bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used by Saperas community of Khetawas, Jhajjar District, Haryana, India
Authors: Panghal Manju , Arya Vedpriya , Yadav Sanjay , Kumar Sunil , Yadav Jaya Parkash 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Plants have traditionally been used as a source of medicine in India by indigenous people of different ethnic groups inhabiting various terrains for the control of various ailments afflicting human and their domestic animals. The indigenous community of snake charmers belongs to the 'Nath' community in India have played important role of healers in treating snake bite victims. Snake charmers also sell herbal remedies for common ailments. In the present paper an attempt has been made to document on ethno botanical survey and traditional medicines used by snake charmers of village Khetawas located in district Jhajjar of Haryana, India as the little work has been made in the past to document the knowledge from this community.

Methods
Ethno botanical data and traditional uses of plants information was obtained by semi structured oral interviews from experienced rural folk, traditional herbal medicine practitioners of the 'Nath' community. A total of 42 selected inhabitants were interviewed, 41 were male and only one woman. The age of the healers was between 25 years and 75 years. The plant specimens were identified according to different references concerning the medicinal plants of Haryana and adjoining areas and further confirmation from Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

Results
The present study revealed that the people of the snake charmer community used 57 medicinal plants species that belonged to 51 genera and 35 families for the treatment of various diseases. The study has brought to light that the main diseases treated by this community was snakebite in which 19 different types of medicinal plants belongs to 13 families were used. Significantly higher number of medicinal plants was claimed by men as compared to women. The highest numbers of medicinal plants for traditional uses utilized by this community were belonging to family Fabaceae.

Conclusion
This community carries a vast knowledge of medicinal plants but as snake charming is banned in India as part of efforts to protect India's steadily depleting wildlife, this knowledge is also rapidly disappearing in this community. Such type of ethno botanical studies will help in systematic documentation of ethno botanical knowledge and availing to the scientific world plant therapies used as antivenin by the Saperas community.
Prediction of clinical toxicity in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients by radio-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs)
Authors: Bordón Elisa , Henríquez-Hernández Luis Alberto , Lara Pedro C , Ruíz Ana , Pinar Beatriz , Rodríguez-Gallego Carlos , Lloret Marta 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Head and neck cancer is treated mainly by surgery and radiotherapy. Normal tissue toxicity due to x-ray exposure is a limiting factor for treatment success. Many efforts have been employed to develop predictive tests applied to clinical practice. Determination of lymphocyte radio-sensitivity by radio-induced apoptosis arises as a possible method to predict tissue toxicity due to radiotherapy. The aim of the present study was to analyze radio-induced apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes in head and neck cancer patients and to explore their role in predicting radiation induced toxicity. Seventy nine consecutive patients suffering from head and neck cancer, diagnosed and treated in our institution, were included in the study. Toxicity was evaluated using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scale. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated and irradiated at 0, 1, 2 and 8 Gy during 24 hours. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide. Lymphocytes were marked with CD45 APC-conjugated monoclonal antibody. Radiation-induced apoptosis increased in order to radiation dose and fitted to a semi logarithmic model defined by two constants: α and β. α, as the origin of the curve in the Y axis determining the percentage of spontaneous cell death, and β, as the slope of the curve determining the percentage of cell death induced at a determined radiation dose, were obtained. β value was statistically associated to normal tissue toxicity in terms of severe xerostomia, as higher levels of apoptosis were observed in patients with low toxicity (p = 0.035; Exp(B) 0.224, I.C.95% (0.060-0.904)). These data agree with our previous results and suggest that it is possible to estimate the radiosensitivity of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients determining the radiation induced apoptosis with annexin V/propidium iodide staining. β values observed define an individual radiosensitivity profile that could predict late toxicity due to radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients. Anyhow, prospective studies with different cancer types and higher number of patients are needed to validate these results.
Retroperitoneal abscess with concomitant hepatic portal venous gas and rectal perforation: a rare triad of complications of acute appendicitis. A case report
Authors: Diana Michele , Paroz Alexandre , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
While retroperitoneal abscess is a known complication, hepatic portal venous gas and rectal perforation have not been reported as a concomitant sequelae of acute appendicitis. Here we report a case of a patient with a perforated appendicitis that was associated with these triad of complications.

Materials and Methods
In addition to report our case, we carefully reviewed the literature in order to detect similar cases and the causes of such rare conditions.

Results
Only 26 cases (including our patient) of acute appendicitis complicated by retroperitoneal abscesses have been published in the English literature between 1955 and 2008. There was one case having hepatic portal venous gas, and one further case with a rectal perforation associated with acute appendicitis. All patients with retroperitoneal abscess presented with non specific clinic symptoms that not revealed any suspicion for such a complicated disease. Hence, delayed diagnosis and treatment are not uncommon.

Conclusions
So far, no patient has been described with such a triad of rare complications related to acute appendicitis. We want to emphasize the insidious onset of retroperitoneal abscess formation, and the need of prompt recognition and adequate treatment to avoid deleterious outcome.
Acute Complex Type A Dissection associated with peripheral malperfusion syndrome treated with a staged approach guided by lactate levels
Authors: Suliman Amna , Dialynas Michael , Ashrafian Hutan , Bicknell Colin , Mireskandari Maziar , Hamady Mohamad , Athanasiou Thanos 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Acute type A aortic dissection can be complicated by visceral malperfusion and is associated with a significant surgical morbidity and mortality. We describe a case of successful management of a complex acute type A dissection with mesenteric and lower limb ischemia treated with endovascular thoracic stenting and femoro-femoral crossover bypass grafting followed by aortic arch repair. To accomplish this, we applied a staged therapeutic approach using serial lactate measurements to assess the adequacy of peripheral perfusion and metabolic status prior to surgical repair of the proximal dissection.
Should all excised surgical specimens be examined microscopically? A case report
Authors: Raymond Thomas M , Ibrahim Sam , Basnyat Pradeep S 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Microscopic examination of all surgical specimens is controversial.

Case Presentation
We report two cases where examination has revealed unexpected results that have changed patient management and treatment.

Conclusions
Histopathological examination of all tissue should be considered. The benefits and disadvantages of routine examination of tissue are discussed.
Involucrin–claudin-6 tail deletion mutant (CΔ206) transgenic mice: a model of delayed epidermal permeability barrier formation and repair
Authors: Enikanolaiye Adebola , Larivière Nathalie , Troy Tammy-Claire , Arabzadeh Azadeh , Atasoy Elif , Turksen Kursad 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARY
Preterm birth is a major global health problem that results in a large number of infant deaths, many of which are attributable to the complications of an immature epidermal permeability barrier (EPB), for which there is currently no effective therapeutic option. The mammalian EPB is formed during development and is essential for survival as it maintains thermoregulation and hydration, and provides a defense against infection. Using transgenic mouse technology, we have demonstrated the importance of claudin (Cldn)-containing tight junctions (TJs) in epidermal differentiation and, in particular, that epidermal suprabasal overexpression of Cldn6 results in an EPB-deficient phenotype that phenocopies the dysfunctional EPB of premature human infants. In this study, we used the same approach to target a Cldn6 tail deletion mutant to the epidermis of mice [involucrin (Inv)-Cldn6-CΔ206 transgenic mice]. The Inv-Cldn6-CΔ206 transgenic mice displayed a developmental delay in EPB formation, as shown by the expression of keratins and Cldns, and by X-Gal penetration assays. Trans-epidermal water loss measurements and immunolocalization studies indicated that the epidermal differentiation program was also perturbed in postnatal Inv-Cldn6-CΔ206 transgenic mice resulting in a delayed maturation. Notably, however, expression/localization of epidermal differentiation and maturation markers, including Cldns, indicated that the transgenic epidermis matured and normalized by postnatal day 10, which is 3 days after the wild-type epidermis. Our results suggest that activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) pathway and Cldn1 phosphorylation are associated with the repair and maturation of the skin barrier processes. These studies provide additional support for the crucial role of Cldns in epidermal differentiation, maturation and the formation of the EPB, and describe a novel animal model for evaluating postnatal epidermal maturation and therapies that may accelerate the process.
Endoprotease Profiling with Double-Tagged Peptide Substrates: A New Diagnostic Approach in Oncology
Authors: Peccerella Teresa , Lukan Nadine , Hofheinz Ralf , Schadendorf Dirk , Kostrezewa Markus , Neumaier Michael , Findeisen Peter 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground: The measurement of disease-related proteolytic activity in complex biological matrices like serum is of emerging interest to improve the diagnosis of malignant diseases. We developed a mass spectrometry (MS)-based functional proteomic profiling approach that tracks degradation of artificial endoprotease substrates in serum specimens.Methods: The synthetic reporter peptides that are cleaved by tumor-associated endopeptidases were systematically optimized with regard to flanking affinity tags, linkers, and stabilizing elements. Serum specimens were incubated with reporter peptides under standardized conditions and the peptides subsequently extracted with affinity chromatography before MS. In a pilot study an optimized reporter peptide with the cleavage motif WKPYDAADL was added to serum specimens from colorectal tumor patients (n = 50) and healthy controls (n = 50). This reporter peptide comprised a known cleavage site for the cysteine-endopeptidase “cancer procoagulant.”Results: Serial affinity chromatography using biotin- and 6xHis tags was superior to the single affinity enrichment using only 6xHis tags. Furthermore, protease-resistant stop elements ensured signal accumulation after prolonged incubation. In contrast, signals from reporter peptides without stop elements vanished completely after prolonged incubation owing to their total degradation. Reporter-peptide spiking showed good reproducibility, and the difference in proteolytic activity between serum specimens from cancer patients and controls was highly significant (P &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: The introduction of a few structural key elements (affinity tags, linkers, d-amino acids) into synthetic reporter peptides increases the diagnostic sensitivity for MS-based protease profiling of serum specimens. This new approach might lead to functional MS-based protease profiling for improved disease classification.
Association of Apolipoprotein B with Incident Type 2 Diabetes in an Aboriginal Canadian Population1
Authors: Ley Sylvia H , Harris Stewart B , Connelly Philip W , Mamakeesick Mary , Gittelsohn Joel , Wolever Thomas M , Hegele Robert A , Zinman Bernard , Hanley Anthony J 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Background: Expanding evidence indicates that apolipoprotein B (apo B) is superior to LDL cholesterol as a marker of vascular disease. Although traditional lipid measures are known to predict type 2 diabetes, limited data are available regarding apo B. We assessed the association of apo B with incident type 2 diabetes and compared it with traditional lipid variables as a risk predictor in aboriginal Canadians.
Methods: Of an initial cohort of 606 individuals without diabetes in 1993–1995, 540 were contacted for the 10-year follow-up evaluation in 2003–2005. Fasting and 2-h postload glucose concentrations were obtained at baseline and follow-up to determine incident type 2 diabetes. Baseline fasting serum lipids were measured with standard laboratory procedures.
Results: The cumulative 10-year incidence of type 2 diabetes was 17.5%. High concentrations of apo B, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and low concentrations of HDL cholesterol were individually associated with incident type 2 diabetes in univariate analyses. Comparing C statistics of univariate models showed apo B to be a superior determinant of incident diabetes compared with LDL (P = 0.026) or HDL (P = 0.004) cholesterol. With multivariate adjustment including waist circumference, apo B (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.11–2.02) and triglycerides (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.12–1.98) remained associated with incident diabetes, whereas LDL and HDL cholesterol became nonsignificant.
Conclusions: The association of plasma apo B with incident type 2 diabetes and its better prediction of risk compared with LDL or HDL cholesterol suggest the potential for the use of apo B in type 2 diabetes risk communication and prevention.
Frost Deicer Salt Scaling Testing of Concrete: Effect of Drying and Natural Weathering
Authors: Jacobsen S , Marchand J , Boisvert L , Pigeon M , Sellevold EJ 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Laboratory deicer salt scaling of concrete is very sensitive to prior drying and resaturation, weathering, or aging. Previous investigations have shown both positive and negative effects. The object of this investigation was to quantify the effect of pre-conditioning on scaling test results and to provide data for the relationship between laboratory testing and field exposure. Four concretes with W/B = 0.45 and various binders and air void systems were subjected to a range of different pre-treatments. These included a variety of RH, temperature, and wind combinations that resulted in a variety of evaporation rates from free water surface. Other pre-treatments were no drying (virgin condition) and natural weathering for 3 months and 1 year in Québec City. Subsequent resaturation with water and scaling testing with 3% NaCl confirmed that mild drying gives lower scaling than both virgin condition and severe drying. Natural weathering resulted in scaling of the same magnitude as that of mild drying, indicating that the standard mild laboratory drying at 50% relative humidity and 20°C is suitable. The protective effect of the air voids is considered activated after mild drying, vanishes after more severe drying, and not affected by natural weathering. Water filling of air voids during wet curing can be the cause of the high scaling on virgin concrete. 5% silica fume reduced the effect of weathering and drying, and gave lower scaling than OPC concrete. Wet freeze/thaw gives high uptake of liquid compared to capillary absorption and therefore rather severe test conditions.
Prevention of Damage Due to Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR) in Concrete Construction—Canadian Approach
Authors: Thomas MDA , Hooton RD , Rogers CA 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
This paper outlines the philosophy behind the 1994 revision of the Canadian Standards Association guidelines for preventing the risk of damage due to alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) in new construction. Aggregates may be selected based on documented previous field performance, petrographic examination, or satisfactory performance in a sequence of accelerated and long-term expansion tests. If the aggregate is deemed not deleteriously reactive by one of these methods, it may be used in concrete with no further precautions. Potentially alkali-silica reactive aggregates may be considered for use in concrete provided appropriate preventive measures are taken to reduce the risk of damaging expansion. Recommended measures are: (1) limiting the total alkali content of the concrete (from portland cement and other sources) and (2) the use of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs), such as fly ash or slag. Minimum replacement levels are given for fly ash (20 to 30% depending on composition) and slag (50%). If these SCMs are to be used at lower replacement levels or at high concrete alkali levels, concrete-prism testing is required to assure the efficacy of the reduced amount of SCM in controlling expansion with the proposed aggregate. As yet, there is no specific guidance for using silica fume with reactive aggregates. Advice regarding alkali-carbonate reactive aggregates is restricted to selective quarrying and beneficiation to exclude the reactive material.
Use of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity for Fracture Testing of Cemented Materials
Authors: Alexander MG 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The paper describes the use of the ultrasonic pulse velocity technique to measure two important features of fracture in notched concrete beams: the extent of the zone of microcracking that develops ahead of the notch or crack, and the depth of the main (or stress-free) crack. Beams of 100 mm in width and ranging from 100 to 500 mm in depth were tested, and ultrasonic pulses were transmitted longitudinally through the beams at various elevations. Ultrasonic readings taken at elevations above or below the visible crack tip were found to be sensitive to the development of the microcracked zone or to main crack growth, respectively. Based on pulse transit time measurements, the average depth of the microcracked zone was about 44% of the residual beam depth, taking all the beam sizes together. Crack depths estimated from pulse transit times were found to agree with visible crack depths to less than 10% on average.
Modification of the X-Radiography Technique to Include a Contrast Agent for Identifying and Studying Microcracking in Concrete
Authors: Najjar WS , Hover KC 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The utility of X-radiography for the study of microcracking in concrete is significantly enhanced by impregnating cracks and voids with a lead-nitrate contrast agent. When an X-ray flux is passed through a polished concrete specimen, X-rays are readily attenuated by the contrast agent in the cracks, which produces a sharp tonal contrast in the resulting radiograph between cracks and surrounding concrete. Radiographs obtained using this technique are compared with more conventional X-ray images of the same specimens. This method is similar in concept to neutron radiography, in which a neutron-attenuating contrast agent is used for enhancing crack images.
Analytical Investigation of the Influence of Air Bubble Size on the Determination of the Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete
Authors: Hover KC 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
It has been qualitatively suggested that the pressure method for the determination of air content in freshly mixed concrete can be in error when a portion of the entrained air bubbles becomes relatively incompressible due to the increase in internal bubble pressure which accompanies a reduction in bubble diameter. This has been used to explain the observed discrepancy between air meter readings and the air volume reported by microscopic analysis. This paper reports the results of an analytical investigation of the bubble-size effect, in which it is seen that it is unlikely that a sufficient volume of bubbles with the required diameter are present so as to cause the observed discrepancy. In order to demonstrate a significant influence of bubble size on the accuracy of the air meter, one must resort to values for the surface tension of the bubble film which are unjustified. The characteristics of various meters are discussed.
Effect of Air-Entraining Agent on Air-Void Parameters of Low- and High-Calcium Fly Ash Concretes
Authors: Rodway LE 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Five fly ashes with widely varying lime contents from three countries were used for 25% of the cement by mass in identical concrete mixes, including the same quantity of air-entraining agent in each case. The hardened concrete resulted in a satisfactory air-void system in terms of freezing-thawing resistance, regardless of the lime content of fly ash.
Fatigue Behavior of Superplasticized Concrete
Authors: Lee D-Y , Yang JJF , Klaiber FW 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Although many studies have been conducted on the physical properties of superplasticized concrete, very little research has been reported on the fatigue properties of superplasticized concrete. The purpose of this study was to determine the fatigue properties of concretes with superplasticizers and compare these properties with those of concrete without superplasticizers.
More than 120 concrete specimens at three levels of water/cement ratio, and two levels of cement content, with and without superplasticizers, were subjected to compressive fatigue loading in which the stress varied from essentially zero to a predetermined maximum stress as percentages of the compressive strength.
For plain concrete, the fatigue strength of superplasticized concrete was not significantly different from that of nonsuperplasticized concrete. Also, water/cement ratio in the range of 0.4 to 0.6 did not appreciably affect the fatigue strength of superplasticized concretes.
Neoprene Pads for Capping Concrete Cylinders
Authors: Ozyildirim C 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of using neoprene pads confined by steel end caps instead of sulfur-mortar caps in compressive strength tests on 150- by 300-mm (6- by 12-in.) concrete cylinders. The 13-mm (½-in.) thick neoprene pads had a 50 durometer hardness and were cut to fit in the end caps, which had an inside diameter of 159 mm (6¼ in.) with a tolerance of +0 and −2 mm (−1/16 in.). Compressive strength data were obtained from 438 pairs of cylinders prepared in the field from commercial batches of concrete. One cylinder of each pair was tested with neoprene pads and the other with sulfur-mortar caps. Although the results indicate statistically significant differences in the values obtained by the two capping methods, the differences are considered negligible from a practical standpoint. A linear regression analysis indicated a good correlation between the two methods.
Application of CCRL Data in the Formulation of Precision Estimates for Selected Cement Standards
Authors: Pielert JH , Haverfield JW , Spellerberg PA 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Test precision statements are frequently used in evaluating the quality of test results used to judge the acceptibility of materials. This paper provides an overview of the activities of the Materials Reference Laboratories at the National Bureau of Standards and demonstrates how data from the reference sample programs can be analyzed to formulate precision estimates that can then be used to develop precision statements for ASTM test methods. Precision estimates derived from the analysis of CCRL portland, blended, and masonry reference sample data are presented for selected cement tests.