bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraprosthetic Dislocation of Dual-Mobility Bearings Associated with Closed Reduction
Authors: Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Fillingham Yale A. , Della Valle Craig J. , Sporer Scott M.
Published: March 2015

Case:

We present two patients with dual-mobility total hip arthroplasty components who underwent closed reduction of posterior dislocations with conscious sedation in the emergency room. Following closed reduction, both patients had immediate pain, clicking, and grinding of the hip. Radiographs identified intraprosthetic dislocation of the dual-mobility components, and revision surgery was required.

Conclusion:

When dislocation of a dual-mobility bearing occurs, the surgeon should consider performing a careful closed reduction with muscle paralysis and use of fluoroscopic guidance in the operating room to avoid intraprosthetic dislocation.
Experimental Study of a Centrifugal Pump Handling Viscous Fluid and Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Paternost G. M. , Bannwart A. C. , Estevam V..
Published: March 2015

This paper presents an experimental study about the performance of a centrifugal pump, focusing on the effects of the fluid viscosity and the intake free-gas fraction. The first part evaluates a single-phase performance map proposed by Solano (2009). By use of dimensionless numbers, this map enables us to determine the pump performance when handling viscous fluids as a function of rotational speed at operational points other than the best efficiency point. Additionally, while the performance map of Solano (2009) is built solely on experimental data, this article expands his work by use of polynomial correlations that are based on basic phenomena that enable the prediction of the pump performance under a wider range of conditions. It was observed that these polynomial correlations are able to represent—with good agreement—the head, the brake horsepower, and the efficiency of a specific pump.

Most of the work on multiphase flow through electrical submersible pumps has been performed with water as the liquid. Unfortunately, this does not correspond to actual petroleum liquids, which many times present viscosities a hundred times greater than that of water. In view of this, the second part of the present study focuses on the pump performance when handling a highly viscous fluid under two-phase flow. An extension of the application of the dimensionless numbers is proposed to fit two-phase-flow data for the same pump.
A Novel Pore-Scale Thermal-Fracture-Acidizing Model With Heterogeneous Rock Properties
Authors: Lyons John , Nasrabadi Hadi , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A.
Published: March 2015

Fracture acidizing is a well-stimulation technique used to improve the productivity of low-permeability reservoirs and to bypass deep formation damage. The reaction of injected acid with the rock matrix forms etched channels through which oil and gas can then flow upon production. The properties of these etched channels depend on the acid-injection rate, temperature, reaction chemistry, mass-transport properties, and formation mineralogy. As the acid enters the formation, it increases in temperature by heat exchange with the formation and the heat generated by acid reaction with the rock. Thus, the reaction rate, viscosity, and mass transfer of acid inside the fracture also increase.

In this study, a new thermal-fracture-acidizing model is presented that uses the lattice Boltzmann method to simulate reactive transport. This method incorporates both accurate hydrodynamics and reaction kinetics at the solid/liquid interface. The temperature update is performed by use of a finite-difference technique. Furthermore, heterogeneity in rock properties (e.g., porosity, permeability, and reaction rate) is included. The result is a model that can accurately simulate realistic fracture geometries and rock properties at the pore scale and that can predict the geometry of the fracture after acidizing. Three thermal-fracture-acidizing simulations are presented here, involving injection of 15 and 28 wt% of hydrochloric acid into a calcite fracture. The results clearly show an increase in the overall fracture dissolution because of the addition of temperature effects (increasing the acid-reaction and mass-transfer rates). It has also been found that by introducing mineral heterogeneity, preferential dissolution leads to the creation of uneven etching across the fracture surfaces, indicating channel formation.
Robust Isenthalpic Flash for Multiphase Water/Hydrocarbon Mixtures
Authors: Zhu Di , Okuno Ryosuke
Published: March 2015

Robust isenthalpic flash is important in compositional simulation of steam injection, which involves at least three phases—oleic, gaseous, and aqueous. However, multiphase isenthalpic flash is challenging because the total enthalpy can be substantially nonlinear, or even discontinuous, with respect to temperature. This type of phase behavior is referred to as narrow-boiling behavior in the literature.

This paper presents robust isenthalpic flash for multiphase water-containing hydrocarbon mixtures. The algorithm developed is based on the direct substitution (DS) presented in our previous research for two phases. A detailed analysis is given for narrow-boiling behavior and its effects on the DS algorithm. A new method is also presented for K-value estimates for three phases for water-hydrocarbon mixtures. The thermodynamic model used is the Peng-Robinson equation of state with the van der Waals mixing rules.

The narrow-boiling behavior in isenthalpic flash occurs when a small temperature change yields significant changes of equilibrium-phase compositions relative to the overall composition. The system of equations used in the DS algorithm becomes degenerate for narrow-boiling fluids. The multiphase DS algorithm developed in this paper adaptively switches between Newton's iteration step and the bisection step depending on the Jacobian condition number. The bisection algorithm solves for temperature, based solely on the enthalpy constraint only when narrow-boiling behavior is identified. The algorithm is tested with a number of different isenthalpic flash calculations for three and four phases formed by water-containing hydrocarbon mixtures at elevated temperatures. Results show the robustness of the algorithm for narrow-boiling fluids, including the cases with one degree of freedom.
Performance evaluation of anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) treating pulp and paper wastewater in start-up period
Authors: Alighardashi Abolghasem , Modanlou Meghdad , Jamshidi Shervin
Published: March 2015

This essay outlines the use of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) treating pulp and paper wastewater during its start-up period. For this purpose, a pilot with four chambers and overall volume of 45 liters was fed continuously through the equalization tank of Mazandaran wood and paper wastewater treatment plant, in the north of Iran. The influent was classified as low strength slowly biodegradable wastewater. The average soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the influent were about 1,130 and 320 mg/L, respectively. Results show that the start-up was accomplished in 90 days in which the ABR reached its maximum SCOD removal of 60%. This was achieved at the controlled mesophilic temperature (37 °C) and optimum hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 hours. In spite of the influent characteristics, the performance of ABR has not been inhibited and mostly influenced by HRT. The gradual hydrolysis and acidogenesis were observed within the ABR. The majority of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal takes place in the first chamber. In addition, the concentrations of readily biodegradable organics (BOD to COD ratio) have been increased and doubled through the reactor. Moreover, the total values of pH, volatile fatty acids and alkalinity remained constant. Consequently, this system can be approved for application as a pretreatment unit for paper mill industrial wastewater treatment plants.
Continuous-flow high temperature and pressure water sterilizer
Authors: Ponce Adrian
Published: March 2015

Water sterilization at sterility assurance levels exceeding 10−6 has been achieved with a novel high temperature and pressure sterilization system (HAPSS) capable of continuous-flow sterilization. The tested sterilizer produces >2,000 L/day and does not require filters, moving parts, or regular maintenance and can operate for multiple years with only water and standard voltage/amperage electricity. Sterility assurance levels were determined using Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores with inactivation experiments as a function of temperature and flow rate (i.e., duration/dosage at given temperature). Sterility of 1.0 × 104 CFU/mL G. stearothermophilus spore suspensions was achieved at the highest water flow rate of 1.4 L/min at 140 and 130 °C. The low cost and maintenance-free operation of HAPSS is envisioned to impact water sterilization needs of developing nations, hospitals, and commercial point of use applications.
Assessing the potential of harvesting rainfall runoff using pans to meet Marigat's water demand: an application of WEAP21 model
Authors: Magut R. J. , Kipkorir E. C. , Daudi F.
Published: March 2015

Water resources are vital to basic livelihoods and economic growth. Marigat division in Baringo County, Kenya experiences water scarcity during the dry periods, a situation that is further aggravated by droughts and erratic rains. During the rainy seasons, a lot of water is lost as surface runoff, which can be harvested and stored in water reservoirs and used for domestic and livestock throughout the dry seasons. Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP21) system model was used to determine whether the water to be harvested from rainfall runoff was able to meet the Marigat community's water demand. This was achieved by building creation of proposed new water pans scenario from the reference scenario. The results of the reference scenario were validated using observed river flows at Marigat Bridge station, and WEAP21 was also used to develop a water supply network. The results show that with the creation of proposed new water pans for harvesting surface runoff in areas facing water scarcity, the unmet domestic and livestock water demand is met up to 2020.
The principles of ‘green chemistry’ using the example of design and operation of an underground water treatment station at a Moscow food processing enterprise for purification out of compounds of iron and the utilization of byproducts
Authors: Tkachenko I. S. , Tkachenko S. N. , Lunin V. V.
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with the technology of ozonation together with sorption on activated carbons (AC) and its compliance with 12 principles of green chemistry. The report also provides an illustrative example of a drinking water treatment station with a capacity of 160 m3/h which purifies underground water from ions of iron by using ozone sorption technology and 12 principles of green chemistry. R&D, design, construction, and maintenance of the station are described. Our company LLC NVF ‘TIMIS’ was the first to propose an environmentally friendly method of disposal of residual products after purification of water by using them as components in the catalyst decomposition of ozone. The research work at Lomonosov Moscow State University has shown that ozonation with AC sorption technology reduces the concentration of total iron from 1.28 to 0.03 mg/L, reduces color grade and turbidity, provides disinfection and deodorization of water, and oxidizes organic and ions of iron more effectively than the oxidation of water by air or oxygen. This technology has successfully purified more than 8,000,000 m3 of underground water for the last 8 years.
Effort in reducing unaccountable water and economic consideration
Authors: Dimaano I.
Published: March 2015

In 2007, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), the private water and wastewater service provider of the West Zone of Metro-Manila (Philippines), had an enormous challenge ahead: to achieve 100% service coverage in the coming few years with basically no additional water resources; to connect an additional 3 million people still without access to piped water; and to improve the service level to the existing customers. The only way to meet this demand is to reduce water losses from its deteriorated pipe network. Water balance made in that year showed significant total non-revenue water of 1,500 million liters per day which is equivalent to 66% of the total system input volume.

Maynilad recognized that to be financially viable, it needs to address the non-revenue water problem. Thus, the Central NRW team was immediately created in 2008 and was tasked to lead Maynilad's ambitious NRW reduction and management program, which is considered one of the largest NRW projects in the world in terms of amount of water losses and the scope and magnitude of works involved to bring down the high level of NRW.

Maynilad's NRW program involves breaking up the whole network into hydraulically isolated and measurable district metered areas (DMA); monitoring and diagnosing each DMA; developing well-trained and fully equipped leak detection teams to find surfacing and non-surfacing leaks; active leakage control; pressure management; selective pipe replacement/rehabilitation; closing of illegal connections and decommissioning of old distribution pipes; integrated meter management; and a sustained capacity building of NRW teams.

By the end of 2013, 6 years after implementing the NRW program, Maynilad was able to recover more than 700 MLD and managed to bring down the NRW level to 39%. The water that was saved in turn was used to supply additional 400,000 new customers in the expansion areas and generally improved the level of service of the existing customers by providing higher water pressure and longer water availability. These translated to an increase in billed volume by 56 and 107% increase in total revenues for the company.
UV-advanced oxidation process for taste and odor removal – comparing low pressure and medium pressure UV for a full-scale installation in Korea
Authors: Scheideler Jens , Lee Kyung-Hyuk , Raichle Philipp , Choi Taeyoung , Dong Hong Sung
Published: March 2015

The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) located in South Korea is a 101,000 m³/d water treatment plant using flocculation/coagulation followed by sedimentation and sand filtration plus a final chlorination step to produce drinking water from a natural reservoir. The seasonal occurrence of taste and odor compounds were driving the need for an advanced treatment step. In 2010 the operator decided to carry out pilot tests to test the possibility of removing this compound with a low or medium pressure ultraviolet-based advanced oxidation process (AOP). The pilot test showed a significant lower electrical energy demand (EED) for the low pressure system (EED = 70 W/m³) compared to the medium pressure system (EED = 144 W/m³) to achieve a 0.5 LOG reduction of 2-methylisoborneol. The results of the pilot trials were the basis for the design of the full-scale system capable of treating up to 4,419 m³/h of drinking water using low pressure lamps.
Anaerobic membrane bioreactor for the treatment of synthetic wastewater to produce energy and water reusable in agricultural sector
Authors: Bornare J. B. , Raman V. K. , Sapkal V. S. , Sapkal R. S. , Sapkal P. V.
Published: March 2015

Total utilizable water resource in India has been estimated to be about 1,123 billion cubic meters (BCM). Out of total water usage by different sectors, about 85% (688 BCM) of water usage is being diverted for irrigation, which may increase to 1,072 BCM by 2050. Since the demand for domestic and industrial water usage may increase in near future, the water availability for irrigation is expected to reduce. Overall analysis of water resources indicates that in coming years, there will be a twin edged problem to deal with reduced fresh water availability and increased wastewater generation due to increased population and industrialization. With increasing water demand and depleting water availability, recycling of domestic wastewater has huge potential in India to bridge the water scarcity and provide good source of water for non-potable use like irrigation. Considering various lacunas of conventional wastewater treatment technologies and cost implications of advanced technologies in Indian context, a need exists to develop sustainable technologies which can provide recyclable quality of water with low operating cost. An anaerobic bioreactor coupled with membrane unit is phrased as anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) and could be an effective solution to treat low-strength domestic wastewater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of external AnMBR for the treatment of sewage equivalent synthetic wastewater having 365 mg/l chemical oxygen demand (COD). Overall 95% COD removal efficiency was obtained during performance evaluation of AnMBR. The treated effluent with average COD concentration less than 20 mg/l was obtained for 8-h hydraulic retention time in bioreactor at 37 °C. The total suspended solids removal efficiency was 100% in AnMBR. The obtained biogas yield was higher than 0.4 m3/kg of COD removed in the system. The membrane flux was found higher than 60 l/m2 h at 1 bar trans-membrane pressure.
Performance of constructed wetlands with ornamental plants in the treatment of domestic wastewater under the tropical climate of South Mexico
Authors: Méndez-Mendoza Alejandra S. , Bello-Mendoza Ricardo , Herrera-López David , Mejía-González Gamaliel , Calixto-Romo Angeles
Published: March 2015

In developing countries located in tropical and subtropical regions, the use of ornamental plant species in constructed wetlands (CWs) could add benefits to the treatment of wastewater. This paper presents a study on the efficiency of using plants of economic importance in South Mexico (Heliconia stricta, Heliconia psittacorum and Alpinia purpurata) within an anaerobic digester horizontal subsurface CW system for treating domestic wastewater. The CW with H. psittacorum showed the highest level of removal of biochemical oxygen demand (48%), chemical oxygen demand (64%), total phosphorus (39%) and total nitrogen (39%). This species and H. stricta (which showed slightly lower percentages of removal) may be a viable alternative to using macrophytes in CW in tropical areas such as Chiapas, Mexico.
Heavy metals and microbial loads in raw fecal sludge from low income areas of Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Appiah-Effah Eugene , Nyarko Kwabena Biritwum , Antwi Eric Ofosu , Awuah Esi
Published: March 2015

This study was carried out to determine the heavy metals and microbial loads of raw public toilet sludge from low income areas (peri-urban and rural) of Ashanti Region of Ghana. Fecal sludges were sampled from public toilets. Methods outlined in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewaters were used for the analyses of fecal sludge samples. Range of heavy metals concentrations were found as 0.039–5.216 mg/l and 0.010–1.488 mg/l for peri-urban and rural areas, respectively. These concentrations were in the order of Mn > >Cu > >Fe > >Zn > >Pb > >Ar > >Cd and Zn > >Mn > >Fe > >Cu > >Pb > >Ar > >Cd for peri-urban and rural areas, respectively. The range of bacteria loads was measured as 1.4 × 106–4.5 × 107CFU/100 ml for peri-urban and 0.2 × 106–4.5 × 107CFU/100 ml for rural areas. Similarly, range of helminths was determined as 1–18 eggs/100 ml for both peri-urban and rural areas. The study showed that the levels of heavy metals and microbial quantities were generally higher in peri-urban compared to rural areas. However, fecal sludge from these low income areas are not recommended for direct use in agriculture unless they are given further treatment. Composting is recommended as a promising and suitable method for effective treatment of fecal sludge resulting in a hygienically safe and economically profitable product.
Technical and economic viability of a compact, partially submersed black water treatment system for floating residences
Authors: Borges Pedro João Paulo , Rosinski Lima Gomes Maria Cecília , Apel Leonardo
Published: March 2015

Riverine populations in the Amazon lack appropriate sanitation technologies due to the challenges imposed by the várzea (floodplain) environment. This compromises their health and the quality of the environment in which they live. This study aims to verify the technical and economic viability of a black water treatment using a septic tank + anaerobic filter (bamboo rings, crushed stone, brick fragments) with locally available components, of small volume and which is partially submersed. The system's pollutant removal efficiency was considered using analyses of pH, temperature, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, ammonium and phosphorus. Economic viability was calculated using the costs of the systems, compared with the value of a standard residence and family income of residents of the Mamirauá and Amanã Reserves. BOD removal efficiency was similar for the media filter tested (average 77%). COD load removal was between 67 and 83%. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations remained high in relation to legal standards, with 59 and 96 mg L−1 of phosphorus for the brick fragment filters, and 230 and 379 mg L−1 of nitrogen for the crushed stone and bamboo ring filters, respectively. The cost for the system was US$ 1,000, about 5% of the cost of a standard residence. The three filter configurations were similar in terms of organic material removal. The technology proved viable in terms of efficiency and cost as it is an accessible option for the várzea environment.
A methodological proposal for the evaluation of potable water use risk
Authors: Maiolo Mario , Pantusa Daniela
Published: March 2015

Water shortages are due to a number of factors such as pollution of sources, decrease of water availability, climate change, wrong use of water resources and the inaccurate management of water systems, including the physiological dysfunctions of waterwork facilities. In order to improve the planning of emergency management, forecasting and prevention of this type of risk, it is helpful to address the study of the risk of potable water use. Through the analysis of water systems in all its components, key factors have been identified that influence the incorrect operation of systems and it was possible to define the risk for potable water use in order to formulate an initial proposal for an estimation method.
Characterization of residual sand removed from the grit chambers of a wastewater treatment plant and its use as fine aggregate in the preparation of non-structural concrete
Authors: Borges N. B. , Campos J. R. , Pablos J. M.
Published: March 2015

This article demonstrates the potential use of residual sand removed from grit chambers, which are used in the primary treatment of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), as an alternative material to commercial sand in the production of non-structural concrete in civil construction. The results indicated that the residual sand has a high percentage of total fixed solids (96.9%), high moisture content (14.8%) and significant total coliform [average of 3.84 × 107(100 mL)−1] and fecal coliform densities [average of 5.22 × 105 (100 mL)−1]. The sand cleaning and drying procedure used in the research was effective, since it achieved the following removal efficiencies: about 98.8% of moisture, 67.1% of total volatile solids and 4-log E. coli. After cleaning and drying the residual sand, different amounts of this material were used to prepare the test specimens, which underwent tensile tests. The results of this study confirmed the viable use of residual sand as fine aggregate in concrete for non-structural purposes, and the best performances were verified in tensile and compressive tests (fck) and tensile strength tests (fctk) using 30% (in mass) of the residual sand as fine aggregate (values of 16.6 and 1.60 MPa, respectively).
Study of the low temperature anoxic ammonia oxidation feasibility
Authors: Nikolaev Yu. A. , Kozlov M. N. , Kevbrina M. V. , Dorofeev A. G. , Aseeva V. G. , Pimenov N. V. , Zharkov A. V.
Published: March 2015

The paper presents results of study of anoxic ammonia oxidation at low temperature conducted at JSC Mosvodokanal, Moscow, Russia. The study was carried out in two reactors, 5 l each, operated at the temperature of 5–10 °С. Both reactors were inoculated with the soil, collected from waste water sludge landfill, that presumably, contained low-temperature adapted nitrifying bacteria. Reactor No. 1 contained nitrifying bacteria only. Reactor No. 2 was further inoculated by anammox bacteria. Filtrate from digested sludge belt thickeners was added into the reactors to achieve a final N-NH4 concentration of 70–95 mg/l. The reactors were operated as sequencing batch reactors. After 90 days of incubation maximal nitrification rate in reactor No. 1 was 1.4 mg N-NH4/g VSS*h, and in reactor No. 2–1.0 mg N-NH4/g VSS*h. Estimated doubling time of nitrifying bacteria was 45 days. Total mineral nitrogen removal in the 1st reactor was 20% (via process of heterotrophic denitrification), and in the 2nd – 60% (via both the processes of heterotrophic and autotrophic nitrate reduction). Through the process of autotrophic denitrification (anammox), two times as much nitrogen was removed, compared to the heterotrophic denitrification process. Anammox process rate was 0.4 mg N-NH4/g VSS*h.
Influence of wastewater treatment on sludge production and processing
Authors: Barber W. P. F.
Published: March 2015

The challenge of stricter wastewater standards is resulting in configuration changes to wastewater treatment. As facilities upgrade, the type of sludge produced is changing, with growing quantities of secondary and chemical sludge at the expense of primary sludge. It is already understood that secondary sludge is harder to treat than its primary equivalent; therefore, increasing the quantity of this type of sludge will have detrimental impacts downstream. As legislation tightens further, extended aeration times may be required during processing to remove more nutrients. Work has shown that extended aeration further exacerbates the difficulty of treating secondary sludge. This paper explains how tightening wastewater legislation fundamentally alters the nature of the sludge produced and how this affects further processing, especially with respect to sludge production and type; sludge energy content; performance of anaerobic digestion and dewatering, and potential for thermal energy recovery.
Sea water reverse osmosis - energy efficiency & recovery
Authors: Evenden A. R.
Published: March 2015

The Adelaide desalination plant, located in South Australia, was designed and built by the AdelaideAqua construction consortium for the South Australian Water Corporation (SA Water), a wholly owned public utility. Construction commenced in 2009 at a green field site (Port Stanvac) south of Adelaide, with drinking water production from October 2011 and full production capability and handover to the plant operator on 12 December 2012. The facility uses 100% renewable energy and provides the people of South Australia with one of the most energy efficient sea water desalination plants in the World. This paper examines the performance of the Adelaide desalination plant in terms of energy efficiency. Specific energy saving technologies and innovations are described, including assessment of design and actual performance. The Adelaide desalination plant has achieved 8% lower energy consumption compared to the project's initial design requirements and the specific energy consumption of 3.48 kWh/m3 compares well with industry benchmark efficiencies.
An apparatus proposed for density measurements in compressed liquid regions at the pressures 0.1-60 MPa and the temperatures 288.15-413.15 K
Authors: Ivanis Gorica , Tasic Aleksandar , Radovic Ivona , Djordjevic Bojan , Serbanovic Slobodan , Kijevcanin Mirjana
Published: March 2015

In this work an apparatus for density measurements in the compressed liquid
regions was presented. This installation is based on the use of the DMA HP
density measuring cell and the DMA 5000 densimeter (both instruments are
products of Anton Paar, Gratz, Austria). Calibration of DMA HP cell was
performed by applying the classical method where a vacuum, water and n-decane
were recommended to be used as calibration fluids. To test the capabilities
of the set-up, the densities of n-hexane, toluene and dichloromethane were
measured in the temperature interval 288.15 to 413.15 K and the pressure
range 0.1-60 MPa. The obtained results were compared with the corresponding
values found in the literature. Depending on the literature selected for
comparison (the temperature and pressure ranges available) the average
absolute percentage deviations were: for n-hexane 0.03-0.10%; for toluene
0.04-0.08% and for dichloromethane 0.02-0.03%. A deeper insight into the
results of this work shows that most of them are in a good agreement with the
literature values; higher discrepancies are remarked in the vicinity of the
ends of the temperature and pressure ranges.
Strict Benson proper-ε-efficiency in vector optimization with set-valued maps
Authors: Suneja Kaur , Sharma_ Megha
Published: March 2015

In this paper the notion of Strict Benson proper-?-efficient solution for a
vector optimization problem with set-valued maps is introduced. The
scalarization theorems and ?-Lagrangian multiplier theorems are established
under the assumption of ic-cone-convexlikeness of set-valued maps.
Vibratory stimulation increases interleukin-1 beta secretion during orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Leethanakul Chidchanok , Suamphan Sumit , Jitpukdeebodintra Suwanna , Thongudomporn Udom , Charoemratrote Chairat
Published: March 2015

Objectives: 

To investigate the effects of application of vibratory stimuli on interleukin (IL)–1β secretion during maxillary canine distalization.

Materials and Methods: 

Split-mouth design study in 15 subjects (mean age, 22.9 years; range 19–25 years) whose bilateral maxillary first premolars were extracted with subsequent canine distalization. On the experimental side, light force (60 g) was applied to the canine for 3 months in combination with vibratory stimuli provided using an electric toothbrush 15 minutes a day for 2 months; only orthodontic force was applied to the contralateral control canine. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected from the mesial and distal sides of each canine at each monthly appointment. IL-1β levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Canine movement was measured monthly.

Results: 

Overall, enhanced IL-1β secretion was observed at the pressure sites of experimental canines compared to control canines (mean, 0.64 ± 0.33 pg/µL vs 0.10 ± 0.11 pg/µL, respectively, P < .001). The accumulative amount of tooth movement was greater for the experimental canine than for the control canine (mean, 2.85 ± 0.17 mm vs 1.77 ± 0.11 mm, respectively, P < .001).

Conclusions: 

This study demonstrates that, in combination with light orthodontic force, application of vibratory stimuli using an electric toothbrush enhanced the secretion of IL-1β in GCF and accelerated orthodontic tooth movement.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare a self-ligating bracket with a conventional bracket in a UK population: Part 2: Pain perception
Authors: Rahman Shahla , Spencer R. James , Littlewood Simon J. , O'Dywer Lian , Barber Sophy K. , Russell Joanne S.
Published: March 2015

Objective: 

To compare pain experience between self-ligating and conventional preadjusted edgewise appliance systems with a two-arm parallel trial.

Materials and Methods: 

A prospective multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in three hospital orthodontic departments. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either a self-ligating (3M SmartClip™) or conventional (3M Victory™) bracket system with stratification for operator and center. Standardized protocol was followed for bracket bonding procedure and archwire sequence. Subject pain was recorded using a Verbal Rating Scale to assess discomfort felt on the teeth and soft tissues at the time of the appointment and 1, 3, and 5 days after each archwire change up to the working archwire. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the data by blinded assessors.

Results: 

One hundred thirty-eight subjects (mean age 14 years 11 months) were enrolled in the study, of which 135 subjects (97.8%) completed the study and 113 (82%) returned the required data regarding pain/discomfort. Perceived pain was statistically higher with the SmartClip™ system compared to the Victory™ system, but this difference was not deemed to be clinically significant. Discomfort was greatest after placement of the initial 0.014-inch nickel-titanium archwire, compared with subsequent wires, and was greatest on day 1, less on day 3, and much less on day 5 after each archwire change. Age and gender did not affect the level of discomfort experienced by subjects undergoing fixed appliance treatment.

Conclusion: 

No clinically significant difference in pain experience was found between patients treated with a self-ligating bracket system compared to those treated with a conventional ligation system.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Fracture: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Liao Wen-Ling , Chang Tzu-Pu , Chen Hsuan-Ju , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: March 2015

Study Design

A nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

To investigate whether benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is associated with an increased risk of fracture.

Background

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a brief rotational vertigo induced by head position change that may increase the risk of falls and, therefore, fracture.

Methods

Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used for this study. We selected a case cohort comprising 3796 patients aged over 20 years who were newly diagnosed with BPPV between 2000 and 2006. In addition, we randomly selected a control cohort of 15 184 individuals without BPPV. Patients with BPPV were matched to individuals in the control group according to sex, age, and index year. A Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to compute the hazard ratio of fracture, after adjusting for demographic characteristics and comorbidities.

Results

The prevalence of comorbidities was higher among patients with BPPV. After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, patients with BPPV exhibited a 1.14-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 1.25; P<.01) higher risk of fracture than those without BPPV. Trunk fracture (vertebra, rib, and pelvis) was the fracture type with the highest adjusted hazard ratio (1.24; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.45; P<.01) in patients with BPPV relative to those without BPPV. An analysis stratified according to demographic factors revealed that men with BPPV exhibited a 1.43-fold (95% CI: 1.22, 1.66; P<.001) higher risk of fracture. Patients with BPPV aged over 65 years exhibited a significantly higher risk of fracture (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.33; P<.05) than did those without BPPV.

Conclusion

Patients with BPPV exhibited a higher risk of fracture than did those without BPPV.

Level of evidence

Prognosis, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(5):406–412. Epub 26 Mar 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5707
A Consensus Definition of Running-Related Injury in Recreational Runners: A Modified Delphi Approach
Authors: Yamato Tiê Parma , Saragiotto Bruno Tirotti , Lopes Alexandre Dias
Published: March 2015

Study Design

Delphi study.

Objective

To reach a consensus definition of running-related injury in recreational runners through a modified Delphi approach.

Background

Many studies have suggested the need for a standardized definition of running-related injury to provide uniformity to injury surveillance in running.

Methods

We invited 112 researchers from running-related injury studies identified in a previous systematic review to classify words and terms frequently used in definitions of running-related injury in an online form during 3 rounds of study. In the last round, participants were asked to approve or disapprove the consensus definition. We considered an agreement level of at least 75% to be a consensus.

Results

Thirty-eight participants agreed to participate in the study. The response rates were 94.7% (n = 36) for the first round, 83.3% (n = 30) for the second round, and 86.7% (n = 26) for the third round. A consensus definition of running-related injury was reached, with 80% of participants approving the following: “Running-related (training or competition) musculoskeletal pain in the lower limbs that causes a restriction on or stoppage of running (distance, speed, duration, or training) for at least 7 days or 3 consecutive scheduled training sessions, or that requires the runner to consult a physician or other health professional.”

Conclusion

The proposed standardized definition of running-related injury could assist in standardizing the definitions used in sport science research and facilitate between-study comparisons. Future studies testing the validity of the proposed consensus definition, as well as its accurate translation to other languages, are also needed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(5):375–380. Epub 26 Mar 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5741
Muscle Force Cannot Be Directly Inferred From Muscle Activation: Illustrated by the Proposed Imbalance of Force Between the Vastus Medialis and Vastus Lateralis in People With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Hug François , Hodges Paul W. , Tucker Kylie
Published: March 2015

Synopsis

Muscle force cannot be directly inferred from neural drive assessed using electromyography (EMG). Although the limitations associated with inferring force from EMG are well known, this has received little attention in the clinical literature. This commentary discusses these limitations within the context of the imbalance of force production between the vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles, which has been speculated to contribute to the development and/or persistence of patellofemoral pain. The balance of neural drive between vasti muscles is most frequently measured with 2 approaches: (1) the onset of VM EMG relative to that of the VL, and (2) the ratio of the EMG signal amplitude of the VM and VL. Here, we demonstrate that this classical approach cannot determine whether an imbalance of force exists between the VM and VL. Considerations such as altered electromechanical delay (time between the onsets of muscle activation and patellar motion) in people with patellofemoral pain may lead to a reconsideration of the classical interpretation of the onset of VM EMG signal relative to that of the VL. Also, beyond the amplitude of the neural drive, muscle force depends on several biomechanical factors (eg, specific tension and physiological cross-sectional area). Therefore, the VL/VM activation ratio does not provide information about the VL/VM force ratio, which is ultimately the most important information from a clinical perspective. Although the literature includes defenses for both the existence and absence of this force imbalance in people with patellofemoral pain, a reconsideration of the methods used to assess this imbalance is needed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(5):360–365. Epub 26 Mar 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5905
Relationship between Small Animal Intern Rank and Performance at a University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Hofmeister Erik H. , Saba Corey , Kent Marc , Creevy Kate E.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between selection committee rankings of internship applicants and the performance of small animal interns. The hypothesis was that there would be a relationship between selection committee rank order and intern performance; the more highly an application was ranked, the better the intern's performance scores would be. In 2007, the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery instituted a standardized approach to its intern selection process both to streamline the process and to track its effectiveness. At the end of intern years 2010–2014, every faculty member in the department was provided an intern assessment form for that year's class. There was no relationship between an individual intern's final rank by the selection committee and his/her performance either as a percentile score or a Likert-type score (p=.25, R2=0.04; p=0.31, R2=0.03, respectively). Likewise, when interns were divided into the top and bottom quartile based on their final rank by the selection committee, there was no relationship between their rank and their performance as a percentile score (median rank 15 vs. 20; p=.14) or Likert-type score (median rank 14 vs. 19; p=.27). Institutions that use a similar intern selection method may need to reconsider the time and effort being expended for an outcome that does not predict performance. Alternatively, specific criteria more predictive of performance outcomes should be identified and employed in the internship selection process.
Microrecording and image-guided stereotactic biopsy of deep-seated brain tumors
Authors: Iijima Keiya , Hirato Masafumi , Miyagishima Takaaki , Horiguchi Keishi , Sugawara Kenichi , Hirato Junko , Yokoo Hideaki , Yoshimoto Yuhei
Published: March 2015

OBJECT

Image-guided stereotactic brain tumor biopsy cannot easily obtain samples of small deep-seated tumor or selectively sample the most viable region of malignant tumor. Image-guided stereotactic biopsy in combination with depth microrecording was evaluated to solve such problems.

METHODS

Operative records, MRI findings, and pathological specimens were evaluated in 12 patients with small deep-seated brain tumor, in which image-guided stereotactic biopsy was performed with the aid of depth microrecording. The tumors were located in the caudate nucleus (1 patient), thalamus (7 patients), midbrain (2 patients), and cortex (2 patients). Surgery was performed with a frameless stereotactic system in 3 patients and with a frame-based stereotactic system in 9 patients. Microrecording was performed to study the electrical activities along the trajectory in the deep brain structures and the tumor. The correlations were studied between the electrophysiological, MRI, and pathological findings. Thirty-two patients with surface or large brain tumor were also studied, in whom image-guided stereotactic biopsy without microrecording was performed.

RESULTS

The diagnostic yield in the group with microrecording was 100% (low-grade glioma 4, high-grade glioma 4, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma 3, and germinoma 1), which was comparable to 93.8% in the group without microrecording. The postoperative complication rate was as low as that of the conventional image-guided method without using microelectrode recording, and the mortality rate was 0%, although the target lesions were small and deep-seated in all cases. Depth microrecording revealed disappearance of neural activity in the tumor regardless of the tumor type. Neural activity began to decrease from 6.3 ± 4.5 mm (mean ± SD) above the point of complete disappearance along the trajectory. Burst discharges were observed in 6 of the 12 cases, from 3 ± 1.4 mm above the point of decrease of neural activity. Injury discharges were often found at 0.5–1 mm along the trajectory between the area of decreased and disappeared neural activity. Close correlations between electrophysiological, MRI, and histological findings could be found in some cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Image-guided stereotactic biopsy performed using depth microrecording was safe, it provided accurate positional information in real time, and it could distinguish the tumor from brain structures during surgery. Moreover, this technique has potential for studying the epileptogenicity of the brain tumor.
Drug utilization trends in ENT out patient department in a private teaching hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Any Omma Hafsa , Banu Layla Afroza , Sultana Rezina , Khan Nashid Tabassum , Hossain Marufa , Akhtar Selina
Published: March 2015

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among individuals attending the ENT out-patient department from 1st June 2012 to 3Oth August 2012 in Z.H. Sikder Womens Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka. Bangladesh. The primary aim of this study was to generate up to date information on drug use in the ENT outpatient service of our hospital indications for use. A total of 150 prescriptions were randomly audited at varying time interval from the department of ENT during a three month period. The data was collected in customized proforma. Maximum cases were of otitis media 74(49.33%), sinusitis 24 (16.00%), tonsilitis 15 (10.00%), pharyngitis 14 (09.33%), DNS 14 (09.33%), rhinitis 07 (04.66%), adenoiditis 02 (01.33%). The average number of drugs used in the prescriptions was 2.94%. None of the drugs were prescribed by generic name. All of them were prescribed with trade names. The topical preparations were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Middle and lower income group of patients generally attend out-patient department, the average cost per prescription was 112 taka. The average cost to be high in this group. Educational sessions for the doctors at different levels to encourage prescribing by generic names and on correct writing of prescriptions may be considered. Studies covering a larger number of patients and for a longer time period are required. A greater number of patients can be studied, seasonal variations can be overcome and drug utilization can be measured quantitatively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i2.22682 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(2): 41-45
Growth response of Spirulina platensis (Nordst) Geitler, in cabbage extract and antibacterial activities in different culture media
Authors: Akhtar N , Ahmed MM , Hossain A , Jahan MAA , Akhter H
Published: March 2015

Growth response of Spirulina platensis (Nordst) Geitler in cabbage skin extract media and their antibacterial activities were studied. Five different concentrations e.g. 10 , 8 ,6 , 4 and 2 gm/L of cabbage skin extract media and one BD1 (control) medium were used in this experiment. Highest optical density was observed in 10 gm/L cabbage skin extract medium (0.35) followed by BD1 medium (0.30) after fifteen days of culture. Antibacterial activity of S. platensis was studied. Only freeze dried S. platensis powder extracts showed inhibitory effect against tested bacterial pathogen. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i4.22622 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(4), 205-210, 2014
Performance evaluation of improved cook stoves (ICS) disseminating in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MS , Khanam M , Rouf MA , Rahaman M
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the monitoring and evaluation of three improved cook stove (ICS) provided by GIZ, which were they disseminated throughout the Bangladesh. The project assessed stove performance using lab-based water boiling tests (WBTs), which yield a number of performance indicators including time to water boil, specific fuel consumption, average fire power and energy efficiency when the stove is operated at both high and low power output. In all cases, ICSs were compared to local traditional cook stoves (TCSs). The results of the WBTs were mixed. Although the improved stoves generally showed some improvement in efficiency for the low-power simmering phases, the stoves were less efficient than traditional stoves in high-power water-boiling phases. Three ICS models and one traditional stove were tested and compared. Results from this study provide stove performance information to practitioners disseminating stove technology in the field. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i4.22624 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(4), 219-226, 2014