bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant effect of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Saravanan Nadana , Rajasankar Srinivasagam , Nalini Namasivayam 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common diseases in society. A large number of studies are in progress to identify natural substances that are effective in reducing the severity of ALD. 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA), the active principle of Hemidesmus indicus, an indigenous Ayurvedic medicinal plant in India, is expected to significantly inhibit the development of liver injury in ethanol administration. It is expected to reduce the severity of liver damage in terms of body weight, hepatic marker enzymes, oxidative stress, antioxidant status and histological changes in ethanol-induced hepatotoxic rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering 20% ethanol (5 g kg−1 daily) for 60 days to male Wistar rats, which resulted in significantly decreased body weight and an increase in liver-body weight ratio. The liver marker enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase were elevated. In addition, the levels of plasma, erythrocyte and hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes were also elevated in ethanol-fed rats as compared with those of the experimental control rats. Decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C and α-tocopherol was also observed on alcohol administration as compared with experimental control rats. HMBA was co-administered at a dose of 200 μgkg−1 daily for the last 30 days of the experiment to rats with alcohol-induced liver injury, which significantly increased body weight, significantly decreased the liver-body weight ratio, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase, significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidative markers, significantly elevated the activity of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants in plasma, erythrocytes and liver and also increased levels of plasma and liver vitamin C and α-tocopherol at the end of the experimental period as compared with untreated ethanol-administered rats. The histological changes were also in correlation with the biochemical findings. The results suggest that HMBA administration may afford protection against ethanol-induced liver injury in rats.
Protective effect of a phenolic-rich fraction from Schisandra chinensis against H2O2-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Jung Chang Hwa , Hong Myung Hee , Kim Ji Hye , Lee Ji Yun , Ko Seong Gyu , Cho Kiho , Seog Ho Moon 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
We have investigated the neuroprotective effects of a phenolic-rich fraction (PRF) on the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis of cultured SH-SY5Y cells. The PRF was obtained from the 80% ethanol extract of the fruits of Schisandra chinensis by Sepabeads SP-850 column chromatography. Cell viability assays revealed that pretreating SH-SY5Y cells with PRF (10–200 μgmL−1) resulted in significant dose-dependent protection against H2O2-induced cell death. The protective effect of PRF against H2O2-induced apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometric analysis of DNA contents using propidium iodide (PI) staining. Pre-incubation of cells with PRF at different concentrations for 24 h partially protected apoptosis by H2O2 (150 μM). Moreover, cells treated with PRF reduced H2O2-induced caspase-3 activation and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and exerted an apparent suppressive effect on oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We concluded that PRF may be useful in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases associated with elevated ROS levels.
Effect of Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C (Asteraceae) extracts and its isolated compounds on macrophage activation
Authors: Missima Fabiane , Filho Ademar A da Silva , Nunes Gladston A , Bueno Paula C Pires , De Sousa João Paulo B , Bastos Jairo K , Sforcin Jose M 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae), a shrub which grows wild in Brazil, is the main botanical source of Brazilian green propolis. Since Brazilian propolis shows an immunomodulatory activity, the goal of this work was to evaluate the action of B. dracunculifolia extracts and some of its isolated compounds on reactive oxygen intermediate (H2O2) production by macrophages obtained from male BALB/c mice. The results showed that the leaf (Bd-L) (25, 50, and 100 μg mL−1), leaf rinse (Bd-LR) (25 μg mL−1), and the root (Bd-R) (25 μg mL−1) extracts enhanced H2O2 release by macrophages. A phytochemical study of the root and leaves of B. dracunculifolia was carried out. The chromatographic fractionation of Bd-R, using several techniques, afforded the isolation of baccharis oxide (1), friedelanol (2), viscidone (11), 11-hydroxy-10,11-dihydro-euparin (12), and 6-hydroxy-tremetona (13), while Bd-LR gave the following isolated compounds: baccharis oxide (1), friedelanol (2), isosakuranetin (3), aromadendrin-4′-methyl ether (4), dihydrocumaric acid (5), baccharin (6), hautriwaic acid lactone (7), hautriwaic acid acetate (8), drupanin (9), and cumaric acid (10). Among the isolated compounds, baccharis oxide (1) and friedelanol (2) increased H2O2 production at a concentration of 100μM. This is the first time that the presence of compounds 7, 8, 12, and 13 in B. dracunculifolia has been reported. Based on these results it is suggested that the crude extracts and some isolated compounds from B. dracunculifolia display an immunomodulatory action.
Numerical analysis of heterogeneous combustion in a ducted rocket
Authors: Salvá J J , Tizón J M , Jenaro G , Agudo C López 
Published: February 2007

A model to analyse the heterogeneous combustion process that takes place in an axisymmetric combustor of an air ducted rocket is presented, including radiation. The fuel, injected into the combustor through a simple injector, is a mixture of gaseous products, carbon particles, and MgO inert particles that results from the combustion of a solid fuel (HTPB-AP-Mg). The turbulence model used is the realizable k—π model. The adopted reaction model is a reduced kinetic scheme composed of five reactions, three in gaseous phase and two heterogeneous. The model ‘finite rate/eddy dissipation model of Magnussen and Hjertager’ is used to calculate the production terms in the gas phase, meanwhile the mixed model of Field, Baum, and Street is used for the oxidation reaction of carbon particles. After a detailed analysis of the numerical results, obtained with a commercial code for a specific combustor geometry and one set of boundary conditions both for the gaseous and solid phases, the existence of a special combustion pattern is found. It is composed of a turbulent diffusion jet flame attached to the injector, where only the gaseous fuel is burned, followed by a reaction region that envelops the jet of carbon particles at the aft of the combustion chamber. This jet of carbon particles oxidizes at a finite rate producing CO and CO2. The emission of CO and C(s) from the combustor is the main cause of high efficiency reduction. Radiation has little effect on calculated global variables, such as efficiency, mass flowrate, and total pressure loss, but on the contrary its effects on the temperature fields became important. Chilling of the gas phase was observed together with a reduction of solid particle temperature, however wall combustor temperature increased greatly. Simulation results are interpreted in the light of experimental observations and available numerical solutions in the literature.
Thermomechanical investigation of the cortical bone analogue in third-generation Sawbones femurs
Authors: Bell C G R , Weinrauch P , Crawford R , Pearcy M 
Published: February 2007

The mechanical properties of the short glass fibre reinforced (SGFR) epoxy resin used as the cortical bone analogue in the third-generation Sawbones femurs were investigated for use within orthopaedic benchtop tests. Tensile and four-point bending tests were used to assess the material properties of the SGFR epoxy at both room (22° C) and body temperatures (37° C). The 20 standardized specimens used for the materials testing were machined from third-generation Sawbones femurs. The flexural properties of the specimens were determined using ASTM D6272-02 and the tensile properties were obtained using ASTM D638-02. The mean (and standard deviation, or SD) values of the modulus of elasticity in four-point bending for room and body temperature specimens of 7.8 (0.64) GPa and 2.8 (0.66) GPa respectively were significantly different ( P < 0.001). The mean (and SD) values of the modulus of elasticity in tension for the room and body temperature specimens of 9.4 (0.8) GPa and 5.4 (1.3) GPa respectively were also significantly different ( P = 0.02). The modulus of elasticity of SGFR epoxy is highly temperature dependent. A reduction in the modulus of elasticity of up to 63 per cent was observed when increasing the temperature of the specimens from room to body temperature. SGFR epoxy Sawbones do not accurately represent the material properties of bone at body temperature.
Trends in road traffic crashes, casualties and fatalities in Malawi
Authors: Olukoga Abiodun 
Published: February 2007

There were 58,858 road traffic crashes, 39,111 casualties and 8,504 fatalities reported in Malawi between 1987 and 1995. This represented a 31% increase in the number of road traffic crashes, 42% increase in the number of casualties and 105% increase in the number of fatalities during the study period. The number of licensed vehicles in Malawi increased by 88%, from 43,762 to 82,218, and the number of road traffic crashes per 1000 vehicles decreased by 30% during the same period, from 118.9 to 82.9. The number of casualties per 1000 vehicles decreased by 30%, from 73.5 to 55.6, but the number of fatalities per 10,000 vehicles increased only slightly by about 12%, from 126.8 to 138.7. Despite a 34% increase in the population of Malawi from 8 million to 10.7 million between 1987 and 1995, only minimal changes were reported in both the number of road traffic crashes per 10,000 population and the casualties per 10,000 population. But the number of road traffic fatalities per 100,000 population increased by 55%, from 6.9 to 10.7.
Clinical screening for HIV in a health centre setting in urban Kenya: an entry point for voluntary counselling, HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV infection?
Authors: Arendt V , Mossong J , Zachariah R , Inwani C , Farah B , Robert I , Waelbrouck A , Fonck K 
Published: February 2007

A study was conducted among patients attending a public health centre in Nairobi, Kenya in order to (a) verify the prevalence of HIV, (b) identify clinical risk factors associated with HIV and (c) determine clinical markers for clinical screening of HIV infection at the health centre level. Of 304 individuals involved in the study,107(35%) were HIV positive. A clinical screening algorithm based on four clinical markers, namely oral thrush, past or present TB, past or present herpes zoster and prurigo would pick out 61 (57%) of the 107 HIV-positive individuals. In a resource-poor setting, introducing a clinical screening algorithm for HIV at the health centre level could provide an opportunity for targeting voluntary counselling and HIV testing, and early access to a range of prevention and care interventions.
Challenges in HIV post-exposure prophylaxis for occupational injuries in a large teaching hospital in Malawi
Authors: van Oosterhout Joep J G , Nyirenda Mulinda , Beadsworth Michael B J , Kanyangalika Joseph K , Kumwenda Johnstone J , Zijlstra Eduard E 
Published: February 2007

We describe the evaluation of the HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programme for occupational injuries in Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. An audit was performed 1 year after introduction, by reviewing files of all clients who sought advice regarding PEP. In addition, the incidence of occupational injuries and awareness of the programme were assessed through interviews with nurses. The logistics of the programme were adequate. Of 29 clients who reported occupational injuries,19 started PEP. Only double antiretroviral drug therapy was available; side-effects were common but generally mild. Attendance of scheduled follow-up visits was poor, and few HIV test results after completion of PEP were obtained. Interviews with nurses revealed a high incidence of occupational injuries, but many did not report for advice about PEP; mostly because of unawareness of the programme and a reluctance to be tested for HIV.
Use of protective eyewear among surgeons in a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria
Authors: Tukur J , Yakubu A A , Sheshe A A , Abubakar I S 
Published: February 2007

The study was a prospective study during which a hand-held lens was used to examine the goggles of all surgeons who used them during surgery at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Only 169 (54.8%) of the 308 surgeons used eye protection during surgery. There was at least a bloodstain on 70 (41.4%) of the goggles. There is need to enforce universal precautions during surgery to protect the eyes of surgeons from blood drops of the patient being operated.
Induction of labour with intravaginal misoprostol and prostaglandin E2 gel: a comparative study
Authors: Nanda Smiti , Singhal Savita Rani , Papneja Akta 
Published: February 2007

A prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital on 100 pregnant women admitted for induction of labour to compare the effect of misoprostol and dinoprostone on the induction of labour. The patients were divided randomly into two groups of 50 each. Group I received 25 μ;g misoprostol intravaginally every 3 h (maximum dose 200 μ);g), and Group II received 0.5 mg PGE2 gel (dinoprostonev) intracervically every 6 h (maximum three doses in 24 h) until good uterine contractions started. The primary outcome measure was vaginal delivery occurring within 24 h of administration of the first dose of either study drug (successful induction). Statistical analysis were conducted using x2 test, Fisher exact test, Student's t-test and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). In the misoprostol group, more patients achieved successful inductions as compared with the dinoprostone group, 80% vs. 62% ( P = 0.0473, RR 1.63, 95% CI 0.95-2.81). The mean induction to delivery interval (IDI) was shorter in the misoprostol group, 13.30±8.74 (3-40.15) hours, as compared with the dinoprostone group, 18.53±11.33 (2-48.07) hours ( P = 0.011). Misoprostol was associated with significantly less oxytocin use (18% vs. 50%) as compared with dinoprostone ( P = 0.001 RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.19-0.69). In conclusion, although both misoprostol and dinoprostone appear to be effective agents for labour induction, misoprostol is cheaper, stable at room temperature, has shorter IDI and requires less oxytocin. These results make misoprostol superior to dinoprostone for induction of labour especially in developing and tropical countries.
Prevalence of blindness and its causes among those aged 50 years and above in rural Karnataka, South India
Authors: Chandrashekhar T S , Bhat H V , Pai R P , Nair S K 
Published: February 2007

To estimate the prevalence of blindness and its causes among those aged 50 years and above in rural Karnataka. A total of 1505 people aged 50 years and above from 15 villages were examined. The participants were selected through a house-to-house survey by the cluster sampling method. Visual acuity was tested using a modified Snellen's chart, and eyes were examined to ascertain the cause of blindness. The prevalence of blindness was 6.6% (95% confidence interval: 5.3-7.8%). Bilateral cataract was the principal cause of blindness among 78.7% of the blind and 12.1% were operated for cataract. In conclusion, the study area has a high burden of cataract blindness. Cataract surgical services should be made readily accessible and available to this rural population.
Measles epidemiology in Mazandaran province, Iran, 2000-2002
Authors: Saffar M J , Amiri-Alreza M , Baba-Mahmoodi F , Saffar H 
Published: February 2007

To determine the incidence and characteristics of measles, cases reported to the Health Center for Diseases Control 2000-2002 were reviewed. Demographics data, vaccination status and its relation to occurrence the disease were analysed. A total of 729 cases (270 women,162, 269, 298, over the 3 years) were reported. The annual incidence rates over the 3 years were 7.1, 11.9 and 12.7 for each 105 population. In full vaccinated subjects, 46.5% of the cases occurred and 39.9% of the cases had not been vaccinated. Because of the high incidence rate of measles both in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, paying more attention to proper shipping and storing of vaccine, and even catch-up immunization for increasing herd immunity are recommended.
Reconstruction with non-vascularised fibular grafts after resection of bone tumours
Authors: Krieg A. H. , Hefti F. 
Published: February 2007

We evaluated 31 patients who were treated with a non-vascularised fibular graft after resection of primary musculoskeletal tumours, with a median follow-up of 5.6 years (3 to 26.7 years). Primary union was achieved in 89% (41 of 46) of the grafts in a median period of 24 weeks. All 25 grafts in 18 patients without additional chemotheraphy and/or radiotherapy achieved primary union, compared with 16 of the 21 grafts (76%; 13 patients) with additional therapy (p = 0.017). Radiographs showed an increase in diameter in 70% (59) of the grafts. There were seven fatigue fractures in six patients, but only two needed treatment. Non-vascularised fibular transfer is a simpler, less expensive and a shorter procedure than the use of vascularised grafts and allows remodelling of the fibula at the donor site. It is a biological reconstruction with good long-term results, and a relatively low donor site complication rate of 16%.
Repair of osteochondral defects with a new porous synthetic polymer scaffold
Authors: Nagura I. , Fujioka H. , Kokubu T. , Makino T. , Sumi Y. , Kurosaka M. 
Published: February 2007

We developed a new porous scaffold made from a synthetic polymer, poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG), and evaluated its use in the repair of cartilage. Osteochondral defects made on the femoral trochlear of rabbits were treated by transplantation of the PLG scaffold, examined histologically and compared with an untreated control group. Fibrous tissue was initially organised in an arcade array with poor cellularity at the articular surface of the scaffold. The tissue regenerated to cartilage at the articular surface. In the subchondral area, new bone formed and the scaffold was absorbed. The histological scores were significantly higher in the defects treated by the scaffold than in the control group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that in an animal model the new porous PLG scaffold is effective for repairing full-thickness osteochondral defects without cultured cells and growth factors.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation in the surgical management of lumbar tuberculous spondylitis
Authors: Lee J. S. , Moon K. P. , Kim S. J. , Suh K. T. 
Published: February 2007

There are few reports of the treatment of lumbar tuberculous spondylitis using the posterior approach. Between January 1999 and February 2004, 16 patients underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion with autogenous iliac-bone grafting and pedicle screw instrumentation. Their mean age at surgery was 51 years (28 to 66). The mean follow-up period was 33 months (24 to 48). The clinical outcome was assessed using the Frankel neurological classification and the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria. On the Frankel classification, one patient improved by two grades (C to E), seven by one grade, and eight showed no change. The Kirkaldy-Willis functional outcome was classified as excellent in eight patients, good in five, fair in two and poor in one. Bony union was achieved within one year in 15 patients. The mean pre-operative lordotic angle was 27.8° (9° to 45°) which improved by the final follow-up to 35.8° (28° to 48°). Post-operative complications occurred in four patients, transient root injury in two, a superficial wound infection in one and a deep wound infection in one, in whom the implant was removed. Our results show that a posterior lumbar interbody fusion with autogenous iliac-bone grafting and pedicle screw instrumentation for tuberculous spondylitis through the posterior approach can give satisfactory results.
A biomechanical comparison of kyphoplasty using a balloon bone tamp versus an expandable polymer bone tamp in a deer spine model
Authors: Seel E. H. , Davies E. M. 
Published: February 2007

We performed a biomechanical study to compare the augmentation of isolated fractured vertebral bodies using two different bone tamps. Compression fractures were created in 21 vertebral bodies harvested from red deer after determining their initial strength and stiffness, which was then assessed after standardised bipedicular vertebral augmentation using a balloon or an expandable polymer bone tamp. The median strength and stiffness of the balloon bone tamp group was 6.71 kN (sd 2.71) and 1.885 kN/mm (sd 0.340), respectively, versus 7.36 kN (sd 3.43) and 1.882 kN/mm (sd 0.868) in the polymer bone tamp group. The strength and stiffness tended to be greater in the polymer bone tamp group than in the balloon bone tamp group, but this difference was not statistically significant (strength p > 0.8, and stiffness p = 0.4).
Treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip using the Pavlik harness
Authors: Nakamura J. , Kamegaya M. , Saisu T. , Someya M. , Koizumi W. , Moriya H. 
Published: February 2007

We reviewed the medical records of 115 patients with 130 hips with developmental dysplasia with complete dislocation in the absence of a neuromuscular disorder, spontaneous reduction with a Pavlik harness, and a minimum of 14 years’ follow-up. The mean age at the time of harness application was 4.8 months (1 to 12) and the mean time spent in the harness was 6.1 months (3 to 12). A total of 108 hips (83.1%) were treated with the harness alone and supplementary surgery for residual acetabular dysplasia, as defined by an acetabular index > 30°, was performed in 22 hips (16.9%). An overall satisfactory outcome (Severin grade I or II) was achieved in 119 hips (91.5%) at a mean follow-up of 16 years (14 to 32) with a follow-up rate of 75%. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was noted in 16 hips (12.3%), seven of which (44%) underwent supplementary surgery and nine (56%) of which were classified as satisfactory. The acetabular index was the most reliable predictor of residual acetabular dysplasia.
Proximal scaphoid rib graft arthroplasty
Authors: Veitch S. , Blake S. M. , David H. 
Published: February 2007

We prospectively reviewed 14 patients with deficiency of the proximal pole of the scaphoid who were treated by rib osteochondral replacement arthroplasty. Improvement in wrist function occurred in all except one patient with enhanced grip strength, less pain and maintenance of wrist movement. In 13 patients wrist function was rated as good or excellent according to the modified wrist function score of Green and O’Brien. The mean pre-operative score of 54 (35 to 80) rose to 79 (50 to 90) at review at a mean of 64 months (27 to 103). Carpal alignment did not deteriorate in any patient and there were no cases of nonunion or significant complications. This procedure can restore the mechanical integrity of the proximal pole of the scaphoid satisfactorily and maintain wrist movement while avoiding the potential complications of alternative replacement arthroplasty techniques and problems associated with vascularised grafts and salvage techniques.