bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of host-parasite interactions during the experimental Trichinella spiralis infection in pigs
Authors: Oltean M. , Gavrea R. , Dumitrache M. , Băguţ T. , Gherman C. , Cozma V. , Györke A.
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present experiment was to assess the clinical, haematological, biochemical and immunological responses of pigs experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis. One group of 6 pigs was infected with 1500 larvae/kg body weight and one group of 7, was maintained as control. The highest larval density was in the diaphragm (504.3 ± 8.2). During the experimental T. spiralis infection in pigs, increased values of total granulocyte number, eosinophils, blood glucose, K+ concentration, CK, ALT, AST and ALP were registered in different stages of infection. A slight increase of the phagocytic activity was registered 14 days p.i., in the infected group. Significantly increased values in lymphocyte activity, in infected group, was observed 30 and 60 days p.i. comparative with control. The specific IgG antibodies were detectable by ELISA at 14 days p.i. The results obtained in this study provide a better understanding about complete interactions occurring during Trichinella infection in pigs.
Presence of Bucephalus polymorphus, Echinoparyphium recurvatum and Aspidogaster limacoides (Platodes, Trematoda) in the visceral mass of Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca, Bivalvia)
Authors: Lajtner J.
Published: August 2012

The invasive bivalve species Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) has become one of the most dominant spe-cies in many lakes and rivers of Europe and North Ame-rica. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the structure of the visceral mass depending on the repro-ductive cycle and to determine the presence and effects of trematodes on the zebra mussel. Mussels were collected from the Dubrava dam reservoir during eight sampling sessions from January to December 2000. For histological analysis, 80 mussels were placed in Bouin’s fixative for 24 hours, embedded in paraffin and cut with a microtome into 10 μm slices. The sections were then stained with haema-toxylin and eosin. Analysis of non-infected bivalves indi-cated that gametogenesis started in late summer, while spawning began in April. In July, the majority of mussels were in the post-spawning stage. Two mussels were in-fected with Bucephalus polymorphus, one with Echi-noparyphium recurvatum and one with Aspidogaster lima-coides. Obtained results demonstrated that the gonads were the most affected organs in mussels infected by B. poly-morphus, the infection by A. limacoides resulted in a sig-nificant reduction of all investigated organs, while the infection by E. recurvatum had no visible pathogenic changes in the structure of visceral mass.
Prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs in dog faeces from public places of Florence, Italy
Authors: Papini R. , Campisi E. , Faggi E. , Pini G. , Mancianti F.
Published: August 2012

To determine whether canine faecal contamination may represent a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara canis eggs within the urban area of Florence, a total number of 754 dog faeces were collected in 7 public places and examined by routine floatation technique during one-year period. The total prevalence of intestinal nematode eggs was 8.6 %. Trichuris vulpis (4.6 %) eggs were the most prevalent followed by T. canis (3.6 %) and Ancylostomidae (1.7 %) eggs. Mixed infections included T. canis/T. vulpis (0.7 %), Ancylostomidae/T. canis (0.4 %), and Ancylosto-midae/T. vulpis (0.3 %). Total prevalence of intestinal nematode eggs was significantly higher in spring than in winter (OR = 2.06). Our results indicate a low prevalence of T. canis eggs suggesting that dog faeces left on soil are unlikely to cause high environmental contamination with T. canis eggs in the town of Florence.
Endoparasites in European hares (Lepus europaeus) under gamekeeping conditions in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lukešová D. , Langrová I. , Vadlejch J. , Jankovská I. , Hlava J. , Válek P. , Čadková Z.
Published: August 2012

During December 2007 and November–April 2008/2009, 128 gastrointestinal tracts and 1680 faecal samples of hares from different parts of the Czech Republic were examined. Evaluation of the faeces samples indicated that the samples could have been infected with any one of the following parasites: Eimeria spp., Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Trichuris leporis, Graphidium strigosum, Strongyloides sp., Protostrongylus spp. and Anoplocephalidae tape-worms. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis was the most common nematode (75.8 %). 39.8 % of the animals were infected with Trichuris leporis. Only four hares were in-fected with Graphidium strigosum. Eimeria spp. was the most commonly occurring parasite (90.5 %). The follow-ing species were found: Eimeria coquelinae, E. cabareti, E. leporis, E. babatica, E. europea, E. pierrecouderti, E. macrosculpta, E. orbiculata and E. stefanski. Eimeria coquelinae was the most prevalent species (68.4 %). Eimeria cabareti and E. leporis were the next most frequently found species (64.5 % and 57.8 %, respectively).
Note on the occurrence of parasites of the wild nutria (Myocastor coypus, Molina, 1782)
Authors: Martino P. , Radman N. , Parrado E. , Bautista E. , Cisterna C. , Silvestrini M. , Corba S.
Published: August 2012

We examined the endoparasites of wild nutria from the native region of South America. Individuals were infected with nineteen species, including Nematoda (82.0 %), Protozoa (46.1 %), Trematoda (33.3 %) and Cestoda (12.8%). Coccidia (Eimeria sp. or Isospora sp.), Strongyloides myopotami and Trichuris myocastoris were the most abundant and prevalent parasites. The diversity of parasite collected on individual hosts ranged from one to four species. There was no significant association between either the age or the sex of the nutria and the prevalence of parasitism, except that the number of infested nutria less than 1 year by Nematoda was significantly higher than in older individuals. Additionally, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. were demonstrated in fecal samples, although scarcely. In general, the accessions were found in good bodily condition and carrying low parasite burdens. These numbers appeared insufficient to indicate gastrointestinal parasitism or parasitic disease.
Morphometrical analysis of Taenia taeniaeformis and Taenia crassiceps in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the water vole (Arvicola terrestris) in Vorarlberg, Austria
Authors: Fuehrer H. , Siehs C. , Schneider R. , Auer H.
Published: August 2012

Taenia taeniaeformis and Taenia crassiceps are cestodes with voles as intermediate hosts and Felidae, Canidae and Mustelidae as definitive hosts. To evaluate the influence of T. taeniaeformis metacestodes on voles in Vorarlberg (Western Austria), a helminthological survey was performed on 318 common voles (Microtus arvalis) and 93 water voles (Arvicola terrestris). Furthermore the metacestodes themselves were analysed by morphometric methods. Our results demonstrate that both T. taeniaeformis and T. crassiceps are endemic in Vorarlberg, and that there is a significant difference between those infected with larvae of T. taeniaeformis and uninfected voles regarding body weight, but not sex or body length.
A new species of Hysterothylacium (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from the giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata in South Africa
Authors: Moravec F. , Taraschewski H. , Appelhoff D. , Weyl O.
Published: August 2012

A new species of ascaridoid nematode, Hysterothylacium anguillae sp. n. (family Anisakidae), is described based on specimens recovered from the stomach and intestine of the giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata Quoy et Gaimard from the Mngazi River, South Africa, collected in March–April 2011. It is characterized mainly by poorly developed lateral alae, a very short intestinal caecum and a long ventricular appendix, spicules 1.11–2.14 mm long (representing 5.2–5.8 % of body length), number of caudal papillae (19–21 pairs of preanals, 2 adanals and 5 postanals), presence of a median precloacal papilla (= ventromedian organ), tail tips of both sexes covered by minute spines, and by the shape and structure of lips. This is the first nominal species of Hysterothylacium described from an African freshwater fish and the second species of this genus reported from freshwater eels of the family Anguillidae. The following Indian congeneric species are considered species inquirendae: Hysterothalacium aetobathum Lakshmi, 2005, H. carutti Lakshmi, Rao et Shyamasundari, 1993, H. channai Lakshmi, 1995, H. fossillii Lakshmi, 1996, H. japonicum Rajialakshmi, 1996, H. kiranii Lakshmi, 1993, H. longicaecum Lakshmi, Rao et Shyamansundari, 1993, H. narayensis Lakshmi, 1997, H. nellorensis Lakshmi, 1996, H. neocornutum Rajialakshmi, Rao et Shyamasundari, 1992 and H. punctati Lakshmi, 1995. Of them, H. japonicum and H. neocornutum are transferred to Iheringascaris Pereira, 1935 as I. japonica (Rajialakshmi, 1996) comb. n. and I. neocornuta (Rajialakshmi, Rao et Shyamasundari, 1992) comb. n.
First description of the males of Aphelenchoides limberi Steiner, 1936 (Nematoda: Aphelenchina)
Authors: Čermák V. , Háněl L. , Gaar V. , Douda O.
Published: August 2012

Males of Aphelenchoides limberi are described and illustrated for the first time from mushroom plate cultures of Botrytis cinerea. The original parthenogenetic population was extracted from the soil of a hop garden in Senice na Hané, Czech Republic. The males are characterized by a stylet about 11 μm long, a prominent spicula, with the dorsal limb longer than the ventral limb, and a ventrally curved tip. The tail is arcuate, conoid, ending with a short, mostly ventrally bent hook-shaped mucro, the lateral field appears to have four lines under light microscopy.
First record of Octomacrum europaeum Roman et Bychowsky, 1956 on the gills of spirlin Alburnoides bipunctatus (Bloch, 1782) in north-eastern Europe
Authors: Dzika E.
Published: August 2012

Octomacrum europaeum (Monogenea: Octomacridae) was collected, for the first time in north-eastern Europe, from the gills of spirlin (Alburnoides bipunctatus). Morphometric characters were compared with those of other populations and conform to the original description of the species.
High-fat diet is associated with endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation
Authors: Shrestha Umid Kumar
Published: August 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6600 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 62-3
Comparative Histological Study on the Spleen of Human (Homo sapiens), Cow (Bos indicus) and Goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Alim A , Nurunnabi ASM , Ara S , Mahbub S , Mohanta LC
Published: August 2012

Background: The spleen is the largest single mass of lymphoid tissue in all vertebrates. It is presumed that the architectural design of spleen of domestic and wild animal is different from man. Exact knowledge of histological structure of human, cow and goat can be helpful to differentiate among different species in vertebrates. Methods: A descriptive type of study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January to December 2008. Thirty human spleens were collected from the unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the Department of Forensic Medicine of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Spleens from cow and goat were collected from a slaughter house of Dhaka city. A total of 15 relatively fresh human samples, six from cows and six from goats were selected for histological study. Results: The mean thickness of the splenic capsule was 111.56±21.45 ?m in human, 196.88±11.91 ?m in cow and 251.44±12.56 ?m in goat. The difference in thickness of the splenic capsule was statistically significant among the human, cow and goat (p <0.001). However, no difference was found in diameter, number and percentage of the white pulp of the spleen among those species. Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference in the thickness of splenic capsule but no difference was found in the diameter, number and percentage of white pulp in the spleen of these species. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6601 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 64-7
Effect of Insulin Resistance on Lipolytic activity of Adipose Tissue in Male Rats
Authors: Eldeeb R , Gamal-Eldin MH , Khowailed EA , Fathy MM , Shantakumari N , Saleh ME
Published: August 2012

Background: The excess usage of fructose as a sweetener has raised the incidence of insulin resistance among the population which is associated with dyslipedemia, hypertension and obesity. This work studied the effect of induced insulin resistance on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic state and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats. Methods: Twenty male rats of 129.4 g average body weight (BW) were divided equally into two groups. Both had free access to water. The control group had pure water; the experimental group had water mixed with 25% of fructose to induce insulin resistance. After 3 months body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, lipid profile of both groups were measured and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue was assessed. Results: Rats given fructose for 3 months showed significant increase in BW, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, Cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels with a significant decline in highdensity lipoprotein. Lipolytic activity of subcutaneous (SC) and visceral adipose tissue in presence of adrenaline increased significantly which runs in parallel with the results obtained in presence of insulin as it showed a significant rise in both SC and visceral adipose tissue. Data were considered statistically significant at alpha level of 5%. Conclusion: Insulin resistance induced in male rat by high fructose consumption showed a significant rise in BW and is associated with hypertension and dyslipidemia with significant rise in lipolytic activity of both SC and visceral adipose tissue. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6602 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 68-73
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using NCEP/ATP III and IDF criteria in Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai S , Kohli SC , Sapkota S
Published: August 2012

Background: With increasing trends towards sedentary life style, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is rising in our country. In view of importance of diagnosis of MetS in day to day medical practice for early institution of life style therapies to reduce the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in susceptible population like in diabetes mellitus, this study has been undertaken to study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Nepalese diabetes by applying National Cholesterol Education Programme/Adult Treatment panel (NCEP/ATP) III and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Methods: This is a hospital based cross sectional study conducted in diabetes patients aged between 25-75 years of age presenting to Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. Different components of MetS were studied in diabetes subjects and prevalence of metabolic syndrome was obtained by applying NCEP/ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. The data were collected as per preformed proforma and results analyzed by SPSS-16 software. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in diabetes patients as per NCEP/ATP III and IDF criteria were 71% and 82% respectively. A higher number of cases with metabolic syndrome were detected using IDF criteria as opposed to NCEP/ATP III criteria in diabetes patients. Nepalese diabetes subjects showed high prevalence of abdominal obesity followed by hypertension. Conclusions: The results of the present study show high prevalence of Mets in Nepalese diabetes patients and more number of cases can be diagnosed by applying IDF criteria as compared to NCEP/ATP III criteria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6604 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 78-83
Role of serum bilirubin as a marker of acute gangrenous appendicitis
Authors: Ghimire P , Thapa P , Yogi N , Ghimire P
Published: August 2012

Background: This study has compared the difference in serum bilirubin between patients with gangrenous and non-gangrenous appendicitis. Methods: A prospective analytical study of, 141 patients who underwent appendectomy, from March 2010 to March 2011 in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal was carried out. Clinico-demographic data, Alvarado’s score, total serum bilirubin, total leucocyte count and histopathological report of all the cases were collected in a prestructured proforma. Comparison between gangrenous and non-gangrenous appendicitis groups was carried out using independent sample t test, Chisquare test, and direct logistic regression. The data was analyzed using SPSS 11.6 software. Result: Around 43% (61 out of 141) patients had gangrenous appendicitis and statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in total Alvarado’s score, total count and total bilirubin level. The effect size as indicated by eta square statistics was large for total bilirubin (eta squared=0.39) as compared to total Alvarado’s score (0.09) and total leucocyte count (0.05). Direct logistic regression model showed serum total bilirubin as the only independent variable to make a unique statistically significant contribution in predicting gangrenous appendicitis. Conclusion: Pre-operative assessment of serum total bilirubin can serve as an important maker of acute gangrenous appendicitis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6606 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 89-92
Effect of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents on outcome of AV Fistula made for hemodialysis access
Authors: Yogi N , Baxi M , Baxi J , Acharya GB , Hazra NK
Published: August 2012

Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the primary mode of achieving vascular access for hemodialysis in chronic renal failure (CRF). Because of high complication rates like thrombosis, maintenance of the fistula is a major challenge. Although antiplatelets and anticoagulants are emerging rapidly for improving the outcome of AVF but fear of bleeding, hematoma, subsequent compression of AV fistula and blockade restrict their use in many dialysis centers. Methods: Seventy five patients for whom AVF was created for hemodialysis access from Feb 2005-April 2009 in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal were included in a retrospective study. Analysis of results was done in two different age and sex matched groups; Group I had patients where no anticoagulants or antiplatelets were used and Group II had patients in which antiplatelets/anticoagulants were used. Results: There were 27 patients in group I and 48 patients in group II. Both the groups were followed up till 2 years post operatively to check for the patency of the fistula. AV fistula was repeated in 16 cases altogether. In group II there were 5 (10%) cases of repeat fistula while in group I it was repeated in 11 (40%) cases. Conclusion: Judicious use of antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents in cases of AVF for hemodialysis access can be beneficial in preventing the chances of occlusion of AVF and thus helps in its long term patency. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6607 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 93-6
Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid - Adenosine Deaminase Level in Early diagnosis of Various Etiologies of Meningitis in children
Authors: Malla K , Rao KS , Malla T , Vedamony J , Ghimire P
Published: August 2012

Background: Determination of cerebrospinal fluid-adenosine deaminase (CSF-ADA) activity is a reliable means to differentiate tubercular from non- tubercular meningitis. This study was carried out to see the range with mean CSF-ADA levels in meningitis of various etiologies and to see if early diagnosis is possible based on these levels. Methods: A prospective study of 140 children admitted in Manipal Teaching Hospital, from July 2009 – June 2011. Diagnosis was established by clinical findings and relevant investigations and patients were divided in different groups as pyogenic meningitis (PM), partially treated meningitis (PPM), tubercular meningitis (TBM), viral meningitis (VM) and controls. CSF-ADA estimation was done by using spectrophotometer. Results: Out of total 140 patients, 103 were cases of meningitis and 37 were controls. There were 32 cases of PM, 27 cases of PPM, 34 cases of VM and 10 cases of TBM. The mean±SD with range of CSF-ADA was respectively 48±20.37 IU/L (20-70 IU/L), 14.57±6.48 IU/L (2-28 IU/L), 6.40±2.17 IU/L (3-9 IU/L), 8.29±10 IU/L (3-11 IU/L) and 5.27±2.69 IU/L (2-7 IU/L) in TBM, PM, PPM, VM and controls and the value was highest in TBM. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CSF-ADA for TBM were 94.6%, 100 %, 83.3% and 100%. Conclusion: Estimation of ADA activity in CSF can be of great value in early diagnosis of tubercular meningitis. Furthermore it is a simple, reliable, relatively inexpensive test with easy procedure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6608 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 97-102
Modified Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (Modified NPWT): An experience of 128 cases
Authors: Ranjeet N , Dy AU
Published: August 2012

Background: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) or Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) is a method used to cover large wounds, decubitus ulcers and open fractures which cannot be closed either primarily or secondarily and which often requires skin graft or flaps or complex reconstructive procedure to cover the wound. Methods: We applied our modification of NPWT in 128 patients on large wounds, neglected wounds, large decubitus ulcers, fasciotomies and open fractures. Compared to the patented VAC system, our modification included presterilized foam, Saran® wrap or Glad® wrap, infant feeding tube or a nasogastric tube and bed side suction machine. Results: Majority of our cases were from open fractures. There were 98 cases of large soft tissue wounds, 3 cases of fasciotomies for compartment syndrome, 7 cases of peri-operative trauma infections, 16 cases of diabetic wounds and 4 decubitus ulcers. In our study, the average number of modified NPWT changes is 3 to 4, average number of days between modified NPWT changes is 3 to 5 days, and length of time modified NPWT applied before closure is 14 to 21 days. Most frequent mode of coverage is Split Thickness Skin Graft obviating the need of more complex flaps and microvascular reconstructive procedures. Conclusion: Our modifications are not inferior to the patented VAC but works just as well. The costs of our modifications are much less than the patented VAC, which is economical for our setting. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6610 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 108-14
A study on Complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Karmacharya BG , Kumar P
Published: August 2012

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedure, both on the elective and emergency basis. However this procedure is dreaded because of complications. There is lack of prospective studies on complications of shunt procedure. In this study, the indications for shunt, the types used and complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts were studied. Methods: This was a prospective study carried out in the national neurosurgical referral centre, Bir hospital, Kathmandu from April 2004 to March 2005. Results: There were 109 ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures during the study period. Among them 60 consecutive patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. There were 43 male and 17 female patients, with age ranging from 4 months to 75 years. Fourteen patients (23.3%) developed complications which included shunt block, shunt infection, over drainage and shunt extrusion. Conclusion: About one fourth all patients who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery developed complications. Shunt block and infections were the major complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6612 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 119-22
Marfan syndrome: Case series from a single family
Authors: Bastola P
Published: August 2012

Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective-tissue disorder transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. It is noteworthy for its worldwide distribution, relatively high prevalence, clinical variability, and pleiotropic manifestations. We describe here cases of Marfan syndrome accidentally found from a remote area of western hilly part of Nepal in three children out of eight children of same family. These cases came to attention in an Ophthalmologic diagnosis, screening and treatment camp. With suspicion of having some ocular problem, patients were brought to the hospital and a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome was made. All the children had similar ocular problem, which was diminution of vision, subluxated lens, myopia, increased length of the eye, one of the children had large looking eye ball, of which the patient and family members were unaware of. Family history revealed early demise of the mother at the age of forty two years. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6614 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 132-4
Cleidocranial dysplasia: a case report of a rare anomaly
Authors: Kumar VV , Nithyanand S , Kumar V
Published: August 2012

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare hereditary disease of unknown etiology which was previously known as cleidocranial dysotosis. It usually follows an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. The phenotype is characterized by general dysplastic bone formation manifested by abnormalities in the shoulder girdle, skull, jaw and dentition. We report a case of a six year old female child presenting with classical features of CCD. An outstanding feature of this case is that it did not follow a familial pattern of inheritance since the patient is the only member in the family suffering from such disorder. The clinician should be aware of the characteristic features of CCD for early diagnosis and initiating the appropriate treatment. The clinical, radiological findings and its embryological cause are discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6615 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 135-7
An Unusual Case Report Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis To The Chest Wall Presenting As Breast Lump
Authors: Ahmad K , Sah PL , Dhungel K , Gupta MK , Rauniyar RK , Ansari S , Paudyal P
Published: August 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant tumor of the liver. Chronic hepatitis B infection is the most common cause of HCC. Bony metastasis of HCC is usually rare, in which the most common sites involved are vertebra, pelvis, rib and skull. Still rarer are metastasis to the chest wall. Metastatic HCC has an aggressive course and poor prognosis. Hereby, we report an unusual case of HCC metastasis which presented initially as swelling of the anterolateral aspect of the chest wall. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i2.6616 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012;1(2): 138-40
A Comparison of Two Single-Stranded DNA Binding Models by Mutational Analysis of APOBEC3G
Authors: Shindo Keisuke , Li Ming , Gross Phillip J. , Brown William L. , Harjes Elena , Lu Yongjian , Matsuo Hiroshi , Harris Reuben S.
Published: August 2012

APOBEC3G is the best known of several DNA cytosine deaminases that function to inhibit the replication of parasitic genetic elements including the lentivirus HIV. Several high-resolution structures of the APOBEC3G catalytic domain have been generated, but none reveal how this enzyme binds to substrate single-stranded DNA. Here, we constructed a panel of APOBEC3G amino acid substitution mutants and performed a series of biochemical, genetic, and structural assays to distinguish between “Brim” and “Kink” models for single-strand DNA binding. Each model predicts distinct sets of interactions between surface arginines and negatively charged phosphates in the DNA backbone. Concordant with both models, changing the conserved arginine at position 313 to glutamate abolished both catalytic and restriction activities. In support of the Brim model, arginine to glutamate substitutions at positions 213, 215, and 320 also compromised these APOBEC3G activities. Arginine to glutamate substitutions at Kink model residues 374 and 376 had smaller effects. These observations were supported by A3G catalytic domain-ssDNA chemical shift perturbation experiments. The overall data set is most consistent with the Brim model for single-stranded DNA binding by APOBEC3G.
A Fuzzy Utility-Based Multi-Criteria Model for Evaluating Households’ Energy Conservation Performance: A Taiwanese Case Study
Authors: Hsueh Sung-Lin
Published: August 2012

Industry and economy are developed to satisfy the needs and material desires of people. In addition to making high greenhouse gas emissions the responsibility of industry, individuals and families should also be held responsible for the production of greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we applied the Delphi method, the analytical hierarchy process, utility theory, and fuzzy logic theory to establish an energy conservation assessment model for households. We also emphasize that subsidy policy makers should consider the social responsibility of households and individuals, as well as sustainability of energy conservation.
Lifestyle and Health among Spanish University Students: Differences by Gender and Academic Discipline
Authors: Varela-Mato Verónica , Cancela José M. , Ayan Carlos , Martín Vicente , Molina Antonio
Published: August 2012

Today the need to analyze health behaviour from a gender perspective is as imminent as ever, particularly at university, where the number of women who register is on the rise and has exceeded the number of male students worldwide. We carried out a prevalence study aimed at analyzing Spanish university students’ lifestyles and identify differences according to gender and academic discipline. Of 3,646 eligible subjects doing university courses related to health (Group A), education (Group B) and other professions (Group C), 985 (27.0%) participated in the study. Information was elicited about their physical activity level, disturbed eating attitudes, consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances. Prevalence and Odds Ratios (OR) were calculated according to sex and kind of academic discipline. The obtained data confirmed that only 27.4% of the students were considered as sufficiently active, while 14.9% of them suffered from disturbed eating attitudes (DEA). Women were particularly less active (OR 0.46 (0.32–0.66); p < 0.0001), and more sedentary than men (OR 1.40 (1.00–1.97); p = 0.03). Binge drinking was more frequent in female than in male students (OR 1.79 (1.29–2.47); p = 0.0004). A third of the analyzed sample admitted that they had used illegal substances, while a lower consumption prevalence was found in women (OR 0.53 (0.40–0.71); p < 0.0001). The studied population was not very active (27.4%), especially women (OR = 0.45). Therefore, it seems that Spanish university students lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a situation which seems more conspicuous amongst females.
Relationships among Trust in Messages, Risk Perception, and Risk Reduction Preferences Based upon Avian Influenza in Taiwan
Authors: Fang David , Fang Chen-Ling , Tsai Bi-Kun , Lan Li-Chi , Hsu Wen-Shan
Published: August 2012

Improvements in communications technology enable consumers to receive information through diverse channels. In the case of avian influenza, information repeated by the mass media socially amplifies the consumer awareness of risks. Facing indeterminate risks, consumers may feel anxious and increase their risk perception. When consumers trust the information published by the media, their uncertainty toward avian influenza may decrease. Consumers might take some actions to reduce risk. Therefore, this study focuses on relationships among trust in messages, risk perception and risk reduction preferences. This study administered 525 random samples and consumer survey questionnaires in different city of Taiwan in 2007. Through statistical analysis, the results demonstrate: (1) the higher the trust consumers have in messages about avian influenza, the lower their risk perceptions are; (2) the higher the consumers’ risk perceptions are and, therefore, the higher their desired level of risk reductive, the more likely they are to accept risk reduction strategies; (3) consumer attributes such as age, education level, and marital status correlate with significant differences in risk perception and risk reduction preferences acceptance. Gender has significant differences only in risk reduction preferences and not in risk perception.
Microbiological Surveillance and State of the Art Technological Strategies for the Prevention of Dialysis Water Pollution
Authors: Bolasco Piergiorgio , Contu Antonio , Meloni Patrizia , Vacca Dorio , Galfrè Andrea
Published: August 2012

Methods: The present report attempts to illustrate the positive impact on the microbiological quality of dialysis patients over a 15-year period through the progressive implementation of state-of-the-art technological strategies and the optimization of microbiological surveillance procedures in five dialysis units in Sardinia. Results: Following on better microbiological, quality controls of dialysis water and improvement of procedures and equipment, a drastic improvement of microbiological water quality was observed in a total of 945 samples. The main aim was to introduce the use of microbiological culture methods as recommended by the most important guidelines. The microbiological results obtained have led to a progressive refining of controls and introduction of new materials and equipment, including two-stage osmosis and piping distribution rings featuring a greater capacity to prevent biofilm adhesion. The actions undertaken have resulted in unexpected quality improvements. Conclusions: Dialysis water should be viewed by the nephrologist as a medicinal product exerting a demonstrable positive impact on microinflammation in dialysis patients. A synergic effort between nephrologists and microbiologists undoubtedly constitutes the most effective means of preventing dialysis infections.
Metal-Sulfate Induced Generation of ROS in Human Brain Cells: Detection Using an Isomeric Mixture of 5- and 6-Carboxy-2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein Diacetate (Carboxy-DCFDA) as a Cell Permeant Tracer
Authors: Pogue Aileen I. , Jones Brandon M. , Bhattacharjee Surjyadipta , Percy Maire E. , Zhao Yuhai , Lukiw Walter J.
Published: August 2012

Evolution of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated during the patho-physiological stress of nervous tissue, has been implicated in the etiology of several progressive human neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amylotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this brief communication we used mixed isomers of 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (carboxy-DCFDA; C25H14Cl2O9; MW 529.3), a novel fluorescent indicator, to assess ROS generation within human neuronal-glial (HNG) cells in primary co-culture. We introduced pathological stress using the sulfates of 12 environmentally-, industrially- and agriculturally-relevant divalent and trivalent metals including Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ga, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn. In this experimental test system, of all the metal sulfates analyzed, aluminum sulfate showed by far the greatest ability to induce intracellular ROS. These studies indicate the utility of using isomeric mixtures of carboxy-H2DCFDA diacetates as novel and highly sensitive, long-lasting, cell-permeant, fluorescein-based tracers for quantifying ROS generation in intact, metabolizing human brain cells, and in analyzing the potential epigenetic contribution of different metal sulfates to ROS-generation and ROS-mediated neurological dysfunction.
Neuroprotective Effects of Triterpene Glycosides from Glycine max against Glutamate Induced Toxicity in Primary Cultured Rat Cortical Cells
Authors: Moon Hyung-In , Lee Jai-Heon
Published: August 2012

To examine the neuroprotective effects of Glycine max, we tested its protection against the glutamate-induced toxicity in primary cortical cultured neurons. In order to clarify the neuroprotective mechanism(s) of this observed effect, isolation was performed to seek and identify active fractions and components. From such fractionation, two triterpene glycosides, 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1-2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl]olean-12-en-3β,22β,24-triol (1) and 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1-2)-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1-2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl]olean-12-en-3β,22β,24-triol (2) were isolated with the methanol extracts with of air-dried Glycine max. Among these compounds, compound 2 exhibited significant neuroprotective activities against glutamate-induced toxicity, exhibiting cell viability of about 50% at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μM to 10 μM. Therefore, the neuroprotective effect of Glycine max might be due to the inhibition of glutamate-induced toxicity by triterpene glycosides.
Selenium Compounds, Apoptosis and Other Types of Cell Death: An Overview for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sanmartín Carmen , Plano Daniel , Sharma Arun K. , Palop Juan Antonio
Published: August 2012

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element involved in different physiological functions of the human body and plays a role in cancer prevention and treatment. Induction of apoptosis is considered an important cellular event that can account for the cancer preventive effects of Se. The mechanisms of Se-induced apoptosis are associated with the chemical forms of Se and their metabolism as well as the type of cancer studied. So, some selenocompounds, such as SeO2 involve the activation of caspase-3 while sodium selenite induces apoptosis in the absence of the activation of caspases. Modulation of mitochondrial functions has been reported to play a key role in the regulation of apoptosis and also to be one of the targets of Se compounds. Other mechanisms for apoptosis induction are the modulation of glutathione and reactive oxygen species levels, which may function as intracellular messengers to regulate signaling pathways, or the regulation of kinase, among others. Emerging evidence indicates the overlaps between the apoptosis and other types of cell death such as autophagy. In this review we report different processes of cell death induced by Se compounds in cancer treatment and prevention.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Amphiphilic Neomycin B-based Bilipid Conjugates and Fluorinated Neomycin B-based Lipids
Authors: Bera Smritilekha , Dhondikubeer Ramesh , Findlay Brandon , Zhanel George G. , Schweizer Frank
Published: August 2012

Investigating the effect of lipid hydrophobicity on the activity of amphiphilic neomycin B conjugates, six polycationic amphiphiles (PAs) were created. Four of the new compounds incorporated either palmitic or arachidic di-lipid lysine tails, while two had single fluorinated undecanoic acid tails. The basicity of half of the compounds was increased through the incorporation of six guanidine moieties, in order to assess the effect of base strength on antimicrobial activity. A panel of ten bacteria was used for the testing, with seven strains obtained from the American Type Culture Collection series and three clinical isolates from Canadian Intensive Care Units. When compared to previous results with hydrocarbon monolipids the PAs all compounds were found to have reduced activity, though the hemolytic activity of the compounds with fluorinated tails was sharply reduced, with only a moderate reduction in antimicrobial activity.
Cyclization-Carbonylation-Cyclization Coupling Reaction of Propargyl Ureas with Palladium(II)-Bisoxazoline Catalyst
Authors: Kusakabe Taichi , Kawaguchi Koujiro , Kawamura Miya , Niimura Naohiko , Shen Rong , Takayama Hiroyuki , Kato Keisuke
Published: August 2012

The cyclization-carbonylation-cyclization coupling reaction (CCC-coupling reaction) of propargyl ureas catalyzed by PdII(box) complexes afforded symmetrical ketones bearing two 2-amino-2-oxazoline groups in good to moderate yields.
An Approach to Mapping Forest Growth Stages in Queensland, Australia through Integration of ALOS PALSAR and Landsat Sensor Data
Authors: Clewley Daniel , Lucas Richard , Accad Arnon , Armston John , Bowen Michiala , Dwyer John , Pollock Sandy , Bunting Peter , McAlpine Clive , Eyre Teresa , Kelly Annie , Carreiras João , Moghaddam Mahta
Published: August 2012

Whilst extensive clearance of forests in the eastern Australian Brigalow Belt Bioregion (BBB) has occurred since European settlement, appropriate management of those that are regenerating can facilitate restoration of biomass (carbon) and biodiversity to levels typical of relatively undisturbed or remnant formations. However, maps of forests are different stages of regeneration are needed to facilitate restoration planning, including prevention of further re-clearing. Focusing on the Tara Downs subregion of the BBB and on forests with brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) as a component, this research establishes a method for differentiating and mapping early, intermediate and remnant growth stages from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased-Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) Fine Beam Dual (FBD) L-band HH- and HV-polarisation backscatter and Landsat-derived Foliage Projective Cover (FPC). Using inventory data collected from 74 plots, located in the Tara Downs subregion, forests were assigned to one of three regrowth stages based on their height and cover relative to that of undisturbed stands. The image data were then segmented into objects with each assigned to a growth stage by comparing the distributions of L-band HV and HH polarisation backscatter and FPC to that of reference distributions using a z-test. Comparison with independent assessments of growth stage, based on time-series analysis of aerial photography and SPOT images, established an overall accuracy of > 70%, with this increasing to 90% when intermediate regrowth was excluded and only early-stage regrowth and remnant classes were considered. The proposed method can be adapted to respond to amendments to user-definitions of growth stage and, as regional mosaics of ALOS PALSAR and Landsat FPC are available for Queensland, has application across the state.
A Semantic Autonomous Video Surveillance System for Dense Camera Networks in Smart Cities
Authors: Calavia Lorena , Baladrón Carlos , Aguiar Javier M. , Carro Belén , Sánchez-Esguevillas Antonio
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a proposal of an intelligent video surveillance system able to detect and identify abnormal and alarming situations by analyzing object movement. The system is designed to minimize video processing and transmission, thus allowing a large number of cameras to be deployed on the system, and therefore making it suitable for its usage as an integrated safety and security solution in Smart Cities. Alarm detection is performed on the basis of parameters of the moving objects and their trajectories, and is performed using semantic reasoning and ontologies. This means that the system employs a high-level conceptual language easy to understand for human operators, capable of raising enriched alarms with descriptions of what is happening on the image, and to automate reactions to them such as alerting the appropriate emergency services using the Smart City safety network.
In-Line Fiber Optic Interferometric Sensors in Single-Mode Fibers
Authors: Zhu Tao , Wu Di , Liu Min , Duan De-Wen
Published: August 2012

In-line fiber optic interferometers have attracted intensive attention for their potential sensing applications in refractive index, temperature, pressure and strain measurement, etc. Typical in-line fiber-optic interferometers are of two types: Fabry-Perot interferometers and core-cladding-mode interferometers. It’s known that the in-line fiber optic interferometers based on single-mode fibers can exhibit compact structures, easy fabrication and low cost. In this paper, we review two kinds of typical in-line fiber optic interferometers formed in single-mode fibers fabricated with different post-processing techniques. Also, some recently reported specific technologies for fabricating such fiber optic interferometers are presented.
Cognitive LF-Ant: A Novel Protocol for Healthcare Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sousa Marcelo , Lopes Waslon , Madeiro Francisco , Alencar Marcelo
Published: August 2012

In this paper, the authors present the Cognitive LF-Ant protocol for emergency reporting in healthcare wireless sensor networks. The protocol is inspired by the natural behaviour of ants and a cognitive component provides the capabilities to dynamically allocate resources, in accordance with the emergency degree of each patient. The intra-cluster emergency reporting is inspired by the different capabilities of leg-manipulated ants. The inter-cluster reporting is aided by the cooperative modulation diversity with spectrum sensing, which can detect new emergency reporting requests and forward them. Simulations results show the decrease of average delay time as the probability of opportunistic access increases, which privileges the emergency reporting related to the patients with higher priority of resources’ usage. Furthermore, the packet loss rate is decreased by the use of cooperative modulation diversity with spectrum sensing.
Detection of Non-PCR Amplified S. enteritidis Genomic DNA from Food Matrices Using a Gold-Nanoparticle DNA Biosensor: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Vetrone Sylvia A. , Huarng Michael C. , Alocilja Evangelyn C.
Published: August 2012

Bacterial pathogens pose an increasing food safety and bioterrorism concern. Current DNA detection methods utilizing sensitive nanotechnology and biosensors have shown excellent detection, but require expensive and time-consuming polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA targets; thus, a faster, more economical method is still essential. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the ability of a gold nanoparticle-DNA (AuNP-DNA) biosensor to detect non-PCR amplified genomic Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. enteritidis) DNA, from pure or mixed bacterial culture and spiked liquid matrices. Non-PCR amplified DNA was hybridized into sandwich-like structures (magnetic nanoparticles/DNA/AuNPs) and analyzed through detection of gold voltammetric peaks using differential pulse voltammetry. Our preliminary data indicate that non-PCR amplified genomic DNA can be detected at a concentration as low as 100 ng/mL from bacterial cultures and spiked liquid matrices, similar to reported PCR amplified detection levels. These findings also suggest that AuNP-DNA biosensors are a first step towards a viable detection method of bacterial pathogens, in particular, for resource-limited settings, such as field-based or economically limited conditions. Future efforts will focus on further optimization of the DNA extraction method and AuNP-biosensors, to increase sensitivity at lower DNA target concentrations from food matrices comparable to PCR amplified DNA detection strategies.
A Four-Quadrant PVDF Transducer for Surface Acoustic Wave Detection
Authors: Lu Zimo , Dorantes-Gonzalez Dante J. , Chen Kun , Yang Fei , Jin Baoyin , Li Yanning , Chen Zhi , Hu Xiaotang
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric transducer was developed to detect laser-induced surface acoustic waves in a SiO2-thin film–Si-substrate structure. In order to solve the problems related to, firstly, the position of the probe, and secondly, the fact that signals at different points cannot be detected simultaneously during the detection process, a four-quadrant surface acoustic wave PVDF transducer was designed and constructed for the purpose of detecting surface acoustic waves excited by a pulse laser line source. The experimental results of the four-quadrant piezoelectric detection in comparison with the commercial nanoindentation technology were consistent, the relative error is 0.56%, and the system eliminates the piezoelectric surface wave detection direction deviation errors, improves the accuracy of the testing system by 1.30%, achieving the acquisition at the same time at different testing positions of the sample.