bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cortical dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor initially occurring in the periventricular white matter
Authors: Kawataki Tomoyuki , Sato Eiji , Kato Tatsuya , Sato Takashi , Horikoshi Toru , Kinouchi Hiroyuki
Published: December 2010

In this report, a rare case of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) initially presented as a small white matter lesion with calcification adjacent to the lateral ventricle and extending to the frontal cortex after 7 years. This 1-year-old boy initially suffered from partial seizures. Initial CT revealed a small, low-density area surrounding a tiny calcified mass in the deep white matter of the left frontal lobe. Seven years later, his seizures had become intractable to antiepileptic agents, and MR imaging demonstrated a relatively large mass extending from the calcified lesion up to the adjacent cortical surface. He underwent surgery and the tumor was subtotally removed. Histological examination of the tumor verified it as a DNET consisting of clusters of small oligodendrocytes with floating neurons in the mucoid background. The pattern of the tumor progression in this case suggests that a DNET in the cortex originates from the subependymal germinal layer near the ventricle.
Osteoid osteoma of the first 2 cervical vertebrae
Authors: Amirjamshidi Abbas , Roozbeh Hadi , Sharifi Give , Abdoli Ali , Abbassioun Kazem
Published: December 2010

Osteoid osteoma affects the spine in only 10% of cases. More than 50% of the spinal cases involve the lumbar and cervical vertebrae. Involvement of C-1 and C-2 vertebrae has previously been reported only very rarely in the published literature. The authors report 4 cases of upper cervical osteoid osteoma, 1 involving C-1 and the other 3 C-2, and they discuss different aspects of management in similar cases. The patients were 14, 17, 35, and 46 years old, and all presented with neck pain and various degrees of painful limitation of head rotation not ameliorated by ordinary analgesics. Radionuclide isotope bone scans, CT scanning, and MR imaging were helpful preoperative diagnostic modalities. The first attempt at eradication of the lesions failed in 2 cases and the lesions could be excised totally at a second approach. Postoperatively, the patients all became pain free and gained full range of neck motion. There has been no tumor recurrence and no sign of instability in short- to medium-term follow-up.

Among the several etiologies mentioned for neck pain and torticollis, osteoid osteoma of the first 2 cervical vertebrae should be considered as a possible but rare cause. Even though different kinds of management have been mentioned for osteoid osteoma, resection of the lesion remains the best option for achieving a cure.
Management of an extensive spinal epidural abscess from C-1 to the sacrum
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Z. , Hassan Rameez Ul , Enam S. Ather
Published: December 2010

The authors report a rare case of extensive spinal epidural abscess in an immunocompromised young woman. The patient presented with low-grade fever, back pain, and progressive lower limb weakness. The MR imaging of her whole spine revealed an epidural abscess extending from C-1 to the sacrum. She was treated using a minimally invasive surgical technique and showed excellent recovery. The authors review the current literature along with different modes of surgical treatment available for this unusual clinical entity.
Surgical management of spinal deformities in cerebral palsy
Authors: Jones-Quaidoo Sean M. , Yang Scott , Arlet Vincent
Published: December 2010

Cerebral palsy (CP) spinal deformities encompass a spectrum of deformities that are often initially treated nonoperatively, only to result in progression of scoliotic curves and further morbidity. Various surgical interventions have been devised to address the progressive curvature of the spine. This endeavor cannot be taken lightly and at times can be encumbered by prior treatments such as the use of baclofen pumps or dorsal rhizotomies. Care of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive preoperative and postoperative management, including nutritional status, orthopedic assessment of functional level with specific emphasis on the hips and pelvic obliquity, and wheelchair modifications. The surgical techniques in CP scoliosis have progressively evolved from the classic Luque-Galveston fixation methods, the use of unit rods, and lately the use of pedicle screws, to modern sacropelvic fixation. With the latter method, the spinal deformity in patients with CP can usually be almost completely corrected.
Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of adjacent segments after cervical disc arthroplasty: magnet strength and its effect on image quality
Authors: Antosh Ivan J. , DeVine John G. , Carpenter Clyde T. , Woebkenberg Brian J. , Yoest Stephen M.
Published: December 2010

Object

Disc arthroplasty is an alternative to fusion following anterior discectomy when treating either cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Its theoretical benefits include preservation of the motion segment and the potential prevention of adjacent-segment degeneration. There is a paucity of data regarding the ability to use MR imaging to evaluate the adjacent segments. The purpose of this study was for the authors to introduce open MR imaging as an alternative method in imaging adjacent segments following cervical disc arthroplasty using a Co-Cr implant and to report their preliminary results using this technique.

Methods

Postoperative cervical MR images were obtained in the first 16 patients in whom the porous coated motion (PCM-V) cervical arthroplasty system was used to treat a single level between C-3 and C-7. Imaging was performed in all 16 patients with a closed 1.5-T unit, and in the final 6 patients it was also performed with an open 0.2-T unit. All images were evaluated by an independent radiologist observer for the ability to visualize the superior endplate, disc space, and inferior endplate at the superior and inferior adjacent levels.

Results

Utilizing the 1.5-T magnet to assess the superior adjacent level, the superior endplate, disc space, and inferior endplate could each be visualized less than 50% of the time on sagittal T1- and sagittal and axial T2-weighted images. Similarly, the inferior adjacent level structures were adequately visualized less than 50% of the time, with the exception of slightly improved visualization of the inferior endplate on T1-weighted images (56%). Axial images allowed worse visualization than sagittal images at both the superior and inferior adjacent levels. Utilizing the 0.2-T magnet to assess the superior and inferior adjacent levels, the superior endplate, disc space, and inferior endplate were adequately visualized in 100% of images.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this case series, it appears that the strength of the magnet affects the artifact from the Co-Cr endplates. The open 0.2-T MR imaging unit reduces artifact at adjacent levels after cervical disc arthroplasty without a significant reduction in the image quality. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to evaluate the adjacent segments after disc arthroplasty if magnet strength is addressed, providing another means to assess the long-term efficacy of this novel treatment.
Paleoneurosurgical aspects of Proto-Bulgarian artificial skull deformations
Authors: Enchev Yavor , Nedelkov Grigoriy , Atanassova-Timeva Nadezhda , Jordanov Jordan
Published: December 2010

Paleoneurosurgery represents a comparatively new developing direction of neurosurgery dealing with archaeological skull and spine finds and studying their neurosurgical aspects. Artificial skull deformation, as a bone artifact, naturally has been one of the main paleoneurosurgical research topics. Traditionally, the relevant neurosurgical literature has analyzed in detail the intentional skull deformations in South America's tribes. However, little is known about the artificial skull deformations of the Proto-Bulgarians, and what information exists is mostly due to anthropological studies. The Proto-Bulgarians originated from Central Asia, and distributed their skull deformation ritual on the Balkan Peninsula by their migration and domination. Proto-Bulgarian artificial skull deformation was an erect or oblique form of the anular type, and was achieved by 1 or 2 pressure bandages that were tightened around a newborn's head for a sufficiently long period. The intentional skull deformation in Proto-Bulgarians was not associated with neurological deficits and/or mental retardation. No indirect signs of chronic elevated intracranial pressure were found on the 3D CT reconstruction of the artificially deformed skulls.
Cranial bone defects: current and future strategies
Authors: Szpalski Caroline , Barr Jason , Wetterau Meredith , Saadeh Pierre B. , Warren Stephen M.
Published: December 2010

Bony defects in the craniomaxillofacial skeleton remain a major and challenging health concern. Surgeons have been trying for centuries to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance using autografts, allografts, and even xenografts without entirely satisfactory results. As a result, physicians, scientists, and engineers have been trying for the past few decades to develop new techniques to improve bone growth and bone healing. In this review, the authors summarize the advantages and limitations of current animal models; describe current materials used as scaffolds, cell-based, and protein-based therapies; and lastly highlight areas for future investigation. The purpose of this review is to highlight the major scaffold-, cell-, and protein-based preclinical tools that are currently being developed to repair cranial defects.
The sociopolitical history and physiological underpinnings of skull deformation
Authors: Ayer Amit , Campbell Alexander , Appelboom Geoffrey , Hwang Brian Y. , McDowell Michael , Piazza Matthew , Feldstein Neil A. , Anderson Richard C. E.
Published: December 2010

In this report, the evidence, mechanisms, and rationale for the practice of artificial cranial deformation (ACD) in ancient Peru and during Akhenaten's reign in the 18th dynasty in Egypt (1375–1358 BCE) are reviewed. The authors argue that insufficient attention has been given to the sociopolitical implications of the practice in both regions. While evidence from ancient Peru is widespread and complex, there are comparatively fewer examples of deformed crania from the period of Akhenaten's rule. Nevertheless, Akhenaten's own deformity, the skull of the so-called “Younger Lady” mummy, and Tutankhamen's skull all evince some degree of plagiocephaly, suggesting the need for further research using evidence from depictions of the royal family in reliefs and busts. Following the anthropological review, a neurosurgical focus is directed to instances of plagiocephaly in modern medicine, with special attention to the conditions' etiology, consequences, and treatment. Novel clinical studies on varying modes of treatment will also be studied, together forming a comprehensive review of ACD, both in the past and present.
The evolution of surgical management for craniosynostosis
Authors: Mehta Vivek A. , Bettegowda Chetan , Jallo George I. , Ahn Edward S.
Published: December 2010

Craniosynostosis, the premature closure of cranial sutures, has been known to exist for centuries, but modern surgical management has only emerged and evolved over the past 100 years. The success of surgery for this condition has been based on the recognition of scientific principles that dictate brain and cranial growth in early infancy and childhood. The evolution of strip craniectomies and suturectomies to extensive calvarial remodeling and endoscopic suturectomies has been driven by a growing understanding of how a prematurely fused cranial suture can affect the growth and shape of the entire skull. In this review, the authors discuss the early descriptions of craniosynostosis, describe the scientific principles upon which surgical intervention was based, and briefly summarize the eras of surgical management and their evolution to present day.
Transpharyngeal bone grafting for a dens delayed union in a toddler
Authors: De Iure Federico , Boriani Luca , Boriani Stefano
Published: December 2010

The authors report a case of dens fracture and complete quadriplegia in a 14-month-old child. Three months after reduction with a halo vest, there was no evidence of callus formation, so transoral transpharyngeal bone grafting and Minerva immobilization was performed, resulting in prompt healing without complications after 2 months, and a full neurological recovery and normal cervical spine motion at the 4-year follow-up.
Eight-year follow-up after palliative embolization of a neonatal intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula with high-output heart failure: management strategies for symptomatic fistula growth and bilateral femoral occlusions in pediatric patients
Authors: Reig Adam S. , Simon Scott D. , Neblett Wallace W. , Mericle Robert A.
Published: December 2010

The authors report the 8-year follow-up of a patient previously described in the literature who originally presented in high-output cardiac failure secondary to a complex neonatal intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). The earlier case report described palliative treatment with a combination of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and endovascular embolization for life-threatening high-output cardiac failure secondary to a DAVF. Access was obtained using the ECMO cannula, and embolization was performed while the patient was connected to the ECMO machine.

The patient made an excellent recovery following partial embolization of the fistula, but then presented again 7 years later with worsening headaches secondary to significant growth of the known residual portion of the fistula identified on CT angiography. The child also developed bilateral femoral artery (FA) occlusions secondary to multiple previous FA punctures. To achieve complete obliteration of the remaining fistula, the patient required a retroperitoneal approach to the iliac artery and percutaneous puncture of the internal jugular vein. Embolization was performed with a combination of platinum coils and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer liquid embolic agent. There were no complications, and the child remains neurologically normal, with no signs of permanent cardiovascular sequelae.

In this case report, the authors discuss the long-term management of AVFs treated by endovascular strategies early in life. After neonatal access, sometimes the FAs occlude, requiring more invasive access strategies. The authors also discuss the follow-up method, intervals, and threshold for further treatment for these lesions, and present a review of the literature.
Migration of a ventricular tapping reservoir into the third ventricle
Authors: Schueler William B. , Mapstone Timothy B. , Gross Naina L.
Published: December 2010

The authors present a case of migration of a ventricular tapping system into the third ventricle of a 6-year-old boy who is was born prematurely. As an infant, the patient was treated with serial lumbar punctures for hydrocephalus associated with intraventricular hemorrhage. The patient progressed to requiring a ventricular tapping reservoir and eventually a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient presented for suspected shunt malfunction 4 years after placement of his ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and the migrated ventricular tapping system was discovered. The authors discuss several management strategies that could be used to prevent this complication.
Treatment of third ventricular choroid plexus papilloma in an infant with embolization alone
Authors: Wind Joshua J. , Bell Randy S. , Bank William O. , Myseros John S.
Published: December 2010

The authors present the case of a 3-month-old boy with a third ventricular tumor consistent with a choroid plexus papilloma. This child presented with macrocephaly, irritability, inability to roll over, and vomiting. He was found to have an enlarged head circumference, a full and tense fontanel, splayed sutures, and forced downward gaze. Imaging revealed severe ventriculomegaly and a brightly enhancing third ventricular lesion consistent with papilloma. Treatment planning included placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to treat hydrocephalus and to allow the child to grow prior to resection. Due to the vascular nature of these tumors and the age of this child, the tumor was embolized with a plan for eventual resection; however, embolization resulted in involution and total regression of the tumor. There is no residual disease at last follow-up of 16 months. In this specific scenario of a choroid plexus papilloma in an infant, when operative intervention may be technically difficult and associated with significant morbidity, embolization with close observation may be a valid treatment option. If used, the patient would need to be closely followed for evidence of residual or recurrent disease, which would require operative intervention.
Frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele: appraisal of 200 operated cases
Authors: Oucheng Ngiep , Lauwers Frédéric , Gollogly Jim , Draper Louisa , Joly Bruno , Roux Franck-Emmanuel
Published: December 2010

Object

Frontoethmoidal mengingoencephaloceles (fMECs) are frequently observed in Cambodia, especially in poor families. The authors describe issues related to the surgical treatment of fMECs in Cambodia at the end of a humanitarian program that provided surgery free of charge to patients and their families.

Methods

The authors reviewed 257 cases of fMEC involving patients who presented to their institution, the Children's Surgical Center in Phnom Penh, between 2004 and 2009. They treated 200 of these patients surgically (108 males, 92 females; 89% younger than 18 years) using a “low-cost” management plan with no routine pre- or postoperative investigations. Initially, surgery was performed by visiting foreign surgeons who taught the procedures to resident surgeons. Patients were not charged for consultations or treatment and received at least 1 follow-up examination 6 months postoperatively.

Results

The nasoethmoidal type was the most frequent fMEC encountered (69%). Many patients had associated ophthalmological issues (46% of cases). Only 1 familial case was detected. Combined neurosurgical and facial procedures were successfully standardized and learned by surgeons initially unfamiliar with fMEC management. A neurosurgical approach avoided the need for a facial incision in 42 cases, improving cosmetic results. The most common postoperative issues were a temporary CSF leak (24 cases [12%]) and/or infection (28 cases [14%]). There were 3 deaths directly related to the operations. Cosmetic results were good in 145 cases, average in 27, poor in 7, and worse than preoperative appearance in 6 patients. Fifteen patients were lost to follow-up. The parents of 87% of the children were rice farmers. Questionnaire results confirmed that fMEC has important social and educational consequences for the affected children and that these consequences can be partially improved by fMEC correction.

Conclusions

This experience in fMEC management demonstrates that local surgeons can treat these malformations with limited surgical materials and in a nonspecialized infrastructure after principles of treatment have been learned and if they are carefully respected. Surgery for fMEC can thus be more accessible to a larger number of patients in developing countries. Moreover, local treatment facilitates better postoperative and follow-up care.
Clinical Teaching A Challenging Task
Authors: Hossain Md Margub
Published: December 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6578J Dhaka Med Coll. 2008; 17(2) : 54-55.
Study on Life Style of the Patients of Rheumatic Fever Attending the National Centre for Control of Rheumatic Fever and Heart Diseases (NCCRF/HD) During the Year 1993 to 1996
Authors: Hussain MA , Nahar A , Begum K , Tanira S
Published: December 2010

A Retrospective study was designed to see the status of housing and living environment of the patients of Rheumatic fever. The study was done from January to June 1997 on 477 (Four hundred seventy seven) patients of Rheumatic fever whose data were collected from the records of National Centre for Control of Rheumatic Fever and Heart Diseases (NCCRF/HD), Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. All of them were diagnosed cases of Rheumatic fever of both sexes attended the hospital from the year 1993 to 1996. The study showed that 257 (54%) patients out of 477 came from a family comprising of 7 members or more, 196 (41%) patients from a family comprising of 4-6 members. 50.1% cases resides in kutcha house, 32.9% and 17% cases resides in Pukka and semi-pukka house, respectively. The study shows that 67% of the patients came from the house consisting of 1-2 living rooms, 27.9% from the house consisting of 3-4 rooms. Family comprising of more members, type of residing house especially kutcha house and house consisting of less living rooms increases the incidence of the Rheumatic fever. Key words: Rheumatic fever; Family members; Type of housing and living rooms. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6579J Dhaka Med Coll. 2008; 17(2) : 56-58
Transfusion Reaction among the Blood Recipient - A Study of 120 Cases
Authors: Chowdhury FS , Biswas J , Siddiqui MAE , Hoque MM , Adnan SK
Published: December 2010

Context: Blood transfusion is a life saving procedure. Transfusion of one unit of blood, plasma or platelet if employed safely, well in time with proper intensive care can save many valuable lives. But due to transfusion a number of untoward reactions develop that are sometimes more serious and life threatening So the aim of this study was to find out the most frequent and life threatening reactions that develop during transfusion.Methods: In between January'2006 to December'2007 a total 120 subjects, mean aged 25.9 ±13.9 years were selected as study population in BSMMU. Those who were receiving transfusion for congenital hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, refractory anaemia, undiagnosed anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease, hematological malignancy, post chemotherapy, clotting factor deficiency, pre and post operatively as well as during operation. The transfusion unit was single unit to 100 unit of fresh whole blood or its component- red cell concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrate, cryoprecipitate.Results: There were 8 (6.66%) patients showed reactions of different types. Among them febrile reaction was 5 (62.5%), allergic reaction was 2 (25%) and 1 (12.5%) developed pulmonary congestion (Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury), characterized by cough, shortness of breath and increase rate of respiration. No fatal reaction observed during the study period. Key words: Transfusion reaction; Febrile reaction; Allergic reaction. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6585J Dhaka Med Coll. 2008; 17(2) : 67-71
Management of Rectal Prolapse in Children as a Day Care Procedure
Authors: Rahman SM , Hasanuzzaman ASM , Huda SMS
Published: December 2010

Rectal prolapse is a relatively common self limiting problem in young children. The peak age of prolapse is 2-3 years, a time during which the rectal mucosa is relatively loosely adherent to the underlying muscles, pelvic floor musculature is not fully developed and sacrum is relatively flat which directs increases in intra abdominal pressure towards anus instead of the protected hollow of the pelvi’s1,2. Rectal prolapse is a very common childhood problem in our country due to frequency of diarrhoeal and parasitic diseases accentuated by lack of personal hygiene and mal-nutrition, Majority of the patients are poor; majority of childhood prolapse are mucosal limited to 2-3 cm from anal verge 3. Diagnosis of rectal prolapse is straight forward by inspection and palpation. Colonoscopy and Barium enema are indicated only to exclude any other secondary causes in suspected cases. We have managed 30 (thirty) cases of recurrent rectal prolapse after failure of medical treatment in a prospective study by injection sclerotherapy as a Day care procedure; 5% phenol in olive oil was used as sclerosing agent and the procedure was performed under general anaesthesia and caudal block. The patients were kept under observation for 4-6 hours. 28 (twenty eight) patients responded satisfactorily (93.3%); 2 patients (6.67%) needed open operation -rectopexy. Only one patient was admitted for 48 hours due to reactionary haemorrhage which was managed conservatively. Few patients had minor complications like constipation, diarrhoea and acute retention; all managed conservatively. There was no mortality. Injection sclerotherapy appeared to be a safe, effective and cheap procedure for management of rectal prolapse in children. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6594J Dhaka Med Coll. 2008; 17(2) : 116-120
A Case of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Recurrent Pericardial Effusion and Chest wall Mass
Authors: Alam MB , Dasgupta R , Ahmed S , Ferdous MAR
Published: December 2010

Recurrent pericardial effusion as a presenting feature of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is uncommon. Here we describe the case of an 18-year-old male presented with severe respiratory distress with a chest wall swelling. During the course of his three months illness, he was hospitalized two times with few days interval for similar attack of dyspnoea without any chest wall mass. Each time there was pericardial effusion and pericardiocentesis was done but no conclusive diagnosis could be made. Finally, when he came to us with a chest wall mass in addition to pericardial effusion, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma was confirmed by FNAC of that mass. Symptomatic improvement was achieved after first cycle of chemotherapy with CHOP. Keywords: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; recurrent pericardial effusion; chest wall mass. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6599J Dhaka Med Coll. 2008; 17(2) : 138-141
Modernity, Autochthony and the Ivorian Nation: the End of a Century in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Cutolo Armando
Published: December 2010

In the mid-1990s, Côte d'Ivoire witnessed the rise of the ideology of ivoirité, a conception of citizenship based on autochthonous origins. Ivoirité was elaborated by a group of Ivorian intellectuals in the context of the political struggle opposing Henry Konan Bedié to Alassane Ouattara in the succession to the late President Houphouët-Boigny. Through the tactical use of the rhetoric of ivoirité, Ouattara was depicted by his adversaries as a ‘Burkinabé’ trying to rule the country. Going beyond this tactical aspect, the article addresses the ideological relations linking ivoirité to the ‘project of an Ivorian liberal society’ explicitly constructed by the same intellectuals. These relations contributed to the emergence, in the Ivorian public space, of a discourse establishing self-evident, hegemonic connections between notions like autochthony, modernity and nationality, on the one hand, and biopolitical concepts like population, immigration, security and resources on the other. The article uses two complementary perspectives to frame this emergent discourse. One focuses on the historical continuity of the political-economic strategies and population policies implemented by colonial governments and post-colonial elites. The other uses Giorgio Agamben's critical enquiry into citizenship and nationality to bring to light the implication of the ivoirité intellectuals in the construction of a national bios, and thus in the singling out of a paradigmatic form of bare life.
Local Perceptions Of Migration From North-West Ghana
Authors: Geest Kees van der
Published: December 2010

The Upper West Region in northern Ghana is a major source area of migrants who travel to southern Ghana seasonally or for longer periods. This has important implications for the lives and livelihoods of the migrants themselves and their relatives at home. Almost invariably the impact of out-migration on sending areas has been studied using ‘Western’ academic parameters. Little is known about how the people hemselves value the profound changes that migration causes in their societies. In this article, findings are presented from interviews with 204 rural household heads who were asked to express their opinion about the consequences of seasonal, long-term and return migration. A quantitative approach to qualitative data was adopted to differentiate between collective perceptions and individual opinions. It was found that almost all respondents were positive about the consequences of seasonal labour migration. They applauded its contribution to food security and considered it one of the few ways of gaining access to money and goods. The respondents were much more ambivalent about the consequences of long-term migration and return migration. On the positive side, they emphasized that out-migration reduced the pressure on farmland, and that some migrants attain higher living standards, both for themselves and for their relatives at home. On the negative side, many long-term migrants are not able to improve their livelihoods or lose their interest in the home community. The lack of support of some migrants is greatly lamented, especially if they later return empty-handed and become a burden on their relatives at home. The methodology used in this study yielded a holistic view of the consequences of migration on the source area as seen through the eyes of the home community
Compound K, a Metabolite of Ginseng Saponin, Induces Mitochondria-Dependent and Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis via the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee In Kyung , Kang Kyoung Ah , Lim Chae Moon , Kim Ki Cheon , Kim Hee Sun , Kim Dong Hyun , Kim Bum Joon , Chang Weon Young , Choi Jae Hyuck , Hyun Jin Won
Published: December 2010

The objective of this study was to elucidate the cytotoxic mechanism of Compound K, with respect to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mitochondrial involved apoptosis, in HT-29 human colon cancer cells. Compound K exhibited a concentration of 50% growth inhibition (IC50) at 20 μg/mL and cytotoxicity in a time dependent manner. Compound K produced intracellular ROS in a time dependent fashion; however, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) pretreatment resulted in the inhibition of this effect and the recovery of cell viability. Compound K induced a mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway via the modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expressions, resulting in the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Loss of the Δψm was followed by cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, resulting in the activation of caspase-9, -3, and concomitant poly ADP-ribosyl polymerase (PARP) cleavage, which are the indicators of caspase-dependent apoptosis. The apoptotic effect of Compound K, exerted via the activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), was abrogated by specific MAPK inhibitors. This study demonstrated that Compound K-mediated generation of ROS led to apoptosis through the modulation of a mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway and MAPK pathway.
Computer-Based De Novo Designs of Tripeptides as Novel Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Authors: Yang Zhiwei , Yang Gang , Zu Yuangang , Fu Yujie , Zhou Lijun
Published: December 2010

The latest influenza A (H1N1) pandemic attracted worldwide attention and called for the urgent development of novel antiviral drugs. Here, seven tripeptides are designed and explored as neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors on the structural basis of known inhibitors. Their interactions with NA are studied and compared with each other, using flexible docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The various composed tripeptides have respective binding specificities and their interaction energies with NA decrease in the order of FRI > FRV > FRT > FHV > FRS > FRG > YRV (letters corresponding to amino acid code). The Arg and Phe portions of the tripeptides play important roles during the binding process: Arg has strong electrostatic interactions with the key residues Asp151, Glu119, Glu227 and Glu277, whereas Phe fits well in the hydrophobic cave within the NA active site. Owing to the introduction of hydrophobic property, the interaction energies of FRV and FRI are larger; in particular, FRI demonstrates the best binding quality and shows potential as a lead compound. In addition, the influence of the chemical states of the terminal amino acids are clarified: it is revealed that the charged states of the N-terminus (NH3+) and C-terminus (COO−) are crucial for the tripeptide inhibitory activities and longer peptides may not be appropriate. In addition, the medium inhibiting activity by acetylation of the N-terminus indicates the possible chemical modifications of FRI. Experimental efforts are expected in order to actualize the tripeptides as potent NA inhibitors in the near future.
The Genetic Basis of Spondyloarthritis: SPARTAN/IGAS 2009
Authors: EVANS DAVID M. , REVEILLE JOHN D. , BROWN MATTHEW A. , CHANDRAN VINOD , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , MARTIN TAMMY M. , McGOVERN DERMOT , WORDSWORTH PAUL , INMAN ROBERT D.
Published: December 2010

A joint meeting was held in July 2009 in Houston, Texas, of members of the Spondyloarthritis Research and Therapy Network (SPARTAN), founded in 2003 to promote research, education, and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and related forms of spondyloarthritis (SpA), and members of International Genetics of AS (IGAS), founded in 2003 to encourage and coordinate studies internationally in the genetics of AS. The general topic was the genetic basis of SpA, with presentations on the future of human genetic studies; microbes, SpA, and innate immunity; susceptibility of AS to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC; and individual discussions of the genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and enteropathic arthritis. Summaries of those discussions are presented.
Les dynamiques actuelles du marché de la sécurité en France
Authors: Hassid Olivier
Published: December 2010

Le marché de la sécurité en France est peu analysé par les sciences de la gestion alors même que ce marché peut être considéré à la fois comme important d’un point de vue sociétal et porteur d’un point de vue économique. Les explications pour appréhender le développement de ce marché se limitent à une perspective assurantielle. L’auteur considère que cette approche est trop restrictive et qu’il convient d’expliciter le développement de ce marché sur la base d’autres critères : l’internationalisation des entreprises françaises, le caractère de plus en plus multidimensionnel des prestations proposées ou encore le lobbying des experts privés de la sécurité.
Anglo-Saxon Sociologies of the Punitive Turn
Authors: Carrier Nicolas
Published: December 2010

Depuis le début des années 2000 semble s’établir un consensus à la fois criminologique et politique au sujet d’une nouvelle donne culturelle en regard de la question pénale. Dans le champ pénal, ce (relatif) consensus est saisi par le biais d’expressions telles que « virage punitif » et « nouvelle punitivité ». En sciences sociales, trois principaux groupes de symptômes sont utilisés pour établir le diagnostic de cette mutation générale de la pénalité : le boom carcéral, la prison post-disciplinaire, et la réémergence d’une pénalité « expressive ». Cette contribution propose de disséquer la façon dont le changement social, particulièrement dans le domaine de la pénalité institutionnalisée, est théorisé par les analystes du virage punitif. Les cinq ‘sociologies du virage punitif’ qui dominent les débats théoriques dans le champ pénal académique anglo-saxon sont ici analysées. Cette analyse révèle notamment leur timidité critique et leur conception réductrice du champ pénal.
Assessing Family Satisfaction With Care of Critically Ill Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Roberti Susan M. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: December 2010

The assessment tool used in this study can assist nurses to improve practice and increase family satisfaction.
Roles of hCG in Advancing Follicular Growth to Ovulation after Concurrent Injections of and GnRH in Postpubertal Holstein Heifers Bearing a CL
Authors: Johnson Ricky , Bennett William A. , Cuadra Evelin J. , Njiti Victor , Jung Yoonsung , Mason Melissa
Published: December 2010

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that injecting Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) concurrently with Prostaglandin F2 alpha () followed by an injection of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), would advance follicular growth to ovulation in Holstein heifers bearing a corpus luteum (CL). After manual examination of the CL, group 1 (PGF; ) received an injection of (25 mg, im). Group 2 (PGF + GnRH; ) received an injection of GnRH (100 μg, im) immediately after an injection of . Group 3 (PGF + GnRH + hCG; ) received concurrent injections of and GnRH followed with hCG (1500 IU, im) two days later. Follicular size and day of ovulation were monitored by daily ultrasonographic examination from days 1 to 10. Blood was collected on days-7, 0 ( administration), 2, and 7. Progesterone was not different () on days-7, 0, and 2 between the experimental groups. However, it was higher () in the PGF + GnRH + hCG group on day 7 compared to PGF + GnRH heifers, but not significantly higher than the PGF. Additionally, heifers in the PGF + GnRH + hCG group ovulated earlier () than heifers in the PGF + GnRH and the PGF group. This data indicates that hCG advances follicular growth to ovulation in spite of high levels of progesterone when injected 48 h after concurrent treatments of GnRH and on heifers bearing a CL.
Pathologic Findings in MRI-Guided Needle Core Biopsies of the Breast in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Authors: Siziopikou K. P. , Jokich P. , Cobleigh M.
Published: December 2010

The role of MRI in the management of breast carcinoma is rapidly evolving from its initial use for specific indications only to a more widespread use on all women with newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer. However, there are many concerns that such widespread use is premature since detailed correlation of MRI findings with the underlying histopathology of the breast lesions is still evolving and clear evidence for improvements in management and overall prognosis of breast cancer patients evaluated by breast MRI after their initial cancer diagnosis is lacking. In this paper, we would like to bring attention to a benign lesion that is frequently present on MRI-guided breast biopsies performed on suspicious MRI findings in the affected breast of patients with a new diagnosis of breast carcinoma.
A readability assessment of online Parkinson’s disease information
Authors: Fitzsimmons PR , Michael BD , Hulley JL , Scott GO
Published: December 2010

Background: Patients increasingly use the internet to access health information.Inadequate health literacy is common and frequently limits patient comprehension of healthcare literature. We aimed to assess the readability of online consumerorientated Parkinson’s disease (PD) information using two validated measures.

Method: We identified the 100 highest ranked consumer-orientated PD webpages and determined webpage readability using the Flesch-Kincaid and Simple Measure Of Gobbledygook (SMOG) formulae.

Results: None of the webpages analysed complied with current readability guidelines. Commercial websites were significantly easier to read (p=0.035). The Flesch-Kincaid formula significantly underestimated reading difficulty (p<0.0001). Ease of reading correlated weakly with search engine ranking (r=0.35, p=0.0004).

Conclusions: Only 1% of the top 100 PD information webpages are fully comprehensible to the average adult. Simple Measure Of Gobbledygook should be the preferred measure of webpage readability. Parkinson’s disease information websites require major text revision to comply with readability guidelines and to be comprehensible to the average patient.
A circadian rhythm sleep disorder: melatonin resets the biological clock
Authors: Abbas A , Raju J , Milles J , Ramachandran S
Published: December 2010

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are poorly understood and often misdiagnosed. They are all related to the timing of sleep within the 24-hour day. This paper describes a patient with a long history of sleep disturbance whom we diagnosed as having delayed sleep phase syndrome by history and measurement of urinary melatonin metabolite excretion. Literature on the characteristics, diagnosis and management of this syndrome are briefly reviewed. In addition, the relation of the neurohormone melatonin to circadian rhythm and its other physiological roles are described.
Churchill, Moran and the struggle for survival
Authors: Beasley AW
Published: December 2010

This paper examines the association between Winston Churchill and Charles McMoran Wilson, later Lord Moran, who was made personal physician to Churchill in 1940 at the instigation of the Cabinet when Churchill became prime minister of wartime Britain.
Inter-community variability in total particle number concentrations in the eastern Los Angeles air basin
Authors: Hudda N. , Cheung K. , Moore K. F. , Sioutas C.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Ultrafine Particles (UFP) can display sharp gradients in their number concentrations in urban environment due to their transient nature and rapid atmospheric processing. The ability of using air pollution data generated at a central monitoring station to assess exposure relies on our understanding of the spatial variability of a specific pollutant associated with a region. High spatial variation in the concentrations of air pollutants has been reported at scales of 10s of km for areas affected by primary emissions. Spatial variability in particle number concentrations (PNC) and size distributions needs to be investigated, as the representativeness of a monitoring station in a region is premised on the assumption of homogeneity in both of these metrics. This study was conducted at six sites, one in downtown Los Angeles and five located about 40–115 km downwind in the receptor areas of Los Angeles air basin. PNC and size distribution were measured using Condensation Particle Counters (CPC) and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). The seasonal and diurnal variations of PNC implied that PNC might vary significantly with meteorological conditions, even though the general patterns at the sites may remain generally similar across the year due to consistency of sources around them. Regionally transported particulate matter (PM) from upwind urban areas of Los Angeles lowered spatial variation by acting as a "homogenizing" factor during favorable meteorological conditions. Spatial variability also increased during hours of the day during which the effects of local sources predominate. The spatial variability associated with PNC (quantified using Coefficients of Divergence, CODs), averaged about 0.3, which was generally lower than that based on specific size ranges. Results showed an inverse relationship of COD with particles size, with fairly uniform values in the particle range which is associated with regional transport. Our results suggest that spatial variability, even in the receptor regions of Los Angeles Basin, should be assessed for both PNC and size distributions, and should be interpreted in context of seasonal and diurnal influences, and suitably factored if values for exposure are ascertained using a central monitoring station.
Multiscale regression model to infer historical temperatures in a central Mediterranean sub-regional area
Authors: Diodato N. , Bellocchi G. , Bertolin C. , Camuffo D.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. To reconstruct sub-regional European climate over the past centuries, several efforts have been made using historical datasets. However, only scattered information at low spatial and temporal resolution have been produced to date for the Mediterranean area. This paper has exploited, for Southern and Central Italy (Mediterranean Sub-Regional Area), an unprecedented historical dataset as an attempt to model seasonal (winter and summer) air temperatures in pre-instrumental time (back to 1500). Combining information derived from proxy documentary data and large-scale simulation, a statistical methodology in the form of multiscale-temperature regression (MTR)-model was developed to adapt larger-scale estimations to the sub-regional temperature pattern. The modelled response lacks essentially of autocorrelations among the residuals (marginal or any significance in the Durbin-Watson statistic), and agrees well with the independent data from the validation sample (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient >0.60). The advantage of the approach is not merely increased accuracy in estimation. Rather, it relies on the ability to extract (and exploit) the right information to replicate coherent temperature series in historical times.
Confirmation of ACRU model results for applications in land use and climate change studies
Authors: Warburton M. L. , Schulze R. E. , Jewitt G. P. W.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The hydrological responses of a catchment are sensitive to, and strongly coupled to, land use and climate, and changes thereof. The hydrological responses to the impacts of changing land use and climate will be the result of complex interactions, where the change in one may moderate or exacerbate the effects of the other. Further difficulties in assessing these interactions are that dominant drivers of the hydrological system may vary at different spatial and temporal scales. To assess these interactions, a process-based hydrological model, sensitive to land use and climate, and changes thereof, needs to be used. For this purpose the daily time step ACRU model was selected. However, to be able to use a hydrological model such as ACRU with confidence its representation of reality must be confirmed by comparing simulated output against observations across a range of climatic conditions. Comparison of simulated against observed streamflow was undertaken in three climatically diverse South African catchments, ranging from the semi-arid, sub-tropical Luvuvhu catchment, to the winter rainfall Upper Breede catchment and the sub-humid Mgeni catchment. Not only do the climates of the catchments differ, but their primary land uses also vary. In the upper areas of the Mgeni catchment commercial plantation forestry is dominant, while in the middle reaches there are significant areas of commercial plantation sugarcane and urban areas, while the lower reaches are dominated by urban areas. The Luvuvhu catchment has a large proportion of subsistence agriculture and informal residential areas. In the Upper Breede catchment in the Western Cape, commercial orchards and vineyards are the primary land uses. Overall the ACRU model was able to represent the high, low and total flows, with satisfactory Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency indexes obtained for the selected catchments. The study concluded that the ACRU model can be used with confidence to simulate the streamflows of the three selected catchments and was able to represent the hydrological responses from the range of climates and diversity of land uses present within the catchments.