bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-18 Gene Polymorphisms in Egyptian Patients with Allergic Diseases
Authors: Ibrahim Gehan H. , ElTabbakh Mohammed T. , Gomaa Amal H.A. , Mohamed Eman A.
Published: July 2012

Background

Allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD), affect a large proportion of people worldwide. Both have environmental and genetic predisposing factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin (IL)-18, may play a direct role in the disease pathogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the association of the IL-18 gene SNPs (-137 G/C [rs187238], and −140 C/G [rs360721]) with AR and AD, as well as their relations to the diseases’ severity.

Methods

Seventy-five individuals were enrolled in the study including, 25 AD children, 25 AR patients, and 25 unrelated healthy adult volunteers who served as controls. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

AR and AD patients showed no significant differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequencies of −137 G/C and −140 C/G SNPs when compared independently with the control group. However, the −140 GG genotype and the −140 G allele were more often associated with severe AD compared with mild and moderate phenotypes (p = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively; odds ratios [ORs], 14.25 [95% CI, 1.48–143.2] and 16 [95% CI, 2.8–90.46], respectively). Moreover, the −137 G allele was associated with moderate/severe AR (p = 0.019; OR, 6.1 [95% CI, 1.34–28.1]).

Conclusion

This preliminary study indicates that the studied polymorphisms do not confer susceptibility to allergy in Egyptian patients but may be related to the disease phenotype. However, the role of IL-18 in allergy may be too complex to be reflected in a simple association study.
The Unintended Consequences of an Algebra-for-All Policy on High-Skill Students
Authors: Nomi Takako
Published: August 2012

In 1997, Chicago implemented a policy that required algebra for all ninth-grade students, eliminating all remedial coursework. This policy increased opportunities to take algebra for low-skill students who had previously enrolled in remedial math. However, little is known about how schools respond to the policy in terms of organizing math classrooms to accommodate curricular changes. The policy unintentionally affected high-skill students who were not targeted by the policy—those who would enroll in algebra in its absence. Using an interrupted time-series design combined with within-cohort comparisons, this study shows that schools created more mixed-ability classrooms when eliminating remedial math classes, and peer skill levels declined for high-skill students. Consequently, their test scores also declined.
Infectious uveitis: Recent advances in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Pathanapitoon K , Stilma J S
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6534Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 215-216
Efficacy of sutureless and glue free limbal conjunctival autograft for primary pterygium surgery
Authors: Malik K P S , Goel R , Gupta A , Gupta S K , Kamal S , Malik V K , Singh S
Published: July 2012

Introduction: There are numerous adjunctive measures described to reduce the recurrence rates after pterygium excision. Objective: To study the efficacy and complications of sutureless and glue free limbal conjunctival autograft for the management of primary pterygium over a period of one year. Materials and methods: A prospective interventional case series was carried out in 40 consecutive eyes with primary nasal pterygium requiring surgical excision. Pterygium excision with limbal conjunctival autografting without using glue or sutures was performed in all the patients followed by bandaging for 48 hours. The patients were followed up post operatively on 2nd day, 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. They were examined for haemorrhage, wound gape, graft shrinkage, chemosis, graft dehiscence, recurrence or any other complication. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.8 years (range 23-61), 75% of which were males. Total graft dehiscence occurred in 2 eyes (5%), graft retraction in 3 eyes (7.5%) and recurrence was seen in 1 eye (2.5%). At 6 weeks postoperatively, the gain in uncorrected visual acuity ranged from 0.18 to 0.5 log MAR in 7 eyes. No other complication was noted. Conclusions: Sutureless and glue free limbal conjunctival autografting following pterygium excision is a safe, effective and economical option for the management of primary pterygium.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6537 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 230-235
Outcome of conjunctival autograft transplantation in pterygium surgery in a community based hospital in Nepal
Authors: Sharma R , Marasini S , Nepal B P
Published: July 2012

Introduction: The mainstay of treatment for pterygium is surgical excision with or without a graft. The most common problem with this intervention is recurrence, for which a multitude of factors have been described. Objective: To evaluate the recurrence rate of pterygium in conjunctival autologous graft transplantation after its excision in people living in a hilly region of Nepal Materials and methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in patients undergoing pterygium excision with conjunctival autologous graft transplantation. The patients were followed up for 20 months. Any recurrence of pterygium was noted during this period. Results: Thirty four patients with an age range of 29 to 65 years (mean 43.88±9.19 years) were included. Female predominated (n=21, 61.8%) in the study. Service holders formed a majority of the cases (n=14, 41.2%) followed by farmers (n=10, 29.4%, OR 0.019, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.209). Ocular discomfort was the main presenting complaint. Dry eye was seen in 30 patients (88.23%). Most of the patients (26, 76.5%) had a grade II pterygium. Graft displacement was the main complication in two (5.88%) patients and recurrence of pterygium was found in three (8.82%). Conclusion: Conjunctival autologous transplantation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of pterygium with a minimal recurrence rate.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6539 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 242-247
Phacoemulsification surgery by a nationally-trained cataract surgeon of Nepal
Authors: Bajimaya S , Sharma B R , Shrestha J B , Maharjan I M , Matsushima H , Akura J
Published: July 2012

Introduction: A one month phacoemulsification training course had been implemented by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) in collaboration with Association for Ophthalmic Cooperation to Asia, Japan (AOCA). Objective: To evaluate the visual outcomes of phacoemulsification surgery by a nationally trained surgeon in Nepal. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of patients that underwent phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation during a period of 18 months was carried out. Cases that had a six-week follow-up period were included. Effective phaco time (EPT), intra-operative and postoperative complications were noted. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at day 1 and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at week 6 were noted. The data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5. Results: A total of172 patients that had completed a 6 week follow-up evaluation were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 57.12±10.19 years. The mean effective phaco time (EPT) was 9.74±7.41 seconds. Posterior capsule rupture (PCR) with vitreous loss occurred in 2 eyes (1.2%), Descemet’s membrane detachment in 1 eye (0.6%), capsulorhexis extension in 1 eye (0.6%) and wound site thermal injury (WSTI) occurred in 3 eyes (1.7%). Postoperative complications were mild to moderate striate keratopathy (9/ 172), corneal edema (1/172), corneal epithelial defect (1/172) and uveitis (1/172). At 6 weeks post-operatively, 165 eyes (95.9%) had a BCVA better than 6/18 and 7 eyes (4.1%) had a BCVA of 6/18 to 6/60.Conclusion: Patients undergoing phacoemulsification had a good visual outcome as a result of the procedure performed by cataract surgeon trained from AOCA/NNJS national phacoemulsification training program of Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6540 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 248-255
Prevalence of blindness and visual impairment and its causes among people aged 50 years and above in Karnali Zone, Nepal
Authors: Dulal S , Sapkota Y D
Published: July 2012

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment and its causes among those aged 50 years and above in Karnali Zone. Materials and methods: Stratified cluster sampling method was used. Twenty four clusters of 50 people aged 50 years and above were selected for the study. Visual acuity was recorded with simplified vision testing card with one optotype “E” of size 60 on one side and size 18 on the other side. Examination by ophthalmologist under mydriasis was done for those with a pinhole visual acuity of less than 6/18. Results: Of 1200 enumerated persons 1,174 were examined (97.8% response rate). The prevalence of blindness (VA <3/60 in better eye) with available correction was 3.4% (40), (95% CI=2.36-4.44); 2.3% (15) for male and 4.8% (25) for female; with best correction it was 1.6% (19), (95% CI=0.9-2.34), 1.1% (7) for male and 2.3% (12) for female. Untreated cataract was the cause of blindness in 67.5%. Severe visual impairment (<6/60 - 3/60 BCVA in better eye) was seen in 2.1% (1.1% male and 3.4% female). Refractive error was the cause of visual impairment in 36.8% and untreated cataract in 58.8%. Conclusion: Cataract and refractive error are the commonest cause of blindness and visual impairment. Females are 3 times more prone to blindness than their male counterpart. Accessible and equitable services are necessary for blindness prevention.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6545 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 282-287
Homocystinuria masquerading as vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Wadhwani M , Beri S , Saili A , Garg S
Published: July 2012

Background: Homocystinuria is a rare metabolic disorder charcterised by excess homocysteine in the urine. Vitamin B12 deficiency has diverse cutaneous, nervous and ophthalmic manifestations. Objective: To report a case of homocystinuria masquerading as vitamin B 12 deficiency. Case: We hereby are presenting an interesting case of a 4 year old boy who was being treated for Vitamin B 12 deficiency on the basis of history of delayed milestone, abdominal pain and hyperpigmentation of skin which was diagnosed as homocystinuria. Conclusion: It is important to carry out ophthalmological examination in every case of megaloblastic anemia if associated with blurring of vision and mental retardation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6554 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (8): 326-328
Malignant transformation of kissing nevus- a rare entity
Authors: Kharel R Sitaula , Bhatta S , Shrestha G B , Shrestha J K
Published: July 2012

Background: Kissing nevus is a congenital nevus in adjacent parts of the eyelids. Malignant transformation of kissing or divided nevi of the eyelids is rarely described. Objective: To report a very rare case of malignant transformation of kissing nevus with ocular and extraocular spread. Case: A 57- year- old man with 6/6 visual acuity in both eyes presented with a kissing nevus present since birth in right upper and lower eyelids which had a slow growth phase. The upper lid in the area of the nevus was thickened with a 20x12x15 mm black pigmented crusted hemorrhagic nodular lesions. The lower lid had a 6 mm black pigmented ulcerated lesion over the pre-existing nevus in the lateral third of the lid with full thickness infiltration. Another 5x4 mm pigmented lesion over the lower medial lid margin with a thickness of about 3 mm extended to the conjunctival side of the lower lid. Right sided pre-auricular and submaxillary nodes were palpable. A biopsy of tissue samples from the eyelid and pre-auricular nodes were consistent with malignant melanoma.Conclusion: Malignant transformation of kissing nevus is rare. It can spread to the conjunctiva, pre-auricular and sub-mandibular lymphnodes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6555 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 329-332
An unusual case of transient cortical blindness with sagittal sinus thrombosis in a case of Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Authors: Samanta S K , Mahapatra N , Aich B , Sarkar N , Chatterjee A
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is one of the most common causes of small vessel vasculitis in children, but sometimes may have an atypical presentation. Objective: To report an unusual case of transient cortical blindness in a patient with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Case: A 3-year-old female child was brought with the complaint of diffuse abdominal pain and hematochezia, which was preceded by high grade fever and cough. Three days later she developed hematuria, hematemesis, melena and hemoptysis along with palpable purpura. Four days later she became irritable and developed a few episodes of generelized tonic clonic seizure, followed by cortical blindness. The CT scan of the brain showed bilateral nonenhancing occipital hypodensity. The magnetic resonance venography showed thrombosis in transverse and sigmoid sinus. She was treated with corticosteroids and her mental status and vision improved. Conclusion: The HSP can cause transient cortical blindness, and recovery is good if therapy is initiated at the appropriate time.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6556 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 333-335
Weill- Marchesani Syndrome: a rare case report
Authors: Puri L R , Sharma H , Aryal S
Published: July 2012

Objective: To describe the presenting features of Weill-Marchesani syndrome Case: A 22-year-old man presented with high myopia and progressive visual disturbance. He was of short stature and had brachydactyly. His initial Snellen best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/24 in his right eye and 6/12 in his left eye. Slit lamp examination revealed a sub-luxated micro-spherophakic lens. The patient was diagnosed with Weill-Marchesani syndrome.Conclusion: Weill-Marchesani syndrome can present wwith progressive myopia in a person of short stature and brachydactyly.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6558 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 336-338
Choroidal metastases as the sole initial presentation of metastatic lung cancer: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Salah S , Khader J , Yousef Y , Salem A , Al-Hussaini M , Al-Asady R
Published: July 2012

Background: Choroidal metastasis as an initial presenting feature of metastatic lung cancer is exceedingly rare. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is an effective and widely accepted therapeutic modality. However, data addressing the effectiveness of other treatment strategies is limited. Herein, we present a patient with choroidal metastases secondary to lung cancer and review the relevant literature. Case report: A 25-year-old male presented with deterioration of vision. His evaluation revealed bilateral choroidal metastasis secondary to adenocarcinoma of the lung. Unfortunately, his vision continued to deteriorate despite treatment with EBRT and chemotherapy.Conclusion: Metastatic lung cancer can manifest with choroidal metastasis as an initial presentation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6559 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 339-342
Surgically induced astigmatism of small incision cataract surgery
Authors: Ale J B
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6560 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 343
Role of Individual Academics and International Universities in Health Research in Nepal
Authors: Simkhada P , Van Teijlingen E
Published: July 2012

Nepal has made progress in health sciences and medical education over the past decade. We believe that there is a need in Nepal for a greater research emphasis on mixed-methods approaches, qualitative research, critical appraisal & systematic reviewing and health economics. Specifically to the discipline of epidemiology, Nepal should consider establishing more and better epidemiological studies, the kind of population-based studies that can identify risk factors, track changes over time at a population level over the decades to come.  We know how important such long-term research is but we are also painfully aware how expensive this kind on long-term research can be.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v2i2.6572 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2012;2(2):179-81
Situation of Iron Deficiency and Its Management Prioritizing Dietary Intervention in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari B K , Koirala U , Lama STA , Dahal P
Published: July 2012

Background Control of iron deficiency disorders is prioritized in the nutrition policies of Nepal. The situation is still threatening the public health in both rural and urban areas. Objective There are limited reviews on the iron deficiency situation in Nepal. This study was undertaken to find out the extent of iron deficiency anemia and intake of dietary iron among the general population in Nepal. Materials and methods Published research articles, books, bulletins, and online materials regarding iron deficiency were studied in both national and international scenarios. Results Nearly 46 percent of children (6–59 months) and 35 percent of women (15–49 years) were still suffering from anemia though the trend has been decreasing for the last 15 years. Mostly, young children (6–23 months) and pregnant women were the victims due to their high iron requirements and lower intake of dietary iron. The most common risk factors related to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) found in different studies were low intake of dietary iron, vitamin A deficiency, hookworm infection, malaria, heavy menstrual blood loss, and multiparity. Iron deficiency situation in the Nepalese population is triggered by Illiteracy, lack of awareness, negligence, poor economy, food insecurity, lack of food diversity, changes in dietary behavior, cultural behaviors, poor health and sanitation, and patriarchal structure of the society. Conclusion The main risk factor of IDA is low intake of dietary iron. There is a need of multiple approaches to address IDA with more focus on dietary iron to reduce anemia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v2i2.6573 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2012;2(2):182-190
Petrosal approaches to brainstem cavernous malformations
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Dunn Ian F. , Du Rose , Al-Mefty Ossama
Published: August 2012

Object

Although they provide excellent ventral and lateral exposure of the brainstem, petrosal approaches to brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) are infrequently reported.

Methods

The authors reviewed their experience with petrosal approaches to brainstem CMs in combination with a comprehensive review of the literature to elucidate resection rates, complication rates, and outcomes.

Results

Including their own results, the authors found 65 cases in 20 reports of brainstem CMs treated with petrosal approaches. The specific approaches were posterior petrosal in 37 cases (57%), anterior petrosal in 17 (26%), extended posterior petrosal in 10 (15%), and a combined petrosal approach in 1 case (2%). For 50 cases in 16 reports with detailed outcome information, the overall complete resection rate was 90%, with early postoperative morbidity reported in 30% of cases and permanent morbidity in 14%. The rate of CSF leakage was 6%.

Conclusions

The versatile petrosal approaches to brainstem CMs are associated with good outcomes and an acceptable morbidity rate. More expansive lesions can be approached using a combination of the standard anterior and posterior petrosal approach, preserving hearing and avoiding the greater complication rates associated with extended posterior petrosal approaches.
Pattern of Poisoning Cases in a Tertiary Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin Rukhsana , Haque Nazmul , Ahmed Naser , Ali Md Imran , Uddin AKM Rafique
Published: July 2012

Background: Poisoning with various substances is a global problem. It is one of the most important reasons for emergency admission in the hospital. The earlier the initial resuscitations, gastric decontamination and use of specific antidotes, the better is the outcome. Epidemiology of poisoning differs from region to region. This study was carried out to determine the pattern and severity of poisoning in a tertiary care hospital. Objective: To characterize the poisoning cases admitted in Enam Medical College Hospital. Materials and Methods: All cases admitted to the emergency department of Enam Medical College Hospital during the period of April to December, 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. We reviewed data obtained from the hospital medical records and included the following factors: demographic characteristics, etiology and outcome of the acutely poisoned patients. Total 84 poisoning cases were found and they were included in the study. Results: The overall case fatality rate was 3.5%. More detailed data from 2010 reveals that two-thirds of the patients were 20-30 years old, 53% male and 47% female. Organophosphorus was the most common cause (73.9%) followed by unknown poisoning (9.5%), sedative (5.9%), harpic (4.7%), aluminium phosphide (2.4%), savlon (1.2%), paracetamol (1.2%) and amitryptiline (1.2%). 90.5% cases were suicidal and 9.5% were homicidal. Conclusion: This study provides important information on the characteristics of the poisoning in this region. Community education about the danger of the drugs and reduction of exposure to pesticides are recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i1.11133J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(1): 19-23
Isolation and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Escherichia coli Causing Urinary Tract Infection in Enam Medical College Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Mejbah Uddin , Khairuzzaman Md , Begum Afroza , Ahmed Iftikhar
Published: July 2012

Background: Since antibiotic resistance of uropathogens has gradually been rising, knowledge of antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli (Esch. coli), the predominant  pathogen of urinary tract infection (UTI), is important in selecting empirical antimicrobial  therapy.Objectives: To find out the common organisms causing UTI with their antimicrobial  susceptibility pattern in Enam Medical College Hospital.Materials and Methods: This study  was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar,  Dhaka between January 2010 to June 2011 to see the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Esch.  coli in urine sample. A total of 512 urine samples were studied from clinically suspected UTI  cases irrespective of age and sex. Esch. coli were isolated and antibiogram of the isolates were  done.Results: The results of antibiogram revealed the resistance pattern of the isolated Esch. coli to ampicillin (93.94%), cefradine (70.71%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (48.49%),  azithromycin (41.42%), ciprofloxacin (39.40%), ceftazidime (35.56%), nitrofurantoin  (29.30%), ceftriaxone (10.11%), gentamicin (7.08%) and imipenem (3.04%).Conclusion: It  can be inferred that our findings will render useful information to clinicians in determining the  appropriately directed antimicrobial regimen when given empirically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11463 J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 60-62
Pattern of Dermatological Cases Attending Skin-VD Outpatient Department in a Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md Rokon , Sarwar Khondaker Bulbul , Akhter Farjana , Baker Abu
Published: July 2012

Background: The pattern of skin diseases varies from one country to another and even from region to region of the same country. We are geographically placed in the tropical region with natural outcome of communicable diseases. We conducted this cross sectional study in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh keeping the proposition in mind that infectious diseases occupy maximum percentage among skin and venereal diseases in outpatients in Bangladesh.Objectives: To classify the diseases attending the Skin & VD outpatient department of Enam Medical College Hospital (EMCH) and to draw comments and recommendations on the basis of findings.Materials and Methods: All patients irrespective of age and sex attending the OPD of Skin-VD Department of Enam Medical College Hospital during a 2-year time-period (from January 2009 to December 2010) were included in the study. Structured questionnaire, check-list and face-to-face interview (whenever necessary) were used as tools of data collection. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS version Windows 11.1.Results: Total number of patients was 12100. Most of the patients were aged (>18 years; 64.28%), dominated by male (61.63%), married (56.1%), literate (71.11%), coming from far (>5 km; 63.5%) and of middle class origin (59.73%). Out of the total cases, maximum (23.42%) were diagnosed as eczema, followed by infectious diseases (17%), acne (8.69%) and psoriasis (6.36%).Conclusion: In this study we found infectious diseases to occupy the second position next to eczema and our findings nullify the proposition that infectious diseases occupy maximum percentage among skin and venereal diseases in outpatients in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11465 J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 67-70
A Case of Congenital Tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Jahan Ishrat , Parvez Mehedi , Yeasmin Laisha
Published: July 2012

Congenital tuberculosis is an unusual and severe clinical presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. It is usually difficult to diagnose and treat. We report a tenweek-old male infant who had presented with fever, difficulty in breathing, abdominal distension, convulsion, low weight gain since one month of his age. The diagnosis was made by demonstration of MTB bacilli in the gastric aspirate of baby and chest radiography. Treatment with the four drug regimen including streptomycin was initiated, but the baby died   on the third day of ATT. This case gives an account of difficulties in diagnosis and therapeutic   management of congenital tuberculosis and alerts for development of protocols that foresee   these difficulties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11469   J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 85-87
From the Desk of Editor-in-Chief Vol.1(2)
Authors: Uddin AKM Rafique
Published: July 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11473
‘Papists looking after the Education of our Protestant Children!’ Catholics and Protestants on western Scottish school boards, 1872–1918
Authors: Vaughan Geraldine
Published: August 2012

When the Education (Scotland) Act was passed in 1872, the Roman Catholic community represented up to a third of the Scottish western urban population. The great majority of Presbyterian schools became Board schools but the Catholic authorities refused to enter the new system because they considered it as unofficially Presbyterian. Yet Catholics were nevertheless involved in the new system as ratepayers and they wanted to get some control over the spending of the educational tax. Thus a number of them became important actors on the newly elected councils. This article explores the ways in which Catholics fought the school board elections as well as the relation between Protestant and Catholic representatives on those boards in the west of Scotland (in Greenock and in the Monklands). It aims at studying the various conflicts which stemmed from inter-denominational collaboration as well as the modus vivendi which slowly emerged from 1872 until the passing of the 1918 Education Act.
Resting of Cryopreserved PBMC Does Not Generally Benefit the Performance of Antigen-Specific T Cell ELISPOT Assays
Authors: Kuerten Stefanie , Batoulis Helena , Recks Mascha S. , Karacsony Edith , Zhang Wenji , Subbramanian Ramu A. , Lehmann Paul V.
Published: July 2012

T cell monitoring is increasingly performed using cryopreserved PBMC. It has been suggested that resting of PBMC after thawing, that is, culturing them overnight in test medium, produces higher antigen-induced spot counts in ELISPOT assays. To evaluate the importance of overnight resting, we systematically tested cryopreserved PBMC from 25 healthy donors. CEF peptides (comprising CMV, EBV and flu antigens) were used to stimulate CD8 cells and mumps antigen to stimulate CD4 cells. The data show that resting significantly increased antigen-elicited T cell responses only for CEF high responder PBMC. The maximal gain observed was doubling of spot counts. For CEF low responders, and for mumps responders of either low- or high reactivity levels, resting had no statistically significant effect on the observed spot counts. Therefore, resting is not a generally applicable approach to improve ELISPOT assay performance, but can be recommended only for clinical subject cohorts and antigens for which it has a proven benefit. Because resting invariably leads to losing about half of the PBMC available for testing, and because doubling the PBMC numbers plated into the assay reliably doubles the antigen-induced spot counts, we suggest the latter approach as a simple and reliable alternative to resting for enhancing the performance of ELISPOT assays. Our data imply that resting is not required if PBMC were cryopreserved and thawed under conditions that minimize apoptosis of the cells. Therefore, this study should draw attention to the need to optimize freezing and thawing conditions for successful T cell work.
Electrochemical Membrane Reactors for Sustainable Chlorine Recycling
Authors: Vidakovic-Koch Tanja , Gonzalez Martinez Isai , Kuwertz Rafael , Kunz Ulrich , Turek Thomas , Sundmacher Kai
Published: July 2012

Polymer electrolyte membranes have found broad application in a number of processes, being fuel cells, due to energy concerns, the main focus of the scientific community worldwide. Relatively little attention has been paid to the use of these materials in electrochemical production and separation processes. In this review, we put emphasis upon the application of Nafion membranes in electrochemical membrane reactors for chlorine recycling. The performance of such electrochemical reactors can be influenced by a number of factors including the properties of the membrane, which play an important role in reactor optimization. This review discusses the role of Nafion as a membrane, as well as its importance in the catalyst layer for the formation of the so-called three-phase boundary. The influence of an equilibrated medium on the Nafion proton conductivity and Cl− crossover, as well as the influence of the catalyst ink dispersion medium on the Nafion/catalyst self-assembly and its importance for the formation of an ionic conducting network in the catalyst layer are summarized.
Chiral Zn(II)-Bisamidine Complex as a Lewis-Brønsted Combined Acid Catalyst: Application to Asymmetric Mukaiyama Aldol Reactions of α-Ketoesters
Authors: Gotoh Ryo , Yamanaka Masahiro
Published: July 2012

Focusing on the steric and electronic properties of the resonance-stabilized amidine framework, a cationic metal-bisamidine complex was designed as a conjugated combined Lewis-Brønsted acid catalyst. The chiral Zn(II)-bisamidine catalyst prepared from the 2,2'-bipyridyl derived bisamidine ligand, ZnCl2, and AgSbF6 promoted asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reaction of α-ketoester and α,α-disubstituted silyl enol ether to afford the α-hydroxyester having sequential quarternary carbons in good yield, albeit with low enantioselectivity. Addition of 1.0 equivalent of the fluoroalcohol having suitable acidity and bulkiness dramatically increased the enantioselectivity (up to 68% ee). DFT calculations suggested that this additive effect would be caused by self-assembly of the fluoroalcohol on the Zn(II)-bisamidine catalyst.
Synthesis, Antigenicity Against Human Sera and Structure-Activity Relationships of Carbohydrate Moieties from Toxocara larvae and Their Analogues
Authors: Koizumi Akihiko , Yamano Kimiaki , Tsuchiya Takashi , Schweizer Frank , Kiuchi Fumiyuki , Hada Noriyasu
Published: July 2012

Stereocontrolled syntheses of biotin-labeled oligosaccharide portions containing the Galβ1-3GalNAc core of the TES-glycoprotein antigen obtained from larvae of the parasite Toxocara and their analogues have been accomplished. Trisaccharides Fuc2Meα1-2Gal4Meβ1-3GalNAcα1-OR (A), Fucα1-2Gal4Meβ1-3GalNAcα1-OR (B), Fuc2Meα1-2Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-OR (C), Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-OR (D) and a disaccharide Fuc2Meα1-2Gal4Meβ1-OR (E) (R = biotinylated probe) were synthesized by block synthesis using 5-(methoxycarbonyl)pentyl-2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1®3)-2-azide-4-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranoside as a common glycosyl acceptor. We examined the antigenicity of these five oligosaccharides by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results demonstrate that the O-methyl groups in these oligosaccharides are important for their antigenicity and the biotinylated oligosaccharides A, B, C and E have high serodiagnostic potential to detect infections caused by Toxocara larvae.
Les résistances de la carte scolaire
Authors: Barrault-Stella Lorenzo
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article traite des résistances de la carte scolaire aux réformes introduites par les acteurs politiques, abordant plus généralement les conditions du changement et les limites du volontarisme des élus (nationaux et locaux) dans la conduite de l’action publique. Une analyse des débats liés à la décentralisation de 2004 et à la réforme de 2007, ainsi que l’étude de l’élaboration de la carte dans trois départements (à partir d’observations ethnographiques, d’entretiens et d’archives) permettent de saisir les ressorts du maintien contemporain de la sectorisation des collèges. La réforme de 2007 constitue une politique symbolique pour laquelle les gouvernants n’ont paradoxalement pas les moyens des ambitions affichées. La carte scolaire incombe aux Conseils généraux depuis 2004, et ceux qui tentent de la transformer sont limités par des contraintes techniques, par les effets d’inertie de l’instrument cartographique, et par la nécessité de négocier divers soutiens institutionnels pour légitimer leur intervention auprès des familles. Les résistances de la carte scolaire soulignent alors la limitation des possibilités de transformation politique de l’action publique.
Lien social émancipateur et modèles de justice
Authors: Carvajal Sánchez Fernando
Published: August 2012

Résumé Cette contribution aborde le lien social à travers trois références analogiques?: guerrière, du marché et de l’apprentissage. Elles semblent s’opposer sous certains aspects mais se présentent souvent comme entremêlées dans les représentations et les pratiques du «?vivre ensemble?». Décrites et problématisées, ces analogies sont rapportées à deux modèles de justice – punitif et réparateur, dont le dernier possède un potentiel émancipateur du lien qu’il s’agit de développer en favorisant l’éducation, mais qui représente déjà un germe de changement au niveau épistémologique, éthique et politique, par rapport aux pratiques gouvernées par la logique pénale. Le modèle réparateur revendique une perspective holiste et utopique de la justice dont la finalité est de favoriser et de promouvoir l’accroissement et la qualité de la démocratie ou, autrement dit, de mieux vivre ensemble. Par ailleurs, cet article est l’occasion d’interroger la notion de communauté, tout en explorant la nécessité d’une nouvelle définition.
Sobre el mecanismo de hidratación del C3S
Authors: Goldschmidt A.
Published: July 2012

Not avaible
Aplicaciones prácticas de la espectroscopía de absorción infrarroja en el estudio de los crudos, del clínker y del cemento portland anhidro
Authors: Vázquez Tomás
Published: July 2012

Not available
Estructura y propiedades de la alinita y del cemento de alinita
Authors: Noudelman B. , Bikbaou M. , Sventsitski A. , Ilukhine V.
Published: July 2012

Not available
Investigación industrial sobre ahorro de energía en la fabricación de nuevos cementos compuestos españoles
Authors: Aguanell M. , Baragaño J. , Gomá F. , González Vila V. , López Soler R. , Martínez Ynzenga J. I. , Pérez Alonso J. , Puig J. , Rezola Izaguirre J.
Published: July 2012

Not available
8º Congreso Internacional de la Química de los Cementos Comité Científico Euro-Asiático 1ª Reunión del 14 de Septiembre de 1981 en París
Authors: Calleja Jose
Published: July 2012

Not available
Influencia de la dosificación en cemento sobre la corrosión de armaduras, negras y galvanizadas provocado por lo penetración de Cl- en el mortero
Authors: Andrade C. , Jauregui G. , González J. A.
Published: July 2012

Not available
Resistencia química del hormigón. XIV.- Contribución al estudio del sistema: Cemento P-450-Y hidratado-disolución de sulfato de magnesio
Authors: Gaspar-Tebar Demetrio , Sagrera-Moreno José Luis , Bermejo-Muñoz M. Francisca
Published: July 2012

Not available
Resistencia química del hormigón. XV-Acción de una disolución saturada de yeso: influencia de la adición de escoria a un cemento portland de alta resistencia inicial. Evolución de las resistencias mecánicas a flexotracción y de los coeficientes de corrosi
Authors: Sagrera-Moreno José Luis , Gaspar-Tébar Demetrio
Published: July 2012

In this work, the first of another new series, a study is made on the influence brought by adding different quantities of a groundgranulate slag to a high initial resistance industrial portland cement (cement 1 < > P-550-ARI) in its chemical-strength behaviour against the action of a gypsum saturated solution, determining the evolution of the chemical resistance using the Koch-Steinegger method, as well a tensile strengths of mortar test specimens (1:3) of 1 x 1 x 6 cm made with this cement 1 and with mixtures cement 1/slag = 85/15 - 65/35 - 40/60 and 30/70, in weight immersed in drinking water with some series of 12 test speciments filtered and other series that are analogue to the above, in a gypsum saturated solution, for 56-90-180 and 360 days, after curing them in a humidity saturated area at 20 ± 2°C, and later, 21 days under filtered drinking water. The favourabe action exerted by adding slag has been evident, especialy in high amounts (≥ 60 %) to cement 1 studied.
Valoración del estado de alteración de los materiales pétreos en los monumentos
Authors: Fernández Paris José M.
Published: July 2012

Analyzed is a systematic fault, in the carrying out of tests, which permits the establishment of the possible causes which originate the alteration of stones in artistic monuments. As a result, a collection of methods is proposed, adopted by the ASTM standards and recommended by the RILEM, which permit the functioning of some specifications, introduced by the experiment, to assure an acceptable degree of durability of the petrous element considered.
Hormigón con bajo contenido de cemento y hormigón con sustitución parcial de cemento
Authors: Calleja José
Published: July 2012

Some time ago an Inquiry concerning the items exposed in the title of this Report was prepared and circulated by the Norwegian member of the CEB/Commission VIII, among the members of this Commission.
The responses received so far have been collected and studied, and the ordered content of them has been exposed in this Report according to the items involved in the Inquiry.
Short general conclusions have been drawn from the mentioned content.
Ensayos de materiales en atmósferas simuladas. ll. Diseño de un sistema de simulación
Authors: Vale J. , Cortés V. , Martín A.
Published: July 2012

There having been established in a previous publication the criteria which guide the designing of a system of simulation, in this work is presented the carrying out, in our Department, of a versatile installation, of a modular type which allows, in its whole, to carry out a large part of the experiments of alteration referred to in the bibliography and others, of a dijferent nature and more complex, which may be programmed.
There are presented the solutions adopted for the air conditioning (drying and purifying), the simulation of the atmosphere (temperature, humidity, radiation, condensations, rain, saline mists and concentrations of SO2, FH, NO2, C3H6, etc., as likewise secondary contaminations), the area of exposition of the samples and the installation of sampling in order to follow the conditions simulated. The possibility may be emphasized, rarely encountered in other systems, of evaluating sinergetic effects of different variables and of simulating the generation of secondary pollutants.
Apart from the description of the particular solutions, the work gathers a methodology to comprise the designing of each of the systems of the installation which, because of its general character, is of special interest.
Resistencias mecánicas del cemento. Estudio de la precisión de su medida
Authors: Del Olmo Rodríguez César
Published: July 2012

The present work contains a study effected in order to determine the precision of the standardized test method which is applied for the measurement of the mechanical resistences of cement or, in other words, to know the dispersion of values which may be expected, both in repeating with a material the test in the same laboratory (repetition), and carrying out the test in different laboratories (reproduction).
With the above mentioned object the collective test has been carried out whose results are included here, carried out within the framework of the Work Group Physical and Mechanical Tests of the Technical Commission No 80 Cements and Limes of IRANOR, in which 10 laboratories of G T took part.
Cementos con cenizas volantes
Authors: Ossa M. Mauricio , Jorquera S. Hector
Published: July 2012

Almost all the studies carried out on cements with the addition of flying ash refer to their characteristics and behaviours in pastes, mortars and concretes, always in relation with Portland cement. This time, there has been developed an experimental work oriented to relate between themselves the cements with additions of flying ash and of natural puzzolan. For this there were manufactured on laboratory scale cements of both types, using the same raw materials, clinker and plaster, and as variables, different percentages of the two additions, which previously complied with the standard requisites concerning their puzzolanic (??) activities. The quality of the cements manufactured was adequate and in accord with that of Portland-puzzolanic (??) cement obtained on an industrial scale with the same clinkers, plaster and natural puzzolan (??) of this study. Later there were determined the characteristics of the experimental cements and normal mortars were prepared for carrying out physical and mechanical tests. The test results indicated that the cements with addition of flying ash (CCV) require less water for normal consistency, present greater times of forging and fewer expansions in autoclave than the cements with the addition of puzzolan (CP). The hydration heats at 7 and 28 days were approximately similar for both types of cement. In normal mortars, the CCV cements showed less retraction of drying, greater retentivenness and greater fluidity (for the same quantity of water) than the CP cements. In the exudation tests it was observed that this depends more on the fineness than the type of addition. Finally, the mechanical tests showed that the resistances to compression and flexotraction of the mortars with CCV cements are lesser at ages less than 14 days (about 5 to 10% at one day of age), but from then on become greater than those of mortars with CP cements, with growing differences which reach 15% in compression tests, at 120 days of age, for additions of 20 and 30% .
Algunas consideraciones sobre el origen de los términos hormigón y concreto
Authors: Solesio de la Presa M. Teresa
Published: July 2012

In this work there is studied, in the frst place a certain manner of constructing which was practiced by the ancient inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, and which was seen by the Romans on their arrival. This form of constructing consisted in making walls of earth called "formaceos", and which are the basis of a rudimentary concrete.
Through the ages this word "formaceos" was modified to "formicare", as a synonim of "formare"; in turn this word "formicare", for different phonetic reasons, gives us the term "hormigar" (to make concrete), and by adding the augmentative prefix ON (in the Spanish language) we have the term "hormigón" (concrete).
On the other hand, in this work there is likewise studied the term "CONCRET", (concrete) a word increasingly used in Spanish speaking countries, through the infiuence of the English speaking countries.
The word "concreto" (concrete) has neve been used to designate a building material, and it is only from the 19th century when, surely, it is used for this object, in order to give this material a more scientific nuance.
For this reason, this work, with the object of clarifying the matter, states that as our language accepts the word "hormigón"(concrete) —referring to building material— and which is included in our dictionaries since the year 1516, we should not accept the word "Concreto" (concrete) and, above all, we should try to prevent its use being generalized in the Spanish speaking countries.
Permeabilidad del hormigón a los gases y líquidos. Nuevo método de determinación
Authors: Alegre S. , Lechuga J. A.
Published: July 2012

A new measurement system is presented for impermeability of concrete to liquids and gas, of very easy execution. It's technical basis is developed, and some of the results obtained are related with the components used in it's dosification.
Therefore, the judgments actually used for the quantification of concrete's utilities must be restated.
Aditivos para hormigones, morteros y pastas
Authors: Gaspar Tebar Demetrio
Published: July 2012

This article comments on the increasing importance of the use of admixtures for concrete, mortars and grouts as well as the specific effects they produce, thus requiring a suitable Spanish Normative, whose performance was taken in charge by a Working Group of the Technical Commission n.° 83 from the IRANOR, created for this purpose.
This article is first of a series which intends to give an account of the works, on the Normative of those additives, the Working Group is carrying out.
Estudio por SEM de los productos de corrosión de armaduras galvanizadas sumergidas en disoluciones de pH comprendido entre 12,6 y 13,6
Authors: Blanco M. T. , Andrade C. , Macías A.
Published: July 2012

In previous work on galvanized reinforcements in contact with Ca-containing highly alkaline media, the authors have reported the existence of a threshold pH below with such a medium is passivated, but at pH values above this it corrodes continuously until it totally disappears. In this paper, after a brief literature review concerning the identification of the corrosion products in these media, they report that the passivation detected from the data of the polarisation technique agreed with the results of an SEM study. They show that below the threshold pH value the surface is covered with a continuous layer of calcium hydroxyzincate, Ca[Zn(OH)3]2.2H2O, and above this pH, the layer increase its proportion of non-passivating ZnO, to the detriment of the calcium hydroxyzincate contents. They have also established that it is the (Ca2+) ions that control the amount of calcium hydroxizincate formed, and therefore the likelihood of the formation of a continuous passivating layer. Finally, they report that if the calcium hydroxyzincate is perfectly developed, a later increase of the pH does not affect the stability.
Aplicaciones del equipo automático de difracción de polvo marca Philips modelo PW-1700 instalado en el Instituto "Eduardo Torroja" de la construcción y del cemento
Authors: Sagrera José Luis
Published: July 2012

In this article, the author has the purpose to give a general view of the applications of the automatic equipment of X ray diffraction purchased by the I.E.T.c.c., quoting the main software programs used by the team in its qualitative, quantitative and crystallographic analysis, as well as to give a simplified account of the data that can be obtained from de computer storage.