bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A follow-up study of Opisthorchis viverrini infection after the implementation of control program in a rural community, central Thailand
Authors: Suwannahitatorn Picha , Klomjit Saranapoom , Naaglor Tawee , Taamasri Paanjit , Rangsin Ram , Leelayoova Saovanee , Mungthin Mathirut
Published: June 2013

Background

Opisthorchis viverrini infection is still one of the public health problems in Thailand. Our recent cohort study conducted in a rural community in central Thailand showed that the incidence rate of O. viverrini infection in 2002–2004 was 21.6/100 person-years. Conventional control activities including case diagnosis and treatment, hygienic defecation promotion and health education focusing on avoiding raw fish consumption was implemented. This study aimed to re-assess the status of infection after implementation of intervention programs, using both quantitative and qualitative methods in 2007–2009.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of O. viverrini infection. Stool examination methods including wet preparation, Kato and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique were performed for the detection of O. viverrini eggs. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess risk behavior. In addition, qualitative information was collected from both O. viverrini negative and positive villagers using focus group discussions.

Results

The incidence of O. viverrini infection was 21.4/100 person-years. Consumption of chopped raw fish salad, Koi pla and age 60 years and older were independently associated with O. viverrini infection, similar to our previous study. Findings from the qualitative study, indicated that inadequate knowledge, misbeliefs, and social and cultural mores were important factors leading to the maintenance of risk behaviors. Moreover, unhygienic defecation and insufficient diagnosis and treatment were found to facilitate O. viverrini transmission.

Conclusion

Although the conventional control program had been used in the study population, the incidence of O. viverrini infection remained the same. Precise and regular health education and promotion targeting the main risk factor, Koi pla consumption, improving diagnosis and treatment, and promoting hygienic defecation should be used in the prevention and control program.
Increased frequency of visits improves the efficiency of surgical global health initiatives
Authors: Byaruhanga Richard , Rourke Ryan , Awubwa Michael , Westerberg Brian D , Rolland J Thomas , Vaccani Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2013

Background

The Uganda Hearing Project is a non-profit program assisting with teaching of ear surgery in Uganda. The project started with cadaveric temporal bone courses in 2003 and 2005, including donation of operating microscopes and ear instruments. In 2006, three surgical groups started regular surgical teaching visits.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all cases of middle ear surgery performed in Uganda from 2003 to 2009. Surgeries by local surgeons without foreign presence were coded as ‘local’ and those performed with assistance of visiting surgeons were coded as ‘visitors’.

Results

In 2005, two middle ear surgeries using the operating microscope were done in the Ugandan teaching hospitals by Ugandan Otolaryngologists alone. From the onset of surgical visits in 2006, a total of 193 middle ear surgeries were performed - 115 tympanomastoidectomies, 77 tympanoplasties, and 1 cochlear implant. In 2006 (one surgical teaching visit), 6 middle ear surgeries were performed with visiting surgeon presence and 2 surgeries were performed by the local team alone. This increased in 2007 (2 visits) and again in 2008 (3 visits) to 34 cases with visiting surgeon presence and 48 local cases.

Conclusions

The temporal bone courses and donation of operating microscopes to Ugandan hospitals have revolutionized middle ear surgery in Uganda. The surgical visits by the Uganda Hearing Project have led to a 24-fold increase in annual middle ear surgeries performed with the operating microscope by Ugandan Otolaryngologists. Increased frequency of surgical visits was correlated with an increase in local surgical output, hopefully resulting in improved care for Ugandans with ear disorders.
Sensitivity analysis for the appraisal of hydrofractures in horizontal wells with borehole resistivity measurements
Authors: Pardo David , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: June 2013

We numerically evaluate the possibility of using borehole electromagnetic measurements to diagnose and quantify hydraulic fractures that have been artificially generated in a horizontal well. Hydrofractures are modeled as thin disks perpendicular to the well and filled with either sand-based or electrically conductive proppant. The study focuses on the effect of thickness and length (radius) of hydrofractures to assess their effects on specific configurations of borehole-resistivity instruments. Numerical results indicate that several measurements (e.g., those obtained with low- and high-frequency solenoids) could be used to assess the thickness of a fracture. However, only low-frequency measurements performed with electrodes and large-spacing between transmitter and receivers (18 m) exhibit the necessary sensitivity to reliably and accurately estimate the length of long hydrofractures (up to 150 m) in open-hole wells. In the case of steel-cased wells, the casing acts as a long electrode, whereby conventional low-frequency short-spaced, through-casing measurements are suitable for the accurate diagnosis of long hydrofractures (up to 150 m in length).
Time-lapse image-domain tomography using adjoint-state methods
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey , Yang Tongning , Sava Paul
Published: June 2013

Adjoint-state methods (ASMs) have proven successful for calculating the gradients of the functionals commonly found in geophysical inverse problems. The 3D ASM image-domain tomography (IDT) formulation of the seismic velocity estimation problem highlights imperfections in migrated image volumes and, using appropriate penalty functions (e.g., differential semblance), forms an objective function that can be minimized using standard optimization approaches. For time-lapse (4D) seismic scenarios, we show that the 3D ASM-IDT approach can be extended to multiple (e.g., baseline and monitor) data sets and offers high-quality estimates of subsurface velocity change. We discuss two different penalty operators that lead to absolute and relative 4D inversion strategies. The absolute approach uses the difference of two independent 3D inversions to estimate a 4D model perturbation (i.e., slowness squared). The relative approach inverts for the model perturbation that optimally matches the monitor image to the baseline image — even if migrated energy is imperfectly focused. Both approaches yield good 4D slowness estimates; however, we assert that the relative approach is more robust given the ubiquitous presence of nonrepeatable 4D acquisition noise and imperfect baseline model estimates.
Sharp estimates of the potential kernel for the harmonic oscillator with applications
Authors: Nowak Adam , Stempak Krzysztof
Published: June 2013

We prove qualitatively sharp estimates of the potential kernel for the harmonic oscillator. These bounds are then used to show that the Lp–Lq estimates of the associated potential operator obtained recently by Bongioanni and Torrea are in fact sharp.
Stochastic Boundary Crossing Probabilities for the Brownian Motion
Authors: Che Xiaonan , Dassios Angelos
Published: June 2013

Using martingale methods, we derive a set of theorems of boundary crossing probabilities for a Brownian motion with different kinds of stochastic boundaries, in particular compound Poisson process boundaries. We present both the numerical results and simulation experiments. The paper is motivated by limits on exposure of UK banks set by CHAPS. The central and participating banks are interested in the probability that the limits are exceeded. The problem can be reduced to the calculation of the boundary crossing probability from a Brownian motion with stochastic boundaries. Boundary crossing problems are also very popular in many fields of statistics.
Solvent Exchange and Gelation Mechanism of Poly(l-lactic acid) Gel Formed by Complex Crystallization with Solvents
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Fukatsu Akinobu , Tasaka Shigeru
Published: June 2013

Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) gels were formed by complex crystals (ε-crystals) with some solvents, such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and the solvent in the gel was exchanged to other solvents, such as water, by the immersion of the gel into the solvent. Although X-ray diffraction patterns of the gels indicated that the ε-crystals formed in DMF changed to α-crystals, the structure formed by spherulites observed by polarizing microscopy showed no change by the solvent exchange. The gelation mechanism was proposed based in the experimental data.
A parabolic action on a proper, CAT(0) cube complex
Authors: Algom-Kfir Yael , Wajnryb Bronislaw , Witowicz Pawel
Published: June 2013

We consider diagram groups as defined by Guba and Sapir [Mem. Amer. Math. Soc. 130 (1997)]. A diagram group G acts on the associated cube complex K by isometries. It is known that if a cube complex L is of a finite dimension, then every isometry g of L is semi-simple: is attained. It was conjectured by Farley that in the case of a diagram group G the action of G on the associated cube complex K is by semisimple isometries also when K has an infinite dimension. In this paper we give a counter-example to Farley's conjecture by showing that R. Thompson's group F, considered as a diagram group, has some elements which act as parabolic (not semi-simple) isometries on the associated cube complex.
Realisierung und Überprüfung eines 3D-Tastsystems für Mikro-Bauteile
Authors: Liebrich Thomas , Knapp Wolfgang , Wegener Konrad
Published: June 2013

Es wird ein neues 3D-Tastsystem vorgestellt, dessen Design nicht nur bezüglich isotroper Steifigkeit am Tastelement, sondern auch bezüglich wirtschaftlicher Herstellung der einzelnen Bauteile und deren einfacher Montage optimiert ist. Eine Verlagerung des Tastelementes resultiert in einer Änderung der Position und/oder Orientierung einer beweglich gelagerten Messplatte, in welche der Taststift geschraubt wird. Die Bewegungen der beweglichen Messplatte werden mit kapazitiven Sensoren gemessen. Die Geometrie des Tastsystems wird unter Verwendung der Finite-Elemente-Methode (FEM) berechnet und mittels Kraft-Messungen überprüft. Damit steht ein verifiziertes Werkzeug zur Verfügung, mit welchem die Eigenschaften des Tastsystems, beispielsweise dessen Steifigkeiten, an vorgegebene Spezifikationen angepasst werden können. So werden verschiedene Varianten des Tastsystems vorgestellt, die für einen Einsatz auf (Mikro-) Koordinatenmessgeräten oder Werkzeugmaschinen angepasst sind. Die geometrische Überprüfung des Tastsystems umfasst die Bestimmung des Linearitätsfehlers in Antastrichtung, die maximale Antastabweichung, die Wiederholgenauigkeit sowie den Einfluss der Umgebungsbedingungen.
Planungsbasierte Oberflächeninspektion in der Deflektometrie mittels Greedy-Optimierung
Authors: Roschani Masoud , Beyerer Jürgen
Published: June 2013

Bei der deflektometrischen Inspektion sind für große oder kompliziert geformte spiegelnde Oberflächen mehrere Messungen notwendig, um diese vollständig und mit gleichmäßiger Genauigkeit zu erfassen. Die manuelle Wahl der Sensorkonfigurationen ist meist zeitaufwendig und für komplex geformte Prüfobjekte keine triviale Aufgabe. In dieser Arbeit wird ein probabilistisches Planungsverfahren vorgestellt, dass bei bekannter Referenzoberfläche eine Sequenz von Parametern für den deflektometrischen Sensorkopf plant mit dem Ziel ein Maß der Unsicherheit auf der geschätzten Oberfläche zu minimieren. Verschiedene kovarianzbasierte Gütemaße werden empirisch in einer Simulation untersucht und deren Eignung für die deflektometrische Inspektion diskutiert.
Effects of obesity and estradiol on Na+/K+-ATPase and their relevance to cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Obradovic Milan , Bjelogrlic Predrag , Rizzo Manfredi , Katsiki Niki , Haidara Mohamed , Stewart Alan J , Jovanovic Aleksandra , Isenovic Esma R
Published: June 2013

Obesity is associated with aberrant sodium/potassium-ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase) activity, apparently linked to hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemia, which may repress or inactivate the enzyme. The reduction of Na+/K+-ATPase activity in cardiac tissue induces myocyte death and cardiac dysfunction, leading to the development of myocardial dilation in animal models; this has also been documented in patients with heart failure (HF). During several pathological situations (cardiac insufficiency and HF) and in experimental models (obesity), the heart becomes more sensitive to the effect of cardiac glycosides, due to a decrease in Na+/K+-ATPase levels. The primary female sex steroid estradiol has long been recognized to be important in a wide variety of physiological processes. Numerous studies, including ours, have shown that estradiol is one of the major factors controlling the activity and expression of Na+/K+-ATPase in the cardiovascular (CV) system. However, the effects of estradiol on Na+/K+-ATPase in both normal and pathological conditions, such as obesity, remain unclear. Increasing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which estradiol mediates its effects on Na+/K+-ATPase function may help to develop new strategies for the treatment of CV diseases. Herein, we discuss the latest data from animal and clinical studies that have examined how pathophysiological conditions such as obesity and the action of estradiol regulate Na+/K+-ATPase activity.
Seasonal patterns of gonad size, liver size, and in vitro gonadal steroidogenic capacity in slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus)
Authors: Brasfield Sandra M. , Tetreault Gerald R. , McMaster Mark E. , Bennett Jim , Munkittrick Kelly R.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive seasonality of slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus), a small-bodied, benthic spring spawning species. Sculpin are unique compared with other temperate fish species because they have a reproductive pattern where gonadal maturation occurs over winter in northern areas of its distribution. Previous studies have involved pre-spawning sampling (early spring in North America) and post-spawning sampling (early fall in North America). However, seasonal changes in gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, condition factor, and in vitro gonadal production of estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in females and T and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in males have not been characterized. Following a summer quiescent period, female sculpin showed an increase in gonadal hormone production during the fall, which was associated with increases in gonad and liver sizes, however males experienced a much shorter resting phase following spawning in May. Elevated production of both T and 11-KT appears to both signal the initiation of gonadal growth in September and contribute to gonadal maturation over the winter. This study is important because it is the first characterization of the seasonal reproductive pattern in sculpin and it describes the patterns of gonad development and seasonal changes in condition and liver size in this species as it prepares for spawning.
Removal of ppb-level DDTs from aqueous solution using organo-diatomites
Authors: Tan Lingzhi , Qi Shihua , Zhang Jiaquan , Xing Xinli , Chen Wei , Zhang Yuan , Wu Chenxi
Published: June 2013

Three modified organo-diatomites (ODs) were used for removal of o,p′ dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (o,p′-DDE), p,p′ dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) and p,p′ dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT) from water. It was found that the adsorption of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs) depended greatly on the type and concentration of modifying agent, the concentration of adsorbent and the initial concentration of DDTs. The hydrophobic characteristics of ODs–DDTs interactions were verified by measuring the amounts of DDTs adsorbed on ODs. The analysis of contact angle and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements revealed that the hydrophilic tails on the ODs surface were replaced with hydrophobic ones by surfactants. The following conditions were strongly suggested to provide the optimum performance for adsorption of DDTs: raw diatomite is modified by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB); dosing quantity of OD is no more than 3.0 g/L. The removal efficiencies of the three pesticides on ODs followed the order: p,p′-DDT > o,p′-DDE > p,p′-DDE. The adsorption efficiencies of ODs for the pesticides followed the order: GZY > GZF > GZYI > GZN. This experiment showed that the fittest models for the experimental data were given by the Redlich–Peterson and homogeneous particle diffusion models.
SHORT COMMUNICATION
A Potential Method for Safe Recovery from Recognized Inadvertent
Esophageal Intubation
Authors: Milne Brian , Burjorjee Jessica E.
Published: June 2013

How to proceed following inadvertent esophageal intubation and what to do with the misplaced endotracheal
tube is controversial and not specifically addressed in the difficult airway algorithm from the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Here we describe a simple and effective strategy to manually ventilate the patient with an air cushioned face mask while
leaving the endotracheal tube in the esophagus to provide a conduit for stomach content suction until definitive endotracheal
intubation. We describe clinical circumstances in which we used this method successfully.

Whether to leave the endotracheal tube in the esophagus or what to do with it should be specifically addressed in difficult
airway algorithms.
Prenormative Research into Standard Messaging Formats for Engineering Materials Data
Authors: Austin Tim , Bullough Chris , Gagliardi Dimitri , Leal David , Loveday Malcolm
Published: June 2013

To qualify materials for specific applications comprehensive testing is necessary, and consequently the engineering materials community has developed an extensive collection of documentary testing standards to define test conditions, specimen configurations, and post processing and reporting procedures. Unfortunately, in the absence of corresponding data formats, test results are rarely conserved and their value diminishes as the material pedigree, test conditions, and results become disassociated. In an effort to address this issue, prenormative research has demonstrated the viability of deriving data formats from documentary testing standards and thus the possibility to realize a standards-based data infrastructure for the engineering materials community.
Data Management and Preservation Planning for Big Science
Authors: Bicarregui Juan , Gray Norman , Henderson Rob , Jones Roger , Lambert Simon , Matthews Brian
Published: June 2013

â€˜Big Scienceâ€™ - that is, science which involves large collaborations with dedicated facilities, and involving large data volumes and multinational investments â€“ is often seen as different when it comes to data management and preservation planning. Big Science handles its data differently from other disciplines and has data management problems that are qualitatively different from other disciplines. In part, these differences arise from the quantities of data involved, but possibly more importantly from the cultural, organisational and technical distinctiveness of these academic cultures. Consequently, the data management systems are typically and rationally bespoke, but this means that the planning for data management and preservation (DMP) must also be bespoke.These differences are such that â€˜just read and implement the OAIS specificationâ€™ is reasonable Data Management and Preservation (DMP) advice, but this bald prescription can and should be usefully supported by a methodological â€˜toolkitâ€™, including overviews, case-studies and costing models to provide guidance on developing best practice in DMP policy and infrastructure for these projects, as well as considering OAIS validation, audit and cost modelling.In this paper, we build on previous work with the LIGO collaboration to consider the role of DMP planning within these big science scenarios, and discuss how to apply current best practice. We discuss the result of the MaRDI-Gross project (Managing Research Data Infrastructures â€“ Big Science), which has been developing a toolkit to provide guidelines on the application of best practice in DMP planning within big science projects. This is targeted primarily at projectsâ€™ engineering managers, but intending also to help funders collaborate on DMP plans which satisfy the requirements imposed on them.
Towards Emulation-as-a-Service: Cloud Services for Versatile Digital Object Access
Authors: Von Suchodoletz Dirk , Rechert Klaus , Valizada Isgandar
Published: June 2013

The changing world of IT services opens the chance to more tightly integrate digital long-term preservation into systems, both for commercial and end users. The emergence of cloud offerings re-centralizes services, and end users interact with them remotely through standardized (web-)client applications on their various devices. This offers the chance to use partially the same concepts and methods to access obsolete computer environments and allows for more sustainable business processes. In order to provide a large variety of user-friendly remote emulation services, especially in combination with authentic performance and user experience, a distributed system model and architecture is required, suitable to run as a cloud service, allowing for the specialization both of memory institutions and third party service providers.The shift of the usually non-trivial task of the emulation of obsolete software environments from the end user to specialized providers can help to simplify digital preservation and access strategies. Besides offering their users better access to their holdings, libraries and archives may gain new business opportunities to offer services to a third party, such as businesses requiring authentic reproduction of digital objects and processes for legal reasons. This paper discusses cloud concepts as the next logical step for accessing original digital material. Emulation-as-a-Service (EaaS) fills the gap between the successful demonstration of emulation strategies as a long term access strategy and itâ€™s perceived availability and usability. EaaS can build upon the ground of research and prototypical implementations of previous projects, and reuse well established remote access technology.In this article we develop requirements and a system model, suitable for a distributed environment. We will discuss the building blocks of the core services as well as requirements regarding access management. Finally, we will try to present a business model and estimate costs to implement and run such a service. The implementations of EaaS will influence future preservation planning in memory institutions, as it shifts the focus on object access workflows.
Model Development for Scientific Data Curation Education
Authors: Kelly Karon , Marlino Mary , Mayernik Matthew S. , Allard Suzie , Tenopir Carol , Palmer Carole L. , Varvel Jr. Virgil E.
Published: June 2013

The mounting and critical need for scientific data curation professionals was the impetus for the Data Curation Education in Research Centers (DCERC) program. DCERC is developing a sustainable and transferable model for educating Library and Information Science (LIS) students in data curation through field experiences in research and data centers. DCERC has established and implemented a graduate research and education program bringing students into the real world of scientific data curation, where they engage with current practices and challenges, and share their developing expertise and research. The DCERC partner institutions are developing and evaluating this model with the intention of scaling the program to a larger cadre of partners and participants. This paper reports on progress in the early phases of the model development.
Inactivation of Matrix-bound Matrix Metalloproteinases by Cross-linking Agents in Acid-etched Dentin
Authors: Scheffel DLS , Hebling J , Scheffel RH , Agee K , Turco G , de Souza Costa CA , Pashley D
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Published transmission electron microscopy analysis of in vitro resin-dentin bonds shows that, after 44 months, almost 70% of collagen fibrils from the hybrid layer disappear. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in that process and are thought to be the main factor responsible for the solubilization of dentin collagen. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the inactivation of matrix-bound MMPs by two different cross-linking agents, carbodiimide (EDC) or proanthocyanidin (PA), or the MMP-inhibitor, chlorhexidine (CHX), on acid-etched dentin using a simplified MMP assay method.

Materials and Methods

Dentin beams (2×1×6 mm) were obtained from mid-coronal dentin of sound third molars and randomly divided into six groups (G) according to the dentin treatment: G1: Deionized water (control); G2: 0.1 M EDC; G3: 0.5 M EDC; G4: 0.5 M EDC + 35% hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA); G5: 5% PA; and G6: 2% CHX. The beams were etched for 15 seconds with 37% phosphoric acid, rinsed, and then immersed for 60 seconds in one of the treatment solutions. The data were expressed both in absorbance values at 412 nm and in MMP-9 activity equivalents. The total MMP activity of dentin was analyzed for one hour by colorimetric assay (Sensolyte). Data were submitted to Wilcoxon nonparametric test and Mann-Whitney tests (p>0.05).

Results

All experimental cross-linking solutions significantly reduced MMP activity from 79.8% to 95.2% when compared to the control group. No difference was observed among 0.1 M EDC (84.8%), 5% PA (87.6%), and 2% CHX (79.8%). Addition of 35% HEMA to 0.5 M EDC produced inactivation (95.2%) that was similar to that of 0.5 M EDC alone (92.7%).

Conclusion

Dentin treatment with cross-linking agents is effective to significantly reduce MMP activity. Mixing 0.5 M EDC and 35% HEMA did not influence EDC inhibitor potential.
Contemporary Issues in Light Curing
Authors: Price RB , Shortall AC , Palin WM
Published: June 2013

This review article will help clinicians understand the important role of the light curing unit (LCU) in their offices. The importance of irradiance uniformity, spectral emission, monitoring the LCU, infection control methods, recommended light exposure times, and learning the correct light curing technique are reviewed. Additionally, the consequences of delivering too little or too much light energy, the concern over leachates from undercured resins, and the ocular hazards are discussed. Practical recommendations are provided to help clinicians improve their use of the LCU so that their patients can receive safe and potentially longer lasting resin restorations.
Pharmacokinetics of intramuscularly administered morphine in horses
Authors: Devine Elizabeth P. , KuKanich Butch , Beard Warren L.
Published: June 2013

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of morphine after IM administration in a clinical population of horses.

Design—Prospective clinical study.

Animals—77 horses.

Procedures—Morphine sulfate (0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], IM) was administered to horses, and blood samples were obtained at predetermined time points. Plasma morphine concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. In preliminary investigations, samples were obtained from 2 healthy horses at 12 time points (up to 12 hours after drug administration) and analyzed via 2-stage pharmacokinetic analysis. In the clinical phase, blood samples were obtained from 75 hospitalized horses at various times (total, 2 to 3 samples/horse) up to 9 hours after drug administration, and data were analyzed via a naïve pooled pharmacokinetic model.

Results—In the clinical phase, the apparent terminal half-life (t½) of morphine was approximately 1.5 hours, volume of distribution per bioavailability was approximately 4.5 L/kg, and clearance per bioavailability was approximately 35 mL/kg/min. Peak plasma concentration in naïve pooled analysis was 21.6 ng/mL and occurred approximately 4 minutes after administration. Morphine concentrations were below the limit of quantification ≤ 7 hours after administration in 74 horses. Adverse effects attributed to morphine administration were uncommon and considered mild.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The short t½ of morphine in horses suggested frequent administration may be needed to maintain targeted plasma concentrations. Variations in plasma concentrations suggested optimal dosages may differ among horses. The drug was well tolerated at the described dose, but patients receiving morphine should be monitored carefully.
Hypertensive cardiomyopathy in horses: 5 cases (1995–2011)
Authors: de Solis Cristobal Navas , Slack JoAnn , Boston Raymond C. , Reef Virginia B.
Published: June 2013

Objective—To describe the prognosis and clinical, echocardiographic, and pathological features of hypertensive cardiomyopathy in horses.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—5 horses with cardiac hypertrophy and systemic hypertension.

Procedures—Demographics, history, physical and cardiological examination findings, diagnosis, clinical progression, prognosis, and pathological findings were obtained from medical records.

Results—The primary diagnosis was chronic laminitis in 3 horses and chronic renal failure in 2. Persistent tachycardia, hypertension, chronic laminitis, or a combination of these prompted the cardiac evaluations. Blood pressure values (median [range]), measured noninvasively, were determined as 190 mm Hg (183 to 261 mm Hg) for systolic pressure, 126 mm Hg (100 to 190 mm Hg) for diastolic pressure, and 155 mm Hg (126 to 222 mm Hg) for mean pressure. No arrhythmias were reported. For the left ventricle, all horses had increased relative wall thickness, mean wall thickness, and ventricular mass. The interventricular septum was thickened at end diastole (n = 5) and in peak systole (4). The left ventricular internal diameter was small at end diastole (n = 4) and in peak systole (3). The left ventricular free wall was thickened at end diastole (n = 3) and in peak systole (4). No associations between blood pressure and variables consistent with hypertrophy were detected. All horses were euthanized because of the grave prognosis of the primary diseases. All 3 horses that underwent postmortem evaluation had cardiovascular abnormalities.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hypertensive cardiomyopathy should be considered as a comorbid diagnosis in horses with laminitis or chronic renal failure. Information about the development, progression, reversibility, importance of early detection, and long-term sequelae of this condition is needed.
Septic flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis in an alpaca
Authors: Hunter Barbara G. , Semevolos Stacy A.
Published: June 2013

Case Description—A 2-year-old male Suri alpaca was referred for evaluation of severe right forelimb lameness of 2 weeks' duration following a traumatic episode.

Clinical Findings—Examination of the distal aspect of the metacarpus revealed 4 wounds exuding purulent material. On weight bearing, the metacarpophalangeal joint was severely hyperextended with the palmar surface touching the ground. Ultrasonography of the palmar surface of the metacarpus revealed desmitis of the proximal suspensory ligament, a large core lesion of the deep digital flexor tendon at mid-metacarpus, and complete loss of fiber pattern within the deep digital flexor tendon and lateral aspect of the superficial digital flexor tendon distally.

Treatment and Outcome—The alpaca was treated systemically with antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory drugs and underwent repeated antimicrobial intraosseous regional limb perfusion. A bandage and splint were applied to stabilize the affected forelimb in an anatomically correct position, and the alpaca underwent prolonged stall confinement. At the time of hospital discharge 5 days after initial evaluation, clinical evidence of infection at the wound sites was absent. Three months following treatment, the alpaca was moving freely in a small paddock and had moderate hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Clinical Relevance—Treatment of septic flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis with antimicrobial intraosseous regional limb perfusion in combination with systemic treatment with antimicrobials and orthopedic support resulted in an excellent outcome in this alpaca. Antimicrobial intraosseous regional limb perfusion is simple to perform and has the potential to be beneficial in the treatment of infections in the distal portion of a limb in camelids.
Adolescent students' attitude towards premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy
Authors: Bhatta Dharma Nand , Koirala AK , Jha N
Published: June 2013

Background: In Nepal, as in other Asian countries, the issue on sexuality still remains a taboo. Despite this, there are increasing numbers of sexual activities reported among Nepalese adolescents. Objective: To know the attitude towards premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy of adolescent students. Methods: Three higher secondary schools were randomly selected and students of those schools were taken purposively with structured self administered questionnaires. Cross-sectional study design was adopted and significance levels were observed with 95% confidence level (pd.0.05 for significant). Descriptive and inferential analyses were done with the sample size 324. Results: Among the total respondents, 32.4% mentioned premarital sex is appropriate and 25% had premarital sex. One third (33.3%) of the total respondents. peers were taking alcohol, 37.7% had smoking habit and 8.3% had drug dependency. Among the respondents having experience of premarital sex, 61.7% had the first sex at the age of mean ± SD 17.72 ± 0.849 years. Among the boys 32.6% and among the girls 13.7% had the premarital sexual intercourse. Majority of boys and girls had first sex with girl friend and boy friend respectively. Among the total respondents who had premarital sex, 16% faced the problem of unwanted pregnancy. Among them, 53.8% managed the unwanted pregnancy by surgical abortion procedure and remaining 46.2% managed by taking medicine (medical abortion). Conclusion: Sexual and reproductive health of the adolescents is now growing concern for many developing countries due to increasing trend in sexual activities and unwanted pregnancies among the adolescents. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 145-149 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i2.8222
obacco use in pregnant women and their outcome in teaching districts of a health sciences university in eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Niraj , Niraula SR , Ghimire A , Pokharel PK , Pokharel HP , Shah GS
Published: June 2013

Background: Tobacco use as a habit by females and during pregnancy not only affects the maternal health but has negative impact on fetal health as well, but so far there has been few studies related to this issue in Nepal. No study of such type has been done in the Eastern Development region of Nepal. Objectives: This study was designed with the objectives to measure the proportion of women using tobacco during pregnancy among the patients enrolled and to compare the pregnancy course and socio-demographic variables between tobacco users and non users. Methods: Appropriate sample of 234 women selected from postnatal wards of Dhankuta and Sunsari district hospitals and Teaching Hospital of B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in the eastern Nepal from July 2009 to June 2010. They were interviewed and the data analyzed on SPSS 17 version. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of tobacco use during pregnancy was 19.2 percent. Maximum number of the tobacco users was found in the age group of 20-29 years during their pregnancy. More than 73% of tobacco users were below the poverty line. Conclusion: No significant association was seen between the use of tobacco during pregnancy and events during pregnancy like abortion, pre term delivery, peri-natal mortality, low birth weight etc. And also, no significant difference was observed in health problem among the participants in between the groups. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 157-161 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i2.8225
Inflammatory fibroid polyp in ileum causing adult intussusceptions
Authors: Kafle Santosh Upadhyay , Upadhyaya P , Karki S , Adhikary S , Agarwal R
Published: June 2013

Inflammatory fibroid polyps are believed to occur in response to local noxious stimuli. They are uncommon benign but well documented solitary polypoid lesions occurring in gastrointestinal tract; most commonly in stomach. A rare entities of two adult intussusceptions due to inflammatory fibroid polyp in ileum has been reported in this article. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 166-168 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i2.8227
Inguinal hernia containing ovary presenting as groin mass in infant
Authors: Ansari Sajid , Sah PL , Dhungel K , Ahmad K , Gupta MK , Rauniyar RK , Panwar A
Published: June 2013

Inguinal hernias are one of the differential diagnoses of inguinal masses in infants in both males and females. In females, an irreducible ovarian inguinal hernia tends to undergo torsion and sometimes infarction. Sonography should be used as the imaging modality of choice for the evaluation and characterization. We present a case of 19 days old female infant presented with right groin mass, diagnosed as right inguinal hernia containing right ovary on ultrasonography. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 172-173 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i2.8229
A Novel Perspective and Approach to Intestinal Octreotide Absorption: Sinomenine-Mediated Reversible Tight Junction Opening and Its Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Li Yuling , Duan Zhijun , Tian Yan , Liu Zhen , Wang Qiuming
Published: June 2013

In this work, we assessed the effects of sinomenine (SN) on intestinal octreotide (OCT) absorption both in Caco-2 cell monolayers and in rats. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms of tight junction (TJ) disruption and recovery by SN-mediated changes in the claudin-1 and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway. The data showed that exposure to SN resulted in a signiﬁcant decrease in the expression of claudin-1, which represented TJ weakening and paracellular permeability enhancement. Then, the recovery of TJ after SN removal required an increase in claudin-1, which demonstrated the transient and reversible opening for TJ. Meanwhile, the SN-mediated translocation of PKC-α from the cytosol to the membrane was found to prove PKC activation. Finally, SN significantly improved the absolute OCT bioavailability in rats and the transport rate in Caco-2 cell monolayers. We conclude that SN has the ability to enhance intestinal OCT absorption and that these mechanisms are related at least in part to the important role of claudin-1 in SN-mediated, reversible TJ opening via PKC activation.
Quantitative Analysis of Fragrance and Odorants Released from Fresh and Decaying Strawberries
Authors: Kim Yong-Hyun , Kim Ki-Hyun , Szulejko Jan , Parker David
Published: June 2013

The classes and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from fresh and decaying strawberries were investigated and compared. In this study, a total of 147 strawberry volatiles were quantified before and after nine days of storage to explore differences in the aroma profile between fresh strawberries (storage days (SRD) of 0, 1, and 3) and those that had started to decay (SRD = 6 and 9). In terms of concentration, seven compounds dominated the aroma profile of fresh strawberries (relative composition (RC) up to 97.4% by mass, sum concentration): (1) ethyl acetate = 518 mg∙m−3, (2) methyl acetate = 239 mg∙m−3, (3) ethyl butyrate = 13.5 mg∙m−3, (4) methyl butyrate = 11.1 mg∙m−3, (5) acetaldehyde = 24.9 mg∙m−3, (6) acetic acid = 15.2 mg∙m−3, and (7) acetone = 13.9 mg∙m−3. In contrast, two alcohols dominated the aroma profile of decayed samples (RC up to 98.6%): (1) ethyl alcohol = 94.2 mg∙m−3 and (2) isobutyl alcohol = 289 mg∙m−3. Alternatively; if the aroma profiles are re-evaluated by summing odor activity values (ΣOAV); four ester compounds ((1) ethyl butyrate (6,160); (2) ethyl hexanoate (3,608); (3) ethyl isovalerate (1,592); and (4) ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (942)) were identified as the key constituents of fresh strawberry aroma (SRD-0). As the strawberries began to decay; isobutyl alcohol recorded the maximum OAV of 114 (relative proportion (RP) (SRD = 6) = 58.3%). However, as the decay process continued, the total OAV dropped further by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude—decreasing to 196 on SRD = 6 to 7.37 on SRD = 9. The overall results of this study confirm dramatic changes in the aroma profile of strawberries over time, especially with the onset of decay.
The Distributional Impact of Developed Countries’ Climate Change Policies on Senegal: A Macro-Micro CGE Application
Authors: Boccanfuso Dorothée , Savard Luc , Estache Antonio
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we present a distributional impact analysis of climate change policies envisaged or implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Senegal. We consider policies implemented in developed countries and their impact on a developing country. Moreover, we simulate the diminishing productivity of agricultural land as a potential result of climate change (CC) for Senegal. This country is exposed to the direct consequences of CC and is vulnerable to changes in world prices of energy, given its lack of substitution capacity. Past researches have shown that countries with this profile will bear the greatest burden of CC and its mitigation policies. Our results reveal slight increases in poverty when the world price of fossil fuels increases and the negative impact is further amplified with decreases in land productivity. However, subsidizing electricity consumption to protect consumers from world price increases in fossil fuels is shown to provide a weak cushion to poverty increase.
Redesigning professional development: reconceptualising teaching using social learning technologies
Authors: Cochrane Thomas , Narayan Vickel
Published: June 2013

This article evaluates the use of a community of practice model for redesigning a lecturer professional development course investigating the impact of mobile web 2.0 technologies in higher education. The results show a significant change in lecturer conceptions of pedagogy were achieved by this approach. Drawing on our experience of two iterations of implementing the new course model we propose a mobile social media framework for enabling pedagogical transformation as part of lecturer professional development.Keywords: communities of practice; Web 2.0; pedagogy; heutagogy; teaching and learning(Published: 20 June 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 19226 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19226
Examining the Use of Salpingectomy with Hysterectomy in Canada
Authors: Sandoval C. , Fung-Kee-Fung M. , Gilks B. , Murphy K.J. , Rahal R. , Bryant H.
Published: June 2013

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in Canada, with an estimated 1750 deaths and 2600 new cases occurring in 20121.[...]
Mealtime Assistance for Hospitalized Older Adults: A Report on the SPOONS Volunteer Program
Authors: Buys David R. , Flood Kellie L. , Real Kelsey , Chang Michelle , Locher Julie L.
Published: June 2013

Mealtime assistance may be necessary to prevent declines in hospitalized older adults’ nutritional well-being. This article reports the implementation of the Support for and Promotion Of Optimal Nutritional Status (SPOONS) volunteer assistance program. Patients were 65 and older, admitted to the Acute Care for Elders Unit at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, and in need of mealtime assistance. There were 236 documented patient–volunteer encounters at which social interaction (
n
= 217; 92%), assistance with tray set-up (
n
= 162; 69%), and prompting to eat (
n
= 161; 68%), among other activities, were performed. Mean time of interaction was 47.8 minutes, with an average estimated cost savings of $11.94 per encounter had the service been provided by a patient care technician and $26 per encounter had it been provided by an RN. This demonstration of the SPOONS program should be followed up with an evaluation of its effectiveness. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 39
(9), 18–22.]
Eating Disorders and Equine Therapy: A Nurse’s Perspective on Connecting Through the Recovery Process
Authors: DeZutti Joyce E.
Published: June 2013

Patients with eating disorders may have the most complex interdisciplinary treatment plans of any mental illness. Nurses need innovative evidence-based treatment interventions to assist their patients with eating disorders on their road to recovery. Although much has been written about equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and equine-facilitated psychotherapy, the literature has not described a detailed session that can help nurses understand how this experiential treatment works and the impact it can have on the patient. A review of the literature on eating disorders and on the use of equine therapy in its treatment is presented in this article. In addition, the role of the nurse during equine therapy will be highlighted, and an individual example will provide a detailed review of an EAP session. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(9), 24–31.]
Inhalant Abuse: Youth at Risk
Authors: Ahern Nancy R. , Falsafi Nasrin
Published: June 2013

Inhalant abuse is a significant problem affecting many people, particularly youth. The easy availability of products containing volatile substances (e.g., aerosol sprays, cleaning products, paint) provides opportunity for mind-altering experiences. Unfortunately, serious complications such as brain, cardiovascular, liver, and renal damage or even death may ensue. Adolescents perceive the risk as low, and parents may be unaware of the risks. Health care providers, particularly psychiatric nurses, should undertake strategies of prevention, assessment, and treatment of this challenging problem. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
, 51(8), 19–24.]
A Middleware Architecture for Developing Mobile Applications
Authors: Rubinsztejn Hana , Viterbo José , Sacramento Vagner , Rocha Ricardo , Baptista Gustavo , Endler Markus
Published: June 2013

In this chapter, the authors present MoCA, a service-oriented middleware architecture that supports the development and deployment of distributed applications for mobile devices, which are inherently context-aware and adaptive. Besides explaining its main services and APIs, they discuss in which ways the MoCA architecture supports some well-known software engineering principles that apply to the design and implementation of context- aware applications. Furthermore, the authors give an overview of its usage and present prototype applications that have been developed on the top of MoCA.
Trust Building Process for Global Software Development Teams
Authors: Hernández-López Adrián , Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , García-Crespo Ángel , Soto-Acosta Pedro
Published: June 2013

Due to increasing globalization tendencies in organization environment, Software Development is evolving from a single site development to multiple localization team environment. In this new scenario, team building issues must be revisited. In this paper components needed for the construction of the Trust Building Process are proposed in these new Global Software Development Teams. Based in a thoroughly state of the art analysis of trust building in organizations, this new process comes to narrow the gap between dynamics of trust building and intrinsic characteristics of global teams. In this paper, the components for Trust Building Process are justified and presented, with the purpose of a future assembly in further publications, leaving testing of this assembly far behind.