bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term effects of early-season fire on herbaceous composition, dry matter production and soil fertility in Guinea savanna, Nigeria
Authors: Oyedeji Stephen , Onuche Friday , Animasaun David , Ogunkunle Clement , Agboola Oludare , Isichei Augustine
Published: January 2016

The ecological impact of fire regimes on plant diversity and soil fertility
has become a subject of intense discussion, especially in savannas where
recurring incidences are common. This study assessed the short-term effects
of early-season fire on herbaceous composition, dry matter yield and soil
fertility in the Guinea savanna belt of Nigeria. Data on ground cover, dry
matter yield (DMY) in plants and concentrations of C, N, P, K, Ca and Mg in
soil were collected from 10 delineated subplots in the burned and unburned
zones of four sites after annual wildfire had occurred. Ground cover was
significantly higher in the burned zones, increasing progressively from
January to April (dry season). Eleven herbaceous species in addition to 2
tree seedlings occurred and represented families of Asteraceae, Cyperaceae,
Fabaceae and Poaceae. Digitaria nuda, Brachiaria lata, Daniellia oliveri and
Aeschynomene indica were limited to the burnt zones while Cyperus tuberosus,
Mariscus alternifolius and Rottboellia cochinchinensis were restricted to the
unburned zones. DMY ranged from 0.32 g m-2 (Desmodium tortuosum) to 52.96 g
m-2 (Megathyrsus maximus). Average biomass in the burned and unburned sites
was 35.86 g m-2 and 28.42 g m-2, respectively. Soil C, N and P concentrations
decreased (positive deterioration index - DI), while those of K, Ca and Mg
improved (negative DI) in the burned sites. Burning altered the growth
(ground cover) and composition of plant species in the short term, and could
significantly influence soil nutrient dynamics in the long term, especially
with recurring fire events.
5α-dihydrotestosterone treatment induces metabolic changes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome without interfering with hypothalamic leptin and glucocorticoid signaling
Authors: Nikolic Marina , Velickovic Natasa , Djordjevic Ana , Bursac Biljana , Macut Djuro , Bozic-Antic Ivana , Bjekic-Macut Jelica , Matic Gordana , Vojnovic-Milutinovic Danijela
Published: January 2016

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women
of reproductive age. It is a heterogenous disorder, with hyperandrogenism,
chronic anovulation and polycystic ovaries as basic characteristics, and
associated metabolic syndrome features. Increased secretion of leptin and
leptin resistance are common consequences of obesity. Leptin is a hormone
with anorexigenic effects in the hypothalamus. Its function in the regulation
of energy intake and consumption is antagonized by glucocorticoids. By
modulating leptin signaling and inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus,
glucocorticoids can contribute to the development of metabolic disturbances
associated with central energy disbalance. The aim of the study was to
examine the relationship between hypothalamic leptin, glucocorticoid and
inflammatory signaling in the development of metabolic disturbances
associated with PCOS. The study was conducted on an animal model of PCOS
generated by a continual, 90-day treatment of female rats with
5?-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The model exhibited all key reproductive and
metabolic features of the syndrome. mRNA and/or protein levels of the key
components of hypothalamic glucocorticoid, leptin and inflammatory pathways,
presumably contributing to energy disbalance in DHT-treated female rats, were
measured. The results indicated that DHT treatment led to the development of
hyperphagia and hyperleptinemia as metabolic features associated with PCOS.
However, these metabolic disturbances could not be ascribed to changes in
hypothalamic leptin, glucocorticoid or inflammatory signaling pathways in
DHT-treated rats.
Timing of Physical Therapy Initiation for Nonsurgical Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Effects on Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ojha Heidi A. , Wyrsta Nadia J. , Davenport Todd E. , Egan William E. , Gellhorn Alfred C.
Published: January 2016

Study Design

Systematic review.

Background

Current US practice guidelines suggest an initial “wait-and-see” approach following onset of musculoskeletal pain, particularly for spinal pain. Several studies suggest that early, compared with delayed, initiation of physical therapy for musculoskeletal conditions may decrease health costs and improve outcomes.

Objective

To compare early and delayed initiation of physical therapy for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions and to assess effects on patient-important outcomes and cost.

Methods

MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, and PEDro were the data sources. We included studies that compared early and delayed initiation of physical therapy for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Studies in which early and delayed interventions differed were excluded. Two independent reviewers extracted study characteristics and outcomes, and determined eligibility and quality through consensus with a third reviewer. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used in summary conclusions. Standardized effect sizes (d) and odds ratios were calculated to assess the effect strength of early versus delayed physical therapy for each included study.

Results

Of the 3855 articles initially screened, 14 studies were included. The majority of articles studied low back pain (only 2 articles studied cervical pain). For spinal pain, there was low-quality evidence that early versus delayed physical therapy was associated with decreased cost and decreased frequency of opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging, and surgeries without compromising patient-important outcomes. One subgroup analyzed showed improved function/disability with early physical therapy in an occupational health setting.

Conclusion

Although there were consistent results across studies favoring early physical therapy for decreased cost and medical utilization, quality was limited. Preliminary evidence suggests that early physical therapy may decrease cost without compromising outcomes. The primary limitation of the current research on this topic is in study design. Additional high-quality research involving prospective randomized designs and economic impact analyses is required to further investigate the outcomes associated with early initiation of physical therapy.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1a-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(2):56–70. Epub 11 Jan 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6138
Rehabilitation Following Meniscal Root Repair: A Clinical Commentary
Authors: Mueller Brett T. , Moulton Samuel G. , O'Brien Luke , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: January 2016

Synopsis

There is a growing body of evidence surrounding the pathology and treatment of meniscal root tears. As surgical techniques are being developed and refined, rehabilitation protocols for meniscal root repairs must be defined and tested. Little information has been published regarding specific rehabilitation parameters for meniscal root repairs through all phases of rehabilitation. The goal of this commentary is to describe a rehabilitation program for meniscal root repairs that is founded on anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles with criteria-based progressions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(2):104–113. Epub 11 Jan 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6219
Cost-Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Only and of Usual Care for Various Health Conditions: Systematic Review
Authors: Bürge Elisabeth , Monnin Dominique , Berchtold André , Allet Lara
Published: January 2016

Background

Given continually rising health care costs, interventions of health care providers should be cost-effective.

Purpose

This review aimed to summarize current cost-effectiveness of physical therapy. Specific aims were: (1) to analyze cost-effectiveness of physical therapy only compared with usual care only, (2) to analyze cost-effectiveness of physical therapy added to usual care compared with usual care only, and (3) to specify in which health conditions physical therapy only or physical therapy added to usual care was cost-effective.

Data Sources

Topic-related systematic reviews were searched in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, and Cochrane Library and manually.

Study Selection

Studies published between 1998 and 2014 that investigated the cost-effectiveness of interventions carried out by physical therapists were reviewed. The methodological quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias assessment for intervention studies and with the Quality of Health Economic Analyses Scale.

Data Extraction

Effectiveness and cost data for calculating incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and the original authors' conclusions were extracted.

Data Synthesis

The 18 included studies presented low risk of bias and contained 8 comparisons of physical therapy only with usual care only and 11 comparisons of physical therapy added to usual care with usual care only. Based on ICERs, physical therapy only or added to usual care was cost-effective in 9 out of the 19 comparisons and in 10 comparisons according to the original authors' conclusions.

Conclusion

Physical therapy only or added to usual care implies improved health in almost all studies. The cost-effectiveness of such interventions was demonstrated in half of the studies. This result might have been influenced by the fact that different definitions of the notion of “cost-effectiveness” exist.
Long-Term Effect of Exercise Therapy and Patient Education on Impairments and Activity Limitations in People With Hip Osteoarthritis: Secondary Outcome Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Svege Ida , Fernandes Linda , Nordsletten Lars , Holm Inger , Risberg May Arna
Published: January 2016

Background

The effect of exercise on specific impairments and activity limitations in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA) is limited.

Objective

The study objective was to evaluate the long-term effect of exercise therapy and patient education on range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, physical fitness, walking capacity, and pain during walking in people with hip OA.

Design

This was a secondary outcome analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Setting

The setting was a university hospital.

Participants

One hundred nine people with clinically and radiographically evident hip OA were randomly allocated to receive both exercise therapy and patient education (exercise group) or patient education only (control group).

Intervention

All participants attended a patient education program consisting of 3 group meetings led by 2 physical therapists. Two other physical therapists were responsible for providing the exercise therapy program, consisting of 2 or 3 weekly sessions of strengthening, functional, and stretching exercises over 12 weeks. Both interventions were conducted at a sports medicine clinic.

Measurements

Outcome measures included ROM, isokinetic muscle strength, predicted maximal oxygen consumption determined with the Astrand bicycle ergometer test, and distance and pain during the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Follow-up assessments were conducted 4, 10, and 29 months after enrollment by 5 physical therapists who were unaware of group allocations.

Results

No significant group differences were found for ROM, muscle strength, predicted maximal oxygen consumption, or distance during the 6MWT over the follow-up period, but the exercise group had less pain during the 6MWT than the control group at 10 months (mean difference=−8.5 mm; 95% confidence interval=−16.1, −0.9) and 29 months (mean difference=−9.3 mm; 95% confidence interval=−18.1, −0.6).

Limitations

Limitations of the study were reduced statistical power and 53% rate of adherence to the exercise therapy program.

Conclusions

The previously described effect of exercise on self-reported function was not reflected by beneficial results for ROM, muscle strength, physical fitness, and walking capacity, but exercise in addition to patient education resulted in less pain during walking in the long term.
Physical Therapists' Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation for Clients With Stroke: Frequency, Barriers, and Facilitators
Authors: Auchstaetter Nolan , Luc Juliana , Lukye Stacey , Lynd Kaylea , Schemenauer Shelby , Whittaker Maura , Musselman Kristin E.
Published: January 2016

Background

Best practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation recommend functional electrical stimulation (FES) to improve gait and upper extremity function. Whether these guidelines have been implemented in practice is unknown.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the frequency with which physical therapists use FES to address common therapeutic goals poststroke and (2) to identify the barriers to and facilitators of FES use.

Design

This was a cross-sectional, survey study.

Methods

A valid and reliable online survey was sent to Canadian physical therapists. Questions about demographic characteristics, FES use, knowledge of FES literature, and barriers and facilitators were posed. Closed-ended questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics and index scoring to produce summary scores. Pearson or point-biserial correlation coefficients correlated FES use with demographic variables. Open-ended questions about barriers and facilitators were analyzed by 3 researchers using a conventional content analysis.

Results

Two hundred ninety-eight physical therapists responded. Use of FES for clients with stroke was low for all therapeutic goals queried (improve walking, arm function, muscle strength and endurance, and sensation; prevent shoulder subluxation; and decrease spasticity). However, 52.6% of the respondents stated that they would like to increase their use of FES. More than 40% of the respondents were unsure of the strength of the evidence supporting FES for stroke care. Physical therapists with postgraduate FES training were more likely to use FES (r=.471, P<.001). A lack of access to resources, such as time, equipment, and training, was the most frequently cited barrier to FES use.

Limitations

As an observational study, cause-and-effect relationships for FES use cannot be identified.

Conclusions

Functional electrical stimulation is not widely used by physical therapists in stroke rehabilitation. Improving access to resources—in particular, continuing education—may facilitate the implementation of FES into clinical practice.
Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Furze Jennifer A. , Tichenor Carol Jo , Fisher Beth E. , Jensen Gail M. , Rapport Mary Jane
Published: January 2016

The physical therapy profession continues to respond to the complex and changing landscape of health care to meet the needs of patients and the demands of patient care. Consistent with this evolution is the rapid development and expansion of residency and fellowship postprofessional programs. With the interested number of applicants exceeding the number of residency and fellowship slots available, a “critical period” in the educational process is emerging. The purposes of this perspective article are: (1) to analyze the state of residency and fellowship education within the profession, (2) to identify best practice elements from other health professions that are applicable to physical therapy residency and fellowship education, and (3) to propose a working framework grounded in common domains of competence to be used as a platform for dialogue, consistency, and quality across all residency and fellowship programs. Seven domains of competence are proposed to theoretically ground residency and fellowship programs and facilitate a more consistent approach to curricular development and assessment. Although the recent proliferation of residency and fellowship programs attempts to meet the demand of physical therapists seeking advanced educational opportunities, it is imperative that these programs are consistently delivering high-quality education with a common focus on delivering health care in the context of societal needs.
Study of pregnancy dermatoses in patients attending outpatient of B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
Authors: Bastola Prabha Dawadi , Rijal A , Upreti D
Published: January 2016

Background: Pregnancy causes immense hormonal, vascular and immunologic changes affecting every organ system including skin. It can have a positive as well as a negative effect on the course of pre-existing skin diseases. Specific dermatoses of pregnancy constitute a heterogenous group of inflammatory dermatoses associated exclusively with pregnancy. Objectives: To study the spectrum and frequency of pregnancy dermatoses and to compare the clinico- epidemiological profile of non-specific dermatoses among pregnant versus non-pregnant women of reproductive age.Material and Methods: This descriptive hospital based study recruited 300 patients with skin lesions; the test group comprised 150 pregnant ladies while the control group comprised 150 non-pregnant female of reproductive age. Demographic characteristics, medical history, examination findings, and relevant investigation reports were noted and diagnosis established. The patients of test group were then classified into distinct subgroups of dermatoses and were compared with non-pregnant patients of control group. Results: Specific dermatoses of pregnancy was very common (41.33%) in our study among which Prurigo of pregnancy was the commonest (24%). Inflammatory lesions were predominant in pregnant group (57.33%, p=<0.001) whereas infectious diseases were predominant in the non-pregnants (44.67%). The demographic variables had no significant role in determining the distribution of any of the skin lesions in this study. Conclusion: Inflammatory lesions mostly specific dermatoses of pregnancy are found to be the commonest skin lesions among the pregnant ladies whereas infectious diseases are found to be comparable among pregnant and non pregnant ladies in our study.NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 38-44
Clinico-epidemiological profile of childhood cutaneous tuberculosis
Authors: Shrestha Sanju Babu , Pokhrel G P , Pradhan S B
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Although cutaneous tuberculosis constitutes a small percentage of extra pulmonary tuberculosis, it has not been fully documented in Nepal and more so in the pediatric population.  Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiology and clinical profile of childhood cutaneous tuberculosis at Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Nepal. Material and Methods: Children (below 15 years of age) with cutanesous tuberculosis who attended the teaching hospital between April 2008 and March 2014 were studied. Results: A total of 17 children with skin tuberculosis were identified during the study period, which constituted 34% of all patients with skin tuberculosis. There were 11 boys and 6 girls with a mean age of 8.8 years. The duration of the lesions ranged from 1 month to 4 years and 13 (76.5%) were brought for medical help after six months of onset of the disease. Lower limb was the most common site of involvement. Of the various patterns of cutaneous tuberculosis; scrofuloderma was the most common 7 (41.2%) followed by lupus vulgaris 6 (35.3%), erythema nodosum 2 (11.7%) and gumma 1 (5.8%). Combination of lupus vulgaris and scrofuloderma was noted in one patient. Three patients (17.6%) had internal organ involvement as pulmonary tuberculosis. Conclusion: The pattern of skin tuberculosis had wide variation with a few of them having systemic involvement. Therefore, these patients need a thorough evaluation or an uniform standard therapeutic regimen to cover both internal organ and cutaneous tuberculosis.NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 45-51
Isoniazid - induced chronic cutaneous Lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chiriac A , Brzezinski P , Chiriac A E , Foia L , Mihaila D , Solovan C
Published: January 2016

A 23-year-old man developed drug-induced chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus 8 months after isoniazid (INH) therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis. Diagnosis was based on clinical aspects (discoid lesions on the face, erythema, photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation), histopathological examination, along with direct immunofluorescence examination (DIF), the absence of systemic involvement and the routine laboratory parameters, which registered all within normal range. Hydroxychloroquine therapy associated to photo protection and emollients determined the clear up of the facial eruption within six months. Transient residual hyperpigmentation could be noticed 2 months after discontinuation of the treatment. This case illustrates a rare form of drug-induced chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus developed 2 months after withdrawal of antituberculosis therapy, with excellent results with hydroxychloroquine.NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 52-56
Bowen's disease: Response to topical 5% imiquimod and cryotherapy
Authors: Rajouria Eliz Aryal , Amatya A , Karn D
Published: January 2016

We present a case of persistent and progressive Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) in right inner thigh, skin type V in 65 years age female from Ramechap in 2014. Treatment with imiquimod 5% cream was effective when applied once a day for three consecutive days for three month followed by maintenance with cryothrerapy for further three month.NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 66-69
Giant acrochordon of vulva: A rare occurrence
Authors: Agrawal Arjun , Garg C , Mukherjee S , Mukherjee S , Kakkar K P
Published: January 2016

Acrochordon , commonly called skin tag or fibroepithelial polyp is a benign mesenchymal lesion which is usually hyperpigmented and appears as surface nodule or papilloma on healthy skin. Most acrochordons vary in size from 2-5 mm in diameter, although larger acrochordons up to 5 cm in diameter are sometimes evident. The most frequent localizations are the neck and the axilla, but any skin fold including groin may be affected. Genital presentation in females has a greater predilection for the vulvovaginal region as compared to cervix. Diagnosis is mainly based on histopathology which is necessary not only to rule out malignancy but also to differentiate from other lesions like angiomyxoma which mimics fibroepithelial polyps. The case report is rarest of its kind with regard to its size as the polyp measured 20x16x12 cm and weighed approximately 3 kilograms. Thus, it becomes one of the largest acrochordons reported ever.NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 70-72
Cutis verticis gyrata : An interesting cutaneous finding in acromegaly
Authors: Tripathi M , Mukherjee K K
Published: January 2016

Not available (Letter to Editor)NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page : 73-74
Reductionism And Holism In Allergy
Authors: Pandey Prajwal
Published: January 2016

Not available (Letter to Editor)NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page : 75-76
A Proposal for the Political Economy of Green Criminology: Capitalism and the Case of the Alberta Tar Sands
Authors: Lynch Michael J. , Stretesky Paul B. , Long Michael A.
Published: January 2016

Green criminology was proposed in 1990 to broaden the discipline and illustrate how environmental crime, deviance, and inequality can be interpreted through a critical lens influenced by political economic theory. Green criminology has yet to fulfill that theoretical promise. Instead, the political economic perspective on green criminology remains underdeveloped. The purpose of this study is to contribute to further development of a political economic green criminology by laying out the connection between ecological Marxism and green criminology. To carry out this task, we describe five propositions that criminologists must consider when developing a green criminology from a political economic perspective. Importantly, these propositions suggest that the environmentally destructive forces of capitalism are opposed to nature. That is, we argue that green criminologists must come to recognize that capitalism and nature cannot both survive over the long run, and in criminological terms, capitalism is therefore a crime against nature.
Delayed restraint procedure enhances cognitive recovery of spatial function after fimbria-fornix transection
Authors: Gram Marie Gajhede , Wogensen Elise , Wörtwein Gitta , Mogensen Jesper , Malá Hana
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To i) evaluate the effect of a restraint procedure (7 days, 2 h/day) on place learning after fimbria-fornix transection (FF), ii) investigate effects of early vs. late administration of restraint, and iii) establish effects of the restraint procedure on expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

Methods:

Fifty rats subjected to FF or sham surgery and divided into groups exposed to restraint immediately (early restraint) or 21 days (late restraint) after surgery were trained to acquire an allocentric place learning task. In parallel, 29 animals were subjected to FF or sham surgery and an identical restraint procedure in order to measure concentrations of BDNF and corticosterone.

Results:

The performance of the sham operated rats was positively affected by the late restraint. In FF-lesioned animals, the late restraint significantly improved task performance compared to the lesioned group with no restraint, while the early restraint was associated with a negative impact on task acquisition. Biochemical analysis after restraint procedure revealed a lesion-induced upregulation of BDNF in FF animals.

Conclusions:

The improved task performance of lesioned animals suggests a therapeutic effect of this manipulation, independent of BDNF. This effect is sensitive to the temporal administration of treatment.
Preservation of structural brain network hubs is associated with less severe post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Kocher Madison , Nesland Travis , Rorden Chris , Fridriksson Julius , Bonilha Leonardo
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Post-stroke aphasia is typically associated with ischemic damage to cortical areas or with loss of connectivity among spared brain regions. It remains unclear whether the participation of spared brain regions as networks hubs affects the severity of aphasia.

Methods:

We evaluated language performance and magnetic resonance imaging from 44 participants with chronic aphasia post-stroke. The individual structural brain connectomes were constructed from diffusion tensor. Hub regions were defined in accordance with the rich club classification and studied in relation with language performance.

Results:

Number of remaining left hemisphere rich club nodes was associated with aphasia, including comprehension, repetition and naming sub-scores. Importantly, among participants with relative preservation of regions of interest for language, aphasia severity was lessened if the region was not only spared, but also participated in the remaining network as a rich club node: Brodmann area (BA) 44/45 - repetition ( p = 0.009), BA 39 - repetition ( p = 0.045) and naming ( p <  0.01), BA 37 - fluency ( p <  0.001), comprehension ( p = 0.025), repetition ( p <  0.001) and naming ( p <  0.001).

Conclusions:

Disruption of language network structural hubs is directly associated with aphasia severity after stroke.
Other ways of seeing: From behavior to neural mechanisms in the online “visual” control of action with sensory substitution
Authors: Proulx Michael J. , Gwinnutt James , Dell’Erba Sara , Levy-Tzedek Shelly , de Sousa Alexandra A. , Brown David J.
Published: January 2016

Vision is the dominant sense for perception-for-action in humans and other higher primates. Advances in sight restoration now utilize the other intact senses to provide information that is normally sensed visually through sensory substitution to replace missing visual information. Sensory substitution devices translate visual information from a sensor, such as a camera or ultrasound device, into a format that the auditory or tactile systems can detect and process, so the visually impaired can see through hearing or touch. Online control of action is essential for many daily tasks such as pointing, grasping and navigating, and adapting to a sensory substitution device successfully requires extensive learning. Here we review the research on sensory substitution for vision restoration in the context of providing the means of online control for action in the blind or blindfolded. It appears that the use of sensory substitution devices utilizes the neural visual system; this suggests the hypothesis that sensory substitution draws on the same underlying mechanisms as unimpaired visual control of action. Here we review the current state of the art for sensory substitution approaches to object recognition, localization, and navigation, and the potential these approaches have for revealing a metamodal behavioral and neural basis for the online control of action.
Neurophysiologic predictors of motor function in stroke
Authors: Simis Marcel , Doruk Deniz , Imamura Marta , Anghinah Renato , Morales-Quezada Leon , Fregni Felipe , Battistella Linamara Rizzo
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Understanding the neural mechanisms of stroke recovery is of paramount importance for neurorehabilitation.

Methods:

For this purpose, we analyzed several TMS and EEG variables and their association with motor recovery. Thirty-five subjects with chronic stroke were recruited. The neurophysiological examination included assessments by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), intra- and inter-hemispheric EEG coherence in different frequency bands (e.g. alpha (8–13 Hz)) as determined by quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Motor function was measured by Fugl-Meyer (FM). Multiple univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors for FM.

Results:

Multivariate analyses, showed a significant interaction effect of motor threshold (MT) in the lesioned hemisphere and beta coherence in the unlesioned hemisphere. This interaction suggests that higher beta activity in the unlesioned hemisphere strengthens the negative association between MT and FM scores.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that MT in the lesioned hemisphere is the strongest predictors of motor recovery after stroke. Moreover, cortical activity in the unlesioned hemisphere measured by qEEG provides additional information, specifying the association between MT and FM scores. Therefore, complementary application of EEG and TMS can help constitute a better model of the lesioned and the unlesioned hemispheres that supports the importance of bihemispheric activity in recovery.
Hyper-vision of mirror symmetry in patients with macular degenerationreflects parafoveal cortical reorganization
Authors: Clara Casco , Elisa DeStefani , Luisa Pinello , Giovanni Sato , Luca Battaglini
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

This study aims at comparing participants with juvenile macular degeneration (MD) and normally sighted observers in their sensitivity to mirror and translational symmetry.

Methods:

We measured in 25 normal sighted and 9 MD participants sensitivity ( d’) to detect the symmetry of two dot patterns presented at the opposite sides of their central scotoma.

Results:

At a large dot patterns separation (13.3 deg), at which detection failed in normally sighted observers, MD patients had high sensitivity to mirror symmetry, whereas translational symmetry was undetected.

Conclusions:

The mirror-translational dissociation is not predicted by the well-known phenomenon of shrinking the location of images surrounding the scotoma. Our results indicate higher capacity of MD with respect to normally sighted observers to organize mirror symmetric dot patterns far apart into a unique percept. Our results suggest that MD have acquired the capability to use information only present in mirror symmetry, i.e., the co-aligned position of the centre of low-frequency filters connecting symmetric dot pairs on opposite sides of the scotoma. This relevant functional change in vision of MD patients may find its explanation in a functionally acquired high-level cortical representation of visual input.
Integration and binding in rehabilitative sensory substitution: Increasing resolution using a new Zooming-in approach
Authors: Buchs Galit , Maidenbaum Shachar , Levy-Tzedek Shelly , Amedi Amir
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To visually perceive our surroundings we constantly move our eyes and focus on particular details, and then integrate them into a combined whole. Current visual rehabilitation methods, both invasive, like bionic-eyes and non-invasive, like Sensory Substitution Devices (SSDs), down-sample visual stimuli into low-resolution images. Zooming-in to sub-parts of the scene could potentially improve detail perception. Can congenitally blind individuals integrate a ‘visual’ scene when offered this information via different sensory modalities, such as audition? Can they integrate visual information –perceived in parts - into larger percepts despite never having had any visual experience?

Methods:

We explored these questions using a zooming-in functionality embedded in the EyeMusic visual-to-auditory SSD. Eight blind participants were tasked with identifying cartoon faces by integrating their individual components recognized via the EyeMusic’s zooming mechanism.

Results:

After specialized training of just 6–10 hours, blind participants successfully and actively integrated facial features into cartooned identities in 79±18% of the trials in a highly significant manner, (chance level 10% ; rank-sum P <  1.55E-04).

Conclusions:

These findings show that even users who lacked any previous visual experience whatsoever can indeed integrate this visual information with increased resolution. This potentially has important practical visual rehabilitation implications for both invasive and non-invasive methods.
Glaucoma –state of the art and perspectives on treatment
Authors: Wójcik-Gryciuk Anna , Skup Małgorzata , Waleszczyk Wioletta J.
Published: January 2016

Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, death of retinal ganglion cells and ultimately visual field loss. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible loss of vision worldwide. The most important trigger of glaucomatous damage is elevated eye pressure, and the current standard approach in glaucoma therapy is reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP). However, despite the use of effective medications or surgical treatment leading to lowering of IOP, progression of glaucomatous changes and loss of vision among patients with glaucoma is common. Therefore, it is critical to prevent vision loss through additional treatment. To implement such treatment(s), it is imperative to identify pathophysiological changes in glaucoma and develop therapeutic methods taking into account neuroprotection. Currently, there is no method of neuroprotection with long-term proven effectiveness in the treatment of glaucoma. Among the most promising molecules shown to protect the retina and optic nerve are neurotrophic factors. Thus, the current focus is on the development of safe and non-invasive methods for the long-term elevation of the intraocular level of neurotrophins through advanced gene therapy and topical eye treatment and on the search for selective agonists of neurotrophin receptors affording more efficient neuroprotection.
Determinants of cerebral palsy among under-5 children
Authors: Hai Md Shaheen Bin Abdul , Sarker Rathindro Nath , Akter Afroza , Biswas Pijous , Kundu Gocul Chand , Mehedi Md Tarique
Published: January 2016

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the leading causes of childhood disability worldwide, with the greatest burden found in the developing countries of the world. This hospital based case-control study was conducted from January 2010 to June 2010 to find out the determinants of cerebral palsy among under-5 children. The study was conducted among 76 diagnosed cerebral palsy cases with 76 children considered as control group from the same institute. Study suggested that, children with male sex were four times more likely to have cerebral palsy than the female child. There were more than 2.5 times more chance of developing cerebral palsy among the parents who had consanguineous marriage. In case of home delivery there were 2.25 times more chance of developing cerebral palsy than those had the hospital delivery. Among the mothers of the cases who were suffering from problem during delivery, 47.5% had prolong labour during delivery, 25.0% had premature rupture of membrane and 20.0% had breech presentation.There were 33 times more risk of developing cerebral palsy among the premature baby than the term birth. There were 12.5 times more chance of developing cerebral palsy among the low birth weight child than the of normal weight child. This study concluded that, greater knowledge and understanding on cerebral palsy is required to enhance decision-making processes about the affected children.Bangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 3-7
Histological study of proportion of cortex and medulla of the ovary in Bangladeshi women
Authors: Perven Hosna Ara , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Siddiqua Dilruba , Johora Fatema , Afroz Halima , Ara Shamim
Published: January 2016

This cross sectional, descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January to December 2009, to determine the proportion of cortex and medulla of the ovary in di_erent age group of Bangladeshi women. This study was based on collection of 140 ovaries of 70 unclaimed female dead bodies from the morgue of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into three age-groups including A (10-13 years), B (14-45 years) & C (46-52 years). Histological slides were prepared by using routine haematoxylin and eosin stain. Ten best prepared histological slides from each age group were examined to determine the thickness of the cortex and medulla & proportion of the thickness of the cortex and the medulla of the ovary were expressed in percentages. The mean proportion of the cortex and the medulla of the right ovary were found 80.83±0.58% and 19.17±0.58% in group A, 86.95±1.14% and 13.05±1.14% in group B, 70.53±1.53% and 29.47±1.53% in group C respectively. The mean proportion of the cortex and the medulla of the left ovary were found 80.63±0.58% and 19.37±0.58% in group A, 86.78±1.14% and 13.22±1.14% in group B, 70.41±1.50% and 29.59±1.50% in group C respectively. The difference in mean proportion of the cortex and the medulla was not signi_cant in between the ovaries. However, the difference in mean proportion of the cortex and the medulla of the ovary between group A & group B, group A & group C and group B & group C were statistically significant.Bangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 8-10
Pattern of occupational skin diseases among construction workers in Dhaka city
Authors: Bhuiyan Mohammed Saiful Islam , Sikder Md Shahidullah , Wadud Farhan , Ahmed Sharmin , Faruq Mohammad Omar
Published: January 2016

Globally, occupational risks have been classed as the tenth leading cause of morbidity and mortality and occupational skin diseases are important problem in the construction industries. The current study was conducted to see the prevalence and pattern of skin diseases among construction workers in Dhaka city. This cross sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2013 to June 2014. Four hundred workers were randomly enrolled from 20 construction areas of Dhaka city. History were taken, physical examination and laboratory tests were done to see the presence and pattern of skin diseases. Among 400 workers only 23.0% uses protective measure and 59.5% has been suffered with at least one form of skin disease. Among them different dermatoses were found in following percentages i.e. irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) (28.15%), allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) (9.24 %), acne (14.29%), seborrheic dermatitis (10.92%), burn/scald (5.46%), accidental injury (7.14%), scabies (23.53%), fungal infection (dermatophytosis/pityriasis versicolor/candidiasis) (23.53%), palmoplantar keratoderma (13.87%), lichen simplex chronicus (3.78%), pyoderma (4.20%) and urticaria (2.52 %). Construction workers in Dhaka city bear a great burden of skin diseases, among which contact dermatitis is the most common and other skin diseases include fungal infection, scabies and acne. These occupational skin diseases may be prevented by providing improved work place, protective means, health education, adequate health services and improving professional skills.Bangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 11-15
Current status of health sector in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Rabiul
Published: January 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 46-50
Numerical Study on Hydrodynamic Performance of Bionic Caudal Fin
Authors: Zhou Kai , Liu Junkao , Chen Weishan
Published: January 2016

In this work, numerical simulations are conducted to reveal the hydrodynamic mechanism of caudal fin propulsion. In the modeling of a bionic caudal fin, a universal kinematics model with three degrees of freedom is adopted and the flexible deformation in the spanwise direction is considered. Navier-Stokes equations are used to solve the unsteady fluid flow and dynamic mesh method is applied to track the locomotion. The force coefficients, torque coefficient, and flow field characteristics are extracted and analyzed. Then the thrust efficiency is calculated. In order to verify validity and feasibility of the algorithm, hydrodynamic performance of flapping foil is analyzed. The present results of flapping foil compare well with those in experimental researches. After that, the influences of amplitude of angle of attack, amplitude of heave motion, Strouhal number, and spanwise flexibility are analyzed. The results show that, the performance can be improved by adjusting the motion and flexibility parameters. The spanwise flexibility of caudal fin can increase thrust force with high propulsive efficiency.
Identification and Density Estimation of American Martens (Martes americana) Using a Novel Camera-Trap Method
Authors: Sirén Alexej , Pekins Peter , Abdu Peter , Ducey Mark
Published: January 2016

Camera-traps are increasingly used to estimate wildlife abundance, yet few studies exist for small-sized carnivores or comparing efficacy against traditional methods. We developed a camera-trap to identify the unique ventral patches of American martens (Martes americana). Our method was designed to: (1) determine the optimal trap configuration to photograph ventral patches; (2) evaluate the use of temporally clustered photographs to determine independence and improve identification; and (3) determine factors that influence identification probability. We tested our method by comparing camera- and live-trap density estimates using spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models. The ventral patches of radio-collared martens were most visible when traps were placed 15–20 cm above a feeding platform. Radio-collared martens (n = 14) visited camera-traps for long periods (median = 7 min) with long intervals between visits (median = 419 min), and visits by different martens at the same trap <15 min apart was infrequent (n = 3) during both years. Similarly, there was complete agreement among observers that clustered photos of un-collared martens were always of the same individual. Pairwise agreement was high between observers; eight un-collared martens were identifiable by consensus on 90% (54 of 60) of recorded visits. Factors influencing identification probability were directly related to the time martens spent feeding at traps (β = 0.143, P = 0.01) and inversely proportional to the time that elapsed since traps were baited (β = −0.344, P = 0.006). Density estimates were higher and more precise for camera-trapping (0.60, 0.35–1.01 martens/km2) than live-trapping (0.45, 0.16–1.22 martens/km2), providing evidence that SCR density estimates may be biased when capture heterogeneity is present, yet cannot be accounted for due to small sample size. Our camera-trap method provides a minimally invasive and accurate tool for monitoring marten populations.
A Conditional Approach to Panel Data Models with Common Shocks
Authors: Forchini Giovanni , Peng Bin
Published: January 2016

This paper studies the effects of common shocks on the OLS estimators of the slopes’ parameters in linear panel data models. The shocks are assumed to affect both the errors and some of the explanatory variables. In contrast to existing approaches, which rely on using results on martingale difference sequences, our method relies on conditional strong laws of large numbers and conditional central limit theorems for conditionally-heterogeneous random variables.
A New Fault Location Approach for Acoustic Emission Techniques in Wind Turbines
Authors: Gómez Muñoz Carlos , García Márquez Fausto
Published: January 2016

The renewable energy industry is undergoing continuous improvement and development worldwide, wind energy being one of the most relevant renewable energies. This industry requires high levels of reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS) for wind turbines. The blades are critical components in wind turbines. The objective of this research work is focused on the fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) of the wind turbine blades. The FDD approach is composed of a robust condition monitoring system (CMS) and a novel signal processing method. CMS collects and analyses the data from different non-destructive tests based on acoustic emission. The acoustic emission signals are collected applying macro-fiber composite (MFC) sensors to detect and locate cracks on the surface of the blades. Three MFC sensors are set in a section of a wind turbine blade. The acoustic emission signals are generated by breaking a pencil lead in the blade surface. This method is used to simulate the acoustic emission due to a breakdown of the composite fibers. The breakdown generates a set of mechanical waves that are collected by the MFC sensors. A graphical method is employed to obtain a system of non-linear equations that will be used for locating the emission source. This work demonstrates that a fiber breakage in the wind turbine blade can be detected and located by using only three low cost sensors. It allows the detection of potential failures at an early stages, and it can also reduce corrective maintenance tasks and downtimes and increase the RAMS of the wind turbine.
Environmental Drivers of Patterns of Plant Diversity Along a Wide Environmental Gradient in Korean Temperate Forests
Authors: Lee Chang-Bae , Chun Jung-Hwa
Published: January 2016

Understanding patterns of biodiversity and their drivers along environmental gradients is one of the central topics in ecology. However, whether diversity patterns along environmental gradients differ among diversity components as well as life forms and what kind of variables control or interact to shape the diversity patterns are poorly known. This study scrutinized the distribution patterns of three plant groups with four diversity indices and evaluated the effects of regional area, topography, topographic heterogeneity, climate, primary productivity, vegetation structure diversity and vegetation type diversity along an extensive elevational gradient on the Baekdudaegan Mountains in South Korea. Different elevational patterns, including hump-shaped, reversed hump-shaped, increasing, multimodal and no relationship, were observed among both the diversity indices and the plant groups. Regional area, habitat heterogeneity and climate were included to explain most of the elevational diversity patterns. In particular, habitat heterogeneity was the most important variable for explaining the patterns of diversity. The results suggest that patterns of elevational diversity may differ not only among plant groups but also among diversity indices and that such patterns are primarily caused by habitat heterogeneity in the Baekdudaegan Mountains because more heterogeneous and diverse habitats can support more coexisting species.