bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sternal Bone Healing with Computed Tomography and a Quantitative Scoring Algorithm
Authors: Stacy Gregory S. , Ahmed Osmanuddin , Richardson Arlene , Hatcher Brian M. , MacMahon Heber , Raman Jaishankar 
Published: December 2014

Objective:
The exquisite bone detail offered by computed tomography makes it the ideal modality for
evaluation of bone healing. However, few studies have investigated the normal computed tomographic appearance of the
sternum after median sternotomy and, to the best of our knowledge, no computed tomographic classification of sternal
healing has been proposed. Given the potential benefit of objective criteria, we propose a validated scoring classification
of sternal healing using computed tomography for both clinical and investigational purposes.

Methods:
Computed tomography scans from 20 patients who underwent a median sternotomy were evaluated for sternal
healing at either 3 or 6 months postoperatively. Five anatomic locations along the sternum were selected using defined
criteria, and a 6-point quantitative scale was developed to evaluate sternal healing. Independent radiologists read and
scored each of the 5 locations on the sternum. Inter- and intra-observer variability was assessed by calculating the kappa
statistics to measure the reliability of the scoring algorithm.

Results:
Calculation of the kappa statistics indicated substantial agreement for intra-observer variability and substantial to
almost perfect agreement for inter-observer variability. For intra-observer variability, the kappa statistics ranged from
0.591 to 0.802, and for inter-observer variability, the kappa statistics ranged from 0.590 to 0.969. When the two
radiologists differed, the magnitude of the difference was no more than 1 or 2 points.

Conclusion:
This simple system of evaluating sternal healing had high inter- and intra-observer reliability. Therefore, it
may be considered a valid method for assessing sternal osteosynthesis for both clinical and investigative purposes.

Ultramini abstract: (49 words):
Few studies have investigated the normal computed tomography appearance of the
sternum after median sternotomy, and we knew of no computed tomography-based classification of sternal healing. Given
the potential benefit of objective criteria, we designed and validated a scoring classification of sternal osteosynthesis for
both clinical and investigational purposes.
Methylmercury and Trace Element Distribution in the Organs of Stenella coeruleoalba Dolphins Stranded on the French Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Wafo Emmanuel , Risoul Véronique , Schembri Thérèse , Lagadec Véronique , Dhermain Frank , Mama Chacha , Boissery Pierre , Portugal Henri 
Published: December 2014

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination by mercury (Hg), methylmercury (Me-Hg),
cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in dolphins stranded on the French
Mediterranean coast.
The distributions of these contaminants in the organs of dolphins have also been studied. Overall, contamination levels
varied according to the following sequence: liver > kidney > lung > muscle, except for cadmium (kidney > liver > lung >
muscle).
Size and sex of animals were also considered. Young dolphins were less impacted with trace elements than adults, except
for copper. Among the studied parameters, the most important appeared to be the size of mammals. In addition, in the
case of mercury and selenium, the sex of mammals seemed to be also relevant.
The correlations between the concentrations of trace elements suggest the existence of detoxification processes.
Since 1990s, using dolphins for tracing marine pollution, a slight reduction in the burden of the considered trace elements
could be noted.
Morphometric analysis of long-term dentoskeletal effects induced by treatment with Balters bionator
Authors: Bigliazzi Renato , Franchi Lorenzo , de Magalhães Bertoz André Pinheiro , McNamara James A. , Faltin Kurt , Bertoz Francisco Antonio 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To evaluate the long-term effects of the standard (Class II) Balters bionator in growing patients with Class II malocclusion with mandibular retrusion by using morphometrics (thin-plate spline [TPS] analysis).

Materials and Methods:
Twenty-three Class II patients (8 male, 15 female) were treated consecutively with the Balters bionator (bionator group). The sample was evaluated at T0, start of treatment; T1, end of bionator therapy; and T2, long-term observation (including fixed appliances). Mean age at the start of treatment was 10 years 2 months (T0); at posttreatment, 12 years 3 months (T1); and at long-term follow-up, 18 years 2 months (T2). The control group consisted of 22 subjects (11 male, 11 female) with untreated Class II malocclusion. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed at the three time points for all groups. TPS analysis evaluated statistical differences (permutation tests) in the craniofacial shape and size between the bionator and control groups.

Results:
TPS analysis showed that treatment with the bionator is able to produce favorable mandibular shape changes (forward and downward displacement) that contribute significantly to the correction of the Class II dentoskeletal imbalance. These results are maintained at a long-term observation after completion of growth. The control group showed no statistically significant differences in the correction of Class II malocclusion.

Conclusions:
This study suggests that bionator treatment of Class II malocclusion produces favorable results over the long term with a combination of skeletal and dentoalveolar shape changes.
Th2 Cytokines Differentially Regulate Psoriasin Expression in Human Nasal Epithelia
Authors: Min Hyun Jin , Song Hyuna , Choi Su Yeon , Kim Tae Hoon , Cho Hyung-Ju , Yoon Joo-Heon , Kim Chang-Hoon 
Published: December 2014

Background Psoriasin is known to be expressed in diverse organs, where it exerts antimicrobial activity. Psoriasin is also involved in the local host defense mechanism against pathogens. We hypothesized that allergy-related T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines may regulate the expression of psoriasin. Methods We treated normal human nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells with IL-4 or IL-13. Using human nasal tissues, we compared the expression level of psoriasin. We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays using NHNE cells. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot assays were performed with human nasal tissues. Furthermore, we studied the antimicrobial activity of nasal secretions from normal and allergic rhinitis patients. Results IL-13 markedly down-regulated psoriasin expression at the gene and protein levels in NHNE cells, and it also decreased the amount of psoriasin protein that was secreted into the extracellular compartment in NHNE cells. IL-4 had no statistically significant effect. Results from immunohistochemical staining and Western blot assays showed that psoriasin expression was decreased in allergic rhinitis patients compared with control subjects. Nasal secretions of allergic rhinitis patients exhibited decreased antimicrobial activity compared with control subjects. Conclusion We found that Th2 cytokines regulated psoriasin expression in NHNE cells, and psoriasin expression was decreased in allergic rhinitis patients compared with control subjects. The decreased expression of psoriasin may be related to the reduction in antimicrobial capacity of nasal secretions under allergic conditions, resulting in an increase in susceptibility to viruses or bacterial infections.
Increased IL-22 Level in Allergic Rhinitis Significantly Correlates with Clinical Severity
Authors: Tang Jun , Xiao Ping , Luo Xi , Bai Jing , Xia Wentong , Chen Weixiong , Li Jian , Yu Qingqing , Shi Sisi , Xu Yuxia , Mou Zhonglin , Wang Yuejian , Li Huabin 
Published: December 2014

Backgroud IL-22 regulates various processes and has been linked to diverse effects. However, the importance of IL-22 in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains poorly understood. This study sought to evaluate the levels of IL-22 and IL-17A in AR patients and their association with clinical severity of AR. Methods Thirty-six AR patients and 22 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The frequencies of IL-22+, IL-17A+, and IL-9+ T helper (Th) cells in peripheral blood of AR patients and normal controls were examined by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-22 and IL-17A in AR patients and normal controls were determined by ELISA. The clinical relevance of the percentages of IL-22+ and IL-17A+ Th cells as well as serum IL-22 and IL-17A levels were evaluated. Results The frequencies of IL-22+ and IL-17A+ Th cells, but not IL-9+ Th cells, were significantly increased compared with those in normal controls (p < 0.05). Frequencies of IL-22+ and IL-17A+ Th cells in peripheral blood of AR patients significantly correlated with visual analog scale scores of nasal symptoms (nasal congestion and rhinorrhea; p < 0.05). Moreover, the serum levels of IL-22 and IL-1 were significantly increased compared with those in normal controls (p < 0.05) and significantly correlated with the levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae specific IgE in AR patients. Conclusion Our findings suggested that IL-22 as well as IL-17A may play an important role in the regulation of Th2-skewed inflammation in AR patients.
Outcomes in Primary Powered Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Comparison between Experienced versus Less Experienced Surgeons
Authors: Ali Mohammad Javed , Psaltis Alkis James , Murphy Jae , Wormald Peter John 
Published: December 2014

Background This study compares the anatomic and functional outcomes of primary powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in surgeons of differing levels of experience. Methods A retrospective interventional study was performed of all consecutive powered endoscopic DCRs performed at a tertiary institution over a period of 10 years from 2002 to 2012. All patients completed a minimum of 3 months follow-up after stent removal. Patient records were reviewed for demographic data, clinical and surgical profiles, adjunctive procedures, complications, and success rates at last follow-up. The level of surgeon's experience performing the DCR was also documented. Anatomic success was defined as patent ostium on irrigation and functional success as free flow of dye into ostium on functional endoscopic dye test and resolution of epiphora. Results Among the 160 DCRs performed by the consultant, all except four underwent intubation; 54.4% (68/125) of these patients required adjunctive procedures. There were no major complications in this group and at a long-term mean follow-up of 14.2 months, the anatomic and functional success rates were 98.1 and 95.6%, respectively. Among the 100 DCRs performed by the fellows, all underwent intubation and 40.8% (29/71) of the patients required adjunctive procedures. The complications include three cases of ostium granulomas and two patients each with postoperative bleeding, stent prolapse, and turbinoseptal synechiae. At the mean follow-up of 10.9 months, the final anatomic success was achieved in 95% of the cases and functional success in 89% of the cases. Conclusion Powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is an effective procedure and offers excellent results in the hands of experienced surgeons. A good transfer of knowledge and skills along with supervision when required ensures a good surgical success rate, even when the training fellows operate.
Efficacy of Lidocaine with or without Epinephrine in Rigid Nasal Endoscopy
Authors: Al-Qudah Mohannad 
Published: December 2014

Background This study evaluates if there is any benefit of adding epinephrine to lidocaine in patients undergoing diagnostic rigid nasal endoscopy. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study was performed. Methods Seventy patients were randomized to receive either 2% lidocaine or 2% lidocaine with 0.2% epinephrine before rigid nasal endoscopy examination. Patients were asked to report the intensity of pain and discomfort they experienced using visual analog scale. An endoscopist recorded the ease to perform the procedure using the same scale. Intranasal structures visualized were also reported. Results There were no significant differences in pain, discomfort or ease of exam, or in the percentage of visualized nasal structures between the two groups. In the whole series, there were no significant differences in the studied variables based on gender or indication to perform endoscopy. Conclusion Adding epinephrine to lidocaine has no advantages in patients undergoing diagnostic rigid nasal endoscopy.
Evaluation of Hybrid and OPV Maize Varieties for Grain Yield and Agronomic Attributes under Farmer's Field Conditions at Dukuchhap
Authors: Paudel Min N. 
Published: December 2014

Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive years 2006 and 2007 in full season of maize (May-Sep) at Dukuchhap, Lalitpur to find out impact of growing hybrid and OPV maize in different rows combinations with respect to their pure stands in same environment of growing and to sort out non-lodging maize varieties. The experiments consisted of an open pollinated variety (OPV) 'Deuti' and hybrid 'Gaurab' in different row combinations (50% hybrid + 50% OPV, 75% hybrid + 25% OPV, 75% OPV + 25% hybrid plus their pure stands). The results showed that Gaurab (yellow, flint type) and Deuti (white, semi- flint type, selected from CIMMYT's material ZM 621) did not vary significantly in grain yield and yield components. There was no effect of mixed row culture between the OPV and hybrid for grain yield and yield attributes. A bivariate correlation coefficient between agronomic traits and ear traits indicated that there was a positive relation among these traits. However, a positive and highly significant (r = 0.766**) relationship between ear fill and ear length was observed while a very weak relation (r = 0.096*) between grain weight/ear and ear height was also noticed suggesting taller the ear height lower the grain yield/ear and vice versa. The findings of the study support that plant height and ear height were weakly related with other ear traits; nevertheless, these were highly related to grain weight/per plant. To cope with stalk lodging problem and to attain higher grain yield these varieties are equally potential and recommended to grow under Dukuchhap conditions.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 9, 2009, pp. 17-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v9i0.11637
Impact of Mulching on Wheat Yield and Weed Floras in the Mid-hills of Nepal
Authors: Ranjit Jagat D. , Bellinder Robin , Lauren Julie , Doxhbury John M. 
Published: December 2014

Studies on the effect of mulching and weed management strategies in wheat were initiated at Khumaltar during the winter season of 2000-2002. The treatments were weedy check, handweed alone, post emergence application of sulfosufuron, and NPK application together with or without mulching. Rice straw mulch was applied at the rate of 4 t/ha. Phalaris minor, Alopecuros sp., Chenopodium album, Rumex crispus, Polygonum hydropiper, Stellaria media, Cannabis sativa, and Soliva anthemifolia were the dominant species. Among them, C. album, P. minor and Alopecuros aqualis were the dominant species. The effect of mulching was seen six weeks after wheat planting. The weedy check with mulch suppressed the weeds about fifty percent compared to that of without mulching. Wheat yields together with yield attributing characters were also higher in the treatments with straw mulch.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 9, 2009, pp. 21-26DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v9i0.11638
Soil Fertility under Improved and Conventional Management Practices in Sanga, Kavrepalanchowk District, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Ram K. 
Published: December 2014

A study was carried out to compare the fertility of soils under improved soil management practice with that of prevailing conventional practice and to assess the farmers’ perception on the improved practice in the upland farming system. The study was carried out in Nasikasthan Sanga of Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. Soil samples were collected from fields under improved conventional practice. Samples were taken at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths and were analyzed for various physico-chemical properties to compare the fertility status of the soils under both the practices. Altogether 68 farmers were interviewed to have information on farming practices and information pertinent to improved soil management practice being adopted by them. Results from soil physico-chemical analysis showed higher fertility of soils under improved practice in terms of more favorable pH level, contents of exchangeable bases, available phosphorus and soil organic matter compared to prevailing conventional soil management practice. Moreover, majority of the farmers believed that soil fertility and physical condition of their upland soils had improved and that the productivity of major upland crops had also increased after the adoption of improved soil management practice. Improved practice could play an important role in the sustainable management of upland soils in the mid hills of Nepal. It is however, desirable to conduct long-term research to further ascertain the effect of the practice on soil fertility of different soil types and land uses.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 9, 2009, pp. 27-39DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v9i0.11639
Effect of NPK on Vegetative Growth and Yield of Desiree and Kufri Sindhuri Potato
Authors: Adhikari Ram C. 
Published: December 2014

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of NPK on vegetative growth and yield of potato cultivars; Kufri Sindhuri and Desiree at different nutrient levels (0:0:0, 50:50:50, 100:50:50, 100:75:50, 100:75:100, 100:100:100 and 150:100:100 N, P205 and k20 kg ha-1) in sandy loam soils at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during 1999/2000. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 4 replications. Plant height, number of stems, fresh weight of stem and leaves were recorded at 15 days interval during crop growth period and tuber yield at maturity stage. Kufri Sindhuri was taller than Desiree at all the stages of plant growth. Increasing levels of NPK increased the plant height by 15-42 percent. The levels of NPK imparted to a significant effect on fresh weight of leaves and stems at each successive stages of crop growth. Kufri Sindhuri responded nitrogen up to 150 kg ha-1 while Desiree yielded higher at 100:100:100 kg NPK ha-1. The yield increase of potato tuber was associated with increase in the plant height, fresh weight of leaves and stems as a result of applied NPK.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 9, 2009, pp. 67-75DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v9i0.11643
Use of Ethephone and Indigenous Plant Materials in Ripening Banana in Winter
Authors: K.C. Ram B. , Gautam Durga M. , Tiwari Sundar 
Published: December 2014

Post-harvest handling of banana is a crucial activity to get good quality fruit to the consumers. A post-harvest study on ripening of banana was carried out at Regional Agriculture Research Station, Khajura during winter season of 2005 to find out the effect of different materials in ripening of banana and study about shelf-life period. Dipping fruits in Kripone 2.56 ml per liter of water (ethephone 1000 ppm) for five minutes was found effective for banana ripening. Those fruits treated with ethephone 1000 ppm started to soften in three days and became ready to consume in five days with shelf-life of eight days. Fruits treated with 'Asuro' (Adhatoda vesica) started to become soft in five days where as fruits treated with 'Koiralo' (Bahunia veriagata) became soft in four days. By using these indigenous plant materials, we can prolong shelf-life of fruit by 2-3 days more than the Kripone-treated fruits. Use of ripe banana fruit also found effective to hasten ripening the banana with excellent taste. However, the shelf-life was relatively short (8 days). It is difficult to ripen the banana in winter without using any ripening materials. In untreated control, only 33% fruits started to become soft after 7-9 days of storage and were ready to consume in nine days. Rest 66% fruits were remain as such up to 11 days then after fruit started uneven softening ie some portion became soft and other portion remained hard. After 14 days fruits became black without softening and got spoiled. Overall percent weight loss was found 6.0 to 10.7 from initial to end of shelf-life period.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 9, 2009, pp. 113-117DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v9i0.11649
Correlation of plastic deformation induced intermittent electromagnetic radiation characteristics with mechanical properties of Cu–Ni alloys
Authors: Singh Ranjana , Lal Shree P. , Misra Ashok 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper presents experimental results on intermittent electromagnetic radiation during plastic deformation of Cu – Ni alloys under tension and compression modes of deformation. On the basis of the nature of electromagnetic radiation signals, oscillatory or exponential, results show that the compression increases the viscous coefficient of Cu – Ni alloys during plastic deformation. Increasing the percentage of solute atoms in Cu – Ni alloys makes electromagnetic radiation strength higher under tension. The electromagnetic radiation emission occurs at smaller strains under compression showing early onset of plastic deformation. This is attributed to the role of high core region tensile residual stresses in the rolled Cu – Ni alloy specimens in accordance with the Bauschinger effect. The distance between the apexes of the dead metal cones during compression plays a significant role in electromagnetic radiation parameters. The dissociation of edge dislocations into partials and increase in internal stresses with increase in solute percentage in Cu – Ni alloys under compression considerably influences the electromagnetic radiation frequency.
Investigation of optimum nucleation temperature and heating rate of cordierite glass-ceramics
Authors: Karimi Yousef , Zakeri Mohammad , Reza Rahimipour Mohammad , Faeghinia Aida 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In this survey, cordierite glass-ceramic was prepared by melting in a platinum crucible at 1 580 °C. The effects of temperature and heating rate were studied on the nucleation and crystallization. Nucleation and crystallization temperatures were obtained by differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the optimum nucleation and crystallization occurred at 810 and 1 150 °C, respectively. According to the X-ray diffraction patterns, cordierite, rutile, quartz and MgTi2O5 phases were obtained in the crystallized glassceramics. The maximum bending strength of 178 MPa was obtained after the chemical strengthening of the crystallized glass ceramic.
Synthesis of cobalt-doped CdS (CdS:Co) by a simple and rapid microwave activated method and investigating optical properties
Authors: Molaei Mehdi , Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Karimipour Masoud , Samadpour Mahmood 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Cobalt-doped CdS nanocrystals (CdS:Co NCs) were synthesized using a rapid microwave activated method. CdSO4 and Na2S2O3 were used as the precursors and Co(NO3)2 was the source of impurity. Thioglycolic acid was used as the capping agent and the catalyst of the reaction. The structure and optical properties of the NCs were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible and photoluminescence analyses. NCs had a hexagonal structure, forming round particles with a size of mostly about 3 nm. The band gap of NCs was obtained as about 3.18 eV. Synthesized NCs exhibited white emission between 400–750 nm with a peak located at about 505 nm.