bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vivências depressivas e relações de trabalho: uma análise sob a ótica da psicodinâmica do trabalho e da sociologia clínica
Authors: Linhares Antonio Roziano Ponte , Siqueira Marcus Vinicius Soares
Published: September 2014

O trabalho bancário se encontra envolto pelo ideário financeiro, subestima o social e se revela máquina de vulnerabilizar e invalidar os bancários, que apresentam índices crescentes de depressão. Verificou-se, assim, a necessidade de identificar vivências depressivas ocorridas no ambiente bancário, seus efeitos sobre as relações de trabalho e subjetividade dos trabalhadores, à luz da abordagem qualitativa, da Sociologia Clínica e Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. A fala dos bancários nos revelou a precarização de suas condições de trabalho, que lhes impõe a ética do individualismo; o medo; a solidão; a abdicação dos desejos; o sequestro da fala, da inteligência e o advento da depressão, sinalizadora de perigo, o que exige a revisão de práticas de gestão e relações instituídas entre bancos e bancários, de forma a viabilizar a reconquista da consciência e da autonomia, além do empoderamento da governança e, por conseguinte, o resgate da solidariedade, da confiança, da renovação dos desejos e prazer no trabalho.
Entre revelar e esconder: pais e filhos em face da descoberta da homossexualidade
Authors: Soliva Thiago Barcelos , Silva Junior João Batista da
Published: September 2014

Este trabalho trata da relação entre pais e filhos quando diante da situação social da descoberta da homossexualidade. Foram ouvidos 20 jovens brasileiros do sexo masculino entre 18 e 24 anos de idade, universitários, de camadas médias e que se autoidentificam como homossexuais. Privilegiamos conhecer as experiências vividas por esses jovens no sentido de assumir a homossexualidade em casa. O reconhecimento da homossexualidade pelos familiares e, sobretudo, entre eles mesmos movimenta nesses jovens todo um conjunto de medos que se expressam em formas concretas de violência, sofrimento psíquico e incertezas. Procuramos compreender como esses jovens lidam com as agressões e os sofrimentos que cotidianamente recaem sobre suas vidas, indo de encontro a um esforço coercitivo de seus familiares para os adequarem à norma sexual hegemônica.
Interação competitiva de genótipos de arroz e papuã
Authors: Galon L , Guimarães S. , Lima A.M. , Radunz A.L. , Beutler A.N. , Burg G.M. , Zandoná R.R. , Perin G.F. , Bastiani M.O. , Belarmino J.G. , Radunz L.L.
Published: September 2014

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a resposta competitiva de genótipos de arroz na presença de um biótipo de papuã (Brachiaria plantaginea), em diferentes proporções de plantas na associação. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o completamente casualizado com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em série de substituição e constituíram-se de cinco proporções de plantas de arroz e do papuã na associação (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 e 0:100). Aos 50 dias após a emergência das espécies, efetuou-se a aferição do perfilhamento, da estatura, da área foliar e da massa seca da parte aérea das plantas de arroz e de papuã. Foi observada competição entre os genótipos de arroz e o papuã, sendo ambos afetados negativamente, independentemente da proporção de plantas testada, provocando, em todos os casos, redução das variáveis avaliadas. Ocorreu diferenciação da habilidade competitiva entre os genótipos de arroz, quando na presença da planta daninha. O genótipo BRS Sinuelo CL foi mais competitivo quando se analisou a massa seca e área foliar, ao passo que o BRS Querência sobressaiu em relação ao BRS Sinuelo CL para o perfilhamento. O papuã apresenta elevada habilidade competitiva com o arroz irrigado, necessitando de controle para que não venha afetar negativamente o crescimento e o desenvolvimento da cultura.
Bond behaviour of reinforcing bars embedded in steel fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete
Authors: Ganesan Namasivayam , Indira Pookatta V. , Santhakumar Anjana
Published: September 2014

An experimental investigation was carried out to study the influence of steel fibres on the bond strength of geopolymer concrete (GPC). Pull-out tests under monotonic loading were carried out. A total of 30 concentrically reinforced concrete cubes were cast and tested. Of these, six were made of GPC and the remainder were made from steel fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete (SFRGPC). High yield strength deformed bars of 10 mm, 12 mm and 16 mm diameter were used as reinforcement, the grade of concrete was M40 and different volume fractions (0·25% (16·62 kg/m3), 0·50% (39·25 kg/m3), 0·75% (58·87 kg/m3) and 1% (78·50 kg/m3)) of crimped steel fibres were used. The test results indicate that the addition of steel fibres to GPC significantly enhances the bond strength.
The Vietnam Multicomponent Collaborative Care for Depression Program: Development of Depression Care for Low- and Middle-Income Nations
Authors: Ngo Victoria K. , Weiss Bahr , Lam Trung , Dang Thanh , Nguyen Tam , Nguyen Mai Hien
Published: September 2014

In this article, we discuss the Vietnam Multicomponent Collaborative Care for Depression Program, which was designed to provide evidence-based depression care services in low-resource, non-Western settings such as Vietnam. The article provides the program development background; the social, economic, and political context in which the program was developed; and the structure and content of the program and their underlying rationale in the context of rural Vietnam. Although the program was found to be acceptable, feasible, and effective in reducing depression outcomes, we did face challenges in implementation, which are outlined in this article. Key challenges included cultural factors (e.g., a lack of recognition of depression as a health-related entity amenable to professional treatment, relatively low levels of psychological mindedness useful for understanding of psychological interventions) and health system (e.g., lack of mental health specialists, overburdened health providers unfamiliar with behavioral interventions) factors. We discuss the strategies we employed to resolve these challenges and our successes and failures therein. We conclude with recommendations for others interested in implementing similar programs in low- and middle-income countries settings.
Adsorption of a Switchable Cationic Surfactant on Natural Carbonate Minerals
Authors: Cui Leyu , Ma Kun , Abdala Ahmed A. , Lu Lucas J. , Tanakov Ivan , Biswal Sibani L. , Hirasaki George J.
Published: September 2014

A switchable cationic surfactant (e.g., tertiary amine surfactant Ethomeen C12) was previously described as a surfactant that one can inject in high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2) for foam-mobility control. C12 can dissolve in high-pressure CO2 as a nonionic surfactant and equilibrate with brine as a cationic surfactant. Here, we describe the adsorption characteristics of this surfactant in carbonate-formation materials. The adsorption of this surfactant is sensitive to the equilibrium pH, the electrolyte composition of the brine, and the minerals in carbonate-formation materials.

Pure C12 is a nonionic surfactant. When it is mixed with brine, the solution has a high pH and limited solubility. However, when the surfactant solution in brine is equilibrated with high-pressure CO2, the pH is approximately 4; the surfactant switches to a cationic surfactant and becomes soluble. Thus, the adsorption is also a function of pH. The adsorption of C12 on calcite at low pH is low (e.g., 0.5 mg/m2). However, if the carbonate formation contains silica or clays, the adsorption is high, as is typical for cationic surfactants. The adsorption of C12 on silica decreases with an increase in divalent (Ca2+ and Mg2+) and trivalent (Al3+) cations. This is because of the competition for the negatively charged silica sites between the multivalent cations and the monovalent cationic surfactant. An additional effect of the presence of divalent cations in the brine is that it reduces the dissolution of calcite or dolomite in the presence of high-pressure CO2. The dissolution of calcite and dolomite is harmful because of formation damage and increased alkalinity. The latter raises the pH and thus increases the adsorption of C12 or even causes surfactant precipitation.
Evaluation of the after-effects of cyanobacterial cell removal and lysis by photocatalysis using Ag/AgBr/TiO2
Authors: Shen Nan , Zhang Fang , Zhang Feng , Zeng Raymond J.
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the after-effects of cyanobacterial cell removal and lysis by photocatalysis in water. A low concentration of 50 mg/L Ag/AgBr/TiO2 was applied to inactivate Microcystis aeruginosa under visible light irradiation. Most of the M. aeruginosa was killed within 5 h while microcystins-LR (MC-LR) was released into water and accumulated to a high concentration of 100 μg/L. Organic constituents released from cell damage led to 70 mg/L of total organic carbon (TOC) in water. The release of MC-LR and TOC would affect the biostability in the receiving water. Further, mineralization of cell lysis after photocatalysis over a long time resulted in the release of nutrients in water which would be a risk to cause cyanobacterial blooming again. Therefore, these after-effects should not be ignored when photochemical catalysis is applied to mitigate cyanobacterial blooming. Perhaps the best treatment is to remove intact cyanobacterial cells from water and then treat them off-site, for example by anaerobic digestion.
Development of a natural treatment system consisting of red ball earth and alfalfa for the post-treatment of anaerobically digested livestock wastewater
Authors: Chen Xiaochen , Fukushi Kensuke
Published: September 2014

With the objective of developing a post-treatment process for anaerobically digested livestock wastewater, an innovative natural treatment system composed of two units is proposed. The first trickling filter unit further reduced biochemical oxygen demand and achieved a certain degree of nitrification. The second soil-plant unit was targeted at the removal and recovery of nutrients N, P and K. For the feasibility study, a bench-scale soil column test was carried out, in which red ball earth and alfalfa were utilized for treating synthetic nutrient-enriched wastewater. Through long-term operation, the nitrification function was well established in the top layers, especially the top 20 cm, although a supplementary denitrification process was still required before discharge. P and K were retained by the soil through different mechanisms, and their plant-available forms that remained in the soil were considered suitable for indirect nutrient reuse. As for alfalfa, with wastewater application it fixed more N from the atmosphere, and directly recovered 6% of P and 4% of K input from wastewater. More importantly, alfalfa was verified to have an indispensable role in stimulating the soil nitrifying microorganisms by sustaining their abundance during substrate (NH3) and oxygen scarcity, and enhancing cell-specific nitrification potential during substrate (NH3) and oxygen sufficiency. The proposed system is expected to be further improved, and adopted as a sound countermeasure for livestock wastewater pollution.
A Hypothesis Concerning the Biphasic Dose-response of Tumors to Angiostatin and Endostatin
Authors: Parris George E.
Published: September 2014

This manuscript proposes a hypothesis to explain the U-shaped dose-response observed for angiostatin and other high-molecular-weight drugs in various anti-cancer bio-assays. The dose-response curves for angiostatin and endostatin (measured as suppression of tumor growth) go through an optimum (i.e., minimum tumor growth) and then becomes less effective at higher doses. The literature suggests that at lower doses the primary action of these high-molecular-weight drugs is to counteract the angiogenic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). To do this, the drugs must pass out of the blood vessel and enter the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) where VEGF induces the growth and fusion of tip cells. Ironically, VEGF actually facilitates access of the drugs to the ECM by making the vascular endothelium leaky. At higher doses, the high-molecular-weight drugs seem to reverse VEGF-induced permeability of the endothelium. Thus, at high dose rates, it is hypothesized that the drugs are not able to enter the ECM and block the angiogenic effects of VEGF there. As a result, high doses of the drugs do not suppress vascularization of the tumor or tumor growth. Moreover, if the permeability of the vessels is suppressed, the VEGF released by the stroma is concentrated in the ECM where it amplifies the angiogenic activity around the tumor.
Qualitative study of the information expectations of clients accessing oncology care at a tertiary referral center for dogs with life-limiting cancer
Authors: Stoewen Debbie L. , Coe Jason B. , MacMartin Clare , Stone Elizabeth A. , Dewey Catherine E.
Published: September 2014

Objective—To evaluate the content aspects of the information expectations of clients accessing oncology care services at a tertiary referral center for dogs with life-limiting cancer.

Design—Qualitative analysis of data acquired during in-person single and dyadic interviews.

Sample—43 dog owners participating in 30 interviews.

Procedures—Independent in-person interviews were conducted with standardized open- and closed-ended questions from April to October 2009. Thematic analysis was performed on transcripts of the interview discussions.

Results—For the clients, the central qualification was that the information given had to be the truth. Information was expected about all aspects of their dog's cancer and its treatment, varying in relation to clients’ basic understanding of cancer, their previous experience with cancer, and their information preferences. Provision of information generated the trust and confidence necessary to engage in treatment, the ability to make informed decisions, and the ability to be prepared for the future. Provision of information also engendered a sense of control and capability and fostered hope.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—When dealing with owners of dogs with life-limiting cancer, results indicated that in addition to abiding by the principle of truth-telling, it is important for health-care service providers to ascertain clients’ understanding of and experiences with cancer as well as their information preferences and thereby adopt a tailored approach to information giving. Provision of information enabled client action and patient intervention but also enhanced clients’ psychosocial well-being. Veterinary healthcare service providers can purposely provide information to build and sustain clients’ ability to successfully cope with their pet's condition.
Undergraduate Latina/o Students
Authors: Crisp Gloria , Taggart Amanda , Nora Amaury
Published: September 2014

A systematic review was conducted to produce an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of qualitative and quantitative evidence specific to the factors related to undergraduate Latina/o student academic success outcomes during college. The purpose of the study was to make sense of and provide critique to this rapidly growing body of research, as well as to direct future research efforts. Findings indicate that a combination of (a) sociocultural characteristics; (b) academic self-confidence; (c) beliefs, ethnic/racial identity, and coping styles; (d) precollege academic experiences; (e) college experiences; (f) internal motivation and commitment; (g) interactions with supportive individuals; (h) perceptions of the campus climate/environment; and (i) institutional type/characteristics are related to one or more academic success outcomes for Latina/o students. The article concludes with specific recommendations including the use of additional methods, frameworks and perspectives that we hope will be useful in advancing this line of work.
Comparative Study of Microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Diagnosis of Suspected Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients in Nepal
Authors: Pandey K , Mallik AK , Pyakurel S , Pun SB , Pandey BD
Published: September 2014

Background Visceral leishmaniasis is potentially fatal protozoan diseases caused by Leishmania donovani. Nepal is an endemic region in which visceral leishmaniasis causes a major public health problem in the lowland areas that border the endemic areas of Bihar state in India. Accurate diagnosis to inform treatment is a first step in achieving the goal of visceral leishmaniasis elimination from South East Asian regions by 2020. Objective The objective of the present study was to compare between the Microcopy and polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. Methods In the present study, 236 bone marrow aspirations were collected from suspected visceral leishmaniasis patients in Janakpur Zonal Hospital, Dhanusa district, Terai region of Nepal in between 2003-2007. We evaluated bone marrow samples by microscopic examination with subsequent testing of the same sample by polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis. Results Giemsa’s solution stained bone marrow slides stored for over five years were used for polymerase chain reaction amplification. The result showed that 71% were polymerase chain reaction positive and 56% were microscopic positive. Out of 104 microscopic negative bone marrow samples, 15% of samples were positive by polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion Polymerase chain reaction could make a very good option for diagnosis by using less or non-invasive material from visceral leishmaniasis patients in endemic areas of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11016 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 14-17
Improving Health Consciousness and Life Skills in Young People Through Peer-Leadership in Thailand
Authors: Teerachote C , Kessomboom P , Rattanasiri A , Koju R
Published: September 2014

Background Peer leadership is widely recognized as an effective approach to health promotion and empowerment among people of similar ages, especially the youth. Such programs build peer leaders who in turn help empower the youths in their groups to improve their health and life skills related to health. Most previous studies have focused on the effectiveness of such activities in target groups but have neglected to effectively address and explore the transformations in peer leaders themselves. Objectives This descriptive study aimed to investigate the level of social change and health consciousness among student peer leaders in three Youth health promotion programs in Thailand: Friend’s Corner, Smart Consumer and Volunteer Minded Young Dentists, and to compare them with the general students. Methods The study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, which was developed based on Tyree’s Social Change Model of leadership, Gould’s concept and Dutta-Bergman’s concept. The study population comprised of 11th grade students (N=660) from Kalasin Province in Thailand, 320 of whom were peer leaders. Results The findings revealed that the peer leaders scored higher than non peer leaders in all domains. Among the peer leaders, it was found that Volunteer Minded Young Dentists group had the highest scores in “controversy with civility”, “social change agent” characteristics, “holistic health perceptions” and “responsibility for one’s own health” regarding health consciousness. Conclusion The results of this study confirmed that the peer leadership approach can help young people to develop life skills through social transformation and increase health consciousness for better status of health in the community. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11025 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 41-44
Effect of Sub-maximal Exercise Stress on Cold Pressor Pain: A Gender Based Study
Authors: Pokhrel BR , Malik SL , Ansari AH , Paudel BJ , Sinha R , Sinha M
Published: September 2014

Background Analgesic effect of exercise is a well established fact; however available reports are contradictory on gender differences in pain perception following exercise stress test. Objective The current study is prospectively designed to evaluate and compare the effect of acute bout of sub-maximal exercise stress on cold pressor pain in normal adult males and females. Method The experimental study design involved healthy adults (n= 41); females (n = 18) and males (n=23) aged between 18 to 25 years and included them into four sets of experiments: SET I (Control), “resting blood pressure, radial pulse and respiratory rate were recorded after 15 minutes of complete supine relaxation. SET II (Cold Pressor Pain Test): Pain Threshold, Pain Tolerance, and Pain Duration in seconds were taken. SET III (Exercise Stress Test): Sub-maximal exercise of 70 to 75% of maximum predicted heart rate was given for 6 minutes. SET IV (Cold Pressor Pain Test immediately after Exercise Stress Test): At 0 minute of recovery again the pain parameters; Pain Threshold, Pain Tolerance, and Pain Duration in seconds were taken. SET I, SET II were performed in order on the first day and SET III and SET IV on the second day to ensure only a single Cold Pressor Pain Test is performed in each day. Result The data (Mean ±SD) analysis showed significant increased in pain threshold (males: 14.36±10.6 Vs 21.47±13seconds, p<0.001, females: 14.1±11.5 Vs 23.81± 20.22 seconds, p<0.001) and pain tolerance time (males: 41.3±19.31Vs 54.1±21.7 seconds, p<0.001) in both sexes after 6 min of acute bout of sub-maximal exercise stress test with comparable age, BMI and baseline resting values of pain parameters and pulse rate and blood pressure. The percentage increment pain tolerance time following the exercise stress in female is higher than male (78.6 Vs 68.9%). Conclusion The result suggests that pain sensation decreases immediately after a brief period of exercise challenge irrespective of gender, and the analgesic effect of the acute bout of exercise in terms of pain tolerant time is more enhanced in females than males. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11028 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 54-59
Sharing the Ideas of Meta – Science to Improve Quality of Research
Authors: Aryal UR , Khanal K
Published: September 2014

Meta-Science is an interdisciplinary science which provides plenty of oppurtunity to cooperate on better understanding of micro-social dimension of science. It plays vital role to justify the conclusion, which helps to improve quality of research as well as to health services. There are various applications of meta-science for improving quality of research namely: applying theories of philosophy and different disciplines, the use of triangulation, inductive and deductive reasoning, ethical issues and finally fundamentals of scientific research. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11032 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 75-77
Clinical Practice Recurrent Severe Obscure Gastro Intestinal- Bleeding in a 20 Year Old Man
Authors: Breidert M , Mandal A , Koller A , Huellebrand N , Malla B
Published: September 2014

Morbus Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome also known as Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and Meckel’s diverticulum is a rare combination disorder. Our case presented with the recurrent obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding for several years. He came with a massive active lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Ultimatively, he underwent an exploratory laparotomy along with intraoperative colonoscopy. A Meckel’s diverticulum in combination with multiple erosions was found as a probable cause of the massive gastrointestinal bleeding. An ileo-caeacal resection had been performed and by the pathologist multiple telangiectasias in the resected ileum were established. Blood was sent for genetics and was negative for ENG, ALK-1, and SMAD-4 genes. The patient was discharged after 10 days from time of admission and is under regular follow up without any further bleeding. In this case, despite sophisticated techniques for investigations the cause of the GI-bleeding with several esophagogastroduodenoscopies and colonoscopies, mesenteric angiography and finally an oral double balloon enteroscopy was misdiagnosed till the intra operative endoscopy showed a middle GI-bleeding. The management for obscure GI-bleeding is discussed for countries with lower medical facilities like Nepal in our case with Morbus Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11034 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 81-85
A Descriptive Account of an Inter-Professional Collaborative Leadership Project
Authors: MacPhee Maura , Chang Li-Lu , Havaei Farinaz , Chou Wen-Shan
Published: September 2014

A collaborative project between an academic healthcare faculty and a professional development director resulted in the design, delivery and evaluation of an inter-professional collaborative leadership workshop with ongoing leadership development activities. The workshop attendees were five inter-professional teams from one large, urban cancer care center in Taipei, Taiwan. The workshop included didactic instruction complemented with team discussions and interactive exercises. Continued practice was encouraged, such as appreciative inquiry exercises and rotated team leadership. Evaluation involved the use of a cross-culturally validated collaborative practice tool and follow-up interviews and focus groups. Although the formal workshop was a 1-day session, continued organizational support and systematic approaches to collaborative leadership practice in clinical settings were necessary components for transfer of learning from the workshop to real life. This paper will include an overview of the foundational leadership concepts covered in the workshop. The instructional strategies, evaluation methods and outcomes will be discussed. The limitations and strengths of this collaborative leadership project will be provided, as well as future plans for a collaborative leadership development program.
A Point Prevalence Survey of Antibiotic Use in 18 Hospitals in Egypt
Authors: Talaat Maha , Saied Tamer , Kandeel Amr , El-Ata Gehad , El-Kholy Amani , Hafez Soad , Osman Ashraf , Razik Mohamed , Ismail Ghada , El-Masry Sherine , Galal Rami , Yehia Mohamad , Amer Amira , Calfee David
Published: September 2014

Inappropriate antibiotic use leads to increased risk of antibiotic resistance and other adverse outcomes. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and characteristics of antibiotic use in Egyptian hospitals to identify opportunities for quality improvement. A point prevalence survey was conducted in 18 hospitals in March 2011. A total of 3408 patients were included and 59% received at least one antibiotic, with the most significant use among persons <12 years and intensive care unit patients (p < 0.05). Third generation cephalosporin were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics (28.7% of prescriptions). Reasons for antibiotic use included treatment of community—(27%) and healthcare-associated infections (11%) and surgical (39%) and medical (23%) prophylaxis. Among surgical prophylaxis recipients, only 28% of evaluable cases received the first dose within two hours before incision and only 25% of cases received surgical prophylaxis for <24 h. The prevalence of antibiotic use in Egyptian hospitals was high with obvious targets for antimicrobial stewardship activities including provision of antibiotic prescription guidelines and optimization of surgical and medical prophylaxis practices.
Microelectrode Arrays and the Use of PEG-Functionalized Diblock Copolymer Coatings
Authors: Uppal Sakshi , Graaf Matthew , Moeller Kevin
Published: September 2014

PEG-modified diblock copolymer surfaces have been examined for their compatibility with microelectrode array based analytical methods. The use of PEG-modified polymer surfaces on the arrays was initially problematic because the redox couples used in the experiments were adsorbed by the polymer. This led the current measured by cyclic voltammetry for the redox couple to be unstable and increase with time. However, two key findings allow the experiments to be successful. First, after multiple cyclic voltammograms the current associated with the redox couple does stabilize so that a good baseline current can be established. Second, the rate at which the current stabilizes is consistent every time a particular coated array is used. Hence, multiple analytical experiments can be conducted on an array coated with a PEG-modified diblock copolymer and the data obtained is comparable as long as the data for each experiment is collected at a consistent time point.
The Evaluation of the Impact of a Stand-Biased Desk on Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity for Elementary School Students
Authors: Benden Mark , Zhao Hongwei , Jeffrey Christina , Wendel Monica , Blake Jamilia
Published: September 2014

Due to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, the association between classroom furniture and energy expenditure as well as physical activity was examined using a standing-desk intervention in three central-Texas elementary schools. Of the 480 students in the 24 classrooms randomly assigned to either a seated or stand-biased desk equipped classroom, 374 agreed to participate in a week-long data collection during the fall and spring semesters. Each participant’s data was collected using Sensewear® armbands and was comprised of measures of energy expenditure (EE) and step count. A hierarchical linear mixed effects model showed that children in seated desk classrooms had significantly lower (EE) and fewer steps during the standardized lecture time than children in stand-biased classrooms after adjusting for grade, race, and gender. The use of a standing desk showed a significant higher mean energy expenditure by 0.16 kcal/min (p < 0.0001) in the fall semester, and a higher EE by 0.08 kcal/min (p = 0.0092) in the spring semester.
The Potential of Urban Agriculture in Montréal: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Haberman Daniel , Gillies Laura , Canter Aryeh , Rinner Valentine , Pancrazi Laetitia , Martellozzo Federico
Published: September 2014

Growing food in urban areas could solve a multitude of social and environmental problems. These potential benefits have resulted in an increased demand for urban agriculture (UA), though quantitative data is lacking on the feasibility of conversion to large-scale practices. This study uses multiple land use scenarios to determine different spaces that could be allocated to vegetable production in Montréal, including residential gardens, industrial rooftops and vacant space. Considering a range of both soil-bound and hydroponic yields, the ability of these scenarios to render Montréal self-sufficient in terms of vegetable production is assessed. The results show that the island could easily satisfy its vegetable demand if hydroponics are implemented on industrial rooftops, though these operations are generally costly. Using only vacant space, however, also has the potential to meet the city’s demand and requires lower operating costs. A performance index was developed to evaluate the potential of each borough to meet its own vegetable demand while still maintaining an elevated population density. Most boroughs outside of the downtown core are able to satisfy their vegetable demand efficiently due to their land use composition, though results vary greatly depending on the farming methods used, indicating the importance of farm management.
Expression of OCT4A: The First Step to the Next Stage of Urothelial Bladder Cancer Progression
Authors: Jóźwicki Wojciech , Brożyna Anna , Siekiera Jerzy
Published: September 2014

OCT4 (octamer-binding transcription factor) is a transcription factor responsible for maintaining the pluripotent properties of embryonic stem cells. In this paper, we present the results of studies to investigate the role of the OCT4 splicing variant in urothelial bladder cancer and the relationship between the OCT4 phenotype and the morphological parameters of tumor malignancy. Ninety patients who received a cystectomy for bladder cancer were enrolled. The expression of OCT4 protein was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The ratio of OCT4-positive cells was the lowest in pT1 (pathological assessment (p)—tumor extent confined to mucosa (T1)) tumors and the highest in pTis (non-papillary tumor extent confined to urothelium) and pT2 (tumor extent including muscularis propria) tumors. Information about the percentage of OCT4A-positive tumor cells could facilitate choosing the treatment mode in borderline pTis–pT1 (crossing the border of the basement membrane; the first stage of progression) and pT1–pT2 (crossing the border of the muscularis propria; the second stage of progression) cases: a higher percentage of OCT4A-positive cells should support more radical therapy. A significantly higher percentage of cases with moderate OCT4 intensity was found in metastasizing (the third stage of progression) cases with >2 positive lymph nodes. The percentage of OCT4-positive cells was significantly higher for cancers with a high grade, higher non-classic differentiation number and greater aggressiveness of invasion. The differentiation, maturation and aggressiveness of tumor invasion appear to depend on the expression of the OCT4 phenotype in cancer cells, similar to the successive stages of malignancy progression in urothelial cancer.
Keratoconus: Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials
Authors: Karamichos Dimitrios , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: September 2014

Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral, asymmetric, corneal disorder that is characterized by progressive thinning, steepening, and potential scarring. The prevalence of KC is stated to be 1 in 2000 persons worldwide; however, numbers vary depending on size of the study and regions. KC appears more often in South Asian, Eastern Mediterranean, and North African populations. The cause remains unknown, although a variety of factors have been considered. Genetics, cellular, and mechanical changes have all been reported; however, most of these studies have proven inconclusive. Clearly, the major problem here, like with any other ocular disease, is quality of life and the threat of vision loss. While most KC cases progress until the third or fourth decade, it varies between individuals. Patients may experience periods of several months with significant changes followed by months or years of no change, followed by another period of rapid changes. Despite the major advancements, it is still uncertain how to treat KC at early stages and prevent vision impairment. There are currently limited tissue engineering techniques and/or “smart” biomaterials that can help arrest the progression of KC. This review will focus on current treatments and how biomaterials may hold promise for the future.
A Novel Multi-Phosphonate Surface Treatment of Titanium Dental Implants: A Study in Sheep
Authors: Von Salis-Soglio Marcella , Stübinger Stefan , Sidler Michéle , Klein Karina , Ferguson Stephen , Kämpf Käthi , Zlinszky Katalin , Buchini Sabrina , Curno Richard , Péchy Péter , Aronsson Bjorn-Owe , Von Rechenberg Brigitte
Published: September 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new multi-phosphonate surface treatment (SurfLink®) in an unloaded sheep model. Treated implants were compared to control implants in terms of bone to implant contact (BIC), bone formation, and biomechanical stability. The study used two types of implants (rough or machined surface finish) each with either the multi-phosphonate Wet or Dry treatment or no treatment (control) for a total of six groups. Animals were sacrificed after 2, 8, and 52 weeks. No adverse events were observed at any time point. At two weeks, removal torque showed significantly higher values for the multi-phosphonate treated rough surface (+32% and +29%, Dry and Wet, respectively) compared to rough control. At 52 weeks, a significantly higher removal torque was observed for the multi-phosphonate treated machined surfaces (+37% and 23%, Dry and Wet, respectively). The multi-phosphonate treated groups showed a positive tendency for higher BIC with time and increased new-old bone ratio at eight weeks. SEM images revealed greater amounts of organic materials on the multi-phosphonate treated compared to control implants, with the bone fracture (from the torque test) appearing within the bone rather than at the bone to implant interface as it occurred for control implants.
Increase of Compact Bone Thickness in Rat Tibia after Implanting MgO into the Bone Marrow Cavity
Authors: Nygren Håkan , Chaudhry Mobina , Gustafsson Stefan , Kjeller Göran , Malmberg Per , Johansson Kjell-Erik
Published: September 2014

The effect of implanting MgO paste into the bone marrow of rat tibia, was studied by light microscopy, time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. After three weeks of implantation, the thickness of compact bone increased by 25% compared to sham-operated controls, while no effect was seen on the trabecular bone. In order to further elucidate the mechanism of the Mg-induced increase in bone mass, EDX and ToF-SIMS analysis of the bone samples was made at two weeks. At this time-point, no detectable difference in the thickness of the compact bone in Mg-treated and non-treated animals was observed. The Mg-content of the bone marrow and bone tissue of the Mg-exposed animals did not differ from that of sham-operated controls, implying that there are no traces of the implanted MgO when the mass of compact bone increases, between two and three weeks after surgery. The ratio of Mg/Ca content was higher in the bone of Mg-treated animals, indicating an altered structure of the bone mineral, which was confirmed by the ToF-SIMS analysis, showing increased levels of MgCO3, phosphate ions and CaF in the bone of MgO-exposed animals. Possible cellular activities behind the effect of MgO on compact bone thickness are discussed.
Diltiazem Reduces Mortality and Breakdown of ATP in Red Blood Cell Induced by Isoproterenol in a Freely Moving Rat Model in Vivo
Authors: Yeung Pollen , Xu Zhaolin , Seeto Dena
Published: September 2014

The benefit of calcium channel blockers for cardiovascular prevention against heart attack and stroke has not been firmly supported. We investigated the possible cardiovascular protective effect of diltiazem (DTZ) against injury induced by isoproterenol using a freely moving rat model in vivo. Sprague Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously (sc) with either 5 or 10 mg/kg of DTZ, or saline as control, twice daily for five doses. One hour after the last injection, a single dose of isoproterenol (30 mg/kg) was injected sc to each rat. Blood samples were collected serially for 6 h for measurement of adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP and AMP) in red blood cell (RBC) by a validated HPLC. The study has shown isoproterenol induced 50% mortality and also increased RBC concentrations of AMP from 0.04 ± 0.02 to 0.29 ± 0.21 mM at the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). Treatment with 10 mg/kg of DTZ reduced mortality from 50% to <20% and attenuated the increase of RBC concentrations of AMP from +0.25 ± 0.22 in the control rats to +0.072 ± 0.092 mM (p < 0.05). The study concluded that 10 mg/kg of DTZ reduced mortality and breakdown of ATP induced by isoproterenol in rats.
Stop-flow Lithography to Continuously Fabricate Microlens Structures Utilizing an Adjustable Three-Dimensional Mask
Authors: Huang Shih-Hao , Lin Chia-Kai
Published: September 2014

Stop-flow lithography (SFL) is a microfluidic-based particle synthesis method, in which photolithography with a two dimensional (2D) photomask is performed in situ within a microfluidic environment to fabricate multifunctional microstructures. Here, we modified the SFL technique by utilizing an adjustable electrostatic-force-modulated 3D (EFM-3D) mask to continuously fabricate microlens structures for high-throughput production. The adjustable EFM-3D mask contains a layer filled with a UV-absorbing liquid and transparent elastomer structures in the shape of microlenses between two conductive glass substrates. An acrylate oligomer stream is photopolymerized via the microscope projection photolithography, where the EFM-3D mask was set at the field-stop plane of the microscope, thus forming the microlens structures. The produced microlens structures flow downstream without adhesion to the polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) microchannel surfaces due to the existence of an oxygen-aided inhibition layer. Microlens structures with variations in curvature and aperture can be produced by changing objective magnifications, controlling the morphology of the EFM-3D mask through electrostatic force, and varying the concentration of UV-light absorption dyes. We have successfully demonstrated to produce microlens structures with an aperture ranging from 50 μm to 2 mm and the smallest focus spot size of 0.59 μm. Our proposed method allows one to fabricate microlens structures in a fast, simple and high-throughput mode for application in micro-optical systems.
A Single Cell Extraction Chip Using Vibration-Induced Whirling Flow and a Thermo-Responsive Gel Pattern
Authors: Hayakawa Takeshi , Sakuma Shinya , Fukuhara Takeshi , Yokoyama Yoshiyuki , Arai Fumihito
Published: September 2014

We propose a single cell extraction chip with an open structure, which utilizes vibration-induced whirling flow and a single cell catcher. By applying a circular vibration to a micropillar array spiral pattern, a whirling flow is induced around the micropillars, and target cells are transported towards the single cell catcher placed at the center of the spiral. The single cell catcher is composed of a single-cell-sized hole pattern of thermo-responsive gel. The gel swells at low temperatures (≲32 ◦C) and shrinks at high temperatures (≳32 ◦C), therefore, its volume expansion can be controlled by an integrated microheater. When the microheater is turned on, a single cell is trapped by the hole pattern of the single cell catcher. Then, when the microheater is turned off, the single cell catcher is cooled by the ambient temperature. The gel swells at this temperature, and the hole closes to catch the single cell. The caught cell can then be released into culture wells on a microtiter plate by heating the gel again. We conducted single cell extraction with the proposed chip and achieved a 60% success rate, of which 61% cells yielded live cells.
Three-Dimensional Glass Monolithic Micro-Flexure Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser Exposure and Chemical Etching
Authors: Tielen Viktor , Bellouard Yves
Published: September 2014

Flexures are components of micro-mechanisms efficiently replacing classical multi-part joints found at the macroscale. So far, flexures have been limited to two-dimensional planar designs due to the lack of a suitable three-dimensional micromanufacturing process. Here we demonstrate and characterize a high-strength transparent monolithic three-dimensional flexural component fabricated out of fused silica using non-ablative femtosecond laser processing combined with chemical etching. As an illustration of the potential use of this flexure, we propose a design of a Hoecken linkage entirely made with three-dimensional cross-spring pivot hinges.
Constituents of the Roots and Leaves of Ekebergia capensis and Their Potential Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Irungu Beatrice , Orwa Jennifer , Gruhonjic Amra , Fitzpatrick Paul , Landberg Göran , Kimani Francis , Midiwo Jacob , Erdélyi Máté , Yenesew Abiy
Published: September 2014

A new triterpenoid, 3-oxo-12β-hydroxy-oleanan-28,13β-olide (1), and six known triterpenoids 2–7 were isolated from the root bark of Ekebergia capensis, an African medicinal plant. A limonoid 8 and two glycoflavonoids 9–10 were found in its leaves. The metabolites were identified by NMR and MS analyses, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated against the mammalian African monkey kidney (vero), mouse breast cancer (4T1), human larynx carcinoma (HEp2) and human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines. Out of the isolates, oleanonic acid (2) showed the highest cytotoxicity, i.e., IC50’s of 1.4 and 13.3 µM against the HEp2 and 4T1 cells, respectively. Motivated by the higher cytotoxicity of the crude bark extract as compared to the isolates, the interactions of oleanonic acid (2) with five triterpenoids 3–7 were evaluated on vero cells. In an antiplasmodial assay, seven of the metabolites were observed to possess moderate activity against the D6 and W2 strains of P. falciparum (IC50 27.1–97.1 µM), however with a low selectivity index (IC50(vero)/IC50(P. falciparum-D6) < 10). The observed moderate antiplasmodial activity may be due to general cytotoxicity of the isolated triterpenoids.
Preparation of Astaxanthin Nanodispersions Using Gelatin-Based Stabilizer Systems
Authors: Anarjan Navideh , Nehdi Imededdine , Sbihi Hassen , Al-Resayes Saud , Malmiri Hoda , Tan Chin
Published: September 2014

The incorporation of lipophilic nutrients, such as astaxanthin (a fat soluble carotenoid) in nanodispersion systems can either increase the water solubility, stability and bioavailability or widen their applications in aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations. In this research, gelatin and its combinations with sucrose oleate as a small molecular emulsifier, sodium caseinate (SC) as a protein and gum Arabic as a polysaccharide were used as stabilizer systems in the formation of astaxanthin nanodispersions via an emulsification-evaporation process. The results indicated that the addition of SC to gelatin in the stabilizer system could increase the chemical stability of astaxanthin nanodispersions significantly, while using a mixture of gelatin and sucrose oleate as a stabilizer led to production of nanodispersions with the smallest particle size (121.4 ± 8.6 nm). It was also shown that a combination of gelatin and gum Arabic could produce optimal astaxanthin nanodispersions in terms of physical stability (minimum polydispersity index (PDI) and maximum zeta-potential). This study demonstrated that the mixture of surface active compounds showed higher emulsifying and stabilizing functionality compared to using them individually in the preparation of astaxanthin nanodispersions.
Access to Optically Pure β-Hydroxy Esters via Non-Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution by a Planar-Chiral DMAP Catalyst
Authors: Díazlvarez Alba , Mesas-Sánchez Laura , Dinér Peter
Published: September 2014

The development of new approaches to obtain optically pure β-hydroxy esters is an important area in synthetic organic chemistry since they are precursors of other high value compounds. Herein, the kinetic resolution of racemic β-hydroxy esters using a planar-chiral DMAP derivative catalyst is presented. Following this procedure, a range of aromatic β-hydroxy esters was obtained in excellent selectivities (up to s = 107) and high enantiomeric excess (up to 99% ee). Furthermore, the utility of the present method was demonstrated in the synthesis of (S)-3-hydroxy-N-methyl-3-phenylpropanamide, a key intermediate for bioactive molecules such as fluoxetine, tomoxetine or nisoxetine, in its enantiomerically pure form.
On the Nature of the Transition State Characterizing Gated Molecular Encapsulations
Authors: Lu Xiaoyong , Wang Bao-Yu , Chen Shigui , Badjić Jovica
Published: September 2014

Gated molecular encapsulations, with baskets of type 1, are postulated to occur by the mechanism in which solvent molecule penetrates the inner space of 1, through one of its apertures, while the residing guest simultaneously departs the cavity. In the transition state of the exchange, three pyridine-based gates are proposed to assume an open position with both incoming solvent and departing guest molecules interacting with the concave surface of the host. The More O’Ferrall-Jencks diagram and linear free energy relationships (LFERs) suggest a more advanced departure of the guest when bigger solvents partake in the displacement.