bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on major cardiovascular risk factors in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patient 40 years and below admitted in CCU of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center.
Authors: Adhikari Chandra Mani , Rajbhandari R , Limbu YR , Malla R , Sharma R , Rauniyar B , Rajbhandari S , Baidya S , Sharma D , Maskey A , KC MB
Published: August 2013

Coronary artery disease (CAD), predominately manifest in older individuals, is a devastating dis­ease precisely because an otherwise healthy person in the prime of life may die or become disabled without warning. When the afflicted individual is under the age of 40, the tragic consequences for family, friends, and occupation are particularly catastrophic and unexpected. Fortunately, the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and symptomatic CAD in young adults is low; most stud­ies show that only about 3% of all CAD cases occur in this age range. Premature CAD is defined as cardiac events occurring before the age of 45 in men and 55 in women. In its severe form it is defined as CAD occurring below the age of 40 years. Prematurity and severity suggests that the dis­ease starts at an early age and has a malignant course. In this study, we aim to investigate the major risk factor (smoking, Hypertension, Diabetes and dyslipidemia ) as defined by ACC-AHA pattern in ACS patient 40years or below admitted in Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre (SGNHC) from April 2008 to April 2009. There were all together 54 ACS patients, male 44(81%) and female 10(19%). HTN is the risk factor which was more commonly diagnosed and treated, while Dys­lipidemia, DM and IFG were not usually diagnosed in young patient before they were diagnosed CAD. Dyslipidemia was the most common comprising 83.3% followed by HTN 70%, smoking 70%, abnormal blood glucose level 50%, DM in 22.2% while IFG in 27.7 %. High total cholesterol (48%) is the common form of dyslipidemia followed by high LDL (44.4%), low HDL in 31.4%. When non modifiable risk factor family history is excluded, 85% of the patients have two or more risk factors of CAD. When smoking along with family history is excluded 94.5% of the patients have 1 or more risks factors for CAD. Nepalese Heart Journal | Volume 7 | No.1 | November 2010 (special issue) | Page 20-24 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v7i1.8497
Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis In Drug Abusers: Clinical Features and Results of Surgical Treatment
Authors: Lashmanov DI , Bhandari Krishna , Chiginev VA , Pichugin VV , Zemskova EN
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic criteria and indications for surgery in patients – drug abusers with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (TVIE), and outcome of surgical treatment in these patients. From December 1999 to August 2009 35 patients (drug addicts) with TVIE were operated in the department of acquired heart diseases of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Center, Nizhny Novgorod. 25 males and 10 females aged from 15 to 51 years were included in this study. 3 patients were re-operated due to recurrence of endocarditis. Biological prosthetic valve "Bio-Lab" was used in all patients. Intravenous drug abuse was the cause of the disease in all patients. Acute onset with hectic fever, shivering, profuse sweating, intoxication and development of multi-organ failure were the main clinical features of the disease. Embolism of the peripheral branches of pulmonary artery by septic embolus or micro thrombi were common symptoms. Ultrasound investigation played an important role in diagnosis of TVIE. It was the only criteria for the verification of the diagnosis in patients with fever of unknown origin until the appearance of valve damages and cardiac murmurs. All 35 (100%) patients underwent tricuspid valve replacement (TVR). 3 (8.57%) patients underwent redo TVR because of prosthetic valve endocarditis due to persistent intravenous drug abuse after surgery. The hospital mortality rate was 0%. Acute debut of the disease may be the first clinical feature of tricuspid valve infec­tive endocarditis in drug abusers. Ultrasound investigation is important for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of ineffective antibiotic therapy and massive tricuspid valve damages. Tricuspid valve replacement by a biological prosthesis was the treatment of choice in these patients. The use of biological prosthetic valve had good clinical re­sults with low thrombogenic risk and high resistance to infection. Nepalese Heart Journal | Volume 7 | No.1 | November 2010 (special issue) | Page 29-34 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v7i1.8499
Prevalence of Hypertension in Semi-Urban area of Nepal
Authors: Koju R , Manandhar K , Gurung R , Pant P , Bedi TRS
Published: August 2013

Hypertension is one of the major cardiovascular problems in middle and low income countries. There are few studies conducted in Nepal which shows significant number of hypertensive popu­lation in suburban area. Systematic random sampling from voter lists of all the members more than 18 years of age of Dhulikhel Municipality was done. 796 among 1150 sampled population were interviewed and their blood pressure was measured twice using mercury sphygmomanom­eter in standard method in their home. The average blood pressure was taken for study. Hyper­tension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or on antihypertensive treatment. Total number of study population was 796. Among them 490 (61.6%) were female and 306 (38.4%) were male with age ranging from 18 years to 88 years (mean 48.41±17.38). Overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.9% (male 28.8%, female 29%). The prevalence was increasing with age (11.1% in <30 years to 44.8% in >70 years). Ac­cording to JNC 7, 29.1% were in Pre-hypertensive group. This study shows that Hypertension is significant in suburban area of Nepal. Nepalese Heart Journal | Volume 7 | No.1 | November 2010 (special issue) | Page 35-39 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v7i1.8500
How to improve drug compliance in hypertensive patients
Authors: Khan Abdul Rasheed
Published: August 2013

Nepalese Heart Journal | Volume 7 | No.1 | November 2010 (special issue) | Page 48-49 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v7i1.8503
"How I do it" Aortic Valve Replacement in case of Double Valve Replacement
Authors: Timala Rabindra B
Published: August 2013

Nepalese Heart Journal | Volume 7 | No.1 | November 2010 (special issue) | Page 50-52 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v7i1.8504
Abstracts Presented at the Conquering Heart Disease in the Himalayan Region International Conference 12-13 November 2010
Authors: Editor The
Published: August 2013

Nepalese Heart Journal | Volume 7 | No.1 | November 2010 (special issue) | Page 54-78 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v7i1.8505
Awareness of Dental Health Checkup omong the Patients Attending at Selected Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Karim MM , Alif SM , Tarafder MA , Sharmin D , Khan MH
Published: August 2013

This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted in selected hospital of Dhaka in order to find out the awareness of dental health check up among the patient in selected hospital in Dhaka city. The study was conducted from September to December 2011 with sample of 150. Results revealed that there is a huge difference between the awareness and practice on oral hygiene. The study showed that most of the respondents are in between 30-39 years of age (39.3%), 22.7% in 20-29 years of age, only very few 0.7% in > 70 years of age with mean age 35.75 + 12.03. Among the respondents 34.7% are housewife, service holder 28%, business 15.3% and others are 22%. Study also showed that 65.3% brushes their teeth once daily and 34.7% in twice daily, 52% brushes only before breakfast, 18.7% before breakfast and before go to bed, 15.3% after breakfast and before go to bed, 12% only after breakfast and rest 2% only before go to bed. Among the respondents 38% visit to dentist more than 1 years for cleaning purpose, 28.7% visit after 1 year, 23.3% visit within 6 months to 1 year and very few only 10% visit before 6 months. Most of the respondent about 66% knows that consumption of sweet food can cause caries and rest 34% have no idea. About 40% feels the necessity of visiting dental surgeon after 1 year, 28% feels the time is after 6 months, 17.3% feels that more than 1 year and 14.1% have no idea.  There is statistically highly significant association between the age of the respondent and the material used for cleaning teeth , sex of the respondent and habit of taking tobacco in both association (P = 0.000).  Another statistically highly significant association between  occupation of the respondent and habit of taking tobacco and also between age of the patient and habit of chewing areca nut and lime (P = 0.000),  between frequency of cleaning teeth and monthly income of the respondent (P = 0.050). Another statistically significant association between age of the respondent and knowledge about sweet food can cause dental caries where (P = 0.023). and between monthly income of the respondent and knowledge about sweet food can cause dental caries (P = 0.013). From the study results it is revealed that only 30-39 years old patients aware about dental health check up, most of  patient  brushes their teeth only before breakfast, visit to dental surgeon visit to dentist more than 1 years for cleaning purpose, and feels the necessity of visiting dental surgeon after 1 year,  So, it is necessary for everyone to attain dental health checkups to look at the health of mouth, find existing problems and discuss planned treatments. It helps to take further steps to minimize future problems of the oral cavity.DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.3329/bjdre.v2i2.16244 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.2(2) 2012: 47-51
Pulpal Diagnosis of Primary Teeth: Guidelines for Clinical Practice
Authors: Mohammad Golam , Jerin Farjana , Jebin Suraya
Published: August 2013

Diagnosis of pulp status is an important clinical step to achieve success in pulp therapy technique or endodontic treatment in children. In pediatric dentistry, history of symptoms given by a child may not be reliable. Assessment of dental pulp status plays an important role. It is hoped that these guidelines will facilitate pulpal diagnosis, good decision-making and evidence-based practice for pediatric patients.DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.3329/bjdre.v2i2.16248 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.2(2) 2012: 66-68
Surgical Exposure of Impacted Upper Incisor and its Proper Alignment in the Dental Arch
Authors: Rabbani Rashed Md Golam , Saha Arup Kumar , Biswas R Palash , Khan Most. Shahana Afroge , Fanse Kamrun Nahar Chowdhury , Hossain Md Zakir
Published: August 2013

Surgical exposure of impacted upper incisor is very complex, so fixed orthodontic treatment rehabilitation is the first choice of the treatment for the correction of malocclusion. A clinical case report a 10-year old boy with a unerupted malposed upper left central incisor, which was treated by sequential surgical exposure and fixed orthodontic treatment. The tooth was aligned in the dental arch with accepted aesthetic and functional satisfaction of the patient.DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.3329/bjdre.v2i2.16249 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.2(2) 2012: 69-70
Trends of Suicidal Death at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Choudhury Md Habibuzzaman , Rahman Md Mizanur , Hossain Md Gisan , Tabassum Nasid , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: August 2013

Background: Suicide is one of the forms of criminal offence in Bangladesh and it is also prevailing in other countries of the world. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the trends of suicidal death at a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted on suicidal death in the Department of Forensic Medicine at Dinajpur Medical College, Dinajpur. Result: A total number of 20 cases were examined from June 2004 to June 2006 for 2 years. All the cases were referred from 13 different police stations and one railway station of Dinajpur district. Among them the highest numbers of cases were brought by Kotowally police station and the lowest from Hakimpur police station. But among the 20 cases 70% were female Muslims. Conclusion: The highest frequency of offence is found in lower socioeconomic status. The most common age group is from 20-35 years. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i1.16202 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(1):28-30
Aetiologies of Vaginal Discharge among Women Presented with Cervical Abnormalities: Experiences at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Rahman Dalia , Adhikary Alpana , Hussein Sabina
Published: August 2013

Background: Vaginal discharge is a common gynaecological problem worldwide. It is a common presentation of different gynaecological diseases. Objective: The aim of the study was to find out the aetiological factors responsible for vaginal discharge among the women presented with cervical pathology. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in patients complaining of vaginal discharge attending at Gynaecology department (GOPD) in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka from March'2006 to October'2006. Required tests were carried out in the Department of Microbiology and Department of Pathology at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Data were obtained by history taking, physical examination and relevant investigations. Results: Cervical pathology was associated in 64.0% of patients complaining of vaginal discharge. Out of these, most common are cervicitis (48.0%) carcinoma of cervix (8.0%) cervical erosion (4.0%) endocervical polyp (2.0%) and old cervical tear (2.0%). Other associated aetiologies of abnormal vaginal discharge were bacterial vaginosis (12.0%) candidiasis (10.0%) trichomoniasis (10.0%). Conclusion: Vaginal discharge is a manifestation of many cervical pathology including carcinoma. Therefore, proper evaluation is needed in all patients complaining of vaginal discharge before treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i1.16203 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(1):31-34
Effect of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) on Fertility in Male Rats
Authors: Khan Asma , Begum Zinnat Ara , Khan Md Ismail , Rahman Hasanur , Banu Layla Afroza
Published: August 2013

Background: Azadirachta indica locally known as neem has been claimed to possess antifertility properties by many investigators. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the antifertility effect of Azadirachta indica leaf powder in male rats. Methodology: The study was carried out in pharmacology and Therapeutic Department of Dhaka Medical College during the period of January 2008 to December 2008. Total number of 24 rats was divided into 4 groups. Group A was served as control, group B, C and D were treated by Azadirachta indica leaf powder orally, inj. testosterone I/M, & Azadirachta indica leaf powder orally, inj. testosterone I/M respectively for 48 days. They were sacrificed on 49 day. Then morphological and histological study was done. Result: The result showed that the all of the Azadirachta indica leaf powder treated rats has significant antispermatognic effect as well as antiandrogenic effect. Conclusion: The Azadirachta indica leaf powder reduced motility and density of sperm and causes structural changes of leydig cells and seminiferous tubule. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i1.16206 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(1):39-42
Juvenile Dermatomyositis: A Case Report
Authors: Bhuiyan Ishrat , Hossain Md Shahadat , Akhter Mafuza , Chowdhury Shaheen Reza
Published: August 2013

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a chronic inflammatory multisystem disease that affects primarily the skin and muscle. A 5 years old girl presented with heliotrope rash, gottron's papules, and muscular weakness for one and half month. Other systemic examination revealed no abnormalities. Investigation reveals- Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate was raised, muscle enzymes were several fold elevated, skin biopsy consistent with dermatomyositis, EMG consistent with polymyositis. So confirmed diagnosis was made as Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). The patient was managed by systemic steroid and showed good response to treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i1.16225 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(1):63-66
Major Salivary Gland Tumors: A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , Barman Nilima , Rahman Tawfiqur , Khan Mohammad Ehasun Uddin , Islam Mohammad Touhidul , Bhuiyan Md Zillur Rahman
Published: August 2013

Background: Major salivary gland tumors comprise a morphologically diverse group of rare tumors. The tumors also have variations in their clinicopathological profile related to racial and geographic differences. Objective: To find out the frequency of different types of major salivary gland neoplasm. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out on 50 patients having major salivary gland tumor in the departments of Otolaryngology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital from January 2010 to September 2010. Result: In this study, most cases occur in 5th decade. Incidence of malignant and benign parotid neoplasm was found 23.8% and 76.2% respectively. Benign and malignant tumors of submandibular gland were 50% in each group. No sublingual gland neoplasm was found in this group. Conclusion: Parotid gland was the most common site of origin of both benign and malignant tumours. Plemorphic adenoma was the most common benign salivary gland tumour and mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent malignant neoplasm. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i1.16250 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(1):43-45
Diagnosis of Growing Pain in Bangladeshi Pediatric Population
Authors: Saha Santosh Kumar , Modak Aditi , Chowdhury Kamrunnahar , Uddin Md Saleh , Ghosh Dilip Kumar , Al-Mamun Mohammad Abdullah
Published: August 2013

Background: Unexplained limb pain is a major diagnostic challenge. Parents become very much worried as their physician are not sure regarding accurate diagnosis of unexplained limb pain. Majority of the limb pain are due to Growing pain which can be diagnosed by using Standard Criteria. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to see the clinical aspects of growing pain and to determine the causes of unexplained limb pain. Methodology: This study prospectively examined the presence of growing pain in a self reported population of children with limb pain of unexplained etiology attending National Center for Control of Rheumatic Fever and Heart Disease over the period of 6 months. Results: Total 57 children of 3-12 yrs of age were enrolled in this study and out of them 43(75.4%) were diagnosed as Growing Pain. Mean age of growing pain was 7.77(2.66). 19 children (44.2%) were male and 24 (55.8%) were female. Most frequent site of pain was calf (65.1%) and 95% cases pain occur at night. Growing Pain usually occur at slow growing period (86%) than rapid growing period (14%). Conclusion: Majority of unexplained limb pain are growing pain which is benign. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i1.16251 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(1):46-48
Coeliac Disease in a Girl: A Case Report
Authors: Begum Nazma , Khatoon Soofia , Deb Subrata , Sultana Shamima
Published: August 2013

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages from middle infancy to onwards. It is a disease in which the mucosal lining of the small intestine is damaged in response to ingestion of gluten and similar proteins, which are found in wheat, oats, rye, barley and other grains. Symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, failure to thrive and fatigue; however these may be absent and symptoms in other organ systems have been reported. In this case report, a 6 year-old girl presented with recurrent diarrhoea with growth failure and itchy skin rashes. Physical examination showed that the patient was moderately pale and had generalized oedema with discrete erythematous, papular lesions over different parts of the body. Serum for tissue transglutaminase (IgA) antibody was raised. Duodenal biopsy was obtained and histopathological diagnosis was compatible with coeliac disease. The patient was treated with supportive management and was advised for life long gluten free diet. The patient improved within short period after withdrawal of gluten from diet. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i1.16254 J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(1):55-58
Cognitive Predictors of Verbal Memory in a Mixed Clinical Pediatric Sample
Authors: Jordan Lizabeth , Tyner Callie , Heaton Shelley
Published: August 2013

Verbal memory problems, along with other cognitive difficulties, are common in children diagnosed with neurological and/or psychological disorders. Historically, these “memory problems” have been poorly characterized and often present with a heterogeneous pattern of performance across memory processes, even within a specific diagnostic group. The current study examined archival neuropsychological data from a large mixed clinical pediatric sample in order to understand whether functioning in other cognitive areas (i.e., verbal knowledge, attention, working memory, executive functioning) may explain some of the performance variability seen across verbal memory tasks of the Children’s Memory Scale (CMS). Multivariate analyses revealed that among the cognitive functions examined, only verbal knowledge explained a significant amount of variance in overall verbal memory performance. Further univariate analyses examining the component processes of verbal memory indicated that verbal knowledge is specifically related to encoding, but not the retention or retrieval stages. Future research is needed to replicate these findings in other clinical samples, to examine whether verbal knowledge predicts performance on other verbal memory tasks and to explore whether these findings also hold true for visual memory tasks. Successful replication of the current study findings would indicate that interventions targeting verbal encoding deficits should include efforts to improve verbal knowledge.
Assessment of Potential Capacity Increases at Combined Heat and Power Facilities Based on Available Corn Stover and Forest Logging Residues
Authors: Radhakrishnan Selvarani , Paz Joel , Yu Fei , Eksioglu Sandra , Grebner Donald
Published: August 2013

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) production using renewable energy sources is gaining importance because of its flexibility and high-energy efficiency. Biomass materials, such as corn stover and forestry residues, are potential sources for renewable energy for CHP production. In Mississippi, approximately 4.0 MT dry tons of woody biomass is available annually for energy production. In this study, we collected and analyzed 10 years of corn stover data (2001–2010) and three years of forest logging residue data (1995, 1999, and 2002) in each county in Mississippi to determine the potential of these feed stocks for sustainable CHP energy production. We identified six counties, namely Amite, Copiah, Clarke, Wayne, Wilkinson and Rankin, that have forest logging residue feedstocks to sustain a CHP facility with a range of capacity between 8.0 and 9.8 MW. Using corn stover alone, Yazoo and Washington counties can produce 13.4 MW and 13.5 MW of energy, respectively. Considering both feedstocks and based on a conservative amount of 30% available forest logging residue and 33% corn stover, we found that 20 counties have adequate supply for a CHP facility with a capacity of 8.3 MW to 19.6 MW.
Quorum Quenching Enzymes and Their Application in Degrading Signal Molecules to Block Quorum Sensing-Dependent Infection
Authors: Chen Fang , Gao Yuxin , Chen Xiaoyi , Yu Zhimin , Li Xianzhen
Published: August 2013

With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, the available options for treating bacterial infections have become very limited, and the search for a novel general antibacterial therapy has received much greater attention. Quorum quenching can be used to control disease in a quorum sensing system by triggering the pathogenic phenotype. The interference with the quorum sensing system by the quorum quenching enzyme is a potential strategy for replacing traditional antibiotics because the quorum quenching strategy does not aim to kill the pathogen or limit cell growth but to shut down the expression of the pathogenic gene. Quorum quenching enzymes have been identified in quorum sensing and non-quorum sensing microbes, including lactonase, acylase, oxidoreductase and paraoxonase. Lactonase is widely conserved in a range of bacterial species and has variable substrate spectra. The existence of quorum quenching enzymes in the quorum sensing microbes can attenuate their quorum sensing, leading to blocking unnecessary gene expression and pathogenic phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the physiological function of quorum quenching enzymes in bacterial infection and elucidate the enzymatic protection in quorum sensing systems for host diseases and their application in resistance against microbial diseases.
Materials Characterization of Feraheme/Ferumoxytol and Preliminary Evaluation of Its Potential for Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia
Authors: Bullivant John , Zhao Shan , Willenberg Brad , Kozissnik Bettina , Batich Christopher , Dobson Jon
Published: August 2013

Feraheme, is a recently FDA-cleared superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-based MRI contrast agent that is also employed in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Feraheme nanoparticles have a hydrodynamic diameter of 30 nm and consist of iron oxide crystallites complexed with a low molecular weight, semi-synthetic carbohydrate. These features are attractive for other potential biomedical applications such as magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH), since the carboxylated polymer coating affords functionalization of the particle surface and the size allows for accumulation in highly vascularized tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. This work presents morphological and magnetic characterization of Feraheme by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry. Additionally, the results of an initial evaluation of the suitability of Feraheme for MFH applications are described, and the data indicate the particles possess promising properties for this application.
Epicardial Lineages and Cardiac Repair
Authors: Singh Manvendra , Epstein Jonathan
Published: August 2013

The death of cardiac myocytes resulting from myocardial infarction is a major cause of heart failure worldwide. Effective therapies for regenerating lost cardiac myocytes are lacking. Recently, the epicardium has been implicated as a source of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and progenitor cells that modulate the response to myocardial injury. During embryonic development, epicardially-derived cells have the potential to differentiate into multiple cardiac lineages, including fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle and potentially other cell types. In the healthy adult heart, epicardial cells are thought to be generally quiescent. However, injury of the adult heart results in reactivation of a developmental gene program in the epicardium, which leads to increased epicardial cell proliferation and differentiation of epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) into various cardiac lineages. Recent work suggests that epicardial reactivation after injury is accompanied by, and contributes to, a robust inflammatory response. In this review, we describe the current status of research related to epicardial biology in cardiac development and regeneration, highlighting important recent discoveries and ongoing controversies.
Effective Basemetal Hedging: The Optimal Hedge Ratio and Hedging Horizon
Authors: Dewally Michaël , Marriott Luke
Published: August 2013

This study investigates optimal hedge ratios in all base metal markets. Using recent hedging computation techniques, we find that 1) the short-run optimal hedging ratio is increasing in hedging horizon, 2) that the long-term horizon limit to the optimal hedging ratio is not converging to one but is slightly higher for most of these markets, and 3) that hedging effectiveness is also increasing in hedging horizon. When hedging with futures in these markets, one should hedge long-term at about 6 to 8 weeks with a slightly greater than one hedge ratio. These results are of interest to many purchasing departments and other commodity hedgers.
The Mechanism of Pseudomorphic Transformation of Spherical Silica Gel into MCM-41 Studied by PFG NMR Diffusometry
Authors: Einicke Wolf-Dietrich , Enke Dirk , Dvoyashkin Muslim , Valiullin Rustem , Gläser Roger
Published: August 2013

The pseudomorphic transformation of spherical silica gel (LiChrospher® Si 60) into MCM-41 was achieved by treatment at 383 K for 24 h with an aqueous solution of cetyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (CTAOH) instead of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) and NaOH. The degree of transformation was varied via the ratio of CTAOH solution to initial silica gel rather than synthesis duration. The transformed samples were characterized by N2 sorption at 77 K, mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thus, MCM-41 spheres with diameters of ca. 12 μm, surface areas >1000 m2 g−1, pore volumes >1 cm3 g−1 and a sharp pore width distribution, adjustable between 3.2 and 4.5 nm, were obtained. A thorough pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG NMR) study shows that the diffusivity of n-heptane confined in the pores of the solids passes through a minimum with progressing transformation. The final product of pseudomorphic transformation to MCM-41 does not exhibit improved transport properties compared to the initial silica gel. Moreover, the PFG NMR results support that the transformation occurs via formation and subsequent growth of domains of <1 μm containing MCM-41 homogeneously distributed over the volume of the silica spheres.
Towards the Small and the Beautiful: A Small Dibromotyrosine Derivative from Pseudoceratina sp. Sponge Exhibits Potent Apoptotic Effect through Targeting IKK/NFκB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Su Jui-Hsin , Chen Yu-Cheng , El-Shazly Mohamed , Du Ying-Chi , Su Chiang-Wen , Tsao Chia-Wei , Liu Li-Lian , Chou Yalan , Chang Wen-Been , Su Yin-Di , Chiang Michael , Yeh Yao-Tsung , Lu Mei-Chin
Published: August 2013

A dibromotyrosine derivative, (1′R,5′S,6′S)-2-(3′,5′-dibromo-1′,6′-dihydroxy-4′-oxocyclohex-2′-enyl) acetonitrile (DT), was isolated from the sponge Pseudoceratina sp., and was found to exhibit a significant cytotoxic activity against leukemia K562 cells. Despite the large number of the isolated bromotyrosine derivatives, studies focusing on their biological mechanism of action are scarce. In the current study we designed a set of experiments to reveal the underlying mechanism of DT cytotoxic activity against K562 cells. First, the results of MTT cytotoxic and the annexin V-FITC/PI apoptotic assays, indicated that the DT cytotoxic activity is mediated through induction of apoptosis. This effect was also supported by caspases-3 and -9 activation as well as PARP cleavage. DT induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as indicated by flow cytometric assay. The involvement of ROS generation in the apoptotic activity of DT was further corroborated by the pretreatment of K562 cells with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, which prevented apoptosis and the disruption of MMP induced by DT. Results of cell-free system assay suggested that DT can act as a topoisomerase II catalytic inhibitor, unlike the clinical anticancer drug, etoposide, which acts as a topoisomerase poison. Additionally, we found that DT treatment can block IKK/NFκB pathway and activate PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings suggest that the cytotoxic effect of DT is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent apoptosis which is mediated through oxidative stress. Therefore, DT represents an interesting reference point for the development of new cytotoxic agent targeting IKK/NFκB pathway.
Sarcophyolides B–E, New Cembranoids from the Soft Coral Sarcophyton elegans
Authors: Xi Zhifang , Bie Wei , Chen Wei , Liu Dong , Ofwegen Leen , Proksch Peter , Lin Wenhan
Published: August 2013

Four new cembrane-type diterpenoids, sarcophyolides B–E (1–4), along with 11 known analogues were isolated from the soft coral Sarcophyton elegans. The structures of new compounds 1–4 were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical conversion. The new cembranoids sarcophyolides B (1) and lobocrasol were found to exhibit potent inhibition against A2780 human ovarian tumor cells.
Influence of Lipid A Acylation Pattern on Membrane Permeability and Innate Immune Stimulation
Authors: Li Yanyan , Wang Zhou , Chen Jiuzhou , Ernst Robert , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2013

Lipid A, the hydrophobic anchor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is an essential component in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. It can stimulate the innate immune system via Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD2), leading to the release of inflammatory cytokines. In this study, six Escherichia coli strains which can produce lipid A with different acylation patterns were constructed; the influence of lipid A acylation pattern on the membrane permeability and innate immune stimulation has been systematically investigated. The lipid A species were isolated and identified by matrix assisted laser ionization desorption-time of flight/tandem mass spectrometry. N-Phenyl naphthylamine uptake assay and antibiotic susceptibility test showed that membrane permeability of these strains were different. The lower the number of acyl chains in lipid A, the stronger the membrane permeability. LPS purified from these strains were used to stimulate human or mouse macrophage cells, and different levels of cytokines were induced. Compared with wild type hexa-acylated LPS, penta-acylated, tetra-acylated and tri-acylated LPS induced lower levels of cytokines. These results suggest that the lipid A acylation pattern influences both the bacterial membrane permeability and innate immune stimulation. The results would be useful for redesigning the bacterial membrane structure and for developing lipid A vaccine adjuvant.
Protective Effects of Alkaloid Compounds from Nelumbinis Plumula on tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Xie Yong , Zhang Yi , Zhang Long-Tao , Zeng Shao-Xiao , Guo Ze-Bin , Zheng Bao-Dong
Published: August 2013

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Nelumbinis Plumula total alkaloid (NPA) and its main alkaloid components on oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in the human hepatocellular HepG2 cell line. According to HPLC analysis, several major alkaloid compounds such as liensinine, isoliensinine and neferine were present in NPA. The cytotoxic effects in 0.55 mM t-BHP-induced HepG2 cells were significantly inhibited by NPA and the major compound in NPA, neferine, showed the strongest activities. The protective effect of neferine against oxidative stress induced by t-BHP may be associated with decreased ROS formation, TBARS generation, LDH release and increased GSH levels, suggesting their involvement of the cytoprotective on oxidative stress. The effects were comparable with quercetin, which was used as positive control. Overall, total alkaloid and alkaloid compounds from Nelumbinis Plumula displayed a significant cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress. Further study is needed to elucidate the relationship between the chemical structures of the components in NPA and their protective effect on oxidative stress.
Bioactive Flavone-C-Glycosides of the African Medicinal Plant Biophytum umbraculum
Authors: Pham Anh , Nguyen Celine , Malterud Karl , Diallo Drissa , Wangensteen Helle
Published: August 2013

Three flavone-C-glycosides—cassiaoccidentalin A (1), isovitexin (2) and isoorientin (3)—were isolated from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) soluble fraction of the methanol crude extract of the African medicinal plant Biophytum umbraculum, This is the first report of these compounds in this plant. All compounds were identified by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with published data. Isoorientin (3) and the EtOAc extract showed the greatest antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay as well as the strongest inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO). From these results, the extract of B. umbraculum might be a valuable source of flavone C-glycosides.
Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Natural and Unnatural 2-, 5-, and 7-Oxygenated Carbazole Alkaloids from N-Arylcyclohexane Enaminones
Authors: Bautista Rafael , Montoya Pablo , Rebollar Araceli , Burgueño Eleuterio , Tamariz Joaquín
Published: August 2013

A palladium-catalyzed synthesis of the carbazole framework is described, including the preparation of 2-, 5-, and 7-oxygenated natural and unnatural carbazole alkaloids. A series of N-arylcyclohexane enaminones, generated by condensation of cyclohexane-1,3-dione with diverse anilines, were aromatized by a Pd(0)-catalyzed thermal treatment to afford the corresponding diarylamines. The latter were submitted to a Pd(II)-catalyzed cyclization and methylation processes to provide the desired carbazoles, including clausine V. Following an inverse strategy, a new and short total synthesis of glycoborine is also reported.
Bioactive Protopanaxatriol Type Saponins Isolated from the Roots of Panax Notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen
Authors: Zhang Yi , Han Li-Feng , Sakah Kaunda , Wu Zhi-Zhen , Liu Li-Li , Agyemang Kojo , Gao Xiu-Mei , Wang Tao
Published: August 2013

Seven new protopanaxatriol type saponins, 20S-sanchirhinosides A1 (1), A2 (2), A3 (3), A4 (4), A5 (5), and A6 (6), and sanchirhinoside B (7) were obtained as minor constituents from the root extract of Panax notoginseng (Burkill, F. H. Chen), which showed protection effects against antimycin A induced mitochondrial oxidative stress. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods (IR, HRESI-TOF-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Among them, compounds 4, 6 and 7 showed significant protective effects against antimycin A-induced L6 cell injury.
Delineating Individual Trees from Lidar Data: A Comparison of Vector- and Raster-based Segmentation Approaches
Authors: Jakubowski Marek , Li Wenkai , Guo Qinghua , Kelly Maggi
Published: August 2013

Light detection and ranging (lidar) data is increasingly being used for ecosystem monitoring across geographic scales. This work concentrates on delineating individual trees in topographically-complex, mixed conifer forest across the California’s Sierra Nevada. We delineated individual trees using vector data and a 3D lidar point cloud segmentation algorithm, and using raster data with an object-based image analysis (OBIA) of a canopy height model (CHM). The two approaches are compared to each other and to ground reference data. We used high density (9 pulses/m2), discreet lidar data and WorldView-2 imagery to delineate individual trees, and to classify them by species or species types. We also identified a new method to correct artifacts in a high-resolution CHM. Our main focus was to determine the difference between the two types of approaches and to identify the one that produces more realistic results. We compared the delineations via tree detection, tree heights, and the shape of the generated polygons. The tree height agreement was high between the two approaches and the ground data (r2: 0.93–0.96). Tree detection rates increased for more dominant trees (8–100 percent). The two approaches delineated tree boundaries that differed in shape: the lidar-approach produced fewer, more complex, and larger polygons that more closely resembled real forest structure.
Fluidic Automation of Nitrate and Nitrite Bioassays in Whole Blood by Dissolvable-Film Based Centrifugo-Pneumatic Actuation
Authors: Nwankire Charles , Chan Di-Sien , Gaughran Jennifer , Burger Robert , Gorkin Robert , Ducrée Jens
Published: August 2013

This paper demonstrates the full centrifugal microfluidic integration and automation of all liquid handling steps of a 7-step fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA) for quantifying nitrate and nitrite levels in whole blood within about 15 min. The assay protocol encompasses the extraction of metered plasma, the controlled release of sample and reagents (enzymes, co-factors and fluorescent labels), and incubation and detection steps. Flow control is implemented by a rotationally actuated dissolvable film (DF) valving scheme. In the valves, the burst pressure is primarily determined by the radial position, geometry and volume of the valve chamber and its inlet channel and can thus be individually tuned over an extraordinarily wide range of equivalent spin rates between 1,000 RPM and 5,500 RPM. Furthermore, the vapour barrier properties of the DF valves are investigated in this paper in order to further show the potential for commercially relevant on-board storage of liquid reagents during shelf-life of bioanalytical, ready-to-use discs.
Narrow and Deep Fano Resonances in a Rod and Concentric Square Ring-Disk Nanostructures
Authors: Huo Yanyan , Jia Tianqing , Zhang Yi , Zhao Hua , Zhang Shian , Feng Donghai , Sun Zhenrong
Published: August 2013

Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) in metallic nanostructures have been studied intensely in the last decade. Fano interference is an important way to decrease the resonance linewidth and enhance the spectral detection resolution, but realizing a Fano lineshape with both a narrow linewidth and high spectral contrast-ratio is still challenging. Here we propose a metallic nanostructure consisting of a concentric square ring-disk (CSRD) nanostructure and an outside nanorod. Fano linewidth and spectral contrast ratio can be actively manipulated by adjusting the gap between the nanorod and CSRD, and by adjusting the gap between the ring and disk in CSRD. When the gap size in CSRD is reduced to 5 nm, the quadrupolar Fano linewidth is of 0.025 eV, with a contrast ratio of 80%, and the figure of merit reaches 15.
Measuring Accurate Body Parameters of Dressed Humans with Large-Scale Motion Using a Kinect Sensor
Authors: Xu Huanghao , Yu Yao , Zhou Yu , Li Yang , Du Sidan
Published: August 2013

Non-contact human body measurement plays an important role in surveillance, physical healthcare, on-line business and virtual fitting. Current methods for measuring the human body without physical contact usually cannot handle humans wearing clothes, which limits their applicability in public environments. In this paper, we propose an effective solution that can measure accurate parameters of the human body with large-scale motion from a Kinect sensor, assuming that the people are wearing clothes. Because motion can drive clothes attached to the human body loosely or tightly, we adopt a space-time analysis to mine the information across the posture variations. Using this information, we recover the human body, regardless of the effect of clothes, and measure the human body parameters accurately. Experimental results show that our system can perform more accurate parameter estimation on the human body than state-of-the-art methods.
Study of the Effect of the Strategy of Heating on the Mudejar Church of Santa Maria in Ateca (Spain) for Preventive Conservation of the Altarpiece Surroundings
Authors: García-Diego Fernando-Juan , Fernández-Navajas Ángel , Beltrán Pedro , Merello Paloma
Published: August 2013

The mudéjar church of Santa María (Ateca) is valuable for its architecture and the altarpiece contained inside. Ateca is a village with continental climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. In this paper we are interested in analysing the effect of temperature and relative humidity (RH) changes produced by the heating system on the altarpiece. Therefore, a monitoring system of 15 temperature and 15 relative humidity sensors was installed with a recording frequency of a data point per minute. The main contribution of this paper is the quantitative study of the effect of the heating system on the thermo-hygrometric parameters using statistical techniques such as ANOVA, mean daily trajectories or bivariate plots, and the proposal of an innovative dynamic contour plot. As results, the heating system produces a substantial increase (decrease) of temperature (RH) causing an hourly variation of these physical parameters detrimental to the conservation of the altarpiece, especially in its higher areas.
Avoiding the Limits to Growth: Gross National Happiness in Bhutan as a Model for Sustainable Development
Authors: Brooks Jeremy
Published: August 2013

In their 30-year update to Limits to Growth, Meadows et al. call for a vision of sustainable development that includes systemic change brought on by new perspectives on the purpose of development, new ways of measuring progress, and changes in social norms. Here, I discuss Meadows et al.’s work in the context of the literature on sustainable development and well-being as well as the development trajectory of Bhutan. I suggest that Bhutan’s development approach mirrors Meadows et al.’s recommendations and provides one model for sustainable development. The ideal of maximizing Gross National Happiness (GNH) exemplifies Bhutan’s commitment to holistic development and dovetails with arguments about the shortcomings of approaches that emphasize economic growth. I provide examples of how GNH has been put into practice, describe how happiness is being measured, and discuss the emergence of social norms and a shared Bhutanese identity that may contribute to sustainable development. Bhutan’s development success suggests that an alternative to growth-centric development is viable. However, while Bhutan’s standard of living has increased, the country faces challenges, the most important of which may be their ability to manage rising consumption levels. Importantly, other nations have begun measuring well-being and considering similar development approaches.
[3 + 2]-Cycloadditions of nitrile ylides after photoactivation of vinyl azides under flow conditions
Authors: Cludius-Brandt Stephan , Kupracz Lukas , Kirschning Andreas
Published: August 2013

The photodenitrogenation of vinyl azides to 2H-azirines by using a photoflow reactor is reported and compared with thermal formation of 2H-azirines. Photochemically, the ring of the 2H-azirines was opened to yield the nitrile ylides, which underwent a [3 + 2]-cycloaddition with 1,3-dipolarophiles. When diisopropyl azodicarboxylate serves as the dipolarophile, 1,3,4-triazoles become directly accessible starting from the corresponding vinyl azide.
Open Social Networking for Online Collaboration
Authors: Franchi Enrico , Poggi Agostino , Tomaiuolo Michele
Published: August 2013

Features of online social networks are being introduced in various applications and environments, including tools supporting virtual teams and online collaboration in general. In fact, social networking has a large potential for easing collaboration, also across organizational boundaries. However, effective e-collaboration through social networks requires the development of open and interoperable systems, allowing people belonging to different organizations to create ties, reflecting real connections existing in daily activities. Attention has to be paid to identity management, for allowing users to develop their reputation consistently, and to privacy and confidentiality, for creating a more trustful environment and protecting freedom of expression. In this article, the authors propose a novel peer-to-peer system, named Blogracy, leveraging the large BitTorrent network. Its main distinguishing features are: (i) protection of users' identity and privacy, (ii) absence of central control over published content; (iii) interoperability with other systems; and (iv) low costs and scalability of the infrastructure.