bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre and Postmenopausal Changes of Bone Mineral Density: A Comparative Study done by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Begum M , Patwary MI , Ahbab MA , Khan MH , Chowdhury AI , Bari F 
Published: February 2013

Background: Accelerated decline of bone mass occurs in women after the menopause, and might lead to excessive bone resorption and eventually to osteoporosis. To find out the changes of bone mineral density (BMD) before and after menopause, the shown was undertaken. Materials and Methods: This comparative study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet during July 2008 to June 2009. Forty postmenopausal women; monthly income and BMI matched 40 premenopausal women were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. BMD of lumber vertebrae and femoral neck was determined using Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method (Norland XR 46, Pencil beam). Results: The parity of the postmenopausal women was significantly higher than that of premenopausal women (6.9 ± 2.6 vs 3.1± 1.5; p<0.01). The body weight was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than that of premenopausal women (54.1 ± 8.3 kg vs 61.0 ± 9.7 Kg; p<0.01). The height was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women (148.2 ± 5.7cm vs 153.4 ± 6.4cm; p<0.01). The BMD was lower in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women in lumber vertebrae (0.68 ± 0.13 gm/cm2 vs 0.94 ± 0.03 gm/cm2; p <0.01) and also in femoral neck (0.63 ± 0.12 gm/cm2 vs 0.84 ± 0.14 gm/cm2; p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was present between BMD and height (r=0.512; p<0.05); and weight (r=0.489; p<0.05); and a negative correlation between BMD and age (r=-0.408; p<0.05); parity (r=-0.456; p<0.05) and years since menopause (r=-0.350; p<0.05). Conclusion: The BMD was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than that of premenopausal women and negative correlation was present between BMD and age, parity and years since menopause. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v22i1.13592 Bangladesh J Medicine 2011; 22: 1-7
Isolation of astaxanthin from marine yeast and study of its pharmacological activity
Authors: Ushakumari Uma Nath , Ramanujan Ravi 
Published: February 2013

The aim of the present study was to isolate and study about the antibacterial activity of astaxanthin from marine yeast. Astaxanthin a carotenoid present in marine yeast and crustaceans posses a wide range of pharmacological activity. Yeast strain was isolated from the marine sediments collected from Cochin, Kerala during the month of August 2012. The samples were collected in sterile plastic covers and brought to the laboratory without exposing to the external environment further. The marine sediment samples were directly inoculated in yeast malt. After effective screening the strains containing astaxanthin was refrigerated for further use. The strains were purified by TLC using petroleum hexane: acetone (3:1). A spectrophotometric assay was carried out by measuring absorbance at 200-500nm. The antibacterial activity was studied on several organisms like Bacillus Subtilis, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The extracts showed excellent antibacterial activity than the standard chloramphenicol. Among this, Pseudomonas aeroginasa showed maximum inhibition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i3.13584 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2013, 2(3): 67-69
Osteosarcoma and Chondrosarcoma of the Shoulder: Site-specific Comparative Analysis
Authors: Shin Seung Han , Jeong Hyeon Jang , Han Ilkyu , Cho Hwan Seong , Kim Han-Soo 
Published: February 2013

Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma compose most of the primary malignancies of the shoulder. The literature lacks site-specific comparative analyses of these 2 major shoulder sarcomas. The purposes of this study were to describe the different characteristics of the 2 major sarcomas near the glenohumeral joint, examine differences in treatment outcomes, and evaluate the functional outcomes of limb salvage surgery.
Thirty-two patients with osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma who underwent a wide resection including the glenohumeral joint were enrolled in this study. The characteristics of tumor development and treatment, oncologic and functional outcomes, and factors affecting outcomes were compared between groups and with the literature. The results showed shoulder osteosarcoma developing similarly to the literature reports, whereas chondrosarcoma tended to be of a high histologic grade. Nonetheless, the osteosarcoma group had a poorer overall 5-year survival rate (53.0%) than the chondrosarcoma group (85.7%) or those in previous reports. The osteosarcoma group had a tendency toward a worse 5-year metastasis-free survival rate than the chondrosarcoma group (35.4% vs 75.0%, respectively), although the 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups (75.0% vs 87.5%, respectively). Histologic grade, surgical stage, and chemotherapy affected the oncologic outcomes in univariate analysis, although not a single factor was independent in multivariate analysis. The functional outcomes were not significantly affected by clinical characteristics or surgical methods in patients who had undergone a wide resection including the glenohumeral joint.
Geometrical Dimensions and Morphological Study of the Lumbar Spinal Canal in the Normal Egyptian Population
Authors: Aly Tarek , Amin Osama 
Published: February 2013

Information regarding the precise dimensions of the lumbar vertebrae is essential for spinal surgery and instrumentation. When stenosis of the vertebral canal or the intervertebral foramen exists, the neural structures in them can be affected and cause symptoms such as low back or radicular pain. Accurate and comprehensive spinal canal measurements in the lumbar vertebrae are incomplete. The purpose of this study was to collect data on the dimensions of the lumbar spinal canal from computed tomography scans.
Three hundred patients (162 men and 138 women) were studied. Computed tomography scans were obtained to determine the normal values of the midsagittal diameter, interpedicular distance, and lateral recess depth in the normal Egyptian population. The narrowest level was L3. The range of the midsagittal diameter was 11.07 to 26.07 mm at all levels. The range of the interpedicular distance was 17.00 to 43.41 mm at all levels. In all patients at all levels, mean lateral recess depth was 6.7 mm (range, 4–14 mm). The narrowest lateral recess depth was at L5. Few patients (3.3%) had a statistically stenotic midsagittal diameter measurement. The canal shape was not uniform along the 5 lumbar vertebrae; it ranged from being circular or rounded in the upper lumbar vertebrae to triangular in the midlumbar vertebrae to trefoil in the lower lumbar vertebrae, especially at L5. Trefoil canals existed mainly in the lower lumbar vertebrae at L5, followed by L4.
Data from computed tomography scans combined with accurate measurements are the basis for anatomical studies, clinical research, and the development of implants suitable for a group of patients with measurements different from the population standard.
An Optomechanical Model Eye for Ophthalmological Refractive Studies
Authors: Arianpour Ashkan , Tremblay Eric J. , Stamenov Igor , Ford Joseph E. , Schanzlin David J. , Lo Yuhwa 
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:
To create an accurate, low-cost optomechanical model eye for investigation of refractive errors in clinical and basic research studies.

METHODS:
An optomechanical fluid-filled eye model with dimensions consistent with the human eye was designed and fabricated. Optical simulations were performed on the optomechanical eye model, and the quantified resolution and refractive errors were compared with the widely used Navarro eye model using the ray-tracing software ZEMAX (Radiant Zemax, Redmond, WA). The resolution of the physical optomechanical eye model was then quantified with a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor imager using the image resolution software SFR Plus (Imatest, Boulder, CO). Refractive, manufacturing, and assembling errors were also assessed. A refractive intraocular lens (IOL) and a diffractive IOL were added to the optomechanical eye model for tests and analyses of a 1951 U.S. Air Force target chart.

RESULTS:
Resolution and aberrations of the optomechanical eye model and the Navarro eye model were qualitatively similar in ZEMAX simulations. Experimental testing found that the optomechanical eye model reproduced properties pertinent to human eyes, including resolution better than 20/20 visual acuity and a decrease in resolution as the field of view increased in size. The IOLs were also integrated into the optomechanical eye model to image objects at distances of 15, 10, and 3 feet, and they indicated a resolution of 22.8 cycles per degree at 15 feet.

CONCLUSIONS:
A life-sized optomechanical eye model with the flexibility to be patient-specific was designed and constructed. The model had the resolution of a healthy human eye and recreated normal refractive errors. This model may be useful in the evaluation of IOLs for cataract surgery.
Transitory Topographical Variations in Keratoconus During Pregnancy
Authors: Hoogewoud Florence , Gatzioufas Zisis , Hafezi Farhad 
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:
To highlight two cases of keratoconus with significant variations of corneal curvature during pregnancy that reversed several months after delivery.

METHODS:
Case reports and literature review.

RESULTS:
Two women experienced a significant decrease of corrected distance visual acuity during pregnancy. Evaluation of corneal topography by Scheimpflug imaging revealed transitory variations of the keratometric values in both patients during the gestational period. These topographical alterations were evident not only during pregnancy, but also in the postpartum period, with stabilization of corneal topography several months after delivery.

CONCLUSIONS:
These clinical cases indicate that hormonal changes occurring regularly during gestation may have a severe impact on the progression of keratoconus. However, these changes are transient and fully reversible. Therefore, physicians should be reluctant to perform cross-linking during or directly after pregnancy and should wait until the corneal curvature has been stabilized.
CD4+ T Cell Persistence and Function after Infection Are Maintained by Low-Level Peptide:MHC Class II Presentation
Authors: Nelson Ryan W. , McLachlan James B. , Kurtz Jonathan R. , Jenkins Marc K. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
CD4+ memory–phenotype T cells decline over time when generated in response to acute infections cleared by other components of the immune system. Therefore, it was of interest to assess the stability of CD4+ T cells during a persistent Salmonella infection, which is typical of persistent phagocytic infections that are controlled by this lymphocyte subset. We found that CD4+ T cells specific for Salmonella peptide:MHC class II (MHCII) ligands were numerically stable for &gt;1 y after initial oral infection. This stability was associated with peptide:MHCII-driven proliferation by a small number of T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs that harbored bacteria. The persistent population consisted of multifunctional Th1 cells that induced PD-1 and became exhausted when transferred to hosts expressing the specific peptide:MHCII ligand in all parts of the body. Thus, persistent infection of phagocytes produced a CD4+ T cell population that was stably maintained by low-level peptide:MHCII presentation.
Microglia and a Functional Type I IFN Pathway Are Required To Counter HSV-1–Driven Brain Lateral Ventricle Enlargement and Encephalitis
Authors: Conrady Christopher D. , Zheng Min , van Rooijen Nico , Drevets Douglas A. , Royer Derek , Alleman Anthony , Carr Daniel J. J. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
HSV-1 is the leading cause of sporadic viral encephalitis, with mortality rates approaching 30% despite treatment with the antiviral drug of choice, acyclovir. Permanent neurologic deficits are common in patients that survive, but the mechanism leading to this pathology is poorly understood, impeding clinical advancements in treatment to reduce CNS morbidity. Using magnetic resonance imaging and type I IFN receptor–deficient mouse chimeras, we demonstrate HSV-1 gains access to the murine brain stem and subsequently brain ependymal cells, leading to enlargement of the cerebral lateral ventricle and infection of the brain parenchyma. A similar enlargement in the lateral ventricles is found in a subpopulation of herpes simplex encephalitic patients. Associated with encephalitis is an increase in CXCL1 and CXCL10 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid, TNF-α expression in the ependymal region, and the influx of neutrophils of encephalitic mouse brains. Reduction in lateral ventricle enlargement using anti-secretory factor peptide 16 reduces mortality significantly in HSV-1–infected mice without any effect on expression of inflammatory mediators, infiltration of leukocytes, or changes in viral titer. Microglial cells but not infiltrating leukocytes or other resident glial cells or neurons are the principal source of resistance in the CNS during the first 5 d postinfection through a Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β–dependent, type I IFN pathway. Our results implicate lateral ventricle enlargement as a major cause of mortality in mice and speculate such an event transpires in a subpopulation of human HSV encephalitic patients.
Alkalizer Administration Improves Renal Function in Hyperuricemia Associated with Obesity
Authors: Saito Jun , Matsuzawa Yoko , Ito Hiroko , Omura Masao , Kino Tomoshige , Nishikawa Tetsuo 
Published: February 2013

We evaluated the combination effect of the alkalizer citrate with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol on renal function and uric acid in patients with hyperuricemia associated with obesity and/or metabolic syndrome (MetS), who were extracted from among the subjects enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled study aimed at assessing the efficacy of such a combination for improving renal function. We also conducted a post hoc analysis to examine influences on lipid profiles. Patients who consented to participate in the study were randomly allocated to receive either allopurinol alone (monotherapy) or in combination with a citrate preparation (combination therapy). The analysis population consisted of 31 obese patients with a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 (monotherapy, 15 patients; combination therapy, 16 patients). The creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), serum uric acid levels, and lipid profiles were measured before and at 12 weeks after the start of treatment. In the combination therapy group, Ccr increased significantly and serum uric acid levels decreased significantly in obese patients, while Ccr tended to increase and serum uric acid levels decreased, though not significantly, in patients with MetS-related clinical parameters. Overall, blood triglyceride levels tended to improve in the combination therapy group as compared with the monotherapy group.
Utiliser des médicaments stimulants pour améliorer sa performance : usages et discours de jeunes adultes québécois
Authors: Thoër Christine , Robitaille Michèle 
Published: February 2013

L’utilisation de médicaments stimulants par les étudiants pour améliorer la performance académique en l’absence de trouble de déficit de l’attention avec hyperactivité (TDAH) et hors du cadre de la prescription, est une pratique qui semble gagner en popularité auprès des étudiants américains. Cette recherche exploratoire basée sur des entrevues semi-dirigées réalisées auprès de 26 jeunes adultes québécois étudiants et travailleurs, âgés de 20 à 25 ans, visait à documenter l’usage de stimulants et à cerner les significations qu’ils construisent autour de ces utilisations. Nos résultats montrent qu’étudiants et travailleurs recourent aux stimulants pour augmenter leur concentration et leur capacité à rester alertes dans le but d’améliorer la qualité de leur travail et leur productivité. Les discours que construisent ces jeunes adultes autour de ces pratiques renvoient à trois problématiques : une faille personnelle, un déséquilibre perçu entre les ressources personnelles et les contraintes qu’impose l’environnement académique ou professionnel et une difficulté à concilier les engagements dans des rôles multiples. Le recours aux médicaments stimulants est ainsi présenté par les jeunes adultes comme une stratégie d’automédication ou comme une ressource pour favoriser l’adaptation aux exigences de l’environnement ou aux multiples engagements identitaires. Les médicaments stimulants sont perçus comme des produits efficaces et relativement sécuritaires, et leur utilisation pour améliorer la performance est jugée légitime puisqu’elle vise la réussite académique ou professionnelle.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Smart Flocculant Based on Poly(MAam)‐Pregelled Starch Graft Copolymers and Their Degraded Products
Authors: Mostafa Kh. M. , El‐Sanabary A. A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTPoly(methacrylamide)‐pregelled starch graft copolymers derived from native pregelled starch (substrate I) and hydrolyzed pregelled starches having different molecular weights were prepared and evaluated as flocculants for ferric laurate aqueous dispersions. This was done by subjecting substrate I as a starting substrate to acid hydrolysis to obtain three levels of hydrolyzed pregelled starch having different molecular weights (substrates II–IV). The latter were graft copolymerized with various amounts of methacrylamide monomers using an Mn(IV)‐citric acid redox pair for initiating grafting to obtain copolymers having different graft yields. The flocculation efficiency was followed by estimating the transmission (%) and weight removal (%) of the flocculants. The grafted pregelled starches were characterized by estimating apparent viscosity, intrinsic viscosity, and elemental analysis. The major factors affecting the flocculation process such as the flocculent dose, pH of the flocculation medium, and molecular weight as well as the extent of grafting were studied in detail. It is observed from the obtained results that the flocculation efficiency of the prepared copolymers (a) increases by increasing the flocculants dose to reach a peak value then decreases thereafter; (b) increases by decreasing the pH values from 8 to 6; (c) increases by decreasing the molecular weight of the parent starch and follows the following order: substrate IV < substrate III < substrate II < substrate I; (d) increases by increasing the extent of grafting within the range studied; and (e) poly(methacrylamide)‐graft copolymers derived from hydrolyzed pregelled starch (substrates II–IV) show a higher flocculation efficiency than polyacrylamide as a synthetic flocculant. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21339; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21339
Quinolinesulfonamides of Aryloxy‐/Arylthio‐ethyl Piperidines: Influence of an Arylether Fragment on 5‐HT1A/5‐HT7 Receptor Selectivity
Authors: Grychowska Katarzyna , Marciniec Krzysztof , Canale Vittorio , Szymiec Michał , Glanowski Grzegorz , Satała Grzegorz , Maślankiewicz Andrzej , Pawłowski Maciej , Bojarski Andrzej J. , Zajdel Paweł 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe solid‐phase synthesis of a new series of 19 biomimetics of long‐chain arylpiperazines, namely flexible quinoline sulfonamides of aryl(heteroaryl)oxy‐/heteroarylthio‐ethyl 4‐aminomethylpiperidines, is reported. Various structural modifications applied followed by biological evaluation for 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT6, and 5‐HT7 receptors gave further support of a possible replacement of arylpiperazine with aryloxy‐/arylthio‐ethyl derivatives of alicyclic amines and control of receptor selectivity upon diversification in the aryl(heteroaryl)oxy‐/heteroarylthio‐ethyl fragment.
Alternating Direction Implicit‐Methoden für die Bauteilsimulation: Chancen und Herausforderungen
Authors: Paepcke Anne , Nicolai Andreas 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDie Simulation komplexer baukonstruktiver Details stellt hohe Anforderungen an numerische Lösungsverfahren. In dem Artikel wird sich auf das Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI)‐Verfahren als Alternative zum klassischen Impliziten Euler‐Verfahren konzentriert. Neben der direkten Anwendung wird eine Block‐Variante eingeführt und mit zwei verschiedenen Lösungsstrategien kombiniert: als ADI‐Zeitschrittverfahren und als ADI‐Vorkonditionierer für ein Krylov‐Unterraum‐Verfahren innerhalb einer impliziten Euler‐Zeitschrittintegration. Die numerischen Verfahren werden an zwei repräsentativen Beispielen getestet: der Trocknungsprozess einer Ziegelwand und ein Wärmebrückenproblem. Die Ergebnisse geben Aufschluss über die Anwendbarkeit der numerischen Methoden auf hochgradig nichtlineare Problemstellungen unter dem Einfluss unstetiger Materialeigenschaften.Chances and challenges of using Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) methods for heat and moisture transport simulation. The simulation of complex details of building constructions imposes high demands on the numerical solution method. The article focuses on the Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) method. We introduce the direct solution technique and a block variant of this method and combine it with different numerical strategies: an ADI time stepping procedure and an ADI preconditioned Krylov subspace method combined with an implicit Euler time integration. In order to check capability of the different numerical methods we design two representative examples: the drying of a brick wall and a thermal bridge simulation. The results give an indication about the applicability of the numerical methods to highly nonlinear problems combined with discontinuous material properties.
Energieeffiziente Kühlung und thermischer Raumkomfort (Teil 2): Simulationsbasierte Evaluierung von Kühlkonzepten in verschiedenen europäischen Klimazonen
Authors: Pfafferott Jens , Kalz Doreen 
Published: February 2013

AbstractUnter dem europäischen Programm Intelligent Energy for Europe (IEE) fanden sich acht europäische Partner zusammen, um im Rahmen des Projektes ThermCo Lüftungs‐ und Kühlenergiekonzepte für Nichtwohngebäude mit niedrigem Energieeinsatz im Hinblick auf die Energieeffizienz und den thermischen Raumkomfort zu bewerten (siehe Teil 1 dieser Veröffentlichung in Bauphysik 34 (2012), Heft 6. Mit Hilfe einer Simulationsstudie für ein typisches Bürogebäude wird das Potenzial unterschiedlicher Lüftungs‐ und Kühlstrategien unter Berücksichtigung von Energieeffizienz und Raumkomfort für verschiedene europäische Klimazonen bewertet. Die Ergebnisse weisen eine hohe Wirksamkeit von Nachtlüftungskonzepten im nord‐europäischen Sommerklima mit verhältnismäßig niedrigen Außentemperaturen nach. Im mitteleuropäischen Sommerklima bietet das Erdreich ein ausreichend niedriges Temperaturniveau für den effizienten Einsatz von wassergeführten Flächentemperiersystemen. Im südeuropäischen Sommerklima kann eine aktive Kühlung über Luft die hohen und schnell fluktuierenden Kühllasten effizient abführen.Energy efficient cooling and ventilation concepts for thermal interior comfort: Simulation‐based evaluation of cooling concepts in different European climate zones (Part 2). Under the framework of the European Program Intelligent Energy for Europe (IEE), the project ThermCo evaluates low‐energy ventilation and cooling concepts for non‐residential buildings all‐over Europe using a standardized method based on existing monitoring data from best practice examples (part 1, in Bauphysik 6/2012). A simulation study investigates the potential of different ventilation and cooling strategies with regard to energy efficiency and thermal comfort in different European climates. The results demonstrate a high potential for night ventilation strategies in North‐European climate with low ambient air temperatures. In the Mid‐European climate, water based low‐energy cooling technologies based on radiant cooling make use of the cool ground in summer. Active cooling provides good thermal comfort in South‐European climate with high and fluctuating cooling loads.