bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lidocaine- and Prilocaine-Based Topical Anesthetics on the Inflammatory Exudates in Subcutaneous Tissue of Rats
Authors: Pochapski Márcia Thaís , Neto José Laufer , Jassen Jocélia Lago , Farago Paulo Vitor , Santos Fábio André
Published: July 2012

The aim of this present study was to evaluate the irritative potential of 2 topical anesthetics used in intrapocket anesthesia for periodontal scaling/root planing when applied in subcutaneous tissue of rats. Sixty animals were divided into 4 groups: group 1, saline solution (control); group 2, poloxamer gel (thermosetting vehicle); group 3, lidocaine and prilocaine poloxamer thermosetting gel; group 4: EMLA, a lidocaine and prilocaine dermatological cream. Injections of 2% Evans blue were administrated intravenously into the lateral caudal vein. In order to analyze vascular permeability, the tested substances were injected intradermally. The rats were sacrificed 3, 6, and 9 hours after injection of the substances. The dorsal skin was dissected and removed. The vascular permeability was evaluated by the measurement of area of dye extravasation and the dye was subsequently extracted after immersion in formamide. Statistical analyses were made by ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test and Pearson correlation. The 2 methods to analyze the exudative phase of the inflammatory process showed statistically significant difference among the groups and periods of evaluation (P < .05). Both methods had a significant correlation (P < .0001). Under the tested conditions, the anesthetic agents showed mild initial inflammatory response when implanted in subcutaneous connective tissue.
Underestimation of clinical importance of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced enteropathy and its exacerbation by proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Shrestha Umid Kumar
Published: July 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v1i2.6502 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2012;01(02):50-2
(Retracted) Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure
Authors: Rajbhandari Sujeeb , KC Man Bahadur , Raut Roshan , Dhungana Murari , Shaha Kunal Bikram
Published: July 2012

Retraction: Rajbhandari S, et al. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure. Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2012;01(02):65-8. It was brought to our attention that the article, "Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure" JAIM | volume 01 issue 02 | July-December 2012 page 65, contains this passage in its introduction: “Heart failure is a clinical syndrome resulting from a structural and functional disorder of the heart that impairs the ability of the ventricles to fill with or eject blood to fulfil the demands of the body, or does so in expense of increased filling pressures.” Unfortunately, this passage is not attributed and was taken from an earlier publication: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/ abs/10.3109/9780203089965.001. There are additional instances of plagiarism in the article. Given the weight of evidence offered in the report by Jeffrey Beall (Associate Professor, Scholarly Initiatives Librarian, Auraria Library, University of Colorado Denver, 1100 Lawrence Street, Denver, Colorado 80204 USA), the article has been retracted from the journal JAIM | volume 01 issue 02 | July-December 2012, page 65-8. DOI of Retraction notice: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8783DOI of original article: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v1i2.6528 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2012;01(02):65-68
An asymptomatic radiology finding with surgical indication
Authors: Saha Kaushik , Jash Debraj , Maikap Malay Kr.
Published: July 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v1i2.6529 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2012;01(02):69
Holt-Oram Syndrome in a family from Eastern Nepal
Authors: Paudel Navaraj , Shrestha Nikesh Raj , Koirala Puru , Kafle Ram Chandra , Jaiswal Niraj Kumar , Thapa Sanjeev
Published: July 2012

Holt-Oram Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder with complete penetrance characterized by congenital cardiac defects and skeletal abnormalities of the upper limbs. Till now more than 300 cases have been reported showing wide spectrum of clinical signs but to the best of our knowledge, reporting of familial cases from Nepal has not been done. We found Holt-Oram syndrome in a 16 years old male patient with upper limb anomalies who was being evaluated for dyspnea and palpitation. Similar findings were later found in his two siblings. We recommend a thorough physical and cardiac evaluation for patients with limb anomalies who present with cardiac symptoms or history of recurrent pneumonias. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v1i2.6530 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2012;01(02):70-72
Mucormycosis in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Khatiwada Prashant , Giri Aditi , Khatiwoda Prasana
Published: July 2012

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fulminant fungal infection, which mainly infects immunocompromised patients. Infection with mucormycosis can cause devastating rhino-orbital-cerebral and pulmonary infection with an extremely poor prognosis. The infection begins in the nose and paranasal sinuses due to inhalation of fungal spores. We report a case of mucormycosis in an uncontrolled diabetic patient to emphasize early diagnosis of this potentially fatal fungal infection. Rhino-orbitalcerebral mucormycosis is the most common manifestation in patients with diabetes mellitus. We also review the current concepts in management of mucormycosis. Mucormycosis remains difficult to treat and requires a multifaceted approach involving elimination of predisposing factors, surgical debridement, and anti-fungal therapy. Lipid formulations of Amphotericin B are the treatments of choice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v1i2.6531 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2012;01(02):73-75
Duration of breastfeeding and its determinants in Bangladesh
Authors: Mazumder MS , Hossain MK
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study is to assess the duration of breastfeeding and the factors influencing the duration of breastfeeding in Bangladesh. A total of 4023 mother-child pairs were selected in the study from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2004. Survival analysis technique (Kaplan Meier, Life table and Cox proportional Hazards model) was employed to investigate the duration and predictor of breastfeeding. The observed mean and median durations of breast-feeding were 30.41 and 35.00 months respectively. Independent effects each of the study variables on duration of breastfeeding were estimated by using Cox's regression model which reveals that the duration of breastfeeding was positively associated with Place of residence, religion of mother and was negatively associated with age at marriage, delivery status, wealth index and maternal education. Younger mothers, mothers from Chittagong and Sylhet division, mothers and having husbands with secondary and higher education, urban mothers, caesarean-section births and Muslim mother were associated with lower duration of breastfeeding. Mothers should be informed about the maternal health benefit of breastfeeding including lactational amenorrhoea, which increases birth interval and maintains good health of the mothers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i2.11385 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(2):49-53
Teaching and Training in Medical Education : Need for an Update
Authors: Hussain Md Margub
Published: July 2012

Not available   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i4.11323   J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 183-185
Complications of Protective Ileostomy in Emergency Surgery- A Study of 50 Cases
Authors: Roy HR , Basunia MA , Quayum MA
Published: July 2012

The temporary proximal loop or end ileostomy is considered suitable to protect a distal anastomosis following surgery for gangrene or perforation of terminal ileum with faecal peritonitis and colorectal surgery. This technique is, however, associated with failure, complications and even mortality. The aim of this study was to quantify retrospectively the morbidity associated with an ileostomy and its subsequent closure. Fifty patients with a temporary ileostomy, created between July 2007 and December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed from a review of patient records. All operations of ileostomy closure were done after a median period of 106 days (interquartile range: 69174 days). Stoma related morbidity occurred in 26(52%) patients. After ileostomy closure, 21 major complications were seen in 10(20%) patients and 28 minor complications occurred in 17(34%) patients. Sixteen (32%) patients had neither stoma-related morbidity or peri- or postoperative complications after stoma closure. Protective proximal ileostomy was found to be associated with a high morbidity. This raises the question of the mode of identifying the specific patients with an ileal perforation/gangrene or low anastomosis who should be provided an ileostomy for protection, set against the potential complications of the formation and closure of the ileostomy.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i4.11325   J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 196-200
Efficacy of Oral Itraconazole in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Authors: Khondker L , Choudhury AM , Wahab MA , Khan MSI
Published: July 2012

Background: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common papulosquamous  dermatosis and occurring in 2% to 5% of the  population. The prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis among  HIV-positive and AIDS patients between 34% and 83%. The  anti-inflammatory activity of oral itraconazole and efficacy  on Malessezia suggests that itraconazole capsule will be the  first oral treatment option in future in seborrheic dermatitis.  Unfortunately there is no data base study with the efficacy  of oral itraconazole for the treatment of seborrheic  dermatitis over Bangladeshi people.Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of itraconazole in the  treatment of Seborrheic dermatitis.Methods: This was an interventional type of study and total  thirty seven patients of seborrheic dermatitis from department  of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh  Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) was enrolled. The study  was carried out for a period of two years from January 2008  to December 2009 and purposive type non-probability  sampling technique was followed in this study.Results: The scoring of seborrhea was 6.33±1.15 before  treatment and 4.33 ±3.21 after treatment, scoring of itching  was 6.66 ±1.49 before treatment and 3.61 ±2.70 after  treatment and scoring of greasy crust was 7.12 ±2.70 before  treatment and 4.00 ±3.16 after treatment. It was observed  that before treatment, erythema was severe in 43.2% cases,  moderate in 51.4% cases and mild type erythema was present  in 5.4% cases. And after treatment, 29.7% had severe type  erythema, no patient had moderate type erythema, only  43.2% had mild type and 27% cases had no erythema at all.  Before treatment, papular eruption was severe in 27% cases,  moderate in 54.1% cases and only 18.9% had mild type  papular eruption. But after treatment, 10.8% had severe  type, 18.9% had moderate, 51.4% had mild and 18.9% had  no papular eruption at all. It was observed that before  treatment, squamation was severe in 37.8% cases and  moderate in 62.2% cases. But after treatment, 18.9% had severe type squamation, 10.8% had moderate, 45.9% had  mild and 24.3% had no squamation. Improvement was  shown in 26(70.27%) cases and 11(29.73%) cases shown  no improvement at all.Conclusion: The study suggests that oral itraconazole has significant efficacy profile for treatment option of seborrheic dermatitis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i4.11326 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 201-206
Pseudohypoparathyroidism: A Case Report of a Rare Disease with Uncommon Presentation Producing Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Uddin MZ , Howlader MAR , Amin MR , Morshed MG
Published: July 2012

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare hereditary  disorder having the prevalence of 3.4 per million. It is  characterized by symptoms and signs of  hypoparathyroidism, typically in association with distinctive  skeletal and developmental defects. The features of  hypoparathyroidism are due to tissue resistance to the effect  of parathyroid hormone (PTH). We will describe a 32-yearold  woman who had recurrent convulsion for 16 years,  infertility, cataract, psychosis, candidiasis and typical  features of Albrights hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO),  which include a round face, short neck, short stature and  brachydactyly. Laboratory investigations showed  hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia with high PTH level.  Computed tomography scan of head revealed wide spread   calcification in basal ganglia and cerebral hemispheres. X  ray of left foot showed short left 4th metatarsal bone. The  patient was diagnosed as a case of PHP on the basis of  somatic features of AHO with typical biochemical  abnormalities and uncontrolled convulsion with combined  antiepileptic drugs for 16 years. The unusual features in our  case are long delay in clinical diagnosis and absence of family  history. She was treated with calcium salt and vitamin D.  With this treatment patients condition was improved and she  experiences no attack of convulsion and carpal spasm.  Anticonvulsants were withdrawn gradually. We recommend  that hypocalcaemia should be excluded before commencing  anticonvulsant therapy in all epileptic patients and those  patients whose seizures are refractory to anticonvulsant drugs   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i4.11331   J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 227-230
Chronic Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Man Presented as Bilateral Adrenal Masses with Partial Adrenocortical Insufficiency - A Rare Condition
Authors: Alam ABM Sarwar E , Hasan Z , Khan MAI , Zulkifl MA , Samdani ATM , Islam MT , Khan SH , Roy KB
Published: July 2012

Bilateral adrenal masses caused by histoplasmosis is a rare condition. To our knowledge this is the first case report of   bilateral adrenal enlargement by histoplasmosis in  Bangladesh. We report a case of 75 years old man who presented with  low grade fever, night sweating, anorexia and progressive  weight loss for 9 months prior to admission in Square Hospital. Clinical profile was unremarkable apart from low   grade fever (with maximum temperature recorded up to 101ºF) and low blood pressure with significant postural  drop. Plasma cortisol (morning and evening) and glucose were normal but short ACTH stimulation test revealed low   plasma cortisol response. Abdominal ultrasound gave a definite clue of left adrenal mass which was later found as bilateral adrenal masses of significant size by abdominal CT scan. Initially Gomoris Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain of CT guided FNAC of the left adrenal mass showed small budding yeast morphologically consistent with histoplasmosis. A second CT guided FNAC of both adrenal masses also showed similar findings which was finally confirmed by fungus culture as Histoplasma capsulatum. The patient was then treated with injection amphotericin-B followed by oral itraconazole and fludrocortisone and he responded well DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i4.11345 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 235-240
Complications and Immediate Outcome of Pregnant Diabetic Women
Authors: Akther R , Hossain T , Rashid M
Published: July 2012

Aim: To see complications and immediate outcome among pregnant diabetic women. Methods: This observational retrospective study included sixty nine pregnant women with diabetes (both pregestational and gestational diabetes) those who got admitted and treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka Bangladesh from the 1st August 2007 to the 31st August 2008. Detailed analysis of their obstetric history, ante partum and intra partum complications and mode of delivery were performed. Results: Majority of the women (76.92%) were admitted through labor emergency. Mean age of the women was 28.9 (18-45) years. Fifty four (54%) percent of women belonged to 21-30 years age group. Sixty two (62.31%) percent of women had gestational diabetes whereas 37.68% had pregestational diabetes. All women were followed up both by obstetrician and diabetologist. Twenty five percent(25%) women developed pre-eclampsia and pregnancy induced hypertension, thirteen percent(13% )women developed premature ruptur of fetal membrane(PROM), twenty three percent (23.25% )women had fetal distress, three(2.88%) percent women present with ante-partum hemorrhage(APH) and one percent(1.44%) women develop acute polyhydromnios. Average gestational age was 36.83(41-28) weeks. Sixty percent (60%) delivered after 37weeks of gestation and forty one (40.58%) delivered before 37weeks of gestation. Ten percent women delivered vaginally and ninety percent (90%) women delivered by caesarean section (CS) because of post CS, repeat CS, breech presentation, preeclampsia, fetal distress and obstructed labor. Maternal mortality is 1.44% and peri-natal is mortality 8.62%. Conclusion: Ante-partum and intra-partum complications are more common among pregnant diabetic women. Knowledge of the importance of maternal glycemic control, as well as development of surveillance techniques to prevent complications, resulted in a decline in fetal and neonatal mortality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i1.11361 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 10-16
High Likelihood of Meningitis with Late Onset Septicemia in Newborn
Authors: Shahidullah M , Mannan MA , Alam MS , Uddin MZ , Dey AC , Dey SK
Published: July 2012

Neonatal meningitis must be recognized and treated quickly  to prevent death or disability. Incidence of neonatal  meningitis with late onset sepsis is higher in developing  countries than those of resource-rich countries. In neonates  signs and symptoms of serious infections are often obscured  and clinical examination cannot distinguish among septic  babies with or without meningitis. Clinicians often differ  whether neonates undergo lumber puncture or not to  distinguish septic babies with or without meningitis.  Abnormal CSF findings are often used to detect neonatal  meningitis and determine the type and length of antibiotic  therapy with proven sepsis and meningitis cases. This study  was conducted to evaluate the bacterial meningitis among  the late onset sepsis in newborns and to identify the clinical  manifestations that can distinguish septicemia from  meningitis in neonates.  Total 1706 admitted patient in NICU of Bangabandhu  Sheikh Mujib Medical University from January 2007 to  December 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. Among the  133 (27.94%) cases of suspected late onset sepsis 47(35.33%)  were proven sepsis, 63(47.37%) were probable sepsis and  23(17.29%) cases were clinical sepsis based on clinical  features laboratory reports and blood cultures. Among the  proven sepsis 12(42.85%) cases were found to have definitive  bacterial meningitis and 16(57.15%) were probable bacterial  meningitis. Among the provable sepsis only 1(12.50%) cases  were found to have definite bacterial meningitis and 7  (87.50%) cases were probable bacterial meningitis. There  were no meningitis have found among the clinical sepsis.  Neonatal meningitis frequently occurred in late onset sepsis.  The most frequent presenting clinical features for meningitis  cases are more or less similar to those of septicemic cases.  The data of the study suggest that newborns with a positive  blood culture are significantly more likely to have meningitis  than those with a negative blood culture.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i1.11362   J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 17-23
Moyamoya Disease: A Rare Entity Report of One Case
Authors: Rahman A , Haque M , Hossain MA
Published: July 2012

Moyamoya disease is a disease of the cerebral vessels at the base of the cranium and is most prevalent in Japan. It is relatively rare in other parts of the world. Though few cases have been reported from different Asian and some European countries, to the best of our knowledge, no case of Moyamoya disease has been reported in our country so far. Here we report a case of Moyamoya disease in a 9 years old girl diagnosed in the department of neurosurgery of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. We believe this is the first detected case in our country   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i1.11365   J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 41-43
Addisons Disease, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Empty Sella - In a 40-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Chowdhury MAJ , Salma U , Ahmed QMU , Fariduddin M , Alam A , Khan SIMKN
Published: July 2012

A 40-year-old woman having normal menstrual history got  admitted into Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical  University (BSMMU) because of vomiting for previous two  months, with a background history of irregular steroid  intake for her bodyache for about six years. She was gaining  weight and gradually losing vision in her right eye and  noticed increased body pigmentation. Physical examination  revealed BMI 29 kg/m2, generalized pigmentation more  marked in palmar crease and oral mucosa, secondary optic  atrophy in right eye and papilloedema in left eye. After  biochemical and radiological investigation she was  diagnosed as a case of Addisons disease with idiopathic  intracranial hypertension (IIH) with empty sella   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i1.11368   J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 53-55
Mediating Christianity in Contemporary Asia
Authors: Gee Lim Francis Khek
Published: July 2012

This article aims to provide a broad survey of the intimate relations between media and Christianity in contemporary Asia by taking into account two overlapping strands of scholarship, one of technology and society, the other of religion and the media. Particular attention is given to how the invention of new media technologies causes important shifts in the ways people practice their faith and how Christian communities are formed in Asia. With the trend towards media convergence resulting in the blurring of the distinction between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ media and with people's differential access to forms of media in Asia, the article argues that an effort to achieve a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between media and Christianity in Asia has to examine how people's particular social, economic and political locations crucially influence their interpretations of various mediated Christian texts and their experiences of Christianity. Furthermore, the theological positions that Christian communities in Asia have toward diverse forms of media technology and the extent to which new media technologies are integrated into people's daily life shape the ways Christianity is practiced in different parts of Asia and the ways in which the actual contours of Christian religious boundaries are drawn.
Multi-Faceted Post-Transcriptional Functions of HIV-1 Rev
Authors: Jeang Kuan-Teh
Published: July 2012

Post-transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 gene expression is largely governed by the activities of the viral Rev protein. In this minireview, the multiple post-transcriptional activities of Rev in the export of partially spliced and unspliced HIV-1 RNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, in the translation of HIV-1 transcripts, and in the packaging of viral genomic RNAs are reviewed in brief.
Global Adult Tobacco Survey Data as a Tool to Monitor the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Implementation: The Brazilian Case
Authors: Almeida Liz , Szklo André , Sampaio Mariana , Souza Mirian , Martins Luís Felipe , Szklo Moysés , Malta Deborah , Caixeta Roberta
Published: July 2012

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) was conducted in Brazil to provide data on tobacco use in order to monitor the WHO FCTC implementation in the country. It was carried out in 2008 using an international standardized methodology. The instrument included questions about tobacco use prevalence, cessation, secondhand smoke, knowledge, attitudes, media and advertising. Weighted analysis was used to obtain estimates. A total of 39,425 interviews were conducted. The prevalence of current tobacco use was 17.5%, (22.0%, men; 13.3%, women). The majority of users were smokers (17.2%) and their percentage was higher in rural areas (20.4%) than in urban areas (16.6%). About 20% of individuals reported having been exposed to tobacco smoke in public places. Over 70% of respondents said they had noticed anti-smoking information in several media and around 65% of smokers said they had considered quitting because of warning labels. About 30% of respondents had noticed cigarette advertising at selling points and 96% recognized tobacco use as a risk factor for serious diseases. Data in this report can be used as baseline for evaluation of new tobacco control approaches in Brazil, vis-à-vis WHO FCTC demand reduction measures.
Commensal Pseudomonas Species Isolated from Wastewater and Freshwater Milieus in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, as Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistant Determinants
Authors: Igbinosa Isoken H. , Nwodo Uchechukwu U. , Sosa Anibal , Tom Mvuyo , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: July 2012

Pseudomonas species are opportunistic pathogens with implications in a wide range of diseases including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia. Because of their status as multidrug resistant (MDR) and extremely drug resistant (XDR) bacteria Pseudomonas species represent a threat to public health. Prevalence, antibiogram and associated antibiotic resistant genes of Pseudomonas species isolated from freshwater and mixed liquor environments in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were assessed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique was used to identify the isolates and screen for antibiotic resistant genes. The result shows occurrence of Pseudomonas spp. in freshwater and mixed liquor as follows: 71.42% and 37.5% (P. putida), 14.28% and 31.25% (P. flourescens), 7.14% and 6.25% (P. aeruginosa) and 7.14% and 25% for other Pseudomonas species respectively. Disk diffusion antibiogram of the Pseudomonas isolates from the two locations showed 100% resistance to penicillin, oxacillin, clindamycin, rifampicin and 100% susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin with varied percentage resistances to cephalothin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and ampicillin. The blaTEM antibiotic resistant gene was detected in 12.5% of P. putida, 57.14% of P. fluorescens, 100% P. aeruginosa and 40% in other Pseudomonas species. Similarly, Integrons conserved segment were detected in 12.5% of P. putida, 57.14% of P. fluorescens, 100% of P. aeruginosa and 40% of other Pseudomonas species. The presence of blaTEM gene and integrons conserved segment in some of the isolates is worrisome and suggest Pseudomonas species as important reservoirs of multidrug resistance genes in the Eastern Cape Province environment.
Reduction–Oxidation Photocycle Dynamics of Flavins in Starch Films
Authors: Penzkofer Alfons
Published: July 2012

The blue-light photo-reduction (conversion of oxidized flavin quinone via flavin semiquinone to fully reduced flavin hydroquinone) and dark re-oxidation of the flavins riboflavin and lumiflavin in starch (α-amylose) films was studied by absorption and luminescence spectroscopy. Blue-light photo-excitation caused an absorption, fluorescence, and phosphorescence decrease which recovered in the dark. The photo-reduction dark-oxidation cycle could be repeated. The efficiency of photo-reduction decreased with exposed excitation energy, and the speed of re-oxidation in the dark slowed down with time after excitation. The absorption did not fully recover. The fluorescence efficiency after a long time of storage in the dark increased beyond the initial flavin quinone fluorescence efficiency. Flavin photo-excitation is thought to cause starch-flavin restructuring (static fluorescence quenching center formation), enabling enhanced photo-induced starch to flavin electron transfer with subsequent flavin reduction and starch oxidation. In the dark, after light switch-off, thermal reversion of flavin reduction and starch oxidation occurred.
Effect of β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin on Inhibition of Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Fan Yingying , Jin Shaoju , He Jun , Shao Zhenjun , Yan Jiao , Feng Ting , Li Hong
Published: July 2012

In traditional Chinese medicine, shikonin and its derivatives, has been used in East Asia for several years for the prevention and treatment of several diseases, including cancer. We previously identified that β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin (DA) could inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of DA on human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line HCT-116 in vitro and in vivo. A viability assay showed that DA could inhibit tumor cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry showed that DA blocks the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. Western blotting results demonstrated that the induction of apoptosis by DA correlated with the induction of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, and Bid, and a decrease in the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. Furthermore, treatment of HCT-116 bearing nude mice with DA significantly retarded the growth of xenografts. Consistent with the results in vitro, the DA-mediated suppression of HCT-116 xenografts correlated with Bax and Bcl-2. Taken together, these results suggest that DA could be a novel and promising approach to the treatment of CRC.
The Roles of Parasitoid Foraging for Hosts, Food and Mates in the Augmentative Control of Tephritidae
Authors: Sivinski John , Aluja Martin
Published: July 2012

Ultimately, the success of augmentative fruit fly biological control depends upon the survival, dispersal, attack rate and multi-generational persistence of mass-reared parasitoids in the field. Foraging for hosts, food and mates is fundamental to the above and, at an operational level, the choice of the parasitoid best suited to control a particular tephritid in a certain environment, release rate estimates and subsequent monitoring of effectiveness. In the following we review landscape-level and microhabitat foraging preferences, host/fruit ranges, orientation through environmental cues, host vulnerabilities/ovipositor structures, and inter and intraspecific competition. We also consider tephritid parasitoid mating systems and sexual signals, and suggest the directions of future research.
Solid-State Synthesis of Poly(3',4'-dimethoxy-2,2':5',2"- terthiophene): Comparison With Poly(terthiophene) and Poly(3',4'-ethylenedioxy-2,2':5',2"- terthiophene)
Authors: Abdiryim Tursun , Jamal Ruxangul , Ubul Aminam , Nurulla Ismayil
Published: July 2012

A new terthiophene monomer: 3',4'-dimethoxy-2,2':5',2"-terthiophene (TMT) was synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FTIR. The solid-state oxidative polymerizations of TMT were performed in various ratios of oxidant (FeCl3) to monomer (TMT). The resulting polymers were characterized by 1H-NMR, FTIR, UV-vis-NIR, GPC, X-ray diffraction, CV, as well as TGA and conductivity measurements. The structure and properties of poly (TMT) were compared with those of polyterthiophene [poly(TT)] and poly (3',4'-ethylenedioxy-2,2':5',2"-terthiophene) [poly(TET)] prepared under the same polymerization conditions. After comparative analysis with poly(TT) and poly(TET), the effects of the dimethoxy substituent and FeCl3 on the structural and physicochemical properties of the poly(TMT)s were discussed in depth. The comparison suggested that the dimethoxy-substituted polymer did not display higher crystallinity, thermal stability, conductivity and electrochemical activity than ethylenedioxy substituted one. The results also showed that the effect of FeCl3 on poly(TMT) was similar that seen with the poly(TT), in which the oxidation degree, electrochemical activity and conductivity increased steadily with increasing [FeCl3]/[TT] ratio. Furthermore, the poly(TMT) and poly(TT) are mostly made up of dimers with a small amount of higher molecular weight components.
Ultrasound-Promoted One-Pot, Three-Component Synthesis of Spiro[indoline-3,1'-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine] Derivatives
Authors: Wang Juxian , Bai Xiaoguang , Xu Changliang , Wang Yucheng , Lin Wei , Zou Yi , Shi Daqing
Published: July 2012

A series of 3'-aminospiro[indoline-3,1'-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine]-2,5',10'-trione derivatives have been synthesized by a one-pot three-component reaction of isatin, malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate and phthalhydrazide catalyzed by piperidine under ultrasound irradiation. For comparison the reactions were carried out under both conventional and ultrasonic conditions. In general, improvement in rates and yields were observed when the reactions were carried out under sonication compared with classical conditions.
Supercritical Synthesis of Biodiesel
Authors: Bernal Juana M. , Lozano Pedro , García-Verdugo Eduardo , Burguete M. Isabel , Sánchez-Gómez Gregorio , López-López Gregorio , Pucheault Mathieu , Vaultier Michel , Luis Santiago V.
Published: July 2012

The synthesis of biodiesel fuel from lipids (vegetable oils and animal fats) has gained in importance as a possible source of renewable non-fossil energy in an attempt to reduce our dependence on petroleum-based fuels. The catalytic processes commonly used for the production of biodiesel fuel present a series of limitations and drawbacks, among them the high energy consumption required for complex purification operations and undesirable side reactions. Supercritical fluid (SCF) technologies offer an interesting alternative to conventional processes for preparing biodiesel. This review highlights the advances, advantages, drawbacks and new tendencies involved in the use of supercritical fluids (SCFs) for biodiesel synthesis.
Bioactivity-Guided Isolation of Ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate, an Anti-inflammatory Constituent, from Kaempferia galanga L. Extracts
Authors: Umar Muhammad Ihtisham , Asmawi Mohd Zaini , Sadikun Amirin , Atangwho Item J. , Yam Mun Fei , Altaf Rabia , Ahmed Ashfaq
Published: July 2012

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Kaempferia galanga (KG) using an activity-guided approach. KG rhizomes were serially extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water. These extracts (2 g/kg each) were tested for their ability to inhibit carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The chloroform extract was found to exert the highest inhibition (42.9%) compared to control (p < 0.001), hence it was further fractionated by washing serially with hexane, hexane-chloroform (1:1) and chloroform. The chloroform fraction (1 g/kg) showed the highest inhibitory effect (51.9%, p < 0.001) on carrageenan-induced edema. This chloroform fraction was further fractionated with hexane-chloroform (1:3) and chloroform, and of the two fractions, the hexane-chloroform sub-fraction was the most effective in inhibiting edema (53.7%, p < 0.001). GC-MS analysis of the active sub-fraction identified ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) as the major component, which was re-crystallized. EPMC dose-dependently inhibited carrageenan-induced edema with an MIC of 100 mg/kg. Moreover, in an in vitro study, EPMC non-selectively inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2, with IC50 values of 1.12 µM and 0.83 µM respectively. These results validate the anti-inflammatory activity of KG which may be exerted by the inhibition of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. EPMC isolated from this plant may be the active anti-inflammatory agent.
Harnessing the Interaction Continuum for Subtle Assisted Living
Authors: García-Herranz Manuel , Olivera Fernando , Haya Pablo , Alamán Xavier
Published: July 2012

People interact with each other in many levels of attention, intention and meaning. This Interaction Continuum is used daily to deal with different contexts, adapting the interaction to communication needs and available resources. Nevertheless, computer-supported interaction has mainly focused on the most direct, explicit and intrusive types of human to human Interaction such as phone calls, emails, or video conferences. This paper presents the results of exploring and exploiting the potentials of undemanding interaction mechanisms, paying special attention to subtle communication and background interaction. As we argue the benefits of this type of interaction for people with special needs, we present a theoretical framework to define it and propose a proof of concept based on Augmented Objects and a color codification mechanism. Finally, we evaluate and analyze the strengths and limitations of such approach with people with cognitive disabilities.
Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Body Area Networks Using the Finite-Difference-Time-Domain Method
Authors: Bringuier Jonathan N. , Mittra Raj
Published: July 2012

A rigorous full-wave solution, via the Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) method, is performed in an attempt to obtain realistic communication channel models for on-body wireless transmission in Body-Area-Networks (BANs), which are local data networks using the human body as a propagation medium. The problem of modeling the coupling between body mounted antennas is often not amenable to attack by hybrid techniques owing to the complex nature of the human body. For instance, the time-domain Green’s function approach becomes more involved when the antennas are not conformal. Furthermore, the human body is irregular in shape and has dispersion properties that are unique. One consequence of this is that we must resort to modeling the antenna network mounted on the body in its entirety, and the number of degrees of freedom (DoFs) can be on the order of billions. Even so, this type of problem can still be modeled by employing a parallel version of the FDTD algorithm running on a cluster. Lastly, we note that the results of rigorous simulation of BANs can serve as benchmarks for comparison with the abundance of measurement data.
A Logistic Regression Model for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastases in Early Breast Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Xie Fei , Yang Houpu , Wang Shu , Zhou Bo , Tong Fuzhong , Yang Deqi , Zhang Jiaqing
Published: July 2012

Nodal staging in breast cancer is a key predictor of prognosis. This paper presents the results of potential clinicopathological predictors of axillary lymph node involvement and develops an efficient prediction model to assist in predicting axillary lymph node metastases. Seventy patients with primary early breast cancer who underwent axillary dissection were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate the association between clinicopathological factors and lymph node metastatic status. A logistic regression predictive model was built from 50 randomly selected patients; the model was also applied to the remaining 20 patients to assess its validity. Univariate analysis showed a significant relationship between lymph node involvement and absence of nm-23 (p = 0.010) and Kiss-1 (p = 0.001) expression. Absence of Kiss-1 remained significantly associated with positive axillary node status in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.018). Seven clinicopathological factors were involved in the multivariate logistic regression model: menopausal status, tumor size, ER, PR, HER2, nm-23 and Kiss-1. The model was accurate and discriminating, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.702 when applied to the validation group. Moreover, there is a need discover more specific candidate proteins and molecular biology tools to select more variables which should improve predictive accuracy.
Yessotoxin as a Tool to Study Induction of Multiple Cell Death Pathways
Authors: Korsnes Mónica Suárez
Published: July 2012

This work proposes to use the marine algal toxin yessotoxin (YTX) to establish reference model experiments to explore medically valuable effects from induction of multiple cell death pathways. YTX is one of few toxins reported to make such induction. It is a small molecule compound which at low concentrations can induce apoptosis in primary cultures, many types of cells and cell lines. It can also induce a non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death in BC3H1 myoblast cell lines. The present contribution reviews arguments that this type of induction may have principal interest outside this particular example. One principal effect of medical interest may be that cancer cells will not so easily adapt to the synergistic effects from induction of more than one death pathway as compared to induction of only apoptosis.
Globicatella sanguinis meningitis in a post head trauma patient: first case report from Asia
Authors: Jain Neetu , Mathur Purva , Misra Mahesh Chandra
Published: July 2012

Globicatella sanguinis is a rare isolate in clinical samples. We present a case of meningitis in a 70-year-old male patient after a head injury operation. Three consecutive cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from the patient identified Globicatella sanguinis based on morphology, biochemical profile, and Vitek-2 identification. The patient recovered after antibiotic treatment with vancomycin. This is the first case report of Globicatella sanguinis from Asia from a case of meningitis.
Pasteurella (Mannheimia) haemolytica septicemia in an infant: a case report
Authors: Punpanich Warunee , Srijuntongsiri Sarunya
Published: July 2012

Septicemia due to Pasteurella (Mannheimia) haemolytica is a rare occurrence. We report a fatal case of M. haemolytica septicemia in a seven-month-old infant who presented with prolonged fever, sepsis, and pneumonitis without discernable preceding history of animal bites or contact. Rare cases of systemic Mannheimia infections are reviewed and summarized.
Antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio cholerae O1 isolated during a cholera epidemic in 2011 in dry season in Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Kacou-N'douba Adele , Anné Jean claude Blessa , Okpo Lurette Sophia , Elogne-Kouamé Clarisse , Koffi Stephane , Koffi Vincent , N’guessan Kouadio , Coulibaly Daouda , Dagnan Simplice N'cho , Eholié Serge Paul , Dosso Mireille
Published: July 2012

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Biomarkers in sepsis at time zero: intensive care unit scores, plasma measurements and polymorphisms in Argentina
Authors: Perés Wingeyer Silvia Daniela Amanda , Cunto Eleonora Roxana , Nogueras Cristina Mabel , San Juan Jorge Alejandro , Gomez Norberto , De Larrañaga Gabriela Fernanda
Published: July 2012

Introduction: A patient's response to sepsis is influenced by their genetic background. Our objective was to use plasma markers, such as protein C (PC), D-dimer, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels, and the PAI-1 rs1799889 4G/5G and  Tumor Necrosis Factor-α rs1800629 G/A  polymorphisms to improve classical intensive care unit (ICU) scores. Methodology: We studied 380 subjects, 166 with sepsis. We performed coagulation tests: plasma PAI-1 and PC levels were evaluated by chromogenic methods; and D-dimer was evaluated by immunoturbidimetric assay. Polymorphisms were performed using for polymerase chain reactions followed by digest with specific restriction enzyme. We acquired the APACHE and SOFA scores (time zero), sex, age, body mass index, associated co-morbidities, length of ICU stay (days), the severity of sepsis (sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock), the HIV status and the ICU outcome (survival or death). Results: We found significant differences between patients who died (n=80) and those who survived (n=86) in terms of the ICU length of stay (6 vs. 10 days), septic shock (64 versus 24%), age (51 versus 38 years old), HIV+ condition (34 versus 16%), SOFA (7 versus 4), APACHE (19 versus 13), D-dimer (4.32 versus 2.88 mg/ml), PC (46.0 versus 63.5 %) and PAI-1 (33.0 versus 16.5 UA/l). When we used a regression analysis with dichotomized variables, only the SOFA4, PAI-116, HIV status and the PAI-1 4G allele proved to be predictors of death at time zero. Conclusions: In the future, ICU scores may be further improved by adding certain genomic or plasma data.
The Impact of JIDC
Authors: Kelvin David J , Wain John , Rubino Salvatore
Published: July 2012

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Air Bubbles Emanating From the Vitrector Probe Port During Vitrectomy
Authors: Kapoor Kapil G. , Bakri Sophie J.
Published: July 2012

The Constellation Vision System (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX) introduces advanced technology with its new microsurgical platform that is growing in popularity. One significant obstacle noted with initial use is a frequent efflux of bubbles from the vitrector that sometimes appears like frothing from the port. Although seemingly innocuous, these bubbles rise in the vitreous cavity and obstruct the surgeon’s view of the retina. This frequently necessitates increased surgical time to allow bubble evacuation to restore a clear view to the retina. This report serves to raise surgeon awareness of bubbling at the vitrector port as more surgeons transition to the Constellation Vision System.
DSAEK for Implantable Collamer Lens Dislocation and Corneal Decompensation 6 Years After Implantation
Authors: Espinosa-Mattar Zoraida , Gomez-Bastar Arturo , Graue-Hernández Enrique O. , Navas Alejandro
Published: July 2012

A 39-year-old woman with a history of high myopia underwent uneventful implantation of phakic posterior chamber implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) 6 years earlier in both eyes with a visual acuity of 20/20 bilaterally. The patient presented as an emergency with sudden decreased vision in her right eye after blunt trauma. Slit-lamp examination showed a partially dislocated ICL in the anterior chamber, associated with ocular hypertension. It was decided to treat her with topical ocular hypotensive agents and surgical repositioning of the ICL. There was a progressive loss of endothelial cells and decreased visual acuity. Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was needed to correct the endothelial failure. This case presents a potential complication of the ICL several years after implantation, and should be considered in these types of procedures.
Presencia de Gymnetron vittipenne Marseul, 1876 en la Península Ibérica (Insecta, Coleoptera, Curculionidae). Notas sobre su biología y distribución
Authors: Ugarte San Vicente I. , Salgueira F. , Caldara R.
Published: July 2012

Se confirma definitivamente la presencia del curculiónido Gymnetron vittipenne Marseul, 1876 en la Península Ibérica, sobre la base de su hallazgo en el norte de España (provincia de La Rioja). Anteriormente fue registrada de la provincia de Madrid, aunque esa cita fue considerada como dudosa. Su presencia en la Península Ibérica es de gran interés biogeográfico ya que su área de distribución conocida se localiza en Europa oriental y Asia Central. Se aportan por primera vez datos biológicos para esta especie.
Geochemical and isotopic (Nd, O, Pb and Sr) data from igneous rocks of the Notre Dame Subzone and adjacent tectonostratigraphic zones, western and central Newfoundland
Authors: Whalen J B
Published: July 2012

The following report presents a compilation of geochemical and isotopic data collected in the course of a numbers of projects starting in 1981 with geological mapping and geochemical sampling of the Silurian Topsail igneous suite (TIS) (Whalen and Currie, 1988;
Whalen et al., 1987a,b,c). A Canada-Newfoundland Cooperation Agreement (CNCA) (1990-1994) funded project focused mainly on Ordovician plutonism within the Notre Dame subzone (Fig. 1) (Whalen et al., 1997b) but included isotopic work on the TIS (Whalen et al., 1996). During the Red Indian Line
Project, which was funded under the auspices of the 2000 to 2003 Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI), more extensive work was carried out within the southern Notre Dame subzone and the northern Dashwoods subzone (Whalen et al., 2006; van Staal et al., 2007, 2008). With funding from the 2005-2010
Targeted Geoscience Initiative 3 Program (TGI3) some further geochemical and isotopic work was carried out in the Buchans-Robert's Arm belt and the Burlington Peninsula, the results of which are included in this report.
The geochemical data presented herein should provide significant assistance in the regional correlation of units, as well as for constraining their tectonic setting and igneous petrogenesis. It complements previously released geochemical databases for central Newfoundland (e.g., Davenport et al.,
1996; Jenner, 2002; Rogers, 2004; Zagorevski and Rogers, 2011).