bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytotoxicity Assessment of Certain Phytochemical Products Containing Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Authors: Cristina Șeremet Oana , Ot Olaru , Mihaela Ilie , Simona Negreș , D Bălălău
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot), Petasites hybridus (common butterbur), Senecio vernalis (eastern groundsel) and Symphytum officinale (comfrey) are species traditionally used in phytotherapy that besides the therapeutic compounds contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The aim of the paper is to determine the total PAs content and the phytotoxicity of the above species. Material and methods: The quantitative determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is based on the stoichiometric reaction of protonated alkaloids with methyl orange. In acidic conditions the dye is released from the complex and its color is assessed spectrophotometrically using a linear regression curve of senecionine as a standard. The phytotoxicity was assessed by Triticum bioassay that studies the effect of the extracts (0.001-5.00%, w/v) upon root elongation (inhibitory concentration - IC50) and on the karyokinetic film. Results: The highest amount of total PAs was found in Senecio vernalis (654.8 ± 35.96 μg/g dry plant) and the lowest in Petasites hybridus. The lowest IC50 was found for Tussilago farfara followed by Petasites hybridus, Senecio vernalis, and Symphytum officinale. The results were supported by microscopic examination. Conclusions: The results of the spectrophotometric assay are consistent with the ones found in the literature. All extracts inhibited the elongation of the main root of wheat caryopses, however, no correlation between phytotoxicity and the PAs concentration could be emphasized
The Role of Liver Transplantation in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma – a Single Center Experience from Budapest
Authors: L Piros , D Görög , I Fehérvári , B Nemes , R Langer , L Kóbori
Published: March 2014

Background: Liver transplantation for hepatic tumours is known as a proven treatment opportunity. The outcome has improved over the past decades because of the appropriate recipient selection. Materials and methods: In a single-institution study of 29 consecutive adult patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) between 1 January 2004 and 1 January 2011 in the Semmelweis University, Budapest with the indication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Results: The 1-year survival was 85.7% and the 3-year survival was 71.7%. Conclusions: Further investigations are needed on the field of histological and biological attributes of the hepatocellular carcinoma. Our aim is to find a better and individualized immunosuppressive protocol, which is also protective against malignant tumours
Correlations Between Severity of Coronary Calcification and Impairment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Zsuzsanna Suciu , Theodora Benedek , Beáta Jakó , I Benedek
Published: March 2014

Introduction: 64 multislice CT angiography is a recently introduced imaging technique, increasingly being used as a tool to show the coronary arteries in three-dimensional visualization. One of the advantages of this method is the ability to estimate the degree of calcification of atheromatous plaques via coronary calcium score calculation, which correlates with the severity score of ateromatous systemic burden. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the severity of coronary calcification, expressed by calcium score, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Material and methods: This retrospective study included 81 patients with symptoms of angina and ECG modifications (at rest or during exercise). Echocardiography and 64 multislice CT angiography were performed in all patients to assess the LVEF and Ca scoring. Results: Calcium score was lower than 100 in 62 patients (50.22%), between 100 and 400 in 11 patients (8.91%), and higher than 400 in 8 patients (6.48%). Mean LVEF was 53.52%, 17 patients having an LVEF of less than 50%. In patients with calcium score less than 100, the corresponding ejection fraction was normal: 55.29%, while in coronary arteries with extensive calcifications (calcium score > 400), the LVEF was significantly lower, 50.5% (p = 0.004). Conclusions: High Calcium score is positively correlated with LVEF reduction, and a high value for calcium score indicates an increased probability of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Evaluation of Anthropometric and Biochemical Status in Children with Nutritional Deficiency
Authors: Lidia Man , Maria Pitea Ana , Ioana Chinceșan Mihaela , A Man , Oana Mărginean , Despina Baghiu Maria
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the anthropometric and biochemical status of children with nutritional deficiency. Methods: We have conducted a prospective study on 226 children admitted in Pediatric Clinic I, divided into two groups: one group of 49 children with nutritional deficiency (body-mass-index < -2SD) and one control group (177 children). We have followed demographic data, anthropometric indices evaluated as standard deviations (weight, height, middle upper-arm circumference, tricipital skinfold), biochemical proteic status (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 IGF-1, albumin, total proteins). We also followed parameters of general nutritional biochemistry. Results: The mean age for underweight children was 5.8 years, lower than in the control group. The weight of the nutritional-deficient group was significantly lower than in the control group, unlike the height (p <0.001). We have also found significant differences in body-mass-index, middle upper-arm circumference and tricipital skinfold, all of them with low SDs in children with nutritional deficiency. Regarding the biochemical markers, we have found significantly higher values of transaminases (p <0.001) and lower IGF-1 (p = 0.02) and total proteins (p = 0.013) in nutritional-deficient group. Most IGF-1 values were in normal range in both groups, but with a higher percent of low values in nutritional deficient children (37.5% vs 14.2%, p = 0.0046). There were no significant differences in height, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels between the two groups. Conclusions: The anthropometric measurements are the most precise methods in evaluating the nutritional status. Among the studied biochemical markers, IGF-1, total proteins and transaminases are correlated with nutritional deficiencies
Surface wave characteristics in a micropolar transversely isotropic halfspace underlying an inviscid liquid layer
Authors: Gupta R.R. , Gupta R.R.
Published: March 2014

The present investigation deals with the propagation of waves in a micropolar transversely isotropic half space with an overlying inviscid fluid layer. Effects of fluid loading and anisotropy on the phase velocity, attenuation coefficient, specific loss and relative frequency shift. Finally, a numerical solution was carried out for aluminium epoxy material and the computer simulated results for the phase velocity, attenuation coefficient, specific loss and relative frequency shift are presented graphically. A particular case for the propagation of Rayleigh waves in a micropolar transversely isotropic half-space is deduced and dispersion curves are plotted for the same as functions of the wave number. An amplitude of displacements and microrotation together with the path of surface particles are also calculated for the propagation of Rayleigh waves in the latter case
An overview of Millionschikov's quasi-normality hypothesis applied to turbulence
Authors: Mamaloukas C. , Mazumdar H.P.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we examine the zero-fourth cumulant approximation that was applied to fluctuating velocity components of homogeneous and isotropic turbulence by M.D. Millionschikov. Since the publication of the remarkable paper of Millionschikov, many authors have applied this hypothesis to solve the closure problem of turbulence. We discuss here various studies by the other authors on the developments of this hypothesis and their applications to the incompressible velocity temperature, hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic fluctuating pressure fields and the general magnetohydrodynamic turbulence field. Lastly, we discuss broadly the computational difficulties that arise in turbulence problems and their possible refinements. We include also some enlightments of the process of future work that could be undertaken in this field of research
Finite element studies on free vibration of laminated composite cylindrical skew panels
Authors: Srinivasa C.V. , Suresh Y.J. , Kumar W.P. Prema
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the finite element studies on free vibration of isotropic and laminated composite cylindrical skew panels. The analysis is performed using CQUAD4 and CQUAD8 elements of MSC/NASTRAN. The effects of the panel angle, skew angle, aspect ratio and length-to-thickness-ratio on fundamental frequency of isotropic cylindrical skew panels are studied. The effects of additional parameters such as the fiber orientation angle, numbers of layers and stacking sequence on the fundamental frequency of antisymmetric composite laminates are also studied. It is found that the CQUAD8 element yields better results than the CQUAD4 element in the validation and convergence studies. The CQUAD8 element is employed for the remaining part of the studies. The fundamental frequencies are found to increase with the panel angle and skew angle. When the number of layers in the laminate is large, the variation of the fundamental frequency with the number of layers is not appreciable. The boundary conditions are found to have a significant influence on the fundamental frequency
Metallic paint appearance measurement and rendering
Authors: Mih´alik Andrej , Ďurikovič Roman
Published: March 2014

Humans recognize objects visually on the basis of material composition as well as shape. To acquire a certain level of photorealism, it is necessary to analyze, how the materials scatter the incident light. The key quantity for expressing the directional optical effect of materials on the incident radiance is the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). Our work is devoted to the BRDF measurements, in order to render the synthetic images, mostly of the metallic paints. We measured the spectral reflectance off multiple paint samples then used the measured data to fit the analytical BRDF model, in order to acquire its parameters. In this paper we describe the methodology of the image synthesis from measured data. Materials such as the metallic paints exhibit a sparkling effect caused by the metallic particles scattered within the paint volume. Our analysis of sparkling effect is based on the processing of the multiple photographs. Results of analysis and the measurements were incorporated into the rendering process of car paint
Improvements in the turbo-engine by replacement of conventional combustion chamber by a pulse combustion chamber
Authors: Łapinski Damian , Piechna Janusz
Published: March 2014

This paper comprises description of the turbo engine and evaluation of its analytical model. The analytical model was created to establish a benchmark for further evaluation of a wave rotor combustor (at constant volume). The wave rotor combustor concept was presented and discussed. Advantages of combustion at constant volume were described as well as the basic turbo engine updates required to reflect pulse combustor application. The calculation results for analytical model of a basic engine, and that equipped with pulse combustor are included in this paper. The paper describes the required changes in the engine structure and construction and the estimated thermodynamic improvements. Axial-type pulse multi-chamber combustion unit increasing the pressure and temperature of gases requires a special additional turbine utilizing additional energy and forming the interface between the standard compressor-turbine unit. Performance calculations done for an existing GTD-350 engine showed that constant-volume combustion process is valuable
Simulation of fluid structure interaction in a novel design of high pressure axial piston hydraulic pump
Authors: Osiecki Leszek , Patrosz Piotr , Landvogt Bettina , Piechna Janusz , Zawistowski Tomasz , Zylinski Bartek
Published: March 2014

A novel type of an axial, piston-driven high pressure hydraulic pump with variable capacity marks a significant improvement in the area of the hydraulic machinery design. Total discharge from hydrostatic forces eliminates a need for a servomechanism, thus simplifying operation, reducing weight and introducing the possibility of the pump displacement control by computer. PWK-type pumps, invented in the Gdansk University of Technology, offer high efficiency for pressure levels up to 55 MPa, ability to work self sucking even at high speed. However, the heart of the new invention, the commutation unit, creates harmful pressure peaks. Those peaks can be mitigated by the introduction of a compensation chamber with elastic walls. Owing to the dynamic character of events taking place in the pump, a need for computer simulation arouse in order to understand phenomena leading to the occurrence of pressure peaks and choose compensation chamber parameters accordingly. A CFD package alone would not be sufficient to reliably represent the interaction between the compensation chamber wall and the working fluid. This paper presents Fluid Structure Interaction approach comparing 3 different models: 2 simplified models of the pump and a full pump model.
Modelling of vertical shaft of mixed-flow pump
Authors: Holka Henryk , Jarzyna Tomasz
Published: March 2014

The aim of the work was modelling of shaft and calculation of natural vibration frequencies and critical rotations of a large-size, vertical mixed flow pump of total length l=4866 mm. Equations of motion were determined analytically, and then calculation results were verified by numerical modelling. The difficulty of the problem consisted in the shaft bearing, in which four hydrodynamic bearings of unknown parameters were applied. A four-mass beam supported on flexible supports of rigidity k and damping c was assumed as the discrete model of the shaft. Equations of motion for the system were derived with the method of forces. In order to verify correctness of the derived equations, one considered three models of the beam with different support configuration: the beam supported on rigid supports, the beam supported on elastic supports, and the beam supported on flexible supports of rigidity k and damping c. Calculation results are presented in tables and graphs
Selected aspects of robin heart robot control
Authors: Niewola Adam , Podsedkowski Leszek , Wróblewski Piotr , Zawiasa Piotr , Zawierucha Marcin
Published: March 2014

The issues of medical robots have been approached for 12 years in the Institute of Machine Tools and Production Engineering of the Technical University of Lodz. In the last two years, the scope of research related to the miniaturization of surgical tools, automated changing of these tools with the use of a tool depot designed for this purpose, equipping the robot in the sense of touch and developing the software which provides ergonomic and intuitive robot control with the use of all its functions. In the telemanipulator control, strong emphasis is placed on the intuitiveness of control, which is hard to be ensured due to the fact that the robot tool is observed by a laparoscopic camera, whose orientation and position may vary. That is the reason for developing a new algorithm. It copies the increments of the position and orientation measured in relation to the monitor coordinate system onto the robot tool movement and orientation, which are measured in relation to the camera coordinates system. In this algorithm it is necessary to solve inverse kinematics, which has a discontinuity. Avoiding the discontinuity is achieved by mapping the solution with the cosine function. It causes smooth pass through the area of discontinuity in this way avoiding the singularity
Zones and segments as taxa used in the hierarchical classification of riverine landscapes: a case study of the smrečianka brook, Slovak Republic
Authors: Tomčíková Ivana
Published: March 2014

A river is a highly complex structure and the constituent of landscape and catchment basin from which it drains water. In the holistic concept, a river is defined in mutual interactions with its surroundings as a spatial system - the riverine landscape. As a product of fluvial processes, the riverine landscape has a regular spatial hierarchical structure, which is determined by the structure of its morphology, substrate, biota, land cover and socioeconomic structures. The aim of this paper is to verify the river landscape hierarchical classification and to identify the so-called higher taxa - zones and segments in the Smrečianka valley. The main data sources were hydrological maps at 1:50 000, topographic maps at 1:10 000 and 1:25 000, GIS database levels, geological maps at 1:50 000, and the boundaries were specified by a field survey
Evaluating the Complex: Alternative Models and Measures for Evaluating Collaboration among Substance use Services with Mental Health, Primary Care and other Services and Sectors
Authors: Rush Brian
Published: March 2014

Many planners and administrators now look to “collaboration” or “integration” as a solution, or at least a partial solution, to challenges related to access and delivery of substance use and mental health services and health services in general. Among the major constraints in identifying best practices in this area and recommending optimal evaluation strategies are the plethora of terms and concepts used in the literature to describe collaboration or integration as well as the many alternative approaches and outcome expectations. It is helpful, therefore, to follow concrete steps to plan the evaluation, including the engagement of multiple stakeholders in the planning process and subsequent execution of the evaluation. The concrete evaluation strategies employed can follow a traditional, often linear model, of impact and are often categorized under the common typologies of process, outcome or economic evaluations. Each approach examines different domains of interest and can be at the individual/service level or at the level of the overall treatment system. Other less traditional evaluation models and methods based on systems theory, complex adaptive systems and developmental evaluation have much to offer the evaluation of interventions aimed at improving the collaboration and integration of substance use services with other health and social services and sectors. Realist evaluation is a particularly helpful approach that integrates many of the traditional approaches with these other models and methods.
Capabilities for Handling Complex Substance abuse Problems and its Relationship to the Treatment System: Using the DDCAT Instrument to Explore Local Treatment Systems in Finland
Authors: Tammi Tuukka , Stenius Kerstin
Published: March 2014

Background

Mental health problems in Finland have been the responsibility of the health care, and substance abuse problems have been handled within social care. In 2009, a national reform aiming at integrating mental health and substance abuse treatment systems (SATS) was launched. The critics of integration were concerned that it implies a medicalization and a narrowing of the social care goals.

Aim

This article analyses to what extent integration of mental health and SATS affect the capability to treat co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems. A secondary aim is to assess the utility of the DDCAT (Dual Diagnosis Capability in Addiction Treatment) instrument in a Finnish context.

Data

The study is based on group interviews, using DDCAT, in six Finnish municipalities, three with integrated and three with separate mental health care and SATS. The assessment pertains to the main outpatient unit in the city.

Results

The dual diagnosis treatment capability did not depend on the system-level integration. Two municipalities where SATS was administratively separate from mental health care were able to achieve high dual diagnosis capability ratings while in one municipality with system level integration this capability was not very high. The DDCAT instrument puts an emphasis on medical staff and competence.

Conclusions

Strong, separate local SATS may adapt to the integration demands or needs by strengthening their psychiatric competence. This solution can result in treatment that is equally competent in treating mental health and substance abuse problems as integrated systems. The DDCAT instrument can be useful in a Finnish context to measure medical competence to handle dual diagnoses, irrespective of system solutions. For a balanced measurement, the instrument should be complemented with a section mapping competence to handle co-occurring social problems.
Mothers’ perception of stress involved in parenting a diabetic child
Authors: Nwaokoro Joakin Chidozie , Dozie Simplicious IN , Amadi Nkwa A , Emerole Chima O , Ibe Sally NO , Trapani Josef , Nwaokoro Ann Amaka
Published: March 2014

Objective: This study investigated mother’s perception of stress involved in parenting a diabetic child. Methods: Guided by a descriptive study, a target population which consisted of Maltese mothers with children having insulin-dependent diabetes that attended the outpatient diabetes clinic in St. Luke’s Hospital was surveyed. Well structured self-administered questionnaires were used in collecting data. Parental stress index (PSI) subscales vis-à-vis parental distress (PD), parent-child dysfunctional interaction (P-CDI) and diffi cult child (DC) were the yardsticks that were used to measure mother’s perception of stress involved in parenting a diabetic child. Generated data were subjected to descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analysis with regression line charts.    Results: Results showed that mothers who had diabetic children were highly stressed with 19 out of 25 mothers scoring over 85th percentile in the parental stress index. It was also found that PSI subscales had the following trend in increasing order of stress on the mothers; P-CDI<DC<PD. This implied that PD had the greatest impact followed by DC and lastly P-CDI.   Conclusion: It was therefore surmised that mothers with diabetic children perceive and experience a lot of stress as a result of having a diabetic child. Hence, it was recommended that further study should be carried out on father’s perception of stress involved in parenting a diabetic child.    Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 99-104 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.8910
Pelvic floor exercises - a clinical study
Authors: Pal Manidip
Published: March 2014

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercise. Materials and methods: Hundred (100) patients of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) were included. They were advised pelvic floor exercise in stepwise incremental manner. Each time exercise comprised of 10 seconds holding up and 10 seconds relaxation. To start with it was 5 times each in the morning, noon, evening and night; making it 20 times per day. Every week 5 times increment. So by 5th week it was 25 times each in the morning, noon, evening and night; making it 100 times per day. After 6 months patients were assessed by their subjective feeling of improvement and clinical assessment. Results: After 6 months of therapy patients subjective feeling of improvement for POP, SUI and OAB were 73%, 84.1%, 58.3% respectively; though objective assessment did not show this much improvement. Conclusion: Pelvic floor exercise is an easy, effective and non-invasive tool that can be considered as first line therapy for these patients. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 95-98 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9113
Antimycobacterial activity of certain mangrove plants against multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Prabu Amudha , Seenivasan Prabu , Kumar Vanaja
Published: March 2014

Objectives: The present study was conducted aiming to identify a potent mangrove plant against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using rapid method, luciferase reporter phage (LRP) assay. Methods: Seven mangrove plants viz., Ceriops decandra, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agollacha,Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Suaeda monoica and Sesuvium portulacastrum were collected from Pichavaram mangrove forest in the east coast of, Tamil Nadu. Hexane and methanol extracts were obtained and antimycobacterial activity was done by LRP assay at the concentration of 500 μg/ml. Mycobacterial strains viz. reference strain M. tuberculosis H37Rv and two clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, one sensitive and the other resistant to Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Ethambutol used for this study. Results: Methanol extract of E. agollacha showed maximum antimycobacterial activity followed by A. corniculatum and A. officinalis at 500 μg/ml concentration. The remaining four plants (Suaeda monoica, Sesuvium portulacastrum, R. mucronata and C. decandra) showed less or no activity. However, hexane extracts of all the tested plants failed to inhibit the mycobacterial strains. Conclusions: Among the seven plants tested, E. agollacha was found to have better anti-TB activity. Further studies based on bioassay guided fractionation and phytochemical analysis may useful to identify the potent antimycobacterial molecule(s) from this mangrove plant. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 54-57 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9171
Spirometric evaluation of pulmonary functions of medical students in Nepal
Authors: Banskota Nepal Grishma , Das PKL , Bhaila A
Published: March 2014

Background: Spirometry is vital in screening, diagnosing and monitoring of patients in clinical respiratory medicine. The interpretations of these results depend on comparison with reference values derived from a pool of normal healthy population, which are age, weight, height, gender and ethnicity dependant. Objectives: To establish normative data of lung function indices (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and MVV) of healthy adult persons and to find correlation of these data, if any, with age, height, weight and BMI. Methods: Participants (n=174, mean age 19.60±1.177 yrs, height 161.87±8.572 cm, weight 58.65±11.190 kg and BMI 22.28±3.159 kg/m2) were recruited from KIST medical college. Spriometry was performed and data were grouped according to age, height, weight, BMI and gender. Results: The mean FVC, FEV1, PEFR and MVV of males (3.58 ±0.7241 L, 3.34±0.61L, 8.41±1.20L/sec and 141.45±18.54L/min respectively) were significantly higher than that of females (2.52±0.50L, 2.44±0.44L, 6.72±0.82L/sec and 106.93±12.49L/min respectively). However, FEV1/FVC ratio was statistically similar in males and females. FVC and FEV1 were positively correlated with height and weight in females. PEFR showed correlation with weight and BMI and MVV showed correlation with weight in females. In males, FVC showed positive correlation with height, weight and BMI. FEV1 and MVV showed maximum correlation with height of male students. Conclusions: Significant increased in PFT parameters were observed in male as compare to female. PFT parameters were mainly influenced by body height and weight in both sexes, so on this basis, a prediction equation was established for Nepalese population. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 82-86 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9352
Relation between waist-hip ratio and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Reddy Pillaram Raja , Jayarama N , Reddy M Madhavi , Mahesh V
Published: March 2014

Objective: To observe the relation between waist-hip ratio and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out at R L Jalappa Hospital attached to Sri DevaRaj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar, after a written consent from all the participants. The study includes 505 diabetic patients, in which 336 were males and 169 were females. The waist and hip circumference were measured and the ratio was taken as Waist-Hip ratio and about 5 ml of blood sample was collected and used for the estimation of serum cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-Cholesterol levels by using standard methods. Statistical analysis was done by using independent student t test and Pearson Correlation coefficient was calculated. Results: The waist hip ratio and lipid profiles were not significantly correlated. In type 2 diabetes male patients showed higher triglycerides (177.96±100.19) with waist hip ratio>0.9, whereas female patients showed less Triglycerides (178.19±99.52) with waist hip ratio >0.8. However these differences were statistically not significant. Conclusion: Multiple anthropometric parameters are required to correlate lipid profile rather than single parameter in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Along with anthropometric measurements, lipid profile is also need be monitored in type 2 diabetics. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 51-53 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9407
Vascular endothelial dysfunction in sickle cell disease by brachial artery flow mediated dilatation
Authors: Raghuwanshi Pranav Kumar , Raghuvanshi Somnath Singh
Published: March 2014

Objective: The present study was conducted aiming to assess endothelial function in sickle cell disease (SS), sickle cell trait(SA) and compare to endothelial dysfunction between sickle cell anemia (SS), sickle cell trait (SA) cases and control (AA) patients to evaluate correlation of endothelial dysfunction. Methods: The study population comprised of, total 25 cases having sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait and 25 age and sex matched normal control. Endothelial dysfunction as assessed by brachial artery flow mediated dilatation by colour Doppler (non-invasive method)by using Siemens Sonoline 500. Statistical analysis was performed using Software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, and P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95% confidence intervals. Results: Significant difference were observed in FMD (flow mediated vasodilatation) in case and control group (p<0.05), also significant difference was demonstrated between AS and SS group. Conclusion: The percentage of flow mediated dilatation of vessel is a marker of endothelial function was significantly lower in cases as compared to controls and was also lower in AS & SS when compared to control group & significantly lower in SS group than AS group. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 105-107 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9445
Comparison of efficacy of add-on therapy of vildagliptin versus pioglitazone among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients inadequately controlled on dual therapy of metformin plus sulfonylurea
Authors: Kaur Kirandeep , Kaur Rupinder , Mittal Naveen , Arora Shalini , Kaushal Sandeep
Published: March 2014

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of add on therapy of Vildagliptin versus Pioglitazone among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients inadequately controlled on dual therapy of metformin and sulfonylureas. Methods: This was an open label prospective non randomized trial conducted on 50 patients attending Endocrinology Outpatient Department in a tertiary care hospital. Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 DM) with age between 30 to 70 years of either gender, on dual oral anti-diabetic treatment (Metformin + Sulfonylurea) for at least last 3 months; HbA1c >7% and < 11%, BMI >25 kg/m2, were included. Group I patients were started on pioglitazone (30 mg once daily) and those in group II started on vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily), in addition to their earlier treatment of metformin and sulfonylurea. Primary end point was change in HbA1c levels after 12 weeks from baseline and secondary outcomes were change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and percentage of patients with endpoint HbA1c < 7% at 12 weeks. Results: A significant fall in HbA1c levels was seen in both the groups after 12 weeks of treatment with metformin, sulfonylureas and pioglitazone/ vildagliptin (p<0.001), however the decrease in HbA1c levels at 12 weeks were not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.16). Only four patients out of a total of 50, showed HbA1c <7% at 12 weeks, out of which three were from pioglitazone and one patient from vildagliptin group. The FPG and random plasma glucose levels also decreased significantly in both the groups (p < 0.001). No adverse effect was reported by the patients. Conclusion: Both vildagliptin and pioglitazone provided additional HbA1c lowering to that achieved with metformin and sulfonylurea. Vildagliptin demonstrates similar efficacy and safety to pioglitazone when added to metformin and sulfonylureas for three months. The clinical study is registered with Clinical Trials Registry of India, no. CTRI/2013/04/003582. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 77-81 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9482
2D Echocardiographic features in low T3 syndrome in chronic heart failure
Authors: Kumar Arun , Shivamurthy YL , Kumar V Mohan , Ramesh SS , Shankar AG Ravi , Basavaraju MM , Yathish SK , Manjunatha SM
Published: March 2014

Background: Thyroid abnormalities are common in chronic heart failure. Severity of heart failure rises by several fold in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Objectives: The purpose of this prospective study is to determine the correlation between low T3 syndrome and chronic heart failure with 2D echocardiography features & predicting the severity of chronic heart failure. Methods: In this descriptive, prospective cross sectional study, all patients who presented to the department of medicine with chronic heart failure during this study period of 12 months from January 2010-December 2011 in K.R.Hospital, Mysore were included. Patients were grouped into Low T3 chronic heart failure, hypothyroid chronic heart failure and chronic heart failure. Results: Mean age of low T3 chronic heart failure patients was higher than other two groups [60.50±6.15(SD) years, Systolic dysfunction on 2D Echo was more in low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy (20%), Diastolic dysfunction on 2D Echo was more in low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy group (30%), Pericardial effusion was seen in more number of patients with low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy (10%). Global hypokinesia was seen in more number of patients with low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy (30%). Segmental hypokinesia was seen in more number of patients with low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy (3%). Mean ejection fraction was seen in more number of patients with low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy [36.78±5.08 (SD) %]. Mean ejection fraction was lower in low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy [34.8±3.293 (SD) %].The high pulmonary artery systolic pressure was seen in more number of patients in low T3 dilated cardiomyopathy (70%). Conclusion: There is significant percentage of chronic heart failure patients having low T3 alone as biochemical parameter. It is important to recognize patients with chronic heart failure as it is associated with increased severity of heart failure. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 35-39 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9522
Ureteral Stents and Foley Catheters-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: The Role of Coatings and Materials in Infection Prevention
Authors: Lo Joey , Lange Dirk , Chew Ben
Published: March 2014

Urinary tract infections affect many patients, especially those who are admitted to hospital and receive a bladder catheter for drainage. Catheter associated urinary tract infections are some of the most common hospital infections and cost the health care system billions of dollars. Early removal is one of the mainstays of prevention as 100% of catheters become colonized. Patients with ureteral stents are also affected by infection and antibiotic therapy alone may not be the answer. We will review the current evidence on how to prevent infections of urinary biomaterials by using different coatings, new materials, and drug eluting technologies to decrease infection rates of ureteral stents and catheters.
Effect of the Duration Time of a Nuclear Accident on Radiological Health Consequences
Authors: Jeong Hyojoon , Park Misun , Jeong Haesun , Hwang Wontae , Kim Eunhan , Han Moonhee
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to quantify the effect of duration time of a nuclear accident on the radiation dose of a densely populated area and the resulting acute health effects. In the case of nuclear accidents, the total emissions of radioactive materials can be classified into several categories. Therefore, the release information is very important for the assessment of risk to the public. We confirmed that when the duration time of the emissions are prolonged to 7 hours, the concentrations of radioactive substances in the ambient air are reduced by 50% compared to that when the duration time of emission is one hour. This means that the risk evaluation using only the first wind direction of an accident is very conservative, so it has to be used as a screening level for the risk assessment. Furthermore, it is judged that the proper control of the emission time of a nuclear accident can minimize the health effects on residents.
Development and Use of Tide Models in Alaska Supporting VDatum and Hydrographic Surveying
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Jindong , Myers Edward , Huang Lijuan
Published: March 2014

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Ocean Service uses observations, hydrodynamic models and interpolation techniques to develop many of its products and services. We examine how two projects, computation of tidal datums for vertical datum transformation and the estimation of tidal characteristics for hydrographic surveys, are being developed in Alaska and how they may be more seamlessly integrated. Preliminary VDatum development for Alaska is in progress for the Alaska Panhandle through the setup of a high resolution tide model that will be used to compute spatially varying tidal datums. Tide models such as these can be used for other projects that traditionally rely on estimation of tides in between data locations, such as the planning for hydrographic surveys that need correctors to adjust bathymetry to the chart datum. We therefore also examine how an existing model in western Alaska can be used for better supporting hydrographic survey planning. The results show that integration of tide models with nearshore observations can provide improved information for these correctors and future work will further evaluate this methodology with existing VDatum tide models.
A Comparative Overview of the Flagellar Apparatus of Dinoflagellate, Perkinsids and Colpodellids
Authors: Okamoto Noriko , Keeling Patrick
Published: March 2014

Dinoflagellates are a member of the Alveolata, and elucidation of the early evolution of alveolates is important for our understanding of dinoflagellates, and vice versa. The ultrastructure of the flagellar apparatus has been described from several dinoflagellates in the last few decades, and the basic components appear to be well conserved. The typical dinoflagellate apparatus is composed of two basal bodies surrounded by striated collars attached to a connective fiber. The longitudinal basal body is connected to a longitudinal microtubular root (LMR; equivalent of R1) and single microtubular root (R2), whereas the transverse basal body is connected to a transverse microtubular root (TMR; R3) and transverse striated root (TSR) with a microtubule (R4). Some of these components, especially the connective fibers and collars, are dinoflagellate specific characteristics that make their flagellar apparatus relatively complex. We also compare these structures with the flagellar apparatus from a number of close relatives of dinoflagellates and their sister, the apicomplexans, including colpodellids, perkinsids, and Psammosa. Though the ultrastructural knowledge of these lineages is still relatively modest, it provides us with an interesting viewpoint of the character evolution of the flagellar apparatus among those lineages.
Five New Alkaloids from the Stem Bark of Daphniphyllum macropodum
Authors: Lu Yunyang , Gao Kai , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Wei , Ma Ning , Tang Haifeng
Published: March 2014

Five new alkaloids, daphnicyclidins M and N (compounds 1 and 2) and calyciphyllines Q–S (compounds 3–5), along with four known ones, paxiphylline C (6), macropodumine B (7), macropodumine C (8) and daphnicyclidin A (9) were isolated from the stem bark of Daphniphyllum macropodum. Calyciphylline Q (3) is the first calyciphylline A derivative possessing a double bond between C-18 and C-19. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR techniques. Compounds 1, 2, 8 and 9 exhibited cytotoxic activity against P-388 cells with IC50 values of 5.7, 6.5, 10.3 and 13.8 µM, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed cytotoxic activity against SGC-7901 cells with IC50 values of 22.4 and 25.6 µM.
Evaluating the Potentials of Sentinel-2 for Archaeological Perspective
Authors: Agapiou Athos , Alexakis Dimitrios , Sarris Apostolos , Hadjimitsis Diofantos
Published: March 2014

The potentials of the forthcoming new European Space Agency’s (ESA) satellite sensor, Sentinel-2, for archaeological studies was examined in this paper. For this reason, an extensive spectral library of crop marks, acquired through numerous spectroradiometric campaigns, which are related with buried archaeological remains, has been resampled to the spectral characteristics of Sentinel-2. In addition, other existing satellite sensors have been also evaluated (Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM); Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER); IKONOS; Landsat 4 TM; Landsat 7 Enhance Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+); QuickBird; Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre (SPOT); and WorldView-2). The simulated data have been compared with the optimum spectral regions for the detection of crop marks (700 nm and 800 nm). In addition, several existing vegetation indices have been also assessed for all sensors. As it was found, the spectral characteristics of Sentinel-2 are able to better distinguish crop marks compared to other existing satellite sensors. Indeed, as it was found, using a simulated Sentinel-2 image, not only known buried archaeological sites were able to be detected, but also other still unknown sites were able to be revealed.
Murine Leukemia Virus Uses TREX Components for Efficient Nuclear Export of Unspliced Viral Transcripts
Authors: Sakuma Toshie , Tonne Jason , Ikeda Yasuhiro
Published: March 2014

Previously we reported that nuclear export of both unspliced and spliced murine leukemia virus (MLV) transcripts depends on the nuclear export factor (NXF1) pathway. Although the mRNA export complex TREX, which contains Aly/REF, UAP56, and the THO complex, is involved in the NXF1-mediated nuclear export of cellular mRNAs, its contribution to the export of MLV mRNA transcripts remains poorly understood. Here, we studied the involvement of TREX components in the export of MLV transcripts. Depletion of UAP56, but not Aly/REF, reduced the level of both unspliced and spliced viral transcripts in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, depletion of THO components, including THOC5 and THOC7, affected only unspliced viral transcripts in the cytoplasm. Moreover, the RNA immunoprecipitation assay showed that only the unspliced viral transcript interacted with THOC5. These results imply that MLV requires UAP56, THOC5 and THOC7, in addition to NXF1, for nuclear export of viral transcripts. Given that naturally intronless mRNAs, but not bulk mRNAs, require THOC5 for nuclear export, it is plausible that THOC5 plays a key role in the export of unspliced MLV transcripts.
RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR BUILD, OPERATE AND TRANSFER (BOT) PROJECTS IN KUWAIT
Authors: Al-Azemi Khalid Fahad , Bhamra Ran , Salman Ahmed F. M.
Published: March 2014

Successful implementation of build-operate-transfer (BOT), infrastructure projects is dependent on a full and thorough analysis of factors that include social, economic and political, amongst others. Alongside the financially focused evaluations, qualitative factors will also have a strong impact on the project and so require specific techniques for the analysis. This paper presents a new evaluation framework, based on the analytical hierarchy process technique, for use in assessing the most common and significant decision factors relating to risks in BOT projects. Consultations with an expert group identified a series of risk decision factors. The results produced twenty-eight critical Risk Factors, which have a particular impact on the risks of BOT projects. The project risk framework was constructed by classifying the factors into five categories. The framework was successfully validated using a BOT project case study. This research seeks to make a valuable contribution to the field by having developed and validated a new risk evaluation framework, focused on BOT projects in Kuwait.
INTEGRATED EVALUATION OF EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS USING SWARA-TODIM MCDM METHOD
Authors: Ruzgys Audrius , Volvačiovas Robertas , Ignatavičius Česlovas , Turskis Zenonas
Published: March 2014

A great part of energy produced in Europe is consumed by old residential buildings. Consequently, it is necessary to retrofit energetically non-efficient buildings. However, there is a mass financial gap between cost effective retrofitting and upgrading to nearly zero energy building levels. The efficiency of apartment building modernization under current requirements applicable in Lithuania and the requirements for 2020 was analysed, focusing on thermal insulation of external walls. Six cases of residential building modernization in Lithuania were studied estimating criteria that are among the most important for implementation of apartment building modernization, such as the total cost of the external wall modernization, simple payback period, work duration, and other parameters related to the characteristics of thermal insulation systems. The weights of the criteria were calculated after an expert survey and using integrated SWARA-TODIM multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method the best alternatives were ranked. After analyzing the differences between the current situation and upcoming requirements for rendered and ventilated type of façades, it can be stated that the final result depends more on price, duration of works, payback period, energy losses and water vapour diffusion than on the type of façade or insulation requirements applied at present or future.
PREDICTION OF TENSILE AND FRACTURE PROPERTIES OF CRACKED CARBON STEEL WIRES USING FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION
Authors: Adewole Kazeem K. , Bull Steve J.
Published: March 2014

Steel wires are used as a bridge construction material and as pre-stressing strands or tendons in pre-stressed structural units among other applications in civil engineering. To date, the estimation of the load carrying capacity of a cracked wire has been based on purely experimental classical fracture mechanics work conducted with non-standardised classical fracture mechanics specimens as standard test specimens could not be manufactured from the wire owing to their size. In this work, experimental mechanical tests and finite element simulation with the phenomenological shear fracture model has been conducted to investigate the effect of miniature cracks with dimensions less than or equal to 0.2 mm (which is the limit of the current non-destructive detection technology) on the tensile and fracture properties of flat carbon steel wire. The investigation revealed that the reduction in the displacement at fracture of the wire due to the presence of cracks shallower than 0.2 mm is significantly higher than the reduction in the fracture load of the wire. Consequently, the displacement at fracture and by extension the fracture strain capacity of the wire could serve as a more appropriate parameter to assess the quality and the structural integrity of cracked wires.