bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of tomographic evaluation of posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis consolidation
Authors: Risso Neto Marcelo Italo , Zuiani Guilherme Rebechi , Rossanez Roberto , Mistro Neto Sylvio , Amato Filho Augusto Celso Scarparo , Cavali Paulo Tadeu Maia , Veiga Ivan Guidolin , Pasqualini Wagner , Tebet Marcos Antônio , Landim Elcio
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE:

 To evaluate interobserver agreement of Glassman classification for posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis.

METHODS:

 One hundred and thirty-four CT scans from patients who underwent posterolateral arthrodesis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine were evaluated by four observers, namely two orthopedic surgeons experienced in spine surgery and two in training in this area. Using the reconstructed tomographic images at oblique coronal plane, 299 operated levels were systematically analyzed looking for arthrodesis signals. The appearance of bone healing in each operated level was classified in five categories as proposed by Glassman to the posterolateral arthrodesis: 1) bilateral solid arthrodesis; 2) unilateral solid arthrodesis; 3) bilateral partial arthrodesis; 4) unilateral partial arthrodesis; 5) absence of arthrodesis. In a second step, the evaluation of each operated level was divided into two categories: fusion (including type 1, 2, 3, and 4) and non fusion (type 5). Statistical analysis was performed by calculating the Kappa coefficient considering the paired analysis between the two experienced observers and between the two observers in training.

RESULTS:

 The interobserver reproducibility by the kappa coefficient for arthrodesis consolidation analysis for the classification proposed, divided into 5 types, was 0.729 for both experienced surgeons and training surgeons. Considering only two categories kappa coefficient was 0.745 between experienced surgeons and 0.795 between training surgeons. In all analyzes, we obtained high concordance power.

CONCLUSION:

 Interobserver reproducibility was observed with high concordance in the classification proposed by Glassman for posterolateral arthrodesis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine.
Spine school for patients with low back pain: interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Garcia Janaina Moreno , Araújo Pola Maria Poli de , Peccin Maria Stella , Diniz Ricardo Edésio Amorim Santos , Diniz Roger Amorim Santos , Lombardi Júnior Império
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE:

 To analyze and evaluate an interdisciplinary educational treatment - Spine School.

METHODS:

 This study is a non-controlled clinical trial. Twenty one individuals (19 women) aged 27-74 years diagnosed with chronic low back pain were enrolled and followed-up by a rheumatologist and an orthopedist. The evaluations used were SF36, Roland Morris, canadian occupational performance measure (COPM) and visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain that were performed before and after seven weeks of treatment.

RESULTS:

 We found statistically significant improvements in vitality (mean 48.10 vs. 81.25) p=0.009 and limitations caused by physical aspects (mean 48.81 vs. 81.25) p=0.038 and perception of pain (mean 6.88 vs. 5.38) p=0.005. Although the results were suggestive of improvement, there were no statistical significant differences in the domains social aspects (average 70.82 vs. 92.86) p=0.078, emotional aspects (average 52.38 vs. 88.95) p=0.078, and the performance satisfaction (mean 4.94 vs. 8.24) p=0.074.

CONCLUSION:

 The Interdisciplinary Spine School was useful for improvement in some domains of quality of life of people with low back pain.
Clinical evaluation of patients undergoing dynamic pedicle fixation in lumbar spine
Authors: Figueiredo Felipe José Vieira , Brum Paulo Roberto , Monteiro Rogério Frota Góes
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE:

 To evaluate the preliminary clinical results and complications in patients undergoing dynamic pedicle fixation of the spine in the treatment of a specific group of degenerative lumbar disease.

METHODS:

 In this preliminary retrospective study, we selected 14 patients who underwent surgery from January 2006 to July 2010. We selected only patients with spondylolisthesis without spondylolysis (Grade 1 Meyerding). All patients underwent surgery at one level and the levels mostly addressed were: L3-L4, L4-L5 or L5-S1. The approach was the same in all patients (posterior median approach with preservation of the posterior elements). All patients underwent intense conservative treatment without clinical response and the same research algorithm preoperatively.

RESULTS:

 Retrospective analysis of Oswestry questionnaire after selection and publication of results of 14 patients with Grade 1 spondylolisthesis who underwent dynamic pedicle stabilization in a total of 56 pedicle screws, being all in one level. There was no fracture of any screws, the mean hospital stay was a day and a half, no patient required blood transfusion and there were no cases of infection, with significant improvement in the Oswestry questionnaire.

CONCLUSION:

 In this study, the dynamic pedicle stabilization method proved to be an excellent treatment option when surgical criteria are strictly adhered to. There was an improvement in Oswestry values, lower hospital stay and low rate of complications, consisting of an alternative in motion preservation surgery.
Incidence of spinal deformity in adults and its distribution according SRS-Schwab classification
Authors: Barreto Marcus Vinicius Amaral , Pratali Raphael de Rezende , Barsotti Carlos Eduardo Gonçales , Santos Francisco Prado Eugenio dos , Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Algaves Soares de , Nogueira Monica Paschoal
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE:

 To evaluate the incidence of spinal deformity in adults, as well as its distribution according the curve type and the occurrence of sagittal modifiers of the SRS-Schwab classification..

METHODS:

 Radiographs in frontal and lateral views of the entire column were performed and radiographic parameters were used to diagnose the vertebral deformity for the classification according to the SRS-Schwab system.

RESULTS:

 We included 302 patients in the study, 236 (78.1%) women and 66 (21.9%) men. Fifty-six of the participants were diagnosed with ASD, 50 women and 6 men. The incidence of ASD was 18.5% in the total population, ranging from 9.1% in males and 21.2% in females (p=0.04). As to age group, the incidence was 11.9% in patients between 18 and 39 years, 12% between 40 and 59 years and 28.8% in patients with 60 years of age or older, significantly higher in the oldest group (p=0.002). When analyzing the correlation between age and progression of sagittal modifiers, there was no significant difference in the PI-LL and PT modifiers, but there was significant difference of SVA modifier (p=0.008), with a higher age in individuals "++".

CONCLUSION:

 This study presented demographic data on ASD in a Brazilian population sample. There was a higher incidence of ASD in females and individuals aged ≥ 60 years. As for the sagittal modifiers of SRS-Schwab classification, there was a correlation between increasing age and degree of progression of SVA.
Correlation between actual survival and Tokuhashi and tomita scores in spine metastases
Authors: Bechara Alexandre Henrique Silveira , Rosa André Frazão , Risso Neto Marcelo Ítalo , Tebet Marcos Antônio , Veiga Ivan Guidolin , Pasqualini Wagner , Cavali Paulo Tadeu Maia , Landim Elcio
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE:

 To evaluate the accuracy of the scores of Tokuhashi and Tomita and the actual survival of patients with vertebral metastases.

METHODS:

 A retrospective assessment of 45 patients with spinal metastases. Thirty-one patients underwent surgical treatment and adjuvant therapy and 14 received conservative treatment (chemotherapy/radiotherapy) or palliative/supportive, depending on the scores of Tokuhashi and Tomita.

RESULTS:

 In the study, 80% of patients were female and the mean age was 57.8 years (SD=11.3 years). The most frequent primary tumors were breast and prostate (68.9%). The accuracy of Tokuhashi scale was 53.4% and the Tomita, 64.5%. The concentration of Tomita range of correct classification was in the category of survival > 12 months (57.8%), while the Tokuhashi scale presented some adjustment in the other categories, < 6 months (15.6%) and 6 to 12 months (2.2%). The histological type of the primary tumor was the only variable that statistically influenced the survival time of patients (p<0.001), and patients with lung or liver tumor (most aggressive) presented a risk of death 9.89 times higher than patients with primary tumors of breast or prostate (less aggressive) (95% CI: 3.10 to 31.57).

CONCLUSION:

 The Tokuhashi and Tomita scores showed good accuracy with respect to the actual survival of patients with tumor metastasis in the spine.
Carbonation resistance of fly ash concrete
Authors: Lye Chao-Qun , Dhir Ravindra K. , Ghataora Gurmel S.
Published: August 2015

Based on systematic analysis, evaluation and synthesis of a 30 000 strong data matrix generated from 213 studies from 33 countries published since 1968, this paper details the extent of research that has been undertaken and discusses the effect of fly ash (FA) on the carbonation and carbonation-induced corrosion of concrete. It is shown that FA as a cement component, such as those adopted in BS EN 197-1:2011, increases the carbonation rate of concrete, both when concrete is designed in terms of equal water/cement ratio or strength, though with the latter to a lesser extent. This increase in carbonation has also been confirmed for in-service concrete. The net effect of FA content on the carbonation of concrete is dependent upon the combination of mix design, curing and exposure related parameters. FA in concrete is also shown to increase the corrosion of reinforcement, which can only be overcome by increasing the cover to reinforcement, concrete strength, or a combination of the two, beyond those specified in standards such Eurocode 2, BS EN 206-1:2013 and BS 8500. Contrary to the commonly held view, this study shows that the relative rate of carbonation of FA concrete with reference to corresponding Portland cement concrete remains similar under accelerated and natural carbon dioxide exposures.
Prognostic significance of survivin, β-catenin and p53 expression in urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Senol Serkan , Yildirim Asif , Ceyran Bahar , Uruc Fatih , Zemheri Ebru , Ozkanli Seyma , Akalin Ibrahim , Ulus Ismail , Caskurlu Turhan , Aydin Abdullah
Published: August 2015

Survivin, β-catenin, and p53 are well-known cell-cycle and apoptosis regulators of tumorigenesis. Urothelial carcinomas (UCs) are the most common of the human cancers. Compared to superficial tumors (Ta, CIS, or T1), invasive UCs are important with regard to recurrence, progression, and mortality. Therefore, we examined whether survivin, β-catenin, and p53 could be used as the biomarkers for the early prediction of the invasiveness of UCs and the overall survival of the patients. We investigated the prognostic expressions of those biomarkers in UC (n=147) and in non-muscle invasive UC (NMI-UC) (n=113), using tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. Spearman's correlation analysis and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used for statistical interpretation. High expressions of β-catenin, survivin, and p53 were associated with a high T stage, recurrence, progression, mortality, low recurrence-free survival, low progression-free survival and low overall survival (p < 0.01). Similar findings were achieved for recurrence and progression in the NMI-UC group, except for mortality. Moreover, a positive correlation was shown between p53 and β-catenin and between p53 and survivin (r=0.221, p < 0.01; r=0.236, p < 0.01, respectively). Survivin, p53, and β-catenin overexpression, as prognostic markers, might suggest that the UCs are biologically aggressive with the poor prognosis. Thus, dysregulation of those these cell-cycle and apoptosis regulators in bladder carcinoma could be used as a molecular marker to determine the best treatment strategy and could contribute to the development of targeted therapies.
Auditor Tenure and Stock Price Idiosyncratic Volatility: The Moderating Role of Industry Specialization
Authors: Su Lixin (Nancy) , Zhao Xuezhou (Rachel) , Zhou Gaoguang (Stephen)
Published: August 2015

In this study, we examine how investors perceive the quality of financial reports audited by auditors with long tenure. We argue that auditor tenure is an important characteristic that influences the effectiveness of audits and thus affects the amount of firm-specific information that is included in stock prices by investors. Based on a sample of U.S. firms from 2003 to 2012, we show that longer tenure is associated with higher stock price idiosyncratic volatility. Further analyses reveal that this effect is only present for industry-specialist auditors, suggesting that the effect of tenure on idiosyncratic volatility is contingent on industry expertise. Our results have a number of implications for the financial markets and the accounting and auditing professions.
Inline XBRL versus XBRL for SEC Reporting
Authors: Basoglu Kamile Asli , White Clinton E. (Skip)
Published: August 2015

As currently implemented by the SEC, financial statements in XBRL format are not as useful to analysts and investors or as transparent as they could be. In this paper, the authors discuss a number of issues contributing to this problem and compare current SEC XBRL filing to a new technique—Inline XBRL (XBRL 2013). Inline XBRL (iXBRL) is based on embedding the XBRL-tagged information within an XHTML document and has significant advantages to offer.
Australian Hajj pilgrims’ knowledge, attitude and perception about Ebola, November 2014 to February 2015
Authors: Alqahtani A S , Wiley K E , Willaby H W , BinDhim N F , Tashani M , Heywood A E , Booy R , Rashid H
Published: August 2015

Upon return from Hajj 2014, 150 Australian pilgrims were interviewed about their understanding of the Ebola epidemic. Most (89%, 134/150) knew of the epidemic before travelling and 60% (80/134) of those knew Ebola transmits through body fluids. Pilgrims who received pre-travel health advice were more conscious of Ebola (69% vs 31%, p?=?0.01) and adhered better to hand hygiene after touching an ill person (68% vs 31%, p?<?0.01). Mass media was the main information source (78%).
Emergence of tick-borne encephalitis in new endemic areas in Austria: 42 years of surveillance
Authors: Heinz F X , Stiasny K , Holzmann H , Kundi M , Sixl W , Wenk M , Kainz W , Essl A , Kunz C
Published: August 2015

Human infections with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus are a public health concern in certain regions of Europe, central and eastern Asia. Expansions of endemic areas and increased incidences have been associated with different factors including ecological changes supporting tick reproduction, socioeconomic changes increasing human outdoor activities and climatic changes favouring virus circulation in natural foci. Austria is among the most strongly affected countries in Central Europe, but the annual number of cases has strongly declined due to vaccination. Here, we have analysed changes of the incidence of TBE in the unvaccinated population of all federal states of Austria over a period of 42 years. The overall incidence in Austria has remained constant, but new strongly affected endemic regions have emerged in alpine valleys in the west of Austria. In parallel, the incidence in low-land regions in the north-east of the country is decreasing. There is no evidence for a shift to higher altitudes of infection sites in the traditional TBE zones, but the average altitudes of some newly established endemic areas in the west are significantly higher. Our analyses underscore the focal nature of TBE endemic areas and the potential of TBE virus to emerge in previously unaffected regions.
Lower seroreactivity to European than to North American H3N2 swine influenza viruses in humans, Luxembourg, 2010
Authors: Qiu Y , Muller C P , Van Reeth K
Published: August 2015

Seroreactivity to H3N2 swine influenza viruses (SIVs) was evaluated in serum samples collected from 843 people aged 0 to 100 years in 2010 in Luxembourg. Sera were analysed by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralisation (VN) assays targeting a European H3N2 SIV, a North American H3N2 variant of swine origin (H3N2v) and human seasonal H3N2 viruses isolated in 1975, 1995 and 2005. HI antibodies (titre?≥?10) against European H3N2 SIV were almost exclusively detected in those born before 1990, of whom 70% were seropositive. HI antibodies against H3N2v were predominantly found in those born before 2000, with 86% seropositive. Titres against the North American H3N2v were higher than against the European H3N2 SIV. VN patterns were similar, but with higher rates and titres. We also demonstrated lower seroreactivity to European H3N2 SIV than to North American H3N2v virus. Finally, we found a strong correlation between HI titres against the European H3N2 SIV and H3N2v and their respective human ancestors, A/Victoria/3/75 and A/Nanchang/933/95. This finding and the minimal contacts between humans and pigs in Luxembourg suggest that anti-SIV antibodies in human serum samples reflect serological cross-reactivity with historical human H3N2 viruses. Our findings help assess the pandemic risk of H3N2 SIV.
A multi-country Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b outbreak associated with eggs from a German producer: ‘near real-time’ application of whole genome sequencing and food chain investigations, United Kingdom, May to September 2014
Authors: Inns T , Lane C , Peters T , Dallman T , Chatt C , McFarland N , Crook P , Bishop T , Edge J , Hawker J , Elson R , Neal K , Adak G  K , Cleary P , on behalf of the Outbreak Control Team
Published: August 2015

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Monitoring meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its spread in Copenhagen, Denmark, 2013, through routine whole genome sequencing
Authors: Bartels M D , Larner-Svensson H , Meiniche H , Kristoffersen K , Schønning K , Nielsen J B , Rohde S M , Christensen L B , Skibsted A W , Jarløv J O , Johansen H K , Andersen L P , Petersen I S , Crook D W , Bowden R , Boye K , Worning P , Westh H
Published: August 2015

Typing of meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by whole genome sequencing (WGS) is performed routinely in Copenhagen since January 2013. We describe the relatedness, based on WGS data and epidemiological data, of 341 MRSA isolates. These comprised all MRSA (n?=?300) identified in Copenhagen in the first five months of 2013. Moreover, because MRSA of staphylococcal protein A (spa)-type 304 (t304), sequence type (ST) 6 had been associated with a continuous neonatal ward outbreak in Copenhagen starting in 2011, 41 t304 isolates collected in the city between 2010 and 2012 were also included. Isolates from 2013 found to be of t304, ST6 (n=14) were compared to the 41 earlier isolates. In the study, isolates of clonal complex (CC) 22 were examined in detail, as this CC has been shown to include the hospital-acquired epidemic MRSA (EMRSA-15) clone. Finally, all MRSA ST80 were also further analysed, as representatives of an important community-acquired MRSA in Europe. Overall the analysis identified 85 spa-types and 35 STs from 17 CCs. WGS confirmed the relatedness of epidemiologically linked t304 neonatal outbreak isolates. Several non-outbreak related patients had isolates closely related to the neonatal isolates suggesting unrecognised community chains of transmission and insufficient epidemiological data. Only four CC22 isolates were related to EMRSA-15. No community spread was observed among the 13 ST80 isolates. WGS successfully replaced conventional typing and added information to epidemiological surveillance. Creation of a MRSA database allows clustering of isolates based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling and has improved our understanding of MRSA transmission.
Application in Europe of a urine-based rapid diagnostic test for confirmation of Schistosoma mansoni infection in migrants from endemic areas
Authors: Becker S L , Marti H , Zimmermann S , Vidacek D , Herrmann M , Utzinger J , Schnabel P A , Bohle R M
Published: August 2015

In February 2015, a male patient from Eritrea with persistent abdominal pain and rectal bleeding was diagnosed with Schistosoma mansoni infection upon examination of a rectal biopsy. In May 2015, repeated stool microscopy identified S. mansoni infection in another Eritrean patient with abdominal pain and considerable eosinophilia (34%). Use of point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) tests on urine confirmed S. mansoni infection in both patients. Wider application of non-invasive POC-CCA urine tests will improve schistosomiasis diagnosis and clinical management in migrants.
Zika virus infection in a traveller returning to Europe from Brazil, March 2015
Authors: Zammarchi L , Tappe D , Fortuna C , Remoli M E , Günther S , Venturi G , Bartoloni A , Schmidt-Chanasit J
Published: August 2015

We report a case of laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection imported into Europe from the Americas. The patient developed fever, rash, and oedema of hands and feet after returning to Italy from Brazil in late March 2015. The case highlights that, together with chikungunya virus and dengue virus, three major arboviruses are now co-circulating in Brazil. These arboviruses represent a burden for the healthcare systems in Brazil and other countries where competent mosquito vectors are present.
Preliminary epidemiological assessment of MERS-CoV outbreak in South Korea, May to June 2015
Authors: Cowling B J , Park M , Fang V J , Wu P , Leung G M , Wu J T
Published: August 2015

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Event-based surveillance of food- and waterborne diseases in Europe: ‘urgent inquiries’ (outbreak alerts) during 2008 to 2013
Authors: Gossner C M , de Jong B , Hoebe C J , Coulombier D , European Food and Waterborne Diseases Study Group collective
Published: August 2015

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Epidemiological investigation of MERS-CoV spread in a single hospital in South Korea, May to June 2015*
Authors: Park H Y , Lee E J , Ryu Y W , Kim Y , Kim H , Lee H , Yi S J
Published: August 2015

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Assessing the risk of observing multiple generations of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) cases given an imported case
Authors: Nishiura H , Miyamatsu Y , Chowell G , Saitoh M
Published: August 2015

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Embedded Formative Assessment and Classroom Process Quality
Authors: Decristan Jasmin , Klieme Eckhard , Kunter Mareike , Hochweber Jan , Büttner Gerhard , Fauth Benjamin , Hondrich A. Lena , Rieser Svenja , Hertel Silke , Hardy Ilonca
Published: August 2015

In this study we examine the interplay between curriculum-embedded formative assessment—a well-known teaching practice—and general features of classroom process quality (i.e., cognitive activation, supportive climate, classroom management) and their combined effect on elementary school students’ understanding of the scientific concepts of floating and sinking. We used data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial and compared curriculum-embedded formative assessment (17 classes) with a control group (11 classes). Curriculum-embedded formative assessment and classroom process quality promoted students’ learning. Moreover, classroom process quality and embedded formative assessment interacted in promoting student learning. To ensure effective instruction and consequently satisfactory learning outcomes, teachers need to combine specific teaching practices with high classroom process quality.
Effectiveness of teacher training conducted at Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal
Authors: Dhungana G P , Piryani R M , Chapagain M L , Neupane M
Published: August 2015

Teaching and learning are equally important for the teacher. For teaching to be effective, whereby participants learn better, training of teachers is imperative. Teacher’s training is one of the important aspects of faculty development at Chitwan Medical College (CMC) and this study was done to assess the effectiveness of the teachers’ training pre test, post test experimental group design. In pre test, only 5.6% of the participants had adequate knowledge whereas after teacher’s training, 27.7 % had adequate knowledge. The mean (±SD) knowledge score before and after the intervention was 26.7±5.6 and 33.6 ± 5.6 respectively. The percent change in knowledge after intervention was 25.8 was statistically significant p value <0.001 .Which suggesting that the teachers’ training was an effective intervention.
Social stigma in leprosy
Authors: Marahatta S , Ghimire A , Jha N , Pokhrel S M , Rayamajhi S , Jirel S
Published: August 2015

Leprosy, an infectious disease, is a highly stigmatized disease. It directly affects patients’ physical, psychological, social and economical well-being. To know the stigma faced by the patients in the family and community. The study was carried out at Netherlands Leprosy Relief, Biratnagar, Nepal. Verbal consent was taken from each patient. A total number of 34 patients who were diagnosed to have leprosy were interviewed. Data were collected using structured interview schedule that included questions seeking information about all aspects of objective. Although both men and women faced the social stigma of the disease, women suffered more rejection by the family members (50%), neighborhood (75%) and work places (62.5%) in comparison to male patients, who are affected maximum at work places (39%) and minimum in family (7.69%). Illiterate were avoided by family members (25%) and co-workers (75%) whereas literate were not. All unemployed patients were neglected in community whereas only 21.42% of employed were neglected. Leprosy is a highly stigmatized disease. Patients are neglected by their family and society. Therefore community education component of Leprosy Control Program needs to be strengthened.
Incidence and prevalence of postpartum depression in a rural community of India
Authors: Shrestha N , Hazrah P , Sagar R
Published: August 2015

Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as presence of depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. A seemingly innocuous disorder, if untreated can lead to foeticide or maternal suicide. Unfortunately there are very few studies which have looked into the burden of the disease. The prevalence and incidence of postpartum depression vary across culture, region and communities, with very few studies having addressed the issue, thereby making it difficult to estimate the actual burden of the disease. The present study was undertaken to estimate the incidence and prevalence of postpartum depression in a rural community of India. A cohort of 200 pregnant women were interviewed in the third trimester of pregnancy and subsequently at 6 weeks postpartum to screen for presence and severity of depressive symptoms using BDI, ICD10 and EPDS scores. A cutoff score > 13 was considered as positive for depression in EPDS. The prevalence of PPD was 12% and incidence of PPD 4.4%.
Prescription errors and pharmacist intervention at outpatient pharmacy of Chitwan Medical College
Authors: Poudel R S , Piryani R M , Shrestha S , Prajapati A , Adhikari B
Published: August 2015

Prescribing errors are harmful to the patients. The role of pharmacist in reducing potential harm from prescription errors have been highlighted by several studies. This study aimed to evaluate the drug related prescription error and pharmacist intervention at outpatient pharmacy of Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Pharmacy of Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital from November 2014 to December 2014. The outpatient pharmacist randomly selected 5000 prescription and checked for drug related prescription error using prescription error checklist. The pharmacist discussed the prescription errors with the prescriber. The prescriptions that were corrected by the prescribers were considered as pharmacist intervened prescriptions (pharmacist intervention). Descriptive statistics including Chi-square test were done for statistical analysis using IBM-SPSS version 20. Out of 5000 prescriptions 176 drug related prescription error was found. The commonest error was dose and dosing frequency error (39.2%), duplication (33.5%) and dosage form related error (19.3%). Most of the prescription errors were noted while prescribing antimicrobial drugs (27.8%), proton pump inhibitors (15.9%) and NSAIDs (12.5%). The pharmacist’s recommendation was accepted by prescriber in 90.3% of prescription . Chi-square test showed significant association (p=0.019) between prescription errors and pharmacist intervention. Pharmacist intervention can reduce the drug related prescription error, so the pharmacist and clinician need to strongly work together for reducing overall prescriptions error.
Factors influencing migration among Nepalese nurses
Authors: Baral R , Sapkota S
Published: August 2015

Migration of Health workers has devastating consequences leading to loss of health workers in the nation of origin. This research was carried out to identify the push factors related to migration of Nurses from Nepal to other developed countries. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted via different social medias. The data was collected from 67 migrated Nepalese Nurses to: Australia, USA, UK and Canada. Self-administered questionnaire in the form of “Google docs form” was used to collect data from respondents. The study showed that 70.15% of respondents were of 20-29 years of age. In the study, 38.80% of respondents were from Australia followed by 31.34% from USA, 16.43% from UK and 13.43% from Canada. When the researcher advised respondents to prioritize the major cause of migration by giving 1 to major and 8 to least responsible factor of migration, the study revealed that personal ambition (Mean: 3.18), lack of job and career opportunities in Nepal (Mean: 3.57), economical factors (Mean: 3.2), and job dissatisfaction (Mean: 4.90) are the main causes of migration among Nepalese Nurses. This study also showed that 55.22% of respondents were not satisfied with their job in Nepal. 53.74% and 43.28% of the respondents are satisfied and highly satisfied respectively with their job in abroad. It can also be concluded that lack of modern facilities merely is not only the motivating factor for migration among Nepalese nurses, age and personal ambition also play a role in migration.
Maternity incentive scheme on safe delivery services in rural area of Kavre district
Authors: Baniya A , Chhetri D , Pokhrel B
Published: August 2015

Maternity incentive schemes were to encourage mothers to use skilled birth attendance for the best prevention of maternal and child death whereas the pregnant women should have access to high quality prenatal care which, they can afford and where, they are treated with respect. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge and utilization of maternal incentives scheme on delivery services at rural area of Nepal. This study was cross-sectional descriptive in nature and Study was conducted in Panchkhal VDC, Kavre district of Nepal.The numbers of married women of reproductive age group were the study population. The sample size was taken as 96. Most of the respondent had primary education (38.5%) and illiterate (15.6%). Highest mobilization of sources which provided throughout the health institute disseminates the MIS information During the study seventy nine mothers went to hospital for treatment. Utilization of incentive helps to change the delivery behavior (practice) of women (78%) within the hospital services by the skilled birth attendants. The 54.2% were not getting money (private hospital) for delivery and 13.5% respondents used money in nutrition and transport, 11.5% used in medicine and 1.0% respondent didn’t spend money. Low income and poor women (63%) have been more benefited from the incentive scheme followed by Janajati (12.5%), Dalit (12.5%) and rural women (9.4%) respectively. Importance of maternity incentive scheme (MIS) on safe delivery services (SDS) needs to be disseminated in rural community through integrated health education program. Most of the respondents reported that only incentive is not the matter of utilization of hospital services, but the issue of mother and child health.
Laboratory screening prior to modified electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Adhikari S R
Published: August 2015

Laboratory screening for subtle medical disease is critical prior to modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT). It is important to rule out medical condition since MECT is performed under general anesthesia. 25 patients planned for MECT were evaluated with complete blood count, hemoglobin, serum sodium, serum potassium, serum creatinine, blood sugar, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest radiograph (X-ray chest). Investigations showed some abnormal values in blood sugar, serum sodium, serum potassium, ECG and X-ray chest. Proper guideline is needed for evaluation of patients who undergo MECT. Medical conditions along with other subtle diseases are important to rule out before undergoing MECT.
A case report on mad (wild) honey intoxication
Authors: Shrestha B , Paudel P
Published: August 2015

Mad honey disease is one of the rarest disease caused by consumption of leaves, flowers or its products such as honey. The toxicity is secondary to consumption of honey produced by pollen and nectars found in rhodenderon species. Mad honey is mostly found in Black Sea and south east region of Turkey. However 3 cases has been reported in the few hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal. However until now there is not such case reports reported in Chitwan, mid central region of Nepal. Here, we report a case of 40 years old man who reported to our emergency department with complaint of dizziness, vomiting and blackout with first examination of bradycardia and hypotension in consequences of mad honey consumption.
Solitary intramuscular cysticercosis: A rare pseudotumour. A report of two cases
Authors: Marasini R P , Thapa P B , Gautam P
Published: August 2015

Cysticercosis is a disease caused by cysticercus cellulosae, a larval form of tapeworm, Taenia solium. Solitary muscular involvement is a rare and often presents diagnostic challenges due to unusual clinical presentation. Conventionally these conditions are diagnosed by histopathology or MR imaging and treated by surgical excision followed by antihelminthetic medication. We reported 2 cases of solitary intramuscular cysticercosis (biceps brachii and soleus muscle) without any systemic and neurological manifestations, accurately diagnosed by ultrasonogrphy and successfully treated conservatively with antihelminthetics and steroids.
Huge adrenal myelolipoma: A rare entity
Authors: Pandey G , Thakur B , Devkota M
Published: August 2015

Adrenal myelolipoma is a benign uncommon tumor of adrenal gland which is mostly diagnosed incidentally. Huge adrenal myelolipoma are very rare. Histopathological examination gives the confirmed diagnosis. Here we present a 76 years old female with huge retroperitoneal mass, diagnosed as adrenal myelolipoma on the basis of histopathological examinations. Surgical management is the treatment of choice for large symptomatic tumors.
Necessity of strengthening neurology services in Nepal
Authors: Piryani R M , Poudel R S
Published: August 2015

Dear Editor,Stroke, head injuries and epilepsy are common neurological problems reported worldwide including Nepal. Nepal also bears the burden of nervous system infection such as meningitis, cerebral malaria, Japanese B encephalitis. The average life expectancy of Nepalese population has increased noticeably in the last twelve years; hence it may lead to increase in age related neurological conditions such as dementia, Parkinson disease. Because of poor road condition, rapidly increasing number of two- wheelers, disorganized traffic pattern, and lack of driving discipline in Nepal, motor vehicles accidents are on rise, so the head injuries too. The accompanied person along for the ride on two- wheel vehicles are not required to wear helmet and passengers in four wheelers avoid using safety belts are at risk. Moreover, the implementation of legislation to prevent driving in drunken state is limited.Presently some of the government hospitals, private medical college teaching hospitals and corporate sector hospitals located in urban areas provide neurological services. However, a large number of patients of sub-urban and rural areas having common neurological aliments have limited access. Ignorance, illiteracy, limited resources, negative attitude, discrimination, faith on traditional healers and weak economical status may be the limiting factor to access. Establishing neurological services network with public private partnership and use of latest technology may improve care and delivery of neurological services in country. At the same time government need to 1) motivate, encourage and facilitate young doctors to get training in neurosurgery and neuromedicine, 2) invest in infrastructure development, 3) create awareness among public especially of suburban and rural areas and 4) promote research.These approaches may improve quality of care and service delivery.SincerelyDr. Rano Mal Piryani- Prof of Medicine and Medical Education, Chitwan Medical CollegeMr. Ramesh Sharma Poudel- Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital
Determination of optimum maturity stage of banana
Authors: Amin MN , Hossain MN , Rahim MA , Uddin MB
Published: August 2015

Time of harvest based on maturity indices is very important for fruit quality. Fruits harvested before optimum maturity may not ripe adequately and may not develop adequate flavor, while fruits harvested late (over-matured) have a shorter postharvest life and deteriorate rapidly. Climacteric fruits can be harvested after reaching full maturation, and before reaching the ripening stage. The tissue culture suckers of BARI Kola1 and Sabri Kola varieties were used for the study. The experiment was conducted at the Farm Machinery and Postharvest Process Engineering Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur in 2009-10. Optimum maturity stage of banana fruits reduced the postharvest losses and extended the storage life of fruits. BARI Kola 1 and Sabri Kola reached to flowering stages 10 and 15 months after planting, respectively. The optimum maturity stages of BARI Kola 1 and Sabri Kola were found to 120 and 100 days after emergence of flowering (DAEF) in summer and 130 and 110 DAEF in winter seasons, respectively. Higher pulp to peel ratio and yield of both the varieties was found in summer than those of winter season. The pre-harvest loss of banana fruits started at the point when it just exceeded the optimum maturity stage. Decreasing trend of shelf-life and firmness of fruits for both the varieties were observed with the advancement of maturity. On the other hand, dry matter content, angularity, pulp to peel ratio, and yield of banana fruits increased with the advancement of harvesting days. Degree days of these varieties were found to be 1750 and 1620, respectively.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(2): 189-204, June 2015
Photo Alignment Behaviour of Polyethene Imine Having Cyano Azobenzene Side Chain
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Kurihara Seiji
Published: August 2015

New type of polyethene imine having cyano (-CN) side chain through six methylene spacer group (PEI6C) was successfully synthesised and characterised. The effect of reaction parameters on degree of substitution of PEI6C was also studied and the reaction conditions were optimised. Photochemical as well as photoorientational behaviour of the polymer were investigated. PEI6C in solid film exhibited photoresponsive properties upon irradiation with UV and visible light. PEI6C film also exhibited reversible molecular orientation from random state to out-of-plane and from out-of-plane to random state upon non-polarised visible and UV light irradiation.Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(2): 67-72, 2015 (July)
Marfans Syndrome with Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm - A Case Report
Authors: Rahaman Mohammad Ferdous Ur , Chowdhury Mohammad Mainul Hasan , Haque Reehum , Paul Nandita , Siddique Md Abu , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Rahman Mahbubur
Published: August 2015

Marfans Syndrome patients with aortic root aneurysm or dissection may present with shortness of breath and chest pain and may be missed during clinical evaluation. Subsequently, sudden aortic rupture may occur in these groups of patients and give rise to fatal outcome. Increasing awareness of Marfanoid signs amongst clinicians are important for early diagnosis and treatment of dissecting aortic aneurysm. Marfans Syndrome with dissecting aortic aneurysm should not be overlooked among patients with shortness of breath, chest pain and aortic regurgitation. Here we report a case of Marfans Syndrome who presented with non-exertional chest pain.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2014; 39-41
Photocatalytic Properties of Nb/MCM-41 Molecular Sieves: Effect of the Synthesis Conditions
Authors: Gomez Caterine , Rodriguez-Paez J.
Published: August 2015

The effect of synthesis conditions and niobium incorporation levels on the photocatalytic properties of Nb/MCM-41 molecular sieves was assessed. Niobium pentoxide supported on MCM-41 mesoporous silica was obtained using two methods: sol-gel and incipient impregnation, in each case also varying the percentage of niobium incorporation. The synthesized Nb-MCM-41 ceramic powders were characterized using the spectroscopic techniques of infrared spectroscopy (IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photodegradation capacity of the powders was studied using the organic molecule, methylene blue. The effect of both the method of synthesis and the percentage of niobium present in the sample on the photodegradation action of the solids was determined. The mesoporous Nb-MCM-41 that produced the greatest photodegradation response was obtained using the sol-gel method and 20% niobium incorporation.
Detection of Causality between Process Variables Based on Industrial Alarm Data Using Transfer Entropy
Authors: Yu Weijun , Yang Fan
Published: August 2015

In modern industrial processes, it is easier and less expensive to configure alarms by software settings rather than by wiring, which causes the rapid growth of the number of alarms. Moreover, because there exist complex interactions, in particular the causal relationship among different parts in the process, a fault may propagate along propagation pathways once an abnormal situation occurs, which brings great difficulty to operators to identify its root cause immediately and to take proper actions correctly. Therefore, causality detection becomes a very important problem in the context of multivariate alarm analysis and design. Transfer entropy has become an effective and widely-used method to detect causality between different continuous process variables in both linear and nonlinear situations in recent years. However, such conventional methods to detect causality based on transfer entropy are computationally costly. Alternatively, using binary alarm series can be more computational-friendly and more direct because alarm data analysis is straightforward for alarm management in practice. The methodology and implementation issues are discussed in this paper. Illustrated by several case studies, including both numerical cases and simulated industrial cases, the proposed method is demonstrated to be suitable for industrial situations contaminated by noise.
Wave Tank Testing and Model Validation of an Autonomous Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Bosma Bret , Lewis Tim , Brekken Ted , Von Jouanne Annette
Published: August 2015

A key component in bringing ocean wave energy converters from concept to commercialization is the building and testing of scaled prototypes to provide model validation. A one quarter scale prototype of an autonomous two body heaving point absorber was modeled, built, and tested for this work. Wave tank testing results are compared with two hydrodynamic and system models—implemented in both ANSYS AQWA and MATLAB/Simulink—and show model validation over certain regions of operation. This work will serve as a guide for future developers of wave energy converter devices, providing insight in taking their design from concept to prototype stage.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analyses of Aquaporin Gene Family during Development and Abiotic Stress in Banana
Authors: Hu Wei , Hou Xiaowan , Huang Chao , Yan Yan , Tie Weiwei , Ding Zehong , Wei Yunxie , Liu Juhua , Miao Hongxia , Lu Zhiwei , Li Meiying , Xu Biyu , Jin Zhiqiang
Published: August 2015

Aquaporins (AQPs) function to selectively control the flow of water and other small molecules through biological membranes, playing crucial roles in various biological processes. However, little information is available on the AQP gene family in bananas. In this study, we identified 47 banana AQP genes based on the banana genome sequence. Evolutionary analysis of AQPs from banana, Arabidopsis, poplar, and rice indicated that banana AQPs (MaAQPs) were clustered into four subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that all banana AQPs contained the typical AQP-like or major intrinsic protein (MIP) domain. Gene structure analysis suggested the majority of MaAQPs had two to four introns with a highly specific number and length for each subfamily. Expression analysis of MaAQP genes during fruit development and postharvest ripening showed that some MaAQP genes exhibited high expression levels during these stages, indicating the involvement of MaAQP genes in banana fruit development and ripening. Additionally, some MaAQP genes showed strong induction after stress treatment and therefore, may represent potential candidates for improving banana resistance to abiotic stress. Taken together, this study identified some excellent tissue-specific, fruit development- and ripening-dependent, and abiotic stress-responsive candidate MaAQP genes, which could lay a solid foundation for genetic improvement of banana cultivars.