bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco use and its Socioeconomic Impact among Adult Males in Rural Area of Bareilly: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Agarwal Abhinav , Upadhyay Deeepak
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Tobacco use is one of the important preventable causes of death and a leading public health problem all over the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is the second major cause of death worldwide and is currently responsible for about 5 million deaths each year. This figure is expected to rise to about 8.4 million by the year 2020, with 70% of deaths occurring in developing countries.

Objectives

• To study the prevalence of tobacco use

• To assess the socioeconomic factor of tobacco use

Materials and methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural field practicing area of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital (RMCH), Bareilly. Multistage sampling design was used and 400 males, aged above 15 years, were randomly selected belonging to the field practice area of RMCH. The data were recorded in predesigned and semistructured questionnaire.

Results

In the study prevalence of tobacco use, “current user” was 183 (45.75%) and past user was 19 (4.75%); thus, the overall prevalence of tobacco use was 202 (50.50%). Among the tobacco user, maximum participants belong to age group 15 to 24 years. The data were analyzed by applying chi-square test.

How to cite this article

Agarwal A, Khan S, Joshi HS, Upadhyay D. Tobacco use and its Socioeconomic Impact among Adult Males in Rural Area of Bareilly: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):103-105.
Association of Sleep Time with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study in Bareilly City of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Chakrawarty Rakesh K , Agarwal Medhavi , Chakrawarty Pratima
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Experimental sleep restriction causes type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2); however, little is known about the metabolic effects of habitual sleep restriction. Thus, in this cross-sectional community-based study, we assessed the relationship of usual sleep time duration to DM-2. Objectives: To study the prevalence of DM-2 and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in Bareilly city and to study the association of sleep time duration of the study subjects with DM-2.

Objectives

To study the prevalence of DM-2 and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in Bareilly city and to study the association of sleep time duration of the study subjects with DM-2.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using multistage random sampling technique in Bareilly City, Uttar Pradesh, India, from March to August 2016. Fasting blood glucose analysis was done by taking early morning blood sample by finger pricking method using Accu-Chek Active Glucose Monitor and its strips. Diabetes was considered if fasting plasma glucose (FPG) value was >126 mg/dL and impaired plasma glucose (IFG) was considered if FPG value was 110 to 125 mg/dL.

The results were compiled and analyzed in IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics version 22.0. The p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results

Prevalence of DM-2 was 17.69%, and the prevalence of IFG was 13.1% in the present study. Out of a total of 130 study subjects, 31 subjects were sleeping 6 hours or less per night, and out of these, 13 (41.9%) subjects were diagnosed with DM-2, and other 13 subjects (41.9%) were diagnosed with IFG. The remaining 99 (76.2%) subjects were sleeping 7 to 8 hours duration per night, and among these, only 13.1% were diagnosed with DM-2, and 18.2% were diagnosed with IFG. Finally, it was analyzed and observed in this study that both DM-2 and IFG were significantly associated with sleep restriction in the study subjects.

Conclusion

The sleep duration of 6 hours or less is associated with increased prevalence of DM-2 and IFG. Because this effect was present in subjects without insomnia, it can be concluded that voluntary sleep restriction may contribute to the large public health burden of DM-2 in the urban community.

How to cite this article

Chakrawarty RK, Singh A, Joshi HS, Katyal R, Agarwal M, Chakrawarty P. Association of Sleep Time with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study in Bareilly City of Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):106-108.
Gender Preference of Child among Married Women in Field Practice Area of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly
Authors: Ahmed Ghos , Seth Seema
Published: November 2016

The underestimation of women is quite visible in our country through adverse sex ratio at birth for girls. The present study attempts to address the desired gender preferences of the child of couples in field practice areas of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly. Randomly selected 408 women were interviewed using a schedule. It was observed that 80.1% of the respondents had expressed their contentment with either gender choice. Of the remaining the majority had expressed their desire for a male child (13.5%) followed by a female child (6.4%).

How to cite this article

Ahmed G, Khan S, Joshi HS, Seth S, Upadhyay D. Gender Preference of Child among Married Women in Field Practice Area of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):109-110.
Ekbom's Syndrome: Worms of the Mind
Authors: Jaiswal Saurabh , Srivastava Rohit K
Published: November 2016

Delusional parasitosis (DP), also known as Ekbom syndrome, is a rare, monosymptomatic psychosis where the person has an unshakable belief (i.e., delusion) of being infested with parasites. A detailed activity of the offending parasite like crawling, biting, burrowing is often given by the patients. It is commonly observed among patients over the age of 50. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th revision defines this disorder as “delusional disorder.” We are presenting a case report of a patient suffering from DP, who was successfully treated on atypical antipsychotic olanzapine, together with psychoeducation and counseling.

How to cite this article

Jaiswal A, Jaiswal S, Srivastava RK. Ekbom's Syndrome: Worms of the Mind. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):123-125.
Seborrheic Keratosis of Penis
Authors: Mukherjee Sujoy , Jindal Rishi , Chauhan CGS , Pandey CP
Published: November 2016

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) of the penis is a rare entity. It is usually mistaken as a genital wart. It should be considered in a differential diagnosis of pedunculated lesions of the penis. The histopathology after shave excision will be diagnostic.

How to cite this article

Mukherjee S, Jindal R, Chauhan CGS, Pandey CP. Seborrheic Keratosis of Penis. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):126-127.
Squamous Papilloma over Lid Margin: An Uncommon Presentation
Authors: Gupta Pranav , Goyal Etti , Dokania A , Rizvi Y
Published: November 2016

Papilloma is a histopathological term describing tumors of a classical finger-like or cauliflower morphology. Though benign, they carry profound malignancy potential and can present at numerous anatomical locations, such as skin, cervix, esophagus, respiratory tract, breast duct, etc. Papillomas over conjunctiva are not frequently encountered and carry special significance.

A 60-year-old diabetic female presented with a left upper lid marginal sessile mass of 9 months duration with mild epiphora and foreign body sensation. On examination, a solitary, fleshy, sessile, polypoidal mass measuring 1 × 1 cm was seen, with irregular cauliflower-like surface present over lateral aspect of left upper lid, firm in consistency with raised edges. Visual acuity in right eye was 6/18→6/9 and left eye 6/36→6/9, intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14.6 mm Hg in both eyes by Schiotz tonometry. Complete excision of the lesion employing microsurgical technique with close apposition of lid margin using 6-0 Vicryl sutures was done under local anesthesia (LA). Histopathological examination revealed stratified squamous epithelium forming papillae with variable goblet cells supported by prominent branching fibrovascular cores in the center. A satisfactory cosmetic result was achieved. Follow-up of 6 months did not reveal any recurrence. A satisfactory functional and cosmetic result achieved.

Squamous papillomas over lid margin are uncommon presentations. Even though benign they carry morbidity potential in the form of chronic epiphora, corneal erosions, and lid deformities if inadequately managed.

How to cite this article

Goyal E, Gupta P, Dokania A, Rizvi Y. Squamous Papilloma over Lid Margin: An Uncommon Presentation. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):128-130.
Wrist Watch Dial with Machine in Esophagus: A Rare and Dangerous Presentation
Authors: Jain Leena , Maurya Ashish K , Jadia Shalini
Published: November 2016

An uncommon and dangerous foreign body in the esophagus, like wrist watch dial with machine and three hands, can be life threatening. We report the successful removal of such dangerous foreign body from the esophagus of an adult mentally retarded patient.

How to cite this article

Maurya AK, Jadia S, Jain L. Wrist Watch Dial with Machine in Esophagus: A Rare and Dangerous Presentation. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):133-134.
Age Related Preferences of Leadership Style: Testing McGregor’s Theory X and Y
Authors: Bojadziev Marjan , Stefanovska-Petkovska Miodraga , Handziski VeneraKrliu , Barlakoska Gabriela
Published: November 2016

In a today’s ageing world, where companies are facing an increasing share of older employees, it has become essential to understand the preferences and potential of this emerging group of workers. The focus of this research is to identify the age related preferences of leadership using Theory X and Theory Y developed by Douglas McGregor. The results suggest that the majority of employees prefer Theory Y management style over the Theory X style. Regardless of the age of employees, evidence shows that the results were in favour of Y Theory management style. In addition results capture the reflection of the preferred leadership style in relations to turnover, trust and job satisfaction of employees.
THE SITUATION AND PERSPECTIVES OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES IN THE SURROUNDING AREA OF THE ITAPARICA RESERVOIR IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL
Authors: Hagel Heinrich , Huerta Lucy Rocío Zavaleta , Doluschitz Reiner , Hoffmann Christa , Reiber Christoph , Irmão José Ferreira
Published: November 2016

Over 20 years after the implementation of irrigation schemes in the surrounding area of the Itaparica Reservoir, in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, insufficient infrastructure and low market power still impact smallholders’ incomes and development of market strategies to support rental increase from the smallholders.Lack of access to credit, high input costs, and low producer prices for major crops have helped to maintain the poverty status of smallholders that equally affects small agricultural producers like cattle breeders. Agricultural cooperatives have contributed to increase their members’ market power in agricultural commerce andfacilitate their access to credit and agricultural expansion. To analyze the historicalcontext of this situation, as well as the potentials and constraints of agriculturalcooperatives and associations, 24 qualitative expert interviews were conductedamong members of cooperatives or associations and consultants involved withtechnical assistance to smallholders. During the study period, no active agriculturalcooperatives could be identified. Financial problems related with lack of financialresources, inadequate government support, absence of leadership and poororganization, and missing solidarity and mistrust were considered the main reasonsfor the cooperatives’ poor situation. However, the potential of these cooperativesare illustrated by the efficiency of the fishery and apiculture associations.
GOVERNANÇA DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO SÃO FRANCISCO: DESAFIOS DE ESCALA SOB OLHARES INTER E TRANSDISCIPLINARES
Authors: Rodorff Verena , Siegmund‑Schultze Marianna , Köppel Johann , Gomes Edvânia Torres Aguiar
Published: November 2016

A Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos prescreve um modelodescentralizado e participativo, donde os comitês se destacam comimportantes contribuições na governança em escala de bacias. A posição docomitê nas decisões regionais da água é às vezes contraditória à das demaisinstituições. A presente pesquisa vincula perspectivas inter/transdisciplinarese multiníveis sobre a gestão sustentável da bacia hidrográfica do Rio SãoFrancisco e do reservatório Itaparica para identificar interfaces da escala localde uma bacia, a fim de promover boa governança. Com base na metodologiade análise de constelação, foram detectadas dinâmicas e barreiras nas quaisse enfatizaram a pouca representatividade do Comitê da Bacia Hidrográficado Rio São Francisco (CBHSF) na população local e a falha na interação entreas instituições locais de gestão de água. Algumas estratégias são vistas porparticipação da sociedade civil nos futuros subcomitês e no fortalecimentoda escala local, por meio de capacitação e cooperação de atores do mesmoâmbito. Além disso, os instrumentos de planejamento estratégico edesenvolvimento trazem contribuição importante para o governo municipal.
USING GEOSTATISTICS TO EVALUATE THE SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION LEVEL IN ITACURUBA (PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL)
Authors: Sousa Sebastião Cavalcante de , Oliveira Vládia Pinto Vidal de , Souza Karin Stock de Oliveira , Silva Josefa Maria Francieli da , Alcântara Francisco Ramon da Cunha
Published: November 2016

The detection and monitoring of environmental degradation requiresboth low-cost and easy-to-perform techniques. This study intended toconduct sampling and use geostatistics to predict the spatial variability ofenvironmental degradation indicators. The field of study was the microdrainagebasin of the Itacuruba creek in Itacuruba (PE). The georeferencedsamples were subjected to sulfuric acid to determine organic carbon,iron oxide, aluminum oxide and molecular relation of ki and altitude. Thedata were statistically analyzed where only the altitude presented normaldistribution and the organic carbon did not present spatial dependence,which indicated it was a degraded area. The iron oxide content in the soilsurface is a good indicator of an environmental degradation index, and futuresampling may be spaced in 600 m in the Itacuruba region (PE). Geostatisticsis presented as an efficient, low cost predictor for studying environmentaldegradation and monitoring.
UMBUZEIRO (SPONDIAS TUBEROSA): A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Mertens Jan , Almeida-Cortez Jarcilene Silva de , Germer Jörn , Sauerborn Joachim
Published: November 2016

Spondias tuberosa Arruda, a fructiferous endemic tree of semiarid Northeastof Brazil, provides several services to its ecosystem as well as to humans. Itprovides feed for wild animals and domestic ruminants in addition to providingfruits that are rich in vitamins for the human diet. It is an important source ofadditional income for family farmers and a source for traditional therapeuticmedicine. Despite the importance of this tree in northeastern Brazil, limitedscientific effort have been accomplished so far towards a better understandingof the tree’s physiology and interaction within the ecosystem. Earlier studiesabout S. tuberosa focused on phenology, physiology, population genetics,management practices, and socioeconomic aspects. Due to the lack ofbreeding and cloning programs, physiological studies and management trialswere based on heterogenic plant material, which led to ambiguous results.In order to move forward with S. tuberosa research, especially for its geneticconservations and agro-industrial exploitation, basic breeding and intensifiedgenetic research are urgently required. Despite the few publications on S.tuberosa, the tree can be considered scientifically neglected, particularly ifcompared with other members of the Anacardiaceae family.
ANNUAL RAINFALL VARIABILITY AND ECONOMICAL DEPENDENCY OF SMALLHOLDER AGRICULTURE IN THE SEMI-ARID NORTHEASTERN REGION OF BRAZIL
Authors: Selge Florian , Hagel Heinrich , Gunkel Günter , Doluschitz Reiner
Published: November 2016

In the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, water resources are scarce andrainfall often has high temporal and spatial variability. Despite regionalclimate trends, no significant rainfall change could be detected by linearregressions in the Pajeú River watershed between 1912 and 2013. This studyfocused on the identification of regional impacts on agriculture in the formof crop yields, livestock, and animal products, through the annual rainfallvariability. Yields of temporary crops were correlated to the annual rainfalldeparture, whereas permanent crops were less susceptible to droughts, buthad a negative effect on the memory after the dry years. In the livestocksector, farmers reacted to the consequences of droughts and increasedstocks of smaller animals with faster recovery rates, and also implementedapiculture. The results show a high vulnerability of agricultural productionand regional income due to the low adaptation to local climate conditions.Hence, agricultural practices and water management should be furtherimproved to fight against crucial economic depressions during droughts.
DIAGNÓSTICO DA QUALIDADE DA ÁGUA AO LONGO DA TRANSPOSIÇÃO DE UM CANAL DE CONCRETO: UM ESTUDO DE CASO DO CANAL DO SERTÃO ALAGOANO, BRASIL
Authors: Rossiter Karina Waleska Lopes , Benachour Mohand , Matta Elena , Moraia Maria Manuela Queiroz Martins Mantero , Calado Silvana Carvalho de Sousa , Gunkel Günter
Published: November 2016

Para atender à demanda, a transferência de água de rios por canal é umaprática comum no Nordeste brasileiro. O Canal do Sertão Alagoano captaágua do Rio São Francisco (no reservatório Apolônio Sales) para abastecermunicípios do estado do Alagoas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar aevolução de parâmetros físico‑químicos da água (temperatura, pH, turbidez,condutividade, dureza, sulfatos, cloretos, nitrogênio total e fósforo total)ao longo dos 29 km iniciais. Foram realizadas duas coletas no período secoem 10 pontos. Por intermédio do teste não paramétrico Mann‑Whitney,evidenciou‑se que temporalmente as duas coletas são significativamentediferentes para todos os parâmetros, mesmo tendo sido ambas desenvolvidasno período seco. Longitudinalmente, nas duas coletas, temperatura, pH econdutividade foram significativamente distintos entre o início e o fimdos 29 km, apresentando tendência crescente nos valores. Em termos dequalidade, conforme a Resolução n.º 357/2005 do Conselho Nacional deMeio Ambiente (Conama), a água do canal apresentou valores da classe 1,com exceção do fósforo total.
ANÁLISE CLIMÁTICA DA PRECIPITAÇÃO NO SUBMÉDIO DA BACIA DO RIO SÃO FRANCISCO COM BASE NO ÍNDICE DE ANOMALIA DE CHUVA
Authors: Assis Janaina Maria de Oliveira de , Souza Werônica Meira de , Sobral Maria do Carmo
Published: November 2016

O semiárido do Nordeste do Brasil é uma das regiões mais vulneráveis àsmudanças do clima, sendo necessárias ferramentas para o monitoramentodos períodos seco e chuvoso na região, pois auxiliam na gestão dos recursoshídricos, como abastecimento das cidades e projetos de irrigação. Assim,este trabalho teve como objetivos analisar a variabilidade espaço‑temporalda precipitação climática e caracterizar os períodos seco e úmido no trechosubmédio da bacia hidrográfica do Rio São Francisco. Foram utilizadostotais anuais de precipitação de 36 postos pluviométricos espacialmentedistribuídos na área de estudo, no período de 1964 a 2014, fornecidos pelaAgência Pernambucana de Águas e Clima (Apac) e pela Agência Nacional deÁguas (ANA). Utilizou‑se a técnica do índice de anomalia de chuva (IAC) paradeterminar os períodos seco e úmido. Pode‑se observar a variação de anosseco e chuvoso na região ao longo do período estudado, assim como suaintensidade. Os resultados mostraram tendência de diminuição dos totaispluviométricos, que se tornou mais frequente a partir da década de 1980,caracterizando um ponto de inversão entre a primeira e a segunda metadeda série histórica, predominando os anos secos.
Testable Criterion Establishes the Three Inherent Universal Constants
Authors: Kepner Gordon R.
Published: November 2016

Since the late 19th century, differing views have appeared on the nature of fundamental constants, how to identify them, and their total number. This concept has been broadly and variously interpreted by physicists ever since with no clear consensus. There is no analysis in the literature, based on specific criteria, for establishing what is or is not an inherent universal constant. The primary focus here is on constants describing a relation between at least two of the base quantities mass, length and time. This paper presents a testable criterion to identify these unique constants of our local universe. The value of a constant meeting these criteria can only be obtained from experimental measurement. Such constants set the scales of these base quantities that describe, in combination, the observable phenomena of our universe. The analysis predicts three such constants, uses the criterion to identify them, while ruling out Planck’s constant and introducing a new physical constant.
The Connection between Gravity and Electricity According to Twin Physics and a Survey of the Results So Far, Including Neutron Decay
Authors: Backerra Anna C.M.
Published: November 2016

Unlike electricity, gravity is active in only one direction, namely attraction. If both phenomena are considered using the mathematical description called complementary language, the range of gravity turns out to be larger than the range of electricity. This seems to be the reason for the apparent one-sidedness of gravity. Beyond the reach of electromagnetic effects, repulsion of physical bodies is possible and this can be identified with expansion of the universe. With this last piece of the puzzle, our dualistic way of considering the universe, called twin physics, seems in principle to be completed. A coherent survey of the results so far is given, including a possible description of neutron decay. The results are compared with the features of the Standard Model.
An Alternative Interpretation of Planks Law
Authors: Neto Henrique
Published: November 2016

It is possible to interpret Planck’s law as describing the energy content of the elements of a discrete space. From this conclusion, one can construct physical theory with recourse to not more then one single particle and one single law. This one article concerns the dark matter and dark energy problems, which seem to be both simply explainable if Planck oscillators (as elements of a discrete space) which possess a positive potential energy. Furthermore, it is shown that there exists a one to one correspondence between the distribution of this energy density and the geometry of space, a result that can eventually generate new insights on the geometry of space-time from a natural quantum perspective.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
Authors: Bernotavičius Giedrius , Saniukas Kęstutis , Karmonaitė Irena , Zagorskis Rimantas
Published: November 2016

Background. An obstruction of the  distal part of the  duodenum can occur because of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) after a surgical correction of scoliosis. It is essential to evaluate the risk factors and diagnose the SMAS in time because complications of this condition are life-threatening and it is associated with a high rate of morbidity. Diagnostics of the SMAS is challenging, because it is rare and its symptoms are non-specific. Therefore, in order to better understand the essence of this pathology and to make diagnosis easier we present a rare clinical case of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome after a surgical correction of neuromuscular scoliosis.
The clinical case. A  12-year-old girl with a  specific development disorder, sensory neuropathy and progressive kypho-scoliosis was admitted to Vilnius University Children’s Hospital. The  patient had right side 50-degree thoracic scoliosis and an 80-degree thoracic kyphosis. She underwent posterior spinal fusion with hooks and screws from Th1 to L2. On the fourth day after the surgery the patient developed nausea and began to vomit each day 1-2 times per day, especially after meals. The SMAS was suspected and a nasogastric tube was inserted, stomach decompression and the correction of electrolytes disbalance were made. After the treatment, the symptoms did not recur and a satisfactory correction and balance of the spine were made in coronal and sagittal planes.
Conclusions. It is extremely important to identify the  risk factors of the  SMAS and begin preoperative diet supplements before surgical correction of scoliosis for patients with a  low body mass index. After the first episode of vomiting following the surgery, we recommend to investigate these patients for a  gastrointestinal obstruction as soon as possible. Decompression of the stomach, enteral or parenteral nutrition, and fluid therapy are essential in treating the SMAS.
Successful management of gastropulmonary fistula due to invasive fungal infection after chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation: a case report
Authors: Janilionis Ričardas , Lukoševičiūtė Lina , Beiša Virgilijus , Jotautas Valdemaras , Petrauskaitė Roberta , Pečeliūnas Valdas , Jucaitienė Renata
Published: November 2016

Background. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. Acquired gastropulmonary fistula is a rare complication of IFI.
Material and methods. We present a case history of a patient with malignant myeloma. She was treated with autologous stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy for three years. She had been treated with antifungal agents as well. Following a specific treatment, she developed an invasive fungal infection (IFI) of the left lung which had been complicated with left gastropulmonary fistula. The patient’s general condition was deteriorating, so it was decided to perform a surgical intervention. At the first procedure, open-window thoracostomy was created in order to facilitate treatment by daily packing of the cavity. Four weeks after the  thoracostomy, a  thoracomyoplasty was performed to repair a gastropleural fistula. During the laparotomy, the gastric fundus was freed from adjacent tissues and repaired. Intrathoracic transposition of the latissimus dorsi and anterior serratus muscle flaps was performed simultaneously to create a new diaphragm. The open-window thoracostomy was left open due to some small bronchial fistulas. The thoracostomy opening healed spontaneously during the following six months.
Conclusion. We report what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of an invasive fungal infection (Geotrichum capitatum) successfully treated with intravenous amphotericin B, voriconazole, and surgery on infected soft tissues (organs) for a patient with multiple myeloma in prolonged neutropenia. The efficacy and safety of the surgery for infected soft tissues requires further evaluation.
The Impact of Event Scale – Revised: psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version in a sample of employees exposed to workplace bullying
Authors: Malinauskienė Vilija , Bernotaitė Lina
Published: November 2016

Background. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) is often used as a  self-report instrument for symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS). The objective of this study was to explore the reliability and validity of the Lithuanian IES-R in a sample of employees with exposure to workplace bullying in different occupations.
Materials and methods. The  original IES-R was translated into Lithuanian, and the  comparability of content was verified through back-translation procedures. 294 employees with exposure to workplace bullying (52 teachers from the secondary schools of Kaunas, 56 family physicians, 101 nurses of internal medicine departments, 40 waiters, and 45 seafarers) were administered the  Lithuanian IES-R and the  General Health Questionnaire  –  12 (GHQ-12) in order to verify some aspects of convergent validity. The  exploratory factor analysis was used to verify the construct validity of the IES-R.
Results. The reliability of the Lithuanian version of the IES-R was verified. Cronbach’s α of the total scale was 0.95. Exploratory factor analysis showed a clear factor structure with three independent dimensions: intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal. Cronbach’s α for subscales of intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal were 0.89, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively. The convergent validity was supported by positive correlations between the subscales (intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal) and the GHQ-12.
Conclusions. The results suggest that the self-reported Lithuanian IES-R is a valid instrument for assessing the dimensions of post-traumatic stress, has good psychometric properties, and may be applied in prolonged trauma-exposed populations.
A series of cases of rhabdomyolysis after ingestion of Tricholoma equestre
Authors: Laubner Gabija , Mikulevičienė Gabija
Published: November 2016

Tricholoma equestre (hereinafter  –  T. equestre) is a  common edible fungus that is considered to be toxic under certain conditions. Here, we report four cases of acute poisoning caused by T. equestre, including one lethal outcome in Lithuania between 2004 and 2013. In the  severe case, fatigue, nausea without vomiting and muscle pain, profuse sweating without fever, and respiratory insufficiency occurred. Laboratory tests showed an elevation of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Although clinical findings and laboratory tests support evidence of rhabdomyolysis, no renal insufficiency was observed. Significance of T. equestre in cardiac changes is feasible but remains unclear.
Why Education Predicts Decreased Belief in Conspiracy Theories
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem
Published: November 2016

People with high education are less likely than people with low education to believe in conspiracy theories. It is yet unclear why these effects occur, however, as education predicts a range of cognitive, emotional, and social outcomes. The present research sought to identify mediators of the relationship between education and conspiracy beliefs. Results of Study 1 revealed three independent mediators of this relationship, namely, belief in simple solutions for complex problems, feelings of powerlessness, and subjective social class. A nationally representative sample (Study 2) replicated these findings except for subjective social class. Moreover, variations in analytic thinking statistically accounted for the path through belief in simple solutions. I conclude that the relationship between education and conspiracy beliefs cannot be reduced to a single mechanism but is the result of the complex interplay of multiple psychological factors that are associated with education. © 2016 The Authors. Applied Cognitive Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Tuning the Conductivity of Polyaniline through Doping by Means of Single Precursor Vapor Phase Infiltration
Authors: Wang Weike , Yang Fan , Chen Chaoqiu , Zhang Lianbing , Qin Yong , Knez Mato
Published: November 2016

This work describes a novel single precursor vapor phase infiltration (VPI) process to dope polyaniline (PANI). The infiltration is performed with the metal containing atomic layer deposition precursors MoCl5 or SnCl4. The conductivities are assessed with four‐point probe measurements and show significant enhancements by up to 6 orders of magnitude, confirming the efficiency of the VPI process. Furthermore, it is found that the conductivities of PANI/MoCl5 and PANI/SnCl4 outperform the conductivity of HCl‐doped PANI if exposed to elevated temperatures (150 °C) in vacuum. The chemical changes resulting from the infiltration of PANI are characterized applying FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the morphologies of the samples do not alter after the infiltration process.
Histamine H4 receptor gene polymorphisms: a potential predictor of oral H1 antihistamine efficacy for allergic rhinitis
Authors: Gu Jian , Mao Xiao‐Hui , Yang Xi‐Zhi , Ao Hua‐Fei , Zhang Zhe , Li You
Published: November 2016

Background

Our study aimed to investigate the associations between Histamine H4 receptor (HRH4) gene polymorphisms (rs77485247, rs74604924, and rs77041280) and oral H1 antihistamine efficacy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients.

Methods

A total of 142 AR patients were selected as a case group and 160 healthy individuals were recruited as a control group. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HRH4 gene were detected using direct sequencing. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS). The occurrence of adverse reaction was recorded.

Results

There were significant differences in the distribution frequencies of mutant genotype (TA + AA) and A allele of rs77485247, mutant genotype (AT + TT) and T allele of rs74604924, and mutant genotype (AT + TT) and T allele of rs77041280 between the case and control groups. AR patients with mutant genotype (TA + AA) of rs77485247 and AR patients with mutant genotype (AT + TT) of rs77041280 had higher specific IgE, ECP levels, and VAS scores after treatment and lower incidence of adverse reactions and total effective rate than those with TT genotype and those with AA genotype, respectively. However, for rs74604924, there were no differences was found between AR patients with mutant genotype (AT + TT) and those with AA genotype.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that HRH4 rs77485247 and rs77041280 polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of AR and the efficacy of H1 antihistamines for the treatment of AR patients.
Olfaction in patients with allergic rhinitis: an indicator of successful MP‐AzeFlu therapy
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Poletti Sophia C. , Sperl Annette , Spielhaupter Magdalena , Bardenhewer Cornel , Mullol Joaquim , Hörmann Karl , Hummel Thomas
Published: November 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MP‐AzeFlu on olfaction and the interaction between severity of allergic rhinitis and olfactory improvement after therapy.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, observational study was performed on 47 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Duration and severity of allergic rhinitis was diagnosed and classified using the modified Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) criteria and the proof of allergen sensitization from positive skin‐prick tests, specific immonoglobulin E (IgE) in serum, and nasal provocation response. Patients were treated with MP‐AzeFlu (1 spray/nostril twice daily) over 3 months. Olfactory function was assessed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months of therapy using the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test. In addition, a nasal symptom score was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) at each given time‐point.

Results

MP‐AzeFlu was found to be associated with a significant improvement in TDI score, from 23.7 at baseline to 34.2 at 1 month (p < 0.001) and 37.1 at 3 months (p < 0.001) of treatment. Furthermore, a highly significant improvement of symptoms over time (p < 0.001; VAS at baseline: 84.3; 1 month: 32.4; 3 months: 26.2) could be demonstrated. Most importantly, there was a highly significant interaction between the severity of allergic rhinitis and olfactory function (p < 0.001) and VAS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

MP‐AzeFlu is associated with olfactory improvement in persistent allergic rhinitis patients. Further, the modified ARIA severity classification is an indicator of patients’ olfactory function. Moreover, assessment of olfaction seems to be a reliable indicator of the clinical success of antiallergic/antiinflammatory therapy.
Prospective, multicenter evaluation of balloon sinus dilation for treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Rosenbloom Jeffrey S. , Skarada Douglas , Gutman Michael , Hoy Mark J. , Nguyen Shaun A.
Published: November 2016

Background

Although balloon sinus dilation is a treatment option for adults with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), there have been few studies performed in pediatric patients.

Methods

This study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, single‐arm investigation. Children (2 to 21 years old) with CRS who had failed medical management were treated with balloon sinus dilation and followed to 6 months postprocedure.

Results

Fifty children were treated at 4 centers; 33 participants were 2 to 12 years old (mean ± standard deviation age: 6.6 ± 2.2 years) and 17 participants were >12 to 21 years (mean age: 15.7 ± 2.5 years). A total of 157 sinus dilations were attempted (98 maxillary, 30 frontal, and 29 sphenoid sinuses) and all were successful with no complications. Significant improvement in the Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey (SN‐5) was seen for all children between baseline and 6 months (4.6 ± 1.2 vs 1.7 ± 0.8; p < 0.0001) and 92% improved by a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 1.0 or more. Those children aged 2 to 12 years with standalone balloon dilation also showed significant SN‐5 improvements between baseline and follow‐up (4.5 ± 1.0 vs 1.9 ± 0.8; p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis showed no differences or associations of SN‐5 improvement at 6 months with the presence of allergy, asthma, or concomitant procedures. For adolescents, overall 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) mean scores were also significantly improved at 6 months (42.2 ± 19.2 vs 10.4 ± 9.7; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Balloon sinus dilation is safe and appears effective for children with CRS aged 2 years and older.
Flexible, Luminescent Metal–Organic Frameworks Showing Synergistic Solid‐Solution Effects on Porosity and Sensitivity
Authors: Liu Si‐Yang , Zhou Dong‐Dong , He Chun‐Ting , Liao Pei‐Qin , Cheng Xiao‐Ning , Xu Yan‐Tong , Ye Jia‐Wen , Zhang Jie‐Peng , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: November 2016

Mixing molecular building blocks in the solid solution manner is a valuable strategy to obtain structures and properties in between the isostructural parent metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). We report nonlinear/synergistic solid‐solution effects using highly related yet non‐isostructural, phosphorescent CuI triazolate frameworks as parent phases. Near the phase boundaries associated with conformational diversity and ligand heterogeneity, the porosity (+150 %) and optical O2 sensitivity (410 times, limit of detection 0.07 ppm) can be drastically improved from the best‐performing parent MOFs and even exceeds the records hold by precious‐metal complexes (3 ppm) and C70 (0.2 ppm).
The Role of the Axial Substituent in Subphthalocyanine Acceptors for Bulk‐Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Chunhui , Zango Germán , García Iglesias Miguel , Colberts Fallon J. M. , Wienk Martijn M. , Martínez‐Díaz M. Victoria , Janssen René A. J. , Torres Tomás
Published: November 2016

Four hexachlorosubphthalocyanines SubPcCl6‐X bearing different axial substituents (X) have been synthesized for use as novel electron acceptors in solution‐processed bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cells. Subphthalocyanines are aromatic chromophoric molecules with cone‐shaped structure, good solution processability, intense optical absorption in the visible spectral region, appropriate electron mobilities, and tunable energy levels. Solar cells with subphthalocyanines as the electron acceptor and PTB7‐Th as the electron donor exhibit a power conversion efficiency up to 4 % and an external quantum efficiency approaching 60 % due to significant contributions from both the electron donor and the electron acceptor to the photocurrent, indicating a promising prospect of non‐fullerene acceptors based on subphthalocyanines and structurally related systems.
Exploiting Deep Eutectic Solvents and Organolithium Reagent Partnerships: Chemoselective Ultrafast Addition to Imines and Quinolines Under Aerobic Ambient Temperature Conditions
Authors: Vidal Cristian , García‐Álvarez Joaquín , Hernán‐Gómez Alberto , Kennedy Alan R. , Hevia Eva
Published: November 2016

Shattering the long‐held dogma that organolithium chemistry needs to be performed under inert atmospheres in toxic organic solvents, chemoselective addition of organolithium reagents to non‐activated imines and quinolines has been accomplished in green, biorenewable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) at room temperature and in the presence of air, establishing a novel and sustainable access to amines. Improving on existing methods, this approach proceeds in the absence of additives; occurs without competitive enolization, reduction or coupling processes; and reactions were completed in seconds. Comparing RLi reactivities in DESs with those observed in pure glycerol or THF suggests a kinetic anionic activation of the alkylating reagents occurs, favoring nucleophilic addition over competitive hydrolysis.
An Isosteric and Fluorescent DNA Base Pair Consisting of 4‐aminophthalimide and 2,4‐diaminopyrimidine as C‐Nucleosides
Authors: Merkel Marcus , Dehmel Lars , Ernsting Nikolaus P. , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: November 2016

A 13mer DNA duplex containing the artificial 4‐aminophthalimide:2,4‐diaminopyrimidine (4AP:DAP) base pair in the central position was characterized by optical and NMR spectroscopy. The fluorescence of 4AP in the duplex has a large Stokes shift of Δλ=124 nm and a quantum yield ofΦF=24 %. The NMR structure shows that two interstrand hydrogen bonds are formed and confirms the artificial base pairing. In contrast, the 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminophthalimide moiety prefers thesynconformation in DNA. The fluorescence intensity of this chromophore in DNA is very low and the NMR structure shows no significant interaction with DAP. Primer‐extension experiments with DNA polymerases showed that not only is the 4AP C nucleotide incorporated at the desired position opposite DAP in the template, but also that the polymerase is able to progress past this position to give the full‐length product. The observed selectivity supports the NMR results.
Antioxidant, DNA interaction, molecular docking and cytotoxicity studies of aminoethylpiperazine‐containing macrocyclic binuclear copper(II) complexes
Authors: Karthick C. , Karthikeyan K. , Korrapati Purna Sai , Rahiman A. Kalilur
Published: November 2016

A series of new macrocyclic binuclear copper(II) complexes of the type [Cu2L1–5(ClO4)](ClO4) (1–5) were synthesized by template condensation between precursor compounds 2,6‐bis(4‐aminoethylpiperazin‐1‐ylmethyl)‐4‐substituted phenols and 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐substituted phenols. The synthesized precursors and complexes were characterized using regular physicochemical techniques. The rate constant values obtained for the hydrolysis of 4‐nitrophenylphosphate were in the range 1.83 × 10−2–4.19 × 10−2 min−1. Antioxidant studies against 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl revealed the antioxidant potency of the synthesized complexes. Binding studies of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were conducted using electronic, viscometric and voltammetric techniques, and the obtained results suggested a non‐covalent groove mode of binding. The oxidative cleavage of pBR322 DNA in the presence of co‐reactant H2O2 and radical scavengers showed single strand scission and involvement of H2O2 radical in the cleavage process. Molecular docking studies were performed to insert complexes into the crystal structures of 1BNA and VEGFR kinase at active sites to determine the possible binding mode and predominant binding interactions. In vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested against human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431) by MTT assay, which revealed the effective anticancer activity of the complexes. Live cell and fluorescent imaging of A431 cells showed that the complexes induce cell death through apoptosis.
Water‐free synthesis of temperature‐sensitive polyacrylamide microgels and pore modeled oil recovery performance
Authors: Chen Zun , Schuman Thomas P. , Geng Jiaming , Bai Baojun
Published: November 2016

Polymer gel treatments can improve sweep efficiency and reduce water production during oil recovery operations. In this article, a novel suspension polymerization method was developed to synthesize a temperature‐sensitive microgel. The microgel was prepared by suspension polymerization above the melting point of the monomer in a nonpolar solvent without water. Dry microspheres were obtained, which can be readily used without post‐treatment. Two different crosslinkers were employed in the suspension polymerization synthesis to give the particles thermally responsive aqueous swelling properties. After entering pore channels, gel particles expand to engineered size to realize flow profile changes within in a reservoir formation. When dispersed into water under lower temperatures (ambient to 40 °C), the original dry particles can swell about 18 times their original size. Exposure to a harsher environment (e.g., 80 °C) resulted in cleavage of the labile crosslinking agent and some chain cleavage gave a further size expansion. A Millipore film filtration model system was adopted to evaluate pore occlusion performance of the gel particles. It was found that the nuclear pores were effectively sealed by swollen microgels only when gel particle sizes were similar to or smaller than the membrane pores and interpore separation distance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44581.
Intrinsic viscosity, rheological property, and oil displacement of hydrophobically associating fluorinated polyacrylamide
Authors: Li Fan , Luo Yue , Hu Pan , Yan Xuemin
Published: November 2016

The surface‐active polymer (FPAM) was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization of acrylamide (AM), 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and N‐dodecyl‐N‐perfluoro octane sulfonyl acrylamide (AMPD), which was prior prepared by reacting dodecylamine, perfluoro‐1‐octanesulfonyl fluoride, and acryloyl chloride. Parameters affecting the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and apparent viscosity (η) of FPAM, such as reaction temperature, AMPD concentration, AMPS concentration, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, and pH were examined. Apparent viscosity and interfacial tension (IFT) of FPAM solution were evaluated. Subsequently, temperature tolerance and shear tolerance were investigated by comparing with hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), and results indicated that the FPAM displayed better performances than HPAM. FPAM can reduce the IFT between crude oil/water, and the IFT values are around at 2.91 and 3.9 mN m−1 corresponding to FPAM and HPAM/FC‐118. The sandpack model oil displacement experiment showed that water flooding can further increase the oil recovery to 15.01% (FPAM), compared with 9.26% oil recovery for HPAM, and 10.99% oil recovery for HPAM/FC‐118. The glass micromodel techniques for studying enhanced oil recovery get a good result and provide a useful reference for understanding the displacement behaviors in polymer flood process. It could be concluded that the introduction of fluorinated groups in the polymer chain was helpful in enhancing the oil displacement efficiency. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44672.