bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the incidence, prevalence and true cost of asthma in the UK: secondary analysis of national stand-alone and linked databases in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales—a study protocol
Authors: Mukherjee Mome , Gupta Ramyani , Farr Angela , Heaven Martin , Stoddart Andrew , Nwaru Bright I , Fitzsimmons Deborah , Chamberlain George , Bandyopadhyay Amrita , Fischbacher Colin , Dibben Christopher , Shields Michael , Phillips Ceri , Strachan David , Davies Gwyneth , McKinstry Brian , Sheikh Aziz
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Asthma is now one of the most common long-term conditions in the UK. It is therefore important to develop a comprehensive appreciation of the healthcare and societal costs in order to inform decisions on care provision and planning. We plan to build on our earlier estimates of national prevalence and costs from asthma by filling the data gaps previously identified in relation to healthcare and broadening the field of enquiry to include societal costs. This work will provide the first UK-wide estimates of the costs of asthma. In the context of asthma for the UK and its member countries (ie, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), we seek to: (1) produce a detailed overview of estimates of incidence, prevalence and healthcare utilisation; (2) estimate health and societal costs; (3) identify any remaining information gaps and explore the feasibility of filling these and (4) provide insights into future research that has the potential to inform changes in policy leading to the provision of more cost-effective care.

Methods and analysis

Secondary analyses of data from national health surveys, primary care, prescribing, emergency care, hospital, mortality and administrative data sources will be undertaken to estimate prevalence, healthcare utilisation and outcomes from asthma. Data linkages and economic modelling will be undertaken in an attempt to populate data gaps and estimate costs. Separate prevalence and cost estimates will be calculated for each of the UK-member countries and these will then be aggregated to generate UK-wide estimates.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals have been obtained from the NHS Scotland Information Services Division's Privacy Advisory Committee, the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Collaboration Review System, the NHS South-East Scotland Research Ethics Service and The University of Edinburgh's Centre for Population Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee. We will produce a report for Asthma-UK, submit papers to peer-reviewed journals and construct an interactive map.
Intravenous fluid prescribing: Improving prescribing practices and documentation in line with NICE CG174 guidance
Authors: Sansom Luke Thomas , Duggleby Luke
Published: November 2014

Intravenous (IV) fluid prescribing is a common occurrence in inpatient settings; it has been repeatedly demonstrated that high levels of mortality and morbidity are associated with inappropriate IV fluid prescribing. IV fluid prescriptions are often completed by the most junior and inexperienced members of the clinical team. In recognition of the issues surrounding IV fluid prescribing and in an effort to combat the issues surrounding current practice, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance in December 2013 - 'Intravenous fluid therapy in adults in hospital (CG174)'. At our hospital the approach to IV fluid prescribing amongst junior doctors was highly variable with poor awareness of the NICE guidance.

We defined necessary components for the documentation of IV fluid prescriptions based upon the NICE guidance. Our initial data showed that these components were infrequently documented, with prescriptions often having no indication for IV fluid, no 24 hour plan / review, no documentation of patient weight or request for further weights, and no current or requested fluid balance charts.

Lanyard cards emphasising the necessary components of an appropriate IV fluid prescription along with a copy of the NICE fluid prescribing algorithm were distributed to junior doctors on the acute admissions units. Following the introduction of the lanyard cards there was a significant increase in the documentation of the defined prescription components. Significant increases in the documentation of indication for IV fluid and patient weight, which are essential components of accurate fluid prescription, were demonstrated on both medical and surgical admissions units. Subsequently, as a result of improved documentation and consideration given to fluid prescriptions, we were able to increase the percentage of maintenance IV fluid prescriptions that conformed to NICE guidelines.

As an endpoint to this intervention all new Foundation Year 1 doctors at our hospital were issued with IV fluid prescribing lanyard cards at Trust induction; the authors believe that this intervention will lead to a unified approach and a sustained improvement in IV fluid prescribing practices and prescription documentation at this hospital site.
Ward round documentation in a major trauma centre: can we improve patient safety?
Authors: Green Gemma , Aframian Arash , bernard jason
Published: November 2014

Our objective was to improve documentation and patient safety in a major trauma centre.

A retrospective audit was undertaken in March 2014. Ward round entries for each orthopaedic patients on three dates were assessed against standards and analysed. The audit was repeated in April 2014, and again in August 2014.

Thorough documentation is paramount in a major trauma centre. It forms a useful record of the patients hospital stay, is a legal document and is highlighted in national guidelines. It provides a basis for good handover, ensuring continuation of care and maintaining patient safety. Resultant poor compliance with Royal College guidelines in the initial audit led to the production of a new electronic based note keeping system. A meeting was held with all staff prior to introduction.

Our initial results gained 75 entries, and none showed full compliance. Mean compliance per entry was 59% (0-81%). The second attempt gained 90 entries, with 30 from the weekend. Mean compliance per entry 97%. Third attempt received 61 entries, with 27 from the weekend. Mean compliance was 96%, meaning that the improvement was being maintained.

Recent distressing reports regarding patient highlighted the importance of patient. Our initial audit proved there were many areas lacking in our documentation and improvement was necessary. Prior to introducing electronic systems, the implemented change has produced improvement in documentation, and provides a useful handover tool for staff.
The Mersey Burns App: evolving a model of validation
Authors: Barnes Jamie , Duffy Annie , Hamnett Nathan , McPhail Jane , Seaton Chris , Shokrollahi Kayvan , James M Ian , McArthur Paul , Pritchard Jones Rowan
Published: November 2014

Introduction

‘Mersey Burns App’ is a smartphone/tablet application that aids in the assessment of total burn surface area (TBSA) and calculation of fluid resuscitation protocols in burns. This paper presents two studies assessing the speed and accuracy of calculations using Mersey Burns (App) in comparison with a Lund and Browder chart (paper) when a burn is assessed by medical students and clinicians.

Methods

The first study compared the speed and accuracy of TBSA and resuscitation calculation for a photograph of a burn with App and paper using burns and plastics and emergency medicine trainees and consultants. Developing on some of the feedback and results of that study, a second study was then carried out using burns-naive medical students assessing a fully simulated burn with both modalities. Preference and ease of use of each modality were assessed anonymously.

Results

The clinician study showed a lower variance in TBSA and fluid calculations using the App (p<0.05). The student study showed no difference in mean TBSA estimations (p=0.7). Mean time to completion of calculations was faster and calculations were more likely to be correct with the App (p<0.001). Students favoured the App in the following categories: preference in emergency setting, confidence in output, accuracy, speed, ease of calculation, overall use and shading (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Mersey Burns App can facilitate quicker and more accurate calculations than Lund and Browder charts. Students also preferred the App. This suggests a useful role for the App in the care of patients with burns by inexperienced staff.
First population-level effectiveness evaluation of a national programme to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child, South Africa
Authors: Goga Ameena E , Dinh Thu-Ha , Jackson Debra J , Lombard Carl , Delaney Kevin P , Puren Adrian , Sherman Gayle , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Ramokolo Vundli , Crowley Siobhan , Doherty Tanya , Chopra Mickey , Shaffer Nathan , Pillay Yogan
Published: November 2014

Background

There is a paucity of data on the national population-level effectiveness of preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in high-HIV-prevalence, resource-limited settings. We assessed national PMTCT impact in South Africa (SA), 2010.

Methods

A facility-based survey was conducted using a stratified multistage, cluster sampling design. A nationally representative sample of 10 178 infants aged 4–8 weeks was recruited from 565 clinics. Data collection included caregiver interviews, record reviews and infant dried blood spots to identify HIV-exposed infants (HEI) and HIV-infected infants. During analysis, self-reported antiretroviral (ARV) use was categorised: 1a: triple ARV treatment; 1b: azidothymidine >10 weeks; 2a: azidothymidine ≤10 weeks; 2b: incomplete ARV prophylaxis; 3a: no antenatal ARV and 3b: missing ARV information. Findings were adjusted for non-response, survey design and weighted for live-birth distributions.

Results

Nationally, 32% of live infants were HEI; early mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) was 3.5% (95% CI 2.9% to 4.1%). In total 29.4% HEI were born to mothers on triple ARV treatment (category 1a) 55.6% on prophylaxis (1b, 2a, 2b), 9.5% received no antenatal ARV (3a) and 5.5% had missing ARV information (3b). Controlling for other factors groups, 1b and 2a had similar MTCT to 1a (Ref; adjusted OR (AOR) for 1b, 0.98, 0.52 to 1.83; and 2a, 1.31, 0.69 to 2.48). MTCT was higher in group 2b (AOR 3.68, 1.69 to 7.97). Within group 3a, early MTCT was highest among breastfeeding mothers 11.50% (4.67% to 18.33%) for exclusive breast feeding, 11.90% (7.45% to 16.35%) for mixed breast feeding, and 3.45% (0.53% to 6.35%) for no breast feeding). Antiretroviral therapy or >10 weeks prophylaxis negated this difference (MTCT 3.94%, 1.98% to 5.90%; 2.07%, 0.55% to 3.60% and 2.11%, 1.28% to 2.95%, respectively).

Conclusions

SA, a high-HIV-prevalence middle income country achieved <5% MTCT by 4–8 weeks post partum. The long-term impact on PMTCT on HIV-free survival needs urgent assessment.
Combining research and teaching
Authors: Holmes Peter
Published: November 2014

As Glasgow Vet School celebrates its 150th anniversary, Peter Holmes, Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Physiology and former Vice‐Principal for Research at Glasgow University, reflects on the wide opportunities in teaching, research and management provided by veterinary schools
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: O’Rourke Declan
Published: November 2014

Declan O'Rourke is a veterinary consultant and a member of the BVA Board. He holds an MBA and is a fellow of the RCVS; he will be retiring from the BVA Board in December.
On course
Authors: Hole Sam Luis
Published: November 2014

Having recently completed a certificate in equine dentistry, Sam Luis Hole attended BEVA's advanced dentistry course for veterinary surgeons, a two‐day course organised by Henry Tremaine and held at the University of Bristol. The course concluded on the third day with an international equine dentistry research forum, at which Sam presented some current research.
Internships – a stepping stone in specialisation
Authors: May Stephen
Published: November 2014

Padraig Egan encourages young vets to consider an internship as a worthwhile and rewarding stepping stone in career development
Transferring skills from human to veterinary dentistry
Authors: Gorrel Cecilia
Published: November 2014

Cecilia Gorrel qualified as a dentist in Sweden before moving to the UK to study veterinary medicine. Her plan was to work in small animal practice, but she has gone on to specialise in dental work
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Higgins Andrew
Published: November 2014

Andrew Higgins started his career in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), where he was rapidly deployed to Oman as part of a ‘hearts and minds’ campaign. He has recently written a book about his experiences.
The benefit of hindsight
Authors: Watson David
Published: November 2014

David Watson spent eight years in practice in Suffolk, building up a small animal clinic, before beginning a career that spanned 22 years in the animal health industry. He has always had an interest in the media and communication and, following a chance conversation, switched from the pharma industry to a career in veterinary journalism. He is now the communications officer for the diocese of Truro
Graduate diploma in professional and clinical veterinary nursing
Authors: Welsh Perdi
Published: November 2014

Three groups of VNs have now successfully completed the Royal Veterinary College's (RVC's) graduate diploma in professional and clinical veterinary nursing. Course director Perdi Welsh explains how this online course offers working VNs the chance to study for a university qualification
Ten minute chat
Authors: Taylor Chris
Published: November 2014

After seven years in general practice, Chris Taylor joined the pharmaceutical industry and is now technical director of Virbac Animal Health
New insights into lung development and diseases: the role of microRNAs
Authors: Johar Dina , Siragam Vinayakumar , Mahood Thomas H. , Keijzer Richard
Published: November 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous noncoding RNA molecules (∼22 nucleotides) that can regulate gene expression at the post-transcription level. Research interest in the role of miRNAs in lung biology is emerging. MiRNAs have been implicated in a range of processes such as development, homeostasis, and inflammatory diseases in lung tissues and are capable of inducing differentiation, morphogenesis, and apoptosis. In recent years, several studies have reported that miRNAs are differentially regulated in lung development and lung diseases in response to epigenetic changes, providing new insights for their versatile role in various physiological and pathological processes in the lung. In this review, we discuss the contribution of miRNAs to lung development and diseases and possible future implications in the field of lung biology.
Nonlinear response of laterally loaded rigid piles in sliding soil
Authors: Guo Wei Dong
Published: November 2014

This paper proposes a new, integrated two-layer model to capture nonlinear response of rotationally restrained laterally loaded rigid piles subjected to soil movement (sliding soil, or lateral spreading). First, typical pile response from model tests (using an inverse triangular loading profile) is presented, which includes profiles of ultimate on-pile force per unit length at typical sliding depths, and the evolution of pile deflection, rotation, and bending moment with soil movement. Second, a new model and closed-form expressions are developed for rotationally restrained passive piles in two-layer soil, subjected to various movement profiles. Third, the solutions are used to examine the impact of the rotational restraint on nonlinear response of bending moment, shear force, on-pile force per unit length, and pile deflection. Finally, they are compared with measured response of model piles in sliding soil, or subjected to lateral spreading, and that of an in situ test pile in moving soil. The study indicates the following: (i) nonlinear response of rigid passive piles is owing to elastic pile–soil interaction with a progressive increase in sliding depth, whether in sliding soil or subjected to lateral spreading; (ii) theoretical solutions for a uniform movement can be used to model other soil movement profiles upon using a modification factor in the movement and its depth; and (iii) a triangular and a uniform pressure profile on piles are theoretically deduced along lightly head-restrained, floating-base piles, and restrained-base piles, respectively, once subjected to lateral spreading. Nonlinear response of an in situ test pile in sliding soil and a model pile subjected to lateral spreading is elaborated to highlight the use and the advantages of the proposed solutions, along with the ranges of four design parameters deduced from 10 test piles.
Assessment of optimum width and longevity of a permeable reactive barrier installed in an acid sulfate soil terrain
Authors: Pathirage Udeshini , Indraratna Buddhima
Published: November 2014

Removal of contaminants from groundwater using permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) is a cost-effective and popular engineering solution used throughout the world. Dissolved pollutants in groundwater are removed through geochemical processes that make PRBs effective for different types of contaminants. In achieving this, it is vital to determine the optimum width of the PRB to allow adequate residence time within the barrier and to establish its longevity. For this purpose, both field monitoring and geochemical modelling were conducted for a trial PRB located in the Shoalhaven Floodplain, south of Wollongong in Australia. In this study, the optimum PRB width is evaluated numerically, based on the neutralization effectiveness, i.e., when acidic groundwater travels through the alkaline PRB. A model developed previously has been extended considering the residence time, reaction kinetics, mineral precipitation–induced reduction in porosity and hydraulic conductivity, influent concentrations of the contaminants, and groundwater flow velocity. Longevity of the PRB is determined with respect to groundwater flow rates and amount of reactive material consumed.
Lemaitre–Tolman–Bondi dust cloud collapse in Brans–Dicke gravity
Authors: Sharif Muhammad , Manzoor Rubab
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the phenomenon of gravitational collapse of Lemaitre–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) model in the presence of Brans–Dicke (BD) scalar field with nonzero potential field. We find a class of solutions by taking perfect fluid as well as scalar field and check the validity of weak energy conditions. It turns out that two different types of singularities are formed in the presence of scalar field. We conclude that the end state of gravitational collapse turns out to be a black hole (BH) contrary to general relativity (GR).
Inhibition of secreted frizzled-related protein 5 improves glucose metabolism
Authors: Rulifson Ingrid C. , Majeti Jiangwen Z. , Xiong Yumei , Hamburger Agi , Lee Ki Jeong , Miao Li , Lu Mei , Gardner Jonitha , Gong Yan , Wu Hai , Case Ryan , Yeh Wen-Chen , Richards William G. , Baribault Helene , Li Yang
Published: November 2014

Elucidating the role of secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) in metabolism and obesity has been complicated by contradictory findings when knockout mice were used to determine metabolic phenotypes. By overexpressing SFRP5 in obese, prediabetic mice we consistently observed elevated hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance, supporting SFRP5 as a negative regulator of glucose metabolism. Accordingly, Sfrp5 mRNA expression analysis of both epididymal and subcutaneous adipose depots of mice indicated a correlation with obesity. Thus, we generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against SFRP5 to ascertain the effect of SFRP5 inhibition in vivo. Congruent with SFRP5 overexpression worsening blood glucose levels and glucose intolerance, anti-SFRP5 mAb therapy improved these phenotypes in vivo. The results from both the overexpression and mAb inhibition studies suggest a role for SFRP5 in glucose metabolism and pancreatic β-cell function and thus establish the use of an anti-SFRP5 mAb as a potential approach to treat type 2 diabetes.
MAP kinase phosphatase DUSP1 is overexpressed in obese humans and modulated by physical exercise
Authors: Khadir Abdelkrim , Tiss Ali , Abubaker Jehad , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Al-Khairi Irina , Cherian Preethi , John Jeena , Kavalakatt Sina , Warsame Samia , Al-Madhoun Ashraf , Al-Ghimlas Fahad , Elkum Naser , Behbehani Kazem , Dermime Said , Dehbi Mohammed
Published: November 2014

Chronic low-grade inflammation and dysregulation of the stress defense system are cardinal features of obesity, a major risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), known also as MAP kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1), is implicated in metabolism and energy expenditure. Mice lacking DUSP1 are resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity. However, the expression of DUSP1 has not been investigated in human obesity. In the current study, we compared the expression pattern of DUSP1 between lean and obese nondiabetic human subjects using subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The levels of DUSP1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in obese subjects with concomitant decrease in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) and PGC-1α and an increase in the levels of phospho-JNK (p-JNK) and phospho-ERK (p-ERK). Moreover, obese subjects had higher levels of circulating DUSP1 protein that correlated positively with various obesity indicators, triglycerides, glucagon, insulin, leptin, and PAI-1 ( P < 0.05) but negatively with V̇o2max and high-density lipoprotein ( P < 0.05). The observation that DUSP1 was overexpressed in obese subjects prompted us to investigate whether physical exercise could reduce its expression. In this study, we report for the first time that physical exercise significantly attenuated the expression of DUSP1 in both the SAT and PBMCs, with a parallel increase in the expression of PGC-1α and a reduction in the levels of p-JNK and p-ERK along with attenuated inflammatory response. Collectively, our data suggest that DUSP1 upregulation is strongly linked to adiposity and that physical exercise modulates its expression. This gives further evidence that exercise might be useful as a strategy for managing obesity and preventing its associated complications.
Physiology in Medicine: physiological basis of diaphragmatic dysfunction with abdominal hernias–implications for therapy
Authors: Koo Patrick , Gartman Eric J. , Sethi Jigme M. , McCool F. Dennis
Published: November 2014

An incisional hernia is a common complication after abdominal surgery. Complaints of dyspnea in this population may be attributed to cardiopulmonary dysfunction or deconditioning. Large abdominal incisional hernias, however, may cause diaphragm dysfunction and result in dyspnea, which is more pronounced when standing (platypnea). The use of an abdominal binder may alleviate platypnea in this population. We discuss the link between diaphragm dysfunction and the lack of abdominal wall integrity and how abdominal wall support partially restores diaphragm function.
A Lectin fromDioclea violaceaInteracts with Midgut Surface ofLutzomyia migonei, Unlike Its Homologues,Cratylia floribundaLectin andCanavalia gladiataLectin
Authors: Monteiro Tínel Juliana Montezuma Barbosa , Benevides Melina Fechine Costa , Frutuoso Mércia Sindeaux , Rocha Camila Farias , Arruda Francisco Vassiliepe Sousa , Vasconcelos Mayron Alves , Pereira-Junior Francisco Nascimento , Cajazeiras João Batista , do Nascimento Kyria Santiago , Martins Jorge Luiz , Teixeira Edson Holanda , Cavada Benildo Sousa , dos Santos Ricardo Pires , Lima Pompeu Margarida Maria
Published: November 2014

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by phlebotomine sand fly. Susceptibility and refractoriness toLeishmaniadepend on the outcome of multiple interactions that take place within the sand fly gut. Promastigote attachment to sand fly midgut epithelium is essential to avoid being excreted together with the digested blood meal. Promastigote and gut sand fly surface glycans are important ligands in this attachment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the interaction of three lectins isolated from leguminous seeds (Diocleinae subtribe), D-glucose and D-mannose-binding, with glycans onLutzomyia migoneimidgut. To study this interaction the lectins were labeled with FITC and a fluorescence assay was performed. The results showed that onlyDioclea violacealectin (DVL) was able to interact with midgut glycans, unlikeCratylia floribundalectin (CFL) andCanavalia gladiatalectin (CGL). Furthermore, when DVL was blocked with D-mannose the interaction was inhibited. Differences of spatial arrangement of residues and volume of carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) may be the cause of the fine specificity of DVL for glycans in the surface onLu. migoneimidgut. The findings in this study showed the presence of glycans in the midgut with glucose/mannose residues in its composition and these residues may be important in interaction betweenLu. migoneimidgut andLeishmania.
Endosymbiotic Bacteria Associated with the Mealy Bug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Sreerag Ravikumar Sreekala , Jayaprakas C. A. , Ragesh L. , Kumar Sasidharan Nishanth
Published: November 2014

The mealy bug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli, is a menace to the aroid farmers due to the intensive infestation on stored tubers. Spraying of pesticides was able to control this pest but it always left a chance for fungal growth. Bacterial endosymbionts associated with the insects provide several benefits to their host. Since such endosymbionts play a vital role even in the physiology of their host, revealing the types of bacteria associated with mealy bug will give basic information, which may throw light on the management of this noxious pest. The present study is the first to identify bacterial endosymbionts associated with R. amorphophalli employing phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA sequencing. Three culturable bacteria, namely, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus gallinarum, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, were isolated from R. amorphophalli. Moreover, the antibiotic susceptibility tests against the isolated bacteria showed that all the isolates were susceptible to the three antibiotics tested, except cephalexin. Recently, endosymbionts are used as effective biocontrol agents (BCAs) and the present study will stand as a connecting link in identification and effective utilization of these endosymbionts as BCAs for management of R. amorphophalli.
Expression of TNF-α, April and BCMA in Behcet’s Disease
Authors: Shaker Olfat G. , Tawfic Shereen O. , El-Tawdy Amira M. , El-Komy Mohamed H. M. , El Menyawi Manal , Heikal Ahmed A.
Published: November 2014

Background. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is an important proinflammatory cytokine which plays an important role in the immunopathogenesis of Behcet’s disease (BD). B cell activating factor (BAFF) and its homolog A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) are members of the tumor necrosis factor family. BAFF binds to 3 receptors, B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), transmembrane activator and calcium modulator ligand interactor (TACI), and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) that are expressed by B cells.Objective. Estimation of the serum levels of TNF-α, APRIL, BAFF, and BCMA in patients with BD in an effort to evaluate their degree of involvement in the pathogenesis and development of BD.Patients and Methods. This study included 30 male patients fulfilling the international study group criteria for the diagnosis of BD. Twenty age-matched healthy male volunteers served as control. Serum samples were used for quantification of TNF-α, APRIL, BCMA, BAFF, and hsCRP using ELISA techniques.Results. The mean serum levels of TNF-α, APRIL, BCMA, and BAFF were more elevated in cases than in controls in a statistically significant manner(P<0.001). Positive correlation was observed between hs-CRP and BDCAF (Behcet’s disease current activity forum) index (r0.68,P<0.001). None of the TNF family members tested was affected by a positive pathergy test.Conclusions. Patients have significantly higher levels of TNF family members’ (TNF-α, BAFF, APRIL, and BCMA) compared to controls which might contribute to the pathogenesis of BD.
Electroless Deposition of Ni-Cu-P Coatings Containing Nano-Al2O3Particles and Study of Its Corrosion Protective Behaviour in 0.5 M H2SO4
Authors: Ashassi-Sorkhabi H. , Aminikia H. , Bagheri R.
Published: November 2014

Ni-Cu-P/nano-Al2O3composite coatings are prepared on mild steel from an alkaline electroless plating bath containing different concentrations of Al2O3nanoparticles. The protective effect of codeposited nanoparticles on the corrosion behaviour of the coatings is studied in 0.5 M H2SO4solution. The electrochemical methods, that is, electrochemical noise (ECN), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and polarization measurements, are used to characterize the corrosion properties of the coatings. The results show that the inclusion of nanosized particles leads to significant improvement of corrosion resistance of the coatings. The highest corrosion resistance is obtained at 20 ppm of nanoparticles concentration in the plating bath. The ECN measurements results are in good agreement with results obtained from two other electrochemical methods after trend removal. The SEM images prove that nano-Al2O3particles were embedded in the Ni-Cu-P matrix and are dispersed uniformly on the coating surface.
Er:YAG Laser Dental Treatment of Patients Affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Galeotti Angela , D’Antò Vincenzo , Gentile Tina , Galanakis Alexandros , Giancristoforo Simona , Uomo Roberto , Romeo Umberto
Published: November 2014

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Er:YAG laser used for treating hard dental tissue in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).Methods. We report two cases of EB in which an Er:YAG laser was used for conservative treatments. In the first case, the Er:YAG laser (2,940 μm, 265 mJ, 25 Hz) was used to treat caries on a deciduous maxillary canine in an 8-year-old male patient affected by dystrophic EB. In the second case, we treated a 26-year-old female patient, affected by junctional EB, with generalized enamel hypoplasia, and an Er:YAG laser (2,940 μm, 265 mJ, 25 Hz) was used to remove the damaged enamel on maxillary incisors.Results. The use of the Er:YAG laser, with the appropriate energy, was effective in the selective removal of carious tissue and enamel hypoplasia. During dental treatment with the Er:YAG laser, patients required only a few interruptions due to the absence of pain, vibration, and noise.Conclusions. Laser treatment of hard dental tissues is a valuable choice for patients affected by EB since it is less invasive compared to conventional treatment, resulting in improved patient compliance.
Morphometric Identification, Gross and Histopathological Lesions of Eimeria Species in Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Umar H. A. , Lawal I. A. , Okubanjo O. O. , Wakawa A. M.
Published: November 2014

The objective of the study was to identify the species, gross and histopathological lesions of Eimeria in Japanese quails in Zaria. A total of 400 fresh faecal samples were collected and 10 quail birds were purchased from a quail farm. The faecal samples were processed using simple floatation technique. Oocysts shape indices of sporulated oocysts were determined. The intestines were observed for gross lesions and segments were analyzed using Giemsa stain and Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and then observed microscopically for the developmental stages of the parasite. Four species of Eimeria were identified in the study. Eimeria bateri of shape index of 1.36 conformed to the guidelines used while the other three Eimeria species with shape indices of 1.48, 1.03, and 1.40 were not confirmed. The main gross lesion seen was nonhaemorrhagic ballooning of the caeca. Intestinal scrapping smear revealed a developmental stage of the parasite (merozoites) in the jejunum. Histopathology also revealed a developmental stage (schizont) of the parasite in the caecum and desquamation of the epithelial lining with areas of necrosis. Further study is required using molecular techniques to properly identify the unknown species of Eimeria that were detected in the study.
Novel Spherical Robot with Hybrid Pendulum Driving Mechanism
Authors: Ahn Sung-Su , Lee Yun-Jung
Published: November 2014

As regards omnidirectional driving, conventional one- and two-pendulum spherical robots have a limited capability due to a limited pendulum motion range. In particular, such robots cannot move from a stationary state in a parallel direction to the center horizontal axis to which the pendulums are attached. Thus, to overcome the limited driving capability of one- and two-pendulum driven spherical robots, a passive version of a spherical robot, called KisBot II, was developed with a curved two-pendulum driving mechanism operated by a joystick. However, this paper presents an active upgraded version of KisBot II that includes a DSP-based control system and Task-based software architecture for driving control and data communication, respectively. A dynamic model for two-pendulum driving is derived using the Lagrange equation method, and a feedback controller for linear driving using two pendulums is then constructed based on the dynamic model. Experiments with several motions verify the driving efficiency of the proposed novel spherical robot.
Design and Implementation of Radar Cross-Section Models on a Virtex-6 FPGA
Authors: Prashanth B. U. V.
Published: November 2014

The simulation of radar cross-section (RCS) models in FPGA is illustrated. The models adopted are the Swerling ones. Radar cross-section (RCS) which is also termed as echo area gives the amount of scattered power from a target towards the radar. This paper elucidates the simulation of RCS to represent the specified targets under different conditions, namely, aspect angle and frequency. This model is used for the performance evaluation of radar. RCS models have been developed for various targets like simple objects to complex objects like aircrafts, missiles, tanks, and so forth. First, the model was developed in MATLAB real time simulation environment and after successful verification, the same was implemented in FPGA. Xilinx ISE software was used for VHDL coding. This simulation model was used for the testing of a radar system. The results were compared with MATLAB simulations and FPGA based timing diagrams and RTL synthesis. The paper illustrates the simulation of various target radar cross-section (RCS) models. These models are simulated in MATLAB and in FPGA, with the aim of implementing them efficiently on a radar system. This method can be generalized to apply to objects of arbitrary geometry for the two configurations of transmitter and receiver in the same as well as different locations.
Factors Associated with Intention to Donate Blood: Sociodemographic and Past Experience Variables
Authors: Pule Pule Ishmael , Rachaba Boitshwarelo , Magafu Mgaywa Gilbert Mjungu Damas , Habte Dereje
Published: November 2014

Background and Objectives. This study was conducted to assess the level of intention of the general public towards blood donation and the factors associated with it. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in South-East Botswana amongst participants aged 21–65 years. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed for 384 participants. Results. Of the 384 participants, 104 (27.1%) reported that they had donated blood in the past and 269 (70.1%) stated that they were willing to donate blood in the future. Thirteen out of the 104 past donors (12.5%) reported that they had donated blood in the 12 months preceding the survey and only 10 (9.6%) participants reported that they have been regular donors. In the backward logistic regression analysis, the variables that remained significant predictors of the intention to donate blood were secondary education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.92 (1.48, 5.77)), tertiary education (AOR (95% CI): 3.83 (1.52, 9.62)), and knowing a family member who had ever donated blood (AOR (95% CI): 2.84 (1.58, 5.12)). Conclusion. Being informed about blood transfusion and its life-saving benefits through either the education system or the experience made people more likely to intend to donate blood. Evidence-based interventions to retain blood donors as regular donors are recommended.
Relative Contribution of the Topographic Influence on the Triangle Approach for Evapotranspiration Estimation over Mountainous Areas
Authors: Zhao Xiaosong , Liu Yuanbo
Published: November 2014

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the water budget. Estimation ET through remote sensing over a mountainous terrain is typically obstructed by topographic effects. In this paper, topographic corrections were applied to ET estimates using the surface-air temperature difference-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ((Ts-Ta)-NDVI) triangle method with MODIS data for the Taihu Basin in China. The effect of topography on ET was evaluated over an area with a complex terrain. After applying the topographic correction, the results indicate that the ET decreased with elevation and slope. The slope had a stronger impact on ET than the elevation, which caused the corrected ET to decrease by 90% from 6.8 mm day−1to 0.6 mm day−1for slopes over 50°. On average, the corrected ET decreased by 10.4% and 32.1% for north- and south-facing slopes, respectively. The ET corrected using the triangle method strongly depended on the evaporative fraction correction, which can mainly be attributed to the surface temperature correction. We conclude that a topographic correction is necessary when the triangle method is applied to areas with a complex terrain.
Sublethal Effects of Methanolic Extract of Raphia hookeri on the Reproductive Capacity of Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Afolayan Adedotun O. , Borokini Temitope I. , Afolayan Gloria O.
Published: November 2014

Raphia hookeri fruits are used for fishing in Nigeria due to their ichthyotoxic properties. This study investigated the toxic effects of R. hookeri on the reproductive capacity of Clarias gariepinus. The results from both short-term (96-hour test) and long-term (3-month sublethal test) bioassays revealed a linear relationship between R. hookeri extract dose and negative effects on the catfish. The percentage survival of both sexes of the catfish decreased with increasing extract concentration at short-term exposure, with LC50 values of 600 mg/L and 800 mg/L for male and female, respectively. At long-term exposure, the reproductive capacity of 10–12-month-old male and female brood-stocks diminished at relatively higher concentrations of R. hookeri fruit extract, with the gravid females producing fewer and mostly unviable eggs. The fruit extract also affected the eggs’ hatchability and fry survival when the exposed gravid females were treated with pituitary hormone and sperms from unexposed males, while the exposed males were unable to sexually stimulate female brooders. Sperms and pituitary hormone from exposed males were infertile, leading to low percentage of hatched eggs and mortality of the few hatched fries within 24 hours. These results confirmed the ethnobotanical use of this fruit extract for fishing in Nigeria.
Consequences of Lethal-Whole-Body Gamma Radiation and Possible Ameliorative Role of Melatonin
Authors: Mihandoost Ehsan , Shirazi Alireza , Mahdavi Seied Rabie , Aliasgharzadeh Akbar
Published: November 2014

Gamma radiation induces the generation of free radicals, leading to serious cellular damages in biological systems. Radioprotectors act as prophylactic agents that are administered to shield normal cells and tissues from the deleterious effects of radiation. Melatonin synergistically acts as an immune-stimulator and antioxidant. We investigated the possible radioprotective role of melatonin (100 mg/kg i.p.) against lethal-whole-body radiation- (10 Gy) induced sickness, body weight loss, and mortality in rats. Results of the present study suggest that exposure to lethal-whole-body radiation incurred mortality, body weight loss, and apoptosis and it also depleted the immunity and the antioxidant status of the rats. Our results show that melatonin pretreatment provides protection against radiation induced mortality, oxidative stress, and immune-suppression. The melatonin pretreated irradiated rats showed less change in body weight as compared to radiation only group. On the other hand, melatonin appeared to have another radioprotective role, suggesting that melatonin may reduce apoptosis through a caspase-3-mediated pathway by blocking caspase-3 activity.
A Case of Retroperitoneal Castleman’s Disease and an Update on the Latest Evidence
Authors: Spartalis Eleftherios , Charalampoudis Petros , Kandilis Apostolos , Athanasiou Antonios , Tsaparas Petros , Voutsarakis Athanasios , Kostakis Ioannis D. , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Svolou Evanthia , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Nikiteas Nikolaos , Kouraklis Gregory
Published: November 2014

Castleman’s disease is a benign lymphoproliferative condition with three distinct histological subtypes. Clinically it presents in either a unicentric or multicentric manner and can affect various anatomic regions, the mediastinum being the most frequent location. We herein present a rare case of unifocal retroperitoneal mass proved to be hyaline vascular Castleman’s disease. We perform a review of the current literature pertaining to such lesions, focusing on the management of the various clinical and histological variants of the disease. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for unifocal Castleman’s disease.
Incidence and Outcomes of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: Results from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database
Authors: Lettieri Christina K. , Garcia-Filion Pamela , Hingorani Pooja
Published: November 2014

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare but highly fatal malignancy. Due to the rarity of this neoplasm, no large population based studies exist.Procedure. This is a retrospective cohort analysis. Incidence rates were calculated based on sex and ethnicity and compared statistically. Gender-, ethnicity-, and treatment- based survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results. A total of 192 cases of DSRCT were identified. Peak incidence age was between 20 and 24 years. Age-adjusted incidence rate for blacks was 0.5 cases/million and for whites was 0.2 cases/million (P=0.037). There was no statistically significant difference in survival based on gender or ethnicity. When adjusted for age, there was no statistically significant difference in survival amongst patients who received radiation therapy compared to those who did not (HRadj = 0.73; 95% CI 0.49, 1.11). There was a statistically significant survival advantage for patients who received radiation after surgery compared to those who did not (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.30, 0.79).Conclusion. DSRCT is more common in males and in people of African-American descent. Although overall survival remains poor, radiation therapy following surgery seems to improve outcome in these patients.
Application of Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates as Surgical Films for Ventral Hernia Repair in Mice
Authors: Chen Yun , Tsai Ya-Hui , Chou I-Ning , Tseng Sheng-Hong , Wu Ho-Shing
Published: November 2014

The cytotoxicity and biosafety of poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (P3HBV) films were investigated in vitro using 3T3 fibroblast cells and in vivo through subcutaneous implantation of the film in mice. The in vitro test revealed that endotoxin-free P3HB and P3HBV films allowed cell attachment and growth. Film-soaked conditional media showed no significant inhibitory or cytotoxic effects on cell proliferation. The in vivo absorption test showed that both the P3HB and P3HBV films slowly degraded and that P3HB had a slower degradation rate than that of P3HBV. Applying a P3HB film in hernia repair demonstrated a favorable outcome: the film was able to correct the abdominal ventral hernia by inducing connective tissue and fat ingrowth and exhibited an extremely slow rate of degradation. Furthermore, the P3HB film demonstrated the advantage of lower intestinal adhesion to the ventral hernia site compared with the P3HBV and PP commercial films.
An Approximations Based Approach to Optimal Control of Switched Dynamic Systems
Authors: Azhmyakov Vadim , Rodriguez Serrezuela Ruthber , Rios Gallardo Angela Magnolia , Gerardo Vargas Winston
Published: November 2014

Our paper deals with a new computational approach to optimal control design for a class of switched systems. The control strategy we propose is based on the conventional proximal point method applied to a specific optimal control problem (OCP) with switched dynamics. The class of OCPs under consideration is widely applicable in optimization of real‐world electronic systems. We create constructive approximations for the initially given sophisticated OCP, establish numerical stability (consistency) of the resulting algorithm, and develop an optimal control strategy. We finally discuss some implementability issues, study an illustrative example, and also point to possible generalizations of the elaborated control design in the context of nonlinear hybrid systems.
Distribution of Microstructure and Vickers Hardness in Spur Bevel Gear Formed by Cold Rotary Forging
Authors: Zhuang Wuhao , Hua Lin , Han Xinghui , Dong Liying
Published: November 2014

Cold rotary forging is a novel metal forming technology which is widely used to produce the high performance gears. Investigating the microstructure and mechanical property of cold rotary forged gears has a great significance in improving their service performance. In this study, the grain morphology in different regions of the spur bevel gear which is processed by cold rotary forging is presented. And the distribution regulars of the grain deformation and Vickers hardness in the transverse and axial sections of the gear tooth are studied experimentally. A three-dimensional rigid-plastic FE model is developed to simulate the cold rotary forging process of a spur bevel gear under the DEFORM-3D software environment. The variation of effective strain in the spur bevel gear has been investigated so as to explain the distribution regulars of the microstructure and Vickers hardness. The results of this research thoroughly reveal the inhomogeneous deformation mechanisms in cold rotary forging of spur bevel gears and provide valuable guidelines for improving the performance of cold rotary forged spur bevel gears.