bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation is Associated with Vascular Remodeling - Repairing Balances in Hypertensive Obese Subjects
Authors: Gantini Lies , Bakri Syakib , Wijaya Andi , Santoso Anwar
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and obesity are proinflammatory conditions. Vascular remodeling is one of the pathomechanisms reflecting increased cardiovascular (CV) risks and represented as ratio of MMP-9 and sVEGFR-2 concentration. There is no association confirmed between inflammation and remodeling yet. This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between inflammation and vascular remodeling-repairing balances in hypertensive obese subjects.METHODS: This was a cross–sectional study recruited 34 hypertensive obese subjects and 10 hypertensive non obese subjects. They had no antihypertensive medications, neither diabetics nor renal disease and nor acute inflammation detected. Inflammation was assessed as increased hsCRP concentration. Vascular remodeling and repairing were consecutively represented by ratio of MMP-9 and sVEGFR-2.RESULTS: Concentration of hsCRP and MMP-9 were significantly higher in hypertensive obese group than non obese group (2.094±1.90 vs. 0.714±0.40 mg/L; p=0.029; 363.43±143.64 vs. 261.15±61.13 ng/mL, p=0.035, respectively), nonetheless no significant differences of sVEGFR-2 concentration (9.77±2.30 vs. 9.76±1.38 pg/mL, p=0.980) found in both groups. Ratio of MMP-9/sVEGFR-2 was significantly higher in hypertensive obese group than those in non-obese group (38.67±16 vs. 27.22±10, p=0.038). Likewise, they had more subjects with ratio of MMP-9/sVEGFR-2 ≥31.53. This figure is considered as cut-off point of vascular remodeling versus repairing.CONCLUSION: In hypertensive obese subjects, inflammation was activated and vascular remodeling more dominant than repairing process. Inflammation was associated with increased remodeling-repairing balances.KEYWORDS: Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2), high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP).
Association of Aldosterone, Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) with Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Adult Men with Central Obesity
Authors: Intantri Hera Yuliana , Wijaya Andi , Patellongi Ilhamjaya
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Visceral Obesity is related with chronic low grade inflammation, and is the main component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) is correlated with insulin resistance. Several studies have reported a strong correlation between Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) and CVD, but the association of Aldosterone, Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) and SOD with inflammation, insulin resistance and MetS have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of Aldosterone, PRA, and SOD with inflammation (high sensitivity c-reactive protein/hsCRP) and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance/HOMA-IR) in adult men with central obesity.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, which was carried out on 80 male subjects with central obesity who were divided into 2 groups: the group of subjects who had fulfilled the MetS criteria and the other group of subjects who did not. After an overnight fasting, blood pressure (BP) was measured on all subjects and laboratory examinations were done for measurement of the concentration of fasting glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, hsCRP, insulin, aldosterone, PRA, and SOD.RESULTS: We found aldosterone had positive correlation with PRA (r = 0.389; p < 0.001) and triglycerides (r =0.234; p=0.036). PRA had positive correlation with SOD (r=0.220; p=0.05) and HDL-C (r=0.273; p=0.014), but not with hsCRP (r=-0.044; p=0.696) and HOMA-IR (r=0.168 p=0.136). PRA correlated with HOMA-IR in MetS (r=0.471; p=0.01). Aldosterone and PRA were correlated with diastolic pressure in those with hypertension (r=0.680; p=0.003 and r=0.608; p=0.01).CONCLUSIONS: There is no direct correlation between aldosterone or SOD and Insulin resistance, and inflammation in men with central obesity. The correlation between PRA and MetS might be through insulin resistance mechanism. We found significant correlation between PRA, HDL-C and SOD. Increased aldosterone was ccorrelated with elevated triglycerides, thus possibly increasing the risk of MetS.KEYWORDS: central obesity, aldosterone, plasma renin activity, superoxide dismutase, inflammation, insulin resistance
Correlation between Inflammation and Fibrinolysis Impairment on Central Obesity: A Study for hsCRP, PAI-1, PAP and TAFI
Authors: Agustiani Winni , Arif Mansyur , Patellongi Ilhamjaya
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Inflammation in the vascular wall plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Current studies have shown that increase of systemic inflammatory marker like the acute phase component C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with an unfavorable progression of disease and an increased risk for acute cardiovascular events. Recently, a close association of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) with hemostatic abnormalities has been reported. Among hemostatic abnormalities, an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, a strong inhibitor of fibrinolysis, is considered a core feature of MetS. High PAI-1 concentrations may be associated with thrombus formation, also causing cardiovascular events. Therefore, we investigated the association between markers for chronic inflammation (CRP) and the markers of fibrinolytic impairment (PAI-1, PAP, TAFI) in subjects with central obesity.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in 80 male Indonesian subjects, aged 30-60 years old with central obesity, conducted from January to March 2008 in Bandung.RESULTS: The study results showed that there was a difference of PAI-1 levels between MetS and Non-MetS group. There were significant correlations between hsCRP and PAI-1 (r=0.252, p=0.024 ), hsCRP and PAP (r=0.253, p=0.024), and also between PAI-1 and PAP (r=-0.239, p=0.033 ) respectively. But, no correlation found between hsCRP and TAFI.CONCLUSIONS: There was correlation between inflammation and fibrinolysis impairment on central obesity. Concentrations oh hsCRP, PAI-1 and TAFI were significantly higher in MetS.KEYWORDS: inflammation, fibrinolysis impairment, hsCRP, PAI-1, PAP, TAFI
Correlation of Ghrelin and Obestatin with Waist Circumference in Central Obese Men
Authors: Kurniawati Widya , Donosepoetro Marsetio , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Central obesity is known as the cause of many metabolic disorders called Metabolic Syndrome. Accumulation of adipocytes in central obesity increases production of cytokines proinflammation. Free fatty acid increases in obesity that drives atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. IDF 2005 states that waist circumference (WC) is regarded as the simple criteria of obesity. Energy imbalance lasting for a long period is a determinant factor for obesity, e.g. when energy intake is greater than energy expenditure. The brain and gastrointestinal tract work together to maintain this system. Ghrelin and Obestatin are two gut hormones that work in different ways to keep the energy balance. Ghrelin increases appetite but Obestatin decreases it. The two hormones play an important role in maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of energy balance. This study was aimed to determine correlation of Ghrelin and Obestatin with WC in central obese men.METHODS: This was a cross sectional study involving 53 central obese men. Based on IDF 2005 central obesity is most easily measured by waist circumference using the guidelines ethnic group (not country of residence) specific. We used South Asia ethnic which including Chinese, Malay and Asian Indian population as criteria for this study, that was WC >90 cm, aged 20-60 years. Subjects who had smoking habit, any infectious disease, and ACS were excluded from the study. No restriction was applied on the kind of meals the subjects were having or activities they were doing. The correlation of waist circumference with ghrelin and obestatin was assessed with a significance level of 95% (α=0,05).RESULTS: Patient's age was 40.9623±7.9080 year, waist circumferences was 102.1981±10.2696 cm, weight was 85.8679±16.5475 kg, height was 168.8066±6.3535 cm, BMI was 29.9723±2.4937 kg/m2. Concentration of Ghrelin were 0.70-13.72 ng/mL, and Obestatin 16.66-148.84 pg/mL. Pearson correlation showed that Ghrelin (r=-0.1114, p=0.4271) and Obestatin (r=-0.1781, p=0.2020) had no significant correlation with WC. But in patients WC ≥120 cm had significant negative correlation with Obestatin (r=-0.375, p=0.049).CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation of Ghrelin and Obestatin with WC in obese men. However, there was a negative correlation tendency found in patients with greater WC (≥102 cm).KEYWORDS: obesity, ghrelin, obestatin, waist circumference (WC)
Phosphorylated-Survivin at Ser81 Induced Protein Kinase A (PKA): A Back Loop
Authors: Sandra Ferry , Khosravi-Far Roya
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Survivin, a bifunctional protein, acts as suppressor of apoptosis and has an essential role in mitosis. Survivin is physically phosphorylated on Thr34, and other important sites such as Thr117, Ser20, Thr48 and Ser81. Our previous report has shown that Ser81 of survivin plays role in cytoprotection. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism, all motifs with medium stringency were scanned. We found that site of survivin at Ser81 was correlated to PKA, which is well reported to many cell signal machineries, including cell survival. Therefore, we focused our current investigation in finding possible correlation and interaction between survivin’s Ser81 site and PKA.METHODS: Wild-type survivin (Survivin), antisense survivin (Survivin-AS), mutated-survivin and mutated-survivin Ser81Ala (Survivin-S81A) were constructed. Each retroviral product was produced. Some cell lysates were prepared and immunoprecipitated. For analysis, we performed immunoblotting and PKA’s activity assays.RESULTS: In our current results, phosphorylated-PKA was correlated with survivin. Infection of survivin could lead to acceleration of PKA’s activity in a viral particle dependent manner. This positive back loop induction by survivin was shown to be correlated to Ser81 site, since survivin-mediated PKA activity was not resulted by mutated form of survivin at Ser81 to nonphosphorylatable Ala (S81A).CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested a possible back loop of survivin to activate PKA, and Ser81 could be an important site to mediate the survivin-PKA back loop signaling. Survivin-induced activation of PKA might be related to cytoprotection.KEYWORDS: survivin, S81A, L929, PKA
Who Cares for Employees ? An empirical study of evaluation of accomplishment of workforce
Authors: Bagade Prof S. D. , Jindal Dr. Sunanda
Published: October 2015

Behavior and related skills that permit employees to participate in the process of monitoring outcomes and workprocesses, determining the ’root’ cause of quality problems and identifying as well as implementing solutions to theseidentifiedproblems. Over a time period the concerned person is ignited; inflamed to consistently improve theworkprocesses. The concerned person; collect the data and information, correct the same. Comprehensively compile, examine in detail in order to determine the cause and straighten the problem .so as to tackle the issue. In fact the members work in a team and with a team spirit. Team working is characterized with a significance: ToEnhanceApplication of Management techniques. A great deal ofassistance is rendered by the companies who have adopted the TQM technique;in giving the feedbackonperformance .Measuring resultsgives the company a yardstick to determinewhether objectives are being net ------butperformance data are also needed tohelp peopleto improve and develop over time. Therewardand performance measurement system need to encourage a lot of cooperation and coaching among team members
Work Life Balance of Working Parents: A study of IT Industry
Authors: Pahuja Saloni
Published: October 2015

Managing the competing demands of work, family and social life is an issue that affects almost every organization. Work life balance is a challenging issue for IT professionals whether male or female as increasing working hours and monitoring the hours worked are far more rigorous than ever before. This paper explores the gender wise perception of work life balance among working parents of I.T. Industry and also examines the impact of work life balance on working parents’ personal and professional life. The Data was thus collected from 200 working parents of IT industry through questionnaire by adopting random sampling technique. The statistical techniques used were ttest, Correlation and Regression Analysis. Findings depicted no significance differences in the perception of male and female towards work life balance. It also revealed high degree of positive correlation of 0.909 and 0.742 between work life balance and working parent’s personal and professional life respectively. And high impact of work life balance on working parent’s personal and professional life.
Pregnancy diagnosis-positive rate and conception rate as indicator of farm reproductive performance
Authors: Abdullah Muzamil , Mohanty T. K. , Patbandha T. K. , Bhakat M. , Madkar A. R. , Kumaresan A. , Mohanty A. K.
Published: October 2015

The present study was designed to evaluate the Pregnancy Diagnosis-Positive Rate (PD-PR) along with conception rate (CR) in an organised farm (Livestock Research Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal) to take effective management decision. One year record of Artificial Insemination (A.I.) and PD of dairy animals (N=1327; comprised 1003 cows and 324 buffaloes) was analysed. On an average, cows and buffaloes were presented for per rectal pregnancy diagnosis after 75.63 (38-119) and 76.3 (46-128) days, respectively of A.I. Overall PD-PR value of cattle was observed to be significantly higher compared to buffaloes (70.77 and 59.45%, respectively, prus symptoms as well as on CR.
Comparative normal 2D and 3D ultrasonograhy of stomach with advancement of age in dogs
Authors: Pal Madan , Singh Prem , Tayal Rishi , Behl S. M. , Dinesh  , Saharan Sandeep , Chandolia R. K.
Published: October 2015

Ultrasonography of the stomach was performed in six apparently healthy mixed mongrel breed pups from 15th day to 8 month of age. Scanning carried out on 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th day, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th month of age. The ultrasound machine used for this study was 3D ultrasound machine (Nemio-XG: Toshiba, Japan) having 4D volumetric transducer. The images were acquired with 3-6 MHz 2D curvilinear transducer and 4.2 -6 MHz 4D volumetric curvilinear transducer operated at 3-5 MHz frequency. Ultrasonographically, the lumen of stomach was anechoic, solid food was hyperechoic, semisolid food was hypoechoic and the wall of the stomach was hyperechoic throughout the study. At the 45th day of age, there was appearance of the gastric folds. At the age of 240th day fully developed stomach was observed with distinct gastric wall, gastric folds and hyperechoic gastric contents mixed in anechoic lumen of the stomach. In our study mean diameters of stomach such as mean wall thickness was in range of 3.6 ± 0.17 mm - 5.63 ± 0.27 mm, transverse diameters were in range of 12.95 ± 0.30mm – 39.45 ± 0.47 mm, longitudinal diameter were 12.77 ± 0.14 mm – 66.68 ± 1.36 and circumference was in range of 33.52 ± 0.92 mm -120.92 ± 1.12 mm.
Stochastic dilution effects weaken deterministic effects of niche‐based processes in species rich forests
Authors: Wang Xugao , Wiegand Thorsten , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Swenson Nathan G. , Davies Stuart J. , Hao Zhanqing , Howe Robert , Lin Yiching , Ma Keping , Mi Xiangcheng , Su Sheng‐Hsin , Sun I‐Fang , Wolf Amy
Published: October 2015

Recent theory predicts that stochastic dilution effects may result in species‐rich communities with statistically independent species spatial distributions, even if the underlying ecological processes structuring the community are driven by deterministic niche differences. Stochastic dilution is a consequence of the stochastic geometry of biodiversity where the identities of the nearest neighbors of individuals of a given species are largely unpredictable. Under such circumstances, the outcome of deterministic species interactions may vary greatly among individuals of a given species. Consequently, nonrandom patterns in the biotic neighborhoods of species, which might be expected from coexistence or community assembly theory (e.g., individuals of a given species are neighbored by phylogenetically similar species), are weakened or do not emerge, resulting in statistical independence of species spatial distributions. We used data on phylogenetic and functional similarity of tree species in five large forest dynamics plots located across a gradient of species richness to test predictions of the stochastic dilution hypothesis. To quantify the biotic neighborhood of a focal species we used the mean phylogenetic (or functional) dissimilarity of the individuals of the focal species to all species within a local neighborhood. We then compared the biotic neighborhood of species to predictions from stochastic null models to test if a focal species was surrounded by more or less similar species than expected by chance. The proportions of focal species that showed spatial independence with respect to their biotic neighborhoods increased with total species richness. Locally dominant, high‐abundance species were more likely to be surrounded by species that were statistically more similar or more dissimilar than expected by chance. Our results suggest that stochasticity may play a stronger role in shaping the spatial structure of species rich tropical forest communities than it does in species poorer forests. These findings represent an important step towards understanding the factors that govern the spatial configuration of local biotic communities. The stochastic dilution effect is a simple geometric mechanism that can explain why species’ spatial distributions in species‐rich communities approximate independence from their biotic neighborhood, even if deterministic niche processes are in effect.
Common Lespedeza (Kummerowia striata) Control within Maintained Centipedegrass Turf
Authors: McCurdy James D. , McElroy J. Scott , Flessner Michael L.
Published: October 2015

Common lespedeza or Japanese clover [Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindl. syn. Lespedeza striata (Thunb.) Hook. & Arn.] is a difficult to control weed in many turf species of the United States. The slow establishment rate, sparse canopy, and low fertility requirements of centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.] make this leguminous weed particularly problematic. Additionally, herbicide safety toward centipedegrass can limit postemergence broadleaf herbicide options in warm weather. A 2‐year field study was conducted to evaluate common lespedeza response and centipedegrass turf injury to several available broadleaf herbicides and commercial tank‐mixtures during peak summer conditions. Fluroxypyr (0.47 lb acid equivalent [a.e.]/acre) alone and Escalade 2 (a prepackaged tank‐mixture of 2,4‐D, fluroxypyr, and dicamba at 1.5 lb a.e./acre) effectively controlled common lespedeza without unacceptable turfgrass injury (≤18%, 2 weeks after treatment). Aminocyclopyrachlor (0.07 and 0.09 lb a.e./acre), which is no longer registered for use within fine turf scenarios, effectively controlled common lespedeza; however, the resulting centipedegrass injury (≥30%, 2 weeks after treatment) would likely be deemed unacceptable in many turfgrass scenarios. This research also highlights several commercially available herbicides routinely used for broadleaf weed control that failed to adequately control common lespedeza.
Comparison of Economically Important Loci in Landraces and Improved Wheat Cultivars from Pakistan
Authors: Rasheed Awais , Xia Xianchun , Mahmood Tariq , Quraishi Umar Masood , Aziz Abdul , Bux Hadi , Mahmood Zahid , Mirza Javed Iqbal , Mujeeb‐Kazi Abdul , He Zhonghu
Published: October 2015

We investigated alleles at 31 loci associated with adaptability, yield, and end‐use quality in 107 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landraces (WLRs) and 121 improved historical wheat cultivars (HWCs) from Pakistan. The WLRs were categorized into two further subgroups: 36 pre‐Green‐Revolution landraces released as cultivars and 71 geographically spread landraces from all over Pakistan. Alleles Vrn‐A1a, TaGW2‐6A‐A, TaCKX6‐D1b, Pinb‐D1b, Psy‐A1b, and Wx‐D1b were absent in WLRs, whereas ample diversity was observed at all other loci. In HWCs, only Wx‐D1b and Glu‐A3e were absent among the alleles tested, whereas the alleles Ppd‐D1a (90%), Rht‐B1b or Rht‐D1b (83.4%), TaCwi‐A1a (95%), TaGW2‐6A‐G (76%), TaCKX6‐D1a (77.3%), Glu‐A1b (66.1%), Glu‐D1d (61.3%), Pina‐D1b (88.2%), Pinb‐D1a (90%), Psy‐A1a (66.1%), Psy‐B1b (81.8%), Psy‐D1a (86.5%), Ppo‐A1a (70%), TaZds‐D1b (73.9%), TaLox‐B1b (80.1%), and Wx‐D1a (100%) predominated, indicating significant improvement in adaptability, yield potential, and end‐use quality and unconscious selection for favored alleles. Higher frequencies of favored alleles at the TaCwi‐A1 and TaCKX6‐D1 loci influencing 1000‐kernel weight (TKW) in HWCs indicated that selection pressure on these alleles during breeding successfully contributed to cultivar improvement. Wright's pairwise fixation index (Fst) statistics indicated greater genetic divergence between HWC and WLR collections (0.16) than HWC and WLR cultivars (0.14). Population structure based on functional markers (FMs) using principal component analysis partitioned the germplasm into two distinct groups. High genetic divergence and low admixture between HWCs and WLRs indicated limited use of landraces in wheat breeding in Pakistan. Our results suggested these collections as rich reservoirs of alleles and haplotype combinations that may be useful in future breeding programs.
The economic impact of climate-driven changes in water availability in Switzerland
Authors: Faust Anne-Kathrin , Gonseth Camille , Vielle Marc
Published: October 2015

The broad objective of this study is to estimate the economic impact of changes in water availability due to climate change in Switzerland with a 2050 time horizon. To do so, the sectoral structure of the computable general equilibrium model GEMINI-E3 is being extended. Raw water resources are introduced as a production factor into the model and a drinking water distribution sector is specified for Switzerland to allow for a precise analysis of the economic consequences of restricted water supply. Predictions of water availability in 2050 are taken from a hydrological model and alternative climate change scenarios are considered. Simulations show possible restrictions in water resource availability to increase raw water prices substantially compared to the baseline. However, the global economic impact for Switzerland is rather small due to the low price of raw water in Switzerland and its small value in the benchmark scenario. Finally, the simulation of scenarios featuring alternative levels of endogenous adaptive capacity of the economy highlights the importance of the ability to reduce water losses and to transform production processes to decrease their water intensity in determining the extent of welfare losses provoked by a decrease in water availability.
A quantitative investigation of narratives: recycled drinking water
Authors: Ching Leong
Published: October 2015

Recycled drinking water represents one of the most obvious and technologically reliable sources of urban water. Yet it is one of the least implemented solutions. Blame has often been laid on the emotional and psychological difficulties of persuading people that recycled drinking water is safe to drink. This ‘yuck’ factor has been empirically identified as a statistically significant variable. But how are such factors perceived? And more importantly – can these perceptions be changed? This study attempts a quantitative study of public perceptions and norm formation in recycled drinking water. Using the Q methodology, which reveals the subjective perceptions of key stakeholders, we uncover the following discourses: (1) technology can change current paradigms; (2) ensuring a safe water supply is a problem that has an economic cost; (3) environmental and global realities make it imperative to recycle water. These findings confound two prevailing views – that the debate in recycled drinking water is one of science over emotions, and more information can ‘overcome’ the apparently irrational norm formation. Instead, we find no new information in this case. Rather what was present was a new interpretative frame that allowed a new narrative enabling the bridging of two previously contradictory positions – in this instance, the pro- and anti-water reuse discourses.
A systematic review of success factors in the community management of rural water supplies over the past 30 years
Authors: Hutchings Paul , Chan Mei Yee , Cuadrado Lucie , Ezbakhe Fatine , Mesa Baptiste , Tamekawa Chiaki , Franceys Richard
Published: October 2015

Community management is the accepted management model for rural water supplies in many low and middle-income countries. However, endemic problems in the sustainability and scalability of this model are leading many to conclude we have reached the limits of an approach that is too reliant on voluntarism and informality. Accepting this criticism but recognising that many cases of success have been reported over the past 30 years, this study systematically reviews and analyses the development pattern of 174 successful community management case studies. The synthesis confirms the premise that for community management to be sustained at scale, community institutions need a ‘plus’ that includes long-term external support, with the majority of high performing cases involving financial support, technical advice and managerial advice. Internal community characteristics were also found to be influential in terms of success, including collective initiative, strong leadership and institutional transparency. Through a meta-analysis of success in different regions, the paper also indicates an important finding on the direct relationship between success and the prevailing socio-economic wealth in a society. This holds implications for policy and programme design with a need to consider how broad structural conditions may dictate the relative success of different forms of community management.
The most efficient clusters of Brazilian water companies
Authors: Carvalho Pedro , Pedro Isabel , Cunha Marques Rui
Published: October 2015

Usually water utilities provide their services under natural monopoly, with few incentives to become efficient, therefore affecting customers in the form of expensive tariffs. Hence, it is extremely important to find out the sources of inefficiency. The present study aims to identify the most efficient water utility groups in Brazil. For this purpose, a robust non-parametric method was applied. The results show that the utilities that provide both drinking water and wastewater services, the local utilities, and the utilities with private participation are more efficient. Furthermore, this study proved that the utilities were more efficient before the regulatory framework had been implemented.
To the last drop: the political economy of Philippine water policy
Authors: Hall Rosalie , Lizada Joy , Dayo Maria Helen , Abansi Corazon , David Myra , Rola Agnes
Published: October 2015

This paper examines the conflicts arising from the layered legal treatment, fragmentation and multiplicity of institutions involved in Philippine water governance. Using a thematic analysis of national legislation, a survey of 299 water managers in 10 provinces, and five cases illustrating local contestations, the paper tracks the diversification of formal institutional stakeholders which have been found to lack coherence and inter-agency connectivity. Water managers are not grounded in policy shifts, have little understanding of formal water rights and settle local conflicts with little reliance on formal mechanisms. The select cases reveal that water rights provide weak currency in local contestations.
Public policies for negotiated water allocation: a dialogue between Thailand and Brazil1
Authors: Vasconcelos Vitor Vieira , Koontanakulvong Sucharit , Martin Junior Paulo Pereira , Hadad Renato Moreira
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the authors' reflections regarding the collaborative studies and discussions on water resources among researchers from Thailand and Brazil. First, the similarities and differences between the countries regarding water resource management and policies are noted. Subsequently, the experiences and challenges of both countries in the negotiated allocation of water resources are discussed. Finally, the researchers comment on the current proposed draft of Thailand's water law based on the experience in Brazil.
Systematic methodology and practice of a co-governance program for five waters in a typical area of China
Authors: Xiang Long , Cui Guangbai , Chen Xing , Zhang Qicheng , Zhu Yongshu
Published: October 2015

A co-governance program for five waters (CPFW), including sewage treatment, flood prevention, drainage, water supply and saving, is an innovative concept in water resource management. It includes current and near future system projects and advanced management policies for water utilization and protection. In this paper, the scientific connotation of CPFW is explained by multidisciplinary theory. Based on current guidance and technology, evaluation targets and water management countermeasures are specified. Combining hydraulic engineering and their characteristics, operable approaches for CPFW are suggested for projects' designation and construction. These approaches of CPFW are applied in a typical area. Systematic projects are composed of sewage interception projects, efficient water supply projects and hydraulic projects with ecological engineering. With the guidance of CPFW, all projects are connected together and their integrated benefits are evaluated in water saving, sewage drainage, increase in environmental capacity and ensuring security. The results show the CPFW is valuable and available both in theory and in practice.
Water, sanitation, and diarrhea incidence among children: evidence from Guatemala
Authors: Vásquez William F. , Aksan Anna-Maria
Published: October 2015

Using household survey data for Guatemala, this paper investigates the role of water and sanitation infrastructure on diarrhea incidence in children. Hierarchical logit models of diarrhea incidence are estimated to account for potential regional heterogeneity of water and sanitation effects. Results indicate that the incidence probability of diarrhea is on average 20% lower in homes connected to a sewerage system. The effect of in-home access to tap water is weaker at 11% and subject to regional heterogeneity. Findings also indicate that consumption of bottled water reduces the incidence probability of diarrhea by 20–22%. In-home water treatments have no effect on incidence of diarrhea. Policy implications are discussed.
Challenges and Opportunities of Public Health Research in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha S
Published: October 2015

Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 1-3
Sonography in Acute Ureteric Colic: An Experience in Dhulikhel Hospital
Authors: Joshi KS , Karki S , Regmi S , Joshi HN , Adhikari SP
Published: October 2015

Background Computed tomography is considered as an imaging modality of choice in acute ureteric colic. However due to concerns regarding radiation exposure, sonograms are re-emerging as imaging methods in such situations.Objectives To evaluate the role of sonography in detection of calculus in acute ureteric colic.Methods Total 384 patients were enrolled. Hydronephrosis was graded as mild, moderate or severe. Calculus was detected as an intraluminal echogenic focus with distal shadowing with twinkling artifact. Number, size and position of the calculi were assessed. Patients were categorized into four groups:I. ureteric colic only II. ureteric colic with hematuria III. ureteric colic with hydronephrosis and IV. ureteric colic with hematuria and hydronephrosis and then the possibility of detection of calculi has been compared among these groups.Results Out of 384 patients, 254 were found to have calculi ranging between 2.7-27mm. Nineteen had in the pelvis/ pelviureteric junction, 64 in proximal ureter, 125 in distal ureter, 6 at iliac crossing and 40 at vesicoureteric junction. Two hundred forty one had single and 14 had multiple calculi. Calculus detection is easier in category III and IV patients. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography were 87.98% and 93.07%. Degree of hydronephrosis is strongly correlated with the number of calculi but weakly correlated with the size of the calculus.Conclusion Sonogram can be used in all cases of acute ureteric colic. Hydronephrosis is the most important finding because it paves the way out for the detection of calculus.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 9-15
Effect of Three Different Remineralizing Agents on Enamel Caries Formation – An in vitro Study
Authors: Sathe N , Chakradhar RVS Raju , Chandrasekhar V
Published: October 2015

Background Caries process is not a static one, but is dynamic with interspersed periods of demineralization and remineralization of enamel, intimately related and occurs episodically based upon the presence of cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque and the availability of refined carbohydrates for fermentation to organic acids.Objectives Early enamel caries could be reversed with avoidance of frank cavitation. The main objective of this study is to check whether enamel demineralization can be prevented by using the remineralizing agents.Method Forty freshly extracted human central incisors were selected and stored in saline at normal temperature. A window of 3 X 3mm enamel was created and all the specimens were then randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 each. Group I- teeth received no treatment, Group II- teeth treated with Acidulated Phosphate Flouride gel, Group III- teeth treated with Tooth Mousse Plus, Group IV- teeth treated with Remin+. Samples in all the groups were kept in artificial saliva for 24 hours and subjected to modified Ten Cate’s solution at an acidic pH of 3.5 for 10 days. The samples were sectioned and subjected to SEM evaluation.Result Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) images showed decrease in pore volume of the enamel in all the treatment groups compared to the control group indicating increase in resistance to demineralization in acidic pH.Conclusion The three groups of remineralizing agents, Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride gel, Tooth Mousse Plus and Remin + showed significant increase in fluoride content and negligible increase in calcium content indicating there is remineraliztion.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 16-20
Study on Relationship Between the Nutritional Status and Dental Caries in 8-12 Year Old Children of Udaipur City, India
Authors: Panwar NK , Mohan M , Arora R , Gupta A , Marya CM , Dhingria S
Published: October 2015

Background The future health of individuals depends on the well being of the children of today. Proper nutrition for children is very important. The most commonly used index of obesity and over weight is Body Mass Index. The growth of children should be monitored using the Body Mass Index (BMI) and risk factors assessed through a dietary and physical activity history. The increase in obesity is attributed to increased carbohydrate consumption among children. Obesity and caries are both diet-based conditions that share a cause that is, excessive ingestion of fermentable carbohydrates.Objective This study was undertaken to determine the association of nutritional status with dental caries in 8 to 12 year old children of Udaipur city.Method The present study was conducted on a random sample of 1000 boys and girls, aged 8-12 years. The children were selected from schools located in the Udaipur City, Rajasthan. The schools examined were of government and private sector schools in Udaipur city. The children from schools of Udaipur city was taken in the study with male, female and age group ratio as per distribution in population. A proforma was used to record children’s age, gender, school, year, height, weight, parental income and dental caries status. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS Version 15; Chicago Inc., USA).Result It was found that caries free individuals were more from normal nutritional status group with 134 (13.4 %) subjects where as only 11 (1.1 %) of subjects obese children were found caries free.Conclusion Study shows that the children with normal BMI for age had more caries in their primary teeth, as well as in their permanent teeth, than the overweight children.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 26-31
Comparison of Tzanakis Score vs Alvarado Score in the Effective Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Malla BR , Batajoo H
Published: October 2015

Background Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical emergency encountered worldwide. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Tzanakis score and Alvarado score in diagnosing acute appendicitis.Objectives The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of Tzanakis scoring system with Alvarado scoring system in diagnosing AA.Methods This was a retrospective and nonrandomized observational study conducted in Dhulikhel hospital. It included 200 clinically diagnosed cases of acute appendicitis who underwent emergency open or laparoscopic appendectomy during the year 2012. Final diagnosis of acute appendicitis was based on histological findings given by pathologist.Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Tzanakis score was 86.9%, 75.0, 97.5% and 33.3% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Alvarado score was 76.0%, 75.0%, 97.2% and 21.4% respectively. Negative appendectomy was 8.0%. Conclusion Tzanakis scoring system is an effective scoring system in diagnosing acute appendicitis.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 48-50
Hilus Cell Hyperplasia of Fallopian Tubes: A Rare and Incidental Finding with Uterine Leiomyomas
Authors: Ansari IA , Prakash G , K R , V E , Bhat S
Published: October 2015

Hilus cells are ovarian counterpart of testicular leydig cells seen at hilar region of ovary. We present an interesting case of hilus cell hyperplasia in fallopian tube associated with multiple leiomyomata of uterus in a postmenopausal woman. To our knowledge very few cases reported the existence of hilus cells outside the ovary. We received a specimen of hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. On gross examination both the tubes showed multiple small yellowish nodules. Microscopic examination showed aggregation of hilus cells beneath a normal tubal epithelium. Hilus cell hyperplasia was not seen in the ovaries. On immunohistochemistry, hilus cell showed positivity for vimentin and calretinin. Co-existence of hilus cell hyperplasia of fallopian tube and leiomyoma is very rare and may be subjected to further research.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 64-66
Controversies in Orthopaedic Trauma- Management of Fractures of Shaft of Femur in Children Between 6 and 12 Years of Age
Authors: Jain A , Aggarwal A , Gulati D , Singh MP
Published: October 2015

The management of femoral shaft fractures in children is largely directed by the age and built of the child. There is wide consensus on the non operative treatment of children less than six years of age. Operative treatment is recommended for children more than 12 years of age, only the surgical options vary. The age group of 6-12 years remains a controversial area with multiple studies advocating different lines of treatment.We studied the literature on treatment of femoral shaft fractures in 6 to 12 year age group over the past 25 years through PubMed search and found 79 studies dealing with management of paediatric shaft femur fractures in this age group. Studies dealing with other age groups, animal studies and languages other than English were excluded. The treatment modalities included early or immediate hip spica, traction alone, external fixator, plating (open/minimally invasive), intramedullary nailing- rigid/flexible and intramedullary Kirschner wire. The short listed articles were studied for rate and time of union, complications such as non-union and malunion, leg length discrepancy, infection, implant impingement, refracture and cost analysis.Operative treatment is usually the preferred treatment option in this age group, as it decreases hospitalization time, decreases morbidity and allows early return of child to school. Flexible intramedullary nailing is recommended for length stable fractures. Submuscular bridge plating (minimally invasive) is reserved for comminuted fractures. External fixator is reserved for open fractures and initial stabilization of femoral shaft fractures in polytrauma pediatric patients. Intramedullary K wire is a viable option in resource contrained centres where specialized implants and instrumentation is not available.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 77-84
Significantly Improved Catalytic Performance of Ni-Based MgO Catalyst in Steam Reforming of Phenol by Inducing Mesostructure
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Wang Yajing , Wang Yuhe
Published: October 2015

A Ni/meso-MgO catalyst with high surface area and small Ni nanoparticles was synthesized and investigated for hydrogen production by steam reforming of phenol for the first time. Compared to conventional Ni/MgO, the Ni/meso-MgO catalyst showed higher catalytic activity and stability. X-ray Diffraction, N2 adsorption, hydrogen temperature programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy and thermal gravimetry results indicated that the Ni/meso-MgO catalyst had higher surface area than Ni/MgO and Ni particles of Ni/meso-MgO were narrowly distributed in the range of 5~6 nm with an average size of 5.3 nm, while Ni particles of Ni/MgO were in the range of 6~10 nm with an average size of 7.92 nm. The small and uniform Ni nanoparticles in Ni/meso-MgO were attributed to the high surface area and the confinement effect of the mesoporous structure of meso-MgO, which could effectively limit the growth of the active metal and stabilize Ni particles during the procedure of NiO reduction. The mesoporous structure of Ni/meso-MgO also played an important role in suppressing Ni nanoparticle sintering and carbon deposition during the steam reforming of phenol reaction.
Profluorescent substrates for the screening of olefin metathesis catalysts
Authors: Reuter Raphael , Ward Thomas R
Published: October 2015

Herein we report on a 96-well plate assay based on the fluorescence resulting from the ring-closing metathesis of two profluorophoric substrates. To demonstrate the validity of the approach, four commercially available ruthenium-metathesis catalysts were evaluated in six different solvents. The results from the fluorescent assay agree well with HPLC conversions, validating the usefulness of the approach.
Finding the missing link: Resolving the Coryneliomycetidae within Eurotiomycetes
Authors: Wood A.R. , Damm U. , van der Linde E.J. , Groenewald J.Z. , Cheewangkoon R. , Crous P.W.
Published: October 2015

Species belonging to the Coryneliaceae and parasitizing Podocarpaceae hosts were collected from different locations in South Africa and studied morphologically by light microscopy and molecularly by obtaining partial nrDNA (ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2, 18S and 28S) gene sequences.
The position of the Coryneliaceae within the Eurotiomycetidae was not confirmed and a new subclass, Coryneliomycetidae, was introduced. While Eurotiomycetidae usually form cleistothecia/gymnothecia with evanescent, unitunicate asci, and Chaetothyriomycetidae
mostly perithecia with bitunicate/fissitunicate to evanescent asci, Coryneliomycetidae form pseudothecial mazaedial ascomata, initially with double-walled asci with the outer layer deliquescing, resulting in passive ascospore release. The Coryneliomycetidae thus occupies a unique
position in the Eurotiomycetes. Furthermore, epitypes were designated for Corynelia uberata, the type species of Corynelia (type genus of the family, order and subclass), Lagenulopsis bispora, the type species of Lagenulopsis, and Tripospora tripos
the type species of Tripospora, with Lagenulopsis and Tripospora confirmed as belonging to the Coryneliaceae. Corynelia uberata resolved into three clades, one on Afrocarpus (= Podocarpus) falcatus and A. gracilior, and two clades
occurring on P. latifolius, herein described as C. africana and C. fructigena. Morphologically these three species are not readily distinguishable, although they differ in spore dimensions, ascomata shape, ornamentation and DNA phylogeny. It is likely that several more
species from other parts of the world are currently erroneously placed in C. uberata.
A CASE STUDY OF THE IRANIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY AND ITS ABSOLUTE CAPACITY EXPANSION USING ANALYTICAL MODELS
Authors: Bevrani Bayan , Burdett Robert L. , Yarlagadda Prasad K. D. V
Published: October 2015

Identifying railway capacity is an important task that can identify ‘in principal’ whether the network can handle an intended traffic flow, and whether there is any free capacity left for additional train services. Capacity determination techniques can also be used to identify how best to improve an existing network, and at least cost. In this article, an optimization approach has been applied to a case study of the Iran national railway, in order to identify its current capacity and to optimally expand it given a variety of technical conditions. This railway is very important in Iran and will be upgraded extensively in the coming years. Hence, the conclusions in this article may help in that endeavor. A sensitivity analysis is recommended to evaluate a wider range of possible scenarios. Hence, more useful lower and upper bounds can be provided for the performance of the system.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Flexural Properties of Bamboo Tali Laminate Composite
Authors: Firly Raden Rubani , Syamsudin Hendri , Kusni Muhammad , Widagdo Djarot
Published: October 2015

This research was done to evaluate flexural properties (flexural strength, flexural modulus, and failure mode) of Bambu Tali (Gigantochloa Apus) composite. Lycal 1101 was used as matrix. Two types of laminate were tested in four point bending, unidirectional (00/00) s and symmetric cross ply (00/900) s. Results were then compared with numerical simulation using MSC PATRAN-NASTRAN to determine flexural strength and failure mode prediction for both specimens. All specimens were manufactured using cold press manufacturing method. Results show there was around 28% reduction in flexural strength from unidirectional specimen to symmetric cross ply. Numerical simulation results on failure mode prediction show good agreements with actual four point bending test.