bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed Seed Persistence and Microbial Abundance in Long-Term Organic and Conventional Cropping Systems
Authors: Ullrich Silke D. , Buyer Jeffrey S. , Cavigelli Michel A. , Seidel Rita , Teasdale John R.
Published: April 2011

Weed seed persistence in soil can be influenced by many factors, including crop management. This research was conducted to determine whether organic management systems with higher organic amendments and soil microbial biomass could reduce weed seed persistence compared with conventional management systems. Seeds of smooth pigweed and common lambsquarters were buried in mesh bags in organic and conventional systems of two long-term experiments, the Farming Systems Project at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Maryland, and the Farming Systems Trial at the Rodale Institute, Pennsylvania. Seed viability was determined after retrieval at half-year intervals for 2 yr. Total soil microbial biomass, as measured by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) content, was higher in organic systems than in conventional systems at both locations. Over all systems, locations, and experiments, viable seed half-life was relatively consistent with a mean of 1.3 and 1.1 yr and a standard deviation of 0.5 and 0.3 for smooth pigweed and common lambsquarters, respectively. Differences between systems were small and relatively inconsistent. Half-life of smooth pigweed seeds was shorter in the organic than in the conventional system in two of four location-experiments. Half-life of common lambsquarters was shorter in the organic than in the conventional system in one of four location-experiments, but longer in the organic than in the conventional system in two of four location-experiments. There were few correlations between PLFA biomarkers and seed half-lives in three of four location-experiments; however, there were negative correlations up to −0.64 for common lambsquarters and −0.55 for smooth pigweed in the second Rodale experiment. The lack of consistent system effects on seed persistence and the lack of consistent associations between soil microbial biomass and weed seed persistence suggest that soil microorganisms do not have a dominating role in seed mortality. More precise research targeted to identifying specific microbial functions causing seed mortality will be needed to provide a clearer picture of the role of soil microbes in weed seed persistence.
Physical modelling of wetting-induced collapse in embankment base
Authors: THOREL L. , FERBER V. , CAICEDO B. , KHOKHAR I.M.
Published: April 2011

The relevance of the oedometer tests used for the prediction of wetting-induced deformations in embankments is examined. Single and double oedometer tests are carried out. A comparison is made between laboratory tests and geotechnical centrifuge modelling at 100g conducted to examine an inundated embankment made of a sand–clay mixture. A 20 cm high embankment model is built and instrumented. The material is compacted on the ‘dry side' of the optimum Proctor curve at a low compaction rate in order to emphasise settlement phenomena. The inundation simulation is conducted in two successive sequences during centrifuge flight up to a water table of 5 cm. The results prove that the prediction of the dry density after settlement due to inundation is good.
The Characteristics of Those Who Do and Do Not Leave Suicide Notes: Is the Method of Residuals Valid?
Authors: Haines Janet , Williams Christopher L. , Lester David
Published: April 2011

Examination of 1,051 completed suicides from an Australian state showed that 33% left a suicide note. Those leaving a suicide note were more involved in interpersonal conflicts (including divorce), were less often psychiatrically disturbed, and were less likely to be under medical supervision. The large number of differences suggests that it may not be possible to learn about suicide in general from a study of suicide notes alone.
Double sequence spaces defined by a modulus
Authors: Savaş Ekrem , Patterson Richard
Published: April 2011

This paper begins with new definitions for double sequence spaces. These new definitions are constructed, in general, by combining modulus function and nonnegative four-dimensional matrix. We use these definitions to establish inclusion theorems between various sequence spaces such as: If A = (a
m,n,k,l) be a nonnegative four-dimensional matrix such that $$
\mathop {\sup }\limits_{m,n} \sum\limits_{k,l = 0,0}^{\infty ,\infty } {a_{m,n,k,l} < \infty }
$$ and let f be a modulus, then ω″(A, f) ⊂ ω″∞(A, f) and ω″0(A, f) ⊂ ω″∞(A, f).
New Treatment Resources of Traumatic Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures - Minimally Invasive Open Anterior Column Reconstruction: our Initial Experience
Authors: Briuks Kalvis , Ruks Kaspars , Puce Andris , Jumtins Andris
Published: April 2011

New Treatment Resources of Traumatic Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures - Minimally Invasive Open Anterior Column Reconstruction: our Initial Experience

Introduction. Thoracolumbal burst fracture is a common pathology in spinal trauma surgery. Most important for the understanding and treatment spinal injuries is to recognize spinal stability or instability as for unstable injuries stabilisation is recommended. Posterior only stabilisation leads to a high incidence of implant failure and re-kyphosis in the long-term, and patients with implant failure have moderate-to-severe pain. 80-85% of axial forces on the spine are transmitted via the anterior vertebral column. The aim of the procedure is to restore anatomical alignment and integrity to unstable or destroyed segments of the anterior column of the thoracic and lumbar spine. An open minimally invasive surgical approach is used to minimise surgical trauma and to reduce perioperative and postoperative morbidity Aim of the Study. We analyzed our initial experience in spinal anterior column stabilization for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Materials and methods. We have reviewed first 37 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture wich have undergone anterior column stabilization in the Department of Spine Surgery of Trauma and Orthopaedic hospital between september 2007- september 2010. Results. We initially reported a series of 37 consecutive patients (14 women, 23 men) who were treated with minimally invasive open surgery to the anterior column between september 2007 and september 2010. There were 5 fractures of the thoracic spine (T4-10),17 fractures involving the thoracolumbar junction (T11-L1) and 15 fractures of the lumbar spine (L2-4). The most affected level was L1 (11 patients). In 5 cases anterior and posterior surgery were performed in one day. In 4 patients a right-sided mini-thoracotomy and 1 left sided minithoracotomy was performed to access the midthoracic spine (T4-8), a left-sided mini-thoracotomy to reach the thoracolumbar junction (T9-L1) was used in 14 patients and a retroperitoneal minilateral approach was used in 18 patients for lumbar spine intervention (L2-L4). Allogenous iliac crest bone was harvested in 11 patients and iliac crest autografts in 1 patient. Expandable (Synex) cages were used for vertebral reconstruction in 9 patients, but expandable (Obelisc) cages were used in 8 patients, nonexpandable mesh cages(DePuy) were used in 2 cases, tricortical iliac crest bone plus screw and rod system Expedium anterior (DePuy) - in 12 patients. Tricortical iliac crest bone or expandable cage plus locking compression plate (Synthes) in 3 patients. Conclusions. Our initial experience encourages us to continue this type of operation as it proved to be a safe for patients, the stability of the spine is much higher and anterior column stabilisation protects the spine.
Role of Human Skin Antimicrobial Peptides in Psoriasis
Authors: Mozeika Elga , Pilmane Mara , Kisis Janis
Published: April 2011

Role of Human Skin Antimicrobial Peptides in Psoriasis

Introduction. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with various biochemical, immunologic and vascular changes, and a vague relationship to nervous system function. Skin defends the body by rapidly setting an innate immune response and providing a swift first-line defense against infection or injury. Hundreds of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides have been discovered and it has been shown that psoriatic epidermis expresses high levels of host defense proteins. Aim of the Study. To evaluate human antimicrobial peptides in correlation with inflammation level in skin biopsy material of psoriatic lesions. Materials and methods. We evaluated 9 psoriasis patients and 1 healthy volunteer. Skin biopsies were obtained from using the routine punch biopsy method. All tissue specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and by immunochemistry for human β defensin 2, PGP 9.5, MMP2. The intensity of immunostaining was graded semiquantitatively. For apoptosis evaluation, we used TUNEL method. Results. We found a distinct inflammatory cell infiltration with diffusive character in subepithelial layer, epithelium and hair follicle outer epithelial sheath. Defensin-containing cell number, PGP 9.5-containing nerve fibers and number of MMP2 positive macrophages, fibroblasts and epitheliocytes varied from few to abundant in the visual field. Apoptosis affected epithelial cells, connective tissue cells and inflammatory cells focally. Conclusions. Histological findings vary from marked inflammatory cell infiltration to granulation tissue. Psoriatic lesions of patients with no previous active psoriasis treatment feature marked activation of defensin, matrix metalloproteinase, apoptosis and neuropeptides-containing innervation. In skin of psoriasis patients with long-term ineffective treatment psoriatic lesions show abundance of positive structures of defensin, matrix metalloproteinase and neuropeptides-containing innervation. Close correlation between expression of defensin-containing cells, apoptotic cells, and inflammation in the skin was found suggesting about possible stimulation of AMPs and apoptosis by specific inflammation.
Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis Mimicking Neoplasm
Authors: Elsone Liene , Platkajis Ardis , Karelis Guntis , Dzelzite Sarmite , Murzina Maira
Published: April 2011

Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis Mimicking Neoplasm

Acute demyelination may present as a rapidly expanding space-occupying or tumefactive lesion (TDL). Tumefactive demyelinating lesions are misdiagnosed quite frequently and can result in unnecessary and potentially harmful surgical resection, radiation or toxic chemotherapeutic interventions therapy. Systematic literature review from available articles and abstracts in PubMed database was summarized in purpose to describe typical presentation and diagnostically challenging features of TDL. One clinical case report presenting tumor-like lesion of the brain, when the diagnosis of TDL was established, is added as an illustrative material.
Severe Deep Neck Space Infection and Bilateral Pneumonia of Odontogenic Origin: a Case Report
Authors: Dobele Ilze , Kragis Gints , Salms Girts , Apse Peteris
Published: April 2011

Severe Deep Neck Space Infection and Bilateral Pneumonia of Odontogenic Origin: a Case Report

Severe deep neck infections (DNIs) are potential complications of odontogenic pathology. DNIs affecting perimandibular space have a high prevalence and their etiologic and therapeutic aspects have been discussed. Early diagnosis and aggressive antimicrobial and surgical treatment are essential to successfully treat cervical abscesses and compromised upper airways of odontogenic origin. We report the case of life threatening pathology involving perimandibular, retropharyngeal spaces and bilateral pneumonia.
Endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations with prolonged intranidal Onyx injection technique: long-term results in 350 consecutive patients with completed endovascular treatment course
Authors: Saatci Isil , Geyik Serdar , Yavuz Kivilcim , Cekirge H. Saruhan
Published: April 2011

Object

The purpose of this study was to present the authors' clinical experience and long-term angiographic and clinical follow-up results in 350 patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated using prolonged intranidal Onyx injection with a very slow “staged” reflux technique described by the authors.

Methods

Three hundred and fifty consecutive patients with brain AVMs treated using Onyx between 1999 and 2008 and in whom definitive status for endovascular treatment was reached are presented. There were 206 (59%) male and 144 (41%) female patients, with a mean age of 34 years. There were 607 endovascular sessions performed. Onyx was the only agent used for intranidal injections in all patients, but in 42 patients high-concentration N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue was used adjunctively to close high-flow direct arteriovenous intra- or perinidal fistulas, or when a feeding vessel or nidus perforation and/or dissection occurred.

Results

Angiographically confirmed obliteration was achieved in 179 patients (51%) with only endovascular treatment; 1 patient died due to intracranial hemorrhage after the treatment. Twenty-two patients underwent resection, and 136 patients were sent to radiosurgery after endovascular treatment. In 4 patients embolization therapy was discontinued, and 5 additional patients refused the suggested complementary surgery. In all 178 surviving patients who had angiographically confirmed AVM obliteration by embolization alone, 1–8 years of control angiography (mean 47 months) confirmed stable obliteration, except for 2 patients in whom a very small recruitment was noted in the 1st year on control angiography studies, despite initial apparent total obliteration (recanalization rate 1.1%). In the entire series, 5 patients died; the mortality rate was 1.4%. The permanent morbidity rate was 7.1%.

Conclusions

With the prolonged intranidal injection technique described herein, Onyx allows the practitioner to achieve higher rates of anatomical cures compared with the cure rates obtained previously with other embolic agents. More importantly, due to this technique's much more effective intranidal penetration, it allows high-grade AVMs to be made radiosurgically treatable in a group of patients for whom there has been no treatment alternative.
Heuristic map of myotomal innervation in humans using direct intraoperative nerve root stimulation
Authors: Schirmer Clemens M. , Shils Jay L. , Arle Jeffrey E. , Cosgrove G. Rees , Dempsey Peter K. , Tarlov Edward , Kim Stephan , Martin Christopher J. , Feltz Carl , Moul Marina , Magge Subu
Published: April 2011

Object

Considerable overlap exists in nerve root innervation of various muscles. Knowledge of myotomal innervation is essential for the interpretation of neurological examination findings and neurosurgical decision-making. Previous studies relied on cadaveric dissections, animal studies, and cases with anomalous anatomy. This study investigates the myotomal innervation patterns of cervical and lumbar nerve roots through in vivo stimulation during surgeries for spinal decompression.

Methods

Patients undergoing cervical and lumbar surgeries in which nerve roots were exposed in the normal course of surgery were included in the study. Electromyography electrodes were placed in the muscle groups that are generally accepted to be innervated by the roots under study. These locations included levels above and below the spinal levels undergoing decompression. After decompression, a unipolar neural stimulator probe was placed directly on the nerve root sleeve and constant current stimulation in increments of 0.1 mA was performed. Current was raised until at least a 100 μV amplitude–triggered electromyographic response was noted in 1 or more muscles. All muscles that responded were recorded.

Results

A total of 2295 nerve root locations in 129 patients (mean age 57 ± 15 years, 47 female [36%]) were stimulated, and 1589 stimulations met quality criteria and were analyzed. Four hundred ninety-five stimulations were performed on roots contributing to the cervical and brachial plexus from C-3 to T-1 (31.2%), and 1094 (68.8%) were roots in the lumbosacral plexus between L-1 and S-2. The authors were able to construct a statistical map of the contributions of each cervical and lumbosacral nerve root for the set of muscle groups monitored in the protocol. In many cases the range of muscles innervated by a specific root was broader than previously described in textbooks.

Conclusions

This is the largest data set of direct intraoperative nerve root stimulations during decompressive surgery, demonstrating the relative contribution of root-level motor input to various muscle groups. Compared with classic neuroanatomy, a significant number of roots innervate a broader range of muscles than expected, which may account for the variability of presentation between patients with identical number and location of compressed roots.
Surgical management of melanoma brain metastases in patients treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Lonser Russell R. , Song Debbie K. , Klapper Jacob , Hagan Marygrace , Auh Sungyoung , Kerr P. Benjamin , Citrin Deborah E. , Heiss John D. , Camphausen Kevin , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: April 2011

Object

Despite the increasing use of immunotherapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, the effects of this therapy on the management of patients with associated brain metastases are not completely defined. The authors undertook this study to determine the effectiveness of resection and the effects of immunotherapy on brain metastasis management.

Methods

The authors analyzed data pertaining to consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma treated with immunotherapy within 3 months of discovery of brain metastases that were surgically resected.

Results

Forty-one patients (median age 44.4 years, range 19.2–63.1 years) underwent resection of 53 brain metastases (median number of metastases 1, range 1–4). The median metastasis volume was 2.5 cm3. Fifteen patients underwent whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and 26 patients did not. Duration of survival from brain metastasis diagnosis was not significantly different between patients who received WBRT (mean 24.9 months) and those who did not (mean 23.3 months) (p > 0.05). Local and distant brain recurrence rates were not statistically different between the WBRT (7.1% and 28.6%, respectively) and non-WBRT (7.7% and 41.0%) groups for the duration of follow-up (p > 0.05). An objective systemic response to immunotherapy was associated with increased duration of survival (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Resection of melanoma brain metastases in patients treated with immunotherapy provides excellent local control with low morbidity. An objective response to systemic immunotherapy is associated with a prolonged survival in patients who have undergone resection of melanoma brain metastases. Moreover, adjuvant WBRT in melanoma immunotherapy patients with limited metastatic disease to the brain does not appear to provide a significant survival benefit.
Changes in coronal and sagittal plane alignment following minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion for the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease in adults: a radiographic study
Authors: Acosta Frank L. , Liu John , Slimack Nicholas , Moller David , Fessler Richard , Koski Tyler
Published: April 2011

Object

The lateral transpsoas approach for lumbar interbody fusion is a minimal access technique that has been used by some to treat lumbar degenerative conditions, including degenerative scoliosis. Few studies, however, have analyzed its effect on coronal and sagittal plane correction, and no study has compared changes in segmental, regional, and global coronal and sagittal alignment after this technique. The object of this study was to determine changes in sagittal and coronal plane alignment occurring after direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF).

Methods

The authors performed a review of the radiographic records of 36 patients with lumbar degenerative disease treated with the DLIF technique. Thirty-five patients underwent supplemental posterior fixation to maintain correction. Preoperative and postoperative standing anteroposterior and lateral lumbar radiographs were obtained in all patients for measurement of segmental and regional coronal and sagittal Cobb angles. Standing anteroposterior and lateral 36-in radiographs were also obtained in 23 patients for measurement of global coronal (center sacral vertebral line) and sagittal (C-7 plumb line) balance.

Results

The mean coronal segmental Cobb angle was 4.5° preoperatively, and it was 1.5° postoperatively (p < 0.0001). The mean pre- and postoperative regional lumbar coronal Cobb angles were 7.6° and 3.6°, respectively (p = 0.0001). In 8 patients with degenerative scoliosis, the mean pre- and postoperative regional lumbar coronal Cobb angles were 21.4° and 9.7°, respectively (p = 0.0004). The mean global coronal alignment was 19.1 mm preoperatively, and it was 12.5 mm postoperatively (p < 0.05). In the sagittal plane, the mean segmental Cobb angle measured −5.3° preoperatively and −8.2° postoperatively (p < 0.0001). The mean pre- and postoperative regional lumbar lordoses were 42.1° and 46.2°, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean global sagittal alignment was 41.5 mm preoperatively and 42.4 mm postoperatively (p = 0.7). The average clinical follow-up was 21 months in 21 patients. The mean pre- and postoperative visual analog scale scores were 7.7 and 2.9, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean pre- and postoperative Oswestry Disability Indices were 43 and 21, respectively (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Direct lateral interbody fusion significantly improves segmental, regional, and global coronal plane alignment in patients with degenerative lumbar disease. Although DLIF increases the segmental sagittal Cobb angle at the level of instrumentation, it does not improve regional lumbar lordosis or global sagittal alignment.
Role of Urinary Albumin in the Prediction of Preeclampsia
Authors: Fatema K , Khatun M , Akter S , Ali L
Published: April 2011

The prospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital and at the Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Research Division, BIRDEM, during the period of Jan 2003 to July 2004. To explore a suitable biochemical marker to predict the future development of preeclampsia (PE), total 119 pregnant women at their 10-14 weeks of pregnancy were selected. Urinary albumin was measured in these subjects and they were followed up to the term for the possible development of PE. The data were analyzed by grouping the subjects into the PE group and control group. Out of 119 subjects 56 were primigravida and 63 were multigravida. From the total subjects 10 developed PE (04 primigravida and 06 multigravida), which shows a prevalence of about 8.4%. The PE group showed a relatively higher value of Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) as compared to control. 63 subjects had microalbuminuria out of which 8 developed PE. The sensitivity of ACR in predicting the development of PE was 80%, specificity 49.54%, Positive pridictive value (PPV) 12.69% and Negitive pridictive value (NPV) 96.42%. It may be concluded that early pregnancy levels of microalbuminuria can be used as predictors of preeclampsia with high negative predictive value. Key Words: Preeclampsia; Microalbuminuria DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7404 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 14-18
Analysis of Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Associated with Hospitalized Stroke Patients of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain AM , Ahmed NU , Rahman M , Islam MR , Sadhya G , Fatema K
Published: April 2011

A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out to analyze prevalence of risk factors for stroke in hospitalized patient in a medical college hospital. 100 patients were chosen using purposive sampling technique. Highest incidence of stroke was between the 6th and 7th decade. Patients came from both urban (54%) and rural (46%) areas and most of them belong to the low-income group (47%). In occupational category; service holder (28%) and retired person (21%) were the highest groups. Most of the study subjects were literate (63%). CT scan study revealed that the incidence of ischaemic stroke was 61% and haemorrhagic stroke 39%. Analysis indicated hypertension as major risk factor for stroke (63%) and major portion of the patients (42.85%) were on irregular or no treatment. Twenty four percent of the patients had heart diseases and out of 24 patients 45.83% were suffering from ischaemic heart disease. The present study detected diabetes in 21% patients. Fifty three percent of the study subjects were smoker, 39% patients had habit of betelnut chewing. Out of 26 female patients, only 23% had history of using oral contraceptives. Majority of the patients were sedentary workers (46%). Thirty seven percent of the stroke patients were obese. Among the stroke patients 9% had previous history of stroke and 3% had TIA respectively. Most of the patients (21%) were awake while they suffered from stroke and the time of occurrence was mostly in the afternoon (46%). This study found that hypertension, cigarette smoking, ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus are the major risk factors prevalent in our community while other risk factors demand further study. Key words: stroke; risk factors; hospitalized patients; Bangladesh. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7405 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 19-23
Abundance of Road Traffic Accidents among Medicolegal Postmortem Cases
Authors: Rahman MZ , Ahmad M , Rahman FN , Islam SMK , Rahman KGM , Haque MR
Published: April 2011

This retrospective study was conducted at the Dhaka Medical College (DMC) morgue during the period of Jan 2008 to Dec 2008. The objective of this study was to find out the abundance of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) cases among medicolegal post mortem examinations performed at DMC morgue and in this relation to evaluate the present situation of RTA in our country. It has been observed that RTA cases are the most common cases among various types of medicolegal post mortems. A total of 2714 postmortems were conducted during the study period and out of which 813 (29.95%) cases were of RTA, among the victims 545 (67.03%) were male and 268 (32.96%) were female. Highest incidence (30.38 %) of RTA was observed among the age group 21 to 30 yrs. Most accidents occurred at daytime 282 (34.68%), followed by night 233 (28.66%). Greater number of accidents occurred during September 90 (11.07%), followed by January 85 (10.45%) and December 83 (10.20%). Commonest victims were pedestrians 564 (69.37%). Most accidents took place on highways 650 (79.95%) and buses were the most dangerous vehicle causing highest number of accidents 307 (37.76%), followed by truck 141 (17.34%). Among the cases 100% victims had multiple abrasion and bruise, laceration were present in 654 (80.44%), and intra cranial injury 527 (64.82 %). Key words: Road Traffic Accidents; Postmortem Examination DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7407 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 28-31
ABO and Lewis Blood Grouping with ABH Secretor and Non-secretor Status: A Cross Sectional Study in Dhaka
Authors: Akhter S , Kibria GM , Akhter NR , Habibullah MM , Islam SMK , Zakariah M
Published: April 2011

A cross sectional study was done with 42 apparently healthy persons aged 6 years and above from both sexes. Most of them are blood donors in the department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Few, other than blood donor, were selected from the same locality. Five ml venous blood was collected with all aseptic precautions. ABO blood grouping and Lewis phenotyping were done by tube method. ABO reverse grouping was also done from serum. With all precautions 2 ml of saliva was collected from all subjects. Secretor status was detected from the saliva by haemagglutination inhibition method. ABO blood grouping shows 36% 'O' group, 24% 'A' group, 33% 'B' group and 7% 'AB' group. Distribution of Lewis phenotype are Le(a+b-) 19%, Le(a-b+) 53%, Le(a-b-) 26% and Le(a+b+) 2% only. 60% of study population was ABH secretor and 40% non-secretor. Keywords: ABO group; Lewis phenotype; ABH secretor status DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7409 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 38-40
Study on Time-related Changes in Aerobic Bacterial Pattern of Burn Wound Infection
Authors: Saha SK , Muazzam N , Begum SA , Chowdhury A , Islam MS , Parveen R
Published: April 2011

A prospective study was carried out in 50 burn patients admitted in Burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital over a period of one year from January 2005 to December 2005 to evaluate time-related changes in aerobic bacterial colonization and their sensitivity pattern. Periodic swabs were taken from the burn wound on Day 0, Day 7, Day 14 and Day 21 to see the changing pattern of organisms during hospital stay of patients. In the present study burn injury was highest in the age group 11-20 yrs (34%). Male to female ratio was 1.38:1. The mean percentage of burn was 35.79% of total body surface area (TBSA). Fire was the major cause of burn (38%) followed by electric burn (20%). Among the 200 samples, single organism was isolated in 71% samples and mixed organism in 13.5% and no growth in 14.5%. Among single isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa was leading (28%) followed by Escherichia coli (17.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (16%), coagulse negative Staphylococcus (4.5%) and Klebsiella (2%). Among mixed growth Pseudomonas aeruginosa was still leading (11%) follow by E. coli (9.5%) Staphylococcus (5.5%), Proteus (1%) and Klebsiella (0.5%).There were time -related changes in bacterial isolation from burn wound during hospital stay of patients. On admission 42% of the isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus and only 6% each Pseudomonas aerunginosa and E. coli were isolated. No growth was found in 28%. samples. These findings were gradually changing with time and on day 21 Staphylococcus aureus were only 4% whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 40% and E. coli 28%. Antimicrobial sensitivity test showed that pseudomonas aeruginosa was highly resistant to antimicrobial agents. It was most sensitive to Imipenem (98.72%) followed by Aztreonam (33.44%), Ceftazidime (38.32%) and Gentamicin (19.23%). E. coli was also found most sensitive to Imipenem (98.15%) followed by Gentamicin (38.95%), Chloramphenicol (37.1%), Ciprofloxacin (35.25%) and ceftraixone (29.70%). Staphylococcus aureus was 100% sensitive to Vancomycin followed by Amoxiclav and Oxacillin (53.43% each), Gentamicin (44.70%) and Cloxacillin (39.52%). It is crucial for every burn institution to determine the specific pattern of burn wound microbial colonization, the time-related changes in dominant flora, and the antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. This would enable early treatment of septic episodes with proper empirical systemic antibiotics without waiting for culture results, thus improving overall infection related morbidity and mortality. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7410 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 41-45
A Case Report of Adrenal Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Biswas SK , Alam MJ , Rahman MM , Rahman MM , Sanjowal L , Islam MMSU
Published: April 2011

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine secreting tumour originating usually from adrenal medulla and produces signs and symptoms due excessive catecholamine secretion from tumour. A young female patient of 21 year age presented with paroxysmal attacks of hypertension causing palpitation, dizziness, blurring of vision and headache for last 06 months. Clinical suspicion of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by 24 hour urinary catecholamine level, transabdominal USG and CT scan of abdomen. After having two weeks of preoperative preparation with phenoxybenzamine and propanolol, open surgical removal of pheochromocytoma was done. Peroperative fluctuation of BP was well managed by IV fluid overload, intravenous phentolamine, intravenous esmolol and intravenous ephedrine. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and BP regains to normal range from 1st postoperative day. Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of hypertension. If the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is overlooked, the consequences could be disastrous, even fatal; however, if a pheochromocytoma is identified, it is potentially curable, as being one of the cause of surgically correctable hypertension. Key Words: Pheochromocytoma; catecholamine; hypertension; alpha blocker. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v6i1.7413 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2011;6(1): 55-58
Economic Optimized Medium for Tensio-Active Agent Production by Candida sphaerica UCP0995 and Application in the Removal of Hydrophobic Contaminant from Sand
Authors: Luna Juliana M. , Rufino Raquel D. , Albuquerque Clarissa D.C. , Sarubbo Leonie A. , Campos-Takaki Galba M.
Published: April 2011

Statistical experimental designs and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the concentrations of agroindustrial residues as soybean oil (SORR) from refinery, and corn steep liquor (CSL) from corn industry, for tensio-active agent produced by Candida sphaerica UCP 0995. Three 22 full factorial design were applied sequentially to investigate the effects of the concentrations and interactions of soybean oil refinery residue and corn steep liquor on the surface tension of free-cell culture broth for 144 h. Two 22 central composite designs and response surface methodology were adopted to derive a statistical model to measure the effect of SORR and CSL on the surface tension of the free-cell culture broth for 144 h. The regression equation obtained from the experimental data using a central composite design was solved, and by analyzing the response surface contour plots, the optimal concentrations of the constituents of the medium were determined: 8.63% v/v (≈9% v/v) of SORR and 8.80% v/v (≈9% v/v) CSL. The minimum surface tension predicted and experimentally confirmed was 25.25 mN/m. The new biosurfactant, denominated Lunasan, recovered 95% of motor oil adsorbed in a sand sample, thus showing great potential for use in bioremediation processes, especially in the petroleum industry.
An Antimicrobial Compound Isolated from Cinnamomum Iners Leaves with Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Mustaffa Fazlina , Indurkar Jayant , Ismail Sabariah , Shah Marina , Mansor Sharif Mahsufi
Published: April 2011

This study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Cinnamomum iners standardized leave methanolic extract (CSLE), its fractions and isolated compounds. CSLE and fractions were subjected to disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests using different Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and yeast. Within the series of fractions tested, the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active, particularly against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli, with MIC values of 100 and 200 µg/mL, respectively. The active compound in this fraction was isolated and identified as xanthorrhizol [5-(1, 5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-2-methylphenol] by various spectroscopic techniques. The overall results of this study provide evidence that Cinnamomum iners leaves extract as well as the isolated compound xanthorrhizol exhibit antimicrobial activity for both Gram negative and Gram positive pathogens, especially against MRSA strains.
3-Dimensional Building Details from Aerial Photography for Internet Maps
Authors: Meixner Philipp , Leberl Franz
Published: April 2011

This paper introduces the automated characterization of real estate (real property) for Internet mapping. It proposes a processing framework to achieve this task from vertical aerial photography and associated property information. A demonstration of the feasibility of an automated solution builds on test data from the Austrian City of Graz. Information is extracted from vertical aerial photography and various data products derived from that photography in the form of a true orthophoto, a dense digital surface model and digital terrain model, and a classification of land cover. Maps of cadastral property boundaries aid in defining real properties. Our goal is to develop a table for each property with descriptive numbers about the buildings, their dimensions, number of floors, number of windows, roof shapes, impervious surfaces, garages, sheds, vegetation, presence of a basement floor, and other descriptors of interest for each and every property of a city. From aerial sources, at a pixel size of 10 cm, we show that we have obtained positional accuracies in the range of a single pixel, an accuracy of areas in the 10% range, floor counts at an accuracy of 93% and window counts at 86% accuracy. We also introduce 3D point clouds of facades and their creation from vertical aerial photography, and how these point clouds can support the definition of complex facades.
Textes anciens, nouveaux corpus
Authors: Zoberman Pierre
Published: April 2011

Si le canon joue un rôle important comme facteur de cohésion, le réexamen des mécanismes de sa formation (mécanismes d’exclusion autant que d’inclusion) engagent des enjeux importants. Si la mise ne cause du canon par des groupes minoritaires correspond à des programmes explicitement militants, la défense du canon comme évident refoule ses propres implications idéologiques. À partir de l’exemple du dix-septième siècle, la présente étude situe un renouvèlement des corpus dans une relecture du passé qui restitue à une sphère publique féminine une réalité que l’héritage de la culture officielle , masculine et patriarcale de l’époque louis-quatorzienne a oblitérée. L’analyse spécifique de la remise en cause des rôles sociaux des hommes et des femmes dans La Princesse de Clèves , mettant en lumière le caractère paradoxal de l’inscription de l’œuvre dans le canon, offre une interprétation alternative de la notion de renouvèlement des corpus – en renouvelant la lecture des œuvres canoniques.
Renouvèlement et classicisation : la scolarisation des genres (auto) biographiques au lycée (2001-2010)
Authors: Denizot Nathalie
Published: April 2011

L’article s’intéresse au « biographique », objet d’étude éphémère de la classe de première, dont l’institutionnalisation avait comme objectif un certain renouvèlement des corpus scolaires, et leur ouverture à des genres jusqu’alors illégitimes à l’école. En s’appuyant sur un corpus de manuels parus entre 2001 et 2007 ainsi que sur une enquête par questionnaires menée auprès de 30 enseignants en 2007, l’article analyse le renouvèlement en question, pour en mesurer les enjeux et les limites, avant d’essayer de comprendre l’abandon – au moins institutionnel – de cet objet d’étude. Il met également en évidence des phénomènes de classicisation, notamment à travers la constitution dans les manuels et chez les enseignants enquêtés d’un corpus de « morceaux choisis ». Il montre ainsi comment les corpus sont sans cesse reconfigurés pour constituer des vulgates scolaires, au service de finalités disciplinaires spécifiques.
Le français en baccalauréat professionnel : nouveaux programmes, nouveaux corpus ?
Authors: Belhadjin Anissa
Published: April 2011

Depuis la rentrée 2009, la voie professionnelle est l’objet d’une rénovation importante qui se marque par la disparition de la formation au diplôme du BEP et le passage au baccalauréat en 3 ans. Pour les enseignants de français, les nouveaux programmes de baccalauréat professionnel représentent un grand changement, en raison notamment de l’organisation du programme autour d’objets d’étude qui renforcent la place de la littérature. Les professeurs de lycée professionnel (enseignants bivalents, majoritairement non littéraires de formation) perçoivent ces programmes comme un retour à des œuvres canoniques du patrimoine littéraire. Ils leur apparaissent donc difficiles à mettre en œuvre dans des classes dont les élèves, en échec scolaire, rejettent massivement les œuvres qu’ils associent aux difficultés rencontrées dans le cours de français. Ces nouveaux programmes sont donc l’occasion de poser la question de la place du littéraire dans la voie professionnelle.
La BD au collège depuis 1995 : entre instrumentalisation et reconnaissance d'un art
Authors: Bomel-Rainelli Béatrice , Demarco Alain
Published: April 2011

L’étude des Instructions officielles, des Documents d’accompagnement et des manuels depuis 1995 montre le statut de la bande dessinée (BD), les objectifs et les corpus qui lui sont assignés. Dans les textes officiels de 1995 et les manuels postérieurs, la BD était étudiée en relation avec différents discours et sa nature verbo-iconique était soulignée. Les textes officiels de 2008 n’évoquent que sa fonction narrative, sans signaler sa double nature. De plus, sa régression dans les manuels depuis 2009 n’est pas corrélée à une centration sur sa lecture verbo-iconique. Pour la traiter comme un genre littéraire, l’article propose d’expliciter les conditions de son évolution formelle et d’ouvrir à des démarches qui permettent d’explorer toutes ses formes actuelles.
La fiction d'un équilibre labile : à propos de la méthode d'« idéalisme juridique » défendue par Hermann Cohen
Authors: Fiorato Pierfrancesco
Published: April 2011

Résumé Dans sa discussion critique du matérialisme – qui traite le droit et l’État comme « des réalités simplement fictives », par opposition à la « société dans l’économie » – Cohen écrit dans le dernier chapitre de son Introduction avec supplément critique à l’ Histoire du matérialisme de F.A. Lange que le droit et l’État ne doivent en effet être valorisés que comme « un système d’équilibre en pensée », à savoir comme « fiction de l’équilibre ». Même s’il ne doit pas s’agir là d’un équilibre « stable », seulement d’un équilibre « labile », la « nécessité de la fiction » s’avère être néanmoins la seule possibilité offerte à la raison de demeurer dans le champ de tensions de l’histoire, si elle ne veut pas (comme l’écrit Cohen dans l’ Éthique de la volonté pure ) « laisser les tâches éthiques […] éclairer l’obscurité qui régnait jusque-là dans l’histoire, telles des fulgurations de forces en quelque sorte post-historiques ».
Un sujet de dissension entre Cohen et Rosenzweig : Heinrich Heine
Authors: Waszek Norbert
Published: April 2011

Résumé Avant de devenir l’un des pères fondateurs de l’école de Marbourg, Hermann Cohen avait rédigé un article dans lequel il cherchait à mettre en évidence les liens entre Heinrich Heine et le judaïsme. L’article révèle une double préoccupation : théologico-philosophique et politico-philosophique. Cohen affirmait que le panthéisme de Heine, inspiré de Spinoza, serait compatible avec le monothéisme juif, et que c’est ce panthéisme qui aurait mené Heine vers les « idées socialistes » que, comme Heine, il acceptait. Cohen changea ensuite d’attitude envers Spinoza mais il demeura, sa vie durant, un grand admirateur de Heine, alors que Rosenzweig, qui pourtant se présenta comme l’héritier et le successeur de Cohen en pensée juive, développa une forte aversion contre le poète, ce qui ne peut être expliqué que si l’on prend en considération son propre engagement religieux.
Models for LRRK2-Linked Parkinsonism
Authors: Li Tianxia , Yang DeJun , Sushchky Sarah , Liu Zhaohui , Smith Wanli W.
Published: April 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies. The pathogenesis of PD is not fully understood, but it appears to involve both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Treatment for PD that prevents neuronal death progression in the dopaminergic system and abnormal protein deposition in the brain is not yet available. Recently, mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene have been identified to cause autosomal-dominant late-onset PD and contribute to sporadic PD. Here, we review the recent models for LRRK2-linked Parkinsonism and their utility in studying LRRK2 neurobiology, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutics.
Rate coefficients for the gas-phase reaction of OH with (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-penten-3-ol, (E)-2-penten-1-ol, and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol between 243 and 404 K
Authors: Davis M. E. , Burkholder J. B.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Rate coefficients, k, for the gas-phase reaction of the OH radical with (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol (Z)-CH3CH2CH = CHCH2CH2OH) (k1), 1-penten-3-ol (CH3CH2CH(OH)CH = CH2) (k2), (E)-2-penten-1-ol ((E)-CH3CH2CH = CHCH2OH) (k3), and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol ((E)-CH3CH2CH2CH = CHCH2OH) (k4), unsaturated alcohols that are emitted into the atmosphere following vegetation wounding, are reported. Rate coefficients were measured under pseudo-first-order conditions in OH over the temperature range 243–404 K at pressures between 20 and 100 Torr (He) using pulsed laser photolysis (PLP) to produce OH radicals and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) to monitor the OH temporal profile. The obtained rate coefficients were independent of pressure with negative temperature dependences that are well described by the Arrhenius expressions k1(T) = (1.3 ± 0.1) × 10−11 exp[(580 ± 10)/T]; k1(297 K) = (1.06 ± 0.12) × 10−10 k2(T) = (6.8 ± 0.7) × 10−12 exp[(690 ± 20)/T]; k2(297 K) = (7.12 ± 0.73) × 10−11 k3(T) = (6.8 ± 0.8) × 10−12 exp[(680 ± 20)/T]; k3(297 K) = (6.76 ± 0.70) × 10−11 k4(T) = (5.4 − 0.6) × 10−12 exp[(690 ± 20)/T]; k4(297 K) = (6.15 ± 0.75) × 10−11 (in units of cm3 molecule−1 s−1). The quoted uncertainties are at the 2σ (95% confidence) level and include estimated systematic errors. The rate coefficients obtained in this study are compared with literature values where possible.
Potential evaporation trends over land between 1983–2008: driven by radiative or turbulent fluxes?
Authors: Matsoukas C. , Benas N. , Hatzianastassiou N. , Pavlakis K. G. , Kanakidou M. , Vardavas I.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. We model the Penman potential evaporation (PE) over all land areas of the globe for the 25-year period 1983–2008, relying on radiation transfer models (RTMs) for the shortwave and longwave fluxes. Penman's PE is determined by two factors: available energy for evaporation and ground to atmosphere vapour transfer. Input to the PE model and RTMs comprises satellite cloud and aerosol data, as well as data from reanalyses. PE is closely linked to pan evaporation, whose trends have sparked controversy in the community, since the factors responsible for the observed pan evaporation trends are not determined with consensus. Our particular interest is the temporal evolution of PE, and the provided insight to the observed trends of pan evaporation. We examine the interannual trends of PE and various related physical quantities, such as net solar flux, net longwave flux, water vapour saturation deficit and wind speed. Our findings are the following: Global warming has led to a larger water vapour saturation deficit. Global dimming/brightening cycles in the last 25 years slightly increased the available energy for evaporation. PE trends seem to follow closely the trends of energy availability and not the trends of the atmospheric capability for vapour transfer, almost everywhere on the globe, with trends in the Northern hemisphere significantly larger than in the Southern. These results support the hypothesis that secular changes in the radiation fluxes, and not vapour transfer considerations, are responsible for potential evaporation trends.