bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diazaquinomycins E–G, Novel Diaza-Anthracene Analogs from a Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Mullowney Michael , Ó hAinmhire Eoghainín , Shaikh Anam , Wei Xiaomei , Tanouye Urszula , Santarsiero Bernard , Burdette Joanna , Murphy Brian
Published: June 2014

As part of our program to identify novel secondary metabolites that target drug-resistant ovarian cancers, a screening of our aquatic-derived actinomycete fraction library against a cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line (OVCAR5) led to the isolation of novel diaza-anthracene antibiotic diazaquinomycin E (DAQE; 1), the isomeric mixture of diazaquinomycin F (DAQF; 2) and diazaquinomycin G (DAQG; 3), and known analog diazaquinomycin A (DAQA; 4). The structures of DAQF and DAQG were solved through deconvolution of X-Ray diffraction data of their corresponding co-crystal. DAQE and DAQA exhibited moderate LC50 values against OVCAR5 of 9.0 and 8.8 μM, respectively. At lethal concentrations of DAQA, evidence of DNA damage was observed via induction of apoptosis through cleaved-PARP. Herein, we will discuss the isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activity of these secondary metabolites.
RBAP, a Rhodamine B-Based Derivative: Synthesis, Crystal Structure Analysis, Molecular Simulation, and Its Application as a Selective Fluorescent Chemical Sensor for Sn2+
Authors: Bao Xiaofeng , Cao Xiaowei , Nie Xuemei , Jin Yanyan , Zhou Baojing
Published: June 2014

A new fluorescent chemosensor based on a Rhodamine B and a benzyl 3-aminopropanoate conjugate (RBAP) was designed, synthesized, and structurally characterized. Its single crystal structure was obtained and analyzed by X-ray analysis. In a MeOH/H2O (2:3, v/v, pH 5.95) solution RBAP exhibits a high selectivity and excellent sensitivity for Sn2+ ions in the presence of many other metal cations. The binding analysis using the Job’s plot suggested the RBAP formed a 1:1 complex with Sn2+.
Secondary Metabolites from Vietnamese Marine Invertebrates with Activity against Trypanosoma brucei and T. cruzi
Authors: Thao Nguyen , No Joo , Luyen Bui , Yang Gyongseon , Byun Soo , Goo Junghyun , Kim Kyung , Cuong Nguyen , Nam Nguyen , Van Minh Chau , Schmidt Thomas , Kang Jong , Kim Young
Published: June 2014

Marine-derived natural products from invertebrates comprise an extremely diverse and promising source of the compounds from a wide variety of structural classes. This study describes the discovery of five marine natural products with activity against Trypanosoma species by natural product library screening using whole cell in vitro assays. We investigated the anti-trypanosomal activity of the extracts from the soft corals and echinoderms living in Vietnamese seas. Of the samples screened, the methanolic extracts of several marine organisms exhibited potent activities against cultures of Trypanosoma brucei and T. cruzi (EC50 < 5.0 μg/mL). Among the compounds isolated from these extracts, laevigatol B (1) from Lobophytum crassum and L. laevigatum, (24S)-ergost-4-ene-3-one (2) from Sinularia dissecta, astropectenol A (3) from Astropecten polyacanthus, and cholest-8-ene-3β,5α,6β,7α-tetraol (4) from Diadema savignyi showed inhibitory activity against T. brucei with EC50 values ranging from 1.57 ± 0.14 to 14.6 ± 1.36 μM, relative to the positive control, pentamidine (EC50 = 0.015 ± 0.003 μM). Laevigatol B (1) and 5α-cholest-8(14)-ene-3β,7α-diol (5) exhibited also significant inhibitory effects on T. cruzi. The cytotoxic activity of the pure compounds on mammalian cells was also assessed and found to be insignificant in all cases. This is the first report on the inhibitory effects of marine organisms collected in Vietnamese seas against Trypanosoma species responsible for neglected tropical diseases.
Fat Content and Composition in Retail Samples of Australian Beef Mince
Authors: Fayet-Moore Flavia , Cunningham Judy , Stobaus Tim , Droulez Veronique
Published: June 2014

Nutrient composition data, representative of the retail supply, is required to support labelling and dietetic practice. Because beef mince represents approximately 30% of all beef dishes prepared in Australian households, a national survey of the different types of mince available for purchase in representative retail outlets was conducted. Sixty-one samples of beef mince from 24 retail outlets in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia were collected in 2010 and analysed for moisture, protein, total fat and fatty acid profile. A variety of 18 different descriptors were used at point of sale with “Premium” (n = 15) and “Regular” (n = 8) the most commonly used terms. The analysed fat content of “Premium” samples varied from 2.2 g/100 g to 8.0 g/100 g. Forty-eight percent (n = 29) of the samples were categorised as low fat (<5 g/100 g; mean 4.1 g/100 g), 21% as medium fat (5–10 g/100 g; mean 8.9 g/100 g) and 31% as high fat (>10 g/100 g; mean 10.4 g/100 g). There was no significant difference between the types of mince available for purchase in low versus high socio-economic suburbs (Chi-square, p > 0.05). In conclusion, the fat content of the majority of retail beef mince in Australia is <10 g/100 g and a variety of descriptors are used at point of sale, all of which do not necessarily reflect analysed fat content.
Zinc Fortification Decreases ZIP1 Gene Expression of Some Adolescent Females with Appropriate Plasma Zinc Levels
Authors: Méndez Rosa , Santiago Alejandra , Yepiz-Plascencia Gloria , Peregrino-Uriarte Alma , Barca Ana , García Hugo
Published: June 2014

Zinc homeostasis is achieved after intake variation by changes in the expression levels of zinc transporters. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary intake (by 24-h recall), absorption, plasma zinc (by absorption spectrophotometry) and the expression levels (by quantitative PCR), of the transporters ZIP1 (zinc importer) and ZnT1 (zinc exporter) in peripheral white blood cells from 24 adolescent girls before and after drinking zinc-fortified milk for 27 day. Zinc intake increased (p < 0.001) from 10.5 ± 3.9 mg/day to 17.6 ± 4.4 mg/day, and its estimated absorption from 3.1 ± 1.2 to 5.3 ± 1.3 mg/day. Mean plasma zinc concentration remained unchanged (p > 0.05) near 150 µg/dL, but increased by 31 µg/dL (p < 0.05) for 6/24 adolescents (group A) and decreased by 25 µg/dL (p < 0.05) for other 6/24 adolescents (group B). Expression of ZIP1 in blood leukocytes was reduced 1.4-fold (p < 0.006) in group A, while for the expression of ZnT1 there was no difference after intervention (p = 0.39). An increase of dietary zinc after 27-days consumption of fortified-milk did not increase (p > 0.05) the plasma level of adolescent girls but for 6/24 participants from group A in spite of the formerly appropriation, which cellular zinc uptake decreased as assessed by reduction of the expression of ZIP1.
Bioreactor Systems for Human Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Sladkova Martina , De Peppo Giuseppe
Published: June 2014

Critical size skeletal defects resulting from trauma and pathological disorders still remain a major clinical problem worldwide. Bone engineering aims at generating unlimited amounts of viable tissue substitutes by interfacing osteocompetent cells of different origin and developmental stage with compliant biomaterial scaffolds, and culture the cell/scaffold constructs under proper culture conditions in bioreactor systems. Bioreactors help supporting efficient nutrition of cultured cells and allow the controlled provision of biochemical and biophysical stimuli required for functional regeneration and production of clinically relevant bone grafts. In this review, the authors report the advances in the development of bone tissue substitutes using human cells and bioreactor systems. Principal types of bioreactors are reviewed, including rotating wall vessels, spinner flasks, direct and indirect flow perfusion bioreactors, as well as compression systems. Specifically, the review deals with: (i) key elements of bioreactor design; (ii) range of values of stress imparted to cells and physiological relevance; (iii) maximal volume of engineered bone substitutes cultured in different bioreactors; and (iv) experimental outcomes and perspectives for future clinical translation.
Comparing Two Photo-Reconstruction Methods to Produce High Density Point Clouds and DEMs in the Corral del Veleta Rock Glacier (Sierra Nevada, Spain)
Authors: Gómez-Gutiérrez Álvaro , De Sanjosé-Blasco José , De Matías-Bejarano Javier , Berenguer-Sempere Fernando
Published: June 2014

In this paper, two methods based on computer vision are presented in order to produce dense point clouds and high resolution DEMs (digital elevation models) of the Corral del Veleta rock glacier in Sierra Nevada (Spain). The first one is a semi-automatic 3D photo-reconstruction method (SA-3D-PR) based on the Scale-Invariant Feature Transform algorithm and the epipolar geometry theory that uses oblique photographs and camera calibration parameters as input. The second method is fully automatic (FA-3D-PR) and is based on the recently released software 123D-Catch that uses the Structure from Motion and MultiView Stereo algorithms and needs as input oblique photographs and some measurements in order to scale and geo-reference the resulting model. The accuracy of the models was tested using as benchmark a 3D model registered by means of a Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). The results indicate that both methods can be applied to micro-scale study of rock glacier morphologies and processes with average distances to the TLS point cloud of 0.28 m and 0.21 m, for the SA-3D-PR and the FA-3D-PR methods, respectively. The performance of the models was also tested by means of the dimensionless relative precision ratio parameter resulting in figures of 1:1071 and 1:1429 for the SA-3D-PR and the FA-3D-PR methods, respectively. Finally, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of the study area were produced and compared with the TLS-derived DEM. The results showed average absolute differences with the TLS-derived DEM of 0.52 m and 0.51 m for the SA-3D-PR and the FA-3D-PR methods, respectively.
Normalized GNSS Interference Pattern Technique for Altimetry
Authors: Ribot Miguel , Kucwaj Jean-Christophe , Botteron Cyril , Reboul Serge , Stienne Georges , Leclère Jérôme , Choquel Jean-Bernard , Farine Pierre-André , Benjelloun Mohammed
Published: June 2014

It is well known that reflected signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) can be used for altimetry applications, such as monitoring of water levels and determining snow height. Due to the interference of these reflected signals and the motion of satellites in space, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measured at the receiver slowly oscillates. The oscillation rate is proportional to the change in the propagation path difference between the direct and reflected signals, which depends on the satellite elevation angle. Assuming a known receiver position, it is possible to compute the distance between the antenna and the surface of reflection from the measured oscillation rate. This technique is usually known as the interference pattern technique (IPT). In this paper, we propose to normalize the measurements in order to derive an alternative model of the SNR variations. From this model, we define a maximum likelihood estimate of the antenna height that reduces the estimation time to a fraction of one period of the SNR variation. We also derive the Cramér–Rao lower bound for the IPT and use it to assess the sensitivity of different parameters to the estimation of the antenna height. Finally, we propose an experimental framework, and we use it to assess our approach with real GPS L1 C/A signals.
Innovative Pressure Sensor Platform and Its Integration with an End-User Application
Authors: Flores-Caballero Antonio , Copaci Dorin , Blanco María , Moreno Luis , Herrán Jaime , Fernández Iván , Ochoteco Estíbaliz , Cabañero German , Grande Hans
Published: June 2014

This paper describes the fully integration of an innovative and low-cost pressure sensor sheet based on a bendable and printed electronics technology. All integration stages are covered, from most low-level functional system, like physical analog sensor data acquisition, followed by embedded data processing, to end user interactive visual application. Data acquisition embedded software and hardware was developed using a Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP). Finally, after first electronic prototype successful testing, a Taylor-made electronics was developed, reducing electronics volume to 3.5 cm × 6 cm × 2 cm with a maximum power consumption of 765 mW for both electronics and pressure sensor sheet.
Exposure of Lycopersicon Esculentum to Microcystin-LR: Effects in the Leaf Proteome and Toxin Translocation from Water to Leaves and Fruits
Authors: Gutiérrez-Praena Daniel , Campos Alexandre , Azevedo Joana , Neves Joana , Freitas Marisa , Guzmán-Guillén Remédios , Cameán Ana , Renaut Jenny , Vasconcelos Vitor
Published: June 2014

Natural toxins such as those produced by freshwater cyanobacteria have been regarded as an emergent environmental threat. However, the impact of these water contaminants in agriculture is not yet fully understood. The aim of this work was to investigate microcystin-LR (MC-LR) toxicity in Lycopersicon esculentum and the toxin accumulation in this horticultural crop. Adult plants (2 month-old) grown in a greenhouse environment were exposed for 2 weeks to either pure MC-LR (100 μg/L) or Microcystis aeruginosa crude extracts containing 100 μg/L MC-LR. Chlorophyll fluorescence was measured, leaf proteome investigated with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF)/TOF, and toxin bioaccumulation assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS. Variations in several protein markers (ATP synthase subunits, Cytochrome b6-f complex iron-sulfur, oxygen-evolving enhancer proteins) highlight the decrease of the capacity of plants to synthesize ATP and to perform photosynthesis, whereas variations in other proteins (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase) suggest an increase of carbon fixation and decrease of carbohydrate metabolism reactions in plants exposed to pure MC-LR and cyanobacterial extracts, respectively. MC-LR was found in roots (1635.21 μg/kg fw), green tomatoes (5.15–5.41 μg/kg fw), mature tomatoes (10.52–10.83 μg/kg fw), and leaves (12,298.18 μg/kg fw). The results raise concerns relative to food safety and point to the necessity of monitoring the bioaccumulation of water toxins in agricultural systems affected by cyanotoxin contamination.
Les inscriptions de Grammata (Albanie)
Authors: Hajdari Arben , Reboton Johany , Shpuza Saïmir , Cabanes Pierre
Published: June 2014

La baie de Grammata, située dans les falaises de la presqu'île des monts Acrocérauniens, à l'Ouest de Vlora, en Albanie, a conservé de très nombreuses inscriptions sur le rocher, entre le 111e siècle avant J.-C. et nos jours. Elles font penser à celles qui sont gravées dans les grottes de la côte d'Italie méridionale. Les auteurs, après Cyriaque d'Ancône en 1434, H. Daumet en 1861 et C. Patsch en 1900, ont pu, en 2005, en relever plus d'une centaine. Les inscriptions grecques antiques, gravées par des marins en difficulté, invoquent les Dioscures en faveur de tel ou tel de leurs proches. Au Moyen Âge, les inscriptions demandent au Seigneur « de venir en aide à son serviteur » ; l'une d'entre elles mentionne, en 1369, le passage de l'Empereur byzantin, Jean V Paléologue.
Traditions de fondation dans l'épigraphie de Sinope
Authors: Firicel-Dana Madalina
Published: June 2014

Cet article se propose de corriger, dans une première partie, la lecture d'une inscription d'époque classique, récemment publiée dans le corpus épigraphique de Sinope. Le document atteste du point de vue épigraphique le culte consacré à l'un des héros fondateurs de la cité, Phlogios, dont le nom est plusieurs fois mentionné par les sources littéraires. L'inscription d'époque impériale qui fait l'objet de la seconde partie fait référence en revanche à un autre type de fondateur et doit être analysée dans le contexte culturel de la transmission d'une discipline.
Platon, Phèdre, 249 b 8-c 1 : les enjeux d'une faute d'onciales
Authors: Hoffmann Philippe , Rashed Marwan
Published: June 2014

Depuis Marsile Ficin, les érudits ont reconnu que le passage 249 b 8-c 1 du Phèdre de Platon était corrompu et, malgré toutes leurs tentatives, ne sont guère parvenus à le rétablir. La situation était d'autant plus dommageable qu'il s'agissait d'une phrase centrale dans l'exposé du mythe de l'attelage ailé. Nous proposons à notre tour une correction. Celle-ci produit un texte limpide, cohérent et s'explique très facilement par une double mélecture de lettres onciales. Cette restitution conforte le rapprochement opéré jadis par Léon Robin entre la dialectique du Phèdre et le rôle majeur de la diairesis dans les derniers dialogues. Enfin, nous joignons en appendice une liste de toutes les erreurs de l'archétype du Phèdre et en tirons une conjecture quant à son milieu et à sa date d'origine.
Detection and gB genotyping of CMV in Mexican preterm infants in the context of maternal seropositivity
Authors: Arellano-Galindo José , Villanueva-García Dina , Cruz-Ramirez José Luis , Yalaupari-Mejìa Juan Pablo , Uribe-Gutiérrez Gabriel , Velazquez-Guadarrama Norma , Nava-Frias Margarita , Munoz-Hernández Onofre , Mejía-Arangure Juan Manuel
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Congenital (CI) and perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections (PI) can be linked to maternal CMV seropositivity, with fatal consequences in preterm newborns. GB genotyping has been used to analyze genotypic similarity in mothers and infants. The frequency of CMV infection in the context of maternal seropositivity and the viral gB genotypes as well as the genotypic similarity in mothers and preterm infants were investigated. Methodology: Saliva samples and dry blood spots (DBS) were taken weekly from preterm newborns  from birth  until the first month of life, and breast milk samples were taken from their mothers weekly during the first month of lactation. CMV IgG seroprevalence of the mothers and CI or PI in the infants were established. The gB status and genotypic similarities were established retrospectively in DBS and in the breast milk samples. Results: In total, 387 neonates and 375 mothers were enrolled. The maternal CMV-positive IgG serology was 97.3% (365/375). Neonatal CMV was found in 5.1% (20/387) of newborns, and one infant presented with CMV-compatible symptoms. CI was 2.5% and PI in the first month after birth was 11.8%. GB2 was the most prevalent genotype and was also the genotype preferentially transmitted to newborns by mothers with mixed infections. Conclusions: CMV PI and CI in preterm infants from highly seropositive mothers was high, but the rate of symptomatic infection was low. The prevalent genotype was gB2, and this genotype was preferentially transmitted to newborns by mothers with mixed infections.
Cholera outbreaks in Malawi in 1998-2012: social and cultural challenges in prevention and control
Authors: Msyamboza Kelias Phiri , Kagoli Mathew , M'bang'ombe Maurice , Chipeta Sikhona , Masuku Humphrey Dzanjo
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Cholera still remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, although comprehensive surveillance data to inform policy and strategies are scarce. Methodology: A desk review of the national cholera database and zonal and districts reports was conducted. Interviews were conducted with district health management teams, health workers, and participants in communities in six districts affected by cholera in 2011/2012 to obtain data on water, sanitation, and sociocultural issues. Results: From 1998 to 2012, cholera outbreaks occurred every year in Malawi, with the highest number of cases and deaths reported in 2001/2002 (33,546 cases, 968 deaths; case fatality rate [CFR] 2.3%). In 2011/2012, cholera outbreak was widespread in the southern region, affecting 10 out of 13 districts, where 1,806 cases and 38 deaths (CFR 2.1%) were reported. Unsafe water sources, lack of maintenance of broken boreholes, frequent breakdown of piped water supply, low coverage of pit latrines (range 40%-60%), lack of hand washing facilities (< 5%), salty borehole water, fishermen staying on Lake Chilwa, cross-border Malawi-Mozambique disease spread, and sociocultural issues were some of the causes of the persistent cholera outbreaks in Malawi. Conclusions: Despite improvements in safe drinking water and sanitation, cholera is still a major public health problem. Introduction of a community-led total sanitation approach, use of social and cultural information in community mobilization strategies, and introduction of an oral cholera vaccine could help to eliminate cholera in Malawi.
Quantifying the mortality caused by the H1N1 influenza virus during the 2009 pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Perez-Flores Eusebio , Izquierdo-Puente Juan Carlos , Castillo-Perez Jose Juan , Ramírez-Rosales Gustavo , Grijalva-Otero Israel , Lopez-Macias Constantino , Garcia-Ramirez Roman Alejandro , Grajales-Muñiz Concepción , Mejia-Arangure Juan Manuel
Published: June 2014

Introduction: The frequency and mortality of the pandemic caused by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 might have been underestimated, especially in developing countries. This study was designed to quantify the possible underestimation of pandemic influenza mortality and evaluate the concordance between the data reported for A(H1N1)pdm09 mortality and the causes of death reported during the pandemic period of April 2009 to February 2010. Methodology: The death certificates of 754 confirmed cases of A(H1N1)pdm09 infection were included in the study. Data was analyzed using the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s statistical model accounts for the variability in the proportion at each step using the Monte Carlo probabilistic model sampled from a uniform probability distribution. Results: A total of 1,969 deaths were estimated, with an estimated lethality of 5.53 per 100,000 (range, 3.5-8.76 per 100,000) in contrast with the 754 deaths and a lethality of 1.98 per 100,000 infected patients officially reported. In 631 of 754 (83.7%) death certificates from A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza-positive patients, influenza was not mentioned as a cause of death. Conclusions: It is possible that the mortality of the pandemic was three times higher than officially reported in Mexico. One source of error that could explain this underestimation is in the completion of death certificates, because in > 80% of confirmed cases of infection with influenza virus, it was not reported as the cause of death.
First report of Chikungunya virus infection in Nepal
Authors: Pun Sher Bahadur , Bastola Anup , Shah Rajesh
Published: June 2014

Chikungunya virus is an emerging arboviral disease that has been spreading rapidly across south Asia in recent years. Until recently, no chikungunya cases have been reported in Nepal. For the first time, we report three cases of chikungunya virus infection in Nepal
Understanding of antibiotic use and resistance among final-year pharmacy and medical students: a pilot study
Authors: Jamshed Shazia Qasim , Elkalmi Ramadan , Rajiah Kingston , Al-Shami Abdul Kareem , Shamsudin Siti Hadijah , Siddiqui Mohammad Jamshed Ahmad , Abdul Aziz Mohamad Akram bin , Hanafi Muhammad Badrulsyam bin , Mohammad Shariff Najwa Izzati bt , Ramlan Nasrul Hakim bin , Jamil Normunirah bt , Mustapha Nur Hayatul Akmal bt , Hasman Yusri Nuratiqah bt , Shahri Nurul Anisah bt , Ismail Radhiyah bt , Zamri Siti Maryam bt
Published: June 2014

Introduction: This study is aimed to investigate the understanding of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance and its correlate factors among final-year medical and pharmacy students at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. The study instrument was developed by extensive literature search and was subjected to face validity and content validity to medical and pharmacy academics. A pilot study was conducted to ascertain the reliability coefficient. Data was entered to SPSS version 17 and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: A total of 123 questionnaires were included in the study. Out of 123 respondents, 58.5% (n = 72) were final-year medical students, while 41.5% (n = 51) were final-year pharmacy students. The majority of the respondents showed adequate knowledge regarding the course contents related to antibiotics (n = 116; 94.3%). Almost all the respondents correctly reported the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics. Only 15.4% (n = 19) and 27.6% (n = 34) of students were able to recognize Streptococcus pyogenes as non-pencillin resistant bacterium and Enterococcus as vancomycin-resistant bacterium, respectively. Conclusions: The students showed good understanding regarding antibiotic resistance. In comparison to medical students, pharmacy students showed better understanding and more adequate knowledge, as the mean value for each domain was slightly higher for pharmacy students. Extensively improving the curriculum and educating healthcare professionals, especially physicians and pharmacists, right from the time of their educational training can inculcate a moral responsibility toward the judicious use of antibiotics, which can serve to eradicate antibiotic resistance.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and its relationship with climate factors in southeast Iran: a 13-year experience
Authors: Ansari Hossein , Shahbaz Babak , Izadi Shahrokh , Zeinali Mohammad , Tabatabaee Seyyed Mehdi , Mahmoodi Mahmood , Holakouie Naieni Kourosh , Mansournia Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endemic in southeast Iran. In this study we present the epidemiological features of CCHF and its relationship with climate factors in over a 13-year span. Methodology: Surveillance system data of CCHF from 2000 to 2012 were obtained from the Province Health Centre of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in southeast Iran. The climate data were obtained from the climate organization. The seasonal auto-regression integrated moving average (SARIMA) model was used for time series analysis to produce a model as applicable as possible in predicting the variations in the occurrence of the disease. Results: Between 2000 and 2012, 647 confirmed CCHF cases were reported from Sistan-va-Baluchistan province. The total case fatality rate was about 10.0%. Climate variables including mean temperature (°C), accumulated rainfall (mm), and maximum relative humidity (%) were significantly correlated with monthly incidence of CCHF (p <0.05). There was no clear pattern of decline in the reported number of cases within the study’s time span. The first spike in the number of CCHF cases in Iran occurred after the first surge of the disease in Pakistan. Conclusions: This study shows the potential of climate indicators as predictive factors in modeling the occurrence of CCHF, even though it has to be appreciated whether there is any need for a practically applicable model. There are also other factors, such as entomological indicators and virological finding that must be considered.
Occurrence of Clostridium difficile infections due to PCR ribotype 027 in Bucharest, Romania
Authors: Rafila Alexandru , Indra Alexander , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Wewalka Günther , Allerberger Franz , Benea Serban , Badicut Ioana , Aschbacher Richard , Huhulescu Steliana
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Little is known about prevailing ribotypes of Clostridium difficile infection in Romania where CDI is not a mandatory notifiable disease. Methodology: We studied 64 non-duplicate C. difficile isolates from patients hospitalised at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania between March 2011 and March 2012. Results: Sixty-three of the 64 C. difficile isolates produced toxins A and B whereas 44 (69%) isolates produced a binary toxin. Ribotype 027 accounted for 43 (68%) of the 63 toxigenic strains. The remaining 20 isolates belonged to ribotypes 018 (n = 9), 012 (n = 3), and, with one isolate each, 014, 031, 081, 416, 433, 500, 507 and PR03035 (new ribotype). Information on hospital mortality was available for 62 of the 64 patients; among these 62 cases, 4 (6.4%) ended fatal. Recurrence was documented for 11 (18.3%) of the 60 patients for whom this information was available. Multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis of the 43 isolates of ribotype 027 yielded a unique cluster for the Romanian isolates when compared to Austrian or Italian isolates. Conclusion: Our findings sustain the hypothesis of a recent emerged outbreak of C. difficile PCR ribotype 027 infections in the area of Bucharest.
Bleeding complications in dengue are not associated with significant changes in the modulators of the endothelial barrier
Authors: Orsi Fernanda Andrade , Angerami Rodrigo Nogueira , Mazetto Bruna Moraes , Quaino Susan Kelly Picoli , De Paula Erich Vinícius , Annichino-Bizzachi Joyce Maria
Published: June 2014

Bleeding complications in dengue may occur irrespective of the presence of plasma leakage. We compared plasma levels of modulators of the endothelial barrier among three dengue groups: bleedings without plasma leakage, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and non-complicated dengue. The aim was to evaluate whether the presence of subtle alterations in microvascular permeability could be detected in bleeding patients. Plasma levels of VEGF-A and its soluble receptors were not associated with the occurrence of bleeding in patients without plasma leakage. These results provide additional rationale for considering bleeding as a complication independent of endothelial barrier breakdown, as proposed by the 2009 WHO classification.
Exploring Co-studied Massive Open Online Course Subjects via Social Network Analysis
Authors: Jordan Katy
Published: June 2014

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) allow students to study online courses without requiring previous experience or qualifications. This offers students the freedom to study a wide variety of topics, freed from the curriculum of a degree programme for example; however, it also poses a challenge for students in terms of making connections between individual courses. This paper examines the subjects which students at one MOOC platform (Coursera) choose to study. It uses a social network analysis based approach to create a network graph of co-studied subjects. The resulting network demonstrates a good deal of overlap between different disciplinary areas. Communities are identified within the graph and characterised. The results suggests that MOOC students may not be seeking to replicate degree-style courses in one specialist area, which may have implications for the future moves toward ‘MOOCs for credit’.
Pedagogical Innovation within Facebook: A Case Study in Tertiary Education in Palestine
Authors: Shraim Khitam Yousuf
Published: June 2014

The proliferation of Facebook use among students and teachers has created a new learning culture by providing innovative ways for teachers to enable learners to engage actively in different learning activities. This paper investigates the potential use of the Facebook social network site to support faculty in implementing a social constructivist approach to facilitate student-centred learning. To alleviate problems arising from poor student engagement in large classes, 240 students from An-Najah National University, Palestine, enrolled in four sections of an undergraduate Educational Technology course, were encouraged to participate in a number of formative activities through Facebook. A mixed-methods case study approach was followed. The quantitative data from a questionnaire were analyzed and triangulated alongside the qualitative analysis of the content analysis of postings on the Facebook group page and classroom observation. The results show that the technological affordances of Facebook have a very valuable role in facilitating a constructive approach by faculty members. A majority of students showed a positive attitude to learning via Facebook, being provided with more opportunities to engage personally, communicate and work collaboratively, helping them to construct their own learning and develop 21st century skills for life and learning through social interaction. The key to the successful implementation of social networking is initiating institutional change to facilitate the dissemination of the new pedagogical culture.
Faults Classification Scheme for Three Phase Induction Motor
Authors: Mustafa Mohammed Obaid , Nikolakopoulos George , Gustafsson Thomas
Published: June 2014

In every kind of industrial application, the operation of fault detection and diagnosis for induction motors is of paramount importance. Fault diagnosis and detection led to minimize the downtime and improves its reliability and availability of the systems. In this article, a fault classification algorithm based on a robust linear discrimination scheme, for the case of a squirrel–cage three phase induction motor, will be presented. The suggested scheme is based on a novel feature extraction mechanism from the measured magnitude and phase of current park's vector pattern. The proposed classification algorithm is applied to detect of two kinds of induction machine faults, which area) broken rotor bar, and b) short circuit in stator winding. The novel feature generation technique is able to transform the problem of fault detection and diagnosis into a simpler space, where direct robust linear discrimination can be applied for solving the classification problem. And thus a clear classification of the healthy and the faulty cases can be robustly performed, by having the optimal hyper plane. This method can separate the feature current classes in a low dimensional subspace. Robust linear discrimination has been one of the most widely used fault detection methods in real-life applications, as this methodology seeks for directions that are efficient for discrimination and at the same time applies a straight-forward implementation. The efficacy of the proposed scheme will be evaluated based on multiple simulation results in different fault types.
Classical Sliding and Generalized Variable Structure Controls for a Manipulator Robot Arm with Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Melkou Lamia , Hamerlain Mustapha
Published: June 2014

Service robotics is a domain in full effervescence because it allows a human being to interact directly with a robot while guaranteeing both safety and comfort to the human. The pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM), as an actuator, has become a solution increasingly adopted in the applications of service robotics because it provides a robot with joint compliance comparable to that of the human body. Although possessing known qualities, the PAM's nonlinearities make it one of the actuators the most difficult to model. This inconvenience limits the use of classical control as it can result in an unexpected or unwanted behavior of the system. It is thus advisable to opt for robust control algorithms to deal with these problems. Amongst robust controllers, the Classical Variable Structure (CVS) control generating a sliding mode is implemented. This control law is known by its robustness versus modeling errors, parametric uncertainties and external matched disturbances. However, the main disadvantage of this control is the appearance of high frequency oscillations once the sliding surface is reached. This phenomenon known as chattering can cause precision loss and premature actuators' wear. Results in both simulation and experiment show that these oscillations are due to the discontinuous component of the control. Numerous solutions exist for its attenuation. One is presented in this paper, the Generalized Variable Structure (GVS). The objective of this work is the synthesis and implementation of Classical and Generalized Variable Structure Control for a manipulator robot arm actuated by PAMs.
An Adaptive ICT-Enabled Model for Knowledge Identification and Management for Enterprise Development
Authors: Mindila Agnes , Rodrigues Anthony , McCormick Dorothy , Mwangi Ronald
Published: June 2014

Knowledge is vital in achieving enterprise growth and development. This paper argues that treating knowledge management as a Complex Adaptive System (CAS) presents an alternative lens within which processes within knowledge management can be better understood and hence allows scholars in enterprise development design successful intervention programs. The paper presents a conceptual and system dynamic model that reveals the structural underpinnings of knowledge identification and management and in so doing makes clear influence points where interventions can be made. The paper presents a systematic strategy of employing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as interventions in the structural underpinnings of knowledge identification and management and models them within the system dynamic model. The system dynamic model developed is presented as a learning tool for researchers who can further modify it and apply in different scenarios. The validation of a section of the system dynamic model is done on a Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) association. The validation reveals conformity to the structural representation of the developed model in a real life scenario. However, differences are noticed in the ICT interventions that are employed. The paper also presents researchers and practitioners in enterprise development with a model that they can use to design intervention programs in knowledge management.
Normes et spécifications de la carte CanTopo 1/50 000
Authors: Charbonneau L , Donner J , Filion G , Pierce N
Published: June 2014

Les Normes et spécifications de la carte CanTopo 1/50 000 sont une description de toutes les entités et les renseignements indiqués sur une carte topographique du Canada produite depuis 2009 par la Division de la gestion des collections et de la
géoinformation (anciennement le Centre d'information topographique d'Ottawa) de Ressources naturelles Canada. Cela inclut une définition de chaque entité de la carte, des instructions de la façon que chaque entité est compilée et une description des symboles
cartographiques utilisés pour représenter chaque entité de la carte.
Aussi décrit dans ce document est la façon dont les renseignements qui ne sont pas des entités doivent être représentés sur une carte du SNRC. Ces renseignements comprennent la légende de la carte, l'échelle, le quadrillage ainsi que des notes décrivant
la déclinaison magnétique, la projection de la carte et l'équidistance des courbes.
Cette publication est souvent désignée comme étant la Spécification cartographique CanTopo et fournit à l'utilisateur une description détaillée et une illustration de toutes les entités et les renseignements représentés sur une carte topographique du
Canada à l'échelle 1/50 000.
Avant 2009, les cartes topographiques à l'échelle 1/50 000 de Ressources naturelles Canada étaient produites selon les «Normes et spécifications carte polychrome système nationale de référence cartographique (SNRC)».
Motivic Milnor Fibers and Jordan Normal Forms of Milnor Monodromies
Authors: Matsui Yutaka , Takeuchi Kiyoshi
Published: June 2014

By calculating the equivariant mixed Hodge numbers of motivic Milnor fibers introduced by Denef–Loeser, we obtain explicit formulas for the Jordan normal forms of Milnor monodromies. The numbers of the Jordan blocks will be described by the Newton polyhedron of the polynomial.
Ulam Problem for the Sine Addition Formula in Hyperfunctions
Authors: Chung Jaeyoung , Kim Dohan
Published: June 2014

We solve the Ulam problem for the sine addition formula in the spaces of Schwartz distributions and Gelfand hyperfunctions with respect to bounded distributions and bounded hyperfunctions.
On the Field-theoreticity of Homomorphisms between the Multiplicative Groups of Number Fields
Authors: Hoshi Yuichiro
Published: June 2014

We discuss the field-theoreticity of homomorphisms between the multiplicative groups of number fields. We prove that, for instance, for a given isomorphism between the multiplicative groups of number fields, either the isomorphism or its multiplicative inverse arises from an isomorphism of fields if and only if the given isomorphism is SPU-preserving (i.e., roughly speaking, preserves the subgroups of principal units with respect to various nonarchimedean primes).
Evaluation of Protective Effect of Propolis on Parotid Salivary Glands in Gamma-irradiated Rats
Authors: Motallebnejad Mina , Abedi Seyed Mohammad , Seyedmajidi M , Moghadamnia AA , Ashrafpour M , Salehi M , Moslemi D , Ghorbani A
Published: June 2014

Objective and background

One of the most significant side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancers is xerostomia as a result of salivary gland damage. Considering pharmacological effects of propolis, we evaluated its protective effect on salivary glands subjected to radiotherapy of head and neck cancer patients.

Materials and methods

Twenty-one male albino rats (8-11 W, 190 ± 5 gm) were divided into three groups of seven animals. Scintigraphy was performed in all the groups. Then groups 1 (S) and 2 (SR) received normal saline injections and group 3 (PR) received propolis injection over 3 days. After that groups 2 and 3 were exposed to gamma radiation and all the rats underwent scintigraphic assessment on third day and 70th day after irradiation. The lips and tongues of rats in groups 2 and 3 were examined for mucositis daily in first 10 days. At the end, the parotid glands of all rats were examined histologically.

Results

Scintigraphy results of third and 70th day after irradiation showed statistically significant differences between PR and SR as well as SR and S. However, there was no significant difference between the PR and S groups. Histopathologic assessment demonstrated significant difference between SR, PR and S.

Conclusion

These results suggest that propolis has protective effects on salivary gland function in animal models whilst it did not prevent radiation-induced histologic changes in tissues. Further investigations are needed to elucidate mechanisms of propolis actions.

Clinical significance

Regarding to the results of this study, propolis may be useful in reduction xerostomia due to radiation to salivary glands and may be helpful for head and neck cancer patients.

How to cite this article

Motallebnejad M, Abedi SM, Seyedmajidi M, Moghadamnia AA, Ashrafpour M, Salehi M, Moslemi D, Ghorbani A. Evaluation of Protective Effect of Propolis on Parotid Salivary Glands in Gamma-irradiated Rats. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(1):8-11.
Comparative Evaluation of Cariogenic and Erosive Potential of Commonly Prescribed Pediatric Liquid Medicaments: An in vitro Study
Authors: Nankar Meenakshi , Walimbe Hrishikesh , Bijle Mohammed Nadeem Ahmed , Kontham Ujwal , Kamath Ananth , Muchandi Sneha
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Liquid oral medicines being the most accepted form of medication in children are frequently prescribed. The harmful effects of these liquid medicaments on a child's dental health are not known to many. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the cariogenic and erosive potential of 5 most commonly prescribed pediatric liquid medicaments (PLM) in Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune city, Pune district.

Materials and methods

Most commonly prescribed PLM in Pune district were selected as opined by 50 pediatricians. The selected medicaments were Syr. Augmentin®Duo, Syr. Valparin®, Syr. Combiflam®, Syr. Visyneral and Syr. Orofer®. An estimation of pH, percentage of sucrose concentration and calcium dissolving capacity of these preparations was carried out. The results as obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS v 17.0 for windows. The statistical test as undertaken was Pearson's correlation coefficient(r).

Results

Sucrose was seen to be present in Syr. Combiflam® (35.75% ± 0.25%) and Syr. Visyneral (18.48% ± 0.43%). Acidic pH was observed for Syr. Visyneral (mean pH 3.63 ± 0.04), Syr. Combiflam® (mean pH 5.03 ± 0.02) and Syr. Augmentin® (mean pH 6.22 ± 0.02). Highest calcium dissolution was seen with Syr. Combiflam® (295.86 mg/ml) and the least with Syr. Orofer® (25.51 mg/ml). No statistical significant correlation was observed with calcium dissolution potential of PLM in comparison with their respective pH.

Conclusion

Syr. Combiflam® can be regarded as the highest cariogenic and erosive potential medicament among the compared and tested PLM.

Clinical significance

Considering syrups with high cariogenic and erosive potential should always follow with proper oral hygiene practices or search for an alternative drugs void of such detrimental effects.

How to cite this article

Nankar M, Walimbe H, Bijle MNA, Kontham U, Kamath A, Muchandi S. Comparative Evaluation of Cariogenic and Erosive Potential of Commonly Prescribed Pediatric Liquid Medicaments: Anin vitroStudy. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(1):20-25.
Evaluation of Occlusal Contacts among Different Groups of Malocclusion using 3D Digital Models
Authors: Al-Rayes Naim Z , Hajeer Mohammad Y
Published: June 2014

Objectives

(1) To evaluate the applicability of using 3D digital models in the assessment of the magnitude of occlusal contacts by measuring occlusal contact surface areas (OCSAs) and 3D mesh points in ‘contact’ (OCMPs) in a sample of orthodontic patients; (2) To detect any sex differences in the magnitude of occlusal contacts in all malocclusion groups; (3) To detect intergroup differences; (4) To assess possible correlations between occlusal contacts and other dental characteristics.

Materials and methods

Study casts of 120 malocclusion patients were selected and divided into 4 groups (class I division 1, class II division 1, class II division 2, class III) with equal numbers for both sexes. 3D digital models were produced using O3DM™ technology. Occlusal contacts were quantified using two methods of measuring.

Results

(1) No significant sexual differences were detected for OCMPs (mesh points) and OCSAs (mm2) in all groups. (2) There were statistically significant differences among malocclusion groups for OCMPs and OCSAs (p < 0.001). Tukey's HSD posthoc tests showed that class III patients had significantly less occlusal contacts than other malocclusion groups. (3) Stepwise multiple regression equations showed that overjet, lower arch width and overbite could explain approximately 19.5% of the total variance of OCSAs and OCMPs.

Conclusion

Sexual differences in occlusal contacts were not detected. Class I division 1 patients had the highest amount of occlusal contacts among all groups of malocclusion. Overjet, overbite and lower dental arch width were best predictors of occlusal contacts in the current sample.

How to cite this article

Al-Rayes NZ, Hajeer MY. Evaluation of Occlusal Contacts among Different Groups of Malocclusion using 3D Digital Models. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(1):46-55.