bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Angioplasty for the Treatment of Acute ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction: Single Centre Experience
Authors: Begum F , Khan KN , Momenuzzaman NAM , Sohail KM , Haque SMZ , Shafique AM , Mallick SK , Rahman R , Amin MM , Rahman M , Haque F
Published: December 2011

Background: Worldwide primary angioplasty is a recommended strategy of reperfusion in patient with acute myocardial infarction as because it ensures reperfusion of the infarct-related vessels more than 90% where as, with thrombolytics it is only 60-70%. Methods: It is a retrospective observational study includes all patients treated with primary angioplasty at United Hospital from Between March 2007 to August 2010. Total 237 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction were treated with primary angioplasty were included. Those presented beyond 12 hours of onset of chest pain, in cardiogenic shock, resuscitate and intubated before the procedural were excluded from the study. Results: Majority (76%) of the patient were male, age was minimum 28 years and maximum 80 years, 41.5% were diabetics, 58.4% were hypertensive, 43.5 %were dyslipidaemic, 17% were smoker, 29.3% with positive family history. Fifty seven percent patients presented with anterior MI, 42 % with inferior MI and 1 % with lateral MI. Left anterior descending (LAD) is the most common vessel involved (S7%), followed by Right coronary artery (RCA) 31 %, Left circumflex artery (LCD 8 %, Ramus 1.3 % and Graft vessel 2.7%. Our door to balloon time was minimum 23 min, maximum 184 min. We used drug eluting stents for most of the patients , GP IIbIIIa receptor Mockers used in 50% cases and thrombus suction device were used when indicated. We faced complications like arrhythmias in 24% hypotension in18 %, no flow or slow flow in 45%, cardiac arrest in 3% and coronary perforation in 1. %. Our overall survival was 97.9 %. Conclusion: Primary angioplasty is a emerging area in the context 149-154of our country . Many of the new centers start this novel strategy which helps to save many lives. Primary angioplasty is feasible and safe method of reperfusion in patient with acute myocardial infarction in our center. Keywords: Primary angioplasty; ST elevation MI DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9184 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 149-154
Effect of Pleurotomy During Internal Mammary Artery Harvest on Pulmonary Function
Authors: Rahim AMA , Kibria G , Ahmed NU
Published: December 2011

Background: Pulmonary function after coronary artery bypass graft surgery using harvested Internal mammary artery(IMA) were assessed in this prospective case control Clinical study comparing two groups of Patients with or without pleurotomy. Method: we conducted this Study at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery.A total of 60 consecutive patients undergoing CABG with use of IMA between july 2005 to June 2007 were reviewed. Study population were divided into Group A (n=30,undergone CABG with pleurotomy during IMA harvestion).Group B (n=30,undergone CABG with intactpleura during IMA harvestion). Results: in lung function spirometry revealed FEV1 significantly decreased in group A than B (56.81±17.76% Vs 79.85±7.7%; p=0.035)and when FEV1correalated with inspiratory vital capacity the advantage of intact pleura were confirmed at 6th postoperative day (78.02 ±12.17; B, 82.08 ±11.72 p=0.045). Vital capacity was significantly decreased in-group A than B at 3 months postoperatively (A 88.79 ± 14.38%;B 98.11±30.25%; p=0.009), but not on 6th Postoperative day. Pleuropulmonary complication like atelectasis, pleural effusion insignificantly higher in groupA than B(16.7 %VS6.7%) and (10% vs. 6.7%)at 6th postoperative day but not at 3months postoperatively. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that pleurotomy during Internal mammary artery harvesting significantly deteriorated pulmonary function variably than intact pleura group of patients Keywords: Pleurotomy; Internal mammary artery(IMA); Pulmonary function; CABG DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9186 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 163-168
The Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Sheikh MSA , Yang T , Salma U , Ali M
Published: December 2011

Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), a lectin-like 50-kD receptor for oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), is present primarily on endothelial cells. Oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction is the initial change in the vascular wall that induces morphological changes for atheroma-formation. LOX-1 was identified as the receptor for oxLDL that was thought to be a major cause of endothelial dysfunction. LOX-1 has been demonstrated to contribute not only to endothelial dysfunction, but also to atherosclerotic-plaque formation, hypertension, myocardial infarction and intimal thickening after balloon injury. Studies with transgenic and knockout mouse models have elucidated in part the role of LOX-1 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiac remodeling. Recently, a circulating soluble form of LOX-1(sLOx-1), corresponding solely to its extracellular domain, has been identified in human serum. Circulating levels of sLOX-1 are increased in inflammatory and atherosclerotic conditions and are associated with acute coronary syndrome, with the severity of coronary artery disease, and with serum biomarkers for oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting that they could be useful marker for vascular injury. Identification and regulation of this receptor and understanding of signal transduction pathways might open new gateways from diagnosis to therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Endothelial dysfunction; LOX-1; ox-LDL; Signal transduction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9187 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 169-177
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: An Update
Authors: Sayami LA , Ullah M
Published: December 2011

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is the most important and most frequent drug-induced, immune-mediated type of thrombocytopenia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if unrecognized. In this review, we briefly discuss the main features of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, particularly analyzing the most recent advances in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome. Keywords: Heparin; Thrombocytopenia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9189 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 187-199
The Cytokines and Heart Failure - A Review
Authors: Jahan A , Ullah M
Published: December 2011

Heart Failure (HF) develops in several stages - the first stage is some disorder that places a hemodynamic burden on the myocardium or causes myocardial injury. The second stage is that of cardiac compensation, which involves neurohormonal activation to preserve cardiac output and tissue perfusion. And the final stage is the progression of HF, which is complex and is the result of the harmful effects of the compensatory mechanisms of the second stage; an immune-system activation manifested by increases in inflammatory cytokines, including tissue necrosis factor–alpha (TNF-á), soluble receptors of TNF-á (sTNFR1 and 2), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP). It has recently been recognized that elevated circulating levels of various proinflammatory cytokines (TNF- á, IL-1, IL-6) leading to free radical overproduction, as well as to cardiac myocyte and endothelial cell apoptosis, play a significant role in the pathophysiology of CHF. The extracellular domains of proinflammatory cytokine receptors (sTNFR1, sTNFR2 and sIL- 6R) are also elevated in CHF and provide more complete information on cytokine activation in this syndrome. This article reviews the contribution of inflammatory cytokines in the disease progression in patients with heart failure, their diagnostic as well as prognostic values and possibly therapeutic interventions on these biologic active molecules. Key words: Cytokines; cytokine receptors; Heart failure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9190 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 200-212
Congenital Absence of Pericardium: A Rare Case Associated with Severe Mitral Stenosis with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Zulkarnine MI , Choudhury BMM , Islam MF , Ahmed N
Published: December 2011

We report a rare case of congenital absence of pericardium in a 35 year old middle-aged man, who underwent closed mitral commissurotomy done for severe mitral restenosis developed after Percutaneous Transluminal Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) six months back. Operation was done under General Anaesthesia through left anterolateral thoracotomy. Pericardial defect was discovered intraoperatively. There was no clinical symptom that could be clearly related to the defect of the pericardial sac pre-operatively. The recovery of the patient was satisfactory and uneventful. Key Words: Mitral stenosis; Absent pericardium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9193 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 222-225
Ring Cleavage Reactions of Methyl α-D-Allopyranoside Derivatives with Phenylboron Dichloride and Triethylsilane
Authors: Kojima Masaru , Nakamura Yutaka , Ito Yuusuke , Takeuchi Seiji
Published: December 2011

In the course of our studies on the regioselective carbon-oxygen bond cleavage of the benzylidene acetal group of hexopyranosides with a reducing agent, we found that a combination of a Lewis acid and a reducing agent triggered a ring-opening reaction of the pyranose ring of methyl α-D-allopyranosides. The formation of an acyclic boronate ester by the attachment of a hydride ion at C-1 indicated that the unexpected endocyclic cleavage of the bond between the anomeric carbon atom and the pyranose ring oxygen atom proceeded via an oxacarbenium ion intermediate produced by the chelation between O5/O6 of the pyranoside and the Lewis acid, followed by nucleophile substitution with a hydride ion at C1.
Antimony(V) and Bismuth(V) Complexes of Lapachol: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Oliveira Ludmila G. de , Silva Meiriane M. , Paula Flávia C. S. de , Pereira-Maia Elene C. , Donnici Cláudio L. , Simone Carlos A. de , Frézard Frédéric , Júnior Eufrânio N. da Silva , Demicheli Cynthia
Published: December 2011

Antimony(V) and bismuth(V) complexes of lapachol have been synthesized by the reaction of Ph3SbCl2 or Ph3BiCl2 with lapachol (Lp) and characterized by several physicochemical techniques such as IR, and NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The compounds contain six-coordinated antimony and bismuth atoms. The antimony(V) complex is a monomeric derivative, (Lp)(Ph3Sb)OH, and the bismuth(V) complex is a dinuclear compound bridged by an oxygen atom, (Lp)2(Ph3Bi)2O. Both compounds inhibited the growth of a chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line and the complex of Bi(V) was about five times more active than free lapachol. This work provides a rare example of an organo-Bi(V) complex showing significant cytotoxic activity.
Remote Sensing Images in Support of Environmental Protocol: Monitoring the Sugarcane Harvest in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Aguiar Daniel Alves , Rudorff Bernardo Friedrich Theodor , Silva Wagner Fernando , Adami Marcos , Mello Marcio Pupin
Published: December 2011

Traditional manual sugarcane harvesting requires the pre-harvest burning practice which should be gradually banned by 2021 for most of São Paulo State, Brazil, on cultivated sugarcane land (terrain slope ≤12%) according to State Law number 11241. To forward the end of this practice to 2014, a “Green Ethanol” Protocol was established in 2007. The present work aims at analyzing five years of continuous sugarcane harvest monitoring, based on remote sensing images, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Protocol, thus helping decision makers to establish public policies to meet the Protocol’s expected goals. During the last five crop years, sugarcane acreage expanded by 1.5 million ha, which was compensated by a correspondent increase in the green harvested land. However, no significant reduction was observed in the amount of pre-harvest burned land over the same period. Based on the current trend, this goal is likely to be achieved one or two years later (2015–2016), which will be five or six years ahead of 2021 as the goal in the State Law number 11241 states. We thus conclude that the“Green Ethanol” Protocol has been effective with a positive impact on the increase of GH, especially on recently expanded sugarcane fields.
Towards Smart Homes Using Low Level Sensory Data
Authors: Khattak Asad Masood , Truc Phan Tran Ho , Hung Le Xuan , Vinh La The , Dang Viet-Hung , Guan Donghai , Pervez Zeeshan , Han Manhyung , Lee Sungyoung , Lee Young-Koo
Published: December 2011

Ubiquitous Life Care (u-Life care) is receiving attention because it provides high quality and low cost care services. To provide spontaneous and robust healthcare services, knowledge of a patient’s real-time daily life activities is required. Context information with real-time daily life activities can help to provide better services and to improve healthcare delivery. The performance and accuracy of existing life care systems is not reliable, even with a limited number of services. This paper presents a Human Activity Recognition Engine (HARE) that monitors human health as well as activities using heterogeneous sensor technology and processes these activities intelligently on a Cloud platform for providing improved care at low cost. We focus on activity recognition using video-based, wearable sensor-based, and location-based activity recognition engines and then use intelligent processing to analyze the context of the activities performed. The experimental results of all the components showed good accuracy against existing techniques. The system is deployed on Cloud for Alzheimer’s disease patients (as a case study) with four activity recognition engines to identify low level activity from the raw data captured by sensors. These are then manipulated using ontology to infer higher level activities and make decisions about a patient’s activity using patient profile information and customized rules.
Seeking to Understand the Reasons for Different Energy Return on Investment (EROI) Estimates for Biofuels
Authors: Hall Charles A.S. , Dale Bruce E. , Pimentel David
Published: December 2011

The authors of this paper have been involved in contentious discussion of the EROI of biomass-based ethanol. This contention has undermined, in the minds of some, the utility of EROI for assessing fuels. This paper seeks to understand the reasons for the divergent results.
Sustainable Micro-Manufacturing of Micro-Components via Micro Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Modica Francesco , Marrocco Valeria , Copani Giacomo , Fassi Irene
Published: December 2011

Micro-manufacturing emerged in the last years as a new engineering area with the potential of increasing peoples’ quality of life through the production of innovative micro-devices to be used, for example, in the biomedical, micro-electronics or telecommunication sectors. The possibility to decrease the energy consumption makes the micro-manufacturing extremely appealing in terms of environmental protection. However, despite this common belief that the micro-scale implies a higher sustainability compared to traditional manufacturing processes, recent research shows that some factors can make micro-manufacturing processes not as sustainable as expected. In particular, the use of rare raw materials and the need of higher purity of processes, to preserve product quality and manufacturing equipment, can be a source for additional environmental burden and process costs. Consequently, research is needed to optimize micro-manufacturing processes in order to guarantee the minimum consumption of raw materials, consumables and energy. In this paper, the experimental results obtained by the micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) of micro-channels made on Ni–Cr–Mo steel is reported. The aim of such investigation is to shed a light on the relation and dependence between the material removal process, identified in the evaluation of material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear ratio (TWR), and some of the most important technological parameters (i.e., open voltage, discharge current, pulse width and frequency), in order to experimentally quantify the material waste produced and optimize the technological process in order to decrease it.
Continuous Interferon-α2B Infusion in Combination with Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C in Treatment-Experienced Patients
Authors: Roomer Robert , Bergmann Jilling F , Boonstra Andre , Hansen Bettina E , Haagmans Bart L , Gijsel Sonja Kwadijk-de , van Vuuren Anneke J , de Knegt Robert J , Janssen Harry LA
Published: December 2011

Background

Sustained virological response (SVR) rates in previous non-responders to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α and ribavirin for chronic HCV remain low (∼10%). We hypothesize that continuous subcutaneous delivery of fully potent interferon (IFN)-α2b via an external pump will lead to stable blood concentrations and thereby prevent subtherapeutic trough levels associated with viral breakthrough. The aims of the study were to assess safety, tolerability and virological response in patients who were previous PEG-IFN-α/ribavirin non-responders.

Methods

We randomized 30 HCV genotype 1 ( n=24) and genotype 4 ( n=6) patients to receive 6, 9 or 12 million units (MU) IFN-α2b daily by continuous subcutaneous administration using an insulin pump (MiniMed® 508; Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) in combination with ribavirin (1,000–1,600 mg) for 48 weeks.

Results

The magnitude of viral decline in the 12 MU group after 4 weeks of treatment was 2.67 log HCV RNA compared with 1.21 and 1.27 log HCV RNA in the 9 and 6 MU groups, respectively ( P=0.001). In the intention-to-treat analysis, the SVR rate was 20% (6/30). The perprotocol SVR rate was 25% (6/24), of which four out of six patients in the high-dose arm achieved SVR. Adverse events appeared dose-dependent, were mostly mild-to-moderate and were typical of IFN therapy. Five patients developed irritation and/or abscesses at the injection site. Six serious adverse events were reported in five patients.

Conclusions

Continuous delivery of IFN-α2b can induce a strong dose-dependent viral suppression. This could be an effective approach in conjunction with, or as lead-in therapy prior to, treatment with a direct antiviral agent.
The Mirror Neuron System: Innovations and Implications for Occupational Therapy
Authors: Liew Sook-Lei , Garrison Kathleen A. , Werner Julie , Aziz-Zadeh Lisa
Published: December 2011

Occupational therapy has traditionally championed the use of meaningful occupations in rehabilitation. Emerging research in neuroscience about the putative human mirror neuron system may provide empirical support for the use of occupations to improve outcomes in rehabilitation. This article provides an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the mirror neuron system—a network of motor-related brain regions activated during the production and perception of the same actions—in relation to occupational therapy. The authors present an overview of recent research on the mirror neuron system, highlighting features that are relevant to clinical practice in occupational therapy. They also discuss the potential use of the mirror neuron system in motor rehabilitation and how it may be deficient in populations served by occupational therapy, including individuals with dyspraxia, multisensory integration disorders, and social interaction difficulties. Methods are proposed for occupational therapy to translate these neuroscience findings on the mirror neuron system into clinical applications and the authors suggest that future research in neuroscience would benefit from integrating the occupational therapy perspective.
Estudio de la estabilidad térmica de polvo de hierro nanoestructurado en función del tipo de refuerzo (Nb, NbC) y de su contenido
Authors: Fuentes-Pacheco L. , Campos M. , Torralba J. M.
Published: December 2011

En los aceros estructurales, una estrategia efectiva para incrementar tanto la resistencia como la tenacidad es disminuir el tamaño de grano, tal y como ponen de manifiesto los aceros microaleados. Para retrasar e incluso inhibir el crecimiento de grano existen dos mecanismos básicos: la presencia de partículas de una segunda fase (“particle pinning”) y la presencia de elementos en solución sólida substitucional (“solute drag”). El efecto de la presencia de NbC para inhibir el crecimiento del grano asutenítico está más que demostrado. Sin embargo, no está claro cuál de los dos mecanismos (particle pinning o solute drag) es el más efectivo para retener el grano ferrítico. Para comprobarlo se han preparado polvos de hierro nanoestructurado mediante aleación mecánica, reforzados bien con niobio, bien con NbC. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo estudiar la estabilidad térmica de la ferrita de dichos polvos en función del tipo de refuerzo (Nb en forma elemental o NbC) y de su contenido.
Formación de grafito chunky en piezas de pequeño espesor fabricadas utilizando fundición de hierro con grafito esferoidal
Authors: Asenjo I. , Larrañaga P. , Sertucha J.
Published: December 2011

El grafito chunky es una malformación detectada habitualmente en las zonas de última solidificación pertenecientes a piezas de fundición grafítica esferoidal con enfriamientos muy lentos. Estudios previos realizados sobre bloques cúbicos de 300 y 180 mm de lado y fabricados con aleaciones de matriz ferrítica, indican que los factores que promueven la formación de este defecto son: bajas velocidades de enfriamiento, excesiva post-inoculación del metal de colada y la presencia de elevados contenidos de silicio y/o cerio. La intensificación de estos factores en la fabricación de piezas con espesores más reducidos ha permitido obtener grafito chunky en secciones inferiores a 50 mm. Se han utilizado diferentes condiciones experimentales y se han determinado los factores de mayor influencia en la formación del defecto. La utilización de técnicas analíticas de gran precisión ha mostrado una gran similitud en las composiciones químicas entre las zonas afectadas por la malformación grafítica y aquellas en las que el grafito aparece únicamente bajo formas perfectamente esferoidales. Por otra parte, los contenidos de oxígeno medidos en los materiales estudiados en este trabajo no muestran relación con la cantidad de grafito chunky formado, sin embargo sí dependen del tipo de elemento químico utilizado para realizar el tratamiento de esferoidización del metal fundido.
Corrosión atmosférica del acero suave
Authors: Morcillo M. , De la Fuente D. , Díaz I. , Cano H.
Published: December 2011

La corrosión atmosférica del acero suave es un tema de gran amplitud que ha sido tratado por muchos autores en numerosas regiones del mundo. Este artículo de compilación incorpora publicaciones relevantes sobre esta temática, en particular sobre la naturaleza de los productos de corrosión atmosférica, mecanismos y cinética de los procesos de corrosión atmosférica, prestando una atención especial a dos aspectos sobre los que la información publicada ha sido menos abundante: a) morfología de los productos de corrosión del acero y capas de productos de corrosión, y b) corrosión atmosférica a larga duración (> 10 años).
Impact of rice processing villages on house hold income of rural farmers in Anuradhapura District
Authors: Gamawelagedara WC , Wickramasinghe YM , Dissanayake CAK
Published: December 2011

“Rice processing village” is a concept introduced by the Institute of Post-Harvest Technology in 2005 to promote quality rice production as a cottage industry with the assistance of a number of state and non-state sector organizations. An evaluation study conducted in 2009 revealed that, of the beneficiaries, 75% are females who were underemployed before. One family has processed an average quantity of 14,496Kg of paddy and has earned an average profit of Rs. 121,203 per annum. Profit earned per Kg of paddy was Rs. 9.02 and Rs. 11.83 including and excluding family labor respectively through processing. This is a financially viable and labor intensive enterprise that is appropriate for rural villagers. Due to the profitability, this enterprise has grown at an average annual rate of 172% during past five years.Financial problems, lack of storage and high prices of paddy unavailability of paddy during the off – season are some of the common problems faced by the producers while marketing was a problem in interior locations. Credit programmes, infrastructure development, supplying paddy at a stable price throughout the year and forming rice producer’s associations are some areas where state intervention is required. Keyword: Rice processing; Rice marketing; Rural development; Producer associations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v6i2.3864 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2011, vol .6, no 2, pp92-99
IL-10 Limits Parasite Burden and Protects against Fatal Myocarditis in a Mouse Model of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Roffê Ester , Rothfuchs Antonio Gigliotti , Santiago Helton C. , Marino Ana Paula M. P. , Ribeiro-Gomes Flavia L. , Eckhaus Michael , Antonelli Lis R. V. , Murphy Philip M.
Published: December 2011

Chagas’ disease is a zoonosis prevalent in Latin America that is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The immunopathogenesis of cardiomyopathy, the main clinical problem in Chagas’ disease, has been extensively studied but is still poorly understood. In this study, we systematically compared clinical, microbiologic, pathologic, immunologic, and molecular parameters in two mouse models with opposite susceptibility to acute myocarditis caused by the myotropic Colombiana strain of T. cruzi: C3H/HeSnJ (100% mortality, uncontrolled parasitism) and C57BL/6J (<10% mortality, controlled parasitism). T. cruzi induced differential polarization of immunoregulatory cytokine mRNA expression in the hearts of C57BL/6J versus C3H/HeSnJ mice; however, most differences were small. The difference in IL-10 expression was exceptional (C57BL/6J 8.7-fold greater than C3H/HeSnJ). Consistent with this, hearts from infected C57BL/6J mice, but not C3H/HeSnJ mice, had a high frequency of total IL-10–producing CD8+ T cells and both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets of IFN-γ+IL-10+ double-producing T cells. Furthermore, T. cruzi infection of IL-10−/− C57BL/6J mice phenocopied fatal infection in wild-type C3H/HeSnJ mice with complete loss of parasite control. Adoptive transfer experiments indicated that T cells were a source of protective IL-10. Thus, in this system, IL-10 production by T cells promotes T. cruzi control and protection from fatal acute myocarditis.
Mannose-Binding Lectin-Associated Serine Protease-1 Is a Significant Contributor to Coagulation in a Murine Model of Occlusive Thrombosis
Authors: La Bonte Laura R. , Pavlov Vasile I. , Tan Ying S. , Takahashi Kazue , Takahashi Minoru , Banda Nirmal K. , Zou Chenhui , Fujita Teizo , Stahl Gregory L.
Published: December 2011

Bleeding disorders and thrombotic complications constitute a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Although it is known that the complement and coagulation systems interact, no studies have investigated the specific role or mechanisms of lectin-mediated coagulation in vivo. FeCl3 treatment resulted in intra-arterial occlusive thrombogenesis within 10 min in wild-type (WT) and C2/factor B-null mice. In contrast, mannose-binding lectin (MBL)-null and MBL-associated serine protease (MASP)-1/-3 knockout (KO) mice had significantly decreased FeCl3-induced thrombogenesis. Reconstitution with recombinant human (rh) MBL restored FeCl3-induced thrombogenesis in MBL-null mice to levels comparable to WT mice, suggesting a significant role of the MBL/MASP complex for in vivo coagulation. Additionally, whole blood aggregation demonstrated increased MBL/MASP complex-dependent platelet aggregation. In vitro, MBL/MASP complexes were captured on mannan-coated plates, and cleavage of a chromogenic thrombin substrate (S2238) was measured. We observed no significant differences in S2238 cleavage between WT, C2/factor B-null, MBL-A−/−, or MBL-C−/− sera; however, MBL-null or MASP-1/-3 KO mouse sera demonstrated significantly decreased S2238 cleavage. rhMBL alone failed to cleave S2238, but cleavage was restored when rMASP-1 was added to either MASP-1/-3 KO sera or rhMBL. Taken together, these findings indicate that MBL/MASP complexes, and specifically MASP-1, play a key role in thrombus formation in vitro and in vivo.
Heterotopic Salivary Gland Presenting as a Discharging Sinus in the Base of the Neck
Authors: Jain Shraddha , Aggarwal Anil , Deshmukh Prasad , Singhvi Puneet , Sudarshan Kavita
Published: December 2011

We report a case of congenital heterotopic salivary gland with draining sinus in the lower neck on the right side of a 10-year-old female, which we initially thought to be a branchial fistula. Heterotopic salivary glands are rare lesions in the neck and when present appear very similar to branchial cleft sinus or fistula. This congenital lesion is rare. This is probably the first report from India. It is important to report this case to raise the awareness of this condition.
A Rare Case of Coinheritance of Hemoglobin H Disease and Sickle Cell Trait Combined with Severe Iron Deficiency
Authors: Medinger Michael , Saller Elisabeth , Harteveld Cornelis L. , Lehmann Thomas , Graf Lukas , Rovo Alicia , Buser Andreas , Passweg Jakob , Tichelli André
Published: December 2011

We present a case of a 40-year-old female from Turkey, who was referred to our outpatient clinic for an undetermined thalassemia and sickle cell trait. At first consultation hemoglobin was decreased (71 g/L) with microcytosis (MCV 55.1 fL), and hypochromia (MCHC 239 g/L). The patient had severe iron deficiency. Brilliant cresyl blue staining showed >50% of the erythrocytes with typical Hemoglobin H (HbH) inclusions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed normal levels of HbA2 and Hemoglobin F (HbF), and additionally a hemoglobin S (19%). Molecular diagnostics revealed the mutations α2 IVS-I donor site −5nt and a --MED II deletion in the alpha gene complex and confirmed the heterozygote mutation of the beta-gene at codon 6 (HBB:c.20A>T; HbS). In conclusion, we present an extremely rare combination of HbH disease and sickle cell trait. This combination may explain the mild form of the HbH disease, with moderate anemia, splenomegaly but iron deficiency, rather than iron overload, as usually observed in HbH disease.
Violence: The church is part of the problem
Authors: Oliver Erna
Published: December 2011

South African Christians are not only surrounded by violence, but actively participate in acts of violence, therefore contributing to the unacceptably high levels of anxiety and counterviolence across the country. Christian churches � both the institutions and their individual members � are accomplices to the current chaotic state of affairs in South Africa. Simply accepting and adapting to the standards and values of the society in which the church operates erases the signs and characteristics of the alternative community that Christians are supposed to be. Being no different from the rest of society deprives the churches of their power and influence on society.The churches are caught up in a number of crises, causing them to be sidetracked from serious issues that need urgent attention. This calls for amelioration, which focuses not so much on creeds, but on deeds. Faith is supposed to change people and their behaviour. Challenging the way people behave, calling upon them to live without compromise and emphasising the need for introspection regarding the use of violence could bring creative transformation to both the church and society. To this end, this paper aimed to focus attention on the fact that the Christian churches in South Africa are not living up to their calling and, through its examination of the problem at hand, sound a call for introspection and action.
Towards a merged satellite and in situ fluorescence ocean chlorophyll product
Authors: Lavigne H. , D'Ortenzio F. , Claustre H. , Poteau A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Understanding the ocean carbon cycle requires a precise assessment of phytoplankton biomass in the oceans. In terms of numbers of observations, satellite data represents the largest available data set. However, as they are limited to surface waters, they have to be merged with in situ observations. Amongst the in situ data, fluorescence profiles constitute the greatest data set available, because fluorometers operate routinely on oceanographic cruise since the seventies. Nevertheless, fluorescence is only a proxy of the Total Chlorophyll-a concentration and a data calibration is required. Calibration issues are, however, source of uncertainty and they have prevented a systematic and wide range exploitation of the fluorescence data set. In particular, very few attempts to standardize the fluorescence data bases exist. Consequently, merged estimations with other data sources (i.e. satellite) are lacking. We propose a merging method to fill this gap. It consists firstly, in adjusting the fluorescence profile to impose a zero Chlorophyll-a concentration at depth. Secondly, each point of the fluorescence profile is then multiplied by a correction coefficient which forces the Chlorophyll-a integrated content measured on the fluorescence profile to be consistent with the concomitant ocean color observation. The method is close to the approach proposed by Boss et al. (2008) to calibrate fluorescence data of a profiling float, although important differences do exist. To develop and test our approach, in situ data from three open ocean stations (BATS, HOT and DYFAMED) were used. Comparison of the so-called "satellite-corrected" fluorescence profiles with concomitant bottle derived estimations of Chlorophyll-a concentration was performed to evaluate the final error, which resulted to be of about 31 %. Comparison with the Boss et al. (2008) method, carried out on a subset of the DYFAMED data set simulating a profiling float time series, demonstrated that the methods have similar accuracy. Applications of the method were then explored on two different data sets. Using fluorescence profiles at BATS, we show that the integration of "satellite-corrected" fluorescence profiles in Chlorophyll-a climatologies could improve both the statistical relevance of Chlorophyll-a averages and the vertical structure of the Chlorophyll-a field. We also show that our method could be efficiently used to process, within near-real time, profiles obtained by a fluorometer deployed on autonomous platforms, in our case a bio-optical profiling float. The wide application of the proposed method should provide a first step toward the generation of a merged satellite/fluorescence Chlorophyll-a product, as the "satellite-corrected" profiles should then be consistent with satellite observations. Improved climatologies and more consistent satellite and in situ data (comprising those from autonomous platforms) should strongly enhance the performance of present biogeochemical models.
Erosion rates deduced from seasonal mass balance along the upper Urumqi River in Tianshan
Authors: Liu Y. , Métivier F. , Gaillardet J. , Ye B. , Meunier P. , Narteau C. , Lajeunesse E. , Han T. , Malverti L.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We report measurements performed during two complete flow seasons on the Urumqi River, a proglacial mountain stream in the northeastern flank of the Tianshan, an active mountain range in Central Asia. This survey of flow dynamics and sediment transport (dissolved, suspended and bed loads), together with a 25-year record of daily discharge, enables the assessment of secular denudation rates on this high mountain catchment of Central Asia. Our results show that chemical weathering accounts for more than one-third of the total denudation rate. Sediment transported as bed load cannot be neglected in the balance, given that sand and gravel transport accounts for one third of the solid load of the river. Overall, the mean denudation rates are low, averaging 46 t × km−2 × yr−1(17–18 m Myr−1). We furthermore analyse the hydrologic record to show that the long-term sediment budget is not dominated by extreme and rare events but by the total amount of rainfall or annual runoff. The rates we obtain are in agreement with rates obtained from the mass balance reconstruction of the Plio-Quaternary gravely deposits of the foreland but signicantly lower than the rates recently obtained from cosmogenic dating of the Kuitun River sands, west of the Urumqi River. We show that the resolution of this incompatibility may have an important consquence for our understanding of the interplay between erosion and tectonics in the semi-humid ranges of Central Asia.
Determination of Some Organophosphorus and Azole Group Pesticides in Water Samples by Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Coupled with GC/MS
Authors: Akdoğan Abdullah , Divrikli Ümit , Elçi Andlatif
Published: December 2011

A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) procedure coupled with GC/MS detection is described for preconcentration and determination of some organophosphorus and azole group pesticides from water samples. Experimental conditions affecting the DLLME procedure were optimized by means of an experimental design. A mixture of 60 μL chlorobenzene (extraction solvent) and 750 μL acetonitrile (disperser solvent), 3.5 min extraction time, and 7.5 mL aqueous sample volume were chosen for the best recovery by DLLME. The linear range was 1.6–32 μg/L. The LOD ranged from 48.8 to 68.7 ng/L. The RSD values for organophosphorus and azole group pesticides at spiking levels of 3, 6, and 9 μg/L in water samples were in the range of 1.1 – 12.8%. The applicability and accuracy of the developed method were determined by analysis of spiked water samples, and the recoveries of the analyzed pesticides from artesian, stream, and tap waters at spiking levels of 3, 6, and 9 μg/L were 89.3–105.6, 89.5–103.0, and 92.0–111.3%, respectively.
Target Identification Using Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS)
Authors: Lomenick Brett , Jung Gwanghyun , Wohlschlegel James A. , Huang Jing
Published: December 2011

Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) is a general methodology for identifying and studying protein‐ligand interactions. The technique is based on the principle that when a small molecule compound binds to a protein, the interaction stabilizes the target protein's structure such that it becomes resistant to proteases. DARTS is particularly useful for the initial identification of the protein targets of small molecules, but can also be used to validate potential protein‐ligand interactions predicted or identified by other means and to estimate the affinity of interactions. The approach is simple and advantageous because it can be performed using crude cell lysates and other complex protein mixtures (without requiring purified proteins), and it uses native, unmodified small molecules. The protocols in this unit describe the general approach for performing DARTS experiments, which can be easily modified and scaled to fit project‐specific criteria. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:163‐180 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Shifting lenses: A critical examination of disability in adult education
Authors: Rocco Tonette S. , Delgado Antonio
Published: December 2011

Adult educators discuss disability as an organizing variable, rarely troubling the concept of disability as an identity marker by examining its social construction.
Getting to know you: The prospect of challenging ableism through adult learning
Authors: McLean Margaret A.
Published: December 2011

Adult education is one context where ableist notions may persist unrecognized and unchallenged as these understandings have become institutionalized in the beliefs, language, and practices of nondisabled people
Conducting research with the disability community: A rights‐based approach
Authors: Munger Kelly M. , Mertens Donna M.
Published: December 2011

Medical and scientific research frequently has perpetuated the cycle of oppression by reinforcing the notion of disability as individual deviance rather than a sociopolitical issue.
When the black dog barks: An autoethnography of adult learning in and on clinical depression
Authors: Brookfield Stephen
Published: December 2011

The American Psychiatric Association estimates that over 17 million Americans currently suffer from severe clinical depression. Learning how to live with and fight such depression must therefore be considered a massive societal adult learning task.
Learning and adaptation after diagnosis: The role of parent education
Authors: Reio Thomas G. , Fornes Sandra L.
Published: December 2011

After diagnosis of a child's disability, the parent adapts to the situation by learning how to best optimize the child's learning and development, despite the disability. However, often parents are overwhelmed because many feel ill equipped to deal with the realities of handling the child's physical, psychological, and/or educational needs.
Challenges and opportunities of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans with disabilities transitioning into learning and workplace environments
Authors: Ostovary Fariba , Dapprich Janet
Published: December 2011

As American communities welcome home U.S. troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is important to understand the unique set of circumstances for military personnel who served in these Middle Eastern regions. Differences in deployment, the type of injuries sustained, and the mixture of personnel continue to affect transitions from military service and reintegration into civilian life.
Validity of brief screening tools for cognitive impairment in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Julian Laura J. , Yazdany Jinoos , Trupin Laura , Criswell Lindsey A. , Yelin Edward , Katz Patricia P.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To determine the validity of standardized screening assessments of cognitive functioning to detect neuropsychological impairment evaluated using a comprehensive battery in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study using a combined cohort of 139 persons with SLE and 82 persons with RA. Screening cut points were empirically derived using receiver operating characteristic curves and threshold selection methods. Screening measures included the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test‐Revised (HVLT‐R) learning and delayed recall indices and phonemic fluency, a composite measure of the 3 cognitive screening tests, and the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire‐Short Form (PDQ‐SF), a self‐report measure of cognitive symptoms. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered as the “gold standard” index of neuropsychological impairment.

Results

Rates of neuropsychological impairment were 27% and 15% for the SLE and RA cohorts, respectively. Optimal threshold estimations were derived for 5 screening techniques. The HVLT‐R learning and phonemic fluency indices yielded the greatest sensitivity at 81%. The PDQ‐SF yielded the lowest sensitivity at 52%. All measures were significantly associated with neuropsychological impairment after controlling for relevant sociodemographic covariates and depression.

Conclusion

These results suggest that telephone‐administered screening techniques may be useful measures to identify persons with neuropsychological impairment. Specifically, measures of phonemic fluency and verbal learning appeared to be most sensitive and least likely to misclassify impaired individuals as cognitively intact. Self‐reported questionnaires may have relatively decreased sensitivity compared to standardized interviewer‐administered cognitive measures.
Synthesis of polysiloxane‐type multifunctional flame retardant and its application in epoxy systems
Authors: Kang Nianjun , Du Zhongjie , Li Hangquan , Zhang Chen
Published: December 2011

Polymethyl(3‐glycidyloxypropyl)siloxane (PMGS) was synthesized as a flame‐retardant additive, which were cocured with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) using 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone as a curing agent. The structure of PMGS was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR spectra. The cured products were characterized with dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and oxygen index analyzer. With PMGS incorporated, the cured epoxy resin showed better thermal stability, higher limited oxygen index, and higher char yield. At moderate loading of PMGS, the storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the cured epoxy resin based on neat DGEBA were obviously improved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Thermal effect of carbamates based polymer on the TiO2 growth
Authors: Shin Jong Wook , Kim Soo Young
Published: December 2011

We investigated the growth of TiO2 on poly((tetrahydropyran‐2‐yl N‐(2‐methacryloxyethyl) carbamate)‐co‐(methyl 4‐(3‐methacryloyloxypropoxy) cinnamate) (THP‐polymer) using thermal heating, octyl isocyanate (OIC), and glutaraldehyde. It is found that TiO2 can be grown on surfaces terminated with NH2 and O groups from aqueous solution. However, TiO2 did not deposit on CH3 terminated surfaces, due to the low surface energy of these surfaces. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis data showed that the THP functional group can be removed and the surface functional group converted to NH2 by heating the material over 180°C. OIC can then be immobilized on the surface after heating, changing the surface functional group from NH2 to CH3. As TiO2 can be deposited from solution on NH2 terminated, but not CH3 terminated surfaces, THP‐polymer can be used to switch the surface properties by thermal activation and subsequent reaction with OIC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
UV‐radiation induced graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto sodium salt of partially carboxymethylated psyllium
Authors: Dholakia Amit , Jivani Jayesh , Trivedi Jignesh , Patel Kirit , Trivedi Harikrishna
Published: December 2011

UV‐radiation induced grafting of methyl methacrylate onto sodium salt of partially carboxymethylated psyllium has been carried out using ceric ammonium nitrate as a photoinitiator in an aqueous medium. The reaction variables including concentrations of initiator, nitric acid, monomer, and amount of the backbone as well as time and temperature have been varied for establishing the optimized reaction conditions for grafting. The influence of these reaction conditions on the grafting yields has been discussed. The overall activation energy of grafting has been calculated. The infrared spectroscopic, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopic techniques have been used for the characterization of graft copolymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011