bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Imaging Studies Performed in Children Over a Nine-Year Period
Authors: Tompane Trevor , Bush Ruth , Dansky Tanya , Huang Jeannie S.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Diagnostic imaging procedures (DIPs) producing radiation exposure in children have been associated with increased cancer risk. To develop effective clinical practice interventions that reduce pediatric radiation exposure, a longitudinal assessment of DIP ordering practices in the current clinical climate was performed. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of DIPs ordered by physicians in an independent physicians association treating a general pediatric population.

METHODS:

DIP insurance claims from 2001 to 2009 were obtained from an independent physicians association in a large metropolitan area. Current Procedural Terminology codes, associated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, and patient demographics associated with DIPs were retrieved from insurance claim data and analyzed.

RESULTS:

Overall, 214 538 DIPs were performed on 63 116 children from 2001 to 2009 at a rate of 1 DIP associated with ionizing radiation per 21 patient-months. Over the study period, performance of computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound, and radiography all significantly increased (P < .001 for all). Higher radiation DIPs were most frequently performed in the inpatient and emergency settings on older boy patients for gastrointestinal and congenital disorders. The 3 most common International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes associated with higher radiation DIPs were abdominal pain, headache, and head injury.

CONCLUSIONS:

DIPs are frequently performed in children and higher radiation DIPs account for an increasing proportion of DIPs performed, especially among children evaluated in the inpatient and emergency department settings and those with gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms, and congenital anomalies. Our findings may help guide development of clinical practice interventions to reduce DIP-related radiation exposure in youth.
Modelling of ballast–geogrid interaction using the discrete-element method
Authors: Ferellec J.-F. , McDowell G.R.
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT: The interaction between geogrid and ballast is investigated using the discrete-element method (DEM). The DEM used can take into account the real shape of ballast stones. The paper shows that it is possible to reproduce the mechanical behaviour of real geogrids by bonding an array of spheres with bonds that can transmit forces and moments. Pullout test simulations using both spheres and realistic shapes (‘clumps') for the ballast material are used to determine the influence of the shape of ballast stones on the ballast–geogrid interlock. The paper shows that better interlocking between geogrid and ballast is achieved with realistic particles and highlights the importance of modelling accurately the shape of the particles.
Prediction of scour at abutments using piecewise regression
Authors: Etemad-Shahidi Amir , Rohani Mohammad Sadegh
Published: December 2012

Scour is one of the main causes of bridge failure and scour depth prediction is thus a very important issue. Although many studies have been carried out to develop formulas for the prediction of scour depth at abutments, the existing formulas do not yield accurate results, mainly due to the complexity of the scour phenomena around abutments. This paper reports on a study of abutment scour using piecewise multiple linear regression analysis. First, scour depth data were collected from the literature and the existing formulas were evaluated and compared. To develop new formulas, the conventional governing parameters were selected as the independent variables. The piecewise multiple linear regression technique was applied to investigate the relationship between dimensionless scour depth and the governing dimensionless parameters in several subdomains. Errors of the proposed formula and previous models were also compared. Compared with existing formulas, the error measures in the proposed method show a significant improvement in prediction accuracy.
Applying a Multivariate Statistical Analysis Model to Evaluate the Water Quality of a Watershed
Authors: Wu Edward Ming‐Yang , Kuo Shu‐Lung
Published: December 2012

Multivariate statistics have been applied to evaluate the water quality data collected at six monitoring stations in the Feitsui Reservoir watershed of Taipei, Taiwan. The objective is to evaluate the mutual correlations among the various water quality parameters to reveal the primary factors that affect reservoir water quality, and the differences among the various water quality parameters in the watershed. In this study, using water quality samples collected over a period of two and a half years will effectively raise the efficacy and reliability of the factor analysis results. This will be a valuable reference for managing water pollution in the watershed. Additionally, results obtained using the proposed theory and method to analyze and interpret statistical data must be examined to verify their similarity to field data collected on the stream geographical and geological characteristics, the physical and chemical phenomena of stream self‐purification, and the stream hydrological phenomena. In this research, the water quality data has been collected over two and a half years so that sufficient sets of water quality data are available to increase the stability, effectiveness, and reliability of the final factor analysis results. These data sets can be valuable references for managing, regulating, and remediating water pollution in a reservoir watershed.
Nitrogen Removal in Constructed Wetlands Using Nitritation/Anammox and Nitrification/ Denitrification: Effects of Influent Nitrogen Concentration
Authors: Tao Wendong , Wen Jianfeng , Han Youl , Huchzermeier Matthew P.
Published: December 2012

Simultaneous nitritation/anammox and nitrification/denitrification (SNAND) is a promising method to increase nitrogen removal from ammonium‐ and nitrate‐rich wastewater. This study examined the effects of influent nitrogen concentrations on plant assimilation and microbial nitrogen removal via SNAND in three free water surface wetlands. Anammox and denitrification contributed 78 and 22%, respectively, of microbial removal of total inorganic nitrogen (TIN). Nitrogen removal rates increased with influent concentrations in the low ranges of 17 to 105 mg N/L ammonium and 51 to 179 mg N/L TIN. However, nitrogen removal rates appeared to decrease with influent concentrations in the high ranges of 248 to 293 mg N/L ammonium and 348 to 391 mg N/L TIN. Plant growth was negatively affected when influent ammonium concentration exceeded 46 to 76 mg N/L. Plant assimilation contributed 11 to 47% toward TIN removal at low influent ammonium concentrations (42 to 76 mg N/L) and 4% at high influent ammonium concentrations (mean 264 mg N/L).
Assessment of Nutritional Value of Single‐Cell Protein from Waste‐Activated Sludge as a Protein Supplement in Poultry Feed
Authors: Nkhalambayausi‐Chirwa Evans M. , Lebitso Moses T.
Published: December 2012

The amount of protein wasted through sludge in Gauteng, South Africa, amounts to 95 000 metric tonne/yr, with the order of magnitude of the national protein requirement of approximately 145 000 metric tonne/yr. Waste‐activated sludge (WAS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that treat domestic wastewater contains protein in a ratio of 2:1 against fishmeal. This protein source has not been utilized because of the high content of toxic heavy metals and other potential carcinogenic pollutants in the sludge. In this study, a pretreatment method of modified aqua regia dilute acid wash was used to lower the metal content by approximately 60%. However, this resulted in a 33% loss of amino acids in the acid‐washed WAS. A feed substitution test in poultry with different fishmeal‐sludge ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% WAS as percent substitution of fishmeal) showed no impact of sludge single‐cell protein (SCP) on mortality rate. However, sludge substitution in the feed yielded weight gains and cost savings up to 46%.
Mortality Salience and Symbols of Cultural Worldview Affect the Desirability of a Stressful Job: The Ironic Consequences of Terror Management
Authors: Wirth-Petrik Brittney , Guenther R. Kim
Published: December 2012

In a study of terror management theory, participants first responded to prompts asking them to imagine their own death or dental pain and later rated the desirability of a generic job described explicitly as extremely stressful. The job description included either an American or foreign company logo. As predicted by terror management theory, the participants shown an American logo ironically desired the stressful job more, having been prompted with reminders of death than with reminders of dental pain. This study is the first to examine terror management theory's prediction of the influence of symbols of cultural worldview on health-related decisions. The authors discuss possible implications of the findings for making unintentionally stress-inducing decisions and for public health campaigns.
Early Evidence for Factorial Structure of the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory in Italian Children
Authors: Riso Daniela Di , Delvecchio Elisa , Lis Adriana , Chessa Daphne , Eisen Andrew R.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to explore the internal consistency and confirm the factor structure of the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory for Children (SASI–C) in a community sample of 329 Italian children, ages 6 to 10 years. A confirmatory factor analysis yielded two interpretable factors. Correlations between scores for the SASI–C and the Italian Fear Survey Schedule for Children were calculated to estimate convergent validity; medium effect sizes are hypothesized. Implications regarding the clinical utility of the SASI–C are discussed.
Analysis of Dimensions of Prosocial Behavior in an Argentinean Sample of Children
Authors: Richaud María C. , Mesurado Belén , Cortada Ana Kohan
Published: December 2012

This study assessed how many motivational factors were required to explain scores for prosocial behavior, as measured by the Spanish version of the Prosocial Tendencies Measure. A sample of 472 middle class children and adolescents, both sexes, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, completed the Prosocial Tendencies Measure. This instrument presents prosocial behavior in six types: altruistic, compliant, emotional, public, anonymous, and dire. However, there is evidence that there should be a valid four-factor solution. To verify which factor structure better fit the empirical data obtained, two confirmatory analyses were performed. The results suggest that a four-factor structure (altruistic, public, anonymous, and responsive) is a more parsimonious explanation of the prosocial responses, compared to a six-factor solution. Finally the correlations between the four dimensions reinforced the hypothesis that altruism is the only prosocial behaviour that is selflessly motivated.
Students' Perceptions of School Climate and Trait Test Anxiety
Authors: Liu Yang Yang
Published: December 2012

In a sample of 916 Chinese high school students, the relations among the students' perceptions of school climate and their trait test anxiety were examined. The results indicated that students' perceptions of teacher-student relationships and student-student relationships negatively predicted their trait test anxiety. Furthermore, girls had higher scores on trait test anxiety than boys.
Anhedonia in Kraepelinian Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Fertout Eva , Scoury Daphnée , Lefebvre Olivier , Kouidrat Youssef , Loas Gwenolé
Published: December 2012

Kraepelinian schizophrenia, defined as a severe form of the disease, is characterized by a high number of negative symptoms and less depression, respectively. The relationship between anhedonia and Kraepelinian schizophrenia was explored. Depressive and trait anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia were compared in Kraepelinian ( n = 10, M age 49.2 yr., SD = 10.8) and non-Kraepelinian ( n = 23, M age = 42.7 yr., SD = 10.8) patients with schizophrenia. The Kraepelinian group had more anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia than the non-Kraepelinian group. The two groups did not differ on depressive anhedonia or depression.
Use of a Relaxation Technique by Mothers of Children with Autism: A Case-Series Study
Authors: Gika Danai M. , Artemiadis Artemios K. , Alexopoulos Evangelos C. , Darviri Christina , Papanikolaou Katerina , Chrousos George P.
Published: December 2012

Mothers of children with autism are subject to considerable stress by having to adjust to the disorder and to cope with practical and social issues. Evidence on the effects of relaxation training on stress of these mothers is scarce. The purpose of this pilot case-series study was to examine the role of a simple 6-week daily stress management technique on mothers of children with autism. Mothers' stress measurements and children's functionality were assessed using validated instruments. Participants were 11 mothers of children with autism seen consecutively in the autism clinic of a children's hospital. Statistically significant median reductions of perceived and parental stress were noted after the 6-week intervention. Median stress scores were lower by 37.1% and 33% from the baseline values of the perceived stress scale and parental stress index, respectively. Stress was not significantly correlated with children's functioning. Stress management seems to have benefits for mothers of children with autism.
Psychological Well-Being, Family Relations, and Developmental Issues of Children Left Behind
Authors: Valtolina Giovanni G. , Colombo Chiara
Published: December 2012

The phrase “children left behind” refers to minors who are left in their home country while one or both of their parents emigrate for work for at least six months. From a quantitative point of view, children left behind in countries with strong migratory pressure are many. Separation of families in migration is tied to implications about well-being of the people involved—mainly the children—and of the communities to which they belong. The emotional neglect felt by these children is associated with lack of affection and physical intimacy. Through a review of the literature, the purpose of this paper was to show that distress in this pattern of deprivation is manifested by the children in several ways and in different contexts: low school performance, drop-out from school, conflicts with teachers and peers, anxiety, low self-esteem, tendency to feel depressed, apathy, suicidal behaviour, and substance abuse.
Fingerprinting of Chemical Admixtures in Fresh Portland Cement Concrete by Portable Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Yut Iliya , Zofka Adam
Published: December 2012

The ongoing second SHRP 2 R06-B project entitled Evaluating Applications of Field Spectroscopy Devices to Fingerprint Commonly Used Construction Materials conducted at the University of Connecticut targets, among other objectives, the identification and quantification of chemical admixtures in portland cement concrete (PCC). The two specific objectives for the PCC study are (a) the applicability of portable infrared spectrometers for identification of the admixtures in fresh concrete under field conditions and (b) the feasibility of tracking interaction between hydration products during PCC setting. In the first phase of the study, four admixtures (air entrainer, retarder, accelerator, and super-plasticizer) were tested to establish their chemical signature in the infrared and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The fingerprinting of the admixtures was performed with a portable attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The second phase concerned evaluating freshly mixed PCC samples prepared with each admixture separately in the amount prescribed by the manufacturer. Chemical changes in the PCC samples were tracked over the 6-h period by the portable ATR spectrometer. Quantitative analysis of the ATR spectra allowed for evaluating the effect of chemical admixtures on hydration activity in PCC.
Effects of Deicing Salt Solutions on Physical Properties of Pavement Concretes
Authors: Jain Jitendra , Olek Jan , Janusz Anna , Jozwiak-Niedzwiedzka Daria
Published: December 2012

Salt solutions are used on pavement surfaces during wintry weather events to ensure safe driving conditions. In addition to sodium chloride (NaCl), which continues to be traditionally used as a deicer, solutions of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) are being increasingly used to provide a more consistent ice and snow control and thus ensure safe driving. This paper assesses the effects of three salt solutions (NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2) on several physical and mechanical properties of pavement concretes. These deicing solutions were used under simulated wetting–drying (W-D) and freezing–thawing (F-T) exposure regimes with total ion concentration of the deicers of 10.5 molal for W-D exposure and 5.5 molal for F-T exposure. Two types of concretes were used in the study: ordinary portland cement concrete and fly ash concrete, in which 20% (by mass) of cement was replaced by Class C fly ash. The physical changes of cylindrical specimens subjected to the W-D regime were monitored by ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements after every 2 weeks of exposure until the end of the test. At the end of the W-D exposure period, the same test cylinders were used to obtain the compressive strength of the concrete. The results of all measurements, combined with visual observations of the overall condition of the specimen, were used to assess the relative effect of deicers (and the exposure conditions) on both types of concretes. The overall findings from this research indicated that exposure to the CaCl2 deicer resulted, in general, in more severe changes in the physical and mechanical properties of both types of concrete used in this study.
Performance of Concrete Incorporating Stone Industry Waste as Aggregates
Authors: Rashwan Mohamed H. , Abou-Zeid Mohamed Nagib
Published: December 2012

Scarcity of nonrenewable natural resources is stipulating the adoption of global sustainable approaches to ensure better utilization of resources. Abrasion mechanisms take place on concrete surfaces, such as pavements and hydraulic structures, as a result of mechanical wear, scour, erosion, and cavitation. Adequate attention has not been paid to the incorporation of coarse aggregate by-products from the stone industry in concrete used for building transportation infrastructures. This paper evaluates the performance of concrete mixtures that incorporate coarse aggregate by-products of the stone industry for their resistance to abrasion. Twenty-four concrete mixtures were prepared with two types of granite and one type of basalt coarse aggregates procured from the waste of stone processing factories in Egypt. Two coarse aggregate sizes were used: 9.5 and 19 mm. The three mixture sets were compared to a control set prepared with dolomite as coarse aggregate. Fresh and hardened concrete tests as well as two abrasion tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical wear and underwater abrasion resistance of the concrete. The results revealed that the stone by-products were suitable for concrete used in highly abrasive environments. Some mixtures, such as the one made with gray granite, had superior strength as well as enhanced abrasion resistance. Such by-products are underutilized by the applicators. It is recommended that this work be further pursued on a wider scale with greater focus on economical and environmental merits as well as other long-term properties.
Laboratory and Full-Scale Evaluation of 4.75-mm Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size Superpave Overlay
Authors: Li Xinjun , Gibson Nelson , Qi Xicheng , Clark Trenton , McGhee Kevin
Published: December 2012

A 4.75-mm nominal maximum aggregate size Superpave® mix developed by the Virginia Department of Transportation was placed as a thin treatment over existing, aged sections in an accelerated pavement test facility. Half the loaded wheelpath was paved with and half without the treatment to explore rutting susceptibility and quantify the ability to defer cracking. Loose mix was collected during construction to verify the mix design and for laboratory dynamic modulus, flow number, Hamburg wheel tracking, and axial fatigue testing. The mix was produced according to the volumetric specifications, but the in-place density was higher than the target. Although laboratory tests indicated poor resistance to rutting, full-scale performance illustrated that the total rutting in the treated sections was equal to or less than the total rutting in the sections without the overlay. Top-down cracking was significantly delayed as a result of the presence of the thin overlay, but once the pavement sections were aged and brittle, the treatment could not delay cracking.
Relationship between Binder and Mixture Damage Resistance at Intermediate and Low Temperatures
Authors: Clopotel Cristian S. , Velasquez Raul , Bahia Hussain U. , Pérez-Jiménez Félix , Miró Rodrigo , Botella Ramon
Published: December 2012

The importance of binder performance in mixture response to accelerated fatigue loading and thermal cracking was investigated. Binder fatigue performance was measured by means of the linear amplitude sweep test, and fatigue properties of the mixtures were investigated by performing a strain sweep test. The low-temperature properties of the binders were investigated by measuring the glass transition temperature and fracture properties with the single-edge notched beam (SENB) test. The mixtures' fracture properties were investigated by using the FENIX test. The experimental matrix for this study included unmodified and modified binders and limestone aggregates. A good correlation between binder and mixture fracture energy was observed at low temperatures. This good correlation indicates the importance of the fracture response of the binder to the overall low-temperature cracking performance of the mixture. Experimental results suggest that a significant part of the variation of the fracture energy of the mixture can be explained by the binder fracture properties. Good correlations were also obtained for the displacement at maximum load in the SENB and FENIX tests. Similar accelerated fatigue responses for binders and mixtures were observed when the stresses and strains were normalized. Significant reduction in stress occurred at about the same normalized strain in the binder and mixture. The mixture had remaining strength after reaching peak stress, probably as a result of the aggregate structure.
Effect of Binder Types on Engineering Properties and Performance of Porous Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Chen Jian-Shiuh , Sun Yang-Chou , Liao Min-Chih , Huang Chien-Chung
Published: December 2012

Porous asphalt concrete (PAC) has an open-graded aggregate mixture to yield high air voids; PAC is mainly applied to the surface drainage layer on high-speed trafficked highway pavements. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of binder types on the engineering properties and field performance of PAC mixtures. Three binder types were selected for a 19-mm nominal maximum aggregate size gradation: conventional asphalt AR-80, polymer-modified asphalt, and high-viscosity asphalt. A series of laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the engineering properties of the PAC mixture, including permeability, resistance to draindown, resistance to disintegration, resistance to rutting, and resistance to indirect traction. A 3-km in-service test road was constructed to monitor the performance of PAC pavements using these three binders. Polymer-modified binder was shown to minimize abrasion loss and enhance the durability of the PAC mixture. Test results indicated that the use of polymer-modified binder, instead of unmodified binder, reduced rutting and raveling. When the mixture contained high-viscosity binder, it showed the best performance in the field. Field measurements indicated improved drainage as a result of replacement of the conventional asphalt AR-80 binder with the polymer-modified and high-viscosity binders. PAC pavement surfaces provided good frictional characteristics once the asphalt binder film was worn from the aggregate.
Prediction of Stiffness of Asphalt Treated with Surfactant-Based Warm-Mix Additive
Authors: Crews Everett , Newton David T. , Gandhi Tejash , Rice Courtney A.
Published: December 2012

Although the tonnage of asphalt pavements constructed with warm-mix technologies has increased rapidly in the United States in recent years, some practical aspects of warm-mix asphalt pavement construction remain incompletely defined. For example, compaction temperatures for many warm-mix technologies cannot be estimated with the standard equiviscous methods common to hot-mix asphalt. This paper reports the preliminary results of research to develop a method for predicting the stiffness (G*/sin δ) of binder treated with a surfactant-based warm-mix additive as a function of mix production temperature, mix storage and haul time, and warm-mix additive dosage. Asphalt binders were treated in the laboratory with 0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0% of surfactant-based warm-mix additive and were heated in a rolling thin-film oven at 130°C, 145°C, and 163°C for 0, 25, 55, 85, and 115 min. Regression analyses of the laboratory data yielded equations that with good fit correlated binder stiffness with the formulation (dosage) and process variables (aging temperature and time). The predictive value of these laboratory-developed equations was found to be good when the measured stiffness of binder extracted from field mix obtained at the paver was compared with binder stiffness calculated with the laboratory-developed equations by using the plant mix temperature, total storage and haul time, and surfactant dosage.
Effect of Healing on Fatigue Law Parameters of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Stimilli Arianna , Hintz Cassie , Li Zhijun , Velasquez Raul , Bahia Hussain U.
Published: December 2012

Asphalt binder has the ability to self-heal during rest periods when repetitive loading is applied. Studying the effect of rest on fatigue law parameters provides useful insight into the healing capabilities of asphalt binders. Currently, standard testing and analysis procedures to quantify asphalt binder healing capability are limited and difficult to implement in practice. Fatigue is known to depend on both traffic loading and pavement structure. Power law relations (e.g., Nf = Aγ−B) are commonly used for fatigue analysis of pavement materials. Power laws are used to estimate fatigue life (i.e., number of cycles to failure, Nf) as a function of load amplitude (e.g., strain, γ), which is a reflection of the pavement structure. In this study, testing consisted of strain-controlled time sweeps in the dynamic shear rheometer with a single rest period inserted at a specified damage level. With the selected test, the effect of healing on the relationship between fatigue life and strain was investigated. Nine neat and modified binders were tested. Healing testing was conducted at multiple age levels and strains. Healing that resulted from a single rest period had an insignificant effect on fatigue performance compared with modification and oxidative aging. Although this paper highlights the challenges of using few rest periods to predict healing potential, preliminary results of testing with multiple rest periods show the importance of healing. Further investigation is needed to verify the effect of multiple rest periods on binder fatigue.
Porous Asphalt Pavement Temperature Effects for Urban Heat Island Analysis
Authors: Stempihar Jeffrey J. , Pourshams-Manzouri Tina , Kaloush Kamil E. , Rodezno Maria Carolina
Published: December 2012

Increased nighttime temperatures caused by retained heat in urban areas is a phenomenon known as the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Urbanization requires an increase in pavement surface area, which contributes to UHI as a result of unfavorable heat retention properties. In recent years, alternative pavement designs have become more common in an attempt to mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization. Specifically, porous pavements are gaining popularity in the paving industry because of their attractive storm water mitigation and friction properties. However, little information regarding the thermal behavior of these materials is available. This paper explores the extent to which porous asphalt pavement influences pavement temperatures and investigates the impact on UHI by considering the diurnal temperature cycle. A one-dimensional pavement temperature model developed at Arizona State University was used to model surface temperatures of porous asphalt, traditional dense-graded asphalt, and portland cement concrete pavements. Scenarios included variations in pavement thickness, structure, and albedo. Thermal conductivity testing was performed on porous asphalt mixtures to obtain values for current and future analysis. In general, porous asphalt exhibited higher daytime surface temperatures than the other pavements because of the reduced thermal energy transfer from the surface to subsurface layers. However, porous asphalt showed the lowest nighttime temperatures compared with other materials with a similar or higher albedo. This trend can be attributed to the unique insulating properties of this material, which result from a high air void content. As anticipated, the outcome of this study indicated that pavement impact on UHI is a complex problem and that important interactions between influencing factors such as pavement thickness, structure, material type, and albedo must be considered.
Is There any Association Between CagA+ H. Pylori Infection and Histopathological Types of Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Hansen Md. Ali , Ahad Md. Abdul , Rahman Md. Habibur , Bhuiyan Md. Sohorab Hossain , Khan Md. Amjad Hossain
Published: December 2012

Enormous studies have been conducted worldwide regarding CagA+ status of H. pylori in gastric carcinoma. But no study relating CagA+ status and gastric carcinoma has been carried out in our country yet. Thus, this study has been designed to see the association between CagA+ H. Pylori infection and histopathological types of gastric carcinoma. For this purpose, a total number of 80 (eighty) patients were selected. Of the 80 (eighty) patients 40 (forty) were selected as cases (malignant) and the remainder 40 (forty) were selected as controls (non-malignant). H. pylori was detected by applying non-invasive (H. pylori IgG serology and CagA IgG serology) and invasive (Histology and rapid urease test) technique. Of them Histology was done by Modified giemsa stain which was regarded as gold standard, CagA IgG was detected by ELISA method. Study reveals that there is no significant difference between histologic sub-types (Intestinal vs. Diffuse) of gastric carcinoma in relation with H. pylori positivity and present study also shows that there is no significant difference among the sites of lesion regarding H. pylori positivity. In this study, we see that among the 40 cases, 35(thirty five) possess the CagA+ H. pylori strain. And among the 40 controls, 33(thirty three) bear the CagA+ H. pylori strain. Here case-control difference is insignificant regarding CagA IgG status.The present study supports the view of an association of H. pylori infection with both intestinal and diffuse types of gastric cancer. It may be possible that H. pylori may be causally related to both forms of gastriccancer via unknown mechanism or this finding may be due to small sample size. In this study, no significant difference between case and control on the point of CagA IgG status was found. There are sufficient papers in favor of it-which argues that CagA positivity as well as H. pylori positivity is not the sole causative agent of gastric carcinoma. If so,it merely acts as an initiator.However,it is being left open for the future researchers to prove or to disprove it. Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 62-69 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12435
Electro-Kinetic Pumping with Slip Irreversibility in Heat Exchange of CSP-Powered Bio-Digester Assemblies
Authors: Ogedengbe Emmanuel , Rosen Marc
Published: December 2012

Parametric studies of the effects of slip irreversibility in concentrating solar power (CSP)-powered bio-digester assemblies are investigated. Complexities regarding the identification of the appropriate electro-kinetic phenomena for certain electrolyte phases are reviewed. The application of exergy analysis to the design of energy conversion devices, like solar thermal collectors, for the required heat of formation in a downdraft waste food bio-digester, is discussed. Thermal management in the silicon-based substrate of the energy system is analyzed. The rectangular-shaped micro-channels are simulated with a finite-volume, staggered coupling of the pressure-velocity fields. Entropy generation transport within the energy system is determined and coupled with the solution procedure. Consequently, the effects of channel size perturbation, Reynolds number, and pressure ratios on the thermal performance and exergy destruction are presented. A comparative analysis of the axial heat conduction for thermal management in energy conversion devices is proposed.
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Burkholderia gladioli pv. agaricicola against Some Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Elshafie Hazem , Camele Ippolito , Racioppi Rocco , Scrano Laura , Iacobellis Nicola , Bufo Sabino
Published: December 2012

The trend to search novel microbial natural biocides has recently been increasing in order to avoid the environmental pollution from use of synthetic pesticides. Among these novel natural biocides are the bioactive secondary metabolites of Burkholderia gladioli pv. agaricicola (Bga). The aim of this study is to determine antifungal activity of Bga strains against some phytopathogenic fungi. The fungicidal tests were carried out using cultures and cell-free culture filtrates against Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium expansum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Phytophthora cactorum. Results demonstrated that all tested strains exert antifungal activity against all studied fungi by producing diffusible metabolites which are correlated with their ability to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. All strains significantly reduced the growth of studied fungi and the bacterial cells were more bioactive than bacterial filtrates. All tested Bulkholderia strains produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which inhibited the fungal growth and reduced the growth rate of Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. GC/MS analysis of VOCs emitted by strain Bga 11096 indicated the presence of a compound that was identified as 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclohexene, a liquid hydrocarbon classified as cyclic terpene. This compound could be responsible for the antifungal activity, which is also in agreement with the work of other authors.
Secondary Metabolites from the Roots of Beilschmiedia tsangii and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Huang Yun-Ting , Chang Hsun-Shuo , Wang Guei-Jane , Lin Chu-Hung , Chen Ih-Sheng
Published: December 2012

Four new endiandric acid analogues, tsangibeilin C (1), tsangibeilin D (2), tricyclotsangibeilin (3) and endiandric acid M (4), one new lignan, beilschminol B (5) and two new sesquiterpenes, (+)-5-hydroxybarbatenal (6) and (4R,5R)-4,5-dihydroxycaryophyll-8(13)-ene (7), together with four known compounds (8–11), were isolated from the roots of Beilschmiedia tsangii (Lauraceae). The structures of 1–7 were determined by spectroscopic techniques. Among the isolates, endiandric acid M (4) exhibited moderate iNOS inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 31.70 µM.
Hemostatic Efficiency and Wound Healing Properties of Natural Zeolite Granules in a Lethal Rabbit Model of Complex Groin Injury
Authors: Li Yunlong , Li Hui , Xiao Liping , Zhou Lin , Shentu Jianzhong , Zhang Xumin , Fan Jie
Published: December 2012

Quikclot has been used many years for treating external hemorrhage in the battle field. In this study, the hemostatic performance of NZG-JY (natural zeolite granules from Jinyun, China) was evaluated and compared with Quikclot in a lethal rabbit model of complex groin injury. Fifty-six anesthetized rabbits were randomized to three different groups: (1) NZG-JY (n = 19); (2) Quikclot (n = 19); and (3) medical gauze (n = 18). Survival was recorded three hours after the application of the hemostatic agents. The wound healing properties of the survived animals (n = 4 for each group) were observed a week later. The clotting efficiency is 100% for the animals in the NZG-JY and the Quikclot group, while only 5.6% in the gauze group. The mortality in the NZG-JY group (21.0%) is significantly less than that in the Quikclot group (52.6%) and the gauze group (66.7%). A good healing property was achieved in all animals that survived in the NZG-JY group, while three quarters of the animals in the Quikclot group had serious necrotic tissue. NZG-JY significantly decreases the mortality in a lethal rabbit model of complex groin injury and demonstrates good healing properties.
Toxicological Assessment of β-(1à6)-Glucan (Lasiodiplodan) in Mice during a 28-Day Feeding Study by Gavage
Authors: Túrmina Janaína , Carraro Emerson , Alves da Cunha Mário , Dekker Robert , Barbosa Aneli , Dos Santos Fábio , Silva Luiz , Malfatti Carlos
Published: December 2012

Studies evaluating the toxicity caused by fungal exopolysaccharides of the β-(1→6)-D-glucan type are rare. In this study, the toxicological effects of sub-chronic treatments with lasiodiplodan (β-(1→6)-D-glucan from Lasiodiplodia theobromae MMPI) were evaluated in mice through the assessment of biochemical, hematological, and histopathological alterations. Thirty-two mice (16 male, 16 female) were used in this study divided in two groups; one group received lasiodiplodan (50 mg/kg body weight) daily for 28 days via gavage, and another (control group) received saline during the same period. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for hematological and biochemical analyses. Liver, heart, kidney, and spleen were collected for histopathological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed through one-way analysis of variance and only p < 0.05 F-values were presented. Significant reduction in blood glucose in the male group (35%; p < 0.01), transaminases activity in both sexes (AST and ALT; ~35%; p < 0.05), and urea (20%; p < 0.01) in the female group was observed with the lasiodiplodan treatment. The results showed that sub-chronic treatments with lasiodiplodan did not generate hematological and histopathological alterations leading to signs of toxicity in healthy mice, independent of gender.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Three Red Wine Polyphenols and Their Mixtures: An Interaction Study
Authors: Kurin Elena , Mučaji Pavel , Nagy Milan
Published: December 2012

The well-known antioxidant activity of red wine is explained mostly by its polyphenols content, where the final effect is based on the wine components’ interaction. The aim of our work was the study of the interaction of three red wine polyphenols—quercetin, resveratrol and caffeic acid—alone and in their equimolar binary and ternary mixtures in different antioxidant/scavenging assays (inhibition of 2-deoxy-D-ribose degradation by hydroxyl radical, FRAP, Fe(III) reducing power, DPPH, ABTS and NO scavenging, respectively). Interaction analysis, based on median effect equation, was performed for the determination of synergy and/or antagonism. The obtained results indicate that the mutual interactions of tested polyphenols in their mixtures are markedly different from each other, depending on the reaction mechanism of the assay used. The measured antioxidant activity of individual polyphenols is not a constant value when other substances are present in the mixture with this polyphenol. Interactions can cause the finally observed synergy/antagonism/additive effects without any possibility of predicting them from the known activities of single compounds. This “unpredictability” claim based on in vitro assay results should be very important in multiple systems and processes in Nature, where the interactions among compounds in mixtures need to be take into account.
The Old and New Comparative Theologies: Discourses on Religion, the Theology of Religions, Orientalism and the Boundaries of Traditions
Authors: Hedges Paul
Published: December 2012

This paper disputes that a strong contrast can be drawn between the Old Comparative Theology and the New Comparative Theology, looking particularly at the arguments of Hugh Nicholson as well as drawing on Francis Clooney. It disputes a simplistic and monolithic dismissal of the Old Comparative Theology as guilty of ‘Orientalism’, and seeks to show that in figures like Rowland Williams, as well as F. D. Maurice that the discipline was important in breaking down boundaries between traditions. Building on this, an argument is made that the New Comparative Theology should be seen as part of a lineage of progression and understanding that links it with the Old Comparative Theology and the Theology of Religions, and that any attempt to see these as different, or contrasting, discourses is based upon a distorted or partial historical understanding. In this the work of Tomoko Masuzawa is also assessed, and issues surrounding the terms ‘religion’ and ‘world religion’ are discussed. It is also suggested that the weight of history may be a factor as to why the New Comparative Theology came to prominence in the USA rather than in Europe, or at least the UK.
Healthy Bone Marrow Cells Reduce Progression of Kidney Failure Better than CKD Bone Marrow Cells in Rats with Established Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Van Koppen Arianne , Joles Jaap A. , Bongartz Lennart G. , Van Den Brandt Jens , Reichardt Holger M. , Goldschmeding Roel , Nguyen Tri Q. , Verhaar Marianne C.
Published: December 2012

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health care problem. New interventions to slow or prevent disease progression are urgently needed. We studied functional and structural effects of infusion of healthy and CKD bone marrow cells (BMCs) in a rat model of established CKD. CKD was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (SNX) in Lewis rats, and disease progression was accelerated with l-NNA and 6% NaCl diet. Six weeks after SNX, CKD rats received healthy eGFP+ BMCs, CKD eGFP+ BMCs, or vehicle by single renal artery injection. Healthy BMCs were functionally effective 6 weeks after administration: glomerular filtration rate (GFR; inulin clearance) (0.48 ± 0.16 vs. 0.26 ± 0.14 ml/min/100 g) and effective renal plasma flow (RPF; PAH clearance) (1.6 ± 0.40 vs. 1.0 ± 0.62 ml/min/100 g) were higher in healthy BMC-versus vehicle-treated rats (both p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and proteinuria were lower 5 weeks after treatment with healthy BMCs versus vehicle (SBP, 151 ± 13 vs. 186 ± 25 mmHg; proteinuria, 33 ± 20 vs. 59 ± 39 mg/day, both p < 0.05). Glomerular capillary density was increased, and less sclerosis was detected after healthy BMCs (both p < 0.05). Tubulointerstitial inflammation was also decreased after healthy BMCs. eGFP+ cells were present in the glomeruli and peritubular capillaries of the remnant kidney in all BMC-treated rats. CKD BMCs also reduced SBP, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and tubular atrophy versus vehicle in CKD rats. However, CKD BMC therapy was not functionally effective versus vehicle [GFR: 0.28 ± 0.09 vs. 0.26 ± 0.16 ml/min/100 g (NS), RPF: 1.15 ± 0.36 vs. 0.78 ± 0.44 ml/min/100 g (NS)], and failed to decrease tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Single intrarenal injection of healthy BMCs in rats with established CKD slowed progression of the disease, associated with increased glomerular capillary density and less sclerosis, whereas injection of CKD BMCs was less effective.
Human Insulin Secreted from Insulinogenic Xenograft Restores Normoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetic Mice without Immunosuppression
Authors: Kim J. , Park S. , Kang H. M. , Ahn C. W. , Kwon H. C. , Song J. H. , Lee Y. J. , Lee K. H. , Yang H. , Baek S. Y. , Yoo S. H. , Kim S. H. , Kim H.
Published: December 2012

In the present study, we examined the therapeutic potential of human amnion-derived insulin-secreting cells for type 1 diabetes. Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMs) were isolated from amnion and cultivated to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells in vitro. After culture in vitro, the differentiated cells (hAM-ISCs) were intensively stained with dithizone and secreted insulin and c-peptide in a high-glucose-dependent manner. They expressed mRNAs of pancreatic cell-related genes, including INS, PDX1, Nkx6-1, NEUROG3, ISL1, NEUROD1, GLUT1, GLUT2, PC1/3, PC2, GCK, PPY, SST, and GC, and were positive for human insulin and c-peptide. Transplantation of hAM-ISCs into the kidneys of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes restored body weight and normalized the blood glucose levels, which lasted for 210 days. Only human insulin and c-peptide were detected in the blood of normalized mice after 2 months of transplantation, but little mouse insulin and c-peptide. Removal of graft-bearing kidneys from these mice resulted in causing hyperglycemia again. Human cell-specific gene, hAlu, and human pancreatic cell-specific genes, insulin, PDX1, GLUT1, GLP1R, Nkx6-1, NEUROD1, and NEUROG3, were detected in the graft-bearing kidneys. Colocalization of human insulin and human nuclei antigen was also observed. These results demonstrate that hAMs could differentiate into functional insulin-secreting cells in vitro, and human insulin secreted from hAM-ISCs following transplantation into type 1 diabetic mice could normalize hyperglycemia, overcoming immune rejection for a long period.
Effect of the Patient's Knowledge on Peritonitis Rates in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Sayed Suheir A.M. , Abu-Aisha Hasan , Ahmed Magda E. , Elamin Sarra
Published: December 2012

Introduction

After a training period, patients maintained on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) assume responsibility for their own treatment. With the aid of appropriate tools, home visits help with ongoing evaluation and training for these patients.

Methods

We conducted a home visit survey of 50 patients maintained on CAPD in Sudan between April 2009 and June 2010. Housing conditions, home environment, and patient's or caregiver's knowledge about peritoneal dialysis and the exchange procedure were evaluated using structured data collection sheets. Scores were compared with infection rates in the patients before the home visit.

Results

Patients were maintained on CAPD for a median duration of 11 months. Their mean age was 42 ± 23 years; 70% were male; and 14% had diabetes. Only 34% of patients had suitable housing conditions, and 56% required assisted PD. Of the autonomous patients and assisting family members, 11.6% were illiterate. The median achieved knowledge score was 11.5 of 35 points. The median achieved exchange score was 15 of 20 points. Knowledge and exchange scores were positively and significantly correlated ( R = 0.5, p = 0.00). More patients in the upper quartile than in the middle and lower quartiles of knowledge scores were adherent to daily exit-site care (33.3% vs 5.3%, p = 0.02). Compared with patients in the middle and lower quartiles of knowledge score, patients in the upper quartile had lower rates of peritonitis, exit-site infection, and hospitalization.

Conclusions

The proposed evaluation form is a valid and reliable assessment tool for the follow-up of CAPD patients. Patients in the upper quartile of knowledge score demonstrated better adherence to the recommended treatment protocols and lower infection rates.