bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considering Souls of the Past for today: Soul Origins, Anthropology, and Contemporary Theology
Authors: Farris Joshua R.
Published: August 2015

Due to the rise in philosophical anthropology and the philosophy of mind there is a need to re-consider afresh the theological debate surrounding the origin of the soul. I address this particular issue in the context of the recent philosophical and theological literature that is also conversant with Ecclesiastical literature surrounding the topic by suggesting that there are, at least, three distinct options within the theology of origins. I proceed in two sections. First, I lay out the variety of positions on the soul within the philosophy of mind literature often called substance dualism. In this section, I suggest there are broadly three variations of substance dualism. These include pure substance dualism, composite or compound substance dualism, and emergent substance dualism. I compare and contrast these variations, discuss the particular problems related to each, and argue that each ‘naturally’ coheres with a particular view of origins based on the metaphysical relationship between the body and soul. Second, I lay out the three positions on the soul’s origin in the remainder of the paper. I put forth that there is not only traducianism and creationism the two most obvious positions within Ecclesiastical history, but also emergent substance dualism with materialist origins deserving further consideration in the theological literature. Furthermore, within the positions, excluding emergent substance dualism with materialist origins, there is variation within each yet still naturally falling under the particular said category. This, then, contributes to literature not only by drawing from recent philosophical literature in the fortification of the Christian view on origins, but, additionally, by putting forth one relatively new position that has not been systematized in the theological literature. Finally, I offer that theologians will benefit in three specific ways from the discussion over substance dualism and the theology of the soul’s origin.
Why semiotics, why poetry?
Authors: Prewitt Terry J.
Published: August 2015

Giambattista Vico’s philosophy foresaw a very postmodern sense of language, first as the underlying logical capacity for what Peirce called the symbolic argument, and second as a communication system per se. And in our view, much of these higher sign processes, especially in the everyday symbol use of human communication, is based in metaphor, very much in Vico’s notion of the term. This essay explores the dynamics of sign ordinary process through poetry, referencing also Vico’s synthesis of understanding and creativity, and the connection of poetry to the earliest Western philosophies.
Influence of Strain Rate on Tensile Strength of Woven Geotextile in the Selected Range of Temperature
Authors: Stępień Sylwia , Szymański Alojzy
Published: August 2015

Investigation of geosynthetics behaviour has been carried out for many years. Before using geosynthetics in practice, the standard laboratory tests had been carried out to determine basic mechanical parameters. In order to examine the tensile strength of the sample which extends at a constant strain rate, one should measure the value of the tensile force and strain. Note that geosynthetics work under different conditions of stretching and temperatures, which significantly reduce the strength of these materials. The paper presents results of the tensile test of geotextile at different strain rates and temperatures from 20 °C to 100 °C. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of temperature and strain rate on tensile strength and strain of the woven geotextile. The article presents the method of investigation and the results. The data obtained allowed us to assess the parameters of material which should be considered in the design of the load-bearing structures that work at temperatures up to 100 °C.
Remediation of Acid Generating Colliery Spoil Using Steel Slag – Case Studies
Authors: Ghataora Gurmel S. , Ghazireh Nizar , Hall Nigel
Published: August 2015

One of the legacies of the coal mining industry is the existence of numerous colliery spoil mounds. Run-off waters from some of these mounds result in oxidation of sulphur compounds causing pH to drop to perhaps as low as 2.5. At this pH, mobility for metals increases and it results in destruction of both flora and fauna. In order to reduce acidity, a number of solutions have been investigated with varying degree of success. A recent study to reduce acidity in spoil run-off water included the use of Basic Oxygen Steel slag. Its slow release of lime resulted in longer term remediation compared with other techniques. In addition to this, steel slag contains elements which are essential for plant growth and can be regarded as a weak fertiliser. This was substantiated in two field trials, which had the aim of not only remediating acidity from two different types of colliery spoils, but also to develop a composition that supports grass growth. The objectives were achieved at both sites and some of the results of over 5000 chemical tests conducted during these studies are reported in this paper.
Disorder, pseudo symmetry and photoluminescence properties of a new diphosphate K2Ba3(P2O7)2
Authors: Zhao Dan , Ma Fa-Xue , Zhang Rong-Hua , Li Fei-Fei , Zhang Ai-Yun
Published: August 2015

A new ternary metal diphosphate (V) K2Ba3(P2O7)2, has been prepared by high-temperature solution growth (HTSG) method for the first time. Structurally solution through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis method was complicated by pseudo centering symmetry combined with occupational disorder. The results show that it features a non-centrosymmetric space group Pmn21 with a = 5.5827 (6), b = 9.4196 (9), c = 13.9150 (12) Å, β = 94.561(4)°, Z = 2, R[F
2 > 2σ(F
2)] = 0.028. The structure of K2Ba3(P2O7)2 contains isolated [P2O7] groups in four directions array with their holes occupied by the K+ and the Ba2+ cations. Furthermore, photoluminescence study showed that K2Ba3(P2O7)2 display both a wide emission bond around 408 ~ 422 nm and a sharp bond at around 484 nm (excited by 354 nm).
Chemokine CCL24 promotes the growth and invasiveness of trophoblasts through ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways in human early pregnancy
Authors: Li Hui , Meng Yu-Han , Shang Wen-Qing , Liu Li-Bing , Chen Xuan , Yuan Min-Min , Jin Li-Ping , Li Ming-Qing , Li Da-Jin
Published: August 2015

Chemokine CCL24, acting through receptor CCR3, is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophil in allergic diseases and parasitic infections. We recently reported that CCL24 and CCR3 are co-expressed by trophoblasts in human early pregnant uterus. Here we prove with evidence that steroid hormones estradiol (E), progesterone (P), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), as well as decidual stromal cells (DSCs) could regulate the expression of CCL24 and CCR3 of trophoblasts. We further investigate how trophoblast-derived CCL24 mediates the function of trophoblasts in vitro, and conclude that CCL24/CCR3 promotes the proliferation, viability and invasiveness of trophoblasts. In addition, analysis of the downstream signaling pathways of CCL24/CCR3 show that extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways may contribute to the proliferation, viability and invasiveness of trophoblasts by activating intracellular molecules Ki67 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9). However, we did not observe any inhibitory effect on trophoblasts when blocking c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38 pathways. In conclusion, our data suggests that trophoblast-derived CCL24 at the maternal-fetal interface promotes trophoblasts cell growth and invasiveness by ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways. Meanwhile, pregnancy-related hormones (P and hCG), as well as DSCs could up-regulate CCL24/CCR3 expression in trophoblasts, which may indirectly influence the biological functions of trophoblasts. Thus, our results provide a possible explanation for the growth and invasion of trophoblasts in human embryo implantation.
Submucosal Endoscopic Sampling for Indefinite Gastric Linitis Plastica Infiltrating into the Submucosal Layer
Authors: Chiyo Taiga , Kobara Hideki , Mori Hirohito , Katsuki Naomi , Haba Reiji , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2015

The diagnosis of diffuse-type gastric cancer, named linitis plastica (LP), is difficult because of its infiltration into the submucosa. Conventional endoscopic biopsy sampling may show false-negative results because the superficial mucosa is often normal. These macroscopic features do not often permit the distinction between benign and malignant lesions, and sampling methods have some limitations. Accordingly, a secure sampling method is required in order to increase the diagnostic yield. We have developed a submucosal tunneling technique for sampling submucosal tumors, which can visualize tumor surfaces and obtain tissue samples under direct vision. We report a rare case of indefinite gastric LP that could be diagnosed by this method. As multiple biopsies and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) did not help us histologically diagnose the lesion, our new method of submucosal endoscopy which has advantages of visualizing tumor surfaces and obtaining tissue samples under direct vision in the submucosa was introduced. Histological examination of all acquired samples confirmed the presence of a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The present case demonstrates that this method is a reasonable option for indefinite LP with features inflating into submucosa, providing an update on the contemporary concepts.
Myofibroblastic Inflammatory Tumor Presenting as Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis and Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Preda Carmen-Monica , Ionescu Mihnea , Dumitrascu Traian , Manuc Mircea , Meianu Corina , Herlea Vlad
Published: August 2015

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Hype or Reality: Should Patients with Metabolic Syndromerelated NAFLD be on the Hunter-Gatherer (Paleo) Diet to Decrease Morbidity?
Authors: Tarantino Giovanni , Citro Vincenzo , Finelli Carmine
Published: August 2015

The current Western diet figures centrally in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and the emerging major health problem nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, all of them negatively impacting on life expectancy. This type of diet is represented by a high calorie uptake, high glycemic load, high fat and meat intake, as well as increased consumption of fructose. On the contrary, a simplified way of eating healthily by excluding highly-processed foods, is presumed to be the Paleolithic diet (a diet based on vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, meat, organ meats) which improves insulin resistance, ameliorates dyslipidemia, reduces hypertension and may reduce the risk of age-related diseases. The diet is the foundation of the treatment of obesity- and type 2 diabetes-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and a diet similar to those of pre-agricultural societies may be an effective option. To lend sufficient credence to this type of diet, well-designed studies are needed.
Does Hospitalization Predict the Disease Course in Ulcerative Colitis? Prevalence and Predictors of Hospitalization and Re- Hospitalization in Ulcerative Colitis in a Population-based Inception Cohort (2000-2012)
Authors: Golovics Petra A. , Lakatos Laszlo , Mandel Michael D. , Lovasz Barbara D. , Vegh Zsuzsanna , Kurti Zsuzsanna , Szita Istvan , Kiss Lajos S. , Balogh Mihaly , Pandur Tunde , Lakatos Peter L.
Published: August 2015

Background & Aims: Limited data are available on the hospitalization rates in population-based studies. Since this is a very important outcome measure, the aim of this study was to analyze prospectively if early hospitalization is associated with the later disease course as well as to determine the prevalence and predictors of hospitalization and re-hospitalization in the population-based ulcerative colitis (UC) inception cohort in the Veszprem province database between 2000 and 2012.

Methods: Data of 347 incident UC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010 were analyzed (M/F: 200/147, median age at diagnosis: 36, IQR: 26-50 years, follow-up duration: 7, IQR 4-10 years). Both in- and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed.

Results: Probabilities of first UC-related hospitalization were 28.6%, 53.7% and 66.2% and of first re-hospitalization were 23.7%, 55.8% and 74.6% after 1-, 5- and 10- years of follow-up, respectively. Main UC-related causes for first hospitalization were diagnostic procedures (26.7%), disease activity (22.4%) or UC-related surgery (4.8%), but a significant percentage was unrelated to IBD (44.8%). In Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analysis disease extent at diagnosis (HR extensive: 1.79, p=0.02) or at last follow-up (HR: 1.56, p=0.001), need for steroids (HR: 1.98, p<0.001), azathioprine (HR: 1.55, p=0.038) and anti-TNF (HR: 2.28, p<0.001) were associated with the risk of UC-related hospitalization. Early hospitalization was not associated with a specific disease phenotype or outcome; however, 46.2% of all colectomies were performed in the year of diagnosis.

Conclusion: Hospitalization and re-hospitalization rates were relatively high in this population-based UC cohort. Early hospitalization was not predictive for the later disease course.
Adverse Food Reaction and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Role of the Dietetic Approach
Authors: Pasqui Francesca , Poli Carolina , Colecchia Antonio , Marasco Giovanni , Festi Davide
Published: August 2015

Bloating, abdominal discomfort or pain, disturbed bowel habits are very common symptoms, frequently reported by the patients soon after food ingestion. These symptoms may occur in different clinical conditions, such as functional bowel disorders, food adverse reactions, gluten-related syndromes, which frequently are interrelated. Consequently, in clinical practice, it is necessary to perform a correct diagnosis in order to identify, for the single patient, the most appropriate therapeutic strategy, which may include not only specific drugs, but also, and mainly, life style changes (healthy nutritional behavior and constant physical activity).

The aim of this review is to provide to the general physician, according to the available evidence, the most appropriate diagnostic work-ups for recognizing the different clinical scenarios (i.e. food allergy and intolerance, functional bowel diseases, gluten-related syndromes), to identify their clinical interrelationships and to suggest the most appropriate management. In fact, as far as food intolerances are concerned, it is well known that the number of patients who believe that their symptoms are related to food intolerance is increasing and consequently they restrict their diet, possibly causing nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, there is an increasing use of unconventional diagnostic tests for food intolerance which lack accurate scientific evidence; the application of their results may induce misdiagnosis and unhealthy therapeutic choices. Consequently the recognition of food intolerance has to be performed on the basis of reliable tests within an agreed diagnostic workup.
Music Activity as a Communication Tool for Young Autistic Adolescents
Authors: Vilkelienė Aldona , Kondrotienė Eglė
Published: August 2015

Music and its influence on personality was for a long time under research and still is contextualized. The task of this work was to disclose possibilities of various music activities and to find out their positive influence for young autistic adolescents’ communication and interaction activities. It was also very important to find the answer to the question, if music interaction is possible for autistics as this disorder prevent ability to communicate and to get into contact with other people. Theoretical part of this piecework deals with the reasons for autistic disorder, manifestations of autism and specifics of communication. Also, here are presented approaches of view of different authors what concerns the music and various music activities in the context of musical methods. On the basis of this theoretical context was executed empirical research with autistic people where, according to the chosen music and usage of it’s methodology, was formulated task to try to reach (cultivate) social communication and socialization capabilities.

Empirical research revealed that for young autistic adolescents the most stimulating music activities are music activities: improvisation, singing, also listening to music and movement. Music activities revealed interpersonal relation between young autistic adolescent and pedagogue through more active eye contact; young autistic adolescents started more actively communicate with gestures and body language. Empirical research also displayed that the right choice of the musical method is directly related with the process of education and ensure its success. Also, it was proved that the success of the development of disabled people with communication disorders greatly depends on teamwork, – cooperation among young autistic adolescents, their parents, special educators and social workers. This teamwork cooperation helps to develop communication and cooperation abilities. Research results show that music activities could be (can be) natural process of communication and affiliation for young autistic adolescents.
Control of Silky Crazyweed (Oxytropis sericea) with Aminopyralid + 2,4-D and Picloram + 2,4-D on Native Rangeland
Authors: Goodman Laura E. , Cibils Andrés F. , Steiner Robert L. , Graham John D. , McDaniel Kirk C.
Published: August 2015

Techniques for preventing crazyweed toxicity in livestock have generally fallen into two categories: excluding livestock access to infested ranges during early spring and fall, and controlling crazyweed populations through herbicide application. Although picloram has been used to control crazyweed effectively in the past, aminopyralid has shown efficacy at lower application rates, exhibits less potential off-target movement, and has been classified as a reduced-risk product. Differences in the response of silky crazyweed and nontarget grasses and forbs to picloram + 2,4-D and aminopyralid + 2,4-D were investigated. Picloram + 2,4-D was applied at a rate of 0.3 kg ae ha−1picloram + 1.1 kg ae ha−12,4-D, and aminopyralid + 2,4-D was applied at a rate of 0.1 kg ae ha−1aminopyralid + 1.2 kg ae ha−12,4-D. Silky crazyweed canopy cover, number of flowering stalks, plant size, and biomass decreased 15 mo after herbicide treatments (MAT) with average percentage of relative reductions of 92, 95, 90, and 99%, respectively. Crazyweed density decreased by 1.5 ± 0.2 SE plants m−2and 1.3 ± 0.2 plants m−2, a relative reduction of 95 and 80%, 15 MAT in aminopyralid + 2,4-D– and picloram + 2,4-D–treated plots, respectively. Plots treated with aminopyralid + 2,4-D had 4% lower nontarget forb canopy cover than did picloram + 2,4-D plots 15 MAT. Grass biomass remained similar within treatments over time for control, aminopyralid + 2,4-D and picloram +2,4-D plots, and was similar in all plots 15 MAT. Plots treated with herbicides had, on average, 11% greater grass cover than did control plots 15 MAT (aminopyralid + 2,4-D: 89%; picloram + 2,4-D: 85%; control: 76%).
Soybean Yield Response to Foliar‐Applied Micronutrients and Relationships among Soil and Tissue Tests
Authors: Enderson Joshua T. , Mallarino Antonio P. , Haq Mazhar U.
Published: August 2015

Research is needed to assess the value of soil and tissue testing for micronutrients. This research evaluated the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield response to foliar application of B, Cu, Mn, and Zn and relationships between soil and plant‐tissue tests at 42 sites in Iowa. Treatments sprayed at the V5–V6 and R2–R3 growth stages were a control, each nutrient applied separately, and their mixture. Soil‐test results for moist or dried (40°C) samples (15‐cm depth) for B were 0.23 to 1.66 mg kg−1 (hot‐water test) whereas for Cu, Mn, and Zn were 1.6 to 4.2, 31.5 to 128, and 1.2 to 11 mg kg−1 by the Mehlich‐3 (M3) test and 0.28 to 1.83, 3.8 to 42.3, and 0.48 to 15.1 mg kg−1 by the diethylenetriamine‐pentaacetic acid (DTPA) test. Tissue B, Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations were 24.3 to 41.5, 5.3 to 15.0, 29 to 113, and 24.5 to 47.8 mg kg−1 in plants and 27 to 62.3, 3.8 to 11, 26 to 88, and 17.8 to 47.3 mg kg−1 in leaves. Fertilization did not increase yield, sometimes increased leaf concentrations, but often increased grain concentrations. Except for Mn, M3 and DTPA tests were related for dried or moist samples (r2 0.31–0.95). Relationships between soil and tissue tests were not significant or poor (r2 < 0.31). With the exception of DTPA tests for Cu and Mn, published soil and tissue sufficiency ranges were too high for the conditions of this study.
The utility of α-synuclein as biofluid marker in neurodegenerative diseases: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Simonsen Anja Hviid , Kuiperij Bea , El-Agnaf Omar Mukhtar Ali , Engelborghs Sebastian , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Parnetti Lucilla , Rektorova Irena , Vanmechelen Eugeen , Kapaki Elisabeth , Verbeek Marcel , Mollenhauer Brit
Published: August 2015

The discovery of α-synuclein (α-syn) as a major component of Lewy bodies, neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies and of glial inclusions in multiple system atrophy initiated the investigation of α-syn as a biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Due to the involvement of the periphery in PD the quantification of α-syn in peripheral fluids such as serum, plasma and saliva has been investigated as well. We review how the development of multiple assays for the quantification of α-syn has yielded novel insights into the variety of α-syn species present in the different fluids; the optimal preanalytical conditions required for robust quantification and the potential clinical value of α-syn as biomarker. We also suggest future approaches to use of CSF α-syn in neurodegenerative diseases.
Complications and Their Management in Endometriosis Surgery
Authors: Karaman Yucel , Uslu Husamettin
Published: August 2015

Endometriosis is a common chronic disease mostly seen in young women. Endometriosis surgery may be considered as rather challenging in gynecology. In this article, we tried to emphasize on basic concepts of endometriosis surgery, the best surgical method that should be applied and the complications and the management of the complications.
Effect of matrix pretreatment on the supercritical CO2 extraction of Satureja montana essential oil
Authors: Damjanovic-Vratnica Biljana , Perovic Svetlana , Lu Tiejun , Santos Regina
Published: August 2015

The effect of different matrix pretreatment of winter savory(Satureja montana
L.) on the supercritical CO2(SC-CO2) extraction - yield, composition and
antimicrobial activity of extracts and essential oil (EO) was investigated.
Herb matrix was submitted to conventional mechanical grinding, physical
disruption by fast decompression of supercritical and subcritical CO2 and
physical disruption by mechanical compression. The analyses of the essential
oil obtained by SC-CO2 extraction and hydrodistillation were done by GC/FID
method. Major compounds in winter savory EO obtained by SC-CO2 extraction
and hydrodistillation were: thymol (30.4-35.4% and 35.3%), carvacrol
(11.5-14.1% and 14.1%), ?-terpinene (10.2-11.4% and 9.1%) and p-cymene
(8.3-10.1% and 8.6%), respectively. The gained results revealed that
physical disruption of essential oils glands by fast CO2 decompression in
supercritical region (FDS) achieved the highest essential oil yield as well
as highest content of thymol, carvacrol and thymoquinone. Antimicrobial
activity of obtained winter savory SC-CO2 extracts was the same (FDS) or
weaker compared to essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation.
Role of Health Services Research in Producing High-Value Rehabilitation Care
Authors: Rundell Sean D. , Goode Adam P. , Friedly Janna L. , Jarvik Jeffrey G. , Sullivan Sean D. , Bresnahan Brian W.
Published: August 2015

The concept of value is receiving greater attention in rehabilitation and the broader health care environment. The overall purpose of this article is to present a framework to help clinicians, researchers, educators, and policy makers better understand the role of health services research in developing and evaluating evidence on value in rehabilitation. Value in health care is a multidimensional concept and may be defined differently by various stakeholders, but assessing value typically involves considering a combination of several health and economic outcomes. However, health care stakeholders often lack sufficient information on these outcomes to make well-informed decisions. Health services approaches such as comparative effectiveness research, patient-centered outcomes research, and health economics assessments are some ways to evaluate value. The evidence generated from such studies directly informs decision making and health policy. Rehabilitation professionals have a great opportunity to increase their engagement in describing, evaluating, delivering, and disseminating high-value care, but there are several barriers they need to consider to be most successful. Embracing health services research best practices is essential for advancing appropriate rehabilitation practice, research, and policy and for addressing challenges to implementing high-value care.
Reliability of the ECHOWS Tool for Assessment of Patient Interviewing Skills
Authors: Boissonnault Jill S. , Evans Kerrie , Tuttle Neil , Hetzel Scott J. , Boissonnault William G.
Published: August 2015

Background

History taking is an important component of patient/client management. Assessment of student history-taking competency can be achieved via a standardized tool. The ECHOWS tool has been shown to be valid with modest intrarater reliability in a previous study but did not demonstrate sufficient power to definitively prove its stability.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to assess the reliability of the ECHOWS tool for student assessment of patient interviewing skills and (2) to determine whether the tool discerns between novice and experienced skill levels.

Design

A reliability and construct validity assessment was conducted.

Methods

Three faculty members from the United States and Australia scored videotaped histories from standardized patients taken by students and experienced clinicians from each of these countries. The tapes were scored twice, 3 to 6 weeks apart. Reliability was assessed using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and repeated measures. Analysis of variance models assessed the ability of the tool to discern between novice and experienced skill levels.

Results

The ECHOWS tool showed excellent intrarater reliability (ICC [3,1]=.74–.89) and good interrater reliability (ICC [2,1]=.55) as a whole. The summary of performance (S) section showed poor interrater reliability (ICC [2,1]=.27). There was no statistical difference in performance on the tool between novice and experienced clinicians.

Limitations

A possible ceiling effect may occur when standardized patients are not coached to provide complex and obtuse responses to interviewer questions. Variation in familiarity with the ECHOWS tool and in use of the online training may have influenced scoring of the S section.

Conclusion

The ECHOWS tool demonstrates excellent intrarater reliability and moderate interrater reliability. Sufficient training with the tool prior to student assessment is recommended. The S section must evolve in order to provide a more discerning measure of interviewing skills.
Physical Therapists, Telephone Coaches, and Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Qualitative Study About Working Together to Promote Exercise Adherence
Authors: Hinman Rana S. , Delany Clare M. , Campbell Penelope K. , Gale Janette , Bennell Kim L.
Published: August 2015

Background

Integrated models of care are recommended for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Exercise is integral to management, yet exercise adherence is problematic. Telephone-based health coaching is an attractive adjunct to physical therapist–prescribed exercise that may improve adherence. Little is known about the perceptions and interpretations of physical therapists, telephone coaches, and patients engaged in this model of care.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore how stakeholders (physical therapists, telephone coaches, and patients) experienced, and made sense of, being involved in an integrated program of physical therapist–supervised exercise and telephone coaching for people with knee OA.

Design

A cross-sectional qualitative design drawing from symbolic interactionism was used.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with 10 physical therapists, 4 telephone coaches, and 6 patients with painful knee OA. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis informed by grounded theory.

Results

Four themes emerged: (1) genuine interest and collaboration, (2) information and accountability, (3) program structure, and (4) roles and communication in teamwork. Patients reported they appreciated personalized, genuine interest from therapists and coaches and were aware of their complementary roles. A collaborative approach, with defined roles and communication strategies, was identified as important for effectiveness. All participants highlighted the importance of sharing information, monitoring, and being accountable to others. Coaches found the lack of face-to-face contact with patients hampered relationship building. Therapists and coaches referred to the importance of teamwork in delivering the intervention.

Limitations

The small number of physical therapists and telephone coaches who delivered the intervention may have been biased toward favorable experiences with the intervention and may not be representative of their respective professions.

Conclusions

Integrated physical therapy and telephone coaching was perceived as beneficial by most stakeholders. Programs should be structured but have some flexibility to give therapists and coaches some freedom to adjust treatment to individual patient needs as required. Opportunities for visual communication between telephone coaches and patients could facilitate relationship building.
Co-administration of Rauwolfia vomitoria with Gongronema latifolium or Vernonia amygdalina on spatial learning, memory, and some bio-molecules
Authors: Ekong Moses B , Peter Aniekan I , Ekpene Ubong U
Published: August 2015

Background: Rauwolfia vomitoria is a plant with sedative properties found useful in the management of psychotic disorders, with adverse effects being reported on its use in different brain areas.Aims and Objectives: To investigate the acute effect of combination of Rauwolfia vomitoria with either Gongronema latifolium or Vernonia amygdalina on spatial learning and memory, and some bio-molecules in rats.Materials and Methods: 24 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 220 g - 300 g were equally divided into four groups (1-4). Group 1 animals were the control treated with 0.5 ml of Tween 20. Groups 2, 3 and 4 animals were administered respectively; 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria, a combination of 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria and 200 mg/kg of G. latifolium, and a combination of 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria and 200 mg/kg of V. amygdalina for seven days. On days 4-7 concurrent with treatment, spatial learning and memory test was carried out using the Morris water maze, and the animals were sacrificed twelve hours after the last treatment. Their sera were used for enzyme and other bio-molecules analysis.Results: There was no difference in spatial learning and memory. The activities of aspartate aminotrans­ferase, alanine aminotrans­ferase and alkaline phos­phatase, and the serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels were also not different compared to the control group.Conclusion: The dose and duration of administration of the extract of R. vomitoria either alone, or in combination with G. latifolium or V. amygdalina may not affect spatial learning or memory, or alter serum biomolecules.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 82-87
The expression of Cx43, TGFβ/smads signaling pathways and PCNA in the occurrence and development of gastric carcinoma and the relationship among them
Authors: Li Chun-Hui , Pan Li-Hui , Liu Hai-Wang , Sahi Rajina , Zhao Xing , Cheng Yu
Published: August 2015

Aims and Objectives: To detect the protein expression level of Cx43, smad4 and PCNA in normal and gastric carcinoma tissue by immuno-histochemistry, western blotting and RT-PCR method. We intend to reveal the relationship between their expression in occurrence and development. Simultaneously through analyzing experimental data we have obtained the correlation among them.Materials and Methods: Immuno-histochemistry and western blotting were adopted to detect the expression of Cx43, smad4 and PCNA protein in normal and carcinomatous gastric tissue, expression levels mRNA of Cx43, smad4 and PCNA were detected by RT-PCR in normal and carcinomatous gastric tissue. Experimental data were analyzed by combining clinical pathology data using statistical approach.  Results: The expression levels of Cx43, and smad4 in carcinomatous gastric tissue were lower than they were in normal gastric tissue. The expression level of PCNA in carcinomatous gastric tissue was higher than that in normal gastric tissue. The expression levels of Cx43, Smad4 and PCNA in groups of age and gender is not significant. The expression of Cx43, Smad4 and PCNA in different clinicopathologic features of carcinomatous gastric tissue including degrees of pathological differentiation, lymph node metastasis condition, depth of tumor invasion and TNM stages is statistically significant. With the progression of gastric carcinoma, the expression levels of Cx43 and Smad4 were decreased, conversely PCNA showed a high expression level. Based on the analysis Cx43 negatively correlated with PCNA, Cx43 positively correlated with Smad4, Smad4 negatively correlated with PCNA.Conclusions: The protein and mRNA expressions of Cx43, smad4 and PCNA were significant differences between normal gastric tissue and gastric carcinoma, also were concerned with differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages and depth of invasion, while not significant with age and gender. This suggests that they may play an important role in occurrence and development of gastric carcinoma, but also may have some interaction. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 6-13
Pattern of ABO and Rhesus blood group distribution among students of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu Ngozi Immaculata
Published: August 2015

Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study is to have information on the distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood group among the students so as to determine the need for routine screening for hemolysin among blood group O, if found to be high, as well as to institute blood donor registry for Rhesus negative blood, if found to be low.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective study and record of ABO and Rhesus blood group results of students screened between May 2010 and April 2011 was obtained from the University medical centre. Data was analyzed using Epi info software, version 3.5.4. Descriptive statistics were used to compute percentages and averages. Results were presented in tables and charts and expressed as percentages/proportions, mean and standard deviation.Results: Three thousand, two hundred and eighty three results were obtained, made up of 1749 males and 1534 females with the ratio of 1.1:1. The age of the students ranged between 16 and 47 years with mean age of 22 ± 5years. Among the population studied, blood group O has the highest percentage (57.7%), followed by group A (22.1%), then B (18.1%), while AB has the least percentage (2.1%). Most of the students were found to be Rhesus positive (95.8%), while Rhesus negative was 4.2%.Conclusion: Blood group O was found to be highest among the study population, followed by A, B and AB in that order. Most of the students were found to be Rhesus positive while only a minority were Rhesus negative. Routine screening for hemolysin among blood group O and institution of blood donor registry is recommended.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 101-104
Are the adverse psychiatric outcomes reflection of occupational stress among nurses: An exploratory study
Authors: Davey Anuradha , Sharma Parul , Davey Sanjeev , Shukla Arvind , Srivastava Kajal , Vyas Shaili
Published: August 2015

Background: Stress-related disorders encompass a broad array of conditions, including psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety etc. Among healthcare professionals, nurses have been found to be most prone to burnout.Aims and Objective: 1) To find out the prevalence of recent stress among staff nurses in terms of somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction and depression and; 2) To find out the association between these psychiatric outcomes and various socio-demographic variables, inter-personal relationships, working environment and professional stress.Materials and Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study conducted on 100 staff nurses. Goldberg and Hillier’s 28-item scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to measure the psychological aspect of quality of life of Staff nurses.  Results: The most common psychological outcome noted was the social dysfunction (94%) among the staff nurses. For anxiety, potential stressor were doctors’ attitude, insufficient salary and separate wash room for females; whereas significant association was found between depression and unsatisfactory attitude of doctors, fellow nurses, not enough time for rest and not getting enough holidays.Conclusion: Social dysfunction could be cause or effect of other psychiatric manifestations like anxiety or depressionAsian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 96-100
Epidemiological study of burn injury with special reference to its prevention- A Nine-year retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal, India
Authors: Kuiri Shib Shankar , Ghosh Bikash Chandra , Mandal Nilay , Nandi Mintu Mohan , Saradar Tusar Kanti , Ghosh Goutam
Published: August 2015

Aims and Objectives: We conducted a retrospective analysis among 1984 burn patients to study the incidence, prevalence of burn injury, its various types and modes (actual event behind the burn injury), risk factors and to find out the preventive measures.Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was carried out among 1984 patients having burn injuries, admitted in a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal, India over a period of nine years. The sources of information were the admission registers and the patients' folders from the medical records department. The Ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Ethical Committee. The information obtained included age, sex, whether accidental or suicidal, etiology of burn injury and particularly the mechanism of injury. Results: Females were mostly affected (83%) in comparison to males. Among the study population, most of the burn patients were in the age group of 21-30yrs i.e. 35.3%. The number of burn patients were less in number in the age group of 11-20yrs i.e. 7.3%. Most of the burn injuries (87%) were accidental. Suicidal burns occurred in 10% cases. Of which about 1/3rd of the cases were due to dowry related issues.  A significant number of teenagers also attempted suicides due to trivial reasons (e.g. failure in examination, quarrelling with parents). Gas oven related injuries occurred in 2.7% cases. Oil lamps (‘kupi’), candles and hurricane-lanterns, diyas were also responsible to some extent in rural India for flame burns(5%). Smoking related burn injuries occurred in 1.7% cases. Scald injuries occurred in 14% cases. Chemical injuries (0.3%) were due to spillage of unlabelled bottles of acid/alkali. Electrical burn injury occurred in 4.9% cases. Conclusion: Burn injury prevention is not easy, but to avoid the significant morbidity and mortality following injury we have to prevent it by any means. A coordinated and dedicated approach among social workers , medical and paramedical personnel, administrators can only minimize the incidence of burn.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 70-75
A study on assessment of HbA1c level as a diagnostic criterion of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dutta Agnibha , Dudhe Ashish P , Deb Subhasish , Dasgupta Somnath , Sarkar Amit
Published: August 2015

Aims and Objectives: We compared performance of HbA1c in diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with that of fasting plasma glucose and tried to determine cut off point of HbA1c for optimum sensitivity and specificity in a population of eastern India both from urban and rural background.Materials and Methods: The analysis was conducted in persons aged between 40 and 80 years, visiting our institution, who are newly diagnosed as diabetic and non-diabetic attending hospital for some other reason, who underwent FPG and HbA1c testing, in the time period January 2013 to August 2014.Results: From 100 individuals (mean age 54.6 years) HbA1c ? 6.5% produced sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 72%, positive predictive value 76.27% and negative predictive value 87.80% when compared to FPG ? 126 mg% as standard. By ROC curve, optimum cut off point for HbA1c was found to be 7.05% for diagnosis of diabetes.Conclusion: Using a cut off value of HbA1c of 7% may optimise detection of diabetes mellitus and ensure proper patient care.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 49-52
Mean platelet volume: An economical diagnostic marker of cardiovascular risk assessment in altered fasting blood glucose levels
Authors: Kapoor Shivali , Kaur Manjit , Rana Amrit Pal Singh , Suryanarayan A
Published: August 2015

Background: Platelets with altered morphology or large size are more thrombogenic and are likely to be associated with increased risk of vascular disease. Platelet parameters especially high mean platelet volume (MPV) has been reported in diabetic patients as major contributing factor. The aim of the present study was to find correlation between fasting blood glucose value and hematological variables (PC and MPV), not only in diabetics, but also in the normoglycemic subjects and patients with impaired fasting blood glucose levels.Materials and Methods: In the present study 3471 subjects were analyzed retrospectively and categorized into three groups based on the fasting blood glucose levels as Group I - normoglycemics (FBG ? 109 mg/dl, n = 1158), Group II- impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG ? 126 mg/dl, n = 1158) and Group III – Diabetics (FBG ? 127 mg/dl, n = 1155).Results: We found progressive increase in value of MPV with the increasing FBG levels, in the following order: G1 (8.44 ± 0.842 fl), G2 (8.98 ± 0.898 fl), G3 (9.31 ± 0.967 fl). The platelet count however, did not show much statistical significance with rising glucose levels.Conclusions: MPV increased proportionally with increasing plasma glucose levels. Although the variation between the normoglycemics and impaired fasting group was not very significant, the parameters still showed progressive increase with rising sugar levels significant in diabetic group.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 30-33
Climate Change: A Shadow over Nepal’s Himalayas
Authors: Manandhar Bhai Raja
Published: August 2015

Not Available. HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
India’s XIIth Plan (2011/’12 – 2016/’17) on Capacity Addition - 88,500 Megawatt
Authors: Pun S B
Published: August 2015

Not Available.HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
Unlocking the Development of Hydropower Potential
Authors: Dhungel Kamal Raj
Published: August 2015

Nepal is rich in hydropower amounted to 42 GW. But it is poor in terms of per capita electricity consumption amounted to 106 KWh which keeps Nepal in a lowest position among the countries of South Asia. Harnessing this is a must for Nepal to run to the road to prosperity. Electricity use and economic growth move in the same direction indicating an additional unit of growth requires additional multiple unit of electricity. There are a number of stakeholders of the rivers flowing inside Nepal. These rivers are being shared by four sovereign countries –originated in Tibet, enter Nepal and cross the border to flow in India and then in Bangladesh before reaching their final destiny. These rivers provide drinking water to the people of these countries. In addition, another option for the benefit to share of these rivers among the stakeholders is to develop hydropower in Nepal and export it to light the cities of the rest of countries. Nepal should prepare itself to make favorable environment-creating domestic market, reducing electricity generation cost, maintaining rule of law, creating stable policies, ending political instability, adopting appropriate pricing policies- to invite foreign direct investment needed to harness.  HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
Climate Change and Community Perceptions in the Khudi Watershed, Lamjung, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Aseem Raj
Published: August 2015

Climate change and people’s perception on such changes are analysed for the Khudi Watershed in Western Nepal. Climate change trends in the western hilly region of Nepal were investigated focusing on two major climatic indicators: surface air temperature and rainfall. Further, community’s perceptions on climate change impacts were analysed. We found considerable warming in the study area with a mean temperature increase of 0.18°C decade-1. Annual rainfall is varying with prolonged dry periods. During monsoon season short but intense rainfall events were observed. Local denizens have also experienced these changes and think that weather related changes are affecting their livelihood practices with increased weather related disasters, less agricultural yield, and imbalances in socio-economic behavior.  HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
Sulitar Irrigation System: Struggle from Poverty to Prosperity
Authors: Rijal Krishna Prasad
Published: August 2015

Nepal has glorious history with tens of thousands of self sustainable farmer managed irrigation systems, which accounts for about two third of total irrigated area in the country. Sulitar Irrigation System, located in Chitwan district of Nepal and constructed almost two decades ago, is one of them. The farmers have been relentlessly working for construction, maintenance, repair and operation of the system with wider community participation. Participation is not only limited to the field level but also extends to crafting of rules and regulation pertaining to the governance of the system. Participatory approach adopted in this system has fostered transparency and accountability in the management entity with a sense of ownership and self responsibility as an asset embraced by water users. In addition, effective system of resource mobilization for Operation and Maintenance (O & M) is appreciable. Their working culture of participation, purposefulness and integrity has drawn in huge amount of internal as well as external resources to the project. Efficient networking with other organizations has led to profound resource mobilization, leadership sharing and a buildup of strong social capital. They are also well aware of the sustainability of the system and pre-requisites for it. Resource generation and O & M of the system have been institutionalized for its durability and long-term sustainability.Fundamental requirement for an irrigation system is the impact made by the system on the agriculture and livelihood of the people within the command area. Subsistence based agriculture prevailing before the service of irrigation system has now advanced to crop intensification and crop diversification paving the way for commercialization. Food security in the community has been enhanced and poor livelihood of common people has been transforming towards prosperity. HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
Project Review: Arun III Hydroelectric Project
Authors: Pyakurel Keshab
Published: August 2015

Not Available. HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015