bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single blind controlled study comparing bipolar elecrocautery tonsillectomy to cold dissection method in pediatric age groups
Authors: Chettri ST , Bhandary S , Nepal A , Joshi RR , Natesh V , Sah SP , Sah BP , Koirala S
Published: January 2014

Background: Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed operations in otolaryngology. There are many proven methods of tonsillectomy, including cold dissection and bipolar electrocautery. Objective: To compare bipolar elecrocautery tonsillectomy with cold dissection method in pediatric age groups. Methods: Single blind controlled study to compare bipolar technique against the conventional dissection/snare technique. Results: The average amount of bleeding on electrocautery side was 4.07ml and on the cold dissection side was 14.58 ml. The mean time of operation for electrocautery and cold dissection was 12.04 and 16.57 minutes respectively. On the second post operative day, 35% of the patients complained of pain on the cauterized side, 30% complained of more pain on the dissection side while 35 % experienced equal pain on both sides. Post-operative complication such as hemorrhage was not seen in both the techniques employed. Conclusion: In the present study, bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy had advantages in having less post-operative time and blood loss intraoperatively but patients experience slightly more pain than cold dissection. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i3.9651 Health Renaissance 2013;11(3):270-272
An interesting presentation of tinea corporis
Authors: Kar S , Prasad K , Madke B
Published: January 2014

We report a case of a 27 year old male with heart shaped itchy, erythematous scaly lesions with well defined margin on lower abdomen for 6 weeks with history of similar skin complaint in spouse since 3 months. Patient got married 4 months back. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i3.9654 Health Renaissance 2013;11(3):279-280
Unusual presentation of ciliary body melanoma - a case report
Authors: Sarbajna T , Lavaju P , Agarwal M , Ahmad K
Published: January 2014

Background: Ciliary body melanoma rarely grows transclerally by direct extension and can metastasize locally into the orbit or conjunctiva. Objective: To report a case of ciliary body melanoma presenting clinically as a mass in the lacrimal gland region. Case: A 40-year-old female presented to the ophthalmic out-patient department with the complaint of a swelling in the right upper and outer lid region for 4 years. Ocular examination revealed a phthisical right eye. A firm, non-tender mass was palpable in the temporal quadrant of the right supraorbital region. Ultrasonography showed retinal detachment of the right eye. The CT-scan of the orbit was reportedly suggestive of a right lacrimal gland mass. Superolateral transperiosteal orbitotomy was planned for excision of the lacrimal gland mass. Intraoperatively, a well defined mass arising from the supero-temporal region of the right globe was noticed. The procedure was converted to enucleation of the right eye. Histopathological examination of the mass showed features of ciliary body melanoma. Conclusion: Extrascleral extension of ciliary body melanoma can present as a mass in the lacrimal gland region. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i3.9657 Health Renaissance 2013;11(3):287-289
Acknowledgement Vol.11(3)
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i3.9661Health Renaissance 2013;11(3): 301
Assessment of Hydrochemical Characters Variations in Relation to Phytoplankton during Pre-monsoon at J-point of Mahi Estuary, Gujarat, India
Authors: J.I. Nirmal Kumar , Khan Shamiyan R. , Kumar Rita N. , Sajish P.R.
Published: January 2014

Variations of hydro-chemical characters were recorded at three sites of Mahi estuary, near J-point (Lat. 22º10.3′N and Long. 72º44.28′E) during the pre-monsoon period. The concentration of the nutrients was relatively high due to the elevated atmospheric temperature, evapo-transpiration of water, slow saline intrusion as well as low inflow of surface water from Mahi River. On the contrary, dissolved oxygen (DO) was at its minimum level during this investigated period. The trophic status of all the three study stations was determined in terms of DO, phosphate, nitrate and sulphate in relation to phytoplankton as key pollution indicators species like Navicula, Nitzchia, Oscillatoria, Scenedesmus, Syndra and others. The results revealed that all the three sites are organically polluted as per the Palmer’s species diversity indices.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i2.9533 Our Nature 2013, 11(2): 85-95
Nitrogen and Phosphorous Budget Analysis of Carp Based Polyculture Ponds in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Gurung S. , Shrestha M.K. , Pandit N.P.
Published: January 2014

An experiment was conducted in 12 earthen ponds of 200 m2 at Kathar VDC, Chitwan, Nepal for 270 days to analyze the productivity and nutrient budget in some carp based polyculture systems. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four treatments in triplicate each: a) Carps only or control (7000 fish/ha) (T1); b) Carps (7000/ha) + tilapia (3000/ha) (T2); c) Carps (7000/ha) + tilapia (3000/ha) + sahar  (500/ha) (T3); and d) Carps (7000/ha) + tilapia (3000/ha) +  sahar (1000/ha) (T4). Silver carp (Hypophthalmich­thys molitrix), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), rohu (Labeo rohita) and mrigal (Cir­rhinus mrigala) of mean stocking size 3.0, 4.2, 10.0, 18.8, 10.5, 2.2 g, respectively were stocked in all ponds at the ratio of 4:2:1:1:1:1. The mean stocking size of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and sahar (Tor putitora) were 9.7 and 3.4 g, respectively. The ponds were fertilized weekly with urea and di-ammonium phosphate @ 4 g N and 1 g P/m2/day. Fish were fed with locally made pellet feed (20% CP) once in an alternate day at @ 2% body weight. At harvest, the extrapolated fish yield ranged from 1.5 to 1.7 t/ha/year in different treatments, without significant differences among treatments (P>0.05). Inclusion of sahar in Nile tilapia ponds decreased recruits by 63 to 72%. There were no significant differences in water quality parameters among treatments, except dissolved oxygen concentration, which was significantly lower in T1 and T3 than T2 and T4 (p<0.05). Both nitrogen and phosphorous were gained from fish species and lost from soil and water. There were no significant differences in nitrogen and phosphorous contents of all inputs and outputs among treatments. The unaccounted nitrogen and phosphorous loss ranged from 9.8-17.1% and 51.2-64.4%, respectively. The nitrogen and phosphorous required for producing 1 kg fish ranged from 337.5-375.9 g and 130.3-150.9 g, without significant difference among treatments. The nitrogen and phosphorous discharged for producing 1 kg fish ranged from 1.59-4.35 g and 1.6-9.3 g, respectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i2.9535 Our Nature 2013, 11(2): 116-125
Detection of Morphometric Differentiation of Liza aurata (Pisces: Mugilidae) in Southeastern of the Caspian Sea, Iran
Authors: Kohestan-Eskandari S. , AnvariFar H. , Mousavi-Sabet H.
Published: January 2014

A 13-landmark morphometric truss network system was used for 135 specimens to investigate the hypothesis differentiation of golden grey mullet along the southeastern Caspian Sea. Univariate analysis of variance showed significant differences among the means of the three groups for 35 standardized morphometric measurements out of 78 characters studied. In linear discriminant function analysis (DFA), the overall assignment of individuals into their original groups was 66.7%. The proportions of individuals correctly classified into their original groups were 62.5%, 59.1%, 76.5% in Neka, Behshahr and Galogah populations, respectively. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the specimens grouped into 2 areas with high degree of overlap. Clustering analysis based on Euclidean square distances among the studied groups of centroids using an UPGMA resulted segregation of the three populations into two distinct clusters. These results could be of interest for management and conservation programs of this species in the Caspian Sea.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i2.9595 Our Nature 2013, 11(2): 126-157
Efficacy of Fungicides against Sclerotial Blight of Tea Plant
Authors: Bhagat Indramani , Chakraborty Bishwanath
Published: January 2014

Tea, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze is the most important hot beverage in the world today and one of the major cash crops of Nepal. Being a perennial, the tea plant possibly interacts with, more environmental problems than do most other plants. Sclerotial blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is polyphagus fungal diseases which appears in the nursery grown tea seedlings.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i2.9601 Our Nature 2013, 11(2): 208-210
Medicinal Plants Used by Raji Ethnic Tribe of Nepal in Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Thapa Lal Bahadur , Dhakal Til Maya , Chaudhary Raghunath , Thapa Himanchal
Published: January 2014

A total of 43 plant species belonging to 40 genera and 29 families have been recorded as medicinal plants used traditionally by Raji people of Nepal for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Different parts of medicinal plants in different forms were reported to be used for treatment of 16 types of gastrointestinal disorders. The traditional healers and elderly people were well experienced in traditional method of using medicinal plants but they were worried about negligence of people towards such traditional use of valuable medicinal plants.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i2.9645 Our Nature 2013, 11(2): 177-186
Domestic violence: A hidden and deeply rooted health issue in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Abantika , Basu Mausumi , Das Palash , Sarker Aditya Prasad , Das Prasanta Kumar , Roy Biman
Published: January 2014

Domestic violence was identified as a major contributor to the global burden of ill health in terms of female morbid-ity leading to psychological trauma and depression, injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, suicide and murder. The study was conducted to find out the prevalence of different types of life time domestic violence against women; fac-tors associated with it and care seeking behavior. An observational cross-sectional study was done among 260 ever married women of 15-49 years of age using a predesigned pretested pro-forma from April 2011 to January 2012 by face to face interview. Data were compiled and analyzed by Epi Info 6 version and SPSS 17 version. The overall prevalence of any form of violence during the life time among the study population was 40.4%. Verbal/psychological violence was the most common form of domestic violence (85.7%) followed by physical (71.4%) and sexual violence (57.1%). Slapping and or beating, kicking, object throwing were the major forms of physical vio-lence; humiliation (91.1%) was the commonest form of psychological violence and most common form of sexual violence was forced sexual intercourse (58.3%). About 21% of the study population faced violence every day. Older age, lower age at marriage, longer duration of marriage, lower education of husband and wife, lower family income, unemployment of the husband and alcohol consumption of husband were associated with occurrence of domestic violence. We have found that the prevalence of domestic violence in this group of population is high. The alarming issue is that approximately one third of women (31.24%) who faced violence in their life-time had never sought any help. The findings indicate to develop appropriate and culturally relevant public health interventions to increase awareness and implement policies regarding violence against women. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 17-23 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17706
Knowledge, attitude and reported practice of primary school teachers on specified school health activities in Danuphyu Township, Ayeyarwaddy Region, Myanmar
Authors: Htun Ye Minn , Lwin Kay Thi , Oo Nwe Nwe , Soe Kyaw , Sein Than Tun
Published: January 2014

Schools are important settings for comprehensive health promotion. School exerts the most influence on the lives of children and youth. Schools can play a key role in supporting students health and, by extension, the health of their families and communities. This school-based cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Danuphyu Town-ship from June to November, 2012. This study aimed to identify the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice of primary school teachers concerning four school health activities: comprehensive school health education; healthy school environments; prevention and control of communicable diseases; and nutritional promotion and food safety. The sample consisted of 97 teachers from 23 primary schools were randomly selected to participate in the study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. It was found that 62.9% of teachers achieved a high level of knowledge scores (mean knowledge score of 39.10 with SD 3.087); 57.7% had a positive attitude towards school health activities; 52.6% of teachers achieved high reported practice scores (with mean practice score of 66.07 and SD 4.17); teachers from urban areas, over 50 years of age, and with service duration of 20-24 years, are statistically significantly associated with higher levels of reported practice; teachers with high knowledge and posi-tive attitude scores achieved higher reported practice scores, but these associations are not statistically significant. Overall, over 50% of the teachers had a high knowledge, a positive attitude and high practice scores relating to school health activities, and this shows that favorable conditions exist at the schools among the teachers for further strengthening the school health program of Myanmar. Enhancing teachers' involvement in school health activities would establish good outcomes of the school health promotion program. Provision of continuous training of teach-ers in school health would further enhance knowledge of teachers, and would gradually inculcate positive attitudes among them. This would lead towards more involvement of teachers in school health activities. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 24-29 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17707
Living conditions and public health status in three urban slums of Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Akinwale OP , Adeneye AK , Musa AZ , Oyedeji KS , Sulyman MA , Oyefara JO , Adejoh PE , Adeneye AA
Published: January 2014

Lagos metropolis, southwestern Nigeria, is faced with environmental problems ranging from slums and informal settlements, to crime and delinquency. The aim of the study was to explore the demographic characteristics, migra-tion history and living conditions of 2,434 residents of Ajegunle, Ijora Oloye and Makoko in Lagos metropolis. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2010 and October 2012 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Units of analysis used were households. Many of the respondents are low-income earners working in the informal service sectors, and living in unhygienic conditions. The communities are densely populated, with more than five people living in a room. Residents make use of poor and overstressed facilities and inadequate water and electricity supplies. They also lack appropriate garbage disposal facilities and good drainage. Personal hygiene habits are very poor; open defecation in ditches and the lagoon is widely practiced. Respondents are faced with perennial flooding due to blocked drainage systems resulting in a number of diseases, such as malaria, diarrhea, cold and cough. Migra-tion has led to uncontrolled and unplanned developments of slums in metropolitan Lagos. This in turn has led to poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, polluted environment, uncontrolled population growth and health problems in the slums as are observed in this study. There is an urgent need for comprehensive interventions from the government and other organizations to strengthen existing programs to improve the health and quality of life of this vulnerable population. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 36-41 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17709
Fast food preferences and food habits among students of private universities in Bangladesh
Authors: Bipasha Munmun Shabnam , Goon Shatabdi
Published: January 2014

Consumption of takeaway and fast food by young adolescents is no longer confined to the developed countries; it has spread to the developing countries as well. The culture of fast food consumption has replaced the traditional meal among university students and is a great public health concern. Excessive consumption of fast food is responsible for obesity epidemics and the cause of a dramatic increase of obesity-related diseases (e.g. diabetes, heart diseases etc). A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to April, 2013 among students attending in four established private universities of Bangladesh situated in Dhanmondi, Dhaka: Daffodil International University, United International University, World University of Bangladesh, and State University of Bangladesh. The aim of the present study was to examine the preference, prevalence and pattern of fast food consumption among the students. The prevalence of fast food consumption among those students was 98.5%, and 43.3% of their pocket money was spent on its purchase. The important factors for the preference of fast food include good taste, easy accessibility, increased convenience, and pocket friendly in nature. Approximately 22% of the respondents mentioned that they consumed fast food 4 days per week and more than one-fifth had the meal every day. Fifty four percent of the respondents skipped their breakfast due to a variety of reasons including class pressure and had fast food after fin-ishing their classes, either from varsity canteens or other fast-food outlets. Though 98% of the students were well informed about the negative effects associated with excessive fast food consumption, they were still profoundly ad-dicted to it. Specific health education programs, dietary guidelines and effective public awareness campaigns could be initiated to address the unhealthy lifestyle of university students and improve their health. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 61-64 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17713
The career destination of doctors who graduated from a medical college in Goa, India between 2000-2005: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kamat Umesh S , Ferreira AMA
Published: January 2014

The problem of health manpower shortage in developing countries appears to arise from brain drain or poor inclina-tion of qualified medicos towards medical practice. This study was conducted among the alumni of an allopathic medical college in Goa to find out the proportion of Goan doctors who remain allied to the medical field 5 years after graduating, and to examine the extent of brain drain among these doctors. The doctors who graduated between the years 2000-2005 were contacted through email/telephone/residential address to obtain the relevant information. Of the 383 doctors who graduated during the reference period, 96.6% could be traced, and out of these, 166 were male and 204 were female. The proportion of non-practicing doctors is 23.5%, and as many as 41% of the female medical graduates are not currently in medical profession. All the non-practicing female doctors were married, 52.9% (46/87) settled abroad and 31% (27/87) settled out of Goa. More than 41% of medically affiliated doctors worked out of Goa. Among those working in Goa 50.6% (84/166) worked for government health services, 31.9% (53/166) were attached to a private hospital/clinic, and 17.5% (29/166) were academically affiliated. None of the practicing doctors do general practice on their own. Given the steadily increasing number of female medical gradu-ates who constitute the bulk of non-practicing doctors it is imperative to bring in legislation stating minimum years of medical practice for every medical graduate. The brain drain of nearly 50% is an issue of concern, as also is the reduced number of doctors engaged in general practice. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 65-68 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17714
Qualitative research in medicine and healthcare: Is it subjective, unscientific or second class science?
Authors: Rahman Sayeeda , Majumder Md. Anwarul Azim
Published: January 2014

South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 69-71 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17715
Knowledge and perception regarding the issues, opportunities and practices of public health among Ayurveda interns in India
Authors: Samal Janmejaya , Pratap Ashwini Ku
Published: January 2014

South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 74-76 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17717
Conscientious Objection to Harmful Animal Use within Veterinary and Other Biomedical Education
Authors: Knight Andrew
Published: January 2014

Laboratory classes in which animals are seriously harmed or killed, or which use cadavers or body parts from ethically debatable sources, are controversial within veterinary and other biomedical curricula. Along with the development of more humane teaching methods, this has increasingly led to objections to participation in harmful animal use. Such cases raise a host of issues of importance to universities, including those pertaining to curricular design and course accreditation, and compliance with applicable animal welfare and antidiscrimination legislation. Accordingly, after detailed investigation, some universities have implemented formal policies to guide faculty responses to such cases, and to ensure that decisions are consistent and defensible from legal and other policy perspectives. However, many other institutions have not yet done so, instead dealing with such cases on an ad hoc basis as they arise. Among other undesirable outcomes this can lead to insufficient student and faculty preparation, suboptimal and inconsistent responses, and greater likelihood of legal challenge. Accordingly, this paper provides pertinent information about the evolution of conscientious objection policies within Australian veterinary schools, and about the jurisprudential bases for conscientious objection within Australia and the USA. It concludes with recommendations for the development and implementation of policy within this arena.
Evaluation of Circulating Tumor Cells and Related Events as Prognostic Factors and Surrogate Biomarkers in Advanced NSCLC Patients Receiving First-Line Systemic Treatment
Authors: Muinelo-Romay Laura , Vieito Maria , Abalo Alicia , Nocelo Marta , Barón Francisco , Anido Urbano , Brozos Elena , Vázquez Francisca , Aguín Santiago , Abal Miguel , López Rafael
Published: January 2014

In the present study we investigated the prognostic value of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTC) and their utility for therapy monitoring in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 43 patients newly diagnosed with NSCLC were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were obtained before the 1st, 2nd and 5th cycles of chemotherapy and analyzed using CellSearch technology. Both CTC and CTC-related objects (not morphological standard or broken epithelial cells) were counted. At baseline 18 (41.9%) patients were positive for intact CTC count and 10 (23.2%) of them had ≥5 CTC, while CK positive events were found in 79.1% of patients. The group of patients with CTC ³5 at baseline presented worse PFS and OS than those with <5 CTC (p = 0.034 and p = 0.008, respectively). Additionally, high levels of total CK positive events were associated with poor prognosis in the group of patients with <5 CTC. Regarding therapy monitoring, patients presenting increased levels of CTC during the treatment demonstrated lower OS and PFS rates. All these data supported the value of CTC as a prognostic biomarker and as a surrogate indicator of chemotherapy effectiveness in advanced NSCLC patients, with the additional value of analyzing other “objects” such as apoptotic CTC or CK fragments to guide the clinical management of these patients.
Spray-on PEDOT:PSS and P3HT:PCBM Thin Films for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Eslamian Morteza , Newton Joshua
Published: January 2014

PEDOT:PSS electron-blocking layer, and PEDOT:PSS + P3HT:PCBM stacked layers are fabricated by ultrasonic atomization and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry. The measured thicknesses based on SEM and optical profilometry are quite different, indicating the incapability of measurement techniques for non-uniform thin films. The thickness measurements are compared against theoretical estimations and a qualitative agreement is observed. Results indicate that using a multiple pass fabrication strategy results in a more uniform thin film. It was also found that the film characteristics are a strong function of solution concentration and spraying passes, and a weak function of substrate speed. Film thickness increases with solution concentration but despite the prediction of theory, the increase is not linear, indicating a change in the film porosity and density, which can affect physical and opto-electrical properties. Overall, while spray coating is a viable fabrication process for a wide range of solar cells, film characteristics can be easily altered by a change in process parameters.
Oral Health Condition of Children Living with HIV
Authors: Rovaris Natália , Martins Luiz , Traebert Jefferson
Published: January 2014

AIDS progression is faster in children than adults. Little is known about the oral health status of children living with HIV. Aim: To carry out a literature review about the oral health conditions of children living with HIV in order to observe if this specific population presents different oral health conditions compared to children without HIV infection. Methods: A documental study of literature review was carried out. Studies were searched at PubMed using “oral health”, “children”, “HIV” and “AIDS” as keywords. Papers published between 2001 and 2011 were included. After applying the exclusion criteria and complete reading of the selected studies, other articles were selected from the references lists of the first ones. Results: Firstly, 24 studies were identified. Among them, 65.5% were excluded according to the exclusion criteria. From the five selected articles, another five from the references of these were included. Only one article compared the oral health conditions of children living with HIV with controls without HIV infection. Conclusions: Only 10 papers contained information on the oral health conditions of children living with HIV, and just one compared the results with controls. The few studies found were insufficient to establish the oral health condition profile of children living with HIV. This lack of information could represent the lack of interest of researchers and health authorities in more integrative care and can result in neglect with this specific population of children.
Forests: An International and Interdisciplinary Scientific Open Access Journal
Authors: Jokela Eric
Published: January 2014

Forests was established to provide comprehensive coverage on the ecology, conservation and management of forests, with the first issue published in March 2010. As an international and multi-disciplinary journal, Forests has provided a forum for publishing process–based and applied scholarly articles that span the technological, environmental, cultural, economic, and social realm associated with the management, use, conservation, and understanding of forested ecosystems. By all accounts, Forests is well poised toward becoming a premier publication outlet in this diverse field of study. In its short tenure, Forests received its first Impact Factor in 2013 (1.094—Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE)/Web of Science), which placed it 25th out of 62 Forestry journals. Notably, Forests ranked first among the open access journals in this category. [...]
Adult Stem Cells and Diseases of Aging
Authors: Boyette Lisa , Tuan Rocky
Published: January 2014

Preservation of adult stem cells pools is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis into old age. Exhaustion of adult stem cell pools as a result of deranged metabolic signaling, premature senescence as a response to oncogenic insults to the somatic genome, and other causes contribute to tissue degeneration with age. Both progeria, an extreme example of early-onset aging, and heritable longevity have provided avenues to study regulation of the aging program and its impact on adult stem cell compartments. In this review, we discuss recent findings concerning the effects of aging on stem cells, contributions of stem cells to age-related pathologies, examples of signaling pathways at work in these processes, and lessons about cellular aging gleaned from the development and refinement of cellular reprogramming technologies. We highlight emerging therapeutic approaches to manipulation of key signaling pathways corrupting or exhausting adult stem cells, as well as other approaches targeted at maintaining robust stem cell pools to extend not only lifespan but healthspan.
Prevention and Punishment: Barriers to Accessing Health Services for Undocumented Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Monga Parul , Keller Allen , Venters Homer
Published: January 2014

Undocumented immigrants face significant challenges in accessing health care. Throughout the United States, these challenges may relate to the structure of the public health system in which the undocumented find themselves. In addition, local, regional, and national practices aimed at targeting immigrants for deportation or other non-health reasons may serve to punish them for seeking health services or care. Spain and the United Kingdom serve as useful case studies in comparing the ability of the undocumented to seek health services in Europe and the United States. Overall, promoting access to comprehensive health services for the undocumented should be a national priority, along with analysis of any immigration-related laws or policies for potential harmful impact on health care access.
A Constitutive Description for Shape Memory Alloys with the Growth of Martensite Band
Authors: Li Weiguo , Shen Xueliang , Peng Xianghe
Published: January 2014

Based on the experimental results and the finite element analysis, a constitutive model is proposed for two phase shape memory alloys by introducing a compensative volumetric strain into a constrained relationship between the two phases, accounting for the reduced constraint due to the growth of martensite band. The pseudoelasticity of NiTi shape memory alloy micro-tube, subjected to pure tension, is analyzed and compared with the experimental results. It can be seen that the pseudoelastic behavior, especially the phenomena of a stress drop during tension processes, can be well described with the proposed model. The proposed model separates the complicated constitutive behavior of a shape memory alloy (SMA) into simple responses arising respectively from its two phases, taking into account laminar microstructure, the thickness of martensite phase and the interaction between the two phases, and provides an easy but comprehensive method for the description of the constitutive behavior of SMAs under complex thermomechanical loading.
Hyaluromycin, a New Hyaluronidase Inhibitor of Polyketide Origin from Marine Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Harunari Enjuro , Imada Chiaki , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Fukuda Takao , Terahara Takeshi , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: January 2014

Hyaluromycin (1), a new member of the rubromycin family of antibiotics, was isolated from the culture extract of a marine-derived Streptomyces sp. as a HAase inhibitor on the basis of HAase activity screening. The structure of 1 was elucidated through the interpretation of NMR data for the compound and its 3″-O-methyl derivative in combination with an incorporation experiment with [1,2-13C2]acetate. The compound’s absolute configuration was determined by the comparison of its circular dichroism (CD) spectrum with those of other rubromycins. Hyaluromycin (1) consists of a γ-rubromycin core structure possessing a 2-amino-3-hydroxycyclopent-2-enone (C5N) unit as an amide substituent of the carboxyl function; both structural units have been reported only from actinomycetes. Hyaluromycin (1) displayed approximately 25-fold more potent hyaluronidase inhibitory activity against hyaluronidase than did glycyrrhizin, a known inhibitor of plant origin.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Ursolic Acid and Derivatives
Authors: Do Nascimento Patrícia , Lemos Telma , Bizerra Ayla , Arriaga Ângela , Ferreira Daniele , Santiago Gilvandete , Braz-Filho Raimundo , Costa José
Published: January 2014

Ursolic acid, an important bioactive compound, was isolated from ethanol extract of aerial parts of Sambucus australis. In order to develop bioactive ursolic acid derivatives, two semi-synthetic compounds were obtained through modification at C-3. The antibacterial activity of the ursolic acid and its derivatives was investigated. The microdilution method was used for determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), against twelve bacterial strains. The influence of ursolic acid and its derivatives on the susceptibility of some bacterial pathogens to the aminoglycosides antibiotics neomycin, amikacin, kanamycin and gentamicin was evaluated. The most representative synergistic effect was observed by 3β-formyloxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid at the concentration of 64 μg/mL in combination with kanamycin against Escherichia coli (27), a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate from sputum, with reduction of MIC value from 128 μg/mL to 8 μg/mL. Ursolic acid and its derivatives were examined for their radical scavenger activity using the DPPH assay, and showed significant activity.
Synthesis and Characterization of Impurities of Barnidipine Hydrochloride, an Antihypertensive Drug Substance
Authors: Cheng Zhi-Gang , Dai Xu-Yong , Li Li-Wei , Wan Qiong , Ma Xiang , Xiang Guang-Ya
Published: January 2014

Barnidipine hydrochloride is a long term dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used for the treatment of hypertension. During the process development of barnidipine hydrochloride, four barnidipine impurities were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an ordinary column (Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse XDB-C18, 150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). All these impurities were identified, synthesized, and subsequently characterized by their respective spectral data (MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR). The identification of these impurities should be useful for quality control in the manufacture of barnidipine.
A Meta-Analysis of Hedonic Studies to Assess the Property Value Effects of Low Impact Development
Authors: Mazzotta Marisa , Besedin Elena , Speers Ann
Published: January 2014

Stormwater runoff from urban areas is a significant source of water pollution in the United States. Many states are promoting low impact development (LID) practices, which provide a variety of direct and ancillary ecosystem services. We describe a meta-analysis designed to evaluate the property value benefits of LID practices that reduce impervious surfaces and increase vegetated areas in developments, and present an example application to a hypothetical land use scenario. From the many hedonic property valuation studies of the benefits of general open space, we identified 35 studies that valued open spaces that were similar in nature to the small, dispersed open spaces characteristic of LID. The meta-regression estimates the percent change in a home’s value for an observed percent change in open space within a specific radius of a parcel, based on changes expected to result from LID approaches that increase green spaces. Our results indicate that the design and characteristics of a project affect the magnitude of benefits, and that values decline with distance. More broadly, the meta-analysis shows percent change and proximity are robust determinants of household willingness to pay for aesthetic and other services associated with local availability of small, dispersed open spaces resulting from LID, but that values for other features, including type of vegetation and recreational use may be site-specific. Policymakers and developers could draw on our synthesis of site characteristics’ effects to maximize benefits from open space associated with LID.
Two-Stage System Based on a Software-Defined Radio for Stabilizing of Optical Frequency Combs in Long-Term Experiments
Authors: Čížek Martin , Hucl Václav , Hrabina Jan , Šmíd Radek , Mikel Břetislav , Lazar Josef , Číp Ondřej
Published: January 2014

A passive optical resonator is a special sensor used for measurement of lengths on the nanometer and sub-nanometer scale. A stabilized optical frequency comb can provide an ultimate reference for measuring the wavelength of a tunable laser locked to the optical resonator. If we lock the repetition and offset frequencies of the comb to a high-grade radiofrequency (RF) oscillator its relative frequency stability is transferred from the RF to the optical frequency domain. Experiments in the field of precise length metrology of low-expansion materials are usually of long-term nature so it is required that the optical frequency comb stay in operation for an extended period of time. The optoelectronic closed-loop systems used for stabilization of combs are usually based on traditional analog electronic circuits processing signals from photodetectors. From an experimental point of view, these setups are very complicated and sensitive to ambient conditions, especially in the optical part, therefore maintaining long-time operation is not easy. The research presented in this paper deals with a novel approach based on digital signal processing and a software-defined radio. We describe digital signal processing algorithms intended for keeping the femtosecond optical comb in a long-time stable operation. This need arose during specialized experiments involving measurements of optical frequencies of tunable continuous-wave lasers. The resulting system is capable of keeping the comb in lock for an extensive period of time (8 days or more) with the relative stability better than 1.6 × 10−11.
Looking Past the Rural Idyll. “De Kat”, or Televising the Post-productivist Countryside
Authors: Emmery Rien
Published: January 2014

The emergence of a post-productivist countryside has thoroughly affected contemporary rural historiography. Against the backdrop of a hegemonic struggle in which several societal actors contest the countryside’s amenities, historians have turned to the analysis of the circulating social representations of the rural. The mass media – especially television – are often singled out by scholars as the primary source of unrealistic, distorted and idealized images of the countryside. Then again, most scholars agree that TV nevertheless provides “ testimonies” about contemporaneous issues. In this article, I argue that representations of the countryside provided by TV fiction, if approached correctly, may yet be of great significance for research on contemporary rural history. This article focuses on De Kat, a Flemish children’s television series (1973) in which a masked environmental vigilante fights an evil industrialist and property developer. Although clearly meant to be set in contemporary Flanders, much of the episodes were filmed against the backdrop of the wild and unspoilt landscape of the French Provence. But this “ unrealistic” imagery masks a narrative that is overflowing with references to the ongoing hegemonic struggle and historical evolution within the Flemish countryside, such as industrial pollution, planning difficulties and the parcelling of historical estates. By adopting and reshaping the traditional imagery of the rural idyll, the producers merely wish to express their admiration for healthy rural environments and simultaneously provide a deliberately overstated representation of a countryside endangered by waste dumping, invasive tourism, and urban sprawl. As such, De Kat presents a fictionalized cross-section of the environmental movement in Flanders during the 1970s.
LIS Undergraduate Education in New Zealand
Authors: Cossham Amanda , Wellstead Peta , Welland Sarah
Published: January 2014

This chapter reviews and discusses Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduate education in New Zealand over the past 30 years, and identifies issues and research needs. It examines contemporary issues facing LIS education in a rapidly changing information environment, affected by a particular historical and social context and changes to the higher education sector nationally and internationally. Issues include professionalization, the tension between education and continuing professional development, the difficulty of keeping programmes up to date and reflective of industry needs in times of fiscal restraint, and the complexities of the particular student body, as well as changes in the LIS sector more generally. It highlights research needs and shows how professional associations and LIS educators are addressing these issues through a range of solutions designed to strengthen the library, records, and archives professions.
Conventional NK Cells Can Produce IL-22 and Promote Host Defense in Klebsiella pneumoniae Pneumonia
Authors: Xu Xin , Weiss Ido D. , H. Zhang Hongwei , Singh Satya P. , Wynn Thomas A. , Wilson Mark S. , Farber Joshua M.
Published: January 2014

It was reported that host defense against pulmonary Klebsiella pneumoniae infection requires IL-22, which was proposed to be of T cell origin. Supporting a role for IL-22, we found that Il22−/− mice had decreased survival compared with wild-type mice after intratracheal infection with K. pneumoniae. Surprisingly, however, Rag2−/− mice did not differ from wild-type mice in survival or levels of IL-22 in the lungs postinfection with K. pneumoniae. In contrast, K. pneumoniae–infected Rag2−/−Il2rg−/− mice failed to produce IL-22. These data suggested a possible role for NK cells or other innate lymphoid cells in host defense and production of IL-22. Unlike NK cell–like innate lymphoid cells that produce IL-22 and display a surface phenotype of NK1.1−NKp46+CCR6+, lung NK cells showed the conventional phenotype, NK1.1+NKp46+CCR6−. Mice depleted of NK cells using anti–asialo GM1 showed decreased survival and higher lung bacterial counts, as well as increased dissemination of K. pneumoniae to blood and liver, compared with control-treated mice. NK cell depletion also led to decreased production of IL-22 in the lung. Within 1 d postinfection, although there was no increase in the number of lung NK cells, a subset of lung NK cells became competent to produce IL-22, and such cells were found in both wild-type and Rag2−/− mice. Our data suggest that, during pulmonary infection of mice with K. pneumoniae, conventional NK cells are required for optimal host defense, which includes the production of IL-22.
Cleavage of the T Cell Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase by the Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural 3/4A Protease Induces a Th1 to Th2 Shift Reversible by Ribavirin Therapy
Authors: Brenndörfer Erwin Daniel , Brass Anette , Karthe Juliane , Ahlén Gustaf , Bode Johannes Georg , Sällberg Matti
Published: January 2014

Ribavirin has proven to be a key component of hepatitis C therapies both involving IFNs and new direct-acting antivirals. The hepatitis C virus–mediated interference with intrahepatic immunity by cleavage of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP) suggests an avenue for compounds that may counteract these effects. We therefore studied the effects of ribavirin, with or without inhibition of the nonstructural (NS)3/4A protease, on intrahepatic immunity. The intrahepatic immunity of wild-type and NS3/4A-transgenic mice was determined by Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, and survival analysis. Various MAVS or TCPTP constructs were injected hydrodynamically to study their relevance. Ribavirin pretreatment was performed in mice expressing a functional or inhibited NS3/4A protease to analyze its effect on NS3/4A-mediated changes. Intrahepatic NS3/4A expression made mice resistant to TNF-α–induced liver damage and caused an alteration of the intrahepatic cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-10) and chemokine (CCL3, CCL17, CCL22, CXCL9, and CXCL11) profiles toward an anti-inflammatory state. Consistent with this, the number of intrahepatic Th1 cells and IFN-γ+ T cells in NS3/4A-transgenic mice decreased, whereas the amount of Th2 cells increased. These effects could be reversed by injection of uncleavable TCPTP but not uncleavable MAVS and were absent in a mouse expressing a nonfunctional NS3/4A protease. Importantly, the NS3/4A-mediated effects were reversed by ribavirin treatment. Thus, cleavage of TCPTP by NS3/4A induces a shift of the intrahepatic immune response toward a nonantiviral Th2-dominated immunity. These effects are reversed by ribavirin, supporting that ribavirin complements the effects of direct-acting antivirals as an immunomodulatory compound.
CD19 and CD32b Differentially Regulate Human B Cell Responsiveness
Authors: Karnell Jodi L. , Dimasi Nazzareno , Karnell Fredrick G. , Fleming Ryan , Kuta Ellen , Wilson Mildred , Wu Herren , Gao Changshou , Herbst Ronald , Ettinger Rachel
Published: January 2014

B cell activation is regulated by a variety of signals. CD19 positively regulates B cell activation, augmenting signals delivered through the BCR complex. In contrast, CD32b contains an ITIM and negatively regulates BCR signaling. Importantly, there are drugs currently in clinical trials and preclinical development that cross-link CD32b to molecules within the BCR complex. We wanted to address how single engagement versus cotargeting these molecules affects human B cell function. When B cells from healthy individuals were activated by signals that mimic a T cell response (IL-21 costimulation), ligation of CD32b, but not CD19, inhibited B cell expansion and plasma cell (PC) differentiation. In contrast, when B cells were activated through TLR, anti-CD19, but not anti-CD32b, blunted the response. However, when both CD19 and CD32b were coengaged by a bispecific anti-CD19×CD32b Ab, both types of stimuli were potently inhibited. Cross-linking CD19 with CD32b also inhibited Ab-independent functions of B cells, such as HLA upregulation, cytokine production, and the ability of B cells to prime CD4+ T cells. Finally, although cross-linking CD19 and CD32b inhibited PC differentiation of primary B cells, it did not alter Ig production from pre-established PCs. These data elucidate the mechanism by which a complex set of signals determines the fate of B cell responsiveness. Although signals through CD19 influence TLR-driven activation, CD32b impacts the magnitude of the response following IL-21 costimulation. Therefore, simultaneous targeting of multiple surface molecules may be a necessary approach to comprehensively modulate B cell activation in vivo.