bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Job Stress and Insomnia in Korean Workers
Authors: Kim Hwan‐Cheol , Kim Byeong‐Kwon , Min Kyoung‐Bok , Min Jin‐Young , Hwang Sang‐Hee , Park Shin‐Goo
Published: March 2011

Association between Job Stress and Insomnia in Korean Workers: Hwan‐Cheol Kim, et al. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Korea—

Objective

We investigated the association between job stress and insomnia in a large nationwide samples of Korean workers.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 8,155 workers from a nationwide sample were recruited. We surveyed the subjects' sociodemographic and work‐related characteristics and seven subscales of occupational stress using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale Short Form. Each subscales of job stress was dichotomized into higher or lower group by respective median scores. Insomnia was deined as having at least one of the three sleep symptoms. we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify association between job stress and insomnia.

Results

We found that individuals with relatively high job stress experienced insomnia significantly more frequently, and the significance was maintained even after adjustment for confounding variables(high job demand: OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14– 1.47; insuficient job control: OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.99– 1.29; inadequate social support: OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14–1.47; job insecurity: OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11–1.44; organizational injustice: OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.44; lack of reward: OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04–1.34; discomfort in occupational climate: OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.22–1.57; total job stress: OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.28–1.64).

Conclusion

This study suggested that job stress is possible risk factor for insomnia and that particularly discomfort in occupational climate and inadequate social support have more strong relation to insomnia in Korea.
Lack of Survival Gain for Elderly Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Bastiaannet Esther , Portielje Johanneke E.A. , Velde Cornelis J.H. , Craen Anton J.M. , Velde Susanne , Kuppen Peter J.K. , Geest Lydia G.M. , Janssen-Heijnen Maryska L.G. , Dekkers Olaf M. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Liefers Gerrit-Jan
Published: March 2011

Background.

The number of elderly women with breast cancer is increasing and will become a major health concern. However, little is known about the optimal treatment for this age group. The aim of this study was to describe time trends for the overall Dutch breast cancer cohort with an emphasis on differences between young and elderly patients.

Methods.

All adult female patients diagnosed in 1995–2005 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Relative excess risks for death (adjusted for stage, histology, treatment, and grade) were estimated using a multivariate generalized linear model with a Poisson distribution, based on collapsed relative survival data, using exact survival times.

Results.

Overall, 127,805 patients were included. Treatment of patients aged ≥75 years changed significantly over time: they received less surgery, more adjuvant hormonal treatment and chemotherapy, and more hormonal treatment without surgery. In contrast to younger patients, the relative survival did not improve significantly over time for elderly patients. With increasing age, the observed–expected death ratio decreased to almost 1.0.

Conclusion.

Survival for elderly patients with breast cancer did not improve significantly. Observed–expected death ratios in the elderly are close to 1, indicating that excess mortality is low. Elderly patients with breast cancer have a higher risk for overtreatment and undertreatment, with a delicate therapeutic balance between breast cancer survival gain and potential toxicities. To improve breast cancer survival in the elderly, a critical reappraisal is needed of costs and benefits of hormonal as well as other treatments, and better selection of patients who can benefit from available therapies is warranted.
Benchmark of constitutive models for unsaturated soils
Authors: D'ONZA F. , GALLIPOLI D. , WHEELER S. , CASINI F. , VAUNAT J. , KHALILI N. , LALOUI L. , MANCUSO C. , MAšíN D. , NUTH M. , PEREIRA J.M. , VASSALLO R.
Published: March 2011

The paper presents a collaborative piece of research undertaken by seven research teams from different universities within the ‘Mechanics of Unsaturated Soils for Engineering' (MUSE) network. The objective is to benchmark different approaches to constitutive modelling of mechanical and water retention behaviour of unsaturated soils by comparing simulations of suction-controlled and constant water content laboratory tests. A set of 13 triaxial and oedometer laboratory tests, covering the mechanical and water retention behaviour of an unsaturated compacted silty soil under a variety of stress paths, has been provided by one of the seven participating teams. This data set has been used by the other six teams for calibrating a constitutive model of their choice, which has been subsequently employed for predicting strains and degree of saturation in three of the 13 tests used for calibration, as well as in one ‘blind' test for which experimental results had not been previously disclosed. By comparing predictions from all teams among themselves and against experimental data, the work highlights the capability of some of the current modelling approaches to reproduce specific features of the mechanical and water retention behaviour of unsaturated soils helping to identify potential areas of weakness where future research should focus. It also demonstrates the dispersion of results to be expected when different constitutive models, independently calibrated by different teams of researchers, are used to predict soil behaviour along the same stress path.
Periacetabular Osteotomy in Patients Fifty Years of Age or Older
Authors: Teratani Takeshi , Naito Masatoshi , Kiyama Takahiko , Maeyama Akira
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Periacetabular osteotomy has been established as an effective treatment for early or mild osteoarthritis caused by developmental dysplasia of the hip. However, the optimal method of surgical reconstruction for older patients remains controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of a curved periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in patients fifty years of age or older.

METHODS:

We evaluated forty-six consecutive hips in forty-two patients fifty years of age or older (the older group) who had developmental dysplasia of the hip and had undergone a curved periacetabular osteotomy between 1995 and 2006 with a minimum two-year follow-up period. The mean age was 54.6 years. We compared the clinical and radiographic results of this cohort with those of fifty hips in forty-four patients who were less than fifty years old (the younger group) and were managed with the same osteotomy. The mean age was 32.3 years. The patients were matched according to sex and Tönnis grade. Radiographic measurements included the center-edge angle, acetabular roof obliquity, acetabular head index, anterior center-edge angle, and head lateralization index.

RESULTS:

The mean Harris hip score improved from 69.6 points preoperatively to 90.9 points postoperatively in the older group and from 71.1 points preoperatively to 91.8 points postoperatively in the younger group. There were no significant differences in any of the radiographic measurements between the two groups preoperatively or postoperatively. The Tönnis grades improved in two hips and progressed in three hips in the older group and improved in three hips and progressed in three hips in the younger group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Satisfactory results can be obtained clinically and radiographically after curved periacetabular osteotomy in patients fifty years of age or older with Tönnis grade-1 or 2 osteoarthritis of the hip secondary to developmental dysplasia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION:

“Periacetabular Osteotomy in Patients Fifty Years of Age or Older” (2010;92:31-41).
Effects of Age and Body Mass Index on the Results of Transtrochanteric Rotational Osteotomy for Femoral Head Osteonecrosis
Authors: Ha Yong-Chan , Kim Hee Joong , Kim Shin-Yoon , Kim Ki-Choul , Lee Young-Kyun , Koo Kyung-Hoi
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Advanced-stage osteonecrosis and a large area of necrotic bone are known risk factors for failure of transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy of the hip in patients with osteonecrosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are other risk factors for failure of this osteotomy.

METHODS:

One hundred and five patients (113 hips) underwent an anterior transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis and were followed for a mean of 51.3 months postoperatively. Radiographic failure was defined as secondary collapse or osteoarthritic change. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with secondary collapse and osteophyte formation. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to estimate survival.

RESULTS:

Secondary collapse occurred in twenty-seven hips (24%), and fourteen hips (12%) were converted to a total hip arthroplasty. At the time of the most recent follow-up, the hip scores according to the system of Merle d'Aubigné et al. ranged from 6 to 18 points (mean, 15.8 points). Multivariate analysis showed that the stage of the necrosis (III or greater) (hazard ratio = 3.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.49 to 7.24), age of the patient (forty years or older) (hazard ratio = 1.08; 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 1.14), body mass index (≥24 kg/m2) (hazard ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval = 1.03 to 1.38), and extent of the necrosis (a combined necrotic angle of ≥230°) (hazard ratio = 1.08; 95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 1.11) were associated with secondary collapse. Seven of the eighty-six hips without collapse showed progression to osteoarthritis. The survival rate at 110 months was 63.4% (95% confidence interval = 51.1% to 75.7%) with total hip arthroplasty or radiographic failure as the end point and 56.0% (95% confidence interval = 44.6% to 67.4%) with total hip arthroplasty, radiographic failure, or loss to follow-up as the end point.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study showed that age, body mass index, and the stage and extent of the osteonecrosis were determining factors for secondary collapse, unsatisfactory clinical results, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty. These factors should be considered when selecting patients for a transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION:

“Effects of Age and Body Mass Index on the Results of Transtrochanteric Rotational Osteotomy for Femoral Head Osteonecrosis” (2010;92:314-21).
Impact of Short Daily Hemodialysis on Restless Legs Symptoms and Sleep Disturbances
Authors: Jaber Bertrand L. , Schiller Brigitte , Burkart John M. , Daoui Rachid , Kraus Michael A. , Lee Yoojin , Miller Brent W. , Teitelbaum Isaac , Williams Amy W. , Finkelstein Fredric O.
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep disturbances are common among in-center hemodialysis patients and are associated with increased morbidity/mortality.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The FREEDOM study is an ongoing prospective cohort study investigating the benefits of home short daily hemodialysis (SDHD) (6 times/week). In this interim report, we examine the long-term effect of SDHD on the prevalence and severity of RLS, as measured by the International Restless Legs Syndrome (IRLS) Study Group rating scale, and sleep disturbances, as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study sleep survey.

Results

235 participants were included in this report (intention-to-treat cohort), of which 127 completed the 12-month follow-up (per-protocol cohort). Mean age was 52 years, 55% had an arteriovenous fistula, and 40% suffered from RLS. In the per-protocol analysis, among patients with RLS, the mean IRLS score improved significantly at month 12, after adjustment for use of RLS-related medications (18 versus 11). Among patients with moderate-to-severe RLS (IRLS score ≥15), there was an even greater improvement in the IRLS score (23 versus 13). The intention-to-treat analysis yielded similar results. Over 12 months, there was decline in the percentage of patients reporting RLS (35% versus 26%) and those reporting moderate-to-severe RLS (59% versus 43%). There was a similar and sustained 12-month improvement in several scales of the sleep survey, after adjustment for presence of RLS and use of anxiolytics and hypnotics.

Conclusions

Home SDHD is associated with long-term improvement in the prevalence and severity of RLS and sleep disturbances.
Sleep and Activity in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Agarwal Rajiv , Light Robert P.
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Commonly sleep is disrupted and physical activity is restricted among patients with CKD and those on long-term dialysis. However, few studies have assessed patients longitudinally.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We compared the prevalence of sleep disturbances measured both subjectively using a questionnaire and objectively using actimetry among patients with CKD (n = 145), those on hemodialysis (n = 116), and people without kidney disease (n = 19). Activity level during the day was measured using actimetry, and patients were then followed for up to 2 years.

Results

Compared with people without kidney disease, patients with CKD not on dialysis had disruption of sleep that was independent of several risk factors. However, disrupted sleep was correlated with neither estimated GFR in cross-sectional nor longitudinal assessment. Those on hemodialysis had sleep disruption that was of much greater severity than that found among those with CKD not on dialysis. Furthermore, missing or shortening the prescribed duration of dialysis was associated with greater severity of sleep disturbance in cross-sectional but not in longitudinal assessment. Day-time activity declined both in duration and intensity from controls to CKD to hemodialysis.

Conclusions

The loss of kidney function is related to both reduced duration and intensity of day time physical activity. Although patients with CKD have disrupted sleep, this is independent of estimated GFR. However, compared with those with CKD, dialysis patients have more severely disrupted sleep; this is related to missing dialysis. Thus, shortening patients' dialysis may reduce their sleep.
Bilateral lipoma arborescens of the knee: a case report
Authors: Perdikakis Evangelos , Karantanas Apostolos
Published: March 2011

Lipoma arborescens, a diffuse articular lipomatosis, is a rare disorder characterized by marked villiform synovial proliferation and diffuse replacement of the subsynovial tissue by mature adipocytes. Unilateral joint involvement is the usual presentation while bilateral joint involvement is more uncommon. We reported a case of bilateral lipoma arborescens in a male patient with associated marked patellofemoral osteoarthritis and described the MR imaging findings.
Correlation between phq-9 score and physical activity level, risk factors and non-communicable diseases in patients in family medicine clinic
Authors: Gavric Zivana , Culafic Anna , Markovic Brankica
Published: March 2011

The work of physicians in primary health care is essential in prevention and early detection of health risk factors. To determine the incidence of depression among patients in family medicine clinics, as well as the correlation between depression, risk factors and NCDs, and to determine correlation between depression (PHQ-9 score) and the level of physical activity. The pilot study was conducted from January to March 2010 on 100 patients using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The family doctor randomly interviewed and measured patients’ weight, height, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and cholesterol and noted the presence of earlier diagnosed non-communicable diseases. The data for 92 patients were processed according to PHQ-9 and IPAQ guidelines. Out of 92 patients, 59 (64,1%) had PHQ-9 score ≤ 4 which suggests the absence of depression. The PHQ-9 score median was within normal limits, therefore, treatment was not required and there was no difference in PHQ-9 score median between patients with respect to age and sex. The level of physical activity was moderate in 39,1%, heavy in 35,9% and walking as physical activity in 25,0% of patients. Correlation coefficient between PHQ-9 score and MET score (r=−0,241) was statistically significant (p<0,05), as well as between PHQ -9 score and anxiety (r=0,27; p<0,01). Most studies show a correlation between depression and physical activity. It is essential to promote physical activity in order to prevent anxiety, depression and non-communicable diseases.
Metal ions, Alzheimer's disease and chelation therapy
Authors: Budimir Ana
Published: March 2011

Metal ions, Alzheimer's disease and chelation therapy

In the last few years, various studies have been providing evidence that metal ions are critically involved in the pathogenesis of major neurological diseases (Alzheimer, Parkinson). Metal ion chelators have been suggested as potential therapies for diseases involving metal ion imbalance. Neurodegeneration is an excellent target for exploiting the metal chelator approach to therapeutics. In contrast to the direct chelation approach in metal ion overload disorders, in neurodegeneration the goal seems to be a better and subtle modulation of metal ion homeostasis, aimed at restoring ionic balance. Thus, moderate chelators able to coordinate deleterious metals without disturbing metal homeostasis are needed. To date, several chelating agents have been investigated for their potential to treat neurodegeneration, and a series of 8-hydroxyquinoline analogues showed the greatest potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Endovascular stent therapy for extracranial and intracranial carotid artery dissection: single-center experience
Authors: Ohta Hajime , Natarajan Sabareesh K. , Hauck Erik F. , Khalessi Alexander A. , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Hopkins L. Nelson , Levy Elad I.
Published: March 2011

Object

The objective of this study was to evaluate endovascular stent therapy for carotid artery dissections (CADs).

Methods

Retrospective review of data at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital identified 43 patients with 44 CADs (intracranial and/or extracranial) treated with carotid artery (CA) stent placement between January 2000 and June 2009.

Results

Thirty-two CADs were spontaneous and 12 were traumatic; 35 were symptomatic. Lesion locations included the extracranial internal CA (ICA; 24 cases), extracranial ICA with common CA involvement (4 cases), and extracranial ICA–intracranial ICA (16 cases). Carotid artery occlusion was 100% in 15 cases (34.1%), 99% in 6 cases (13.6%), 70%–98% in 13 cases (29.5%), and < 70% in 10 cases (22.7%). Five patients suffered pseudoaneurysms. Stent deployment was successful in 43 (97.7%) of 44 cases. The mean pretreatment score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 6.2 ± 6.2. Recanalization (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Grade 2 or 3) was accomplished for 42 lesions (95.5%). Four patients demonstrated residual parent vessel stenosis (10%–50% in severity). Procedure-related complications occurred in 7 patients and included middle cerebral artery embolism (1 patient), intracranial hemorrhage (2 patients), worsening of dissection (1 patient), stent malpositioning (1 patient), embolic protection filter overload (1 patient), and filter retrieval device fracture (1 patient). Only 2 of these complications caused permanent deficits: the embolism caused a minor but permanent neurological deficit, and 1 intracranial hemorrhage was fatal. At discharge, 36 patients (83.7%) had modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2 (favorable outcome). During the follow-up interval (mean 19.2 months, range 4–92 months), no patient suffered a new stroke and 1 patient died secondary to preexisting chronic renal failure. In 20 patients with angiographic follow-up, permanent resolution of the dissection was noted in 90.5%; 2 lesions (9.5%) required retreatment.

Conclusions

Endovascular stent-assisted repair of extra- and intracranial CAD was safe and effective in this experience and can be recommended for selected patients. In particular, patients with symptomatic CADs that are not responsive to medical therapy should be considered for interventional treatment.
Patient satisfaction with surgery for cervical myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Fujimori Takahito , Iwasaki Motoki , Okuda Shinya , Nagamoto Yukitaka , Sakaura Hironobu , Oda Takenori , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: March 2011

Object

Surgical results in cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) evaluated with a patient-based method have not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine patient satisfaction with surgery for cervical myelopathy due to OPLL and to clarify factors related to satisfaction.

Methods

Clinical data in 103 patients (74 male and 29 female) who underwent surgery for cervical OPLL were retrospectively reviewed. The average age at surgery was 57 years, and the average follow-up period was 9.3 years. Outcomes were assessed using an original satisfaction questionnaire, the conventional Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system, the JOA Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Spearman rank correlation coefficients for 5-scale patient satisfaction against outcome measures were calculated to test relationships between variables. All variables were compared between the satisfied (responses of very satisfied or satisfied) and dissatisfied (responses of dissatisfied or very dissatisfied) groups. Parameters exhibiting a significant Spearman rank correlation or difference between the groups were entered in a stepwise logistic regression analysis model, with satisfaction as the dependent variable.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were included in the analysis. There was not a significant difference in clinical data between these 69 study patients and the other 34 patients. Fifty-five patients (80%) were satisfied with the results of the surgery, and 58 patients (84%) reported that their condition was improved by the surgery. All patients who reported being very improved were either very satisfied or satisfied with the results of surgery. Quality of life (QOL), physical function (PF), and role physical (RP) were significantly correlated with patient satisfaction. The dissatisfied group had significantly more severe pain; lower maximum conventional JOA scores; lower maximum recovery rates; worse lower-extremity function (LEF); reduced QOL; and lower PF, RP, and vitality scores. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that PF, QOL, LEF, and maximum recovery rate based on JOA score were correlated with satisfaction.

Conclusions

Eighty percent of patients were satisfied with the surgical results after treatment of cervical myelopathy due to OPLL. Surgery for cervical OPLL was effective, as evaluated by both doctor- and patient-based methods. Patient satisfaction was related to QOL, PF (especially LEF), and improvement.
Lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach for petroclival meningiomas: operative technique and outcome
Authors: Watanabe Takao , Katayama Yoichi , Fukushima Takao , Kawamata Tatsuro
Published: March 2011

Object

The retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach with the patient in a semisitting position is an effective alternative to transpetrosal approaches for the treatment of petroclival meningiomas. The authors have made a simple modification to the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach by using the lateral oblique position and preferentially dividing the tentorium with limited drilling of the suprameatal bone, which is termed the “lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach.”

Methods

Twenty-six patients with petroclival meningiomas surgically treated via the lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach were analyzed. All tumors had most of their bulk in the posterior fossa with some degree of extension into the middle fossa and/or Meckel cave. The patient is placed in the lateral oblique position, and a standard retrosigmoid craniotomy is performed. The tentorium medial to the trigeminal nerve is incised toward the free edge, which improves exposure to the petroclival region without extensive resection of the suprameatal petrous bone.

Results

Gross-total resection was achieved in 11 patients (42%). Ten patients (38%) underwent subtotal resection, and 5 patients (19%) underwent partial resection. There was no incidence of operative death, and the postoperative permanent morbidity rate was 15%. All patients except one did well postoperatively and were independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations.

Conclusions

The lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach provides the simplest and safest access to the petroclival region. It offers an advantageous approach to petroclival meningiomas exclusively located in the posterior fossa with minimal extension into the Meckel cave and middle fossa.
Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure following minimally invasive spine surgery
Authors: Dakwar Elias , Rifkin Stephen I. , Volcan Ildemaro J. , Goodrich J. Allan , Uribe Juan S.
Published: March 2011

Minimally invasive spine surgery is increasingly used to treat various spinal pathologies with the goal of minimizing destruction of the surrounding tissues. Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a rare but known complication of spine surgery, and acute renal failure (ARF) is in turn a potential complication of severe RM. The authors report the first known case series of RM and ARF following minimally invasive lateral spine surgery.

The authors retrospectively reviewed data in all consecutive patients who underwent a minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach for interbody fusion with the subsequent development of RM and ARF at 2 institutions between 2006 and 2009. Demographic variables, patient home medications, preoperative laboratory values, and anesthetic used during the procedure were reviewed. All patient data were recorded including the operative procedure, patient positioning, postoperative hospital course, operative time, blood loss, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatinine, duration of hospital stay, and complications.

Five of 315 consecutive patients were identified with RM and ARF after undergoing minimally invasive lateral transpsoas spine surgery. There were 4 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 66 years (range 60–71 years). The mean body mass index was 31 kg/m2 and ranged from 25 to 40 kg/m2. Nineteen interbody levels had been fused, with a range of 3–6 levels per patient. The mean operative time was 420 minutes and ranged from 315 to 600 minutes. The CPK ranged from 5000 to 56,000 U/L, with a mean of 25,861 U/L. Two of the 5 patients required temporary hemodialysis, while 3 required only aggressive fluid resuscitation. The mean duration of the hospital stay was 12 days, with a range of 3–25 days

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but known potential complication of spine surgery. The authors describe the first case series associated with the minimally invasive lateral approach. Surgeons must be aware of the possibility of postoperative RM and ARF, particularly in morbidly obese patients and in procedures associated with prolonged operative times.
Intraoperative MR imaging in a case of a cervical spinal cord lesion
Authors: Netuka David , Ostrý Svatopluk , Belšán Tomáš , Kramář Filip , Beneš Vladimír
Published: March 2011

The aim of this article is to describe the feasibility of performing intraoperative MR imaging in patients with spinal cord lesions and the potential value of this technique. The authors report a case involving a 28-year-old man who presented with chronic cervical pain and pain along the ulnar side of the forearms during neck flexion. Findings on clinical examination were normal, but MR imaging revealed a multicystic cervical spinal cord lesion. Surgery was undertaken to open the cysts, evacuate old blood, and search for pathological tissue. Intraoperative MR imaging showed that the caudal cyst was not opened, and surgery was therefore continued. The caudal cyst was fenestrated and a suspected small cavernous malformation was removed. Electrophysiological monitoring was performed both before and after the intraoperative MR imaging. The use of intraoperative MR imaging changed the strategy of the procedure and helped the surgeon to safely enter all the cysts in the cervical cord.
Role of computed tomography in the evaluation of pediatric brain tumor
Authors: Haque Md Ziaul , Karim Md Enayet , Al-Azad Salahuddin , Uz-Jahan Mahmood
Published: March 2011

A total of forty two clinically diagnosed pediatric brain tumors were studied over a period of two years. The study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) in pre-operative diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors by correlating the imaging findings with postoperative histopathological findings. Site, density, mass effect and contrast enhancement of the lesion were studied as primary efficacy variables of CT scan. In the present study, the common pediatric brain tumors were astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, craniopharyngioma and ependymoma. In 18(42.9%) cases the tumors were supratentorial and in 24 (57.1%), they were infratentorial in location. The findings of CT scan in different intracranial neoplasm strongly correlated with those of histopathology. The validity tests for CT scan were found to be 88.9% sensitive, 100% specific and about 95% accurate in diagnosing astrocytoma. Similarly the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for medulloblastoma were 100%, 96.9% and 97.7% respectively. For craniopharyngioma the values were 85.7%, 100% and 97.7% respectively. The study concludes that CT is an invaluable imaging modality in preoperative diagnosis of pediatric brain tumor due to its excellent characterization of tumors. DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v36i3.7288Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2010; 36: 89-92
Lipoprotein (a) level in pre-eclampsia patients
Authors: Parvin Saila , Samsuddin Latifa , Ali Ahammed , Chowdhury Safiqul Alam , Siddique Ibrahim
Published: March 2011

This study was carried in BSMMU from July 2001 to June 2003. During the study period, 60 pregnant women were studied. Thirty patients were preeclamptic and thirty were normal healthy pregnant women served as control. Serum lipoprotein(a) was found significantly higher in preeclamptic women 56.63±22.6 mg/dl and found within limit in normal healthy pregnant women, 12.89±4.59mg/dl. Result is statistically highly significant (P<0.001). Mean Systolic Blood Pressure was 163.33±29.63 mmHg and 117.00±11.19mmHg in case and control and Diastolic Blood Pressure was 108.53±14.54 mmHg and 76.00±6.87mmHg respectively in case and control group. Result was highly significant as P <0.001. The mean (±SD) serum lipoprotein(a) concentration in normal pregnancies and preeclampsia were found to be 12.91±4.94 and 56.65±22.62. Moderate Proteinuria was found in 77.5% and severe proteinuria in 22.2% cases of preeclampsia respectively. Regardless of mechanism and pathophysiology of preeclampsia, we found high serum level of lipoprotein (a) in preeclampsia patients. These high levels of lipoprotein (a) significantly correlated with blood pressure and proteinuria. DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v36i3.7289Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2010; 36: 97-99
New Layered Oxide-Fluoride Perovskites: KNaNbOF5 and KNaMO2F4 (M = Mo6+, W6+)
Authors: Pinlac Rachelle Ann F. , Stern Charlotte L. , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R.
Published: March 2011

KNaNbOF5 and KNaMO2F4 (M = Mo6+, W6+), three new layered oxide-fluoride perovskites with the general formula ABB’X6, form from the combination of a second-order Jahn-Teller d0 transition metal and an alkali metal (Na+) on the B-site. Alternating layers of cation vacancies and K+ cations on the A-site complete the structure. The K+ cations are found in the A-site layer where the fluoride ions are located. The A-site is vacant in the adjacent A-site layer where the axial oxides are located. This unusual layered arrangement of unoccupied A-sites and under bonded oxygen has not been observed previously although many perovskite-related structures are known.
Role of the Morphology and Polyphosphate in Trichoderma harzianum Related to Cadmium Removal
Authors: De Freitas Lima Adriana , Ferreira de Moura Gabrielle , Barbosa de Lima Marcos Antonio , Mendes de Souza Patrícia , Alves da Silva Carlos Alberto , De Campos Takaki Galba Maria , Do Nascimento Aline Elesbão
Published: March 2011

This study concerns the metabolism of polyphosphate in Trichoderma harzianum, a biocontrol agent with innate resistance against most chemicals used in agriculture, including metals, when grown in the presence of different concentrations of cadmium. The biomass production was affected by the concentration of metal used. Control cultures were able to accumulate polyphosphate under the conditions used. Moreover, the presence of cadmium induced a reduction in polyphosphate content related to the concentration used. The morphological/ultrastructural aspects were characterized by using optical and scanning electron microscopy, and were affected by the heavy metal presence and concentration. The efficiency of cadmium removal revealed the potential of the microorganism for use in remediation. The data indicate the potential for polyphosphate accumulation by the fungus, as well as its degradation related to tolerance/survival in the presence of cadmium ions.
Folic Acid Food Fortification—Its History, Effect, Concerns, and Future Directions
Authors: Crider Krista S. , Bailey Lynn B. , Berry Robert J.
Published: March 2011

Periconceptional intake of folic acid is known to reduce a woman’s risk of having an infant affected by a neural tube birth defect (NTD). National programs to mandate fortification of food with folic acid have reduced the prevalence of NTDs worldwide. Uncertainty surrounding possible unintended consequences has led to concerns about higher folic acid intake and food fortification programs. This uncertainty emphasizes the need to continually monitor fortification programs for accurate measures of their effect and the ability to address concerns as they arise. This review highlights the history, effect, concerns, and future directions of folic acid food fortification programs.
Adaptive Marginal Median Filter for Colour Images
Authors: Morillas Samuel , Gregori Valentín , Sapena Almanzor
Published: March 2011

This paper describes a new filter for impulse noise reduction in colour images which is aimed at improving the noise reduction capability of the classical vector median filter. The filter is inspired by the application of a vector marginal median filtering process over a selected group of pixels in each filtering window. This selection, which is based on the vector median, along with the application of the marginal median operation constitutes an adaptive process that leads to a more robust filter design. Also, the proposed method is able to process colour images without introducing colour artifacts. Experimental results show that the images filtered with the proposed method contain less noisy pixels than those obtained through the vector median filter.
Post-Intoxication Inhibition of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype A within Neurons by Small-Molecule, Non-Peptidic Inhibitors
Authors: Ruthel Gordon , Burnett James C. , Nuss Jonathan E. , Wanner Laura M. , Tressler Lyal E. , Torres-Melendez Edna , Sandwick Sarah J. , Retterer Cary J. , Bavari Sina
Published: March 2011

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) comprise seven distinct serotypes that inhibit the release of neurotransmitter across neuromuscular junctions, resulting in potentially fatal flaccid paralysis. BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A), which targets synaptosomal-associated protein of 25kDa (SNAP-25), is particularly long-lived within neurons and requires a longer time for recovery of neuromuscular function. There are currently no treatments available to counteract BoNT/A after it has entered the neuronal cytosol. In this study, we examined the ability of small molecule non-peptidic inhibitors (SMNPIs) to prevent SNAP-25 cleavage post-intoxication of neurons. The progressive cleavage of SNAP-25 observed over 5 h following 1 h BoNT/A intoxication was prevented by addition of SMNPIs. In contrast, anti-BoNT/A neutralizing antibodies that strongly inhibited SNAP-25 cleavage when added during intoxication were completely ineffective when added post-intoxication. Although Bafilomycin A1, which blocks entry of BoNT/A into the cytosol by preventing endosomal acidification, inhibited SNAP-25 cleavage post-intoxication, the degree of inhibition was significantly reduced versus addition both during and after intoxication. Post-intoxication application of SMNPIs, on the other hand, was nearly as effective as application both during and after intoxication. Taken together, the results indicate that competitive SMNPIs of BoNT/A light chain can be effective within neurons post-intoxication.
Les villes moyennes
Authors: Commerçon Nicole
Published: March 2011

fre : France, Ville moyenne, Aménagement du territoire, Acteurs sociaux, Délocalisation de sites universitaires
Texte de la Déclaration de Vienne (18 Juillet 2010)
Authors: Wood Evan
Published: March 2011

Résumé Rédigée par une équipe de chercheurs internationaux dirigée par le Canadien Evan Wood, cette déclaration met en avant le fait que la criminalisation des utilisateurs de drogues illicites alimente l’épidémie de VIH et qu’elle a eu des retombées négatives sur la santé et la société. Cette déclaration met gouvernements et Nations Unies au défi de réorienter complètement leurs politiques en matière de drogues.
Histoire de la constitution d'une norme anti-drogue internationale
Authors: Maguet Olivier , Dumand Dominique
Published: March 2011

Résumé Depuis le début du siècle, les États ont élaboré un corpus de recommandations constituant une véritable norme en matière de drogues. Ils les ont inscrites dans leur législation nationale et en délèguent au système onusien le contrôle de l’application au niveau mondial. Les conséquences de l’application de cette norme anti-drogue, qui s’appuie sur un mélange de morale (le « fléau » des drogues), d’hygiénisme (les effets délétères des usages abusifs de drogues) et d’intérêts économiques (les profits de l’industrie pharmaceutique) en France et à l’étranger, sont désastreuses sur les populations.
Hybris, critique et sauvetage
Authors: Sagradini Lucia
Published: March 2011

Résumé Cet article cherche à poser tout à la fois la question de l’hybridation historique, de la subjectivité trouée et du travail de saisissement de la violence par les pratiques artistiques. Dans ce dessein, deux films, Prvi Deo, de Florence Lazar (co-réalisé avec Raphaël Grisey) et Notre Nazi, de Robert Kramer, sont analysés pour signaler les enjeux (critique et sauvetage) de faire des images en entrelaçant éthique et esthétique.
Laboratory Aid to the Diagnosis and Therapy of Infection in the Neonate
Authors: Chirico Gaetano , Loda Cristina
Published: March 2011

Despite the advances in perinatal and neonatal care and use of newer potent antibiotics, the incidence of neonatal sepsis remains high and the outcome is still severe. For years, investigators have sought a test or panel of tests able to identify septic neonates accurately and rapidly in order to obtain an early diagnosis and develop a specific effective treatment for a successful outcome. In addition to the standard procedures (blood, CSF, and urine cultures), such panels have included a combination of haematological investigations (total, differential and immature cell counts), and levels of acute-phase reactants (principally CRP and procalcitonin), and cytokines (such as IL-6 or neutrophil CD64). Furthermore, the science of proteomics and genomics has been applied to the search for biomarkers, production of protein profiles and genetic polymorphisms that can rapidly help the prediction, early diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases, but, for now, data are as yet insufficient to confirm their validity.
Biogeochemical surveys in the Bonaparte Lake area, south-central British Columbia
Authors: Dunn C E , Anderson R G
Published: March 2011

Exploration in the Interior Plateau of British Columbia is challenging because of the scarcity of outcrop, poor access, dense forests, and(or) glacial sediment or young basalt cover. Geophysical signatures provide some guidance, but the ore-bearing lithologies
in the survey area may not generate a distinctive geophysical signature or it may be masked by that of cover rocks. An additional exploration tool is needed.
The chemical analysis of tree tissues can provide insight to the composition of rocks concealed by overburden. The roots of trees can be perceived as natural drills that penetrate the substrate and extract metals from overburden, groundwater and locally bedrock. These metals are translocated
through the roots into the aerial tissues where they are sequestered in differing proportions according to tolerances to metals and(or) the metabolic requirements of an individual species of tree - in this case outer bark of lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce. Chemical signatures are usually subtle
and data should be interpreted carefully.
During the course of a mapping programme in the summers of 2007 and 2008, bark and twigs from pine and spruce, and foliage from a few western redcedar were collected on an opportunistic basis in the eastern Bonaparte Lake map area (NTS 92P 09 and 10). In 2009, a brief visit was made to collect more
samples from an area of known PGE enrichments (Dum Lake) and to further substantiate the elevated levels of REE detected during the earlier surveys.
More than 500 samples were collected and analyzed for 53 elements. A few were analyzed, also, for all the PGEs and REEs. Not all elements were detectable, and some were too close to the detection limit to be usable as reliable data. However, data with good to excellent precision was obtained for
more than 30 elements for all samples. Subtle multi-element trends and associations were sought in the data with the objective of assisting in mapping the concealed bedrock and for providing focus for more detailed mineral exploration. A conclusion is that in the study area, for most elements,
pine bark would be the preferred sample medium, because of its ability to concentrate many elements to higher levels than spruce bark.
From this study, we conclude that the careful application of biogeochemical methods used in conjunction with other geological and geochemical data and concepts may assist in the exploration for minerals in this environment by identifying spatially-related multi-element zones of subtle
enrichments.
Exploration geophysics for intrusion-hosted rare earth metals
Authors: Thomas M D , Ford K L , Keating P
Published: March 2011

Intrusion-related deposits of rare earth metals are characteristically associated with alkaline and carbonatitic intrusions, pegmatites and intrusive veins. Historically, intrusion-related rare earth metals have been discovered using a variety of exploration
techniques and occasionally by chance. Geophysical methods have featured prominently. Here we present examples of geophysical signatures and case histories. Critical to the success of any geophysical method is the presence of a sufficiently large contrast in the rock properties of the investigated
geological units. Rock properties of 28 minerals that may contain rare earth elements (REEs) in economic or potentially economic deposits (Castor and Hedrick, 2006) are indicated in the figure to the left. Properties are mainly from the Mineralogical Society of America (2010). Noticeable are the
high densities of practically all of the minerals, with a 3 general range of 3.26 - 5.90 g/cm , significantly higher than that of common 3 crustal rocks 2.60 - 3.30 g/cm . Notable also are the facts that many minerals are radioactive, and practically all are non-magnetic. Based on these properties
it seems that the gravity and radiometric techniques have the greatest potential for direct detection of REEs, but it must be recognized that such direct detection is very much dependant on the concentration of these minerals and the size of the deposit. It would appear, more commonly, that
detection of rare earth metals, like detection of several other commodities, is achieved by first locating a prospective host for the mineralization. In this respect, as will be demonstrated following, the gravity, magnetic and radiometric techniques are all important exploration
tools.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Kindlins Suggests Subfunctionalization of an Ancestral Unduplicated Kindlin into Three Paralogs in Vertebrates
Authors: Khan Ammad Aslam , Janke Axel , Shimokawa Takashi , Zhang Hongquan
Published: March 2011

Kindlin proteins represent a newly discovered family of evolutionarily conserved FERM domain-containing proteins. This family includes three highly conserved proteins: Kindlin-1, Kindlin-2 and Kindlin-3. All three Kindlin proteins are associated with focal adhesions and are involved in integrin activation. The FERM domain of each Kindlin is bipartite and plays a key role in integrin activation. We herein explore for the first time the evolutionary history of these proteins. The phylogeny of the Kindlins suggests a single ancestral Kindlin protein present in even the earliest metazoan ie, hydra. This protein then underwent duplication events in insects and also experienced genome duplication in vertebrates, leading to the Kindlin family. A comparative study of the Kindlin paralogs showed that Kindlin-2 is the slowest evolving protein among the three family members. The analysis of synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions in orthologous Kindlin sequences in different species showed that all three Kindlins have been evolving under the influence of purifying selection. The expression pattern of Kindlins along with phylogenetic studies supports the subfunctionalization model of gene duplication.