bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arterialización venosa temporal del pie diabético
Authors: Lengua Francisco , Madrid Andrés La , Acosta Carlos , Vargas Jorge
Published: September 2010

Contexto: La primera idea que tuvieron los cirujanos (1902) para evitar amputaciones por isquemia fue la de desviar el flujo arterial al sistema venoso por intermedio de una fístula arteriovenosa entre vasos adyacentes, pero con resultados inciertos. Desde entonces se han inventado las simpatecomias, las endarteriectomias y los injertos puentes o bypass y, últimamente, otros avances médicos, quirúrgicos y endovasculares. Sin embargo, en el mundo se siguen haciendo amputaciones, sobre todo en diabéticos. La arterialización de las venas del pie, basada en la vieja idea de la circulación invertida, constituye una esperanza más para estos pacientes ya condenados a la pérdida del miembro. Objetivo: Demostrar que la arterialización de las venas del pie en diabéticos con lesiones neuroisquémicas, generalmente infectadas (pie diabético), es un método eficaz y durable, aunque el puente solo funcione temporalmente. Pacientes y método: De enero de 2000 a febrero de 2009, 59 pacientes con pie diabético fueron tratados por arterialización de las venas del pie. Un deceso precoz no ha sido contabilizado. De los 58 pacientes restantes, 44 fueron hombres y 14 mujeres, con edad promedio de 71 años: (53-91 años), 54 en estado IV de Fontaine y cuatro en estado IIIB. La arterialización fue hecha con un injerto venoso invertido anastomosado, proximalmente en una arteria con buen flujo (ilíaca externa, femorales o poplítea) distalmente en la vena marginal interna del pie, con destrucción de las válvulas de las venas del dorso. Resultados: De los 58 arterializados, 12 fueron fracasos por trombosis precoz, siendo amputados, y 46 fueron éxitos (79%): seis de corto, 12 de mediano y 28 de largo plazo. En los grupos que se ajustan a la definición de éxito (dos) hubo 38 trombosis tardías del puente (95%) y cuatro recidivas de la sintomatología isquémica. No ha habido ningún caso de sobrecarga cardíaca ni de várices. Conclusión: La arterialización en el pie diabético es posible, eficaz y durable, gracias, posiblemente, a la inducción de una neoarteriogénesis y neoangiogénesis, que mantiene los beneficios aun después de que el puente se haya ocluido (función temporal).
Dosagem de proteínas totais e desidrogenase lática para o diagnóstico de transudatos e exsudatos pleurais: redefinindo o critério clássico com uma nova abordagem estatística
Authors: Maranhão Bernardo Henrique Ferraz , Silva Junior Cyro Teixeira da , Chibante Antonio Monteiro da Silva , Cardoso Gilberto Perez
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: Propor um novo critério de classificação para a diferenciação entre exsudatos e transudatos pleurais através da dosagem de proteínas totais no líquido pleural (PT-LP) e de desidrogenase lática no líquido pleural (DHL-LP) exclusivamente, assim como comparar o rendimento diagnóstico entre esse novo critério com o critério clássico. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal de tipo individualizado, no qual foram selecionados 181 pacientes com derrame pleural tratados em dois hospitais universitários no estado do Rio de Janeiro (RJ) entre 2003 e 2006. Os parâmetros diagnósticos incluídos no critério clássico, assim como os do novo critério, foram determinados. RESULTADOS: Dos 181 pacientes, 152 e 29 foram diagnosticados, respectivamente, com exsudato pleural e transudato pleural. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do critério clássico para o diagnóstico de exsudato pleural foram, respectivamente, de 99,8%, 68,6% e 94,5%, enquanto, para o diagnóstico de transudato pleural, essas foram de 76,1%, 90,1% e 87,6%. Utilizando-se os pontos de corte de 3,4 g/dL para a dosagem de PT-LP e de 328,0 U/L para aquela de DHL-LP (novo critério), a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia foram de, respectivamente, 99,4%, 72,6% e 99,2%, para o diagnóstico de exsudato, e de 98,5%, 83,4% e 90,0%, para o diagnóstico de transudato. A acurácia do novo critério proposto para o diagnóstico de exsudato pleural foi significativamente maior que aquela do critério clássico (p = 0,0022). CONCLUSÕES: O rendimento diagnóstico dos dois critérios estudados foi semelhante. Portanto, esse novo critério de classificação pode ser utilizado na prática diária.
Características clínicas e evolução de pacientes imunocomprometidos não HIV com diagnóstico intra-hospitalar de tuberculose
Authors: Silva Denise Rossato , Menegotto Diego Millán , Schulz Luis Fernando , Gazzana Marcelo Basso , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: Investigar as características de pacientes imunocomprometidos não HIV com diagnóstico intra-hospitalar de tuberculose e determinar os fatores de risco para mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Durante um período de dois anos, foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospectivo que incluiu os pacientes com diagnóstico de tuberculose após a internação. Os fatores preditores de mortalidade foram coletados. RESULTADOS: Durante o período do estudo, 337 pacientes foram internados e diagnosticados com TB, e desses, 61 apresentavam imunossupressão não decorrente da infecção pelo HIV. A tuberculose extrapulmonar estava presente em 47,5% dos casos. Nesse grupo, a taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 21,3%, e a mortalidade após a alta foi de 18,8%. Os pacientes imunocompetentes tiveram sobrevida em um ano maior que os pacientes com HIV (p = 0,008) e que os imunocomprometidos não HIV (p = 0,015), mas não houve diferença na sobrevida entre esses dois últimos grupos (p = 0,848). Entre os pacientes imunocomprometidos não HIV, o único fator estatisticamente associado à mortalidade foi a necessidade de ventilação mecânica. Entre os maiores de 60 anos, dispneia e presença de fibrose/atelectasias na radiografia de tórax foram mais comuns, enquanto febre e consolidações foram menos frequentes nesse grupo. A febre também foi um sintoma encontrado menos comumente nos pacientes com neoplasias. O tempo até o início do tratamento foi significativamente maior nos pacientes maiores de 60 anos, nos diabéticos e nos pacientes renais crônicos. Nos pacientes diabéticos e naqueles usuários de corticosteroides, o emagrecimento foi um sintoma menos frequentemente relatado. CONCLUSÕES: A menor prevalência de sintomas clássicos, a ocorrência de tuberculose extrapulmonar, o atraso no início do tratamento e a alta taxa de mortalidade refletem o desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico da tuberculose em pacientes imunocomprometidos não HIV.
Intoxicação grave por paraquat: achados clínicos e radiológicos em um sobrevivente
Authors: Neves Fábio Fernandes , Sousa Romualdo Barroso , Pazin-Filho Antônio , Cupo Palmira , Elias Júnior Jorge , Nogueira-Barbosa Marcello Henrique
Published: September 2010

O paraquat é um herbicida não seletivo que possui grande importância toxicológica, sendo associado a altas taxas de letalidade, devidas principalmente à insuficiência respiratória. Este é o relato do caso de um homem de 22 anos admitido no departamento de emergência com queixa de dor de garganta, disfagia, hemoptise e dor retroesternal. Ele relatava a ingestão de cerca de 50 mL de uma solução de paraquat quatro dias antes da admissão hospitalar. A TC de tórax exibia opacidades pulmonares, pneumomediastino, pneumotórax e enfisema subcutâneo. O paciente foi submetido a dois ciclos de terapia imunossupressora com ciclofosfamida, metilprednisolona e dexametasona. Os parâmetros gasométricos progressivamente melhoraram, e o paciente recebeu alta hospitalar após quatro semanas. Decorridos quatro meses da alta, o paciente foi submetido a controles clínico e tomográfico, os quais confirmaram a melhora clínica. Apresentamos também uma revisão sucinta da literatura, bem como uma discussão do processo de decisão terapêutica para intoxicação grave por paraquat.
A new operation mode solving clogging problems of horizontal subsurface constructed wetlands
Authors: Shen Changming , Yang Dianhai , Dong Bingzhi
Published: September 2010

Horizontal subsurface constructed wetland (SSFCW) has been widely used to treat wastewater, however the capacity of SSFCW is severely confined by clogging problems which are very common during the lifespan of a SSFCW. Therefore it is of great practical significance to improve the performance of SSFCW. In this study, a new operation mode by changing the flow direction periodically was executed and the performance on the pollutants removal was studied. Three years' experimental results showed that the SSFCW with new operation mode achieved better pollutant removal efficiency compared with the performance obtained under traditional operation mode. The microorganism test showed that the reciprocating SSFCW had larger quantity microorganism which effectively prevented organic compounds accumulation. The readings of gauge glass in the traditional SSFCW rose gradually, while the water level kept stable in reciprocating one, which also reflected the severity of the clogging problem in the two wetlands. During the whole operation period, the SSFCW with reciprocating operation mode didn't have any infiltration problem, while SSFCW with traditional operation mode had visible clogging problems as a result of pollutants accumulation in the inlet zone.
Microbial indicators in natural biofilms developed in the riverbed
Authors: Hirotani Hiroshi , Yoshino Miyuki
Published: September 2010

Microbial indicators such as heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli in naturally developed riverbed biofilms were investigated. Pebbles covered with natural biofilm were sampled directly from the riverbed at sampling stations ranging from the upstream region within a quasi-national park to the midstream in the urban district. Heterotrophic bacteria densities in biofilm positively correlated with stream discharge. E. coli densities in biofilm positively correlated with temperature, which suggests the growth in the biofilm. It was considered that the attachment of planktonic bacteria to biofilm was negligible. The biofilm may serve as an internal source of false positive indication of fecal contamination in the water column.
Elimination of selected pharmaceuticals by biosolids from municipal wastewater treatment plants: importance of modest pH change and degree of mineralization
Authors: Kimura K. , Hara H. , Watanabe Y.
Published: September 2010

Lab-scale batch experiments with biosolids collected from a full-scale activated sludge system (AS) and a pilot-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) were carried out to investigate the mechanisms of elimination of 5 acidic pharmaceuticals and 2 neutral pharmaceuticals. Batch elimination experiments were conducted under the conditions of pH of 6 and 7, and a great impact of pH on elimination of pharmaceuticals was shown by the significant differences in elimination rates under different pH conditions: elimination of pharmaceuticals was enhanced under the condition of lower pH regardless of the type of biosolid. Degree of mineralization of ibuprofen was also investigated in this study by using 14C-labeled compounds. Although ibuprofen has been considered to be a readily biodegradable pharmaceutical in previous studies, the results obtained in this study demonstrated that the degree of mineralization of ibuprofen would be limited in biological wastewater treatment including MBRs. The results obtained in this study imply that a large portion of pharmaceuticals that have been considered “biodegradable”, such as ibuprofen, entering into wastewater treatment plants will eventually be discharged into natural water bodies as intermediates, although concentrations of them may look reduced on the basis of common analytical methods (i.e. GC/MS or LC/MS/MS).
Oil droplets and solid particles removal using circular separator with inclined coalescence mediums: comparison between co-current and counter-current flow
Authors: Ngu L. H. , Law P. L. , Wong K. K. , Yusof A. A. R.
Published: September 2010

This research investigated the effects of co- and counter-current flow patterns on oil-water-solid separation efficiencies of a circular separator with inclined coalescence mediums. Oil-water-solid separations were tested at different influent concentrations and flowrates. Removal efficiencies increased as influent flowrate decreased, and their correlationship can be represented by power equations. These equations were used to predict the required flowrate, Qss50, for a given influent suspended solids concentration Ciss to achieve the desired effluent suspended solids concentration, Cess of 50 mg/L, to meet environmental discharge requirements. The circular separator with counter-current flow was found to attend removal efficiencies relatively higher as compared to the co-current flow. As compared with co-current flow, counter-current flow Qss50 was approximately 1.65 times higher than co-current flow. It also recorded 13.16% higher oil removal at influent oil concentration, Cio of 100 mg/L, and approximately 5.89% higher TSS removal at all influent flowrates. Counter-current flow's better removal performances were due to its higher coalescing area and constant interval between coalescence plate layers.
A comparative study of perchlorate degradation in acute toxicity and chronic toxicity
Authors: Cheong S.-S. , Lee S.-H. , Lee J.-W. , Suh C.-W. , Nam J.-Y. , Shin H.-S.
Published: September 2010

Since the discovery of perchlorate in water system, the public has been concerned about its human health effect. In practice it was reported that chronic exposure to perchlorate may lead to damage in thyroid hormone activity. This study introduced a method of perchlorate reduction, using autotrophic bacteria which utilise hydrogen as an electron donor. Two experiments were conducted to compare the effects of acute and chronic perchlorate toxicity on bacterial perchlorate reduction potential. One was a batch-fed operation generating acute toxicity and another was a continuous-fed operation generating chronic toxicity. Acclimation period of the batch-fed operation was 14 days while that of the continuous-fed operation was 31 days as commensurate with double. Lots of batch tests using the mixed culture passing through acclimation were conducted to figure out kinetics of biological perchlorate reduction. The maximum perchlorate utilisation rate (qmax) of the mixed culture acclimated by acute toxicity was 2.92 mg ClO4−/mg dry-weight (DW)/d, while that of chronic toxicity was 0.27 mg ClO4−/mg DW/d. Half-maximum rate constants (Ks) of acute and chronic toxicity were 567.3 and 25.6 mg ClO4−/L respectively. This result showed that acute toxicity acclimated the mixed culture more rapidly and produced a higher activity for biological perchlorate reduction than chronic toxicity.
Photocatalytic decolorisation and mineralisation of orange dyes on immobilised titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Khataee A. R. , Pons M. N. , Zahraa O.
Published: September 2010

In this paper the photocatalytic decolorisation and mineralisation of three orange dyes (AO10, AO12 and AO8) in neutral, alkaline and hydrolysed solutions under UV light irradiation in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles has been compared. The investigated photocatalyst was Millennium PC-500 TiO2 (crystallites mean size 5–10 nm) immobilised on non-woven paper. All the experiments were performed in a circulation photochemical reactor equipped with a 15 W UV lamp emitting around 365 nm. Results indicated that complete decolorisation of 250 mL pure dye solutions with initial dye concentration of 30 mg/L could be achieved in 140 min. Photocatalytic mineralisation of the neutral, alkaline and hydrolysed dye solutions was monitored by total organic carbon (TOC) decrease and ammonium ion formation. Results indicated that the photocatalytic decolorisation and mineralisation of the dyes was less efficient with the hydrolysed and alkaline dye solutions in comparison with the neutral pure dye solutions. The amount of NH4+, as N-containing mineralisation product, during UV/TiO2 process was analysed. The electrical energy consumption for photocatalytic decolorisation of the dyes was calculated and related to the treatment costs.
Substance flow analyses of phthalates and nonylphenols in stormwater
Authors: Björklund K.
Published: September 2010

The occurrence of nonylphenol and several phthalates in water environments is highly undesired because of their negative effects on aquatic organisms. The objectives of this study were to identify emission sources of phthalates, nonylphenol and its ethoxylates (NP/EOs) in urban stormwater, and to quantify the substance fluxes from the source to the stormwater system, using the methodology of substance flow analysis (SFA). The SFA, applied on an urban motorway area, showed that phthalates are mainly emitted from vehicles and coated roofing material, whereas the major NP/EOs sources are vehicles and concrete. It was estimated that approximately 4.1 kg of four selected phthalates and more than 400 g of NP/EOs are emitted annually to stormwater in the studied area. The SFA approach presented in this study, using factors that express the emission rate of a specific substance from a specific source, could be applied in urban catchments of various character to estimate fluxes of water contaminants.
Pesticide inputs from the sewage treatment plant of Agrinio to River Acheloos, western Greece: occurrence and removal
Authors: Stamatis N. , Hela D. , Konstantinou I.
Published: September 2010

This work reports the occurrence and the removal of a wide spectrum of pesticides in municipal wastewaters from the Agrinio region, Greece. Analytical determination was carried out by means of solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography equipped with flame thermionic and mass spectrometric detection. The herbicides atrazine, alachlor, isoproturon, and s-metolachlor and the insecticides diazinon, methidathion, fenthion and chlorpyriphos, were more frequently detected in influent and effluent samples while they were also detected in river samples. Isoproturon and diazinon showed the highest concentrations in influent samples that reached concentrations up to 2,328 and 1,486 ng L−1, respectively. Secondary treatment and cumulative removal rates for herbicides and insecticides ranged between 23–91%, 21–>99% and 36–>99%, 38–>99%, respectively. The data demonstrate that there are significant levels of pesticides entering river waterways.
FEM Simulation of Non-Progressive Growth from Asymmetric Loading and Vicious Cycle Theory: Scoliosis Study Proof of Concept
Authors: Fok Jonathan , Adeeb Samer , Carey Jason
Published: September 2010

Scoliosis affects about 1-3% of the adolescent population, with 80% of cases being idiopathic. There is currently a lack of understanding regarding the biomechanics of scoliosis, current treatment methods can be further improved with a greater understanding of scoliosis growth patterns. The objective of this study is to develop a finite element model that can respond to loads in a similar fashion as current spine biomechanics models and apply it to scoliosis growth. Using CT images of a non-scoliotic individual, a finite element model of the L3-L4 vertebra was created. By applying asymmetric loading in accordance to the ‘vicious cycle’ theory and through the use of a growth modulation equation it is possible to determine the amount of growth each region of the vertebra will undergo; therefore predict scoliosis growth over a period of time. This study seeks to demonstrate how improved anatomy can expand researchers current knowledge of scoliosis.
Drug Resistance Pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolated from Patients Attending a Referral Hospital
Authors: Wadud ABM Abdul , Rahman ASM Matiur , Miah Md Ruhul Amin , Saleh Ahmed Abu
Published: September 2010

This study was carried out to isolate M. tuberculosis from smear positive sputum samples by MB/BacT automated culture system and investigate the drug resistance pattern. Among 101 smear positive cases 96 (95.05 %) yielded growth of Mycobacteria, 3 (02.97 %) were contaminated and 2 (01.98 %) showed no growth. Culture positive detection time for M. tuberculosis was lowest 7 days and highest 36.3 days and average detection time was11.3 days. Detection time for NTM was 19.2 days. Among 96 isolates 95 (98.96 %) were M. tuberculosis and remaining 1 (1.04 %) was photochromogen Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). Out of 95 M. tuberculosis 51 (53.84 %) were resistant to at least one drug, 38 (40.00 %) to INH, 31 (32.63%) to RMP, 13(13.68 %) to SM, 11 (11.58 %) to EMB and 10 (10.53 %) to PZA and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was 21 (22.11 %). Resistance to one drug was 21 (22.11%), two drugs 15 (15.79 %), to three drugs 10 (10.53 %) and resistant to four or more drugs 5(5.26 %) cases.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2010; 03 (02): 13-17
Etiological agents of suppurative corneal ulcer: Study of 56 cases
Authors: Akter Laila , Salam MA , Hasan Bulbul , Begum Nurjahan , Ahmed Iftikhar
Published: September 2010

This study was carried out to isolate and identify the etiological agents causing suppurative corneal ulcers and to perform the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the bacterial isolates. Samples (corneal swabs and scrapings) were collected aseptically from 56 suppurative corneal ulcer patients attending Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). Isolation and identification of the microbial agents and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done in the Microbiology laboratory of Rajshahi Medical College. Culture yielded growth in a total of 47(83.93%) cases out of 56 patients with pure fungal growth, pure bacterial growth and mixed microbial growth (both bacteria and fungi) in 24(42.86%), 14(25.0%), and 09(16.07%) cases respectively. Among the fungal isolates, Aspergillus fumigatus was the leading agent detected in 10(30.30%) cases followed by Fusarium spp, Mucor spp, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp, Unidentified branching fungus and Alternaria spp. found in 08(24.24%), 04(12.12%), 03(9.09%), 02(6.06%), 02(6.06%), 03(9.09%) and 01(3.03%) cases respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was the leading bacterial pathogen found in 10(43.47%) cases followed by Pseudomonas spp., H. influenzae, Staph. epidermidis, Strept. pneumoniae and E. coli detected in 05(21.73%), 03(13.04%), 02(8.69%), 02(8.69%) and 01(4.35%) cases respectively. Lomefloxacin, Tobramycin and Gentamicin were found to be better efficacious drugs against most of the bacterial pathogens noted in in-vitro susceptibility testing. This limited study has revealed and reinforced that suppurative corneal ulcers are caused by both bacterial and fungal agents with fungal preponderance in this geographical area and Lomefloxacin, Tobramycin and Gentamicin are better choice of antibiotics to treat bacterial suppurative corneal ulcers patients.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2010; 03 (02): 33-36
Terpenoids and Coumarin from Bursera serrata Wall.
Authors: Ara Kulsum , Rahman Mohammad S , Rahman AHMM , Hasan Choudhury M , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: September 2010

Two terpenoids, β-amyrin (1) and β-sitostenone (2) and a coumarin, scopoletin (3) were isolated from petroleum ether and dichloromethane soluble extracts of the stem bark of Bursera serrata Wall. The structures of the isolated compounds 1-3 were established by extensive spectroscopic studies as well as by comparison with published data. Although compounds 1-3 have been isolated from various plant species previously, this is the first report of the occurrence of these compounds from B. serrata. The crude extractives exhibited weak antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. Key words: Bursera serrata; Burseraceae; β-amyrin; β-sitostenone; scopoletin; antimicrobial; cytotoxicity   DOI: 10.3329/dujps.v8i2.6023 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 8(2): 107-110, 2009 (December)
Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Acetate (Kollidon® SR) Microspheres Containing Diclofenac Sodium II: Effect of core loading
Authors: Islam Md Saiful , Rahman Ashfacur , Ismal Mohammad Kaisarul , Chowdhury Jakir Ahmed , Jalil Reza-ul
Published: September 2010

Diclofenac Sodium (DS) loaded Kollidon® SR (Polyvinyl acetate and povidone based matrix retarding polymer) microspheres of different drug loading were prepared using W/O emulsification solvent evaporation technique. Polymeric solution containing the DS was emulsified in light liquid paraffin (LLP) which was initially emulsified by 1% (w/w of the continuum) lipophilic surfactant Span 60. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of different core to polymer ratio (0.5: 1, 1 : 1, 1.5 : 1 and 2 : 1) on microsphere size, encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics of DS. Microsphere size was decreased with increased core loading. However, higher encapsulation efficiency was observed with higher core loading. A square root of time dependent release of DS was observed from the KSR microspheres. Increased core loading caused faster release of DS. Release rates of DS were affected by different DS content in the core. Normalized release rates were also found to be increased with high core loading. Mean dissolution time (MDT) and t50 values were also calculated and were found to be affected significantly by different DS loading to KSR microspheres. Low DS loading increased MDT. Key words: Kollidon® SR; Diclofenac Sodium; Microsphere; Solvent evaporation technique; Mean dissolution time. DOI: 10.3329/dujps.v8i2.6025 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 8(2): 117-122, 2009 (December)
A Simple RP-HPLC Method for the Determination of Omeprazole in Human Serum and Urine: Validation and Application in Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Nahar Kamrun , Joti Jafreen Jamal , Ullah Md Ashik , Hasan Ahasanul , Azad Mohammad Abul Kalam , Hasnat Abul
Published: September 2010

A Simple RP-HPLC method with UV detection has been validated to determine omeprazole concentrations in human serum and urine samples. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 7.2 ± 0.05; 0.2 M) and acetonitrile (70:30, v/v), pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min through the C-8 column at room temperature. Peaks were monitored by UV absorbance at 302 nm at a sensitivity of 0.0001. The developed method was selective and linear for omeprazole concentrations ranging between 5 to 1000ng/ml for serum samples and 1 to 100μg/ml for urine samples. The recovery of omeprazole ranged from 95.68 to 99% and 95.54 to 99.8% for the serum and urine samples respectively. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) of omeprazole was 5 ng/ml. The intraday accuracy ranged from 93.54 to 104.38% and 100.55 to 103.48% for the serum and urine respectively. The interday accuracy varied from 97.61 to 113.95% and 97.42 to 109.97% for the serum and urine respectively. For the LOQ, good values of precision (6.03 and 10.13% for intraday and interday, respectively) were also obtained. Acceptable results were obtained during stability study. This method proved to be simple, accurate and precise for pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies of omeprazole. Key words: Omeprazole; RP-HPLC; Method validation. DOI: 10.3329/dujps.v8i2.6026 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 8(2): 123-130, 2009 (December)
Phytochemical and Biological Investigations of Ixora arborea Roxb.
Authors: Aktar Fahima , Kaisar Md Abul , Kabir ANM Hamidul , Hasan Choudhury M , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: September 2010

A total of four compounds namely betulin (1), erythrodiol (2), lupeol (3), and stigmasterol were isolated from the leaf extract of Ixora arborea for the first time. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic studies. In our preliminary screening, the petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane and aqueous soluble fractions of the methanol extract were subjected to antioxidant, antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality bioassays. All of the fractions showed significant antioxidant activity along with the total phenolic content, of which the methanolic extract of leaves (MEL) showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 33.0 μg/ml. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, among all the extractives the petroleum ether soluble fraction (PESF) demonstrated significant cytotoxicity with LC50 value of 0.622 μg/ml. However, in case of antimicrobial screening, only the methanolic crude extract showed mild growth inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms. Key words: Ixora arborea; betulin; erythrodiol; lupeol; stigmasterol; antioxidant; cytotoxicity; antimicrobial DOI: 10.3329/dujps.v8i2.6031 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 8(2): 161-166, 2009 (December)
The Calculation of Columba's Arrival in Britain in Bede's Ecclesiastical History and the Pictish King-lists
Authors: EVANS NICHOLAS
Published: September 2010

Bede in his ‘Ecclesiastical History’ dated the arrival of St Columba in Britain and the foundation of the monastery of Iona to 565, two years after the 563 date derived from sources associated with Iona. This article analyses the different possibilities for how Bede obtained his date, arguing that he used a Pictish source, and places the claim in the ‘Ecclesiastical History’ that Iona was given to Columba by the Picts in the context of other evidence that Pictish over-kings in the decades before 730 were beginning to attempt to dominate Dál Riata. It also proposes that notes added to the Series longior Pictish king-list at Abernethy in the mid-ninth century display a strong Gaelic influence ultimately derived from a similar chronological source to that used by Bede. As a result Bede's calculation and the king-list notes provide evidence for Pictish scholarship and its cultural connections.
SEARCHINGS AFTER THE COGNITIVE CENTRE (THE CASE OF BELARUS)
Authors: Yevarouski Valery
Published: September 2010

The article presents the comparative analysis of the process of construction of a new cultural space with its specific history and its cognitive geography, securing a firm, which foots the intrinsic centre. Belarusian cognitive map in particular and the Eastern European one in general have their own specifics of a description of social reality. Particularly, philosophical discourse is usually used here as a main way of interaction between subject and social reality.

First of all, the presentation aims at an investigation of the emergence of the Belarusian cognitive center through the writings of national intellectual history. This article intends to present the conceptual analysis of our recent attempts to re‐conceptualize and to line up the contemporary Belarusian national space with related “big picture” of Belarusian thought.

Tyrinėjimai pagal kognityvinį centrą (Baltarusijos atvejis)

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pristatoma naujos kultūrinės erdvės konstravimo proceso komparatyvistinė analizė ir kognityvinė geografija, įtvirtinant ir apsaugant jai būdingą vidinį centrą. Baltarusijos kognityvinis žemėlapis konkrečiai ir Rytų Europos žemėlapis apskritai pasižymi specifiniu socialinės realybės atvaizdavimu. Filosofinis diskursas šiuo atveju paprastai pasitelkiamas kaip pagrindinis subjekto ir socialinės realybės sąveikavimo būdas.

Straipsnio tikslas – pirma, pristatyti Baltarusijos kognityvinio centro iškilimą per nacionalinės intelektualiosios istorijos rašymą. Antra, aptarti nūdienių pastangų iš naujo konceptualizuoti ir apibrėžti Baltarusijos nacionalinę erdvę bei su ja susijusio baltarusiškosios minties „didžiojo paveikslo“ analizę.
ABOUT THE NOTION OF IDENTITY
Authors: Mutanen Arto
Published: September 2010

The notion of identity has been used in many different situations: we have, for example, the notions of national identity, regional identity, professional or vocational identity, personal identity, etc. Identity is an identity of something, and the identity occurs in a concrete environment. The identity consists of natural and cultural properties. Constitution of identity is bridge building between the two kinds of factors. For example, national identity is a construction of natural and cultural factors. The construction is done by human beings. This is a general structure of the notion of identity: identity is human construction. Apie tapatybės sąvoką Santrauka Tapatybės sąvoka vartojama daugeliu skirtingų atvejų. Pavyzdžiui, turime tautinės tapatybės, regioninės tapatybės, profesinės tapatybės ar asmeninės tapatybės sąvokas. Tapatybė – tai ko nors tapatybė; ji susiformuoja konkrečioje aplinkoje. Tapatybė susidaro iš natūralių ir kultūrinių ypatumų. Tapatybės steigtis yra tiltas tarp dviejų rūšių veiksnių. Tarkime, tautinė tapatybė yra minėtų natūralių ir kultūrinių veiksnių konstruktas. Tapatybes konstruoja patys žmonės. Bendroji tapatybės sąvokos struktūra yra tokia: tapatybė – tai žmogiškasis konstruktas.
LITHUANIAN MODERN CULTURE AND IMAGES UNDER GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Astra Lilijana
Published: September 2010

The present day discourse of the postmodern European and national self‐identification is closely related to a fundamental question, how to evaluate theoretically the essential cultural changes under global transformation. The global technological, political, economic and socio‐cultural world powers are highligted in recent years. These powers in the national and European space reveal a unique, multicultural and global process of new images and symbols. But so far there is no any theoretical model or paradigm, which could define peculiarities of postmodern culture under global transformation. Changing European and national cultural identity is an integral part of global modernity. Identity, that is undergoing changes in global modernity, becomes an inter‐subjective cultural unity; an expression of that identity which is represented by new cultural images, beliefs, customs and a unique worldview. Lithuanian identity is still perceived as a unique cultural combination of European and national fundamental values, symbols and images.

Modernioji lietuviškoji kultūra ir įvaizdžiai flobaliosios transformacijos sąlygomis

Santrauka

Europietiškojoje ir pasaulinėje kultūros istorijoje dar nebuvo tokio masto ir tokios apimties kultūros vertybių kaitos, kokia vyksta dėl šiuolaikinių telekomunikacijų, medijų ir transliacijų. Europos erdvėje išryškėja unikalus, daugiakultūris ir vis labiau intensyvėjantis naujųjų medijų diktuojamas globaliųjų įvaizdžių bei simbolių judėjimas. Dėl šiuolaikinio globaliojo daugiakultūriškumo poveikio europietiškieji ir nacionaliniai tapatumai patiria milžinišką perkaitą, nes jie nėra baigtiniai ir statiški, bet, atvirkščiai, kintantys, nuolat formuojami ir rekonstruojami. Šiuolaikinėje globalybėje didelį poveikį tapatumui daro virtualiosios informacijos pobūdis ir naujoji medijų kultūra, diktuojanti masinės sąmonės įvaizdžius, formas. Kultūrinės kaitos požiūriu tai reiškia, kad šiuolaikiniame pasaulyje jau nebelieka uždarų etninių bendruomenių ir kultūrų. Visas jas veikia ir susieja naujųjų medijų diktuojamų globaliųjų įvaizdžių, formų ir masinės kultūros produkcijos srautai. Globalizacijos procesai, keisdami nacionalines kultūras, skatina daugiakultūrių procesų savikūrą. Globaliųjų pokyčių kontekste europietiškoji tapatybė tampa unikaliu daugiakomponenčiu kultūriniu junginiu, grindžiamu daugialype ir skirtinga savęs identifikacija. Daugialypis identitetas gali egzistuoti tik tada, kai europietiškasis ir tautinis identitetas nėra supriešinamas, nėra suvokiamas kaip kartą ir visiems laikams susiformavusi konstanta. Europietiškasis arba europiečio identitetas savo ruožtu suvokiamas kaip buvimo europietiškosios kultūros dalimi jausmas. Todėl šiandien globalių daugiakultūrių pokyčių ir daugialypio identiteto pažinimas bei teorinių prieigų formavimas išlieka aktualiausiu teoriniu uždaviniu.
THE MAIN SKILLS AND COMPETENCES OF MULTILINGUALISM IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Vankevič Irena
Published: September 2010

The paper presents multilingualism and multiculturalism as one of the main aims of the European Union (EU) and deals with the issue of political and cultural globalization. More and more young people describe themselves as cosmopolites. Multiculturalism is especially noticeable in the sphere of languages. Languages are fundamental for Europeans wanting to work together. They go to the very heart of the unity in diversity of the EU. It is important to nurture and to promote our linguistic heritage in the Member States but we also need to understand each other, our neighbours, our partners in the EU. Speaking many languages makes businesses and citizens more competitive and more mobile. The EU policy of official multilingualism as a deliberate tool of government is unique in the world. The EU sees the use of its citizens’ languages as one of the factors which make it more transparent, more legitimate and more efficient. At the level of culture and of enhancing the quality of life, too, the EU works actively to promote the wider knowledge and use of all its official languages throughout the Union. The ability to speak foreign language and multiculturalism are inseparable parts of the EU integrations. There are certain skills and competences that a multilingual, multicultural European citizen must acquire in order to become a full‐fledged EU member.

Pagrindiniai daugiakalbiškumo įgūdžiai ir kompetencijos Europos sąjungos kontekste

Santrauka

Straipsnyje parodomas daugiakalbiškumas ir daugiakultūriškumas kaip vienas iš pagrindinių Europos Sąjungos tikslų bei analizuojama politinės ir kultūrinės globalizacijos problema. Vis daugiau jaunų žmonių save apibūdina kosmopolitais. Daugiakultūriškumas ypač pastebimas kalbų srityje. Kalbos labai svarbios europiečiams, norintiems bendradarbiauti. Būtent kalbos sudaro Europos vientisumo ir skirtingumo ašį. Todėl visos Europos Sąjungos (ES) šalys narės privalo ne tik tausoti ir plėtoti savo kalbos paveldą, bet ir stengtis suprasti vienos kitas, savo kaimynes, ES partneres. Gebėjimas bendrauti keliomis kalbomis padeda plėtotis ne tik verslo sričiai, jis padeda ES piliečiams tapti konkurencingesniems ir mobilesniems. ES valdžios taikoma oficialaus daugiakultūriškumo politika – vienintelė pasaulyje. ES valstybinių kalbų vartojimą laiko vienu iš šalies skaidrumo, didesnio teisingumo ir produktyvumo veiksnių. Kultūros ir gyvenimo kokybės stiprinimo lygmeniu ES aktyviai dirba skatindama mokymąsi ir visų Sąjungos valstybinių kalbų vartojimą. Gebėjimas kalbėti keliomis kalbomis bei daugiakultūriškumas – neatsiejama eurointegracijos dalis. Yra tam tikrų gabumų ir kompetencijų, kurios privalomos daugiakultūriam, daugiakalbiam europiečiui, norinčiam tapti visaverčiu ES piliečiu.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION VALUE IN GLOBALIZING COMMUNITY
Authors: Shebanova Irina
Published: September 2010

The attention in this article is paid to social changes in terms of global information processes and the influence of these changes on the appearance of some new forms of socialization. The transformation period of modern society is in many ways determined by informational processes which are based on modern means of communication and technology. The evolution of these technologies transforms interpersonal communication, it being the vital need and universal value.

Tarpasmeninės komunikacijos reikšmė globalizuotoje bendruomenėje

Santrauka

Šiame straipsnyje dėmesys sutelkiamas į socialinius pokyčius globaliųjų procesų sąlygomis ir į šių pokyčių įtaką pastebimoms naujoms socializacijos formoms. Moderniosios visuomenės transformacijos laikotarpis yra nulemtas informacinių procesų, kurių pagrindą sudaro modernios komunikacijos priemonės ir technologijos. Šių technologijų evoliucija keičia tarpasmeninę komunikaciją, nulemdama jos esminį poreikį ir universalią vertę.
Clinical profile of dengue fever infection in King Abdul Aziz University Hospital Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ahmed Maimoona M
Published: September 2010

Background: The study aimed to compare the clinical profile of all patients diagnosed with dengue viral infection at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital (KAAUH), during 2005-2008. Methodology: This retrospective study included 147 patients infected with dengue virus, age ≤ 16 years. Laboratory and haematological data were included. Results: Two peaks of infection occurred during 2006 and another two in 2008. Common clinical symptoms were fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Common haematological abnormalities were thrombocytopenia and leucopoenia. Differences existed between the years in the percentage of patients with fever, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), direct bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrin degradation products (FDPs), and haemoglobin (Hb) levels. Differences were found in nationalities between the years, but patient nationality had no effect on disease incidence. Differences were noted in the percentages of patients' immunoglobulin M (IgM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive. There was a slight inverse correlation of IgM positive with patient age. PCR, fever, ALT, direct bilirubin, LDH, FDPs, Hb, blood transfusion, and platelet transfusion showed no correlation with age or nationality. In 2005, all the patients survived, but there were 4.55%, 25%, and 2.7% deaths during 2006-2008. Conclusions: Significant differences in the clinical presentation of dengue virus (DENV) infection, indicative of a variation in disease severity from dengue fever (DF) to dengue hemhorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome (DSS), were noted over the years. Possible reasons are infection with different serotypes, concurrent/sequential infection of more than one serotype, and differences in host immune responses associated with host genetic variations.
Effects of Malaria in pregnancy on newborn anthropometry
Authors: Falade Catherine Olufunke , Tongo Olukemi O , Ogunkunle Oluwatoyin O , Orimadegun Adebola Emmanuel
Published: September 2010

Background: Malaria in pregnancy remains a major cause of infant mortality through its contribution to preterm delivery, low birth weight and intrauterine death. Methodology: During a cross-sectional study of 983 mothers delivering in a secondary health care facility in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, an area of high malaria transmission, the effect of maternal and placental malaria parasitaemia on newborn anthropometry was evaluated. Malaria parasitemia was detected by microscopy of Giemsa stained thick blood smears. Results: Placental, maternal and combined placental and maternal malaria parasitaemia rates at the time of delivery were 13.1%, 12.7% and 11.1% respectively. The geometric mean parasite densities in maternal and placental smears were significantly higher in primigravid mothers than others (p = 0.004 and 0.002 respectively). Low birth weight rate was higher among babies born to mothers with maternal parasitaemia compared to those without (8.0 % versus 6.3%, p < 0.05). The mean birth weight was lower in neonates of mothers with peripheral and placental parasitaemia by 138 g and 122 g (p = 0.01 and 0.02) respectively, while the respective difference was up to 168 g and 151 g among primigravidae (p = 0.03 and 0.04). Neonates of mothers with maternal and placental parasitaemia had a lower mean length than those without parasitaemia (48.2 vs 49.2cm, p = < 0.0001 and 48.5 vs 49.2cm p = 0.02 respectively). Occiptofrontal circumference and ponderal indices were not significantly affected by maternal malaria parasitaemia. Conclusion: Malaria in pregnancy results in symmetric foetal growth restriction and the effect is more marked among primigravid mothers.
Emergence of CTX-M Group 1-ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumonia from a tertiary care centre in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Erum , Schneiders Thamarai , Zafar Afia , Aziz Erum , Parekh Asra , Hasan Rumina
Published: September 2010

Background: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae have been reported previously from Pakistan but the genotypic characteristics of these enzymes is not known. Hence the aim of the study was first to characterise the genotypic content of these beta-lactamases and secondly to assess the clonal relationship of these isolates. Methodology: We analysed 65 non-duplicate ESBL positive, K. pneumoniae isolates prospectively collected based on phenotype as detected using the two-disc method. Isolates were collected from different sources: blood cultures (46.15%; n = 30); tracheal aspirates (24.6%; n = 16); urine (10.7%; n = 7); wound swabs, pus and tissue (18.4%; n = 12). ESBL production was confirmed by the ESBL E-test method and the presence of the blaCTX-M encoding genes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The clonal relationship of clinical isolates was studied by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis. Results: The results showed that 93.84% (n = 61) isolates of K. pneumoniae were positive for the blaCTX-M-1 group. One isolate showed PCR signals for blaCTX-M-25 group. None of our isolates were positive for CTX-M groups 2, 8 and 9. The majority of blaCTX-M positive isolates were genetically unrelated and no epidemic clones were identified. Conclusion: This study reports the emergence of CTX-M groups 1 and 25 producing isolates of K. pneumoniae with genetic diversity in Karachi, Pakistan.
Disseminated Cryptococcosis in an HIV-negative patient in South Africa: the elusive differential diagnosis
Authors: Mitha Mohammed , Naicker Preneshni , Mahida Prakash
Published: September 2010

The presence of an opportunistic infection in a patient in sub-Saharan Africa is assumed to be due to underlying immunosuppression from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The presence of disseminated cryptococcosis in a non-HIV-infected patient is interesting as it is unique in our setting because the majority of infections are found in HIV-infected individuals. The protean manifestations of the disease and its predilection for immunosuppressed patients make cryptococcosis a challenging and elusive disease to diagnose in HIV-negative patients in our setting, especially due to limited resources. We present a case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient and discuss diagnostic and therapeutic features in this subset of patients.
HCV and HIV prevalences strongly correlated in Asian communities with reservoirs of HIV in high-risk groups
Authors: Brewer Devon D. , Khan Adnan A.
Published: September 2010

Background: In some Asian communities, HIV epidemics initially concentrated in high-risk groups develop into generalized epidemics, while in others HIV epidemics remain confined to high-risk groups. We examined whether blood exposures in a community, as indicated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, can account for the variability in HIV prevalence in Asia.  Methodology: We searched the published literature for temporally comparable HCV and HIV prevalence estimates for pregnant women and other "low-risk" population segments in Asian communities with established HIV epidemics in injection drug users or prostitute women.  We assessed the correlation between HCV and HIV prevalences in these communities. Results: HCV and HIV prevalences were strongly correlated (r = .97, p < .001).  Conclusion: This finding suggests that blood-borne transmission drives generalized HIV epidemics in Asia and highlights the need for appropriately designed investigations of transmission modes.