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Τετάρτη 6 Απριλίου 2016

Large-scale investment in green space as an intervention for physical activity, mental and cardiometabolic health: study protocol for a quasi-experimental evaluation of a natural experiment

Introduction

'Green spaces' such as public parks are regarded as determinants of health, but evidence from tends to be based on cross-sectional designs. This protocol describes a study that will evaluate a large-scale investment in approximately 5280 hectares of green space stretching 27 km north to south in Western Sydney, Australia.

Methods and analysis

A Geographic Information System was used to identify 7272 participants in the 45 and Up Study baseline data (2006–2008) living within 5 km of the Western Sydney Parklands and some of the features that have been constructed since 2009, such as public access points, advertising billboards, walking and cycle tracks, BBQ stations, and children's playgrounds. These data were linked to information on a range of health and behavioural outcomes, with the second wave of data collection initiated by the Sax Institute in 2012 and expected to be completed by 2015. Multilevel models will be used to analyse potential change in physical activity, weight status, social contacts, mental and cardiometabolic health within a closed sample of residentially stable participants. Comparisons between persons with contrasting proximities to different areas of the Parklands will provide 'treatment' and 'control' groups within a 'quasi-experimental' study design. In line with expectations, baseline results prior to the enhancement of the Western Sydney Parklands indicated virtually no significant differences in the distribution of any of the outcomes with respect to proximity to green space preintervention.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained for the 45 and Up Study from the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee. Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the University of Western Sydney Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated through partner organisations (the Western Sydney Parklands and the National Heart Foundation of Australia), as well as to policymakers in parallel with scientific papers and conference presentations.



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NAP SACC UK: protocol for a feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial in nurseries and at home to increase physical activity and healthy eating in children aged 2-4 years

Introduction

Systematic reviews have identified the lack of intervention studies with young children to prevent obesity. This feasibility study examines the feasibility and acceptability of adapting the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) intervention in the UK to inform a full-scale trial.

Methods and analysis

A feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial in 12 nurseries in England, with 6 randomly assigned to the adapted NAP SACC UK intervention: nursery staff will receive training and support from an NAP SACC UK Partner to review the nursery environment (nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and oral health) and set goals for making changes. Parents will be invited to participate in a digital media-based home component to set goals for making changes in the home. As this is a feasibility study, the sample size was not based on a power calculation but will indicate the likely response rates and intracluster correlations. Measures will be assessed at baseline and 8–10 months later. We will estimate the recruitment rate of nurseries and children and adherence to the intervention and data. Nursery measurements will include the Environmental Policy Assessment and Observation score and the nursery staff's review of the nursery environment. Child measurements will include height and weight to calculate z-score body mass index (zBMI), accelerometer-determined minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day and sedentary time, and diet using the Child and Diet Evaluation Tool. Questionnaires with nursery staff and parents will measure mediators. A process evaluation will assess fidelity of intervention delivery and views of participants.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was given by Wales 3 NHS Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be made available through publication in peer-reviewed journals, at conferences and to participants via the University of Bristol website. Data will be available from the University of Bristol Research Data Repository.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16287377.



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Development of patient decision support tools for motor neuron disease using stakeholder consultation: a study protocol

Introduction

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a terminal, progressive, multisystem disorder. Well-timed decisions are key to effective symptom management. To date, there are few published decision support tools, also known as decision aids, to guide patients in making ongoing choices for symptom management and quality of life. This protocol is to develop and validate decision support tools for patients and families to use in conjunction with health professionals in MND multidisciplinary care. The tools will inform patients and families of the benefits and risks of each option, as well as the consequences of accepting or declining treatment.

Methods and analysis

The study is being conducted from June 2015 to May 2016, using a modified Delphi process. A 2-stage, 7-step process will be used to develop the tools, based on existing literature and stakeholder feedback. The first stage will be to develop the decision support tools, while the second stage will be to validate both the tools and the process used to develop them. Participants will form expert panels, to provide feedback on which the development and validation of the tools will be based. Participants will be drawn from patients with MND, family carers and health professionals, support association workers, peak body representatives, and MND and patient decision-making researchers.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study has been granted by Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), approval number 5201500658. Knowledge translation will be conducted via publications, seminar and conference presentations to patients and families, health professionals and researchers.



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Firefly to Exhibit their Wireless Video Otoscope at AACOM 2016

Firefly will be in Booth #216 with MDF Instruments at AACOM 2016! We will be showcasing our award winning DE550 Wireless Video Otoscope. Come by to see a live demo and talk to a Firefly rep!



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Prevalence of vitreomacular adhesion in retina clinic patients

Reichel E, Jaffe GJ, Sadda SR, Schuman S, Hariri AH, Skidmore K, Duker J

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Combined analysis of four observational studies of bimatoprost 001

Stevens A, Iliev ME, de Jong L, Grobeiu I, Hommer A

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Scheimpflug based lens densitometry metrics and phacodynamics

Faria-Correia F, Lopes BT, Ramos IC, Monteiro T, Franqueira N, Ambrósio R Jr

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MicroRNAs, polyamines, and the activities antioxidant enzymes are associated with in vitro rooting in white pine (Pinus strobus L.)

Molecular mechanism of in vitro rooting in conifer is not fully understood. After establishment of a regeneration procedure in eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) using mature embryos as explants to induce shoo...

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Anesthetic management for cesarean section in a patient with uncorrected double-outlet right ventricle

We describe the anesthetic management for cesarean section in a pregnant woman with uncorrected double-outlet right ventricle. The anesthetic method, treatment of complications and lessons are discussed.

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Growth and carcass characteristics of three Ethiopian indigenous goats fed concentrate at different supplementation levels

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of genotypes and concentrate levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Bati, Hararghe highland (HH) and Short eared Somali (SS) goat types fou...

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Function in Sitting Test

Acronym:
FIST
Purpose:

Bedside evaluation of sitting balance stated to evaluate sensory, motor, proactive, reactive and steady state balance factors.

Description:
  • 14 items
  • Ordinal Scale (0-4) for each test item:
    • 4: Independent, Completes the task independently and successfully
    • 3: Needs Cues, Completes the task independently and successfully; may need verbal / tactile cues or more time
    • 2: Upper extremity support, Unable to complete task without using upper extremities for support or assistance
    • 1: Needs assistance, Unable to complete task successfully without physical assistance
    • 0: Complete assistance, Requires complete physical assistance to perform task successfully, is unable to complete task successfully with physical assistance, or dependent
  • Testing Instructions:
    • One trial of each item is allowed
    • Verbal directions and demonstration are given as needed by the therapist
    • Standard Position: Individual seated at edge of hospital bed with half of upper leg supported (neutral abd/adduction / rotation), hips and knees at 90 degrees and feet flat in support
    • Hands are placed in lap unless needed for support
    • See Gorman et al, 2010 for measure
Area of Assessment: Balance Non-Vestibular
ICF Domain: Activity
Assessment Type: Performance Measure
Length of Test: 06 to 30 Minutes
Time to Administer:
Less than 15 minutes
Number of Items: 14
Equipment Required:
  • Standard hospital bed (without air mattress)
  • Stopwatch
Training Required:
Cost: Free
Actual Cost: Free
Diagnosis: Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Populations Tested:
  • Acute Stroke
  • Population-based, inpatient sample of adults with sitting balance dysfunction, excluding persons with SCI, signigicant bracing/orthotics, and inability to perform testing safely
Standard Error of Measurement (SEM):

Acute Stroke:  (Gorman et al, 2010; n=31, age 61.5 (10.9) years, <=3 months post stroke, Modified Rankin Scale of moderate / moderately severe / severe)

  • SEM= 2.03

Adults With Sitting Balance Dysfunction: (Gorman, Harro, Platko and Greenwald, 2014, n=125, age=60.0 (16.6) years)

  • SEM= 1.40

Balance Participants: (Gorman, Rivera, and McCarthy, 2014) (n=6; Mean Age= 68.7)
***Medical diagnoses of the balance participants included Parkinson's disease (n=1), multiple sclerosis (n=1), and cerebrovascular accident (n=5).

  • SEM= 3.58
Minimal Detectable Change (MDC):

Acute Stroke: (Calculated from Gorman et al, 2010)

  • MDC=5.63

Adults With Sitting Balance Dysfunction: (Gorman, Harro, Platko & Greenwald, 2014)

  • MDC=5.5
Minimally Clinically Important Difference (MCID):

Adults With Sitting Balance Dysfunction: (Gorman, Harro, Platko & Greenwald, 2014)

  • MCID> 6.5
Cut-Off Scores:
Not Established
Normative Data:
Not Established
Test-retest Reliability:

Balance Participants: (Gorman, Rivera, and McCarthy, 2014), n=6; mean age = 68.7
***Medical diagnoses of the balance participants included Parkinson's disease (n=1), multiple sclerosis (n=1), and cerebrovascular accident (n=5).

  • Excellent: ICC=0.97
Interrater/Intrarater Reliability:

Balance Participants: (Gorman, Rivera, and McCarthy, 2014), n=6; mean age = 68.7
***Medical diagnoses of the balance participants included Parkinson's disease (n=1), multiple sclerosis (n=1), and cerebrovascular accident (n=5).

  • Intra-rater Reliability: Excellent ICC=0.99
  • Inter-rater Reliability: Excellent ICC=0.991
Internal Consistency:

Acute Stroke: (Gorman et al, 2010)

  • Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.98)
Criterion Validity (Predictive/Concurrent):

Adults With Sitting Balance Dysfunction: (Gorman, Harro, Platko & Greenwald, 2014)

Concurrent Validity: Good to Excellent concurrent validity with the Berg Balance Scale and Functional Independence Measure at both admission and discharge (Spearman ρ=.71–.85).

Construct Validity (Convergent/Discriminant):
Not Established
Content Validity:
Not Established
Face Validity:
Not Established
Floor/Ceiling Effects:
Not Established
Responsiveness:

Adults With Sitting Balance Dysfunction: (Gorman, Harro, Platko and Greenwald, 2014, n=125, age=60.0 (16.6) years)

Responsiveness: Strong as evidenced by the large effect size (.83), standardized response mean (1.04), and index of responsiveness (1.07).

Considerations:

Do you see an error or have a suggestion for this instrument summary? Please e-mail us.

Bibliography:

Gorman, SL, Radtka, S, et al. "Development and validation of the function in sitting test in adults with acute stroke." Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy 34(3)(2010): 150-160. Find it on PubMed

Gorman, SL, et al. "Examining the Function in Sitting Test for Validity, Responsiveness, and Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Inpatient Rehabilitation." Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 95.12 (2014): 2304-11.

Gorman SL, Rivera M, McCarthy L. "Reliability of the Function in Sitting Test (FIST)." Rehabilitation research and practice. 2014;2014:593280.

Instrument in PDF Format: Yes


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The Effectiveness of hCG and LHRH in Boys with Cryptorchidism: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Horm Metab Res
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-104059

To systematically review the efficacy of hCG and LHRH on testicular descent in boys with cryptorchidism, comprehensive search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to March 2014. Outcomes included testicular complete descent rate (TCDR) and cure rate of patients. Study quality was evaluated using the Jadad scale. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software. Finally, 13 studies were included. hCG and LHRH increased TCDR comparing with control group. The success rate of hCG and LHRH was 24 and 19%, respectively. Further, hCG and LHRH had significant effect on bilateral cryptorchidism, but not on unilateral cryptorchidism. All side effects were transitory and not severe, but if they have long-term harms were not clear. hCG and LHRH can effectively increase TCDR and there was no significant difference between them. However, the hormones cannot be recommended for everyone because of their low success rates and potential long-term harms. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of hormonal treatment for subtypes of cryptorchidism.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text



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The Effects of Vitamin D-K-Calcium Co-Supplementation on Endocrine, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Vitamin D-Deficient Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Horm Metab Res
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-104060

The current study was conducted to assess the effects of vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation on endocrine, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers in vitamin D-deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 60 vitamin D-deficient women diagnosed with PCOS aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups to intake either 200 IU vitamin D, 90 μg vitamin K plus, 500 mg calcium supplements (n=30), or placebo (n=30) twice a day for 8 weeks. Endocrine, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers were quantified at the beginning and the end of the study. After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the placebo, vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum-free testosterone (− 2.1±1.6 vs.+0.1±1.0 pg/ml, p<0.001) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels (− 0.8±1.0 vs.−0.1±0.5 μg/ml, p=0.006). In addition, a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (+ 75.7±126.1 vs.−80.4±242.8 mmol/l, p=0.005) and a significant difference in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (+ 0.03±0.6 vs.+1.4±2.4 μmol/l, p=0.005) was observed following the supplementation with vitamin D-K-calcium compared with the placebo. A trend toward a greater decrease in luteinizing hormone was observed in vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplement group compared to placebo group (− 7.0 vs.−1.2 IU/l, p=0.09). We did not find any significant effect of vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation on prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, 17-OH progesterone, inflammatory markers, and glutathione levels. Overall, vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation for 8 weeks among vitamin D-deficient women with PCOS had beneficial effects on serum DHEAS, free testosterone, plasma TAC, and MDA levels.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text



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School health services and its practice among public and private primary schools in Western Nigeria

Globally the number of children reaching school age is estimated to be 1.2 billion children (18 % of the world's population) and rising. This study was therefore designed to determine the school health service...

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Enteric parasitic infection among HIV-infected patients visiting Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal

Enteric parasitic infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients has been a significant health problem in developing countries like Nepal. This study was undertaken to access the burden of enteric...

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Knowledge, attitude and practice of community drug distributors’ about onchocerciasis and community directed treatment with ivermectin in Quara district, North Western Ethiopia

Onchocerciasis is one of the most important public health problems over large areas of tropical Africa countries including Ethiopia. The African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) has been working with ...

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Clinicopathologic features of ovarian neoplasms with emphasis on borderline ovarian tumors: an institutional perspective

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and it represents third most common malignancy in Karachi (after breast and oral cancer). Due to lack of well established cancer registry in our country...

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Increased sodium and fluctuations in minerals in acid limes expressing witches’ broom symptoms

Witches' broom disease of lime (WBDL), caused by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia', is a very serious disease of acid limes. The disease destroyed more than one million lime trees in the Middle East. WBDL res...

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AnaConDa™ and Mirus™ for intensive care sedation, 24 h desflurane versus isoflurane in one patient

With the AnaConDa™ system, inhalational sedation in the intensive care unit has become popular. The device can be used with common intensive care unit ventilators and is inserted between the Y-piece and the pa...

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Variability in nutrient composition of cereal grains from different origins

Nutrient composition of individual feed ingredient in mixed feed is important for accurate formulation of animal feeds. However, each feed ingredient can be different depending on its origin. Therefore, this s...

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Root extract of water dropwort, Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC, induces protein and gene expression of phase I carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes in HepG2 cells

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes are an important phase I enzyme system. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC on CYP1A1 and CYP1A2.

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Exploring beyond norms: social capital of pregnant women in Sri Lanka as a factor influencing health

Social capital during pregnancy in low and middle-income countries is hardly discussed in scientific literature. In Sri Lanka, even though the maternal health indicators are exemplary, addressing social deter...

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Fam3c modulates osteogenic cell differentiation and affects bone volume and cortical bone mineral density

Fam3c, a cytokine-like growth factor, has been suggested to have a role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor growth and metastasis. A single-nucleotide polymorphism affecting bone mineral density has been found in the first intron of the Fam3c gene in a study analyzing an Asian population cohort. Other independent studies on different population cohorts have found the fam3c locus to be associated with bone mineral density and fractures. In order to investigate the role of Fam3c in bone biology, we have generated a Fam3c knock-out (KO) mouse strain. The Fam3c KO mice were found to have normal appearance, behavior and fertility, but small changes in bone morphology and content were also observed. Micro-CT analysis of tibiae of the female mice revealed decreased number of trabeculae. In male mice the changes in the bone phenotype were smaller, but hematological changes were observed. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between body weight and tibial trabecular and cortical bone volume in the male KO mice. There was a small increase in cortical bone mineral density, but in the lateral direction of tibiae the breaking strength was reduced. Fam3c KO bone marrow cells showed accelerated osteogenic differentiation and mineralization in vitro. The reduced number of bone trabeculae in Fam3c KO mice and the stimulated osteogenic differentiation indicate a role for Fam3c in osteoblast differentiation and bone homeostasis.

BoneKEy Reports 5 doi: 10.1038/bonekey.2016.14



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Periostin-deficient mice, a relevant animal model to investigate periodontitis or not?

BoneKEy Reports 5 doi: 10.1038/bonekey.2016.21



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Seroprevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Varna Region, Bulgaria

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among pregnant women in Varna Region, Bulgaria. During the period 2009-2013, an average prevalence of 2.26% (95% CI 1.75, 2.91) was measured in a total number of 2700 samples. Analysis demonstrated that rural residence and minority ethnic origin are important risk factors for hepatitis B infection among pregnant women with relative increase in the prevalence of 2.40 (95% CI 1.46, 3.94) and 2.43 (95% CI 1.46, 4.05) when compared with urban residence and ethnic majority origin respectively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved



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Multiple human papillomavirus infections and type-competition in woman from a clinic attendee population in China

Abstract

To investigate the multi-infection patterns and type competition for human papillomavirus (HPV) in Chinese clinic attending women and evaluate the association between the infection status and cancer risk.332 HPV-DNA-positive samples were genotyped for 21 HPVs and tested for 13 types of HPV neutralizing antibody using pseudoviron-based assay. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to evaluate the coinfection patterns for both DNA and neutralizing antibody (NAb), and the associations of HSIL + with HPV DNA and NAb. Of the 332 HPV-DNA-positive subjects, 279 (84.0%) were detected as NAb positive. Multi-positive results were identified in 23.2% (77/332) HPV DNA tests and 60.2% (168/279) HPV NAb assays. The NAb titers for the multiple-positive samples (geometric mean 214) were significantly higher than the single-positive samples (geometric mean 114) (p < 0.01). HPV16-HPV52 was identified as a type-competition pair for both HPV DNA (OR= 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02-0.42) and NAb (OR= 0.27; 95% CI = 0.11-0.69) data. Compared to other types, HPV16 DNA was associated significantly with high risk of HSIL+ (OR= 2.57; 95% CI = 1.23-5.38).HPV16-HPV52 was identified as a potential type-competition pair, which might result in the type modulation with the implementation of the approved bi-or quadri-valent vaccines. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved



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Evaluating optimal patient-turning procedures for reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (LS-HAPU): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Pressure ulcers are insidious complications that affect approximately 2.5 million patients and account for approximately US$11 billion in annual health care spending each year. To date we are unaware of any st...

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A clinical trial comparing Lanconone® with ibuprofen for rapid relief in acute joint pain

To study the effect of Lanconone® (1000 mg) on acute pain on exertion as compared to the standard of care, Ibuprofen (400 mg).

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Engaging adolescents in tuberculosis and clinical trial research through drama

The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative is based in Worcester where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, and incidence rates are amongst the highest nationally. In high TB burden settings after an early chi...

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The effectiveness of Technology-assisted Cascade Training and Supervision of community health workers in delivering the Thinking Healthy Program for perinatal depression in a post-conflict area of Pakistan – study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Rates of perinatal depression in low and middle income countries are reported to be very high. Perinatal depression not only has profound impact on women's health, disability and functioning, it is associated ...

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Increasing Levels of Dietary Hempseed Products Leads to Differential Responses in the Fatty Acid Profiles of Egg Yolk, Liver and Plasma of Laying Hens

Abstract

The limited efficiency with which dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is converted by hens into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for egg deposition is not clearly understood. In this study, dietary ALA levels were increased via the inclusion of hempseed (HS) and hempseed oil (HO) in hen diets, with the goal of assessing the effects on the fatty acid (FA) profiles of total lipids and lipid classes in yolk, liver and plasma. Forty-eight hens were individually caged and fed one of six diets containing either HS:10, 20 or 30, HO:4.5 or 9.0 (%, diet) or a control (containing corn oil), providing a range (0.1–1.28 %, diet) of ALA. Fatty acid methyl esters of total lipids and lipid classes, including phosphatidyl choline (PtdCho) and ethanolamine (PtdEtn) in yolk, plasma and liver were then determined. Levels of n-3 FAs in both total lipids and lipid classes increased in all tissues. ALA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) increased linearly, while docosapentaenoic acid and DHA increased quadratically. The FA profiles of yolk closely reflected levels in both plasma and liver. While ALA was highly concentrated in the triacylglycerol, it was low but equally distributed between PtdCho and PtdEtn in all tissues; however, the net accumulation was lower (P < 0.0001) in liver compared to yolk and plasma. Levels of EPA and ALA in yolk-PtdEtn were linearly (P < 0.0001; R 2 = 0.93) associated, and reflected those in liver-PtdEtn (P < 0.0001; R 2 = 0.90). In the liver, a strong inverse correlation (P < 0.0001; r = −0.94) between PL-DHA and ALA-to-EPA ratio in PtdEtn supports theories of low substrate availability, possibly limiting the conversion of ALA into DHA for egg enrichment.



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Reflections on the Historiography of American Eugenics: Trends, Fractures, Tensions

Abstract

By the 1950s, eugenics had lost its scientific status; it now belonged to the context rather than to the content of science. Interest in the subject was also at low ebb. But that situation would soon change dramatically. Indeed, in an essay-review published in 1993, Philip Pauly commented that a "eugenics industry" had come to rival the "Darwin industry" in importance, although the former seemed less integrated than the latter. Since then, the pace of publication on eugenics, including American eugenics, has only accelerated, while the field has become even more fractured, moving in multiple and even contradictory directions. This essay explores the trajectory of work on the history of American eugenics since interest in the subject revived in the 1960s, noting trends and also fractures. The latter are seen to result partly from the fact that professional historians no longer own the subject, which has attracted the interest of scholars in several other disciplines as well as scientists, political activists, and journalists, and also from the fact that the history of eugenics has almost always been policy-oriented. Historians' desire to be policy-relevant and at the same time attentive to context, complexity, and contingency has generated tensions at several levels: within individuals, among historians, and between professional historians and others who also engage with the history of eugenics. That these tensions are resolved differently by different authors and even by the same authors at different times helps explain why the fragmentation that Pauly noted is not likely to be overcome anytime soon.



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Transfer of Microparticles across Laminar Streams from Non-Newtonian to Newtonian Fluid

TOC Graphic

Analytical Chemistry
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00710
ancham?d=yIl2AUoC8zA


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Double-Strand Displacement Biosensor and Quencher-Free Fluorescence Strategy for Rapid Detection of MicroRNA

TOC Graphic

Analytical Chemistry
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b04154
ancham?d=yIl2AUoC8zA


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Sputum neutrophils are elevated in smelter workers, and systemic neutrophils are associated with rapid decline in FEV1

Objectives

In a previous study on smelter workers we, found significant relationship between exposure to dust and accelerated annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). In this cross-sectional study at the end of a follow-up, we aimed to investigate the possible association between annual decline in FEV1 and markers of airways, and systemic inflammation in smelter workers.

Methods

Employees (n=76 (27 current smokers)) who had been part of a longitudinal study (9–13 years) that included spirometry (>6 measurements) and respiratory questionnaires, performed induced sputum, exhaled NO and had blood drawn. Participants with annual decline in FEV1≥45 mL were compared with participants with annual decline <45 mL; also 26 non-exposed controls were included.

Results

Compared with non-exposed controls, smelter workers demonstrated a significantly increased percentage of neutrophils (mean (SD)) (57% (17) vs 31% (15)) and matrix metalloproteinases 8 (MMP-8) levels in sputum, and MMP-9, surfactant protein D (SpD) and transforming growth factor β (TGFb) levels in blood. A significant association in FEV1≥45 mL was found for blood neutrophils when controlling for smoking habits (OR=1.7 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.8), p=0.045). Airway and blood protein markers were not associated with annual decline in FEV1.

Conclusions

All workers displayed airway and systemic inflammation characterised by increased levels of neutrophils and MMP-8 in sputum, and MMP-9, SpD and TGFβ in blood compared with non-exposed controls. Blood neutrophils in particular were significantly elevated in those workers with the most rapid decline in lung function. A similar observation was not seen with airway neutrophils. In the present study, we were able to identify systemic but not airway inflammatory markers that can predict increased decline in FEV1 in smelter workers.



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Environmental and occupational particulate matter exposures and ectopic heart beats in welders

Objectives

Links between arrhythmias and particulate matter exposures have been found among sensitive populations. We examined the relationship between personal particulate matter ≤2.5 µm aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) exposures and ectopy in a panel study of healthy welders.

Methods

Simultaneous ambulatory ECG and personal PM2.5 exposure monitoring with DustTrak Aerosol Monitor was performed on 72 males during work and non-work periods for 5–90 h (median 40 h). ECGs were summarised hourly for supraventricular ectopy (SVE) and ventricular ectopy (VE). PM2.5 exposures both work and non-work periods were averaged hourly with lags from 0 to 7 h. Generalised linear mixed-effects models with a random participant intercept were used to examine the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and the odds of SVE or VE. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess whether relationships differed by work period and among current smokers.

Results

Participants had a mean (SD) age of 38 (11) years and were monitored over 2993 person-hours. The number of hourly ectopic events was highly skewed with mean (SD) of 14 (69) VE and 1 (4) SVE. We found marginally significant increases in VE with PM2.5 exposures in the sixth and seventh hour lags, yet no association with SVE. For every 100 μg/m3 increase in sixth hour lagged PM2.5, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for VE was 1.03 (1.00 to 1.05). Results persisted in work or non-work exposure periods and non-smokers had increased odds of VE associated with PM2.5 as compared with smokers.

Conclusions

A small increase in the odds of VE with short-term PM2.5 exposure was observed among relatively healthy men with environmental and occupational exposures.



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Fast Enzymatic Processing of Proteins for MS Detection with a Flow-through Microreactor

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A quick protocol for proteolytic digestion with an in-house built flow-through tryptic microreactor coupled to an electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer is presented. The fabrication of the microreactor, the experimental setup and the data acquisition process are described.

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A Monte Carlo calculation model of electronic portal imaging device for transit dosimetry through heterogeneous media

Purpose:

To develop and evaluate a fast Monte Carlo(MC)dose calculation model of electronic portal imaging device(EPID) based on its effective atomic number modeling in the XVMC code.

Methods:

A previously developed EPIDmodel, based on the XVMC code by density scaling of EPID structures, was modified by additionally considering effective atomic number (Zeff) of each structure and adopting a phase space file from the EGSnrc code. The model was tested under various homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms and field sizes by comparing the calculations in the model with measurements in EPID. In order to better evaluate the model, the performance of the XVMC code was separately tested by comparing calculated dose to water with ion chamber (IC) array measurement in the plane of EPID.

Results:

In the EPID plane, calculated dose to water by the code showed agreement with IC measurements within 1.8%. The difference was averaged across the in-field regions of the acquired profiles for all field sizes and phantoms. The maximum point difference was 2.8%, affected by proximity of the maximum points to penumbra and MC noise. The EPIDmodel showed agreement with measured EPIDimages within 1.3%. The maximum point difference was 1.9%. The difference dropped from the higher value of the code by employing the calibration that is dependent on field sizes and thicknesses for the conversion of calculated images to measured images. Thanks to the Zeff correction, the EPIDmodel showed a linear trend of the calibration factors unlike those of the density-only-scaled model. The phase space file from the EGSnrc code sharpened penumbra profiles significantly, improving agreement of calculated profiles with measured profiles.

Conclusions:

Demonstrating high accuracy, the EPIDmodel with the associated calibration system may be used for in vivodosimetry of radiation therapy. Through this study, a MCmodel of EPID has been developed, and their performance has been rigorously investigated for transit dosimetry.



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An immobilized carboxyl containing metal-organic framework-5 stationary phase for open-tubular capillary electrochromatography

Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Tao Bao, Pingxiu Tang, Zhenkun Mao, Zilin Chen
A novel capillary column with metal-organic framework-5 (MOF-5) as the stationary phase was prepared for open-tubular capillary electrochromatography (OT-CEC). To grow MOF-5, the fused-silica capillary was functionalized firstly using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde as covalent linkers; and then MOF-5 would be immobilized on the inner wall of COOH-terminated capillary by epitaxial growth, to produce a MOF-5-modified capillary. The successful growth of MOF-5 has been characterized and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The influence of pH value and methanol on electroosmotic flow (EOF) of the MOF-5-modified capillary column was investigated. The EOF showed a pH-dependent from anode to cathode. The immobilization of MOF-5 improved the interactions between analytes and layer on inner wall of the capillary. Excellent separations of substituted benzenes and acidic and basic analytes were obtained on the fabricated capillary columns. The MOF-5-modified capillary columns exhibited good repeatability, with relative standard deviations for intra-day, inter-day runs and column-to-column less than 1.87%, 3.53%, and 8.49%, respectively. Our successful application of MOF-5 paved the way for introducing series of dicarboxylate-based isoreticular MOFs to OT-CEC as novel stationary phase.

Graphical abstract

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Sequential determination of trace 4-aminoazobenzene in multiple textiles based on nanoarrayed functionalized polystyrene substrate by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Zhuomin Zhang, Cheng Zhao, Gongke Li
Achieving reproducible signals is a key point to improve the analytical precision and accuracy of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique and further expand the application scope of SERS for on-site and rapid analysis of real sample with complex matrice. In this work, a novel Au@hydroxyl-functionalized polystyrene (Au@PS-OH) substrate was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization and chemical assembly method, which possessed promised potential for the rapid and sequential analysis of multisamples coupling with SERS technique. Au@PS-OH substrate with regular nanoarrayed morphology possessed excellent anti-agglomeration capability even for testing solutions with strong basicity or acidity, mechanic and chemical stability due to the large amount of Au nanoparticles homogeneously and stably fixed on substrate surface. Moreover, excellent hydrophobicity of Au@PS-OH substrate could keep testing droplets of multiple samples stable and uniform spherical shape with similar contact angles to substrate, which guaranteed the reproducible SERS light paths and SERS signals during real sequential analysis. Then, an Au@PS-OH based SERS analytical method was developed and practically applied for the sequential determination of trace 4-aminoazobenzene in various textiles. It was satisfactory that the contents of trace 4-aminoazobenzene in black woolen, green woolen and yellow fiber cloth could be actually found and calculated to be 106.4, 120.9 and 140.8mg/kg with good recoveries of 76.0-118.9% and relative standard deviations of 1.6-5.1%. It is expected that this SERS method is suitable for on-site and rapid analysis of multiple samples in a short period.

Graphical abstract

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Simultaneous determination of four local anesthetics by CE with ECL and study on interaction between procainamide and human serum albumin

Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Hong-Bing Duan, Jun-Tao Cao, Jiu-Jun Yang, Hui Wang, Yan-Ming Liu
A new method of capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with tris(2, 2′-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection has been developed to detect four local anesthetics procainamide (PAH), tetracaine (TCH), proparacaine (PCH) and cinchocaine (CIN) simultaneously. An europium (III)-doped prussian blue analogue film (Eu-PB) modified platinum electrode was prepared and applied to improve the detection sensitivity. The parameters including additives, concentration and pH of the running buffer, separation voltage and detection potential that affect CE separation and ECL detection were optimized in detail. The four local anesthetics were baseline separated and detected within 10min under the optimized conditions. The detection limits (LOD) of PAH, TCH, PCH and CIN are 5.5×10−8, 9.6×10−8, 2.5×10−8 and 3.5×10−8molL−1 (S/N=3), respectively. RSDs of the migration time for four analytes range from 1.2% to 2.5% within intraday and from 2.4% to 4.9% in interday, RSDs of the peak area for four analytes are from 1.7% to 3.3% within intraday and from 2.2% to 5.6% in interday, respectively. The limits of quantitation (LOQ) (S/N=10) for PAH, TCH, PCH and CIN in human urine sample are 5.9×10−7, 9.2×10−7, 8.3×10−7 and 5.0×10−7molL−1, separately. The recoveries (n=3) of four analytes in human urine are from 87.6% to 107.7% with less than 5.9% in RSDs. The developed method was used to determine four local anesthetics in human urine samples and investigate the interaction between PAH and human serum albumin (HSA). The number of binding sites and the binding constant of PAH with HSA were calculated to be 1.03 and 2.4×104Lmol−1, respectively.

Graphical abstract

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Development of a novel naphthoic acid ionic liquid and its application in “no-organic solvent microextraction” for determination of triclosan and methyltriclosan in human fluids and the method optimization by central composite design

Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Hui Wang, Jiajia Gao, Nana Yu, Jingang Qu, Fang Fang, Huili Wang, Mei Wang, Xuedong Wang
In traditional ionic liquids (ILs)-based microextraction, the hydrophobic and hydrophilic ILs are often used as extractant and disperser, respectively. However, the functional effects of ILs are not utilized in microextraction procedures. Herein, we introduced 1-naphthoic acid into imidazolium ring to synthesize a novel ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium naphthoic acid salt ([C4MIM][NPA]), and its structure was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and MS. On the basis of its acidic property and lower solubility than common [CnMIM][BF4], it was used as a mixing dispersive solvent with [C4MIM][BF4] in "functionalized ionic liquid-based no organic solvent microextraction (FIL-NOSM)". Utilization of [C4MIM][NPA] in FIL-NOSM procedures has two obvious advantages: (1) it promoted the non-polar environment, increased volume of the sedimented phase, and thus could enhance the extraction recoveries of triclosan (TCS) and methyltriclosan (MTCS) by more than 10%; and (2) because of the acidic property, it can act as a pH modifier, avoiding extra pH adjustment step. By combining single factor optimization and central composite design, the main factors in the FIL-NOSM method were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the relative recoveries of TCS and MTCS reached up to 98.60–106.09%, and the LODs of them were as low as 0.12–0.15µgL−1 in plasma and urine samples. In total, this [C4MIM][NPA]-based FIL-NOSM method provided high extraction efficiency, and required less pretreatment time and unutilized any organic solvent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of [C4mim][NPA]-based microextraction method for the simultaneous quantification of trace TCS and MTCS in human fluids.

Graphical abstract

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Managing breathlessness: a palliative care approach

Breathlessness is an important and common symptom globally, affecting patients with a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. It causes considerable suffering to patients and also their families, and is a significant cost to healthcare systems. Optimal management of the symptom should therefore be of interest and importance to a wide range of clinicians. Best practice in the management of breathlessness consists of both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions as evidenced by recent randomised controlled trials of multidisciplinary breathlessness support services. As well as providing evidence for integration of early palliative care into respiratory services, these revealed that patient distress due to breathlessness can be significantly reduced and better outcomes can be achieved at lower cost than standard care.



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Adult food-induced anaphylaxis hospital presentations in New Zealand

Background

Food allergy including anaphylaxis is an increasing clinical problem in many countries. Little information is available regarding prevalence, causative foods and time trends in the New Zealand adult population.

Objective

This cross-sectional study investigated the incidence of hospital presentation with food-induced anaphylaxis in New Zealand among adults and adolescents over a 10-year period.

Methods

Ministry of Health hospital discharge data from 2002 to 2011 were analysed using food allergy and anaphylaxis-related International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes to identify acute hospital presentations.

Results

There was an average annualised rate of hospital food-induced anaphylaxis presentations of 4.8 per 100 000 adults (aged ≥15 years) for the period reviewed. Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences by gender, age group and ethnicity, notably higher rates in females, younger adults (15–34 years) and Pacific Island populations. Seafood was the most common food allergen group, followed by nuts. Time trend analysis revealed a 1.7-fold increase in the 10-year period, mainly attributable to an increase in rates in the Pacific Island population.

Conclusions

These data confirm food-induced anaphylaxis as an increasing problem in New Zealand and show significant differences in incidence of hospital presentation in different ethnic populations. Future research will be required to understand and address disparities in the incidence of these conditions.



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Drugs to treat obesity: do they work?

Obesity is a disease that has historically eluded effective medical therapy. Prior to 2012, phentermine and orlistat were the only medications available to treat obesity in the USA, with phentermine approved only for short-term use. However, as of 2015, the repertoire of pharmacological agents available to treat obesity has greatly expanded to include four new drugs: lorcaserin, phentermine/topiramate extended release (ER), naltrexone ER/wellbutrin ER and liraglutide. Each has a unique mechanism of action and all are intended for long-term use. These newer medications share a common strategy to promote weight loss in that they are designed to manipulate the control of hunger and satiety in the central nervous system. Interestingly, the majority of these new agents are combinations of older medications that have been used for conditions other than obesity. The amount of weight loss seen with these agents beyond placebo varies but generally falls in the range of 3–10% of starting weight and requires continual use of the drug in order for weight loss to be sustained. In addition, each drug has a unique side effect profile that should be carefully considered when selecting the best agent for a given individual. This article provides a review of these recently approved medications focusing on efficacy, side effect profiles and appropriate application to the individual patient.



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Comment on: 'Retina nerve fiber layer and choroidal thickness changes in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by Ozge et al

We have read with interest the article entitled 'Retina nerve fiber layer and choroidal thickness changes in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome' by Ozge et al.1 We express our gratitude to the authors for demonstrating significant differences at some measurement points in macular and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). We would like to ask for further details, and make contribution to the article.

In the abstract section, the authors proposed that the finding of choroidal thickening in patients with OSAS could be due to neurodegeneration. We suppose that the thickening in choroid may be related to the autonomic dysregulation that was observed in previous studies.23 In addition, as has been indicated in the literature, it is well known that autonomic nervous system has a major effect on CT.4 As already...



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3D time-varying simulations of Ca2+ dynamics in Arterial Coupled Cells: a massively parallel implementation

Summary

Preferential locations of atherosclerotic plaque are strongly associated with the areas of low wall shear stress (WSS) and disturbed haemodynamic characteristics such as flow detachment, flow recirculation and oscillatory flow. The areas of low WSS are also associated with the reduced production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the endothelial layer, as well as the resulting reduced production of inositol trisphosphate (IP3). The subsequent variation in Ca2+ signalling and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis could lead to the impairment of the atheroprotective function played by NO. In previous studies it has been suggested that the reduced IP3 and v signalling can explain the correlation of atherosclerosis with induced low WSS and disturbed flow characteristics. The massively parallel implementation described in this article provides insight into the dynamics of coupled smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) mapped onto the surface of an idealised arterial bifurcation. We show that variations in coupling parameters, which model normal and pathological conditions, provide vastly different SMC Ca2+ dynamics and wave propagation profiles. The extensibility of the coupled cells model and scalability of the implementation provide a solid framework for in silico investigations of the interaction between complex cellular chemistry and the macro-scale processes determined of fluid dynamics. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



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Restoration of hookworm egg development after prolonged storage in stool suspension

Abstract

Hookworm infection is still prevalent in southern Thailand despite control measures. Hookworm eggs submerged for an extended period under water from rainfall or in latrines may not survive, but they may recover their ability to develop into infective larvae when exposed to atmospheric air. This study examined the survival of the hookworm eggs in stool suspension and the restoration of development capability after prolonged storage. In stool mass, eggs developed normally and yielded infective filariform larvae (FL) in 7 days. On the contrary, in 1:10 stool suspension, hookworm eggs were found to remain at the 4–8 cell stage; degenerated eggs were observed after 15 days of storage, and the number of degenerated eggs reached 80 % on day 30. Aeration of the suspension, or transferring to a Petri dish or agar plate, restored the capacity of eggs stored for up to 15 days to develop into FL; thereafter, the capacity declined sharply. Retardation of egg development under water or in stool suspension may be due to a lack of atmospheric air. Use of "night soil" from latrines as fertilizer may be one factor in maintaining hookworm transmission, as worm eggs can undergo normal development upon exposure to atmospheric air.



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Tick infestation in birds and prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from different places in Germany

Abstract

The importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens for human and animal health has been increasing over the past decades. For their transportation and dissemination, birds may play a more important role than wingless hosts. In this study, tick infestation of birds in Germany was examined. Eight hundred ninety-two captured birds were infested with ticks and belonged to 48 different species, of which blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) were most strongly infested. Ground feeders were more strongly infested than non-ground feeders, sedentary birds more strongly than migratory birds, and short-distance migratory birds more strongly than long-distance migratory birds. Mean tick infestation per bird ranged between 2 (long-distance migratory bird) and 4.7 (sedentary bird), in some single cases up to 55 ticks per bird were found. With the exception of three nymphs of Haemaphysalis spp., all ticks belonged to Ixodes spp., the most frequently detected tick species was Ixodes ricinus. Birds were mostly infested by nymphs (65.1 %), followed by larvae (32.96 %). Additionally, ticks collected from birds were examined for several pathogens: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Sindbisvirus with real-time RT-PCR, Flaviviruses, Simbuviruses and Lyssaviruses with broad-range standard RT-PCR-assays, and Borrelia spp. with a Pan-Borrelia real-time PCR. Interestingly, no viral pathogens could be detected, but Borrelia spp. positive ticks were collected from 76 birds. Borrelia (B.) garinii, B. valaisiaina, B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. afzelii were determined. The screening of ticks and birds for viral pathogens with broad range PCR-assays was tested and the use as an "early warning system" is discussed.



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Identification of host proteins, Spata3 and Dkk2, interacting with Toxoplasma gondii micronemal protein MIC3

Abstract

As an obligate intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii is a successful pathogen infecting a variety of animals, including humans. As an adhesin involving in host invasion, the micronemal protein MIC3 plays important roles in host cell attachment, as well as modulation of host EGFR signaling cascade. However, the specific host proteins that interact with MIC3 are unknown and the identification of such proteins will increase our understanding of how MIC3 exerts its functions. This study was designed to identify host proteins interacting with MIC3 by yeast two-hybrid screens. Using MIC3 as bait, a library expressing mouse proteins was screened, uncovering eight mouse proteins that showed positive interactions with MIC3. Two of which, spermatogenesis-associated protein 3 (Spata3) and dickkopf-related protein 2 (Dkk2), were further confirmed to interact with MIC3 by additional protein-protein interaction tests. The results also revealed that the tandem repeat EGF domains of MIC3 were critical in mediating the interactions with the identified host proteins. This is the first study to show that MIC3 interacts with host proteins that are involved in reproduction, growth, and development. The results will provide a clearer understanding of the functions of adhesion-associated micronemal proteins in T. gondii.



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