bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of novel pyrazoline based bis (1,2,3-triazole) scaffolds via click chemistry
Authors: Kiran Kothuri , Ashok Dongamanti , Rao Boddu , Sarasija Madderla , Rao Alapati
Published: October 2016

A series of novel bis(1,2,3-triazoles) derivatives 7a?m were synthesized by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click-reaction) of 1-methyl-3,5-bis(2- -(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole (5) with various aralkyl azides 6a?m in the presence of sodium ascorbate and copper sulphate with good yields. The required precursor 5 was synthesized by reacting (E)-1,3- -bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (3) with methylhydrazine hydrate via 2,2?-(1-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-3,5-diyl)diphenol 4, followed by reaction with propargyl bromide. The homogeneity of all the newly synthesized compounds was checked by TLC. The IR, NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis were in accord with the assigned structure. The title compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, i.e., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis; compounds 7f?7h and 7j were found to be moderately active against the bacteria, when compared with that of the standard drug. Furthermore, the same library of compounds was evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. The results of the study showed that compounds 7e?7h and 7k?7m showed good radical scavenging activity.
Rapid 3D mandibular superimposition for growing patients
Authors: Koerich Leonardo , Weissheimer André , de Menezes Luciane Macedo , Lindauer Steven J.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the precision and reproducibility of a protocol to perform rapid voxel-based superimposition of the mandible in growing patients using CBCT.

Materials and Methods:

The sample comprised two cone-beam computed tomography scans taken at least 1 year apart from each of 24 growing patients. Voxel-based superimposition was performed by two examiners independently. The internal part of the symphysis extending to the first molar was used as the reference. The superimposition process took approximately 5 minutes. Once the mandibles were superimposed, surface models were created and root mean square (RMS) changes were obtained by means of iterative closest point. To evaluate precision, differences in three areas were measured between time point 1 (T1) and time point 2 (T2) superimposed. To evaluate reproducibility between different examiners, the distances between T2 superimposed by each operator were measured in five different areas. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the precision of the superimposition and the interexaminer reproducibility measurements for each case were reported individually.

Results:

The superimposition mean error between T1 and T2 for the right and left sides of the mandible and chin were 0.23 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.33 mm, respectively. Interexaminer reproducibility error was ≤0.3 mm in 20 of 24 cases for measurements near the registration area. In the ramus area, two cases had errors >1 mm (1 mm–1.3 mm).

Conclusion:

The rapid superimposition was precise for assessing dentoalveolar changes and structures close to the registration area. However, evaluation of the condyles and ramus area had limitations and needs improvement.
Owner assessment of chronic pain intensity and results of gait analysis of dogs with hip dysplasia treated with acupuncture
Authors: Teixeira Lívia R. , Luna Stelio P. L. , Matsubara Lídia M. , Cápua Maria L. B. , Santos Bianca P. C. R. , Mesquita Luciane R. , Faria Luis G. , Agostinho Felipe S. , Hielm-Björkman Anna
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate pain intensity and kinetic variables in dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) treated with acupuncture, carprofen, or a placebo.

DESIGN Randomized, controlled clinical study.

ANIMALS 54 HD-affected dogs and 16 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES Seven HD-affected dogs were removed from the study. Dogs with HD were treated in a blinded manner for 30 days with acupuncture (once weekly for 5 sessions; n = 15), carprofen (4.4 mg/kg [2.0 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16), or placebo capsules containing lactose (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16). Dogs were evaluated 2 weeks and immediately before (baseline) and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the onset of treatment. Owners evaluated the dogs' pain intensity with 2 validated questionnaires and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and evaluated degree of lameness with a VAS for locomotion. Kinetics of the hind limbs were also evaluated. Sixteen HD-free dogs were used to assess the evaluation protocol.

RESULTS Owners' assessments revealed that outcomes of the 3 treatments did not differ significantly. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory and VAS pain intensity assessments were decreased from baseline at weeks 4 and 6, respectively, but only in acupuncture-treated dogs. The locomotion VAS values were decreased at week 4 in acupuncture-treated and carprofen-treated dogs. Kinetic evaluation findings did not differ among the groups or over time.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Neither acupuncture nor carprofen was significantly different from placebo. Acupuncture and carprofen reduced the degree of subjectively evaluated lameness, and acupuncture was associated with a decrease in validated chronic pain scores.
Proximal duodenoileal anastomosis for treatment of small intestinal obstruction and volvulus in a green iguana (Iguana iguana)
Authors: Wills Sarah , Beaufrère Hugues , Watrous Gwyneth , Oblak Michelle L. , Smith Dale A.
Published: October 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION A 13-year-old female green iguana (Iguana iguana) was examined because of a 6-day history of vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy and a 4-day history of decreased fecal and urate output.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen, signs of depression, pallor, tachycardia, harsh lung sounds, and vomiting. Abdominal radiographs revealed gas distention of the stomach and small intestine with fluid lines evident on the lateral view. Plasma biochemical analysis indicated hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a diagnosis of small intestinal entrapment and 170° volvulus involving approximately 80% (20 to 30 cm) of the small intestine. The portion of the small intestine extending from the middle portion of the duodenum to the caudal extent of the ileum was resected, and end-to-end anastomosis of the remaining small intestine was performed. The iguana recovered without apparent complications and was reportedly doing well 1 year after surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that iguanas, as hindgut fermenters, may tolerate > 70% resection of the small intestine with a good outcome and no clinical evidence of residual gastrointestinal dysfunction.
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of prednisone omission from a multidrug chemotherapy protocol on treatment outcome in dogs with peripheral nodal lymphomas
Authors: Childress Michael O. , Ramos-Vara José A. , Ruple Audrey
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of prednisone omission from a multidrug chemotherapy protocol on outcome in dogs with peripheral nodal lymphomas.

DESIGN Single-center, nonblinded, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial.

ANIMALS 40 client-owned dogs with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of peripheral nodal lymphoma and an expected survival time of > 4 weeks with treatment.

PROCEDURES Treatment consisted of a combination of L-asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (L-CHOP) or an identical protocol except for the omission of prednisone (L-CHO). The primary outcome of interest was progression-free survival time. Veterinary caregivers and assessors of outcome were not blinded to treatment assignment. Treatment assignment was concealed from the owners of study dogs prior to enrollment, but was revealed after written informed consent was provided.

RESULTS The trial was terminated early because of slow enrollment. The 40 dogs successfully enrolled in the study were randomly assigned to the L-CHOP (n = 18) or L-CHO (22) group; results for all 40 dogs were analyzed with respect to the primary outcome. Median progression-free survival time was 142.5 days for dogs receiving L-CHO and 292 days for dogs receiving L-CHOP (hazard ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 3.75). Serious adverse events were more common among dogs receiving L-CHO. However, this difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The exclusion of prednisone from the L-CHOP protocol did not appear to result in improved progression-free survival time for dogs with peripheral nodal lymphomas. However, the present trial was likely underpowered to detect a clinically meaningful difference in progression-free survival time between groups.
Maternal administration of meclozine for the treatment of foramen magnum stenosis in transgenic mice with achondroplasia
Authors: Matsushita Masaki , Mishima Kenichi , Esaki Ryusaku , Ishiguro Naoki , Ohno Kinji , Kitoh Hiroshi
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common short-limbed skeletal dysplasia caused by gain-of-function mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. Foramen magnum stenosis (FMS) is one of the serious neurological complications in ACH. Through comprehensive drug screening, the authors identified that meclozine, an over-the-counter drug for motion sickness, inhibited activation of FGFR3 signaling. Oral administration of meclozine to the growing ACH mice promoted longitudinal bone growth, but it did not prevent FMS. In the current study, the authors evaluated the effects of maternal administration of meclozine on FMS in ACH mice.

METHODS

The area of the foramen magnum was measured in 17-day-old Fgfr3ach mice and wild-type mice using micro-CT scanning. Meclozine was administered to the pregnant mice carrying Fgfr3ach offspring from embryonic Day (ED) 14.5 to postnatal Day (PD) 4.5. Spheno-occipital and anterior intraoccipital synchondroses were histologically examined, and the bony bridges were scored on PD 4.5. In wild-type mice, tissue concentrations of meclozine in ED 17.5 fetuses and PD 6.5 pups were investigated.

RESULTS

The area of the foramen magnum was significantly smaller in 17-day-old Fgfr3ach mice than in wild-type mice (p < 0.005). There were no bony bridges in the spheno-occipital and anterior intraoccipital synchondroses in wild-type mice, while some of the synchondroses prematurely closed in untreated Fgfr3ach mice at PD 4.5. The average bony bridge score in the cranial base was 7.053 ± 1.393 in untreated Fgfr3ach mice and 6.125 ± 2.029 in meclozine-treated Fgfr3ach mice. The scores were not statistically significant between mice with and those without meclozine treatment (p = 0.12). The average tissue concentration of meclozine was significantly higher (508.88 ± 205.16 ng/g) in PD 6.5 mice than in ED 17.5 mice (56.91 ± 20.05 ng/g) (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal administration of meclozine postponed premature closure of synchondroses in some Fgfr3ach mice, but the effect on preventing bony bridge formation was not significant, probably due to low placental transmission of the drug. Meclozine is likely to exhibit a marginal effect on premature closure of synchondroses at the cranial base in ACH.
FLAIR signal increase of the fluid within the resection cavity after glioma surgery: generally valid as early recurrence marker?
Authors: Bette Stefanie , Gempt Jens , Huber Thomas , Delbridge Claire , Meyer Bernhard , Zimmer Claus , Kirschke Jan S. , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have indicated that a signal intensity increase of the fluid within the resection cavity on FLAIR images may predict tumor recurrence after glioma surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the increase in FLAIR signal intensity in a large patient cohort and in subgroups to assess its prognostic value for early tumor recurrence in glioma patients.

METHODS

A total of 212 patients (213 cases) who had undergone surgery for an intracranial glioma (WHO Grade IV [n = 103], WHO Grade III [n = 57], and WHO Grade II [n = 53]) were included in this retrospective study. FLAIR signal within the resection cavity at the time of tumor recurrence/last contact and on the previous MRI study was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Appearance of FLAIR signal increase was studied over time using Kaplan-Meier estimates in subgroups.

RESULTS

Patients with WHO Grade II glioma and connection of the resection cavity to CSF who did not undergo radiotherapy did not regularly develop this sign and were excluded from further analysis. For the remaining 87 cases, FLAIR signal intensity increase was observed in 27 cases. Recurrent disease was found in 26 of these 27 cases, resulting in a specificity of 80.0%, a sensitivity of 31.7%, and positive and negative predictive values of 96.3% and 6.7%, respectively. In 4 cases this sign had been observed prior (range 2.8–8.5 months) to tumor recurrence defined by standard criteria. Quantitative analysis underlined the results of qualitative analysis, but it did not add a diagnostic value.

CONCLUSIONS

Signal intensity increase of the fluid within the resection cavity on FLAIR images is a rare but highly specific and early sign for tumor recurrence/tumor progression in completely and incompletely resected high-grade glioma without connection of the resection cavity to CSF and with radiotherapy.
Postoperative urinary retention in patients undergoing elective spinal surgery
Authors: Altschul David , Kobets Andrew , Nakhla Jonathan , Jada Ajit , Nasser Rani , Kinon Merritt D. , Yassari Reza , Houten John
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common problem leading to morbidity and an increased hospital stay. There are limited data regarding its baseline incidence in patients undergoing spinal surgery and the risk factors with which it may be associated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of POUR in elective spine surgery patients and determine the factors associated with its occurrence.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who had undergone elective spine surgery and had been prospectively monitored for POUR during an 18-month period. Collected data included operative positioning, surgery duration, volume of intraoperative fluid, length of hospital stay, and patient characteristics such as age, sex, and medical comorbidities. Dialysis patients or those with complete urinary retention preoperatively were excluded from analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 397 patients meeting the study inclusion criteria, 35 (8.8%) developed POUR. An increased incidence of POUR was noted in those who underwent posterior lumbar surgery, those with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), those with chronic constipation or prior urinary retention, and those using a patient-controlled analgesia pump postoperatively. An increased incidence of POUR was seen with a longer operative time but not with intraoperative intravenous fluid administration. A significant relationship between the female sex and POUR was noted after controlling for BPH, yet there was no association between POUR and diabetes or intraoperative instrumentation. Postoperative retention significantly prolonged the hospital stay. Three patients developed epidural hematomas necessitating operative reexploration, and while they experienced POUR, they also developed the full constellation of cauda equina syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of the risk factors for POUR may be useful in perioperative Foley catheter management and in identifying patients who need particular vigilance when they are due to void postprocedure. A greater understanding of POUR may also prevent longer hospital stays in select at-risk patients. Postoperative retention is rarely caused by a postoperative cauda equina syndrome due to epidural hematoma, which is also associated with saddle anesthesia, leg pain, and weakness, yet the delineation of isolated POUR from this urgent complication is necessary for optimal patient care.
Synthesis of 4,5-dihydropyrazolyl-2H-indenediones by Aldol Condensation of Ninhydrin with 1H-pyrazol-5-ol
Authors: Soleimani Ebrahim , Hariri Mina , Rostamzadeh Arman , Ghorbani Somayeh
Published: October 2016

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-(5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2H-indene-1,3-dione derivatives, proceeding via aldol condensation between ninhydrin and various 3-alkyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ols is described. The syntheses were carried out in ethanol at room temperature and proceeded with short reaction times to give the products with high yields.
Application of low concentration contrast medium in spectral CT imaging for CT portal venography
Authors: Zhao Yongxia , Wu Yanmin , Zuo Ziwei , Suo Hongna , Zhao Sisi , Han Jun , Chang Xian , Cheng Shujie
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of low-concentration contrast medium on spectral computed tomography (CT) image quality for portal venography CT.

METHODS: 150 patients with suspected portal diseases were divided into three groups and had spectral CT examination using a GE Discovery CT 750 HD scanner. The patients in three groups were injected with different concentrations of iodine (350 mgI/mL, 315 mgI/mL and 280 mgI/mL) at an injection rate of 4.0–5.0 mL/s with 1.2 mL/kg (body weight) of contrast medium, respectively. During the portal vein imaging phase, 0.625 mm-slice-thickness monochromatic images and optimal monochromatic images were obtained. Optimal keV mono-energy was achieved using the optimal contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the portal vein relative to the erector spinae muscle. Volume rendering and maximum intensity projection methods were applied to generate portal venography. The CT values and standard deviations were measured at the portal vein, the erector spinae muscle, and the abdomen fat, respectively. These values were used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); while CNR was calculated using CT values of the portal vein and erector spinae muscle. The overall imaging quality was evaluated on a five-point scale by two radiologists with at least five years’ experience. Comparisons among the three groups were performed using One-Way ANOVA test.

RESULTS: Monochromatic images at 50–53 keV demonstrated the best CNR for both the portal vein and erector spinae muscle. SNR and CNR of images with different contrast medium concentrations were similar ( P > 0.05). The five-point scores were also similar ( P > 0.05) for the three groups. The total iodine intake at 280 mgI/mL was 25.4% lower than that at 350 mgI/mL.

CONCLUSIONS: Spectral CT with monochromatic images at 50–53 keV allows significant reduction in iodine load while improving portal vein signal intensity and maintaining image quality.
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern among Bacteria causing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in An Intensive Care Unit of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahsan ASM Areef , Barai Lovely , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Fatema Kaniz , Ahmed Fatema , Saha Debasish Kumar , Saha Madhurima , Nazneen Suraiya , Hamid Tarikul , Zabeen Nazia
Published: October 2016

Background : Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common type of nosocomial infection in critical care practice with high morbidity and mortality. Microorganisms responsible for VAP vary from place to place. So, identification of causative organism and knowledge of their resistance pattern is very important for empirical choice of antibiotic in managing VAP. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the quantitative cultures of endotracheal aspirates to determine the microorganisms responsible for VAP and to study their antibiotic resistance pattern.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was performed over a period of six month starting from November, 2015 to April, 2016 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of BIRDEM General Hospital. Patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of VAP were included in this study.Result: A total of 51 patients with a clinical diagnosis of VAP were included in this study. Growth was obtained in100% of the samples yielding 88 organisms. Gram-negative organisms were the mostly isolated organism (76.13%), followed by fungi (17.04%) and gram-positive cocci (6.81%). The most common pathogen was Acinetobacter sp. followed by Klebsiella sp., Candida sp. and Pseudomonas sp. respectively. Among the gram negative organisms, Acinetobacter sp., Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were highly resistant (>80%) to third generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Resistance to aminoglycosides (>68%) and imipenem (>60%) was also high. Resistance of Pseudomonas sp. to piperacillin-tazobactum was lower (18.2%) in comparison to Acinetobacter sp. and Klebsiella sp. All the Gram-negative organisms were 100% sensitive to colistin except proteus. Regarding gram-positive cocci,Staphylococcus aureus is 100% sensitive to netilmycin and vancomycin with variable resistance pattern to other antibiotics.Conclusion: Emergence of drug resistance against the microorganism causing VAP is a serious concern in most of the ICUs. A knowledge of antibiotic susceptibility pattern will avoid its irrational use in order to control the spread of infection and for proper management of VAP.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 69-73
Neonatal pneumonia in a rural primary care hospital in Bangladesh: prevalence, validation of clinical features and their outcome
Authors: Uzzaman Md Nazim , Khan Md Al Fazal , Ahmed Tahmeed , Sarker Mohammad Habibur Rahman , Yeasmin Sultana , Saqeeb Kazi Nazmus , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: October 2016

Objective: To explore prevalence, validity of associated factors and their outcome of pneumonia in neonates.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled neonates admitted to a rural hospital in Bangladesh from January 2012-December 2014. Those with pneumonia constituted cases (n=142) and randomly selected three folds of cases from those without pneumonia formed the controls (n=426). Pneumonia was diagnosed by hospital physicians based on respiratory difficulty and/or abnormal auscultatory findings in lungs.Result: The deaths were significantly higher among the cases than the controls (p=0.025). In logistic regression analysis, fast breathing, lower chest wall in-drawing, adventitious sound and cough were independently associated with neonatal pneumonia (for all, p<0.01). However, best of all, sensitivity of fast breathing and lower chest wall in-drawing was 94% and 76% and specificity 81% and 82% respectively.Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of adherence to WHO defined clinical signs in diagnosing pneumonia in neonates especially in resource limited settings.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 74-78
Insulin Resistance in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Experience from Bangladesh
Authors: Azam Golam , Alam Shahinul , Hasan SKM Nazmul , Alam Sheikh Mohammad Noor E , Kabir Jahangir , Alam AKM Khorshed
Published: October 2016

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) has largely been hypothesized as central in multifactorial pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was aimed to explore the association of IR with NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Methods: We enrolled 219 patients of NAFLD with sonographic evidence of fatty changes in liver excluding patients with alcohol intake and other causes of fatty change during June 2012 to July 2014.Liver biopsy was done for 110 patients with elevated ALT of >30 U/L for male and >18 U/L for female. We have measured IR by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).Results: Age of the study population was 40.6 ± 10.0 years, male and female was 83 (37.9%) and 136 (62.1%), ALT was 42.0 (16-861) U/L, AST was 32 (16-608) U/L and GGT was 39 (10-243) U/L. According to Asian criteria 54 (25.9%) were non-obese, 139 (64.1%) had metabolic syndrome, 163 (74.8%) were hypertriglyceridemic, 200 (91.3%) had low HDL and 170 (77.4%) had high waist. Hypertensive and diabetic were 58 (26.7%) and 57 (26.1%) respectively. IR was 1.9±1.3 with the range of 0.4 to 9.3 and only 87 (39.7%) were above normal. Of the 110 biopsied, 65 (59.1%) had NASH. Normal and raised IR was associated with 32 (50.8%) and 33 (70.2%) NASH respectively (p < 0.05). Correlation between IR and steatosis, ballooning and fibrosis was not significant except lobular inflammation. IR was similar in NASH (2.2 ±1.6) and non NASH (1.9±1.6).Conclusion: Large proportion of NAFLD patients had normal IR. IR had inconsistent association with histological activity.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 86-91
Peripheral venous blood gas analysis: An alternative to arterial blood gas analysis for resuscitation and monitoring of critically ill patients.
Authors: Ahsan ASM Areef , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Fatema Kaniz , Ahmed Fatema , Saha Debasish Kumar , Saha Madhurima , Nazneen Suraiya , Sultana Rozina
Published: October 2016

Objective: This study was aimed to compare between arterial and peripheral venous samples for blood gases and acid base status in critically ill patients and to evaluate if venous sample is a better alternative for initial assessment and resuscitation.Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 50 patients of more than 18 years of age in the department of Critical Care Medicine, BIRDEM General Hospital. Arterial and peripheral venous samples were taken within five minutes of each other and analyzed immediately for blood gases and acid base status. Mean difference and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient was used to compare the result.Results: Mean difference and correlation coefficient between arterial and peripheral venous sample for pH, bicarbonate, base excess, PaCO2 and TCO2 value showed high correlation (r > 0.9). Comparison of electrolyte and hematocrit between arterial and peripheral venous sample also showed high correlation (r > 0.9).Conclusion: Peripheral venous gas analysis for pH, bicarbonate, base excess, PCO2 and Electrolytes (Na+, K+) show good correlation with the respective arterial values. This result suggests that venous estimations can be an acceptable alternative to arterial measurements for managing critically ill patients.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 92-95
Emergency Front of Neck Access in ICU
Authors: Kothekar Amol , Myatra Sheila Nainan
Published: October 2016

Difficult intubation and difficult mask ventilation are not uncommon in ICU. When intubation in ICU turns out to be difficult, chances of complications may be more due to various reasons like poor physiological reserve and physical status of patient, inadequate experience of operator, unavailability of help from airway experts and certain airway adjuvants. The cannot intubate cannot oxygenate (CICO) situation is the most feared complication in airway management, as it can lead to hypoxic brain damage and immediate cardiac arrest leading to death unless situation is rapidly resolved. Emergency cricothyroidotomy can come handy in such potentially life-threatening situations. Cricothyroidotomy and not tracheostomy is the recommended technique of choice for front of neck access in CICO situations with increasing hypoxemia. This article deals with the complexities of airway management in ICU, the various tools and techniques for performing emergency front of neck access by both surgical and percutaneous cricothyroidotomy including ventilation techniques and the current recommendations for performing this procedure. Considering the life saving potential of this technique, every anaesthesiologist, intensivist, or other physician dealing with airway management should be well versed with this procedure.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 114-122
Dengue Fever induced Myocarditis
Authors: Shareef Adnan , Anam Ahmad Mursel , Islam Zahirul , Rabbani Raihan
Published: October 2016

Dengue is an arthropod-borne viral illness, mostly asymptomatic, but may present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations, from mild febrile illness to severe and fatal disease. Cardiac involvement is a significant yet under-reported one because of lack of awareness. We report a case of myocarditis in Dengue Fever with an intention to create awareness among the physicians.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 125-127
Silkworm as an animal infection model for the screening of environmental, clinical and veterinary pathogens
Authors: Rahman Arafat , Sultana Manawar , Uddin Md Aftab , Malek M.A , Hossain M Anwer
Published: October 2016

Silkworm, Bombyx mori, has passive immunity and can be infected by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it can be used as a robust bacterial infection model for screening of pathogenic isolates from various sources. In this work, 11 environmental, clinical and veterinary isolates were screened for pathogenicity using silkworm larvae by injecting bacterial suspension through their dorsal surface and observing response. Experimental conditions were established by using Bacillus thuringiensis SW_R_F_1, Escherichia coli O157:H7, E. coli DH5? and 0.6% saline. Nine out of 11 isolates were detected pathogenic after screening. The biochemical and genomic analysis of the nine test isolates confirmed their pathogenicity. The LD50 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 47D and Salmonella Typhimurium 77 were 4.63×107 at 12 hours was 8.02×107 cells/100?l/gram at 24 hours respectively. These results indicated that silkworm exhibits differential pathological response for pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, and can be used as an alternative to animal model for screening diverse isolates.
Outcome of Surgical Treatment in Medically Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Khan Akhlaqe Hossain , Islam K. M. Tarikul , Barman Kanuj Kumar , Barua Kanak Kanti , Abraham Methew
Published: October 2016

The aim of epilepsy surgery is not only to control seizures but also to curtail future adverse neurological sequelae and improve quality of life. Epilepsy surgery is a viable treatment option for selected cases of medically refractory epilepsy. A study was carried out with a series of 34 cases who underwent epilepsy surgery at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science & Technology, Kerala, India during July, 2010 to December, 2010. Clinical features, operative procedures and early response to treatment were characterized. Among 34 cases, main clinical manifestation was recurrent seizures. All cases were evaluated by Video Electro Encephalogram (EEG) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain with epilepsy protocol. Nearly 58% cases were diagnosed as mesial temporal sclerosis who were treated by anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) with amygdalohippocampectomy (AH). Excision of epileptogenic foci was confirmed by preoperative Electro Cardiogram. Early response to surgery was good. However, a prolonged longitudinal follow up is essential for accurate assessment of seizure outcome.
Datura metel linn ameliorates asthma symptoms in BALB/c mice
Authors: Rifa'i Muhaimin , Satwika Dewi , AM Aulanni
Published: October 2016

Context: Datura has been recognized as viable alternate options to ameliorate asthma symptoms. Atropine contained in Datura is believed to be anti-asthmatic agent with its capacity to eliminate the spasms that cause asthma attacks. In Indonesian traditional medicine, the leaves of Datura are generally smoked either in cigarette or a pipe, and most asthma patients get benefit to relieve this disease.Objective: The potentiality of Datura metel was tested to control immune response and ameliorate the disease in mouse models of asthma.Materials and Methods: Mice were sensitized by twice intraperitoneal (i.p) injection with 10?g ovalbumin (OVA), then exposed to 1% aerosolized OVA with nebulizer system. Mice then were orally treated by aqueous extract of D. metel L for 5 days with a dose of 0.56 mg/kg body weight (BW) or 1.12 mg/kg BW.Results: The number of naïve CD4+ T cells (CD4+CD62L+) increased in mouse model of asthma treated with D. Metel L. In contrast, the number of CD4+CD25+ T cells decreased in mouse model of asthma after treatment. Dose variations in this experiment had no significant effect (p < 0.05), and the optimum dose to reduce bronchioles thickness was 0.56 mg/kg BW.Conclusion: D. metel L. has a potential to ameliorate asthma symptom by promoting naïve T cell development and reducing activated T cells.J. bio-sci. 22: 01-8, 2014
Biodegradative and antimicrobial activities of pseudomonas isolated from soil and water samples in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ekundayo FO , Osibote IA , Ekundayo EA , Lauck OY
Published: October 2016

Context: The release of petroleum hydrocarbon and pesticides into the environment is a major concern because of their toxigenic and carcinogenic potentials. Microorganisms which are biodegradable and most often less toxic have been found to use these materials as carbon sources. Also, the development of resistance of microbial pathogens to commercial antibiotics has necessitated an alternative to commercial antibiotics.Objectives: This study investigated the ability of Pseudomonas species isolated from soil and water samples to degrade some petroleum products and pesticides as well as its antimicrobial potency against selected pathogens.Materials and methods: Pseudomonas species were isolated from soil samples from mechanic workshop, dump sites and stream water. The isolates were tested for the ability to degrade petroleum products (diesel, engine oil and kerosene) and some pesticides. These isolates were also tested for antimicrobial activities against some pathogenic bacteria and fungi.Results: Three Pseudomonas were obtained from the samples; Pseudomonas fluorescens (DS) was isolated from a dumping site and two Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MW and SW were isolated from mechanic workshop and stream water. The three isolates showed varying ability to degrade petroleum products and pesticides. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabillis and Serratia marcescens were susceptible to the three Pseudomonas isolates in varying degree while Staphylococus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were resistant to the isolates. All the fungi except Candida albicans were susceptible to the Pseudomonas spp.J. bio-sci. 22: 09-14, 2014
Herbs of Asteraceae and their ethano  medicinal uses in dermatological problems
Authors: Lakshman HC , Yeasmin Tanzima , Gabriel KP
Published: October 2016

Abstract not availableJ. bio-sci. 22: 127-129, 2014
The Sale of Edited Electoral Registers in Scotland: Implications for Privacy, Data Protection and Citizenship
Authors: Leleux Charles , Webster C. William R.
Published: October 2016

This article provides an assessment of the recent phenomenon in Scotland and the United Kingdom of selling edited electoral registers to third parties, and reflects on the implications of this practice for privacy, data protection and citizen-state relations. Drawing on the results of the National Survey of Electoral Registration Officers in Scotland, information is presented on the sale of edited registers, the types of organisation purchasing registers, revenues generated and the number of electors ‘opting out’ of the edited register. This is the first time such information has been collected nationally and therefore represents a unique Scottish ‘snapshot’. The article argues that the sale of edited registers is contentious. The collection of personal information contained within the register is critical for the successful functioning of elections and consequently our representative democratic system, yet the subsequent unrestricted sale of this information for commercial gain potentially undermines trust in democratic processes and alters the informational nature of citizen-state relations. This article offers a first opportunity to reflect on some of the consequences of this practice.
The Political Economy of Immigration Policy: The Example of Scotland
Authors: McCollum David , Tindal Scott , Findlay Allan
Published: October 2016

The inward mobility of labour can serve as a driver of economic growth and the immigration policies of many countries are orientated towards this end. However immigration is also a contentious issue, with the general public often displaying hostility towards liberal immigration policies. The compromises between economic and political considerations that states make when developing immigration policy are poorly theorised in academic literature. The study contributes to conceptual understandings of the voices of ‘elites’ in the political-economy of immigration policy through a critical interrogation of the narratives and preferences of employers in the context of the ongoing Scottish constitutional change debate.
Increasing Winter Precipitation over Arid Central Asia under Global Warming
Authors: Song Shikai , Bai Jie
Published: October 2016

Precipitation has been considered to be a critical water source for both human livelihoods and ecosystems in Central Asia. Using observational data and gridded datasets, we studied the regional and seasonal differences of precipitation climate characteristics and variations in precipitation over Central Asia. Using observational data obtained from the China Meteorological Administration, Global Historical Climatology Network (V3.02), we divided Central Asia into four subregions (North, Center, Southwest, and Southeast) based on the differences in seasonal cycles of precipitation. ‘Single peaks’ were detected as types of seasonal cycles over the North and the Southeast, while ‘two peaks’ was the type that occurred in the Southwest. For the Center, the zone of transition between the North and the Southwest, each monthly precipitation value was higher than the Southwest’s and less than the North’s. GPCC (R2 of 0.89, RMSE of 64.5 mm/year) was proven to be the most suitable dataset of the four datasets (CRU, GPCC, MERRA, and TRMM) to describe precipitation in Central Asia, based on validation against observational data, and used to detect the spatial and temporal trend of precipitation in Central Asia and four subregions during 1960–2013. No significant trends were observed for annual precipitation in Central Asia, while precipitation in winter displayed a significant increase (0.11 mm/year). Additionally, significantly increasing trends (0.16, 0.27, 0.13, and 0.13 mm/year) were detected in spring, summer, autumn, and winter over the Southeast during 1960–2013.
The Role of TAM Family Receptors in Immune Cell Function: Implications for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Paolino Magdalena , Penninger Josef
Published: October 2016

The TAM receptor protein tyrosine kinases—Tyro3, Axl, and Mer—are essential regulators of immune homeostasis. Guided by their cognate ligands Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) and Protein S (Pros1), these receptors ensure the resolution of inflammation by dampening the activation of innate cells as well as by restoring tissue function through promotion of tissue repair and clearance of apoptotic cells. Their central role as negative immune regulators is highlighted by the fact that deregulation of TAM signaling has been linked to the pathogenesis of autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Importantly, TAM receptors have also been associated with cancer development and progression. In a cancer setting, TAM receptors have a dual regulatory role, controlling the initiation and progression of tumor development and, at the same time, the associated anti-tumor responses of diverse immune cells. Thus, modulation of TAM receptors has emerged as a potential novel strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how TAM receptors control immunity, with a particular focus on the regulation of anti-tumor responses and its implications for cancer immunotherapy.
Optimization of Plating Conditions for the Determination of Polonium Using Copper Foils
Authors: Babatunde Bolaji
Published: October 2016

The technique of adsorption of polonium onto metal surfaces by spontaneous deposition has found applications in the analysis of environmental samples such as marine sediments, foodstuff, water, and tobacco since the 1960s. Silver foil has been preferred by many scientists but can become quite expensive for routine analysis. Deposition onto copper was first proposed in the 1970s, but has remained poorly studied. In the present study, the cost-effective and rapid optimum conditions necessary for the optimal recovery of Po from aqueous solutions during spontaneous deposition onto copper foils was evaluated while minimizing the deposition of Bi and Pb, which may interfere with subsequent analyses. A series of experiments was performed to determine adsorption yields for Po, Bi, and Pb to copper foils for a range of pH values from 1.0 to 5.5, with and without stable Bi and Pb carriers. Different methods for cleaning the copper foils were also compared. After initial measurements, Po, Bi, and Pb were desorbed from the disc in plating solutions without added activity. At higher pH values (3.0 and 5.5), less Bi was adsorbed to the copper foils, and subsequent desorption removed up to 99.1% of the plated Bi. The polonium yield remained fairly constant at all pH values and was unaffected by the desorption process. There was also no measureable increase in the polonium activity after 33 days, suggesting that Bi and Pb were not significantly co-deposited. All three cleaning methods performed well, whereas uncleaned foils in the same solution showed limited uptake. The use of copper foil under the optimum conditions described here could provide a valuable alternative to the use of silver in 210Po analyses.
Study on the Optimum Design Method of Heat Source Systems with Heat Storage Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yu Min , Nam Yujin
Published: October 2016

Recently, a heat source system utilizing a heat storage tank for energy savings in buildings was designed. A heat storage tank is an effective system for solving the qualitative and quantitative differences in the required building energy. On the other hand, the existing design process of a heat storage system is difficult to determine if the air-conditioning time is unclear, and the design in a real-working level is too inaccurate, causing oversizing and a high initial investment cost. This results in inefficient operation despite the introduction of an efficient system. Therefore, this study proposes an optimal design method of a heat source system using a thermal storage tank. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed design method, feasibility studies were conducted with the existing system designs. As a result, the optimal solution could reduce the initial cost by approximately 25.6% when following the conventional design process and it was approximately 40% lower than the real-working method. In conclusion, the conventional designs are inefficiently over-designed and the optimal design solution is superior. In this regard, the suggested optimal design method is efficient when designing a heat source system using a thermal storage tank.
Host Defense Mechanisms against Bark Beetle Attack Differ between Ponderosa and Lodgepole Pines
Authors: West Daniel , Bernklau Elisa , Bjostad Louis , Jacobi William
Published: October 2016

Conifer defenses against bark beetle attack include, but are not limited to, quantitative and qualitative defenses produced prior to attack. Our objective was to assess host defenses of lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine from ecotone stands. These stands provide a transition of host species for mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB). We asked two questions: (1) do the preformed quantitative host defenses (amount of resin) and (2) the preformed qualitative host defenses (monoterpene constituents) differ between lodgepole and ponderosa pines. We collected oleoresins at three locations in the Southern Rocky Mountains from 56 pairs of the pine species of similar size and growing conditions. The amount of preformed-ponderosa pine oleoresins exuded in 24 h (mg) was almost four times that of lodgepole pine. Total qualitative preformed monoterpenes did not differ between the two hosts, though we found differences in all but three monoterpenes. No differences were detected in α-pinene, γ-terpinene, and bornyl acetate. We found greater concentrations of limonene, β-phellandrene, and cymene in lodgepole pines, whereas β-pinene, 3-carene, myrcene, and terpinolene were greater in ponderosa pine. Although we found differences both in quantitative and qualitative preformed oleoresin defenses, the ecological relevance of these differences to bark beetle susceptibility have not been fully tested.
Potential Anticancer Effects of Polyphenols from Chestnut Shell Extracts: Modulation of Cell Growth, and Cytokinomic and Metabolomic Profiles
Authors: Sorice Angela , Siano Francesco , Capone Francesca , Guerriero Eliana , Picariello Gianluca , Budillon Alfredo , Ciliberto Gennaro , Paolucci Marina , Costantini Susan , Volpe Maria
Published: October 2016

In this study, a hydroalcoholic chestnut shell extract was characterized and tested on six different human cell lines. Gallic, ellagic, and syringic acids were the most abundant non-condensed compounds in the chestnut extract, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Tannins were mainly represented by condensed monomeric units of epigallocatechin and catechin/epicatechin. After 48 h of treatment, only the human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells reached an inhibition corresponding to IC50 with an increase of apoptosis and mitochondrial depolarization. The cytokinome evaluation before and after treatment revealed that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α decreased after the treatment, suggesting a potential anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of this extract. Moreover, the metabolome evaluation by 1H-NMR evidenced that the polyphenols extracted from chestnut shell (PECS) treatment affected the levels of some amino acids and other metabolites. Overall, these data highlight the effects of biomolecules on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and mitochondrial depolarization, and on cytokinomics and metabolomics profiles.
A Multifunctional Sensor in Ternary Solution Using Canonical Correlations for Variable Links Assessment
Authors: Liu Dan , Wang Qisong , Liu Xin , Niu Ruixin , Zhang Yan , Sun Jinwei
Published: October 2016

Accurately measuring the oil content and salt content of crude oil is very important for both estimating oil reserves and predicting the lifetime of an oil well. There are some problems with the current methods such as high cost, low precision, and difficulties in operation. To solve these problems, we present a multifunctional sensor, which applies, respectively, conductivity method and ultrasound method to measure the contents of oil, water, and salt. Based on cross sensitivity theory, these two transducers are ideally integrated for simplifying the structure. A concentration test of ternary solutions is carried out to testify its effectiveness, and then Canonical Correlation Analysis is applied to evaluate the data. From the perspective of statistics, the sensor inputs, for instance, oil concentration, salt concentration, and temperature, are closely related to its outputs including output voltage and time of flight of ultrasound wave, which further identify the correctness of the sensing theory and the feasibility of the integrated design. Combined with reconstruction algorithms, the sensor can realize the content measurement of the solution precisely. The potential development of the proposed sensor and method in the aspect of online test for crude oil is of important reference and practical value.