bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of the prevention of parent-to-child transmission of HIV (PPTCT) services in a tertiary care hospital, Odisha, India
Authors: Dash Muktikesh , Misra Pooja , Subudhi Khetrabasi
Published: March 2014

Aims: To assess seroprevalence of HIV among antenatal women and the extent of utilization of interventions to minimize the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among antenatal women who attended integrated counseling and testing center (ICTC) of HIV. Sample sizes were determined from the number of pregnant women that attended ICTC. Place and Duration of Study: Data and samples were collected from a tertiary care hospital, Odisha, India during January 2009 to December 2012. Methodology: All pregnant women were counseled and tested for HIV by rapid test. All HIV-seropositive antenatal women (ANW) were linked to services and followed up for institutional delivery, single-dose nevirapine (sdNVP) prophylaxis, infant feeding options and testing of children at 18 months. Results: Out of 11,508 ANW registered and pretest counseled, 11,390 (98.97%) accepted HIV testing. Sixty women were found to be seropositive, thus showed seroprevalence rate of 0.53% (60/11,390). CD4 testing was carried out in all ANW and five (8.33%) were eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Seven (11.67%) had opted for medical termination of pregnancy (MTP). All 48 ANW delivered institutionally, only 7 (14.58%) received cesarean delivery. Out of 46 live births, 5 (10.87%) ANW were on ART, 35/41 (85.37%) received sdNVP mother baby-pair prophylaxis and only 8/46 (17.39%) mother opted for replacement feeding. Twenty one children have reached 18 months till date and among them three (14.29%) were HIV-seropositive. All three were delivered vaginally, received sdNVP prophylaxis and were exclusively breast fed for 6 months. Conclusion: The HIV-seroprevalence rate among antenatal women was 0.53% and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate was 14.29%. Reduction in MTCT rate needs pre or early antenatal HIV testing, prenatal antiretroviral medication, preference for cesarean delivery, 100% antiretroviral prophylaxis coverage and education on avoidance of breast-feeding. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18300 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.163-169
Pediatric Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Sahu Ramji Lal
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Femoral neck fractures are rare injuries in children, but the high incidence of long term complications make it an important clinical entity. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of pediatric femur neck fractures. Methods: The study included 16 children (10 boys and 6 girls) who sustained femoral neck fractures and completed an average follow-up of 28 months. The children were treated with anatomical reduction and internal fixation with partially threaded cancellous screws. The outcomes were clinically and radio logically assessed for fracture healing, joint movements and implant failure. Results: The mean age of included patients was 10 years (range, 6 to 16 years) and the average followup was 28 months (range, 17 -48 months). Coxa- vara was the most common complication Other complications included nonunion associated with Partial a vascular necrosis and delayed union was seen in one case but later on it had been corrected. Two cases of slight coxa vara were seen radiologically but clinically patients had no problem in walking and daily activities. All children achieved union in a mean time of 10 weeks (range from 6 - 16 weeks) except two cases. Full weight bearing was possible in a mean time of 8.8 weeks. The results were excellent in 68.75% and good in 18.75% patients. Conclusions: We conclude that the early operation using anatomical reduction and internal fixation of pediatric femoral neck fracture offers the best results and provide early healing less complication with good results and is economical. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18303 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.198-204
Bilateral Total Hip Replacement in Steroid Induced AVN in A Young Patient
Authors: Alam Md. Mahbubul , Das Bishnu Pada , Hashan Aminul
Published: March 2014

A 30 years old female patient presented us with pain, restricted movement of hip and difficulty of walking. She had past history of taking oral Steroid for 6 months for gaining weight. Radiological examination revealed bilateral avascular necrosis of hips with advanced osteoarthritic changes. The patient had sequential Total hip replacement on both sides in 6 weeks interval. Post operatively she was uneventful and after proper exercise and physiotherapy she is maintaining her daily household activities smoothly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18304 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.205-208
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease, a rare cause of cervical lymph adenopathy
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Jahangir Hossain , Akhter Latifa
Published: March 2014

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD) present with Dysphagia, fever and lymphadenopathy. A young adult Bangladeshi female presented with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Broad-spectrum antibiotic (3rd generation oral cephalosporin) were given but no improvement after one month. FNAC suggested non specific lymphadenitis. Later on, excision biopsy of cervical lymph node was done and histopathology suggested KFD. Oral prednisolone was given showing improvement and no relapse was en-counted Awareness of this disorder by clinicians and pathologists will help misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18305 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.212-214
Primary Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Presenting as Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Khan Abdul Mahid , Banoo Hasina
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18307 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.218-220
Hypochondriacal and Persecutory Ideas in A Man with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Managed via Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy
Authors: Husain Rohayah , Mat Khairi Che
Published: March 2014

This case report illustrates the management of a patient with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who presented with hypochondriacal and persecutory ideas. Cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy approaches were applied in the management as the patient not keen for pharmacological treatment. Obsessive thoughts were managed via distraction technique, thought stopping and modified it to a more helpful compulsive behavior via direct suggestion during hypnotic state. The compulsive behavior was managed via hypno-behavioural approaches, reinforced by direct suggestion and pseudo-orientation in time. The Subjective Unit of Distress Scale (SUDS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scales were used to measure the progress of anxiety and depressive symptoms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18308 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.221-223
Digital Impression Model (DIM) a new, quick, simple, reliable and cost effective procedure
Authors: Khursheed Mohammad Alam , Shahid Fazal , Nowrin Shifat A
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18310 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.231-232
Bioabsorbable Stents : Reaching Clinical Reality
Authors: Chowdhury Abdul Wadud
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18346Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 90-91
Nonstandard Echocardiographic Examination
Authors: Nanda Navin C , Sungur Aylin , Bhagatwala Kunal , Karia Nidhi M , Öz Tuðba Kemaloðlu
Published: March 2014

In addition to standard echocardiographic planes, there are many so-called nonstandard echocardiographic examination windows and planes that have been found useful in clinical practice. Standard planes have also been utilized with or without modification to find structures not routinely detected during echocardiographic examination. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18347 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 92-102
Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-Our Experiences at a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Munwar S , Islam AHMW , Talukder S , Reza AQM , Ahmed T , Bhuiyan AH
Published: March 2014

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary procedural success of percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis using either Bare-metal stents or drug eluting stent. Methods: Total 33 patients were enrolled in this very preliminary non-randomized prospective cohort study. Among them, Male: 25 and Female: 8. Total 35 stents were deployed. Mean age were for Male: 59 yrs, for Female: 62 yrs. Associated coronary artery diseases risk factors were dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive family history for coronary artery diseases and smoking. Results: Among the study group; 26 (78%) were Dyslipidemic, 24(70%) were hypertensive; 17 (51.5%) patients were Diabetic, 11(33%) were smoker and 7(21%) patients had family history of Ischaemic heart disease. Female patients were more obese (BMI M 26: F 27) and developed coronary artery diseases in advance age. Common stented territory were left main: 20 (60%), Left main to left anterior descending artery 7 (22%) and Left main to left circumflex artery 6 (18%). Average length and diameter of stent was 3.5 and 18 mm respectively. Stent used: Bare Metal Stent 5 (15%), Drug Eluting Stent: 28 (85%). Among the different Drug Eluting Stents, Everolimus eluting stents were 11 (39.3%), Sirolimus eluting 10(35.7%), Paclitaxel eluting 3 (10.7%), Biolimus eluting 3 (10.7%) and Zotarolimus eluting1 (3.6%). In the present study, overall survival outcome was 94% (31 patient), mortality of cardiac cause 3% (1 patient) and 1 patient (3%) died of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: Our study has shown that percutaneous coronary intervention of the unprotected left main is a safe and effective alternative to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18349 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 107-111
Study of Lipid Profile in Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Akanda MAK , Choudhury KN , Ali MZ , Sayami LA , Huda RM
Published: March 2014

Back ground: Hypertension is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. Dyslipidemia is closely associated with hypertension. Dyslipidemia and hypertension are the commonest risk factors for CVD. The aim of the present study was to compare different lipid parameters among newly diagnosed hypertensive patients with normotensive subjects in Bangladesh and find out the relationship. Methods: This study was a cross sectional study in which 42 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who were on no antihypertensive medication and 42 subjects with normal blood pressure (normotensive) were enrolled for compare. Lipid parameters total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein ( LDLc) and high density lipoprotein (HDLc) were estimated by Enzymatic colorimetric test. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure of hypertensive and normotensive were 154.6±22.5 vs111.50±3.42 mmof.Hg and mean diastolic blood pressure were 93.2±5.20 vs 71.44± 3.21mm of Hg. The mean of SBP and DBP of hypertensive patients was found to be higher than normotensive (p< 0.05). There was significant increase in different lipid levels namely TC 199.4±44.5 vs188.7±37.9 mg/dl, TG155.9±88.8 vs 121.9±73.2 mg/dl and LDLc 119.8±35.6 vs112.7±28.6 mg/dl in hypertensive patients as compared to normotensive (p<0.05). However there was no significant difference in HDLc level. BMI and waist circumference showed significant association in hypertensive patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: Analytical results of the study revealed that hypertensive patients have been found to have close association with dyslipidemia, BMI and waist circumference. Hypertension and dyslipidemia can be modified either by proper life style changes or medical management or by the combination of the both. This study suggests that hypertensive patients need measurement of blood pressure and lipid profile at regular interval to prevent heart diseases and stroke. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18350 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 112-115
Bioabsorbable Vascular Scaffolds Eluting with Everolimus: for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Patients with de-novo Coronary Artery Lesion: Our Experiences at a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Islam AHMW , Munwar S , Talukder S , Reza AQM , Ahmed T , Bhuiyan AH , Masud R , Sohel SR , Alam MS , Miah A , Chakrabarty S , Karim A , Siddique AB
Published: March 2014

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary procedural success of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of de-novo coronary artery lesion by using Bioabsorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) ABSORB stents eluting Everolimus. Methods: Total 16 patients were enrolled in this very preliminary study of BVS absorb. Among them, Male: 11 and Female: 5. Total 20 stents were deployed. Mean age were for Male: 56 yrs, for Female: 60 yrs. Associated coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive family history (FH) for CAD and Smoking. Patients were followed up clinically. Results: Among the study group; 13 (81%) were Dyslipidemic, 10(62.5%) were hypertensive; 6 (37.5%) patients were Diabetic, FH 3(18.75%), and 2(18%) were all male smoker. Female patients were more obese [Body Mass Index (BMI) M 25: F 27] and developed CAD in advance age. A common stented territory was for left anterior descending artery (LAD): 6 (37.5%), left circumflex artery (LCX) 5 (25%), right coronary artery (RCA) 6(37.5%). One patient had both LCX and LAD stenting. Total 3 patients had double/overlapping stent in RCA lesion. Territory wise distributions of BVS ABSORB stent were for LAD 6(30%), RCA 9 (45%), and LCX 5 (25%). There was no periprocedural or postprocedural complication. Conclusion: BVS ABSORB Everolimus eluting vascular scaffold showed favorable clinical outcome without any major cardiac events (acute or late stent thrombosis, MI or death) over a period of 9 month. Thus, BVS ABSORB would be favorable alternative to other available drug eluting metallic stents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18352 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 122-126
Bioabsorbable Vascular Scaffold: A Revolution in Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ullah M , Islam AKMM , Majumer AAS
Published: March 2014

Since the advent of percutaneous coronary angioplasty in 1977, immense experiment has been done to improve the outcome of the patients with coronary artery disease. Lot of trials have been done with angioplasty, bare metal stents, drug eluting stents, drug eluting balloons and other devices. Bioabsorbable vascular stents are relatively newcomers in this field with a lot of hope. We tried to update the latest status of Bioabsorbable vascular stents in this review, specially the short and midterm safety and efficacy and some of their limitations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18359 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 149-163
Aorto-bi-Femoral Bypass for Juxtarenal Aortic Occlusion in a Patient with Multiple Co-Morbidities: Report of a Challenging Case
Authors: Bashar AHM , Samad S , Hossain ASMI , Sabah MN , Hasan K , Alauddin M
Published: March 2014

Aorto-bi-femoral bypass for aorto-iliac occlusive disease is a fairly common procedure in vascular surgical practice. The procedure, despite its extensive nature, is generally well tolerated particularly by those having an infrarenal type of aortic occlusion. Patients having a juxtarenal aortic occlusion require a considerably more expeditious surgery necessitating maneuvers to protect the renal arteries. Surgical risk increases significantly in those having multiple co-morbid conditions. We report here a successful case of aorto-bi-femoral bypass for juxtarenal aortic occlusion in a patient having multiple co-morbid conditions like ischemic heart disease, occluded right renal artery with chronic kidney disease, severe malnutrition, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18363 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 170-174
Isolated Protein S Deficiency - Cause of Recurrent Stent Thrombosis - A Case Report
Authors: Choudhury AK , Khalequzzaman M , Hasem S , Akhtaruzzaman M , Jannat S
Published: March 2014

Stent thrombosis (ST) is one of the major complications that occur in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) with stents. Various factors have been attributed to the development of ST, and several strategies have been recommended for its management. Protein C or protein S deficiencies may uncommonly be responsible for coronary arterial thrombosis. We report a young woman with recurrent stent thrombosis due to the deficiency of protein S. After coronary stenting, stent thrombosis occurred two times despite aggressive medical therapy. This report suggests that the deficiency of protein C or S should be born in mind in a young patient with recurrent thrombotic events, and that anticoagulants in addition to antiplatelet agents considered in the presence of their deficiency DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18364 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 175-179
After Whom the Instruments Named
Authors: Hosain Suman Nazmul
Published: March 2014

Innovation in surgery plays a very important role of easing the task of the surgeons. Some instruments used in cardiac surgery today were designed by legendary surgeons from the past. These useful articles bear the names of their inventors. There hasnt been much documentation on the development of cardiothoracic surgical instruments. The historian claims that first known surgical instruments were developed as early as 10,000 BC! Hippocrates had reportedly developed different surgical instruments made of copper, iron, bronze, and brass. Renowned Muslim surgeon of middle age Al-Zahrawi devised many surgical instruments. Some surgeons developed instruments based on their own anatomical size and others for new operations that required more delicate instrumentation to perform them. Cardiothoracic surgeons also have adopted instruments innovated, designed and used by colleagues belonging to other surgical specialty. This article would explore a few of these legendary innovators, illuminating the drive that led these legends to design the surgical instruments we continue to use in our surgical practices even today. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18366 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 184-188
Review of Comprehensive Textbook of Echocardiography
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2014

Editor Navin C NandaPublished by Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.Encyclopaedia on EchocardiographyDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18367Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 189-190
Undersampling in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Telecommunication Systems
Authors: Petrellis Nikos
Published: March 2014

Several techniques have been proposed that attempt to reconstruct a sparse signal from fewer samples than the ones required by the Nyquist theorem. In this paper, an undersampling technique is presented that allows the reconstruction of the sparse information that is transmitted through Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. The properties of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) that is employed by the OFDM modulation, allow the estimation of several samples from others that have already been obtained on the side of the receiver, provided that special relations are valid between the original data values. The inherent sparseness of the original data, as well as the Forward Error Correction (FEC) techniques employed, can assist the information recovery from fewer samples. It will be shown that up to 1/4 of the samples can be omitted from the sampling process and substituted by others on the side of the receiver for the successful reconstruction of the original data. In this way, the size of the buffer memory used for sample storage, as well as the storage requirements of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) implementation at the receiver, may be reduced by up to 25%. The power consumption of the Analog Digital Converter on the side of the receiver is also reduced when a lower sampling rate is used.
Sources and Dynamic Processes Controlling Background and Peak Concentrations of TGM in Nanjing, China
Authors: Hall Casey , Mao Huiting , Ye Zhuyun , Talbot Robert , Ding Aijun , Zhang Yang , Zhu Jialei , Wang Tijian , Lin Che-Jen , Fu Congbin , Yang Xiuqun
Published: March 2014

Total gaseous mercury (TGM) data from urban Nanjing, at the western edge of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region in China, over nine months, were analyzed for peak and background mercury concentrations. The background concentration of TGM was found to be 2.2 ng∙m−3. In examining episodic influences of free tropospheric air masses on the surface TGM concentrations in Nanjing, we hypothesize heterogeneity in the global distribution of TGM concentrations in the free troposphere. The nine-month averaged diurnal cycles of TGM indicate a strong co-emission with SO2 and an underestimation of greater than 80% TGM emissions in current inventories. Regular peak concentrations of mercury were investigated and the major causes were YRD emissions, transport from rural areas, and monsoonal transport. Transport of rural emissions is hypothesized to be from illegal artisanal small-scale gold mining that are currently missing in the emission inventories. Enhancement of TGM associated with summer monsoon contributed to a maximum TGM concentration in mid-May–early June, an inverse seasonality in comparison to most other observations in China, North America, and Europe.
Geo-Enrichment and Semantic Enhancement of Metadata Sets to Augment Discovery in Geoportals
Authors: Vockner Bernhard , Mittlböck Manfred
Published: March 2014

Geoportals are established to function as main gateways to find, evaluate, and start “using” geographic information. Still, current geoportal implementations face problems in optimizing the discovery process due to semantic heterogeneity issues, which leads to low recall and low precision in performing text-based searches. Therefore, we propose an enhanced semantic discovery approach that supports multilingualism and information domain context. Thus, we present workflow that enriches existing structured metadata with synonyms, toponyms, and translated terms derived from user-defined keywords based on multilingual thesauri and ontologies. To make the results easier and understandable, we also provide automated translation capabilities for the resource metadata to support the user in conceiving the thematic content of the descriptive metadata, even if it has been documented using a language the user is not familiar with. In addition, to text-enable spatial filtering capabilities, we add additional location name keywords to metadata sets. These are based on the existing bounding box and shall tweak discovery scores when performing single text line queries. In order to improve the user’s search experience, we tailor faceted search strategies presenting an enhanced query interface for geo-metadata discovery that are transparently leveraging the underlying thesauri and ontologies.
New Unsymmetrically Benzene-Fused Bis (Tetrathiafulvalene): Synthesis, Characterization, Electrochemical Properties and Electrical Conductivity of Their Materials
Authors: Abbaz Tahar , Bendjeddou Amel , Gouasmia Abdelkrim , Villemin Didier , Shirahata Takashi
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of new unsymmetrically benzene-fused bis (tetrathiafulvalene) has been carried out by a cross-coupling reaction of the respective 4,5-dialkyl-1,3-dithiole-2-selenone 6–9 with 2-(4-(p-nitrophenyl)-1,3-dithiole-2-ylidene)-1,3,5,7-tetrathia-s-indacene-6-one 5 prepared by olefination of 4-(p-nitrophenyl)-1,3-dithiole-2-selenone 3 and 1,3,5,7-tetrathia-s-indacene-2,6-dione 4. The conversion of the nitro moiety 10a–d to amino 11a–d then dibenzylamine 12a–d groups respectively used reduction and alkylation methods. The electron donor ability of these new compounds has been measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. Charge transfer complexes with tetracyanoquino-dimethane (TCNQ) were prepared by chemical redox reactions. The complexes have been proven to give conducting materials.
Transcriptome Expression Profiling in Response to Drought Stress in Paulownia australis
Authors: Dong Yanpeng , Fan Guoqiang , Zhao Zhenli , Deng Minjie
Published: March 2014

The response and adaptation to drought remains poorly understood for Paulownia australis. To investigate this issue, transcriptome profiling of four P. australis accessions (two diploid and the other two autotetraploid) under water stress condition were studied using Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx analysis. The current study aimed to identify genes of P. australis metabolism pathways that might be involved in this plant’s response to water deficit. Potted seedlings were subjected to well-watered conditions and drought stress, respectively. More than 290 million raw transcript reads were assembled into 111,660 unigenes, with a mean length of 1013 bp. Clusters of orthologous groups, gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotations analyses were performed on the unigenes. Many differentially expressed genes and several metabolic pathways were identified. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to verify the expression patterns of 14 genes. Our study identified altered gene expression in P. australis induced by drought stress and provided a comprehensive map of drought-responsive genes and pathways in this species. To our knowledge, this is the first publicly available global transcriptome study of P. australis. This study provides a valuable genetic resource for this species.
8-Alkylcoumarins from the Fruits of Cnidium monnieri Protect against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Oxidative Stress Damage
Authors: Chang Chi-I , Hu Wan-Chiao , Shen Che-Piao , Hsu Ban-Dar , Lin Wei-Yong , Sung Ping-Jyun , Wang Wei-Hsien , Wu Jin-Bin , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: March 2014

Three new 8-alkylcoumarins, 7-O-methylphellodenol-B (1), 7-methoxy-8-(3-methyl- 2,3-epoxy-1-oxobutyl)chromen-2-one (2), and 3'-O-methylvaginol (3), together with seven known compounds (4–10) were isolated from the fruits of Cnidium monnieri. Their structures were determined by detailed analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the data of known analogues. All the isolates were evaluated the cytoprotective activity by MTS cell proliferation assay and the results showed that all the three new 8-alkylcoumarins exhibited cytoprotective effect on Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells injured by hydrogen peroxide.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: Prenatal Testing for Embryos Finally Achieving Its Potential
Authors: Stern Harvey
Published: March 2014

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis was developed nearly a quarter-century ago as an alternative form of prenatal diagnosis that is carried out on embryos. Initially offered for diagnosis in couples at-risk for single gene genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and Huntington disease, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has most frequently been employed in assisted reproduction for detection of chromosome aneuploidy from advancing maternal age or structural chromosome rearrangements. Major improvements have been seen in PGD analysis with movement away from older, less effective technologies, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), to newer molecular tools, such as DNA microarrays and next generation sequencing. Improved results have also started to be seen with decreasing use of Day 3 blastomere biopsy in favor of polar body or Day 5 trophectoderm biopsy. Discussions regarding the scientific, ethical, legal and social issues surrounding the use of sequence data from embryo biopsy have begun and must continue to avoid concern regarding eugenic or inappropriate use of this technology.
Signaling by Retinoic Acid in Embryonic and Adult Hematopoiesis
Authors: Cano Elena , Ariza Laura , Muñoz-Chápuli Ramón , Carmona Rita
Published: March 2014

Embryonic and adult hematopoiesis are both finely regulated by a number of signaling mechanisms. In the mammalian embryo, short-term and long-term hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) arise from a subset of endothelial cells which constitute the hemogenic endothelium. These HSC expand and give rise to all the lineages of blood cells in the fetal liver, first, and in the bone marrow from the end of the gestation and throughout the adult life. The retinoic acid (RA) signaling system, acting through the family of nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs and RXRs), is involved in multiple steps of the hematopoietic development, and also in the regulation of the differentiation of some myeloid lineages in adults. In humans, the importance of this RA-mediated control is dramatically illustrated by the pathogeny of acute promyelocytic leukemia, a disease produced by a chromosomal rearrangement fusing the RARa gene with other genes. The aberrant fusion protein is able to bind to RARα target gene promoters to actively suppress gene transcription. Lack of function of RARα leads to a failure in the differentiation of promyelocytic progenitors. In this review we have collected the available information about all the phases of the hematopoietic process in which RA signaling is involved, being essential for steps such as the emergence of HSC from the hemogenic endothelium, or modulating processes such as the adult granulopoiesis. A better knowledge of the RA-mediated signaling mechanisms can contribute to the knowledge of the origin of many pathologies of the hematopoietic system and can provide new clinical avenues for their treatment.
Thermo-Responsive and Biocompatible Diblock Copolymers Prepared via Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Radical Polymerization
Authors: Fukuda Kenichi , Enomoto Ryusuke , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Morishima Yotaro , Yusa Shin-ichi
Published: March 2014

Poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine)-b-poly(N,N-diethyl acrylamide) (PMPCm-PDEAn) was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled radical polymerization. Below, the critical aggregation temperature (CAT) the diblock copolymer dissolved in water as a unimer with a hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of ca. 5 nm. Above the CAT the diblock copolymers formed polymer micelles composed of a PDEA core and biocompatible PMPC shells, due to hydrophobic self-aggregation of the thermo-responsive PDEA block. A fluorescence probe study showed that small hydrophobic small guest molecules could be incorporated into the core of the polymer micelle above the CAT. The incorporated guest molecules were released from the core into the bulk aqueous phase when the temperature decreased to values below the CAT because of micelle dissociation.
An Updated Geophysical Model for AMSR-E and SSMIS Brightness Temperature Simulations over Oceans
Authors: Zabolotskikh Elizaveta , Mitnik Leonid , Chapron Bertrand
Published: March 2014

In this study, we considered the geophysical model for microwave brightness temperature (BT) simulation for the Atmosphere-Ocean System under non-precipitating conditions. The model is presented as a combination of atmospheric absorption and ocean emission models. We validated this model for two satellite instruments—for Advanced Microwave Sounding Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) onboard Aqua satellite and for Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) onboard F16 satellite of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) series. We compared simulated BT values with satellite BT measurements for different combinations of various water vapor and oxygen absorption models and wind induced ocean emission models. A dataset of clear sky atmospheric and oceanic parameters, collocated in time and space with satellite measurements, was used for the comparison. We found the best model combination, providing the least root mean square error between calculations and measurements. A single combination of models ensured the best results for all considered radiometric channels. We also obtained the adjustments to simulated BT values, as averaged differences between the model simulations and satellite measurements. These adjustments can be used in any research based on modeling data for removing model/calibration inconsistencies. We demonstrated the application of the model by means of the development of the new algorithm for sea surface wind speed retrieval from AMSR-E data.
Pseudo Hermitian Interactions in the Dirac Equation
Authors: Panella Orlando , Roy Pinaki
Published: March 2014

We consider a (2 + 1)-dimensional massless Dirac equation in the presence of complex vector potentials. It is shown that such vector potentials (leading to complex magnetic fields) can produce bound states, and the Dirac Hamiltonians are η-pseudo Hermitian. Some examples have been explicitly worked out.
The Chemistry and Toxicology of Depleted Uranium
Authors: Katz Sidney
Published: March 2014

Natural uranium is comprised of three radioactive isotopes: 238U, 235U, and 234U. Depleted uranium (DU) is a byproduct of the processes for the enrichment of the naturally occurring 235U isotope. The world wide stock pile contains some 1½ million tons of depleted uranium. Some of it has been used to dilute weapons grade uranium (~90% 235U) down to reactor grade uranium (~5% 235U), and some of it has been used for heavy tank armor and for the fabrication of armor-piercing bullets and missiles. Such weapons were used by the military in the Persian Gulf, the Balkans and elsewhere. The testing of depleted uranium weapons and their use in combat has resulted in environmental contamination and human exposure. Although the chemical and the toxicological behaviors of depleted uranium are essentially the same as those of natural uranium, the respective chemical forms and isotopic compositions in which they usually occur are different. The chemical and radiological toxicity of depleted uranium can injure biological systems. Normal functioning of the kidney, liver, lung, and heart can be adversely affected by depleted uranium intoxication. The focus of this review is on the chemical and toxicological properties of depleted and natural uranium and some of the possible consequences from long term, low dose exposure to depleted uranium in the environment.
Polynice le querelleur
Authors: Moreau Alain
Published: March 2014

La version du partage, qui attribue à Etéocle la souveraineté sur Thèbes et à Polynice des biens ou objets précieux, attestée par Stésichore, Hellanicos et vraisemblablement Eschyle, est antérieure à la version du pouvoir en alternance, qui apparaît seulement à la fin du Ve siècle. Elle est de plus conforme à l'étymologie des noms des deux frères.
Interaction of iron phthalocyanine with the graphene/Ni(111) system
Authors: Massimi Lorenzo , Lisi Simone , Pacilè Daniela , Mariani Carlo , Betti Maria Grazia
Published: March 2014

Graphene grown on crystalline metal surfaces is a good candidate to act as a buffer layer between the metal and organic molecules that are deposited on top, because it offers the possibility to control the interaction between the substrate and the molecules. High-resolution angular-resolved ultraviolet photo electron spectroscopy (ARPES) is used to determine the interaction states of iron phthalocyanine molecules that are adsorbed onto graphene on Ni(111). The iron phthalocyanine deposition induces a quenching of the Ni d surface minority band and the appearance of an interface state on graphene/Ni(111). The results have been compared to the deposition of iron phthalocyanine on graphene/Ir(111), for which a higher decoupling of the organic molecule from the underlying metal is exerted by the graphene buffer layer.
Synthesis of (2S,3R)-3-amino-2-hydroxydecanoic acid and its enantiomer: a non-proteinogenic amino acid segment of the linear pentapeptide microginin
Authors: Rohokale Rajendra S , Dhavale Dilip D
Published: March 2014

A directed manipulation of the functional groups at C3 and C4 of D-glucose was demonstrated to synthesize naturally occurring (2S,3R)-α-hydroxy-β-aminodecanoic acid (AHDA, 2a) and its enantiomer 2b. The enantiomer of 2a is the N-terminal part of the natural linear pentapeptide microginin, which is used as an antihypertensive agent.
The application of a selection of decision-making techniques by employees in a transport work environment in conjunction with their perceived decision-making success and practice
Authors: Oosthuizen Theuns F.J.
Published: March 2014

A lack of optimum selection and application of decision-making techniques, in conjunction with suitable decision-making practice and perception of employees in a transport work environment demands attention to improve overall performance. Although multiple decision-making techniques exist, five prevalent techniques were considered in this article, namely the Kepner-Tregoe, Delphi, stepladder, nominal group and brainstorming techniques. A descriptive research design was followed, using an empirical survey which was conducted among 210 workers employed in a transport work environment and studying in the field of transport management. The purpose was to establish to what extent the five decision-making techniques are used in their work environment and furthermore how the decision-making practice of using gut-feel and/or a step-by-step decision-making process and their perception of their decision-making success relate. The research confirmed that the use of decision-making techniques is correlated to perceived decision-making success. Furthermore, the Kepner-Tregoe, stepladder, Delphi and brainstorming techniques are associated with a step-by-step decision-making process. No significant association was confirmed between the use of gut-feel and decision-making techniques. Brainstorming was found to be the technique most frequently used by transport employees; however, it has limitations as a comprehensive decision-making technique. Employees working in a transport work environment need training in order to select and use the four comprehensive decision-making techniques.
In Field Measurements of Nitrogen Mineralization following Fall Applications of N and the Termination of Winter Cover Crops
Authors: Lacey Corey G. , Armstrong Shalamar D.
Published: March 2014

Little is known about the timing and quantity of nitrogen (N) mineralization from cover crop residue following cover crop termination. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the impact of cover crop species on the return of fall applied N to the soil in the spring following chemical and winter terminations. Fall N was applied (200 kg N ha−1) into a living stand of cereal rye, tillage radish, and control (no cover crop). After chemical termination in the spring, soil samples were collected weekly and were analyzed for inorganic N (NO3-N and NH4-N) to investigate mineralization over time. Cereal rye soil inorganic N concentrations were similar to that of the control in both the spring of 2012 and 2013. Fall N application into tillage radish, cereal rye, and control plots resulted in an average 91, 57, and 66% of the fall N application rate as inorganic N in the spring at the 0-20 cm depth, respectively. The inclusion of cover crops into conventional cropping systems stabilized N at the soil surface and has the potential to improve the efficiency of fall applied N.
Successful Revascularization to Right Coronary Artery by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention after Endovascular Therapy for Leriche Syndrome
Authors: Niizeki Takeshi , Kaneko Kazuyoshi , Sugawara Shigeo , Sasaki Toshiki , Tsunoda Yuichi , Takeishi Yasuchika , Kubota Isao
Published: March 2014

A 69-year-old man with effort angina was admitted to our institution. Echocardiography showed poor left ventricular systolic function with akinesis of the anterior wall and severe hypokinesis of the inferior wall. We performed coronary angiography, which revealed two diseased vessels including chronic total occlusion in the left anterior descending artery and severe stenosis in the right coronary artery (RCA). In addition, aortography revealed aortoiliac occlusive disease known as Leriche syndrome. As the patient's symptom was stable, we first planned to perform endovascular therapy (EVT) for Leriche syndrome to make a route for intra-aortic balloon pumping. We prepared a bi-directional approach from bi-femoral arteries and a left brachial artery. The guidewire was passed through the occlusive area using the retrograde approach. The self-expanding stents were deployed by a kissing technique. At one week after EVT, a 6Fr sheath was inserted from the right radial artery and an intra-aortic balloon pump was successfully inserted through the right femoral artery for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the RCA. Two drug-eluting stents were successfully deployed to RCA after using an atherectomy device (rotablator). We reported the case as a successfully performed PCI to the RCA after EVT for Leriche syndrome.
Mini-Workshop: Constructive Homological Algebra with Applications to Coherent Sheaves and Control Theory
Authors: Barakat Mohamed , Coquand Thierry , Quadrat Alban
Published: March 2014

The main objective of this mini-workshop is to bring together recent developments in constructive homological algebra. There, the current state already reached a level of generality which allows simultaneous application to diverse fields of applied and theoretical mathematics. In this workshop, we want to focus on simultaneous applications to system theory on the one side and to coherent sheaves and their cohomology on the other side. Surprisingly, these apparently remote fields share a considerable amount of common constructive methods. Bringing category theory and homological algebra to the computer leads to questions in logic and type theory. One goal of this workshop is to promote and enlarge this overlap.
The Arithmetic of Fields
Authors: Jarden Moshe , Pop Florian
Published: March 2014

This report includes extended abstracts of talks given in a conference on the ”Arithmetic of Fields” that was held inMathematisches Forschung Institute, Oberwolfach during 16–22 June 2013. It also includes extended abstracts of talks delivered in joint sessions by participants of a parallel conference on “Quadratic Forms and Linear Algebraic Groups”.
Home blood pressure monitoring, secure electronic messaging and medication intensification for improving hypertension control
Authors: Cook A.J. , Anderson M.L. , Catz S.L. , Fishman P.A. , Carlson J. , Johnson R. , Green B.B. , Ralston J.D.
Published: March 2014

Objective: We evaluated the role of home monitoring, communication with pharmacists, medication intensification, medication adherence and lifestyle factors in contributing to the effectiveness of an intervention to improve blood pressure control in patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension.

Methods: We performed a mediation analysis of a published randomized trial based on the Chronic Care Model delivered over a secure patient website from June 2005 to December 2007. Study arms analyzed included usual care with a home blood pressure monitor and usual care with home blood pressure monitor and web-based pharmacist care. Mediator measures included secure messaging and telephone encounters; home blood pressure monitoring; medications intensification and adherence and lifestyle factors. Overall fidelity to the Chronic Care Model was assessed with the Patient Assessment of Chronic Care (PACIC) instrument. The primary outcome was percent of participants with blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mm Hg.

Results: At 12 months follow-up, patients in the web-based pharmacist care group were more likely to have BP <140/90 mm Hg (55%) compared to patients in the group with home blood pressure monitors only (37%) (p = 0.001). Home blood pressure monitoring accounted for 30.3% of the intervention effect, secure electronic messaging accounted for 96%, and medication intensification for 29.3%. Medication adherence and self-report of fruit and vegetable intake and weight change were not different between the two study groups. The PACIC score accounted for 22.0 % of the main intervention effect.

Conclusions: The effect of web-based pharmacist care on improved blood pressure control was explained in part through a combination of home blood pressure monitoring, secure messaging, and antihypertensive medication intensification.

Citation: Ralston JD, Cook AJ, Anderson ML, Catz SL, Fishman PA, Carlson J, Johnson R, Green BB. Home blood pressure monitoring, secure electronic messaging and medication intensification for improving hypertension control: a mediation analysis. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 232–248 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-10-RA-0079
Association between use of a health information exchange system and hospital admissions
Authors: Kern L.M. , Campion T.R. , Silver M.D. , Kaushal R. , Vest J.R.
Published: March 2014

Objective: Relevant patient information is frequently difficult to obtain in emergency department (ED) visits. Improved provider access to previously inaccessible patient information may improve the quality of care and reduce hospital admissions. Health information exchange (HIE) systems enable access to longitudinal, community-wide patient information at the point of care. However, the ability of HIE to avert admissions is not well demonstrated. We sought to determine if HIE system usage is correlated with a reduction in admissions via the ED.

Methods: We identified 15,645 adults from New York State with an ED visit during a 6-month period, all of whom consented to have their information accessible in the HIE system, and were continuously enrolled in two area health plans. Using claims we determined if the ED encounter resulted in an admission. We used the HIE’s system log files to determine usage during the encounter. We determined the association between HIE system use and the likelihood of admission to the hospital from the ED and potential cost savings.

Results: The HIE system was accessed during 2.4% of encounters. The odds of an admission were 30% lower when the system was accessed after controlling for confounding (odds ratio = 0.70; 95%C I= 0.52, 0.95). The annual savings in the sample was $357,000.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the use of an HIE system may reduce hospitalizations from the ED with resultant cost savings. This is an important outcome given the substantial financial investment in interventions designed to improve provider access to patient information in the US.

Citation: Vest JR, Kern LM, Campion TR Jr, Silver MD, Kaushal R. Association between use of a health information exchange system and hospital admissions. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 219–231 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-10-RA-0083