to normal cows. Similarly, clinical endometritic cows had significantly (P<0.05) lower TAC (on day -7, 0, +7 & +21), higher MDA (on day -21, -7, +7 and +35) and NO (on day +7, +21 & +35) concentrations compared to normal cows. The expression of CAT and GPx4 genes was lower (P<0.05) and SOD2 gene was higher (P<0.05) in endometrial tissue of cows that developed uterine infection compared to normal cows. The relationship of peripheral levels of MDA and NO with antioxidant enzymes expression in endometrial tissue was found significant. Receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed that the concentrations of TAC on day -7 to day +35, MDA on day -21 to day +7 and NO on the day of calving to day +35 were highly correlated to the development of postpartum uterine infection in cows. It may be inferred that the low serum TAC level and high level of lipid peroxidation and NO during peripartum period influenced the endometrial expression of anitioxidative genes that compromised the uterine health during postpartum period. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temporal trend studies on tetra- and pentabrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in guillemot egg from the Baltic Sea.

PubMed

Sellström, Ulla; Bignert, Anders; Kierkegaard, Amelie; Häggberg, Lisbeth; de Wit, Cynthia A; Olsson, Mats; Jansson, Bo

2003-12-15

Guillemot eggs from the Baltic Sea, sampled between 1969 and 2001, were analyzed for tetra- and pentabromodiphenyl ethers (2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE (BDE-99), and 2,2',4,4',6-pentaBDE (BDE-100)), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). This temporal trend study indicates that the concentrations of the polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds increased from the 1970s to the 1980s, peaking around the mid- to the late-1980s. These peaks are then followed by a rapid decrease in concentrations during the rest of the study period, with the concentrations of the major BDE congener below 100 ng/g lipid weight at the end of the period. This corresponds to less than 10% of its peak values. The concentrations of HBCD show a different pattern over time. After a peak in the middle of the 1970s followed by a decrease, the concentrations increased during the latter part of the 1980s. During the recent 10-yr period no significant change has occurred, and the annual mean concentrations are more or less stable at a higher level as compared to the beginning of the study period.

The life course model as a framework for post-conflict health analysis: reflections on the Gulf War critical period.

PubMed

Cange, Charles W

2016-01-01

In the Kuwait context, from January 1991 to December 1991, there were a series of chemical and psychological Gulf War-era exposures that left persistent, long-term damage. Extreme stress from a critical event speeds up the usual disease latency period, and may be part of a synergistic effect that leads to higher disease rates over a shorter period of time. I am interested in the impact of armed conflict on health outcomes over the life course in Kuwait, and particularly the pathways through which armed conflict causes changes in health on a population level. In this paper, I propose a culturally sensitive, post-conflict socio-ecological model that informs a three-pronged health study. I propose a macro-micro mix that includes an ecological study, a case-control study and a qualitative study to investigate Kuwait's post-conflict health concerns. Thus, I revise the concept of 'post-conflict health' as a trajectory that is mediated through different, complex social levels and develops over time during the latency period. The main advantage of a macro-micro mix approach for post-conflict health is that it contextualizes the Gulf War as an environmental health issue.

Ferric Citrate Controls Phosphorus and Delivers Iron in Patients on Dialysis

PubMed Central

Sika, Mohammed; Koury, Mark J.; Chuang, Peale; Schulman, Gerald; Smith, Mark T.; Whittier, Frederick C.; Linfert, Douglas R.; Galphin, Claude M.; Athreya, Balaji P.; Nossuli, A. Kaldun Kaldun; Chang, Ingrid J.; Blumenthal, Samuel S.; Manley, John; Zeig, Steven; Kant, Kotagal S.; Olivero, Juan Jose; Greene, Tom; Dwyer, Jamie P.

2015-01-01

Patients on dialysis require phosphorus binders to prevent hyperphosphatemia and are iron deficient. We studied ferric citrate as a phosphorus binder and iron source. In this sequential, randomized trial, 441 subjects on dialysis were randomized to ferric citrate or active control in a 52-week active control period followed by a 4-week placebo control period, in which subjects on ferric citrate who completed the active control period were rerandomized to ferric citrate or placebo. The primary analysis compared the mean change in phosphorus between ferric citrate and placebo during the placebo control period. A sequential gatekeeping strategy controlled study-wise type 1 error for serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and intravenous iron and erythropoietin-stimulating agent usage as prespecified secondary outcomes in the active control period. Ferric citrate controlled phosphorus compared with placebo, with a mean treatment difference of −2.2±0.2 mg/dl (mean±SEM) (P<0.001). Active control period phosphorus was similar between ferric citrate and active control, with comparable safety profiles. Subjects on ferric citrate achieved higher mean iron parameters (ferritin=899±488 ng/ml [mean±SD]; transferrin saturation=39%±17%) versus subjects on active control (ferritin=628±367 ng/ml [mean±SD]; transferrin saturation=30%±12%; P<0.001 for both). Subjects on ferric citrate received less intravenous elemental iron (median=12.95 mg/wk ferric citrate; 26.88 mg/wk active control; P<0.001) and less erythropoietin-stimulating agent (median epoetin-equivalent units per week: 5306 units/wk ferric citrate; 6951 units/wk active control; P=0.04). Hemoglobin levels were statistically higher on ferric citrate. Thus, ferric citrate is an efficacious and safe phosphate binder that increases iron stores and reduces intravenous iron and erythropoietin-stimulating agent use while maintaining hemoglobin. PMID:25060056

Study of Heliospheric Particle Populations far from Thermal Equilibrium during Three Solar Cycles, Periodicities and q-index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liolios, Konstantinos; Bergman, Jan; Moussas, Xenophon

2017-04-01

Heliospheric energetic particle populations of energies higher than 1 MeV are studied using a 33 year long data record composed of hourly measurements, as extracted from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's OMNI data set. Their periodicities are examined by means least-squares spectral analysis and wavelet analysis and found to be in good agreement with periodicities seen in sunspot numbers, which are well-known indicators of variations in solar activity. Hence, the source of this energetic and positively charged gas is mainly the Sun but part of it should be cosmic rays. As derived from the analyses of suprathermal "heavy" tails of the probability distribution, we assume that the gas kinetics is described by a deformed Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, namely, the kappa distribution. The q-index analogue to the κ-index is computed for every hour in the data record and used to investigate how far away the gas is from being in classical thermal equilibrium (q = 1). We compare the q-index time series with that of sunspot numbers and conclude that the gas is in continously variable states away (q > 1) from the almost always assumed thermal equilibrium. During the first ˜15 years, the q-indices somewhat exceed the theoretically predicted limit but follow a pattern which is very homogeneous. However, just before 1990, the q-indices begin to fluctuate in a periodic manner, creating maxima and minima, as they continuously increase until they peak about 1996-1997, while after these years, they decrease following a similar pattern. As a result, we assume that after 1990, for a period that lasted at least 10 years, something changed in the Sun's behaviour. A higher number of solar bursts could easily affect the gas but further research, for instance an analysis of solar flare timeseries from the same period, is required to draw a more robust conclusion of what may have caused the observed anomaly.

[Effects of snow pack on soil nitrogen transformation enzyme activities in a subalpine Abies faxioniana forest of western Sichuan, China].

PubMed

Xiong, Li; Xu, Zhen-Feng; Wu, Fu-Zhong; Yang, Wan-Qin; Yin, Rui; Li, Zhi-Ping; Gou, Xiao-Lin; Tang, Shi-Shan

2014-05-01

This study characterized the dynamics of the activities of urease, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer under three depths of snow pack (deep snowpack, moderate snowpack and shallow snowpack) over the three critical periods (snow formed period, snow stable period, and snow melt period) in the subalpine Abies faxoniana forest of western Sichuan in the winter of 2012 and 2013. Throughout the winter, soil temperature under deep snowpack increased by 46.2% and 26.2%, respectively in comparison with moderate snowpack and shallow snowpack. In general, the three nitrogen-related soil enzyme activities under shallow snowpack were 0.8 to 3.9 times of those under deep snowpack during the winter. In the beginning and thawing periods of seasonal snow pack, shallow snowpack significantly increased the activities of urease, nitrate and nitrite reductase enzyme in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer. Although the activities of the studied enzymes in soil organic layer and mineral soil layer were observed to be higher than those under deep- and moderate snowpacks in deep winter, no significant difference was found under the three snow packs. Meanwhile, the effects of snowpack on the activities of the measured enzymes were related with season, soil layer and enzyme type. Significant variations of the activities of nitrogen-related enzymes were found in three critical periods over the winter, and the three measured soil enzymes were significantly higher in organic layer than in mineral layer. In addition, the activities of the three measured soil enzymes were closely related with temperature and moisture in soils. In conclusion, the decrease of snow pack induced by winter warming might increase the activities of soil enzymes related with nitrogen transformation and further stimulate the process of wintertime nitrogen transformation in soils of the subalpine forest.

Impacts of autochthonous marine branched GDGTs on related paleo- environmental proxies: a preliminary study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, L.; Li, L.; Li, Q.; Zhang, C.

2014-12-01

Two proxies derived from branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs)-, the methylation index of branched tetraethers (MBT) and the cyclization ratio of branched tetraethers (CBT), are often used to reconstruct paleo mean annual air temperature (MAAT) and soil pH on the belief of their terrestrial origin. However, mounting evidence indicates the existence of autochthonous brGDGTs in marine environments，which may affect MAAT reconstruction and the use of other related paleoenvironmental proxies. Here we provide high resolution profiles of brGDGTs in a sedimentary core (MD05-2896/7) from the southern South China Sea, which include MBT and CBT indices as well as the branched and isoprenoid tetraether (BIT) index. The BIT results varied systematically with glacial-interglacial cycles, with values distinctly lower (<0.1) during the interglacial periods (MIS 1 and MIS 5) than during the glacial periods (MIS 2, MIS, 3, MIS 4 and MIS 6). Also distinct is the MBT/CBT-derived temperature, which show lower values during the interglacial periods but higher values during the glacial periods. We hypothesize that the lower MBT/CBT-derived temperature during the interglacial periods reflects subsurface water column temperature registered by autochthonous brGDGTs produced in situ marine conditions, whereas the higher MBT/CBT derived-temperature during the glacial periods reflects terrestrial MAAT because of the overwhelming input of brGDGTs from land when sea level was low. Similarly, the CBT-derived pH appears to have been overprinted also by the sea water signal of the interglacials but affected mostly by precipitation during the glacial intervals, showing patterns similar to or as a positive response to the southern hemispheric climate oscillation due to teleconnection. Our study demonstrates the complexity of brGDGT occurrence in marine environments and suggests that the MBT/CBT proxy should not be directly employed for the reconstruction of terrestrial MAAT at marine settings when BIT value is lower than 0.1.

Hospitalizations associated with malignant neoplasia and in situ carcinoma in the anus and penis in men and women during a 5-year period (2009-2013) in Spain: An epidemiological study.

PubMed

López, Noelia; Gil-de-Miguel, Ángel; Pascual-García, Raquel; Gil-Prieto, Ruth

2017-10-03

Approximately 40,000 new cases of anal cancer and 26,000 new cases of penile cancer occurred in 2012 worldwide. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for 88.3% and 33.0% of these cancers, respectively. The aim of this study was to describe the hospital burden associated with malignant neoplasm (MN) and in situ carcinoma (ISC) in the anus and penis in Spain from 2009 to 2013. This observational, retrospective study used discharge information obtained from the national surveillance system for hospital data, Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, provided by the Ministry of Health. We found 3,668 hospitalizations due to MN and ISC in the anus for both genders, and more than 55% of these hospitalizations occurred in men and were associated with a lower median age of hospitalization (p < 0.001), higher average length of hospital stay (ALOS) (p = 0.0032), higher hospitalization costs (p < 0.001) and higher hospitalization rate (2.141 per 100,000 males aged > 14 y old and 1.604 per 100,000 women aged > 14 y old, p < 0.001) than in women. During the same period, 4,156 hospitalizations due to MN and ISC of the penis were registered. The hospitalization rate was 4.320 per 100,000 males aged > 14 y old. The hospitalization rate due to MN and ISC in the anus in males increased significantly during this period (p = 0.048). Our study provides relevant information about the hospital burden of anal and penile MN and ISC in Spain. This information could be useful for cost effectiveness analysis of universal HPV vaccination and for future HPV vaccination impact monitoring in Spain, and for other countries of similar socioeconomic status.

Increase in assisted suicide in Switzerland: did the socioeconomic predictors change? Results from the Swiss National Cohort.

PubMed

Steck, Nicole; Junker, Christoph; Zwahlen, Marcel

2018-04-17

To determine whether the strong increase in assisted suicides in Switzerland since 2008 is linked to a shift in the socioeconomic factors associated with assisted suicide and its related diagnoses. In a population-based longitudinal study, we investigated assisted suicides in Switzerland over the period 2003-2014. Two groups of younger (25-64 years) and older (65-94 years) persons were analysed separately and compared. We calculated crude rates and used Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models to examine associations of assisted dying with gender, marital status, education, religion, neighbourhood socioeconomic status and other variables, and investigated trends over time. We identified 3941 assisted suicides among 6 237 997 Swiss residents, 80% of which occurred in the older age group. Crude rates of assisted suicide more than tripled during the study period from 3.60 to 11.21 per 100 000 person-years; the increase was more pronounced in the older age group. Cancer was the most common underlying diagnosis (41.8%), but the percentage dying assisted was highest among patients with diseases of the nervous system (5.25% in the younger and 1.23% in the older age group). The factors associated with assisted suicide did not change during the study period. Female gender, higher education, having no religious affiliation, no children and a Swiss passport, living in a neighbourhood with a higher socioeconomic index and living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland were associated with a higher rate. The study results do not indicate any shift in socioeconomic factors associated with assisted suicide, but a more pronounced increase in incidence among the elderly. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Factors Associated with Motivation to Change HIV Risk and Substance Use Behaviors among Homeless Youth

PubMed Central

Collins, Jennifer; Slesnick, Natasha

2011-01-01

This study sought to identify and compare variables associated with motivation to change alcohol, drug use, and HIV risk behaviors among a sample of homeless youths. More frequent alcohol use, older age, and childhood sexual abuse was associated with greater motivation to change alcohol use; higher reported negative consequences of substance use was associated with higher motivation to reduce illicit drug use. Shorter periods of current homelessness predicted higher motivation to change HIV risk behaviors. Findings suggest these areas might be fruitful targets of intervention efforts to enhance motivation to reduce alcohol and illicit drug use and HIV risk behaviors. PMID:21765800

Faculty Workload: An Analytical Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dennison, George M.

2012-01-01

Recent discussions of practices in higher education have tended toward muck-raking and self-styled exposure of cynical self-indulgence by faculty and administrators at the expense of students and their families, as usually occurs during periods of economic duress, rather than toward analytical studies designed to foster understanding This article…

Graduate Student Perceptions and Experiences of Professional Development Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rizzolo, Sonja; DeForest, Aubreena R.; DeCino, Daniel A.; Strear, Molly; Landram, Suzanne

2016-01-01

Graduate higher education has done little to assess and understand graduate students' needs and experiences beyond the classroom. Therefore, we conducted a phenomenological study using multiple data collection tools, including survey and focus groups from two different time periods to implement a multiphase needs assessment. The goal of the…

Employment of Ex-Offenders during the Recession

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nally, John M.; Lockwood, Susan R.; Ho, Taiping

2011-01-01

Researchers have rarely examined post-release employment among offenders during a period of economic recession. However, studies on employment issues among post-release offenders have showed that released offenders would likely have a higher unemployment rate due to their inadequate education and job skills (Batiuk, 1997; Harlow, 2003; Vacca,…

Virtual Classroom: Reflections of Online Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michael, Kathy

2012-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify student and staff experiences with online learning at higher education (HE) using the software Elluminate Live! Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopts a qualitative approach, focusing on the reflections of participants (student and teacher) collated over a 12 month period of piloting online…

Distress and Suicidality in Higher Education: Implications for Population-Oriented Prevention Paradigms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brownson, Chris; Drum, David J.; Swanbrow Becker, Martin A.; Saathoff, Andrea; Hentschel, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

College students respond to stressful experiences along a continuum of distress and suicidality. This study investigated, from students' perspectives, the contributors to stress, nature of stress, coping strategies used, and role of drugs and alcohol during stressful periods--all with particular relevance for suicidality. Undergraduate and…

Gender Inequality in Undergraduate Business Schools: The Glass Door Effects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Laura M.; Geyfman, Victoria

2012-01-01

This study examined female underrepresentation in business schools among undergraduate students and faculty in a sample of universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and compares the findings to other public universities in Pennsylvania. We found that during the 1995-2008 period, when compared with other academic…

Arts Students in Debt: Concerns, Consequences, and Interventions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Jason C.

2016-01-01

While there are many educational and experiential benefits to attending professional higher arts education programs, students who incur excessive student loan debt during their studies may experience unanticipated or poor professional outcomes either over the course of their artistic careers, shortly after the expiration of a loan grace period, or…

34 CFR 690.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 34 CFR part 600: Award year Clock hour Correspondence... Parent Payment period Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program.... Institution of higher education (Institution). An institution of higher education, or a proprietary...

Harnessing Youth and Young Adult Culture: Improving the Reach and Engagement of the truth® Campaign.

PubMed

Hair, Elizabeth; Pitzer, Lindsay; Bennett, Morgane; Halenar, Michael; Rath, Jessica; Cantrell, Jennifer; Dorrler, Nicole; Asche, Eric; Vallone, Donna

2017-07-01

The national youth and young adult tobacco prevention mass media campaign, truth®, relaunched in 2014 with the goal of creating "the generation that ends smoking." The objective of this study was to assess whether the strategy of airing truth ads during popular, culturally relevant televised events was associated with higher ad and brand awareness and increases in social media engagement. Awareness of six truth advertisements that aired during popular television events and self-reported social media engagement were assessed via cross-sectional online surveys of youth and young adults aged 15-21 years. Social engagement was also measured using separate Twitter and YouTube metrics. Logistic regression models predicted self-reported social engagement and any ad awareness, and a negative binomial regression predicted the total social media engagement across digital platforms. The study found that viewing a popular televised event was associated with higher odds of ad awareness and social engagement. The results also indicate that levels of social media engagement for an event period are greater than for a nonevent period. The findings demonstrate that premiering advertisements during a popular, culturally relevant televised event is associated with higher awareness of truth ads and increased social engagement related to the campaign, controlling for variables that might also influence the response to campaign messages.

Climatic cycles recorded in the Middle Eocene hemipelagites from a Dinaric foreland basin of Istria (Croatia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lužar-Oberiter, Borna; Hochuli, Peter A.; Babić, Ljubomir; Glumac, Bosiljka; Tibljaš, Darko

2010-06-01

Middle Eocene hemipelagic marls from the Pazin-Trieste Basin, a foreland basin of the Croatian Dinarides, display repetitive alternations of two types of marls with different resistance to weathering. This study focuses on the chemical composition, stable isotopes, and palynomorph content of these marls in order to better understand the nature of their cyclic deposition and to identify possible paleoenvironmental drivers responsible for their formation. The less resistant marls (LRM) have consistently lower carbonate content, lower δ18O and δ13C values, and more abundant dinoflagellate cysts than the more resistant marls (MRM). We interpret these differences between the two marl types to be a result of climatic variations, likely related to Milankovitch oscillations. Periods with wetter climate, associated with increased continental runoff, detrital and nutrient influx produced the LRM. Higher nutrient supply sparked higher dinoflagellate productivity during these times, while reduced salinity and stratification of the water column may have hampered the productivity of calcareous nannoplankton and/or planktonic foraminifera. In contrast, the MRM formed during dryer periods which favoured higher carbonate accumulation rates. This study provides new information about the sedimentary record of short-scale climate variations reflected in wet-dry cycles during an overall warm, greenhouse Earth.

Composition and structure of the Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) community associated with bryophytes in a first-order stream in the Atlantic forest, Brazil.

PubMed

Rosa, B F J V; Dias-Silva, M V D; Alves, R G

2013-02-01

This study describes the structure of the Chironomidae community associated with bryophytes in a first-order stream located in a biological reserve of the Atlantic Forest, during two seasons. Samples of bryophytes adhered to rocks along a 100-m stretch of the stream were removed with a metal blade, and 200-mL pots were filled with the samples. The numerical density (individuals per gram of dry weight), Shannon's diversity index, Pielou's evenness index, the dominance index (DI), and estimated richness were calculated for each collection period (dry and rainy). Linear regression analysis was employed to test the existence of a correlation between rainfall and the individual's density and richness. The high numerical density and richness of Chironomidae taxa observed are probably related to the peculiar conditions of the bryophyte habitat. The retention of larvae during periods of higher rainfall contributed to the high density and richness of Chironomidae larvae. The rarefaction analysis showed higher richness in the rainy season related to the greater retention of food particles. The data from this study show that bryophytes provide stable habitats for the colonization by and refuge of Chironomidae larvae, mainly under conductions of faster water flow and higher precipitation.

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in Italian patients with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers.

PubMed

Catastini, Paola; Di Marco, Serena; Furriolo, Maria; Genovese, Carmela; Grande, Alessia; Iacinti, Eugenia; Iusco, Danila Rosa; Nobili, Rita Maria Vittoria; Pescini, Rita; Ragni, Roberto; Randazzo, Roberto; Risso, Cristiana; Tabarini, Paola; Braggion, Cesare; De Masi, Salvatore; McGreevy, Kathleen S

2016-12-01

Cystic fibrosis, like other chronic diseases, is a risk factor for the development of elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Italian patients with CF and their parents. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaires were administered to a sample of patients and their parents recruited at the cystic fibrosis centers in Italy. Elevated levels of anxiety were higher in mothers than in fathers, and also higher in female patients than in male patients. A correlation between elevated levels of anxiety/depression and geographical area also emerged. Patient anxiety (OR 2.33) and depression (OR 4.09) were significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) <40% and forced vital capacity (FVC) <80% (OR 1.60 and 1.61, respectively). Cystic fibrosis increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression in female patients and in mothers. Geographical differences were observed, with higher anxiety and depression in southern Italy for parents, but not for patients. Anxiety and depression levels also depend on clinical status. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1311-1319. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity of grazing Japanese Black heifers and cows in forestland in Japan.

PubMed

Haga, Satoshi; Ishizaki, Hiroshi; Nakano, Miwa; Nakao, Seiji; Hirano, Kiyoshi; Yamamoto, Yoshito; Kitagawa, Miya; Sasaki, Hiroyuki; Kariya, Yoshihiro

2014-02-01

Blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has become a key bio-marker for animal health. Forest-grazing cattle are known to forage various native plants that have high TAC. This study evaluated differences of plasma TAC between forest-grazing (FG) and pasture-grazing cattle (PG). Experiment 1 monitored the plasma TAC levels of 32 Japanese Black cattle. The level in PG did not change throughout the grazing period. However, that in FG, which increased from summer, was significantly higher than that in PG through fall (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, we used nine Japanese Black heifers and investigated their blood antioxidant parameters and the TAC in plants that the cattle consumed in late June and September. The plasma TAC levels in FG were significantly higher than those in PG in both periods (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of lipid peroxidation in FG tended to be lower than that in PG (P = 0.098). Furthermore, the TAC levels in various species of shrubs and trees consumed by FG were higher than those in pasture grasses. Results of this study show that plasma TAC of grazing Japanese Black cattle in forestland increase from summer through fall. © 2013 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Comparing alcohol mortality in Tsarist and contemporary Russia: is the current situation historically unique?

PubMed

Andreev, Evgeny; Bogoyavlensky, Dmitri; Stickley, Andrew

2013-01-01

This study compared the level of alcohol mortality in tsarist and contemporary Russia. Cross-sectional and annual time-series data from 1870 to 1894, 2008 and 2009 on the mortality rate from deaths due to 'drunkenness' were compared for men in the 50 provinces of tsarist 'European Russia': an area that today corresponds with the territory occupied by the Baltic countries, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and the Russian provinces to the west of the Ural Mountains. In 1870-1894, the male death rate from 'drunkenness' in the Russian provinces (15.9 per 100,000) was much higher than in the non-Russian provinces. However, the rate recorded in Russia in the contemporary period was even higher--23.3. Russia has had high levels of alcohol mortality from at least the late 19th century onwards. While a dangerous drinking pattern and spirits consumption may underpin high alcohol mortality across time, the seemingly much higher levels in the contemporary period seem to be also driven by an unprecedented level of consumption, and also possibly, surrogate alcohol use. This study highlights the urgent need to reduce the level of alcohol consumption among the population in order to reduce high levels of alcohol mortality in contemporary Russia.

Maternal depression during pregnancy is associated with increased birth weight in term infants.

PubMed

Ecklund-Flores, Lisa; Myers, Michael M; Monk, Catherine; Perez, Albany; Odendaal, Hein J; Fifer, William P

2017-04-01

Previous research of maternal depression during pregnancy suggests an association with low birth weight in newborns. Review of these studies reveals predominant comorbidity with premature birth. This current study examines antenatal depression and birth weight in term, medically low-risk pregnancies. Maternal physiological and demographic measures were collected as well. In total, 227 pregnant women were recruited to participate in four experimental protocols at Columbia University Medical Center. Results indicate that depressed pregnant women who carry to term had significantly higher heart rates, lower heart rate variability, and gave birth to heavier babies than those of pregnant women who were not depressed. Low income participants had significantly higher levels of depression, as well as significantly higher heart rates and lower heart rate variability, than those in higher income groups. In full-term infants, maternal prenatal depression appears to promote higher birth weight, with elevated maternal heart rate as a likely mediating mechanism. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Production of tannase by the immobilized cells of Bacillus licheniformis KBR6 in Ca-alginate beads.

PubMed

Mohapatra, P K D; Mondal, K C; Pati, B R

2007-06-01

The present study was aimed at finding the optimal conditions for immobilization of Bacillus licheniformis KBR6 cells in calcium-alginate (Ca-alginate) beads and determining the operational stability during the production of tannin-acyl-hydrolase (tannase) under semicontinous cultivation. The active cells of B. licheniformis KBR6 were immobilized in Ca-alginate and used for the production of tannase. The influence of alginate concentration (5, 10, 20 and 30 g l(-1)) and initial cell loading on enzyme production were studied. The production of tannase increased significantly with increasing alginate concentration and reached a maximum enzyme yield of 0.56 +/- 0.03 U ml(-1) at 20 g l(-1). This was about 1.70-fold higher than that obtained by free cells. The immobilized cells produced tannase consistently over 13 repeated cycles and reached a maximum level at the third cycle. Scanning electron microscope study indicated that the cells in Ca-alginate beads remain in normal shape. The Ca-alginate entrapment is a promising immobilization method of B. licheniformis KBR6 for repeated tannase production. Tannase production by immobilized cells is superior to that of free cells because it leads to higher volumetric activities within the same period of fermentation. This is the first report of tannase production from immobilized bacterial cells. The bacterium under study can produce higher amounts of tannase with respect to other fungal strains within a short cultivation period.