bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rolled Rye Mulch for Weed Suppression in Organic No-Tillage Soybeans
Authors: Smith Adam N. , Reberg-Horton S. Chris , Place George T. , Meijer Alan D. , Arellano Consuelo , Mueller J. Paul
Published: April 2011

Rising demand for organic soybeans and high price premiums for organic products have stimulated producer interest in organic soybean production. However, organic soybean producers and those making the transition to organic production cite weed management as their main limitation. Current weed management practices heavily rely on cultivation. Repeated cultivation is expensive and has negative consequences on soil health. Research is needed to improve organic reduced tillage production. Rye cover crop mulches were evaluated for weed suppression abilities and effects on soybean yield. Experiments were planted in 2008 and 2009 at three sites. Rye was planted in the fall of each year and killed at soybean planting with a roller/crimper or flail mower, creating a thick weed-suppressing mulch with potential allelopathic properties. The mulch was augmented with one of three additional weed control tactics: preemergence (PRE) corn gluten meal (CGM), postemergence (POST) clove oil, or postemergence high-residue cultivation. Roll-crimped and flail-mowed treatments had similar weed suppression abilities at most sites. There were no differences between CGM, clove oil, or cultivation at most sites. Sites with rye biomass above 9,000 kg ha−1of dry matter provided weed control that precluded soybean yield loss from competition. In Goldsboro 2008, where rye biomass was 10,854 kg ha−1of dry matter, the soybean yield in the rolled rye treatment was not significantly different from the weed-free treatment, yielding at 2,190 and 2,143 kg ha−1, respectively. Likewise, no difference in soybean yield was found in Plymouth 2008 with a rye biomass of 9,256 kg ha−1and yields of 2,694 kg ha−1and 2,809 kg ha−1in the rolled rye and weed-free treatments, respectively. At low rye biomass levels (4,450 to 6,606 kg ha−1), the rolled rye treatment soybean yield was 628 to 822 kg ha−1less than the weed-free treatment. High rye biomass levels are critical to the success of this production system. However, high rye biomass was, in some cases, also correlated with soybean lodging severe enough to cause concern with this system.
Herbicide Effect on Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) Control
Authors: Cutts George S. , Webster Theodore M. , Grey Timothy L. , Vencill William K. , Lee R. Dewey , Tubbs R. Scott , Anderson William F.
Published: April 2011

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effect of herbicides on napiergrass growth and control. In greenhouse experiments, hexazinone, glyphosate, and imazapic were applied POST, and carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation was measured with the use of an open-flow gas-exchange system up to 22 d after treatment (DAT). Carbon dioxide assimilation was reduced to zero, indicating plant death, for hexazinone- and glyphosate-treated napiergrass by 2 and 12 DAT, respectively. Imazapic-treated napiergrass CO2assimilation declined to a constant rate by 22 DAT, but never reached zero. Field studies at Chula and Ty Ty, Georgia, evaluated herbicides for napiergrass control. Herbicide treatments included autumn-only applications, autumn followed by spring applications, and spring-only applications. All autumn-applied treatments exhibited regrowth in the spring. Plants were not affected by cold winter temperatures. A spade tillage treatment was implemented in January 2010, but was not effective in controlling napiergrass. Spring treatments included split applications of autumn treatments and spring-only treatments of glyphosate, glyphosate plus sethoxydim, and imazapyr. Sequential autumn and spring treatments containing glyphosate at both locations failed to eradicate napiergrass. Imazapyr applied spring achieved 94% plant injury by 34 DAT, and indicated potential napiergrass control. Greenhouse results indicated multiple modes of action could be effective in reducing napiergrass growth, but were inconsistent with field results. Further field studies are needed to derive conclusive methods of napiergrass control.
Backcrossing Provides an Avenue for Gene Introgression from Wheat to Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) in the U.S. Great Plains
Authors: Econopouly Bethany F. , McKay John K. , Westra Philip , Lapitan Nora L. V. , Chapman Phillip L. , Byrne Patrick F.
Published: April 2011

Jointed goatgrass is an exotic species introduced into the western United States from Eurasia. The weed is an agricultural pest infesting winter wheat fields and causing economic loss. Common ancestry between the two species enables interspecific hybridization, thus providing a mechanism for gene flow to occur. This can facilitate the accumulation of novel genes, which could increase the wild species' competitiveness with wheat and its ability to invade novel habitats. Interest in the development of transgenic wheat cultivars has increased the concern for interspecific gene flow. Gene introgression requires recurrent backcrossing to the weedy species after the initial hybridization event. Field experiments were conducted at two locations in Colorado in 2007–2008 and 2008–2009, with jointed goatgrass acting as the sole source of viable pollen for fertilization of transplanted hybrid plants. Backcrossing rates were determined by conducting germination studies on spikes collected from a total of 206 hybrid plants. Pollination by jointed goatgrass led to the production of 463 BC1plants from seed produced on these 206 hybrid plants. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals estimate the rate of backcrossing at 0.028 to 0.306% and 0.077 to 0.604%, with medians of 0.062 and 0.152%, respectively, at the two locations. The results demonstrate that backcrossing to jointed goatgrass can occur, despite low rates of hybrid fertility. Subsequent backcrossing would make it likely that a wheat gene conferring a selective advantage will introgress into the weedy population. For the U.S. Great Plains, it is possible that transgenic wheat cultivars will be released in the future and determining proper management of these cultivars is necessary to minimize hybridization and advantageous gene introgression into weedy relatives.
Improving decision-making for major urban rail projects
Authors: Allport Roger James
Published: April 2011

This paper considers how ‘metros’ – projects that carry a mass ridership rapidly should be developed to deliver predictable success. These projects are particularly important because large cities that are not poor often turn to metros as the centre-piece of their sustainable development and because of their high opportunity cost. Yet often they do not deliver success and then confidence is undermined. The author, having spent his career developing metro projects in Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bogotá, Lahore, Budapest, China, London and Nottingham, became convinced that this was a major problem. Research was undertaken to identify what could be done to improve things – not theoretically but practically. This paper summarises the findings of the author’s PhD thesis of the same title. The research was based on case studies of nine newly-opened metros in Asia and the UK. An understanding was developed that appeared to explain the causes of poor success. Practical approaches were developed and a change agenda formulated that could improve success. This agenda appears to provide a resource for effecting improvements that is richer and more comprehensive than previous approaches.
Racial Differences in End-Of-Life Planning: Why Don'T Blacks and Latinos Prepare for the Inevitable?
Authors: Carr Deborah
Published: April 2011

I evaluate the extent to which ethnic disparities in advance care planning reflect cultural and religious attitudes and experience with the painful deaths of loved ones. Data are from a sample of 293 chronically ill older adults who are seeking care at one of two large medical centers in urban New Jersey. Blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely than Whites to have a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC), and to have discussed their end of life treatment preferences. Multivariate analyses reveal that the Black-White gap in advance care planning is largely accounted for by Blacks' belief that God controls the timing and nature of death. The Hispanic-White gap is partially accounted for by the belief that one's illness negatively affects one's family. Ethnic disparities are starkest for living will and DPAHC use, and less pronounced for discussions. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
A Space for Mothers: Grief as Identity Construction on Memorial Websites Created by Sids Parents
Authors: Finlay Christopher J. , Krueger Guenther
Published: April 2011

In this article we conduct a textual analysis of memorial websites created by mothers who have experienced a loss due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Using an online Internet ethnographic approach, we reviewed a series of 20 sites in an attempt to analyze the motivations of the site creators as manifested in their online projects. We spent time on the sites, moving through all facets of them, following links, and experiencing them the way a visitor would encounter them. In this virtual exploration we uncovered personal narratives, community building, religious imagery, and numerous examples of social networking. We also analyzed guest books in order to understand who visits these sites and their reasons for doing so. We conclude that development of these sites are a process that helps some mothers in their grief and gives them a focus and activity that is helpful and perhaps healing. More importantly perhaps is the potential for community building and networking that this type of activity allows. As an extension of a real-world memorial such as a gravesite, a virtual mourning space provides more in the way of these types of communications. Our work suggests that memorial websites constructed by SIDS parents help in meaning and identity reconstruction after loss.
Uniqueness and set sharing of derivatives of meromorphic functions
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit , Bhattacharjee Pranab
Published: April 2011

We prove some uniqueness theorems concerning the derivatives of meromorphic functions when they share two or three sets which will improve some existing results.
Binomial sums involving harmonic numbers
Authors: Genčev Marian
Published: April 2011

This paper develops the approach to the evaluation of a class of infinite series that involve special products of binomial type, generalized harmonic numbers of order 1 and rational functions. We give new summation results for certain infinite series of non-hypergeometric type. New formulas for the number π are included.
Viscosity approximation methods for monotone mappings and a countable family of nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Kumam Poom , Plubtieng Somyot
Published: April 2011

We use viscosity approximation methods to obtain strong convergence to common fixed points of monotone mappings and a countable family of nonexpansive mappings. Let C be a nonempty closed convex subset of a Hilbert space H and P
C is a metric projection. We consider the iteration process {x
n} of C defined by x
1 = x ∈ C is arbitrary and $$
x_{n + 1} = \alpha _n f(x_n ) + (1 - \alpha _n )S_n P_C (x_n + \lambda _n Ax_n )
$$ where f is a contraction on C, {S
n} is a sequence of nonexpansive self-mappings of a closed convex subset C of H, and A is an inverse-strongly-monotone mapping of C into H. It is shown that {x
n} converges strongly to a common element of the set of common fixed points of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings and the set of solutions of the variational inequality for an inverse-strongly-monotone mapping which solves some variational inequality. Finally, the ideas of our results are applied to find a common element of the set of equilibrium problems and the set of solutions of the variational inequality problem, a zero of a maximal monotone operator and a strictly pseudocontractive mapping in a real Hilbert space. The results of this paper extend and improve the results of Chen, Zhang and Fan.
The Characteristics of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes by Population Screening
Authors: Vanags Andrejs , Strumfa Ilze , Gardovskis Andris , Melbarde-Gorkusa Inga , Abolins Arnis , Trofimovics Genadijs , Gardovskis Janis
Published: April 2011

The Characteristics of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes by Population Screening

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is important medical problem due to frequent occurrence and serious prognosis. Recent advances help to understand the role of heredity of colorectal carcinogenesis with possible implications for prevention. Aim of the Study. Is to characterise hereditary colorectal cancer by population screening in order to evaluate the needs and possibilities of prevention. Materials and methods. Population screening was performed in Valka district, evaluating the family cancer history by questionnaire. Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes were diagnosed by internationally accepted clinical criteria. Results. The following population frequencies were identified: hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), 0.059% (95% CI = 0.033-0.106%); suspected HNPCC and familial colorectal cancer, 0.107% (95% CI = 0.069-0.166%). The cancer burden among blood relatives of the affected families ranged 15.5-30.1%. The mean age of colorectal cancer diagnostics was 53.7-72.0 years. The probands were mostly oncologically healthy and up to 81.8% - below 50 years of age. Conclusions. The population frequencies of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes correspond to significant number of cases. The high cancer burden among blood relatives of the affected families necessitates surveillance, and the age structure and health status of probands is well-suited for this.
Carotid Artery Stenosis Correlation with Hyperhomocysteinemia in Stroke Patient Group: a Prospective Study
Authors: Kenina Viktorija , Priede Zanda , Auce Pauls , Suna Normunds , Millers Andrejs
Published: April 2011

Carotid Artery Stenosis Correlation with Hyperhomocysteinemia in Stroke Patient Group: a Prospective Study

Introduction. Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide and one of the major causes of long-term disability. Carotid artery stenosis is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and related forms of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Aim of the Study was to examine plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels in the stroke patient's group with significant carotid artery stenosis, to determine hyperhomocysteinemia correlation with degree of carotid artery stenosis. Materials and methods. This study was prospective and all patients (n=102) included in the study were hospitalized in Pauls Stradins Clinical University hospital in Clinic of Neurology with diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. In the group of significant carotidal stenosis we included 48 patients with various degree of stenosis ranging from 50% to total occlusion. Evaluations of stenosis of extracranial carotid arteries were done by duplex ultrasonography method. The blood of these patients was tested for homocysteine level by ELISA (IMMULITE 2000). Results. Study did not demonstrated statistically significant difference between levels of tHcy in all groups. Mean homocysteine level was not significantly higher in the symptomatic carotid stenosis patient's group. Also there were no significant differences between levels of homocysteine in patient group with different degree of stenosis. Conclusions. We found no meaningful association between a high tHcy level and extent of carotid stenosis.
Internal Fracture Fixation using the Anterior Retroperitoneal Lower Laparotomy Approach in Pelvic Ring and Acetabular Fractures: the First Experience and Outcomes
Authors: Vikmanis Andris , Jumtins Andris
Published: April 2011

Internal Fracture Fixation using the Anterior Retroperitoneal Lower Laparotomy Approach in Pelvic Ring and Acetabular Fractures: the First Experience and Outcomes

Introduction. The ilioinguinal approach is well established for the treatment of pelvic fractures. As an alternative, the anterior retroperitoneal lower laparatomy (modified Stoppa) approach can be used to expose pelvic and acetabular fractures. We describe our experience with this approach in polytrauma patients with pelvic ring and acetabular fractures. Aim of the Study. The aim of study was to evaluate possibilities and impossibilities of internal fixation of pelvic ring and acetabular fractures using the anterior retroperitoneal lower laparatomy approach. Materials and methods. This retrospective study describes a series of 20 consecutive patients where a modified Stoppa approach was used for pelvic or acetabular fracture fixation. Results. 10 patients with acetabular fractures, six patients with a pelvic ring injury not involving the acetabular joint and 4 patients with a combined fracture were operated through a modified Stoppa approach. Anatomic or satisfactory reduction was achieved in 92% of the acetabular fractures. Pelvic ring fractures had an anatomic (displacement <1 cm) postoperative result in 100%. Conclusions. using this approach may have good the postoperative radiological un surgical results. This is a method of choice for patients with combined trauma with internal organ damage and patients with both side pelvic bone fracture.
Current Aspects of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Lacis Indars , Solomatins Igors , Gertnere Jana , Macijevska Aida
Published: April 2011

Current Aspects of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment in Diabetic Macular Edema

This problem-solving article reviews the current knowledge on the epidemiology, physiology and treatment principles of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), a common diabetic complication and leading cause of blindness in working-age individuals. Although some risk factors for DME have been determined, the exact pathogenesis is still unknown. Proven effective and satisfactory therapy is currently not available. Clinical understanding and the major treatments for DME have not changed for several decades. Scientific progress in recent years outlines some new promising therapeutical strategies for treating DME. In addition new non-invasive high resolution imaging methods of the retina provides much deeper information about morphological findings in DME. New treatment and diagnostic options could be beneficial to detect DME in early stages, prevent its progression and to start the most effective treatment at earlier stages.
Diagnosis and Management of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma in Children
Authors: Zarembo Edgars , Engelis Arnis , Petersons Aigars
Published: April 2011

Diagnosis and Management of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma in Children

There are still diagnostics problems and variety of opinions about tactics in the treatment of blunt pancreatic injurys. The methods of surgery treatments are more and more replacing the methods of endoscopy and conservative therapy. There is a remarkable diference in the tactic of treatment between adults and children because of the anatomical physiological reasons. Delayed diagnosis of this wounding is connected with heightened morbidity and mortality. Handlebars injury is the most frequent mechanism of the trauma. The most determinant role in the diagnostics has active examination tactic and arsenal of visual diagnostics methods. Therapy approach must be individualized depending from the hemodynamic status, seriosity of injury, existence of associated injuries and the experience in the institution. After traumatic pseudocysts can be successfully drained in US control or endoscopic to stomach. Children with such injuries must be concentrated if possible in the specialized centers.
Patient with Syphilitic Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Kisis Kaspars , Krievins Dainis , Gedins Marcis , Savlovskis Janis , Ezite Natalija , Ivanova Patricija
Published: April 2011

Patient with Syphilitic Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

We are presenting a rare case of patient with two syphilitic aneurysms localized in thoracic and abdominal aorta. Routine lung computer tomography (CT) for the patient with complains about irritating and unclear ethiology cough revealed 10 cm diameter aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta (TAA) and additionally 4.8 cm aneurysm of abdominal aorta (AAA) just below the aortic hiatus. As there was no evidence of previous trauma, Marfan syndrome or connective tissue disease patient was screened for syphilis. Diagnosis of tertiary syphilis was confirmed and specific treatment started. As complains of irritating cough intensified - patients TAA was successfully treated endovascularly with thoracic stent graft (Valiant®Captivia, Medtronic Ltd.) on emergency basis. On control CT angiography 3 month after treatment there was no evidence of graft migration, endoleaks and aneurysmal sac was thrombosed. AAA has not increased in size, and open repair is planned.
A Review of Class-Based Theories of Student Resistance in Education
Authors: McGrew Ken
Published: April 2011

This article examines the origins, influence, and contemporary understandings of class-based theories of student resistance in education, contributing to or emerging from Learning to Labor by Paul Willis. It reports the results of a review of the literature that discusses class-based student resistance and cites the seminal book. More than 500 published articles were reviewed, in addition to books and book chapters. This review reveals misconceptions in the literature that have developed around both the book and its theory. These misconceptions include the belief that the resistance theory described by Willis was original and that it was a drastic departure from reproduction theory, or at least correspondence theories like those of Bowles and Gintis, and that the resistance theory attributed to Willis, one of the most influential theories in contemporary critical scholarship in education, is the same theory that Willis himself describes. These misconceptions, and the failure to acknowledge them, raise questions about both the validity of resistance theory and the ability of the critical education community, collectively, to engage with unwelcome evidence, to refine, and to evolve.
An analysis of postoperative thigh symptoms after minimally invasive transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Cummock Matthew D. , Vanni Steven , Levi Allan D. , Yu Yong , Wang Michael Y.
Published: April 2011

Object

The minimally invasive transpsoas interbody fusion technique requires dissection through the psoas muscle, which contains the nerves of the lumbosacral plexus posteriorly and genitofemoral nerve anteriorly. Retraction of the psoas is becoming recognized as a cause of transient postoperative thigh pain, numbness, paresthesias, and weakness. However, few reports have described the nature of thigh symptoms after this procedure.

Methods

The authors performed a review of patients who underwent the transpsoas technique for lumbar spondylotic disease, disc degeneration, and spondylolisthesis treated at a single academic medical center. A review of patient charts, including the use of detailed patient-driven pain diagrams performed at equal preoperative and follow-up intervals, investigated the survival of postoperative thigh pain, numbness, paresthesias, and weakness of the iliopsoas and quadriceps muscles in the follow-up period on the ipsilateral side of the surgical approach.

Results

Over a 3.2-year period, 59 patients underwent transpsoas interbody fusion surgery. Of these, 62.7% had thigh symptoms postoperatively. New thigh symptoms at first follow-up visit included the following: burning, aching, stabbing, or other pain (39.0%); numbness (42.4%); paresthesias (11.9%); and weakness (23.7%). At 3 months postoperatively, these percentages decreased to 15.5%, 24.1%, 5.6%, and 11.3%, respectively. Within the patient sample, 44% underwent a 1-level, 41% a 2-level, and 15% a 3-level transpsoas operation. While not statistically significant, thigh pain, numbness, and weakness were most prevalent after L4–5 transpsoas interbody fusion at the first postoperative follow-up. The number of lumbar levels that were surgically treated had no clear association with thigh symptoms but did correlate directly with surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Transpsoas interbody fusion is associated with high rates of immediate postoperative thigh symptoms. While larger, prospective studies are necessary to validate these findings, the authors found that half of the patients had symptom resolution at approximately 3 months postoperatively and more than 90% by 1 year.
Spontaneous radiographic resolution and subsequent redemonstration of an untreated glioblastoma
Authors: Takagi Ippei , Shakur Sophia F. , Lukas Rimas V. , Eller Theodore W.
Published: April 2011

The authors present the first case of spontaneous radiographic resolution and subsequent redemonstration of Gd enhancement of an untreated glioblastoma. They also review the literature on MR imaging enhancement patterns of high-grade gliomas and speculate that this phenomenon could be attributed to the dynamic biology of glioblastomas but could also represent pseudoregression following successful control of seizure activity. A 57-year-old woman presented with left-sided paresthesias and numbness. Initial Gd-enhanced MR images exhibited T2 and FLAIR signal changes in the right insular region without mass effect or contrast enhancement. Electroencephalography revealed intermittent sharp wave activity in this area. Antiepileptic medication was started, and the patient's symptoms resolved. Follow-up MR imaging 6 weeks later revealed enlargement of the lesion and contrast enhancement in the superior temporal gyrus. Consequently, the patient was scheduled for a brain biopsy. However, surgical planning MR images obtained on the day of surgery 4 weeks later showed that the enhancement had spontaneously resolved, and so the operation was cancelled. Repeat MR imaging performed 2 weeks later as a result of increased seizure frequency redemonstrated contrast enhancement. The patient then underwent a craniotomy, and final histopathology was consistent with glioblastoma.
Relation between brain interstitial and systemic glucose concentrations after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zetterling Maria , Hillered Lars , Enblad Per , Karlsson Torbjörn , Ronne-Engström Elisabeth
Published: April 2011

Object

The aim in the present investigation was to study the relation between brain interstitial and systemic blood glucose concentrations during the acute phase after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors also evaluated the effects of insulin administration on local brain energy metabolism.

Methods

Nineteen patients with spontaneous SAH were prospectively monitored with intracerebral microdialysis (MD). The relation between plasma glucose and MD-measured interstitial brain glucose concentrations as well as the temporal pattern of MD glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glutamate, and glycerol was studied for 7 days after SAH. Using a target plasma glucose concentration of 5–10 mmol/L, the effect of insulin injection was also evaluated.

Results

The mean (± SD) correlation coefficient between plasma glucose and MD glucose was 0.27 ± 0.27 (p = 0.0005), with a high degree of individual variation. Microdialysis glucose, the MD/plasma glucose ratio, and MD glutamate concentrations decreased in parallel with a gradual increase in MD pyruvate and MD lactate concentrations. There were no significant changes in the MD L/P ratio or MD glycerol levels. Insulin administration induced a decrease in MD glucose and MD pyruvate.

Conclusions

After SAH, there was a positive correlation between plasma and MD glucose concentrations with a high degree of individual variation. A gradual decline in MD glucose and the MD/plasma glucose ratio and an increase in MD pyruvate and MD lactate concentrations during the 1st week after SAH suggest a transition to a hyperglycolytic state with increased cerebral glucose consumption. The administration of insulin was related to a lowering of MD glucose and MD pyruvate, often to low levels even though plasma glucose values remained above 6 mmol/L. After SAH, the administration of insulin could impede the glucose supply of the brain.
Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc fragment: a series of 6 cases
Authors: Akhaddar Ali , El-asri Abad , Boucetta Mohammed
Published: April 2011

Object

The migration of a lumbar intervertebral disc fragment to the posterior epidural space is a rare complication of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), mostly diagnosed intraoperatively. The authors describe a series of 6 patients with a posterior epidural migration of a lumbar intervertebral disc fragment (PEMLIF) and provide a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

The authors undertook a retrospective case series of patients with PEMLIF who underwent surgery for LDH between February 2007 and June 2010. In 6 (1.04%) of 572 patients a diagnosis of PEMLIF was established. In addition, a systematic review of the literature produced 41 additional cases reported since 1973. The authors analyzed epidemiological, clinical, and imaging features, as well as surgical treatment and outcome of this infrequent form of LDH.

Results

This study represents the largest case series to analyze the distinguishing features of PEMLIF. Including the authors' cases, 37 male (78.72%) and 10 female (21.28%) patients (mean age 54.08 years) appear in the literature. Although the predominant clinical disturbance was related to cauda equina compression in 22 patients (46.80%), 19 patients (40.42%) presented with typical symptoms of sciatica or anterior thigh pain. In 27 patients (57.44%), PEMLIFs were localized at high lumbar levels. Magnetic resonance imaging was used in 36 cases. The PEMLIF appeared iso- to hypointense on T1-weighted imaging and had a variable intensity on T2-weighted imaging. After administration of Gd, 85.71% of lesions exhibited a peripheral ring. The preoperative diagnosis was never related to PEMLIF in 68% of cases. The PEMLIF was totally resected in all patients. An additional discectomy was performed in 31 patients (65.95%). Information was incomplete in 1 case. Of the remaining 46 patients, all improved postoperatively: total recovery was achieved in 33 cases (71.74%), subtotal recovery in 2 cases (4.35%), and improvement in 11 cases (23.91%). The postoperative outcome appeared not to depend on the duration or the degree of preoperative neurological deficits or the size of disc fragment.

Conclusions

The migration of a lumbar intervertebral disc fragment to the posterior epidural space is a rare event, occurring in an advanced working-age population. Clinical presentation is indistinguishable from the typical LDH, but overall cauda equina symptoms are far more common. High lumbar levels are more affected. Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics are difficult to differentiate from those of other entities. Ring enhancement after Gd administration is common. Outcomes in patients with cauda equina symptoms appear better than those in patients with standard ventral compression.
Comments on Evaluation of Endoscopic Findings and Detection of H. pylori Antibody by Serum IgG ELISA
Authors: Islam MDU , Rahman SHZ , Shamsuzzaman SM , Muazzam N , Chowdhury A , Sarkar AR
Published: April 2011

Bangladesh is a developing country with high prevalence of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection. During the period of January 2007 to December 2007, a cross sectional study was conducted. In this study, serum samples were collected from 86 dyspeptic patients undergoing upper GIT endoscopy to determine anti-H. pylori IgG antibody by serum ELISA and was evaluated with endoscopic findings. Out of 86 study patients, gastro-duodenal mucosa was found normal in 58.14%, gastritis in 11.63%, duodenitis 2.33%, reflux oesophagitis 4.65%, peptic ulcer 17.44% and carcinoma of stomach 5.81%. Among 86 study population, 68 were serum IgG ELISA positive and 20 were negative. Key words: H. pylori; IgG; ELISA; Non-ulcer dyspepsia. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7406 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 24-27
Some Convex Functions Based Measures of Independence and Their Application to Strange Attractor Reconstruction
Authors: Chen Yang , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: April 2011

The classical information-theoretic measures such as the entropy and the mutual information (MI) are widely applicable to many areas in science and engineering. Csiszar generalized the entropy and the MI by using the convex functions. Recently, we proposed the grid occupancy (GO) and the quasientropy (QE) as measures of independence. The QE explicitly includes a convex function in its definition, while the expectation of GO is a subclass of QE. In this paper, we study the effect of different convex functions on GO, QE, and Csiszar’s generalized mutual information (GMI). A quality factor (QF) is proposed to quantify the sharpness of their minima. Using the QF, it is shown that these measures can have sharper minima than the classical MI. Besides, a recursive algorithm for computing GMI, which is a generalization of Fraser and Swinney’s algorithm for computing MI, is proposed. Moreover, we apply GO, QE, and GMI to chaotic time series analysis. It is shown that these measures are good criteria for determining the optimum delay in strange attractor reconstruction.
Determinants of Organophosphorus Pesticide Urinary Metabolite Levels in Young Children Living in an Agricultural Community
Authors: Bradman Asa , Castorina Rosemary , Boyd Barr Dana , Chevrier Jonathan , Harnly Martha E. , Eisen Ellen A. , McKone Thomas E. , Harley Kim , Holland Nina , Eskenazi Brenda
Published: April 2011

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are used in agriculture and several are registered for home use. As young children age they may experience different pesticide exposures due to varying diet, behavior, and other factors. We measured six OP dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites (three dimethyl alkylphosphates (DMAP) and three diethyl alkylphosphates (DEAP)) in urine samples collected from ~400 children living in an agricultural community when they were 6, 12, and 24 months old. We examined bivariate associations between DAP metabolite levels and determinants such as age, diet, season, and parent occupation. To evaluate independent impacts, we then used generalized linear mixed multivariable models including interaction terms with age. The final models indicated that DMAP metabolite levels increased with age. DMAP levels were also positively associated with daily servings of produce at 6- and 24-months. Among the 6-month olds, DMAP metabolite levels were higher when samples were collected during the summer/spring versus the winter/fall months. Among the 12-month olds, DMAP and DEAP metabolites were higher when children lived ≤60 meters from an agricultural field. Among the 24-month-olds, DEAP metabolite levels were higher during the summer/spring months. Our findings suggest that there are multiple determinants of OP pesticide exposures, notably dietary intake and temporal and spatial proximity to agricultural use. The impact of these determinants varied by age and class of DAP metabolite.
SMS-Based Medical Diagnostic Telemetry Data Transmission Protocol for Medical Sensors
Authors: Townsend Ben , Abawajy Jemal , Kim Tai-Hoon
Published: April 2011

People with special medical monitoring needs can, these days, be sent home and remotely monitored through the use of data logging medical sensors and a transmission base-station. While this can improve quality of life by allowing the patient to spend most of their time at home, most current technologies rely on hardwired landline technology or expensive mobile data transmissions to transmit data to a medical facility. The aim of this paper is to investigate and develop an approach to increase the freedom of a monitored patient and decrease costs by utilising mobile technologies and SMS messaging to transmit data from patient to medico. To this end, we evaluated the capabilities of SMS and propose a generic communications protocol which can work within the constraints of the SMS format, but provide the necessary redundancy and robustness to be used for the transmission of non-critical medical telemetry from data logging medical sensors.
Primary Amino Acid Lithium Salt-Catalyzed Asymmetric Michael Addition of Carbon Nucleophiles to Enones
Authors: Yoshida Masanori , Hirama Keisuke , Narita Mao , Hara Shoji
Published: April 2011

Asymmetric Michael addition of carbon nucleophiles, nitroalkanes and a β-ketoester, to enones was investigated by using a primary amino acid lithium salt as a catalyst.
Decentralization of Access to Antiretroviral Therapy in Cameroon: Correlates of HIV Physicians’ Knowledge in HIV Care
Authors:   the EVAL Study Group, Rasson Sophie , Boyer Sylvie , Fugon Lionel , Protopopescu Camelia , Marcellin Fabienne , Koulla-Shiro Sinata , Kouanfack Charles , Spire Bruno , Moatti Jean Paul , Carrieri Maria Patrizia
Published: April 2011

Background

Good knowledge in HIV care among physicians is a necessary prerequisite to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) scaling-up in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Between September 2006 and March 2007, a 27-item knowledge questionnaire was proposed to all HIV physicians working in 27 hospitals throughout six provinces of Cameroon. Physicians’ responses were compared between the three levels of decentralization of the Cameroonian healthcare delivery system (χ2 and Fisher tests). Correct responses were summed to build a knowledge score. Factors significantly associated with a higher score were identified using linear regression.

Results

In total, 93 physicians filled in the questionnaire. Level of knowledge was globally good (median score 23), with no significant difference between the three levels of decentralization. Gaps in knowledge were observed regarding the use of cotrimoxazole and the follow-up of ART-treated patients. Main factors independently associated with a higher knowledge score included training, involvement in therapeutic committees, satisfactory collaboration with other practitioners and establishment of strong relationships between patients and patients’ associations.

Conclusions

Overall knowledge in HIV care is good among HIV physicians working at all three levels of decentralization of healthcare in Cameroon. However, a national training policy should be set up to improve knowledge and practices in both ART follow-up and specific situations such as paediatric HIV. Collaboration between caregivers and external resources involved in HIV care should also be encouraged.
Congenital Melanocytic Nevus of the Oral Mucosa: Report of a Rare Pigmented Lesion and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gilbert Melanie Louise , Hanna Weddad , Ghazarian Danny , Dover Dean , Klieb Hagen Benjamin Edward
Published: April 2011

Oral pigmented lesions are uncommon and congenital melanocytic nevi are especially rare. We report a case of a patient with multiple congenital melanocytic nevi including a palatal lesion. This is reported to add to the scant literature that exists on this subject. Prognosis and management are discussed.
Clinical, diagnostic and immunological characteristics of patients with possible neuroborreliosis without intrathecal Ig-synthesis against Borrelia antigen in the cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Vrethem Magnus , Widhe Mona , Ernerudh Jan , Garpmo Ulf , Forsberg Pia
Published: April 2011

The diagnosis of neuroborreliosis is not always straightforward. Intrathecal immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis against Borrelia antigen may not be detected, at least early in the disease course. Also other neurological and infectious diagnoses have to be considered. We have studied patients with clinical possible neuroborreliosis without intrathecal Ig synthesis against Borrelia antigen in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (n=17). Diagnosis was based on typical clinical history and at least one of the following findings; mononuclear leucocytosis in the CSF (n=4); typical erythema migrans >5 cm in diameter in relation to debut of symptoms (n=8); prompt clinical response to antibiotic teratment (n=14). Also other possible diagnoses had to be excluded. Seventeen patients first investigated because of suspected neuroborreliosis but later confirmed with other diagnoses were used as controls. All patients had a lumbar puncture. Borrelia specific IFN-γ and IL-4 secretion was investigated in peripheral blood (PBL) and CSF with an ELISPOT assay. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to reveal any Borrelia antigen in the CSF. Six of 17 patients with possible neuroborreliosis showed high IFN-g secretion in peripheral blood, otherwise we found no statistically significant differences between the groups. PCR did not reveal any Borrelia antigen in CSF. The diagnosis and treatment of possible but not confirmed neuroborreliosis is a clinical challenge. The clinical response to treatment may be the best option in these cases.
Exploring planetary magnetic environments using magnetically unclean spacecraft: a systems approach to VEX MAG data analysis
Authors: Pope S. A. , Zhang T. L. , Balikhin M. A. , Delva M. , Hvizdos L. , Kudela K. , Dimmock A. P.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In situ measurements of the magnetic field are vital to the study of many fundamental problems in planetary research. Therefore the magnetometer experiment is a key element of the payload of Venus Express. In addition to the interaction of the solar wind with Venus, these measurements are crucial for the study of atmospheric escape and detection of lightning. However, the methodology for the magnetic field measurements had to be different to the traditional approach, because Venus Express is not a magnetically clean spacecraft. A technique based on two-point simultaneous measurements of the magnetic field and systems identification software is used to separate the natural magnetic field from the spacecraft generated interference. In this paper an overview of the techniques developed to separate these two field types and the results achieved for 1 Hz Venus Express data are presented. Previous publications suggest that the resulting Venus Express cleaned data is of comparable quality to measurements made from onboard magnetically clean spacecraft (Zhang et al., 2008a, b; Slavin et al., 2009).
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in U.S. Clinical Molecular Genetic Laboratories
Authors: Chen Bin , Richards C. Sue , Wilson Jean Amos , Lyon Elaine
Published: April 2011

A robust quality‐assurance program is essential for laboratories that perform molecular genetic testing to maintain high‐quality testing and be able to address challenges associated with performance or delivery of testing services as the use of molecular genetic tests continues to expand in clinical and public health practice. This unit discusses quality‐assurance and quality‐improvement considerations that are critical for molecular genetic testing performed for heritable diseases and conditions. Specific discussion is provided on applying regulatory standards and best practices in establishing/verifying test performance, ensuring quality of the total testing process, monitoring and maintaining personnel competency, and continuing quality improvement. The unit provides a practical reference for laboratory professionals to use in recognizing and addressing essential quality‐assurance issues in human molecular genetic testing. It should also provide useful information for genetics researchers, trainees, and fellows in human genetics training programs, as well as others who are interested in quality assurance and quality improvement for molecular genetic testing. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 69:9.2.1‐9.2.26 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
One millimetre is the safe cut-off for magnetic resonance imaging prediction of surgical margin status in rectal cancer
Authors: Taylor F G M , Quirke P , Heald R J , Moran B , Blomqvist L , Swift I , St Rose S , Sebag-Montefiore D J , Tekkis P , Brown G
Published: April 2011

Background

A pathologically involved margin in rectal cancer is defined as tumour within 1 mm of the surgical resection margin. There is no standard definition of a predicted safe margin on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to assess which cut-off (1, 2 or 5 mm) was the best predictor of local recurrence based on preoperative MRI assessment of the circumferential resection margin (CRM).

Methods

Data were collected prospectively on the distance between the tumour and mesorectal fascia for patients with documented radiological margin status in the MERCURY study. Positive margin and local recurrence rates were compared for MRI distances from the tumour to the mesorectal fascia of 1 mm or less, more than 1 mm up to 2 mm, more than 2 mm up to 5 mm, and more than 5 mm. The Cox proportional hazard regression method was used to determine the effect of level of margin involvement on time to local recurrence.

Results

Univariable analysis showed that, relative to a distance measured by MRI of more than 5 mm, the hazard ratio (HR) for local recurrence was 3·90 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·99 to 7·63; P < 0·001) for a margin of 1 mm or less, 0·81 (0·36 to 1·85; P = 0·620) for a margin of more than 1 mm up to 2 mm, and 0·33 (0·10 to 1·08; P = 0·067) for a margin greater than 2 mm up to 5 mm. Multivariable analysis of the effect of MRI distance to the mesorectal fascia and preoperative treatment on local recurrence showed that a margin of 1 mm or less remained significant regardless of preoperative treatment (HR 3·72, 1·43 to 9·71; P = 0·007).

Conclusion

For preoperative staging of rectal cancer, the best cut-off distance for predicting CRM involvement using MRI is 1 mm. Using a cut-off greater than this does not appear to identify patients at higher risk of local recurrence.
Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects with microvascular tensor fasciae latae flap
Authors: Tukiainen E , Leppäniemi A
Published: April 2011

Background

Most abdominal wall defects can be repaired with a mesh, components separation technique or pedicle flaps, but a free flap reconstruction might be the only option for large epigastric or non-midline defects. This retrospective study reviewed the results of consecutive patients who had extensive full-thickness abdominal wall defects reconstructed with a large, microvascular tensor fasciae latae (TFL) flap.

Methods

A 30–35 × 15–20-cm TFL flap was harvested and microvascular anastomoses were performed using a saphenous arteriovenous loop.

Results

From 1995 to 2009, 20 patients were operated on with a TFL flap. The repair was combined with a mesh in nine patients, components separation in one patient, and both techniques were used in one patient. The median follow-up was 2 (range 0·5–13) years. There were no perioperative deaths, or intra-abdominal or deep surgical-site infections. The flap failed in one patient, two patients had minor distal tip necrosis of the flap and one developed a recurrent hernia 3 months after TFL repair.

Conclusion

A microvascular TFL flap is a feasible option for reconstruction of exceptionally large abdominal wall defects if other means of reconstruction have already been used or are insufficient. It can also be combined with other methods of reconstruction. A close collaboration between plastic and abdominal surgeons is important.