bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of cardiac troponin I as a prognosticator in critically ill medical patients: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: King Daniel A , Codish Shlomi , Novack Victor , Barski Leonid , Almog Yaniv
Published: May 2005

Introduction

Myocardial injury is frequently unrecognized in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a surrogate of myocardial injury, has been shown to correlate with outcome in selected groups of patients. We wanted to determine if cTnI level measured upon admission is an independent predictor of mortality in a heterogeneous group of critically ill medical patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study; 128 consecutive patients admitted to a medical ICU at a tertiary university hospital were enrolled. cTnI levels were measured within 6 h of admission and were considered positive (>0.7 ng/ml) or negative. A variety of clinical and laboratory variables were recorded.

Results

Both cTnI positive and negative groups were similar in terms of age, sex and pre-admission co-morbidity. In a univariate analysis, positive cTnI was associated with increased mortality (OR 7.0, 95% CI 2.44–20.5, p < 0.001), higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores and a higher rate of multi-organ failure and sepsis. This association between cTnI and mortality was more pronounced among elderly patients (>65 years of age). Multivariate analysis controlling for APACHE II score revealed that elevated cTnI levels are not independently associated with 28-day mortality.

Conclusion

In critically ill medical patients, elevated cTnI level measured upon admission is associated with increased mortality rate. cTnI does not independently contribute to the prediction of 28-day mortality beyond that provided by APACHE II.
Endothelial function in highly endurance-trained and sedentary, healthy young women
Authors: Moe Ingvild T , Hoven Heidi , Hetland Eva V , Rognmo Øivind , Slørdahl Stig A
Published: May 2005

Endothelial function is reduced by age, chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and it is shown that aerobic exercise may reverse this trend. The effect of a high aerobic training status on endothelial function in young, healthy subjects is however less clear. The present study was designed to determine whether endothelial function is improved in highly endurance-trained young women compared to sedentary, healthy controls.

Brachial artery diameter was measured in 16 endurance-trained (age: 23.7 ± 2.5 years, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 60.6 ± 4.5 ml/kg per min) and 14 sedentary females (age: 23.7 ± 2.1 years, VO2max: 40.5 ± 5.6 ml/kg per min) at rest, during flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and after sublingual glycerol trinitrate administration, using high-resolution ultrasound. FMD did not differ between the endurance-trained and the sedentary females (14.8% vs 16.4%, p = NS), despite a substantial difference in VO2max of 50% (p < 0.001). The endurance-trained group possessed however, a 9% larger resting brachial artery diameter when adjusted for body surface area.

The results of the present study suggest that endothelial function is well preserved in young, healthy women, and that a high aerobic training status due to long term aerobic training does not improve the dilating capacity any further.
ABCA1 and atherosclerosis
Authors: Soumian S , Albrecht C , Davies AH , Gibbs RGJ
Published: May 2005

ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates the cellular efflux of phospholipids and cholesterol to lipid-poor apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and plays a significant role in high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism. ABCA1’s role in the causation of Tangier disease, characterized by absent HDL and premature atherosclerosis, has implicated this transporter and its regulators liver-X-receptorγ (LXRγ) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptorγ (PPARγ) as new candidates potentially influencing the progression of atherosclerosis. In addition to lipid regulation, these genes are involved in apoptosis and inflammation, processes thought to be central to atherosclerotic plaque progression. A Medline-based review of the literature was carried out. Tangier disease and human heterozygotes with ABCA1 mutations provide good evidence that ABCA1 is a major candidate influencing atherosclerosis. Animal and in vitro experiments suggest that ABCA1 not only mediates cholesterol and phospholipid efflux, but is also involved in the regulation of apoptosis and inflammation. The complex and beneficial interactions between apoA1 and ABCA1 seem to be pivotal for cholesterol efflux. The expression of the ABCA1 is tightly regulated. Furthermore the plaque microenvironment could potentially promote ABCA1 protein degradation thus compromising cholesterol efflux. PPAR-LXR-ABCA1 interactions are integral to cholesterol homeostasis and these nuclear receptors have proven anti-inflammatory and anti-matrix metalloproteinase activity. Therapeutic manipulation of the ABCA1 transporter is feasible using PPAR and LXR agonists. PPAR agonists like glitazones and ABCA1 protein stabilization could potentially modify the clinical progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
Genetic variation of the intestinal fatty acid-binding protein 2 gene in carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Wanby Pär , Palmquist Petter , Brudin Lars , Carlsson Martin
Published: May 2005

The alanine (A) to threonine (T) substitution at codon 54 of the intestinal fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) has been associated with dyslipidaemia and other characteristics of the metabolic syndrome, which in turn is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the A54T polymorphism in the FABP2 gene is associated with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis in stroke patients. Swedish subjects initially diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular disease (n = 196) that had been assessed with ultrasound of the carotid arteries were identified and grouped depending on whether a stenosis was found. The subjects were genotyped for the A54T polymorphism using a PCR-RFLP method. In a multivariate logistic-regression analysis, where known risk factors for atherosclerosis were fixed (diabetes, systolic blood pressure, age and smoking), having the FABP2 T allele was a significant risk factor for ICA stenosis (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.7; p = 0.04) together with diabetes (odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-14; p < 0.01). Age, smoking and blood pressure did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, our result supports the hypothesis that the FABP2 A54T polymorphism is associated with ICA stenosis.
Chest CT assessment following thrombolysis or surgical embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Kipfmueller Florian , Quiroz Rene , Goldhaber Samuel Z , Schoepf U Joseph , Costello Philip , Kucher Nils
Published: May 2005

Right ventricular (RV) enlargement, assessed by two-dimensional reconstructed 4-chamber views on contrast-enhanced multirow detector computed tomography (MDCT), is emerging as an important marker for predicting adverse clinical events in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It is unclear whether dynamic changes occur on chest computed tomography (CT) in response to thrombolysis or embolectomy to treat acute PE. We retrospectively investigated 23 consecutive patients who met the criteria of (1) a positive MDCT PE protocol; (2) RV dysfunction on echocardiography; (3) reperfusion therapy by systemic thrombolysis (n = 17) or surgical embolectomy (n = 6); and (4) follow-up MDCT study after completion of therapy. Two blinded observers reconstructed 4-chamber views on a Leonardo™ (Siemens, Munich, Germany) workstation using multiplanar reformats of axial CT data and then measured right and left ventricular dimensions (RVD, LVD). RV enlargement was defined as RVD/LVD ≥ 0.9. Mean age was 52 years, and there were 10 (43%) women. The median time to MDCT follow-up was 21 (range 2-231) days. Seventeen (74%) patients had their chest MDCT follow-up within 30 days. All 23 patients had RV enlargement (mean RVD/LVD 1.28, range 0.94 to 1.74) prior to initiation of reperfusion therapy. Although right ventricular enlargement was found in 43% of patients at follow-up, the mean RVD/LVD decreased from 1.28 ± 0.21 cm to 0.94 ± 0.16 cm (p = 0.001). The mean change in RVD/LVD was 0.31 ± 0.42 in thrombolysis patients and 0.42 ± 0.09 in embolectomy patients (p = 0.33). Reconstructed 4-chamber views on chest CT provide noninvasive imaging of right ventricular enlargement and permit dynamic assessment of the right ventricular response to thrombolysis and embolectomy in patients with acute PE.
Suboptimal intensity of risk factor modification in PAD
Authors: Oka Roberta K , Umoh Eva , Szuba Andrzej , Giacomini John C , Cooke John P
Published: May 2005

This study extends earlier trials indicating that atherosclerosis risk factors are underdetected and undertreated in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. Recognition and treatment of hyperlipidemia and hypertension in PAD patients is suboptimal. Diabetes appears to be detected more frequently although glycemic control is still suboptimal. The use of antiplatelet therapy is particularly underutilized. Additionally, despite the demonstrated efficacy of regular exercise in PAD patients, almost half of the study sample was sedentary. Approximately one third of the current study sample was overweight and nearly one third was obese by ATP-III guidelines. Only 31% of subjects were taking dietary measures to improve their cardiovascular health, and even fewer were physically active. To rectify suboptimal management of risk factors, there is a need for increased public awareness of PAD, reimbursement and implementation of screening programs and more aggressive treatment. Future studies are needed to examine innovative interventions for identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with PAD.
Documented combat exposure of US veterans seeking treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Frueh B. Christopher , Elhai Jon D. , Grubaugh Anouk L. , Monnier Jeannine , Kashdan Todd B. , Sauvageot Julie A. , Hamner Mark B. , Burkett B. G. , Arana George W.
Published: May 2005

Background

There are concerns regarding the validity of combat exposure reports of veterans seeking treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within US Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

Aims

To verify combat exposure history for a relevant sample through objective historical data.

Method

Archival records were reviewed from the US National Military Personnel Records Center for 100 consecutive veterans reporting Vietnam combat in a Veterans Affairs PTSD clinic. Cross-sectional clinical assessment and 12-month service use data were also examined.

Results

Although 93% had documentation of Vietnam war-zone service, only 41% of the total sample had objective evidence of combat exposure documented in their military record. There was virtually no difference between the Vietnam ‘combat’ and ‘no combat’ groups on relevant clinical variables.

Conclusions

A significant number of treatment-seeking Veterans Affairs patients may misrepresent their combat involvement in Vietnam. There are implications for the integrity of the PTSD database and the Veterans Affairs healthcare system.
Cost-effectiveness of relapse-prevention cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: 30-month study
Authors: Lam Dominic H. , McCrone Paul , Wright Kim , Kerr Natalie
Published: May 2005

Background

We have reported the advantageous clinical outcome of adding cognitive therapy to medication in the prevention of relapse of bipolar disorder.

Aims

This 30-month study compares the cost-effectiveness of cognitive therapy with standard care.

Method

We randomly allocated 103 individuals with bipolar 1 disorder to standard treatment and cognitive therapy plus standard treatment. Service use and costs were measured at 3-month intervals and cost-effectiveness was assessed using the net-benefit approach.

Results

The group receiving cognitive therapy had significantly better clinical outcomes. The extra costs were offset by reduced service use elsewhere. The probability of cognitive therapy being cost-effective was high and robust to different therapy prices.

Conclusions

Combination of cognitive therapy and mood stabilisers was superior to mood stabilisers alone in terms of clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness for those with frequent relapses of bipolar disorder.
Modernising medical careers, the Foundation Programme and psychiatry
Authors: Brown Nick , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: May 2005

The stated aim of the new Foundation Programme is to equip all doctors with a range of generic competencies before they embark on a specialist training programme, following the advice in Modernising Medical Careers (Department of Health, 2003, 2004), which built upon Unfinished Business, Proposals for the Reform of the Senior House Officer Grade (Department of Health, 2002). The educational aims of this 2-year programme are to develop generic skills, competencies and attitudes to ensure professional conduct that will reflect ‘good medical practice’ as defined by the General Medical Council (1998). Any education for the Foundation Programme must concentrate on these areas. A Curriculum for the Foundation Years in Postgraduate Education and Training is being produced by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in co-operation with the Modernising Medical Careers Implementation Team at the Department of Health (Department of Health, 2005).
Patients' views of the ward round: a survey
Authors: White Rupert , Karim Bakir
Published: May 2005

Aims and Method

As part of the total experience of hospital admission, it is important to ensure that ward rounds are efficient and acceptable to patients. Self-completed questionnaires relating to the conduct of the ward round were given to a consecutive series of 100 in-patients admitted to four psychiatric wards serving one half of the population of Cornwall.

Results

Twenty-two patients disliked being seen in their own bedrooms, 54 disliked large ward rounds and three-quarters liked having an exact appointment time. There was a group of patients who felt particularly anxious before or during the ward round.

Clinical Implications

It is important to reconsider the conduct of the ward round, and in so doing to balance the preferences of the patient with the needs of the multidisciplinary team.
Service innovation: development of a primary care-based assessment service
Authors: Brady John , McDonnell Catherine
Published: May 2005

The care of those with mental illness has moved away from asylums and in-patient care facilities. Community mental health teams (CMHTs) now deliver care but these vary widely in terms of personnel and function (Simmonds et al, 2001). Evidence suggests that CMHT management is not inferior to non-team standard care in any important respect, and that it may even be superior in promoting greater acceptance of treatment, reducing hospital admission and avoiding death by suicide (Tyrer et al, 2000). Despite this apparent improvement, there are problems for the CMHTs and the general practitioners (GPs) who refer individuals. CMHTs are often overstretched, with large workloads, increasing amounts of administration and lack of resources, leading to concerns that individuals with more severe illness may be neglected (Harrison, 2000). Various initiatives have been undertaken to combat these problems, including forging stronger links between the CMHT and GPs, by having an on-site mental health worker (Hamilton et al, 2002; Bower & Sibbald, 2003).
Modernising psychiatric education
Authors: Brown Nick , Bhugra Dinesh , Oyebode Femi
Published: May 2005

Postgraduate medical education has recently been the subject of major and fundamental review. The four UK Health Departments have set out the underpinning principles in Modernising Medical Careers (Department of Health, 2003), which sees the adoption of a number of trends that have emerged in medical education. One such trend is an emphasis on learning and the development of skills, including continuing professional development, with a move away from the apprenticeship model towards more structured and systematic training. This also means that structured training programmes that have defined curricula and show clear quality assurance processes will become the norm. The aim is to have a flexible, trainee-centred approach within which individuals can develop at their own pace and take increasing responsibility for their own training in a variety of clinical settings.
Causes of acute peritonitis in 1188 consecutive adult patients in Ghana
Authors: Ohene-Yeboah Michael
Published: May 2005

In a five-year prospective study,1188 consecutive adult patients were admitted and treated for acute generalized peritonitis at the Surgical Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Appendicitis and typhoid ileal perforation were the commonest causes, occurring in 43.1% and 35.1% of patients, respectively. Other conditions (gastroduodenal perforations, ruptured abscesses, traumatic bowel perforations and amoebic colonic perforations) accounted for fewer than 25% of cases.

This paper notes that acute appendicitis and typhoid perforation remain the leading causes of peritonitis in Ghana. Compared with previous series, the importance of appendicitis in acute peritonitis has diminished. The complications of communicable diseases now cause peritonitis more commonly than 35 years ago. This may reflect deteriorating conditions of sanitation and housing during the intervening period.
Long bone fractures treated by traditional bonesetters: a study of patients' behaviour
Authors: Solagberu Babatunde A
Published: May 2005

This is a study of 295 patients (23.1% of 1278 patients with long bone fractures) who had visited the traditional bonesetter (TBS). The initial idea of visiting TBS was mooted by an external person in 75% of cases, whereas to discharge from TBS was usually the patient's idea. The reasons for a patient to opt for a TBS are explored.
Determinants of utilization of antenatal care services in Kumbotso village, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Kabir M , Iliyasu Z , Abubakar I S , Sani A A
Published: May 2005

Women of childbearing age in a rural community in Kano state were interviewed to ascertain the determinants of utilization of antenatal care services in the village. Of the 200 women studied, 118 (59%) utilized antenatal care services during pregnancy. A majority (86%) of those who attained secondary school education, all of those with post-secondary education and 83% of those whose husbands had post-secondary education utilized antenatal care services.
Frequency of prenatal care visits by ethnic minority mothers and association with infant birthweight in Bac Kan province, Vietnam
Authors: Hien Nguyen Thanh , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: May 2005

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between prenatal care visits and infant birthweight among ethnic minority mothers in the mountainous Bac Kan province. This was done by comparing the frequency and timing of first prenatal care visit of 32 mothers with low birthweight (LBW) infants and 32 mothers with normal birthweight (NBW) infants.

During pregnancy, mothers of NBW infants underwent 3.4±1 (mean) prenatal care visits and mothers of LBW infants 2.8±0.9 ( P= 0.02). Mothers of NBW infants underwent their first prenatal care visit at 13.1±5.7 weeks of gestation, one week earlier than mothers of LBW infants. The frequency of prenatal care visit are probably associated with a decreased risk of LBW among ethnic minority mothers in Bac Kan province.
Filter paper strip kit: a cost-effective transport media
Authors: Sherwal B L , Dadeya Subhash
Published: May 2005

This study was undertaken to discover a feasible transport media for the transportation of ocular microbiological material from the periphery to the central laboratory.

A total of 94 cases of ocular infection with clinical diagnosis of conjunctivitis and keratitis were studied. In all cases, two representative microbiological samples were collected, and sent by filter paper strip (FPS) kit as well as by direct culture technique. The isolated organisms by both the methods were analysed.

Of the total 94 cases studied, bacteria were isolated in 48 cases by direct culture and in 45 cases by FPS kit, whereas, fungus were isolated in 13 cases by each method.

FPS kit appears to be an alternative, feasible, and cost-effective technique for transportation of ocular microbiological material from periphery to the central laboratory.
Adenosine deaminase activity in sera of patients with visceral leishmaniasis in Nepal
Authors: Baral N , Mehta K D , Chandra L , Lamsal M , Rijal S , Koirala S
Published: May 2005

This longitudinal study was conducted in BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), a Medical University situated in eastern Nepal, between May 2001 and December 2001. The main objective of the study was to identify the role of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) for management. There was a significant increase in mean ADA activity in sera of 49 patients with VL (323.71±184.51 IU/L) compared with 50 samples of control groups (47.11±24.94 IU/L) from the same endemic area ( P<0.001). ADA activities were found to be significantly decreased (50.35±41.35 IU/L) in follow-up cases ( n = 19) after 30 days with sodium stibogluconate treatment at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day intramuscularly. The fall in the level of ADA (after treatment) in follow-up cases correlated with the cure of disease, as evident from improvement of vital signs and symptoms and the absence of Leishmania donavani bodies in the sera. The study therefore suggests the possibility of using human serum ADA as a convenient marker to evaluate the diagnosis of VL to support the clinical findings, especially in those settings where there is a lack of highly qualified personnel and diagnostic facilities.
Causative agents of liver abscess in HIV-seropositive patients: a 10-year case series in Thai hospitalized patients
Authors: Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: May 2005

Liver abscess is an important tropical gastrointestinal disorder. HIV seropositive patients show relative immunosuppression and are more susceptible to infection, including liver abscess. This retrospective case review was made on 23 patients who were diagnosed as HIV seropositive with liver abscess in Bangkok, Thailand. We demonstrated the high rate of amoebic liver abscess in our series (17.4%) from fresh smear with five cases of tuberculosis and one case of Nocardosis. The rates of positive bacterial culture were 17.4% from blood and 47.8% from pus. Gram-negative aerobes were the major abscess pathogens in our series. Among Gram-negative aerobes, Klebsiella was the most significant microorganism, followed by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
An indigenous spacer device for drug delivery in severely dyspnoeic patients
Authors: Sharma Puneet , Singh Baljit
Published: May 2005

Bronchodilator aerosols are commonly delivered through nebulizers or metered dose inhalers (MDI) to treat bronchospasm. Although the clinical results obtained with both these devices are comparable, the use of MDI offers several advantages like lower drug dose, reduced risk of complications, reliability of dosing, ease of administration, less personnel time and reduced cost. However, in non-intubated, spontaneously breathing patients, the amount of drug inhaled depends on the coordination of the inspiratory phase and delivery of the drug. In severely dyspnoeic or disoriented patients in the casualty department or intensive care settings, this is often not possible. Valved spacers and breath-actuated inhalers may not be easily available in such situations. Also, the spacer devices cannot be connected to the anatomical facemask and the need to discontinue oxygenation for aerosol delivery further limits their use.
Missed diagnosis of schistosomiasis leading to unnecessary surgical procedures in Jos University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Mandong Barnabas M , Madaki Aboi JK
Published: May 2005

Twelve cases of radical surgery were carried out on patients with schistosoma granuloma mistaken for malignant lesions. Such radical procedures could have been averted if pre-operative biopsies were done. Therefore, there is a need for clinicians practising in schistosoma endemic areas to routinely carry out pre-operative biopsy to minimize missed diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
The use of a monitoring tool to assess counselling and HIV testing in the public health sector in Malawi
Authors: Chimzizi Rhehab B , Harries Anthony D , Manda Eluby , Khonyongwa Angela , Killam William P , Salaniponi Felix M
Published: May 2005

Scaling up of counselling and HIV testing (VCT) services requires a system of regular monitoring and evaluation. A VCT monitoring tool was developed through a consultative process and used to assess counselling and HIV testing services in 16 government and mission hospitals in Malawi, which had started expanded HIV-TB activities in July 2003. The essential components of the VCT monitoring tool included assessments of: (i) the hospital VCT personnel, in particular the number of counsellors (full-time and part-time) and those trained in and performing whole blood rapid HIV testing; (ii) the hospital laboratory service, in particular the protocols for HIV testing; (iii) the number, structure and function of dedicated VCT rooms; (iv) registers for patients, clients and donors having HIV tests; and (v) the quality of VCT through structured interviews with HIV-positive patients withTB.

The main findings were: 9644 patients and clients were HIV tested between July and September 2003; HIV testing protocols were not standardized and differed between hospitals; there was little in the way of external quality assurance and there were deficiencies in the counselling process. In each hospital, the mean time taken to obtain the data and complete the VCT monitoring tool was 3 h. The VCT monitoring tool is straightforward to use, and the data collected should help to improve standardization, quality and future planning of VCT services in the country.
Impact of mass media campaigns on the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant Nigerian women towards HIV/AIDS
Authors: Etuk S J , Ekanem E I
Published: May 2005

A total of 508 women coming for antinatal care had a structured interview about the risk factors for HIV/AIDS. While most knew about HIV and that it could be transmitted sexually, knowledge of mother-to-child transmission was poor. Only 23% knew that HIV could be transmitted by breast milk. In all, 85% would not care for a relative with AIDS.
The value of the Mini Mental State examination in Nigerian epileptics
Authors: Imam I , Ogunniyi A
Published: May 2005

This study assessed the role of the Mini Mental State examination (MMSE) in detecting cognitive impairment in Nigerian epileptics. The performance of 65 epileptics on the MMSE was compared with that in 65 age- and education-matched controls. There were significantly more epileptics than controls with cognitive dysfunction and the epileptics also had significantly worse scores on the MMSE. The tests of attention, three-item recall and reading were the aspects of the MMSE that were most impaired in the epileptics.
Incidence and pattern of cardiovascular disease in a Nigerian teaching hospital
Authors: Adedoyin Rufus Adesoji , Adesoye Adewole Toyin
Published: May 2005

Epidemiological data on cardiovascular disorders are generally lacking in the developing nations. The aim of this study was to assess the five years' incidence and pattern of cardiovascular disease in a NigerianTeaching Hospital. The records of patients diagnosed as having various cardiovascular disorders between 1997 and 2001 were scrutinized. Data such as age, sex, diagnosis, length of hospitalization and status at discharge (dead or alive) were obtained. A total number of 1104 patients were recorded. Heart failure (35%) followed by hypertension (32%) was found to be the most prevalent.
Efficacy of garlic paste in oral candidiasis
Authors: Sabitha P , Adhikari Prabha M , Shenoy Shalini M , Kamath Asha , John Rampuram , Prabhu Malathi V , Mohammed Soofi , Baliga Srikala , Padmaja U
Published: May 2005

In a randomized trial of 56 patients, topical application of garlic paste for 14 days was found to be as effective as that of clotrimazole solution in suppressing clinical signs of oral candidiasis. The results of this preliminary study explore the possible role of garlic paste in the treatment of oral candidiasis.
Pattern of malignant diseases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital
Authors: Okobia M N , Aligbe J U
Published: May 2005

This study was designed to evaluate the pattern of malignant diseases seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital over a 20-year period (January 1980-December 1999). A total of 2258 histologically confirmed malignant diseases were seen with the predominant tumours comprising carcinoma of the cervix (20.59%), breast (18.25%), prostate (7.13%), endometrium (6.47%) and colon and rectum (5.71%). We believe that the figure reported here represents an underestimate of the frequency of malignant tumours seen in the hospital and recommend the establishment of hospital - and population-based cancer registries to ensure proper documentation of malignant diseases within the region.
Noise and Vibration Reducing Measures to the Souterrain Tramtunnel in the Hague Optimally Tuned to the Situation
Authors: van der Vecht J. , Dokter R.
Published: May 2005

Noise and vibration nuisance in residential and office buildings near to traffic tunnels can be prevented by paying attention to vibration isolating and reducing measures at the tunnel and/or the building whilst in the design phase. A vibration prognosis, supported by local measurements, enables optimal tuning of noise and vibration reducing measures to the local situation.

This article explains the evaluation criteria and elaborates upon the noise and vibration isolating measures applied to the Souterrain Tramtunnel in The Hague intended to prevent nuisance in the residential and office buildings near to the tunnel.
The Beat is Getting Stronger: The Effect of Atmospheric Stability on Low Frequency Modulated Sound of Wind Turbines
Authors: van den Berg G.P.
Published: May 2005

Sound from wind turbines involves a number of sound production mechanisms related to different interactions between the turbine blades and the air. An important contribution to the low frequency part of the sound spectrum is due to the sudden variation in air flow which the blade encounters when it passes the tower: the angle of attack of the incoming air suddenly deviates from the angle that is optimized for the mean flow. Hitherto, low-frequency sound from wind turbines has not been shown to be a major factor contributing to annoyance. This seems reasonable as the blade passing frequency is of the order of one hertz where the human auditory system is relatively insensitive. This argument, however, obscures a very relevant effect: the blade passing frequency modulates well audible, higher-frequency sounds and thus creates periodic sound: blade swish. This effect is stronger at night because in a stable atmosphere there is a greater difference between rotor averaged and near-tower wind speed. Measurements have shown that additional turbines can interact to further amplify this effect. Theoretically the resulting fluctuations in sound level will be clearly perceptible to human hearing. This is confirmed by residents near wind turbines with the same common observation: often late in the afternoon or in the evening the turbine sound acquires a distinct ‘beating’ character, the rhythm of which is in agreement with the blade passing frequency. It is clear from the observations that this is associated to a change toward a higher atmospheric stability. The effect of stronger fluctuations on annoyance has not been investigated as such, although it is highly relevant because a) the effect is stronger for modern (that is: tall) wind turbines, and b) more people in Europe will be living close to these wind turbines as a result of the growth of wind energy projects.
Research on the Mechanism of Fan Blade Shape Effect on its Noise
Authors: Li Linling , Huang Qibai
Published: May 2005

The fan blade configuration affects its efficiency and sound pressure level—(SPL). This paper analyzes the fan blade noise components and studies the aerodynamic characteristics of fan blades. The bar theory and moving soundfield characteristics are used in the theoretical analysis. Nonlinear aerodynamics theory is used to analyze the blade force. A mathematical model of fan blade noise is developed and simulated by the precision Gauss-Legendre method. The model simulation and the experiment results are analyzed in the frequency domain. The simulation results are in reasonable agreement with the measured data. Our model and the Fukano model are compared for different rotational speeds of the fan. This paper then studies the change of SPL when the blade parameters (number of blades, rotation speed of fan, chord of fan, and blade profile etc.) vary. The major factors affecting the fan noise are analyzed. Our model is derived from the viewpoint of blade design, so the result can be used to study the aerodynamic characteristics of fan blades quantitatively. The study is considered as a prerequisite to designing fans of high quality, since it provides a theoretical basis for noise prediction and noise control.
Psychological Analysis of Complainants on Noise/Low Frequency Noise and the Relation between Psychological Response and Brain Structure
Authors: Kitamura Toshiya , Hasebe Masaki , Yamada Shinji
Published: May 2005

In Japan there are two kinds of low frequency noise (LFN) problems. One is LFN that can be heard directly in a house and causes discomfort, and the other is LFN that rattles windows or doors and causes annoyance. Authors met about 100 complainants on noise or low frequency noise. Hearing thresholds of some complainants were measured and Yatabe-Guilford personality inventories of some complainants were carried out.

We observed many complainants and tried to analyze the complainants' mind by the psychoanalytical method. Their minds have three layers. The 1st layer is the basic desire for survival and good life etc. The 2nd layer is personality or consideration obtained by experience and the 3rd layer concerns movement, speech or action etc. Many complainants lack the 2nd layer on noise/low frequency noise and their movements and reactions on noise/LFN appear directly from the 1st layer of basic desire without consideration of the 2nd layer.

The findings of the three layers are discussed in relation to present knowledge on how the different parts of the brain are organized.
Study of the Acid Site Structure on the WO3/ZrO2 Surface
Authors: Brei V.V. , Melezhyk O.V. , Prudius S.V. , Tel'biz G.M. , Oranska O.I.
Published: May 2005

The IR and UV—vis diffuse reflectance spectra of mesoporous WO3/ZrO2 are discussed and a scheme proposed for the acid site structure on the WO3/ZrO2 surface. The high Brönsted acidity of WO3/ZrO2 (H0 ≤ −11.38) can be explained by the formation of large zirconium polytungstate species such as [≡ Zr61/2+W66+O202−]− H+ on the WO3/ZrO2 surface.
Adsorption of Aliphatic Alcohols on Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Faeza I. , Subhani Mohammad S. , Qureshi Khalil A. , Butt Pervez K. , Riaz A.
Published: May 2005

Yttria-stabilized zirconia powders with 3, 5, 8 and 10 mol% yttria added (Z3Y, Z5Y, Z8Y and Z10Y, respectively) were prepared. XRD studies indicated that the Z3Y and Z5Y samples were tetragonal whereas Z8Y and Z10Y were found to be cubic in shape.

The specific surface areas of the various samples were obtained from nitrogen adsorption isotherms. These showed that as the mol% Y2O3 increased in the samples, an initial increase in surface area occurred up to 5 mol% Y2O3 but thereafter started to decrease. The microporosity of the powders was calculated by applying the Dubinin—Radushkevich (D—R) equation to the data obtained from the nitrogen adsorption studies. D—R plots were found to be linear over the low relative pressure region, followed by an upward deviation at higher relative pressures for all five systems examined. This deviation from linearity corresponded to the existence of a heterogeneous system of micropores, capillary condensation in the transitional pores or multilayer formation on the macropore walls.

The adsorption of methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), n-propanol (PrOH) and n-butanol (BuOH) on pure and yttria-stabilized zirconia was undertaken at temperatures between 273 K and 303 K. The corresponding isotherms obtained were all of type II in the BDDT classification. Specific surface areas were calculated from these isotherms using the Langmuir and BET adsorption isotherm equations and found to be a maximum for the Z5Y powder.
Investigations and Applications of Aerosol Nano-Catalysis in a Vibrofluidized (Vibrating) Bed
Authors: Glikin M.A. , Glikina I.M. , Kauffeldt E.
Published: May 2005

Factors influencing changes in the properties of catalyst surfaces at decreasing particulate (particle) size down to 100 nm and finer were described. The potential properties of carrier-based nano-catalysts, such as their activity, strength and thermal resistance, have been analyzed and the advantages of employing aerosol nano-catalysts (AC) without carriers but possessing nano-sized particulates (particles) discussed. Experimental data on AC obtained for a fluidized bed wherein different classes of reactions were undertaken for an optimal concentration of nano-particle catalysts (4–10 g/m3 of the reaction volume) were described. Some experimental data obtained for a new AC variant involving a vibrofluidized (vibrating) bed were examined. Decreasing the optimal catalyst concentration to less than 1 g/m3 of the reaction volume tripled the product yield per cubic metre.
Binding Energy and the Heat of Chemisorption on Metallic Catalysts — A Thermodynamic Aspect
Authors: Stokłosa Andrzej , Kurek Stefan S. , Laskowska Barbara
Published: May 2005

The thermodynamic conditions necessary for the adsorption of gaseous molecules onto metals are discussed in this work. The differences and similarities between chemisorption and the formation of a solid oxidation product on metals are indicated. It was pointed out that the changes in the interactions between the surface metal atoms before and after adsorption must be followed by an energetic effect that would affect the value of the heat of chemisorption and its dependence on the surface coverage. The dependence of the heat of adsorption on the surface structures being formed and their concentration is discussed.

It was shown that the relationships discussed in various published works between the values of the initial heat of adsorption and the formation enthalpies of the compounds are only experimental and not based on thermodynamic principles. The initial heats of adsorption, binding energies in gaseous molecules and cohesive energies for the oxidation products of metals are discussed for O2 and H2 chemisorption.
The Temperature-Dependent Adsorption Behaviour of Benzene Molecules in ZSM-5 Zeolite Pores: TPD and FT-IR Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Arati , Varma Salil , Gupta Narendra M.
Published: May 2005

Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and in situ Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic methods were employed to investigate the effect of loading and sample temperature on the state of benzene molecules inside the channels of NaZSM-5 zeolite. TPD profiles revealed the existence of at least three distinct states of benzene adsorption, characterized by desorption peak maxima at ca. 120°C, 170°C and 220°C, respectively. Based on the growth behaviour of these bands, it is suggested that the benzene molecules occupy sinusoidal channels, straight channels and external surfaces, in that order.

A reverse trend was observed during the subsequent flushing of the sample at varying temperatures. A virtually fixed amount of benzene was occluded at these three locations, depending upon the loading. The FT-IR studies revealed that the benzene molecule exists in a compressed state in the zeolitic channels, with the molecular clusters formed in the process dispersing only at temperatures above 150°C. For initial benzene loadings of up to ca. 1.5 molecules/unit cell, the spectrum obtained showed that in the O—H stretch region the bridge-bonded OH groups and hydroxyl groups associated with the internal zeolitic channels were perturbed simultaneously. The results show that even for a loading lower than necessary for saturation, a considerable amount of benzene remains condensed at the external surface of ZSM-5 zeolite.
Utilization of Activated Carbon Prepared from Industrial Solid Waste for the Removal of Chromium(VI) Ions from Synthetic Solution and Industrial Effluent
Authors: Vennilamani N. , Kadirvelu K. , Sameena Y. , Pattabhi S.
Published: May 2005

Activated carbon (AC) prepared from sago waste was characterized and used to remove chromium(VI) ions from aqueous solution and industrial effluent by adsorption methods using various conditions of agitation time, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage particle size and pH. Surface modification of the carbon adsorbent with a strong oxidizing agent like concentrated H2SO4 generates more active adsorption sites on the solid surface and pores for metal ion adsorption.

Adsorption of the metal ion required a very short time and led to quantitative removal. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models could describe the adsorption data. The calculated values of Q0 and b were 5.78 mg/g and 1.75 1/min, respectively. An effective adsorption capacity was noted for particle sizes in the range 125–250 μm at room temperature (30 ± 2°C) and an initial pH of 2.0 ± 0.2.

The specific surface area of the activated carbon was determined and its properties studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). These studies revealed that AC prepared from sago waste is suitable for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from both synthetic and industrial effluents.
Monte Carlo Simulation of the Adsorption of Binary Gas Mixtures on Heterogeneous Surfaces
Authors: Bulnes F. , Ramirez-Pastor A.J. , Zgrablich G.
Published: May 2005

The adsorption of a gaseous mixture containing particles A and B was studied via lattice-gas simulations on homogeneous and heterogeneous bivariate surfaces characterized by a chessboard topography of strong and weak adsorbing sites. The effects of lateral interactions among adsorbed particles and of heterogeneity on the adsorption isotherms and differential heats of adsorption were analyzed.

The results displayed a rich variety of behaviours and their analysis contributes to the understanding of mixed-gas adsorption at a molecular level.
Noise Levels of Routine Non-Occupational Activities
Authors: Neitzel Richard
Published: May 2005

Although a number of studies have measured noise levels associated with infrequent, high-intensity non-occupational activities, few data are available on noise levels associated with routine, daily activities. In the current study, 31 construction workers wore datalogging noise dosimeters and simultaneously completed activity logs. These noise and activity data were combined to estimate the exposure levels associated with routine non-occupational activities. Only a small fraction of 128,466 one-minute interval Leq noise levels exceeded 80 dBA, and the majority of one-minute levels were below 70 dBA. The primary contributor to non-occupational noise exposure was travelling in a car or bus, and time at home was associated with the lowest exposure. Twenty-four hour Leq levels (Leq(24)) were also computed for workdays and non-workdays. The percentage of 89 Leq(24) levels above 80 dBA was higher for workdays than for non-workdays, and the mean Leq(24) level for workdays was significantly different from non-workdays. These findings indicate that occupational exposures among construction workers contribute far more to their total exposure than does the noise from their routine non-occupational activities.
Evaluation of Drum Sound with ISO Tapping Machine
Authors: Johansson Ann-Charlotte , Nilsson Erling , Hammer Per
Published: May 2005

A branch norm, EPLF NORM 021029-3,1 has been established for measuring drum sound on laminate floor coverings. ‘Drum sound’ refers to the sound occurring when an object, e.g. a foot, strikes the flooring in the room in which the receiving ear is located. The norm evaluates the subjective perception of the drum sound's loudness using the ISO tapping machine. A round-robin study of the norm is reported along with the results of a paired comparison listening test using the same floor coverings. The article discusses general aspects of evaluation measures, tapping machines, test environments, etc., that need to be considered when measuring drum sound on various floor coverings, such as linoleum, wood parquet and laminate. It is concluded that loudness as measured according to ISO 532B correlates the best with the subjective perception of the drum sound's loudness. The tapping machine can be used to excite hard floor coverings to produce the drum sound, but should be used with caution in studying low-level drum sounds due to the tapping machine's inherent mechanical noise.
Models of the Influence of Coupled Spaces in Christian Churches
Authors: Magrini Anna , Magnani Lorenza
Published: May 2005

Ancient religious buildings usually contain articulated environments, such as lateral chapels, in which the effect of multiple acoustically coupled spaces can influence the sound field in the central volume. By introducing absorbent materials in a lateral chapel, the acoustic response of the whole church can be altered. If the effects of coupled spaces are described by geometrical acoustics, inaccurate results may be obtained since reverberation time is influenced by mutual power interactions through the coupling areas or separating walls. Two methods are considered, to determine the simplest way to obtain accurate values of reverberation time for these situations. The results of the simulations are compared with experimental values and indicate areas of applicability of the tested methods.
From Architectural Acoustics to Acoustical Architecture Using Computer Simulation
Authors: Schmidt Anne Marie Due , Kirkegaard Poul Henning
Published: May 2005

Architectural acoustics design has in the past been based on simple design rules. However, with a growing complexity in architectural acoustics and the emergence of room acoustic simulation programmes with considerable potential, it is now possible to subjectively analyse and evaluate acoustic properties prior to the actual construction of a building. With the right tools applied, acoustic design can become an integral part of the architectural design process. The aim of this paper is to investigate the field of application that an acoustic simulation programme can have during an architectural acoustic design process and to set up a strategy to develop future programmes. The emphasis is put on the first three out of four phases in the working process of the architect and a case study is carried out in which each phase is represented by typical results – as exemplified with reference to the design of Bagsvaerd Church by Jørn Utzon. The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the programme in each phase compared to the works of architects not using acoustic simulation programmes. The conclusion of the paper points towards the need to apply the acoustic simulation programmes to the first phases in the architectural process and set out a reverse strategy for simulation programmes to do so – from developing acoustics from given spaces to developing spaces from given acoustics.