bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accession Characterization and Genetic Variability Studies in Colocasia esculenta L. Schott
Authors: Paul KK , Bari MA
Published: August 2011

Accessions of Colocasia esculenta L. Schott. cultivars collected from thirteen aroid growing districts were studied for determining their genetic variability under the agromorphological purviews. Plant height, petiole length, petiole breadth, leaf number, leaf length, leaf breadth, LAI, inflorescence length, peduncle length, spathe length, spathe breadth, corm length, corm breadth, cormel number, cormel length, cormel breadth, corm weight, cormel weight, total fresh weight, total dry weight, yield per plant were taken in this study for nature and extent of variability analysis of edible cultivars of Colocasia esculenta L. Schott. Presence of significant differences together with wide ranges of variation in most cultivars indicates wide range of variability existed among the accession as well as local cultivars of this edible aroid. Genotypic variances and coefficient of variation for most of the characters were remarkably higher than their corresponding environmental variances which also indicate the existence of variation in genotypic origin. Key words: Characterization; Mukhikachu; Variability; Corm; Cormel; Colocasia esculenta. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i2.8191 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 46(2), 235-242, 2011
Influence of pH on the Properties of Chemical Bath Deposited Ni4S3 Thin Films
Authors: Anuar K , Tan WT , Saravanan N , Ho SM
Published: August 2011

The Ni4S3 thin films were prepared by chemical bath deposition method. The chemical bath contained nickel sulphate and sodium thiosulfate which supplied the Ni2+ and S2- ions, respectively. The structure and morphology of the films were studied using X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy technique, respectively. Absorbance spectra data of the films were obtained by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The influence of pH was investigated in order to determine the best conditions for deposition process. The number of peaks attributable to cubic structure of Ni4S3 increased to three as the pH was increased to 2.5 according to XRD analysis. In optical absorption spectra, we found that the highest absorbance value was obtained for the films deposited at pH 2.5. Also, the AFM image revealed that the films were smooth, compact and uniform at this pH value. The band gap of films ranged from 0.85 to 1.8 eV depending upon the pH value. Key words: Nickel sulphide; Thin films; Solar cells; Semiconductor. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i2.8192 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 46(2), 243-246, 2011
The Dominance Pattern of Coronary Artery of Adult Bangladeshi People- A Postmortem Morphological Study
Authors: Hussain MA , Nahar A , Ara S
Published: August 2011

Background: Incidence of the heart disease increases day by day in Bangladesh. Recent advances in cardiac surgery and the search for new techniques toward investigation of the heart are demanding a review of the anatomy of the coronary arteries. Method: The present study was performed on sixty (60) adult postmortem human hearts of Bangladeshi people. The samples were divided into 3 age groups: Group A (20 to 40 years) consists of 35 male & 7 female samples, Group B (41 to 60 years) consists of 3 female samples and Group C (61 to 75 years) consists of 7 male samples. Results: In the present study, dominance pattern of the coronary artery was right for male in-group A, B, C were 32 (91.4%), 7(87.5%), 6(85.7%), respectively and for female were 6 (85.7%). 3 (100%) respectively. It was left for male in-group A, B, C were 3 (8.6%), 1 (12.5%), 1(14.3%), respectively and for female was 1 (14.3%). Conclusion: The results of the present study can be helpful to the cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons in the proper diagnosis and management of the heart diseases. Key words : Postmortem heart, Coronary arteries, Ischaemic heart disease.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i1.8200 Cardiovasc. j. 2008; 1(1) : 21-25
Comparison between Total Echo Score and Total Commissural Morphology Score for the Outcome and Complication of Balloon and Surgical Closed Mitral Commissurotomy
Authors: Choudhury AK , Alam S , Faruque GM , Ali M , Momenuzzaman NAM , Rahman S
Published: August 2011

Background: Now a days mitral balloon valvoplasty(PTMC) is an alternative to closed surgical mitral commissurotomy (CMC) for the treatment of selectcd patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. To compare between the total echo score (Wilkin’s score) total echocardiographic commissural morphology score (TC) for outcome and as a predictors of complications of both procedures. Method: We carried out a prospective well matched comparative observational study on 123 patients of symptomatic mitral and three patients were rejected due to procedural complications and technical failure. Result: Age ranges were 12 55 years, mean (±SD) age was 28.83+9.33 years. Out of 120 patients, 41 (34.2%) were male and 79 (65.8%) were female. Before procedure, 29 (48.3 %) and 32 (53.3 %) patients were in NYHA class III.Total Wilkins score was in the range of 4 10. Mean (±SD) of total Wilkins score were 6.43+1.53 and 6.30+1.33. Good commissural morphology (score 0 1) were present in 38 (63.5%) and 36 (60%) and bad commissural morphology (score 2 3) were present in 22 (26.7 %) and. 24 (40 %) in both groups respectively. Mitral valve area increased from a mean (±SD) of 0.80±0.16 and 0.79±0.15 to 1.94 ±0.24 and 1.92 + 0.26cm2. in PTMC and CMC groups respectively. Transmitral mean and peak pressure gradient also decreased significantly in both the individual procedures but no statistically significant difference between the procedures. NYHA class improved by class 1 or more in most patients in both groups. There were 2 (3.33 %) cases of cardiac temponade due cardiac perforation in PTMC group, of which one need repair and CMC and another was managed conservatively. There were also 3 (5 %) patients in PTMC and I (1. 66 %) patient in CMC developed peripheral thromboembolism and one patient (1.66%) developed arteriovenous fistula in PTMC group. Mitral regurgitation grade III, developed in 3 (5%) patients and one patient (1.66%) in PTMC and CMC respectively having no statistical significance. Conclusion: Total Wilkin’s score and total commissural morphology score were found to be most important preprocedural variable associcated with the outcome and as a predictors of post procedural complications Keywords: PTMC, CMC, Mitral stenosis, Rheumatic heart diseaseDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i1.8202 Cardiovasc. j. 2008; 1(1) : 34-43
Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cardiovascular Care
Authors: Islam AKMM , Rahman MT , Ahmed M , Chowdhury MAU , Khair A , Ullah M , Yeasmin L
Published: August 2011

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system. Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, acupuncture, homeopathy, ayurveda, unani, traditional Chinese medicine, prayer, yoga and meditation are the common examples. CAM therapies often represent an enormous area of unregulated and widely practised therapeutics with an inadequate scientific literature. However, there is emerging evidence that some of the CAM therapies are effective in certain clinical conditions. Presently, throughout the world, there is rampant growth of CAM industries, and increasing number of reputed pharmaceutical companies are producing herbals and dietary supplements. Herbal products used for cardiovascular purposes include garlic, hawthorn, ginkgo, horse chestnut and arjun. These substances are often popularly believed to be ‘natural’, hence safe. But adverse reactions including deaths have been reported with some of the CAM products. There is also growing concern for significant drug interaction among commonly used herbals, dietary supplements and cardiovascular drugs. At present, CAM therapies may best be regarded as an adjunct to standard medical care. More scientific research and strict regulation by standard national and international authorities are needed to ensure their efficacy and safety in cardiovascular care. Key words: Complementary and alternative medicine, Herbals, Cardiovascular care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i1.8211 Cardiovasc. j. 2008; 1(1) : 84-96
Focusing the Geriatric Population: Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Majumder AAS
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i1.8214Cardiovasc. j. 2008; 1(1) : 1-2
Prevention of Stroke in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ullah M , Kar N , Karmaker PK , Alam S , Mamun MS , Rahman T , Habib SMA , Majumder AAS
Published: August 2011

Cerebro-vascular Disease (CVD) is the third most common cause of death in developed world after cancer and IHD. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible in 45% of cases cardioembolism leading to CVD. Atrial fibrillation is considered to be one of the growing cardiovascular epidemics in the 21st century. Warfarin is a proven drug for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Newer anticoagulants are being tried, fibrillation. Newer anticoagulants are being tried, but not yet well established by clinical trials. Separation of left atrial appendage from circulation by surgery or device implantation is a promising one in this field. Key words: Atrial fibrillation, Stroke, Left atrial appendage occlusion device DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i1.8217 Cardiovasc. j. 2008; 1(1) : 64-71
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ground Level Area Sources in Dairy and Cattle Feedyard Operations
Authors: Borhan Md Saidul , Capareda Sergio C. , Mukhtar Saqib , Faulkner William B. , McGee Russell , Parnell Calvin B.
Published: August 2011

A protocol that consisted of an isolation flux chamber and a portable gas chromatograph was used to directly quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a dairy and a feedyard operation in the Texas Panhandle. Field sampling campaigns were performed 5 consecutive days only during daylight hours from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm each day. The objective of this research was to quantify and compare GHG emission rates (ERs) from ground level area sources (GLAS) at dairy and cattle feedyard operations during the summer. A total of 74 air samples using flux chamber were collected from the barn (manure lane and bedding area), loafing pen, open lot, settling basin, lagoons, and compost pile within the dairy operation. For the cattle feedyard, a total of 87 air samples were collected from four corner pens of a large feedlot, runoff holding pond, and compost pile. Three primary GHGs (methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide) were measured and quantified from both operations. The aggregate estimated ERs for CH4, CO2, and N2O were 836, 5573, 3.4 g hd−1 d−1 (collectively 27.5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) hd−1 d−1), respectively, at the dairy operation. The aggregate ERs for CH4, CO2, and N2O were 3.8, 1399, 0.68 g hd−1 d−1 (1.7 kg CO2e hd−1 d−1), respectively, from the feedyard. The estimated USEPA GHG ERs were about 13.2 and 1.16 kg CO2e hd−1 d−1, respectively, for dairy and feedyard operations. Aggregate CH4, CO2 and N2O ERs at the dairy facility were about 219, 4 and 5 times higher, respectively, than those at the feedyard. At the dairy, average CH4 ERs estimated from the settling basin, primary and secondary lagoons were significantly higher than those from the other GLAS, contributing about 98% of the aggregate CH4 emission. The runoff holding pond and pen surface of the feedyard contributed about 99% of the aggregate CH4 emission. Average CO2 and N2O ERs estimated from the pen surface area were significantly higher than those estimated from the compost pile and runoff pond. The pen surface alone contributed about 93% and 84% of the aggregate CO2 and N2O emission, respectively. Abatement and management practices that address GHG emissions from these sources will likely be most effective for reducing facility emissions.
Upregulation of Leukotriene Receptors in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Venerito Marino , Kuester Doerthe , Harms Caroline , Schubert Daniel , Wex Thomas , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: August 2011

Background: Leukotrienes (LT) mediate allergic and inflammatory processes. Previously, we identified significant changes in the expression pattern of LT receptors in the gastric mucosa after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and LT receptors in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: The expression of 5-LOX and receptors for LTB4 (BLT-1, BLT-2) and cysteinyl-LT (CysLT-1, CysLT-2) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in GC samples of 35 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy and in 29 tumor-free tissue specimens from gastric mucosa. Results: Male-to-female ratio was 24:11. The median age was 70 years (range 34–91). Twenty-two patients had GC of intestinal, six of diffuse, six of mixed and one of undifferentiated type. The IHC analysis showed a nearly ubiquitous expression of studied proteins in GC (88–97%) and in tumor-free specimens as well (89–100%). An increase in the immunoreactive score of both BLT receptors and CysLT-1 was observed in GC compared to tumor-free gastric mucosa (p < 0.001 for BLT-1; p < 0.01 for BLT-2 and CysLT-1, Mann-Whitney U-test). No differences in the IHC expression of 5-LOX and CsyLT-2 were observed between GC and tumor-free mucosa. The expression of BLT-2, CysLT-1 and CysLT-2 was increased in GC of intestinal type when compared to the diffuse type (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U-test). Conclusions: LTB4 receptors and CysLT-1 are up-regulated in GC tissue implying a role in gastric carcinogenesis.
C-type Lectin Receptors for Tumor Eradication: Future Directions
Authors: Streng-Ouwehand Ingeborg , Unger Wendy W. J. , Van Kooyk Yvette
Published: August 2011

Dendritic cells are key regulators in directing immune responses and therefore are under extensive research for the induction of anti-tumor responses. DCs express a large array of receptors by which they scan their surroundings for recognition and uptake of pathogens. One of the receptor-families is the C-type lectins (CLR), which bind carbohydrate structures and internalize antigens upon recognition. Intracellular routing of antigen through CLR enhances loading and presentation of antigen through MHC class I and II, inducing antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation and skewing T-helper cells. These characteristics make CLRs very interesting targets for DC-based immunotherapy. Profound research has been done on targeting specific tumor antigens to CLR using either antibodies or the natural ligands such as glycan structures. In this review we will focus on the current data showing the potency of CLR-targeting and discuss improvements that can be achieved to enhance anti-tumor activity in the near future.
Inflammatory Alterations of the Extracellular Matrix in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Iijima Junko , Konno Kenjiro , Itano Naoki
Published: August 2011

Complex interactions between cancer cells and host stromal cells result in the formation of the “tumor microenvironment”, where inflammatory alterations involve the infiltration of tumor-associated fibroblasts and inflammatory leukocytes that contribute to the acquisition of malignant characteristics, such as increased cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, metastasis, angiogenesis, and avoidance of adaptive immunity. The microenvironment of a solid tumor is comprised not only of cellular compartments, but also of bioactive substances, including cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM can act as a scaffold for cell migration, a reservoir for cytokines and growth factors, and a signal through receptor binding. During inflammation, ECM components and their degraded fragments act directly and indirectly as inflammatory stimuli in certain cases and regulate the functions of inflammatory and immune cells. One such ECM component, hyaluronan, has recently been implicated to modulate innate immune cell function through pattern recognition toll-like receptors and accelerate the recruitment and activation of tumor-associated macrophages in inflamed cancers. Here, we will summarize the molecular mechanism linking inflammation with ECM remodeling in the tumor microenvironment, with a particular emphasis on the role of hyaluronan in controlling the inflammatory response.
Analysis of Wind Generator Operations under Unbalanced Voltage Dips in the Light of the Spanish Grid Code
Authors: León-Martínez Vicente , Montañana-Romeu Joaquín
Published: August 2011

Operation of doubly fed induction generators subjected to transient unbalanced voltage dips is analyzed in this article to verify the fulfillment of the Spanish grid code. Akagi’s p-q theory is not used for this study, because control of the electronic converter is not the main goal of the paper, but rather to know the physical phenomena involved in the wind turbine when voltage dips occur. Hence, the magnetizing reactive power of the induction generators and their components, which are related with the magnetic fields and determine operation of these machines, are expressed through the reactive power formulations established in the technical literature by three well-known approaches: the delayed voltage (DV) method, Czarnecki’s Current’s Physical Components (CPC) theory and Emanuel’s approach. Non-fundamental and negative-sequence components of the magnetizing reactive power are respectively established to define the effects of the distortion and voltage imbalances on the magnetic fields and electromagnetic torques. Also, fundamental-frequency positive-sequence and negative-sequence reactive powers are decomposed into two components: due to the reactive loads and caused by the imbalances. This decomposition provides additional information about the effects of the imbalances on the main magnetic field and electromagnetic torque of the induction generator. All the above mentioned reactive powers are finally applied to one actual wind turbine subjected to a two-phase voltage dip in order to explain its operation under such transient conditions.
Effect of Cistanches Herba Aqueous Extract on Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rat
Authors: Liang Haidong , Yu Fang , Tong Zhihong , Huang Zaiguo
Published: August 2011

To assess the ability of traditional Chinese medicine Cistanches Herba extract (CHE) to prevent bone loss in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat, Cistanches Herba extract (CHE) was administered intragastrically to the rats. Female rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (40 mg kg−1, i.p.), and their ovaries were removed bilaterally. The rats in the sham-operated group were anesthetized, laparotomized, and sutured without removing their ovaries. After 1 week of recovery from surgery, the OVX rats were randomly divided into three groups and orally treated with H2O (OVX group) or CHE (100 or 200 mg kg−1 daily) for 3 months. The sham-operated group (n = 8) was orally treated with H2O. After 3 months, the total body bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), Bone biomechanical index, blood mineral levels and blood antioxidant enzymes activities were examined in sham-operated, ovariectomized and Cistanches Herba extract treated rats. Results showed that Cistanches Herba extract treatment significantly dose-dependently enhanced bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), maximum load, displacement at maximum load, stress at maximum load, load at auto break, displacement at auto break, and stress at auto break, and blood antioxidant enzymes activities, decreased blood Ca, Zn and Cu levels compared to the OVX group. This experiment demonstrates that the administration of Cistanches Herba extract to ovariectomized rats reverses bone loss and prevents osteoporosis.
3D-QSAR Study of Combretastatin A-4 Analogs Based on Molecular Docking
Authors: Jin Yinghua , Qi Ping , Wang Zhiwei , Shen Qirong , Wang Jian , Zhang Weige , Song Hongrui
Published: August 2011

Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), its analogues and their excellent antitumoral and antivascular activities, have attracted considerable interest of medicinal chemists. In this article, a docking simulation was used to identify molecules having the same binding mode as the lead compound, and 3D-QSAR models had been built by using CoMFA based on docking. As a result, these studies indicated that the QSAR models were statistically significant with high predictabilities (CoMFA model, q2 = 0.786, r2 = 0.988). Our models may offer help to better comprehend the structure-activity relationships for this class of compounds and also facilitate the design of novel inhibitors with good chemical diversity.
Berberine: A Potential Multipotent Natural Product to Combat Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ji Hong-Fang , Shen Liang
Published: August 2011

With the accelerated aging of human society Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become one of the most threatening diseases in the elderly. However, there is no efficient therapeutic agent to combat AD. Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects. In the present paper, we review the multiple activities of berberine, including antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory, monoamine oxidase inhibitory, amyloid-b peptide level-reducing and cholesterol-lowering activities, which suggest that berberine may act as a promising multipotent agent to combat AD.
Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis of a Multi-Useful Chiral Building Block Molecule for the Synthesis of Medicinal Compounds
Authors: Nakano Toshiki , Yagi Yusuke , Miyahara Mizuki , Kaminura Akio , Kawatsura Motoi , Itoh Toshiyuki
Published: August 2011

Optical resolution of 2-methyl-2-nitrobut-3-en-1-ol has been accomplished using a “low-temperature lipase-catalyzed transesterification” carried out at −40 °C.
Barclay, A.W. and Brand-Miller, J. The Australian Paradox: A Substantial Decline in Sugars Intake over the Same Timeframe that Overweight and Obesity Have Increased. Nutrients 2011, 3, 491-504
Authors: Barclay Alan W. , Brand-Miller Jennie
Published: August 2011

We have found some errors in our paper published in Nutrients [1]. We found that reference 18 in section 2.2 should be removed, the reference 18 in section 3.1 should be replaced with reference 19 and the reference 33 should be corrected as follows. [...]
Evaluation of the Biological Effects of Externally Tunable, Hydrogel Encapsulated Quantum Dot Nanospheres in Escherichia coli
Authors: GhoshMitra Somesree , Cai Tong , Diercks David , Hu Zhibing , Roberts James , Dahiya Jai , Mills Nathaniel , Hynds DiAnna , Ghosh Santaneel
Published: August 2011

Quantum Dots (QDs) have become an interesting subject of study for labeling and drug delivery in biomedical research due to their unique responses to external stimuli. In this paper, the biological effects of a novel hydrogel based QD nano-structure on E. coli bacteria are presented. The experimental evidence reveals that cadmium telluride (CdTe) QDs that are encapsulated inside biocompatible polymeric shells have reduced or negligible toxicity to this model cell system, even when exposed at higher dosages. Furthermore, a preliminary gene expression study indicates that QD-hydrogel nanospheres do not inhibit the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene expression. As the biocompatible and externally tunable polymer shells possess the capability to control the QD packing density at nanometer scales, the resulting luminescence efficiency of the nanostructures, besides reducing the cytotoxic potential, may be suitable for various biomedical applications.
Mechanism of Lethal Toxin Neutralization by a Human Monoclonal Antibody Specific for the PA20 Region of Bacillus anthracis Protective Antigen
Authors: Reason Donald , Liberato Justine , Sun Jinying , Camacho Jessica , Zhou Jianhui
Published: August 2011

The primary immunogenic component of the currently approved anthrax vaccine is the protective antigen (PA) unit of the binary toxin system. PA-specific antibodies neutralize anthrax toxins and protect against infection. Recent research has determined that in humans, only antibodies specific for particular determinants are capable of effecting toxin neutralization, and that the neutralizing epitopes recognized by these antibodies are distributed throughout the PA monomer. The mechanisms by which the majority of these epitopes effect neutralization remain unknown. In this report we investigate the process by which a human monoclonal antibody specific for the amino-terminal domain of PA neutralizes lethal toxin in an in vitro assay of cytotoxicity, and find that it neutralizes LT by blocking the requisite cleavage of the amino-terminal 20 kD portion of the molecule (PA20) from the remainder of the PA monomer. We also demonstrate that the epitope recognized by this human monoclonal does not encompass the 166RKKR169 furin recognition sequence in domain 1 of PA.
La motivation des actes administratifs unilatéraux, entre tradition nationale et évolution des droits européens
Authors: Autin Jean-Louis
Published: August 2011

La motivation des actes administratifs unilatéraux est un sujet technique, sur lequel les spécialistes de la discipline ont pris position dans une configuration qui oppose nettement les pouvoirs publics et le Conseil d’État, partisans du système actuel, d’un côté, une doctrine largement majoritaire, de l’autre, qui aspire à une franche libéralisation du dispositif national. Celui-ci repose toujours, en dépit de divers aménagements liés à la loi de 1979, sur la formule bien connue : « Pas de motivation sans texte » . Ces dernières années, la controverse a rebondi en perdant son caractère hexagonal. Le « retard » de notre encadrement juridique est apparu évident au regard des régimes en vigueur dans les pays voisins, tandis que les avancées de l’intégration communautaire commençaient à influencer la réflexion. Avec la Charte européenne des droits fondamentaux de l’Union européenne qui proclame l’exigence générale de motivation en termes généraux et place ce nouveau droit sous l’égide d’une citoyenne européenne en gestation, le débat s’inscrit désormais dans la problématique d’une démocratie administrative qui, tout à la fois, régénérerait notre régime politique et hâterait les mutations de l’action publique.
Transparence et participation : des principes démocratiques pour l'administration de l'union européenne
Authors: Curtin Deirdre , Mendes Joana
Published: August 2011

Le présent article vise à déterminer si et dans quelle mesure les règles et pratiques juridiques actuelles de l’Union européenne en matière de transparence et de participation encouragent les principes démocratiques récemment ancrés dans le traité sur l’Union européenne. Il se concentre essentiellement sur la façon dont les principes de transparence et de participation ont été formulés et surtout mis en œuvre dans la pratique, afin d’examiner leur éventuelle signification démocratique. Il pose la question de savoir s’il existe vraiment un panorama des principes démocratiques de l’administration européenne.
La démocratie participative dans le domaine environnemental
Authors: Pissaloux Jean-Luc
Published: August 2011

Bien que l’environnement apparaisse favorable à la transparence et à la démocratie, ce n’est que relativement récemment qu’ont été introduits au niveau interne divers instruments normatifs – et en particulier, des grands principes – ainsi que différentes modalités de mise en œuvre telles que les enquêtes publiques et le débat public, qui viennent de connaître d’indéniables avancées avec le Grenelle de l’environnement. Cependant, les processus participatifs dans le domaine environnemental présentent, à l’évidence, diverses faiblesses – notamment des conditions procédurales critiquables à bien des égards, et une insuffisante mobilisation des acteurs – voire des dérives – avec leur appropriation fréquente par une minorité de groupes d’intérêts ou d’experts, avec le constat d’un certain hiatus entre ces procédures et les processus décisionnels classiques, et avec l’inefficacité des politiques mises en place dans leur prolongement.
Le médiateur de la république au prisme de la démocratie administrative
Authors: Baudot Pierre-Yves , Revillard Anne
Published: August 2011

Comment la notion de démocratie administrative permet-elle d’éclairer le sens qu’une institution comme le Médiateur de la République assigne à son action ? La disparition annoncée du Médiateur, corollaire de la création du Défenseur des droits (conformément à la révision constitutionnelle de 2008), invite à revisiter les différentes définitions de son rôle que l’institution a endossées depuis sa création en 1973. Cet article, fondé sur une étude sociohistorique de l’institution, se propose d’explorer le sens de cette dernière à la lumière de la notion de démocratie administrative. Lutte contre la « maladministration », défense des droits des administrés, participation du public à la production de la réforme de l’État : l’élargissement graduel des significations assignées à sa mission fait de cette institution un utile révélateur de la diversité des traductions possibles de la notion de démocratie administrative.
La réforme inachevée des collectivités territoriales
Authors: Pissaloux Jean-Luc , Supplisson Didier
Published: August 2011

Les intentions et des ambitions initiales qui avaient motivé l’adoption de la loi du 16 décembre 2010 de réforme des collectivités territoriales étaient de réduire le « millefeuille territorial », et dégager des économies. Au regard de ce dessein originel, on pourra relever que les avancées majeures en termes de rationalisation du système territorial concernent le bloc communal, avec la programmation d’un achèvement et d’une refonte de la carte intercommunale, tandis que la loi ne fait qu’esquisser l’articulation d’un bloc « région-départements », essentiellement par l’institution des conseillers territoriaux. En revanche, la clarification attendue des compétences et des financements associés semble avoir été manquée.
Plasticity of Ly-6Chi Myeloid Cells in T Cell Regulation
Authors: Zhu Bing , Kennedy Jennifer K. , Wang Yue , Sandoval-Garcia Carolina , Cao Li , Xiao Sheng , Wu Chuan , Elyaman Wassim , Khoury Samia J.
Published: August 2011

CD11b+Ly-6Chi cells, including inflammatory monocytes (IMCs) and inflammatory dendritic cells (IDCs), are important in infectious, autoimmune, and tumor models. However, their role in T cell regulation is controversial. In this article, we show that T cell regulation by IMCs and IDCs is determined by their activation state and is plastic during an immune response. Nonactivated IMCs and IDCs function as APCs, but activated IMCs and IDCs suppress T cells through NO production. Suppressive IMCs are induced by IFN-γ, GM-CSF, TNF-α, and CD154 derived from activated T cells during their interaction. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, CD11b+Ly-6Chi cells in the CNS are increasingly activated from disease onset to peak and switch their function from Ag presentation to T cell suppression. Furthermore, transfer of activated IMCs or IDCs enhances T cell apoptosis in the CNS and suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These data highlight the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity: immunization leads to the expansion of Ly-6Chi myeloid cells initially promoting T cell function. As T cells become highly activated in the target tissue, they induce activation and NO production in Ly-6Chi myeloid cells, which in turn suppress T cells and lead to the contraction of local immune response.
Fungal Chitin from Asthma-Associated Home Environments Induces Eosinophilic Lung Infiltration
Authors: Van Dyken Steven J. , Garcia Daniel , Porter Paul , Huang Xiaozhu , Quinlan Patricia J. , Blanc Paul D. , Corry David B. , Locksley Richard M.
Published: August 2011

Development of asthma and allergic inflammation involves innate immunity, but the environmental contributions remain incompletely defined. Analysis of dust collected from the homes of asthmatic individuals revealed that the polysaccharide chitin is environmentally widespread and associated with β-glucans, possibly from ubiquitous fungi. Cell wall preparations of Aspergillus isolated from house dust induced robust recruitment of eosinophils into mouse lung, an effect that was attenuated by enzymatic degradation of cell wall chitin and β-glucans. Mice expressing constitutively active acidic mammalian chitinase in the lungs demonstrated a significant reduction in eosinophil infiltration after fungal challenge. Conversely, chitinase inhibition prolonged the duration of tissue eosinophilia. Thus, fungal chitin derived from home environments associated with asthma induces eosinophilic allergic inflammation in the lung, and mammalian chitinases, including acidic mammalian chitinase, limit this process.
Fluctuations in C-Reactive Protein in a Hepatoblastoma Patient with Thrombocytosis
Authors: Sato Yuya , Kokubu Ayaka , Fukushima Keitaro , Okuya Mayuko , Hagisawa Susumu , Kurosawa Hidemitsu , Sugita Kenichi , Arisaka Osamu , Okamoto Kentaro , Tsuchioka Takashi
Published: August 2011

We observed the changes in serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a patient with hepatoblastoma exhibiting thrombocytosis. The concomitant changes of IL-6 and CRP concentrations after the initiation of chemotherapy, in the absence of infection, suggested that the IL-6, which is synthesized in hepatoblastoma cells and induces thrombocytosis, also stimulated CRP production in the present case. IL-6 is thought to play an important role in thrombocytosis in hepatoblastoma.
Immunoreactivity of glycoproteins isolated from human peripheral nerve and Campylobacter jejuni (O:19)
Authors: Brezovska Katerina , Panovska Ana Poceva , Grozdanova Aleksandra , Suturkova Ljubica , Basta Ivana , Apostolski Slobodan
Published: August 2011

Objective: Antibodies to ganglioside GM1 are associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in patients with serologic evidence of a preceding infection with Campylobacter jejuni. Molecular mimicry between C. jejuni Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ganglioside GM1 has been proven to be the immunopathogenic mechanism of the disease in the axonal variant of GBS. GM1-positive sera cross-react with several Gal-GalNAc-bearing glycoproteins from the human peripheral nerve and C. jejuni (O:19). This study aimed to examine the immunoreactivity of the digested cross-reactive glycoproteins isolated from the human peripheral nerve and C. jejuni (O:19) with Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) as a marker for the Gal-GalNAc determinant, and with sera from patients with GBS. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the cross-reactive glycoproteins from peripheral nerve and C. jejuni (O:19) were enzymatically digested with trypsin and the obtained peptides were incubated with PNA and GBS sera. Results: Western blot analysis of the separated peptides revealed several bands showing positive reactivity to PNA and to sera from patients with GBS, present in both digests from peripheral nerve and C. jejuni (O:19). Conclusions: These data indicate the possible molecular mimicry between the cross-reactive glycoproteins present in C. jejuni and human peripheral nerve and its potential role in the development of GBS following infection with C. jejuni (O:19).
Anesthetic and surgical predictors of treatment outcome in re-do craniotomy
Authors: Adigun TA , Adeolu AA , Adeleye AO , Shokunbi MT , Malomo AO , Boadu SD Amanor
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Craniotomy is a neurosurgical operation done to remove brain tumor, repair vascular lesion, and relieve intracranial pressure. Complications can arise which may necessitate re-do craniotomy. The study is planned to find out the relationship between variables such as age, American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA), Glasgow coma score (GCS), frequency of re-do craniotomy, and surgical outcome of re-do craniotomy. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all the patients who had re-do craniotomy over a 4-year period. The data that were collected included age, sex, ASA classification, indication for re-do craniotomy, GCS, frequency of re-do craniotomy, postoperative complications, and outcome. Results: Twenty-five patients had indication for re-do craniotomy within the study period. Forty percent were male and 60% were female, and their mean age was 38.56 ± 17.38 years. The indications for re-do craniotomy were removal of residual tumor, evacuation of clot, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Seventy-six percent had good outcome, while 24% had poor outcome. Outcome was good for patients who had redo craniotomy done once, while poor outcome was for patients with second and third craniotomies. Ninety percent of patients with ASA 2 had good outcome, while 9.1% had poor outcome; but 64.3% had good outcome with ASA 3, while 37.7% had poor outcome with a P-value of 0.18. Seventy-five percent had poor outcome in patients with GCS of less than 9, while 25% had good outcome; but 14.3% had poor outcome in patients with GCS above 9, while 85.7% had good outcome with a P-value of 0.031. Conclusions: Increasing frequency of re-do craniotomy and lower GCS were major factors affecting outcome in re-do craniotomy in our center. The outcome of these patients is valuable in the management of other patients with re-do craniotomy in future.
Inpatient occupational therapists hand-splinting practice for clients with stroke: A cross-sectional survey from Ireland
Authors: Adrienne Cormican , Manigandan Chockalingam
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Hand splinting after stroke is a common practice despite inadequate evidence. This warrants a better understanding of the therapists’ splinting practice, to develop clinically meaningful treatment options. Aims: The study examined the nature and prevalence of the factors associated with therapists’ hand splinting practice and their perceived splinting efficacy. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional national survey of hand-splinting practice among inpatient occupational therapists (OTs) in Ireland. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two therapists participated in this national survey. Statistical analysis used: A number of factors were analyzed to explore their relationship with therapists’ perception of splint efficacy using Spearman’s rank order correlation. Results: 53(85.5%) out of 62 survey respondents prescribed splints to their clients at the time of taking the survey. To reduce spasticity, to correct contractures and thus increase range of motion (ROM) were the commonly used splinting goals. These were the goals that were significantly associated with the therapists’ splinting efficacy too. Conclusions: Hand-splint prescription following stroke was found to be a common practice among OTs who perceive splints to be quite effective. A custom-made, volar forearmbased wrist-hand splint is the preferred splint among therapists to achieve a number of clinical aims such as improving ROM, stretching soft tissue contractures and reducing spasticity in the upper extremity. A wide variety of splinting regimens is currently practiced, reflecting the lack of a universally accepted and comprehensive practice guideline to regulate therapy. Methodologically valid clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of therapist-preferred splints in achieving their favored outcomes are needed. Development of common, universally accepted therapeutic guidelines based on comprehensive scientific review of such studies is thus needed.
Tuberculous brain abscesses: Case series and review of literature
Authors: Menon Sarala , Bharadwaj Renu , Chowdhary A.S. , Kaundinya D.V. , Palande D.A.
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Tuberculous brain abscess (TBA) is a rare but serious condition. It resembles a pyogenic brain abscess clinically and radiologically and poses a problem in diagnosis and treatment. A final diagnosis is established by smear or culture demonstration of acid fast bacilli (AFB) within the abscess. Here, we report four such cases in our fiveyear study on brain abscesses, along with the different diagnostic modalities used. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 brain abscess pus specimens were collected during neurosurgery, either by burr hole or by craniotomy. These specimens were further subjected to Gram stain, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain, and conventional microbiological culture. Only those cases which showed presence of AFB on ZN stain along with the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were considered as TBAs. Such TBA cases were further presented along with their In vitro Proton Magnetic Resonance (MR) Spectroscopic findings. Results: Of these four patients, three were males. Though this condition is more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, three of the patients in this study were immunocompetent. All the four pus specimens showed presence of AFB in the ZN stain. Three of them grew M. tuberculosis as sole isolate. The fourth case was of concomitant tuberculous and pyogenic brain abscess. In vitro Proton MR spectroscopy of the pus specimens showed absence of multiple amino acids at 0.9 ppm, which was found to be hallmark of TBA. One patient died of four. Conclusions: TBA always poses a diagnostic dilemma. ZN stain and conventional microbiological culture for Mycobacteria always help to solve this dilemma. In vitro Proton MR Spectroscopy also seems to have the diagnostic utility.
Treatment-related fluctuation in Guillain-Barre syndrome
Authors: Thivakaran Thirunavukkarasu , Gamage Ranjanie , Gooneratne Inuka Kishara
Published: August 2011

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is usually a monophasic illness but relapses occur. A 55-year-old female with hypertension and vitiligo presented with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. She improved with immunoglobulin treatment started on day 6 of illness, but relapsed on day 14 warranting repeat immunoglobulin therapy. Thereafter recovery was complete. Her relapse was due to treatment-related fluctuation (TRF). TRF is improvement in the GBS disability scale of at least one grade after completion of immunotherapy followed by worsening of the disability scale of at least one grade within the first 2 months after disease onset. Recurrent GBS and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy were excluded. During the peak of the illness ANA titres were transiently high. The presence of other medical conditions, predominant proximal weakness and the absence of preceding diarrhea are predictors for TRF seen in this patient. Early treatment and evidence of ongoing immune activation have contributed toward TRF.
Optic neuropathy due to allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cyriac Jiji Tresa , Cherian Tambi , Hadi Wasna Ali , Jose Joyce
Published: August 2011

An uncommon case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis presented to the ophthalmology outpatient department of our hospital with complaints of blurred vision in the right eye of a few days duration and vague complaints of pain around the eyes. The visual acuity on examination was grossly reduced in the right eye and normal in the left eye. Color vision was normal. Anterior segment examination including pupils was normal. Dilated fundus examination was normal except for temporal pallor in the right optic disc. Automated perimetry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of brain and orbit were done. The imaging report showed a bilateral pansinusitis with pressure on the right optic nerve. Perimetry showed a superior field defect on the right side. ENT consultation and computed tomography (CT) with contrast helped to diagnose this as a case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. The patient was started on systemic steroids under the care of the ENT surgeon. After a few days, pre-operative assessment showed a gross improvement of visual acuity. Endoscopic sinus surgery was done to remove the polyps and thick mucus material. Histopathologic examination confirmed allergic fungal mucin. Days after surgery, the visual acuity improved further and repeat perimetry showed gross improvement in the visual field. Good history taking and a detailed ophthalmic examination, keeping in mind the probable causes of loss of vision of few days duration with no findings other than a decreased visual acuity and a suspicious disc, were key to the early diagnosis and investigation in this case. This helped in early referral and management of the case before permanent damage and irreversible visual loss occurred. The optic nerve is a cranial nerve which, once damaged permanently, will not regenerate. The amount of sinus involvement was extensive on both sides and invariably the left optic nerve would have been involved in a few days, if intervention was delayed.
Parkisonism followed by burr hole drainage for chronic subdural hemorrhage
Authors: Lee Cheng-Chia , Lin Chun-Fu , Shih Yang-Hsin
Published: August 2011

There have been few reports on secondary parkisonism caused by chronic subdual hemorrhage (CSDH). In most reports, rigidity-bradykinesia syndrome resolved gradually after decompressive operation for CSDH. We report a 74-year-old male patient who suffered from CSDH status post burr hole drainage twice, and followed secondary parkinsonism thereafter. Decompression by burr hole drainage was successful. However, the conscious level was still altered and the patient began to present with rigidity and bradykinesia. Fortunately, the symptoms dramatically improved after taking L-dopa. CSDH-related parkinsonism may have pre-operative nigrostriatal dysfunction, which can not compensate further insults to the basal ganglia. Prescription of L-dopa may be helpful in these patients
Commercial Health Plan Participation in Medicaid Managed Care: An Examination of Six Markets
Authors: Coughlin Teresa A. , Long Sharon K. , Holahan John
Published: August 2011

This study examines six local health care markets to gain a better understanding of the factors associated with the decision by commercial plans to participate in Medicaid managed care (MMC). Findings suggest that no single factor explained why plans chose to participate in MMC in a particular market. Instead, a combination of factors—generally economic but not always—determined whether a plan participated. While rate adequacy was central, it was not the only factor. Results indicate that it is capitation rates relative to other factors (such as provider costs, administrative costs, enrollment volume, growth opportunities in other markets) that matter rather than simply the level of rates.
Health Plan Choice and Information about Out-of-Pocket Costs: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Schoenbaum Michael , Spranca Mark , Elliott Marc , Bhattacharya Jay , Short Pamela Farley
Published: August 2011

Many consumers are offered two or more employer-sponsored health insurance plans, and competition among health plans for subscribers is promoted as a mechanism for balancing health care costs and quality. Yet consumers may not receive the information necessary to make informed health plan choices. This study tests the effects on health plan choice of providing supplemental decision-support materials to inform consumers about expected health plan costs. Our main finding is that such information induces consumers to bear more risk, especially those in relatively good health. Thus our results suggest that working-age, privately insured consumers currently may be over-insuring for medical care.
PACE and the Medicare+Choice Risk-Adjusted Payment Model
Authors: Temkin-Greener Helena , Meiners Mark R. , Gruenberg Leonard
Published: August 2011

This paper investigates the impact of the Medicare principal inpatient diagnostic cost group (PIP-DCG) payment model on the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Currently, more than 6,000 Medicare beneficiaries who are nursing home certifiable receive care from PACE, a program poised for expansion under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Overall, our analysis suggests that the application of the PIP-DCG model to the PACE program would reduce Medicare payments to PACE, on average, by 38%. The PIP-DCG payment model bases its risk adjustment on inpatient diagnoses and does not capture adequately the risk of caring for a population with functional impairments.