bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Bosentan attenuates cardiac fibrosis in diabetic mice without affecting blood glucose
Authors: Yang Bo , Chen Yun-Dai , Li Min , Zhou Fei-Hu , Xu Yong , Wang Guang-Yi , Li Tian-De , Xing You-Hong
Published: August 2011

At the request of the authors, ‘Bosentan attenuates cardiac fibrosis in diabetic mice without affecting blood glucose’ Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, published ahead of print August 15, 2011 as doi: 10.1177/1470320311417274 has been retracted. This is due to mistakes in the published data at Figure 3. For clarification: this problem came to the attention of Bo Yang only after publication in the journal. Bo Yang immediately brought it to the attention of the Journal.
Power Increases Social Distance
Authors: Lammers Joris , Galinsky Adam D. , Gordijn Ernestine H. , Otten Sabine
Published: August 2011

Five experiments investigated the effect of power on social distance. Although increased social distance has been suggested to be an underlying mechanism for a number of the effects of power, there is little empirical evidence directly supporting this claim. Our first three experiments found that power increases social distance toward others. In addition, these studies demonstrated that this effect is (a) mediated by self-sufficiency and (b) moderated by the perceived legitimacy of power—only when power is seen as legitimate, does it increase social distance. The final two studies build off research showing that social distance is linked to decreased altruism and find an interaction between power and legitimacy on willingness to help others. The authors propose that the concept of social distance offers a synthesizing lens that integrates seemingly disparate findings in the power literature and explains how power can both corrupt and elevate.
Defibrillator Wire Leads Traversing an Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Zeisloft Jody , Pedrick Ray , Adelmann Jane , Benson John
Published: August 2011

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is placed in the chest wall of patients who have reduced cardiac function and recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. The purpose of the ICD is to detect life-threatening arrhythmias with subsequent cardioversion to a normal rhythm. Standard positioning of ICD leads are isolated to the right atrium and right ventricle, respectively. This case report documents an incidental but rare finding of an ICD lead traversing a suspected atrial septal defect in a patient with worsening dyspnea and a history of pulmonary embolism. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed what appeared to be a looped right atrial lead within the left atrium traversing the atrial septum, demonstrating an unusual ring appearance artifact. Subsequent imaging by contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the initial transthoracic echocardiographic findings.
SET oncoprotein overexpression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a predictor of aggressive disease and a new treatment target
Authors: Christensen Dale J. , Chen Youwei , Oddo Jessica , Matta Karen M. , Neil Jessica , Davis Evan D. , Volkheimer Alicia D. , Lanasa Mark C. , Friedman Daphne R. , Goodman Barbara K. , Gockerman Jon P. , Diehl Louis F. , de Castro Carlos M. , Moore Joseph O. , Vitek Michael P. , Weinberg J. Brice
Published: August 2011

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), an incurable leukemia, is characterized by defective apoptosis. We found that the SET oncoprotein, a potent inhibitor of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) tumor suppressor, is overexpressed in primary CLL cells and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell line cells. In CLL, increased levels of SET correlated significantly with disease severity (shorter time to treatment and overall survival). We developed SET antagonist peptides that bound SET, increased cellular PP2A activity, decreased Mcl-1 expression, and displayed selective cytotoxicity for CLL and NHL cells in vitro. In addition, shRNA for SET was cytotoxic for NHL cells in vitro. The SET antagonist peptide COG449 inhibited growth of NHL tumor xenografts in mice. These data demonstrate that SET is a new treatment target in B-cell malignancies and that SET antagonists represent novel agents for treatment of CLL and NHL.
Intratracheal transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuates Escherichia coli-induced acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Kim Eun Sun , Chang Yun Sil , Choi Soo Jin , Kim Jin Kyu , Yoo Hey Soo , Ahn So Yoon , Sung Dong Kyung , Kim Soo Yoon , Park Ye Rim , Park Won Soon
Published: August 2011

Background

Human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attenuate hyperoxic neonatal lung injury primarily through anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that intratracheal transplantation of human UCB-derived MSCs could attenuate Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice by suppressing the inflammatory response.

Methods

Eight-week-old male ICR mice were randomized to control or ALI groups. ALI was induced by intratracheal E. coli instillation. Three-hours after E. coli instillation, MSCs, fibroblasts or phosphate-buffered saline were intratracheally administered randomly and survival was analyzed for 7 days post-injury. Lung histology including injury scores, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 as well as the wet-dry lung ratio and bacterial counts from blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were evaluated at 1, 3, and 7 days post-injury. Levels of inflammatory cytokines in the lung were also profiled using protein macroarrays at day 3 post-injury which showed peak inflammation.

Results

MSC transplantation increased survival and attenuated lung injuries in ALI mice, as evidenced by decreased injury scores on day 3 post-injury and reduced lung inflammation including increased MPO activity and protein levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MIP-2 on day 3 and 7 post-injury. Inflammatory cytokine profiles in the lungs at day 3 post-injury were attenuated by MSC transplantation. MSCs also reduced the elevated lung water content at day 3 post-injury and bacterial counts in blood and BAL on day 7 post-injury.

Conclusions

Intratracheal transplantation of UCB-derived MSCs attenuates E. coli-induced ALI primarily by down-modulating the inflammatory process and enhancing bacterial clearance.
The proteasome inhibitor MG132 reduces immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice
Authors: Caron Annabelle Z , Haroun Sonia , Leblanc Élisabeth , Trensz Frédéric , Guindi Chantal , Amrani Aziz , Grenier Guillaume
Published: August 2011

Background

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a serious concern for the rehabilitation of patients afflicted by prolonged limb restriction. This debilitating condition is associated with a marked activation of NFκB activity. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway degrades the NFκB inhibitor IκBα, enabling NFκB to translocate to the nucleus and bind to the target genes that promote muscle atrophy. Although several studies showed that proteasome inhibitors are efficient to reduce atrophy, no studies have demonstrated the ability of these inhibitors to preserve muscle function under catabolic condition.

Methods

We recently developed a new hindlimb immobilization procedure that induces significant skeletal muscle atrophy and used it to show that an inflammatory process characterized by the up-regulation of TNFα, a known activator of the canonical NFκB pathway, is associated with the atrophy. Here, we used this model to investigate the effect of in vivo proteasome inhibition on the muscle integrity by histological approach. TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, MuRF-1 and Atrogin/MAFbx mRNA level were determined by qPCR. Also, a functional measurement of locomotors activity was performed to determine if the treatment can shorten the rehabilitation period following immobilization.

Results

In the present study, we showed that the proteasome inhibitor MG132 significantly inhibited IκBα degradation thus preventing NFκB activation in vitro. MG132 preserved muscle and myofiber cross-sectional area by downregulating the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1/MAFbx and MuRF-1 mRNA in vivo. This effect resulted in a diminished rehabilitation period.

Conclusion

These finding demonstrate that proteasome inhibitors show potential for the development of pharmacological therapies to prevent muscle atrophy and thus favor muscle rehabilitation.
Prognostic Factors Influencing Progression-Free Survival Determined From a Series of Sporadic Desmoid Tumors: A Wait-and-See Policy According to Tumor Presentation
Authors: Salas Sébastien , Dufresne Armelle , Bui Binh , Blay Jean-Yves , Terrier Philippe , Ranchere-Vince Dominique , Bonvalot Sylvie , Stoeckle Eberhard , Guillou Louis , Le Cesne Axel , Oberlin Odile , Brouste Véronique , Coindre Jean-Michel
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Desmoid tumors are mesenchymal fibroblastic/myofibroblastic proliferations with locoregional aggressiveness and high ability to recur after initial treatment. We present the results of the largest series of sporadic desmoid tumors ever published to determine the prognostic factors of these rare tumors.

Patients and Methods

Four hundred twenty-six patients with a desmoid tumor at diagnosis were included, and the following parameters were studied: age, sex, delay between first symptoms and diagnosis, tumor size, tumor site, previous history of surgery or trauma in the area of the primary tumor, surgical margins, and context of abdominal wall desmoids in women of child-bearing age during or shortly after pregnancy. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis for progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

In univariate analysis, age, tumor size, tumor site, and surgical margins (R2 v R0/R1) had a significant impact on PFS. PFS curves were not significantly different for microscopic assessment of surgical resection quality (R0 v R1). In multivariate analysis, age, tumor size, and tumor site had independent values. Three prognostic groups for PFS were defined on the basis of the number of independent unfavorable prognostic factors (0 or 1, 2, and 3).

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrates that there are different prognostic subgroups of desmoid tumors that could benefit from different therapeutic strategies, including a wait-and-see policy.
From Financial Crash to Debt Crisis
Authors: Reinhart Carmen M , Rogoff Kenneth S
Published: August 2011

Newly developed historical time series on public debt, along with data on external debts, allow a deeper analysis of the debt cycles underlying serial debt and banking crises. We test three related hypotheses at both “world” aggregate levels and on an individual country basis. First, external debt surges are an antecedent to banking crises. Second, banking crises (domestic and those in financial centers) often precede or accompany sovereign debt crises; we find they help predict them. Third, public borrowing surges ahead of external sovereign default, as governments have “hidden domestic debts” that exceed the better documented levels of external debt. (JEL E44, F34, F44, G01, H63, N20)
Dynamics and Stagnation in the Malthusian Epoch
Authors: Ashraf Quamrul , Galor Oded
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the central hypothesis of the influential Malthusian theory, according to which improvements in the technological environment during the preindustrial era had generated only temporary gains in income per capita, eventually leading to a larger, but not significantly richer, population. Exploiting exogenous sources of cross-country variations in land productivity and the level of technological advancement, the analysis demonstrates that, in accordance with the theory, technological superiority and higher land productivity had significant positive effects on population density but insignificant effects on the standard of living, during the time period 1–1500 CE. (JEL N10, N30, N50, O10, O40, O50)
State Misallocation and Housing Prices: Theory and Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Shing-Yi
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the equilibrium price effects of the privatization of housing assets that were previously owned and allocated by the state. I develop a theoretical framework that shows that privatization can have ambiguous effects on prices in the private market, and that the degree of misallocation of the assets prior to privatization determines the subsequent price effects. I test the predictions of the model using a large-scale housing reform in China. The results suggest that the removal of price distortions allowed households to increase their consumption of housing and led to an increase in equilibrium housing prices. (JEL L33, O18, P25, R31, R38)
Forced Sales and House Prices
Authors: Campbell John Y , Giglio Stefano , Pathak Parag
Published: August 2011

This paper uses data on all house transactions in Massachusetts over the last 20 years to show that houses sold after foreclosure, or close in time to the death or bankruptcy of a seller, are sold at lower prices than other houses. Foreclosure discounts are on average at 27 percent of the value of a house. Moreover, foreclosures that take place within small local geographies of a house lower the price at which it is sold. Our preferred estimate is that a foreclosure at a distance of 0.05 miles lowers the price of a house by about 1 percent. JEL: D14, R31
Comparison of increased venous contrast in ischemic stroke using phase-sensitive MR imaging with perfusion changes on flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery at 3 Tesla
Authors: Yamashita Eijiro , Kanasaki Yoshiko , Fujii Shinya , Tanaka Takuro , Hirata Yoshiharu , Ogawa Toshihide
Published: August 2011

Background

Increased venous contrast in ischemic stroke using susceptibility-weighted imaging has been widely reported, although few reports have compared increased venous contrast areas with perfusion change areas.

Purpose

To compare venous contrast on phase-sensitive MR images (PSI) with perfusion change on flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) images, and to discuss the clinical use of PSI in ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients with clinically suspected acute infarction of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory within 7 days of onset were evaluated. Phase-sensitive imaging (PSI), flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were obtained using 3 Tesla scanner. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed the MR images, as well as the PSI, DWI, and FAIR images. They were blinded to the clinical data and to each other's findings. The abnormal area of each image was ultimately identified after both neuroradiologists reached consensus. We analyzed areas of increased venous contrast on PSI, perfusion changes on FAIR images and signal changes on DWI for each case.

Results

Venous contrast increased on PSI and hypoperfusion was evident on FAIR images from 22 of the 30 patients (73%). The distribution of the increased venous contrast was the same as that of the hypoperfused areas on FAIR images in 16 of these 22. The extent of these lesions was larger than that of lesions visualized by on DWI in 18 of the 22 patients. Hypointense signals reflecting hemorrhage and no increased venous contrast on PSI and hyperperfusion on FAIR images were found in six of the remaining eight patients (20%). Findings on PSI were normal and hypoperfusion areas were absent on FAIR images of two patients (7%).

Conclusion

Increased venous contrast on PSI might serve as an index of misery perfusion and provide useful information.
Subclinical vitamin A deficiency does not increase development of tumors in irradiated or unirradiated lungs
Authors: Rockwell Sara , Liu Yanfeng , Mayne Susan T , Redlich Carrie A
Published: August 2011

Cancer patients often have subclinical vitamin A deficiencies and low vitamin A lung levels. Previous studies showed that subclinical vitamin A deficiency increased the severity of pneumonitis induced by whole-lung irradiation in rats. Many studies have shown that lung irradiation increases the number of lung tumors developing from intravenously injected tumor cells in mice. We examined the impact of vitamin A deficiency on the development of lung metastases from a highly metastatic syngeneic rat rhabdomyosarcoma in normal rats and rats receiving prior lung irradiation. Weanling female WAGrijY rats were randomized to receive either a diet lacking both vitamin A and beta-carotene or a control diet. After five weeks, the deficient diet significantly decreased levels of retinol in the lung and liver but not in the serum, modeling the tissue and blood levels seen in prior studies of patients with subclinical vitamin A inadequacy. The vitamin A-deficient diet did not alter the number of lung tumors developing from intravenously injected tumor cells in unirradiated rats. Whole-lung irradiation produced dose-dependent increases in the number of lung tumors developing from tumor cells injected intravenously one or 29 d after irradiation. Vitamin A deficiency did not alter these dose–response curves, indicating that the more intense radiation-induced pneumonitis seen previously in vitamin A-deficient rats did not alter the enhancement of metastases produced by whole-lung irradiation. Moreover, inadequate vitamin A intake did not influence the growth of tumors implanted subcutaneously or increase the number or size of the spontaneous lung metastases developing from these subcutaneous tumors. Thus, although low vitamin A status influences the development of lung injury and is considered a possible modifiable risk factor increasing risk of primary cancer, it did not affect the growth of subcutaneous tumors or increase the development of artificial or spontaneous lung metastases in this rat model.
The National Audit Office Uses OR to Assess the Value for Money of Public Services
Authors: Bechberger Elena , Lane David C. , McBride Tom , Morton Alec , Quintas Diogo , Wong Chin Hei
Published: August 2011

Supreme audit institutions (SAIs) have an important role in assessing value for money in the delivery of public services. Assessing value for money necessarily involves assessing counterfactuals: good value for money has been achieved if a policy could not reasonably have been delivered more efficiently, effectively, or economically. Operations research modelling has the potential to help in the assessment of these counterfactuals. However, is such modelling too arcane, complex, and technically burdensome for organisations that, like SAIs, operate in a time- and resource-constrained and politically charged environment? We report on three applications of modelling at the UK's SAI, the National Audit Office, in the context of studies on demand management in tax collection, end-of-life care, and health-care associated infections. In all cases, the models have featured in the audit reports and helped study teams come to a value-for-money judgment. We conclude that OR modelling is indeed a valuable addition to the value-for-money auditor's methodological tool box.
An Assessment of the Usefulness of Immunohistochemical Stains in the Diagnosis of Hairy Cell Leukemia
Authors: Sherman Michael J. , Hanson Curtis A. , Hoyer James D.
Published: August 2011

Annexin-1 and T-bet are recently described immunohistochemical stains that reportedly assist in the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Our objective was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a panel of immunohistochemical stains in distinguishing HCL from other B-cell neoplasms, particularly splenic and extranodal marginal zone lymphomas (SMZL and ENMZL, respectively). The study included 234 bone marrow biopsy specimens: 101 HCL, 13 SMZL, and 10 ENMZL cases were assessed with CD20, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), DBA.44, a-1, T-bet, and cyclin D1, and 110 control cases were assessed with annexin-1 and T-bet. Our study showed that annexin-1 is a specific and sensitive marker for HCL; however, interpretation is limited by positivity within myeloid precursors. T-bet, DBA.44, and TRAP immunohistochemical stains lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity to differentiate HCL from either form of marginal zone lymphoma. However, our data suggest that the addition cyclin D1 to the immunostaining panel will increase the sensitivity and specificity of HCL diagnosis.
MCPA Synergizes Imazamox Control of Feral Rye (Secale cereale)
Authors: Kniss Andrew R. , Lyon Drew J. , Vassios Joseph D. , Nissen Scott J.
Published: August 2011

Field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effect of MCPA ester, fertilizer type, and fertilizer rate on feral rye control with imazamox. In field studies near Sidney, NE, increasing the concentration of liquid ammonium phosphate (10–34–0) from 2.5 to 50% of the spray solution decreased feral rye control with imazamox by as much as 73%. Conversely, adding MCPA ester to imazamox significantly increased feral rye control in field studies by up to 77%. Initial greenhouse studies confirmed the liquid ammonium phosphate antagonism effect, but subsequent greenhouse studies were inconsistent with regard to the interaction between fertilizer and imazamox. At least one source of liquid ammonium phosphate was shown not to be antagonistic, and therefore fertilizer source or contaminants may be responsible for initial field observations. Greenhouse studies confirmed the synergistic interaction between MCPA and imazamox. MCPA ester applied at 560 g ai ha−1 decreased the rate of imazamox required to cause 50% reduction in feral rye dry weight (GR50) to 13 g ha−1 compared to 35 g ha−1 for imazamox alone. Although addition of MCPA ester increased 14C-imazamox absorption by 8% in laboratory studies, less 14C translocated out of the treated leaf; therefore the mechanism of synergism does not appear to be related to imazamox absorption or translocation.
Single and Sequential Applications of Tribenuron on Broadleaf Weed Control and Crop Response in Tribenuron-Resistant Sunflower
Authors: Godar Amar S. , Stahlman Phillip W. , Dille J. Anita
Published: August 2011

Field experiments were conducted near Hays, KS in 2007 and 2008 to evaluate the effects of single and sequential postemergent applications of tribenuron on broadleaf weed control and crop response in tribenuron-resistant sunflower. Weeds were acetolactate-synthase–susceptible biotypes of kochia, puncturevine, Russian thistle, and tumble pigweed in 2007 and puncturevine, redroot pigweed, and tumble pigweed in 2008. Tribenuron at 18 g ai ha−1applied early POST with methylated seed oil (MSO) provided > 96% control of all species in 2007 and 92 and 99% control of redroot pigweed and puncturevine, respectively, but only 69% control of tumble pigweed in 2008. Early-POST tribenuron at 9 g ha−1and late-POST tribenuron at 18 g ha−1generally provided less weed control compared to early-POST tribenuron at 18 g ha−1. Sequential applications slightly improved redroot pigweed and tumble pigweed control in 2008 compared to single applications of tribenuron. Some tribenuron treatments caused transitory crop injury, but imazamox at 35 g ha−1caused 24 to 44% crop injury at 7 d after treatment and permanent crop stunting in 2007. Significant yield losses occurred with imazamox and single treatments of tribenuron in 2008. Collectively, tribenuron at 18 g ha−1alone can provide satisfactory control of the evaluated broadleaf weed species when applied to appropriate weed sizes, and this rate does not cause significant injury to tribenuron-resistant sunflower, regardless of the crop size.
Aminopyralid Soil Residues Affect Crop Rotation in North Dakota Soils
Authors: Mikkelson Jonathan R. , Lym Rodney G.
Published: August 2011

Field experiments were established near Casselton and Fargo, ND, to evaluate the effect of aminopyralid soil residue on alfalfa, corn, soybean, and sunflower planted one or two growing seasons after treatment. At Fargo, ND, aminopyralid caused no injury or yield reduction to alfalfa, corn, and sunflower seeded 20 or 23 mo after treatment (MAT) in a silty clay soil. However, soybean yield was reduced when aminopyralid at 120 or 240 g ae ha−1was fall- or spring-applied 20 or 23 mo before seeding. At Casselton, ND, aminopyralid injured alfalfa, soybean, and sunflower planted 8 and 11 MAT. Injury and yield reduction were less from treatments spring-applied than from those that were fall-applied. For example, aminopyralid at 120 g ha−1applied in September caused 95, 94, and 100% injury to alfalfa, sunflower, and soybean, respectively, 8 MAT, whereas the same treatment applied in June caused 10, 8, and 44% injury 11 MAT. Aminopyralid at 120 g ha−1continued to reduce soybean yield by an average of 45% at 20 MAT (fall-applied), but yield was similar to the control when aminopyralid was applied 23 mo before seeding (spring-applied). Warm soil with moderate moisture during the summer months appeared to be very important for degradation of aminopyralid. Corn was not affected by aminopyralid when seeded 8 or 11 MAT and appeared to be the best cropping option for land recently treated with aminopyralid. Aminopyralid applied at spot-treatment rates of 240 g ha−1had long-term soil activity similar to picloram at 560 g ha−1.
Recent trends in Neurosurgery and Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Rahman M Lutfor
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8384 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 51-52
Is Routine Contralateral Exploration Necessary while Doing Herniotomy for Unilateral Inguinal Hernia in Children?
Authors: Choudhury Kamal M , Jafor Md Abu , Haque Shafiqul
Published: August 2011

Routine contralateral exploration in infants and children with unilateral inguinal hernia has been practiced by a number of paediatric surgeons based on a presumed high incidence of patent processus vaginalis. Our aim is to report the incidence of contralateral manifestations after repair of unilateral inguinal hernia. A total of 217 patients were regularly followed-up at the department of paediatric surgery in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from February 1995 to June 2001 in order to determine if contralateral hernia developed after unilateral herniotomy. The overall incidence of contralateral manifestations was 6.45%. The average incidence for contralateral hernia in infants upto 1 year was 11.68%. However, the incidence fell significantly in older children. With such low incidence of contralateral hernia after unilateral herniotomy, the authors do not feel to recommend contralateral exploration for unilateral inguinal hernia.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8385 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 53-55
A Comparative Study on the Occurrence of Cor Pulmonale among the Cases of COPD and Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Hasan AM Shafiqul , Haque M Monzurul , Ahsanullah AZM , Islam Q Tarikul , Azhar M Abu , Islam M Fakrul
Published: August 2011

This hospital-based study was carried out on the patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and bronchial asthma, who were admitted into the Department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital between the period of July 1999 to December 2000. The main objective of the study was to compare the occurrence of cor pulmonale among the patients of COPD and bronchial asthma. Sixty patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of bronchial asthma (n=30) and COPD (n=30) from the admitted cases of obstructive air way diseases were included in the study by random sampling method. It was found that occurrence of cor pulmonale was significantly higher among the patients of COPD than those of bronchial asthma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8386 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 56-60
Effect of Oral Diazepam on Newborn as Premedicant: a Study of 100 Patients Undergone Caesarian Section
Authors: Rahman Md Latifur , Hossain Md Asgar , Akhtar Hasina , Rahman AKM Shafiqur
Published: August 2011

Oral diazepam as premedicant is useful to keep the patient haemodynamically stable causing no harm to the baby. In obstetrics, benzodiazepines may be used as sedative, narcotics adjuvant, anticonvulsants and premedicants prior to Caesarian section. One hundred full-term pregnant women of ASA grade I and II were enrolled in this study. The study sample was divided into two groups. No premedication was given in group A. In group B, diazepam premedication, 0.2 rng/kg body weight orally was given 90 minutes before operation with the aim to see the effectiveness of diazepam on APGAR score as oral premedication. In both the group A and B there was no significant difference of APGAR score.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8387 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 61-64
Role of Antihelminthic Drug and Health Education in Reducing Helminthic Infestation Rate Among the Rural Children
Authors: Hossain Ansari Md Mostaque
Published: August 2011

Intestinal Helminthiasis is one of the major causes of childhood malnutrition in Bangladeshi rural children. This case control study was undertaken to observe the comparative role of antihelminthic drug and Health Education in reducing the Incidence rate of helminthic infestation in rural primary school children. Three Primary schools were selected in different union of Dhamoirhat thana in Naogaon district. Saline preparation of stool of all students in three schools were done in first week of May, August and November 1997 blindly. Tablet Mebendazole was given only to the students with positive finding of stool for helminthic ova in first school (D R School). After each examinations, health education was conducted in the second school (H E School) one hour weekly since the beginning of the study irrespective of findings and no intervention was done in the third school (C O School) taken as control group. Quarter yearly (in three months) incidence rate in D R School were 8.1% and 8.3%, in H E School were 14.5% and 23.5% and in C O School were 9.1% and 18.3% (in population at risk) in the study. Analysis shows the significant role of anti helminthic drug in reducing the incidence rate besides the prevalence than health education (P value 0.0007). Recommendation was made to continue the mass deworming program as it reduces the reservoirs despite the environmental factors sufficiently enough for transmission of the disease in Bangladesh perspective. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8389 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 70-73
Eosinophilic Granuloma in the Shaft of the Femur
Authors: Islam Md Nazrul , Hasan Suzon AL
Published: August 2011

Eosinophilic granuloma, the mildest from of histiocytosis appears in children, adolescents and young adults, though most patients present before ten years of age and it may be solitary of multiple. Most of lesions appear in the flat bone, in skull or in vertebral body. It may cause collapse of vertebra, which is called Vertebral plana. Eosinophilic granuloma in the diaphysis of femur is not common; so we are encouraged to report the case. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8394 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 88-89
Malrotation of Gut with Internal Mesocolic Hernia Mimicking Mesenteric Cyst
Authors: Jafor Md MA , Uddin Ahmed SM Safir , Islam Md Anwarul , Siddiqui AB , Bari Md Iqbal
Published: August 2011

Various clinical presentations from chronic abdominal pain to acute midgut volvulus with ischaemic bowel injury may result from failure of normal intestinal rotation and fixation. A patient having malrotation and internal herniation of gut clinically presented to us with intermittent abdominal pain, bilious vomiting and abdominal mass mimicking mesenteric cyst. This is a very rare and exceptional form of presentation of malrotation of gut. Rarity of the clinical presentation leads us to report this case. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8395 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 90-91
Occult Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid with Postoperative Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Nahar Begum SM Khodeza , Hannan ABMA , Islam Saiful , Uddin Dayem , Ekram ARM Saifuddin
Published: August 2011

A 40-year-old female presented with tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy developed within three months of total thyroidectomy operation. Her thyroid lesion was a nodular goiter harboring occult papillary carcinoma. Aspiration cytology and histopathology of lymph node revealed granulomatous lymphadenitis of tuberculous type. The patient was treated with conventional antituberculous four-drug regime for 6 months and was followed up for subsequent two years. Our country is considered as an endemic goiter area and Occult papillary carcinoma is therefore, not an uncommon disease here. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease also seen frequently here. But development of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a postoperative Thyroidectomy patient has not been reported before, as per authors knowledge goes. This case has therefore been reported here with a brief review of the literature. This is also emphasized here, that occult papillary carcinoma is possibly a nonlethal curable disease when treated by conservative surgery. Radical surgical or total thyroidectomy is unnecessary in the treatment of the disease. Postoperative nodal metastasis is also of very rare occurrence with these cases.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8396 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 92-95
Microskills in Teaching in the Lecture Room of Medical Students
Authors: Haldary MH , Hossain Asgar , Bari Md Iqbal
Published: August 2011

Teaching is a highly complex process. The medical teaching is more complex and difficult. There are certain basic skills of teaching e.g. the way the teacher presents lecture, use various teaching media, use of basic questionnaire and motivation etc. Besides these basic skills there are certain microskills of teaching. These are explaining, introductory procedure, closures and advanced questioning. Out of these microskills, explaining is the most important and powerful skill. Explaining has some components; e.g. clarity, fluency of language, use of illustration, variation of voice manners, structuring statements and finally obtaining feedback. Every medical teacher should use these microskills in the lecture room for effective teaching. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8397 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 96-98
Epilepsy: A Review
Authors: Kabir Md Shahriar , Rahman Syed Wahidur , Ahmad Quamruddin
Published: August 2011

Epilepsy is a neurological problem which is a cause of sufferings for the common people because of lack of proper scientific knowledge. The incidence of epilepsy is about 0.3 to 0.5% while the prevalence is about 5 to 10 people per 1000. Newer concepts about aetiopathogenesis, classification and treatment modalities are described in brief in this review article.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8398 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 99-103
Management of Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review from a Physiatric Perspective
Authors: Shakoor MA , Hasan Suzon Al , Ahmed Md Shaik , Khan Aminuddin A , Sadeque AJM , Hossain Md Asgar
Published: August 2011

To examine the literature on cerebral palsy (CP), as it is related to rehabilitation treatment and exercises, more than 40 articles related to CP were selected from different national and international journals and then it was reviewed. Cerebral Palsy is a disabling disease of the children and this condition is life long for that child. So rehabilitative measurement is necessary for proper daily living activities of the patient with CP. There is improvement of the condition with the help of some medicines, physical therapy, braces, strength training and surgery. But this review points out the need for more carefully designed studies of CP to see the beneficial effects of rehabilitation measures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8399 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 104-107
Bats of the Western Indian Ocean Islands
Authors: O’Brien John
Published: August 2011

The natural colonisation of many remote oceanic islands by bats, including those of the western Indian Ocean, has been facilitated by their unique capability among mammals for powered flight. In the western Indian Ocean region, only the Malagasy islands of Madagascar and the Comoros archipelago have been naturally colonised by non-volant mammals. Despite their greater potential for inter-island dispersal, and thus gene transfer, endemicity of Chiroptera in the western Indian Ocean islands is high. Given their vulnerability to stochastic and anthropogenic disturbances, greater focus needs to be placed on investigating the demographic and ecological history of bats on Western Indian Ocean islands to safeguard not only their future, but also the ecosystem functioning on these islands, for which they are undoubtedly such an integral part. Here, I summarise the taxonomic and life history information available on bats from Western Indian Ocean islands and highlight knowledge gaps and conservation issues that threaten the continued persistence of some species.
Diversity, Stand Characteristics and Spatial Aggregation of Tree Species in a Bangladesh Forest Ecosystem
Authors: Uddin Mohammad B. , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: August 2011

Assessing biodiversity and the spatial structures of forest ecosystems are important for forestry and nature conservation. However, tropical forests of Bangladesh are only sparsely investigated. Here we determined biodiversity (alpha, beta and gamma), spatial species turnover and stand characteristics of one of the few remnant tropical forests in Bangladesh. Two differently protected areas of Satchari forest were compared. We recorded tree species composition, in a systematic plot design, measured diameter at breast height for each individual tree (to assess basal area), and calculated decay in similarity of tree species composition with geographical distance. The distance-decay was assessed separately for the whole study area and for two subsamples from Satchari National Park and Satchari Reserve Forest. Satchari National Park (strictly protected) had, despite its smaller area, a higher Alpha and Gamma diversity, but a lower Beta diversity than Satchari Reserve Forest. Variation in species composition was not significant between the two differently protected areas. Basal area increased significantly with protection status although tree individuals were of equal size in both areas. Plots in the Reserve Forest were associated with higher species turnover than in the National Park. We suggest anthropogenic disturbance, which occurs in the less strictly protected Reserve Forest, is the main driver for the detected spatial heterogeneity in species composition.
Street Connectivity is Negatively Associated with Physical Activity in Canadian Youth
Authors: Mecredy Graham , Pickett William , Janssen Ian
Published: August 2011

Street connectivity, defined as how well streets connect to one and other and the density of intersections, is positively associated with active transportation in adults. Our objective was to study the relation between street connectivity and physical activity in youth. Study participants consisted of 8,535 students in grades 6–10 from 180 schools across Canada who completed the 2006 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. Street connectivity was measured in a 5 km circular buffer around these schools using established geographic information system measures. Physical activity performed outside of school hours was assessed by questionnaire, and multi-level regression analyses were used to estimate associations with street connectivity after controlling for several covariates. Compared to students living in the highest street connectivity quartile, those in the second (relative risk = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–1.35), third (1.25, 1.13–1.37), and fourth (1.21, 1.09–1.34) quartiles were more likely to be physically active outside of school. In conclusion, youth in neighbourhoods with the most highly connected streets reported less physical activity outside of school than youth from neighbourhoods with less connected streets. Relationships between street connectivity and physical activity reported in this national study are in the opposite direction to those previously observed for active transportation in adult populations.
Low and High Field Magnetic Resonance for in Vivo Analysis of Seeds
Authors: Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Rolletschek Hardy , Fuchs Johannes , Melkus Gerd , Neuberger Thomas
Published: August 2011

Low field NMR has been successfully used for the evaluation of seed composition and quality, but largely only in crop species. We show here that 1.5T NMR provides a reliable means for analysing the seed lipid fraction present in a wide range of species, where both the seed size and lipid concentration differed by >10 fold. Little use of high field NMR has been made in seed research to date, even though it potentially offers many opportunities for studying seed development, metabolism and storage. Here we demonstrate how 17.5T and 20T NMR can be applied to image seed structure, and analyse lipid and metabolite distribution. We suggest that further technical developments in NMR/MRI will facilitate significant advances in our understanding of seed biology.
Application of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Greece
Authors: Karavitis Christos A. , Alexandris Stavros , Tsesmelis Demetrios E. , Athanasopoulos George
Published: August 2011

The main premise of the current effort is that the use of a drought index, such as Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), may lead to a more appropriate understanding of drought duration, magnitude and spatial extent in semi-arid areas like Greece. The importance of the Index may be marked in its simplicity and its ability to identify the beginning and end of a drought event. Thus, it may point towards drought contingency planning and through it to drought alert mechanisms. In this context, Greece, as it very often faces the hazardous impacts of droughts, presents an almost ideal case for the SPI application. The present approach examines the SPI drought index application for all of Greece and it is evaluated accordingly by historical precipitation data. Different time series of data from 46 precipitation stations, covering the period 1947–2004, and for time scales of 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, were used. The computation of the index was achieved by the appropriate usage of a pertinent software tool. Then, spatial representation of the SPI values was carried out with geo-statistical methods using the SURFER 9 software package. The results underline the potential that the SPI usage exhibits in a drought alert and forecasting effort as part of a drought contingency planning posture.
Predictors of Longterm Mortality in Patients with and without Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Maintenance Dialysis: A Comparative Study
Authors: CHEN HUNG-AN , WANG JHI-JOUNG , CHOU CHUNG-TEI , CHIEN CHIH-CHIANG , CHU CHIN-CHEN , SHEU MING-JEN , LIN YEONG-JANG , CHEN PEI-CHIH , CHEN CHUN-HSIUNG
Published: August 2011

Objective.

To compare the prognosis of patients with and without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on dialysis and to determine the factors that affect survival after dialysis.

Methods.

We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHRI-NHIRD-99182) and collected data on patients who started maintenance dialysis between 2001 and 2003. Patients were followed from the initiation of dialysis until death, discontinuation of dialysis, or the end of 2008. We did a Kaplan-Meier analysis of the cohort and used multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify significant predictors of survival.

Results.

Of the 22,394 dialysis patients studied, 303 (1.35%) had SLE. Hypertension and diabetes were the 2 most common comorbidities associated with dialysis for patients with and without SLE. After adjusting for age, sex, dialysis modality, and comorbidities, we found no significant survival difference between the 2 patient groups after 8 years of followup. Multivariate analysis showed that increased mortality in the patient group without SLE (p < 0.05) was associated with older age (≥ 45 years), male sex, initial choice of hemodialysis, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and malignancy. In the patient group with SLE, independent predictors of mortality (p < 0.05) were older age (≥ 65 years), male sex, and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion.

The longterm survival outcome was similar between patients with and without SLE who were on dialysis. The factors affecting patient mortality were not identical in these 2 groups.
Grief and Loss of a Caregiver in Children: A Developmental Perspective
Authors: D’Antonio Jocelyn
Published: August 2011

Grief is one’s response to loss. Each person’s expression of grief is unique and influenced by factors such as age, culture, and previous exposure to loss. Whether or not children grieve has been debated, with some proponents stating that children do not grieve at all until they are adolescents, and others asserting that infants are capable of grief. The most common conclusion is that children of all ages do grieve, although their grief is different from that of adults. Children’s grief is also closely related to developmental stage, so children of varying ages also grieve differently. Therefore, supporting a grieving child is relative to his or her stage of development. For this reason, it is important for practitioners working with grieving children to understand the manifestations of grief at various developmental stages, to provide competent support to children of all ages who experience loss.
Reutilización de la información generada en el sector público español
Authors: Arquero Avilés Rosario , Del Valle Gastaminza Félix , Ramos Simón L. Fernando , Botezán Iuliana , Mendo Carmona Concepción , Sánchez Jiménez Rodrigo , Tejada Artigas Carlos , Cobo Serrano Silvia , Sala Jiménez Andrea
Published: August 2011

Se presenta el análisis de los resultados del cuestionario dirigido a los organismos del sector público español con la finalidad de caracterizar la información generada por dicho sector susceptible de reutilización, y se analiza el proceso de generación, difusión y comercialización de la misma en el marco de la Ley española 37/2007, de 16 de noviembre, sobre reutilización de la información del sector público (Directiva 2003/98/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 17 de noviembre de 2003).
Active Gear Pair Vibration Control Based on Filtered-X RLS Algorithm
Authors: Sun Wei , Li Yi Nong , Zhang Feng , Li Gui Yan
Published: August 2011

Based on the investigation of active gear pair vibration control system, an adaptive controller combined with Filtered-X method and RLS algorithm is developed to reduce the periodic vibration of gear driven shaft. The active control of the gear shaft transverse vibration is simulated to validate the efficiency of the proposed Filtered-X RLS algorithm (FXRLS). The results indicate that the FXRLS is significantly better in convergence speed and stability than the commonly used Filtered-X LMS algorithm (FXLMS), and the stability and convergence are more robust.
A Study on Spiral Bevel Gear Fault Detection Using Artificial Neural Networks and Wavelet Transform
Authors: Fu Bi Bo , Fang Zong De
Published: August 2011

Based on normal and defective gears of spiral bevel gear pair test, a study is represented to develop the performance of gear fault detection with artificial neural networks and wavelet transform. In order to research the relevant studies of gear failures, a gear fault test rig is designed and constructed, with which vibration test are processed for collecting the signals of a gearbox from this rig. The noise is removed from the original time-domain vibration signals by application of wavelet analysis threshold technique. The extracted energy features from those preprocessed signals are implemented by the wavelet transform, which are used as inputs to the artificial neural networks for two-pattern (normal or fault) recognition. The results show that the represented recognition accuracy of the ANN and WT method for gear fault diagnosis is 100% that is much higher compared with the results of application of ANN separately.