bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Positive Emotion and Contributions of Positive Psychology in Depression Treatment: Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Veruska , Paes Flavia , Pereira Valeska , Arias-Carrión Oscar , Silva Adriana Cardoso , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Machado Sergio
Published: December 2013

The present study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature by checking the impact of positive emotion in the treatment of depression and on the use of strategies of positive psychology which involves positive emotion to treat and reduce symptoms of depression. For this purpose, we conducted searches in databases ISI Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO and PubMed and found a total of 3400 studies. After inclusion application and exclusion criteria, 28 articles remained, presented and discussed in this study. The studies have important relations between humor and positive emotion as well as a significant improvement in signs and symptoms of depression using differents strategies of positive psychology. Another relevant aspect is the preventative character of the proposed interventions by positive psychology by the fact that increase well-being and produce elements such as resilience and coping resources that reduce the recurrent relapses in the treatment of depression. The strategies of positive psychology, such as increasing positive emotions, develop personal strengths: seeking direction, meaning and engagement for the day-to-day life of the patients, appear as potentially tools for the prophylaxis and treatment of depression, helping to reduce signs and symptoms as well as for prevention of relapses.
Characteristics and Preparation of PVDF Catalytic Membrane Modified by Nano-TiO2/Fe3+
Authors: Lijun Xi , Li Zhang , Li Li , Jingyuan Chi , Junchi Lu , Ye Tian , Yingjie Zhang
Published: December 2013

The polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/Fe3+-TiO2 catalytic membrane was prepared by sol-gel method. It was
characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR spectrum (FT-IR), mechanics
capability, water flux, pepsin retention, porosity and contact angle etc. The catalytic activity of PVDF/Fe3+-TiO2 catalytic
membrane was evaluated by the degradation of refractory dye Orange IV in the presence of H2O2. The results show that
the addition of appropriate nano-sized TiO2 sol in the preparation of PVDF membrane has greatly improved some
properties of the membrane such as microstructure, hydrophilic ability, mechanics intensity and water flux etc. The
addition of Fe3+ ion in the preparation of PVDF membrane has greatly improved its catalytic activity to decompose H2O2.
The catalytic activity of PVDF/Fe3+ -TiO2 is increased with the increase of the content of Fe3+ ion. When the content of
Fe3+ _TiO2 sol is 21%, the content of Fe3+ ion is from 0.02% to 0.12%, the discolorization rate of Orange IV in this
Fenton-like oxidation is from 61.2% to 90.5%. The catalytic activity of PVDF/Fe3+-TiO2 is not changed with the increase
of the content of nano-sized TiO2. This kind of PVDF/Fe3+ -TiO2 catalytic membrane has not only good filtration
efficiency but also good catalytic activity to effectively decompose H2O2.
Management of Pheochromocytoma in Pregnancy: Case Report and
Review of the Literature
Authors: Reklou A. , Kamparoudis A. , Mamopoulos A. , Lazaridis A. , Rakitzi P. , Grammatiki M. , Doumas M. , Gkaliagkousi E. , Spiridis C. , Karagiannis A.
Published: December 2013

Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is rare and lethal to the mother and fetus. Its diagnosis is often missed
during pregnancy and is usually made during labour or immediately postpartum with increased mortality rates for both the
mother and fetus. Early diagnosis and timely, appropriate management reduce possible maternal and fetal complications.
A case of pheochromocytoma recognized at early pregnancy is described
Generalization of Associations of Kidney-Related Genetic Loci to American Indians
Authors: Franceschini Nora , Haack Karin , Almasy Laura , Laston Sandra , Lee Elisa T. , Best Lyle G. , Fabsitz Richard R. , MacCluer Jean W. , Howard Barbara V. , Umans Jason G. , Cole Shelley A.
Published: December 2013

Background and objectives

CKD disproportionally affects American Indians, who similar to other populations, show genetic susceptibility to kidney outcomes. Recent studies have identified several loci associated with kidney traits, but their relevance in American Indians is unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study used data from a large, family-based genetic study of American Indians (the Strong Heart Family Study), which includes 94 multigenerational families enrolled from communities located in Oklahoma, the Dakotas, and Arizona. Individuals were recruited from the Strong Heart Study, a population-based study of cardiovascular disease in American Indians. This study selected 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 23 loci identified from recently published kidney-related genome-wide association studies in individuals of European ancestry to evaluate their associations with kidney function (estimated GFR; individuals 18 years or older, up to 3282 individuals) and albuminuria (urinary albumin to creatinine ratio; n=3552) in the Strong Heart Family Study. This study also examined the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the APOL1 region with estimated GFR in 1121 Strong Heart Family Study participants. GFR was estimated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Equation. Additive genetic models adjusted for age and sex were used.

Results

This study identified significant associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms with estimated GFR in or nearby PRKAG2, SLC6A13, UBE2Q2, PIP5K1B, and WDR72 (P<2.1 × 10-3 to account for multiple testing). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in these loci explained 2.2% of the estimated GFR total variance and 2.9% of its heritability. An intronic variant of BCAS3 was significantly associated with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio. APOL1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were not associated with estimated GFR in a single variant test or haplotype analyses, and the at-risk variants identified in individuals with African ancestry were not detected in DNA sequencing of American Indians.

Conclusion

This study extends the genetic associations of loci affecting kidney function to American Indians, a population at high risk of kidney disease, and provides additional support for a potential biologic relevance of these loci across ancestries.
Assessment of liverwort and hornwort flora of Nilgiri Hills, Western Ghats (India)
Authors: Verma Praveen Kumar , Alam Afroz , Rawat K. K.
Published: December 2013

Bryophytes are an important part of the flora of the Nilgiri Hills of Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. This paper gives an updated catalogue of the Hepaticae of the Nilgiri Hills. The list includes all available records, based on the authors’ collections and those in LWU and other renowned herbaria. The catalogue of liverworts indicates their substrate and occurrence, and includes several records new for the Nilgiri bryoflora as well as for Western Ghats. The list of Hepaticae contains 29 families, 55 genera and 164 taxa. The list of Anthocerotae comprises 2 families, 3 genera and 5 taxa belonging to almost all life form types.
Are Repeated Single-Limb Heel Raises and Manual Muscle Testing Associated With Peak Plantar-Flexor Force in People With Inclusion Body Myositis?
Authors: Harris-Love Michael O. , Shrader Joseph A. , Davenport Todd E. , Joe Galen , Rakocevic Goran , McElroy Beverly , Dalakas Marinos
Published: December 2013

Background

Repeated heel raises have been proposed as a method of ankle plantar-flexor strength testing that circumvents the limitations of manual muscle testing (MMT).

Objective

The study objective was to examine the relationships among ankle plantar-flexion isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), repeated single-limb heel raises (SLHRs), and MMT in people with myositis.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study with a between-group design. The ability to complete 1 SLHR determined group assignment (SLHR group, n=24; no-SLHR group, n=19).

Methods

Forty-three participants with myositis (13 women; median age=64.9 years) participated. Outcome measures included MVC, predicted MVC, Kendall MMT, and Daniels-Worthingham MMT.

Results

The Kendall MMT was unable to detect significant ankle plantar-flexor weakness established by quantitative methods and was unable to discriminate between participants who could and those who could not perform the SLHR task. Ankle plantar-flexion MVC was not associated with the number of heel-raise repetitions in the SLHR group (pseudo R2=.13). No significant relationship was observed between MVC values and MMT grades in the SLHR and no-SLHR groups. However, a moderate relationship between MVC values and MMT grades was evident in a combined-group analysis (ρ=.50–.67).

Limitations

The lower half of both MMT grading scales was not represented in the study despite the profound weakness of the participants.

Conclusions

Both Kendall MMT and Daniels-Worthingham MMT had limited utility in the assessment of ankle plantar-flexor strength. Repeated SLHRs should not be used as a proxy measure of ankle plantar-flexion MVC in people with myositis.
Outbreak of Salmonella enterica Goldcoast infection associated with whelk consumption, England, June to October 2013
Authors: Inns T , Beasley G , Lane C , Hopps V , Peters T , Pathak K , Perez-Moreno R , Adak G  K , Shankar A G , on behalf of the Outbreak Control Team
Published: December 2013

An increase in the number of cases of Salmonella enterica serotype Goldcoast infection was observed in England during September 2013. A total of 38 cases were reported, with symptom onset dates between 21 June and 6 October 2013. Epidemiological, environmental, microbiological and food chain evidence all support the conclusion that this outbreak was associated with eating whelks processed by the same factory. Whelks are a novel vehicle of Salmonella infection and should be considered when investigating future outbreaks.
Tularaemia in a brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in 2013: first case in the Netherlands in 60 years
Authors: Rijks J M , Kik M , Koene M G , Engelsma M Y , van Tulden P , Montizaan M G , Oomen T , Spierenburg M A , IJzer J , van der Giessen J  W , Gröne A , Roest H J
Published: December 2013

Tularaemia has not been reported in Dutch wildlife since 1953. To enhance detection, as of July 2011, brown hares (Lepus europaeus) submitted for post-mortem examination in the context of non-targeted wildlife disease surveillance, were routinely tested for tularaemia by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica infection was confirmed in a hare submitted in May 2013. The case occurred in Limburg, near the site of the 1953 case. Further surveillance should clarify the significance of this finding.
Teaching the cat to learn!
Authors: Shankar PR
Published: December 2013

Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (2): 1-2 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i2.9260
Chlamydia trachomatis among HIV infected patients using PCR technique
Authors: Shah Y , Shrestha A , Adhikari N , Pant KP , Khadka KS , Acharya B , Pandey BD
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted organism and an important public health problem in the sexually active age group. Limited studies are found regarding the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in Nepal. Moreover, no study in Nepal reports the association of Chlamydia and HIV infection. The current study attempts to determine the burden of Chlamydia on HIV positive patients. Material and Methods: A total of 117 HIV positive patients visiting a HIV clinic in Kathmandu, were screened for Chlamydia infection. For this, Urine samples were collected and analyzed using the Multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique (MPCR) and Agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA isolation was performed using QIAamp DNA and Blood mini kit handbook protocol. Results: C. trachomatis was detected in 4.27% of the total 117 HIV patients. Out of positive cases 60% were males and 40% were females. However, Chlamydia is found more prevalent among females (6.89%) than in males (3.4%). Eighty percent of positive cases were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Chlamydia infection was found less commonly among studied patients and most of those cases were asymptomatic. So there is difficulty in timely detection of C. trachomatis and track the clinical sequel, which might be devastating. Hence, routine checkup is recommended for all suspected cases for timely management of the disease Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (2): 3-10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i2.9261
Study on quality of life of chronic kidney disease stage 5 patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Gyawali Mahasagar , Paudel HC , Chhetri PK , Shankar PR , Yadav SK
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem with increasing incidence and prevalence. The causes of CKD may be diabetes mellitus, hypertension and polycystic kidney disease. The main objective of this study is to study quality of life of chronic kidney disease stage 5 patients on hemodialysis. Material and Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional study conducted at National Academy of Medical Sciences, B & B Hospital and Blue Cross Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal on 50 CKD stage 5 patients on hemodialysis. Quality of life among hemodialysis patients was studied using Short Form-36. The result was obtained by comparing the patient’s physical, social and mental status at the beginning and conclusion of a 2 month period. The data was analyzed using the software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows version 16). Results: Out of the total 50 patients on hemodialysis, 32 were male (64%) and 18 were female (36%) with mean and median age of patients of 47.14 ± 16.65 and 48.50 years respectively. Out of eight domains studied, energy level, feeling of happiness with life and thought of full energy on self and worning out of life and tiredness perception was found to be equal on pre and post stage. Physical functioning was found to be decreased. Patients on hemodialysis reported improvements in nearly all aspects of general functioning and psychological well-being. Conclusion: This result demonstrates that there were several changes in Quality of life. Hemodylasis improves the Quality of life however, there was significant decrease in physical functioning, role limitation due to physical ill health, role limitation due to decreased emotional wellbeing, and reduced general health. Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (2): 26-31 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i2.9265
Polynomial Analysis of Dental Arch Form of Nepalese Adult Subjects
Authors: Shrestha Rabindra Man
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Human dental arch acquires stable form and dimensions with the attainment of adulthood. The orthodontic treatment regimen signifies the predetermination of the shape and type of dental arch form of a particular adult population to harmonize with their natural pattern. The use of predetermined arch form helps in diagnosis, treatment planning and stability of orthodontic treatment results. Objective: To analyze the dental arch forms of Nepalese adults and to classify them into morphological types. Materials & Method: Predetermined transverse and sagittal dimensions on dental stone models of one hundred Nepalese adults aged 17-32 years with normal occlusion and dentofacial proportion were measured using standardized Boley gauze. The analysis was done according to Raberin’s mathematical sixth degree polynomial method. The study compared the gender difference among the Nepalese samples. Result: The distribution of the Nepalese arch form types were; 26% flat arch, 24% wide arch, 19% pointed arch, 18% narrow arch and 13% mid arch. Conclusion: Considerable variation in distribution of dental arch form types found between Nepalese male and female samples and among population groups. The analysis enables the mathematical method that predetermines the dental arch form of the individual orthodontic patient.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9267 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 7-13
An Analysis of Malocclusion and Occlusal Characteristics in Nepalese Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Shrestha Sujita , Shrestha Rabindra Man
Published: December 2013

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of malocclusion and occlusal characteristics in referred Nepalese orthodontic patients with respect to age, gender, Angle’s classification. Materials & Method: Study models of 464 orthodontic patients (165 male and 299 female) of the age ranging from 11 to 30 years were studied to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion using Angle’s classification and occlusal characteristics of overjet, overbite, open bite, cross bite, displacement, and hypodontia according to the method of Dental Health Component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. The association between DHC grades and Angle’s classification and gender were assessed using chi-square test (p < 0.01). Result: The malocclusion status among the Nepalese seeking orthodontic treatment was 54.7% Class I, 36.9% Class II, and 8.4% Class III. The occurrence of occlusal discrepancies were overjet in 43.8%, increased overbite in 20.7%, open bite in 8.2%, cross bite in 23.3%, displacement in 65.7% and hypodontia in 11.3%. Conclusion: 16.2 % required no/little treatment need, 20.4% required borderline treatment need, and 63.4 % required great/severe treatment need according to DHC scale. There was statistically significant association between DHC grades and distribution of malocclusion and gender of the Nepalese subjects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9272 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 19-25
Effect of Orthodontic Treatment in Occurrence of Dental Caries
Authors: Shrestha Sandhya , Shrestha Lipika , Shrestha Namita , Shrestha Rabindra M
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Attaining improved aesthetics and proper occlusion are main reasons for commencing orthodontic treatment in any patient. However it is anticipated that orthodontic treatment increases the risk of carious lesions. Objective: To analyze prevalence of dental caries in relation to gender, age group, duration of orthodontic treatment and malocclusion type; and to assess oral hygiene and food habit practice in Nepalese orthodontic patients. Materials & Method: A cross sectional study was done in 212 orthodontic patients (age range 11-30 years) having fixed appliance for at least six months duration. A survey form based on ‘Dentition Status & Treatment Need, WHO’ was used to depict DMFT Index and prevalence of dental caries. A questionnaire was used to assess the practice of oral hygiene measures and food habits of the orthodontic patients. The association between dental caries and gender, age group, duration of orthodontic treatment and malocclusion type were analyzed using chi-square test (p<0.05). Result: The prevalence of dental caries (DMFT) was 79.2% and mean DMFT value was 2.87 among Nepalese orthodontic patients. Occurrence of dental caries among male and female patients was 69.44% and 60% respectively. Caries occurrence was highest in age group 16-20 years (72.22%), in more than 18 months treatment duration group (63.92%) and in Class I malocclusion group (68.38%). Similarly, 30.2% consume sweets foodstuff, 26.9% consume junk food and 14.2% consume snacks in between meals frequently. Conclusion: Fairly good proportion of Nepalese orthodontic patients practice normal oral hygiene methods but very few use special oral hygiene measures. The study showed no association between dental caries occurrence and gender groups, age groups, duration of orthodontic treatment and malocclusion types. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9279 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 31-36
The Evaluation of Prevalence, Extension and Severity of Gingival Recession among Rural Nepalese Adults
Authors: Humagain Manoj , Kafle Dashrath
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Gingival recession is the location of marginal periodontal tissues apical to the cemento-enamel junction, which can lead to many clinical problems. The prevalence, extension and severity of gingival recession present considerable differences among various study populations. Objective: To assess the prevalence, extension and severity of gingival recession among rural Nepalese adults. Materials & Method: The study was performed on 246 adult dentate rural patients above 20 years of age having at least 24 natural teeth. The prevalence, extension and severity of gingival recession were assessed by a single examiner using William’s graduated periodontal probe. Type and severity of gingival recession was recorded by using Miller’s criteria of apico-coronal height of recession defects. Result: Gingival recession was present in 65.44 % of the total study sample and mean number of teeth with gingival recession was 9.77. The prevalence of gingival recession was 41.37%, 58.90%, 77.41% and 86.79% in age groups of 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years and ≥ 50 years respectively. In younger age groups Class I gingival recession was more prevalent whereas Class III and Class IV gingival recession was more prevalent in older age groups. Mandibular central incisors were the teeth most frequently affected by gingival recession (7.3%). Conclusion: 9.64% of teeth were affected by severe form of gingival recession at the age group 20-29 years as compared to 48.09 % at the age groups more than 50 years. High prevalence of gingival recession in adult subjects provides information about the importance of diagnosis and knowledge on these pathological gingival changes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9281 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 41-46
Orthodontic Treatment of Anterior Dental Open Bite with Drawbridge Effect: A Case Report
Authors: Shrestha Basanta K
Published: December 2013

A young lady presented to Department of Orthodontics with a chief complain of gap between upper and lower front teeth. On analysis she had Class I dental and skeletal malocclusion with proclined and forwardly placed incisors, and open bite. The treatment was carried out with extraction of all four first premolars and retraction was done with the help of mini-implant screws. Successful correction of open bite was achieved with “drawbridge effect”. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9286 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 69-72
The influence of dynamic response and brain deformation metrics on the occurrence of subdural hematoma in different regions of the brain
Authors: Post Andrew , Hoshizaki T. Blaine , Gilchrist Michael D. , Brien Susan , Cusimano Michael D. , Marshall Shawn
Published: December 2013

Object

The purpose of this study was to examine how the dynamic response and brain deformation of the head and brain—representing a series of injury reconstructions of which subdural hematoma (SDH) was the outcome—influence the location of the lesion in the lobes of the brain.

Methods

Sixteen cases of falls in which SDH was the outcome were reconstructed using a monorail drop rig and Hybrid III headform. The location of the SDH in 1 of the 4 lobes of the brain (frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital) was confirmed by CT/MR scan examined by a neurosurgeon.

Results

The results indicated that there were minimal differences between locations of the SDH for linear acceleration. The peak resultant rotational acceleration and x-axis component were larger for the parietal lobe than for other lobes. There were also some differences between the parietal lobe and the other lobes in the z-axis component. Maximum principal strain, von Mises stress, shear strain, and product of strain and strain rate all had differences in magnitude depending on the lobe in which SDH was present. The parietal lobe consistently had the largest-magnitude response, followed by the frontal lobe and the occipital lobe.

Conclusions

The results indicated that there are differences in magnitude for rotational acceleration and brain deformation metrics that may identify the location of SDH in the brain.
Higher risk for meningioma in women with uterine myoma: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yen Yu-Shu , Sun Li-Min , Lin Cheng-Li , Chang Shih-Ni , Sung Fung-Chang , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: December 2013

Object

Evidence suggests that hormones play a role in modifying both uterine myoma (UM) and meningioma. A number of studies have observed the positive association between these diseases. The aim of the current population-based study was to determine if women with UM are at a higher risk for meningioma.

Methods

The authors used data from the National Health Insurance system of Taiwan for the study. The UM cohort contained 281,244 women. Each woman was randomly frequency-matched with 4 women without UM, based on age, index year of diagnosis, occupation, urbanization (urbanization level was categorized by the population density of the residential area into 4 levels, with Level 1 as the most urbanized and Level 4 as the least urbanized), and comorbidity, to form the control cohort. Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate the influence of UM on the meningioma risk.

Results

Among women with UM, the risk of developing meningioma was significantly higher (45%) than among women without UM (95% CI 1.23–1.70). The same phenomenon was observed among most age groups, but a significant difference was only seen in the middle-age range. For women with UM, further analysis did not show a significant change after myomectomy. The cumulative incidence of meningioma between groups with and without UM differed over time.

Conclusions

The nationwide population-based cohort study found that Taiwanese women with UM are at higher risk for developing meningioma.
Perfusion imaging of spinal cord contusion: injury-induced blockade and partial reversal by β2-agonist treatment in rats
Authors: Brown Abraham , Nabel Anna , Oh William , Etlinger Joseph D. , Zeman Richard J.
Published: December 2013

Object

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord results in considerable delayed tissue loss. The authors investigated the extent to which ischemia occurs following contusion-induced spinal cord injury and whether ischemia exacerbates tissue damage that leads to the loss of locomotor function. They also determined if ischemia is reversed with β2–adrenoceptor agonist treatment, which has been established to be neuroprotective following contusion injury.

Methods

The extent and role of circulation loss in spinal cord injury was determined in an established experimental model of contusion injury. The spinal cord dura mater of Wistar rats was exposed by performing a laminectomy at T-8 to T-11. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was then used to measure microcirculation in the exposed spinal cord. After imaging, a moderately severe contusion injury was produced using a weight-drop device unto the exposed dura at T-10. Perfusion imaging was again performed, scans were quantitated, and integrated intensities were compared.

Results

Postinjury imaging revealed an 18%–27% reduction in perfusion in regions rostral and caudal to the injury site, and a 68% reduction was observed at the contusion epicenter. These perfusion losses persisted for at least 48 hours. At 24 hours after injury, some rats were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mg/kg of the β2–adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol, which has been shown to promote the partial recovery of locomotor function and spare spinal cord tissue when administered within 2 days after contusion injury. Clenbuterol injection caused a gradual increase in perfusion, which was detectable at 30 minutes postinjection and continued over time, resulting in an 127% overall increase in perfusion at the epicenter 24 hours after treatment.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the occurrence of chronic perfusion loss after contusion contributes to delayed damage and tissue loss. In contrast, β2–adrenoceptor agonist treatment may exert neuroprotection by restoring perfusion, thereby preventing ischemic neurodegeneration. The ability of laser Doppler imaging to measure the loss of perfusion and its restoration upon treatment suggests that it may have clinical utility in the assessment and treatment of spinal cord injury.
Electroanalytical Sensing of Flunitrazepam Based on Screen Printed Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Garcia-Gutierrez Enriqueta , Lledo-Fernandez Carlos
Published: December 2013

We present a new electrochemical sensor for Flunitrazepam using disposable and economic Screen Printed Graphene Electrodes. It was found that the electrochemical response of this sensor was improved compared to Screen Printed Graphite Electrodes and displayed an excellent analytical performance for the detection of Flunitrazepam. Those characteristics could be attributed to the high Flunitrazepam loading capacity on the electrode surface and the outstanding electric conductivity of graphene. The methodology is shown to be useful for quantifying low levels of Flunitrazepam in a buffer solution. The protocol is also shown to be applicable for the sensing of Flunitrazepam in an alcoholic beverage e.g., Gordon’s Gin & Tonic.
Core-Based Dynamic Community Detection in Mobile Social Networks
Authors: Xu Hao , Hu Yanli , Wang Zhenwen , Ma Jianwei , Xiao Weidong
Published: December 2013

The topic of community detection in social networks has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Existing methods always depict the relationship of two nodes using the snapshot of the network, but these snapshots cannot reveal the real relationships, especially when the connection history among nodes is considered. The problem of detecting the stable community in mobile social networks has been studied in this paper. Community cores are considered as stable subsets of the network in previous work. Based on these observations, this paper divides all nodes into a few of communities due to the community cores. Meanwhile, communities can be tracked through incremental computing. Experimental results based on real-world social networks demonstrate that our proposed method performs better than the well-known static community detection algorithm in mobile social networks.
Carbon Nanotube-Induced Pulmonary Granulomatous Disease: Twist1 and Alveolar Macrophage M1 Activation
Authors: Barna Barbara , Huizar Isham , Malur Anagha , McPeek Matthew , Marshall Irene , Jacob Mark , Dobbs Larry , Kavuru Mani , Thomassen Mary
Published: December 2013

Sarcoidosis, a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown cause, has been linked to several environmental risk factors, among which are some that may favor carbon nanotube formation. Using gene array data, we initially observed that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from sarcoidosis patients displayed elevated mRNA of the transcription factor, Twist1, among many M1-associated genes compared to healthy controls. Based on this observation we hypothesized that Twist1 mRNA and protein expression might become elevated in alveolar macrophages from animals bearing granulomas induced by carbon nanotube instillation. To address this hypothesis, wild-type and macrophage-specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) knock out mice were given oropharyngeal instillation of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). BAL cells obtained 60 days later exhibited significantly elevated Twist1 mRNA expression in granuloma-bearing wild-type or PPARγ knock out alveolar macrophages compared to sham controls. Overall, Twist1 expression levels in PPARγ knock out mice were higher than those of wild-type. Concurrently, BAL cells obtained from sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls validated gene array data: qPCR and protein analysis showed significantly elevated Twist1 in sarcoidosis compared to healthy controls. In vitro studies of alveolar macrophages from healthy controls indicated that Twist1 was inducible by classical (M1) macrophage activation stimuli (LPS, TNFα) but not by IL-4, an inducer of alternative (M2) macrophage activation. Findings suggest that Twist1 represents a PPARγ-sensitive alveolar macrophage M1 biomarker which is induced by inflammatory granulomatous disease in the MWCNT model and in human sarcoidosis.
Polyketides from the Halotolerant Fungus Myrothecium sp. GS-17
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhu Jing , Zhang Song-Ya , Li Zhan-Lin , Guan Li-Ping , Pan Hua-Qi , Wu Xin , Bai Jiao , Hua Hui-Ming
Published: December 2013

Two new polyketides, myrothecol (1) and 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-(1- hydroxylethyl)-furan-2(5H)-one (2), were isolated from the fermentation broth of the halotolerant fungus Myrothecium sp. GS-17 along with three known compounds, 5-hydroxyl-3-[(1S)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methylfuran-2(5H)-one (3), 3,5-dimethyl-4- hydroxylmethyl-5-methoxyfuran-2(5H)-one (4), and 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-5- hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one (5). Compound 1 is the first natural occurring polyketide with a unique furylisobenzofuran skeleton. The structures of these compounds were established via extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D-, 2D-NMR, HRESI-MS, and crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Preliminary Results of the in Vivo and in Vitro Characterization of a Tentacle Venom Fraction from the Jellyfish Aurelia aurita
Authors: Ponce Dalia , López-Vera Estuardo , Aguilar Manuel , Sánchez-Rodríguez Judith
Published: December 2013

The neurotoxic effects produced by a tentacle venom extract and a fraction were analyzed and correlated by in vivo and in vitro approaches. The tentacle venom extract exhibited a wide range of protein components (from 24 to >225 kDa) and produced tetanic reactions, flaccid paralysis, and death when injected into crabs. Two chromatography fractions also produced uncontrolled appendix movements and leg stretching. Further electrophysiological characterization demonstrated that one of these fractions potently inhibited ACh-elicited currents mediated by both vertebrate fetal and adult muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) subtypes. Receptor inhibition was concentration-dependent and completely reversible. The calculated IC50 values were 1.77 μg/μL for fetal and 2.28 μg/μL for adult muscle nAChRs. The bioactive fraction was composed of a major protein component at ~90 kDa and lacked phospholipase A activity. This work represents the first insight into the interaction of jellyfish venom components and muscle nicotinic receptors.
Modulating NHC catalysis with fluorine
Authors: Rey Yannick P , Gilmour Ryan
Published: December 2013

Fluorination often confers a range of advantages in modulating the conformation and reactivity of small molecule organocatalysts. By strategically introducing fluorine substituents, as part of a β-fluoroamine motif, in a triazolium pre-catalyst, it was possible to modulate the behaviour of the corresponding N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) with minimal steric alterations to the catalyst core. In this study, the effect of hydrogen to fluorine substitution was evaluated as part of a molecular editing study. X-ray crystallographic analyses of a number of derivatives are presented and the conformations are discussed. Upon deprotonation, the fluorinated triazolium salts generate catalytically active N-heterocyclic carbenes, which can then participate in the enantioselective Steglich rearrangement of oxazolyl carbonates to C-carboxyazlactones (e.r. up to 87.0:13.0).
Le contrôle de gestion environnemental. État des lieux, état de l'art
Authors: Antheaume Nicolas
Published: December 2013

Si les définitions du contrôle de gestion et du contrôle des organisations font l’objet d’une littérature abondante, qu’en est-il du contrôle de gestion environnemental, ou éco-contrôle, qui se développe dans certaines organisations, en réponse aux enjeux du développement durable ? Est-il possible aujourd’hui de proposer un cadre conceptuel spécifique pour une pratique en émergence mais encore fragmentaire, et de positionner les outils existants dans ce cadre ? Cet article a pour ambition de répondre à cette question à partir d’un effort de synthèse des travaux existants. Cette synthèse est effectuée tout d’abord à partir d’une revue de littérature portant sur des travaux conceptuels, et normatifs, de définition de la comptabilité environnementale et du contrôle de gestion, pour en déduire les cadres conceptuels sous-jacents. Dans un deuxième temps cette synthèse se poursuit par une revue de littérature sur les outils, pour en effectuer un recensement. En nous appuyant sur ce dernier nous effectuons, parmi nos propres travaux, une sélection de projets de développements d’outils de comptabilité environnementale. Nous analysons les caractéristiques de ces outils afin d’identifier en quoi ils élargissent le contrôle de gestion traditionnel, et comment ils se positionnent dans les cadres conceptuels que nous avons identifiés pour le contrôle de gestion environnemental.
Effects of age and controlled oral dosing of Enterococcus faecium on epithelial properties in the piglet small intestine
Authors: Lodemann U. , Dillenseger A. , Aschenbach J.R. , Martens H.
Published: December 2013

Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 is a licensed probiotic for piglets that has been shown to positively affect diarrhoea incidence and to act on transport properties and immunological parameters in the porcine intestine. The aim of the present study was to examine its effects on jejunal absorptive and secretory capacities around weaning. Furthermore, the possible involvement of heat shock proteins in the effects of probiotics on epithelial functions was investigated. A significant part of the probiotic was dosed orally to reduce the variability of intake of the probiotic. The piglets were randomly assigned to a control and a probiotic feeding group, the latter receiving 4.5×109 cfu/day of E. faecium directly into the mouth for 34 days starting after birth. Additionally, their feed was supplemented with the probiotic strain. Piglets were weaned at day 29 after birth. Ussing chamber studies were conducted with the mid-jejunum of piglets aged 14, 28, 31, 35 and 56 days. Changes in short-circuit current (ΔIsc) were measured after stimulation of Na+-coupled absorption with L-glutamine or glucose or with the secretagogue prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The mRNA expression for SGLT1, CFTR and various heat shock proteins was determined. The transport properties changed significantly with age. The glucose-, L-glutamine- and PGE2-induced changes in Isc were highest at day 31 after birth. No significant differences between the feeding groups were observed. The mRNA of HSP60, HSC70, HSP70 and HSP90 was expressed in the jejunal tissues. The mRNA expression of HSC70 was higher and that of HSP60 was lower in the probiotic group. HSC70 expression increased with age. In conclusion, whereas age effects were observed on absorptive and secretory functions, controlled E. faecium dosing had no measurable effects on these functional parameters in this experimental setup. The possible role of heat shock proteins should be further evaluated.
Individual responses of mother sows to a probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain lead to different microbiota composition in their offspring
Authors: Starke I.C. , Pieper R. , Neumann K. , Zentek J. , Vahjen W.
Published: December 2013

Pregnant gilts were fed the probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415 (SF68) one month before birth of piglets. DNA extracts of sow faeces taken in weekly intervals as well as extracts from the intestine of their offspring during the suckling period at 12 and 26 days of life were analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and quantitative PCR. DGGE profiles of faecal bacterial communities from three out of six probiotic-fed sows were distinctly different from the control and other probiotic-fed sows at all time points after probiotic supplementation. The probiotic-fed sows and their offspring were therefore divided into non-responder (n=3) and responder (n=3) groups. The probiotic strain significantly increased faecal lactobacilli cell numbers in mother sows, which could be assigned to a significant increase of Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Responding sows showed a more pronounced increase than non-responding sows. Similarly, suckling piglets from non-responding and responding sows showed numeric and significant differences for different bacterial groups and species. DGGE profiles of suckling piglets from responding sows also grouped more closely than profiles from control animals. Non-metric multiscaling of suckling piglets showed the same tendency for suckling piglets, but not for post-weaning piglets. This study showed that the probiotic E. faecium strain modified the faecal microbiota of sows. This modification is carried over to their offspring, but leads to changes that do not mirror the quantitative composition in the mother sow. Individual variations in the bacterial composition of mother sows before probiotic feed intake may influence the impact of a probiotic in sows and their offspring.
Increased expression of clp genes in Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV H2b20 exposed to acid stress and bile salts
Authors: Ferreira A.B. , De Oliveira M.N V. , Freitas F.S. , Alfenas-Zerbini P. , Da Silva D.F. , De Queiroz M.V. , Borges A.C. , De Moraes C.A.
Published: December 2013

The ability to survive in harsh environments is an important criterion to select potential probiotics strains. The objective of this study was to identify and carry out phylogenetic and expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR of the clpP, clpE, clpL and clpX genes in the probiotic strain Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV H2b20 exposed to the conditions prevailing in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Phylogenetic trees reconstructed by Bayesian inference showed that the L. delbrueckii UFV H2b20 clpP, clpL and clpE genes and the ones from L. delbrueckii ATCC 11842 were grouped. The exposure of cells to MRS broth of pH 3.5 for 30 and 60 min resulted in an increased expression of the four genes. Exposure of the L. delbrueckii UFV H2b20 cells for 30 and 60 min to MRS broth containing 0.1% bile salts increased the expression of the clpP and clpE genes, while the expression level of the clpL and clpX genes increased only after 30 min of exposure. The involvement of the studied genes in the responses to acid stress and bile salts suggests a possible central role of these genes in the survival of L. delbrueckii UFV H2b20 during the passage through the GIT, a characteristic necessary for probiotic strains.
Properties of Boride Layer on Boridesae 1035 Steel by Molten Salt
Authors: Kaouka Alaeddine , Allaoui Omar , Keddam Mourad
Published: December 2013

Properties of borided SAE 1035 steel have been investigated during boriding treatment, which was carried out in slurry salt bath at temperature range from1073 to 1273K for 2, 4 and 8 h. The presence of both FeB and Fe2B phases formed on the surface of steel substrate was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy examinations showed that boride layers have saw-tooth and columnar morphology. It has been shown that the thickness of boride layers increased when the time and temperature process increased, its value ranged from 20 to 387 μm. The hardness value of the boride layer was about 1760±200 HV0.1, while the hardness of un-borided steel was about 225±20 HV0.1. The kinetic studies showed a parabolic relationship between layer thickness and process time. Depending on temperature and layer thickness.
On the Modification of Hypereutectic Al-15Si Alloy Using Rare Earth Ce
Authors: Shafei Mehdi , Arab Najmadin , Madar Karim Zangeneh
Published: December 2013

Hypereutectic Al-15Si (wt pct) alloys with various content of rare earth Ce were prepared by conventional casting technique. The influence of the primary silicon phase and eutectic silicon on the solidification process of hypereutectic Al-15Si alloys with the addition of Ce is presented. The microstructures were examined with conventional light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The simultaneous refinement of both the primary and the eutectic silicon particles wasntachieved with Ce additions. The results showed that the addition of cerium doesnt cause to refinement of the primary silicon grains, while cerium is caused to stress on concentration regions.The results showed that the addingthe cerium had a negative influence on the alloys tensile strength.
Properties, Peculiarities and Applications of Powder Coatings Formed by Multi-Chamber Detonation Sprayer
Authors: Vasilik N.J. , Tyurin Yu.N. , Kolisnichenko O.V. , Kovaleva M.G. , Prozorova M.S. , Arseenko M.Yu.
Published: December 2013

The paper describes the properties of Ti, Nickel-based, and Al2O3 powder coatings obtained through a new method of powder acceleration which allows to achieve the powder velocity of 1400m/s. The Ti-based coatings thus formed have nanocrystal and amorphous structure with nanodispersed ceramic compounds inclusions, and show the hardness of up to 16GPa, high plasticity and adhesion strength. The Nickel-based alloy coatings display both nanocrystal and amorphous structure. In ceramic Al2O3 coatings high spraying velocity allows filling in the space between the deformed oxide particles (about 0.053 microns in size) by nanocrystal and amorphous phases; thus, the coatings acquire a high degree of plasticity retaining high hardness of 1320 HV0.3 with the porosity below 0.5%. The Al2O3 coatings were tested and found effective for covering the surface of porous metal matrixes in burners.
Sintered Compacts of Titanium-Hydroxyapatite Used in Medicine
Authors: Băilă Diana Irinel
Published: December 2013

The selective laser sintering process use the coposites powders titan-hydroxyapatite to realize prothesis in orthopedy, for hip, for knee or for shoulder. The bone structure have in common the principal protein component: the collagen and a little amount of organics phases and a inorganic component hydroxyapatite. The functionality of biomaterials must assure a good osteointegration of endobone implants. Materials for implants must present a gradient for porosity and a bioactive phase like hydroxyapatite in titan matrix.
Effect of Laser Beam Diameter on Cut Edge of Steel Plates Obtained by Laser Machining
Authors: Miraoui Imed , Zaied Mouna , Boujelbene Mohamed
Published: December 2013

Laser cutting is a thermal process which is used contactless to separate materials. In the present study, high-power laser cutting of steel plates is considered and the thermal influence of laser cutting on the cut edges is examined. The microstructure and the microhardness of the cut edge are affected by the input laser cutting parameter: laser beam diameter. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of the laser beam diameter on the microhardness beneath the cut surface of steel plates obtained by CO2 laser cutting. The cut surface was studied based on microhardness depth profiles beneath the machined surface. The results show that laser cutting has a thermal effect on the surface microstructure and on the microhardness beneath the cut section. Also the microhardness of the hardening zone depends on the laser beam diameter.