bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an in-vivo sensor for monitoring of water content in skin
Authors: Schütz Rijk , Shchatsinin Ihar , Bindig Uwe , Reble Carina , Helfmann Jürgen 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA change in the water distribution of the human body, such as water retention in the skin, can be a symptom of a pathological condition including heart failure. Therefore, a sensor for the non-invasive quantification of the water content of the skin could be useful where continuous monitoring of patients is required to detect and avoid life threatening conditions. As water is a major absorber of tissue in the near-infrared wavelength range, the water content can be determined based on reflectance measurements. Measuring the diffuse reflectance at multiple distances from the point of illumination allows the determination of absorption in scattering media such as skin. The aim of this project was to develop a small and portable sensor based on light emitting diodes and photodiodes. Evaluation of the first functional sensor design has showed that the water content of tissue phantoms can be predicted with a prediction error of 1%. Further developments towards a sensor that can be applied in a future field study are ongoing.
Political Institutions and State Sales Tax Base Erosion
Authors: Propheter Geoffrey 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe sales tax has long been hailed a workhouse of state and local public finance, but its future looks grim due in no small part to the continued proliferation of exemptions. While scholars have noted the role politics plays in eroding the sales tax base, no study has empirically investigated the matter. Using a panel of 44 states from 1980 to 2010, this study addresses this gap by exploring if states’ political institutions predict variations in the level and rate of sales tax base erosion. The models show that political institutions do not systematically determine base erosion in general; though, some factors such as gubernatorial election years and political competition are found to exert some influence. The implications of the study’s abundance of null findings are also discussed.
Assessing the Psychometric Properties of an Activity Pacing Questionnaire for Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Authors: Antcliff Deborah , Campbell Malcolm , Woby Steve , Keeley Philip 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundTherapists frequently advise the use of activity pacing as a coping strategy to manage long-term conditions (eg, chronic low back pain, chronic widespread pain, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis). However, activity pacing has not been clearly operationalized, and there is a paucity of empirical evidence regarding pacing. This paucity of evidence may be partly due to the absence of a widely used pacing scale. To address the limitations of existing pacing scales, the 38-item Activity Pacing Questionnaire (APQ-38) was previously developed using the Delphi technique.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were: (1) to explore the psychometric properties of the APQ-38, (2) to identify underlying pacing themes, and (3) to assess the reliability and validity of the scale.DesignThis was a cross-sectional questionnaire study.MethodsThree hundred eleven adult patients with chronic pain or fatigue participated, of whom 69 completed the test-retest analysis. Data obtained for the APQ-38 were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, internal and test-retest reliability, and validity against 2 existing pacing subscales and validated measures of pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, avoidance, and mental and physical function.ResultsFollowing factor analysis, 12 items were removed from the APQ-38, and 5 themes of pacing were identified in the resulting 26-item Activity Pacing Questionnaire (APQ-26): activity adjustment, activity consistency, activity progression, activity planning, and activity acceptance. These themes demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach α=.72–.92), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=.50–.78, P≤.001), and construct validity. Activity adjustment, activity progression, and activity acceptance correlated with worsened symptoms; activity consistency correlated with improved symptoms; and activity planning correlated with both improved and worsened symptoms.LimitationsData were collected from self-report questionnaires only.ConclusionsDeveloped to be widely used across a heterogeneous group of patients with chronic pain or fatigue, the APQ-26 is multifaceted and demonstrates reliability and validity. Further study will explore the effects of pacing on patients' symptoms to guide therapists toward advising pacing themes with empirical benefits.
Ethnomedicinal survey of some plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ofuegbe OS , Adedapo AA 
Published: April 2015

Objectives: A comprehensive survey with the aim of documenting traditional medicinal practices was carried out in targeted areas of Ibadan, Nigeria in order to inventory plants used by traditional healers in the area for the management of diabetes. Materials and Methods: Open-ended informal interviews were administered during series of repeated visits to the respondents consisting majorly the traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) and herb sellers. Some traditional healers who know and use medicinal plants for treating diabetes mellitus were interviewed. The inventory contains scientifi c, vernacular, common names of the plants used and methods of preparation. Results: Twenty seven plants commonly used by traditional healers in the region were identifi ed. These plants were found to be very important and useful in the treatment of diabetes based on their frequency of occurrence in the recipes obtained. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dried or freshly collected plants while traditional solvent of choice included water, lime, local gin and aqueous extract from fermented maize. Decoction and pulverization were the main methods of preparation while mode of administration varies within 1 to 3 times daily. Survey revealed that leaves form the major part of plants for herbal preparations. Residents in the study area fi nd traditional medicine cheaper as compared to orthodox medicine. Conclusion: This review focuses on the various plants that have been reported to be effective in the treatment of diabetes. The survey shows that plants from the Rubiaceae, Labiataceae, Meliaceae, Hypoxidaceae and Cucurbitaceae families are commonly used by traditional healers in Ibadan for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.10480Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 36-40
Ear diseases pattern and hearing impairment in the Eastern Nepal- A study in a combined eye and ear set up
Authors: Thakur Sanjeev Kumar , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Mahato Bindeshwar , Singh Anand 
Published: April 2015

Background: This is a prevalence study of ear diseases and hearing impairment done in acombined eye and ear set up of Biratnagar Eye Hospital. This study was conducted in theSunsari and Morang districts of Nepal. Its aim is to fi nd out the ear disease and hearingimpairment prevalent in the community.Materials and Methods: A total of 2259 people who visited eyecamps were screened for ear diseases. Patients were examined by the eye and ear assistantsunder supervision of otolaryngologist. A head mirror, an otoscope, an aural syringe, kidneytrays and light source and a set of tuning forks (512 and 256 Hz) were used to assessthe ear diseases and hearing loss.Results: A total of 1094 patients presented with eardiseases. Males were more than females [608(55.42%) vs. 486(44.57%)]. Children up toand below 15 years were 386 (35.28%). The frequency of ear diseases were as follows:Impacted wax- 319 (29.15%), chronic suppurative otitis media mucosal type - 307(28.06%),otomycosis - 66 (6.03%), furunculosis/otitis externa - 46 (4.29%), Acute suppurative otitismedia - 46 (4.2%), tubal catarrhal - 34(3.1%), otitis media with effusion - 24 (2.19%),perichondritis - 21(1.91%), Unsafe otitis media - 14(1.27%), Foreign body in theear - 4 (0.36%) cases, Postraumatic perforation of tympanic membrane - 2 (0.18%), deafand mute - 12 (1.09%). presbyacusis and other sensorineural hearing loss- 199(18.19%).The point prevalence of otitis media was 17.3% (391) people. Hearing impairment was64.99 %(635 out of 977 patients above 5 years).Conclusion: Ear diseases and hearingimpairment are very common in Sunsari and Morang districts of Nepal demanding immediatetreatment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11621 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 51-55
A retrospective analysis of variability of clinical presentations and brain imaging findings in children with neurocysticercosis in rural population of West Bengal
Authors: Mondal Monojit , Biswas Biswajit , Roy Atanu , Laha Sumanta , Das Rajib , Ari Abhijit , Ghosh Taraknath , Som Sabyasachi , Konar Mithun , Kumar Prashanth , Barik Kanai Lal , Nayek Kaustav , Datta Asok Kumar 
Published: April 2015

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common, widely prevalent parasitic infestation of the central nervous system in children of developing countries leading to neurological morbidities. Objectives: To study the variability of initial clinical presentations and brain imaging findings in children with NCC in the rural population of West Bengal. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done in the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, India from August 2011 to August 2013. Results: Out of 952 admitted children with seizure, 113 children were diagnosed as having NCC (11.9%). Out of them, 62 (54.9%) were boys and 51 (45.1%) were girls. The age of presentation varied from 3 years to 12 years, with mean age 9.4 years. The commonest age of presentation was between 10 to 12 years (n=62; 54.9%). The maximum number of patients were from Burdwan district (n=72; 63.7%) followed by Birbhum (n=25; 22.1%). The commonest initial presentation with seizure (n=93; 82.3 %); partial seizure were present in 76 patients (81.7%). On brain imaging study, the commonest location of lesions was found in the parietal region (n=69; 61.1 %), the right parietal region being more common. Single lesions were found in 102 patients(90.3%). Conclusion: NCC is a major cause of neurological morbidity in children of developing nations and it should be suspected in any children presenting with a first episode of afebrile partial seizure. A screening brain imaging should be performed earlier to prevent undue mortality and morbidity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11628 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 31-35
Self-medication trend among the urban elderly - a cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Biswas Arunava , Sen Sukanta , Pal Agnik , Das Joydip , Das Suvajit , Tripathi Santanu Kumar 
Published: April 2015

Objective: To describe and analyze the demographic and pharmacological characteristics ofself-medication trends among a geriatric urban population in a community.Materials and Methods: Thisstructured interview-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among elderly subjectsof either sex in an urban community, who visited two pre-identifi ed, retail pharmacies in asub-urban locality, for procuring sundry medicinal products of their choice, without a validprescription. Institutional ethics approval was duly obtained. Respondents (n=108) readilyshared the information as sought regarding the encounter. The data were captured bytrained fi eld staff in a pre-designed data sheet, maintaining full confi dentiality.Results: The subjects (n=108) were predominantly (64.81%) male, with an average age of 65.95 years.The subjects mostly retired from job. Only 21.29% of them asked for particular brands,whereas just 5.55% subjects asked for a generic product. Majority of the subjects (73.14%)sought for medical help and received it from the dispenser at the counter. Antibiotics, onmost occasions, were dispensed for inappropriate indication and duration. On an average,the cost of the medicines procured in a single encounter by the employed and unemployedwere Rs 51.86 and Rs 21.86 respectively.Conclusion: Self-medication trends in elderly area disturbing problem that needs to be carefully addressed. Pilot study such as the presentone is easy to carry out, and can rapidly yield information about the true nature of selfmedication trends among the elderly. This can help in designing effective and appropriatelytargeted interventions in the future.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11725 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 66-68
Sensitivity comparison between rapid one-step test strip and ELISA methods in detection of HBsAg among selected chronic liver disease patients in University of Calabar Teaching hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Okpokam D.C. , Kooffreh-Ada M. , Okhormhe Z.A. , Ernest N. A. , Nna V. U. 
Published: April 2015

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the eloquent hepatic infection that leads to hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to determine the frequency of HBV by screening selected chronic liver disease (CLD) patients alongside few apparently healthy subjects who might be carriers and pose a high risk in HBV transmission. This study also aims to compare the sensitivity between two diagnostic tests; one step rapid test strip device and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).Methodology: Serum of 111 subjects comprising of 76 CLD patients and 35 apparently healthy (control) subjects was screened for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg).Results: Sero-positivity of the two methods of detecting HBsAg was higher in age group 26-35 years and the male folk was found higher in number than the females. The seropositivity of HBV was 28.8% and 81.1% while seronegativity was 71.2% and 18.9% for rapid test strip test device and ELISA test methods, respectively. All the CLD patients 76(100%) and 14 out of 35 of the apparently healthy subjects was positive for ELISA test method.Conclusion: In conclusion, comparing the two methods, ELISA test is more sensitive than one step rapid test strip device for detecting HBsAg in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.Therefore, we recommend strongly, thatELISA method be used to confi rm test results obtained from the one step rapid test strip,when screen for CLD.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11851 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 56-60
Correlation of gender and age with serum adipokines level in north indian adults
Authors: Kumar Pravesh , Srivastava Neena , Tiwari Sunita , Verma Narsingh , Pandey Shivani , Porwal Naveen Bhartia , Kumar Pradeep , Rahul Dr. 
Published: April 2015

Objective: There are two forms of adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT). Distribution of adipose tissue differs in different gender and different age group. Adipose tissue expresses various secretary proteins, including leptin and adiponectin, collectively called adipokines. The purpose of this study to elucidated the correlation of serum leptin, serum adiponectin levels with age and gender in north Indian population. Materials and Methods: 100 subjects (55 male, 45 female) aged between 18?25 yrs were included in the study. Blood sample were taken after overnight fasting for biochemical assay. Serums were separated by centrifugation method. Serum leptin and serum adiponectin were analyzed by using RayBio ELISA Kit. Result: The serum leptin (pg) was significantly (p=0.001) higher among female (428.28±83.06) subjects compared with males (365.42±102.56). Similarly, serum adiponectin (pg) level was also significantly (p=0.02) higher among females (5313.15±1151.12) than males (4794.72±1078.38). The age was mildly and negatively correlated with Serum adiponectin (r= -0.317, p=0.001) and had no correlation with serum leptin levels. Conclusion: Serum adipokines levels in young north Indian adults are influenced by gender and age of subjects, suggests that female subject, relative to the males, are at increased risk for obesity-related metabolic co-morbidities.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11862 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 9-11
Changes in serum level of ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Yadav Shiv Kumar , YI Qi Jian 
Published: April 2015

Objective: To investigate the changes in serum levels of ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) at pre and post percutaneous management of the lesions. Material & Methods: We measured the serum levels of ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in 67 patients with CHD and in 20 control subjects; and compared these markers of inflammatory reaction between groups of pre-closure (37 patients) and at the end of 5 minutes (37 patients), 1 month (22 patients) and 3 month (8 patients) post percutaneous management of the lesions. Results: Our results showed that the patients with CHD had significantly higher serum level of Ghrelin, TNF-α and IL-6 in comparison of the controls but gradually return towards the baseline levels at the end of 3 months post percutaneous management of the lesions. Conclusion: The inflammatory reaction is activated in pre-closure and self-limited post-closure in children with CHD. Percutaneous management could improve the inflammatory process, which is safe and effective in children with CHD.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.12129 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 12-16
Paediatric Obesity: An Anthropometric study of school children aged between (4-19) years
Authors: Sajjan Pooja Gangrade , Yadav Rajeev 
Published: April 2015

Background: World wide spreading on an alarming rate the new non-communicable disease with less paid attention as compared to other nutritional studies: Obesity is catching the attention of medical practioners and policy makers alike. Obesity trends are causing serious public health concerns not only in developed countries but also in the 3rd world countries (developing nations) like ours, as they are causing excusive burden on the viability of already compromised health care system. Objective: This report present the urban anthropometric data of school going children of the state which came into existence not long ago, with varied health needs and limited health care resources: the state of Chhattisgarh. The study states the prevalence of obesity and overweight among school children of Raigarh district and focuses on tabulating BMI charts for Chhattisgarh State population’ as a data base is not available for the same till date. Materials Methods: Data was collected from school going children of an urban school at Raigarh aged between 4-19 years for both girls and boys. Data was subjected to statistical analysis and results obtained were compared with the WHO guidelines and also postulated by Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Total 4421 students were subjected towards anthropometric measurements. Result: The overall prevalence of obesity (i.e. Subjects having BMI more than 95th percentile) was 5.01 percent. Among boys it was 4.98 percent whereas among girls it was observed at 5.05 percent. Overweight children who ranged between 85th to 95th percentiles recorded a total share of 9.97 percent which was seen as 10 percent in boys and 9.92 percent in girls. But in adolescent age groups the prevalence calculated was far more than expected. Conclusion: This latest data adds to the knowledge about the obesity trends in the newly developing state of Chhattisgarh and requires timely intervention by health authorities for its control. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.12191Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 41-46
Oxidative stress mediated electrolyte imbalance in 30 known cases of knee osteoarthritis patients: A clinical approach
Authors: Dutta Jusmita , Sharma Dilutpal , Saxena Rahul 
Published: April 2015

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis, is the leading cause of chronic disability in elderly. Although, it is a process of progressive deterioration of articular cartilage with ageing which involves numerous risk factors, it is conceivable that oxidative stress mediated electrolyte imbalance may have a crucial role in the development of hypertension risk in OA elderly. Aims & objective: The present study was designed to assess the association of oxidative stress and altered serum electrolyte levels in OA elderly patients and to determine their effect in predicting hypertension (HT) risk. Methods: Total antioxidant activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) and serum mineral (Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) levels were estimated in 40 OA elderly patients by using standard methods and statistically compared it with that of 40 healthy normal individuals of same age group (55-70 years). Result: Plasma TAA, serum potassium, magnesium and calcium levels were significantly low in patient group (p<0.05) as compared to healthy controls whereas erythrocyte MDA levels were significantly high in OA subjects. However, serum sodium levels were increased insignificantly (p<0.1) in OA subjects. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that oxidative stress plays a significant role in shaping the OA older population to develop future hypertension, characterized by altered serum minerals levels. Therefore, consumption of diet rich in antioxidants, proteins and minerals with low dietary salt should be increased with senescence in order to prevent disease complexity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.12274 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 26-30
An unusual case of penetrating head injury following road traffic accident
Authors: Pandey Mithilesh Kumar , Roy Kaushik , Chaudhuri Gaurab , Saha Suniti Kumar 
Published: April 2015

A 35 year old male was presented with discharging sinus at left frontozygomatic region with trismus for last 1 month. The patient had a past history of penetrating trauma in the vicinity of the left frontozygomatic area following road traffic accident 6 months back. 3D-CT skull was showed a linear dense radiolucent foreign body obliquely placed in the left temporal and infratemporal fossa. Trismus due to trauma usually follows road accidents leading to massive faciomaxillary injury. But in this case an initial minor penetrating injury was presented trismus in delayed fashion. The aero digestive tract is the commonest site involved in foreign body lodgement in head and neck region. However the lodgement of foreign-body in an area of infratemporal fossa with unusual symptoms of trismus is quite rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature so far following a road traffic accident.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.12329 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 75-77