bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Parents' and Pediatricians' Perspectives on Shared Decision-Making in ADHD
Authors: Fiks Alexander G. , Hughes Cayce C. , Gafen Angela , Guevara James P. , Barg Frances K.
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal was to compare how parents and clinicians understand shared decision-making (SDM) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a prototype for SDM in pediatrics.

METHODS:

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 parents of children 6 to 12 years of age with ADHD (50% black and 43% college educated) and 30 primary care clinicians with varying experience. Open-ended interviews explored how pediatric clinicians and parents understood SDM in ADHD. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and then coded. Data were analyzed by using a modified grounded theory approach.

RESULTS:

Parents and clinicians both viewed SDM favorably. However, parents described SDM as a partnership between equals, with physicians providing medical expertise and the family contributing in-depth knowledge of the child. In contrast, clinicians understood SDM as a means to encourage families to accept clinicians' preferred treatment. These findings affected care because parents mistrusted clinicians whose presentation they perceived as biased. Both groups discussed how real-world barriers limit the consideration of evidence-based options, and they emphasized the importance of engaging professionals, family members, and/or friends in SDM. Although primary themes did not differ according to race, white parents more commonly received support from medical professionals in their social networks.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite national guidelines prioritizing SDM in ADHD, challenges to implementing the process persist. Results suggest that, to support SDM in ADHD, modifications are needed at the practice and policy levels, including clinician training, incorporation of decision aids and improved strategies to facilitate communication, and efforts to ensure that evidence-based treatment is accessible.
Effect of Defibrillation Energy Dose During In-Hospital Pediatric Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Meaney Peter A. , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Atkins Dianne L. , Berg Marc D. , Samson Ricardo A. , Hazinski Mary Fran , Berg Robert A. ,   for the American Heart Association National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Investigators
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the effectiveness of initial defibrillation attempts. We hypothesized that (1) an initial shock dose of 2 ± 10 J/kg would be less effective for terminating fibrillation than suggested in published historical data and (2) a 4 J/kg shock dose would be more effective.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This was a National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation prospective, multisite, observational study of in-hospital pediatric (aged ≤18 years) ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia cardiac arrests from 2000–2008. Termination of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia and event survival after initial shocks of 2 J/kg were compared with historic controls and a 4 J/kg shock dose.

RESULTS:

Of 266 children with 285 events, 173 of 285 (61%) survived the event and 61 of 266 (23%) survived to discharge. Termination of fibrillation after initial shock was achieved for 152 of 285 (53%) events. Termination of fibrillation with 2 ± 10 J/kg was much less frequent than that seen among historic control subjects (56% vs 91%; P < .001), but not different than 4 J/kg. Compared with 2 J/kg, an initial shock dose of 4 J/kg was associated with lower rates of return of spontaneous circulation (odds ratio: 0.41 [95% confidence interval: 0.21–0.81]) and event survival (odds ratio: 0.42 [95% confidence interval: 0.18–0.98]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The currently recommended 2 J/kg initial shock dose for in-hospital cardiac arrest was substantially less effective than previously published. A higher initial shock dose (4 J/kg) was not associated with superior termination of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia or improved survival rates. The optimal pediatric defibrillation dose remains unknown.
Deodorization and Dewatering of Biosolids by Using Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Kanda Hideki , Morita Mayumi , Makino Hisao , Takegami Keizou , Yoshikoshi Akio , Oshita Kazuyuki , Takaoka Masaki , Morisawa Shinsuke , Takeda Nobuo
Published: December 2010

We proposed a method for the deodorising and dewatering of biosolids. In the proposed method, liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) was used as an extractant for odorous components and water. We developed a bench‐scale experiment to almost completely deodorize and dewater biosolids by using liquefied DME at room temperature. The deodorized and dewatered biosolids have sufficient caloric density and can be used as a carbon neutral fuel.
Effect of Surfactants on Sorption and Desorption of Phenanthrene onto Black Carbon
Authors: Zhang Jinghuan , He Mengchang
Published: December 2010

Sorption and desorption of phenanthrene onto black carbon extracted from sediment were studied in the presence of a cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide [CTAB]), an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate [SDBS]), and a nonionic surfactant (Triton X‐100 [TX100]), to examine the role of surfactants in sorption and desorption. Nonlinearity of the sorption isotherms increased in the presence of surfactants. The CTAB enhanced the sorption capacity and irreversibility of phenanthrene on black carbon. However, the presence of SDBS reduced the sorption capacity and desorption hysteresis. Unlike CTAB and SDBS, the influence of TX100 on sorption was concentration‐dependent. Low levels of TX100 increased sorption, as a result of the sorption of TX100 on the black carbon surface. High levels of TX100 led to a decrease in sorption because of the solubilization of phenanthrene in TX100 solution. Our results may help to understand the different effects of surfactants on the distribution and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment.
Factorial Experimental Designs for Enhancement of Concurrent Poly(Hydroxyalkanoate) Production and Brewery Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Ying , VanderGheynst Jean S. , Darby Jeannie L. , Thompson Donald E. , Green Peter G. , Loge Frank J.
Published: December 2010

The influence of four main process parameters—solids retention time (SRT), hydraulic retention time (HRT), anoxic‐oxic cycling, and carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio)—on poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) production, while treating brewery wastewater, was studied. Two sets of two‐level, three‐factor experimental designs were implemented to (1) determine the effects and interactions among process parameters, (2) assess their significance to PHA production, and (3) approximate optimal operational conditions. The HRT and SRT were found to be the crucial operational parameters affecting PHA production. The highest PHA content of 55% (on a cell‐weight basis) was produced at a 4‐day HRT and 4‐day SRT, whereas a maximum PHA concentration of 907 mg/L was obtained at a 2‐day HRT and 12‐day SRT. The effect of anoxic conditions on PHA production was insignificant. The C/N ratio played a more important role in the PHA concentration in the system than in the PHA content in the biomass.
Optimal Design of Regional Wastewater Pipelines and Treatment Plant Systems
Authors: Brand Noam , Ostfeld Avi
Published: December 2010

This manuscript describes the application of a genetic algorithm model for the optimal design of regional wastewater systems comprised of transmission gravitational and pumping sewer pipelines, decentralized treatment plants, and end users of reclaimed wastewater. The algorithm seeks the diameter size of the designed pipelines and their flow distribution simultaneously, the number of treatment plants and their size and location, the pump power, and the required excavation work. The model capabilities are demonstrated through a simplified example application using base runs and sensitivity analyses. Scaling of the proposed methodology to real life wastewater collection and treatment plants design problems needs further testing and developments. The model is coded in MATLAB using the GATOOL toolbox and is available from the authors.
A Novel Explanation of the Power-Law Form of the Frequency of Severe Terrorist Events: Reply to Saperstein
Authors: Clauset Aaron , Young Maxwell , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede
Published: December 2010

Saperstein (2010) discusses recent work on the striking empirical observation that the frequency and severity of terrorist attacks follows a power-law relationship — a pattern noted for wars by Richardson (1948, 1960) more than 50 years ago. We are pleased with Saperstein's interest in our work. We do, however, feel obliged to correct a few small mistakes in his commentary and would like to take this opportunity to make several more general remarks about research in this area.
Hirursko lecenje povreda jetre - petogodisnje iskustvo
Authors: Bajec Djordje , Radenkovic Dejan , Gregoric Pavle , Jeremic Vasilije , Djukic Vladimir , Ivancevic Nenad , Karadzic Borivoje , Bumbasirevic Vesna , Lazic Branko , Doklestic Kristina , Sijacki Ana , Lausevic Zeljko , Ilic Nela , Karamarkovic Aleksandar
Published: December 2010

Due to improved methods of treatment and management of hemorrhage, the
mortality from liver injuries has decreased significantly over the past few
decades. In spite of that, liver injuries still represent diagnostic and
therapeutic challenge. This retrospective study included 197 patients
surgically treated because of trauma of the liver at The Clinic for Emergency
Surgery, during the period 2004-2009. The results showed significant
difference in mortality rates in cases of penetrating wounds compared to
blunt trauma and gunshot wounds. The severity of injury evaluated by Organ
Injury Scale was significantly higher in gunshot wounds compared to blunt and
penetrating trauma. The correlation of severity of injuries and mortality
rates showed that the mortality is significantly lower in patients with grade
1, 2, and 3 injuries compared to grades 4 and 5 (p=0.016). Specific
complication rate was 28.4%, while mortality rate was 21.8%. The results
reflect diagnostic and treatment problems, as well as the importance of
multidisciplinary approach to the patients with liver trauma.
Operative treatment of flexor pollicis longus tendon with Krackow suture, functional results: Preliminary results
Authors: Bumbasirevic Marko , Andjelkovic Sladjana , Lesic Aleksandar , Sudjic Vojo , Palibrk Tomislav , Tulic Goran , Radenkovic Dejan , Bajec Djordje
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of the injuried flexor tensons is the
important part of hand surgery. Tendon adhesions, ruptures, joint
contcatures-stifness are only one part of the problem one is faced during the
tendon treatment. In spite of improvement in surgical technique and suture
material, the end result of sutured flexor tendons still represent a serious
problem. THE AIM of study is to present of operative treatment of flexor
pollicis longus injury with Krakow suture technique. METHODS. All patients
are treated in the first 48 hours after the accident. The regional anesthesia
was performed with use of turniquet. Beside spare debridement, the
reconstruction of digital nerves was done. All patients started with active
and pasive movements-excercises on the first postoperative day. Follow-up was
from 6 to 24 months. In evaluation of functional recovery the grip strenght,
pinch strenght, range of movements of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal
joint and DASH score were used. RESULTS. In the last two years there were 30
patients, 25 males (83.33%) and 5 females (16.66%). Mean age was 39.8 years,
ranged from 17 to 65 years. According to mechanism of injury the patients
were divided in two groups: one with sharp and other with wider zone of
injury. Concomitant digital nerve lesions was noticed in 15 patients (50%).
CONCLUSION. The Krackow suture allowed early rehabilitation, which prevent
tendon adhesions, enabled faster and better functional recovery.
Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome: What should we know?
Authors: Bumbasirevic Vesna , Jovanovic Bojan , Bajec Djordje , Terziski Zaneta , Pandurovic Milena , Gregoric Pavle , Radenkovic Dejan , Ivancevic Nenad , Jeremic Vasilije , Djukic Vladimir
Published: December 2010

Acute lung injury(ALI)and its more severe form acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) are syndromes with a spectrum of increasing severity of lung
injury defined by physiologic and radiographic criteria. There are many
clinical disorders associated with the development of ALI/ARDS and can be
divided into those associated with direct or indirect lung injury. Early
detection and protective lung ventilation strategy contribute to lowering the
mortality rate.
Patellofemoral disorders and instability
Authors: Lesic Aleksandar , Bumbasirevic Marko , Sudjic Vojo , Mitkovic Milan , Tulic Goran , Ivancevic Nenad , Jakovljevic Aleksandar , Bajec Djordje
Published: December 2010

Patellofemoral (PF) disorders are a common cause of knee pain and sometimes
it can be quite difficult to make a diagnosis, because, besides PF disorders
due to lateral compression or instability, the pain may be caused by a
parapatellar postraumatic disorder, overuse syndrome, sympathetic
algodystrophy or internal knee derangement. Thus, a thorough history and
careful physical examination are essential for accurate diagnosis. Besides
conventional radiographic views, axial Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) or arthroscopy could sometimes be important. If
physical therapy for at least 6 months fails, lateral release is performed in
the lateral patellar compressive syndrome (lateral tilt), while either
proximal or distal realignment of the extensor mechanism is done in the case
of subluxation due to the altered Q angle or patellar height abnormality. In
cases of dysplastic and shallowflat trochlea the trochleoplasty could be
performed. In the presence of cartilage destruction, tibial tubercle
elevation and medialisation are accompanied by arthroscopic debridement or
shaving, which could diminish further cartilage symptomatology. In any case,
the treatment must be addressed to the primary cause.
Hanging manuever in liver trauma
Authors: Djukic Vladimir , Karamarkovic Aleksandar , Radenkovic Dejan , Gregoric Pavle , Jeremic Vasilije , Ivancevic Nenad , Loncar Zlatibor , Stepic Dejan , Micic Dusan , Oluic Branslav , Bajec Djordje
Published: December 2010

The philosophy of aggressive surgical approach, its complete implementation
in liver trauma surgery did not appear efficient. No matter of permanenent
development of diagnostic imaging methods, anesthesia, intensive therapy,
medical technology and suture materials, operational theater and operative
techniques, major liver resections in trauma had mortality rate up to 60%.
With introduction of computerized tomography ( CT,1981) in everyday clinical
praxis and with better evaluation of trauma patients, the whole approach to
liver trauma patient has been redesigned. Based on AAST - OIS classification,
almost 70% of traumatized with grade I,II and III should be treated non -
operatively, hospitally, with repeating FAST (focused abdominal ultrasound in
trauma) and abdominal CT scans. The rest of traumatized patients, with grade
IV and V injuries of juxtahepatic structures demand complexive surgical
treatment. The modalities of surgical treatment depend on trauma mechanisms,
extensivity, anatomical localization and affection of vascular structures.
Hanging Manuevr- the Method of French surgeon Belghiti bases on anterior
approach in liver resection is a try for fast solution for fatal bleeding in
liver trauma. It consists of placing the elastic cord throughout the anterior
surface of VCI or ligamentum venosusm, of upper end of the cord is located in
superior part of VCI where hepatic veins are emerging. Lower end of the cord
is located in subhepatic part of VCI between 3 Glisonian pedicles. Concerning
hepatic veins liver is divided in 3 sections, which derives blood in right
hepatic vein RHV, middle hepatic vein MHV and left hepatic vein LHV. Belghiti
proposed the usage of hanging maneuver when resecting the right liver, while
the cord is placed throughout retrohepatic VCI, lower end between elements of
Glisonian pedicle and upper end between hepatic veins. Complications like
bleeding from caudal veins are minimal, then speed in liver resection in
hemodynamic unstable and ishemic patient, defects like bleeding because
compressing tapes or lesions IVC tile mobilazion of liver for conventional
resection.
The liver injuries
Authors: Karamarkovic Aleksandar , Doklestic Kristina , Djukic Vladimir , Stefanovic Branislav , Radenkovic Dejan , Gregoric Pavle , Ivancevic Nenad , Lausevic Zeljko , Popovic Nada , Bajec Djordje
Published: December 2010

The liver is the most commonly injured abdominal organ. Severe hepatic trauma
continue to be associated with high mortality. Management of liver injuries
has changed significantly over the last two decades. Nonoperative management
of hemodynamically stable patients has become the first treatment of choice.
In unstable patients immediate control of bleeding is critical. In the
management of severe injuries of the liver, particularly for patients who had
developed a metabolic insult (hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis),
perihepatic packing has emerged as the key to effective damage control (DCS).
The surgical aim is control of hemorrhage, preservation of sufficient hepatic
function and prevention of secondary complications. Currently available
surgical methods include hepatorrhaphy, resectional debridement, anatomical /
nonanatomical resection, selective hepatic artery ligation, Pringle maneuver,
total vascular exclusion, liver transplatation. This review discusses
available diagnostic modalities and the best management options for liver
injury, based on literature search and authors experience.
Previdi u zbrinjavanju tesko povredjenih
Authors: Sijacki Ana , Bajec Djordje , Gregoric Pavle , Karamarkovic Aleksandar , Bumbasirevic Vesna , Djukic Vladimir , Jeremic Vasilije , Radenkovic Dejan , Ivancevic Nenad , Karadzic Borivoje , Blagojevic Zoran , Nikolic Valentina
Published: December 2010

Question of missed injuries is more offen a question of human errors: task
execution errors, procedural errors, communication errors, decision errors
and noncompliance. Missed injuries are those which are not identified in the
first three days of hospitalization. This theme is not popular among
physicians. Literature data mention percent from 3 - 29% missed injuries
overall. The underlying causes errors are: false attributin, false negative
prediction and false lebeling. False attribution involves a tendency to
incorrectly link a clinical observation with an arroneous cause. This
tendency also ignores one of the fundamental principles of the management of
traumatic injury: that the index of suspicion should proceed on the basis of
assumed wors resonable case scenario. Weaknesses of traumasistems: high
patients volume, high-risk patients, long hours, changing set of resources,
and problems sush bad admission planing, defficite anamnesis, defficite
diagnostic procedures, bad communication, improvisation etc.
Digital nerve injury of the hand: Epidemiologic and clinical analysis
Authors: Andjelkovic Sladjana , Lesic Aleksandar , Palibrk Tomislav , Vuckovic Cedo , Sudjic Vojo , Bumbasirevic Marko , Jakovljevic Aleksandar , Djukic Vladimir
Published: December 2010

The aim of this study was to show the significance of epidemiologic factors
of digital nerve injury and their social influence. 108 patients were
operated with primary suture within first 48 h after injury. We record
factors as sex, age, etiology, dominance and level of injury. Results of
sensory recovery were measured by Medical Research Council scale (MCR).
Males predominantly sustain this injury (83.3%) and we seen more frequently
in the young adults. Average age is 34.7 years (from 16 to 70). These
injuries rarely isolated and most of them are in the zone II (48.1%). The
full recovery we have only in nine patients. Digital nerve injury of the
hand are more often found in young mail adults who are work active. They are
out of work even six months, and sometimes even more. Some of these injuries
leaves permanent disability which have a socio- economic importance.
Fractures of the upper part of the femur treated with Mitkovic selfdynamisable internal fixator (SIF)
Authors: Mitkovic Milorad , Bumbasirevic Marko , Milenkovic Sasa , Micic Ivan , Mitkovic Milan , Mitkovic Marija , Mladenovic Desimir , Todorovic Momcilo
Published: December 2010

Complex transtrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures need dynamisation in
two axis: in neck axis and in the long axis of the femur. In this study is
present one new concept of the surgical treatment of the fractures of
proximal femur using new double dynamic selfdynamisable internal fixator
(SIF). Dynamisation along the femoral neck axis is available immediately
after the fixation, while dynamisation in the long axis of the femur is
activated spontaneously 4-6 weeks after the fixation. It is shown series of 30
consecutive fractures of the upper femur. The average operative time was 42
minutes and average blood loss was 70 (seventy) milliliters. All fractures
healed within an average period of sixteen weeks (ranging from 12 to 24
weeks). There were no serious complications. Conclusion: SIF is one effective
minimally invasive method for the treatment of complex trochanteric and
subtrochanteric femoral fractures.
Influence of pins configuration to balance of general transversal stability in long bone fractures external fixation
Authors: Mitkovic Milan , Mitkovic Milorad , Bumbasirevic Marko , Mitkovic Marija
Published: December 2010

Biomechanical features of long bones indicate that external fixation of long
bone fractures have to be balanced according to general transversal stability
as more as possible. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of
orientation pins to the general transversal stability of external fixation of
fractures of long bones. In this study we have used the model of fractured
long bone made of wood which was treated by Mitkovic external fixator with 4
pins, in 3 different situations: 1. all pins are in one axial plane, 2. each
2 pins are in 2 axial planes with angle distances of 60o, 3. each 2 pins are
in 2 axial planes wich are normal to each other. Means of relations of
measured movements of long bone model fragments during the use of
perpendicular force from 2 directions, normal to each other, after grouping
of results in 3 groups: 0,17, 0,46 i 0,72. Statistical analyses showed that
the differences between each of 3 groups were significant (p<0,05). It can be
concluded that it is better if pins are oriented in different axial planes,
with pretension that both planes are normal to each other, during external
fixation of long bone fractures.
A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison of 2% Mepivacaine With 1 : 20,000 Levonordefrin Versus 2% Lidocaine With 1 : 100,000 Epinephrine for Maxillary Infiltrations
Authors: Lawaty Ingrid , Drum Melissa , Reader Al , Nusstein John
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind crossover study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of 2% mepivacaine with 1 : 20,000 levonordefrin versus 2% lidocaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine in maxillary central incisors and first molars. Sixty subjects randomly received, in a double-blind manner, maxillary central incisor and first molar infiltrations of 1.8 mL of 2% mepivacaine with 1 : 20,000 levonordefrin and 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine at 2 separate appointments spaced at least 1 week apart. The teeth were electric pulp tested in 2-minute cycles for a total of 60 minutes. Anesthetic success (obtaining 2 consecutive 80 readings with the electric pulp tester within 10 minutes) was not significantly different between 2% mepivacaine with 1 : 20,000 levonordefrin and 2% lidocaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine for the central incisor and first molar. However, neither anesthetic agent provided an hour of pulpal anesthesia.
Preventing Suicide in Young People: Systematic Review
Authors: Robinson Jo , Hetrick Sarah E. , Martin Cathy
Published: December 2010

Objective: Risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation and deliberate self-harm is high among young people, yet limited evidence exists regarding effective interventions, particularly from randomized controlled trials. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials testing interventions for adolescents and young adults who have presented to a clinical setting with any of these behaviours.

Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched for articles published from 1980 to June 2010. The following keywords formed the basis of the search strategy: ‘self-injurious behaviour’, ‘attempted suicide’, ‘suicide’, ‘suicidal behaviour’, ‘self-inflicted wounds’, ‘self-mutilation’, ‘self-harm’. We also hand searched conference abstracts from two major suicide prevention conferences and the reference lists of all retrieved articles and previous reviews.

Results: There were 15 trials included in the review, with six ongoing trials also identified. In general, the reporting of the conduct of trials was poor, making it difficult to assess the risk of bias. The reporting of outcome data was inconsistent. No differences were found between treatment and control groups except in one study that found a difference between individual cognitive behavioural therapy and treatment as usual.

Conclusion: The evidence regarding effective interventions for adolescents and young adults with suicide attempt, deliberate self-harm or suicidal ideation is extremely limited. Many more methodologically rigorous trials are required. However, in the meantime CBT shows some promise, but further investigation is required in order to determine its ability to reduce suicide risk among young people presenting to clinical services.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Post-Traumatic Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Borges Manuela C. , Braga Daniela T. , Iêgo Sandro , D'Alcante Carina C. , Sidrim Ilduara , Machado Maria Cristiana , Pinto Paula S. P. , Cordioli Aristides V. , do Rosário Maria Conceição , Petribú Kátia , Mendlowicz Mauro V. , Mari Jair J. , Miguel Eurípedes C. , Fontenelle Leonardo F.
Published: December 2010

Objective: To investigate whether patients who develop obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) after posttraumatic stress disorder, i.e. post-traumatic OCD (PsT-OCD), display a distinctive neurocognitive pattern of dysfunction.

Methods: Patients with PsT-OCD (n = 16), pre-traumatic OCD (PrT-OCD) (n = 18), non-traumatic OCD (NonT-OCD) (n = 67) and healthy controls (n = 17) had their performance compared on the following neuropsychological tests: the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Iowa Gambling Task, the Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory, the Brief Visual Memory Test – Revised, and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale for Intelligence.

Results: Patients with OCD, as a group, were characterized by poor set-shifting abilities and impaired verbal and visuospatial memories. Impaired set-shifting abilities were found to correlate with the severity of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in all groups of patients with OCD, with the exception of PsT-OCD. Only patients with PsT-OCD were characterized by impaired visuospatial recognition, which was found to correlate with poor set-shifting abilities in this particular group of patients, but not in individuals with other types of OCD or in healthy controls.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that PsT-OCD is associated with a distinctive pattern of neurocognitive dysfunction, thus providing support for a different subtype of OCD.
Freshwater Cyanophyceae from East Nepal
Authors: Rai Shiva Kumar , Misra Pradeep Kumar
Published: December 2010

A total 51 taxa of cyanophycean algae belonging to 28 genera have been enumerated from different lotic and lentic freshwater bodies of east Nepal during October, 2002 to June, 2004. Of these, 19 taxa were new additions to the cyanophycean flora of Nepal and 39 were new records for the study area. Coelosphaerium Nägeli, Fischerella (Bornet et Flahault) Gomont and Myxosarcina Printz were the first time describing genera for the country. Oscillatoria Vaucher ex Gomont has the maximum species observed in the study and were frequent in most of the samples too. The distribution pattern of cyanophycean algae according to different topography were as Terai>Mountain> Himalaya.Keywords: Algae; Cyanophyceae; Himalaya; East Nepal.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i2.6694Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(2): 121-139, 2010 (December)
Additions to the angiospermic flora of Runctia sal forest, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Oliur , Uddin Md. Zashim , Tutul Ershad , Begum Momtaz , Hassan Md. Abul
Published: December 2010

In the present paper additional occurrence of 100 species in 75 genera under 40 angiosperm families in the Runctia Sal Forest of Sherpur district is reported. Of these, 71 species in 56 genera are from Magnoliopsida (Dicots) and 29 species in 19 genera are from Liliopsida (Monocots). These species exhibit in diverse life forms in the area, viz., 54 species are herbs, 21 species shrubs, 12 species climbers and 13 trees. Holigarna longifolia is threatened in the Sal forest area which needs to give conservation priorities. An enumeration of the species recorded is presented with important synonyms, Bengali names, habit, habitat and representative specimens.Keywords: Angiosperms; Runctia sal forest; Addition.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i2.6696Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(2): 167-181, 2010 (December)
Rediscovery of Appendicula cornuta Bl. (Orchidaceae) from Meghalaya, India
Authors: Bhaumik M. , Deori C.
Published: December 2010

Not available.Keywords: Rediscovery; Appendicula cornuta Bl.; Generic record; Meghalaya; India.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i2.6700Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(2): 199-202, 2010 (December)
Nitellopsis obtusa (Desv.) J. Groves : A new charophytic record for Bangladesh
Authors: Naz Sabrina , Diba Nasrin Jahan , Zaman M.
Published: December 2010

Not available. Keywords: Nitellopsis obtusa; Characeae; New record; Bangladesh.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i2.6701Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(2): 203-207, 2010 (December)
Anthracene appended pyridinium amide–urea conjugate in selective fluorometric sensing of L-N-acetylvaline salt
Authors: Ghosh Kumaresh , Sarkar Tanmay , Chattopadhyay Asoke P
Published: December 2010

A new anthracene labeled pyridinium amide–urea conjugate 1 has been designed and synthesized. The receptor shows a different fluorometric response with L-N-acetylvaline and L-N-acetylalanine salts in CH3CN in contrast to the other salts of L-N-acetyl α-amino acids and (S)-α-hydroxy acids studied. Upon complexation of the tetrabutylammonium salt of L-N-acetylvaline, the emission of 1 increases accompanied by the formation of a new band at higher wavelength and this characteristic change distinguishes it from other anionic substrates studied. The binding interaction has been studied by 1H NMR, fluorescence and UV titration experiments.
USING NEUROFUZZY NETWORKS TO MIMIC ANESTHESIOLOGIST KNOWLEDGE IN DECISION MAKING ON PROPOFOL ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Wu Hung-Shan , Hsu Huai-Yuan , Chang Chia-Chi , Hsiao Tzu-Chien
Published: December 2010

The purpose of anesthesia is to maintain a steady state for specific clinical operations. In general, one anesthesiologist utilizes anesthetic drugs and anesthetic skills to make sure the depth of anesthesia (DOA) carefully in proper level such that a patient will not perceive pain during surgical procedure. It is complex to be treated as an art to reduce all sensations, whether it is the sense of pain, touch, temperature, or position.

In this paper, utilizing the self-learning and the human-like reasoning ability of neurofuzzy networks, we design the virtual anesthesiologist to accommodate the knowledge and the experience of the real anesthesiologist in anesthetic drug administration. The heart rate and bispectral index are used as the input variables and the bispectral index target value (BIStarget) heart is treated as output variable. The anesthesia simulator is adopted to verify the virtual anesthesiologist's ability and to explore the patient status of the simulator. The pilot experiments and extended experiments have been carried out. The result showed that the virtual anesthesiologist was able to support the decision making on the maintenance of the patient DOA at BIStarget 60.
KINETIC AND KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF STANCE WITH AND WITHOUT ARM SUPPORT IN INCOMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURED SUBJECTS
Authors: Yu Elin Allen , Hsu Pei-Pei , Lu Tung-Wu , Yeh Wen-Ling , Lin Kwan-Hwa
Published: December 2010

There is a lack of studies concerning standing stability in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The aims of this study were to analyze the changes of center of pressure (COP), joint moment, joint angle, and muscle activities in patients with incomplete SCI during quiet stance with and without arm support. Ten cervical–thoracic cord incompletely injured patients (mean age: 47.8 ± 13.4 years old) participated in this study. They performed quiet standing with each leg on separate force plate (AMTI, USA) for 5 s with and without holding the walker to obtain the kinetic data. The kinematic data of joint angles were recorded by Motion Analysis System (Vicon 250, Oxford, UK). The electromyographic activities of trunk muscles and quadriceps were recorded by surface electrodes. The results indicated that the COP sway area and the normalized COP sway area significantly (P < 0.01) increased from 94.9 ± 61.3 mm2 to 254.6 ± 91.8 mm2 and from 0.0013 ± 0.0007 to 0.0037 ± 0.0012, respectively, in patients with incomplete SCI, while standing with arms released from walker. The ankle and knee moments also increased significantly (P < 0.05) during stance without support. However, the joint angles and recorded muscle activities were not significantly different between those with and without support. The conclusion was that the proprioceptive feedback of postural sway, and the motor control strategies of knee–ankle muscles would be important for patients with incomplete SCI during stance without arm support.
A MODIFIED ADAPTIVE MEDIAN FILTER METHOD AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN MEDICAL IMAGES
Authors: Pan Mei-Sen , Tang Jing-Tian , Yang Xiao-Li
Published: December 2010

Since the medical image is usually corrupted by noise, the filter method is applied to remove the noise and improve the image quality. In this paper, a modified adaptive median filter method is proposed for filtering the medical images. When identifying noises, by selecting the maximum and the minimum gray values in the image as a criterion of judging the noise pixels, the probability that a nonnoise pixel is misjudged to be a noisy one is reduced, and the processing time for finding the maximum and minimum gray values in each local window is drastically decreased as well. When filtering the image, according to the noise granularity function (NGF) in a 3×3 window, the filtering window size is adaptively adjusted, then the median filter is used to eliminate the current noise-marked pixel in the median image (MI) generated by the adaptive median filter, and at the same time the noise mark is cancelled. The proposed method may both effectively remove the noises, and preserve image detail information well. The experimental results reveal that the proposed method is particularly effective in filtering the impulse noises, also called salt-and-pepper noises superimposed on images, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images.
BIODEGRADABLE BIOARTIFICIAL MATERIALS MADE BY CHITOSAN AND POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) PART III: MATERIALS TOUGHENED BY MEANS OF A DEHYDROTHERMAL TREATMENT
Authors: Silvestri Davide , Barbani Niccoletta , Guerra Giulio D. , Gagliardi Mariacristina , Cristallini Caterina
Published: December 2010

The bioartificial chitosan–poly(vinyl alcohol) blends were toughened by means of a dehydrothermal treatment (DHT), to facilitate the formation of hydrogen bonds between the macromolecules. The materials were characterized by stress–strain test, contact angle measurement, spotlight Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemical imaging, weight loss in water, swelling in water vapor saturated atmosphere, Alamar blue test to evaluate the indirect cytotoxicity, and the diffusive permeation, through membranes made with the blends, of D(+)glucose, vitamin B12, and bovine serum albumin. The results were compared with those of the blends crosslinked by glutaraldehyde (GTA). The Young's modulus ranges between 10.56 and 16.12 MPa, and it is higher for the blends subjected to DHT than for those crosslinked by GTA, a fact explainable by the elasticity of the latter, due to the flexible bridges connecting the different chains. The contact angles indicate a scarce wettability, and then a scarce hydrophilicity, which is confirmed by the chemical imaging of the surfaces, made in the total reflection (microATR) mode, of the films toughened by DHT: the ν(OH) band in the 4000–3000 cm-1 is nearly absent in all the regions of the maps. Moreover, the correlation maps indicate a homogeneous distribution of the two components within the blends. The weight loss in water is generally less than 15%, and increases with the content of the ionizable macromolecule chitosan in the blends, a trend shown also by the swelling after exposure to water vapors. Alamar blue test shows that none of the eluates, after being in contact with the materials up to seven days, appears cytotoxic toward murine fibroblasts. As concerning the diffusive permeation, it appears good for D(+)glucose, quite good for vitamin B12, and scarce for bovine serum albumin. In conclusion, the chitosan–poly(vinyl alcohol) blends studied appear to be suitable for their use as biomaterials.
GELATIN–CHONDROITIN–HYALURONAN TRI-COPOLYMER SCAFFOLD SEEDED WITH DENTAL BUD CELLS FOR ODONTOGENESIS: ANEX VIVOSTUDY ON NUDE MICE
Authors: Kuo Tzong-Fu , Lin Hsin-Chi , Hung An-Ting , Yang Kai-Chiang , Lin Huei-Feng , Tanng Tswen-Kei , Chen Shui-Tsung , Wang Andrew HJ
Published: December 2010

A biologically regenerated tooth may provide a new treatment for tooth loss. In this study, a tissue engineering approach was applied to demonstrate the tooth regeneration. The dental buds of the second molar tooth from 1.5-month-old miniature pigs were harvested by surgical operation before eruption. The dental bud tissues were cultured and expanded in vitro for three weeks to obtain dental bud cells (DBCs). The phenotypes of DBCs were identified with a flowcytometry, and the DBCs were seeded into a gelatin–chondroitin–hyaluronan tri-copolymer (GCHT) scaffold. The DBCs/GCHT scaffold constructs were implanted under dermis of nude mice's thoracic dorsum. Mice were sacrificed at predetermined intervals, and the developing tooth-like tissues were harvested for histological examinations. The present results of flowcytometry showed that the DBCs expressed specific surface markers of mesenchymal stem cells. Animal study revealed that the tooth-like structures expressed cytokeratin 14 at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. The vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed on 12 weeks. Dentin-like mineralized tissue and dentin genetic-like cells were generated that expressed dentin martrix protein-1 on 16 and 20 weeks. Osteocytes were formed on 24 weeks and expressed osteopontin. This study reveals that the DBCs combined with an appropriate scaffold regenerated tooth-like structure with specific proteins for odontogenesis in nude mice.
SUSTAINED RELEASE OF INSULIN FROM POLOXAMER GELS INTERPENETRATED BY POLYION COMPLEXATION OF CHITOSAN-HYALURONIC ACID NETWORK
Authors: Yang Ming-Chia , Yang Jiun-Sheng , Huang Yi-You , Shieh Ming-Jium , Chung Tze-Wen
Published: December 2010

This study investigates in vitro the protein drug delivery characteristics of new thermal sensitive gels, poloxamer (P)–chitosan (CS)/hyaluronic acid (HA) gels (P–CS/HA), in which a CS solution is interacting with various concentrations of HA that interpenetrates P gels. The polyion complexation occurs between CS and HA that can protect drugs from proteolysis. The results indicate that the swelling ratios of all P–CS/HA gels are markedly superior to those of nonswelling P and P–CS gels. For example, P–CS/HA (0.5% (w/w)) gels have swelling ratios of 48.3 ± 2.7% (w/w), which are maintained for approximately 0.5 h in water at 37°C. In vitro releases of insulin from P–CS/HA (0.5% (w/w)) gels had significantly lowered initial burst release (P < 0.01) and lasted much longer than those from gels without a CS network. The duration of insulin release was in a significantly sustained manner for up to 3.5 h, which was about two times or longer than the period of delivery using P or P–CS gels.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Dichotomy: Identification of IFN-α Producing Cells as a Phenotypically and Functionally Distinct Subset
Authors: Björck Pia , Leong H. Xianne , Engleman Edgar G.
Published: December 2010

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) produce large amounts of type I IFN in response to invading pathogens, but can also suppress immune responses and promote tolerance. In this study, we show that in mice, these functions are attributable to two distinct pDC subsets, one of which gives rise to the other. CD9posSiglec-Hlow pDC secrete IFN-α when stimulated with TLR agonists, induce CTLs, and promote protective antitumor immunity. By contrast, CD9negSiglec-Hhigh pDC secrete negligible amounts of IFN-α, induce Foxp3+ CD4+ T cells, and fail to promote antitumor immunity. Although newly formed pDC in the bone marrow are CD9pos and are capable of producing IFN-α, after these cells traffic to peripheral tissues, they lose CD9 expression and the ability to produce IFN-α. We propose that newly generated pDC mobilized from the bone marrow, rather than tissue-resident pDC, are the major source of IFN-α in infected hosts.
IL-23–Mediated Psoriasis-Like Epidermal Hyperplasia Is Dependent on IL-17A
Authors: Rizzo Heather L. , Kagami Shinji , Phillips Kevin G. , Kurtz Stephen E. , Jacques Steven L. , Blauvelt Andrew
Published: December 2010

IL-23 and Th17 cells producing IL-17A and IL-22 are found in excess in skin affected by psoriasis. Previous studies showed that IL-22, but not IL-17A, mediates psoriasis-like epidermal hyperplasia following recombinant murine (rm)IL-23 injections into skin. To further investigate the role of IL-17A, ears of mice were injected with rmIL-23. Investigators blinded to treatment conditions and mouse genotypes measured ear swelling, epidermal thickness, and cytokine expression. In wild-type (WT) mice, rmIL-23 induced ear swelling (p < 0.001, all p values versus saline), epidermal hyperplasia by histology (p < 0.001) and confocal microscopy (p < 0.004), and expression of both IL-17A and IL-22. As expected, rmIL-23 injections into IL-22−/− mice resulted in relatively little ear swelling (p < 0.09) and epidermal hyperplasia (p < 0.51 by histology and p < 0.75 by confocal microscopy). Notably, rmIL-23 injections into IL-17A−/− mice produced little ear swelling (p < 0.001, versus IL-23–injected WT mice) and epidermal hyperplasia (p < 0.001 by histology and p < 0.005 by confocal microscopy), even though IL-22 was readily induced in these mice. Furthermore, systemic delivery of blocking Abs directed against either IL-22 or IL-17A completely inhibited IL-23–induced epidermal hyperplasia in WT mice. These results demonstrate that IL-17A, like IL-22, is a downstream mediator for IL-23–induced changes in murine skin and that both of these Th17 cytokines are necessary to produce IL-23–mediated skin pathology. IL-17A may represent an attractive therapeutic target in individuals with psoriasis by blocking downstream effects of IL-23.
IL-17 Contributes to Cell-Mediated Defense against Pulmonary Yersinia pestis Infection
Authors: Lin Jr-Shiuan , Kummer Lawrence W. , Szaba Frank M. , Smiley Stephen T.
Published: December 2010

Pneumonic plague is one of the world’s most deadly infectious diseases. The causative bacterium, Yersinia pestis, has the potential to be exploited as a biological weapon, and no vaccine is available. Vaccinating B cell-deficient mice with D27-pLpxL, a live attenuated Y. pestis strain, induces cell-mediated protection against lethal pulmonary Y. pestis challenge. In this article, we demonstrate that prime/boost vaccination with D27-pLpxL confers better protection than prime-only vaccination. The improved survival does not result from enhanced bacterial clearance but is associated with increased levels of IL-17 mRNA and protein in the lungs of challenged mice. The boost also increases pulmonary numbers of IL-17–producing CD4 T cells. Interestingly, most of these cells simultaneously produce canonical type 1 and type 17 cytokines; most produce IL-17 and TNF-α, and many produce IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Neutralizing IL-17 counteracts the improved survival associated with prime/boost vaccination without significantly impacting bacterial burden. Thus, IL-17 appears to mediate the enhanced protection conferred by booster immunization. Although neutralizing IL-17 significantly reduces neutrophil recruitment to the lungs of mice challenged with Y. pestis, this impact is equally evident in mice that receive one or two immunizations with D27-pLpxL, suggesting it cannot suffice to account for the improved survival that results from booster immunization. We conclude that IL-17 plays a yet to be identified role in host defense that enhances protection against pulmonary Y. pestis challenge, and we suggest that pneumonic plague vaccines should aim to induce mixed type 1 and type 17 cellular responses.
CD4 T Cells Promote Rather than Control Tuberculosis in the Absence of PD-1–Mediated Inhibition
Authors: Barber Daniel L. , Mayer-Barber Katrin D. , Feng Carl G. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Sher Alan
Published: December 2010

Although CD4 T cells are required for host resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, they may also contribute to pathology. In this study, we examine the role of the inhibitory receptor PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 during M. tuberculosis infection. After aerosol exposure, PD-1 knockout (KO) mice develop high numbers of M. tuberculosis-specific CD4 T cells but display markedly increased susceptibility to infection. Importantly, we show that CD4 T cells themselves drive the increased bacterial loads and pathology seen in infected PD-1 KO mice, and PD-1 deficiency in CD4 T cells is sufficient to trigger early mortality. PD-L1 KO mice also display enhanced albeit less severe susceptibility, indicating that T cells are regulated by multiple PD ligands during M. tuberculosis infection. M. tuberculosis-specific CD8 T cell responses were normal in PD-1 KO mice, and CD8 T cells only had a minor contribution to the exacerbated disease in the M. tuberculosis-infected PD-1 KO and PD-L1 KO mice. Thus, in the absence of the PD-1 pathway, M. tuberculosis benefits from CD4 T cell responses, and host resistance requires inhibition by PD-1 to prevent T cell-driven exacerbation of the infection.