bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Water Chemistry as a Result of Rainfall Runoff from the Roofs of Various Coatings. Part I / Kształtowanie Się Chemizmu Wód Opadowych W Wyniku Spływu Z Dachów O Różnych Pokryciach. Część I
Authors: Niemiec Marcin
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the level of calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and potassium in the waters flowing from the roofs of houses with varying degrees of coverage on the background of their contents in rain waters. On the basis of the Minister of Environment Decree of 24 July 2006 on conditions to be met for the introduction of sewage into the water or ground and on substances particularly harmful to the aquatic environment, runoff from paved areas shall be treated as sewage, and runoff from roofs of buildings are treated as pure water and can be discharged into the environment without a permit. However, literature data indicate the possibility of a significant enrichment of rainwater at the time of contact with the roof covering. The study included 24 roofs of houses or small trade buildings. As background to the research used rainwater collected in two randomly selected locations within the area of research. The study was conducted in areas with low human impact, in order to best capture the effect of the type of roofing material on the formation of water chemistry. Research area was located in the Luslawice in the Tarnow county in Malopolska province. The study included the most common roofs in the surveyed area: cement tile, ceramic tile, bituminous, unpainted galvanized metal, copper and asbestos cement. The tested water samples to determine the content of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium. In addition, it was determined the pH value of water and electrolytic conductivity. The results of this study indicate that the water runs off the roofs of respondents in each case contained a greater quantity of the analyzed elements in comparison with rainwater. For example, while the average content of magnesium in the water flowing from the tile cement was almost ten times higher than in rain water, in the case of tile ceramic was almost five times more water from the bituminous coverings contained about three times more magnesium, and water from the galvanized metal contained about six times more as compared with rainwater. Also in the case of most other elements enrichment factors found in the waters cover the cement (tile, and asbestos cement) then galvanized and coated while the lowest were recorded in the enrichment of waters from the roofs of the covering of ceramic tiles. Also noted an increase in the conductivity values in waters from the roofs of the coverings of cement, galvanized steel and ceramic tiles. All runoff from the roofs were of generally higher pH value compared with rainwater, the biggest reaction - about 8 found in the water with cement tiles, slightly lower, about 7.0 in water from roofs with ceramic tiles and sheet copper. pH of the water in the coated sheet was lower than in water, rainwater and oscillating within 5.5. Rainwater pH was 5.94.
Analysis of urbanization impact on changes in river discharge – a case study of the Biała river catchment
Authors: Chormański Jarosław
Published: February 2013

The article presents a simulation of urbanization impact on runoff changes in an urbanized catchment. Application of a distributed hydrological WetSpa model enabled comprehensive use of Landsat satellite images as a source of data about contemporary and historical land cover in the catchment. The analyses conducted for the Biała river catchment, with over 60% of the area being urbanized, revealed a significant influence of changes in the size of urbanized area on runoff hydrograph.
Simulation Approaches for the Solution of Cranktrain Vibrations
Authors: Novotný Pavel , Píštěk Václav , Drápal Lubomír , Prokop Aleš
Published: February 2013

Shrnutí

Vývoj moderních pohonných jednotek vyžaduje využívání pokročilých výpočtových metod, nutných k požadovanému zkrácení času tohoto vývoje společně s minimalizací nákladů na něj. Moderní výpočtové modely jsou stále složitější a umožnují řešit mnoho různých fyzikálních problémů. V případě dynamiky pohonných jednotek a životnosti jejich komponent lze využít několik různých přístupů. Prvním z nich je přístup zahrnující samostatné řešení každého subsystému pohonné jednotky. Druhý přístup využívá model pohonné jednotky obsahující všechny hlavní subsystémy, jako klikový mechanismus, ventilový rozvod, pohon rozvodů nebo vstřikovací čerpadlo, a řeší všechny tyto subsystémy současně i s jejich vzájemným ovlivněním. Cílem článku je pomocí vybraných výsledků prezentovat silné a slabé stránky obou přístupů. Výpočty a experimenty jsou prováděny na traktorovém vznětovém šestiválcovém motoru.
Effect of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) on Cytokine Levels and Haemostatic and Biochemical Parameters in A Rat Endotoxaemic Model
Authors: Col Ramazan , Durgun Zafer
Published: February 2013

The presented study was planned to determine whether vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) could prevent cytokine haemostatic, haematological, and biochemical disturbances in LPS-treated rats. Adult male Wistar rats (weight range: 200-250 g) were used. The study included four groups: group 1 served as a control group (C); animals in group 2 were given intravenously 1.6 mg/100 g of LPS (E. coli, serotype 0.111:B4); in group 3, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 25 ng/kg of VIP; in group 4, the same doses of VIP and LPS were injected simultaneously. Blood samples were collected 6 h after treatments. In endotoxaemic rats, platelet count, fibrinogen, and antithrombin levels were decreased, the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time were prolonged, and leucopoenia, as well as significant changes in differential leukocyte percentage were demonstrated. In addition, LPS caused statistically significant increases in plasma TNF- , IL-6, and IL-10 levels, and AST, ALT, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations. However, it caused a statistically significant decrease in total protein and albumin levels when compared to control group. The results showed that during endotoxaemia, VIP had moderately therapeutic effect as an antiinflammatory agent, suppressing TNF-α and IL-6, and stimulating IL-10; however, it was not effective against the adverse effect of LPS on investigated haematological and biochemical parameters.
Rabies Epidemiological Situation in Poland in 2009 and 2010
Authors: Smreczak Marcin , Orłowska Anna , Trębas Paweł , Żmudziński Jan F.
Published: February 2013

The paper describes the data concerning rabies in domestic animals and in wildlife as well as in bats in Poland in 2009 and 2010. Analysis of rabies situation was based on species involved and geographical distribution of rabies outbreaks. Favourable decreasing trend in rabies epidemic in 2009 was stopped by the outbreak of rabies in the Malopolska province in 2010. This resulted in dramatic increase in the number of rabies cases. Emergency vaccination in the zone of rabies outbreak with increased number of vaccines per km2 in bordering areas of the province has improved epizootic situation, which returned to the state before the outbreak. To monitor rabies situation a strict supervision of all elements of the ORV and surveillance of rabies is necessary.
Occurrence of Adenovirus Field Strains in Birds Infected with Marek’S Disease Virus
Authors: Niczyporuk Jowita Samanta , Samorek-Salamonowicz Elżbieta , Czekaj Hanna
Published: February 2013

The strains of adenoviruses were isolated from 356 birds with clinical form of Marek’s disease and coinfection with adenoviruses. A hexon gene fragment coding loop L1 of adenovirus strains was sequenced and obtained data were analysed with BLAST, Geneious 5.3, and MEGA5 software by comparison with nucleotide sequences of reference strains of fowl adenoviruses (FAdV-1 - FadV-12), two turkey adenoviruses, and two goose adenovirus strains. On this basis, serotypes of adenovirus strains were determined. Sequences of all adenovirus strains isolated from birds infected with Marek’s disease virus were classified into six serotypes representing four species. Mostly FAdV-7, FAdV2/11, and FAdV-8a serotypes were found.
Effect of Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV-7) Infection on the Replication of Turkey Herpesvirus FC126 in Chicken Embryo Fibroblast Cultures
Authors: Niczyporuk Jowita Samanta , Woźniakowski Grzegorz , Samorek-Salamonowicz Elżbieta , Czekaj Hanna
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of simultaneous infection of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) with different doses of adenovirus field strain serotype 7 (FAdV-7 JN-5/10j) and turkey herpesvirus strain FC126 (FC126 HVT) on replication of the herpesvirus in in vitro cultures. Three experiments were performed: simultaneous infection of CEF with adenovirus and HVT; inoculation of CEF culture with adenovirus, followed by infection with HVT after 24 h; and inoculation of CEF with HVT, followed by the infection with adenovirus 24 h later. In order to detect the presence of HVT and adenovirus strains in CEF culture, SORF 1 and hexon genes were determined, respectively. The infection with adenovirus lowered replication of FC126 HVT in chicken embryo fibroblast.
Effect of Phytase Application to Rape Cake Diet on Nutrient Deposition and Bone Quality in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Banaszkiewicz Teresa
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of high rape cake content and microbial phytase added to low-phosphorus diet on deposition of nutrients and energy in body of broiler chickens and quality of their bones. At the beginning, seven 1-day-old Ross 308 chickens were weighed, slaughtered, dried, and their bodies were analysed for gross energy and nutrient content. Next, 90 one-day-old chickens were randomly divided into three groups. The group I was fed control diet (RC), which contained 15% (starter) and 20% (grower) of rape cake of Lirajet cultivar with P (7.5 g kg-1) and Ca (10 g.kg-1). The group I I was fed diet denoted as RC LP, which contained less P and Ca (5.8 g.kg-1 and 6.8 g.kg-1, respectively) than the control diet. The diet for group III, denoted RC LP+ Phy, contained 5.8 g.kg-1 of P and 6.8 g.kg-1of Ca, and was supplemented with enzyme preparation containing 0.35g.kg-1 of phytase. On the 21st d of life, the chickens were weighed and six birds from each group were slaughtered, dried, and analysed. The rest of the chickens were fed grower mixtures to 49 d of age and then six chickens were slaughtered and the quality of their bones was evaluated. The reduction of P and Ca contents in diets and phytase application did not influence body weight and feed consumption, but significantly improved the deposition of total phosphorus in chicken body at 1-21 d of age. The highest content of total phosphorus was stated in the femur of the chickens fed diet with normal P and Ca contents. The application of phytase to low-phosphorus diet did not influence the quality of bones.
An update on diagnosis and treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis / Novine u dijagnostici i lečenju toksične epidermalne nekrolize
Authors: Kandolf-Sekulović Lidija
Published: February 2013

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an idiosyncratic drug reaction which manifests with extensive epidermal detachment due to the massive keratinocyte apoptosis, mucous membrane involvement, and potentially lethal outcome. It is caused by adverse reactions to drugs, mostly idiosyncratic, unpredictable and independent of the applied dose, which develops 7-21 days after initiation of the drug, and is most commonly caused by the following drugs: sulfonamides, allopurinol, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin and oxycam group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The treatment outcome depends on several factors, while older age, multiple drug use, late exclusion of the drug inducing toxic epidermal necrolysis, raised serum levels of urea, creatinine and cytopenia are poor prognostic indicators which are rated in SCORTEN scoring which proved to be of great help in the assessment of disease outcome. The basic approach to the treatment is early diagnosis, immediate suspension of the probable inducing drug, and emergency transport to the closest burn center, since treatment in burn units is associated with a lower risk of infection and mortality of these patients. Exclusion of the drug that induced toxic epidermal necrolysis, and supportive therapy, is the first and only therapy for which there is a consensus in different centers. Various forms of adjuvant therapy are also applied: in France, supportive therapy is a standard of care, in Germany it is short-term use of high-dose corticosteroids, while in USA, in the last decade high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins are the most widely accepted treatment modalities. Case reports and small patients’ series described therapeutic effects of plasmapheresis, cyclosporine and other immunosuppressants. In conclusion, elimination of the possible causal agent, rapid transport to the burn unit, and multidisciplinary approach to treatment are of utmost importance for favorable outcome of the disease with 20-30% mortality rate. An update on diagnosis and the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis is provided in this review.
Quackery in the Treatment of Syphilis in Serbia / Nadrilekari u lečenju sifilisa u srbiji
Authors: Lalević-Vasić Bosiljka M.
Published: February 2013

During the multi-century Ottoman rule, there were no educated physicians in Serbia, and “folk healers” used to treat the sick. Just after the 3rd decade of the 19th century, when the first educated physicians came to Serbia, we can also speak about quackery. At that time, syphilis started spreading and some quacks became “specialists for syphilis”. They were most numerous in the North-East Serbia in the 4th and 5th decades of the 19th century. They represented a major problem, because people believed them more than they believed physicians, while the state authorities of just liberated country, tolerated them. The quacks were not familiar with the clinical features of syphilis, and mostly used mercury to treat it by fumigation and inhalation, rubbing it into the skin, proscribing mercury pills, while symptoms of severe, sometimes lethal intoxication were signs of successful treatment. They also used sarsaparilla. Authorities of the new Government often issued them permission to work, whereas professional control and prohibition of such treatment began in 1839, when the Health Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was established.

The most famous quack, “specialist for syphilis”, was Gojko Marković, who was also a “physician” and the first director of the Hospital for the treatment of syphilis in Serbia during a certain period. A married couple, Gaja and Kita Savković, were also well known, as well as Stojan Milenković, a young man in the service of Prince Miloš. There were, of course, many adventurers, imposters, travelling Turkish and Greek physicians, Gipsies, fortune-tellers, old women, and ignorant people of various professions. Their work was banned by the Government.
Den Postmoderne Biografi
Authors: Kondrup Johnny
Published: February 2013

This article concerns the return of the literary biography in the humanistic fields, especially in Danish literary research, since 1980. During the New Criticism in the 1960s biography was regarded as a superfluous genre, and during the neoMarxism of the 1970s as a naive genre. But around 1980 it returned in the form of a number of new scholarly works especially in the fields of literature and history. This article points to two elements in the postmodern Zeitgeist which might have played a role in promoting the return of biography: first, the collapse of the grand systems of interpretation, and second a change in the ideal of scholarship in the direction of constructivism. Then the article investigates how ‘the new biography’ is distinguished from the old and outlines three points in particular: 1) a greater understanding of the significance of social structures; 2) an increased focus on contingency, incoherence and indeterminacy in a human life; and 3) a rising interest in the ‘ordinary’ human being. On a fourth point, postmodern biography has not come as far as one might expect. Although it could be more experimental and theoretically self-conscious, in fact it employs surprisingly traditional patterns of narrative, most of which are stamped by the Bildungsroman of the 19th century.
To See and Hear Like Ophelia, or How Not to Take Leave of One’s Senses: Representations of the Madwoman in Youtube Culture
Authors: Sosnowska Monika
Published: February 2013

Ophelia, fated to insanity, has attracted incomparably more interest than any other Shakespearean heroine. As an archetype of a madwoman Ophelia has been in the limelight for a wide range of supporters and adversaries: literary critics, theatre and film directors, actors and actresses, psychiatrists, philosophers, writers, poets, painters, photographers, feminist and gender revolutionists, and ordinary people, especially women who want to act the story of her losing her senses. The last-mentioned category appear to be fulfilling their dreams of becoming madwomen by posing as lunatic Ophelia and being filmed. The destiny of these amateur films is to be posted on YouTube.
Trauma Drama: Victims’ Traumatic Memories in Kay Adshead’s the Bogus Woman (2001) and Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Credible Witness (2001).
Authors: Klein Hildegard
Published: February 2013

In our contemporary society there exists a fascination with trauma and testimony. Thus, my paper looks at traumatised protagonists in the above-mentioned plays that testify to the manifold victimization of asylum seekers. First they were tortured and persecuted in their home countries, and then subjected to new traumatic humiliation in prison-like detention centres in Great Britain. Both plays assume a political position by appealing to the individual conscience of the audience who, through the characters’ outrageous narration, become witnesses to appalling violations of human rights.
Metaphors and Ideology – Gendered Metaphors in Economic Discourse
Authors: Silaški Nadežda
Published: February 2013

Under the theoretical wing of Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Critical Metaphor Analysis we deal with one specific aspect of economic discourse in English in an attempt to draw attention to the distinctively gendered metaphor of SLENDERNESS on which the concept of the ideal company is based today. The analysis is based on the notion of downsizing and metaphorical expressions that give linguistic voice to the LEAN IS HEALTHY metaphor. Our aim is to demonstrate how ideological values are subtly intertwined with metaphors in economic discourse, so that seemingly harmless metaphors support and reconstruct an aspect of social reality- an androcentric world view.
Gender Aspects in the Attitudes of the Students of the University of Novi Sad Towards Multiculturalism
Authors: Izgarjan Aleksandra , Slobodanka Markov , Prodanović-Stankić Diana
Published: February 2013

The objective of this paper is to present the results of a case study conducted at the University of Novi Sad which examined the students’ attitudes toward multiculturalism (particularly in educational processes) with a special focus on the gender aspect, and the intersections with their opinions regarding ethnic tolerance and stereotypes against ethnic communities in Serbia.
Pre-Raphaelites Painting Shakespeare’s Women
Authors: Hulea Lavinia
Published: February 2013

Iconic signs such as paintings, engravings or book illustrations come into existence as a result of visual attempts at redefining the literary text to which they refer. Although they belong to a different medium, they are always conditioned and influenced by the original literary work. English painting displays a series of famous images which explicitly have their roots in literary texts. While the works of Shakespeare, Keats and Tennyson seem to determine a special connection with painting, Shakespeare’s plays are the source of one of the most inspiring subjects of the Pre-Raphaelite painters: women.
Alice Walker’s Womanism: Perspectives Past and Present
Authors: Izgarjan Aleksandra , Markov Slobodanka
Published: February 2013

The article charts the development of womanism as a movement which has presented an alternative to feminism. It advocates inclusiveness instead of exclusiveness, whether it is related to race, class or gender. Womanism provided political framework for colored women and gave them tools in their struggle with patriarchy which imposed restrictive norms and negative stereotypes on them. It also tackled the restrictiveness of feminism which was especially evident in the field of literary scholarship. Womanism is also related to new movements within feminism such as womanist theology and eco-feminism
Role of altered gut microbiota in the development of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shrestha UK
Published: February 2013

Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 1-2 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7642
Patterns of infective sero positivity among blood donors in a rural Medical College Regional Blood Transfusion centre: A retrospective study
Authors: Dhar G , Sarkar AP , Sen S , Ghosh S , Mukhopadhyay BB , Ghosh TK
Published: February 2013

Background: Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) is still burden that continue to be a threat to safe transfusion practices of blood & components and one of the major problem in delayed transfusion hazards. In the present study prevalence and patterns of co-infections among voluntary and replacement donors were analyzed. Methods: This is descriptive study. Blood collected over a 6-year period were studied for the type of donation (voluntary or replacement), number of seroreactive cases and the number, type and distribution of co-infections among different type of donors. Results: Out of 127995 units of collected blood, 106755 (83.40%) were voluntary and 21240(16.60%) replacement donors of them 1463 were seroreactive. Out of 1463 seroreactive cases (1.14%) 128(0.10%), 137(0.11%),1025(0.8%) & 173(0.13%) were HIV, HCV, HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) & VDRL (Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory) respectively. 30 (0.02%) cases of seropositive samples showed more than one seroreactive reactions which were collected 14(0.06%) from replacement donors and 16(0.01%) samples from voluntary donors. Only 2 samples (0.001 %) of repeat donors show seropositivity. Conclusion: Possibilities of transfusion transmitted infections were more with replacement blood donors in comparison to voluntary blood donors. Repeat donors were safer than first time donors. Though the incidence was less, chances of multiple infections were still problems to the recipients. Proper history taking, screening and encouragement of blood donation would definitely reduce the chances of transfusion transmitted infection. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 3-8 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7643
Prevalence of Anaemia among Rural Women Population of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
Authors: Maiti S , Ali KM , Ghosh A , Ghosh D , Paul S
Published: February 2013

Background: Anaemia is a common health problem among women throughout the world and vast majority of this burden occurs in developing countries. In the present study, an attempt has been made to gauge the prevalence of anaemia among adult women residing in five rural blocks of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India. Therefore, associations between haemoglobin concentration and anthropometric data were evaluated. Methods: The study was confined to the non-pregnant women of age group of 21-50 years. A total of 368 women were participated in the present study. The estimation of anaemia was undertaken using the standard procedure and anthropometric measurements were collected. Anaemia was classified as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) grading criteria. Results: The overall prevalence of anaemia among women was 70.1%. The majority 205 (55.7%) demonstrated moderate anaemia while mild anaemia was recorded in 53 (14.4%) and none of the subject had severe anaemia. Lower body mass index was associated with higher prevalence of anaemia. Conclusion: This study revealed that anaemia is present at considerable levels among adult women in our study area which provide intensive approaches are required to combat the anaemia in this population. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 9-12 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7644
Serological and Molecular Study of Dengue Viruses in Different Hospitals of Nepal
Authors: Gupta GP , Shah Y , Poudel A , Pun R , Pant KP , Kshetri R , Pandey K , Pandey BD
Published: February 2013

Background: Dengue Virus (DV) is an emerging mosquito borne viral disease and important public health problem in low land of Terai region which is also expanding to hilly region. Methods: This study was designed to estimate sero-prevalence of dengue virus infection in the post monsoon period (Jun-Dec) of 2010 in Nepalese patients with fever visiting hospitals of Birganj, Damouli, Biratnagar and Dhading Besi. Serum samples were collected from 280 patients visiting hospitals with history of fever & clinically suspected dengue fever. The sero-prevalence of dengue virus specific IgM was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (SD, Korea) Results: The anti-dengue IgM positivity was found to be 8.2%. The positive dengue cases were higher in male (10.5%) as compared to female (6.5%). Among different age groups, the highest positive cases (11.5 %) were from age group below 15 years followed by above 50 years age group with 8.5%. Out of 4 hospitals, the highest positive cases were in Tanahu District Hospital, Damouli (23.8%) followed by Koshi Zonal Hospital, Biratnagar (12.5%). Age and gender were found to be independent predictors. The highest numbers of dengue positive cases were in occupation group business (13.3%) followed by agriculture (11.5%). Conclusion: The dengue positivity was estimated in acute patients from different hospitals of Nepal by enzyme immunoassay and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, the serological marker can be used to diagnose the acute patients of dengue during outbreaks. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 20-25 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7646
Study of Degree of Lumbar Wedging Measured Using CR- 35X Digitizer
Authors: Vinay KV , Vinay HS , Vishal K
Published: February 2013

Background: Low back pain is a very common symptom. Population based normal variations of lumbar wedging (LW) in South Indian population is not well documented in literature. This study was done to compile a database of LW valid for healthy male and female subjects in the age range of 20-60 years in South Indian population. Methods: The plain lateral radiographs of lumbar spine of 150 healthy subjects (88 males and 62 females) between 20 to 60 years were studied. The lumbar vertebral body height anteriorly (HBA) and posteriorly (HBP) were measured using CR-35X digitizer. The degree of LW was determined by the ratio of HBA /HBP. Results: There was a gradual decrease in LW cranio-caudally from L1 to L5 in both sexes being maximum at L1 (0.96 in males and 0.97 in females) and minimum at L5 (1.13 in males and 1.13 in females). LW was higher in males than in females. LW is statistically significant only at L3 level and non significant at all other levels. Positive relationship of LW to age was not found. Conclusion: The study provide the best available estimates of normal LW for the South Indian healthy subjects, which will be helpful to the clinicians, therapists and researchers as ready references to LW in South Indian population. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 30-33 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7648
Role of Computed Tomography in evaluation of Proptosis
Authors: Sharma P , Tiwari PK , Ghimire PG , Ghimire P
Published: February 2013

Background: To analyze the role of Computed Tomography in the evaluation of proptosis. Methods: It is a retrospective review of 30 patients with the history of proptosis who were referred to the department of radiology and imaging for computed tomography of orbit. Computed tomography of orbits was evaluated to assess the nature and extension of the lesion. Final diagnosis was made based on the histopathology, operative findings and clinical outcome. Statistical analysis was carried out with the help of SPSS - 17 to find the accuracy of Computed Tomography. Results: Thirty patients ranging from three to 73 years were included in the study. Mean age was 35.4±19.6 years. Male:Female ratio was 2:1. Most common cause of proptosis was inflammation (47%) followed by tumor. Among the inflammatory causes pseudotumor was the most common type. Other causes of proptosis include tumor (37%), Vascular (10%), Infection (3%) and Trauma (3%). Accuracy of Computed Tomography in the diagnosis of etiology of proptosis was 86.6%. Conclusion: Computed tomography is the simple, cost effective technique in the evaluation of proptosis with the accuracy of 86.6%. Inflammation was the most common cause of proptosis. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 34-37 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7649
Laryngeal malignancy: relation of tumor size and neck node metastasis
Authors: Koirala K , Sharma V
Published: February 2013

Background: Laryngeal malignancy is a common pathological entity. Size of the primary tumor and neck node metastasis both are bad prognostic features. Purpose of this retrospective study is to see if the tumor size of primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma correlates with the neck node metastasis. Methods: Patients of all ages and both sex with biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma of larynx were included in the study. After detailed history taking and clinical examination to identify the size of the primary tumor and neck node metastasis, biopsy was taken from the primary site under general anesthesia. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the palpable neck node(s) was also performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software for windows. Results: Fifty seven new cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with mean age of 72.71 were included in the study. Supra glottic layrnx was the most common site affected. Neck node metastasis was more frequent in tumor of bigger size (higher T stage) and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: The size of primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma correlates with the neck node metastasis. This information can be used for the therapeutic implementation as well. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 48-51 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7652
Amblyopia and amblyopia treatment study
Authors: Shrestha UD , Adhikari S
Published: February 2013

Amblyopia comes from the Greek word meaning dull sight or blunt sight. Amblyopia occurs to abnormal visual experience early in life. It can be both unilateral (U/L) and/or bilateral (B/L). Amblyopia itself produces no change in the appearance of ocular structures, but it nearly always develops in association with some other condition that is evident on physical examination, and which is responsible for abnormal visual experience. It is one of the most common causes of visual impairment in childhood. Unless it is successfully treated in early childhood, amblyopia usually persists into adulthood. In 1997, the pediatric eye disease investigator group (PEDIG) was formed to conduct clinical research in eye disorders affecting children. The studies were conducted through simple protocols with limited data collection and implemented by both university and community based pediatric eye care practitioners as part of their routine practice in USA. Hence PEDIG has laid emphasis on studies of treatment modalities of amblyopia, the Amblyopia Treatment Studies (ATS). The recent general guidelines for occlusion therapy are based on ongoing ATS. New concepts of management on amblyopia are practiced now- a-days based on ATS. This article is an update on amblyopia and its management. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 01 | Jan-Jun 2013 | Page 66-72 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i1.7656
Sensors: Views of Staff of a Disability Service Organization
Authors: Wolbring Gregor , Leopatra Verlyn
Published: February 2013

Sensors have become ubiquitous in their reach and scope of application. They are a technological cornerstone for various modes of health surveillance and participatory medicine—such as quantifying oneself; they are also employed to track people with certain as impairments perceived ability differences. This paper presents quantitative and qualitative data of an exploratory, non-generalizable study into the perceptions, attitudes and concerns of staff of a disability service organization, that mostly serve people with intellectual disabilities, towards the use of various types of sensor technologies that might be used by and with their clients. In addition, perspectives of various types of privacy issues linked to sensors, as well data regarding the concept of quantified self were obtained. Our results highlight the need to involve disabled people and their support networks in sensor and quantified-self discourses, in order to prevent undue disadvantages.
On the shelf resonances of the English Channel and Irish Sea
Authors: Webb D. J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The resonances of the English Channel and Irish Sea are investigated using the methods of Webb (2012) together with an Arakawa C-grid model of the region under study. In the semi-diurnal tidal band, the high tides of the Bristol Channel and Gulf of St. Malo are shown to be due to two shelf resonances which strongly couple the two regions. In the diurnal band, the response is complicated by the presence of continental shelf waves.
Early Exploratory Intervention in Scrotal Trauma
Authors: Bocchi Francesca , Benecchi Luigi , Russo Fabrizio , Perucchini Laura , Bocchi Pietro , Martinotti Mario , Del Boca Carlo
Published: February 2013

Introduction

The aim of our study is to assess the incidence of the surgical approach in scrotal trauma.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively assessed both penetrating and blunt cases of scrotal trauma observed from 2002 to 2012. For each case we considered various parameters such as the age of the patient, whether the type of trauma was penetrating or blunt, whether or not a surgical approach was taken, whether or not there were polytrauma, whether or not an orchiectomy was performed, and how many days had elapsed since the first urological observation of the trauma.

Results

43 cases of scrotal trauma were assessed, of which 39 were blunt traumas (90%) and four penetrating traumas (10%). The median age of all patients was 29 years (range 4–88). Of these patients, eight underwent surgical procedures, of which three were cases of penetrating scrotal trauma and five were cases of blunt trauma, with an average age of 20. We only found it necessary to carry out an orchiectomy in two of these patients, of which one was after penetrating trauma and the other after blunt trauma. Most of the blunt traumas did not require surgery (8 versus 35, p<0.05).

Conclusions

In our case studies, in the majority of cases early exploratory intervention in scrotal trauma allows the testicle to be saved in its entirety or at least in part.
Serine Proteinases Secreted by Two Isolates of the Fungus Alternaria solani
Authors: Tatiana A. Valueva  , Natalia N. Kudryavtseva  , Ekaterina L. Gvozdeva  , Alexis V. Sof’in  , Natalia Yu. Il’ina  , Marina A. Pobedinskaya  , Sergei N. Elansky
Published: February 2013

It is well-known Alternaria solani Sorauer is the causative agent of alternariosis. In this paper, serine proteinases secretion by two genetically related isolates of the fungus, collected from potato and tomato plants grown in central Russia have been studied. The data clarify functions of these enzymes in the process of pathogenesis in which they can play a pivotal role. Also, the data should allow classifying Alternaria’s strains more precisely. It was found that the two isolates produced trypsin-like and subtilisin-like proteinases during growth both in synthetic culture medium and in medium containing heat-stable vegetable proteins. There were significant differences in the influence of the environment on the serine proteinase secretion by the potato and tomato isolates of A. solani. The proportion of such serine proteinases as trypsin-like and subtilisin-like enzymes depends on the composition of the growth medium, especially on the available organic nitrogen form, as well as features both of the pathogenic fungus and of the host plant. So, the tomato isolate demonstrated weak growth and low level or absence of serine proteinase excretion on cultivation with the medium containing proteins extracted from potato tubers and pea seeds. The potato isolate secreted many more serine proteinases, among which the trypsin-like enzymes dominated. Our data suggest that the tomato isolate, when grown on medium with proteins extracted from potato tubers, lost pathogenicity and became to behave as a saprophyte, while the potato isolate retained its pathogenic properties on growth on any tested medium.
Changes in mortality and causes of death in the Swedish Down syndrome population
Authors: Englund Annika , Jonsson Björn , Zander Cecilia Soussi , Gustafsson Jan , Annerén Göran
Published: February 2013

During the past few decades age at death for individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has increased dramatically. The birth frequency of infants with DS has long been constant in Sweden. Thus, the prevalence of DS in the population is increasing. The aim of the present study was to analyze mortality and causes of death in individuals with DS during the period 1969–2003. All individuals with DS that died between 1969 and 2003 in Sweden, and all individuals born with DS in Sweden between 1974 and 2003 were included. Data were obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Swedish Birth Defects Register, and the National Cause of Death Register. Median age at death has increased by 1.8 years per year. The main cause of death was pneumonia. Death from congenital heart defects decreased. Death from atherosclerosis was rare but more frequent than reported previously. Dementia was not reported in any subjects with DS before 40 years of age, but was a main or contributing cause of death in 30% of the older subjects. Except for childhood leukemia, cancer as a cause of death was rare in all age groups. Mortality in DS, particularly infant mortality, has decreased markedly during the past decades. Median age at death is increasing and is now almost 60 years. Death from cancer is rare in DS, but death from dementia is common. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Host cell protein analysis in therapeutic protein bioprocessing – methods and applications
Authors: Tscheliessnig Anne Luise , Konrath Julita , Bates Ron , Jungbauer Alois
Published: February 2013

The analysis of host cell proteins (HCPs) is one of the most important analytical requirements during bioprocess development of therapeutic moieties. In this review, we focus on the comparison of different methods for the analysis of HCPs and how cell lines, fermentation conditions, and unit operations influence HCP distribution during the process chain. Current guidelines typically require reduction of HCPs to the ppm level, depending on the intended use, the route of administration of the product, and the production system. A range of immunospecific and non‐specific methods are available that have been globally accepted by regulatory bodies. Immunospecific methods, such as ELISA, are simple to use in routine analysis and can quantify low levels of HCPs when specific antibodies are available. Non‐specific methods are more complex; however, they provide a holistic view of the HCP profile and qualitative information of the composition of HCP in the sample. Different methods for the comparison of bioprocessing strategies during scale‐up and purification development are compared herein. The methods include immunospecific methods, such as ELISA, western blot, and threshold, and non‐specific methods, such as 2D‐DIGE and 2D‐HPLC combined with MS.
Synthesis and characterization of novel brush copolymers with biodegradable polyphosphoester side chains for gene delivery
Authors: Hao Ying , He Jinlin , Zhang Mingzu , Tao Yunfeng , Liu Jian , Ni Peihong
Published: February 2013

A novel kind of pH‐sensitive brush copolymer [poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐graft‐poly(ethylethylene phosphate)]‐block‐poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] [(PHEMA‐g‐PEEP)‐b‐PDMAEMA] with biodegradable polyphosphoester as the side chains, and its self‐assembled aggregates were developed for nonviral gene delivery. The brush copolymers were synthesized via a combination of single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization and ring‐opening polymerization. The chemical structures of these brush copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR measurements. The critical aggregation concentration values of (PHEMA‐g‐PEEP)‐b‐PDMAEMA in pH 7.4 buffer solution were determined by the fluorescence probe technique. The interaction of (PHEMA‐g‐PEEP)‐b‐PDMAEMA and DNA was studied by agarose gel retardation assay, and the formed complexes were further investigated by means of zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy measurements. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity and transfection tests indicated that these brush copolymers showed low toxicity and favorable transfection efficiency to HeLa cells. All these results demonstrated that these biocompatible brush copolymers may be a promising candidate as nonviral polymeric gene vector. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
New directions in single polymer dynamics
Authors: Marciel Amanda B. , Schroeder Charles M.
Published: February 2013

Single polymer techniques are a powerful set of molecular‐level tools that enable the direct observation of polymer chain dynamics under highly non‐equilibrium conditions. In this way, single polymer methods have been used to uncover fundamentally new information regarding the static and dynamic properties of polymeric materials. However, to achieve the full potential of these new methods, single polymer techniques must be further advanced to enable the study of polymers with complex architectures, heterogeneous chemistries, flexible backbones, and intermolecular interactions in entangled solutions, which reaches far beyond the current state‐of‐the‐art. In this article, we explore recent developments in the area of single polymer physics, including single molecule force spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy, and we further highlight exciting new directions in the field. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013
A hybrid NFC–Bluetooth secure protocol for Credit Transfer among mobile phones
Authors: Monteiro David M. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Lloret Jaime , Sendra Sandra
Published: February 2013

The next‐generation networks improve people's quality of life with new services and applications. The evolution of Internet technologies also promoted the development of electronic commerce and the evolution of mobile payments. Near field communication (NFC) was proposed as a new short‐range wireless technology and can play an important role in such issues. Money transactions among mobile devices could play an important role in a near future in order to simplify and perform such operations safely. Furthermore, it is important that tasks are easy to perform. Then, this paper presents a mobile solution based on a peer‐to‐peer communication system for money transfer, based on NFC and Bluetooth communications. A hybrid communication protocol combining the security characteristics of NFC and better Bluetooth data transfer rates is proposed. The proposal was deployed in real environments, and it was evaluated, demonstrated, and validated with different NFC tags and the Bluetooth traffic was also analyzed. It was shown that system presents good response times. The solution offers a friendly user's interface and very easy to use, guaranteeing the security of money transfer, and it is ready for use. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternative neuronal method for non-analytic pseudo-potentials in a charge-varying dusty plasma with trapped dust grains
Authors: GOUGAM L. AIT , TRIBECHE M. , MEKIDECHE F. , SHUKLA P. K.
Published: February 2013

Solitary waves are investigated in a charge-varying dusty plasma involving dust trapping. A potentially useful neuronal method that may handle a wide variety of non-analytic pseudo-potentials is used. This method could be advantageously exploited in rendering a cumbersome pseudo-potential analytically more tractable. Making use of the approximate Sagdeev pseudo-potential, our results show the possibility of development of localized dust structures in a dusty plasma with variable charge trapped dust grains.
Peculiarities of surface plasmons in quantum plasmas
Authors: TYSHETSKIY YURIY O. , VLADIMIROV S. V. , KOMPANEETS R.
Published: February 2013

Surface plasmons (SP) in a semi-bounded quantum plasma with degenerate electrons (e.g. a metal) are considered, and some interesting consequences of electron Pauli blocking for the SP dispersion and temporal attenuation are discussed. In particular, it is demonstrated that a semi-bounded degenerate plasma with a sharp boundary supportstwotypes of SP with distinct frequencies and qualitatively different temporal attenuation, in contrast to a non-degenerate hot plasma that only supports one type of SP.
Familial Resemblance in Religiousness in a Secular Society: A Twin Study
Authors: Hvidtjørn Dorte , Petersen Inge , Hjelmborg Jacob , Skytthe Axel , Christensen Kaare , Hvidt Niels C.
Published: February 2013

It is well known that human behavior and individual psychological traits are moderately to substantially heritable. Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies have explored the genetic and environmental influence on religiousness. These studies originate predominantly from countries generally considered more religious than the very secular northern European countries. Comparisons of the results are complicated by diverse definitions of religiousness, but several studies indicate that the influence of the family environment is most predominant in early life, whereas genetic influences increase with age. We performed a population-based twin study of religiousness in a secular society using data from a Web-based survey sent to 6,707 Danish twins born 1970–1989, who were identified in the Danish Twin Registry. We applied Fishman's three conceptual dimensions of religiousness: cognition, practice, and importance. In all polygenic models and biometric analyses, we controlled for gender and age. The study sample comprised 2,237 same sex twins, a response rate of 45%. We found high correlations within both monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs in most items of religiousness, indicating a large influence from shared environmental factors. Personal religiousness such as praying to God, believing in God, and finding strength and comfort in religion were more influenced by genetic factors than were social forms of religiousness such as church attendance. We found a small tendency for increasing genetic influence with increasing age for some religious items, but not for all.