bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of creep properties for two nickel-base superalloys from stress relaxation testing
Authors: Beddoes J
Published: June 2011

The creep properties derived from stress relaxation tests are compared to those from creep tests in the temperature range from 705 °C to 800 °C and stresses from 200 MPa to 750 MPa for the nickel base superalloys IN738LC and modified Waspaloy. The creep behaviour of IN738LC exhibits an extended period of steady state strain rate, while creep of modified Waspaloy exhibits only a minimum creep strain rate. The results indicate that stress relaxation tests can be used to estimate the creep steady state or minimum strain rates, time to 1 per cent creep strain, and the creep stress exponent for both superalloys. Stress relaxation tests can generate these properties in a significantly more time-efficient and specimen-efficient manner than creep tests, regardless of whether the superalloy creep behaviour exhibits a steady state or minimum creep strain rate.
Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Athletes
Authors: Byrd J. W. Thomas , Jones Kay S.
Published: June 2011

Background

Hip pathology is a significant source of pain and dysfunction among athletic individuals and femoroacetabular impingement is often a causative factor. Arthroscopic intervention has been proposed to address the joint damage and underlying impingement.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopy may be effective in the management of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement in athletes.

Study Design

Case series, Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

All patients undergoing hip arthroscopy at 1 institution were prospectively assessed with a modified Harris hip score obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 12, 24, 60, and 120 months. This report consists of a cohort of 200 patients identified who underwent arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement, participated in athletic activities, and had achieved minimum 1-year follow up.

Results

There was 100% follow-up at an average of 19 months (range, 12-60 months). A total of 116 athletes had achieved 2-year follow-up. For the entire cohort, the average age was 28.6 years (range, 11-60 years) with 148 males and 52 females. There were 159 cam, 31 combined, and 10 pincer lesions. There were 23 professional, 56 intercollegiate, 24 high school, and 97 recreational athletes. The male:female ratio was 2.8:1 among cam lesions and 1:1 among pincer lesions. The median preoperative score was 72 with a postoperative score of 96 and the median improvement was 20.5 points, which was statistically significant (P < .001). Ninety-five percent of professional athletes and 85% of intercollegiate athletes were able to return to their previous level of competition. There were 5 transient neurapraxias (all resolved) and 1 minor heterotopic ossification. One athlete (0.5%) underwent conversion to total hip arthroplasty and 4 (2%) underwent repeat arthroscopy. For the group with minimum 2-year follow up, the median improvement was 21 points with a postoperative score of 96.

Conclusion

The data substantiate successful outcomes in the arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement with few complications and most athletes were able to resume activities.
Hip Arthroscopy after Traumatic Hip Dislocation
Authors: Ilizaliturri Victor M. , Gonzalez-Gutierrez Bernal , Gonzalez-Ugalde Humberto , Camacho-Galindo Javier
Published: June 2011

Background

Traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip joint usually results from high-energy trauma, which can cause additional injuries that may need to be addressed after reduction.

Purpose

This study was undertaken to present arthroscopic findings after traumatic posterior hip dislocation in patients with mechanical hip symptoms.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

All patients treated with hip arthroscopy between 2002 and 2006 for mechanical hip symptoms after traumatic posterior hip dislocation with subsequent closed reduction were included in this study. The time between closed reduction and arthroscopy, arthroscopic findings and treatment, preoperative and last follow-up WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores, and last follow-up radiographs were analyzed. Complications or the need for further surgical treatment are reported.

Results

There were 17 patients (13 male, 4 female) with an average age of 28.5 years (range, 19-37 years). The average time between closed reduction and arthroscopy was 3 months. Fourteen patients had anterior labral tears, 6 had posterior labral tears, 16 had acetabular chondral damage, all had femoral chondral damage, and 14 had intra-articular fragments. The preoperative WOMAC score was 46; the last follow-up (average 45 months) WOMAC score was 87 (range, 45-93); this was considered statistically significant (P = .001). One patient required total hip replacement for osteoarthritis and 1 presented with osteonecrosis and is waiting for hip replacement.

Conclusion

The clearest indication for arthroscopy after traumatic posterior hip dislocation was loose fragments inside the joint. Arthroscopy was also performed in every patient with mechanical hip symptoms. Intra-articular damage was demonstrated in every case. Most of the patients had significant improvement after hip arthroscopy.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Glenoid Bone Defect in Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Milano Giuseppe , Grasso Andrea , Russo Adriano , Magarelli Nicola , Santagada Domenico A. , Deriu Laura , Baudi Paolo , Bonomo Lorenzo , Fabbriciani Carlo
Published: June 2011

Background: Glenoid bone defect is frequently associated with anterior shoulder instability and is considered one of the major causes of recurrence of instability after shoulder stabilization.

Hypothesis: Some risk factors are significantly associated with the presence, size, and type of glenoid bone defect.

Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: One hundred sixty-one patients affected by anterior shoulder instability underwent morphologic evaluation of the glenoid by computed tomography scans to assess the presence, size, and type of glenoid bone defect (erosion or bony Bankart lesion). Bone loss greater than 20% of the area of the inferior glenoid was considered “critical” bone defect (at risk of recurrence). Outcomes were correlated with the following predictors: age, gender, arm dominance, frequency of dislocation, age at first dislocation, timing from first dislocation, number of dislocations, cause of first dislocation, generalized ligamentous laxity, type of sport, and manual work.

Results: Glenoid bone defect was observed in 72% of the cases. Presence of the defect was significantly associated with recurrence of dislocation compared with a single episode of dislocation, increasing number of dislocations, male gender, and type of sport. Size of the defect was significantly associated with recurrent dislocation, increasing number of dislocations, timing from first dislocation, and manual work. Presence of a critical defect was significantly associated with number of dislocations and age at first dislocation. Bony Bankart lesion was significantly associated with male gender and age at first dislocation.

Conclusion: The number of dislocations and age at first dislocation are the most significant predictors of glenoid bone loss in anterior shoulder instability.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Iliopsoas Muscle-Tendon Units at the Sites of Arthroscopic Tenotomies: An Anatomic Study
Authors: Blomberg Josh R. , Zellner Benjamin S. , Keene James S.
Published: June 2011

Background

Arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies are performed at the level of the labrum, femoral neck, and lesser trochanter. The composition and percentage of the iliopsoas muscle-tendon unit (MTU) that is released when the tendon is cut at these sites has not been reported to date.

Hypothesis

Cutting the iliopsoas tendon at the 3 common sites of arthroscopic tenotomies does not release the entire iliopsoas MTU.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

Forty iliopsoas MTUs from 20 embalmed cadavers were isolated at the level of the hip joint and released from their insertion on the lesser trochanter. Circumferential measurements of the composite MTU and the isolated iliopsoas tendon were then made at (1) the MTU's insertion on the lesser trochanter, (2) the Wettstein et al site of transcapsular release, and (3) the Alpert et al release site at the level of the labrum. Single proportion testing was performed using the Student t test to determine if significant differences existed between the average circumference of the iliopsoas MTUs or the isolated tendons at the 3 levels at which they were measured.

Results

The average circumference of the iliopsoas–muscle belly complex at the level of the labrum, the transcapsular release site, and the lesser trochanter was 68, 58, and 46 mm, respectively. The average circumference of the iliopsoas tendon at these same levels was 27, 31, and 27 mm, respectively. Thus, at the level of the labrum, transcapsular release site, and lesser trochanter, the iliopsoas MTU is composed of 40% tendon/60% muscle belly, 53% tendon/47% muscle belly, and 60% tendon/40% muscle belly, respectively.

Conclusion

Cutting the iliopsoas tendon at the labrum, head-neck junction, or lesser trochanter does not result in a release of the entire iliopsoas MTU.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this study document that releasing the iliopsoas tendon at the lesser trochanter preserves 40% of the MTU and does not result in a complete detachment of the iliopsoas MTU.
Arthroscopic Disease Classification and Interventions as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Acetabular Dysplasia
Authors: Ross James R. , Zaltz Ira , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Schoenecker Perry L. , Clohisy John C.
Published: June 2011

Background

Treatment of hip dysplasia has focused on corrective osteotomy surgery, while hip arthroscopy remains controversial. Improved understanding of intra-articular disease patterns associated with hip dysplasia will help delineate the role of arthroscopy as an adjunct to osteotomy surgery for dysplastic hips.

Purpose

The authors set out to describe the intra-articular disease patterns of patients undergoing combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of symptomatic acetabular dysplasia with associated mechanical symptoms. Secondly, they wanted to identify the potential role for arthroscopy in treating intra-articular problems as an adjunct to acetabular reorientation surgery.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Seventy-three hips in 71 patients undergoing arthroscopy for mechanical symptoms before a redirectional osteotomy of the acetabulum were reviewed. Radiographic findings of acetabular dysplasia were compared with intraoperative labral and chondral disease patterns. Arthroscopic interventions were recorded.

Results

Labral tears and acetabular cartilage lesions were present in 65.8% and 68.5% of hips, respectively. Combined acetabular articular cartilage lesions and labral disease were observed in 58.9% of hips. When disease was present, acetabular labrum and chondral lesions were primarily located at the anterior (81.0%, 76.0%) and superolateral (66.7%, 84.0%) labrochondral junctions. A lateral center-edge angle <15° was associated with an increased likelihood of acetabular chondromalacia, as well as moderate to severe acetabular cartilage disease. An acetabular inclination of >20° was associated with an increased risk of larger labral tears (>2 cm). Sixty-three percent had at least 1 arthroscopic treatment of central compartment disease, most commonly acetabular chondroplasty (30.1%), partial labral resection (26.0%), and labral repair (16.4%).

Conclusion

Acetabular rim disease is common in symptomatic acetabular dysplasia, and 63% of cases have a central compartment abnormality amenable to arthroscopic treatment. Lateral center-edge angle <15° and acetabular inclination >20° are associated with more severe labrochondral disease.
Radiographic Comparison of Surgical Hip Dislocation and Hip Arthroscopy for Treatment of Cam Deformity in Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Bedi Asheesh , Zaltz Ira , De La Torre Katrina , Kelly Bryan T.
Published: June 2011

Background

Whether open or arthroscopic techniques are employed, the goal of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery is to achieve impingement-free range of motion. While arthroscopic approaches have improved and gained popularity, an objective evaluation of the surgical correction achieved with this approach compared with open surgery remains to be defined in the literature.

Purpose

This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of arthroscopic osteoplasty and open surgical dislocation in treating FAI dysmorphology in a consecutive series of patients.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Surgical treatment was performed in 60 male patients under 40 years of age for symptomatic FAI refractory to nonoperative management. Patients were matched (not randomized) to treatment groups: 30 patients (15 left and 15 right hips) underwent arthroscopic cam and/or rim osteoplasty with labral debridement and/or refixation by an arthroscopic surgeon; and 30 (14 left and 16 right hips) underwent open surgical dislocation, cam and/or rim osteoplasty, and labral debridement or refixation by a hip preservation surgeon. Anteroposterior (AP) pelvis and extended-neck (Dunn) lateral radiographs were obtained and the depth of resection and arc of resection were measured by assessment of anterior femoral head-neck offset, AP and lateral α angle, and β angle on preoperative and postoperative radiographs.

Results

In the arthroscopic group, the extended-neck lateral α angle was reduced by a mean of 17.2° (28.3%, P < .05), AP α angle was reduced by a mean of 12.6° (16.8%), anterior head-neck offset improved 5.0 mm (111%, P < .05), and β angle increased by a mean of 23.1°. In the open dislocation group, the extended-neck lateral α angle was reduced by a mean of 21.2° (30.7%, P < .05), AP α angle was reduced by a mean of 20.1° (25.7%), anterior head-neck offset improved 6.56 mm (108%, P < .05), and β angle increased by a mean of 18.35°.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic osteoplasty can restore head-neck offset and achieve similar depth, arc, and proximal-distal resection with comparable efficacy to open surgical dislocation for anterior and anterosuperior cam and focal rim impingement deformity. The open technique, however, may allow greater correction of posterosuperior loss of femoral offset and may be favorable for FAI patterns that demonstrate considerable proximal femoral deformity on AP radiographs.
Arthroscopic Treatment for Acetabular Labral Tears of the Hip without Bony Dysmorphism
Authors: Haviv Barak , O'Donnell John
Published: June 2011

Background

Surgical treatment for labral tears of the hip has shown good results in patients with bony impingement lesions; however, results are also affected by the correction of bony abnormalities. This study evaluates the outcome of arthroscopic treatment for acetabular labral tears without associated dysplasia or bony impingement lesions.

Hypothesis

Based on the structural importance of the acetabular labrum, labral tear debridement or repair can relieve pain and improve function.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The study included 81 patients who were categorized according to 4 morphologic labral tear types. The tear type, degree of synovitis, and chondral damage were analyzed with the use of multivariate regression analysis and correlated to the clinical outcome. The outcome was assessed utilizing the modified Harris hip score (MHHS) and the nonarthritic hip score (NAHS).

Results

There were 81 patients (81 hips), including 20 men and 61 women, with 41 right and 40 left hips. Their mean age was 44 years. Overall, at an average follow-up of 3 years the mean MHHS had improved by 18 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 13-23) and the mean NAHS by 17 points (95% CI, 12-22). An improvement after arthroscopic treatment was noticed in all types of labral tears of the hip. The level of synovitis and of chondral lesions was found to have a significant negative effect on the clinical outcome.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic treatment for acetabular labral tears of the hip without dysplasia or bony impingement lesions has good short- to midterm results. The best outcome is expected in the absence of synovitis and chondral lesions.
Tears of the Ligamentum Teres
Authors: Botser Itamar B. , Martin Dorea E. , Stout Chris E. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: June 2011

Background

The ligamentum teres (LT) anatomy has been known for many years. While its functionality remains debatable, it is well recognized that the LT can be a source of pain in the hip joint. In 1997, a landmark publication by Gray and Villar established a classification for LT tears and increased the awareness of LT disorders. However, the incidence of LT tears and the various tear types is unknown.

Purpose

The authors report the prevalence of LT tears in a population of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy, using both the Gray and Villar classification and a new descriptive classification.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Between February 2008 and January 2011, 616 hip arthroscopies were performed by the senior author. After excluding revision surgeries, a total of 558 surgeries (502 patients) were included in the study. Data were collected regarding patients’ demographics, mechanism of injury, range of motion, magnetic resonance results, and intraoperative findings. Preoperative hip-specific questionnaire scores and pain level were recorded as well. Ligamentum teres tears were classified according to Gray and Villar's classification, and were also categorized using a descriptive grading system as follows: 0, no tear; 1, <50% tear; 2, >50% tear; or 3, 100% tear.

Results

A total of 284 (51%) of the 558 surgeries in this cohort revealed LT tears. According to the descriptive grading system, 22% were grade 1, 24% were grade 2, and 5% were grade 3. According to the Gray and Villar classification 3.7% had full rupture, 43% had a partial tear, and 4.5% had a degenerative tear. Patients with LT tears were significantly older and had worse preoperative functional scores; they did, however, have a greater range of motion. Intraoperatively, an association with larger labral tear size and acetabular chondral damage was found. Magnetic resonance arthrography was found to have low accuracy and sensitivity in detection of LT tears. No correlation to the pain level was found.

Conclusion

Ligamentum teres tears had a higher prevalence in this study than was published in the past, most probably attributable to a lower threshold used in defining a tear. The incidence is defined both using the Gray and Villar classification, as well as a new descriptive classification system that categorizes the LT according to amount of tearing.
Preoperative and Postoperative Sagittal Plane Hip Kinematics in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement during Level Walking
Authors: Rylander Jonathan H. , Shu Beatrice , Andriacchi Thomas P. , Safran Marc R.
Published: June 2011

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been linked to osteoarthritis. Treatment options range from nonoperative to operative, and current outcome measures are generally subjective or not conducted under actual activities of daily living. Thus, there is a need for the use of motion capture techniques to quantitatively assess the outcome of surgical intervention for those treated for FAI.

Hypothesis

The gait of FAI patients 1 year after operative treatment (arthroscopic hip reshaping) will be significantly closer to the normal range and pattern of hip flexion motion, relative to pretreatment.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Eleven patients between 18 and 44 years of age with diagnosed FAI were enrolled in this study. Kinematics and kinetics for this group of patients were collected using motion capture techniques before arthroscopic bone-reshaping surgery and again 1 year after surgery. Pain and perceived activity level (Tegner scale) were also collected. All collected data were compared using a paired t test.

Results

Overall hip sagittal plane range of motion increased on the affected side from 27.6° ± 5.0° to 30.7° ± 4.3° (P = .02). The presence of abnormal reversals (second-order change in the slope in the hip flexion/extension curve) that was present in 5 patients preoperatively disappeared or was reduced in prevalence and magnitude in 4 of the patients postoperatively. Additionally, pain decreased and activity level increased postoperatively.

Conclusion

The results supported the hypothesis that surgical intervention for FAI restores more normal patterns of gait and provides objective support that the surgical procedure is useful. The results help establish motion capture as a potential method for quantitatively assessing the outcome in FAI surgical interventions. The presence of abnormal reversals in hip flexion has been reported in end-stage hip osteoarthritis, and the presence of these reversals in FAI patients reinforces the idea of FAI being a precursor to hip osteoarthritis.
Hazardous Waste Management Opportunities for ISWA Activities 1984-1988
Authors: Schenkel Werner , Skinner John H.
Published: June 2011

The role of the International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association (ISWA) in hazardous waste management is discussed in terms of classification systems, environmental standards, siting, long-term care at land disposal facilities, and treatment and disposal techniques, including co-disposal and transboundary disposal.
Decontamination of Sewage Sludges With Quicklime
Authors: Marcinkowski Tadeusz
Published: June 2011

Appropriate disposal of the ever increasing amounts of sludge has become a vital problem to sewage treatment plants. This paper gives both theoretical principles to thermal and chemical inactivation of sludges and experimental data. Bacteriological and parasitological examinations of the sludge were carried out prior to, and following completion of, the inactivation process. The chemical composition of decontaminated sludges is given as well. The experiments show that sewage sludges deactivated with quicklime may be used for agricultural purposes.
Landfill Gas Utilization in Braunschweig— Quality of Gas and Damages Due To Corrosion
Authors: Dernbach Heribert
Published: June 2011

The gas at Braunschweig's sanitary landfill is extracted by means of 10 vertical wells and utilized by co-generation engines for the production of electricity and waste heat. After a working period of only 900-1000 engine hours the three internal combustion engines of the gas utilization plant were seriously damaged by corrosion. The results of intensive investigations for finding the cause of damage are herewith presented. Finally, relatively high contents of halocarbons were detected in the landfill gas which would be converted to HCl in the engines. Possible measures to prevent more damages being caused by corrosion were studied. A research project to modify the engine oil and the materials used for parts of the engine was started. Several regular tests were carried out indicating positive tendencies. However, a partial purification of landfill gas will be necessary in order to at least guarantee the flawless operation of the plant on a long-term basis.
Waste Disposal in New Zealand—Applying the Environmental Procedures
Authors: Bailey Margaret L.
Published: June 2011

A recent survey has shown that some 2 million tonnes of refuse are being disposed of each year to landfill in New Zealand. One-quarter of this refuse is industrial waste, whereas refuse from households accounts for nearly half of the total. Pilot surveys have produced preliminary figures leading to an estimate that there may be about 23,000 tonnes per year of wastes which could be regarded as hazardous.

Statutes which provide for the management and disposal of wastes, the planning of refuse facilities, and the handling of hazardous materials are listed together with environmental enhancement and protection procedures which require a process of environmental impact assessment for projects, such as new landfill sites which will have significant environmental impacts.

The way that wastes are managed is illustrated by examining the disposal of three different types of solid wastes: metropolitan refuse wastes arising from a new petrochemical industry based on natural gas and waste polychlorinated biphenyl oils.
Migration and Degradation Patterns of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Cline Patricia V. , Viste Daniel R.
Published: June 2011

The mobility and persistence of volatile, chlorinated priority pollutants has been documented at sites across the country. Examples of commonly used solvents include 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene and methylene chloride. At some facilities, other volatile chlorinated compounds, which were never handled or disposed at these same facilities, have been detected in significant concentrations. These other compounds include dichloroethanes, dichloroethenes, chloroethane and vinyl chloride. Recent research shows that these less commonly used solvents can be present as a result of anaerobic degradation of major contaminants (commonly used solvents) within the groundwater system.

This paper presents data to help clarify the conditions under which one may anticipate finding degradation products and discusses their distribution trends. Data are presented from studies conducted at solvent recovery facilities, solid/hazardous waste landfills and solvent contamination near an industrial facility. When degradation occurs, the parent solvent compounds are at highest concentrations near the source. With distance from the source, increasing proportions of degradation products are present. Degradation products are most frequently found near a source containing high concentrations of other biodegradable organic compounds. Standard analytical protocols for measurement of volatile organic priority pollutants by GC/MS do not distinguish between trans-1,2-dichlorethene, a highly-toxic priority pollutant, and the cis isomer which is a significantly less hazardous non-priority pollutant degradation product and is the dominant degradation contaminant present at these sites.
Strategic Note-Taking for Inclusive Middle School Science Classrooms
Authors: Boyle Joseph R.
Published: June 2011

To be successful in inclusive classrooms, middle school students need effective note-taking skills to learn lecture content. Unfortunately, students with disabilities perform poorly at recording critical lecture content in notes and perform poorly on subsequent tests. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a note-taking technique, called strategic note-taking, on the note-taking and achievement of students with and without learning disabilities. The Results showed that students who were trained to use strategic note-taking performed better than students who used conventional note-taking on measures of immediate recall and comprehension. The limitations of the research and the implications for future research are discussed.
A Bayesian network model integrated in a prognostics and health management system for aircraft line maintenance
Authors: Ferreiro S , Arnaiz A , Sierra B , Irigoien I
Published: June 2011

The maintenance strategies of different industrial sectors are changing and evolving continuously in search of cost reduction, optimization of the operational reliability, the availability, and the resources used. The aeronautical industry belongs to this group. This article presents the global framework of a health management system as a new concept in aircraft line maintenance. This framework allows the transformation of the traditional maintenance (preventive and corrective, time based) into a predictive maintenance based on prognostic techniques. The article focuses in the development of the module ‘Condition View’, which has an essential role within this new model since it determines the deterioration and remaining useful life of critical aircraft parts. The case of detection and prediction of the aircraft break wear using a Bayesian net model that covers part of the functionality of ‘Condition View’ integrated in the global framework is presented.
Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometric Observations in Relation to Atmospheric Pollutants in a Sample of Urban Population
Authors: Satish Kumar K. , Prasad C.E. , Balakrishna N. , Visweswara Rao K. , Uma Maheswara Reddy P.
Published: June 2011

The prevalence of respiratory problems and the ventilatory functions in subjects belonging to three sample areas with different levels of pollution was studied to ascertain if there is any association between air pollutant levels and abnormal ventilatory functions. The predominant activity existing in that area served as the basis for stratification of the city into industrial (Group I), commercial (Group II) and residential (Group III) areas. Ambient air quality data of suspended particulate matter SPM, SO2 and NOx of the three sample areas were measured using standard methods. 216 men included in the study were administered the American Thoracic Society - Division of Lung Diseases ATS-DLD respiratory questionnaire, clinically examined and subjected to routine laboratory investigations. Spirometry and salbutamol reversibility tests were performed as per the ATS guidelines 1991. The mean and peak levels of SPM in the commercial area and the peak levels in the residential area were higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The mean and peak levels of NOx and SO2 in all the three areas were lower than the NAAQS. A high prevalence of ∼ 30-50% of respiratory symptoms was reported in the present study. Respiratory and ventilatory abnormalities were higher in the commercial areas, which are associated with the higher mean and peak levels of SO 2 and the peak levels of NOx. The pollution control measures should also aim at the peak levels of pollutants as they have been shown to exacerbate the respiratory symptoms in the present study. Asia Pac J Public Health 2000;12(2): 58-64
Blood Lead Levels of Urban and Rural Malaysian Primary School Children
Authors: Hashim Jamal Hisham , Hashim Zailina , Omar Ariffin , Shamsudin Shamsul Bahari
Published: June 2011

The objective of this article is to study the influence of exposure and socio-economic variables on the blood lead level of Malaysian school children. Data on respirable lead and blood lead of 346 school children were obtained from Kuala Lumpur (urban), Kemaman (semi-urban) and Setiu (rural). Respirable lead and blood lead were highest for Kuala Lumpur (95 ng/m3 and 5.26 μg/dL) followed by Kemaman (27 ng/m3 and 2.81μg/dL) and Setiu (15 ng/m3 and 2.49 μg/dL), and the differences were statistically significant. The percentage of school children with excessive blood lead of 10 μg/dL or greater was 6.36 % overall, and highest for Kuala Lumpur (11.73 %). Regression analyses show that urban children are at higher risk of exhibiting excessive blood lead levels. Kuala Lumpur's school children have a 25 times greater risk of having excessive blood lead levels when compared to Kemaman's and Setiu's school children. Respirable and blood lead were correlated ( r=0.999, p=0.021). Urban school children acquire higher blood lead levels than their rural and semi-urban counterparts, even after controlling for age, sex, parents' education and income levels. In conclusion, it is time that lead in the Malaysian environment and population be monitored closely, especially its temporal and spatial variability. Only then can a comprehensive preventive strategy be implemented. Asia Pac J Public Health 2000;12(2): 65-70
Aerosol Particle and Organic Vapor Concentrations at Industrial Work Sites in Malaysia
Authors: Warwick Armstrong R. , Rood Mark J. , Sani Sham , Mohamed Maketab , Rashid M. , Tajudin Jab Ahmad , Landsberger Sheldon
Published: June 2011

The objective of this study was to establish baseline data about air pollutants potentially related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the Federal Territory and Selangor, Malaysia. During 1991-1993, ambient air quality was monitored at 42 work sites representing ten industrial sectors: adhesive manufacturing, foundries, latex processing, metalworking, plywood/veneer milling, ricemilling, rubber tire manufacturing, sawmilling, shoemaking, and textile related industries. At each work site, aerosol particle size distributions and concentrations of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, and furfural were measured. Mean aerosol particle concentrations ranged from 61 μg/ m3 in foundries to 5,578 μg/m 3 in ricemills, with five industries (adhesives, metalworking, ricemilling, sawmilling, and shoemaking) exceeding the US EPA 24-hr ambient air standard for PM-10. Formaldehyde concentrations exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) in adhesives factories. Other vapours and elements measured were well below TLVs. Asia Pac J Public Health 2001;13(1): 24-29
Evaluation of the Seventh Malaysian Health Plan: a New Approach
Authors: Yon Rohaizat Bin , Hamidy Mahani Ahmad , Lin Christine Yew Siew
Published: June 2011

Since the First Malaysia Plan (1966-1970) many reviews have been done on the five-year health plans of the Ministry of Health (MOH). These included the Mid-Term Reviews and the review done at the end of the respective five-year plan period. There was no structured evaluation method carried out until the Seventh Malaysia Plan (7MP) period (1996 - 2000), among others because of the complexity of the MOH health plans. The evaluation of the 7MP was the first one conducted using a better-structured process. The findings and recommendations of the evaluation were used and incorporated in the subsequent 5-year health plan, under the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-2005) Asia Pac J Public Health 2001;13(1): 54-58
Changes in Ante-Natal Care and Family Planning in Krakor, Pursat, Cambodia, 1996-1998
Authors: Main Barbara , Lower Tony , James Ross , Rouse Ian
Published: June 2011

This study examines variations in ante-natal care (ANC) and family planning in Krakor, Pursat, Cambodia between 1996 and 1998. Population-based survey interviews were conducted with a total of 291 women in 1996 and 211 women in 1998. An intervention strategy designed to enhance the skills and roles of Health Centre staff, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) was conducted. Over this timeframe, reported ANC access increased from 37 % to 47 %. Most women delivered their last child at home, usually assisted by a TBA. Few women practiced family planning, despite the fact that most reported that they did not want any further children. A range of reasons for not practicing family planning were found to be highly significant, including the lack of available services ( p<0.01). The fear of side-effects decreased significantly ( p<0.01), with the community education provided by the VHVs and TBAs, potentially being one contributing factor. The results of this study suggest that continual support of VHVs and TBAs will further improve the health of women in Cambodia. Asia Pac J Public Health 2001; 13(2): 74-78
Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases in Malaysia
Authors: Kit Lam Sai
Published: June 2011

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases have become a major global problem. Malaysia appears to be an epicenter for such infections and in recent years, several outbreaks have occurred resulting in loss of lives and economic hardships. In this paper, we discussed the outbreaks of leptospirosis, enterovirus 71 encephalitis, chikungunya polyarthritis and Nipah encephalitis and how a developing country such as Malaysia managed the situation with the help of international agencies and organisations. Many valuable lessons were learned and by sharing our experience, it is hoped that we will be in a better position to handle future outbreaks and prevent their spread to countries in the region. Asia Pac J Public Health 2002; 14(1): 6 - 8
Health Care Reform and Changes: the Malaysian Experience
Authors: Merican Ismail , bin Yon Rohaizat
Published: June 2011

Health care reform is an intentional, sustained and systematic process of structural change to one or more health subsystems to improve efficiency, effectiveness, patient choices and equity. Health care all over the world is continuously reforming with time. Health care reform has become an increasingly important agenda for policy change in both developed and developing countries including Malaysia. This paper provides an overview of the Malaysian health care system, its achievements, and issues and challenges leading to ongoing reform towards a more efficient and equitable health care system that possess a better quality of life for the population. Asia Pac J Public Health 2002; 14(1): 17 - 22
Domestic Hygiene Behaviour of Mothers with Children Aged 0-5 Years Old in Tayabo Village, Nueva Ecija, the Philippines
Authors: Sakisaka Kayako , Wakai Susumu , Wongkhomthong Som-Arch
Published: June 2011

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a rural village in Nueva Ecija province in the Philippines to identify the association between mothers' hygiene behaviour and their socioeconomic status and household environment. A total of 206 mothers with children aged 0-5 years old participated in this study. Household visits with face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and observation of household environments were conducted. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of water boiling in mothers was significantly associated with children aged under two years old and the availability of domestic electricity. Availability of domestic electricity, mother's educational level, possession of a private lavatory and of a private well were significant predictors of whether hand-washing with soap was practiced after defecation. For hand-washing with soap before feeding children, child's age under one year old and the volume of the water supply were statistically significant. The volume of the water supply was identified as a significant predictor. Although health educational programme participation rates were very high (83.2%), no significant association with hygiene behaviour was observed.

This study indicates that improvements in water availability, household environment and health education may contribute to more frequent hand-washing. Asia Pac J Public Health 2002; 14(2): 91-98.
Socioeconomic Correlates of lodine Status Among School Children in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Low Wah-Yun , Zulkifli Siti Norazah , Karuppiah Rajeswari
Published: June 2011

Iodine deficiency is recognized as a public health problem. This paper assesses iodine status by socioeconomic factors in school children in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Kuching, Bau and Simunjan districts were chosen based on advice from the Sarawak's Medical and Health Authority. 803 school children, aged eight years; were selected from 19 schools via proportionate systematic sampling. About half the proportion of the school children were from Kuching, 24% from Simunjan and 22% from Bau. Almost all were equally distributed by sex. By mother's race, almost half were Malays, followed by Bidayuh, Iban, Chinese and other races. Mean urinary iodine concentration was 3.36 μg/ 100ml, mean creatinine level was 111.10 mg/100ml and mean creatinine/iodine ratio was 39.45 μg/ gram. Four female children (0.5%) were found to have enlarged thyroid. Urinary iodine levels were significantly different by district, mother's race and household income. It was highest in Kuching, among children with Malay mothers, and with household incomes more than RM500 per month. Conversely, it was lowest in Bau, among children of Iban/Dayak and Chinese mothers, and incomes of RM500 or less per month. Based on the WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD classification, the Sarawak school children in the present study fall into the moderate IDD category. The low prevalence of goitre is a positive finding indicating that iodine deficiency is corrected over time. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2002; 14(2): 110-117.
Correlates of Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Community-Based Study of Middle-Aged and Older Men and Women in Japan
Authors: Chi Dalei , Nakano Masataka , Yamamoto Koji
Published: June 2011

The authors examined the relationships of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol with sex, age, body composition, and lifestyle related factor including dietary patterns, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity in a community-based sample from Mie prefecture, Japan. The study population comprised of 463 men (65.7±8.6 years) and 845 women (61.9±10.1 years) who participated in an annual healthy examination and a lifestyle related survey in 2001. Using factor analysis based on data from the lifestyle-related questionnaires, three dietary patterns were identified: prudent, Western, and high-salt dietary patterns. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that important predictors of higher HDL cholesterol levels were being female and a higher frequency of alcohol consumption. Less strongly related were age and a prudent dietary pattern. Smoking and body mass index (BMI) were strongly negatively related to HDL cholesterol levels. We suggested that efforts to reduce coronary heart disease risks focus on weight control and good daily lifestyles in middle-aged and older Japanese population. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2003; 15(1): 17-22.
Economic Evaluation of Interventions to Reduce Road Traffic injuries - A Review of the Literature with Applications to Low and Middie-income Countries
Authors: Waters H.R. , Hyder A.A. , Phillips T.L.
Published: June 2011

Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) kill over one million people worldwide annually. This article takes the perspective of economic costs and benefits to review the impact of available road safety interventions in industrialized countries - and the potential effect of these interventions in low and middle-income countries, where RTIs pose an increasingly large public health problem. A comprehensive review of the literature on cost-benefits and cost-effectiveness studies related to road traffic injuries internationally, with comparisons of costs adjusted for inflation and exchange differentials was conducted. In the United States (US), motor vehicle inspection laws resulted in annual savings of US $1.7 to $2.3 billion. The installation of seatbelts results in net savings of $162 per vehicle; with benefits outweighing costs by a factor ranging from 240 to 1,727. Other cost effective interventions include mandatory seatbelt use, lowering speed limits, motorcycle helmet laws, and traffic calming devices such as speed bumps and road deviations. The dearth of similar economic evaluations of interventions for road traffic injuries in low and middle-income countries represents a serious research gap and hinders the implementation of effective strategies in those countries. Asia Pac J Public Health 2004; 16(1): 23-31.
Job Strain and its Associated Factors among Lecturers in the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Authors: Huda B.Z. , Rusli B.N. , Naing L. , Winn T. , Tengku M.A. , Rampal K.G.
Published: June 2011

A cross-sectional study to assess job strain and its associated factors among lecturers of the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was undertaken between August 2001 and May 2002. The original English version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) version 1.7 (revised 1997) by Robert Karasek based on the Job Strain Model was self-administered to 73 (response rate 58.4%) and 80 (response rate 41.7%) lecturers in the medical faculties of USM and UKM respectively. The prevalence of job strain (defined by low decision latitude and high psychological demand) in USM and UKM was 23.3% and 17.5%, respectively; the difference was not significant ( p ≥ 0.05). Analysis showed that the associated factors of job strain in USM lecturers were psychological stressors (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.4), created skill (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8), working in clinical-based departments (adjusted OR 18.9, 95% CI:1.6, 22.7). The risk factors of job strain in UKM lecturers were created skill (adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9), psychological stressors (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0,1.5) and co-worker support (adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9). We conclude psychological stressors and created skill were non-protective and protective, respectively, against job strain in both USM and UKM lecturers. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2004; 16(1): 32- 40.
Prevalence of Low Birth Weight and its Determinants in an Urban Resettlement Area of Delhi
Authors: Chhabra P. , Sharma A.K. , Grover V.L. , Aggarwal O.P.
Published: June 2011

Birth weight remains an important factor affecting infant and child mortality. Many factors influence the occurrence of low birth weight (LBW). The present study was conducted to study the prevalence and determinants of LBW in an urban resettlement area of Delhi. A baseline survey was done to enroll all pregnant women in the area. These women were followed up every month till outcome. The prevalence of LBW was 39.1%. Occurrence of LBW was related to age, parity, weight and height of the mother. In multiple logistic regression analysis, mother's weight and parity alone emerged as significant variables. On further analysis, on adjusting for age, parity and birth weight were associated for the 20-35-year age group only. Thus, prevalence of LBW remains high in the urban under privileged of Delhi; maternal age, parity and weight and height are important determinants. Increasing age of first birth to more than 20 years can minimize effect of primi parity. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2004' 16(2): 95-98.
Effect of Inbreeding on Wechsler Intelligence Test Scores among North Indian Children
Authors: Badaruddoza
Published: June 2011

The effects of inbreeding in humans on the intelligence has been investigated in the present study of offsprings of second cousin matings (F= 0.0156, n=138 male, 132 female), first cousins once removed (F= 0.03125, n=148 male, 138 female), first cousins (F= 0.0625, n=161 male, 151 female), and unrelated (F= 0, n= 194 male, 182 female) among North Indian Muslims. The Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R)-74 was given to the children in the both groups. An overall significant (p<0.001) reduction of means has been observed in inbred series. The results of this study confirm the appreciable inbreeding depression especially among the offspring of first cousins. Asia Pac J Public Health 2004; 16(2): 99-103.