bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations Concerning the Thickness of Rocks Eroded Between the Cambrian and Bolsovian (= Westphalian C) in Central and Western Bohemia
Authors: Pešek Jiří , Martínek Karel
Published: April 2014

Carboniferous outliers are found west of the late Carboniferous West Bohemian basins and also south of the West and Central Bohemian basins. The West Bohemian group is Asturian (= Westphalian D) or younger and is notably coal-bearing, the other group of outliers consists mostly of coal-bearing upper Carboniferous volcaniclastic rocks of Bolsovian (= Westphalian C) and/or Asturian age. They form a discontinuous belt extending through the area between and around the towns of Merklín and Beroun. These rocks are underlain chiefly by rocks of ages varying from the Neoproterozoic or Cambrian up to the Ordovician. If the nappe structure of the Barrandian Lower Paleozoic proposed by Melichar and Hladil (e.g. 1999) is not widely present, then it can be assumed that as much as 1850 m of Lower Paleozoic sediments and volcanics could have been eroded prior to the onset of sedimentation of the Bolsovian rocks. In the upper Carboniferous outliers near Mirošov, Skořice and Kamenný Újezd, where sedimentation began as late as in the Asturian, the thickness of eroded deposits might have been even greater, reaching as much as 3150 m.
Historical Influence of Man on the Vegetation Record in the Prášilské Lake Sediments (Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic)
Authors: Břízová Eva
Published: April 2014

The Prášilské Lake is the glacial lake in the Bohemian Forest (Šumava Mts) located on the Czech side in the elevation of 1,079 m above sea level. The lake area is 4 ha, the maximal depth is 15.5 m. The lake catchment area is situated in the sub-alpine zone. The studied area has never been the object of forest or agricultural farming in the history because of its inaccessibility. The sediment dating was carried out by means of lead isotope 210Pb. The oldest layer established by this isotope in the Prášilské Lake was in the depth of 0.47 m. This dating was used for the deepest layer of sediment and its age was dated to the year of 1843 (depth 0.11 m) and a base of this profile to the medieval age (depth 0.47 m), which corresponds to about the 12th-13th century A.D. The analysed profile (0-0.47 m) can be divided into the local pollen assemblage zones PRI-1 (depth 0.37-0.47 m), PRI-2 (depth 0.25-0.37 m), PRI-3 (depth 0.12- 0.25 m), PRI-4 (depth 0.06-0.12 m), PRI-5 (depth 0.02-0.06 m), PRI-6 (depth 0-0.02 m). On the basis of dating by the 210Pb method the age of sediment (0-0.11 m) is established into the range of 1843 to 1994. It is noticeable in the pollen spectrum that it concerns a locality situated already above the forest border, the pollen curves of stratigraphical important taxons (mainly woody species) do not change markedly. The rich woody component is formed mainly by pollen grains of Picea and Fagus. The herbaceous component (NAP) is very diverse; however, in a general way the pollen grains of woody species (AP) predominate due to the above mentioned deciduous forests. A representation of the herbaceous component (NAP) is very varied as far as species are concerned, human influence is very visible here (e.g. occurrence of cereals Cerealia, Zea mays, Fagopyrum-type, weed: Centaurea cyanus, Agrostemma githago etc.). The dating of this part also corresponds to the results of the pollen analysis. Of the plants producing spores the findings of lesser clubmoss (Selaginella-type cf. Selaginella selaginoides) and water plant quillwort (Isoëtes), whose nearest contemporary place of the finding in our territory is in the Černé and Plešné Lake and Wielki Staw (the Giant Mts), were quite interesting. The most of spores were recorded at the family Polypodiaceae and green alga Botryococcus, which indicate cold and humid conditions of the occurrence.
Revision of the Pennsylvanian Flora from Val Sanagra in Western Part of the Southern Alps (Italy)
Authors: Pšenička Josef , Opluštil Stanislav , Ronchi Ausonio , Šimůnek Zbyněk
Published: April 2014

The Pennsylvanian flora from the Alpe Logone/Val Sanagra locality in the Western Lombardy (Southern Alps, Italy) last underwent a taxonomic study in the mid 20th century. The main problem is generally poor preservation of the plant remains, which makes their identification problematic. Despite this, the authors have identified 43 fossil species from this locality. Based on the sedimentary context of this paleoflora, we assume that the Val Sanagra sediments were deposited in a continental setting, in a fluvial environment with a well-developed and vegetated floodplain where where clastic substrates would locally and occasionally change into peat swamp. The common presence of rhytidolepis and sub-rhytidolepis sigillarias, as well of Eusphenopteris neuropteroides, Lobatopteris miltonii, Mariopteris latifolia, Paripteris linguaefolia, Pecopteris microphylla, Alethopteris sp. (cf. grandinii) indicates that the flora from the Val Sanagra locality spans the interval between the Duckmantian and Bolsovian (middle Moscovian), and thus represents one of the oldest Pennsylvanian floras of the Southern Alps.
Determination of chlorogenic and gallic acids by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Gryszczyńska Agnieszka , Opala Bogna , Łowicki Zdzisław , Krajewska-Patan Anna , Buchwald Waldemar , Czerny Bogusław , Mielcarek Sebastian , Boroń Dariusz , Bogacz Anna , Mrozikiewicz Przemysław M.
Published: April 2014

The aim of our study were qualitative and quantitative analyses of two polyphenolic acids: chlorogenic and gallic acids. These compounds were determined in two species of Rhodiola: R. kirilowii and R. rosea. After collecting plants, aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared. In order to identify analysed polyphenolic compounds ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS, Waters) was used. Gallic acid is commonly found in the roots of these plants. Aqueous extract in both species is a rich source of gallic acid. The UPLC-MS/MS studies allow to use this analytical method for determination of polyphenolic acids accordance with the requirements of ICH. Chromatographic method developed by our team is more precise then previously published.
Chemical composition of Scaligeria meifolia Boiss. essential oil from Iran
Authors: Rowshan Vahid , Tarakemeh Ameneh
Published: April 2014

Scaligeria meifolia Boiss., belonging to the Apiaceae family, grows wild in Iran. The essential oil from aerial parts of S. meifolia were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-one constituents representing 99.98% of total oil components were identified. The main constituents of the essential oil were germacrene-D, (24.2%), germacrene-B (14.8%), limonene (14.2%), γ-elemene (11.6 %) and β-elemene (5.2%).
Determination of lotaustralin in Rhodiola species
Authors: Gryszczyńska Agnieszka , Łowicki Zdzisław , Opala Bogna , Krajewska-Patan Anna , Buchwald Waldemar , Czerny Bogusław , Mielcarek Sebastian , Mrozikiewicz Przemysław M.
Published: April 2014

In our research, the concentration of lotaustralin in the roots of two species Rhodiola kirilowii and Rhodiola rosea were compared. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from those plants were analyzed too. To determine the content of this compound the ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS, Waters) was used. The obtained results showed that the content of measured lotaustralin depends on the species of Rhodiola. R. rosea roots are the richer source of lotaustralin then R. kirilowii. The same situation was observed in the extracts. A hydroalcoholic extract from R. rosea contains up to 135.276 mg of lotaustralin in 100 g of dry powdered material. In the case of R. kirilowii extracts, an aqueous extract contained more lotaustralin (74.791 mg/100 g of dry powdered material) then a hydroalcoholic extract.
Permeation-enhancing properties of Nepeta cataria var. citriodora dry extract
Authors: Winnicki Andrzej M. , Śmieszek Jakub M. , Partyka Danuta , Modnicki Daniel
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the research on permeation enhancing properties of Nepeta cataria var. citriodora (catnip) dry extract in comparison to oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Progesterone was chosen as a model substance for permeation test. The hydrogels made of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose with progesterone, enhancers and ethanol were applied in the study. The in vitro progesterone penetration test was based on the method proposed by Fürst, using artificial lipophilic membranes which were made of colloxylin and dodecanol. Statistical analyses showed an increase in penetration of progesterone caused by catnip dry extract in comparison to ursolic acid and blank sample. HPLC assay was applied to study the effect of enhancers on progesterone physicochemical properties. The solubility of progesterone was tested in solvent systems corresponding to liquid phases of gels. The statistical increase in progesterone solubility was observed in the presence of dry extract in comparison to the result from ursolic acid-containing sample. The partition coefficient of progesterone was evaluated by standard procedures. The statistically significant reduction of log P values for progesterone was determined in the presence of catnip dry extract
Antioxidant activities and polyphenolics content of Flammulina velutipes mushroom extracts
Authors: Sławińska Aneta , Radzki Wojciech , Kalbarczyk Janusz
Published: April 2014

A study was conducted in order to determine the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidative activity of extracts from Flammulina velutipes. Water and ethanolic, methanolic, acetone (70% v/v) extracts were prepared from lyophilized fruiting bodies of mushrooms. Different extraction techniques were used: ultrasonication and stirring by a rotary shaker at ambient temperature and at 50oC, and at boiling point for each solvent. Next, total phenolics by Folin-Ciocalteu method, antioxidant capacity (EC) by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and scavenging ability on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were analysed in these extracts. It was observed that the extraction method and the kind of solvent influenced the antioxidant activity and concentration of total phenolics in the extracts. The highest concentration of phenolic compounds (7.58±0.17 mg GAE/g extract) were observed for water extract prepared with use of ultrasonification method (at 50oC for 1h). Results showed that water extracts possessed high equivalent capacity (EC) for all applied extraction methods. The highest EC value (9.2±0.18 mM Fe2+/g extract) was observed in water extract prepared by stirring at ambient temperature for 1 h. This extract was characterized by high level of total phenolics. The acetone extracts, prepared by ultrasonic extraction at 50oC for 1 h, at 10 mg/ml showed the highest scavenging activity (57.53±1.18%), although, the value was lower than that of ascorbic acid at 10 mg/ml (60.50±1.32%)
Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoids contents of three herbs used as condiments and additives in pickles products
Authors: Pirbalouti Abdollah Ghasemi , Setayesh Milad , Siahpoosh Amir , Mashayekhi Hamid
Published: April 2014

Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss, Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff., and Echinophora platyloba DC. belong the Apiaceae family. They are Iranian endemic plants. These three herbs have been used as food additives in traditional preparations such as pickles. Antioxidant activity (AA) of methanol extracts (ME) of the plants was evaluated by three assays, including DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC. From all three assays, comparing all the MEs for their IC50 and EC1 values, E. platyloba had the highest AA. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts ranged from 74 to 120 mg TAE/g. The extract of H. lasiopetalum exhibited the highest TPC. The flavonoids content (FC) of the extracts ranged from 7.63 to 14.52 mg RE/g, from which the extract of E. platyloba had the highest flavonoids concentration. A positive correlation between the FC and AA in DPPH assay was found. A significant correlation was also found between the TPC and AA in FRAP assay. These results suggested that the level of AA in these plants varied in a great extent. Our results indicated that extract of E. platyloba could be an important dietary source of flavonoids compounds with high antioxidant capacity. In addition, E. platyloba can be used as an alternative preservative and natural flavor instead of synthetic ones in food industry (especially pickles)
Effect of flavonoids content on antioxidant activity of commercial cosmetic plant extracts
Authors: Malinowska Paulina
Published: April 2014

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and flavonoids content in 10 commercial cosmetic plant extracts used in cosmetics industry. Antioxidant activity of plant extracts were measured using two methods: FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity). The relationship between flavonoids content and antioxidant capacity of plant extracts were checked. As a result of this research it was found that FRAP and TEAC values of plant extracts significantly depend on the flavonoids content. The highest antioxidant activity, both in FRAP and TEAC assays, was observed for arnica flowers, hawthorn flowers and lungwort herb extracts. These extracts can be used as source of natural antioxidants for the prolongation of the oxidative stability of cosmetic products. Additionally, they can replace synthetic antioxidants
Modest XML for Corpora: Not a standard, but a suggestion
Authors: Hardie Andrew
Published: April 2014

This paper argues for, and presents, a modest approach to XML encoding for use by the majority of contemporary linguists who need to engage in corpus construction. While extensive standards for corpus encoding exist - most notably, the Text Encoding Initiative’s Guidelines and the Corpus Encoding Standard based on them - these are rather heavyweight approaches, implicitly intended for major corpus-building projects, which are rather different from the increasingly common efforts in corpus construction undertaken by individual researchers in support of their personal research goals. Therefore, there is a clear benefit to be had from a set of recommendations (not a standard) that outlines general best practices in the use of XML in corpora without going into any of the more technical aspects of XML or the full weight of TEI encoding. This paper presents such a set of suggestions, dubbed Modest XML for Corpora, and posits that such a set of pointers to a limited level of XML knowledge could work as part of the normal, general training of corpus linguists.

The Modest XML recommendations cover the following set of things, which, according to the foregoing argument, are sufficient knowledge about XML for most corpus linguists’ day-to-day needs: use of tags; adding attribute value pairs; recommended use of attributes; nesting of tags; encoding of special characters; XML well-formedness; a collection of de facto standard tags and attributes; going beyond the basic de facto standard tags; and text headers.
Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cotchett Matthew P. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Landorf Karl B.
Published: April 2014

Background

Plantar heel pain can be managed with dry needling of myofascial trigger points; however, there is only poor-quality evidence supporting its use.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling for plantar heel pain.

Design

The study was a parallel-group, participant-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The study was conducted in a university health sciences clinic.

Patients

Study participants were 84 patients with plantar heel pain of at least 1 month's duration.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned to receive real or sham trigger point dry needling. The intervention consisted of 1 treatment per week for 6 weeks. Participants were followed for 12 weeks.

Measurements

Primary outcome measures included first-step pain, as measured with a visual analog scale (VAS), and foot pain, as measured with the pain subscale of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). The primary end point for predicting the effectiveness of dry needling for plantar heel pain was 6 weeks.

Results

At the primary end point, significant effects favored real dry needling over sham dry needling for pain (adjusted mean difference: VAS first-step pain=−14.4 mm, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=−23.5 to −5.2; FHSQ foot pain=10.0 points, 95% CI=1.0 to 19.1), although the between-group difference was lower than the minimal important difference. The number needed to treat at 6 weeks was 4 (95% CI=2 to 12). The frequency of minor transitory adverse events was significantly greater in the real dry needling group (70 real dry needling appointments [32%] compared with only 1 sham dry needling appointment [<1%]).

Limitations

It was not possible to blind the therapist.

Conclusion

Dry needling provided statistically significant reductions in plantar heel pain, but the magnitude of this effect should be considered against the frequency of minor transitory adverse events.
Reduced Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Increased Sedentary Behavior Are Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure Values in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Ryan Jennifer M. , Hensey Owen , McLoughlin Brenda , Lyons Alan , Gormley John
Published: April 2014

Background

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) participate in reduced levels of physical activity and spend increased time in sedentary behavior. The effect of reduced activity and increased sedentary behavior on their cardiometabolic health has not been investigated.

Objectives

The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the prevalence of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure (BP) among a cohort of ambulatory children with CP and (2) to investigate the associations among physical activity, sedentary behavior, overweight/obesity, and BP in children with CP.

Study Design

This was a cross-sectional study of 90 ambulatory children, aged 6 to 17 years, with CP.

Methods

Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-height ratio, and BP were measured on 1 occasion. Habitual physical activity was measured by accelerometry over 7 days.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity in the cohort was 18.9%. Twenty-two percent of the children had BP values within the hypertensive or prehypertensive range. Systolic BP was positively associated with waist circumference (β=.324, P<.05) and BMI (β=.249, P<.05). Elevated BP values were associated with reduced time in moderate-to-vigorous activity, vigorous activity, and total activity, as well as increased time in sedentary behavior. The strongest association was observed between elevated BP and vigorous activity alone (odds ratio=0.61, 95% confidence interval=0.37–0.99, P<.05).

Limitations

A convenience sample was recruited for this study, and it is possible that this limitation resulted in selection bias.

Conclusions

Despite the relatively low prevalence of overweight/obesity, a relatively high proportion of children with CP had elevated BP values. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing habitual physical activity, particularly vigorous activity, should be primary aims of rehabilitation in order to reduce cardiometabolic disease risk in this population.
Indications, Benefits, and Risks of Pilates Exercise for People With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Delphi Survey of Pilates-Trained Physical Therapists
Authors: Wells Cherie , Kolt Gregory S. , Marshall Paul , Bialocerkowski Andrea
Published: April 2014

Background

The effectiveness of Pilates exercise for treating people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is yet to be established. Understanding how to identify people with CLBP who may benefit, or not benefit, from Pilates exercise and the benefits and risks of Pilates exercise will assist in trial design.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus regarding the indications, contraindications, and precautions of Pilates exercise and the potential benefits and risks of Pilates exercise for people with CLBP.

Methods

A panel of 30 Australian physical therapists experienced in the use of Pilates exercise were surveyed using the Delphi technique. Three electronic questionnaires were used to collect participant opinions. Answers to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically, combined with research findings, and translated into statements about Pilates exercise. Participants then rated their level of agreement with statements using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved when 70% of panel members agreed or disagreed with an item.

Results

Thirty physical therapists completed the 3 questionnaires. Consensus was reached on 100% of items related to the benefits, indications, and precautions of Pilates exercise, on 50% of items related to risks, and on 56% of items related to contraindications. Participants agreed that people who have poor body awareness and maladaptive movement patterns may benefit from Pilates exercise, whereas those with pre-eclampsia, unstable spondylolisthesis, or a fracture may not benefit. Participants also agreed that Pilates exercise may improve functional ability, movement confidence, body awareness, posture, and movement control.

Limitations

The findings reflect the opinions of only 30 Australian physical therapists and not all health professionals nationally or internationally. These findings, therefore, need to be verified in future research trials.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to a better understanding of the indications, contraindications, and precautions of Pilates exercise and the benefits and risks of Pilates exercise for people with CLBP. This information can assist in design of future trials examining the effectiveness of Pilates exercise.
Chikungunya outbreak in the Caribbean region, December 2013 to March 2014, and the significance for Europe
Authors: Van Bortel W , Dorleans F , Rosine J , Blateau A , Rousset D , Matheus S , Leparc-Goffart I , Flusin O , Prat C M , Césaire R , Najioullah F , Ardillon V , Balleydier E , Carvalho L , Lemaître A , Noël H , Servas V , Six C , Zurbaran M , Léon L , Guinard A , van den Kerkhof J , Henry M , Fanoy E , Braks M , Reimerink J , Swaan C , Georges R , Brooks L , Freedman J , Sudre B , Zeller H
Published: April 2014

On 6 December 2013, two laboratory-confirmed cases of chikungunya without a travel history were reported on the French part of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, indicating the start of the first documented outbreak of chikungunya in the Americas. Since this report, the virus spread to several Caribbean islands and French Guiana, and between 6 December 2013 and 27 March 2014 more than 17,000 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported. Further spread and establishment of the disease in the Americas is likely, given the high number of people travelling between the affected and non-affected areas and the widespread occurrence of efficient vectors. Also, the likelihood of the introduction of the virus into Europe from the Americas and subsequent transmission should be considered especially in the context of the next mosquito season in Europe. Clinicians should be aware that, besides dengue, chikungunya should be carefully considered among travellers currently returning from the Caribbean region.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Clinical Characterization of Patients
Authors: Bhatta Rishi , Shakya Dipesh , KC Arun
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njenthns.v3i2.10151 Nepalese Journal of Head and Neck Surgery Vol.3(2) 2012: 2-4
Primary Extracranial Meningioma of the Sphenoid Sinus: A Hidden Menace
Authors: Maliha Kazi , Mubasher Ikram , Ramiz Mumtaz , Sadaf Qadeer
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njenthns.v3i2.10160 Nepalese Journal of Head and Neck Surgery Vol.3(2) 2012: 21-22
Endoscopic Marsupialization of Fronto Ethmoidal Mucocele
Authors: Pradhan Bibhu
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njenthns.v3i2.10163 Nepalese Journal of Head and Neck Surgery Vol.3(2) 2012: 29-30
Long-term incidence and risk factors for development of spinal deformity following resection of pediatric intramedullary spinal cord tumors
Authors: Ahmed Raheel , Menezes Arnold H. , Awe Olatilewa O. , Mahaney Kelly B. , Torner James C. , Weinstein Stuart L.
Published: April 2014

Object

Spinal deformity in pediatric patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) may be either due to neurogenic disability or due to secondary effects of spinal decompression. It is associated with functional decline and impairment in health-related quality-of-life measures. The authors sought to identify the long-term incidence of spinal deformity in individuals who had undergone surgery for IMSCTs as pediatric patients and the risk factors and overall outcomes in this population.

Methods

Treatment records for pediatric patients (age < 21 years) who underwent surgical treatment for histology-proven primary IMSCTs between 1975 and 2010 were reviewed. All patients were evaluated in consultation with the pediatric orthopedics service. Clinical records were reviewed for baseline and follow-up imaging studies, surgical fusion treatment, and long-term skeletal and disease outcomes.

Results

The authors identified 55 patients (30 males and 25 females) who were treated for pediatric IMSCTs between January 1975 and January 2010. The mean duration of follow-up (± SEM) was 11.4 ± 1.3 years (median 9.3 years, range 0.2–37.2 years). Preoperative skeletal deformity was diagnosed in 11 (20%) of the 55 patients, and new-onset postoperative deformity was noted in 9 (16%). Conservative management with observation or external bracing was sufficient in 8 (40%) of these 20 cases. Surgical fusion was necessary in 11 (55%). Posterior surgical fusion was sufficient in 6 (55%) of these 11 cases, while combined anterior and posterior fusion was undertaken in 5 (45%). Univariate and multivariate analysis of clinical and surgical treatment variables indicated that preoperative kyphoscoliosis (p = 0.0032) and laminectomy/laminoplasty at more than 4 levels (p = 0.05) were independently associated with development of spinal deformity that necessitated surgical fusion. Functional scores and 10-year disease survival outcomes were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for delayed development of spinal deformity, and regular surveillance imaging is recommended for patients with underlying deformity. The authors' extended follow-up highlights the risk factors associated with development of spinal deformity in patients treated for pediatric IMSCTs. Surgical fusion allows patients who develop progressive deformity to achieve long-term functional and survival outcomes comparable to those of patients who do not develop progressive deformity.
Intracranial pressure following complete removal of a small demarcated brain tumor: a model for normal intracranial pressure in humans
Authors: Andresen Morten , Juhler Marianne
Published: April 2014

Object

Current published normal values for intracranial pressure (ICP) are extrapolated from lumbar CSF pressure measurements and ICP measurements in patients treated for CSF pressure disorders. There is an emerging agreement that true normal ICP values are needed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study documents normal ICP in humans.

Methods

In this study the authors included adult patients scheduled for complete removal of a solitary, clearly demarcated, small brain tumor. The mean age of these patients was 67 years old (range 58–85 years old). Exclusion criteria were intended to create a study population with as normal brains as possible. A new telemetric ICP monitoring device was implanted at the end of surgery and monitoring was conducted 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively.

Results

In the supine position, mean ICP was 0.5 ± 4.0 mm Hg at 4 weeks postoperatively. Postural change to the standing position resulted in a decrease in mean ICP to −3.7 ± 3.8 mm Hg. These results show ICP to be considerably lower than previously estimated.

Conclusions

This study provides a preliminary reference range for normal ICP in humans. It is the first study to show that ICP in the healthy human brain decreases to negative values when assuming the upright position. If these results are later confirmed in a larger series, they might provide reference values for diagnosis and treatment in patients with CSF-related disorders. New normal values also have implications for future shunt design and the ICP target range in hydrocephalus treatment.
Neuroendoscopic lavage for the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus in neonates
Authors: Schulz Matthias , Bührer Christoph , Pohl-Schickinger Anja , Haberl Hannes , Thomale Ulrich-Wilhelm
Published: April 2014

Object

Neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may evolve into posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and cause neurodevelopmental impairment. In this study, an endoscopic surgical approach directed toward the removal of intraventricular hematoma was evaluated for its safety and efficacy.

Methods

Between August 2010 and December 2012 (29 months), 19 neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus underwent neuroendoscopic lavage for removal of intraventricular blood remnants. During a similar length of time (29 months) from March 2008 to July 2010, 10 neonates were treated conventionally, initially using temporary CSF diversion via lumbar punctures, a ventricular access device, or an external ventricular drain. Complications and shunt dependency rates were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

The patient groups did not differ regarding gestational age and birth weight. In the endoscopy group, no relevant procedure-related complications were observed. After the endoscopic lavage, 11 (58%) of 19 patients required a later shunt insertion, as compared with 100% of infants treated conventionally (p < 0.05). Endoscopic lavage was associated with fewer numbers of overall necessary procedures (median 2 vs 3.5 per patient, respectively; p = 0.08), significantly fewer infections (2 vs 5 patients, respectively; p < 0.05), or supratentorial multiloculated hydrocephalus (0 vs 4 patients, respectively; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Within the presented setup the authors could demonstrate the feasibility and safety of neuroendoscopic lavage for the treatment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in neonates with IVH. The nominally improved results warrant further verification in a multicenter, prospective study.
Extracranial traumatic aneurysms due to blunt cerebrovascular injury
Authors: Foreman Paul M. , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Falola Michael , Harrigan Mark R.
Published: April 2014

Object

Traumatic aneurysms occur in 10% of extracranial blunt traumatic cerebrovascular injuries (TCVI). The clinical consequences and optimal management of traumatic aneurysms are poorly understood.

Methods

A prospective study of TCVI at a Level I trauma center identified 7 patients with 19 extracranial traumatic carotid artery or vertebral artery aneurysms. An additional 6 patients with 7 traumatic aneurysms were followed outside of the prospective study, giving a total of 13 patients with 26 traumatic aneurysms. All patients were treated with 325 mg aspirin daily and underwent clinical and imaging follow-up beyond the initial hospitalization. Endovascular treatment was reserved for aneurysms demonstrating significant enlargement on follow-up imaging. Clinical and radiographic features were assessed.

Results

The 7 patients with traumatic aneurysms identified in the prospective cohort comprised 10.3% of all patients with TCVI. Two (15.4%) of the 13 total patients suffered an ischemic stroke in the setting of TCVI with traumatic aneurysm formation. No patient experienced an ischemic stroke or new symptoms after the initiation of antiplatelet therapy. Clinical and radiographic follow-up averaged 15.8 months (range 0.4–41.7 months) and 22.0 months (range 6.6–55.7 months), respectively. Ten (38.5%) of 26 aneurysms were not visualized on last follow-up, 10 (38.5%) were smaller, 1 (3.8%) was unchanged, and 5 (19.2%) were larger. Saccular aneurysms were more likely to enlarge than fusiform aneurysms (33.3% vs 11.8%). Results of a Fisher exact test tend to support the assertion that the 2 different aneurysm morphologies behave differently (p = 0.07). Two saccular aneurysms were treated with stenting.

Conclusions

The majority of traumatic aneurysms can be managed with an antiplatelet regimen of 325 mg aspirin daily and serial imaging. Saccular aneurysms have a greater tendency to enlarge when compared with fusiform aneurysms.
Resection of an upper cervical aneurysmal bone cyst and spinal reconstruction using a midline mandibular osteotomy in a pediatric patient
Authors: McDowell Michael M. , Hanft Simon J. , Greenberg Sophie A. , Rahmati Rahmatullah , Carrao Vincent , Eisig Sidney , Anderson Richard C. E.
Published: April 2014

The authors report on the surgical management of an extensive lesion of the upper cervical spine that required an uncommon transmandibular approach to facilitate exposure, resection, and stabilization in a pediatric patient. A 6-year-old boy with a large aneurysmal bone cyst of the C-2 vertebra presented with progressive weakness and right-sided neck pain. The lesion extended laterally into the soft tissue of the neck, inferiorly to C-4, and posteriorly around the spinal cord. A transmandibular osteotomy was performed to provide adequate exposure for complete resection of the mass and anterior C1–3 instrumentation and fusion. Subsequently, the patient underwent occiput to C-4 posterior instrumentation and fusion. The patient tolerated the operation well and had regained all function at 3 and 11 months' follow-up. No neurological complications or problems of speech, swallowing, or respiration occurred. Even in pediatric patients, the transmandibular approach for the treatment of upper cervical spine lesions is an effective method of maximizing exposure for complex lesions requiring resection and stabilization.
Prescribing Trends in the Out Patient Department in a Tertiary Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam MM , Parveen F , Ara F , Iqbal MJU , Saha RR
Published: April 2014

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among individuals attending the OPD of Medicine, Surgery and Gynaecology & Obstetrics from February 1st 2010 to April 30th 2010 in Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh to see the patterns of prescriptions using World Health Organization core prescribing indicators and some additional indices. A total of 300 patients were included in this study. The average number of drugs per encounter was 3.6 and 1.33% drugs were prescribed by generic name. Use of antibiotic (48% of encounters) was frequent, but injection use (1.33% of encounters) was very low. Only 43.16% drugs were prescribed from EDL of Bangladesh. Percentage of encounters with an antiulcerant, a NSAID and a multivitamin & multimineral prescribed were 69%, 68.67% and 39.33% respectively. So the finding from current study shows a trend towards inappropriate prescribing, particularly the over-prescribing of antibiotics and under-prescribing of generic drugs & from essential drug list of Bangladesh. Hence, there is a need for effective intervention programme to encourage the physicians and healthcare providers in promoting more appropriate drug use. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i2.18496 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(2): 8-12
Assessment of Environment in Selected Primary Schools in Mymensingh Municipality
Authors: Basher MS , Ullah ASM S , Haque ABM M , Begum AA , Kamal MS , Akhter S
Published: April 2014

A school health service is an economical and powerful means of raising community health Healthful school environment is one of the aspects of school health services. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at five purposively selected government and non-government primary schools in Mymensingh Municipality with a view to assess their environment. It was revealed that one (20.0%) school was situated in busy or crowded places, and one (20.0%) school did not have any enclosure. As many as 2 (40.0%) schools were located in low land. Most (4, 80.00%) of the schools were two-storied or multi-storied. One school did not have any facility for drinking water. Majority (3, 60.0%) of the schools were devoid of play-ground. It was observed that out of thirty-six, 17 (47.22%) classrooms were provided with non-attached and mixed type of seats and desks. At least 5 (15. 99%) class- rooms did not have cross-ventilation. The distance of blackboard was less than 7 feet from the front desks in 30 (80. 33%) class-rooms, while it was over 25 feet from the rear desks in 35 (97.22%) class-rooms. It was revealed that a significant number (24, 66.67%) of class-rooms accommodated more than 40 students, while a considerable number (33, 91.67%) of class-rooms had floor space less than 480 square feet. Moreover; only 8 (22.22%) class-rooms had 10 square feet floor space per student. It can be concluded that existing school environment is not acceptable at all, and should be improved to help in promoting growth and development of our future generations. Further large scale study should be carried out for better understanding of actual scenario of school environment existing in our country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i2.18503 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(2): 31-35
Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Workers in Selected Garments
Authors: Yasmin R , Ahmed SA , Zaman F , Ansari M , Azim E
Published: April 2014

This cross sectional study was carried out among 146 garment workers from selected two garments industries to find out the magnitude of Hepatitis B virus infection in Narayangonj. Data was collected through face to face interview of the workers by using a pre tested questionnaire. The study was conducted during April to June 2007.Majority 56.2% were in the age group of 18-25 years followed by 32.9% were of 26-35 years. By sex partner majority 28.8% had their partnership with their husband, 11% had partnership with their wife and 2. 7% had sexual relation with their boyfriend and 5.5% had relation with their girlfriend, 8. 9% had history of sex with commercial sex worker. In this study only 11 (7.5%) respondents had HBV positive. Among them who had the history of inject able drug taking 8(2.05%) were found positive. Statistically it was found highly significant. History of jaundice, only 1 (0.7%) respondents had HBV positive while those who had no history of jaundice 10 (6.8%) had HBV positive. In this study it was found that 6(46.2%) HBV positive respondents who had sex with commercial sex worker and none of the respondents those who had sex with their wife were HBV negative. This was found statistically significant, that means development of hepatitis B virus might has an association of sex with sex worker. The study recommended mass screening of hepatitis should be conducted among the garments workers as it was found highly prevalence among the study workers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i2.18511 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(2): 50-53
Was Ibn Kathīr the ‘Spokesperson’ for Ibn Taymiyya? Jonah as a Prophet of Obedience
Authors: Mirza Younus Y.
Published: April 2014

Current scholarship views the Qur'anic exegesis of Ibn Kathīr as the product of the great Ibn Taymiyya. This paper argues that Ibn Kathīr had a distinct Qur'anic hermeneutic and exegesis to that of Ibn Taymiyya. While Ibn Taymiyya's engagements with the Qur'an were tied to theological refutations, Ibn Kathīr's exegesis is primarily a ḥadīth evaluation (takhrīj) which assessed the tradition-based exegesis that pre-dated him. Ibn Kathīr carefully sorts through the exegeses of al-Ṭabarī and Ibn Abī Ḥātim al-Rāzī to find authentic traditions that fit with his moral and ethical values. His exegesis further takes positions that are contrary to Ibn Taymiyya's. For instance, on the issue of the infallibility (ʿiṣma) of the prophets, Ibn Taymiyya argues that prophets sinned but did not persist in sin. Ibn Kathīr, in contrast, maintained that prophets were constantly aided by God and does not highlight their mistakes. Their different definitions are seen in their contrasting accounts of the Prophet Jonah: Ibn Taymiyya viewed Jonah's release from the whale as part of his repentance, while Ibn Kathīr saw it as part of his previous obedience.
Leprosy, Piety and Identity: The Mbuluzi Leprosy Hospital as Informal Pilgrimage Site, 1948–82
Authors: McCoy Bill
Published: April 2014

This paper explores the idea of Swaziland's Mbuluzi Leprosy Hospital as a kind of informal pilgrimage site for missionaries of the Church of the Nazarene and other Western Christians while investigating the ways in which this status shaped the social life of the hospital community. And because the course of leprosy treatment during the middle years of the twentieth century typically required many months and often years to run its course, the paper particularly seeks to understand how this peculiar position may have impacted the identity of the patients whose lives were consequently put on display and what implications this had on their world-views and expectations in life after the hospital closed in 1982, arguing that the concept of moral bonds of dependence, derived from recent work by James Ferguson, provides the best model for understanding these dynamics.
Therapeutic Strategies in African Religions: Health, Herbal Medicines and Indigenous Christian Spirituality
Authors: Asamoah-Gyadu J. Kwabena
Published: April 2014

The use of herbs has been the main means of curing diseases in traditional Africa and this continued through the colonial period to present times. Widely held traditional views that interpreted certain diseases as caused by supernatural agents meant that, although some ailments could be naturally caused, in most cases, shrine priests and diviners were needed to dispense herbal preparations for clients. Christian missionaries mostly – though by no means all – denounced herbal medicines as evil, looking on them as pagan because of the close relationship between herbs and agents of local divinities. At the emergence of the African independent church movement at the beginning of the twentieth century, herbal medicines acquired a sacramental value, and today they are obtained from churches and local prophets as therapeutic substances infused with spiritual power for healing. The sacramental interpretation of herbs has been extended to those obtained from prayer places and grottoes under the supervision of historic mission denominations, a phenomenon that has virtually transformed the image of herbs and herbal medicines in African therapeutic systems.
It Does Matter How You Get to the Top: Differentiating Status from Reputation
Authors: Patterson Karen , Cavazos David , Washington Marvin
Published: April 2014

Status and reputation have long been recognized as important influences in management research and recently much attention has been paid to defining the two concepts and understanding how they are utilized by organizations. However, few strategic management studies have identified the different methods through which status and reputation are constructed. While reputation has been linked with a history of quality, and status has been identified as an externally assigned measure of social position, empirical studies have been highly idiosyncratic in their identification of the mechanisms used to obtain either construct. This paper attempts to rectify that gap in the literature by identifying two distinct methods used to obtain reputation and status. We argue that certification contests can be used to increase organizational reputation and tournament rituals can be used to increase organizational status. We build theoretical propositions regarding the use of certification contexts and tournament rituals to show how reputation and status are achieved through similar, but distinct, methods and further the research on teasing apart these two important and intertwined concepts.
Evaluation of Spring Wheat (20 Varieties) Adaptation to Soil Drought during Seedlings Growth Stage
Authors: Biesaga-Kościelniak Jolanta , Ostrowska Agnieszka , Filek Maria , Dziurka Michał , Waligórski Piotr , Mirek Magdalena , Kościelniak Janusz
Published: April 2014

The effect of soil drought (10 days) on the growth of plants, the accumulation of water and leakage of electrolytes, gas exchange, the contents of chl a + b and carotenoids in leaves and photochemical activity of photosystem II was studied at the seedling stage by transient fluorescent analysis in 20 of the popular varieties of polish spring wheat. Drought caused a particularly strong reduction in vigor of growth of seedlings, net photosynthesis rate and triggered an increase in electrolyte leakage from the leaves. Certain varieties during the drought demonstrated relatively intense CO2 assimilation at low water loss through transpiration. The varieties tested were significantly different in terms of tolerance to drought of the processes of gas exchange and seedlings development. Photochemical processes in PSII showed high tolerance to drought and at the same time low differentiation among varieties. The results obtained suggested that tolerance of growth parameters to drought and CO2 assimilation at the seedling stage may alleviate consequent depression of final yield of the grain.
Distribution and Antioxidant Efficiency of Resveratrol in Stripped Corn Oil Emulsions
Authors: Losada-Barreiro Sonia , Costa Marlene , Bravo-Díaz Carlos , Paiva-Martins Fátima
Published: April 2014

We investigated the effects of resveratrol (RES) on the oxidative stability of emulsions composed of stripped corn oil, acidic water and Tween 20 and determined its distribution in the intact emulsions by employing a well-established kinetic method. The distribution of RES is described by two partition constants, that between the oil-interfacial region, POI, and that between the aqueous and interfacial region, PWI. The partition constants, POI and PWI, are obtained in the intact emulsions from the variations of the observed rate constant, kobs, for the reaction between the hydrophobic 4-hexadecylbenzenediazonium ion and RES with the emulsifier volume fraction, ФI. The obtained POI and PWI values are quite high, PWI = 4374 and POI = 930, indicating that RES is primarily located in the interfacial region of the emulsions, %RESI > 90% at ФI = 0.005, increasing up to 99% at ФI = 0.04. The oxidative stability of the corn oil emulsions was determined by measuring the formation of conjugated dienes at a given time in the absence and in the presence of RES. The addition of RES did not improve their oxidative stability in spite that more than 90% of RES is located in the interfacial region of the emulsion, because of the very low radical scavenging activity of RES.
Pleistocene Palaeoart of the Americas
Authors: Bednarik Robert
Published: April 2014

In contrast to the great time depth of Pleistocene rock art and mobiliary ‘art’ in the four other continents, the available evidence from the Americas is very limited, and restricted at best to the last part of the final Pleistocene. A review of what has so far become available is hampered by a considerable burden of literature presenting material contended to be of the Ice Age, even of the Mesozoic in some cases, that needs to be sifted through to find a minute number of credible claims. Even the timing of the first colonization of the Americas remains unresolved, and the lack of clear-cut substantiation of palaeoart finds predating about 12,000 years bp is conspicuous. There are vague hints of earlier human presence, rendering it likely that archaeology has failed to define its manifestations adequately, and Pleistocene palaeoart remains almost unexplored at this stage.