bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telemedicine-assisted treatment of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Angileri Filippo F. , Cardali Salvatore , Conti Alfredo , Raffa Giovanni , Tomasello Francesco
Published: March 2012

Object

Telemedicine provides a new approach to improve stroke care in community settings, delivering acute stroke expertise to hospitals in rural areas. Given the controversies in many aspects of the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the lack of guidelines, a prompt neurosurgical second opinion may facilitate the treatment of patients with ICH. Here, the authors' 8-year experience with the use of telemedicine in the management of ICH is reported.

Methods

The medical records of patients with ICH treated through a telemedicine system in the district of Messina, Italy, between June 2003 and June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Neuroradiological and clinical data for patients were transmitted through a high-technology “hub-and-spoke” telemedicine network. Neurosurgical teleconsulting (at the hub) was available for 7 peripheral hospitals (spokes) serving about 700,000 people. The authors analyzed 1) the time between peripheral hospital admission and the specialized second opinion consultation, 2) primary and secondary transfers to the authors' neurosurgery department, and 3) the treatments (surgical or medical) of patients transferred to the hub.

Results

The telemedicine network was used to treat more than 2800 patients, 733 with ICH. A neurosurgical consultation was provided in 38 minutes versus 160 minutes for a consultation without telemedicine. One hundred seventy-six (24%) of 733 patients were primarily transferred to the hub. Ninety-five patients (13%) underwent surgical treatment. The remaining 81 patients (11%) underwent neurointensive care. Eight (1.4%) of 557 patients treated at the spokes needed a secondary transfer for surgical treatment because of a worsening clinical condition and/or CT findings. Considering secondary and inappropriate transfers, the interpretation of data was correct in 96.5% of cases.

Conclusions

Telemedicine allowed rapid visualization of neuroradiological and clinical data, providing neurosurgical expertise to community hospitals on demand and within minutes. It allowed the treatment of patients at peripheral hospitals and optimized resources. A small percentage of patients treated at the peripheral hospitals had secondary deterioration. Telemedicine allowed fast patient transfer when necessary and provided improved accuracy in patient care.
Minimally invasive treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Abdu Emun , Hanley Daniel F. , Newell David W.
Published: March 2012

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a serious public health problem and is fatal in 30%–50% of all occurrences. The role of open surgical management of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage is still unresolved. A recent consensus conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health suggests that minimally invasive techniques to evacuate clots appear to be a promising area and warrant further investigation. In this paper the authors review past, current, and potential future methods of treating intraparenchymal hemorrhages with minimally invasive techniques and review new data regarding the role of stereotactically placed catheters and thrombolytics.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy–associated intracerebral hemorrhage: pathology and management
Authors: Mehndiratta Prachi , Manjila Sunil , Ostergard Thomas , Eisele Sylvia , Cohen Mark L. , Sila Cathy , Selman Warren R.
Published: March 2012

Amyloid angiopathy–associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) comprises 12%–15% of lobar ICH in the elderly. This growing population has an increasing incidence of thrombolysis-related hemorrhages, causing the management of hemorrhages associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) to take center stage. A concise reference assimilating the pathology and management of this clinical entity does not exist. Amyloid angiopathy–associated hemorrhages are most often solitary, but the natural history often progresses to include multifocal and recurrent hemorrhages. Compared with other causes of ICH, patients with CAA-associated hemorrhages have a lower mortality rate but an increased risk of recurrence. Unlike hypertensive arteriolar hemorrhages that occur in penetrating subcortical vessels, CAA-associated hemorrhages are superficial in location due to preferential involvement of vessels in the cerebral cortex and meninges. This feature makes CAA-associated hemorrhages easier to access surgically. In this paper, the authors discuss 3 postulates regarding the pathogenesis of amyloid hemorrhages, as well as the established clinicopathological classification of amyloid angiopathy and CAA-associated ICH. Common inheritance patterns of familial CAA with hemorrhagic strokes are discussed along with the role of genetic screening in relatives of patients with CAA. The radiological characteristics of CAA are described with specific attention to CAA-associated microhemorrhages. The detection of these microhemorrhages may have important clinical implications on the administration of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy in patients with probable CAA. Poor patient outcome in CAA-associated ICH is associated with dementia, increasing age, hematoma volume and location, initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, and intraventricular extension. The surgical management strategies for amyloid hemorrhages are discussed with a review of published surgical case series and their outcomes with a special attention to postoperative hemorrhage.
Neural activity generated in the neural placode and nerve roots in the neonate with spina bifida
Authors: Pugh Jeffrey A. , Aronyk Keith E. , Norton Jonathan A.
Published: March 2012

Object

The authors conducted a study to determine the neurophysiological capacity of the neural placode in spina bifida neonates and to determine if the spinal nerve roots in these neonates had normal stimulation.

Methods

The authors present a case series of 2 neonates born with open neural tube defects who underwent neural tube closure within 24 hours of birth. Neurophysiological monitoring and electrical stimulation of the placode and nerve roots was performed before and after closure of the neural tube.

Results

Stimulation of nerve roots resulted in evoked electromyographic responses in distinct muscle groups, indicative of the myotome innervation pattern. Stimulation threshold did not change significantly after closure of the placode. Stimulation within the placode generated an alternating pattern of activity in the left and right legs.

Conclusions

Closure of the neural tube did not affect the stimulation threshold of the nerve roots, which remained easily excitable. The viability of the nerve roots suggests that they may be candidates for neural prostheses in the future. The neural placode contains basic neural elements for generating a locomotor-like pattern in response to tonic neural inputs.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor with 26-year overall survival
Authors: Takahashi-Fujigasaki Junko , Matumoto Masayoshi , Kan Issei , Oka Hidehiro , Yasue Masaharu
Published: March 2012

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is an aggressive embryonic brain tumor predominantly seen in young children. The authors report an unusual case of a fourth ventricle AT/RT in an infant who survived for 26 years. The tumor was resected when the patient was 6 months of age, and radiation therapy (40-Gy total dose) was performed thereafter. The patient was free from the disease for 26 years until a recurrent tumor was found in the spinal cord. The spinal cord neoplasm was a “collision tumor” with 2 components: benign schwannoma and recurrent AT/RT. The patient died of dissemination of the recurrent tumor 5 months after it was excised. This is the longest survival of a patient with AT/RT ever reported and indicates that long-term survival, more than 20 years, can be achieved in infantile-onset AT/RT. Despite intensive treatment, the prognosis for AT/RT is very poor, especially in children younger than 3 years of age. The benefits of upfront radiation therapy for AT/RT should be carefully assessed with respect to its inevitable toxicity in very young children. However, early upfront radiation therapy may be of therapeutic interest to prevent aggressive progression of the disease.
Spinal arachnoid cysts in the pediatric population: report of 31 cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Bond Aaron E. , Zada Gabriel , Bowen Ira , McComb J. Gordon , Krieger Mark D.
Published: March 2012

Object

The goal of this study was to review all cases of pediatric spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) surgically treated at the authors' institution between 1992 and 2008 and to compare these cases to the published literature for the general population.

Methods

The charts of all pediatric patients with SACs were reviewed for demographics, medical history, presenting symptoms, imaging findings, operative procedure(s), complications, and outcomes. Following a complete literature review, the pediatric data were compared with data from the general population and unique findings associated with pediatric patients were identified.

Results

Thirty-one pediatric patients (median age 6.9 years) underwent operative intervention for SACs between 1992 and 2008 (median duration of follow-up 4.2 years). There were 17 female patients (55%) and 14 male patients (45%). Twenty-one patients (68%) presented with symptoms of radiculopathy or myelopathy. The most common presenting symptoms were pain (42%), lower-extremity weakness (39%), gait instability (32%), spasticity (19%), sensory loss (10%), and bladder dysfunction (7%). In 3 patients (10%) SACs were incidental findings. Intradural SACs were more common (18 patients, 58%) than extradural SACs (11 patients, 36%). One patient (3%) had extradural and intradural components. One patient (3%) had a purely intramedullary cyst, and 1 patient (3%) had both an intradural and intramedullary component. Of the 18 intradural SACs, 9 (50%) were located ventral to the spinal cord and 9 (50%) were dorsally situated. One dorsal intradural SAC had an intramedullary component. All extradural SACs were located dorsal to the spinal cord. Intradural SACs were primarily concentrated in the cervical and thoracic regions (67%), whereas extradural cysts were more evenly distributed between the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. Of the 18 patients with intradural SACs, 13 (72%) had significant previous CNS abnormalities, compared with 3 (27%) of 11 patients with extradural SACs. There were 2 operative complications. One patient had a CSF leak treated with a lumbar drain, and the second patient had a pseudomeningocele. No patients had neurological deterioration as a result of surgical intervention. Twenty-one patients (68%) had complete remission of symptoms, 6 (19%) had improvement, 3 (10%) were stable, and 1 (3%) has worsening of symptoms with recurrence that ultimately required cystoperitoneal shunting, despite multiple failed attempts at fenestration.

Conclusions

Spinal arachnoid cysts are rare lesions in the pediatric population. Affected patients present with back pain, weakness, and/or gait instability. In children, SACs predominantly develop in the thoracic region and are more likely to occur intradurally, compared with SACs in the general population. Overall outcomes following surgical fenestration or excision of SACs are excellent, with complete remission or improvement of symptoms achieved in 87% of cases.
Vasculopathy after intracystic bleomycin administration for a recurrent cystic craniopharyngioma
Authors: Cho Won-Sang , Kim Seung-Ki , Wang Kyu-Chang , Phi Ji Hoon , Cho Byung-Kyu
Published: March 2012

Intracystic bleomycin (ICB) administration is known to be effective in the treatment of cystic craniopharyngiomas (CRPs) and rarely causes serious complications. The authors report a case of vasculopathy after ICB injection for a recurrent cystic CRP. A 5-year-old boy presented with the cystic recurrence of a CRP. A catheter and Ommaya system were inserted into the cyst, followed by a leakage test 2 weeks later. Bleomycin was delivered at 3 mg per week for 14 weeks (total dose 42 mg). Four months later, the patient's activity decreased and right hemiparesis occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiography demonstrated a recurrent multicystic mass and infarction at the left middle cerebral artery territory with stenosis/occlusion of the left distal internal carotid artery and posterior cerebral artery. During the operation to remove the recurrent cystic mass, fibrotic stenoocclusion of the left intracranial arteries was identified. The cyst was totally removed. However, additional multiple border zone infarctions occurred in the left hemisphere, and the patient became wheelchair bound. Leakage of ICB was considered as the most probable cause of the cerebral vasculopathy and corresponding infarction. A leakage test may not always guarantee a leakage-free status even if the test is negative. Direct bypass surgery should have been considered to prevent a high risk of postoperative infarction in this case of a recurrent CRP with confirmed vasculopathy.
Cranial decompression for the treatment of malignant intracranial hypertension after ischemic cerebral infarction: decompressive craniectomy and hinge craniotomy
Authors: Kenning Tyler J. , Gooch M. Reid , Gandhi Ravi H. , Shaikh M. Parvez , Boulos Alan S. , German John W.
Published: March 2012

Object

Recent randomized trials have demonstrated a positive role (improved survival) in patients treated with cranial decompression for malignant cerebral infarction. However, many variables regarding operative decompression in this setting remain to be determined. Hinge craniotomy is an alternative to decompressive craniectomy, but its role in space-occupying cerebral infarctions has not been delineated. The objective of this study was to compare the authors' experiences with these 2 procedures in the management of space-occupying cerebral infarctions to determine the efficacy of each.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 28 cases involving patients who underwent cranial decompression (hinge craniotomy in 9 cases, decompressive craniectomy in 19) for treatment of malignant intracranial hypertension after ischemic cerebral infarction.

Results

No significant differences were identified in baseline demographics, neurological examination, or Rotterdam score between the hinge craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy groups. Both treatments resulted in adequate control of intracranial pressure (ICP). The need for reoperation for persistent intracranial hypertension and duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay were similar. Hospital survival was significantly higher in the decompressive craniectomy group (89% vs 56%), whereas long-term functional outcome was better in the hinge craniotomy group. Cranial defect size was comparable in the 2 groups. Postoperative imaging revealed a higher rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage, contusion/hematoma progression, and subdural effusions/hygromas after decompressive craniectomy. The requirement for cranial revision in survivors was higher for patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (100%) than those undergoing hinge craniotomy (20%).

Conclusions

Hinge craniotomy appears to be at least as good as decompressive craniectomy in providing postoperative ICP control at a similar therapeutic index. Although the in-hospital mortality was higher in patients treated with hinge craniotomy, that procedure resulted in superior long-term functional outcomes and may help limit postoperative complications.
The effect of increased mobility on morbidity in the neurointensive care unit
Authors: Titsworth W. Lee , Hester Jeannette , Correia Tom , Reed Richard , Guin Peggy , Archibald Lennox , Layon A. Joseph , Mocco J
Published: March 2012

Object

The detrimental effects of immobility on intensive care unit (ICU) patients are well established. Limited studies involving medical ICUs have demonstrated the safety and benefit of mobility protocols. Currently no study has investigated the role of increased mobility in the neurointensive care unit population. This study was a single-institution prospective intervention trial to investigate the effectiveness of increased mobility among neurointensive care unit patients.

Methods

All patients admitted to the neurointensive care unit of a tertiary care center over a 16-month period (April 2010 through July 2011) were evaluated. The study consisted of a 10-month (8025 patient days) preintervention observation period followed by a 6-month (4455 patient days) postintervention period. The intervention was a comprehensive mobility initiative utilizing the Progressive Upright Mobility Protocol (PUMP) Plus.

Results

Implementation of the PUMP Plus increased mobility among neurointensive care unit patients by 300% (p < 0.0001). Initiation of this protocol also correlated with a reduction in neurointensive care unit length of stay (LOS; p < 0.004), hospital LOS (p < 0.004), hospital-acquired infections (p < 0.05), and ventilator-associated pneumonias (p < 0.001), and decreased the number of patient days in restraints (p < 0.05). Additionally, increased mobility did not lead to increases in adverse events as measured by falls or inadvertent line disconnections.

Conclusions

Among neurointensive care unit patients, increased mobility can be achieved quickly and safely with associated reductions in LOS and hospital-acquired infections using the PUMP Plus program.
Movement of abdominal structures on magnetic resonance imaging during positioning changes related to lateral lumbar spine surgery: a morphometric study
Authors: Deukmedjian Armen R. , Le Tien V. , Dakwar Elias , Martinez Carlos R. , Uribe Juan S.
Published: March 2012

Object

The minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion of the lumbar spine through a retroperitoneal transpsoas approach has become increasingly used. Although preoperative imaging is performed supine, the procedure is performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. The authors measured the changes in location of the psoas muscle, aorta, inferior vena cava (IVC), iliac vessels, and kidneys with regard to the fixed lumbar spine when moving from a supine to a lateral decubitus position.

Methods

Unenhanced lumbar MRI scans were performed using a 3T magnet in 10 skeletally mature volunteers in the supine, left lateral decubitus (LLD), and right lateral decubitus (RLD) positions. Positional changes in the aorta, IVC, iliac vessels, and kidneys were then analyzed at all lumbar levels when moving from supine to RLD and supine to LLD. Values are presented as group means.

Results

When the position was changed from supine to RLD, both the aorta and the IVC moved up to 6 mm to the right, with increased movement caudally at L3–4. The aorta was displaced 2 mm anteriorly at L1–2, and the IVC moved 3 mm anteriorly at L1–2 and L2–3 and 1 mm posteriorly at L3–4. The left kidney moved 22 mm anteriorly and 15 mm caudally, while the right kidney moved 9 mm rostrally.

When the position was changed from supine to LLD, the aorta moved 1.5 mm to the left at all levels, with very minimal anterior/posterior displacement. The IVC moved up to 10 mm to the left and 12 mm anteriorly, with increased movement rostrally at L1–2. The left kidney moved 3 mm anteriorly and 1 mm rostrally, while the right kidney moved 20 mm anteriorly and 5 mm caudally.

The bifurcation of the aorta was an average of 18 mm above the L4–5 disc space, while the convergence of the iliac veins to form the IVC was at the level of the disc space. The iliopsoas did not move in any quantifiable direction when the position was changed from supine to lateral; its shape, however, may change to become more flat or rounded. When the position was changed from supine to RLD, the right iliac vein moved posteriorly an average of 1.5 mm behind the anterior vertebral body (VB) line (a horizontal line drawn on an axial image at the anterior VB), while the other vessels stayed predominantly anterior to the disc space. When the position was changed from supine to LLD, the right iliac vein moved to a position 1.4 mm anterior to the anterior VB line. There was negligible movement of the other vessels in this position.

Conclusions

The authors showed that the aorta, IVC, and kidneys moved a significant distance away from the surgical corridor with changes in position. At the L4–5 level, a left-sided approach may be riskier because the right common iliac vein trends posteriorly and into the surgical corridor, whereas in a right-sided approach it trends anteriorly.
Studies on the Behavioral Changes Among Adolescent Smokers and their Nutritional Status
Authors: Huq AK Obidul , Andalib Nuzhat , Al Mamun Shamim , Nusrat Fouzia , Karim KM Rezaul
Published: March 2012

A cross sectional study was carried out among the 400 adolescent smokers selected randomly from four areas of the Dhaka city to observe the behavioral pattern changes of the adolescent’s smokers and their nutritional status. The age of adolescent smokers was 16.1 ± 1.1 years. Several factors were involve in the addiction of smoking such as refusal of love and emotion (42%), friend incitements (29%), self curiosity (13%) and problems of the family (11%) and at the extended family members were the highest risk groups for smoking. Different types of behavioral changes occur due to smoking such as annoyed with others (33%), disobedient parents (23%) and dishonor to respectable people (21%). The rate of cigarette smoking was increased during gossiping time (37%) and after meal (26%). About forty percent (39%) of the respondents received physical or mental dependency due to smoking and 30% of them were fatigue. Again, 48% of adolescents’ smokers were always feeling lonely and 38% of them fell alone at times. Smoking was affects the study, 24% were opinion it affects very much, 36% were moderate harmfully and only 11% of them responded it was harmless for their study. Adolescents’ smokers took their food irregularly, only 22% of the respondents took three meals regular per day. The moderate to severe malnutrition rate of adolescent’s smokers were found 37, 22 and 10% of underweight, stunting and wasting respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10124 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 7-12, 2011
Effects of Tillage and Different Thicknesses of Water Hyacinth Mulch on
Authors: Kabir MA , Rahim MA , Taj HF El , Majumder DAN , Mahmood Shreef
Published: March 2012

Different growth parameters of garlic as well as bulb yield were found significant in respect of the treatments. Nonetheless, the combination of 10 cm thick mulch with zero tillage produced the highest yield (9.92 t/ha). On the contrary, the lowest yield (4.23 t/ha) was obtained from no mulch with zero tillage. Economic analysis among the treatment combinations showed that the total cost of production was the highest in 12 cm thick mulch with conventional tillage, however, the highest BCR (2.89) was recorded from the zero tillage with 10cm mulch.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10126  J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 19-26, 2011
Quality Analysis of Dhaka WASA Drinking Water: Detection and
Authors: Mahbub KR , Nahar A , Ahmed MM , Chakraborty A
Published: March 2012

KR Mahbub added as the First author on 08/08/2012 and corrected PDF loaded on 08/08/2012.The aim of the study was to assess the microbiological quality of Dhaka WASA drinking water. A total of 45 samples were collected from different outlets of WASA water supply chain. Among the these samples 29 samples were collected from house tap, 5 samples from street pipe line tap and 11 samples from WASA source pump. The results of the Total Viable Count (TVC) showed that 62 % samples of house tap water, 60 % pipeline water and 45.45 % WASA pump water were exceeded the BDS standard (1240:2001) and WHO Guideline for drinking. The highest count was 2 × 106 cfu/ml in the house tap water of Gandaria. Total coliform and E. coli count ranged from <1.8 (MPN) /100 ml to >1600 (MPN)/100 ml. Among all the tested samples, 57.78 % water samples were positive for coliform and 51.11 % samples were positive for E. coli bacteria. Out of twenty three E. coli isolates, 8 isolates were subjected to biochemical and microscopic examination for confirmation. All 8 isolates were detected as E. coli based on biochemical parameters. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of those isolates was determined. Most of them were found resistant to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, kanamycin, Penicillin, Sulphomethoxazole antibiotics. Nearly all of them were found sensitive to Gentamycin and Nalidixic acid. The samples collected from different house tap water and road side tap water were more contaminated than WASA source pump water. It may therefore be concluded that distribution lines of Dhaka WASA supply chain might be the main source of microbiological contamination of drinking water. In this regard further investigations with more representatively drawn samples are required.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10133J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 41-49, 2011
Response of Tuberose to Integrated Nutrient Management
Authors: Kabir AKMR , Iman MH , Mondal MMA , Chowdhury S
Published: March 2012

A field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field of Sutiakhali, Mymensingh Sadar Upazilla, Mymensingh, during the period from April, 2009 to March, 2010 to investigate the effect of organic fertilizers along with half chemical fertilizers on the growth, bulb and flower yield of tuberose cv. single. The experiment consisted of four different sources of fertilizers viz., (i) recommended chemical fertilizers @ 400, 300, 300 and 100 kg ha-1 of urea, TSP, MP and gypsum, respectively; (ii) vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 along with half of chemical fertilizers; (iii) poultry litter @ 20 t ha-1 along with half of chemical fertilizers and (iv) cowdung @ 20 t ha-1 along with half of chemical fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that plant height, leaf number plant-1, leaf length and breadth and number of side shoots plant-1, bulb production plant-1, bulb length, bulb diameter and bulb yield both per plant and per hectare, rachis length, spike length and diameter, number of florets spike-1 and flower yield both per spike and per hectare were greater in organic fertilizers along with half chemical fertilizers than absolute use of chemical fertilizers. The highest bulb and flower yield both per plant and per hectare were recorded in poultry manures followed by cowdung. The bulb and flower yields were higher in poultry manures might be due to increased side shoots number, bulb size and flowers plant-1. In contrast, the lowest bulb and flower yields were recorded in chemical fertilizers due to production of fewer side bulb and flowers plant-1.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10135J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 55-59, 2011
Context and Prospect of Water Safety Plans in Bangladesh
Authors: Amin MN , Paul CK , Parvez A , Chowdhury MAI
Published: March 2012

Study results showed that deep tube well and shallow tube well water were used for drinking purposes by 31.43% and 24.29% respondents respectively where as minority of the respondents use other sources. Perception about the safe drinking water for the respondents was found mostly 63% among all the respondents followed by moderately safe 21%. About 54.29% respondents were found to be fully satisfied about their drinking water followed by moderately satisfied 30%. Among all the beneficiaries, 82.86% beneficiaries indicated communication materials like booklet, leaflet, poster, manuals, etc were available. This investigation found 83.33% rain water harvesting plant was in high risk where as, 66.67% deep tube well water source was in high risk category. The chances of contamination were high in the period of covering the water vessels during storage of water was 64.71%. About 89% respondents among all the official respondents did not receive the water safety plans training. About 66.67% officials responded that no sanitary inspection was done. Most of the respondents (78.57% beneficiaries and 76.19% organizational personnel) had high perception about the selected benefits of water safety plans. Among all the officials and beneficiaries that 75.71% beneficiary and 66.67% organizational personnel had high perception in selected limitations to implement the water safety plans. Finally 95.24% organizational personnel and 81.43% beneficiaries had high perception about the selected necessities to successful implementation of water safety plans in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10136J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 61-71, 2011
Effect of Wrapping Papers on Physiological Changes and Shelf-life of Mango cv. Langra
Authors: Roy R , Rahim MA , Alam MS
Published: March 2012

Effect of different wrapping postharvest treatments viz. T0 (control treatment), T1 (White paper), T2 (Brown paper), T3 (Tissue paper) and T4 (News paper) on physical changes of mango var. Langra were analyzed. Among, the treatments, the maximum 5.25 days was required for ripening in Langra which was kept in white paper and minimum 3.573 days for ripening was recorded in control fruits of mango. The highest total soluble solid (18.60% Brix) was found at over-ripe in brown paper treated fruits and weight loss (16.07%) was occurred in controlled fruits of Langra whereas and the lowest (7.235 and 2.735%, respectively) was in recorded in tissue paper treated fruit at pre-ripe and 3 days after storage, respectively. The maximum shelf life 11.50 days was observed from the mango variety cv. Langra which was treated in brown paper and minimum 7.833 days was found in controlled fruits of Langra.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10152J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 99-103, 2011
Comparison of Growth and Production Performance between Male and Female Giant Freshwater Prawn in Combination with Mola
Authors: Fatema K , Wahab MA , Pervin R , Khan MSR , Roy HC
Published: March 2012

An experiment was conducted to compare growth and production performance between all-male and all-female giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in combination with mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) at the Fisheries Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The research was carried out for a period of 120 days in nine earthen ponds with an average depth of 1.2 m. The experiment had three treatments, viz. polyculture of all-male prawn with mola (stocking density 20,000 ha-1), monoculture of all-male prawn and monoculture of all-female prawn were treated as T1, T2, and T3, respectively with three replications of each and prawn stocking density was 30,000 ha-1 in all the treatments. Formulated sinking feeds were applied twice daily for prawn, and assuming 80% survival feeding rates were gradually reduced to 10-5% of body weight from the beginning to the last month. All water quality parameters (except transparency, chlorophyll-a and plankton) did not vary statistically significantly (P>0.05) among the treatments. Survival of prawn in respective of gender was lower in monoculture than in polyculture with mola, but did not vary significantly (P>0.05). Considering growth and production performance in all treatments, the male prawn showed better growth and production performance than female prawn and the highest gross and net production was recorded in treatment T1, therefore, polyculture of all-male prawn with mola is better than monoculture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10163  J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 137-142, 2011
Restoration Politics and the Advocates’ Secession, 1674–1676
Authors: Jackson Clare , Glennie Patricia
Published: March 2012

This article examines the dispute between the faculty of advocates and the lords of session in February 1674 which led to most advocates being debarred from practice for eighteen months. Provoked by an attempt to appeal a decision from the court of session to parliament, the dispute rendered both institutions potential rivals for judicial supremacy. In addition to providing a narrative reconstruction of events, this article argues that the significance of the advocates’ secession lies not in any resultant jurisprudential clarification or innovation. Rather, it reveals that the dispute is best interpreted in terms of Restoration party politics, since the main outcome of any appeal permitted against a decision of the session would have been to ensure that parliament became a permanent constitutional fixture. Furthermore, events in the mid-1670s vividly demonstrated the destabilising potential for differences of opinion within the court of session to become a proxy for broader political concerns in parliament's absence, whilst also ensuring that the issue of appellate jurisdiction remained a contested matter in the decades preceding Anglo-Scottish union in 1707.
Stems in Lithuanian verbal inflection (with remarks on derivation)
Authors: M. Arkadiev Peter
Published: March 2012

This paper deals with the three stems traditionally postulated in the description of Lithuanian verbal inflection, viz. the Present stem, the Past stem and the Infinitive stem. These stems play a major role in the subgrouping of verbs into inflectional classes. The status of each of the stems as ‘morphomic’ or ‘inflectional’ is assessed in the light of data from both inflectional and derivational morphology. It is argued on the basis of intricate prosodic and morphophonological data that the Infinitive stem is indeed necessary for an adequate description of the Lithuanian verbal system, and also that a separate Past Passive Participle stem relevant for deverbal derivation can be postulated.
Stem relations and inflection class assignment in Italian
Authors: Montermini Fabio , Boyé Gilles
Published: March 2012

The paper proposes a reassessment of the division of Italian verbs into classes, and proposes a model for the mental representation of inflectional paradigms. The treatment is rooted in a thematic model of morphology, according to which the identification of a unique (basic) form for lexemes is not a priority, not even for the regular ones. Rather, it is assumed that lexemes may be stored in the lexicon as complex entries containing different phonological forms, called stems. The model proposed aims at reducing complexity not by reducing all forms to unity, but by describing the relations between stems and by reducing the inventory of their possible configurations, or stem spaces.
Cell Penetrating Peptides in the Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Munyendo Were LL , Lv Huixia , Benza-Ingoula Habiba , Baraza Lilechi D. , Zhou Jianping
Published: March 2012

The cell membrane is a highly selective barrier. This limits the cellular uptake of molecules including DNA, oligonucleotides, peptides and proteins used as therapeutic agents. Different approaches have been employed to increase the membrane permeability and intracellular delivery of these therapeutic molecules. One such approach is the use of Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs). CPPs represent a new and innovative concept, which bypasses the problem of bioavailability of drugs. The success of CPPs lies in their ability to unlock intracellular and even intranuclear targets for the delivery of agents ranging from peptides to antibodies and drug-loaded nanoparticles. This review highlights the development of cell penetrating peptides for cell-specific delivery strategies involving biomolecules that can be triggered spatially and temporally within a cell transport pathway by change in physiological conditions. The review also discusses conjugations of therapeutic agents to CPPs for enhanced intracellular delivery and bioavailability that are at the clinical stage of development.
Pharmacological Assessment of the Medicinal Potential of Acacia mearnsii De Wild.: Antimicrobial and Toxicity Activities
Authors: Olajuyigbe Olufunmiso O. , Afolayan Anthony J.
Published: March 2012

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of microbial infections in South Africa without scientific validation of its bioactivity and toxicity. The antimicrobial activity of the crude acetone extract was evaluated by both agar diffusion and macrobroth dilution methods while its cytotoxicity effect was assessed with brine shrimp lethality assay. The study showed that both bacterial and fungal isolates were highly inhibited by the crude extract. The MIC values for the gram-positive bacteria (78.1–312.5) µg/mL, gram-negative bacteria (39.1–625) µg/mL and fungal isolates (625–5000) µg/mL differ significantly. The bacteria were more susceptible than the fungal strains tested. The antibiosis determination showed that the extract was more (75%) bactericidal than bacteriostatic (25%) and more fungicidal (66.67%) than fungistatic (33.33%). The cytotoxic activity of the extract was observed between 31.25 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL and the LC50 value (112.36 µg/mL) indicates that the extract was nontoxic in the brine shrimp lethality assay (LC50 > 100 μg/mL). These results support the use of A. mearnsii in traditional medicine for treatment of microbial infections. The extract exhibiting significant broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and nontoxic effects has potential to yield active antimicrobial compounds.
Chemistry and Biological Activities of Terpenoids from Copaiba (Copaifera spp.) Oleoresins
Authors: Leandro Lidiam Maia , De Sousa Vargas Fabiano , Barbosa Paula Cristina Souza , Neves Jamilly Kelly Oliveira , Da Silva José Alexsandro , Da Veiga-Junior Valdir Florêncio
Published: March 2012

Copaiba oleoresins are exuded from the trunks of trees of the Copaifera species (Leguminosae-Caesalpinoideae). This oleoresin is a solution of diterpenoids, especially, mono- and di-acids, solubilized by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The sesquiterpenes and diterpenes (labdane, clerodane and kaurane skeletons) are different for each Copaifera species and have been linked to several reported biological activities, ranging from anti-tumoral to embriotoxic effects. This review presents all the substances already described in this oleoresin, together with structures and activities of its main terpenoids.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Properties and Phenolics of Different Solvent Extracts from Bark, Leaves and Seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre
Authors: Sajid Zahid Iqbal , Anwar Farooq , Shabir Ghulam , Rasul Ghulam , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Gilani Anwarul-Hassan
Published: March 2012

This study appraises the antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of various solvent extracts (absolute methanol, aqueous methanol, absolute ethanol, aqueous ethanol, absolute acetone, aqueous acetone, and deionized water) from bark, leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. Maximum extraction yield of antioxidant components from bark (16.31%), leaves (11.42%) and seeds (21.51%) of P. pinnata was obtained using aqueous methanol (20:80). Of the extracts tested, the bark extract, obtained with aqueous methanol, exhibited greater levels of total phenolics [6.94 g GAE/100 g dry weight (DW)], total flavonoids (3.44 g CE/100 g DW), inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation (69.23%) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value, 3.21 μg/mL), followed by leaves and seeds extracts. Bark extract tested against a set of bacterial and fungal strains also revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity with the largest inhibition zone and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). HPLC analysis of aqueous methanol extracts from bark, leaves and seeds indicated the presence of protocatechuic, ellagic, ferulic, gallic, gentisic, 4-hydroxybenzoic and 4-hydroxycinnamic acids in bark (1.50–6.70 mg/100 g DW); sorbic, ferulic, gallic, salicylic and p-coumaric acids in leaves (1.18–4.71 mg/100 g DW); vanillic, gallic and tannic acids in seeds (0.52–0.65 mg/100 g DW) as the main phenolic acids. The present investigation concludes that the tested parts of P. pinnata, in particular the bark, have strong potential for the isolation of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for functional food and pharmaceutical uses.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Benzothiazole-2-thiol Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Shi Xuan-Hong , Wang Zhao , Xia Yong , Ye Ting-Hong , Deng Mei , Xu You-Zhi , Wei Yu-Quan , Yu Luo-Ting
Published: March 2012

A series of novel benzothiazole-2-thiol derivatives were synthesized and their structures determined by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS (ESI). The effects of all compounds on a panel of different types of human cancer cell lines were investigated. Among them, pyridinyl-2-amine linked benzothiazole-2-thiol compounds 7d, 7e, 7f and 7i exhibited potent and broad-spectrum inhibitory activities. Compound 7e displayed the most potent anticancer activity on SKRB-3 (IC50 = 1.2 nM), SW620 (IC50 = 4.3 nM), A549 (IC50 = 44 nM) and HepG2 (IC50 = 48 nM) and was found to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cancer cells.
Near-Infrared Fluorescent Nanoprobes for in Vivo Optical Imaging
Authors: Quek Chai-Hoon , Leong Kam W.
Published: March 2012

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes offer advantages of high photon penetration, reduced light scattering and minimal autofluorescence from living tissues, rendering them valuable for noninvasive mapping of molecular events, assessment of therapeutic efficacy, and monitoring of disease progression in animal models. This review provides an overview of the recent development of the design and optical property of the different classes of NIR fluorescent nanoprobes associated with in vivo imaging applications.
INTEGRATION OF MOBILE CONTROL SYSTEMS INTO INTERMODAL CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Authors: Andziulis Arūnas , Jakovlev Sergej , Adomaitis Danielius , Dzemydienė Dalė
Published: March 2012

Over the last few years, a large number of researches have emerged and approached the use of mobile expert systems and other information management technologies in the area of intermodal container transportation and decision support. However, practitioner literature poorly analyzes the process of monitoring cargo transportation conditions, cargo information security and other important issues. The paper presents an emerging field of intermodal container transportation where the primary objective of the proposed mobile control system is to monitor cargo conditions during transportation in a real time manner and work as a decision support system. Also, the article evaluates potential risks involved in cargo transportation and therefore provides mobile cargo security assurance service. Computational results suggest using an optimum number of RFID and sensor readings to effectively manage the newly proposed elements of operation strategy in a conceptual strategy framework. The overall results indicate that the integration of risk management practice into transportation processes via a mobile control system increases intermodal container transportation mobility, safety and overall effectiveness.
MARITIME TRAFFIC EXTERNALITIES IN THE GULF OF FINLAND UNTIL 2030
Authors: Kalli Juha , Saikku Reetta , Repka Sari , Tapaninen Ulla
Published: March 2012

Maritime traffic in the Gulf of Finland has grown remarkably during the 2000s. This increase has an impact on the environment and exposes it to risks. These problems should be controlled to guarantee sustainable development and the welfare of inhabitants in the area. A method for estimating the impact of ship-originated air emissions on the environment is to calculate their environmental externalities which are a part of the total marginal social costs of shipping. The internalization of externalities as a control method of transport would comply with the polluter pays principle and act as a fair traffic control method between transport modes. In this paper, we present the results of CO2, NOx, SOx and PM emissions originating from ships and their externalities in the Gulf of Finland up to 2015. The calculation algorithm developed for this study produces emission estimates per annum and converts them into externalities. We focus on passenger, tanker, general cargo, Ro-Ro, container and bulk vessel ship types representing almost 90% of the total NOx emissions of shipping in the area. Scenario modelling is a method for estimating the effects of forthcoming or planned regulations and helps with targeting emission abatement actions to maximize their profit. The results of the calculation algorithm show that externalities can be used as a consultative tool for transport-related decision-making. The costs are given at the price levels of the year 2000. The total external cost of ship-originated CO2, NOx, SOx and PM emissions in the Gulf of Finland was almost €175 million in 2007. Due to increased traffic volumes, these costs will increase to nearly €214 million in 2015. The majority of externalities are produced by CO2 emissions. If we deduct CO2 externalities from the results, we get total externalities of €57 million in 2007. Following eight years (2015), externalities would be 28% or €41 million lower. This would be as a result of regulation reducing the sulphur content of marine fuels. Regulating SOx and PM emissions will slow down the increasing trend of shipborne externalities in the Gulf of Finland; however, the externalities are still growing. In order to achieve a downward trend, the two major compounds resulting in externalities must be reduced, which requires strict actions to lower shipborne CO2 and NOx emissions.
IDENTIFICATION OF TRANSIENT PHENOMENA OCCURRING AT THE INITIATION AND TERMINATION OF WHEELSET SLIDING
Authors: Lata Michael , Voltr Petr
Published: March 2012

The paper deals with adhesion experiments on an actual traction vehicle. An efficient and quite simple method was employed to detect dynamical effects occurring at the exceeding of the adhesion limit. Along with the disabled anti-slip protection system, the examined wheelset was repeatedly brought into gross sliding while acceleration was measured taking the selected components of the running gear. The experiment confirmed the assumption that the initiation and termination of sliding were accompanied by intense dynamical effects which, additionally, could be precisely identified.
USING LEAN PRACTICES TO IMPROVE CURRENT CARBON LABELLING SCHEMES FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS— A GENERAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: Wu Peng , Feng Yingbin
Published: March 2012

The construction industry has considerable environmental impacts through the process of manufacturing building materials and building construction. Many environmental labelling programs have been introduced to the construction industry to measure the environmental impacts, including building up the environmental profiles for building materials. Although absolute measurements of the environmental impacts can be obtained by these labelling programs through detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies, relative measurements should not be overlooked to indicate the gap between the current and the “leanest” performance. The term “lean” is often used to describe a process with less wastes, materials, human effort, time, etc. The lean concept originates from the Toyota Production System and has been applied in the automobile industry for decades. This paper therefore aims to investigate the applicability of a relative measurement of the environmental impacts for building materials by introducing the concept of “lean score”. The research aim is narrowed down by choosing the carbon labelling program and the precast concrete products as research objectives. The results indicate that a “lean” benchmark can be built to offer relative measurements of carbon emissions for precast concrete products. The lean score obtained from the benchmarking process provides the improving potential that can help the construction industry move towards sustainability. The results are also useful for regulatory bodies to establish national standards to measure the environmental impacts for building materials.