bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep grey matter T2 hypo-intensity in patients with paediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ceccarelli Antonia , Rocca Maria A , Perego Elisabetta , Moiola Lucia , Ghezzi Angelo , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo
Published: January 2011

Objective: T2 hypo-intensity on magnetic resonance imaging scans is thought to reflect pathological iron deposition in the presence of disease. In this pilot study, we evaluated the utility of the quantification of T2 hypo-intensities in paediatric patients by estimating deep grey matter (DGM) T2 hypo-intensities in paediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), and their changes over 1 year.

Methods: A dual-echo sequence was obtained from 45 paediatric patients (10 with CIS, 35 with relapsing–remitting MS, 8 with an onset of the disease before the age of 10 and 37 during adolescence) and 14 age-matched healthy controls (HC). Eleven patients were reassessed both clinically and with MRI after 1 year. Normalized T2 intensity in the basal ganglia and thalamus was quantified.

Results: At baseline, DGM T2 intensity was similar between paediatric patients and HC in all the structures analysed, except for the head of the left caudate nucleus ( p = 0.001). DGM T2 intensity of the head of the left caudate nucleus was similar between paediatric CIS and RRMS patients, but it was reduced in adolescent-onset paediatric patients versus HC ( p = 0.002). In all patients, DGM T2 intensity of the head of the left caudate nucleus was correlated with T2 lesion volume ( r = −0.39, p = 0.007). DGM T2 intensity in all the structures analysed with longitudinal assessment remained stable over the follow-up in the cohort of patients.

Conclusions: The quantification of DGM T2 intensity in paediatric patients may provide surrogate markers of neurodegeneration. In paediatric MS, DGM is likely to be affected by iron-related changes, which are likely to be, at least partially, secondary to WM damage.
Combination anti-CD74 (milatuzumab) and anti-CD20 (rituximab) monoclonal antibody therapy has in vitro and in vivo activity in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Alinari Lapo , Yu Bo , Christian Beth A. , Yan Fengting , Shin Jungook , Lapalombella Rosa , Hertlein Erin , Lustberg Mark E. , Quinion Carl , Zhang Xiaoli , Lozanski Gerard , Muthusamy Natarajan , Prætorius-Ibba Mette , O'Connor Owen A. , Goldenberg David M. , Byrd John C. , Blum Kristie A. , Baiocchi Robert A.
Published: January 2011

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell malignancy with a median survival of 3 years despite chemoimmunotherapy. Rituximab, a chimeric anti–CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb), has shown only modest activity as single agent in MCL. The humanized mAb milatuzumab targets CD74, an integral membrane protein linked with promotion of B-cell growth and survival, and has shown preclinical activity against B-cell malignancies. Because rituximab and milatuzumab target distinct antigens and potentially signal through different pathways, we explored a preclinical combination strategy in MCL. Treatment of MCL cell lines and primary tumor cells with immobilized milatuzumab and rituximab resulted in rapid cell death, radical oxygen species generation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Cytoskeletal distrupting agents significantly reduced formation of CD20/CD74 aggregates, cell adhesion, and cell death, highlighting the importance of actin microfilaments in rituximab/milatuzumab–mediated cell death. Cell death was independent of caspase activation, Bcl-2 family proteins or modulation of autophagy. Maximal inhibition of p65 nuclear translocation was observed with combination treatment, indicating disruption of the NF-κB pathway. Significant in vivo therapeutic activity of combination rituximab and milatuzumab was demonstrated in a preclinical model of MCL. These data support clinical evaluation of combination milatuzumab and rituximab therapy in MCL.
3D Kirchhoff prestack time migration in average illumination-azimuth and incident-angle domain for isotropic and vertical transversely isotropic media
Authors: Cheng Jiubing , Geng Jianhua , Wang Huazhong , Ma Zaitian
Published: January 2011

Conventional offset domain prestack migration tends to bring ambiguity and migration artifacts because it smears energy from different angles at the image point. To avoid this, prestack depth migration implementations in angle domain have been investigated in the past decades. As an efficient imaging tool, angle domain Kirchhoff prestack time migration is still useful and was proposed recently. However, existing algorithms cannot handle ray bending and anisotropy correctly. Practically, azimuth analysis for fractured reservoirs should be carried out after migration for most geological settings. Unfortunately, the existing migration algorithm implicitly involves some kind of binning to source-receiver azimuth, which may not be the real wave-pathazimuth, especially for side-scattering or out-of-plane waves. In this paper, we present an algorithm for 3D Kirchhoff prestack time migration in average illumination azimuth and incident angle domain, which matches true wave path naturally and more accurately. To handle ray bending and vertical transversely isotropy, we propose several approaches to estimate two-way traveltime and the corresponding angular attributes through extended offset-to-angle mapping. Based upon these approaches, our 3D prestack time migration can provide high-quality common-image gathers for amplitude variation with incident angle and/or amplitude variation with offset and azimuth analyses, even in media with slight to moderate lateral heterogeneity. The 2D and 3D synthetic examples prove the validity of our methods.
Introduction
Authors: Kane Brian
Published: January 2011

Stanley Cavell's thinking on music may appear an odd theme for a special issue of the Journal of Music Theory. According to Cavell, “although I have written very little explicitly about music... something I have demanded from philosophy has been an understanding precisely of what I had sought in music.” In this introduction, a brief history behind the issue is presented and a comparison is drawn between the tasks of music theory and Cavell's “demands” upon philosophy. By glossing Cavell's notion of the “scene of instruction,” questions of teaching, epistemic justification, intersubjective acknowledgment, and personal responsibility over one's critical language are introduced as central themes. One of Cavell's “scenes” involves David Lewin, and the friendship of these two figures is subsequently discussed. Lastly, these themes are related to the various articles in the issue, which are quickly introduced and loosely organized in groups for the benefit of the reader.
Antagonistic interactions of hedgehog, Bmp and retinoic acid signals control zebrafish endocrine pancreas development
Authors: Tehrani Zahra , Lin Shuo
Published: January 2011

Pancreatic organogenesis is promoted or restricted by different signaling pathways. In amniotes, inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) activity in the early embryonic endoderm is a prerequisite for pancreatic specification. However, in zebrafish, loss of Hh signaling leads to a severe reduction of β-cells, leading to some ambiguity as to the role of Hh during pancreas development and whether its function has completely diverged between species. Here, we have employed genetic and pharmacological manipulations to temporally delineate the role of Hh in zebrafish endocrine pancreas development and investigate its relationship with the Bmp and retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways. We found that Hh is required at the start of gastrulation for the medial migration and differentiation of pdx1-expressing pancreatic progenitors at later stages. This early positive role of Hh promotes β-cell lineage differentiation by restricting the repressive effects of Bmp. Inhibition of Bmp signaling in the early gastrula leads to increased β-cell numbers and partially rescued β-cell formation in Hh-deficient embryos. By the end of gastrulation, Hh switches to a negative role by antagonizing RA-mediated specification of the endocrine pancreas, but continues to promote differentiation of exocrine progenitors. We show that RA downregulates the Hh signaling components ptc1 and smo in endodermal explants, indicating a possible molecular mechanism for blocking axial mesoderm-derived Hh ligands from the prepancreatic endoderm during the specification stage. These results identify multiple sequential roles for Hh in pancreas development and highlight an unexpected antagonistic relationship between Hh and other signaling pathways to control pancreatic specification and differentiation.
Dynamic growth program regulated by LANCEOLATE enables flexible leaf patterning
Authors: Shleizer-Burko Sharona , Burko Yogev , Ben-Herzel Ori , Ori Naomi
Published: January 2011

During their development, leaves progress through a highly controlled yet flexible developmental program. Transcription factors from the CIN-TCP family affect leaf shape by regulating the timing of leaf maturation. Characterization of mutants in the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) CIN-TCP gene LANCEOLATE (LA) led us to hypothesize that a threshold LA-like activity promotes leaf differentiation. Here, we examined the relationship between LA activity, leaf maturation, and final leaf size and shape. Leaves of diverse shapes from various Solanaceae species or from different positions on the tomato plant differed in the timing of growth and maturation, and these were often associated with altered LA expression dynamics. Accordingly, genetic manipulations of LA activity in tomato altered leaf growth and maturation, leading to changes in leaf size and shape. LA expression sustained until late stages of tomato leaf development, and stage-specific overexpression of miR319, a negative regulator of CIN-TCP genes, confirmed that LA-like proteins affect leaf development through these late stages. Together, our results imply that dynamic spatial and temporal leaf maturation, coordinated by LA-like genes, enables the formation of variable leaf forms.
Venous thromboembolism prevention in medical patients: a framework for improving practice
Authors: Vaughan-Shaw P G , Cannon C
Published: January 2011

Objective

Medical inpatients have been shown to be at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) including fatal pulmonary emboli. Several studies have shown that pharmacological thromboprophylaxis significantly reduces the rates of VTE, yet studies published to date have shown a considerable underuse of thromboprophylaxis in medical patients. This study assesses the current use of thromboprophylaxis in medical patients at our institution and aims to identify simple strategies to improve practice.

Design

A prospective study of thromboprophylaxis prescription was undertaken on three occasions over a 12-month period. Patients were stratified according to the number of risk factors and standards of thromboprophylaxis assessed according to risk. After the first round of data collection, results were presented, a local guideline was developed and a risk assessment was added to the clerking pro forma.

Results

There were 122 patients in the first round, 101 in the second and 163 in the third. Eligible moderate and high-risk patients receiving a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) increased from 31% to 63% ( P < 0.005) over the study period. Prescription of thromboembolic deterrent (TED) stockings in those contraindicated to LMWH increased from 23% to 35% although this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.08), and the percentage of high-risk patients correctly receiving LMWH, TED stockings or both increased from 22% to 62% ( P < 0.0005). Documentation of contraindications to thromboprophylaxis increased from 0% to 59% ( P < 0.0005).

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates an initial rate of thromboprophylaxis use considerably less than the ENDORSE trial. However the strategies employed following initial audit resulted in a significant increase in the prescription of both mechanical and pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. This example demonstrates the role of audit education and a risk assessment in stimulating change. Such strategies could be used to ensure compliance to recently published National Institute of Clinical Excellence VTE guidelines. Furthermore this example could be generalized to improve other aspects of care.
Synthetic studies toward the spiroimine unit of the spirolides
Authors: Guéret Stéphanie M. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: January 2011

Synthetic studies toward the spiroimine unit of the spirolide family of shellfish biotoxins are described. Several strategies for introduction of the C7, C29, and C32 stereocenters of the A,E-ring system of the spirolides are described, such as spironitrone formation, Birch reductive alkylation, and asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloadditions.
Non–HDL Cholesterol Shows Improved Accuracy for Cardiovascular Risk Score Classification Compared to Direct or Calculated LDL Cholesterol in a Dyslipidemic Population
Authors: van Deventer Hendrick E , Miller W Greg , Myers Gary L , Sakurabayashi Ikunosuke , Bachmann Lorin M , Caudill Samuel P , Dziekonski Andrzej , Edwards Selvin , Kimberly Mary M , Korzun William J , Leary Elizabeth T , Nakajima Katsuyuki , Nakamura Masakazu , Shamburek Robert D , Vetrovec George W , Warnick G Russell , Remaley Alan T
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score classification by direct LDL cholesterol (dLDL-C), calculated LDL cholesterol (cLDL-C), and non–HDL cholesterol (non–HDL-C) compared to classification by reference measurement procedures (RMPs) performed at the CDC.

METHODS

We examined 175 individuals, including 138 with CVD or conditions that may affect LDL-C measurement. dLDL-C measurements were performed using Denka, Kyowa, Sekisui, Serotec, Sysmex, UMA, and Wako reagents. cLDL-C was calculated by the Friedewald equation, using each manufacturer's direct HDL-C assay measurements, and total cholesterol and triglyceride measurements by Roche and Siemens (Advia) assays, respectively.

RESULTS

For participants with triglycerides <2.26 mmol/L (<200 mg/dL), the overall misclassification rate for the CVD risk score ranged from 5% to 17% for cLDL-C methods and 8% to 26% for dLDL-C methods when compared to the RMP. Only Wako dLDL-C had fewer misclassifications than its corresponding cLDL-C method (8% vs 17%; P < 0.05). Non–HDL-C assays misclassified fewer patients than dLDL-C for 4 of 8 methods (P < 0.05). For participants with triglycerides ≥2.26 mmol/L (≥200 mg/dL) and <4.52 mmol/L (<400 mg/dL), dLDL-C methods, in general, performed better than cLDL-C methods, and non–HDL-C methods showed better correspondence to the RMP for CVD risk score than either dLDL-C or cLDL-C methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Except for hypertriglyceridemic individuals, 7 of 8 dLDL-C methods failed to show improved CVD risk score classification over the corresponding cLDL-C methods. Non–HDL-C showed overall the best concordance with the RMP for CVD risk score classification of both normal and hypertriglyceridemic individuals.
Effect of Physisporinus vitreus on wood properties of Norway spruce. Part 1: Aspects of delignification and surface hardness
Authors: Lehringer Christian , Koch Gerald , Adusumalli Ramesh-Babu , Mook William M. , Richter Klaus , Militz Holger
Published: January 2011

The white rot fungus Physisporinus vitreus is currently tested for several biotechnological applications such as permeability improvement of refractory wood species or the optimization of the acoustic properties of wood for violins. The enzymatic activity of P. vitreus results in the degradation of pit membranes and simultaneous alterations of the tracheid cell wall structure in wood of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst]. By this means, selective delignification and simultaneous degradation occur in the latewood tracheids at short incubation times. To study the delignification of individual cell wall layers in latewood tracheids, cellular UV-microspectrophotometry was applied to wood of Norway spruce that had been incubated for between 3 and 9 weeks. By means of this technique, the progressing delignification was demonstrated in the latewood tracheid secondary walls. Moreover, local delignification in close proximity to hyphal tunneling, cavities, and notches was evident. Additionally, the mechanical changes were measured (a) at the macroscopic level by Brinell hardness test and (b) at the cellular level by nanoindentation. Brinell hardness was significantly reduced with increasing incubation time which was attributed to the partial delignification. Unlike Brinell tests, results from nanoindentation tests did not show a clear effect of fungal activity because of the material heterogeneity and the high spatial resolution of this technique. The present study provides methodological approaches for the investigation of wood-fungus interactions and contributes to a better understanding of the characteristics of wood decay at the subcellular level caused by the white rot fungus P. vitreus. Moreover, it establishes the basis for a subsequent chemical analysis, for which the results will be the topic of a second paper in this series.
Progestin effects in endometriosis treatment: new research on mechanisms
Authors: Mueck Alfred O.
Published: January 2011

New research on mechanisms of progestin effects in endometriosis treatment has been performed with dienogest (DNG), which has recently been launched in this regard. It is effective in the same low dosage of 2 mg/day, similar to the use of contraception and hormone therapy, whereas other progestogens (with the exception of dydrogesterone) must be given in much higher dosages to treat typical symptoms of endometriosis. This short review summarizes experimental studies on DNG. They demonstrate strong antiproliferative effects in endometrial and endometriotic cells or experimental endometriosis, as well as anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic actions. By direct action on the ovarian folliculogenesis DNG lead to only modest suppression of estradiol production in contrast to the high-dosed progestogens or to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. These effects add to the well-known tolerability because DNG is very neutral regarding cardiovascular, metabolic or central action which also makes it suitable for long-term therapy.
Mechanisms for differential effects between natural progesterone and synthetic progestogens on normal breast tissue
Authors: Söderqvist Gunnar
Published: January 2011

Both epidemiological studies and experimental data on normal breast tissue suggest increased cancer risk, proliferation and mammographic breast density (MD) during hormone therapy (HT) containing synthetic progestogens in traditional doses, and the relative risk or RR is approximately 1.5–3 (for women treated vs. untreated with the above therapies), proliferation levels of normal breast epithelial cells of around 10% and increase in MD in up to around 50% of women during treatment. Dose-response relationships have been inferred by correlations between progestogens as levonorgestrel, norethisterone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate on the one hand and proliferation and/or MD on the other hand, and of indications of lower relative risk of breast cancer with modern low or ultra-low dose HT. In contrast, natural progesterone endogenously during the menstrual cycle has a weak effect and exogenous estrogen in combination with oral micronized progesterone in HT has shown to yield an indifferent effect on proliferation. Furthermore, in epidemiological studies such as the French E3N cohort, these combinations have not shown any risk increase for breast cancer for at least 5 years of treatment. Experimental data supporting or not supporting the view that the main proliferative mechanism for natural progesterone is through binding to its nascent progesterone receptors is discussed as well as the pros and cons that the non-physiological higher proliferation levels induced by synthetic progestogens is mainly mediated through interaction with potent growth factors and their paracrine and/or cell signaling pathways.
Humic substances extraction, characterization and interaction with U(VI) at Ruprechtov site (CZ)
Authors: Červinka Radek , Štamberg Karel , Havlová Václava , Noseck Ulrich
Published: January 2011

The extent of complexation between natural humic acid (HA) and uranium(VI) has been investigated at the Ruprechtov natural analogue site, Czech Republic. Natural HA was extracted from the clay sediments enriched by organic matter and then characterized for their elemental composition, UV/Vis and infrared spectroscopic properties, exchange capacity and protonation constants. Moreover, the reference sample HA-leonardite was selected and studied for comparison. Complexation between natural HA and U(VI) was studied using the cation exchange technique at pH 5–6. The experimental work was focused on study dependence of U(VI) complexation with HA: i) on the concentration of HA 1–40 mg/l, and ii) on the concentration of U(VI) 1×10−5–1×10−7 M. The charge neutralization model (CNM) was used for evaluation of the experimental data, modified in a way, that the total charge was divided among the individual U(VI) species in solution under given conditions. The stability constant value was determined to be logβ=4.32±0.50, LC=50–60%, being independent on the HA concentration at U(VI) concentrations of 1×10−4 M. On the other hand, a dependence on the stability constant for the different U(VI) concentrations was observed. At close to real conditions of the site (U(VI)=1×10−7 M andmHA=5 mg/l) the stability constant logβ=6.16, LC=50.3–52.7%.
Comparative performance of semi-absolutek0-instrumental neutron activation analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) for compositional decoding of aluminum base alloys
Authors: Wasim Mohammad , Ahmad Sajjad , Arif Mohammad , Daud Muhammad , Nawaz H.
Published: January 2011

Samples of certified aluminum base alloys were analyzed by semi-absolute, standardlessk0-instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA) for compositional decoding. Irradiations were performed at two research reactors located at Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology having nominal thermal neutron fluxes of 1013and 1012 cm−2s−1. The experimentally optimized parameters for NAA suggest a maximum of three sets of irradiations for the quantification of 8 major and minor elements. Moreover, the same conditions provided quantitative results for 10 other elements as impurities, which were not reported by the supplier of the reference material. The same alloys were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) where all impurity elements, quantified byk0-INAA, were below the detection limits. A comparison of % relative deviation of the results obtained byk0-INAA and ICP-OES revealed that the former has better accuracy than ICP-OES, butk0-INAA has poor limits of detection for Mg, Si and Ti in aluminum base alloy.
Determination of 235U/238U ratio by low energy gamma rays: an experimental evaluation
Authors: Mirashi Nirupama N. , Chakraborty Sumana , Aggarwal S. K.
Published: January 2011

Determination of the 235U/238U atom ratio is required for various applications. Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) is generally used for this purpose since the method gives most precise results. However, the method has limitations like elaborate sample preparation and high cost. Thus, an alternative methodology based on low energy photon spectrometry (LEPS) was developed and tested using routine samples. It involves the determination of gamma (γ) activity at gamma energies of 63.3, 92.8, 143.6, and 185.7 keV in isotopic standard solutions of uranium and different enriched uranium sample solutions. The method is fast as it does not involve chemical treatment as in TIMS. In this paper, a comparative evaluation of thermal ionization mass spectrometry and low energy photon spectrometry is reported for the determination of the 235U/238U atom ratio. The results obtained by the two systems compare well with each other within the statistical uncertainties of each system. Between the two, low energy photon spectrometry will be useful for rapid analysis of routine samples of enriched uranium.
Treatment and Disposal of Water Treatment Plant Residuals for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Phu Tran Dinh , Pham Huey Douglas , Dan Ly Chung , Hurdle Robert Lawson
Published: January 2011

New regulations in Vietnam will prevent the current practice of returning water treatment plant residual solids back to the environment. Therefore, the Saigon Water Corporation (SAWACO) and CDM are evaluating alternatives that are both cost-effective and meet all environmental requirements.
Heavy Metal Pollution in Xiangjiang River Basin and Its Emergency Response
Authors: Chen S.Y. , Shi Z.
Published: January 2011

Xiangjiang River is a major tributary of the Yangtze River, with a population of 40 million covering the whole river basin. As the important non-ferrous metal mining and smelting industrial area of China, As a result of extensive development of non-ferrous metal mining, smelting and processing industry, the basin suffered severe heavy metal pollution, especially mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, etc both in water body and sediment. In response to this severe situation, the central and local governments have developed the corresponding heavy metal pollution emergency mechanisms, and control of heavy metal pollution in Xiangjiang River has been included in the agenda of national governance plan. In recent years, our group has also conducted researches in heavy metal removal technologies, including adsorption and enhanced coagulation processes for conventional water treatment plants to response emergent contamination.
Current and Future Challenges for DEWATS Researchers and Designers
Authors: Buckley C.A.
Published: January 2011

The current challenges facing the provision of sanitation services to the poor are explained in terms of the MDGs, rigid discharge standards, increasing water stress, intermittent energy supply are outlined. They are contrasted with future responses and objectives such as sustainability targets, risk based approaches to the setting of effluent limits, the emphasis on water conservation, food security and the acknowledgement of excreta as a resource. In spite of these secondary objective it must be noted that the primary reason for sanitation systems is public health. The main pathogen load is in excreta which is traditionally dispersed in many times its mass of water. The large numbers of peoples to be served implies that the systems need to be standardized, prefabricated and to be capable of integrating into an upgrade trajectory. This implies that although the systems must be inexpensive, the technology which is used to developing the systems must be sophisticated. The upgrade trajectory needs to take into account aspects such as low flows, separated waste streams (source separation), the beneficial use of the components in excreta (possibly in agriculture) and the use of low energy processes - possibly to be even a net energy producer.

Research challenges will include the splitting of streams so as to promote better treatment or reuse; the development of low pressure (or gravity driven) membrane systems and the integration of constructed wetlands and agricultural systems into the treatment process. The streams will become much more concentrated so that reactor design more sophisticated.

The DEWATS system which consisting of an anaerobic baffled reactor followed by an anaerobic filter which feeds into a constructed wetland and incorporating gravity membrane filtration will provide different qualities of treated wastewater for use in horticulture. The inclusion of source separation will provide additional cost savings and agricultural benefits.
Evaluation of the Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Plants in Four Provinces in Indonesia
Authors: Rochmadi R. , Ciptaraharja I. , Setiadi T.
Published: January 2011

In Indonesia there is a number of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Plant or Community-based Sanitation (called SANIMAS) locations. In this study, the survey locations included Tangerang – Serang Province, Surabaya – East Java Province, Yogyakarta Province and Bali Province. These locations were selected for the following considerations: variation of influent into the SANIMAS system, ease of access to the SANIMAS manager, availability of resources and data completeness of the system and the distance to the available wastewater laboratory. Most of the SANIMAS, systems applied in Indonesia were developed by BORDA having a similar shape and size.

The study found that the typical BORDA biodigester (with a diameter of 3 meter) could work well at the loading rate of 1 kg-COD/day/m3 of biodigester, and it could reduce COD up to 3.5 kg-COD/day. If all of the removed COD was converted into biogas, it would produce 1,850 L of biogas/day, with the concentration of CH4 in biogas of about 75%. Moreover, the SANIMAS system operation was very simple; in general, there were no obstacles in the operation of SANIMAS system, neither in communal, tofu-tempe industries, nor in treating cattle dung. However, there were several constraints/problems associated with the system performance and SANIMAS system as a whole found in this study.
A Decentralized Grey Water Treatment and Reuse System in a Residential Area for Landscaping and Environmental Purposes
Authors: Wang X. C. , Cheng B. B. , Chen R.
Published: January 2011

A case study was conducted in a residential area in Xi'an, China for grey water treatment and reuse for landscaping and environmental purposes. Through a dual-pipe system, grey water and black water were separately collected from 6 buildings at a flow rate about 100 m3/d. The collected grey water was treated by a hybrid physicochemical process using a fluidized pellet bed separator as the first stage and by ozone enhanced flotation as the second stage. In order to maintain good water quality in the artificial lake, part of the stored water was sent back to the second stage of the treatment facilities for water quality polishing. From the pond, water was also pumped for gardening and other non-potable uses. The average daily consumption (for gardening, surface evaporation and other losses) was about 60 m3/d.

The project was proved technically feasible because the treatment system could provide water with good quality to meet the specification of for scenic environment reuse and sustain a beautiful water environment. It was also proved economically feasible because the cost for water reclamation could be well compensated by the cost saved for purchasing fresh water which would be consumed for the same purpose of landscaping and environmental water use. This case study provided a good example of decentralized wastewater treatment and reclamation for landscaping and environmental reuse.
Anaerobic Digestion of Domestic Wastewater: The Role of Alkalinity in the Rate and Extent of Digestion
Authors: Foxon KM , Brouckaert CJ , Buckley CA
Published: January 2011

For an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) treating domestic wastewater, the major variables affecting the rate and extent of digestion are the organic loading/residence time, the upflow velocity and the pH/alkalinity characteristics of the wastewater. In this study, an ABR was operated at two different flow rates; in Phase A, a higher loading rate of 0.74 kgCOD/m3.d was employed, while in Phase B, the loading rate was reduced to 0.40 kgCOD/m3.d. At the higher organic loading rate, significantly higher solids accumulation rates per kgCOD treated were obtained, and it was estimated that only 30% of the influent COD was converted to CH4. At the lower loading rate the estimated conversion to methane was 60%.

The most probable cause for the poor COD removal was failure of stable anaerobic microbial consortia to establish under the relatively high selection pressure experienced at the high loading rate, due to washout of anaerobic species. It was concluded that low wastewater alkalinity (240 mgCaCO3/l) characteristic of the KwaZulu-Natal East Coast region resulted in low compartment pH values and associated inhibition of microbial activity, causing slower digestion of organics, and greater washout, particularly of methanogenic organisms, at higher up-flow velocities. The implication was that critical value for up-flow velocity, above which washout of anaerobic species occurs, depends on the organic loading and the prevailing pH and alkalinity.

This has implications for the stability of any anaerobic system, and the extent of treatment of the effluent, specifically, that low wastewater alkalinity has the potential to significantly affect reactor design in any anaerobic system.
Urine Separation - Opportunities for Developing Countries
Authors: Ronteltap Mariska , Sirait Nanda Lasro Elisabet
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we discuss the possibilities for separate urine collection, treatment and reuse. Treatment technologies are discussed per category of hygienisation, volume reduction, stabilisation, phosphorus and nitrogen removal. Several recovery products can be obtained, of which the slow-release fertiliser struvite is the most common.

Urine can also be applied as a fertiliser itself, after hygienisation and reducing ammonia loss to a minimum. It is shown that urine is well worth being regarded as a resource and not merely a waste stream. In combination with onsite sanitation, even without reuse, urine separation contributes to prevention of groundwater pollution.
Development of a Model System for Participatory Community Waste Water Treatment Using Low-cost, Space-saving Technology in Densely Populated Area of Yogyakarta Special Province
Authors: Tanaka N. , Soejarwo H. , Soejarwo A.
Published: January 2011

A model system for participatory communal waste water treatment system was developed in densely populated area of Yogyakarta special province. After the community member's awareness for sanitation and motivation for the system was developed, affordable technology was carefully selected. As the community member's income was low and the available space for the system was very limited, rotating biological contactors with three dimensional lattice media was selected. The technology was also characterized with easiness of operation. After short training of operation and maintenance, the system has been continuously operated by community members with their own expense.
Selecting Sanitation Solutions for Peri-urban Areas: A Case Study of Can Tho, Vietnam
Authors: Carrard Naomi , Willetts Juliet , Mitchell Cynthia , Paddon Mick , Retamal Monique
Published: January 2011

In peri-urban areas where infrastructure investments have not yet been made, there is a need to determine the most context-appropriate, fit for purpose and sustainable sanitation solutions. Decision makers must identify the optimal system scale (on the spectrum from centralized to community to cluster scale) and assess the long-term costs and socio-economic/environmental impacts associated with different options. Addressing both cost-effectiveness and sustainability are essential to ensure that institutions and communities are able to continue to bear the costs and management burden of infrastructure operation, maintenance and asset replacement. This paper describes an approach to sanitation planning currently being undertaken as a research study in Can Tho City in southern Vietnam, by the Institute for Sustainable Futures and Can Tho University in collaboration with Can Tho Water Supply and Sewerage Company. The aim of the study is to facilitate selection of the most context-appropriate, fit for purpose, cost effective and sustainable sanitation infrastructure solution. As such, the study compares a range of sanitation alternatives including centralized, decentralized (at household or cluster scale) and resource recovery options. This paper provides an overview of the study and considers aspects of the Can Tho and Vietnamese regulatory, development and institutional context that present drivers and challenges for comparison of options and selection of fit for purpose sanitation systems.
Cost-effective and Sustainable Sanitation Options
Authors: Guimet V. , Fournier V. , Goas H. Le , Arnaud P. , Audic J.M. , Vuathier J.
Published: January 2011

How to select the most cost-effective sustainable option for a sanitation system in the context of an urban or suburban area in a developing country? What expertise is available? Where to begin? In fact, the challenge is not in selecting the right source separation technology or recovery option but in applying it efficiently in the field. The technologies need to be combined with adequate financial and social structures in order to improve sanitary conditions and finally to achieve sustainability and the goal of the sanitation millennium (MDG sanitation target, 7). The article reviews the existing expertise and draws lessons from past experiences in the private sector (management contracts and projects).
The Involvement of the Private Sector to Ensure Sustainability of Systems
Authors: Henschel S.
Published: January 2011

The need to enhance electricity access in rural areas of developing countries is universally recognized. However, tremendous challenges remain to finance electrification initiatives, to ensure the long term sustainability of rural electricity systems. In Lao PDR, one of the targets the government sets to achieve is the provision of electricity to 90% of the households by 2020. Considering the topography of the country and the low density of population, this ambitious objective can be reached only if innovative financing and operating mechanisms are developed and if private and public investors work closely together. A strategy based purely on government funded grid extension will not lead to the achievement of the objective.

Exploring small hydro-power generation and the operation of village grids, energy provider Sunlabob has developed an innovative private-public partnership aimed at producing clean, reliable and affordable electricity in remote areas, empowering local communities, and promoting the use of electricity for productive and social purposes. The innovative features of this partnership include, mutual leverage of public and private funds for infrastructure development, community ownership and management of the fixed structures of the mini-grid (small dam, power house, transmission poles and lines), a combination of different efficient and reliable modern renewable energy technologies privately installed and owned which provide electricity 24/7 at low cost, training of local technicians who become energy entrepreneurs, empowerment of local communities for management and decision making as well as participatory work with local communities to identify productive and social uses of electricity. Both private and public partners have clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Linking affordable electricity generation on the one hand and development of productive and social activities on the other hand is a new approach which is needed to ensure the viability of the mini-grid and to maximize the positive impact on the socio-economic development of target villages.
Novel 2-phenyl-3-{4'-[n-(4''-aminophenyl)carbamoyl]-phenyl}-quinazoline-4(3H)one-6-sulphonic acid based mono azo reactive dyes
Authors: Patel Divyesh , Patel Keshav
Published: January 2011

A series of new heterocyclic mono azo reactive dyes (7a-m) were prepared by
diazotization of 2-phenyl-3-{4'-[N-(4''-
aminophenyl)carbamoyl]-phenyl}-quinazoline-4(3H)-one-6-sulphonic acid (3) and
coupling with various cyanurated coupling components (6a-m) and their dyeing
performance on silk, wool and cotton fibres was assessed. These dyes were
found to give a variety of colour shades with very good depth and levelness
on the fibres. All the compounds were identified by conventional method (IR,
1H-NMR) and elemental analyses. The percentage dye bath exhaustion on
different fibres was reasonably good and acceptable. The dyed fibre showed
moderate to very good fastness to light, washing and rubbing.
Randomized Study of Basal-Bolus Insulin Therapy in the Inpatient Management of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing General Surgery (RABBIT 2 Surgery)
Authors: Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Smiley Dawn , Jacobs Sol , Peng Limin , Temponi Angel , Mulligan Patrick , Umpierrez Denise , Newton Christopher , Olson Darin , Rizzo Monica
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

The optimal treatment of hyperglycemia in general surgical patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is not known.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This randomized multicenter trial compared the safety and efficacy of a basal-bolus insulin regimen with glargine once daily and glulisine before meals (n = 104) to sliding scale regular insulin (SSI) four times daily (n = 107) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing general surgery. Outcomes included differences in daily blood glucose (BG) and a composite of postoperative complications including wound infection, pneumonia, bacteremia, and respiratory and acute renal failure.

RESULTS

The mean daily glucose concentration after the 1st day of basal-bolus insulin and SSI was 145 ± 32 mg/dL and 172 ± 47 mg/dL, respectively (P < 0.01). Glucose readings <140 mg/dL were recorded in 55% of patients in basal-bolus and 31% in the SSI group (P < 0.001). There were reductions with basal-bolus as compared with SSI in the composite outcome [24.3 and 8.6%; odds ratio 3.39 (95% CI 1.50–7.65); P = 0.003]. Glucose <70 mg/dL was reported in 23.1% of patients in the basal-bolus group and 4.7% in the SSI group (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in the frequency of BG <40 mg/dL between groups (P = 0.057).

CONCLUSIONS

Basal-bolus treatment with glargine once daily plus glulisine before meals improved glycemic control and reduced hospital complications compared with SSI in general surgery patients. Our study indicates that a basal-bolus insulin regimen is preferred over SSI in the hospital management of general surgery patients with type 2 diabetes.
Recent advances in otolaryngology - head & neck surgery
Authors: Tarafder Kamrul Hassan
Published: January 2011

DOI: 10.3329/bjo.v16i2.6831Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2010; 16(2): 76-79
Advantages of ultrasonic tonsillectomy by harmonic scalpel
Authors: Chowdhury M Alamgir , Yasmeen Naseem , Rabbani SM Gplam , Malakar Mousumi , Hoque Farzana , Lisa Tahmina Ferdousi
Published: January 2011

Objective: To find out the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonic tonsillectomy by harmonic scalpel.Design and setting: A prospective study was conducted over a period of five years; from 01.07.2005 to 30.06.2010 in Comfort Nursing Home, 167B, Green Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Results: Hospital admitted 540 cases of ultrasonic harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy were included and analyzed. 360 cases were male; whereas 180 cases were female in this study. 0-10 years (168 cases) were the commonest age group of study people. Complications were rare, only two cases 0.37% of secondary hemorrhage had happened and no cases of reactionary hemorrhage was reported.Conclusion: The advantages are almost no bleeding, precise dissection of tonsils, less post operative pain, reduce postoperative discomfort, earlier return to normal activities, oral feeding immediately after operation and less operative time. Key words: Ultrasonic tonsillectomy; Harmonic scalpel. DOI: 10.3329/bjo.v16i2.6843Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2010; 16(2): 91-95
Pattern and degree of hearing loss in chronic suppurative otitis media
Authors: Islam Mohammed Shafiqul , Islam Md Rafiqul , Bhuiyan Mohammad Ashequr Rahman , Rashid Md Shazibur , Datta Pran Gopal
Published: January 2011

Objectives: To assess the pattern and degree of hearing loss in CSOM. Methods: A prospective study was carried out from January, 2007 to December, 2008 at the department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, BSMMU, Dhaka This study included 150 cases with 198 ears of CSOM including both tubo-tympanic and attico-antral variety excluding intracranial complications if any. Results: There were 81.31% cases of tubo-tympanic and 18.69% cases of attico-antral patients. Age of the patients was between 5-60 years, where male were 59.33% and female were 44.67%. Highest number of patients was in the age group of 21-30 years. Out of 198 ears, 102 had unilateral perforation and 96 had bilateral perforation. Most of the patients (53.33%) came from low income family and majority of them used to take their bath in the pond (29.34%) followed by tube-well (24.44%). Most of the patients had cleaning habit with clothes with sticks (53.5%).Majority of them resided in katcha house (52%) with poor hygienic condition. Central melleolar perforations were maximum (41.41%) and anterior central perforations were minimum (18.69%). According to sized of perforation, medium size central perforations were common (26.67%) It was shown that the site and sized of perforation affects the degree of hearing loss. Posterior central and attic perforations had greater hearing loss, 51.5 dB and 57.36 dB accordingly. On the basis of size, subtotal perforation had more hearing loss (54.54dB). It was also shown that posterior central perforation had greater hearing loss (51.5dB) than anterior- central (33.64dB) perforation. Hearing loss was more marked in patients with long duration of disease. In a history of 21-25years of disease, mean air conduction thresholds was 59 dB whereas of 0-5 years were 38.18 dB. Difference between them was statistically significant (t=5.88, p<0.001). Among the pattern of hearing loss, most of patients had conductive type (80.8%) hearing loss followed by mixed (17.17%) and sensorineural types (2.01%). Conclusion: Site of perforation, size of perforation and duration of disease affects the degree of hearing loss in CSOM . Key words: Hearing loss; CSOM; Tubo-tympanic; Attico-antral. DOI: 10.3329/bjo.v16i2.6844Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2010; 16(2): 96-105
Isolated loop of Intestine presenting as a lateral neck lump: unusual presentation of neck teratoma
Authors: Matin MA , Ali Md Shajahan
Published: January 2011

Dermoid cysts are benign congenital lesions usually presenting as midline neck mass. They rarely appear in the lateral neck region. There is a report of dermoid cyst along with an isolated loop of intestine presenting as lateral neck swelling in a 10-year-old boy. The intestinal loop was completely separated from the pharynx and full of muconeum was found after opening the loop. Complete excision was done. After a thorough search, we conclude that this is the first reported case of neck teratoma presenting as loop of intestine. Key words: Dermoid; Teratoma; Primitive loop of intestine. DOI: 10.3329/bjo.v16i2.6850Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2010; 16(2): 133-135