bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopic Properties of 1- and 1,4-Silyl-Substituted Naphthalene Derivatives
Authors: Maeda Hajime , Maeda Tomohiro , Mizuno Kazuhiko
Published: May 2012

Silyl-substituted naphthalene derivatives at the 1- and 1,4-positions were synthesized and their UV absorption, fluorescence spectroscopic properties, and fluorescence lifetimes were determined. Analysis of the results shows that the introduction of silyl groups at these positions of the naphthalene chromophore/fluorophore causes shifts of the absorption maxima to longer wavelengths and increases in fluorescence intensities. Bathochromic shifts of the absorption maxima and increases in fluorescence intensities are also promoted by the introduction of methoxy and cyano groups at the naphthalene 4- and 5-positions. In addition, the fluorescence of 9,10-dicyanoanthracene is efficiently quenched by these naphthalene derivatives with Stern-Volmer plot calculated rate constants that depend on the steric bulk of the silyl groups.
The Signalling Role of the avβ5-Integrin Can Impact the Efficacy of AAV in Retinal Gene Therapy
Authors: Cronin Therese , Chung Daniel C. , Yang Ying , Nandrot Emeline F. , Bennett Jean
Published: May 2012

Sub-retinal injection of the common AAV2 pseudotypes frequently results in strong transduction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as well as the retina itself. This has been of benefit to date in human clinical trials using AAV, where the disease target is in the RPE. However, many mutations predisposing to retinal disease are located in the photoreceptor cells, present in the neural retina and not the RPE; in this case the sub-retinal injection route may cause an effective “loss” of therapeutic AAV to the RPE. The avβ5 integrin receptor is highly expressed on the apical surface of the RPE, and is essential to the daily phagocytosis of the outer segment tips of photoreceptor cells. The transduction efficiency of AAV was tested in the retinas of β5−/− mice lacking this receptor and showing defects in photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis. Following sub-retinal injection of AAV2/5-eGFP, fluorescence was found to be stronger and more widespread in the neural retina of β5−/− mice compared to wild-types with greatly reduced fluorescence in the RPE. Increased levels of the phagocytic signalling protein MFG-E8, the ligand for the avβ5 integrin receptor, is found to have a moderate inhibitory effect on AAV transduction of the retina. However the opposite effect is found when only the integrin-binding domain of MFG-E8, the RGD (Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid) domain, was increased. In this case RGD enhanced AAV-mediated retinal transduction relative to RPE transduction. These results are presented for their relevance for the design of AAV-based retinal gene therapy strategies strategies targeting retinal/photoreceptor cells.
Controlled Photoradical Polymerization Mediated by 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-Oxyl
Authors: Yoshida Eri
Published: May 2012

In recent years, controlled photoradical polymerization has been established using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl as a mediator. This review article will describe the molecular weight control, polymerization mechanism, influence of initiator structure, effect of substituents supported on photo-acid generator, stability of the propagating chain end, photo-latency of the polymerization, molecular design, and an application to heterogeneous polymerization in an alcoholic medium.
An Early Fire Detection Algorithm Using IP Cameras
Authors: Millan-Garcia Leonardo , Sanchez-Perez Gabriel , Nakano Mariko , Toscano-Medina Karina , Perez-Meana Hector , Rojas-Cardenas Luis
Published: May 2012

The presence of smoke is the first symptom of fire; therefore to achieve early fire detection, accurate and quick estimation of the presence of smoke is very important. In this paper we propose an algorithm to detect the presence of smoke using video sequences captured by Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, in which important features of smoke, such as color, motion and growth properties are employed. For an efficient smoke detection in the IP camera platform, a detection algorithm must operate directly in the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) domain to reduce computational cost, avoiding a complete decoding process required for algorithms that operate in spatial domain. In the proposed algorithm the DCT Inter-transformation technique is used to increase the detection accuracy without inverse DCT operation. In the proposed scheme, firstly the candidate smoke regions are estimated using motion and color smoke properties; next using morphological operations the noise is reduced. Finally the growth properties of the candidate smoke regions are furthermore analyzed through time using the connected component labeling technique. Evaluation results show that a feasible smoke detection method with false negative and false positive error rates approximately equal to 4% and 2%, respectively, is obtained.
Using the Standard Deviation of a Region of Interest in an Image to Estimate Camera to Emitter Distance
Authors: Cano-García Angel E. , Lázaro José Luis , Infante Arturo , Fernández Pedro , Pompa-Chacón Yamilet , Espinoza Felipe
Published: May 2012

In this study, a camera to infrared diode (IRED) distance estimation problem was analyzed. The main objective was to define an alternative to measures depth only using the information extracted from pixel grey levels of the IRED image to estimate the distance between the camera and the IRED. In this paper, the standard deviation of the pixel grey level in the region of interest containing the IRED image is proposed as an empirical parameter to define a model for estimating camera to emitter distance. This model includes the camera exposure time, IRED radiant intensity and the distance between the camera and the IRED. An expression for the standard deviation model related to these magnitudes was also derived and calibrated using different images taken under different conditions. From this analysis, we determined the optimum parameters to ensure the best accuracy provided by this alternative. Once the model calibration had been carried out, a differential method to estimate the distance between the camera and the IRED was defined and applied, considering that the camera was aligned with the IRED. The results indicate that this method represents a useful alternative for determining the depth information.
Spread of the Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Strain, Genotype IVb, in Michigan, USA
Authors: Faisal Mohamed , Shavalier Megan , Kim Robert K. , Millard Elena V. , Gunn Michelle R. , Winters Andrew D. , Schulz Carolyn A. , Eissa Alaa , Thomas Michael V. , Wolgamood Martha , Whelan Gary E. , Winton James
Published: May 2012

In 2003, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) emerged in the Laurentian Great Lakes causing serious losses in a number of ecologically and recreationally important fish species. Within six years, despite concerted managerial preventive measures, the virus spread into the five Great Lakes and to a number of inland waterbodies. In response to this emerging threat, cooperative efforts between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MI DNR), the Michigan State University Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (MSU-AAHL), and the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) were focused on performing a series of general and VHSV-targeted surveillances to determine the extent of virus trafficking in the State of Michigan. Herein we describe six years (2005–2010) of testing, covering hundreds of sites throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. A total of 96,228 fish representing 73 species were checked for lesions suggestive of VHSV and their internal organs tested for the presence of VHSV using susceptible cell lines. Of the 1,823 cases tested, 30 cases from 19 fish species tested positive for VHSV by tissue culture and were confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gene sequence analyses of all VHSV isolates retrieved in Michigan demonstrated that they belong to the emerging sublineage “b” of the North American VHSV genotype IV. These findings underscore the complexity of VHSV ecology in the Great Lakes basin and the critical need for rigorous legislation and regulatory guidelines in order to reduce the virus spread within and outside of the Laurentian Great Lakes watershed.
Analysis of the Variables which Determine a Good E-Marketing Strategy
Authors: Sainz de Abajo Beatriz , Díez Isabel de la Torre , Coronado Miguel López , Lozano Carlos de Castro
Published: May 2012

Internet marketing covers all aspects related to the promotion and sale of a product or service through the Internet. This chapter demonstrates how adequate planning is fundamental in a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) to increase sales. The objective is to analyze the aspects which must be taken into consideration when developing a good e-marketing strategy and to study some of the different alternatives that the Internet and e-marketing make available to us: e-mail marketing, viral e-marketing, geomarketing, and positioning within search engines. Also the concept of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) will be analyzed. The leap into the global market is not easy and the reduction in budgets has inspired marketing professionals to adopt strategies which can be measured and the results controlled, pointing out that the online tactics and tools used by the vast majority of marketing professionals in their strategic plan are banners, search engines, and e-mail.
Defining E-Novation
Authors: Low David R. , Pattinson Hugh M.
Published: May 2012

“E-Novation” is defined as a combination of innovation and e-marketing enabled by new collaborative platforms that are being developed and released using Web 2.0 methodologies, allowing for a different level of connectivity around the world. This chapter explores innovation and its contribution to firm performance, links to market orientation – and development of a new collaborative information platform to support innovation. E-marketing is also defined in terms of marketing in computer-mediated environments with emphasis on service-dominant logic (SDL) and collaborative value creation approaches. Aspects of the evolving new collaborative information platform such as the Semantic Web and Web 2.0 applications are discussed from e-marketing and innovation perspectives. Will “e-novation” challenge businesses to rethink how their employees will create or participate in collaborative groups with others where future revenue prospects appear to mainly from service development? This question is also explored through subsequent chapters in the book.
Applying Personalized Recommendation for Social Network Marketing
Authors: Esmaeili Leila , Nasiri Ramin , Minaei-Bidgoli Behrouz
Published: May 2012

The competition among manufacturers and service providing companies as well as the widespread presence of electronic processes has introduced new business models that need special e-Marketing. Social network marketing is one of the most recent types of marketing. Today, due to their flexibility and ease of use, social networks have fallen in the center of attention for users of various age groups. The variety of online social network groups, some of which are created with commercial goals, has made users uncertain and skeptical; on the other hand, in today’s competitive market, companies are seeking their potential and actual customers. To solve this problem, this paper introduced a group recommender system which, using data mining techniques and information theory, offers customized recommendations based on user preferences. Supposing that users in each group share similar characteristics, heterogeneous members are identified and removed. Unlike other methods, in special cases where the user does not have relationships with other members or when an activity history for the user does not exist, this method could yet offer recommendations.
Modeling Multi-Criteria Promotional Strategy Based on Fuzzy Goal Programming
Authors: Mangaraj B.K.
Published: May 2012

Promotional strategy is one of the four major facets of marketing; informative on how to advertise and sell products. This can be divided into two broad categories: personal selling strategy (selling the product door-to-door) and mass marketing strategy (announcing the product to the customers). The very first and most important step in choosing the right promotional strategy requires understanding of the target customers. Knowing how the target customer likes a thing can greatly influence the type of promotional item that one considers and how well the promotion performs in the marketing domain. Apart from designing advertising messages, the problem lies with selecting suitable advertising media vehicles which would communicate the message to the right segment at the right time. At the same time, it should have specific and measurable marketing objectives. This paper presents a multi-criteria promotional model for a rural product of a co-operative society in TV channels through popular programmes. An interactive fuzzy goal programming model has been developed for the purpose to handle this problem for selection of TV programmes in some networks for communicating the message of the product. A case study in Indian context has been considered for highlighting the promotion of handloom products by the Bottom of Pyramid producers of the Indian economy to be marketed in all segments through an optimal media selection process.
Connecting Small and Medium Enterprises to the New Consumer
Authors: Constantinides Efthymios
Published: May 2012

This chapter explains the nature, effects and current standing of the new generation of Internet applications, commonly known as Social Media or Web 2.0, reviews their role as marketing instruments and identifies opportunities for SMEs for engaging them as part of their marketing strategy. The chapter defines and analyses the Social Media phenomenon, identifying the main approaches corporations follow in engaging Web 2.0-based applications in order to that support, complement or improve their traditional and online marketing activities. These approaches aim at using the social Internet as source of market intelligence, communicating with customers, efficiently develop-, market- and distribute products and also improve customer relations and retention. The chapter proposes a classification of the main Social Media -based applications and their roles as passive or active marketing instruments. Based on the experience of pioneering firms the chapter identifies the main conditions and options for SMEs willing to utilize the Web 2.0 as commercial tool in order to advance their marketing operations and connect to the new consumer in the virtual and physical marketplace. While field experience so far indicates that large corporations rather than SMEs are more likely to engage in Social Media marketing the low cost, potential and apparent popularity of Social Media among customers make the domain extremely attractive for SMEs.
Marketing Online Education
Authors: Simpson Ormond
Published: May 2012

This chapter will examine these factors in turn and will maintain that there are serious issues in all of them that need careful unpacking before marketing takes place.
The Influence of Content and Trust on Consumers’ Intention to Accept Mobile Advertisements
Authors: Westerlund Mika , Rajala Risto , Tuunanen Tuure , Salo Jari
Published: May 2012

A new model for investigating consumers’ behavioral intention in mobile advertising is developed and related to mobile marketing theory and practice. Hypotheses are tested about the hierarchical structure and the effects of the factors that precede consumers’ acceptance of mobile advertisement. The results suggest that attractive content and trust in advertisers are key predictors of mobile device users’ behavioral intention towards mobile advertising. The findings lead to a modification and extension of Fishbein’s behavioral intention model and its application in the research on advertising effectiveness.
Mobile Marketing Management
Authors: Pousttchi Key , Wiedemann Dietmar G.
Published: May 2012

Mobile marketing is a new form of marketing communication using mobile communication techniques to promote goods, services, and ideas. The marketing instrument provides anytime and anywhere interaction, location and situation dependency, targeted addressing of consumers, and inherent measurement of campaign effectiveness. Based on case study research and empirical studies this chapter examines marketing objectives, types and implementation techniques of mobile marketing. Moreover two instruments for mobile marketing are provided: The campaign type implementation toolbox supports the development of campaigns on a tactical level and the campaign type selection toolbox enables a purposive planning of mobile marketing campaigns on a strategic level.
Between Physical and Virtual Reality
Authors: Silvana de Rosa Annamaria , Bocci Elena
Published: May 2012

This chapter presents a perspective theory, not yet fully developed, that seeks to analyze the connections between “Social Representations and Corporate Communication” (Penz, 2006; Usunier & Lee, 2009). It is divided into two sections. In the first, descriptive section we identified the organizational dynamics of the Benetton Company utilizing structural elements found in the enterprise’s literature and documents. The objective was to understand Benetton galaxy’s role in globalization and its complex market strategies. Since this was an internal view of the company, data was obtained from internal documents, including the company’s publications, such as Global Vision and Colors publications. In order to understand the company from an external perspective, we consulted studies conducted on the Benetton universe that considered the marketing element as interaction between the company and the market (Kotler, 1997; Nardin, 1987; Semprini, 1996; Moliner, 1996; Tafani, 2006). In the second, empirical section, the social representation of the Benetton brand is analyzed using a large sample of Benetton’s advertisements, selected as the basis for research to identify the perceptive modalities of advertising messages and attitudes in Benetton’s communication strategies (de Rosa, 1998, 2001; de Rosa & Losito, 1996; de Rosa & Bocci, 2009). In this second section the relationship between social representations and corporate communication will be presented in a dialogical perspective that examines the social discourse “of” Benetton in regard to social issues. We will look at the different phases of advertising campaigns (1992-2008, with special focus on one of the controversial campaigns: Autumn-Winter 1992\1993) and the discourse “about” Benetton. The targets of reference for our research program are considered to be not only recipients of the company’s advertising campaigns, but also potential buyers.
Managing E-Health in the Age of Web 2.0
Authors: Hughes Benjamin
Published: May 2012

The use of Web 2.0 internet tools for healthcare is noted for its great potential to address a wide range of healthcare issues or improve overall delivery. However, there have been various criticisms of Web 2.0, including in its application to healthcare where it has been described as more marketing and hype than a real departure from previous medical internet or eHealth trends. Authors have noted that there is scant evidence demonstrating it as a cost efficient mechanism to improve outcomes for patients. Moreover, the investments in Web 2.0 for health, or the wider concept of eHealth, are becoming increasingly significant. Hence given the uncertainty surrounding its value, this chapter aims to critically examine the issues associated with emerging use of Web 2.0 for health. The authors look at how it not only distinguishes itself from previous eHealth trends but also how it enhances them, examining the impact on eHealth investment and management from a policy perspective, and how research can aid this management.
The Google Online Marketing Challenge
Authors: Tuzovic Sven , Wetsch Lyle , Murphy Jamie
Published: May 2012

In 2008, a collaborative partnership between Google and academia launched the Google Online Marketing Challenge (hereinafter Google Challenge), perhaps the world’s largest in-class competition for higher education students. In just two years, almost 20,000 students from 58 countries participated in the Google Challenge. The Challenge gives undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience with the world’s fastest growing advertising mechanism, search engine advertising. Funded by Google, students develop an advertising campaign for a small to medium sized enterprise and manage the campaign over three consecutive weeks using the Google AdWords platform. This article explores the Challenge as an innovative pedagogical tool for marketing educators. Based on the experiences of three instructors in Australia, Canada and the United States, this case study discusses the opportunities and challenges of integrating this dynamic problem-based learning approach into the classroom.
Innovation Management Software Exploiting Multiple Criteria Analysis
Authors: Delias Pavlos , Kyriakaki Georgia , Grigoroudis Evangelos , Matsatsinis Nikolaos
Published: May 2012

Innovation is a critical factor in building an organization’s culture of growth. Provided that it is properly blended with organizational development initiatives and aligned with the organization’s strategy, it supplies a compelling advantage for the growth process. Neglecting to encompass innovation in an organization’s culture could lead to shrinkage and even extinction, in the case of an intensively competitive market. Executive staff must consider innovative technologies and be aware of all growth opportunities. However, this staff is stressed under information overload. A need exists to reduce the information load and filter available technologies according to the specific needs of the organization. In this paper, the authors propose a recommendation approach to match the needs of an organization against existing technologies (innovative products or services). The organization expresses its customized needs by declaring its preferences over a small reference set of indicative technologies. Each technology is characterized by multiple attributes, in a way that the organization ultimately expresses the trade-offs between the attributes’ significance weights. This information is used to create the organization’s profile. The profile guides a recommendation process, according to which available technologies are evaluated against the profile and proposed to the organization in a descending order.
Die konstellasie taalbegrip-logika in die Middeleeuse filosofie (2): Duns Skotus tot De Rivo
Authors: Beukes Johann
Published: May 2012

The constellation language-logic in medieval philosophy (2): Duns Scotus to De Rivo. This second in a series of two articles continues the attempt to provide an in-depth overview of some of the most prominent – and some of the most underpublished - medieval thinkers’ stances on the constellation of language and logic, thus as a combined and condensed problem in western philosophy between the 5th and 15th centuries. The two articles form part of a rehabilitating series of modern-critical articles on understated and marginalised themes, texts and figures in medieval philosophy. The positions of the well-known philosophers that are covered in the two articles, St Augustine, Peter Abelard, St Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus and William of Ockham, are juxtaposed with some less familiar philosophical positions, amongst others those of Boethius, Peter of Spain, John Wyclif and Peter de Rivo.
The God of Job
Authors: Mare Leonard
Published: May 2012

God is often portrayed extremely negatively in the Old Testament. For example, in the Book of Nahum God is pictured as being responsible for the most horrifying violence imaginable. This negative portrayal of God is also found in the Book of Job. God is responsible for the suffering that his righteous servant Job, has to endure. He is even manipulated by the satan to allow him free reign in attacking Job. God even acknowledges that the misery and pain inflicted on Job, was for no reason. Job�s children are killed in order for God to prove a point, and in his response to Job�s suffering, he doesn�t even address the issue of Job�s suffering. This is a picture of a very cruel, vicious God. This article investigates the negative, disturbing images of God in the Book of Job. Are these images of God who God really is, or is the God of Job a literary construct of the author? The focus of this study is on the prologue and epilogue to the book, as well as the speeches of God in Job 38�41.
An Assessment of the Genetic Diversity of Leishmania infantum Isolates from Infected Dogs in Brazil
Authors: da S. Batista Luís Fábio , Segatto Marcela , Guedes Carlos Eduardo S. , Sousa Rosana S. , Rodrigues Cleusa A. T. , Brazuna Júlia Cristina M. , Silva Joselli S. , Santos Silvana O. , Larangeira Daniela , Macedo Andréa Mara , Schriefer Albert , Veras Patrícia S. T.
Published: May 2012

Correlations between the genetic diversity of Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi) isolates and their respective geographic origins support the theoretic assumption that visceral leishmaniasis probably originated in the Old World. Because dogs are widely considered to be the main reservoir of this disease, the present study aimed to investigate the degree of genetic divergence among 44 leishmanial canine isolates from two Brazilian cities, Jequié and Campo Grande, located approximately 2,028 km from each other. We hypothesized that a low degree of genetic divergence would be observed among these isolates. In fact, statistical analyses found no significant differences between the isolates using both random amplified polymorphic DNA and multilocus microsatellite typing genotyping techniques with three and seven markers, respectively. These findings provide support for the recent introduction of L. infantum into the New World.
Congenital Transmission of Experimental Leishmaniasis in a Hamster Model
Authors: Osorio Yaneth , Rodriguez Luz D. , Bonilla Diana L. , Peniche Alex G. , Henao Hector , Saldarriaga Omar , Travi Bruno L.
Published: May 2012

Little information is available on transplacental transmission of Leishmania spp. We determined the frequency and impact of congenital infection caused by Leishmania panamensis or L. donovani in experimentally infected hamsters. A polymerase chain reaction showed that congenital transmission occurred in 25.8% (24 of 93) of offspring born to L. panamensis-infected hamsters and 14.6% (11 of 75) offspring born to L. donovani-infected hamsters. Mortality during lactation was higher in offspring born to L. panamensis-infected hamsters and offspring born to L. donovani-infected hamsters than controls, and lymphoproliferation to Leishmania was more frequent in offspring born to L. panamensis-infected hamsters (17.4%, 11 of 63) than in offspring born to L. donovani-infected hamsters (8.5%, 3 of 35). After weaning, only offspring born to L. donovani-infected hamsters had lower weight gain (P < 0.001) and hematocrit levels (P = 0.0045) than controls. Challenge of offspring born to L. panamensis-infected hamsters with L. panamensis showed no differences in lesion evolution, and offspring born to L. donovani-infected hamsters were more susceptible to L. donovani challenge than controls. Consequently, prenatal exposure of hamsters to L. donovani significantly increased the mortality risk and susceptibility to secondary homologous infection.
Next Generation Sequencing to Detect Variation in the Plasmodium falciparum Circumsporozoite Protein
Authors: Gandhi Kavita , Thera Mahamadou A. , Coulibaly Drissa , Traoré Karim , Guindo Ando B. , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Takala-Harrison Shannon , Plowe Christopher V.
Published: May 2012

The malaria vaccine RTS,S/AS01, based on immunogenic regions of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP), has partial efficacy against clinical malaria in African children. Understanding how sequence diversity in CSP T- and B-cell epitopes relates to naturally acquired and vaccine-induced immunity may be useful in efforts to improve the efficacy of CSP-based vaccines. However, limitations in sequencing technology have precluded thorough evaluation of diversity in the immunogenic regions of this protein. In this study, 454, a next generation sequencing technology, was evaluated as a method for assessing diversity in these regions. Portions of the circumsporozoite gene (cs) were sequenced both by 454 and Sanger sequencing from samples collected in a study in Bandiagara, Mali. 454 detected more single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes in the T-cell epitopes than Sanger sequencing, and it was better able to resolve genetic diversity in samples with multiple infections; however, it failed to generate sequence for the B-cell epitopes.
Distribution of Drug Resistance Genotypes in Plasmodium falciparum in an Area of Limited Parasite Diversity in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bin Dajem Saad M. , Al-Farsi Hissa M. , Al-Hashami Zainab S. , Al-Sheikh Adel Ali H. , Al-Qahtani Ahmed , Babiker Hamza A.
Published: May 2012

Two hundred and three Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan area, southwest Saudi Arabia, were typed for Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, dhps, and dhfr mutations associated with resistance to chloroquine, mefloquine, halofantrine, artemisinin, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and the neutral polymorphic gene Pfg377. A large proportion (33%) of isolates harbored double mutant dhfr genotype (51I,59C,108N). However, only one isolate contained mutation dhps-437G. For Pfcrt, almost all examined isolates (163; 99%) harbored the mutant genotype (72C,73V,74I,75E,76T), whereas only 49 (31%) contained the mutant Pfmdr1 genotype (86Y,184F,1034S,1042N), 109 (66%) harbored the single mutant genotype (86N,184F,1034S,1042N), and no mutations were seen in codons 1034, 1042, and 1246. Nonetheless, three new single-nucleotide polymorphisms were detected at codons 182, 192, and 102. No differences were seen in distribution of drug resistance genes among Saudis and expatriates. There was a limited multiplicity (5%), mean number of clones (1.05), and two dominant multilocus genotypes among infected individuals in Jazan. A pattern consistent with limited cross-mating and recombination among local parasite was apparent.
Autochthonous Disseminated Dermal and Visceral Leishmaniasis in an AIDS Patient, Southern Thailand, Caused by Leishmania siamensis
Authors: Bualert Lertwut , Charungkiattikul Wiwat , Thongsuksai Paramee , Mungthin Mathirut , Siripattanapipong Suradej , Khositnithikul Rommanee , Naaglor Tawee , Ravel Christophe , El Baidouri Fouad , Leelayoova Saovanee
Published: May 2012

We report the first establishment of in vitro cultivation and genotypic characterization of Leishmania siamensis isolated from an autochthonous disseminated dermal and visceral leishmaniasis in a Thai acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient. The molecular identification has shown that the parasite was identical to L. siamensis, a recently described Leishmania species reported in the southern provinces of Thailand. The phylogenetic analysis has confirmed L. siamensis as closely related to the zoonotic Leishmania species L. enrietti.
Molecular Characterization of Ancylostoma braziliense Larvae in a Patient with Hookworm-Related Cutaneous Larva Migrans
Authors: Le Joncour Alexandre , Lacour Sandrine A. , Lecso Gabriel , Regnier Stéphanie , Guillot Jacques , Caumes Eric
Published: May 2012

We report a case of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans diagnosed microscopically. Viable hookworm larvae were found by microscopic examination of a skin scraping from follicular lesions. Amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 allowed the specific identification of the larvae as Ancylostoma braziliense.
Enteropathies in the Developing World: Neglected Effects on Global Health
Authors: Prendergast Andrew , Kelly Paul
Published: May 2012

A spectrum of enteropathies, characterized by small intestinal inflammation, reduced absorptive capacity, and increased intestinal permeability, commonly affect people in developing countries. This subclinical intestinal pathology facilitates microbial translocation across the compromised intestinal barrier, leading to chronic systemic inflammation that may adversely impact health. Environmental enteropathy (EE), ubiquitous among people living in unhygienic conditions, likely mediates two interlinked public health problems of childhood, stunting and anemia, and underlies poor oral vaccine efficacy in developing countries. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enteropathy, which frequently overlaps with EE, may contribute to immune activation and modulate HIV disease progression. The interacting effects of infection and enteropathy drive a vicious cycle that can propagate severe acute malnutrition, which underlies almost half of under-5-y deaths. Enteropathies are therefore highly prevalent, interacting causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Interventions to prevent or ameliorate enteropathies have potential to improve the health of millions of people in developing countries.
Effect of Filarial Infection on Serum Inflammatory and Atherogenic Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease (CURES-121)
Authors: Aravindhan Vivekanandhan , Mohan Viswanathan , Surendar Jayagopi , Rao Maradana Muralidhara , Anuradha Rajamanickam , Deepa Mohan , Babu Subash
Published: May 2012

Helminth infections can potentially confer protection against metabolic disorders, possibly through immunomodulation. In this study, the baseline prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) among subjects without (N = 236) and with (N = 217) coronary artery disease (CAD) was examined as part of the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiological Study (CURES). The prevalence of LF was not significantly different between CAD− and CAD+ subjects. The LF antigen load and antibody levels indicated comparable levels of infection and exposure between the groups. Within the CAD group, LF+ and LF− subjects had no significant difference in the intimal medial thickness and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein values. However, LF infection was associated with augmented levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 among CAD+ subjects. The LF infection had no effect on serum adipocytokine profile. In conclusion, unlike type-2 diabetes, there is no association between the prevalence of LF and CAD and also no evidence of protective immunomodulation of LF infection on CAD in the Asian Indian population.
Ultrasound Markers of Implantation
Authors: Mercé Luis T , Barco María J
Published: May 2012

Endometrial 3D power Doppler indices change significantly during the normal menstrual cycle. Vascularity indices of the endometrial and subendometrial vessels increase throughout the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, reaching a maximum value 2 to 3 days prior to ovulation. From this peak, vascularity indices decrease and reach a nadir 2 to 5 days after ovulation. Reduced endometrial perfusion assessed by 3D power Doppler ultrasound is most likely related to increased uterine contractility. If prolonged, it may cause endometrial hypoxia, leading to detrimental effect on implantation potential. In normal spontaneous menstrual cycles, endometrial vascular indices increase progressively during the course of the luteal phase. Endometrial and subendometrial perfusion is negatively affected by serum estradiol concentrations, which can explain why patients with hyperstimulation have lower endometrial and subendometrial blood flow during the early luteal phase. Our results indicate that 3D power Doppler implantation markers are crucial for planning a single embryo transfer in order to select the most suitable cycle for transfer of a single cryopreserved embryo.

How to cite this article

Mercé LT, Barco MJ, Kurjak A. Ultrasound Markers of Implantation. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(1):14-26.
Cervical Length Measurement in Obstetrics: From Academic Luxury to Clinical Practice
Authors: Ahmed Badreldeen , Hasnani Zohra
Published: May 2012

Preterm birth is the main cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity and can be very costly to the healthcare system. Although improvements in neonatal care have led to higher survival of very premature infants, there is a need for the development of a sensitive method with which to identify women at high risk of preterm delivery and find an effective strategy for the prevention of preterm labor.1 Considering the increased incidence of preterm birth, it has become more important now to be able to early diagnose this problem. The measurement of cervical length to predict the risk of preterm birth can be extremely useful in diagnosing this condition. The use of transvaginal ultrasound in measuring cervical length is safe, reliable and well accepted by women.2 The use of vaginal progesterone has shown to be effective in the prevention of preterm delivery in women with short cervix. Tocolytics are used to delay labor for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours3 for up to 1 week but they have not shown to improve neonatal outcomes and most have undesirable side effects. Steroids can assist with fetal lung maturity when the diagnosis of preterm labor is made,3 they can be used unnecessarily when preterm labor is misdiagnosed. The measurement of cervical length can also be helpful in patients with preterm premature rupture of membrane and in patients with the presence of amniotic fluid (AF) sluge.4 Therefore, performing cervical length measurements in all pregnant women and use it as a screening tool at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to identify patients at high risk of preterm labor can assist with true diagnosis. There is a great expectation from cervical assessment and subsequent addition of progesterone to reduce preterm birth and have better neonatal outcomes.

The aim of this review is to bring forward evidence that highlights the importance of performing cervical length measurement in midpregnancy in all pregnant women to predict the risk of preterm birth.

Medline, PubMed, MD Consult and Science Direct were searched using the terms cervical length measurement, ‘preterm delivery’, ‘amniotic fluid sludge’ and ‘treatment for preterm birth’.

How to cite this article

Ahmed B, Hasnani Z. Cervical Length Measurement in Obstetrics: From Academic Luxury to Clinical Practice. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(1):93-96.
Antenatal Diagnosis and Management of Nuchal Cystic Hygroma
Authors: Fouedjio Jeanne Hortence , Fouelifack Florent Ymele
Published: May 2012

Ultrasonographic evaluation, as a routine component of antenatal care, has significantly contributed to in utero assessment of pregnancy status. The detection of fetal abnormalities by ultrasound, however, has raised clinical questions and created parental dilemmas concerning the outcomes of such pregnancies. A relatively frequent anomaly observed on routine ultrasonographic examination is the posterior nuchal cystic hygroma. Most cases of cystic hygromas are associated with chromosomal abnormalities. Only 2 to 3% survival rate is reported when fetal cystic hygromas are diagnosed in utero. This information should be helpful when counseling patients whose pregnancies involve fetuses with this anomaly. We report a case of nuchal cystic hygroma diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy with the aid of an ultrasonographic morphological analysis. Parents requested termination of pregnancy.

How to cite this article

Fouedjio JH, Fouelifack FY. Antenatal Diagnosis and Management of Nuchal Cystic Hygroma. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(1):109-111.
What We have Learned from Fetal Neurophysiology?
Authors: Salihagic-Kadic Aida , Predojevic Maja
Published: May 2012

The nervous system is one of the earliest emerging systems in fetal development. Due to progress of modern imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, a growing pool of information on the development of the central nervous system (CNS) and fetal behavioral patterns has been made available. The major events in the development of the CNS, fetal motor and sensory development as well as fetal response to stress are discussed in this review. The fetus is not entirely protected from harmful influence of the external factors. Postnatal follow-up studies have showed that many environmental influences causing the fetal stress can interfere with the fetal neurodevelopment and leave long-term and profound consequences on brain structure and function.

How to cite this article

SalihagićKadić A, Predojevic M. What We have Learned from Fetal Neurophysiology? Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(2):179-188.
Enroute through Bone: Biology of Tooth Movement
Authors: Shivalinga BM , Jyothikiran H , Patel Vishal Devendrakumar
Published: May 2012

Biology of orthodontic tooth movement has always been an interesting field of orthodontist. Orthodontic tooth movement is divided into different phases and number of theories has been given for it, at present most of them are invalid. Gene-directed protein synthesis, modification and integration form the essence of all life processes, including OTM. Bone adaptation to orthodontic force depends on normal osteoblast and osteoclast genes that correctly express needed proteins at the right time and places. Prostaglandins, cytokines and growth factors play an important role in OTM.

How to cite this article

Patel VD, Jyothikiran H, Raghunath N, Shivalinga BM. Enroute through Bone: Biology of Tooth Movement. World J Dent 2012;3(1):55-59.
An Overview of Orthodontic Indices
Authors: Agarwal Anirudh
Published: May 2012

Analysis of prevalence of various types of malocclusion is an important aspect of today's evidence-based dentistry. Orthodontic indices are a tool in the hands of an epidemiologist to analyze the prevalence and severity of various kinds of malocclusion. The aim of this article is to look into the various qualitative and quantitative methods of grading and assessing malocclusion and their evolution over the years along with their advantages and limitations have also been analyzed. The article also compares the commonly used indices—DAI and IOTN.

How to cite this article

Agarwal A, Mathur R. An Overview of Orthodontic Indices. World J Dent 2012;3(1):77-86.
Sociodemographic Factors and Denture Satisfaction
Authors: Tripathi Arvind , Singh Balendra Pratap , Pradhan Kedar Nath , Tua Reema
Published: May 2012

Objective

Evaluation of the quality of satisfaction toward denture treatment.

Background

Various articles suggested denture satisfaction in view of dentist but data on the patient satisfaction to denture treatment on the basis of clinical variables were contradictory. This showed that other factors like sociodemographic variables may affect patient satisfaction.

Materials and methods

A total of 100 subjects (filling inclusion criteria) who were using denture for at least 2 months were used as the sample size of this study (n = 100) and were divided into five groups on the basis of sociodemographic variables. Questionnaires consisting of 38 questions (positive and negative attitude toward denture satisfaction) related to patients’ perception of clinical outcome in different domains were scored by the subjects. Questions reflecting positive attitude were scored as 2, 1 or 0 (yes, uncertain and no respectively) and reversely for the negative questions. Statistical tests include Student t-test and p-value (for level of significance) (p < 0.05).

Results

There was a significant difference in denture satisfaction related to comfort, health and denture care between age subgroups (45-65 years and above 65 years); the level of satisfaction was not significantly different between genders.

Conclusion

Patients' sociodemographic variables were influential factors on denture satisfaction.
Aging Trends and Impact on Dental Practice
Authors: Catic Amir , Catovic Adnan , Komar Dragutin
Published: May 2012

Aging is a process that takes place in every living individual. Every 10th person of the world population is 60 years old or above. Chronic diseases, low income and social status of the elderly, together with physiological changes caused by aging, affect the condition of the stomatognathic system. In the present article many studies are demonstrated considering tooth loss, state of the stomatognathic system and dental appliances as well as different organ changes in elderly through the years in different countries. The team approach of medical and dental experts in treating elderly patients is emphasized as well as different dental treatment options depending on general health factors.
Posterior Palatal Seal: A Literature Review
Authors: Bindhoo YA , Thirumurthy VR , Jacob Sunil Joseph , Anjanakurien FNU , Limson KS
Published: May 2012

Complete dentures may suffer from a lack of proper border extension, but most important of all is the posterior palatal extension on maxillary complete dentures. The posterior border terminates on a surface that is movable in varying degrees and not at a turn of tissue as are the other denture borders. Locating and designing of posterior palatal seal after thorough understanding of the anatomic and physiological boundaries of this dynamic region greatly enhances border seal and increases maxillary complete denture retention.

  The diagnostic evaluation and placement of posterior seal are often given only minor attention in complete denture construction. This article reviews the importance of the posterior palatal seal with regard to its anatomy, location, design and placement.
A Simplified Technique for Constructing One Piece Hollow Obturator after Partial Maxillectomy
Authors: Singh Bijay Kunwar
Published: May 2012

Preservation of remaining structures is a primary goal of prosthetic rehabilitation. Continuously applied stresses on the remaining tissues from a large, heavy obturator jeopardize the health of the tissues, compromise the function of the prosthesis and affect patient comfort. Various techniques have been described for hollowing the bulb of an obturator after processing to reduce its weight; however, access to the inner aspects of the bulb is limited, preventing adequate control of thickness of the walls. This article presents a case report of a partially edentulous patient after partial hemimaxillectomy successfully rehabilitated with closed hollow bulb obturator prosthesis. The weight of the obturator has always been a hurdle in the rehabilitation of acquired palatal defects. A simple procedure for the fabrication of one piece hollow bulb obturator has been described in this article.
Effect of Three Different Core Materials on the Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Deciduous Mandibular Second Molars: An in vitro Study
Authors: Gugwad Sachin C , Lodaya Rahul , Bhat Chetan , Shah Preetam
Published: May 2012

Endodontic treatment makes the tooth brittle due to loss of bulk of tooth structure, decrease in the moisture content of dentin and dentin elasticity. The following study was carried out to evaluate the effect of endodontic treatment on the fracture resistance of the tooth and reinforcing ability of three different core materials.

The following study comprised of sample size of 30 deciduous second molars divided into control group (6) and test group (24). Access opening was done in 24 and 18th teeth with access opening were restored with three different core materials namely IRM (6), silver amalgam (6), GIC (6). All the 30 were subjected to fracture test using UTM (Universal testing machine)- Instron 95. Result showed a drastic reduction in the fracture resistance of the tooth on access opening (1/3rd) and out of the three core materials glass ionomer was shown to be the best core material giving the highest fracture registrance followed by silver amalgam and IRM.

How to cite this article

Shah P, Gugwad SC, Bhat C, Lodaya R. Effect of Three Different Core Materials on the Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Deciduous Mandibular Second Molars: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(1):66-70.