bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alleloppathic effects and insecticidal activity of the aqueous extract of Satureja montana L.
Authors: Sucur Jovana , Popovic Aleksandra , Petrovic Milos , Anackov Goran , Bursic Vojislava , Kiprovski Biljana , Prvulovic Dejan
Published: October 2014

Extensive use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides and other pesticides has
negative effects on the environment and on human and animal health. Therefore
scientists are turning towards natural pesticides such as active components
of plant extracts. Effect of two concentrations (0.1% and 0.2%) of Satureja
montana L. aqueous extract on lipid peroxidation process, as well as the
activity of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, PPX and CAT) in leaves and
roots of pepper and black nightshade seedlings were examined 24, 72 and 120h
after the treatment. Our results showed that higher concentration of S.
montana aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in black nightshade roots.
Furthermore, significant increases of pyrogallol and guaiacol peroxidase were
detected in black nightshade leaves treated with 0.2% S. montana aqueous
extract. The second aim was to evaluate effectiveness of aqueous extract as
contact toxicant against whitefly. It was observed that aqueous extract with
concentration of 0.2% showed toxic effect with 68.33% mortality after 96h.
Correlation between morphology and magnetic properties of electrochemically produced cobalt powder particles
Authors: Maksimovic Vesna , Nikolic Nebojsa , Kusigerski Vladan , Blanusa Jovan
Published: October 2014

Cobalt 3D powder particles were successfully prepared by the galvanostatic
electrodeposition. Electrodeposited cobalt powder were characterized by X-ray
diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive
Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and SQUID magnetometry. It has been shown that
morphology, structure and magnetic properties of cobalt particles are closely
associated and can be easily controlled by adjusting process parameters of
electrodeposition. Morphology of cobalt powder particles is strongly affected
by hydrogen evolution reaction as a parallel reaction to cobalt
electrodeposition. Depending on the applied current density, the two types of
powder particles were formed: dendrites at lower and spongy-like particles at
higher current densities. Morphologies and structures of powder particles are
correlated with their magnetic properties, and compared with those of the
bulk cobalt. In comparison with the properties of bulk cobalt, the obtained
3D structures exhibited a decreased saturation magnetization (MS), but an
enhanced coercivity (HC) which is explained by their peculiar morphology.
Reliability of fine needle aspiration and ex tempore biopsy in the diagnosis of salivary glands lesions
Authors: Gajanin Radoslav , Djurdjevic Dejan , Knezevic-Usaj Slavica , Eri Zivka , Ljubojevic Vesna , Karalic Marinko , Risovic Tatjana
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim. Interpretation of cytological material obtained by fine
needle aspiration (FNA) of salivary glands is one of the most challenging
areas in cytopathology. FNA is performed easily, it is minimally invasive,
inexpensive, fast, reliable and provides valuable information to clinicians
about the nature of the lesion and therapeutic modalities. Ex tempore
diagnosis, frozen section (FS) is a diagnostic tool that is essential in
determining the modalities of surgical treatment of lesions of the salivary
glands. Today this method is used in determining the status of resection
margins and infiltration of adjacent anatomical structures. The aim of this
study was to present our experiences in the application of FNA and FS in the
diagnosis of salivary gland lesions and to determine the sensitivity,
specificity, predictive value, and diagnostic reliability of these methods.
Methods. The study included 36 patients. In all the patients, cytological
analysis was done before surgery and histological analysis of the surgical
material. In 23 of the patients the FS diagnostics was done. Then we compared
FNA and FS findings with histopathological findings. Results. Correlation of
cytological and histological diagnosis showed sensitivity of 83.3%,
specificity 96.67%, positive predictive value 83.3%, negative predictive
value of 96.77% and diagnostic accuracy of 97.2%. Based on the relationship
between FS diagnosis and histopathological diagnosis, the sensitivity was
100%, specificity 96.67%, while positive predictive value and diagnostic
accuracy were 100% each. Conclusion. The study confirmed that FNA is a
sensitive, reliable diagnostic method for differentiation of lesions of the
salivary glands. In cases with no posibility to definite differentiation in
FNA samples, and with the need to assess the resection margins and invasion
of anatomical structures, it is recommended to use FS diagnostics.
Understanding sensitivity, specificity and predictive values
Authors: Stojanovic Miodrag , Andjelkovic-Apostolovic Marija , Stojanovic Dijana , Milosevic Zoran , Ignjatovic Aleksandra , Mitic-Lakusic Vesna , Golubovic Mladjan
Published: October 2014

nema
Cognitive maps discovery: Far-reaching implications for contemporary neuroscience
Authors: Ilic Tihomir
Published: October 2014

nema
Umbilical Hypercoiling in 2nd- and 3rd-Trimester Intrauterine Fetal Death
Authors: Dutman Annemiek C. , Nikkels Peter G. J.
Published: October 2014

Cases of unexplained intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) can be reduced by full placental examination, with or without autopsy. Determination of the umbilical coiling index (UCI) is considered to be a part of full placental examination. Umbilical hypercoiling (UCI above 0.30 coils/cm) is associated with IUFD. In a large retrospective study, we found an incidence of 18% umbilical hypercoiling in IUFD. We explored the association between umbilical hypercoiling and 2nd- and 3rd-trimester IUFD in 77 cases. There was a significant negative correlation between the UCI and gestational age of IUFD ( P < 0.001). More severe cases of hypercoiling were observed in the categories of IUFD at a younger age and with a longer duration. Signs of fetal thrombosis were significantly more present in IUFDs with umbilical hypercoiling. An umbilical cord stricture and hypercoiling seem to be significantly more common in IUFD. The severity of hypercoiling was of no influence on the presence or absence of an umbilical cord stricture. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in signs of cardiac failure between the groups of IUFD with and without umbilical hypercoiling. Our findings may be explained by the theory that hypercoiling leads to a disturbed fetal-placental circulation. Therefore, determination of the UCI should be part of the routine placental examination of cases of IUFD.
Pulmonary Infantile Hemangioma Presenting as a Mass in a Premature Male Infant: A Case Report Focusing on Pathological Features
Authors: Siaghani Parwiz J. , Chavez Claire , Anselmo Dean M. , Shane Lisa
Published: October 2014

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign neoplasm of infancy, with most occurring in the head and neck region. Predisposing factors include prematurity, low birth weight, multiple gestations, advanced maternal age, and chorionic villous sampling. In addition, white women, particularly those with a family history, are also at a higher risk. However, pulmonary infantile hemangiomas are exceedingly rare, with only a few case reports in the literature. Infantile hemangiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pulmonary mass in the early pediatric population. We present a case of pulmonary infantile hemangioma in a premature male infant successfully managed by surgical excision, with an emphasis on the pathogenesis and histologic features.
Prophecy in the Present Tense
Authors: Gumbs Alexis Pauline
Published: October 2014

On June 2, 2013, Eternal Summer of the Black Feminist Mind and Mobile Homecoming organized a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Combahee River uprising, an epic event organized by Harriet Tubman in which nearly 800 enslaved Africans achieved their freedom at the Combahee River near Beaufort, South Carolina, and the legacy of the Combahee River Collective, a Boston-based, black, lesbian, socialist, feminist organization famous for its analysis of interlocking oppression in the 1970s and early 1980s. With the support of INCITE Women of Color against Violence, Black Women's Blueprint, and the Resource Center for Women's Ministry in the South, twenty-one black feminists converged on the revolutionary site for a three-day retreat, re-enactment, and immersive educational experience. This article contextualizes the gathering in terms of the dream work of Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Collective, and a holistic practice of black feminism as a collective visionary act.
Harriet Tubman: Transnationalism and the Land of a Queen in the Late Antebellum
Authors: Broyld dann j.
Published: October 2014

Harriet Tubman and female fugitives from the United States maintained elevated expectations for British Canada during the late antebellum period. Their quest to reach Canadian soil was twofold: they wanted to resist enslavement in America, and also to sidestep sexual exploitation and gender degradation. Female runaways and refugees reasoned that their dual desires could be achieved in Canada, both because slavery had been abolished there via the Imperial Act of 1834 and because Queen Victoria's reign, starting in 1837, gave the impression of greater esteem and rights for women.

Unfortunately, what they found on the “Queen's soil” was that racism as well as sexist beliefs were a transcending sentiment, which did not discontinue at the American-Canadian international border. Still, these women in the dominion of Canada fought to challenge constructed borders, whether racial, sexual, or national.
Clinical Profile of Acute Poisoning in Children at a Teaching Hospital in Lalitpur
Authors: Dhakal Ajaya Kumar , Shrestha D , Shakya A , Shah SC , Shakya H
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Acute poisonings are one of the common cause of emergency visits and hospital admissions and is potentially preventable cause of childhood mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study were to identify the common type of poisoning in children, to determine types of poisoning according to age and to find out the common age group in which the incidence of poisoning was high.Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive observational study done in a teaching hospital in Lalitpur, Nepal in patients aged 1 month to 18 years who visited the emergency department and were admitted to hospital with history of alleged poisoning from 2009 July to 2014 January.Results: Fifty patients were included. Drugs, kerosene and organophosphorus were most common cause of poisoning. Drugs and kerosene below 10 years of age and organophosphorus and drugs above 10 years of age were common types of poisoning. Maximum numbers (50%) of children with poisoning cases were below five year of age. Mean duration of hospital stay was 2.1days and mean age of poisoning was 7.8 years with a male(54%) predominance. Majority of poisoning occurred at home (84%) and 68% of patients were symptomatic at presentation to hospital with 84% of patients presenting to hospital within six hours.Conclusion: This study showed that drugs, kerosene and organophosphorus were most common forms of poisoning. Young children were most vulnerable for acute poisoning.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10139J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):100-103
Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children in Western Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Bandana
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Undernutrition is a major health problem in developing countries which may have adverse effects on growth and development of an individual. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and grades of malnutrition in children below 60 months of age, attending outpatient department at Gandaki Medical College teaching hospital.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted among 556 children below 60 months of age from August to December 2013. Weight and length/height were measured using standard technique and were plotted on WHO centiles curves and severity determined based on WHO classification. The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were determined by anthropometry.Results: Based on WHO classification, out of 556 children, 20.2% were underweight, 34% were stunted and 15.1% were wasted respectively. Of them, severe underweight were 4.7%, severe stunted were 14.1% and severe wasted were 7.2% respectively.Conclusion: A high prevalence of undernutrition exists in under- five children attending a tertiary hospital in a western region of Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10566J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):119-124
Blood Pressure Profile and Hypertension in Urban Adolescents: Need for Cognisance
Authors: Faujdar Dharmajeet Singh , Kunte Renuka , Bhalwar Rajvir
Published: October 2014

Objective: To find the profile of blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension in adolescents in an urban area. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Adolescent students in the age group of 11-17 years, in a school in an urban area of Pune, belonging to upper socioeconomic group to measure their blood pressure and anthropometric parameters.Results: The mean SBP and DBP in both boys and girls were found to increase with increasing age and anthropometric measurements. The prevalence of hypertension was 12.23% in boys and 10.1% in girls and the prevalence of overweight as per BMI was 19.14% in boys and 18.62% in girls. The prevalence of hypertension observed in overweight children (36.1% in boys 30.8% in girls) was significantly (p<0.000) higher than normal weight children (6.5% in boys and 5.36% in girls). Among the anthropometric variables only weight & BMI had moderately strong correlation with SBP(r-0.559 &0.506).Conclusion: Hypertension is prevalent among adolescent population and overweight/obesity has been found to play a crucial role in predicting rise in BP in them. It is recommended bp monitoring be made mandatory part of school health services programme for early detection & instituting preventive measures.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10743J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):85-89
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Children: Experience from Single Center of a Developing Country
Authors: Kehar Mohit , Wadhwa Nishant , Upadhyay Satyam
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Nutrition is of paramount importance for adequate growth and development of a child. Various routes of providing enteral nutrition to a paediatric patient are by nasogastric, nasojejeunal and gastrostomy which can be placed surgically or endoscopically. The objectives of this study were to review cases with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure and patient characteristics, indications, complications and outcome of PEG tube insertion in children at our center.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study carried out in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, India for a period of two years from August 2010 to August 2012. It included patients in whom PEG tube were placed during the study period and have had at least one year of post procedure follow up. Demograhic details, duration of procedure, complications, initial weight and height and then at 3 month, 6 months and 12 months of PEG tube placement were also recorded. Data between groups was compared using ANOVA and within groups across follow-ups was done using paired t-test.Results: Fourty six PEG insertions were performed during the study period, 26 twenty six conversions to BRT or Mickey button and ten PEG removals. The main indications for PEG insertion were Cerebral palsy with feeding difficulty (47.8 %). Erythema at the PEG insertion site was the most common complication (21%). There was significant improvement in the weight and height in all age group of patients at 3, 6 and 12 months post procedure with a p value <0.5. The average weight gain after 3, 6 and 12 months was 1.3 kg, 2.8 kg and 4.2 kg and the average height gain after 3, 6 and 12 months was 1.6 cm, 2.5 cm and 4.13 cm respectively.Conclusions: PEG is effective means for optimizing the nutritional goals of patients who are nutritionally debilitated with minimal complications.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10960J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):125-131
Pneumopericardium
Authors: Pathak Meen Raj , Shakya Disuja
Published: October 2014

Pneumopericardium may be defined as the presence of air within pericardial cavity which results due to spontaneous or iatrogenic cause. It is rare but life threatening entity, commonly caused by respiratory distress syndrome and vigorous resuscitation, in the paediatric population. Although, pneumopericardium is often asymptomatic, it may cause chest pain, dyspnoea and subcutaneous emphysema. The course of pneumopericardium is usually benign and self-limited. Treatment is crucial in tension pneumopericardium, a complication of pneumopericardium. Here, we report a case of pneumopericardium in a nine month old male child after vigorous resuscitation and intubation for respiratory distress syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.11152 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):163-165
Handbook of Paediatric Problems
Authors: Paudel Krishna Prasad
Published: October 2014

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.11377 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):170
Left Lung Agenesis with Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Taran Shachi Jain , Kumar Ravindra , Lodha Manish
Published: October 2014

Agenesis of the lung is an extremely rare congenital anomaly representing failure of development of the primitive lung bud. Here we are presenting a case of left lung agenesis with bicuspid aortic valve in a 17 year old girl who came with the complaints of backache only. The diagnosis was made on the basis of CECT and 2D Echocardiography. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.8792 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):147-149
Morquio disease with CNS involvement: a rare association
Authors: Pal Shinabi , Dey Chandrashekhar , Ghosh Nilanjan , Roy Shabarna , Nayek Kaustav , Dasgupta Malay Kumar
Published: October 2014

Morquio syndrome is a rare type of mucopolysaccharidosis. Our patient presented with uncontrolled seizures and gross skeletal deformity. He was suspected to be suffering from mucopolysaccharidosis based on his disease presentation but the diagnosis could be made as Morquio syndrome on the basis of the presence of keratan sulphate in the urine. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.9298 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):157-159
Miller Dieker Syndrome as a Cause of Refractory Seizures
Authors: Pati Sananda , De Sangita , Nag Sankha Subhra , Nayek Kaustav
Published: October 2014

Miller-Dieker syndrome is a genetic deletion syndrome characterized by neuronal migration disorder lissencephaly where the exterior of the brain is abnormally smooth with fewer folds and grooves and characteristic facial dysmorphism. A one year old boy born presented to our emergency with severe respiratory distress and recurrent convulsions. A diagnosis of Miller Diecker syndrome was made consistent with typical clinical features and investigations. The child was managed symptomatically, however the seizures remained refractory and the child succumbed on day three of admission. Diagnosis of rare diseases like this is necessary not only for management but also for predicting recurrence in the family and genetic counselling. Key words: Miller Dieker syndrome; Lissencephaly; Refractory Seizures DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.9408J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):154-156
Ataxia Telangiectasia: Case Report from a Rural Hospital in Nepal and Current Management Recommendation
Authors: George Susan Mary , Mathews MC
Published: October 2014

It is important though challenging to make accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions in children and initiate the right treatment. A 14 years old boy presented with deterioration in speech, mobility and performance of daily activities and frequent chest infections over four years. Aided ataxic gait, dysarthria, stooped posture, generalised hypotonia and weakness and ocular telangiectasia were noted. We present a case of Ataxia telangiectasia from a rural hospital in Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.9694 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):138-140
Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Acute Flaccid Paralysis at a Tertiary Centre
Authors: Chaudhary Shipra , Keshary Bhatta Nisha , Khanal Basudha , Bhandari Rabin , Rajbhandari Singh Rupa
Published: October 2014

Objectives: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of different causes of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) including Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and their associated co-morbidities. Methodology: A prospective hospital-based study was carried out including all cases fulfilling AFP case definition. History, clinical examination, necessary investigations were performed and required treatment given. Regular follow-ups were done and final classification made alongwith AFP surveillance team. Results: Out of 43 children included in the study, 18 expired and 25 completed follow-up. Final classification showed 53.5% AES, 9.3% Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), 9.3% dyselectrolytemia, 9.3%, peripheral neuritis, 7% Non-Polio Entero Virus (NPEV) and 11.6% others. Fever, altered sensorium and convulsions were present in 79.1%, 65.1% and 58.1% respectively. Eighty-four percent had asymmetrical paralysis with quadriparesis in 72%. Cerebrospinal fluid was abnormal in 34.9%. Japanese encephalitis serology was positive in 4.7%.  The mean GCS was 9.53±4.27 with a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors (p=0.02). Almost half (52.2%) required ICU care, of which 14 expired (p=0.005). Seventeen children needed mechanical ventilation, of which 13 died (p<0.001). Requirement of inotropes and complications like respiratory failure and autonomic failure were significantly related to death. Conclusion: AES, being one of the commonest causes of AFP, should be included in AFP surveillance. Poor GCS, requirement of inotropes, complications like respiratory failure and autonomic failure are related with poor prognosis. This study also helped in national surveillance of AFP cases in the eastern region and the target to achieve polio eradication in our country.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.9794J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):104-110
Congenital Genu Recurvatum
Authors: Sharma Deepak Kumar , Yadav Jaivinder , Garg Eva , Bajaj Hanish
Published: October 2014

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.9890 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):168-169
Anemia in pregnancy and its associated factors: A study from Eastern Nepal
Authors: Maskey Manisha , Jha N , Poudel SI , Yadav D
Published: October 2014

Background  Anemia in pregnancy is responsible for many adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome. It is the commonest hematological disorder accompanying pregnancy. Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is fairly high worldwide, especially in developing countries. A research finding published by World Health organization revels that the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in developing countries averages 56% (ranging between 35 to 100%). Though Nepal has decreasing trend of prevalence of anemia, it is still high (42% in 2006). Identifying the associated factors which are responsible for the development of anemia during pregnancy would be of great help in mitigating the burden to some extent. Ojective of the study was to find out the pattern of anemia and associated risk factors for anemia during pregnancy. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in VDC named Hansposa.  Door to door survey was carried out to collect data using pre-designed questionnaires. Ante-natal check-ups were provided with analysis of hemoglobin levels, in every individual of study population, using conventional Shali's method. Chi-square test was applied, where applicable. Results Altogether 249 pregnant women were included in the study. The proportion of anemia was found to be 46.6%, the cases of mild anemia, and moderate anemia were 51.0% and 49.0% respectively. Risk factors includes: history of complications during previous pregnancy (P<0.001), education (P<0.05), age at marriage (P=0.028), low socio-economic status (P<0.001), gravidity and parity (P<0.01), poor knowledge about anemia (P<0.001), abnormal body mass index (P<0.001) and smoking (P=0.05). Conclusion This study indicates that the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy bears a resemblance to national value. Major associated risk factors include: history of complications during previous pregnancy, low knowledge about anemia in pregnant women, women with low body mass index, age at marriage, socio-economic status, gravidity and parity, and smoking. Most importantly, the lack of commitment in female education plays vital role in its existence.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i4.11358 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014; 4(4):386-92
Urolithiasis in male patients: A pilot study on the ethnic differences and clinical profile
Authors: Sreedharan Jayadevan , John LJ , Freeg HAM Aly , Muttappallymyalil J
Published: October 2014

Background   Ethnicity play a role in the occurrence of urinary stones, probably related to climatic, environmental and dietary factors in ethnic groups. The association between ethnicity, age, clinical profile, stone size with type of ureteric stones among males with urolithiasis was studied.   Materials and Methods Male patients (>18 years) with lower ureteral stones size <10mm attending outpatient department of Urology, at a private hospital, Ajman over a period of one year were included. Ethics approval was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee. Data was retrieved from the case records which included socio-demographic variables (age, ethnicity), clinical profile (ureteric colic, duration of pain, other complaints), and laboratory investigations (type of stone, stone size). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with SPSS-20 and p values <0.05 considered significant. Results 185 male patients were included. Mean age was 41.5 (7.3) years, range (22-71) years. Out of the total, 81 (43.8%) patients were Asians, 81(43.8%) Arabs and 23 (12.4%) were of other ethnicity. Most patients (95.1%) presented with ureteric pain. 49 (26.5%) had family history of stone disease where calcium oxalate monohydrate and uric acid stones were common, with majority being first degree relation. Data on stone type was available for 90 patients; of which, 21 were calcium oxalate monohydrate, 33-calcium oxalate dehydrate, 24-uric acid and remaining 12 other form of stones. Average age for different types of stone was 38.3, 41.6, 39.4 and 42.8 years for calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dehydrate, uric acid and other types respectively. Conclusion Uric acid stones were more prevalent among Asians and calcium oxalate-dehydrate stones among Arabs. Future studies can be conducted among multiethnic population focusing on dietary pattern and stone analysis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i4.11359 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014; 4(4):393-98
Effect of Age, Sex and Pregnancy on Levels of Urinary Inhibitors of mineralization in Human Beings
Authors: Kakkar Monica , Kakkar R , Lal AK , Singla SK
Published: October 2014

Background: Based upon the differences observed in the level of urinary inhibitors between adult normal subjects of both sexes and kidney stone patients of identical sex, it has been postulated that urinary inhibitors play an important role in the control of pathological mineralization. Review of literature revealed that corresponding studies on the level of urinary inhibitors in children of both sexes and during various stages of pregnancy are not available. These studies, so important to investigate the role of inhibitors in physiological mineralization, formed the objective of the present study.  Materials and Methods:  Homogenous system of In vitro mineralization was employed to study not only the extend of  mineralization and the effect of various urine samples obtained from normal subjects of both sexes and pregnant females at various trimesters of pregnancy on extend of mineralization but also to quantify the level of the inhibitors.  Results:  Using in vitro system of mineralization (precipitation of Ca2+ or HPO4 2- ions as mineral phase), it has been shown that in contrast to the adult human beings, in children of less than 13 years of age no significant differences exists in the level of the urinary inhibitors between males and females children provided experimental support to the epidemiological studies on the occurrence of the renal calculosis problem in both sexes of children and adult human beings. The findings that the level of the urinary inhibitors of mineralization in both sexes of children is as high as present in adult females and that a highly significant decrease in their levels occurs during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy strongly suggests that hormones may be playing an important role in regulating their levels. Conclusion: Inhibitors of mineralization excreted in urine of normal healthy subjects of both sexes of Children (<13 years), adults (>20 years), kidney stone patients at these ages, non pregnant and pregnant females (during various trimesters of pregnancy) have been postulated to play an important role in the control of both physiological and pathological mineralization.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i4.11360 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014; 4(4):399-404
Accessing research literature: A mixed-method study of academics in Higher Education Institutions in Nepal
Authors: Simkhada Padam , Van Teijlingen E , Devkota B , Pathak SR , Sathian B
Published: October 2014

Background:  Research in Higher Education (HE), particularly in health and medical sciences plays a crucial role, not only in enhancing knowledge and skills of students and academics, but also in helping to develop   managers and policy makers who rely on evidence-based planning and programming. This paper reports university teacher’s knowledge and practices in accessing to electronic research-based evidences in health and medical sciences in Nepal. Material and Methods: This was mixed-methods study comprising a self-administered questionnaire completed by HE teachers and informant key interviews with authorities of HE institutions. A total of 15 out of the total 40 institutions offering HE above Bachelors level on health-related subjects were included for the study. Results: The response rate was 68%; 244 out of 360 HE teachers completed self-administered questionnaire.  The respondents comprised nurses (36%), followed by doctors (23%), public health practitioners (18%), dentists (17%) and pharmacists (12%). Most of the HE teachers reported that they have computer skills and possess their own computer. Two-thirds (66%) of the HE teachers had work email and almost all (93%) have a personal email ID.  All institutions had a computer lab and/or library. Almost all teachers had internet access at work but the internet was reportedly slow. Each institution had a librarian to support to the students and staff but only a third of teachers sought their help. Many do not know what kind of support librarians can provide. Less than half of the staff had accessed electronic research materials. This proportion varied between HE institutions ranging from 13 to 83%. HINARI and PubMed were the mostly used research databases. Less than half of respondents (48%) had published research papers in peer-reviewed journals, and only 19% published a paper based on a systematic review. Female HE teachers were less likely to publish (32%) than males (68%).  More readers and professors had published (75%) than instructors/assistant lecturers (30%) and lecturers (45%).  Conclusions: Accessing electronic research literature provides an opportunity to gathering up-to-date research-based information that should be core to all health curricula.  We call upon curriculum developers and university authorities in Nepal to revise health curricula and help build electronic searching skills among staff and students. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i4.11375 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014; 4(4):405-14
Complications of epilepsy surgery in Sweden 1996–2010: a prospective, population-based study
Authors: Bjellvi Johan , Flink Roland , Rydenhag Bertil , Malmgren Kristina
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

Detailed risk information is essential for presurgical patient counseling and surgical quality assessments in epilepsy surgery. This study was conducted to investigate major and minor complications related to epilepsy surgery in a large, prospective series.

METHODS

The Swedish National Epilepsy Surgery Register provides extensive population-based data on all patients who were surgically treated in Sweden since 1990. The authors have analyzed complication data for therapeutic epilepsy surgery procedures performed between 1996 and 2010. Complications are classified as major (affecting daily life and lasting longer than 3 months) or minor (resolving within 3 months).

RESULTS

A total of 865 therapeutic epilepsy surgery procedures were performed between 1996 and 2010, of which 158 were reoperations. There were no postoperative deaths. Major complications occurred in 26 procedures (3%), and minor complications in 65 (7.5%). In temporal lobe resections (n = 523), there were 15 major (2.9%) and 41 minor complications (7.8%); in extratemporal resections (n = 275) there were 9 major (3.3%) and 22 minor complications (8%); and in nonresective procedures (n = 67) there were 2 major (3%) and 2 minor complications (3%). The risk for any complication increased significantly with age (OR 1.26 per 10-year interval, 95% CI 1.09–1.45). Compared with previously published results from the same register, there is a trend toward lower complication rates, especially in patients older than 50 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest reported prospective series of complication data in epilepsy surgery. The complication rates comply well with published results from larger single centers, confirming that epilepsy surgery performed in the 6 Swedish centers is safe. Patient age should be taken into account when counseling patients before surgery.
Intraoperative stereotactic injection of Indigo Carmine dye to mark ill-defined tumor margins: a prospective Phase I–II study
Authors: Margetis Konstantinos , Rajappa Prajwal , Tsiouris Apostolos John , Greenfield Jeffrey P. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

A critical goal in neurosurgical oncology is maximizing the extent of tumor resection while minimizing the risk to normal white matter tracts. Frameless stereotaxy and white matter mapping are indispensable tools in this effort, but deep tumor margins may not be accurately defined because of the “brain shift” at the end of the operation. The authors investigated the safety and efficacy of a technique for marking the deep margins of intraaxial tumors with stereotactic injection of Indigo Carmine dye.

METHODS

Investigational New Drug study approval for a prospective study in adult patients with gliomas was obtained from the FDA (Investigational New Drug no. 112680). At surgery, 1–3 stereotactic injections of 0.01 ml of Indigo Carmine dye were performed through the initial bur holes into the deep tumor margins before elevation of the bone flap. White light microscopic resection was conducted in standard fashion by using frameless stereotactic navigation until the injected margins were identified. The resection of the injected tumor margins and the extent of resection of the whole tumor volume were determined by using postoperative volumetric MRI.

RESULTS

In total 17 injections were performed in 10 enrolled patients (6 male, 4 female), whose mean age was 49 years. For all patients, the injection points were identified intraoperatively and tumor was resected at these points. The staining pattern was reproducible; it was a sphere of stained tissue approximately 5 mm in diameter. A halo of stained tissue and a backflow of dye through the needle tract were also noted, but these were clearly distinct from the staining pattern of the injection point, which was vividly colored and demarcated. Postoperative MR images verified the resection of all injection points. The mean extent of resection of the tumor as a whole was 97.1%. For 1 patient, a brain abscess developed on postoperative Day 16 and needed additional surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic injection of Indigo Carmine dye can be used to demarcate multiple deep tumor margins, which can be readily identified intraoperatively by using standard white light microscopy. This technique may enhance the accuracy of frameless stereotactic navigation and increase the extent of resection of intraaxial tumors.
Deleuze, the ‘(Si)neo-realist’ Break and the Emergence of Chinese Any-now(here)-spaces
Authors: Fleming David H.
Published: October 2014

By creatively expanding Deleuze's concept of the time-image crystal, I productively fold together and engineer an encounter between two comparable cinematic movements otherwise separated by huge vistas of time and space. Here, I work to plicate the post-war Italian neorealist movement which Deleuze saw inaugurating the modern cinema, with a ‘postsocialist’ mainland Chinese movement that I playfully call ‘(si)neo-realism’. The films of both historical moments formulate comparable break-away cinemas which are often considered moral or socially responsible art cinemas best approached through André Bazin's ‘ontological’ film philosophy lens. By using Deleuze, however, I hope to move beyond these realist discussions to explore how both movements are also fruitfully thought in terms of introducing distinct yet analogous mental relations into the image during historical junctures defined by radically transforming psycho-geographies. Like Deleuze's discussions of neorealism, (si)neo-realism is considered a loose impulse or mode that collectively bears witness to confusing and bewildering mental experiences from within a turbulent period of cultural, ideological and historical upheaval: which demands new ways of perceiving, thinking and acting. Without wanting to fall into a problematic auteur paradigm, I necessarily employ the films of Wang Xiaoshuai as emblematic examples of the wider impulse or trend. Indeed, Wang's films perfectly reify a new ethico-aesthetic form of Chinese cinema marked by a proliferation of new spaces, characters, experiences and narrative structures. Here, I also strive to do what Deleuze did not in his writing upon film, and explore the break-ups, breakdowns and breakthroughs in specific relation to a complex contextual web of political and cinematic ecosystems. Throughout this process I try to put Deleuze to work by using the films and context to re-interrogate and re-evaluate the time-image models as they appear within and across his Cinema books.
A. N. WhiteheadIsabelle Stengers (2011)Thinking with Whitehead: A Free and Wild Creation of Concepts, trans. Michael Chase, Cambridge and London: Harvard University PressDidier Debaise (2006)Un Empirisme spéculatif: Lecture deProcès et réalitéde Whitehead, Paris: VrinA. N. Whitehead (2011)An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Natural Knowledge, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press [paperback re-issue of 1955 reprint of 1925 2nd edn]A. N. Whitehead (2011)The Principle of Relativity with Applications to Physical Science, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press [paperback re-issue of 1922 edn]
Authors: Kaur (Guy Callan) Nardina
Published: October 2014

Two books on Whitehead, a major study by the noted philosopher of science, Isabelle Stengers, and a shorter one by Didier Debaise are reviewed, along with two earlier mathematical and scientific works by Whitehead himself, which have been re-issued. This provides the basis for a wide-ranging discussion of the relationships between Whitehead's love of poetry and Heidegger's approach to it, Whitehead's background in mathematics and theoretical physics and his attitude to empirical science and more general problems of the philosophy of the event, in particular how radical change can come about.
Antioxidant Capacity, Cytotoxicity and Antimycobacterial Activity of Madeira Archipelago Endemic Helichrysum Dietary and Medicinal Plants
Authors: Gouveia-Figueira Sandra , Gouveia Carla , Carvalho Maria , Rodrigues Ana , Nording Malin , Castilho Paula
Published: October 2014

The potential bioactivity of dietary and medicinal endemic Helichrysum plants from Madeira Archipelago was explored, for the first time, in order to supply new information for the general consumer. In vitro antioxidant properties were investigated using DPPH, ABTS•+, FRAP and β-Carotene assays, and the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were also determined. Although the results generally showed a large variation among the three analyzed plants, the methanolic extracts showed the highest antioxidant capacity. Exception is made for H. devium n-hexane extract that showed good radical scavenger capacity associated to compounds with good reducing properties. In the Artemia salina toxicity assay and antimycobaterial activity, H. devium was the most potent plant with the lowest LD50 at 216.7 ± 10.4 and MIC ≤ 50 μg·mL−1. Chemometric evaluation (Principal Component Analysis—PCA) showed close interdependence between the ABTS, TPC and TFC methods and allowed to group H. devium samples.
Sample Entropy and Traditional Measures of Heart Rate Dynamics Reveal Different Modes of Cardiovascular Control During Low Intensity Exercise
Authors: Weippert Matthias , Behrens Martin , Rieger Annika , Behrens Kristin
Published: October 2014

Nonlinear parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) have proven their prognostic value in clinical settings, but their physiological background is not very well established. We assessed the effects of low intensity isometric (ISO) and dynamic (DYN) exercise of the lower limbs on heart rate matched intensity on traditional and entropy measures of HRV. Due to changes of afferent feedback under DYN and ISO a distinct autonomic response, mirrored by HRV measures, was hypothesized. Five-minute inter-beat interval measurements of 43 healthy males (26.0 ± 3.1 years) were performed during rest, DYN and ISO in a randomized order. Blood pressures and rate pressure product were higher during ISO vs. DYN (p < 0.001). HRV indicators SDNN as well as low and high frequency power were significantly higher during ISO (p < 0.001 for all measures). Compared to DYN, sample entropy (SampEn) was lower during ISO (p < 0.001). Concluding, contraction mode itself is a significant modulator of the autonomic cardiovascular response to exercise. Compared to DYN, ISO evokes a stronger blood pressure response and an enhanced interplay between both autonomic branches. Non-linear HRV measures indicate a more regular behavior under ISO. Results support the view of the reciprocal antagonism being only one of many modes of autonomic heart rate control. Under different conditions; the identical “end product” heart rate might be achieved by other modes such as sympathovagal co-activation as well.
A Model Predictive Control Approach for Fuel Economy Improvement of a Series Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: Vu Tri-Vien , Chen Chih-Keng , Hung Chih-Wei
Published: October 2014

This study applied a model predictive control (MPC) framework to solve the cruising control problem of a series hydraulic hybrid vehicle (SHHV). The controller not only regulates vehicle velocity, but also engine torque, engine speed, and accumulator pressure to their corresponding reference values. At each time step, a quadratic programming problem is solved within a predictive horizon to obtain the optimal control inputs. The objective is to minimize the output error. This approach ensures that the components operate at high efficiency thereby improving the total efficiency of the system. The proposed SHHV control system was evaluated under urban and highway driving conditions. By handling constraints and input-output interactions, the MPC-based control system ensures that the system operates safely and efficiently. The fuel economy of the proposed control scheme shows a noticeable improvement in comparison with the PID-based system, in which three Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers are used for cruising control.
Remote Sensing and Ground-Based Weather Forcing Data Analysis for Streamflow Simulation
Authors: Corona José , Lakhankar Tarendra , Pradhanang Soni , Khanbilvardi Reza
Published: October 2014

Hydrological simulation, based on weather inputs and the physical characterization of the watershed, is a suitable approach to predict the corresponding streamflow. This work, carried out on four different watersheds, analyzed the impacts of using three different meteorological data inputs in the same model to compare the model’s accuracy when simulated and observed streamflow are compared. Meteorological data from the Daily Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN-D), National Land Data Assimilation Systems (NLDAS) and the National Operation Hydrological Remote Sensing Center’s Interactive Snow Information (NOHRSC-ISI) were used as an input into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model and compared as three different scenarios on each watershed. The results showed that meteorological data from an assimilation system like NLDAS achieved better results than simulations performed with ground-based meteorological data, such as GHCN-D. However, further work needs to be done to improve both the datasets and model capabilities, in order to better predict streamflow.
Impact of Vehicular Networks on Emergency Medical Services in Urban Areas
Authors: Lee Chun-Liang , Huang Chung-Yuan , Hsiao Tzu-Chien , Wu Chun-Yen , Chen Yaw-Chung , Wang I.-Cheng
Published: October 2014

The speed with which emergency personnel can provide emergency treatment is crucial to reducing death and disability among acute and critically ill patients. Unfortunately, the rapid development of cities and increased numbers of vehicles are preventing emergency vehicles from easily reaching locations where they are needed. A significant number of researchers are experimenting with vehicular networks to address this issue, but in most studies the focus has been on communication technologies and protocols, with few efforts to assess how network applications actually support emergency medical care. Our motivation was to search the literature for suggested methods for assisting emergency vehicles, and to use simulations to evaluate them. Our results and evidence-based studies were cross-referenced to assess each method in terms of cumulative survival ratio (CSR) gains for acute and critically ill patients. Simulation results indicate that traffic light preemption resulted in significant CSR increases of between 32.4% and 90.2%. Route guidance was found to increase CSRs from 14.1% to 57.8%, while path clearing increased CSRs by 15.5% or less. It is our hope that this data will support the efforts of emergency medical technicians, traffic managers, and policy makers.