Differences in the health-age profile across rural and urban sectors: a study on migrants and non-migrants in China.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to examine age-health differentials between migrants and non-migrants in the context of migration in China. STUDY DESIGN: We use nationally representative data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey to analyze the relationship between age and health across different migration status groups. METHODS: We used a comprehensive measure of perceived health from factor analysis and structural equation models to take multiple dimensions of subjective health into consideration. RESULTS: We found a difference in the association between age and health (net of controls) at age 46 years and above but not for younger age groups. That is, there is a health disadvantage between those who had ever migrated and urban non-migrants in older adulthood but not for young adulthood. However, the age-health profile of rural ever-migrants is not different from that of rural non-migrants. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the effect of migration on health at different ages, which reflects the toll that migration takes on health over time. Our results imply that researchers should take into consideration life stages when examining the migration-health nexus. We also argue that there are potential influences related to China's longstanding division between rural and urban sectors.

Antimicrobial effects of Manuka honey on in vitro biofilm formation by Clostridium difficile.

Clostridium difficile is the cause of the nosocomial C. difficile infection (CDI). The conventional antibiotics used in CDI therapy are often unsuccessful, and recurrent infections may occur. Biofilm formation by C. difficile is associated with chronic or recurrent infections; biofilms may contribute to virulence and impaired antimicrobial efficacy. Manuka honey, derived from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), is known to exhibit antimicrobial properties that are associated with its significant content of methylglyoxal, a natural antibiotic. The aim of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial effect of Manuka honey on clinical C. difficile strains belonging to four prominent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotypes (RTs) (RT017, RT023, RT027 and RT046) and on their biofilm formation in vitro. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs and MBCs, respectively) were determined using the broth dilution method. The biomass of the biofilm and the clearance of C. difficile biofilms by Manuka honey were determined using the crystal violet staining method. The MIC and MBC of Manuka honey for C. difficile strains were equal at 6.25% (v/v). PCR RT027 strains produced more biofilm in vitro than the other examined strains. Manuka honey effectively inhibited biofilm formation by C. difficile strains of different PCR RTs.

Cervical biomechanics and neck pain of "head-spinning" breakdancers.

The cervical spine of breakdancers is at great risk due to reversed body loading during headspin manoeuvers. This study focused on the cervical biomechanics of breakdancers and a correlation with neck pain. A standardized interview and biomechanical testing of the cervical spine of 25 participants with "headspin" ability ages 16-34 years and an age-matched cohort of 25 participants without any cervical spine problems was conducted. Neck pain history, Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM) and cervical torque were recorded. The "headspin" group reported significantly better subjective fitness, more cervical complaints, higher pain intensity, a longer history of neck pain and a worse NDI compared to the "normal" collective. The "headspin" group showed a 2-2.5 times higher rate of neck pain than the normal population, with increased cervical flexion (p<0.05) and increased cervical torque in all planes (p<0.001). The CROM showed a negative moderate to strong correlation with NDI, pain intensity and history of neck pain. Sports medicine practitioners should be aware of headspin maneuver accidents that pose the risk of fractures, dislocations and spinal cord injuries of breakdancers.

Anisotropic diffusion of Fe ions in Fricke-XO-Pluronic F-127 and Fricke-XO-gelatine 3D radiotherapy dosimeters.

A new radiochromic dosimeter was examined with Raman spectroscopy and an optical approach for assessment of 3D dose distribution integrity. The acronym of the dosimeter is Fricke-XO-Pluronic F-127, where XO denotes xylenol orange; Pluronic F-127 is a copolymer matrix of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide), and the dosimeter contains the components of a Fricke dosimetric solution. Two dosimeter samples in cuvettes were partially irradiated such that a radiation dose was absorbed at the bottom of the cuvettes. After irradiation, one sample was stored upside down such that the irradiated part was at the top and another one was stored with the irradiated part at the bottom. Two diffusion coefficients of ferric ion complexes with XO ([XO-Fe]+3) were calculated. They were compared with those for similar dosimeter, however with gelatine matrix instead of Pluronic F-127. The results obtained indicate an impact of the gravitational force on the diffusion of [XO-Fe]+3ions over time after irradiation and thus a possibility of severely undermining the integrity of a dose distribution in irradiated dosimeter. The conclusions drawn suggest the necessity of examination of different 3D Fricke dosimeter compositions for anisotropic diffusion of ferric ions.

Inferior shoulder dislocation after shortening osteotomy of the humerus. A case report.

We present a case of a post-surgical complete dislocation after excessive proximal humeral shortening osteotomy performed in a patient operated on for atrophic non-union of a proximal humeral fracture. This complication has not been previously reported. The dislocation occurred due to extensive laxity of the soft tissue envelope, predominantly the deltoid muscle, as well as rotator cuff tear. The reconstructive procedure consisted of vertical duplication of the capsule, reinforcement of the repair with coracoacromial ligament, tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon to the conjoined tendon and distal transfer of the deltoid muscle. The repair was reinforced with transarticular Steinmann pins. 15 months after surgery, there is an inferior subdislocation present, with full reduction in active abduction. Patient is pain-free at rest, and pain grade 4 in VAS scale in activity with loading.

Gadolinium alginate nanogels for theranostic applications.

Synthesis of theranostic nanoparticles, which combine both therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities in one platform can be considered as a step forward personalized medicine, since it allows tracing the delivery of the drug to targeted organ. Thus, the aim of this work was to prepare gadolinium alginate gel nanoparticles (gadolinum nanogels - GdNG) by the reverse microemulsions and physical crosslinking method as the vehicles able to carry hydrophilic drugs and to be traced by the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The average size of synthesized nanoparticles was about 110nm and the batch concentration was 1010 particles/ml. The morphology of nanogeles was visualized by Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy. Surface of nanogels particles was modified by the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique using natural polyelectrolytes. The cytotoxicity of non-modified and LbL modified nanogels was evaluated by the cellular viability quantification and cell death assessments using MTT and LDH biochemical tests, respectively. We encapsulated the model compound - fluorescent dye (Rhodamine b) in nanogels networks and proved the possibility of GdNG visualization by MRI.

Chronic traumatic thoracic aortic aneurysms-results of endovascular treatment. Fourteen-year single-center experience.

AIM: Chronic traumatic thoracic aneurysms are results of blunt trauma of the chest during motorcar accident. Treatment of choice is the endovascular procedure with stent-graft. METHODS: Between 2000-2012 in General and Thoracic Surgery Department 30 patients with post-traumatic aneurysms were operated. In all cases aneurysm was located below left subclavian artery and in 63% developed during road traffic accident. RESULTS: All patients were operated on with 100% technical success and no device failure was noticed. None of patients died during the endovascular procedure and no serious complications like spinal cord ischemia was observed. In one (3%) case, where left subclavian artery was covered, stroke was diagnosed treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up, one endoleak type IA was found, solved with balloon-plasty. Two patients died due to cardiac diseases.

Workers' perceptions of discrepancies between chronological age and personal age: you're only as old as you feel.

A large manufacturing organization was surveyed to determine whether workers perceive discrepancies between their chronological ages and the ages they "feel" themselves to be. A substantial proportion (61.5%) of the sample did report such discrepancies. Feeling "younger than one's years" was reported significantly more frequently than feeling "older than one's years"; the mean magnitude of discrepancies was 5.6 years. However, age of respondent affected both the magnitude and the direction of perceived discrepancies. Younger respondents were more likely to perceive themselves as older than their chronological ages, and older respondents were more likely to report that they felt themselves to be younger than their chronological ages. The implications of these observations for the understanding and measurement of subjective age and other age-related variables is discussed.

Cardiac endothelin release and infarct size, myocardial blood flow, and ventricular function in canine infarction and reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET) may play an important pathophysiologic role in acute myocardial infarction, but its precise effects are incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interrelationships between cardiac ET-1 release and infarct size, myocardial blood flow, and ventricular function. METHODS: Fifteen closed chest dogs underwent 3 hours of coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. Coronary sinus and aortic ET-1 levels during occlusion and after reperfusion were determined by radioimmunoassay. Left ventricular function and regional myocardial blood flow were measured by echocardiography and colored microspheres, respectively. Myocardial infarct size was determined by postmortem staining with blue dye and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. RESULTS: Coronary occlusion and reperfusion produced significant elevations of coronary sinus ET-1 (p < 0.05) and cardiac ET-1 release (p < 0.05), and a trend toward an increase in aortic ET-1 (p = 0.08). A trend toward more ET-1 release was observed in dogs with larger infarcts (p = 0.06), and in dogs with substantial no-reflow in the reperfused territory (p = 0.05). Endothelin-1 release also was associated with increased contractility in nonischemic myocardial segments (p = 0.002), and ET-1 correlated with increased global left ventricular function (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this canine model of coronary occlusion and reperfusion, greater increases in cardiac ET-1 release were observed in dogs with larger infarcts, and increased ET-1 release was associated with the no-reflow phenomenon in the reperfused territory. These data suggest that ET-1 release may have adverse consequences in acute myocardial infarction, including a reduction of myocardial blood flow in the reperfused zone after reperfusion and increased contractility in nonischemic myocardium.

Estimated cost of dental treatment for active duty and recruit U.S. military personnel.

This paper estimates the cost of restoring U.S. military personnel to optimal oral health. The data come from a 30-site oral health survey of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force personnel conducted from February 1994 to January 1995. A systematic random sample of 2,711 recruits was drawn. From a prestratified, random sample of 15,924 active duty personnel, 13,050 (82% response rate) participated in the survey. Applying their best clinical judgment, one dentist per site charted comprehensive dental treatment needs on each service member. Radiographs were used. After the samples were weighted to reflect the 1994 population of recruits (202,144) and active duty personnel (1,699,662), treatment costs were calculated applying median fees reported by U.S. general dentists in 1995. Results show total estimated costs of $1.9 billion for active duty personnel and $203 million for recruits. Periodontal disease accounts for the greatest proportion (47%) of active duty treatment costs, and oral surgery accounts for the greatest proportion (32%) of recruit treatment costs. The cost of restoring U.S. service members to optimal oral health is substantial.

U.S. service members' satisfaction with family dental care.

This paper reports on U.S. service members' satisfaction with family dental care. The data come from a 26-site survey of active duty Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force personnel conducted from April 1994 to January 1995. Of 12,050 respondents (81% response rate) to a prestratified, random sample, 4,412 had at least one child younger than age 21 or a nonmilitary spouse and answered 16 questions on satisfaction with family dental care. We derived simple distributions and an overall composite satisfaction score using factor analysis. Composite scores, transformed into a continuous variable with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 10, were regressed on respondent demographic and other factors to determine which factors influence overall satisfaction. Descriptive results show high satisfaction with family dental care. Regression results show that overall satisfaction varies with sex, branch of service, perceived barriers to dental care, and family dental insurance status. Because this survey was conducted before the change to the current dental insurance contractor, these findings may not reflect current service members' satisfaction with family dental care.

Put More "Bite" into Health Promotion: a campaign to revitalize health promotion in the Army Dental Care System. II. The cancer initiatives.

During the course of 1998, the Army Dental Care System launched Put More "Bite" into Health Promotion, a campaign to revitalize health promotion in the Army Dental Care System. In this paper, we discuss the content, rationale, and evidence base for one of five health promotion initiatives that are part of the campaign: lip, oral, and skin cancer screening and counseling.

Put more "bite" into health promotion: a campaign to revitalize health promotion in the Army Dental Care System. Part I. The mouthguard, sealant, and nursing caries initiatives.

During the course of 1998, the Army Dental Care System launched "Put More 'Bite' into Health Promotion," a campaign to revitalize health promotion in the Army Dental Care System. In this paper, we discuss the content, rationale, and evidence base for three of five health promotion initiatives that are part of the campaign: mouthguard fabrication and counseling, sealant placement and education, and nursing caries education.

Dental health promotion and preventive dentistry practices of U.S. Army dentists.

In May 1997, all Army dentists assigned full-time to clinical duties (1,100) were sent a mail survey that queried how often they deliver dental health promotion and preventive dentistry services and the type and source of their patient educational materials. By August, 606 dentists had responded. Simple frequencies were generated using SPSS. Results show that tobacco, oral hygiene, and periodontal counseling and oral cancer and blood pressure screening are delivered frequently, whereas nursing caries, mouthguard, sealant, and nutrition services are delivered infrequently. Army dentists relied almost exclusively on oral presentations to deliver health promotion messages. Few used more than one source for health promotion materials. These results suggest that the delivery of dental health promotion and preventive dentistry services in the Army is suboptimal. A campaign to heighten provider awareness of the importance of delivering these services should be launched. The campaign should also teach providers how to make their health promotion efforts maximally effective through the application of proven health marketing techniques.

Aphasia: providing better nursing care.

The ability to communicate affects the total person and penetrates nearly every aspects of living. To best assist those persons experiencing language loss, the nurse needs to gain basic knowledge about the types of aphasia and about techniques to guide these persons in regaining communication skills that promote self-care. For the aphasic, relearning each small step in communication is a triumph. It is hoped that we can aid these individuals in experiencing many triumphs.

Exploiting parallel R in the cloud with SPRINT.

BACKGROUND: Advances in DNA Microarray devices and next-generation massively parallel DNA sequencing platforms have led to an exponential growth in data availability but the arising opportunities require adequate computing resources. High Performance Computing (HPC) in the Cloud offers an affordable way of meeting this need. OBJECTIVES: Bioconductor, a popular tool for high-throughput genomic data analysis, is distributed as add-on modules for the R statistical programming language but R has no native capabilities for exploiting multi-processor architectures. SPRINT is an R package that enables easy access to HPC for genomics researchers. This paper investigates: setting up and running SPRINT-enabled genomic analyses on Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), the advantages of submitting applications to EC2 from different parts of the world and, if resource underutilization can improve application performance. METHODS: The SPRINT parallel implementations of correlation, permutation testing, partitioning around medoids and the multi-purpose papply have been benchmarked on data sets of various size on Amazon EC2. Jobs have been submitted from both the UK and Thailand to investigate monetary differences. RESULTS: It is possible to obtain good, scalable performance but the level of improvement is dependent upon the nature of the algorithm. Resource underutilization can further improve the time to result. End-user's location impacts on costs due to factors such as local taxation. CONCLUSIONS: Although not designed to satisfy HPC requirements, Amazon EC2 and cloud computing in general provides an interesting alternative and provides new possibilities for smaller organisations with limited funds.