bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a special bioreactor for the cultivation of a new flexible polyurethane scaffold for aortic valve tissue engineering
Authors: Aleksieva Genoveva , Hollweck Trixi , Thierfelder Nikolaus , Haas Ulrike , Koenig Fabian , Fano Cornelia , Dauner Martin , Wintermantel Erich , Reichart Bruno , Schmitz Christoph , Akra Bassil
Published: December 2012

Background

Tissue engineering represents a promising new method for treating heart valve diseases. The aim of this study was evaluate the importance of conditioning procedures of tissue engineered polyurethane heart valve prostheses by the comparison of static and dynamic cultivation methods.

Methods

Human vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts (FBs) were obtained from saphenous vein segments. Polyurethane scaffolds (n = 10) were primarily seeded with FBs and subsequently with ECs, followed by different cultivation methods of cell layers (A: static, B: dynamic). Group A was statically cultivated for 6 days. Group B was exposed to low flow conditions (t1= 3 days at 750 ml/min, t2= 2 days at 1100 ml/min) in a newly developed conditioning bioreactor. Samples were taken after static and dynamic cultivation and were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

SEM results showed a high density of adherent cells on the surface valves from both groups. However, better cell distribution and cell behavior was detected in Group B. IHC staining against CD31 and TE-7 revealed a positive reaction in both groups. Higher expression of extracellular matrix (ICAM, Collagen IV) was observed in Group B. RT- PCR demonstrated a higher expression of inflammatory Cytokines in Group B.

Conclusion

While conventional cultivation method can be used for the development of tissue engineered heart valves. Better results can be obtained by performing a conditioning step that may improve the tolerance of cells to shear stress. The novel pulsatile bioreactor offers an adequate tool for in vitro improvement of mechanical properties of tissue engineered cardiovascular prostheses.
Immunohistochemical investigation of cell cycle and apoptosis regulators (Survivin, β-Catenin, P53, Caspase 3) in canine appendicular osteosarcoma
Authors: Bongiovanni Laura , Mazzocchetti Francesca , Malatesta Daniela , Romanucci Mariarita , Ciccarelli Andrea , Buracco Paolo , De Maria Raffaella , Palmieri Chiara , Martano Marina , Morello Emanuela , Maniscalco Lorella , Salda Leonardo Della
Published: December 2012

Background

Osteosarcoma (OSA) represents the most common canine primary bone tumour. Despite several pathways have been investigated so far, few molecules have been identified as prognostic tools or potential therapeutic targets, and there is still the need to find out molecular pathways with specific influence over OSA progression to facilitate earlier prognosis and treatment.

Aims of the present study were to evaluate the immunohistochemical pattern and levels of expression of a panel of molecules (survivin, β-catenin, caspase 3 -inactive and active forms- and p53) involved in cell cycle and apoptosis regulation in canine OSA samples, known to be of interest in the study also of human OSA, and to detect specific relations among them and with histological tumour grade, disease free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Nuclear β-catenin immunostaining was detected in normal osteoblasts adjacent to the tumour, and in 47% of the cases. Cytoplasmic and/or membranous immunostaining were also observed. Nuclear survivin and p53 positive cells were found in all cases. Moderate/high cytoplasmic β-catenin expression (≥10% positive cells) was significantly associated with the development of metastasis (P = 0.014); moderate/high nuclear p53 expression (≥10% positive cells) was significantly associated with moderate/high histological grade (P = 0.017) and shorter OS (P = 0.049). Moderate/high nuclear survivin expression (≥15% positive cells) showed a tendency toward a longer OS (P = 0,088).

Conclusions

The present results confirmed p53 as negative prognostic marker, while suggested survivin as a potential positive prognostic indicator, rather than indicative of a poor prognosis. The detection of nuclear β-catenin immunostaining in normal osteoblasts and the absent/low expression in most of the OSAs, suggested that this pathway could not play a major role in oncogenic transformation of canine osteoblasts. Further studies are needed to confirm these hypotheses.
Conjunctival mass as an initial presentation of mantle cell lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Khanlari Mahsa , Bagheri Babak , Vojdani Reza , Mohammadianpanah Mohammad , Paydar Shahram , Daneshbod Yahya
Published: December 2012

Background

To describe a rare manifestation of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in conjunctiva, with clinical, hisologic, immunohistologic and genetic findings together with review of the Literature.

Case presentation

Most ocular adnexal lymphomas are extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). A few cases of ocular adnexal mantle cell lymphomas have been reported in the literature. We present a case of mantle cell lymphoma presenting as right conjunctival mass of at least three months duration in a 64-year-old man. Histopathologic examination showed a proliferation of monomorphous small-to-medium-sized lymphoid cells with cleaved nuclei in the subconjunctiva. By immunohistochemistry, the infiltrate was positive for CD20, CD5, BCL-2, cyclin D1, and the transcription factor SOX11. Fluorescent in situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of IGH-CCND1 fusion indicating t(11;14).

Conclusion

A rigorous approach to initial diagnosis and staging of small cell lymphomas of the ocular adnexa is needed. The recognition of ocular MCL requires appropriate immunohistochemical staining and/or genetic confirmation to differentiate this rare form of presentation of MCL from other more frequent small cell lymphomas.
Importance of spiritual well-being in assessment of recovery: the Service-user Recovery Evaluation (SeRvE) scale
Authors: Barber Joanna M. , Parkes Madeleine , Parsons Helen , Cook Christopher C. H.
Published: December 2012

Aims and method

To develop a self-report questionnaire to measure mental health recovery from the service user viewpoint. Literature searches and scoping exercises indicated that psychological, social and spiritual issues should be included. The resultant provisional scale was completed by 107 service users.

Results

The provisional scale was shortened as a result of factor analysis. The finalised version was highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha 0.911) and valid, correlating significantly with an already established recovery scale. It contained nine recognisable subscales, the first two describing existential and religious well-being. Separate well-being and ill-being factors were also identified.

Clinical implications

An inclusive tool for service users' assessment of their own recovery, the Service User Recovery Evaluation (SeRvE) scale, has been validated. This can be used both as a research tool and clinically to monitor interventions. The importance of spiritual care for service users is highlighted.
The Horrific and the Exemplary: Public Stories and Education Reform in Late Socialist China
Authors: Kuan Teresa
Published: December 2012

A certain kind of news story appears in the Chinese media every so often: a junior middle school student hung herself, a university student threw sulfuric acid at some zoo animals, a biotechnology student murdered his classmates. These media stories are extreme and sensational indeed. But they also do important cultural work. In the context of education reform in late socialist China, the collective interpretation of horror stories provides a moral arena in which truths about how to raise and educate children correctly are produced and naturalized. They constitute negative models, usually of “bad parenting,” in contrast to stories about children who, despite limitations or difficulties, manage to ascend to great heights thanks to “good parenting.” This article examines two well-known public stories that circulated in the early 2000s in relation to the reform movement known as suzhi jiaoyu gaige, which aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals with a spirit of innovation. The first story I will analyze concerns a teenager, an achieving student, who murdered his own mother. The second concerns a father, a factory worker, who transformed his disabled daughter into a genius child. While starkly opposite in content, one displaying errors to avoid, the other wisdom to emulate, I argue that these public stories provide the hinge on which education reform turns. Horror and exemplary stories provoke thought and make moral arguments for attending to the inner subjectivity of children, rendering the ideals of suzhi jiaoyu self-evident and common sense.
A Process Flow-Based Framework for Nurse Demand Estimation
Authors: Paul Jomon Aliyas , MacDonald Leo
Published: December 2012

The nursing shortage in the United States poses a serious problem to hospitals, given that nurses provide an indispensable service within the healthcare system. This issue is expected to worsen, especially given the aging population of baby-boomers, which includes those that are part of the nurse workforce. This has resulted in a wide variety of problems, including patient safety issues, inability to detect complications, and potential patient mortality rate increases. Nurse shortage implications go beyond healthcare quality, extending to health economics as well. Inaccurate estimates of the nursing resources required to satisfy patient demand in a hospital environment could make this already-challenging problem worse. In addition, mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios implemented in some states, though providing for simplification from a demand estimation perspective, create a risk of under- or overestimating required nurse resources. We develop a series of process flow-based models that take into account the inherent complexity in key hospital departments and hence become the basis of empirical models to estimate nurse demands and thereby the best use of the scarce available nurse resource pool. In addition, via an illustrative example of a simple intensive care unit system, we demonstrate the issues with mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios in addressing the nurse shortage crisis when subject to varying patient demand and hospital service quality goals.
Perspectives of academic social scientists on knowledge transfer and research collaborations: a cross-sectional survey of Australian academics
Authors: Cherney Adrian , Head Brian , Boreham Paul , Povey Jenny , Ferguson Michele
Published: December 2012

This paper reports results from a survey of academic social scientists in Australian universities on their research engagement experience with industry and government partners and end-users of research. The results highlight that while academics report a range of benefits arising from research collaborations, there are also significant impediments to research translation and uptake, including organisational processes within universities. Using the scale of research utilisation, we examine research transfer and uptake and explore a range of variables to understand factors influencing the use of academic social science research by policy makers and practitioners.
Cell and Tissue Microarray Technologies for Protein and Nucleic Acid Expression Profiling
Authors: Cardano Marina , Diaferia Giuseppe R. , Falavigna Maurizio , Spinelli Chiara C. , Sessa Fausto , DeBlasio Pasquale , Biunno Ida
Published: December 2012

Tissue microarray (TMA) and cell microarray (CMA) are two powerful techniques that allow for the immunophenotypical characterization of hundreds of samples simultaneously. In particular, the CMA approach is particularly useful for immunophenotyping new stem cell lines (e.g., cardiac, neural, mesenchymal) using conventional markers, as well as for testing the specificity and the efficacy of newly developed antibodies. We propose the use of a tissue arrayer not only to perform protein expression profiling by immunohistochemistry but also to carry out molecular genetics studies. In fact, starting with several tissues or cell lines, it is possible to obtain the complete signature of each sample, describing the protein, mRNA and microRNA expression, and DNA mutations, or eventually to analyze the epigenetic processes that control protein regulation. Here we show the results obtained using the Galileo CK4500 TMA platform.
Bioinformatics Tools Allow Targeted Selection of Chromosome Enumeration Probes and Aneuploidy Detection
Authors: O’Brien Benjamin , Zeng Hui , Polyzos Aris A. , Lemke Kalistyn H. , Weier Jingly F. , Wang Mei , Zitzelsberger Horst F. , Weier Heinz-Ulrich G.
Published: December 2012

Accurate determination of cellular chromosome complements is a highly relevant issue beyond prenatal/pre-implantation genetic analyses or stem cell research, because aneusomy may be an important mechanism by which organisms control the rate of fetal cellular proliferation and the fate of regenerating tissues. Typically, small amounts of individual cells or nuclei are assayed by in situ hybridization using chromosome-specific DNA probes. Careful probe selection is fundamental to successful hybridization experiments. Numerous DNA probes for chromosome enumeration studies are commercially available, but their use in multiplexed hybridization assays is hampered due to differing probe-specific hybridization conditions or a lack of a sufficiently large number of different reporter molecules. Progress in the International Human Genome Project has equipped the scientific community with a wealth of unique resources, among them recombinant DNA libraries, physical maps, and data-mining tools. Here, we demonstrate how bioinformatics tools can become an integral part of simple, yet powerful approaches to devise diagnostic strategies for detection of aneuploidy in interphase cells. Our strategy involving initial in silico optimization steps offers remarkable savings in time and costs during probe generation, while at the same time significantly increasing the assay’s specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
Buddhist Symbolism in Akira Kurosawa's Ran: A Counterpoint to Human Chaos
Authors: Nordin Kenneth
Published: December 2012

While some scholars have noted the presence of Buddhist imagery in Ran, no critic has paid close attention to the complete inventory of the Buddhist symbols embedded in the film, or what they imply. The purpose of this paper is to provide such an analysis and to suggest that Buddhist
themes form important subtexts in the film.
Dealing Death, Saving Lives: Forms of Otherness in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Nizhalkkuthu/Shadow Kill
Authors: Ganguly Suranjan
Published: December 2012

This article will discuss Nizhalkkuthu/Shadow Kill (2002). Adoor Gopalakrishnan's first fulllength feature in seven years, was hailed by critics as one of his most significant accomplishments. In Nizhalkkuthu, the state is portrayed as a highly repressive and coercive mechanism that
determines how people live and function. There's virtually no scope for subjective choices, for stepping outside the rigid codes and rituals that govern almost every aspect of human behavior. It's a feudal world that exists outside time and history, where people are trapped within a relentless
cycle of events and identities that repeat themselves ad infinitum. In fact, the sense of inevitability is so pervasive that it's accepted without question as a fact of existence. Kaliyappan's identity as the Other is constituted by and exists within this paradigm. As a creation of the state,
he must live exclusively on its terms.
Chinese Melodrama, Japanese Nostalgia
Authors: Xiao Hui
Published: December 2012

I intend to underline the melodramatic structure of both Japanese furusato movement and the Chinese film Nuan to argue that the melodramatic adaptation from the original story into the current film plays a central role in assuring a smooth assimilation of the cinematic representation
of Chinese ethnicity into current Japanese discourses of nostalgia. Moreover, Japanese visual consumption of cross-cultural nostalgia in the form of Chinese melodrama reinforces the trends of internationalizing and feminizing furusato tradition. Based on this analysis, in the conclusion I
will give a re-examination of the celebrated new cross-cultural turn and the real signification of the formula of Japanese nostalgia and Chinese melodrama.
Breastfeeding Education and Support Trial for Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Chapman Donna J. , Morel Katherine , Bermúdez-Millán Angela , Young Sara , Damio Grace , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate a specialized breastfeeding peer counseling (SBFPC) intervention promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among overweight/obese, low-income women.

METHODS:

We recruited 206 pregnant, overweight/obese, low-income women and randomly assigned them to receive SBFPC or standard care (controls) at a Baby-Friendly hospital. SBFPC included 3 prenatal visits, daily in-hospital support, and up to 11 postpartum home visits promoting EBF and addressing potential obesity-related breastfeeding barriers. Standard care involved routine access to breastfeeding support from hospital personnel, including staff peer counselors. Data collection included an in-hospital interview, medical record review, and monthly telephone calls through 6 months postpartum to assess infant feeding practices, demographics, and health outcomes. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS:

The intervention had no impact on EBF or breastfeeding continuation at 1, 3, or 6 months postpartum. In adjusted posthoc analyses, at 2 weeks postpartum the intervention group had significantly greater odds of continuing any breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.76 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–13.22]), and giving at least 50% of feedings as breast milk (aOR: 4.47 [95% CI: 1.38–14.5]), compared with controls. Infants in the intervention group had significantly lower odds of hospitalization during the first 6 months after birth (aOR: 0.24 [95% CI: 0.07–0.86]).

CONCLUSIONS:

In a Baby-Friendly hospital setting, SBFPC targeting overweight/obese women did not impact EBF practices but was associated with increased rates of any breastfeeding and breastfeeding intensity at 2 weeks postpartum and decreased rates of infant hospitalization in the first 6 months after birth.
Reducing the Blood Culture Contamination Rate in a Pediatric Emergency Department and Subsequent Cost Savings
Authors: Hall Randon T. , Domenico Henry J. , Self Wesley H. , Hain Paul D.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Blood culture contamination in the pediatric population remains a significant quality and safety issue because false-positive blood cultures lead to unnecessary use of resources and testing. In addition, few studies describe interventions to reduce peripheral blood culture contamination rates in this population. We hypothesized that the introduction of a standardized sterile collection process would reduce the pediatric emergency department’s peripheral blood culture contamination rate and unnecessary use of resources.

METHODS:

A sterile blood culture collection process was designed by analyzing current practice and identifying areas in which sterile technique could be introduced. To spread the new technique, a web-based educational model was developed and disseminated. Subsequently, all nursing staff members were expected to perform peripheral blood cultures by using the modified sterile technique.

RESULTS:

The peripheral blood culture contamination rate was reduced from 3.9% during the baseline period to 1.6% during the intervention period (P < .0001), with yearly estimated savings of ∼$250 000 in hospital charges.

CONCLUSIONS:

Subsequent to our intervention, there was a significant reduction of the peripheral blood culture contamination rate as well as considerable cost savings to the institution. When performed in a standardized fashion by using sterile technique, blood culture collection with low contamination rates can be performed via the insertion of an intravenous catheter.
New age music and Japanese tradition
Authors: Coaldrake Kimi
Published: December 2012

This article examines the way that Kitaro, the internationally renowned composer and musician of new age music, recasts resources of traditional Japanese culture in his live performance in 2001 at Yakushiji, a 1300 year-old Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. It focuses on Kitaro’s deployment of concepts from Japanese tradition and new age philosophies to address different audiences. It then examines his relationship with new age music by reference to a new composition ‘Wa/Peace’ premiered live at Yakushiji. It argues that Kitaro strategically uses his music to explore fundamental narratives of self and tradition in the context of globalization. It concludes that Kitaro’s performance at Yakushiji is used by modern Japanese consumers to make and re-make the cultural world of music and tradition which sustains their own identity in the twenty-first century.
'Like him or loathe him'
Authors: Keith Sarah
Published: December 2012

Since 2007, André Rieu CDs, DVDs, television shows and concerts have saturated Australian media. Consequently, Rieu’s popularity—the extent of which is remarkable for a classical musician—has drawn significant attention from commentators, critics and musicians, much of which is negative in tone. This article describes the criticisms made of Rieu in the Australian media, and explores the socio-cultural motivations for these reactions. It explores Rieu’s position as a liminal classical and ‘popular’ musician, and proposes that Rieu can be viewed as a symptom of a diminishing cultural hierarchy. It furthermore associates criticism of the Rieu ‘phenomenon’ with anxieties about Arts status and funding in Australia, and proposes that disapproval of Rieu is used as a proxy for more general condemnations of Australian tastes.
Groundwater storage in adaptation to climate change
Authors: Baruffi Francesco , Bisaglia Matteo , Cappelletto Massimo , Pasini Sara , Galli Alberto , Marsala Vincenzo , Scarinci Andrea , Panelli Cristian , Gualdi Silvio , Zandonella Angelo
Published: December 2012

The Trust project, funded by the European Commission's Life+ programme and the Italian Ministry of Environment, aims to identify adaptation and mitigation measures to counteract the impacts of climate change on the groundwater of the upper plain in the Veneto and Friuli regions in northeastern Italy. Intensive groundwater abstraction over recent decades has resulted in declining water table levels; this problem, common to many other places in the world, will be exacerbated by future temperature increases unless appropriate solutions are adopted. Trust aims to implement a water balance modelling tool to support institutions in formulating sustainable water management planning policies and best practices. This paper reviews the development and application of the water balance model that simulates water deficit affecting summer crops using agronomic and climatic data at small spatial and temporal resolution. Remote sensing identification methods were employed to map irrigated crops. Projections on the water deficit as a function of climate change have used future precipitation and evapotranspiration patterns derived from climate simulations (SRES-IPCC scenarios A1B and A2) of the Mediterranean region for the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Model outputs showed that, due to climate change, water deficits for summer crops could be of the order of 400 mm, while the balance model showed that climate change can lead to a reduction of average groundwater resource of about 5–10%, especially in the apical areas of the high plain. However, a significant part of the future water deficit might be recovered through rationalisation of water withdrawal and managed aquifer recharge areas.
Oral Neutrophils Display a Site‐Specific Phenotype Characterized by Expression of T‐Cell Receptors
Authors: Lakschevitz Flavia S. , Aboodi Guy M. , Glogauer Michael
Published: December 2012

Background: Neutrophils, key cells of the innate immune system, were previously thought to be terminally differentiated cells, incapable of altering their gene expression after differentiation and maturation in the bone marrow. Only recently has it been shown that neutrophils perform rapid and complex changes in gene expression during inflammatory responses. Previous work by the authors has demonstrated differences in reactive oxygen species production between oral and peripheral blood neutrophils isolated from patients with chronic periodontitis, suggesting that oral neutrophils present with a unique oral phenotype. Understanding differences in the neutrophil transcriptome after transit from circulation into the site of inflammation will give new insights into how these innate immune cells function during inflammation.

Methods: Venous blood and oral rinse samples were obtained from five healthy participants. Blood neutrophils were isolated using a standard gradient method. Oral neutrophils were isolated through nylon mesh filters of different pore sizes (40 to 10 μm). RNA was purified from isolated neutrophils, and gene expression microarray analysis was completed. Results were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results: Oral neutrophil isolation, which is critical when analyzing gene expression with samples clear of epithelial cell contamination, was optimized. It was also demonstrated that oral neutrophils present with a significant increase in T‐cell receptor expression compared with circulating neutrophils, suggesting a role for oral neutrophils in crosstalk between the innate and adaptive immune system in the mouth.

Conclusion: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is demonstrated for the first time that, compared with circulating neutrophils, oral neutrophils present a site‐specific gene expression profile in healthy individuals.
The DPP-4 Inhibitor Linagliptin Counteracts Stroke in the Normal and Diabetic Mouse Brain
Authors: Darsalia Vladimer , Ortsäter Henrik , Olverling Anna , Darlöf Emilia , Wolbert Petra , Nyström Thomas , Klein Thomas , Sjöholm Åke , Patrone Cesare
Published: December 2012

Type 2 diabetes is a strong risk factor for stroke. Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor in clinical use against type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the potential antistroke efficacy of linagliptin in type 2 diabetic mice. To understand whether efficacy was mediated by glycemia regulation, a comparison with the sulfonylurea glimepiride was done. To determine whether linagliptin-mediated efficacy was dependent on a diabetic background, experiments in nondiabetic mice were performed. Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding the mice a high-fat diet for 32 weeks. Mice were treated with linagliptin/glimepiride for 7 weeks. Stroke was induced at 4 weeks into the treatment by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Blood DPP-4 activity, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels, glucose, body weight, and food intake were assessed throughout the experiments. Ischemic brain damage was measured by determining stroke volume and by stereologic quantifications of surviving neurons in the striatum/cortex. We show pronounced antistroke efficacy of linagliptin in type 2 diabetic and normal mice, whereas glimepiride proved efficacious against stroke in normal mice only. These results indicate a linagliptin-mediated neuroprotection that is glucose-independent and likely involves GLP-1. The findings may provide an impetus for the development of DPP-4 inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of stroke in diabetic patients.
Practice of Medicine in the 21st Century
Authors: Rao V Dharma
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7129 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);168-169
Epidemiological study of back pain in the Teaching Districts of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Authors: Shrestha BP , Niraula SR , Khanal GP , Karn NK , Chaudhary P , Rijal R , Maharjan R
Published: December 2012

Introduction: The prevalence of back pain is very high in the general population but little is known about the predictors of back pain in the general population. Though certain risk factors have been associated with back pain, these are mentioned in Western literature. It is not known how much of these hold true for a developing country like Nepal. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of back pain in the Teaching Districts of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and to identify predictors of back pain in the community. Methods: Three hundred and fourteen persons of eighteen years and above were included in this crosssectional descriptive study conducted from January 2006 to December 2009 using pretested questionnaires. Results: The annual prevalence of back pain among males (67.9%) and females (74.3%) were similar (P>0.05) and the overall annual prevalence was 71%. The highest prevalence of back pain was found in the age group of 31-40 years. Age, marriage and occupation were related significantly to the occurrence of back pain. The total duration of back pain in one year was less than 15 days in 73%. The number of workdays lost was upto 5 in 81% of people with back pain. Conclusion: Back pain is a very common complaint among the adult population in the community. Population belonging to 31-50 age group, married status and farmers and labourers are more prone to have back pain. Gender, height and weight are not associated with back pain.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7130 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);170-174
Esitmation of cranial capacity of coastal Andhra Pradesh of India
Authors: Salve VM , Gitte RN
Published: December 2012

No Abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7131 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);175-180
Respiratory morbidities of jute mill workers in Nepal
Authors: Singh SB , Bhatta N , Jha N , Pokharel PK
Published: December 2012

Background: Occupational safety, health and working conditions indicate that there are potential risks of health hazards and diseases at workplaces. Jute processing yields dust. Respiratory symptoms are common among workers exposed to high dust area. Objectives: To find out respiratory morbidities among jute mill workers and to compare the rate of peak expiratory flow among jute mill workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among 900 workers in jute processing departments of Arihant multi-fibres Ltd., Sonapur, Sunsari, Nepal. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire were used. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), height and weight were measured. Proportion, chi-square test and odd ratio were calculated. ANOVA was applied. Results: About 24 % workers belong to 25-29 years of age. Around 21% and 86% workers were smokers and tobacco chewers respectively. Two fifth of workers (41.6%) were working for less than 5 years. Acute upper respiratory infection (14.2%), chronic bronchitis (0.3%), acute lower respiratory infections (0.77%), allergic rhinitis (0.1%) and asthma (0.4%) were the respiratory morbidities among the workers. Chest tightness was found among 7 workers. Difficulty in breathing was found among 26 workers. The PEFR variations were found significant among workers in the low and high dust area and without and with symptom of cough. Association between cough and exposure to dusty area was shown to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Acute respiratory problems predominates the chronic problem. The risk of having cough in high dust area is higher. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7132 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);181-186
Maternal and fetal outcome in term labour with meconium stained amniotic fluid
Authors: Kumar S , Gupta SN , Mahato IP , Giri R , Yadav A , Thakur A , Thapa K
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Passage of meconium in utero is a dangerous sign for fetal outcome which influence the decision to deliver as well as the mode of delivery. Methods: This descriptive case control study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Koshi Zonal Hospital from March 2006 to July 2006. A total of 50 women with meconium stained amniotic fluid( MSAF) were studied to identify maternal and fetal outcome and was compared with women with clear amniotic fluid. Results: Normal delivery was significantly higher (58%) in clear liquor group as compared to MSAF group (22%). Cesarean section was more common in MSAF group (66%) where as it was (38%) in the clear liquor group (p=0.005). Low Apgar scores of < 5 at one minute was seen in 48% of MSAF and 6% of clear liquor born babies (p<0.2). But at 5 minutes low Apgar score persisted in same 48% of MSAF babies whereas it was seen in 12% of clear liquor group (p<0.000). Among the babies born with MSAF 34% were referred to higher center compared to 6% in clear liquor babies (p=0.000). Four babies with thick MSAF and one baby with clear liquor had neonatal death (p=0.005). Conclusion: Mode of delivery and fetal outcome were adversely affected by the presence of thick meconium stained liquor as compared to clear liquor. Additional monitoring facilities e.g. cardiotocography (CTG) if available would reduce fetal distress and allow timely intervention in such cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7135 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);198-202
Clinico-demographic profile of patients with acute and transient psychotic disorders
Authors: Ranjan S , Shakya R , Shyangwa PM
Published: December 2012

Background: There are only few studies on the clinico-demographic profile of acute and transient disorders, which is a common disorder in developing countries. Objective: To study the clinical presentation and socio-demographic profile of patients with Acute and transient psychotic disorders. Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed as Acute and transient psychotic disorders were assessed to record their socio-demographic profile, presence of stress, onset, presenting complains and the phenomenology using standard questionnaire. Results: ATPDs was more common in persons below thirty years of age (63.3%), residing in rural areas (90%), unemployed (76.7%), low middle socioeconomic status (53.3%), married (63.3%), and member of nuclear family (63.3%). Abrupt onset was seen in 73% of cases. Delusion of persecution was the most common psychopathology (86.7%). All patients had impaired biorhythm and poor insight. Conclusions: Married unemployed persons below the age of thirty of low middle socioeconomic status residing in nuclear families in rural areas suffer from ATPDs more than others. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7138 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);215-219
Comparisons of tramadol with pethidine for prevention of post anaesthetic shivering in elective abdominal surgery
Authors: Singh SN , Sah BP , Ghimire A , Prasad JN , Baral DD
Published: December 2012

Background: Postoperative shivering is a common event of unknown etiology. Objectives: To compare the efficiency of tramadol with that of pethidine in controlling post anaesthetic shivering. Methods: This double . blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 consecutive patients who received general anaesthesia for elective abdominal surgery. Intravenous tramadol (1mg.kg-1) or pethidine (0.5mg.kg-1) was administered to alternate subjects who developed post anaestheic shivering. They were monitored in the recovery room for 1 hour and the cessation time of shivering, recurrence of the events, duration of recovery, respiratory depression, arterial O2 saturation, nausea and vomiting were recorded. Results: Forty-eight patients (40%) had post anaesthetic shivering. In the tramadol group, shivering terminated within 5 minutes after injection. They had no recurrence of shivering, respiratory depression, reduction in SPO2, nausea and vomiting during the period of recovery. In the pethidine group, shivering terminated within 8 minutes after injection, but in 7 patients it recurred after 30 minutes. Similarly, 6 patients had respiratory depression, reduction in SPO2 and 10 patients had nausea, vomiting but none of them needed further medication. Conclusion: Tramadol is superior to pethidine as it induces a faster termination of post anaesthetic shivering and does not entail adverse effects on the respiratory system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7139 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);220-223
Reducing Set Retardation in High-Volume Fly Ash Mixtures with the Use of Limestone
Authors: Gurney Lisa R. , Bentz Dale P. , Sato Taijiro , Weiss W. Jason
Published: December 2012

High-volume fly ash (HVFA) concretes are attractive not only because they reduce cement content and the associated greenhouse gases, but also because they avoid landfilling excessive quantities of fly ash. These sustainability benefits are often tempered by practical constructability limitations that may exist for HVFA concretes: retardation and diminution of the early-age reaction, delay in setting (and finishing operations), and lower early-age strength. This paper explores the alleviation of these deficiencies in HVFA mixtures by the incorporation of fine limestone powders into ternary blends. Isothermal calorimetry and Vicat needle penetration measurements are employed to assess reaction rates and setting times, respectively. A systematic variation of the content and fineness of the limestone powder in mixtures containing either a Class C or a Class F fly ash indicates that setting times are linearly correlated with the surface area supplied by the limestone. Comparison of a limestone system to a system containing an inert titanium dioxide of similar particle size indicates that the acceleration and amplification effects of the limestone can be attributed to both physical (nucleation) and chemical (additional calcium ions) processes. The results indicate that ternary blends with 40% of the cement by volume replaced by 30% to 35% fly ash and 5% to 10% limestone at a constant water volume fraction can be achieved without significant delay in setting.
High-Performance Thin-Lift Overlays with High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Content and Warm-Mix Asphalt Technology
Authors: Mogawer Walaa S. , Austerman Alexander J. , Kluttz Robert , Roussel Michael
Published: December 2012

A high-performance thin asphalt overlay (HPThinOL) is specified as having a thickness of 1 in. or less and is used in applications requiring high levels of rutting and fatigue resistance. HPThinOLs are used as a pavement preservation strategy and are placed on pavements that have remaining structural capacity that is expected to outlive that strategy. Current specifications for HPThinOLs generally call for a polymer-modified asphalt (PMA). However, PMA binders are more expensive than unmodified asphalt binders. This expense, coupled with the higher binder content requirement generally associated with HPThinOL, could lead to an initial higher cost in relation to other pavement preservation strategies. Although the higher initial cost can be offset by incorporating high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), the use of high amounts of RAP in PMA mixtures might adversely affect the mixture performance (stiffness, cracking, or workability). Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology may improve the workability of HPThinOL that incorporates high RAP content and PMA binders. This study evaluated the effect of PMA binders, high RAP content, and WMA technology on the stiffness, resistance to reflective cracking, moisture susceptibility, and workability of HPThinOL mixtures. PMA binders and high RAP content increased the stiffness of HPThinOL significantly; however, the use of WMA technology lowered mixture stiffness and improved workability. PMA may improve the cracking resistance, moisture susceptibility, and rutting resistance of high-RAP HPThinOL mixtures, depending on whether a WMA technology is used.
Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome In Major Burns Patients
Authors: Alam Mohammad Shaha , Begum Syeda Humaira
Published: December 2012

Organ dysfunctions are frequent after major burn trauma. Development of MODS in severely burned patients is highly fatal. The present study was conducted to elucidate the etiology and quantify the Multiple Organ Dysfunction (MODS) in major burn patients. Multiple organ dysfunctions in major burnt patients was a prospective analytic study. A total of thirty patients were included in the study, which was conducted in the Burn and Plastic Surgery unit, Bir Hospital, Kathmondu, Nepal over the period of eighteen months from January 2002 to June 2003. Patients with acute major burn i.e. 24 hours from the time of injury were admitted and included in the study. All patients were initially treated in the ICU of burn unit. Among 30 patients, 25 patients were in the age group 15-30 years and 5 patients were in the 31- 60 years age group. 12 patients were male and 18 were female. 93.3% of patients in this study had sustained flame burn and the chief mode of burn injury was accidental 50% whereas 46.7% were suicidal. 66.7% of the patients had 20% - 50%TBSA and 33.3% had sustained 50% - 90% TBSA burn. Majority of the patients were under went early excision and SSG with regular dressing. 63.3 % (19 patients) develop multiple organ dysfunctions and most frequently involved organ was kidneys and followed by lungs, liver and pancreas. Among the multiple organ failure patients, 10 had developed septicemia. None of the patients were found to have developed cardiac failure. The mortality in the study population was 46.7%, all of them had MODS and 9 of them had inhalation injury. It was also seen that MODS can Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 75-79 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12438
Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control of Waste Heat Recovery Systems with Organic Rankine Cycles
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Feng Jiancun , Zhou Yeli , Fang Fang , Yue Hong
Published: December 2012

In this paper, a linear active disturbance rejection controller is proposed for a waste heat recovery system using an organic Rankine cycle process, whose model is obtained by applying the system identification technique. The disturbances imposed on the waste heat recovery system are estimated through an extended linear state observer and then compensated by a linear feedback control strategy. The proposed control strategy is applied to a 100 kW waste heat recovery system to handle the power demand variations of grid and process disturbances. The effectiveness of this controller is verified via a simulation study, and the results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can provide satisfactory tracking performance and disturbance rejection.
Effects of Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) on the Shelf-Life of Minced Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Peiretti Pier , Gai Francesco , Ortoffi Marco , Aigotti Riccardo , Medana Claudio
Published: December 2012

The effects of three concentrations (0.2%, 1% and 3%) of rosemary oil (RO) on the freshness indicators, oxidative stability, fatty acid and biogenic amine (BA) contents of minced rainbow trout muscle (MTM) were investigated after different periods of storage (three and nine days) at 4 ± 1 °C. Moreover, the terpene and sesquiterpene contents in the treated MTM were also measured. RO treatment improves the pH, oxidative stability of the lipids and the FA profile, which resulted in a significant extension of MTM shelf-life. Storage time influenced all freshness indicators, with the exception of yellowness and chroma. Treatment with RO had a positive effect, leading to low BA content, especially putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine and histamine. Differences in BA were also found to be due to storage time, with the exception of spermidine, which was not influenced by time. Moreover, the presence of the terpenoid fraction of RO in MTM improved the quality of this ready-to-cook fish food.
Photodegradable Polyesters for Triggered Release
Authors: Lv Cong , Wang Zhen , Wang Peng , Tang Xinjing
Published: December 2012

Photodegradable polyesters were synthesized with a photolabile monomer 2-nitrophenylethylene glycol and dioyl chlorides with different lengths. These polymers can be assembled to form polymeric particles with encapsulation of target substances. Light activation can degrade these particles and release payloads in both aqueous solutions and RAW 264.7 cells.
Comparative Study of Elastoplastic Constitutive Models for Deformation of Metallic Glasses
Authors: Zhao Ming , Li Mo
Published: December 2012

We present and compare three elastoplastic models currently used for deformation of metallic glasses, namely, a von Mises model, a modified von Mises model with hydrostatic stress effect included, and a Drucker-Prager model. The constitutive models are formulated in conjunction with the free volume theory for plastic deformation and are implemented numerically with finite element method. We show through a series of case studies that by considering explicitly the volume dilatation during plastic deformation, the Drucker-Prager model can produce the two salient features widely observed in experiments, namely, the strength differential effect and deviation of the shear band inclination angle under tension and compression, whereas the von Mises and modified von Mises models are unable to. We also explore shear band formation using the three constitutive models. Based on the study, we discuss the free volume theory and its possible limitations in the constitutive models for metallic glasses.
Integration of Ligand-Based Drug Screening with Structure-Based Drug Screening by Combining Maximum Volume Overlapping Score with Ligand Docking
Authors: Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Nakamura Haruki
Published: December 2012

Ligand-based and structure-based drug screening methods were integrated for in silico drug development by combining the maximum-volume overlap (MVO) method with a protein-compound docking program. The MVO method is used to select reliable docking poses by calculating volume overlaps between the docking pose in question and the known ligand docking pose, if at least a single protein-ligand complex structure is known. In the present study, the compounds in a database were docked onto a target protein that had a known protein-ligand complex structure. The new score is the summation of the docking score and the MVO score, which is the measure of the volume overlap between the docking poses of the compound in question and the known ligand. The compounds were sorted according to the new score. The in silico screening results were improved by comparing the MVO score to the original docking score only. The present method was also applied to some target proteins with known ligands, and the results demonstrated that it worked well.
Network Adaptive Deadband: NCS Data Flow Control for Shared Networks
Authors: Díaz-Cacho Miguel , Delgado Emma , Prieto José , López Joaquín
Published: December 2012

This paper proposes a new middleware solution called Network Adaptive Deadband (NAD) for long time operation of Networked Control Systems (NCS) through the Internet or any shared network based on IP technology. The proposed middleware takes into account the network status and the NCS status, to improve the global system performance and to share more effectively the network by several NCS and sensor/actuator data flows. Relationship between network status and NCS status is solved with a TCP-friendly transport flow control protocol and the deadband concept, relating deadband value and transmission throughput. This creates a deadband-based flow control solution. Simulation and experiments in shared networks show that the implemented network adaptive deadband has better performance than an optimal constant deadband solution in the same circumstances.