bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DYNAMICS OF IRIG IN TREATMENT OF HEART TRANSPLANT REJECTIONS
Authors: Shevchenko A. O. , Tyunyaeva I. Yu. , Nasyrova A. A. , Mozheiko N. P. , Gautier S. V.
Published: October 2015

In cardiac recipients non-invasive monitoring will identify the risk of acute rejection, as well as reduce the number of routine biopsies. The relation between the development of the transplanted heart rejection and the change of elastic properties of common carotid artery has been proved. Aim: to analyze dynamics of iRIG in treatment of graft rejection in heart recipients.

Materials and methods. 59 heart recipients were examined: 21 patients (pts)without rejection, 20 pts – with rejection after 1st biopsy, 15 pts – with rejection after 1st and 2 biopsies, 3 pts – with persistent rejection after all biopsies. iRIG was estimated using empirical equation.

Results. Dynamics of iRIG in pts. without rejection according to all biopsies over time was not signifi cantly changed 6280 ± 2143, 6083 ± 2388, 6362 ± 1984 and 6188 ± 3012 cm/sec2 (p = 0.11, p = 0.13, p = 0.17 between the 1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd, 3rd and 4th values, respectively). In pts. with rejection iRIG decreased during treatment, but was signifi cantly higher even after successful treatment. In patients with persistent rejection iRIG did not decrease and tended to increase (17 459 ± 9702 cm/sec2 on the results of the 1st biopsy to 21 305 ± 10 448 cm/sec2 on the results of the 4th biopsy).

Conclusions. In patients with heart transplant iRIG does not change signifi cantly with the time after transplantation. iRIG increases in all types of rejection, followed by its decrease in the course of therapy; in patients with persistent rejection iRIG remains high. Evaluation of iRIG can be used for non-invasive monitoring of patients after heart transplantations (HTx) and to identify patients at high risk of transplant rejection.
THERAPEUTIC ANGIOGENESIS BY GROWTH FACTORS AND BONE MARROW MONONUCLEAR CELLS ADMINISTRATION: BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION AND CLINICAL PROSPECTS
Authors: Bulgin D. V. , Andreeva O. V.
Published: October 2015

Angiogenesis is the process of new capillary formation by migration and proliferation of differentiated endothelial cells from pre-existing microvascular network. A number of angiogenic molecules and cell populations are involved in this complex of new vessel formation cascades resulting in the determination and organization of new tridimensional vascular network. The goal of therapeutic angiogenesis is to stimulate angiogenesis to improve perfusion, to deliver survival factors to sites of tissue repair, to mobilize regenerative stem cell populations, andultimately to restore form and function to the tissue. Growth factors and bone marrow as a source of bone marrow mononuclear cells represent a very interesting research fi eld for the realization of therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic tissues. They provide a potential key component in the healing processes of ischemic injured tissues.
INTERMEDIATE ENDEMICITY OF HEPATITIS A VIRUS INFECTION IN RURAL SETTLEMENT PROJECTS OF SOUTHWEST GOIÁS, BRAZIL
Authors: PINHEIRO Raquel Silva , ARAÚJO Lyriane Apolinário de , CAETANO Karlla Antonieta Amorim , MATOS Marcos André de , CARNEIRO Megmar Aparecida dos Santos , TELES Sheila Araújo
Published: October 2015

BackgroundRural populations present an elevated risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis A virus infection among residents of rural settlement projects of southwest Goiás, Central Brazil.MethodsA total of 466 residents were interviewed and tested for the detection of anti- hepatitis A virus antibodies by ELISA.ResultsThe global prevalence of anti- hepatitis A virus was 82.2%. In individuals aged 5-9 years and 10-19 years, the prevalence was 15% and 58.8%, respectively. Persons in the 10-19 age group, with a history of life in encampments, with more than five people per residence consuming well water, were predictors for exposure to hepatitis A virus.ConclusionOur results suggest that the hepatitis A virus endemicity in rural settlements in southwest Goiás similar to that found in the urban population of the Midwest Region, confirming the implementation of universal hepatitis A vaccination in children.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Cotreatment During Chemotherapy May Increase Pregnancy Rate in Survivors
Authors: Blumenfeld Zeev , Zur Hilli , Dann Eldad J.
Published: October 2015

Background.

The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) for fertility preservation is not unequivocally accepted. It is controversial whether GnRHa can increase the pregnancy rate in survivors.

Patients and Methods.

This is a retrospective cohort study. Every patient referred for fertility preservation was offered cryopreservation of embryos, ova, and ovarian tissue and GnRHa. The patients were consecutively included. The primary outcome was spontaneous pregnancies. The secondary outcome was cyclic ovarian function (COF) versus premature ovarian failure (POF). These outcomes were assessed 2 years or more after chemotherapy.

Results.

We compared 286 patients who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) with chemotherapy with 188 patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone. Ovarian function could be determined in 217 patients. Overall, 87% (127 of 146) of the patients in the GnRHa group retained COF and 13% (19 of 146) suffered POF, whereas in the control group, 49% (35 of 71) experienced COF and 51% (36 of 71) suffered POF (p = .0001). The odds ratio (OR) for preserving COF was 6.87 for the patients who received GnRHa (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4–13.4). Overall 60% (112 of 188) of the survivors conceived: 69.3% (84 of 122) of the patients in the GnRHa group compared with 42.4% (28 of 66) in the control group (p = .006). In the GnRHa group, 123 healthy newborns were delivered, versus 40 in the controls. Spontaneous pregnancies occurred in 65.6% (80 of 122) of the survivors in the GnRHa group versus 37.9% (25 of 66) in the control group (p = .0004, OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.7–5.8).

Conclusion.

Adding GnRHa to chemotherapy significantly increases the OR for spontaneous conception, in addition to COF. It is suggested that GnRHa cotreatment should be added before and during gonadotoxic chemotherapy.

Implications for Practice:

The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) for fertility preservation is not unequivocally accepted and is even controversial. This study compared 286 patients who received GnRHa with chemotherapy with 188 patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone. Ovarian function could be determined in 217 patients. The odds ratio for preserving cyclic ovarian function was 6.87 for the patients who received GnRHa. Furthermore, the total and spontaneous pregnancy rate was significantly higher for those who received the agonist (p = .006). Adding GnRHa to chemotherapy significantly increased the odds ratio for spontaneous conception, in addition to preserving regular ovarian function. It is suggested that GnRHa cotreatment should be administered to young women in conjunction with gonadotoxic chemotherapy.
Movilidad: Aporte para su discusión
Authors: Cabrera-Arana Gustavo , Velásquez-Osorio Natalia , Orozco-Arbeláez Ariel
Published: October 2015

La movilidad es el mayor desafío de la civilización humana. Objetivo: aportar a la discusión conceptual del asunto en dos de sus dimensiones básicas: segura y sostenible. Metodología: se revisó literatura en español, inglés y portugués sobre los términos movilidad, mobility y movilidade en su relación a la seguridad vial en el transporte sostenible, a partir del año 2010 en formato de libro, reporte y artículo científico; se identificaron veinticinco textos a partir de los cuales se hizo síntesis argumentativa. Resultados: moverse con seguridad y sostenibilidad tiene implicaciones en la salud física y mental de personas y poblaciones; es un derecho ciudadano, precepto constitucional y deber del Estado, determinante de bienestar y desarrollo con definidos antecedentes históricos y paradigmáticos relacionados a la sostenibilidad ambiental, económica y social amenazada por la ocupación del suelo, la concentración de personas y la motorización de la vida.
Parentalidad Positiva y Formación Experiencial: Análisis de los Procesos de Cambio Familiar
Authors: Torío Susana , Peña Calvo José Vicente , García-Pérez Omar
Published: October 2015

Several changes are affecting families and usually cause their vulnerability as they feel unable to cope with everyday situations with accurate answers. Exchanging views and sharing experiences with other parents may help them to succeed in these new situations. "Building the everyday" is a parental education program, which focuses on the promotion of positive parenting. The program tries to improve educational outcomes through better sharing of family responsibilities and with a supportive and strong sense of community. 48 fathers and mothers whose children were in Primary Education in 6 schools of the Principality of Asturias have participated in the study (22 couples and 4 monoparental families). The aim of the present study is to show the results of the final evaluation of the program and to assess the effects of experiential programs in the processes of family change. The results show a great interest in participants in the program and its structure; they also show changes in parents’ attitudes, preferences and beliefs about gender roles; the program improves the division of domestic work and other areas such as communication, the establishment of rules and conflict resolution. In short, these processes of change, offer families learning opportunities which may enable the reconstruction / optimization of their parenthood.
Atacar será a melhor defesa? A influência das experiências precoces e da paranoia na agressividade dos jovens açorianos || Is the offence the best defense? Influences of childhood experiences and paranoia in the aggression in Azorean youths
Authors: Da Motta Carolina , Cabral Joana , Caldeira Suzana , Carvalho Célia Barreto
Published: October 2015

A ideação paranoide é um processo cognitivo e social que pode ser considerado normativo (e.g. sentimentos de desconfiança ocasionais) ou disfuncional, constituindo-se, neste ultimo caso, como um sintoma psicopatológico (e.g. delírios paranoides). Mesmo em níveis subclínicos, a ideação paranoide pode constituir um entrave para o bom funcionamento interpessoal, na medida em que o comportamento disruptivo que dela advém pode afetar todas as esferas de funcionamento do indivíduo (e.g. relações familiares, entre pares, profissionais e/ou académicas). O presente estudo explorará a influência dos estilos parentais e o papel mediador da ideação paranoide na agressividade durante a adolescência, bem como as implicações para a prevenção e intervenção em contextos clínicos e educacionais.
Disproof the Four Counterexamples for Beal's Conjecture
Authors: dos Santos Godoi Valdir Monteiro
Published: October 2015

In journal, probably by mistake, was published a paper which intended give some counterexamples of the Beal’s conjecture. Unfortunately these counterexamples are wrong, and the Beal ́s conjecture hold true.
MMP-9 Level Comparation between Spontaneous Abortion and Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Suryawan Aloysius , Mose Johanes C , Handono Budi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Abortion remains a problem in the obstetric care as it is one of the causes of maternal and fetal death. Bleeding or miscarriage threat in the first trimester comprises 20% to 25% of all pregnant women, and 50% of them will end as spontaneous abortion. The major cause of maternal death in abortion is hemorrhage. Some recent studies have indicated that MMP-9 is important in the process of embryo implantation into the endometrium and spontaneous abortion occurs when there is an overwhelming increase of MMP-9. This data indicate the importance of a further research to elucidate the role of MMP-9 in spontaneous abortion.METHODS: This was a cross sectional study, included 70 pregnant women with gestational age <20 weeks who came for examination and treatment at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty of Padjadjaran University/Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. RESULTS: There were differences in the MMP-9 levels in spontaneous abortion compared to normal pregnancy and MMP-9 had a cut-off point >1221.7 with the sensitivity of 48.6% specificity of 80%, and accuracy of 60.9%.SUMMARY: The MMP-9 level in spontaneous abortion was higher than in normal pregnancy.KEYWORDS: MMP-9, spontaneous abortion, normal pregnancy
An Antioxidant Marker, Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase, was Correlated with Bone Turnover Activity
Authors: Mulyana Mulyana , Arif Mansyur , Muliaty Dewi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that lead may affect activities on bone cells, but the mechanism is not yet clear. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate correlation of chronic low-concentration lead exposure with bone turnover activity (ratio of C-telopeptide (CTx) and Procollagen Type 1 Amino-terminal Propeptide (P1NP) (CTx/P1NP)) and antioxidant (aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase (ALAD)) in a workers community. METHODS: An observational study with cross-sectional design was carried out. Fifty two subjects from a workers community in Jakarta, Indonesia, had provided informed consents and undergone medical history, physical and laboratory examinations. Hair lead concentration was measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Meanwhile, P1NP was measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and CTx was measured by Electro-chemiluminescence Immunoassay (ELICA) method.  RESULTS: The mean hair lead concentration was 4.85 ppm. Based on Mayo Clinic reference, 28.85% of investigated subjects had hair lead concentration of ≥5 ppm. Hair lead concentration was not correlated with ALAD, CTx, P1NP concentrations or CTx/P1NP. ALAD concentration was significantly correlated with CTx/P1NP (p<0.05; r=0.35).SUMMARY: ALAD concentration was correlated with CTx/P1NP ratio, indicating that the role of antioxidant was possibly caused by accumulated chronic low-concentration lead exposure, which was correlated with bone turnover activity. KEYWORDS: hair lead, ALAD, CTx, P1NP, osteoporosis, bone turnover
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pharmacotherapy for Hematemesis-Melena Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Hepatic Cirrhosis
Authors: De Queljoe Doddy , Lorensia Amelia , Widharta Liana , Widjaja Sugiarto
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Acute variceal haemorrhage is a complication of cirrhosis that can be life threatening. It is a pharmacist’s duty to ensure therapeutic and pharmaceutical care which is not only safe and effective for the patient but also is cost-effective in order to attain improvement of the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, pharmacoeconomic evaluation especially cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), which compares costs and consequences of drug therapy, is needed. This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic cost-effectiveness of hematemesis-melena treatment in hepatic cirrhotic patients.METHODS: A total of 42 patients receiving vitamin K and vitamin K-transamin were studied retrospectively from patients’ medical records in 2 years and analyzed with cost-effectiveness grid and average cost-effectiveness ratio (ACER) based on Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) Score.RESULTS: Cost-effectiveness grid was dominant for vitamin K in patients with CTP Score A. ACER analysis showed a lower score for vitamin K in all patients included CTP Score classification. There was no significant difference in duration of cessation of bleeding treatment in patients with vitamin K compared with vitamin K-transamin in patients with CTP Score A and B, while significant difference was found in patients with CTP Score C.CONCLUSION: Vitamin K appeared to be more cost effective as compared with vitamin K-transamin in all patients. The use of vitamin K had greater benefit than the combination with transamin in all patients and CTP Score classification, and thus should be considered as a primary therapy. Therefore, transamin addition as an alternative therapy for hepatic cirrhosis patients with hematemesis-melena should be considered.KEYWORDS: CEA, cost-effectiveness analysis, child-turcotte-pugh score, hepatic cirrhosis, hematemesismelena, vitamin K, transamin
Study of Low-grade Chronic Inflammatory Markers in Men with Central Obesity: Cathepsin S was Correlated with Waist Circumference
Authors: Todingrante Adriana , Arif Mansyur , Bahrun Uleng , Sandra Ferry
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: There is a prevalence increase of overweight and obesity in Indonesia. Central obesity can lead a variety of chronic diseases through the inflammatory process. There are some markers for low-grade chronic inflammatory, such as cathepsin S, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1- beta (IL-1β). To our current interest that central obesity can lead to various chronic diseases through the inflammatory process, we conducted a study to investigate correlation of Cathepsin S, hs-CRP, IL-1β in men with central obesity.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Seventy-eight selected subjects were examined to collect anthropometric data and prepared for sample collection. Collected samples were processed for the following biochemical analyses: fasting glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglyceride, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), cathepsin S, hs-CRP, and IL-1β. Data distribution and variable correlation were then statistically analyzed.RESULTS: There were significant correlations between waist circumference (WC) and cathepsin S (p=0.030; r=0.214), hs-CRP and cathepsin S (p=0.007; r=0.276), triglyceride and IL-1β (p=0.019; r=-0.235), WC and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0.003; r=-0.312), WC and fasting glucose (p=0.000; r=0.380), WC and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.000; r=0.708).CONCLUSION: Our study showed that cathepsin S was correlated with central obesity, suggesting that cathepsin S could be a potential inflammatory marker in central obesity in the future.KEYWORDS: obesity, inflammation, hs-CRP, cathepsin S, IL-1β, waist circumference
The Effect of the Transtheoretical Model Approach Towards the Body Mass Index of Overweight and Obese Children in Makassar
Authors: Erika Kadek Ayu
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity is now ranked fifth as a global risk for the cause of death. Urban lifestyle is fueled by excessive food intake and lack of activity in overweight and obese children. The assessment of the children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the indicators to assess the nutritional status of children. One strategy that can be used is the transtheoretical model (TTM) approach which is behavior change that helps children and parents in making more effective decisions to reduce health-risk behaviors among children so that the children’s BMI can decrease. This study aims to identify the differences between children's BMI before and after the TTM approach.METHODS: This research was conducted in the district area of Tamalanrea and Biringkanaya, Makassar. The design used is the Quasy Experiment namely pre- and post-test with control group design. Research subjects were overweight or obese children in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade of elementary school. The samples in the treatment group consisted of 31 participants, while the control group consisted of 33 participants which were selected using purposive sampling. Intervention research was conducted during a six month period by providing guide books on healthy lifestyle, visiting the families every month using questionnaires, and measurements of children’s height, weight and BMI using WHO’s AntrhoPlus software year 2007.RESULTS: Post-pretest results showed the average value of the treatment group’s BMI was -1.48 and the control group was 1.35. This means that the treatment group experienced a decrease in BMI after the application of TTM. The Mann Whitney test results indicate that there is a difference in the BMI pre-post intervention with the value of p=0.00 (>0.05).CONCLUSION: The overweight and obese children’s BMI was influenced by TTM approach.KEYWORDS: transtheoretical model, children’s BMI, overweight, obesity
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Stem Cell Aging
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Dewi Nurrani Mustika , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Regardless of the precise underlying molecular mechanisms, the fundamental defining manifestation of aging is an overall decline in the functional capacity of various organs to maintain baseline tissue homeostasis and to respond adequately to physiological needs under stress. There is an increasingly urgent need for a more complete understanding of the molecular pathways and biological processes underlying aging and age-related disorders.CONTENT: Mitochondria constitute the most prominent source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and are implicated in multiple anabolic and catabolic circuitries. In addition, mitochondria coordinate cell-wide stress responses and control non-apoptotic cell death routines. The involvement of mitochondria in both vital and lethal processes is crucial for both embryonic and postembryonic development, as well as for the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. Age-associated telomere damage, diminution of telomere ‘capping’ function and associated p53 activation have emerged as prime instigators of a functional decline of tissue stem cells and of mitochondrial dysfunction that adversely affect renewal and bioenergetic support in diverse tissues. Constructing a model of how telomeres, stem cells and mitochondria interact with key molecules governing genome integrity, ‘stemness’ and metabolism provides a framework for how diverse factors contribute to aging and age-related disorders.SUMMARY: Cellular senescence defined as an irreversible proliferation arrest promotes age-related decline in mammalian tissue homeostasis. The aging of tissue-specific stem cell and progenitor cell compartments is believed to be central to the decline of tissue and organ integrity and function in the elderly. Taken into consideration that the overwhelming majority of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) are of mitochondrial origin, it is reasonable to posit that the elevated ROS production might be caused by alteration in mitochondrial function during senescence. It is likely that mitochondria and stem cells will remain at the forefront of aging research also for the next decade.KEYWORDS: aging, stem cell, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, senescence, telomeres
Macerated-Pineapple Core Crude Extract-derived Bromelain Has Low Cytotoxic Effect in NIH-3T3 Fibroblast
Authors: Margaretta Dewi Liliany , Chouw Angliana , Dirgantara Yanni , Djamil Melanie Sadono , Sandra Ferry
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Bromelain is a sulfhydryl proteolytic enzyme that can hydrolyze protein, protease or peptide. Bromelain can be found in pineapple stem, fruit and core. Bromelain is composed of 212 amino acid residues with cysteine-25 forming a polypeptide chain that can hydrolyze peptide bonds by H2O. In medicine, bromelain has been developed as antibiotic, cancer drug, anti-inflammatory agent and immunomodulator. In dentistry, bromelain has potential to reduce plaque formation on the teeth and to irrigate root canal.METHODS: Pineapple core was dried for 3 days to get simplicia. Then simplicia was extracted with water solvent for 24 hours. After that, the macerated-pineapple core crude extract-derived bromelain (PCB) was separated by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) staining to ensure the presence of bromelain. In cytotoxic test, NIH-3T3 fibroblast cultures were treated with extracts in various concentrations to for 24 or 48 hours. Number of fibroblasts was calculated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.RESULTS: Pineapple core extraction using maceration method produced relative high yield (concentration: 1.5424 g/mL) of bromelain, which was confirmed by CBB staining results with the molecular weight of 33 kDa. Based on cytotoxic test results of PCB on NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, 24-hours-incubation LD50 was 95.7 g/L, while 48-hours-incubation LD50 was 51.1 g/L.CONCLUSION: PCB has low cytotoxic effect in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts.KEYWORDS: bromelain, pineapple, extract, cytotoxic, MTT
INFLUENCE OF MANAGERIAL BEHAVIOUR ON AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYEES' JOB PERFORMANCE
Authors: Abiona Bolaji G. , Ajayi Michael T. , Fapojuwo Oluwakemi E.
Published: October 2015

This study assessed the influence of managerial behaviors on agricultural employees' job performance. Data were collected from 80 randomly selected respondents using a structured questionnaire. Major respondents' perceived managerial behaviors that influence job performance include: management set standards for their employees (3.19/4.00) and leadership encourage teamwork among employees (3.08). Major challenges to respondents' job performance were denial of leave bonus (2.80), inadequate training (2.60) and denial of grants (2.56).

A significant relationship was found between employees' perceived managerial behavior (r=0.314; p<0.00) and job performance. Management policies that would positively influence employees' job performance are essential in agricultural organisations.
AWARENESS OF POULTRY FARMERS ON QUAIL PRODUCTION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY ON PROTEIN NUTRITIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Oladipo Felix O. , Olorunfemi Oluwasogo D. , Adefalu Lawal L. , MATANMI Babatunde M. , BELLO Oladele G.
Published: October 2015

This paper. examins the awareness of poultry farmers on quail production 111 K wara State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from eighty randomly sampled poultry farmers from the Poultry Association of Nigeria in Kwara State. Majority (75%) of the poultry farmers shows a low awareness level on the characteristics of quail birds and its products. Correlation analysis reveals a significant relationship between the respondents' age, education and their awareness level. It is recommended that extension agencies should improve their efforts on the information and awareness of poultry farmers about quail production.
ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION SYSTEMS IN SUPPORTING FARM'S STRATEGIES IN GI AREAS: A MILIEU INNOVATEUR APPROACH
Authors: De Rosa Marcello , Bartoli Luca , Chiappini Silvia
Published: October 2015

The paper deals with the support system of geographical indications (GIs): more precisely, it aims at investigating the territorial dynamics of the rural knowledge, by analysing the role of agricultural extension systems (AES) as tool to support farm's management and innovation in GI areas. By putting forward a milieu innovateur approach, we intend to verify eventual differences between GI and not GI farms in knowledge transfer and innovation adoption. Interaction and learning logics at the basis of this approach confirm differences even though with some exception based on territorial characteristics and models of AES governance.
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON TECHNOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN POULTRY FARMING FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL LIVELIHOOD MANAGEMENT
Authors: Satpathy Bineeta
Published: October 2015

This paper summarizes the results of a study conducted to assess the status of rural livelihood management during 2012-2013 in Central Odisha and the reasons for household adoption of interventions for poultry production and technology transfer approach specifying attributes of innovations sampling 240 respondents from 4 villages. Significant difference was observed in quality chicks (z=3.0), scientific housing (z =5.0) and feed management (z=2.5).The correlation coefficient between socioeconomic condition and adoption of l interventions in poultry farming reveals t=3.72 indicating highly significant in rainfed situations. Multichannel information (t=6.54), pro-poor approach (t=11.5), financing (t =10.4) have significant influence on poultry farmers.
HIV Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in the United States: Geographically Explained Variance Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
Authors: Linton Sabriya L. , Cooper Hannah L. F. , Kelley Mary E. , Karnes Conny C. , Ross Zev , Wolfe Mary E. , Jarlais Don Des , Semaan Salaam , Tempalski Barbara , DiNenno Elizabeth , Finlayson Teresa , Sionean Catlainn , Wejnert Cyprian , Paz-Bailey Gabriela ,   for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Study Group
Published: October 2015

Objectives. We explored how variance in HIV infection is distributed across multiple geographical scales among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States, overall and within racial/ethnic groups.

Methods. People who inject drugs (n = 9077) were recruited via respondent-driven sampling from 19 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2009 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system. We used multilevel modeling to determine the percentage of variance in HIV infection explained by zip codes, counties, and MSAs where PWID lived, overall and for specific racial/ethnic groups.

Results. Collectively, zip codes, counties, and MSAs explained 29% of variance in HIV infection. Within specific racial/ethnic groups, all 3 scales explained variance in HIV infection among non-Hispanic/Latino White PWID (4.3%, 0.2%, and 7.5%, respectively), MSAs explained variance among Hispanic/Latino PWID (10.1%), and counties explained variance among non-Hispanic/Latino Black PWID (6.9%).

Conclusions. Exposure to potential determinants of HIV infection at zip codes, counties, and MSAs may vary for different racial/ethnic groups of PWID, and may reveal opportunities to identify and ameliorate intraracial inequities in exposure to determinants of HIV infection at these geographical scales.
Quality of Public Open Spaces and Recreational Walking
Authors: Sugiyama Takemi , Gunn Lucy D. , Christian Hayley , Francis Jacinta , Foster Sarah , Hooper Paula , Owen Neville , Giles-Corti Billie
Published: October 2015

Objectives. We examined associations between specific public open space (POS) attributes and recreational walking to local POS.

Methods. Between October 2004 and December 2006, 1465 adults of the RESIDential Environments Project, conducted in Perth, Australia, reported whether they walk to a POS for recreation. For each participant, we identified all open spaces larger than 0.8 hectares within 1.6 kilometers from home. On the basis of field audit data, we created 3 scores (presence, count, size-weighted presence) for 19 specific open space attributes.

Results. With logistic regression analyses, we found that walking to a POS was associated with the presence of gardens, grassed areas, walking paths, water features, wildlife, amenities, dog-related facilities, and off-leash areas for dogs. It was also associated with the highest number of these attributes in a single open space, but not with the total number of attributes in all POSs within 1.6 kilometers of home.

Conclusions. Building 1 high-quality local park may be more effective in promoting recreational walking than is providing many average-quality parks.
Assessment of pathogen pollution in watersheds using object-oriented modeling and probabilistic analysis
Authors: Elshorbagy Amin , Teegavarapu Ramesh S.V. , Ormsbee Lindell
Published: October 2015

A limited number of research trials have been reported in the past to model pathogenic organisms in streams and large water bodies at a watershed scale. In this paper, modeling of fecal coliform in streams is proposed from a management perspective at the watershed level. To model the fate and transport of fecal coliform in a watershed in Southeastern Kentucky, an object-oriented (OO) simulation model, based on the concepts of system dynamics (SD) approach, is proposed in this study. The approach combines both data-driven approaches and insights gained from a process-based approach. Different management scenarios, based on flow conditions and pollution sources, are generated and evaluated to validate the proposed approach. Deterministic and conceptually simple probabilistic analyses are carried out to understand several water quality management alternatives that aim to reduce pollutant loadings. Results point to the potential use of the proposed OO–SD framework in addressing environmental policy issues and also to the need for relying on probabilistic analysis to obtain more credible results and recommendations in data-poor conditions. The proposed approach helps direct limited funding and watershed management efforts to be focused on areas that have the greatest impact on the surface water quality conditions.
Contrasting occurrence of Chromobacterium violaceum in tropical drinking water springs of Uganda
Authors: Byamukama Denis , Kansiime Frank , Farnleitner Andreas H. , Burtscher Martina , Mach Robert L. , Manafi Mohamad
Published: October 2015

Occurrence of Chromobacterium violaceum in six protected drinking water springs in Uganda was investigated. C. violaceum showed a contrasting occurrence, which was independent of human impact as assessed by faecal pollution indicators. It was isolated from two springs (S1 and S2) that were located close to each other (3 km) but not in the rest. In S1 C. violaceum was continuously detected, in concentrations ranging from 6 to 270 cfu 100 ml−1, while in S2 it was detected on only one sampling occasion. C. violaceum was never detected in the investigated upper soil layers (down to 15 cm) in the immediate surroundings (50 m radius) of the springs, despite continued isolation of faecal indicators. The results of the study indicate that C. violaceum may not be ubiquitous in spring water, but could occur in significant numbers in particular potable groundwaters as an autochthonous member.
A methodology for the evaluation of disinfection technologies
Authors: Kerwick M. , Holt D. , Kerwick M. , Reddy S. , Chamberlain A.
Published: October 2015

There are several concerns associated with the use of chlorine for potable water disinfection. These are the resistance of certain pathogens, the formation of toxic disinfection by-products and the adverse effects on aesthetic water quality. Owing to these concerns the water industry is continually reviewing alternative disinfection technologies. A methodology has been devised that will aid the water industry in evaluating the potential of these technologies. The methodology uses seven criteria to evaluate the technologies, these are: inactivation efficiency, disinfection by-product (DBP) formation, toxicity, aesthetic water quality, cost, scalability and residual maintenance. Each criterion is assessed by associated questions in order of importance in accordance with a protocol. The criteria are evaluated using UK water quality regulations as standards. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection was used as an example to demonstrate the methodology. UV was shown to meet all the criteria apart from the provision of a residual disinfectant. Several other disinfection technologies were evaluated using the methodology. Direct electrochemical disinfection and mixed oxidant generators were identified as having the most potential for replacing chlorination.
6th Hellenic Congress in Athens, of the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society, on the 04-06 December 2014 Novel Pharmacologic Treatments of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: VG Athyros
Published: October 2015

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common inherited monogenic lipid disorder. It is caused by mutations of genes related to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, apolipoprotein B or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Homozygous FH (HoFH; 1/400,000 births) is treated by LDL apheresis. Recently lomitapide has been used for the treatment of HoFH as a monotherapy or in addition to LDL apheresis. Heterozygous FH (HeFH), 1/250-1/200 births, is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The main treatment for HeFH has been high doses of high intensity statins plus ezetimibe. However, this is not usually enough to attain LDL-C targets, especially in those with overt CVD or equivalents (LDL-C goal of<70 mg/dl). Data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study showed that loss of function mutations of PCSK9 were associated with a 28% lower LDL-C level and an 88% reduction in the risk of CVD in blacks, while in whites these numbers were 15% and 47%, respectively. This led to the development of technology to block PCSK9 with monoclonal human antibodies (e.g. evolocumab and alirocumab). These antibodies have been shown in phase II and III trials to be safe and to produce reductions in LDL-C levels by around 60% either as monotherapy or on top of optimal therapy with statins and ezetimibe. These antibodies are administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks with an automatic device. Anti-PCSK9 antibodies are expected to be licensed soon (? in 2015) and are considered by many as “the statins of the 21st century”.
Use of Head Circumference as a Predictor of Height of Individual
Authors: Mansur DI , Haque MK , Sharma K , Mehta DK , Shakya R
Published: October 2015

Background Establishing personal identity is one of the main concerns in forensic investigations. In forensic anthropology, estimation of height from head circumference has a significant role in establishing personal identity.Objective The objective of the present study was an attempt to understand the relationship between height and head circumference of an individual and to derive regression formulae to estimate the height from the head circumference.Method The present study consisted of 440 (258 male and 182 female) students of age group 17 to 25 years studying in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal during the period from November 2012 to October 2013. Height and head circumference of an individual were measured in centimeter. Data were analyzed by using statistical software SPSS-16Result The findings of the present study were significant correlation between height and head circumference (r = 0.443, p < 0.01 for male, r = 0.302, p<0.01 for female, and r = 0. 398, p < 0.01 for combined (male and female). The regression equation for height and head circumference was found to be Y = 1.734X + 70.36 (R2 = 0.196) for male, Y = 0.916X + 106.8 (R2 = 0.091) for female, and Y = 1.648 X + 71.69 (R2 = 0.158) for combined (male and female), where Y is the height of Individual and X is the Head Circumference.Conclusion Head circumference showed highly significant positive correlation with individual’s height. Therefore, the present study will help in medico-legal cases in establishing the identity of an individual and this would also be useful for Anatomists and Anthropologists.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(2) 2014: 89-92
Comparison of Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Local Wound Infiltration for Post Operative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Gynaecological Surgery Under General Anaesthesia
Authors: Ranjit S , Shrestha SK
Published: October 2015

Background Transversus abdominis plane block has been recently developed as a part of multimodal post operative analgesic techniques. We compared the analgesic efficacy of this technique with local bupivacaine infiltration in patients undergoing gynaecological surgeries with pfannenstiel incision and lower midline incision under general anaesthesia.Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia.Methods Patients were randomly allocated to three groups: control group (n=15), transversus abdominis plane block group (n=15), who received bilateral transversus abdominis plane blockwith 0.25% bupivacaine, and local infiltration group (n=15), who received local wound infiltration with 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of surgery. All patients received intramuscular diclofenac 12 hourly and intravenous tramadol SOS in the postoperative period. Visual analogue scores for pain were assessed at 1,2,4,8,12 and 24 hours postoperatively and these were compared between the three groups. Average tramadol consumption in 24 hours were also compared among the three groups. Data were subjected to univariate ANOVA test and chi-square test. Level of significance was set at 0.05.Results Visual analogue scores were significantly less in transversus abdominis plane block group and effect lasted up to 12 hours at rest postoperatively and 8 hours during cough and movement.Conclusion Bilateral Transversus abdominis plane block was effective in reducing postoperative pain scores for 8 to 12 hours postoperatively. This block was also successful in reducing postoperative opioid requirement.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(2) 2014: 93-96
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ethanol Neurotoxicity
Authors: Yang Fanmuyi , Luo Jia
Published: October 2015

Ethanol abuse affects virtually all organ systems and the central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to excessive ethanol exposure. Ethanol exposure causes profound damages to both the adult and developing brain. Prenatal ethanol exposure induces fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) which is associated with mental retardation and other behavioral deficits. A number of potential mechanisms have been proposed for ethanol-induced brain damage; these include the promotion of neuroinflammation, interference with signaling by neurotrophic factors, induction of oxidative stress, modulation of retinoid acid signaling, and thiamine deficiency. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) regulates posttranslational protein processing and transport. The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER lumen triggers ER stress and induces unfolded protein response (UPR) which are mediated by three transmembrane ER signaling proteins: pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). UPR is initiated to protect cells from overwhelming ER protein loading. However, sustained ER stress may result in cell death. ER stress has been implied in various CNS injuries, including brain ischemia, traumatic brain injury, and aging-associated neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, effects of ethanol on ER stress in the CNS receive less attention. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the study of ER stress in ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. We also examine the potential mechanisms underlying ethanol-mediated ER stress and the interaction among ER stress, oxidative stress and autophagy in the context of ethanol neurotoxicity.
Peak Operation of Cascaded Hydropower Plants Serving Multiple Provinces
Authors: Shen Jianjian , Cheng Chuntian , Zhang Jun , Lu Jianyu
Published: October 2015

The bulk hydropower transmission via trans-provincial and trans-regional power networks in China provides great operational flexibility to dispatch power resources between multiple power grids. This is very beneficial to alleviate the tremendous peak load pressure of most provincial power grids. This study places the focus on peak operations of cascaded hydropower plants serving multiple provinces under a regional connected AC/DC network. The objective is to respond to peak loads of multiple provincial power grids simultaneously. A two-stage search method is developed for this problem. In the first stage, a load reconstruction strategy is proposed to combine multiple load curves of power grids into a total load curve. The purpose is to deal with different load features in load magnitudes, peaks and valleys. A mutative-scale optimization method is then used to determine the generation schedules of hydropower plants. In the second stage, an exterior point search method is established to allocate the generation among multiple receiving power grids. This method produces an initial solution using the load shedding algorithm, and further improves it by iteratively coordinating the generation among different power grids. The proposed method was implemented to the operations of cascaded hydropower plants on Xin-Fu River and another on Hongshui River. The optimization results in two cases satisfied the peak demands of receiving provincial power grids. Moreover, the maximum load difference between peak and valley decreased 12.67% and 11.32% in Shanghai Power Grid (SHPG) and Zhejiang Power Grid (ZJPG), exceeding by 4.85% and 6.72% those of the current operational method, respectively. The advantage of the proposed method in alleviating peak-shaving pressure is demonstrated.
Effects of Shear Dependent Viscosity and Variable Thermal Conductivity on the Flow and Heat Transfer in a Slurry
Authors: Miao Ling , Massoudi Mehrdad
Published: October 2015

In this paper we study the effects of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on the heat transfer in the pressure-driven fully developed flow of a slurry (suspension) between two horizontal flat plates. The fluid is assumed to be described by a constitutive relation for a generalized second grade fluid where the shear viscosity is a function of the shear rate, temperature and concentration. The heat flux vector for the slurry is assumed to follow a generalized form of the Fourier’s equation where the thermal conductivity k depends on the temperature as well as the shear rate. We numerically solve the governing equations of motion in the non-dimensional form and perform a parametric study to see the effects of various dimensionless numbers on the velocity, volume fraction and temperature profiles. The different cases of shear thinning and thickening, and the effect of the exponent in the Reynolds viscosity model, for the temperature variation in viscosity, are also considered. The results indicate that the variable thermal conductivity can play an important role in controlling the temperature variation in the flow.
Estimation of Downtime and of Missed Energy Associated with a Wave Energy Converter by the Equivalent Power Storm Model
Authors: Arena Felice , Laface Valentina , Malara Giovanni , Romolo Alessandra
Published: October 2015

The design of any wave energy converter involves the determination of relevant statistical data on the wave energy resource oriented to the evaluation of the structural reliability and energy performance of the device. Currently, limited discussions concern the estimation of parameters connected to the energy performance of a device. Thus, this paper proposes a methodology for determining average downtime and average missed energy, which is the energy that is not harvested because of device deactivations during severe sea storms. These quantities are fundamental for evaluating the expected inactivity of a device during a year or during its lifetime and are relevant for assessing the effectiveness of a device working at a certain site. For this purpose, the equivalent power storm method is used for their derivation, starting from concepts pertaining to long-term statistical analysis. The paper shows that the proposed solutions provide reliable estimations via comparison with results obtained by processing long wave data.