bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of vasopressinergic receptor agonists on sublingual microcirculation in norepinephrine-dependent septic shock
Authors: Morelli Andrea , Donati Abele , Ertmer Christian , Rehberg Sebastian , Kampmeier Tim , Orecchioni Alessandra , Di Russo Alessandro , D'Egidio Annalia , Landoni Giovanni , Lombrano Maria Rita , Botticelli Laura , Valentini Agnese , Zangrillo Alberto , Pietropaoli Paolo , Westphal Martin
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The present study was designed to determine the effects of continuously infused norepinephrine (NE) plus (1) terlipressin (TP) or (2) arginine vasopressin (AVP) or (3) placebo on sublingual microcirculation in septic shock patients. The primary study end point was a difference of ≥ 20% in the microvascular flow index of small vessels among groups.

Methods

The design of the study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. NE was titrated to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) between 65 and 75 mmHg after establishment of normovolemia in 60 septic shock patients. Thereafter patients (n = 20 per group) were randomized to receive continuous infusions of either TP (1 μg/kg/hour), AVP (0.04 U/minute) or placebo (isotonic saline). In all groups, open-label NE was adjusted to maintain MAP within threshold values if needed. The sublingual microcirculatory blood flow of small vessels was assessed by sidestream dark-field imaging. All measurements, including data from right heart catheterization and norepinephrine requirements, were obtained at baseline and 6 hours after randomization.

Results

TP and AVP decreased NE requirements at the end of the 6-hour study period. The data are medians (25th and 75th interquartile ranges (IQRs)): 0.57 μg/kg/minute (0.29 to 1.04) vs. 0.16 μg/kg/minute (0.03 to 0.37) for TP and 0.40 μg/kg/minute (0.20 to 1.05) vs. 0.23 μg/kg/minute (0.03 to 0.77) for AVP, with statistical significance of P < 0.05 vs. baseline and vs. placebo. There were no differences in sublingual microcirculatory variables, systemic hemodynamics, oxygen transport and acid-base homeostasis among the three study groups during the entire observation period. The proportions of perfused vessels increased in relation to baseline within all study groups, and there were no significant differences between groups. The specific data were as follows (median (IQR)): 9.7% (2.6 to 19.8) for TP, 8.9% (0.0 to 17.8) for AVP, and 6.9% (3.5 to 10.1) for placebo (P < 0.05 vs. baseline for each comparison), as well as perfused vessel density 18.6% (8.6 to 36.9) for TP, 20.2% (-3.0 to 37.2) for AVP, and 11.4% (-3.0 to 19.4) for placebo (P < 0.05 vs. baseline for each comparison).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that to achieve a MAP of 65 to 75 mmHg in septic patients treated with NE, the addition of continuously infused low-dose TP or AVP does not affect sublingual microcirculatory blood flow. In addition, our results suggest that microcirculatory flow abnormalities are mainly related to other factors (for example, volume status, timing, hemodynamics and progression of the disease) rather than to the vasopressor per se.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov NCT00995839
Preoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation is a predictor of postoperative delirium in on-pump cardiac surgery patients: a prospective observational trial
Authors: Schoen Julika , Meyerrose Joscha , Paarmann Hauke , Heringlake Matthias , Hueppe Michael , Berger Klaus-Ulrich
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Postoperative delirium is an important problem in patients undergoing major surgery. Cerebral oximetry is a non-invasive method to detect imbalances in the cerebral oxygen supply/demand-ratio. Low preoperative cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) levels have been associated with postoperative delirium in non-cardiac surgery patients. The present prospective observational study determines the relationship between pre- and intra-operative ScO2 levels and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery.

Methods

After approval of the local ethical committee and written informed consent, N = 231 patients scheduled for elective/urgent cardiac surgery were enrolled. Delirium was assessed by the confusion-assessment-method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) on the first three days after surgery. ScO2 was obtained on the day before surgery, immediately before surgery and throughout the surgical procedure. Preoperative cognitive function, demographic, surgery related, and intra- and post-operative physiological data were registered.

Results

Patients with delirium had lower pre- and intra-operative ScO2 readings, were older, had lower mini-mental-status-examination(MMSE) scores, higher additive EuroScore and lower preoperative haemoglobin-levels. The binary logistic regression identified older age, lower MMSE, neurological or psychiatric disease and lower preoperative ScO2 as independent predictors of postoperative delirium.

Conclusions

The presented study shows that a low preoperative ScO2 is associated with postoperative delirium after on-pump cardiac surgery.
Effect of fluid loading during hypovolaemic shock on caspofungin pharmacokinetic parameters in pig
Authors: Roch Antoine , Woloch Christian , Blayac Dorothée , Solas Caroline , Quaranta Sylvie , Mardelle Vincent , Castanier Matthias , Papazian Laurent , Sampol-Manos Emmanuelle
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Caspofungin treatment is frequently initiated in shock patients. In the present study, we investigated the influence of hypovolaemic shock requiring fluid loading on the plasma and pulmonary pharmacokinetic parameters of caspofungin in the pig.

Methods

After being anaesthetised and mechanically ventilated, 12 pigs were bled to induce a two-hour deep shock and resuscitated using normal saline based on haemodynamic goals. A one-hour infusion of 70 mg of caspofungin was started at the beginning of the resuscitation period. The lungs were removed four hours after caspofungin administration. Sixteen animals served as controls without haemorrhage. Caspofungin concentrations were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography, and a two-compartment population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed.

Results

In the shock group, the volume of blood removed was 39 ± 7 mL/kg and a volume of 90 ± 17 mL/kg saline was infused throughout the resuscitation period. The extravascular lung water index was higher in the shock group (9.3 ± 1.6 mL/kg vs 5.7 ± 1 mL/kg in the control group; P < 0.01). In the shock group, the median (interquartile range) maximal plasma concentration was 37% lower than in the control group (21.6 μg/mL (20.7 to 22.3) vs 33.1 μg/mL (28.1 to 38.3); P < 0.01). The median area under curve (AUC) from zero to four hours was 25% lower in the shock group than in the control group (60.3 hours × μg/mL (58.4 to 66.4) vs 80.8 hours × μg/mL (78.3 to 96.9); P < 0.01), as was the median lung caspofungin concentration (1.22 μg/g (0.89 to 1.46) vs 1.64 μg/g (1.22 to 2.01); P < 0.01). However, the plasma-to-tissue ratios were not different between the groups, indicating that lung diffusion of caspofungin was not affected after shock followed by fluid loading. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the peripheral volume of distribution of caspofungin and intercompartmental clearance were significantly higher in the shock group, as was the total apparent volume of distribution.

Conclusions

Hypovolaemic shock followed by fluid loading in the pig results in a significant increase in the apparent volume of distribution of caspofungin and in a decrease in its plasma and pulmonary exposition. Although our model was associated with capillary leakage and pulmonary oedema, our results should be generalised to the septic shock with caution. Future investigations should focus on monitoring plasma caspofungin concentrations and optimal caspofungin dosing in shock patients.
Religion and Evolution in Progressive Era Political Economy: Adversaries or Allies?
Authors: Leonard Thomas C.
Published: September 2011

Evangelical Protestantism and evolutionary science comfortably coexisted in Progressive Era American political economy. Leading progressive economists, many of them evangelicals attached to the Social Gospel movement, routinely assimilated ideas borrowed from evolutionary science—heredity, selection, fitness, and race—into their religiously motivated project of economic reform. The Social Gospel economists' merger of evolutionary ideas and Protestant belief was enabled by two key features of Progressive Era thought: one, the Social Gospel was itself already (in part) an accommodation to the implications of post-Darwinian evolutionary thought, and, two, Progressive Era evolutionary science was protean, fragmented, and plural, enabling economists to enlist evolutionary ideas in support of diverse, even opposing, positions in political economy.
Peripheral Visionaries: Corruptive Mysticism and the Problem of Miracle
Authors: Flores Patrick D.
Published: September 2011

The article explores the ways in which the discourse and affect of miracle is performed in Philippine cinema, with the view of understanding how it exploits and inevitably corrupts mysticism and spiritual belief. Central to this project is the woman miracle worker, the visionary who is made to bear the exceptional gift of otherworldliness as well as the stigma of being bared as false and fictitious. This double coding becomes a productive site of critique of the miracle in the various unveilings of history in film and social life.
Islamic Militancy and Resentment against Hadhramis in Post-Suharto Indonesia: A Case Study of Habib Rizieq Syihab and His Islamic Defenders Front
Authors: Bamualim Chaider S.
Published: September 2011

The article discusses a particular Islamist militant movement in Indonesia, the Islamic Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam, or FPI). Gaining considerable following and influence in post-Suharto Indonesia, the FPI called for the implementation of Sharia law addressing the existential worries and moral concerns of lower-class Muslims. Under the leadership of Habib Rizieq Syihab, an Indonesian of Hadhrami descent, the FPI attracted particular attention because of its use of violence against minority groups and so-called immoral businesses, such as cafés, bars, and nightclubs. However, as this article shows, their violent acts have sparked considerable controversy in Indonesia, as many Indonesians began to question the role of Rizieq in particular in the violence and of Arab Indonesians in general. Examining the growth of the organization and Rizieq’s rise to leadership, the article thereafter analyzes the various responses both by indigenous Indonesian Muslims and by Indonesian Hadhramis to the FPI’s violent activities. By paying specific attention to the voices of indigenous non-Arab Muslims, this article portrays Muslim resentment toward Rizieq not only in terms of his persistent use of violence but also with regard to his background as a Hadhrami Arab. This analysis brings to light prejudices and stereotypes that are directed against Arabs and that have their roots in the colonial period but are nevertheless present in today’s Indonesia. Furthermore, by focusing on critical Hadhrami voices, the article points to new divisions inside Indonesia’s Hadhrami community, particularly among the Ba’alawi or sada, that is, those Hadhramis who—like Rizieq—claim descent from the prophet Muhammad.
Paths of Institutionalization, Varying Divisions, and Contested Radicalisms: Comparing Hadhrami Communities on Java and Sulawesi
Authors: Slama Martin
Published: September 2011

The article compares Hadhrami communities located in two different parts of Indonesia: Java, Indonesia’s central island, and rather peripheral Central and North Sulawesi. The comparisons generated the following results: in Sulawesi, regulations implemented by the Dutch colonial administration to constrain the mobility of Hadhramis were not as strictly implemented as on Java, which contributed to different settlement and integration patterns on the two islands. This leads the article to another difference in the historical development of the diaspora: in Central and North Sulawesi its institutionalization in Islamic organizations occurred several decades later than on Java. Al-Khairaat, the major Hadhrami organization in Sulawesi, also has a different outlook than its pendants on Java, as it is not only a Hadhrami but also an expanding multiethnic institution. Moreover, while on Java Hadhramis of different groups, that is, mainly those Hadhramis who claim descent from the prophet Muhammad (so-called sada) and those who do not (non-sada), are organized in different institutions that rival each other, in Sulawesi sada and non-sada Hadhramis are united in Al-Khairaat. The article further analyzes these topics of integration into host societies and internal divisions with regard to major ritual activities of Hadhramis. In the context of post-9/11 Indonesia, the article also discusses Hadhramis’ different positions in opposition to and within Islamist radicalism and their engagement in deradicalization and interreligious dialogue. Building on this range of comparisons, the article concludes that Hadhramis in the peripheries of Central and North Sulawesi have obtained a central position in the field of Islam (and also in other societal fields), whereas the communities on Java are much more affected by division and contestation.
Diaspora and “Arabness”: Limits and Potentials for Critical Analysis
Authors: Six-Hohenbalken Maria , Gingrich Andre
Published: September 2011

The article discusses and assesses the theoretical and conceptual approaches to diaspora research presented in this special section. By pursuing multiple forms of comparison, these contributions highlight several weak points inherent in the diaspora concept as it stands and demonstrate potentials for possible elaborations. Specific consideration then is given to the more detailed discussion of questions of power; the dynamics of processes of identification; and the relevance of specific positions inside wider ethnic hierarchies, sociospatial distribution patterns and demographic issues, and, finally, kinship ties and the reproduction of diasporic communities. The argument concludes with the main point that prevailing theoretical approaches in diaspora studies are not sufficient to analyze the communities in question. Instead, those approaches have to be combined with additional input from sociocultural anthropology’s theorizing.
Public Performances of Identity Negotiation in the Iranian Diaspora: The New York Persian Day Parade
Authors: Malek Amy
Published: September 2011

In the last decade Iranian Americans have increasingly taken to the same streets and fair-grounds as Irish, German, and Puerto Rican American communities before them to hold ethnic parades and festivals to assert their cultural and ethnic identity to an American public often hostile to Middle Eastern immigrants. Through interviews and visual analysis of the New York Persian Day Parade, one of more than 180 annual ethnic parades in Manhattan, I track, analyze, and compare the use of space, signs, and performance to argue that Iranian American public events such as the parade offer productive case studies of diasporic reappropriations of local genres used to present selective views of homeland and diaspora to diverse audiences. Furthermore, these public diaspora events do as much to continuously negotiate Iranian diaspora identity across generations as they do to represent Iran to non-Iranian spectators. In this study, I utilize methods from visual anthropology to examine parade and festival events through use of photography and video while also assessing production and reception to evaluate the ways in which visual representations in public performances can lead to and themselves reveal contested visions of diasporic identities.
A Guide to Health Care Reform
Authors: Cutler David M
Published: September 2011

There are four rationales for health care reform: increasing the efficiency of health delivery; reforming the market for health insurance; providing universal coverage; and reducing the federal deficit. These goals are reflected in most reform proposals. Achieving these goals involves several problems, however. Paying for universal coverage may lead to labor supply or demand reductions. In addition, reform involves large federal risks that must be dealt with through deficit financing, reduced benefits, or lower subsidies.
Trends in the Publication of Empirical Economics
Authors: Figlio David
Published: September 2011

This paper documents recent trends in the publication of empirical articles in general-interest economics journals. Three measures of journal quality are estimated. The author finds substantial differences in publication rates of empirical articles among top tier and second-tier journals, and shows that the empirical percentages among general-interest journals has been converging of late. He offers potential explanations for the negative relationship between measured journal quality and empirical publication rates, as well as the recent convergence.
Network Cargo Capacity Management
Authors: Levina Tatsiana , Levin Yuri , McGill Jeff , Nediak Mikhail
Published: September 2011

We consider the problem faced by an airline that is flying both passengers and cargo over a network of locations on a fixed periodic schedule. Bookings for many classes of cargo shipments between origin-destination pairs in this network are made in advance, but the weight and volume of aircraft capacity available for cargo as well as the exact weight and volume of each shipment are not known at the time of booking. The problem is to control cargo accept/reject decisions to maximize expected profits while ensuring effective dispatch of accepted shipments through the network. This network stochastic dynamic control problem has very high computational complexity. We propose a linear programming and stochastic simulation-based computational method for learning approximate control policies and discuss their structural properties. The proposed method is flexible and can utilize historical booking data as well as decisions generated by default control policies.
A Network of Time-Varying Many-Server Fluid Queues with Customer Abandonment
Authors: Liu Yunan , Whitt Ward
Published: September 2011

To describe the congestion in large-scale service systems, we introduce and analyze a non-Markovian open network of many-server fluid queues with customer abandonment, proportional routing, and time-varying model elements. Proportions of the fluid completing service from each queue are immediately routed to the other queues, with the fluid not routed to one of the queues being immediately routed out of the network. The fluid queue network serves as an approximation for the corresponding non-Markovian open network of many-server queues with Markovian routing, where all model elements may be time varying. We establish the existence of a unique vector of (net) arrival rate functions at each queue and the associated time-varying performance. In doing so, we provide the basis for an efficient algorithm, even for networks with many queues.
Trial Grouting under Rigid Pavement: A Case History in Magong Airport, Penghu
Authors: Ni James C. , Cheng Wen-Chieh
Published: September 2011

A trial pressure grouting program is conducted to restore the load carrying capabilities of Portland cement concrete slabs that have been in service for a number of years and are showing signs of distress. First, a series of laboratory tests are conducted to find a Portland cement grout mix with the appropriate properties of fluidity, viscosity, stability, shrinkage, and strength. Second, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is used to detect the possible voids under the slab before grouting, and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) is concurrently used to evaluate the load bearing capacity from slab deflection. Then trial grouting under the slab is conducted after the grout holes are installed based on the results derived from GPR. The grouting process will be halted if the injection pressure increment over the initial contact pressure is larger than 0.5 kg/cm2 or the slab heave is over 1 mm throughout the trial pressure grouting program. The elevations at various locations of each slab are closely monitored during grouting. Last, the GPR is used again to evaluate the effectiveness of slab stabilization. Then, FWD is also used to evaluate the effectiveness to restore the load carrying capability of the slab from grouting. This program is successfully achieved verifying by a series of laboratory and field tests undertaken before and after grouting.
Das Informationssystem MetaCrop zur Unterstützung systembiologischer Forschung an Kulturpflanzen
Authors: Weise Stephan , Chen Jinbo , Junker Björn , Klapperstück Matthias , Lange Matthias , Schreiber Falk , Scholz Uwe
Published: September 2011

Die stetig wachsende Bedeutung von Kulturpflanzen zur Ernährung und zur industriellen Verwendung erfordert es, deren Eigenschaften kontinuierlich zu verbessern. Zur Unterstützung der lebenswissenschaftlichen Forschung in diesem Bereich wurde das Informationssystem MetaCrop entwickelt, welches Daten über metabolische Netzwerke (Pathways) agronomisch bedeutsamer Organismen verwaltet. Der Fokus des Systems liegt neben der ausschließlichen Verwendung manuell kurierter, und damit qualitativ hochwertiger, Informationen auf der hohen Granularität der gespeicherten Daten, mit der versucht wird, die hohe biologische Komplexität der Pflanzen abzubilden. MetaCrop ist unter der URL http://metacrop.ipk-gatersleben.de verfügbar.
Impact of Maternal Diabetes Mellitus on Mortality and Morbidity of Preterm Infants (24–33 Weeks' Gestation)
Authors: Bental Yoram , Reichman Brian , Shiff Yakov , Weisbrod Meir , Boyko Valentina , Lerner-Geva Liat , Mimouni Francis B. ,   in Collaboration With the Israel Neonatal Network
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:

We hypothesized that maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk for mortality, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and major complications of prematurity.

METHODS:

Analysis of prospectively collected (1995–2007) Israel National Very Low Birth Weight Infant Database. Maternal DM was recorded as pregestational or gestational. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of maternal DM status on infant mortality, RDS, and other complications of prematurity.

RESULTS:

Infants of mothers with pregestational (n = 120) and gestational (n = 825) DM were similar, and their data were pooled for analyses. Mothers with DM were more likely to have received a complete course of prenatal steroids than control mothers. Infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) had a slightly higher gestational age and birthweight than non-IDM's. Distribution of birthweight percentiles and the mean birthweight z scores were similar. Apgar scores were statistically higher in the IDM group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of delivery room mortality, RDS, and other major complications of prematurity. Total mortality and bronchopulmonary dysplasia rates were significantly higher in the nondiabetic group. The adjusted odds ratios for mortality, RDS, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and patent ductus arteriosus were not significantly increased in the IDM group.

CONCLUSIONS:

With modern management and adequate prenatal care, IDM born very low birthweight do not seem to be at an excess risk of developing RDS or other major complications of prematurity compared with non-IDM.
Proton mobility in SiO2 thin films and impact of hydrogen and humidity on the resistive switching effect
Authors: Tappertzhofen Stefan , Hempel Marek , Valov Ilia , Waser Rainer
Published: September 2011

Silicon dioxide based Electrochemical Metallization (ECM) cells were intensively studied as a promising candidate for CMOS compatible non-volatile memory devices. The resistance of ECM cells can be switched between a high resistive (OFF) state and a low resistive (ON) state by applying a sufficient voltage or current pulse. This resistance transition is attributed to the formation and rupture of a few nanometers in diameter metallic filament. However, the metal ion transport which is believed to be responsible for the filamentary switching mechanism is not understood in detail. In case of SiO2 we suppose protons or humidity may enhance the metal ion transport.

In this work we report our studies on the proton incorporation in amorphous SiO2 thin films focused on the impact of hydrogen and humidity on the resistive switching effect. The switching behavior was analyzed by current-voltage measurements performed at different ambient conditions. The incorporation of hydrogen has been confirmed by Time-of-Flight Secondary-Ion-Mass-Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). The results led to an expansion of the defect model proposed in the literature.
Reversible-equivariant systems and matricial equations
Authors: Teixeira Marco A , Martins Ricardo M
Published: September 2011

This paper uses tools in group theory and symbolic computing to classify the representations of finite groups with order lower than, or equal to 9 that can be derived from the study of local reversible-equivariant vector fields in 4 . The results are obtained by solving matricial equations. In particular, we exhibit the involutions used in a local study of reversible-equivariant vector fields. Based on such approach we present, for each element in this class, a simplified Belitskii normal form.
Geochemical behavior of heavy metals in differents environments in Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon - RJ/Brazil
Authors: Fonseca Estefan M , Baptista Neto José A , Fernandez Marcos A , Mcalister John , Smith Bernard
Published: September 2011

The accelerated urbanisation without a planning, brought several environmental problems to Rio de Janeiro coastal zone, especially in areas such as Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, which receives a great amount of untreated sewage every day. To assess the nature, potentially sources and extent of heavy metal pollution in the lagoon, sediments from the surrounding streets, from the entrance of the main canal that drains to the lagoon and from the bottom of the lagoon were collected and analysed by a modified selective extraction procedure in order to study the geochemical partitioning and bioavailability of Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb in these three compartments. The present study verified an increase in the Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in the north of the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. Despite the different levels of oxidation between the sediments accumulated in the streets and in the bottom of the lagoon, the geochemical partitioning of the heavy metals did not show any pattern of variation for the metals, except for the element Cu. No concentrations were found in the soluble phase of samples collected in the surfacial sediments of the lagoon, suggesting no bioavailability of heavy metals
Schistosoma mansoni polo-like kinases and their function in control of mitosis and parasite reproduction
Authors: Dissous Colette , Grevelding Christoph G , Long Thavy
Published: September 2011

Polo-like kinases are important regulators of cell cycle progression and mitosis. They constitute a family of conserved serine/threonine kinases which are highly related in their catalytic domains and contain polo boxes involved in protein-protein interactions and subcellular localization. In mammals, five Plks (Plk 1-5) encompass diverse roles in centrosome dynamics, spindle formation, intra S-phase and G2/M checkpoints and DNA damage response. Plk1 is a key positive regulator of mitosis and is overexpressed in various types of cancers. Plk4 is a divergent member of the Plk family, with essential functions in centriole duplication. Homozygous disruption of Plk1 or Plk4 in mice is lethal in embryos. Two Plk members SmPlk1 and SmSak, homologous to Plk1 and Plk4 respectively, are present in the parasitic platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni. Structural and functional analyses of SmPlk1 have demonstrated its conserved function in the regulation of cell cycle G2/M transition in Xenopus oocytes. The anti-cancer drug BI 2536 (the most potent and selective Plk1 inhibitor) inhibits specifically the catalytic activity of SmPlk1 and induced profound alterations in schistosome gonads, indicating a role of SmPlk1 in parasite gametogenesis and its potential as a novel chemotherapeutic target against schistosomiasis. Functions of SmSak in cell cycle regulation and schistosome gonad development are currently investigated
Non-coding RNAs in schistosomes: an unexplored world
Authors: Oliveira Katia C , Carvalho Mariana L. P , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Kitajima João P , Verjovski-Almeida Sergio
Published: September 2011

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were recently given much higher attention due to technical advances in sequencing which expanded the characterization of transcriptomes in different organisms. ncRNAs have different lengths (22 nt to >1, 000 nt) and mechanisms of action that essentially comprise a sophisticated gene expression regulation network. Recent publication of schistosome genomes and transcriptomes has increased the description and characterization of a large number of parasite genes. Here we review the number of predicted genes and the coverage of genomic bases in face of the public ESTs dataset available, including a critical appraisal of the evidence and characterization of ncRNAs in schistosomes. We show expression data for ncRNAs in Schistosoma mansoni. We analyze three different microarray experiment datasets: (1) adult worms' large-scale expression measurements; (2) differentially expressed S. mansoni genes regulated by a human cytokine (TNF-α) in a parasite culture; and (3) a stage-specific expression of ncRNAs. All these data point to ncRNAs involved in different biological processes and physiological responses that suggest functionality of these new players in the parasite's biology. Exploring this world is a challenge for the scientists under a new molecular perspective of host-parasite interactions and parasite development.
Economic analysis of cucumber and lettuce intercropping under greenhouse in the winter-spring
Authors: Rezende Bráulio L. A , Cecílio Filho Arthur B , Barros Júnior Aurélio P , Porto Diego R. Q , Martins Maria Inez E. G
Published: September 2011

The economical analysis complements the evaluation of the intercrop systems efficiency, considering besides the physical production of crops, the price of products according to their quality classification and time of the year. Intercropping systems of lettuce and cucumber in two plant populations under greenhouse were economically evaluated in winter-spring, in Jaboticabal City, São Paulo State, Brazil. The total operating cost (TOC) of cucumber and lettuce as sole crop and intercropping were estimated, as well as gross revenue (GR) and operating profit (OP). The labor for the crops was the component with greater participation in the TOC of crops in intercropping and single crop. Greater GR and OP were observed in intercrops established by transplanting lettuce and cucumbers on the same day. Considering the operating profit and the land efficient ratio, it is recommended the intercropping of lettuce transplanted until 10 days after the transplanting (DAT) of cucumber with two rows per plot, and at 0 DAT of cucumber grown with a row plot
Ultrasonography compared to magnetic resonance imaging in thyroid-associated Graves' ophthalmopathy
Authors: Vlainich Ana R. , Romaldini João H. , Pedro Ana B. , Farah Chady S. , Sinisgalli Jr. Cicero A.
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrasonography (US) to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the clinical activity score (CAS) in Graves' ophthalmopathy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients underwent extraocular muscle thickness measurements by US and MRI, reflectivity by US and signal-intensity ratio by MRI. There were also twelve US control subjects. RESULTS: US median thicknesses were greater than in controls. Correlation was found between US and MRI in the median thickness of the left eye rectus medial muscle as well as between signal-intensity ratio (SIR) and thickness by US. An inverse correlation was found between reflectivity and SIR in the inferior and lateral rectus. On associating the tests for detecting activity the best results were obtained with CAS plus MRI (sensitivity 75%), and US and MRI (positive predictive value 77% and specificity 80%). CONCLUSION: CAS and US results showed poor correlation with MRI results suggesting that they cannot replace each other but when combined these methods can improve the evaluation of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.
Causas múltiplas de morte relacionadas às doenças cerebrovasculares no Estado do Paraná
Authors: Furukawa Tatiane Sano , Santo Augusto Hasiak , Mathias Thais Aidar de Freitas
Published: September 2011

OBJETIVO: Identificar as causas associadas de morte e o número de causas informadas nas declarações de óbito por doenças cerebrovasculares entre residentes no Estado do Paraná. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: O banco de dados de mortalidade do ano de 2004 foi obtido do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade disponível no endereço eletrônico do Datasus. A população escolhida foi separada pelo programa TabWin e as causas múltiplas foram processadas pelo programa Tabulador de Causas Múltiplas de Morte. RESULTADOS: O número médio de causas informadas foi de 2,92 para as mulheres e 2,97 para os homens. A maioria dos óbitos (74,8%) foi de pessoas com 65 anos ou mais de idade. Entre as causas associadas aos óbitos por doenças cerebrovasculares se destacaram as doenças do aparelho respiratório (37,9%), as doenças hipertensivas (37,5%) e os sintomas, sinais e achados anormais de exames clínicos e de laboratório (32,3%). CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Foi observada relativa melhora na qualidade dos dados de mortalidade em relação ao número de causas citadas. A hipertensão arterial como uma das principais causas associadas sugere a necessidade do seu controle no combate à mortalidade por doenças cerebrovasculares. Incentivos devem ser promovidos para estudos com causas múltiplas, para que se utilizem melhor informações tão importantes, que são desprezadas em estudos de mortalidade feitos somente com a causa básica de morte.
Diet and resource partitioning among anurans in irrigated rice fields in Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Piatti L. , Souza FL.
Published: September 2011

Artificial ponds or irrigated systems scattered throughout farmlands can offer important habitats for anurans and can be interesting sites for research on species resources use in a changing landscape. This study describes the diet and resource partitioning among anurans inhabiting irrigated rice fields in the Pantanal region. Twenty categories of prey were found in the stomachs of Leptodactylus chaquensis, L. elenae, L. podicipinus and Rhinella bergi, the most frequent being Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, larvae of Hexapoda, Hemiptera, Diptera and Orthoptera. The great differences found in the diet of these species in rice fields compared to other locations, according to available records in the literature, was the increased importance of Hemipitera and Orthoptera and the decrease in importance of Hymenoptera in the diet of leptodactylids. These differences might be attributed to changes in the availability of resources in response to habitat modification. Although diet composition was very similar among species, niche overlap was larger than expected by chance, suggesting that the competition for food resources is not, or has not been, a significant force in determining the structure of this frog community. Two non-exclusive hypotheses could be considered as a justification for this result: 1) the high niche overlap could result from resource availability, which is sufficient to satisfy all species without any strong competition; 2) or the high values of niche overlap could be a selective force driving species to compete, but there has not been enough time to express a significant divergence in the species diet because the study area is characterised as a dynamic habitat influenced by frequent and cyclical changes.
Leucocytosis in Febrile Seizure
Authors: Ojha AR , Aryal UR
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Febrile seizure (FS) is a common condition affecting 2-5% of children. Peripheral blood leucocyte count with its differential is an initial test looking for the cause of fever and high count is usually accounted for the seizure activity. Objectives: To find the incidence of febrile seizure and to evaluate the relationship between fever duration before seizure, seizure duration and the total leucocyte as well as neutrophil response. Methodology: It is a cross sectional study done at Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, for one year. After an informed consent, children from 6 months to 6 years with FS were admitted. Those with afebrile seizures and who refused to give consent were excluded. A detail history and examination was done on admission. All were investigated for the source of fever including total and differential count. Results: Out of a total 1742 children admitted, 115 (6.6%) children had febrile seizure. Simple febrile seizure was observed in 93(81%) and 22(19%) was complex febrile seizure. 42% of them had leucocytosis. The duration of fever before the onset of seizure is found to be negatively correlated with total leucocyte count (r = -0.418, p<0.001) and neutrophils count alone (r = -0.375, p<0.001). The duration of seizure is not correlated to both the total leucocyte count (r = -0.162, p = 0.85) and the neutrophil (r = -0.109, p= 0.247). Conclusion: The incidence of febrile seizure is 6.6%. Leucocytosis and neutrophilia in children is negatively correlated with the duration fever before the onset of seizure, associated with underlying infection if any and is not related to seizure event and its duration. Thus any child with febrile seizure with high leucocyte count should be evaluated for infection. Key words: Fever; Leucocytosis; Neutrophilia; Seizure DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.4577 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3):188-191
Natal tooth: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Peedikayil F , Prabhakaran P
Published: September 2011

Natal teeth are defined as teeth that are present in the mouth at the time of birth. It must be considered that natal and neonatal teeth are conditions of fundamental importance not only for a dental surgeon but also for a paediatrician, since their presence may lead to numerous complications. Hence the purpose of the present paper is to review and discuss its clinical features, complications and management.Key words: Natal teeth; neonatal tooth; congenital teeth; foetal teeth; pre-deciduous teeth; premature teeth; dentitia praecox DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.4997 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 251-253
A Comparative Study on Nutritional Status of Urban and Rural Early Adolescent School Girls of West Bengal, India
Authors: Maiti S , Ali KM , De D , Bera TK , Ghosh D , Paul S
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Adolescents remain largely neglected and especially girl from a deprived section in our society. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the nutritional status of early adolescent school girl from rural and urban areas. The study was, therefore, carried out to determine and compare the nutritional status of adolescent girl attending urban and rural secondary schools in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. Methods: Cross-sectional data based on anthropometric measurements (height, weight) was collected from 2545 girls aged 10 to 14 years attending Govt. approved schools in Kharagpur town and Dantan-II block. The nutritional status has been assessed with the help of some anthropometric indices. The weight and height were recorded for each girl, and converted to nutritional indices (weightfor- age, height-for-height, BMI-for-age Z-scores of the National Center for Health Statistics reference standrads). Results: The mean nutritional indices (underweight, stunting and thinness) were found to be much lower among the rural girl than urban girl. The overall prevalent rates of underweight, stunting and thinness were 27.9%, 32.5% and 20.2% respectively. In the rural area these were 35.4%, 35.7% and 26.3%, while in the urban they were 19.6%, 29.0% and 13.6% respectively. Conclusions: The present study shows that undernutrition constituted major health problems among early adolescent school girls in rural areas of India. Hence, the special emphases are needed to formulate various developmental and healthcare programmes for rural communities to prevent undernutrition. Key words: Nutritional status; Early Adolescent girls; Rural; Urban DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5352 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3):169-174
Relationship of Respiratory Symptoms and Signs with Hypoxemia in Infants Under 2 months of Age
Authors: Agrawal K , Mahaseth C , Rayamajhi A
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Hypoxemia is the most serious manifestation of any acute illness in infants less than two months and has shown to be a risk factor for mortality. Hypoxia can be detected using a pulse oxymeter or arterial blood gas analysis. However this facility is not available in most centers of Nepal. This study has correlated different signs and symptoms to predict hypoxia. Methodology: This hospital based prospective cross sectional study included 160 infant < 2 months, presenting to OPD or Emergency department with any acute illness A complete history was taken and weight, temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and oxygen saturation was recorded. Presence or absence of nasal flaring, cyanosis, chest indrawing, head nodding, grunting, wheezing and crepitations on auscultation was recorded subsequently. Clinical signs of hypoxemic and non hypoxemic infants were compared and then analyzed. Results: 160 infants, 95 (59.4%) were male and 65 (40.6%) were female. Of the total population, 56(35%) were hypoxic where as 104(65%) were non hypoxic. Infants who presented with more than 3 symptoms, were lethargic, tachypneic or had chest indrawing had higher sensitivity(92.8%, 75%, 75% and 89.3 % respectively) where as infants with nasal flaring, grunting, head nodding or central cyanosis had high specificity (91.3%, 87.5%, 98% and 100%) respectively. Conclusion: Infants presenting with ≥ 3 symptoms, lethargy, respiratory rate of ≥ 70/minute or chest indrawing can be used for screening purpose to detect hypoxia and infants showing signs like grunting, head nodding, nasal flaring or central cyanosis should be considered hypoxic and treated with supplemental oxygen. Key words: Hypoxia; Respiratory rate; Chest indrawing; Nasal flaring DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5359 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 202-208
Rotavirus Disease Burden and Molecular Epidemiology in Children with Acute Diarrhoea Age Less than 5 Years in Nepal
Authors: Sherchand JB , Cuncliffe NA , Tandukar S , Yookoo M , Pandey BD , Niraula P , Panta AR , Nakagomi O
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. The aim of the study was to determine rotavirus disease burden and distribution of rotavirus genotypes in children less than five years of age. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 1768 hospital admitted children under 5 years of age with acute watery diarrhea during November 2005 to October 2008. Rotavirus in stool samples was detected by Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) and positive specimens for rotavirus positive was genotyped by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) and sequencing methods. Results: The prevalence of rotavirus was 36.59% (647/1768). Detection was higher in male (33.3%) than female (26.9%). The prevalence was higher during the month of January (2005-06) and February in other periods. During 2005-06, high prevalence of rotavirus was noted in children of age between 6-11 months while in 2006-07 and 2007-08 high prevalence was seen in age group 12-23 months. The most common genotyping of rotavirus identified 5 G types and 3 P types. Genotypes G12 and P [8] were most common during both periods studied (G12; 50%, 29% 33.7% in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively and P[8]; 47%, 35% and 43.5% in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively). Among six combined genotypes, G12P [6] was most prevalent (34%, 24% and 47.5% in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively) where as G1P [6] (4%) was seen in year 2007- 08 only. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the burden of rotavirus diarrhea in Nepal. The data on rotavirus genotypes will help inform decisions as to whether rotavirus vaccine should be considered for inclusion in to Nepal’s National Immunization Program. Key words: Rotavirus; Diarrhea; Genotyping; Children   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5360 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 209-215
A Rare Association of Hydrops of Gall Bladder with Hepatitis E Infection
Authors: Sinha R , Negi V , Sawhney MPS , Debnath J
Published: September 2011

Gall bladder distension with acute viral acalculous cholecystitis is an extremely rare event especially with Hepatitis E infection in paediatric cases with a high incidence of perforation, gallbladder necrosis and mortality. We report a four year old male child presenting with fever, vomiting, pain abdomen, mild hepatosplenomegaly and tenderness in right hypochondrium. Laboratory investigations revealed hyperbilirubinemia and elevated liver enzymes, but there was no evidence of bacterial or parasitic infection. Serology for viral hepatitis suggested acute Hepatitis E infection. Ultrasonographically distended inflamed gallbladder without calculous was observed. Finally acute acalculous cholecystitis due to Hepatitis E virus was diagnosed and the child responded to the conservative management. Key words: Acalculous cholecystitis; Hepatitis E; Pericholecystic fluid; Gallbladder thickening.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5362 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 216-222-223
Target Profile Prediction and Practical Evaluation of a Biginelli-Type Dihydropyrimidine Compound Library
Authors: Schneider Petra , Stutz Katharina , Kasper Ladina , Haller Sarah , Reutlinger Michael , Reisen Felix , Geppert Tim , Schneider Gisbert
Published: September 2011

We present a self-organizing map (SOM) approach to predicting macromolecular targets for combinatorial compound libraries. The aim was to study the usefulness of the SOM in combination with a topological pharmacophore representation (CATS) for selecting biologically active compounds from a virtual combinatorial compound collection, taking the multi-component Biginelli dihydropyrimidine reaction as an example. We synthesized a candidate compound from this library, for which the SOM model suggested inhibitory activity against cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and other kinases. The prediction was confirmed in an in vitro panel assay comprising 48 human kinases. We conclude that the computational technique may be used for ligand-based in silico pharmacology studies, off-target prediction, and drug re-purposing, thereby complementing receptor-based approaches.
Synthesis of enantiomerically enriched (R)-13C-labelled 2-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) by conformational memory in the alkylation of a derivative of L-alanine
Authors: Fletcher Stephen P , Solà Jordi , Holt Dean , Brown Robert A , Clayden Jonathan
Published: September 2011

The method of Kouklovsky and coworkers for the enantioselective alkylation of cyclic N-naphthoyl derivatives of amino acids was used to introduce a 13C label into one of the two enantiotopic methyl groups of 2-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) by retentive alkylation of L-alanine with 13CH3I. Conditions were identified for optimization of yield and enantiomeric purity, and the absolute configuration of the labelled product was established.