bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Natural Course of Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy With Respiratory Distress Type 1 (SMARD1)
Authors: Eckart Maria , Guenther Ulf-Peter , Idkowiak Jan , Varon Raymonda , Grolle Benjamin , Boffi Patrizia , Van Maldergem Lionel , Hübner Christoph , Schuelke Markus , von Au Katja 
Published: December 2011

Background:
Only scarce information is available on the long-term outcome and the natural course of children with infantile spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) due to mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene.

Objective:
To describe the natural disease course, to systematically quantify the residual capacities of children with SMARD1 who survive on permanent mechanical respiration, and to identify markers predicting the disease outcome at the time of manifestation.

Methods:
We conducted a longitudinal study of 11 infantile SMARD1 patients over a mean observational period of 7.8 (SD 3.2) years. Disease-specific features were continuously assessed by using a semiquantitative scoring system. Additionally, we analyzed the residual enzymatic activity of 6 IGHMBP2 mutants in our patients.

Results:
After an initial rapid decline of the clinical score until the age of 2 years, residual capabilities reached a plateau or even improved. The overall clinical outcome was markedly heterogeneous, but clinical scores at the age of 3 months showed a positive linear correlation with the clinical outcome at 1 year and at 4 years of age. If expressed in an in vitro recombinant system, mutations of patients with more favorable outcomes retained residual enzymatic activity.

Conclusions:
Despite their severe disabilities and symptoms, most SMARD1 patients are well integrated into their home environment and two thirds of them are able to attend kindergarten or school. This information will help to counsel parents at the time of disease manifestation.
Examination of leadership in the local authorities in the North Great Plain region
Authors: Matkó A. , Szűcs E. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
This study deals with the leadership attitudes of local authorities in the North Great Plain region. The study is part of a research project dealing with organisational culture. In order to examine the organisational culture, the GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organisational Behaviour Effectiveness) questionnaire was used, which was also applied in the research programme “Compete the World!” at the Corvinus University in Budapest. Koopman, Den Hartog, Konrad et al. (1999) examined the culture variables of 21 European countries, while Brodbeck et al. examined the values of leadership variables in European clusters. This study deals with the examination of the leadership variables of local authorities. No similar examination of local authorities has ever been presented in the Hungarian and international specialised literature.
Computer program for the calculation of the performance parameters of electromobiles
Authors: Szíki G. Á. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The presented computer program is capable of calculating the performance parameters of electromobiles from the technical parameters of their machine parts. Reached speed and covered distance within a given period of time and also the top speed of the vehicles can be calculated. Moreover, the optimal values of the technical parameters (such as the optimal gear ratio in the chain drive) can be determined indirectly. Thus the program is a useful help for designers of electromobiles and also a useful tool to predict the performance of a given model in the competition.
Classification and re-evaluation of double-skin facades
Authors: Gelesz A. , Reith A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The construction of double-skin glass facades in Hungary has mainly design or acoustic motivations. The potential energy savings or risks of double-skin facades are, however, not commonly evident. This fact is not surprising if we notice that there is no widely excepted classification of these constructions. In the following article different facade typologies are compared (Pottgiesser, BBRI, Széll) and an attempt to develop a transparent classification system is made. Subsequently a few chosen facade types, which are expected to perform well in the Hungarian climate, are evaluated through computer simulation programs to serve as a guideline for the design on climates similar to the domestic one.
The Effect of Etidronate on the Periodontium of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Said Faika , Ghoul‐Mazgar Sonia , Khemiss Fathia , El Ayeb Hind , Saidane Dalila , Berdal Ariane , Ruhin‐Poncet Blandine 
Published: December 2011

Background: Bisphosphonates are indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, they could have an adverse effect on specific sites, such as the bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of etidronate on the resorption and apposition sides of the periodontium in ovariectomized rats.Methods: Twenty‐four female Wistar rats were randomly subjected to either ovariectomy or sham operation. After 8 weeks, six animals of each group were sacrificed. The other 12 rats received 5 mg/kg/day etidronate subcutaneously during 4 weeks. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase reaction and immunohistochemical staining for receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (RANK), RANK‐ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and osteocalcin was performed. Immunoreactivity was evaluated using a semiquantitative analysis.Results: In ovariectomized rats, osteoclasts were noticed in the root socket of molars, including the apposition side of the periodontium, in which RANKL expression was significantly evidenced. In the etidronate‐treated group, OPG expression was significantly expressed and osteoclasts that were noticed in the resorption side remained undetected in the apposition side even under ovariectomy. RANK was significantly expressed in ovariectomized rats treated with etidronate. Osteoid formation and osteocalcin expression were described on the alveolar bone surfaces in etidronate‐treated rats, with or without ovariectomy.Conclusions: Etidronate has specific site and bone cell actions in the periodontium. It inhibits the osteoclast differentiation induced by ovariectomy in the apposition side of the periodontium but maintains bone formation over all the socket surfaces. Such specificity may be related to the pathogenesis of the bisphosphonate‐induced osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Oral Bacterial DNA Differ in Their Ability to Induce Inflammatory Responses in Human Monocytic Cell Lines
Authors: Sahingur Sinem Esra , Xia Xia‐Juan , Schifferle Robert E. 
Published: December 2011

Background: Deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) of periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Tannerella forsythia, stimulate cytokine production in human monocytic cells (THP‐1) through Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9) and nuclear factor‐κB signaling. Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is one of the most frequently isolated bacteria in periodontally diseased tissues and is reported to synergize with Pg, enhancing the pathogenicity. We investigate inflammatory mediator production in THP‐1 cells challenged with Fn and Streptococcus sanguinis (Ss) DNA, a non‐pathogenic oral bacteria, and further assess whether cytokines triggered by whole pathogens or Pg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are affected by TLR‐9 signaling inhibitors (chloroquine).Methods: THP‐1 cells were stimulated with Pg‐DNA (100 ng/μL), Fn‐DNA (100 ng/μL), Ss‐DNA (100 ng/μL), Pg‐LPS (10 ng/μL), and heat‐killed whole bacteria (multiplicity of infection, 1:100) for 16 hours with or without chloroquine pretreatment (10 μg/mL). Interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance with multiple comparisons using Dunnett or Tukey methods and paired t test. A value of P <0.05 was significant.Results: Inflammatory mediator levels were increased in response to all the stimuli with the exception of Ss‐DNA (P <0.05). Chloroquine pretreatment significantly decreased cytokine production from THP‐1 cells with the exception of IL‐6 production triggered by whole Fn and Ss (P <0.05).Conclusions: Differences exist among oral bacterial DNA in inducing immune responses. By altering the conditions in cytosolic compartments, we can interfere with cellular responses triggered by extracellular receptor activation. Thus, alternative treatment approaches targeted to intracellular receptors might be of benefit in controlling periodontal inflammation.
Hydrogeophysical Investigations at Hidden Dam, Raymond, California
Authors: Minsley Burke J. , Burton Bethany L. , Ikard Scott , Powers Michael H. 
Published: December 2011

Self-potential and direct current resistivity surveys are carried out at the Hidden Dam site in Raymond, California to assess present-day seepage patterns and better understand the hydrogeologic mechanisms that likely influence seepage. Numerical modeling is utilized in conjunction with the geophysical measurements to predict variably-saturated flow through typical two-dimensional dam cross-sections as a function of reservoir elevation. Several different flow scenarios are investigated based on the known hydrogeology, as well as information about typical subsurface structures gained from the resistivity survey. The flow models are also used to simulate the bulk electrical resistivity in the subsurface under varying saturation conditions, as well as the self-potential response using petrophysical relationships and electrokinetic coupling equations. The self-potential survey consists of 512 measurements on the downstream area of the dam, and corroborates known seepage areas on the northwest side of the dam. Two direct-current resistivity profiles, each approximately [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] long, indicate a broad sediment channel under the northwest side of the dam, which may be a significant seepage pathway through the foundation. A focusing of seepage in low-topography areas downstream of the dam is confirmed from the numerical flow simulations, which is also consistent with past observations. Little evidence of seepage is identified from the self-potential data on the southeast side of the dam, also consistent with historical records, though one possible area of focused seepage is identified near the outlet works. Integration of the geophysical surveys, numerical modeling, and observation well data provides a framework for better understanding seepage at the site through a combined hydrogeophysical approach.
Machine learning techniques applied to prediction of residual strength of clay
Authors: Das Sarat , Samui Pijush , Khan Shakilu , Sivakugan Nagarathnam 
Published: December 2011

AbstractStability with first time or reactivated landslides depends upon the residual shear strength of soil. This paper describes prediction of the residual strength of soil based on index properties using two machine learning techniques. Different Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models and Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques have been used. SVM aims at minimizing a bound on the generalization error of a model rather than at minimizing the error on the training data only. The ANN models along with their generalizations capabilities are presented here for comparisons. This study also highlights the capability of SVM model over ANN models for the prediction of the residual strength of soil. Based on different statistical parameters, the SVM model is found to be better than the developed ANN models. A model equation has been developed for prediction of the residual strength based on the SVM for practicing geotechnical engineers. Sensitivity analyses have been also performed to investigate the effects of different index properties on the residual strength of soil.
Unmet needs for family planning in Sunsari, eastern Nepal
Authors: Paudel IS , Budhathoki SS 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: The unmet need for family planning is a very useful tool in measuring and predicting the contraceptive needs of a population. Seventeen percent of all married women would prefer to avoid pregnancy but are not using any form of family planning. In less developed countries, about one forth of pregnancies is unintended. Objective: To determine the level of unmet need for family planning and evaluate the factors that influences the unmet needs in Married Women of Reproductive Age (MRWA). Methods: A cross-sectional study of 410 women attending the immunization clinic of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, a teaching hospital in Dharan was carried out over 3 months. Results: MRWA had 22%, 15% and 8% unmet needs for family planning, spacing and limiting births respectively. Health concerns and side effects (30.5%), husband and family opposition (14%), uncertainty about child bearing (12.2%) and inconvenience (10%) were among the major constraints to the use of contraception. Unmet need has significant association between parity & education. Age and family type had no significant effect on unmet needs. Conclusion: In spite of high level of awareness about family planning method, a significant level of unmet need exists among women of reproductive age. Keywords: unmet needs; family planning; married women of reproductive age; MRWA DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5581 HR 2011; 9(3): 148-151
Epidemiology of back pain in the teaching districts of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Authors: Shrestha BP , Niraula S , Khanal GP , Karn NK , Chaudhary P , Rijal R , Maharjan R 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: The prevalence of back pain is very high in the general population but little is known about the predictors of back pain in the general population. Though certain risk factors have been associated with back pain, these are mentioned in Western literature. It is not known how much of these hold true for a developing country like Nepal. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of back pain in the Teaching Districts of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and to identify predictors of back pain in the community. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and fourteen persons of eighteen years and above were included in this cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from January 2006 to December 2009 using pretested questionnaires. Results: The annual prevalence of back pain among males (67.9%) and females (74.3%) were similar (P>0.05) and the overall annual prevalence was 71%. The highest prevalence of back pain was found in the age group of 31-40 years. Age, marriage and occupation were related significantly to the occurrence of back pain. The total duration of back pain in one year was less than 15 days in 73%. The number of workdays lost was upto 5 in 81% of people with back pain. Conclusion: Back pain is a very common complaint among the adult population in the community. Population belonging to 31-50 age group, married status and farmers and labourers are more prone to have back pain. Gender, height and weight are not associated with back pain. Keywords: back pain; predictors; community. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5582 HR 2011; 9(3): 152-156
Hundred psychiatric outpatients presented with attempted suicide
Authors: Sapkota N , Pandey AK , Shyangwa PM , Shakya DR , Thapa DK 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: Suicide is a major public health concern and it is one of the commonest Psychiatric emergencies. Suicide rates are increasing and have become a global concern with more than 600,000 suicidal attempts every year in the United States, alone. There is no national data available for Nepal. This hospital based study may help in understanding about the cause and methods of suicide attempts. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the (i) methods and precipitating cause for attempted suicide (ii) to study the relationship between major socio-demographic variables and attempted suicide. This study may be helpful in formulating suicide prevention strategies at different levels. Methods: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary level hospital. Consecutive 100 cases of attempted suicide coming in contact to an investigating team were evaluated for methods opted for attempting suicide and underlying cause was explored. Demographic variables were recorded and analysed. Results: Majority of the suicide attempters (67%) were less than 35 years of age, and female outnumbered male. Sixty one percent of the subject belonged to rural background. Out of 100 suicide attempters 40% of them have completed SLC and majority of them were students. Fifty-four percent of the sample consumed pesticides and 25% of the cases used highly lethal means. Majority of the persons (58%) had psychiatric co morbidities in which depression was the commonest. Interpersonal conflict accounted for 18% of the cases followed by marital problems (13%) as triggering factors of attempted suicide. Conclusion: Majority of the suicide attempters were young and having psychiatric disorders. Most of the attempters were from rural areas. Keywords: Attempted suicide; psychiatric co morbidities; Interpersonal conflict. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5584 HR 2011; 9(3): 162-167
Caesarean section: its rates and indications at a tertiary referral center in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Chhetri S , Singh U 
Published: December 2011

Background: There has been a sustained increase in the rate of caesarean section in the last few years around the world. Data regarding the current caesarean rate and the trends of its indications in eastern Nepal have not been estimated earlier. Aim: To assess the rate of caesarean sections and the varying indications for caesarean section in a tertiary referral center in eastern Nepal. Methods: All hospital deliveries that took place in BPKIHS between January 2006 and December 2007 were recorded to assess the caesarean section rate and its indications. Results: A total of 5330 deliveries were conducted in 2006. Likewise the total number of deliveries conducted in 2007 was 6634. In 2006 caesarean sections were performed in 28.6% (1524) of all patients. The rate of caesarean sections in 2007 increased and was 33.7% (2239). The most common indication for caesarean section was meconiumstained liquor, which constituted 23.4% (883). The next frequent indication was previous caesarean section, which accounted for 17.2% (650), followed by breech presentation in 11.1% (417), fetal distress in 9.6% (364), non-progress of labor in 7.2% (270), cephalopelvic disproportion in 6.2% (234, and placenta previa in 4.4% (165). Conclusions: There is a increasing trend of performing cesarean section in the tertiary referral center in east era Nepal. The most common indication for cesarean section is meconium-stained liquor. Keywords: Caesarean section; caesarean delivery rates; Nepal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5587 HR 2011; 9(3): 179-183
Nutritional assessment of children at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital
Authors: Rijal P , Sharma A , Shrestha S , Upadhyay S 
Published: December 2011

Background: Child malnutrition is the single biggest contributor to under-five morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and types of malnutrition in children below 60 months of age, attending outpatient department at Nepal medical college teaching hospital in Attarkhel, Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in five hundred and twelve children below 60 months of age from September 2010 to April 2011. Children detailed history, sex, weight were recorded and length/height were measured using standard technique. The length /height and weight were plotted on WHO centiles curves.1The malnutrition were graded according to WHO classification. Result: Out of 512 children, according to WHO based on weight for age assessment , 148 (28.9%) were undernourished .Subsequently, in weight for height analysis, 73 (14.2%) were wasted and in height for age assessment, 64 (12.5%) were stunted. The present study also shows , 59 (11.5%), 50 (9.80%) and 14 (2.7%) children with acute, chronic and acute on chronic malnutrition. Conclusion: This study revealed that a high prevalence of undernutrition exists in Nepalese children. Overall, 28.9% children were undernourished. Illiteracy, large family size, not exclusively breast feeding, delayed weaning and low socio- economic status are the major risk factors for malnutrition. Keywords: anthropometry; undernutrition; World Health Organization. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5588 HR 2011; 9(3): 184-188
Knowledge and practice of mothers regarding breast feeding: a hospital based study
Authors: Chaudhary RN , Shah T , Raja S 
Published: December 2011

Background: Although breastfeeding is a common practice in Nepal, proper breastfeeding is on the decline due to several factors. The impact of knowledge about breastfeeding practice, i.e., duration of breastfeeding, proper techniques, proper time of weaning is poorly understood. Objective: To assess the knowledge and actual practices of mothers regarding breastfeeding. Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out on 200 mothers of under 1 year old children who attending the pediatric Out Patient Department, well baby clinic and immunization clinic at BPKIHS, Dharan. Mothers were interviewed using pre-designed questionnaire. Result: All mothers knew that they had to breast feed their babies, but they did not have adequate knowledge about the appropriate way of breastfeeding. 10% knew that they have to initiate breast feeding within ½ hour of birth, 10% had idea on prelacteal feed, 25% had idea on importance of colostrums, 15% knew the meaning of exclusive breast feeding, and 15% of the mothers had idea on importance of night feeding. 41.5% mothers initiated breast feeding within ½ hour of birth, 33% mothers gave prelacteal feed, colostrum was fed by 95%, 15% were practicing exclusive breast feeding, 90% mothers were practicing night feeds, 15% mothers practiced feeding one side at a time, 60% mothers were practicing inappropriate attachment and positioning, None of the mothers got any advice regarding breast feeding during ANC visits. Conclusion: Undesirable cultural practices such as giving prelacteal feeds, late initiation of breastfeeding after birth, delay in introduction of weaning foods and avoiding exclusive breastfeeding are still prevalent among the mothers. The maternal knowledge towards breast feeding was inadequate and there was a big gap between actual and desired practices. Keywords: breast feeding; colostrums; weaning DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5590 HR 2011; 9(3): 194-200
Generalized granuloma annulare
Authors: Kar S , Mohankar A , Krishnan A , Preetha K 
Published: December 2011

A 55 year old female came to Skin OPD with extensive pruritic annular papules and plaques over both upper limbs, lower limbs, back and abdomen. Biopsy from one of the lesion confirmed histopathologiclly Granuloma annulare. This case is being presented for its extensive skin involvement without any systemic disorder. Keywords: Generalized Granuloma Annulare DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5592 HR 2011; 9(3): 207-209