bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme Hyperkalaemia Caused by Concomitant use of a Nsaid and an Ace Inhibitor in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Rogulj Dinko , Hauptfeld Marko , Iskra Mojca , Zorko Vanda , Strašek Milena
Published: July 2010

Extreme Hyperkalaemia Caused by Concomitant use of a Nsaid and an Ace Inhibitor in an Elderly Patient

Extreme hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disorder. It is relatively common in patients with severe renal insufficiency. This report describes a case of extreme hyperkalaemia caused by drugs in an 82-year-old female patient without severe renal insufficiency, who was successfully treated without haemodialysis. The patient had been treated for arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus for 30 years. Over the last years she had been receiving enalapril and metformin. Three weeks before the admission to the hospital, she was receiving a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) because of the back pain. She was admitted to hospital due to a collapse and weakness in the limbs. Laboratory tests showed extreme hyperkalaemia, high blood sugar, metabolic acidosis, elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and a slightly elevated serum sodium. On ECG, we noticed typical signs of hyperkalaemia.

The patient was treated with a slow intravenous bolus of calcium gluconate and intravenous infusion of sodium chloride with insulin, glucose with insulin and sodium bicarbonte. After the treatment, all laboratory findings normalised together and the patient felt better. This case shows that physicians should be very careful when prescribing NSAIDs to elderly patients treated with drugs that affect renal function.
Coloring of lattices
Authors: Nimbhokar S. , Wasadikar M. , Pawar M.
Published: July 2010

The concept of coloring is studied for graphs derived from lattices with 0. It is shown that, if such a graph is derived from an atomic or distributive lattice, then the chromatic number equals the clique number. If this number is finite, then in the case of a distributive lattice, it is determined by the number of minimal prime ideals in the lattice. An estimate for the number of edges in such a graph of a finite lattice is given.
On the existence of solutions for singular boundary value problem of third-order differential equations
Authors: Wang Feng , Cui Yujun
Published: July 2010

The singular boundary value problems of third-order differential equations $$
\begin{array}{*{20}c}
{ - u'''(t) = h(t)f(t,u(t)), t \in (0,1),} \\
{u(0) = u'(0) = 0, u'(1) = \alpha u'(\eta )} \\

\end{array}
$$ are considered under some conditions concerning the first eigenvalues corresponding to the relevant linear operators, where h(t) is allowed to be singular at both t = 0 and t = 1, and f is not necessary to be nonnegative. The existence results of nontrivial solutions and positive solutions are given by means of the topological degree theory.
Spaces of lower semicontinuous set-valued maps I
Authors: McCoy R.
Published: July 2010

We introduce a lower semicontinuous analog, L
−(X), of the well-studied space of upper semicontinuous set-valued maps with nonempty compact interval images. Because the elements of L
−(X) contain continuous selections, the space C(X) of real-valued continuous functions on X can be used to establish properties of L
−(X), such as the two interrelated main theorems. The first of these theorems, the Extension Theorem, is proved in this Part I. The Extension Theorem says that for binormal spaces X and Y, every bimonotone homeomorphism between C(X) and C(Y) can be extended to an ordered homeomorphism between L
−(X) and L
−(Y). The second main theorem, the Factorization Theorem, is proved in Part II. The Factorization Theorem says that for binormal spaces X and Y, every ordered homeomorphism between L
−(X) and L
−(Y) can be characterized by a unique factorization.
Spaces of lower semicontinuous set-valued maps II
Authors: McCoy R.
Published: July 2010

This is a continuation of “Spaces of lower semicontinuous setvalued maps I”. Together, these two parts contain two interrelated main theorems. In the previous part I, the Extension Theorem is proved, which says that for binormal spaces X and Y, every bimonotone homeomorphism between C(X) and C(Y) can be extended to an ordered homeomorphism between L
−(X) and L
−(Y). In this part II, the Factorization Theorem is proved, which says that for binormal spaces X and Y, every ordered homeomorphism between L
−(X) and L
−(Y) can be characterized by a unique factorization.
Vertical distribution of phototrophs in the pelagic zone of three small Lobelia lakes
Authors: Szelαg-Wasielewska Elżbieta
Published: July 2010

Vertical distribution of phototrophs in the pelagic zone of three small Lobelia lakes

The community structure and biomass of pelagic phototrophs, with a particular focus on the picoplanktonic fraction, were studied in three small, soft-water lakes in the Pomerania Lake District (north Poland). The smallest phototrophs were usually dominated by picocyanophytes, both single-celled and colonial. Picochlorophytes were less frequent, and they formed dense populations only in one lake. The nano- and microplankton included many groups of organisms, but the main groups were comprised of dinoflagellates, chrysophytes and chroococcoid and/or filamentous cyanophytes and large raphidophytes. Community structure changed significantly with depth and in all lakes remarkable differences were observed between the epilimnion and both the meta- and hypolimnion. The hypolimnion was characterized by the presence of photosynthetic green sulfur bacteria or their symbiotic consortia.
The role of emergent macrophytes in nutrient cycling in Lake Niepruszewskie (western Poland)
Authors: Ławniczak Agnieszka
Published: July 2010

The role of emergent macrophytes in nutrient cycling in Lake Niepruszewskie (western Poland)

The role of emergent macrophytes in nutrient cycling was investigated in the littoral zone of Lake Niepruszewskie, which is dominated by this type of vegetation. The lake is characterized by an advanced stage of eutrophication as is evident in the frequent blooms that cause low transparency and high concentrations of chlorophyll a and seston. The shoot biomass of Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia is the major component of the plant cover with respect to nutrient accumulation. Other plants play a marginal role in the nutrient turnover of the studied lake.
Lithuanian Population After the Socio-Economic Transition
Authors: Stanaitis Algirdas
Published: July 2010

Lithuanian Population After the Socio-Economic Transition

The article presents changes of Lithuanian population after the restoration of state self-dependence and future prognoses. The article is based on the data at the Statistical Department of the Republic of Lithuania. There are brief analysis of the principal demographic indices: natural movement of population and migration flows. The analysis embraces the years before and after restoration of independence and future perspectives. The results of analysis was showed that the negative natural increment and migration balance have adversely affected other demographic indices: age structure, lifespan, number of marriages, deaths due to external causes, etc.
Human Development index and Informatisation of Society in CIS
Authors: Rodionova Irina , Gordeeva Anastasia
Published: July 2010

Human Development index and Informatisation of Society in CIS

Knowledge and know-how of calculation methods of indicators and indices allow to evaluate, compare and correlate if not fully then to a considerable extent the situation in different countries and regions of the world. Moreover, in countries with "transitional economy" to which Russia and other countries of former Soviet Union are attributed to, the situation has significantly changed and it is necessary to adjust the directions and perspectives of development considering the changed environment.

The article characterizes a position of Russia and other CIS's countries (Commonwealth of Independent States) on the international rating of Human Development Index and Networked Readiness Index.
Income and Expenditure of the Polish Population in 2006 (An analysis of Regional Diversification)
Authors: Parysek Jerzy , Mierzejewska Lidia
Published: July 2010

Income and Expenditure of the Polish Population in 2006 (An analysis of Regional Diversification)

Changes in the political system after 1989 have led to the opening up of new areas of study in many fields of research, including socio - economic geography. One such example, undoubtedly, is the regional diversification of income and expenditure of the population, which was the subject of the ongoing studies, whose selected results are presented in this study. An analysis of the level of income and expenditure of the population was important, as it provided information on: the level of socio-economic development, the standard of living, the level of civilization and culture development, consumption structures, consumption patterns, changes in the structure of demand, etc. Therefore, it was significant for understanding the process of changes which have taken place in Poland. The analysis also provided new generic approaches (problems). This article presents, above all, the research results of the regional diversification of income and expenditure levels as well as the consumption structures of the Polish population in 2006 (in an elementary, complex and synthetic section). A further aim of the research, was to determine statistically significant factors which influence the income and consumption patterns - both factors which had a positive impact (the level of urbanization, the efficiency and productivity of the economy, agricultural produce) and a negative one (unemployment, age structure of the population, population growth and industrial production). This resulted from the conviction that, each description is valuable only if it is supplemented with an explanation of the reasons for such a state of affairs.
Analysis of extreme hydrological Events on THE danube using the Peak Over Threshold method
Authors: Bačová-Mitková Veronika , Onderka Milan
Published: July 2010

Analysis of extreme hydrological Events on THE danube using the Peak Over Threshold method

The Peak Over Threshold Method (POT) was used as an alternative technique to the traditional analysis of annual discharge maxima of the Danube River. The POT method was applied to a time-series of daily discharge values covering a period of 60 years (1931-1990) at the following gauge stations: Achleiten, Kienstock, Wien, Bratislava and Nagymaros. The first part of the paper presents the use of the POT method and how it was applied to daily discharges. All mean daily discharges exceeding a defined threshold were considered in the POT analysis. Based on the POT waves independence criteria the maximum daily discharge data were selected. Two theoretical log-normal (LN) and Log-Pearson III (LP3) distributions were used to calculate the probability of exceeding annual maximum discharges. Performance of the POT method was compared to the theoretical distributions (LN, LP3). The influence of the data series length on the estimation of theN-year discharges by POT method was carried out too. Therefore, with regard to later regulations along the Danube channel bank the 40, 20 and 10-year time data series were chosen in early of the 60-year period and second analysed time data series were selected from the end of the 60-year period. Our results suggest that the POT method can provide adequate and comparable estimates ofN-year discharges for more stations with short temporal coverage.
Radial Basis Function Network Based Design of Incipient Motion Condition of Alluvial Channels with Seepage
Authors: Kumar Bimlesh , Sreenivasulu Gopu , Rao Achanta
Published: July 2010

Radial Basis Function Network Based Design of Incipient Motion Condition of Alluvial Channels with Seepage

Incipient motion is the critical condition at which bed particles begin to move. Existing relationships for incipient motion prediction do not consider the effect of seepage. Incipient motion design of an alluvial channel affected from seepage requires the information about five basic parameters, i.e., particle sized, water depthy, energy slopeSf, seepage velocityvsand average velocityu.As the process is extremely complex, getting deterministic or analytical form of process phenomena is too difficult. Data mining technique, which is particularly useful in modeling processes about which adequate knowledge of the physics is limited, is presented here as a tool complimentary to model the incipient motion condition of alluvial channel at seepage. This article describes the radial basis function (RBF) network to predict the seepage velocity vs and average velocityubased on experimental data of incipient condition. The prediction capability of model has been found satisfactory and methodology to use the model is also presented. It has been found that model predicts the phenomena very well. With the help of the RBF network, design curves have been presented for designing the alluvial channel when it is affected by seepage.
Model interpretation of results of measurement mixing zone in the Elbe River downstream from the WWTP Hradec Králové
Authors: Šajer Jiří
Published: July 2010

Modelová interpretace výsledků měření mísící zóny v Labi pod vypouštěním z ČOV Hradec Králové

Ve shodě se Směrnicí 2008/105/ES mohou členské státy vymezit regulační mísící zóny přilehlé k místu vypouštění. Koncentrace jedné nebo více látek uvedené v seznamu v části A přílohy 1 této směrnice smějí překračovat významné normy environmentální kvality uvnitř takových regulačních mísících zón, pokud nebudou mít vliv na dodržení těchto norem ve zbývající části vodního útvaru. Jako základ pro vymezení regulační mísící zóny přilehlé k existujícímu bodovému zdroji znečištění je velmi důležitá co nejlepší znalost skutečné hydrodynamické zóny. To je důvod, proč byla v Labi pod čistírnou odpadních vod (ČOV) Hradec Králové měřena konduktivita. V tomto článku je popsána modelová interpretace výsledků měření. ČOV Hradec Králové se nachází na levém břehu Labe a patří mezi jednu z největších ČOV v České republice s kapacitou přesahující 100 000 EO. Studie se zajímá o oblast po kompletním vertikálním promísení. Je použito modelování dvoudimenzionálního (2D) šíření vlečky znečištění z bodového zdroje v řece, založené na metodě, kterou uvádí Fischer et al. (1979) s korekcí pro účinný začátek vypouštění. Porovnání numerických výsledků s výsledky z terénního měření ukazují, že metoda je použitelná pro predikci hydrodynamické mísící zóny přilehlé k ČOV Hradec Králové v případě, že odpadní vody jsou v recipientu positivně nadlehčovány.
Eastern Poland as the Borderland of the European Union
Authors: Komornicki Tomasz , Miszczuk Andrzej
Published: July 2010

Eastern Poland as the Borderland of the European Union

The purpose of the present paper is to characterise the socio-economic potentials of the regions situated on both sides of the Polish-Russian, Polish-Belarusian and Polish-Ukrainian boundaries (against the background of historical conditions), as well as the economic interactions taking place within these regions. The analysis, carried out in a dynamic setting, sought to identify changes that have occurred owing to the enlargement of the European Union (including those associated with the absorption of the means from the pre-accession funds and from the structural funds). The territorial reach of the analysis encompasses four Polish units of the NUTS 2 level (voivodeships, or "voivodeships"), situated directly at the present outer boundary of the European Union: Warmia-Mazuria, Podlasie, Lublin and Subcarpathia. Besides, the analysis extends to the units located just outside of the eastern border of Poland: the District of Kaliningrad of the Russian Federation, the Belarusian districts of Hrodna and Brest, as well as the Ukrainian districts of Volyn, Lviv and Zakarpattya.
Kienbock's Disease
Authors: O'Laughlin Shaun J.
Published: July 2010

The patient was a 53-year-old male with a chief complaint of right wrist pain of insidious onsent for the past month. The patient reported no recent trauma, but said he had multiple falls while skiing and mountain biking. Wrist radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging revealed ulnar variance and signs of osteonecrosis of the lunate, or Kienbock's disease. The patient underwent a radial shortening osteotomy in an effort to reduce compressive forces on the lunate and further fragmentation and collapse.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(6):376. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0409
Effect of triazophos on mitotic activity and chromosomal behavior in root meristems of Allium cepa L.
Authors: Pandey Archana , Sakya Shyam R
Published: July 2010

Effect of triazophos (an organophosphorous insecticide) on mitotic activity and chromosomal behavior in the meristematic region of root tip cells of Allium cepa L. was assessed. The insecticide showed mitotic depression and positive chromo-toxic effects. Abnormalities, such as stickiness, plasmolysed cells, equatorial plate shifting, polar shifting, irregular chromosome arrangement, precocious arms formation, bridge formation, C-metaphase, fragmentation of chromosomes, unequal cytokinesis, diagonal cytokinesis, delayed cytokinesis and formation of binucleated cells, were recorded in the chemically pretreated root meristem. Key-words: chromosomal and cellular abnormalities; cytotoxic effect; mitotic index; phase indices.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2903 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 4-7
Phenology of ectomycorrizal fungi in subtropical evergreen Castanopsis forest
Authors: Christensen Morten
Published: July 2010

The mycota of Himalaya is poorly described and information on the ecology of ecto-mycorrhizal species in the region is very limited. Three years (2004-2006) of intensive studies of the fruitbodies in Schima-Castanopsis forest in Central Nepal have documented a high diversity of ecto-mycorrhizal fungi. Systematic information collected from five forests in the surrounding of Pokhara are analyzed to describe the phenological patterns. The species diversity of fruitbodies is highest just after the first pre-monsoon rainfall in late May to early July and by the late monsoon rain of September and early October. Similar bimodular patterns are described from areas with warm humid climate in Japan. In cold Temperate and Boreal areas in Europe and North America as well as in the mountainous areas of Nepal only one peak of the ecto-mycorrhizal fungi is found. In these areas the temperature seems to be the main agent in determining the time of fructification of the ecto-mycorrhizal fungi. In contrast studies from Subtropical Mediterranean climate in Southern Europe with winter rain found fructification in the cold season, indicating that moisture is more crucial for the fruitbody creation than temperature in subtropical areas. Key-words: Central Nepal; ecto-mycorrhiza; Himalaya; Schima-Castanopsis forest.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2904 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 8-11
Taxonomic study of some medicinally important species of Swertia L. (Gentianaceae) in Nepal
Authors: Rijal Dilli Prasad
Published: July 2010

Among 100 species of Swertia reported from the world, Nepal harbors 30 species along with four varieties. In Nepal, species of Swertia are highly exploited as raw materials for different traditional medicines. Among them, S. chirayita, a vulnerable species, has been considered to be superior in medicine and trade. One of the main issues in its trade is adulteration with other species which are considered to be inferior in medicinal quality. Species which are mixed with S. chirayita are S. angustifolia, S. ciliata, S. dilatata, S. paniculata, S. racemosa, etc. There is a need for the selection of most important morphological characteristics for instant identification of different species of Swertia to check illegal trade as well as adulteration. This paper aims to provide the most important identifying characters of eight species of Swertia traded from Nepal on the basis of their morphological studies. Color of the petal, number of floral parts (tetramerous vs. pentamerous) and number of glands in petal are the key characters for the identification of the species. Key-words: adulteration; medicinal plant; morphological characters.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2906 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 18-24
Occurrence of Salmonella in drinking water samples of urban water supply system of Kathmandu
Authors: Shrestha Esha , Bhatta Dwij R , Lekhak Binod
Published: July 2010

Water-borne diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and around 2.2 million people die every year due to basic hygiene-related diseases, like gastroenteritis, diarrhea, typhoid and dysentery. Eighty-six water samples were randomly collected from urban water supply system of Kathmandu, and analyzed for physiochemical and microbiological parameters to assess drinking water quality. Residual chlorine was undetectable in 100% samples. Salmonella was detected in 4 samples by enrichment culture technique in Selenite F broth followed by plating on Salmonella-Shigella Agar. A total of 10 isolates were identified as Salmonella (S. Paratyphi, 10% and non-typhi, 90%) by conventional biochemical test. The majority of the isolates were susceptible to most of the antimicrobials tested; however, resistance was observed to amoxicillin (70%), cephalexin (20%) and ceftizoxime (14.28%). There was no significant relationship between coliform and Salmonella positivity (P = 0.366). The microbiological quality of urban water supply system is poor and indicates chances of outbreak of Salmonella infection. Key-words: drinking water quality; Nepal; water-borne disease; water pollution.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2911 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 52-55
Conservation status of Ramsar sites of Nepal Tarai: an overview
Authors: Siwakoti Mohan , Karki Jhamak B
Published: July 2010

Nepal houses only inland freshwater wetlands, ranging from floodplains of snow-melt-fed cold Himalayan rivers, warm rivers originating in the mid hills, high altitudinal glacial lakes to hot springs, ponds, ox-bow lakes, marshes and swamps. These wetlands support several endemic and globally threatened species of flora and fauna. Besides, wetland sites have significant recreational, religio-cultural and spiritual values. There are over 240 wetland sites in Nepal, of which 163 are in the Terai (plain lowland). Wetlands found in Tarai are comparatively more inventoried than the wetlands of mountains and the Himalayan regions of the country. The Terai region (below 300 m) covers about 14% of the country's total area, where half of Nepal's total populations exist. About 11% population of the country is wetland dependent; majority of them are living in the Terai region. The country has nine Ramsar sites, of which, four are in the Tarai region. Among them, two sites (Koshi Tappu wetland, and Beeshazar and associated lakes) lie inside the protected areas and two sites (Ghodaghodi Lake area and Jagadishpur Reservoir) are distributed outside the protected areas. The Koshi Tappu wetland lies along the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the eastern Tarai within the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is the first Ramsar site in Nepal. Beeshazar and associated lakes lies in the buffer zone of the Chitwan National Park along the inner Tarai of Central Nepal. The Ghodaghodi Lake Area (2500 ha) lies in the far western Nepal, and comprises about 14 large and small ox-bow lakes/ponds with associated marshes, swamps, river/streams, springs, seasonal marshy grasslands and human made wetlands, out of them, Ghodaghodi Lake (138 ha) is the largest natural lake in the Nepal's Tarai. The lake system falls between the Bardia National Park and the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve of the country and  the surrounding forest functions as an important corridor for the movement of wildlife between these as well as the Tarai and the northern Siwalik hills. Similarly, the Jagadishpur Reservoir (225 ha) which lies in Central Nepal's Tarai is the largest man-made wetland in Nepal for irrigation purpose. It is an important site for migratory and resident birds. In this paper we highlight the status, threats, conservation issues and management practices of these Ramsar sites lying in Nepal Tarai. Key-words: Ghodaghodi Lake; Jagdishpur Reservoir; Nepal Tarai; outside protected area; wetlands.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2914 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 76-84
Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Tabassum Rehnuma , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana , Begum Shelina , Ali Taskina
Published: July 2010

Background: Essential hypertension may be associated with altered cardiovascular autonomic nervefunction. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis is an important tool for quantitative measurement ofautonomic nerve activity. Objective: To assess the cardiac autonomic nerve function status in essentialhypertension by analyzing time domain measures of heart rate variability. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib MedicalUniversity from 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009.For this purpose, 60 hypertensive male patients withage ranged between 40-60 years (group B) were enrolled from the Out Patient Department of Cardiology,BSMMU, Dhaka. Based on treatment received, hypertensive patients were subdivided into group B1i.e.untreated patients on their 1st day of diagnosis and group B2 i.e.patients with antihypertensivetherapy. For comparison, 30 age & sex matched apparently healthy normotensive subjects (group A)were also studied as control group. Time domain measures of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) such asMean RR intervals, Mean HR, SDNN & RMSSD were assessed by a Polygraph machine to observeboth sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve function status. For statistical analysis of data,Independent sample t-test, One-way ANOVA test, were used as applicable. Results: Mean R-R interval SDNN and RMSSD were significantly (P<0.01) lower but mean heart rate was significantly (P<0.01)higher in untreated hypertensive patients than those of normotensive subjects. But differences in allthese 4 parameters when compared between control and treated hypertensive patients were foundstatistically non significant. Conclusion: Impaired cardiac autonomic nerve function characterized bysympathetic overactivity may occur in hypertensive patients.Key words: Mean RR; SDNN; RMSSD; hypertensionDOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v5i1.5411J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2010 June; 5(1): 1-7
Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Biomarker Strategy
Authors: Bagi Cedo M. , Andresen Catharine J.
Published: July 2010

The overwhelming need to improve preclinical models in oncology has stimulated research efforts to refine and validate robust orthotopic models that closely mimic the disease population and therefore have the potential to better predict clinical outcome with novel therapies. Sophisticated technologies including bioluminescence, contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging, positron emission tomography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been added to existing serum- and histology-based biomarkers to assist with patient selection and the design of clinical trials. The rationale for the use of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, implementation of xenograft and orthotopic animal models and utilization of available biomarkers have been discussed, providing guidelines to facilitate preclinical research for the development of treatments for HCC patients.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of the Lipopeptide Myr-HBVpreS/2-78, a Hepatitis B Virus Entry Inhibitor
Authors: Schieck Alexa , Müller Thomas , Schulze Andreas , Haberkorn Uwe , Urban Stephan , Mier Walter
Published: July 2010

Chronic HBV infection is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Synthetic peptides derived from the N-terminus of the large HBV envelope protein (L-protein) have been shown to efficiently block HBV entry. Myr-HBVpreS/2-78, the parent compound of these drugs, inhibits human HBV infection in vitro and in vivo. An efficient synthesis is required, as these peptides constitute a novel class of anti HBV drugs. Consequently, the solid phase synthesis of the N-terminal 77 amino acids of the viral L-protein was studied in detail. The peptide was N-terminally myristoylated to resemble the natural, postranslationally modified protein. The synthesis was monitored using the Fmoc cleavage pattern of the solid phase synthesis on a standard peptide synthesizer and by LC-MS analyses of the arising side products. “Difficult sequences” in the positions 42-47 of the peptide sequence complicate the efficient synthesis of the 77-mer peptide HBVpreS/2-78. Attempts were undertaken to optimize the synthesis by heating, double coupling or the use of pseudoproline dipeptides. HPLC-MS analyses showed that the efficiency of the synthesis could be increased best by temperature elevation. This resulted in a higher purity of the crude product after solid phase synthesis. It was possible to minimize the occurrence of side products due to the positive effects related to higher reaction temperature. In conclusion, the peptide is accessible by stepwise SPPS without the necessity of segment coupling.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: An Overview of Cardiovascular Risks
Authors: Meek Inger L. , Van de Laar Mart A.F.J. , E. Vonkeman Harald
Published: July 2010

While aspirin may offer protection, other non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause serious cardiovascular side effects and complications. This has led to a general "black box" warning for cardiovascular adverse events for NSAIDs. This review explores the different mechanisms underlying the protective effects of aspirin, the NSAID associated renovascular effects causing hypertension, edema and heart failure, the cardiovascular effects causing myocardial infarction and stroke, and the possible deleterious interaction between NSAIDs and aspirin.
Experiences of Nurses in Transition After Hospital Closure
Authors: Woolforde Launette , Spatarella Andrea
Published: July 2010

This column addresses themes uncovered by nurse educators who interacted with a group of nurses hired by a large health system in New York after the hospital they worked for closed.
Management of Postmenopausal Vaginal Symptoms in Women
Authors: Bond Sharon , Horton Lenora S.
Published: July 2010

Although menopause is a normal, physiological process in the lives of women, many report uncomfortable urogenital symptoms as they transition through this stage. Such symptoms include urinary frequency, increased urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness and irritation, and painful intercourse, among others. While each of these symptoms presents unique challenges for clinicians, this article specifically focuses on the management of vaginal symptoms. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing assist in confirming a diagnosis and selecting a treatment plan. A careful and detailed discussion with women to elicit their knowledge and concerns about the use and risks of hormone therapy prior to initiation can avoid misunderstanding, improve adherence, and enhance quality of life.
Teaching Strategies for Assessing and Managing Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults
Authors: Bradway Christine , Cacchione Pamela
Published: July 2010

Urinary incontinence is common and affects many aspects of older adults’ lives; therefore, it is essential that nursing faculty include this content in classroom and clinical teaching situations. This article describes innovative strategies for teaching upper-level nursing students (e.g., junior and senior undergraduates) about urinary incontinence in older adults, specifically, the relevant anatomy and physiology of continence and associated pathophysiology of urinary incontinence, risk factors and consequences, definitions and types, and effective nursing assessment and management strategies.
Bilateral Lunate Intraosseous Ganglia
Authors: Kural Cemal , Sungur Ibrahim , Cetinus Ercan
Published: July 2010

An intraosseous ganglion is a relatively uncommon, benign cystic lesion that occurs in young and middle-aged adults. Bilateral and symmetrical lesions of the wrist are rare. Intraosseous ganglia of the carpal bones are uncommon causes of chronic wrist pain. Isolated cases of intraosseous ganglion have been reported most commonly in the lunate and scaphoid. The lunate was most frequently affected, followed by the capitate, scaphoid, and triquetrum bones.

Radiolucent lesions in the carpal bones are not uncommon and are often seen incidentally in asymptomatic patients. The differential diagnosis of a lytic lesion in a carpal bone includes unicameral bone cyst, degenerative cyst, fibrous developmental defect, osteomyelitis, and intraosseous ganglion cyst.

This article describes a case of bilateral lunate intraosseous ganglia. A review of the literature revealed that bilateral and symmetrical intraosseous ganglia of the wrist are rare, with only 3 other reported cases of bilateral lunate lesions.
Migrated XLIF Cage: Case Report and Discussion of Surgical Technique
Authors: Daffner Scott D. , Wang Jeffrey C.
Published: July 2010

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF; NuVasive, Inc, San Diego, California) is a minimally invasive technique developed to avoid complications associated with traditional or minimally invasive anterior or posterior approaches to lumbar interbody fusion. It uses a direct lateral, retroperitoneal, transpsoas approach for placement of an interbody cage. To date, no reports of cage-related complications or procedures for revising an XLIF have been published.

This article describes a case of a complication unique to this procedure and the surgical technique used to treat it. A 49-year-old woman underwent XLIF at L3–4 with supplemental posterior pedicle fixation for treatment of a pseudarthrosis of a previous fusion performed for junctional degeneration below an old scoliosis construct. One month postoperatively, she reported increasing leg pain, and imaging studies demonstrated the cage to have extruded laterally. The cage was revised using a mini-open lateral approach. The presence of neurologic symptoms (leg pain) necessitated the cage to first be reimpacted before it could be safely extracted. A new cage was placed with the addition of a lateral plate. The patient’s leg pain resolved shortly after the revision, and at 1-year follow-up, she appeared to have a solid fusion with no further complications.

If required, XLIF may be safely and effectively revised through a minimally invasive or mini-open lateral approach. Use of a lateral plate as a buttress should be considered in cases associated with significant coronal deformity or lateral listhesis, even when planning use of supplemental posterior instrumentation.
Rapid Recovery from Spontaneous and Simultaneous Bilateral Quadriceps Tendon Rupture in an Active, Healthy Individual
Authors: Gaheer Rajinder Singh , Hawkins Amanda
Published: July 2010

Bilateral spontaneous quadriceps rupture is an uncommon injury that is usually seen in association with multiple medical conditions and is frequently misdiagnosed. It is rarely seen in healthy, active individuals. This article presents a case of bilateral simultaneous and spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon in a healthy, athletic, active and highly motivated patient with rapid recovery from injury and return to full sport activity within a relatively short period of time.

A 65-year-old healthy man felt both knees give way while walking down stairs at home and collapsed, unable to bear weight. He was fit and well, not on any medications and basic laboratory screening was within normal limits. He was an active sportsman, horse rider, swimmer, and long-distance cyclist, and had completed a half marathon 1 month before his injury. He was diagnosed with bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures. An ultrasound of both knees confirmed the diagnosis of full-thickness rupture.

Surgical repair of both quadriceps tendons was performed 3 days after the injury. Bilateral locking brace in 10° of flexion was used to immobilize both knees and protect the repair for 6 weeks. The patient remained nonweight bearing for 2 weeks, then gradual weight bearing was commenced, with full weight bearing at 6 weeks. Intensive isometric quadriceps exercises were started on the second postoperative day. Immobilization of both knees was maintained for 6 weeks, after which full active range of motion (ROM) was initiated. At 16 weeks after the injury he had bilateral ROM from 0° to 120° flexion, with no extension lag. He was horse riding, playing golf, swimming, and walking distances up to 2 miles at that time.
Intraocular Pressure and Visual Field Damage as Risk Factors for Visual Field Progression in Filtering Surgery
Authors: Cohen John S. , Novack Gary D. , Zink Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between preoperative visual field severity and postoperative intraocular pressure as risk factors for visual field progression.

Patients and Methods:

Patients undergoing trabeculectomy (TRAB, n = 92 eyes of 73 patients) or combined trabeculectomy and cataract extraction by phacoemulsification (COMBO, n = 49 eyes of 41 patients) by one surgeon with at least 6 months of follow-up were reviewed.

Results:

Both the COMBO and TRAB treatment groups experienced a substantial decrease in mean intraocular pressure (4.7 ± 6.0 and 10.1 ± 6.5 mm Hg) and mean number of ocular hypotensive medications (1.8 ± 1.2 and 2.2 ± 1.5), respectively. In the subset of 47 eyes with reliable visual fields, the COMBO group experienced a mean improvement in mean deviation of 2.75 dB, and the TRAB group experienced only minimal changes in visual fields.

Conclusion:

In general, visual fields did not worsen following trabeculectomy or combined surgery.
A Simple Technique to Improve Centration During Trephination of the Donor Lenticula in DSAEK
Authors: Koenig Steven B.
Published: July 2010

The author describes a technique to improve centration of the trephination of the donor corneal lenticula during Descemet’s stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty. Following resection of the anterior corneal lamella with the microkeratome, a 10-mm trephine stained with gentian-violet dye is used to mark the perimeter of the resection bed. The remaining donor cornea is centered on the Barron-Hessburg punching block endothelial side up using the easily seen annular mark as a guide. Using this technique, the author has successfully avoided eccentrically trephined donor lenticulae in cases. This simple technique allows the surgeon performing Descemet’s stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty to consistently punch the donor lenticula within the margins of the anterior lamellar resection.
Canalicular Lacerations: Repair with the Mini-Monoka
®
Monocanalicular Intubation Stent
Authors: Leibovitch Igal , Kakizaki Hirohiko , Prabhakaran Venkatesh , Selva Dinesh
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective:

There are different techniques for reconstructing traumatic canalicular lacerations. The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcome with the Mini-Monoka monocanalicular stent (FCI Ophthalmics, Issy-Les Moulineaux, France).

Patients and Methods:

Patients with traumatic canalicular lacerations who underwent surgical reconstruction using the Mini-Monoka monocanalicular stent were included. The surgical outcome was based on subjective (epiphora) and objective (tear meniscus level, dye disappearance test, and lacrimal irrigation) findings after stent removal.

Results:

Nineteen patients (15 males, 4 females; mean age: 34 years) were included. The upper canaliculus was injured in 5 cases and the lower in 14 cases. Successful stenting was accomplished in all cases. Postoperative eyelid position was satisfactory in most patients. The mean period of stenting was 5 months and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 13 months. There were no cases of premature stent extrusion. Functional drainage after stent removal was normal in 94.7% of patients. Syringing showed full patency with no narrowing or reflux.

Conclusion:

The Mini-Monoka monocanalicular stent is an effective tool in reconstructing traumatic canalicular lacerations. It is easy to use, carries a minimal risk of injury to the non-lacerated canaliculus, and results in high anatomical and functional success rates.
Impact of Laser Trabeculoplasty on Trabectome
®
Outcomes
Authors: Vold Steven D. , Dustin Laurie
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective:

To report the impact of prior laser trabeculoplasty on clinical outcomes of Trabectome (NeoMedix Corporation, Tustin, CA) surgery.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective, non-comparative study of consecutive cases of Trabectome surgery with 36 months of follow-up. Main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and the occurrence of secondary procedures.

Results:

In the trabeculoplasty group, mean IOP measured 16.5 ± 4.0 mm Hg with an average decrease of 24% from preoperative IOP at 12 months. In eyes without previous trabeculoplasty, IOP measured 15.7 ± 3.0 mm Hg with an average decrease of 30% at 12 months. Adjunctive medications decreased to 2.1 and 1.5 glaucoma medications, respectively. Secondary procedures were performed in 12% and 10% of eyes in each group.

Conclusion:

Previous laser trabeculoplasty does not appear to significantly impact IOP, but may increase the need for glaucoma medication in patients undergoing Trabectome surgery.
Pedagogy 2.0
Authors: McLoughlin Catherine , Lee Mark J. W.
Published: July 2010

Worldwide, tertiary educators and institutions are discovering that new models of teaching and learning are required to meet the needs of today’s students, and their demands for autonomy, connectivity, and socio-experiential learning. The educational applications of the new wave of Web 2.0-based social software tools compel us to consider how the affordances and potential for generativity and connectivity offered by these tools, as well as the broader societal changes that the Web 2.0 movement forms part of, impact on pedagogy and teaching, and open up the debate on how we conceptualize the dynamics of student learning. This chapter explores the ways in which scholarship and pedagogy are being challenged and redefined in the Web 2.0 era, and the accompanying need for students to develop new skills and competencies to prepare them for work and lifelong learning in a dynamic, networked society and knowledge economy. In response to these challenges the authors propose a pedagogical framework, “Pedagogy 2.0,” which addresses the themes of participation in networked communities of learning, personalization of the learning experience, and learner productivity in the form of active knowledge creation and innovation, and discuss how emerging social practices, ethos, and modes of communication influence the roles of teachers and learners.
Using Wikis in Teacher Education
Authors: Wheeler Steve
Published: July 2010

This chapter reports on the use of online open content software as a learning resource for students enrolled in an initial teacher-training program at a British university. It features a study undertaken to support the development of professional practice in teacher education for undergraduate and postgraduate students using wikis. The 14 cohorts of student teachers in the program (n = 237) approached the activities in blended format, using a wiki as both a repository to store and retrieve their work, and as a discussion space where they could engage in dialogue with their peers and tutors outside of the classroom. Those who responded to the online questionnaire reported on their perceptions of the wiki as a learning environment. The main findings of the study are that students generated a large amount of content in a short space of time using the wiki and enjoyed its collaboration and communication tools, but resented the added time burden of having to complete minimum core tasks online. Students also found initial use of the wiki problematic due to lack of familiarity with the tools and the concept of group editing. The introduction of a series of wiki activities provided useful scaffolding for structured support in professional learning.
Meeting at the Wiki
Authors: Oskoz Ana , Elola Idoia
Published: July 2010

This chapter introduces the use of wikis and written and voice web applications as supporting tools for collaborative writing. It reports on a study examining the processes advanced Spanish foreign language learners engage in while working collaboratively using wikis and chat to complete a writing assignment. Through analysis of students’ essays, wiki-based drafts, chat transcripts, and questionnaire responses, it was observed that students maintained an interest in their essays’ accuracy as well as a focus on global rather than local aspects. In addition, the combination of wikis and chat provided students with an environment in which to state a clear thesis, provide supporting evidences, and refine the organization of the essay in a manner often missing in individual work. The authors expect that the benefits observed when using social web applications while working collaboratively will provide more evidence for pedagogical shifts that will help students become better writers in their second language.
Facebook or Faceblock
Authors: Duffy Peter D.
Published: July 2010

This chapter presents an introduction to an overview of the rise of social networking platforms, systems, and tools within tertiary education, through an analysis and exploration of one such platform, namely the popular social networking website Facebook. Social networking sites, like other Web 2.0 services, emphasize online socialization, collaboration, user-driven content generation, and sharing among users. They enable different forms of pedagogy equally as they disable and challenge more traditional teaching and learning approaches within tertiary education. In this chapter, various criticisms, challenges, and concerns in relation to the incorporation of the new tools within the student learning experience are explored. The chapter seeks to illuminate some of the educational possibilities of incorporating Web 2.0 social network structures provided by websites such as Facebook into academic courses, and to offer suggestions for effectively leveraging these emergent social networks to enhance the student learning experience.
Catering to the Needs of the “Digital Natives” or Educating the “Net Generation”?
Authors: Ryberg Thomas , Dirckinck-Holmfeld Lone , Jones Chris
Published: July 2010

In this chapter, the authors explore perspectives on the notion of “digital natives” and present a case in which Web 2.0 technologies were introduced to students. They discuss studies critical of the generational metaphor, and argue that it should not be uncritically assumed that there is a generation of digital natives, but that young people may need to develop skills often associated with the digital natives. The authors present a case reflecting these pedagogical aims, involving an online Web 2.0 learning environment called Ekademia. The findings of the case reflect a gap between the researchers’ intentions and the actual outcomes. In particular, the learning environment failed to provide sufficient scaffolding for the students, who needed more support than was assumed. It is therefore suggested that educational use of social software technologies should have stronger connections to curricular activities, involve a more concerted pedagogical effort, and be supported by a higher degree of institutionalization.