bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic matter removal and disinfection byproduct management in South East Queensland's drinking water
Authors: Lyon B. A. , Farré M. J. , De Vera G. A. , Keller J. , Roux A. , Weinberg H. S. , Gernjak W.
Published: August 2014

Over the past several decades, much research has been carried out to understand and control the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) of potential human health concern in drinking water. The majority of these studies have taken place in continental climates of North America and Europe, with less work investigating waters in tropical and subtropical climates. This study evaluated the occurrence, precursors and formation potentials of a range of DBPs across nine water treatment plants (WTPs) in South East Queensland, Australia. Average total organic nitrogen concentrations in raw and final waters were 0.35 and 0.15 mg N/L, respectively, and total organic carbon levels were 9.2 and 3.7 mg C/L in raw and final waters, respectively. DBP formation potential was lower on average in final waters of advanced compared to conventional WTPs, demonstrating the effectiveness of ozone/biological activated carbon (BAC) treatment at removing DBP precursors. While ozone on its own increased the formation potentials of chloral hydrate, halonitromethanes, and haloketones when followed by chlorination or chloramination, subsequent BAC treatment reduced the potential to produce these DBPs, except for tribromonitromethane. DBPs measured in the finished water leaving the WTPs were all below the Australian Drinking Water Guideline levels.
Freezing/thawing effect on sewage sludge degradation and electricity generation in microbial fuel cell
Authors: Chen Yuejia , Jiang Junqiu , Zhao Qingliang
Published: August 2014

The effect of sludge freezing/thawing on its disintegration and subsequent use as substrate in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was investigated to enhance organic matter degradation and electricity generation. Experimental results indicated that long freezing time (more than 48 h) was effective in disintegrating the sludge collected from the secondary sedimentation tank of a wastewater treatment plant. Freezing/thawing pretreatment could enhance the degradation of total chemical oxygen demand (COD) and electricity generation in MFC due to the higher concentration of soluble COD and ammonium nitrogen available in the pretreated sludge. The removal efficiency of total COD was increased from 25.3% (raw sludge as substrate) to 66.2% and the maximum power output was increased from 8.9 (raw sludge as substrate) to 10.2 W/m3 in MFC.
Geographic information system-coupling sediment delivery distributed modeling based on observed data
Authors: Lee S. E. , Kang S. H.
Published: August 2014

Spatially distributed sediment delivery (SEDD) models are of great interest in estimating the expected effect of changes on soil erosion and sediment yield. However, they can only be applied if the model can be calibrated using observed data. This paper presents a geographic information system (GIS)-based method to calculate the sediment discharge from basins to coastal areas. For this, an SEDD model, with a sediment rating curve method based on observed data, is proposed and validated. The model proposed here has been developed using the combined application of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and a spatially distributed sediment delivery ratio, within Model Builder of ArcGIS's software. The model focuses on spatial variability and is useful for estimating the spatial patterns of soil loss and sediment discharge. The model consists of two modules, a soil erosion prediction component and a sediment delivery model. The integrated approach allows for relatively practical and cost-effective estimation of spatially distributed soil erosion and sediment delivery, for gauged or ungauged basins. This paper provides the first attempt at estimating sediment delivery ratio based on observed data in the monsoon region of Korea.
Removal of toluene from water by photocatalytic oxidation with activated carbon supported Fe3+-doped TiO2 nanotubes
Authors: Yuan Rongfang , Zhou Beihai , Ma Li
Published: August 2014

In this work, activated carbon (AC)-supported TiO2 containing 1.0% (mass percent) of 1.0 at.% (atomic percent) Fe3+-doped TiO2 nanotubes (Fe-TNTs) were successfully synthesized. The catalyst was used to effectively decompose toluene in water under O3/UV conditions, and some properties including the morphology, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, specific surface area and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were analyzed. A removal efficiency of 90.7% was achieved in the presence of fresh AC-supported Fe-TNTs calcined at 550 °C, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.038/min. The removal efficiency of toluene was reduced when the catalysts were repeatedly used, since the amount of adsorption sites of the supporting substrates decreased. However, even after AC-supported catalyst was used four times, the removal efficiency of toluene was still sufficient in water treatment. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of AC-supported Fe-TNTs was related to the synergistic effect of AC adsorption and Fe-TNTs photocatalytic ozonation. The water from a petrochemical company in China was used to obtain the removal efficiency of the pollutants, and the toluene and total organic carbon removal efficiencies were 69.9% and 58.3%, respectively.
Performance of diatomite/iron oxide modified nonwoven membrane used in membrane bioreactor process for wastewater reclamation
Authors: He Yueling , Zhang Wenqi , Rao Pinhua , Jin Peng
Published: August 2014

This study describes an approach for surface modification of a nonwoven membrane by diatomite/iron oxide to examine its filterability. Analysis results showed that nonwoven hydrophilicity is enhanced. Static contact angle decreases dramatically from 122.66° to 39.33°. Scanning electron micrograph images show that diatomite/iron oxide is attached on nonwoven fiber. X-ray diffraction analysis further proves that the compound is mostly magnetite. Fourier transformed infrared spectra results reveal that two new absorption peaks might be attributed to SiO and FeO, respectively. Modified and original membranes were used in double nonwoven membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for synthetic wastewater treatment. High critical flux, long filtration time, slow trans-membrane pressure rise and stable sludge volume index confirmed the advantages of modified nonwoven. Comparing with original nonwoven, similar effluent qualities are achieved, meeting the requirements for wastewater reclamation.
Research on the infiltration processes of lawn soils of the Babao River in the Qilian Mountain
Authors: Li GuangWen , Feng Qi , Zhang FuPing , Cheng AiFang
Published: August 2014

Using a Guelph Permeameter, the soil water infiltration processes were analyzed in the Babao River of the Qilian Mountain in China. The results showed that the average soil initial infiltration and the steady infiltration rates in the upstream reaches of the Babao River are 1.93 and 0.99 cm/min, whereas those of the middle area are 0.48 cm/min and 0.21 cm/min, respectively. The infiltration processes can be divided into three stages: the rapidly changing stage (0–10 min), the slowly changing stage (10–30 min) and the stabilization stage (after 30 min). We used field data collected from lawn soils and evaluated the performances of the infiltration models of Philip, Kostiakov and Horton with the sum of squared error, the root mean square error, the coefficient of determination, the mean error, the model efficiency and Willmott's index of agreement. The results indicated that the Kostiakov model was most suitable for studying the infiltration process in the alpine lawn soils.
Quantitative detection of human enteric adenoviruses in river water by microfluidic digital polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Kishida Naohiro , Noda Naohiro , Haramoto Eiji , Kawaharasaki Mamoru , Akiba Michihiro , Sekiguchi Yuji
Published: August 2014

We describe an assay for simple and accurate quantification of human enteric adenoviruses (EAdVs) in water samples using a recently developed quantification method named microfluidic digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR). The assay is based on automatic distribution of reaction mixture into a large number of nanolitre-volume reaction chambers and absolute copy number quantification from the number of chambers containing amplification products on the basis of Poisson statistics. This assay allows absolute quantification of target genes without the use of standard DNA. Concentrations of EAdVs in Japanese river water samples were successfully quantified by the developed dPCR assay. The EAdVs were detected in seven of the 10 samples (1 L each), and the concentration ranged from 420 to 2,700 copies/L. The quantified values closely resemble those by most probable number (MPN)-PCR and real-time PCR when standard DNA was validated by dPCR whereas they varied substantially when the standard was not validated. Accuracy and sensitivity of the dPCR was higher than those of real-time PCR and MPN-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has successfully quantified enteric viruses in river water using dPCR. This method will contribute to better understanding of existence of viruses in water.
Dissolved and colloidal organic nitrogen removal from wastewater treatment plants effluents and reject waters using physical–chemical processes
Authors: Czerwionka K. , Makinia J.
Published: August 2014

Four physical–chemical processes were compared in terms of the efficiencies of dissolved and colloidal organic nitrogen (DON and CON) removal from the secondary effluents (SE) and reject water from full-scale biological nutrient removal activated sludge systems. Adsorption on activated carbon was most efficient and allowed removal from the SE of up to 80% and 100% of DON and CON, respectively. High efficiencies of DON removal from SE (up to 55%) were also obtained when using coagulation with iron(III) chloride and calcium hydroxide at final pH = 11.0–11.5. The efficiency of DON removal from thickening waste activated sludge (TWAS) reject water, obtained using coagulation with iron(III) chloride, was comparable with the efficiency for the SE. The efficiency of this process with regard to the sludge digester liquors (SDL) was significantly higher, i.e., 65–70% for both DON and CON. The ion exchange process with strongly acidic cation exchange resin (without pH correction) resulted in a relatively small efficiency of DON removal (<15%), and negligible efficiency of CON removal (<10%). Furthermore, ultrafiltration (0.015 μm) of SE and TWAS reject water resulted in a relatively low efficiency of DON removal (10–13% and 10–20% respectively). Ultrafiltration was found to be more effective for DON removal from SDL (41–68%).
Development of a down-flow hanging sponge reactor for the treatment of low strength sewage
Authors: Yoochatchaval Wilasinee , Onodera Takashi , Sumino Haruhiko , Yamaguchi Takashi , Mizuochi Motoyuki , Okadera Tomohiro , Syutsubo Kazuaki
Published: August 2014

The process performance of a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor for treating low strength sewage (biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) 20–50 mg/L) was investigated in Bangkok, Thailand. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) was set at 4 h during the start-up period and was reduced to 1.5 h in a stepwise manner. Throughout the 300-day operational period, the DHS reactor shows high performance with respect to the removal of total suspended solid (>90% total suspended solid removal efficiency). No clogging of sponge media was observed in response to the self-digestion phenomena of the biofilm. At a HRT of 1.5 h, the BOD removal efficiency was sufficiently high (about 85%). The pathogen Escherichia coli and other coliform bacteria were removed almost completely as well (removal was 99.4% and 98.1%, respectively). Regarding the retained sludge activity measurement, the nitrite oxidation rate was higher than the ammonium oxidation rate (0.031 and 0.022 gram of nitrogen per gram of volatile suspended solids per day, respectively). In the 300 days of operation, the amount of excess sludge production was negligible. Thus, no sludge treatment system is required. Introduction of the DHS system in developing countries is recommended because this system requires a relatively small area, and has low electricity consumption and operation costs.
Treatment of textile wastewaters using Eutectic Freeze Crystallization
Authors: Randall D. G. , Zinn C. , Lewis A. E.
Published: August 2014

A water treatment process needs to recover both water and other useful products if the process is to be viewed as being financially and environmentally sustainable. Eutectic Freeze Crystallization (EFC) is one such sustainable water treatment process that is able to produce both pure ice (water) and pure salt(s) by operating at a specific temperature. The use of EFC for the treatment of water is particularly useful in the textile industry because ice crystallization excludes all impurities from the recovered water, including dyes. Also, EFC can produce various salts with the intention of reusing these salts in the process. This study investigated the feasibility of EFC as a treatment method for textile industry wastewaters. The results showed that EFC can be used to convert 95% of the wastewater stream to pure ice (98% purity) and sodium sulfate.
Loss-of-Function Mutations in ABCA1 and Enhanced β-Cell Secretory Capacity in Young Adults
Authors: Rickels Michael R. , Goeser Eugen S. , Fuller Carissa , Lord Christine , Bowler Anne M. , Doliba Nicolai M. , Hegele Robert A. , Cuchel Marina
Published: August 2014

Loss-of-function mutations affecting the cholesterol transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) impair cellular cholesterol efflux and are associated with reduced HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. ABCA1 may also be important in regulating β-cell cholesterol homeostasis and insulin secretion. We sought to determine whether loss-of-function ABCA1 mutations affect β-cell secretory capacity in humans by performing glucose-potentiated arginine tests in three subjects homozygous for ABCA1 mutations (age 25 ± 11 years), eight heterozygous subjects (28 ± 7 years), and eight normal control subjects pair-matched to the heterozygous carriers. To account for any effect of low HDL-C on insulin secretion, we studied nine subjects with isolated low HDL-C with no ABCA1 mutations (age 26 ± 6 years) and nine pair-matched control subjects. Homozygotes for ABCA1 mutations exhibited enhanced oral glucose tolerance and dramatically increased β-cell secretory capacity that was also greater in ABCA1 heterozygous subjects than in control subjects, with no differences in insulin sensitivity. Isolated low HDL-C subjects also demonstrated an increase in β-cell secretory capacity but in contrast to those with ABCA1 mutations, exhibited impaired insulin sensitivity, supporting β-cell compensation for increased insulin demand. These data indicate that loss-of-function mutations in ABCA1 in young adults may be associated with enhanced β-cell secretory capacity and normal insulin sensitivity and support the importance of cellular cholesterol homeostasis in regulating β-cell insulin secretion.
Impact of a Community Health Workers–Led Structured Program on Blood Glucose Control Among Latinos With Type 2 Diabetes: The DIALBEST Trial
Authors: Pérez-Escamilla Rafael , Damio Grace , Chhabra Jyoti , Fernandez Maria L. , Segura-Pérez Sofia , Vega-López Sonia , Kollannor-Samuel Grace , Calle Mariana , Shebl Fatma M. , D’Agostino Darrin
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE

Latinos with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face major healthcare access and disease management disparities. We examined the impact of the Diabetes Among Latinos Best Practices Trial (DIALBEST), a community health worker (CHW)–led structured intervention for improving glycemic control among Latinos with T2D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 211 adult Latinos with poorly controlled T2D were randomly assigned to a standard of healthcare (n = 106) or CHW (n = 105) group. The CHW intervention comprised 17 individual sessions delivered at home by CHWs over a 12-month period. Sessions addressed T2D complications, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, healthy food choices and diet for diabetes, blood glucose self-monitoring, and medication adherence. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and biomarker (HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile) data were collected at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (6 months postintervention). Groups were equivalent at baseline.

RESULTS

Participants had high HbA1c at baseline (mean 9.58% [81.2 mmol/mol]). Relative to participants in the control group, CHWs had a positive impact on net HbA1c improvements at 3 months (−0.42% [−4.62 mmol/mol]), 6 months (−0.47% [−5.10 mmol/mol]), 12 months (−0.57% [−6.18 mmol/mol]), and 18 months (−0.55% [−6.01 mmol/mol]). The overall repeated-measures group effect was statistically significant (mean difference −0.51% [−5.57 mmol/mol], 95% CI −0.83, −0.19% [−9.11, −2.03 mmol/mol], P = 0.002). CHWs had an overall significant effect on fasting glucose concentration that was more pronounced at the 12- and 18-month visits. There was no significant effect on blood lipid levels, hypertension, and weight.

CONCLUSIONS

DIALBEST is an effective intervention for improving blood glucose control among Latinos with T2D.
The Mealtime Challenge: Nutrition and Glycemic Control in the Hospital
Authors: Ryan Donna B. , Swift Carrie S.
Published: August 2014

In Brief

Multiple staff members and departments have a responsibility for various aspects of nutrition therapy for glycemic management in the hospital setting. Implementation is initiated by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants and planned and operationalized by registered dietitians. Meals are delivered by food service staff, and nurses monitor and integrate glycemic control components into patients' medical treatment plan. Although nutrition therapy is recognized as an important aspect of care in the hospital setting, it can also be challenging to appropriately coordinate meals with blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration. This article addresses current mealtime practices and recommendations to improve these processes in acute care.
Fundamental investigation of laser beam melting of polymers for additive manufacture
Authors: Laumer Tobias , Wudy Katrin , Drexler Maximilian , Amend Philipp , Roth Stephan , Drummer Dietmar , Schmidt Michael
Published: August 2014

By selective laser sintering (SLS), polymer powders are molten layer by layer to build conventional prototypes or parts in small series with geometrical freedom that cannot be achieved by other manufacturing technologies. The SLS process is mainly defined by the beam–matter interaction between powder material, laser radiation and different material characteristics by itself. However the determination of these different material characteristics is problematic because powder material imposes certain requirements that cannot sufficiently be provided by conventional measurement methods. Hence new fundamental investigation methods to determine the optical and thermal material characteristics like the thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, or the influence of different heating rates on the melting behavior are presented in this paper. The different analysis methods altogether improve the process of understanding to allow recommendations for the future process controlling.
Opinions of Czech general practitioners on generic drugs and substitution
Authors: Dosedel Martin , Maly Josef , Kubena Ales , Vlcek Jiri
Published: August 2014

The aim of the study was to map and analyze general practitioners` opinions of, attitudes towards and experiences with generic drugs and generic substitution (GS) in the Czech Republic. General practitioners (GPs) who took part in the annual and regional professional conferences of the Society of General Practice in the period from November 2008 until March 2009 were asked to complete the 28-item questionnaire concerning the issue of generic drugs and GS. Questions were organized in 5 sections aimed at assessing the attitude towards GS, understanding the legislation and opinions on statements related to GS. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlations were tested by selected parametric and non-parametric tests. Total of 263 completed questionnaires were returned (mean age of 52.2 years (SD=13.7), 177 (67.3%) females and 248 (94.3%) GPs having a practice specialization). 99 (37.6%) respondents have considered generic drugs to be bioequivalent to the respective brand name drugs. 121 (46.0%) respondents believed that generic drugs are of lower quality than brand name drugs. None of respondent showed acquaintance with all the legal rules for GS. Awareness of the legislation and attitude towards GS correlated with the age (p<0.001). In conclusion, distrust among GPs in generic drugs derives from poor knowledge and personal experiences.
Cytokine production by leukocytes in patients with periodontitis
Authors: Sakalauskiene Jurgina , Giedrimiene Dalia , Kubilius Ricardas , Gleiznys Alvydas , Vitkauskiene Astra , Ivanauskiene Egle , Puskunigyte Kristina
Published: August 2014

In the present study, we investigated the relation between clinical parameters and levels of interleukin (IL) -4 and -5, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the leukocyte incubation medium (LIM) obtained from 26 patients with chronic periodontitis (P) and 26 control group subjects (C). The levels of cytokines IL-4 and IL -5 produced by the LIM stimulated with non-opsonised E. coli were determined using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method and the levels of TNF-α were evaluated by applying Enzyme Amplified Sensitivity Immunoassay (EASIA). TNF-α levels in stimulated LIM were strongly positively correlated with clinical parameters such as the pocket probing depths (PPD), the clinical attachment level (CAL), the bleeding on probing (BOP) and oral hygiene index (OHI), whereas the IL-4 and IL-5 levels in the analogous medium were strongly negatively correlated with the clinical parameters. IL-4 and IL-5 levels in stimulated LIM of P group patients were significantly lower, whereas TNF-α levels were significantly higher than that in analogous medium of C group subjects. These differences were associated with the severity of periodontal disease.
Aiming High and Falling Short
Authors: Domina Thurston , McEachin Andrew , Penner Andrew , Penner Emily
Published: August 2014

The United States is in the midst of an effort to intensify middle school mathematics curricula by enrolling more 8th graders in Algebra. California is at the forefront of this effort, and in 2008, the state moved to make Algebra the accountability benchmark test for 8th-grade mathematics. This article takes advantage of this unevenly implemented policy to understand the effects of curricular intensification in middle school mathematics. Using district-level panel data from all California K–12 public school districts, we estimate the effects of increasing 8th-grade Algebra enrollment rates on a 10th-grade mathematics achievement measure. We find that enrolling more students in advanced courses has negative average effects on students’ achievement, driven by negative effects in large districts.
A simple method to detect plant based inhibitors of glycation induced protein cross-linking
Authors: Perera HKI , Ranasinghe HASK
Published: August 2014

Background: Glycation induced cross-linking of proteins are associated with chronic diabetic complications. Inhibition of protein glycation is one of the therapeutic approaches to prevent the progression of diabetic complications. Objective: Objective of this study was to establish a simple method to identify medicinal plants which can inhibit glycation induced protein cross-linking. Methods: Lysozyme was incubated at 37°C up to 4 weeks with different concentrations of glucose, fructose and ribose in sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Appropriate controls and blanks were carried out. Aminoguanidine (AG) was used as the standard inhibitor. Water extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves, Coriandrum sativum seed and Murraya koenigi leaves were used as potential inhibitors. Aliquots were removed from the incubation mixtures at intervals and analyzed for the presence of AGE induced protein cross-links, using SDS-PAGE. Appearance and the intensity of high molecular weight products were compared. Results: Extent of cross-linking was dependent on the sugar concentration. Cross-linking was slowest in the presence of glucose and fastest in the presence of ribose. AG inhibited glycation induced protein cross-linking in the presence of all three sugars. B. pinnatum leaves, C. sativum seeds and M. koenigi leaves inhibited protein cross-linking in the presence of sugar. This inhibition was greater than that of AG. Conclusions: We have established a simple SDS-PAGE method to identify medicinal plants which inhibit glycation induced protein cross-linking. We also demonstrated the effectiveness of B. pinnatum leaves, C. sativum seed and M. koenigi leaves in inhibiting glycation induced protein cross-linking in vitro. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10181 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 28-33
Vitamin D deficiency in children
Authors: Ashraf Mohd , Ishaq Mohammad , Parrey Nazir Ahmed , Ahmed Kaisar
Published: August 2014

Background: Vitamin D deficiency in children is an important medical entity commonly diagnosed during early childhood. Prevalence and incidence of vitamin D deficiency in children is underestimated and can have far reaching consequences as per the latest evidence. Children at high risk should be identified and treated accordingly to avoid the treatable misadventures of future life. Aim: The purpose of this review is to provide summary of the latest research in particular to the practical aspects of vitamin D deficiency in children. Methods: A literature search in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and DOAJ was conducted, regarding pediatric vitamin D deficiency related research and review articles in English language, using keywords or phrases such as bones; childhood allergy; calcium; children; diabetes mellitus type 1; respiratory infections; rickets; failure to thrive, 25-OH vitamin D. Conclusion: Despite major advances in unfolding the classical and non-classical role of vitamin D in various health related events in children, yet most of the pediatric population is vitamin D deficient even in countries like India with ample sunlight.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10199 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 1-7
Is either arterial or venous antithrombin III level linked to outcome in elderly males versus females with severe sepsis?
Authors: Adly Nermien N , Abou-Hashema Rania M
Published: August 2014

Objectives: We aimed to study arterial and venous ATIII levels, in elderly males and females with severe sepsis, and their impact upon the patients’ outcomes. Patients and Methods: A cohort study was performed in thirty-nine elderly patients with severe sepsis. Arterial and venous ATIII levels were measured. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was calculated.  Results: Both arterial and venous ATIII levels were negatively correlated with age in the whole sample (P=0.004 and .05 consecutively) (r = −0.45 and −0.32 consecutively). There was a significant difference between the arterial and venous ATIII levels in males (P=0.04). In males, SOFA score was positively correlated with arterial ATIII and the difference between arterial and venous ATIII levels (P=0.04 and .05 consecutively). Arterial and venous ATIII were the significant predictors of SOFA score, only in males (P <0.001 and 0.003 consecutively). Conclusion: ATIII level decreased with increasing age. In males, both higher arterial and lower venous ATIII levels were significant predictors of worse organ dysfunction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10795 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 34-39
Biochemical changes in some trace elements, antioxidant vitamins and their therapeutic importance in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Onyema-iloh Bridget Obiageli , Meludu Samuel C , Iloh Emmanuel , Nnodim Johnkennedy , Onyegbule Onyema , Mykembata Blessing
Published: August 2014

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the serum levels of some trace-elements (zinc, copper and selenium) and antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, C and E) in prostate cancer patients. Method: A total of 50 prostate cancer patients aged 50-70 years with PSA > 4.0 ng/dl were recruited for the study while 50 apparently healthy individual were used as control subjects. Zinc, copper and selenium were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer while vitamin A, C and E were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Result: The result showed that the mean levels of Se (0.77±0.26), Zn(147.75±42.05) were significantly lower (p <0.05) when compared with the control (1.47±0.13) and (168.78±59.80) respectively. The serum copper level (187. 76±66.05) was significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared with control (126.40±31.24).The antioxidant vitamin A (0.42±0.19), vitamin C (3.62±1.81) and vitamin E (0.39±0.13) were Significantly lower p(<0.05) when compared with the control (0.68±0.32)(12.16±4.07) and (1.40±0.16) respectively. Concusion: The decreased trace elements and antioxidant vitamins may be associated with high free radicals generated due to oxidative stress in prostate cancer patient. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10799 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 95-97
Haemoptysis: An unusual initial presentation of achalasia cardia
Authors: Tapadar Sumit Roy , Deb Jaydip , Dhua Aparup , Bhattacharya Soumya , Bairagya Tapan Das , Biswas Uttam
Published: August 2014

A 31 year old male presented with haemoptysis, fever and cough. Chest Radiography showed patchy consolidation with breakdown in lower lobe of left lung. Further evaluation revealed the presence of achalasia cardia that resulted haemoptysis due to aspiration pneumonia. This report highlights the uncommon initial presentation of achalasia cardia in the form of haemoptysis in a previously asymptomatic individual. Although haemoptysis occurs commonly due to pulmonary disorders, it may also be an initial symptom of some rare nonpulmonary disorder. Thorough workup with strict vigilance is extremely important to elicit that type of rare aetiology. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10800   Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 103-105
Unusual cause for pacemaker threshold elevation
Authors: Yontar Osman Can , Tenekecioglu Erhan , Karaagac Kemal , Tutuncu Ahmet
Published: August 2014

Pacing threshold is an important entity which should be tested during pacemaker follow up. Abnormal elevation of pacing threshold would end up with early exhaustion of pacemaker battery. In this report, we described a patient with an unusual cause for threshold elevation. Learning objective: Pacemaker follow-up has its own routines. Telecardiogram is one of them, however it is mostly underrated nowadays. Our objective is to teach value of this quick and inexpensive test for pacemaker patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10801   Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 106-107
Discovery of novel ayurvedic formulation for the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Pandey Ravi S
Published: August 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10805 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 132-133
Incidental diagnosis of primary papillary carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst: A rare case report
Authors: Rawte Mukta , Majumder Nabaneet , Dafle Virendra , Purohit Pramod
Published: August 2014

Thyroglossal duct cysts are most common congenital anomalies in thyroid development and are usually presented with midline neck swelling. The co-existence of carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst’s is extremely rare. We, herein present a case of primary papillary carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst in a 45 year old woman. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.9305 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 129-131
An uncommon cause of common presentation – Gall stone ileus: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Munghate Anand , Mittal Sushil , Singh Harnam , Garg Anjna , Singh Gurpreet , Sharma Jyoti
Published: August 2014

About 1%-4% of all cases of mechanical intestinal obstruction were caused by rare disease gallstone ileus. It is an uncommon complication of cholelithiasis. The formation of a fistula between the gallbladder and the duodenum may allow a gallstone to enter the intestinal tract. Gallstone ileus usually occurs in the elderly with a female predominance and is associated with a high mortality rate. The diagnosis of gallstone ileus entails a clinical challenge, especially in older patients in whom it may be easily overlooked. Here we report a case of 75 year old female patient presented in emergency with 4 day history of nausea, vomiting and pain in epigastric region. Emergent laparotomy was done and it was surprise to see that the cause of obstruction was gall stone ileus, enterolithotomy and repair was done. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.9307 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 112-114
Common origin of both coronary arteries from LSV
Authors: Kumar Avanish , Akhtar Md Jawed , Mohan Lalit
Published: August 2014

During routine dissection of a male cadaver aged about 60 years in dept. of Anatomy at IGIMS Patna a rare anomalous single coronary artery has been detected. In this case a single trunk is taking origin from LSV. Both the coronary arteries are arising from this trunk. Heart’s shape, size and weight are within normal range. On gross examination no other major congenital malformation and pathological changes is detected. In addition to this, further during dissection in other region of the body no other major vascular malformation is found. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.9583 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 117-118
Analgesic effects of intra-articular ropivacaine following arthroscopic knee surgery: Results of a double-blind, randomized controlled trial between two different doses
Authors: Hazra Rajdip , Manuar Md. Babrak , Manjunatha SM , Chakraborty Sisir , Ghosh Kaushik , Basu Rajarshi , Nurejjaman Md. , Kumar Arun N , Yathish SK
Published: August 2014

Background: Though local anesthetic agents are widely used to provide postoperative analgesia in intra-articular route, their efficacy is not accepted universally. Objective: The present study has been conducted to compare the analgesic effects of intra-articular ropivacaine between two different doses following arthroscopic knee surgery. Study design: Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Total 60 patients of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status I and II, 34 male and 26 female, aged between 18 to 60 years, were randomized into 3 groups receiving 10 ml normal saline, 10 ml 0.5% ropivacaine and 10 ml 0.75% ropivacaine respectively, administered in intra-articular space at the end of operation. Results: Ropivacaine groups had significantly delayed first post-operative rescue analgesic request with significantly lesser requirement of rescue analgesia in first 24 hours (p<0.001 in both cases). Except 6th post-operative hours, ropivacaine groups also showed significantly less VAS scores (Visual Analogue Scale) up to 12 hours post-operatively (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our double-blinded randomized controlled trial, administration of intra-articular 0.75% ropivacaine showed superior analgesic efficacy following arthroscopic knee surgery. Further, larger trials are needed to confirm our findings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.9703 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 81-86
Developing an Innovative Gasification Based Bio-char Stove in Nepal
Authors: Shahi Bishal , Thapa Bishan , Chuhan Ghanashyam , Bajracharya Tri Ratna
Published: August 2014

This paper on Nepali bio-char stove is a genuine effort to make the cooking practice in Nepal cleaner, efficient and cost effective. The main aim of the project was to develop a bio-char yielding gasifier stove so that not only user is benefited by clean, efficient and cost effective cooking also benefited by the by product of stove famously called bio-char which is reported to be a fertilizer. So, to meet the above two objectives, the stove was designed. The thermal efficiency of the stove was recorded to be 34%. The total cost of fabrication is NRs. 2500. NPV is positive, payback period is 6 months and 1 day and IRR is found to be 190%.The calorific value of charcoal obtained from the stove is found to be 6363 kcal/kg. The design, test results and analysis are presented in this paper.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10875Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014, pp. 25–33
Risks in Housing and Real Estate Construction Project
Authors: Koirala Madhav Prasad
Published: August 2014

The main purpose of this paper is identify the risks involved in housing and real estate of construction projects in Nepal and ranks them as per the severity. In this research, first the risks involved in construction projects life cycle has been identified with the help of professional expertise and verified with the help of housing profession arranged in a respondent in systematic hierarchical structure. Questionnaire surveys and literature review were used for data collection. Next, based on the obtained data a network was based on the statically system has been designed for the evaluation of project risks. After data analysis, the result has been published and finally conclusion has been drawn. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10876Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014 pp. 34-44
Economics of Biodiesel Production in the Context of Fulfilling 20% Blending with Petro-Diesel in Nepal
Authors: Parajuli Ranjan
Published: August 2014

The article has attempted to introduce Jatropha curcas as one of the energy resource for partially substituting Petro-diesel in Nepal and is prepared to provide preliminary insight on the economics of biodiesel production in the country. There have been increasing trend of automobiles in the last two decades, which has also increased the total import volume of Petro-diesel in Nepal. The dependency on imported Petro-diesel and its escalating price is adversely affecting the national economy. To fulfill the 20% blending requirement of the Petro-diesel consumed in 2011 in the country, 4% of the uncultivated land of the country (representing terrain and hills only) are sufficient. With this realization, this article is prepared by the development of different scenarios in regard to substitution of 20% Petro-diesel in the country. The Scenarios basically comprise of price of seedlings required for cultivation, different yield of Jatropha plant, and the price of raw oil seeds required for processing. Prognosis of Petro-diesel consumption in the next 20 years is carried out considering the average growth rate of its sales in the last decade in the country, and further required volume of biodiesel required for blending is estimated. Techno-economic analysis carried out in this article has revealed that biodiesel can be economically produced with input parameters (plant yield greater than 2 kg/plant and with the price of oil seeds lower than 0.22 USD/kg). The return on the investment in the bio diesel production and its utilization is also positive with these input parameters. The study estimated that production of biodiesel in the present context of increasing fuel prices and depleting resources, is an economically viable option, however, there is need of strong policy to entertain potential entrepreneurs and farmers for generating resource required for the partial substitution and also to look after the issues of food insecurity during the process of generating this resource.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10881Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014, pp. 80–93
Average Bid Method – An Alternative to Low Bid Method in Public Sector Construction Procurement in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Santosh Kumar
Published: August 2014

Federation of Contractor Associations of Nepal (FCAN) has asked the government to amend the law so that bidders quoting the average price would be awarded the contract. The competitive bidding process for awarding construction contracts in Nepal is based on the low bid method. According to this method, the construction firm submitting the lowest bid receives the right to the construction contract. Promoting competition amongst contractors and maintaining transparency are the clear benefits but delays in meeting the contract duration, increment of the final project cost, tendency to compromise quality, and adversarial relationship among contracting parties are the major drawbacks.As alternative of low bid method, some countries are using Average bid method.In this method, contract is awarded to the contractor whose price is closest to the average of all bids submitted. It is assumed that with a fair price they would conform to quality requirements of the project, would complete on time, and would not have adversarial relationships with the consultant of the employer. Awarding tenders to the lowest bidders is the major reason behind lingering construction projects and failure in meeting its standards in Nepal. To avoid such problems, Average bid Award system may be practiced by public agencies for procurement of works in Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10888Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014,pp. 125–129
Simulation of Temperature Stratification in Atriums: Validation of Basic Model Features
Authors: Bajracharya Susan
Published: August 2014

Data on climate conditions, internal temperature conditions and building features were used to deter mine the relative effect of building features on heat gains and losses in a naturally ventilated atrium located at Groningen, Netherlands. Temperature estimates obtained by simulation were compared with measured data. It was found that food estimates of thermal stratification could be obtained by dividing the atrium into horizontal subzones. Mass flow modeling and time steps of less than one hour were found to be important features.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10897Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014, pp. 157–171
Word Sense Disambiguation using Clue Words
Authors: Dhungana Udaya Raj , Shakya Subarna
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a new model to disambiguate the correct sense of polysemy word based on the related context words for each different sense of the polysemy word. The related context words for each sense are referred to as clue words for the sense. The WordNet organises nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs together into sets of synonyms called synsets each expressing a different concept. In contrast to the structure of WordNet, we developed a model that organizes the different senses of polysemy words based on the clue words. These clue words for each sense of a polysemy word are used to disambiguate the correct meaning of the polysemy word in the given context using any WSD algorithm. The clue word for a sense of a polysemy word may be a noun, verb, adjective or adverb.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10900Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014, pp. 192–198
Pulmonary tuberculosis and immunological profile of HIV/AIDS patients in Far West Nepal
Authors: Bohara Madan Singh
Published: August 2014

Background: Tuberculosis is itself a major public health problem in Nepal and the emergence HIV further complicated the issue. Tuberculosis is the most common cause of death among HIV/AIDS patients worldwide. Tuberculosis and HIV co-infection is associated with special diagnostic and ther apeutic challenges and constitutes an immense burden on healthcare system of heavily infected countries like Nepal. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and their immunologic profi les among HIV positive patients. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from Januray 2012 to July 2012 among adult HIV-positive patients attending ART centers at Seti Zonal Hospital and Mahakali Zonal Hospital. Clinical and laboratory investigations including Acid Fast staining and culture were used to identify tuberculosis cases. Blood samples were collected to determine CD4+ lymphocyte count. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics of study participants. The data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 16 software. Results: A total of 103 HIV positive participants were enrolled. Five (4.9%) of the study participants (three females and two males) were found to have pulmonary tuberculosis. Majority [4(80%)] of TB-HIV co-infection was found in 21-40 years age group. Similarly four (80%) of them were illiterate. Among five TB cases only two cases were detected by direct microscopy. In general it was observed that various clinical manifestations such as cough, chest pain, weight loss, loss of appetite etc. are more common in TB co-infected HIV patients in comparison to non-co-infected counterparts. Similarly, higher percentage of TB cases were seen in patients with low CD4+ count (<500/mm3). Conclusions: We found high prevalence of tuberculosis-HIV co-infection. More such cases were seen among those with low CD4+ cell count. Early detection of co-infection is very necessary to facilitate early ART initiation, thereby strengthening their immune status.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v3i1.10917Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 1, Issue 7, Jan.-Mar., 2014, page: 8-13
Hybrid Modeling Approach of Car Uses in Germany on Basis of Empirical Data with Different Granularities
Authors: Chlond Bastian , Weiss Christine , Heilig Michael , Vortisch Peter
Published: August 2014

The use of private cars in Germany has not yet been analyzed from a longitudinal perspective: most travel surveys consider only a single day. Daily car usage is not identical over a given period because car owners use their vehicles for daily routines (e.g., commuting) as well as for infrequent events, such as holiday trips. Another problem of short-period surveys is that they underestimate the share of cars used for long-distance travel. The current work may help to improve the reliability and realism of statements about the extent to which German cars could be replaced by electric vehicles. The authors developed a hybrid modeling approach that aims to obtain car mileage per day for a full year. This approach is based on empirical data with different granularities. Input data are derived from the annually conducted German Mobility Panel, including a survey of fuel consumption and odometer readings, and the long-distance travel survey INVERMO. The study showed that 13.1% of the modeled German private car fleet never exceeded 100 km/day during a full year. Furthermore, cars were driven more than 100 km on 13.3 days/year on average. Mainly used cars (first cars) of a household were used for longer distances rather than second cars. A comparison of average mobility figures from the model approach with the Mobility in Germany national travel survey showed the model results as reliable and realistic.