bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin Resistance, β-Cell Dysfunction, and Conversion to Type 2 Diabetes in a Multiethnic Population
Authors: Lorenzo Carlos , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Rewers Marian J. , Karter Andrew J. , Haffner Steven M.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

Insulin resistance and β-cell function are major predictors of type 2 diabetes, but studies using direct methods of insulin resistance and secretion are few and relatively small. Furthermore, the strength of these associations has not been tested in different ethnic groups and various states of glucose tolerance, family history of diabetes, and obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Predictors of incident diabetes were evaluated in Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and African American participants in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (aged 40–69 years). In 557 participants with normal glucose tolerance and 269 with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), insulin sensitivity (insulin sensitivity index [SI]) and first-phase insulin secretion (acute insulin response [AIR]) were directly measured using the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

At the 5-year follow-up examination, 128 (15.5%) individuals had developed diabetes. Both SI (odds ratio × 1 SD 0.50 [95% CI 0.37–0.68]) and AIR (0.51 [0.40–0.65]) were independent predictors of incident diabetes even after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, center, IGT, family history of diabetes, and BMI. The strength of the relation of SI and AIR to incident diabetes was not significantly affected by potential interactions of age, sex, ethnicity, glucose tolerance, BMI, or family history of diabetes (P ≥ 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Both insulin sensitivity and β-cell function predict conversion to diabetes in different ethnic groups and various states of glucose tolerance, family history of diabetes, and obesity. The prevention of type 2 diabetes should focus on interventions that improve both insulin resistance and insulin secretion.
Growth mechanism and characterization of ZnO nano-tubes synthesized using the hydrothermal-etching method
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Chuan-Sheng , Zou Yun-Ling
Published: October 2009

ZnO nano-tubes (ZNTs) have been successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal-etching method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and room temperature photoluminescence measurement. The as-synthesized ZNTs have a diameter of 500 nm, wall thickness of 20–30 nm, and length of 5 µm. Intensity of the plane (0002) diffraction peak, compared with that of plane (10$$ \bar 1 $$0) of ZNTs, is obviously lower than that of ZnO nano-rods. This phenomenon can be caused by the smaller cross section of plane (0002) of the nano-tubes compared with that of other morphologies. On basis of the morphological analysis, the formation process of nano-tubes can be proposed in two stages: hydrothermal growth and reaction etching process.
Liquid Chromatography Metabolite Profiling of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Authors: Kokil Sachin , Bhatia Manish
Published: October 2009

Liquid Chromatography Metabolite Profiling of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Reverse transcriptase inhibitors are the most frequently prescribed agents for HIV infections. This publication presents a validated, highly sensitive and selective isocratic HPLC method for the quantitative determination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and its metabolite tenofovir. Detection was performed on a UV detector. The linearity for the calibration curve in the concentration range of 80-20400 ng/mL for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TENDF) and 10-2560 ng/mL for tenofovir (TEN) is presented. Inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy of the proposed method were characterised by relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) and percentage deviation, respectively: with both lower than 4% for all analytes. The limit of detection was 33.46 ng/mL for TENDF and 2.10 ng/mL for TEN.
Effects of Glucocorticoid Immunosuppression on Serum Cystatin C Levels
Authors: Gruev Todor , Chakalarovski Koco , Stojceva-Taneva Olivera , Grueva Ani , Trenceva Katerina
Published: October 2009

Effects of Glucocorticoid Immunosuppression on Serum Cystatin C Levels

The aim of the present study is to describe the influence of glucocorticoid immunosuppression on serum cystatin C concentration in renal transplant patients. To evaluate the influence of immunosuppressive regimens, especially glucocorticoids, on serum cystatin C level, 38 clinically stable patients on immunosuppression therapy with low-dose glucocorticoids were compared to 30 clinically stable patients receiving cyclosporin A alone, and 18 clinically stable patients receiving cyclosporin A together with azathioprine. Clinical stability was defined as the absence of acute rejection, febrile infection, and cyclosporin A toxicity, as well as stability of creatinine clearance as estimated by the formula of Cockroft and Gault. All groups were compared for estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) values and had comparable gender, age and time since transplantation. The group receiving short-course, high-dose methylprednisolone was analyzed at four time points: a) before methylprednisolone commencement (median, 15 days); b) the day methylprednisolone was introduced (before medication); c) after 3 days of methylprednisolone therapy; and d) on a follow-up 9-10 days after the last dose. Intravenous administration of high-dose methylprednisolone led to significant differences in cystatin C levels at different time points (before administration, after three doses, and 8 days after discontinuation). Glucocorticoid medication in adult renal transplant patients is associated in a dose-de pendent manner with increased cystatin C, leading to systematic under estimation of GFR. Moreover, our data illustrate the need for specific reference intervals in patients on glucocorticoid therapy. In clinical routine settings, as well as in future clinical studies, it is important to take glucocorticoid medication into account when interpreting serum cystatin C concentrations in renal transplant patients presumably, as well as in other patient groups.
Immune Complexes and Complement in Serum and Synovial Fluid of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Mijušković Zoran , Rackov Ljiljana , Pejović Janko , Živanović Sandra , Stojanović Jelica , Kovačević Zoran
Published: October 2009

Immune Complexes and Complement in Serum and Synovial Fluid of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is predominantly an intraarticular inflammatory and autoimmune disease that involves different autoantibodies and effector mechanisms. The aim of the study was to determine the utility of Circulating Immune Complexes (CIC) and complement components (C3c, C4) as possible markers for the disease activity in laboratory diagnostics. In a cross-section study 59 patients, according to the clinical criteria, were categorized into two groups: group with moderate (MA, n=24), and group with severe activity (SA, n=35) of RA. The concentration of CIC, C3c and C4 in sera (S) and synovial fluids (SF) was examined by an immunonephelometric method in both groups and compared with values in the control group (n=15) of patients with lesions of the menisci. Obtained results showed that there was no statistical significance in the values of C3c and C4, in both biological fluids, among all tested groups. Significant differences were found in the levels of CIC in both fluids, while testing the parameters (× ± SD, IU/mL) in the sera of groups with SA and MA of RA: 7.43 ± 13.40; 3.01 ± 2.92 (p<0.05) and SF: 13.47 ± 21.1, 5.33 ± 7.53 (p<0.001), respectively. These differences were higher between the group with SA and CG. Results for the concentrations of CIC were significantly higher in SF compared to sera: in the RA group with SA by 77% and group with MA by about 82%. These data could provide a confirmation of the hypothesis about local, intraarticular autoantibodies and subsequent CIC production. It can be concluded that the examination of CIC concentration in serum, and where it is possible in SF, is a useful marker of disease activity in RA patients, in contrast to the tested components of the complement. This statement does not exclude their consumption within immune effector mechanisms, but elicits the possibility that lower molecular fragments (C3d, C4d), as well as the novel activation products, could be better disease activity markers in RA patients.
Significance of Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase and its Isoenzymes During Post-Burn Follow-Up
Authors: Ahmad Riaz , Nazam Nazia , Khan Arshad , Alam Mumtaz
Published: October 2009

Significance of Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase and its Isoenzymes During Post-Burn Follow-Up

The present study aims to evaluate the role of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes in thermal burns. A total of 18 patients of both genders with 20 to 50% total burn surface area (TBSA), admitted to the Burn Ward of JN Medical College and Hospital was assessed. These patients were subjected to general and systemic examinations. The sera collected at day 1, 2, 5 and 10 during follow-up of burn patients were used for LDH quantitation. PAGE profiles showed significant differences in the levels of LDH isoenzymes in all the burn subjects (P=0.05). Software analysis of gel-scans showed the presence of five isoenzyme bands of which LDH-1 and -2 are the least contributors. During follow-up, it was observed that the ranking of LDH isoenzymes approaches control values at day 2 in 20% TBSA patients, while in the remaining cases it occurs at day 5. 3D-densitograms indicated high activity of LDH in 50% of TBSA patients even at day 10; however, the relative ranking of these isoenzymes was similar to control values (LDH-4>- 5>-3>-1>-2). We were of the opinion that the high activity of LDH enzyme is due to the enzyme-immunoglobulin-G (LDH-IgG) complex, but surprisingly we did not observe this complex in 50% of burn patients at any of the durations. Therefore, it is suggested that LDH isoenzymes play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease and can be an asset to ascertain the invisible tissue damage. Moreover, the high activity of LDH in 50% of burns is due to some unknown mechanism and not due to the binding of LDH with IgG.
Wreck, Restoration, and the Work of Carrying On: History on Vivan Sundaram's Boat-Works
Authors: Roy Tania
Published: October 2009

This paper examines the installation work of Vivan Sundaram, one of India's foremost contemporary artists, as an aesthetic response to the rapid political and cultural transformations that marked the 1990s. At this time, Sundaram turned definitively from an established body of figurative and representational art, to experiments with site-specific, inter-medial installations. This turn is placed in the context of the rise of cultural majoritarianism and religious fundamentalism in India, and the coincidence of these ideologies with policies of economic liberalization. In its interpretation of works by Sundaram in this period, the paper outlines the centrality, as both form and motif, of the boat. Cited, improvised, and elaborated upon repeatedly, Sundaram's boat-works advance an alternative account of cultural origins that unfolds around incidents of violent rupture and survival. Frequently assembled from found-objects, these archetypal structures are materialized as evidence of a cataclysmic past. This line of interpretation is explored specifically through the assemblage House/boat (1994), which construes the national present in terms of a historical aftermath. While the paper positions House/boat within the artist's sustained experimentation with discourses of memorialization and monumentality as established through nationalist historiography, it emphasizes House/boat's specific address to the nation in the wake of the traumatic events that marked 1992–3; during which the country was convulsed by sectarian clashes following the destruction of a sixteenth-century mosque by Hindu nationalists.
A Study of FNAC of Cervical Lymph Nodes
Authors: Shakya G , Malla S , Shakya KN , Shrestha R
Published: October 2009

Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a reliable and least expensive method suitable for developing countries like Nepal for the investigation of lymphadenopathy. Knowledge about the pattern of lymphadenopathy is useful in pathological reporting as well as in many clinical settings with diagnostic dilemma. This is a baseline study to investigate the pattern of cervical lymphadenopathy by lymph node FNAC in Nepalese population. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by critically analyzing the case reports on cervical lymph node FNAC from three years' records (July 2005 to June 2008) at the National Public Health Laboratory, Teku, Kathmandu. Review of all cytological reports were done according to standard guidelines and the diagnosis was classified and correlated with patients' age and ethnicity to explore the pattern and association. Results: Of 508 cervical lymph node FNAC cases, 50.4% was reactive non-specific, 22.4% was tubercular, 4.8 % malignant, 10% chronic granulomatous and the remaining was acute suppurative (12.4%). Highest incidence of malignancy was seen in the fifth decade (50%). Whereas, tubercular lymphadenopathy was found with increasing frequency through childhood (10.5%) and adolescence (21.7%) to young adulthood (30.4%), probably indicative of waning immunity of BCG vaccination. Ethnic groups comprising of Tamang, Sherpa and Bhote had the highest incidence of malignant as well as tubercular lymphadenopathy. Conclusion: The relationship of malignant and tubercular lymphadenopthy with age and ethnicity deserves further study. Efforts at preventing tubercular and early diagnosing malignant lymphadenopathy and reducing morbidity in general will find great usefulness in such associations. Key words: Cervical Lymphadenopathy, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Pattern   DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v7i1.2267 Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol. 7, No. 1, 2009 April 1-5
Clinical and Demographic Profile of Patients Receiving ECT in an Institute
Authors: Sherchan S , Joshi D
Published: October 2009

Background: Despite being an effective and safe treatment for severe psychiatric disorders, the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in different countries and different institutions has been uneven. More-over, in developed countries its use has clearly shown a declining trend. Methods: This retrospective study using ECT case record book has sought to find out the clinical and demographic profile of patients receiving ECT at the Mental Hospital in Lagankhel, Lalitpur and also to determine the trend of its use in last 10 years. Two ECT case record books which covered the time period from 1999 to 2008 were studied. Retrospective data necessary for this study was collected from those records. Results: The total number of ECT received in the year 1999 was 902 while it was 242 in the year 2008. The number of patients receiving ECT in the year 2008 was 44 patients with the diagnosis of acute psychosis and schizophrenia while only 20 patients with the diagnosis of affective disorder (mania and depression) out of total 64 patients. Conclusion: The study showed declining trend of the use of ECT in the state Mental Hospital as in developed countries but in contrast to affective disorder, acute psychosis and schizophrenia were the predominant clinical conditions where ECT was used. Key words: Direct/Unmodified, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Psychiatric disorders, Psychotropic medications   DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v7i1.2272 Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol. 7, No. 1, 2009 April 10-13
Pregnancy Outcome of Single Previous cesarean Section
Authors: Jha M
Published: October 2009

Background: The main aim of this study is to determine the maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancy among women with one previous caesarean section at term in relation to vaginal delivery, post partum complication, neonatal complication like low Apgar score, fetal weight and admission in special baby unit. Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive study done in a sample size of 100. Inclusion criteria were term pregnancy, single live fetus with cephalic presentation with one previous caesarean section. During study period total number of obstetric admissions was 3546 and 115 cases were admitted with previous one caesarean section. Result: Out of 100 cases, 31 cases had vaginal delivery and 69 cases had caesarean section. Among 31 vaginal deliveries, 24 cases had spontaneous vaginal delivery and 7 had assisted delivery with vacuum, main indication of vacuum delivery was to cut short the second stage of labor that was in 5(71.43%) cases. Among 69 caesarean section cases, 51 had emergency caesarean section and 18 had elective caesarean section and cephalopelvic disproportion was the main indication in both the groups. Most common complication was scar dehiscence and postpartum hemorrhage. There were two still births in each group and one minute APGAR score was slightly better in caesarean section. Conclusions: Patients with previous caesarean section are at high risk of repeat emergency or elective caesarean section. About one in three patients with previous caesarean section delivered vaginally. In the present study postpartum hemorrhage was the commonest complication, which was found in caesarean section, and only  one puerperal pyrexia was seen in case of vaginal delivery. Key words: Cephalopelvic disproportion, Premature rupture of membrane, Septicemia, Vacuum delivery   DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v7i1.2275 Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol. 7, No. 1, 2009 April 25-28
Laparoscopic Evaluation of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women
Authors: Chhetri S , Khanna S , Poonam A , Sen B
Published: October 2009

Background: Chronic pelvic pain is a common and significant disorder of women. Often the etiology of chronic pelvic pain is not clear. Methods: A descriptive hospital based study was done which included 55 women with chronic pelvic pain of more than six months duration. Ultrasonography and diagnostic laparoscopy were performed in all patients. These patients also had a psychological assessment with the SRQ (Self Reporting Questionnaire). The various causes of pelvic pain were assessed. Result: The mean age of women presenting with chronic pelvic pain was 37.1 ± 2.3 years. Ultrasonography detected abnormality in only 21 (38.2%) patients. The most common pathology detected was ovarian cysts in seven patients. Diagnostic laparoscopy was able to detect pathology in 45 (81.8%) patients. Pelvic adhesions was the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain which was present in 16 (29%) of the women, followed by PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) in seven (12.7%), endometriosis in five (9.1%), pelvic congestion in four (7.2%), pelvic tuberculosis in four (7.2%), fibroid uterus in four (7.2%), ovarian cysts in four (7.2%) and parafimbrial cyst in one patient. No abnormality on laparoscopy was detected in 10 (18.2%) patients. When evaluated for associated psychological illness it was detected in 24 (43.6%) patients. Results: Chronic pelvic pain is a common problem and presents a major challenge to health care providers because of its unclear etiology, complex natural history, and poor response to therapy. Diagnostic laparoscopy is thus an important tool in the evaluation of women with chronic pelvic pain. Key words: chronic pelvic pain, laparoscopy, ultrasonography.   DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v7i1.2279 Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol. 7, No. 1, 2009 April 45-48
Hymenolepis dimunata Infection in a Child of 14 month
Authors: Thakur NK , Mishra SK , Neupane GP , Jha A
Published: October 2009

We report a case, a 14 month old male child who presented with fever and diarrhea for a month. It was diagnosed as a case of H dimunata infection, which is a sole parasite of rat. Very few cases of such infection have been reported in Nepal. The treatment is done with either Niclosamide or Praziquantel, but the main concern is about the diagnosis of the condition. Since, H dimunata is a sole rat parasite, it is hardly ever thought about a cause of the diarrhea. Key words: Diarrhea, H dimunata, Niclosamide   DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v7i1.2294 Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol. 7, No. 1, 2009 April 49-51
Putting Editors to Trouble (or People of That Sort)
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: October 2009

Why are relationships between academic authors and scholarly editors sometimes antagonistic? Do some authors equate an editor with some authoritarian figure, perhaps a teacher from their schooldays, and expect them to mark and praise a paper whatever its faults? Or are authors still undergraduates at heart, with a poor respect for simple rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and do they object to their best ideas’ being criticized by ‘teacher’?
Situating Clio's Influence in Humanities and Social Science Monographs
Authors: Hérubel Jean-Pierre V.M.
Published: October 2009

Historical scholarship is found in various humanities and social science disciplines. Beyond the traditional historically oriented research and scholarship, as vetted by historians trained and educated in the profession, historical scholarship is situated within other disciplinary configurations as well. This essay offers a larger intellectual discussion of historical research and scholarship published in disciplinary venues outside history proper. Using AHCI and SSCI databases, data were collected for book reviews appearing between 1977 and 2006 to ascertain disciplinary and journal affiliations. Historical scholarship is situated in many fields in which a historical perspective or historiographically grounded scholarship is pursued. Indeed, the historical enterprise is much more intellectually pervasive vis-à-vis other disciplines than may be commonly supposed.
Driver-Assisted Bus Interview
Authors: Alfred Chu Ka Kee , Chapleau Robert , Trépanier Martin
Published: October 2009

A new concept in transit travel surveys, called the driver-assisted bus interview, is proposed. The survey uses data that are passively gathered by smart card automatic fare collection systems on public transit. Its superiority lies in the resolution of the data as well as the continuous geographic and temporal coverage of the network and cardholders. The paper first discusses the quality of survey data. It then describes a totally disaggregate object-oriented approach as a method to understand, validate, correct, and enrich the data. The study uses one month of archived smart card boarding data from a medium-size transit agency. The data go through a validation and correction process that makes use of planned service and cardholders’ historic travel pattern. Trip data not collected by the survey are obtained through enrichment techniques. The anchor points of a cardholder can be inferred from the derived employment status, multiday travel pattern, and a trip-generator database. The procedure that infers trip destination and trip purpose for the student subgroup is explained. Advanced analysis and visualization techniques demonstrate the versatility of the data, which can be scrutinized as a travel demand survey, a special trip generator survey, a resource allocation and consumption survey, and a multiday survey.
Adjustable shunt valve–induced magnetic resonance imaging artifact: a comparative study
Authors: Toma Ahmed K. , Tarnaris Andrew , Grieve Joan P. , Watkins Laurence D. , Kitchen Neil D.
Published: October 2009

Object

In this paper, the authors' goal was to compare the artifact induced by implanted (in vivo) adjustable shunt valves in spin echo, diffusion weighted (DW), and gradient echo MR imaging pulse sequences.

Methods

The MR images obtained in 8 patients with proGAV and 6 patients with Strata II adjustable shunt valves were assessed for artifact areas in different planes as well as the total volume for different pulse sequences.

Results

Artifacts induced by the Strata II valve were significantly larger than those induced by proGAV valve in spin echo MR imaging pulse sequence (29,761 vs 2450 mm3 on T2-weighted fast spin echo, p = 0.003) and DW images (100,138 vs 38,955 mm3, p = 0.025). Artifacts were more marked on DW MR images than on spin echo pulse sequencse for both valve types.

Conclusions

Adjustable valve–induced artifacts can conceal brain pathology on MR images. This should influence the choice of valve implantation site and the type of valve used. The effect of artifacts on DW images should be highlighted pending the development of less MR imaging artifact–inducing adjustable shunt valves.
Capillary telangiectasias: clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features
Authors: Sayama Christina M. , Osborn Anne G. , Chin Steven S. , Couldwell William T.
Published: October 2009

Object

Brain capillary telangiectasias (BCTs) are small, clinically benign, angiographically occult lesions that are usually incidental findings. Large capillary telangiectasias have not been reported previously as most BCTs are very small. Symptomatic BCTs are also rare, with few reports in the literature. The authors review the clinical manifestations, imaging, and histopathological characteristics of BCTs to further elucidate the diagnostic and clinical features of these vascular malformations.

Methods

The authors completed a retrospective radiological review of all cases of BCTs in the neuroradiology database at the University of Utah involving patients treated between January 1993 and December 2007. The MR imaging scans were reviewed, and the BCT was measured in 2 dimensions. They arbitrarily chose > 1 cm to define a large BCT as a majority of these lesions were smaller than that. The medical chart and the electronic database were used to gather each patient's clinical information.

Results

One hundred thirty patients were identified in the archived neuroradiology database of capillary telangiectasias. Cases involving 105 patients with definite capillary telangiectasias were reviewed, and from these, 7 patients were identified to have a large capillary telangiectasia measuring > 1 cm. Upon further review, 2 of these patients were identified as having symptoms likely related to their capillary telangiectasia. These 2 cases are reported in the article. No patients with smaller BCTs were found to have symptoms related to their lesion.

Conclusions

Brain capillary telangiectasias are small vascular malformations that rarely cause symptoms. They are often overlooked on imaging because of their clinically benign nature; however, they have been misdiagnosed as glial tumors in the past. Specific MR imaging sequences (T1-weighted postcontrast and gradient refocused echo) are valuable in aiding diagnosis, as histopathological diagnosis is often not possible. These cases highlight that BCTs can cause symptoms, a finding that may actually be related to the size of the lesion (28.6% of large BCTs in this series were symptomatic, whereas none of the small ones were).
Characterization and Biocompatibility of Biopolyester Nanofibers
Authors: Ishii Daisuke , Ying Tang Hui , Yamaoka Tetsuji , Iwata Tadahisa
Published: October 2009

Biodegradable nanofibers are expected to be promising scaffold materials for biomedical engineering, however, biomedical applications require control of the degradation behavior and tissue response of nanofiber scaffolds in vivo. For this purpose, electrospun nanofibers of poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs) and poly(lactide)s (PLAs) were subjected to degradation tests in vitro and in vivo. In this review, characterization and biocompatibility of nanofibers derived from PHAs and PLAs are described. In particular, the effects of the crystalline structure of poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate], stereocomplex structure of PLA, and monomer composition of PHA on the degradation behaviors are described in detail. These studies show the potential of biodegradable polyester nanofibers as scaffold material, for which suitable degradation rate and regulated interaction with surrounding tissues are required.
Synthesis of mesogenic phthalocyanine-C60 donor–acceptor dyads designed for molecular heterojunction photovoltaic devices
Authors: Geerts Yves Henri , Debever Olivier , Amato Claire , Sergeyev Sergey
Published: October 2009

A series of phthalocyanine-C60 dyads 2a–d was synthesized. Key steps in their synthesis are preparation of the low symmetry phthalocyanine intermediate by the statistical condensation of two phthalonitriles, and the final esterification of the fullerene derivative bearing a free COOH group. Structural characterization of the molecules in solution was performed by NMR spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Preliminary studies suggest formation of liquid crystalline (LC) mesophases for some of the prepared dyads. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of LC phthalocyanine-C60 dyads.
Content and Criterion Validity of the Preliminary Core Dataset for Clinical Trials in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: CHOY ERNEST H. , ARNOLD LESLEY M. , CLAUW DANIEL J. , CROFFORD LESLIE J. , GLASS JENNIFER M. , SIMON LEE S. , MARTIN SUSAN A. , STRAND C. VIBEKE , WILLIAMS DAVID A. , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: October 2009

Objective.

Increasing research interest and emerging new therapies for treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) have led to a need to develop a consensus on a core set of outcome measures that should be assessed and reported in all clinical trials, to facilitate interpretation of the data and understanding of the disease. This aligns with the key objective of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative to improve outcome measurement through a data driven, interactive consensus process.

Methods.

Through patient focus groups and Delphi processes, working groups at previous OMERACT meetings identified potential domains to be included in the core data set. A systematic review has shown that instruments measuring these domains are available and are at least moderately sensitive to change. Most instruments have been validated in multiple languages. This pooled analysis study aims to develop the core data set by analyzing data from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCT) in FM.

Results.

Results from this study provide support for the inclusion of the following in the core data set: pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep, patient global assessment, and multidimensional function/health related quality of life. Construct validity was demonstrated with outcome instruments showing convergent and divergent validity. Content and criterion validity were confirmed by multivariate analysis showing R square values between 0.4 and 0.6. Low R square value is associated with studies in which one or more domains were not assessed.

Conclusion.

The core data set was supported by high consensus among attendees at OMERACT 9. Establishing an international standard for RCT in FM should facilitate future metaanalyses and indirect comparisons.
A newly discovered bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus faecalis 3915
Authors: Dimov S. , Peykov S. , Raykova D. , Ivanova P. , Kirilov N. , Dalgalarrondo M. , Chobert J. , Haertlé T. , Ivanova I.
Published: October 2009

Different Enterococci, isolated from starters for the production of the traditional Bulgarian yellow cheese 'Kashkaval' were screened for bacteriocin production, and one of them, Enterococcus faecalis 3915 demonstrated bacteriocin activity. In this study, we investigated the growth parameters of the producer strain as well as the production kinetics and preliminary characterisation of the produced bacteriocin named enterocin 3915. For the growth modelling, the logistic model was used, while bacteriocin production was monitored. Experiments on inducibility were conducted, and strain was checked for the presence of plasmids. The peptide was crudely purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by preparative PAGE. The approximate molecular mass was determined electrophoretically, and the activity was visualised by electrophoresis and agar overlay technique. It was found that E. faecalis 3915 produces a bacteriocin with constitutive synthesis and chromosomal localisation of its genetic determinants. The peptide revealed to be relatively heat-stable with a molecular mass of about 6.5 kDa. As E. faecalis 3915 originates from cheese starter it can be classified as generally recognised as safe (GRAS). The inhibitory activity of enterocin 3915 comprises commensals or pathogens, so properties generally accepted as probiotic could be attributed to the producer, and potential application in the dairy industry is not to be excluded.
Effect of probiotic Propionibacterium jensenii 702 supplementation on layer chicken performance
Authors: Luo J. , King S. , Adams M.
Published: October 2009

The effects of the probiotic, Propionibacterium jensenii 702 (PJ 702), supplementation on egg productivity, egg shell thickness, fatty acid profile of eggs, and body weight in early layer hens were investigated. Twenty eight twenty-week-old starter pullets were evenly divided into a treatment and a control group for an eight week experiment. Each bird in the treatment group received 107 cfu PJ 702 daily in a total volume of 1 ml by oral administration. No adverse effect was observed due to administration of PJ 702, and successful gastrointestinal transit in the bird was demonstrated by recovery of PJ 702 from faeces of the treatment group. Layer production was significantly improved by the supplementation of PJ 702. Total egg weight in the treatment group was significantly higher than the control (P<0.001). Average egg weight for the treatment group was 55.26 g, 4.2% higher than the control which averaged 53.02 g. Moreover, the fatty acid profile was significantly altered by the supplementation of PJ 702. Myristic acid (P<0.001), palmitoleic acid (P=0.001) and all-cis-11,14-eicosadienoic acid (P=0.02) were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group. No difference in egg shell thickness was observed between the treatment and control group (P=0.23). In conclusion, the application of novel probiotic PJ 702 in the early layer hen is safe and effective to promote production and the quality of products in layer husbandry.
Innovative Approach to Teaching Communication Skills to Nursing Students
Authors: Zavertnik Jean Ellen , Huff Tanya A. , Munro Cindy L.
Published: October 2009

This study assessed the effectiveness of a learner-centered simulation intervention designed to improve the communication skills of preprofessional sophomore nursing students. An innovative teaching strategy in which communication skills are taught to nursing students by using trained actors who served as standardized family members in a clinical learning laboratory setting was evaluated using a two-group posttest design. In addition to current standard education, the intervention group received a formal training session presenting a framework for communication and a 60-minute practice session with the standardized family members. Four domains of communication—introduction, gathering of information, imparting information, and clarifying goals and expectations—were evaluated in the control and intervention groups in individual testing sessions with a standardized family member. The intervention group performed better than the control group in all four tested domains related to communication skills, and the difference was statistically significant in the domain of gathering information (
p
= 0.0257).
Persistent Subepithelial Haze in Thin-flap LASIK
Authors: Hafezi Farhad , Seiler Theo
Published: October 2009

PURPOSE:

To report persistent subepithelial haze in two patients following femtosecond LASIK associated with creation of a thin flap.

METHODS:

Subepithelial haze was assessed by slit-lamp photography, high-resolution Scheimpflug imaging, and corneal confocal microscopy.

RESULTS:

Two patients showed distinct subepithelial haze and reduced corrected distance visual acuity at 3 months after LASIK with a thin-flap generated by a femtosecond laser. The extent of haze was documented, and haze was treated topically with steroids for up to 12 weeks. The haze was localized approximately 20 to 40µm below Bowman's layer and dissolved slowly during the 3 months of treatment. At 6 months after surgery, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20.

CONCLUSIONS:

Subepithelial haze formation represents a new potential complication in thin-flap LASIK. [J Refract Surg.2010;26:222–225.]
Application of Psychobiological Measures in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Research
Authors: White Barbara Prudhomme , Mulligan Shelley E.
Published: October 2009

The authors discuss the use of psychobiological measures (i.e., biomarkers) for furthering understanding of the biological foundations supporting human occupational behavior. They explore the possible applications of psychobiological measures in research relevant to occupational therapy practice and occupational science, including the documentation of outcomes following occupational therapy intervention. Common psychobiological measures that are available and of particular interest to occupational scientists and therapists are described based on a review of research that has applied psychobiological measures. Psychobiological measures have rarely been reported in the occupational science and occupational therapy literature to date, although such measures are beginning to emerge as researchers expand their questions and methods related to occupational engagement. Psychobiological measures may provide promising insights into the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve self-regulation and more effectively manage stressors for enhancing occupational performance. These measures also may be used to increase understanding of how participation in desired occupations influences arousal levels, stress response, and overall states of well-being and productivity.
Time Use of Teen Mothers
Authors: DeLany Janet , Jones Michelle
Published: October 2009

Although programs exist to support teen parents, little is known about the daily life patterns of teen mothers. This study used a mixed methods approach to examine teen mothers' time allocations and occupational choices. The researchers interviewed and collected experiential time samples from nine teen mothers during a 3-week period. The teen mothers were their children's primary caregivers, had ages ranging from 14 to 20 years, and lived in a rural community. Findings indicated that the teens spent the majority of their time engaged in instrumental activities of daily living that involved caring for their children because of feelings of obligation, performed most of their occupations at home, and spent more time engaged in passive than active leisure occupations. This study has implications for occupational therapy related to teen parenting programs.
Changing pattern of bronchogenic carcinoma : A statistical variation or a reality?
Authors: Shetty CM , Lakhkar BN , Gangadhar VSS , Ramachandran NR
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES:
To document the various CT appearances of bronchogenic carcinoma with histopathologic correlation, to identify changing trend in the radiographic pattern of bronchogenic carcinoma, if any and to evaluate the role of CT in staging of bronchogenic carcinoma was also evaluated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study of 81 patients over a period of 2 yrs with clinical and or radiological suspicion of bronchogenic carcinoma and confirmed histopathogical diagnosis was undertaken with CT of the thorax using 10 mm collimation sections from the level of lung apices to the diaphragm and routinely included the adrenals.
RESULTS :
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histologic subtype followed by adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma. There was a definite male preponderance with smoking being the most common risk factor. Adenocarcinoma is presenting predominantly as central tumor( 70.5% ) Squamous cell carcinoma is presenting predominantly as peripheral tumor (52.7% ) .
CONCLUSION
Computed tomography is the modality of choice for evaluating bronchogenic carcinoma because of its better spatial resolution. CT provides precise characterization of the size, contour, extent and tissue composition of the suspicious lesion. If the lesion represents a bronchogenic carcinoma, CT serves as a part of the staging process to assess the extent of the disease. The radiologic presentation of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma is showing a changing pattern. In our study, adenocarcinoma is presenting predominantly as a central tumor and Squamous cell carcinoma is presenting predominantly as a peripheral tumor. This relative increase in the percentage of centrally located adenocarcinoma is a statistical variation or a reality needs to be evaluated further.
Doppler findings In castleman disease - A rare case
Authors: Raniga S , Shah C , Shrivastava A , Amin P , Patel P
Published: October 2009

Castleman′s disease is a rare, benign disease of unknown cause that induces reactive lymph node hyperplasia. It has two histologic subtypes: hyaline vascular and plasma cellular. A definitive diagnosis necessitates tissue biopsy. A specimen may be even misdiagnosed as lymphoma in frozen section. Surgery is the treatment of choice for the solitary form, whereas chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and steroids are proposed for the multicentric type. When this condition affects the neck, it usually presents as a solitary neck mass. Multiple neck masses are an uncommon presentation of Castleman disease affecting the neck. Most Castleman′s disease lesions appear as nonspecific, well-defined hypoechoic masses on sonography. Sonography remains useful for the evaluation of cervical and axillary Castleman′s diseases, in which the depiction of prominent peripheral vessels and penetrating feeding vessels on Doppler sonograms can suggest the diagnosis of this uncommon disease. Castleman′s disease of the neck on CT and MRI scan has been described as well-circumscribed homogeneous mass lesion with moderate to intense enhancement.
"Osteomyelitis of mandible"-a rare presentation of osteopetrosis
Authors: Ahmad I , Abbas S Z , Haque F , Rashid M , Ahmad S A
Published: October 2009

Osteopetrosis is a rare metabolic disease. Dental abnormalities may be attributed to the pathological changes in osteopetrosis. Patients with disease seem to be especially susceptible to osteomyelitis of mandible. A 9 yrs old girl presented with complaints of jaw swelling on left side with multiple discharging sinuses since last seven months. The radiograph of left mandible (oblique lateral view) showed periodontal involvement of associated molars with loss of lamina dura with small sequestrum with irregularity and erosions of the mandibular cortical margins. The patient was diagnosed as a case of osteopetrosis with superadded mandibular osteomyelitis.
Doppler sonography in acute renal obstruction
Authors: Saboo Sonali S , Soni Sachin S , Saboo Suresh H , Chinapuvvula Naga Ramesh , Kaza Sashidhar
Published: October 2009

Aims and Objectives: This prospective analysis was carried out to study the utility of Doppler waveform alterations in the diagnosis of unilateral acute renal obstruction and to study the factors affecting Doppler indices. Methods: In this prospective analysis between May 2005 and March 2006, patients presenting to the emergency medical division with symptoms of unilateral acute renal colic underwent Doppler analysis. Obstruction was confirmed by intravenous urography (IVU) or computed tomography (CT) scan. The duration of renal colic and the site and degree of obstruction were recorded. Patients with medical or surgical renal disease were excluded. Results: 40 patients (80 kidneys) satisfying the inclusion criteria were part of this analysis. The mean resistivity Index (RI) in obstructed kidneys was significantly higher than in the contralateral unobstructed kidneys (0.72 Vs 0.64; p < 0.001). Thirty (75%) cases had proximal while 10 (25%) cases had distal obstruction with higher RI in proximal obstruction (0.73 Vs 0.72). Twenty-five (62.5%) patients had complete, while 15 (37.5%) patients had partial obstruction. The RI value in completely obstructed kidneys was significantly higher than in partially obstructed kidneys (0.74 Vs 0.70; p < 0.05). Using the discriminatory value of 0.70 for obstruction, the overall sensitivity was 87.5% and specificity 90%. Sensitivity was 95% and specificity 100% at a delta RI of 0.06. The degree of obstruction altered the resistivity indices, while the site of obstruction and duration of symptoms did not. Conclusions: Doppler sonography is a useful diagnostic tool in unilateral acute renal obstruction.
USG of normal musculoskeletal structures
Authors: Kinare Arun
Published: October 2009

Advances in high-resolution technology, have had the greatest impact on the use of USG for musculoskeletal imaging. Structures previously considered inaccessible can now be evaluated accurately using this imaging modality. Though MRI still remains the gold standard, USG has now emerged as the initial imaging modality in a large proportion of musculoskeletal disorders. Among the distinct advantages of USG, are the ability to perform a dynamic study to demonstrate the function of the structure under question and to have transverse as well as longitudinal sections. This is now aided by 3D technology, which is becoming popular. USG is more easily available and is cheaper than MRI. Its portablity and the ease with which follow-up examinations can be done are also big assets.
There are two major drawbacks with this technique. One is the long learning curve and the other is that there is very little tissue differentiation when it comes to the acoustic properties of various structures. A sound knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy is a prerequisite.
Cerebral Malaria: A New Way Forward with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Authors: Looareesuwan Sornchai , Laothamatas Jiraporn , Brown Truman R. , Brittenham Gary M.
Published: October 2009

Magnetic resonance studies offer a new way through the impasse that now seems to block further progress in disentangling the pathogenesis and improving the treatment of cerebral malaria, a catastrophic neurologic complication of infection with Plasmodium falciparum. The underlying mechanisms responsible for coma in cerebral malaria are still unknown and the relative contributions of the microvascular sequestration of infected erythrocytes, the inflammatory response to P. falciparum, disordered hemostasis, and other factors remain controversial. For more than a century, neuropathologic studies have provided the basis for concepts of causation of cerebral malaria. Magnetic resonance techniques now offer non-invasive means of determining essential anatomic, metabolic, biochemical, and functional features of the brain in patients with cerebral malaria during life that could transform our understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and lead to the development of new neuroprotective treatments.
Vector Incrimination of Sand Flies in the Most Important Visceral Leishmaniasis Focus in Iran
Authors: Oshaghi Mohammad A. , Ravasan Naseh Maleki , Javadian Ezat-Aldin , Mohebali Mehdi , Hajjaran Homa , Zare Zabiholah , Mohtarami Fatemeh , Rassi Yavar
Published: October 2009

The prevalence, host preference, and rate of Leishmania spp. infection of sand fly species are important parameters for incrimination of parasite vectors. We applied polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods to detect Leishmania spp. parasites and blood meals within individual sand flies in the most important visceral leishmaniasis (VL) focus in northwestern Iran. Leishmania spp. minicircles (kinetoplast DNA) were found in 14 (0.9%) of 1,569 female specimens. Sequence analysis of 650 basepairs of an internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA gene identified L. infantum/L. donovani in 12 specimens and L. adleri-like parasites in 2 specimens. Nine (64.3%) of 14 of the Leishmania spp.–positive sand flies were Phlebotomus perfeliewi transcaucasicus. Blood meal identification of host DNA within sand flies by PCR-based and ELISA methods showed that 30% and 28%, respectively, were positive for human blood. Results of this study showed that P. perfeliewi transcaucasicus is the most prevalent, infected, and anthropophagic sand fly and plays a major role in VL transmission in the region studied.