bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Nutritional Status of Rural School going Children in Kavre District
Authors: Mansur D.I. , Haque M.K. , Sharma K. , Mehta D.K. , Shakya R.
Published: February 2017

Background Childhood is a time of active growth in terms of physical size, mental, emotional and psychological development. Normal growth is dependent on adequate nutrition and encompasses major transformations from birth to adulthood. Nutrition is a focal point for health and well being; and has special significance in countries with disadvantages in socioeconomic and hygienic standards.Objective The objective of the present study was to assess the nutritional status in terms of prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness among rural school going children.Method The present study was cross-sectional study, conducted on 438 rural school going children (169 male and 259 female) with the age group 4-16 years, during the period from April 2014 to July 2014. Age was recorded in year; height and weight were measured in centimeter and kilogram respectively. BMI was calculated by using standard equation.Result The present study concluded that the nutritional status in terms of prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness were found to be 30.85%, 24.54% and 10.05% respectively among rural school going children of Kavre district. It was revealed that 37.87% was underweight, 29.59% was stunted and 11.25% was thinness among male children whereas in female children, 26.27% was underweight, 21.24% was stunted and 9.27% was thinness. Hence, high prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness were observed in male than in female children.Conclusion The present study has successfully documented the nutritional status in terms of prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness among the rural school going children of Kavre district. The results of the present study will be useful for policy makers in their endeavor to formulate various developmental and health care programs.
Analgesia before Performing Subarachnoid Block in the Sitting Position in Patients with Proximal Femoral Fracture: A Comparison between Fascia Iliaca Block and Femoral Nerve Block
Authors: Ghimire A. , Bhattarai B . , Koirala S. , Subedi A.
Published: February 2017

Background Positioning for subarachnoid block (SAB) in patients with femoral fracture is painful and may remain suboptimal requiring use of large doses of opioids. These patients generally being elderly with multiple comorbidities and frailty are likely to have many undesirable effects of opioids including respiratory depression and confusion.Objective The objective was to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) and femoral nerve block (FNB) in reducing pain associated with positioning for subarachnoid block in patients undergoing proximal femoral fracture fixation procedures.Method Group FICB patients (n=15) received fascia iliaca block with 30 ml of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline and group FNB patients (n=15) received femoral nerve block with 15 ml of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline. After the study blocks, patients were kept on supine position for at least 20 minutes before shifting them to the operation theatre. Pain was assessed by using visual analog scale values before the block and during the position for subarachnoid block. Time to perform subarachnoid block, quality of positioning and acceptance was recorded.Result Visual analog scale values during positioning for SAB were lower in FIB group than in FNB (1.0±1.1 versus 2.1±0.8; P<0.05). Time to perform SAB was shorter in FIB than in FNB (109.6±28.2 seconds versus 134.8±31.9 seconds; P<0.05). Quality of patient positioning for SAB was comparable between the groups. Patient acceptance was less in group FNB (P<0.05).Conclusion Fascia iliaca compartment block provides better analgesia than femoral nerve block in terms of facilitating optimal positioning for subarachnoid block in patients undergoing proximal femoral fracture fixation procedure.
Measuring Neuroticism in Nepali: Reliability and Validity of the Neuroticism Subscale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire
Authors: Manandhar K. , Risal A. , Linde M. , Koju R. , Steiner T.J. , Holen A.
Published: February 2017

Background The Neuroticism subscale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Short Form (12 items) (EPQRS-N) has proven to be a reliable and valid measure in multiple languages.Objective To develop a single-factor Nepali-language version of the EPQRS-N for use in the adult population of Nepal.Method The original English version of EPQRS-N was translated into Nepali using a forward-backward translation protocol. The first set of translated items was modified after testing by factor analysis with principal component extraction in an outpatient sample. Items with low factor correlations or poor semantic consistencies were reworded to fit the gist of the original items in a Nepali cultural context; the revised version was then tested in a representative random sample from the general population. Again, the same statistical procedures were applied.Results The first trial gave three factors. Based on the factor distribution of the items or their semantic quality, five were reworded. In the second trial, a two-factor solution emerged; the second factor had only one item with high correlation, which also had modest correlation with the first factor. Accordingly, a forced one-factor solution was chosen. This gave an internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.80, with item-to-factor correlations from 0.40 to 0.73, and item-to-sum correlations from 0.31 to 0.61.Conclusion The final Nepali version of EPQRS-N achieved satisfactory internal consistency. The item distribution coincided with the original English version, providing acceptable construct validity. It is psychometrically adequate for use in capturing the personality trait of neuroticism, and has broad applicability to the adult population of Nepal because of the diversity of the participant samples in which it was developed.
Effect of Teachers Training Workshop Outcomes on Real Classroom Situations of Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Baral N. , Nepal A.K. , Paudel B.H. , Lamsal M.
Published: February 2017

Background Faculty development by conducting regular training, workshops and research related to medical education has been a key feature to upgrade quality of medical education.Objective The aim of this study was to explore responses of the health science teachers, students and peers after the workshop after providing training on student assessment tools and teaching-learning methods.Method Two teacher-training workshops were conducted to the faculty members of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from the departments of basic, clinical and allied sciences in Oct. 2010 and Jan. 2011. Qualitative questionnaire based study was conducted, and the questions were validated before the study by expert peer review process. The effect of the training workshop in real classroom outcomes was assessed incorporating student’s feedback, evaluation by peers and the self-evaluation by the teacher trainees.Result Pre-test and post-test scores of the participating teachers, before and after the workshop were 62.53 and 71.17 respectively. Among the participants 90.3% teachers expressed enhanced in their role as a teacher for medical undergraduates after the workshop.Conclusion In present study, the faculty members showed accrued interest to participate in teacher’s training workshops. The peer evaluation of teacher’s performance in their real classroom situations were rated higher than evaluation by the students. Therefore, such training workshops will have a greater impact on the ability of teachers in effective teaching in real classroom situations.
Familial Hypodontia: A Case Series
Authors: Tangade S.P. , Ravishankar T.L. , Batra M , Shah A.F.
Published: February 2017

The phenomenon of congenitally missing teeth has been described with different names: hypodontia, oligodontia, anodontia, congenitally missing teeth and dental agenesis. The present paper reports familial hypodontia, involving two siblings from a single family. Case I reported the absence of 18, 12, 22 and 31 teeth whereas case II reported the absence of 31 and 41. On the evaluation of the two reported cases that were offspring of same parents and absence of any clinical features associated with any syndrome the final diagnosis of non- syndromic familial hypodontia was made. Both the cases presented agenesis of the teeth leading to malocclusion and aesthetic disturbances. Cases were offered a treatment of interdisciplinary dental approach.
Mucinous Cystic Borderline Tumor of the Mesentery: A Case Report
Authors: Poudel R. , Acharya A. , Pokhrel S. , Adhikari S.K.
Published: February 2017

Mucinous cystic neoplasms are rare tumors of uncertain histogenesis. They arise from the ovaries, pancreas, and other intra-abdominal sites but more unusually from the mesentery. They can present with abdominal pain, distension, or a palpable mass but are commonly an incidental finding. We present a case of a 33 year old female who presented with complain of pain abdomen for one-year duration. On Physical examination there was a palpable lump in right lumbar region extending to right iliac fossa. CT scan of abdomen and pelvis suggested the mass to be a Mesenteric Cyst. Enucleation of the cyst was done and histopathology report revealed Mucinous Cystic borderline tumor of the Mesentery.
Pompe Disease: Cyanosed Hypotonic Infant with Normal Respiratory Rate
Authors: Koirala S. , Poudel A. , Basnet R. , Subedi K.
Published: February 2017

Infantile hypotonia or floppy infant is a diagnostic challenge when it presents with other presenting complaints such as fever, cough or diarrhea. Many times the hypotonia goes unnoticed when other symptom covers the hypotonia and child continues to receive the treatment for other symptoms. We report a rare case from Nepal of infantile Pompe disease who presented with the history of fever and cough in the recent earthquake disaster camp at remote part of Sindhupalchowk, Nepal. He was being treated as a case of pneumonia.Pompe disease can be diagnosed clinically by taking detailed history and correlating the clinical findings during the presentation with other symptoms. In our case the normal respiratory rate, reduced Spo2 and presence of crackles dominated the hypotonia and was mistreated as pneumonia. High index of suspicion is necessary in diagnosing Pompe disease.
Iatrogenic Perforation of Stomach - A Case Report
Authors: Nithin M.D. , Marigoudar R.M. , Rani S. , Johnson L.R.
Published: February 2017

Gastric lavage is a routine procedure done in many cases of poisoning and it has been advocated by many as a lifesaving procedure. There may be some instances, where it might be unnecessary, ineffective or even detrimental to life. A 35 year old man walked into a casualty, 2 hours after having ingested 15 benzodiazepine tablets. Lavage was done by an unqualified person using Ewald’s tube, leading to iatrogenic perforation. The unwarranted use of the procedure proved to be fatal.
Relationship of Angiogenesis and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Marla V. , Hegde V. , Shrestha A.
Published: February 2017

Angiogenesis is an important aspect of a variety of physiological and pathological processes; and depends on the alteration of the balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. The role of angiogenesis in the progression and metastasis of neoplasm is a well established phenomenon. With regards to oral squamous cell carcinoma, it is a field of ongoing research and requires validation for it being used as a mode of anti-cancer therapy. This review focuses on the concept of angiogenesis, the factors associated with it, the relationship of angiogenesis with oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma; the methods of studying angiogenesis and anti angiogenic therapy.
Taking Specialist Surgical Services to the Rural District Hospitals at One Forth Cost: A Sustainable ‘Return on Investment’ Public Health Initiative of Patan Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal
Authors: Shah J.N.
Published: February 2017

The inequitable distribution and centralization of resources and services in urban area persists around the world, more so in developing countries. The challenge to meet the health needs of rural population requires health policy makers, government and concerned organization to put extra efforts. Such efforts require innovative, feasible and sustainable strategies to address the social justice of people living in districts away from capital and urban cities. At Patan Academy of Health Sciences, the medial school curriculum is designed to address these issues. Together with health professionals from Patan Hospital, the main teaching hospital on which the academy evolved, have initiated strategies to bring specialist services, starting with surgical services to remote district hospitals to serve the need of rural population. This initiative is ‘desirable, doable and feasible’. Further more, this can be modified for replication and promotion by other academic institutions, central hospitals and government health system.
Clinical profile and oral sub mucous fibrosis
Authors: Bhatta Rishi , Pyakurel M.
Published: March 2017

Objectives: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is an insidious precancerous disease mostly seen in the Southeast Asia. This paper aims to study on clinical profile of patients with OSMFMaterial and Methods: This cross sectional study was done in department of ENT and HNS, Nepalgunj Medical College and Teaching Hospital. In outpatient department patients with OSMF were ask to fill up a questionnaire that included identification of patient, occupation, their symptoms and habit of taking betel quid or paan, gutkha, etc. Oral cavity was examined and lesion along with its extent and severity was noted. Intra lesional steroid and antioxidant and physiotherapy were main stay of treatment.Results: There were total 136 patients (98 male and 38 female) from 15th Dec 2013 to 15th Jan 2015. Age of patient ranged from 16 years to 53 years and average being 25.6years. Most common preparation taken was gutkha 131(96.3%) followed by betel nut, betel quid etc. Only 24(17.6%) were taking these preparations for less than 1 year. Common presenting complaints were difficulty in opening mouth followed by burning sensation and dryness of mouth. Clinically, the extent of fibrous band was found to be more commonly involving soft palate, pillars and buccal mucosa. Isolated involvement of different region of oropharynx or oral cavity was less common. Correlation of grade of trismus and average duration of taking these different preparations was highly significant. (p=0.008)Conclusions: Oral submucous fibrosis is commonly associated with intake of gutkha having dose dependent relationship with trismus. Further studies are required why only a small fraction of those using betel quid develop the disease.
Public-Sector Project Abandonment Decision
Authors: Adetiloye Kehinde Adekunle , Eke Patrick Omoruyi , Taiwo Joseph Niyan
Published: March 2017

This chapter examines the implications of projects abandonment with test of the Ricardian Equivalence on the failed Lagos metro line project in Nigeria as case study. The main variables used are Rail and Pipeline Output, Budget Deficit, Interest Rate, Corruption Index, Savings and some others. The study results on the Ricardian Equivalence hypothesis on deficit financing of projects using Vector auto-regression model from 1980-2012 indicate that no causal influence holds in Nigeria. Results show that poor planning, corruption, political factors, poor support infrastructures, poor quality of local resources, etc. were attributable. The results of the Impulse Response tests reveal that Rail and Pipeline output and a few others responded positively to shocks in the short run (years 1-2), and negatively to others. The result affirms that Government should privatize the railway system, legislate against project abandonment and ensure that projects are adequately planned, funded, insured and insulated against corruption.
Point of View of Economical Organization at Manzanillo's Harbor
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G. , Muratalla-Bautista Gabriela , Cruz Irving Daniel Austin
Published: March 2017

The objective of this research is to analyze Manzanillo's harbor from the perspective of theories based on the Industry, the Dynamic Resources and Institutions, around the Mexican port system based on a review into an updated literature about the port's status and its global environment. The port's competitiveness is based on its resources VRIO, its generic strategies and how it has handled the institutions that affect the port and commercial operation of the port at local, national and international level.
The Importance of Behavior and Personal Values for Managers' Attitudes Towards Innovativeness
Authors: Nedelko Zlatko , Brzozowski Maciej
Published: March 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of prevalent management behavior on management attitudes about creativeness and innovativeness, while also considering the impact of personal values, in three Central European economies, having different development paths, namely Slovenia, Austria, and Poland. Personal values are measured using Schwartz value survey, using openness to change, conservation, self-transcendence and self-enhancement value dimensions. Results reveal that manager's behavior significantly influences on manager's attitudes regarding innovativeness, in all three countries. The impact of personal values on shaping management behavior and manager's attitudes toward innovativeness is significant only in few instances in Austrian sample, while in Slovenia and Poland it is insignificant. Regarding the mediating effect of managers' personal values on the association between management behavior and their creativeness, our results reveal marginal role of personal values.
Study Concerning the Level of Seismic Risk in Iasi Municipality
Authors: Bunea Georgiana , Doniga Cornel , Atanasiu Gabriela Maria
Published: March 2017

Throughout its history, Iasi municipality has been subjected to many important seismic actions caused by earthquakes produced in Vrancea area, Romania. The impact of these extreme events upon the town increased in time as it developed, more buildings were constructed and the population density rose. The classes of buildings identified in Iasi municipality have been designed on different seismic standards, some of them being erected without taking into account the effect of seismic actions. The differences between the seismic norms’ regulations and the important earthquake’s history some of the buildings have, are outlining the need of seismic risk assessment in Iasi municipality. This paper aims to present some of the results of the seismic risk study in Iasi municipality, which was based on the completed seismic risk surveys and on the regulations of seismic standards. In this study, only the dwelling structures built before 1990 were considered, and the results were distributed on neighborhoods, for obtaining a general perspective on the seismic risk state of each area, by considering the buildings’ seismic vulnerability.
BAFF Induces Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Positions T Cells within the Glomeruli during Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Kang SunAh , Fedoriw Yuri , Brenneman Ethan K. , Truong Young K. , Kikly Kristine , Vilen Barbara J.
Published: February 2017

Tissue-specific immune responses play an important role in the pathology of autoimmune diseases. In systemic lupus erythematosus, deposits of IgG-immune complexes and the activation of complement in the kidney have long been thought to promote inflammation and lupus nephritis. However, the events that localize cells in non-lymphoid tertiary organs and sustain tissue-specific immune responses remain undefined. In this manuscript, we show that BAFF promotes events leading to lupus nephritis. Using an inducible model of systemic lupus erythematosus, we found that passive transfer of antinucleosome IgG into AID−/−MRL/lpr mice elevated autoantibody levels and promoted lupus nephritis by inducing BAFF production in the kidneys, and the formation of renal tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). Reducing BAFF in vivo prevented the formation of TLSs and lupus nephritis; however, it did not reduce immune cell infiltrates, or the deposits of IgG and complement in the kidney. Mechanistically, lowering BAFF levels also diminished the number of T cells positioned inside the glomeruli and reduced inflammation. Thus, BAFF plays a previously unappreciated role in lupus nephritis by inducing renal TLSs and regulating the position of T cells within the glomeruli.
Rab11-FIP3 Regulation of Lck Endosomal Traffic Controls TCR Signal Transduction
Authors: Bouchet Jérôme , del Río-Iñiguez Iratxe , Vázquez-Chávez Elena , Lasserre Rémi , Agüera-González Sonia , Cuche Céline , McCaffrey Mary W. , Di Bartolo Vincenzo , Alcover Andrés
Published: February 2017

The role of endosomes in receptor signal transduction is a long-standing question, which remains largely unanswered. The T cell Ag receptor and various components of its proximal signaling machinery are associated with distinct endosomal compartments, but how endosomal traffic affects T cell signaling remains ill-defined. In this article, we demonstrate in human T cells that the subcellular localization and function of the protein tyrosine kinase Lck depends on the Rab11 effector FIP3 (Rab11 family interacting protein-3). FIP3 overexpression or silencing and its ability to interact with Rab11 modify Lck subcellular localization and its delivery to the immunological synapse. Importantly, FIP3-dependent Lck localization controls early TCR signaling events, such as tyrosine phosphorylation of TCRζ, ZAP70, and LAT and intracellular calcium concentration, as well as IL-2 gene expression. Interestingly, FIP3 controls both steady-state and poststimulation phosphotyrosine and calcium levels. Finally, our findings indicate that FIP3 modulates TCR-CD3 cell surface expression via the regulation of steady-state Lck-mediated TCRζ phosphorylation, which in turn controls TCRζ protein levels. This may influence long-term T cell activation in response to TCR-CD3 stimulation. Therefore, our data underscore the importance of finely regulated endosomal traffic in TCR signal transduction and T cell activation leading to IL-2 production.
Deficiency in IL-1 Receptor Type 2 Aggravates K/BxN Serum Transfer-Induced Arthritis in Mice but Has No Impact on Systemic Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Martin Praxedis , Palmer Gaby , Rodriguez Emiliana , Seemayer Christian Alexander , Palomo Jennifer , Talabot-Ayer Dominique , Gabay Cem
Published: February 2017

The biological activity of IL-1 is tightly regulated by the specific receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and the decoy receptor IL-1 receptor type 2 (IL-1R2). The role of IL-1Ra has been well demonstrated in IL-1Ra–deficient mice. In contrast, the role of endogenous IL-1R2 remains widely unknown. To define the functional role of endogenous IL-1R2 in the K/BxN serum transfer arthritis model and in IL-1β– or LPS-induced systemic inflammation in vivo, IL-1R2−/− mice were created and compared with wild type mice. IL-1R2−/− mice bred habitually and exhibited a normal phenotype. IL-1R2 deficiency aggravated arthritis severity and increased mRNA levels for key cytokines and chemokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, Cxcl-1, and Cxcl-2 significantly in ankles. There was no effect of IL-1R2 deficiency on the cell-autonomous cytokine response to IL-1β in the tested cell types, i.e., neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts, but IL-1R2 deficiency on neutrophils increased the IL-1–induced response of fibroblasts in trans. Furthermore, IL-1β induced shedding of IL-1R2 in vivo. Inflammatory responses to IL-1β and LPS-induced mortality were not different in IL-1R2−/− compared with wild type mice. Our data demonstrate that the decoy receptor IL-1R2 plays an important inhibitory role in local IL-1– and neutrophil-dependent tissue inflammation as shown in the K/BxN serum transfer arthritis model. In contrast to IL-1Ra, IL-1R2 appears to be less crucial for systemic responses to acute administration of IL-1 or LPS.
Normal Thymocyte Egress, T Cell Trafficking, and CD4+ T Cell Homeostasis Require Interactions between RGS Proteins and Gαi2
Authors: Hwang Il-Young , Park Chung , Harrison Kathleen , Kehrl John H.
Published: February 2017

Adaptive immunity depends on mature thymocytes leaving the thymus to enter the bloodstream and the trafficking of T cells through lymphoid organs. Both of these require heterotrimeric Gαi protein signaling, whose intensity and duration are controlled by the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. In this study, we show that RGS protein/Gαi2 interactions are essential for normal thymocyte egress, T cell trafficking, and homeostasis. Mature thymocytes with a Gαi2 mutation that disables RGS protein binding accumulated in the perivascular channels of thymic corticomedullary venules. Severe reductions in peripheral naive CD4+ T cells and regulatory T cells occurred. The mutant CD4+ T cells adhered poorly to high endothelial venules and exhibited defects in lymph node entrance and egress. The kinetics of chemokine receptor signaling were disturbed, including chemokine- induced integrin activation. Despite the thymic and lymph node egress defects, sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling was not obviously perturbed. This study reveals how RGS proteins modulate Gαi2 signaling to facilitate thymocyte egress and T cell trafficking.
Reactive Oxygen Species–Producing Myeloid Cells Act as a Bone Marrow Niche for Sterile Inflammation–Induced Reactive Granulopoiesis
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Kwak Hyun-Jeong , Liu Peng , Bajrami Besnik , Xu Yuanfu , Park Shin-Young , Nombela-Arrieta Cesar , Mondal Subhanjan , Kambara Hiroto , Yu Hongbo , Chai Li , Silberstein Leslie E. , Cheng Tao , Luo Hongbo R.
Published: February 2017

Both microbial infection and sterile inflammation augment bone marrow (BM) neutrophil production, but whether the induced accelerated granulopoiesis is mediated by a common pathway and the nature of such a pathway are poorly defined. We recently established that BM myeloid cell–derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) externally regulate myeloid progenitor proliferation and differentiation in bacteria-elicited emergency granulopoiesis. In this article, we show that BM ROS levels are also elevated during sterile inflammation. Similar to in microbial infection, ROS were mainly generated by the phagocytic NADPH oxidase in Gr1+ myeloid cells. The myeloid cells and their ROS were uniformly distributed in the BM when visualized by multiphoton intravital microscopy, and ROS production was both required and sufficient for sterile inflammation–elicited reactive granulopoiesis. Elevated granulopoiesis was mediated by ROS-induced phosphatase and tensin homolog oxidation and deactivation, leading to upregulated PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signaling and increased progenitor cell proliferation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that, although infection-induced emergency granulopoiesis and sterile inflammation–elicited reactive granulopoiesis are triggered by different stimuli and are mediated by distinct upstream signals, the pathways converge to NADPH oxidase–dependent ROS production by BM myeloid cells. Thus, BM Gr1+ myeloid cells represent a key hematopoietic niche that supports accelerated granulopoiesis in infective and sterile inflammation. This niche may be an excellent target in various immune-mediated pathologies or immune reconstitution after BM transplantation.
THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION
Authors: Dahal Sumit , Upadhyay Smrity , Banjade Rashmi , Dhakal Prajwal , Khanal Navin , Bhatt Vijaya Raj
Published: February 2017

Thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major problem, and impedes the initiation and continuation of antiviral therapy. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, with auto-immunogenecity, direct bone marrow suppression, hypersplenism, decreased production of thrombopoeitin and therapeutic adverse effect all contributing to thrombocytopenia in different measures. With dose reduction of INF-based treatment recommended for platelet count below 50,000 and complete withdrawal for count below 25,000, the main challenge with thrombocytopenia in chronic HCV infection is in initiating or maintaining anti-viral therapy, particularly in resource-poor setting where INF-based therapy continues to be a major therapeutic approach. The increased risk of bleeding may also impede the initiation and maintenance of different invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. While eradication of HCV infection itself is the most practical strategy for remission of thrombocytopenia, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options, which vary in their effectiveness and adverse effect profiles, are available. Sustained increase in platelet count is seen with splenectomy and splenic artery embolization, in contrast to only transient rise with platelet transfusion. However, their routine use is limited by complications. Different thrombopoietin analogues have been tried. The use of synthetic thrombopoietins, such as recombinant human TPO and pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMDGF), has been hampered by the development of neutralizing antibodies. Thrombopoietin-mimetic agents, in particular eltrombopag and romiplostim, have been shown to be safe and effective for HCV-related thrombocytopenia in various studies, and they increase platelet count without eliciting any immunogenicity and allow successful initiation and completion of IFN-based anti-HCV treatment without any dose reduction or discontinuation. Other treatment modalities including newer TPO analogues- AMG-51, PEG-TPOmp and AKR-501, recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11, Oprelvekin), recombinant human.
WHO HAS THERAPY-RELATED AML?
Authors: Gale Robert , Bennett John M. , Hoffman F. Owen
Published: February 2017

Therapy-related leukemia or therapy-related myeloid neoplasm are widely-used terms to designate leukemia developing in persons who previously received anti-cancer therapy (for example, see references 1, 2), especially if the prior anti-cancer therapy included drugs such as alkylators, DNA-intercalators, topoisomerase-2-inhibitors, purines and/or ionizing radiations.   Sometimes specific genes such as AML1, EVI1, NRAS or MLL are mutated by therapy or gene variants are produced which activate mutagens or interfere with DNA repair, such FANC, NQ01 or AML2. 3-5   But how can we know if AML in someone is a therapy-related?Keywords: Therapy-related leukemia; alkylators; ionizing radiations; Topoisomerase Inhibitors; DNA Repair
Performance Enhancement of Three-way Catalytic Converter using External Heating Source: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Kanchan S. , Singh Manpreet , Singh Mandeep
Published: March 2017

The stringent emission norms for ultra-low emission vehicle pose challenging problems on automotive exhaust gas treatment. When engine starts, the catalytic converter does almost nothing to reduce emission characteristics, until it is desirably heated. Preheating the catalytic converter is a noble technique to reduce exhaust emissions. Present work lays the method of low temperature conduct of the converter, when the mainstream of the emissions befalls. The test was conducted on a four-cylinder, spark-ignition engine in order to enhance the performance of the catalytic converter when heated two minutes prior to engine start, through a heating gun actuated with a radio key at around 500K. The values of HC and CO were measured at idling rpm using MRU DELTA 1600L exhaust gas analyser and NOx values were measured using CRYPTON 295 five-gas analyser. Preheating Catalytic Convertor (CC), results in reduction of CO (58.82%), HC (47.01%) and NOx (36.36%) at engine start-up condition; when compared with exhaust of CC at 1500rpm, employed without heating gun. Similar trends of reduction of exhaust emissions were found at 2000 and 2500rpm.
Multiple Defects Detection in Outer Race of Gearbox Ball Bearing Using Time Domain Statistical Parameters
Authors: Nabhan A. , Sami A.M. , Mousa M.O. , Nouby M.
Published: March 2017

Multiple defects are introduced on the outer race of vehicle gearboxes. The effect of the number of outer race defects in deep groove ball bearings are investigated using experimental and numerical methods. A three-dimensional model of the housing and outer race is developed using ABAQUS. Firstly, single defect located at 0Ëšand two defects located at 0Ëš and 67.5Ëš are analyzed. Then the number of defects was increased to three and the locations of the local defects are 0Ëš, 67.5Ëš and 225Ëš. Finally the model with four defects located on the outer race at the angular positions 0Ëš, 67.5Ëš, 225Ëš and 270Ëš, was investigated. The simulated data were also used to validate the experimental results.
Using Real-Time Data for Increasing the Efficiency of the Automated Fibre Placement Process
Authors: Winter D. , Crowley D. , Ward C. , Williams S. , McMahon C. , Potter K.
Published: March 2017

The Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) process has grown in popularity with an increasing install base that realistically began within the last decade. This growing popularity stems from the techniqueâ€™s promise of higher deposition rates (>10kg/hr), enhanced quality, and reduction of intensive manual labour. However, AFP machines are still relatively few in number as compared to other automated routes for fabrication; with only a few airframers and suppliers proactively developing the technique. The purpose of this paper is to report on the non-value adding activities that detrimentally impact on production rate capability. For example, inspection is typically carried out manually and can account for a large percentage of the cycle time. The risk therefore, is that by not adequately addressing non-value adding activities, a costly level of investment could be needed to achieve the production rates required. We provide a longitudinal case study, accounting for the non-value adding tasks that surround the process. Our results show that, by percentage, these activities have been targeted and reduced over a two year period. We are also able to demonstrate, through coefficient of variation, how the AFP process has stabilized over the two years. A 92% learning curve has emerged that better represents cycle time reductions for each successive part, as opposed to the 80% learning curve traditionally adopted.
Influence of Fuel Consumption and Instantaneous Exhaust Pollutants on Euro 4 Gasoline Vehicles at Traffic Signalized Intersections: Idling and Start/Restart Manoeuvre
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Sharma A. , Sharma S.
Published: March 2017

Despite the more contribution of personal vehicles and transportation automobiles to environmental change, diminutive work has been done to overcome the arising issue regarding exhaust pollutants and fuel consumption. This paper includes the gasoline motor vehicle idling at red traffic signalized intersections using actual world operation statistics. The experimental work has been carried on gasoline vehicles under idling and start/restart manoeuvres on urban plain road conditions. The instantaneous exhaust pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides were evaluated using exhaust gas analyzer and fuel consumption was measured by precise instrument named as fuel flow meter in the Maruti-Suzuki authorized workshop. The results reveal that Maruti Alto vehicle and Maruti Swift vehicle engine should be turned off, if idling is to be over 10 and 11 seconds in duration at traffic signalized intersections respectively. Furthermore, during idling condition, the instantaneous pollutants are almost constant and hydrocarbons are decreased as idling time increased. Nitrogen oxides are function of high combustion temperature formed in an engine.
Comparative Analysis of Various CFBC Cyclone Separator REPDS Profiles
Authors: Prasanna N. , Prakash R.S. , Vijayakumar M.
Published: March 2017

In the last decade research on CFBC (Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion Boiler) has been increased but research on cyclone separator has not been paid well attention. All the existing designs of cyclone separator were mainly concentrating on a single parameter that is collection efficiency. But this work mainly concentrates on other parameters like pressure drop and denudation rate. Previous works related to cyclone separator having REPDS (Reduced Pressure Drop Stick) suggest that 50% REPDS in the vortex finder gives the optimum results for all the existing cyclone models. Existing REPDS profile is only circular; we attempted to change the REPDS profile to polygon shapes like square, hexagonal. All the cyclone separators with different REPDS profile have been designed for flow rate of 500m3/hr with operating velocity of 15m/s. CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis has been done with operating velocity ranging from 15m/s to 30m/s, using K-â‚¬ turbulence model. The results obtained in CFD analysis reveal that there is no much variation in pressure drop, but there is a drastic change in the denudation rate while operating CFBC cyclone separator twice the designed velocity. Thus REPDS can be included in vortex finder of cyclone separator with any polygon profiles as mentioned above.
Improvement of Horse Power and Specific Fuel Consumption in Diesel Engine: Technical Note
Authors: Sudhakar R. , Kumar V.V. , Venkatesh R. , Suresh B.
Published: March 2017

The output performance characteristics of the engine used in Tillers is based on the various factors such as discharge of the pump, nozzle, and dimensions of rocker arm, rocker screw, adjusting crank case, gear case, timing gears, piston, piston rings and cylinder head. The objective of the work is to get the optimum solution for getting the increased Horse Power (HP) and Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) of the engine based on maintaining the mentioned components dimensions in close tolerance in addition to process wise monitoring during assembly and engine testing. During engine testing, the pump discharge is adjusted by the fuel adjuster and the tolerance limits are kept closer to the actual value to obtain the required HP and SFC.
A Logical Process about the Chaos in FOREX Financial Market
Authors: Mele Marco
Published: February 2017

Foreign exchange market has been subject of studies and discussions for many years. They were created modern theories and models to understand and predict the evolution of the price of money, and embarked on new discussions and new frontiers of study.In this paper we test the hypothesis of non-linearity and behavior chaotic the latest developments of the markets, to arrive at a solid and unambiguous conclusion on this type of dynamic systems analyzed. In particular, we introduce mathematical concepts and to study the properties of chaotic dynamics and non-linear in nature. It will delve into topics not therefore always present in economics courses in order to base the tests carried out on solid considerations from the point of view of formal mathematical. It will be followed, finally, a scientific rigor during the course of the analysis in order to give an interpretation of the results of logistic type can lead to scientific considerations different from econometric modeling.
Merchant Banking Operation: A Case Study of Selected Merchant Banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Huda Farzana , Chowdhury Tanbir Ahmed
Published: February 2017

In Bangladesh the establishment of merchant bank added value to the stock market which plays a vital role in the progress of economic development. This study tried to analyze the performance of Lanka Bangla Investment Ltd., Prime Finance Capital Management Ltd., IDLC Investment Ltd. and Uttara Finance and Investment Ltd. Seven trend equations have been tested for different activities of the selected merchant banks. It is observed that the selected merchant banks were able to achieve a stable growth of investment in securities, margin loan to clients, brokerage commission, capital gain/loss from securities, portfolio management services, issue management fees, corporate advisory fees and underwriting commission during the period of 2011-2015. Among them the trend equation of investment in securities, margin loan to clients, and corporate advisory fees are positive incase of all the selected merchant banks. Square of correlation coefficient (r2) has also been tested for all trend equations. The r2 of interest income from merchant bank, portfolio management services, settlement and transaction fees and documentation fees, is more than 0.5. It indicates the prospect of merchant banks in Bangladesh is bright.
The Effect of Firm Size on Predictability Future Cash Flows Using Earnings and Operating Cash Flows
Authors: Takhtaei Nasrollah , Karimi Hassan
Published: February 2017

The aim of this research is to investigate earnings relative ability, operating cash flow, and two traditional criteria of cash flow, that is, net earnings plus depreciation and operating working capital in predicting operating future cash flows. Further, the effect of firm size on the ability to predict these criteria is investigated in this research. The sample firms contain listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) over the period 2005-2009. The results show that net earnings relative to operating cash flows and its traditional criteria have greater ability to predict future cash flows in small firms whereas operating cash flows compared with other criteria are better predictors in big firms. Results indicate thatthe predictability of all models increases considerably when firm size increases.
Repeatability of ultrasound in assessment of distal biceps brachii tendon
Authors: Smart Rowan R. , Richardson Cydney M. , Jakobi Jennifer M.
Published: March 2017

Objective: Examine the repeatability of ultrasound imaging for capturing cross sectional area (CSA), tendon length and elongation of the distal biceps brachii (dBB) tendon at rest and during submaximal elbow flexion contractions. The secondary purpose was to assess the influence of these architectural measures on tendon mechanics of stress and strain.Methods: Within a testing session and between two days CSA, tendon length and elongation of the dBB were captured with ultrasound. Measures were compared within a session and between days. Pearson’s correlations were performed to determine the intra-class correlation coefficients. Bland and Altman plots were used to identify the agreement between measures as well as the bias in measurements. Paired T-test were performed to ensure the calculated variables did not differ between days. Results: Resting tendon CSA was repeatable and strongly correlated (r = 0.98) within a session and between days; however, modest differences were observed in resting tendon length between days (1.8 mm) although values were correlated (r = 0.98). During submaximal contractions of 10%-80% maximal tendon elongation (r = 0.83) and CSA (r = 0.98) were also repeatable. From the measures of elongation and CSA, the calculated values of tendon strain (r = 0.97) and stress (r = 0.96) were also repeatable.Conclusions: Elongation and CSA of the dBB tendon captured with ultrasound are repeatable between testing sessions. Fromthese measures tendon mechanics can be calculated to define the tendon’s role in upper limb tasks, long-term adaptation anddiagnostics.
Conceptualization and Measurement of Market Orientation: A Review with a Roadmap for Future Research
Authors: Dursun Turkan , Kilic Ceyhan
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study is to review the existing research on the definition, conceptualization and measurement of market orientation and to provide guidance on the direction of future research in this area. Even though the number of research studies on market orientation has increased substantially, there is still no agreement among scholars regarding how to define market orientation, how broad its scope is, and how to measure it.  Although the number of market orientation measurement scales has increased over the years, there is still limited research on how to differentiate between the various measures of market orientation. It is hoped that this review will provide researchers a deeper understanding of the scope of market orientation, help them select a suitable market orientation scale for their studies, and guide them in a more productive research path on the definition and measurement of market orientation.
Generic Strategies and Firm Performance: An Investigation of Informal Sector Micro-Enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Mungai Esther , Ogot Madara
Published: February 2017

Micro-enterprises (MEs) have been shown to collectively be the largest employer in most developing countries thus playing a significant role in the countries economies. Using informal sector micro-enterprise furniture makers (wood and metal) in Nairobi, Kenya and based on Porter's competitive business strategies typology, this study sought to determine if the strategies employed by the informal sector MEs fit within the typology framework, and if membership within the strategic groups in the typology are a predictor of better business business performance. From the study, although membership within the two focus strategic groups of differentiation and low cost was confirmed, unlike studies done with medium and large enterprises, membership was not found to be a predictor of better business performance. Porter's typology may therefore not adequately capture the competitive business activities relevant to and directly by MEs, presenting an opportunity for research into the development of competitive business strategy typologies directly derived from their activities and therefore applicable to them.
The Opinion of Auditors towards the Importance and Knowledge of Information Technology in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Duwaila Nabi , AL-Mutairi Abdullah
Published: February 2017

The current study attempts to explore the attitudes of the auditors towards the level of knowledge of Information Technology (IT) and its importance in Kuwait. To achieve these objectives, structure questionnaires were distributed among these auditors. The analysis covers 5 technology categories namely General Office Automation (GOA), Audit Automation (AA), Accounting Firm Office Automation (AFOA), E-Commerce Technologies (ECT) and System Design and Implementation (SDI).It is found that the view of auditors to IT knowledge degree is lower than their view towards the importance of the technologies. The auditors have satisfactory knowledge only in GOA category and unsatisfactory knowledge for other four categories. It is also found that auditors rank AFOA category is the most significant category in terms of IT importance and knowledge and rank (ECT) the lowest category in terms of both importance and IT knowledge.