bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study on Cryosurgery with Carbamazepine and Alcohol injection in Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Hossain M A , Molla M R , Akther M , Haider M N
Published: September 2012

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of Cryosurgery for the treatment of Trigeminal neuralgia and to compare this procedure with Carbamazepine and alcohol block. Materials and method-A prospective study with 75       cases of Trigeminal neuralgia was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from January 2006 to December 2007. Out of 75 cases 25 treated with Carbamazepine only, starting dose 100 mg b.d. with incremental dose up to 800 mg, 25 received alcohol block with maintenance dose of Carbamazepine 200 mg b.d. over the study period and 25 received       Cryosurgery with initial maintenance dose of Carbamazepine 100 mg b.d. then tappered on 1st follow up visits and withdrawn on the 2nd follow up visits. Visual linear analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure pain intensity in different groups. Results: Out of different treatment modalities on follow up onwards pain control was better in Cryosurgery than Carbamazepine and alcohol block. Conclusion: This study reveals that the efficacy of Cryosurgery is better than Carbamazepine and alcohol block to eliminate the pain intensity in Trigeminal neuralgia.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11721   Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July12
Bacteriological Profile Of Ear Discharge And Their Antibiotic Sensitivity In Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media In Kashmir,India
Authors: Yousuf A , Malik M , Shamas IU , Beigh Z , Kumari S , Pampori PRA
Published: September 2012

The objective of the study was to study the microflora and the antibiograms of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in Kashmir,in order to provide a guidelines for making a protocol for empirical antibiotic therapy. Study design:Prospective study Material and methods: This study was conducted on OPD basis in Department of Ear, Nose and Throat and HNS Government medical college Srinagar kashmir from july 2010 to june 1011 and one hundred twenty five(125) patients with unilateral or bilateral active chronic suppurative otitis media were prospectively studied.They had chronic ear discharge and had not received antibiotics for the previous five days. Swabs were taken from discharging ear's and sent to microbiological section of hospital were culture for bacteria was done Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done with standard antibiotic discs using Kirby-bauer disk diffusion method.4 Results:From the Clinical specimens off the 125 patients microbiological culture was positive in 110 specimens. The most common causal organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (48%) including 8% of methcillin resistant staph aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16%) followed by coagulase negative.Antibiotic sensitivities of staph aureus (other than MRSA) showed that 72% isolates were sensitivity to gentamicin,55% to ciprofloxacin followed by 36% to cephalosporins (cetazidime,ceftriaxone) .For pseudomonas aeruginosa 72% isolates were sensitive to piperacillin/tazobactum 48% to ciprofloxacin and 32% to ceftazidime/ceftriaxone. Of the three antibiotics commonly available as topical eardrops,ciprofloxacin and gentamicin has the highest susceptibility rate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11731 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July12
Serum calcium and phosphate level in normal pregnant women
Authors: Sultana M S , Begum R , Akhter Q S , Lovely N S , Akhter S , Islam M T
Published: September 2012

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is the physiological process in which progressive anatomical, physiological  and biochemical changes occur. Secretion of different hormones during pregnancy is responsible for  maternal adaptation to the increasing demand of the growing fetus. The present study was aimed to evaluate  serum calcium and phosphate status in normal pregnant women in different trimesters. Materials and  Methods: A total number of 140 subjects, age range 20-40 (yrs) were recruited in the study which includes  100 normal pregnant women termed as study group (Group B) and 40 healthy women without pregnant  (Group A), served as Control. Group B subjects were subdivided into Group B1 (n=12), Group B2 (n=30)  and Group B3 (n=58) on the basis of duration of pregnancy- 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively. Calcium  was measured by CPC (photometric method for Ca) and serum phosphate by colorimetric method. Statistical  analysis was done using SPSS for Windows, Version 10. Unpaired Student's -'t' test performed to calculate  statistical differences between groups. Results: Age (yrs) (mean±SD) and BMI of the pregnant women in different  groups did not show statistical difference. Serum calcium (mean±SD) levels in the 1st (p=0.0001) and  2nd (p=0.02) trimester was significantly higher compared to the Controls. In 3rd the value was significantly  lower (p=0.015) compared to the Controls and of 1st and 2nd trimesters (p=0.001). Serum phosphate  (mean±SD) levels in three trimesters did not show statistical significant difference compared to the Controls  and among the pregnancy groups. Conclusion: The data concluded that serum calcium level was lower during  third trimester of the study subjects which may be explained by the fact of increased demand of the growing  fetus and exposing the mother at risk of complications related to low serum calcium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11732 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July12
Cysticercosis in Anterior Abdominal Wall: A rare case report
Authors: Roy Banasree C , Mondal Gobinda
Published: September 2012

Cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium larva is a major public health problem especially in developing  world. In this unusual form of infection man becomes the intermediate host. The encysted larval stage commonly infests brain, but muscles and subcutaneous tissues are also often affected. High resolution ultrasonography is diagnostic for subcutaneous or intramuscular cysticercosis.Here we present a rare case of anterior abdominal wall cysticercosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11733 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July12
Acute fulminating viral myocarditis: clinically mimicking ARDS
Authors: Sit N K , Saha K , Bandyopadhyay A , Sarkar S
Published: September 2012

Viral myocarditis usually presented with influenza like manifestations, cardiac symptoms and signs related to myocarditis. We are presenting a case which was clinically mimicking acute respiratory distress syndrome but careful history taking with chest x-ray examination saves life of the patient DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11735 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July12
Base of tongue as an unusual site for Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Chenthilnathan P , Mohamad I , Razini I , Samarendra M
Published: September 2012

Background: Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) has about 3-7% of oral manifestation. Most of the lesions are from the palate, gingival, tongue, buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth and lips. These site consist approximately 2% of all extra nodal lymphomas as primary origin. The prognosis of NHL depends to the tumour stage, tumour aggressiveness and their response to treatment. The oral lesions appear to respond quite well to irradiation or chemo radiation.Methods: We present a case of a 68 year-old Malay male presented with symptoms of voice change, poor oral intake and bleeding from oral cavity, which turns out to be NHL of the base of tongue without visceral involvement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11740 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July12
Fumigant Antifungal Activity of Myrtaceae Essential Oils and Constituents from Leptospermum petersonii against Three Aspergillus Species
Authors: Kim Eunae , Park Il-Kwon
Published: September 2012

Commercial plant essential oils obtained from 11 Myrtaceae plant species were tested for their fumigant antifungal activity against Aspergillus ochraceus, A. flavus, and A. niger. Essential oils extracted from Leptospermum petersonii at air concentrations of 56 × 10−3 mg/mL and 28 × 10−3 mg/mL completely inhibited the growth of the three Aspergillus species. However, at an air concentration of 14 × 10−3 mg/mL, inhibition rates of L. petersonii essential oils were reduced to 20.2% and 18.8% in the case of A. flavus and A. niger, respectively. The other Myrtaceae essential oils (56 × 10−3 mg/mL) only weakly inhibited the fungi or had no detectable affect. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 16 compounds in L. petersonii essential oil. The antifungal activity of the identified compounds was tested individually by using standard or synthesized compounds. Of these, neral and geranial inhibited growth by 100%, at an air concentration of 56 × 10−3 mg/mL, whereas the activity of citronellol was somewhat lover (80%). The other compounds exhibited only moderate or weak antifungal activity. The antifungal activities of blends of constituents identified in L. petersonii oil indicated that neral and geranial were the major contributors to the fumigant and antifungal activities.
Structural Characterization and Identification of Major Constituents in Jitai Tablets by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Diode-Array Detection Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Shuping , Liu Lei , Wang Lingling , Hu Yaohua , Zhang Weidong , Liu Runhui
Published: September 2012

In the present study a universally applicable HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS method was developed for carrying out the comprehensive characterization of Jitai tablets (JTT). Based on the ESI-MSn fragmentation patterns of the reference standards, a total of 101 components were identified or tentatively characterized by comparing their retention times, UV and MS spectra with those of reference standards or through the matching of empirical information with those of published components in the in-house library. The characteristic fragmentation pattern of alkaloids, phenolic acids, tanshinones, flavonoid glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, ginsenosides, 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones, phthalides and gingerol-related compounds were tentatively elucidated using structurally-relevant product ions. It was observed that neutral losses of C9H10O3 and C9H8O2 were the characteristic product ions of scopola alkaloids. Neutral fragment mandelonitrile was the characteristic ion of cyanogenic glycosides. To our knowledge, tropylium ion and C4H2O unit were the characteristic ions of 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone, which resulted from the Retro-Diels-Alder (RDA) cleavage of the C ring. The results indicated that the developed analysis method could be employed as a rapid, effective technique for structural characterization of chemical constituents in TCM. This work is expected to provide comprehensive information for the quality evaluation and pharmacokinetic studies of JTT.
Promising Therapeutics with Natural Bioactive Compounds for Improving Learning and Memory — A Review of Randomized Trials
Authors: Kumar Hemant , More Sandeep Vasant , Han Sang-Don , Choi Jin-Yong , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: September 2012

Cognitive disorders can be associated with brain trauma, neurodegenerative disease or as a part of physiological aging. Aging in humans is generally associated with deterioration of cognitive performance and, in particular, learning and memory. Different therapeutic approaches are available to treat cognitive impairment during physiological aging and neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders. Traditional herbal medicine and numerous plants, either directly as supplements or indirectly in the form of food, improve brain functions including memory and attention. More than a hundred herbal medicinal plants have been traditionally used for learning and memory improvement, but only a few have been tested in randomized clinical trials. Here, we will enumerate those medicinal plants that show positive effects on various cognitive functions in learning and memory clinical trials. Moreover, besides natural products that show promising effects in clinical trials, we briefly discuss medicinal plants that have promising experimental data or initial clinical data and might have potential to reach a clinical trial in the near future.
Ultra Small Integrated Optical Fiber Sensing System
Authors: Van Hoe Bram , Lee Graham , Bosman Erwin , Missinne Jeroen , Kalathimekkad Sandeep , Maskery Oliver , Webb David J. , Sugden Kate , Van Daele Peter , Van Steenberge Geert
Published: September 2012

This paper introduces a revolutionary way to interrogate optical fiber sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and to integrate the necessary driving optoelectronic components with the sensor elements. Low-cost optoelectronic chips are used to interrogate the optical fibers, creating a portable dynamic sensing system as an alternative for the traditionally bulky and expensive fiber sensor interrogation units. The possibility to embed these laser and detector chips is demonstrated resulting in an ultra thin flexible optoelectronic package of only 40 μm, provided with an integrated planar fiber pigtail. The result is a fully embedded flexible sensing system with a thickness of only 1 mm, based on a single Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL), fiber sensor and photodetector chip. Temperature, strain and electrodynamic shaking tests have been performed on our system, not limited to static read-out measurements but dynamically reconstructing full spectral information datasets.
Spectral-Domain Measurement of Strain Sensitivity of a Two-Mode Birefringent Side-Hole Fiber
Authors: Hlubina Petr , Olszewski Jacek , Martynkien Tadeusz , Mergo Pawel , Makara Mariusz , Poturaj Krzysztof , Urbanczyk Waclaw
Published: September 2012

The strain sensitivity of a two-mode birefringent side-hole fiber is measured in the spectral domain. In a simple experimental setup comprising a broadband source, a polarizer, a two-mode birefringent side-hole fiber under varied elongations, an analyzer and a compact spectrometer, the spectral interferograms are resolved. These are characterized by the equalization wavelength at which spectral interference fringes have the highest visibility (the largest period) due to the zero group optical path difference between the fundamental, the LP01 mode and the higher-order, the LP11 mode. The spectral interferograms with the equalization wavelength are processed to retrieve the phase as a function of the wavelength. From the retrieved phase functions corresponding to different elongations of a two-mode birefringent side-hole fiber under test, the spectral strain sensitivity is obtained. Using this approach, the intermodal spectral strain sensitivity was measured for both x and y polarizations. Moreover, the spectral polarimetric sensitivity to strain was measured for the fundamental mode when a birefringent delay line was used in tandem with the fiber. Its spectral dependence was also compared with that obtained from a shift of the spectral interferograms not including the equalization wavelength, and good agreement was confirmed.
Sensors Based on Plasmonic-Photonic Coupling in Metallic Photonic Crystals
Authors: Zhang Xinping , Feng Shengfei , Zhang Jian , Zhai Tianrui , Liu Hongmei , Pang Zhaoguang
Published: September 2012

An optical sensor based on the coupling between the plasmonic and photonic resonance modes in metallic photonic crystals is investigated. Large-area metallic photonic crystals consisting of periodically arranged gold nanostructures with dimensions down to sub-100 nm are fabricated using solution-processible gold nanoparticles in combination with interference lithography or interference ablation, which introduces a variety of fabrication techniques for the construction of this kind of sensor device. Sensitivity of the plasmonic response of the gold nanostructures to the changes in the environmental refractive index is enhanced through the coupling between the narrow-band photonic resonance mode and the relatively broad-band plasmon resonance, which is recognized as a Fano-like effect and is utilized to explore sensors. Theoretical modeling shows the characterization and the optimization of the sensitivity of this kind of sensor device. Theoretical and experimental results are demonstrated for the approaches to improve the sensitivity of the sensor device.
Microporous Silica Based Membranes for Desalination
Authors: Elma Muthia , Yacou Christelle , Wang David K. , Smart Simon , Diniz da Costa João C.
Published: September 2012

This review provides a global overview of microporous silica based membranes for desalination via pervaporation with a focus on membrane synthesis and processing, transport mechanisms and current state of the art membrane performance. Most importantly, the recent development and novel concepts for improving the hydro-stability and separating performance of silica membranes for desalination are critically examined. Research into silica based membranes for desalination has focussed on three primary methods for improving the hydro-stability. These include incorporating carbon templates into the microporous silica both as surfactants and hybrid organic-inorganic structures and incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles into the silica matrix. The literature examined identified that only metal oxide silica membranes have demonstrated high salt rejections under a variety of feed concentrations, reasonable fluxes and unaltered performance over long-term operation. As this is an embryonic field of research several target areas for researchers were discussed including further improvement of the membrane materials, but also regarding the necessity of integrating waste or solar heat sources into the final process design to ensure cost competitiveness with conventional reverse osmosis processes.
The Dialectic of Knowledge and the Unknown in the Treatment: Thinking Through Singularity
Authors: Nioche Claire
Published: September 2012

L’article, qui dialectise la structure et le symptôme, les invariants et les singularités, théorise la spécificité de la psychopathologie psychanalytique. Il développe l’hypothèse d’une position, propre à la psychanalyse, du champ du savoir et de celui de l’insu. Il propose quelques concepts pour penser une clinique analytique en termes d’émergence et de nomination du singulier.
The “Peri-Psychotic” in the Intersticial Clinics of Somatopsychical Excitation and Inhibition
Authors: Boucherat-Hue Valérie
Published: September 2012

Autour des concepts de configuration péripsychotique et de handicap somatopsychique, l’article illustrera les cliniques de l’excitation (psychique) et des avatars du refoulement, qu’il s’agisse des « en-trop » à situer du côté des débordements pulsionnels, ou qu’il s’agisse des « en-moins » à ranger du côté de l’extinction conflictuelle. A partir d’une vignette clinique, de cure psychanalytique dont le dispositif a été aménagé, je vais aborder la fonction défensive, en l’occurrence pare-excitante que peut revêtir le handicap psychique et ses variantes somatopsychiques quand il s’agit d’incarner et de colmater dans les mouvements hallucinatoires transféro-contretransférentiels la résurgence de traumatismes originels dans les psychopathologies de l’inhibition et du défaut d’inhibition qu’on peut appeler, de manière imagée, les cliniques de l’(ab)négation.
La période de latence comme temps logique
Authors: Ahmad Julie
Published: September 2012

L’auteur propose d’envisager la période dite de latence chez l’enfant, dans la métaphore d’une conception structurale du sujet et de sa genèse, comme « temps logique » au sein duquel s’entérine le refoulement de l’Œdipe et le renoncement aux parents de l’infantile, d’une part, et s’anticipe l’avènement des processus adolescents, d’autre part. Ce temps de latence est alors envisagé en ses trois moments logiques que sont : premièrement, la déception de l’enfant face aux parents comme « instant du regard » ouvrant sur l’entrée dans la latence ; deuxièmement, l’interrogation de la place de l’Autre comme « temps pour comprendre » propre à l’opération structurante de la latence ; troisièmement, la disqualification des parents à incarner l’Autre comme conclusion logique objectivée dans l’après-coup de la latence par l’avènement de l’adolescence.
Le corps contemporain et la problématique de l´anorexie mentale
Authors: Fortes Isabel
Published: September 2012

L´article établit un parallèle entre le lieu central occupé par la dimension du corps, tant dans la culture que dans la clinique psychanalytique, de nos jours, et l´augmentation de l´incidence des cas d´anorexie observés dans les dernières décennies. Tout d´abord, quelques éléments importants sont présentés, lesquels indiquent la présence du corps aujourd´hui dans la culture, à partir des notions d’« individu somatique » et de « sujet cérébral ». Dans la clinique psychanalytique, on observe que certains symptômes se manifestent directement dans le corps, sans que le patient les associe à un conflit psychique. L´anorexie mentale est travaillée pour illustrer de quelle manière la souffrance psychique s´incarne dans la dimension du corps, à partir de deux traits qui peuvent être détectés dans la subjectivité contemporaine et qui sont liés au syndrome anorexique : la perturbation dans la constitution de l´image corporelle et la négation de l´altérité.
Échecs de la FIV par don d'ovocytes ou un lieu pour la subjectivité
Authors: Simoglou Vassiliki
Published: September 2012

Opérant un clivage au sein même du concept de « mère », la FIV 1 par don d’ovocytes signe un mode de filiation féminine marqué par l’absence de lien héréditaire à l’enfant et à la fois, par la présence d’un lien en-corps. Souvent nommés les « empruntés » ou les « étrangers », les ovocytes donnés et fécondés par le sperme du conjoint deviennent inconcevables, tentative après tentative. Repérer les effets subjectifs de cette technique particulière d’AMP dans la littérature contemporaine permet d’interroger la non survenue de grossesse comme mode de restitution de la subjectivité brisée.
Failures in Egg-Donor IVF or A Locus for Subjectivity
Authors: Simoglou Vassiliki
Published: September 2012

Opérant un clivage au sein même du concept de « mère », la FIV par don d’ovocytes signe un mode de filiation féminine marqué par l’absence de lien héréditaire à l’enfant et à la fois, par la présence d’un lien en-corps. Souvent nommés les « empruntés » ou les « étrangers », les ovocytes donnés et fécondés par le sperme du conjoint deviennent inconcevables, tentative après tentative. Repérer les effets subjectifs de cette technique particulière d’AMP dans la littérature contemporaine permet d’interroger la non survenue de grossesse comme mode de restitution de la subjectivité brisée.
Hug-Hellmuth or the Impasses of an Objectifying Conception of the Infantile
Authors: Lenormand Marie
Published: September 2012

Hermine von Hug-Hellmuth fut, avant Melanie Klein et Anna Freud, la première psychanalyste d’enfants. Pourtant, ses œuvres théoriques et cliniques au service d’une orthodoxie freudienne demeurent en général tout aussi peu connues que son existence tragique et exceptionnelle. S’inscrivant dans un questionnement épistémologique, cet article ne cherche pas à situer les énoncés théoriques de cette théoricienne dans l’histoire des idées psychanalytiques, mais s’interroge sur les effets du « rapport à l’inconscient » de cette dernière – tel qu’il est repérable dans ses écrits – sur sa conception et sa pratique de la cure de l’enfant. L’auteur soutient l’hypothèse que, chez Hug-Hellmuth, la conception de l’infantile témoigne d’un malentendu métapsychologique et éthique fondamental qui eut des conséquences tragiques sur sa pratique, sa théorie ainsi que sur son existence. Au-delà ou plutôt via l’étude du cas singulier de pionnière de l’analyse de l’enfant, il s’agira donc de repérer, de manière actuelle, comment la position subjective d’un auteur se révèle décisive quant à la théorie et la pratique clinique mises en œuvre.
Corneal Changes in Progressive Keratoconus After Cross-linking Assessed by Scheimpflug Camera
Authors: Kránitz Kinga , Kovács Illés , Miháltz Kata , Sándor Gábor László , Knorz Michael C. , Németh János , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
Published: September 2012

PURPOSE:

To evaluate corneal changes after corneal cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus with Scheimpflug imaging.

METHODS:

This prospective analysis included 40 eyes from 22 patients with progressive keratoconus. Corneal CXL was performed in 25 eyes (CXL group) and 15 fellow eyes served as controls (control group). Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), thinnest corneal thickness (ThCT), posterior elevation, and Holladay equivalent keratometry values (K1, K2) were determined with Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) before and 1 year after CXL. Area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariable general estimating equation models were used to determine the most sensitive parameters of corneal changes.

RESULTS:

Manifest sphere (−2.55±3.21 to −1.48±2.39 diopters [D],
P
=.02), UDVA (0.23±0.25 to 0.31±0.25,
P
<.001), and CDVA (0.58±0.28 to 0.72±0.19,
P
=.019) improved significantly in the CXL group. Significant decreases were found in ThCT (472.53±33.18 to 440.53±38.67 μm,
P
<.001), posterior elevation (68.33±28.69 to 22.67±16.21,
P
<.001), and keratometry values (K1 [45.06±4.55 to 43.51±4.67 D,
P
<.001], K2 [48.39±5.41 to 46.71±5.67 D,
P
<.001]) in the CXL group. These parameters remained stable in controls (
P
>.05). According to ROC analysis, posterior elevation change was the most characteristic parameter of corneal change after CXL (area under the curve=0.99). General estimating equation model showed that CXL (
P
=.001) and initial ThCT (
P
=.007) were significant predictors of decrease in posterior elevation with a significant negative interaction of initial ThCT on CXL effect (
P
=.005).

CONCLUSIONS:

Posterior elevation is a sensitive parameter to monitor corneal remodeling after CXL. Corneal CXL showed augmented effect on corneal protrusion in eyes with thinner corneas.
Biological synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Jha Anal K. , Prasad Kamal
Published: September 2012

A low-cost green and reproducible yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mediated biosynthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles is reported. The synthesis is performed at close to room temperature in the laboratory. X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses are performed to ascertain the formation of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. Individual nanoparticles, as well as a very few aggregate having the size of 3-15 nm, were found. The vibrating sample magnetometer measurement showed superparamagnetic behavior in cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. The mechanism involved in the biosynthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles has also been discussed.
Using metaphor and narrative ideas in trauma and family therapy
Authors: Witney Mike N.
Published: September 2012

Everyday people living in South Africa experience trauma, either first hand through accidents, crime, violence and abuse or through being witnesses to the traumatic event. This results in people in South Africa suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other severe mental health issues. One only has to read a newspaper, watch or listen to the news to get a glimpse of the landscape of trauma in our country. In this article I looked at using narrative ideas and metaphor in therapy with trauma and family therapy.
Epidemiological perspectives of ticks and tick-borne diseases in South Sudan: Cross-sectional survey results
Authors: Kivaria Fredrick M. , Kapaga Angolwisye M. , Mbassa Gabriel K. , Mtui Paul F. , Wani Rhombe J.
Published: September 2012

A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2010 in five states of South Sudan that were selected on the basis of the perceived risk of tick-borne diseases. The purpose was to investigate epidemiological parameters of tick-borne diseases in South Sudan and their uses in future control strategies. A total of 805 calves were assessed by clinical, microscopic and serological examination and tick counts. The indirect Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies to Theileria parva, Theileria mutans, Anaplasma marginale and Babesian bigemina. Sero-conversion risks for T. parva and T. mutans were 27.3% and 31.3% respectively, whilst the risk was 57.6% and 52.8% for A. marginale and B. bigemina, respectively. Major tick species identified include Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma variegatum, and Rhipicephalus evertsi. There was great variation (P ≤ 0.001) in the number of all these ticks, both between herds in a state and between calves in an individual herd. The low and intermediate sero-conversion risks observed in the study states suggest that immunisation against East Coast fever (ECF) is justified. Fortunately, three major genotypes that were identified by applying Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCRRFLP) analysis on the p104 to the blood samples and T. parva Muguga, matched very well with T. parva Kiambu 5 and T. parva Muguga; therefore the Muguga cocktail can be used for the immunisation of cattle in South Sudan. However, prospective studies are required to develop optimal control measures for tick-borne diseases under different ecological and husbandry practices in South Sudan.
Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Acceptability of Montelukast in Exercise-Induced Asthma
Authors: Kansra S. , Mazzei A. , Bhatt J.
Published: September 2012

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) can be a troublesome problem in asthmatic children and in some children without asthma. Self-reported exercise related symptoms should be verified formally. EIB is mediated by changes in temperature and humidity in the airway and is secondary to release of several mediators of the bronchoconstriction including leukotrienes. Montelukast as a leukotriene receptor antagonist offers protection against but does not completely ameliorate EIB. Regular use does not appear to lead to tolerance. Nightmares, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and aggressiveness are commonly described side effects; however, the overall safety profile of montelukast is good and does not change with long term use. There are individual differences in response to montelukast for protection against EIB. Bronchoconstriction triggered by exercise responds to cessation of exercise in its natural course. Due to its pharamacokinetic profile, montelukast may be more useful as a prophylaxis than to relieve symptoms.
Approved Beta Interferons in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Is there an odd one Out?
Authors: Clapin Alexis
Published: September 2012

Three interferons are marketed for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In its pivotal trial, one of them demonstrated impressive efficacy as a once-weekly regimen, but later head-to-head studies and reviews questioned its superiority. Analysis of this pivotal trial in publications and health authority reviews has shown that its early termination might have caused attrition bias. Censored patients were different from those completing the study on magnetic resonance imaging parameters and benefited from placebo in terms of relapse rate. Early progression of disability and differences in follow-up duration could have favored the benefit observed for the progression of disability outcome. Only the raw data could be of help to confirm or refute doubts about this trial. Raw data should be made available to the scientific community.
Assessment of the interannual variability and impact of the QBO and upwelling on tracer-tracer distributions of N2O and O3 in the tropical lower stratosphere
Authors: Khosrawi F. , Müller R. , Urban J. , Proffitt M. H. , Stiller G. , Kiefer M. , Lossow S. , Kinnison D. , Olschewski F. , Riese M. , Murtagh D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. A modified form of tracer-tracer correlations of N2O and O3 has been used as a tool for the evaluation of atmospheric photochemical models. Applying this method monthly averages of N2O and O3 are derived for both hemispheres by partitioning the data into altitude (or potential temperature) bins and then averaging over a fixed interval of N2O. In a previous study, the method has been successfully applied to the validation of two Chemical Transport Models (CTMs) and one Chemistry-Climate Model (CCM) using 1-year climatology derived from the Odin Sub Millimetre Radiometer (Odin/SMR). However, the applicability of a 1-year climatology of monthly averages of N2O and O3 has been questioned due to the inability of some CCMs to simulate a specific year for the evaluation of CCMs. In this study, satellite measurements from Odin/SMR, the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (Aura/MLS), the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding on ENVISAT (ENVISAT/MIPAS), and the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA-1 and CRISTA-2) as well as model simulations from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) are considered. By using seven to eight years of satellite measurements derived between 2003 and 2010 from Odin/SMR, Aura/MLS, ENVISAT/MIPAS and six years of model simulations from WACCM the interannual variability of lower stratospheric monthly averages of N2O and O3 is assessed. It is shown that the interannual variability of the monthly averages of N2O and O3 is low and thus can be easily distinguished from model deficiencies. Further, it is investigated why large differences between Odin/SMR observations and model simulations from the Karlsruhe Simulation Model of the Middle Atmosphere (KASIMA) and the atmospheric general circulation model ECHAM5/Messy1 are found for the Northern and Southern Hemisphere tropics (0° to 30° N and 0° to −30° S, respectively). The differences between model simulations and observations are most likely caused by an underestimation of the quasi-biennial oscillation and tropical upwelling by the models as well as due to biases and/or instrument noise from the satellite instruments. Finally, an inter-comparison between Odin/SMR, Aura/MLS, ENVISAT/MIPAS and WACCM was performed. The comparison shows that these data sets are generally in good agreement but that also some known biases of the data sets are clearly visible in the monthly averages, thus showing that this method is not only a valuable tool for model evaluation but also for satellite inter-comparisons.
A single parameter representation of hygroscopic growth and cloud condensation nucleus activity – Part 3: Including surfactant partitioning
Authors: Petters M. D. , Kreidenweis S. M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric particles can serve as cloud condensation nuclei in the atmosphere. The presence of surface active compounds in the particle may affect the critical supersaturation that is required to activate a particle. Modelling surfactants in the context of Köhler theory, however, is difficult because surfactant enrichment at the surface implies that a stable radial concentration gradient must exist in the droplet. In this study, we introduce a hybrid model that accounts for partitioning between the bulk and surface phases in the context of single parameter representations of cloud condensation nucleus activity. The presented formulation incorporates the analytical approximations introduced by Raatikainen and Laaksonen to yield a set of equations that maintain the conceptual and mathematical simplicity of the single parameter framework. The resulting set of equations allows users of the single parameter model to account for surfactant partitioning by applying minor modifications to already existing code. We apply this extended model to discuss several uncertainties that hinder our ability to precisely pinpoint the role of surface tension in cloud droplet activation with current measurement and data analysis approaches.
Air pollution and associated human mortality: the role of air pollutant emissions, climate change and methane concentration increases during the industrial period
Authors: Fang Y. , Naik V. , Horowitz L. W. , Mauzerall D. L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Increases in surface ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (≤2.5 μm} aerodynamic diameter, PM2.5) are associated with excess premature human mortalities. Here we estimate changes in surface O3 and PM2.5 since preindustrial (1860) times and the global present-day (2000) premature human mortalities associated with these changes. We go beyond previous work to analyze and differentiate the contribution of three factors: changes in emissions of short-lived air pollutants, climate change, and increased methane (CH4) concentrations, to air pollution levels and the associated premature mortalities. We use a coupled chemistry-climate model in conjunction with global population distributions in 2000 to estimate exposure attributable to concentration changes since 1860 from each factor. Attributable mortalities are estimated using health impact functions of long-term relative risk estimates for O3 and PM2.5 from the epidemiology literature. We find global mean surface PM2.5 and health-relevant O3 (defined as the maximum 6-month mean of 1-h daily maximum O3 in a year) have increased by 8 ± 0.16 μg m−3 and 30 ± 0.16 ppbv, respectively, over this industrial period as a result of combined changes in emissions of air pollutants (EMIS), climate (CLIM) and CH4 concentrations (TCH4). EMIS, CLIM and TCH4 cause global average PM2.5(O3) to change by +7.5 ± 0.19 μg m−3 (+25 ± 0.30 ppbv), +0.4 ± 0.17 μg m−3 (+0.5 ± 0.28 ppbv), and −0.02 ± 0.01 μg m−3 (+4.3 ± 0.33 ppbv), respectively. Total changes in PM2.5 are associated with 1.5 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.0–2.5) million all-cause mortalities annually and in O3 are associated with 375 (95% CI, 129–592) thousand respiratory mortalities annually. Most air pollution mortality is driven by changes in emissions of short-lived air pollutants and their precursors (95% and 85% of mortalities from PM2.5 and O3, respectively). However, changing climate and increasing CH4 concentrations also increased premature mortality associated with air pollution globally up to 5% and 15%, respectively. In some regions, the contribution of climate change and increased CH4 together are responsible for more than 20% of the respiratory mortality associated with O3 exposure. We find the interaction between climate change and atmospheric chemistry has influenced atmospheric composition and human mortality associated with industrial air pollution. In addition to driving 13% of the total historical changes in surface O3 and 15% of the associated mortalities, CH4 is the dominant factor driving changes in atmospheric OH and H2O2 since preindustrial time. Our study highlights the benefits to air quality and human health of CH4 mitigation as a component of future air pollution control policy.
Flux induced growth of atmospheric nano-particles by organic vapors
Authors: Wang J. , McGraw R. L. , Kuang C.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols play critical roles in air quality, public health, and visibility. In addition, they strongly influence climate by scattering solar radiation and by changing the reflectivity and lifetime of clouds. One major but still poorly understood source of atmospheric aerosol is new particle formation, which consists of the formation of thermodynamically stable clusters from trace gas molecules (homogeneous nucleation) followed by growth of these clusters to a detectable size (~3 nm). Because freshly nucleated clusters are most susceptible to loss due to high rate of coagulation with pre-existing aerosol population, the initial growth rate strongly influences the rate of new particle formation and ambient aerosol population. Whereas many field observations and modeling studies indicate that organics enhance the initial growth of the clusters and therefore new particle formation, thermodynamic considerations would suggest that the strong increase of equilibrium vapor concentration due to cluster surface curvature (Kelvin effect) may prevent ambient organics from condensing on these small clusters. Here the initial condensational growth of freshly nucleated clusters is described as heterogeneous nucleation of organic molecules onto these clusters. We find that the strong gradient in cluster population with respect to its size lead to positive cluster number flux, and therefore driving the growth of clusters substantially smaller than the Kelvin diameter, conventionally considered as the minimum particle size that can be grown through condensation. The conventional approach neglects this contribution from the cluster concentration gradient, and underestimates the rate of new particle formation by a factor of up to 60.
Using sonic anemometer temperature to measure sensible heat flux in strong winds
Authors: Burns S. P. , Horst T. W. , Jacobsen L. , Blanken P. D. , Monson R. K.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Sonic anemometers simultaneously measure the turbulent fluctuations of vertical wind (w') and sonic temperature (Ts'), and are commonly used to measure sensible heat flux (H). Our study examines 30-min heat fluxes measured with a Campbell Scientific CSAT3 sonic anemometer above a subalpine forest. We compared H calculated with Ts to H calculated with a co-located thermocouple and found that, for horizontal wind speed (U) less than 8 m s−1, the agreement was around ±30 W m−2. However, for U ≈ 8 m s−1, the CSAT H had a generally positive deviation from H calculated with the thermocouple, reaching a maximum difference of ≈250 W m−2 at U ≈ 18 m s−1. With version 4 of the CSAT firmware, we found significant underestimation of the speed of sound and thus Ts in high winds (due to a delayed detection of the sonic pulse), which resulted in the large CSAT heat flux errors. Although this Ts error is qualitatively similar to the well-known fundamental correction for the crosswind component, it is quantitatively different and directly related to the firmware estimation of the pulse arrival time. For a CSAT running version 3 of the firmware, there does not appear to be a significant underestimation of Ts; however, a Ts error similar to that of version 4 may occur if the CSAT is sufficiently out of calibration. An empirical correction to the CSAT heat flux that is consistent with our conceptual understanding of the Ts error is presented. Within a broader context, the surface energy balance is used to evaluate the heat flux measurements, and the usefulness of side-by-side instrument comparisons is discussed.
On the absolute calibration of SO2 cameras
Authors: Lübcke P. , Bobrowski N. , Illing S. , Kern C. , Alvarez Nieves J. M. , Vogel L. , Zielcke J. , Delgado Granados H. , Platt U.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Sulphur dioxide emission flux measurements are an important tool for volcanic monitoring and eruption risk assessment. The SO2 camera technique remotely measures volcanic emissions by analysing the ultraviolet absorption of SO2 in a narrow spectral window between 305 nm and 320 nm using solar radiation scattered in the atmosphere. The SO2 absorption is selectively detected by mounting band-pass interference filters in front of a two-dimensional, UV-sensitive CCD detector. While this approach is simple and delivers valuable insights into the two-dimensional SO2 distribution, absolute calibration has proven to be difficult. An accurate calibration of the SO2 camera (i.e., conversion from optical density to SO2 column density, CD) is crucial to obtain correct SO2 CDs and flux measurements that are comparable to other measurement techniques and can be used for volcanological applications. The most common approach for calibrating SO2 camera measurements is based on inserting quartz cells (cuvettes) containing known amounts of SO2 into the light path. It has been found, however, that reflections from the windows of the calibration cell can considerably affect the signal measured by the camera. Another possibility for calibration relies on performing simultaneous measurements in a small area of the camera's field-of-view (FOV) by a narrow-field-of-view Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (NFOV-DOAS) system. This procedure combines the very good spatial and temporal resolution of the SO2 camera technique with the more accurate column densities obtainable from DOAS measurements. This work investigates the uncertainty of results gained through the two commonly used, but quite different calibration methods (DOAS and calibration cells). Measurements with three different instruments, an SO2 camera, a NFOV-DOAS system and an Imaging DOAS (IDOAS), are presented. We compare the calibration-cell approach with the calibration from the NFOV-DOAS system. The respective results are compared with measurements from an IDOAS to verify the calibration curve over the spatial extend of the image. Our results show that calibration cells can lead to an overestimation of the SO2 CD by up to 60% compared with CDs from the DOAS measurements. Besides these errors of calibration, radiative transfer effects (e.g. light dilution, multiple scattering) can significantly influence the results of both instrument types. These effects can lead to an even more significant overestimation or, depending on the measurement conditions, an underestimation of the true CD. Previous investigations found that possible errors can be more than an order of magnitude. However, the spectral information from the DOAS measurements allows to correct for these radiative transfer effects. The measurement presented in this work were taken at Popocatépetl, Mexico, between 1 March 2011 and 4 March 2011. Average SO2 emission rates between 4.00 kg s−1 and 14.34 kg s−1 were observed.
The effect of hygroscopicity on sea-spray aerosol fluxes: a comparison of high-rate and bulk correction methods
Authors: Sproson D. A. J. , Brooks I. M. , Norris S. J.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The eddy covariance technique is the most direct of the methods that have been used to measure the flux of sea-spray aerosol between the ocean and atmosphere, but has been applied in only a handful of studies. However, unless the aerosol is dried before the eddy covariance measurements are made, the hygroscopic nature of sea-spray may combine with a relative humidity flux to result in a bias in the calculated aerosol flux. "Bulk" methods have been presented to account for this bias, however they rely on assumptions of the shape of the aerosol spectra which may not be valid for near-surface measurements of sea-spray. Here we describe a method of correcting aerosol spectra for relative humidity induced size variations at the high frequency (10 Hz) measurement timescale, where counting statistics are poor and the spectral shape cannot be well represented by a simple power law. Such a correction allows the effects of hygroscopicity and relative humidity flux on the aerosol flux to be explicitly evaluated and compared to the bulk corrections, both in their original form and once reformulated to better represent the measured mean aerosol spectra. In general, the bulk corrections – particularly when reformulated for the measured mean aerosol spectra – perform relatively well, producing flux corrections of the right sign and approximate magnitude. However, there are times when the bulk methods either significantly over- or underestimate the required flux correction. We thus conclude that, where possible, relative humidity corrections should be made at the measurement frequency.