bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food intake in lean and obese mice after peripheral administration of glucagon-like peptide 2
Authors: Baldassano Sara , Bellanca Anna Lisa , Serio Rosa , Mulè Flavia
Published: March 2012

We investigated the potential anorectic action of peripherally administered glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP2) in lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Mice, fasted for 16 h, were injected i.p. with native GLP2 or [Gly2]GLP2, stable analog of GLP2, before or after GLP2 (3–33), a GLP2 receptor (GLP2R) antagonist, or exendin (9–39), a GLP1R antagonist. Food intake was measured at intervals 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h postinjection. In addition, we tested in lean mice the influence of [Gly2]GLP2 on gastric emptying and the effects of GLP1 alone or in combination with [Gly2]GLP2 on food intake. [Gly2]GLP2 dose dependently and significantly inhibited food intake in lean and DIO mice. The reduction of food intake occurred in the first hour postinjection and it was sustained until 4 h postinjection in lean mice while it was sustained until 2 h postinjection in DIO mice. GLP2 significantly inhibited food intake in both lean and DIO mice but only in the first hour postinjection. The efficiency of [Gly2]GLP2 or GLP2 in suppressing food intake was significantly weaker in DIO mice compared with lean animals. The [Gly2]GLP2 anorectic actions were blocked by the GLP2R antagonist GLP2 (3–33) or by the GLP1R antagonist exendin (9–39). The coadministration of [Gly2]GLP2 and GLP1 did not cause additive effects. [Gly2]GLP2 decreased the gastric emptying rate. Results suggest that GLP2 can reduce food intake in mice in the short term, likely acting at a peripheral level. DIO mice are less sensitive to the anorectic effect of the peptide.
Impact of the LH surge on granulosa cell transcript levels as markers of oocyte developmental competence in cattle
Authors: Gilbert Isabelle , Robert Claude , Vigneault Christian , Blondin Patrick , Sirard Marc-André
Published: March 2012

In the case of in vitro embryonic production, it is known that not all oocytes detain the developmental capacity to form an embryo. This capacity appears to be acquired through completion of folliculogenesis, during which the oocyte and follicular cells influence their respective destinies. The differentiation status of granulosa cells (GCs) could therefore offer an indicator of oocyte quality. The aim of this study was to compare mRNA transcript abundance in GCs associated with oocytes that subsequently reach or not the blastocyst stage. GCs were collected from cattle following an ovarian stimulation protocol that did or did not include the administration of LH. GCs were classified according to the developmental stage achieved by the associated oocytes. Transcript abundance was measured by microarray. Follicles (n=189) obtained from cows before and after the LH surge were essentially similar and the rates of oocytes reaching the blastocyst stage were not significantly different (52 vs 41%), but blastocyst quality was significantly better in the post-LH-surge group. In GCs from the pre-LH-surge group and associated with developmentally competent oocytes, 18 overexpressed and 22 underexpressed transcripts were found, including novel uncharacterized transcripts, whereas no differentially expressed transcripts were associated with developmentally different oocytes in the post-LH-surge group. The novel transcriptomic response associated with LH appeared to mask the difference. Based on oocyte developmental competence, the period prior to the LH surge appears best suited for studying competence-associated mRNA transcripts in bovine follicle cells.
The Role of Cation Point Defects and Oxygen Interstitials on Modulations in Undoped and Doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O Superconductors
Authors: Gai P. L. , Subramanian M. A. , Sleight A. W.
Published: March 2012

Variations in superstructure modulations and transition tempeartures (Tc) in undoped and yttrium-doped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (2212) superconductors annealed in different environments have been examined by microstructural analysis. The hole concentration is changed either by annealing the samples in reducing or oxidizing environments, or by partial substitution of Y3+ cations on the Ca-sites. Systematic investigations of the 2212 samples annealed in both the reducing (nitrogen) and oxidizing (oxygen) environments show commensurate and incommensurate modulations, respectively, and a decrease of Tc in oxygen. Commensurate modulations have also been found for samples prepared entirely in nitrogen. High spatial resolution microanalysis reveals that the modulations are insensitive to cation point defects. These results indicate that modulations are intrinsic to the 2212 materials and that they are caused by the lattice mismatch between the perovskite and Bi-O layers. Such periodic variations in interplanar spacings are expected to lead to satellite spots as observed in electron diffraction. The results are consistent with single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reported in the literature. In the Y- doped samples Tc values are similar in Bi2Sr2Ca1-xYxCu2O8 for x=0.2, in both the environments, but decrease with increasing value of x.
Choosing ecosystem service investments that are robust to uncertainty across multiple parameters
Authors: Chisholm Ryan A. , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: March 2012

Info‐gap decision theory facilitates decision making for problems in which uncertainty is large and probability distributions of uncertain variables are unknown. The info‐gap framework allows the decision maker to maximize robustness to failure in the presence of uncertainty, where uncertainty is in the parameters of the model and failure is defined as the model output falling below some minimally acceptable performance threshold. Info‐gap theory has found particular application to problems in conservation biology and ecological economics. In this study, we applied info‐gap theory to an ecosystem services trade‐off case study in which a decision maker aiming to maximize ecosystem service investment returns must choose between two alternative land uses: native vegetation conservation or the establishment of an exotic timber plantation. The uncertain variables are the carbon price and the water price. With a “no‐information” uncertainty model that assumes equal relative uncertainty across both variables, info‐gap theory identifies a minimally acceptable reward threshold above which conservation is preferred, but below which plantation establishment is preferred. However, with an uncertainty model that allows the carbon price to be substantially more uncertain than the water price, conservation of native vegetation becomes an economically more robust investment option than establishing alien pine plantations. We explored the sensitivity of the results to the use of alternative uncertainty models, including asymmetric uncertainty in individual variables. We emphasize the general finding that the results of info‐gap analyses can be sensitive to the choice of uncertainty model and that, therefore, future applications to ecological problems should be careful to incorporate all available qualitative and quantitative information relating to uncertainties or should at least justify the no‐information uncertainty model.
The impact of the invasive shrubLonicera maackiion the decomposition dynamics of a native plant community
Authors: Poulette Megan M. , Arthur Mary A.
Published: March 2012

Invasive plants may have variable effects within a given environment depending on their interactions with the dominant native species, yet little research has examined such species–species interactions within a site. Savanna trees with nonoverlapping canopies offer an ideal opportunity to assess associated changes in the ecosystem processes that result from interactions between an invasive species and different native tree species. We examined the influence of the exotic invasive shrubLonicera maackiion decomposition dynamics under three native tree species:Fraxinus quadrangulata,Quercus muehlenbergii, andCarya ovata. Litter decomposition rates and litter C and N were evaluated over two years using single‐ and mixed‐species litterbags (L. maackiiand individual tree species litter); microarthropod abundance was measured at 6 weeks using Tulgren funnels. Litter from the invasiveL. maackiidecomposed and lost N more rapidly than the litter of the three native tree species. The rate at whichL. maackiidecomposed depended on its location, withL. maackiilitter decomposing and losing N more rapidly underC. ovatathan under the other two native tree species. MixingL. maackiiwith the native species' litter did not accelerate litter mass loss overall but did result in synergistic N losses at variable times throughout the experiment, further highlighting the variable interaction between native species andL. maackii. Nitrogen loss was significantly higher than expected in mixtures ofC. ovata+L. maackiilitter at 6 weeks, inF. quadrangulata+L. maackiilitter at 12 weeks, and inQ. muehlenbergii+L. maackiilitter at 24 weeks. If the effects of invasive species on certain ecosystem processes, such as litter decomposition, are strongly influenced by their association with native species, this could suggest the need for a more nuanced understanding of the vulnerability of ecosystem processes to invasions ofL. maackiiand potentially other invasive species.
Reduced‐impact logging and biodiversity conservation: a case study from Borneo
Authors: Edwards David P. , Woodcock Paul , Edwards Felicity A. , Larsen Trond H. , Hsu Wayne W. , Benedick Suzan , Wilcove David S.
Published: March 2012

A key driver of rain forest degradation is rampant commercial logging. Reduced‐impact logging (RIL) techniques dramatically reduce residual damage to vegetation and soils, and they enhance the long‐term economic viability of timber operations when compared to conventionally managed logging enterprises. Consequently, the application of RIL is increasing across the tropics, yet our knowledge of the potential for RIL also to reduce the negative impacts of logging on biodiversity is minimal. We compare the impacts of RIL on birds, leaf‐litter ants, and dung beetles during a second logging rotation in Sabah, Borneo, with the impacts of conventional logging (CL) as well as with primary (unlogged) forest. Our study took place 1–8 years after the cessation of logging. The species richness and composition of RIL vs. CL forests were very similar for each taxonomic group. Both RIL and CL differed significantly from unlogged forests in terms of bird and ant species composition (although both retained a large number of the species found in unlogged forests), whereas the composition of dung beetle communities did not differ significantly among forest types. Our results show little difference in biodiversity between RIL and CL over the short term. However, biodiversity benefits from RIL may accrue over longer time periods after the cessation of logging. We highlight a severe lack of studies investigating this possibility. Moreover, if RIL increases the economic value of selectively logged forests (e.g., via REDD+, a United Nations program: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries), it could help prevent them from being converted to agricultural plantations, which results in a tremendous loss of biodiversity.
The Research of Sequential Images: Rebuilding of Gray (Position) ~ Time Function on Direction Lines and Their Applications
Authors: Lin Qiang , Li Wei
Published: March 2012

Contrasted with other information carriers, such as speech and text, images contains larger amount of information, especially in sequential images, that is waiting to be exploited, in particular the dynamic information of correlation, difference, and temporal relationship between different frames. This dynamic information contributes a great deal in analysis of 4D images. This paper proposes a method for detecting dynamic information from sequential images, based on the rebuilding of their gray (position)~time function on direction lines, an approach that has been analyzed and studied extensively on the setting of various direction lines. This method is based on motion that is presented on sequential images. In particular, the method, Omni directional M-mode Echocardiography system, which we have studied extensively, will be described leading to a robust way of diagnosing heart diseases.
Application Study of Vascular Interventional Robotic Mechanism for Remote Steering
Authors: Tian Zengmin , Jia Bo , Lu Wangsheng , Hui Rui
Published: March 2012

Background:

Recently, robotic systems have been introduced as a useful method for surgical procedures. But in the field of vascular interventional therapy, the development of robotic system is slower.

Objective:

The purpose of the study is to verify the reliability and safety of vascular interventional robotic system used in angiography, by the way of in vitro preliminary experiments and animal experiments.

Method:

The approach is to employ a proprietary vascular interventional robot system to complete glass vessel models and animal angiogram experiments. This robot system consists of a console port (remote steering system), an assistant port (propelled and rotation system) and a hydraulic fixing device, upon which surgeons control remotely to make go forward and rotate in the glass vessel models and animal vessels, on the 3D operation interface. Consequently, the operation time and success rate are counted and evaluated.

Result:

In the glass vessel model experiments, the Catheter can enter various kinds of vessel models with inside diameter length greater than 3mm and angle less than 90o. In the animal (adult dogs) experiments, surgeons can accomplish smoothly the angiogram of the renal artery, the vertebral renal and the arteria carotis communis, without any complications of surgery.

Conclusion:

The angiogram by using vascular interventional robot system is safe and reliable. Surgeons can finish the angiogram in part by remote operation, and the result of angiogram can meet a number of simple expectations. However without wire control and force feedback systems, the applicability of this kind of robot system is not flexible enough and need to be improved in the future.
Collateral branches of the brachial plexus as donors in nerve transfers
Authors: Samardzic Miroslav , Rasulic Lukas , Lakicevic Novak , Bascarevic Vladimir , Cvrkota Irena , Micovic Mirko , Savic Andrija
Published: March 2012

Background/Aim. Nerve transfers in cases of directly irreparable, or high
level extensive brachial plexus traction injuries are performed using a
variety of donor nerves with various success but an ideal method has not been
established. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of nerve
transfers in patients with traction injuries to the brachial plexus using the
thoracodorsal and medial pectoral nerves as donors. Methods. This study
included 40 patients with 25 procedures using the thoracodorsal nerve and 33
procedures using the medial pectoral nerve as donors for reinnervation of the
musculocutaneous or axillary nerve. The results were analyzed according to
the donor nerve, the age of the patient and the timing of surgery. Results.
The total rate of recovery for elbow flexion was 94.1%, for shoulder
abduction 89.3%, and for shoulder external rotation 64.3%. The corresponding
rates of recovery using the thoracodorsal nerve were 100%, 93.7% and 68.7%,
respectively. The rates of recovery with medial pectoral nerve transfers were
90.5%, 83.3% and 58.3%, respectively. Despite the obvious differences in the
rates of recovery, statistical significance was found only between the rates
and quality of recovery for the musculocutaneous and axillary nerve using the
thoracodorsal nerve as donor. Conclusion. According to our findings, nerve
transfers using collateral branches of the brachial plexus in cases with
upper palsy offer several advantages and yield high rate and good quality of
recovery.
Diagnostical significance of dimethylarginine in the development of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Authors: Nickovic Vanja , Nikolic Jelenka , Djindjic Natasa , Ilic Мilena , Nickovic Jovan , Mladenovic Dragan , Krstic Nebojsa
Published: March 2012

Background/Aim. Chronic consumption of alcohol during a longer period of time
leads to the development of cirrhosis with the reduction in metabolic liver
function and disorders in arginine metabolism. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is
the most severe complication of alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The aim of the
study was to analyze disorders in arginine metabolism by monitoring
concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric
dimethylarginine (SDMA) in patients with liver cirrhosis and HRS. Methods.
The study included three groups of subjects: a group of patients with
cirrhosis and HRS (24 patients), a group of patients with cirrhosis without
HRS (18 patients) and a control group composed of 42 healthy voluntary blood
donors. Concentrations of ADMA, SDMA and L-arginine in plasma were measured
in all groups using the high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.
Results. The concentration of SDMA was significantly higher in the patients
with HRS compared to the patients without HRS and it was also higher than the
values obtained from the healthy participants (1.76 ? 0.3 ?mol/L; 1.01 ? 0.32
and 0.520 ? 0.18 ?mol/L, respectively; p < 0.01). The concentrations of ADMA
were higher in the cirrhotic patients with HRS than in those without this
serious complication of cirrhosis. The concentration of ADMA in all the
examined cirrhotic patients was higher than those obtained from healthy
volunteers (1.35 ? 0.27 ?mol/L, 1.05 ? 0.35 ?mol/L and 0.76 ? 0.21 ?mol/L,
respectively). In the patients with terminal alcoholic liver cirrhosis, the
concentrations of ADMA and SDMA correlated with the progress of cirrhosis as
well as with the development of cirrhosis complications. In the patients with
HRS there was a positive correlation between creatinine and SDMA in plasma
(r2 = 0.0756, p < 0.001) which was not found between creatinine and ADMA.
Conclusion. The obtained results demonstrate that the increase in SDMA
concentration is proportionate to the progression of chronic damage of the
liver and kidneys. Increased ADMA concentration can be a causative agent of
renal insufficiency in patients with cirrhosis.
The Relationship Between Financial Incentives and Quality of Diabetes Care in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Kiran Tara , Victor J. Charles , Kopp Alexander , Shah Baiju R. , Glazier Richard H.
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the impact of a diabetes incentive code introduced for primary care physicians in Ontario, Canada, in 2002 on quality of diabetes care at the population and patient level.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed administrative data for 757,928 Ontarians with diabetes to examine the use of the code and receipt of three evidence-based monitoring tests from 2006 to 2008. We assessed testing rates over time and before and after billing of the incentive code.

RESULTS

One-quarter of Ontarians with diabetes had an incentive code billed by their physician. The proportion receiving the optimal number of all three monitoring tests (HbA1c, cholesterol, and eye tests) rose gradually from 16% in 2000 to 27% in 2008. Individuals who were younger, lived in rural areas, were not enrolled in a primary care model, or had a mental illness were less likely to receive all three recommended tests. Patients with higher numbers of incentive code billings in 2006–2008 were more likely to receive recommended testing but also were more likely to have received the highest level of recommended testing prior to introduction of the incentive code. Following the same patients over time, improvement in recommended testing was no greater after billing of the first incentive code than before.

CONCLUSIONS

The diabetes incentive code led to minimal improvement in quality of diabetes care at the population and patient level. Our findings suggest that physicians who provide the highest quality care prior to incentives may be those most likely to claim incentive payments.
Statin Use as a Moderator of Metformin Effect on Risk for Prostate Cancer Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Lehman Donna M. , Lorenzo Carlos , Hernandez Javier , Wang Chen-pin
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

Metformin and statins have shown promise for cancer prevention. This study assessed whether the effect of metformin on prostate cancer (PCa) incidence varied by statin use among type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 5,042 type 2 diabetic male patients seen in the Veteran Administration Health Care System who were without prior cancer and were prescribed with metformin or sulfonylurea as the exclusive hypoglycemic medication between fiscal years 1999 and 2005. Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted to assess the differential hazard ratio (HR) of PCa due to metformin by statin use versus sulfonylurea use, where propensity scores of metformin and statin use were adjusted to account for imbalances in baseline covariates across medication groups.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was ∼5 years, and 7.5% had a PCa diagnosis. Statin use modified the effect of metformin on PCa incidence (P < 0.0001). Metformin was associated with a significantly reduced PCa incidence among patients on statins (HR 0.69 [95% CI 0.50–0.92]; 17 cases/533 metformin users vs. 135 cases/2,404 sulfonylureas users) and an increased PCa incidence among patients not on statins (HR 2.15 [1.83–2.52]; 22 cases/175 metformin users vs. 186 cases/1,930 sulfonylureas users). The HR of PCa incidence for those taking metformin and statins versus those taking neither medication was 0.32 (0.25–0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Among men with type 2 diabetes, PCa incidence among metformin users varied by their statin use. The potential beneficial influence on PCa by combination use of metformin and statin may be due to synergistic effects.
Socially Assistive Robotics for Guiding Motor Task Practice
Authors: Wade Eric , Parnandi Avinash , Mead Ross , Matarić Maja
Published: March 2012

Due to their quantitative nature, robotic systems are useful tools for systematically augmenting human behavior and performance in dynamic environments, such as therapeutic rehabilitation settings. The efficacy of human-robot interaction (HRI) in these settings will depend on the robot’s coaching style. Our goal was to investigate the influence of robot coaching styles designed to enhance motivation and encouragement on post-stroke individuals during motor task practice. We hypothesized that coaching styles incorporating user performance and preference would be preferred in a therapeutic HRI setting. We designed an evaluation study with seven individuals post stroke. A socially assistive robotics (SAR) system using three different coaching styles guided participants during performance of an upper extremity practice task. User preference was not significantly affected by the different robot coaching styles in our participant sample (H(2) = 2.638, p = 0.267). However, trends indicated differences in preference for the coaching styles. Our results provide insights into the design and use of SAR systems in therapeutic interactions aiming to influence user behavior.
Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets - A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Haque Md Shahidul , Fatmi LE , Alam Chowdhury Md Shafiqul
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v34i2.10222 BJCH2010; 34(2): 73-75
Heart Disease and its Consequence in Pregnancy
Authors: Wahid Fatima , Begum Firoza , Kulsum Umme , Fatema Kaniz , Sharmin Farzana , Kaman SM Mustafa
Published: March 2012

The aim of the study is to evaluate the types of heart disease common in our pregnant woman and to assess its influence on the maternal outcome. This was a prospective observational study. The study was carried out in the department of obstetrics & Gynecology in BSMMU from Jan 2006 to Dec 2006. Thirty-five consecutive cases with heart diseases were included in the study. Out of 35 Cases, 26(74.3%) were suffering from rheumatic heart diseases and only 9 (25.7%) patients were suffering from congenital heart disease. Based on New York heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, 28(80%) belonged to NYHA class I, 5 (71.212%) belonged to NYHA class II and 2(28.57%) belonged to class III heart disease on presentation. The number of caeserian section was 33(94.28%) and normal vaginal delivery (5.71%). In this study only 1 woman of NYHA III disease expired. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10201 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 7-9
Validity of Estimation of Pulmonary artery Pressure Using Continuous wave Doppler Echocardiography in Patient with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Authors: Ahmed Chaudhury Meshkat , Arafat Sohel Mahmud , Hasan Muhammad Khaled , Khan Abed Hussain , Sayami Lima Asrin , Uddin Sultan Md Ashraf , Hoque Md Harisul , Mahmood Manzoor
Published: March 2012

Pulmonary artery pressure is one of the most important parameter for evaluating the status of pulmonary vascular bed for patients of PDA, which helps in formulating treatment strategy. This study was carried out in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital (NICVD) and National Centre for Control of Rheumatic Fever and Heart Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pulmonary artery pressure was recorded noninvasively using Doppler echocardiography and the it was correlated with those obtained from haemodynamic studies done at cardiac catheterization. Estimation of pulmonary artery pressure using Doppler derived measurement of pressure gradient across patent ductus arteriosus correlated well with that of simultaneous catheterization measured values. Doppler echocardiography is a cheap, simple, noninvasive bedside test for measuring pulmonary artery systolic and diastolic pressure in patient with PDA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10202 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 10-12
Influence of Hypertension on Early outcome after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Hossain Md Aslam , Hoque Rezwanul , Khan Md Saifullah , Adhikary Asit Baran , Rahman Mostafizur , Uddin Sultan Md Ashraf
Published: March 2012

Influence of hypertension on early outcome after coronary bypass surgery was studied during the period from January 2004 to December 2004, in the Department of cardiovascular surgery, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sixty patients undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass grafting in cardioplegic arrested heart were divided equally into two groups, 30 patients with hypertension(Group A) and 30 patients without hypertension(Group B). Study showed that in hypertensive group, 60.00% developed postoperative complications, whereas it is 13.30% of non-hypertensive group. Twenty percent of group A and none of the Group-B patients developed sternal wound infection. Leg infections were 39% and 13.3% in Group A and Group B respectively. Two patients from the Group A developed stroke during postoperative period, but none of the Group B patient had the same problem. Duration of average postoperative ventilation was 2.35 times greater in hypertensive patients than non-hypertensive patients. Mean postoperative hospital stay for Group A and Group B patients being 13.20 and 10.90 days respectively. The study showed that hypertensive patients were at higher risk of developing postoperative complications compared to patients without hypertension. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10203 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 13-15
A Comparative Study Between Conventional and Direct Stenting by Measuring Serum Cardiac Troponin-I
Authors: Afrin Syeda Fahmida , Rahman Md Hasanur , Md Taimur Syed Dawoo , Abdullah Muhsina , Sharmin Safia , Ara Esmat
Published: March 2012

The aim of the study is to assess serum Cardiac Troponin-I level in patients who have underdone Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as an indication of myocardial injury and. Compare the troponin-I level in direct or conventional stetting in PCI and assess the superiorty of two methods of PCI, regarding myocardial injury and outcome. Cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI) is known to have the highest specificity & analytic sensitivity for detection of myocardial injury. This study was aimed to compare between conventional and direct stenting by assessing of serum cTnI. This observentional study was carried out in the Deparment of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College & Dept. of Cardiology, Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute during the period from July 2007 to June 2008. In this study we enrolled 60 diagnosed cases of coronary heart disease patients which were grouped as direct stenting (30 patients) and conventional stenting (30 patients) group. In this study, the age of the patients ranged from 42-72 years with a mean of 56.7 (±7.1) years. Male and female participants were 44 and 16 respectively. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction of them were 55.43 (±7.9) %. The difference of the mean troponin-I level before direct and conventional stenting was similar. Although the mean level of troponin-I after conventional stenting was higher (0.081± 0.042) than that of direct stenting (0.066±0.042), the difference of means was not statically significant (P> 0.05). Significant difference was observed between the mean before and after direct stenting as well as conventional stenting. From our observation we can conclude that serum cTnI level was higher after conventional stenting than that of direct stenting but the difference of means was not statically significant. It rises significantly after Percutaneous coronary intervention regardless of the type of procedure, whether direct or conventional stenting. Though the clinical outcome is reported to be similar in direct and conventional stenting, the direct stenting requires less procedural and equipment cost as well as less exposure time to radiation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10206 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 23-27
Application of Total Cardiovascular Risk Estimation in The Management of A Patient with Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Mahmood Manzoor , Muqueet MA , Hoque Md Harisul , Zaman SM Mustafa , Rahman Md Muklesur , Habib Ahsan , Salim Md Abu , Islam Ms Sirajul , Banarjee SK , Siddique Md Abu
Published: March 2012

Medical intervention based on the concept of total coronary risk in the asymptomatic population without cardiovascular disease (CVD) is widely advocated throughout the world.All adults above 40 years, without history of CVD or diabetes, and who are not on treatment for blood pressure (BP) or lipids, should be considered for a comprehensive risk assessment in primary care once every five years. Our patient is an asymptomatic obese, hypertensive, dyslipidaemic individual who is also a smoker. He has a family history of premature atherosclerotic disease. His co-morbidities include mild asthma and hepatic impairment. His estimated total cardiovascular risk according to Joint British Society risk score1 for 10 year cardiovascular event is 40% which qualifies him in the high risk category.His estimated score according to HEART score based on the SCORE project2 is 7% which refers to a 10-year risk mortality. According to HEARTSCORE, a score of more than 5 is considered to be at high risk. The following discussion aims to cut down his cardiovascular risk by having life-style changes and use of cardioprotective medication where appropriate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10207 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 28-34
Microvascular Obstruction In PCI - A Review
Authors: Haque Fazlul , Momenuzzaman Nam , Begum Fatema , Khan Kaiser Nasrullah , Sohail KM , Adhikary Dipal Krisno , Shafique AM , Ulamin Mahbub , Milius Zahiruddin , Rahman Razur , Dey Ashis , Haque Ziaul , Uddin Faruk
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v7i1.10211 UHJ 2011; 7(1): 48-52
Comparison of Ultrasonic and CO2 Laser Pretreatment Methods on Enzyme Digestibility of Corn Stover
Authors: Tian Shuang-Qi , Wang Zhen-Yu , Fan Zi-Luan , Zuo Li-Li
Published: March 2012

To decrease the cost of bioethanol production, biomass recalcitrance needs to be overcome so that the conversion of biomass to bioethanol becomes more efficient. CO2 laser irradiation can disrupt the lignocellulosic physical structure and reduce the average size of fiber. Analyses with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area, and the microstructure of corn stover were used to elucidate the enhancement mechanism of the pretreatment process by CO2 laser irradiation. The present work demonstrated that the CO2 laser had potential to enhance the bioconversion efficiency of lignocellulosic waste to renewable bioethanol. The saccharification rate of the CO2 laser pretreatment was significantly higher than ultrasonic pretreatment, and reached 27.75% which was 1.34-fold of that of ultrasonic pretreatment. The results showed the impact of CO2 laser pretreatment on corn stover to be more effective than ultrasonic pretreatment.
Labeling of Anti-MUC-1 Binding Single Chain Fv Fragments to Surface Modified Upconversion Nanoparticles for an Initial in Vivo Molecular Imaging Proof of Principle Approach
Authors: Hischemöller Anja , Walter Claudia , Weiler Volker , Hummel Helga , Thepen Theo , Huhn Michael , Barth Stephan , Hoheisel Werner , Köhler Karen , Dimova-Landen Diana , Bremer Christoph , Haase Markus , Waldeck Jens
Published: March 2012

In vivo optical Imaging is an inexpensive and highly sensitive modality to investigate and follow up diseases like breast cancer. However, fluorescence labels and specific tracers are still works in progress to bring this promising modality into the clinical day-to-day use. In this study an anti-MUC-1 binding single-chain antibody fragment was screened, produced and afterwards labeled with newly designed and surface modified NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles as fluorescence reporter constructs. The MUC-1 binding of the conjugate was examined in vitro and in vivo using modified state-of-the-art small animal Imaging equipment. Binding of the newly generated upconversion nanoparticle based probe to MUC-1 positive cells was clearly shown via laser scanning microscopy and in an initial proof of principal small animal optical imaging approach.
Congenital Diarrheal Disorders: An Updated Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Terrin Gianluca , Tomaiuolo Rossella , Passariello Annalisa , Elce Ausilia , Amato Felice , Di Costanzo Margherita , Castaldo Giuseppe , Canani Roberto Berni
Published: March 2012

Congenital diarrheal disorders (CDDs) are a group of inherited enteropathies with a typical onset early in the life. Infants with these disorders have frequently chronic diarrhea of sufficient severity to require parenteral nutrition. For most CDDs the disease-gene is known and molecular analysis may contribute to an unequivocal diagnosis. We review CDDs on the basis of the genetic defect, focusing on the significant contribution of molecular analysis in the complex, multistep diagnostic work-up.
VLSI Architecture for 8-Point AI-based Arai DCT having Low Area-Time Complexity and Power at Improved Accuracy
Authors: Edirisuriya Amila , Madanayake Arjuna , Dimitrov Vassil S. , Cintra Renato J. , Adikari Jithra
Published: March 2012

A low complexity digital VLSI architecture for the computation of an algebraic integer (AI) based 8-point Arai DCT algorithm is proposed. AI encoding schemes for exact representation of the Arai DCT transform based on a particularly sparse 2-D AI representation is reviewed, leading to the proposed novel architecture based on a new final reconstruction step (FRS) having lower complexity and higher accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art. This FRS is based on an optimization derived from expansion factors that leads to small integer constant-coefficient multiplications, which are realized with common sub-expression elimination (CSE) and Booth encoding. The reference circuit [1] as well as the proposed architectures for two expansion factors α† = 4.5958 and α′ = 167.2309 are implemented. The proposed circuits show 150% and 300% improvements in the number of DCT coefficients having error ≤ 0:1% compared to [1]. The three designs were realized using both 40 nm CMOS Xilinx Virtex-6 FPGAs and synthesized using 65 nm CMOS general purpose standard cells from TSMC. Post synthesis timing analysis of 65 nm CMOS realizations at 900 mV for all three designs of the 8-point DCT core for 8-bit inputs show potential real-time operation at 2.083 GHz clock frequency leading to a combined throughput of 2.083 billion 8-point Arai DCTs per second. The expansion-factor designs show a 43% reduction in area (A) and 29% reduction in dynamic power (PD) for FPGA realizations. An 11% reduction in area is observed for the ASIC design for α† = 4.5958 for an 8% reduction in total power (PT ). Our second ASIC design having α′ = 167.2309 shows marginal improvements in area and power compared to our reference design but at significantly better accuracy.
Biochemical Change at the Setting-up of the Crossed-Lamellar Layer in Nerita undata Shell (Mollusca, Gastropoda)
Authors: Nouet Julius , Cotte Marine , Cuif Jean-Pierre , Dauphin Yannicke , Salomé Murielle
Published: March 2012

Nerita undata is a marine gastropod, the shell of which consists of an external layer composed of very fine, long and undulating calcite prisms, and of an internal aragonite crossed-lamellar layer. As for any Ca-carbonate shell, both layers are composite materials, resulting from the sub-micrometric association of organic macromolecules with the mineral phase. But at the transition between the two layers, in situ synchrotron-based mapping using μ-XANES spectroscopy performed at the S K-edge and SR-FTIR spectroscopy reveals that biochemical compositions change correlatively with the mineral phase, such as displayed by the distribution of sulfur-containing organic compounds (S-polysaccharides or S-amino acids) and organic molecular groups (amide I and II bands). These results highlight the complex change of secretory activity operated by the mineralizing tissue (the mollusk mantle) between these two parts of the shell, which is suspected to minutely control the setting-up of the crossed-lamellar microstructural pattern over the calcite prisms—A not so straightforward feature.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fullerene Nanowhiskers by Liquid-Liquid Interfacial Precipitation: Influence of C60 Solubility
Authors: Sathish Marappan , Miyazawa Kun’ichi
Published: March 2012

Fullerene nanowhiskers (FNWs) composed of C60 fullerene molecules were prepared using the liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation (LLIP) method in the carbon-disulfide (CS2) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) system. The electron microscopic images reveal the formation of non-tubular FNWs. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern studies indicate the presence of fcc crystalline structure and unusual triclinic structure in the FNWs. The selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED) analysis demonstrates the existence of triclinic and electron beam assisted fcc to tetragonal crystalline phase transformation. The formation of triclinic structure might be validated due to the partial polymerization of FNWs at C60 saturated CS2-IPA interface. The high solubility of C60 in CS2 solvent system results in partial polymerization of FNWs. The polymerization of fullerene molecules in the FNWs has been further confirmed using Raman spectroscopy.
Segmentation of Shadowed Buildings in Dense Urban Areas from Aerial Photographs
Authors: Susaki Junichi
Published: March 2012

Segmentation of buildings in urban areas, especially dense urban areas, by using remotely sensed images is highly desirable. However, segmentation results obtained by using existing algorithms are unsatisfactory because of the unclear boundaries between buildings and the shadows cast by neighboring buildings. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed that successfully segments buildings from aerial photographs, including shadowed buildings in dense urban areas. To handle roofs having rough textures, digital numbers (DNs) are quantized into several quantum values. Quantization using several interval widths is applied during segmentation, and for each quantization, areas with homogeneous values are labeled in an image. Edges determined from the homogeneous areas obtained at each quantization are then merged, and frequently observed edges are extracted. By using a “rectangular index”, regions whose shapes are close to being rectangular are thus selected as buildings. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm generates more practical segmentation results than an existing algorithm does. Therefore, the main factors in successful segmentation of shadowed roofs are (1) combination of different quantization results, (2) selection of buildings according to the rectangular index, and (3) edge completion by the inclusion of non-edge pixels that have a high probability of being edges. By utilizing these factors, the proposed algorithm optimizes the spatial filtering scale with respect to the size of building roofs in a locality. The proposed algorithm is considered to be useful for conducting building segmentation for various purposes.
Silencing Quorum Sensing through Extracts of Melicope lunu-ankenda
Authors: Tan Li Ying , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: March 2012

Quorum sensing regulates bacterial virulence determinants, therefore making it an interesting target to attenuate pathogens. In this work, we screened edible, endemic plants in Malaysia for anti-quorum sensing properties. Extracts from Melicope lunu-ankenda (Gaertn.) T. G. Hartley, a Malay garden salad, inhibited response of Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 to N-hexanoylhomoserine lactone, thus interfering with violacein production; reduced bioluminescence expression of E. coli [pSB401], disrupted pyocyanin synthesis, swarming motility and expression of lecA::lux of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Although the chemical nature of the anti-QS compounds from M. lunu-ankenda is currently unknown, this study proves that endemic Malaysian plants could serve as leads in the search for anti-quorum sensing compounds.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered tree Diplopanax stachyanthus (Araliaceae)
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Min , Wen Zhi , Xia Qiu‐Ping , Yan Hai‐Fei , Luo Zhi‐Yong
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Diplopanax stachyanthus to investigate the population genetics of this endangered tree.

• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 15 microsatellite markers were developed in D. stachyanthus and evaluated for their variability in 25 samples from a natural population. For the 11 polymorphic loci, the number of alleles ranged from two to eight, while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.5200 to 0.7600 and 0.4200 to 0.7813, respectively. Their cross‐taxa transferability was also examined in Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Tetrapanax papyrifer, Cornus controversa, and Dendrobenthamia japonica var. chinensis, and four to 15 loci proved amplifiable in these species.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite markers could be employed to investigate the population genetics of D. stachyanthus, and may potentially be applicable to other related species.
Microsatellites in Aureliana fasciculata var. fasciculata (Solanaceae), a shrub that inhabits the Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: Zamberlan Priscilla M. , da Silva Michele S. , Ramos‐Fregonezi Aline M. C. , Bonatto Sandro L. , Freitas Loreta B.
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in Aureliana fasciculata var. fasciculata, a shrub that inhabits the Atlantic Rainforest, to investigate the intraspecific genetic structure of the species.

• Methods and Results: Nine pairs of microsatellite primers were designed that were based on a simple sequence repeat (SSR)–enriched library. Seven loci were amplified successfully. Two populations of A. fasciculata var. fasciculata were genotyped and all loci were polymorphic, with two to five alleles per locus per population detected. Cross‐species amplification was achieved in other members of the genus and members of the sister genus Athenaea.

• Conclusions: The development of these microsatellite markers will contribute to future population genetic studies in A. fasciculata var. fasciculata. Cross‐amplification among other species in the genus and in the sister genus Athenaea might be a useful tool to establish patterns of genetic variability within the Atlantic Rainforest.
Hey Fellows, We Shrunk the Server
Authors: Sousa Valentim , Ferreira Paulo , Gericota Manuel
Published: March 2012

Remote laboratories are an essential part of Web-based engineering lecturing, enabling future engineers 24/7 access to lab resources. Furthermore, they allow sharing expensive resources among multiple universities and research centres. Typical remote lab architectures feature a server, normally a computer that may serve one or more experiments. Computers are generally bulky, somewhat expensive and require heavy resources to run complex operating systems. In this paper, a remote lab for the test of printed circuit boards and the programming/configuration of programmable logic devices and memories through a JTAG interface is presented. This lab is based on open source software and on a cheap router with OpenWrt firmware, a Linux distribution targeted at embedded systems, which acts as a processing unity. A router acting as a server is not a common solution in remote labs. When compared to a â??normal
Habitat Use of Woodpeckers in the Big Woods of Eastern Arkansas
Authors: Krementz David G. , Lehnen Sarah E. , Luscier Jason D.
Published: March 2012

The Big Woods of eastern Arkansas contain some of the highest densities of woodpeckers recorded within bottomland hardwood forests of the southeastern United States. A better understanding of habitat use patterns by these woodpeckers is a priority for conservationists seeking to maintain these high densities in the Big Woods and the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley as a whole. Hence, we used linear mixed-effects and linear models to estimate the importance of habitat characteristics to woodpecker density in the Big Woods during the breeding seasons of 2006 and 2007 and the winter of 2007. Northern flicker Colaptes auratus density was negatively related to tree density both for moderate (>25 cm diameter at breast height) and larger trees (>61 cm diameter at breast height). Red-headed woodpeckers Melanerpes erythrocephalus also had a negative relationship with density of large (>61 cm diameter at breast height) trees. Bark disfiguration (an index of tree health) was negatively related to red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus and yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius densities. No measured habitat variables explained pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus density. Overall, the high densities of woodpeckers observed in our study suggest that the current forest management of the Big Woods of Arkansas is meeting the nesting, roosting, and foraging requirements for these birds.