Showing papers by "State University of New York System published in 2015"
TL;DR: Racism was associated with poorer mental health, including depression, anxiety, psychological stress and various other outcomes, and the association between racism and physical health was significantly stronger for Asian American and Latino(a) American participants compared with African American participants.
Abstract: Despite a growing body of epidemiological evidence in recent years documenting the health impacts of racism, the cumulative evidence base has yet to be synthesized in a comprehensive meta-analysis focused specifically on racism as a determinant of health. This meta-analysis reviewed the literature focusing on the relationship between reported racism and mental and physical health outcomes. Data from 293 studies reported in 333 articles published between 1983 and 2013, and conducted predominately in the U.S., were analysed using random effects models and mean weighted effect sizes. Racism was associated with poorer mental health (negative mental health: r = -.23, 95% CI [-.24,-.21], k = 227; positive mental health: r = -.13, 95% CI [-.16,-.10], k = 113), including depression, anxiety, psychological stress and various other outcomes. Racism was also associated with poorer general health (r = -.13 (95% CI [-.18,-.09], k = 30), and poorer physical health (r = -.09, 95% CI [-.12,-.06], k = 50). Moderation effects were found for some outcomes with regard to study and exposure characteristics. Effect sizes of racism on mental health were stronger in cross-sectional compared with longitudinal data and in non-representative samples compared with representative samples. Age, sex, birthplace and education level did not moderate the effects of racism on health. Ethnicity significantly moderated the effect of racism on negative mental health and physical health: the association between racism and negative mental health was significantly stronger for Asian American and Latino(a) American participants compared with African American participants, and the association between racism and physical health was significantly stronger for Latino(a) American participants compared with African American participants. Protocol PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013005464.
1,412 citations
1,366 citations
TL;DR: A high prevalence of periodontitis in US adults aged ≥30 years is confirmed, with almost fifty-percent affected, and the prevalence was greater in non-Hispanic Asians than non- Hispanic whites, although lower than other minorities.
Abstract: Background: This report describes prevalence, severity, and extent of periodontitis in the US adult population using combined data from the 2009 to 2010 and 2011 to 2012 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).Methods: Estimates were derived for dentate adults, aged ≥30 years, from the US civilian non-institutionalized population. Periodontitis was defined by combinations of clinical attachment loss (AL) and periodontal probing depth (PD) from six sites per tooth on all teeth, except third molars, using standard surveillance case definitions. For the first time in NHANES history, sufficient numbers of non-Hispanic Asians were sampled in 2011 to 2012 to provide reliable estimates of their periodontitis prevalence.Results: In 2009 to 2012, 46% of US adults, representing 64.7 million people, had periodontitis, with 8.9% having severe periodontitis. Overall, 3.8% of all periodontal sites (10.6% of all teeth) had PD ≥4 mm, and 19.3% of sites (37.4% teeth) had AL ≥3 mm. Periodont...
1,093 citations
TL;DR: A q-form global symmetry is a global symmetry for which the charged operators are of space-time dimension q; e.g. strings, membranes, etc. as discussed by the authors, which leads to Ward identities and hence to selection rules on amplitudes.
Abstract: A q-form global symmetry is a global symmetry for which the charged operators are of space-time dimension q; e.g. Wilson lines, surface defects, etc., and the charged excitations have q spatial dimensions; e.g. strings, membranes, etc. Many of the properties of ordinary global symmetries (q = 0) apply here. They lead to Ward identities and hence to selection rules on amplitudes. Such global symmetries can be coupled to classical background fields and they can be gauged by summing over these classical fields. These generalized global symmetries can be spontaneously broken (either completely or to a sub-group). They can also have ’t Hooft anomalies, which prevent us from gauging them, but lead to ’t Hooft anomaly matching conditions. Such anomalies can also lead to anomaly inflow on various defects and exotic Symmetry Protected Topological phases. Our analysis of these symmetries gives a new unified perspective of many known phenomena and uncovers new results.
952 citations
TL;DR: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has risen substantially worldwide in less than one generation as discussed by the authors and the average weight of a child has risen by more than 5 kg within three decades, to a point where a third of the country's children are overweight or obese.
780 citations
SUNY Downstate Medical Center1, State University of New York System2, University of Copenhagen3, Albert Einstein College of Medicine4, Duke University5, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center6, University of California, San Francisco7, University of Alabama at Birmingham8, Creighton University9, Ohio State University10, Kuwait University11, Springfield College12
TL;DR: 12 points of evidence supporting the use of low-carbohydrate diets as the first approach to treating type 2 diabetes and as the most effective adjunct to pharmacology in type 1 are presented and represent the best-documented, least controversial results.
692 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that risk variants for psychiatric disorders aggregate in particular biological pathways and that these pathways are frequently shared between disorders.
Abstract: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of psychiatric disorders have identified multiple genetic associations with such disorders, but better methods are needed to derive the underlying biological mechanisms that these signals indicate. We sought to identify biological pathways in GWAS data from over 60,000 participants from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. We developed an analysis framework to rank pathways that requires only summary statistics. We combined this score across disorders to find common pathways across three adult psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. Histone methylation processes showed the strongest association, and we also found statistically significant evidence for associations with multiple immune and neuronal signaling pathways and with the postsynaptic density. Our study indicates that risk variants for psychiatric disorders aggregate in particular biological pathways and that these pathways are frequently shared between disorders. Our results confirm known mechanisms and suggest several novel insights into the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
630 citations
TL;DR: The second harmonic generation (SHG) properties of the hybrid organic/inorganic germanium perovskite compounds display remarkably strong, type I phase-matchable SHG response with high laser-induced damage thresholds (up to ∼3 GW/cm(2).
Abstract: The synthesis and properties of the hybrid organic/inorganic germanium perovskite compounds, AGeI3, are reported (A = Cs, organic cation). The systematic study of this reaction system led to the isolation of 6 new hybrid semiconductors. Using CsGeI3 (1) as the prototype compound, we have prepared methylammonium, CH3NH3GeI3 (2), formamidinium, HC(NH2)2GeI3 (3), acetamidinium, CH3C(NH2)2GeI3 (4), guanidinium, C(NH2)3GeI3 (5), trimethylammonium, (CH3)3NHGeI3 (6), and isopropylammonium, (CH3)2C(H)NH3GeI3 (7) analogues. The crystal structures of the compounds are classified based on their dimensionality with 1–4 forming 3D perovskite frameworks and 5–7 1D infinite chains. Compounds 1–7, with the exception of compounds 5 (centrosymmetric) and 7 (nonpolar acentric), crystallize in polar space groups. The 3D compounds have direct band gaps of 1.6 eV (1), 1.9 eV (2), 2.2 eV (3), and 2.5 eV (4), while the 1D compounds have indirect band gaps of 2.7 eV (5), 2.5 eV (6), and 2.8 eV (7). Herein, we report on the second...
630 citations
TL;DR: The development and the present state of the “tps” series of software for use in geometric morphometrics on Windows-based computers are described and used in hundreds of studies in mammals and other organisms.
Abstract: The development and the present state of the “tps” series of software for use in geometric morphometrics on Windows-based computers are described. These programs have been used in hundreds of studies in mammals and other organisms. Download the complete issue.
617 citations
TL;DR: This work experimentally demonstrate two examples of high-efficiency polarization-sensitive dielectric metasurfaces with 2π phase control in transmission mode with high transmission efficiency at telecommunication wavelengths.
Abstract: Metasurfaces are two-dimensional structures enabling complete control on light amplitude, phase, and polarization. Unlike plasmonic metasurfaces, silicon structures facilitate high transmission, low losses, and compatibility with existing semiconductor technologies. We experimentally demonstrate two examples of high-efficiency polarization-sensitive dielectric metasurfaces with 2π phase control in transmission mode (45% transmission efficiency for the vortex converter and 36% transmission efficiency for the beam steering device) at telecommunication wavelengths. Silicon metasurfaces are poised to enable a versatile platform for the realization of all-optical circuitry on a chip.
543 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a new class of multifunctional electrocatalysts consisting of dominant metallic Ni or Co with small fraction of their oxides anchored onto nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) including Co-CoO/N-rGO and Ni-NiO/Ni-N-RGO were prepared via a pyrolysis of graphene oxide and cobalt or nickel salts.
Abstract: Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) along with hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have been considered critical processes for electrochemical energy conversion and storage through metal-air battery, fuel cell, and water electrolyzer technologies. Here, a new class of multifunctional electrocatalysts consisting of dominant metallic Ni or Co with small fraction of their oxides anchored onto nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) including Co-CoO/N-rGO and Ni-NiO/N-rGO are prepared via a pyrolysis of graphene oxide and cobalt or nickel salts. Ni-NiO/N-rGO shows the higher electrocatalytic activity for the OER in 0.1 m KOH with a low overpotential of 0.24 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is superior to that of the commercial IrO2. In addition, it exhibits remarkable activity for the HER, demonstrating a low overpotential of 0.16 V at a current density of 20 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m KOH. Apart from similar HER activity to the Ni-based catalyst, Co-CoO/N-rGO displays the higher activity for the ORR, comparable to Pt/C in zinc-air batteries. This work provides a new avenue for the development of multifunctional electrocatalysts with optimal catalytic activity by varying transition metals (Ni or Co) for these highly demanded electrochemical energy technologies.
TL;DR: The key aspects of nanophotonic control of the light upconverting nanoparticles through governed design and preparation of hierarchical shells in the core-shell nanostructures are summarized and their emerging applications in the biomedical field, solar energy conversion, as well as security encoding are reviewed.
Abstract: Light upconverting nanostructures employing lanthanide ions constitute an emerging research field recognized with wide ramifications and impact in many areas ranging from healthcare, to energy and, to security. The core–shell design of these nanostructures allows us to deliberately introduce a hierarchy of electronic energy states, thus providing unprecedented opportunities to manipulate the electronic excitation, energy transfer and upconverted emissions. The core–shell morphology also causes the suppression of quenching mechanisms to produce efficient upconversion emission for biophotonic and photonic applications. Using hierarchical architect, whereby each shell layer can be defined to have a specific feature, the electronic structure as well as the physiochemical structure of the upconverting nanomaterials can be tuned to couple other electronic states on the surface such as excitations of organic dye molecules or localized surface plasmons from metallic nanostructures, or to introduce a broad range of imaging or therapeutic modalities into a single conduct. In this review, we summarize the key aspects of nanophotonic control of the light upconverting nanoparticles through governed design and preparation of hierarchical shells in the core–shell nanostructures, and review their emerging applications in the biomedical field, solar energy conversion, as well as security encoding.
TL;DR: This work intentionally creates atomic-scale defects in the hexagonal lattice of pristine WS2 and MoS2 monolayers using plasma treatments and studies the evolution of their Raman and photoluminescence spectra to determine the defectiveness of 2D semiconducting nanosheets.
Abstract: It is well established that defects strongly influence properties in two-dimensional materials. For graphene, atomic defects activate the Raman-active centrosymmetric A1g ring-breathing mode known as the D-peak. The relative intensity of this D-peak compared to the G-band peak is the most widely accepted measure of the quality of graphene films. However, no such metric exists for monolayer semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides such as WS2 or MoS2. Here we intentionally create atomic-scale defects in the hexagonal lattice of pristine WS2 and MoS2 monolayers using plasma treatments and study the evolution of their Raman and photoluminescence spectra. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirms plasma-induced creation of atomic-scale point defects in the monolayer sheets. We find that while the Raman spectra of semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (at 532 nm excitation) are insensitive to defects, their photoluminescence reveals a distinct defect-related spectral feature located ∼0.1 eV below the neutral free A-exciton peak. This peak originates from defect-bound neutral excitons and intensifies as the two-dimensional (2D) sheet is made more defective. This spectral feature is observable in air under ambient conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure), which allows for a relatively simple way to determine the defectiveness of 2D semiconducting nanosheets. Controlled defect creation could also enable tailoring of the optical properties of these materials in optoelectronic device applications.
TL;DR: The benefits, obstacles, and challenges that can hinder (and have hindered) implementation of routine outcome monitoring in clinical practice are reviewed.
Abstract: This article reviews the benefits, obstacles, and challenges that can hinder (and have hindered) implementation of routine outcome monitoring in clinical practice. Recommendations for future routine outcome assessment efforts are also provided. Spanning three generations, as well as multiple developed tools and approaches, the four authors of this article have spent much of their careers working to address these issues and attempt to consolidate this learning and experience briefly here. Potential "elephants in the room" are brought into the discussion wherever relevant, rather than leaving them to obstruct silently the field's efforts. Some of these topics have been largely ignored, yet must be addressed if we are to fulfill our promise of integrating science and practice. This article is an attempt to identify these important issues and start an honest and open dialogue.
TL;DR: The results suggest that actions to restore native grasslands in degraded areas, roughly one-third of the plateau, will both facilitate a sustainable ecological development in this region and have local climate cobenefits.
Abstract: In the Arctic, climate warming enhances vegetation activity by extending the length of the growing season and intensifying maximum rates of productivity In turn, increased vegetation productivity reduces albedo, which causes a positive feedback on temperature Over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), regional vegetation greening has also been observed in response to recent warming Here, we show that in contrast to arctic regions, increased growing season vegetation activity over the TP may have attenuated surface warming This negative feedback on growing season vegetation temperature is attributed to enhanced evapotranspiration (ET) The extra energy available at the surface, which results from lower albedo, is efficiently dissipated by evaporative cooling The net effect is a decrease in daily maximum temperature and the diurnal temperature range, which is supported by statistical analyses of in situ observations and by decomposition of the surface energy budget A daytime cooling effect from increased vegetation activity is also modeled from a set of regional weather research and forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model simulations, but with a magnitude smaller than observed, likely because the WRF model simulates a weaker ET enhancement Our results suggest that actions to restore native grasslands in degraded areas, roughly one-third of the plateau, will both facilitate a sustainable ecological development in this region and have local climate cobenefits More accurate simulations of the biophysical coupling between the land surface and the atmosphere are needed to help understand regional climate change over the TP, and possible larger scale feedbacks between climate in the TP and the Asian monsoon system
University of South Florida1, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine2, University of Kent3, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill4, Chapman University5, University of Hawaii6, State University of New York System7, University of Florence8, University of Sussex9, Michigan State University10, La Trobe University11, University of Westminster12
TL;DR: The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3) and its earlier versions are measures designed to assess societal and interpersonal aspects of appearance ideals as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3) and its earlier versions are measures designed to assess societal and interpersonal aspects of appearance ideals. Correlational, structural equation modeling, and prospective studies of the SATAQ-3 have shown consistent and significant associations with measures of body image disturbance and eating pathology. In the current investigation, the SATAQ-3 was revised to improve upon some conceptual limitations and was evaluated in 4 U.S. and 3 international female samples, as well as a U.S. male sample. In Study 1, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for a sample of women from the Southeastern United States (N = 859) indicated a 22-item scale with 5 factors: Internalization: Thin/Low Body Fat, Internalization: Muscular/Athletic, Pressures: Family, Pressures: Media, Pressures: Peers. This scale structure was confirmed in 3 independent and geographically diverse samples of women from the United States (East Coast N = 440, West Coast N = 304, and North/Midwest N = 349). SATAQ-4 scale scores demonstrated excellent reliability and good convergent validity with measures of body image, eating disturbance, and self-esteem. Study 2 replicated the factorial validity, reliability, and convergent validity of the SATAQ-4 in an international sample of women drawn from Italy, England, and Australia (N = 362). Study 3 examined a sample of college males from the United States (N = 271); the 5-factor solution was largely replicated, yet there was some evidence of an underlying structure unique to men. Future research avenues include additional item testing and modification of the scale for men, as well as adaptation of the measure for children and adolescents.
TL;DR: This work demonstrates a reliable approach to FePt NPs with much improved fct-ordering and catalytic efficiency for ORR and HER and much enhanced activity and stability.
Abstract: Fully ordered face-centered tetragonal (fct) FePt nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by thermal annealing of the MgO-coated dumbbell-like FePt-Fe3O4 NPs followed by acid washing to remove MgO. These fct-FePt NPs show strong ferromagnetism with room temperature coercivity reaching 33 kOe. They serve as a robust electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M HClO4 and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 M H2SO4 with much enhanced activity (the most active fct-structured alloy NP catalyst ever reported) and stability (no obvious Fe loss and NP degradation after 20 000 cycles between 0.6 and 1.0 V (vs RHE)). Our work demonstrates a reliable approach to FePt NPs with much improved fct-ordering and catalytic efficiency for ORR and HER.
TL;DR: Real air cathodes made from the bifunctional NCNT/CoO-Ni O-NiCo catalysts further demonstrated superior performance to state-of-the-art Pt/C or Pt-C+IrO2 catalysts in primary and rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
Abstract: The lack of high-efficient, low-cost, and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts that act simultaneously for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is currently one of the major obstacles to commercializing the electrical rechargeability of zinc-air batteries. A nanocomposite CoO-NiO-NiCo bifunctional electrocatalyst supported by nitrogen-doped multiwall carbon nanotubes (NCNT/CoO-NiO-NiCo) exhibits excellent activity and stability for the ORR/OER in alkaline media. More importantly, real air cathodes made from the bifunctional NCNT/CoO-NiO-NiCo catalysts further demonstrated superior performance to state-of-the-art Pt/C or Pt/C+IrO2 catalysts in primary and rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
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10 Jun 2015TL;DR: The endogenous lipoprotein pathway as discussed by the authors starts in the liver with the formation of VLDL, which is then metabolized by the LDL receptor in numerous tissues including the liver, the predominant site of uptake.
Abstract: Cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water and therefore these lipids must be transported in association with proteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles with a central core containing cholesterol esters and triglycerides surrounded by free cholesterol, phospholipids, and apolipoproteins, which facilitate lipoprotein formation and function. Plasma lipoproteins can be divided into seven classes based on size, lipid composition, and apolipoproteins (chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL, and Lp (a)). Chylomicron remnants, VLDL, IDL, LDL, and Lp (a) are all pro-atherogenic while HDL is anti-atherogenic. Apolipoproteins have four major functions including 1) serving a structural role, 2) acting as ligands for lipoprotein receptors, 3) guiding the formation of lipoproteins, and 4) serving as activators or inhibitors of enzymes involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins. The exogenous lipoprotein pathway starts with the incorporation of dietary lipids into chylomicrons in the intestine. In the circulation, the triglycerides carried in chylomicrons are metabolized in muscle and adipose tissue by lipoprotein lipase releasing free fatty acids, which are subsequently metabolized by muscle and adipose tissue, and chylomicron remnants are formed. Chylomicron remnants are then taken up by the liver. The endogenous lipoprotein pathway begins in the liver with the formation of VLDL. The triglycerides carried in VLDL are metabolized in muscle and adipose tissue by lipoprotein lipase releasing free fatty acids and IDL are formed. The IDL are further metabolized to LDL, which are taken up by the LDL receptor in numerous tissues including the liver, the predominant site of uptake. Reverse cholesterol transport begins with the formation of nascent HDL by the liver and intestine. These small HDL particles can then acquire cholesterol and phospholipids that are effluxed from cells, a process mediated by ABCA1 resulting in the formation of mature HDL. Mature HDL can acquire addition cholesterol from cells via ABCG1, SR-B1, or passive diffusion. The HDL then transports the cholesterol to the liver either directly by interacting with hepatic SR-B1 or indirectly by transferring the cholesterol to VLDL or LDL, a process facilitated by CETP. Cholesterol efflux from macrophages to HDL plays an important role in protecting from the development of atherosclerosis. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text, WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG .
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26 Jan 2015TL;DR: A Practitioner's Guide to Stochastic Frontier Analysis Using Stata as discussed by the authors provides practitioners in academia and industry with a step-by-step guide on how to conduct efficiency analysis using the stochastic frontier approach.
Abstract: A Practitioner's Guide to Stochastic Frontier Analysis Using Stata provides practitioners in academia and industry with a step-by-step guide on how to conduct efficiency analysis using the stochastic frontier approach. The authors explain in detail how to estimate production, cost, and profit efficiency and introduce the basic theory of each model in an accessible way, using empirical examples that demonstrate the interpretation and application of models. This book also provides computer code, allowing users to apply the models in their own work, and incorporates the most recent stochastic frontier models developed in academic literature. Such recent developments include models of heteroscedasticity and exogenous determinants of inefficiency, scaling models, panel models with time-varying inefficiency, growth models, and panel models that separate firm effects and persistent and transient inefficiency. Immensely helpful to applied researchers, this book bridges the chasm between theory and practice, expanding the range of applications in which production frontier analysis may be implemented.
TL;DR: The ROADSTER trial demonstrate that the use of the ENROUTE Transcarotid NPS is safe and effective at preventing stroke during CAS, and the overall stroke rate of 1.4% is the lowest reported to date for any prospective, multicenter clinical trial of CAS.
TL;DR: The primary purposes of the present article are to review the current effects of technology on HR processes, consider the existing literature on the topic, and discuss the advantages and potential limitations of using these systems.
TL;DR: This work introduces a concept of multistep cascade energy transfer, from broadly infrared-harvesting organic dyes to sensitizer ions in the shell of an epitaxially designed core/shell inorganic nanostructure, with a sequential nonradiative energy transfer to upconverting ion pairs in the core.
Abstract: Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles hold promises for bioimaging, solar cells, and volumetric displays. However, their emission brightness and excitation wavelength range are limited by the weak and narrowband absorption of lanthanide ions. Here, we introduce a concept of multistep cascade energy transfer, from broadly infrared-harvesting organic dyes to sensitizer ions in the shell of an epitaxially designed core/shell inorganic nanostructure, with a sequential nonradiative energy transfer to upconverting ion pairs in the core. We show that this concept, when implemented in a core–shell architecture with suppressed surface-related luminescence quenching, yields multiphoton (three-, four-, and five-photon) upconversion quantum efficiency as high as 19% (upconversion energy conversion efficiency of 9.3%, upconversion quantum yield of 4.8%), which is about ∼100 times higher than typically reported efficiency of upconversion at 800 nm in lanthanide-based nanostructures, along with a broad spectral ra...
TL;DR: A comprehensive conceptualization of smart city is proposed, including its main components and several specific elements, which is used to create a robust framework and a review of practical tools to identify specific elements or aspects not treated in the academic studies, but essential to create an integrative and comprehensive conceptualized smart city.
Abstract: This study represents two critical steps forward in the area of smart city research and practice The first is in the form of the development of a comprehensive conceptualization of smart city as a resource for researchers and government practition- ers; the second is in the form of the creation of a bridge between smart cities research and practice expertise City governments increasingly need innovative arrangements to solve a variety of technical, physical, and social problems "Smart city" could be used to represent efforts that in many ways describe a vision of a city, but there is little clarity about this new concept This paper proposes a comprehensive conceptualization of smart city, including its main components and several specific elements Academic literature is used to create a robust framework, while a review of practical tools is used to identify specific elements or aspects not treated in the academic studies, but essential to create an integrative and comprehensive conceptualization of smart city The paper also provides policy implications and suggests areas for future research in this topic
University of South Carolina1, University of Massachusetts Medical School2, Albert Einstein College of Medicine3, University of Arizona4, Northwestern University5, Baylor College of Medicine6, George Washington University7, State University of New York System8, University of California, Irvine9, University of Alabama at Birmingham10
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a construct validation of the DII based on data from a food frequency questionnaire and three inflammatory biomarkers in a subsample of 2567 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.
Cornell University1, City University of New York2, Hunter College3, New York University4, Brooklyn College5, Fordham University6, State University of New York System7, University of Vermont8, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai9, Rockefeller University10, Boston Children's Hospital11, University College Dublin12, York College, City University of New York13, IBM14
TL;DR: This baseline metagenomic map of NYC could help long-term disease surveillance, bioterrorism threat mitigation, and health management in the built environment of cities.
Abstract: The panoply of microorganisms and other species present in our environment influence human health and disease, especially in cities, but have not been profiled with metagenomics at a city-wide scale. We sequenced DNA from surfaces across the entire New York City (NYC) subway system, the Gowanus Canal, and public parks. Nearly half of the DNA (48%) does not match any known organism; identified organisms spanned 1,688 bacterial, viral, archaeal, and eukaryotic taxa, which were enriched for harmless genera associated with skin (e.g., Acinetobacter). Predicted ancestry of human DNA left on subway surfaces can recapitulate U.S. Census demographic data, and bacterial signatures can reveal a station's history, such as marine-associated bacteria in a hurricane-flooded station. Some evidence of pathogens was found (Bacillus anthracis), but a lack of reported cases in NYC suggests that the pathogens represent a normal, urban microbiome. This baseline metagenomic map of NYC could help long-term disease surveillance, bioterrorism threat mitigation, and health management in the built environment of cities.
TL;DR: The spacer appears to be an effective tool, potentially enabling advanced prostate RT protocols, and decreased rates of patients experiencing declines in bowel quality of life.
Abstract: Purpose Perirectal spacing, whereby biomaterials are placed between the prostate and rectum, shows promise in reducing rectal dose during prostate cancer radiation therapy. A prospective multicenter randomized controlled pivotal trial was performed to assess outcomes following absorbable spacer (SpaceOAR system) implantation. Methods and materials Overall, 222 patients with clinical stage T1 or T2 prostate cancer underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for treatment planning, followed with fiducial marker placement, and were randomized to receive spacer injection or no injection (control). Patients received postprocedure CT and MRI planning scans and underwent image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (79.2 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions). Spacer safety and impact on rectal irradiation, toxicity, and quality of life were assessed throughout 15 months. Results Spacer application was rated as "easy" or "very easy" 98.7% of the time, with a 99% hydrogel placement success rate. Perirectal spaces were 12.6 ± 3.9 mm and 1.6 ± 2.0 mm in the spacer and control groups, respectively. There were no device-related adverse events, rectal perforations, serious bleeding, or infections within either group. Pre-to postspacer plans had a significant reduction in mean rectal V70 (12.4% to 3.3%, P Conclusions Spacer application was well tolerated. Increased perirectal space reduced rectal irradiation, reduced rectal toxicity severity, and decreased rates of patients experiencing declines in bowel quality of life. The spacer appears to be an effective tool, potentially enabling advanced prostate RT protocols.
TL;DR: Lackland et al. as discussed by the authors presented the Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: Hypertension at the Core, where hypertension at the core was identified as a major risk factor for stroke.
TL;DR: This review of the interactions within nanoparticle dispersions in ionic liquids and of the structure of nanoparticle and ionic liquid hybrids provides guidance on the rational design of novel ionic Liquid-based materials, enabling applications in broad areas.
Abstract: Ionic liquids (ILs), defined as low-melting organic salts, are a novel class of compounds with unique properties and a combinatorially great chemical diversity. Ionic liquids are utilized as synthesis and dispersion media for nanoparticles as well as for surface functionalization. Ionic liquid and nanoparticle hybrid systems are governed by a combined effect of several intermolecular interactions between their constituents. For each interaction, including van der Waals, electrostatic, structural, solvophobic, steric, and hydrogen bonding, the characterization and quantitative calculation methods together with factors affecting these interactions are reviewed here. Various self-organized structures based on nanoparticles in ionic liquids are generated as a result of a balance of these intermolecular interactions. These structures, including colloidal glasses and gels, lyotropic liquid crystals, nanoparticle-stabilized ionic liquid-containing emulsions, ionic liquid surface-functionalized nanoparticles, and nanoscale ionic materials, possess properties of both ionic liquids and nanoparticles, which render them useful as novel materials especially in electrochemical and catalysis applications. This review of the interactions within nanoparticle dispersions in ionic liquids and of the structure of nanoparticle and ionic liquid hybrids provides guidance on the rational design of novel ionic liquid-based materials, enabling applications in broad areas.
TL;DR: The key areas identified provide a roadmap for action regarding the continued use of polymyxins, and are intended to help with the effective and safe use of these important, last-line antibiotics.
Abstract: In the face of diminishing therapeutic options for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant, Gram-negative bacteria, clinicians are increasingly using colistin and polymyxin B. These antibiotics became available clinically in the 1950s, when understanding of antimicrobial pharmacology and regulatory requirements for approval of drugs was substantially less than today. At the 1st International Conference on Polymyxins in Prato, Italy, 2013, participants discussed a set of key objectives that were developed to explore the factors affecting the safe and effective use of polymyxins, identify the gaps in knowledge, and set priorities for future research. Participants identified several factors that affect the optimum use of polymyxins, including: confusion caused by several different conventions used to describe doses of colistin; an absence of appropriate pharmacopoeial standards for polymyxins; outdated and diverse product information; and uncertainties about susceptibility testing and breakpoints. High-priority areas for research included: better definition of the effectiveness of polymyxin-based combination therapy compared with monotherapy via well designed, randomised controlled trials; examination of the relative merits of colistin versus polymyxin B for various types of infection; investigation of pharmacokinetics in special patient populations; and definition of the role of nebulised polymyxins alone or in combination with intravenous polymyxins for the treatment of pneumonia. The key areas identified provide a roadmap for action regarding the continued use of polymyxins, and are intended to help with the effective and safe use of these important, last-line antibiotics.