208 research outputs found
Modifying and validating the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for use in Nepal
Background : Efforts to develop and validate fullyâstructured diagnostic interviews of mental disorders in nonâWestern countries have been largely unsuccessful. However, the principled methods of translation, harmonization, and calibration that have been developed by crossânational survey methodologists have never before been used to guide such development efforts. The current report presents the results of a rigorous program of research using these methods designed to modify and validate the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for an epidemiological survey in Nepal. Methods : A fiveâstep process of translation, harmonization, and calibration was used to modify the instrument. A blinded clinical reappraisal design was used to validate the instrument. Results : Preliminary interviews with local mental health expert led to a focus on major depressive episode, mania/hypomania, panic disorder, postâtraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder. After an iterative process of multiple translationsârevisions guided by the principles developed by crossânational survey methodologists, lifetime DSMâIV diagnoses based on the final Nepali CIDI had excellent concordance with diagnoses based on blinded Structured Clinical Interview for DSMâIV (SCID) clinical reappraisal interviews. Conclusions : Valid assessment of mental disorders can be achieved with fullyâstructured diagnostic interviews even in lowâincome nonâWestern settings with rigorous implementation of replicable developmental strategies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/97206/1/mpr1375.pd
In Vivo Fluorescence-Based Endoscopic Detection of Colon Dysplasia in the Mouse Using a Novel Peptide Probe
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in much of the
world. Most CRCs arise from pre-malignant (dysplastic) lesions, such as
adenomatous polyps, and current endoscopic screening approaches with white light
do not detect all dysplastic lesions. Thus, new strategies to identify such
lesions, including non-polypoid lesions, are needed. We aim to identify and
validate novel peptides that specifically target dysplastic colonic epithelium
in vivo. We used phage display to identify a novel peptide
that binds to dysplastic colonic mucosa in vivo in a
genetically engineered mouse model of colo-rectal tumorigenesis, based on
somatic Apc (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene
inactivation. Binding was confirmed using confocal microscopy on biopsied
adenomas and excised adenomas incubated with peptide ex vivo.
Studies of mice where a mutant Kras allele was somatically
activated in the colon to generate hyperplastic epithelium were also performed
for comparison. Several rounds of in vivo T7 library biopanning
isolated a peptide, QPIHPNNM.
The fluorescent-labeled peptide bound to dysplastic lesions on endoscopic
analysis. Quantitative assessment revealed the fluorescent-labeled peptide
(target/background: 2.17±0.61) binds âŒ2-fold greater to the colonic
adenomas when compared to the control peptide (target/background:
1.14±0.15), p<0.01. The peptide did not bind to the non-dysplastic
(hyperplastic) epithelium of the Kras mice. This work is first
to image fluorescence-labeled peptide binding in vivo that is
specific towards colonic dysplasia on wide-area surveillance. This finding
highlights an innovative strategy for targeted detection to localize
pre-malignant lesions that can be generalized to the epithelium of hollow
organs
Feeding Response of Tree Fodder Bhimal (Grewia Optiva) on Growth Performance of Castrated Male Goats
Bhimal (Grewia optiva) is a fodder tree mostly found in mid hills of mid and far western region of Nepal. Bhimal could constitutes one of the main livestock green fodders, especially for goats when fresh green fodder become limited during the winter dry season. However, the feeding value of Bhimal leaves on growth performance of castrated goats probably has not been evaluated so far. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Bhimal leaves feeding on growth performance of castrated male goats for 90 days. Altogether 16 growing castrated male goats of same breed, age and body weight were selected and equally divided into four treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 with four replications by using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Four types of experimental diets were prepared having various levels (0 to 100%) of Bhimal leaves as fodder. Experimental animals of Treatment 1 were fed with seasonal fodder + 100 g concentrate mixture, Treatment 2 with 100% Bhimal fodder + 100 g concentrate mixture, Treatment 3with 75% Bhimal fodder + 25% seasonal fodder + 100 g concentrate mixture, while Treatment 4 with 50% Bhimal fodder + 50% season fodder + 100 g concentrate mixture. All diets were fed ad-lib and experimental animals had free access to drinking water. The diets offered and refusal was measured daily and weight change was observed fortnightly. The result showed that fodder intake (g/d/animal) and total dry matter intake (TDMI g/kg live weight) of goats differed significantly (P<0.01), but concentrate intake was not differed significantly (P<0.01) among treatments. The highest dry matter intake per animal /day was in Treatment 2 (52.75 g/kg live weight) followed by Treatment 4, Treatment 3 and Treatment 1 (51.7, 48.56 and 32.69 g/kg live weight, respectively).The average daily gain in body weight was observed highest in Treatment 2 (66.66 g/d) followed by Treatment 3 (31.66 g/d) and Treatment 4 (30.83 g). The growth rate was significantly (P<0.01) different among diet groups (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.01 for 60, 75 and 90 days, respectively). In case of the feed conversion ratio, Treatment 2 had best ratio (8.79:1) than Treatment 1 (14.21:1), T3 (17.03:1) and Treatment 4 (18.59:1). The present response study showed that body weight in castrated male goats can be increased significantly (P<0.05) implying that in winter season when other green forages are poorly available goat farming can be supported by Bhimal fodder tree.Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council Vol.3 2017: 1-1
Approximation Algorithm for Line Segment Coverage for Wireless Sensor Network
The coverage problem in wireless sensor networks deals with the problem of
covering a region or parts of it with sensors. In this paper, we address the
problem of covering a set of line segments in sensor networks. A line segment `
is said to be covered if it intersects the sensing regions of at least one
sensor distributed in that region. We show that the problem of finding the
minimum number of sensors needed to cover each member in a given set of line
segments in a rectangular area is NP-hard. Next, we propose a constant factor
approximation algorithm for the problem of covering a set of axis-parallel line
segments. We also show that a PTAS exists for this problem.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures
Advancing the translation of optical imaging agents for clinical imaging
Despite the development of a large number of promising candidates, few contrast agents for established medical imaging modalities have successfully been translated over the past decade. The emergence of new imaging contrast agents that employ biomedical optics is further complicated by the relative infancy of the field and the lack of approved imaging devices compared to more established clinical modalities such as nuclear medicine. Herein, we propose a navigational approach (as opposed to a fixed âroadmapâ) for translation of optical imaging agents that is (i)Â proposed through consensus by four academic research programs that are part of the cooperative U54 NCI Network for Translational Research, (ii)Â developed through early experiences for translating optical imaging agents in order to meet distinctly varied needs in cancer diagnostics, and (iii)Â adaptable to the rapidly changing environment of academic medicine. We describe the pathways by which optical imaging agents are synthesized, qualified, and validated for preclinical testing, and ultimately translated for âfirst-in-humansâ studies using investigational optical imaging devices. By identifying and adopting consensus approaches for seemingly disparate optical imaging modalities and clinical indications, we seek to establish a systematic method for navigating the ever-changing âroadmapâ to most efficiently arrive at the destination of clinical adoption and improved outcome and survivorship for cancer patients
A review of approaches to supply chain communications: from manufacturing to construction
With the increasing importance of computer-based communication technologies, communication networks are becoming crucial in supply chain management. Given the objectives of the supply chain: to have the right products in the right quantities, at the right place, at the right moment and at minimal cost, supply chain management is situated at the intersection of different professional sectors. This is particularly the case in construction, since building needs for its fabrication the incorporation of a number of industrial products. This paper provides a review of the main approaches to supply chain communications as used mainly in manufacturing industries. The paper analyses the extent to which these have been applied to construction. It also reviews the on-going developments and research activities in this domain
Estimating nitrogen risk to Himalayan forests using thresholds for lichen bioindicators
Himalayan forests are biodiverse and support the cultural and economic livelihoods of their human communities. They are bounded to the south by the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which has among the highest concentrations of atmospheric ammonia globally. This source of excess nitrogen pushes northwards into the Himalaya, generating concern that Himalayan forests will be impacted. To estimate the extent to which atmospheric nitrogen is impacting Himalayan forests we focussed on lichen epiphytes, which are a well-established bioindicator for atmospheric nitrogen pollution. First, we reviewed published literature describing nitrogen thresholds (critical levels and loads) at which lichen epiphytes are affected, identifying a mean and confidence intervals based on previous research conducted across a diverse set of biogeographic and ecological settings. Second, we used estimates from previously published atmospheric chemistry models (EMEP-WRF and UKCA-CLASSIC) projected to the Himalaya with contrasting spatial resolution and timescales to characterise model variability. Comparing the lichen epiphyte critical levels and loads with the atmospheric chemistry model projections, we created preliminary estimates of the extent to which Himalayan forests are impacted by excess nitrogen; this equated to c. 80â85% and c. 95â98% with respect to ammonia and total nitrogen deposition, respectively. Recognising that lichens are one of the most sensitive bioindicators for atmospheric nitrogen pollution, our new synthesis of previous studies on this topic generated concern that most Himalayan forests are at risk from excess nitrogen. This is a desk-based study that now requires verification through biological surveillance, for which we provide key recommendations
Constitutive expression of apple endo-POLYGALACTURONASE1 in fruit induces early maturation, alters skin structure and accelerates softening
During fruit ripening, polygalacturonases (PGs) are key contributors to the softening process in many species. Apple is a crisp fruit that normally exhibits only minor changes to cell walls and limited fruit softening. Here, we explore the effects of PG overexpression during fruit development using transgenic apple lines overexpressing the ripening-related endo-POLYGALACTURONASE1 gene. MdPG1-overexpressing (PGox) fruit displayed early maturation/ripening with black seeds, conversion of starch to sugars and ethylene production occurring by 80 days after pollination (DAP). PGox fruit exhibited a striking, white-skinned phenotype that was evident from 60 DAP and most likely resulted from increased air spaces and separation of cells in the hypodermis due to degradation of the middle lamellae. Irregularities in the integrity of the epidermis and cuticle were also observed. By 120 DAP, PGox fruit cracked and showed lenticel-associated russeting. Increased cuticular permeability was associated with microcracks in the cuticle around lenticels and was correlated with reduced cortical firmness at all time points and extensive post-harvest water loss from the fruit, resulting in premature shrivelling. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that early maturation was associated with upregulation of genes involved in stress responses, and overexpression of MdPG1 also altered the expression of genes involved in cell wall metabolism (e.g. ÎČ-galactosidase, MD15G1221000) and ethylene biosynthesis (e.g. ACC synthase, MD14G1111500). The results show that upregulation of PG not only has dramatic effects on the structure of the fruit outer cell layers, indirectly affecting water status and turgor, but also has unexpected consequences for fruit development
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